> From: > helenorieme2@hotmail.com > Subject: HELLO > Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2016 12:35:30 +0000 > > > > > Hi, i'm Helen Williams a single woman, new on > here looking for a serious relationship if you don't > mind , meanwhile i will like us to know our self more > better. i will look forward to hearing from > you. > i > will send you my picture in my next mail. > hope to read from you soon. > thanks. > Helen Williams. > Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2016 14:38:32 +0000 > From: helenwilliams_2016@yahoo.com > Subject: Re: this is all about me with love and trust. > > Hello My Dear. > > Thank you for your kind reply to my mail. I will really like us to have a good relationship , because after reading your mail today i became more interested in you,let me first of all reveal myself to you, and I will require the best of your honesty after you knowing about me and whom that I am, > > I am the only daughter of Late. Mr, Smith Williams, the former deputy minister of finance under REVOLUTIONARY UNITED FRONT OF COTE D'IVOIRE (U.F.C) I lost my both Parents during the Civil War that was fought in my country, and After the Death of my parent's, I was living with my uncle, until he conspired and sold my father's properties and he want to live. nothing for me, Luckily he did not discover where I kept my father's File which contained important documents. which he use to deposited some huge amount of money in the bank with my name as the next of kin. > > I have wanted to escape to Europe but my wicked uncle hide away my international passport and other valuable traveling Papers. So, i decided to run away to nearest country Senegal where i am now living as a refugee. Meanwhile, life is just not easy, since i don't have anybody here to take good care of me here. I am only surviving through the aid of the reverend wife, Please i need to further my education, and i don't want to go back to my wicked uncle because he want to kill me and take away my late father's money. please i have chosen to tell you this after my prayers and I believe that you will not betray my trust. But rather take me as your own wife and help me you may wonder why I am so soon revealing myself to you without knowing you well, I will say that my mind convinced me that you are the true person to help me. > > Please listen to this, i have my late father's deposit document here with me which i will send to you later, because when he was alive he deposited some amount of money in a leading bank, which he used my name as the next of kin, the amount in question is $5,000,000 dollars. > Please you will help me to transfer this money into your account in your country or anywhere safe enough outside for security reasons because my uncle have threaten to assassinate me. > > Please You will help by recommending a nice University in your country so that I can complete my studies. > > I have contacted the bank where the money is deposited on how to retain my late fathers money, they advice and told me to look for a capable foreign partner who will assist me because of my refugee status. I then decided to contact you , because keeping quiet over this situation will never solve my problem, hoping that with your advanced knowledge and experience, we can be able to work together,over this transfer. so that if everything works out for us, we can then go into life partnership. Actually it took me time to make up my mind to contact you and offered you this proposal of which my whole life depends on. Please i kept this secret to people here,since i came here, so in the light of above, i will like you to keep it to yourself and don't tell it to any one, for i am afraid of loosing my life and the money if people get's to know about it. > > i am writing this mail to you from the office computer of the reverend father, who is in-charge of the church in the camp , I told him about my communication with you, he permitted me to asses my mail in his office computer when he is less busy , > > I will have to summit a Nomination Letter to the Bank immediately introducing you as my appointed family trustee and Beneficiary to my late father's fund. and i shall also give you the contact details of the Bank for you to contact the Bank for more enquiries. > > have a happy day.and sent my regard to your lovely family. > yours dearly Helen From: helen williams < helenwilliams_2016@yahoo.com > Sent: Thu, May 5, 2016 1:52 pm Subject: HELLO Hello, Compliments of the day to you my dear. Thanks for your email and your concerns, but we do not know and, Sincerely, I'm more than glad to hear from you and how is everything with you and your family? I hope you are doing well. I am Miss Helen Williams I am from Ivory Coast in West Africa, I am 30 years old, single, never been married. I do not have much to say, but I appreciate your kind introduction, and I hope we can move from here, and I need to know more about you, I like to do swimming, reading, traveling, dancing and cooking each other thing is joy and happiness. . I will really like to have a good relationship with you, I am currently residing in on Paroisse St Joseph Aglise de Medina, here in Dakar, Senegal, seeking asylum under the High Commission of the United Nations I'm fine, but just that life is not been easy for me, if you do not mind, we have continued discussion from here ? I enclose two copies of my pictures now your reference. although I'm not so photogenic, I hope you do not mind, i will like to see your photos. I will tell you more about me if I read from you again, let's see what kind of future for us: you are welcome to my life, my heart and mind is yours, but honestly, I am kind and honest woman, i hope you will also be nice to me like i do ? I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Thanks with love and trust. Cheers for now my love, thank you. Yours sincerely, Helen Williams From: helen williams < helenwilliams_2016@yahoo.com > Sent: Fri, May 6, 2016 11:25 am Subject: Please help me to transfer my money into your account Hello My Dear. Thank you for your kind reply to my mail. I will really like us to have a good relationship, because after reading your mail today i became more interested in you,let me first of all reveal myself to you, and I will require the best of your honesty after you knowing about me and whom that I am, I am the only daughter of Late. Mr, Smith Williams, the former deputy minister of finance under REVOLUTIONARY UNITED FRONT OF COTE D'IVOIRE (UFC) I lost my both parents during the Civil War that was fought in my country, and After the Death of my parent's, I was living with my uncle, until he conspired and sold my father's properties and he want to live. nothing for me, Luckily he did not discover where I kept my father's File which contained important documents. which he use to deposited some huge amount of money in the bank with my name as the next of kin. I have wanted to escape to Europe but my wicked uncle hide away my international passport and other valuable traveling Papers. So, i decided to run away to nearest country Senegal where i am now living as a refugee. Meanwhile, life is just not easy, since i don't have anybody here to take good care of me here. I am only surviving through the aid of the reverend wife, Please i need to further my education, and i don't want to go back to my wicked uncle because he want to kill me and take away my late father's money. please i have chosen to tell you this after my prayers and I believe that you will not betray my trust. But rather take me as your own wife and help me you may wonder why I am so soon revealing myself to you without knowing you well, I will say that my mind convinced me that you are the true person to help me. Please listen to this, i have my late father's deposit document here with me which i will send to you later, because when he was alive he deposited some amount of money in a leading bank, which he used my name as the next of kin, the amount in question is $5,000,000 dollars. Please you will help me to transfer this money into your account in your country or anywhere safe enough outside for security reasons because my uncle have threaten to assassinate me. Please you will help by recommending a nice University in your country so that I can complete my studies. I have contacted the bank where the money is deposited on how to retain my late fathers money, they advice and told me to look for a capable foreign partner who will assist me because of my refugee status. I then decided to contact you, because keeping quiet over this situation will never solve my problem, hoping that with your advanced knowledge and experience, we can be able to work together,over this transfer. so that if everything works out for us, we can then go into life partnership. Actually it took me time to make up my mind to contact you and offered you this proposal of which my whole life depends on. Please i kept this secret to people here,since i came here, so in the light of above, i will like you to keep it to yourself and don't tell it to any one, for i am afraid of loosing my life and the money if people get's to know about it. i am writing this mail to you from the office computer of the reverend father, who is in-charge of the church in the camp, I told him about my communication with you, he permitted me to asses my mail in his office computer when he is less busy, I will have to summit a Nomination Letter to the bank immediately introducing you as my appointed family trustee and Beneficiary to my late father's fund. and i shall also give you the contact details of the Bank for you to contact the Bank for more enquiries. have a happy day.and sent my regard to your lovely family. your dearly Helen From: helen williams < helenwilliams_2016@hotmail.com > Sent: Sat, May 7, 2016 12:56 pm Subject: Please all i need from you is to contact the bank Hello My Dear. I p ray that changes will come from you soon. please do help me so that i can get out from here as fast as possible because i am suffering here, I am so delighted and honored for your concern toward me in this ugly situation and i hope with your kind assistance soon i will be free and join you to start a perfect life together with you, i just come out from the camp now to write you this email and to be sure and know how you are doing over there in your country, I believe you are fine for me, I have just got you introduced to the bank as my life partner and the person who will standing on my behalf as regards to my late fathers money, i have notified the bank that i would like them to get the money transferred into your account in your country. so that i can come over to your country and stay with you . Please all i need from you now is to contact the bank just as i have requested from you because they have already know you and they will be waiting for your mail or call for them to confirm on the possibility of transferring this money successfully into your account. I will like you to contact them immediately you read this mail, they have got you acknowledged as my trustee as i have forward your details to the bank so as to make things easy. Below is the contact details of the Bank; NAME OF THE BANK :BANK OF AFRICA, P.O. BOX. 10027 DAKAR SENEGAL. africabank_sn77@accountant.com wiretransfer.africa@yandex.com Telephone: +221765256445 There Fax: +22133675499 Contact Person:Hon Mr Geoff Bello /Head of Operations Maneger Bank o f Africa Dakar Senegal DEPOSIT DETAILS Account Name: Mr.Williams Smith Nationality : CAte d'ivoire Ref Number:ITB / No. CAD/897521/XI/00 Initial Deposit;Family Treasure Next of kin: Miss Helen William, Amount deposited : $5,000,000 dollars. Now i want you to contact the Bank, send a mail to the (manager) Mr.Geoff Bello and introduce yourself to him that you are my foreign partner and ask him to tell you the possibilities of getting the deposited fund of late Mr.Williams Smith in their custody transferred to you in your country for investment purpose. i am waiting to hear from you as soon as you contact the Bank and send email to them, Please try all you can do to fasten up about this, i would like to be with you soon. Update me once you write to the b ank . have a happy day and remember to send. yours Helen From: helen williams < helenwilliams_2016@hotmail.com > Sent: Wed, May 11, 2016 11:35 am Subject: pls contact the bank now and get back to me soon. hello my dear. please am sorry for my late reply due to i was sick for the past 4 days now, but am getting better now. please have you contact the bank for the transfer? pls i really need your help in transferring this money to your possition so that i will come out from this bad condition and come and join you in your country. pls contact the bank now and get back to me soon. hope to hear from you soon. th anks. Helen. From: bank of africa < wiretransfer.africa@yandex.com > Sent: Thu, May 12, 2016 11:45 am Subject: From BANK OF AFRICA about helenwilliams_2016@hotmail.com HELLO IN RESPECT TO YOUR MAIL WHICH WE RECEIVE THIS MORNING AND WE ARE HEREBY TO NITIFY YOU THAT THIS TRANSACTION WILL GO SUCCESEFULLY IF ONLY YOU ABIDE TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITION AND FOLLOW OUR INSTRUCTIONS. BEFORE WE PROCEED FURTHER ON THIS TRANSACTION WE WANTYOU TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATIONS BELOW : 1) YOUR FULL NAME. 2) YOUR COUNTRY AND HOUSE ADDRESS. 3) YOUR PHONE CONTACT. 4) YOUR BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATIONS WHERE WE WILL TRANSFER THE MONEY TO. 5) $500.00 DOLLARS TO GET AUTORISATION DOCUMENT FROM HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE HERE IN DAKAR SENEGAL TO APROOF THE TRANSFER. BELOW IS THE NAME AND ADDRESS TO SEND THE MONEY THROUGH WESTERN UNION OR MONEYGRAM. NAME/ GEOFF BELLO. COUNTRY/ SEEGAL. CITY/ DAKAR. SEND THIS MONEY AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE THIS MAIL. THANKS AND BEST REGARDS. GEOFF BELLO From: helen williams < helenwilliams_2016@yahoo.com > Sent: Thu, May 12, 2016 11:58 am Subject: Honey, please help me out Hello my honey how are you today ?i hope you are fine. Honey i receive a message today from the bank and they said that they have sent you mail that they need $500 dollars to get some documents before they can transfer the money. So honey please, i want you to help me and send the money to the bank so that they can transfer the money to your account. Honey i love you with all my heart and i will be very happy if you can help me out of this condition. I am waiting to hear from you soon. thanks. Helen. From: helen williams < helenwilliams_2016@hotmail.com > Sent: Fri, May 13, 2016 12:31 pm Subject: The bank manager said that they are still waiting for the $500 dollars Honey , what is going on ? i visited the bank this morning and the manager said that they are still waiting for the $500 dollars to get the transfer document. H oney please try to send the money to the bank ok. am waiting to hear from you soon. thanks. Helen. From: helen williams < helenwilliams_2016@hotmail.com > Sent: Sat, May 14, 2016 1:15 am Subject: honey please try and send the money to the bank tomorrow honey please you know i love you with all my heart and you are the only hope i have. honey try to understand my condition and help me out ok. honey i dont have any money with me that is why if not i could have pay all this money without asking you any money. honey you are my only hope and i want you to try all your possible best to raise the money and send it to the bank since the bank is waiting for the money to get the transfer document, and as soon as the bank get the document they will transfer the money to you and all our problems will solve. my sweetheart am writing you this mail with full of tears on my eyes to help me out, and my two knees are on the floor begging you for help. honey please try and send the money to the bank tomorrow and i promise i will pay you back after the transfer ok. am waiting to hear good news from you tomorrow. thanks. your wife. Helen. From: helen williams < helenwilliams_2016@hotmail.com > Sent: Sat, May 14, 2016 11:19 am Subject: honey please help me out, my condition here is not good at alla hello my love. honey please help me out, my condition here is not good at all , honey please try to understand my stiuation here and help me out ok. honey am waiting to hear from you soon. thanks. Helen. If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more.... SoftBank Corp Chief Executive Masayoshi Son (left) is hugged by Jack Ma, founder and executive chair of Alibaba Group Holding, during the SoftBank World 2014 event in Tokyo. [Photo/Agencies] Alibaba Group Holding Ltd has teamed with its largest shareholder SoftBank Group Corp to form a cloud computing service venture targeting Japanese customers, as the Chinese e-commerce giant expands one of its fastest growing businesses. The venture known as SB Cloud Corp will open a new data center in Japan to tap SoftBank's customers ranging from startups to global organizations, extending a battle for customers with Amazon.com Inc. Alibaba will provide services including data storage and processing services, the companies said in a joint statement. Alibaba's cloud unit almost tripled revenue to more than 1 billion yuan ($153 million) in the March quarter. The business could account for more than $1 billion of Alibaba's revenue by 2018 and the public cloud presents a $120 billion global market opportunity, according to research by SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Inc. SoftBank, owner of Japan's third-largest phone business, will have a 60 percent stake in the new venture while Alibaba will hold the rest. Alibaba's Japan venture follows last month's announcement of a partnership with one of South Korea's largest conglomerates SK Holdings Co. China's biggest e-commerce operator earlier teamed up with Accenture Plc to target clients in China and Southeast Asia, and it said in April it would work with Germany's SAP SE. Rebel fighters walk along a trench in the northeastern Syrian city of Deir Ezzor during fighting with pro-regime fighters on March 24, 2014 (AFP Photo/Ahmad Aboud) (AFP/File) Beirut (AFP) - The Islamic State jihadist group on Saturday overran a government-controlled hospital in eastern Syria, killing 20 members of pro-regime forces and taking medical staff hostage, a monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the jihadists attacked Al-Assad hospital in Deir Ezzor as they press an advance to try to control the oil-rich city and its vital airbase. The attack sparked clashes with regime forces providing security for the hospital in which six jihadists were also killed, the monitor said. "IS attacked Al-Assad hospital at the city's western entrance, killing at least 20 soldiers and allied fighters," said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman. The jihadists "seized the hospital and captured the medical staff, holding them hostage", he said. The jihadist group controls about 60 percent of Deir Ezzor, including the centre and the north of the city. It has imposed a siege on government-held districts in the south and east where about 200,000 civilians have been trapped since March 2014. The jihadists, who also control nearly all the surrounding province, have repeatedly attacked the government enclave and seized several neighbourhoods since the start of this year. But their efforts to capture the airbase located in the south of the city have been crushed by elite regime troops. In the northern city of Aleppo, the Observatory said, seven civilians including two children were killed over the previous 48 hours in rebel shelling of government-held western sectors. A ceasefire in the divided city expired on Wednesday at midnight. The Observatory also reported heavy fighting on the edge of rebel-held Daraya, a town near Damascus under siege by government forces since 2012 and where the Red Cross was thwarted in an operation to deliver urgent humanitarian aid this week. ben rhodes The author of a New York Times Magazine profile on Barack Obama's deputy national security adviser, Ben Rhodes, wrote a lengthy rebuttal on Friday to critics who have accused him of biased reporting because of his alleged opposition to the Iran nuclear deal. The interview, published May 5, received widespread attention for Rhodes' unusually honest tone and willingness to share details about the meticulous foreign-policy narrative he has helped Obama construct particularly, how Rhodes says he helped Obama sell the Iran deal. But many critics have accused the author, David Samuels, of exaggerating or misrepresenting facts to make the White House's communications strategy sound more deceitful than it was in order to discredit the deal. They allege that Samuels has criticized the deal in the past in a Slate article and at a panel discussion for the Hudson Institute in April 2015. In The New York Times, Samuels shot down the accusation as a "hot take" and a "fever-dream caricature, one that willfully ignores and obliterates the many hundreds of thousands of words I have written during my 20 years as a reporter." Pointing to his work on nuclear weapons and the extensive conversations he's had with experts and administration officials, Samuels said "on balance, I suppose I do" support the Iran deal. He wrote: It's a complicated agreement and I'm not an expert (I'm a journalist), but after talking to people who are experts including Leon Panetta, who told me that he supports the deal with reservations I imagine it's probably a good-enough idea that I should have some reservations about, too. david samuels He noted that the White House officials he spoke to for the Rhodes profile were "candid and factual" when pressed about the mechanisms they used to sell the deal. Rhodes wanted Samuels to understand "the machinery he managed so brilliantly" because that machinery would soon be in the hands of a potentially more dangerous administration, Samuels wrote. Story continues Additional controversy erupted over Samuels' decision to name two of the journalists administration officials and other reporters evidently "suggested" were handpicked Beltway insiders who often helped the White House spread its message: The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg and Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen. Samuels defended that characterization as "fair," and noted that mentioning their names was an important part of portraying how Rhodes who is already "deeply critical of the press" does his job. Samuels said that he and his editors at The New York Times stand behind "every single word" he wrote, and that he is actually really fond of Rhodes, whom he called "the bravest person I've ever met in Washington. "If it sounds weird to say that Rhodes is both a manipulative spin-doctor and a deeply honest, creative person who believes strongly in the policies he spins for, well, that is still the truth." NOW WATCH: Heres what Trumps spokesperson has to say about Paul Ryan More From Business Insider (Adds Padilha, Rousseff comments, background on crisis) By Anthony Boadle and Maria Carolina Marcello BRASILIA, May 13 (Reuters) - Brazil's center-right interim government said on Friday it has the political support for tough measures needed to return the economy to growth and can secure a permanent mandate once leftist President Dilma Rousseff's impeachment trial is over. Presidential Chief of Staff Eliseu Padilha said the incoming government understood it was only provisional for now and had ordered portraits of Rousseff to be left hanging in federal buildings. Interim President Michel Temer was sworn into office on Thursday after Rousseff was suspended from office by the Senate for up to 180 days while she is tried on charges of breaking budget rules. Rousseff, ousted from the presidential palace, took to the offensive, telling foreign reporters in her residence that she had been dislodged by an "illegitimate" and "extremely conservative" government run by only white males who would roll back social advances made by her Workers Party. Padilha said Rousseff had left Brazil with unprecedented levels of fiscal deficit and public debt, and most Brazilians are aware that hard measures are needed to pull the country out a severe economic recession. "We have enough support to pass urgent measures through Congress," he told a news conference following the government's first cabinet meeting, pointing to the distribution among nine political parties of 23 ministerial posts in a slimmed-down cabinet. Despite having no electoral mandate, Temer promptly unveiled on Thursday an agenda of liberal reforms - including cuts to public spending and pension reforms - that would swing Brazil to the right after 13 years of leftist Workers Party rule. To start with, Planning Minister Romero Juca announced on Friday that 4,000 jobs would be cut from the federal government payroll by the end of the year. Juca said reforms to Brazil's pension and tax system were crucial to getting public debt under control in the midst of Brazil's worst economic crisis ever, though he said Temer would avoid the kinds of drastic measures that fueled popular anger in debt-strapped Greece and Italy. Story continues Meaningful pension reform has eluded governments of all stripes, even when they had strong mandates. The pension system costs the state a crippling 13 percent of gross domestic product, more than any G7 nation except Italy. 'RESTORE FAITH' IN BRAZIL Putting Brazil on a path to growth again is considered a priority after a crisis brought on by the end of the commodities boom and aggravated by a massive corruption scandal surrounding state-run oil company Petrobras. Brazilians have taken to the streets in record numbers in recent years to protest against inefficient and corrupt government and they will reward a government that can restore confidence and investment, Temer's ministers said. "We are convinced that we are going to do such a good job governing that the government that is provisional today will become definitive before 180 days are up," Padilha said. The margin of the vote in the Senate to suspend her, 55 to 22, showed Temer's government currently has support in Congress needed for a series of tough economic reforms, Padilha said. A two-thirds vote in the upper house is needed to convict Rousseff and remove her from office permanently. Temer would then complete her term until 2018. Earlier on Friday, Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said the government would unveil tough measures soon to curb a budget deficit that topped 10 percent of economic output last year, possibly including increasing taxes temporarily. The gaping fiscal deficit cost Brazil's its hard-won investment grade credit rating last year, further undermining investor credibility in the Latin American nation's policies. Experts have voiced concern that cutting public spending and raising taxes could further shrink a once-booming economy, which is on track in 2016 for a second year of contracting by more than 3 percent - its worst performance since the 1930s. The Workers Party has vowed to organize mass protests against Temer, whom it has dubbed a traitor, and to derail his legislative agenda in Congress. "We are certainly going to put up fierce opposition to some of these proposals," Workers Party Congressman Paulo Pimenta said in an interview. He also assailed the new government for not having a single woman in a cabinet of "white men." In a sign of opposition to Temer's government, his Education Minister Jose Mendonca was received with boos by employees protesting the elimination of the Culture Ministry. Following the most unpopular Brazilian president in a generation, Temer can tap into a widespread feeling that things couldn't get any worse. "I think they can improve things, but it won't be easy because the crisis is so huge," said street vendor Marcelo Matos, 34 , who lives in one of Sao Paulo's largest slums. "Whatever they do for Brazil will restore people's faith and they will have support. We don't have any alternative today." (Additional reporting by Brad Brooks, Leo Goy and Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia, Brad; Haynes and Cesar Bianconi in Sao Paulo; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Mary Milliken) BEIJING (Reuters) - China produced 268 million tonnes of coal in April, down 11 percent on the year, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Saturday, with producers cutting back in a concerted effort to shore up prices. China's coal sector has been struggling with a massive capacity glut and miners have been encouraged to cut production to shore up domestic prices, which plummeted around 30 percent last year. The country has promised to shed 500 million tonnes of surplus capacity in the next five years. Coal output over the first four months reached 1.081 billion tonnes, down 6.8 percent from the same period last year, with full-year production on course to see its third consecutive annual decline. Though coal consumption normally rises in the second quarter, with supplies traditionally under intense pressure as power plants boost their reserves ahead of the summer peak, analysts do not foresee any jump in prices, particularly as high hydropower volumes reduce the need for coal-fired generation. "Entering May, the weather has been fine, residential power use has stayed weak and power plants are undergoing routine maintenance, and also we have the heavy rainfall in the south that has boosted hydropower," said Chen Jie, an analyst with the China Coal Trade and Distribution Centre, in a research note. Thermal power generation hit 328 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in April, down 5.9 percent on the year, though a 10 percent jump in hydropower generation during the month meant overall volumes fell by just 1.7 percent to 444.4 billion kWh. Crude steel production hit 69.42 million tonnes, down from a record-high in March but 0.5 percent higher than the same period of last year, with mills still keeping output high in order to profit from higher prices. The production of coking coal used in steelmaking fell 3.4 percent in April to 36.25 million tonnes, with year-to-date output reaching 138.87 million tonnes, down 7.6 percent. Cement production reached 216.26 million tonnes in April, up 2.8 percent on the year, extending a period of restocking that began in March as new construction activities get underway. According to data from China's customs authority, imports of coal reached 18.8 million tonnes in April, down 4.5 percent compared to March, but up 10.4 percent on the year. Imports over the first four months fell 2.5 percent. (Reporting by David Stanway; Editing by Stephen Coates) May 14 (Reuters) - Hundreds of climate change activists in Washington state and New York mobilized on Saturday as part of a global protest against fossil fuels, event organizers said. The so-called Break Free 2016 is a 12-day protest event seeking to call attention to climate change and demanding a transition to clean energy, according to the organization's website. Events are planned on six continents. Hundreds of activists were holding a protest in Anacortes, Washington, after about 150 demonstrators spent Friday night occupying railroad tracks leading to Tesoro Corp and Royal Dutch Shell refineries some 70 miles (113 km)north of Seattle. Tesoro spokeswoman Destin Singleton said operations at the refinery were not affected. A Shell representative could not immediately be reached. Break Free Pacific Northwest organizer Ahmed Gaya said, "Break Free is about pressuring the system so we get the change we need, but it's also about imagining an alternative." Gus Melonas, a spokesman for BNSF Railway Co, said train service had been shut down for the day on the Anacortes tracks leading to the refineries. He added however that rail officials were planning with local authorities to have the protesters removed. "Obviously these people can voice their opinion, but we ask that they do it off our property," Melonas said. "We can only put up with it for so long." Skagit County Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Kathy Watson said there had been no arrests made by Saturday afternoon. In Albany, New York, about 1,500 people gathered to protest against trains carrying crude oil into the Port of Albany, said Break Free Albany spokeswoman Aly Johnson-Kurts. She said organizers expected that 40 people would spend Saturday night at an encampment set up on train tracks leading into the port to blockade the oil shipments. Earlier on Saturday, two activists were arrested after suspending themselves from a railroad bridge over the Watervliet Reservoir in nearby Guilderland and stopping a train, Johnson-Kurts said. Story continues New York authorities could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. Representatives for the Port of Albany were also not immediately available. Other actions were planned for Saturday in Colorado and Los Angeles, as well as in Ecuador, South Africa and Germany, according to the organizer's website. (Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (R) and Deputy Prime Minister Yannis Dragasakis attend the meeting of the cabinet in the parliament building in Athens, Greece, May 10, 2016. REUTERS/Michalis Karagiannis - By Angeliki Koutantou ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece will return to credit markets next year if the country's international creditors offer debt relief measures at a crucial May 24 meeting of euro zone finance ministers, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told a newspaper on Saturday. The cash-strapped country, which has been cut off from global debt markets since 2014 and agreed a third multi-billion euro bailout last July, started talks with lenders earlier this week on how to make its debts more manageable. Tsipras's government aims to conclude a review of its progress on bailout-linked reforms at the May 24 meeting, a step that would unlock the next tranche of funds in time to meet repayments to the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as state suppliers. The leftist leader, re-elected in September on promises to mitigate the impact of austerity on crisis-weary Greeks, also hopes for progress on easing its debt burden, which is set to reach 182.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, according to European Commission forecasts. "If we achieve what we seek for the debt on May 24, we will return to the markets in 2017," he told Realnews newspaper. "We might exit the bailout once and for all a lot before the programme expires in August 2018," Tsipras added. Greek finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos said last year a long-term commitment to debt relief from euro zone countries was key to restoring investor confidence, and that Athens could return to bond markets by the end of 2016. Greece's 10-year bond yields fell below 8 percent for the first time in more than six months on Tuesday after euro zone finance ministers offered debt relief to the country from 2018. They soared to almost 19 percent at the height of the country's debt crisis in mid-2015. Treasury bills are currently Greece's main source of short-term funding. European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis told the Kathimerini newspaper that Greece and its lenders were very close to concluding the review on May 24 but no deadline has been set. Story continues Greece last week voted pension and tax reforms, part of a package agreed under its bailout. Dombrovskis said Athens now needed to legislate the remaining measures and contingency reforms which the country will not have to implement unless it falls short of its fiscal targets. Tsipras's government is expected to submit a bill on the pending reforms and secure a parliamentary approval before the Eurogroup meets to wrap up the review. The package will probably include a set of indirect tax hikes, setting up a new privatisation fund, regulations on Greek banks "bad loans" and the contingency reforms. Dombrovskis said euro zone finance ministers aimed to specify a "road map" on the debt relief measures at the May 24 meeting to secure the IMF's participation in the Greek bailout rather than finalise a full three-stage debt relief programme. (Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Helen Popper) Commuters pass by the front of the Bangladesh central bank building in Dhaka March 8, 2016. REUTERS/Ashikur Rahman/File Photo By Sanjeev Miglani and Serajul Quadir DHAKA (Reuters) - Three hacking groups "are still lurking" in the network of Bangladesh's central bank, putting the bank at risk of further attacks about three months after it lost $81 million (56 million pounds) in a cyber heist, according to a report by U.S. computer security firms investigating the theft. "There are some residual risks that the governor and board should understand, namely that Bangladesh Bank network is still not secure, and there exists a possibility of malicious acts by hackers," said the report from the experts hired by Bangladesh Bank, parts of which were seen by Reuters. The source who shared the document declined to provide access to its full contents, saying that the release of some details could hamper a multinational effort to catch the criminals and recover funds stolen in the February cyber attack. Bangladesh Bank has declined comment on pending investigations into the heist. Asked about the report, a spokesman said: "We have engaged forensic experts to investigate the whole thing, including this." He did not elaborate. Investigators have determined that one team of hackers, dubbed Group Zero in the report, was responsible for the heist and remained inside the network, the report stated. Group Zero may be seeking to monitor the ongoing cyber investigations or cause other damage, but is unlikely to be able to order fraudulent fund transfers, the investigators wrote. Two other groups are also inside the bank's network, which is linked to the SWIFT international transaction system, the report found. One of the two is a "nation-state actor" engaged in stealing information in attacks that are stealthy but "not known to be destructive", the report said. The report, which was submitted earlier this month, did not further identify any of the groups. A spokeswoman for SWIFT said she was unable to comment on the report. SWIFT warned on Thursday of a malware attack on a commercial bank it did not name, similar to the hack at Bangladesh Bank. Story continues In February, hackers ordered fraudulent fund transfers from Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Federal Reserve via the SWIFT system, but the cooperative, owned by member banks and used by 11,000 financial institutions globally, has maintained that the messaging system it controls has not been compromised. "Group Zero is the identified hacker group that has conducted the cyber attack" against Bangladesh Bank, the investigators said in the report, which they said was based on primary findings. U.S.-based cyber-security firms World Informatix and FireEye Inc. (FEYE.O) have been hired by Bangladesh's central bank to investigate the theft. A spokesman for FireEye said the firm will not comment on the ongoing investigation. World Informatix could not immediately be reached for comment. In the attack, the hackers sought to transfer $951 million from Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Fed. Most of the transfers were blocked, but $81 million was sent to bank accounts in the Philippines in one of the largest cyber-heists in history. The money was quickly transferred through a remittance firm to casinos and casino agents and most remains missing. In the report, the investigators said Group Zero mounted attacks on other banks, but did not elaborate. The report said investigators knew little about a third group of hackers found inside the network, referred to as Group Two, except that they were using mostly commodity, or off-the-shelf hacking tools. "Their motivations and activities are unknown, but could be unpredictable with media spotlight," the report said, without elaborating further. Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday that investigators had found evidence that two of the three hacker groups in the Bangladesh attack were from Pakistan and North Korea, citing people briefed on the bank's investigation. (Additional reporting by Jim Finkle in New York; editing by David Greising and Raju Gopalakrishnan.) Google Amit Singh Amit Singh, who hopped from Oracle to Google about six years ago to help establish its Google for Work cloud tech, is now jumping to the company's new virtual-reality team. It's another sign that Google is getting serious about virtual reality and won't cede the market to Facebook's Oculus without a fight. Singh's main claim to fame inside Google was turning Google Apps into a major competitor to Microsoft Office, building out a professional enterprise sales team as well as operations and support. He also helped Google turn its Chromebooks into a real business, and he was key in helping Google commit itself to cloud computing. Cloud has now become one of the company's biggest internal pushes. He will become a vice president of business and operations for Google's young VR team, which is led by Clay Bavor. This includes Google Cardboard, a piece of cardboard you put over your phone to turn it into a VR device. It started out as more or less a joke in 2014, but has now become a real thing. In January, the company said that it shipped 5 million units of the Google Cardboard viewer. The team also manages projects like Google's amazing Jump 360 cameras for filming in 3-D, Tilt Brush for painting and creating graphics in 3-D, and other undisclosed projects. It does not include Glass, Google's augmented reality glasses. Singh is known as an operations guy, someone who takes early-stage stuff and turns them into real businesses, with business models, sales support, and what have you. So his move could signify that Google is ready to start turning Cardboard and other VR technologies into a real business. It's also worth pointing out that Google had recently hired a new boss over Singh: Diane Greene. She came in in a sort of CEO role for a new combined cloud unit, which included Amit's team sales and operations for Google for Work as well as the engineering, product, and sales teams for its cloud-computing services. Story continues We're told that Singh's role is not going away and Greene is actively looking for his replacement. The formal reason for the change of jobs is that Singh loves early-stage technology and was looking for a new challenge. Thrilled to be joining Google VR team to lead biz and ops. Incredibly proud of @googleforwork and where they are headed Amit Singh (@aksingh77) May 13, 2016 NOW WATCH: Google created a virtual reality paint brush lets you walk through your own artwork More From Business Insider Paul Ryan Last Sunday, former Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin delivered a warning shot to the man who ended up in that spot on the ticket four years after she did. House Speaker Paul Ryan, Palin said, was on his way to being Cantored. It was a reference to former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, who lost his seat in a stunning primary rebuke from conservative voters in 2014. Ryan's "political career is over but for a miracle because he has so disrespected the will of the people," she said on CNN, in a reference to Ryan's refusal to immediately support Donald Trump after he became the presumptive GOP nominee. "And as the leader of the GOP, the convention, certainly he is to remain neutral, and for him to already come out and say who he will not support is not a wise decision of his," she added. The unification of his own party isn't the only Republican challenge Ryan is facing this election cycle. Ryan, a nine-term congressman serving Wisconsin's 1st congressional district, is also dealing with a primary opponent. Paul Nehlen, his challenger, is facing an enormous uphill battle one poll showed him trailing by 64 points before the August 9 primary. But he has gained attention from some Trump-aligned Republicans frustrated with Ryan's refusal to get in line behind Trump. Palin and other conservative activists are throwing their support at Nehlen, for whom the former governor of Alaska said she'll do "whatever I can." "This man is a hard-working guy, so in touch with the people," Palin said. "Paul Ryan and his ilk ... They feel so threatened at this point that their power, their prestige, their purse will be adversely affected by the change that is coming with Trump and with someone like Paul Nehlen, that they're not thinking straight right now." Nehlen, a Wisconsin businessman, is championing policy positions that are aligned with those of Trump. He pushes an anti-free-trade, tough-on-immigration, reduced-spending agenda, touting jobs he returned to the US from Mexico and Canada. Story continues Paul Nehlen Staunchly opposed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, Nehlen suggested it would create a "super-national commission" among the nations that are a part of the pact. "Essentially, we would forfeit our sovereignty as a nation," Nehlen told Business Insider in a recent interview. "Stop and think about that for a minute. We would have one vote. Vietnam would have one vote. All the other countries would have one vote. Why would we level ourselves with Vietnam? It's absurd." Nehlen also chastised Ryan for the omnibus spending package he helped to pass late last year. "He's been portrayed as a budget guru ... economics guy," Nehlen said. "What demonstrable thing has he done in his 18 years in Congress with that economics degree? Zilch. Zilch." Nehlen wasn't always staunchly opposed to the House speaker. He said he "pounded signs" and "made phone calls" for previous Ryan campaigns. That is largely still a trend back home for Ryan, who boasts one of the largest campaign war chests in the nation. He beat his last primary challenger by a massive 94% to 6% vote in 2014. His favorability among Wisconsin Republicans hovers around 70%, according to a recent poll. When just the Milwaukee media market is taken into account which contains almost all of Ryan's district that number inflates to nearly 80%. "The bottom line is you look at Cantor and say, 'Could it happen?' Well, I suppose it could happen," Charles Franklin, a pollster at Marquette Law School, told CNN. "But there's not the early warning signs that you look for." Sarah Palin For its part, Ryan's staff doesn't seem particularly concerned about the challenge from Nehlen. "People in southern Wisconsin know Paul Ryan, and they know what he stands for," Zack Roday, a Ryan spokesman, said in an email to CNN. "Janesville is his home, and his commitment will always be to the people he represents." Yet Nehlen has attempted to take advantage of the evident rift between Ryan and Trump. Nehlen announced his support for the Manhattan billionaire after the House speaker said earlier this month that he was "not ready" to support the presumptive nominee. Although the two held a meeting on Thursday that they described as a "very positive step toward unification," Ryan still did not throw his support behind Trump. Regardless of whether Ryan eventually decides to endorse Trump, Nehlen said the speaker already "showed his true colors." "It wasn't an, 'I'm standing on my principals,' as much as it was an, 'I'm going to ignore the will of the voters,'" moment, he said. "That's what he's doing." "It's just despicable, I think, for Paul Ryan to disrespect the will of the voters," he continued. Nehlen originally supported Ted Cruz, a Texas senator who won April's Wisconsin primary but recently dropped out of the race after losing in the Indiana primary. He said he switched his support to Trump because he is "going to respect" the voters. Nehlen seemed to realize the uphill climb necessary to overtake the highest-ranking Republican in Washington. But he said he feels that with an electorate angry at Washington and high-profile support from people such as Palin, his odds are improving. "Pop some popcorn, sit back and watch," he said. "It's going to be interesting." NOW WATCH: Donald Trump has a long history of making bogus phone calls, according to a biographer More From Business Insider (Corrects name to Broadridge Financial Solutions from Broadridge Financial Services in paragraph 7) By Tom Hals WILMINGTON, Del., May 12 (Reuters) - T. Rowe Price Group Inc cannot sue computer maker Dell Inc for a higher price in the 2013 buyout by its founder because the fund company voted, albeit mistakenly, in favor of the deal, a Delaware judge has ruled. The unusual dispute leading to Wednesday's decision stemmed from the mutual fund company's bid to recoup more for its 27 million Dell shares than the $13.75 per share paid in the buyout, by using a type of lawsuit known as appraisal. After Michael Dell and private equity firm Silver Lake took the computer maker private, hundreds of shareholders unhappy with the terms, egged on by billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn, sought to have a judge review whether the price was fair. The initial amount of Dell stock being appraised made it one of the biggest cases of its kind. To qualify for an appraisal, a shareholder must not vote for a deal and must continuously hold the stock until the deal closes. T. Rowe Price actively opposed the buyout and thought it voted against it. But according to Wednesday's decision, its voting system generated instructions to vote in favor of the merger. The instructions were passed through stockholder service firms including Institutional Shareholder Services Inc, Broadridge Financial Solutions and Cede & Co. The error proved fatal. "The T. Rowe Petitioners' shares do not qualify for appraisal," Judge Travis Laster of Delaware's Court of Chancery wrote in a 70-page opinion. Bill Benintende, a T. Rowe Price spokesman, said: "We're disappointed in the ruling and are in the process of reviewing the opinion and evaluating our options." Hedge funds that specialize in arbitration cases have been criticized for buying stock of companies involved in mergers so late in the process that they are not entitled to vote. Delaware courts have found that as long as they did not vote for deals, they can seek appraisals. Story continues But mutual funds, unlike hedge funds, must report how they voted, which is how T. Rowe Price's Dell vote came to light. Last year, Laster ruled that T. Rowe Price and other funds were beneficial but not continuous legal owners of nearly 1 million Dell shares and could not seek an appraisal. The court has not determined a fair value for the Dell stock. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Dan Grebler) By Nate Raymond NEW YORK (Reuters) - UBS AG urged a U.S. judge on Friday to reject claims that it should be held liable for $2 billion (1.4 billion) in losses that investors incurred on mortgage-backed securities issued before the collapse of the U.S. housing market. Lawyers for UBS made their closing arguments in the non-jury trial in Manhattan federal court in a lawsuit being pursued by U.S. Bancorp on behalf of three trusts established for mortgage-backed securities. Sean Baldwin, the trusts' lawyer, said UBS turned a blind eye to defects in the mortgages it acquired and packaged into bonds to be sold to investors, relying on vendors hired to do due diligence on the loans whom it considered "negligent or lazy." "It was a business decision, but it should be held accountable for that business decision," he said. But Robert Fumerton, a lawyer for UBS, said while the trusts contended thousands of loans were defective under the governing contracts, they had failed to establish those defects were material. "Not all breaches of the guidelines and not all breaches of the representations and warranties are material," Fumerton said. The case, being heard by U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel, is one of a handful to go to trial in recent years over losses incurred on mortgage-backed securities, the financial product at the centre of the 2008 financial crisis. The lawsuit follows a related action against UBS by bond insurer Assured Guaranty Ltd over the same mortgage-backed securities. UBS in 2013 agreed to pay $358 million to Assured, which was represented by the same lawyers as the three trusts. The lawsuit centred on thousands of loans that UBS acquired that were originated by lenders including Countrywide Financial Corp, which it then pooled into three trusts that issued securities entitling investors to payments made by borrowers. Out of 9,411 loans at issue, 7,440 had realized losses after being liquidated or modified, and that another 768 were over 60 days delinquent, Baldwin said. Many of those loans were materially defective and were packaged into the securities despite "red flags" of potential borrower fraud, he said. He pointed to two loans that claimed to be owner-occupied despite being issued to a single person. "The loans should not have been approved, and the breaches could not have been compensated for," he said. At the trial's start, Baldwin said $2.1 billion in losses resulted, for which the trusts are seeking to hold UBS liable. The case is Mastr Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust 2006-OA2 et al v. UBS Real Estate Securities Inc, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 12-07322. Commuters pass by the front of the Bangladesh central bank building in Dhaka March 8, 2016. REUTERS/Ashikur Rahman/File Photo (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is standing by its procedures for wiring funds after facing scrutiny in the wake of the $81 million cyber heist at the Bangladesh central bank, a letter released by a congresswoman on Friday showed. The New York Fed was responding to criticism lobbed by U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, who had called for a probe of the fund transfers triggered by the February cyber attack on Bangladesh Bank. Criminals tried to withdraw $951 million from Bangladesh Bank's U.S. bank account in what ranked as one of the largest cyber heists in history. They succeeded in transferring $81 million. In the April 14 letter Thomas Baxter, general counsel and executive vice president at the New York Fed, said the correct procedures were followed in approving five transfers of money on Feb. 4 and in blocking 30. Baxter said the New York Fed's procedures for checking transfers included catching those to people subject to sanctions but would not stop a transfer if it had passed the authentication process on the SWIFT messaging network. "The vast majority of authenticated instructions received from foreign official account holders are not flagged for manual review by the automated systems," Baxter wrote in the letter. Authorities in Bangladesh and elsewhere are still trying to figure out how hackers carried out the attack and what happened to the money, which was routed from the Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Fed to accounts in the Philippines. Maloney said in a statement on Friday that while Baxter's letter provided key information about the incident, she remained "concerned that there are critical security gaps in the international payment system." Maloney said she would urge the New York Fed to review its security protocols to make sure such a heist does not recur. (Reporting by Nathan Layne in Chicago; Editing by Matthew Lewis) 2000 - 2022 24 .- . focus-news.net, () . 24 . 24 . . 24 . We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. The biggest lie of all: The PM says Brexit could lead to war, but the truth is Europe's more riven with hatred than at any time since 1945 because of the EU By Dominic Sandbrook for the Daily Mail 14 May 2016It was perhaps the biggest lie of all. This week, David Cameron provoked universal derision by claiming that Europe risks sliding back into war and genocide if Britain votes to leave the EU.He argued that it was only because of the EU that peace had been maintained on the continent over the past 70 years.He couldnt have been more wrong: for the fact is that Europe is now riven by more hatreds, divisions and conflicts than at any time since 1945 and they are threatening to tear the continent apart.And, of course, the irony is that the main cause of this potentially catastrophic situation is Brussels failed immigration and economic policies. Here, DOMINIC SANDBROOK explains why . . .This weeks resignation of the Austrian Chancellor, Werner Faymann, was little noticed in Britain. But it was merely a symptom of a wider crisis that threatens to turn one of Europes richest, most stable and most self-satisfied countries into a bastion of the xenophobic far Right.Thanks largely to popular fury at the migration crisis, the countrys far-Right Freedom Party is now comfortably the most popular in the land.Its candidate for president, Norbert Hofer, seems almost certain to become Austrias head of state after elections this month. Many experts believe that in that case, Austrias coalition government would fall, paving the way for the Freedom Party to win an election and take control of key ministries, including the police.Since Austria was famously the birthplace of Adolf Hitler, the prospect of a far-Right government taking power in Vienna has a peculiarly sinister resonance. But popular fury at the advent of 700,000 migrants into a country of barely eight million people means it is probably inevitable, turning Austria into a European pariah and inflaming tensions with its neighbours.To the horror of most outsiders, Hungary has already lurched towards aggressive authoritarianism.First elected in 2010, its ultra-patriotic Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has steadily eroded the independence of its banks, Press and even the judiciary, effectively turning himself into a dictator in all but name.For Orban, the migration crisis has been a gift. He has used it to whip up popular antipathy to Muslims, the EU and even outsiders in general, erecting vast fences topped with razor wire along Hungarys southern borders, boasting of his admiration for Russias Vladimir Putin and presenting himself as an old-fashioned nationalistic strongman.As Orban tirelessly tells his supporters: Hungarians wont live according to the commands of foreign powers. In the long run, therefore, conflict with the EU or even with Hungarys appalled neighbours, such as Austria, Croatia, Slovakia and Serbia may be unavoidable.Nowhere has been more affected by the migration crisis than the southern Balkans, which still bear the scars of bullet-holes and burned-out buildings from the bloody wars in the former Yugoslavia in the mid-Nineties.Fences and walls now run along the northern borders of Croatia and Serbia, as well as between Macedonia and Greece.Not surprisingly, memories of former conflicts are still raw. In Bosnia and Kosovo, resentment seethes between local Muslims and Serbs. But the most obvious flashpoint is in Macedonia, where thousands of migrants have been injured in battles with armed riot policemen.When the Greek government condemned Macedonias indiscriminate use of chemicals, rubber bullets and stun grenades against vulnerable populations, it only inflamed tensions between the two countries.The Greeks have long feared Macedonian expansion into the north of their country, and their government even refuses to acknowledge the former Yugoslav republics name, accusing it of hijacking the heritage of Alexander the Great.And given the presence of so many armed men on either side of the border as well as thousands of desperate, hungry refugees it is easy to see how resentment could escalate into outright conflict.Eighty years after the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, the people of Spain are in turmoil once again.At the end of last year, the Catalan regional government ignored warnings from Madrid and voted to begin the process of building an independent Catalan state. Meanwhile, Spains economy like that of its neighbour, Portugal remains in dire straits.With 45 per cent of young Spaniards out of work, many blame the EU for their economic plight. Yet far from being supportive, Brussels is taking an increasingly hard line, preparing this week to levy whopping sanctions on Spain and Portugal for their failure to cut their budgets to EU-approved levels.With a general election due in June, polls show one in four Spaniards plans to vote for the hard-Left, anti-European Podemos party.A Podemos victory would inevitably mean an open breach with Brussels, and could easily push Catalonia into a unilateral declaration of independence, with shattering consequences for Spanish unity and the wider European project.When Greek security forces came under attack from petrol-bomb-throwing protesters last weekend, it was merely the latest in a series of clashes in one of the darkest periods in Greeces recent history.Brutalised by recession, stricken by austerity and outraged by what they see as the European elites callous indifference, thousands of Greeks have been driven into the arms of the far Right and extreme Left. Indeed, it is barely a year since the hard-Left Syriza government threatened to default on Greeces debt and pull out of the Eurozone.With youth unemployment still a staggering 49 per cent, it is little wonder that so many ordinary Greeks burn with rage against Angela Merkel, whom they blame for their plight.And if, as some experts fear, a second financial crisis tips Europe back into deep recession, then the consequences could be catastrophic, boosting the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party and reawakening memories of the civil war of the Forties, the armed coup of 1967 and the notoriously cruel dictatorship of the Greek Colonels in the years that followed.France has already been under a state of emergency since the terrorist attacks last November, allowing police to conduct raids without warrants, to place large numbers of people under house arrest and to forbid any large gatherings.In cities with large Muslim populations, such as Paris and Marseille, tensions remain high.But what frightens many is the prospect of next years presidential election. With the incumbent, Francois Hollande, at barely 15 per cent in the polls, the runaway leader is the far-Right Front Nationals leader Marine le Pen, who has exploited anti-Islamist and anti-migrant sentiment to command a double-digit lead over almost every other conceivable candidate for the job.To most mainstream European observers, it seems almost unthinkable that France could fall under the control of a party like the FN, steeped in anti-Semitism and xenophobia, and reflecting a far-Right heritage stretching back to the pro-Nazi Vichy regime.But with every passing month it seems increasingly plausible that, for the first time since the Forties, the extreme Right will control one of Europes major powers which would almost certainly mean a direct confrontation with the EU.Italy has been shuffling towards disaster. Its notoriously fragmented banks are sitting on some 280 billion in bad loans, triggering fears that a banking crisis in the Italian peninsula could take down the entire European financial system. Meanwhile, with thousands of migrants flooding into the country every month, public support for the EU is wearing thin. This week, Italys finance minister even warned that the chaos on Europes borders was going to be much more destructive than a crisis of the Eurozone.Not surprisingly, polls show Italian voters swinging towards the extremes. Almost one in three support the populist, anti-European Five Star Movement, while almost 15 per cent now back the separatist Northern League, which demands independence for northern Italy.And to cap it all, the Mussolini name is back, with two of the dictators granddaughters standing for office in Rome for rival conservative parties.Since reunification in 1990, Germany has been a beacon of stability. Yet Europes richest and most populous nation faces an unprecedented challenge. In just over a year, 1.2 million migrants have arrived in Germany, courtesy of Angela Merkels open-door policy.But thanks to appalling scenes such as the New Years Eve riots in Cologne, where thousands of Middle Eastern men reportedly assaulted and robbed hundreds of women, popular sentiment has turned against the Chancellor.Local elections in March saw unprecedented gains for the far-Right Alternative fur Deutschland, which, after an aggressive anti-immigrant campaign, won a staggering 24 per cent of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt region.Not for decades has so openly xenophobic a party won such support in the heart of Germany.Indeed, polls now suggest that two-thirds of German voters want Mrs Merkel to stand down before next years general election an astounding turnaround given her popularity in recent years.Since no other country matches its importance to the European project, the prospect of a rudderless Germany under untested leadership is deeply disturbing. And if the worst happens and there is a second financial meltdown, or if the migrant crisis provokes serious conflict in Hungary or Macedonia, a weakened Germany would be unable to provide the necessary leadership.For Europe as a whole, the consequences could be devastating.Even as thousands of British tourists head to Turkey this summer, this vast country, the bridge between Europe and Asia, is sliding closer towards violent chaos.Although not an EU member, it has been a candidate state, destined to join the Union since 1999. The latest step towards it joining was the agreement by Brussels in March to grant visa-free travel to its 75 million population inside Europes passport-free Schengen area.EU leaders also agreed to give Turkey 4.7 billion including 500 million from Britain after it threatened to flood Western Europe with migrants.In Turkeys south-east, security forces are battling Kurdish separatists, while operations on the Syrian border have brought Turkey close to open conflict against Vladimir Putins Russia, which supports the Syrian president Assad.Already this year, Islamist terrorist attacks have killed dozens of people in Istanbul and Ankara. In response, the increasingly autocratic President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered a massive security crackdown.To many European observers, however, Erdogan is a central part of the problem. His increasingly authoritarian methods jailing dissidents, closing liberal newspapers, having reporters beaten up, and violently suppressing opposition demonstrations mean Turkey now looks more like a dictatorship than at any time in recent memory.Indeed, many experts fear that Erdogan is deliberately playing on anti-Kurdish sentiment to secure his own power base against domestic opposition.And if all-out fighting breaks out in the rebellious south-east, then Turkey could easily tip into civil war, with appallingly bloody results. President Xi Jinping addresses the opening of the Second World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, on Wednesday. WU ZHIYI/CHINA DAILY Recently President Xi Jinping made some strong statements that some in the West take to be contradictory. On the one hand, Xi called for "internet sovereignty", so the Chinese government can regulate what its citizens can and cannot access online. On the other hand, Xi asked officials to "trust intellectuals, welcome their criticism and try not to interfere in their creative work". Exploring the temporal proximity of these two big ideaswhich is unlikely a coincidencemay discern the depth of Xi's thinking. Regarding internet sovereignty, while it feels good to proclaim that the internet should be open and free and without the impedance of international borders or national controls, the world just doesn't work that way. The more deeply the internet becomes enmeshed in the economic and social fabric of contemporary life, the more intensely nations are extending their regulating powers so that the rules of the actual world apply in the virtual world. The internet is no longer the innocent cyberspace of diverse and outrageous speech, where John Philip Barlow could declare (in 1996), "Governments of the Industrial World, you weary giants of flesh and steel ... You are not welcome among us. You have no sovereignty where we gather." Today, the internet facilitates massive financial flows and e-commence, on the one hand, and pornography, terrorism and all manner of crimes, on the other. As all these are (and should be) regulated in the physical world, it was inevitable that as they have become more consequential online, they would also become more regulated in the virtual world. The fact that some nations go further in regulating political dissent or religious diversity is simply a function of the differences among nations in how they regulate the physical world. While one person's "regulation" is another person's "censorship", there is nothing unusual going on here. This is a neutral fact. I cannot say that, in an ideal world, internet sovereignty, with its restrictions, would be a good thingbut I do know that China's leaders hold the belief that regulating the internet is a good thing for the country, because they believe such regulations will help keep its society stable and thereby maintain a political system which suits China's current conditions and level of development. Regarding trusting intellectuals, Xi's instructions are obviously meant to alter the status quo. There is something about current conditions of intellectuals that, for the good of China, he wants to improve. But Xi does set boundaries"when opinions are well meant." By this he means he expects intellectuals to put the country and people first, uphold "the right path" and "not repeat others' words without thinking". Nonetheless, Xi's emancipating words are vivid and energetic, and because they are expressed in multiple ways, their meaning cannot be missed. Party and government departments, the president said, should trust intellectuals and create a favorable environment, so that they can exercise their talents and develop their careers. Officials should welcome advice and criticism from intellectuals and become their "true friends," he said. Continuing, Xi advised officials to "take in constructive opinions and be more tolerant and inclusive even though some of them [intellectuals] are biased or incorrect", stressing that intellectuals should not be blamed or punished for expressing their opinions, and urging officials not to "interfere in the creative work of intellectuals so that they can concentrate on their work". Some Western critics think that Xi was reacting to Western criticism that China is becoming more restrictive. I disagree. I think the motivation lies in China's need for economic transformation and for solving a host of complex, interdependent problems that China's society faces. Because if China's best and brightest feel that they cannot do their best, cannot be creative, cannot criticizeif they feel threatened, if they fearthe whole enterprise will suffer. Xi has set the bar high: Fulfilling the Chinese dream and achieving national rejuvenation requires reform and reform requires the creative engagement of China's intellectuals. Reform means change; change means doing things differently, and doing things differently means criticizing the way things are done now. The consistency is clear. To harmonize the temporal proximity of internet sovereignty and trusting intellectuals should be to recognize that maintaining collective political stability and unleashing individual creative power are simultaneously essential as Xi seeks to actualize his grand vision for China. The author is a public intellectual, political/economics commentator, and international corporate strategist. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has praised families of Afghan combatants killed in the fighting in Syria, according to a newly released video that could be aimed at boosting morale among troops deployed to support Tehran's regional ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "I'm proud of you," Khamenei told the families in the March 27 meeting, video footage of which was first made public this week. The release of the video on May 12 comes amid Tehran's mounting casualties in Syria, where 13 Iranian military personnel were killed last week in clashes with insurgents near Aleppo. It was Iran's heaviest single-day death toll in the conflict. A few hundred Iranian and Afghan fighters are believed to have been killed in Syria during the five-year-old war, including several senior members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Twitter Embed Tweet In June 2015, Iran's state IRNA news agency reported that about 400 Iranians and Afghans had been killed in Syria in the past four years. About 150 more are believed to have been killed since then, according to reports by local media outlets that have been publishing their names and photos of their funerals. Tehran says it has deployed only "military advisers" to boost Assad. In April, it said it has deployed a commando unit of its army to Syria to serve as "advisers." Iranian media claim that Iranian and Afghan combatants who join the fight in Syria are "volunteers" who defend holy Shi'ite sites and are referred to as Defenders of the Shrine. Afghans are being deployed as part of the Fatemiyoun Brigade, which reportedly consists of Afghan refugees, mainly Hazaras, living in Iran. Fatemiyoun's commander, Alireza Tavasoli, was killed in Syria in March 2015. Human Rights Watch says thousands of them are undocumented Afghans recruited by the IRGC since November 2013, including some who, according to the rights group, have been coerced into joining the fight in Syria. "Iran has not just offered Afghan refugees and migrants incentives to fight in Syria, but several said they were threatened with deportation back to Afghanistan unless they did," Peter Bouckaert, emergencies director at Human Rights Watch, said earlier this year. In the March meeting, Khamenei told the families of some of the Afghans killed in Syria that "martyrs who die on this path are privileged." "In fact your children have created a shield with their life to protect the holy shrines from these evil [forces]. Therefore their status is very important," he said. Despite the rising death toll, Iranian authorities have suggested that Tehran will not accept any compromise on the fate of its ally, Assad, who has Russia's backing as well. The United States and its allies accuse Assad of indiscriminately bombing his own people and insist on his exit. Iranian state media quoted Khamenei's adviser on international affairs, Ali Akbar Velayati, on May 8 as saying that Iran's red line is Assad remaining in power until the end of his term. Children of Uzbekistan's elite have bought property in Latvia, given birth in the Baltic country, and allegedly used its banks to handle millions of dollars in bribes. While more than 1,500 Uzbeks have taken advantage of Latvias controversial golden visa program, it remains a mostly silent and closed community. According to his Facebook posts, Azim Ganiev, the son of Uzbekistan's foreign trade minister, enjoyed his life as a student in Riga, although sometimes he felt homesick. His posted pictures show a dark-eyed, baby-faced young man, dining with friends and traveling around Europe. Ganiev was far from his native Uzbekistan, studying international tourism at Turiba University, one of Latvia's business schools. He never finished his studies, though, and was expelled in 2014, officials at Turiba told investigative journalism organization Re:Baltica. Ganiev did not respond to questions sent via Facebook about why he chose Riga, or why he left. His status updates indicate he is now back in Tashkent. His brother, Aziz Ganiev, is still a student in Riga, hoping to get a degree in business administration from Baltic International Academy (BSA) this year, BSAs administrator told Re:Baltica. Uzbek nationals have become the second-biggest group of foreign exchange students, comprising 13.5 percent of the total, with almost 900 students scattered around Latvia's higher-education establishments. Only Germany has more, according to the Latvian Ministry of Education. Latvia owes its popularity in part to aggressive regional advertising of its degree programs, which are cheaper than those in other education destinations, such as Britain. And its the only Baltic country with an embassy in Uzbekistan, making it relatively easy for prospective students to get visas to enter the EU, according to Turiba Deputy Rector Imants Bergs. The Ganiev brothers are not the only children of the Uzbek elite to have made their way to Latvia. Cultivated Relationship Since the mid-1990s, Latvia has nurtured its diplomatic relations with Uzbekistan. Diplomatic passport holders can travel without visas. Since 2004, Uzbekistan Airways has flown from Tashkent to New York via Riga, providing Latvia with its only transatlantic service. Then-Latvian President Andris Berzins (right) and his Uzbek counterpart, Islam Karimov, after meeting in Riga on October 17, 2013 Three of Latvias five presidents since independence in 1991 have made official visits to Uzbekistan, while Uzbek President Islam Karimov has visited Latvia three times. His last visit in 2013 outraged Uzbek human rights activists, who pleaded with Latvian diplomats to prevent a leader they called one of the most ruthless dictators of our time from laying flowers at the Freedom Monument, the symbol of Latvian independence. Latvia dismissed the activists plea, perhaps not wishing to jeopardize its role as intermediary between Uzbekistan and NATO, which has long moved cargo through Uzbekistan to NATO soldiers in Afghanistan. There are other ties. In 2010, Latvia introduced a golden visa cash-for-EU-residency scheme which gives five-year residence permits to people who invest substantial sums in property or the country's many banks. Since then, 1,525 Uzbek nationals have obtained the permits, more than from any other former Soviet republic except Russia and Ukraine, Immigration Board (PMLP) statistics show. Other arrivals have not obtained golden visas, focusing instead on banks that cater to nonresidents. Several banks have been embroiled in international money-laundering scandals. Banks And Bribes? When the 2008 global economic crisis took down Latvias largest domestic bank, Parex Banka, Gulnara Karimova arrived in Latvia to save her multimillion-euro deposits. Gulnara Karimova (left), Akbar Abdullaev (center), and Lola Karimova (Drawing: Martins Upitis) The elder daughter of Uzbekistans president, Gulnara Karimova has reportedly been under house arrest since early 2014 following her fall from grace amid investigations in Western countries involving suspicions of involvement in the alleged extortion of hundreds of millions in bribes from three major international telecom companies, as well as money laundering. She is also at the center of a financial-crimes probe in Uzbekistan. Documents filed in U.S. Justice Department lawsuit suggest that Karimova deposited some $446 million in suspected bribe money in two Latvian banks: Aizkraukles Banka (now ABLV) and Parex Banka (renamed Citadele after a bailout). ABLV declined to comment , saying that it is cooperating closely with investigators. Citadele said it acted in line with the relevant laws at the time. The lawsuit states that between 2004 and 2012 a close relative of a high-ranking Uzbek government official received more than $800 million in corrupt payments to shell companies. The lawsuit never names Gulnara Karimova, 43. The case revolved around massive bribes from Scandinavian and Russian telecom companies who were interested in getting access to Uzbekistan's market. The Other Daughter Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva is the younger daughter of Uzbekistans president. Unlike her sister, the 37-year-old Lola is relatively unknown to the public. In the summer of 2006, she gave birth to her second child, a son, in Riga. She was hosted by Gulam Gulami, a businessman of Afghan origin who has been living in Latvia for a long time and has gained citizenship. Karimova-Tillyaeva spent the last months of her pregnancy near the seaside in a new house in Jurmala, a Baltic Sea beach resort town and playground for the nouveau riche. The home was purchased for about 2 million euros in the name of Gulamis wife, Valentina, according to data from the Land Registry. Karimova-Tillyaeva's family drove around in Hummer and BMW SUVs with vanity plates reading TT (the initials of her husband, Timur Tillayev) and 1LK. In autumn 2006, Karimova-Tillyaeva and her family left Latvia. Her lawyer says she has no business interests in Lativa whatsoever. According to the Business Registry data, her husband established a company called Euro West Invest, but it never operated. Akbar Abdullaev's House in Jurmala A Cousin Gulnara and Lolas cousin Akbar Abdullaev arrived in Latvia at the same time as Karimova-Tillyaeva, and settled into a house next to hers, planting evergreens in the big backyard. According to the Latvian Land Registry, Abdullayev -- who was 23 at the time -- paid 1.4 million euros for the home with a swimming pool and a guesthouse. Abdullaev, once seen as a potential successor to Karimov, cut quite a swathe in Latvia. He bought a 200,000-euro Bentley, which when it was registered in 2011 was one of the most expensive cars in the entire country. A year later, he bought an apartment in a prestigious Riga neighborhood near the Daugava River, with a view of to the picturesque Old Town, according to the Latvian Land Registry. Abdullaev turned his apartment into an office for his two hotels, bought in the mid-2000s for at least 18 million euros in partnership with the Gulami family; later, they ended up in Gulamis hands. How that happened is the subject of legal battles and of speculation that reads like a detective novel, with allegations of a beating, attempted murder, a bribed judge, and suspicious court rulings involving murky offshore companies. Today, the gutters at Abdullaev's Jurmala home are overrun by weeds. By the time votes were cast in Uzbekistan's 2015 presidential election, Abdullaev had been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of leading an organized crime group in the Ferghana Valley. Another offspring of a high-ranking official who got an EU residency permit from Latvia is Timur Kerimov, a son-in-law of Rashid Qodirov, the former prosecutor-general of Uzbekistan. After 15 years in the post, Qodirov was sacked in April 2015 and transferred to a job at the Constitutional Court. According to the Latvian Land Registry, Kerimov bought an apartment in central Riga in 2010. He has also registered two enterprises, ITIR Solutions and IVT Solid Energy, but the companies show no activity. IVT Solid Energy was sold to a Cyprus-based company a few months after it was founded in 2013. For several years Kerimov headed the regional office of Uzbekistan Airways in Riga. When Re:Baltica tried to find him there recently, the sole worker at the office said that he had been gone for a year. Uzbekistan's embassy in Latvia did not respond to several requests for a meeting and did not reply to questions sent by Re:Baltica. Several members of the Uzbek community in Latvia have declined to speak to Re:Baltica. Journalists with RFE/RLs Uzbek Service contributed to this report CLEAR LAKE A group of veterans received a thank you for their service through a weekend of fishing and friendship on May 6-7. Most participants arrived Friday night for drinks and dinner at the South Shore Inn, which also served as home base for out-of-town visitors. On Saturday 12 boats piloted by volunteer fishing guides and tournament anglers launched from Lynne Lorenzen Park in Ventura. Twenty-five veterans and guests fished both morning and afternoon with a hearty shore lunch of fried fish in between. Despite a cold front putting a slight damper on the bite, anglers netted walleye, yellow bass, white bass, crappie and at least one musky. Afterward a police escort led the group to the Clear Lake fire station, where they toured the Fire Museum and were served supper. The event was sponsored by Fishing With Vets, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring those who have served in the military while promoting fishing and building friendships. Fishing is a common bond, explained Justin Bailey of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. We use that to give back. Bailey, a professional fishing guide, spent nine years as an infantryman in the Army. He served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. His discussions with fellow veterans and guides led to the establishment of Fishing With Vets about a year and a half ago. Bailey estimates the organization has since served over 200 veterans. Initially most outings were guided trips with individual guides and veterans. More recently the group has hosted larger events with multiple participants and featuring community involvement. Clear Lake-area fishing guide and bait shop owner Kevan Paul was the local organizer for the recent excursion. He recruited several area anglers to serve as guides, helped identify some local veterans to take part and raised about $2,000 from North Iowa sponsors. He put countless hours in on this one, Bailey said. Like the guides, participants were a mix of area residents and visitors from across the Upper Midwest. Russell Kemp, a Korean War-era Army vet, drove from Birchwood in northeastern Wisconsin. Joining him was his stepson and fellow Army vet Bill Lee of Arlington, Minnesota, who served during the Vietnam era. They had learned of the organization from a parade float and were excited to fish Clear Lake for the first time despite limited expectations regarding the states angling opportunities. I thought all Iowa had was bullheads and carp, Kemp joked. Kemp ended up landing one legal walleye along with several that were too short and fat. Gabe Haugland of Clear Lake, who serves in the Iowa National Guard, had even better luck. We caught a ton of yellows, 10-15 walleyes, and my son (Nick, 6) caught the biggest of the day (a 19-incher), he said. In addition to taking part in the event, Haugland assisted with some of the local organization and recruitment of participants, including his friend Dustin Morrison of Des Moines, with whom he served in Afghanistan. Morrison was severely injured by a roadside bomb. He was told he would likely never walk again, but his recovery far exceeded doctors expectations. He and his wife, Erin, fished with Paul, catching several yellow bass, a few small walleyes and one measuring 16 inches. They also just missed landing a 20-plus-inch tagged walleye, which threw the jig during netting. Morrison had a great time despite the one that got away. It was fun, he said. We caught a lot of fish, had a lot of laughs and made a lot of memories. Thats exactly what Bailey and the other volunteers hoped to accomplish. I think it went really well, he said. We got all the vets on the water, they got to know one another and they all got to feel appreciated again. The next Fishing With Vets event is scheduled for July 24 on Trout Lake in Coleraine, Minnesota. We have 25 guides and 50 veterans lined up for that one, Bailey said. Although no plans have been made, organizers also hope to offer another outing at Clear Lake next year. For more information about Fishing With Vets, go to www.fishingwithvets.com. FOREST CITY It was not long after Terry Branstad had been elected to the Iowa House in 1972. David Readinger, also newly elected, and Branstad were among those sitting in a committee meeting with Chairman David Stanley. Terry was pushing his campaign platform of (Iowa) Highway 9, Redinger said. Terry is strong. He knew what he wanted to do. He tied up the tax committee. He was in a position to let us go but we were froze up. David Stanley talked to him. Other senior people talked to him. He held strong and did not relent, Redinger said. Branstads stance led to a major road-widening project on Iowa Highway 9. A chunk of Highway 9 travels through the district Branstad represented as a state legislator. It also travels through the area where Branstad grew up in rural Winnebago County and graduated from Forest City High School. Redinger recalled the committee scene while visiting with Branstad at the governors book signing May 3 at the Mansion Museum in Forest City. The book, Iowas Record Setting Governor: The Terry Branstad Story, was written by Mark Chapman. Readinger and his wife, Mary Ellis, are friends of Branstad. They recently moved to rural Forest City, not far from Iowa Highway 9. Ellis served as the director of the Iowa Department of Health from 1983-1990 under Branstad. I took a lot of grief for Highway 9, Branstad said to Redinger and Ellis. Legislators and state and federal officials told him it would be a cold day before that highway ever got a project, Branstad said. The road project was dedicated in Buffalo Center in November 1976, so it was a cold day, Branstad said with a laugh. Branstad could recall area residents with ease during the opening half hour of his book signing, it was that type of familiarity that drew him to Ellis in her role with the state. Ellis is a Helgeson and grew up in the Emmons, Minnesota, and Lake Mills area, near where Branstad grew up. Until she interviewed for the director of Iowa public health, I had never met (Branstad). She was several years older than Branstad and wasnt living in Winnebago County at the time. Later, He found out I was a Helgeson from the Lake Mills area, Ellis said. Ellis said Branstad was a good boss who would collaborate on decisions. She and heads of several other state agencies would meet formally at least once a month with Branstad to discuss issues. The Branstad administration emphasized substance abuse issues, Ellis said. She also started at the cusp of the HIV-AIDS crisis. We had to collect all sorts of data. That was huge, Ellis said. The talk was always this kid is young, Readinger said. But as the nations longest-term governor, Branstad has proven he has the political savvy and knowledge to stay in politics, Readinger said. Yet, He kept his balance, his strong sense of his own identity, Readinger said. Youve got to have a little bit of guile (to survive) but he is without pretense. While at the Mansion Museum, Branstad, Readinger and Ellis recalled it had been several years since they had last met. Its good to see you again, Branstad said. Im going out to eat at the Branding Iron after this. Id love to have you join us. The couple accepted and that night shed be at Branstads table at a restaurant in Thompson, which is on Iowa Highway 9. BRITT It isnt just because they look bad, said Britt Police Chief Dan Cummings of properties which would qualify as having nuisance issues. A property with junk can drive down the value of other properties in the neighborhood, Cummings said. What if a person wants to sell a house next to a house that has accumulated junk on the yard, Cummings asked. Tall grass, stacks of debris, discarded items and the like can be habitat for unwanted creatures. Raccoons, rabbits, skunks. Nobody wants skunks, he said. Britt has properties which qualify as nuisances under city code, Cummings said. Property owners who use their yards as outdoor storage could be in violation, he said. We have a house with four snowmobiles on the yard, Cummings said. The Britt City Council has discussed nuisance properties, unsafe houses and junk vehicles at several meetings in the past year. Before the May 3 Council meeting, Cummings said hed like a committee of himself and at least two council members to serve as junk or nuisance monitors. Cummings got that on May 3 when council members Curt Gast and Mike Ostercamp agreed to be on such a committee. If weve got 20 properties on a list, this committee would prioritize four or five of them, Cummings said during the meeting. If we take on all the properties at once, we will not be able to enforce it because there are too many, Cummings said. In an interview before May 3, Cummings said the number of potential nuisances is too many for a three-member police department to address. The department needs the city committee to help monitor and prioritize properties that need attention, he said. Once the priority properties are handled, the next priorities can be selected, Cummings said. Nuisance abatement is a problem throughout the state of Iowa, Gast said during the May 3 meeting. Mayor Ryan Arndorfer said he recently attended a political convention and heard of nuisance issues in other towns. Mayors that I talked to on Saturday all had issues, Arndorfer said. If you drive through other communities you can see it. Arndorfer said Cummings should work with Gast and Ostercamp to set up a meeting. MASON CITY Adam Pommrehn of Rockford became a hero to a North Iowa woman last week when he found a lost diamond during his late shift at Hy-Vee East. It was unbelievable, he said. It was a good night. Laura Howe of Nora Springs noticed the diamond from her wedding ring was gone the Saturday before Mothers Day. I was driving and I looked down and it was missing, Howe said. I just screamed. She called every business she had been to that day, hoping someone might find it. I thought it was gone for good, Howe said. Howe called Hy-Vee and mentioned that she had been in the store to pick up a cake from the bakery. Pommrehn came in for his 10 p.m. shift, keeping an eye out for something sparkling on the ground. When he was sweeping around the bakery, he kept looking down in the dirt and dust just in case. All of a sudden, I come around the corner and it was right there, Pommrehn said. It shined and I picked it up. He then called Howes husbands aunt, Diane Howe, who works at Hy-Vee in accounting, to tell her the good news. Diane gave the diamond back to Howe. It was weird. Usually we cant find that stuff, Pommrehn said. It will get picked up on someones shoe or kicked under something. It was perfect. In his 11 years at Hy-Vee, Pommrehn has done his fair share of looking for missing items. People usually lose debit cards and stuff like that, he said. Never a diamond, thats for sure. Howe was thrilled to get her diamond back. Thanks for making my Mothers Day, Howe said to Pommrehn, laughing. I was very surprised. My kids were all sitting around saying Is that the best Mothers Day present you got? Howe took to the North Iowa Area Local Businesses Rant or Rave page on Facebook to share her story. That site has a lot of people complaining and I just wanted people to know that theres still good people, honest people, Howe said He could have easily took it and pawned it off and he didnt. The post garnered more than 380 likes and several comments commending Pommrehns kindness. Howe said he went above and beyond his job description and she is thankful he was working that night. We had customers come in who saw it on Facebook and congratulating me, he said. I didnt even see the Facebook post. It felt good. FOREST CITY When author Mark Chapman needed information for a book on Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, he found lots of it in the Leibrand-Whiteis Historical Center in Forest City. Chapman wrote Iowas Record Setting Governor: The Terry Branstad Story. Chapman and Branstad were in Forest City May 3 at the Mansion Museum to sign autographs and promote the book. The Leibrand-Whiteis Historical Center is attached to the Mansion Museum. The book would have been 50 percent slimmer than it is now, Chapman said of the importance of the material from the history center. No question it would be 50 percent. It was invaluable. A lot of information came from here, said Ruth Leibrand, a curator at the history center. Leibrand said Chapman visited the center at least twice. He gleaned through newspaper clippings and other material. One time I was here for 11 hours, Chapman said. They brought out boxes ... Chapman said he didnt know much about the history center before he started his research for the book. I wasnt aware of how (many) details, how much stuff was here, Chapman said. He said he couldnt have written the book without the support from Leibrand and Carol Whiteis, also a curator at the history center. The history center has an extensive collection of newspaper clippings and other material. The Mansion Museum also has a Terry Branstad room filled with memorabilia, enough to impress the governor, who directed visitors to the room while autographing his book. Book buyer Lois Johnson was thumbing through some pages of the Chapmans book while in the museums Branstad room. She's campaigned for Branstad and has known him for a number of years. I followed him through every election, Johnson said. Its always a fun election because hes always a winner. He still is. Im anxious to get to it, Johnson said of the book. Liebrand has read the book. All of its very interesting, Liebrand said. I couldnt put it down. I think every school kid from ninth grade on up should read, she said. There is not only a lot of information about Terry but also about former governors. MASON CITY The City Council will be asked Tuesday to approve a $250,000 forgivable loan to Bon-Ton Stores Inc., to facilitate the move of its Younkers Home Store into the vacant Cinema V space in Southbridge Mall. The council approved a resolution setting the terms of the agreement in March 2015. Steven Van Steenhuyse, director of development services, said Younkers operates two stores in the mall the main store anchoring the east end and the Home Store in the west wing near the former J.C. Penney store. Younkers intends to consolidate the Home Store with the main store by renovating the Cinema V space adjacent to the main store. Bon-Ton estimates it will cost about $1.45 million to redevelop the theater space, including tenant costs, development costs and the cost of converting the vacated Home Store space into two leasable spaces. Bon-Tons share of the total cost is anticipated to be $550,000, according to Van Steenhuyse. Bon-Ton and the mall owners have identified a funding gap and requested city help. The city is offering the $250,000 loan to be forgiven after 10 years as long as all requirements of the development agreement are met. Van Steenhuyse said the loan would be paid back from two sources, resulting in a net zero cost to the city. One source would be local option sales taxes generated by the new, expanded Home Store and the retail store. This requires the stores to generate at least $15,000 in local option sales tax revenue each year for 10 years for a total of $150,000. The second source involves an amendment to the parking agreement between the city and the mall ownership. Currently, the ownership does not pay for the city-owned lots that serve the mall. Under the amended agreement, the owners will make payments of $15,000 a year for 10 years. The revised parking agreement is on the agenda for council approval prior to Bon-Ton item. Van Steenhuyse said the two sources should produce $300,000 in revenue, $50,000 more than the loan. The additional $50,000 can be used to construct a childrens play area in the mall, a concept being reviewed by mall owners and that will be presented to the council at a later meeting, he said. This project complements the other proposed projects for the mall which will be funded through the Iowa Reinvestment Act program, said Van Steenhuyse. He said there is no impact on the city budget because tax increment finance funds will be used to provide the forgivable loan. The council meets at 7 p.m. in the Mason City Room of the public library. MASON CITY Mason Citys soon-to-be-former superintendent says shes fulfilled her job obligations, and her professional evaluations by the School Board all positive to date reflect that. It wasnt until recently, Anita Micich said, It became obvious they (School Board) wanted to move in a different direction. They just dont have the same views on district work, but I believe the organization has been strong with my leadership, she said. As superintendent, her professional development plan dictates at least 17 specific goals, with at least three progress subsections for each goal. Among of a myriad of duties, including state reporting and budget work, shes also responsible for community involvement, regularly visiting school buildings and giving board members feedback. Micich, who reports progress via a combination of written and verbal information, said she was given notes to consider by board members in late March or early April, but hasnt had a conversation with them about it since then. Following a number of closed-session meetings regarding personnel matters and pending litigation, the School Board approved her departure and a financial agreement 6-0, with board member Doug Campbell abstaining, during a roughly three-minute meeting Wednesday night. It is unclear if the prior closed sessions were about Micich. Regarding the most recent closed session Monday, Micich said the meeting itself or if she should attend was not directly communicated to her. It is not common to have a closed session meeting without the superintendent since my tenure, she said. The board continues to be silent on the reason for its action, and Campbell wont say why he abstained from voting. On Friday, the Globe Gazette filed an open records request with the school district for emails, documents and other communication between members of the School Board, the districts attorney and Micich, if applicable, detailing the decision-making process behind her exit. Under Iowa open records law, a response must be given in 10 to 20 business days. Micich, who says she hasnt done anything illegal in her eight years as Mason City schools leader, says its unclear why the board took action the way it did. I dont know I can answer the question, why, she said as she spoke during an emotional interview Friday afternoon in her Mason City office, where handwritten cards in fresh bouquets on her desk reminded her that friends were thinking of her. But sometimes when new boards are elected, like Clear Lake, they decide they want to have someone they had hired. She had no comment about the potential for a lawsuit. Micich says shes been open to building relationships with the new board members, but noted it can be difficult in limited time. Four individuals of the seven-person board Campbell, Lorrie Lala, Brent Seaton and Jodi Draper were elected in September 2015. As for board President Janna Arndt, who was elected in 2013, Micich said they have a business relationship as they work closely to build agendas. Micich who emphasized her contract buyout is not a termination or retirement said she thought it could have been a smoother process had she been allowed to complete her contract, giving the district more time to search for a new superintendent. She says Mason Citys next superintendent must be focused on continuous improvement, make things happen for kids, care about providing high-quality education and position the district for the future. With lead administrator T.J. Jumper also set to exit the district in June, Micich said shed be worried if Mason City didnt have a superintendent after her resignation is effective June 29. She will be on paid administrative leave effective June 6. I would hope there is something in place about what needs to happen the next few months, she said. Arndt had no comment Friday as to the boards process for hiring the districts next leader. Micich said she is not privy to that information. A non-action discussion item, filling superintendent position, is on the boards agenda for May 16. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the administration buildings boardroom, 1515 S. Pennsylvania. Generally, a board will hire a search firm and narrow a list of candidates before conducting interviews and extending an offer, a process that recently took about 2 months in Clear Lake. The average salary and benefits for a superintendent at a Class 3A-sized district like Mason City was $180,000 in 2014, according to district officials. Micich, who has worked in education more than 30 years, currently receives a salary of $187,820. With a sizable portion of her $285,000 buyout due in July, district staff continues to consult with legal counsel as to which fund it can come from. Micich said she anticipates some of it may need to come from the general fund, which is primarily used to pay teachers. As for possible reductions to finance the buyout, Micich says its something the board will have to look at as they look at financial stewardship of taxpayer dollars, but noted the district is in better financial shape than it was three to five years ago. As she talked about accomplishments in the district a place shed planned to finish her contract, and had previously anticipated an additional year beyond that before being offered a shortened contract in July 2015 Micich smiled as she listed major building renovations, a weather safe room, voter-approved levies and camaraderie with staff. She describes her shared superintendency with the Clear Lake School District as a bold move. I feel good about the work I have done there, she said. As for Mason City, she said shes grateful to the community, staff, students, families, administrative team and past boards for their support. In my time at Mason City we did great things, and Im proud of the work done together with a lot of people who made that happen, she said. Im someone who has to leave with all those good things in my mind. In coming weeks she will speak at graduation and attend the end-of-year event to recognize retirees, just like she has in previous years. Her mother, Gracka Gerardi, who lives in Garner, will celebrate her 102nd birthday in July. As for her plans, she says she wants to make sure everyone at Mason City has what they need before she determines her next steps personally and professionally. Im still energetic about working in education, she said, noting she hasnt ruled out assisting another district in the future. I love kids and making things better for them. PASCAGOULA, Miss., May 13, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) delivered the companys 10th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, John P. Murtha (LPD 26), to the U.S. Navy today. The ship, built at HIIs Ingalls Shipbuilding division, was delivered during an afternoon ceremony with shipbuilders and ships force together in attendance. Today we delivered our 10th LPD, and we have at least two more ships to complete in this class, said Richard Schenk, Ingalls vice president, program management, who signed the official DD 250 document. John P. Murtha is the culmination of four years of tireless efforts on the part of thousands of our shipyard employees and our Navy partner. I couldnt be more proud of all of those involved, and they are showing that serial production pays dividends when it comes to providing affordable ships to our nation. The signing of the DD 250 document officially transfers custody of the ship from HII to the U.S. Navy. To the incredibly talented, dedicated and resourceful shipbuilders who built this ship from raw steel and cable into this awe-inspiring warship, please accept my personal thanks on behalf of the crew, U.S. Navy and the American people, said Capt. Kevin Parker, the ships commanding officer. You have fully reinforced the sincere belief that I have held for many years that the best shipbuilders in the world are found right here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. As we take this ship to sea, we will do our very best to make you proud and put this ship to good use in defense of our nation. LPD 26 is named in honor of the late John P. Murtha, who represented Pennsylvanias 12th Congressional District from 1974 to 2010. In addition to his tenured history in the House of Representatives, Murtha was also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He served for 37 years and received the Bronze Star with Combat V, two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for his service in the Vietnam War. He retired as a colonel in 1990. In addition to John P. Murtha, Ingalls has the 11th LPD, Portland (LPD 27), under construction. Portland launched on Feb. 13 and will be christened on May 21. Ingalls has received more than $300 million in advance procurement funding for the 12th ship in the class, Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28). The San Antonio class is the latest addition to the Navys 21st century amphibious assault force. The 684-foot-long, 105-foot-wide ships are used to embark and land Marines, their equipment and supplies ashore via air cushion or conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles, augmented by helicopters or vertical takeoff and landing aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey. The ships support a Marine Air Ground Task Force across the spectrum of operations, conducting amphibious and expeditionary missions of sea control and power projection to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions throughout the first half of the 21st century. A photo of John P. Murtha on sea trials is available at: http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file?fid=571639542cfac21f5665b4b6. Huntington Ingalls Industries is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of engineering, manufacturing and management services to the nuclear energy, oil and gas markets. For more than a century, HIIs Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs nearly 35,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit: GLENVIEW, Ill., May 14, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- China's air pollution problem has made headlines for more than a decade, and young people wearing face masks on high pollution days crowd the homepages of news outlets on a regular basis. Much focus has been centered on regulation and prevention measures aimed at combating air quality issues, but little attention has been paid to the impact these issues have had on the health of the 1.357 billion people living in China or the planning and infrastructure requirements needed to provide that care. The World Health Organization reports that chronic respiratory diseases are the second leading cause of death in China. Rates of childhood asthma have also grown, and research has found that parents have little understanding or knowledge of asthma, which directly impacts the care those with asthma may receive. Chinese officials estimate that air pollution claims up to 500,000 lives each year. The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has been working on the ground for nearly five years in China to prepare physicians in the first-ever government-recognized medical subspecialty in China in the area of pulmonary and critical care medicinean area where many Chinese will require care due to the pollution and air quality issues. CHEST has forged formal partnerships with both the Chinese Thoracic Society and the Chinese Association of Chest Physicians to advance these efforts. CHEST has focused on training and education and supporting those providing direct patient care in China by doing the following: - CHEST worked with government officials in China to designate 12 clinician-training sites for formal pulmonary and critical care subspecialty training. The first class of graduates will complete training in late 2016. Last fall, CHEST hosted Chinese officials and program training directors from the China-CHEST Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine program at CHEST 2015 in Montreal, and a similar group plans to attend the CHEST 2016 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. - CHEST recently held CHEST World Congress 2016 in Shanghai, drawing nearly 2,000 attendees practicing chest medicine. - Last year, CHEST partnered to present the first Sino-American Respiratory Medicine Forum on COPD in Beijing for several hundred clinicians practicing chest medicine in China. COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in China with tobacco smoking, biomass fuel use and genetic susceptibility being the major risk factors. COPD poses a high economic burden with the total expenditure per patient costing up to 40 percent of an average family income in China. (Source: Journal of Thoracic Disease) The CHEST Foundation, the philanthropic arm of CHEST, has awarded humanitarian grants to projects focused on training clinicians in pulmonary and critical care medicine, for those practicing in remote villages in China. "We're working to provide essential tools to both clinicians working in major hospitals in Beijing and those on the front lines practicing in remote clinics in rural China," said Barbara Phillips, MD, MPH, FCCP, CHEST President. "Our commitment to providing education, training and partnership to improve the quality of life and quality of care in China is unwavering." About the American College of Chest Physicians The American College of Chest Physicians is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research and team-based care. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication and research. It serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 18,700 members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. For information about the American College of Chest Physicians and the journal CHEST, visit chestnet.org. We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today The Times published a deep dive into Donald Trump's history with women, the crux of which is that the presumptive GOP nominee is a creepy, looks-obsessed misogynist who's spent his whole life using his money and power to prey on pretty young women and belittle anyone he doesn't deem attractive enough. None of this should be surprising if you've paid any attention to Trump at all, nor will it dissuade his devoted from voting for him. Still, it's worth taking a look at some of the more horrifying behavior Trump's displayed toward woman over the years, which we've compiled below: Trump made a 26-year-old model put on a bikini the first time he met her. "He asked me if I had a swimsuit with me. I said no. I hadn't intended to swim," former model/girlfriend Rowanne Brewer Lane said of the 1990 incident at Trump's Mar-a-Lago mansion. "He took me into a room and opened drawers and asked me to put on a swimsuit. He brought me out to the pool and said, "That is a stunning Trump girl, isn't it?" He told a female executive who worked for him, "You like your candy." "It was him reminding me that I was overweight," Barbara A. Res, who was Trump's head of construction in the 1980s, told the Times. He also once pushed a Miss Universe winner who gained weight after she was crowned to work out in front of media outlets and Trump himself, humiliating her. "After that episode, I was sick, anorexia and bulimia for five years," she said. "Over the past 20 years, I've gone to a lot of psychologists to combat this." Trump's father was even worse than Trump. When Ivana Trump met her future ex father-in-law for the first time, he wouldn't let her order what she wanted. "I told the waiter, 'I would like to have fish.' O.K., so I could have the fish. And Fred would say to the waiter: 'No, Ivana is not going to have a fish. She is going to have a steak.' I said, 'No, I'm going to have my fish.' And Donald would come home and say, 'Ivana, why would you have a fish instead of a steak?' I say, 'Because I'm not going to be told by somebody to have something which I don't want.'" Trump has some boundary issues. When he met Temple Taggart, the 21-year-old Miss Utah representative in 1997, the then-married Trump kissed her on the lips. "I thought, 'Oh my God, gross,'" she said. He also went after former pageant promoter Jill Harth, even after it was clear she had a boyfriend: Donald Trump stared at me throughout that meeting. He stared at me even while George was giving his presentation. In the middle of it he says to George, "Are you sleeping with her?" Meaning me. And George looked a little shocked and he said, "Well, yeah." And he goes, "Well, for the weekend or what?" Her then-boyfriend told the Times Trump didn't take no for an answer. "He said: 'Well, there's always a first time. I am going after her.' I thought the man was joking. I laughed. He said, 'I am serious.'" Trump also apparently ended up groping Harth under the table in front of her boyfriend, so there's that. "Let me just say, this was a very traumatic thing working for him," she told the Times. His obsession with his daughter is downright icky. Miss Universe winner Brook Antoinette Mahealani Lee remembers Trump trying to get her to compliment teenage Ivanka, telling her, "Don't you think my daughter's hot? She's hot, right?" Lee told the Times, "I was like, 'Really?' That's just weird. She was 16. That's creepy." He thinks women work harder than men because they have something to prove. He provided the Times with the following exchange he had with a female employee: I've said, "Why don't you go home and take it easy now, just go relax." "No, Mr. Trump, I have to finish this job." And I said, "Boy, you really are a worker." And it would just seem that there was something, that they want to really prove something, which is wonderful. He also told the aforementioned Res, "I know you're a woman in a man's world. And while men tend to be better than women, a good woman is better than 10 good men." And his issues with women go way back. Teenage Trump was considered the campus "Ladies' Man" in military school, and he only wanted the cream of the crop then, too. "Donald was extremely sensitive to whether or not the women he invited to campus were pretty," classmate George White said. "For Donald, it's display." Can't wait for the future. The police are hoping the public can help them identify a suspect accused of committing a criminal sex act on an early morning F train this week. According to the NYPD, the incident occurred this Thursday at 2:15 a.m.: "A 27-year-old female, was riding the southbound 'F' train when she fell asleep and was awakened to the individual rubbing his genitals on her. The victim pushed the male away who then exited the train at the Neptune Avenue subway station to parts unknown." The police released a sketch of the suspect (right), describing him as about 20 years old, 5'11" and 160 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair, last seen wearing a dark hoodie, dark blue jeans and a green jacket. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS or for Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577. If you see or experience sexual misconduct in the subway (this includes seeing a masturbator, being groped, being grinded on, etc.), you can report it to the MTA and police on this website. There's also a place for you to upload photos and/or video. Don't let the perverts win. New York City's lights might not be bright enough to blind Taylor Swift, but they're still quite brightand they've been getting brighter, as the city's begun converting its 250,000 streetlights to energy-efficient LED bulbs over the past year. Those new lights quickly drew the wrath of residents, who compared the lights' glare to a prison yard and a "strip mall in outer space," among other creative similes. Now, after over a year of fielding complaints, the city is replacing those 78-watt bulbs with lower-intensity 64-watt bulbs. "Once again, the citizens know best," Mayor de Blasio told WNYC's Brian Lehrer on the station's new, weekly #AskTheMayor segment. "[The lights] were too bright in many cases initially." De Blasio said that the city's Department of Transportation has begun "toning those lights down," and though he's "not a lighting expert" (shocking to all), he does know that the number of 311 complaints has decreased substantially since the replacements have started. According to the NY Post, the city received some 150 complaints about the 78-watt bulbs, which have only been installed in a tenth of the city's streetlights so far. The 64-watt bulbs will reportedly prevent the glare from the lights extending above the horizon. When DOT first began installing the brighter bulbs, affected New Yorkers circulated a petition demanding that the lights be "fully shielded," so that they direct all of the light down toward the street. They also demanded that the color of the lights be adjusted, as blue-rich LEDs can disrupt the body's circadian rhythms. That petition garnered over 500 signatures. "The lights have just been changed recently on our street and it is awful," Brooklyn resident Marisa Buick wrote on the petition. "I noticed it immediately. It's like we are living in a prison. There is a peculiar glow in our children's bedroomhave we been transported into a sci fi movie set?" The switch to LEDs was set to cost $75 million, but ultimately save the city $6 million on energy costs and $8 million on maintenance each year. It's not clear how much replacing the 29,000 78-watt bulbs will cost, but it'll certainly save the city from a prolonged earful of complaints. According to de Blasio, if the lights on your block are still too bright, call 311, and the city will send a crew to make the switch to a 64-watt bulb. The meeting took place during the height of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, a time when economic and environmental bleakness challenged the country. Wildlife numbers were low those 80 years ago when a collection of conservation-minded sportsmen met in Helenas Placer Hotel and formed Montanas longest-running wildlife organization. The Montana Wildlife Federation was born the same year as the National Wildlife Federation, an effort to organize grassroots support for restoring depleted wildlife herds yet to fully rebound from territorial exploitation. It was within the same rooms where copper kings bought legislators for generations, and here were a handful of citizens working together in a conservation ethic, said conservation historian and author Jim Posewitz. Very few people realized how depleted our game resources were, and it was absolutely right for the times to have a grassroots run-and-gun network working on issues of national and international importance. Some conservation was being practiced at the local level with issues such as hunting seasons or forming game ranges when Franklin Delano Roosevelt convened the first North American Wildlife Conference in 1936. Seven Montanans traveled to the historic event -- L.W. Wendt, Ray G. Lowe, B.L. Price, M.A. Malone, Emil Knoepke, Glen Smith and Kenneth McDonald -- returning to Montana and forming MWF. The conference came a generation after another Roosevelt, Theodore, created the national forest system and the conservation of game herds began to take hold. Montana held plenty of physically wild places, but depleted wildlife herds hovered far below historic highs. The top-down leadership displayed by Theodore Roosevelt needed to graduate to its next iteration under FDR, Posewitz said. FDR was basically saying, Look, if we are going to do this conservation the people need to pick it up and do it, Posewitz said. He passes the torch down to the grassroots level, and if you look at today we have 10 times the number of elk. The entity that has consistently been there during this time has been the Montana Wildlife Federation. MWF is made up of a state organization and affiliate sportsmen groups throughout the state. Membership goes beyond species specific issues or only huntable species, with members coming from both the hunting and wildlife viewing world. MWF advocates on behalf of its members on state and national wildlife issues by often appearing before the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Legislature. While certainly still focusing heavily on hunting and access issues, the federation has also worked on federal and state land management, clean water, renewable energy and climate change. MWF President Kathy Hadley first became involved in 1986. Im a lifelong hunter and angler and I see the importance of conserving and protecting our resources and access for future generations, she said. Wildlife issues have varied in her time with MWF. What has not changed is the fact there are always wildlife issues to tackle. Eighty years ago when we didnt have these viable populations, I think about what had happened after Lewis and Clark, the trappers and miners and homesteaders came, industrialized hunting, and wildlife populations were decimated across the board, Hadley said. Now in Montana were blessed with pretty sustainable wildlife populations -- this is probably the best time for wildlife ever. Turning 80 means MWF has staying ability, she said. It means people in Montana care for fish and wildlife and the wild places in the state, she said. Wildlife and conservation issues can be some of the most controversial, from clashing with opposing groups over transfer of federal lands to elk shoulder seasons that can divide hunters. MWF Executive Director Dave Chadwick says the organization will continue to seek practical solutions benefiting wildlife and people. Were proud of our accomplishments, yet we know were not done and are excited for the next decades of standing up for conservation, he said. To celebrate its 80th anniversary, MWF is returning to the Placer for a celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event features craft beer, food and raffles. Tickets are $20. The city of Helena is seeking a $750,000 state grant to help with the ongoing renovation of the Guardian Apartments. A Department of Commerce Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grant is being sought on behalf of Affiliated Developers, Inc., of Berkley, Michigan, to assist in the $10.96 million renovation for the 118-unit building. The overall funding for the project relies on a $4.1 million bank loan, a little more than $5.66 million in tax credits as well as the HOME grant and a $450,000 Community Development Block Grant, according to financial information provided to the city commission. The commission was unanimous in its support of the grant application. Guardian Apartments, 520 Logan St., provides housing for people with low to very low income, according to a staff report prepared for the commission. Those who are allowed to live at Guardian Apartments must have incomes that do not exceed 60 percent of the area median income as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A majority of the residents fall at or below 30 percent of the area median income, according to the city staff report. According to Helena Housing Authority, which helps the community meet the need for affordable housing, the 2016 area median income for Lewis and Clark County is $67,500 per year. For a single person household, 30 percent of the area median income would be $14,700 and for a two-person household, it would be $16,800. Residents pay one third of their income toward the cost of rent and the remainder is paid through a federal program. The studio apartments rent for $560 a month and rent for the one-bedroom apartments is $677, an apartment representative said. In addition to income limitations on who is eligible to be housed at Guardian Apartments, tenants must be age 62 or older or disabled. A range of rehabilitation and improvement efforts are being funded through the product to address safety, access function and efficiency that will include structural repair, parking lot and sidewalk improvements, landscaping, solar panel installation and a roof replacement among other upgrades. These apartments provide an important supply of affordable housing, it was noted during the commissions public hearing. MISSOULA -- Wildfires like the one that nearly overran Fort McMurray could become much more common, according to work published by two University of Montana researchers. Warming trends over the past 30 years show that about 30 percent of the forest and tundra areas of Alaska will see four times as much fire activity by mid-century, associate professor Philip Higuera and affiliate scientist Adam Young say. Their paper on high-latitude fire regimes was published in the journal Ecography. This highlights regions that are now kind of off the fire radar -- the tundra and forest-tundra border -- will be increasingly on the radar, Higuera said. Theres a threshold of 13 degrees C (55.4 degrees F) for July average temperatures, where above that temperature a place has a much higher probability of burning than areas below that temperature. There are a lot of areas in the northern high latitudes that sit right below that threshold. Climate projections for the mid- and end of this century show those areas are bumped above that threshold. The problem isnt simply that as summers get hotter, fires get more frequent. Higuera said research shows places that didnt burn often in the past will become much more likely to burn in the near future. That adds up to both more and larger fires in the Far North. The scientists used the median of five different climate models for their analysis. They found that the trend for warmer spring and summer temperatures combined with decreases in rain and snowfall, puts stress on the tundra and boreal forest lands of central Alaska. Higuera said theyre now expanding their study to look at the rest of northern Canada and northern Eurasia, and expect to see the pattern bear out. The YMM fire around Fort McMurray has burned more than 884 square miles. As of Thursday, most of the 88,000 people evacuated from the city were still not allowed to return home because flare-ups continued to threaten the municipal area. The fire has destroyed 2,432 buildings and damaged at least 500 more, according to Alberta Emergency Management Agency reports. A force of 429 firefighters, 29 helicopters and 13 air tankers are battling it. At least two of those air tankers are Missoula-based Neptune Aviation Bae-146 planes. LOLO Truth be told, it doesnt look like much. The original Lolo fire station, built by volunteers in 1959, is encircled by chain link fence on a dead-end street west of U.S. Highway 93. Its made of hand-hewn logs with an interior space that a newly restored 1961 Harvester International fire engine all but fills. But to Cheryl Hanson its akin to the Holy Grail. Everybody these days talks about their bucket lists, Hanson said. Getting this back into the hands of firefighters was on my bucket list. Her mission was shared by Chief Bill Colwell and the Missoula Rural Fire District, who recently accepted possession of the building from Charter Communications after negotiations that, through the fault of neither, stretched out for more than a year. The MRFD board, of which Hanson is secretary and past chair, plans to make it a museum of sorts, with the shiny red engine its centerpiece. Weve got quite a few scrapbooks weve been collecting over the years, some that go back to the 1960s, Colwell said. There were quite a few that were collected at the different stations. Add some "digital things" created over the past eight years or so and the old fire house will one day be a showcase that celebrates the history of the 55-year-old rural fire district that's headquartered at South Avenue and Reserve in Missoula. Longtime ties Hanson, whose family has roots to Lolo dating to 1910, has longtime ties to the local fire station. The first one, she said, was built after a pickup parked in her grandfather Fred Kesters barn south of Lolo Creek blew up and blew him out of the truck. How this ornery old guy made it out OK I dont know. But it was his barn burning and also a house burning that would have sat kitty-corner from the fire station that got all the people in Lolo together to start a volunteer fire department, Hanson said. Kester, Hanson said, was among the 19 original volunteers. Ray and Dick Stolp were two others, and Hanson believes it was the Stolps who furnished the logs for the station in 1959. It was built on the rise across from the junction of U.S. Highway 12, only to be moved to its current location on West Lewis and Clark Drive a few years later when Don Tripp built his truck stop on the site. It's now occupied by a Town Pump store. Lolo Volunteer Fire petitioned to become part of the Missoula Rural Fire District in 1973, and its official name is Fire-Rescue Station No. 5. In 1985 the log station was replaced by a modern fire house on the west side of Highway 93, some three-tenths of a mile to the south. Colwell hasnt been able to pinpoint the date, but at some time after the new fire station opened, the old one came into possession of Missoula's cable television provider at the time. Subsequent cable franchises -- TCI Cablevision, AT&T, Bresnan and Optimum West -- used the building for storage until Charter Communications moved into Montana in 2013. Meanwhile, Cheryl Hanson was digging into her bucket list. It took some sleuthing to determine ownership of the nondescript building that represented so much firefighting history to her hometown. Charter had discontinued use of the building, and was agreeable to dealing when approached by Colwell and the MRFD board. The property was part of a block that had a lien against it. It was quite a hassle to get this piece freed so they could do what they wanted to do with it, Colwell said. I kind of thought wed lost the opportunity, but then the lien was cleared and it came together real well. Classic fire engine The classic red fire engine that occupies the bigger part of the old station has a history of its own. It was one of the first purchased by Missoula Rural when it was established in 1961. District firefighters reclaimed the truck in 2008 from the West End Volunteer Fire Department in DeBorgia, where it sat hidden and forgotten under layers of rust and pine needles. The district turned to the Montana State Prison for a restoration it could afford. Memorial grants helped fund a rehabilitation effort led by inmate Brian Dean Adolf. It was completed last summer, in time for the engine to appear in Patriots Day and University of Montana homecoming parades in September, and was stored at the Florence fire station over the winter. Last Saturday the engine was part of a long procession of fire vehicles across Missoula during a celebration of the life of fallen firefighter John Fidler, after which it was backed into its new home in Lolo. Getting the old fire house ready for more relics is the next step. Fundraising is already underway by the Missoula Rural Volunteer Fire Fighters Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2457, as well as the fire board. None of the districts tax funds can be used. Colwell said the fire truck project and consideration for the historic Lolo station project are made possible by memorial donations from the families of the late Richard Bertlin, John Jirsa and Albert Dufresne. The historic station wont be manned, but it'll be opened to the public on special occasions. Project funds needed Money is needed for such short-term projects as asbestos removal from the chinking, an electrical inspection, window replacements and repair of the overhead door, Colwell said. Long-term projects include replacing the big door, building a new side entrance, getting the overhead heater up and running before winter and perhaps refinishing the logs. Hanson's grandchildren -- Austin, Alexis and Layne Miller, who range in age from 11 to 8 -- stitched together a four-quilt throw blanket emblazoned with firefighting themes to be raffled off. That's raised about $140 so far. It was supposed to be mine, Hanson said with a laugh. Youve heard about kids wrapping people around their fingers? Im super-glued. Sometime soon Missoula Rural Fire and Lolo will have itself a fitting tribute to their respective histories. Were happy to play a role in this, said Brian Anderson, Charters director of regional communications. But really were just happy to see the property going back to the firefighters and giving them a place to preserve a piece of their history. DECATUR When Liz Richards was pregnant with her first child, Shea, in 2006, she had hopes for a natural birth. When she discovered her son was breech, or head up, three weeks before her due date, however, her birth plan went by the wayside. (Doctors) tried an external version (a procedure used to turn a baby from a breech position to a head-down position), and it did work for a second, Richards, 37, explained, but then my water broke, and he went back to being breech again. At that point, the then-first-time-mom had to undergo a Caesarean section, in which her son was delivered through a surgical incision in her abdomen and uterus. I was not ready for that, Richards said of the C-section. I know some women really enjoy their Caesarean birth experiences but for me, I had really no choice. I love my son and hes a wonderful little person, but (his birth) was a horrible experience, except for the fact that he was there (after the C-section was over). Richards first birth experience pushed her to research and learn more about different birth and labor options, and when her second son, Ashton, was born in 2010, she felt much more empowered and satisfied afterwards. My second son is six years old and he was a VBAC (vaginal birth after a Caesarean) without any medication, and it was a completely different experience, she said. He came on his own terms and was 40 weeks and 5 days, and I had prepared. I studied Bradley birth methods vigorously and read all the books and got my husband onboard. I found an obstetrician who was supportive (of what I wanted). Looking back at his birth, I just thought, Wow this is how birth should be. It was on my terms and on my babys terms.' Inspired by both her births, Richards made the decision to become a certified birth doula someone who provides physical, emotional and informational support to mothers and their partners before, during and after birth in 2011. And on April 23, joined by fellow Decatur doula Jessica Sebok, she traveled to the inaugural Central Illinois Birth and Babies Meet-Up in Riverton to help educate parents and parents-to-be on birth choices and the role of a doula. We were just really hoping to get the word out to women about a lot of prenatal options, options during birth and options for baby after delivery, like delayed umbilical cord clamping, and I think it was great, Richards said of last weekends event, which focused on breastfeeding, baby-led weaning, car seat safety, baby wearing, birth choices, cloth diapering and healthy pregnancies. We got to talk to and educate attendees, and we also got to connect with other doulas, vendors and educators. Sebok, whos been a certified doula for nine months and has joined Richards in forming the group Decatur Doulas, was excited to speak to expectant mothers about a doulas role before, during and after birth. It was awesome, said the 21-year-old, who became passionate about birth in high school and has been a certified doula for about nine months. From speaking to women about everything from what doulas do and different kinds of births to the benefits and process of placenta encapsulation, Sebok felt the four-hour event was beneficial. I feel like we educated women on their options and met some potential clients, and more importantly, we got to network and connect with other people who are in the same business as we are. Expectant parents Taisia and Nate Christin of Virden, whose first baby is due in August, gained a wealth of valuable information from the meet-up. We really enjoyed the baby-led weaning information and all of the breastfeeding information, said Taisia, 28. Its also been really nice to talk to other moms and hear their tips and affirmation, too. Soon-to-be mom Sam Carr of Sherman said the event helped her realize how much she didnt know. This has made me realize how much I need to research, but its been such good information, she said as she left Seboks presentation. Its really been a day full of Thats good to know. Drawing more than 60 attendees, organizers Andria Crawford-Whitehead, Jessica Coonrod and Rachel Rehwaldt-Izatt are hopeful that the Central Illinois Birth and Babies Meet-Up becomes an annual event and meets a need for parents and parents-to-be. The event went really well and were so glad to see the interest and support here in Central Illinois, said Crawford-Whitehead. We wanted to connect people with good resources, and if even just one person makes a connection here that changes their world or their experience as a parent, Ill be happy. Richards said she wishes thered been more events like the Central Illinois Birth and Babies Meet-Up when shed been pregnant with her oldest son. I think things could have been different (with Sheas birth) if Id had the right connections, she said. But she doesnt regret what she learned from that experience. I think having the two birth experiences I did has opened the door for me to help women of all different backgrounds and different experiences, she said. That was the case for Jennifer Wester, who realized she wanted to pursue a more natural birth for her second child after a long, 17-hour labor with her daughter Ruby, 5. Being a first-time mom, you just dont know what to expect (with labor), so I took the route of medication, said Wester, 38, of Decatur, adding that she did not have a doula for Rubys birth. I had an injection that helped with pain, and then I did end up getting an epidural, and with taking the medication, I was confined to a hospital bed for most of my labor and that kind of hindered things. My labor was very frustrating, and I just didnt want to have that frustration again (in my second birth). After watching the 2008 documentary The Business of Being Born, which explores and compares different childbirth methods, Wester knew she wanted something much different for her second birth. Something just clicked with me (after watching the documentary), she explained. Id heard of women delivering naturally, but I just always thought, Thats crazy, why would anyone do that if theres medicine available? But after I went through my first birth, I thought I might want to try that, so I started educating myself more on natural births and I sought out a midwife and a doula. Last May, Wester went into labor with her son, Roman, with Certified Nurse Midwife Debra Lowrance, Richards and her husband by her side, and after laboring less than 12 hours, Roman arrived peacefully through a natural, unmedicated birth. Liz was a very important piece to the puzzle (of Romans birth), said Wester. There were so many pieces of the puzzle that made his labor one of the top moments of my life. Its just incredible and I wish that every woman could feel that. Every woman deserves that, and doulas are such an important piece to that. Its nice to have someone whos knowledgeable of what could happen in labor and what to do to help. While birth can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and challenging at times, both Richards and Sebok said their work brings them immense joy. My favorite part of being a doula is helping families find options and helping them discover the power theyve had all along, said Richards. Watching a baby being born is the most beautiful thing Ive ever seen, so getting to be a part of that is incredible, said Sebok. I cant believe its my job and Im getting paid for it. I feel like I should be paying (the parents) for letting me help. Summer in the city can be dangerous for pets. Hot cars, swimming pools with steep sides or waterfront docks, and picnics where dogs can sneak a helping of raisins or grapes tasty to you but potentially poisonous to your animal friend all pose a problem, say veterinarians who work in critical care. Popular summertime activities like watersports, plus increased temperatures and humidity, also up the potential for cats or dogs to be injured or even killed, said Dr. Lynel Tocci, an animal critical care vet at Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A few months ago, a Boca Raton, Fla., woman rushed to the clinic with her cockapoo that had tumbled into the house pool, Tocci said. The puppy had inhaled water while struggling to get out and required 36 hours of oxygen treatments and intravenous fluids, but it recovered. While many hazards to animals lurk year-round, there are potential pet danger zones you should be aware of as summer moves in. Swimming pools, docks and canals: People assume dogs can swim so theyre safe around water, Tocci said. While most pooches can paddle a bit, they can injure themselves or drown while frantically trying to climb out of a steep-sided pool or up a barnacle-covered sea wall. Tocci advises residents who have pools to drown-proof their pooches by wading into the water with them and training them to seek out the steps. Pool fences also are a good idea, she said. If youre a watersports fan, make sure to outfit your pets with life jackets if they are going to be spending time on boat or docks, she said. Hot cars: Heat stroke from leaving animals in the car is a big deal, Tocci said. Cracking the window isnt going to work. The problem is compounded by people traveling more with their pets, she said. When its 85 degrees outside, temperatures inside a car can soar to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Your pet can suffer irreversible organ damage or die. But heres the good news: Prevention is simple, Tocci said. Just dont leave your dog or cat in a car this summer. High-rise balconies: Be careful about leaving your balcony door open to catch a summer breeze. Tocci said she recently treated a cat that jumped off a ninth-floor patio after being accidentally left outside. While this kitty amazingly survived with little more than a broken leg, another pet wasnt so fortunate. A blind dog brought to Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists died from a balcony fall, Tocci said. High-rise dwellers must make sure their railings are high enough, and bars or screening secure enough, before letting their pets onto the balcony, she said. Your home: Food, plants and medications are among the common household items that can injure or poison pets, said Dr. Stacey West, a vet at Boca Veterinary Clinic in Boca Raton who has worked in animal emergency care. Raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and garlic are toxic to dogs. Lilies are poisonous to cats, and the objects they play with, like yarn, can cause potentially fatal intestinal blockages if swallowed. I always tell people that they need to treat their pets like they are toddlers. They will go after anything, West said. Your yard and neighborhood: When outdoors, be on the lookout for snakes and rat bait or garbage like chicken bones that someone may have thrown in the grass. If your pet is vomiting, has diarrhea, is not eating or in pain, call your veterinary immediately, West said. For a list of items that are toxic to pets, call 1-800-213-6680, or go to petpoisonhelpline.com. Online information is free, but there is a one-time $49 fee for a phone consultation. Places that are fun for humans but not necessarily for pets: Chances are good your pooch would rather stay home than get overheated or stepped on at a loud, hot, crowded art festival or outdoor concert, Tocci said. She said she regularly treats injuries incurred at dog parks. So if you go, make sure your dog is well socialized and leashed and watch out for canine bullies, Tocci said. Oh, and if you are one of those pet parents who has a full wardrobe for your furkid? Dont leave your sharp-dressed dog unattended. West treated one that managed to get tangled in its outfit, rolled off a bed and broke its leg. During one of Wests more interesting emergency room shifts, she said she treated four dogs in one night for marijuana toxicity. I guess they like to eat it, she said. Another time, she tended to a puppy sickened by inhaling pot smoke. So remember, your idea of a good time may not be so great for your pet. DECATUR Charles J. Tillman, a 19-year-old Decatur man, was sentenced to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after he pleaded guilty Friday to a felony charge of child pornography, for possessing a photo of a partially nude girl. Tillman was arrested Jan. 28 after the girl told police that he had a photo of her taken when she was 15 years old. She said he pressured her for sex in exchange for keeping it off the internet. "Charles sent (the victim) the nude photo of her and said that he was going to expose her on Facebook," a police affidavit said. As part of his plea agreement, one count of child pornography and one count of indecent solicitation of a child were dismissed. Tillman was ordered to register as a sexual predator for the rest of his life, and pay $2,100 in fines. Tillman, who will receive credit for time served in jail since his arrest, was represented by Assistant Public Defender Scott Rueter. Assistant State's Attorney Kate Kurtz was the prosecutor in the case. Federal law states that it is illegal to make or transmit sexually suggestive images or images of sexual conduct of anyone younger than 18. DECATUR Brian L. Mays, one of three Tennessee men arrested Dec. 16 as they were about to break into a Mount Zion house while armed with loaded firearms, was convicted by a jury of attempted home invasion, attempted armed robbery and attempted residential burglary. Mays showed no emotion as Circuit Judge R.C. Bollinger read the verdict at about 11:30 a.m. Friday. Mays, 40, who has served three prior prison sentences in Tennessee for crimes that include aggravated sexual battery, will be sentenced to between six and 30 years in prison June 29. He did not testify at his trial. The two men who drove from Tennessee with him, Malachi Gordon, his 24-year-old nephew, and Joseph L. Blye, 33, previously pleaded guilty to felony charges in connection with this incident. They will also be sentenced in June. Mark A. Doolen, 29, a Niantic resident who has served four prison terms in Tennessee, agreed to a guilty plea in exchange for a four-year prison sentence. Testimony at the Mays trial showed that police officers were called to the 1500 block of Wildwood Drive about 4:30 a.m Dec. 16 after a newspaper carrier reported suspicious activity. They found Doolen sitting in a vehicle. He told police the other occupants of the vehicle were about to rob a drug dealer. The other three men were apprehended by Mount Zion police officers. Three loaded firearms were found in the vicinity. A .22-caliber revolver, believed to be the weapon Mays had been carrying, was found near him. Mays had a pair of rubber gloves in his pocket, identical to gloves used by the other suspects. In her closing argument, Assistant Macon County State's Attorney Lindsey Shelton said Doolen called Blye, his best friend, on Dec. 12, to tell him he saw $30,000 and plenty of drugs when he was at a party. Mays, Blye and Gordon drove to Illinois with firearms and gloves, picked up Doolen about 2:30 a.m., drove around talking about the money and drugs and parked near the home of the intended victim. Assistant Public Defender Tiffany Senger said the witness who testified about details of the case was not credible because he repeatedly changed his story. There was no DNA of Mays on any of the guns. The Tennessee men all came to the area just to hang out with Doolen, Senger told the jurors. They had guns because when you meet a drug dealer you might want to be armed just in case. Shelton said they didn't bring overnight bags or toothbrushes from Tennessee, just guns and ammo. What if they want to reload while they're up here? Shelton said. They didn't come to town at 2:30 a.m. to hang out, but to surprise the victim and steal what he had. That's what makes sense, Shelton said. MATTOON -- New Lake Land College graduate Melissa Fitzpatrick said going back to school was challenging, but she received a lot of encouragement and support at home from her three children. The Pana resident said, as a parent, she has always tried to ensure that her children know the importance of higher education. Fitzpatrick said, as a student, that she tried to set a good example for her children by working hard to earn her associate degree in nursing and certification as a registered nurse. "My kids are my inspiration. I didn't just go back to school for me. I did it for my kids," Fitzpatrick said. "I want them to see their mom accomplish something great." Her children -- Brady, 15, Grace, 12, and Luke, 6 -- were in the audience, along with other family members, as Fitzpatrick took part in the nurse pinning ceremony and then the commencement ceremony Friday in Lake Land's Field House. Fitzpatrick said she earned her certification as a licensed practical nurse in 1998 a couple of years after graduating from high school and has been working as an LPN ever since. "I have always wanted to go back to school, but the time never seemed right. A few years ago, I finally decided I was going to do it," Fitzpatrick said, adding that being a registered nurse will give her more opportunities to advance in her profession. She started going back to school in 2013 by taking prerequisite classes for the RN program. Fitzpatrick said she was thankful to be able to take some of her classes online and to take others close to home at Lake Land's Western Region Center in Pana. Fitzpatrick, who is a single mom, said she needed two years to complete her prerequisite classes while continuing to work 12-hour shifts at a nursing home in Pana to help support her family. She often went straight to her night classes after work. "I spent a lot of nights staying up late and studying for tests and doing schoolwork," Fitzpatrick said. "I don't know how I did it, but somehow I did." In fall 2015, she was accepted into the RN program. Fitzpatrick said she needed to cut back on her hours at work so she could be a full-time student, including having three days per week of clinical experience at health care facilities. Fitzpatrick said her income was reduced while she was a full-time student, so she was overjoyed to receive the Karen Fuqua Memorial Scholarship through the Lake Land College Foundation. "I really needed that scholarship. That helped us make it through. I was thankful for that. I got that just at the right time," Fitzpatrick said. She added that, "Everyone I have had contact with at Lake Land has been extremely helpful." Fitzpatrick said it was a tough year in the RN program, but she set her mind to completing this program. Fitzpatrick said she relied on her inner strength and on the support of her family. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. Low near 55F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. Low near 55F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. The war that restarted in April has engendered new questions regarding which many have their opinions and answers. That war also brought back to the fore the May 1994 cease-fire agreement achieved by the relentless efforts of Russian diplomat and co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Ambassador Vladimir Kazimirov. During the war itself and since then both Yerevan and Stepanakert have placed the violation of that agreement by Azerbaijan at the center of their diplomatic campaigns and they have highlighted the permanency or no-end-date nature of the cease-fire. Both official and non-official sources on the Armenian side have ascribed such a dimension to the May agreement. The May 1994 agreement, composed of three separate documents, has two parallel provisions, two fundamental points: the declaration of a cease-fire and the initiating of a 30-day period of intensive negotiations to achieve a larger political agreement. The May 1994 agreement does not contain the word permanent or any other term that may convey the same meaning. And that fact presented the parties to the conflict with at least a degree of uncertainty. That is, what was the relationship between the two fundamental points of the agreement? Did the 30-day provision constitute an end-date for the cease-fire? What would happen after 30 days had passed since the signing of the agreement, especially since no one expected a larger political agreement to be signed in 30 days? The May agreement was not followed by an intensive period of negotiations aiming at the signing of a larger political agreement. There were only proposals from OSCE to strengthen the cease-fire, proposals that reached nowhere. Russia did not use the advantage it had achieved with the May agreement to expedite negotiations that would lead to a political agreement. As I remember events and recall my impressions, all three capitals were inclined to view the May agreement as a temporary one. If that was not so, one would have difficulty explaining why all three parties to the conflict participated actively in the initiatives undertaken subsequently by Yerevan. That is, clearly there was need for additional documents. At the end, considering the paralysis of the Minsk Group and the absence of new steps by Russia, Yerevan decided to proceed with direct negotiations with Stepanakert and Baku to achieve the goals of a permanent cease-fire. At the end of June 1994 Yerevan undertook certain diplomatic steps to both strengthen the cease-fire and turn it into a permanent one. At first Yerevan tried to achieve this through the Minsk Group chairmanship. The Minsk Group was unable to respond positively to Yerevans proposal, while Russia attempted, for a moment, to regain the initiative, an attempt that came close to derailing Yerevans initiative. Yerevan, pursuing its goal stubbornly, undertook direct negotiations with Baku and Stepanakert and achieved success. The three parties to the conflict signed a new document on July 28. It is that document which for the first time uses terminology indicating that the parties have agreed to a cease-fire that has no end-date. The July 28 document reconfirms the cease-fire agreed to in May, it repeats the need for a period of intensive negotiations to achieve a larger political agreement, but adds a new provision that states: The conflicting parties are obligated to confirm during the agreed period their cease-fire responsibilities and to maintain the cease-fire until the signing of the major political agreement which entails the complete cessation of the military hostilities. It is in this document that the parties to the conflict agreed to maintain the cease-fire until the political agreement is signed. The members of the OSCE Minsk Group, including Russia, learned about the signing of such an agreement from September 2, 1994 letter sent by the Foreign Ministry of Armenia to the OSCE chairman-in-Office. Furthermore, in order to dispel any uncertainty that may have remained regarding the absence of a connection between the 30-day intensive negotiation requirement and the duration of the cease-fire, once more at the initiative of Yerevan and through direct negotiations Azerbaijans issued a statement on August 28, 30 days after the signing of the July 28 document, reconfirming what was new in the July document: the commitment of the parties to maintain the cease-fire until the signing of the political agreement. As a result of the same initiative from Yerevan the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh too issued a statement in the same sense one day later, on August 29. Two notes. First, I have deemed it necessary to make this correction not only because of historyI have written about this matter in far more detail in my next book that is in preparation--but also because it is necessary to understand the role of various players, the importance of the permanency of the cease-fire that was perceived even at that time, and the necessity of appreciating negotiating methodologies that can be productive. Second, considering that the relevant documents may have been gone unnoticed or even lost at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, in June 2013 I turned over to the Ministry a full set of these documents copied from the copies I had in my files because Baku had started insisting that Azerbaijan had never made a commitment to maintain a long term cease-fire. Jirair Libaridian Advisor to the President of Armenia, 1991-1994, First deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, 1993-1994, Senior Advisor to the President 1994-1997, historian and diplomat. Some of Madison's dancers and acrobats have been "playing" with AcroYoga on the square on Saturdays. According to these AcroYoga enthusiasts i Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close House Speaker Paul Ryan of Janesville told reporters he and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump "planted the seeds" for common ground at their meeting Thursday. Your Right to Know: State should support student expression Vintage Brewing Co. is finalizing plans to begin construction this summer on a massive brewpub and banquet facility along the the Wisconsin River in Sauk City. No sale has been finalized, but village officials have tentatively agreed to sell the Madison company a vacant piece of land at the corner of Water and Polk streets, where plans call for a combined 27,000 square feet of brewing, restaurant and rooftop space across three levels. Trent Kraemer, who owns Vintage along with his wife, Brittany, cousins Scott and Bryan Manning, uncle Mark Kraemer, and family friend Mike Bridges, said the expansive facility will dramatically increase the companys brewing capacity and will allow it to host weddings and other banquet-type events. Its a pretty large undertaking for us, Kraemer said. Were really going to try to make it into a regional destination with the architecture and the scope of what we can do. Its got beautiful views. The land that will be used for the project was purchased by the village years ago to hold for future development. In the interim, village officials had moved a pair of historic buildings onto the property, but village president James Anderson said those buildings were recently moved to make way for Vintage Brewing. We have not only been excited, weve been very supportive because in town here, weve not had a space for weddings or reunions. So, this will bring some of that business back into the village, Anderson said. Vintage, which operates a Downtown Madison bar and a West Side brewpub, opened a satellite pub called the Woodshed Ale House in Sauk City in 2013. Kraemer said village officials approached the company about expanding in Sauk City, but family ties to the area solidified the decision. Plans for the new location will include about 10,000 square feet of restaurant, bar and banquet space and 7,000 square feet for rooftop and outdoor mezzanine space overlooking the Wisconsin River. The 10,000-square-foot brewery in the facilitys lower level will produce between 8,000 and 9,000 barrels of beer per year about five times the capacity of the companys current flagship brewpub at 674 S. Whitney Way. Vintage routinely keeps a dozen of its beers on tap at its Downtown Madison location at 529 University Ave., more than 20 on tap at its Whitney Way brewpub, and 15 on tap at Woodshed Ale House, 101 Jackson St., Sauk City. Kraemer said hes most interested in using the new facility to produce new beers. Our philosophy has always been variety. Were not planning on buying two giant tanks and just filling them with our two best selling beers, he said. Anderson expects a land sale development agreement to be in place within the next six to eight weeks and construction to begin later this summer. Vintages goal is to open the new Sauk City location by next summer. No decision has been made about Woodshed Ale Houses future after Vintage opens, Kraemer said. A newly released consultants report recommends that county officials move toward closing the oldest parts of Dane County Jail with due haste. The preliminary report from consultants Mead and Hunt, Potter Lawson, and Pulitzer/Bogard and Associates, which was published Friday ahead of Tuesdays Public Protection and Judiciary Committee meeting, could lead to planning for an alternative jail. It estimated that it would cost more than $47 million to bring parts of the jail on the City-County Buildings sixth and seventh floors up to current building code, safety standards and supervision requirements, with at least $16.5 million in recurring annual costs. It also warned that officials should be extremely cautious in considering continued long-term use of that part of the jail, which was opened in 1954. 1954 thats Alcatraz era, Public Protection and Judiciary Committee chairman Paul Rusk said. Its the same layout as it was in 1954, so its an extremely inefficient layout. The Dane County Jail is housed across three buildings: the Downtown Public Safety Building and City-County Building, which are connected by a tunnel under South Carroll Street, and the work-release Ferris Center on the citys South Side. The consultants report dealt only with the City-County Building portion. Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney said he felt affirmed by the report. This report adds credibility to what we have been saying for over 10 years on the condition of the jail and potential liability to both the county leaders as well as the taxpayers, Mahoney said. Experts in the field theyre engineers, theyre architects theyve looked at the entire infrastructure of the building and they have now come back with the conclusion that it should be abandoned. In order to continue operation of the City-County Building, the report called for replacement of the jail cell bar fronts, which can serve as anchors for suicide attempts, and it found many of the buildings systems are outdated and in need of continuous repair due to age. Repairs are difficult since many of the parts, such as the original door hardware, are hard to find or require manufacturing because they are obsolete. The consultants also assessed the facilitys compliance with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and found the current layout and staffing offer inmates only intermittent and indirect supervision, making it impossible for the facility to meet PREA recommendations. Failure to comply with state and federal regulations leaves the county open to potential liability, the report states. Of the 338 cells in the City-County Building, the report found that 117 do not meet the current state Department of Corrections standard of 35 square feet of unencumbered floor space. Standards also require inmates to be within a maximum distance from an escape exit in the case of an emergency. The report found 48 of the jails cells currently exceed that maximum distance. Rusk emphasized the portion of the study released Friday is just the first part of the process to identify a solution for the problems with the jails facilities. The Public Protection and Judiciary Committee will hear a presentation and discuss the study at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in Room 257 of the City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Rusk said the committee will then vote, either at that meeting or the following week, on whether to pursue remodeling the facilities in the City-County Building. He said he believes that is unlikely given the high renovation costs outlined in the report. Im pretty sure were going to say dont go forward there, give us some better options that have long-term usefulness to the county, Rusk said. If the committee opts not to proceed with renovations in the City-County Building, the consultants will develop an alternative proposal that would likely integrate the facilities in the City-County Building into the Public Safety Building, he said. Rusk said he hopes the studys findings lead to improved efficiency by consolidating the two facilities. Conversations about how to address jail safety have been ongoing for several years. In 2014, Mahoney lobbied County Board members to consider building a jail, citing numerous safety problems and concerns with the existing facility. But with an estimated cost of $150 million, the proposal was struck from County Executive Joe Parisis 2015 capital budget. Contact Cadence Bambenek at 608-252-6143 or cbambenek@madison.com. Contact Jeff Glaze at 608-252-6138 or jglaze@madison.com. Dane County will issue domestic partnership declarations to opposite-sex couples, giving them the same legal benefits of same-sex couples, Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said Friday. McDonell said he is following the lead of Milwaukee Countys legal adviser and hoping to bring clarity to confusion. If you follow the legal logic of the ruling on same-sex marriage it is clear that opposite-sex couples also have equal protection rights and should also be allowed to apply for and receive state domestic partnerships, McDonell said. Many times I have talked to couples who are confused and wonder why only same-sex couples can apply for domestic partnerships. It frankly does not make sense and is not fair, he said. It was unclear what immediate effect, if any, this would have on domestic partnership regulations. The states domestic partner benefits information, for example, does not specify if domestic partners have to be of the same or opposite sex under the criteria to meet for those benefits to apply. McDonell said Dane County already has a handful of opposite-sex couples registered as domestic partners under the countys old law. County clerks around the state have discussed the change before, he said, already noting informally they were immediately on this unfairness that now gays and lesbians have two choices (marriage or domestic partnership) and heterosexuals have one choice. Why not just let everyone do it? The big difference between marriage and domestic partnership, he said, is that a partnership can be terminated more easily. The Milwaukee office of corporation counsels Friday letter about the opinion includes a footnote explaining that a resident recently asked her County Board supervisor why, in light of the same-sex marriage rulings, domestic partnerships were still limited to same-sex couples. That inquiry prompted this analysis. If same-sex couples who have registered as domestic partners get such benefits as qualifying for a partners health insurance coverage, or getting survivor interest in property, or qualifying for family leave, why cant opposite-sex partners get those benefits, too? McDonell asked. The legal opinion from Milwaukee County corporation counsel Paul Bargren states the same equal protection analysis that led the federal courts to declare Wisconsins ban on same-sex marriages to be unconstitutional applies to the attempt to limit domestic partnerships to same-sex couples. It is likewise unconstitutional. Though Dane County has a local ordinance allowing opposite-sex domestic partnerships, it has extremely limited benefits, McDonell said. The Milwaukee County opinion notes that Wisconsin law allows same-sex couples to form domestic partnerships and these partnerships are no longer limited to same-sex couples. That would be a violation of equal protection, Bargren said. In 2006, Wisconsin voters passed a constitutional amendment providing that only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state and prohibiting a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals. In 2009, the domestic partnership law created legal rights for a registering couple, with one of the five criteria being that the individuals are members of the same sex. Challenges and appeals of the laws through 2014 resulted in same-sex marriage becoming legal in Wisconsin. Bargrens opinion is that the decisions mean same-sex and opposite-sex couples are now similarly situated in the eyes of the law in terms of the right to marry. And if the gender is no longer reason to discriminate in marriage laws, it should not be a basis for discrimination in the lesser formalities of the domestic partnership laws. Thompson is scheduled for sentencing on September 15, 2016, before the Honorable Michael J. Reagan, at which time she faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, not more than 5 years of supervised release after her prison term, a mandatory special assessment of $100, and restitution. EAST ST. LOUIS - This week, Robin Thompson, a twenty-five year old Park Hills, Missouri, woman pled guilty in federal district court in East St. Louis, Illinois, to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of Minor and by Force, Fraud, or Coercion, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced Friday. Facts presented in court revealed that during a six-week period in June and July 2015, Thompson took part in a venture with her husband, co-defendant Marcus Dewayne Thompson, which involved the recruitment, transportation, and advertisement of a minor female from Illinois for commercial sex acts in Florida, Georgia and Louisiana. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Assyrians in North Iraq Pressured to Sign Petition for Kurdish Independence Dohuk, Iraq (AINA) -- Local and internally displaced Assyrians living in north Iraq are being pressured by Kurdish officials to sign a petition for Kurdish independence from Iraq. The petition is being distributed by Kurdish mayors in north Iraq in the areas surrounding Dohuk (Noohadra in Assyrian), including the villages of Cree Basee, Askari and Malta. The petition calls for the establishment of an independent Kurdish state and a national province called Nineveh, which includes the Nineveh Plains, the last stronghold of Assyrians in Iraq. Related: Timeline of ISIS in Iraq On August 7, 2014 ISIS drove into the Nineveh Plains, causing nearly 200,000 Assyrians to flee their homes and villages. Most have not returned and are now internally displaced in north Iraq, living in Dohuk and its surrounding areas, and in Ankawa, an Assyrian suburb of Arbel. According to Assyrians in Iraq, the leadership of the new Nineveh province will be headed by Sunni Arabs based in Mosul, who see themselves as potential allies of the Kurds. A separate petition circulated by Shammar Arabs, a Sunni tribe in north Iraq, asks signatories for support for joining the Kurdish territory. Here is the translation of the Kurdish petition for independence: Declaration of Allegiance We, the signatories listed here below, are internally displaced people to beloved Kurdistan. We thank the president, the government, and the people of Kurdistan for hospitality we were showered with. We declare: 1. We stand unified with the President of Kurdistan, Mr. Masoud Barazani, and the heroes of the Peshmarga troops, in support of them against terrorism and against any looming threats to the security and safety of the territory of Kurdistan. 2. We ask the President, Mr. Masoud al-Barazani, to supervise the operation of liberating Nineveh in collaboration with the Iraqi Army, and the "People troops" (from Nineveh) to assure the lawful conditions during and after the liberation on Nineveh. 3. We declare our support to return the annexed regions from Kurdistan back to Kurdistan. We also declare our full support to the right of Kurdistan to decide its fate to include its right to declare independent Kurdish state. 4. We support he creation of National Nineveh district, with its capital the City of Mosul in a strategic unity with the territory of Kurdistan, and to expedite the establishment of a transition committee for the territory of Kurdistan. Number Name ID Place of Displacement Telephone Signature 1 2 We have signed on our own volition with no pressure or coercion Date / /2016 Name of the signatory Name of lawyer Here is the translation of the Shammar tribe petition: As per the Forbes Global Rich List 2016, Mark Zuckerberg is the sixth richest person in the world with a net worth of 44.6 billion USD. By India Today Web Desk: The CEO and founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg is celebrating his 33rd birthday today (May 14, 2017). Zuckerberg became the youngest billionaire in the world at the age of 23 in the year 2008, as per a Forbes estimate. As per the Forbes Global Rich List 2017, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg moved up to number five for the first time in the richest people on the planet list, after his fortune rose 11.4 billion USD in 12 months. Mark Zuckerberg's total net worth is over 62 billion USD. Today on his birthday, we bring you some of the interesting and lesser known facts that you shouldn't miss about Mark Zuckerberg: 1. Facebook is blue because Zuckerberg is color-blind. Zuckerberg suffers from red/green colour blindness, which means the colour he can most easily see is blue.2. advertisement Zuckerberg learnt Chinese in the year 2010 just to communicate with his girlfriend Priscilla Chan's family members. 3. Zuckerberg is born to Jewish parents and considers himself an atheist. As per a report in Business Insider, Zuckerberg doesn't own a TV. 4. He dropped out of Harvard University to devote himself full-time to Facebook. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on stage after a town hall at Facebook's headquarters in Menlo Park, California in September 2015. 5. His annual salary at Facebook is 1 USD. 6. Zuckerberg, in his college days, invented Facemash, a program that was designed with the tenacity of finding out who is the most attractive person on campus. Later, the domain Facemash.com, the predecessor to Facebook that was built in 2003, was sold in 2010 for 30201 dollars. 7. Mark Zuckerberg wore a tie for the entire year in 2009 to show how serious and important the year was, following the recession that began in 2008. 8. Microsoft and AOL tried to hire him when he was in high school just when he had designed Synapse, a program that used artificial intelligence to learn users' music-listening habits. 9. Zuckerberg turned vegetarian in 2011 and stated that he would only eat the meat of animals that he killed himself. 10. Zuckerberg designed his wife Priscilla Chan's wedding ring, which is a ruby flanked on either side by diamonds. Mark Zuckerberg addressing a gathering during the Internet.org Summit in New Delhi in October 2014. 11. Mark, at the age of 13 had already created a basic computer network for his family, dubbed "Zucknet", which allowed the computers in the family and his father's dental office to send messages to each other through pinging. 12. Mark Zuckerberg holds about 50 patents to his name. The first was issued in November 2004 for the technology behind the Synapse Media Player. 13. Zuckerberg is involved in several legal battles: He was a billionaire at the age of 23 and he has been accused of intellectual theft, blasphemy and failure to uphold a contract. His longest-running legal battle was with twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss who claimed that Zuckerberg had stolen their idea for Facebook. 14. He possesses a Hungarian sheepdog named Beast, which has a Facebook page with over 2 million fans. 15. The Time magazine, since 2010, has named Zuckerberg among the 100 wealthiest and most influential people in the world as a part of its Person of the Year distinction. And, in 2011, Zuckerberg ranked first on the list of the "Most Influential Jews in the World" by The Jerusalem Post. 16. In July 2011, Zuckerberg became the most followed user on Google's social network Google+, surpassing its co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. 17. Mark Zuckerberg cannot be blocked on Facebook. If you want to give it a try, go to http://www.facebook.com/zuck and see what happens. Interested in General Knowledge and Current Affairs? Click here to stay informed and know what is happening around the world with our G.K. and Current Affairs section. To get more updates on Current Affairs, send in your query by mail to education.intoday@gmail.com. --- ENDS --- This year onwards, all the admissions pertaining to medical and dental colleges would be solely based on the percentile earned by a student in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). By India Today Web Desk: This year onwards, all the admissions pertaining to medical and dental colleges would be solely based on the percentile earned by a student in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Important points for NEET: The class 12 Boards marks would no longer have any bearing on the medical aspirant's position in the merit list of the medical colleges However, according to state health department officials, the minimum eligibility requirement for applying for admissions in the medical courses would be 50 percent marks in class 12 boards exam Officials emphasised that unless the Central government intervened, the admissions to all the medical courses will be exclusively based on NEET scores from this year onwards It was further revealed that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) would be sending a separate list of successful candidates to the state, which then, will enable each state to fill up their quota in tandem with the list Gujarat Health Minister, Nitin Patel revealed that he would visit Delhi along with Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and urge the Union government to intervene so that NEET is not made mandatory in atleast this year. The Gujarat government is also contemplating on conducting NEET in Gujarati Another request that the state government plans to make is to request the centre to remove any cut-off criteria or atleast lower the cutoff criteria for students of the state. advertisement Read: NEET in regional languages? Maharashta govt to file review petition Read: SC may give permission to hold NEET in 6 regional languages For information on more latest news and updates,click here. --- ENDS --- Virat Kohli became the first player to score three centuries in an IPL season and AB de Villiers smashed the fastest ton of this edition as the RCB duo humbled the Gujarat Lions bowling attack and helped RCB post 248. By Akshay Ramesh: It was a must-win game for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The home team, green-clad, were put into bat by the high-flying Gujarat Lions. (IPL Full Coverage) RCB openers Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle were struggling to put bat to ball in the first four overs. Gujarat pacer Dhawal Kulkarni ended Gayle's struggle at the crease in the fourth over and it looked like Brendon McCullum's decision paid off. (Twitter reacts to ABD-Kohli masterclass) advertisement ABD show However, AB de Villiers, who came in at No. 3, didn't take long to get to his brutal best at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In the very first over, the South African deposited mystery spinner Shivil Kaushik into the deep extra-cover stands. It was just a back-foot punch but it had the wings to sail over the boundary ropes. De Villiers went on with his big-hitting routine smashing the experienced Pravin Tambe this time in the sixth over. RCB, who were struggling in the first four, looked on track at the end of the seventh over, 18 balls after De Villiers walked in. Cautious start Kohli was happy enough to play second fiddle in the initial stages of the innings. De Villiers got to his fifty in just 25 balls. McCullum was searching for answers, looking to stop the carnage. Jadeja tried to calm things down but he too was taken to the cleaners by a rampaging de Villiers in his last two overs. De Villiers went after Praveen Kumar in the sixteenth over and in no time moved from 77 to the three-figure mark. The South African batsman had struck the fastest IPL century of this season. Shifting gears At the other end, Kohli, who was batting on 51 at the end of the 16th over, shifted gears and took on the helpless Gujarat Lions' bowling line-up. And it took only 13 balls for Kohli to race to his century. Kohli perished just after becoming the first player to score three centuries in a single IPL season. De Villiers, who was on 129 off 52 balls, watched two dot balls being bowled from the other end as Watson tailed Kohli to the dressing room. Sure, De Villiers would have hated it. Kohli-ABD broke quite a few records today. Here are few of them... 248 is the second highest team total in IPL. The 229-run stand between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers is the highest ever stand in T20s. AB de Villiers recorded the fifth fastest century in the history of IPL. AB de Villiers, with 12 sixes, has hit the most number of sixes in an innings this season. Kohli (677) breaks Uthappa's record (660) for most runs in a season by an opener. --- ENDS --- By PTI: Kokrajhar (Assam), May 14 (PTI) Altogether 22 people, including children and women, fell ill in Assams Kokrajhar district after consuming free medicines from a mobile medical unit (MMU) of NRHM, official sources said today. A free medical camp was held at Tetlipara village yesterday and free medicines were distributed by the MMU and 22 patients fell ill after consuming them, they said. advertisement They were admitted to nearby hospitals where the condition of two of them was stated to be serious. The rest were out of danger, the sources said. Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Madhab Prasad Sharma said an investigation was ordered into the incident and samples of the drugs distributed in the camp were being examined. PTI COR ESB KK SUA SUA --- ENDS --- By PTI: From Anisur Rahman Dhaka, May 14 (PTI) A 70-year-old Buddhist monk was today brutally hacked to death inside a remote monastery in Bangladesh, with police saying the incident bore the hallmark of previous killings of secular activists, bloggers and minorities by Islamists in the Muslim-majority nation. Mawng Shoi Wuu, chief of the monastery located in the isolated and rugged Naikkhangchari area of Bandarban hill district, was found dead this morning by a Buddhist devotee as he went to serve him breakfast, police said. advertisement "The assailants slit his throat...It appears he was murdered sometime after the midnight when he was staying alone at the monastery," officer-in-charge of Naikkhangchhari police station Kazi Ahsan told PTI over phone. The killing bears the hallmark of previous murders of intellectuals, bloggers and minorities by Islamists in the country. No group has claimed responsibility for the murder of the monk so far and an investigation has been ordered to track down the assailants. The monastery was situated at an isolated area away from the villages in the neighbourhood and Mawng Shoi Wuu used to live there alone, locals said. The latest murder comes exactly a week after a 65-year- old Muslim Sufi preacher was hacked to death in a similar attack by unidentified machete-wielding assailants in northwestern Rajshahi city. There have been systematic assaults in Bangladesh in recent weeks especially targeting minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and foreigners. In the recent attacks, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death last month by machete-wielding ISIS militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. Two days later, Bangladeshs first gay magazine editor was brutally murdered along with a friend in his flat in Dhaka by Islamists. On April 30, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants in his shop in central Bangladesh. The ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Indian Peninsula have claimed responsibility for some of the attacks although the government denies their presence in Bangladesh. PTI AR/SAI ZH AKJ ZH --- ENDS --- Cracks had developed in the hull of the navy fleet tanker as she escorted INS Vikramaditya back from Russia. By Gaurav C Sawant: The government has sought details on alleged irregularities in the purchase of two naval ships from an Italian firm when the UPA was in power, India Today learnt on Friday, a development that comes against the backdrop of a political storm over the scandal-hit AgustaWestland chopper deal. The complainant, who wishes to remain anonymous, quoted from a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, while alleging that warship-grade steel was not used in the manufacture of the fleet tankers procured from shipbuilding company Fincantieri and "inferior grade" commercial steel was used. advertisement Insisting that there was no witch hunt, government sources said the ministry of defence is discreetly inquiring into certain allegations and if something substantive emerges, a formal probe may be ordered. But in early 2014, vice admiral Shekhar Sinha, then flag officer commanding-in-chief of western naval command, had flagged in a letter written to the naval headquarters the issue of steel used in the manufacture of the fleet tankers that provide frontline warships with fuel, water and other essentials while out in the sea. In fact, vice admiral Sinha had ordered an inquiry into the cracks that developed in the hull of the fleet tanker as she escorted INS Vikramaditya back from Russia. "We were stunned to learn that the ship had developed a crack on her journey back from Russia and had to be pulled into Lisbon. The Original Equipment Manufacturers (Fincantieri) flew in a team to Lisbon and repaired the crack," Sinha told India Today. The navy promptly ordered an inspection of the ship. "It was a fairly big crack that had been patched up but we came to the conclusion that it probably would not have happened if warship-grade steel was used originally in manufacturing the ship," Sinha added. He also wrote to the naval headquarters in the Capital to further investigate aspects of commercial grade steel being used instead of military specifications as laid out in the original RFP but didn't get a reply while in service. The CAG report also says, "The original request for proposal (RFP) had a mandatory stipulation requiring the use of DMR 249A or equivalent grade steel in the construction of the two fleet tankers which is almost double the cost of ordinary steel." The navy sought two additional fleet tankers to maintain its force levels by 2008 and 2011 at a cost of Rs 936 crore. An RFP was issued in November 2005. Three firms - M/s Rosoboronexport, Hyundai Heavy Industries and Fincantieri of Italy - are learnt to have responded. Of the three, only Rosoboronexport offered a technical proposal of using DMR 249A or equivalent. The auditor in its report said that DMR 249 A is a high-quality steel used for naval applications with specific weight and resilience qualities. The steel is almost double the cost of ordinary steel. It went on to say that DH 36 grade steel has less weight and less resilience when compared to DMR 249 A. The chemical composition of DH 36 grade steel and DMR 249A steel is different and they cannot be treated as equivalent to each other. advertisement The navy conceded that there was a "minor" incident on the high seas with the fleet tanker. "Necessary procedures were followed diligently prior to the acquisition of these tankers. All approvals were obtained before signing the contracts. A few minor cracks were observed in the super structure perhaps due to a combination of factors including temperature and high seas. OEMs carried out repairs," said Navy spokesperson Captain DK Sharma. "There is no witch hunt, but when certain facts have emerged they will be looked into," Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS in the prime minister's office, told India Today. But the Congress struck back at what it terms are "selective leaks" to malign its image. Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Never met Sonia Gandhi, can't say there were no kickbacks, says Christian Michel The men and women named in AgustaWestland scam: A primer --- ENDS --- advertisement The incident took place at the JP Nagar police station on Thursday when the youth accompanied his friend, whose mobile was stolen the previous night by miscreants in the same locality. By India Today Web Desk: A youth, who accompanied his friend to a police station in Bengaluru to lodge a complaint, was allegedly shooed away by the senior officials as he was inappropriately dressed! Consequently, his friend lodged the complaint while he had to wait outside the police station. The incident took place at the JP Nagar police station on Thursday when the youth accompanied his friend, whose mobile was stolen the previous night by miscreants in the same locality. "On Thursday morning when I entered the police station with my friend, the inspector took objection to my dress (shorts). He asked me to come back in trouser to lodge the complaint. I was made to stand outside the station while my friend completed the formalities," the youth told the local media in Bengaluru. He has brought the matter to the notice of the senior official concerned. The girl, who lost her mobile, alleged that the police made fun of her for having lost the mobile phone in public. According to the complainant, she was walking homeward Wednesday evening when bike-borne miscreants snatched mobile phone from her hand. advertisement Also read: Notorious extorter lady takes Bengaluru cops for a ride --- ENDS --- The family have reportedly said that they do not have faith in investigation of Bihar police and want the crime branch to take up the case. The 42-year-old journalist was shot at from point-blank range near the Siwan railway stations in Bihar on Friday. He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared 'dead on arrival'. Police said that he received two bullets, one on his head and another in his neck. SP Siwan's Saurabh Kumar said, "It seems six people have carried out the murder. 3 people have been detained. We have zeroed in on the gang that could be behind the killing and the gang has links with Shahabuddin. We expect to crack the case by tomorrow morning." By PTI: Salem/Virudhunagar (TN), May 13 (PTI) Senior BJP leaders Rajnath Singh and Prakash Javadekar today hit out at the DMK and AIADMK, which have alternately ruled Tamil Nadu, for introducing "freebie culture" in the state and said what the people wanted was employment and not freebies. "In the last 10 years, by giving freebies to the public, government has spent Rs 11,500 crore. Both DMK and AIADMK want to rule the state by giving away freebies," Singh said at an election meeting in Salem. advertisement Both the Dravidian parties had brainwashed the people by giving away freebies, he alleged. The Union Home Minister said during the 10 years Congress- led UPA rule at the Centre, there were several scams, including the Rs 1.76 lakh crore 2G scam. However, since the BJP-led NDA assumed power and adopted a transparent policy, coal auction had netted a profit of Rs two lakhs crore. He also referred to the December 2015 floods in Chennai and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had rushed to Tamil Nadu to take stock of the situation and sanctioned Rs 2,000 crore to the state. In Virudhunagar, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said there was no use in implementing the freebie scheme when what people wanted was not freebies, but jobs. Citing the example of giving 20 kg rice free of cost, he said the Centre was bearing Rs 32 as cost and the state government was spending only Rs three. He criticised DMK and AIADMK for promising to bring in prohibition and said though they had assured it in their manifestos, neither party would do so. He claimed that only BJP was capable of it and would implement it if voted to power. PTI COR APR KIS --- ENDS --- CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury claims that there is a swing in favour of LDF in the upcoming elections scheduled on May 16. By Jeemon Jacob: After hectic poll campaign in Kerala, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury feels that BJP led NDA will not open its account in Kerala Assembly. Confident Yechury claims that there is a swing in favour of LDF in the upcoming elections scheduled on May 16. "We are confidant that LDF will come to power in Kerala. After visiting several constituencies and receiving reports from various districts, we feel that LDF has a clear edge over both UDF and NDA," Yechury told media while addressing a Meet the Press programme at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club Today. advertisement "If ever BJP opens accounts in Kerala, thanks to Congress. They are on a match-fixing mode and chief minister Oommen Chandy spilled the beans when he said that BJP is main rival in Kerala. They have been doing it since 1982. Whenever BJP's vote share declined, Congress won in Kerala," Yechury pointed out. According to him, LDF will win the poll in Kerala for three reasons. Corruption of Chandy government. Modi government's wrong economic policies and its dismaying performances. LDF is the only alternative to rescue the state from shambles. Yechury even attacked PM Narendra Modi for promoting and patronising Hindutva and destabilising secular fabric of the country. "NIA has given clean chit to the accused in the Malegaon blast case and dropped MCOCA charges against the accused. Now, the public prosecutors appears in the case and claim that NIA twisted their arms to go slow in the case. It's a clear case of patronising and protecting Hindutva terror elements," Yechury said. When asked about who will be the chief minister if LDF wins the poll in Kerala, he left it on people to guess. "Let the people decide who will win and we will decide the chief minister after the poll", he said with a smile. According to him, BJDS, the Ezhava party sponsored by Sree Narayana Darma Paripalana Yogam will not cut the vote of LDF. "The party stands against basic principle Guru has preached. So none will join the band to vote for BJP from Ezhava community," he expressed his confidence. He had hinted that liquor policy of LDF would not be that of UDF government. "We are committed to reduce the consumption of liquor in Kerala. The elected government will look into the policy and frame appropriate guidelines," he replied. ALSO READ | BJP falls in its own Hindutva trap in Kerala --- ENDS --- Unidentified criminals fired at Rajdev Ranjan, the bureau chief of the Hindi daily Hindustan, on Friday. Unidentified criminals fired at Rajdev Ranjan, the bureau chief of the Hindi daily Hindustan, on Friday. By Giridhar Jha: In another example of growing lawlessness in Bihar, a senior journalist was shot dead at Siwan in Bihar on Friday. Unidentified criminals fired at Rajdev Ranjan , the bureau chief of the Hindi daily Hindustan in the district, was shot at from point-blank range near the railway station. The 42-year-old journalist was rushed to the hospital where he was declared 'dead on arrival'. According to police, he received two bullets, one on his head and another in his neck. advertisement Preliminary investigations revealed that five assailants were waiting for him while he was returning home in the evening. They shot him twice resulting in his death on the spot. The killing came barely a day after another journalist Indradeo Yadav was gunned down in Chatra district of the adjoining Jharkhand state. Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad had on Friday condemned the killing of Yadav and hit out at the Raghubar Das government for the law and order situation. Condemning the killing, Bharatiya Janata Party alleged that the Nitish Kumar government had lost control over the law and order situation. The state party president Mangal Pandey said that the criminals having political patronage were ruling the roost in Bihar. Last week, a 19-year-old youth was killed allegedly by Rocky Yadav, the son of the ruling Janata Dal-United legislator Manorama Devi and a local bahubali (strongman) Bindeshwari Yadav, in a case of road rage in Gaya. The JD(U) had since suspended Manorama while Rocky and Bindeshwari had been sent to jail. The Opposition has sought imposition of the President's Rule in BIhar due to deteriorating law and order situation. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Minister Ram Murti Singh Verma was on Tuesday booked along with five others in connection with the killing of a journalist by setting him afire in Shahjahanpur district. An FIR has been registered against Minister for Backward Classes Welfare Ram Murti Singh Verma, Inspector Sri Prakash Rai besides four others for allegedly killing Jagendra Singh by setting him afire, police said. The FIR has been lodged under IPC 302 (murder), 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 506 (criminal intimidation). According to the deceased's family, Jagendra had posted messages on Facebook against the minister and regarding his alleged involvement in illegal mining and land grabbing. Also read: Journalist Rajdeo Ranjan shot dead in Bihar's Siwan --- ENDS --- Police said that assailants slit his throat sometime during Friday night. By Reuters: An elderly Buddhist monk was hacked to death on Saturday at a temple in Bangladesh, police said. The body of Mongsowe U Chak, 75, was found at the isolated temple where he lived alone in Naikkhangchhari village, about 338 kilometers (211 miles) southeast of Dhaka, police said. Police said they did not know the motive of the killing and no one had been arrested. advertisement The Muslim-majority nation of 160 million people has seen a surge in violent attacks over the past few months in which liberal activists, members of minority Muslim sects and other religious groups have been targeted by Islamist extremists. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for some of the killings although the government denies the Sunni militant group has a presence in the country, saying homegrown extremists are behind the attacks. Also read: Turkey withdraws Bangladesh ambassador after Jamaat-e-Islami leader Nizami's execution --- ENDS --- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said that not only China but also a lot of other NSG members are of the view that Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is the cornerstone for safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. By PTI: Defending its move to block India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China today claimed that several members of the 48-nation block shared its view that signing of the NPT was an "important" standard for the NSG's expansion. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said that not only China but also a lot of other NSG members are of the view that Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is the cornerstone for safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Lu said the NSG is an important part of NPT, which has been the consensus of the international community for long. Although India is not part of the NSG, Indian side recognises this consensus, he claimed. "All the multilateral non-proliferation export control regime including the NSG has regarded NPT as an important standard for the expansion of the NSG," he said. Avoiding any references to Pakistan, Lu said "Apart from India, lot of other countries expressed their willingness to join. Then it raised the question to the international community - Shall the non-NPT members also become part of the NSG?" he said. "The international community believes that there should be a side discussion in the NSG on this issue and decision should be made in accordance with relevant rules. China's position is not directed against any specific country but applies to all the non-NPT members," he said. advertisement India, Pakistan, Israel and South Sudan were among four UN member states which have not signed the NPT, the international pact aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Last month Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that China has helped Pakistan to stall India's bid to get NSG membership. Also read: Eye on India, China raises Tibet military command rank to expand its combat role --- ENDS --- By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Washington, May 14 (PTI) China has increased defence capabilities and deployed more troops along the Indian border, the Pentagon has said, as it warned of increasing Chinese military presence including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan. "We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India," Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters during a news conference here after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China. advertisement However, Denmark said it is difficult to conclude on the real intention behind this. "It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration," he said in response to a question on China upgrading its military command in Tibet. Referring to US Defence Secretary Ashton Carters recent trip to India, Denmark said he had a very positive and productive visit. "Were going to continue to enhance our bilateral engagement with India, not in the China context, but because India is an increasingly important player by themselves. And we are going to engage India because of its value," he said. The Defence Department also warned of Chinas increasing military presence including bases in various parts of the world, in particular Pakistan - with which it has a "longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests". Chinas expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said. "China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries," the report said. The Pentagon in its report expressed its concerns about Chinese military buildup near the Indian border. "Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino- Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces. "After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides," it said. The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and, therefore, of China), and over the Askai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. (MORE) PTI LKJ SAI AKJ SAI --- ENDS --- advertisement Five girls in Sanjay Camp, near the Nigerian Embassy in the high-security diplomatic enclave, have confirmed that 21-year-old Johnny Ghosh sexually assaulted them. By Himanshu Mishra: A toy seller has been accused of raping minor girls in his neighborhood in a slum in Delhi's Chanakyapuri area. Five girls in Sanjay Camp, near the Nigerian Embassy in the high-security diplomatic enclave, have confirmed that 21-year-old Johnny Ghosh sexually assaulted them. Aged between seven and 12 years, the victims said they were lured into his small room on the pretext of fetching tea and snacks, or were offered toffees. advertisement One of the victims, a 12-year-old, told the media that she was tied up, drugged and raped. He fed me a white tablet because of which I fainted. Before leaving, he threatened me with a knife,?? the girl said. A native of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, Johnny, has been abusing the girls since two months. The incident came to light on May 3 when one of the victims, a nine-year-old, told her mother. My daughter seemed scared when I returned from work. I scolded her for hiding things from me, after which she revealed that she had been raped by Johnny,?? said the girls mother. The girls family then thrashed Johnny before handing him over to the police. He has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). Johnnys role as an alleged serial sexual offender emerged when the girl was giving her statement before a magistrate." We spoke to the girls, and four of them confirmed being raped. However, the fifth girl, who is a distant relative of Johnny, denied it,?? said a senior police officer. Subsequently, four additional cases under the POCSO Act were registered. Investigators said Johnny confessed to his crime when presented with the statements of the victims. The victims parents said they never suspected Johnny as the children would call him mama (maternal uncle) and he would often visit their homes. --- ENDS --- Metropolitan Magistrate Shivani Chauhan considered the chargesheet and fixed July 11 for further hearing. Delhi Police has chargesheeted Pachuari, a former executive chairman of TERI under various sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation and words, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman. The police have cited around 23 prosecution witnesses and several text messages, e-mails and WhatsApp messages exchanged between the accused and victim as evidence to support its case. Pachauri was accused of sexually harassing a female colleague in 2015. He stepped down as chairperson of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in February last year and proceeded on leave from TERI, where he was the director general. In November, the woman researcher who accused him of sexual harassment quit her job at TERI, alleging she was treated badly. TERI denied the charge. By PTI: New Delhi, May 13 (PTI) As the Centre and Kerala government engaged in a war of words over evacuation of 29 Indians from war-torn Libya, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today asked the poll-bound states Chief Minister Oommen Chandy not to "trivialize" the issue to "score brownie points". Taking a dig at Chandy, Naidu said earlier the same chief minister had lauded External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for her initiative to bring back Keralites from Iraq. advertisement A total of 29 Indians, including 16 from Kerala, were evacuated from strife-torn Libya. Those from Kerala, including nine families, reached Kochi yesterday morning. Naidu said the stranded Keralites who arrived from Libya are facilitated and being taken care by the union government. "Centre evacuated thousands of Keralites from Iraq, Libya and Yemen. As said by Sushma Swaraj Ji, it is our pious duty towards our citizens. The stranded Keralites arrived from Libya are facilitated and being taken care by the government of India," Naidu said in a tweet. "... and Mr Chandy says that he wanted to buy air tickets but could not do so owing to foreign exchange issue. Funny argument ... Earlier the same chief minister lauded Sushma Swaraj for her initiative of bringing back Keralites from Iraq," he added. "Mr CM.. do not trivialize. As it is joint responsibility of both Central and state governments, do not try to score brownie points (sic)," Naidu said in another tweet. Kerala goes to assembly polls on May 16 and the results will come out on May 19. Yesterday, Chandy had said the state government was bearing the travel expenses of the families, indicating that the Centre had not extended the financial assistance for their travel. The political fight erupted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that his government evacuated the families from Libya. PTI MP KIS PAL KIS DK --- ENDS --- The move to raise the Tibet Military Command's authority would put it directly under the command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground forces. India and China held the 19th round of talks in April to resolve the vexed border dispute amid a growing discord between the two nations. By Ananth Krishnan: China has raised the rank and status of its western Tibet Military Command to widen its scope for missions and combat preparedness, in a move that analysts in Beijing say is aimed at fortifying the border with India. The move to raise the Tibet Military Command's authority would put it directly under the command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground forces, the Party-run Global Times reported on Friday, and allow it "to shoulder more combat assignments". advertisement This suggests "the command may undertake some kind of military combat mission in future", the newspaper quoted an unnamed source as saying. A military expert in Beijing told the newspaper that the command "bears great responsibility to prepare for possible conflicts between China and India", but is currently facing difficulties "to secure all the military resources they need". The move would raise its authority, including the designation of troops, but also "expand their function and mission", the deputy director of the Political Work Department of the Tibet Military Command, Zhao Zhong, was quoted as saying. This would also boost their combat readiness, a military expert said. China announced sweeping military reforms in January and February, aimed at creating a more nimble fighting force and unified military command. Following the reform, provincial military commands were placed under the control of a newly set up National Defence Mobilisation Department under the Central Military Commission, which is headed by President Xi Jinping. The Tibet Military Command, however, will be directly under under the PLA Ground Force, headed by General Li Zuocheng, who sits on the CMC. "The Tibet Military Command's political rank will be elevated to a level higher than its counterpart provincial-level military commands, and will come under the leadership of the PLA Army," the newspaper quoting a report from the China Youth Daily, said. "The promotion shows China is paying great attention to the Tibet Military Command, which will significantly improve the command's ability to manage and control the region's military resources, as well as provide better preparation for combat," Beijing-based military expert Song Zhongping said. Song was quoted saying: "The Tibet Military Command bears great responsibility to prepare for possible conflicts between China and India, and at present it is difficult to secure all the military resources they need." The newspaper noted that "border disputes between China and India have not been completely resolved", and in April when Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar visited Beijing, his counterpart had said China "reacted positively toward setting up a military hotline with India". Also read: Eye on India, China raises Tibet military command rank to expand its combat role China opens new trade route to Nepal amid India tensions --- ENDS --- advertisement By Naseer Ganai: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah today asked Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to not act like "pliant, puppet leaders who connived against the state's political rights to remain in power." While talking about the role of the state government in extending National Food Security Act (NFSA) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to the state, he said tragic silence by her government on recurring efforts to discredit and disarm the state's institutions by openly trespassing even into categories those clearly fall in the state list can spell doom for the state. "There is a larger, more sinister plan to destroy Article 370 by rendering it irrelevant", Dr Abdullah said referring to recent developments about establishing of Sainik Colony in Srinagar and of industrial policy favorable to non-J&K resident entrepreneurs. The J&K government has assured it has no proposal to establish Sainik Colony in Kashmir and has promised to review the industrial policy. The government has also accused the NC working president Omar Abdullah of trying to set "Kashmir on fire, destroy its tourism industry and economy" by issuing "proactive" statements on such sensitive matters. However, the opposition NC continues its campaign against the coalition government headed by Mehbooba Mufti with the party passing resolution Saturday pledging to safeguard the state's special status as provided in Article 370 of the Indian Constitution at all costs. In a day long meeting of the NC's legal cell chaired by Abdullah here, the NC pledged to foil all efforts which are being engineered to erode the autonomy available to the state. The party said it will leave no stone unturned to restore the state's internal autonomy as it existed prior to 1953 and also supported the resolution passed for the restoration of Autonomy in the Legislative Assembly in the year 2000. The NC resolved to protect the rights of the people of the state guaranteed under the state's constitution and laws. Addressing party's legal cell at NC Headquarters here Abdullah said there were clear indications that a long-existing lobby in New Delhi was reinventing its mission to erode what remains of the state's internal autonomy. "Mehbooba Mufti and her colleagues should draw lessons from history and fear the reprisals of political connivance with forces inimical to the interests of the state." "I have personally witnessed how a long-existing lobby in New Delhi has used pliant leaders and regimes in the state to erode Article 370 and rob the state of its constitutionally guaranteed Internal Autonomy - one step at a time," Dr Abdullah said. "This is a chronicle of betrayals and breach of faith that started with the deposition and incarceration of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and continues to this day. At every juncture in our history, this lobby in New Delhi has used pliant leaders and co-opting regimes in the State to inflict irrevocable damage on Article 370," Dr Abdullah said. "Today we see the efforts of this lobby manifest in the form of the extension of NFSA and NEET to the state while the PDP-BJP Government is peddling an 'Industrial Policy' which is glaringly conspicuous in its ambiguity on the question of non-State-subject investors and promoters," he said. "What others did between 1953 and 1975, PDP is following suit and re-enacting the same master-servant opportunistic relationship that has wreaked havoc with our State", Dr Farooq Abdullah said. Dr Farooq Abdullah said those who had connived against the state and its people had witnessed rejection, resentment and humiliation instead of a political legacy long after they had left this world. "Mehbooba Mufti should draw lessons from history and see how the people have first disowned and then completely forgotten those pliant leaders who connived against the State's political rights to remain in power. This tragic silence by those in power on recurring efforts to discredit and disarm the state's institutions by openly trespassing even into categories those clearly fall in the state list can spell doom for the State," Abdullah said criticising the role of the state government for extending NFSA, NEET to the state. "There is a larger, more sinister plan to destroy Article 370 by rendering it irrelevant and the legal fraternity is duty-bound to remain vigilant and fight against this subversion of our political rights and honour", Abdullah said. Abdullah said the PDP was formed to sabotage the NC's demand for restoration of the autonomy. "I clearly remember how New Delhi impulsively rejected the Autonomy resolution that we passed in the Legislative Assembly without even bothering to review and analyze its constitutional validity and feasibility. It was at this juncture in history that New Delhi felt the need to prop up another regional party in the state to sabotage our demand for the restoration of Internal Autonomy. Today that regional party is dutifully helping New Delhi in the extension of central laws and examinations to the state without a word of opposition or disagreement. They are repaying New Delhi's political investment in them since the past two decades and we cannot afford to not remain vigilant about these internal foes and Trojan Horses", Dr Farooq alleged. Dr Abdullah said Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah rendered great sacrifices to fight for the rights and honour of his people and those who are trying to portray historical facts out of context by speaking about Sheikh today don't have the slightest of idea about our history. "My father never compromised with the state's honour and dignity. The fact that he spent more than two decades of his youth in prison cells attests to this fact. He never allowed the dilution or erosion of the state's sub-national political identity and New Delhi did this through pliant, puppet leaders. The same people who have the audacity to claim that no damage can be done to Article 370 ironically come from the same rootstock that helped in its erosion till now. They are the political heirs of a long legacy of connivance and treachery with this state and they should beware of the reprisals of treachery", Dr Abdullah said. --- ENDS --- advertisement By Srijani Ganguly/Mail Today, Adila Matra: Remember how we went museum hopping during our school days? Turns out, that was the only time we set foot in the buildings that preserved our rich heritage. Just recently, the National Museum of Natural History in Delhi was gutted in a major fire. Only the ground and first floor survived. The rest of the museum was destroyed. Many Delhiites lamented about how they wished they had visited it at least once. advertisement We take the museums of our city for granted. Apart from the National Museum and the Science Centre, very few know about the plethora of museums that are hidden in the various corners of the city. Delhi has a museum dedicated to everything--from revolutionaries and poets to dolls and stamps. Most of them are covered in layers of dust. Maybe it is time we got acquainted with these interesting buildings. National Handicrafts & Handlooms Museum The national Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, better known as the Crafts Museum, holds the distinction of housing what is most definitely the best restaurant within the premises of a Delhi museum. Such is the lure of Cafe Lota, which presents a spread of Indian delicacies, that sometimes more patrons can be found inside the restaurant than the rest of the museum's premises combined. Strategically placed right next to the restaurant, and separated by a glass window, is the souvenir shop which contains everything from Pashmina shawls to Worli paintings. The museum itself, which lies ahead of it, before the handicrafts stalls, contains a much larger spread of India's history of crafts with over 35,000 pieces of painting, textiles, clay and wood. If you wish to check out the museum prior to actually visiting it, you can do so via Google Street View. Ghalib Museum On the third floor of the Ghalib Academy building, located right in the middle of the bustling Nizamuddin, is a locked room. A name tag with the word 'Museum' is stuck to the door. On request, the grimy lock is opened and what you see is a room full of collectibles from the life of the 18th century Urdu poet, Mirza Ghalib, all gathering dust. The room has some interesting artifacts like the sculptures that Ghalib had carved out of stone; even the clothes he wore hang behind a glass enclosure. There are first drafts of his poems, coins dating back to the Mughal era, postage stamps and his calligraphy works. The museum also has pictures of the poet's residence, the kind of food he preferred, and paintings by renowned artists like MF Husain and Satish Gujral. Certainly worth a visit. Also Read: India just got its first 3D trick art museum in Chennai and it looks smashing Shankar's International Dolls Museum With 6,500 dolls from 85 countries, Shankar's International Dolls Museum, set up by K Shankar Pillai, a political cartoonist, is a world in itself. Dolls of various sizes and shapes line the glass enclosures. There are the famous matryoshka dolls from Russia, the dressed up Flamenco dolls from Spain, Japanese dolls chiselled out of semi-precious tones and much more. One of the dolls from Switzerland that finds place in the museum was made around the year 1781. Shankar started the museum in 1965 with around 1,000 dolls, the first of which was presented to him from Hungary. Visiting dignitaries like Madame Tito, Queen Frederika of Greece, the Queen of Thailand, the sister of Shah of Iran, the wives of Presidents of Mexico and Indonesia, and many others gifted dolls representing their respective nations. One section of the museum has exhibits from Europe, the US, Australia and New Zealand, while the other is from Asian countries and Africa. And the entry price is `17 per adult. advertisement Nehru Memorial Museum and Library The house where India's first Prime Minister lived and died now lies in a desolate state. The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, which is incredibly well-maintained otherwise, seems empty with hardly any visitors inside the building. The Nehru planetarium, which houses mostly non-functioning games and kiosks, witnesses more activity with queues of families hoping to show the universe to their kids. Walking through the museum is like taking a journey through India's history, with newspaper clippings and photos of the last 200 years of India's history. Not all rooms are galleries, though. Some rooms, like Indira Gandhi's bedroom and Nehru's study, are fully preserved and can be viewed through the glass. Inside the souvenir shop, there are the usual notebooks (with Nehru's face on them) and postcards (of the museum) which one can buy. But the most interesting souvenir is available for `10. That is the last Will and Testament of India's first PM. Also Read: 4 strange museums in India you must visit at least once advertisement National Rail Museum Revamped quite recently, in 2011, the National Philatelic Museum showcases India through the stamps it has issued over the years. The museum is not just for those who are interested in the art of philately and are the proud owners of hundreds and thousands stamps, it is also a gallery of sorts showcasing the rich heritage of India. The very first stamp that was printed, in 1854, by the Sindh Dak, is the highlight of the museum as are the special thematic stamps based on the Panchatantra. Several figures who have shaped India and the world, and several events that have changed society, make appearances on the stamps. An interesting corner inside the museum is My stamp counter where one can get a sheet of personalised stamps for Rs 300. Although entry is free, photography is prohibited inside the premises. advertisement Sulabh International Museum of Toilets The toilet Museum, established in 1992, has a rare collection of facts, pictures and objects detailing the historic evolution of toilets from 2500 BC to date. There is an extensive display of privies, chamber pots, toilet furniture, bidets and water closets from 1145 AD to the modern times. It also has a rare collection of beautiful poems related to toilets. The museum houses amusing objects such as a replica of medieval mobile commode in the shape of a treasure chest, which the English used while camping out for a hunt. The museum has three main sections ancient, medieval and modern. The last section has the toy-commode from China, mobile toilet of Sulabh, electric toilet from the US and the model of the worlds biggest toilet complex at Shirdi in Maharashtra. If you havent been here yet, flush all other plans and set out for a commode ride! --- ENDS --- The gang duped over 500 gullible job-seekers and took Rs 3.5 lakh from each candidate. By Shashank Shekhar: A pan-india gang of scamsters not only created fake a railway recruitment board website and offered fake appointment letters but also conducted medical tests and week-long training of selected candidates. After tracking the gang for a month, Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh arrested nine people from Lucknow on Friday. They claim that the mastermind of the gang hails from Delhi and created a pan-India network. advertisement The gang duped over 500 gullible job-seekers and took Rs 3.5 lakh from each candidate. Scamsters earlier used to run a placement agency in Delhi and later in an attempt to make quick money, created a fake website to dupe large number of potential job seekers. They operated a similar placement fraud in Delhi and Patna and were now running the fraud website from the railway colony in Lucknow. "These gang members have their agents working in all the states. Job seekers from Kashmir to Kerala were duped by them on pretext of giving permanent railway jobs," said Additional Superintendent of Police, UP-STF, Triveni Singh. Explaining the modus operandi, Singh said the gang created a fake website (www.rrb.co.in) and advertised about jobs of ticket collectors and potters. This website was hosted on a server based out of Canada. Their agents approached fresh graduates and job-seekers and asked them to apply on the website. "The gang was extremely professional and these candidates were made to follow all the processes and documentation which railways asks for. They also conducted medical test of the candidates by taking their blood samples and fingerprint," said Singh adding they charged Rs 1.5 lakh from each candidate and each candidate was informed via email about a week-long training in Lucknow. Investigators found that scamsters were hitech and had created fake appointment letters on the railways letterhead by morphing their logo. Those arrested were identified as Rajesh Sharma, Kunal Srivastava, Ashok Kumar, Rajeev Kumar, Ravish Rawat, Jeetu, Amit Kumar, Mukesh Kumar and Dilip Kumar. Police claims Rajesh was heading the gang and was living in Mehrauli area in Delhi. He was running a placement agency when he came in contact with fake job scamsters of Bihar and made his own gang and made agents across India. Police is yet to ascertain exact number of victim but so far name of over 500 victims has come to light. Total victim can go over a thousand as they are spread across India. --- ENDS --- Few days after Aditya Sachdev's death was reported from Gaya, there has been another shocking incident of stabbing. By India Today Web Desk: In a shocking incident, a schoolboy stabbed a girl, who was rushed to the hospital and is in critical condition. This raged the mob who then thrashed the boy, who was also rushed to the hospital. This incident comes few days after 19-year-old Aditya Sachdeva was killed in road rage. The incident took place in Gaya district on Saturday night while Aditya Kumar Sachdeva, son of a local businessman, was returning home from a birthday party along with his teenage friends. He succumbed when a bullet hit him following a scuffle with Rocky Yadav, son of JD-U MLC Manorama Devi, who was driving a sports utility vehicle (SUV) through the same route. advertisement Also Read Bihar teen shot dead by JD-U leader's son for overtaking in Gaya Bihar lawmaker's son Rocky Yadav arrested in Gaya: What we know so far --- ENDS --- One jawan was killed, while the other one was seriously injured. By Uday Gupta: Bihar lawlessness again came to the fore today after the killing of one GRP jawan was reported. According to reports, 2 GRP jawans deployed in Mughal Sarai-Buxar DMU train were shot at by goons. One jawan was killed, while the other one was seriously injured. The goons after killing also looted their riffles. The jawan killed has been identified as Abhishek Sinha and Nandlal Yadav was seriously injured. advertisement --- ENDS --- By PTI: Kottayam (KER), May 14 (PTI) An officer of the Indian Coast Guard, who was today found in an unconscious state at the single officers accommodation at Southern Naval Command here, died at a naval hospital and a probe has been ordered. A Navy spokesperson said it has ordered an inquiry into the death of 26-year-old Assistant Commandant S Srivatsan, who was undergoing training at Southern Naval command. advertisement The officer was found in an unconscious state in the single officers accommodation in the early hours. He was immediately shifted to the naval hospital, INHS Sanjivani for medical attention. "In spite of extensive resuscitation measures, the officer could not be revived and was declared brought dead," the spokesperson said. The officers parents who live in Chennai have been informed by Naval authorities. "The case is being investigated by the harbour terminus police station.Navy has ordered a inquiry into the incident," he added. PTI TGB ROH BN SUA SUA --- ENDS --- The JNSU in its statement said, "The JNUSU welcomes the order of the High Court staying all punishments on JNU students and directing the JNU VC to respond to students' appeals. We have accordingly lifted the heroic 16-day hunger strike that JNU students had undertaken." By India Today Web Desk: In a startling revelation the recruits of Islamic State (ISIS) have revealed that they were asked by the terror organisation to infiltrate Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) student leader Kanhaiya's agitation and set vehicles on fire. According to reports, on February 19, when Kanhaiya was in Tihar jail on sedition charges and students of several universities were holding demonstrations demanding his release, ISIS's Ahmad Ali had asked 19-year-old Ashiq Ahmad alias Raja of Hooghly, West Bengal, to infiltrate the movement and burn vehicles and oil tankers using petrol. Here are the latest developments The ISIS sympathisers have revealed that they were asked to infiltrate Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) student leader Kanhaiya's agitation and set vehicles on fire. The revelation was made by one of ISIS sympathiser Ashiq Ahmad alias Raja, who was arrested in West Bengal. Their intention was to disrupt the peace and harmony in the country. ISIS recruits in India wanted to take advantage of the student movement that broke out in several cities after the arrest of JNU student union president Kanhaiya Kumar. Meanwhile, the JNUSU in its statement said, "The JNUSU welcomes the order of the High Court staying all punishments on JNU students and directing the JNU VC to respond to students' appeals. We have accordingly lifted the heroic 16-day hunger strike that JNU students had undertaken." It further said, "It is significant that the JNU Administration, that had refused to respond to appeals of hunger striking students, has been directed to respond to appeals by the Court. Pending the process of appeals in JNU and in the Court, we will abide by the Court's order to not hold agitations on the issues pending before the Court." Rama Naga, General Secretary, JNUSU in the letter asserted, "We will continue to pursue the issues of proper implementation of OBC reservations and deprivation points and, together with JNU teachers, will ensure that JNU's admission policy remains firmly committed to social justice." Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students who have been on an indefinite hunger strike since 16 days, on Friday called off their fast after Delhi High Court ordered a conditional stay on punishments by the university in connection with the controversial February 9 event. The university had announced punishments ranging from rustication to financial penalty based on probe by a five-member committee and the students had gone on hunger strike in protest against the punitive action. advertisement JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested in February in a sedition case over the event during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. --- ENDS --- Officials are now trying to find the veracity of the Aadhar card. By India Today Web Desk: Police on Friday arrested Abdul Rehman, commander of Pakistani terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad, who was operating in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The cops have also recovered an Aadhar card, which listed the terrorist's name as Shabir Ahmad Khan, son of Ghulam Rasool Khan. Officials are now trying to find the veracity of the card. advertisement According to police sources, the militant commander, who was trying to expand the terror base in the region, was arrested from Baramulla town. The police also recovered an AK series rifle, four grenades and other arms and ammunition. Rehman, a resident of Muzaffarabad, had arrived in the Valley in February this year. He was a fidayeen and was part of a six-member Jaish group. The militant group was held responsible for the Pathankot attack. In February, police arrested a Pakistani Jaish militant Mohammad Sidiq from Kanispora in Baramulla and recovered an Aadhar card from his possession. --- ENDS --- James McAvoy and Anne-Marie Duff have announced in a joint statement that they are divorcing after nine years of marriage. By Bang Showbiz: James McAvoy and Anne-Marie Duff are divorcing after nine years of marriage. The 37-year-old actor and the Suffragette star, who have five-year-old son Brendan together, have confirmed in a joint statement that they are ending their marriage. The statement reads, "It is with tremendous sadness that we have come to the decision to divorce. We enter this next phase with continued friendship, love and respect for one another and the shared focus of caring for our son. We ask that you respect our and, most importantly, our child's privacy during this time." advertisement The couple - who wed in 2006 - first met on the set of television comedy Shameless and have largely kept their personal lives out of the public eye. However, James previously revealed they had been offered a chance to star opposite each other on screen a number of times but have turned it down as they don't want to become a "target". He shared, "We've been offered a hell of a lot of parts playing opposite each other in films and TV and we just turn them down. "If you do work together you put yourself up, you make yourself a target and you make your relationship a target and all of that. We're very keen not to do that." James' international fame has rocketed thanks to his parts in the X-Men series but he previously admitted he finds it "difficult" to leave his family behind when he goes to shoot films in other countries. He said, "It's always difficult to go away (and film a movie) as a family person. Paparazzi don't really bother me. I get stopped but people are nice. I don't mind that. I've never minded that. It's just the separation of family life, relationship and child." --- ENDS --- Recently, few wheat samples were collected from a fair price shop which tested 'marginally safe'. A meeting was held with Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain where the emphasis was laid down on ensuring checks on these shops offering food items at subsidised rates. By Astha Saxena: Fears of massive adulteration in food items in government-run shops in Delhi has prompted the AAP government to keep an eye on subsidised ration stores in the city and monitor the mid-day meal served to students in government schools. "It will be like monitoring your own department. The government has made sure that it will not tolerate any kind of adulteration, be it private shops or even government-run food shops," said Mrinalini Darswal, commissioner, Department of Food Safety, Delhi government. "We have started the process and it will be carried out regularly," she added. advertisement Recently, few wheat samples were collected from a fair price shop which tested 'marginally safe'. A meeting was held with Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain where the emphasis was laid down on ensuring checks on these shops offering food items at subsidised rates. As per the official process, the department receives a complaint about an adulterated food item, the report is then marked to the designated district officer, the officer along with the safety officer visits the shop to collect the samples. The samples are then sent for testing where the food analyst supervises the work and sends the reports back to the concerned department. "So far, the main focus was on the private players but it is our government-run shops which cater to larger population. The government is very particular about the well-being of the citizens," Darswal told Mail Today. The government's food and drug department monitors the food policy in the city, keeps vigil on the market by way of surprise inspections and raids on food establishments, besides drawing samples of food articles that can be adulterated, substandard or misbranded. On an average, it receives 125 food samples a month for testing. The department also carries out awareness campaigns for the consumers and endeavours to educate food business operators for enabling them to comply with food safety management systems as prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Large number of Delhi residents depend on these government-run shops as items are supplied at subsidised rates. Experts say that by keeping a track on these shops, the government is setting same guidelines for everyone. Also Read: RS MPs seek stringent laws to check food adulteration --- ENDS --- The western state last month passed the law against a decades-old practice of village panchayats, or councils, ordering social boycotts. By India Today Web Desk: Maharashtra has become the first in the country to ban village councils from imposing "social boycotts" that ostracise individuals or families for defying tradition. Women and lower caste Dalits often bear the brunt of such judgments, passed as punishment for perceived misdeeds such as marrying between castes or dressing immodestly. Decade-old practice Maharashtra last month passed the law against a decades-old practice of village panchayats, or councils, ordering social boycotts. "The Act was required against the backdrop of atrocities inflicted on people in the name of tradition, caste and community," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. advertisement "It is necessary to prohibit social boycotts as a matter of social reform in the interest of public welfare," he said. Under village council orders, individuals and families have been banished from the community, and denied access to temples, wells, markets and celebrations. In some cases, panchayats have even branded women as witches, and ordered gang rapes or killings as punishment. New Law Maharashtra's new law declares social boycotts a crime punishable by up to seven years in prison, a fine of Rs 500,000 ($7,500), or both. Human rights campaigners called for other Indian states to follow Maharashtra's example. "The law will help check caste crimes to some extent. It empowers lower-caste people and it empowers human rights organisations, as it gives us a tool with which to fight against village panchayats," said Irfan Engineer, director of the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism in Mumbai. Role of Khap panchayats Khap panchayats are unelected village councils comprising men of a particular clan or caste. While their power has diminished since 1992, when elected village councils were made mandatory, they remain powerful in socially conservative states including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and parts of Uttar Pradesh. India's top court in 2011 described khap panchayats as "kangaroo courts" that are entirely illegal. Maharashtra, home to several social reformers including B.R. Ambedkar who fought against caste discrimination, in 2013 passed legislation criminalising practices related to black magic, human sacrifices, and other superstitious beliefs. The social boycott act is another step toward ending outdated customs, said Avinash Patil, executive president of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, which had campaigned for the bill, as well as the 2013 law. "We are demanding that the central government enact similar laws in all states, so we can end this brutal practice," he said. Also read: Maharashtra panchayat's Talibani justice: Minor girl whipped publicly for not resisting rape by father --- ENDS --- The body of 38-year-old Leela Sharma was recovered by police in a decomposed state from Kamati forest in Dudadeh village in Sohagpur area. Former employee of the American Embassy School, Leela Sharma, who went missing on April 22 from Delhi. By India Today Web Desk: Former employee of the American Embassy School, who went missing on April 22 from Delhi, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the forest area of Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh on Friday morning. The body of 38-year-old Leela Sharma was recovered by police in a decomposed state from Kamati forest in Dudadeh village in Sohagpur area. advertisement According to police sources, Leela was possibly murdered by her maternal uncle, who is also a Congress leader, over a land dispute. Leela reportedly wanted to demarcate her 35-acre ancestral property which did not go down well with her uncle. Police have arrested her uncle and his aide. They are also likely to probe Leela's sister in connection with the case. --- ENDS --- Before leaving Modi tweeted, "Leaving for Ujjain, where I will join International Convention on Universal Message of Simhasth." By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in an ongoing conference at the Simhasta Kumbh mela in Ujjain. Before leaving Modi tweeted, "Leaving for Ujjain, where I will join International Convention on Universal Message of Simhasth." Srilankan President Maithripala Sirisena was also present at the 'Vaichaarik Mahakumbh' function. The conference spread over several sessions is part of the ongoing Simhasta Kumbh mela on the banks of Kshipra river. Key highlights Look at our polls, its a wonder for the world, a nation so big and many voters. And see how EC organises elections. Can we not tell the world about the organising capacity of an event like the Kumbh A 'holier than thou' attitude is taking us towards conflicts. Lets look within and see how we can grow ourselves The direction that the society takes is decided here at the Kumbh. You and me are only following the tradition of the country There was a PM, Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, who urged the nation to skip an evening meal and so many people did exactly that Knowledge is immortal and is relevant in every era There was a time when crossing the seas was considered unholy but that has changed. Likewise, some traditions can also change with time We belong to a tradition where even a Bhikshuk says, may good happen to the person who gives me and even the person who does not What is happening here is the birth of a new effort, a modern edition of what would happen in the yesteryear Lets hold Vichar Kumbh every year with devotees and discuss why we need to plant trees, educate girl child advertisement --- ENDS --- By PTI: Mumbai, May 14 (PTI) Condemning the murder of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand, the Mumbai Press Club called for speedy investigation and trial. "We strongly condemn the killing of Rajdev Ranjan, the bureau chief a Hindi daily Hindustan in Bihars Siwan and Akhilesh Pratap Singh, reporter for a TV channel, in Jharkhand," a release issued by the club said. advertisement "While the antecedents of the killers and their backers are still being investigated, these tragic incidents underline the increasing attacks on the media and the growing atmosphere of intolerance being perpetrated by violent factions and those with ulterior motives," it said. These two back-to-back incidents has come as a shock to the journalist fraternity in the country. At the time of crisis, we stand behind both the families and condemn the killing in strongest possible words and urge for speedy investigation and trial, the release said. They demanded the governments of Bihar and Jharkhand to order a special investigation into the killing of the duo and also ensure that the culprits and their masterminds are brought to book. On Friday evening, Ranjan was shot dead in Bihars Siwan district. In Jharkhands Chatra district, 35-year-old Akhilesh Pratap Singh, who worked for a local news channel, was gunned down on Thursday night. PTI AVI NRB PVI --- ENDS --- By PTI: Mumbai, May 13 (PTI) Actress Nargis Fakhri wont be available for the promotions of her upcoming comedy, "Housefull 3", as she is flying back home to New York for a month-long rest, says her spokesperson. Shooting for three films (Azhar, Housefull, Banjo) simultaneously has taken a toll on the actress and she is now taking time off to address her health issues and injuries. advertisement "Nargis has been extremely overworked working on 3 films simultaneously over the last year. For someone whos used to doing one film at a time, this was quite a bit for Nargis. "She has been unwell right through the Azhar promotions with multiple injuries - torn hamstring, anterior knee ligament thinning and mild socket dislocation along with burning of the stomach lining due to lead and arsenic poisoning," the spokesperson said in a statement. The 36-year-old actress requested producer Sajid Nadiadwala to allow her to miss "Housefull 3" promotional activities. "Due to her deteriorating condition, she had to request Sajid sir and bow out of Housefull 3 promotions to go back home to New York for a month to address all her medical issues and recuperate," the spokesperson said. Nadiadwala said, "Our priority is Nargiss health. We do hope that she recuperates fast and can be there around the release of the film as she is an integral part of Housefull 3 team." The spokesperson added contrary to media reports, Nargis has no plan to quit Bollywood and will be soon back on sets of "Banjo". "She has no plans to leave B-Town and will be back to sets to complete the pending patchwork for her film Banjo June second week onwards with Riteish Deshmukh. "In addition, she has already verbally agreed to two other projects for 2017 before she left and will complete the paperwork when shes back. That coupled with her brand commitments that extend over multiple years, is testament of her being here to stay for good." PTI PSH BK --- ENDS --- The decision was taken at NDMC's Council meeting on April 26, presided over by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is akin to Delhi Metro or the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation and will evaluate plans and release funds for NDMC's Smart City ideas. By Baishali Adak: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has set the ball rolling for the creation of a parallel company to execute all the projects under Smart Cities Mission. Technically termed a 'Special Purpose Vehicle,' it is akin to Delhi Metro or the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation and will evaluate plans and release funds for NDMC's smart city ideas. The decision was taken at NDMC's Council meeting on April 26, presided over by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Director (Projects) Neeraj Bharti told Mail Today, "All the modalities and finer details have been ironed out. The SPV's Articles of Association - which define its constitution, membership and powers - have been charted out." advertisement "Its board will have 13 directors headed by a CEO. The first line of directors will include NDMC Chairperson Naresh Kumar; its secretary and financial advisor. Four directors will come from the central government and the state government. The Remaining five will be chosen from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) empanelled list of experts," said Bharti on the board's composition. Besides, he informed that NDMC's proposal has already been forwarded to its guardian, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and a state-level High-powered Steering Committee (HPSC) set up under the Smart Cities scheme. "As soon as we get an approval from them, the SPV will be registered under the Companies Act, 2013," he said. Notably, NDMC is already running late in cornering its share of Rs 200 crore funds under the Smart Cities Mission. The first instalment of aid from the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), Rs 194 crore minus taxes, was to come on March 31. However, it was subject to the setting up of the SPV. Even though MoUD Minister, M Venkaiah Naidu, announced the list of India's first 20 smart cities in January, including the New Delhi municipal area, it seems, the council didn't act in haste. Resultantly, the procedure to set up the SPV got caught in bureaucratic red-tape. A senior MoUD official said, "Smaller cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Bhopal and Indore have shown much more expediency in taking advantage of PM Narendra Modi's scheme. In fact, Odisha capital, Bhubaneswar, which ranked first in our 20 smart cities list, also became the first in acquiring an SPV. It held its first board meeting in April at which several operational decisions were taken." An NDMC official blamed the inadvertent delay on the council's initial belief that it may not require an SPV. He said, "First, unlike other urban local bodies, we fall under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs directly. Second, our constitution is not different from that of an SPV. Third, a dilemma ensued over how much power could be delegated to the SPV CEO and directors, and how much retained with NDMC Council." "Following these, we requested MoUD to create a special case for us, bypassing the SPV route, and release the funds directly. However, the Centre rejected that and we had to begin discussions on it afresh," he explained. Bharti, added, "In any case, there has been no let up on the speed of our projects due to SPV. We have already initiated several of them under the PPP (Public Private Partnership) model, including 24x7 water and electricity supply in Lutyen's Zone, free Wi-Fi facility, smart poles, smart classrooms, etc." advertisement Also read: NDMC to utilise 'Smart City' fund to improve CP and its extended region this time --- ENDS --- By PTI: Boston, May 13 (PTI) Scientists have created a tiny origami robot that can unfold itself from a swallowed capsule and crawl across the stomach wall to patch a wound. In the experiments, the robot was to pick up a button battery lodged inside a synthetic stomach and oesophagus model. "Its really exciting to see our small origami robots doing something with potential important applications to health care," said Daniela Rus, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in US. advertisement "For applications inside the body, we need a small, controllable, untethered robot system. Its really difficult to control and place a robot inside the body if the robot is attached to a tether," said Rus. The new robot can propel itself using what is called a "stick-slip" motion, in which its appendages stick to a surface through friction when it executes a move, but slip free again when its body flexes to change its weight distribution. It consists of two layers of structural material sandwiching a material that shrinks when heated. A pattern of slits in the outer layers determines how the robot will fold when the middle layer contracts. The robots envisioned use also dictated a host of structural modifications over an earlier origami robot built by the researchers. "Stick-slip only works when, one, the robot is small enough and, two, the robot is stiff enough," said Steven Guitron, a graduate student at MIT. However, because the stomach is filled with fluids, the robot does not rely entirely on stick-slip motion. "In our calculation, 20 per cent of forward motion is by propelling water - thrust - and 80 per cent is by stick-slip motion," said Shuhei Miyashita, formerly at MIT. "In this regard, we actively introduced and applied the concept and characteristics of the fin to the body design, which you can see in the relatively flat design," Miyashita, now a lecturer at the University of York in UK. It also had to be possible to compress the robot enough that it could fit inside a capsule for swallowing; similarly, when the capsule dissolved, the forces acting on the robot had to be strong enough to cause it to fully unfold. The researchers tested about a dozen different possibilities for the structural material before settling on the type of dried pig intestine used in sausage casings. The robot was attached with a permanent magnet that responds to changing magnetic fields outside the body, which control the robots motion. advertisement To design the synthetic stomach, the researchers bought a pig stomach and tested its mechanical properties. Their model is an open cross-section of the stomach and oesophagus, molded from a silicone rubber with the same mechanical profile. A mixture of water and lemon juice simulates the acidic fluids in the stomach. PTI MHN SAR SAR --- ENDS --- "Right to free speech cannot mean that a citizen can defame the other. Protection of reputation is a fundamental right. It is also a human right. Cumulatively it serves the social interest," the judges sai. By Harish V Nair: It is always better to mind your language; right to free speech does not mean defaming another, the Supreme Court told Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Friday, rejecting their plea to decriminalise criminal defamation law. The three bitter foes, slapped with defamation cases by their political adversaries, had approached the apex court in July last year challenging the validity of Sections 499 and 500 of the IPC and Section 199 of the Criminal Procedure Code that made defamation punishable with two years in jail. advertisement They argued that rather than protecting individual reputation, these sections have a stringent effect on free speech. The penal provisions conceived in the British era are now outmoded and inconsistent with the right to freedom of speech and expression, the trio contended. But rejecting the argument, a Bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said in its 268 page judgment: "We uphold the constitutional validity of Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 199 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Once we have held that reputation of an individual is a basic element of Article 21 of the Constitution and balancing of fundamental rights is a constitutional necessity and further the legislature in its wisdom has kept the penal provision alive, it is extremely difficult to subscribe to the view that criminal defamation has a stringent effect on the freedom of speech and expression." "One cannot be unmindful that right to freedom of speech and expression is a highly valued and cherished right but the Constitution has reasonable restriction. In that context, criminal defamation - which is in existence in the form of Sections 499 and 500, IPC - is not a restriction on free speech that can be characterised as disproportionate. Right to free speech cannot mean that a citizen can defame the other. Protection of reputation is a fundamental right. It is also a human right. Cumulatively it serves the social interest," the judges said adding, "Notwithstanding the expansive and sweeping ambit of freedom of speech, as all rights, right to freedom of speech and expression is not absolute. It is subject to imposition of reasonable restrictions." Justifying the penal provisions, Centre had said there will be anarchy in the society and everyone will think he has a right to hurl abuses if the criminal defamation is repealed as a penal offence. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said the provisions are more relevant in modern times in view of the influence of Internet and social media, through which any statement can reach out to millions of people. Rahul faced defamation proceedings in a Maharashtra court for allegedly allegedly blaming RSS for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. advertisement Kejriwal is facing prosecution after being summoned as an accused on a complaint by Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari for including his name in the party's list of "India's most corrupt". Jayalalithaa had filed defamation cases against BJP leader Subramanian Swamy for allegedly making certain comments against her in his tweets. Also read: Supreme Court upholds defamation law, rejects plea by Rahul, Kejriwal, Swamy --- ENDS --- By PTI: From Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, May 14 (PTI) Disgraced Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khans family has been caught in the Panama Papers row as the documents name his four close relatives as owners of an offshore company in the Bahamas. Khans brother Abdul Quyuim Khan, wife Hendrina, and two daughters Dina Khan and Ayesha Khan, are all shown as owners of Wahdat Ltd, a company registered in the Bahamas, the Dawn reported today. advertisement Although the names are not part of the data released online by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Wahdat Ltd does appear on the website. However, it has been named in the larger database obtained by the group. The company was registered in January of 1998, months before the nuclear tests of May that year, and deregistered on December 31, 1999, shortly after the October 12 coup. "I have never even heard the name of this company," the paper quoted Khan as saying. "Neither did my wife and daughters. My brother, who died a few years ago, was with Habib Bank and, as you know, bankers are always up to their tricks and hanky panky," he said, without mincing words. "My wife and daughters never signed any documents to create this company. The signatures (on the incorporation paperwork) are surely false. My brother never discussed it with me and my family only heard about this company after the Panama Papers release," he added. The company has been shown as an intermediary of ILS Fiduciaries IOM (Ltd), registered in the Isle of Man and still active. That company has links to 611 other entities from various jurisdictions like Panama and Niue in the database, dating back to 1993, most of which are either "inactive" or "defaulted", the report said. The ICIJ defines an intermediary as "(a) go-between for someone seeking an offshore corporation and an offshore service provider?usually a law firm or a middleman that asks an offshore service provider to create an offshore firm for a client. Khan, the architect of Pakistan nuclear weapons, was accused by the then army chief and president Pervez Musharraf of running a rogue proliferation network for nuclear material in 2004. Shortly after, a recorded confession by Khan was aired in which he took sole responsibility for all the nuclear proliferation that had been revealed. He has been under house arrest ever since 2004, although he continues to move around, make phone calls, receive visitors and write a regular column in a newspaper. PTI SH SAI --- ENDS --- By PTI: Kozhikode, May 14 (PTI) The peoples mandate in Kerala in the May 16 assembly elections will be absolutely in favour of the ruling United Democratic Front due to its development initiatives, according to Janata Dal (United) state president, M P Veerendrakumar. "The people will deliver an absolutely favourable verdict for UDF in the state as several development programmes were implemented during the five years of its rule", he said. advertisement The UDF victory in Kerala, which will bring many changes in the state, is a necessity for the development programmes to continue, he said in a press release. He alleged that the previous LDF rule saw only disputes and debates. But in the present Oommen Chandy led UDF regime, developments likeKochi Metro and Vizhinjam harbour project besides construction of 250bridges are being implemented in a time bound manner. Kerala has seen a people-friendly CM and administration in the last five years, he said, adding, thegovernments liquor policy has received widespread support from the public. The setback in the 2015 Bihar assembly polls for BJP, "which is a threat to democracy and secularism," will also be reflected in states going for polls on Monday, he said. People should reject both BJP and LDF, which are "encouraging" political violence in Kerala,he said, adding that BJP was "daydreaming" of opening its account in Kerala. Narendra Modis comparison of Kerala with Somalia was unbecomingof a PM, Kumar said adding Modi was highlighting minor incidents in the state while keeping silent on "atrocities" perpetrated against people in BJP ruled states. PTI KV APR ANP TRK --- ENDS --- The PM told the 53 retiring legislators that he wished the GST Bill would have been passed during their tenure as people in their states would have benefitted from it. The PM told the 53 retiring legislators that he wished the GST Bill would have been passed during their tenure as people in their states would have benefitted from it. By Amit Agnihotri: In his farewell speech to the 53 retiring MPs of the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed regret at the failure to pass the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in their tenure. The Bill had to be dropped due to a standoff between the Centre and the Congress during the Budget session of Parliament. Modi added that the states stood to gain the most from the passage of the Bill. advertisement "I wish the GST would have been passed during your tenure in the Rajya Sabha. People in your states would have benefited from it," the Prime Minister told the Rajya Sabha from where around 53 members will retire in the next two months. The Bill, which was a priority for the government when the budget session started on February 23, was taken off agenda by the time the session came to an end, after a bitter confrontation taking place between the Centre and the Congress over the imposition of President's rule in Uttarakhand and allegations against Sonia Gandhi in the Agusta Westland chopper scam. Last week, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley sought to reach out to Congress, initiating fresh talks to bring them on board over the GST Bill. On Friday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi expressed hope that the Congress will give up its political opposition over the Bill and help it get passed in the next monsoon session to usher in development. "GST Bill is a constitutional bill; we would need the help of the Congress in passing it. People are wondering why it has not been taken forward, we hope that question will be answered in the next session," he said. But he quickly added that the Centre would pursue probe in the Agusta scam and bring the guilty to book. "As this government was elected to fight corruption, we will continue to take action against the corrupt," said Naqvi in an indirect message to the Congress. The GST bill seeks to amend the Constitution and so needs the approval of two thirds of each house. The Bill was passed last year by the Lok Sabha, where the government has a brute majority, but was blocked by the Congress, which is pressing for three amendments. The economic reform legislation missed the April 1 deadline for its roll-out but government managers feel the situation can still be salvaged. "It is all about numbers ... and we don't have the numbers in the Rajya Sabha," a senior minister said, expressing helplessness. In order to counter the image that the Centre failed to push through the key economic reform GST Bill, Naqvi listed several other legislations passed during the two years of the NDA government to indicate that reforms have not been given a go by. advertisement He listed bills related to real estate regulation, mines and minerals, securities laws, labour laws, coal mining, companies, payment systems and Aadhaar to stress that the government was pursuing a reform trajectory in Parliament. Also read: Rajya Sabha to elect 53 new MPs, but BJP will remain in the Opposition --- ENDS --- By PTI: Chandigarh, May 13 (PTI) Former IPS Prakash Singh, who inquired into role of civil and police officers during Jat quota agitation, today submitted his report to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and said the police administration in Haryana is "weak". "Our police administration has become weak and it is also weak in Haryana," Singh, former Director General of Police (DGP) of UP and Assam said while addressing media here. advertisement Sing was appointed Chairman of the Committee to inquire omissions and commission on the part of all officers of civil and police administration during Jat quota agitation from February 7 to 22. The Committee, set up by Haryana government in aftermath of violence and arson during pro quota Jat stir, today submitted its report to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here. "I have been saying, not in the context of Haryana but for the whole country, that police administration has been decaying," said Singh. "Police administration has decayed to the extent that it cannot perform well in the event of a big challenge which threatens national as well as internal security. You have seen a big example of it in Haryana," he said. "Tomorrow if any other challenge arises in other state, there is a possibility that you shall see similar anarchy (as in Haryana) in that state also," Singh said. However, he underscored on the need to provide right kind of leadership and equipment to Haryana police for raising the bar of their performance in dealing with challenging situation. "I have seen in Haryana, you have the toughest human material of the country. If you give them (Haryana police) right training, right leadership, right equipment and more importantly right recruitment (manpower) and motivation, this police will take you new heights," said Singh. "If you provide hard training to this police (Haryana) for 3 to 4 years, they will also bring laurels if they are sent to Afghanistan," said retired IPS officer. Haryana police was criticised for its alleged failure in controlling large scale violence in several parts of the state during Jat quota agitation. PTI CHS AYP RG AYP --- ENDS --- By Siddhartha Rai: Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a prominent face of alleged Hindu terror, has been crippled by repeated torture in custody and cancer, her sister told Mail Today hours after the NIA dropped charges on Friday against the religious activist in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case. Thakur's family said the previous Congress-led government framed her for the attack in the Muslim-majority Maharashtra town that killed seven people and set off an everswirling debate in India on the potential threat from Hindu extremists. advertisement She was tortured by security agencies to such an extent that her spine gave way and she cannot even walk to the bathroom, Upama Singh, her sister, alleged. Thakur also developed breast cancer during her incarceration. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) let off Thakur and five others, citing lack of evidence. The agency also said it had submitted in its charge sheet that the prosecution against them was not "maintainable". Thakur has been in judicial custody since October 2008. She was arrested on charges of being a key conspirator and is one of the 14 accused named in a Maharashtra ATS charge sheet. The case was handed over to the NIA in 2011 along with six other cases of alleged Hindu terror. "She had been put through unspeakable torture after she was arrested on false charges and since then her health has been deteriorating. Due to the excruciating torture, she has developed complications in her spine, which is a cause of grave concern for us," said Singh. Following the arrests, while some analysts said the case pointed to a growing militant network that felt Muslims and an avowedly secular government were threatening the nation's Hindu majority, others maintained quick conclusions should not be drawn amid reports of inconsistencies in the case. Among those held were a serving lieutenant colonel in the army, a retired major and a saffron-robed seer. The NIA has also dropped charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all the accused, including Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit. The case made headlines last year when the then special prosecutor Rohini Salian alleged that she was asked to "go soft" against the alleged perpetrators after the Narendra Modi government came to power. Investigators had earlier alleged that Thakur provided a motorcycle that was used in an explosion, but she rejected the claim, saying she sold off the bike two years before the attack. "Doctors say Pragya needs extensive surgery apart from rehabilitation and physiotherapy due to the damage that has been inflicted to her, mentally as well physically," said her sister. Singh, who was at Ujjain Kumbh when Mail Today spoke to her, said despite the lifethreatening condition afflicting Thakur, she was not getting essential medical attention. advertisement "While Pragya kept enduring the torture from agencies, she also developed breast cancer," she said. "We had even filed an application requesting surgery for her, but there has been no word on it yet. Let's see what the view the court takes." Singh also alleged that the entire family, and not just Thakur, was mentally harassed and psychologically tortured. "The Congress government had put all of us under roundthe-clock surveillance. One person from the security apparatus was always tailing each family member," she claimed. "Pragya was threatened that her family would face dire consequences." The government kept a keen eye on all the movements of the family members - who they met, who they talked to and where they went - Singh said. "That Pragya was tortured does not require proof. The biggest proof is that she has become a physical cripple," she added. "First, the agencies broke her daily schedule which is the one central part of the life of a sage. Such a physically fit girl as Pragya, who has taken so many degrees in health management must have been tortured, one can easily imagine, to a great extent that she is now a vegetable." advertisement Singh accused the Congress government of having hatched the so-called saffron terror, or Hindu terror, plot. "The Congress launched upon a project called saffron terror so that it could corner the votes of non-Hindus as they realised that they were now devoid of such issues as development and also lacked the commitment towards the nation," she said. "This was, in fact, an international conspiracy and the Congress thought that it could propitiate Muslim and Christian nations by using the ploy. Due to the grace of God, they ultimately failed." Also read: Malegaon blast: NIA gives clean chit to Sadhvi Pragya, waters down case against Col Purohit NIA's 2008 Malegaon blast chargesheet: Clean chit to Sadhvi Pragya, ATS probe by Karkare flawed --- ENDS --- Priyanka Chopra got injured while shooting for her Hollywood debut film Baywatch. By India Today Web Desk: Priyanka Chopra got injured while shooting for her Hollywood debut film Baywatch. ALSO READ: Baywatch - Priyanka Chopra is the new 'beautiful villainess', says Seth Gordon SEE PIC: Priyanka Chopra is back with her Baywatch squad, in Savannah this time around The 33-year-old actor shared an image of her small first aid kit on her Instagram account. She wrote, "Remedies for work injuries.. #badgeofhonor but #ouch #baywatch (sic)." advertisement Remedies for work injuries.. #badgeofhonor but #ouch #baywatch A photo posted by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 13, 2016 at 4:36am PDT Priyanka will be playing the role of Victoria Leeds in the upcoming film. The Bollywood diva will share screen space with Dwayne Johnson, Zac efron, Jon Bass, Kelly Rohrbach, Alexandra Daddario and Ilfenesh Hadera in Baywatch. Baywatch is a big screen adaptation of the hugely popular 1990s TV series of the same name. Pamela Anderson, who has worked in the original film, is also said to do cameo in the film slated for 2017 release. Priyanka also posted an image with from the sets of Baywatch with green lights in the background. She wrote, "Green screens ... Night shoots.. Crazy upside down hours.. Another dawn bedtime story begins as #baywatch continues! (sic)" Green screens ... Night shoots.. Crazy upside down hours.. Another dawn bedtime story begins as #baywatch continues!! A photo posted by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 13, 2016 at 3:41am PDT She also reposted her Baywatch co-star Zac Efron's post and wrote, "Too funny @zacefron .. Goes to show how tired and creative everyone is! (sic)" Baywatch will hit the screens on May, 19, 2017. --- ENDS --- While the NIA charge sheet says Purohit was instrumental in setting up a Hindu extremist group, it raises doubts about the traces of RDX picked up from Chaturvedi's house in Maharashtra. By Abhishek Bhalla : The National Investigation Agency has charged Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Purohit for being a part of the 2008 Malegaon blasts conspiracy but has questioned Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad's RDX theory suggesting that bombs were prepared in the house of Sudhakar Chaturvedi, who was a close source of Purohit. While the NIA charge sheet says Purohit was instrumental in setting up Abhinav Bharat, a Hindu extremist group, it raises doubts about the traces of RDX picked up from Chaturvedi's house in Devlali, Maharashtra. advertisement The charge sheet mentions the testimonies of two Army officers who claim ATS Assistant Police Inspector Bagade was caught planting RDX in Chaturvedi's house, who also has also been charged for the conspiracy. NIA officials said the two Army officers, who made this revelation to the Army Court of Inquiry were also examined by the agency. "They confirmed the same to us and this finds mention in the charge sheet since it calls into question the swab samples taken from the house that confirmed RDX traces," a senior NIA officer told Mail Today. Refuting the theory that RDX stolen from the Army was used in the blasts, the NIA said the Army has given a breakup of about 70 kg of RDX. The Army has accounted for it by way of controlled destruction or handing over to J&K Police, the NIA said. However, the NIA believes there is strong material evidence to establish Purohit's role and this will not make things easy for him during the trial. "He will find it difficult to come out of it," an officer privy to the evidence said. Cases of Hindu terror that were probed during the UPA government's tenure have stirred a debate with BJP accusing Congress of framing innocent and politicising terror. According to the NIA charge sheet, phone intercepts between Purohit and Sudhakar Dhar Dwevedi reveal that the group was planning attacks against Muslims in Malegaon. The claim is backed by forensic evidence confirming that the voices samples belong to Purohit and Dwivedi, who was Shankracharya of (head priest) of a high-profile Hindu religious establishment in Jammu & Kashmir. While giving a clean chit to Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and dropping all charges against her and five others in the Malegaon bomb blasts case, the NIA says Purohit had organised several meetings with the other accused and had collected money for procuring weapons and explosives for their unlawful activities. The stringent MCOCA law has been dropped in the case but 10 accused, including Purohit are charged under terror law Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and other Sections of the Indian Penal Code. advertisement Also read: 2008 Malegaon blast case: Special public prosecutor Avinash Rasal hurt with NIA officers' behaviour, says its better to resign Malegaon blast: NIA gives clean chit to Sadhvi Pragya, waters down case against Col Purohit --- ENDS --- Kriti Sanon injured her ankle while shooting an action sequence for Dinesh Vijan's Raabta in Budapest. By India Today Web Desk: Kriti Sanon and Sushant Singh Rajput are shooting for Dinesh Vijan's Raabta in Budapest. The Heropanti injured her ankle while shooting an action sequence. According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, a source present on the sets revealed, "They were filming in the Hungarian city with Kriti sprinting across the roof of a castle. She lost her grip and crashed into the safety mat, twisting her ankle in the process." advertisement The source added, "They will resume shooting with some other scenes and get back to action later. Kriti was keen on continuing with the shoot but Dinesh insisted that she take a break till her injury had healed." One of Kriti's fan clubs have also shared the picture of Kriti wearing a crepe bandage. It is for the first time that Sushant Singh Rajput will share screen space with Kriti Sanon Raabta. The film will hit the theatres on Feb 10, 2017. --- ENDS --- Three trucks carrying Rs 570 crore belonging to State Bank of India and was on its way from Coimbatore to Visakhapatnam along with three escorts vehicles. There was a bit of confusion between the flying squad and the money escorts due to language barrier. Officials said that personnel accompanying the containers told them that they were transferring Rs 570 crore from State Bank of India in Coimbatore to Vishakhapatnam branches. The men in cars, who claimed to be policemen from Andhra Pradesh but were not in proper uniform. The officials got suspicious when they failed to show all the necessary documents and efforts were on to ascertain the veracity of their claim. The containers escorted by three cars, did not halt, but officials chased them and stopped them near Chengapalli. When asked why they had sped away without stopping, they told the police they feared it was a robbery attempt and that they were unaware that the officials were from the election department. Officials from State Bank of India Coimbatore and Vishakhapatnam were informed and are rushing to the spot, police said. By PTI: New Delhi, May 14 (PTI) Delhi Police has arrested journalist Pushp Sharma for allegedly fabricating an RTI reply to publish a news report claiming that the government was discriminating against Muslims and denying them jobs of yoga trainers in the Ayush Ministry. "Sharma has been arrested under charges of cheating, forgery and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc in connection with a case registered a Kotla Mubarakpur Police Station," Additional DCP (South) Nupur Prasad said today. advertisement In March, the Delhi-based journalist was booked in the case which was registered days after his report We dont recruit Muslims: Modi govts Ayush ministry appeared in Milli Gazette, a fortnightly English language newspaper. After registration of the FIR, police grilled Sharma, who is a resident of Dayanand Colony in southeast Delhi, for at least three consecutive days but he was arrested yesterday evening, police said, adding that he was produced at a city court today. Zafarul-Islam Khan, chief editor of the Milli Gazette, said, "The Ayush Ministry FIR against the journalist and the Press Council of Indias suo moto action are clear attempts to stifle the freedom of the press." "While the Ayush Ministry was quick to file a complaint with the police, it failed to make any contact in any manner with the news magazine. Moreover, the PCI, instead of protecting journalists and media publications, seems to be taking the side of the government," he alleged. A senior police officer said Sharma had earlier been arrested in 2009 on the charge of extorting government officials by threatening sting operations on them. There were also allegations that Sharma tried to extort police officers on one occasion. The ministry had earlier condemned the "misreporting" which it claimed was aimed at causing a "chasm" between different sections of society and "promoting disharmony and mistrust with ulterior motives". Sharma had claimed he filed an RTI with the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) enquiring about the Muslim teachers and trainers recruited by it for foreign assignments during the World Yoga Day last year, to which the ministry responded writing that they dont recruit Muslims. PTI DEY AAR ZMN AAR --- ENDS --- By PTI: resolution: Modi Ujjain (MP), May 14 (PTI) Warning that global warming and terrorism have become the worlds biggest concerns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said shedding the "holier-than- thou" attitude is the key to overcoming these issues and resolving conflicts. ?Worlds biggest concerns are global warming and terrorism... the holier than thou attitude apparently is behind them," Modi said addressing the veledictory session of the three-day international conference on "Living the Right Way" on the sidelines of Simhastha-Kumbh mela here. advertisement "The world is passing through two types of crises. On the one hand there is global warming while on the other there is terrorism. What is the solution ? What is behind their genesis...simply holier than thou attitude or (the thinking) that my way is more correct than yours. This is the thing which is dragging us towards conflict," he said. Strongly opposing attempts at expansionism, he said this was not a solution to the problems. "Expansionism is another thing that is leading us towards conflict. Time has changed. Expansionism is not a solution to the problems. We should not go horizontal. It is not a solution. We need to go vertical and raise ourselves from within," Modi said. The Prime Minister also released 51-point Simhastha Declaration jointly with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan. He said one of the major issues faced by the world is conflict management but the Indians know how to resolve the conflict and cited mythology to underscore his point. "But we (Indians) inherit conflict management skills ..Indians worship Lord Rama for his obedience and loyalty to his father and in the same breath glorify Prahlad who disobeyed his father. "The same way Sita and Mira are also worshipped, which shows that people here are well adept at conflict management," he said, adding what the world was doing today, Indians have been practising for ages. "World Earth Day is observed (globally). In India, when a child wakes up in the morning his or her mother asks them to seek forgiveness from the earth before putting the foot down on the ground." Simhastha Kumbh Mela is one of worlds largest spirtual gatherings held once in 12 years when lakhs of devotees, including hundreds of sadhus, take dip in river Kishipra. The three-day conference, styled as "Vichar Mahakumbh", is organised on the sidelines of the event to discuss issues like global warming, hazards of chemical farming and benefits of organic one and women empowerment among others. (More) PTI LAL MAS DK NM VMN --- ENDS --- advertisement The BJP leader further accused the Congress of trying to interfere with the probe. By Anindya Banerjee: BJP leader Dr Subhramanian Swamy has sent off a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh asking him to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of Sunanda Pushkar, wife of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. In the letter, exclusively in possession of India Today, Swamy has urged Rajnath Singh to 'set up a SIT and have it monitored by the high court or the Supreme court'. Swamy cited 'political interference on behalf of Mr Shashi Tharoor' in the original investigation. advertisement This is not the first time Swamy has written to Rajnath over the Sunanda Pushkar death. He wrote 2 such letters in July and December 2014 asking to investigate the case afresh. The home ministry obliged him at that point. But now he wants a SIT to probe. Speaking to India Today, Swamy said, "This is a murder. Of course this is a murder... Even the FIR says so." He further states, "There was a question whether there was poison in the system or not. The FBI, to whom the Delhi Police has sent (viscera) has confirmed it." Swamy is asking for Congress MP and Sunanda's husband Shashi Tharoor to be subjected to 'custodial interrogation'. "Congress better not cry foul (over my letter) because I have evidence that they tried to sabotage the investigation when they were in power," Swamy added. The two page letter is sure to sour relation between the ruling BJP and the prime opposition Congress party. The recently concluded Parliament session has already seen no holds barred action over the AgustaWestland chopper deal. --- ENDS --- Police has claimed that the sharp shooters involved in the death of journalist Rajdeo Ranjan had links with former RJD MP Shahabuddin who is presently lodged in Siwan jail. Police investigating the killing of Siwan journalist Rajdeo Ranjan has claimed that the sharp shooters involved in the death had links with former RJD MP Shahabuddin who is presently lodged in Siwan jail. The former MP is a close aide of RJD chief Lalu Prasad and was recently inducted into the National Executive of the party. Police which soon after the incident flung into action detained two persons namely Upendra Singh and Shahzad, both who have close links with Shahabuddin. advertisement Top cops in Siwan who are probing the case informed that the killing of the journalist was a pre-planned murder and the assailants who were professionals had conducted recce for 2-3 days before executing their plan on Friday evening. "We have detained two persons in the incident. We have also identified the group behind the killing. The group has links to Shahabuddin", said SP Siwan Saurav Kumar Shaw. Incidentally, the recording in the CCTV that was installed at the fruit market near the Siwan railway station has also disappeared mysteriously. According the police, the CCTV was installed at a nearby shop where the killing took place but there was no recording in the hard disc from May 10 onwards till May 13, when the journalist was killed. SP Siwan said "We have sent the hard disc for forensic examination to Patna to ascertain whether there was no recording that took place from May 10 onwards or whether the recording has been erased." Earlier in the day, the family of Rajdeo Ranjan demanded a CBI probe into the killing declaring that they had no faith in the Bihar police investigation. "We have no faith in Bihar police investigation. We demand a CBI probe", said Kali Charan, elder brother of the journalist. The journalist fraternity in the evening carried out a candle march to protest again the killing of Rajdeo Ranjan demanding that the assailants be arrested immediately. ALSO READ | Journalist Rajdeo Ranjan shot dead in Bihar's Siwan --- ENDS --- When a venomous rattlesnake appeared in the backyard, this German shepherd came to the rescue of a 7-year-old girl, refusing to back down even when the snake bit him three times. By AP: When a venomous Eastern diamondback rattlesnake appeared in the backyard of a 7-year-old girl, her German shepherd came to her rescue, refusing to back down even when the snake bit him three times. In short, Haus is a hero. "It shows you that a rescue dog, for us, paid it forward by protecting my family," said Adam DeLuca of Tampa. advertisement Now hundreds of donors are coming to the family's rescue, quickly topping the goal of $15,000 Friday on a GoFundMe account to help pay for the antivenin needed to keep the dog alive. By Friday afternoon, $35,000 had been raised for the dog's care. Haus is still recovering in the Intensive Care Unit of Tampa's Blue Pearl Emergency Veterinary and Specialty Hospital, and is being treated with anti-venom and painkillers, said Dr. John Gicking. "Without the pain medication, he's in pain. He's responsive, he's alert, and his leg is swollen and uncomfortable," the doctor said. Molly DeLuca's grandmother was watching her play with the 2-year-old shepherd in their backyard when the dog suddenly jumped in front of the girl and reared up several times. It wasn't clear what happened at first, but they could tell Haus was bleeding, and brought him to the vet. When his leg was shaved, three bite marks could be seen - telltale signs of the rattlesnake. The family lives near a state park that is a habitat for rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, and dangerous critters can slip under their fence from the wilderness, her father said. The snake's venom damaged the dog's kidneys. Vets now expect a full recovery, but it won't be cheap: Each day in the ICU costs between $1000 to $1500, and each vial of anti-venom costs $618. Haus is averaging 4 or 5 vials per day as the poison leaves his system. A family friend started the fundraising effort. The response, said DeLuca, has been "overwhelming." Haus is expected to be hospitalized for another couple of days. The family plans to forward any unused donations to a local rescue organization. The family adopted Haus just two months ago from a rescue organization, but they already had no doubt he would risk his life to save Molly or her four-year-old brother. "He just exceeded our expectations all the way around," said DeLuca. "Right away, the kids were hugging and loving on him, he always took it, he never did anything. Whenever anyone came to the door, he would start barking and try to be protective. He has just been an amazing dog. He's the type of dog that when you want to go buy a dog, you pay thousands of dollars and that's the dog you get. But we adopted him and got him for free." advertisement --- ENDS --- By PTI: Hyderabad, May 14 (PTI) A TDP corporator from Vijayawada, was booked for allegedly misbehaving with a woman passenger on board an Air-India flight while travelling from Delhi to Hyderabad, police said today. According to a complaint by the 35-year-old woman, she had boarded the flight yesterday from Delhi in which the corporator Ummadi Venkateswara Rao was sitting beside her. He allegedly misbehaved with her and tried to touch her, RGI Police Station Inspector T Sudhakar said. advertisement "The woman brought the matter to the notice of the flight crew and they changed the corporators seat. After the aeroplane landed at RGI Airport here, she complained to AI officials and security personnel and later lodged a complaint with police," Sudhakar said. A case under section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of IPC has been registered against the corporator, the police officer said. By the time the complaint was lodged, the flight which was scheduled for Gannavaram (Vijayawada) via Hyderabad had departed and Rao left in that, he said adding, investigation is underway. PTI VVK NRB NSD --- ENDS --- By PTI: Thiruvananthapuram, May 13 (PTI) The Congress led UDF government will explore steps to form a state vigilance commission to probe corruption cases if voted to power in the May 16 assembly polls,KPCC President V M Sudheeran said today. Sudheeran, under whose pressure UDF changed some controversial political policies, including the land issue, said the state-level commission could ensure more credibility and impartial investigation in the corruption cases. "My suggestion is that steps should be taken to form a state-level vigilance commission if UDF comes into power again. There should be more credibility in the investigation of corruption related cases," the Kerala Pradesh Committee President told in a meet-the-press programme here. However, the present Vigilance system is efficient and his suggestion to the commission was it should ensure more credibility, he said. advertisement The next UDF government would be more vigilant and cautious not to invite any charges or controversies, he said, adding that CPI(M)-led LDF opposition had no interest to end corruption. Their allegations were not ideology-based but according to their political convenience, he said. He also said that UDF has a corrective force within the front to guide the government in the right direction in essential situations. Attacking BJP, he said the functioning of the two year old BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would also be evaluated in the assembly polls. Some of Modis remarks in his election rallies would affect the poll prospects of BJP in the state, he said referring to Modis comparison of Kerala to Somalia. "Modis speeches in the state were part of his attempts to defy federalism in the country. His Somalia remark and statements against AICC chief Sonia Gandhi were sub-standard and unbecoming of his position as Prime Minister," he said. At a poll rally earlier this week in Kerala, Modi had said that the "infant mortality rate among Scheduled Tribe community in Kerala is worse than Somalia", setting off a political storm and triggering criticism in the social media. Sudheeran said Congress is the only party at the national level to fight the saffron force while CPI(M) has its presence only in Kerala and West Bengal. Moreover, the third front has no relevance in the country. "Congress is on a comeback trial. The recent civic body elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra in which Congress scored victory over BJP, is an indication to that. The partys aim is to ensure a BJP mukth Bharat in the next Lok Sabha elections in 2019," the leader added. PTI LGK JRK APR RCJ MAV --- ENDS --- By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Washington, May 13 (PTI) The US is committed to maintaining its "important" and "vital" relationship with Pakistan, the Obama Administration said today amid reports of strains in bilateral ties. "It is an important, vital relationship that we strongly believe in. Is it complicated at times? Absolutely it is. And do we see eye-to-eye on every issue with Pakistan? No, we dont," State Department spokesman, John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference. advertisement "But thats why the relationship matters so much because we have shared threats and shared concerns, shared interests in the region. And were going to continue to work at it," he said. Kirby was responding to a question on the statement made by Prime Ministers Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that his countrys relationship with the United States has been under stress for the past three months. Kirby said he has not seen the statement. "I didnt see his comments. So Im going to refrain from responding specifically to that sentiment," he said. Kirby did not agree when asked if the US-Pakistan ties are not at the best of times these days. "It is an important relationship that we continue to work at very, very seriously. Were going to remain committed to. And I would not share that characterization of it," Kirby said. PTI LKJ ASK ASK --- ENDS --- By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Washington, May 14 (PTI) The US is committed to maintaining its "important" and "vital" relationship with Pakistan, the Obama Administration said amid reports of strains in bilateral ties. "It is an important, vital relationship that we strongly believe in. Is it complicated at times? Absolutely it is. And do we see eye-to-eye on every issue with Pakistan? No, we dont," State Department spokesman, John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference. advertisement "But thats why the relationship matters so much because we have shared threats and shared concerns, shared interests in the region. And were going to continue to work at it," he said yesterday. Kirby was responding to a question on the statement made by Prime Ministers Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that his countrys relationship with the United States has been under stress for the past three months. Kirby said he has not seen the statement. "I didnt see his comments. So Im going to refrain from responding specifically to that sentiment," he said. Kirby did not agree when asked if the US-Pakistan ties are not at the best of times these days. "It is an important relationship that we continue to work at very, very seriously. Were going to remain committed to. And I would not share that characterization of it," Kirby said. PTI LKJ ASK UZM --- ENDS --- The Obama administration has ordered all public school in the US to allow transgender students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. Here are 10 things you must know about this directive. By India Today Web Desk: The Obama administration issued a directive on Friday which directs all public schools in the US to allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their chosen gender identity. The US Education and Justice Departments, in the letter, say public schools are obligated to treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity, even if their education records or identity documents indicate a different sex. advertisement "There is no room in our schools for discrimination of any kind, including discrimination against transgender students on the basis of their sex," said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. This guidance has heated up the ongoing debate over facilities transgender people should be given access to. The US Justice Department sued North Carolina over a bathroom access law on Monday, citing it violates the rights of transgender people. Here are 10 things you must know about Obama's transgender bathrooms directive: The guidance states that there is "no obligation for a student to present a specific medical diagnosis or identification documents that reflect his or her gender identity,". It is a legally nonbinding letter meant "to clarify expectations of school districts funded by the federal government", citing Title IX. Republicans and conservatives are much displeased with this directive. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said "If President Obama thinks he can bully Texas schools into allowing men to have open access to girls in bathrooms, he better prepare for yet another legal fight,". Reuters reports the guidance contains "an implicit threat that school districts defying the Obama administration's interpretation of the law could face lawsuits or be deprived of federal aid,". The White House defended its action, saying the guidance is a set of "specific, tangible, real-world advice and suggestions" that many schools had sought and will welcome The American Civil Liberties Union said the guidance would help make students "free to bring their whole selves to school." The move was cheered by the Human Rights Campaign, a gay, lesbian and transgender civil rights organization, which called the guidelines "groundbreaking." As per a Reuters/Ipsos poll, 44 per cent of Americans believe people should use restrooms according to their biological sex, while 39 per cent agree with this directive. Officials will also be distributing a list of "emerging practices" that advise faculties on using a student's preferred pronoun, inadvertent disclosures of a student's status as transgender, etc. With inputs from Reuters and AP. --- ENDS --- China has increased defence capabilities and deployed more troops along the Indian border, the Pentagon has said, as it warned of increasing Chinese military presence including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan. By India Today Web Desk: The United States Department of Defence today said it has noticed "an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military" in areas close to the Indian border. "We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India," Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark said after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China'. THINGS YOU MUST KNOW: advertisement The Pentagon report also warned of China's increasing military presence in various parts of the world, including Pakistan - with which China has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests. China's expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said. The Pentagon in its report expressed its concerns about Chinese military buildup near the Indian border. The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and, therefore, of China), and over the Aksai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increase in China-India political and economic relations. The report also mentioned about the tension between India and China near the Sino-Indian border. However, Denmark said it is difficult to conclude on the real intention behind this. The Pentagon said as China's global footprint and international interests grow, its military modernisation programme has become more focussed on investments and infrastructure to support a range of missions beyond its periphery, including power projection, sea lane security, counter piracy, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. The Pentagon said Pakistan remains China's primary customer for conventional weapons. In October 2013, Chinese and Indian officials signed the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement, which supplements existing procedures managing the interaction of forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). ALSO READ | US report raises concern, warns of China troops build up near Indian border China boosting Tibet Military to fortify border with India? --- ENDS --- This government school teacher from West Bengal is willing to sponsor needy, meritorious students with his salary in order to keep them from dropping out of school due to financial reasons. By Shreya Biswas: As much as we choose to believe at times, we do not live in a world sans humanity. Every now and then, positive stories surface the tides of morbid news to remind us that there is still hope for the human race. We came across one such story on Facebook a few days back. A school teacher from West Bengal, who wanted to do something about brilliant students quitting school for financial reasons, came forward with an unusual solution. advertisement Dhrubajyoti Sen, a Mathematics teacher at a government school in Howrah, asked for such students to contact him, so he could provide them with financial assistance to continue their studies. Speaking to India Today, Sen shared how he wanted to help "needy, meritorious students who have good percentage and want to pursue further studies in the Science stream". "In this mission (to help such students), I am alone with my salary as a school teacher," he said. "I don't know how much I can help, but I will try." Despite Sen's noble intentions, there are far too many bright students who could use such monitory support. Which is why, Sen has narrowed down the circle to those who cleared their Class 10 Board exams this year and are from Howrah, Hoogli district or Kolkata. Sen is willing to provide support with books, private tuition and school fees for the following two years of school. Also, he would provide guidance to students who want to attempt IITJEE or medical entrance exams. Dhrubajyoti Sen's Facebook post in Bengali (L)/ Translated copy (R) "A little help" As a teacher, Sen explains how 'half of his day' is about engaging and interacting with school children and how that gives him an edge with recognising their needs. "Nowadays, children who attend government schools mostly come from low-income families," said Sen. "When these students get good marks in their Boards and consider pursuing Science, problems arise." "The problem in the education system is that the syllabus is changing every year. Students are unable to reuse old books." "New Mathematics books here cost around Rs 450 to 500. Other science textbooks cost around Rs 600 (Bengali edition) to Rs 740 (English edition) each. Then, there are the admission charges and private tuition fees." "Is it really possible for people who earn Rs 3000 to 4000 in a month to provide these books for their children?" After providing for his family, Sen wishes to distribute a part of his salary "among these needy students for their books and copies". advertisement "Since a group of teachers are with me, they will guide them for IITJEE and medical (entrance exams), along with the Board (exams) preparation for two complete years," he added. Why a helping hand only for those pursuing Science? "I have to answer that question at least a 100 times daily," said Sen. As a Mathematics teacher himself, Sen explains how he and the "group of Science teachers" assisting him with this project will be able to particularly help students pursuing Science. "Due to my lack of contacts in the Arts or Commerce groups, I have to choose only Science stream for this year," he said. However, he does express his desire to help students from Arts and Commerce stream in future, if he manages to get help from those faculties. So far... Sen's Facebook post has already managed to garner much attention. While students are reaching out to him with the details he asked for, others our applauding his initiative When asked if he will be continuing this project next year, he said he wishes to continue his "mission" till the end of his life. advertisement "I hope that after my death, my daughter takes my mission forward," he added. --- ENDS --- With appreciation and love for Chopraa pouring in from all sides, his exit from the show has come as a shock to many. By India Today Web Desk: Actor Gaurav Chopraa who has been winning hearts by showcasing his brilliant dancing skills on international reality show, Dancing With the Stars has decided to take his leave from the show. With appreciation and love for Chopraa pouring in from all sides, his exit from the show has come as a shock to many. The actor who has been a consistent contestant on the show has been receiving a lot of appreciation from everywhere and is even said to be one of the highest-voted participants. Also Read: Gaurav Chopraa is rocking Georgia with his superb dance moves So why the sudden exit? The actor had to make the decision due to a set of "prior commitments" he couldn't ignore, reports, The Times of India. Confirming the piece of news and expressing his emotions about the same, Chopra took to his official Twitter account and wrote, "I shall be back soon..I apologize to every single one of u who voted or supported me..I apologise for leaving our dream mid way..I also thank u, for this dream that went on for 6weeks..it was a dream that I will cherish forever..sooo much love! Iv been indebted for life..I shall see u soon..again..and love u, each one of u..right till the end...Thank u!" #goodbye #georgia ... I shall be back soon.. I apologize to every single one of u who voted or? https://t.co/43Rkvxt24n gaurav chopraa (@gauravchopraa) May 11, 2016 advertisement Even though Chopra's tweet hints towards his return to the show, there isn't any confirmation about the same. --- ENDS --- By Shivangi Mishra: Three teen students -- two girls and a boy -- had sex while live-streaming it on Facebook even as their classmates viewed it on their smartphones during class. The incident happened at a public school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in January but reports about it have only surfaced now. According to a report by CBS Local , one of the girl was 14-year-old while the other was 15. They both went to the Barack Obama School while the boy in the video was from some other school. advertisement The teenage girls live-streamed the threesome sex through Facebook and the cops are now asking Facebook to hand over all the information from the account of the 14-year-old including pictures, status history, videos and user information like name, email, and IP address. The police said that the girls could be charged with "exposing a child to harmful material". The teens reportedly used the Facebook tool called Live. The investigation in this incident was started in January, when the staff at Barack Obama School became aware of this video depicting inappropriate conduct. According to authorities of the school the two girls bunked the classes and shot this video outside the campus. As soon as the school was alerted about this video, it notified proper authorities and cooperated with the investigation. Though the police is still investigating and may charge those involved, disciplinary action has already been taken against them. The 15-year-old boy that participated in the sexual acts was not listed as a suspect on the warrant. For Facebook, which is focusing big on promoting Live videos nowadays, incidents like these could act as a dampener. The company has been particularly careful when it comes to nudity and the inappropriate content on its site, but the live-streaming by its nature is more difficult to control and filter. In a statement to Gizmodo , Facebook says that the Live videos do present a unique challenge. "We do understand and recognize that there are unique challenges when it comes to content and safety for Live videos. It's a serious responsibility, we work hard to strike the right balance between enabling expression while providing a safe and respectful experience... if someone does violate our community standards while using Live, we want to interrupt these streams as quickly as possible when they're reported to us. So we've given people a way to report violations during a live broadcast," a Facebook spokesperson. Also Read: Facebook adds dedicated tab, infinite likes, filters and more to Live Video --- ENDS --- Thus, IranWire takes it upon itself to present guidelines for such an interview, urging journalists to challenge Zarif on the double standards and contradictions in his public statements. These include a tendency to dodge questions about political prisoners by saying that the judiciary operates independently of the presidential administration that he serves, while also maintaining that the Iran does not hold political prisoners. The latter claim flies in the face of the findings of a wide range of international human rights defenders, yet it is a claim that is repeated by many Iranian officials including hardline members of parliament and the supposed moderates within the administration of President Hassan Rouhani. Another IranWire report featured brief interviews with two members of parliament regarding one political prisoner who was well known to the Western public. The questions specifically addressed former US Marine Amir Hekmatis announcement this week that he was suing the Islamic Republic for torture that he was subjected to during the more than four years he served in Iranian prison on false charges of espionage. Hekmatis conviction initially led to a sentence of death, which was overturned by Irans Supreme Court and replaced with a sentence of 10 years, which was cut short by his release as part of a prisoner exchange in January. As his lawsuit alleges, the conviction was secured on the basis of a false confession that was elicited via psychological and physical torture, which included his being whipped on the bottoms of his feet, beaten with batons, shocked with a Taser, and kept in stress positions for hours. No concrete evidence was ever publicly presented to substantiate the notion that Hekmati had traveled to Iran for anything other than his stated purpose of visiting his grandmother and other family members. The MPs who commented on this case for IranWire barely acknowledged the accusations of mistreatment. When asked about it, both suggested that Hekmatis account from inside Evin Prison was motivated by a desire to disseminate propaganda and to claim monetary compensation. And both reiterated that they believed the former Marine to be guilt of spying. Such commentary is quite similar to that which Zarif and other high-ranking officials have offered on the cases of other prominent political prisoners. For instance, when pressed on the case of Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian, who was later released alongside Hekmati, Zarif repeatedly deferred to the judiciarys judgement, refusing to comment explicitly on his guilt but also insisting that Rezaian had been arrested on the basis of legitimate evidence. Speaking more generally, IranWire notes that Zarif has told the Western media that Iran doesnt imprison people for their opinions, and that this claim has been ridiculed and refuted by numerous former prisoners of conscience. But the refusal to acknowledge the political nature of cases like those against Hekmati and Rezaian is part of a larger problem of disregarding the overall international criticism of Iranian human rights violations. In response to the persistence of those criticisms, supported by data gathered by NGOs and the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, the Islamic Republic has even installed its own internal human rights monitor, but this position has only served to deny the findings of foreign observers. Those denials are difficult to take seriously in the face of anecdotal information gathered both from within Iranian prisons and from people like Hekmati, who have experienced prison conditions firsthand and escaped to countries where they may talk about them freely, without fear of reprisal. Among those who have provided information from inside the country, a number have been subjected to additional judicial punishment on the basis of charges such as communicating with the UN special rapporteur. Nevertheless, their efforts continue to have an impact on the international understanding of the overall state of the Iranian criminal justice system, as well as the particular pressures faced by prisoners of conscience. Further elucidating the general situation, the Human Rights Activists News Agency issued a report on Thursday thoroughly detailing the conditions in Evin Prisons Ward 7, which primarily houses individuals convicted of financial crimes, but also contains some political-security defendants. HRANA notes that almost all of the estimated 55 inmates in this category have been convicted of the vague crime of collaborating with hostile governments. There is no clear criteria by which the judiciary defines what constitutes a hostile government, much less the nature of the collaboration that allows for people to be charged with a crime. HRANA quotes one of these convicts as saying that he and his fellow inmates are victims of a spy-creating project. Foreign observers have made similar accusations, especially in light of the recent mass arrests of Iranian journalists and persons with foreign professional contacts. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian hardliners have presented these people as being members of a vaguely defined infiltration network. Meanwhile, the absence of evidence for foreign spying has been explained away by claiming that this network is structured in such a way as to leave some members unaware of the fact that they are working for Western entities. But Irans campaign of political imprisonments has certainly not just been directed against people accused of having ties to the West. It has also been directed against writers and artists who are perceived as being out of step with the regimes ideology, as well as people with possible ties to Irans adversaries within the Middle East. Another HRANA report detailed the case of one such apparent victim, Yousef Silavi, who had been questioned and threatened by Iranian authorities before disappearing from his home. Although no Iranian law enforcement agency has officially taken responsibility for the disappearance, it is believed that he is being held hostage to exert pressure on his daughters to return to Iran. Mona and Shima Silavi currently reside in Syria, where they have been offering Arabic translation services to asylum seekers who are seeking to leave the country, where Iranian forces have taken on a leading role in the defense of the embattled presidency of Bashar al-Assad. The two women have repeatedly been interrogated at the Iranian embassy in Syria over their work, leading to the perception that their family is being targeted over the support of Arab causes. These types of stories, alongside the specific crackdown on supposedly pro-Western sentiments, serve to undermine the notion that Foreign Minister Zarif and the rest of the Rouhani administration are leading a trend of moderation within the Iranian regime. This notion was further undermined last week when the now-famous profile of White House foreign policy advisor Ben Rhodes revealed that the Obama administration had deliberately disseminated that narrative to help justify the Iran nuclear deal. But despite the doubt that this casts on the seriousness of that narrative, it still appears to be the case that the Obama administration, as well as the Western media, have been operating on the assumption that moderation is forthcoming. While IranWire suggests as much when it says that the media has been handling Zarif with kid gloves, various other critics have pointed to apparent concessions and excessively permissive policies that the Obama administration has offered to Iran. On Thursday, Bloomberg View and The Tower contributed to these criticisms by alleging that the administration had stopped blacklisting domestic charities that collect funds for terrorist organizations. Although the official rationale for this change is that the government elected to put more focus on the pursuit of investigations and prosecutions instead of public designation, some experts have raised concerns that the move has diminished the amount of scrutiny given to some such charities. Many of these can be expected to be linked to Iran, which is still regarded as the world foremost state sponsor of terrorism, regardless of the narrative of moderation under the Rouhani administration. The article also reiterated that Iran had become an indispensable source of support for the government of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. It pointed out that the Syrian military has been estimated to have been cut in half since fighting began in 2011, leading to a steady increase in both formal and informal Iranian participation in the fighting. Foreign Policy points out that by 2015, all six branches of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps were present on the battlefields in Syria. Officially, the Iranian government maintains that this ever-growing force is only serving in an advisory capacity, but it is clear that their participation has become more intimate and has led to a corresponding increase in the number of Iranian casualties. In just the past six months, the number of Iranians killed in Syria was reportedly equivalent to the number killed in the first two years of Iranian involvement in the conflict. While some critics of the Iranian regime, such as the National Council of Resistance of Iran, are keen to characterize the IRGC as simply another fighting force on the front lines, Foreign Policy acknowledges that at the very least, the Iranian mission has shifted from being one of advisement on issues of overall strategy to being one of advisement on immediate battlefield strategy. In the same way that there is contrast between the official Iranian position on the IRGCs role and the actual situation on the ground, there is similar contrast between the regimes official policies on recruitment for the Syrian Civil War and the actual levels of Iranian and Iran-affiliated participation. That is, Foreign Policy notes that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has limited IRGC recruitment to relatively small numbers of high-skill advisors. But many more hardline Shiites are interested in joining the conflict, and they have opportunities to do so by enlisting in the Shiite militias operating alongside the IRGC, sometimes under the direct command of IRGC officers. Even if this supplementary recruitment is not proceeding according to the specific orders of the supreme leader, it is certainly being publicly encouraged by public figures with prominent reputations among hardliners. In particular, the exploits of Shiite militias have been praised in state media by Qassem Suleimani, the commander of the IRGCs foreign expeditionary Quds Force, who was credited with Shiite victories over the Islamic State in Iraq before taking over command of operations in Syria and personally convincing Russia to use its air power to support Iranian operations on the ground. Suleimani is reportedly a folk hero among political hardliners and Shiite fundamentalists, and his support for militant groups gives the defense of the Assad regime an even more religious dimension. This fact is in turn cited by Irans critics to underscore the US State Departments argument that sponsorship of the brutal Assad regime is encouraging the growth of Sunni extremism on the other side of the conflict. On the other hand, the moderate rebel groups fighting against the Assad regime insist that this ever-growing Iranian influence has not been sufficient to secure Assads continued rule, and has in many respects led to the weakening of Irans position in the region. On Friday, the National Council of Resistance of Iran quoted the Free Syrian Armys Brigadier General Mthghal al-Batish as saying that the IRGC had suffered high numbers of casualties in fighting outside Aleppo, where rebel forces succeeded in capturing nine villages. Batish added that that opposing sides offensive near Aleppo was being conducted almost entirely by the IRGC, with very little presence of the Syrian military. Furthermore, at the same time that the IRGC is suffering growing numbers of casualties, Irans foreign proxies are also incurring significant losses in the same conflict. The Tower emphasizes, for instance, that Mustafa Badreddine, the leader of Hezbollah operations in Syria, had recently been killed in an explosion near the Damascus airport. This setback to the Lebanese militant group is potentially good news for its chief enemy, Israel, and also for other targets of global terrorism, given that Badreddine was linked to a number of earlier Hezbollah attacks, including the 1983 bombing of the US Marine barracks in Beirut. [May 13, 2016] Denali Holding Inc. Releases Selected Preliminary Financial Results for the Three Months Ended April 29, 2016 Denali Holding Inc. ("Denali" or "the Company") today released selected preliminary financial results for the three months ended April 29, 2016 in connection with the financing for its previously announced acquisition of EMC Corporation (News - Alert). Preliminary non-GAAP net revenue and non-GAAP operating income of Denali were approximately $13.3 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, for the three months ended April 29, 2016. Preliminary Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $0.7 billion for the three months ended April 29, 2016. On March 27, 2016, Denali entered into a definitive agreement with NTT (News - Alert) Data International L.L.C. to sell substantially all of its Dell Services business for cash consideration of approximately $3.1 billion. Dell Services includes process outsourcing, application management and infrastructure services. The results of Dell (News - Alert) Services are included in the preliminary financial results, and will be presented as discontinued operations in the Fiscal 2017 Q1 financial statements. Denali anticipates the Dell Services transaction will close in the third quarter of Fiscal 2017. The selected preliminary financial results of Denali for the three months ended April 29, 2016 and the historical data for the three months ended May 1, 2015 presented here are inclusive of the results of Dell Services. The preliminary results of Dell Services for the three months ended April 29, 2016 are expected to be materially consistent with previously disclosed results for this business. The consolidated preliminary financial results exclude adjustments related to amortization of intangibles, purchase accounting adjustments and other corporate expenses. Including these items, Denali's preliminary results for net revenue and operating loss were approximately $13.2 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively. The company believes that the reasons for the changes in its preliminary non-GAAP net revenue, non-GAAP operating income and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended April 29, 2016, as compared to the three months ended May 1, 2015, are substantially consistent with the trends disclosed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Denali" included in Denali's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC (News - Alert) on May 11, 2016. (the "S-4 Registration Statement"). The table below provides a reconciliation of preliminary net revenue to non-GAAP net revenue, preliminary operating loss to non-GAAP operating income and preliminary operating loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended April 29, 2016. For more information on the adjustments below, see the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Denali - Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in the S-4 Registration Statement. Preliminary Three Months Ended April 29, 2016 (in billions) Net revenue $ 13.2 Non-GAAP adjustments: Impact of purchase accounting 0.1 Non-GAAP net revenue $ 13.3 Operating loss $ (0.1 ) Non-GAAP adjustments: Impact of purchase accounting 0.1 Amortization of intangibles 0.5 Other corporate expenses 0.1 Non-GAAP operating income $ 0.6 Preliminary Three Months Ended April 29, 2016 (in billions) Operating loss $ (0.1 ) Adjustments: Depreciation and amortization 0.6 Other corporate expenses 0.1 Impact of purchase accounting 0.1 Adjusted EBITDA $ 0.7 The table below provides a reconciliation of net revenue to non-GAAP net revenue, operating loss to non-GAAP operating income and operating loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended May 1, 2015. Historical Three Months Ended May 1, 2015 (in billions) Net revenue $ 13.5 Non-GAAP adjustments: Impact of purchase accounting 0.2 Non-GAAP net revenue $ 13.7 Operating loss $ (0.3 ) Non-GAAP adjustments: Impact of purchase accounting 0.2 Amortization of intangibles 0.5 Other corporate expenses 0.1 Non-GAAP operating income $ 0.5 Historical Three Months Ended May 1, 2015 (in billions) Operating loss $ (0.3 ) Adjustments: Depreciation and amortization 0.7 Other corporate expenses 0.1 Impact of purchase accounting 0.1 Adjusted EBITDA $ 0.6 Denali is currently finalizing its financial closing procedures for the three months ended April 29, 2016 and therefore is not able to provide final results for such period. The preliminary financial data presented herein is based upon the company's estimates and currently available information, and is subject to revision as a result of, among other things, the completion of financial closing procedures, the completion of financial statements for such period, the preparation of the discontinued operations presentation of Dell Services, and the completion of other operational procedures (all of which have not yet been completed). Denali expects to release its Fiscal 2017 Q1 financial results to current holders of debt securities of Denali or Dell Inc. ("Dell") and prospective qualified institutional debt investors on June 2, 2016. The company reports results to this group confidentially on a quarterly basis. The company also will conduct a confidential conference call for debt investors on June 2 at 11 a.m. CDT (News - Alert) to provide management's perspective and respond to questions with respect to the results. Call details will be provided at a later date to current and prospective qualified institutional debt investors who have been granted access to Denali's financial information, as well as to all holders of other debt securities of Denali or Dell, including Denali's senior secured notes and Dell's senior unsecured notes. New prospective qualified institutional debt investors and holders of debt securities of Denali or Dell who wish to request access to the confidential conference call, or to Denali's financial information before or after the call, can do so at: www.dell.com/investors. Actual results may be materially different from these estimates, which should not be regarded as a representation by Denali or its management as to actual results for the three months ended April 29, 2016. Undue reliance should not be placed on these estimates. In addition, the estimated data is not necessarily indicative of Denali's results for the full fiscal year or any future period. The company does not intend to update or otherwise revise these estimates to reflect future events and does not intend to disclose publicly whether actual results will vary from estimates. The selected preliminary financial data included here has been prepared by, and is the responsibility of, Denali's management. The assumptions and estimates underlying the estimated financial data are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties. See the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the S-4 Registration Statement. About Denali Holding Inc. and Dell Inc. Dell Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Denali Holding Inc., listens to customers and delivers worldwide innovative technology, business solutions and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.com. Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements, which reflect Denali Holding Inc.'s current expectations. In some cases, you can identify these statements by such forward-looking words as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "confidence," "may," "plan," "potential," "should," "will" and "would," or similar expressions. Factors or risks that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results we anticipate include, but are not limited to: (i) the failure to consummate or delay in consummating the proposed transaction; (ii) the risk that a condition to closing of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied or that required financing for the proposed transaction may not be available or may be delayed; (iii) the risk that a regulatory approval that may be required for the proposed transaction is delayed, is not obtained, or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; (iv) risk as to the trading price of Class V Common Stock to be issued by Denali Holding Inc. in the proposed transaction relative to the trading price of shares of VMware, Inc. common stock; (v) the effect of the announcement of the proposed transaction on Denali Holding Inc.'s relationships with its customers, operating results and business generally; and (vi) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions. Denali Holding Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Additional Information and Where to Find It This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law. This communication is being made in respect of the proposed business combination transaction between EMC Corporation and Denali Holding Inc. The proposed transaction will be submitted to the shareholders of EMC Corporation for their consideration. In connection with the issuance of Class V Common Stock of Denali Holding Inc. in the proposed transaction, Denali Holding Inc. has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-208524) that included a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction and each of Denali Holding Inc. and EMC Corporation plans to file with the SEC other documents regarding the proposed transaction. After the registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC, a definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to each EMC Corporation shareholder entitled to vote at the special meeting in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors may obtain copies of the proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and all other documents filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction, free of charge, at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov) or from Denali Holding Inc.'s website (http://www.dell.com/futurereadydell). Participants in the Solicitation Denali Holding Inc. and certain of its directors, officers and employees may participate in the solicitation of proxies from EMC Corporation shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction without additional compensation. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, participate in the solicitation of EMC Corporation shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interest, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160513005895/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] We doubt that the members of Westboro Baptist Church have much knowledge of Casey, Ill., or of the three churches their traveling protest tour visited. But when the well-traveled Westboro protesters recently brought their hate-filled message to Casey, they were met with positive opposition. The Westboro group apparently was returning to its base in the state of Kansas from Ohio and needed a pit stop somewhere in Eastern Illinois. They selected Casey. There is no reason to suspect that the Westboro protesters, who generally dislike homosexuals, Catholics, Jews and military casualties, had any inside information that Casey is a hotbed of radical anti-Christian institutions. Casey is much like any other small-town Midwestern community, which, to Westboro travelers, apparently means it possesses the same failures as much of the rest of the nation. But when the Westboro folks hopped off the tour bus to wave anti signs outside the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, and the First Baptist and United Methodist churches in Casey, they were greeted by some local residents who proudly expressed support for some of those things so disliked by the Westboro travelers. It was great to see people come out to stand against what has been labeled a hate group, even though its protests have been protected by the First Amendment. We are well aware of the First Amendment regarding freedom of speech and, of course, support its practice. But the group which turned out in Casey to protest the Westboro protesters also exercised their right to oppose hate. Those who stood up to the Westboro folks brought their own signs and slogans, so much so that the Westboro hate-filled messages sometimes couldnt be seen. The message might be that hate speech is protected by the Bill of Rights, but that doesnt mean that people have to hear it or see it. Yes, we all can choose to just to stay away and ignore the hate. But we support those who say that a small group of misguided people -- basically one extended family doesnt represent the views of most Americans. Those who have an opposing view also have the freedom to express their opinions and right to offer their message of love and acceptance in the midst of hate. Unfortunately, we probably have not heard the last of the Westboro folks, but we hope the recent counter-protest in Casey encourages others to show up and speak out when hate rears its ugly head. -- JG-TC Editorial Board The Keystone XL pipeline may be dead, but the litigation over it lives on. On Tuesday, attorneys general from six states along the proposed pipeline route, including Nebraska, and lawyers from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers filed friend-of-the-court briefs in energy giant Trans-Canada's lawsuit against four Obama Cabinet members, saying that the president had exceeded his authority in rejecting the project. In a reprise of arguments used in immigration disputes and other cases involving President Obama's executive authority, the attorneys general and the Chamber argue that Obama trampled on the power of Congress and the states to regulate interstate and international commerce. The Chamber and the manufacturing trade group also contend that the rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline permit -- about seven years after the first application was made -- has caused harm by costing states jobs, tax revenue and "billions of dollars of economic activity." The pipeline would have carried thick crude from Canada's oil sands to modern refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast. It would have created a couple of thousand jobs while under construction but only about 50 once in operation. The administration on April 1 moved to have the case dismissed, and the federal court in the southern district of Texas is considering the motion -- but the case isn't clear-cut. The government argues that Obama, by saying the pipeline conflicted with the national interest, treated the project as part of his power to make foreign policy. He said approving the pipeline would hurt his efforts to persuade other countries to take "ambitious action to combat an urgent global environmental threat." The administration also says that for nearly 150 years, the president's authority to make this sort of decision had gone unchallenged. President Ulysses S. Grant imposed conditions on a private company seeking to lay a telegraph cable from France. President John F. Kennedy approved an oil pipeline between the United States and Canada. President George W. Bush's 2004 executive order set rules to speed administration approvals of pipelines. Indeed, the government said, even Congress in December 2011 had acknowledged Obama's power when it sent him legislation that sought to force his hand and require him to approve the Keystone XL. Seeking to help TransCanada, Congress sought to require Obama to "grant a permit under Executive Order No. 13337" -- the order issued by Bush in 2004. Constitutional lawyers say that in general, presidential authority not clearly set out in the Constitution could fall into one of three boxes, originally described in a concurring opinion by Justice Robert H. Jackson in a 1952 case that limited President Harry S. Truman's power to seize steel mills during wartime to head off a strike by workers. The first box is the clearest: Congress clearly delegates authority through legislation. The third box is the murkiest: The president acts in a way inconsistent with the expressly stated will of Congress. The Obama administration is seeking refuge in the middle, the second box: There, the president acts independently in an area where Congress has not acted to limit his authority. "In the nearly one and a half centuries of executive exercise of authority over a wide range of cross-border facilities, Congress has never questioned the president's authority," the government said in its 57-page brief. "Instead, it has either explicitly affirmed the executive's authority over specific types of border-crossing facilities or has remained silent and thereby accepted the president's authority." TransCanada is seeking billions of dollars in damages in the case. Its priority is commercial, not political. It names as defendants Secretary of State John F. Kerry, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. But the friend-of-the-court briefs, like those in other politically charged cases, take aim at Obama's exercise of executive authority at a time of congressional paralysis. The Chamber's lawyers, led by Theodore J. Boutrous Jr. of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, condemned Obama's "remarkable assertion" that rejecting the pipeline would be "a useful bargaining chip" in negotiations with foreign nations. He said Congress "never acquiesced" to the "novel assertion of presidential power." The state attorneys general said that the national-interest argument about preserving credible U.S. leadership on climate issues was weak. "If such tenuous connections to international stature and potential foreign negotiations is sufficient to provide the President constitutional authority to act, there is virtually no limit to the power of an enterprising President to dream up reasons to exercise authority far beyond what the Constitution contemplates in a manner that could prove disastrous to the States," their brief said. One irony of the state attorneys general brief: It was filed on behalf of Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. But Oklahoma and Texas already have their segments of the pipeline. Obama approved the southern leg of the original Keystone XL proposal, so that the line is operating from Cushing, Okla., to Port Arthur, Texas. Morrow resigns environmental post The Rev. Kim Morrow, executive director of the interfaith environmental group, Nebraska Interfaith Power & Light, is stepping down at the end of May. Morrow, who also works as a climate change resource specialist for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has accepted a full-time position with Verdis Group, a sustainability consulting company based in Omaha. Morrow described Verdis Group as a small company with a big vision. The organization helps large institutes identify and implement ways to be more sustain, reduce waste,increase energy and water savings, and improve transportation. Morrow's one-year, part-time appointment with UNL will conclude this month. Previously, Morrow served as an associate minister at First-Plymouth Congregational Church, where she was active in environmental issues. Walk and Worship is Sunday SouthPointe Christian Church, 7010 Helen Witt Drive, will hold Walk and Worship events on the third Sunday of the month this summer. The first Walk and Worship will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Participants will gather at the church entrance for a short devotional and then will walk around the neighborhood taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Following the walk, people will return to the church for a parting prayer. The Walk and Worship program is open to people of all faiths. Subsequent dates are June 19 and July 17. For more information call the church at 402-420-2750. Sermon to take back the Bible The Rev. Jacob Buchholz of First-Plymouth East will begin a two-part sermon series Taking Back the Bible at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The second part will be offered at 9:30 a.m. May 29 at the church, which meets at Kloefkorn Elementary School, 6601 Glass Ridge Drive. Taking Back the Bible will show people how they can be fully committed to the teaching of Scripture and at the same time understand that Scripture to be supportive of the LGBT community and women clergy, Buchholz said. Sundays sermon looks at what the Bible says about same-sex relationships. The May 29 sermon will explore the Bibles teachings about women in leadership. For information, go to firstplymouth.org. Prayer rally at State Capitol Evangelist Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Associations 50-state prayer rally tour comes to the Nebraska State Capitol at noon Wednesday. Nebraska is the 24th stop on the "Decision America Tour." The rally takes place on the capitols north plaza. The focus of these prayer rallies is to challenge Christians to pray for America and its leaders, and to live and promote biblical principles at home, in public and at the ballot box, Graham said. Decision America Tour will not endorse political candidates or legislation, and no candidates or current public officials will speak at any of the rallies. To learn more, go to DecisionAmericaTour.com. Stop the Stigma at Lied Center Students from all of Lincolns high schools will come together for a city-wide talent show to raise awareness of the stigma surrounding mental health. Stop the Stigma Lincoln takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Lied Center for the Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St. The show is a benefit for Home B.A.S.E. (Bullying and Suicide Eliminated), a program of the Mental Health Association of Nebraska. The event is the brainchild of Lincoln Southwest High School student Aryana Kamelian, who organized the show for her National Honor Society project. Kamelian said she wanted to stop the stigma surrounding mental health, especially among youth. Tickets for the talent show are $15 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at liedcenter.org. Bright Lights seeks volunteers Bright Lights summer enrichment program is seeking volunteers, ninth grade through adult, to serve as classroom assistants. Classroom assistants work with students in kindergarten through eighth grade in hands-on classes in science, the arts, math, music and technology. No teaching experience is required. Training is provided. The volunteer opportunity meets Lincoln Public Schools community service hours requirement. Bright Lights classes will be held the week of June 20-24 and July 11-15. Most classes are held at Holmes Elementary School, 5230 Sumner St. For information about volunteering, contact Jodi Fuson at jfuson@brightlights.org or 402-420-1115 ext. 49. To apply, go to BrightLights.org and click on the Classroom Assistant tab. Submissions sought for tribute On Memorial Day weekend, the Lincoln Journal Star once again will pay tribute to those we have loved and lost over the past year. We invite you to submit a favorite photograph of someone close to you -- family, friend, mentor or beloved companion -- who has died during the past year. In 150 words or less, tell us a story about them that signifies the impact they had on your life. Please include their date of birth and date of death, as well as where they lived. Send your tributes to eandersen@journalstar.com or mail to Erin Andersen, Lincoln Journal Star, 926 P St., Lincoln, NE 68508. The deadline is May 23. Be sure to include your name, hometown and phone number. A former lecturer at the College of Law has lost her lawsuit accusing the University of Nebraska-Lincoln of wage discrimination. Patricia Knapp failed to establish a case, Douglas County District Court Judge Horacio Wheelock wrote in an order Thursday. He said Knapp had failed to show any similarly situated men who were treated differently than her. Knapp worked as a temporary lecturer from 2011 to 2013 in the Civil Clinic and the University of Nebraska's Weibling Project for the Psychological Treatment and Study of Discrimination. Before that, she had been a half-time employee. Wheelock said the men Knapp had compared her wages to all held permanent, full-time positions that were either tenured or tenure-track. He said while Knapp may have been well-qualified for tenure-eligible positions at the university, there was no evidence that she had applied for any. Wheelock also found no evidence of retaliation after Knapp raised her concerns about pay disparity and gender issues in the clinic at an Aug. 22, 2012, meeting. Like many of his classmates graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan University, David Munro is looking for an internship to put his economics major and marketing minor to work. Munros post-graduation plans are different and perhaps more challenging than the 400 other Wesleyan students who will receive a degree during commencement ceremonies on Saturday, however. He needs a new heart. Born with only two heart chambers intact of the four found in a healthy heart, a condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Munro, 22, has lived through open heart surgeries and life-threatening infections. The congenital heart defect affecting roughly 1 out of every 5,000 children was, until relatively recently, fatal. I know there are probably some people older than me that have the same condition, but not a lot of them, said Munro, a graduate of Lincoln Southwest. They are only starting to get kids to survive the condition I have, he added. Im kind of at the frontier of what they know. New medical techniques have given Munro a chance at life, a college degree and a much sought after marketing internship, although they have required weekly treatments and a series of surgeries that began a few days after he was born. As a newborn, the chances of him getting a new heart before he died were not good, said Susie Keisler-Munro, Davids mother. There just aren't that many infant hearts available. Doctors at the University of Michigan performed a series of procedures to create a Fontan Circuit, basically rerouting the circulatory system from Munros healthy heart chambers through his body. At 10 months, doctors operated on Munro to ensure blood was moving through his lungs on its way back to the heart, an innovative body hack since his left ventricles were incapable of pumping blood directly to the lungs. The final procedure, to put things back together again as Munro calls it, took place just shy of his third birthday. I was bedridden so long that I needed physical therapy up until I started going to kindergarten, he recalled. During his sophomore year of high school, Munro again went under the knife after his heart began racing out of control, requiring an injection to slow down his heartbeat and prevent cardiac arrest. While the procedures have allowed him to live far longer than others with his condition born before the operation was first tried in the 1970s, Munro lives in a perpetual state of heart failure. Its like I have the heart of an 80-year-old, he said. His weakened heart has led to other complications, including a protein-losing enteropathy or PLE, which prevents his digestive system from absorbing proteins, a persistent symptom that was finally diagnosed a few years ago. Because his body is protein deficient, water leaks out of his vascular system and settles in his skin tissues, causing edemas that swell Munros 5-foot-3, 106-pound body by as much as 25 pounds. Other complications and infections from the PLE and edema crop up routinely. Munro was hospitalized once while doctors treated a flesh-eating disease, and he has recurring cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin. The treatments keeping infections at bay and battling the edema and PLE consume as much as 20 hours each week, Munro said. In addition to taking countless pills daily, Munro twice a day injects the protein Albumin into his legs, while a PICC line doctors placed in his arm last November connects to a pump he keeps slung over his shoulder to treat the edema and prevent infections. Its kind of been a bumpy road, with one hand on the wheel and one hand out the window, he said. A chance at a more permanent fix -- although doctors pin the odds at 50/50 -- would be receiving a heart transplant. Munro has been accepted for a transplant at the University of Michigan, and while the uncertainty can be unnerving, Munro tries to stay busy and not dwell on the negative. In my eyes, in the moment I have bigger fish to fry -- finals, doing my internship, things like that, he said. It puts my mind out of it because tripping up every five minutes thinking about it doesnt help. Munro kills time like most college students. Going to class, studying, spending time with friends and his fraternity brothers from Phi Kappa Tau, who he said have been a much-appreciated support system. He said faculty at Nebraska Wesleyan, including Thom Jackman, Loy Watley and Victor Khanzyn, have also been supportive, helping him achieve his goal of graduating in four years and pushing him to finish after he had to take an incomplete in a class last year after an infection landed him in the hospital. Jackman, a business professor at Wesleyan, said despite every opportunity -- and right -- to make excuses, Munro never has. "Oh heavens," Jackman said. "He never does." As a student, Munro was driven to succeed with an amazing sense of humor, well-liked by his classmates and "deserving of every honor he receives," Jackman added. Keisler-Munro said her son has never looked at himself as a victim. Essentially growing up in childrens hospitals has given him perspective not many people can claim. You dont have to look very far to see people who have it worse," she said. For Munro, who will join his mother, father Mike and little brother John at sister Francess high school graduation next week, any day hes not in the hospital is a good day. What I have right now is pretty darn good, he said. OMAHA -- Donald Trump loomed as the elephant in the room Saturday as Nebraska Republicans met to chart their course for the 2016 general election. Sen. Deb Fischer told 400 delegates and alternates to the GOP state convention that "the people have spoken" and they are fed up with "the wise men of Washington telling them who to vote for." "I am committed to supporting the Republican ticket from the top to the bottom," Fischer declared. "We cannot elect a President Hillary Clinton. The only way Clinton can win is if we Republicans let her win." Her pointed remarks were delivered directly before Sen. Ben Sasse, who has refused to endorse Trump even when he becomes the Republican presidential nominee in July, took the podium. Sasse told the delegates that there are "some disagreements that we acknowledge exist," but it's better to center on the wide range of Republican agreement than to "dwell on political tactical issues." Both senators received enthusiastic receptions. Neither senator spoke Trump's name during what had the feel of an awkward exchange and reflected a gathering that concentrated on the need for Republican unity rather than a celebration of their presidential nominee. Later, delegates rejected a proposed resolution condemning degrading remarks toward women and members of minorities made by Republican candidates and officials in an obvious effort to shield Trump from criticism. And the convention adopted a resolution opposing any effort by a GOP officeholder or party official to encourage a third-party candidate. Sasse had earlier done just that. Gov. Pete Ricketts was not reluctant to endorse Trump by name, suggesting that "it is important to get behind our nominee and bring the party back together again" because the alternative is Clinton. Ricketts said it also is important to "elect platform Republicans" to the non-partisan Legislature. In a remarkable roll call of senators who are Republicans, the governor called out by name more than a dozen who did not support him or the party on some key legislative issues. Among resolutions adopted by the convention were a call to suspend additional relocation of refugees in the United States except for those fleeing religious persecution and a proposal encouraging the Legislature to restrict use of public restrooms based on biological gender. Earlier, Republican National Committeeman J.L. Spray of Lincoln urged the party to unify in support of the party's presidential nominee. Lack of enthusiasm or support for Trump is "a dangerous game that could have devastating consequences for Don Bacon," warned Chip Maxwell of Omaha, who was defeated by Bacon for the 2nd District congressional nomination. People who are unenthusiastic about the presidential nominee may not vote at all, Maxwell said, and it is important that Bacon defeats Democratic Rep. Brad Ashford in November. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry urged Republicans to "resist a false unity," and develop "an authentic unity" that centers on principles like decentralized government, job security and "foreign policy realism." Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico, chairwoman of the Republican Governors Association, told the convention that the presidential election is critical this year because it will "shape the U.S. Supreme Court for a generation." Even Martinez came with some unspoken concerns about Trump. Last month, she reportedly criticized Trump for his remarks about immigrants during a private fund-raising event in Florida. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy In case you missed it, the makers of Budweiser are changing the name of Americas greatest beer to America. Im serious. Starting this summer, cans and bottles of Budweiser will display the word America in place of the suspiciously non-American word Budweiser. Its the single greatest thing to happen since God discovered America (the country, not the beer) and declared it the No. 1 nation on Earth for all eternity. As you can see from the byline, Im celebrating Budweisers bold naming decision by rebranding myself from Rex to Freedom Huppke, the most all-American newspaper columnist ever to walk this grand red, white and blue land we call America (again, the country, not the beer). Explaining the companys decision to change the name of its signature product until after the presidential election in November, Budweiser Vice President Ricardo Marques told The Associated Press: Budweiser has always strived to embody America in a bottle, and were honored to salute this great nation where our beer has been passionately brewed for the past 140 years. Marques, a Portuguese native speaking on behalf of a beer brand now owned by a Belgian company, makes an excellent point. Who among us has not longed to bottle this great nation and use it to chase down a large platter of jalapeno poppers? That dream becomes reality on May 23. No longer will a true patriot like myself suffer the indignity of ordering a beer with a dopey German-sounding name. Ill be able to turn to the bartender and say: Ill have another America. Not that there is another America, theres only one, and its the best. But I mean Ill have the beer thats called America, because Im an American, and thats the kind of beer I want. A beer called America. And the bartender will say: What? Patriotic beer-ordering person that I am, Ill scowl and respond: Never mind. Im gonna go find a real American bar that understands what it means when an American ask for an America. Then Ill get behind the wheel of my Liberty Mustang Im assuming all corporations, including Ford, will have jumped on the America-first rebranding bandwagon and hit the road. Ill turn up the stereo and listen to America (the band, not the beer or the country) as I cruise along, welling with nationalistic pride. Then Ill pull into a Liberty Bell drive-thru for a Star-Spangled Triumph Taco. The taco will remind me Im thirsty, so Ill head to a nearby Thomas Jefferson Target to pick up a few extra American flags, some Bountiful paper towels and, of course, a case of ice-cold America (the beer). On the way home Ill probably pop into Starsandstripesforeverbucks for an iced American America Americano. Then its straight home to put my case of America into the General Douglas MacArthur Electric refrigerator so its ready to go when Americas Got American Talent in America comes on that night on NBC-USA. What a dream scenario that is. Now I know what youre thinking. Youre thinking, Freedom Huppke, you sound like youve been pounding Americas since dawn. Have you lost your mind? I have not lost my mind, I have just super-sized my patriotism thanks to Budweisers selfless and spirited rebranding. What better way to remind Americans that we are American and this is America (country, not beer) and we should make America (country, not beer) great again while drinking a pickup-truck-bed full of America (beer), which tastes like America (country). I get why Budweiser decided to tie this change in with the presidential election. If theres one thing our politics have shown us recently its that a lot of Americans dont know the first thing about America (country) and how its political system works or what principles it was founded on. Its as if some voters are drunk on America (beer) and blabbering and yelling and forgetting what it actually means to be an American. So why not give Americans an America they can feel good about without having to think much? Why not make everything around us patriotic and red, white and blue, and great again? We may not be willing or able to appreciate how our political system is uniquely American. But we can certainly advertise our patriotism by holding a beer that says America. WASHINGTON -- It should be obvious to all by now that Donald Trump knows nothing of what he speaks. His disastrous economic ideas are but the latest in a litany of nonsensical proposals. Yet, and still, his supporters -- that Republican base so carefully nurtured by the very GOP operatives and politicians who now find its members so distasteful -- proclaim his supremacy with such bracing observations as, "Well, at least he's got [spheres]," or "At least he speaks his mind," or "At least he doesn't suck up to anybody." These selections from the morning mail share a common element -- "at least" -- which seems apt enough, though "the least" seems more to the point. Trump was the least of so many other Republican candidates who offered governing experience, knowledge and even, in some cases, wisdom. So why didn't these superior candidates win, especially given his consistently low favorability ratings? Indeed, both Trump and Hillary Clinton, presumptively speaking, would be the most disliked nominees at this stage of any in the past 10 presidential cycles, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis. Trump's average "strongly unfavorable" rating of 53 percent -- 16 points higher than Clinton's -- is at least 20 points higher than every other candidate's rating since 1980. Never mind the many elected Republican leaders who are distancing themselves from his candidacy. Not enough of them, to be sure, which is disgraceful and surely will be noted by future historians as cowardly. My own running list of sycophants remains handy for the duration of their likely shortened political careers. Nearly half of voters say they're less likely to support candidates who have aligned themselves with Trump, according to Morning Consult, a group that conducts weekly polls of 2,000 voters. To answer my earlier question, the better candidates didn't win because, obviously, so many of them siphoned votes from stronger ones, giving Trump the lead and all-important momentum. Thus, the constant refrain from Trump supporters that the "establishment" is ignoring the "will of the people" is only true to a point. Trump is the choice of a plurality of the GOP, but not of a majority -- a distinction with a crucial difference. At this stage, as the GOP convenes its circular firing squad composed of party leaders, operatives, hacks, flacks, politicos -- if you'll pardon the redundancy -- and, yes, certain media, they might better expend their energies considering alternative voting methods that might have prevented Trump's ascendancy and likely would prevent future demagogues. One of these methods, already used by a variety of professional organizations to elect officers, as well as by the United Nations to elect the secretary-general, uses an "approval" ballot by which voters rank all the candidates of whom they approve rather than select just one. Far from new, this idea was suggested in 1770 by French mathematician and astronomer Jean-Charles de Borda, who expressed concern that several similar candidates would split the majority vote and allow a non-consensus candidate to win. Voila. Through election by order of merit, now known as the "Borda count," each candidate was awarded a number of votes equal to the number of candidates below him on each voter's ballot. The candidate with the most votes won. Fast-forward a couple of centuries to 1977 when New York University politics professor Steven J. Brams and decision theorist Peter C. Fishburn devised "approval voting," which is similar but even simpler. By their method, voters would cast a vote for each candidate of whom they approve, in no particular order. The candidate with the most votes would win. Another ranking method, advanced recently in The New York Times by economists Eric Maskin and Amartya Sen, was developed by 18th-century mathematician and political theorist Marquis de Condorcet. This process called for ranking candidates in order of approval -- or not ranking them at all as an indication of disapproval. The candidate with the highest approval ranking would win. Longtime voters might find such suggestions jarring, but a Trump nomination could be a rule-changer. He can brag that he has won a couple dozen contests but the reality is that another of the other primary candidates might have beaten him if not for voters scattering their ballots among so many. This is to say, the majority of Republican voters rejected Trump. Had an approval system been in place, it's conceivable that John Kasich could be accepting the nomination in July. And Trump would be piling up approval ratings where he belongs -- on reality TV. The bison, which once ranged free on the Nebraska prairie, is a splendid choice for national mammal. When President Barack Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act on Monday, the bisons iconic status was secured in federal law. The mighty animals are a quintessential part of the American experience and a living symbol of the nations history. Bison coexisted for centuries with Natives in North America; the species was intertwined with the culture and lifestyle of tribes on the Great Plains. A bull bison weighs a ton, can accelerate to 30 miles per hour, jump a six-foot fence, trot for hours on end and, as many a wolf has discovered too late, spin on a dime, using his horns as a weapon. Bison once numbered in the tens of millions, roaming from coast to coast, and from Alaska to Mexico. Early European explorers described plains that were black with the wooly animals from horizon to horizon. Like the bald eagle, which was declared Americas symbol in 1782, the bison survived a brush with extinction . In 1963 there were only 417 nesting pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Now there are more than 10,000 soaring in Americans skies, and the species has been delisted as an endangered species. It took much longer for the bison to recover after they were nearly exterminated by hunters by the early 1900s partly because the U.S. Army wanted to shut off an important food supply from Native tribes. The push to win the designation spanned several years and involved perhaps 60 organizations, led by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Inter Tribal Buffalo Council and the National Bison Association. In the end seven members of Congress were credited as original sponsors and champions of the legislation. Among them was Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, who said, In the midst of such a difficult political environment, it is good to pass legislation that is important to the American narrative. Nebraskans are fortunate to have numerous opportunities to see either bald eagles or bison. Bald eagles can be found near many reservoirs in the state, including nearby Branched Oak Lake. A favorite viewing site is the dam spillway at Lake McConaughy. A herd of purebred bison roams on Shoemaker Island, an 11-mile long expanse of prairie habitat located in the Platte River that is part of The Crane Trust. The bisons new official title commemorates their deserved status as an important American symbol. Its gratifying that the title applies to bison in the flesh, still roaming the prairie. TransCanada Corp. plans to dig up and replace sections of its Keystone pipeline found to not meet federal strength standards so the company can begin pumping oil at higher pressure. Work, slated to begin this month and extend through 2017, will happen in Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Illinois and Missouri. The 30-inch pipeline first went into operation in June 2010. Most oil pipelines in the United States, including Keystone, operate at 72 percent of the minimum pressure that could cause a deformation in the system, which is known as specified minimum yield strength. TransCanada in 2007 got permission to run its Keystone pipeline at 80 percent, in mostly rural areas, but with a laundry list of safety specifications and conditions. TransCanada spokesman Terry Cunha said in an email that running at the higher pressure allows us to be more efficient with our operations to meet customer expectations and demands. And it could mean more money for TransCanada, said Richard Kuprewicz, president of the independent pipeline industry consulting company Accufacts Inc. They can run it at higher flows, and higher flows means more profit, Kuprewicz said. There was a pipeline boom going on when the Keystone was being constructed in the mid to late 2000s. At the same time, commodity metal prices spiked. During the boom, several newly constructed pipelines failed stress tests. An investigation by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of seven pipelines found that between 2007 and 2009 a number of pipe mills made substandard steel pipe for pipeline companies. Those pipes failed to meet government strength standards and could potentially deform under stress causing a leak. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued an advisory warning pipeline companies of the defective materials. A report by the nonprofit watchdog group Plains Justice detailed the federal investigation and criticized the Pipeline Safety Administration for not doing enough to address the issue. After building the Keystone, TransCanada did an in-line inspection which found the pipeline to be safe but did identify some areas that would need to be replaced based on post-construction guidelines for low yield strength, Cunha said. The work has to be done before TransCanada could begin running the Keystone at the higher operating pressure. The sections of the pipeline to be replaced range from nine to 40 feet long. The Keystone will be shut down for short periods, typically 24 hours and no more than twice in a four-week period, for work to be done. TransCanada is working closely with its contracted shippers to minimize the impact to capacity during this maintenance work, Cunha said. In Nebraska, work will happen in Stanton, Platte, Colfax and Cedar counties. By now, you probably have a romanticized picture of my life as a grandfather. I come home to two perfect angels, excited to see me as they run RACINE COUNTY Enough jokes about jury duty have been told to keep late-night TV talk show hosts in material for a while. But in Racine County, as in other locales, not everyone who heads to a courthouse to serve their civic duty winds up pocketing what little money they are paid as compensation. "Every year the (Racine County) treasurer has to deal with unclaimed checks, unclaimed funds," said Sam Christensen, Racine County clerk of circuit court. That's right, every year some folks don't cash the checks sent to them for their jury service. "I don't know what's going on," Christensen said. "We can't figure out why a portion of these checks aren't being cashed." Maybe people forget they received a $40 check in the mail. Maybe they are paid their salaries by their bosses, who in turn make employees fork over their checks for jury duty, but then those checks are never cashed, Christensen theorized. Could be second in state So a proposal is in the works that would allow jurors to donate that money directly back to a separate jury fund. Every other year, juror checks are in the county's unclaimed funds list, which must be published in the newspaper in an attempt to notify people that their money awaits them. County Treasurer Jane Nikolai said when reviewing the unclaimed funds last year, she discovered there were 608 unclaimed checks for 2015. Of those, 56.6 percent were juror checks: 344. After determining that the six-month lag time to issue these checks wasn't the cause, she contacted other county treasurers in Wisconsin. However, "nobody else had analyzed the data like that." Issuing debit cards to jurors, loaded with their jury service pay, is cost-prohibitive to the county, Nikolai said, so the donation route seemed to be the best option. "This is modeled after something they're doing in Waukesha. It's the only other county out there that I know of that's doing it," Christensen said. The juror pay donation proposal was on the county board's May 10 agenda, and they could vote on the resolution during the May 24 meeting. If approved, jurors would be asked at the time of their service if they want to cash their checks or donate them back. Nikolai said the proposal first was discussed during the May 3 Government Services Committee meeting. The move is designed to save taxpayers money, Nikolai and Christensen said, as well as improve the jury experience. "It's like thousands of dollars" to publish the lengthy notice in the newspaper, Nikolai explained. "That's tax dollars. ...We're not trying to not pay them, we just want them to cash the check." For those checks that linger unclaimed out there, Christensen said letters are and will continue to be sent to jurors reminding them of the uncashed checks. If still unclaimed, Nikolai still will be required to post an ad in the newspaper listing all the individuals with money they can claim. If those checks aren't cashed, after both of those measures are used, Nicolai must hold onto the cash for 10 to 11 years. After that period, the unclaimed funds can funnel into the county's coffers, Christensen said. The donation route is tax-deductible, he said, whereas the unclaimed money forfeited after a decade is not. Using donations The donated money would be used to improve jurors' experiences in serving, Christensen said. Currently jurors receive free coffee and hot chocolate, and their meals are paid for only when deliberating before reaching a verdict. Racine County Jury Coordinator Todd Kile said each jury room is equipped with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Jurors' donated payments could be used to buy a number of items for future jurors, Kile said, including free refreshments such as bottled water, soda and snacks. "That would be one of my ideas. Or like kringle in the morning," he said. "I'm always for trying to improve the juror experience. Money is always an issue and this would be a great opportunity for us to try to raise additional funds to accomplish that." Every year, Christensen said he hears from one to five jurors who want the county to keep their payments, saying it's their civic duty to serve. That's out of about 16,000 juror summonses sent each year, which breaks down to about 350 people summoned weekly, Christensen calculated. "I don't see this as making a whole lot of money. If we get $250 a year I'd be surprised," Christensen said. Improving jurors' experiences is an important goal that Christiansen said he shares with others in the court system, including judges such as Eugene Gasiorkiewicz. Christensen said Gasiorkiewicz is dedicated to making jurors' service a positive experience, and the judge speaks out about the importance of jury duty. "Really, we try to make it as painless as possible," Christensen said of jury duty. "It is such an important service to do." SOMERS The University of Wisconsin-Parkside faculty has become the latest group of state teachers to voice disapproval with University of Wisconsin System leaders. At a special meeting Friday afternoon, the universitys Faculty Senate approved a resolution that strongly opposes changes to tenure and shared governance supported by System President Ray Cross and the state Board of Regents. The Parkside resolution also called on Cross and the regents to work with state colleges and the state Legislature to improve access, affordability and educational resources for all students. Parksides faculty became the sixth in the UW System to pass a resolution critical of $250 million in budget cuts and removal of some tenure protections proposed by state officials. Passing similar resolutions in the past two weeks were faculties at the UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Green Bay, UW-River Falls and UW-La Crosse. Parksides nuanced resolution, however, does not include the phrase no confidence, which appears in resolutions passed by several other faculties. Senate members debated and tinkered with the wording of the resolution for more than an hour Friday before approving the original draft crafted by the Senates university committee. Some professors wanted to include no-confidence language, while others argued that adding it would send a mixed message of confrontation and conciliation. Parkside Senate Secretary Gregory Mayer pointed out that the term no confidence is a specific term requesting someone to resign or step down from their position. I dont think we should say we have no confidence and then say lets work together, Mayer said. Those are contrary to each other. Parkside Chancellor Deb Ford attended the meeting Friday a day before the college was set to graduate the largest class in school history and thanked the faculty members for their robust and healthy debate. The resolutions are symbolic and carry no power. How protests started The professorial protests were ignited after the Associated Press found an email in which Cross praised a decision to remove faculty tenure protections from state law. In the email, Cross said tenure should not guarantee a job for life. That statement further deepened the animus between UW System faculty and leaders, who oversaw $250 million in cuts to higher education in the latest two-year state budget. The faculty resolutions have drawn sharp responses from Gov. Scott Walker, who shared professor salaries and said the average time spent in classrooms by professors has dropped at most state schools. At UW-Milwaukee, for example, full professor salaries averaged $101,700 in the 2013-2014 academic year, and the facultys average time spent in classrooms dropped by 20 percent from 2000 to 2013, Walker said. The facts speak for themselves, Walker told the Associated Press. The bottom line is UW System funding stands at an all-time high, spending per student at UWM is up more than 40 percent since 2002-03, and faculty is spending less time in the classroom. Nepali worker found dead in South Korea A Nepali youth recently working in South Korea was found dead in bed Thursday night. 1,040 engineers in quake-hit districts As part of its efforts to construct earthquake-resistant buildings, the Ministry of Urban Development has deployed 1,040 engineers in the 14 affected districts. 108 Nepali products get duty-free access to Bangladesh Nepal will also be providing preferential treatment to 50 Bangladeshi products that include fish and agro products Art of Mithila: A living tradition Bharati Dayal offers her creative repository to art enthusiasts through her book Madhubani Art Boko Haram links to IS alarm UN Security Council The UN Security Council has said it is alarmed by ties between Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamist militants and the Islamic State (IS) group. Chinese minister, PM Oli discuss bilateral issues Visiting Chinese Minister for State Administration for Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television Cai Fuchao called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Baluwatar on Friday. Dacoits loot three homes in Mirchaiya Three homes were looted in Mirchiya municipality-7 of Siraha on Friday night. A group of eight to ten masked men carried out bomb blasts before robbing off the villagers. Drag me to court, Dahal challenges Amid growing concerns of conflict victims who have been saying they are worried about being deprived of justice, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said on Friday that court could drag him to court and jail him on charges of conflict-era cases. Elderly Buddhist monk hacked to death in Bangladesh Police in Bangladesh say a 75-year-old Buddhist monk has been hacked to death in the south-eastern district of Bandarban. Federal alliance announces stir Madhesi and Janajati forces, which have formed the Sanghiya Gathabandhan, or federal alliance, to press the government to address their demands, have said they will launch their Kathmandu-centric protests from Saturday. Fool us always! Dear Nepal Government, please stop promising us stuff that you cannot or know very well that you will not fulfill Binod Ghimire covers parliamentary affairs and human rights for The Kathmandu Post. Since joining the Post in 2010, he has reported primarily on social issues, focusing on education and transitional justice. India to attend Buddha summit India has said that it will attend the upcoming Buddhist Conference to be held in Nepal at an appropriate level. Informal insurance biz growing due to lack of laws Lack of legal provisions has led to an increase in informal insurance raising the risk of customers not getting compensation for damage to their property, National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice-Chairman Yubaraj Khatiwada said Friday. International rights groups slam 9-pt deal International human rights groups have condemned a deal between the ruling partiesthe CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist)to withdraw war-era cases from court and grant amnesty to those involved in serious human rights abuses. Trump denies posing as his own spokesman 'John Miller' in 1990s Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has denied masquerading as a spokesman for himself in the 1990s after an audio tape was published. KMG, CCTV sign framework agreement for content exchange Kantipur Media Group (KMG) and Chinas state television, CCTV, on Friday signed a bilateral agreement, which provides a framework for content exchanges between the leading media houses in Nepal and China. Ncell subject to capital gains tax: PM Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said on Friday that the recently accomplished Ncell deal was subject to capital gains tax as per the law of the land. PAC to probe tax issue in sale of Ncell shares The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has decided to open a formal investigation into the issue of capital gains tax in the recent sale of Ncell shares. The House panel said Friday that it was preparing to form a high-level technical probe committee to look into the matter. Parties fail to resolve parliamentary regulations dispute The all-party meeting summoned for resolving the dispute over parliamentary regulations ended inconclusively today. Quake preparedness: Experts call for geo-hazard mapping, risk assessment Experts have called for a detailed mapping of geo-hazards and assessment of risks from Gorkha Earthquake that struck the country last year to identify and implement mitigation and adaptation measures. The gangs all here Captain America: Civil War stays very much within the confines of superhero convention, but even as it treads familiar ground, there is a refreshing lightness of approach here that makes for an enjoyable watch Three more ascend Mt Everest Three more mountaineers successfully reached atop the summit of Mount Everest today bringing total number of ascents to 45 since the start of this year's climbing season. Time travel through portraits At the Patan Museum, with images from a bygone era, Nepal Picture Library is creating a portal to a time when a photographic revolution was taking seed Tom Hiddleston to be next James Bond? Actor Tom Hiddleston has fuelled rumours that he might be the next James Bond after he was spotted enjoying a "jolly" meeting with director Sam Mendes and producer Barbara Broccoli here. Yes, its hard to to tell when one enters the city limits Yes, they will make the city more inviting Maybe ... does it really matter? No, the signs in place are fine No, it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars Vote View Results The International Criminal Court (ICC) insists that no African president can stop its operations. This is in response to President Yoweri Musevenis outbursts against the Hague-based Court, describing them as a bunch of useless people. Phakiso Mochochoko, Director Jurisdiction Complementary and Corporation Division of the ICC maintained that the court still has a strong ground and its maintaining the same position that African leaders shall not block its operations. Mochochoko made the remarks while on his consultation visit to villages in Northern Uganda that were affected by the two decade war led by Joseph Kony the leader of the Lords Resistance Army. While delivering his inaugural speech at Kololo Independence Grounds on Thursday, President Museveni attacked the western powers reference to his Sudanese counterpart Omar Al Bashir who was witnessing the swearing in ceremony. The presidents remarks prompted the U.S. delegation to walk out in protest. Meanwhile, The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change has attacked president Museveni for making disparaging statements about the International Criminal court According to the party president Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, such statements are a clear sign that the NRM government is in panic. On Thursday, Amnesty International asked the government of Uganda to arrest visiting Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir who is wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Dafur region. While addressing a press conference at the US Embassy in Kampala on Friday, The US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Bureau of African Affairs, Mr Bruce Wharton described president Musevenis disparaging remarks against the ICC as a mockery to the victims of the Dafur war in South Sudan. However, the state minister for International Relations Henry Okello Oryem said the Sudanese leader could not be arrested like a chicken thief. While in its latest response, government says the US anger over president Musevenis statement about the ICC during his swearing -in on Thursday amounts to hypocrisy. No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results DEAR READERS: I've stepped away from my column for the week while I put the finishing touches on my new book, which will be published in the fall. Please enjoy these "Best Of" columns in my absence. I'll be back with your fresh questions and answers next week. DEAR AMY: I am a happily married 27-year-old woman about to have my first baby, and I am terrified because it isn't my husband's baby. Last spring, another woman and I took a trip to the Bahamas. At the hotel, I had a massage and was seduced by the masseur. I tried to resist, but I guess I got carried away. I sort of cooperated once things got started. After some prenatal tests, my doctor recently told me that the baby's blood type is different from both my husband's and mine, which means the baby is not his. When the baby is born, it will be very obvious: My husband and I are white, and the masseur is black. I can't tell my husband; I think that he would leave me. It's too late for an abortion. What can I do? Please advise me. Pregnant and Scared DEAR SCARED: I appreciate the fact that you are assuming some responsibility for participating in this sexual encounter, which from the way you describe it sounds less like seduction than coercion (and possibly assault) to me. Or is this how you are justifying your own choices? Only you can know. This hotel employee should not be seducing, coercing or having sex with hotel guests during massage sessions. (Giving a consenting adult a cell number and hooking up off the premises is another matter.) If he coerced or forced you to have sex with him, then you should have gone to hotel management and the police immediately in order to prevent him from preying on other hotel guests. In addition to other very tough decisions that you need to make fairly quickly, you also should be immediately tested for STDs. You have to tell your husband about this. You simply have no choice. However, it would be helpful for you to rehearse this conversation with a trusted friend or professional counselor. You and your husband should discuss this in a neutral environment. Planned Parenthood offers pregnancy and adoption counseling. Counselors working for this agency have seen it all, and you will not be judged. Your local Planned Parenthood office will refer you to a social worker, and will be by your side while you and your husband walk this very difficult path. Check your local listings or www.plannedparenthood.org for a clinic near you. January 2007 DEAR AMY: My daughter just turned 16 and received a new car. I'm so worried about her. Every day I watch the news and hear about a new accident, and I worry that one day it will be her in one of those accidents. Without her knowing, I installed a tracking device in her car so that I can monitor where she is. I've also recently started reading her journal and going through her drawers to see if she is using drugs or having sex. I know I'm going into her private space, but I just want to make sure that she's OK. Should I be doing something differently? Mercedes DEAR MERCEDES: You should be doing many things differently. Installing a tracking device will not make your daughter a safer driver. Knowing where the car is won't protect her from the perils of the road, which are considerable for 16-year-olds. A 16-year-old girl should not have a new car before you're confident of her driving. She might be better off using your family car in a limited way until you and she are confident. Studies of teen drivers show that the crash rate decreases as their age increases. You should get your daughter to drive you places whenever possible. Let her face various challenging situations with you in the car. She should also strictly adhere to your local laws involving the number of passengers a teen may have in the car. The more passengers, the higher the risk. Don't read your daughter's private journals. She has a right to her own thoughts and expressions. Unless you have some compelling reason to suspect that she is taking drugs or having sex, you shouldn't be going through her property. Your daughter's eagerness to earn and maintain your trust will help her to make safe and sound choices. Her choices are more important and a better safeguard than any tracking device that you could ever install. May 2007 MADISON Reaching out to his former customers, police said, Douglas Pfaff brought them a great deal on corn seed from what he said was his new employer. But there wasnt a kernel of truth in his pitch, and farmers got nothing for their money, according to a criminal complaint. Pfaff, 59, of Mount Horeb, was charged Thursday with 19 felonies, including one count of theft by false representation and 18 counts of unauthorized use of an entitys identity, after claiming to be a sales representative for Renk Seeds when he made nearly $20,000 in sales to more than a dozen Dane County farmers between October and April. Pfaff was allowed to remain free on a signature bond after appearing in court without a lawyer on Thursday. Dane County Court Commissioner Brian Asmus ordered him to have no contact with Renk or any of the farmers from whom he collected money, and not to solicit money from anyone. According to the complaint: Most of the farmers who bought seeds from Pfaff told police they knew him from when he worked for Pioneer Seed, and that he dropped by one day to offer a deal on corn seed for his new employer, Renk. Others hadnt met Pfaff before. The customers on farms in the towns of Dane, Vermont, Rutland, Berry, Dunn, Mazomanie, Perry, Cross Plains, Primrose and Montrose, and in the city of Fitchburg and village of Blue Mounds gave Pfaff sums between $500 and $4,460 for corn seed he claimed to be selling, but none was ever delivered. The farmer who wrote the $4,460 check told police that he had known Pfaff for many years, since Pfaff worked for a company servicing farm loans, and said that their children had gone to the same school. Another farmer who bought seed said he had known Pfaff for 25 years. Investigators checked with Renk Seed and found that Pfaff had applied to work for the company but wasnt hired because he had received the poorest grade possible on his background check, due to his poor financial history. When Pfaff applied, a Renk employee told a Dane County sheriffs deputy, he was given a quick orientation while his background check was being run, and was given some company documents. Among them was an invoice which resembled the invoice form that Pfaff gave customers who thought they were buying Renk seed. Police looking for Pfaff were told by his former wife that he might be living out of his truck, and his landlord in Mount Horeb told police that he had evicted Pfaff in June because he owed nearly $7,000 in rent. A sheriffs deputy made contact with Pfaff on April 27, and Pfaff claimed that he had worked for Renk since October. Pfaff was arrested after he was told that police had verified that he didnt actually work for Renk. Theyve been almost a year in the making: Changes to the rules governing overtime could be announced soon. The changes will likely increase the salary threshold below which employees are eligible for overtime pay, a move the administration of President Barack Obama has touted as a way to help low-paid workers. But business leaders, including representatives of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, went to Washington last week to tell policymakers the changes will have too many unintended consequences. It will have a wide-ranging negative effect on small business and social service agencies, Joe Poehling, chairman and CEO of First Supply and president-elect of the Chamber of Commerce said. Those are two groups that can least afford hits to the budgets today. The proposed changed to the overtime rules for salaried employees were announced before Obamas visit to La Crosse last summer. The Fair Labor Standards Act was signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt and outlined the 40-hour workweek along with a provision for paying time-and-a-half for hours worked past those 40, with an exemption for salaried workers who earned at least a certain amount each year and met other requirements. The last increase in the salary threshold was in 2004 under President George W. Bush, which set it at $455 per week, or $23,660 per year. White House officials point out that salary is below the poverty line for a family of four and the Department of Labor has proposed increasing the salary threshold to $970 per week, or $50,440 per year. A hard days work should lead to a fair days pay, Obama said when announcing the proposal last year. Since then, the labor department has been receiving public comment and testimony on the issue and could formally announce the changes in the next week or so. Instead, Poehling and others in the Chambers delegation say, the changes will cause dissatisfaction for employees who have grown accustomed to flexible hours and working conditions, create problems for businesses trying to hit deadlines and would have the biggest impact on the nonprofit sector, which works with tight financial resources and already struggles with controlling labor costs. Officials at two local public agencies and non-profits, the La Crosse Public Library and the Family and Childrens Center, both said they had no comment and were still looking at how the rules might affect their organizations. According to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Economics Professor Taggert Brooks analysis of the proposal, only about six percent of employees nationwide would potentially be affected by the rule change, and Chamber Executive Director Vicki Markussen and Poehling said that number would be around three percent in La Crosse. Employers are likely to respond in one of two ways: reduce the wages of employees so that total pay is unchanged or reduce hours worked to avoid paying overtime. That first option might not be possible in low-pay occupations, Brooks said, where the minimum wage sets a lower bound on what employers can pay per hour. Mary Jo Werner, a partner at Wipfli and D.C. delegate, said employers are also not going to pay overtime, which would result in a reduction in hours worked. But she said that will affect businesses such as manufacturing and accounting in which order deadlines and seasonal demand result in fluctuations in the labor needs. This will affect flexibility for employees Werner said, such as flex time, where employees work more hours one week and get extra time off at a later date. Instead of monitoring hours, she said, employers will also start confiscating devices or shutting off email or other communication systems so employees cant work while away from the office or communicate with clients. Automation will also become more attractive to employers as a way to control costs. More than 300,000 comments have been received on the issue, Werner said, which highlights how alarming the changes will be. Both Poehling and Werner also said they heard rumors that the final rule will have a lower threshold than $50,440 per year and might include exemptions for some types of employees. If this is such a great idea, it should be great for everybody, Werner asked, why are we carving out exceptions? INDEPENDENCE At 88, Adeline Kulig Puccini remains spunkier than a cherub on Christmas Eve, with a devilish twinkle in her eye when asked where she got the half-million dollars to pay for an addition, including an elevator, for the church where she was baptized. None of your business, Puccini said with a mischievous smile during an interview Friday, in advance of the dedication and celebration Sunday of her gift to Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence. A knowledgeable fly on a pew hinted that Puccini had done well with investments. Puccini, who has a bachelors degree from the University of Illinois and a masters from Northwestern University, confessed as much a few minutes later, saying, I had a 40-year career as a speech pathologist. Im vested well. So was her husband, the late Navy Capt. Joe Puccini, a Top Gun aviator, she said, adding quickly and firmly, This is my charity. His charities are in Texas. Puccini repeated that distinction several times during a conversation in which she noted that the church addition, formally labeled on a plaque as being In Memory of the William Kulig Family, also is a remembrance of the Puccinis daughter, Nancy Ann, who died of cancer two years ago. Puccini was born and raised in Independence, now an enclave of about 1,350 people perched among the rolling hills and valleys of Trempealeau County. Now living in Virginia, she has spent most of her adult life on the East Coast, after a somewhat nomadic life as a military spouse. Im a Navy wife, with a captain, she said. Back to visit the expansive Kulig clan in the area, as well as friends, and to attend the dedication, Puccini saw the addition for the first time this week. Asked how she came up with the idea, she said it occurred to her during a previous visit. I was coming down the steps, following a man on crutches. Im 88 years old and I dont do steps, she said. Upon donating the $500,000 for the addition that houses the elevator, steps and a first-floor restroom on the north side of the church, Puccini made it clear to the parishs renovation committee that the project had to be top notch. I didnt want a Polish cattle ramp, she said, a comment that is ethnically acceptable because of her Polish lineage and the fact that Ss. Peter and Paul is a largely Polish congregation. The sign on the church lawn designates it as Ss. Peter and Paul, and the white cement nameplate above the front doors says, Kosciol S.S. Piotra I Pawla. Pastored by the Very Rev. Woodrow Pace, Ss. Peter and Paul is the second-largest church in the 19-county La Crosse Diocese, behind only the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in the see city. Puccini told the restoration committee not to scrimp on the elevator, either, insisting that it be large enough to accommodate not only several wheelchairs at a time but also a casket for funerals, when a hearse also will be able to pull up to the church on the new half-circle driveway adjacent to the addition. Puccini, who spent much of her time in the church Friday taking pictures of the restoration, also didnt want an addition that appeared tacked on, directing that it be designed to be compatible with the bricks and stone of the church, which has a cornerstone dated 1895. That also was accomplished, with the new structure being so seamless that it appears to be part of the original church, where the side steps had been outside, exposed to the elements. Repeating that the addition is from my estate, not my husbands make sure you put it that way, Puccini said she helped design the two large stained-glass windows on either side of the doors. The windows, which she commissioned at Vanderhoff Studios in Melrose, depict the Divine Mercy of Jesus and Pope St. John Paul II, a pontiff close to her heart. My grandparents were from the same area of Poland as St. John Paul, she asserted with pride. Even as dozens of parishioners and former parishioners most of whom seemed to be related to her paraded past, Puccini carefully checked out the amenities. Cocking her head a bit, she pointed to the large, ornate fixture above the elevator door and said, Its beautiful at night, with light emanating from the windows. The parish of 700 units, some of which are individuals and others families, has noticed an uptick in attendance since the elevator began operating a few weeks ago, said Bill Baxa, a member of the churchs restoration committee. When older members unable to navigate the stairs had to go elsewhere to church, the congregation lost their families, too, because they followed their elders, Baxa said. The renovation, costing in the neighborhood of $2 million by the time it is completed, has included a new roof and refurbishing the outside, as well as painting the ornate interior and refinishing the pews, Baxa said. This is something that was talked about for over 30 years, he said. Its something people value. After the renovation was announced, he said, People came out of the woodwork to help clean it up and make pledges even people who had moved away and remember going to the school. The restoration committee was formed about 6 years ago, said Ginny Kulig, a committee member. The church enlisted Affiliated Artists of Butler, Wis., to repaint the interior, including details such as golden touches to the Stations of the Cross and pillars extending to the high ceilings. They built scaffolding and moved it around the church, said Kulig, one of Adelines relatives by marriage. In the interim, all of the pews were removed, volunteers refinished them and they were stored in trucks that Ashley Furniture Industries from nearby Arcadia loaned the parish, she said. The church seats between 800 and 850, down from the original 1,200 because the new arrangement spaces the pews 36 inches apart instead of the previous 30, Baxa said. People get larger as they get older, and some have mobility issues, he said. As for Adeline Kulig Puccini, she has other charities in addition to her original parish. This is my estate, she repeated. My husbands and my daughters charities are in Texas, his native state, where donations from him and Nancy have gone to a cancer center serving nine counties. The Puccinis also donated more than $1 million to the Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education at the University of Illinois-Urbana. Puccini has plans additional donations from her estate, including a Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Africa. Im going to spend a lot of it, she said with a glint in her eye. MADISON Republican Gov. Scott Walker announced a series of changes in Wisconsins chronic wasting disease plan Friday, calling for more studies and guidelines for the deer farm industry but rejecting suggestions to resume thinning the states herds. Pressure has been mounting on Walker to step up efforts to contain the disease after infection rates hit a new high last year. A pair of Democratic lawmakers has called for culling the herd in disease zones and a prominent sportsmens group has pressed the governor to impose tougher regulations on deer farms. Walker announced the new initiatives at a Conservation Congress meeting in Manitowoc. He said he wants to update the states CWD plan by seeking input from hunters, landowners, farmers and foresters through county deer advisory councils; directing the Department of Natural Resources to study deer population dynamics and invest in research to better understand CWDs effects on the states deer herd. The governor also ordered state agriculture officials to create best practices for deer farms and the DNR to conduct deer farm fence inspections every two years. Currently the agency inspects farm fences once per decade. Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said the DNR will start implementing the initiatives immediately. DNR spokesman James Dick said he didnt have a cost estimate because the initiatives details havent been finalized. CWD causes deer to grow thin, act strangely and eventually die. It was first discovered in Wisconsin in 2002 near Mount Horeb, sending a shock through the states hunting industry. The DNR initially tried to contain the disease by eradicating as many deer as possible, but backed off in 2010 after intense public backlash. The agencys current strategy calls for reducing local herds in isolated areas of infection that appear far from known disease clusters but centers largely on monitoring. DNR officials plan to update the plan by December. Meanwhile, test results released in March showed that 9.4 percent of the 3,133 deer tested last year were infected, the highest prevalence rate since CWD was discovered in the state. Democratic state Reps. Chris Danou and Nick Milroy brought Walkers chief-of-staff a series of proposals in April, including double-fencing captive deer farms and adopting Illinois strategy of killing as many deer as possible in infected areas. Evenson referred questions about why the governor refused to adopt the culling strategy to the DNR. Dick didnt immediately respond to a follow-up email. Both Danou and Milroy said the governors initiatives are vague and the DNR already is doing most of them, such as gathering public input through the deer councils and studying deer populations. We need to be more aggressive, Danou said. Youve got this smoldering fire in the original disease zone growing more intense. That fire is throwing off sparks. Then new fires start. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation this month asked Walker to impose regulations to keep CWD from spreading from captive to wild deer, including requiring deer farmers to double-fence their compounds and inspect their fences at least monthly and after major storms to prevent escapes. Richard Vojtik, president of the Whitetails of Wisconsin Association, which represents game farms, said earlier this month that double-fencing would cost farms millions of dollars and wouldnt guarantee disease containment. The governors plan contains no specific call for double-fencing mandate. Vojtik said Friday that nobody would have a problem with more inspections and developing best practices as long as theyre based on science. George Meyer, the federations executive director, called Walkers plans a good step but stressed that deer farm regulations must get tougher. PRAIRIE DU CHIEN A residential care center closed by the state over child safety violations is being redeveloped as apartments. Commonwealth Development Corp. announced Friday that it has been awarded nearly $480,000 in tax credits to convert the former Wyalusing Academy into multi-family housing. The company, which has previously developed projects in eastern Wisconsin, plans to put 40 apartments into the 80,000-square-foot building, which will be renamed Lawler School Lofts. Construction is expected to start later this year. The project is named for John Lawler, a 19th-century ferry operator who donated land and funds for the construction of St. Marys Academy, the states first womens college. The building was operated as Wyalusing Academy from 1969 until it was closed by the state in 2013 after a child was seriously injured by staffers who then failed to seek medical care for 24 hours. LEWISTON, Minn. A woman was killed Friday night outside Lewiston, and a man was arrested early Saturday on murder charges. The womans body was found in a wooded area about three-quarters of a mile away early Saturday, near the intersection of Hwys. 25 and 23 east of Lewiston, after an hours-long search triggered by a tip to law enforcement, according to the Winona County Sheriffs Department. Meanwhile, a residence on South Fremont Street in Lewiston was the scene of an investigation Saturday. The womans name has not yet been released, and no information about the circumstances surrounding her death were available Saturday. Kyle Benjamin Allers, 23, was booked into the Winona County Jail just before 7 a.m. on suspicion of second-degree murder, according to county jail records. Allers, whose last recorded residence is in Rushford, has was convicted of domestic assault in 2011 in Wabasha County. The Winona County Sheriffs Department is investigating, along with the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which is typically called in to assist with homicide investigations. Neither had formally confirmed Allers connection to the case as of early Saturday afternoon. The womans body was taken to the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiners Office in Rochester for identification and an autopsy. The investigation began at 6:22 p.m. Friday after a caller provided information about a possible homicide, according to the Winona County Sheriffs Department. Law enforcement began a search for the woman around 8 p.m., the department said. The Winona County Sheriffs Office was assisted in the search by the Winona County Search, Operational Assistance and Rescue Team, the Winona and Lewiston police departments, and the Minnesota State Patrol. The small house investigators were working at Saturday is at 135 S. Fremont St., near the Lewiston-Altura Elementary School. It is a rental, and has had a revolving door of tenants in recent years, said neighbors who did not know the names of anyone currently living there. Allers was initially booked into the jail on suspicion of first-degree murder by domestic abuse, though that charge was later revised in Minnesota, only a grand jury can hand down a first-degree murder charge. In Minnesota, a charge of murder by causing domestic abuse is available to prosecutors when the perpetrator has engaged in a past pattern of domestic abuse upon the victim, according to state statute. Someone who is booked on suspicion of a charge may or may not be formally charged in the same way, after review by a county attorneys office. At least 22 women were killed in Minnesota in 2015 by boyfriends, current or former husbands, or male partners, according to the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Womens 2015 Femicide Report. PIERRE, S.D. Rosebud Sioux member Russell Eagle Bear remembers feeling relief as night was falling at a sacred site in the Black Hills of South Dakota called Pe Sla. People had gathered to pray on a cold, windy evening in December 2012 just after a group of tribes completed the purchase of the roughly 3-square-miles of land. We paid a high price for it because we wanted to protect our burial sites, our cultural sites, our ceremonial sites, Eagle Bear, historic preservation officer for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, said Wednesday. But nearly 140 years after Congress seized the Black Hills from the Sioux for gold mining, the tribes are facing opposition in South Dakota to preserving the small sliver of their former lands. The state in April appealed a federal decision to take the land purchased by the tribes into trust. The opposition in part stems from jurisdictional concerns over the rolling grassland hills near the center of the Black Hills National Forest. The state contends that tribes can already use Pe Sla as a sacred site, while it remains subject to state law. Some Rosebud Sioux were dismayed when South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard said last month that he believes the money to buy and maintain Pe Sla should be spent on the reservation, which is among the poorest places in the United States. You have many tribal members who have needs here on the reservation, and if grandma needs housing, or if grandma needs food, or if grandma needs transportation, grandma doesnt need you to spend tribal resources on a parkland setting 200 miles away for religious use or for buffalo agricultural use, Daugaard said at a Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council meeting. To some Native Americans, it showed a lack of understanding. It definitely is not a white guys place to dictate to the tribe anything after the history of what has happened between the state of South Dakota and the tribes from the taking of the Black Hills till now, said O.J. Semans, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Health Board. Pe Sla holds cultural and spiritual significance beyond monetary measure, similar to sites across the world held dear by other religions, Rosebud Sioux tribal member Wizipan Little Elk said. The change would guarantee that Pe Sla stays in the hands of Native American people and would exempt it from taxes, said Kurt BlueDog, an attorney representing the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota and the Crow Creek, Rosebud and Standing Rock Sioux tribes of the Dakotas. In 2012, the tribes raised $9 million to buy roughly 2,000 acres from private landowners. They later acquired additional acreage and reintroduced buffalo to the site, with about 20 there now. Most Americans know the Black Hills for the popular tourist destination of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the faces of four ex-presidents are carved in towering granite. But before the presidents, the mountain range sprouting from the Great Plains in western South Dakota was the territory of Native Americans including the Sioux. In an 1868 treaty, the U.S. government agreed that a huge area west of the Missouri River would be set aside for use by the Sioux. After gold was discovered in the Black Hills, miners and other fortune-seekers flocked to western South Dakota. That led to military battles that culminated in George Custers defeat by the Sioux in the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. When the Sioux refused to ratify a new treaty giving up the Black Hills, Congress passed a law in 1877 seizing the land anyway. More than a decade later, the Rosebud Indian Reservation was created roughly 200 miles away from Pe Sla through the division of the Great Sioux Reservation. We may not be attacked by U.S. Cavalry anymore, but now people are using the law to attack us, Little Elk said of the states attempts to block the trust. There are many translations for Pe Sla, including the bald area and the center of our world because of its central location in the Black Hills, which are significant in creation stories that vary among tribes and family groups, said Duane Hollow Horn Bear, an instructor at Sinte Gleska University on the Rosebud reservation. There is beauty in the diversity of the legends and language, but they share a common reverence, he said. A ceremony held at Pe Sla helps teach people how to deal with grief, he said. South Dakota has fought against converting the land in part because of concerns over jurisdiction, which would be exacerbated by the distance of Pe Sla from existing reservations, according to a 2015 letter from the state attorney generals office to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Daugaard, a Republican, said at the tribal council meeting last month that he opposes an island of tribal trust jurisdiction on land away from the reservation. He also conceded then that its not his decision how tribal resources are spent. A spokeswoman said Daugaards statement against the Pe Sla plan is his personal opinion, separate from the states opposition. We are a poor tribe. All the tribes, we struggle every day. Yet we had to go out and seek monies to purchase this land, Eagle Bear said. It should have been given back to us. Its not only this weekends graduates who are saying goodbye to UW-Madison. Budget cuts and politics have combined to convince faculty some who thought they would retire at the campus to accept offers of the kind theyve declined in the past and take their expertise and grant funding elsewhere. Years of declining public funding to the university, accelerated under Gov. Scott Walker, are undermining the institutions commitment to invest in their fields of study, say some departing faculty. Others say the dilution of tenure protections in policies adopted by the UW System Board of Regents this spring makes them feel personally vulnerable. And to other faculty leaving UW-Madison, the combination of tight budgets and weakened shared governance signal that, long term, what happens in the classroom will be influenced too deeply by the bottom line. Those influences could be very damaging over time, said Will Jones, a professor of history who is headed to the University of Minnesota in the fall. Faculty know about curriculum and make decisions based on pedagogical reasons thats one reason we have faculty governance, Jones said. Supplant that with a purely financial calculation and its pretty easy to predict where that is headed. UW-Madison officials said they will not know until August how many faculty decided to leave this year. UW-Madison spokesman John Lucas said Friday that the university has been working to retain valued faculty. "We value all of our faculty and want them to continue their productive and important work, much of which directly or indirectly benefits the people of the state of Wisconsin, here at UW-Madison," Lucas said in a statement. "We have prioritized retention efforts and have invested nearly $13 million this academic year in research grants and support to help ensure we can remain competitive with outside offers from other universities. Similarly, we have invested $8 million in recruitments," he said. "The university continues to make its case on a daily basis about the value it provides to students, families and the people of the state. Our faculty are vital to providing that value." The depth of the cut in funding to the UW System in Walkers 2015-2017 budget $250 million brought spending cuts that some departing faculty found painful. UW-Madisons School of Education last year gave long-sought approval to hire a faculty member focused on math education to help revive a specialty that had been depleted through attrition, said associate professor Amy Ellis. Then Walkers budget came down and plans for a hire in math education were scuttled. That was a huge blow, Ellis said. And it showed me that we are not going to see much relief in terms of the resources we need to do our jobs. Despite its practical applications in the burgeoning and politically popular STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields, UW-Madison is disinvesting in research into improving math education, Ellis said. The National Science Foundation has put out a call to improve math education and Ellis has collaborated with teachers in the Madison Metropolitan School District to study how middle-school students think while doing math, she said. Yet at UW-Madison, math education is not a high enough priority to warrant hiring. Beyond that, political pressure to reduce certification requirements for teachers, so that they may someday not need a degree to go into the classroom, further jeopardizes the perceived value of her work in Wisconsin, Ellis said. It seems like the writing is on the wall. Ellis said shes been recruited by other universities over her 12 years at UW-Madison but stayed because of the many good things about Wisconsin. This year, the tipping point was reached. I can be anywhere, and up until now I chose to stay in Wisconsin, but I no longer feel it is worth it to give my talent and effort to a state that explicitly devalues education," she said. So Ellis is off to the University of Georgia in Athens this fall to join a group of 10 math education scholars, a specialty that continues to expand there. And shell take with her more than half the research funding she is working with, Ellis said. Its important that people understand that when faculty like me leave, we not only take our ability to improve the quality of teaching and learning to another state," she said. "Im taking over $2.2 million from Wisconsin to Georgia. Professor Christina Ewig said that while gender and womens studies has a strong tradition at UW-Madison, the continuing effects of long-term austerity hit small departments hard. Staff cuts demanded by reduced public funding are more difficult to absorb, and it is trickier to weather a growing push to be part of the effort to raise funds privately, Ewig said. We are trained as scholars and teachers; we dont know how to go about fundraising. This fall, Ewig will take a job as professor and director of the Center on Women, Gender and Public Policy at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The opportunity for scholarship and public engagement on issues of gender equity was a draw to Minnesota, she said. The political uncertainty in Wisconsin was a push. Im very sad to leave Madison, she said, praising her dedicated colleagues and the campus vibrant intellectual environment. Were raising our kids here we were happy here." Ewig is married to history professor Will Jones. For Karma Chavez, an associate professor of communication arts, it was a lack of real tenure and inadequate support for ethnic studies that prompted her to take a job at University of Texas at Austin. The lack of investment to increase the number of faculty in ethnic studies has been an issue for years, although there are some signs that may be changing with a renewed call for expansion that emerged from the campus outrage over a series of bias incidents this semester, Chavez said. Chavez studies rhetoric, particularly around issues in queer and migration politics. She has been a target of right-wing media, and an occasionally outspoken critic of the UW. Changes to tenure policy allowing faculty to be laid off after programs are discontinued for economic reasons not just academic reasons as before left Chavez feeling unprotected from political attack, she said. My research is highly political, Chavez said. As a queer Chicana, I felt very vulnerable. Program redesign can redesign someone like me right out of a job. At this juncture its not really a risk I am willing to take. Chavez said she regrets the need to leave Madison, where she was active in the campus community and beyond, including a weekly talk program on WORT community radio. I worked really hard to make the university an accessible space for poor communities of color and create programs and classroom spaces that reflect the experiences of students and community members of color. I am sad to leave that work, she said. I support the faculty who continue to engage in the struggle here. The southwest U.S. better suits her culturally, Chavez said, but she is not unaware that the political forces that made Wisconsin unpredictable may soon come to roost there. Ill be really well prepared for the fight when it comes to Texas, she said. Jones, an expert in civil rights and labor history, said he hasnt much felt the pinch of tighter budgets in his large department with a deep pool of alumni donors. He has taken on topics that are politically controversial like the book on collective bargaining in the public sector hes working on now and never felt pressured to mince his words. But he and his wife, Ewig, decided to go to Minnesota because of the changed landscape at Wisconsin. A couple of years ago, Jones said, he was approached by a couple of universities. He went to his department head, was offered a raise and opted not to apply for those other jobs. A lot of that had to do with the fact we couldnt imagine leaving here, Jones said. Its a great place to live and a remarkable university. The idea of leaving seemed kind of outlandish. But over the past year, as the future of tenure at UW was up in the air, Jones said he and his wife could not dismiss recruiters out of hand. They are moving on, but uncertainty born of continuing budget austerity poses troubling possibilities, he said. As academic departments become increasingly reliant on private money, the donors have more influence over the focus of the department, Jones said. Traditionally, when we hired, the department decided where it wanted to shore up weaknesses or build on strengths the decisions were made on curricular and pedagogical reasons, he said. Now we often have to hire based on what position someone is willing to endow. We control the decision of who to hire, but the initial framing is what someone is interested in funding. I see that happening more and more going forward." Tenure as it was reshaped by the Board of Regents probably wont lead to faculty losing their jobs for what they say anytime soon at least not in the history department, Jones said. But he is concerned that support staff will not be replaced, leaving those remaining under increasing pressure to do the day-to-day tasks that keep a department running. Most importantly, diminished advising staff will be stretched to adequately guide students to graduation in an efficient manner, he said. Jones also is concerned about the long-term combined impact of financial considerations and the weakening of faculty governance on curriculum. With financial considerations ruling, it will be tempting to close those programs that dont have wealthy alumni to fund them or dont produce high earners, regardless of the disciplines value to society, he said. Ethnic studies, gender and womens studies these are programs it will be tempting to downsize through attrition. Over time, we may see those programs declining as a portion of curriculum, in way could be very damaging socially. The erosion of faculty governance accelerates that, Jones said. It all contributes to a climate where people who with affection for the institution decide they must leave it. People are here out of dedication to the institution and it is an institution worth being dedicated to. But that only goes so far, Jones said. MADISON, Wis. (AP) The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered 24 Madison-area restaurants and hotels to pay 275 employees more than $724,000 in back pay following an investigation into hours and wage violations. The agencys Wage and Hour Division outlines a number of violations in a report, including employers paying servers in tips only, deducting the cost of uniforms and broken items from workers pay, and paying overtime in cash at straight time rates. Karen Chaikin, the regional administrator of the division in Chicago, said in a news release that hospitality industry workers are often vulnerable to exploitation. Language barriers, fear of retaliation and fears about immigration status can cause these workers to be among those least likely to speak up, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, Chaikin said. The largest violation comes from Laredos Mexican Restaurant, which has three locations, the Wisconsin State Journal reported (http://bit.ly/1Oqyv9Y ). Investigators determined that 86 Laredos employees are due a total of about $402,000. One of its owners told the State Journal he didnt know about the case. The paper wasnt able to reach another owner for comment. The department has also ordered Cocina Real in Middleton, which has some of the same owners as Laredos, to pay more than $118,000, total, to 27 employees. Ed Lump, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, told the Journal that his organization tries to raise awareness of the laws governing payments to employees but that restaurant owners are sometimes uncertain about the rules. We dont condone violations but there can be confusion in some cases in the differences between state and federal laws, he said. GREEN BAY House Speaker Paul Ryan said Saturday night at the Wisconsin state GOP convention that party unity after one of the most divisive presidential primaries in history will take time though he wouldnt set a timeline for how long it will take. When it comes to the presidential election, we think its important that we have real party unity, not pretend party unity so we go into the fall election at full strength, Ryan said. Lets not pretend one or two weeks after one of the most divisive primaries in the modern era that everyone is unified and on the same page. Ryan spoke with reporters before addressing a private dinner on the last night of the convention, where state Republican leaders stressed the importance of winning the November presidential election and re-electing U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, while largely side-stepping mention of presumptive nominee Donald Trump. For some at the convention, the wounds caused by Trumps clinching of the nomination were still fresh. The brash New York billionaire and reality TV celebrity was soundly defeated in Wisconsin in the April 5 primary, but mostly romped over the other 16 Republican candidates, including Gov. Scott Walker. Pamela Mundling, 58, an insurance agent from Kenosha, said she spent two days sick in bed after the last two challengers to Trump dropped out of the race. Mundling said she is considering voting for the Libertarian or Constitutional Party candidate. I dont understand his popularity, Mundling said. He doesnt stand for anything. Hes just being a schoolyard bully throwing insults at people. Jeff Johns, 46, a financial consultant from Cedarburg, was one of the only attendees sporting Trumps trademark Make America Great Again red baseball cap. He said he would have liked to see elected officials mention Trump in their speeches. Trump was going to be the nominee back in February, Johns said. I felt back then that the earlier we get behind one candidate the easier its going to be to beat Hillary. We need to get behind one candidate sooner rather than later. U.S. Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner, Glenn Grothman and Sean Duffy urged unified support for Trump, though with varied levels of enthusiasm, a reflection of the mood at the convention. Grothman didnt mention Trump by name, but framed the election as being about the future of the U.S. Supreme Court, while declaring his love for legal immigrants and lamenting the moral decline of America based on the latest legal battle over transgender bathroom rights. Sensenbrenner noted Trump won the nomination fair and square, which elicited a smattering of applause. He got more applause when he followed with, I voted for Ted Cruz. He also criticized Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton for her response to a terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, and an FBI investigation into her use of personal email while Secretary of State. Do we want four more years of that from the bully pulpit? Sensenbrenner asked. Or do we want somebody who will bring this country back to common sense, back to sanity? Duffy offered the most resounding endorsement, while acknowledging, I know everybody here didnt vote for Donald Trump, but most everybody in my district did. We have to work together to make sure a Republican candidate, our Republican nominee, is the next president, Duffy said. Were going to make America great again with Donald Trump. In the morning session, state leaders sidestepped mention of their partys presumptive nominee altogether. Walker said hes been asked numerous times whether the Wisconsin Republican Party is unified. Walker has said he will support the partys nominee, but he didnt mention Trump in his speech Saturday. The Republicans in this hall and across the state are overwhelmingly united behind Ron Johnson to be our United States Senator, Walker said. That needs to be our clear focus. Im going to work like Im on the ballot for Ron Johnson this year. Johnson, facing a tough re-election battle against Democrat Russ Feingold, evoked the heroic story of doomed 9/11 United Flight 93 in calling on Republicans to save this Senate seat and make sure the 10 electoral votes get assigned to the presidential candidate, the Republican presidential candidate. Attorney General Brad Schimel emphasized the importance of the November election because the next president could nominate three or more Supreme Court justices and federal judges who could roll back state conservative legislative victories on gun rights and voter ID. None of it will matter if we elect the wrong president, Schimel said, without offering who might be the right president. Do you want more Supreme Court justices who think their job is social engineering? Schimel asked. Then make the right decisions this fall. Send Sen. (Ron) Johnson back to Washington. Make sure he is part of this judicial selection process. Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, who has said the party should embrace Trump as a populist who draws in new voters, didnt mention the presumptive nominee in his speech, but said this party should move towards voters, rather than asking the voters to move toward us. What resonates is a clear message, a candidate able to deliver it and a fire in their belly, Fitzgerald said. Its time for us to coalesce; its time for us to roll up our sleeves; its time for us to win some more elections. A woman was killed Friday night outside Lewiston and a man arrested early Saturday on murder charges. The womans body was found in a wooded area about three-quarters of a mile near the intersection of County Roads 25 and 23 east of Lewiston early Saturday after an hours-long search triggered by a tip to law enforcement, according to the Winona County Sheriffs Department. Meanwhile, a residence on South Fremont Street in Lewiston was an active crime scene Saturday. The womans name has not yet been released, and no information about the circumstances surrounding her death were available Saturday. Kyle Benjamin Allers, 23, was booked into the Winona County Jail just before 7 a.m. on suspicion of second-degree murder, according to county jail records. Allers, whose last recorded residence is in Rushford, has a 2011 conviction for domestic assault in Wabasha County. The Winona County Sheriffs Department is investigating, along with the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which is typically called in to assist on any homicide investigation. None had formally confirmed Allers connection to the case as of early Saturday afternoon, or responded to questions about when and where he was arrested. The womans body was taken to the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiners Office in Rochester for identification and an autopsy. The investigation began at 6:22 p.m. Friday after a caller provided information about a possible homicide, according to the Winona County Sheriffs Department. Based on information developed during the subsequent investigation, law enforcement began a search for the woman around 8 p.m., the department said. The Winona County Sheriffs Office was assisted in the search by the Winona County S.O.A.R. (Search, Operational Assistance, Rescue) Team, the Winona and Lewiston police departments, and the Minnesota State Patrol. The small house investigators were working at Saturday is at 135 S. Fremont St. near the Lewiston-Altura Elementary School. It is a rental and has had a revolving door of tenants in recent years, according to neighbors, who did not know the names of anyone currently living there. Allers was initially booked into the jail on suspicion of first-degree murder by domestic abuse, though that charge was later revised in Minnesota, only a grand jury can hand down a first-degree murder charge. In Minnesota, a charge of murder by causing domestic abuse is available to prosecutors when the perpetrator has engaged in a past pattern of domestic abuse upon the victim, according to state statute. Someone who is booked on suspicion of a charge may or may not be formally charged in the same way, following review by a county attorneys office. Today we visit a national park that stretches across two southern U.S. states -- Tennessee and North Carolina -- and two mountain ranges -- the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian. The area is known for its wildflowers, autumn colors, waterfalls, and black bears. It is also known for the blue-colored mist that hangs above mountain peaks and valleys. It looks like smoke, and gave the area its name. Today, we are exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We are hardly alone on our journey. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park gets more visitors than any other. Starting in the 1920s, local citizens began working to protect the land. Ann Davis moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1915. She soon came to love the Great Smoky Mountains. In 1923, Davis visited some of the national parks in the western United States. She proposed creation of a national park to protect the Smokies after she returned home. Ann Davis entered politics to help push the idea. In 1925, she became first female from her county to serve in the Tennessee State House of Representatives. She proposed a bill to permit the purchase of more than 30,000 hectares of land from the Little River Lumber Company. That was the first huge purchase of land used to create the national park. In 1934, Tennessee and North Carolina gave the federal government more than 300,000 hectares of land for the park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established on June 15, 1934. But, the official dedication did not take place until 1940, when President Franklin Roosevelt spoke at a ceremony within the national park. The ceremony took place at the Rockefeller Monument, on the border between the two states that provided the land. Roosevelt said that day, It is good and right that we should conserve these mountain heights of the old frontier for the benefit of the American people. Visiting the Park Most years, around 9 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the largest area of protected land east of the Rocky Mountains. And, it is one of the few national parks that is free to enter. The park has over 1,000 kilometers of trails. More than 110 kilometers of the world-famous Appalachian Trail cuts through the Smokies. So, you might share the trail with a hiker in the middle of a months-long hike from Georgia all the way north to Maine. Visitors also share the park with a large population of black bears. The park is one of the biggest protected areas in the eastern U.S. where wild black bears live. Black bears once roamed a huge part of North America. But the populations suffered because of habitat loss. Scientists say around 1,500 black bears live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park officials work hard to protect them, and warn visitors not to get close to bears or leave behind trash that would harm the bears. Many visitors come to the park to view wildlife. One of the most popular places to do so is in an area called Cades Cove. Here, visitors can see white-tailed deer, the dog-like coyote, turkeys, and yes, black bears. Cades Cove is a valley. It has a long and rich history. The Cherokee Indians used to hunt there. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s. In the 1830s, around 270 people lived in Cades Cove. Today, many kinds of historic buildings and structures remain in the valley, including log houses, barns, churches and a working mill. Cades Cove is also an excellent place to view wildflowers. The park is famous for its wildflower diversity. Within the park are more than 1,500 kinds of flowers, more than any other national park in the country. Another famous spot in the Great Smoky Mountains is Clingmans Dome. It is the highest point within the park. At the top of the 2,024-meter-tall mountain is an observation tower. It offers viewers a 360-degree view of the Smokies and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, the park has faced air pollution problems. The pollution harms the views atop Clingmans Dome and other scenic spots in the park. The Cherokee Indians who lived in the area used to call these mountains shaconage, which means place of the blue smoke. Today, the blue-gray smoke that surrounds the mountains is no longer pure. Some of it is just air pollution. Most comes from electric power centers and cars. The pollution damages native plants and water streams. It also affects the views from the scenic overlooks. It can make the mountain colors appear less bright and beautiful. The National Park Service suggests that visitors by car consider using public transportation from the city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. A trolley car takes visitors to many stops within the park. The millions of visitors to this beautiful part of America have a special responsibility to preserve the land that many worked so hard to protect. I'm Ashley Thompson. And I'm Caty Weaver. Ashley Thompson reported this story with materials from the National Park Service and Learning English archives. Caty Weaver was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story range - n. a series of mountains or hills in a line mist - n. water in the form of very small drops floating in the air or falling as rain frontier - n. a distant area where few people live conserve - v. to keep (something) safe or from being damaged or destroyed benefit - n. good or helpful result or effect roam - v. to go to different places freely without having a particular purpose or plan habitat - n. the place or type of place where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives or grows Islamic State has issued new dress codes on women living in its areas in Syria, say local residents and activist groups. IS is forcing women to wear only black. It punishes women who dont obey, local residents say. IS says any womens clothing that is not black is seductive. One man living in the eastern Syrian city of Deir Ezzor said IS members arrested him because his wife and mother were wearing colorful clothes. The resident, Abu Hassan, told the Syrian opposition website All4Syria the women were in their home when religious police drove by and saw their colorful clothes. They didnt release me until I paid the equivalent of one gram of gold, the man said. His statements could not be independently verified by VOA. IS bans contact with outsiders in areas it controls. IS has imposed strict rules on civilians especially women -- since gaining control of large areas of territory in Syria and Iraq in 2014. Religious police, also known as al-Hisbah, are in charge of enforcing the IS rules about clothes. The word al-Hisbah means accountability in Arabic. In addition to punishing women for the way they dress, IS has also arrested many women for hanging laundry outside. IS considers anything related to women as tempting for men, said a resident in the IS de facto capital of Raqqa, Syria. The man, who did not give his name, told VOA that IS requires his wife and two adult daughters to be escorted by a man to leave the house. He said a neighbor who let his wife visit her sister without a male escort was punished with 40 lashes in public and spent several days in jail. Local activists say IS recently strengthened its strict moral codes after the U.S.-led international coalition stepped up its bombing campaign against IS positions in Syria and Iraq. The latest attacks have affected Islamic State on many levels, according to Hussam Eisa, a member of Raqqa is being Slaughtered Silently, which reports on IS abuses in Syria. Eisa said the U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, along with attacks on IS by Russia and Syrian government forces, have made the group look weak to local residents. He said this has led Islamic State to take desperate measures. Despite the airstrikes, IS militants have made some recent advances in government-held areas of oil-rich Deir Ezzor. Local reports say the group controls much of the area around a military airbase it has been surrounding for months. Sirwan Kajjo reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bryan Lynn adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story impose v. to force something to be accepted or put into place seductive adj. tempting or attractive equivalent adj. equal in value, amount or meaning rules n. a set of understood regulations regarding conduct accountability n. the fact or condition of being accountable tempting adj. to be appealing or attractive de facto adv. in reality, actually escort n. a person who accompanies someone else for protection desperate adj. losing hope in something, sometimes leading to reckless or dangerous behavior In the Middle East and Africa, about 50 million people paid bribes last year to get basic services like water and electricity. Transparency International surveyed almost 11,000 adults in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen over the 12 months beginning in September 2014. It found that about 30 percent said they paid a bribe during the year. The survey is called People and Corruption: Middle East and North Africa. The bribes were not to get special treatment. They paid for basic services like health care, education and access to water. The report also says 61 percent of people say they believe government corruption has worsened in the past year. Kinda Hattar is the regional coordinator for the organization in Jordan. She says that little has changed since the Arab Spring uprising of five years ago. Hattar says women paid bribes to doctors and healthcare workers to deliver babies. If they did not pay the bribes, they would have to deliver the baby at the door of the hospital. People do have to pay a bribe in order to get their basic health services, she says. The next problem, Hattar says, is that some governments do not take corruption seriously. People asking for bribes are not prosecuted effectively. One reason people do not report corruption is they are afraid of retaliation. The report says money is not the only trade of corruption. Sometimes those in power will withhold services, like trash collection, until the other party supports them. Letting trash pile up on streets is smelly and unhealthy. It causes public outcry, and that pressures opposing politicians. The report says that is what happened in Beirut, Lebanon in 2015. Hattar says an important step to fight bribes, also called graft or baksheesh, is to protect people who report corruption. These people are called whistleblowers. Tunisia has enforced some anti-graft laws. But people there, Jordan and Palestine are also worried about being punished for reporting corruption. Few people report corruption, the report says. People in Yemen, Lebanon and Sudan report that corruption and bribes are common. They say they do not think anything can be done about it. Im Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English based on reporting by Victor Beattie of VOANews.com. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do people take bribes where you live? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story outcry n. an expression of strong anger or disapproval by many people : a reaction showing that people are angry or unhappy about something retaliate n. to do something bad to someone who has hurt you or treated you badly : to get revenge against someone prosecute v. to hold a trial against a person who is accused of a crime to see if that person is guilty uprising n. a usually violent effort by many people to change the government or leader of a country bribe n. something valuable (such as money) that is given in order to get someone to do something Farewell tours are pretty common. They're so common, in fact, that some bands do them more than once. LEXINGTON, Neb. There is perhaps no one more experienced and qualified to work with students from different cultures who speak different languages than Nanette Bates. Although she had a rural Gothenburg upbringing, Bates is a lifelong world traveler who also has decades of experience teaching English as a Second Language in other countries. Bates longest tenure of her teaching career has been the past 17 years spent at SandozElementary School. I never thought Id last here 17 years, she said. Bates will retire this month from Lexington Public Schools. This year she worked as a teacher in the NewcomerCenter at Sandoz. She grew up on a farm seven miles from Gothenburg. Her elementary school days in a rural school were spent in one large room, which housed eight grades. Bates attended GothenburgHigh School, where she graduated in 1969. She went to college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she majored in elementary education and minored in social science. It was during her college years that Bates immersed herself in two big passions that would stay with her throughout her life: world travel and teaching. Between her junior and senior year of college, Bates went on a six-month backpacking trip through Europe and Israel. The summer of 1976, she traveled through India and Turkey. From June to September of 1977, Bates taught English as a Second Language in Tehran, Iran, during a time when there was widespread political tension and hate in the country for President Jimmy Carter and his administration. She lived for eight months in 1980 in Cusco, Peru, where she taught adults ESL. Bates lived and taught in Tokyo, Japan from 1981-1983. Ive taught everyone from three-year-olds to 80-year-olds, Bates said. From 1984 to 1986, Bates taught elementary-age students at a small country school north of Brady. She had four students her first year and six students her second year. Not surprisingly, the travel bug again bit Bates soon after. She traveled back to Asia and spent eight months living Tokyo with a friend. She moved to Albuquerque, N.M., where she did substitute teaching. She got married in 1989 with a husband who also liked to travel. They spent a three-month honeymoon in Europe. Her daughter was born on Nov. 11, 1990. She lived in a motor home in Southern California from 1989 to 1990. She worked at a preschool academy in San Diego during this time. In the 1990s, she spent five years in Guam, where she taught at Anderson Air Force Base and taught second grade at a local school. Bates did substitute teaching in five towns in the Lexington area from 1996 to 1999. She began working for Lexington Public Schools in 1999. She taught second grade for four years and has taught ESL for 12 years. Mary Jo Page, a second grade teacher at SandozElementary School, said she has known Bates for about 14 years. They were both ESL teachers in the district and worked in the same building last year. Nanette is a very energetic and determined teacher. She works very hard to make sure each student learns as much as they can. As a traveler she can understand how a person feels when they don't know the language or customs to a country. These experiences help her to relate well to students and their parents, Page said. Page also said, Last year was my first year teaching second grade. Nanette was so helpful and fun. She was always sharing ideas. We quickly became friends. I will miss her next year but wish her well in her retirement. Bates said she has enjoyed seeing how students quickly pick up the verbal part of the English language. Reading and writing takes a while, but the verbal part comes quickly, Bates said about her ESL students. I have also been happy with the large amount of activities and books we offer our students. We always have good paraprofessionals, Bates said. With some time soon to be on her hands, Bates has the opportunity to continue to chase her goal of visiting 100 countries in her lifetime. So far she has been to 79. The next three countries on her visit list are Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Theres never been a local election I was happier to see in the rear-view mirror than this one. Now that its over, Ive thought this week about what the take-aways from this election cycle are. First, while I wouldnt wish on this or any community another contest as caustic as the race for three seats on the Lexington hospital board, should it happen again, there will be a hard limit on the word-counts of letters to the editor. Say, a 400-word limit. Whether a letter is 1,000 words long or 401 words long, any word above the cap gets deleted. Or, since these are basically written political ads we are talking about here, we could give the first 250 words for free and charge classified rates for every word beyond that. Then writers could make their letters as long as they wished, and if they wrote them as long as what was submitted to this paper in the past few weeks, maybe I wouldnt have to drive around in a 20-year-old minivan anymore. I could upgrade to a 10-year-old minivan. Second, Id like to recognize outgoing hospital board president Kerry Teetor for his 28 years of service. He will depart the board at the end of his term following his fourth-place finish in the election. Teetor became the de facto public face of the hospital board during a difficult period, and it would be disingenuous if I didnt mention that there were times when he and I didnt see things the same way. However, he altered his approach to how he dealt with public criticism of the hospital district and stuck with it. I thought that demonstrated real character. Any publicly-elected official would do well to look to that as an example and likewise be willing to re-evaluate and make changes. I wish him well in future pursuits. Id also like to thank all the candidates who sought seats on the board. It took nerve to put themselves out there like that, and it is worth noting that each candidate earned the support of hundreds of voters. As to what to make of the election itself, I must disclose that my wife works for the hospital, so if that delegitimizes what Im about to write in the eyes of the reader, Ill not argue about it. But Im not new to covering elections, and I think hospital district voters deserved a better discussion of the issues facing LexingtonRegionalHealthCenter than what they received. The lack of a true forum, held in Lexington with an impartial moderator and with all candidates invited to participate, was glaring. As it was, the complicated matter of the future of LRHC was boiled down to an artificially simple referendum on CEO Leslie Marsh and hospital employees. So now it is time to face reality: with two of three incumbents retaining their seats, there is little reason to believe there will be the reconciliation between Plum Creek Medical Group and LRHC that so many people desire. And if one does come about, it will not be because of sweeping changes in the administration or nursing staff brought about by an overhauled hospital board. There was a long, sustained effort to bring about such a change, and it was not successful. There are other things to talk about now, other important issues that will require the time and talents of not only the hospitals governing board, but also the administration and hospital staff. Its time to move on. Lexington Postmaster Leta Zimbelman is asking for the publics support in keeping their dogs restrained year-round; for the safety of letter carriers and community, and to help stamp out dog bites. Thats one of the key messages as the Postal Service launches National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 15-21. Two Lexington letter carriers were bitten by dogs while delivering the mail in the last year, Zimbelman said. Summer is almost here and with temperatures rising and children out of school, our carriers see more dogs running loose, she continued. We strongly encourage dog owners to restrain their dogs and allow the carriers to deliver the mail safely. We take the safety of our employees very seriously. We will not wait until a carrier is bitten before taking preventative action. The USPS is adding two new safety measures to alert carriers of dogs on their delivery routes. When using usps.coms Package Pickup application, customers will be asked to indicate if there is a dog at their address when they schedule a package pickup. The second goes into effect later this spring. The Mobile Delivery Devices that carriers use to scan packages to confirm delivery will include a feature that allows carriers to indicate the presence of a dog at an individual address, said Zimbelman. This is especially helpful to substitutes who fill-in for letter carriers on their days off. Nationwide, 6,549 postal employees were attacked in 2015, including 46 in Nebraska. Many of the bites resulted in medical attention beyond first-aid, and several cases resulted in letter carriers being unable to return to their normal duties for a period of time. Theres a myth we often hear at the Postal Service: Dont worry, my dog wont bite, said Zimbelman. Any dog can bite and all attacks are preventable through responsible pet ownership. Zimbelman shared the following tips on this important issue. If a letter carrier delivers a certified letter or a package to your front door, place your dog into a separate room and close the door before opening the front door. Dogs have been known to burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to get at strangers. Dog owners should remind their children about the need to keep the family dog secured. Parents should remind their children not to take mail directly from carriers in the presence of the family pet as the dog may see handing mail to a child as a threatening gesture. The USPS places the safety of its employees as a top priority. If a carrier feels threatened by a vicious dog or if a dog is running loose, the owner may be asked to pick up the mail at the Post Office until the carrier is assured the pet has been restrained. If the dog is roaming the neighborhood, the pet owners neighbors may be asked to pick up their mail at the Post Office as well. Tuesdays voter turnout in Dawson County exceeded the statewide average, but fell short of what the county saw in the 2014 primary and general elections. Dawson County Clerk Karla Zlatkovsky reported turnout of 29-percent, while Secretary of State John Gale said the statewide average was unofficially 26.5 percent. By the states standards, thats actually a respectable turnout. Gale noted it was the highest Nebraska has seen in a presidential primary election since 2000, when it was 30.1 percent. However, Zlatkovsky reported that turnout for the 2014 primary election was nearly 34-percent, and the general election in 2014 was 32-percent. The DawsonCounty ballot was highlighted by competitive races for the Lexington hospital board, county commissioner district five, and the Cozad school board. Dr. Wayne Weston, Rob Anderson, and Tara Naprstek all claimed seats on the hospital board. Butch Hagan defeated Rod Reynolds to retain his spot as county commissioner. The top-six finishers in the Cozad school board race all advanced to the November general election, when Lexingtons school board will also have a competitive race. Zlatkovsky said every election sees some issues and confusion from voters but there didnt seem to be as much of it this year as in years past. She credited her election staff and poll workers for ensuring the day ran smoothly. It is such a long day for them, but they all did a fantastic job, Zlatkovsky said. Several Clipper-Herald readers expressed confusion online Wednesday as to why the Hagan/Reynolds race didnt appear on their ballots. Zlatkovsky explained that only voters who live in the district (in this case, district five) could vote in that election. Further, county commissioner is a partisan office, meaning that candidates represent the parties they are members of. Both Hagan and Reynolds ran as Republicans, so only voters who are registered as Republicans within district five were able to vote in that race. By winning the primary and with no Democrat or independent challengers, Hagan will retain his seat in the general election unchallenged. As for the state in general, Gale said he was pleased by the turnout. Although the competitive nature of the Republican presidential race was slightly diminished due to the outcome of the Indiana primary, Im glad to see that many citizens saw the value of voting in other important races for the legislature, natural resource districts, the Nebraska Board of Education, public service commission and U.S. Congress, he said. Gale noted that while an overwhelming number of people threw their support behind Donald Trump, as the presumptive Republican nominee for president, other party candidates on the ballot still garnered votes. Seven counties exceeded 50 percent turnout in the primary, including Merrick, which was the highest at almost 60 percent turnout. An additional eight counties had greater than 40 percent turnout. DouglasCounty had the lowest turnout, skirting just above 20 percent. Voter participation does matter and its something that people in many of the smaller counties have embraced, said Gale. My hope is that the same enthusiasm impacts voter turnout in the general election this fall. Of 1,165,371 voters registered for the Nebraska primary, 309,079 cast ballots. Provisional ballots need to be reviewed and reported by the counties on or before May 17. Depending on the final certified numbers, there are three races that face the greatest possibility of qualifying for an automatic recount. They include Legislative District 7, Public Service Commission District 5 and Board of Regents District 6. Per state statute, races are automatically recounted if the margin between candidates is less than one percent of the total votes received by the top vote-getter. An additional situation complicates the results for Board of Regents District 6. Gale confirmed that the Webster County election clerk left that race off all ballots distributed in the county, affecting more than 700 voters. Unfortunately, voters in Webster County wont get a second bite at the apple, explained Gale. Theres no provision in statute that provides for that. Well have to wait until the meeting of the State Canvassing Board on June 6, to see what is ultimately determined for that race, beyond granting an automatic recount. Any recounts approved by the State Canvassing Board would take place on June 8. India announced a new intellectual property policy on Friday, speeding up the online registration of patents and trademarks, but resisted pressure from the United States and other Western countries to amend its patent laws. The policy will make the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy the agency in charge of regulating intellectual property rights in the country. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, global drug brands led by U.S. companies have been pushing for changes to India's intellectual property rules. India's strained patent and intellectual property administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. Global pharmaceuticals players have often complained about India's price controls and marketing restrictions. "We hope it will lead to an interpretation of the Indian Patent Act that respects innovation, encourages research and facilitates effective enforcement mechanisms," said Ranjana Smetacek, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, a body of multinational drugmakers in India. Nirmala Sitharaman, commerce and industry minister, told lawmakers last month that over 237,000 applications were pending in India's four patent offices. The policy aims to spread awareness among public about trademarks, copyrights and patents to promote innovation within the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters. The new policy will try to safeguard the interests of rights owners with the wider public interest, while combating infringements of intellectual property rights. Jaitley said India would retain the right to issue so-called compulsory licenses to its drug firms, under "emergency" conditions, and would not immediately need to change patent laws that were already fully World Trade Organization-compliant. "Compulsory licences are already provided in our patent law. That existing provision will continue," Jaitley said after the cabinet approved national IPR policy on Thursday evening. Last month, the U.S. Trade Representative kept India, China and Russia on its "Priority Watch List" for inadequate improvement in IPR protection. (1.usa.gov/1SKEPgl) India, however, says, it is party to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), a WTO agreement that sets minimum standards for intellectual property regulation. "It (IPR policy) reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS agreement," a government statement said. Vinod Rai is an optimistic man, including on the Non-performing Asset (NPA) problem that has almost engulfed majority of Indias public sector banks (PSBs). After a day-long meeting with state-run banks heads on Friday in Delhi, the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) chairman said there is nothing alarming about the NPA situation of state-run banks. All of them are suffering from stressed assets. They are across infrastructure sectors. But each bank has a strategy to resolve which would be different from every other bank. Banks will come out of this, said Rai. One can only hope that Rais optimism is based on strong evidence. Reason: not many bankers and sector experts believe in sarkari banks ability to overcome the NPA problem on their own. Unless the government generously fork out money to bail out these lenders, experts believe a crisis is awaiting state-run banks. There is pain left, said Sidhharth Purohit, senior research analyst, at Mumbai-based Angel Broking. Our assessment is that fiscal year 2016-17 is going to be painful for PSBs as fresh NPAs will continue to emerge, Purohit said. Till December end, of the total Rs 4 lakh crore GNPAs in the banking sector, Rs 3.6 lakh crore was on the books of state-run banks. About 10-11 percent of total bank loans given are estimated to be stressed assets. More trouble can come if restructured accounts, which are currently standard, turn NPAs in the absence of strong economic recovery. The gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) of banks could rise to 6.9 percent by March 2017 in a severe stress scenario due to sluggishness in the economy, according to a finance ministry report that cited RBI data. An amount of Rs 1,30,156 crore was classified as NPAs in public sector banks for borrowers exceeding Rs 500 crore as on December 2015, according to finance ministry data. The March-quarter earnings numbers of PSBs announced so far show the extent of the problem. The net earnings of at least six PSBs were severely hit by high bad loans and resultant high provisions. Five of them, including Bank of Baroda (BoB), posted a net loss. BoBs loss stood at Rs 3,230 crore in the March-quarter as compared with Rs 598 crore in the year-ago period. Uco Banks quarterly loss stood at Rs 1,715 crore as against Rs 209 crore, Allahabad Banks loss rose to Rs 581 crore from Rs 203 crore and that of Dena Bank stood at Rs 326 crore as against Rs 56 crore in the corresponding period last year. RBIs clean up deadline Banks started to aggressively report their bad loans in the December quarter after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stipulated a deadline of March 2017 for the full clean up of bank balance sheets. In other words, banks were asked to recognize and report all NPAs on their books, instead of hiding them. This is, in a way good, since its always better to treat the disease than the symptom. Till then, banks retained many bad loan account as standard through technical adjustments and masquerading them as restructured assets. Traditionally, PSBs are fond of postponing the problem by technically retaining many NPAs as performing ones to show a good book. But, as RBI governor, Raghuram Rajan has been cautioning banks, this would have resulted in much larger problems in future. In December, when banks began reporting high NPAs, Firstpost had noted that more skeletons are waiting their turn to jump out of the closet in the approaching quarters, which is precisely what we have seen in the March quarter so far. One major reason why banks are forced to do this is the earlier leeway they enjoyed to push bad assets to restructured loan category which is no longer available after the RBI asked banks to treat all fresh restructured loans at par with bad loans. Under norms, banks need to set aside money against bad loans, called provisions. Higher the provisions, bigger will be the hit on banks bottom line. There's no risk of bank failure as long as government support is forthcoming, said Ananda Bhoumik, Chief Analytical Officer at India Ratings and Research. Challenge is growth capital and what is the prospect of these banks, Bhoumik said. Speaking in London on Friday, RBI governor Rajan too ruled out any Lehman moments in India, saying that firewalls are in place to avert a crisis. The key point here is the ability of government to feed the capital requirements of state-run banks. A rough estimate of capital requirement for PSBs, factoring in the Basel-III requirement, shows state-run banks will need Rs 2.4 lakh crore by 2019. Government has promised to infuse Rs 70000 crore (through annual infusion of around Rs 25,000 crore) and has asked PSBs to raise the remaining amount from market. But, that is too little considering the massive requirement of banks to fund credit growth, provide for NPAs and meet Basel-III norms. The problem is that there arent many takers for NPA ridden sarkari banks in the market. When banks have to aggressively report NPAs to meet RBIs March 2017 target, this would also mean their mandatory provisioning requirement for bad loans will escalate substantially. Given the uncertainty on the quantum of NPAs that will emerge out of the bank balance sheets in the approaching quarters especially from restructured loans in the event of prolonged economic slowdown, analysts arent certain about the capital requirement. It will be huge. We may have to revise the numbers again, Purohit of Angel Broking said. Former SBI chairman, Pratip Chaudhuri, said he doesnt agree with Vinod Rais view saying that Rai has not clarified the basis of his statement (that NPA situation is not alarming). The short point is this: All is well till the time the government, which controls 70% of the banking industry, is ready to generously infuse money into state-run banks. Else, there are no strong reasons to share Rais optimism at this stage. The NPA situation is indeed worrisome. Bihar lawmakers son Rocky Yadav has 'confessed' to killing a teenager for overtaking his SUV, The Times of India quoted top police sources. Rocky initially told reporters that he was innocent of the crime, insisting he was in Delhi when the crime took place in Gaya. On the Bodh Gaya-Gaya stretch, 19-year old Aditya Sachdeva and a few friends of his were driving, and overtook Yadavs Land Rover. Enraged, Rocky chased them down and roughed them up. When they tried to escape, he shot a bullet through the rear windshield, killing Sachdeva, reported the Hindustan Times. Rocky, who was initially absconding, surrendered after 54 hours. He was later sent to 14-day judicial custody by a Gaya court, police said. Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police Garima Mallik said that Rocky had confessed to the fatal shooting of businessman's son Sachdeva on Saturday night for overtaking his car on the Bodh Gaya-Gaya road. Rocky was arrested with the pistol used in the crime, she said. The licence for the pistol was issued in Delhi. "I was in Delhi... when my mother called me I came and presented myself before the SSP... I did not open fire," he said while being whisked away by the police following Malliks press conference. "I'll tell everything in the court," he said, when asked about his whereabouts on the night. Rocky's father Bindi Yadav is a criminal-turned-politician. According to The Times of India, he was a once-dreaded don who has been accused in about two dozen serious criminal cases including those involving murder, kidnapping, dacoity and house-grabbing. Rockys mother Manorama Devi is a Suspended JD(U) MLC. She has been on the run after an arrest warrant was issued following seizure of liquor bottles from her residence. It was later found that there was also a child labourer the household had employed, which spelled fresh trouble for the suspended legislator. Prohibition has been imposed across Bihar. After the news about his son's alleged crime spread throughout the country, Bindi Yadav had also claimed that Rocky had fired from his pistol "by mistake". Eye-witnesses, though, contradicted this claim and explained how Rocky Yadav had threatened them just because their car had overtaken his own vehicle. With inputs from agencies New Delhi: The Press Club of India and the entire journalist community on Saturday condemned the brutal murder of two media persons in Bihar and Jharkhand and demanded action against the culprits by both the Centre and state governments. Rajdeo Ranjan, the Siwan bureau chief of Hindi newspaper Hindustan, which is part of the HT Media, was shot dead at a busy market near Station Road in the district on Friday night. Four suspects have been detained in connection with his killing. In the other incident, Indradeo Yadav, also known as Akhilesh Pratap, was gunned down in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Thursday night. He worked as a correspondent for a local TV channel. "Both, the murders of Rajdeo Ranjan in Bihar and Akhil Prasad Singh in Jharkhand were targeted killings and form a part of attempts on part the mafia to muzzle the independent voice of the media," said Press Club of India president Rahul Jalali. "It is with increasing dismay we also note the increase in attempts to target the press throughout the country, by denigrating them and if nothing else works by eliminating them as has happened in these two cases," he said. Nadeem Ahmad Kazmi, secretary general of Press Club of India, said: "It is in this context we demand from the government, both at the centre and states, to come down heavily on the culprits and also create an atmosphere conducive to the free and fair functioning of the media in the country." "We also appeal to all media organizations in the country to come together and deliberate on how to resist increasing attacks on press freedom. In this context, we offer our forum for every media outfit to come together to strategise on the action plan for our battles ahead," he added. In a setback to noted environmentalist RK Pachauri, a Delhi Court on Saturday said that there is enough evidence to prosecute him on charges of sexually harassing a women colleague at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), The Economic Times reported. Business Standard quoted an ANI report which said that the court will proceed to persecute him under section 354 A, 354 B, 354 D, 509 and 341 of the Indian Penal code. The court has, however, dropped section 506 - punishment for criminal intimidation. Metropolitan Magistrate Shivani Chauhan considered the charge-sheet and fixed 11 July for further hearing. Delhi Police has charged Pachuari, a former executive chairman of TERI, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation and words, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman. The police have cited around 23 prosecution witnesses and several text messages, e-mails and WhatsApp messages exchanged between the accused and victim as evidence to support its case. Pachauri was accused of sexually harassing a female colleague in 2015. He stepped down as chairperson of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in February last year and proceeded on leave from TERI, where he was the director general. In November, the woman researcher who accused him of sexual harassment quit her job at TERI, alleging she was treated badly. TERI denied the charge. On 8 February, Pachauri was appointed executive vice chairman of the organisation. Following severe criticism, TERI on 12 February asked him to proceed on indefinite leave. With inputs from agencies New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday said that the government will take into account the concerns while forging strategic partnership in the critical sector and set a target to raise India's defence exports to $ 2 billion in the next two years from the current over $ 330 million. Parrikar, however, took a dig at defence players who were objecting to proposed strategic partnerships, saying it seems they have realised that they will not be able to "go through the window". "After the windows have been well defined, (some) people, who have realised they they would be not be able to go through the window, have started canvassing that defence ministry is facing problems over strategic partnerships," he said at a seminar in New Delhi. Parrikar said he had received many letters from VIPs expressing concern about strategic partnerships. He said many a times the letters had similar content, which showed that at times the VIPs were signing off letters written by some other party. "Their concerns are well expressed. We are taking into account those concerns. We are soon sitting for second round of small groups (to discuss strategic partnerships). I intend to take up strategic partnership model further and work out strategic partnerships in couple of projects where otherwise there is no solution," he said. Parrikar said he would love to follow the already established model (of tendering) but there are problems. "How do you compare one fighter with any fighter," he said. Former DRDO chief VK Aatre had earlier this year submitted a report to the Defence Ministry recommending guidelines for selecting domestic private firms for strategic partnership. However, Indian private defence industry is divided over the issue with some big players batting for it while others pushing to delay it by at least five years. Parrikar has already held a round of talks with the industry chambers over the issue. Meanwhile, he said the government is pushing for defence exports and plan to export Tejas fighter aircraft as well. "I know it is not easy. Weapons and export of defence goods have double problems. One is whom you are exporting to and the second is one has to go on checking all international requirements," he said. Explaining that push for exports has started showing results, he said, "From a meagre 140-150 million dollars, this year, I think we have crossed 330 odd million dollars. We have doubled the export. I have set a target for myself. In the next two years, why not touch $ 2 billion. It is not an impossible target." With the Karnataka government deciding to grant Rs 1 crore to the University of Oxford, UK for a Chair in Anthropology of India, the birth centenary of world-renowned sociologist MN Srinivas has kicked off in right earnest. The grant, once it gets its final nod from the Cabinet, will not only honour MNS memory, but it will also allow the work of a man who made vote bank, dominant caste and Sankritisation household phrases, to be carried on at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. According to the university's website, the endowment of the MN Srinivas Professorship in the Anthropology of India will ensure that the study of India and South Asia gets the prominence it deserves. Oxford hopes that students of MSc and MPhil will receive the best possible grounding, including the anthropological view, to provide bottom-up, field-based perspectives which Srinivas popularised. After Srinivas, the Oxford lectureship was held by important and influential European Anthropologists of India of the 20th century. It has been vacant since 2008. In 2014, Oxford University Vice-Chancellor Andrew Hamilton reached out to the Karnataka government and explained that the university is establishing an MN Srinivas Professorship in Anthropology of India. He sought a grant from the government. The Karnataka State Higher Education Council then requested former vice chancellor of Karnataka Womens University, Geetha Bali, to lead a team to work out the modalities. Mysurus own homegrown sociologist, Mysore Narasimhachar Srinivas (16 November 1916 30 November 1999), introduced concepts that are as relevant today as they were 60 years ago, when he carried out a study on Indian society. The elections in West Bengal and Tamilnadu, the Jat stir, the Patel stir and the drama unfolding at Uttarakhand all of them will find echoes in MNS seminal work The Remembered Village, while describes Rampura, a village about 30 kms from Mysuru. The Remembered Village (1976) delves into the Indian caste and social system. He described the different castes in the village as being interdependent. He returned to Mysuru from Oxford to undertake his study in August 1947, just after India became independent. For a long time after the study was conducted, Rampura was considered a mythical village, but in 2007, a group of anthropologists from Mysore University and Anthropological Survey of India undertook a trip to locate it. They concluded that Kodagahalli was actually Srinivas Rampura. Sociologists and students who undertook several trips to Kodagahalli after that, found the village stuck in a time warp and just the way Srinivas described it all those years ago. The Remembered Village almost didn't get written. When Srinivas was in Stanford in the 1970s, his Rampura notes were burnt down during an anti-Vietnam protest. He wrote the book from salvaged notes and largely from memory. The book was thus, not so much an academic book, but written in the easy style of a novelist, with his rich descriptions of village life. In all probability he was influenced by his famous fellow Mysurean and good friend, author RK Narayan. Srinivas begins The Remembered Village by talking about three important men in the village: the headman, Kulle Gowda and Nadu Gowda who contributed significantly to his understanding of village life and culture. Much like an accomplished novelist, he then goes on to describe the three men. Heres a vignette from his description of the headman: The first thing that struck me about the headman was that he looked like one. He was tall, well and muscularly built, his face seemed as though it had been carved out of the dark granite boulders which were dotted about the countryside. Other than The Remembered Village, Srinivas has written several books and essays (Marriage and Family in Mysore, Religion and Society Among the Coorgs of South India) on Indian society, caste and social change. He passed away at the age of 83. Srinivas was the first JRD Tata Visiting Professor at National Institute of Advanced Studies and weeks before his death spoke at NIAS on the Obituary on Caste as a System. He stated that the old economic and social relationships, characteristic of the caste system had broken down, but that caste had survived as a means for securing access to resources of different kinds. A landmark Supreme Court judgement has given huge relief to farmers/landowners, while quashing the illegal and deceptive licensing of 280 acres of land in Rohtak, Haryana in 2006 to Uddar Gaggan Properties Ltd. This serves as a body blow to former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and other state officials who are facing multiple probes for facilitating the private enrichment of builders through similar illegal licencing. The unholy nexus to promote the private interests of builders by transfer of resources of poor for the benefit of the rich, through gross abuse of law and clear fraud referred to in the judgement, has been detailed in a series of media exposes, beginning October 8, 2012, first about the irregularities in property dealings involving real estate major DLF and Congress President Sonia Gandhis son-in-law Robert Vadra, while later going on to uncover Hoodas modus operandi to favor a host of other builders, including Uddar Gaggan. Hoodas modus operandi This earlier expose had revealed that Hooda was acquiring land from poor, illiterate farmers at a low rate in the name of public interest only to later license this to builders after bestowing out-of-turn favors that helped the land value increase exponentially. The facts disclosed therein, had pointed to Hoodas motivation in licensing a staggering 24,825 acres of land during his 10-year tenure as Chief Minister, as against just 8,550.32 acres by successive Chief Ministers in the 23 years preceding Mr. Hoodas rise to power in 2004. Under the Land Acquisition Act 1894, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) and Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation (HSIDC) have powers to acquire land under Section 4 & 6 through the issuance of notifications, while the award of licence is announced under Section 9. Builders who are unable to coerce farmers to sell their land turn to the government for official assistance. On cue, using Section 4, the State intimates landowners that the government requires those specific parcels of land for public purpose. At this stage, builders enter into agreements to sell/collaborate with landowners/farmers, offering them a modest premium over the governments prevailing compensation rate. If landowners/farmers offer resistance, Section 6 is imposed, declaring the States intention to acquire land. This forces even resistant landowners to enter into agreements. Between the imposition of Sections 4, 6 & 9, and even after award, as in this case, builders apply for licences in collaboration with farmers/landowners to the Town and Country Planning (TCP), Haryana. Once the land is released from acquisition, its value for those chosen builders soars dramatically. The Uddar Gaggan case Reflecting the larger modus operandi, in this particular case, too, HUDA first staked its claim to acquire 850.88 acres of land in Sector 27-28, Rohtak vide a notification of April 11, 2002, for residential/commercial purpose. However, the final notification of April 8, 2003 under Section 6 of the land Acquisition Act was in respect of 441.11 acres. On March 21, 2005, Uddar Gaggan submitted its applications to TCP, Haryana for licenses to develop a colony across 280 acres. The award of land for 422.44 acres took place on April 6, 2005 and Uddar Gaggans licences were granted on June 12, 2006 after releasing the apportioned land, free from all encumbrances, from acquisition in the guise of public purpose. The licences were addressed to the landowners but remitted to the builder and followed by execution of sale deeds in favor of the builder by using power of attorney of landowners. Power of land acquisition vested under the 1894 Act could be invoked only in public interest and not for creating a land bank in favor of Uddar Gaggan through distress sales. The State cannot force the landowners to surrender their title in favor of and at a price to be dictated by a private beneficiary, the judgement reads, while adding that the notified public purpose was only a ruse to enable Uddar Gaggan to purchase the land at the lowest possible price for maximizing the profiteering. The SC judgement takes cognizance of the fact that the builder did not own an inch of land, yet every licence was addressed to it and sent with a specific enclosure that Uddar Gaggan was the sole owner of the licensed and released land. The issuance of license, in our considered view, was a fraud played on the policy behind the 1975 Act. Here is a case where artificial reasons were created, the records were fudged with the aid of the Deputy Commissioner, Rohtak, to mislead the fact that the possession of acquired land was not taken while announcing the Award. The responsible officers of the State Government, in their anxiety to help out Uddar Gaggan, have completely overlooked the interest of landowners or of the General Public to whom thousands of plots could have been allotted at a fairly low price through the aegis of HUDA. This amounts to transfer of resources of poor for the benefit of the rich. It amounts to permitting profiteering at the cost of livelihood and existence of a farmer. This is against the philosophy of the Constitution and in violation of guaranteed fundamental rights of equality and right to property and to life. What cannot be done directly cannot be done indirectly also. SC strikes a body blow to corrupt builders Undoing of such illegal actions would clearly be in the interests of justice. The wrong has to be remedied. Therefore, now, by virtue of this judgement, all licences granted in respect of the land covered by acquisition stand transferred to HUDA, free from all encumbrances, while all release orders and sale deeds/other agreements in favor of the builder as well as creation of any third party rights by the builder, stand quashed. The SC has additionally ordered that the sale consideration paid by Uddar Gaggan to the land owners be treated as compensation. This means land owners will not be required to refund any amount, while those who did not receive any compensation, will now do so. Land owners will also be at liberty to prefer reference under Section 18 of the 1894 Act within a period of three months, if such reference has not been earlier preferred. The builder will be entitled to refund/reimburse any payments made to the State, land owners or on development of the land, from HUDA on being satisfied about the extent of actual expenditure not exceeding HUDA norms on the subject. The claim of the builder will only be taken up after settling claim of third parties from whom the builder has collected money. No interest will be payable on the said amount. The third parties from whom money has been collected by the builder, upon verification of their claims, will be entitled to either the refund of the amount, (out of and to the extent of the amount payable to the builder under the above direction, available with the State), or will be allotted plots at the price paid or price prevalent, whichever is higher. No interest will be payable on the said amount. The State has also been directed to give the benefit of Rehabilitation and Resettlement of Land Acquisition Oustees policy of the State/HUDA to land owners, by reserving the required area from the acquired land itself. While allowing a year for compliance of its judgement, the SC had laid down a strict schedule: a quarterly progress report of the action taken to be filed by the State in this Court and final report of compliance to be filed within one month after expiry of one year from today for such further direction as may become necessary. Hooda and his men in the dock The SC has further directed the State government to enquire into the legality and bona fides of the action of the persons responsible for illegally entertaining the applications of the builder and releasing the land to it, when it had no title to the land on the date of the notification under Section 4 of the 1894 Act and to proceed against them in accordance with law. According to government records, available with Firstpost, roughly 244 acres has been released for grant of CLU/Licence after Section 4, around 2,471acres released after Section 6 and 930 acres of land released after award under Land Acquisition Act, 1894. This takes the total land licensed in this manner between 2004 to 2015 to a staggering 3,646 acres (See chart). This fraudulent and clandestine exercise of power by the State is not permitted by law. The fact that the award of this 3,645.6655 acres is also in violation of Public Trust Doctrine, means big trouble for Hooda, his accomplices and other beneficiaries. Hooda is already under probe by the Justice SN Dhingra Commission for his role in the illegal grants of licences to hundreds of private companies, including the Robert Vadra case, involving his company Skylight Hospitality and DLF. A CBI enquiry into 14 other plots allotted in violation of due process by Hooda is already ongoing on the reference of the state government. Earlier this month, the Haryana state government filed a First Information Report (FIR) for the illegal allotment of prime land in Panchkula, estimated to be worth roughly Rs 100 crore, to the Associated Journals Ltd (AJL). AJL is the parent company of National Herald, the now defunct mouthpiece of the Congress Party. The move followed a Firstpost expose of 29 December 2015 detailing the file movement that showed how former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda overturned legal and official advice from within his government to first illegally re-allott the plot, then condone delays and defaults, even going so far as to extend additional unwarranted and unprecedented favors, including camouflage aid to the firm. Hooda has been daring the government to initiate inquiries to establish allegations of wrongdoing. Now that these inquiries are on full swing, both he and the Congress party have started accusing the BJP governments at the centre and in Haryana of pursuing vendetta politics. Addressing the crowd at the gathering of Kumbh Mela in Ujjain on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the one crore Indians who gave up their LPG subsidies and urged the citizens to leave behind their "holier than thou" attitude to prevent conflicts. Applauding the citizens who gave up their LPG subsidies, he said. "There was Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, who urged the nation to skip an evening meal and so many people followed it exactly. Some are still alive from that era. For eight months, I kept a subject in front of the public. Sometimes I think we stay behind in reaching places. I told them if you are self satisfied, leave the comfort in the kitchen. Now I want to bow my head and say more than 1 crore people have left behind their gas subsidy." He asserted that the #GiveItUp campaign was not for filling government's treasury but to benefit the poor. "In a day, an equivalent of 400 cigarettes' smoke is inhaled by a poor man who cooks using chullah. Now in three years, crores of the poor will get LPG connection and get relief from chullah smoke," he said. Recalling a proverb from his native place, Modi said, "Karani karein to narayan hojaye (If you do your job, you can do wonders). This is what our sages and saints have said. We should too believe in it," he said. Speaking on issues of conflict in the country, he said, "There are differences in our nation which outsiders see as conflict. The world conducts seminars on conflict management. We inherit conflict management because of our upbringing." "We worship Sita who sacrificed her happiness for her husband and Mira who disobeyed her husband. We have learnt conflict management through our mythologies," he added. He spoke about the role of values in India and compared the situation with other nations. "When other countries go for election, the politicians campaign saying they will preserve family values. The whole world is laying emphasis and understanding now the importance of family values. But we have been born into it," Modi said. He emphasised how values cannot be blamed for stopping progress. He said, "Whether it is inferiority or illiteracy, we say this is our tradition and run away from problems. The world is not acceptable to these excuses anymore." "There was a time when crossing the sea was considered unholy. But the times have changed. Values shouldnt stop us from achieving. It is our duty to not let conflict of blaming values come in between of our progress," he added. Noting that global warming and terrorism have become global problems, he asked the crowd what for a solution. "A holier than thou attitude is taking towards conflicts. Let us look within and see how we can grow ourselves," Modi urged. "Mera rasta tere raste se zyada sahi hai (My way is better than yours). This is what is directing us to conflict. But the times have changed now. We can't keep going horizontal; we need to go vertical to travel new heights," he said. Modi was present in Ujjain along with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to release 'Simhastha Declaration' at Ninora village. The latest entrant in Indias electoral fray claims to change the countrys political humdrum with some unusual supporters: retired soldiers. The National Confederacy of India (NCI) which was registered in 2014 as a political party after a nearly 11-hour gruelling meeting with the Delhi-based Election Commission of India is headed by A Kriishnamohan, brother-in-law of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. In the last two years, an estimated 200,000 retired soldiers have joined the party and started propaganda work at the grassroots level. Kriishnamohans party flag, interestingly, resembles the one used by Germany: a tricolour made of three equal horizontal bands coloured black (top), red (middle) and gold (bottom). Inside, he has a golden eagle embossed as the party symbol. Ancient Indian maharajas often used the fearsome bird as their state symbols. Backing him are a group of illustrious retired soldiers, ranging from former IAF chief Dilbagh Singh, former air marshall KC Nanda Cariappa and Lt Gen Rostum K Nanavatty to former chief election commissioner SY Qureishi, Kargil hero Captain Arun Chakravarty, and a host of former Indian maharajas. But what's the need for a new party when there are already 1,866 registered political parties? Kriishnamohan says its important to make a distinct mark than flow with the crowd. He could have easily joined the Congress, like his brother-in-law and cousins. Then I would have been one of many, now I am one of my own. I have worked for almost a decade to reach here, says Kriishnamohan, a trained sitar player and historian. On paper, the party looks too idealistic. Chakravarty, the national general secretary, and Kriishnamohan says they wish to keep their slate clean, and had worked on the party document for years. The party will not seek any corporate donation; it will collect money at meetings. The war veterans will reach your door to seek help, says Kriishnamohan, supported by Chakravarty. But will the idea, once propagated by the legendary revolutionary, Rash Behari Bose, work in todays India? Chakravarty is confident it will. When Indians will see war veterans appealing, honest people walking door-to-door to raise cash for an idealistic party, they will respond in hordes. The Kargil veteran says he is not making an unrealistic promise. I am not saying, the party is not saying it will clean corruption within five years. We are saying we will work with honest people and retired people. But if the party is full of veterans, won't it lack fresh blood? Chakravarty says he is not worried about it because the recent student turmoil in various universities over idealistic issues have given him hope. It would be wrong to presume students are bothered about Facebook and Twitter and nothing else. Students are becoming very vocal in India, our party hopes to address their concerns through regular meetings. Kriishnamohan says the party has taken a German term for the same: 'jugend', which translates into 'youth'. We will galvanise them, talking to them about one thing that worries them: employment. He wants small- and medium-scale industries to revive with global tie-ups , push them into mainstream and flood the markets, both nationally and internationally with products like the Chinese did more than a decade ago. Even if we can capture 30 percent of the Indian market, we will have enough jobs happening, says Kriishnamohan, who considers unemployment Indias biggest crisis. There are other plans as well. NCI wants to get total medical and education cover for all Indians; root out the land mafia; push new land reclamation policy and drive smart cities; influence international policies in South Asia, Afro-Asian and Central Asia nations; restore old, decaying royal palaces to push affordable tourism; drop sporting events which have no takers. And then he adds: "I wish to take MTV off air; we will encourage out own bands, our own music." I do not need a Prashant Kishor to tell me what I should do, I know getting jobs are a big crisis zone. On the flip side, employers rue they do not get the right candidate most of the time. Our party will address this issue. Kriishnamohan says his party has decided not to take corporate cash, which he calls the bane of all problems in India. Once you take cash from companies, you are at their beck and call, at their mercy, says Kriishnamohan. But time is not on their side, agree Kriishnamohan and Chakavarty. Within three years, the party has to galvanise support, raise enough cash and field candidates in strategic places. A slogan has been coined: 2019, NCI Nischit. It translates as 2019, its sure-shot NCI. There are plans to gather party seniors on the banks of Sangam in Allahabad to make the mega announcement. It will happen very soon, on an auspicious day in 2016. And then, Indians will either agree or disagree with NCIs agenda. Puducherry: BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday charged the AINRC government with having failed to bring in several welfare measures the NDA government had evolved and implemented in many states to help the youth, farmers, poor women and other sections of society. "The AINRC government has failed to implement several welfare measures that the NDA government headed by Narendra Modi evolved and implemented in several states to help the youth, farmers, poor women and other sections of society," he said at an election rally. BJP is fighting the 16 May Assembly polls in the union territory on its own. Shah alleged that neither DMK, AIADMK, Congress nor AINRC governments had addressed the concerns of people, though the union territory offered good scope for development. He listed various welfare measures the NDA government had brought about in the last two years and said the AINRC government had not emulated the MUDRA scheme for youth. "This scheme has been of help for enterprising youth and more than l.5 crore persons had benefitted in different parts of the country. It is really sad that the AINRC government had 0not enforced the scheme here," he said. Shah said successive governments in Puducherry had not met the housing requirements of the poor. "The Prime Minister's Awas Yojana now implemented holds the key to tackle problem of housing of the poor and this will be taken up if BJP is voted to power in Puducherry", he added. Voicing concern over continued closure of industrial units due to "poor governance" by AINRC,he said the previous UPA regime at the Centre that was in power for 10 years had also not tackled the sufferings of Tamil fishermen in Sri Lanka. Alleging more than 550 Tamil fishermen had been killed by Sri Lankan navy during the 10 year UPA rule, he said they had done nothing to relieve fishermen in the island republic of their sufferings. He also charged Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments with failing to take steps to protect the fishermen. " Not even a single fisherman has been killed since the present NDA government was installed in office two years ago in Delhi," he said, adding that the welfare of fishermen had been taken care of by the present Central government. Shah said the scheme to provide free LPG cylinder connection would be implemented in Puducherry. He urged people to vote BJP to power so that benefits of several Central government welfare measures would be available to them. This time, in the assembly elections of West Bengal, there were two unique groups of people who voted for the first time, primarily in the Cooch Behar district and some in the Jalpaiguri district. These are the erstwhile enclave people, comprising of 'trapped' Indians and 'new' Indians. An unfortunate vestige of the most recent partition of Bengal in 1947, the enclaves are bits of land of a nation-state that are surrounded on all sides by land of another nation-state. Thus, enclaves were of two kinds. Enclaves belonging to Bangladesh nested within territory of the Indian Union and enclaves belonging to the Indian Union nested within the territory of Bangladesh. There were 92 Bangladeshi enclaves within India and 106 Indian enclaves within Bangladesh. In some cases, there were parts of India surrounded by Bangladesh surrounded by India. After the Land Boundary Agreement between the Indian Union and Bangladesh that saw the exchange of these enclaves, these bits of alien land were absorbed into the surrouding territory. Thus, inside such enclaves surrounded by Indian Union territory, people who were Bangladeshi citizens till yesterday, were given a choice of getting Indian citizenship or crossing over to Bangladesh. The same exercise was done in Bangladesh. As a result, we had 'new' Indians former Bangladeshi citizens now becoming Indian citizens with their enclave being absorbed into India and incoming sets of erstwhile trapped Indians (who were Indian citizens in the first place) who lived surrounded by Bangladesh and now came over when offered the choice. Dakshin Masaldanga is the name of one the biggest set of erstwhile Bangladeshi enclaves now absorbed into India after the Land Boundary agreement. Not too far away from Dinhata town, a former Forward Bloc stronghold that has now become a Trinamool base (that the Forward Bloc is trying to wrest back) Masaldanga is probably the showcase enclave. For here lives the 103 year old Asgor Ali who voted in the assembly election or for that matter any election for the first time in his life. Having been a British subject, a Pakistani subject, a Bangladeshi subject and an Indian subject, without once moving from the patchwork of homes that houses his extended family, he had taken the trouble of hoisting the flag of the Indian Union when the Land Boundary agreement came into effect. To him, and many others like him, this marked relief. For they had lived for nearly 70 years fully surrounded by a territory whose administration considered it foreign and whose inhabitants and security forces harassed people like him at whim. From a hospital admission to school admission, they had to fake their names, their identities and their addresses, lest it be found that they were enclave dweller Bangladeshi citizens and hence ineligible for basic necessities of life. A tiny cottage industry grew around them of people who would lend their address as a cover for the enclave dwellers for a fee. Few married their children into enclaves. Thus marriages mostly happened between members of other enclaves, recounts Asgor's son. Many people in this area have been jailed for illegal trespassing into foreign territory, which basically is what they technically did for going to the market or visiting the hospital. What does Asgor feel now that those days are over? He is listless. Does he know about the parties in the area? When quizzed on who he supports, he indicates that he does know of the Forward Bloc. However, his big grouse is that many people in the enclaves have simply been not registered. They do continue to live in the enclaves but have become perfectly stateless. Such bureaucratic mismanagement is hardly the welcome that the new Indians need. They do have a long sense of India from their rich experience of humiliation and harassment by Indians. So, as India embraces them as co-citizens, all of it looks somewhat absurd. People from the enclave are slowly finding official jobs and taking advantage of the government schemes in area. It is all a bit new and the area is still known locally as an enclave. Among another set of first time voters are people of Rajbongshi ethnicity from Panchagarh district of Bangladesh who lived in an Indian enclave within Panchagarh ever since Partition. Only a small proportion of the Panchagarh Indians have chosen to move to India and retain Indian citizenship. A majority hasn't moved and has decided to stay put in their original patch of land, now part of Bangladesh, for now. There are multiple such groups in Cooch Behar and they have been provided some basic temporary housing. The gratitude for this opportunity in a new land is principally towards the BJP, as residents there mention for it was during the BJP government under Narendra Modi that the Land Boundary Agreement was finally put into effect. Life is still full of anxieties, even more so as bureaucratic callousness or conspiracy has excluded many people who might have wanted to opt for India and cross over, but there names were not recorded during the joint Indo-Bangladesh encalve survey. In some cases, the details of the recording were wrong. Here, the local parties have made forays because rehabilitation involves liasion with local elected officials. The Forward Bloc and the Trinamool have also been quite visible here, inspite of the pro-BJP leanings of the camp due to gratitude. Voting in these camps, as well as in the enclaves, are not only exercises of initiation into a new democratic style, but also a path to deepening their still tenuous hold on mainland Indian Union citizenship and location. For many of the camp-dwellers who studied in schools of Bangladesh and hence for years learnt other meanings of nation and nationalism and other names for Prime Ministers, one wonders what does such an obvious reference-point and known-truth switching might mean. Enclave people who were enemies under the epithet of illegal Bangladeshi are now being feted for their tri-colour hoisting. The artificiality of ideas of nation and nationhood are most evident at these macabre extremes. Using the principle of one-man one-vote, this exercise seeks to present an opportunity to the people to determine and influence the nature of the power that will rule over them. But that is not all. This exercise also relegitimizes (kind of like license renewal) the structure and apparatus that imposes itself on the people. Thus power structures seek legitimacy by offering a pre-determined amount of decision-making power. It does not give all powers to the people. For example, the people who are supposedly the only sovereign in this schema cannot alter the basic structure of the Indian Union constitution, even when fundamental rights of the individual are protected. The crucial part of such schemes is that they are all-pervasive. The intense focus of resources and energy by modern nation-states on maintaining and defining territorial limits is not accidental. Within that zone, it is supreme. Which is precisely why territories where such monarchic supremacy is not established are sources of unending paranoia for the powers-to-be. The smokescreen of peoples welfare is used to unleash the non-pretentious forces of a nation-state money and military. In places where people dont live, powers dangle the notion of strategic importance. We are born from our mothers womb. We are born where our mother lay pregnant with us. When we are born, we are as human anyone else. This is before there is consciousness of the state, constitution, Gandhi, Nehru, tricolour, New Delhi, etc. Is it a pre-condition of being human that these notions have to be built up within our heads for an individual to be considered fully human? Clearly not. Our bloodlines and human consciousness predates all flags and constitutions and gods willing, will outlive them too. So one has a right to be fully human and not be impinged upon, counted, exercised power upon, demanded loyalty from by institutions like the nation. One has a right to exist in the land one was born upon, to mingle in the society into which one is born or welcomed, live a glorious life among ones kin and so on. Institutions that place themselves as mediators of these rights, without being called to mediate, are inhuman and anti-social in a very fundamental sense. They may well be legal, depending on how many guns back up the self-imposed mediator. Legality is different from justness only the people can create the latter. No paper document written in their name can. Whether one votes or not votes or boycotts it, all of these positions are vis-a-vis the voting process and the state that sponsors it. The all pervasiveness of such schemes means that you will be counted, not matter what you will be classified, even if you dont belong. Lack of consciousness is not an option and in any case, irrelevant. Institutions that intensively survey uninhabited islands, wrap the remains of the dead in distinct flags, teach loyalty through school syllabi do face a problem when they face people who regard the state as alien. Some of the indigenous peoples of Andaman and Nicobar Islands like the Shompen are such aliens. But they are Indian citizens, irrespective. Are they proud of Gandhi? Do they respect the tricolour? Do they have a stake in Siachen and Sir Creek, given what happens there is done in their name too? Do they believe in unity in diversity given that their numbers have sharply dwindled ever since they were claimed as Indians? It is from the perspective of the Shompen people of the Great Nicobar island that the all pervasive state starts looking not so pervasive a hint that there is an outside, even when high resolution maps and detailed anthropological surveys have been done. This outside consciousness is an extremely dangerous thing. Hence, when the Shompen people voted in Indian Union elections for the first time in 2014, whatever that act means, there was a sigh of relief at the deepest heart of the state. A portal to an outside, however small, was technically sealed. There is an outside and there will always be an outside. It comes with every child who is born. Hence there is a persistent and dangerous glimmer. To live without certain indoctrinations makes a dynamite of a people, even if they dont know it. The distance from birth-rights to full-citizenship is a journey that requires surrender of rights, without consent or with indoctrination that there is no outside. SYDNEY Australian police have charged five men held earlier this week on suspicion of planning to travel in a small motor boat to Indonesia and the Philippines en route to join Islamic State in Syria. The men, aged between 21 and 31, were charged with preparing to enter a foreign country "for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities," an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The five were arrested on Tuesday after towing the seven-meter motor boat almost 3,000 km (1,865 miles) from Melbourne to Cairns in northern Queensland state, police said. They have been in custody since, and are not scheduled to face court until Monday. "There's no current or impending threat of a terrorist act to the Australian community arising from this investigation," a police statement said. Australia, a staunch U.S. ally, has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown radicals since 2014 and authorities say they have thwarted a number of potential attacks, while there have been several "lone wolf" assaults, including a cafe siege in Sydney that left two hostages and the gunman dead. Approximately 100 people have left Australia for Syria to fight alongside organizations such as Islamic State, Australia's Immigration Minister said last month. Police said earlier this week that it was unclear where the men had planned to put the boat in the water. Indonesia and Australia share a maritime border, but it spans several hundred kilometers of open sea at its narrowest point. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said Melbourne-born radical preacher Musa Cerantonio, a vocal supporter of Islamic State who was deported from the Philippines to Australia in 2014, was among those charged. Cerantonio, who converted to Islam from Catholicism at 17, was believed to be planning to join the militant group when he was deported for having "invalid travel documentation". He was placed under surveillance but not arrested upon his return. (Reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Helen Popper) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Dhaka: A 70-year-old Buddhist monk was on Saturday brutally hacked to death inside a remote monastery in Bangladesh, with police saying the incident bore the hallmark of previous killings of secular activists, bloggers and minorities by Islamists in the Muslim-majority nation. Mawng Shoi Wuu, chief of the monastery located in the isolated and rugged Naikkhangchari area of Bandarban hill district, was found dead this morning by a Buddhist devotee as he went to serve him breakfast, police said. "The assailants slit his throat...It appears he was murdered sometime after the midnight when he was staying alone at the monastery," officer-in-charge of Naikkhangchhari police station Kazi Ahsan told PTI over phone. The killing bears the hallmark of previous murders of intellectuals, bloggers and minorities by Islamists in the country. No group has claimed responsibility for the murder of the monk so far and an investigation has been ordered to track down the assailants. The monastery was situated at an isolated area away from the villages in the neighbourhood and Mawng Shoi Wuu used to live there alone, locals said. The latest murder comes exactly a week after a 65-year-old Muslim Sufi preacher was hacked to death in a similar attack by unidentified machete-wielding assailants in northwestern Rajshahi city. There have been systematic assaults in Bangladesh in recent weeks especially targeting minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and foreigners. In the recent attacks, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death last month by machete-wielding ISIS militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. Two days later, Bangladesh's first gay magazine editor was brutally murdered along with a friend in his flat in Dhaka by Islamists. On April 30, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants in his shop in central Bangladesh. The ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Indian Peninsula have claimed responsibility for some of the attacks although the government denies their presence in Bangladesh. ANKARA Dissidents in Turkey's nationalist opposition accused the government on Saturday of interfering in an internal party dispute that could end up jeopardising President Tayyip Erdogan's plans for more power. Several hundred members of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) have launched a bid to oust Devlet Bahceli, leader for much of the last two decades, and to do so they need to change party rules at a special congress they want to hold on Sunday. Four leaders of the revolt, including former interior minister Meral Aksener, issued a statement accusing Erdogan's AK Party of intervening to try to block the special congress. Bahceli's faction sought an injunction to block the meeting but an Ankara court upheld the dissidents' countersuit. Only minutes later, state-broadcaster TRT reported verdicts from two other local courts that would halt the congress. The MHP's dispute could be crucial for Erdogan because he needs its help to amend the constitution and give him more power. Dissident leader Aksener opposes that and polls say she could double support for MHP if she ousts Bahceli. The AKP has increased its influence over the courts in recent years and its opponents say the legal chaos surrounding the congress results from its efforts to keep Bahceli in power. "This is a direct intervention from the AK Party and government to the MHP congress and it is unacceptable," the dissidents said in a statement. They added that they would turn up at the hotel where the congress was scheduled to take place on Sunday. Bahceli has led the MHP for much of the last two decades. His party won about 12 percent of the general election last November, getting 40 seats in parliament whose votes the AKP needs to call a referendum to amend the constitution. Bahceli loyalists seem willing to do this, but Aksener, a former interior minister, has vowed she would defend Turkey's current parliamentary system and oppose Erdogan's plan. AKP officials reject any suggestions that the government or ruling party is influencing the courts, or that the MHP's leadership battle and AKP efforts to win its support on constitutional change are in any way linked. (Reporting by Ercan Gurses in Ankara; Writing by Seda Sezer; Editing by Tom Heneghan) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. AMSTERDAM Two tigers escaped from a big cat shelter near a small Dutch village on Saturday and were being tracked by police. Residents in the village of Oldeberkoop, population 1,500, have been warned to stay indoors. "Tigers in sight," police tweeted after launching a search with a helocopter and a veterinarian with a tranquilizer gun. "We are now going to try to bring them back to the shelter." Oldeberkoop is home to the Felida centre, which recieves big cats from circuses and zoos, treats them, and works to replace some in a larger shelter in South Africa. According to the centre's website, its residents include two lions, eight tigers, a black jaguar, and a leopard. Newspaper De Telegraaf reported that the two tigers appeared to have escaped through a gate that had accidentally been left open. (Reporting by Toby Sterling Editing by Jeremy Gaunt) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. BEIRUT Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim militant group Hezbollah said on Saturday its top military commander Mustafa Badreddine was killed by artillery shells fired by insurgents near Syria's Damascus airport. Hezbollah announced Badreddine's death on Friday and held a military funeral for him on the same day in its stronghold in southern Beirut. "Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups in the area," Hezbollah's statement said. "Takfiri" is a word used by the group to refer to hard-line, armed, Sunni Muslim Islamist groups. Hezbollah is fighting in Syria, backing the government of President Bashar al-Assad against a range of Sunni Muslim groups including Islamic State and the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front. Around 1,200 Hezbollah fighters are estimated to have been killed in the Syrian conflict. "The outcome of the investigation (into Badreddine's death) will increase our determination ... to continue the fight against these criminal gangs and defeat them," Hezbollah said. The statement did not say when the attack took place or when Badreddine died. Announcing his death on Friday, Hezbollah quoted Badreddine as having said he would return from Syria victorious or as a martyr. Badreddine was sentenced to death in Kuwait for his role in bomb attacks there in 1983. He escaped from prison in Kuwait after Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded the country in 1990. His release from jail in Kuwait was one of the demands made by the hijackers of a TWA flight in 1985, and of the hijackers of a Kuwait Airways flight in 1988. For years, Badreddine masterminded military operations against Israel from Lebanon and overseas and managed to escape capture by Arab and Western governments. Badreddine was also one of five Hezbollah members indicted by the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the 2005 killing of statesman Rafik al-Hariri, one of Lebanon's most prominent Sunni Muslim figures. Hezbollah denied any involvement and said the charges were politically motivated. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Andrew Heavens) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. MOSCOW Police clashed with Islamist militants in Russia's volatile Dagestan region on Saturday, with four rebels and two officers killed, local media quoted police as saying. Islamic State said its fighters were behind the attack. The police stormed an apartment in the southern town of Derbent after obtaining information that a wounded senior officer held hostage by the militants was probably dead. "Law enforcers have finished a special operation to destroy the rebels," Interfax news agency quoted a police source as saying. "At least four rebels have been annihilated." One police officer was killed in the shootout and another 15 were wounded, a local health official told Russian agencies. The senior officer who had been held was confirmed dead by a police official, Interfax news agency said. Islamic State's Amaq news agency said its fighters had clashed with police in Derbent, saying they had killed three officers. It made no mention of losses among the militants. Islamic State has in the past said it was behind violent attacks on security forces in the North Caucasus, the volatile mainly Muslim part of Russia where Dagestan is located. Some militants in Dagestan, which borders Chechnya, where Moscow led two wars against separatists in 1990s, have sworn allegiance to Islamic State. (Reporting by Dmitry Solovyov; Additional reporting by Maria Tsvetkova) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. MOSCOW A North Korean coast guard ship has detained a Russian yacht with a crew of five people on board, Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, adding it had sent a note to Pyongyang demanding explanation for the cause of the detention. The yacht was on its way from South Korea's port city of Pusan to Vladivostok in Russia's Far East when it was detained 80 miles (129 km) off the coast in North Korea's exclusive economic zone on Friday, the ministry said, giving no further detail. The yacht is now in the North Korean port of Kimchaek, and Russia's consul general is awaiting permission from the authorities to meet the crew, the ministry said, adding that their lives or health were not in danger. (Reporting by Dmitry Solovyov Editing by Jeremy Gaunt.) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. WASHINGTON President Barack Obama toasted Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland at a star-studded state dinner on Friday, lauding the nations for their global influence on civil rights, humanitarian issues and curbing climate change. The red carpet glamour followed a White House summit where Obama and the leaders of the five nations presented a united front against Moscow's recent military aggression in Ukraine and the Baltic region. But the meeting was more about soft diplomacy than launching ambitious foreign policy endeavors, given that Obama's second and final term ends in January. Americans will vote in presidential elections on Nov. 8. "I thought this was a very useful and important conversation, although there was probably too much agreement to make for as exciting a multilateral meeting as I sometimes participate in," Obama said. More than 300 guests including rapper Common, comedian Will Ferrell and actress Tracee Ellis Ross mingled with diplomats, tech and Fortune 500 CEOs, White House officials, and political donors in a glass-ceiling tent built around a tree on the South Lawn. Hand-rolled beeswax candles and strings of lights reflected off ten-foot pillars of ice, an homage to the northern lights. Pop star Demi Lovato, known for her support of liberal causes, was set to perform after a Nordic-inspired meal of ahi tuna, tomato tartare and red wine-braised beef short ribs. "It's a great opportunity to drink wine and make progress on the most serious issues of our time," Samantha Power, the U.S. Ambassador to the United States, told reporters on her way into the dinner. RUSSIA The summit was aimed in part at sending a message to a nation not on the guest list: Russia, which annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and has stepped up its military posture. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is planning its biggest build-up in eastern Europe since the Cold War to try to deter further Russian aggression, and Denmark and Norway said on Friday they would contribute to the "enhanced allied forward presence" with NATO. "We will be maintaining ongoing dialogue and seek cooperation with Russia, but we also want to make sure that we are prepared and strong, and we want to encourage Russia to keep its military activities in full compliance with international obligations," Obama said after the summit. Obama has long expressed admiration for the pragmatic and liberal-leaning politics of the Nordic nations. "There have been times where I've said, why don't we just put all these small countries in charge for a while? And they could clean things up," Obama said. (Additional reporting by Alana Wise and Timothy Gardner; Editing by Richard Chang and Richard Borsuk) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Remember when Frank Underwood, the ruthless and maniacal President of the United States on the Netflix drama House of Cards uttered the infamous words, Democracy is so overrated? Or how about that time he cold-heartedly proclaimed, I have often found that bleeding hearts have an ironic fear of their own blood? For someone who has managed to hold on to the countrys highest office despite murdering (yep!) multiple people in his way, The road to power is paved with hypocrisy and casualties. Never regret. was also a matter-of-fact statement right up Underwoods alley. And thus, it was no surprise when he declared, My motto is: Always get even. When somebody screws you, screw them back in spades. Except wait, that wasnt Underwood. That was Donald Trump, the laughably caricaturish and scarily demagogic presumptive nominee of the Republican Party for President of the United States in the 2016 election. This is what politics looks like in 2016. At par, and sometimes even stranger, than fiction. American television has had a long fascination with portraying politics and other things presidential. Three shows about presidents currently top ratings: House of Cards (HoC), Veep, and Scandal (Scandal is apparently partially based on former George H.W. Bush administration press aide Judy Smith). In an astutely documented Guardian article, television critic Judy Berman writes, When these shows premiered within a year of each other in 2012 and 2013, each series brought its own brand of pessimism Scandals high camp, Veeps eye-rolling disbelief, and House of Cards unrelenting cynicism to its depictions of the political class. When Veep first aired as an insightful satirical take on Washington DC, it was viewed as the funny fictional exaggeration of the actual political scenario at the time. This was back in 2012, when Barack Obama had just won his second term as POTUS; Hurricane Sandy had wreaked sufficient havoc and The POTUS had fine-tuned his Change slogan from four years ago to Forward. And for all of Mitt Romneys Republicanisms, he was a Harvard graduate and a businessman who could hold his own in an intelligent debate with the incumbent President. At that time, a show like Veep worked because, in the words of Julia Louis-Dreyfus (who plays the titular Veep Selina Meyer, who later goes on to become the POTUS), The show works because its not noble. This is a TV version of Washington that, at long last, is neither scandalous nor intriguing nor Shakespearean in scope and feel; nor does it buy into the notion that Washington operates under a master plan. Its a wallow in the towns most narcissistic tendencies, which has nothing to do with shaping history. These narcissistic tendencies manifest themselves on the show in the most effective manner as insults, often uttered by Selina and directed towards her staff, especially her man Friday and bag-man Gary Walsh, and the White House spokesperson Mike McClintock. During the first couple of seasons, viewers wouldve been forgiven for believing certain vitriolic remarks and jokes made on the show were too far-fetched. Cut to 2016, and thats a claim nobody is making anymore. Veeps wickedly delicious humour and vulgarity, that may have seemed unrealistic for a presidential candidate just a couple of years back, doesnt seem quite so out-there anymore. On the other hand, in the age of Trump, Cruz (and even Clinton), and the sheer overall madness of the 2016 Presidential elections, Veep (and other political shows) has had its work cut out to keep up with the absurdities of politics IRL. While many have praised the show for refraining from quipping about the current political situation by remaining Trump-free, Hillary-free, and Bernie-free, the gap between fact and fiction has started to consistently blur. Between Trump discussing how well-endowed he is to his former butler suggesting that President Obama be killed to Hillary Clinton making cringe-worthy racist jokes to Ted Cruzs offensive take on North Carolinas LGBTQ discrimination laws, real-life politics (not limited to the US) has overtaken television to reign supremely absurd and disturbing. Its no wonder then that Trumps candidacy is described as "the Seinfeld candidacy" (because its been about nothing) and Jon Stewart likened watching Clintons campaign to watching basketball legend Magic Johnsons talk show. When Frank Underwood uses hyperbole as an exaggeration for dramatic effect (Every Tuesday I sit down with the speaker and the majority leader to discuss the week's agenda.they talk while I imagine their lightly-salted faces frying in a skillet), viewers shudder, but move on with their lives. But when Donald Trump brazenly admits that Good people dont go into government or that It's always good to do things nice and complicated so that nobody can figure it out, its not quite so easy to shake off that dread and move on. Until the elections take place later this year, we can laugh with Veep, and play a game of Who Said It: Donald Trump Or Frank Underwood? LONDON Prime Minister David Cameron is struggling to convince voters he is telling the truth about why Britain should stay in the European Union and his main "Out" rival Boris Johnson is doing a better job, an opinion poll found. Only 21 percent of respondents in the survey carried out by polling firm ComRes agreed that Cameron was more likely to tell the truth about the EU than Johnson while 45 percent said Johnson was more believable than Cameron. With less than six weeks to go until the June 23 referendum on Britain's EU membership and voters evenly split on how they intend to cast their ballots, the rival camps have stepped up campaigning. Cameron has warned of the risk of a hit to Britain's economy from a decision to leave the world's biggest trade bloc. Johnson says Britain would flourish outside the EU if allowed to make its own rules, strike its own trade deals and spend its EU budget contributions at home. The ComRes poll, conducted for the Sunday Mirror newspaper and the Independent website, found 33 percent of respondents believed they would be better off if Britain stayed in the EU, only slightly more than the 29 percent who thought they would be better off if Britain left. ComRes interviewed 2,043 adults online on Wednesday and Thursday. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney warned on Thursday of the risk of a sharp slowdown in Britain's economy, and possibly a short recession, if the country left the EU. The ComRes poll did not ask voters how they intended to vote on June 23. (Writing by William Schomberg; editing by David Clarke) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Washington: Amid reports that China and Pakistan are jointly opposing India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership, the US has said India meets missile technology control regime requirements and is ready for entry into the exclusive club. "I'd point you back to what the president said during his visit to India in 2015, where he reaffirmed that the US view was that India meets missile technology control regime requirements and is ready for NSG membership," State Department Spokesman John Kirby said on Friday. His remarks came in response to a question on reports that China and Pakistan have joined hands to oppose India becoming a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). "I'm going to refer you to the governments of China and Pakistan with respect to their positions on India's membership," Kirby said. "Deliberations about the prospects of new members joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group are an internal matter among current members," he said. Defending its move to block India's entry into the NSG, China on Saturday claimed that several members of the 48-nation bloc shared its view that signing of the NPT was an "important" standard for the NSG's expansion. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in Beijing that not only China but also a lot of other NSG members are of the view that Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is the cornerstone for safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Asked about reports that China is pushing Pakistan's entry into NSG linking it to India's admission into the bloc, Lu said the NSG is an important part of NPT, which has been the consensus of the international community for long. Although India is not part of the NSG, Indian side recognises this consensus, he claimed. India, Pakistan, Israel and South Sudan were the four UN member states which have not signed the NPT, the international pact aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had said that China has helped Pakistan to stall India's bid to get NSG membership. On April 28, RJD leader Anil Kumar, a mukhiya of the Singhaul panchayat, was returning home after seeing a doctor in Bihar's Saharsa district when he was stopped by three motorcycle-borne assailants who pumped four bullets into his body. Kumar, who died of his gunshot wounds, had been head of the panchayat for three terms and had fielded his wife Amanna Devi after the seat was declared reserved for women. Bihar was the first state in the country to introduce 50 per cent reservation for women in all tiers of panchayats through the Bihar Panchayati Raj Act, 2006. Sallauddin Ali, 36, the sitting mukhiya of Chourdargah panchayat in Sheikhpura district was luckier than Anil Kumar. He too was on his way home on April 4 when two men on a bike flagged his car. They must be potential voters, Sallauddin thought, as he told his driver to stop. The car stopped, he rolled down the window, stuck his hand out. But it was a mistake. The man in the riding seat shouted, "Yahi hai mukhiya" and the pillion immediately fired. Luckily, the bullet only struck Ali's left forearm. The hitman took aim again but this time his gun misfired. advertisement Sallauddin, part of the ruling JD(U), isn't, like Anil Kumar, contesting this time. The young politician too followed the Bihari tradition of fielding his wife Shabina to contest the seat which has become reserved for women. "This obviously enraged my rivals. They know I won't let them win," he says. Violence has marred the first and second phase of panchayat polls. Bihar has been preparing for the 10-phase panchayat elections, set to take place between April 24 and May 30. As many as 8,397 panchayat mukhiyas are to be elected, a minimum 50 per cent of them women (in reserved seats). It's a contest which could outweigh the state elections, if not in significance, then certainly in the violence. Bloody contest In just the first three phases of the polls, the magnitude and extent of the violence has far exceeded the five phase of assmebly elections held in November last year. One person was killed in Nawada, and another political activist was grievously injured in Saharsa district. In southeast Bihar's Banka district, village strongman Kapildev Singh was beaten to death for not supporting the candidature of the sitting mukhiya. The vicious circle of violence had, in fact, begun earlier. Prominent eastern Bihar lawyer from Naugachchia, Pramod Rai, was shot dead on March 15, shortly after he fielded his wife Renu Devi for the zila parishad (district board) post. "The murder is a fallout of his wife deciding to contest. We'll let the cops investigate till the elections are over. After, that we will see that justice is done," says Pawan Rai, the deceased's younger brother. Pawan, a sitting mukhiya, opted out this year, and is putting all his efforts into getting his sister-in-law elected. Sarfaraz Ali, mukhiya of Chordargah village, Sheikhpura district of Bihar, recuperating from his injuries. Photo: Ranjan Rahi Sarfaraz Ali, mukhiya of Chordargah village, Sheikhpura district of Bihar, recuperating from his injuries. Photo: Ranjan Rahi In the last five years, some 50 mukhiyas have been killed across the state. A day before Pramod Rai's murder, another mukhiya candidate, Kanhaiya Singh, was shot dead while he was sleeping, at home in Gopalganj, a district at the northwestern tip of Bihar, at the other end of the state from Naugachchia, where Rai was murdered. But the most shocking assassination so far has been that of LJP sympathiser Brijnathi Singh. He was killed on the outskirts of Patna on February 5, bullets from two AK-47 rifles peppering his body. advertisement Singh, who was elected village head while in jail for a murder case in 2001, had a criminal history. That, and the use of assault rifles, seemed to suggest he fell victim to a gang war. It is more likely, however, that Singh's murder was linked to the panchayat polls. Patna senior superintendent of police Manu Maharaaj says the wife of Brijnathi's rival Sunil Rai was contesting the upcoming panchayat polls for the position of block head of Raghopur in Vaishali. Brijnathi was the biggest roadblock. He was backing his sister-in-law, Munni Devi, the present block head who is seeking re-election. "We believe this was the main reason for his killing," says the Patna SSP. The VIP mukhiya So why this sudden spate of attacks on mukhiyas? Well, the post of village headman was always important but with the recent devolution of power, they now have a decisive say in the use of funds for development schemes funded by both the Centre and state governments. "I have got development works done for Rs 2 crore in a year. Funds are not an issue for someone willing to work. No wonder many rogue elements are eyeing the panchayat posts to make their fortunes," Sallauddin told india today. advertisement As fund allocations soar, local government in Bihar finds itself bumping up against new challenges, like less committed, more money-minded mukhiya aspirants. Back in June 2013, the police discovered disproportionate assets worth over Rs 4 crore when they raided the houses of two mukhiyas in West Champaran district. The prospect of power and the added corruption possibilities have attracted the worst of elements. In Bihar, apart from the familiar practice of using MNREGA money to buy personal SUVs, over 20 lakh fake job cards have been found to have been used to make fraudulent payments. The government has received a surfeit of corruption complaints against various mukhiyas. From allegations of corruption in the appointment of panchayat teachers to the embezzlement of Rs 12.9 crore allocated by village headmen of one district for the purchase of solar lamps, the questionable conduct of mukhiyas has rattled the government. But as of now, there is little that can be done to rein them in. Becoming a mukhiya is clearly a lucrative prospect in rural Bihar today. But, as the number of killings suggest, it's a privilege fraught with risk too. Follow the writer on Twitter @Amitabh1975 advertisement --- ENDS --- If the past few election results are anything to go by, Malappuram, Kerala's most populous district, holds the key to deciding who will rule the state. This time around, though, the hectic poll campaign does not seem to have had the same effect on the ground in this Muslim heartland (the community makes up for 70 per cent of the population here). The voters seem least anxious about who is going to win, being more worried about the scorching heat, which is fast drying up the wells. The summer has been worse than usual and the tank water lobby that supplies drinking water has been doing brisk business (so have the ubiquitous milk shake stalls). The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the political outfit of the Sunnis and an ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front for 40 years, isn't worried, though. It's contesting 12 of the 16 seats in the district (in 2011, the IUML had won all 12 here). "We are contesting in 24 seats in Kerala. We will repeat our 2011 performance," says IUML national treasurer P.K. Kunhalikutty. advertisement The 65-year-old, contesting from Vengara for the second time, is considered the "political brain" of the party. The fortunes of the serving industries and IT minister in the Oommen Chandy government have been intimately linked with the IUML's own in the past two decades. Kunhalikutty figured in the 'ice-cream parlour' sex scandal and resigned from the Chandy cabinet in 2005 after a victim claimed she was sexually exploited by the minister in 1996. He lost from Kuttipuram in the 2006 assembly polls with the League also suffering its most humiliating defeat-only seven legislators made it out of the 22 seats it contested. But now, a decade later, Kunhalikutty has emerged as the sole leader in the party, or at least the only one who matters. He says he's older and wiser today. "Of course, age and experience have something to do with your attitudes. I know I've changed for the better and now I listen more before taking decisions," Kunhalikutty told india today on his campaign trail in Vengara. It is his home constituency, and the people and their issues are all familiar terrain. Kunhalikutty's political stock went up after the 2011 elections in which he led the party to a big win and consolidated the Muslim vote bank as well. "In fact, the IUML was primarily responsible for blocking the LDF's return to power in 2011. If the Muslims had not voted for the Congress in other constituencies, the party would have lost badly," says M.I. Thangal, a veteran politician and former district secretary of the IUML in Malappuram. Indeed, in a state where the community constitutes 26.6 per cent of its 33 million population, it would be remiss not to say that the consolidated Muslim vote is what took the UDF across the line in an extremely tight contest in 2011. According to Thangal, the Muslims of Kerala are by and large secular, citing the large numbers that participated in the freedom struggle to illustrate his point. "All the historic symbols in Malappuram talk about how we fought against the British and how we supported the freedom struggle. Our traditions are not communal, our passions are deep-rooted in Indian culture," says a bed-ridden Thangal, who left active politics five years ago. Those are great traditions to set store by. And yet, it's a story of the past. The IUML's adherence to the middle path in politics has driven many away. The party never took an aggressive political line even after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, leading to the emergence of splinter groups advocating a different, more aggressive tack. Abdul Nasar Madani and his People's Democratic Party (PDP) were at its forefront in the '90s, but have been marginalised since (he's currently lodged in a Bengaluru jail, after being charged variously in the 1998 Coimbatore and 2008 Bengaluru blasts cases). Of late, offshoots like the Popular Front of India have arrived on the scene but are yet to get wider acceptability. advertisement "By and large, the Muslims in Kerala are worried more about the emergence of the BJP in national politics. They have a feeling the Congress is playing the role of a spectator and is not able to protect their interests. It may harm the IUML politically in the longer run," says eminent historian Dr K.V. Kunhikrishnan. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) is testing a few new political tools of its own in the district. Numerically, Left strongholds are restricted to two constituencies, Ponnani and Thavanur. But A. Vijayaraghavan, CPI(M) central committee member, who is monitoring the Left campaign in Malappuram district, says the LDF has a "clear roadmap to defeat the IUML in their fortresses. We have been working on the strategy since the 2014 LS polls." The party has fielded some influential local businessmen and ex-Congress leaders as LDF candidates. advertisement So far, the Left hasn't been able to make much of a dent because the IUML is backed by Sunni Muslims headed by E.K. Aboobacker Musaliyar, who controls 8,500 of the 12,000 madrassas in the state. Another 2,000 madrassas are controlled by the AP faction of Sunnis (headed by Kanthapuram A.P. Abubacker Musaliyar), who have sometimes sided with the Left. The rest are controlled by the Mujahideen and Jamaat factions. The AP and EK factions clash over the control of madrassas every now and then, and Kanthapuram has publicly come out against some IUML candidates. But the IUML leadership is least bothered what the "sickle Sunnis" (alluding to the AP faction's ties with the Left) get up to. "It's not a matter of concern for us," says Jelseemiya Hussain, an IUML women's wing leader in Nilambur. "We are more worried about the BJP's emergence in Kerala. The BJP is trying to divide people over trivial issues. Now they are telling us what to eat, how to dress and how to salute our national flag." advertisement Veteran CPI(M) leader and former minister Paloli Mohammed Kutty, though, says all is not well in the IUML citadel. "There is certainly an undercurrent helping the Left in the district. Apart from the anti-incumbency factor, the Muslim youth are worried over the slowdown in the Gulf states. They are a lot more realistic. They follow a different politics, not one dictated by the madrassas or the Panakad family, who head the IUML," Paloli says. The Marxists have formed women squads to visit homes to canvass votes for them, targeting mainly families and the youth who are disillusioned with the power politics inside the IUML. The logic is that any gains from the Muslim vote bank should make the Left's overall tally more comfortable in the Kerala assembly. --- ENDS --- On May 1, at her 10th election rally in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa shifted the campaign into top gear. She tore into arch-rival and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, accusing him of launching schemes that benefit only his party leaders, read, his family. "In 2006, the DMK gave television sets worth Rs 2,000 each but collected Rs 3,000 for a cable connection from each household,"she said at a massive rally at the Codissia grounds. "With this itself, the DMK leaders have made Rs 25,000 crore. They may make promises to gain power but will implement them only if Karunanidhi or his family benefit from it." She offers nothing, of course, to back her claims. Also read: advertisement 10 things Jayalalithaa promises in her manifesto It's the first time since 1967 that a leader of the AIADMK or DMK is going it alone in almost all 234 constituencies (it had 150 MLAs in the outgoing assembly), having given away just seven seats to allies, who will also contest on the AIADMK's 'Two Leaves' symbol. It is a most widely recognised symbol, associated with party founder M.G. Ramachandran and his legacy. "This symbol is the lifeline of her electoral strategy and fortune without which, even the AIADMK, including Jayalalithaa, would be uncertain of victory in tens of constituencies," says Ramu Manivannan, professor, department of political science and public administration, Madras University. The AIADMK supremo does not miss any opportunity to taunt her rivals. Countering Karunanidhi's charge that industry is stagnating in the state, she says, "He may be referring to the lack of industrial growth in his own family. Tamil Nadu is number one in number of industries, labour strength and setting up of new SMEs, second after Maharashtra in GDP, and third in exports. It leads in foreign direct investment." The AIADMK also believes it has solved the power crisis by buying power to bridge the deficit. "Tamil Nadu, which was facing power cuts for up to 10 hours, has been made a power surplus state in the last five years." The impending increase in tariffs, though, haunts industries and domestic consumers alike. Her confidence also springs from the DMK's inability to form a strong alliance, particularly as even some critics are calling the third front-the Captain Vijayakanth-led six-party alliance-the B-team of the AIADMK which will split the anti-incumbency vote. Jayalalithaa is harping on what her government has promised and implemented during her current tenure, the rural outreach with freebies, the cheap access to simple food in the Amma canteens and other sops. She's also fielding newcomers in two out of three constituencies. But most of all, she's hoping the people have not forgotten the corruption charges against the DMK leadership. In effect, she wants to present a picture of confidence to the cadre and scotch all speculation about her health. "The unspoken message is that by sweeping the state for a second time in two years, the cadre can expect to project her as a prime ministerial candidate in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls," says analyst N. Sathiya Moorthy. AIADMK party workers wait to greet Jayalalithaa as her chopper arrives at a campaign rally AIADMK party workers wait to greet Jayalalithaa as her chopper arrives at a campaign rally After Karunanidhi released the DMK manifesto with the slogan, 'Solvathai seivum, seivathai solvum (we do what we say, we say what we do)', she began deriding it with an equally terse riposte, 'Sonnadai seiythaen, Sollathahiyum seiythaen (I did what I promised, I also did what I had not promised)'. Significantly, Jayalalithaa is yet to say anything substantive about her plans for the next five years if elected. The only promise of sorts, made at the first rally and repeated elsewhere, is about a phased closure of liquor shops (which is more a half-hearted reaction to the DMK's promise of a blanket ban). advertisement "Our performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, winning 37 of the 39 seats, fulfilling all 54 promises made in the 2011 polls manifesto and the saturated coverage with welfare schemes covering all families with three or more benefits is our greatest strength," says R. Nataraj, retired DGP and AIADMK contestant from Chennai's Mylapore constituency. He says while Tamil Nadu's population is 7.28 crore, there are 55 crore beneficiaries of different welfare and subsidy schemes, suggesting that Amma has touched more lives than understood or imagined. As a key element of her poll strategy, Jayalalithaa has focused on one or the other region-specific scheme at her rallies. At the Coimbatore rally, she assures that the Avinashi-Athikadavu flood canal scheme, a long-standing demand of farmers in western Tamil Nadu, would be implemented when the party returns to power, adding that the government has already sanctioned the hiring of a consultant. Earlier, at a rally in Dharmapuri, on April 13, she promised to urge the Centre to direct the Gas Authority of India Limited not to lay its 310-km long pipeline through the land of farmers in seven districts and to instead, lay the pipes along highways. At the same rally, she also claimed credit for the Hogenakkal scheme-a drinking water project to benefit the drought-prone northwestern districts. advertisement Both Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi have avoided reacting to the criticism by the Vijayakanth-led front and other parties. Instead, the guns are trained on each other, making it clear that this is still a battle between the two big Dravidian parties. She even takes a dig at Karunanidhi on the prohibition issue, calling it a case of the devil citing the scriptures (it was MK who first scrapped prohibition). Jayalalithaa is also signalling she is in command by changing a large number of contestants. This is perhaps to reiterate that for the AIADMK it is Amma who either wins or loses elections, the candidates don't really matter. She's dropped nearly half the sitting MLAs and about a third of her ministerial colleagues. But by replacing some of those who were at first named as candidates with others who can fetch votes does raise apprehensions-about victory on her own in the absence of a strong ally, as in 2001 (G.K. Moopanar's TMC and Congress among others) and 2011 (DMDK et al). advertisement There are other advantages by default. "A divided opposition, the poor and disoriented Third Front, public suspicion about the DMK and the supreme confidence of her election managers over pulling the vote with money power are also factors contributing to a positive outlook for Jayalalithaa," explains Ramu Manivannan. The last could be a major influencing factor-an unusually large amount of cash, over Rs 69 crore, has been seized so far. On the downside, he feels she appears listless when compared to her 2011 campaign, seemingly "out of touch with her own evocative style of communication with the audience, always advocating and promoting herself on government schemes". But despite the criticism, Amma continues to be admired for being a tough woman, not just among the urban middle class but also among rural voters. "Even my poor patients approve of the ministers grovelling at her feet," says a popular physician in Madurai on condition of anonymity. Despite the rising caste violence, agrarian crisis and stagnant industry, anti-incumbency is largely absent in the villages, particularly in southern Tamil Nadu. That is a gain for Amma. Follow the writer on Twitter @AmarnathKMenon --- ENDS --- As the state enters the last phase of this assembly election, Didi is finding herself on unsure ground. She can no longer dismiss the 'jote' offhand. April is the cruellest month. Mamata Banerjee may be in no mood for poetry as Bengal enters the last leg of the assembly election, but nothing nails it better then T.S. Eliot's immortal line. It has been a month of whirlwind chopper-hopping for her, and Mamata, chief of the Trinamool Congress, was wishing this weren't her home state. It isn't Bengal per se she's miffed with, though. "It pains when some people insult Bengal," the West Bengal chief minister told the crowd at a political rally in North Kolkata. "What is going on here and what I get to hear...sometimes I feel I was not born here at all." Didi was referring to the Opposition's campaign against the alleged involvement of her party leaders in the Narada and Saradha scams. advertisement In the sixth and concluding phase of the election, Mamata is a bundle of nerves, swinging from a "don't care, don't give a damn" attitude to wallowing in abject self-pity. She also seems to be suffering from what many people are calling PMS (please-mistake-sorry) blues, begging people to give her another chance and not turn away from her. "If I have done anything wrong, give me two tight slaps," she pleads with the voters in Behala constituency. "If you tell me, I will go and clean your utensils. But if you call me a thief, if you insult Bengal, it hurts." Three hours later, at a meeting in Sreerampore in Hooghly, she is raising her forefinger and warning the Opposition, the Election Commission and even the voters, who she feels are shifting their allegiance. "Ekta ekta kore hisheb nebo," she tells them. "Every one will be held to account, one by one. The people of Bengal will not spare you. I will not spare you." The worry lines that crease her forehead underscore the simple arithmetic of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The Left and Congress polled 39.64 per cent of the votes as against the Trinamool's 39.9 per cent. There were at least 126 assembly segments out of the total of 294 where the Congress and Left candidates were leading in their individual capacities. In 38 seats, they were trailing behind the TMC by less than 5,000 votes. The jote, the alliance that she prefers calling the ghot (gang up) is getting her goat. The 17.02 per cent growth in the BJP's vote share influenced by the Modi wave, which was mostly the anti-incumbency vote against the three-year-old Trinamool rule, is likely to return to the Opposition fold, now that the BJP is not being considered a serious player in the 2016 election. Voter turnout in the preceding five phases of elections should also worry Didi: it has averaged 80 per cent, the highest being in the first phase at 83.7 per cent. Though psephologist and poll analyst Biswanath Chakrabarty does not think much of the conventional logic that higher voter turnout signals an anti-incumbency vote. "West Bengal is the only state where the high turnout of voters does not mean it will go against the incumbent," he says. "In the 2006 assembly polls, when the polling percentage was 81 per cent, the ruling Left returned with a landslide win. In West Bengal, parties play a big role in the mass mobilisation of voters to polling booths." advertisement Even so, the jote, which seemed wobbly in the initial stages, now seems to have found a firm footing. Congress president Sonia Gandhi and AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi have thrown their weight behind the alliance by highlighting the "Modibhai-Didibhai" camaraderie in the Rajya Sabha. "Modiji aur Mamataji ladte hain ek doosre se. Mamata ji ne kaha hai interview mein natural alliance hai BJP ke saath. Saajano gussa, saajano ladai hai (Modiji and Mamataji fight with each other. It's fabricated anger, a fabricated fight)," Rahul said at a rally on April 27 while sharing the podium for the first time with Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the former chief minister of the Left Front government, at the Park Circus Maidan in Kolkata. The jote also seems to have hijacked the Manush in Mamata's catchy Ma, Maati, Manush slogan, portraying itself as a Manusher jote, an alliance of the people. CPI(M) candidate Surjya Kanta Mishra does not tire of saying, in rally after rally, that it's the people who make history. advertisement Political rivals apart, Mamata seems to have a new enemy in the Election Commission as well. Its strict vigilance, clamping of section 144 in several sensitive booths, and the deployment of central forces have created a curfew-like situation. Mamata's trusted 'Kesto' Anubrata Mondal, and others like him, adept at mobilising cadres and manipulating the state machinery to rig polls in favour of the ruling party have either been kept under house arrest or picked up by the state police. MLAs like Sujit Bose or Sabyasachi Dutta, who were allegedly responsible for the mayhem in the Salt Lake municipality polls in 2015, have gone on record accusing the police of acting tough with them. "Kichhu police CPMer dalaal hoye geche (some policemen have become CPI-M pimps), Bose grumbled. Sabyasachi fumed at police officers for cordoning off his men several hundred metres away from the polling booths-"Uni urdi pore achhen boley ja khushi korben naki (do they think they can do anything because they are in uniform)?" Mamata is also hurling the choicest invectives at the Modi government for unleashing central forces, accusing it of curbing people's democratic rights: "CPI(M)-Congress-BJP santraash chalache. Manush ke vote dite debe na. Shob dhuye debo (they have unleashed terror and are stopping people from casting votes. I will thrash them)." For the 1,092 booths in south Kolkata, which includes Mamata's Bhowanipore constituency as well, the EC has deployed 11,300 central security personnel, or roughly 10 armed guards per booth. advertisement It's a fight to the finish, no doubt. And Didi is a gritty fighter. Down perhaps she is, but Mamata is certainly not going out without a fight. --- ENDS --- When politicians walk the streets, it's expected they will encounter a passionate voter or two, pressing the flesh on a local issue of some flavour. Less common, however, are voters who have been touched by tragedy. And when Serge Oreshkin, whose son Victor died when flight MH17 was shot down above Ukraine, met the Prime Minister in Strathfield on Saturday, all there really was to do was hug. 'This was a dad grieving for his son': Malcolm Turnbull embraces Serge Oreshkin. Credit:Andrew Meares Not in search of a handout or act of retribution, Mr Oreshkin instead wanted to know that his son's name would not be lost to the march of time. "The government [has] done more than enough. I can't fault it in anyway. I just don't want it to be forgotten," he said. "Not just our son, all 38 Australians [who died]." "People on Nauru offer so much to our community. We can all think of refugees who have made a tremendous impact, a positive impact on Australia. Now that's what we are denying Australia." Adrian Skerritt started shouting during Bill Shorten's speech to hundreds of Labor members. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Skerritt said he was not a member of any political party. Mr Skerritt is a former socialist alliance candidate in Queensland state elections and has protested the G20. Heckled: Bill Shorten. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "There's an idea there that stopping the boats somehow saves lives, it's a lie. What it means is when people die, we don't know about it. "We need to help people who are fleeing war and persecution when they come here. We need to help them, not lock them up in those gulags in the south Pacific," he said. He condemned Labor's position and said the party would get many more votes if it broke with the Coalition and brought asylum seekers to Australia and allowed them to settle in the community. "The Labor Party would get a lot more respect if it had a humane, welcoming policy towards refugees rather than a cruel one, rather than one that is tantamount to racism." Mr Shorten - who faced some division among Labor candidates over the party's asylum seeker policies this week - continued his speech during the protesters, with party supporters cheering and offering a standing ovation. Mr Shorten later said a Labor government would do nothing to restart the "evil trade" of people smuggling. "We will not reopen the seaway between Java and Christmas Island," he vowed. Mr Shorten said Labor would not allow a renewed set of boat arrivals. "This is an issue which we've seen be a toxic matter in Australian politics for a long time but Labor will stop the people smugglers," he said. "We won't see the criminal gangs of south east Asia put vulnerable people in vessels which sink at sea and exploit their desire to come to Australia. "We will not reopen the seaway between Java and Christmas Island and my party knows, and every candidate knows, that if we form a government after July 2 we will be resolute against defeating that evil trade. "That should never be used as an excuse to create this problem of indefinite detention, which the Liberals have allowed to fester and grow on their watch." Mr Shorten said Labor would send people arriving on boats to nations in the region for processing. He also defended Labor's candidate in the southeast Melbourne seat of Dunkley, Peta Murphy, who joined a group of lawyers speaking out against enhanced powers for ASIO and police to detain terror suspects without charge. The comments were made in a submission to government in 2009, but attracted media attention this week as Labor candidates are questioned on their support for tough border protection policies. Greens leader Richard Di Natale has challenged Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten to include him in the next leaders debate, claiming the rising "Green tide" is causing panic in Labor and Liberal ranks. Under soft green lighting at the Greens national conference in Melbourne on Saturday morning, Dr Di Natale told the party faithful the establishment was running scared. Comparing the old parties to the Coles and Woolworths duopoly, who "shut out the little guy" and stifle their competitors, he said excluding the Greens from last night's televised leaders debate was a sign they were a growing threat. "I say to Bill Shorten and I say to Malcolm Turnbull, if you have the courage of your convictions, allow the Greens to participate in one of those debates, and give people the option," he said. Australian police will have to work with Iraqi authorities in investigating the fatal shooting of a security contactor at the Baghdad embassy in what could be a complicated jurisdictional arrangement, Fairfax Media understands. Australian Federal Police were due to arrive at the weekend in Baghdad where a former commando Sun McKay was being held for questioning over the shooting death of a fellow security contractor at the Australian embassy. A 34-year-old guard, also a former Australian soldier, was shot in the head in the early hours of Thursday in the contractors' accommodation building next to the embassy. Both men were employees of Unity Resources Group, which has the contract to protect the Australian embassy in Baghdad. Reports on Saturday stated that Mr McKay was part of the security detail for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull when he visited Iraq in January. The fight over the estate of best-selling Australian author Colleen McCullough has taken another twist with her widower Ric Robinson arguing a will she made a decade ago could be the valid one. Mr Robinson is locked in a legal battle with Dr McCullough's executors and a US university over her estate, which is estimated to be worth millions of dollars thanks to her art collection and royalties from her 25 books, including the 1977 hit The Thorn Birds. Author Colleen McCullough's estate has become the subject of a legal battle between her widower and a US university. Credit:Danielle Smith The NSW Supreme Court has heard there are at least two wills circulating. The first was signed in Sydney in July 2014 and sets out why Dr McCullough had decided not to make Mr Robinson, her husband of 30 years, a beneficiary of her estate. On the same day, she signed a "Bequest Intention Letter" in favour of the University of Oklahoma, making it the sole residuary beneficiary. A pharmacist spiked the drink of a 26-year-old female friend as they worked together in a pharmacy on UNSW's Kensington campus, police allege. Yan Chi "Anthony" Cheung, 33, was arrested at his Maroubra home in Sydney's east on Thursday morning, charged with using poison to injure or cause distress or pain. His assistant had told Maroubra Police the day before that she suspected Mr Cheung had been placing drugs in her drink at their work, Pharmacy@UNSW. She told police she had felt ill during shifts a number of times since last year. On Friday, the master of Wesley College, Lisa Sutherland, said in a statement that she would not divulge the names of those involved to vice-chancellor Michael Spence. While few of the students who contacted Fairfax Media this week have made an official complaint, those that did were dissatisfied with how their institution dealt with the matter. Universities Australia is running a national campaign to stamp out sexual assault and harassment on campus, and improve the way universities deal with reports of assault and harassment. Another University of Sydney student alleges she was assaulted by a fellow female student in an alley near the uni. "She tried to kiss me and put her hands up my skirts. I was scared and I kind of froze but then I threw her off me," the 19-year-old recalled. The student complained to an officer from the Student Representative Council, who organised a mediation between the two girls. The student says she was made to feel it was her fault, and ended up apologising to the alleged perpetrator. "They couldn't have possibly handled it worse," the student said. "The whole thing was treated as gossip and like it was my fault. None of them had any training in how to deal with [sexual assault complaints]." A University of Sydney spokeswoman said "it is an unfortunate fact that students do experience sexual assault or harassment. However, a recent student survey of our students indicates that students experience such incidents on campus at a much lower rate than in the general community". The spokeswoman said the university would follow up with the SRC to investigate their internal procedures when students raise issues with them. A University of New South Wales student said a man she didn't know kept trying to grind up against her when she was dancing at a campus function, even though she made it clear she didn't want him to. "Finally I turned around to tell him to bugger off before I realised his penis was out of his pants, erect, and he'd been rubbing it on me the whole time. I just ran out of the crowd after that." The student said she didn't report the incident. "I never really saw a route or opportunity available to talk about what happened." A UNSW spokeswoman said the university "deplores" incidents of sexual assault and harassment and takes immediate measures to investigate any reports. "Where these incidents occur we encourage reporting and will provide support," the spokeswoman said. "All reports of sexual harassment or assault are investigated under our procedures for handling student misconduct and where appropriate are referred to the police." To encourage reporting of incidents, UNSW has set up a dedicated website for students, UNSW Respect, which provides advice about reporting sexual assault and harassment. "We are determined to create an environment in which such behaviour is not tolerated and where victims feel confident in seeking help," the spokeswoman said. Past and present members of residential colleges have told Fairfax Media of numerous disturbing practices, such as boys sneaking into girls' rooms seeking sex late at night, boys offering money or "room points" in return for sexual favours, and girls being outed in public forums for being drunks, or sluts. "It seems like it's pretty systemic, and it's a great way to ruin people's uni experiences," one former college student said. One woman who lived on campus at UNSW for a year said male residents would roam her floor trying to get into girls' rooms. "One night I forgot to lock my door and a drunk guy came into my room and tried to talk me into doing a sexual thing in exchange for room points," this woman recalled. Room points are awarded for positive community acts, and people with the most points get upgraded to better bedrooms. Pru Joss was relaxed and untroubled when she pulled into a random police check for vehicle registration late last year. She knew her renewal letter from VicRoads hadn't arrived yet and was confident her car's registration was still valid. VicRoads says her car registration renewal reminders were returned unopened. Pru Joss says she never saw them. Faced with a huge fine she's fighting back. Credit:Jesse Marlow So it was a shock when police slapped her with a $758 fine and ordered her to find alternative transportation because she was driving an unregistered vehicle. Her registration usually fell due in December, but Ms Joss recently bought a new car with registration that expired in August. Initially she blamed VicRoads for failing to send renewal notices. Berlin: The German government is rushing to integrate hundreds of thousands of asylum-seekers, offering them language classes and the prospect of work. But in a country known for its matter-of-fact acceptance of public nudity and creative forms of lovemaking, it is also trying to teach the mostly-Muslim migrants about the joy of sex. Operating under the premise that many Syrians, Iraqis and others seeking asylum here are naive about the predilections and pitfalls of the European boudoir, Germany's Federal Centre for Health Education has gone live with a sexual education website for adult migrants. Using highly graphic diagrams and images, the $US136,000 ($187,000) site outlines everything from first-time sex to how to perform far more advanced sexual acts. Images from the German website aimed at helping migrants understand sex. After a rash of sexual assaults allegedly committed by suspects including asylum seekers on New Year's Eve, the Germans have been on a mission to re-educate migrants, especially males, about sexual norms in the West. In Munich, public pools, for instance, published cartoons warning migrants not to grope women in bikinis. Also in Bavaria, public money is partially funding sexual education classes including lessons for male migrants on how to correctly approach German women. Multinational forces fighting the Islamic extremists of Boko Haram arrested five of the group's leaders and freed dozens of captive women and children, Cameroon's government said Saturday. The raids targeting Boko Haram bases in the northern Madawaya forest earlier this month freed 28 children and at least 18 women, authorities said. The news came as several West African leaders, French President Francois Hollande, and top British and American diplomats gathered at a summit in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to discuss regional security and strategies to fight Boko Haram. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said about $1 billion was needed to help development in the Lake Chad region in order to "eradicate the causes" of terrorism. Buhari called for rebuilding destroyed infrastructure such as schools, health clinics, roads and bridges, as well attending to displaced people, most of them women and children. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the gathering that Washington was "deeply committed" to helping the military effort and also reconstruction, but "victory on the battlefield is not enough." Blinken said it was of paramount importance that Boko Haram be defeated not only militarily but also ideologically. He also called for investigations into multiple claims of human rights abuses against armies involved in the conflict. The final communique said that a "global approach" was needed to defeat Boko Haram, involving both hard and soft power. Hollande urged the international community to do more, warning about the humanitarian situations in the countries of the Lake Chad Basin mainly Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon under attack from Boko Haram. He also noted Nigeria's achievements under Buhari in its counterterrorism fight, but said that although Boko Haram had been forced to retreat, it still remained a threat. Pledging full support of his country against the extremist group, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said it was imperative to maintain the momentum to win the war against Boko Haram and build the right conditions for stability in the region. Besides the U.S. and the European Union officials, the summit brought together Buhari's counterparts from around the region, including leaders from Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. In 2014, Boko Haram captured swaths of territory in Nigeria and declared a self-styled caliphate. The next year, it declared allegiance to the Islamic State. Since Buhari became president of Nigeria, the army has stepped up military actions against Boko Haram, leading the president to announce that the Islamist group had been "technically" defeated. Boko Haram's current, nearly seven-year insurgency has spilled beyond Nigeria's borders. Attacks in Cameroon, Chad and Niger have claimed at least 20,000 lives and forced more than 2.6 million people to flee their homes, including 300,000 children. An Egyptian defense lawyer says a Cairo court has sentenced 64 activists to two years in prison for taking part in anti-government protests last month. Mohammed Abdel-Aziz says that of the 64, 31 were sentenced in absentia. The sentences were issued Saturday. They were convicted of breaking a 2013 law that effectively bans street protests and disrupting traffic. Nearly 300 people have been arrested and charged for taking part in demonstrations on April 15 and 25 against Egypt's surprise decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. Abdel-Aziz, whose Al-Haqanya group represents five of the case's defendants, says the conviction will be appealed. President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has faced mounting criticism over the islands decision, and the protests were the largest since he was elected in 2014. The U.S. and Russia will co-host a new round of talks on Syria's crisis next week to try to maintain a cease-fire and improve the delivery of aid, but the Syrian government's recent military advances may diminish the ability to restart political talks seen as the best hope for ending the war. The 17-nation International Syria Support Group (ISSG) will convene in Vienna on Tuesday and is expected to discuss the stalled political talks, difficulties in maintaining the February cease-fire and the U.N.'s uneven results in delivering humanitarian aid. Not all of the trend lines in Syria are going in the right direction, said State Department spokesman John Kirby. He commented on Friday, shortly before Secretary of State John Kerry departed on a two-week trip to the Middle East, Europe and Asia, where he will focus on issues including unrest in Syria as well as in Libya. In Syria, the U.S. and Russia began stepping in to broker a series of localized cease-fires in late April, to help keep a nationwide cessation of hostilities enacted in February from fraying. While the overall level of fighting between the government and rebels is down, tensions between the two sides have continued to flare. A U.N.-led effort to deliver humanitarian aid to besieged cities has yielded mixed results. The International Committee of the Red Cross said Thursday that the Syrian regime blocked aid groups from delivering medicine and food to civilians in the Damascus suburb of Daraya. In late April, another round of U.N.-facilitated talks on a political transition in Syria ended with no face-to-face meeting between the government and the opposition. It is unclear when the next round of so-called proximity talks will take place. In an interview with Russias Sputnik news agency, U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said he would await the outcome of the Syria support groups session before convening another round of proximity talks. Some analysts say Syrias military dynamics could hamper progress in proximity talks. What matters is the leverage that you bring into the room, said Atlantic Council Middle East analyst Nussaibah Younis. With the backing of Russia, the Assad regime has managed to make some real progress in its fight against the rebels, and, as a result, will be unwilling to compromise, she said. Russia said it would use Tuesdays session to call for an end to commingling between terrorist groups and rebels in Syria. It is important that all Syrian participants in the cease-fire process resolutely distance themselves from terrorists, Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said in a Thursday briefing. US, Italy seek stabilization of Libya While in Vienna, Kerry and Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni will focus on security in Libya as they co-host a ministerial meeting to discuss support for the countrys new government. Western powers hope Libyas Government of National Accord can unite the country, which has been in a state of chaos since leader Moammar Gadhafi was toppled and killed in 2011. In a Friday briefing, a senior State Department official said the Libyan government would most likely request additional training and equipment to help bolster its internal security and fight Islamic State militants. Support sought for Nagorno-Karabakh Additionally, while Kerry is in Vienna, the U.S., Russia and France will focus on an effort to help stabilize Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which is officially part of Azerbaijan. In April, the region suffered one of its worst outbreaks of violence in years. Kerry will begin his trip in Saudi Arabia, a country that is part of the International Syria Support Group. After Vienna, he will attend a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels and then will travel to Burma in a show of U.S. support for the countrys newly elected government. In the following week, Kerry will join President Barack Obama in Vietnam. President Barack Obama said Friday that an agreement between the U.S. and five Nordic nations to increase cooperation in the face of rising Russian aggression is an effort to ensure that "smaller nations are not bullied by larger nations. The president hosted the leaders of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland at the White House for a summit covering issues that included Islamic State terrorism, climate change and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) deal. Were united in our concern about Russias growing aggressive military presence and posture in the Baltic/Nordic region, Obama told reporters after multilateral talks. While the countries will keep pushing for dialogue and cooperation with Moscow, Obama added, we also want to make sure that we are prepared and strong, and we want to encourage Russia to keep its military activities in full compliance with international obligations. The nations vowed to increase cooperation between NATO and the European Union. Denmark and Norway will also contribute to what Obama called an enhanced allied forward presence to bolster our collective defense in Europe. The NATO alliance is expected to announce the deployment of a multinational force to Baltic states and Poland during a July NATO summit in Warsaw. Growing tensions Tensions have been rising since Russias 2014 annexation of Crimea, support for pro-separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, and ongoing violations of the Minsk agreements, which aim to de-escalate the conflict. Since then, the NATO alliance and Russia have bolstered their military presence and activities in the region, and the rhetoric between Russia and the West has also escalated. In March, Russias ambassador to Denmark said the NATO country could be targeted by nuclear missiles if it joined the alliances anti-missile shield. In April, U.S. and European Union officials accused Russia of conducting aggressive and unsafe military maneuvers over international waters in the region. Moscow denied the claim. Also last month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned Sweden not to join NATO, saying that if it did side with the alliance, Moscow would take necessary measures. Sweden has had a long-standing policy of remaining neutral in armed conflicts. The U.S.-Nordic summit came one day after the U.S. anti-missile defense system in Romania, aimed at protecting NATO members, became operational. The move infuriated Moscow, despite assurances from Washington that Russia is not a target. 'We stand side by side' Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said Friday that the transatlantic link is key to preserving European and global security. At times when basic rules and norms of international standards are contested, we stand side by side to defend them, Lofven said. We will not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea or accept Russian aggression in Ukraine." Obama hailed the Nordic countries for their global cooperation and contributions, saying they consistently punch above their weight. But they are reluctantly being pulled into the standoff between Russia and the West, said one analyst. They are very uncomfortable because they all desire a more healthy and positive partnership with Russia, but over the last two years [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has changed his relationship with the West, said Jorge Benitez, director of NATOSource and senior fellow of the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security at the Atlantic Council. He [Putin] has chosen to use military force against his neighbors. He has chosen to do a lot of more aggressive intelligence, information warfare and political coercion against them. So they have had to reassess how they are going to react to Russia, Benitez said. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto called for strengthening security and stability in the Baltic Sea and northern Europe, including appropriate dialogue with Russia to enhance transparency and reduce risks, adding that Nordic countries are security providers for the region, Europe and the world. In a joint statement following the summit, the leaders committed to strengthening investments in defense and military capabilities, as well as in diplomacy and regional cooperation to enhance European security. They also agreed to contribute and cooperate more on issues like migration and refugees, climate change, energy, safeguarding the Arctic, the economy, trade, development and humanitarian assistance. Idaho's governor and lieutenant governor and the state Superintendent of Public Instruction all put out statements Friday blasting the Obama administration's directive that public schools must allow students to use the bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. This vast overreach by the Obama administration once again shows the federal governments disregard for states rights and local control of our schools, said Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter. Otter went on to say the decision should be left to local school authorities, and that the state would explore "every available option to ensure that the rights of all Idaho students are protected and that the citizens of Idaho maintain authority over our public education system." Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra, who has frequently called for a lighter state hand and more local control and initiative in education policy in general, called the directive "yet another example of an extreme top-down approach that won't change day-to-day bathroom use," and condemned the Obama administration for threatening to withhold federal education funding over the issue. And Lt. Gov. Brad Little called it "yet another example of unreasonable executive branch overreach. As the Obama administration has done before, and will probably do again, the President is stretching the true meaning of the gender equality law for public schools to go around Congress and impose his own agenda on individual states and local school districts." The guidance from leaders at the Justice and Education departments says public schools have to treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity, even if their education records or identity documents indicate a different sex. Debate over the issue flared up anew after North Carolina passed a law mandating that transgender people use bathrooms that correspond with their sex at birth and the federal government sued the state over it. The state of Texas has said it would forego federal funding rather than comply; although Otter's statement hints at legal action, his press office wouldn't elaborate Friday afternoon on what the next steps might be or on whether the state would give up federal funds. The Idaho School Board Association has recommended school districts adopt a non-discrimination policy that includes allowing transgender students to use a separate bathroom or changing facility, but making it clear no student be required to use separate facilities for being transgender. Most school districts havent adopted the Idaho School Board Associations recommendations on adopting a detailed non-discrimination policy for gay and transgender students, and a few have explicitly rejected the proposed guidelines. The Twin Falls School District updated its non-discrimination policy in October 2015 to address treatment of transgender students, including allowing the to "use the restroom and locker room that corresponds to the gender identity they consistently assert at school." The policy says transgender students may be given the option of using a separate changing area if they want it, but that they shall not be required to use such separate facilities. A poll done in November said a majority of Idahoans are against requiring schools to adopt policies to accommodate and protect gay and transgender students. Otter, Ybarra, and Little's full statements are below: Otter: This vast overreach by the Obama administration once again shows the federal governments disregard for states rights and local control of our schools. This federal guidance dictates solutions to very personal and sensitive matters that should be left to local school administrators, school boards, teachers, parents, students and communities. This action creates needless concern and confusion for students, parents and educators. Threatening to withhold federal Title IX funding for failure to comply with this offensive attempt at social engineering only harms our children. It is unwarranted, unprecedented, and unacceptable. We will explore every available option to ensure that the rights of all Idaho students are protected and that the citizens of Idaho maintain authority over our public education system. I do not believe this Washington, D.C., power play will withstand the legal challenges that are sure to come. Ybarra: "This is yet another example of an extreme top-down approach that won't change day-to-day bathroom useschools in Idaho are already following bathroom procedures set forth by the U.S. Department of Education. "Idaho schools and communities know their students best, and know that each individual students' needs are unique. Our schools and communities will continue to meet those needs in a manner which is respectful and supportive to all, regardless of their situation. As I have stated before, this is another example of local control. "Further, shame on this administration for using our most vulnerable students and threatening the loss of Title I money in a time when funding for education is already a tense topic, especially for our over 70 percent rural school districts." Little: This action is yet another example of unreasonable executive branch overreach. As the Obama administration has done before, and will probably do again, the President is stretching the true meaning of the gender equality law for public schools to go around Congress and impose his own agenda on individual states and local school districts. The Obama administrations disregard for local control in education removes the ability for local school administrators, school boards, teachers and parents to come up with solutions to these highly sensitive matters. We need to leave important decisions in the hands of local communities and not the bureaucrats in D.C. United Methodist to Celebrate Day of Pentecost TWIN FALLS The Day of Pentecost will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Twin Falls United Methodist Church, 360 Shoshone St. E. Worship will be led by the Rev. Michael Holloman. The chancel choir and the handbell choir will present musical numbers. Those attending are invited to wear red to commemorate this special day. Buhl Methodist Pot Luck Dinner Sunday BUHL The Buhl Methodist Church at 908 Maple St. will have Sunday school at 10 a.m. followed by 11:30 a.m. services. We will have a pot luck dinner afterward to thank the Rev. Robin Yum for his time spent with us. We wish him well as he takes a new assignment. Please bring your own table service and a dish to share. Bishop Brian Thom Schedules Ascension Visit TWIN FALLS Ascension Episcopal Church welcomes Bishop Brian Thom of the Diocese of Idaho at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. as celebrant for Holy Communion at Feast of Pentecost worship services Sunday. This will be Bishop Thoms regular visitation to this parish, one of 29 in the Diocese. Several parishioners will be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Many others will reaffirm their Baptismal Covenant. Ascension Cafe, the adult discussion group, will meet from 9:15 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. with open discussion with Bishop Thom. Youth Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and child care is available from 9:45 until after the 10 a.m. service. A fellowship coffee hour will also be held after the worship service. Wednesday Bible Study and 12:15 p.m. worship service are both on break in May. A sign-up sheet for summer Bible Study is available on the parish hall bulletin board. Knit-Us-Together, the handwork group, meets from 1 to 3 p.m. All are welcome for worship, study and fellowship at Ascension. Ascension Episcopal Church is handicapped accessible and is located at 371 Eastland Dr. North. More information about Ascension can be found at www.episcopaltwinfalls.org or call 733-1248. Unitarians to Discuss Jesus Was Not a Unitarian Universalist TWIN FALLS Our Sunday sermon is based on the sermon given Sept. 29, 2013, by Rev. Thom Belote of The Community Church of Chapel Hill in North Carolina. We will explore who Jesus was and what he became after his death. We will look at the Jesus of history then we will talk some about the Jesus Christ of the Christian faith, the Prince of Peace. The man, Jesus, was a revolutionary zealot in first century Galilee who became God to his many followers. How do we separate the man, Jesus from the deity he would become? Can we? Unitarian Universalism honors the differing paths we each travel. Our congregations are places where we celebrate, support and challenge one another as we continue on our spiritual journeys. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another Newcomers of all religious paths, or none at all, are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. Please park in the rear of the building. Child care is available. The Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship meets at 10:30 a.m. at the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Ave. W., in Twin Falls. Unity Meditation Discussion and Worship TWIN FALLS Unitys belief system includes the ideas that God is the source and creator of all. Unity also believes there is power in affirmative prayer, which increases our awareness of God. Come and join us for worship, meditation and discussion. Weekly Sunday services are held at 10 a.m. in Room 248 of the College of Southern Idahos Taylor/Student Union Building. Mediation occurs at 6 p.m. each Wednesday in the CSI Chapel (2nd floor of the SUB). Unity is the home of the DAILY WORD, published since 1924, which includes daily affirmations for a more spiritual life. Unity is a non-denominational faith and we honor the universal truths in all religions. Discover more about what Unity has to offer by contacting Rev. Kathleen McKevitt at 208-421-1078 or going to unity.org. Performance for Christ TWIN FALLS Join us for worship at 11 a.m. Sunday at Xrossway Fitness and Life Center, 1385 Parkview Drive, in Twin Falls. Mark Kidd will share the love of Christ with people, even at the race track. We all have a calling in life. Whats yours? Kidd has learned that you dont need to be a pastor to share Gods love. In fact, some of the best sermons are through actions; not words. Kidd and his family will be firing up one of their race cars for our service. Bring the whole family and invite your friends. XrossWay Presents Family Night at the Carnival JEROME Join us for Project H.O.P.E. 2 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the Mountain View Barn, 392 E. 300 S., in Jerome. There will be live music by Sweet Country Air and Mains and Monitors, stand-up comedy by Heath and Mollie Harmison, interactive workshops, games for children, a photo booth, face painting, zumba, prizes, food, silent auction and more. Cost is $7 per person, $13 per couple or $20 per family. Event day cost is $8 per person, $14 per couple or $25 per family. Proceeds of event benefit the Crisis Center of the Magic Valley. This event is open to the general public. To submit information about church events and news, contact Matt Gooch at mgooch@magicvalley.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday for publication on the Saturday religion page. Please insert Church News in the email subject line. OROFINO Quinten Kelly tossed a Rapala jointed shad rap on some rocks ringing a small inlet at Dworshak Reservoir, slowly retrieved the diving lure over a submerged ledge and then felt what he thought might be a sunken log. It felt like a snag. He was pretty lethargic. He didnt do much movement. He didnt fight, said the 18-year-old senior at Lewiston High School. But that changed when Kelly got the fish close to the boat he and his dad were fishing out of. Then he freaked out. Even so, with the water still frigid from spring snowmelt, the massive smallmouth bass was soon in the net. It tipped out at 10 pounds on Kellys hand-held scale. The state record, caught from Dworshak by Dan Steigers of Juliaetta in 2006, weighed 9.72 pounds. With the record book in mind, Kelly and his dad put the fish in a cooler with an aerator and headed for town and a certified scale. By the time they got to Rosauers in Lewiston, the fish weighed in at 9.5 pounds, just shy of the record. So Kelly and a buddy returned the still-living fish to the reservoir and released it. He is hopeful to nab the state record in the catch-and-release category. It was 24 1/2 inches long and 20 inches around on the girth. It was a big one, Kelly said. It didnt have any scars on it, no fighting marks; it was in perfect condition. In order to qualify for Idahos new catch-and-release record category, anglers must release the fish alive after measuring and documenting with photographs the length of the fish from the tip of its nose to the lobes of its tail. They must also submit a picture of themselves with the fish and have at least one witness to its length and release. Kelly has arranged for a taxidermist to make a replica of the fish so it can be displayed. Its something the teen dabbles in himself. But instead of mounting fish, Kellys side business, Stacks of Racks, specializes in making European-style mounts of deer and elk racks. Along with his part-time job at the Idaho Forest Group sawmill in Lewiston, it helps fund frequent fishing and hunting trips. An online story about his bass has started attracting the attention of angling companies and could further offset the cost of angling. Kelly said a few have sent him gear and asked him to take photos of himself while using it. Its pretty cool, he said. BOISE Idaho State Treasurer Ron Crane, battered in recent years by charges of padding expenses, excessive state-funded travel and mismanagement of state investments, now faces a wrongful-termination claim that alleges a former deputy was fired for trying to stop some of the offices excesses. Christopher Priests notice of claim, filed Thursday with the Secretary of States office, says Priests termination from the Investment Division last November violated the states whistleblower law. The claim says Priest was terminated in direct retaliation for communicating in good faith the existence of extensive waste of public funds/manpower and illegality in the office. Employed since 2006, Priest and another employee in the Investment Division, Travis Schaat, were fired last November, two weeks after all five members of the division were formally put on notice for insubordination. The Nov. 5 memo to the five from Chief Deputy Treasurer Laura Steffler reads: It is our perception that the investment staff does not support the Treasurers decisions, and is possibly working with others outside of the office to provide opposition to his decisions. Priests claim, which seeks upwards of $200,000 for prior and ongoing lost wages, describes a dysfunctional, unsupervised office where Crane seldom worked and where politics and avoiding bad publicity drove management and decision-making. Among his sharpest accusations: Priest says that Crane, in early 2012, essentially signed away the states right to pursue damages against an outside investment firm for losses related to the 2008 financial collapse. Crane did this by signing off on an agreement that was highly favorable to the outside firm. Ron isnt responsible enough to have that office, Priest said Thursday in an interview with Schaat at Priests lawyers office. When I brought the problems up and kept trying to address them, then they let me go, they kicked me to the curb. ... Theyre proud of the fact that we are at-will employees and they can fire us for any reason, or no reason at all, and they did. Schaat said he supports Priests account, but didnt join in the claim. Crane, in an emailed response to the Statesman, said the claim is detailed and I have not had an opportunity to review it in depth. He said he cannot comment on personnel issues or former employees due to restrictions on disclosure of employment information. He also said he cannot comment on pending litigation or tort claims. Steffler also declined comment, citing the litigation. Money for Outside Advisers Priests claim alleges that Cranes office needlessly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on outside bankers and advisers to do what the offices own investment division could do in-house, or in some cases already did. Those providers were hired without competitive bids, Priest said. When investment division personnel periodically raised the issue, Steffler told them the decision was not open to discussion. Like most states, Idaho issues tax anticipation notes to provide income before tax revenues are received. According to the claim, the state paid banks and advisers tens of thousands annually related to underwriting or managing the bond proceeds. Idaho Trust Bank, for example, for a time was paid an annual fee of approximately $75,000 for minimal transactions and accounting that could be done in house, Priests claim says. For nearly 30 years, the state has paid Utah financial adviser Cheryl Cook and her firm, C2 Financial a similar management fee. No contracts for the banking or advisory services were put out to bid, according to the claim. Cooks fees are included in the cost of issuing the notes and are paid from the proceeds. Priests claim does not cite an exact figure for her fees. When the investment division in 2014 recommended competitive bidding to Crane, Crane agreed but told them to wait until after his re-election campaign in the fall of 2014, according to the claim. After he won re-election, Crane allowed the bidding to go forward except for Cooks financial adviser role. According to Priests claim, Crane told the division he could not offend Cheryl Cook and her political support was essential. Crane told staff that emailed bid responses should be forwarded to him unopened. But investment division staffers who wrote the bids privately reviewed them, anyway. The bids, according to the claim, showed drastically divergent structure at lower cost. Crane gave the contract to the same underwriter the state had used for years despite the existence of numerous, more cost-effective bids. Priest and the investment division objected but Crane declined to reconsider his decision. Later, Crane told the division to forget bidding the advisory work. Crane told Priest that Cook would not bid and would not support (Crane) if the contract she held were put out to competitive bid. Reached Friday, Cook, who lives in Salt Lake City, said she hadnt seen the claim. Apparently, its a personnel matter, she said. I dont know anything about it, so I really wouldnt have much to comment on. Additional claims Handling of distressed assets: The 2014 legislative audit turned up the offices move to reallocate distressed assets from one portfolio to another to preserve government credit ratings. Priests claim revisits the matter, noting that the action was taken despite advice from an outside fund manager that it violated standard accounting principles. The investment division, according to the claim, also expressed concerns and urged Crane to seek an opinion from the Attorney Generals Office. Crane declined. The distressed assets were moved to an investment portfolio of state agency funds. Ultimately, state agencies shared a $9 million hit when the loss was finally booked in June 2015. Todd Dvorak, spokesman for the Attorney Generals office, said the office would not comment. PR consultant contract: Crane has long used Mike Tracy to handle the offices public relations at a cost of $4,000 a month. The Investment division recommended putting the PR contract out to bid, but Crane declined, according to Priest. Delay in approving audit: Crane in 2014 delayed signing off on a routine outside audit by accounting firm Eide Bailly, fearing its subsequent public disclosure could affect his forthcoming election, the complaint said. More travel, expense questions: The complaint alleges excessive travel expenses and the fudging of records to conceal where limits were exceeded. Investing endowment funds: The Treasurers Office was investigated in August 2015 by the state Division of Financial Management, an arm of the governors office that oversees state budgeting. The division looked at investing done by the Treasurers office for the Endowment Fund Investment Board, which manages proceeds from the states endowment lands. State code bars the Treasurers Office from investing EFIB funds. Priests claim says he recommended the office divest from EFIB funds, but Steffler disregarded Idaho Code and instructed Mr. Priest to do the same. Legislative audit answers: Priest and others suffered retribution for truthfully and honestly answering questions during the legislative audit, Priests claim says. Priest said Steffler told him that above all else, the Investment Division was required to support and protect Treasurer Crane and make him look as good as possible. Insubordination charged Matters came to a head last November when the entire division was put on notice of possible termination. The immediate cause: Division personnel were supporting Schaat, who was resisting Cranes instructions to revise minutes of the Investment Advisory Board in order to more favorably portray Treasurer Crane. Schaat and Priest were put on two-week administrative leave on Nov. 6. Both were gone by Nov. 20. The three other division employees remained: Paul Stewart, Shawn Nydegger and Jace Perry. Priests termination, the claim alleges, violates Idaho code that protects employees from employer retribution for exposing waste, fraud or mismanagement. Priest was stymied at every turn and ultimately terminated solely and directly because he engaged in activity protected by the state whistleblower law. Twin Falls County Friday Arraignments Kyaw Naing, 44, Twin Falls; driving without privileges, second offense, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $500 bond, pleaded not guilty, pretrial June 21. Kyaw Naing, 44, Twin Falls; driving without privileges, second offense, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $2,500 bond, pretrial June 21. Ethan Kyle Godfrey, 27, Twin Falls; driving under the influence (third or subsequent offense), appeared in person, private counsel, $10,000 bond, preliminary May 20. Jesus Cortez-Baraja, 43, Buhl; driver's license - fail to purchase or invalid, appeared in person, public defender denied, pretrial July 12. Curt Dennis Weeks Jr., 28, Twin Falls; possession of controlled substance, appeared in person, public defender appointed, $25,000 bond, preliminary May 20. Jesse Salazar Jr., 41, Twin Falls; controlled substance use or under the influence, appeared in person, public defender appointed, pretrial July 19. Andrew William Stout, 29, Twin Falls; driving under the influence (excessive), no insurance (2nd or subsequent offense), leaving the scene, injury to child, appeared in person, private counsel, pretrial June 28. Editor's note: Prosecutors dismissed rape charges against Holland. In their motion to dismiss the case, prosecutors said: As part of its continuing duty to investigate this case, the State has interviewed additional witnesses who have come forward since the preliminary hearing, and thoroughly reviewed their statements and other evidence as it relates to the testimony presented at preliminary hearing. It is the States conclusion based upon close analysis of all the facts now available about this incident that Mr. Holland did not commit the crime of Rape . Accordingly, the State moves to dismiss the charge against the defendant. TWIN FALLS The Magic Valley needs your energy and true leadership, downtown Twin Falls business owner Tom Ashenbrener told hundreds of College of Southern Idaho graduates Friday night. More than 1,000 students applied for graduation and about 400 of them participated in CSIs 50th annual commencement ceremony. Ashenbrener, owner of Rudys A Cooks Paradise, told graduates he wants them to stay in the Magic Valley, where infrastructure and the economy is growing. Major employers and smaller, independent businesses have created an environment thats attractive to you, he said, and millennials are staying. He encouraged students to continue their education, but remember to come back to the Magic Valley when theyre done. My hair is not white because Im wise. Its because Im old, he said. My generation is exiting the leadership arena and we cannot afford to leave a vacuum. As students filed into CSIs gymnasium to Pomp and Circumstance, family members and friends cheered. Some came with flowers and balloons for their graduate. CSI student body president Justin Elmer asked his fellow graduates to visualize their dream and then tell themselves its possible. You may have to fight for it, he said, and there will be ups and downs. CSI is a stepping stone for the rest of your life, Elmer told students. Push forward with tenacity and determination. He thanked the faculty members for their support of our personal and educational successes. Before the commencement ceremony began, graduates in their black caps and gowns ranging in age from teenagers to the elderly gathered in the Fine Arts Auditorium for final instructions. Some students had elaborately decorated caps, including a group of dental hygiene students with giant rhinestone teeth. A veterinary technology students cap read: I did it for my cats! And an equine studies graduate had small decorative cowboy boot cutouts on her cap. A group of dental assisting students waited together outside before processing into the gymnasium. Theyll wrap up an 11-month program in late July. Its been pretty good here, 21-year-old Ashlyn Honas said. The instructors are really great. CSI also has a beautiful campus, she added. Hailey Darrington, 20, said she plans to continue her education by enrolling in CSIs dental hygiene program. Chris Breault is graduating from the network systems technician program. He was 28 years old when he started taking classes. As a single father, I wanted to do something for my kids, he said. Breault moved to California in late December and wrapped up his last CSI class online. He left California at 10 p.m. Thursday to make it to graduation in time. Hes already working in the computer science field. Breault said he wants to further his education by earning a bachelors degree. During the ceremony, CSI trustee Thad Scholes told the crowd about the colleges and recognized retiring faculty members. It has truly been an amazing 50 years, he said. The colleges original colors were purple and gold. There were 129 students in the first graduating class compared with more than 1,000 students who earned an associates degree or technical certificate this year. The first graduation was held at Twin Falls High School because CSIs campus didnt yet exist, Scholes said. More than 100 years ago, an unlikely bit of history happened in the Magic Valley: Ira Burton Perrine saw potential in this area, Ashenbrener told graduates. Perrine thought it would be a good idea to build a town, Ashenbrener said, convince some investors to fund it and homesteaders to move here. He told them the crops always grow and the wind never blows, he said, and the crowd laughed. What Perrine and other early leaders accomplished was nothing short of miraculous, Ashenbrener said. Fifty years ago, leaders in Twin Falls and Jerome counties had a vision for a community college. CSIs first president, Doc Taylor led communities to act, Ashenbrener said. Magic Valley residents, he said, are all beneficiaries of the areas earliest leaders. And he told the students, you the graduates have a bright future. BOISE Idahos governor, lieutenant governor and schools chief joined the chorus of Republican leaders nationwide on Friday condemning the Obama administrations new rules requiring schools to let transgender students use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity. This vast overreach by the Obama administration once again shows the federal governments disregard for states rights and local control of our schools, Gov. C.L. Butch Otter said. Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra, who has frequently called for more local control in education policy in general, called the directive yet another example of an extreme top-down approach that wont change day-to-day bathroom use, and condemned the Obama administration for threatening to withhold federal education funding over the issue. And Lt. Gov. Brad Little called it yet another example of unreasonable executive branch overreach. As the Obama administration has done before, and will probably do again, the president is stretching the true meaning of the gender equality law for public schools to go around Congress and impose his own agenda on individual states and local school districts. The guidance from leaders at the federal Justice and Education departments says public schools have to treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity, even if their education records or identity documents indicate a different sex. Debate over transgender rights flared up anew after North Carolina passed a law that overrides local anti-discrimination ordinances and mandates that transgender people use public bathrooms that correspond with their sex at birth, which can conflict with their current identity. The federal government has sued the state over it. Idaho doesnt have any state anti-discrimination protections for gay and transgender people; attempts to pass legislation have failed in the past and didnt get far this year either. About a dozen cities, including a few in Blaine County, have passed local anti-discrimination ordinances. Most school districts have not adopted the Idaho School Board Associations recommendations on adopting a detailed non-discrimination policy for gay and transgender students, and a few have explicitly rejected the proposed guidelines. The Twin Falls School District updated its non-discrimination policy in October to address treatment of transgender students, including allowing students to use the restroom and locker room that corresponds to the gender identity they consistently assert at school. A poll done late last year said a majority of Idahoans are against requiring schools to adopt policies to accommodate and protect gay and transgender students. While the guidance does not impose any new legal requirements, federal officials say its meant to clarify expectations of school districts that receive funding from the federal government, according to the Associated Press, which makes it possible the feds could withhold funds over noncompliance. The lieutenant governor of Texas has said the state would forego federal funding rather than comply. Otters statement hints at legal action, predicting the Obama administration will lose the legal challenges that are sure to come and saying Otter will explore every available option to ensure that the rights of all Idaho students are protected and that the citizens of Idaho maintain authority over our public education system. However, his press office wouldnt elaborate Friday afternoon on what the next steps might be or whether the state would give up federal funds. TWIN FALLS A Canadian woman died Friday evening on her fifth BASE jump of the day from the Perrine Bridge when her parachute failed, Twin Falls County Sheriff Tom Carter said. Her name was Kristin Renee Czyz, 34, of Calgary, said county Coroner Gene Turley. Twin Falls fire, county sheriffs deputies and paramedics rushed to the bridge about 6:15 p.m. Carter said Czyz was relatively inexperienced at BASE jumping and had completed about 40 jumps in her life. Witnesses in boats near the bridge pulled Czyz from the Snake River, started CPR and called 911. They met emergency responders at the docks at Centennial Waterfront Park where the woman was pronounced dead. An ambulance took Czyz to the coroners office. Turley said the cause of death will likely be ruled blunt force trauma and his office would perform toxicology tests. But would not be doing an autopsy, since there were witnesses to her fall. A BASE jumping expert is examining the womans parachute to see what went wrong, the sheriff said. Several onlookers watched the recovery, and soon after the womans body was recovered, BASE jumping and kayaking near the bridge resumed. The death is the first BASE jump fatality at the Perrine Bridge this year. Last spring marked a particularly bad stretch for the BASE jumping community, which saw several high-profile deaths and accidents within a few months, including one incident in which a 73-year-old jumper intentionally set his chute on fire and was consumed in a fireball before he hit the Snake River and died. Two months earlier, a Canadian man was killed when his chute failed to open. The mishaps caused BASE jump enthusiasts to cancel a festival planned for October. Police were continuing to investigate Fridays death late into the evening, pursuing evidence including video that may have captured the incident. Why does the Republican establishment including the Bushs, Romney and McCain hate Trump and Cruz? Why does Republican leadership not oppose Obamacare, illegal immigration, bad trade agreements and immigrants who will not assimilate and want to destroy our Christian culture? Perhaps the book Tragedy and Hope by Carroll Quigley, who was Bill Clintons mentor at Georgetown University, explains the action of the establishment. Quigleys book reveals the worlds secret power structure. He had access to elitist records including the Council on Foreign Relations. Those records revealed that the heads of both parties are controlled in America by globalists who want a socialist New World Order(United Nations world government). W. Cleon Skousen, former FBI agent and founder of The Freeman Institute, wrote a review on Quigleys book titled The Naked Capitalist. Skousen revealed that Quigley considered himself a member of the intellectual elite. The title Tragedy and Hope, represented that those who resisted globalization was the tragedy, but the hope was that international world socialism would prevail. To bring about globalism, the United States must be brought down to third-world status. This is being accomplished with unfair trade agreements like NAFTA and the ratification pending Trans-Pacific Partnership. TPP is 5,554 pages of economic and political merger with Pacific Rim countries. Trump is correct in saying that trade deals are absolutely killing our country. Last year imports from China rose to $481.9 billion, while China purchased only one-quarter of that total from us. Thousands of factories and millions of good jobs will be lost by passing TPP. Open borders allows cheap labor to replace Americans. Visa programs allow high tech workers to take American jobs. We need to stop globalism by passing H.R. 1205 to get out of the United Nations. Trump is not perfect, but not supporting him will ensure Hillarys victory to destroy our liberty. Adrian Arp Filer As a former member of the Twin Falls City Council, mayor and currently as an Idaho Representative I have worked with county Prosecutor Grant Loebs in a variety of situations. There have been judicial conflicts between the city and county, which allowed me to observe Mr. Loebs as the Twin Falls County attorney. I can state, without hesitation, that Mr. Loebs always approached the litigated issues professionally, ethically and thoroughly. Over the past four years I have called on Mr. Loebs for his input on proposed legislation to the Idaho House of Representatives. He has always promptly responded with specific comments. These comments have helped me to make informed decisions or modify legislation to avoid unintended consequences. Grant Loebs has the character, ethics and professional experience to represent the citizens of Twin Falls, while managing a complex legal team. I will be supporting Grant Loebs for another well earned term as the Twin Falls County prosecuting attorney on May 17. Lance Clow Twin Falls I write this letter to support the re-election of Grant Loebs as Twin Falls County prosecuting attorney. I have known Grant since 1996 and have worked closely with him since I was elected Blaine County prosecuting attorney in 2000. For more than 20 years, Grant has repeatedly demonstrated that he is a skilled trial lawyer, securing convictions in numerous felony cases. He has trained, mentored, and managed a team of highly effective prosecutors and has willingly collaborated and shared resources with our office to effectively manage our offices' caseloads. Through leadership positions within the Idaho Prosecuting Attorney's Association and the National District Attorney's Association, Grant has been a constant defender of victim rights, and he works closely with the Idaho Legislature to assist it in carefully crafting legislation that balances law enforcement needs against the rights of the accused. I believe that the citizens of Twin Falls County are fortunate to have Grant as their advocate and I urge you to support him in the primary and general elections. Melanoma in skin biopsy with H&E stainthis case may represent superficial spreading melanoma. Credit: Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0 Melanomas in patients from New Zealand's South Island are significantly more likely than those of North Islanders to carry a gene mutation that has implications for mutation-targeted drug therapies and for patient outcomes, new University of Otago-led research suggests. The study, which is the first comprehensive genetic analysis of melanoma in New Zealand, sought to analyse mutation frequencies of 20 recurrently mutated genes in samples from 529 patients with metastatic melanoma. Five years ago, Angela Jones and Dr Peter Ferguson at the University of Otago Wellington started the study. Since then melanoma researchers from all around New Zealand have joined the study adding patients. The findings, which emerge from one of the largest groups of melanoma patients to have the genetics of their cancer studied, appear in the international journal Oncotarget. Study co-leader Professor Mike Eccles of the Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, says that in line with overseas findings, the most common mutation was to an oncogene called BRAF, with one-third of the melanomas in the study showing changes to this gene, which may be targeted by the drug Zelboraf. "We found similar BRAF mutation rates in both the North and South Island, but when it came to another particular gene, some stark differences emerged," Professor Eccles says. Mutations to a gene known as NRAS were found in 38 per cent of South Island melanomas, but only in 21 per cent of North Island ones, he says. "The North Island rate is about the same as that found in other countries, so the South Island rate really sticks out like a sore thumb," he says. As there were similarly low numbers of Maori or Asian patients in both the North and South Island groups studied, ethnic differences in population make-up could not explain the higher rate of NRAS mutations in the South, he says. In their paper the authors raise the possibility that sunburn or strong exposure to UV-radiationespecially during the spring months in the South Island when vitamin D levels are lowestcould be a factor leading to high rates of NRAS mutations versus other mutation types. The researchers also found that NRAS mutations were linked to a higher likelihood that the melanoma would be nodular and thus more deadly. However, while new treatments targeting NRAS mutations are under intense investigation, so far none have yet been developed. A preliminary 2015 US study has found that in a small number of patients, melanomas with NRAS mutations had higher response rates to immunotherapy treatments such as the drugs Keytruda and Opdivo, Professor Eccles says. "Our findings suggest that South Island melanoma patients could potentially benefit more often from the use of such therapies, should the US findings be confirmed by further research," he says. Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have found that losing even a modest amount of weight can reap significant rewards, including lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, improved sleep, and fewer aches and pains. But losing weight is difficult and maintaining that loss over years is even harder. The vast majority of those who lose weight gain it back. Yet research has found one group that has defied that trend. A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, presented today at the 2016 Society of General Internal Medicine Annual Meeting, demonstrates the effectiveness of long-term participation in a national weight-loss program. The investigators followed over 65,000 overweight or obese people who joined Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) between 2005 to 2010. In the first year, half of participants in the nonprofit weight-loss support group had significant weight loss. Of the patients with significant weight loss in the first year who participated in a second year, 80% kept off the weight. Each year, during years three to seven, roughly 90% of patients who continued participation in the program maintained their weight loss. The researchers concluded that after one year of significant weight loss, consistent participation in the program helped participants sustain their new healthy weight. "Maintaining long-term weight loss is a critical challenge in treating obesity and related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease," said the study's lead author Nia S. Mitchell, MD, MPH at CU Anschutz. "Just losing the weight isn't enough. Since the health benefits of weight loss disappear when weight creeps back on, we need more research into effective strategies for maintaining a healthier weight once it is reached." Mitchell concluded that further studies of the TOPS program should examine which populations will succeed at weight loss and weight-loss maintenance and determine factors that can improve sustainable weight loss and maintenance. Founded in 1948, TOPS is a nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss support group with thousands of chapters across the United States and Canada. TOPS chapters provide support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise and wellness information at a fraction of the cost of commercial programs. @PatriciaMazzei The black-and-white photograph on the mailed flier harkens back to another area. The candidate for Florida governor with dark hair smiles and waves as he holds a massive thank-you sign. Longtime Miamians would recognize young Bob Graham's face anywhere. But what's it doing on a political mailer in 2016? Lending his big name to a tiny political campaign. Graham is everywhere these days in Miami Lakes, the town his family helped found on land owned by his family's Graham Companies. There's mailers and door-hangers and automated telephone calls -- all paid for by the Graham Companies -- featuring the Democratic former governor and U.S. senator. He urges a "Yes" vote on a slew of changes to the town's charter. In the campaign pieces, Graham explains his involvement -- unusual for someone of his stature -- by saying he wants one of the charter amendments in particular: the one that would require a majority vote -- and not just a plurality -- to elect the town's mayor. "This issue is personal to me," Graham writes in a letter printed on one of the fliers. "I finished second in the 1978 campaign for governor. Because Florida had a Majority Vote election, which required a majority of Florida voters [sic] support to be elected, there was a run off. I was then elected and had the honor to serve you for 8 years." The town's sitting mayor, Michael Pizzi, who could be most hurt by the charter changes, called Graham's involvement unbecoming. "I'm a great admirer of a lot of the things that Sen. Graham has done," Pizzi said. "But I just think something like this, it's a little too heavy-handed. Putting his pictures on door-knockers and robocalls, I just think it's a little bit beneath the dignity of the offices he held." With a majority-vote rule, Pizzi could lose re-election later this year. Pizzi faces several opponents in the Nov. 8 election, making it unlikely he can clear a 50 percent-plus-1 majority. Force Pizzi into a runoff, and a united opposition -- perhaps led by the deep-pocketed Graham Companies -- could make him lose. Other charter changes would limit some of the mayor's authority. Graham, who was unavailable Friday because he was in Los Angeles to appear as a guest on the HBO show Real Time with Bill Maher, told the Herald on Saturday that his support for the charter amendments has nothing to do with Pizzi. "I have not had a conversation with the mayor on those issues, and I don't see this as a personal issue," he said. "It's in the best interest of the community." Graham said Miami Lakes -- which he remembers from the time it was a dairy farm -- has never had a similar charter election, and his concern is for the town's long-term governance. Pizzi is a divisive figure who beat back federal corruption charges in 2014. He has butted heads with the powerful Graham family before. He recently proposed a moratorium on any new development and voted against a project on a Graham Companies property, and he opposes a planned "mega mall" on another Graham Companies tract. "I don't think the Graham Companies should use their power to try to overwhelm the voice of the average residents," Pizzi said, "and I think that's what they're trying to do here, and it's kind of scary." A local political committee, Concerned Voters of Miami Lakes, has been advertising against the charter changes, and a Tallahassee-based, pro-business PAC, Save Our Constitution Now, has been pushing for them. But it's Graham who appears to have made the biggest splash. The Graham Companies' political muscle includes The Miami Laker, a company-owned newspaper published twice a month that has prominently displayed its vote-yes stance. "THE TRUTH behind the Special Election misinformation campaign," reads the top headline of the May 6 edition, which blasts the Concerned Voters' campaign. (Sample inside headline: "Graham Companies provides sponsorship and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity home.") Miami Lakes resident Esperanza Reynolds , a Pizzi supporter, opposes the charter revisions because she doesn't want more power in the hands of unelected city administrators. But she called the intense campaign from both sides "strange" and Graham's interest "puzzling," even though she added, "I think the world of him." "His family, that we look up to, telling us what we should be doing?" she said. "I'm not sure what's in it for them." This post has been updated with Graham's comments. @ByKristenMClark The contentious Florida Senate race for District 37 in Miami-Dade County has attracted big guns for both the Democratic and Republican candidates. Last week, Democratic state Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez had help from both U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and U.S. Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter, at his kick-off fundraiser. But just three days later, it turns out, his Republican opponent -- current state Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla -- quietly had many special guests of his own at a similar event. Diaz de la Portilla's campaign announced Friday that it had held a kick-off party for the senator's re-election bid on May 6. The campaign said it was held at Casa Juancho, a Spanish restaurant in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, and featured a "standing room-only crowd comprised of more than 200 friends and family." Among the guests in attendance, the campaign said: Miami Republican U.S. Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart; state Sens. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, and Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton; outgoing state Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami; Miami-Dade County Commissioners Barbara Jordan, Rebeca Sosa, Xavier Suarez, Javier Souto, Steve Bovo and Sally Heyman; and City of Miami Commissioner Frank Carollo. "Miguel has shown a unique ability to effectively represent our entire community. We need him in Tallahassee, fighting and delivering results for all of us," Ros-Lehtinen said in a statement provided by Diaz de la Portilla's campaign. District 37 represents much of the city of Miami and stretches south along the coast to include Coral Gables, Key Biscayne and Cutler Bay. It leans Democratic and is heavily Hispanic. Diaz de la Portilla and Rodriguez, both of Miami, officially launched their campaigns a couple months ago, but their fundraisers marked the start of what's expected to be a heated election season this summer and fall. The race is already starting to bring in a lot of cash, with Diaz de la Portilla holding the edge over Rodriguez, as of April 30. Diaz de la Portilla, one of the Florida Senate's more moderate Republicans, hopes to hold on to his seat. But through Rodriguez, Democrats are eyeing District 37 as one of a few seats they could pick up in November to narrow the Republican majority in the chamber. "If you're from this diverse community, you get it: We work together for the common good," Diaz de la Portilla said in a statement Friday. "I am thankful for all the support I have received and look forward to continuing to work in Tallahassee for the entire community." Photos courtesy of Miguel Diaz de la Portilla's re-election campaign @PatriciaMazzei President Obama will host a state dinner Friday for Nordic countries, and South Florida's represented on the guest list. Per the White House, the invitees include: Dr. Eduardo Padron, President, Miami Dade College & Chair, White House Initiative for Educational Excellence for Hispanics (with Mr. Camilo Padron) Mrs. Tracy Mourning, Founder & Board Member, Mourning Family Foundation (with Mr. Alonzo Mourning, III) Ms. Adrienne Arsht, Founding Chairman, Foundation for the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center (with Mr. Anthony Podesta) Mr. Marcelo Claure, President & Chief Executive Officer, Sprint Corporation (with Ms. Jordan Claure) Mr. Andrew Jay Weinstein, Founder, The Weinstein Law Firm (with Mrs. Anne Weinstein) @PatriciaMazzei From White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest's briefing with reporters Friday: QUESTION: ... yesterday. And on Zika -- I know you mentioned that the funding is not that -- on the current legislation that's making its way through right now. Does the president expect to pass these pieces of legislation if they reach his desk? And are you championing about the effort by the Florida Senators Rubio and Nelson to give -- fully fund at $1.9 billion? EARNEST: Yeah. Well, we certainly welcome the bipartisan support that our Zika proposal has received, including from Senator Rubio. I think this reflects the degree to which, for all of our policy differences with Senator Rubio, when it comes to looking out for the public health and well being of the American people, there shouldn't be a partisan difference. And I think Senator Rubio and Senator Nelson both understand the consequences for mothers and babies in Florida, of not doing everything possible to fight Zika. They say that if it rains in the Gulf, a Malayalee in Kerala will catch a cold. For a while now, Malayalees have been defined by their propensity to travel abroad in search of prosperity, particularly West Asia. More than 90% of the people who emigrate from Kerala end up in West Asian countries according to government estimates. But now there seems to be trouble in the desert paradise. For legions of Malayalees who toil in an alien land and the millions of relatives who wait eagerly for their wire transfers, the crash in oil prices is bad news. According to Bloomberg data, the price of Brent crude, a benchmark for crude oil prices, fell 75% from $106 per barrel in July 2014 to $26 in January 2016. The fall, Bloomberg says, was sparked by a supply glut caused in part by Chinas reducing imports and other geopolitical problems. The crude oil prices are unlikely to rebound to the high rates of 2014 in the short term and will continue to hover below the $60 range at least until 2020, Bloomberg reports. This has triggered massive spending cuts and an austerity drive across Gulf countries. Towards the end of last year, Saudi Arabia announced cuts in spending as part of the 2016 budget to fix an alarming deficit (15% of gross domestic product). For other Gulf nations, too, the coping strategy from this drain of wealth includes cost-cutting measures such as the halting of construction projects and subsidy cuts, and increasing their tax nets. The slowdown could come down heavily on expatriate workers, experts say, because the knock-on effects of the economy in bad shape could include widespread salary cuts, stoppage of increments and, worst of all, potential mass lay-offs. Already, oil refiners, banks and shipping firms, among others, are slashing thousands of jobs. How far has this affected Kerala? Has the remittance economy tanked? Can we assess something by looking at proxy indicators such as gold purchases and the real estate market, things that once thrived in Kerala thanks to the savings of millions of Malayalees toiling abroad? The relative in Dubai About 10% of Keralas population of over 30 million does not live in the state. Every third house in Kerala has a man working in the Gulf, which could mean Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Qatar, Oman or Bahrain. Every year, they send home more than Rs1 trillion according to data from banks in the state; in other words, their remittances form almost a third of Keralas net state domestic product of about Rs3 trillion, according to the states latest economic review. It is the oldest migration pattern in the history of the country, says S. Irudaya Rajan of the Centre for Development Studies, an institution for applied economics and social science research in Thiruvananthapuram that has been analysing Malayalees migration patterns for two decades now. Kerala is the only state in India from where people have been migrating consistently to the Gulf for the last 50 years. Malayalees have established strong networks in the Gulf; everyone has a mama or machan (aunt or uncle) there," he says. The money sent back has led to the rise of an affluent population that could afford to nurture and shape a consumerist society in a state with the highest inequality in consumption expenditure. The money has led to rapid urbanization, with the creation of 360 new census towns between 2001 and 2011. Malappuram district in north Kerala, which received 20% of the total remittances from the Gulf, saw census towns increase 420% over the past decade. Popular culture has been heavily influenced by the phenomenon, either reflecting realities or defining stereotypes. The 1985 film Akkare Ninnoru Maran (The Groom from the Other Shore) showed the struggles of a poor young man who had to pretend to have returned from the Gulf in order to marry his rich uncles daughter. In 1999, Garshome (Sojourn) showed the predicaments of a Gulf returnee who could not gain employment back home. By 2007, it was the story of Cuba" Mukundan, a staunch leftist, who had to take a call between chasing his revolutionary zeal or earning money by immigrating to the Gulf in Arabikatha (A Gulf Story). Even young filmmakers are telling the story of the successes (in Jacobinte Swaragarajyam) and failures (in Pathemari) of the Malayalee in the Gulf. In literature, a novel that chronicles the ruthless violence and hardships of desert life has sold millions of copies. Adujivitam, or Goat Days, is into its 99th edition now. In journalism, it has led to most Malayalam print publications rolling out a Gulf edition (the daily Madhyamam has six out of its 19 editions published from centres in the Gulf). Gulf-based publications are writing about the loneliness faced by the more than 1 million married women in Kerala whose husbands are migrants, while most Malayalam-language television stations have at least a half an hour of coverage dedicated to the Gulf. Theres a weekly television show for Malayalees missing in West Asia, which is often flooded with telephone calls from distressed housewives or mothers. A long way back Keralas tryst with the Gulf began as early as the fourth century BC, when Arab traders in their dhows used to follow the monsoon winds blowing in from west to east and made a killing trading for spices in Kerala. In fact, cinnamon, a prized asset then, might have found its way to West Asia from this land of spices through the Arabs, historian Sreedhara Menon noted in his book, A Survey of Kerala History. Arabs were allowed to not only trade in the area, but also to freely mingle with the fisherfolk of the coast, historians have noted. By the time Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan explorer who journeyed for a quarter-century across Asia and Africa, arrived in Kerala sometime in the 14th century, Arab descendants in the state had not only established themselves as the first native Muslim community in South Asia, but also had developed their own language (Arabi-Malayalam), dance forms (Aravanamuttu), and even cuisine (biryani). By this time, Malayalee sailors had started to accompany the Arabs on their return voyage, says M.G.S. Narayanan, former chairman of the Indian Council for Historical Research. The Hindu rulers of north Kerala or Malabarthe Zamorinhad even asked Hindu fisherfolk to raise a child in each family as a Muslim so they could sail back with the Arab traders and become expert seafarers, Narayanan adds. By the time geologists came in search of oil to the Persian Gulf following the Great Depression, and when large-scale extraction started in the 1950s and threw up a range of economic opportunities, the Malayalees, bound by history, geography and custom, were willing participants. No country for young men A young man in his 20s, with a fresh bachelors degree in business administration, boarded a flight in September 2015 to Abu Dhabi, one of the seven emirates that together make up the UAE. He joined a bank in the city, but just three months later, he was back in his hometown in Thrissur district. The bank fired me, along with 250 others," he says, on condition of anonymity. His story reflects one of the many ways in which the fall in oil prices, near their lowest in two decades, is affecting the south Indian state. Not only are people not getting jobs, the employed ones are losing theirs. Rajan says the last time he saw a similar situation was during the Dubai real estate crash in 2009. Companies (in the Gulf) are either cutting down salaries or number of employees," says K.C. Joseph, the minister for non-resident Keralite affairs. It has not reached a state of massive exodus, but sooner or later, we will have to face a problem here." Because the working conditions are affected, returning has become a reality. Unlike the earlier days, people are not going there, they are only coming back from there," he says. Data from the ministry of external affairs show that of the 781,000 people who emigrated from India for work in 2015, 96% went to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. But the number of people emigrating from India for jobs have been shrinking. In 2013, there were 817,000 people; this came down to 805,000 in 2014 and 781,000 in 2015, the Hindustan Times reported on 27 March, quoting ministry data. The New Indian Express wrote in January that hiring by big recruitment agencies was two-thirds less than usual at 6,000 in 2014-15. The hiring cuts are coupled with the fact that governments in the region intervened to block expats from taking up certain jobs. This is true for most of the countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, as per the New Indian Express report. After the fall in oil prices, governments are intervening by delaying the issue of visas. It now takes six to eight months to get a visa, as against two to three months earlier, and by the time the process gets completed, either the employers needs have changed or the employee is no longer available. The remittances Historically, remittances from the Gulf have played a big role in giving Kerala an unusually high Human Development Index (HDI) rank, which is on par with developed nations despite considerable unemployment and a negligible industrial base. Kerala has the highest HDI ranking among Indian states and also the highest rate of unemployment among the big states in India, more than thrice the national average of 2.3% at 7.4%, as per the states latest economic survey. According to economists, Keralas 12th position in the industrial ranking of the major 16 states in India is a strong indicator of the poor manufacturing and industrial base in the state. Remittances changed the landscape of Kerala, says Rajan. Between the late 1960s (the period after the land reforms initiated by the second communist government in 1967, considered to have led to massive unemployment) and the early 1990s, migration to the Gulf had become a mass phenomenon, he says. It (migration) changed the landscape, the economy, the land price and the lifestyle. You had flashy houses being constructed, jewellery shops coming up everywhere and there were advertisement boards (of recruitment agencies) asking you to work, study, migrate," he says. Consider this: The state of 33 million already has three international airports and another one is in the making. Even the biggest state in India (Uttar Pradesh) doesnt have four international airports," he adds. A 2011 CDS study says that while 2.28 million Kerala immigrants live abroad, another 1.16 million have returned home. The former group is showing a decrease in numbers, while the latter group is increasing. The study also says that there was no evidence of an exodus from the Gulf region before December 2008, but suggests the situation might have changed since then. However, an analysis of data from the State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC), a consortium of banks, shows the growth in deposits has mostly slowed over the past three years. Kerala clocked Rs66,000 crore as deposits from abroad in 2012, most of it from Gulf nations. In 2013, it was up 40% to around Rs90,000 crore. But in 2014, deposits grew only 15% to hit Rs1.04 trillion. 2015 was somewhat betterdeposits grew 22%but then, as officials point out, the slight improvement may have been because of the rupee depreciating by 4.5% in 2015. What does this mean? Fewer people are buying land or gold. Land transactions have come down, says minister Joseph. Must be because purchasing power has come down and therefore, registrations are not happening," he says. Property expos in the Gulf held by Kerala-based real estate developers, a big hit in the past, are receiving fewer visitors now, according to Raghu Chandran Nair, vice-president of real estate lobby Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI). Kerala was relatively unaffected when real estate markets were going down across India, until the Gulf crisis, he says. Real estate prices have come down by 10-15%. Prices of stand-alone properties and apartments have come down by 30 to 40% but buying and selling are not happening in that state." Gold, considered one of the non-resident Malayalees favourite acquisitions, has also been on the decline. Blue-collared workers buy gold as they see it as savings. (But) their income has reduced and it is showing in the sales, which are down by 25%, even at a time when more shops were opened and gold rates came down by almost 20% last year," says Joseph Stanley, a jeweller and member of the Kerala Jewellery Association. But despite the gloom and doom, the 25-year-old who had to return in from Abu Dhabi in three months without a job, is confident that he will get another opportunity soon. Rajan ascribes this optimism to the fact that Malayalees have been going to the Gulf for years and have established strong social networks abroad. He recalls a chat he had with a Malayalee at a labour camp in Dubai a long time ago. I asked him, You know, everybody wants to live with god, and you are from gods own country. So, why have you left and come here to suffer like a slave?" The man replied, The truth is that god is not in Kerala anymore; he migrated to the Gulf a long time back. We are only following him." Comments are welcome at feedback@livemint.com Topics Your grandma's Jeannette Rankin for Congress button. Your father's wicker fishing creel. Your uncles Hank Williams 33 1/3 LP record. Your own Alvin and the Chipmunks cassette tape. These belong in a museum? Oh, yeah. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula has replaced its Missoula 150 exhibit with one that draws, in almost random fashion, from its storage spaces that brim with some 40,000 artifacts and is all but certain to strike nostalgic chords for those who pass through. I dont know that Ive ever been in a museum where Ive seen an exhibit like this before, said executive director Matt Lautzenheiser. The results of collections curator Nicole Webbs sleepless nights since construction began in February and probably long before goes on display Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. with a special dedication of Collecting Missoula: A Look Inside the HMFM Collection. Opening day will feature special behind-the-scenes tours every half hour into the bowels of the museum, where thousands of items are stored that are donated to the museum on an almost daily basis. The basement is one of four spaces where the historical museum keeps its stuff. Upstairs are three rooms for textiles and another for the voluminous papers, photos and posters filed in the archives. A few hundred yards across the museum grounds, near the historic Building T-1, are a barracks and warehouse where reside the more space-eating artifacts such as wagons, printing presses and blacksmith bellows. Collecting Missoula will be in the Heath Gallery for the next two years, but it wont look the same even a month from now. Just inside the door is a display case with ever-changing artifacts, most of them received just this year. "If there's something donated next week that feels right, then it'll go in," Webb said. "If I'm up in the archives and I find something that's really cool, we'll put it in. I really do want it to be a revolving, changing exhibit." Indeed, there's nothing static about museum keeping. Lautzenheiser said Collecting Missoula gives visitors a glimpse into their world, how they work, how they think, and how they store what they collect. The Missoula 150 exhibit, which came down at the end of January, focused on one overriding theme: stories from the city's and county's development from infancy in the 1860s. "It was all about the big names like Higgins and McLeod and Worden," said Webb. "This one is about everyday Missoulians, items that were donated by everyday Missoulians. That was a big goal for me." The exhibit itself is closing in on 600 items. Some are in the "cabinets of curiosity" in the middle of the gallery, representing private collections you might find in old-school homes and "mini-museums" in Europe, Lautzenheiser said. Then there's what he called the Ripley's Believe It Or Not and circus sideshow items like a belt made of cellophane cigarette wrappers. "The element that impresses me is the really interesting opportunity to pull all the very quirky oddball items out of our collection, things that wouldn't fit into a more traditional exhibit or would be very difficult to show in a traditional exhibit," Lautzenheiser said. For instance, it's hard to imagine a traditional exhibit that would find a place for the old Webster's dictionary on a stand in the southeast corner. Webb has it placed open to display the inside back cover, where a cursive inscription written lightly in pencil is signed by Philip Coleman Jr. It's a gift, he wrote, to his son Lee Roy Coleman, Box 1, Route 3, in Shelby, Mississippi. "Sentenced to hang on Sept. 10, 1943, for the murder of Mrs. Pearson of Lothrop, Montana, July 24, 1943," the elder Coleman wrote. "I am heartly (sic) sorroy (sic)." Philip "Slim" Coleman, a 25-year-old black man from East Saint Louis, Illinois, pleaded guilty to the brutal stabbing death of Rosalyn Pearson at her home in Lothrop, across the river from Alberton. He was implicated in the murder of her husband, Carl, but claimed it was his partner in crime, Louis Brown, who did the bludgeoning. Hanged from a gallows constructed just outside his cell at the county jail, Coleman was the last person to be legally executed in Montana until 1995, and the last one to die by hanging. According to Tom Donovans Hanging Around the Big Sky, the gallows were found in a lumber pile at the Missoula County Fairgrounds in 1963. Theyve been a macabre part of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoulas collection since 1975, but aren't in the new exhibit. The dictionary in which Coleman wrote has a bookplate sticker from Missoula Loyola High School. That's not surprising, Webb said. In the seven weeks between murder and execution a record turnaround in Montana Coleman converted to Catholicism, and he was baptized four days before his death. "I'm not sure if the dictionary was ever seen or used in circulation. I've not figured that out," Webb said. "He did not donate it to the high school. It has a different name on the bookplate saying so-and-so gave this to the high school ... So it stayed here in Missoula." Michael Garland donated the dictionary to the museum in 2006. How and when he obtained it isn't known. Webb said for the first time the museum will have a "Collecting Missoula exhibit" website. The artifacts will be coded so visitors can use smart phones to scan and read the histories and stories of each artifact. Preserve Historic Missoula will host a movie night at the Roxy Theater on Sunday as part of National Historic Preservation Month. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has set this years theme as This Place Matters. Three films will be shown: a new documentary short about the Mercantile, Bricks and Backbones: Saving the Missoula Mercantile; An Alien Place: The Fort Missoula Detention Camp, 1941-1944, a 2015 documentary about the imprisonment of more than 2,000 foreign nationals during World War II; and following a brief intermission, a full-length 1955 classic Western drama. "Timberjack," set in a late 1800s timber town, was filmed on location in Montana and is based on a Dan Cushman novel. Just how securely are banks moving money around the world? New details emerged on Friday about a pair of related attacks on banks that use the Swift message service, which allows financial firms and companies to transfer payments around the world. Computer security researchers briefed on the investigation into one of the attacks, on the Bangladesh Bank, raised several theories about the crime, including the possibility that groups from Pakistan and North Korea may have been spying on the bank. Other analysts investigating the attacks said there were striking similarities between the multiple bespoke tools used by the hackers in both the banking cases and the attack on Sony Pictures in 2014. The latest breach detailed by Swift in a letter to its users on Friday occurred at a commercial bank that appeared, according to a leading online security firm BAE Systems on Friday, to be located in Vietnam. That attack and the $81 million heist from the Bangladesh central bank account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in February are thought to be part of a broad assault on the global banking system by thieves whose operating methods and digital fingerprints are being studied carefully by analysts worldwide. BEIRUT, Lebanon The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah declared Saturday that Mustafa Amine Badreddine, the senior commander who died in Syria this past week, had been killed in an artillery attack by insurgents whom the group has been fighting for the past four years. Hezbollah said in a statement that the killing would increase our determination to continue the fight against these criminal gangs and defeat them, blaming takfiri groups, a term for Islamist extremists that Hezbollah broadly applies to insurgents opposed to its ally in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad. But the declaration raised more questions than it answered, as fierce speculation continued about how, when, where and by whom Mr. Badreddine was killed, and what the death reveals about the state of Hezbollah and its war effort in Syria. A day earlier, when Hezbollah announced his death, Lebanese media outlets sympathetic to the group initially blamed Israel, the groups main enemy, for the attack. Israel is widely believed to have assassinated several senior Hezbollah commanders over the past few decades and has carried out a number of airstrikes in Syria, officially unacknowledged but confirmed by Western officials, against the group. Sen. Jon Tester presented Headframe Spirits co-owner Courtney McKee with an award this week in recognition of the distillery's efforts to give back to the community. The presentation came during the Small Business Majority's 2016 Small Business Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. The organization's Community Development Award is for small-business owners who go above and beyond to give back to their community by using business as a tool for community development. Since 2012 Headframe has had a gross economic impact of over $7 million in Butte and has donated nearly $150K to the community, according to a news release. "Montana is a great place to start and grow a business," said Tester. "Headframe Spirits has proven that with hard work, common sense, and a commitment to the fine folks in Butte, America, you can thrive in Big Sky Country." McKee said: "We've built a business two actually that embrace and further a vision for economic development in our community." "We're proud to have created 26 jobs and counting," she continued. "Living in a place that's gone from 100,000 to 35,000 residents, we've got great opportunities to re-imagine our place in the world, and every one of those jobs is incredibly valuable." The summit brought together more than 150 small business leaders from across the country to the nation's capital to interact with policymakers, members of the media, issue experts and senior members of the Obama administration. The purpose of the summit was to emphasize small business' role in public policy conversations. Headframe Spirits was joined at the summit by the Montana Governor's Office of Economic Development and Small Business Advocate Andy Shirtliff. For more information on the summit, visit sbmleadershipsummit.com. The Gold Creek Campground in the Sapphire Mountains east of Stevensville has been closed until further notice, and the Stevensville Ranger District is investigating the potential of hazardous materials at the site. Tod McKay, public affairs officer for the Bitterroot National Forest, said the closure came after a camper trailer that had been parked at the campground for more than a month and had recently been ordered to leave was destroyed in a fire. He said the Forest Service is conducting an environmental assessment of the site, bringing in specialists in to collect samples from the soil and unburned material from the camper. McKay said they are looking for potential drug residue, in particular methamphetamine. "We've been told results won't be back until the middle of next week, so the campground will be closed until at least then," he said. The Gold Creek Campground, which has five camping spots and is open year-round, has a 16-day stay limit. McKay said the camper had been there for more than a month, and the fire was the latest in a series of encounters the Forest Service has had with the occupants. "There were reports of garbage strewn around. Loud dogs, dogs on the loose," he said. In one incident, McKay said the dogs were allegedly left inside the trailer for several days and were eventually let out by a concerned citizen. McKay said that last week, a report was posted on the trailer instructing the occupants to move it within a week. On Wednesday, Forest Service staff checked the campground and found the trailer had burned down. Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman said without more information, law enforcement's investigation into what happened is closed. "There were no witnesses, no evidence, no one knows if someone lit it or not," Hoffman said. "What we have up there is a big pile of ash." Anyone with information about the camper is being asked to contact the Bitterroot National Forest at 363-7100 or the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office at 363-3033. BILLINGS Montana and five other states say President Barack Obama overstepped his power by rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline, whose developers are now suing four presidential cabinet members. The states along the pipeline's route filed a friend-of-the-court brief this week arguing that Congress, not the executive, has the right to regulate interstate and international commerce. The pipeline, which would have crossed the Canadian border, was being developed by TransCanada, which is now suing the government. "Because of the President's representations to the rest of the world that America would lead in reducing its carbon footprint, that that was the sole reason for denying the permit," Montana Attorney General Tim Fox said. "That's ludicrous because it's outside the authority granted to the President, and it's the first time in history of these trans-border applications that one was denied for any reason." TransCanada filed its lawsuit at the beginning of January, exactly two months after Secretary of State John Kerry announced that the U.S. would be best served by denying Keystone XL a permit. And Kerry did, according the Secretary of State documents, reference a need for the U.S. to practice what it preaches about climate change to other countries. "The United States cannot ask other nations to make tough choices to address climate change if we are unwilling to make them ourselves," Kerry said. "Denying the Keystone XL pipeline is one of those choices." However, leading by example wasn't the only reason given. Kerry also concluded that the Keystone XL pipeline would have insignificant impact on U.S. security. He said that the pipeline wouldn't lead to lower U.S. gas prices and that Keystone's long-term contribution to the U.S. economy would be marginal. The State Department concluded the Keystone XL pipeline raised concerns about water supplies in communities along its route and the preservation of cultural heritage sites. The department also objected to importing Canadian tar sands oil, "a particularly dirty source of fuel." The TransCanada lawsuit argues that by blocking Keystone's pipeline construction, the United States violated the North American Free Trade Agreement. The company demands $15 billion in compensation. Last month, the Obama Administration asked the Texas federal court, in which the lawsuit was filed, to dismiss the case. The administration's argument is that President Obama has the right to set foreign policy, the policy in this case being Obama's fight against climate change. The attorneys general are advising the court that the President's decision does pose significant harm to the six states along the pipeline's path. Jobs and tax revenue were lost when the pipeline was rejected, they argue. Approving the pipeline was a foreign commerce issue, they say. Congress calls the shots on foreign commerce, not the President. "There are over a 100 trans-border oil pipelines, gas pipelines and transmission lines, either over the Mexico-U.S. border or the Canadian-U.S. border," Fox said. "All have been approved over the years, none of which have received the scrutiny the Keystone XL pipeline received and none of which were denied." State attorneys general have proven they can influence a judicial debate, Fox said. Attorneys general have for now halted a federal government attempt to extend federal control on streams, ponds and tributaries feeding U.S. waterways. States have for now halted the Clean Power Plan, as well. The interest in both cases is states' rights. "It's an extraordinary time to live in," Fox said. "We've never seen this amount, if you will, and level of federal overreach." Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and South Dakota are the other states involved in the amicus brief. The attorneys general are all Republican. However, in Montana, support for the Keystone XL pipeline has been bipartisan. Gov. Steve Bullock and former Gov. Brian Schweitzer both supported Keystone XL. Schweitzer secured an on-ramp at Baker for loading Bakken oil into the pipeline. U.S. Sens. Steve Daines, a Republican, and Jon Tester, Democrat, both supported Keystone XL. Rep. Ryan Zinke, a Republican, joined the senators in opposing the State Department's decision last November. Do you know why there are so many whitefish in the Yellowstone River? Because the Fish and Game people have never done anything to help them. Russell Chatham When it comes to iconic Rocky Mountain fly fishing, nothing says Montana quite like the upper Yellowstone River as it flows through Paradise Valley. On its eastern bank the river drifts close to the base of the sawtoothed Absaroka Mountains, which look as if theyve been plucked from Switzerland. No doubt about it, the scenery is a huge draw for the many anglers who make a pilgrimage to the river made famous by fishing legends like Dan Bailey. Beauty is known to be capricious, though, and such is the case with the Yellowstone River. With no dam to regulate its flows, the Yellowstones water levels rise and fall with the spring runoff, much to the chagrin of anglers looking for a sure bet. The first big dry fly hatch of the year is a perfect example the Mothers Day caddis hatch. When the fat bugs flitter around by the thousands in mid-May the river can be high, off-color and unfishable, or if the weather remains cool and spring runoff is stalled, it could be some of the best fishing of the year. You never know when the water is going to go up and stay up, said Chris Fleck, owner of Stillwater Anglers in Columbus. Usually for the Mothers Day hatch, John McPherson, of Montana Troutfitters in Bozeman, said he recommends anglers tie on caddis imitations in sizes 12 and 14. Or you can choose not to try to match the hatch. A little trick we try is throwing something different so your fly stands out when theres 10 million other flies on the water, he said, such as a Stimulator. Casting a different pattern also makes it easier for the angler to track the fly on the water amid the flurry of natural bugs. Another tip: Fleck suggests getting ahead of the caddis hatch as it moves upstream to avoid competing with all of the natural bugs on the water. Breaking it down Known as the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, the Yellowstone River is born deep within Yellowstone National Parks Thorofare Valley, the most remote region in the lower 48 states. From its high-mountain birthplace in Wyoming the river twists and turns for nearly 680 miles most of it in Montana before finally joining the Missouri River just across the Eastern Montana border. In broad terms, the Yellowstone is a cold-water fishery from its headwaters to about Laurel. Laurel is a transition area between the coldwater fishery and the more warmwater angling found downstream. Broken down further, the upper Yellowstone at Paradise Valley receives the most angling pressure 374,282 angler days, according to the most recent report. The most popular stretch for outfitters is between Livingston and Reedpoint, according to the angling pressure report, closely followed by the river above Livingston. The report shows the most fishing pressure occurred between Emigrant Bridge downstream to the mouth of the Shields River. The nearly 40 river miles saw about 65,000 anglers between March 2013 and February 2014. Last summer the river had low flows from June through October, according to Scott Opitz, FWP fisheries biologist in Livingston, although the water temperature stayed low enough not to result in any fishing restrictions or harm to trout. Upper river FWPs trend area in the Paradise Valley between Mill Creek Bridge and Loch Leven fishing access site shows the numbers of fish per mile 7 inches and larger last year were: brown trout 412; rainbow 394 and Yellowstone cutthroat 75. Although the brown trout numbers were up from the previous year, the rainbow and cutthroat numbers had declined. Thats pretty representative of the river from Gardiner to Springdale, Opitz said. In the Big Timber section of the Yellowstone, the average size brown trout was 14.9 inches and average size rainbow trout was 11.6, according to Jason Rhoten, fisheries biologist. The biggest brown trout was 23.1 and biggest rainbow trout was 17.2. Cutthroat trout tend to be more prevalent closer to Gardiner, with rainbow numbers higher near Livingston and brown trout more populous downstream from Livingston, Opitz said. He added that fish numbers had remained fairly stable over the last six years. The farthest upstream the Yellowstone can be fished in Montana is near Gardiner, just outside the border of Yellowstone National Park. This upper reach of the river goes through Yankee Jim Canyon along Highway 89, some of the best whitewater on the river, before empting into the the Paradise Valley. Above the canyon anglers can find good fishing in the pockets and pools of the stream generally from mid-July on. We start going out when the river flow is between 10,000 and 12,000 cfs, McPherson said. Thats usually not until late June to the early part of July. Luckily, that time of the year can also coincide with the next big hatch on the river fat, awkward-flying salmonflies. The question is where the hatch will start. Its not always a hatch that happens low and works its way upstream, McPherson said. Its just where the water temperature is right 60 to 65 degrees when they start crawling toward the banks. For the salmonfly hatch McPherson likes tying on a Paulsons Flutter Bug, which nicely imitates a female returning to the water to lay its eggs, a Stillwater Stonefly or a Half-Cocked Salmonfly in sizes 6 to 8. More reliable in July, McPherson said, is fishing terrestrial patterns like ants, beetles and hoppers as farmers cut their fields and drive the bugs closer to the river. For hopper patterns he likes the Sweetgrass and Moorish hopper. He also carries a selection of black and cinnamon ant imitations. By August, if the hoppers are thriving, McPherson will toss a Chubby Chernobyl or a hopper and a dropper nymph. The early spring and fall are good times to strip streamers. Following the May caddis hatch, he said caddis patterns can be used throughout the rest of the summer. Another hint: McPherson recommends skipping the Yellowstone between Grey Owl and Mallards Rest fishing access sites in the Paradise Valley after July since the water can get low and warm. Lower river In the Columbus area, if runoff hasnt hit by May the river can see some March brown and blue-winged olive hatches to tease dry fly anglers before the big water shuts the river down. By mid-June the river typically crests and usually by early July is fishable again, Fleck said. It can be really good when the river gets that blue-green water, even though its still on the high side, Fleck said. Come mid-July through August the hopper fishing usually is steady for dry fly fishermen. Fleck likes tossing a Jack Cabe as an attractor fly, a Purple Haze as a mayfly imitation or darker caddis flies. He recommends The Grinch as a good streamer choice and mentioned its also a good idea to have a Girdle Bug and Bitch Creek in your vest to imitate the large stonefly nymphs. For other nymphs he likes the Prince, red and green Copper John and Hares Ear. Late summer, depending on the water flows, can be a time when hot weather and low water combine to force Fish, Wildlife and Parks to restrict fishing to mornings and evenings to ease the stress on trout as the water is warmer and contains less oxygen. That wasnt the case last year, when there was plenty of water, but you never know. The Yellowstone River can give too much water in the spring and take most of it away by the end of summer. Anglers can never be quite sure. There are too many variables. Who knows what will transpire this year, Fleck said. -- Brett French, Billings Gazette ORIGINAL NOTICE OF PUBLICATION (Dissolution of marriage) Upon the Petition of Soledad Zumaya, Petitioner, and Concerning Cesar Zumaya, Respondent. TO THE ABOVE NAMED RESPONDENT: You are notified that a petition has been filed in the office of the clerk of this court naming you as a respondent in this action, which prays for dissolution of marriage. The attorney for the petitioner is Jean Pfeiffer of Muscatine Legal Services, whose address is 122 East Second Street, Muscatine, Iowa 52761. That attorney's telephone number is 563-263-8663; facsimile number 563-263-8667. You must serve a motion or answer within 20 days of receiving this notice and within a reasonable time thereafter, file your motion or answer with the Clerk of Court for Muscatine County, at the courthouse in Muscatine, Iowa. If you do not, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS. If you require assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in court because of a disability, immediately call your district ADA coordinator at 563-263-6511. (If you are hearing impaired, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942). STATE OF IOWA JUDICIARY Case No. CDCD037067 County Muscatine Case Title SOLEDAD ZUMAYA VS. CESAR ZUMAYA THIS CASE HAS BEEN FILED IN A COUNTY THAT USES ELECTRONIC FILING. Therefore, unless the attached Petition and Original Notice contains a hearing date for your appearance, or unless you obtain an exemption from the court, you must file your Appearance and Answer electronically. You must register through the Iowa Judicial Branch website at http://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile and obtain a log in and password for the purposes of filing and viewing documents on your case and of receiving service and notices from the court. FOR GENERAL RULES AND INFORMATION ON ELECTRONIC FILING, REFER TO THE IOWA COURT RULES CHAPTER 16 PERTAINING TO THE USE OF THE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: FOR COURT RULES ON PROTECTION OF PERSONAL PRIVACY IN COURT FILINGS, REFER TO DIVISION VI OF IOWA COURT RULES CHAPTER 16: http://www.iowacourts.state.ia.uslEfile Scheduled Hearing: If you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in court because of a disability, immediately call your district ADA coordinator at (563) 328-4145. (If you are hearing impaired, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942.) Date Issued 05/04/2016 08:03:44 AM District Clerk of Muscatine County /s/ Traci Harper MUSCATINE, Iowa A series of community meetings about the Muscatine Community YMCA's expansion and renovation project continue this week. The Y has collected $5.15 million towards the project's $7.25 million price tag. Work on the first phase of the project is expected to begin this summer, said Bret Olson, Y executive director. The public sessions have garnered big and small crowds, Olson said. As a safety measure, the renovated Y will have one entrance on Logan Street. Office space will move to the center of the building. Phase 1 will involve the first floor of the building including the addition of a new kid's adventure center for preschool and early elementary children and a new teen center. "There will be climbing structures, rock walls, tunnels. We have a teen center now. It's a little boring. We'll spice it up a little bit. It will be a place for kids to hang out," Olson said. The biggest project will involve the addition of a second floor. "That will be the wellness center where the treadmills, bikes, weight machines will be," Olson explained. Big Brothers Big Sisters, which is housed at the Y, will get a bigger space to meet with clients. Currently five staffers are crammed in one room. A new conference room will be added. The Y has just one conference room. "This room gets a lot of use," he said. "The track where it sits today will disappear and it will get suspended over the gym which will make it a little big longer. It will be flat. People don't like the banked track." The current location of the track and weight room will be converted into a new gymnasium. "If you are here in the winter after school, it's a zoo in the gymnasium with kids running around," Olson added. They plan to also add two exercise rooms and a family locker room. The project has received extensive financial support from the community including $2 million from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, $1 million from HNI and $750,000 from Kent Corporation. Olson said they hope to raise $1 million through donations from the 9,300 Y members. Y members have donated $54, 855 so far. Dick Weber, a Y member from Muscatine, attended a community meeting last week to learn more about the proposed renovations. "I think it's wonderful," he said. "I think it's a great program and everything., It helps everybody from kids to adults. Seniors have the opportunity to come over. They are quite friendly here. "I just like to exercise and stay healthy." Phase 1 is expected to start in either July or August. The Y has 9,300 members. "We believe everybody should be able to join the Y so we have a sliding fee scale. We have over a thousand of that 9,300 that don't pay full price. We make sure that we continue with that every year," Olson said. For more information on donating or becoming a member, contact the Muscatine Community Y at 563-263-9996. The YMCA is located at 1823 Logan St. MUSCATINE, Iowa If you've ever felt like a pincushion while giving blood or getting an IV started, technology now being used at UnityPoint Health Trinity Muscatine will be a welcome relief. Trinity Muscatine has now implemented the AccuVein AV400 vein visualization system in their facility. The AccuVein device has been show to improve first stick success and reduce patient pain. The system is designed to help healthcare professionals locate the best vein for venipuncture. Simply point the lightweight, portable device at the skin and click to display the peripheral veins beneath. Venipuncture is the most common invasive medical procedure worldwide with an estimated 2.7 million procedures conducted every day in the United States alone. Studies reveal that up to one third of attempts to access a vein fail the first time, creating unnecessary patient pain and discomfort. Improving first-stick attempts is a major goal for healthcare providers around the world. The Infusion Nurses Society now recommends the use of vein visualization technology in their newly released 2016 Standards of Practice. The INS Standards state, Vascular visualization technology is employed to increase the success with peripheral cannulation and decrease the need for central vascular access device. Even the most experienced healthcare professionals can have difficulty accessing veins safely and quickly the first time. While this will be available for use on patients throughout the hospital, the patient care staff will find it especially helpful with pediatric patients, patients who are dehydrated, obese, have low body temperature, whose veins roll and those who have had frequent venipuncture during treatments. "This is going to be good for the nursing staff but even better for our patients," said Rachel Pohl, Director of Inpatient Nursing for Trinity Muscatine. "Improving patient care and outcomes is why we go to work every day, and the AccuVein device will make a difference in allowing us to provide the best care." Vein visualization has been introduced throughout the world in over 120 countries and is being used in over 4,000 hospitals, including in emergency departments, neonatal units, surgery and intensive care units. The AccuVein system is available for use Trinity Muscatine in both inpatient and surgical units. The Muscatine Health Support Foundation funded the two units at the hospital. MUSCATINE, Iowa Students in science classes at Muscatine Community College recently toured public facilities. Students in the MCC Environmental Science class are taught by Kenneth Johnson, physics and physical sciences instructor. This is a field trip we take every year to the City of Muscatine Water Pollution Control Plant. This tour concludes the unit on water resources, water pollution and waste management," Johnson said. Our students learn the history of wastewater disposal in Muscatine and the current effort to clean the millions of gallons of water Muscatine uses every day. The final treated discharged water is much cleaner than the water already in the Mississippi River. Over the past 10 years there have been many major improvement to the plant and the treatment process. Students in the Classical Physics class toured the Muscatine Power and Water Generation Plant, including the control room. Classical Physics is a class for students preparing to be engineers. This tour stresses the importance of math and science in mechanical, civil and electrical engineering. After the tour, students engaged in a discussion with two engineers from the plant. Most of the questions revolved around what to expect at an engineering program at a four-year institution. Students also learned what is expected from an engineer on the job and what is a typical work day. MUSCATINE, Iowa Jeff and Melissa Osborne, and their daughter Hanna, have uncovered artifacts in both their store and home in Muscatine that they never expected to find. They have begun restoration and renovation of the old jewelry store at 109 E. Second St., made famous by the murder of its owner in 1921, and the rectory that is the only piece of St. Marys Catholic Church left standing. The family is new to Muscatine, but they said that through their discoveries, they can feel their connection to their new home grow. "We're plugged right into a community of folks who are in to the history...we feel like we're home here, even though we haven't been here very long because of the store downtown and the rectory, people are supportive to us and what we're doing," Jeff Osborne said. Old jewelry store Melissa Osborne runs Creations by Oz in downtown Muscatine, and the old building, she said, keeps showing them more and more of its past. Among the artifacts she and her family have found are several checks written by George Volger, the owner of the building who was murdered in July of 1921 by a competing jeweler, who was previously Volger's mentor. They found the checks in the basement, which has a dirt floor, and the Osborne's daughter, Hanna, said that she had fun sweeping the dust and finding hidden treasures. It's really fun to sweep the basement, and you keep finding more and more things hidden in the dirt, she said. While removing flooring and exploring the basement, they also found gems that were left in the store from when it was Volgers. Melissa Osborne had them appraised, and made them into jewelry to sell in her store. The old wooden cabinets that line both walls upon entering the store are over 100 years old, and she said keeping them close to the original photo she has of the building was important to her, because of the historical significance. Part of the project was removing paneling in the store, behind which they discovered three mirrors next to the vault that still sits at the back of the building. Its a mirror because theres silver on it, theyre silver backed, its very cool and theyre all intact, she said. Many other items they have found were museum quality, and are currently in storage. They have also begun exposing the brick in the back half of the store, and as much as possible, she said they hope to leave the building with as much historical integrity as they can while restoring it to a functional space. I love everything just the way it is, she said. St. Marys rectory The other project the Osbornes are working on is the renovation of the rectory that still stands behind a vast parking lot that used to be home to St. Marys Catholic Church, which Jeff Osborne said was torn down last year. They moved in to the rectory before they decided to turn it in to a bed and breakfast, and said their home has been welcoming them with more historical suprises. While renovating the bathroom they found an old giving book from the 1920s. It contained information about how much the people who attended St. Marys Catholic Church gave as an offering, and it had George Volgers name in it, connecting the two historic buildings. They used to call it out, and say who gave and how much, Melissa Osborne laughed. The old house, Jeff Osborne said, will be perfect for a bed and breakfast, which they discovered during their renovations, when they realized that the two side entrances to the house could allow for private bed and breakfast rooms. As they work toward making that a reality, they continue to discover hidden items or quirks about the house. Its an old building, so when the wind blows it hums, but it really feels sometimes like the house is speaking to you, Melissa Osborne said. Jeff and Melissa Osborne said they have been traveling for most of their lives, and all the history they are uncovering in their new home has made them feel connected to the place where they hope to live for good. Jeff Osborne said that they are hoping to raise money to take out the large parking lot by utilizing it as camping space for a RAGBRAI group. With RAGBRAI coming to town, were going to have camping here Out of Staters Bike Club cater to a little bit of older bikers in RAGBRAI who want to stay away from the crowds, so this ended up being a good opportunity, he said. Hanna Osborne agreed, and said that she likes being part of the history in her new home. "It connects you to the history of Muscatine, because both places are a big part of Muscatine," she said. MUSCATINE, Iowa On April 23, 2016, Wesley United Methodist Women hosted a "Pastels & Praise" Luncheon and Style Show at Wesley Family Life Center with 182 attending. Proceeds will be used for local missions. Janet Kardux chaired the committee of 10 planning the event. Boy Scout Troop 127 assisted in setting up tables. Vocalist Alicia Maroff, entertained with two songs. Church ladies set the tables with their fine china, elegant centerpieces and folded napkins. Dorothy Burns led devotions. A luncheon of chicken-asparagus roll ups, vegetable pineapple salad with tomato slices, raspberry tea and strawberry cream roll dessert was prepared by Mary Irene McDonald and church volunteers. Gary Hafner led 18 Wesley gentlemen in serving. Eight children ages 2 to 10 modeled clothing from Younker's with Mollie Lippelgoes as moderator, they were: Ava Spaulding, Miya DeWinter, Logan Bailey, Alyse Baker, Elizabeth Alberhasky, Sofie Roquet, and twins, Emma and Evelyn Miiller. Eight ladies modeled designs from The HallTree with owner, Kathy Crosley, as moderator. Prizes of potted plants were given during & after the exciting event. Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi [] Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes [] The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services and the Cyber Space Administration of China has concluded a successful meeting, said Deputy Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize. Representatives of government departments, state-owned companies, the private sector, industry associations, advisory bodies, and other government agencies took part in the meeting. The meeting focused on strengthening ties between the two governments in the area of ICT and cyberspace. It covered topics that include e-government and cyber security, said the department. We need to find ways of analysing data to help us improve the protection of the vulnerable people online, focusing on women and the youth, said Mkhize. A signing ceremony between the South African Mustek Limited Group and the Chinese Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Group also took place. The meeting followed complaints from the DA that the Chinese are an inappropriate source of counsel in terms of the Internet sphere. More on the government Media24 and SA government launch historic partnership Internet promises: ANC vs DA vs EFF Wrapping up the remaining Napa River flood control projects within the city of Napa is going to take longer than anticipated, maybe years longer. Until then, some 2,000 parcels remain vulnerable in a major flood. About three miles of flood walls and a pump station remain unbuilt. Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District officials estimate the entire package wont be finished until 2023 in a best-case scenario and perhaps not until 2027. For years and years, it was always assumed the projects would be completed in 2018, District Engineer Phil Miller said. Its become increasingly clear thats not going to be the case. That leaves areas near the planned flood walls among them the Soscol and Lincoln avenues intersection and a swath of residential development south of downtown vulnerable to the worst that a storm-swollen Napa River might muster. The Measure A half-cent flood control tax passed by voters in 1998 expires in 2018. Such features as downtown Napa flood walls and flood plains, various replacement traffic bridges, new south Napa wetlands and the downtown bypass are complete. But the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - the districts funding and construction partner has balked at building the remaining features. Corps officials say the additional flood protection isnt justified by the cost under federal cost/benefit rules. Those features include building: A mile of flood walls along the west riverbank north and south of Lincoln Avenue. A half-mile of flood walls in the Oxbow district. A mile-long flood wall along Riverside Drive from the Hatt building south to Imola Avenue. A half-mile flood wall along Soscol Avenue in the auto row area. In addition, a pump station is to be built at the recently completed bypass. The flood control district isnt giving up. It came up with a plan to whittle the cost for the remaining projects down to $77 million, $103 million less than the original plan. That could change the Army Corps of Engineers cost/benefit calculations. District officials said the Corps should review the plan and say by years end whether its willing to continue building the local flood control project. The district will pay the Corps $105,000 to do the analysis. The best-case scenario for the district is that the Corps agrees to build the full package. Another possibility is the Corps agrees to build part of the package, most likely the $36 million Lincoln Avenue flood walls and the pump station, district officials said. If the Corps sticks to its decision to end the local flood control project with the recently completed, $18.5 million bypass, the flood district could try to build the remaining, proposed flood walls and pump station on its own. That would entail finding another $33 million beyond what it has. Perhaps the district could reduce its costs by getting developers to help build portions of the flood walls, district senior engineer Andrew Butler said. Perhaps it could save money by building lower walls that provide less flood protection, perhaps for up to a 50-year storm as opposed to a 100-year storm. Smaller walls could have fewer impacts locally, Butler said. For example, a wall a few feet tall along Riverside Drive would allow people to still see the river, as opposed to a higher wall. Funding options include seeking state grants. Another option listed in a district report is a new tax or assessment, though Miller said that Napa residents are already being asked to consider several taxes for other purposes. Flood control officials presented the various ideas to the district Board of Directors on Tuesday. The board consists of county supervisors and representatives from local cities. Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht is still pushing for the Corps to do the entire remaining project. He, Miller and Napa Mayor Jill Techel will fly to Washington, D.C. July 5-7 at a cost not to exceed $7,500 to lobby for this outcome. Were still trying to get everything done, Wagenknecht said. But its harder and harder to see that all happening. Four feet of water stood at the intersection of Soscol and Lincoln avenues after the devastating New Years Eve flood of 2005. Cars went under water. People had to be rescued from nearby homes by rescue teams using boats. Perhaps flooding wouldnt be as bad as in 2005 if a similar storm hit today. District Flood Control Operations Manager Richard Thomasser said various flood control features built further down the Napa River would have an effect. Yet Lincoln Avenue near Napa River and other parts of Napa still lack the 100-year flood protection goal listed in 1998s Measure A. The district is continuing its push to change this. A typical work day is supposed to last about eight hours, but what if youre asked to stay and work another eight hours? Thanks to mandatory overtime, this can happen to nurses and psychiatric technicians at Napa State Hospital. The practice of mandatory overtime has been used at medical facilities for years. It was outlawed in the private sector in 2001, but not at state medical facilities, prompting picketing Thursday by employees at Napa State Hospital. Picketers wearing purple colors of the hospitals Service Employees International Union (SEIU) received encouragement from passing motorists who beeped their horns and called out in support. Outsiders really dont know know how much this issue is affecting workers and patients, said Sheri Hinkle, a health service specialist at Napa State, who is also the senior union steward. They dont know were working fatigued, were working tired, we cant go home to take care of our parents, we cant take care of our children we can barely take care of ourselves, Hinkle said. Hinkle said that nurses, psychiatric technicians and psychiatric technician assistants can all be mandated to work up to 16 hours a day every other day up to two times a week. That means it is possible for a nurse or technician to work for 8 hours on Monday, 16 hours on Tuesday, 8 on Wednesday, 16 on Thursday and 8 on Friday. Because of this schedule, Hinkle said, people are working while tired, making more medication errors, are more stressed and their whole lives become disrupted. Employees are also faced with never knowing when they will be mandated, Hinkle said. This realization has made more and more people volunteer to work overtime in an effort to control how their lives are disrupted. Say, (my) daughter is graduating Friday and you know you might get mandated, so Im going to go ahead and Im going to volunteer on Wednesday or Thursday, she said. This practice makes it look like mandatory overtime is decreasing, but it hasnt, Hinkle said. Mandatory OT can be required despite the hardship on the employee, Hinkle said. The reason an employee cant stay doesnt matter it can be a scheduling conflict with college classes, lack of a babysitter, appointments or even weddings and graduations. The hospital dont really care that youre going to school when youre mandated, youre mandated, she said. Hinkle said she began working at the hospital in the 1980s and that the problem, which hardly existed then, has gotten progressively worse over the years. I dont know why the Department of State Hospitals has done this as a form of staffing, but we know it has to stop, Hinkle said. According to a report by the California Little Hoover Commission, state-employed nurses and psychiatric technicians worked 3.75 million hours in overtime and the state paid $179 million in overtime pay during the 2014-2015 fiscal year. The commission is an independent oversight agency that investigates state government operations and promotes efficiency, economy and improved service. The commission found that excessive overtime is not safe for staff or patients and that it makes it difficult for state facilities to attract and retain quality staff. And the issue isnt just within the Department of State Hospitals, but it also affects the California Correctional Health Services, the Department of Developmental Services and the California Department of Veterans Affairs, the commission said. According to the commissions report, the Department of State Hospitals said it was saving money by using overtime instead of hiring more employees. The department said that there would be an additional cost of $7,100 for each additional psychiatric technician, $11,829 for each additional registered nurse and $4,999 for each additional licensed vocational nurse, the commission said. The commission recommended that the figures provided by the Department of State Hospitals be analyzed to see if there is a connection between long work hours, workplace injuries and workers compensation costs. Ken Paglia, representative for the Department of State Hospitals, said that the department has been reviewing the use of mandatory overtime in its hospitals to determine how to reduce it and is conducting a study to evaluate staffing levels in its hospitals. Providing a safe and optimal work environment is a top priority, Paglia said, but that the department must also ensure it provides adequate staffing to meet patient care needs on a 24/7 basis. At times, increased staffing is necessary to improve safety on a unit when a patients acuity increases and they become a danger to themselves or others, he said. The department balances this need with the need to have staff work mandatory overtime. He said that there are many factors that contribute to the departments use of mandatory overtime, including staffing ratios, fluctuations in patient acuity, staff illness and injuries, and vacancies. Longtime Napa State Hospital employee Michael Jarschke knows that resources are tight, but still thinks change can happen. Jarschke, a psychiatric technician and chapter president of the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians (CAPT) at the hospital, joined in Thursdays rally. Hes been at the hospital since 1972. Jarschke became a technician because he had a talent for talking people down and knew he could use that talent to help people. Hes passionate about what he does, he said, but after years of working under such duress, he said that he dreads going to work. I wake up and Im fine for just a few seconds and then I realize Oh and I actually feel myself tense up, he said. Throughout the years, he said that clients have gotten more dangerous and the limited resources and staffing issues dont help the matter. Jarschke said employees are concerned about their safety. The assaults can be very brutal, he said. And when psychiatric technicians are stressed, overworked and tired, theyre more vulnerable to these attacks since they are less alert, he said. It does affect families, believe me, Jarschke said. I raised my kids doing mandatory overtimes back to back and it was very difficult. Jarschke said that when he told his 19-year-old son that they were going to begin working on getting rid of mandatory overtime, his son started to tear up, remembering what it was like growing up. When he came home for dinner at night, his son would ask him if he had to go back, Jarschke said. It really did affect my family. The outdoor artwork paying tribute to Napa Countys Latino community will go back on display by the fall, according to leaders of a restoration effort. Freshening work on the 14-year-old Napa Latino Heritage Mural is about 60 percent complete and is expected to last until late July or early August, Ed Shenk, co-chairman of the restoration campaign, said. The mural, which depicts prominent people and events from the valleys Latino past, is scheduled for re-mounting on the First Street facade of the Carithers Building in downtown Napa in time for Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16. Jose Charles, one of the murals three artists, is overseeing a makeover that will brighten faded colors, add the figures of Mexican-American farmworkers, and add a frame and backing intended to protect the painting for another two to three decades. Restoration has been taking place in the Napa County corporation yard on Water Street since January, a month after the artwork was removed from the First Street site it had occupied since its 2002 unveiling. Original plans called for completing the mural restoration by March 31, the 89th anniversary of the birth of Cesar Chavez. The labor rights activist and United Farm Workers founder is among the historic figures honored in the painting, which was created by Charles, Rene Pulido and Cor Grieve. But plans to freshen the Carithers Building, a hub for various county offices, encouraged the Latino Mural Restoration Project to stretch its schedule accordingly. Originally we wanted it done by March and thank God that didnt work out, because we underestimated the time, Shenk said. The county said it would paint the Carithers Building this summer, and that gives Jose more time to really do the (mural) job well. The makeover includes adding color to figures and backgrounds to punch up areas of the artwork weathered by more than a decade of exposure. In addition, Charles is augmenting a 20-by 24-inch section in the murals lower right area with the figures of local farmworkers. The final steps will be the addition of a clearcoat top layer to resist graffiti and sun-induced fading, and a 1 -inch-wide metal frame to protect the mural edges and separate it from moisture in the underlying wall. Completing that work by early August would give the new paint a month or more to cure before the murals rededication, according to Charles. The sun doesnt hit it too bad over there; its a good place, he said of the north-facing wall. I have a goal of 30 years before the next major restoration. The restoration committee has raised more than $15,000 for the mural project using a combination of funds from the city, Napa Chamber of Commerce and private donors. Tyler Farr will make a special appearance at the legendary downtown Broadway bar, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 7:30 PM CST. This free show presented by NRA Country will be Farrs first since he had to cancel a tour due to having microlaryngeal throat surgery to remove a vocal polyp on his vocal chords in January of this year. Storme Warren of SiriusXM will host the event. Farr expressed excitement to return to his former employer saying, I worked at Tootsies when I first moved to Nashville. Seems fitting to have my first show be back where it started! The power vocalist first became aware of vocal issues while on tour with Jason Aldean last summer and the problem was identified during a severe bout of bronchitis at the end of 2015. This is the last thing I wouldve ever expected, said the operatically-trained Farr. I sing hard, and I give it everything I have every night, but I really believed I was putting my training to work. After a #1 song, an awesome tour with Jason and getting engaged, this is not how I thought I was going to be winding up 2015. Rather than wait and see, Farr and his medical team opted to remove the polyps and begin vocal rest, followed by aggressive therapy. To maximize recovery and minimize time off the road, the Missouri-born owner of three gold and one platinum single canceled all shows for the next few months. Forget cowboys, mamas dont let your babies grow up to be criminals. A 32-year-old man in Carroll County, Georgia who has either the best name ever or the worst was booked into jail on Monday, May 9, and charged with possession of meth, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and entering an automobile with the intent to commit theft. That mans best/worst name ever? Willie Nelson Waylon Jennings Scarborough. According to the Times-Georgian (via Saving Country Music), WNWJ allegedly broke into a car, stole a pistol, and then had his getaway car, a Chrysler PT Cruiser (best getaway vehicle ever), run out of gas in the middle of a road. Police responded to citizen reports to assist the stranded motorist, but got suspicious and ended up searching his car. Our deputies said he indicated that he had ran out of gas. As the officers were speaking with him, they noticed a plastic bag in the vehicle that led them to conduct a further search, Capt. Jeff Richards of the Carroll County Sheriffs Office told the Times-Georgian.. The search allegedly turned up not only meth but also the stolen pistol. We think he may have broke into a few other vehicles, but that hasnt been confirmed yet, Capt. Jeff Richards said. Were still investigating the case, so there could be more charges added. On top of the car break-ins, Scarborough is also accused of breaking into a shed and stealing a weedeater. 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Driver dies in hospital 25 days after Armenia road accident Gold weakly appreciates Komsomolskaya Pravda: PM Pashinyan is handing over Karabakh in order to take Armenia to the West Vedomosti daily: Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia leaders to hold face-to-face talks Russia to evade G7 plan to cap oil prices, export 90% of its oil? Russia military forces announce reason for fighter jet crash in Yeysk OSCE fact-finding mission visits Armenias Syunik Province (PHOTOS) US dollar may be closer to peak than markets think Syunik governor in Frances Vienne, sister city of Armenias Goris, discusses implemented projects, future cooperation Climate protesters throw mashed potatoes at Monet painting in Germany museum There is chance for peace in Ukraine, Macron says US, Russia defense chiefs discuss Ukraine situation for 2nd time in last few days Turkey plans to set up 2 more military bases in northern Syria Germany wants to use Israel UAVs to protect its key infrastructures UK defense secretary holds phone talk with Russia counterpart US to attempt set Russia oil price cap above $60 per barrel? Russia, Turkey defense ministers confer about Ukraine situation Armenia official: Terms for buying, building houses for those displaced from Artsakh have improved Saudi Arabia forum set to draw American business leaders despite existing tensions Iran plans to increase natural gas exports to Turkey Iran army ground forces holding exercise in West Azarbaijan Province Sovereignty renunciation to be punished in Armenia with 12-15 years of imprisonment, as per justice ministry draft 2 pilots killed in Russia fighter jet crash Russia, France defense ministers discuss Ukraine Fighter jet crashes into house in Russias Irkutsk 150 residents of 3 Karabakh settlements handed over to Azerbaijan get compensation certificates Rishi Sunak confirms UK premier bid Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson hold talks Biden slammed for 'scary' long pause during interview Elite US troops conducting exercises on Ukraine border Iran MP: Military exercises on Azerbaijan border are decisive response to Israel Xi Jinping elected Communist Party of China Central Committee general secretary Armenia envoy presents credentials to Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency chair Hungary to approve by years end Sweden, Finland petitions to join NATO US researchers debunk main theory for origin of life Iranian MP: Iran will conduct military exercises wherever it deems necessary Finnish delegation to visit Ankara to discuss NATO membership Social media giants are likely to oppose Turkey's new law Pastor steals $900,000 to buy stocks and car in U.S. Lithuanian President Nauseda is named most popular politician in country Charles III will embark on longest tour of world in history of royal family Deputy Director of Institute of Oriental Studies of RAS: Baku's goal is that Karabakh has no Armenian population Hurricane Roslyn in Pacific Ocean intensifies to third category Italy's new prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, begins forming government YEREVAN. The adversary continued shooting toward the northeastern sector of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, from late Friday night to early Saturday morning. During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired irregular shots at the Armenian position-holders, and by way of rifle and sniper weaponry, informed the press service of the Ministry of Defense (MOD) of Armenia. According to the MOD press release, the Armenian armed forces, however, control the border situation and confidently carry out their tasks. As reported earlier, the tension along the Line of Contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces was maintained also from Friday afternoon to early Saturday morning. As a result, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) Defense Army serviceman Hovhannes Poghosyan, 21, sustained a severe gunshot wound. It is noteworthy that the adversary has put upon the Karabakh side [the responsibility for] the bombing of the line of contact and its [own] measures of destabilizing the situation, which once again attests [to the fact] that the Azerbaijani side disregards the mediation efforts to settle the problem, and deliberately aggravates the situation, the MOD press service stated. As a result of the actions taken in response by the NKR Defense Army vanguard units, however, the adversarys activeness was suppressed. Kremlin says Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents prepare to meet Leading Party Sponsor: Conservative Party is not fit to run Britain 'From Old Memory': Drivers can't see road signs on section of North-South highway under construction in Yerevan Russian MFA: We are sure that attempts of external forces to split Moscow and Yerevan will not succeed Yair Lapid: Israel is deeply concerned over Russia and Iran's military ties Another school shooting in U.S.: 3 dead, including shooter Azerbaijani Armed Forces shell Armenian positions Kenyan police shoot and kill prominent Pakistani journalist OSCE representatives visit villages affected by Azerbaijani aggression in Syunik Province US presidential adviser calls OPEC's decision to cut oil production political move Lavrov: Russia and Iran gave comprehensive answers about alleged use of Iranian drones Netanyahu's comeback dominates Israel's elections Georgian president complains that she was not informed about Aliyev's visit S&P Global Market Intelligence: Recession in Eurozone looks increasingly inevitable Benny Gantz tells his Ukrainian colleague that Israel will not supply weapons to Kiev Greek Armed Forces can effectively respond to any provocation by Turkey Qatar urges to depoliticize oil and gas General Staff of Armed Forces head discusses Ukraine with his British colleague Zelenskyy: Russia wouldn't cooperate militarily with Iran if Israel had not denied air defense systems to Kyiv Azerbaijan sends note in connection with 'anti-Azerbaijani statements' on Channel One Goldman Sachs foretells European business worst year since global financial crisis Artificial intelligence leads political party in Denmark Aliyev says Baku-Tbilisi-Kars route should be increased U.S. State Department official expresses support for Armenia's sovereignty Iranian MFA: IRGC exercises on borders with Azerbaijan are not directed against any neighboring state Pashinyan: Damage caused to country by corruption must be restored Rishi Sunak to become UK PM Armenia official: Defense sector expenses will increase the most, state budget allocations will increase by 160bln drams Iranian president congratulates Xi Jinping: Tehran is determined to expand comprehensive relations with Beijing Russian MOD: Work on Ukraine's 'dirty bomb' comes to end Dollar drops, euro goes up in Armenia Fly Arna planning to conduct 2 weekly flights between Yerevan and Beirut Ilham Aliyev: Azerbaijan doubles gas and oil exports to Europe via Georgia Two quakes hit near Tbilisi Aliyev: Azerbaijan-Armenia agreement signing will be guarantee of peace in entire South Caucasus Over 1.5 million light bulbs lit simultaneously in India: New Guinness World Record Garibashvili: Georgia is ready to support peaceful neighborhood initiative in South Caucasus Azerbaijan to export 157 GW of electric energy via Georgia 3, including one foreigner, arrested after illegal weapons, ammunition found in Armenia town house Milliyet: Turkey has tightened control over the Bosphorus Strait due to mines in the Black Sea Northern France hit by tornado Armenia FM to head for Vatican on official visit NYT: Israel gives Ukraine intelligence data to fight UAVs Police detains opposition activists in Azerbaijan Armenia, Azerbaijan deputy PMs to meet in Brussels in first week of November Azerbaijani Defense Minister goes on working visit to Turkey Artsakh ombudsman shows Azerbaijan destruction of Armenian cultural heritage Naryshkin urges international community not to allow Ukraine's nuclear status Azerbaijan president visits Georgia Macron: Ukrainian conflict should not make us forget about Armenia, Syria, Iraq and other wars Charles Michel: Ukraine itself must decide when to resume talks with Russia Finance ministry: Armenia national debt will decrease in dram terms but we will borrow new debts Man, 38, dies after being hit by car in Armenia Partial solar eclipse set on October 25 Foreign cyclist, 38, dies in Armenia road accident Marukyan: Why are you so nervous about expected international presence in Armenia if you aren't planning new aggression? Driver dies in hospital 25 days after Armenia road accident Gold weakly appreciates Komsomolskaya Pravda: PM Pashinyan is handing over Karabakh in order to take Armenia to the West Vedomosti daily: Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia leaders to hold face-to-face talks Russia to evade G7 plan to cap oil prices, export 90% of its oil? Russia military forces announce reason for fighter jet crash in Yeysk OSCE fact-finding mission visits Armenias Syunik Province (PHOTOS) US dollar may be closer to peak than markets think Syunik governor in Frances Vienne, sister city of Armenias Goris, discusses implemented projects, future cooperation Climate protesters throw mashed potatoes at Monet painting in Germany museum There is chance for peace in Ukraine, Macron says US, Russia defense chiefs discuss Ukraine situation for 2nd time in last few days Turkey plans to set up 2 more military bases in northern Syria Germany wants to use Israel UAVs to protect its key infrastructures UK defense secretary holds phone talk with Russia counterpart US to attempt set Russia oil price cap above $60 per barrel? Russia, Turkey defense ministers confer about Ukraine situation Armenia official: Terms for buying, building houses for those displaced from Artsakh have improved Saudi Arabia forum set to draw American business leaders despite existing tensions Iran plans to increase natural gas exports to Turkey Iran army ground forces holding exercise in West Azarbaijan Province Sovereignty renunciation to be punished in Armenia with 12-15 years of imprisonment, as per justice ministry draft 2 pilots killed in Russia fighter jet crash Russia, France defense ministers discuss Ukraine The international community must ensure a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, US Congress member Ted Poe told Voice of America Armenian service. He noted that France, the US, and Russia had earlier agreed to resolve this problem, and in his view, they need to fulfill their respective commitment. In the congressmens words, Russia is not sufficiently interested in the settlement of this conflict, whereas the US and Europe need to be more actively involved in achieving a settlement. Poe added France, the US, and Russia should combine their efforts and settle the problem in an equitable way for everyone. But according to analyst Joshua Walker of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the current US administration is trying not to partake in new international initiatives in the lead-up the forthcoming presidential election in the country. As per Walker, however, at the same time Washington has adopted an approach that if the situation grows worse, you need to move forward, instead of reacting to the events that already have occurred. In the analysts words, Russias actions with respect to the Karabakh conflict need to be balanced with the actions by the West. According to Walker, however, Moscow cannot put serious pressure on Yerevan, yet it is another matter that Russia is not interested in a final settlement of the conflict. As for the present-day situation, when the escalation of the Karabakh conflict is the only way to draw international attention, the analyst is convinced that this needs to change. In Joshua Walkers view, the sole option to resolve this conflict is the political path, and the only question is what can be doneduring the next six monthsto come out of the current impasse. Any meeting between the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan will have a positive import, since the absence of contacts further contributes to the deterioration of the situation at the line of contact, Russian political scientist Andrey Areshev told Armenian News-NEWS.am. In his words, the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict would learn a lesson from the events in April, especially in terms of resolving the conflict by force. Both the Russian side and the American partners repeatedly spoke about a political settlement of the conflict, Areshev noted. But, now, the word is about confidence-building measures, and strengthening the constantly-violated ceasefire regime, which is open-ended. I believe that, now, it is hardly possible to discuss global issues at such meetings. The analyst expressed a view that, now, it is indispensable to discuss, first and foremost, the matters with respect to preventing the escalation of hostilities, and creating reliable mechanisms to ensure at least a relative stability of the ceasefire. 19:59 "I don't consider Uttarakhand as damage. If you look with honesty, you will find that the root of Uttarakhand crisis lies in the March 18 incident," he said. On March 18, 36 people out of 67 voted against the budget. The budget and the Appropriation Bill were defeated and the state government should have resigned. Then they say that there should be a floor test. Was March 18 incident not a floor test? There was a division demanded and the Speaker denied counting the votes," he added. He also attacked the Harish Rawat-led state government for blaming the Centre for not allowing the floor test to take place earlier. "Today, they are praising the floor test and blaming that the Centre had not allowed for it before. But the fact is that March 18 incident was a floor test. Nine of the MLAs were disqualified because they voted against the budget. And then they are saying that it was the Speaker, who gave a wrong ruling," he said. The Centre on May 11 revoked President's rule from Uttarakhand after Chief Minister Harish Rawat proved his majority on the floor of the House. Despite the Bharatiya Janata Party facing a humiliating defeat in the Uttarakhand floor test, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said that it was not a damage, adding the root cause behind the political crisis in the hill state was the March 18 incident. NEW DELHI: In an effort to contribute further to the "Digital India" initiative, chip-making giant Intel India on Friday launched an initiative to strengthen the use of technology in the country's education ecosystem. At an event jointly organised by Intel and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here, the company said it is collaborating with leading device manufacturers, education digital content and publishers and education solution providers to build end-to-end solutions that promote the use of technology in India's education sector. "The initiative to create a comprehensive ecosystem is an endeavour to establish an accessible digital infrastructure that enables affordable solutions," said Debjani Ghosh, managing director of Intel South Asia, in a statement. As part of this collaboration, Intel has made available its "Intel Pentium Processor A1020" to leading device manufacturer partners. The processor delivers power savings and is optimal for devices designed for running education applications in semi-urban and rural India. Device manufacturers such as Acer, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Micromax, Datamini and iBall will continue to provide a spectrum of Intel architecture-based devices, the company informed. Intel will help deploy management solutions for schools, classrooms, content and learning and also manage student information systems. Read Also: New Technology Gives Robots Human-Like Precision Social Networking Giant Facebook to Launch the New "Discover" The government should prevail upon Sri Lanka to reconstruct a church in Katchatheevu island after consulting Indian fishermen, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. In the letter to Modi, Jayalalithaa brought to his notice Sri Lanka's plans to demolish the ancient St. Anthony's Church in Katchatheevu and build a new one. "This reported move of the Sri Lankan government has greatly exercised the Indian fishermen in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu who have regularly visited and worshipped at this Church for several centuries," Jayalalithaa said in the letter. "The fishermen who mostly belong to the Roman Catholic faith are extremely concerned that they have not been consulted regarding the proposed reconstruction," she added. According to Jayalalithaa, in order to effectively allay the apprehensions of the Indian fishermen, the government of India ought to urgently respond to this "provocation". She said the Indian government should prevail upon the Sri Lankan Government to first consult the fishermen from Tamil Nadu on this issue and take further steps in this regard only in consultation with all the key stakeholders. Katchatheevu is a 285-acre island off Rameswaram in the narrow Palk Strait that divides Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka and was once part of Ramanathapuram district. After agreements in 1974 and 1976 between India and Sri Lanka, the island was ceded to the latter. The sea near the island is said to be rich in marine life, leading to frequent clashes between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen. --IANS vj/kb/bg ( 272 Words) 2016-05-14-17:04:09 (IANS) The Indian cabinet has given its approval to the country's first Intellectual Rights Property (IRP) policy in a bid to give an impetus to ease of doing business in the country. On Friday, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the new policy sought to make the trademark registration process a lot less tedious. "Normally it takes years to get a trademark registered. In the coming months, all this has now started online and trademark offices have been modernized, the aim is to reduce this time to reduce registration time to a few months and by 2017 it will take only a month to register a trademark," Jaitley told media here. He added that there was a need to create an atmosphere of inventibility and innovation The IRP policy seeks to protect products of human intelligence through copyrights, patents and trademarks. India has a copyright law but only the publishing industry falls in its ambit. However, the new policy will cover music industry, cinema and industrial designs. Jaitley added that though India's current laws were World Trade Organisation (WTO) compliant, a continuous evolution of these laws will always be required. "The objective behind the IPR policy is very clear. As the economy develops and new inventions come in; trade, commerce and business grow, and in order to provide an impetus to the various sectors IPR systems, laws and its enforcement machinery should be present in any big economy," said Jaitley. The Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion will be the nodal officer who will take decisions in consultations with other departments. In its annual list issued early this month, U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) Office figured India as one of countries with the worst records of preventing the theft of intellectual property. India stays on the highest priority watch list due to lack of measurable improvements to its intellectual property legal framework, despite stepped up enforcement efforts, the USTR said. Global pharmaceutical firms are pressuring the United States to act against India to stop more local companies producing up to a dozen new varieties of cheap generic drugs still on-patent. Emerging markets, from South Africa to China and India, are battling to bring down healthcare costs and boost access to drugs to treat diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Western drug makers, including Pfizer Inc, Novartis AG, Roche Holding AG and Sanofi SA, covet a bigger share of the fast-growing drugs market in India. But they have been frustrated by a series of decisions on patents and pricing, as part of New Delhi's push to increase access to life-saving treatments where only 15 percent of 1.2 billion people are covered by health insurance. (ANI) The retirement of the Seahawk aircraft brings to my mind various memories, during peace and war. First, it was one of the most excitable moments of my career as a communicator, as I was officiating as the public relations officer to the Navy in the rank of an army captain. I was chosen by Captain Narsingh, a fellow South Canara officer much elder to me, who inducted me as the naval publicity officer to officiate as Naval PRO in his absence. Captain Narsingh was officiating as Director of Public Relations to the Government of Goa. The offer suited me, as newly married, I could stay on in Delhi where my father-in-law was based, and it also gave me opportunities to visit Bombay (now Mumbai), where I had undergone my post graduation. The INS Vikrant had just joined the fleet then with Sea Harriers and the vertical take-off Breguet Allize aircraft. During one of my visits to Bombay, I called on Khushwant Singh, the then editor of the Illustrated Weekly of India and asked him whether he would be interested in an article by me on the aircraft carrier. His response was positive. I requested the Chief Photo Officer, Major G.S. Pablay, and Shri Abnashi Ram of the Films Division to join me. We were airlifted to the aircraft carrier somewhere offshore in the Arabian Sea. I was accommodated in a cabin meant for a Captain of the Navy, which was then equivalent to a senior army colonel. Once allotted, I decided to enjoy my status. In the evening, I went to the officers' mess, where were joined by a few pilots and naval aviation officers. We had couple of Black Label drinks. I interacted with Navy Flt. Lt. Acharya, who incidentally hailed from South Kanara, as I did. We spoke in Kannada, and both looked forward enthusiastically to the events of the next morning. I got up early and me and my team of Major Pablay and Abnashi Ram were briefed about the operations, shown the Sea Hawks, which were operational and the vertical take-off Breguet Alizes and then taken to the flight deck. We were shown the catapults which helped the Sea Hawks catapult off the carrier. We took some photographs as the ship sailed into the Arabian Sea. We were waiting to take some pictures of the Sea Hawks being catapulted from and arrested by the carrier. I had not bargained for the shock that I had witnessed. One of the Seahawks plunged into the sea as soon as it catapulted. All action came to close on board. I thought there would be no flying on board the aircraft carrier that day. I saw the carrier stop and the naval divers dive into the sea to locate the Seahawk and save the pilot. Soon the search operation was abandoned. The captain of the ship, Captain Krishnan came to his station on board and briefly addressed the sailors on board. He asked us to observe two minutes silence in the memory of Flt. Lt. Acharya, whom I had met the previous evening in the bar. Captain Krishnan then announced: "Operations will recommence. Please go to your stations aboard. " And the flying activities continued for two more days. I admired the way the officers and sailors continued their activities aboard. Accidents were a part of their lives. Much more challenging would be operations during a war. My article on the INS Vikrant was accepted and published by the Illustrated Weekly of India. My prestige went up as a public relations officer of the Navy and Admiral Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda offered me the job of PRO (Navy) But I had promised my senior in the service, Lt. Commander U. Narsingh that I would vacate the seat when he returned. I was promoted in the army and moved to the north east Incidentally, the Sea Hawks played an important role in the war with Pakistan in 1971, and conducted air raid on Cox Bazar and Chittagong. East Pakistan harbors were completely neutralized by INS Vikrant. The brother of Flt. Lt. Acharya, became the Chief of Naval Aviation. One of the pilots of Sea Hawks, Ram Tahiliani became the Chief of Naval Staff. Mr. I. Ramamohan Rao is a former Principal Information Officer of the Government of India. He can be reached at raoramamohan@hotmail.com. (ANI) Siwan Superintendent of Police told ANI that the two are being grilled to procure more details regarding the shocking murder. Ranjan, a journalist with Hindi daily Hindustan was shot dead by criminals near the Siwan railway station. Two bullets were fired at the Siwan bureau chief of the daily that hit on his head and neck. He was shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. According to police, five motorcycle-borne criminals were waiting for Ranjan, who was walking down the road to his home, and shot him twice. The ruling party JD (U) leader Ajay Alok, told ANI that the government would nab the culprits within 48 hours. "No matter who the criminals are, the government is determined to hunt them down within 48 hours." (ANI) A Nigerian National was arrested here for allegedly trying to smuggle out ganja. The arrested foreigner was identified as Ikechukwu Augustine (23), who came to india a year ago on tourist visa and was living in Hyderabad. According to the City Task Force (CTF) ACP, I Chittibabu, the accused had come to Visakhapatnam along with another Nigerian friend and a man from Hyderabad around five months back. The trio visited tourist spots in Vizag Agency area including Araku and came in contact with Raju with whom they allegedly smuggled nearly 50 kg of dry ganja at that time. Later the Nigerian national procured over 50 kgs dry ganja again from Araku and smuggled it from the city, police alleged. Augustine was arrested yesterday when he made a third attempt to smuggle the contraband, he said. He said that Augustine has established contacts in remote areas of Vizag with the support of few others. Yesterday, Augustine boarded a bus from Paderu after procuring around 32 kgs of dry ganja and was caught while alighting near Dwarakanagar area in the city, they said. The Nigerian procured the ganja at a cost of Rs 3,000 per kg in Vizag agency and he was reportedly selling it at Rs 7,000 a kg in Hyderabad. The CTF police has handed over the arrested Nigerian to the Special Branch for further investigation. UNI BSR CNR1115 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-731981.Xml All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) election in-charge for Puducherry, Pugazenthi today claimed that Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy had failed to fulfil the promises given in the 2011 election manifesto. Talking to news persons here today, he said Mr. Rangasamy announced the provision of free washing machines in the 2011 election manifesto but did not keep up the promise and has repeated again during the current elections too. Taking into consideration the prevailing financial crisis in the union territory Rangasamy could not fulfil this promise and he will not be able to provide even "Jug", his party's symbol to the people,he added. An AIADMK government alone could resolve the financial crisis here,he claimed. Alleging that the congress and N R Congress had copied the election manifesto of the AIADMK, Mr Pugazenthi said that there are no schemes to ensure the development of the union territory in the manifestos of the two parties and added that people cannot be "cheated" by announcing freebies.UNI PAB CNR1134 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-731986.Xml Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with other dignitaries welcomed the Prime Minister at the airport. Mr Modi will deliver his address on the occasion, official sources said.UNI XC-BDG RSA 1105 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-731967.Xml Armed criminals shot at two Uttar Pradesh GRP constables, escorting a passenger train between Chausa and Buxur stations in Bihar, killing one of them on the spot, Police sources here today The criminals also looted the rifles and bullets of the GRP constables late last night and escaped in the dark when the train slowed down.Two GRP constables Abhishek Sngh and Nandlal Singh were escorting the Mugalsaria-Buxar passenger train. When the train left Chausa, on the UP-Bihar border, 8 to 10 criminals, who were inside the train, attacked the policemen at around 2300 hrs. In the attack, Abhishek Singh died on the spot while Nandlal was critically injured and admitted to the hospital.A police report from Ballia said a teacher shot dead his wife and son over some petty dispute in Maniyar area of the district late last night.Superintendent of Police (SP) Manoj Kumar Jha today said here that the teacher Manoj Singh shot dead his wife Neelam(42) and his son Rahul (22) with a country-made pistol. Later the accused himself informed the police about the crime and alleged that his son killed his wife. But later when police interrogated him, he accepted his crime.UNI MB RSA 1100 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-731936.Xml All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, is likely to contest all 403 seats in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections by forging a Muslim-Dalit combination. AIMIM's UP president, Shaukat Ali, today said a final decision in this regard was yet to be taken but the party in the state was prepared and keen to contest all the assembly seats. He said the party high command had been conveyed about the feelings of the state leaders and the final decision now rests with the party president. Mr Owaisi, was also reported to have shown his interest in contesting all the seats in UP polls, focussing on Dalit-Muslim plank. Mr Ali said AIMIM's main fight would be against the BSP and the SP. "We would expose both the parties," he said, adding that law and order and safety of minorities continue to be the main concern of the people in the state. He said the party was working on building its Muslim-Dalit vote with its slogan 'Jai Bhim - Jai MIM'. Mr Ali said the party was planning to hold a massive rally in UP after Ramzan when Mr Owaisi may announce AIMIM's plan for 2017 elections. According to AIMIM state president, the party has made "massive" inroads in almost all the districts of the state in such a short time and has an active membership of over 10 lakhs. "Majority of the districts now have our party's units and our workers are striving to strengthen our vote base", he said. He said said the party's "strike rate" in Telangana polls had been excellent, winning seven of the nine contested seats, and they were hoping to repeat it in UP. "We have ample time and our performance would be much above the expectations of our opponents," he said, claiming that the AIMIM would play a major role in UP politics, post assembly elections. Political observers feel that if the AIMIM contests all the seats in the state, it could dent the Muslim vote bank of Samajwadi Party considerably. As far as BSP's Dalit vote is concerned, observers say the impact of Owaisi's party on Mayawati would only be limited. While only time would tell how AIMIM performs, the party has already opened its electoral account in the state last year by winning four zila panchayat seatsone each in Azamgarh and Muzaffarnagar and two in Balrampur. Incidentally, two of its four candidates were Hindus. The party had in fact fielded a significant per cent of non-Muslim candidates, mainly Dalits and backwards, in the panchayat polls. AIMIM also performed well in the Bikapur assembly bypolls in Faizabad district when its Dalit candidate Pradeep Kumar Kori came fourth after BJP candidate getting 11,857 votes just around 100 votes short of BJP nominee.UNI MB RSA 1146 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-731988.Xml The hustle and bustle of the high voltage campaign in 234 constituencies for the May 16 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu came to a grinding halt at 1800 hrs today. In a last ditch bid to woo the voters, candidates of various Political Parties, braving the searing summer heat, launched door-door-door campaign in their respective constituencies. Perhaps for the first time in the political and electoral history of the state, the polls would witness a six-cornered contest that has the ruling AIADMK, DMK, DMDK-led People's Welfare Front (PWF) alliance that also included the G K Vasan-led Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC), BJP-led front, PMK and Naam Tamizhar party of actor-director Seeman. Also in the fray are candidates from several registered and unrecognised Political Parties The more than the month-long campaign saw bitter confrontation, with the AIADMK, led by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, singling out her arch-rival, the DMK, in her election rallies. She single-handedly campaigned for the AIADMK by covering almost the entire state canvassing voters for her party candidates as the AIADMK, for the first time, was contesting in all the 234 seats under its 'Two Leaves' symbol. While taking the DMK head on and accused it of being steeped in corruption like the 2G scam and its involvement in land grabbing during its regime in 2006-2011, Ms Jayalalitha, who is eyeing for a second successive term and emulate her political-mentor and AIADMK Founder MGR, also took pride in safeguarding the interests of the state inter-state issues like the Cauvery and Mullaiperiyar dam. Charging the DMK with betraying the interests of the State, Ms Jayalalithaa said she was instrumental in getting the final award of the Cauvery tribunal notifed in the central gazette and raising the storage level in the Mullaiperiyar dam to 142 ft.More UNI GV CNR 1235 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-732103.Xml Amid the raging debate over the prevailing drought in Bundelkhand and people's struggle to get water, the records of Uttar Pradesh government point out that over 4250 water bodies have `vanished' in last one decade from this region. "This is in official record that over 4250 water bodies have disappeared in the last 10 years. But how did this happen, no one seems to know. The DMs and Tehsildars of all seven districts of Bundelkhand could not explain as to where these water bodies have gone," a senior official in Revenue Department said here today. In 1950, the total number of water bodies in Bundelkhand was 21,785 against a total of 875435 water bodies across the state. But gradually this number has dwindled. Till 2012 a total of 4,020 water bodies had vanished from Bundelkhand - 151 in Chitrakoot, 869 in Banda, 541 in Hamirpur and 2,459 in Jhansi. "In the last three years, over 200 more water bodies were lost. This could be because of lack of rain in these years taking the number of lost water bodies to around 4250," the official said. Bundelkhand has one of the lowest levels of per capita income and human development in the country, largely due to frequent droughts caused by scanty rainfall. Agriculture experts opine that vanished water bodies and community-managed ponds have resulted in fall of water level and frequent droughts. Akhil Bharatiya Samaj Sewa Sansthan ,an NGO in Chitrakoot, working among the farmers in Bundelkhand region claimed that these ponds acts as sponge and helps in charging of ground water during rains. "Land sharks are responsible for the disappearance of water bodies. The lure of lucre has forced the authoirities to look the other way as builders and illegal miners exploited the water bodies of Bundelkhand," said Bhagwat Prasad of the NGO. The issue came to light for the first time through an RTI application when the respondent asked for details of water bodies in seven districts of Bundelkhand.The RTI prompted the Revenue department to take up surveys to assess the magnitude of encroachment over water bodies in UP. At the same time in 2012 Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court asked the authorities to ensure that no land grabbing was allowed in this way. The court had also directed the authorities to inform about the ponds that have been covered and constructions done over them. It also directed them to furnish information about the ponds that still existed so that steps could be taken in this matter. After the court order, the government said that encroachments were removed from 3,852 water bodies. But the government is not clear on how many of them are in Bundelkhand. Bhagwat Prasad said that water is the fundamental right of every citizen. "Even Supreme Court has ordered that the protection of natural lakes and ponds honours the most basic fundamental rightthe right to lifewhich is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution," he pointed out. "Now we have reached a scenario where people are grappling to get a bucket of water. All the ponds and lakes have gone dry. The water level has dropped ominously low. This has happened because we are not protecting our water bodies," he said.UNI MB ADG GC1158 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-731950.Xml The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today said that it would launch a protest dharna on May 20 in the respective DC office premises "to press for the rights under MGNREGA to the people". A statement issued by NPCC president K. Therie informed that the sit-in protest will be addressed by NPCC office bearers, PCC members of respective districts and DCC office bearers, including volunteers. It stated that according to the Independence Day message, Nagaland has 4.15 lakh MGNREGA Job Card holders. If so, the government should be able to generate Rs. 643.25 crores annually. But the state could generate only Rs 199.47 crore according to MGNREGA official website, for which the VDB Secretaries and VCCs gave blank cheques on demand from the department concerned. This is the reason of corruption, the NPCC alleged. UNI AS PL RSA GC1249 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0211-731978.Xml Inspector General of Police in-charge Operations, GHP Raju said the militants were arrested from Pynursla area in East Khasi Hills district while they were proceeding towards the international border with the intention flee to Bangladesh. The fourth rebel was a senior cadre of the United Liberation Front of Asom- Independent (ULFA-I). Among them one was identified as Bikhat Ahom alias Smam of Assam's Bongaigaon Dolaigaon area. "Bikhat is a bomb specialist and his arrest is a major breakthrough for the Meghalaya Police as we strongly suspected him of being involved in the November 2014 blast at Jhalupara area (in Shillong)," Mr Raju said. He said the arrested HNLC militants were identified as Nobleson Rynjah alias Bahduh alias Jack, the body of the HNLC's military wing chief Bobby Reagan Marwein, Phrankor Rynjah alias Heh and Kyrseiboklang Lyngdoh. Police also seized two AK rifles, pistols and powerful explosive materials. The total weight of each IED is approx 10 kg. "We will be producing them in the court and start our interrogation to unravel their plans," Mr Raju said. UNI RRK PL RSA RAI1248 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0211-732052.Xml Two people were killed and as many injured when their car was hit by a speeding oil tanker on National Highway 31 near Ambika Bigha village under Mufassil police station area in the district today. Police said here that two people travelling from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand to Patna were killed on the spot when their car was hit by the oil tanker. Two other occupants of the car were injured in the collision, sources added.The injured had been admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital for better treatment. Driver of the oil tanker made good his escape after the accident. Bodies have been sent for post-mortem,sources added.UNI XC DH PL RSA GC1259 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0211-732083.Xml Five people were charred to death and eight suffered burn injuries, when a major fire broke out in a building that housed India Mart Office in Sector 6 of Rajnagar, here this morning. Five people, including four employee of India Mart, died in the incident. Apart from them, eight people also sustained burn injuries, an official said. While around half a dozen persons were rescued from the inferno, three fire department officials also got injured. It took the Fire officials three hours of relentless efforts to douse the flames. The deceased have been identified as Piyush Goyal, Puneet Mishra, Chandra Prakash Tyagi, Ridam and Hemant.According to officials, fire started on the ground floor due to short circuit in Air Conditioning system and in moments, engulfed the upper two floors. The staff of India Mart was busy working on upper floor, when the building caught fire. As soon flames engulfed the building, three fire brigade vans were pressed into service to douse them, a senior fire official said. UNI RG RJ 1530 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0377-732259.Xml Five Indian fishermen sustained injuries and fishing nets worth Rs three lakh were damaged, when the Sri Lankan Navy personnel attacked an Indian country boat near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), today. Six fishermen hailing from Pamban coastal hamlet had ventured into the sea in a country boat for a fishing trip early this morning. When they were fishing on the high seas near the IMBL, the Sri Lankan Naval personnel, who came in a high speed patrol craft pelted stones on the Indian fishing boat. Later, they encircled the fishing boat, assaulted the crew and damaged the fishing nets. They also took away the GPS gadget from the boat, before warning the fishermen to leave the zone. On reaching the shore, the injured fishermen were given first aid. Strongly condemning the attack on fishermen, S.P.Rayappan, President of Country Boat Fishermen Association appealed to Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi to prevent recurrence of attacks on innocent fishermen by Srilankan navy. UNI GSM CNR1445 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-732245.Xml The Greater Chennai City Police has made fool-proof security arrangements to ensure and free and fair poll during the May 16 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. A release from the City Police Commissioner's office here today said besides 28 assembly constituencies partially six constituencies comes under its jurisdiction. It said 12,500 personnel drawn from police, home guards, retired police and ex-army personnel would be deployed on duty in 7,552 polling booths and 544 mobile parties. It said 298 booths have been identified as vulnerable and additional 1,360 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) would be deployed in these locations. In addition, 520 Striking Forces, totalling 4,500 policemen, would also be deployed on election duty. Four Additional Commissioner, six Joint Commissioners, 21 Deputy Commissioners, 78 Assistant Commissioners and 310 Police Inspectors have been given striking forces to attend to any law and order problem. They would be on the move right from the commencement of polling and till the end. ''Apart from this, each police station jurisdiction is divided into various sectors and the responsibilities have been fixed on patrol vehicles and sector beats to attend to law and order issues at the early stage itself in order to pre-empt escalation of law and order problems'',the release said. All the Striking Forces were connected with Control rooms over VHF communication and four control rooms were functioning at the Chennai Police Commissioner's office to monitor the movement of forces according to the requirements. ''The Greater Chennai City has made all fool-proof security arrangements to ensure free and fair elections'', the release said.UNI GV CNR1438 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-732291.Xml Police said a four member gang barged into the house of M.Velmurugan (42), a pig rearer and attacked him and his friend R.Selvaraj (40) with sickles indiscriminately. Both of them died on the spot. Later, two of the assailants identified as Bagavathy and Rajkumar surrendered before the Dindigul north police station, while two others were at large. Investigation revealed that enmity between Velmurugan and Bagavathy, who is also a pig rearer over business rivalry leads to the double murder. Police have registered a case and are searching two others in this connection. UNI GSM CNR1503 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-732333.Xml The Indian Journalists Union (IJU), the premier and most representative organisation of working journalists in the country, strongly condemned the shooting down of two journalists in the last two days, Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau Chief of Dainik Hindustan at Siwan, Bihar on Friday and Akhilesh Pratap Singh at Dewari village in Chatra district of Jharkhand on Thursday. In a statement here today, IJU President S N Sinha, Secretary-General Amar Devulapalli and Press Council of India (PCI) member K Amarnath alleged that the two journalists were killed by goons of the politico-criminal mafia for their courageous exposure of their corrupt and criminal activities through their reportage in their newspaper and TV Channel respectively. Terming the reporters as martyrs in the cause of freedom of the press, the IU leaders said, "The rural reporters, who are the most neglected and ill-paid journalists in the country, are braving the threats and intimidation of political and criminal nexus in the rural expanses of the country. They are in the forefront to defend the democratic ideals and standing up as sentinels of public good and freedom of expression. Three more are added to the list of martyrs in the cause of freedom of the press to the nine that lost their lives last year making it cross the hundredth mark of the victims in the last two decades." The IJU leaders said, Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau Chief, Dainik Hindustan, was the Vice-President of the Siwan District Unit of the Bihar Working Journalists Union (BWJU), affiliated to the IJU and in his death the union and the working journalists community in Bihar lost a valiant fighter for their cause. "We demand that the Bihar and Jharkhand governments to immediately appoint a Special Investigative Team (SIT) with police officers of proven integrity and bring the culprits to book. We also demand that the families of the slain journalists should be paid Rs 25 lakh each by the respective State governments", Sinha, Amar and Amarnath said. They called upon the organisations of working journalists, editors and managements to come together and launch a powerful country-wide campaign for a special law for the protection of journalists. The IJU leaders urged upon the Central government to take stringent steps to implement statutory wages to rural working journalists recommended by the Wage Board. UNI VV MVR 1630 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-732477.Xml The Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) today expressed shock over the alleged murder of two scribes in separate incidents in central India and urged the authorities to punish the culprits under the law. The forum also appealed to media fraternity of the country to get united in the process of delivering justice to the victim families, with distinctive punishment to each and every single perpetrator. According to media reports here, a journalist of Bihar (Rajdeo Ranjan) was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Friday. Earlier another journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh, was gunned down by unidentified people on Thursday night at Dewaria locality in Chatra district of Jharkhand. "We demand stringent actions against the culprits, who dared to target mediapersons. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his Jharkhand counterpart Raghubar Das must wake up to nab the killers at the earliest," said a statement issued by JFA president Rupam Barua and Secretary Nava Thakuria. Three scribes have been killed by unidentified assailants so far this year. Tarun Mishra, 32, who used to work for a Hindi daily (Jan Sandesh Times), was shot dead on February 13 at Gosaiganj locality in Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The JFA reiterated its old demand for a special protection law for the working journalists across the country and called upon the Union government to formulate a national action plan as soon as possible to safeguard the bravehearts, who pursue critical journalism. UNI SG PL RJ AN1620 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0211-732393.Xml In a positive development towards implementation of NRL's Bio Refinery Project, the first in the country, a Bio Refinery Term sheet was signed between NRL and Chempolis Oy, Finland, May 12 last at New Delhi.The Term Sheet shall be the basis for formation of Joint Venture Agreement for implementation of the Project, a Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) statement said here today.The Term sheet was signed by Pasi Rousu, president Asia Pasic and America, Chempolis Oy , Finland and S D Maheshwari GM (Finance) NRL, in presence of P Padmanabhan MD NRL, S.K.Barua Director(Finance) NRL, A Manickam, Ex-Ambassador of India to Finland and currently Director, Chempolis India, and senior NRL officials.A partnership agreement for the Bio Refinery Project was signed between NRL and Chempolis, Oy on October 15, 2014, in the presence of visiting President of India Pranab Mukherjee and President of Finland Sauli Niinist at Finland.NRL is implementing India's first Bio-Refinery in Assam at an estimated cost of Rs 950 crores which would produce bio-ethanol with co-production of furfural and acetic acid from locally available non-food bio-mass feedstock with formicobio technology from Finland based technology provider M/s Chempolis Oy.Bamboo is one of the major non-food biomass resources available abundantly in North East India and is amongst the fastest growing plants.The Bio Refinery is expected to give a fillip to bamboo cultivation in the region and bring about a socio economic transformation.NRL has already inked MoUs with Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) and Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Resources Development Agency (APBRDA) last year for sourcing of bamboo for the Bio Refinery.UNI SG PL RJ SB1622 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0211-732412.Xml A city-based journalist, whose story based on RTI had claimed that Ayush Ministry was denying jobs to Muslim candidates, has been arrested by Delhi Police, accusing him of fabricating the RTI reply. A senior police official said Pushp Sharma, working as journalist with 'Milli Gazette,' was arrested last night from Lajpat Nagar area. He had been picked up earlier also by Delhi Police for questioning in the same case. Sharma had published a story based on a right-to-information question regarding recruitment of yoga teachers for postings abroad. The RTI reply, according to the journal's story, said 3,481 Muslim candidates applied for the job, but none was selected because 'as per government policy.'Soon after the story was published, it instantly created a political storm with the government categorically denying having framed any such policy and opposition decrying religious discrimination. Ayush Minister Shripad Naik, while rubbishing the report as bogus, had said that it was just an attempt to defame them and has further assured of a probe into the whole incident.The AYUSH ministry filed a formal complaint with Delhi Police, asking them to probe the alleged RTI query.UNI RG RJ 1754 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0377-732739.Xml "Students of Government High School, Batardhudiya, Mendhar who got failed in 11th standard this morning staged protest and blocked Poonch-Mendhar highway," police here said. They said that the students alleged that the school authorities failed all the students, which is impossible. "We have pacified the protestors and assured them re-checking," police said adding that the protestors later dispersed.UNI VBH CJ CS1823 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-732710.Xml The city continues to brave hot and humid weather conditions today. The local meteorology department predicted the city may see some isolated thunderstorm this evening Heavy Rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Sikkim and Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Alipurduar districts of Sub Himalayan West Bengal, a senior official of regional meteorological department here today said. Thundersquall (wind speed between 50 to 60km/hrs) likely to occur at isolated places over Gangetic West Bengal and coastal Odisha. Heat wave is likely to occur at isolated places over Odisha, Jharkhand, he said. The local weather department predicted that tomorrow heavy Rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Sikkim and Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Alipurduar districts of Sub Himalayan West Bengal. Heat wave is likely to occur at isolated places over Odisha, Jharkhand. "Conditions are now favourable for the thunderstorms in Kolkata. So far, we have had three moderate-intensity ones. But if the existing conditions prevail, we might have a high-intensity thundershower soon. More could strike in the course of the month," said deputy director general of Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC). Today, the city saw a maximum temperature of 36.6 degrees, two degree above normal and minimum temperature recorded at 24.0, two degree below normal. Pre-monsoon rains and thundershowers have lashed in the city last evening. Though on and off light rains have been witnessed over the capital city but Friday evening saw some good showers. Dum Dum Observatory recorded 23 mm of rain, while Alipore Observatory received 11 mm of rain. UNI BM CJ RJ NS1950 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-732638.Xml The spurt in crimes has reached a new low in Bihar with killing of a senior journalist in Siwan last night, sparking wide spread protest from journalists across the state today, who demanded immediate arrest of the killers. Enraged over the killing of senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan, a large number of journalists from various newspapers and channels took out protest march in Patna, demanding immediate arrest of those involved in his murder. Journalists demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh and security cover for the family members of slain journalist. They also demanded from the state government to constitute Special Investigation Team (SIT) to crack the case and bring the culprits to justice without any further delay. Reports of protest march also continued to percolate from all districts including Siwan. Journalists in various media houses worked wearing black badges to vent their protests over the killing of their colleague. Journalists also expressed their deep concern over the killing of another journalists Akhilesh Pratap Singh at Dewari village in Chatra district of Jharkhand, yesterday. President of Indian Journalist Union (IJU) S N Sinha and Secretary General Amar Devulapalli have condemned the killing of both the scribes. Both the scribes were killed by goons of politico-criminal mafia for their courageous exposure of their corrupt and criminal activities through their reporting in news paper and TV channel, they alleged. Meanwhile, Bihar Working Journalists' Union (BWJU) also condemned the brutal murder of the senior scribe Mr Ranjan. IJU Secretary Amar Mohan Prasad and National Executive member Shivendra Narayan Singh, BWJU General Secretary Amalendu Mishra said the killing of the senior journalist Mr Ranjan proved the fact that even mediapersons were not safe under the present dispensation in the state. President of BWJU Indrajeet Singh, senior journalists Ravi Upadhyay Anil Kumar, Kundan, Saroj and Kulbhushan are among those who condemned the killing of journalists. A meeting to pay tributes to slain scribe would be held in Janshakti premises in Patna tomorrow. A memorandum would also be handed over to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar by journalists on Monday in this regard.UNI KKS BM PR RJ NS1912 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-732910.Xml Condemnation poured in from all quarters over the dastardly murder of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand, with the entire journalist community, political leaders as well as the government strongly condemning the murders. While the Press Club of India, the Indian Women's Press Corps and media organisations from different parts of the country termed the murders a "direct attack on the freedom of the press", BJP leaders used the Bihar murder to target Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the state's law and order situation. Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted his condemnation and sought an independent investigation to punish the guilty. "I strongly condemn murder of journalists Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan and Akhilesh Pratap Singh in Chatra district. Independent investigation may be instituted and guilty be punished," Jaitley posted on Twitter. Rajdeo Ranjan, the Siwan bureau chief of Hindi newspaper Hindustan, which is part of the HT Media, was shot dead at a busy market near Station Road in the district on Friday night. Four suspects have been detained in connection with his killing. In the other incident, Indradeo Yadav, also known as Akhilesh Pratap, was gunned down in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Thursday night. He worked as a correspondent for a local TV channel. BJP leaders attacked Nitish Kumar over the law and order situation in the state following the murder of the Siwan scribe and the killing of a teenager in Gaya and said that "maha jungle raj" has returned with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) coming to power in the state. "Before the Bihar election we were saying jungle raj will return to Bihar if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power, but we were wrong. Ab to maha jungle raj aa gaya hai (Now, there is maha jungle raj)," BJP spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore also condoled the deaths. Press Club of India president Rahul Jalali in a statement said that both the murders "were targeted killings and form a part of attempts on part the mafia to muzzle the independent voice of the media". "It is with increasing dismay we also note the increase in attempts to target the press throughout the country, by denigrating them and if nothing else works by eliminating them as has happened in these two cases," he said. Nadeem Ahmad Kazmi, secretary general of the Press Club of India, demanded that the government, both at the centre and states, should come down heavily on the culprits and "also create an atmosphere conducive to the free and fair functioning of the media in the country". The Indian Women's Press Corps urged the government to take immediate steps to find the culprits behind the crime and bring them to justice. It said the "deliberate targeting" of the two journalists "is clearly an attempt to prevent the functioning of a free and independent media in the country". It also said "the IWPC also views with deep concern the efforts to smear the reputation of media professionals in many parts of the country". The Guwahati-based Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) expressed shock over the murders of the two journalists. Tripura Working Journalists Association (TWJA) and Tripura Journalists Union (TJU) also urged the authorities in Bihar and Jharkhand to take stringent action against the killers. BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav took to social media to attack Nitish. "Forget common man, even police and press do not feel safe in Bihar. This says it all about lawlessness under Nitish government," he tweeted. Union Minister Giriraj Singh tweeted, "Even tears of Gaya have not dried, the murder of a journalist in Siwan has made Bihar's blood curdle." --IANS sid/rn/bg ( 619 Words) 2016-05-14-20:28:14 (IANS) Altogether 295 recruits of the 315 batch of the Assam Regimental Centre were inducted as soldiers of the Indian Army at an attestation parade here today. Deputy Chief of Army Staff (P&S) Lieutenant General Subrata Saha and Colonel of the Assam Regiment & Arunachal Scouts took the salute and reviewed the parade held at the Assam Regimental Centre and congratulated the new soldiers. The recruits took the oath to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation. In his address to the attested young soldiers, the reviewing officer praised the virtues of selfless service to the nation and recounted the contributions of the North East and Assam Regiment towards nation building. The parade was also graced proud parents and relatives of the passing out trainees. A large number of military dignitaries and civilian guests were also present. Later, addressing the newly attested soldiers, Lt Gen Saha extolled thevirtues of selfless service to the nation and recounted the contributions of the northeast and Assam Regiment towards the Indian Army and nation building. He also stressed the need of excellence through professional competence. Swaying to the tilting tune of the Regimental song, they young soldiers erupted up in joyous cheer to mark a successful transition to valiant manhood from recruit to a soldier of Indian Army. Raised on 15 June 1941, this is the platinum jubilee year of the regiment. In its glorious history, the regiment has earned Seven Battle honours, Three Theatre honours, Nine Chief of Army Staff citations, 23 Army Commanders citations and Two United Nations citations. 55 Individual honours and awards Pre Independence and 1548 Post-Independence. BComplementing the passing out batch for their immaculate standards, the general encouraged the warriors from the north east to persevere in pursuit of excellence. Lt Gen Saha announced that the platinum jubilee celebrations of the regiment will be held from November 16 to 19. Colours will be presented to 16 & 17 Assam and 1 and 2 Arunachal scouts at ARC Shillong during the occasion. UNI RRK CJ VN2305 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-733245.Xml One construction worker was killed and around six workers were reported trapped when massive soil caved in on them while they were digging up foundation for a multi-storied building at Lakshmipuram area here today.Police said as many as 10 workers were working in the foundation, being dug up for the construction of cellar for the building complex. Huge quantity of soil caved in on them in which about 10 workers were trapped, however few were escaped.One body had been extricated so far from the debris and massive rescue operations were taken up to trace about the trapped workers. Two workers were extricated and shifted to hospital where they were being treated. Labour Minister K Achhennaidu announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased worker. The workers belonged to Gottipadu village in Pratthipadu mandal of the district, officials said.Large number of relatives of the workers, who trapped in the soil, tried to go to the accident site but were prevented by police. At the same time, Social Welfare Minister R Kishore Rabu rushed there. The irate workers pelted stones on the car damaging windscreen.Meanwhile, utter confusion prevailed at the accident site as neither construction engineers nor officials had the information about how many workers were trapped in the soil. As the incident took place on busy road, traffic came to a standstill besides hundreds of people throng to the site after the mishap. District Collector Kranthilal Dhande, SP SS Tripathi and large number of revenue, police and fire bridge officials rushed to the spot.Massive rescue operations were on to rescue the trapped workers, officials said. Dy.Chief Minister N Chinarajappa, Ministers P Narayana, P Pulla Rao expressed shock over the incident and directed officials to intensify the rescue operations.UNI DP CJ PR 2232 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-733303.Xml Bharat Togadia, the cousin brother of VHP leader Praveen Togadia, along with two others were on Saturday stabbed to death by unidentified men, in Surat's Varachha area. According to reports, four people were attacked, of which three succumbed to their injuries and the condition of the fourth person is said to be critical. Further details are awaited. (ANI) However, it is an Aadhar card, which was recovered from the militant commander, that has set alarm bells ringing among different security agencies operating in Kashmir valley. Official sources here tonight said following specific information, security forces arrested the PoK-based militant, identified as Commander Abdul Rehman from village Hajibal in Baramulla yesterday. They said the militant belongs to JeM outfit, which was responsible for the Pathankot attack in Punjab. "The militant is a resident of PoK capital, Muzaffarabad, and had crossed over to this side of the Line of Control (LoC) early this year," they said, adding he was a part of six-member fidayeen group. "Security forces recovered an Aadhar card from his possession, which is a worrying factor, they said, adding the Aadhar card, with number 647856225315, is lists his name as Shabir Ahmad Khan son of Ghulam Rasool Khan.UNI ABS PR VN2319 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0138-733330.Xml Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived at Fort McMurray region of Alberta province to assess the damage by last week's devastating wildfire. Known as the "beast", the fire has destroyed 2,400 homes and businesses, and displaced more than 94,000 people in the region. The fire, which is currently 2,400 sq.km in size, has moved away from Fort McMurray and is expected to burn forested areas for many more weeks, Xinhua news agency reported. At a conference in the provincial capital of Edmonton on Friday, Trudeau said that despite having seen updates and images on TV, the scale and scope of what happened hit him hard during the tour of the affected region. "I don't think Canadians yet understand what happened," he said, adding "They know there was a fire. They're beginning to hear the wonderful news that so much of the town was saved." He said people do not yet understand that saving the town was not due to rain, a shift in the wind or luck, but by the back-breaking and sometimes heartbreaking "amazing" work in the incredibly long days. There are currently 1,714 firefighters, 123 helicopters, 226 pieces of heavy equipment and 26 air tankers currently battling the fires. The evacuees, now spread across the province and the country, are waiting for word on when they can return home, likely weeks from now. Many are looking to the federal government for money needed to rebuild the community. Earlier this week, Trudeau hosted a special cabinet committee to coordinate the federal government's contributions to the recovery and rebuilding efforts in northern Alberta. According to a latest reports, there was no significant fire growth. However, there were four new fire starts on Friday night. A total of 17 wildfires are burning with one out of control, two being held, eight under control and six turned over to the responsible parties. --IANS ksk ( 321 Words) 2016-05-14-10:32:04 (IANS) A team of scientists will determine if salmon producers dumping tons of dead fish into the Pacific contributed to a massive "red tide" that is wreaking havoc among fishermen in southern Chile, the government said.The red tide - an algal bloom that turns the sea water red and makes seafood toxic - is a common, naturally recurring phenomenon in southern Chile, though the extent of the current outbreak is unprecedented.After starting in the Los Lagos region, the bloom has steadily spread outward, depriving many coastal communities of their livelihood. That in turn has led to massive protests and a network of roadblocks set up by fishermen who consider the government's efforts to mitigate the economic fallout from to bloom to be inadequate.Scientists say this year's El Nino weather pattern is likely a key factor in the red tide, as it warms the ocean and creates bloom-friendly conditions. Along with Chile's SERNAPESCA fisheries body, they have widely rejected a link between salmon dumping and the recent outbreak.Many fishermen and communities in southern Chile, however, are blaming the country's salmon industry, the world's second largest, for exacerbating the problem by dumping tons of dead salmon into the ocean after a separate algal bloom killed off an estimated 100,000 tonnes of fish."A team of five excellent professionals has been formed that will be working on the task of examining the link between the dumping of salmon and the red tide phenomenon," Economy Minister Luis Felipe Cespedes said in a statement.Fishermen have blockaded the principal access point to the island of Chiloe for the past three weeks, largely isolating its population of around 140,000 and stranding some tourists.In recent days, protests have spread to the capital Santiago, resulting in some violent, though sporadic altercations with police.Many salmon producers operating in Chile - most of which have facilities on or near Chiloe - are reporting heavy daily losses due to transport disruptions.Chile's National Fish Society, an industry group, said in a statement that 20 plants processing a variety of seafood, including the nation's heavily cultivated mussels, are "totally paralyzed."Chilean companies AquaChile, Blumar, Camanchaca, Australis Seafoods, Multiexport Foods, Invermar, and the local unit of Norway's Marine Harvest have salmon farming operations in the nation. REUTERS PS RK0404 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-731832.Xml A documentary film on a travelling cinema in Maharashtra will kick off the Indian selection at the 69th Cannes film festival tomorrow.Directed by Shirley Abraham and Amit Madheshiya, 'The Cinema Travellers' is part of the only three Indian entries at the influential film festival held in the French Riviera. The first film of the two directors, the 96-minute documentary is vying for the Camera d'Or award at Cannes.'The Cinema Travellers', which will be screened in the Cannes Classics section tomorrow afternoon, is a portrait of a travelling movie theatre in India, which continues to bear the magic of the images to a stunned audience. The story is told through a projector repairman, who narrates the numerous and complex changes happening in the film technology.On the same day, a Pakistani film made in 1958 will also be screened in the Cannes Classics this year. 'Jago Hua Savera' (Day Shall Dawn) by Aaejay Kardar will be screened in the section for restored films. The Urdu film was the first Pakistani official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars in 1959. The film tells the story of impoverished fishermen in the then East Pakistan. On May 18, a 28-minute Indian short film, 'Gudh' (The Nest) directed by a former student of the Satyajit Ray Film Institute, Kolkata, will be shown in the Cinefondation section of the Cannes festival.'Gudh', which was the diploma film of Saurav Rai, a native of Darjeeling, is part of the student films section in Cannes to encourage fresh voices and new trends in global cinema. Eighteen student films from around the world will be screened in the Cinefondation section this year. "The film is about my memories of the holidays I spent with my parents in Darjeeling in my childhood while I was living with my grandparents in Kathmandu," said Rai.'Memories and My Mother', a film project by Aditya Vikram Sengupta is part of the Cannes festival's L'Atelier section, which encourages the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers by facilitating meetings with prospective producers.On May 16, Anurag Kashyap's new film 'Raman Raghav 2.0' (Psycho Raman) will be screened in the Directors Fortnight, a parallel event at the Cannes festival. The film tells the story of a serial killer and his obsession with a young policeman. On May 18, Critics Week, another parallel event, will screen 'A Yellow Bird', by an Indian-origin director from Singapore, K Rajagopal, starring Seema Biswas. 'A Yellow Bird' is about a Singaporean Indian man, who is struggling to come to terms with his imprisonment for smuggling contrabands. Last year, there were two feature films -- Punjabi film 'Chauthi Koot' and Hindi film 'Masaan' -- from India in the official selection in Cannes. UNI XC RSA 1049 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0435-731940.Xml B Yu Gaindya, 70, was found near Baishari area at Upaorshakh Para village in the upazila, Kazi Ahsan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Naikkhangchhari Police Station, reports the Daily Star. According to reports, unknown assailants slit Yu Gaindya's throat. This was confirmed by village head Acrothoyai Chand. Chand said that he saw Gaindya's body when he went to serve breakfast at his bihar where he used to stay alone. Meanwhile, the police have said that the motive behind the killing cannot be ascertained instantly.(ANI) Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Anwar Zaheer Jamali has refused to form a "toothless inquiry commission" to probe the Panama Papers leaks under its existing terms of reference (ToRs) in a latest blow to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif government. "Formation of a commission of inquiry under the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act 1956, looking to its limited scope, will result in the constitution of a toothless commission, which will serve no useful purpose, except giving a bad name to it," said the Supreme Court's one-page's reply, sent to the law secretary by the Supreme Court through its registrar Arbab Muhammad Arif, reports the Express Tribune. Sharif had requested the Supreme Court to form an inquiry commission to investigate the Panama leaks on April 22. On April 3 the panama papers revealed that the sharif's three children were among hundreds of people with offshore holdings in a tax haven. Sharif led- government had also formed the commission's terms of reference (ToRs), which had broadened the scope of proposed investigations beyond the leaks. However, the opposition parties rejected the government's ToRs and called for new legislation for the probe. The court expressed its desire to form the body under a new law and asked the government to do proper legislation for creating a powerful commission. The apex court also expressed reservations over the federal government's proposed ToRs. "The ToRs are so wide and open ended that, prima facie, it may take years together for the commission to conclude its proceedings," Chief Justice of Pakistan's letter said. The court also sought a list of all individuals, families, groups, companies, etc, with their total number along with some relevant particulars against whom purported inquiry proceedings are to be held before forming any opinion on the government's request to form the commission. "Unless such information and particulars are provided and the issue of formation of a commission under some proper legislation is reconsidered and resolved, no final response to the government's letter will be furnished," the CJP's letter said.(ANI) Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim militant group Hezbollah said today its top military commander Mustafa Badreddine was killed by artillery shells fired by insurgents near Syria's Damascus airport.Hezbollah announced Badreddine's death yesterday and held a military funeral for him on the same day in its stronghold in southern Beirut."Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups in the area," Hezbollah's statement said."Takfiri" is a word used by the group to refer to hard-line, armed, Sunni Muslim Islamist groups.Hezbollah is fighting in Syria, backing the government of President Bashar al-Assad against a range of Sunni Muslim groups including Islamic State and the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front. Around 1,200 Hezbollah fighters are estimated to have been killed in the Syrian conflict."The outcome of the investigation (into Badreddine's death) will increase our determination ... to continue the fight against these criminal gangs and defeat them," Hezbollah said.The statement did not say when the attack took place or when Badreddine died.Announcing his death on Friday, Hezbollah quoted Badreddine as having said he would return from Syria victorious or as a martyr.Badreddine was sentenced to death in Kuwait for his role in bomb attacks there in 1983. He escaped from prison in Kuwait after Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded the country in 1990.His release from jail in Kuwait was one of the demands made by the hijackers of a TWA flight in 1985, and of the hijackers of a Kuwait Airways flight in 1988.For years, Badreddine masterminded military operations against Israel from Lebanon and overseas and managed to escape capture by Arab and Western governments.Badreddine was also one of five Hezbollah members indicted by the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the 2005 killing of statesman Rafik al-Hariri, one of Lebanon's most prominent Sunni Muslim figures. Hezbollah denied any involvement and said the charges were politically motivated. REUTERS SDR RSA RAI1344 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-732140.Xml Thousands of Bosnian Serbs gathered for rival demonstrations for and against the government in the capital of Bosnia's autonomous Serb region today, kept apart by ranks of police after warnings of violence.Police reinforcements and demonstrators' cars flying Serb Republic flags in support of the government streamed towards Banja Luka, where buses had already arrived with supporters of both factions.Authorities banned both sides from marching through the city to avoid confrontations in the politically charged atmosphere in the build-up to local elections in October.The opposition is protesting against what it sees as corruption and the poor state of the economy while the rival rally is a show of support for the government."I will go to support our president. He is a genuine Serb and only he knows how to preserve the Serb Republic," said Goran Keserovic, a Banja Luka resident."I am fed up with living like a dog. I was in a trench while they were enriching themselves," said Zivko Josic, an unemployed ex-soldier from the other camp. "I will support the opposition to change things for the better."Worried that divisions among Serbs in Bosnia could cause instability in his own country, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has urged Bosnian Serb political leaders to set aside their differences and prevent the protests from turning violent.ACCUSATIONSSerbian Orthodox Patriarch Irinej called on both camps to cancel the demonstrations and settle their differences through talks.Political tensions in the Serb Republic have risen since elections in 2014, when the ruling party of President Milorad Dodik lost its place in the Bosnian government to the Alliance for Change, a reformist, pro-Europe group, and remained in control only of the Serb Republic government.Dodik, who favours closer ties with Russia and has threatened to pull his region out of Bosnia, say officials who support a reform agenda designed to bring Bosnia closer to the European Union are traitors.After Bosnia's 1992-95 war, the country was split into a Serb-dominated Serb Republic and a Federation of Muslim Bosniaks and Catholic Croats, linked via weak central government.The opposition accuses Dodik of autocracy and corruption. He has been investigated for embezzlement and abuse of office but never charged.The counter-demonstration by Dodik's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) was called to show support for government policies, after he failed to persuade opposition leaders to cancel their protest.Since he rose to power with Western backing 10 years ago, Dodik has adopted increasingly nationalistic policies, with the goal of increasing his region's autonomy and weakening state institutions by blocking laws in Bosnia's national parliament.REUTERS RSD GC1410 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0435-732185.Xml Turkish war planes destroyed 98 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant targets in Turkey and northern Iraq in nine air strikes, state-run Anadolu Agency reported today, citing the Turkish military.Yesterday Turkey has been carrying out regular attacks on PKK camps and related targets in the mountainous region of northern Iraq near the Turkish border since a ceasefire with the PKK collapsed in July last year. REUTERS AKC PM1524 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-732263.Xml The Turkish military and US-led coalition forces killed 45 Islamic State militants in shelling and an air strike north of the Syrian city of Aleppo, state-run Anadolu Agency reported today.The Turkish border town of Kilis, which lies just across the frontier from Islamic State-controlled territory in Syria, has been regularly struck by rockets in recent weeks. REUTERS AKC PM1524 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-732319.Xml A Congolese general recruited, financed and armed elements of a Ugandan Islamist group to kill civilians while he was in charge of a military operation targeting the rebels, according to a confidential report to the United Nations Security Council.A panel of UN experts, who monitor sanctions on Democratic Republic of Congo, said "it has become clear that FARDC (Congolese army) officers were involved in recruiting and supplying armed groups involved in the killings (of civilians)."More than 500 people have died in a wave of attacks in eastern Congo since October 2014, rights groups say. The Congolese government has blamed most of those on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).Brigadier General Muhindo Akili Mundos was in charge of the offensive against the ADF - named Sukola, or "cleanup" in the local Lingala language - between August 2014 and June 2015."The Group knows of eight individuals that were approached in 2014 by General Mundos to participate in the killings," the experts wrote in the report, seen by Reuters.Three members of the ADF-Mwalika, a splinter group of the core ADF, told the experts that before the killings began Mundos had persuaded elements of their group to merge with other recruits."According to them, General Mundos financed and equipped this group with weapons, ammunition and FARDC uniforms. He came to their camp several times, sometimes wearing an FARDC uniform and sometimes in civilian clothes," the experts said."Although it is unclear if they knew what the objective was initially, these three ADF-Mwalika elements were eventually given the order to kill civilians," they said.Mundos told Reuters on Saturday that the accusations against him were false and the killings had continued after he left the operation.The UN report also contains accusations of links between other Congolese army officers and the ADF. The Congolese army and the Congolese government did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Saturday.The UN experts said that while the number of killings had decreased since Mundos was transferred from the Sukola operation in June 2015, "the killings of civilians have continued by armed elements throughout 2015 and early 2016."In March, Jason Stearns, a former coordinator of the UN panel of experts who now heads the Congo Research Group at New York University, accused Congolese soldiers of taking part in at least three deadly attacks on civiliansREUTERS CJ VN2350 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-733344.Xml Cops to seek DPPs direction in Duke investigation Based on the DPPs advice, Duke may very well spend the weekend at the Central Police Station in Port-of-Spain, as investigations continued. Duke went to the police station on Thursday in the company of his attorney John Heath. Duke is flatly denying all allegations levelled against him by a female 33-year-old research assistant and vows to vigorously defend himself and his name against these allegations. Newsday understands that officers of the Port-of-Spain CID led by ASP Ajith Persad and including WP Sgt Narine are leading a team of investigators into this high profile probe. The police were told by a woman that on Tuesday last, she accompanied a man to the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain believing they were going to attend a meeting. Instead, the woman claimed, the man later overpowered and assaulted her. The woman subsequently made a report to the Cunupia police but she was advised to go the Central Police Station and file a report. Police sources said that Duke is in good spirits as he remained, up to press time, at the police station. Mr Sogavare has been in Port Vila where he met with his Vanuatu counterpart Charlot Salwai whose proposal to give the Liberation Movement full membership at the MSG is to be discussed at an upcoming MSG leaders summit in Papua New Guinea. Mr Sogavare, who is the prime minister of Solomon Islands, has also declared his country's support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua's bid to be a full member of the MSG. THE chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Manasseh Sogavare, says the regional body is pushing for an urgent intervention by the United Nations in West Papua. While in Vila, the MSG chair met with visiting representatives of the Liberation Movement which has strong support in Indonesia's Papua region. Since the West Papuans were granted observer status in the MSG last year, Mr Sogavare said the situation in Indonesia's Papua region had become more tense, leaving the indigenous people on the "brink of extinction". This comes after Indonesia's leading human rights organisation said that since the new government came to power in late 2014, abuses in Papua were as rampant as they were under previous governments. Indonesia was granted MSG associate member status last year in a bid to foster dialogue with Jakarta on West Papua. However, Mr Sogavare censured Jakarta for rebuffing his request for dialogue on Papua. Indonesia has crossed the line so we need to take some tough stance," he said. A recent surge in Indonesian diplomatic overtures to Pacific Islands countries is increasingly seen as being about countering the growing regional support for West Papuan self-determination aspirations. Melanesian leaders are frustrated at Jakarta's apparent aversion to meaningful dialogue about West Papua. Indonesian President Joko Widodo's refusal to meet with Mr Sogavare in his capacity as the MSG chair has been proffered as grounds for the Melanesian states to "take the matter up to the next notch which is the United Nations". Mr Sogavare said as well as the membership bid, the MSG summit would address the group's pursuit of UN action on what he called "genocides committed against humanity in West Papua by Indonesia". While Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia's Kanaks have signalled support for West Papua's membership bid, it remains uncertain where the other two full MSG members - Fiji and PNG - stand. Governments of both countries have closer ties with Indonesia than the others, and Jakarta has recently said that it has support of the Fiji and PNG for its own bid for full MSG membership. Tobago policeman arrested, charged According to reports, the 32-year-old was charged in 2015 for possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. A condition of bail was that he report to the Moriah police station on specific days weekly. When the case was called on May 4, Scarborough Magistrates court prosecutor Sgt Campbell asked the accused to have his book (which details the date, time, examining policemans signature and police station time as proof that reporting to the police station is done) examined and realised the reporting was not being done. The accused tendered a medical certificate signed by a doctor to explain why he could not go to the station to sign the reporting book. The Magistrate on examining the medical certificate found that it was vague and said she needed more information. Sgt Campbell took possession of the medical certificate and reporting book and called officers of the Professional Standards Bureau (PSB). A team of officers led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Baldeo and including Superintendent Renwick, Cpl Joefield and Ag Corporal Simon carried out enquiries which led to the arrest of the constable who has four years service and Barton. The two were charged yesterday by Ag Corporal Joefield. So far, ten police officers have been charged by officers of the Professional Standards Bureau for this year. A year later, woman still missing The womans mother Sherma Modeste of Printeryville, OMeara Road in Arima, said she has been searching throughout the country to locate her daughter, but was to no avail. Sherma yesterday visited Newsdays head office located on Chacon Street in Port-of-Spain to highlight her plight. Modestes mother said on February 28, 2015, her daughter left home and never returned. She said two days after her daughters disappearance, a missing person report was made at the Arima Police Station. It is not the first time my daughter left home, but she always returns after a few days away from the familys home. She is my first child out of four siblings, and its like living a nightmare every single day not knowing if she is safe. I was not home on the day she left home, but one of her sisters told me she was going down the road to come back. Right now I am holding on to faith and hopes she returns, and it is not easy. She said the family has been looking throughout countrys hospitals and morgues in search of her daughter. We checked at different police stations and there has been no update at the Arima Police station. I just want to get some kind of closure. Im asking if anyone who knows anything about her whereabouts to contact us or the police, its terrifying not knowing where my child is, senior Modeste said. Anyone with knowledge on the whereabouts of Sharlene Modeste can contact the Arima Police Station; or Sherma Modeste at 460-8798 or 327-2038. Accused smoked, then committed murder The detective was called by the State on the third day of the trial in which Hosten also of Cedros, is charged with the murder of the Point Fortin Magistrates Court Probation Officer on Tuesday January 20, 2004, at her Limefield Road, Cedros home. Flaveney told Justice Carla Brown-Antoine and the 12-member jury, that the day after the murder, he questioned Hosten in the Point Fortin Police Station. It was then that the accused confessed, the court heard. Hosten, the detective said, told him that after he (Hosten) took a smoke at his home, he walked across to Kristas house where she lived with her father Steve Lackpatsingh and mother Jade. The parents have already testified in the trial in which they both said that they arrived home from work to see their daughter lying in blood at the stairway near the kitchen leading to the upstairs. Senior State Attorney Shabaana Shah is prosecuting and leading the evidence from Flaveney while attorney Rekha Ramjit is defending Hosten. Flaveney said Hosten told him he ran to the back of the Lackpatsinghs house holding a piece of iron. He said he tried to open the door using the iron, the detective said, but he heard noises. He told me, ran back to the back and drop the iron. I run down the hill behind the razor-grass. I wanted to see if anybody coming. Meh mind tell me move from here boy. I gone by the front door and knock on the door. I hear the gate open. She open the door and I say good evening. I ask for some poottygal (portugals) and she said go ahead but doh raid the tree. I ask for a plastic bag and she said she brother use up all, the officer testified. Flaveney said the accused told him he pushed a door and Krista fell down. Hosten, the officer testified, said he saw a knife on a table and stabbed the woman. The detective pointed to his chest to indicate where on Kristas body, Hosten had said he stabbed her. The trial continues on Monday. No confidence in AG The motion was filed yesterday by Member of Parliament for Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal but the announcement was made by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, during the tea break of yesterday's sitting of the Lower House. Persad-Bissesar cited three main reasons for the loss of confidence in Al-Rawi. "His conduct with respect to the Malcolm Jones matter and his handling of that matter. No transparency and accountability to tax payers (and) causing a loss of a TT $1.2 billion. We are also of the view that (Al-Rawi), as the guardian of the public interest, has abandoned that role by giving unsound and unfounded legal advice in the Parliament (during SSA Bill debate) that there are no privacy rights in the country." The Opposition Leader also said Al-Rawi was "totally wrong" to tell Parliament, "we have no privacy rights", related to amendments in the SSA Bill. "So we are of the view," Persad-Bissessar continued, "that he (AG) misled the Parliament and provided unsound advice and abandoned his role as guardian of the public interest. We also believe that there are other areas with respect to the conduct of the AG, in which he has fallen short of upholding the Office of the AG. We believe that he has conducted himself in a manner to compromise his office, and this is why we have moved this private motion...today." In an immediate response late yesterday afternoon, AG Al-Rawi said he not only doesn't expect the Opposition Leader, "to be expressing any confidence in me" but was "absolutely confident", in his ability to answer anything the Opposition UNC brings against him. Al-Rawi then responded to Persad-Bissessar's main points as follows: The Malcolm Jones matter was not only dealt with by the board of Petrotrin, "the lawyer in that matter was in fact Gerald Ramdeen and Vincent Nelson; The SSA Bill has passed through debate in the usual form in the House of Representatives and in the Senate; and, "Why is the UNC attacking the independence of an Independent Senator (Justin Junkere)?" The AG reiterated that it's "not an uncommon matter for independent senators such as the late Dana Seetahal SC, to be given briefs by the Office of the AG; and relative to the law of privacy, the AG argued that, "there's a deliberate attempt" by the Opposition to misconstrue his statement in relation to privacy. "The law of privacy is quite clear; there is a constitutional right for private and family life. Constitutional rights have not yet been fully cleared by our courts." On the decision of Junkere to vote in favour of the SSA Bill Persad-Bissessar yesterday to Al-Rawi's earlier statements on the matter. "I think he (AG) is totally missing the boat. This is not to attack (Junkere), this is to say that the AG has once again failed in his duty of due diligence and care as the guardian of the public interest. He raises the issue of Dana Seetahal and other independent senators and then he says (Opposition Senators) Wayne Sturge and Gerald Ramdeen shouldn't speak about this because they were senators getting briefs but the situation is totally different. They have declared that they belong to a political party and when they sit as a senator, they are sitting as a partisan senator," Persad-Bissessar argued. The AG in turn said, "Unfortunately that demonstrates a significant ignorance of what the rules of conflict are in Parliamentary debate...in relation to a Bill. You must declare your conflict if your vote is going to be one which is affecting an interest in the outcome of a Bill. I'm not aware that Senator Junkere worked for the AG's Office nor am I aware that he's a member who works for the SSA or is to be employed by it et cetera." CJ: Judiciary could achieve financial autonomy by 2017/2018 Responding to a question from law association president Reginald Armour at a breakfast session at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce as to when the Judiciary should be able to achieve financial autonomy, Archie said, You should ask the Minister of Finance. However, he said that financial autonomy carries responsibilities that include putting in place structures and regulations to ensure issues of accountability. He said there also were implications for auditing as well as the Judiciarys own capacity to manage. Because of current inefficiencies in the system, he said, there will have to be statutory reforms. Very often monies not spent in a fiscal year on a project that spans several years were not carried over to the next financial year and are returned to the Consolidated Fund. The simplest of models, he said, was to create an account and give tranches which the judiciary can access. Noting that some things were in train, he said, he could not speak publicly about them at the time. Nevertheless, he noted that he was due to travel on official business on Sunday at the invitation of an international body. He had to send a note to Cabinet to spend $50,000. The note had to first go to a travel committee. It did not reach Cabinet until Thursday. He said he was hoping to be reimbursed for the monies he paid with interest in advance for his hotel room, before he leaves on Sunday so that he could some money in the account before he travels. It is kind of ridiculous that somebody at my level has to go through that, he said when the authority on certain things could be signed over immediately to the judiciary One year later, Child Unit still not fully staffed However, at the moment it has 102 police officers and one civilian officer assigned. As Minister of National Security I have been in contract with the Commissioner of Police on the issue of the Child Protection Unit, Dillon disclosed in reply to a query from Princes Town MP Barry Padarath. Previously, it was reported the Unit was formed in May 2015. Also during Question Time, Public Utilities Minister Ancil Antoine said the cause of this weeks blackout in parts of Trinidad and Tobago was the cutoff of gas flow to the TGU plant at La Brea due to the tripping of an air intake valve. He said a new power plant is planned for Barataria as part of a scheme to increase capacity. In relation to the Shore of Peace dispute, Local Government Minister said an amicable solution was imminent. I will formally proceed with the acquisition of the land, he said in relation to the matter involving a threat by landowners to shut down the cremation site unless the land is formally acquired. Khan, in reply to another question, also said the National Gas Company had received $4.6 billion in revenues since September, $1.5 billion of which was due to special dividends from the Phoenix Park IPO. He also said Petrotrin spent $2.5 billion on the stalled World GTL Inc project. CJ acknowledges slow pace At present, he said, We dont have enough prosecutors. We dont have enough lawyers at the criminal defence bars. The Judiciary and Legal Services Commission which he chairs, he said, was in the process of interviewing over 100 attorneys for State Counsels at the entry level. Referring to a call for pardon by Archbishop Joseph Harris for prisoners on remand longer than the maximum sentence, if eventually found guilty, Archie said he listened carefully to public comments. They have largely ignored the distinction of the Archbishops view, which I understood him to be drawing between so-called victimless crime and violent crime. Nobody is saying that you can go on to bludgeon somebody and be let out without any acknowledgment of your guilt, Archie said. He added he understood the Archbishop to mean that if someone was in custody for a minor, non-violent offence or for simple possession or consumption of narcotic because the authorities was not able to get a sample analysis back from forensics for two years when they were likely to get a sixmonth sentence, then they should be pardoned. So let me be clear, I am not saying there should just be a blanket pardon. We have to be serious about all categories of crime, because the presumption of innocence is a cardinal principle of justice systems and nobody should remain in pre-trial detention for longer than is absolutely necessary. TT told: Brace for plenty rain At the time, Aaron- Morrison was delivering a presentation on 2016 Wet Season Outlook at the Petrotrin Staff Club, Point -a-Pierre. Addressing the stakeholders, Aaron-Morrison said that as the country enters the rainy season and there would be increased rainfall, citizens must prepare themselves. This year we are expecting an extremely active wet season. There is a higher chance for above average rainfall when compared to the year average and low average rainfall amounts, she said. Adding she further explained that during the wet season we can also expect larger than usual numb er of wet and very wet days. We can also expect larger than usual number of wet (10-50 mm) and very wet days (50 mm) and an increase potential for flooding. Aaron- Morrison disclosed that many areas would experience flash flooding between the period of June to August. She said that between September to November areas in north-east and parts of south-east Trinidad and most of Tobago have the highest chance for above average rainfall, while other areas have the highest chance of near normal rainfall. Rainfall amounts in north-east Trinidad, she explained is likely to be the largest, near 2,400 mm and smallest amounts in south west Trinidad, near 900 mm. Ecclesville Pres woes lead to protests The early morning demonstration by parents and some students began just before 8 am and attracted expressions of support from passers-by and motorists as the parents held aloft placards some of which read: Attention EFCL - education first, fix our school; Ecclesville Presbyterian School being neglected too long among others. Parent/Teachers Association (PTA) president Florence Cardinez said an electrical problem had developed at the school last year and has intensified over the past month. The school has had an electrical problem since last year and we have correspondence showing we asked for them to come and check it and see what exactly is the problem, Cardinez said. The problem went so far that a circuit get burnt from the inside and the breaker did not trip, our children could have been electrocuted or the school burned to the ground. She said the building has not been used since the incident and students who wrote the recent Secondary Entrance Assessment (SE A) had to do so at the nearby Ecclesville Presbyterian Church hall. The SE A children went there for the past two weeks, they had to write SE A there, now I am a short person and If I stretch my hand, I can reach the roof, so you could imagine the heat in there so for the children it was really uncomfortable, she said. We are totally, totally fed up with the situation! Cardinez pointed out that alternative accommodations had been promised but are yet to materialise. All they are telling us is that they havent identified a contractor and there is nothing new to tell us. She claimed that an Education Ministry appointed official had told parents that if they wanted action, they should $10,000 to have the schools electrical repair work completed. She vowed that parents will continue to protest daily until the school is repaired. Meanwhile, a Ministry of Education official confirmed that students attending standards one, three and four would attend classes at the church hall in preparation for the national test. The official stated a contractor was still being sourced by the EFCL. The school has a student population of 165, a teaching staff of nine, five OJTs and a principal. Chile recommended PNG strengthen the work of the SABL (special agriculture & business lease) commission of inquiry that exposed the irregularities in almost all the leases investigated and recommended they be revoked. Countries from Central and South America, Asia and Europe all spoke of the need for the PNG government to do more to better protect the rights of customary landowners. THE Papua New Guinea government needs to urgently take action on the SABL land grab and increase scrutiny of the logging industry was the message from the international community during a review of human rights in PNG by the United Nations in Geneva. Thailand noted the steps taken to address the SABL scheme, especially the Commission of Inquiry, but said PNG still needs to address the negative impact on human rights and ensure an equitable and sustainable solution. Norway stated illegal logging and land grabbing in PNG represent a challenge both to the environment and customary land rights. It recommended the government take measures to prevent land grabbing and illegal logging and ensure that future actions are based on a respect for fundamental human rights and environmental protection. Guatemala noted PNG has still to implement its promise from 2011 to increase vigilance over the mining and logging industries to mitigate their adverse effects on human rights. Guatemala recommended PNG do more to establish stringent and transparent control measures. Mexico spoke on the issue of informed consent from customary landowners, a key issue in the SABL land grab, and recommended PNG take further steps to ensure full respect for the human rights of its people. The issue of violence by police against customary landowners and police acting on behalf of logging companies was also raised in the meeting. Switzerland recommended PNG investigate impartially and independently, all allegations of excessive use of force and violations by the police, particularly in cases related to community land rights, and to bring the perpetrators of these violations to justice. Malaysia also called on PNG to give more attention to the rights of indigenous people and ensure accountability of law enforcement officials who commit human rights violations and criminal offences. You betrayed our trust Speaking on a motion to approve the Draft EBC (Local Government and Tobago House of Assembly) Order 2016 in the House of Representatives, Garcia said Rambachans earlier contribution fell woefully short when he spoke about issues of trust. Recalling that he formerly served as the Peoples National Movements (PNM) Malabar South councillor and as Arima deputy mayor prior to being elected as Arima MP last September, Garcia said, When I was the councillor at the Arima Borough Corporation, I at one time trusted the Minister of Local Government (Rambachan). However Garcia added that, the Minister of Local Government betrayed the trust of all the councillors and the burgesses of Arima when he failed to deliver on his promise. Saying Rambachan promised the Arima administrative complex would have been completed by July 2012, Garcia also said Rambachan confirmed that funds were allocated for the complexs construction and a contractor was also appointed. PNM MPs thumped their desks as Garcia quipped, His answer was in the affirmative. He (Rambachan) said yes but nothing happened. The Minister declared, The trust that he is asking us to give to him, I certainly cant repay that today because you have betrayed our trust. Recalling he was the only PNM councillor at the Arima Borough Corporation from 2010 to 2013, Garcia said Rambachan was right that the corporations CEO failed, to carry out the dictates of the council at that time. However Garcia said, Tat is true simply because the six other (PP) councillors were incompetent. He said evidence of the incompetence of the PP in running the Arima Borough Corporation was reflected by the fact that the PNM won all seven electoral districts in that corporation in the October 21, 2013 Local Government Elections. Saying all four aldermen at the corporation are also PNM members, Garcia declared, Today the Arima Borough Corporation is staffed with effective and competent councillors who are now doing an excellent job at the Arima Borough Corporation. Observing the proposed local government reforms articulated by Rural Development and Local Government Minister Franklin Khan would create entrepreneurial opportunities within the 14 local government districts in Trinidad, Garcia said the re-grassing of a savannah in Arima was poorly done by a contractor from Penal while the PP was in office. He suggested a contractor from Arima would have done the same job with more pride. Saying the Opposition has problems with the fact that all schools opened on time in January and April, Garcia explained that a fibre glass problem at the Aranjuez North Secondary School was the result of corrective work not being done over the last five years at the school, under the PP. He explained that his ministry has put in place a system of collaboration with the Barataria North Secondary School that will see the students from the Aranjuez North Secondary School having the opportunity and ability to receive their education. Suruj: it will boost democracy I think it is a good move, Rambachan told Newsday. People should be able to know who is going to be the Mayor. It will strengthen democracy. It will also ensure that more people come into the fray who are really committed to making a difference in local government. We need to have grass root people who also have technical ability. This is in my personal view. Rambachan, who is also a former Chaguanas Mayor, said he was always mindful that as an alderman he was not elected. I was an alderman but I must admit I always felt the need to have the greater legitimacy that comes with being elected, he said. I valued the idea of being an elected person. Rambachan was removed as Mayor in 2009 and replaced with another unelected alderman, Natasha Navas a political unknown. Valentine said the plan had several benefits. Coming from an electoral district, you have a greater idea of the challenges within the communities and cities, the Mayor said. You would not find the honorable prime minister being a senator. He would come through the electoral process. This is a step in the right direction. It is a win for democracy. I am one of the persons really anxious for Local Government Reform. In an interview with Newsday, Valentine said elected councillors had certain advantages. The councillors deal with the everyday challenges that are actually taking place within their electoral district, the Mayor said. He or she will have knowledge of infrastructure issues, drainage matters and all the local government issues and concerns. Councillors are, under the law, required to come from within the municipality. Therefore, they are likely to be within the bowel of the districts and would be in constant contact with their burgesses and have social knowledge. He said plans to give local government more teeth also made it important to ensure people had a more direct say in who the mayor is. Khan gave more details of the plan yesterday, speaking with Newsday before the sitting of Parliament where he tabled procedural matters clearing the way for local government elections later this year. We would not have a special election for a mayor, Khan said. But the mayor will be elected from the council but only from the elected councillors and not the aldermen. He said omnibus legislation will be brought, requiring a simple majority. Most of the reforms we proposing require a simple majority, the Minister said. The only part requiring a constitutional majority would be the part bringing the Municipal Police under the Police Service Commission and the Police Complaints Authority. The reforms are to be implemented after the upcoming election. Hinds sorting out civil aviation Within recent times, complaints have been raised by staff at the Authority on some industrial relations issues. Speaking with reporters during the tea break at the House of Representatives, Hinds said he recently had a private conversation with staff of at the Authority. On the appointment of a new board of directors at the Authority, Hinds said, An order has been put in place and formal induction is being prepared as we speak. He said the proposed chairman of the Authority is retired Colonel Neil Bennett. The Minister said he expected a smooth transition when the new board is appointed. Hinds reiterated that he has held several meetings with staff at the Authority. PM attends anti-corruption summit During the days proceedings both the British Prime Minister and the United States Secretary of State John Kerry agreed that corruption and terrorism are two major challenges facing the world. Rowley was part of a private breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Cameron which included the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the head of the World Bank. Prime Minister Rowley also made contributions during the open sessions. Yesterday, six countries: Britain, Afghanistan, Kenya, France, the Netherlands and Nigeria, agreed to publish registers of the real owners of companies in their territories. It is being referred to as a register of beneficial ownership. This is a key goal of anti-corruption groups. Six more countries are considering doing likewise. What you need to know about the Octagon Art Festival on Sunday in Ames news Auburn Rotary President Michelle Barber calls the Rotarian of the Year, Sharon Dilaj, a true trailblazer. Sharon led the way for other women wanting to join Rotary, as well as for those wishing to take a leadership role. As Sharon tells the story, it was a sunny day in 1987 when a co-worker came to her office and invited her to lunch. Carl Chou said that his Rotary club was looking to bring in some new members, and he thought Sharon would be interested. So Carl, Bob Shapess and Sharon climbed into Bobs Yugo and were on their way to her first meeting. The late '80s were an interesting time in Rotary. Until 1989, the constitution and bylaws of Rotary International stated that Rotary club membership was for males only. In 1978, the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, invited three women to become members. The RI board withdrew the charter of that club for violating the RI constitution. The club sued RI, claiming a violation of a state civil rights law that prevents discrimination of any form in business establishments or public accommodations. The appeals court and the California Supreme Court supported the Duarte position that Rotary could not remove the club's charter merely for inducting women into the club. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the California court, indicating that Rotary clubs do have a "business purpose" and are in some ways public-type organizations. This action in 1987 allowed women to become Rotarians in any jurisdiction having similar "public accommodation" statutes. In October of 1987, the Rotary Club of Angels-Murphys (California) inducted three women, and in spite of threats to quit Rotary by some of the older male members, none did. The RI constitutional change was made at the 1989 Council on Legislation, with a vote to eliminate the "male only" provision for all of Rotary. Sharon was welcomed by the Auburn club. She states that she learned a lot about Rotary that day and at the next few meetings. She was impressed by Rotarys international scope. She had an opportunity to meet new people, which was important to her as she had moved here from Chicago. Up until that time, the only people she knew were the ones she worked with. So she told Carl as long as they could put up with her awful singing, she was ready to join. What really made Sharon interested in Rotary was variety in the avenues of service that Rotary provides to its members. There is club service and fellowship, vocational service, community service, international service and youth service. So there is something for everyones area of interest. Joe Wolczyk became Sharons mentor in Rotary. He taught her about the structure and workings of the club, district and Rotary International. Soon, she was on the path to become his club secretary, when it was time for him to take on the presidency. And that was just the start of her leadership in the Auburn Rotary Club. One thing in Rotary that Sharon looks forward to attending is the annual District Conference. One weekend during the year, the 40-plus clubs gather for training, fun and fellowship. She has been to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Hershey Park and, for her year as president, Niagara Falls. Yes, Sharon became the first woman president of the Auburn Rotary Club in 1993-94. Sharon said, With all the training and the support of the club members, I was ready. ... One of the projects that I wanted to accomplish was Habitat for Humanity. You would be amazed at the skills that your club members have, if you can get them away from their regular jobs. For the last 10 years, Sharon has been club treasurer. And it is partly for her tenure and work that she was nominated as the Rotarian of the Year. Sharon took on the role in 2001 when another member resigned. Ed Helinski, a past president, called Sharon a tried and true Rotarian. He said shes dependable and does her work with a smile. Other nominators talked about her diligence, timeliness, her ability to juggle a variety of tasks, and that she attends almost every Rotary event. Sharon said, Through my years in Rotary, I have watched our club evolve into a fun, funny and dedicated group of men and women ready and willing to support projects around the community and around the world. And I do not want to be anywhere else. Moto G (4th gen): Here's What You Should Look Forward To In The G4 Device New Delhi, Sat, 14 May 2016 NI Wire Owning a smartphone today has become a very simple and easy going process - thanks to the wide range of mid range smartphones available in the market currently. Every minute we come across some new flagship announcement that promises to bring in an efficient device with lesser price. Next in line happens to be Moto G (4th gen), popularly addressed as G4. As per reports, the Lenovo-owned Motorola has teamed with Amazon India to release the handset exclusively on Amazon. It is notable that earlier this year, Motorola had exclusive product selling tie-up with Flipkart. Then it started selling selected devices like the Moto G (3rd gen), Moto 360 (2nd gen) and Moto G Turbo Edition on Amazon. And taking this venture ahead, the company will now roll out its latest Moto G on Amazon only. Let us check out the phone in detail: Display and Resolution The earlier flagship from Motorola, Moto G 3rd Gen had 5 inch Display with 720p resolution. Upgrading its latest smartphone, Motorola has given Moto G4 a bigger display as per reports it will have a 5.1 or 5.2 inch IPS LCD Display with 1080p or FHD resolution which means its pixel density would be 500ppi. This will make the display sharper and allow it to play videos with more clarity. Processor and Ram The company has brought back the same QuadCore Snapdragon 410 Chipset for G4 which it had used in Moto G 3rd Gen. However, the clock speed had increased in Moto G 3rd Gen. Reports state that Moto G (2016) will likely support Snapdragon 430 SoC with Eight cores clocked at 1.2 Ghz or 1.3 Ghz. The device may feature a 2GB RAM. Camera Motorola had 13MP primary camera backed by LED flash in Moto G 3rd Gen. So it is expected that the new flagship, Moto G4 most probably would feature 16MP primary camera with Dual LED flash and Optical Image Stabilization. It is also likely to have 8MP front camera with LED flash that would allow for taking decent selfies. Also, its primary camera would be capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps and 720p videos at 60fps. Battery The Motorola Moto G 3rd Gen had non-removable 2470 mAh Li-Ion battery so for G4, the battery might be 3000mAh Li-Ion and remain non removable. Quick Charge 3.0 Moto G4 may also boast of Quick Charge 3.0. As per Qualcomm, Snapdragon 430 chipset that backs this new smartphone, powers Quick Charge 3.0 feature. With Quick Charge 3.0, G4 would be able to charge can up to 80% in just 35 minutes. However, for this, the company will have to provide a Quick Charge with the device or else users buying Moto G4 will have to either purchase Motorola Turbo Charger or any other charger that can support quick charge. Best Audio Quality Moto G4 comes with snapdragon 430 chipset which is decked with Fluence technology supported by Noise Cancellation and Echo Cancellation. It will also provide 5.1 enclose sound output with Dolby and DTS. Qualcomm says that the chipset would even support amazing voice call quality. This will make Moto G 4th Gen bring in better sound quality and call quality than Moto G 3rd Gen. The Price It is expected that Motorola Moto G4, which is likely to launch in June, might be priced nearly $200. Like its counterparts, the Moto G4 will also feature Android 6.1 Marshmallow. The device is indeed appealing and it would be interesting to look out for its detailed features and specifications. So, stay tuned till be bring to you the latest updates about Moto G4. PM addresses International Convention on Universal Message of Simhastha New Delhi, Sat, 14 May 2016 NI Wire The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the International Convention on the Universal Message of the Simhastha, at Ninaura near Ujjain. The Prime Minister received President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka, at Indore airport. President Sirisena accompanied the Prime Minister from Indore, and both leaders arrived at the Convention together. Addressing the gathering, which has also been described as a Vichar Kumbh on the sidelines of the Kumbh Mela, the Prime Minister described this convention as the birth of a new effort. He said this was a modern edition of what might have happened in ancient times, when thought-leaders of society would gather at the sites of Kumbh melas, to reflect and provide new vision to society. Speaking at length on Indian tradition and culture, he said that the mantra of a Bhikshuk is may good happen to the person who gives me alms, and even to the person who does not. The Prime Minister gave several other illustrations of the values and humanism which define Indian culture. Referring to the launch of the Simhasth Declaration, which was dedicated to the world by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Prime Minister said this will mark the start of a new discourse not only in India but around the world. The Prime Minister suggested that a Vichar Kumbh should be held every year, to discuss issues such as afforestation and education of the girl child. Source: PIB SKANEATELES Lisa Ryan did not think much of the Q-tips and bottle caps she found scattered in her bathroom. She didn't notice the small square wax paper wrappers or bent spoons in her kitchen drawer. She didn't know why so many pens were missing ink cartridges. And she didn't realize she had a loved one addicted to heroin. "I didn't see those things as signs of drug use," Ryan said. "I didn't know anything was wrong." A member of the Heroin Epidemic Action League in Cayuga County, Ryan was one of several people who spoke Saturday at a heroin awareness meeting at the YMCA in Skaneateles. As she shared her story, she held up each item she had often found at home each sign her family member was doing drugs. "There were Q-tips everywhere with the ends torn off," she said, pulling one out of her purse. "It turns out he was filtering heroin with the cotton and mixing it in water bottle caps. He was using empty pens to snort it." Now in recovery, Ryan's relative has sought treatment for his addiction. Unfortunately, according to Onondaga County Sheriff Eugene Conway, many addicts don't get that chance to heal. "Heroin is overwhelming us in law enforcement and we're losing so many more people because we couldn't get there in time," he said, "This is the worst drug problem I've seen in my 40 years in law enforcement." Matthew Doran, the homicide bureau chief for the Onondaga County District Attorney's office, has responded to unattended deaths in the county for years, including accidental drug overdoses. "When I started, I would go to maybe two to three drug overdose death scenes per year," he said. "Now there's almost one a week. That's a 400 percent increase over the last five years." And as Conway said, the "poison" isn't picky, cutting across all classes, races and genders in Central New York and throughout the country. "Look to your left and look to your right," Lon Fricano, director of operations for TLC medical transportation services, told an audience of about 20 people Saturday. "That's what a drug addict looks like. No one is safe." HEAL founder Kevin Jones said he didn't know his stepdaughter Jessica Gentile a magna cum laude graduate of SUNY Cortland was using heroin until the day she died from an overdose in 2013. Soon after Gentile's death, Jones said he and his brother began building a graveyard to represent the number of Americans who die from drug overdoses every day. "At the time, that number was 100," he said, pointing to the wooden tombstones that lined the outside of the YMCA. "But just one year later, that number rose to 129 overdose deaths a day, and most of those involved heroin." After the hour-long presentation Saturday, ACR youth health advocate Tyler Gilyard trained members of the community to use Narcan nasal spray a medication that can stop or reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. Still, while it is important to teach people how to use Narcan, Fricano said it's not the answer to the problem. "Narcan does not cure drug addiction," he said. "There is no cure. If you go down that road (and try heroin), you'll be battling it for the rest of your life. That's why we need to educate our young people before they face that choice. We need to focus on prevention." Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara seems to be gaining momentum in his corruption-routing campaign in New York state. He has won convictions against two of the three most powerful politicians in the state: former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. The people of the state should be breathing a sigh of relief that Bharara launched his investigations when he did, before more bribery and intimidation took place. Now, attention turns to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo empaneled the Moreland Commission in 2013 to identify sources of corruption in state government and pave the way for remedial measures, including prosecutions, if necessary. Before the commission could complete its work, however, Cuomo disbanded it the next year. That raised plenty of suspicion itself. Was Cuomo taking proactive steps to short-circuit the commission's efforts before they led directly to his own office? That was the broad inference among Albany insiders, though Bharara investigated and found no wrongdoing. Now, published reports say Bharara is investigating the role of the governors office in handing out lucrative and perhaps undeserved contracts to companies that have supported him in the past. Specifically, three companies in central New York gained contracts for work building affordable-housing projects, including the so-called "Buffalo Billion." Lower bidders in those projects were overlooked in favor of Cuomo contributors, the allegations claim. Cuomo has formed an investigative panel of his own to look into the subject, but critics maintain he is doing that only in a hollow effort to throw pursuers off his trail. The people need to hear something from him that eases concerns that the despicable lack of conscience in state government has also enveloped the state's highest office. It's time Cuomo took a definitive stand and explained himself to his anxious constituents. Otherwise, they will simply wait for Bharara to drop the next shoe. The Press Republican, Plattsburgh With the generally unimpressive first-half of the current state Legislature session completed, lawmakers have returned to the capitol to confront major agenda items of unfinished business. After their three-week break they're under the pressure to weigh several difficult issues in addition to ethics reform. The workload ahead should undoubtedly prove challenging with the June adjournment date. It's vitally important at least it should be that if state lawmakers covet any chance of salvaging a shred of respect from the dismal and repulsive atmosphere on Capitol Hill over the past five months, they must exhaust all efforts to adopt meaningful legislation to restore public trust in government. To date, despite Gov. Cuomo's earlier threat that he would withhold approval of the 2016-17 budget if ethics reform was not part of that package, the lawmakers failed to do their job. There's still time to reverse that shortcoming. The clock is ticking with less than 15 days left of sessions before adjournment. According to the latest Siena College poll, 97 percent of those surveyed say that passing new laws to curb bad behavior of lawmakers is their No. 1 priority. Meanwhile, lest we forget, other unresolved matters either delayed or ignored, for whatever reasons, should be dealt with. They run the gamut from pension forfeiture and limiting or eliminating outside income to full disclosure of campaign financing sources and the requirement that large donors be identified and not hidden behind numbered corporations (e.g. limited liability corporations). Our state has such a law on depriving pension rights to those who deserve that treatment, but it needs to be strengthened and enforced. The Niagara Gazette It's perhaps not surprising that in an election year, politicians are talking more and more about making a college education more affordable. While we can understand the eagerness of politicians to address an issue of broad concern from students to parents to graduates faced with onerous debt it's essential that any money and incentives to address the high cost of higher education be well targeted. Just as important, the solutions shouldn't worsen the problem. If there is one point of agreement, it's that college is getting more expensive. It's been particularly acute in recent years. Since the start of the Great Recession in 2008, private college costs have risen about 19 percent, while public schools spiked 30 percent. Put another way: The very place students turned for an affordable option has grown less affordable more quickly. We've seen this trend in New York, where public support for the State University of New York stagnated while tuition steadily rose. The proposed solutions of late vary. President Barack Obama has talked of making community college free. Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders wants free public college for all. His rival Hillary Clinton suggests a progressive system of aid in which no one would need to graduate with debt. A plan from New York state Senate Democrats includes tax breaks for student loan interest and expanding the state's tuition assistance program. A few guiding principles: solutions should be targeted at people who actually need them; we need a realistic definition of what affordable means; and any more public money put into higher education to help students and families afford college should not be an excuse for schools to simply raise the bills. And finally, politicians need to recognize that it is not about some nice giveaway to promote for votes. Higher education can be a great equalizer in a society that is growing increasingly unequal and, as we see in politics right now, angry and disillusioned. For our society to thrive, ensuring wider access to higher education is a matter of national interest. The Times Union, Albany Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Share The highlight for me this past week in the Next Generation Communications Community was the publication by Nokia of its People & Planet Report 2015. At the risk of showing some bias, I have always believed in the adage that companies can do well by doing good, and the accomplishments by Nokia (News - Alert) in the area of sustainability and corporate responsibility to be good stewards of our resources are impressive. News In other industry news it was an eclectic week to say the least. Items that caught TMCnet attention were certainly marked by their diversity. For example, I satisfied my curiosity about what is going on in the critical area of intellectual property (IP) by looking at what service provider Vonage (News - Alert) has been up to on the patent front recently. There are seven new ones that have been granted in the areas of CPaaS, UC and QoS each of which command attention. My curiosity was also stirred by the announcement from Gemalto (News - Alert) of its audio over LTE for IoT applications capabilities. Voice is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about IoT, but as the announcement of the Gemalto module highlights voice does and is going to matter for IoT. Equally interesting in a non-infrastructure related item was the announcement by Opera regarding availability of its free Opera VPN application. Features As noted at the top the Nokia sustainability report was featured this week, where focus was also on public policy, operations support and home services. Postings included: Our sixth and final installment of the multi-part series on the granularity of the recent comprehensive white paper done for Nokia by Diffraction Analysis, "Government broadband plan: 5 key policy measures that proved to make a difference. The last piece of the puzzle involves a brief look at the requirement of government involvement in enabling the transformation of the broadband ecosystem and the "toolbox of remedies" that can be employed by policy-makers to accelerate broadband deployment and service adoption. NFV and SDN are great as the foundations for network transformations, however, for them to succeed in meeting their promise CSPs are going to also have to deploy next generation dynamic operations and support systems (OSSs), and for a number of good reasons that are outlined here. Why CSPs Need Dynamic OSSs 5/10/2016 - Next generations operations and support systems (OSSs) are critical for creating differentiated value and operational excellence. 5/10/2016 - Next generations operations and support systems (OSSs) are critical for creating differentiated value and operational excellence. CSPs are uniquely positioned to deliver digital home services because of on-premise equipment and broadband connectivity, and list of opportunities is extensive. It includes: energy management, home automation, home security and health monitoring just to name a few. Weekend Reading The community home page, with constantly up-dated news, whitepapers, videos, podcasts and case studies, is designed as your place to get caught up on industry buzz and insights and the weekend is a terrific time to spend some time checking things out. A few choices I recommend are the following recent articles from TechZine: Cloud interconnect where network and cloud meet Digital home opportunity for service providers In addition, in somewhat of a case of an embarrassment of riches, the links to other outstanding community resources such as the Digital Ideas section, along with links to eBooks and blogs are there for your reading pleasure. Nebraska is facing one of the worst droughts in years. We see the effects of this drought in our everyday lives. When driving down the highway, we see our once verdant landscape replaced with yellowing and desiccated crops and plant life. This dryness provokes hardships for the economy and a Drunken driving/Auto theft Flagstaff police arrested a man on suspicion of stealing a water truck from a construction site and crashing it into another vehicle while intoxicated. According to the Flagstaff Police Department report, the suspect stole a water truck from a construction site located at the southwest corner of North First Street and East Route 66 last Saturday evening. At about 7:45 p.m., officers received a report that the suspect had crashed the truck into a car parked at a motel located in the 2000 block of East Route 66, causing extensive damage to the other vehicle. The suspect's girlfriend told police the suspect had also come to their room at the motel trying to get her to take a ride with him in the stolen truck. She said she refused because he was intoxicated. He then drove out of the parking lot. Officers located the vehicle abandoned but still running on the southwest corner of North East Street and East Johnson Avenue. They found the suspect passed out about a block away in a parking lot in the 2000 block of East Route 66. Richard Diaz, 55, was arrested and charged with theft of a means of transportation, hit and run and aggravated DUI with a suspended license. He was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility. Charged with DUI Abdulaziz M. Althamer, 24, of West University Avenue was arrested by Flagstaff Police Department and charged with extreme DUI at 2:19 a.m. this past Sunday. Alton R. Quotshinma, 37, of Kykotsmovi was arrested by Flagstaff Police Department and charged with DUI at 12:21 a.m. this past Sunday. Gabriel Mark Estudillo, 34, of East Bluejay Lane was arrested by Flagstaff Police Department and charged with extreme DUI at 6:22 p.m. last Saturday. Kara Lynn Dugi, 23, of South Riordan Ranch Street was arrested by Flagstaff Police Department and charged with extreme DUI at 2:16 a.m. last Friday. Colleen Nelson, 49, of Tuba City was arrested by Flagstaff Police Department and charged with aggravated DUI with a suspended license at 1:12 a.m. last Friday. City and county residents who want to report a crime but wish to remain anonymous may call Silent Witness at 774-6111 or (877) 29-CRIME, submit a tip online at www.coconinosilentwitness.org, or text the word Flagtip along with your information to 274637 (CRIMES). Rewards of up to $2,000 are given for information that leads to an arrest. Stay Sasse-y, #NeverTrump holdouts. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images The Washington Post reports that a rogue group of Republicans, including former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, are still actively trying to plot an independent presidential run to prevent Donald Trump from making it to the White House. The #NeverTrump holdouts reportedly include Romney, conservative commentators William Kristol and Erick Erickson, and veteran GOP operatives Mike Murphy, Stuart Stevens, and Rick Wilson. Their intensifying, if desperate, efforts include attracting funding, commissioning polls to measure the feasibility of a third-party conservative candidate, and trying to recruit said candidate with hard sells being attempted on Nebraska senator (and prominent Trump rejector) Ben Sasse, recently departed candidate John Kasich, and even, at one time, billionaire and reality TV veteran Mark Cuban. Unfortunately for Romney & Co., their advances have apparently been consistently rebuffed, with the prevalent accepted notion being that any Republican that runs against Trump in the general election will be committing career suicide. In addition, the organizers seem to already realize, if not accept, that the odds are long, especially when considering the extremely short window of time they have to further solidify their insurgency. Regardless of how unlikely an outright independent candidate win would be, however, the other enticing prospect for the group is the possibility that a their sacrificial-#NeverTrump-lamb would make it impossible for either Trump or Hillary Clinton to win a majority of the electoral college, throwing the choice to the GOP-controlled House of Representatives. But regarding Sasse, Politico points out that the senator is already facing backlash within Nebraska over his refusal to support Trump. They report that there is a proposed resolution from within the family of Nebraskas senior GOP senator Deb Fischer no less for the state GOP to vote to withhold future support from any officeholder who opposes Trump. Sasse, who ended his recent Open Letter to Majority America denouncing Trump with the hashtag #GiveUsMoreChoices, may find silence as the only one left if his new in-state opponents are successful. This could be another Terri Schiavo moment when GOP priorities just dont resonate with most Americans. Photo: Sara D. Davis/Getty Images I first began to suspect Democrats of throwing chum into troubled waters on transgender-bathroom labeling upon reading reports that conservatives were determined to launch a platform fight at the Republican convention to make sure bathrooms were an important part of the GOP agenda. Yeah, bathrooms. Ridiculous, right? Not if you are a conservative religious activist who believes LGBT rights opened the gates of hell and are ushering in the End Times. Im sure more than a few Christian Right folk heard about criticisms of the North Carolina bathroom access law and thought: This is what weve been talking about all these years. So suddenly theres a new issue on the horizon that has not only caused some problems between the presumptive presidential nominee of the GOP and its most important constituency group, but that is distracting Republicans into a fight most of them and certainly Donald Trump probably dont want to participate in. The Washington Posts Greg Sargent takes a look today at the Obama administrations directive to schools across the country to let transgendered students decide which bathroom to use, and discussion of the issue by other liberals, and concludes that Democrats are leaning in on the issue. Sure looks that way to me, too. Yes, the schools directive was bland and bureaucratic, and not really mandatory, but was nonetheless designed to set cultural conservatives off like a rocket, partly because of the subject matter and partly because it was an example of federal meddling with local control of schools, which a lot of these folks deplore as Big Secular Government getting between godly parents and their impressionable children. Its unlikely a whole lot of swing voters care that much about this issue one way or another, and those who think about it for five minutes probably figure the administrations approach was a reasonable solution to a small but unavoidable problem. But even as they (and the schools, and the country) move on, conservative activists will remain transfixed, fighting for new bathroom labeling laws in the many states they control, fighting for platform planks, fighting with Republican politicians who are embarrassed by the whole thing, and maybe even fighting with each other on how to fight this new exotic import from Sodom and Gomorrah. This could even become a Terri Schiavo moment, wherein many Americans discover once again that the Christian Right and the political party in its thrall just dont look at the world the way the rest of us do. Photo: Flu by Dust/Getty Images Puerto Rico was dealt a big blow in its fight against the Zika virus, after officials with the CDC confirmed the commonwealths first case of Zika-caused microcephaly on Friday. Puerto Rico leads the United States in cases of the mosquito-borne virus, but this was the first time officials have detected a Zika infection in a fetus. The male fetus, which was either aborted or miscarried, apparently had a severe case of the birth defect, which stunts brain development and shrinks the brains and heads of babies. A sonogram revealed that the unborn baby had microcephaly, and the CDC did follow-up tests that also showed signs of the disorder. The mothers identity is unknown. Puerto Rico has been drowning in Zika cases: 925 reported infections, including 128 pregnant woman though at least 14 Puerto Rican moms infected with the virus have given birth to healthy kids, says the Los Angeles Times. Still, health officials expect that number of infections to grow before the end of the year possibly reaching 700,000 people, or 20 percent of the population. Last month, Puerto Rico also saw the first U.S. death from Zika. A 70-year-old man died of rare complications from the virus. Readers of this space will be shocked to learn that Donald Trump is catering to racist sentiments. Photo: Joey Foley/Getty Images A few days ago, I wrote a piece trying to explain why so many analysts, like me, mistakenly assumed Trump would fail to win the Republican nomination. My case is that most of us assumed Trump was too obviously buffoonish, and we overestimated the intelligence of the elites and the voters. Two pieces have now appeared in response to this by Amanda Marcotte in Salon, and Gene Demby in NPRs Code Switch registering the same objection: I allegedly ignore the role of race in Trumps support. Its telling that Chait finds it easier to imagine that huge swaths of Republican primary voters are childlike and naive, rather than folks who quite rationally dig Trumps direct appeals to their interests their racial interests, writes Demby. Among Trumps most notorious policy proposals is a moratorium on Muslims entering the country. He has called Mexican immigrants rapists. Maybe we should concede that these declarations are not incidental to his appeal among his supporters, but central to them. Calling them idiots posits that theyve been duped, when perhaps Trump is saying precisely what they want to hear. Marcotte makes the same case. Both these responses fundamentally misconstrue my piece. First, the notion that I have whitewashed Trumps appeal and ignored its racist element is preposterous. If either Demby or Marcotte had conducted even a two-minute Google search, they would have found many examples of my analyzing the racial element of Trumps support for instance, here, here, here, here, here, and here. I have also written a great many pieces exploring the role of white racial resentment in conservative politics generally, the longest being this 2014 cover story. So why didnt this piece mention race? Because it wasnt an article trying to answer the question, Why do Republican voters like Trump? Instead it was an article trying to answer the question, Why did Trump win when I expected him to lose? Obviously, he won because he has deep appeal to the Republican voters. Some of those sources were known in advance. For instance, Trump is rich and famous. I didnt mention those factors either. Its not because I am attempting to deny that Trumps wealth and fame played a role in his appeal. Its because, like Trumps racism, they were known from the beginning. I was exploring what factors in the equation I missed. To depict me as ignoring or downplaying the role of race in Trumps appeal on the right is not a competent, good-faith reading of my work. Both authors have longstanding disagreements with me on identity politics that theyve chosen to project as a criticism of this piece, but their criticisms literally have nothing to do with what my piece says. Its not great. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/2015 Getty Images Donald Trumps presidential campaign has been peppered with casual misogyny, from his comments about Megyn Kelly bleeding from her wherever to the misguided idea that women get it better than we do. His history with women before he hit the trail isnt much better. Anyone whos paid attention to Trump over the years knows he has a history of treating women badly; has any other presidential candidate been accused of marital rape? The New York Times has published a fascinating feature comprised of interviews with dozens of women who had worked with or for Mr. Trump over the past four decades, in the worlds of real estate, modeling and pageants; women who had dated him or interacted with him socially; and women and men who had closely observed his conduct since his adolescence. What was it like to work with him? Well, if youre overweight, hell be sure to mention it, and if youre within hearing distance, youll learn all about his sexual prowess. At the same time, hes hired and promoted them within his various business ventures, and some women have apparently had good interactions with him. Its a juicy read, and one that paints a slightly more nuanced picture of the mogul behind the campaign spin. But only slightly. Hes still pretty gross. I hope so!!! Best song this year, imo!!! Reply Thread Link I love this song so much <3 Love the dancer in the original music video too. I wished he'd be in the live version of this. Edited at 2016-05-14 06:22 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link I hope she beats Sergey for the win. Reply Thread Link So hyped for tonight, woop woop! Reply Thread Link she's so cute! i want ha to succeed!!!! Reply Thread Link I feel like she's got a good shot. She can actually sing, which is always a bonus in this competition lol. What happens if Australia wins, 'cause obv they aren't hosting it in Australia? I'm rooting for my own country as well, I feel like Laura (belgium) has got an alright song and she's got great energy on stage. Reply Thread Link lol maybe Australia gets to pick with country they want to saddle with the cost and hassle of hosting. Reply Parent Thread Link lol please don't pick us then Australia, we don't got that kind of money! I guess they're going to cohost it in another country? I'm still confused as to why Australia's in the competition, but I'm happy they are! That Guy Sebastian dude they sent last year was alright as well. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I know that if Australia had won it last year it would have been hosted in Germany, but I don't know how that was decided. Reply Parent Thread Link Australia picks out of the 'big 5(?)' So either UK, germany, spain?, russia and some other place Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I was rooting for Belgium!! So cute! Reply Parent Thread Link Omg I loved laura! This is ny first year watching Eurovision (from australia) and I thought the music would be a lot worse. I feel like whenever I've seen stuff about eurovision it was mocking terrible songs or just random theatrics but I don't get that at all. There are So many good bops but Belgium in particular really stood out! Reply Parent Thread Link My faves of the competition are: Australia (obvs! Dami has a great voice and the song is cute!), Russia (the song is fine, but I am kind of obsessed with the staging.), and Belgium (it's so disco-y! I LOVE IT.). I'm withholding judgment on the Big 5 + Sweden until I see them perform tomorrow. :) Reply Thread Link A LEGEND Reply Thread Link go dami Reply Thread Link I haven't watched the 2nd semi final, but I hope so. I was rooting for Australia last year too and Guy Sebastian was really good. Reply Thread Link Love her. I can't believe she released a fucking carpenters album... Reply Thread Link HDU SHADE MY NAMESAKE. (not really, but lol my mom loves the Carpenters and she named me Karen so I like to tell her that she named me after Karen Carpenter) Reply Parent Thread Link The Carpenters are everything so your Mom had the right idea Karen! Reply Parent Thread Link WHOA Basically me. My mom likes names that start with "K" and would almost mention how Karen Carpenter was her fav as a kid. Gosh she would play her all the time on road trips. At one point I ended up just telling people I was named after her too. Reply Parent Thread Link Australian record labels are the worst with pop stars... At least the carpenters cover record went to number one...? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link also tbh Australia is a messy place but both people we've sent so far have been Asian-Australian and I think that's really important <333 Reply Thread Link If you include Jessica Mauboy, we have kinda been trolling Eurovision with non white singers.... Reply Parent Thread Link it's like we reversed what our cultural landscape normally looks like. Where are the people crying reverse white washing? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol she is also part south asian, so all our representatives have been asian/part asian Reply Parent Thread Link who else would they send? Conrad Sewell? the group that sang "Geronimo" ? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link nah she won't win. it'll be that Russian dude but she'll come close cuz Australia has no drama. can't wait for this on Sunday. it's gonna be epic Reply Thread Link It's on Saturday, sis! Reply Parent Thread Link Sunday 5am Australian time... Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol oooop my bad. I meant to write Saturday. I'm excited for graham nortons commentary cuz it's always on point Reply Parent Thread Link she is such a sweetheart <3 Reply Thread Link omg she is too cute <3 Reply Parent Thread Link omg. The Project is getting so much exposure on ONTD lately Reply Parent Thread Link bc it's superior, sis! Reply Parent Thread Link yassss shes a fellow Samsung user Reply Parent Thread Link This is the first time I paid attention to her and I'm so glad I did because this is a really good year to get into Eurovision Reply Parent Thread Link It's such a great song! I'll be rooting for her <3 As long as that Mans wannabe Russian bitch doesn't win, I'm good. Reply Thread Link Excuse me, Lazarev happens to be a wonderful person. He's not some lucky guy off the street, he had to work really hard to get where he is, especially as a gay man in Russia. Reply Parent Thread Link lmao this was paid with tax dollars Reply Thread Link creepy Reply Thread Link Fuck this! This is bullshit. Reply Thread Link Tbh it makes me seethe when I see recruiters at High schools or at my College Campus. Idk. I just don't feel that they should be at a place where young people are trying to get an education and be lured into war instead.. Reply Thread Link and they always target lower income students because they know they can really talk up the military and how they can have a job right out of high school and how it will pay for college when they're finished and it really pisses me off because so many of these kids have no idea what they're signing up for. Reply Parent Thread Link The Army somehow got my name when I was in HS and would.not.give.up on getting me into the corps. Finally, my "personal Army recruiter" (lol) caught my fam on a night where I was at musical rehearsal (my sport of choice) and talked to my mom and she gave the guy an earful about how A-I would never make it through basic training (I can't dispute it too much as I'm 5'0 and extremely unathletic) and B-over her dead body would she ever let her only child enlist in the military and get shipped to Iraq. By the time she was done with that guy, my Army recruitment was pretty much over. Reply Parent Thread Link can our tax dollars go to helping our neighbors instead of imperialist efforts please? i don't mind paying them or even raising them if they go to things that help others and our society instead of a handful of billionaires... and typing that made me feel like senator sanders but he ain't lying. -_- Reply Thread Link i hate army adverts. i hate the current ones going around where the well meaning dad is like, "don't join the army", and the son is like, "don't what? don't help people? don't make something of myself? don't acquire new skills?" and then the ad ends with "don't join the army" and its so GROSS it makes the army sound like an educational summer camp or something. Reply Thread Link "don't help people? don't make something of myself? don't acquire new skills?" sounds more like an argument to join doctors without borders instead of the army tbh Reply Parent Thread Link "Don't murder people? Don't fight in conflicts that we caused in the first place? Don't acquire PTSD and watch the government completely fail to care for my well-being after I get back? Why wouldn't I want to do that??" Reply Parent Thread Link yeah its awful. and the father/son in the ads have reeally thick northern accents, cause like..... obviously they're trying to target poorer people (well, they already do that by having access to a list of kids of free school meals. its disgusting). Reply Parent Thread Link god, I remember an old old article (and honestly, it's probably been analyzed since) that discussed military recruiting--basically when recruiting was up (like after 9/11), the advertising turned very aggressive and almost dismissive. "You want to join the Army/Navy/Marines??? YOU'RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH." But when recruiting is down, it switches to "oh we do aid work/we can pay your college tuition!" basically, recruitment numbers must be down for them to go for the soft sell. Reply Parent Thread Link Those ads sound like those shitty fake Facebook / Tumblr stories that people make up for likes, too. "I sat there really calmly, and said..." Reply Parent Thread Link In my country the army currently has an ad that says "We're also fighting for the fact that you can be against us". Reply Parent Thread Expand Link the dad should have said join the peace corps. Reply Parent Thread Link my dad's a vietnam vet...he told my brother that he refuses to have both of us join the army and will do anything in his power to prevent that from happening. he knows what the soldiers go thru and he, while he had great family support, the gov't didn't gaf when he came home and it effed him up and he didn't want us to go thru it. he's still supportive with the military, but he doesn't approve of their actions b/c he feels they're pretty shady, especially after the fact he's still dealing with the effects of agent orange Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Gross. When the Party Posse did it, at least they gave us bops. Reply Thread Link This was stuck in my head for a week LOL Reply Parent Thread Link I still know all the lyrics, haha! Reply Parent Thread Link I think I watched this when I was kind of young (even though Simpsons was one of the few shows my mom was like "no you can't watch") and I remember getting overly creeped out about this reveal. Like I think I'm still scared to watch this episode and it's probably not that bad at all. Reply Parent Thread Link Omg this episode was so good. Reply Parent Thread Link lol i remember this ep. forgot the song tho. Reply Parent Thread Link just sick Reply Thread Link yvan eht nioj Reply Thread Link Unsurprising, they've been doing this for a long time, especially in more recent decades. Man of Steel's ad campaign for them was a trip. The Sony email hacks also said something similar, that they needed to start producing more pro-Israel propaganda, let's see what kind of cringey garbage that's gonna be. Reply Thread Link As someone who was this close to joining the USAF, fuck 'em. I only wanted to join since I knew they'll pay for my college but I just couldn't in good conscience bring myself to help join them. My brother did, and good for him. But the way they rely on young, poor people is sickening. They talk good shit but once they are done with you, they treat you like shit. They are horrible at helping their vets with mental problems brought on by their atrocities, or the females that were sexual assault victims. It didn't help that a lady we talked to when we dropped off my bro said that the base was a dry one because of all the sexual assault cases that has happened. If the congress really wants to go to another war, they should send their kids. Let's see how long that shit lasts. Reply Thread Link It's so fucked up One of my friends is an army medic and when she was in training they told all the girls to walk together ON BASE. Like wtf? Like sexual assault is just completely expected. Luckily she didn't go through any of that bullshit and she ended up with a great job and loves what she does. Reply Parent Thread Link i've heard similar things from my friends who are women that joined the army after high school. it's so gross Reply Parent Thread Link all of the things you mentioned are exactly the reasons why i have such a problem with the US military. they really do not care about the people they recruit at all and they treat them horribly. i can't get behind them at all because of that shit. Reply Parent Thread Link If the congress really wants to go to another war, they should send their kids. Let's see how long that shit lasts. Lol, a lot of their kids are in the army; a lot of them are veterans. Hasn't made a difference. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link What a stupid thing to so blatantly waste tax dollars on. Reply Thread Link Mte Reply Parent Thread Link JESUS CHRIST. Reply Thread Link wheres the Eurovision viewing post tho Reply Thread Link mte i submitted one Reply Parent Thread Link lmao so did i, a half-assed one, like 10 minutes ago, after it had already started. WHERE ARE THE MODS ???? Reply Parent Thread Link this Reply Parent Thread Link My country is performing third, I need the post now Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lmao i feel like everyone submitted a post Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I mean I know all white bros kind of look alike but James Taylor (really? I've seen fire and rain and you ain't it) and Jonathan are a little too close... Booooo OP why'd you fix it now my comment doesn't make any sense. Edited at 2016-05-14 07:04 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link give me a break sis, editing and uploading these pics was distressing to my senses Reply Parent Thread Link Alright alright alright Reply Parent Thread Link I have never watched this show but this is a joke right? Reply Thread Link You and Jonathan would get along - you don't think this is a real list and he doesn't think gluten is a real allergy. Edited at 2016-05-14 07:06 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link And what a shock, he eats like a 12-year-old. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I was all about Wells until the fucking cat comment, rude. Reply Thread Link That denim jacket soured me and the cat comment sealed it Reply Parent Thread Link Real talk, are these joke answers from the guys or did they seriously say this shit? The Harry Potter comment? Fucking bye. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link chad would be the only hot one but then i read his bio Reply Thread Link How did you wait until the bio to decide? His name is Chad, that should have ended it right there Reply Parent Thread Link i didnt want to blame him for his parent's mistakes!! Reply Parent Thread Link I've never watched this but tbh the guy who has the long-ass list of "don't"s in women calling himself a romantic is slaying me. Reply Thread Link This giant douche vs turd sandwich scenario Reply Thread Link White Single Lives Matter! Reply Thread Link not one of these dudes seems remotely interesting Reply Thread Link What are your deal-breakers when it comes to relationships? Girls with chipped nail polish, girls who talk too much, narcissists, clingers, girls who have serious food allergies lmao I hope you stay single forever Reply Thread Link Literally what woman would want to date a dude who is an erectile dysfunction expert which tbh sounds like a euphemism for something and not even a real job Reply Parent Thread Link the food allergies one... smh. i guess he couldn't date a girl who is too narcissistic because it would be two too many in the relationship. Reply Parent Thread Link had to check that someone already called out this douche nozzle. seriously wtf? Reply Parent Thread Link his face paired with the fact that he's an "erectile dysfunction expert" he ain't got a chance Reply Parent Thread Link Girls with chipped nail polish area deal breaker. But a girl who takes time to do her nail polish every day would probably be a narcissist. What a douche Reply Parent Thread Link I don't like Jojo for bachelorette, so I was planning on skipping this season. But wow, did producers actively look to give her bottom of the barrel candidates?? Reply Thread Link this girl is basic Reply Thread Link This can't be real. Can't be. Checked the source: it is. Wow. Erectile dysfunction expert. Ugh. He looks like squiggy from laverne and shirley Reply Thread Link im a fan of her jacket tho Reply Thread Link "Pomp and Circumstance" filled the Skydome Friday afternoon as a sea of blue caps and gowns filed in, waiting to receive their diplomas and signify the end of their studies. However, during the ceremony, Arizona Board of Regents member Rick Meyers encouraged the graduates to remain focused on the issue of education, even as they left college. I hope all of you support education throughout your lives, Meyers told the crowd. Meyers encouraged the group to mentor others, seek leadership opportunities and vote for elected leaders who support education. Anthony Hessel, the vice president of legislative affairs for the graduate student government, encouraged the graduates to continue exercising their minds, even if they ae not still in the classroom. From my perspective, Ive learned you are a superior thinker now than you were when you arrived at NAU, he said. At the commencement ceremony for the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Education, Arizona Teacher of the Year Christine Marsh received an honorary doctorate and addressed the graduating class. Marsh told the crowd about her recent trip to Washington, D.C., where she met President Barack Obama. She said while touring the monuments, she felt insignificant among their accomplishments, but said even though she might not be another Lincoln, she realized she could still make the world better for those around her. Plan on making the world a better place, Marsh said. Make the world more loving, more supportive and more imaginative, and do it with passion. Marsh said the graduates should be proud of their accomplishments, but also look toward the future. She said they should relish in their achievements and look for a career that makes them feel fulfilled and energized. Make the world a better place than it was before you walked through it, she said. NAU alumnus David Mangelsdorf was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree Friday afternoon. Mangelsdorf has led research to develop strategies to treat a variety of diseases, including obesity, fatty liver disease and others, according to the NAU Office of Public Affairs. Nearly 5,000 students will receive their degrees over the weekend, with the College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences boasting the most graduates, according to NAU spokeswoman Janea Laudick. NAU President Rita Cheng told the students and families that graduation is only the beginning, and said she looks forward to seeing what they do in the future. Show the world what it means to be a Lumberjack, she said. Btw everyone should read this if you can stomach it. This will only make his supporters love him more. He's sf disgusting. How Donald Trump treated women, in their own words https://t.co/5FoZDDaJER pic.twitter.com/NOk4LQXlcT The New York Times (@nytimes) May 14, 2016 He's such a con artist. And he will lie about literally anything - big or small. It's terrifying. There's also been talk that he won't release his tax returns because he's not really a billionaire. Which might actually make sense if you look at the suit he lost about it. It's hilarious that he calls himself anti-establishment and yet people are debating if he's a billionaire or not. His fans have no problems with his blatant lying. It's wild.Btw everyone should read this if you can stomach it. This will only make his supporters love him more. He's sf disgusting. Reply Thread Link The thought of him having access to The Football genuinely keeps me up at night. Reply Parent Thread Link iirc he lost a suit when a reporter questioned his net worth and published it's more likely to be around $250 million. Which of course is a lot but for someone like Trump it looks bad. I'm glad Elizabeth Warren is at least pointing out how awful he actually is as a businessman and with money. Some interesting points were brought up here if you're curious http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/is-donald-trump-really-a-billionaire Reply Parent Thread Expand Link His hatred for women, including his youngest daughter, is so obvious and disgusting ... and it makes the entire thing so much more bizarre and creepy that he has a sexual attraction to his oldest daughter. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Remember that for all the times she takes on Trump she's also a massive racist asshole. Reply Parent Thread Link Don't be fooled because you hate the same person. She's the idiot who had that segment about Santa not being Black. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link you shouldn't. Reply Parent Thread Link yeah i was gonna point out never forget when she pointed out that every white child should know CERTAINLY that jesus and santa are both white. Reply Parent Thread Link as a Canadian I only know her as the anchor who was parodied in "If You Seek Amy" which tells me enough about her to hate her Reply Parent Thread Link She's garbage Reply Parent Thread Link She's a tremendous journalist, but espouses some pretty shitty views as others have already pointed out. That's to be expected when you're employed by Fox, I guess. She seems to be shifting away from all that as of late, though. Reply Parent Thread Link lmaoooo Reply Parent Thread Link Nah, fuck her. She's very anti- BLM. Reply Parent Thread Link where is this man's heart attack what is taking so long Reply Thread Link He'll outlive us all Reply Parent Thread Link suddenly the koons is rob ford Reply Thread Link defending himself in the depths of hell now. rip. Reply Parent Thread Link this is so bizarre Reply Thread Link I still don't see it for The fact that Donald Trump has a 50/50 chance of being President of the United States is absolutely terrifying.I still don't see it for Megyn Kelly Reply Thread Link I have no faith left and totally believe Trump will end up being our next President. And it wouldn't surprise me one bit. Fuck this shit. Reply Parent Thread Link America, your presumptive presidential candidates are very telling of the calibre of your people. Hillary and Donald are a mess in their own right. Reply Thread Link we know this :[ lol Reply Parent Thread Link yep Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, what kind of reach? Bernbots are so dramatic. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Mte What kind of moron would say this? Lol Reply Parent Thread Link it's insane to me that people literally think this. like hillary for sure has tons of issues, but last I checked she didn't publicly state she wanted to commit crimes against humanity?? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link ia, i just don't think she'll win against trump. Reply Parent Thread Link You're absolutely right. It's not necessarily the candidates themselves but the environment that allowed them to flourish. Reply Parent Thread Link i'd like to know what country you are from before i accept your judgement, bc if it's the uk or australia, sis.. Reply Parent Thread Link but everyone here hates them both lol. Reply Parent Thread Link i had a debate at work about politics with my coworkers and i told them that people only vote for whose name they hear about the most, they don't pay attention to their stance or policies. they didn't believe me even though that studies show this to be true. and then i proved my point because they are all trump supporters and don't know his stance on a single issue except gun control. they'd be so surprised to know how much he wants to cut taxes for the poor. yet democrats are the ones giving handouts. fucking educate yourself. lol sorry about my work rant. Reply Thread Link yikes! do you live in texas? Reply Parent Thread Link no! nebraska! and they legit thought the south was liberal. i lost it at that point. must be nice to live in a bubble where you have no idea what goes on outside of it. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link well, he just knows everybody! He's had his own TV show, he's danced with Princess Diana, everybody knows him! He's a celebrity! We've had enough know-nothing politicians and military guys in there, it's time for a change! Then again, this is a woman who spends all day every day in her house watching TMZ and scrolling through Buzzfeed... Edited at 2016-05-14 11:09 pm (UTC) That's the "public" reason my aunt gives as to why she's voting for Trump (i.e. the one she will tell to strangers/non-relatives; the "private" being her love of his hatred of minorities)- Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Trump doesn't even know Trump's stance on gun control. He supported a weapons ban and was for much stricter waiting periods. Meanwhile, Obama has been the most pro-gun president in the last 100 years. There are multiple laws he passed making gun ownership easier and allowing for guns in places they hadn't previously been allowed. Trying to bring that up to any Trump supporter just gets me called a bitch and then I'm bombarded with death and rape threats. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Dude Reply Thread Link I've lost all hope for America tbh, there's no turning back now. You guys chose two of the absolute worst humans as your presidential candidates so the next 4 years are gonna be so fucking painful :(((( Reply Thread Link bernie dropped out? Reply Parent Thread Link No but am not hopefull that Americans are gonna do the right thing and pick the only sane candidate they've got :( Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm holding out for bernie tbh Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i'd like to know what country you are from before i accept your judgement, bc if it's the uk or australia, sis.. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link He certainly got the angry white man vote. Reply Parent Thread Link I dated some guy back in hs for a very short time & dumped him. Right after school ended for the year, he began calling me every freaking day. So I started answering the phone as my sister & claiming "Andisprohi is at summer camp" or whatever else I could think of. So then I got my sister in on it & made her tell him "yes, you talked to me yesterday & I told you she's still at camp." Worked out fine until the day before school started again. My sister decided to be a bitch & tell him "Oh she's home right now. She wasn't at camp. She just didn't want to talk to you all summer." Edited at 2016-05-14 09:51 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I never thought America would give him a chance. Oh boy, I was wrong. Reply Thread Link i called it when he decided to run. never underestimate the power of ignorance. Reply Parent Thread Link mte :/ Reply Parent Thread Link he ran multiple times. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link don't forget, sarah palin was almost our vice-president Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Me either, then I realized America's brain is fried due to the the consumption of empty entertainment and self-indulgent narcissistic celebrities. " Well I dun saw trump on da television box and he wus a good business man and he's gonn say "ur fired" to the richies who have ruined dis country!!1" Indeed. Reply Parent Thread Link The same country that re-elected Dubya, tho? Reply Parent Thread Link ia, the joke has gone on too long and the reality of it has me planning my move to another country already. Reply Parent Thread Link still hoping trump is a low-key democrat and everything he's doing right now is just a marketing ploy to get elected. i mean he literally changed his stance on minimum wage the day after kasich and cruz dropped out. i think we all know he's gonna win it. trying to stay positive. lol Reply Thread Link Lol I hope so too. It feels more and more like him winning is actually possible. Reply Parent Thread Link seriously! i legit think he is though. i mean check out his tax plan. lol what republican would ever have a group of people pay 0% tax? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Unfortunately, in my books that would make his behavior more repulsive, not less. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The mixed news was not enough to break the crude oil market this week, which tells me there may be other forces working to support the uptrend. These forces may be the general belief that the market has started to rebalance. And this is giving investors the incentive to continue to support the market on weakness. No one seems willing to sell a downtick or buy an uptick, yet the market continues to producer higher-highs and higher-lows, putting it in a position to continue to grind higher over the near-term. This week can best be described as a yeah, but week. As in yeah, there are wildfires in Canada helping to cut output by 1 million barrels per day, but the fires have been contained. Yeah, the American Petroleum Institutes (API) reported a build of 3.5 million barrels in preliminary data issued on Tuesday, but the U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday that U.S. crude inventories fell 3.4 million barrels the week-ending May 6. Yeah, Kuwait said I assume fundamentally the price (rise) represents the fall of production, but in a sign of an ongoing aggressive fight for market share, Iran has set its June official selling prices for heavier grades it sell to Asia at the biggest discounts to Saudi and Iraqi oil since 2007-2008. This week can best be described as a yeah, but week. As in yeah, there are wildfires in Canada helping to cut output by 1 million barrels per day, but the fires have been contained. Yeah, the American Petroleum Institutes (API) reported a build of 3.5 million barrels in preliminary data issued on Tuesday, but the U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday that U.S. crude inventories fell 3.4 million barrels the week-ending May 6. Yeah, Kuwait said I assume fundamentally the price (rise) represents the fall of production, but in a sign of an ongoing aggressive fight for market share, Iran has set its June official selling prices for heavier grades it sell to Asia at the biggest discounts to Saudi and Iraqi oil since 2007-2008. The mixed news was not enough to break the crude oil market this week, which tells me there may be other forces working to support the uptrend. These forces may be the general belief that the market has started to rebalance. And this is giving investors the incentive to continue to support the market on weakness. No one seems willing to sell a downtick or buy an uptick, yet the market continues to producer higher-highs and higher-lows, putting it in a position to continue to grind higher over the near-term. This idea received additional support this week when the International Energy Agency raised its 2016 global oil demand growth forecast to 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1.16 million in April. If there is going to be a short-term top, it is likely to occur because of technical factors. The market seems to be absorbing bad news and accepting good news so something technical like an overbought oscillator or the balance of price and time is likely to put in a short-term top. Technically, July Crude Oils main trend is up according to the daily swing chart. The trend will turn down on a trade through $37.50 so its safe to say the trend wont be turning down next week unless the market breaks over $12.00. Next week will be the 6th week up from the recent bottom at $37.50. Closing price reversal tops tend to occur between 7 to 10 weeks from a main bottom. So from a timing perspective, we dont have to worry about a closing price reversal top until the weeks-ending May 20 to June 3. The main range is $64.00 to $31.61. Its retracement zone is $47.79 to $51.63. This zone is a very important retracement area that could draw the attention of short-sellers and profit-takers. Over the next few weeks, well have to watch the price action and order flow inside this zone to determine whether the buying is getting stronger or the selling pressure is increasing. If a short-term top is going to form then it will likely do so inside the retracement zone. Crude oil is also being guided higher by an uptrending angle from the $31.61 main bottom, moving up at a rate of $1.00 per week. This angle moves up to $48.61 next week. In order to maintain the pace of the upside momentum, crude oil must sustain a rally over this level or the market will start to attract sellers. The angle comes in at $49.61 the week-ending May 27 and at $50.61 the week-ending June 3. (Click to enlarge) Looking at the weekly swing chart, we have identified the first rally as $31.61 to $43.69. A move of 12.08 over 8 weeks. From the $37.50 main bottom, a similar move targets $49.58 the week-ending June 3. Combining the retracement zone, the uptrending Gann angle and the swing chart analysis, we have concluded that the most likely meaningful short-term top is likely to occur at $49.58 during the week-ending June 3. Thursdays close at $47.79 puts crude oil in a position to challenge our objective next week. Were going to monitor the price action and order flow as the market nears $49.58. Its not important to us to pick the exact top, but more important to short this market on the way down as investor sentiment begins to shift. This article should be used as a guideline as to when and where a top could form. However, we still have to have the presence of a big seller to encourage longs to get out of their positions before the market will begin to move lower. (Click to enlarge) Currently, less than half of the EUs gas demand is met by domestic production. The rest is imported, mainly from Norway (36 percent), Russia (41 percent) and Algeria (10 percent). In recent years, LNG, or liquefied natural gas, has accounted for around 10 percent of the imports, with most of them coming from Qatar, Algeria, and Nigeria. Although there are ISIS groupings in Algeria, the gas installations seem now secured. The last major attack on a gas facility in Algeria happened in 2013; 132 foreign nationals were taken hostage. The inevitable European military intervention in Libya will force Jihadists to move to Algeria and Niger. In Algeria, they will endanger gas installations and in Niger, they pose a risk to Arevas Uranium mine in Arlit. Arlit provides a big chunk of uranium for Frances nuclear plants, which produce 75 percent of French electricity. Libya currently provides 9 percent of Italian gas consumption compared with 89 percent in 2011. With the largest oil reserve in Africa and the tenth largest globally Libya remains an important state in world oil. While Libyan gas comes from the relatively safe western regions of the country, which are situated in the border area close to Tunisia, the authorities are not able to provide a constant supply of gas to Italy. Now that Libya is a breeding ground for Jihadist groups it has become a threat to its neighbor Algeria, which supplies 10 percent of Europeans gas consumption. Related: Energy Sector Hit With Two More Big Bankruptcies In the Levant, near the coast of Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and Cyprus, gas was discovered in 2010 by Americas Noble Energy, which caused a lot of geopolitical tension. Lebanon and Israel, being formally at war, are contesting their maritime borders. In the past Lebanese officials have accused Israel of trying to appropriate Lebanons resources and threatened that this could lead to war between the two countries. The discovery of gas near Cyprus resulted in a conflict between Turkey and Israel; in 2012 Turkey scrambled jets to deter an Israeli plane that violated the airspace over Turkish-held northern Cyprus. Israel, Cyprus and Greece are exploring the possibility to build a gas pipeline from the Levant gas fields via Cyprus to Greece, but in the current volatile political environment, coalitions are short lived. Turkey, being dependent on gas from its rival Russia, is looking for alternatives. Since the Gaza Flotilla incident, Israel-Turkey relations will not allow Turkey to be a part of the aforementioned planned gas infrastructure that will carry gas to Europe. To become less dependent on Russian gas, Europe is exploring the delivery of gas from Central Asia. In May 2015, a quadrilateral meeting was held in Ashgabat the capital of Turkmenistan, which was attended by the heads of the energy ministries of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and representatives of the European Commission. To keep Russia out of the equation, Turkmen gas has to use the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline, passing through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. The so-called Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline that connects Europe with the Caucasus, Caspian Sea, and Central Asia makes Europe reliant on Turkey. Since October, the relations between Ankara and Brussels are not based on mutual respect and friendship but rather on a power plays and unilateral dictates. Ankara now sets the terms of the relations between Turkey and the European Union rather than Brussels. The European population decries the deal Angela Merkel, and Mark Rutte made with Turkey. By forcing its will on the people of Europe by other means than decent diplomacy, Turkey displays an outright hostile attitude to Europe. Also, Turkeys daily deliberate violation of Greeces airspace shows the animosity between Turkey and one of European Unions member states. Related: Oil Prices Slip As Stronger Dollar Outweighs Bullish IEA Data Russia is the European Unions primary gas supplier. Germany and Russia are building the Nord Stream pipeline, which will runs from Russia through international waters straight to Germany, in order to become less dependent on the unstable political situation in Ukraine. The South Stream pipeline was planned to provide Southern Europe with gas, bypassing Ukraine: it should run from Russia to Bulgaria through the international waters of the Black Sea. According to European Laws, the pipeline should also be available for other gas suppliers, a rule that is not applicable to the North Stream. Due to the hostile relations between Brussels and Moscow, Brussels has made any progress impossible, so Putin canceled the construction of the southern pipeline. As a result of this dispute, Turkey and Russia worked on an alternative plan, the so-called Turkish Stream pipeline, but this plan was canceled in 2015 in response to Turkey shooting down a Russian airplane. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has criticized Brussels and Berlin for preventing the adequate gas supply to Southern Europe while doubling the capacity of the Nord Stream. After the cancellation of the South Stream project, Russia started looking for alternative clients for its gas in China and was able to secure some big gas deals with China. Related: Are Subsidies Killing US Solar Companies? The Europeans are increasing their liquid natural gas installations to import gas from the U.S. and Australia; however, the projected increase in LNG imports will only compensate for the decline of domestic gas production in Europe. Europe is heavily dependent on gas that comes from its neighbors. With the rise of ISIS in North Africa and the hostile relationship between Turkey and Russia, the old continent is now encircled by enemies. By Gefira.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: "You ever have the feeling youre going to live forever? I mean like youre never going to die? Im going to be great, I dont know how I know but I do. Just watch. Im going to change the world." Tony Robinson Tony Terrell Robinsons life ended much too early bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, torso and right upper extremity on Willy Street on Madisons near east side on March 6, 2015. Since then, some people have noted that Robinsons death has forever changed the way that Madisonians think about race and could be a catalyst for addressing nation-leading racial disparities in Madison. Others have noted that it hasnt changed a damn thing. Thousands of articles have been written about Tony Robinson in these last 14 months as the nation has looked in on Madison to find out more. But very few have really delved deeply into the question: Who was Tony Robinson? "He had the most unique laugh. It was infectious. He loved to see other people happy. He was happy making other people happy," Andrea Irwin, Tony Robinsons mother, tells Madison365. "He was definitely someone who everybody talked to. Thats what I hear from all of his friends. They could call him no matter what time it was, and he would talk to them on the phone until they felt better give them advice and help solve their problems. He was very, very generous. "He was a funny dude. I call him my gentle giant," she adds. "He was a big boy 64" but back him into a corner and he would fold. He just wasnt a fighter. "He used to get kicks out of irritating me. He thought it was funny. But then he would pull me in and hug me until I hugged him back," she adds. "Hed say, Cmon, Mom! You know you love me! I had no other choice but to smile. And then hed lick my face and run away. This was him at all ages all the way up until he was gone. He was something else." "In some ways it hasnt fully hit me yet. All of his friends went away to college in August so I find myself thinking that hes away at college, too," says Andrea Irwin. Irwin has been through way more than a lifetime of pain since the fateful night that she lost her son. "In some ways, it hasnt fully hit me yet. All of his friends went away to college in August so I find myself thinking that hes away at college, too," says Irwin. "I know that hes gone, but I havent really fully been able to grieve yet. "Even cooking dinner, its not the same. That boy would eat you out of house and home. He would eat dinner and everything left over and then back for more in the middle of the night," Irwin adds. "I know that every time I got some fast food and it was too much, hed finish it off. I find myself now looking at leftovers and saying, Dang it, Terrell, if you were here, this wouldnt even be here. "He was a goofball. I didnt know how many people he knew and how many people just loved him until after he died," she continued. "If you knew him, you liked him. You could not not like him." Andrea Irwin with her three children (PHOTO: Leslie Amsterdam Peterson) All of those emotions and more were evident at a #JUSTICE4TONY reception at MMoCA Gallery Night this past weekend at the Jackie Macaulay Gallery of the Social Justice Center, a half block from where Robinson was killed on that fateful night. On the 14-month anniversary of his death, the reception featured an intimate photographic art show documenting how the community coped during the first year without Tony Robinson in our community. Photos were taken by local photographer Leslie Amsterdam Peterson. "Leslie has been taking pictures from the beginning, and I am so thankful," Irwin says. "Many of the things that happened after his death I didnt know about because I was so busy, so Im grateful to have those memories. Because of Leslie, I have those moments. Shes captured them all. There are some really special photos in there. [Photographer] Nate Royko Maurer took a lot of pictures, too beautiful black and white pictures. Theyve been able to capture some really, really deep moments." A close friend of Tony Robinson looks at pictures of Tony and family at the Jackie Macaulay Gallery at the Social Justice Center May 6. The pictures are very powerful. Some attendees had trouble making it through the exhibit without crying or having to exit. Pictures and memories are all Irwin has left of her son and these powerful snapshots at the exhibit combined with the visceral emotions that Mothers Day weekend brings are making things especially distressful for her and her three kids. "Mothers Day is very difficult for me. I miss him," Irwin says. "The kids told me that they wanted to go out to the grave and spend Mothers Day with Terrell, and I thought that was sweet thinking about him because they know I was thinking about him. "When I start feeling really bad, I try to think of something good or funny. My therapist told me that some people take years to grieve, so I dont know how long this will last," she adds. "The anniversary of his death really got me down. The holidays do, too. But I cant let myself get to a bad place. I have other children to take care of. Im just trying to be as proactive as I can be." Things have gotten a little better for Irwin, but at one point it was just really, really bad. The nastiness and virulent racism around Tony Terrell Robinsons name on the Internet after his death was endless. Plenty of that nastiness was reserved for Irwin, too. Robinsons death really brought out the demented side of humanity, and Irwin and her family bore the brunt of it. "From the beginning, I was in shock, and it was so chaotic. I never had a chance to wrap my mind around it," Irwin says. "So when I was seeing the things people were saying about my son, I was dead set on presenting an image of my sons family that this wasnt who hes being made out to be. Were not violent or ignorant people. I wanted to change peoples minds that he wasnt this thug criminal they were trying to make him out to be." Family and friends of Tony Robinson gather outside the house on Willy Street where Tony was shot. (PHOTO: Nate Royko Maurer) It was a futile exercise. The nastiness kept coming in droves. "There were a couple times where I got on there, and I wrote long passages with a whole bunch of cuss words. But I never hit send. I deleted it all," Irwin says. "It did feel good just to write it. But in the end, I just told these people, God forbid you ever find yourself in my or my sons position, I pray that you are given much more mercy than what you have given to me and my family and my son. To speak so ill of somebody whos not even here to defend himself someone you dont even know! Youre judging him based upon what you are seeing in the media and that was only half-true. Please do some research! "Some people have to be so miserable to be so hateful. After I tell somebody, Ill pray for you! theres not much else I can do," she adds. "But after that, I just stayed off [social media]. Id have friends tell me about some nastiness, and Id be like, I dont even want to know." The attacks on her and her son would continue. Even to this very day. In real life, too. Irwin says people would flick her off in her car while she was driving and or she would get called nasty names. Still do this day. It hasnt stopped. "The weird thing was that attacks were coming at me, and I wasnt even being negative or violent or hateful," Irwin says. "What is it that I did that has made you so angry? Youre mad at me because the son was killed and the media picked it up? Ive been standing out here trying to be as peaceful as I can not saying anything negative against the police. "I could never be so evil to people," she continues. "For nothing else but for the fact that I just lost my child. Please give me that respect. You dont have to like me, but you dont have to be so hateful. "The things I said on the news, I never really believed. I knew there wasnt going to an indictment," she adds. "But, publically, I wasnt bashing anybody. I just want the truth. I just want justice. Thats it." Irwin with her boyfriend, Jeff Jackson, immediately after the death of her son. (PHOTO: Nate Royko Maurer) Irwin and I discuss the actual death of her son at the hands of the Madison Police Department. Robinson was having a bad reaction to hallucinogenic mushrooms when he was shot and killed. I explain to her what happens on a daily basis on UW campus (and campuses throughout the United States) and what Ive seen many times in my lifetime that transpires a little over a mile down the road from where Robinsons life ended massive binge drinking, LSD, heroin, mushrooms, cocaine. Young people weaving in and out of traffic, vandalizing, assaulting. Young almost all white college students doing insanely stupid things in mind-altered states. Get your Google going, if you dont believe it. Try "White Kid Actually on Drugs and Grabs Cops Gun" or "White teen in BMW hits three cars, assaults cop" or "Armed White Guy Has Standoff With Police, Then Gets His Gun Back." Its a very long list. But nobody ever ends up dead. Realistically, what Robinson needed that night was for somebody to sit him down and tell him that everything was going to be OK. "When I was growing up, police officers they knew you. Theyd get out of the cars, and theyd walk the streets with you. And its not so much like that anymore. I think thats something we need to get back to," Irwin says. "If you had a situation with the one we had like with my son, the officer that patrols the neighborhood would have known him. He would have known who he was and that this isnt normal behavior. I dont think it would have ended that way. And I think thats really important. You have to know the people that you are out there trying to protect for any situation. Not just for the peoples safety but for the police officers safety, too. Its very important. "We have to do everything we can to keep the fear down. Because as the fear escalates, things like this will keep happening more often," she adds. "And I wouldnt wish this on anybody. Not my worst enemy. This is a club that nobody wants to be a part of ever." Dwelling on all of this negativity is simply not healthy for Irwin at this point, and her therapist constantly tries to keep her focusing on the positive the many beautiful memories of her son. "He was a deep thinker. He wouldnt sleep much sometimes. He had insomnia, and he would just sit up at night thinking about all of these different things," Irwin says. "His mind just never turned off. You could just sit and have some really deep conversations with him. "He said that he wanted to go to school for business management. He told me that he didnt know what he wanted to do, but he just wanted to be the boss," Irwin adds. "He had two jobs Pizza Ranch and Copps and I think that he didnt like doing all the grunt work, so I think he wanted to be the person someday to tell somebody else to do it. He was a smart kid." Irwin says that Robinson loved music like crazy. "We both loved music. But for the first year I could listen to music, I couldnt listen to the radio. I didnt want any music on around me," she says. "Whatever emotions you have, music can pull them right out. I wasnt ready for that. Ive been hiding from this grieving because it hurts. It hurts so much. Im afraid of it. "There were just so many things to be done after his death, and there was nobody else to do it but me," she adds. "I had to keep things together. I had to do so many things. I felt like if I allowed myself to slip into those bad, bad feelings that things wouldnt get done the way they were supposed to. Its scary." Madison rallies for Tony Robinson on Willy Street days after his death. (PHOTO: Nate Royko Maurer) Tony Robinson has become a movement in Madison and well beyond. For many people, his death has increased the passion to create change in Robinsons honor. Irwin says that she is grateful for all of the love and support she has gotten in the community. "He is marked on this city forever. Its never going to go away. And I think, for the most part, its a positive image," she says. "Im glad that many people recognize him for the kid he always was rather than where he was a few hours before he passed. "The image of who he was kind of became this whole thing in Madison. I didnt know him as Tony, I called him Terrell," she adds. "His family called him by his middle name because his dad was Tony, but at school and everywhere else, they called him Tony. And thats what he preferred. "The Tony Robinson issue is different for me," she continues. "I think the problem for me was that I wasnt able to separate my Terrell from the image that had become who he was. It was hard for me to mourn. My Terrell, who he was to me is different." Irwins therapist is helping her work through this and many other issues. "I appreciate people and the things that they say. But a lot of people come up to me and say, I dont know what to say. Theres really nothing you can say," Irwin says. "Theres nothing right. Theres a few wrong things to say, though. "There are a lot of good people in this city and they do genuinely care," she adds. "They came out to show so much love and support for people that they didnt even know. I will forever be grateful for that." In the years to come, there will be annual events around Tony Robinson to help keep his name and memory alive. Irwin hopes that the people of Madison dont forget about her son. "I know over time things will die down, but to have his name kept alive thats important to me. I hope that this city finds a way to rebuild relationships," Irwin says. "I dont ever want to go on in my life without saying his name or thinking about him. He was my son. I had him for 19 years. I just dont want it to stop, I guess." As Irwin looks back in hindsight, there is one last thing that she cant stop thinking about. She is convinced that there was something in the way her son was behaving on his final days on this earth where he knew something was going to happen to him. "He went around to say, 'I love you' to every one of his family members before he passed," Irwin says. "It wasnt normal the way he did it. His dad [Tony Robinson Sr.] and him would not say, I love you a lot to each other and the last thing he said to his dad was, I love you, Dad. Ill see you tomorrow. He was at a barbecue with his dad, and he asked him to save a burger for him in the refrigerator. I think his dad saved that burger for him for seven months [after his death]. "Him and his friend Elijah had been in a fight for a month and not really speaking, and on the morning he died he went over to Elijahs house and he made up with him," Irwin remembers. "They were lifelong friends." Robinson came over to Irwins house on the Wednesday night before his death much too late on a school night for Irwins liking. "He came into my room, and I was like, Why are you here so late? I have to work in the morning! You cant come over this late!" Irwin remembers. "He was in a great mood and he was like, Cmon, mom. He ran upstairs to see his brothers and his sister. He woke each and every one of them up and hugged them and told him he loved them. That was not normal for him to do that." Robinson came back downstairs and Irwin was still mad at him. "I said, Why did you wake them up? He just said, Cmon, mom. You know you love me. He pulled me in tight and just held me there for a while. I can remember his heartbeat. His heartbeat I can still hear it in my mind today." Irwin had just gotten a promotion at her job, and Robinson was going to treat her to dinner on Friday. As abruptly as Robinson was in, he was making his way out the door. "I love you, Mom. Ill see you Friday!" he said. "I love you, too, baby," she replied. According to a report from the BizTimes, Nordstrom Rack, as well as a Total Wine & More, will move into the former Sears location at the north end of the Bayshore Town Center. The Bayshore development would mark the second Wisconsin location for both Nordstrom Rack and Total Wine & More. The off-price retail store opened its first Wisconsin location as a part of the Mayfair Collection in 2014, while the alcohol retailer will open its first Wisconsin location in Brookfield's Calhoun Crossing in early 2017. The Bayshore Sears location closed in December 2014. Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "In this book, Rob Kall is fueling a discussion that is long overdue, one that can perhaps shake us out of our current herd mentality, back to true community and intertwined purpose. His bottom-up discourse may serve to turn us all upside down just long enough to view our current politic from a different perspective." Dr. Mari K. Swingle, author of i-Minds: How Cell Phones, Computers, Gaming, and Social Media are Changing Our Brains, Our Behavior, and the Evolution of Our Species DESPITE HAVING LIVED in Israel for 22 years with no criminal record of any kind, Omar Barghouti (above) was this week denied the right to travel outside the country. As one of the pioneers of the increasingly powerful movement to impose boycotts, sanctions and divestment measures (BDS) on Israel, Barghouti, an articulate, English-speaking activist, has frequently traveled around the world advocating his position. The Israeli government's refusal to allow him to travel is obviously intended to suppress his speech and activism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the world leaders who traveled last year to Paris to participate in that city's "free speech rally." As the husband of a Palestinian citizen of Israel, Barghouti holds a visa of permanent residency in the country, but nonetheless needs official permission to travel outside of Israel, a travel document which -- until last week -- had been renewed every two years. Haaretz this week reported that beyond the travel ban, Barghouti's "residency rights in Israel are currently being reconsidered." The travel denial came after months of disturbing public threats directed at him by an Israeli government that has grown both more extreme and more fearful of BDS's growing international popularity. In March, Israel's Interior Minister Aryeh Deri threatened to revoke Barghouti's residency rights, explicitly admitting that this was in retaliation for his speech and advocacy: "he is using his resident status to travel all over the world in order to operate against Israel in the most serious manner. ... he took advantage of our enlightened state to portray us as the most horrible state in the world." Sarah Leah Whitson of Human Rights Watch told The Electronic Intifada that "Israel's refusal to renew Barghouti's travel document appears to be an effort to punish him for exercising his right to engage in peaceful, political activism, using its arsenal of bureaucratic control over Palestinian lives." She added: "Israel has used this sort of control to arbitrarily ban many Palestinians from traveling, as well as to ban international human rights monitors, journalists and activists from entering Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories." Click Here to Read Whole Article With the Catholic Church, of all things, turning against the doctrine that maintains there can be a "just war," it's worth taking a serious look at the thinking behind this medieval doctrine, originally based in the divine powers of kings, concocted by a saint who actually opposed self-defense but supported slavery and believed killing pagans was good for the pagans -- an anachronistic doctrine that to this day still outlines its key terms in Latin. Laurie Calhoun's book, War and Delusion: A Critical Examination, casts an honest philosopher's eye on the arguments of the "just war" defenders, taking seriously their every bizarre claim, and carefully explaining how they fall short. Having just found this book, here is my updated list of required reading on war abolition: A Global Security System: An Alternative to War by World Beyond War, 2015. War: A Crime Against Humanity by Roberto Vivo, 2014. War and Delusion: A Critical Examination by Laurie Calhoun, 2013. Shift: The Beginning of War, the Ending of War by Judith Hand, 2013. The End of War by John Horgan, 2012. Transition to Peace by Russell Faure-Brac, 2012. Beyond War: The Human Potential for Peace by Douglas Fry, 2009. Living Beyond War by Winslow Myers, 2009. These are the criteria Calhoun lists for jus ad bellum: be publicly declared have a reasonable prospect for success be waged only as a last resort be waged by a legitimate authority with right intention, and have a cause both just and proportional (sufficiently grave to warrant the extreme measure of war) I would add one more as a logical necessity: have a reasonable prospect of being conducted with jus in bello. These are the criteria Calhoun lists for jus in bello: only proportional means to sound military objectives may be deployed noncombatants are immune from attack enemy soldiers must be respected as human beings, and prisoners of war are to be treated as noncombatants. There are two problems with these lists. The first is that even if every item were actually met, which has never happened and can never happen, that would not make the mass killing of human beings moral or legal. Imagine if someone created criteria for just slavery or just lynching and then met the criteria; would that satisfy you? The second problem is that the criteria are, as I've mentioned -- just as with President Obama's similar, extra-legal, self-imposed criteria for drone murders -- never actually met. "Publicly declared" seems like the one item that might actually be met by current and recent wars, but is it? Wars used to be announced before they began, even to be scheduled by mutual agreement of the parties in some cases. Now wars are, at best, announced after the bombs have begun falling and the news become known. Other times, wars are never announced. Enough foreign reporting piles up for diligent news consumers in the United States to discover that their nation is at war, via unmanned drones, with yet another nation. Or a humanitarian rescue operation, such as in Libya, is described as something other than a war, but in a manner that makes clear to the critical observer that yet another governmental overthrow is underway with chaos and human tragedy and ground troops to follow. Or the serious citizen researcher may discover that the U.S. military is helping Saudi Arabia bomb Yemen, and later discover that the U.S. has introduced ground troops -- but no war is publicly declared. I've asked crowds of peace activists if even they can name the seven nations that the current U.S. president has bombed, and usually nobody can do it. (But ask them if some unspecified wars are just, and lots of hands will shoot upward.) Do any wars "have a reasonable prospect for success"? That may depend in some exceptional case or cases on exactly how you define "success," but clearly very nearly all U.S. wars of the past 70 years (and there have been many dozens) have been failures on their own basic terms. "Defensive" wars have created new dangers. Imperial wars have failed to build empire. "Humanitarian" wars have failed to benefit humanity. Nation building wars have failed to build nations. Wars to eliminate weapons of mass destruction have been waged in places where such weapons didn't exist. Wars for peace have brought more wars. Nearly every new war is defended based on the possibility that it could somehow be like a war that was waged over 70 years ago or like a war that never happened (in Rwanda). After Libya, those same two excuses were used again in Syria, with the example of Libya consciously erased and forgotten like so many others. "Waged only as a last resort" is central to jus ad bellum, but has never been met and can never be met. There is quite obviously always another resort. Even when a country or region is actually attacked or invaded, nonviolent tools are more likely to succeed and are always available. But the United States wages its wars offensively abroad. (Calhoun points out that the 2002 National Security Strategy included this line: "We recognize that our best defense is a good offense.") In these cases, even more obviously, there are countless nonviolent steps always available -- and always preferable as in fact, in war, the worst defense is a good offense. "Waged by a legitimate authority with right intention," is a pretty meaningless criterion. Nobody has defined what counts as a legitimate authority or whose professed intentions we should believe. The main purpose of this criterion is to distinguish whichever side of a war you're on from the other side, which is illegitimate and evil intentioned. But the other side believes just the opposite, just as baselessly. This criterion also serves to permit, through the Fallacy of Medieval Monkish Bullshitting, any and all violations of the criteria of jus in bello. Are you slaughtering lots of non-combatants? Did you know you were going to? It's all perfectly fine as long as you state that your intention was something other than murdering all those people -- something your enemy is not permitted to state; your enemy can in fact be blamed for allowing those people to live where your bombs were falling. Can a war "have a cause both just and proportional (sufficiently grave to warrant the extreme measure of war)"? Well, any war can have a wonderful cause, but that cause cannot justify a war that violates all the other criteria in this list as well as the basic demands of morality and law. A just cause is always best pursued by means other than war. That a war was fought prior to ending slavery doesn't alter the preferability of the course many nations took in ending slavery without a civil war. We wouldn't justify killing each other in big fields now, even if we ended fossil fuel consumption afterwards. Most causes that can be imagined or for which we are told actual wars are fought, don't involve ending or preventing anything remotely as bad as war. World War II, prior to and during which U.S. and British officials refused to rescue the Nazis' future victims, is often justified by the evil of killing people in camps, even though that justification arose after the war, and even though the war killed several times as many people as the camps. Why did I add this item: "have a reasonable prospect of being conducted with jus in bello"? Well, if a just war must meet both sets of criteria, then it must not be launched unless it has some hope of meeting the second set -- something no war has ever done and no war ever will do. Let's look at these items: "Only proportional means to sound military objectives may be deployed." This can be met only because it is completely meaningless, all to be self-servingly shaped by the eye of the war-monger or the victor. There's no empirical test to allow a neutral party to declare that something is or is not proportional or sound, and no war is known to have been prevented or significantly restrained by such a test. This criterion can never be met to the satisfaction of victims or losers. "Noncombatants are immune from attack." This may never have been met. Even scholars opposed to war tend to focus on past wars between wealthy nations rather than past wars of elimination waged by wealthy nations against indigenous populations. The fact is that war was always horrible news for noncombatants. Even medieval European wars in the age in which this ridiculous doctrine was devised featured sieges of cities, starvation and rape as weapons of war. But during the past 70 years noncombatants have been the majority of the victims of wars, often the vast majority, and often all on one side. The primary thing recent wars have done is slaughter civilians on one side of each war. A war simply is a one-sided slaughter, and not some imaginary enterprise in which "noncombatants are immune from attack." Defining "attack," as mentioned above, to not include any mass murders not "intended" by the murderers won't change this. Reprinted from Consortium News A former Obama administration official has asserted that the Iranian nuclear deal marks a radical break with past U.S. policy, contradicting the official White House stance that the agreement is not leading to a new U.S.-Iran relationship. John Limbert, a Farsi-speaking veteran diplomat who was among the hostages from the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979 and later Professor of Middle Eastern studies at the U.S. Naval Academy, served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iran policy during Obama's first term. Limbert writes, "Although officials will never admit it, there has been a drastic change in relations, and we are seeing interactions that a few [years] ago were unthinkable." Limbert recalls that the United States rarely spoke to an Iranian official for 34 years, and that minor incidents between the two states were blown out of proportion, sometimes into crises. Now, he observes, Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif are "in constant communication" and "are meeting regularly" on issues that go beyond the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Furthermore, the Obama administration has described those contacts as "positive and productive," he writes. Limbert argues that the attempts by both Washington and Tehran to portray JCPOA as "only a one-off event [that] has no larger implications for U.S.-Iranian relations" are misleading. "As both governments continue to issue statements that the nuclear agreement has changed nothing and the two sides remain sworn enemies," he writes, "it is clear that much has changed." Limbert is correct in identifying the state of relations with Iran as a real shift in U.S. policy toward Iran. But the shift is not a "breakthrough" in ending the U.S. policy of treating Iran as an adversary, as he implies. In fact, it is an adjustment of policy necessitated by the changing U.S.-Iran power relationship. That power relationship is still unequal, but it is now clear that it no longer allows Washington to demand any major policy change by Iran. Coercion as Policy For more than three decades, the presumption underlying U.S. policy was that the United States could force Iran to accept a U.S.-dominated regional order, either through regime change or by using coercive diplomacy to get Iran to change its policies to conform to U.S. interests. The Reagan administration hoped the Iraqi invasion of Iran would lead to the overthrow of the Islamic Republic and tried to force Iran to give up its peaceful nuclear program. The Bill Clinton administration not only sought to isolate Iran from the capitalist world but also supported an Israeli effort to prevent Iran from acquiring a conventional missile capability as a minimum deterrent. Secretary of State John Kerry meets with his diplomatic team and their French counterparts during negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program in Switzerland on March 28, 2015. (Image by (State Department photo)) Details DMCA President George W. Bush's neoconservative core group planned to use U.S. military force to overthrow the Islamic Republic once U.S. troops had gained control over Iraq, and was angry when the Olmert government in Israel failed to use force to take down Iran's only foreign ally, the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, in 2006. But those policies were based on the neocons' absurdly exaggerated notions about their ability to use U.S. military power to carry out "regime change" in the Middle East. The Obama administration came to power without such illusions, but President Obama nevertheless adopted an elaborate strategy of coercive diplomacy aimed at getting Iran to accept the U.S. demand for an end to uranium enrichment. If you personally don't respond to this to challenge this LA Times endorsement, then you struck out in the Battle of the Editorial Pages. This endorsement must be rebutted in letters to editors all over California, all of which are all easily accessible at usnpl.com for California. He depends on a landslide there, and that victory depends on your countering the flawed logic of this LA Times endorsement. Let's show our strength and our intelligence, and manifest to California how out of touch the LA Times Editors are with their readership. It is a shallow, lukewarm, ill-considered endorsement: they are trying to please somebody. I wonder whether the editor's marching orders came down from their corporate board of directors? Please ask them that question. Please send a note to Robert Reich at UC Berkeley and call, to his assistant Rebecca Bowles, [(510) 642-0560 rboles|AT|berkeley.eduEmail address], asking him to rebut this quasi-endorsement, then send it to every newspaper in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, Montana, Washington DC, and both Dakotas. We also need him to champion the legal effort to achieve a new clean New York Primary. Keep it short under 150 words, and you have a good chance of your letter getting printed. This form makes it easy: Please destroy their wishy-washy specious logic and parasitic sycophantic lack of reasoning. Remind them that Bernie has been in Congress more years than JFK, Obama, and Bernie's opponent all put together. Jimmy Carter, George Bush II and Bill Clinton were never in Congress at all. HRC is "vastly more experienced"? Sure, as an unmitigated hawk who very few international leaders even start to trust or believe. Personally, I don't like her track record at all. Why does the LA Times? Ask them to explain HOW did they devolve to become so out of touch with their readers. Maybe they exalt her promoting fracking when she was Secretary of State? I know you will all have a lot more to say the whole lot of them at the LA Times than a mere 150 words. Fortunately, there is no word limit in emailed letters to their entire editorial staff, all very easy to locate by following the instructions on how to address them at the top of this page: Stephen Fox Facebook group: Bernie Sanders: Advice and Strategies to Win Published in War is a Crime Over the last two years, more than half of the states have enacted legislation aimed at protecting the privacy of high school students. A Student Privacy Pledge has attracted the support of 200 companies in the business of providing online services to students in America's classrooms. The White House, too, has proposed a Student Digital Privacy Act, modeled after California's stringent Student Online Personal Information Protection Act, (SOPIPA), that was passed in 2014 and went into effect in 2016. Meanwhile, the military, the nation's most egregious violator of student privacy rights, gets a pass. Several elements are common to most of these laws, according to Jules Polonetsky and Brenda Leong of the Future of Privacy Forum. They summarize the new laws regulating school-based digital data collectors: [Data collectors] are barred from selling student information, delivering targeted advertising to students, or changing privacy policies without notice and choice. They must use data for authorized educational uses only, support requirements for parental access to data, and delete data when required. If a school promotes an online product and requires or encourages students to use it, then it has responsibility for making sure the tool complies with many of these new privacy laws. Like yearbook and ring companies that sell student information to the highest bidder, DOD recruiters and civilian employees routinely pass sensitive information about underage students to the Joint Advertising and Marketing Research Systems (JAMRS), a DOD program. JAMRS subcontracts the massive, Orwellian database of approximately 30 million youth, ages 16-25, to the data goliath Equifax. On a scale that dwarfs corporate competitors, the DOD delivers targeted advertising to students. It changes privacy policies without notice or choice to consumers. (The recent changes to USMEPCOM Regulation 601-4 concerning the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, ASVAB, provide an example.) The military does not use the data it collects for educational purposes, and it works against providing for parental consent or access to data. Furthermore, the military retains data collected on students long after laws demand their destruction. While proposing the Student Digital Privacy Act last year, President Obama forcefully declared, "data collected on students in the classroom should only be used for educational purposes -- to teach our children, not to market to our children." However, the president's proposal leaves the DOD alone. The framework of the President's proposal is taken from the California law: Operators may not collect information that is descriptive of a student or otherwise identifies a student, including, but not limited to, information in the student's educational record or email, first and last name, home address, telephone number, email address, or other information that allows physical or online contact. discipline records, test results, special education data, juvenile dependency records, grades, evaluations, criminal records, medical records, health records, social security number, biometric information, disabilities, socioeconomic information, food purchases, political affiliations, religious information, text messages, documents, student identifiers, search activity, photos, voice recordings, or geolocation information. The DOD collects most of this through the ASVAB enlistment test alone. More than a thousand schools require students to take the test. Overall, 650,000 high school kids take the test in 12,000 schools. Minnesota, New Jersey, Colorado, New Mexico, and Mississippi, allow students to take the ASVAB as an alternative end-of-year assessment. Kentucky and Missouri encourage students to take the ASVAB to be considered "Career Ready." These policies provide a treasure trove of unregulated data for the Pentagon, all without parental consent. On the other end of the spectrum, Hawaii, Maryland, and New Hampshire do not allow results from the ASVAB to be used for recruiting purposes. Federal law says military recruiters may request the names, addresses, and numbers of students for direct marketing purposes, an act prohibited in all the new privacy laws. The law, however, allows parents to request that their child's name not be forwarded to the Pentagon. Maryland is the only state that has a law requiring an "opt-out" form to be placed on the mandatory emergency contact card, leading most parents to remove their child's information from lists being sent to recruiters. The new data privacy laws fail to address this obvious invasion of privacy in the 49 states that are reluctant to check this military overreach. The military has multiple avenues of data flowing into its databases. High school guidance offices and career centers encourage students to visit the websites of each of the military branches, reserves, and Guard units. They all collect volumes of personally identifiable data. Schools also promote the following websites, and they often provide instruction in navigating a host of military or military-supported sites like: www.todaysmilitary.com, www.ecybermission.com, www.march2success.com, www.armystrongstories.com, www.military.com, www.asvabprogram.com , www.march2success.com , and www.myfuture.com . Unwary students are prompted to click on military links to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter where newly formed units of recruiters in recruiting companies across the country spend countless hours trolling these sources to assemble a virtual portrait of children before first contact. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Articles Listed By Date List By Popularity Search Title Date Between Any 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Any 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and Any 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Any 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 SHARE Trump and the Militarization of American Youth How the Trump Administration is likely to affect military recruiting, especially in our high schools. Tuesday, February 7, 2017How the Trump Administration is likely to affect military recruiting, especially in our high schools. (3 comments) SHARE Military Recruiting in the United States - a new book Military Recruiting in the United States provides a description of the deceptive practices of the U.S. military as it recruits American youth into the armed forces. Long-time antiwar activist Pat Elder exposes the underworld of American military recruiting. Monday, December 19, 2016Military Recruiting in the United States provides a description of the deceptive practices of the U.S. military as it recruits American youth into the armed forces. Long-time antiwar activist Pat Elder exposes the underworld of American military recruiting. (3 comments) SHARE Student Privacy and the Military Privacy laws designed to protect high school students leave the military alone. Saturday, May 14, 2016Privacy laws designed to protect high school students leave the military alone. (3 comments) SHARE High School Military Testing Data Now Available Data on military testing in high schools has just been released by the Pentagon. Saturday, January 11, 2014Data on military testing in high schools has just been released by the Pentagon. (4 comments) SHARE Pentagon Data on Student Testing Program Rife with Errors and Contradictions The DoD has released a massive database on the military's controversial Student Testing Program in 11,700 high schools across the country. The data raises serious issues regarding student privacy and the integrity of the Student Testing Program in America's schools. The data was released after a contested and protracted Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. See the link below to the database. Monday, January 6, 2014The DoD has released a massive database on the military's controversial Student Testing Program in 11,700 high schools across the country. The data raises serious issues regarding student privacy and the integrity of the Student Testing Program in America's schools. The data was released after a contested and protracted Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. See the link below to the database. (16 comments) SHARE Army Teaches Wrong Lesson in Nation's High Schools More than a half million American high school students are enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Program, (JROTC). The Army's junior-year text book is analyzed here. The text contains a wildly reactionary and inaccurate view of American history during World War II, particularly regarding Truman's decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Friday, August 2, 2013More than a half million American high school students are enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Program, (JROTC). The Army's junior-year text book is analyzed here. The text contains a wildly reactionary and inaccurate view of American history during World War II, particularly regarding Truman's decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. SHARE Forced Military Testing in American High Schools The Pentagon and local high school officials in more than a thousand schools across the country require students to take a military test that is used for recruiting purposes. This is done without parental consent and often in violation of state laws. Thursday, January 5, 2012The Pentagon and local high school officials in more than a thousand schools across the country require students to take a military test that is used for recruiting purposes. This is done without parental consent and often in violation of state laws. (3 comments) SHARE 9 mm Handguns, Virginia Tech Massacre, & Military Recruiting Vehicles Military recruiting vehicles with simulated 9 mm shooting ranges at high schools across the country represent official sanctioning of handgun use among youth. Wednesday, April 25, 2007Military recruiting vehicles with simulated 9 mm shooting ranges at high schools across the country represent official sanctioning of handgun use among youth. This 1992 photo released by Omar Vidal shows a dead totoaba, top, and a vaquita marina after they were caught in gillnet, set by fishermen to catch totoaba fish in the El Golfo de Santa Clara, in the northern part of Mexico's Sea of Cortez. Scientists are warning that the population of Mexico's endangered vaquita marina, the world's smallest porpoise, has fallen to alarmingly low levels and is heading toward extinction soon if drastic measures aren't taken. The results of a survey by the International Commission for the Recovery of the Vaquita were released Friday, May 13, 2016 by Mexico's Environment Department. (Omar Vidalvia Associated Press) The population of Mexico's endangered vaquita marina, the world's smallest porpoise, has fallen to alarmingly low levels and is heading toward extinction soon if drastic measures aren't taken, scientists warned Friday. According to results of a survey released in the evening by the country's Environment Department, as of December there were probably only about 60 of the shy, elusive creatures left in the upper Gulf of California, the only place where the vaquitas are found. The vaquitas are threatened primarily by gillnet fishing for the totoaba fish, another endangered species in the area that is hunted for its swim bladder, considered a delicacy in China. The study was conducted by the International Commission for the Recovery of the Vaquita using a team of boats and acoustic devices to detect their sonar-like squeaks or clicks. One scientist who participated said it was like listening to a room full of people clapping, and then hearing less and less clapping as the population dwindled. The last such survey found just under 100 vaquitas in 2014. Overall, their numbers are down 92 percent since 1997. "We are watching this precious native species disappear before our eyes," said Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho, chair of the commission and the survey's co-chief scientist. Even since the most recent study was conducted, three vaquitas were found dead during just three weeks in March by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, leading some to fear their numbers could be significantly lower. "Finding three vaquitas in three weeks is finding one dead vaquita per week," Sea Shepherd captain Oona Layolle said. "If we look at the rate the vaquita population has been killed and the intensity of illegal activity at night, there are very likely fewer than 30 vaquita left. If we continue losing the vaquita at this rate it will be extinct by this coming December." Others offer a slightly less dire outlook but still say the situation is critical. Omar Vidal of the World Wildlife Fund's Mexico office said he believes there are likely fewer vaquitas remaining than the 60 found by the survey. "I believe that it is still possible to save the vaquita, but this is clearly our last chance," Vidal said. "The Mexican, U.S. and Chinese governments need to take urgent and coordinated action to stop the illegal fishing, trafficking and consumption of totoaba products. In the end, if the vaquita goes extinct it would inevitably be a shared responsibility of the three countries." Dried totoaba bladders are often smuggled through the United States to China. Vidal called on the Mexican government to essentially ban all commercial fishing in the upper Gulf of California. At present the Mexican navy and environmental authorities patrol the area, but some legal fishing boats may clandestinely be setting nets for totoaba. In April 2015, Mexican authorities announced a $70 million plan to ban gillnet fishing in about half of the upper Gulf. The plan promised to compensate fisherman for not using gillnets and offered them alternative, safer nets. However that has not been effective for reasons ranging from the very high payoffa totoaba bladder can sell for $5,000 in the United States and double that in Asiato inefficiency in the compensation program. Some say criminal gangs may be involved in the illicit trade. Mexican Environment Secretary Rafael Pacchiano said he regretted the death of the three vaquitas found so far this year. He called for strengthening protections for the species and urged fishermen to report illegal activities. Alejandro Olivera of the Center for Biological Diversity said a large part of the problem is the 800 or more boats legally fishing for corvina in the area. Some totoaba fishermen appear to have hidden among those boats, or some corvina boats set out nets for totoaba as well. Olivera also said there has been a grossly unequal distribution of the government compensation funds for not setting out gillnets. Most of the 2,700 local fishermen received just $220 to $440 per month while a handful got as much as $63,000, according to documents he obtained through a freedom of information request. If officials are unable to halt the vaquita's decline, it risks becoming the fifth marine mammal to go extinct in modern times, according to the World Wildlife Foundation. The Steller's sea cow disappeared in 1768, the Caribbean monk seal in 1952, the Japanese sea lion in 1970 and the Chinese river dolphin in 2006. While capture and captive breeding remain as a possible last resort, no one has ever succeeded in keeping a vaquita alive in captivity, much less breeding them. Activists said extinction could also end the kind of shielding effect that the protections for the charismatic porpoises resulted in for the surrounding habitat. "Once the vaquita is gone, enforcement would probably come to an end," Vidal said. "The remaining marine lifethe totoaba, shrimp, corvina, sharks, sea turtles will follow the same path." Explore further Mexico: endangered vaquita porpoises seen in Sea of Cortez 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Red knots used to incubate their eggs in the Arctic snow in order to optimally time the hatch date of their chicks relative to the insect food peak. Nowadays, red knots have a hard time keeping pace with the rapidly advancing onset of Arctic summer Credit: Jan van de Kam Red knots migrate between their breeding grounds in the Arctic and their wintering grounds in West Africa. Chicks currently born under rapidly warming conditions attain smaller sizes before migration starts, because they miss the insect peak. If they reach their wintering grounds in the tropics, they are faced with a second disadvantage: their shorter bills cannot reach their favourite shellfish food. This results in an evolutionary force towards smaller-sized birds with large bills. These findings will be published Friday 13 May 2016 in Science by an international team of researchers from the Netherlands (NIOZ and University of Groningen), Australia (Deakin University), France (CNRS), Poland (University of Gdansk), and Russia (Moscow University). Climate change makes animals smaller Shrinkage of animal body size has just recently been discovered, but is already considered a universal response to climate change as it is observed across a broad range of animal taxa. Up to now, two competing hypotheses explain the reduction in animal body size. On the one hand, there is the hypothesis that a smaller body is better able to dissipate body heat because of the larger surface to volume ratio. On the other hand, there is the hypothesis that bodies are shrinking because climate change disrupts the ability of a consumer to find enough of the right food at the right time, leading to malnutrition during the juvenile life stage. Arctic animals shrinking fastest? As the High Arctic is warming up most rapidly, body shrinkage is expected to be most extreme in this region. However, many organisms breeding in the High Arctic are long-distance migrants, spending the nonbreeding season at much lower latitudes, often as far as the tropics, where the impacts of climate change are less obvious. Only long-billed red knots are able to access the deeply burrowed bivalves at their tropical wintering grounds. Shorter-billed birds are forced to make a living of shallowly burrowed seagrass rhizomes Credit: Jan van de Kam First author Jan van Gils from NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research explains: "The red knot (Calidris canutus canutus) is one of the world's most northerly breeding birds and a well-known long-distance migrant. It is nesting in northern Taimyr (Russia) and is wintering in tropical coastal ecosystems, notably the Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania (West Africa). Analysis of satellite images has shown that over the past 33 years, snow at the red knot's breeding grounds has progressively melted earlier, at a rate of half a day per year, so that's now more than two weeks. The retreat of the snow marks the start of the insect peak in the Arctic (Fig. 1); the main food source of the chicks before they leave the Arctic. Juvenile red knots that we caught along the Baltic coast while on their way to West Africa were smaller and had shorter bills after warm Arctic summers". Shrinking migrants pay the bill in the tropics Once they have arrived in West Africa, the smallest young birds pay the price of having a short bill: their survival was only half of that of the larger juveniles. Van Gils: "The reason for this bill-length dependent mortality is quite straightforward. Only larger birds with long bill were able to reach the relatively deeply burrowed bivalves at Banc d'Arguin (Fig. 2). Shorter-billed birds were forced to live on seagrass, which is a poor food source for these birds. The poor survival of shrunken first-year birds clearly contributes to the current population decline seen in red knots nowadays". The red knot as it is now (left) and an (exaggerated) projection how the future red knot might look like (right): smaller, but having maintained its relatively long bill. Credit: Jan van Gils, NIOZ Not only body size, but also body shape changes The high premium on having a long bill, causes red knots also to change body shape (Fig. 3). Nowadays red knots are smaller, but since the short-billed small birds are selected against, the ones with the highest survival chances are relatively long-billed. Van Gils concludes: "Since smaller birds do worse than larger ones, we reject the hypothesis that body shrinkage is evolutionarily beneficial. Instead, we suggest that a so-called 'trophic mismatch' during chick stage underlies the smaller knot body: due to the rapidly advancing Arctic summer, juvenile knots are now simply born after the rapidly advancing insect peak. We therefore propose that changes in body size and shape, and the negative population dynamical consequences, will be widespread among other High-Arctic breeding species in the future. This is a very serious ecological effect that requires our immediate attention". Explore further Yellow Sea a narrowing bottleneck for migratory birds More information: "Body shrinkage due to Arctic warming reduces red knot fitness in tropical wintering range," Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.aad6351 Journal information: Science "Body shrinkage due to Arctic warming reduces red knot fitness in tropical wintering range," Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser It can often be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to kickstarting a healthier lifestyle, so we are here to help you "Brewniciello" may be coming soon to a pub near you. Green Party congressional candidate Matt Funiciello said he is meeting Tuesday with Ken Hebb, owner of St. Lawrence Brewing Co. in Canton, to discuss brewing a specialty limited edition campaign ale. "He's offered to doing a beer for the campaign. So that's pretty exciting," Funiciello said in a telephone interview on Friday. "Down in this neck of the woods the Warren County Greens, of course, got all excited and came up with all kinds of names," Funiciello said. "I don't know if we're going to use any of them, but Brewniciello is the one that I think is in the lead." Funiciello, a bread company owner and political activist from Hudson Falls, is running in the 21st Congressional District against U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, and Democrat Mike Derrick, a retired Army colonel from Peru, in Clinton County. The meeting with the brewer will be part of a Funiciello campaign sweep through Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties on Tuesday. The itinerary will include a farm tour at Little Grass Food Works outside Canton, a meeting with workers recently laid off from a manufacturing plant, and interviews with newspaper, radio and television reporters. Funiciello will speak to North Country 350 Alliance, an environmental organization, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Pottsdam Community Center. The meeting is open to the public free of charge. GLENS FALLS | Gary Pickles Townsend, 57, passed away unexpectedly Monday, May 9, 2016, at his home. Born Dec. 11, 1958, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Kenneth Townsend Jr. and Peggy (Allen) Townsend Fifield. Gary was a graduate of Greenwich High School, Class of 1977, and also graduated from Adirondack Community College. He worked throughout the years at radio stations, car businesses, bars and for the past 14 years, he worked for the city of Glens Falls in many capacities. He was a past member of Greenwich Elks Lodge No. 2223, the Greenwich Fire Department and also the Knights of Columbus. Gary was an avid New York Mets and New York Jets fan. He enjoyed spending time with his many friends, including his best friend and son, Bryan. He is survived by his loving son, Bryan Townsend of Queensbury; sisters, Michelle (Michael) Schreiner and Jana (John) Solan, both of Greenwich; and brother, Jonathan (Robin) Fifield of Warrensburg. Gary is also survived by three nieces and three nephews. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury. Family and friends are invited to call from 3 p.m. until the time of the services Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Garys memory to C.R. Wood Cancer Center, 102 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. For those who wish, a special remembrance can be made to the family by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com. DEAR ABBY: There is a guy that I kind of like at school, but hes really shy and doesnt really talk to anybody. I have talked to him a couple times, and hes really nice and has good manners. He sits with me and my group every day at lunch, and I see him around school. I say hi to him every time, but Im not really getting any results. I would really love some guidance. SHY TEEN IN CALIFORNIA DEAR SHY TEEN: I think you are doing everything you can right now without scaring him off. On the plus side, this boy is comfortable with your group or he wouldnt be having lunch with you. If you all socialize beyond eating together (such as going to school dances or sporting events), make sure he knows hes welcome. If he takes you up on it, it will give you both a chance to get to know each other better, and it may help him to overcome some of his shyness. DEAR ABBY: I just want people to know you can succeed in raising your kids as a single parent if you put your mind to it. Ive worked in fast food, retail, and in nursing homes as a certified nursing assistant all jobs people call dead end jobs. Im proud to say my kids are now grown and college-educated. Im writing because I want to reassure single parents out there that it is possible. LOYAL READER IN ALABAMA DEAR LOYAL READER: Congratulations on a job well done. Another example that comes to mind would be Ben Carson, M.D., an internationally respected pediatric neurosurgeon. He was raised by a single mother who had only a third-grade education, and he was a recent Republican candidate for president of the United States. DEAR ABBY: My mother is 70. She lives alone and has been diagnosed with mild dementia and hydrocephalus. She has fallen numerous times and hurt herself, can no longer drive and needs help with household tasks. The problem is, a relative keeps asking her to baby-sit her 5- and 7-year-old sons. The doctor has said in front of Mom that she shouldnt, because the boys will distract her and shell have a hard time focusing on her balance and getting up. I have told this relative that Mom shouldnt be watching the kids, but she refuses to listen. (Other relatives say she will be fine if she does.) My mother loves watching these kids and I understand that. But Im more concerned about her well-being. Not sure what to do about this. Can you help? CONCERNED IN TENNESSEE DEAR CONCERNED: Speak to the doctor and see if he/she will put in writing what was said to you and your mom about not baby-sitting. If you get it in writing, you can share it with the mother of those children and the other relatives. Frankly, as concerned as I am about your mother losing her balance because she is distracted, I am equally concerned about the welfare of the kids. If your mom should fall and hit her head or break a hip, would they know what to do to help her? And as she becomes more confused, if something like a fire should happen, would she be competent enough to get the children out and call the fire department? What you have described could be a recipe for disaster, and I am shocked at the irresponsibility of that mother. GLENS FALLS The day was celebrating the foundation of a Jewish temple, but the crowd reflected an entire community. Doctors, lawyers, ministers and city officials lined up to wish well the fledgling congregation of Temple Beth El as it marked the laying of its cornerstone. And in the nine decades since, Temple Beth El has opened its doors to community members of all faiths. I dont think anybody who walks through those doors would not feel welcomed, said Sara Rice, a fourth-generation member. On May 22, Beth El will again invite the greater community into its temple, this time to celebrate its 90th anniversary. A reformation Rices great-grandparents were among founding members of Temple Beth El and one of the early Jewish families that settled in the area. The first Jewish congregation in Glens Falls was founded in 1892, said Judy Shepherd, Rices aunt. It was orthodox by todays standards, she said, immigrants who mostly spoke Yiddish. By about 1920, there were more than 100 Jewish families, Shepherd said. About 35 of them wanted to start a religious school for Jewish children that was taught in English and centered on culture and history. They wanted to worship in a more modern way, Shepherd said. That started a reform movement that led to the development of a free English school, first held out of the home of Mrs. Max Cline, temple documents show. About a dozen children attended its early classes. They wanted less emphasis on strict rules in food preparation and fabric prohibitions, Shepherd said. In 1922, a national effort was made by centers of Jewish culture to affiliate small communities with the nearest organized Jewish Reform. In Glens Falls, the closest reformed community was in Schenectady, so every other Sunday, their minister offered services in Glens Falls, documents show. The first Reform service was for the High Holy Days in 1922, held in a clothing store on Glen Street, Shepherd said. Sunday services werent popular and travel was difficult, so High Holy Days were celebrated, but not weekly services. The Sunday school, though, still attracted many children and in 1924, three students were confirmed, attracting a crowd of 125 people. After it, there could be no more question of our need, if only for the sake of the younger generation, Ella Cline, temple historian, wrote in October 1925. But, she wrote, It seemed hardly possible to get a few members to attend a meeting to inquire whether we had any congregation left. Then, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Metzner Shepherds grandparents gifted a torah to Beth El, rekindling interest in the faith community. Land was purchased on Marion Avenue in 1925 where, after a donation from then-owner of the New York Times and Lake George homeowner Adolph Ochs, work began on the temple that still stands today. Interfaith alliances When the cornerstone was laid on Aug. 2, 1925, city officials, business owners and leaders of Christian faith communities gathered to celebrate with the Reform Jewish community. Beth El has always had a history of interfaith alliances, said Barbara Rosoff, a third-generation temple member and Rices mother. Perhaps no one understands the importance of that as much as Sandy and Martha Searleman, who have attended the temple since 1967. Sandy Searleman was raised in Orthodox Judaism, but met and fell in love with Martha, a young Catholic woman from Hudson Falls. Sandys father died unexpectedly just after the Thanksgiving, when the young couple had been married for just a few months. I had to do prayers for my dad, Sandy said. So, because of his passing, I joined the temple, as opposed to the synagogue, because of my wife. While an Orthodox synagogue at that time might not welcome a Catholic woman into its fold let alone acknowledge an interfaith marriage, which was performed in a church Temple Beth El opened its doors to the young couple. Nobody was ever judgmental, Martha Searleman said. My wife has been totally accepted by the synagogue, Sandy added. Sandy attends Catholic Mass with Martha and Martha goes to temple. Those who dont know us think shes Jewish, Sandy said, laughing. Half of Glens Falls thinks Im Catholic and the other half thinks shes Jewish. The spirit of welcoming everyone is still alive, said Rice, whose husband is not Jewish. Were all encompassing and very welcoming, she said. Temple Beth Els longtime administrative assistant, Katie Weaver, said she didnt know the first thing about Judaism when she applied for the job nine years ago. Theyre very accepting, she said. It doesnt matter who you are. The number of non-Jewish people involved in Beth Els faith community has become a bit of a joke. We laugh about it, Martha Searleman said. The secretary is Catholic, the maintenance guy is Catholic, the caterer is Catholic; sometimes we have more Catholics than we do Jewish people. Keeping the faith As faith communities across the country face declining attendance, so does Temple Beth El, Sandy Searleman said. Were diminishing, some of our congregants are going to Florida, obviously some are passing away, and were not getting as many new congregants as we would hope, he said. The demographics of the region have changed, too, he said. In the 60s, 70s, even into the 80s, a lot of Glens Falls businessmen were Jewish, he said. They owned the clothing stores, they were doctors, lawyers ... but our kids all moved away, went to college and moved away. There was nothing to draw them back here, so the whole Jewish population, I dont know if its diminished but because of secularism now ... there are still many Jews in the area, but theyre not practicing. The faithful of Beth El, though, are very committed, Weaver said, and dedicated to ensuring the next generation will keep the community going. I think its important for the elder people to keep it going for the younger generation, she said. Its important to everybody here ... to keep Judaism going in this area. Rice has experienced a transition in roles in the congregation, first as a child in Sunday school, then as a young adult and, now, as a mother raising Temple Beth Els fifth generation. People I went to Sunday school with no longer live here, she said. Less and less of my generation are going (to temple). A more close-knit faith community isnt without its advantages, though. Its part of the family, she said. Its like going to your aunts house for Passover every year; you go to the temple because its part of your family. Rices two daughters attend Sunday school at temple and she said because there are fewer children, they can steer the course of what theyre learning. The school has gotten much smaller, but kids are getting a more modern and more meaningful, to them, education, she said. Deep roots Despite years as a rabbi, five generations of families keeping faith alive isnt something Jeffrey Ronald has seen a lot. I dont think I know any of them (faith communities) where the collective memory goes back more than three generations, he said. That is something that attracted Ronald, who served at one time in the third-largest Jewish community in Los Angeles, to Beth El. There are a lot of lovely things, but the deep sense of history, of roots, he said. These families have this sense of being rooted. Temple Beth El members are certainly proud of the foundation their Jewish predecessors laid for the city of Glens Falls. The history of the region slides over into the faith communities, which I think are at the heart of the area, Shepherd said. In the 1950s, if you walked down Glen Street, she said, the business owners, doctors, lawyers and accountants were Jewish. Temple Beth El is an expression of who we are, our values and our history, said Steve Adler, a member since the late 1960s. Were a small number, but we tend to be involved, he said. Today, members of Beth El are active within the community, volunteering for Hometown Thanksgiving, cooking Christmas dinner at The Open Door and joining forces with faith communities throughout the region. Ive never been in a community with so much interchange and involvement, Ronald said. Shepherd and Rosoff, both of whom are planning next weeks open house celebration, hope people from other faiths visit the temple, to carry on the tradition set with the cornerstone in 1925. They joked that theyre following the Jewish motto (Feed them and they will come), by offering a taste of Judaism in a literal sense. But, really, they have faith that Beth Els longstanding roots in interfaith alliance will continue. Weve been here for 90 years and were going to be here for the next 90 years, Weaver said. QUEENSBURY | Three men have been arrested in connection with a home invasion burglary at a home in West Glens Falls late last month, authorities said. The Warren County Sheriff's Office said the three forced their way into the home when a resident was there the night of April 27, seeking money and drugs. Marijuana was believed to have been stolen, sheriff's Lt. Steve Stockdale said. The attack was captured on a surveillance camera system in the victim's home, Stockdale said. Police arrested two of the suspects May 2, and caught up with the third in recent days after he fled to Virginia and was involved in a chase with police there, police said. Wayne M. Smith, 33, of Queensbury and Joseph O. Goldson, 17, of Glens Falls, were each charged with second-degree burglary, a felony, according to the sheriff's office. The third suspect's name was not immediately available in light of his flight out-of-state. Smith and Goldson were arraigned and sent to Warren County Jail for lack of bail. Sheriff's Investigator Ed Affinito and Patrol Officer Casey Gordon made the arrests. Glens Falls diner owner Jerry DiManno said he has asked the state police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Glens Falls Police Department to investigate a fraudulent political letter claiming that he is urging people to vote against U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, in the Nov. 8 election. A Gage County resident whose family has a lengthy history of service was recognized by the Gage County Board of Supervisors Wednesday. Robert Eddy Jr. was selected as this months recipient of the Veteran Honor Award, a monthly program hosted by the County Board. Gage County Veteran Services Officer Phil Dittbrenner said Eddy served from July 1965 to August 1968. He was an HM3, which is a Hospitalman 3, more commonly referred to as a coreman, during the Vietnam era, Dittbrenner said. Coremen were highly sought after and needed for the Marine Corps, Navy Seals and different things like that. Eddy received a Purple Heart, Vietnam Service medal with one bronze star, Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia and the Vietnam Campaign medal, among others. Eddy said his family served its country for multiple generations. Serving your country is something my family has always done, he said. My granddad trained mules for the Army, My dad was in the Philippines, I was in Vietnam and my son did two tours in Iraq. Were a long line of soldiers. Dittbrenner said the Purple Heart was received following a 1967 battle where 21 Marines were killed and many others were injured. Eddy said hes proud of his familys military history and believes many who served have a similar opinion on their history. It was an interesting experience, he said. I wouldnt trade it for the world, but I wouldnt want to do it again. Eddy is the second Vietnam veteran to be recognized by the County Board. Bukom Banku who has been hailing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate in April outdoored a campaign song for the party at the Bukom Square in Odododiodio Constituency of Greater Accra. With speculations that he has been motivated financially for his actions, the boxer in an interview on Accra FMs Ghana Yensom said he is well to do and needs no money from any politician before he throws his weight behind them. No politician takes care of me. I have plenty children, and I take care of all of them. I am an MC (Master of Ceremonies), I do everything. I am a boxer, politician, and musician. I do not need a politicians money before I can [survive]. I had my own money before supporting John Dramani Mahama and by the grace of God my father [Mahama] will win the election in 2016, he said. Bukom Banku has been making headlines after he decided to bleach. According to him, he is doing so to take advantage of opportunities awaiting him should President John Mahama win the November elections. As he puts it, he is bleaching for President Mahama to make him Ghana's ambassador to Germany. I am bleaching my skin because when John Mahama wins 2016 elections, he will make me Ghana's ambassador to Germany. I am bleaching myself for German people to know that German people and Bukom Banku are one. Bleaching can't affect my skin because I have a very good skin. Again, rashes can't affect me because I am using Cleaning Claire and I am taking medicine as well. So if you see me now, you will observe that I am from Germany. I want Ghanaians to know that I am a German now. I am at Ho right now with the President, John Mahama, at Okudzeto Ablakwa's constituency. Roland and his team travel the world working on some of GEs biggest steam turbine installation projects. Before taking charge at the Kusile Power Station programme, Roland was based in Saudi Arabia, developing a power plant to help the kingdom meet its growing energy needs. Saudi Arabia faces extremely hot summers, so the power technologies installed needed to withstand high temperatures. Having spent many years in Saudi Arabia, Roland and his team were moved to Kusile to provide technical support at the site. His team are responsible for the installation of advanced technology turbines that will power Kusile. Roland explains that while Saudi Arabia might have higher summer temperatures than South Africa, similar turbines are being installed at Kusile, which also experiences hot summers. Kusile Power Station is a coal-fired power plant under construction by state electricity utility Eskom. Development began in August 2008 and is expected to be complete by 2018. The plant integrates six generating units, each with a capacity of 800MW, bringing 4,800 megawatts to the grid. Kusiles first unit is scheduled to start commercial operations in 2014, while the last unit is expected to come online in 2018. While the HP turbine arrives on site fully assembled, the low-pressure turbine is too heavy to be transported and has to be assembled at Kusile, says Roland. Building one unit usually takes between six to eight months, and requires a team with the knowledge and skills to do so. Our team is highly skilled with on average of ten years of experience, says Roland. We share our knowledge and skills with the local team so they can learn first-hand about constructing steam turbines. It is challenging and technical work. The family of the deceased former Upper East regional chairman of the NPP, Adam Mahama petitioned the Chief Justice, raising concerns over the decision by the judge, Justice LL Mensah to remand the suspect in police custody rather than prison custody. According to the family, they are of the belief Gregory should be placed in prison custody after his committal to the high court for the muster trial to begin. The family is also of the belief that the high court judge has been overburdening the state prosecutors in the matter with some of his demands such as prosecution witnesses be brought in time for a speedy trial. But in court on Friday, the Chief Justice in a letter, whose content was made known by Mr Justice Mensah said the petition was not one that could warrant the trial judge to recuse himself. She, however, told the judge to address the concerns of the petitioners. Meanwhile, the court on Friday granted a prayer from the prosecution for Afoko to be transferred from police custody to prison custody. This was after prosecutors told the court Friday that the Police cell where Afoko is being held is full. Gregory Afoko's legal team however objected the request, arguing that the prosecution should have made a formal application so that the defence could respond appropriately. The court also granted a motion for the prosecution to provide the defence with the full statements of the witnesses in the case and pictures of the crime scene. The case has been adjourned to May 21, when hearing is expected to start in the case. All the time people keep saying that your ministers are thieves. Then I ask them, which one? Tell me so I can sanction them. Then their response will be, put your ears down, are you not listening? His comments came a day after he granted an interview to the BBC where he claimed he has never taken bribe before. He told the BBC's Peter Okwoche that his government is fighting corruption more than previous regimes. He noted that claims of corruption is rife in his government because he has created an atmosphere where people freely discuss it. Executive Director of the IEA Mrs. Jean Mensa says the NCCE lacks capacity to organise presidential debate. But Dr. Sikanku says there is nothing wrong with the NCCE since it is the central organisation responsible for civic and national affairs. There should be no reason why they shouldnt be able to that because they are supposed to be the central organization in the country responsible for civic and national affairs and they should have the capacity to conduct an exercise like this. he said in an interview with Citi FM. He also noted in a separate interview with GBCs Radio Ghana that presidential debates are expected to keep the electorate well informed on policies of the parties so they can make the right choice. He added that presidential debates should supersede who organises it. His colleague lecturer at political science department of the University of Ghana, Dr. Evans Aggrey Darko, notes the NCCE must focus on its core mandate of educating the citizens on their civic responsibilities, considering what he calls the low level of patriotism among Ghanaians lately. "The NCCE has a huge responsibility. I would have wished that perhaps this presidential debate would be owned by the nation and that perhaps if we have a constitutionally mandated institution spearheading that particular programme, why not. It will give it a national character. "So for me, the tussle is needless. The NCCE must also create a niche for itself...I will expect that the NCCE will concentrate on its core mandate of making sure that they would build democratic citizenship for the average Ghanaian. This is critical. That is huge, so we need more resources in that area," Dr. Aggrey Darko told Radio Ghana. Sir John, as he is popularly known made this statement after President John Mahama told the BBC that he has never taken a bribe. In his response to the President's assertion on Adom Fm on Friday (May 13), said the facial expression of the President while answering the question showed he was not being truthful. Owusu Afriyie also said the President's claim should be doubted citing SADA, GYEEDA, Waterville, STX Housing deal, Smarttys and other corruption scandals under the NDC's eight years in office. He alleged the president's failure in prosecuting ministers and officials in his administration who were involved in the famous corruption scandals suggests that he benefitted from the deals. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Bliken stated this at a media roundtable ahead of the second regional security summit scheduled for May 14 in Abuja. The envoy said that rather than working toward a timeframe to end the insurgency, the summit would ensure that the underlined issues were addressed to gradually end it. He added that ``I don't want to put a timeframe on the defeat of Boko Haram but we are going to be more effective, apt and have a comprehensive approach. ``It may take time, for example, to stabilise communities freed from Boko Haram and to rebuild them; that is part of sustainable solutions which is going to prevent them from returning. ``This will help because if you defeat Boko Haram and you are not able to deal with the underlying problems, it may make some people to be extremists. ``The Nigerian government and regional governments have to deal with the immediate challenge and the underlying elements,not timeframe, he said. He expressed American Governments determination to tackle the insurgence in the Lake Chad Basin, noting that ``we are extremely vigilant about Boko Haram going for training in Libya and come back, we want to cut the existing connection.'' He said that Nigeria and the U.S. would together develop a comprehensive approach to ending the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin, stressing that ``what we are working on is truly a comprehensive approach to the challenge posed by Boko Haram. ``The military component is critical; it is necessary, but it is not sufficient. ``A comprehensive approach has to include taking care of people in their home communities with good governance, with access to actual resources and to jobs so that they are not susceptible to being pulled into extremism out of desperation. ``It has to include support, particularly for displaced persons, as well as refugees so that they too can have some basic livelihood.'' He said ``we are committed to finding the Chibok girls and many others taken by Boko Haram and their families and communities. ``The military gains have to be matched by civilians commitment in securing the liberated areas and in preparation for the careful return of the 2.5 million internally Displaced Persons, he said. He added that the U.S. was delighted with the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in fighting corruption and terrorism. He said ``we have seen Nigeria making itself a leader in the fight against corruption and terrorism. The President extolled the international community at a joint news conference with President Francois Hollande of France after a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa. ``On the economic side, we are very grateful for the efforts being made to stabilise this region. ``Last year, as you know, we had five elections. This year, we are going to have another five. ``Weve already had three, namely, Benin, Niger and Chad. ``And this concern shown by the world in stabilising the region, economically and politically is highly appreciated. Buhari said Nigeria would remain grateful to France for the efforts it had been making towards ensuring peaceful co-existence in the country and beyond. He also expressed appreciation to the French president for inviting him to address the summit of G-7 held in Strasbourg, France. ``Inviting me as part of G-7, the week I was sworn in as President, to brief the world about Nigeria, clearly showed your concern for our country. ``Since then you organised a meeting in France, which we attended and discussed the issue of climate change and the security situation in the Lake Chad Basin, he added. President Buhari said the history of the Nigeria-France relations dated as far back as 1902. He, therefore, pledged that Nigeria would continue to promote economic and socio-cultural relations with France for the good of the peoples of both countries. In his remarks, President Hollande, who spoke in French, praised Buhari for his leadership qualities. He also applauded him for being able to mobilise the Multinational Joint Task Force and spearheading the fight against Boko Haram. He restated Frances determination to continue to support the multinational force in its campaign against Boko Haram. Reacting to the tale, Mr Dama, the Director of Public Relations of Protocol to the Ministry described the allegations as been misleading saying the amount requested for was meant for the minister and a five member delegate to a Conference on Tourism for Development in China. In a statement released by the Minister's spokesman, a loan of N13,120,470.00 to cover tickets and travel expenses of a five-member delegation being led by the Honourable Minister was requested from the National Broadcasting Commission with a letter to Acting Director General . ALSO READ: Lai Mohammed says online media needs self regulation "The loan being requested for is for the Ministry to meet up its obligations to enable the Minister and members of his delegation attend an all important Conference on Tourism for Development in China, that is meant to benefit this country," the statement began. Continuing, he said, 'the loan is not meant for the Honourable Minister alone as personal expenses, but for the expenses of all members of the delegation. The Conference, which is being organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in conjunction with the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, under the overall theme Tourism for Peace and Development, will feature amongst others discussions on major issues for sustainable development including the contribution of Tourism to poverty reduction and peace." The statement further stressed that the money was not meant for Lai Mohammed and the letter was written after much discussions with the NBC boss. 'Please note, multiple letters were not written to government agencies as alleged, we only wrote to NBC after discussing with the Ag. DG. Payments were to be effected if the fund were loaned out based on extant financial regulations. There is nothing wrong with the request of the Ministry to meet up with an important assignment meant to benefit the country. 'Finally, the loan that was requested for is NOT meant for Lai Mohammed as being imputed but for the entire five members of the delegation to cover for tickets, travel allowances and other incidentals,' the statement read. The Public Relations Director of the Protocol arm of the Minister also noted that the Minister and his delegation were to have discussion in China with Set Top Box Manufacturers, who are meant to establish manufacturing factories in Nigeria for the country's digital broadcasting processes, rather than the current situation in which the boxes are being imported. Ogundimu, the Chairman, LAHAs Committee on Finance told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the success that would be recorded by President Buharis war against corruption would aid budget performance significantly. "The president's fight against corruption without whose ox is gored will help the success of the budget. "If he succeeds in fighting corruption, every other thing will fall in line . I advise President Buhari and the members of the Federal Executive Council to begin the full implementation of the budget. "He has not really submitted to the cabals, the fear of Buhari is in the mind of everybody. ``So, this years budget attaining between 70 per cent and 75 per cent success is realistic, he said Ogundimu, (APC- Agege II) in LAHA, identified impunity and embezzlement of funds as the bane that hindered budget performance under the past administrations. On hardships being faced by Nigerians, the lawmaker said that there would be much relief when the Federal Government commences full implementation of this years budget. The lawmaker described what Nigerians were passing through as a normal sacrifice before the change in their conditions of living. Okupe, who had worked under Obasanjo, had severally hurled insults at the former president during the re-election campaign of Jonathan. The seeming 'son' and 'father' relationship between the two grew colder, especially with Obasanjo not favourably disposed to Jonathan's re-election. According to Premium Times, the reconciliation meeting took place last Sunday at Obasanjo's Hilltop G.R.A. residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital It was gathered that when Okupe arrived Obasanjo's residence, he was initially prevented form entering the premises until the former President told his security operatives to allow him in. It was also reported that Obasanjo had rejected Okupe's apology, saying you cannot abuse me in the papers, on TV, on radio and on the streets and then come here to privately apologise. Why dont you mount the same platforms you used in abusing me to apologise to me? Obasanjo was quoted as saying. "Nothing could have prepared me for my role as a child protection officer in Central African Republic. My home country, Benin, has never been at war and I had never seen children associated with armed groups before. But working with kids had always been my dream. Back home I trained as a social worker and worked with vulnerable children in Benin and local and international NGOs before joining UNICEF. My family were concerned for me, and a few weeks after I arrived in Central African Republic, violence erupted. We have been living in our office since June 2014 - rolling our small mattresses under our desks in the morning. Constant and unpredictable insecurity prevents us from living in town. My first success in releasing children from armed groups started with a very scary meeting outside Bambari in July 2014. I had been called by the "general" in charge of one of the anti-balaka (militia) groups, and told to come at dawn, with a local aid worker, to discuss the fate of the children. After a few minutes sitting outside the base in the bush, we realised that the whole group had silently surrounded us - hundreds of fighters in traditional attire, motionless, many of them children who were carrying weapons. I asked the commander what was happening and he replied that it was for my safety, but I understood that it was over for us. I explained how important it was for us to educate people about the negative impacts of having children in armed groups. In short, I talked a lot before he understood this, insisted that I wasn't going to be harmed and realised I hadn't come to carry out investigations for the International Criminal Court. I must confess that I was covered in sweat that day. BACK TO SCHOOL "The most rewarding part of my job is probably when I check on the children that have been released from armed groups. Those children have been through hell, they have seen or done things that no human being should ever have to witness - so reintegrating them into a normal life is always a challenge. How do you become a normal kid when you have been forced to desecrate the body of your enemy? But there are success stories. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing them go back to school or, for the older ones, successfully starting a small business. From time to time, I get a phone call from Ibrahim, a 17-year-old from Cameroon who we helped reunite with his family. When Ibrahim was released, reuniting him with his family took several months, as he had no ID or birth certificate, and the insecurity made the cross-border reunification even harder. Just one month after joining his family, Ibrahim called me to say thank you, he told me he was back in school and happy. And he has kept this habit of calling every time something significant happens in his life mostly good grades at school. CONVINCING COMMANDERS "When we first started talking to the local commanders, they could not understand why it was wrong to recruit a child. Over the past months, they have understood that children should be kept out of the groups. Of course, there are still thousands of children associated with the armed groups. We are still pushing to release them, although we know the most challenging part of the process is giving those children a healthy and sustainable future once they have been released. This is a long process, that we will continue in the months, and probably years, to come. I just hope the country will find lasting peace, so these children can have a chance to build a future for themselves." Dahir Mohamed, a Senior Commander in Somali National Army, told Xinhua that the Al-Shabaab fighters were overpowered by the military operation and retreated to avoid casualties. "The Al-Shabaab militants fled from towns in middle Shabelle region once they learnt that the military onslaught was so severe," said Mohamed Eye witnesses also revealed to Xinhua that the militants fled from their camps following the military assault. Several towns in southern Somalia have been liberated from Al-Shabaab this year. With their win, Pahrump Valley has clinched a playoff spot in the 3A southern regional tournament. The Trojans need just one more win or a tie by Equipo Academy to lock up the No. 1 seed in the Mountain League. Dunn Brothers Coffee has proven to be a winning recipe for a mother and daughter. Gina Bettini and her daughter, Paula Bettini, opened their second Dunn Brothers earlier this month in the Birchwood Fields Office Park in Davenport. Located at 4520 E. 53rd St., Suite 100, the new store joins their original store at The Shops at Duck Creek in Bettendorf. Its been a smoother opening than their original one in February 2011, which came in the aftermath of what then was the second-highest snowfall in Quad-City history. "The area up here is growing and we really like the traffic," Paula Bettini said. "And the office park is always good for coffee drinkers." The first week of operation even drew Charlie Corpuscle, the mascot for the Mississippi Valley Blood Center, which is one of Dunn Brothers' many neighbors in the 21-acre office park developed by Russell Construction. With 48 employees now and two operations, she said they are not thinking about a No. 3. The Quad-City stores are part of Dunn Brothers Coffee's 87-store chain in nine states: Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Missouri and Kansas. One of the latest openings was in Burlington, Iowa. "What's different is we roast coffee in our store," Bettini said. Ascentra CEO earns Main Street award As Hilltop Campus Village earned accolades earlier this month from Main Street Iowa so did one of the Davenport district's volunteers. Dale Owen, the CEO of Ascentra Credit Union, earned a Leadership Award for his role in the Main Street Iowa urban district. Under his leadership, Ascentra relocated its Hilltop office into a new multi-million-dollar branch at Brady and Locust streets. He also was recognized for Ascentra's key sponsorship of Hilltop's Fall Music Festival and for developing an agreement to allow Hilltop's offices to occupy Ascentra's former branch, located at 122 E. 15th St. The honors were presented by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. "It means a great deal to me and to Ascentra to have its role in the Hilltop acknowledged state-wide for its commitment to community reinvestment," Owen said. "We anticipate doing more significant things within this area in the near future." The Hilltop Campus Village District also was honored for a special Reinvestment Milestone Achievement as investment in the central Davenport neighborhood exceeded $50 million this year, the largest milestone honored. River Valley crop adviser honored Jimmie Daugherty, a crop adviser with River Valley Coop, Davenport, and Darin Stolte, an Olin, Iowa farmer, have been named 4R Advocates by The Fertilizer Institute for their ongoing stewardship work. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program is part of a fertilizer industry initiative that encourages awareness and adoption of farming practices that protect the environment while optimizing productivity. The program encourages collaboration with growers, conservation personnnel and others. The pair received the awards at a Commodity Classic in New Orleans along with four other farmer/ag retailer pairs from Illinois, Ohio, Virginia and Wyoming. Davenport Library cardholders will be able to borrow books and other materials from seven Illinois Quad-City area libraries and vise versa under a new intergovernmental agreement. Iowa and Illinois Quad-City libraries have been sharing the same automated catalog and lending system for decades. But last year, Illinois libraries announced they planned to withdraw from the system and join one serving only Illinois. That change is effective this month, meaning no more shared catalog, placing "holds" or reciprocal borrowing among Iowa and Illinois Quad-City libraries. But in an attempt to provide at least limited access for its patrons, the Davenport Library forged its own agreement with seven Illinois libraries Rock Island, Moline, East Moline, Silvis, Sherrard, Coal Valley and Port Byron for some reciprocity. The agreement will allow walk-in, in-person borrowing, but no "holds" or delivery. Patrons who want interstate access will need to validate their existing card with the other system. That is, Davenport holders will have to go to one of the seven participating Illinois libraries, and Illinois patrons of those seven libraries will have to do the same at a Davenport Library branch. Davenport cardholders borrowing from Illinois can return books to any of the participating Illinois libraries. Illinois residents borrowing from Davenport are asked to return materials to the specific branch that owns the item. To find out if another library has the materials one wants, patrons will have to log into the other system's catalog. None of the other Iowa Quad-City libraries is part of this agreement. Davenport pursued the agreement "because our board decided it would be good for our cardholders, that it would give them more options," Amy Groskopf, director, said. The amount of borrowing back and forth between Davenport and Illinois is "about as equal as it could be," she said. "It is very reciprocal. There is a value going back and forth." But that is not true of all libraries. In Bettendorf, for example, data for last year showed that Illinois residents borrowed roughly three times the amount of materials from Bettendorf that Bettendorf residents borrowed from all of the Illinois libraries combined, Sue Mannix, director, said. To enter into a no-fee reciprocal agreement would mean that Illinois residents would be using materials for free at Bettendorf's expense, she said. "We have to maintain financial equity for our taxpayers," she said. News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-10-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. One student who will earn her high-school equivalency degree on June 3 had dropped out of school 30 years ago. Anissa McCoy, 45, of Davenport, a mother and grandmother, tried eight times before she succeeded in earning the diploma in late 2015. She will speak at the graduation ceremony, set for 6 p.m. June 2, in the Starlite Ballroom on the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport. McCoy will be joined in the ceremony by 74 other students set to earn degrees through the High School Equivalency Test program. In this, the students had to pass five academic tests in reading and writing, social studies, science and math. The students were part of an open house Friday at the West Davenport Center of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, or EICC. They were of all ages, teens to older adults. They picked out their graduation gowns and explored several booths that gave them options for the future. Here's how three of them came to earn the equivalency degree: McCoy was 15 years old and a sophomore in high school in 1986 when she became pregnant. She tried eight times in 24 years to finish the degree work when her academic quest came to a head last November. "I called the Prayer Line for God's help to pass the math and social studies tests," she said. "The one piece of paper I thought never mattered was the one piece of paper I needed for financial security. "I worked hard, came home crabby, but never earned what I was worth." McCoy was addicted to alcohol and drugs but became sober three years ago. Last November, after many prayers, she shut herself off from others and studied for three weeks straight. She credits a "higher power" in helping her to finish the tests successfully on Nov. 23, 2015. McCoy has five children, three grandchildren and a "grand-dog." Next fall, she plans to return to the West Davenport Center and focus on writing classes to hone her literary skills. Cody Kincaid, 17, of Bettendorf, was not on track to graduate from Bettendorf High School. He and his mother, Janet Kintz, agreed he would earn an equivalency degree. It took Cody six weeks to pass the required tests. He next will pursue a career in auto mechanics or welding. Ian Lopez, 27, is set to take the tests, starting Saturday. He is determined to earn his high school degree so he can apprentice with Local 125, the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Lopez had attended three Davenport schools, he said, Central, North and West, before he dropped out. He now has two children. He is focused and determined and has found an academic niche in the West Davenport Center. After he spends five years as a plumber's apprentice, he will earn his card. "I can take that card all over the world," he said. The $3.3 million, nearly 20,000-square-foot West Davenport Center was built in 2012 at 2950 N. Fairmount St. Friday's open house highlighted West Davenport Center services: continuing education classes, adult basic education, the high school equivalency degree program and English as a second language lessons. McCoy likes the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere in the center. Dennis Quane, educator, and Mary Campbell, a mentor, agreed with McCoy. A lot of tutors are available to students, Quane said, and these tutors try to be flexible with busy student schedules. Many have problems with math and English, Quane said. In math, he keeps his lectures to a minimum but focuses on making a math model at first. He then visits each student table to consult on the math. Quane uses the center's computer lab, in addition to online resources such as Khan Academy. In addition, he incorporates YouTube videos from a Muscatine Community College instructor. "The math test is not an easy test to pass," Quane said of the academic tests that are part of the equivalency degree program. "If the students pass the math test they can hold their heads high," he said. "It's a great accomplishment." First Army will host the Rock Island Arsenal Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance at 1 p.m. Monday inside Heritage Hall. Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, First Army commanding general, will provide closing remarks. Alma Agunod Reed, the vice-president for the Philippine Cultural Group of Michigan, a non-profit cultural group dedicated to sharing and retaining the Filipino heritage, will be featured as the guest speaker. Reed hails from Iowa and moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., in 2015. Meditation cushions, which can be made at a significant savings from store-bought versions, are among the projects offered during a special Craft Day in downtown Davenport. The Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center hosts the "Malas, Mantras, Meditation Cushions and More" event on Sunday, May 22, from 12-3 p.m. The center is located at 502 W. Third St., Davenport. "We have done this a couple of times and it's pretty popular," Joe Gauthier said. Gauthier, a Buddhism teacher at the center, said the public is welcome to the activity regardless of level of interest. Participants are invited to tour the center, see the meditation room (Gompa), and view the qualified Shrine, as well as the kids' meditation room, book shop, community room and library. There will be refreshments and socializing, and Buddhist practitioners will be present for any questions. The meditation cushions may cost $60 retail, Gauthier said, but participants are invited to purchase the fabric ahead of time and finish the cushion at the event. "People are happy to help others," he said of the gathering and items are also for sale, such as necklaces and pendents. It is a three-hour event, but Gauthier pointed out that three hours may not be enough time to finish the projects. In that case, the center will be open longer. The center is at the intersection of Third and Scott streets downtown, and the site is impacted by the construction of the Davenport Central Fire Station. Parking is suggested along Third Street. The location is just a few blocks from the Freight House Farmer's Market. Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center was founded under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, internationally known Buddhist meditation master and scholar. Gauthier, a native of Boston, came to the Midwest after studying and practicing Buddhist meditation for more than 15 years with Gyatso. Before he arrived in Iowa, he studied and taught in locations including Great Britain, Taiwan and Holland as well as Madison, Wis. The Obama administration has another chance to enforce its botched "red line" against the use of chemical weapons in Syria, given new reports that President Bashar Assad's regime has used nerve gas against extremist fighters and may be planning more such attacks. Obama's decision not to retaliate against Assad's use of chemical weapons in 2013 has become an emblem for his larger foreign policy, which critics argue hasn't been forceful enough in Syria and other places. Obama justified his restraint by citing the diplomatic agreement that was brokered by the U.S. and Russia to destroy Syria's chemical arsenal. But new Israeli reports question whether Assad has complied. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz, apparently relying on a government source, reported on May 2 that Assad's forces used sarin gas in late April against Islamic State fighters after they attacked two Syrian air force bases east of Damascus. Stockpiles of this deadly gas were supposed to have been removed from Syria in 2014. Given the international silence, Israeli officials are said to fear that Assad will keep striking with the banned weapons. "With the continuation of fighting in Syria, it is reasonable to assume that the regime won't hesitate to use these weapons again, especially after already having done so ... without any reaction," an Israeli source told me. The alleged use of sarin is another sign that Assad appears ready to breach any diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the war. In recent weeks, his forces, backed by Russia, have struck a hospital in Aleppo run by Doctors Without Borders, a pediatric hospital there, and a U.S.-backed humanitarian group in Idlib called Syria Civil Defense. Chemical weapons have become part of "the new normal" in Syria, according to a report in February by the Syrian American Medical Society. The group said that in 2015, there were 69 chemical weapons attacks in Syria, mostly chlorine bombs dropped by Assad's air force. The Assad regime often justifies such attacks by saying it is bombing the Islamic State or Jabhat al-Nusra, the al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria. But these jihadists are intermingled with civilians and moderate opposition groups in ways that make the non-extremist groups targets, too. As Assad has pressed his campaign in Aleppo and elsewhere, the "cessation of hostilities" negotiated by the U.S. and Russia in February has frayed badly. The possibility that Syria retains chemical weapons was noted recently by Ahmet Uzumcu, director-general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. "There are still questions. I am not able to say whether Syria has declared everything or whether Syria continues to possess some chemical weapons or some munitions," he cautioned. Uzumcu also noted "extremely worrying" signs that the Islamic State has used mustard gas in Syria and Iraq. Obama administration officials are concerned about continued Syrian use of chemical weapons, but they see significant differences between the recent reported incidents and the size and scope of the 2013 attacks using sarin and VX, which are believed to have killed more than 1,400 Syrian civilians. Diplomacy remains the administration's focus in Syria -- and the partnership with Russia seems to be expanding, rather than shrinking, despite its setbacks. To bolster the cease-fire, U.S. and Russian officials have been discussing the location of "protected" Syrian opposition groups. Officials from the two countries are said to talk daily in Geneva and by telephone to Syria, arguing over which areas are legitimate extremist targets and which should be avoided. This shared "domain awareness," as one official describes it, illustrates the extent of quiet Russian-American cooperation. But Syria shows the limits of this great-power diplomacy. Russia can't seem to control Assad, even when it attempts to do so. And the U.S. has been unable to force opposition fighters to disentangle themselves from Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic State. Assad, once seen as a mild-mannered ophthalmologist, has proved a headstrong, brutal leader who has spawned the equivalently vicious Islamic State. Finally, there remains a gaping hole in the U.S. strategy for capturing the Islamic State's strongholds in Raqqa and Manbij in eastern Syria. Washington wants this fight to be led by Sunni Arabs, but the only reliable fighters America has found are Syrian Kurds from the YPG militia -- which, to complicate matters further, is viewed by Turkey (a NATO ally) as a terrorist group. Who will bell this cat? Are Presidents Obama and Putin really ready to tolerate a situation where the use of chemical weapons is seen as "normal," despite a Russian-American agreement that they should be banned? Thumbs up to local police, community leaders and Beyond the Baseline for engaging area youth about the spate of violence throughout the community. Earlier this month, they hosted more than 100 junior high school students, who attended a gun violence forum. Shootings have become an all-too-frequent part of life in the Quad-Cities. The problem is complex, touching on poverty, race and the free availability of guns. It's an issue that won't be solved with conversations with teens. But it's an important step toward building relationships with the children directly affected by the carnage. Thumbs down to Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann, who this week wholly sold out to ride the Trump Express. Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump isn't a liability to the party's down-ticket races, Kaufmann said this week. The real estate mogul is bringing new people into the party, Kaufmann told GOP donors. Plus, Hillary Clinton is much worse. That last bit has been the mantra of Republicans throughout the country as they endorse the brash billionaire, a move typically preceded by a hard gulp. It's true that Trump has energized a disaffected, angry bloc. But, win, lose or draw, the racial rage won't wear well on the GOP's shoulders. Mainline Republicans are in a tough spot, for sure. But a wholesale buy-in to Trump's hateful drivel could damage the party for cycles to come. Thumbs up to the region's Girl Scout Council for rejuvenating Camp Conestoga. Camp attendance had plunged for years. Keeping the facility in northwest Scott County, now dubbed Camp Liberty, relevant looked increasingly impossible. But the impossible happened. Times columnist Barb Ickes said it nicely. "If the killer sound system, stacked stone fireplace and panoramic views from the new lodge don't sufficiently strike envy in the hearts of every non-girl, plenty of the other offerings will," Ickes wrote this week, calling it an ideal spot for weddings and receptions. Camp Liberty will be reserved solely for Girl Scouts throughout the summer months, as it should. It's available to other groups in the off-months, offering a potential important financial lift for the organization. We hope it works. WATERLOO U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, laughs off speculation she will be presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps running mate. Instead, she said she is focused on Iowa. We havent heard anything from their campaign, so its a lot of to-do about probably nothing, so Im very much focused on Iowa, Ernst said. Ernst demonstrated the sincerity of that statement Friday by making a half-dozen stops in the Cedar Valley touring businesses, holding a town hall and hosting a candidate fundraiser. Among her stops was an inaugural trip to TechWorks to see the three-dimensional printing operation in person after her staff made previous stops. TechWorks staff and students took Ernst through the process from design to finished product during a 45-minute tour. One example they used for the retired Iowa National Guard member was printing a fuel system component for an F-35C joint strike fighter plane. If we can save time and money on such a large project, we need to be looking at that technology and utilizing that, Ernst said after the tour. It was fantastic. Jerry Thiel, Metal Casting Center director, explained how the 3-D printing allows for a quicker turnaround of products, narrowing the time to completion from about 10 weeks to 12 days. Ernst also highlighted the importance of the center in keeping jobs and young people in the state, as well as the focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. Aside from TechWorks, Ernst also toured Ritchie Industries in Conrad and Tyson Foods in Waterloo. By the end of her Friday stops, Ernst said she will have been through 48 of Iowas 99 counties as part of a statewide tour. Ernsts final stop Friday took her to a fundraiser for Iowa Senate District 30 Republican candidate Bonnie Sadler. She signed on to be a part of the fundraiser in the hopes of giving Republicans the edge in the Iowa Senate where she used to be a member, and in the minority throughout her tenure. When I left the state Senate, I just made that promise that I would say involved and active with the state Senate and try and push into that majority so that we can get more of our bills through, make sure were working with the governor, just working for the betterment of Iowa, Ernst said. "So this is one way that Im able to contribute back is just be involved with our candidates." CEDAR RAPIDS He couldnt promise them more funding, but Sen. Chuck Grassley endorsed a Cedar Rapids-based family services organizations efforts to deal with college student debt. Grassley told employees and board members at Horizons family services alliance he shares their concerns with the growing problem of student loan debt and increases in defaults. His Know Before You Owe legislation dovetails with Horizons efforts, the Iowa Republican said after financial wellness director Terry Bergen told him that counseling students and former students with debt issues is a growing part of his work. Student loan debt has exceeded $1 trillion dollars nationwide, surpassing credit card debt. They dont know what theyre getting into until theyre in over their head, Bergen told Grassley. "They dont realize until its too late. Student loan debt was one of several topics Grassley addressed in answering questions from employees and board members of the organization that provides nutrition and wellness programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation services, mental health programs and community outreach such as Headstart. Grassley said hes not likely to vote to raise the federal minimum wage at this time, but he didnt oppose states taking action that reflects their cost of living. Asked about Johnson County raising the minimum wage there, Grassley said, the cost of living in Iowa City is probably higher than in Butler County where I live. He doesnt anticipate cuts to food stamps, said he wants to protect crime victim assistance funds, which is another service offered by Horizons, and talked about his passion for protecting federal government whistleblowers whose only crime is the truth. Addressing student loan debt, Grassley wants students and their families to have more information about how much they need to borrow to finance a college degree as well as the cost of repaying the loan. They also need to know whether the degree they are seeking offers the potential to earn what theyll need to repay their loans. They have every incentive to borrow as much as they can rather than as little as theyll need to meet their needs, Grassley said. Former University of Iowa President Sally Mason told him that if students borrowed only what they need to earn a degree, student debt loads would fall about $13,000 from the $30,000 average for Iowa college students. He also praised the University of Northern Iowa, his alma mater, for lowering the average debt load of its graduates by about $3,000 through a voluntary financial counseling program. Iowa State University and others have similar programs, he said. Bergen said Horizons has a relationship with the University of Iowa to offer financial counseling. Hopefully, the need for my legislation will be obliterated by people waking up to the problem, Grassley said. TAMA, Iowa Monica Vernon took the fight to her opponent for the Iowa 1st Congressional District Friday night, demanding an apology from Pat Murphy for dismissing her record as squat. In an interview earlier in the week, Murphy contrasted his proven record as a 24-year legislator, including serving as speaker of the Iowa House, with Vernons lack of a record. My opponent was talking about his record, and he talked about mine and said I havent done squat, Vernon said in her opening statement to a crowd of more than 50 people at the Tama Ballroom. Referring to her eight years on the Cedar Rapids City Council, especially during recovery from the 2008 flood, Vernon took offense. Its not just offensive to me, Vernon said. "Its offensive to every hard-working woman in this state, and I think you owe them all an apology." There was no apology, but the tone was set for the final debate between the pair ahead of the June 7 primary. The winner will face first-term Republican Rod Blum in November. Vernon continued on the offensive, charging Murphy has run a negative smear campaign. Thats what bullies do, she said. The debate, sponsored by the Democratic parties of Tama, Poweshiek, Marshall and Benton counties, was the fourth time the pair had debated this year. Murphy and Vernon both ran in 2014 in a five-way primary for the Democratic nomination. Murphy won that with 36 percent of the vote to Vernons 23 percent before losing to Blum, a Dubuque business owner, in the open-seat general election 49.9 percent to 47.6 percent. For his part, Murphy repeatedly talked about his record, citing his leadership on legislation calling for equal pay for women, supporting veterans, protecting voting rights, a womans right to an abortion, same-sex marriage and LGBT rights and requiring labeling of genetically modified foods. He also focused on their differences, such as the minimum wage. He wants it raised to $15 an hour. Vernon, who previously said she could support $12, said shes not tied to a number. She prefers to raise the wage incrementally to limit job losses while raising workers incomes. Murphy called a $15 minimum wage a huge issue. The minimum wage would have to be $21 an hour for a worker to be self-sufficient, he said, but $15 is the first step. Calling himself a FDR Democrat, Murphy said he is proud of being a lifelong Democrat and questioned Vernons commitment to the party because she was a Republican until 2009. Ive always been consistent on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, where the Democratic Party stands, Murphy said. When he was the Democratic leader in the Iowa House, she was still a Republican, giving money to Republicans. Its a big difference. Vernon argued its not for Murphy to decide who gets to be in the party and what it means to be a Democrat. She also wondered why the people who know him the best trust him the least. Legislators who served with Murphy have endorsed her and labor unions that endorsed him in the past are backing her. He hasnt sought those endorsements because I want your endorsement on Election Day, Murphy said. Thats the only one that counts. It has been far too many years since the Woke theology interlaced its canons within the fabric of the Indoctrination Realm, so it is nigh time to ask: Does this Representative Republic continue, as a functioning society of a self-governed people, by contending with the unusual, self absorbed dictates of the Woke, and their vast array of Victimhood scenarios? Yes, the Religion of Woke must continue; there are so many groups of underprivileged, underserved, a direct result of unrelenting Inequity; they deserve everything. No; the Woke fools must be toppled from their self-anointed pedestal; a functioning society of a good Constitutional people cannot withstand this level of "existential" favoritism as it exists now. The late travel writer Eugene Fodor once said, You dont have to be rich to travel well. Here in South Dakota, we think thats especially true. Every year, our highways and Interstates are filled with people from every demographic looking for something new in South Dakota. And whether theyre lifelong residents or visitors from another country, everyone seems to find memories to last a lifetime courtesy of our beautiful state. You dont have to be rich to travel in South Dakota, but every penny spent on gas, lodging, food and souvenirs adds up to big impacts on the local and national economy. In the United States, travel is among the largest private-sector employers, supporting 15 million jobs in 2014. In 2015, traveler spending directly generated tax revenues of $141.5 billion for federal, state and local governments, including $270 million for state and local governments in South Dakota. Because we share the beauty of our state with visitors from across the globe while keeping our economy strong, travel and tourism make for a win-win situation in South Dakota. Were happy and thankful that others can discover what weve always known, that South Dakota is a land of infinite variety full of great faces and great places. Were also grateful for the economic benefits that come from hosting our many visitors, allowing us to support essential services and programs throughout the state. The benefits of travel and tourism are too many to capture in just one column. Thats one of the reasons I declared May 1-7, 2016, as National Travel and Tourism Week in South Dakota. As the week comes to a close, lets recognize how much our tourism industry contributes to our state. Lets also realize how fortunate we are to live in a place that people from all over the world come to see. Whether its the towering power of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial or a good cup of coffee and piece of pie from a small-town diner, theres always another place where you can find something new, unique and exciting in South Dakota. ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. | "Weekend Warriors" is a common terminology that describes the part-time commitment of the Air Force Reserve. However, within the AFR, there are four different capacities in which a member may participate. The unit reservist, also called a traditional reservist, serves the well-known one weekend a month and two weeks a year. The other part-time category that is not well known is called the individual mobilization augmentee program, also known as IMA. An IMA is unique, making up just 11 percent of the entire Reserve force. These members are assigned to an active duty unit and backfill their counterparts for deployments and temporary duty assignments. IMAs still serve the equivalent of one weekend a month and two weeks a year, which is 39 days total. A main difference between TRs and IMAs is that IMAs can serve all 39 days in one long period, for instance a college student could do their entire years' commitment in between semesters. On the other end of the spectrum, an IMA can choose to do a few days here, a few days there to fulfill their obligation. Some units may request that an IMA serve on a more traditional reservist schedule; this is the exception, not the rule. In the end, IMAs are given a level of freedom to schedule their days when it works best for them instead of being tasked every month. Because IMAs have the benefit of picking and choosing their schedule, with input from their respective unit, they can serve anywhere within the U.S. For instance, an IMA currently living at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, can complete his or her reservist commitment at Hill AFB, Utah. When an IMA completes their time in one long period, travel is paid for by the AFR. Travel is covered if a reservist includes his annual tour in the set of orders. This freedom from financial burden opens up the possibility to go to school full-time and continue military service, even if there is not a unit close by. The benefits of Tuition Assistance and Tricare coverage are ideal for many interested in the part-time commitment of the AFR; however, for those who prefer to maintain more direct control over their careers, the IMA world may be what you are looking for. For more information on the IMA program, call Master Sgt. Sammy Jeffery, 28th Force Support Squadron in-service recruiter, at 605-385-2360, or via email sammy.jeffery.2@us.af.mil. NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. | When Nellis Air Force Base comes to mind, the most common association that is made is that the base hosts the massive air-to-air training exercise known as Red Flag. Lesser know is an exercise that plays just as important a training role for Airmen preparing to deploy: Green Flag. For organizations like the 34th Bomb Squadron from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, the Green Flag air-to-ground exercise provides dynamic training for the Airmen from their B-1B Lancer aircrew and support personnel to prepare for deployments. "Green Flag is an Air Combat Command exercise typically for Airmen who are getting ready to deploy," said Lt. Col. Daniel, director of operations, 34th BS. "The initial concept is that they get the air assets that are going to be in theater, as well as a ground component commander for a brigade and get used to working together." In its creation, Green Flag was not so comprehensive. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most important ways to train Airmen on much larger scale operations. "Initially it was all close air support, but Green Flag has evolved over the years and now there is also a brigade fight," Daniel said. "It's become a force-on-force with over 4,500 friendly personnel and over 200 pieces of armor, including tanks and Humvees on the ground. It's a very large force sort of exercise working on tactics and procedures." Squadrons, such as the 34th BS, use Green Flag as a valuable opportunity to train new B-1B pilots and crewmembers alike for what to expect downrange. "From the exercise perspective though, our squadron has eight crews out here at the moment and half of them will be first time deployers," Daniel said. These Airmen who are new to their position gain from Green Flag the repetitions and fundamental close air support training necessary to be successful when emerged in a deployment environment. "We bring a lot of our newer pilots and our newer offensive and defensive avionics guys out here so it's a lot of crew training," said Tech. Sgt. Kenneth, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "So right now it's all close air support, which is what we've been doing a lot more while deployed. For them it's really priceless training, because what you do here and what you can practice, bringing that to the warfighter limits mistakes, hopefully to zero." With the squadrons that attend preparing to deploy in the future, the ability to throw a wrench in the day-to-day operations and force aircrews to overcome the challenges of deploying provides essential experience. "As we're prepping to deploy ... you're taking your operations and maintenance [personnel] out of their normal flying patterns at home station, up-rooting them and making them move forward," Daniel said. "It helps us work even closer with our maintenance guys and build that relationship that's going to be important while deployed. It's a cross-check to make sure that we have everything we need in our deployment kit." While the pace may be fast during Green Flag, the necessary missions that the 34th BS will eventually participate in is more than worth the price. "We get Airmen out here and get them doing fundamental sorties," Daniel said. "So on any given sortie I have a new weapons system officer in the back getting anywhere from eight to 10 lines on an hour and a half sortie of the range." Through the entire Green Flag, the 34th BS B-1s have prepared for the stresses of deployment and obtained valuable air-to-ground training in the process. "The guys out here, I wouldn't bring any other group with me," Kenneth said. "They're unreal and they've kept up through the whole thing." A summer food service program will be available beginning May 31 and ending Aug. 5 at Sturgis Elementary School, 1121 Ball Park Road. This federally funded lunch will be offered from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is free to students 18 years of age and under regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or disability. Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child's need for good nutrition. This Summer Food Service Program provides free, nutritious meals to help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months when they are out of school. For more information about the summer food service program, contact Meade School District Food Service Director Joe Schaffer at 347-3601. Meade School District is able to offer the program because 50 percent or more of Sturgis Elementary School students qualified for free or reduced-price school meals this school year. A Rapid City man who was sentenced to jail for abusing nine horses in the winter of 2012 has been given the chance to serve his sentence under house arrest, but he will remain in jail because he is now homeless. Donald Harwood, 54, was convicted in Pennington County in August 2013 on nine counts of inhumane treatment of an animal and was sentenced to nine years in jail with four years suspended. His wife, Terri, with whom he had a joint trial, was sentenced to a year on similar charges. The Pennington County Sheriff's Office seized 69 horses from the Harwoods Rapid Valley property in January 2013 after investigating complaints that the horses did not have adequate food and water. Harwood appealed his 5-year jail sentence. It was reaffirmed though one of the nine counts got dismissed. On March 30, Seventh Circuit Court Magistrate Judge Bernie Schuchmann denied Harwoods request to have his sentence reduced but authorized him to be placed under electronic monitoring, or house arrest. One of the conditions is that Harwood has to work or be looking for a job, said Deputy States Attorney Kinsley Groote. Harwood, however, will remain at the Pennington County Jail until he finishes serving his sentence, said his attorney Paul Eisenbraun. Harwood and his wife have gotten divorced, and he currently has no home, Eisenbraun said in a phone interview. Eisenbraun in January asked the court to reduce his clients sentence, citing factors that included Harwood being given the maximum penalty of one year in jail on each count, even for a horse that was "arguably well, though neglected. Eisenbraun, in a court filing, also said that jails werent designed to house inmates for long periods of time, unlike the prison system that provides opportunities for treatment, counseling and job training. Prosecutors objected to the sentence modification request, saying Harwood failed to accept responsibility for his offense, his criminal record showed his inclination to re-offend and that the court during trial had found Harwoods conduct inexcusable. The defendant committed terrible, inhumane acts of starving horses and depriving them of access to water, subjecting the horses to the cold winter conditions without adequate food and water, not providing the horses with proper veterinary care, and not properly sorting and penning the horses, according to a court document submitted by Groote. Harwood, at one point, became a fugitive. He failed to report to jail after his sentencing in October 2013. He was found in February 2014, hiding on a horse farm near Canistota, in eastern South Dakota. After seizing the horses from the Harwoods, the Pennington County Sheriffs Office learned that about half of the animals were being boarded at the couples leased property on Radar Hill Road. All the horses have since been claimed by their owners or have been placed in new homes. The Pennington County Sheriffs Office checked on the backgrounds of the people who offered to take the horses to make sure the animals would not be released into the same conditions from which they were rescued, public information officer Patty Garland said. Terri Harwood has already finished serving her sentence, which was done under electronic monitoring, enabling her to work and live at home during her term. RAPID CITY | Patton T. Pat Burke passed away peacefully, Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the Rapid City Regional Auxiliary Hospice House. Pat was born Nov. 15, 1929, to William Thomas and Gladys (Cox) Burke in Madrid, NM, the youngest of six children. At the age of two, his father was killed in a coal mine explosion, so his mother and aunt brought the family back to Tennessee by train. Pete, as the family called him, was raised in Shawnee, TN. He joined the military in 1948 and was stationed at Rapid City Army Air Base, now known as Ellsworth AFB. Here he met the love of his life, Lila Skog, and they were married Jan. 1, 1949. They had one daughter, Linda. While stationed at Ellsworth, Pat had the privilege of being a flag bearer at the funeral of General Ellsworth. While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Japan, the Azores and twice in England. The second trip to England in 1964 also included Lila and Linda. Pat retired at Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina in 1968, at which time they returned to Rapid City. Pat drove truck for Gibsons and worked at Cochrans Mobile Station. In 1970, Pat was hired as a Pennington County Deputy Sheriff. He was instrumental in designing the patches that the Sheriffs office still uses. He was also involved in the 1972 flood, having lost his own home, cars and patrol car. The family loved to listen to the stories he and other deputies would tell of their many experiences. If only we had a tape recorder, we could have written a book! He retired in 1991, as a lieutenant. Pat was also known for his great barbecues and the 4th of July parties. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Lauziere, Rapid City; his sister, Ruby Nicholson, Dundee, MI; and many nieces, nephews and great friends. Pat was preceded in death by his wife, Lila; granddaughter, Brenda; parents, William and Gladys Burke; his brothers, Harry, Jim, and Bud; his sister, Leatrice Alexander; and nephew, Jeff Alexander. The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and aides at the Hospice House for their great care they gave Pat in his last days. A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, May 16, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Wilbur Holz officiating. Interment will be at Black Hills National near Sturgis, with military honors by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the South Dakota Army National Guard. A memorial has been established. His online guestbook is available to sign on the funeral home website. With little activity in the durum market, local prices have remained steady in early May.Local cash bids have been steady $6.20-$6.25 per bushel for old crop durum, according to Erica Olson, marketing specialist for the North Dakota Wheat Commission.There hasnt been much market movement lately because right now everyone is expecting good crop in 2016, Olson said.In terms of planting progress, North Dakota is lagging behind average. In the May 2 report 11 percent of durum planting was complete.Thats just a bit below the five-year average of 14 percent and well behind last years 22 percent, but 2015 was an unusually early year, Olson said.Planting has progressed faster in Montana where producers have 42 percent of the crop planted, which is double the five-year average.One of the main things in North Dakota was the cool, wet conditions in late April which slowed progress, according to Olson. In the first week of May, with the warm, dry conditions, producers should make some good progress.Now, domestically, the mills and pasta manufacturers are fairly comfortable with supplies and are expecting supplies to be comfortable for another year given the current conditions. Theyre not making any significant advanced purchases, she said.Looking at the U.S. desert region the durum crop is a bit behind in development. In Arizona, the crop there is 60 percent headed, although most of it is rated in good to excellent condition.So I dont think there will be any issues there, she said.Elsewhere, in Europe the durum crop is reported in good condition for the most part, with fairly good soil moisture. And in most regions producers are reporting acreage is 5-10 percent higher this year.The main area of concern is still North Africa mainly Morocco, Olson said. With the dry conditions there their production could be less than half of what it was a year ago.Algeria has a few issues, but it looks like production there will only be slightly lower.The International Grains Council (IGC) recently released some 2016-17 estimates and the agency is not looking for the world durum situation to change significantly, according to Olson. World durum production is expected to be down 2 percent.The biggest year on year change from the IGC is obviously Morocco, and then theyre expecting the Canadian durum crop to be 15 percent higher and the European crop 2 percent higher, she said. Other than those, there were no real big changes.One thing to point out is that the IGC is expecting ending stocks for the four major durum exporters to be quite a bit higher. The IGC is showing an increase of 30 million bushels in ending stocks from 2015 to reach a level of 140 million which would be the highest weve seen in a few years.Overall, production looks promising at this time, but things can change quite quickly, Olson said.Things have been fairly quiet on the demand side regarding U.S. durum exports. There have been just a few small sales here and there, although total sales are up 5 percent compared to last year. As of the end of April sales were just shy of 26 million bushels. However, USDAs goal for this marketing year, which ends May 31, is 35 million, so that will be difficult to reach.North of the border, the Canadian durum export pace is about 8 percent lower than last year.Were not expecting a lot of price movement in the coming weeks unless we start to see some unexpected production news, Olson concluded. James Olsen Candidate State Senate District 44 Democrat *** What is your position on the issue of federal lands being turned over to the state? Please explain your position. Tony Jones, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association *** A wholesale turnover of Federal lands seems to be a bad and expensive idea. In the military the first question is, Whats the mission? The mission of state school trust land manage for school funding - is quite different than multiple use federal lands and wilderness: a. We have a sacred duty of care for all of creatures of creation, even as we use the land to sustain ourselves. The idea of wilderness and multiple use on federal lands recognizes this duty, while the mission of school trust lands does not. b. There must be no path to privatizing. The public access of the people is vitally important. Texas is an example of a state with almost no federal land. In Texas, if you want to hunt a deer, you pay for a deer lease from a private landowner. While we argue about how to use public lands, at least we get to argue instead of staring at a private land owners no-trespassing sign. c. The mission of state lands versus federal lands results in grazing fees on state lands being over eight times the average cost for permits on federal lands. d. The idea that a state government will somehow find a cheaper way to accomplish the mission of federal lands would a need a convincing business plan. Of course, if such a plan comes forth, I would not be surprised if the federal land use agencies simply adopted it. e. Large scale wildfires have been with us for millennia and occur no matter what management practices we put forth, from the 1910 fires to the 2000 fires. The where is the state going to get the resources and money to put together the logistics and resources, especially after it has been dismantled by the feds after the turnover? *** Education is faced with a multifaceted task of equipping our children for world that wont look the same five years from now. With the very fabric of our culture changing at a rapid pace, a robust and solid understanding of tolerance is key to effectively navigating these circumstances. What is your definition for tolerance and how does this definition support the mandates within public education? -- Tim Johnson, Corvallis School Superintendent *** A good working definition tolerance is contained in our Declaration of Independence, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. At the time this was written it was common to use men to mean all people. Tolerance does not mean that one has to believe what another is doing or what another believes is right. It simply means it is not your business to judge others. Indeed, the Christian gospels, which was the belief for most of our countrys founders, make it clear that such judgments are reserved for God. From this, it seems obvious that mandates for all religions, races, LGBT, disabilities, and economic status is rooted in this definition. But, a mandate does not teach. It seems that best way to teach tolerance is to teach history, not a history of memorized dates, but a history of motivations and cultures that led people to drive historical events. This along with a comparative culture course would seem to be much better than simply resorting to mandates. *** What do you think the state could do to make improvements to the accessibility of the economic development funding for rural small business? Could you name a specific program where you would like to see improvement and provide some examples? What will you do to further your recommendation? Julie Foster, Ravalli County Economic Development Authority Executive Director. *** First, I what to say the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority itself is one of the best economic ideas for small business in Ravalli County. Small business needs: a. Access to startup investment. The Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Federal grant is a good model for investment funds. These grants can be from multiple agencies and specify specific types of businesses targeted by the agency. A better model would simply be competitive grants awarded at the county level though a disciplined, fair, competitive selection. Two areas to examine are a portion of Big Sky Trust Fund allocated to RCEDA and work with our Congressional delegation to get a portion of SBIR funds directed to a county level. We can also have a zero long term capital gains tax for investment directly into a Montana Small Business. b. Infrastructure. Low population density spread over a large area is one of the challenges of doing business in Ravalli County. Commercial transportation costs for businesses and farmers who use it are placed at a disadvantage. I would initiate a program for both grants and tax credits that offset this competitive disadvantage. Further, Targeted Economic Development Districts (TEDD) can be coordinated with the other business development programs. c. Low cost labor. The ultimate business builder is to pay more in wages while at the same time lowering the cost of labor to the employer. This can be done by changing the tax code to provide a tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by the employer up to a cap of, say the first $15 per hour. There are several alternatives that can be used to make this tax neutral by taxing legalized marijuana (25 -30 percent), stock market transactions (1.8 percent), eliminating the capital gain tax credit. $16.7 million for Community College Student Success: Provides locally determined support services to ensure community college students graduate with a credential or degree. Such support services may include career coaches, academic advising and counseling, tutoring labs, and supplemental education. Provides locally determined support services to ensure community college students graduate with a credential or degree. Such support services may include career coaches, academic advising and counseling, tutoring labs, and supplemental education. $7.5 million for Community College Equipment: Upgrades and maintains instructional equipment. These funds are in addition to the $49 million already appropriated for 2016-17. The total of $56.5 million is a 15 percent increase over the level appropriated in 2012-13. Upgrades and maintains instructional equipment. These funds are in addition to the $49 million already appropriated for 2016-17. The total of $56.5 million is a 15 percent increase over the level appropriated in 2012-13. $500,000 for NCWorks Apprenticeships: Increases apprenticeship opportunities across North Carolina. The program helps businesses find, train, and retain qualified workers, and offers individuals the chance to gain skills and experience through the community college system. Total funding, including the governor's $500,000 recommendation, would be $1.35 million for FY 2016-17. Increases apprenticeship opportunities across North Carolina. The program helps businesses find, train, and retain qualified workers, and offers individuals the chance to gain skills and experience through the community college system. Total funding, including the governor's $500,000 recommendation, would be $1.35 million for FY 2016-17. $500,000 to Promote Competency-Based Education: Supports development of a uniform system for granting academic credit for prior learning and experience. Efforts underway include the ability of military veterans to count their experience as military medics, police, and systems operators toward community college credentials to become emergency management technicians, law enforcement officers, or information technology experts. Lawmakers returned to Raleigh at the end of April to attend this year's "short session." On the agenda are adjustments to the state budget and a few policies left unresolved when legislators adjourned last year. Many of those policies focus on community colleges.Governor Pat McCrory's budget seeks to fulfill several community college priorities. Some highlights from his proposal include:The governor's budget is just a starting point. The General Assembly will decide how much to spend on community colleges and where to invest the money. Already appropriations committee chairmen from both the House and Senate announced that they plan to hold spending for the 2016-17 fiscal year to $22.225 billion, lower than the governor's budget total. (Table 1 compares the governor's proposed budget with the 2016-17 certified budget-approved last year-and budgets for the past two fiscal years.)But several proposals making their way through the legislature indicate that lawmakers are committed to community college reform and expansion. One bill, S 738 , proposes the North Carolina Community College System study and propose improvements to the NCWorks Apprenticeship Program . According to the legislation, the study "may include proposals to incentivize the program for businesses who participate, including proposals that would reduce the tuition costs that businesses pay for students enrolled."Another program that will bring increased enrollment and funding to North Carolina's community colleges is NC GAP. Some form of the program, which redirects low performing students from the UNC system to community colleges, will be implemented in the next two years (I wrote about NC GAP here ). And H 1034 , a bill introduced in the House, would restore tuition waivers to North Carolina senior citizens who attend up to six hours of community college courses, which would also increase community college enrollment.The Connect NC Bond, promoted by the legislature and approved by voters in March, also allocates $350 million to community colleges. The money will go to new structures, repairs, and renovations on the state's 58 community college campuses.These changes will take place after the system has installed its new chancellor. Dr. James "Jimmie" C. Williamson will become the eighth president for the NC Community Colleges on July 1, 2016.The lion's share of North Carolina's higher education appropriations still goes to the UNC system. In the governor's budget, UNC would receive $2.78 billion, up from $2.75 billion in 2015-16. McCrory's budget allocates most of the new spending to fund enrollment increases, bonuses for faculty and staff, and scholarships for education and STEM majors. The Connect NC Bond provides another $980 million in funding for capital projects.Despite this funding disparity, community colleges are receiving more attention now than ever. If this session is any indication, community colleges will play a large part in North Carolina's future. Lee Tickell Candidate State Senate District 44 Democrat *** What is your position on the issue of federal lands being turned over to the state? Please explain your position. Tony Jones, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association I am against any transfer of federal lands and being turned over to the State of Montana. I believe in keeping public lands in public hands. This proposal would require Montana to take over the management of roughly 25 million acres, a four-fold increase in what is currently managed by the Department of Natural Resources. It would also cost the state $500 million. It would also then eliminate the current funding received by the state and counties from the federal government for PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) and SRS (Secure Rural Schools) payments. This proposal to transfer lands is a bad proposal and one that Montana cannot afford. Finally, there is the argument that the federal lands in Montana are not just for Montanas, but for everyone in the United States to enjoy. I do not want to see oil derricks at the entry way to Blodgett Canyon and a trail up Blodgett leading to an open pit mine. *** Education is faced with a multifaceted task of equipping our children for world that wont look the same five years from now. With the very fabric of our culture changing at a rapid pace, a robust and solid understanding of tolerance is key to effectively navigating these circumstances. What is your definition for tolerance and how does this definition support the mandates within public education? -- Tim Johnson, Corvallis School Superintendent *** From www.dictionary.com a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, beliefs, practices, racial or ethnic origins, etc., differ from ones own; freedom from bigotry. I believe that the core mission of todays educational system is to equip student with critical thinking skills and complex problem solving skills. At the core of being able to do that is the requirement for tolerance in all endeavors. There is also the need to instill the need for logic, reason, civility and a belief in foundations of science to solve problems. As a faculty member of the University of Montana and a former Trustee on the Hamilton School Board I pushed those issue. I also believe we need to have a high level of technical training to equip student for the realities of todays world. State support for the cost of K-12 education has gradually declined during the past two decades, causing the shift in cost to local property tax payers and the need for school district to pass local levies. While I was on the Hamilton School Board, we were successful in passing a levy. I was disappointed in the recent failure of the Corvallis school district levy. That hurts students. *** What do you think the state could do to make improvements to the accessibility of the economic development funding for rural small business? Could you name a specific program where you would like to see improvement and provide some examples? What will you do to further your recommendation? -- Julie Foster, Ravalli County Economic Development Authority Executive Director. *** Montanas Small Business Development Network, part of the Montana Department of Commerce, was established in 1989. This agency provides a variety of resources including financial analysis, business planning, operations assistance, marketing and Social media assistance, entrepreneurial development, and loan packaging assistance. One specific program is the CDBG Program, (Community Development Block Grant). Funding for this program provides funding for economic development. On a larger scale we need to pass a meaningful Montana infrastructure bill that would create thousands of good paying jobs in Montana. The Republican controlled legislature during the last session defeated the infrastructure bill proposed by Governor Bullock. Our local legislators voted against that legislation (SB 416). At a national level, we also need to pass a $1 trillion dollar infrastructure bill that would create 1.4 million good paying jobs. Vote Gail Gutsche for PSC Western Montanans are fortunate to have three competent candidates for the Montana Public Service Commission in the Democratic primary. Only one, however, has the breadth of regulatory and legislative experience to hit the ground running. That candidate is Gail Gutsche. Gail served on the PSC from 2009-2013 two years as vice chair and understands the intricacies of overseeing our public utilities. Before that, she was a representative in the Montana Legislature for four terms. The PSC is one of the least understood offices in Montana government but one of the most important, especially in these times of upheaval in energy and water utilities. Its the PSCs job to make sure service is reliable and that rates are fair. Gail will put consumers and the environment ahead of the profits demanded by the corporations that control our electricity, natural gas and water. I urge you to vote for Gail Gutsche for PSC District 4 Commissioner on Tuesday, June 7. Pete Talbot Missoula Re-elect Representative Theresa Manzella Montana faces increasing federal encroachment on the private property rights of state citizens and increased federal control over the management of the waters belonging to the state. This threat to private property is reaching a critical stage. Just last year, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers attempted to expand federal regulation over all water, not just navigable streams, and proposed other restrictive regulations that will harm property owners. And who can forget the CSKT Compact which achieved the single largest give-away of state water resources to the federal government in state history? One prominent legislator called the CSKT Compact the first assault on all its citizens by the state of Montana. The line between private property rights, state sovereignty, and the federal government is the Legislature, and thus the upcoming primary is critical to Montanas future. Rep. Theresa Manzella has already demonstrated her capability to stand for the property rights of Montanans as a member of the House Natural Resources Committee. During the 2015 session, she proposed a bill that would have strengthened the protections for private property and state sovereignty within state agencies such as DNRC and the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Rep. Manzella also stood her ground with 47 other representatives in upholding the House Speakers ruling that the Montana Constitution required a 2/3 vote in each house of the Legislature to pass the CSKT Compact because of an immunity provision in the compact. Other so-called Republican conservatives overruled the speaker and the Montana Constitution and passed the compact by a simple majority vote. The constitutionality of that vote on the CSKT Compact is now being litigated by irrigators in Lake County. With this important record of service to her constituents and to Montana, your vote for Manzella could not be more important. Catherine Vandemoer Polson Guwahati: With rising incidents of drug abuse among youths across Assam in northeast India, a leading non-government organization of the region launched a mass awareness campaign about it with an aim to save the upcoming generation from the impending danger. We are deeply concerned about the growing drug menace in Assam. The rising trend of drug abuse among youths, more particularly in the student community, is really alarming, said Khasrul Islam of Ajmal Foundation. Speaking to scribes at Guwahati Press Club on 12 May, the Ajmal Foundation executive added that they would start a series of awareness meets at educational institutions in Assam to sensitize the students, teachers and guardians. It may be mentioned that the Ajmal CSR initiative takes care of nearly 100 institutions in Assam, where the awareness programs are planned to make the drug abuser & peddlers a non-entity in the society. As the media reports are pouring over the serious issue, Assam government led by Congress veteran Tarun Gogoi decided to constitute a task force to deal with the menace where various departments concerned like home, education, health and family welfare etc would be incorporated. Eminent personalities from different fields like Dr Minoti Barthakur, a cancer survivor turned motivation speaker, Dipankar Baruah from Kripa Foundation, psychiatrist Dr Pradip Thakuria and physician Dr Juri Talukdar extended their supports for the cause and assured cooperation to Ajmal Foundation in the mission. The meet was also addressed by journalist Nava Thakuria, Nurul Islam Laskar and MRH Azad. I give my consent to Sakshi Post to be in touch with me via email for the purpose of event marketing and corporate communications. Privacy Policy Kansas not planning to require COVID-19 vaccine to attend school There is no plan to require the COVID-19 vaccine for school attendance in Kansas, as the CDC puts the shots on the childhood vaccination schedule. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. "Inside a prison where inmates can actually vote for president" | Main | "The Death Penalty & the Dignity Clauses" A helpful reader altered me to this local sentencing story that would likely make both Socrates and Santa Claus smile. The piece is headlined "Ex-SEPTA police officer is sentenced to Christmas service," and here are the details: For falsely arresting a nurse on Christmas 2013, former SEPTA Police Officer Douglas Ioven must spend four hours each Christmas for the next four years doing community service. That was part of a novel Noel sentence handed down Friday by a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge. In March, Ioven, 44, was found guilty of false imprisonment and official oppression for arresting nurse Muibat Williamson at Suburban Station, following a contentious confrontation between the two at a Dunkin' Donuts store. On Friday, Judge Anne Marie B. Coyle sentenced Ioven to serve 30 days in prison over 15 consecutive weekends and 3-1/2 years of probation, according to court records. Coyle also sentenced Ioven to 50 hours of anger management and 50 hours of community service each year over Ioven's four years of supervision. She noted that Ioven is to serve four hours of his annual 50 hours of service on Christmas. Coyle said his service should focus on serving low-income and homeless people.... Assistant District Attorney Andrew Wellbrock, who prosecuted the case, said he was satisfied with the sentence. "This is an individual who abused his power and abused his badge and really needed to know what it feels like to take someone's liberty," Wellbrock said. Pfizer gives states yet another reason to seriously consider execution alternatives other than lethal injection | Main | Ho, Ho, Ho: symbolic and sound sentence for SEPTA screw-up May 14, 2016 "Inside a prison where inmates can actually vote for president" The title of this post is the headline of this lengthy Fusion article discussing voting realities in Vermont. Here is how the interesting piece starts and ends: On February 16, 2000, Scott Favreau, then 17, committed a crime that shattered a family and shocked the state of Vermont. In the early hours of the morning, he walked up to his foster mother, who was up grading high school English papers at the kitchen table, and shot her in the head with a .22 caliber rifle, immediately killing her. After leading police on a high-speed car chase, Favreau and his accomplice, the foster mothers stepdaughter who was later found to be implicated in the crime, were arrested. For the small community around West Burke, Favreaus murder of his guardian, Victoria Campbell-Beer, represented a rare act of violence that robbed it of one of its beloved schoolteachers. For Favreau, the crime marked the deplorable end to a tumultuous childhood largely defined by neglect and abuse, both physical and sexual, allegedly at the hands of his biological father. Upon settling into his new day-to-day life as a prisoner, he came to believe that, for all practical purposes, his life had ended. During these first years of incarceration, Favreau says, his identity became defined by his status as a non-entity in society. It teaches you to be just an inmate, he said of prison. Theres not a lot of responsibility in here. You can sleep all day. You can do nothing at all. And thats what a lot of us do. Favreau says after his first years in prison he even began to see the guards the closest thing we have to society as strange, unrelatable visitors from the outside world. During the first years of his term, Favreau began to mend ties to his biological mother, talking to her over the phone with some frequency. More often than not, their conversations would wind back to her financial struggles and desperate search for a well-paying job. Incarcerated with no way to help, Favreau says that these conversations often underscored his sense of powerlessness behind prison walls. Ahead the 2006 election, partially propelled by the economic woes of his family, Favreau did something he describes as pivotal: He registered to vote, a rare privilege available to United States prison inmates in only Vermont and Maine. Favreau says that participating in the electoral process brought a new feeling of agency in and connection to society at large. This, he said, helped to change his life. It was one thing I could do that I can have control of, the one thing that could let me feel that I can make a difference in something. After registering, he gradually began to follow developments in the news, informally debating other inmates about current events. He even began talking politics with prison guards, who eventually became a lot less otherworldly. It helped me accept them because it gave me something in common with them, Favreau said. You can bond through a shared experience. Maine and Vermont the nations first- and second-whitest states, respectively provide Americas only opportunity to see what happens when prison inmates vote. In Favreaus telling, however, the largest significance of voting as an inmate might go beyond his relationships with prison guards, his conversations with other inmates, or even any effect his vote might have on an election outcome. Favreau believes it has improved his chances of reintegrating with society upon his release, which he expects will come in roughly two years. I grew up in prison and voting helped me learn responsibility, Favreau said. It taught me how to be a part of the community, and how to prepare me for it.... Having made an ill-fated attempt to rebuild his life in society in Vermonts closely supervised probation program, Favreau has personal experience with the difficulties of reintegration. After his release in 2013, Favreau found a job in a warehouse in Brattleboro, and soon met and moved in with a girlfriend and her young son. Yet, Favreau was struggling with a large debt he had incurred largely during his first few months of freedom and, to ease his anxiety, he had begun to smoke pot, a fact he knew would become known by his probation officer because of required urine tests. One night I was at work and I felt like my life was a failure because I was thousands of dollars in debt, Favreau said. I figured I would be better off back in jail. That night, Favreau violated his probation by crossing into Massachusetts, where he quickly called his girlfriend and told he what hed done. By the end of the following day, Favreau was back in custody. Favreau, who began making art in prison, said he has been using his failed year of freedom to work on strategies for his second try at reintegration, which he anticipates will come in approximately two years. In the meantime, he says he will continue to vote whenever an opportunity arises. Its my lifelong goal to make amends for what I did and to give back to community and to the people I hurt, Favreau said. Being able to vote has taught me about my responsibility, he added. I can get out and make a difference one day. May 14, 2016 at 10:44 AM | Permalink Comments "In the early hours of the morning, he walked up to his foster mother, who was up grading high school English papers at the kitchen table, and shot her in the head with a .22 caliber rifle, immediately killing her." Call me odd and unfeeling, but I have zero sympathy for this man. That he should be released after 13 years for cold-blooded murder is inexplicable. Posted by: AFPD2 | May 14, 2016 2:14:24 PM He "pleaded guilty to second-degree murder" is it "inexplicable" that someone is out of prison after thirteen years for a second degree murder conviction even if the person wasn't 17 when he committed the act? My fairly uneducated understanding is "no," but perhaps Prof. Berman etc. knows the "going rate" (to use a term I first saw years ago in a book on criminal justice; no disrespect intended). http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_25696522/rsquo-what-i-did-was-horrible-rsquo-man It is not surprising really if one has "zero sympathy" for him but don't think it unjust he was released in that span of time. Prof. Berman is probably particularly interested in the voting in prison angle (he thinks that is a good policy) but the link notes he took place in a "restorative justice" program. This interests me too since I recently read a book entitled "Forgiving My Daughter's Killer" where that principle was discussed. Posted by: Joe | May 14, 2016 3:25:37 PM He "pleaded guilty to second-degree murder" ... is it "inexplicable" that someone is out of prison after thirteen years for a second degree murder conviction even if the person wasn't 17 when he committed the act? My fairly uneducated understanding is "no," but perhaps Prof. Berman etc. knows the "going rate" (to use a term I first saw years ago in a book on criminal justice; no disrespect intended). http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_25696522/rsquo-what-i-did-was-horrible-rsquo-man It is not surprising really if one has "zero sympathy" for him but don't think it unjust he was released in that span of time. Prof. Berman is probably particularly interested in the voting in prison angle (he thinks that is a good policy) but the link notes he took part in a "restorative justice" program. This interests me too since recently read a book entitled "Forgiving My Daughter's Killer" where that principle was discussed. Posted by: Joe | May 14, 2016 3:43:52 PM America needs a penal colony where folks like this can work during the day and stay in an army barracks like place at night. It needs to be an island far off shore. The colony could have some recreational activity and the mates would work for pay and pay for goods. If they screw up then back to a prison somewhere else. America is a better place because Georgia was once a penal colony. We need an island penal colony. Posted by: Liberty1st | May 15, 2016 2:24:56 PM Post a comment Ho, Ho, Ho: symbolic and sound sentence for SEPTA screw-up | Main | Is it fair for me to worry that drug war distractions contribute to "a revolving door for violent offenders" in DC? May 14, 2016 "The Death Penalty & the Dignity Clauses" The title of this post is the title of this notable new paper authored by Kevin Barry now available via SSRN. Here is the abstract: The question now to be faced is whether American society has reached a point where abolition is not dependent on a successful grass roots movement in particular jurisdictions, but is demanded by the Eighth Amendment. Justice Thurgood Marshall posed this question in 1972, in his concurring opinion in the landmark case of Furman v. Georgia, which halted executions nationwide. Four years later, in Gregg v. Georgia, a majority of the Supreme Court answered this question in the negative. Now, forty years after Gregg, the question is being asked once more. But this time seems different. That is because, for the first time in our Nations history, the answer is likely to be yes. The Supreme Court, with Justice Kennedy at its helm, is poised to declare the death penalty unconstitutional. No matter what the Courts answer, one thing is certain: dignity will figure prominently in its decision. Dignitys doctrinal significance has been much discussed in recent years, thanks in large part to the Supreme Courts watershed decisions in U.S. v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges, which struck down laws prohibiting same-sex marriage as a deprivation of same-sex couples dignity under the Fourteenth Amendment. Few, however, have examined dignity as a unifying principle under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments, which have long shared a commitment to dignity, and under the Courts LGBT rights and death penalty jurisprudence, in particular, which give substance to this commitment. That is the aim of this Article. This Article suggests that dignity embodies three primary concerns liberty, equality, and life. The triumph of LGBT rights under the Fourteenth Amendment and the persistence of the death penalty under the Eighth Amendment expose a tension in dignity doctrine: the most basic aspect of dignity (life) receives the least protection under the law. Because dignity doctrine demands liberty and equality for LGBT people, it must also demand an end to the death penalty. If dignity means anything, it must mean this. In anticipation of the Courts invalidation of the death penalty on dignity grounds, this Article offers a framework to guide the Court, drawn from federal and state supreme court death penalty decisions new and old, statistics detailing the death penaltys record decline in recent years, and the Courts recent LGBT rights jurisprudence. It also responds to several likely counterarguments and considers abolitions important implications for dignity doctrine under the Eighth Amendment and beyond. May 14, 2016 at 05:15 PM | Permalink Comments Interesting article. Good cite to another explaining how the "5A says DP is okay" argument is confused. Posted by: Joe | May 14, 2016 11:11:47 PM Dignity is a word devoid of any intellectual content or meaning whatsoever. It is an empty vessel which is filled by the whims of the speaker. It short, it is an incantation which takes on mystical significance when uttered by a person garbed in a black robe. Kennedy's version of the "I win" button of internet lore. Posted by: Daniel | May 15, 2016 12:12:31 AM "Dignity is a word devoid of any intellectual content or meaning whatsoever." The article refutes this and cites some other literature that goes further on the point. But, basically, sure the word can mean various things, it has a certain protean quality that results in choices depending on the experiences of the society in question. So do words of a constitutional nature like "liberty" or "cruel." There is a certain choice being made here over time depending on the community's experiences, legal judgments and so forth. And, "dignity" wasn't something Kennedy invented. There are hundreds are citations in Supreme Court opinions alone going back long before he came on the Court. The breadth of the "problem" of a word devoid of any intellectual content or meaning whatsoever should be recognized as more than a Kennedy "I win" project. The application to the 8A, e.g., is seen in Trop v. Dulles (1958): "The basic concept underlying the Eighth Amendment is nothing less than the dignity of man." The Lieber Code instructing the Union Army during the Civil War included this provision: "Art. 75. Prisoners of war are subject to confinement or imprisonment such as may be deemed necessary on account of safety, but they are to be subjected to no other intentional suffering or indignity. The confinement and mode of treating a prisoner may be varied during his captivity according to the demands of safety." It is currently a basic requirement in human rights law: https://www.icrc.org/customary-ihl/eng/docs/v1_rul_rule90 It also arises in application of 4th Amendment law, e.g., protecting dignity during searches, particularly strip searches. etc. At the very least, we have a problem here going far beyond Kennedy. A concept found in national and international law for centuries has no intellectual content or meaning whatsoever. Posted by: Joe | May 15, 2016 11:28:23 AM Also, as with other words like "liberty" etc., those in "black robes" aren't the only people who understand "dignity" to have meaning. It is a basic concept in society overall. To the degree various words and concepts have some sort of "mystical significance," likewise, the target here should be rather open-ended. Posted by: Joe | May 15, 2016 11:41:03 AM The "dignity doctrine" seems to me to be a prime example of judge-made law. I agree with the late Justice Scalia, with whom I often disagreed, that the Constitution does not prohibit capital punishment. In fact, it explicitly recognizes it. Arguments about the death penalty are political, not legal, in my layman's opinion. Posted by: Gary | May 15, 2016 3:44:24 PM @joe. I agree that the problems with the word dignity go far beyond Kennedy. I made no claim that he invented the term. I do believe, however, that what Kennedy has done is innovate. Prior paeans to dignity before Kennedy in US law were used to buttress or explain results. Kennedy is the first American jurist who has used dignity to justify results. That distinction is a fine one but nonetheless important. It's important because the word dignity itself appears no where in the text of our Constitution. Posted by: Daniel | May 15, 2016 10:59:53 PM Does the article discuss the Sixth Commandment? Thou Shalt Not Kill. All those so called Christians on the Supreme Court. Oh, wait a minute. Well, lets quiz a Catholic. Ask Scalia. Oh, yeah, he is gone. What is Roberts religion? Maybe he will fess up. When your time comes for the interview with Saint Peter they already know at the Pearly Gates what state you came from. If you are from Texas and did not oppose the death penalty vocally in your home state then you will get sent to Hell. Of course if you do not believe in God and all that hogwash then just keep on killing. Posted by: BarkinDog | May 16, 2016 9:03:04 AM "Kennedy is the first American jurist who has used dignity to justify results." How exactly is this true when "dignity" specifically is a component of law going back at least to the 19th Century? Dignity itself -- not merely to "buttress" or "explain" -- was and is a specific aspect of law. "Dignity" specifically is protected here and abroad. If the term is so intellectually or otherwise meaningless as you say, that is a major problem. Regardless, Kennedy doesn't merely rest on dignity. He uses it to help explain the meaning of terms like "cruelty" or "equal protection." He is not the originator of this as even my single citation of an opinion from the 1950s shows. And, to the extent he relies on it a lot, at the very least, Justice Brennan did as well. Posted by: Joe | May 16, 2016 3:33:01 PM BarkinDog -- the commandment is generally understood to be "thou shall not murder." The Bible allows killing, including in punishment for a crime, many places. Some want to apply it more strictly, like Jesus is said to have commanded mere lust in one's heart is adultery. But, a more limited view is quite rational. Posted by: Joe | May 16, 2016 3:36:11 PM Post a comment We've heard of a number of coyote attacks on small dogs around the Stern Grove area, and nearby in the Park Merced apartment complex, a coyote just killed a cat that belonged to two friends there, despite their efforts to scare it off and save their pet. As owner Randy Buckland tells ABC 7, he had let his cat Hunk out as he usually did, off the back patio, and he came out to see the cat trying to fight with a coyote on the attack. His friend Mark Ward, with whom he shared Hunk, tried to chase down the coyote after he'd already picked up the cat in his jaws, but the animal ran off. He tells ABC 7's Wayne Freedman, through tears, "I ran after the coyote even knowing that I could be hurt at the same time, too, but I just wanted my animal back." So far there have been 70 coyote sightings reported this year alone, some around Park Merced, and it means that no pets should be allowed out unattended. The last significant attack we heard about came in December when a coyote snatched a dachshund that was walking off-leash. That dog ended up getting saved by the Rin Tin Tin hero maneuvers of another dog, who chased down the coyote and got it to drop the dachshund. Back in September 2015, a Maltese-poodle mix was killed by a coyote in the same area. The Wachowskis, whom we can now refer to as the Wachowski sisters, have returned to do some location shooting in San Francisco for the new season of their Netflix original series Sense8. You may have seen them filming in Dolores Park last year, and other locations, and on Thursday they were in Alamo Square using the dramatic Westerfeld House for a shoot. According to Instagram, Lana Wachowski at least and her crew were in Mumbai shooting there, and perhaps only flew in yesterday. The show, which gathered a cult following in its first season, centers on eight "sensates" who are "otherwise normal humans who are mentally and emotionally connected and who are able to communicate, sense and use each other's knowledge, language and skills," per Wikipedia. They span the globe, and thus so does the production, with San Francisco being just one of two US cities featured the other being Chicago. The driver who allegedly ran a cyclist down in front of a large group of Bike to Work Day celebrants is out on bail today, following her arrest and booking into San Francisco County Jail Thursday. According to the San Francisco Police department, the driver that they say ran over a cyclist after a brief verbal altercation during the Thursday commute is 18-year-old Oakland resident Taj'zanae Zakira Thomas. As reported Friday, police say that at 4:55 p.m. Thursday, after a near-miss with Thomas' red Hyundai Accent, a 26-year-old male cyclist "banged on the window" of the vehicle, then passed the car and took his place in the lane in front of her near Fourth and Market Streets. Police say that Thomas then ran the cyclist "over...with her vehicle" in what police characterize as an "Assault (Vehicle vs. Bicycle)" According to the LA Times, Thomas "hit the mans bicycle, knocking him over. She then drove directly over him and paused." Witnesses, including volunteers from the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition who were facilitating Thursday's Bike to Work Day commute, told police that Thomas then attempted to flee, but was blocked from doing so by the crowd that had gathered after the collision. Thomas was arrested at the scene, police say, and was booked into SF County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. According to a spokesperson with the San Francisco Sheriff's Department, she has since been released on bail. Previously: Police: Teen Driver Assaults Market Street Cyclist With Car, Tries (And Fails) To Flee The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose just rang in Friday the 13th with a special spooky party last night, and meanwhile we're getting news out of Cannes that the great Helen Mirren is attached to an upcoming film about the seemingly crazy woman who built the house, Sarah Winchester. Australian directors Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig, the identical twins known as the Spierig Brothers, are writing and directing, working from an original script by Tom Vaughan. And while some of the shoot will be happening in Australia, per a release, they will be doing location shoots at the historic house in 2017. The working title of the film: Winchester. Sarah Winchester was the millionaire heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune, and was a believer in the occult in an era when seances and such reached fad status in the US. As the story goes, she was told by a psychic channeling her late husband that she was being cursed by the spirits of people who had been shot by Winchester rifles, and she needed to travel west and build a house, and keep on building it or else she would die. Winchester began building her house in the Santa Clara Valley in 1884, and went on to spend vast sums of money keeping her mansion under constant construction, day and night, adding on to it until it reached seven stories and roughly 160 rooms, and incorporating elements to confuse and help her outrun these ghosts, like false doors and staircases to nowhere. It's now the biggest tourist attraction in San Jose. The house was recently featured on Ghost Adventures because, as some employees there say, there's a chandelier that likes to swing on its own. Now, though, it looks like the house will get some big-screen attention, and Winchester the movie is being billed as thriller. NEW YORK | Small business owners say it's time the presidential candidates provide concrete details on how they'll tackle key issues including taxes, health care costs and government regulations. "They haven't been getting to the meat of issues about how they're going to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in America," says Craig Bloem, owner of FreeLogoServices.com, a website based in Boston that lets companies design advertising logos. In a Wells Fargo survey of 600 business owners released last week, about three-quarters of the respondents echoed Bloem's sentiments. Most said they planned to vote in November, and that taxes and the economy topped their list of concerns. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have talked about cutting taxes, including the personal rates that sole proprietors and members of a partnership pay. On his campaign website, Trump promises to cut the tax rate for companies big and small to 15 percent. Clinton vows to provide "targeted tax relief " to small business, and make it easier to start and grow a business. Bernie Sanders' proposals are aimed at raising taxes on wealthier people; those with income of $250,000 would see their tax rates rise. He also wants to raise taxes on large corporations. The candidates have also made general promises on other issues that affect small businesses. Trump, for example, says he'd ask Congress to immediately repeal the health care law that requires companies with at least 50 workers to offer them health insurance. He says he'd ask Congress to consider reforms to replace the law. Clinton says she'd build on the law to slow health care costs. Sanders wants to see Medicare expanded to cover all people and free employers of responsibility for providing health insurance. When asked for more specifics about how he'd help small businesses, Trump's campaign issued a general statement and referred a reporter to the candidate's website. The Clinton and Sanders campaigns did not respond to repeated emails seeking comment. But the candidates will have to start talking in details to win the support of owners. "They love being able to say that they're for the small business owner, or at least they pretend to," says Ernesto Miranda, co-owner of Walker-Miranda, an architectural design based firm in Dallas. "A lot of things that I see are a little bit more lip service. I would like to see more concrete plans." Miranda wants to hear whether candidates are willing to give small businesses the kind of subsidies and tax breaks large corporations can get for job creation. Bloem, the FreeLogoServices.com owner, hopes to learn candidates' proposals for reducing taxes on the sale of a company, and their plans to encourage small business innovation through more government contracts. Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman's Bar-B-Que, a chain of 14 restaurants in the Dallas area, is interested in how the candidates would ease the burden of government regulations, including health care. He has 225 employees, and under the health care law is required to offer them health insurance. "There's been some talk of advocating for the small business owner," Randle says. "At this point, it seems more hyperbole than anything." Small business was a big issue in the 2012 campaign, but not until the summer, when Republican Mitt Romney accused President Barack Obama of being anti-business. In 2016, small business concerns are likely to get more attention when it's certain who the Democratic nominee is, says Marc Meredith, a professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania. But Meredith notes that small business is not necessarily a solid voting bloc although business people are usually associated with Republicans, many owners are Democrats. And according to a survey by Bank of America, relatively few owners vote solely on the basis of small business issues. Fifteen percent of the survey's participants said they vote from the perspective of a business owner, 34 percent vote from a personal perspective, and 51 percent said both business and personal perspectives determine their vote. And what constitutes a small business varies widely. Small businesses include companies that have anywhere from zero to several hundred employees, and businesses as varied as dry cleaners, tech startups, doctor's offices and franchise restaurants. The issues that concern owners can vary according to their industry and state and city or town where they're located. Take the minimum wage, for example, a prominent issue for the Democrats. Clinton wants to raise the minimum to $12 on the federal level and $15 on the state and local level. While many restaurant owners and retailers want to slow the pace at which minimum wages are rising in their cities and states, others say putting more money in workers' paychecks will give them more spending money, something that's good for businesses in general. Still, talking about small business problems can be a good campaign strategy. There are more than 28 million small businesses in the U.S., and more than 56 million people, about half the nation's workforce, work at a small business. "They symbolize so much of what many people believe is right and wrong with the economy," says David Primo, a professor of political science and business at the University of Rochester. Summer in the city can be dangerous for pets. Hot cars, swimming pools with steep sides or waterfront docks, and picnics where dogs can sneak a helping of raisins or grapes tasty to you but potentially poisonous to your animal friend all pose a problem, say veterinarians who work in critical care. Popular summertime activities like watersports, plus increased temperatures and humidity, also up the potential for cats or dogs to be injured or even killed, said Dr. Lynel Tocci, an animal critical care vet at Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A few months ago, a Boca Raton, Florida, woman rushed to the clinic with her cockapoo that had tumbled into the house pool, Tocci said. The puppy had inhaled water while struggling to get out and required 36 hours of oxygen treatments and intravenous fluids, but it recovered. While many hazards to animals lurk year-round, there are potential pet danger zones you should be aware of as summer moves in. Swimming pools, docks and canals: People assume dogs can swim so theyre safe around water, Tocci said. While most pooches can paddle a bit, they can injure themselves or drown while frantically trying to climb out of a steep-sided pool or up a barnacle-covered sea wall. Tocci advises residents who have pools to drown-proof their pooches by wading into the water with them and training them to seek out the steps. Pool fences also are a good idea, she said. If youre a watersports fan, make sure to outfit your pets with life jackets if they are going to be spending time on boat or docks, she said. Hot cars: Heat stroke from leaving animals in the car is a big deal, Tocci said. Cracking the window isnt going to work. The problem is compounded by people traveling more with their pets, she said. When its 85 degrees outside, temperatures inside a car can soar to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Your pet can suffer irreversible organ damage or die. But heres the good news. Prevention is simple, Tocci said. Just dont leave your dog or cat in a car this summer. Your home: Food, plants and medications are among the common household items that can injure or poison pets, said Dr. Stacey West, a vet at Boca Veterinary Clinic in Boca Raton who has worked in animal emergency care. Raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and garlic are toxic to dogs. Lilies are poisonous to cats, and the objects they play with, like yarn, can cause potentially fatal intestinal blockages if swallowed. I always tell people that they need to treat their pets like they are toddlers. They will go after anything, West said. Your yard and neighborhood: When outdoors, be on the lookout for poisonous reptiles or garbage like chicken bones that someone may have thrown in the grass. If your pet is vomiting, has diarrhea, is not eating or in pain, call your veterinarian immediately, West said. Places that are fun for humans but not necessarily for pets: Chances are good your pooch would rather stay home than get overheated or stepped on at a loud, hot, crowded art festival or outdoor concert, Tocci said. She said she regularly treats injuries incurred at dog parks. So if you go, make sure your dog is well socialized and leashed and watch out for canine bullies, Tocci said. Oh, and if you are one of those pet parents who has a full wardrobe for your furkid? Dont leave your sharp-dressed dog unattended. West treated one that managed to get tangled in its outfit, rolled off a bed and broke its leg. WAKEFIELD, Neb. | Out of 60 random drug and alcohol tests conducted at Wakefield High School and Wakefield Middle School this academic year, zero have come back positive, a result that pleases administrators and students in the northeast Nebraska school district. "I was tested late last fall," says senior Megan Miller, who graduates Sunday with 29 fellow members of the Class of 2016. "The nurse told me the (negative) result right away. I had nothing to hide." In short, that's what educators are after in Wakefield; they're hoping students have nothing to hide. "I've seen the positives in that kids are saying they have to be careful, we might have a random test and I don't want to jeopardize my ability to perform," said Mark Bejot, superintendent of schools at Wakefield. Having random tests, in fact, has given Wakefield students another powerful reason to say "no" when it comes to peers pressuring them to use alcohol or drugs. "It's been good for our kids," Bejot continued. "Sometimes kids get stuck and they don't know how to get out of it. Our counselor says to use your random drug test as an excuse to not do it." The Wakefield Board of Education last fall discussed the implementation of a random drug testing program. The district followed the lead of 15-20 schools in Nebraska, including nearby Homer, which had tested students at random since the fall of 2012. Randy Pirner, principal at Homer High School, said the program came about during a time when Homer High had several students who had gained a reputation for partying. It caused a school board member at that time to remark, "It'd be nice if we could test (random drug test) our students," Pirner recalled. Bejot arranged for a public meeting on a Sunday last fall in Wakefield. The board gathered input before approving the program, which coincides with a drug education program in grades 5-12 that consists of four sessions of 45-60 minutes each. One test during the past school year wasn't random. Principal Jason Heitz noted that administrators learned of a party where drugs and alcohol may have been present. Administrators followed-up by conducting tests based on reasonable suspicion. "We had enough reasonable suspicion based on county deputies that it (the party) was busted," Heitz said. "The kids confirmed being there and we checked with our attorney." Twelve students were tested in the aftermath, and all the tests, which detect the presence of alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and opiates, came back negative. Other tests have taken place about once a month during the school year. "We've done middle school, high school and we're doing both," Bejot said. "It's totally random. We ask our testing agent and they give us a series of numbers and we pull them. We don't know who they are until they come to the office." "I think it's a good idea," said Sara Lorenzen, the senior class president and a student who has not been tested. "There's no harm in it. When you get a job, you'll have to do it. This is preparing us for the real world." "This gives you a reason to say 'no' and not be called a coward," said Efren Godinez, a senior who has not been tested this year. Early in the school year, Lorenzen said, students feared these random tests. Now, however, they've become part of the culture at Wakefield. And, maybe, saying "no" has also become more of the norm. "It was a big thing (in the fall) and it scared people," Lorenzen said. "And now we've adjusted to it." Bejot said he's heard of students who have talked about the random tests, saying they don't want to become ineligible for an activity, such as a sport or band -- privileges extended to middle school and high school students who observe the good conduct policy. "It's been good for our kids," he concluded. "They talk about resisting peer pressure." SIOUX CITY | Through faith, all things are possible. That mentality along with overwhelming community support is why Nigeria native Paul Johnson is able to celebrate his graduation from Morningside College with his mother. A two-day journey from Nigeria to Sioux City put Sarostina on campus a week before the graduation ceremony. Her first trip to Sioux City, Johnson has taken the opportunity to show his mother around the college and the city. Shes been able to put faces to the names and pictures to the places shes heard her son talk so much about over the last four years. To be able to see the life Johnson has lived first-hand, even if for a couple of days, cannot be put into words. He has been telling us about Morningside, the people here, she said. When I came and saw everything, its even more than what I was hearing about. Its a great place. In the final months before graduation, Johnson, who majors in international affairs and mass communications, had the idea, the desire, to get his family to Sioux City to watch him receive his diploma. But how? He soon learned that all it takes sometimes is an idea. He wasnt sure how he would make the trip work financially, but fellow student Rachel Potter set up a Gofundme account to help assist with travel costs. The online account detailed how Johnson arrived at Morningside through an Iowa/Nigeria Partnership of the Methodist Church and how it was his dream to have his parents on campus for graduation. Opened in December with an expiration at the end of January, Johnson thought maybe the account would raise enough to where he could fund the remaining costs. It wasnt necessary. Contributions from students, community members and strangers totaled more than $4,000. I was surprised, Johnson said. I knew I was in a good community, but I still did not expect that to happen. Plans initially included travel accommodations for his father, Philip, but Johnson said a Visa complication prevented him from making the trip. Still, the chance for his mother to see him graduate is one he hadnt considered possible until a few months ago. I was still happy, he said. Its obviously disappointing, but Im a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I know he (Philip) is going to get here at some point. Sarostinas arrival on campus marks just the second time she and Johnson had seen each other in person since he came to Morningside. He was able to go home the summer after his sophomore year in college. This distance from Johnson was tough, Sarostina said. But she knew her son had to take the opportunities in front of him. With the support of the Methodist church, friends and community members that acted as family members to Johnson, Sarostina believed her son was in a safe, caring community. That was reflected when she heard of the support given to make it possible for her to see her son walk across the stage Saturday. Its something I cant just explain, she said. My family, I, friends, even the church, we gathered and prayed together and thanked God for the (Morningside) community, the effort so we could come and see our son again after two years. NEW YORK | There's little doubt: Zika is coming to the continental United States, bringing frightening birth defects and, most likely, newly urgent discussions about abortion and contraception. Fearful they might bear children who suffer from brain-damaging birth defects caused by Zika, more women are expected to look for ways to prevent or end pregnancies. But the highest risk of Zika spreading is in Southern states where long-lasting birth control and abortions are harder to procure, and where a mosquito that transmits the virus already is plentiful. "I think it's really important, facing this potential for Zika transmission in the U.S., to be thoughtful and prepared to have straightforward conversations about reproductive health services," said Dr. Christine Curry, a University of Miami obstetrician who has been treating women concerned about Zika infection. The issues already have been raised in Latin America, epicenter of the Zika epidemic and home to numerous countries where abortion is illegal. Zika is mainly spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, but that kind of transmission has not yet been seen in the U.S. mainland. Most of the 472 reported infections in the 50 states have been seen in people who traveled to and were infected in Zika outbreak countries. Mosquitoes have already been spreading the virus in Puerto Rico and two other subtropical U.S. territories. Experts think that will happen elsewhere in the U.S. in the months ahead, when hot weather hits and mosquito populations boom. It would be the first time the nation faced a mosquito-borne germ that causes birth defects. But some experts said a chapter in U.S. history from the mid-20th century may offer some lessons. It involved rubella also known as German measles, a disease spread not by mosquitoes but by people. Like Zika, rubella was long thought to cause only mild disease, but became a menace when doctors linked rubella infections in pregnant women to terrible birth defects. As is the case with Zika, it took years to develop a vaccine against rubella, and families were faced with hard decisions in the interim. In the early 1960s, a huge rubella epidemic infected more than 12 million Americans. Thousands of babies born to infected moms died soon after birth, and doctors calculated that 85 percent of women infected with rubella early in their pregnancy would have babies severely harmed by the virus. "Most women, with that information, chose to end their pregnancy," said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine researcher and medical historian. Indeed, 5,000 infected women had abortions during that epidemic, he said. Experts don't expect Zika to sweep the U.S. mainland the way it spread through some Latin American and Caribbean countries. A colder climate limits the range of Aedes aegypti, and the greater use of air conditioning and window screens will probably lessen its impact even in the Southern states where transmission is most likely. A second, more cold-hardy mosquito the Aedes albopictus, or "Asian tiger" is also capable of spreading Zika and is more widespread across the United States. But experts have considered the Asian tiger less of a threat to spark outbreaks than the Aedes aegypti. So the betting money is on clusters of cases limited to a few states most likely Florida, Texas or Hawaii. That would be a small impact compared with the nationwide rubella epidemic. And it's not yet clear that a Zika infection during pregnancy will be as likely to mean death or severe damage for the fetus as rubella did. "That's one of the most important questions for us to answer" right now, said the CDC's Dr. Anne Schuchat at a White House briefing last month. A couple of small, early reviews of cases in other countries suggest that somewhere between 1 and 29 percent of women infected with Zika during pregnancy might have fetuses or babies with birth defects. If the risk is 1 percent, a pregnant woman may well want to carry through the pregnancy, Offit said. As the risk gets larger, at some point more women may think about abortion, he said. Complicating their decision: Even in cases when women are infected early in their pregnancy, ultrasound exams of fetuses have not shown signs of Zika-related birth defects until after 20 weeks a point at which destruction of the fetus would be considered a "late-term abortion." Late-term abortions are more expensive, can be riskier for the mother, and involve a more developed fetus. About 20 states prohibit abortions past a certain number of weeks, in some cases making exceptions to save the life or health of the woman. In 12 of the states, the prohibitions kick in at 20 to 22 weeks. Serious birth defects "may not be picked up until well after the termination cut-off in a specific state. Termination may not be an option for these women," said Dr. Jeanne Sheffield, a Johns Hopkins University obstetrician who has advised the CDC on Zika-related pregnancy issues. The specter of any Zika-driven abortions is alarming, said the Rev. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life. "Naturally the Zika virus is a cause for concern, and we call upon governments and medical professionals to continue to develop appropriate treatments and interventions," Pavone said, in a prepared statement. "But in no way does this justify recourse to abortion. The child in the womb is a patient too, and killing one's patient is never an appropriate response," he said. Though the U.S. Supreme Court famously ruled abortion is legal in 1973, the last decade has seen state legislatures pass a wave of abortion limitations and restrictions, including when during a pregnancy abortions can be done and what techniques can be used. The number of clinics, hospitals and doctors' offices that perform abortions has been shrinking, with notable declines in some of the states most likely to see Zika outbreaks. A closely related topic is access to birth control, because nearly half of women who have abortions were not using contraception. Condoms are often discussed because when used effectively they are a barrier to the Zika virus being spread to a woman through semen. But they are less than perfect at preventing pregnancy. Over one year, the probability of having an unintended pregnancy for a couple that uses only condoms is 17 percent, according to the CDC. It drops to 9 percent for couples that rely on the pill, to 7 percent for injections like Depo-Provera, and to less than 1 percent for implants and IUDs. For a couple trying to avoid pregnancy during a lasting Zika outbreak, "I would not recommend a condom exclusively," said Carol Hogue, an Emory University expert on birth trends. The Affordable Care Act covers contraception, and experts believe it's helped more working women get birth control. State Medicaid programs cover at least some forms of birth control, too. But not every method of birth control is always available, experts say. In fact, there are no good estimates of how many U.S. women need contraception particularly the more effective types of contraception and can't get it, said Adam Sonfield, a Guttmacher Institute researcher. There has been a push in some states to keep contraception funding away from groups that might refer women to abortion clinics. In 2013, the Texas legislature cut Planned Parenthood from the program that funds birth control and other family planning services for low-income women. In a medical journal article published this year, researchers looked at the effect of that change. They reported significant declines in women using long-acting forms of birth control, and a significant increase in births to low-income women. Florida's legislature recently adopted a similar measure, cutting Planned Parenthood clinics out of Medicaid funding. Nearly half of U.S. pregnancies are unintended, meaning a couple failed to properly use effective forms of contraception. In Texas, it's more than half. And in Florida, it's nearly 60 percent, according to Guttmacher estimates from 2010. The national figure "indicates to me there is a large unmet need for contraception in the United States, and that we need to look for ways to make contraception more available for women who want it," said Dr. Denise Jamieson, leader of a CDC team looking at Zika and unintended pregnancy. The CDC is recommending that when a woman is pregnant, a couple should abstain from sex or use condoms during the entire pregnancy if the man may have been infected with Zika. More recently, the CDC said couples who are trying to conceive should always use condoms or abstain from sex for six months if the man had confirmed illness or Zika symptoms and was in an outbreak area. CDC officials have declined to discuss the issue of abortion services. Nor have they followed the lead of some officials in Latin America who have advised women to postpone starting families until a threat of local infection subsides. If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. Running a business is no easy task. But you can make it just a bit easier on yourself by using the right tools. From applications to books to hiring the right employees, members of our small business community have found their own secret weapons to running successful businesses. See their favorites in the list below. Use Google Apps for Business and Sales Google provides so many different tools that businesses can use for various functions. If youre unsure about exactly how Google Apps can benefit your business or increase your sales, take a look at these tips from David George on the Cirrus Insight blog. Dont Forget to Add Yourself to Your Content Marketing When creating content for business, some entrepreneurs tend to forget one crucial element themselves. In this post from The Savvy Copywriter, Kimberly Crossland shares why thats a mistake. And BizSugar members share thoughts on the post here. Use Facebook Messenger for Business Facebook Messenger recently updated its service in ways that could make it easier for businesses to use it. If youre still unsure about how your business could benefit from this platform, check out this post by Kristi Hines on Social Media Examiner for some tips. Understand the Power of Video for Growing Businesses There are plenty of different formats you can use for sharing content with your audience. But you shouldnt discount video, as explained in this SMB CEO post by Jenna Cyprus. You can also see more thoughts on the post from BizSugar members here. Try These Customer Support Hacks Providing customer service and support online can seem like a burden. But its so important to keeping customers happy. In this post on the Web Design Ledger blog, Richard Long shares some customer support hacks to make the process easier. Consider Starting Your Own Podcast If youve never thought about starting your own podcast, you might want to reconsider. Podcasts can actually serve as a secret weapon for kickstarting your marketing efforts, according to this post by Lyndsay Phillips. Use This Guide to Create Killer Content Marketing You need great content if you want to really draw in potential customers online. But if you want to truly take full control over your content, you might need this King Henry VIII Guide to content from Shannon Willoby on the SEMrush blog. You can also see discussion surrounding the post over on BizSugar. Take Advantage of These Adobe Marketing Cloud Updates Adobe recently announced some updates to its marketing cloud platform. You can learn more about those updates and what they might mean for your business in this Marketing Land post by Barry Levine. Find the Work You Were Born to Do Some entrepreneurs find their calling easily. But others might need a little extra help or insight. In this Duct Tape Marketing post and podcast, John Jantsch talks with Chris Guillebeau about his new book, which centers around finding what you were meant to do. Focus on Creating Happy Employees Happy employees can be great assets for your business. To learn the importance of happy employees along with some tips for keeping them happy, check out this LivePlan post from Matt Rissell. And then see what BizSugar members are saying about the post here. If youd like to suggest your favorite small business content to be considered for an upcoming community roundup, please send your news tips to: sbtips@gmail.com. There are many fitness goals out there that we desire. Some of us want to be leaner and others wish to put on muscle mass. The thing is, for you to achieve your fitness goals, you need to "Neither base is particularly close to ISIS-controlled territory in Libya, which is centered around the city of Sirte," Ditz writes. Last month, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said that Italy would not intervene in Libya without cooperation from its partners. "We will only intervene if the Sarraj Government appeals to us and to the rest of the international community for support, and [an intervention is possible] with the international community. We are ready for a strong role, but for no adventures," he told la Repubblica newspaper. UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said that his government would not "rule out" such an operation. LONDON (Sputnik) The United Kingdom will allocate 40 million pounds ($57.4 million) over the next four years to assist Nigeria in the fight against the Boko Haram extremist group, the Foreign Office said in a statement Saturday. "The UKs continuing support to Nigeria in tackling Boko Haram with nearly 40m of counter-terrorist and counter-extremism support over the next four years, includes the training of almost 1,000 Nigerian military personnel for deployment to the North East of Nigeria on counter-insurgency operations," the statement published on the UK government's website reads. UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond is taking part in the second Regional Security Summit underway in the Nigerian capital of Abuja. The unusual "gift" was placed at the constituency office in the town of Stralsund, Focus wrote. According to reports, the police found the animal's head on Saturday morning. Law enforcement officers have not disclosed the content of the inscriptions, but pointed out that the insulting text was personally addressed to Merkel. A recent INSA survey has shown that German voters have become tired of Angela Merkel over last 11 years and don't want her to become the head of the government in 2017. It is very difficult to say which of these places is the most beautiful. Each one of them in their own way is surprising and wonderful, Dorothea said. She added that most of all she liked the city of Hor. The city is situated near the desert Deshte-Lut in the Isfahan province. Talking about her traveling Dorothea pointed out that in her view, Iran is an inexpensive destination. The food is pretty cheap, with the exception of tourist attractions and historical sites. Since I am a vegetarian, I had some problems with delicious Iranian food and also I missed German bread, the tourist said. In May 2014, a memorandum of cooperation between the Ministries of Education of Russia and China was signed and in August of last year, China ratified the project. By September, a temporary building of the university is planned to be opened and a permanent one will be inaugurated by 2018. It is reported that it will be designed in a special Russian-style. According to the rector of Moscow State University, Viktor Antonovich Sadovnichy, during the entire 260-year history of the Russian university this joint project with China is completely unique and so it is particularly important. More than half of the teachers of the new Russian-Chinese University will be selected by MSU; the others will be selected from all over the world. The University will accept both Chinese and foreign students to study at the undergraduate and graduate programs. The program stipulates that instruction in the university can also be conducted in Russian. Therefore, a Russian language center will be built to prepare students. VLADIVOSTOK (Sputnik) Earlier, it was reported that North Koreas coast guard had detained the Elfin yacht carrying athletes from Russias Far Eastern Primorsky Territory. Russian Far Eastern transport authorities said that the yacht was in neutral waters at the time of the incident. "There is no communication with the crew right now. Information on whether the yacht has reached North Korea will be promptly provided to the maritime rescue coordination center in Vladivostok," a regional representative said in the early hours of Saturday. A spokesman of the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang told RIA Novosti that the embassy was working on clarifying the situation. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The incident took place in the Helmand province at 9:00 a.m. (04:30 GMT). At least 10 people were hospitalized. The Taliban group claimed responsibility for the attack. Afghanistan is experiencing significant political, social and security-related instability, as Taliban and other radical extremist organizations continue to stage attacks against civilian and state targets. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to the BBC, 75-year-old Maung Shue U Chak was found dead Saturday morning in a monastery in the Bandarban district. The police believe that the victim has been attacked by at least four people. The killing comes amid a streak of hackings in the Asian country. Last week, a Sufi Muslim leader was hacked to death in northern Bangladesh. In late April, a Hindu tailor was hacked in central Bangladesh. Daesh, banned in multiple countries including Russia, claimed responsibility for the attack. A leading gay rights activist and another man were hacked to death in the capital city of Dhaka the same week, with an al-Qaeda affiliate claiming responsibility for the attack. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On Friday, a military helicopter crashed in southeastern Turkey's province of Hakkari. Both pilots were killed. According to Ankara, the crash took place due to a technical failure. "The Turkish general staffs statement on an accidental crash of the helicopter is not true. It was downed by us because it belongs to the Turkish colonial troops and carries out operations against the Kurds," the HPG statement read. In his observation, Ivanov decided to start with outrageous statement: North Korea is gradually and increasingly beginning to resemble South Korea. The first signs of this can be seen during the approach to Pyongyang airport. Right under the plane peasant groomed fields can be seen; here and there quite decent holiday cottages with colorful roofs are visible. Sixteen years ago, during my first trip to North Korea along with the team of then head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Igor Ivanov, I saw that the fields were not that well-kept and there were no cottages but only inconspicuous gray structures of unknown material, which casted doubt on their habitability. HPG said it lost two of its fighters in the clashes that began early Friday. The group also took credit for downing Turkeys Kobra military helicopter that led to the deaths of two pilots on Friday. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The ratings agency has also affirmed Ukraine's senior unsecured foreign and local currency bonds at 'CCC'. "The affirmation of the ratings reflects a lack of progress on the reform programme needed to unlock donor support, which has been exacerbated by political wrangling," Fitch said in a press release on Friday. Fitch argued that the new government of Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman is likely to move ahead with the reforms. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) A massive leak of documents from the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca in early April has named owners of more than 210,000 offshore shell companies, Henry explained. "The kinds of services that Mossack Fonseca is providing are just the kind of off-the-shelf secret companies and trusts," that can be set up in the United States, Henry said. "You dont have to go to Panama. Why would anyone bother with a place that is 700 miles away?" According to published reports, the names of less than 200 US taxpayers have turned up in a searchable database of the documents that has been published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The International Monetary Fund welcomes Afghanistans request for financial support and will discuss it later this month amid instability in the country, the fund said in a statement. "The Afghan authorities recently requested a Fund financial arrangement (Extended Credit FacilityECF) IMF management welcomes this request, and discussions on the new arrangement are slated to begin in May 2016," the organization said in a statement Friday. On Friday, the IMF completed its review of the situation in Afghanistan. The fund said that its Staff-Monitored Program (SMP), tasked with addressing the countrys financial vulnerabilities and preserving its stability, was completed successfully. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The deputy foreign minister added that the issue was expected to be discussed at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting on June 2 in Vienna. "There is no option but to freeze output," Al-Jarallah told Japanese media during a visit to Tokyo as quoted by Kuwait News Agency. The document was prepared in cooperation with the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry, the Italian newspaper La Stampa reported. The 36-page document was aimed to answer some actual questions for Italian investors, including why and how to invest in Russia. It is the result of cooperation between the Italian Embassy in Moscow, the Bank of Italy, the Russian-Italian Trade Chamber and other key players in the Russian market. In April, the German newspaper Wirtschaftswoche reported that Ukrainian agricultural companies are suffering significant losses, although the Kiev government promised them huge profits from the trade with the European countries. The EU has allowed Kiev to trade goods which are almost not produced in Ukraine. On the other side, products like milk and cereals which could bring significant revenue to Ukraine face significant restrictions and can be exported to the EU only in small amounts, the article read. "Apart from angering Russia, which has raised trade barriers with Ukraine in response to the EU deal and caused both exports and imports to plummet, the agreement is making a negative net contribution to Ukraine's trade balance not particularly welcome news for a country whose international reserves, at $13.2 billion, cover less than three months of imports," Bershidsky pointed out. What is more, European officials have told Kiev not to expect benefits from the deal in the near future because European businessmen need time to assess advantages of running business in Ukraine. "Ukraine, however, is far from ready to receive them. [] The biggest obstacles are massive corruption and a business climate that makes it hard to make a profit while following all the rules," the author noted. In order to benefit from the free trade deal Ukraine should enforce transparent and reasonable rules for European investors, the author suggested. If they are not imposed the deal will be a "drag on the trade balance, preventing business with Russia and favoring European exporters over Ukrainian ones." MOSCOW (Sputnik) The third bailout package of up to $95 billion, agreed to in July 2015 and hammered out in August, is administered to Greece over the next three years in exchange for strict economic reforms, including recently enacted pension cuts and tax hikes. "We will return to the markets in 2017 And, maybe, we will definitively come to an understanding much earlier than the end of the program in August 2018," Tsipras said in an online excerpt of an interview with Greeces Real News weekly. Athens was estimated to owe more than $270 billion of its $350-billion debt to the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank and eurozone nations at the start of the third bailout talks. Its next repayments are expected later this summer. Moreover, it is still unclear whether the US will increase deliveries to Europe. According to analysts, LNG exports to Asia would be more profitable for US companies. In an interview with Bloomberg, Statoil senior vice president for marketing and trading Tor Martin Anfinnsen said that US the LNG shipment will not squeeze pipeline-transported gas from the European market. The price of US-produced gas is expected to rise in 2016 which will increase export costs to Europe. According to RBC Capital Markets, the price of gas at Henry Hub (the largest gas distribution point in the US) would rise by 32 percent in 2017. "All European gas pipelines can compete with US deliveries. Even if there are long-term gas contracts between the US and European countries they would pose no threat to traditional pipeline suppliers," Anfinnsen said. "Pipelines will be the main gas supply routes to Europe," he added. Norway is the second-biggest gas supplier to Europe, after Russia, with a market share of 25 percent. Russia has a market share of 30 percent. For the first time, the US made an overseas gas shipment in February when Cheniere Energy began supplies to Brazil. The company signed long-term contracts with a number of European companies, including BG Group and Gas Natural. It could threaten the positive outcome of the ongoing negotiations for the bilateral investment treaty and the potentiality to conclude a FTA between China and the EU which according to Commission estimates could raise European prosperity by 250 billion euros, the president said. Moreover China is the first, and only, non-EU country which has so far generously committed to invest in the Juncker Plan, he stressed. Closing the door to China may thus have "very negative" effect, the agency reported. He further stressed that, With China, what needed is more dialogue, not less. We need to find win-win solutions rather than start a new fight. Today the key word is cooperation, he told Xinhua. Earlier this year, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei urged the EU to obey the WTO rules and stop its unfair treatment towards China. "No release is acceptable, and safety remains our priority as we respond to this incident," Shell spokeswoman Kimberly Windon stressed in a statement, as quoted by the newspaper on Friday. According to the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, there have been over 140 spills in the Gulf of Mexico in the past four years, with over 510,000 gallons of oil having spilled in the Gulf. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On Friday, the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden met with US President Barack Obama in Washington to attend the US-Nordic Leaders Summit. We will work towards the highest global standards, best international practice, and a precautionary approach, when considering new and existing commercial activities in the Arctic, including oil and gas operations, the countries said in their joint declaration Friday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to Munch, the perpetrators were predominantly male, nearly 80 percent of them came from the place where the offense was committed. "This year there have already been 45 arson cases at refugee centers," Munch said in an interview with Germanys Funke Mediengruppe newspaper. The BKA president also raised concern over increasing verbal violence and online hate crimes against refugees. According to the politician, all federal states in eastern Germany must publicly oppose restrictive measures and seek the normalization of relations with Russia. Felgner stressed that Saxony-Anhalt's economy is still suffering from anti-Russian sanctions. The state's total exports to Russia last year reached only 300 million euros compared to 500 million euros in 2012, the politician noted. "Such downturn has direct impact on the economic growth. That is why I will try to normalize trade relations with Russia as quickly as possible. And that is why I say that the embargo against Russia must be stopped," he said, adding that the withdrawal of sanctions will contribute to the growth of his federal state's economy. According to recent polls 65 percent of Ukrainians aged 14 to 35 are willing to emigrate and this tendency is bound to grow in the years to come. Over five million Ukrainian nationals will be heading abroad in search of jobs, in addition to the many who are already working there. Poland alone accounts for a hefty one million labor migrants from Ukraine. The number of Ukrainians seeking higher education and a better future in the EU has also been rising, especially now that studying abroad is often cheaper than in Ukraine. According to Capital, the countries young Ukrainians prefer to go to study are Germany, Canada, France and Australia. Political tensions in Republika Srpska have been on the rise since 2014, when Dodik's party lost its place in the Bosnian government to the reformist group Alliance for Change. The opposition accuses the president of crime and corruption. The Republika Srpska is an administrative entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was established in 1995 following a three-year civil war. In mid-February, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Bosnia and Herzegovina had officially applied for EU membership. Dodik said Republika Srpska did not oppose BiH's accession, provided that the entity's authority was not called into question. KIEV (Sputnik) The president added that Donbas restoration must be a priority for Ukraine. "We are preparing to renew the political process, but it can start only when OSCE international military observers are deployed at the contact line to ensure 100-percent ceasefire, and heavy weapons and artillery will be withdrawn according to the Minsk agreements When control of the Ukrainian-Russian border will be transferred to the armed OSCE mission and to the Ukrainian border guards after that," Poroshenko said in an address during his visit to eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk. Kiev authorities launched a military operation against pro-independence militias in eastern Ukraine in 2014. The confrontation has claimed over 9,000 lives, according to the UN estimates. It seems we have a new Cold War, and America may have a president who seeks friendship with Russia, Dominykas Ceckauskas, who commissioned the giant mural on the outside wall of his burger restaurant, said. We see many similarities between [Putin and Trump]. They both have huge egos, and its amusing to see they are getting along well, he added. Lithuania and some eastern European nations are worried by the criticism of NATO by the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. YEREVAN (Sputnik) The Armenian government reviewed and submitted to lawmakers the bill to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh Republic on May 5. "There will be a session on Monday and the commissions findings will be submitted to parliament," Zakaryan told the Panorama.am news portal. After submission, parliamentary regulations allow for the draft bill to be added to the Armenian National Assemblys four-day agenda. The regulation allows lawmakers to either add the bill on the agenda, reject, or postpone it. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Lawyers at the 4-5 law firm claim that carriers including British Airways, Monarch, and Virgin charge "excessive" administration fees to reclaim their Air Passenger Duty (APD) in breach of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Casehub, a claims firm organizing legal action, calculates that airlines have pocketed the $412 million belonging to passengers in the past six years, according to The Telegraph daily. "This is an example of the air industry taking advantage of customers' good will. Any responsible company would offer automatic refunds for tax that is owed to customers," consumer campaign group Fairer Finance director James Daley told the newspaper. Examples provided by the outlet reveal British Airways charging up to 30 pounds to reclaim APD valued at 13 pounds for a short-haul economy flight, and Jet2 charging 40 pounds for the service. MOSCOW (Sputnik) A man claimed in a telephone call with emergency services that a bomb was placed at a subway station in Charlerois Gilly section, according to Le Soir daily. Belgian police are searching for a "joker" who forced an evacuation of the subway system in the Belgian city of Charleroi after a bomb threat hoax. The investigation is now focused on identifying the caller, described by the outlet as a "joker," who was said to have spoken with a strong Northwest African accent. This becomes a problem especially in the context of the still undecided CETA issue. The negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada were concluded in 2014, but there are still disputes over whether the agreement has to be approved by all EU members or not. "In order not to endanger the CETA as well, all sides are now trying obviously to calm things down," DWN wrote. Both the TTIP and CETA have sparked controversy and concern in the European Union due to the secrecy surrounding the negotiations and the power they could give to international corporations at the expense of small and medium-sized businesses. However, CETA is considered a much more EU-friendly deal than the TTIP. "The EU-Canada deal is a model of what the Europeans would like with the US. In reality, the EU-US talks are very far from achieving such an agreement," EUobserver concluded. "I will proceed to signa new decreethat would allow us during the months of May, June, Julyto recover the productive capacity of the country," Maduro said on national radio and television on Friday, as quoted by RCN Radio. Maduro accepted partial blame for the economic situation in the country in an address to the National Economic Council, stressing that Venezuela needs to replace all sources of income from oil with other sources. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to the BBC, Kirchner is accused of manipulating the Argentine Central Bank to sell dollars at artificially low prices, costing the country $5.2 billion. Kirchner denied the accusations. According to the British broadcaster, the former Argentine leader is also a suspect in a money laundering case during her term. BUENOS AIRES (Sputnik) The upper house of the Brazilian parliament voted 55-22 on Thursday to start impeachment proceedings against Rousseff after she was accused of concealing the countrys budget deficit ahead of the 2014 re-election. The presidents of Bolivia and Venezuela, among others, supported Brazil's leader while Argentine President Mauricio Macri expressed his respect for the ongoing impeachment process. "Macris governments reaction amid this process was very poor This shows that Macri has a different outlook on integration policy than the previous government," Rossi, a former defense minister, said. LATAKIA (Sputnik) The children and their teachers received individual food rations, canned fish and meat sugar, flour, powdered milk and cereals. Students also received sweets and biscuits. The Russian military doctors also launched a mobile medical center to administer aid to those who need it. "Overall, more than 2.5 tonnes of humanitarian cargos to these childcare facilities," Vitaly Verbitsky told reporters. He added that the reconciliation center was also working with the Latakia administration and authorities of other cities to carry out effective humanitarian policies. BEIRUT (Sputnik) Three people died and 10 others were wounded as militants shelled the Syrian city of Aleppo, a member of the local militia told RIA Novosti on Saturday. The militants opened fire against the Hamdaniya district. Three people died and 10 were wounded, he said. Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups. A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into force across Syria on February 27, but it does not apply to terrorist organizations active in the country. SULAYMANIYAH (Iraq), (Sputnik) The Kurds are aided by the US-led coalitions planes. "The volunteer forces launched an attack on a village near Mount Ba'shiqah, they managed to liberate the village," the partys media center said, citing a PUK spokesperson. Daesh, a terrorist group outlawed in Russia, the United States and many other countries, seized vast territories in Syria and Iraq. A US-led coalition of more than 60 nations has been carrying out airstrikes against the group in both countries since 2014. BEIRUT (Sputnik) Syrian government forces killed some 10 Daesh militants during the operation, according to the source. "The garrison of the Deir ez-Zor airfield has repelled an attack by the Daesh [IS] militant group. Some 10 militants were killed in the fighting. The Syrian army has hit an ISIL [Daesh] base," the source said. DAMASCUS (Sputnik) The source added that four Syrian soldiers had been killed in the recapture. "Daesh militants attacked three army positions in the mountainous El Hayal area and captured them. The army with the support of allied forces launched a counterattack and was able to return the positions, killing a large number of terrorists," the source said. On March 27, Syrian government forces supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces and local militias liberated the ancient city of Palmyra from Daesh terrorist group, 10 months after its capture. The terrorist group has destroyed a significant part of Palmyra's historic ruins, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to the CNN network, the hours-long clash took place in the province of Anbar. Two Iraqi security officers and two tribal leaders were injured. The region has been mired in clashes this week, according to the media outlet. Daesh, a terrorist group outlawed in Russia, the United States and many other countries, seized vast territories in Syria and Iraq. A US-led coalition of more than 60 nations has been carrying out airstrikes against the group in both countries since 2014. BEIRUT (Sputnik) The car bomb reportedly exploded near Kurdish self-defense forces' checkpoint. "Currently there is information about six dead, fifteen more people were injured," the source said. A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire agreement came into force across Syria on February 27. The deal does not apply to terrorist groups such as Daesh and al-Nusra Front. According to the bulletin, the center's leadership has held a working meeting with Latakia's governor to discuss the issues of providing humanitarian aid to the population of localities mostly affected by hostilities. Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting several opposition factions and militant groups, such as the Daesh. A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into force across Syria on February 27. It was supported by Damascus, as well as by dozens of opposition groups on the ground. The Daesh group and the al-Nusra Front, both outlawed in Russia, were not part of the deal. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Damascus fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups. "The cessation of hostilities in Syria has been respected in most of Syrian provinces. However, a total of eight violations of the ceasefire regime have been registered, including three in the Aleppo province, and five in the Damascus province," the ministry said in a daily bulletin posted on its website. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) US Coast Guard and Canadian Forces helicopter crews also practiced hoisting swimmers and other personnel to cutters, patrol boats and small boats. "Orange Flag spanned five days with the first focusing on command and control operations, learning the capabilities of the other agencies, and safety briefings," the release explained. "The following days consisted of Coast Guard aircraft drops of Air National Guard parajumpers (Guardian Angels), Canadian aircraft drops of search and rescue technicians, and the recovery of personnel by Coast Guard small boats to the cutters." The final practice day on Friday included a simulated mass rescue operation that could become necessary in situations such as a sinking ship. My government will continue to invest in security. This is the third consecutive year that we have increased the defense budget and we will continue to do so, Erna said on Friday. In light of the growing NATO concerns over Russia, Norway has been increasing its intelligence capabilities, along with commissioning new submarines and maritime patrol aircraft. "The Security Council welcomes the crucial initiative of [Nigerian] President Muhammadu Buhari, to convene the Second Regional Security Summit on May 14 in Abuja, Nigeria to evaluate the regional response to the threat posed by Boko Haram," the statement, approved on Friday, noted. The abuses included "killings and other violence against civilians, notably women and children, abductions, pillaging, rape, sexual slavery and other sexual violence, recruitment and use of children, and destruction of civilian property," the statement said. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to Hans-Georg Maassen, the head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency (BfV), some of the attacks could be traced back as far as seven to 11 years. The "cyberattacks carried out by Russian secret services are part of multi-year international operations that are aimed at obtaining strategic information," Maassen said as quoted by Deutsche Welle on Friday. The intelligence chief mentioned, in particular, the May 2015 cyberattack carried out by the Pawn Storm group that Germany claims has ties to the Russian government. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Mission capable rates for CH-53Es and other Marine aircraft have deteriorated sharply in recent years in part because of budget cuts, making it harder for flight mechanics to find the parts they need to keep planes and helicopters flying, according to the Marine Corps Times. A Marine three-star general pulled a Hawaii-based helicopter squadron from a spring deployment after two of its aircraft crashed off Oahu's coast in January, killing a dozen Marines, the Marine Corps Times reported on Friday. Lieutenant General John Toolan, the head of Marine Corps Forces Pacific, decided against dispatching CH-53E Super Stallions from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 to Australia's Northern Territory as part of Marine Rotational ForceDarwin, the report noted. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to the Khaama Press news agency, citing the Afghan Defense Ministry, the airstrikes were carried out in the southern Kandahar province, where eight extremists were killed and 15 were wounded and the western Ghor province, where seven militants were killed and five others were wounded. The Afghan Air Force A-29 Super Tucano pilots have carried out over 260 sorties since January, the media outlet reported. Afghanistan is experiencing significant political, social and security-related instability, as Taliban and other radical extremist organizations continue to stage attacks against civilian and state targets. ANKARA (Sputnik) Tensions between Ankara and the Kurds escalated in July 2015 as fighting between the PKK, the Kurdish pro-independence organization considered to be terrorist by Ankara, and the Turkish army resumed. Ankara has imposed several round-the-clock curfews in Kurdish-populated towns, preventing civilians from fleeing the regions where the military operations are taking place. "During the air operations, strikes against the separatist terrorist organization's [PKK] positions designated in advance in Hakkari province and in [Northern Iraq] areas of Basyan, Gara, Hakurk, Zap, Metina, were carried out. Terrorist hideouts and their air defense emplacements were destroyed," the statement reads. Reviving the power of its armed forces, Russia is actively beefing up its Navy. The number of its vessels has surpassed 100, and over 50 warships will have been reinforced it by 2018. Modern navies actively use helicopters for reconnaissance, assault and other missions, and Russia is no black sheep in this picture. Currently Russian vessels use the Ka-27 Helix choppers which have been in service since the 1980s. In general, the trusty beast Helix is still unequalled if the combination of its characteristics is considered, but times are changing, and Moscow seeks a new chopper to meet the requests of its awakening maritime power. At the moment, Russia has 3+1 options to accomplish this task. The secretive center also known as the JICSpOC was established by the Department of Defense in October on a military base in the countryside east of Colorado Springs. It has a role not only in preparing for potential conflicts against rival countries, but in counterterrorism, the article read. During his visit to the center, the Defense Secretary underscored that the center is capable of more than just "war games" with potential adversaries. "A large amount of construction work is underway at the range as part of the modernization of the experimental-test base Completion of the work is planned in 2017," Dmitry Knyazev said. May 13 marked the 70th anniversary since the establishment of Kapustin Yar, near the city of Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. "Within last 24 hours, six ceasefire violations have been registered (Aleppo province 2, Damascus province 4)," the ministry said in a daily bulletin posted on its website. The reconciliation center added that the Nusra Fronts attempts to launch an attack on Syrian army positions near Aleppo have been thwarted. For a moment last week, it appeared as if rationality had washed over Latin Americas most populous country, when acting Speaker of the House Waldir Maranhao, installed to replace Cunha, announced that the April 17 vote by the Lower House would be annulled, citing procedural irregularities. Less than 24 hours later, however, Maranaho revoked his earlier condemnation of the April 17 vote, after pressure from political allies and resistance by the Brazilian Senate, which paved the way for Wednesdays impeachment vote. In light of the rampant confusion and corruption engendered by the impeachment proceedings, with over 60% of those voting to impeach Rousseff themselves facing corruption charges, Brazils Attorney General Jose Eduardo Cardozo issued an emergency petition to the countrys Supreme Court calling for an injunction against the proceedings and an annulment of the entire process. The Supreme Court ruled against Cardozos petition and the vote proceeded on Wednesday without further interruption. Impeachment or NSA Supported Coup? Brazilians have taken to calling the impeachment a US-sponsored coup, citing the source material that started the circus. In 2014, WikiLeaks revealed that the NSA had undertaken surveillance efforts against the Brazilian government and state-owned oil company PetroBras, including directly spying on the communications of President Rousseff. The incident created a significant diplomatic row between Brazil and the United States, but also set into motion the first act in the impeachment imbroglio. The NSA surveillance data was provided by an unnamed source to a rural Brazilian judge, who took up the so-called Car Wash investigation, focusing on kickbacks between government officials and PetroBras. The first person caught up in that investigation was Workers Party founder and former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Rousseff moved to insulate the popular Lula da Silva from prosecution by installing him as her Chief of Staff, and granting him diplomatic immunity. MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) Maduro said that he has already met with Castellar in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. "We were evaluating, well, this painful page in the history of Brazil," the president said as quoted by La Vanguardia newspaper on Saturday, describing the impeachment process against Roussseff as a "dirty trick." Head of the Liberal Democrat party Tim Farron and Green Party member Caroline Lucas will reportedly campaign on the issue in Kendal and Brighton, respectively. The Britain Stronger In Europe lobbying group will host some 1,000 events with some 6,200 campaigners taking part, the media added. TOKYO (Sputnik) Earlier in the day, reports emerged claiming that North Koreas coast guard had detained the Elfin yacht carrying athletes from Russias Far Eastern Primorsky Territory in the Sea of Japan/East Sea. Russian Far Eastern transport authorities said that the yacht was in neutral waters at the time of the incident. "The Russian embassy has passed on to the North Korean side a note of protest demanding immediate liberation of the crew," Denis Samsonov told RIA Novosti. The vessel arrived in the Kimchaek port in North Korea earlier Saturday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha will discuss key issues of trade and economic cooperation on May 18 in St. Petersburg, the Russian government press service said Saturday. "The heads of the governments will discuss current issues of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of agreements reached during Dmitry Medvedevs official visit to Thailand in April 2015 and will outline steps for future promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation in the trade and economic, investment, science and technology, culture as well as humanitarian sectors," the statement reads. The sides are also expected to sign a range of joint documents. The analyst recalled the 2002 joint declaration on the strategic relationship between the two countries that reaffirmed that they no longer considered one another an enemy or a strategic threat. Among other things, Moscow and Washington agreed to cooperate on creating a missile defense mechanism. "The Americans did not adhere to the declaration and began to deploy the anti-ballistic missile defense system in Europe. They merely informed Russia of this decision," the lead researcher at Moscow-based the Institute of Economic and International Relations explained. Things did not go as planned. The Pentagon has been unhappy with steep budget cuts. The agency appears to have adopted a tough stance against Moscow and blown its own troubles out of proportion to secure more funds, hardware and soldiers. This has been particularly true of the US Army, defense officials told Politico. "This is the 'Chicken-Little, sky-is-falling' set in the Army," an unnamed senior Pentagon officer told the media outlet. Russian military experts regard the system as a powerful counterbalance against NATO's European Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system deployed by the United States in Eastern Europe. On Thursday, the Pentagon military officials inaugurated their missile defense base in Deveselu, Romania. The Deveselu base is one of the first major European elements of the US global missile shield. The cornerstone of the military site is an Aegis Ashore missile defense system equipped with an AN/SPY-1 radar and vertical launchers for 24 Standard SM-3 Block IB missiles. A similar ground-based Aegis system is currently under construction in Poland. The Polish base is due to become operational in 2018. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed Thursday that the deployment of the elements of the US global missile shield in Europe undoubtedly poses a direct threat to the Russian Federation's security. "From the very beginning we have said that, according to experts and we are certain of this, undoubtedly the deployment of missile defense systems indeed poses a threat to the security of the Russian Federation," Peskov told reporters. "NATO is building a missile shield in Europe. Why not just say that it is aimed against Russia?" journalist Frederic Koller suggested. In his article for the Swiss media outlet Le Temps he underscored that building a missile defense system in Eastern Europe would result in an "escalation of tensions with Russia." "The missile defenses NATO is now deploying to Romania and Poland under technical guidance from Washington would strengthen the confidence of ex-socialist nations whose traumatic memories have revived due to the surge of Russian nationalism," the author wrote. "History is a powerful motivator, and when the Turkish President, who until recently had been begging to be admitted into the European Union, flouts its basic rules of behavior, it's clear that he sees himself completing the Ottoman domination of Europe," she stresses. Journalist and geopolitical analyst Martin Berger echoes Stryker, asking whether there is "any backbone left in the EU" in the face of Erdogan's sheer blackmail in his analysis for New Eastern Outlook. He cites President of the European Council Donald Tusk who published an opinion article in late April 2016 urging the EU nations to adopt new migration policies. "No one else is going to protect our borders for us. We cannot hand over the keys to our territory, to our security, to any third country. This applies to Turkey as well as to north African countries. Our helplessness would tempt others to blackmail Europe," Tusk stressed in his Op-Ed published in seven European newspapers including the Guardian. "Too often I have heard from our neighbors that Europe should give in, otherwise it will be flooded by migrants," the President of the European Council remarked in obvious reference to repeated threats voiced by Ankara. "There is now a new form and it is done from the parliament," he added. The president said he held an emergency meeting with Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez, who decided to ask the ambassador to Brazil, Diana Vanegas, to return to El Salvador. ROSTOV-ON-DON (Sputnik) Metzger said that since the beginning of 2015, 34 crimes of extremist and terrorist nature had so far been recorder in Russia's Rostov Region. "In January 2016, police officers, together with the FSB [Federal Security Service] prevented a terrorist attack by a group of four girls, so-called newly converted Muslims, two of whom previously resided in south-eastern areas of the region. All of the girls were less than 25 years old," Artur Metzger said at a public meeting on Friday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Vice President of the Primorsky Sailing Federation Evgeny Khromchenko said on his Facebook page that a vessel under the flag of North Korea had detained a yacht with athletes from Russias Far Eastern Primorsky Territory. "The [Elfin] yacht was detained by the coast guard [of North Korea]. The crew is fine," the representative said. The Korean side has not yet given us any clear-cut explanations for the incident, but they have promised to provide them shortly. The embassy wants to know why the yacht was detained and demands its immediate release, Denis Samsonov told RIA by telephone from Pyongyang. He added that pertinent requests had earlier been sent to the North Korean Foreign and Defense Ministries. VLADIVOSTOK (Sputnik) The Russian Embassy in North Korea had sent a note demanding explanation from Pyongyang over reports claiming that the North Korean coast guard had detained the Elfin yacht with athletes from Russias Far Eastern Primorsky Territory in the Sea of Japan. Russian Far Eastern transport authorities said that the yacht was in neutral waters at the time of the incident. "The North Korean Consulate General in Russia said it was concerned with the situation and expects the same from the central authorities. In essence, they responded to the note here on site and addressed it to their offices. The same is true in Pyongyang," Igor Agafonov told RIA Novosti. Agafonov said the Russian Foreign Ministry, its mission in Vladivostok and the Consulate General in North Korea were tasked with working to resolve the situation surrounding the detention through diplomatic channels. Three people died from gunshot wounds during the brawl at Khovanskoye cemetery in southwestern Moscow that involved as many as 200 people, most of them reportedly migrants, armed with bats, sticks, and metal bars. Some reports said a policeman was among those killed, although that has not been confirmed or denied by the police. Police and Special Forces units intervened to end the fight, by discharging their weapons into the air. MURMANSK (Sputnik) The fleets independent motor rifle brigades reconnaissance company joined the Russian Geographical Society for an expedition along the White Sea coast aboard three Army A-1 snowmobiles in February, Vice-Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov said. "Reconnaissance troops performed a set of measures to inspect Arctic armor and equipment in extreme conditions during the expedition. They also gained daytime and nighttime experience in driving snowmobiles in unfamiliar terrain," Yevmenov said at the Northern Fleet military councils expanded session. Additionally, the motor rifle brigade personnel for the first time deployed new tactical actions using regular specialized equipment, including snowmobiles and double-link snow and swamp-going vehicles, as well as deer and dog sleds. Shortly after the event, Amaq, an official information agency for Daesh, a.k.a. the Islamic State, claimed Daesh fighters were involved in the event and reported they had killed three officers. The organ made no mention of losses among the terrorist fighters. Has previously claimed responsibility for other violent attacks on security forces in the North Caucasus, an area heavily populated by Muslims. A number of terrorists in Dagestan, which borders Chechnya, have sworn allegiance to Islamic State. American women have never been subject to registration for the draft or military conscription. US Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA), who introduced DADA, said his aim was to raise debate on the issue. He suggested that women dont want to be drafted, adding that it is irresponsible to make such a decision without the American people having a say. If this Administration wants to send 18 to 20-year-old women into combat, to serve and fight on the front lines, then the American people deserve to have this discussion through their elected representatives. After more than 20 drug manufacturers around the globe took action to closely monitor the distribution of their products, Pfizer had been the last remaining legal source of chemicals used for lethal injection in the US. Now the company has stated that its products are intended to enhance life, not take it away. "We are enforcing a distribution restriction for specific products that have been part of, or considered by some states for, their lethal injection protocols," the company said on its website. "Pfizer strongly objects to the use of its products as lethal injections for injections for capital punishment." The director of the international human rights organization Reprieve, Maya Foa, welcomed the decision, stating that the move secures "the pharmaceutical industry's opposition to the misuse of medicines." When asked whether there had been any black hat hackers who tried to gain their system somehow, Alexi said that no, there had been no such cases so far. Answering a question whether the federal government should take some steps to help ensure the privacy of Internet users in any way, Alexi Klein said that the government had launched its own bug bounty program on HackerOne and that it was a great step in that direction. There has been a lot of speculation recently about the US government employing hackers, both black and white, just like European governments do to combat piracy. Like I said, there is a lot of unexploited talent out there and its probably best to reward such researchers for responsibly disclosing vulnerabilities, the Pornhub representative said. When asked if there were any specific requirements to take part in the bug bounty program, or whether applicants were first supposed to go through some training, Alexi Klein said that it was an opportunity that was open to just about anyone. Trying to fill the gaps in its security apparatus with outside help online adult video giant Pornhub is offering as much as $25,000 to hack its website and find flaws. Pornhub has been running its program in invite-only beta since last year. Bugs must be reported within 24 hours of their discovery, and those who find them cannot discuss the vulnerability with anyone else. Bounties will only be awarded to the first people to discover and report problems. By doing surveys in various states in this multi-billion, 40-billion-dollar, very profitable industry workers are being treated egregiously. It is so bad that they cant even get permission to go to the bathroom. I have talked with the workers again and again who say that if they request to go to the bathroom they are denied. They see other people urinate on themselves and in some cases they are forced to wear adult diapers. We are talking about the fresh food industry. Sinclair said that this is the industry that processes the fresh food which hundreds of millions of Americans consume on a weekly bases. He further said, The increase in demand for chicken, especially processed chicken, is rising and the need for labor is increasing. Denying bathroom breaks is just a tip of the iceberg. The intensity of the job, as it includes about two chicken carcasses flying by the worker per second, makes the job extremely difficult. "This law is a shoot first, ask questions later," state Senator Jill Schupp from the Democratic Party said, as quoted by the St.Louis Post-Dispatch late on Friday. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, also a Democrat, declined to tell reporters whether he planned to veto the bills, saying "Im just going to have to look at it." These media outlets "were broadcasting over the Iron Curtain (in the Czech, German, Russian languages) during the Cold War to destabilize the Soviet bloc," he said. "They exist to this day and receive funding from the Congress." Huyghe further noted that Washington's propaganda campaigns do not solely target Russia. "Following the 9/11 the US created Arab-language radios and TV channels to counter radical sentiment among the Muslims." One initiative was apparently aimed at Cuba. "The US tried to create an app similar to Twitter (ZunZuneo) so that the Cubans could criticize the authorities and coordinate to launch a local Arab Spring," the analyst explained. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have recently suggested creating a new federal agency whose only focus will be "to expose and counter" Russian and Chinese "propaganda," since it poses a threat to US activities around the globe, the Washington Examiner reported earlier this week. Conditions were perfect at The Meadowlands on Saturday morning for the weekly qualifiers with clear skies, no wind, temperatures in the 60s at go time and a wealth of talented sophomores prepping for stakes season. Last years top freshman trotting colt Southwind Frank made his second appearance of the spring and was an easy 1:54 winner for driver Yannick Gingras. Settled third through the :29 opening quarter, Southwind Frank was moved to the front and set the balance of the fractions while finishing well within himself a few lengths in advance of Jack Vernon and Brooklyn Hill. Fridays New Jersey Sire Stakes (NJSS) are a logical starting point for Southwind Frank, who became the fastest two-year-old colt trotter ever with his 1:52.2 win at The Red Mile last fall and is the heavy winterbook favourite for the 2016 Hambletonian. He is trained by Ron Burke on behalf of his Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Our Horse Cents Stable and J&T Silva Stable. Two of the top trotting fillies of last season met in the opener and they went to the wire together. Dan Patch Award winner Broadway Donna (Dave Miller) just got up to nail Breeders Crown winner All The Time (Gingras) by an inch in 1:55.2. The pair sat third and fourth until the top of the stretch when All The Time rose up to challenge mile-cutter Seaside Illusion, with Broadway Donna following her cover then fanning off as they trotted home as a team in sub-:27 last quarters. Both are homebreds, All The Time races from the Jimmy Takter barn for owner-breeders Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld, while Broadway Donna is trained by Jim Campbell on behalf of Jules Siegels Fashion Farms. Its shaping up to be a fun season for the sophomore pacing colts as a few division leaders impressed the small but faithful legion of spectators this morning. Boston Red Rocks looks like hes ready to defend his Dan Patch title with a 1:51 airing out for Tim Tetrick. He set the pace through a comfortable :57 half then took off, widening his margin as Tetrick pleased and closing in :26.1. Boston Red Rocks is an imposing presence on the track, tall and regal-looking...and fast! Steve Elliott trains the NJSS eligible for Peter Blood and Rick Berks. American Passport served notice that hell have to be dealt with this season, blasting home in :25.4 of a 1:51.3 mile with a statuesque Scott Zeron in the sulky. He sat a pocket to Katies Rocker, ripped out as they straightened up and was eager through the stretch. To Katies Rockers credit, he held well for second in his first local seasonal appearance. Brittany Farms, Riverview Racing, Jodi Siamis and trainer Tony Alagna own the winner. Talk Show looked really good today as well. He showed flashes last season, battling the best colts but was often difficult to manage and frequently wound up in the wrong spot. After some tutelage at the Steve Elliott winter camp for the unruly and a critical change or two, Talk Show was a gentleman this morning for Zeron. He patiently sat a pocket to Racing Hill and when a seam developed between that one and the first-over Ideal Rocky, Talk Show zipped by in hand. He races for the Pegasis Investment Group, Team S Racing and W. Garofalo. Crazshana sharpened up for the Graduate Series with an easy 1:53 / 27.2 win from the pocket for Dave Miller looking strong through the stretch. 2012 Hambletonian winner Market Share was out this morning for his second qualifier after a good long rest and acquitted himself well, setting solid fractions on the lead until Crazshana slipped past late. The winner is trained in the Jeff Bamond, Jr stable for Bamond Racing, LLC. Live racing tonight resumes tonight at 7:15 p.m. To view the charts from Saturday's qualifiers, click the following link: Saturday Qualifiers - Meadowlands Racetrack. (with files from The Meadowlands) It's Election season and our editor's mailbox is overflowing. Who do your neighbors support? Read about it here. Grovetown, GA Boone Edward Thigpen, infant son of Kenny and Shauna Thigpen, entered into rest on Friday, May 6, 2016. A memorial service is planned for 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 at Platts Funeral Home Belair Road Chapel with Pastor James Waddell officiating. Boone was born in Augusta, Ga., on Nov. 13, 2015. His parents described him as the strongest person they have ever met. Boone was the sweetest baby and had the most thoughtful eyes. Throughout his fight, he showed incredible strength and managed to give us smiles that we will cherish forever. In addition to his parents, survivors include his proud big brother, Asa Thigpen; his maternal grandfather, Joe Sirnio of Rainier; his maternal grandmother, Connie Martinez (Joe); his paternal grandparents, Don and Linda Thigpen; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Childrens Hospital of Georgia NICU, 1446 Harper Street, Augusta, GA 30912. Please sign the guestbook and send condolences at www.plattsfuneralhome.com. Hospice volunteers receive awards Three Community Home Health & Hospice volunteers recently won recognition awards at the 23rd Annual Home Care Association of Washington (HCAW) Awards Conference. The annual awards recognize individuals who share a high level of dedication to their profession and community. Rhonda Sandretto and Kirsten Amrine received the Service Persons of the Year Award in recognition of their extraordinary actions for CHHH, according to a press release from the organization. Sandretto joined the volunteer Foundation Committee in 2011. Amrine joined the volunteer Special Events Committee in 2012. They are in their third year of leading CHHHs annual fundraiser gala, a year-round effort of planning, fundraising and promoting. With their leadership, money raised at the event for the agencys charity care program has increased 87 percent, notes the release. Last year nearly $680,000 was spent by the agency on charity care to help under-insured and uninsured patients, to support programs for hospice patients including veterans, and more. Bobbie Hansen received the Volunteer of the Year award for her support in hospice respite care. Hansen began volunteering with CHHH in 2008, and has contributed more than 600 volunteer hours. Longview resident serves with FEMA Kayla Eicholtz of Longview spent 10 months serving with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in administering emergency management and long-term recovery activities as part of the Southern Regions 22nd class of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). She was on of 130 men and women who participated. I am who I am today because of my community, so the chance to get to serve my community for everything it has done for me is great, Eicholtz is quoted in a press release. She completed her service April 21 with an education award of up to $5,775, which can be used to continue education or pay back qualified student loans. This 22nd class of members served a total of 186,519 hours during their 10 months of service, states the release. The estimated value of a volunteer hour is $23.07. Using this figure, collectively, these 130 members provided $4,302,993.33 worth of service back to the community. Two RAL alumni involved in CWU theater production Taylor Freeman, a 2013 graduate of R.A. Long High School, was the light board operator in the recent Central Washington University Central Theatre Ensemble production of Mary Poppins. A junior at CWU, Freeman is pursuing a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theater. Her parents are Jill and Darrell Freeman. Jaylene Sara-Marie Jones, a 2010 alumna of RAL, was the co-chief of the Wig Crew. A sophomore, she is pursuing a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theater with a specialization in costume design. Her parents are Nancy and Larry Jones. Beta Sigma Phi celebrates 85th Founders Day Sixty-five members from six chapters of Beta Sigma Phi met in April at the Kelso-Longview Elks to celebrate the groups 85th Founders Day. After dinner, a $1,200 Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Hannah Whitten. The chapters also honored their Women of the Year Gurine Fleck of Preceptor Alpha Epsilon, Kerry Hall of Preceptor Gamma, Janet Dingemanse of Laureate Beta, Jan Radomski of Laureate Alpha Mu and Alma Schlect of Pi Master. Gurine Fleck also was named the All Chapter Woman of the Year. Beta Sigma Phi is a service and social organization open to all women. For details or to join, call Kerry at 360-636-6148. Local residents receive degrees from WGU Washington Several local residents have received degrees from the state-endorsed online WGU Washington university. The universitys fifth annual commencement ceremony was held April 16 at Seattles Key Arena. The local students are among the universitys more than 1,900 graduates. Castle Rock: Tami Finkas, Elizabeth Dailey and Kim Bishop, bachelor of science degrees in nursing. Cathlamet: Ryan Garrett, master of arts degree in mathematics education (kindergarten-sixth grade). Kalama: Lynette Kirby, bachelor of science degree in business management; Deborah Franzen, bachelor of science degree in nursing; Jacob Mumford, bachelor of arts degree in special education (kindergarten-12th grade); Bob Fleming, bachelor of science degree in business management; and Anthony Curtis, master degree in business administration. Kelso: Tamara Hyde, master of arts degree in teaching in science (fifth-12th grade); Jayme Defae and Fallyn Defae, bachelor of science degrees in business management; Rachel Kimball and Carol Bruce, bachelor of science degrees in nursing; Brennan Bailey, bachelor of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies (kindergarten-eighth grade); and Matthew Quick, bachelor of science degree in information technology. Longview: Jacquelyn Dailey and Deborah Burzynski, master of science degrees in the of science of nursing-education; Andrea Daniels, Denise Jimenez and Kendra Bullock, bachelor of science degrees in nursing; Angela Green, bachelor of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies (kindergarten-eighth grade); Nicole Brooks, bachelor of science in accounting; Yelena Pisarchuk, bachelor of science degree in business management; Tia Henthorn, master of science degree in nursing-leadership and management; and Joshua Donaldson, master of arts degree in science in education (fifth-12th grade chemistry). The Daily News The Washington State Auditors Office recently has gotten much more attention than in years past, thanks to the recent criminal trial of current office holder Troy Kelley. One of the men vying to replace Kelley, Democrat Jeff Sprung of Seattle, said he thinks Kelley should resign. If elected, Sprung said hed expand the auditors protection of whistleblowers who expose government overspending. He says hed also try to improve the public image of government, too. Last month, a jury acquitted Kelley of a charge that he made a false statement to the Internal Revenue Service. The jury couldnt reach a verdict on 14 other charges including tax evasion, money laundering and lying under oath. Kelley, a Democrat, is not seeking re-election. I think he should resign, Sprung said. I think Washington citizens deserve elected officials who arent indicted and who arent required to submit to a federal criminal trial. Hes been a distraction from the work of the auditors office from the day he got indicted. Sprung pointed out Kelleys jury did not acquit him of the 14 of the charges. It just couldnt agree. Thats not vindication, Sprung said. Sprung, 56, who visited Longview last month on a campaign trip, emphasizes how his family background shaped his passion for representing individuals who differ with the government. Spungs parents were Jewish refugees from Germany. His father was arrested at 18 and deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Miraculously, he survived and escaped, Sprung said. My parents taught my brother and me to stand up for people who dont have a voice in the system, Spung said. Sprung got his law degree from the University of Chicago. He worked for a private law firm in Washington, D.C., for four years, then for the U.S. Attorneys office for five years. In 1994, Sprung moved to Seattle and joined a private practice that represents whistleblowers. I represented people who were taking on some of the biggest companies in the country from stealing from taxpayers, he said. Sprung hasnt run for office before. However, he said, for the past 25 years, Ive been performing the core mission of the state auditor, which is to run financial investigations to protect taxpayer money. One of Sprungs priorities as auditor would be to strengthen and expand the states whistleblower program, which is managed by the auditors office. The program current applies only to state employees; Sprung would like to expand it to employees of private companies that do business with the government. Twenty other states have such programs, Sprung said. Sprung said he would also like to increase state government transparency and credibility. I think that we have a very serious problem in our state and our country with people having lost faith in government, he said. He said he could restore the faith by pointing out ways that government is improving peoples lives. Sprung has picked up two high-profile endorsements: from former state Auditor Brian Sonntag and current Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Republican State Sen. Mark Miloscia of Federal Way also is running for the auditor job. Sprung has attacked Miloscias support of reduced funding for performance audit funding. Sprung pointed out is that hes the past chairman of the board of Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest. He said Miloscia, who opposes abortion, would try to tie up funding for Planned Parenthood by excessive auditing of funds for it. Kelso resident Nick Porter has no arms or legs, but he tries not to let that limit him. He has places to go, from comic-cons to a Z Nation audition for zombie extras in Spokane. I try to stay busy, Porter said. But his family has had trouble keeping him mobile since he graduated Kelso High School last year. Now, though, local citizens have a chance to change that. While the school bus accommodated Porters power wheelchair, the family Honda CR-V is too small. His parents resorted to pushing him on the basic wheelchair he used before they invested in a $10,000 electric one. And sharing a car between the parents makes it even more challenging. For lack of a better phrase, hes grounded, said AnneMarie Beltzer, his mother and full time caregiver. Id love to have that changed. A wheelchair-accessible vehicle can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $65,000, which his parents cant afford on his fathers salary on the night freight crew for WinCo. As part of National Mobility Awareness Month, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association hosts an annual contest for someone to win money for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. The association chooses one or more winners from the applicants in the top 10 percent of votes. Citizens can log onto the website and vote as frequently as once a day. Its the fourth time the Kelso family has entered the contest, and there are 576 applicants from the U.S. and Canada this year. Getting him a little more independent when we go places is a start, Beltzer said. Nick got meningococcal meningitis when he was 2 years old. The disease causes membranes in the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed. The amputations saved his body from the toxins that entered his bloodstream. Now 20, Nick has had seven or eight surgeries, including reconstructive surgeries on his nose, mouth and jaw. And hes bound for more to clear up his nasal airways and give him dental implants. His mother said Nick has never liked the feel of prosthetic arms. He has about half of his arms remaining and uses them for his daily tasks. Hes developmentally delayed and has the mind of a third or fourth grader, his mother said, which may have been caused by the medically induced coma for his amputations. For years Nick used prosthetic legs. But since his doctor retired, he hasnt been able to find prosthesis he felt comfortable using. Weve worked with a bunch of really wonderful prosthetic people over the past years, but unfortunately they make them by the book, his mother said. Instead Nick at home feels perfectly comfortable walking on the remaining parts of the legs he does have. Nicks room is a young boys paradise. Framed posters of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are plastered on the wall, and three tables worth of Hot Wheels and toy trains surround his bed. Every day he plays video games in his room with an Xbox 360 that his sister got him for Christmas. We dont limit him at all, said his father, Steven Beltzer. If we can find a way that we can do it, well find it. Recently hes developed a passion for zombies. He attends comic-cons and gets a kick out of getting mistaken for a prop and scaring people who pass by. He has had a love for the police department since hes been old enough to talk, his mom said. Five years ago he started what is now a deep friendship with the Kelso school resource officer, Brian Clark. That guy has got the most positive attitude of anyone Ive ever met, Clark said. Hes just a joy to be around. ... I dont know what else to say. It makes me want to cry. Clark every year on Nicks birthday organizes a new surprise, like police ride-alongs and forensic investigations. When the family was on vacation in Miami, Clark contacted the Miami Police Department. Officers gave Nick a tour of the CSI unit. Nick said he stays positive by helping people. At comic-cons he enjoys volunteering to put up decorations, cleaning with the janitor and setting up for school dances. He said he wants to volunteer at Kelso PD. AnneMarie Beltzer said her son had one moment as a boy when he had a difficult time accepting that he would never have full-length limbs. He had pulled me aside and asked when his arms and legs were going to grow in, she said. I explained to him that what he has is what he has. It took a little bit of time for him to come to terms with it, and afterwards it was no big thing. But today, he climbs up jungle gyms without reservation, using just what is left of his arms and legs. Hell flat out say, These are my hands, she said. If you want to play with me, you can. tech2 News Staff Last week we had seen the announcement of the Asus Zenvolution event on 30 May, just a day before Computex 2016. While there was no definite mention of what products would be launched, we all knew that Zenfone 3 launch was imminent. Now Asus CEO Jerry Shen has officially stated that the company will release the Zenfone 3 in June to target the mid-range market segment. Asus has been using Intel chipsets in its smartphones, and has recently switched to Qualcomm chipsets. As you may know, Intel recently announced that it will not be making smartphone chipsets for now. But according to a report in Digitimes, since Asus is using Qualcomm chipsets since September 2015, its production of smartphones will not be affected by Intel's decision. But going by the Zenvolution banner, which shows an Intel logo, it wouldn't be surprising if Asus did release an Intel chipset based smartphone. Unless that logo is meant for non-smartphone products with Intel chipsets inside - most likely PC related products such as the ZenBook. According to the Digitimes report though, around 90 percent of the Zenfone 3 smartphones will be powered by a Qualcomm chipset and the remaining 10 percent will be run on MediaTek chipsets. Asus has seen an almost 40 percent year on year growth in its smartphone sales thanks to strong sales in countries in Southeast Asia, Brazil, Russia and Europe. Shen said that the growth would remain flat in the second quarter compared to last year due to the transition to new phone models. While Asus' main segment to target will be the mid-range market, it is also expected to release some pones in the US $260 to $307 price brackets. Asus would be aiming to compete with Huawei and Oppo in the US $300 price segment in the China market, said Shen. Shen also said that the Zenfone 3 would be selling in around six countries by August and would include products such as the Zenfone 3 Max, Zenfone 3 Deluxe and Zenfone 3. Aditya Madanapalle Creo is a Bangalore based company that is following the approach of manufacturers such as Xiaomi, LeEco and OnePlus. The company is aggressively taking feedback from its users, and has outright demanded for negative feedback as well. Feedback given on the forums are used to come up with future OS updates. Although updates have started to roll out every month, there is a longer cycle of development and testing for each of the updates behind the scenes. So, don't expect the latest comments to be incorporated in the next update itself. Creo has just rolled out the first monthly update for Mark 1. Here is what has changed, in the new phone. (Also Read: Creo Mark 1 review: A good first attempt, but a lot depends on those promised software updates) Data Manager: The Data Manager feature allows users to get granular control over what applications use data. There is a doughnut chart that shows how much data was consumed in the previous month, with a breakdown of how much of that data was consumed by apps running in the background. The app shows a handy list of how much data each app consumed while in background mode. You can toggle whether or not the application is allowed to download data when in the background mode. Toggling these settings will interfere with the updates and notifications of the particular applications. Enhance: This is a photo manipulation utility. There are filters similar to Instagram. A simple to use menu allows adjustments, transformations and vignettes. After manipulating an image as per requirement, the whole set of edits on an image can be saved as a filter. The sequence of edits are added as a filter in the default menu, and then you can tap on the particular filter once, to apply the same set of edits on any other image. This gives some kind of rudimentary batch editing feature, allowing users to conveniently edit a series of photos that require the same treatment. Echo: Echo is the in-built answering machine. At the launch of the phone, there was only one default pre-recorded voice prompt, in English. Now there are more languages added, and even more in the pipeline. Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telegu, Marathi and Bengali have been added. You can also record and keep custom welcome messages. These can now be served according to the caller, or groups of callers. For example, friends and colleagues can have different welcome messages. There is also a meeting mode. If you regularly schedule your meetings on Google Calendar, then the phone automatically reroutes all incoming calls to the answering machine. Selfie Flash: This is a feature that boosts exposure through software algorithms. There is no front flash, but in low light conditions, there is now a one tap flash button on the side, that prevents the photos from being too dark. Sense: Sense is an advanced search feature. It is modeled on the search functionality of the iPhones. There are some utilities that sense does not seem to recognise as of now, the homescreen widgets are an example we found. Sense now supports WhatsApp integration, after this update. The Sense interface has also been updated with a space for pinning most used contacts, so you can just bring them up with a two finger swipe down any time. There are as some new enhancements that take Sense in a direction even Apple has not gone. Sense took some baby steps into become some kind of universal input space for all kinds of tasks. You can enter a number and add a contact from the "search" bar. It is also possible to feed in arithmetic, and use Sense as a calculator. There were minor fixes on a screen flickering issue in the adaptive brightness mode, and battery drain enhancements. Creo has a refreshing approach. It is taking feedback of local users to make a better product every month. This is an undertaking that they cannot go wrong on. The Mark 1 is a software based phone, and Creo plans to open up the software platform they are making better every month, available to other manufacturers as well. Every effort Creo has taken in this month's update, is aimed at improving the user experience. Whether it works or not, this is a customer centric effort at differentiating their product from an overcrowded smartphone market. tech2 News Staff The next-gen Moto G smartphones, the rumoured Moto G4 and Moto 4 Plus will be officially announced on May 17 in India. In addition, these devices will only be exclusive to Amazon in the country. Prior to this, Moto devices were exclusive to Flipkart. In a press statement, Amit Boni, Country Head, Motorola Mobility India said, "Amazon.in is the one of the best online marketplaces in India and we are glad to announce that we have exclusively partnered with Amazon India for our next Motorola smartphone." Amazon India also confirmed the same on Twitter. https://twitter.com/amazonIN/status/730412552937689088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw There have been plenty of murmurs in the rumour mill about Motorolas upcoming Moto G4 (or Moto G 4th generation) smartphone and its sibling, the G Plus. And while the handsets leaked out in plenty, few details were known about the actual specifications. Twitter user Roland Quandt put out a detailed specifications sheet of the upcoming smartphone and as it turns out, theres is plenty of stuff in there as well. Adding to this is another leak that reveals some more confirmed specifications coming from another Twitter user Vaibhav Jain. Combining both leaks, we can now expect the Motorola Moto G4 to arrive in a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 variant with 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage and another model sporting a Snapdragon 617 with 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The cameras would include a 13MP unit for the rear and a 5MP fixed focus unit up front. The handset is expected to arrive with dual SIM slots and will pack in a 3200mAh battery. The display is expected to be a 5.2-inch Full HD unit. Coming to the Plus version of the handset, it is expected to come with a similar 5.2-inch Full HD display with the only addition being the 16MP camera on the back. This handset may also pack in NFC and Laser autofocus as an added bonus. Both handsets will boot to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and come with the standard splash-proof water resistance rating. tech2 News Staff Xiaomi has announced the upgrade to its Yi Action Camera 2 - called the Yi 4K. As the name suggests, it can shoot 4K videos at 30fps, along with full HD recording at 120fps and HD recording at 240fps. The Yi 4K will come in Black, White and Pink colours and is priced at CNY 1199 (approx Rs 12,500). The Yi 4K along with a Bluetooth remote and selfie stick is priced at CNY 1299 (approx Rs 13,500). At the moment it is only available for order via crowd funding in China and will be shipped to backers in June, says Fonearena. In terms of specifications, the Yi 4K action camera houses a 12MP Sony IMX377 image sensor which has a 1/2.3-inch sensor size, 7P lens with f/2.8 aperture and 155 degree angle of view. The Yi 4K comes with a 2.19-inch display on the rear side with Corning Gorilla Glass protection. The Yi 4K comes with dual-band Wi-fi support to connect to Android smartphones. Image processing will be done by the Ambarella A9SE SoC which supports the H.264 codec. The camera will come with a separate app for image and video editing. You can shoot timelapse videos with intervals as long as 0.5 / 1 / 2 / 5 / 10 / 30 / 60 seconds. The camera is powered by a 1400mAh battery which Xiaomi claims can let you shoot 2 hours worth of 4K footage. There is a microSD card slot and has dual microphones to capture sound. There is a 6-axis gyroscope with electronic image stabilisation. Buddhist monk hacked dead in Bandarban A Buddhist monk was hacked to death by miscreants in the district on Friday midnight. The incident took place at Uporchakpara village under Baishsari union of Naikhyongchari upazila. The deceased was identified as Maung Shue U Chak, 70, founder monk of Uporchakpara Buddhist temple. According to sources, Maung Shue U Chak established the temple two years ago and he used to engage in deep contemplation there. He had no enmity. No group has yet claimed responsibility, although the killing which appeared to bear a resemblance to several recent murders by suspected Islamist militants. risingbd.com Russia will act to neutralise US missile shield threat: Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council at the Bocharov Ruchei state residence in Sochi on Friday. AFP, Moscow :President Vladimir Putin on Friday described the development of Nato's US-led missile defense programme as a threat to global security and vowed that Russia will take the necessary steps to maintain a strategic parity.Putin, speaking at a meeting with military officials, scoffed at US claims that the shield isn't aimed against Russia but instead intended to fend off a missile threat from Iran.The system includes a site in Romania that became operational on Thursday and a site in northern Poland where US and Polish officials broke ground on Friday for a facility due to be ready in 2018."Just a few years ago, our partners in the West, in Europe and the United States, were all speaking in one voice, telling us that they need a missile defense system to protect from missile and nuclear threats from Iran," Putin said, adding that such a threat has ceased to exist after last year's nuclear deal between Iran and world powers."The threat is gone, but the creation of the missile defense system is continuing." Putin said Russia "will do everything needed to ensure and preserve the strategic balance, which is the most reliable guarantee from large-scale military conflicts," but will not get drawn into an arms race.Earlier this week, Col. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, chief of the Russian military's Strategic Missile Forces, said new types of Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles accelerate faster and are equipped with maneuverable warheads, making them more difficult to intercept.In another potential response, the military has talked about stationing its state-of-the art Iskander missiles to Russia's westernmost Baltic outpost of Kaliningrad, which borders Nato members Poland and Lithuania.Last year, the missiles were airlifted there during military maneuvers in a demonstration of their swift deployment capability, but were pulled back to their permanent base after the drills.The Iskander missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometres, would put most of Poland in reach if deployed from the Kaliningrad region.Dmitry Rogozin, a deputy prime minister in charge of military industries, said after the meeting with Putin that Russia will use technologies that would allow it to "neutralise any threat with minimal resources." He didn't elaborate.Russia has long described the US-led missile shield as a top security challenge. Russian military officials have said while the current system doesn't pose a threat to Russia's massive nuclear missile force, it could erode the nation's nuclear deterrent when it grows more powerful in the future."They aren't defensive systems, they are part of the US strategic nuclear potential deployed on the periphery, in eastern Europe," Putin said."Now, after the deployment of those missile defense elements, we will have to think about how we can fend off the threats to the Russian Federation's security."Obama denounces Russia's 'aggressive' military stanceUS President Barack Obama warned Russia about its military build-up in northern Europe as he hosted leaders from five Nordic countries at the White House."We are united in our concern about Russia's growing, aggressive military presence and posture in the Baltic-Nordic region," Obama said at the end of the meeting.As tensions with Moscow spike over a plethora of issues from aerial military interceptions to Ukraine, Obama looked to make common cause with Russia's near neighbors in Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway.Earlier, Obama said the six nations agreed on the need for a European order not based on might. Soviet intervention in Afghanistan was a mistake: Russian envoy PTI, Islamabad :The 1979 Soviet intervention in Afghanistan was a "tragic mistake", Russia's Ambassador to Pakistan Alexey Y Dedov has said, but claimed that it's not similar to Russia's support for the "legitimate regime" of Syrian President Bashar al Assad.Addressing a seminar on 'Russia's position on Afghanistan and Syria' at the Area Study Centre at Peshawar University in Peshawar, Deodov said Russian military support to Damascus was aimed at targeting violent jihadists, including the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda-linked Jabha Al Nusra.Describing the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan as a "tragic mistake", Dedov said that there was no parallel between the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan and Russia's support for the "legitimate regime" of Bashar al Assad.In 1979, the Soviet Union intervened in Afghanistan to back the Marxist government of People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan to fight Mujahideens who were jointly backed by American CIA and Pakistan.He said Russia considered ISIS a threat to its national security since around three thousands of its citizens had joined it, causing problems in the Russian region of Dagestan and other places.Dedov acknowledged that his county was in contacts with the Afghan Taliban to promote reconciliation in Afghanistan. "There have been limited contacts with the Afghan Taliban," he told the participants.The Russian envoy said that he was not aware of the level of engagements with the Afghan Taliban or whether his country had sought their help in countering the threat from the ISIS.He said that his country viewed the presence of ISIS in northern Afghanistan with concern. He also said that ISIS, which was present in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province, had relocated to northern Afghanistan due to military operation.Speaking about Russia-Pakistan relations, he said that it was positive and positions of both the countries coincided on 80 per cent of issues. On President Putin's much-speculated visit to Pakistan, he argued that there would have to be something substantive for the Russian head of state to come to Islamabad. College teachers urged to perform duties sincerely Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid said the government was set to constitute an accreditation council to rate the public and private universities alongside a new commission with enhanced authority to monitor their academic activities. "The council will introduce grading system of both public and private universities based on their standard of education," he said this on Friday while speaking at a conference of principals of government colleges Dhaka and Mymensingh regions at Bangla Academy. Nahid said a process to enact a law to constitute the accreditation council was now at its final stage. On the other hand, the proposed Higher Education Commission (HEC) would replace the existing regulatory University Grants Commission (UGC) with enhanced authority to monitor higher education in universities. National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Harun-or-Rashid chaired the function also joined by its treasurer Professor Noman Rashid. Nahid urged principals and teachers of the colleges under national university to perform their duties sincerely to boost the efforts of improving quality of higher education. "We want to build our new generation with global standard education to make them competent citizens," he said. Nahid said despite resource constraints, the government took a number of milestone programmes to ensure universal access of all children to education. Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif shoot for Jagga Jasoos in Morocco Actors Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are currently shooting in Morocco for Anurag Basu's Jagga Jasoos and pictures and videos from the sets of the movie have taken social media by storm. Rumoured exes - Ranbir and Katrina - had separately flown out to Morocco on the night of May 8.A video shared by a fan club on Saturday, shows the duo performing quirky steps as part of a song sequence in what looks like a market place. Katrina, dressed in a denim dungaree and yellow top, features along with Ranbir. Government must listen if investment is to be attracted Bangladesh despite having a lot of potential is struggling to attract foreign direct investments from the European Union due to growing militancy and political uncertainty, a top EU diplomat said on Thursday, as reported in the press.The EU members are convinced that Bangladesh is a land of opportunities for foreign companies as the country has been maintaining gross domestic product growth of at least 6 percent over the years, said Pierre Mayaudon, Ambassador of the EU in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has also performed well in the Millennium Development Goals.Mayaudon's comments came at the first EU-Bangladesh Business Council meeting, which was held at the Commerce Ministry in Dhaka. The EU-Bangladesh Business Council is a platform for discussion by the government officials and private sector entrepreneurs of both sides with the view to resolving any trade-related disputes. Bangladesh has many assets for attracting foreign investment and yet money is not flowing into the country in a big way, he said at the meeting where diplomats and leaders of the joint chambers between Bangladesh and the EU were present.Shortage of energy and limited infrastructure are also frequently mentioned to explain why foreign investors think twice before coming to Bangladesh, he said. Besides, Europe's private investors have been facing numerous legal, technical or just practical obstacles in expansion of business in Bangladesh, he said.The EU is the largest and the most important trading partner for Bangladesh. In fiscal 2014-15, Bangladesh's exports to the EU stood at $17.04 billion, of which 90 percent were garment items, according to data from the Commerce Ministry. About 60 percent of Bangladesh's garment exports are destined for the EU, and total exports to the region would have crossed the $20-billion mark last year had the euro not been devalued. Bangladesh, as a least-developed country, has been enjoying a zero-duty benefit to the EU since 1971 under the EU's "everything but arms" scheme.The government is ill-advised to pursue a policy of fomenting divisiveness, militancy and killings. Instead of peace there is chaos and cruelty in every aspect of public life. It is strange, how easy it has become for the government not to govern. Without investment - foreign and local, the government is in a serious position of not having confidence of the investors. Internationally also, only India claims its relationship with Bangladesh is a role model, and happy with it. Our own money is flying away to other countries for their benefit. But still we refused to be ashamed for incompetence. Youth shot dead by BSF in Chuadanga UNB, Chuadanga :A Bangladeshi young man was shot to death by members of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in Natunpara bordering area of Jibannagar upazila on Saturday. Quoting locals, BGB said BSF members from Nonaganj camp arrested some Bangladeshi young men, including Shehab, 18, son of Mahabul Halsena of Goalpara village in the upazila, after they entered a mango orchard for plucking mangoes in the bordering area around 11am.At one stage, the BSF members hit them up with riffle butts, leaving them injured, said Chuadanga BGB-6 Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Amir Mazid.Later the BSF members opened fire on them while they tried to flee, leaving Shehab critically injured.Shehab was rushed to Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead. Minor boy dies after falling into pit at school in Gazipur A 7-year old boy Rohanur Rahman (inset) died after falling into the pit of an abandoned deep tube-well in a Gazipur school while playing on Saturday. Staff Reporter :A five-year-old boy died and his playmate received injuries after falling into an abandoned pit on the ground of Hyderabad Ideal School and College at Sukandirbag in Gazipur city on Saturday morning.The decesed has been identified as Romanur Rahman, son of Billal Hossain, a resident in Banomala area of Tongi. The deceased was also a nursery student of Hyderabad Ideal School and College in the area. Injured Pervez Ahmed Sani, 5, son of Amir Ali, was given first aid at a local hospital.Locals said, "Romanur and Parvez fell into a 10-12 feet deep and five feet wide hole, filled with water when they were playing near it on the school campus at Sukandibagh around 10:00am. Rescuers pulled out the boys and rushed them to Tongi General Hospital where doctors declared Romanur dead."On information, members of Gazipur Fire Services and Civil Defence rushed to the spot and managed to pull out them, Gazipur's Fire Services and Civil Defence Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) Akhtaruzzaman said.According to sources, a well was dug for setting up a submersible water pump in the school ground but it was later abandoned and filled up with sand. The sand was washed away by heavy rainfall in the last two days."Police are investigating the incident," said Mahfuzur Rahman, Inspector (Investigation) of Joydevpur Police Station. The body has been handed over to the family members of the victim, the police official said. Pfizer says it's blocking use of drugs for lethal injections UNB, Dhaka : Pharmaceutical company Pfizer said Friday it was blocking use of its drugs in lethal injections, which means all federally-approved drugmakers whose medications could be used for executions have now put them off limits. "Pfizer makes its products to enhance and save the lives of the patients we serve. Consistent with these values, Pfizer strongly objects to the use of its products as lethal injections for capital punishment," the company said in the statement made public on its website Friday. The company's announcement has limited immediate impact. Its action is an enhancement of a previous policy that follows Pfizer's $15.23 billion purchase of Lake Forest, Illinois-based Hospira Inc. last year. Hospira had previously prohibited the use of its drugs in capital punishment, as have several other drugmakers. Pfizer shares closed even Friday at $33.19. The development means the approximately 25 FDA-approved companies worldwide able to manufacture drugs used in executions have now blocked the use of the drugs, according to Reprieve, a New York-based human rights organization opposed to the death penalty. "Pfizer's actions cement the pharmaceutical industry's opposition to the misuse of medicines," Maya Foia, Reprieve director, said in a statement. Pfizer's announcement was unlikely to have much effect on executions, which have slowed in recent years as drugmakers' prohibition on the drugs took effect. However, as recently as last year, records showed that labels of Arkansas execution drugs appeared to indicate that the state's potassium chloride, which stops the heart, was made by Hospira. Pfizer spokeswoman Rachel Hooper said the company couldn't speculate on the impact of its decision. Ohio, which last executed an inmate in January 2014, has repeatedly pushed back executions while it looks for drugs. It now has more than two dozen inmates with firm execution dates, but no drugs to put prisoners to death with. Some remaining death penalty states have been using compounded versions of drugs that fall outside of FDA approval. Texas, with the country's busiest death chamber, obtains its pentobarbital for lethal injections from a supplier the state identifies only as a licensed compounding pharmacy. A law that took effect last year keeps the identity of the drug provider confidential. The state has carried out six executions so far in 2016. At least eight are scheduled for the coming months, including two in June. Single issue shouldn't hit ties with BD, says Pak FS UNB, Islamabad :Apparently showing their affection for war criminals being tried in Bangladesh for their crimes against humanity, Pakistan has said the relations between the two countries 'should not be clouded' with a single issue."Bilateral relations shouldn't be kept hostage to a single issue as it's much broader in terms of trade, culture and people-to-people contact, and should, therefore, be expanded," Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry told a Bangladesh media delegation at his office.He made the remark amid diplomatic row between the two countries that saw summon and counter-summon of envoys in Dhaka and Islamabad following the latter's interference in Dhaka's internal affairs after the execution of war criminal and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Motiur Rahman Nizami."We need to make a more forward-looking approach rather than catching up the past," said the Pakistan foreign secretary when a nine-member media delegation representing print, news agency and electronic media of Bangladesh, presently visiting Pakistan, met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.The Bangladesh delegation members raised the issue of Pakistan's repeated interferences into Bangladesh's internal affairs and its attempt to present factually incorrect claims centering the trials of war criminals in Bangladesh. The Pakistan foreign secretary said the people of Bangladesh and Pakistan are 'bound by the ties of shared history, faith and culture' and there was a need to improve relations, particularly people-to-people exchanges, student scholarships and sporting contacts. "Our shared history and religious affinity provides a foundation to build this relationship constructively and positively," he added. Aizaz termed Nizami's execution 'politically motivated one' and said the war crime trials are 'flawed'."As far as the recent trials (war crime trials) are concerned, we've made our views known. We believe these are politically motivated trials, we believe these are flawed trials targeting opposition leaders," he said. On the other hand, India has supported the war crimes trial and said the issue is Bangladesh's internal issue."The issue of war crimes trial is internal to Bangladesh. It has wide popular support. India has also been supportive of a judicial process to address pending issues of retributive justice for war crimes committed during the movement for the independence of Bangladesh in 1971," said External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup after Nizami's execution.However, the Pakistan foreign secretary said frequent references of Pakistan in the trial proceedings are also tarnishing the overall bilateral relations between the Bangladesh and Pakistan. "These trials are taking us backward, not forward," he claimed. Referring to the 1974 Tripartite Agreement, the Pakistan foreign secretary said the government of Bangladesh had 'decided not to proceed with the trials as an act of clemency'.However, the fact is that there was no mention in the agreement that the war criminals will continue to enjoy impunity and accordingly Bangladesh government tried the war criminals. Aizaz said it is time for the two countries to pursue a forward-looking approach in the spirit of 'forget and forgive'."We believe a decision was taken consciously in the agreement of 1974. We believe Father of Bangladeshi Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also expressed his desire to move on," said the Pakistan foreign secretary.Aizaz Ahmad also expressed his belief that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had sent his foreign minister Dr Kamal Hossain to sign the agreement of 1974, and the agreement what he said calls for a forward-looking approach."We hope the spirit of the deal will be followed and the two nations will come in stretching the relations. If we follow the spirit of the agreement of 1974, the two nations will go forward," he added. Responding to a question, Aizaz said the economic and commercial ties between the two countries continued to grow, but it needs to reach the potentials two markets offer. He mentioned that trade is a great way to bring the two countries closer, and said if any activity creates obstacle to that direction that must be addressed with a serious attention.Aizaz also mentioned that there is a sizable bilateral trade but it can further be expanded and there are other areas where two countries can expand bilateral relations such as ICT, education, science and technology."And we also believe that people-to-people contract is important to improve the environment and make it conducive to discussion on issues where we agree and where don't agree," he told the media delegation."Bangladesh and Pakistan have regularly been offering scholarships, exchanging visits and your (media delegation) presence today is the manifestation of that spirit," said the foreign secretary. The diplomatic tension between Bangladesh and Pakistan kept escalating as both governments summoned the other's envoy to lodge strong protests over Nizami's execution for war crimes. Dhaka summoned the Pakistan High Commissioner in Bangladesh for the second time in three days on Thursday, hours after Islamabad summoned the Bangladesh envoy.Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka Shuja Alam was summoned on May 9, after Islamabad made 'uncalled for reactions' interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign country, which Bangladesh described 'totally unacceptable'.Mizanur Rahman, secretary (bilateral) of the foreign ministry, also handed over a 'strongly worded' note verbale protesting the passage of a resolution in the Pakistan National Assembly on the execution of Nizami, who was hanged in early hours on Wednesday. Earlier, Islamabad summoned the Bangladesh acting high commissioner Md Najmul Huda to its foreign ministry and lodged a protest at the hanging of Nizami, who had opposed Bangladesh's independence during the 1971 war with Pakistan. Bodies of 3 youths found dead at dairy farm in Savar Staff Reporter : Two teen-aged siblings and their cousin were found dead in a dairy farm from Hemayetpur area of Savar on the outskirts of capital. Police recovered their bodies from a locked-room of the farm on Saturday morning. The deceased have been identified as Nasir, 16, his brother Jibon, 14, both sons of Ziarur Rahman, and their paternal cousin Shahadat Hossain, 15, both hailed from Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari district. The sibling used to work at a car workshop while Shahdat worked at a local Chinese restaurant, police said. Quoting the family members, Savar Model Police Station Assistant Superintendent of Police Russel Sheikh said, "The boys went to sleep after having meals around 11:00pm last night at Pranto Dairy Farm. When they did not rise even at 9:00am, every one became worried. They tried to rise them up calling the boys' by names and poking them with long stick through a window without any success. They later called police, who recovered the bodies opening the door." Jibon and Nasir stayed with their parents in a single storey house at dairy farm where their father works as a caretaker, the police official said. "The bodies bore no injury marks. The cause of their death is yet to be known. We have detained the farm's owner for questioning," he said. Police sent the bodies to the Dhaka Medical College for autopsy, the police official said. Hackers still lurking in BB network bdnews24.com : Three hacking groups, including a 'nation-state actor' are 'still lurking' in the network of Bangladesh's central bank, according to a forensic report. The report by the US experts, hired by Bangladesh Bank to probe the $81 million cyber heist three months ago, suggests that the hackers put the bank at risk of further attacks, says Reuters. "There are some residual risks that the governor and board should understand, namely that Bangladesh Bank network is still not secure, and there exists a possibility of malicious acts by hackers," says the report, parts of which were seen by Reuters. Reuters says, the source who shared the document declined to provide access to its full contents, as the release of some details could hamper a multinational effort to catch the criminals and recover funds stolen in the February cyber attack. Bangladesh Bank has declined comment on pending investigations into the heist, Reuters adds. Asked about the probe report, a spokesman told Reuters: "We have engaged forensic experts to investigate the whole thing, including this." He did not elaborate.Investigators have determined that one team of hackers, dubbed Group Zero in the report, was responsible for the heist and remained inside the network, the report states. Group Zero may be seeking to monitor the ongoing cyber investigations or cause other damage, but is unlikely to be able to order fraudulent fund transfers, Reuters says quoting the investigators. Two other groups are also inside the bank's network, which is linked to the SWIFT international transaction system, the report finds. One of the two is a "nation-state actor" engaged in stealing information in attacks that are stealthy but "not known to be destructive", the report says. The report, which was submitted earlier this month, has not further identified any of the groups. A spokeswoman for SWIFT said she was unable to comment on the report. SWIFT warned on Thursday of a malware attack on a commercial bank it did not name, similar to the hack at Bangladesh Bank. In February, hackers ordered fraudulent fund transfers from Bangladesh Bank's account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York via the SWIFT system, but the cooperative, owned by member banks and used by 11,000 financial institutions globally, has maintained that the messaging system it controls has not been compromised. "Group Zero is the identified hacker group that has conducted the cyber attack" against Bangladesh Bank, the investigators have said in the report, which according to them was based on primary findings. US-based cyber-security firms World Informatix and FireEye Inc have been hired by Bangladesh's central bank to investigate the theft. According to Reuters, a spokesman for FireEye said the firm will not comment on the ongoing investigation. World Informatix could not immediately be reached for comment. In the attack, the hackers sought to transfer $951 million from Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Fed. Most of the transfers were blocked, but $81 million was sent to bank accounts in the Philippines in one of the largest cyber-heists in history. The money was quickly transferred through a remittance firm to casinos and casino agents and most remains missing. In the report, the investigators have said Group Zero mounted attacks on other banks, but did not elaborate. The report says investigators knew little about a third group of hackers found inside the network, referred to as Group Two, except that they were using mostly commodity, or off-the-shelf hacking tools. Bloomberg News citing people briefed on the bank's investigation reported on Tuesday that investigators had found evidence that two of the three hacker groups in the Bangladesh attack were from Pakistan and North Korea. Rajshahi College achieves first, Eden College 2nd, Dhaka College 3rd Staff Reporter : Rajshahi College topped the list of 'college level ranking 2015' in Bangladesh. Eden College stood the second, Dhaka College third, Dhaka Commerce College fourth and Government Brojmohun (BM) College, Barisal attained fifth position. The National University conducted the ranking based on research quality, graduate employment, staff-to-student ratios and teaching standards and other categories, which was revealed at a press conference in the city office of the university on Saturday. Vice-Chancellor of National University Professor Harun-or-Rashid announced the name of the top five colleges and other colleges. Vice-Chancellor of National University (NU) Professor Harun-or-Rashid said that the university authorities launched the ranking system for the first time aiming at increasing competition among the colleges for ensuring quality education. He said that 442 colleges out of 685 sent their information and the NU authorities selected 151 colleges who fulfilled all the requirements of the ranking. "We selected 67 colleges out of 151 for giving prizes and certificates. A prize giving ceremony will be held on Many 20 at National Museum Auditorium. Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid will take part in the occasion as the chief guest," he said. The VC hoped that the quality education would be increased by NU's ranking system. Eden College topped in respect of female college category, Rajshahi College topped in government college category and Dhaka Commerce College achieved in non-government college category. The top colleges in Dhaka-Mymensingh region are Eden College, Dhaka College, Dhaka Commerce College, Anandamohon College (Mymensingh), Government Sadat College (Tangail), Government Titumir College, Government Bangla College, Dhaka City College (Private) and Kabi Nazrul Government College. The top colleges in Chittagong region are Chittagong Government College, Government Victoria College, Feni Government College, Government City College (Chittagong), Government Mahila College (Chittagong), Government Hazi Muhammad Mohsin College (Chittagong), Government Potia College (Potia), Laximpur Government College, Brahammanbaria Government College and Omargani M E S College (Chittagong, private). Rajshahi College, Government Azizul Haque College (Bogra), Sirajgonj Government College, Bhobaniganj College (Rajshahi, private), Syed Ahmed College (Rajshahi, private), Rajshahi Government Mahila College, Nawabganj Government College (Chapainawabganj), Naogaon Government College, Government Mujibur Rahman Mahila College (Bogra) and New Government Degree College (Rajshahi) are the top colleges in Rajshahi region. The top colleges in Khulna region are Government M M College (Jessore), Kumira Mohila Degree College (Satkhira, private), Government Mohila College (Jessore), Chuadanga Government College, Upashahor Mohila Degree College (Jessore, private), Satkhira City College (private), Kushtia Government Mahila College, Government PC College (Bagerhat), Government Shamnagar Mohsin College (Satkhira) and Nowapara College (Jessore, privat). Government Brojmohun (BM) College (Barisal), Government Mohila College (Barisal), Government Barisal College, Bhola Government College, Borguna Government College, Government Syed Hatem Ali College (Barisal), Government Suhrawardy College (Pirojpur), Charfession Government College (Bhola) and Government Fazlul Haque College (Barisal) are the top colleges in Barisal region. The top colleges in Sylhet region are MC College (Sylhet), Brindaban Government College (Habiganj), Government Mahila College (Sylhet), Moulvibazar Moulvibazar College, Madonmohon College (Sylhet, private), Sunamganj Government College, South Surma College (Sylhet, private) and Government Sreemangal College (Moulvibazar). Carmichael College (Rangpur), Dinajpur Government College, Alimuddin College (Lalmonirhat, private), Government Begum Rokeya College (Rangpur), Kurigram Government College, North Bengal College (Lalmonirhat, private), Niphamari Government College, Dinajpur Government Mahila College, Lalmonihat Government College and Rangpur Government College are the top colleges in Rangpur region. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Lemaistre Lafayette General Health has hired Court LeMaistre to serve as chief operating officer of Lafayette General Medical Center. LeMaistre most recently served as COO of HCA Plaza Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, where he led the newly formed Fort Worth Transplant Institute, achieving accreditation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a milestone of 40 kidney transplants in 2014 and continued expansion of the program in 2015. LeMaistre also previously served as COO at St. Davids Georgetown Hospital in Georgetown, Texas, and vice president of operations at HCA Summerville Medical Center in Summerville, S.C. After receiving his bachelor of arts degree in computer science/mathematics at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, LeMaistre earned a masters degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio. Lafayette General Health also announced two additional administrative leadership changes. Al Patin was elevated to senior vice president of the system in addition to his role as chief administrative officer of Lafayette General Medical Doctors; and Carolyn McBride was promoted to assistant vice president overseeing Patient Financial Services for the health system. Patins new position will help the health system consolidate all physician enterprises under his oversight. All physician groups, including Cancer Center of Acadiana, Neuroscience Center of Acadiana, Acadiana Orthopedic Center, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery of Acadiana, Heart & Vascular Center of Acadiana and Lafayette General Urgent Care Centers will report to Patin. A registered nurse, Patin joined LGMD after serving as regional vice president with Parish Management Consultants in Metairie. Prior to that, he spent eight years at LGMC in various capacities. He earned a bachelors degree and MBA from UL Lafayette and completed the Wharton School of Business Anesthesia Leadership Program in 2010. He is also a recent graduate of Leadership Lafayette and serves on the board of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana. McBride, who has been with Lafayette General for the past 44 years, has served in numerous roles in the business office and Patient Accounts. She most recently was director of Financial Services for LGMC. She also served as director of Patient Financial Services and was instrumental in the development of the Centralized Business Office over the past three years. Pre-purchase property inspection is a relatively new thing in the United Kingdom. Its not something that most people have heard about, but it has become increasingly popular over the last few years with the rise in property prices and increased demand for high quality homes. What are the benefits of pre-purchase building inspection? What can you expect to find out when you pay someone else to inspect your home before you buy it? And what should you look for during an inspection? Many people want to know if theyre buying a house thats been well maintained or if its had any serious problems. If youve found a place on the market that seems attractive, but then discover some issues after moving in, you may not be as excited about buying it as you thought you were. Its important to do your due diligence when looking at properties. A lot goes into making a property appealing to potential buyers, from the landscaping to the flooring to the kitchen appliances. The same applies when inspecting a property there are many things that need checking over to make sure everything is running smoothly. Here are some of the benefits of performing a pre-purchase inspection: You get to see exactly what will happen to your money When you go shopping for a new car, youll probably be shown several different models. You might even be shown one that looks like a great value, but doesnt fit around all of the extra features that you want. When it comes time to actually buy the vehicle, however, you wont have seen how your money will be spent on it once you drive it off the showroom floor. Likewise, when you shop for a new home, you dont really know what youre getting yourself into until you move in. In order to get a feel for whether the home youre considering is what you want, you normally have to spend quite a bit of time inside it. This allows you to learn more about everything that youre going to be spending your hard-earned cash on. A pre-purchase building inspection gives you much the same kind of experience without having to spend thousands of dollars. Since youre paying for the service, you can expect to see exactly what youre paying for, instead of just seeing a vague idea of what you might end up with. You find out about potential major repairs Some buildings are very expensive to maintain, which means that owners often neglect them for the sake of saving money. While youre paying for a building inspection, youre also paying for a professional who knows how to spot signs of trouble and repair work that needs doing. If you notice that a particular area of your new home needs fixing right away, you can call in an expert to take care of it quickly. If you find that theres something wrong with your boiler, you wont have to wait weeks for a plumber to come over and fix it. Instead, youll have access to a solution immediately. You can save hundreds of pounds by finding out about potential problems early on One of the biggest expenses when you first buy a home is the cost of moving in. Many people dont realize this until its too late. Buying a home involves not only paying for the actual house, but also for moving costs, furniture, and other items that have to be moved along with the home. Having a good idea ahead of time of what youre likely to encounter can help you avoid these kinds of costs. If you know youll need to replace the plumbing system, for example, youll be able to put together a budget for the expense and plan accordingly. You can protect your investment by finding out if the homes been well cared for While there are plenty of people who think that houses always look better when theyre newly built, youd be surprised at how well maintained older residences can still look nice. Sometimes, though, those homes need some additional maintenance to keep them looking their best. This could involve repairs that arent so noticeable or small improvements that you wouldnt consider otherwise. Even worse, some houses have fallen into disrepair without anyone noticing. This is why having a professional perform a building inspection prior to purchasing a home is such a big benefit. Not only will it give you insight into the state of the property, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing youre not getting taken advantage of. As long as youre aware of the potential pitfalls, youll have less reason to worry about the state of your new home. You can use information gathered during a building inspection to negotiate a lower price If youre worried about buying a home because you suspect that it may need extensive renovation work, you may already have a rough idea of how much work youll need to do to bring it up to scratch. That knowledge can come in handy if you decide to buy the home. You can use all of the details that you gather during a building inspection to present a realistic picture of what the home is worth to prospective buyers. If a potential buyer thinks that the home is worth more than what you paid for it, you can try negotiating a lower price. You can sell your home faster and for more money If you decide to list your home on the market soon after buying it, youll need to price it accurately in order to attract buyers. But if youve already done a thorough building inspection, youll know exactly what work is needed and what the current market conditions are. In other words, youll be able to make a more accurate estimate of the amount of money youve invested in the home and how much its worth. If you find that youre selling your house for close to its full market value, you can use this information to convince the potential buyer that your home is worth the asking price. Even if youre planning to stay in the home for a while before you decide to sell, the fact that you did a thorough building inspection will give you more confidence when listing it. Prospective buyers will know exactly what theyre paying for. Your home will hold its value longer As mentioned earlier, the value of a home depends heavily upon the condition of the building itself. If your home is in bad shape, potential buyers wont be interested in buying it. On the other hand, if youve performed a thorough building inspection and know what sort of repairs are necessary, you can offer your prospective buyer a compelling reason to invest in your property. When you buy a home, youre essentially agreeing to have it inspected periodically to ensure that it stays in top shape. Not only does this allow you to avoid expensive repairs down the road, but it can also increase the value of your home. You can make smart decisions about property investments Buying real estate isnt as simple as just driving a couple of minutes to pick up a house. There are lots of considerations involved, ranging from location to cost. The same is true when youre investing in property. If you find a house that meets all of your requirements, youll want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of where it stands with regards to the rest of the market. If you havent spent enough time researching the area, you could inadvertently end up with a bad deal. There are lots of resources available online that can help you determine the overall level of competition in your area. They can also help you figure out if there are any properties that meet your requirements that you didnt know about. If you own rental property, you can use the information to identify tenants who might cause damage If you own rental property and youve noticed that certain tenants consistently cause damage, you can use the results of a building inspection to identify them. You can then contact them directly to let them know that youre watching them closely and that you dont appreciate the problem theyre causing. They might start taking better care of their homes, which would be good news for everyone. It could also be the case that youll find out that theyre responsible for previous damages that werent caught during a previous visit. You can make smarter decisions about hiring contractors If youve hired contractors to build or repair your home, you might want to ask them for references. However, unless you perform a thorough building inspection, you might not know exactly what to look for. For instance, maybe you only checked the roof for leaks or the walls for cracks. You might not have looked underneath the foundation for anything that could cause a future issue. By performing a building inspection, you can ensure that you hire reputable contractors who will be trustworthy with your money. You can avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition Of course, the main benefit of structural inspections perth is that it helps you avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition. Before you make the decision to buy a home, you should do whatever you can to find out about the state of the building. You can also ask your realtor about what sorts of inspections are typically recommended. Some agents say that its standard practice to check the heating system, the roof, the electrical wiring, and the floors. Others will tell you that they recommend that you check the entire structure. Either way, if you choose to hire an inspector, youll find out exactly what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost to do so. As a result, it can be concluded that a pre-purchase building inspection is highly important for the buyers because it provides transparency regarding the current conditions of the structure. Additionally, the building owner is made aware of any upgrades or repairs that are required, which could lead to a fair deal throughout the purchasing and selling process. The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now. Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market. In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender. India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex. Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted. But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted? Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner. If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems. I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now. I want more variation in masturbation I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own. If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end. What is sex toys for Indian? Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation. It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms. They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable. Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner. The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner. It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past. In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping. Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order. In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing. Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome. Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own. But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance. More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around. Sextoy situation in India Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years. In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India. Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore Delhi Chennai Hyderabad These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India. In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well. If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too. If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it. What are Sextoys for beginner? Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms. Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy. I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion. I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy. If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma. Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it. Advantages of using sextoy for Indians There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways. Can have stimulating sex Can develop new sexual zones If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern. However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways. You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation. Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever. There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure. This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it. When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems. It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms). For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles [Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou... Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India. Sextoy for beginner men in India So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners. For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men! The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men Masturbator Cock rings Love Doll Sex Lubricants Toys for the prostate Lets check each one in detail. Masturbator The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products. It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands. Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands. They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.) Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much. Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! ! Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa SEXToys India PR (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018 Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood. If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ... [For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien... Cock Ring A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis. It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow. It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber. In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection. Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it. Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function. Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy. You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect. [Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat... Love Doll Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex. There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women. Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price. The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true. You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste. There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice. You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls. If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to... Sex lubricants Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules. It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution. Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse. There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent. Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent. If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here. What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many... Toys for the Prostate Another sextoy for men is prostate toys. The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line. Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men. Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men. What is the prostate? The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm. You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus. By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms. Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.) The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation. Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure. sextoy for beinner women in India The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy. The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy. Vibrator. Dildo Electric Masserger Lets check out what each one is in detail. If you want to check out womens toys, click here. [BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm... Vibrators A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator. Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy. It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy. Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women. For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators. Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex. Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself. This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual. Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men. When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons. Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most... Dildo A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis. It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass. A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it. They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well. It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device. A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo. Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands. For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis. This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one. To learn more about dildo, please click here. What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th... Electric Masserger A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores. It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low. Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels. Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation. It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure. For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm. It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out. If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager? To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here. What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th... How to choose a sextoy for Indian Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one. Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points: Does the size fit you (the partner)? Does the size fit you (your partner)? Is the environment able to produce sound without problems? Price range First of all, the choice of size is quite important. Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women. For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage. Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems. Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise. If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level. Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it. Finally, there is the price range. The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest. Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy. Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy? I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance. For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics. If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out. How to buy sextoys in India The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping. For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below. Sextoy is one of them. Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping. SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India. They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry. Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card. To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy. ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal. Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on. Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture. Cautions for Indians using sextoy When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind Keep sex toys clean Watch out for electrical leakage Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone. Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there. It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case. In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness. Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful. If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it. You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly. Summary What did you think? In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India. The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future. As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values. However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health. If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try? Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women. I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it. CARBONDALE In 1971, several individuals from various local Christian churches came together, thinking they could mesh energies to focus on some of the world's problems. They made their mandate to make "God's love visible." The core group expanded to include not just Christians but those of the Jewish and Islamic faith, while adding on those from the Unitarian, Sufi, Hindu, Baha'i, Buddhist, Quaker, pagan, Mormon and other backgrounds. All the while, they continued getting to know and understanding each other, while realizing that religious differences and ideologies aside they were more alike than not. all, still working together, to make "God's love visible." "We have everybody," Maurine Pyle, the group's outgoing president, said. In a little more than a week, members of the group will celebrate their 45th year of service to the community of Carbondale. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at the Southern Illinois Healthcare office at University Mall, conference room 101-B and -D. The public is invited. This will be the group's end-of-the-year meeting, as it takes a hiatus over the summer, resuming Aug. 29. They will celebrate a bit of their work: their works with the Sparrow Coalition, a community partnership that address issues of poverty, specifically homelessness; the Race Unity Group of Carbondale; the World Hunger Sale by Church Women United; the Spirit of Christmas, which provides gifts for the needy; For Kids' Sake, a fundraising project for children in Bangladesh, supported by the Sufis of Southern Illinois; and their participation in the Parliament of the World's Religions in Salt Lake City this past October. Members such as Dr. Mazhar Butt came to know the group after he became involved with one of its offshoots the Ralph Anderson Interfaith Dialogues which started 30 years ago with Jewish and Christian people sharing, until Butt attended an event in 1988 and challenged them to include Muslims. Butt, who is Muslim, credits the Carbondale Interfaith Council with creating a space where people could meet and know a person of another faith, for themselves, and not have to rely on politicians' or media's interpretations. In December 1982, Butt, who had friends here, relocated to Carbondale, some time after he graduated from dental school in St. Louis. He opened a private dental practice a few months later in February. "They know what Islam is," Butt said of the members of the Carbondale Interfaith Council. (The have a) personal perspective, and they know the real thing, not what they hear from politicians, especially nowadays." People from these varied religions also realized they had much more in common, particularly caring for the poor and needy, he said. In his opinion, one of the group's crowning achievements is its work with Good Samaritan Ministries, a tax-exempt group Carbondale Interfaith Council members established in 1985. Good Sam, as the operation is known, operates an emergency shelter and a transitional housing facility for the homeless and runs a daily soup kitchen and food pantry and emergency assistance program. They have continued to focus outward; some of their most recent pursuits include looking for meaningful ways to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness, which spurred the creation of the Sparrow Coalition. In the past year, the Sparrow Coalition has hosted several forums on issues of homelessness and promoted hearing from those who are living homeless. "People didnt have that idea that you should engage with the people who have the problem," said Pyle, a Quaker. "So we engaged with them and that completely shifted our thinking. The organization is also involved in outreach to the those who are incarcerated, through the 3Rs Project Reading Reduces Recidivism which supplies books to prison libraries in Illinois and the few months' worth of work centered on discussions over race in Carbondale. Group members supported the showing of the Racial Taboo documentary, an idea advanced by Carbondale Interfaith Council members of the Baha'i faith, and the subsequent weekly Race Unity Group discussions called Continuing the Conversation dialogues. "There's so much going on," Pyle said. ""Weve had an infusion of a lot of energy and newer ideas This flourishing is all happening within the last couple of years, and we have a lot going on thats new energy, new excitement." The group also stood up against real or perceived religious intolerance and prejudice, speaking out when graffiti was scribbled on one of the area's mosques and when a church was vandalized, another past president said. "I think its the combined voice of many religious groups in Carbondale that can speak for justice and the role of religion in society and in our lives and within our faith communities here in Carbondale," said Father Robert Flannery of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church here in Carbondale. MARION Ike Eigenrauch came to Southern Illinois 40 years ago and opened a Buick dealership on Sweets Drive in Carbondale. After a few transformations, a move to the east and additional dealerships, the business model is still going strong in Marion. Lori Eigenrauch Sisulak, dealer principal at Ike Family Dealerships in Marion, said 2016 marks 40 years in Southern Illinois and 10 years at its current location in Marion. The dealership has stayed in the family with Sisulak and her brothers, Jason and Brian Eigenrauch, running the dealership. Sisulaks daughter, Ashlee Church, is the director of operations at the Volkswagen dealership. Sisulak said Eigenrauch started selling cars in 1964 at a Dodge dealership in downtown St. Louis during the same time the Gateway Arch was being constructed. After a successful run in Missouri, Ike was given the opportunity to purchase a Buick dealership in Vincennes, Indiana. After splitting a partnership in Indiana, the Eigerauch family headed to Southern Illinois, Sisulak said. This is when Eigenrauch bought the Buick dealership at Sweets Drive, near Reed Station Road. She was in fourth grade at the time. After acquiring many franchise dealerships, including a DeLorean dealer, Ike purchased the Datsun dealership in down the road in Carbondale in 1983, which eventually became a Nissan dealership. In 1986, he built the Ike Auto Park building for the Honda franchise. The family of dealerships continued their business in Carbondale, even through the Nissan store was burned to the ground in an arson in 1991, Sisulak said. The family purchased a Kia franchise in 1999, but sold its Nissan brand in 2001, keeping Buick, Kia and Honda. Then after selling those other brands, keeping only the Honda brand, the family built a new Honda store in Marion in 2006. It was one of the best investments my dad made over the years, Sisulak said. All the manufacturers want to be close to Interstate 57. Once we opened here, our sales doubled immediately. While the family was content with the business they had in Marion, Eigenrauch wanted to continue for something more. He wanted a Volkswagen dealership, Sisulak said. The Volkswagen brand wasnt looking in Southern Illinois for new stores, but when it opened a store in Rosemont earlier in the decade, Sisulak and Church decided to take a stab at bringing it to Marion. Sisulak and her daughter put together a presentation to lure to the dealership, and after a while, executives came to the region to visit a couple of sites Marion and Cape Girardeau. The executives finally called the Ike family back and asked them to present once again, and they were able to sell them on Marion. Sisulak said she got the call in September 2013 and a temporary facility was built in February 2014. Sisulak said her brothers bought out their dad in June 2013, but she says Eigenrauch still has an office and is very active in decision making. He was all about taking care of the customer, she said. You treat your customers like family. You treat your employees like family and that will take you a long way. That is what he was all about. WEST FRANKFORT Wava L. Julian passed away at 1:25 p.m. May 10, 2016, at her home east of West Frankfort. At the time of her passing, her spouse and five children were present to ease her passage through the gates of heaven. She was born Aug. 15, 1928, as the only child of Fred O. Wall and Agnes Rotramel Wall in the area of West Frankfort known as Wall Town. During Wava's early childhood years, her mother was hospitalized in St. Louis for treatment of Tuberculosis. Although Wava missed her mother greatly, she felt loved and was never lonely due to the close proximity of her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Those same cousins she loved as brothers and sisters and they all remained close throughout their lives. She graduated from Thompsonville High School in 1946 and at her mother's urging enrolled in college at Carbondale. Shortly after, her plans changed as she met the love of her life, a young sailor that had just returned from the war. On Dec. 31, 1946, in Sturgis Kentucky, Wava L. Wall became the bride of that handsome sailor, Thomas E. Julian. Together they shared over 69 years of marriage. Through the years, they added to the baby boom generation with three sons and two daughters. Wava was a wonderful homemaker and was known for being a great cook. She had a knack for taking ingredients that she had on hand and making an enjoyable meal. She loved to read recipes but never followed them, instead adding a dash of this and that to make the dish truly her own. If you visited her home you were always fed a meal and never left hungry. She was a lifelong member of Antioch United Methodist Church, where her singing talents were put to good use. Most enjoyable for her was singing with her cousins and they could always be counted on to provide music for any church service. Wava was also a member of the Four Mile Home Extension. God was good to Wava throughout her lifetime and the family takes comfort that she is truly now at peace in her heavenly home. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. Her memory will be cherished forever. Wava was preceded in death by her parents and one infant great-grandson Survivors include her spouse Thomas E Julian, Children Danny (Jane) Julian, Patty (John) Burke, Kathy (Mark) Etters, Brian (Brenda) Julian and John (Laura) Julian, all of West Frankfort. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Trevor (Heather) Julian, Stephanie (John) Wilkins, Erin Julian, Megan (Joseph) Smith, Rebecca (Kyle) Fitch, and Briana Julian, all of West Frankfort, Corey (Esther) Julian of Paducah, Shannon (Steve) Harriss of Seymour, Indiana, Alex (Jennie) Burke of Herrin, Jennifer (Chris) Seaman of Carterville, and Jonathan (Elizabeth) Etters St Charles, Missouri. Fifteen great-grandchildren also survive. Services will be at 2 p.m. today, May 14, in Antioch Methodist Church east of West Frankfort, with Dr. Rev. Dave Estep and Corey Julian officiating. Burial will be in the East Fork Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. today at the church. Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guest register, visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com. Senior Correctional Officer Specialist Merle Eugene Clutts was recently honored by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons during its 2016 National Correctional Workers Week Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. In October 1983, Clutts was killed at the U.S. Penitentiary in Marion in the first of two attacks on guards that day. Debbie Stroehlein of Cobden says the day her father died was one of the worst days of her life. Dad was killed that morning, then Robert Hoffman was killed on evening watch, Stroehlein said. You rely on your faith. On Oct. 22, 1983, Clutts, 51, was one of three correctional officers escorting a handcuffed and shackled inmate from the showers to his cell just after 10 a.m. The inmate stopped outside another inmates cell. When he turned around, his hands were free and he was holding an 18-inch homemade knife. Clutts was fatally stabbed before other officers could subdue the inmate. In a second and very similar attack by another inmate at 8 p.m. that day, correctional officer Robert L. Hoffman was killed. Stroehlein said three senior officers and two junior officers were attacked. Mr. Hoffman went in to help those officers, she added. Thomas Silverstein was convicted of murdering Clutts, and Clayton Fountain was convicted of murdering Hoffman. Fountain died in 2004. Silverstein is incarcerated for life. A lot of things changed after that day," Stroehlein said, "but a lot of things needed to change." Stroehlein, her husband, Roger, and son, Union County Sheriffs Deputy Jeffery Clutts, attended the ceremony. She said her mother, Joeann Clutts, decided not to go because they were not sure how much walking would be required. The family was picked up at their hotel on the morning of May 3 and escorted to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, where they met with Acting Director Thomas Kane and toured the offices. The ceremony included comments by Kane, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Angela Dunbar, Bureau of Prisons assistant director-Correctional Programs Division. The ceremony also included bagpipes and music provided by police and correctional officers, laying of roses on medallion as names of the fallen were read. Today we are here to pay homage to Senior Officer Specialist Merle E. Clutts and to all Bureau of Prisons staff who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Kane said to the crowd. Lynch called it a true privilege to be part of the memorial service. They presented me with a rose. Then Acting Director Kane took me to the panel with Dads name, and I got to place the rose at the panel, Stroehlein said. It was very special. May is Peace Officers Month. Stroehleins family also attended a ceremony at the federal prison in Marion. This is the second time the family has visited the Correction Officers Memorial Wall, which is part of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, located at Judiciary Square. The first visit was part of a trip to see her niece graduate from the police academy in Fredricksburg, Virginia. The legacy of Clutts service lives on his family. Both of Stroehleins brothers worked in the prison system, one in federal prison and the other in state prison. Her youngest son is a sheriffs deputy, and her niece is a deputy in Virginia. Its pretty cool that they followed in his footsteps, and neither one knew him, Stroehlein said. Her son was 2 when his grandfather was killed, and her niece had not been born. During their visit to Washington, the Stroehleins toured the U.S. Bureau of Prisons Command Center. It links the bureau to each of its prisons. Stroehlein said the technology is really nice, and they made the family feel very special. Its is nice that the bureau has not forgotten. Its just not my dad the bureau has not forgotten any of the lives what have been lost, Stroehlein said. BAMBERG Bamberg County received a healthy financial report for March at its May 9 meeting. Treasurer Alice Johnson reported the countys total income for March was $787,545. Expenses came in at $688,644, reflecting a positive balance of $98,901, she said. Were still in a positive bank balance. That is reassuring and good to know its like that, Johnson said. Finance Director T.M. Thomas reported the countys general fund had generated $5,557,737 in year-to-date revenue as of the end of March. Expenditures stood at $4,784,046, resulting in a positive balance of $773,691, he said. The special revenue fund, which includes the countys E-911, road maintenance and rural fire service departments, had generated $808,120 year-to-date revenue as of the end of March, and expenditures stood at $701,714, Thomas reported. He said the solid waste/landfill department had generated $850,446, with expenditures standing at $774,567 as of the end of March. Overall, countywide ... we continue to operate within our budget and within our expected bounds, Thomas said. In other business, council gave first-reading approval, in title only, to the countys proposed FY 2016-2017 budget. More budget details will be present at the next council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, at the Bamberg County Courthouse. When asked about an estimated total for the budget, Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston said, Were nowhere near that yet. Itll be about two more weeks. Also during the meeting, Kell Anderson, SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance project manager, reported work is continuing on Project Neighbor, which is expected to bring in approximately 30 jobs and $3 million in capital investment. This is a supplier to an existing industry that had some interest in the spec building. Its a very competitive project right now, Anderson said. Were just trying to finish out some cost estimates on what it may cost to upfit the building, Anderson said. He also reported on Project Renew, which is expected to bring in 83 jobs and $43 million in capital investment. Were still trying to put together the last components of the financing packages. They have targeted a Bamberg County site and are still working on those financing terms, Anderson said. In addition, he reported that the SCA had been working with German-based Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, a member of Bamberg Countys family of companies, on starting an apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program fits in very well with the German model, and weve had some initial meetings with the SC READY team, where we can probably try and do some apprenticeships in-house, see how that works and then possibly branch out to some of the high schools, Anderson said. The long-term intention would be for Denmark-Olar and Bamberg-Ehrhardt (high schools) to essentially become a feeder for Tobul (Accumulator) as they continue to grow and expand with Freudenberg and that model. Also during the meeting, Preston reported that progress is being made on a housing grant that the county is working on with the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority and the Forfeited Land Commission. Its kind of a slow start because its a new program. Were trying to get through all of it and dealing with all the title searches and trying to find properties that qualify for it, the administrator said. But its taken off pretty good, and at some point ... , Id like to maybe nominate this for the Regional Cooperation Award of the (S.C.)Association of Counties. Preston also reported the county had submitted its application for a USDA grant/loan for the purchase of eight law enforcement patrol cars. Essentially, what could happen here is you would get 50 percent of those patrol cars paid for as grant because we got four census tracts, he said. Two lower census tracks were the two that qualified for it (the grant). We walk away with $100,000 of grant money to go towards those cars. Preston said the county is also beginning to seek grant funds for the purchase of a couple more fire trucks. In addition, other grant funds will be sought, including Community Development Block Grants that could be used to complete work on the county-owned water tank. Were going to have to get ... as much grant money to go towards that as possible. Im working with the Board of Public Works and the city of Denmark on trying to get the right route established there on how to get that funded, he said. Council Chairman the Rev. Isaiah Odom asked where work stood on the countys veterans memorial and walking trail. Preston said the Federal Aviation Administration had submitted a letter stating that a wellness park could not be built around the Bamberg County Airport. Weve got so much going on over there right now that the FAA would not allow us to build a park around that airport, he said. Its just not going to happen there. So we backed up and were working on another plan. Were still involved in that. Odom said the wellness park was one of the pet projects of Councilwoman Alzena Robinson, who died on April 22. A black bow in memory of her was attached to Robinsons council chair. He wrote poetry using his blood as ink. Armando Valladares did this because he would not write what was demanded of him: "I'm with Fidel." Because Valladares refused to do this, he was imprisoned by the Castro regime for 22 years. For eight of those years, he was forced to sit naked in a cell -- at times without water, without a toilet. And yet, Valladares says that he is "an ordinary man." To sign onto Communism, would have been "spiritual suicide," he says. "My story is proof that a small act of defiance can mean everything for the friends of liberty. They did not keep me in jail for 22 years because my refusal to say three words meant nothing. In reality, those three words meant everything," he declares. Receiving the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty's Canterbury Medal on May 12, Valladares said, "Even though my body was tortured my soul was free ... They couldn't take away my conscience and my faith." Valladares sees kindred spirits in the religious order Little Sisters of the Poor, which is standing up to the government's health-insurance mandate, which includes coverage for abortion, birth control and other things that the sisters and many Catholic groups see as violations of their religious beliefs. The Little Sisters of the Poor, Valladares said, "are rich in that they live out their conscience, which no government bureaucrat can invade." Valladares "saluted" the sisters "for their seemingly small act of defiance." Valladares himself was saluted that same night by Elie Wiesel, the Nobel-winning author who survived a Nazi concentration camp. Wiesel warned: It's little things sometimes that begin the erosion of liberty. It's the toleration of seemingly little encroachments, seemingly little evils that we look away from that opens the door to bigger ones. Having recently spent time with Father Douglas Bazi, a Chaldean priest from Iraq whose flock was targeted by genocidal ISIS fighters, it was hard for me not to cry at these words. It was hard not to understand the possibility of history repeating itself. We live in a culture of differences -- different opinions, different understandings and different struggles. In many cases, these differences are deeply personal, and give rise to passion. Being in the room with Wiesel and Valladares puts things in perspective: We really have little right to despair. Despair, along with apathy and indifference -- and anger -- may be our worst enemies right about now. The night of the Canterbury Medal ceremony, which memorializes Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket and his own fatal struggle for religious liberty, Becket Fund president Bill Mumma said, "We bridge differences by celebrating courage." Courage, he said, "allows us to see our enemies as not strong, but brittle." People like Valladares, Wiesel, and Father Bazi embody courage and radiate the calm that comes with bearing wisdom in your very body, from the scars of brutal reality that come from never buying into delusions that might make for a more comfortable life. "Even though my body was in prison and being tortured, my soul was free and it flourished. My jailers took everything away from me, but they could not take away my conscience or my faith," Valladares declared. Conscience and faith -- these things matter. They make for a culture and country where people make sacrifices for each other, where they stand up for each other in the face of persecution and suffering, where people talk about truth with love. Conscience and faith breed courage. "Religious liberty is only secure when society values religion and treasures freedom," Mumma said. Do we value and treasure these things? It's a question we answer by how we respond to encroachments big and small, who we celebrate and whether we tell the truth in the face of social pressure in favor of illusion and deception. ----- Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute, editor-at-large of National Review Online and founding director of Catholic Voices USA. She can be contacted at klopez@nationalreview.com. "When a man's fancy gets astride on his reason, when imagination is at cuffs with the senses, and common understanding as well as common sense is kicked out of doors, the first proselyte he makes is himself." --Jonathan Swift, "A Tale of a Tub," 1704 For a man with a satirical turn of mind, presidential election years can be trying. Apparently your humble, obedient servant here isn't angry enough to participate fully in the festivities. This is interesting, because I've rarely been mistaken for Mr. Sunshine. I'd be a total failure as a game show host. Everywhere you turn, people are shaking their fists in each other's faces. On television and online, that is. Most days, it'd be a good idea to don a crash helmet before opening Facebook. And the summer bickering season has hardly begun. These are mostly Republicans and Democrats fighting among themselves. The main event has yet to come. Elsewhere, people go about their normal daily activities with seeming equanimity -- although there's been a marked increase in convenience store parking space shootings, actually. Maybe an armed society's not such a polite society after all. How surprising would it be to see gunfire erupt at a presidential campaign event? But I digress, and ominously. Chez Pazienza recently described a mob of Bernie Sanders backers who disrupted a recent Clinton campaign event in Los Angeles. According to one witness, "(t)hey were cussing at people, calling women whores, and telling people to kill themselves. They were shouting in children's faces, blowing sirens in their ears, and making them cry." Such antics would be hard to believe, had Pazienza not posted video clips. Asked by Rachel Maddow to disavow such behavior, Sanders basically ducked the question. And this is the Hippie Party. On college campuses, Clinton supporters complain they're called "evil," poor things. Do you suppose they require "trigger warnings"? At such times I'm reminded of Jonathan Swift's timeless satire of the root causes of political fanaticism. Writing roughly 300 years ago, in the wake of the English Civil War, Swift concocted an imaginary religious sect called "Aeolists." (Aeolus was the Roman god of wind.) His target was anybody who claimed to be "inspired," or as he saw it, filled with hot air. "Words are but wind," Aeolists believed, "and learning is nothing but words; ergo, learning is nothing but wind." Swift depicted true believers "linked together in a circular chain, with every man a pair of bellows applied to his neighbour, by which they blew up each other to the shape and size of a (barrel) ... When, by these and the like performances, they were grown sufficiently replete, they would immediately depart, and disembogue for the public good a plentiful share of their acquirements into their disciples' chaps." Has a more apt description of candidate Trump's cult of personality ever appeared? Is there nothing the man could say that would give his enraptured supporters pause? As Paul Waldman notes in the American Prospect, he's a one-man tidal wave of disinformation. "First, there's the sheer breadth and character of his falsehoods. Absurd exaggerations, mischaracterizations of his own past, distortions about his opponents, descriptions of events that never occurred, inventions personal and political, foreign and domestic, Trump does it all ... There has simply never been a candidate who has lied as frequently, as blatantly, and as blithely as Trump." Trump outdid even himself on "Meet the Press" last Sunday, disemboguing a couple of thunderous falsehoods in our collective faces. First he allowed as how he means to stop undocumented immigrants from voting in U.S. elections. Informed by Chuck Todd that they're already prevented by law from doing so, Trump commented how "you have places where people just walk in and vote." If he could document even one such polling place, that would be newsworthy. But of course Trump cannot, so instead he doubled down. "We're the highest-taxed nation in the world," he claimed. That one the interviewer unaccountably let go. Actually, U.S. tax revenue ranks near the bottom of the developed world as a percentage of GDP -- just above Korea, Chile and Mexico. Corporate tax rates are theoretically high, but as most people know, loopholes are so plentiful that few companies actually pay them. U.S. tax revenue per capita ranks near the middle of industrialized nations. As conservatives never tire of pointing out in other contexts, most countries in the European Union pay twice as much as Americans. But then, why bother? One could devote whole columns, as Washington Post fact-checker Glenn Kessler recently did, to debunking Trump's epic falsehoods. Some of them are downright funny. No, Vladimir Putin never called Trump a "genius." He called him "flamboyant." Only Trump, of course, would seek the Russian strongman's approval. But do such considerations matter to the man's encircled supporters, each with a bellows discreetly inserted? I don't believe that they do. ----- Arkansas Times columnist Gene Lyons is a National Magazine Award winner and co-author of "The Hunting of the President" (St. Martin's Press, 2000). You can email Lyons at eugenelyons2@yahoo.com. Israel-based "Challenges of time" information portal has published an article headlined "Israeli mother's appeal to release her son from captivity remains unanswered " by Mila Abramovich and Arye Gut (http://isp-ngo.com/?p=2449). The article highlights the story of soldier Vugar Mikayilov (Mikhailov), an Azerbaijani Jew, who was taken hostage by Armenians 23 years ago. The article says: "The world has seen many wars and tragedies and the worst ones left an indelible scar in the hearts of people. Recently we have met the family of Vugar Mikayilov (Mikhailov), an Azerbaijani soldier of Jewish origin, who is still in Armenian captivity. We met his family at the Azerbaijani Mountain Jews Coordinating Center in the city of Acre. Head of the Azerbaijani Mountain Jews Community Shirin Nehemiah Michaeli was also present at the meeting." "Vugar's mother Nina Mikayilova, who now lives in the Israeli city of Kiryat Bialik, said that Vugar was drafted into the Azerbaijani army in the 1990s, and he served with honor and dignity." The article says: "Vugar was born on January 4, 1974 in the Azerbaijani town of Goychay. He was a very organized, disciplined and responsible boy. "Like another Azerbaijani hero of Jewish origin Albert Agarunov, Vugar did not dodge military service, he wanted to stay with his fellows, though his brother asked him to go and work in Kazakhstan. Vugar was mobilized into the police battalion 54/56 in July of 1992, he served in Sheketli village in Fuzuli region and came home just once. When I saw my boy for the last time, I hugged him so tightly My heart felt that we will be far apart," said Nina Mikayilova, and burst into tears. Vugar Mikayilov's (Mikhailov's) mother remembers that his friend Ramiz from Agdash region said that Vugar went missing on January 28, 1993, during the fighting against Armenian invaders in Uruyandag village in Fuzuli region, when he tried to save his friend, who was wounded in his leg." "Vugar's classmate Azer from Goychay who was also taken hostage by Armenians, said that he saw Vugar near the villages of Stepanakert, where Armenians used the Azerbaijani soldiers and civilians as labors. Azer said he saw Vugar alive. As for Azer, he miraculously managed to escape from Armenian captivity," the article quotes Vugar`s mother as saying. Vugar's brother Ilgar Mikayilov (Mikhailov) says: "I want to find my brother. Our family misses Vugar so much. We know that prisoners from Azerbaijan, who have been taken captives by Armenians, are being tortured, it's terrible. The killing and inhuman treatment of thousands of innocent Azerbaijanis taken hostage by Armenians, is one of the most terrible and bloody pages of the military aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan." "Vugar's mother said that his father Ibrahim Mikayilov (Mikhailov) could not bear separation from his son and stories of Azerbaijani civilians who were taken captive by Armenians. "In 2006 he died from a heart attack. He knew that our son was also tortured by Armenians," she said." "My husband Ibrahim always lived with a hope to find his son. I remember during the Easter, ex-president of Armenia Robert Kocharian paid a visit to Israel. My husband met with him but it did not work out. It was the last hope for my husband. Kocharian promised to help. We knew that Kocharian was one of the ideologists and organizers of the bloody massacre of Azerbaijani civilians in Khojaly. But my husband thought he would take pity on desperate parents Kocharian went back from his word and showed the true treacherous essence of the current leadership of the Armenia," Nina Mikayilova said." "She added that their family even appealed to authoritative rabbis- kabbalists in Israel, and they said that Vugar Mikayilov is alive, he is in the hands of the enemy, and after a new large-scale war Vugar along with other Azerbaijani prisoners will return home." "Help me and my family to bring my son back home, I have not seen him for 23 years... I know that the Armenian captivity is similar to fascist We live in Israel, but our homeland is Azerbaijan, and we never forget it. Azerbaijan has always been in our hearts," the article quotes Nina as saying. "Head of the Azerbaijani Mountain Jews Community of Acre, Shirin Nehemiah Michaeli said that Nagorno-Karabakh is a heart and soul of Azerbaijan and the cradle of the Azerbaijani culture." "We, Mountain Jews, natives of Azerbaijan, are proud of our brother Albert Agarunov, one of the first national heroes of independent Azerbaijan and a symbol of the courage of the Azerbaijani and Jewish peoples in the war against the Armenian Dashnak invaders. There were many other Jews who were fighting for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan along with Albert, but there were also those who went missing. One of them is my cousin Vugar Mikayilov. His family lives in different cities of Israel. His mother, his older brother and sister are looking forward to see him alive after 23 years in Armenian captivity," the article quotes Shirin Nehemiah Michaeli as saying. "A question arises: Why did not Armenians release Vugar after learning that he was Jew? I think Armenians had information about all the prisoners, and of course, Vugar said that he was a Jew, not Azerbaijani. There may be two reasons: The first is that the attitude toward Jews in Armenia has always been negative since anti-Semitism dominated in this country, and that is one of the important reasons why the Jews left Armenia. Let's not forget that the cult of personality of such fascists as General Dro and general Nzhdeh, who massacred 30,000 Jews in the Crimea during the World War II, still exists in Armenia. Secondly, it is interesting why Head of the Jewish community of Armenia Rimma Varzhapetyan did not help a Jewish family. She could perfectly understand distress of a Jewish mother, but she remains silent, fulfilling orders of the terrorist regime of Sargsyan." The third reason is that Vugar Mikayilov (Mikhailov) is a witness and a victim of the fascist atrocities conducted by Armenians against Azerbaijanis in camps. That is the reason why they are afraid to release him as a living witness. We are waiting for a response from Armenia," the article says. Opec said the global oil market is oversupplied and signalled the glut may increase this year, as surging output from its members makes up for losses from other countries whose production has been hit by a price fall. Supply from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) is climbing after sanctions on Iran were lifted and an initiative with Russia and other non-members to tackle a supply glut by freezing output failed last month. Opec pumped 32.44 million barrels per day (bpd) in April, the group said in a monthly report citing secondary sources, up 188,000 bpd from March. This is the highest since at least 2008, according to a Reuters review of past Opec reports. "Fundamentally, oversupply still persists," Opec said in the report published on Friday. "Oil output remains high." A persistent surplus could weigh on prices, which despite a recovery to $47 a barrel from a 12-year low of $27.10 in January, are less than half their level in mid-2014. Opec's 2014 strategy shift to defend market share against higher-cost rival output helped deepen the decline. The price drop is hitting non-Opec supply as companies have delayed or cancelled projects around the world. Opec forecasts supply from outside producers will decline by 740,000 bpd in 2016 led by the United States, little changed from last month. Opec cited factors that could lead to a bigger supply drop, such as the impact of wildfires in Canada that have cut production. The evidence of falling non-Opec supply should lead to a stronger market next year, it said. "Outside the US, there have been consistent signs of declines in non-Opec production, which should likely flip the global oil market into a net deficit in 2017." But Opec supply has been climbing since the 2014 policy shift led by top two producers Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The return in December 2015 of Indonesia as an Opec member has also increased total output. So far this year, Iran is driving the growth. Tehran had refused to join the supply freeze initiative and the deal fell apart on April 17 in Doha after Saudi Arabia insisted Iran took part. Opec left its forecast that world oil demand will rise by 1.20 million bpd this year unchanged. It sees demand for Opec crude averaging 31.49 million bpd in 2016, broadly unchanged from last month's forecast. The report points to a 950,000-bpd surplus on average in 2016 if Opec keeps pumping at April's rate, up from 790,000 bpd implied in last month's report. Reuters German companies are scaling back their investment in Britain ahead of its June 23 referendum on membership of the European Union, and German industry is becoming increasingly vocal in warning that a Brexit would hit both countries' economies. German foreign direct investment to Britain fell by 6 percent on the quarter to 4.4 billion euros ($5 billion) in the first three months of this year, Bundesbank data reviewed by Reuters showed. That followed an already steep annual decline of more than 40 percent in 2015. "A British exit means uncertainty for German companies doing business in Britain," Markus Kerber, managing director of the BDI Federation of German Industries, told Reuters. "Firms are reacting to this, they are delaying or reducing their investment." Reflecting the concerns of German companies and investors ahead of the British referendum, Kerber said a Brexit would lead to severe legal uncertainties for at least the next two years, creating economic risks for both Britain and Germany. German companies are among the biggest foreign investors in the UK, with 2,500 subsidiaries and some 500,000 British employees in sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, transport, energy and retail, according to German Industry UK, a private organisation of some 100 chief executives of companies in Britain with a German majority shareholding. While German firms generally decline to comment in detail on their investment plans in Britain, there are signs that managers are becoming increasingly worried ahead of Britain's referendum. "From our point of view, it would be advantageous, particularly in terms of wealth and employment if Britain was to stay in the EU," a Siemens spokesman said. He said if Britain should leave the EU, Siemens would not terminate its business activities there. "But a British exit could play a role when it comes to future investment decisions." Like many other German companies in Britain, Siemens sent a letter to its 14,000 British employees last month, warning of the risks the firm would face if Britain voted to leave. "In particular, a new trade deal with the EU could take many years to conclude and it is impossible to predict the terms that will be agreed and at what price," the Siemens management said. "This uncertainty, and threat of increased costs, could make the UK a less attractive place to do business and may become a factor when Siemens is considering future investment here." Companies that have published similar letters or statements include BMW, whose British employees make the luxury Rolls-Royce car, as well as chemical company BASF and planemaker Airbus . A Brexit would not only affect the British economy. A study by DZ Bank showed it could also cost Germany up to 45 billion euros by the end of 2017 as exports from Europe's economic power house would likely be hit, at a time of already waning demand from emerging markets like China. In 2015, German companies exported goods worth some 89 billion euros to Britain, making the UK their third-most important export destination. At the same time, Germany imported British goods worth some 38 billion euros, leaving a trade surplus of around 51 billion euros. With a total trade volume of 127.5 billion euros, Britain is Germany's fifth-biggest trading partner behind the United States, France, the Netherlands and China. For the UK, Germany is the most important trade partner, ahead of the United States.-Reuters Seiko Watches has opened its first-ever exclusive boutique in the UAE at Sharjah's Sahara Mall. The new boutique will offer watch lovers in the region a wide selection of the brand's most exclusive watches, displayed at the ultra-modern outlet. Opening the swanky outlet which is being operated in collaboration with distributors Al-Futtaim Watches and Jewellery, Shunji Tanaka, the senior VP (Sales & Marketing) for Seiko said: "This boutique is a showcase of Seikos craftsmanship and technologies in watchmaking. This will not be just another store, but also serve as an exhibition of our highest quality products such as Grand Seiko and Astron." "With time, we expect it to generate awareness about the versatility and innovation represented by a range of products that will appeal to a much wider range of consumers," stated Tanaka. According to him, the state-of-the-art Seiko boutique has an extremely contemporary feel representing the brands pursuit of luxury and innovation. "Unlike any other Seiko store, the exclusive boutique has a mix of glossy wood-grain panels and stainless-steel hair line joints that are lit from three directions, with indirect high-visibility LED lighting, specially imported from the Netherlands, to illuminate and accentuate the central Seiko logo," he added. Tanaka pointed out that the boutique has multiple features to hint towards the exclusivity of the products on offer. "For example, the black stone used to create the wall behind the Grand Seiko display was imported specially from Italy and the exterior wall of the store is made of limestone to add a feel of distinct individuality," he explained. "The store uses increased colour rendering properties by blending two colour temperatures to highlight the refined high quality of the watches on display," he added. The Grand Seiko, first released as a mechanical model in 1960, is a leader among luxury watches worldwide and considered by many to be among the most disruptive brands in the segment. Grand Seiko is produced with 3 kinds of movements: Quartz, Mechanical and Spring Drive, which are all specially designed and exclusively produced by the in-house watch masters only for Grand Seiko. According to Tanaka, the shopping experience inside the store is designed to match. "With luxurious seating arrangements and refreshments while waiting, each shopper will be given dedicated attention while they acquaint themselves with the widest Seiko range available in the country," stated the top official. "The visitor can explore the Seiko universe while also experiencing the richness of Seikos history, its activities and its collections in a way that is uniquely enjoyable and informative. The Seiko boutiques are truly windows into the Seiko world," he added. The exclusive Seiko boutique in Sharjah will be the latest edition to a global network of 68 existing boutiques and will house some specific models that will not be available at any other store in the country.-TradeArabia News Service The UAE Space Agency has signed a significant memorandum of cooperation with the Government of Japan, representing a major step forward in safe space exploration and strategic cooperation in the short and long terms. Recognizing the advantages and benefits of co-operating in the realm of space science and peaceful space exploration, the memorandum promotes the exchange of information and collaboration in research and development, human capital development and the development of space related industries. It also advocates for educational exchanges by agreeing to share space experiences, studies, and research, as well as encouraging space sector visits, conferences and lectures, stated Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, the chairman of the UAE Space Agency, after signing the agreement. Dr Tsutomu Tomioka, State Minister of Education, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Yosuke Takagi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Yasuyuki Sakai, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of the Cabinet Office of Japan and Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, the director general of the UAE Space Agency, attended. Dr Al Rumaithi said: "The UAE and Japan have a long-standing relationship across many fields from business to education. Furthermore, Japan has been a consistent and considerable supporter of our space efforts since the UAE Space Agencys founding." Our agreement with the Government of Japan falls within the strategic visions of both the Space Agency and the UAE. This includes working towards closer international cooperation, establishing mutually beneficial international partnerships and exchanging scientific knowledge with the rest of the world, he added. Dr Al Ahbabi said the memorandum brings the UAE a step closer to its goal of launching the Hope Probe to Mars in 2020. "We discussed with our Japanese counterparts the various ways we can ensure the challenging project is successful. We welcome the experience and insight our Japanese peers have to offer, especially given the participation of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in the launch of the first Arab probe to Mars," he added. Dr Tomioka described the deal as a significant step for the further development of space exploration and utilization of both countries. "We hope that our bilateral cooperation in this field will be more deepened on this occasion. Especially MEXT, which is responsible for research and development, and education policies, would like to proactively promote technical co-operation through Jaxa, and human resource development through exchanges between universities of both countries," he added. In his address, Takagi said: "The co-operation between Japan and the UAE in energy and wide variety of industrial sectors is essential for the economic development of both countries, which I have been deeply involved." "Through this MoC, we would like to accelerate the space exploration and utilization as well as the development of space industry of both countries. METI will initiate several initiatives from this year, including a seminar to promote the exchanges of the space industry of Japan and the UAE, dispatch of experts, and invitation of engineers and students in UAE to Japan," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Air Force General Lori Robinson took charge of the US military's Northern Command on Friday, becoming the first woman to head a US combatant command. The position is one of the most senior in the US military and makes Robinson, who previously led US air forces in the Pacific, the top general overseeing activities in North America and holding responsibility for homeland defence. The US military last year moved to open up all combat roles to women, a historic step striking down gender barriers in the armed forces. The Defense Department has nine unified combatant commands, responsible for different parts of the world and functions. "She was instrumental in operationalizing our rebalance to the Pacific and in strengthening ties with the air forces of some of our closest allies," US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said at a ceremony in Colorado that was broadcast to the Pentagon in Washington. Robinson also took command of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which is run jointly with Canada to monitor aerospace and maritime security in the region. Robinson, who was named on Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" list this year, said she was taking charge "at a time when regional and global events pose increasingly serious challenges to the international community and to our own national security." She has moved quickly through the ranks in the past few years, from deputy commander of US Air Forces Central Command in 2012 to vice commander of Air Combat Command a year later. "Just in the last several years she's been adding really a star per year to her shoulder," said Melissa Dalton, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. During a US Senate confirmation hearing last month, Robinson laid out her priorities, saying that Russia was the largest external threat to US national security while she would closely track home-grown "violent extremists." Robinson has said that she views herself as a leader who just happens to be a woman. Out of 39 four-star generals and admirals, only three are women, according to Pentagon data. Robinson is one of them. "One woman can't change things all by herself and it's going to take leadership and willingness to evolve the military," said Kate Germano, chief operating officer of Service Women's Action Network.-Reuters Hezbollah said on Saturday its top military commander, whose death it announced on Friday, was killed in Syria by Sunni Islamist artillery fire and not by an Israeli air strike as one member of the Lebanese Shi'ite movement had said. "Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri (hardline Sunni) groups in the area," Hezbollah said in a statement. The Shi'ite Muslim group is fighting in Syria, backing President Bashar Al Assad against a range of Sunni groups including Islamic State and the Al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front. But a war monitoring group cast doubt on its version of Badreddine's death, saying there had been no shelling by rebels in that area for more than a week. Damascus airport and its surroundings are controlled by the Syrian government and allied forces. Between it and government-held central Damascus, rebels control a portion of the Eastern Ghouta suburb, which has experienced fighting for most of the conflict now in its sixth year. "There has been no recorded shelling or firing from the Eastern Ghouta area onto Damascus International Airport for more than a week," Syrian Observatory for Human Rights director Rami Abdulrahman told Reuters. Hezbollah's statement did not say when the attack took place or when Badreddine died. Badreddine was given a military funeral in Hezbollah's stronghold in southern Beirut on Friday. "The outcome of the investigation (into Badreddine's death) will increase our determination ... to continue the fight against these criminal gangs and defeat them," Hezbollah said. Iran-backed Hezbollah, considered a terrorist group by the US and Gulf Arab states, wields enormous political influence in Lebanon alongside its powerful military wing. Around 1,200 Hezbollah fighters are estimated to have been killed in the Syrian conflict. ENEMIES Badreddine had many enemies. He was sentenced to death in Kuwait for his role in bomb attacks there in 1983 and escaped from a Kuwaiti jail after Saddam Hussein's Iraq invaded in 1990. His release from jail in Kuwait was one of the demands made by the hijackers of a TWA flight in 1985, and of the hijackers of a Kuwait Airways flight in 1988. For years, Badreddine masterminded military operations against Israel from Lebanon and overseas and managed to escape capture by Arab and Western governments. "The martyred commander spent years of his life on the front line of the jihad (struggle) against the Zionist entity," Iran's parliament speaker Ali Larijani said in a telegram to Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah reported by the group's media outlet Al Manar. Israel declined to comment on speculation it was behind Badreddine's death, but a former Israeli official said his country would be glad of the news. Badreddine was one of five Hezbollah members indicted by the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the 2005 killing of statesman Rafik Al Hariri, one of Lebanon's most prominent Sunni Muslim figures. Hezbollah denied any involvement and said the charges were politically motivated. A Special Tribunal prosecutor described Badreddine as an elusive character who passed as an "unnoticed and virtually untraceable ghost through Lebanon".-Reuters The Kuwait government is set to award a major contract to Turkish firm Limak Construction for the construction, furnishing and maintenance of a new passenger terminal building at Kuwait Airport, said a report. The announcement was made by Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Shaikh Salman Sabah Salem Al Humoud Al Sabah following Cabinet's weekly meeting, reported Kuna. The first stage of the new terminal will be built with a capacity of 13 million passenger capacity with provision to boost it later to 25 million. The Limak deal is the largest tender won abroad in a single package by Turkish contractors, stated the report. One of the most prestigious and top-tier global contractor companies, Limak is a specialist in the construction of airports, ports, highways, dams, hydroelectric power plants, treatment plants, industrial plants, pipelines and hotels. A Virginia environmentalist is said to be a leading contender in the race to acquire Alpha Natural Resources coal mines out of bankruptcy, including the companys two facilities in the Powder River Basin. Tom Clarke, a health care executive, has emerged as perhaps one of the most intriguing and talked-about figures in the coal industry in the last year. Through his nonprofit, the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund, Clarke has snapped up mines out of bankruptcy from Patriot Coal Corp. and Walter Energy. His plan is a novel one: Sell coal at a premium, use the proceeds to plant trees as an offset to power plants carbon emissions and reclaim marginal mines. But until recently Clarkes moves have largely centered around eastern mining operations. Now, it appears he may be attempting to expand westward. SNL Financial, a trade publication, reported Thursday that Clarke had submitted a $2.8 billion bid for all of Alphas assets. Bids are confidential under the bankruptcy process. Clarke did not respond to multiple requests for comment. An Alpha spokesman said the company could not comment on the accuracy of SNLs report. Alphas properties go to auction on Monday. The company submitted a restructuring plan to divvy up its properties. Core assets, comprising the Belle Ayr and Eagle Butte mines as well as several eastern properties, will be auctioned off. A group of Alphas senior creditors had submitted a $500 million stalking horse bid, which essentially acts as a minimum bid for the Virginia-based firms assets. A second company, centered around Alphas marginal properties in Appalachia, would emerge from bankruptcy and focus on reclamation. The Virginia Conservation Legacy Funds bid includes a $400 million cash payment, $250 million in new capital and the assumption of Alphas reclamation liability, SNL reported. Blackhawk Mining LLC submitted a bid for $1 plus the assumption of Alphas reclamation liabilities at several Appalachian properties. Quest Energy Inc. was said to have made a similar proposal, the trade publication said. Clarkes potential entry into Alphas bankruptcy confounded environmentalists and industry analysts alike, and had both abuzz Friday. It doesnt make sense, said Bob Burnham, president of Burnham Coal LLC, a consulting firm. Environmentalists have treated Clarke warily. Reclamation has emerged as a major issue in recent times, with questions about companies ability to cleanup their mines increasing as their financial fortunes plummeted. Alpha has $411 million in unsecured cleanup costs in Wyoming alone. But some said it is not entirely clear how Clarke will pay for cleanup. In the case of Patriot, Clarke agreed to assume $400 million in reclamation liabilities. He has continued to operate the Federal Mining Complex in West Virginia to generate income for cleanup efforts, analysts and environmentalists said. I think the way he would describe it is he is selling coal from these mines to pay for the reclamation at the mines he has already shut down, with the expectation that he will shut down all the mining and complete reclamation, said Peter Morgan, a staff attorney at the Sierra Club who has spoken to Clarke about his plans. My sense is he acquired a bunch of zombie mines and he started reclaiming them. Of how Clarke will pay for reclaiming Alphas mines, he added, Its one of the biggest questions I have. All agreed that the acquisition of Alphas Wyoming mines would represent a shift for Clarke. Belle Ayr and Eagle Butte are low BTU mines and have, among their Powder River Basin peers, borne the brunt of utilities shift toward natural gas. Yet both mines are likely to remain in production regardless of how coal demand evolves, said Jim Thompson, an industry analyst at the consulting firm IHS Energy. Other properties that Clarke has acquired or rumored to be interested in acquiring are more reliant on different and meaningfully better market conditions, Thompson said. How Clarke might operate the Wyoming mines is unclear. Environmentalists and analysts alike speculated that they could be used to generate income for reclamation in Appalachia, or shut down entirely. Burnham voiced the most common sentiment heard Friday. Im not sure what theyre doing, the coal consultant said. Sinclair Oil celebrated its 100th anniversary May 1. Reporter Greg Fladager discussed the milestone by phone with Chairman and CEO Ross Matthews at the corporate headquarters in Salt Lake City. Going forward what are your larger plans for the next five, 10, maybe 50 years? Its hard to know whats going to happen in 50 years, and I dont really want to categorize it as five, or 10, or 20, but I would say that looking to the future ... well, lets start with the present. Wyoming is the centerpiece of the Sinclair Oil Corporation. We own two refineries. They are both located in Wyoming; they are both connected to many markets throughout the Rocky Mountain region where we distribute our products. So, we are very much focused on Wyoming, and to that end we are in the process of a large investment at the Casper refinery to upgrade its capabilities. Its not going to increase its throughput, but to modernize the facility. We have spent tremendous amounts of capital at the Sinclair Refinery over the last four and a half to five years, to ensure that that refinery is capable of producing consumer products for many years to come. We have (also) constructed multiple truck unloading facilities for crude oil around the state of Wyoming so that we can take crude oil directly from the lease by truck to a facility that can deliver it to our refineries. So we have become more integrated in the state of Wyoming to use more of the Wyoming crude. As production there has grown, we have made it possible for that to come straight to our refineries. I read that youre thinking of expanding east of the Mississippi. Absolutely.just to give you a little bit of background, Ive been in this job since late 2009. When I started in this position, one of the things that I realized that was a great resource for our company was our brand. Just the Sinclair dinosaur image, and our brand, is tremendously valuable. It is well recognized. So I went to our marketing folks and challenged them to find a mechanism by which we could expand our brand footprint. And that is what we are in the process of doing now. Its not just moving east, but it is also into California, and parts of a few other states on the West Coast, where we dont have a refinery, and we dont have a way to pipe our supply there. We license our image to a retailer, who can then secure their supply from someone else, but it does have to meet our stringent quality specifications. It has to be top-tier gasoline, treated like our gasoline anywhere else is. How many stations would you like to get? We anticipate having 1,000 licensed locations in five years. You also own some oil and gas properties. What is the situation there? Sinclair was a very early entrant into the world of horizontal drilling and fracking in the Barnett shale down around Fort Worth, Texas. We exited that arena in 2006, and went through a divestiture to Chesapeake, butwe have a sizable position in the Bakken and in the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma. In todays price environment we are not actively developing anything, but we have a large leasehold position with many years of drill site inventory available to us. I was wondering if you had any plans for expanded refinery capacity (at the Sinclair facility). We dont have any plans to expand the refinery, but what we have done is we have spent a lot of time, effort and money large investments to increase the mechanical integrity at that plant, and we have created a an environment that we feel is safe. I know youve had problems at the Sinclair refinery. I told Gov. Mead that we wanted to be the poster child for industrial safety in the state of Wyoming. I think that through our efforts at both refineries to focus on safer operations weve created a more reliable operation. So, by the very virtue of the way we are operating now, while the throughput capacity on any particular day is not any greater than it was before, we are able to achieve that maximum capacity (85,000 barrels a day at Sinclair) on a more regular basis. We had a lot of turnover about four years ago, and now weve got a workforce that has been there for several years, and they are all well trained and very focused. I couldnt be more proud of the folks at both of our refineries. Theyre just doing an awesome job. What do you see as the greatest challenge in the industry for you at this point? The regulatory environment. It is not that we cant deal with regulations they change all the time but an unstable regulatory environment is a challenge. For instance, the EPA didnt tell us how much renewable fuel (biofuels) we needed to blend into our petroleum stock for 2014 until it was 2015. So, were already through the year, and then we find out how much we were supposed to put in after the fact. What about the economic environment? Obviously oil prices have tanked, and Im not sure that may be of benefit to refiners. Again, I go back to the state of Wyoming. These are challenging times the coal industry is challenged, the oil production industry is challenged, the natural gas production industry is challenged and so in a state where natural resource development is a large part of the economy, quite naturally the economy of the state is challenged. We have been a large provider of diesel fuel to not only Wyoming but the entire Rocky Mountain region, and the demand for diesel fuel is down quite a bit. That makes our business a little bit more in need of focus from us to ensure that we are supplying what the market demands. Youre heading into a future where there are more and more alternative energy options, and I was just wondering how much concern that caused you. Well, to date there are very few alternative energy sources that have proven to be economically viable without some subsidy from the federal government, or state, or local governments. And so as long as the market is able to adjust according to market forces, I think there is going to be demand for petroleum products for a very long time. I see, just like you do, there are electric vehicles, and there are other forms of transportation, but I dont know that without government aid that they are economically viable. Is there anything you would like to add? One thing I have found interesting is this is a company that has been around for 100 years, and there have been six of us that have been in charge, and two of the guys were there for 33 years each. Thats quite a legacy to live up to. It is. Believe me, it doesnt go unnoticed. When you step into the role, and your predecessor was Earl Holding ... and the guy who got it started was Harry Sinclair, these guys are giants in the industry. Oil prices exploded to a six-month high this week as global production outages threatened to crimp supply. Wildfires in Canada cut off production in some of Albertas major oil fields, while fighting factions in Nigeria have led to production cutbacks. Those two nations supply around 7 percent of the global oil market. With oil near $50 per barrel, some producers and traders are using the futures markets to lock in these relatively high prices, with an expectation that prices could decline again in the future. These oil market bears are emboldened by recent data showing that Iran has increased its production faster than expected after the nuclear accord with the United States last year opened the door to loosened embargoes against the Iranians. As of midday Friday, crude oil for delivery in June was worth $46.20 per barrel. Soybean supply squeezed The US Department of Agriculture shocked markets on Tuesday with an outlook for a much tighter global soybean supply. US stockpiles could run low by the end of the summer, which led end users and investors to bid up the bean market after the report. At one point Tuesday, soybeans went limit up, climbing the exchange-permitted maximum 65 cents per bushel. The global supply is running low due to ongoing strong demand from China, the worlds biggest consumer of beans. Meanwhile, Argentina, the worlds third-largest exporter of soybeans, is suffering from damaging rains during their harvest, forcing buyers to purchase more US beans, helping to push prices to near $11.00 this week. This move has been wonderful for farmers, especially those who still have open acreage they can plant soybeans on this year. Meanwhile, other Americans could feel the pinch of higher soybean prices, even though few Americans consume soybeans directly. Soybean oil is used prevalently throughout the food industry for both cooking and salad oils. Soybean meal is a major component in animal feed, impacting meat prices. Meanwhile, corn prices remain lackluster near $3.90 per bushel while wheat lingers near multi-year lows. Historic Casper public meeting Monday A public meeting to discuss the listing of Downtown Casper in the National Register of Historic Places will be held at 6 p.m., Monday in the City Hall council chambers. Meet and visit with Kerry Davis, Preservations Solutions, LLC, the consultant who completed the survey and inventory of downtown and Old Yellowstone districts in 2015. Representatives of the State Historic Preservation Office will also be at the meeting to answer questions. Property and business owners with specific questions and/or concerns are welcome, as is the general public. Indie Film Series The Natrona County Librarys Independent Film Series will feature The Lesson on Tuesday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Crawford Room. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information. Synopsis: In a small Bulgarian town, Nade is an honest, hardworking elementary school teacher and devoted mother, struggling to keep her life together. Her unemployed, alcoholic husband has secretly spent their mortgage payments on booze, the agency where she translates legal documents for extra cash is going under, and a thief in her class has stolen the last of her money out of her purse. With few options left, Nade turns to a local loan shark for help, but with the repossession of her home looming, she finds herself with little hope. Resorting to measures her former self would have found depraved, Nade attempts one last desperate act to get the money she needs. Mountain stewardship meets The Casper Mountain Forest Stewardship Association will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, May 18, at the Agricultural Resource Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Rd. Topics for discussion include the health of the Casper Mountain forest, as well as the long term benefits of good forest management. For more information, contact Mary Peterson, 266-5737. Murder at Cafe Noir set for May 19 An encore performance of the murder mystery dinner theatre, Murder at Cafe Noir, will be held May 19 at the Black Gold Grille, 1650 English Ave. The cost for the combined dinner and show is $35. To reserve a seat, call 472-4653 or stop by 1650 English Ave. Adult Coloring Club Drop by the Natrona County Library anytime between 2 and 5 p.m. on Friday, May 20 for our Adult Coloring Club. Coloring isnt just for kids anymore, its a way for anyone to overcome stress and get back to their creative side. The Adult Coloring Club meets the first and third Friday of the month from 2 to 5 p.m. for a time of relaxation, conversation, and creativity. Coloring books and pages will be available for you to turn into works of art. Colored pencils, crayons, and markers will be provided. Just bring yourself and enjoy the afternoon. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information. Cast iron Dutch oven cooking class A morning of cast iron Dutch oven cooking, history of the area, and brunch will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 4, at Edness Kimball Wilkins St. Park, east of Casper. See many different types of cast iron and how to season, clean, and store them. Discussion will also include various choices of heat sources and delicious recipes. You will all prepare, cook, and enjoy a complete Dutch oven brunch together. While meal is cooking, learn about the history of this area along the Platte River. You will receive a complimentary Dutch oven cookbook and sour dough starter for biscuits and pancakes. To register, get directions, or arrange for a ride, please call 259-2869. (Free admission to the state park if you tell the gate attendant that you are with class and ask for directions to shelter.) Instructors are Carolyn Buff and Jan Burnett. Party like a Greek The closest thing to traveling to the Mediterranean is available to the Casper community on Saturday, May 21, at the Parkway Hotel. Complimentary Ouzo and Greek appetizers at 6 p.m., authentic homemade Greek cuisine and desserts at 7 p.m. Enjoy the entertaining Kleftes Greek Dancers of Denver. Greek and American dancing to follow. To purchase your $100 ticket, contact Dr. Lou Roussalis at 262-8405 or John Bouzis at 267-4332. Adult book club on the move This summer the Natrona County Library is mobilizing its adult book discussion to celebrate the summer reading theme of On Your Mark, Get SetRead! Featuring interrelated outings and books, participants will gather at a new location each month for a book discussion. The first Book Club Field Trip will be held on Tuesday, June 7 at 6 p.m. at the Bart Rea Learning Circle. Junes novel is The River Why by David James Duncan. The discussion is free and open to the public. To participate, pick up your copy of The River Why at the Librarys second floor Reference Desk, and then join us at the Bart Rea Learning Circle for an immersive experience! Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information. Veteran Cigar Night Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., all veterans are invited to Veteran Cigar Night at the Casper Cigar Company, 4717 W. Yellowstone Highway, sponsored by Casper Cigar Company. There is no cost to attend. This is a time and place for our communitys combat veterans to relax and share their stories with other combat veterans while enjoying a good cigar. Veterans receive 20 percent off cigars. For more information, call Josh Cruse at (307) 337-4400 or josh@caspercigar.com Chicken collectibles on display Its time for chicks to be hatched! Come see the display of chicken collectibles at the Casper Senior Center, 1831 E. 4th St., in Casper. Senior enrichment Free to men and women 60 or older. Join the tap dancing group of Joyces Senior Stompers. It is moderate, easy, balanced clogging keeping us seniors young. It is great exercise for developing flexibility, helps coordination, increases endurance and strength and helps stimulate our brain in learning different dance routines. Exercise is important to increase lung capacity, burn calories, relieve stress, and it is fun. We meet on Monday mornings at 10:50 a.m. Call Joyce Sisk, 237-4908, for more information. Franscell sets book signing Kelly Walsh, Casper College and University of Wyoming graduate Ron Franscell will return to Casper on Saturday, June 11, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Wind City Books to sign his newest book, Morgue: A Life in Death, (St. Martins Press). The nonfiction work explores some of the most historic, infamous, and heartbreaking cases of Dr. Vincent Di Maio, M.D., son of a famous New York City medical examiner and one of the lions of forensic science in his own right. Franscell is the bestselling crime author of The Darkest Night, and Delivered from Evil. A lifelong journalist, he worked for newspapers in Wyoming, New Mexico and Californias Bay Area before hitting the road in one of American journalisms best beats, covering the evolution of the American West as a senior writer for the Denver Post. Shortly after 9/11, he was dispatched by the Post to cover the Middle East during the first few months of the Afghan war. In 2004, he became the managing editor for the Beaumont, Texas, Enterprise, where he covered the devastation of Hurricane Rita from inside the storm. He now lives in San Antonio, Texas. Taylor Scott Band June 17 The Wyoming Blues and Jazz Society presents the Taylor Scott Band on June 17, 2016 at the Attic above the World Famous Wonder Bar. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.Tickets are $12 for WBJS members, and $15 for non-members and can be purchased through the web site at www.wyobluesandjazz.org or at the door the night of the concert. Taylor, originally from Cheyenne, now lives in Denver. His music is influenced by soul, funk, blues, jazz, and rock and roll. His first band, Another Kind Of Magick, represented Wyoming in the International Blues Challenge in 2012. POWELL The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is catching, tagging and returning hundreds of walleye in Buffalo Bill Reservoir to determine if suppressing the unwanted fish is feasible. Five Game and Fish employees worked west of Buffalo Bill Dam. Only a light breeze ruffled the surface of the lake as five Game and Fish employees worked west of Buffalo Bill Dam recently. But falling snow accentuated a soggy night for the men in two boats doing very wet work. A portable generator provided electricity for the booms' electrical arrays lowered into shallow water where the walleye spawn. The arrays sent a jolt of electricity to stun the fish. Workers then netted the dazed walleye near the surface and deposited them in a live well. If they hadn't been tagged before, each fish received two tags that resembled short, wire antennas jutting from their sides. Five hundred of the tags will offer either a $10 or $100 reward. "Here's one of the bigger females," said Jason Burckhardt, Game and Fish Department fisheries biologist holding a 2.58-pound fish. Next, Burckhardt noted a tagged male of smaller proportions, but worth a $100 tag. Sean Cooley, Game and Fish fisheries technician, determined each walleye's sex and size and then inserted the tags before returning them to the lake. "Looks like seven recaps," Cooley said. They call them "recaps" or recaptures; walleye previously caught and tagged. The higher the recapture rate, the less variance in the abundance estimate, said Daniel Kaus, Montana State University-Bozeman graduate student working on the project so he can build a walleye population model. The guys wore protective gear to avoid being shocked. They tagged at night because the walleye are easier to catch where they are spawning, Burckhardt said. The walleye bounty is to encourage fishermen to report the tagged walleye they catch whether it is a reward fish or not. The more anglers report their marked walleye, the more accurate the mortality estimate will be, Burckhardt said. The purpose of the tagging program is to determine a means to suppress the walleye population. By catching, tagging and then releasing the walleye, they can estimate walleye mortality when anglers report the tagged fish they caught, Burckhardt said. It's called mark and recapture to estimate a population's size. A portion of the population is captured, marked and released. Later, another portion is captured and the number of tagged walleye within the sample is counted. Since the number of marked walleye within the second sample should be proportional to the number of marked individuals in the whole population, an estimate of the total population can be calculated by dividing the number of marked walleye by the proportion of marked walleye in the second sample. For example, if Game and Fish tag and release 100 walleye and 50 tagged fish are caught by anglers, they can assume that is half the population and further deduct that the population totals 200 walleye, Burckhardt said. "We're going between 500 and 700 (walleye)," Burckhardt said. As of April 26, about 350 had been tagged. They have caught females drained of eggs, so they know the fish are spawning. They will keep catching walleye until 700 are tagged or the spawn ends. There are two components of the study, angler-caused mortality and Game and Fish-caused mortality, Burckhardt said. The walleye prey on trout inhabiting the wild fishery in Buffalo Bill. A wild fishery means fish are not stocked. Previous studies showed walleye eat juvenile trout, Burckhardt said. Game and Fish wants to maintain the wild fishery in Buffalo Bill that in turn supports trout on the North Fork of the Shoshone River. A lake trout female produces several thousand eggs, compared to a walleye female that bears 20,000 to 200,000 eggs, Kaus said. Although the walleye hatchling survival rate is much lower than lake trout, the sheer number of offspring one female can produce makes a big difference. If Kaus can obtain the vital rates (survival and death), then he can run a simulation model to determine population growth each year. From there he can calculate the rate of mortality needed to suppress the population, Kaus said. At Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho, years of effort to stamp out lake trout has seen progress in the last few years, Kaus said. If enough effort is exerted, walleye can be suppressed in Buffalo Bill, but the question remains, how much would that effort cost, Kaus said. Game and Fish wants to know the degree of suppression needed and the price tag. The illegal walleye introduction likely occurred from 2002 through 2004. If a tagged walleye is caught, anglers are asked to call the Cody Game and Fish office at 307-527-7125 or the phone number provided on the tag. Editor: May 3 was teacher appreciation day in eastern Carbon County for School District 2. Through the past 17 years in Carbon County, especially eastern part of Carbon County District 2, why hold such a day? Wyoming is ranked No. 1 in spending on education at $14,699 per student, and our legislative body still ponders on why there are no increases in student graduations, and overall rise in Wyomings total outcomes. Eastern Carbon County high school is named Hanna, Elk Mountain and Medicine Bow (HEM), which is a combined school system designed to serve each community, and save costs... However the overall economic outlook for these communities is very poor, which in turn affects the cost, current education and students attending HEM. Currently in Eastern Carbon County public school system the roles of home schooling have increased -- why? Parents from the elementary to the high school levels are dissatisfied with the education process and teaching skills, along with the parent communication skills from the principle and staff. Yes, Eastern Carbon County does have good teachers, but the field is limited. Therefore, public education frustrations are compounded each year by the current system entrenched and in eastern Carbon County. HEMs education system is locked within the roles of teachers raised within these communities and now teaching, or the good old boy syndrome. Therefore, a huge gap of school policies and disciplines enforced by these teachers, and principle are based upon the friends and members of long time established families, in all three communities, not current School District 2 policies. The truth is the truly qualified teachers are not looking at HEM, or the economically deprived communities. The Carbon County School district school board hires the first year teachers, who interviewed throughout the total systems, and HEM is last choice. Administration is not based on the standards of the total school district policies but tenured teachers and the internal roles of these three communities to fit in at HEM. The parents dont seem to like it. Turning to home schooling -- now, is that truly appreciation? Stephanie Wright woke in the intensive care unit of a Gillette hospital in June 2014. She couldnt feel her body from the waist down. After overdosing on pain pills, Wright had to learn how to walk again, her 3-year-old son by her side. She worked with a physical therapist, who helped her move her ankles and toes. She slowly started to regain feeling. Wright sought treatment for her addiction. But getting clean wasnt easy. Withdrawal symptoms made her feel like she wanted to die, so she kept using. Nearly two years after the overdose, Wright was sober and receiving care at a Casper rehab facility, though she still lacked feeling in her feet. A new program at Central Wyoming Counseling Center in Casper could make it easier for patients like Wright to kick their addictions. *** Wyomings growing problems with heroin and other opioids are severe enough that theyve drawn the attention of federal officials. Admissions for heroin treatment spiked 128 percent between 2011 and 2015, according to the Wyoming Department of Health. Admissions for opioids and other synthetic drugs jumped 32 percent during the same period. The alarming rise prompted the Department of Healths Behavioral Health Division to seek a federal grant that will pay for medication-assisted treatment programs in two Wyoming communities. The programs provide people addicted to opioids with medications that will assist in their rehabilitation. Opiate treatment programs have traditionally used methadone to help users kick their addictions, said Carol King, substance abuse program director at CWCC. Methadone, however, is addicting and can be abused. Suboxone, one of the medications CWCC will be using to treat opioid addiction, has been around for about 20 years, King said. Patients are less likely to become addicted to suboxone than methadone. King said suboxone also offers a greater quality of life, allowing patients to work or attend school and have a healthy family life. While addicts who use medication-assisted treatment may relapse following rehabilitation, it cuts down on the number of times someone has to go through treatment to get sober for good, King said. The amount of suffering for people to go through to get clean and sober is much reduced, she said. And the sooner somebody can get to a stable relationship with their addiction, the less it costs them, their family and the community. Wyoming has the second-highest death rate per capita due to heroin use in the country (behind Washington, D.C.), King said. While suboxone isnt a new treatment, it is new to Wyoming. What that indicates to me is there are services available in urban areas that not available in rural areas, she said. So were not creating a new treatment, were creating availability. Wyoming was one of 11 states to be awarded the three-year, $3 million grant. CWCC and Southwest Counseling Service in Rock Springs recently launched their medication-assisted treatment programs. Theyre specifically targeting smaller population areas because theres less treatment options for folks in those areas, and its largely been unrecognized as being as problematic as it is, King said. The medications are used to rebalance brain chemistry for people whose brain function has been disrupted by years of opioid use. The centers will offer a small variety of treatments to match a persons situation. The medicines lower opiate cravings and may prevent the patient from getting high and from suffering withdrawal. The medications will be prescribed in combination with behavioral therapy to teach patients coping skills for their daily lives. It allows that person to become functional in society again and help those people achieve the goals they want to achieve, such as getting out of the criminal justice system and having a healthy family life, King said. *** The medication-assisted treatment program didnt exist at CWCC when Wright entered rehab. Shed tried taking street-bought suboxone. There werent any doctors in Gillette who could prescribe the drug, and the unregulated use made her sick. She wished CWCCs medication program had been available back then. I think its amazing, Wright said. If there would have been something like that available, I would have done it and probably would have been clean years ago. Wright became addicted to pain medication while she was pregnant five years ago. Doctors believed she had gallstones but couldnt operate until after Wright had given birth, so they medicated her pain. When doctors stopped prescribing the medication, Wright went looking for the pills on the streets. Last fall, she was arrested for drug possession. After spending five months in jail, she was sent to CWCC for treatment. She wished she hadnt endured so many excruciating withdrawals before getting clean. She wished she could have avoided the overdoses. She wished she hadnt put her family through so much heartache. Nonetheless, Wright was thankful for the treatment she finally received at CWCC. She learned coping skills to help her curb her impulse control. When I got pregnant I never imagined all this, Wright said I never imagined this whole future. But, in all honesty, Im grateful for it, because now I wake up and Im sober and I know I can do this. *** Anyone can become addicted to opiates, King said. The drugs mimic natural painkillers our bodies produce, so our brains are hardwired to accept the chemicals. Many people become addicted to painkillers following an injury or surgery, and some move on to heroin as an alternative, King said. Others, especially adolescents, begin by using heroin. Theres not a stereotypical group, King said. Its surprising the variety of folks who are using. Nevertheless, CWCC chose target groups for the medication-assisted treatment program. King determined the groups of people who were most often visiting the center for opioid addiction treatment. Those include pregnant women and women with children, criminal offenders and Native Americans. However, anyone addicted to opiates may partake in the program, she said. CWCC will work with Wyoming courts, the Department of Corrections and the Department of Family Services, among other groups, to provide referral resources. She expects the community will notice the programs benefits over time. Fewer people may be visiting the emergency room for overdoses. Arrest and recidivism rates may drop. The Department of Family Services may have smaller caseloads as parents who had been struggling with addiction will be able to care for their children. This is a really cool thing, King said. Its a way to help people start that journey of recovery. PIERRE, S.D. Crime statistics for 2015 show an increase in overall crime in South Dakota from the previous year, some of which can be attributed to a 22 percent jump in drug arrests. Increased methamphetamine use is continuing to have a significant impact on higher levels of violent crime in South Dakota, Attorney General Marty Jackley said when releasing the data Friday. The report shows drops in many property crimes and juvenile offenses but a need to strengthen prevention when it comes to drug and alcohol offenses, financial crimes and child sex crimes, Jackley said. The statistics reflect that overall, South Dakota remains a safe place to live as a result of strong community involvement and law enforcement efforts, he said. Law enforcement agencies in the state last year reported about 40,000 total arrests, up nearly 6 percent from 2014. Total offenses were up 9 percent, to about 71,000. Homicide and negligent manslaughter arrests dropped from 20 to 16. Arrests also dropped for thefts, arson, burglaries and prostitution. Arrests for sex offenses, assault, fraud, robberies, motor vehicle thefts, driving under the influence and child pornography all increased. Juvenile arrests dropped nearly 4 percent, to about 4,700. Juvenile arrests have fallen 32 percent since a recent peak of just under 7,000 in 2009. LONGMONT, Colo. Astrophysicist Philip Judge, a Brit living in Longmont, has become so incensed about climate-change doubters in recent years that he invented a whole new genre of fiction on the subject, called cli-fi-sci. Hes planning three books, the Ergo Sum trilogy, with the second, Credo, Ergo Sum, having been self-published in April. The third and final volume will be out later in the year. Judge, 56, is a senior scientist with the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, where he has worked for 25 years. He arrived in the United States in 1988, first living in Boulder, then moving to Niwot in the late 1990s due to a preference for his childrens elementary school, and then finally to Longmont when his children went to college. According to Judge, hes been very concerned about doubters and what he deems to be their political motives. In September, Judge had what he called a difficult week at work, and decided to take a couple of weeks off. I thought that I had better make something good out of something bad and I started writing, he said. Within about three weeks, I had written a story about the ethics of whats going on. Basically, I was asking myself the question, What kind of person is willing to gamble the future of their grandchildren at the expense of today? I dont understand that, personally. I wrote it for myself. I didnt write it for the public. My wife read it, shes a literature major, and she said that its good, so I decided to push the thing. Judge said that the first book is really a look at the decline of the world, and a mission in interstellar travel, including discussion about how we havent heard from intelligent life when there are so many stars out there. The second book is about hope, when the world has hit rock-bottom. The third is about how to deal with the future. The trilogy was clearly prompted by climate change, and what Judge considers the hijacking of the word skepticism, as he believes its a very important part of what scientists do trying to disprove their own theories until they cant. That skepticism is absolutely built into what we do, he said. To have somebody else say, Were the skeptics, youre not, is actually rather insulting and it doesnt give you credit for what your actual job is about. While Judges books are works of fiction, there are elements of scientific fact and well-researched theories in there, based on the ideas that concern the author the most. For example, Judge said that theres so much CO2 in the Earths atmosphere now that, were we to cut off the supply today, its already too late. Its a done deal, he said. What we should be doing is prepare to retreat from coastal areas. It wont happen immediately, but it takes one of those really big ice sheets to come off Antarctica. I think the loss of an ice sheet will probably prompt action. Judge does believe that theres cause to be optimistic, however, as there are various projects and initiatives going on around the country that he believes are steps in the right direction. The windmills in Wyoming, for example, he said. People need to learn to live with the planet and not using it. LARAMIE Facing budget cuts that will likely mean cutting jobs, University of Wyoming trustees approved reductions in their own expenses, although some trustees said they could do more. The trustees this week approved spending $229,000 in fiscal year 2017 for travel, catering and lodging and other board meeting and activity expenses. That is down from about $302,000 that they spent in fiscal year 2015. As a board of trustees, we have to make these cuts wherever possible, Trustee Larry Gubbels said, noting the board will be cutting the spending of other UW departments. We have to be willing to do it also. Airfare costs have been the largest board expense. The proposed FY 2017 budget provides $90,000 for trustee usage of the UW aircraft, down from nearly $132,000 in FY 2015. Trustee John McKinley said it costs about $1,200 per flight hour to fly trustees in for meetings. Because of the large geographic area, its important thats available to encourage full involvement by trustees, McKinley said. The 12-member board, along with five ex-officio members, oversees operations and sets tuition at the states only public, four-year university. Gov. Matt Mead on Wednesday said the university will have to cut $35 million from its new two-year budget, which was already trimmed by the Legislature earlier this year, because of falling state revenues. UW President Dick McGinity said the university will have to cut personnel although how many has not been determined. Catering expenses have also been a large budget item, costing more than $61,000 in 2015. McKinley plans on cutting the cost nearly in half to $32,000. Some of the savings have already begun. Trustees are now on their own for a morning meal instead of starting the day with a working breakfast and are eating packed lunches rather than a buffet. We save $2,000 a meeting if we eat beforehand and then come to the meeting, McKinley said. However, some trustees believed they could do more. Trustee Mike Massie noted that the reduction to $229,000 wasnt all that much because the $302,000 spent in FY 2015 exceeded the projected budget of $240,000 for that year. He said more savings could be found, such as holding fewer large dinner events with constituents and others. In the end, Massie, Gubbels and two other trustees voted against the spending plan. CHEYENNE The Wyoming Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a Laramie mans attempted rape conviction in a cold case dating from 1972. A jury last year acquitted Lance David Bean of Laramie of charges of rape and murder in the death of 20-year-old Sharon Reher. Jurors convicted Bean of attempted rape and a judge sentenced him to five years of probation. Prosecutors said Bean was at a party at Rehers Laramie residence the night before she was found dead from a stab wound. Investigators testified during Beans trial that recent testing showed DNA from Beans skin on Rehers clothing. Bean appealed his conviction to the Wyoming Supreme Court. His lawyer Galen Woelk argued on appeal there was no proof Bean was involved in any crimes. Were disappointed, Woelk said Thursday. Woelk said the case highlights a legal issue of growing national importance: that criminal defendants can be convicted only on touch DNA evidence, meaning the few cells that may be left behind when a person touches an object. Investigators talked to Bean and others who had attended Rehers party during their initial investigation. Woelk said the recent discovery of Beans DNA only confirmed what investigators already knew, that Bean had been present in the victims home. Woelk said the state Supreme Court ruling showed the court was not willing to undertake an analysis of whether the presence of touch DNA alone is sufficient support a conviction, particularly when the defendant had an innocent explanation for having been at the crime scene previously. Thats the underlying concern and disappointment with the case, he said. The jury in Beans case had been instructed that they had to find that Reher was in imminent fear of being raped by Bean to find him guilty of the attempted rape charge. Woelk said. However, the jury reached its guilty verdict despite a complete lack of such evidence, he said. The Wyoming Attorney Generals Office argued in favor of upholding Beans conviction. Attorney General Peter Michael said Thursday the jury was entitled to rely on circumstantial evidence in finding Bean guilty. A lesson we learn frequently in the criminal practice is that we let juries use their sense based on what they know about the facts they have to draw inferences, Michael said. Thats as it should be. It works sometimes against the prosecution, sometimes in favor. It depends on the case. Comic con Wyoming is hosting its first comic con a gathering focused on pop culture and comics. The event, slated for this weekend in Cheyenne, has attracted top-level talent, including keynote speaker and and University of Wyoming graduate K. Harrison Sweeney, and fans are set to attend from all over the country and continent. Sweeney points out that he was able to follow his acting dream, despite growing up far from the lights of Hollywood in Worland, and that he hopes to share that message with young Wyomingites. Cool research A team of researchers hopes ice in western Wyoming is holding valuable clues to the areas history who and what lived in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and when. Those clues could become even more valuable if they indicate what we can expect the future to hold for our warming climate. A grant from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, University of Wyoming and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation will allow the scientists to pursue these artifacts and learn from them. Detective show Book club students at Natrona County High School recently got a taste of the real world when a Wyoming detective stopped by to discuss a Missouri cold case from the early 1980s. The students actively participated in the discussion, offering suggestions to help solve the crime. Most important, they read and understood a book part of the districts One Community, One Book effort. Help fight hunger today Letter carriers across Wyoming and the nation will collect donated food Saturday to distribute across communities. Donors can leave a bag of nonperishable food at their mailbox or drop off food at a local post office or at the Food Bank of the Rockies warehouse. A rural utility that serves parts of Southern Arizona has backed off its support of a controversial proposal to mandate rates with so-called demand charges, after a backlash from customers and consumer advocates. But UNS Electric, a sister company to Tucson Electric Power Co., still wants customers with newer rooftop solar installations to pay demand charges, while cutting credits those customers get for their excess energy production under a process known as net metering. A demand-charge mandate would fundamentally change the way customers pay for power by partly basing bills on periods of peak usage, and could set a precedent in TEPs pending rate case as well as other future cases. In the latest legal brief filed in its pending rate case, UNS dropped its support for a proposal floated by the Arizona Corporation Commissions own staff ahead of hearings held in March that all of its residential and small-business customers be put on rates with demand charges. However, the utility still wants to raise its basic monthly charge, force rooftop-solar customers to pay on-demand-charge rates and significantly cut credits solar customers get for their excess power production. UNS spokesman Joe Barrios noted that the utility did not originally propose the demand-charge mandate for all customers, though it had supported the staffs proposal. What were asking for is very similar to the model in our initial application, Barrios said. He said UNS decided to modify its approach to on-demand charges after concerned customers packed rate hearings in Tucson in March and public-comment sessions in Lake Havasu and Nogales. UNS still believes demand charges may be appropriate for some customers, and the utility was prepared to give customers new tools to track their usage, Barrios said, but the timing was not right. We feel it would have been a challenge to educate customers about what we were proposing and what it would do to their bills, Barrios said, adding that some opponents of the rate plan had spread misinformation about the impact of demand rates. UNS has maintained its proposal to raise the fixed monthly charge all customers pay, to $15 from $10 now, for residential customers. The companys latest proposal also includes a new, optional rate for business customers that features a demand charge with a time-of-use rate, under which ratepayers are charged more during periods of peak demand. Besides forcing solar customers on one of two rates with demand charges, UNS wants to end monthly carryovers, or banking, of customers excess energy and cut the reimbursement rate for excess energy sent back to the grid. Solar advocates and industry representatives maintain UNS solar proposals are unfairly discriminatory and that additional charges would make rooftop solar uneconomical. The Alliance for Solar Choice, a solar-industry group, says UNS has failed to prove that new charges on solar customers are needed with legally required studies on cost of service and a benefits-to-cost analysis, and that a pending, statewide proceeding on the value of customer-sited solar is the place to properly examine the issue. The group also says the new rate at which UNS proposes to credit solar customers is inadequate and unfair. In its latest brief, UNS has proposed cutting the amount it pays solar customers for excess energy from 11 cents per kilowatt-hour currently to about 6 cents, or roughly what the company pays for power from utility-scale solar farms. The changes would apply to solar customers whose systems were approved for grid connection after June 1, 2015. The proposal to raise the basic monthly charge has drawn fire from customers and consumer groups including AARP, which say it will hit low-income and fixed-income customers hardest. The Arizona Community Action Association has proposed automatic enrollment of low-income customers already on other public-assistance programs and a special rate for low-income customers. UNS opposes those ideas and instead has proposed more than doubling the discounts it offers to its poorest customers. Meanwhile, the Residential Utility Consumer Office, a state watchdog agency, has offered an alternative proposal that would require solar-net-metering customers to take service under one of three rate options. One is a non-export option, where a customer can choose a traditional rate if they do not export any excess power; another is an advanced time-of-use option including a minimum bill and a demand charge. Almost all people who work in this country are covered by Social Security. In other words, they have a job where Social Security taxes are deducted from their paychecks. But about 10 percent of Americans work at jobs that are not covered by Social Security. Usually these are state and local government jobs. Why is that? Because back when Social Security laws were enacted in the 1930s, Congress felt that they could not force a federal pension plan (Social Security) on state and local governments. So they gave them the option of joining Social Security or not. Most did. But some did not. And still today, there are some large groups of employees, like teachers in some states and police officers and firefighters in other states, who do not pay into Social Security. Also, federal government employees were initially not covered by Social Security because they had their own pension system in place before Social Security came along. But all federal employees hired since 1982 pay into Social Security. However, there are still some old feds out there (hired before 1982) who are not in Social Security. Folks who spend the bulk of their careers in jobs not covered by Social Security are potentially subject to a couple of offsets that impact either their own Social Security benefit (based on Social Security-covered work they did outside of their regular job) or any benefits they potentially might be due from their spouses Social Security record. There always has been a great deal of confusion and an awful lot of misinformation about those offsets. If you are potentially impacted by these offsets, todays column will help you understand them. One offset is called the windfall elimination provision. This is the one that impacts your own Social Security benefit. The other is called the government pension offset, and it reduces any spousal benefits you might be due. The key to understanding the windfall elimination provision is to realize that the word social in Social Security means something. Unlike private and other public sector pension plans, there are social goals built into the Social Security program. One of those goals is to raise the standard of living of lower-income workers in retirement. This is accomplished through a benefit formula that is designed to give lower-paid workers a better deal than their more highly paid counterparts. Very low-paid workers could get a Social Security benefit that represents up to 90 percent of their earnings. This percentage is known as a replacement rate. People with average incomes (the middle class) generally get a 40 percent replacement rate. Higher-income people get a rate around 30 percent. The problem is that people who spend the bulk of their working lives not paying into Social Security are automatically treated as low-income people by the Social Security Administrations computers. Thats because there are zeros on their Social Security earnings record for every year they spent in their non-Social Security job. SSAs records wont show they were actually working at the other job and earning another pension. Instead, their Social Security earnings record simply shows gaps in their work history. So when figuring their Social Security retirement benefit, SSAs computers automatically use the formula intended to compensate a lower-income person. But teachers, police officers, firefighters and other government employees generally can be classified as people with average incomes, so they should get the same Social Security replacement rate paid to all middle-class workers. Thats why a modified formula is used to refigure their benefits and give them the proper and fair replacement rate. If youre an employee impacted by this law, that modified formula takes you from the 90 percent (poor persons) replacement rate to the 40 percent (middle-class persons) replacement rate, thus reducing estimated benefits by about half. Most career teachers and government employees generally have just barely over the qualifying 40 quarters (10 years) of Social Security covered work. But if you have 30 or more years of substantial Social Security earnings, the windfall provision wont apply and your benefit will not be reduced. If you have between 20 and 29 years of substantial earnings, your Social Security benefit will be only partially reduced. A chart giving a year-by-year breakdown of what the government considers substantial earnings is available at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10045.html The other rule that so many people misunderstand is the government pension offset, or GPO. In a nutshell, that law says that an amount equal to two-thirds of a non-Social Security-covered pension must be deducted from any Social Security dependents benefits a person might be due. In effect, the law prevents most folks who work at jobs not covered by Social Security from collecting benefits as a wife, widow, husband, or widower from a spouses Social Security record. What these people dont realize is that the government pension offset law simply treats them in the same way that all other working people have always been treated. For example, if a woman who worked at a job that was covered by Social Security gets a Social Security retirement pension, that pension has always offset any spousal benefits she might have been due. Before the GPO law went into effect, people getting a non-Social Security pension were the only working people in this country who could get their own retirement pension and a full dependents benefit from Social Security. And the GPO law actually gives these people a bit of a break. Social Security retirement pensions offset spousal benefits dollar for dollar. But a non-Social Security retirement pension causes only a three-for-two offset. In other words, for each $3 you get in a teachers or other noncovered pension, you lose only $2 from Social Security spousal benefits. Due to the space constraints of my column, this has been a very simplified explanation of a very complicated set of laws. To learn more about the government pension offset and the windfall elimination provision, send an email to me at thomas.margenau@comcast.net and ask for a free digital copy of my pension offset fact sheet. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot Joni Mitchell, Big Yellow Taxi. Joni Mitchell wrote the lyrics to that 1970 hit after her first trip to Hawaii. On her first morning there, she looked down from her room and there was a parking lot as far as the eye could see, and it broke my heart this blight on paradise. Joni, you should see the place nowone high-rise condo, hotel or shopping center after another, all sandwiched next to each other along Waikiki Beach. Tell you what, though. What we didnt see on our first trip back to Honolulu after 23 years was a parking lot. Way too valuable property, I assume. These days, those parking lots are either encased inside multi-story garages or tucked underneath all those high rises. Sure, there were plenty of high-rises up and down Waikiki on our first visit in 1993. Even so, much of the old grace and charm of Hawaii remained, particularly at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Opened in 1927, it featured 400 rooms inside its sprawling pink stucco walls. By the time we first saw the Royal Hawaiian, it was already dwarfed by much taller hotels and condos along the beach. Even so, it stood apart from the others, with a little breathing room. No more. This time to get to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, we had to actually walk through the lobby of an adjacent hotel on one side. Meanwhile, the other side of the hotel is now overshadowed by the immense Royal Hawaiian Center a 310,000 square-foot property sprawled across more than six acres, with 110 shops. Naturally, it features a parking garage10 levels, with more than 600 stalls. It never ceases to amaze me that people would rather shop at the iconic places they visit, rather than take in the moment. Sure, I can understand doing a little souvenir shopping for the folks back home at what a friend of mine refers to as the rubber tomahawk store. But does anyone go to Honolulu to shop at Macys when theres one or two in your own hometown? Meanwhile, I am happy to report that, once found, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel still holds the same grace and charm its always had, if not its cooling breezes. Maybe its because of all the concrete surrounding it, but we found its outside patios and bars warm and muggy. Luckily, we were not staying there but at the Hale Koa, a wonderful hotel on 72 acres fronting a stretch of Waikiki Beach. The hotel is set aside for active-duty and retired military and we were there as guests of a friend who is retired military and her husband. Operating self-sufficiently without any taxpayer support, the hotel takes up much of the Fort DeRussy Military Reservation, which once served as a now-retired shore battery for coastal defense. Flanking the hotel on one side is a spacious park with picnic tables and grills open to the public. On the other side squats the former Battery Randolph, now housing the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii. We toured that museum as well as the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and the nearby Pacific Aviation Museum. As for the hokiest-but-most-fun tour, Ive gotta give it to the Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet. Located on Oahus windward coast near the Kualoa Ranch, the tour offered a rickety bus ride to several sites, where we were treated to fresh-shaved coconut and demonstrations involving fire-tossed torches. After a week in Honolulu, we said goodbye to our friends and flew to Hilo, on the Big Island. Our final destination was Volcano Village, a tiny cluster of homes, restaurants and at least one general store set in the middle of a rain forest close to Kilauea. We spent two calming nights there at a Zen-like bed and breakfast so relaxed that you summoned the owner not with a bell but with a drum hanging on the front porch. When Margarita Rivera injured her back, she didn't think she could ever cheer again. But she did. Now the senior is headed to Eastern Arizona College, which has offered her a scholarship for cheer. Video by Yoohyun Jung PHOENIX With no time for a legal challenge and insufficient funds for a recall, an attorney is calling on the Republican-controlled Legislature to do something its unlikely to do: impeach Secretary of State Michele Reagan. Tom Ryan said the blame for more than 400,000 Arizonans not getting their ballot pamphlets by the deadline required by law lies strictly on Reagan and Eric Spencer, her hand-picked elections director. Reagan, through a spokesman, said the problem was due to a mistake by an outside firm in preparing mailing lists. Ryan said even if that is true, that does not excuse what happened next. She hid the fact that the publicity pamphlets had not gone out, he said at a press conference outside the Capitol tower where Reagan has her office. Reagan never voluntarily disclosed the problem that she knew about no later than April 25, but conceded the problem only earlier this week. And by that time, Ryan said, it was too late to bring a legal challenge to postpone Tuesdays special election on a school-funding proposition. Ryan suggested a political motive . He said Reagan is a supporter of Proposition 123. And he said the arguments against the measure that went out in the ballot pamphlet were a key tool of the foes who are being outspent by a margin of $4 million to less than $10,000. She is not supposed to be putting her thumb on the scales, said Ryan, who is working to defeat the constitutional amendment to divert funds from an education trust account to settle a lawsuit filed against the state by schools. And thats effectively what shes done. Reagan, as she has done for days, would not consent to an interview. Instead, publicist Matt Roberts said his boss did everything in her power to correct the problem once she learned of it. There was no cover-up, he said. As to the failure to voluntarily disclose the problem, he said the office was focused on making right what was wrong. Roberts also denied that his boss is campaigning for or even supports Prop. 123, though he conceded she did make statements in favor of Gov. Doug Duceys funding plan . What her statements clearly indicate is that she supports an end to the litigation and recognizes that our schools are underfunded, Roberts said. And this was a solution that seemingly made sense. Ryans call came a day after Attorney General Mark Brnovich concluded Reagan violated election laws by failing to send out the pamphlets on time but concluded there is no penalty . Brnovich also said there is no legal way to postpone Tuesdays election. Lebanon Top Hezbollah leader killed in explosion BEIRUT The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said Saturday that the explosion in Damascus that killed its top militant commander was caused by insurgent shelling and vowed to continue fighting alongside the Syrian government until the rebels are defeated. Mustafa Badreddine was the highest-ranking Hezbollah militant to be killed since the group joined Syrias civil four years ago. Hezbollah said the blast near the Damascus International Airport was caused by artillery shelling from takfiri groups, a term Hezbollah uses to refer to Sunni extremists. The area on the southern edge of the Syrian capital is known to host positions of several militant groups, including al-Qaidas branch in Syria, known as the Nusra Front. Islamic State captures Assad hospital, dorms BEIRUT The Islamic State group launched an offensive against government forces in eastern Syria on Saturday and captured several buildings, including a hospital, in clashes that left more than two dozen people dead on both sides. Deir el-Zour, near the border with Iraq, is split between government forces and IS fighters. Government-held areas have been under a months-long siege by the extremists, and the U.N. has been airdropping aid to residents amid food and medicine shortages. The Local Coordination Committees, an activist-run collective, said IS fighters have captured the Assad hospital, university dorms and grain silos in an advance that began at dawn. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fighting killed at least 20 government troops and six IS fighters. It said government forces have surrounded the hospital but the fate of its staff and patients is not known. Afghanistan Government close to militant peace deal KABUL Afghanistan is expected to finalize a peace deal with a notorious militant group in the coming days, in what could be a template for ending the 15-year war with the Taliban, a government official and a representative of the militant group said Saturday. The deal is partly symbolic as the group in question, Hezb-i-Islami, has been largely inactive for years, but it marks a breakthrough for President Ashraf Ghani, who has made little progress in reviving peace talks with the far more powerful Taliban. Under the 25-point agreement, a draft of which was seen by The Associated Press, Hezb-i-Islami would end its war against the government, commit to respecting the Afghan constitution and cease all contact with other insurgents. In return, its members would receive amnesty, and its prisoners would be released. Ataul Rahman Saleem, deputy head of the High Peace Council a government body charged with negotiating an end to the war told the AP that the deal could be completed Sunday, after two years of negotiations. A senior representative of Hezb-i-Islami, Amin Karim, also said he expected Ghani to approve the final version of the agreement Sunday. Italy Doctor under arrest for alleged egg theft ROME A fertility doctor has been put under house arrest in Italy after a Spanish nurse alleged that some of her eggs were surgically removed without her consent at his clinic. On Friday, Severino Antinori was taken into custody by police at a Rome airport, and a Milan fertility clinic he ran was sequestered, according to Carabinieri police. The police said no one who worked on the investigation was available to give further details Saturday. The Italian news agency ANSA quoted Antinori as denying the allegations, describing them as out of this world. ANSA said Antinori spoke with the agency from a hospital where he was taken Saturday for a checkup after feeling ill. Italian news reports on Saturday said the 24-year-old nurse, who had gone to the clinic to explore job prospects, told investigators that in April she was forcefully held, given anesthesia and had eggs removed following a hormone treatment apparently for an ovarian cyst. Greece Refugees are detained in former seaside resort MYRSINI At the end of a long, straight road on the coastal flats between the southern Greek village of Myrsini and the Ionian Sea sits a refugee shelter that could have popped out of a travel brochure. The 338 Syrians and Iraqis who have been living there since March say theyre grateful to be safe in seaside bungalows, but getting restless, eager to continue journeys they hope will take them to the more prosperous nations of western Europe. Local authorities volunteered the resort, which had been abandoned for years, to a Greek government that encountered strong opposition from some other communities as it quickly tried to build camps for tens of thousands of stranded refugees. Help India! By Shafeeq Hudawi Kozhikode: In the wake of the gruesome rape and murder of Jisha, a Dalit girl, the state of Kerala was still in shock when another incident brought further shame to its residents. Kailas Jyothy Behra, a young labourer was beaten to death at Chiravamuttam village in Kottayam district of Kerala. Support TwoCircles Behra, who was mistaken for a thief, was lynched a few days back by a mob, and according to local media reports, about 50 persons remained watching the youngster slowly die in the scorching sun. His hands were tied up and none took him to hospital or even offer any help, says activist Dr. B Ekbal. When the former Vice Chancellor of Kerala University, who resides in Kottayam, contacted some local people they said the migrant labourer might have involved in the theft cases recently reported in the area. I felt ashamed when I failed to find no signs of regret in their words. They were justifying the brutal lynching of youngster, who came here to earn his bread, he said. This was not the first instance of migrant workers being targeted in Kerala. A few months ago, a young labourer Jagabandhu Karkaria from Rayagada district of Odisha was murdered by a bakery owner in Thrissur. Incidents like these have brought into focus the growing xenophobia in Kerala and according to members of civil society it has been on a steady rise in the past few years. For last three years, xenophobia has been alarmingly increasing. Keralaites want only these migrants workforce. The self-pride of being a Malayali doesnt allow them to treat these migrants as human beings, PA Pouran, a member of Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) told Twocircles.net. A study carried by PUCL at plywood industry of Perumbavoor, where thousands of migrants are working had found that the chemicals used in plywood making posed serious health hazards. The locals are reluctant to do such jobs in low wages, but these poor migrants are compelled to do so, he says. State mostly dependant on migrant workforce for crucial sectors As per the figures with the Centre for Development Studies (CDS), there are around 30 lakh labourers working here from West Bengal, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and other north-eastern states. The state has roughly one-third of the total annual income from foreign countries, mainly from Gulf countries. As per the figures with Non Resident Kerala (NoRKA) Department, there are 28 to 30 lakh Keralites working abroad. CDS studies say that more than Rs 1 lakh crore is contributed by expatriates. The corresponding figure for migrants comes to about Rs 20,000-25,000 crore, yet there is a growing opinion that immigrants take away our money, says Ekbal. According to him, various industries including construction sites will completely come to a standstill if the migrants abstain from their works. We were left to suffer when the Tamilans started going back around five years ago when they got opportunities in their own villages. The same scenario will happen when these migrants go back. They are here to fill the vacancies, generated by the exodus of Malayali diaspora, he adds. Pride gives way to prejudice According to Ekbal, it is often the self-pride of Keralites that lead to migrant labourers being denied their rights The intellectuals have taught locals to resist anything from foreign. They oppose a thought, even if its positive, saying that it is foreign and not befitting to our social environment. Thus, Keralites often sneer when they see Biharis or Bhayyas from UP or any other states, Ekbal says. Media and Police make things worse for migrant labourers The gruesome death of the migrant from Assam found no due place in mainstream media because the entire state was caught up with Jishas murder. However, some of the local media reports even reached to a far-fledged assumption that the mob might have been provoked by the possible involvement of migrant labourers in Jishas murder. The police, who groped in the dark, picked migrant labourers in relation with Jishas murder. Though no migrant link was evident, the police was tempted by the huge migrant population in the nearby town Perumbavoor. Perumbavoor has around one lakh migrants, who are associated in the plywood industry here. Police tend to go for a migrant link whenever a crime is reported. They find it easy to make these poor labourers admit the crimes, says Ekbal. According to P A Pouran, the media, which is hand in glove with the corporate powers, also keeps a careful eye on these workforce. They exaggerate the crimes, in which migrants get involved, he says. However, according to him, the government also commits criminal lapses in addressing the woes of migrant workforce. Migrant welfare has found no place in their election manifestos. The labour department is yet to get the number of migrant labourers in the state, Pouran adds. Migrant labourers complain of discrimination, but have few options Mubarack Hossein, Mohammed Ali and Jahangir Alam, hailing from Uttar Dinajpur district in West Bengal and currently work in Tirur, Malappuram district. They were on their way to their rooms when Twocircles.net spoke to them. The trio said they hardly followed the newspapers and news channels. The only news source we have here is the social media. That too we follow to get updates from our home state, said Mubarack Hossein. The trio was shocked when they came to know the killing of the Assamese labourer from this correspondent. The reason for them migrating so far from their districts is simple: when it comes to earning, they are happy as here they can earn upto Rs. 700 for a days plastering work while they are paid only Rs. 200 for the same job in West Bengal. However, this does not mean there is no discrimination. The trio point out their Malayali coworkers are given up to Rs.900 per day. We are happy. But, discrimination is there. Some of our friends, working under Malayali agents, undergo exploitation. They have to pay certain commission to these agents, said Mohammed Ali. The workers are not helped by the lack of communication between them and the local residents. While most of the contractors are able to understand and communicate in Hindi, workers say they take five or six months to understand the basics of Malayalam. Though we are unable to speak Malayalam, we understand what they ask us to do, said Hossein. Nevertheless, this means that there is little communication between the locals and the migrants, which creates more distrust among the two communities. But more than the local people, it is the police that make lives of the migrants more difficult. Unnecessary questioning and unwanted checking of their accommodation places by the Health Department go a long way in ostracising the migrant labourers of the state. Earlier, the public used to scold us during our train journeys calling Bengalis. Now, the government officials have started following us citing we are spreading diseases here and doing crimes, Mohammed Ali said. While asked about the labour and health cards for migrants, being issued by the State Government, they said new unwanted rules will follow such cards. According to them, if the plight continues they will have to leave the state for ever. These raids will be extended and strengthened. We will be portrayed as criminals and one day we will be unable to stay here, said Mubarack Hossein. A date for the BREXIT referendum is set for June 23rd, 2016. On that day, UK voters will decide whether to stay or leave the European Union. Passions are running high in families and communities across the UK where friends have turned into foes because of differences of opinion. Parties are also divided. Divisions among members of the Conservatives, on the surface, seem more visible. The Liberal Democrats are pro-EU whereas the UK Independence Party are for BREXIT. The Labour party by and large is pro-EU but some of its elected officials are involved in the Leave Campaign. The Green Party is campaigning to remain in the EU. The Scottish National Party is campaigning for to remain. The BREXIT campaign will not follow the trend of polarisation of Northern Ireland. The Ulster Unionists Party is joining Sinn Fein, the Alliance Party and SDLP in campaigning for remaining in the EU. The Democratic Unionist Party is on the Leave side of the debate. In Wales, Plaid Cymru is on the remain side. Unusual allies are also expected to play their part. In anticipation of Barack Obamas support of the remain campaign during his visit, Boris Johnson, lead campaigner for the leave campaign, wrote an essay published by the Sun Newspaper on April 22nd, 2016. He suggested that the part-Kenyan presidents ancestral dislike of the British Empire may be behind his support for the UK to remain in the EU. He stressed that Obamas dislike of the UK is evidenced by the removal of the bust of Winston Churchill from the Oval Office. Up to that particular moment in time, I had noted that both sides of the debate had members from ethnic minorities. It had never crossed my mind that voters views could be influenced by the legacy of colonialism. Issues in the debate Issues that might influence those who have made their home in the UK would relate to the mundane issues underpinned by self-interest. This would be true to anyone else no matter their ethnicity. Having said that ancillary debates in the BREXIT campaign, will influence the vote of people hailing from former colonies. Issues such as globalisation, immigration, international development, human rights and equality and diversity are coming up in the referendum debates. These may influence the direction of the ethnic minorities vote over and above the issues of colonial legacy. The polarisation of the debate means that there are no right or wrong statements. Any input even from such a powerful figure as President Obama, is likely to trigger a reaction. The spectrum of reactions ranges between endorsement by the happy side and condemnation by the side on the receiving end. Ultimately the UK voters will decide. Time will tell whether Obamas input in the debate will have an effect in the outcome of the referendum. People from former colonies who have made the UK their home and eligible to vote will cast their ballot too. It will be interesting to study the influence of colonial legacy on their decisions on the day they cast their vote. Anthony Zinno Makes 2016 WPT Amsterdam Main Event Final Table Going for Fourth Title May 14 2016 Frank Op de Woerd Day 3 of the 2016 World Poker Tour Amsterdam 3,300 Main Event started out with 39 players, while only 36 would get paid. Right from the get go it was a pandemonium, with the shortest stack busting and the second shortest stack doubling up. While Pierre Neuville was nitting it up to secure his 100th career cash, others weren't as careful. No less than four players were all in during the final pre-bubble hand, with two of them doubling up and the third and fourth busting. Joep van den Bijgaart took the honors of busting both in the same hand, sending Yiannis Liperis home empty handed as the bubble, while Kai Lehto was eliminated in 36th place and signed for a min-cash. As per the norm, players busted left and right after the bubble. Neuville was one of them, falling at the hands of Fernando Garcia. Big name players like Andreas Hivold (ace-deuce into tens), Jason Wheeler (ace-ten to ace-jack), and Clyde Tjauw Foe (tens into ace-jack) busted and received the min-cash of 6,200 as well, but before you knew it the tournament was down to just two tables and the money got even more serious. French regular Manuel Bevand survived long enough to sneak into 14th place, but ran out of double ups when his ace-deuce didn't improve against the nines of eventual final tablist Tomas Fara. Fan favorite Kees Alblas was unfortunately the next to go. Alblas was the life of the party for most of the day together with his friend Maikel Muis. Alblas got short and gifted his last chips to Muis, who continued his comedy career as a solo artist. The godfather of Dutch poker himself, Marcel Luske, was next on the payout list. He first lost a coinflip to get short, and lost the rest to van den Bijgaart in a blind-on-blind situation. Luske's ace-three didn't hold against the queen-jack of his countryman, and the ever-so-well-dressed Dutchman exited in 12th place. Jasper Meijer's rollercoaster of a day ended when he ran ace-five into ace-king, and after Garcia busted in 10th place, the tournament was down to its last table of nine players. That wasn't the official final table just yet, as three more players had to go before the bagging and tagging would start. Muis got unlucky running ace-queen into aces, and Felipe Ramos ran into the same hand with queen-jack to go out in ninth and eighth, respectively. With the two shorties gone, play could have continued on for some time, but the poker gods had something else in mind. Van den Bijgaart found queens and got check-raised on a ten-six-four board. He got it in for a million total and Andjelko Andrejevic turned over six-four for two pair. Van den Bijgaart, who made the final table in this very event here last year (5th - 51,000) and made the final table of the WPT National Valkenburg before that as well (5th - 10,236), went out as the final-table bubble (7th - 33,558) this time around. Andrejevic led the final six when it was all said and done for the day, with three-time WPT champion Anthony Zinno also still in decent shape. 2016 WPT Amsterdam Main Event Final Table Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Anthony Zinno United States 1,375,000 28 2 Tomas Fara Czech Republic 2,115,000 42 3 Andjelko Andrejevic Serbia 3,345,000 67 4 Hans Bosman Netherlands 840,000 17 5 Emrah Cakmak France 1,050,000 21 6 Senh Ung United Kingdom 815,000 16 The remaining six players will return to Holland Casino Amsterdam on Saturday at 2 p.m. local time, and the final table will be live streamed at PokerNews.com. Plus, you can count on coverage of the most important hands of the day as well, starting at 2:30 p.m. Get all the latest PokerNews updates on your social media outlets. Follow us on Twitter and find us on both Facebook and Google+! Regional competition a balancing of interests, but not a new Cold War Updated: 2016-05-14 09:39 By NAREN CHITTY A.M(China Daily) Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (right) shakes hands with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during their meeting on the sidelines of a series of regional summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nov 21, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua] The United States is finding its regional hegemony in the Asia-Pacific contested as China whittles away the US' influence in its neighborhood. The most recent example of the expansion of Chinese influence relates to the sea boundary disputes with Brunei, Cambodia and Laos. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reported on April 24 that these members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations had agreed to follow individual paths of bilateral negotiation with China. This despite US President Barack Obama urging ASEAN member states to stand together in dealing with China's South China Sea position only two months earlier. Australia, too, has opposed Chinese actions in the South China Sea, prompting Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Colonel Wu Qian to call on Australia to "cherish the hard-won good momentum of development in bilateral relations". Many Chinese seem puzzled about Australia's position on the South China Sea and why it is not congruent with that of China. Australia and China already have good relations so they do not understand why the two countries cannot see eye-to-eye on security matters such as this? However, the Australian partnership with the US is a long-standing one, and one it is unlikely to give up. Australian policymakers will no doubt be watching nervously, as will their European counterparts, to see if Donald Trump's presidential campaign pronouncements to revisit the US' strategic architecture, might translate into policy if he ends up occupying the White House. Yet Australia's position vis-a-vis the South China Sea is one taken by a friend of China, not a foe. Countries continually seek to develop their defense capabilities, this includes forming alliances. But such moves should not be misread as confrontational. The actions must be seen in the context of other balancing actions, notably economic and soft power actions. The proof of the pudding with regard Australia is in the contrasts seen relative to its security and economic interests. While Australia is a major shareholder in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank its ally, the US, has fought shy of joining the AIIB. Australian national security interests have led to a rotational system of marines at the US base in Darwin. But the Northern Territory's economic interests have led to Landbridge, a Chinese company, winning a 99-year lease valued at $506 million, to operate the Port of Darwin. It must be said here that Australian public opinion is far from monolithic. Groups have come out for and against the economic and security actions in Darwin. But as friends, China and Australia can influence each other, not only regarding the South China Sea, but also on other matters of mutual interestsuch as cyber security and terrorism. Australia cannot coerce China to acquiesce to its stance, nor has it the intention to do so. Likewise, China cannot and does not seek to coerce Australia to accept its stance. Undertaking cooperative projects, whether military, economic or cultural, is a way of growing reciprocal positive images. So far there have been 18 Defence Strategic Dialogue meetings between Australia and China. The dialogue was reported to have been upgraded at the end of 2015 in areas of counterterrorism, peacekeeping and senior personnel exchanges. We also know that Royal Australian Navy frigates engaged in "live firing" training exercises with Chinese naval vessels in October 2015. And China will join the US-led multinational naval Rim of the Pacific exercises off Hawaii in June and July 2016. These are signs that this is not a Cold War type situation, but rather a more complex balancing of interestseconomic and securityin the contemporary geopolitical context. Australia, China and the US can cooperate in a triadic relationship to their mutual benefit without precluding other partnerships. The author is a professor and inaugural director of the Soft Power Analysis and Resource Centre at Macquarie University. China's stance on S.C. Sea arbitration is to defend rather than disobey int'l law Updated: 2016-05-14 04:53 (Xinhua) BEIJING -- China's position of neither participating in nor accepting the results of the forceful arbitration initiated by the the Philippines over the disputes in the South China Sea does not mean the country disobeys international law, on the contrary, it's defending it. The initiation of the arbitration by the Philippines in January 2013 under the UN Convention of the Law of Sea (UNCLOS) is abuse of international law as the initiative does not satisfy the preconditions set in the Convention. Peacefully resolving international disputes is an important principle in the UNCLOS. Compared to other measures such as negotiation and consultation, compulsory arbitration is a secondary and complementary method. The application of it has to meet at least four preconditions. First, the crux of the subject matter of the arbitration is the territorial disputes caused by the Philippines' illegal occupation since the 1970s of some islands and reefs in China's Nansha Islands, maritime delimitation disputes, and the evolution of the contemporary law of the sea. The issue of the territorial disputes is outside the scope of the UNCLOS, thus neither can the Philippines initiate a compulsory arbitration under this convention, nor does the arbitral tribunal in the Hague, the Netherlands, have the jurisdiction to adjudicate upon the case. Territorial disputes are governed by the UN Charter and general international law, not the UNCLOS. Second, on the subject of maritime delimitation, China made a declaration in 2006 in accordance with Article 298 of the UNCLOS, excluding disputes such as maritime delimitation, historical titles or rights, and military activities from the compulsory proceedings. China's declaration of the optional exception means it will not accept the compulsory mechanism of Part 15 of the UNCLOS in dealing with the overlapping maritime claims or delimitation issues. More than 30 countries have made similar statements. The declarations made by China and other countries constitute an integral part of the Convention and should be respected. Third, both China and the Philippines have committed themselves many times to resolving disputes between them through bilateral negotiations and consultation. Therefore, the Philippine submissions are neither suitable for compulsory arbitration at all, nor there is any basis for the formation of the tribunal. From 1995 to 2011, there were at least six joint statements between the two countries repeatedly reaffirming negotiation as the means for settling their disputes. The mutual understanding was also reflected in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) signed in 2002 by China and the Philippines, among others. The DOC emphasizes that negotiations shall be conducted by the states directly concerned. All these obviously have produced the effect of excluding any means of third-party settlement. China-Arab forum paves way for further economic, political cooperation Updated: 2016-05-14 05:09 (Xinhua) CAIRO -- The 7th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) held in Doha on Thursday paves the way for further economic and political cooperation between China and the Arab world, said Arab experts. China and the Arab world enjoy vast economic partnerships, mutual political and diplomatic support and strong relations based on respect, friendship and shared interests, according to many analysts. The China-Arab Cooperation Forum was described by Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Araby as "a good example for the South-to-South cooperation," stressing the Arab nations are "sincere and confident in our strategic cooperation." BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in Doha that the Belt and Road Initiative is "a historic opportunity" for China and the Arab nations to boost common development and national rejuvenation, expecting "huge potentials" for future Chinese-Arab cooperation in infrastructure projects. During the one-day meeting, held under the theme of "Working together on the Belt and Road Initiative and deepening China-Arab strategic cooperation," the two sides agreed to take the initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as the lodestar to promote their relations. The initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was announced by President Xi in 2013, with the aim to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road. "This initiative may form a cooperation framework between the Chinese and the Arab sides, and transport can be one of the fields of cooperation," said Gamal Bayoumi, head of the Arab Investors Union, noting the ancient Silk Road crossed some Arab states, including Egypt. Italy says happy 70th birthday to iconic scooter Updated: 2016-05-14 07:46 By Cine Cornu In Milan Agence France Presse(China Daily) From left: Actress Honor Blackman poses on a scooter in a slender cocktail dress; screen star Gary Copper enjoys a ride on the Vespa motor scooter, which is a popular vehicle among Romans. Photos Provided To China Daily Design classic and symbol of the dolce vita, the Vespa turned 70 last month and Italy's most celebrated scooter is buzzing along nicely after tripling sales in the last decade. It was on a Vespa that Gregory Peck pursued Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, the 1953 film that helped make the marque synonymous internationally with the Roman capital. But it was actually in Florence that the wasp-shaped two-wheeler was born, Enrico Piaggio having registered the patent in the Tuscan capital on April 23, 1946. Seventy years later, more than 18 million models have been sold and Piaggio's objective of reinventing the family aeronautical company has been realized and then some. With the company still dealing with the damage done to its production facilities by World War II bombing, Piaggio asked one of his engineers, Corradino d'Ascanio, to create a motorcycle that would be both easy to produce from the materials at hand and inexpensive for consumers. The simple brief proved inspired, as did the choice of d'Ascanio, who never made any secret of the fact that he found the motorbikes of the time uncomfortable, cumbersome and dirty. The engineer addressed each issue one by one and the result was a scooter with a revolutionary design that remain barely untouched to this day. It was an instant success. From sales of 2,284 in 1946, annual production increased to nearly 20,000 within two years, and to 60,000 in 1950. By the mid-50s sales had tripled again and Vespas were being manufactured in 13 countries. Retro style "The Vespa was better than a motor bike: it had a body with a front apron that protected riders from dust, the mud and the rain," says Patrice Verges, a historian of the automobile industry. "It had small wheels which made it possible to carry a spare with you at a time when punctures were a regular hazard because of nails dropping off horseshoes. "And people liked the design and the distinctive noise, which was like that of a wasp." People also liked the price. "In the 1950s and 1960s, you bought a Vespa because you could not afford a car," adds Verges. As the Italian economy began to boom in the 1980s, life got tougher for the manufacturer. Obligatory helmets made the riding experience safer but less romantic and families were able to opt for cars as their main means of getting about. Since 2004 however the brand has been undergoing a worldwide revival thanks to a combination of enthusiasm for the Vespa's retro style and its utility for moving quickly around increasingly congested cities. From 58,000 units in 2004, production, now concentrated in Italy, Vietnam and India, reached nearly 170,000 last year and the allure of the Vespa brand means Piaggio can command higher prices than rivals. "The Vespa is still a legend," is how Marco Lambri, the current design director, puts it. "It represents the best of Italian design and the (engineering) genius that allowed aeronautical technology to be applied to the creation of a scooter that has revolutionized our way of getting around." Marketing manager Davide Zanoli adds: "It is not just a vehicle, it is an icon of Italian style, elegant and irreverent at the same time." To celebrate the 70th birthday hundreds of Vespa aficionados gather last month at Pontedera near Pisa, where the scooter has been produced continuously since 1946. Among them was Carlo Bozzetti, president of the Vespa Club of Milan and proud owner of six different models from different eras. "I use one every day, for work, holidays and leisure," says the 59-year-old. "The Vespa has been part of my life for 40 years." Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. HCM CITY The price of fruit in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta has risen recently as the impact of drought and salination has caused fruit output to decline while demand has increased. Nguyen Van Thuc, deputy chairman of the Hoa Loc Mango Co-operative in Tien Giang Provinces Cai Be District, said his co-operative was buying Hoa Loc mango at a price of VN50,000 60,000 (US$2.2 2.7) a kilo, about VN10,000 higher than the same period last year. He said they did not have enough mangoes to export to Japan. Similarly, the price of citrus fruits such as oranges, mandarins and grapefruit has increased significantly because of high demand and lower output. Pham Van Lanh in Lai Vung District in ong Thap Province said at the end of last month his orchard had two tonnes of off-season sweet mandarins and a trader offered to buy them at a price of VN28,000 a kilo. The price was attractive, and I agreed to sell my sweet mandarins, he said. However, the price of sweet mandarins rose to VN30,000 a kilo and then to VN36,000 a kilo a few days later, he said. Traders now buy sweet mandarins at VN36,000-40,000 a kilo, according to farmers. Lam Van Kheo, who also lives in Lai Vung District, said: Farmers who grow sweet mandarins will have high profits at the current price. However, it is the off season of sweet mandarins so the output is down. The number of households earning high profits from the high prices is not large. ang Van Nam, director of the Ke Thanh Nam Roi Grapefruit in Soc Trang Provinces Ke Sach District, attributed the higher price of citrus fruits to the impact of drought and salination, causing a decline in yields. It is the off season for citrus fruits, so the yield has not been large, while the current demand for domestic consumption and exports is high, he said. Many grapefruit exports to Asia and Europe have halted because of the supply shortage, according to fruit enterprises in the delta. The price of citrus fruits is expected to remain high in the coming months, they said. Orchards damaged Ongoing saltwater intrusion from rivers has affected fruit orchards in the deltas coastal areas, causing many fruit trees to have their flowers and young fruits falling. o Van Tai, director of the Tan Thanh Fruit Co-operative in Cau Ke Districts An Phu Tan Commune in Tra Vinh Province, said that saltwater intrusion had caused fruit to fall on mangosteen trees cultivated on hundreds of hectares on Qui Islet. As of early this month, about 80 per cent of 1,300ha of fruit orchards in An Phu Tan Commune have been affected by salination, he said. Besides the loss of fruits, farmers worry that their fruit trees could die in the coming time, he said. Ongoing drought and salination have been threatening more than 6,000 ha of green peel and pink flesh grapefruit trees in Ben Tre. Many farmers who grow green-peel and pink-flesh grapefruits have decided to pick young grapefruit and use leaves or other materials to cover the roots of grapefruit trees in order to save them from drought and salination. In Ben Tre Provinces Cho Lach District, one of the deltas largest fruit cultivation areas, many fruit orchards cannot bear fruit because of salination. Bui Thanh Liem, head of the Cho Lach District Agriculture and Rural Development Bureau, said this was the first time the districts fruit orchards had been severely affected by salination. The bureau has set up three places to measure the salt content in water to help farmers who grow fruits and flowers, Liem said. Every day, about 1,000 farmers take water samples to the sites to test the salt content, he said. Officials at the three sites also offer advice on how to protect fruit orchards, including not using water with over 0.2 per cent salt content to irrigate fruit trees, he said. Tien Giang Province authorities have also implemented several measures, including strictly monitoring the salt content of water and informing farmers to pump water into their ponds when there is fresh water, to protect the provinces more than 60,000 ha of fruits. If fruit orchards are destroyed, it will take many years to recover them, according to Nguyen Thien Phap, head of the Tien Giang Province Irrigation Sub-department. VNS Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisouliths official visit to Viet Nam from tomorrow to next Tuesday aims to bolster the friendship, solidarity and co-operation between the two nations. VNA/VNS Photo HA NOI Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisouliths official visit to Viet Nam from tomorrow to next Tuesday aims to bolster the friendship, solidarity and co-operation between the two nations. In recent years, Viet Nam-Laos relations have grown strongly across several fields. The two countries political bond has been intensified through the exchange of high-ranking Party and State visits and the sharing of experience between ministries, sectors and localities. Stronger links have been forged in defence and security, and also at regional and global forums. The two sides also co-operated in searching for and collecting remains of Vietnamese soldiers who died in Laos. The implementation of economic co-operation agreements signed between the two governments has been accelerated. Viet Nam is running 15 investment projects in hydroelectricity worth US$1.4 billion, along with 57 mining projects and 18 others in industrial and rubber tree planting in Laos. The two countries have looked to foster links in education and human resources training. Currently, over 9,000 Lao students are studying in Viet Nam. This is the first overseas trip by Thongloun Sisoulith as Prime Minister of Laos after he was elected to the post at the first meeting of the 8th National Assembly in April, 2016. VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said he hopes the visit by Han Zheng, Secretary of Chinas Shanghai Party Committee will help strengthen ties between Shanghai and HCM City as well as other Vietnamese localities. At a reception for Han Zheng in Ha Noi yesterday, the Party leader stressed that both sides should effectively realise common perceptions reached by the two Parties and countries, share experience and promote all-around links, for the sake of peace, stability, friendship and development in the two countries. Han Zheng briefed his host about the developments of China and Shanghai over the past time, and the progress of cooperation between Shanghai and Vietnamese localities. The Party, State and people of China always treasure the friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Viet Nam, he stated, adding that he is committed to strengthening links between Shanghai and Vietnamese localities. Meeting with Secretary of the municipal Party Committee of Shanghai Han Zheng, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong inh Hue has suggested that Vietnamese localities and Shanghai should enhance the exchange of delegations and experiences in economic management and development as well as in planning. Hue noted that the Chinese metropolis has achieved remarkable outcomes in socio-economic development and urban planning. Deputy PM Hue also called on Shanghai enterprises to further their investments and seek cooperation opportunities in Viet Nam, especially in fields where the two sides share strengths. He appreciated the outcome of the talks between Secretary of HCM City Party Committee inh La Thang and the Chinese guest, and expressed his belief that relations between the two cities will make positive contributions to the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and China in the coming time. For his part, the Shanghai party leader said that his city and HCM City have agreed on important contents in their collaboration across the fields of economics, science, education and urban planning. He affirmed that the Chinese Government, Party and localities always share the common understanding of developing cooperation with Viet Nam, saying that the two sides will step up experience sharing and collaboration in fields of mutual strength. The same day, Secretary of the Ha Noi Party Committee Hoang Trung Hai hosted a warm reception for the Chinese guest. Host and guest debated ways to extend exchanges and partnerships between Ha Noi and Shanghai in the foreseeable future. VNS National Assembly (NA) candidates meets with voters in Yen Bai Province to listen to what the residents hope their representatives in the government can do in the next NA. Photo baoyenbai.vn HA NOI National Assembly (NA) candidates yesterday ended their first week meeting with voters to listen to what the residents hope their representatives in the government can do in the next NA. NA candidates of the four provinces of Yen Bai, Tay Ninh, Hai Duong and Phu Tho held talks with voters throughout this week, in which their action plans, if they are to become a new NA member, were presented to the locals in order to win their ballots. While residents in the mountainous Yen Bai Province, where more than half the population are ethnic minority people, asked their candidates to focus more on the provinces economic development and basic infrastructure like roads, schools and health station networks. Residents from the other provinces urged for more voices on some of the biggest issues in Viet Nam right now. More effective measures to tackle environmental pollution and food safety as well as an iron fist against corruption and graft for a more transparent government topped the demands the citizens expected the NA could pull off in the next term. Despite repeated promises by the Government to handle those issues for years, news about environmental pollution, with the latest incident of a massive fish death on a four-province scale, and food contamination cases constantly put the residents on edge. There is growing pressure on the Government for stronger action, but few results have been seen so far. Early election Officers and soldiers in 51 army units in 10 provinces nationwide will cast their ballots for deputies to the 14th National Assembly and all-level Peoples Councils earlier than the Election Day slated for May 22, as approved by the National Election Council. Campaigns about the election process have been carried out promptly while the conduct of a vote of confidence on candidates, establishment of electoral groups and the posting of candidate lists have been done in line with legal regulations. By the end of yesterday, 913 electoral groups were set up in army units nationwide, with 1,300 military officers standing for the election to the Peoples Councils at all levels. Early voting was held for 100 officers and soldiers from the Viet Nam Maritime Police Region 3 and Naval Squadron 129. Since the beginning of April, the military units have made meticulous preparations to ensure safety during the elections. According to statistics from the Ministry of Home Affairs, 63 provincial election committees, 712 district election committees and 11,162 communal election committees have been formed nationwide. There are 184 constituencies for the NA elections and 87,805 constituencies for Peoples Council elections at all levels. Several remote, border and island areas are allowed to organise voting earlier than the official election day. VNS President Tran ai Quang yesterday received the Viet Nam-Japan Special Ambassador Ryotaro Sugi, who is on a visit to Viet Nam. VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sang HA NOI President Tran ai Quang yesterday received the Viet Nam-Japan Special Ambassador Ryotaro Sugi, who is on a visit to Viet Nam. The President highly appreciated the ambassadors love for Viet Nam and his meaningful activities, especially in culture, art, people-to-people exchanges and humanitarian aid to promote bilateral ties in the past 30 years. Highlighting the strong and comprehensive development in the bilateral relationship, especially after the two countries relationship was upgraded to Deep and extensive strategic partners for peace and prosperity in Asia in 2014, the President reaffirmed that Japan is one of Viet Nams leading and long-term partners. Ambassador Ryotaro Sugi congratulated President Quang on being elected as head of the State of Viet Nam and informed the President that during this visit, he held working sessions with the Ministry of Planning and Investment to step up the implementation of Japans aid in the form of equipment provision to the firefighting force. The ambassador said during the visit, he is being accompanied by some firms operating in the fields of food and agriculture which want to co-operate with Vietnamese partners. He also proposed expanding partnership in training and education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges to boost mutual understanding. VNS Eleven units assigned to test fertiliser quality - and to grant quality certification to production and business facilities nationwide - would face severe punishment for violations, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) said.Photo danviet.vn HA NOI Eleven units assigned to test fertiliser quality - and to grant quality certification to production and business facilities nationwide - would face severe punishment for violations, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) said. An inspection conducted recently by the ministry showed Vinacert Certification and Inspection Joint Stock company, one of the eleven units, issued faked certificates to 36 fertiliser products. The fertiliser testing and control centre in the southern region can only certify phosphate and diammonium phosphate fertilisers legally. But more than 1,200 inorganic fertiliser products not under centre jurisdiction were wrongly issued certificates. The centre also presented certificates to 496 fertiliser products not on the ministry certification list. And they failed to supervise fertiliser quality when these 496 products were delivered on the market. The company is also guilty of not following proper certification procedures because they did not save any fertiliser samples, as required by law. At other companies, inspectors found fertiliser products had been improperly certified without any legal documents. Surprisingly, these eleven facilities do not have any business registration and their laboratories are not qualified to conduct the necessary fertiliser analyses. The experts working at these facilities reportedly do not specialise in inspecting and certifying fertilisers. The Department of Crop Production was also discovered to have handed authority to a coffee inspection company to monitor feriliser quality. Nghiem Phu Truong, head of MARDs inspection team, told dantri.com.vn that after violations were noticed inspectors reported the case to the MARD minister and proposed removing the violators authority. Regarding punishment levels, in an interview with the Lao ong (Labour) newspaper, National Assembly (NA) deputy Nguyen Sy Cuong, a permanent member of NAs External Relations Committee, said the violations are a sign of corruption and of abuse of power and position to commit violations. Due to the serious negative impacts on the nations agriculture sector, MARD Minister Cao uc Phat asked ministry agencies to impose punishments in accordance with State laws, without any shield. The inspectorate ordered the Department of Crop Production to review its responsibilities regarding this issue. Violators were asked to withdraw illegally-granted fertiliser certificates. The team also submitted inspection documents to the Ministry of Public Security for further investigation. Counterfeit and shoddy fertiliser products have reportedly plagued markets nationwide. Farmers suffer most from fake products. Statistics provided at a national conference on fighting fake fertilisers last year showed that Viet Nam suffers losses of US$2 billion per year from fake fertilisers. VNS HA NOI The World Bank has approved a loan of US$150 million to Viet Nam to improve local development policies related to economic management and competitiveness. The loan provides budget support for the Government while reinforcing selected structural reform priorities. It aims to help the Government maintain macroeconomic stability, create a more transparent, efficient and accountable public sector, and improve the business climate. During the last five years, there has been steady progress in advancing structural reforms in critical areas such as the banking sector, SOE management, and the business climate. These reforms need to be sustained during the implementation of the new five-year 2011-2016 plan to unlock Viet Nams full growth potential, Achim Fock, the World Banks Acting Country Director for Viet Nam, said. The loan concludes a series of three focusing on boosting Viet Nams development policy operation. It is financed by the World Banks International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the financing window for middle-income countries. VNS HCM CITY -- Salt producers have had a good harvest this year, but low prices are affecting their livelihoods. This year, farmers in Phu Cat, the Binh inh Provinces largest salt producing district, collected salt on 72 hectares and harvested more than 2,800 tonnes. The output was seen to be rather high since the weather was favourable for salt production. However, the salt prices dropped sharply to just VN300 and 400 per kilo, nearly a half of last years rate. Farmer inh Phuoc Trung in Cat Khanh Commune said that the commune still had between 500 and 700 tonnes in stock because market sales had been low due to low prices. Many salt producers in the locality have had to give up the job to find another to earn a living, Trung said. Tran Thi Hoang, who works at the famous Sa Huynh salt field in Quang Ngai Provinces uc Pho District, said traders had bought salt directly at local salt fields, paying VN20,000 for 40 kilos. In spite of knowing that salt prices are dirt cheap, we still have to sell to earn money to buy rice for the family, Hoang said. Although this years salt season started only one month ago, salt prices fell strongly, thus forcing producers to leave many fields abandoned. Gia Tan Tau, vice chairman of Pho Thach Commune, told Thanh Nien Newspaper that sale prices fell strongly while inventory in last years season was still 2,000 tonnes. Many salt producers were disappointed and gave up their jobs to find other ones. About 120 salt production households that had a total of 30 hectares have quit the job. This is the highest level to date, Tau said. Sa Huynh in the Co Thach Commune is the most famous salt-making area in the central region. The salt season is from March to August. Salt production has been a traditional job for most farmer families in Sa Huynh for hundreds of years. There are about 587 households in Sa Huynh, with about 2,000 people producing salt. This is the first time in a 20-year period that salt producers in the Sa Huynh salt field have been driven into a lamentable situation. If this condition continues, the Sa Huynh Salt trade name will be wiped out, said Nguyen Thanh Ut, chairman of the No. 1 Salt Cooperative. New plans To protect the salt production industry, local governments in many localities are seeking ways to increase salt producers income so as to encourage them to keep the traditional career. To increase farmers profits, local authorities have been urging them in recent years to use advanced techniques. One such technique involves using plastic or canvas sheets to produce clean salt. It has the advantage of shorter production period, whiter salt and lower labour costs, but the sheets require a greater investment. However, most farmers lack the resources to use this method. Phan Huy Hoang, deputy director of Quang Ngai Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that the province was outlining detailed planning for the Sa Huynh Salt Field in the 2016-2025 period with a vision to 2030. The main goals are to develop the traditional salt village, regularly increase farmers incomes and living standards, and shift from traditional production methods to advanced techniques to ensure food safety as well as meet the demand of peoples use and the countrys industrial production. VNS Piramal Enterprises said on Friday that it would acquire four brands - Neko Soap, Sloans, Ferradol and Waterbury's Compound from Pfizer for its consumer products division, for Rs 110 crore. The closure of this transaction is subject to obtaining requisite regulatory approvals and fulfilment of certain conditions by the parties, Pfizer stated. Piramal would also purchase the trademark rights for Ferradol and Waterburys Compound in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. These brands hold a rich legacy and have high consumer pull and are available in India for the past 30-plus years, said Piramal Enterprises. Ferradol, launched in 1982, is a leading nutritional supplement for children and adults. Neko, launched in 1967, is a medicated soap indicated for body odour and minor skin infections. Sloans is a muscular pain reliever, whereas Waterbury's Compound is used for building immunity from cough and cold. These products currently operate in a market estimated to be worth Rs 7,000 crore. Acquisition is one of the important routes to help us achieve our goal, and in the past six months we have done two acquisitions in the consumer products business. The first one was the Little's baby care range of brands and the second was the gastro-intestinal portfolio of brands from MSD. We believe these brands from Pfizer will fit our portfolio and also strategically help us move closer towards our stated objective, said Nandini Piramal, executive director, Piramal Enterprises. France changed its military strategy and started airstrikes in Syria last year because of concerns months before the attacks on Paris that ringleader Abdelhamid Abaaoud was plotting to target a concert and take hostages, according to a French newspaper report. The report in today's Le Parisien, citing French and Belgian intelligence material and police recordings, lists repeated occasions when authorities allegedly failed to catch Abaaoud, even though he had been considered a major threat by several European intelligence services before the November 13 attacks that left 130 dead in the French capital. US intelligence was also onto Abaaoud. President Barack Obama's envoy for the anti-Islamic State coalition, Brett McGuirk, said today that at as soon as he heard about the "we all assumed this was probably something that was planned by Abaaoud" from the Syrian ISIS stronghold of Raqqa. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, McGuirk described the as unusually sophisticated. Abaaoud was killed in a police raid five days after the attacks by ISIS suicide bombers on a concert, stadium and cafes. Most of those killed in the were hostages in the Bataclan concert hall. The French president's office and the Interior Ministry, which oversees intelligence services, did not respond to requests for comment on today's report. The news came as survivors and families of victims marked six months since the attacks, which shook the nation and prompted a state of emergency that is still in place. French authorities came under criticism immediately after the attacks for intelligence missteps that failed to prevent the bloodshed. France had been under high alert since deadly shootings at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper and a Paris kosher market in January 2015. By September 2015, Le Parisien reported, authorities had identified links between Abaaoud and thwarted attacks on a high-speed train and a church, and suspected he was plotting a big attack. The report quotes a witness as saying Abaaoud asked him to find a concert or other easy target with a lot of people, with the goal of seizing hostages and dying while fighting police. France joined the US-led coalition against ISIS in Iraq in 2014 but stayed out of Syria. President Francois Hollande changed that tack in September 2015, launching Syria airstrikes. Le Parisien said the decision was prompted by intelligence about Abaaoud, and that a September 27 French airstrike on Deir ez-Zor in Syria was aimed at Abaaoud's training camp. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy WASHINGTON, D.C. Amanda Knief grew up thinking she was alone in her disbelief. A belief in a Christian God was so commonplace in Waterloo to entertain the notion there is no god was scandalous. Knief understood this early on. When I was a teenager and I realized I had no belief in God or a supernatural being, I didnt know any other atheists, she said. In college at Iowa State University, she blurted out the question to a professor she respected: Do you believe in God? He looked at me for a long time, sighed and said, No. I said, Neither do I, Knief recalled. The 1995 West High grad is now legal director for the New Jersey-based American Atheists. Knief works in Washington, D.C., lobbying legislators and helping constituents sort out whether their city or county is violating the Constitution. A lot of people are intimidated by government, Knief said. My goal as a lobbyist is to empower people to be active. That includes empowering people like Justin Scott, who founded Eastern Iowa Atheists and recently delivered the first secular invocation before Waterloos City Council after prayer was reintroduced before meetings by Mayor Quentin Hart. The invocation was a call for our elected officials and those in the chamber to embrace all that has come from an evidence-based approach to governing, Scott wrote to the Courier after the invocation May 2. It was about appreciating that only human beings working together can solve earthly problems. Atheism, agnosticism and generalized spirituality absent of organized religion is growing. According to Pew Research, those who claim to be unaffiliated with any religion grew from 16.1 percent in 2007 to 22.8 percent in 2014, making unaffiliated the second-largest religious segment behind evangelical Protestants, who declined in population over that same period from 26.3 percent to 25.4 percent. Those who described themselves as atheist rose from 1.6 percent in 2007 to 3.1 percent, while the largest group of unaffiliated, what Pew describes as answering nothing in particular in terms of religious beliefs, grew from 12.1 percent to 15.8 percent. Many of those nothing in particular people might just be eschewing the atheist label, said Knief. Atheism is synonymous with communism and the rise of the Cold War. The U.S. was good because it was Christian. So you had several decades where atheism was evil, and several religions that teach if you dont believe in God, youre evil, youre bad, she said. Were still struggling against that stereotype. Pew estimates 55.8 million U.S. adults are religiously unaffiliated. But Knief said those numbers may be greater even among Iowans because people are afraid to be open about it. I think there is this very strong idea of patriotism equals Christianity, and it can be very difficult when someone expresses an opinion that is not in step with that idea. People lash out at you, she said. Her work, she said, is not to get rid of religion. Its about nonreligious people being able to express their ideas comfortably. It was the education that I received in the Waterloo Schools and at Iowa State that set me up to be a critical thinker and to ask questions. The previous three times Hansens done the concert in Omaha, Milwaukee and St. Louis were with Waverly-Shell Rock, with one school to coordinate with. Managing it for Cedar Falls, however, brings with it new challenges. WATERLOO The hours spent cleaning up the vandalism at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue gave congregant Naomi McCormick time to think. First, she thought simply of how long it would take to clean up the graffiti which is being investigated as a hate crime that took so little time to paint onto the walls of the synagogue. But that led to other thoughts. We still havent cleaned it up, because like hate, it permeated into the concrete and no matter how much scrubbing we do, its there, and we still have work to do, and its there, McCormick told a crowd of more than 80 people gathered inside the synagogue for an interfaith vigil against the vandalism. She wondered whether this was a nation of tolerance and compassion, or one where people bludgeon each other with symbols. McCormick was one of a handful of guests representing multiple faiths to offer their reaction to the vandalism last week. The Jewish house of worship was stained with graffiti including Christian crosses and the words Jesus Saves. For the Jewish community, its difficult to seek a balance of the perfect response, said Erin Maidan, a leader at the synagogue, after leading in several prayers to mark the Sabbath. Its difficult to gauge a threat when we dont know where its coming from, who did it or why. It can almost seem like were surrounded by enemies. Maidan said she doesnt want to overstate what happened, as the message was not violent or threatening, but did not want to understate the harmful message the graffiti represented. The Rev. Joe Greemore of First Baptist Church in Waterloo was also conflicted by the symbols and its message. As a professing follower of Jesus, it felt strange to me and speaking about genuinely how we felt to erase the sign of the cross of the name of Jesus from these hallowed synagogue walls. How was I supposed to feel about that? Greemore said. He said he felt the tension and was captive to the struggle between supporting a message of love and hope and an act of belligerence and cultural dominance. I just see some major inconsistencies with the writing on the wall outside and the nature of Christianity as it ought to be, Greemore said. Greemore built on comments made by the Rev. Wendi Gillan of St. Timothys United Methodist Church. She admitted when she heard about the vandalism First I cried, and then I cursed. I hope that as a corporate people next we can care for each other, for whoever did this, that we can love each other, that we can move on together, and not forget the harm that this has caused and the hurt, Greemore said. Dema Kazkaz of the Islamic Center in Waterloo noted the Muslim people and the Jewish people have a long history of supporting each other as they faced persecution. She said its important for all faiths to come together and support one another, because if one is suffering all are suffering. Its really uplifting to see all of you here as one body and supportive community, Kazkaz said. During the first part of the vigil, Maidan took the opportunity to teach non-Jewish members in the crowd a short prayer important in her faith, Hine Mah Tov. Its a one-line prayer, but without a doubt, it is one of the most important in Judaism, and for me one of the most important tonight, Maidan said. She translated it from Hebrew as, Behold how good it is, and pleasant and wonderful and beautiful, when brothers and sisters can sit together, together as one. By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 12, 2016 | 02:47 PM | GRAVES COUNTY, KY A Graves County man needs help finding his dog that was swept away in Tuesday's tornado. Matt James, 24 of Mayfield, was at his home located along the 200 block of Nelson Lane when it was destroyed by Tuesday's twister. James was thrown across the property and was kept in the hospital Tuesday night due to his injuries. He received severe bruising, and some lacerations. Lise Keyes tells us that James was holding his 2-year-old Blue Heeler dog, Ruger, when the tornado hit. He said Ruger was ripped from his hands as he was being sucked out of a garage he was taking shelter in. James' girlfriend, Brie Keyes, 21 of Murray, and James are both students at Murray State university. Both have internships in Lexington, Kentucky and the Carolinas, respectively, that are supposed to start next week. He was at his home packing for the internship when the storm hit. James has pretty much only the clothes on his back, and lost everything else in the tornado. Keyes lives in an apartment in Murray and was not at James' residence when the storm hit. West Kentucky Star sent a helicopter over the damage path Wednesday afternoon, and managed to capture the damage of James' property before we knew of any issues. You can see what appears to be James knelt beside the foundation of what was once the garage he took shelter in. Ruger is neutered male Blue Heeler. Markings are distinct and he has a docked tail. He had an orange Remington collar on with a red rabies tag. He had an orange Remington collar on him with his rabies tag and microchip ID:900164000805421. Several people have reported seeing a dog that matches Ruger's description in the Lone Oak area, headed toward Paducah, more than 15 miles away from the James residence. If you have seen the dog, you are asked to send an email to: HelpFindRuger@gmail.com. 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Heres what you should look for when choosing an online casino Are they regulated? A lot of the larger ones have licenses issued by the authorities in their respective regions, so its worth checking this first. Do they offer games from different software providers? Some casinos just use one software provider and limit your selection. This is fine if you like playing those types of games but you may want to check other casinos as well. What does their payout percentage look like? The payout rate refers to how much money you can expect to win after every bet. A high payout rate means youll be able to play more often without having to worry about losing all your money. Its also important to know the minimum and maximum bets allowed on each game. If youre going to play roulette, for example, then you probably dont want a casino with a minimum bet of less than $2.50 or even lower than that. The players used to play the game slot online in the land based casinos in the past time. But now with time after the invention of the online casinos players play the game slot online. Online platform provide the players with the convenience in playing and even better winning. Even after keeping a good percentage of the profits, they distribute good funds to players. How many games do they offer? There are lots of different types of games to choose from. Roulette, blackjack and poker are some of the most popular options, but you might find slots, video pokers, video bingo and others as well. You can usually filter these games down to only show the ones that interest you best, so make sure that your list isnt too long! Is there a bonus offer? Many online casinos offer free bonuses as part of their welcome package which includes new players being awarded 100% up to $10 instantly, for example. These offers are great but not everyone has access to them all the time (and some require you to deposit real money). 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You can test drive various casinos completely risk-free, so you can feel confident about your choice before you make a single penny deposit. Havanans enjoyed a certain freshness twice this weekend. Not only did the thermometers drop a few degrees, but the emblematic Coppelia ice cream parlor, located in the heart of the capital, reopened its doors after being closed for repairs for several weeks. The work is part of the 50 thanniversary celebration of this famous place, which is commemorated on the 4 th of June. The reopening of Coppelia has given rise to many reports in the official press. Last Friday, the place was visited by a select group of officials and later the public was allowed in. The customers could see that after a new coat of paint and the revitalized green areas, the quality of the ice cream sold in Cuban pesos continues to be low. On Tuesday afternoon, a long line extended under the sun outside what is commonly called the Cathedral of Ice Cream. However, those who knew the centrally located place in its first decades of life complained that the remodel has not been accompanied by an improvement in the products, either in its presentation or in its flavor and variety. A man about 60 commented that the ice cream was watered down, he had tried the combination known as a salad which is five scoops and some cookies. The man couldnt stop laughing when near his table a young man exclaimed he was amazed that Coppelia had returned with a pile of flavors< because on the menu you could read that they are selling chocolate, curly chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Melancholy, the customer then evoked the original menu that distinguished the most famous Cuban ice cream parlor, when there were 26 flavors and 24 possible combinations. The difference is not in the quantity, but in the deterioration of the quality of the ice cream, that sometimes has bits of ice in it, little flavor and no pieces of natural fruit, like the strawberry, the orange pineapple and the mango they used to have. To the annoyance of the customers, the place keeps some traces of the workers diner that it was during the Special Period. For example, you have to share the tables, there cant be any vacant chairs, and it is not always pleasant to sit with strangers. On the top floor, known as The Tower, and beautifully designed by the architect Mario Girona, they still limit sales to two specialties per person according to an employee. However, with a couple of bill slipped into the right hands, a customers can take home all the ice cream they want, always with the stealth of not filling the cups in view of the bosses, says the waitress. One of the new features much appreciated after the closing is the white earthenware dishes in The Tower that replace the plastic ones, which, however, remain in the so-called courts down below. In the first week of the reopening, all the employees who serve the ice cream havent learned how to serve the ice cream in hollow scoops, a unique specialty of selling ice cream in Cuba, and that has characterized the celebrated ice cream parlor for years. Lets see how it is three weeks from now, said a distrustful mother who took her two little kids to have ice cream at 23 rd and L, the most famous corner in the capital, this Tuesday. The woman sneered that the cookies that are supposed to go with the ice cream are where theyre supposed to be, on the plate, but in a few days theyll be back in the hands of the resellers outside the courts selling for extortionate prices. A group of tourists naively asked customers why they were lined up a few yards from a completely empty area selling the most varieties of ice cream. A young college student, who was with a group of students from the philosophy school, explained to the foreigners the difference between consuming things in Cuban pesos versus Convertible pesos. The one in chavitos (convertible pesos) is better, but theres no one who can afford it, said the young man. The areas that are refurbished now are the The Court and The Tower, along with the imposing white staircase that leads to the upper level, the dome, the roof, and the typical wood and glass windows, also located on the upper level. The refurbishment program includes spaces such as the bar on the ground floor and the bathrooms, which will begin to be restored in the coming weeks. However, for many customers the improvements should not remain in the physical appearance of Coppelia, but should be targeted to recovering the prestige it once enjoyed, now watered down like its ice cream, poor quality, unprofessional treatment by its employees and the absurd measures implemented in its services, including the closure of the beautiful passage to passersby. From now on, you can only enter after standing in the long line outside the Cathedral of Ice Cream that seems to have lost its way. 14ymedio, Regina Coyula, Havana, 13 May 2016 The municipality of Old Havana had its ancient underground water and electrical systems renovated last year. The streets were dug up to replace the pipes and wiring. Beyond the mess and the dust, these works have brought the residents two precious services, services without which it is unthinkable to live in a modern city. But the happiness has not been felt everywhere. Residents of #2 Bernaza Street, between Obispo and OReilly, were victims of an accident caused by the Electric Company at the site of the repairs. An overload destroyed electrical appliances; a few stabilizers managed to protect a few. The jolt didnt even spare many appliances protected by their owners surge protectors. The building remained dark for several days and the residents organized to complain. The Electric Company blamed the Havana Water Company, which was able to prove its innocence, so the Electric Company was obliged to replacewhen there is availabilitythe burned out appliances and to extend new wiring to the meters. From the meters onward, that is to every apartment, is being litigated, so the majority of the residents, watching the days tick by without power, decided to resolve it themselves and to pay the Electric Company workers under the counter to connect their homes. With the wiring outside, almost all the residents have had makeshift electrical service for months now. But there are stubborn residents, or those who dont have the 100 CUC (roughly $100 US) that it would cost to pay the electrical workers, and with faith in the power of justice, they have decided to take their case through institutional channels. Those who have now lacked electricity for six months are finding the institutions unresponsive. The delegate to the Peoples Power showed up on the day of the accident, but is surely engaged in the many other problems of her constituency. There was silence in response to letters to the Municipal and Provincial Peoples Power. Silence in response to the section for complaint letters at the newspapers Juventud Rebel and Granma. Silence in response to a letter to the similar section at the Havana Channel. And silence in response to letters to the Electric Company. All this correspondence has been the victim of these residents darkness syndrome, and they havent received even an acknowledgement of receipt. Only the Prosecutor took the time to rule that the residents are right and that the Electric Company is responsible, but this has not resulted in any change for those affected. And in an event that is not without irony, the electric bills, which should show a zero for electrical usage, have arrived with an approximate use calculation, which after the accident caused by the Company last November is applied to the residents who have connected themselves to the electricity. Sparking new trips to the Basic Electricity Office in Old Havana to explain to them what they should obviously be very aware of. One of the residents rests his hopes on managing to get an interview with the Minister of Basic Industry, which controls the Electric Company. His effort began through a friend who has a friend who is a friend of the minister, but after waiting three months for this improbable event, he went to the ministry in person and asked for an interview. He was assured that even though it is delayed, the minister deals with cases like his, so he feels optimistic that the blackout he is suffering will be resolved. After learning about this event, we can make some inferences that go beyond who is responsible and what the deadlines for resolution are: Most of the neighbors have no confidence in the institutions and decide to resolve the problem on their own The pathetic complaint mechanisms available to citizens do not work The capacity of some to resign themselves to such things is worthy of a study that could explain certain social behaviors, well beyond those related to a simple outage GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND, May 14, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The event will focus on driving corporate growth through the use of Integrated Business Planning. Moderating the workshop are Oliver Wight Associates and thought-leaders on this topic, Liam Harrington and Debbie Bowen-Heaton who will demonstrate how organisations can overcome current and future challenges to transform their businesses, with the insights needed to ensure the IBP process delivers the value it should. "IBP is a common sense process for aligning the company plans every month to help businesses allocate resources to satisfy customers in the most profitable way," explains Harrington. "Companies that implement Integrated Business Planning well are more efficient, more effective and make more money than those who do not," he continues. Following on from the success of last year's Think Tank, the focused session will be conducted under Chatham House rules, providing an open and honest forum where senior executives can network with their peers and share concerns over current and future issues. Guest speaker Neill Hunt, Head of Corporate Strategy at Element Six, will discuss real life case studies. The group will explore, amongst others, eight key issues: decision making for future growth; commodity pricing; reorganisation; talent development; regulatory restrictions; political uncertainty; currency volatility; and emerging technologies. The day co-hosted by Industry Dynamics, organisers of the annual Supply Chain and Logistics Summit, will commence with breakfast networking from 8:30am with the closed-door Think Tank session starting at 9:30am. Lunch will be served at 12:30pm in an informal setting to facilitate further networking. The results of the Think Tank will be released by Oliver Wight at the Supply Chain and Logistics Summit in Barcelona on 21st June 2016. Please visit the Oliver Wight website for more information or contact Zoe Davis on [email protected] About Oliver Wight At Oliver Wight, we believe sustainable business improvement can only be delivered by your own people; so, unlike other consultancy firms, we transfer our knowledge to you. Pioneers of Sales and Operations Planning and originators of the fundamentals behind supply chain planning, Oliver Wight professionals are the acknowledged industry thought leaders for Integrated Business Planning (IBP). Integrated Business Planning allows your senior executives to plan and manage the entire organisation over a 24-month horizon, while Oliver Wight's extended Supply Chain Planning and Optimization ensures your supply chain is designed and structured to deliver best-in-class customer service with minimal costs. Using the Oliver Wight Maturity Model to pursue our globally recognised Class A standard for best practice will determine a tailored improvement journey for you to develop your organisation's processes, and reach and sustain excellent business performance. With a track record of more than 40 years of helping some of the world's best-known organisations, Oliver Wight will help you define your company's vision for the future and deliver performance and financial results that last. More information Zoe Davis Oliver Wight EAME [email protected] http://www.oliverwight-eame.com Caroline Cross RONIN Marketing Limited +44 (0) 20 3326 5039 [email protected] http://www.roninmarketing.co.uk # # # Jon Baskin in The Nation: Ever since Underworld, the 1997 book that marked the end of his ambitious middle period, Don DeLillos novels have been creepy, inconclusive, and short. Zero K, his 16th novel and a book that has the feel of a parting gesture, is no exception. Its first sentence, Everybody wants to own the end of the world, expresses the kind of sentiment that, if youve been steeped in DeLillos prose long enough, strikes a familiar chord. It might be profound; it might be nonsense. In any case, it has something to do with death. The line belongs to Ross Lockhart, a billionaire Manhattan-based hedge-fund speculator. Ross is speaking to his unemployed 34-year-old son Jeffrey, who has come to visit him in a nondescript cluster of buildings, known as the Convergence, in a desert somewhere near Kyrgyzstan. Ross has brought his terminally ill second wife, Artis, to the Convergence to have her body entombed in a technologically engineered underworld, where it will be preserved until science has perfected the tools to reanimate her. Ross finds the process so exciting that, briefly, and despite being completely healthy, he elects to undergo it himself. Then, without any explanation, Ross changes his mind and returns to Manhattan. Then he changes his mind again. Father and son go back to the Convergence, and Jeffrey watches as Ross is lowered into Zero K, the special unit at the facility for healthy subjects willing to make a certain kind of transition to the next level. Afterward, Jeffrey wanders aimlessly around the halls of the Convergence before returning, just as aimlessly, to the streets of Manhattan. More here. Noem campaign accuses Smith campaign of campaign finance violation Gov. Kristi Noem's campaign has accused Rep. Jamie Smith's campaign of violating campaign finance laws after the recent report released Monday. A man and a woman have been charged in connection with a string of purse snatchings across the city in recent weeks. The victims were elderly women. Patricio Ruiz, 34, often approached his victims as they were walking to their homes and yanked their purses away, sometimes pepper spraying them when they tried to fight back, according to Albuquerque police. His girlfriend, Delialah Anaya, 32, also identified in court records as Delilah Anaya, served as his getaway driver, according to court records. The incidents five total occurred between April 20 and May 8, and four of the victims were women in their 80s. Two of them were sprayed when they tried to fight their assailants, and one of them was taken to the hospital, because the suspect dragged her into the road, where she fell on her face. Police found surveillance footage of the suspect, later identified as Ruiz, using one of the victims credit cards. They arrested him, and he admitted committing a string of robberies to support his and his girlfriends drug habits, according to the complaint. Anaya told police she was his getaway driver. Both Anaya and Ruiz denied being involved in one of the robberies, but admitted the others, according to the complaint. Ruiz and Anaya were both charged with aggravated battery, five counts of robbery, two counts of fraudulent use of credit cards and five counts of conspiracy and booked into the county jail. Albuquerque police spokesman Tanner Tixier said suspects sometimes follow their victims home from the grocery store, and he warned people to be vigilant. He said theres another police are investigating, in which two men have been going to peoples homes offering to do landscaping, and when the homeowner opens the door, the suspects force their way inside and rob the homeowner. Nobody has been arrested in that case. Deputies are investigating after a 64-year-old woman died from traumatic injuries in the East Mountains Thursday, according to a spokesman for the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office. Captain Joshua Campos said deputies were dispatched to Rincon Loop, north of Interstate 40, where they found Carolyn Jeffery suffering from an unknown trauma. He said there were two children inside the house where she was found, and they are now in custody of the Children Youth and Families Department. Jeffery was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital where she died, Campos said. He said detectives are still processing the scene. At this time it is unknown how the decedent suffered the trauma, Campos said. At this time the death is being treated as a suspicious. He asked anyone with information on the case to call BCSO at (505) 798-7000. Politicians in Texas, Arkansas and elsewhere vowed defiance and other conservative states could follow suit after the Obama administration told public schools across the U.S. on Friday to let transgender students use the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. In New Mexico, where two of the states largest school districts have already grappled with the issue, a spokesman for the state Public Education Department said the agency is still reviewing the federal guidance to gauge how it will impact students. But PED spokesman Robert McEntyre also expressed concern about the directive, saying, Ultimately, we do feel that this is a big overreach by the federal government and that an issue like this would be best handled at the school district level. Meanwhile, University of New Mexico officials said Friday that they believe the university is already in compliance with the federal directive. UNM has tried to include universal bathroom facilities in new campus construction projects and renovations of older buildings, a spokeswoman said. The idea of universal restrooms is not new to our campus UNM has several universal restrooms on campus located throughout the campus, said Jenna Crabb, UNMs interim dean of students. We want all our students to feel safe on our campus especially when using the restroom based on their identified gender. The directive from the U.S. Justice and Education departments was sent to schools across the country and represents an escalation in the fast-moving dispute over what is becoming the civil rights issue of the day. It came just days after the Justice Department and North Carolina sued each other over a state law requiring transgender people to use the public bathroom that corresponds to the sex on their birth certificates. The law applies to schools and many other places. Although supporters say the law is needed to protect women and children from sexual predators, the Justice Department and others argue that the threat is practically nonexistent and the law is discriminatory. The federal governments guidance was met with tearful praise from parents of transgender students. Before the new law, Hunter Schafer, 17, had no problems being accepted by her peers at the North Carolina School of the Arts, a residential high school in Winston-Salem where she has lived in the girls dormitory. With the passage of the law, Schafer said, she found herself just having to decide do I break the law or do I put myself in this highly uncomfortable or highly dangerous situation in the mens restroom? Eventually, the school gave her access to a single-user restroom. Her father, Mac Schafer of Raleigh, was elated to hear the new guidance from the Obama administration. As a parent, some of your core instincts are protection for your child, he said. To know that the federal government is pushing for respect and safe space and rights for Hunter is thrilling. The guidance issued Friday is not legally binding, because the question of whether federal civil rights law protects transgender people has not been definitively answered by the courts and may ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. But schools that refuse to comply could be hit with civil rights lawsuits from the government, and the Obama administration could also try to cut off federal aid to schools to force compliance. Some school systems around the country already accommodate transgender students when it comes to bathroom use. Albuquerque Public Schools administrators have been considering a policy directive that would allow transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity, though the proposal has ignited debate. Under its terms, transgender students could also dress in accordance with their gender identity and be addressed by the name and gender pronoun of their choosing. Santa Fe Public Schools quietly approved similar rules aimed at protecting transgender students from discrimination earlier this year that had been modeled after a policy enacted in San Francisco. Outside the state, nearly half the schools in the 53,000-student Seattle district have gender-neutral restrooms, and students can also use the bathrooms in the nurses office, spokeswoman Stacy Howard said. Already, officials from eight states West Virginia, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Maine and North Carolina signed on to a brief in recent days asking a federal appeals court to rehear a case in which it sided with a Virginia transgender student seeking to use the boys bathroom. Texas lieutenant governor said the state is prepared to forfeit billions rather than let the Obama administration dictate restroom policy for its 5.2 million students. We will not be blackmailed by the presidents 30 pieces of silver, Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. Similarly, GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas said schools should disregard the directive, which he derided as social engineering. Drought has taken a record toll on the western United States, affecting millions of Americans and posing a serious threat to local communities. From families to farmers to wildlife and ecosystems, much of the Colorado River basin is impacted by drought conditions and the economic and health consequences that come with it. At the heart of compromised water resources is the Colorado River system, and unfortunately, demand for water in the river basin now exceeds supply a stark reality only made worse by the ongoing drought. A graphic picture of whats at stake is revealed by an Arizona State University study showing that nearly two-thirds of the Southwests economic value is dependent on the Colorado River. Hanging in the balance of the health of the Colorado River system are more than $1.4 trillion in economic activity, $870 billion in wages and 16 million jobs annually. Fortunately, President Obama recently issued a memorandum calling on federal agencies to ramp up the nations capabilities to accomplish long-term drought resilience, ordering agencies to collaborate on drought-related activities in key watersheds, with an aim to maximize the combined benefits of investments made by federal water conservation programs. The president further spells out what the agencies need to do in his Long-Term Drought Resilience Federal Action Plan, requiring that the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Department of the Interiors Bureau of Reclamation extend their successful coordination of water-efficiency programs underway in Californias Central Valley to other basins suffering from drought. BORs WaterSMART makes funding available to irrigation districts for improvements in the systems that deliver water to farmers. NRCSs Environmental Quality Incentives Program, in turn, enables funding for the farmers to make on-farm conservation improvements. Coordinating the programs would yield water savings that are considerable. What we most need now is for the agencies to develop a collaborative strategy to aid communities crippled by drought throughout the Colorado River basin. Of the 40 million people who rely on the Colorado River for drinking water, Latinos make up a large percentage. For Latinos in the basin, the issues of diminishing water supplies and the prospect of our rivers slowing to a trickle are a very personal matter. The Colorado River has been at the heart of our culture for centuries. For us, protecting the river is not just smart water management; it also honors our heritage. We believe there are sizable gains in water efficiency and savings that could be achieved with the BOR and NRCS working collaboratively in action throughout the Colorado River basin. With the bureau focused on water delivery systems and NRCS working with landowners to effect water conservation and efficiency practices, the substantial water savings would help keep rivers flowing and sustain wildlife and habitat. We ask that the White House bring this enlightened collaborative strategy for agency synergy to the communities so direly affected by drought in the Colorado River basin. Latinos in the Southwest cherish the Colorado River as one would a brother, and we see that the river is in jeopardy, placing all of the communities that depend on it in danger. In this spirit, we must take care of the Colorado River, so that it continues to be a vital source of economic prosperity and health for the people, wildlife and ecosystems that depend on it. In these extraordinarily dry times, we need help and the president has answered the call. Now its time for NRCS and BOR to take action and begin to collaborate in the Colorado River basin. Also signed by Jessie Ulibarri, Colorado state senator; Deborah Ortega, Denver councilwoman; and Paul D. Lopez, Denver councilman. The authors are members of the Nuestro Rio Regional Water Caucus. The White House announced this week that President Barack Obama will visit Hiroshima, the site of the worlds first atomic-bomb attack. He will be the first sitting president to go there, and only the second president ever, after former President Jimmy Carter visited in 1984. Obamas pilgrimage to Hiroshima, where 140,000 people were killed and another 100,000 seriously injured on Aug. 6, 1945, will not be accompanied by a formal apology. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said the trip was to highlight Obamas continued commitment to pursuing the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons. Yet the Obama administration also recently revealed its 30-year, $1 trillion plan to modernize the entire U.S. nuclear arsenal. With each passing year, fewer and fewer survivors of the horrific attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain to provide eyewitness accounts. These survivors are referred to with great respect in Japan as hibakusha. In 2014, we were given a tour of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park by a hibakusha, Koji Hosokawa. He was 17 in 1945. His sister was 13. My biggest sorrow in my life is about my younger sister, who died in the atomic bomb, he said. While in Japan, we also went to Tokyo to speak with the world-renowned writer Kenzaburo Oe in his publishers office. He won the 1994 Nobel Prize for literature. We asked him if President Obama should apologize for the two atomic bombings: I am not seeking an apology, whether from the president or from any kind of person, in regards to this issue, he told us. I believe the fact that humanity did create these nuclear weapons is a crime that all of humanity is responsible for. And I believe this is an issue of a much greater scale than any individual politician could make an apology for. Oe, 81, is not a hibakusha, but is a survivor of World War II, and the experience as a child deeply impacted him. As if anticipating the criticism that Obama is now receiving, accused of mounting an apology tour, Kenzaburo Oe said in 2014: I believe that if Mr. Obama were to come to the memorial ceremonies in Hiroshima or Nagasaki, for example, what he could do is come together with the hibakusha, the survivors, and share that moment of silence, and also express considering the issue of nuclear weapons from the perspective of all humanity and how important nuclear abolition is. [This,] I think, would be the most important thing that any politician or representative could do at this time. Since those two devastating bombings in 1945, on Aug. 6 in Hiroshima and Aug. 9 in Nagasaki, there have thankfully been no more military attacks with nuclear weapons. The U.S. and the Soviet Union came close, and nuclear warheads remain armed and aimed in both the U.S. and Russian arsenals. Kevin Martin of Peace Action, responding to the news of Obamas planned trip to Hiroshima, also places little importance on an apology. Instead, he offers this brief list of to-do items for the president: Taking our nuclear weapons off of hair-trigger alert, separating the warheads from their delivery systems, initiating negotiations for the elimination of nuclear weapons globally, initiating talks on a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction. But even the current deployed nuclear weapons, we could go down to a thousand or fewer, as the Pentagon has suggested in the past. Those are just some of the steps that would be meaningful and worth a trip to Hiroshima. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a beautiful, haunting place. The most iconic landmark is the A-bomb dome, atop a large building that was not completely destroyed. As we left the memorial, Koji Hosokawa told us to stop. He looked us in the eye, and told us not to forget the victims: People lived here. They lived here. President Obama should meet Koji Hosokawa and other hibakusha, and hear their stories. Distributed by King Features Syndicate. New Mexico Environment Secretary Ryan Flynn correctly wants to ensure that penalties assessed against air quality violators are used for environmental improvements for the affected communities and are relevant to the violations themselves. Ryan has revised the Environment Departments Air Quality Bureau Civil Penalty Policy, including penalty agreements known as Supplemental Environmental Projects or SEPs, which allow a polluter to voluntarily take on a project in lieu of a portion of the civil penalty. The projects must align with the departments environmental mission and goals. In light of what Flynn and other NMED officials say have been past abuses of SEP enforcement powers, probably the most significant changes prohibit NMED or Air Quality Bureau employees from recommending SEP projects and ensure that projects do not involve any donation or gift of any kind to any individual or entity, including a nonprofit organization or a federal state or local government entity. Flynn cited several examples of what he is trying to correct, including a 2008 donation under the administration of former Gov. Bill Richardson of more than half a million dollars in SEP penalties to the Western Governors Association to fund the Western Climate Initiative. Flynn said $20,000 also went to a nongovernmental organization called the Climate Registry. Another example he cited was the donation of fines to an elementary school, a fire department and a community center in Mesquite, a small community south of Las Cruces. The fines were against Helena Chemical, a feed and fertilizer company operating there. While the fines in Mesquite may have gone to worthwhile causes, they did not directly relate to the violations. Since Flynn became secretary in 2013, the use of SEPs has changed, and the proposed policy revisions reflect that. Fewer SEPs have been negotiated, but penalties have greatly increased. From 2003-2010, under the previous administration, the Environment Department negotiated 84 SEPs totaling $53 million in penalties. From 2011-2016 so far there have been 21 agreements, totaling $80.8 million. But that includes the $74 million in penalties the state and department levied on the U.S. Department of Energy as a result of the February 2014 radiation leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, a truck fire in the underground nuclear waste repository and the mishandling of waste at the Los Alamos National Laboratory that led to the leak. The penalty is the largest ever levied against the federal government. Those two agreements directed the money to be used for projects relevant to the violations, such as improvements to roads used to transport waste from the lab to WIPP, water projects at LANL and an emergency operations center in Carlsbad, near the WIPP site. The proposed air quality policy changes have been in the works for about two years and are now up for public comment through June 10. Minor revisions may arise from the public comments. These rule changes should protect against abuse and prevent people or entities with friends in high places from having pet projects benefit from environmental violations. Implementing clearer and more rigorous rules is a good move by Secretary Flynn. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. New Mexico had the lowest high school graduation rate in the country during the 2013-2014 academic year, according to a new report. Data from the annual Building a Grad Nation survey shows that only 68.5 percent of the states high school students earned a diploma that year, well below the 82.3 percent national average. The Land of Enchantment has slid in the analysis, created by Washington, D.C., research firm Civic Enterprises and the Everyone Graduates Center at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. New Mexico was second lowest in the 2015 Building a Grad Nation report, coming in just ahead of Oregon. In 2014, the state tied for second worst with a trio of other low performers Alaska, Oregon and Georgia but bested Nevada. Robert McEntyre, spokesman for the New Mexico Public Education Department, said that the state has a lot of work to do, though there are also positive trends. Although New Mexicos graduation rate has improved by 5 percentage points since 2011, we have to continue to embrace reform if we want to continue to make gains, he wrote in an email. Thats why weve invested more than ever before in education, with more dollars going directly into the classroom. One area that needs improvement is New Mexicos large number of low-graduation-rate high schools. The 2016 Building a Grad Nation report places 40 percent of the states 154 high schools in this category because they failed to graduate at least 67 percent of their students. Only Alaska had a higher rate at 43 percent. Nationwide, there are 2,397 low-graduation-rate schools 61 percent of them charter, virtual or alternative high schools. Many of these schools exist to serve a vulnerable student population, and therefore deal with significant challenges, said Robert Balfanz, co-director of the Everyone Graduates Center, in a prepared statement. Those vulnerable populations include minorities, special education students and English language learners, who are continuing to struggle to earn diplomas. Only 62.3 percent of New Mexicos low-income kids got their cap and gown in four years, according to the 2016 report, compared with 76.6 percent of their wealthier counterparts. Anglo students 74.7 percent graduation rate outpaced Hispanics by 7.8 points and African Americans by 12.3 points. John Gomperts, president and CEO of the educational foundation Americas Promise Alliance, said the nation must address the achievement gap to reach Building a Grad Nations goal of 90 percent graduating in 2020. One state, Iowa, hit that target in the 2016 survey, with Nebraska almost there at 89.7 percent. As the report points out, raising the graduation rate to 90 percent would require graduating an additional 285,000 students (nationwide), Gomperts said. Putting it that way makes the goal appear that much more attainable. Persistence is key. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is seeking a temporary restraining order in state District Court to prevent the federal government from releasing endangered Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico. Basically we are asking the court to review our case and to halt any imminent releases by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said Game and Fish spokesman Chris Chadwick. We asked them to not conduct any releases at this time and they refused. This is basically the only remedy we had left. The state and federal government have been embroiled in a fight over the Mexican wolf recovery program for more than a year now, and the temporary restraining order request is the states latest strike against what it sees as federal government overreach. Fish and Wildlife said it does not comment on pending litigation. Despite state opposition, Fish and Wildlife released two captive-born Mexican wolf pups into a wild wolf den in Catron County last month as part of its ongoing effort to recover the struggling species in New Mexico and Arizona. Game and Fish denied the Fish and Wildlife permits last year to release wolves in the state, citing concerns with the federal governments management of the recovery program. The federal agency vowed to carry on, citing its obligation under the Endangered Species Act to recover the species whose prospects for survival remain fragile, experts say, with fewer than 100 wolves in the wild. In a statement, Game and Fish Director Alexandra Sandoval called the recent wolf releases unpermitted and illegal and said the action demonstrates a disregard for our states sovereignty. Game and Fish has said it wants the Fish and Wildlife to come up with a detailed, science-based recovery plan before conducting any wolf recovery activities in New Mexico. The current recovery plan dates to the 1980s and is widely regarded as being outdated. In a recent court settlement with environmental groups, Fish and Wildlife agreed to develop a recovery plan by 2017 that will define what recovery means in terms of wolf numbers and habitat. The wild wolf population declined at last count to 97 wolves in New Mexico and Arizona, down from 110 the previous year, according to Fish and Wildlife. Recent attempts at mediating the conflict have apparently failed. On Monday, Game and Fish said it met with representatives from Fish and Wildlife and attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice to offer alternative solutions to resolve the issues. Fish and Wildlife notified Game and Fish on Wednesday that it had declined the proposals, which were not specified. Game and Fish has notified Fish and Wildlife that it intends to sue in federal court over the wolf releases. The temporary restraining order being sought in the 7th Judicial District in is separate from that notice, Chadwick said. Rep. Ben Ray Lujans legislation to enhance treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women with substance abuse problems passed the House this week, and now he and other House Democrats are seeking more than $1 billion to combat opioid addiction nationwide. President Barack Obama has made opioid addiction treatment a priority in the final year of his presidency, and another bill Lujan introduced Thursday reflects the presidents plan. The Opioid and Heroin Abuse Crisis Investment Act co-sponsored by 90 Democratic House members calls for $1.16 billion to combat the roots of the current epidemic by providing medication-assisted treatment and drug interdiction, among other things. Lujans legislation aimed at mothers struggling with substance abuse would reauthorize an existing residential treatment program designed to help pregnant women and women with small children. The grant program, part of the Childrens Health Act of 2000, provides money for residential treatment centers that offer pediatric health care, counseling and other mental health services, parenting training, and domestic violence, sexual abuse and employment counseling. Lujans bill would also establish a pilot program giving states authority to devote 25 percent of their grants to design innovative local programs, including outpatient services in rural communities. The bill, which still needs Senate approval, would also boost the programs budget. The legislation would authorize $16.9 million for each fiscal year from 2017 through 2021 a million dollars more per year than current funding. Lujan initially sought $40 million per year. By focusing on women with young children and soon-to-be-mothers, we help ensure that these families get on the right path from the very beginning, Lujan said on the House floor this week. People want to be better. But unfortunately, too often there are few resources and avenues for help. Certainly this is true in New Mexico, which is among the states most impacted by the epidemic plaguing our country. Too many people are suffering and too many people are being shut out from access to help. BOOST FOR LABS: The U.S. Senate this week approved a spending bill that would boost money for the National Nuclear Security Administration, which oversees Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories in New Mexico. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., who is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the spending bill would increase money for nuclear weapons to $9.3 billion next year from $8.8 billion this year. The spending includes full funding for upgrade work on the B61 bomb, which is conducted at Sandia and Los Alamos. The measure, which still needs House approval, would also boost funding for nuclear cleanup at Los Alamos from $185 million this year to $199 million next year. The bill also includes $279 million to continue efforts to reopen the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, which has been closed since 2014 because of a radiation leak in the underground waste storage facility. Michael Coleman: mcoleman@abqjournal.com. Rep. Ben Ray Lujans legislation to enhance treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women with substance abuse problems passed the House this week, and now he and other House Democrats are seeking more than $1 billion to combat opioid addiction nationwide. President Barack Obama has made opioid addiction treatment a priority in the final year of his presidency, and another bill Lujan introduced Thursday reflects the presidents plan. The Opioid and Heroin Abuse Crisis Investment Act co-sponsored by 90 Democratic House members calls for $1.16 billion to combat the roots of the current epidemic by providing medication-assisted treatment and drug interdiction, among other things. Lujans legislation aimed at mothers struggling with substance abuse would reauthorize an existing residential treatment program designed to help pregnant women and women with small children. The grant program, part of the Childrens Health Act of 2000, provides money for residential treatment centers that offer pediatric health care, counseling and other mental health services, parenting training, and domestic violence, sexual abuse and employment counseling. Lujans bill would also establish a pilot program giving states authority to devote 25 percent of their grants to design innovative local programs, including outpatient services in rural communities. The bill, which still needs Senate approval, would also boost the programs budget. The legislation would authorize $16.9 million for each fiscal year from 2017 through 2021 a million dollars more per year than current funding. Lujan initially sought $40 million per year. By focusing on women with young children and soon-to-be-mothers, we help ensure that these families get on the right path from the very beginning, Lujan said on the House floor this week. People want to be better. But unfortunately, too often there are few resources and avenues for help. Certainly this is true in New Mexico, which is among the states most impacted by the epidemic plaguing our country. Too many people are suffering and too many people are being shut out from access to help. BOOST FOR LABS: The U.S. Senate this week approved a spending bill that would boost money for the National Nuclear Security Administration, which oversees Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories in New Mexico. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., who is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the spending bill would increase money for nuclear weapons to $9.3 billion next year from $8.8 billion this year. The spending includes full funding for upgrade work on the B61 bomb, which is conducted at Sandia and Los Alamos. The measure, which still needs House approval, would also boost funding for nuclear cleanup at Los Alamos from $185 million this year to $199 million next year. The bill also includes $279 million to continue efforts to reopen the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, which has been closed since 2014 because of a radiation leak in the underground waste storage facility. Michael Coleman: mcoleman@abqjournal.com PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) Rio Rancho Public Schools owes prominent local construction company Gerald Martin more than $200,000, according to two leaders from the firm, who spoke during the school boards public comment period because they think district administrators are ignoring their concerns. Don Francisco Trujillo, Gerald Martin human resources manager, told the board Monday that RRPS accrued the bill by causing numerous delays on a $5.6-million expansion of district headquarters that added a warehouse, office space and a larger boardroom. The district and its architect requested 62 changes on items like the water line and steel structure for the project at 500 Laser Road, which was completed on April 15, 2015 111 days behind schedule. It is impossible to maintain a construction schedule and deadline if staff are still shopping for lights at the eleventh hour, Trujillo said. This is one example of many delays pertaining to this facility delays which are costly, and Gerald Martin has shouldered these costs up to this point. He explained that he and company CEO Victoria Martin were forced to come before the board because Superintendent Sue Cleveland had abruptly canceled a May 2 meeting to discuss the issue. The cancellation came via an Outlook email notification without further explanation, according to Trujillo. We are simply here to advise you that wed like to be paid, he said. Martin hand delivered a letter to each board member outlining Gerald Martins list of complaints, including uniformly late payments and slow turnaround on necessary paperwork. Responses to Submittals by RRPS/Architect were cumulatively 808 days late, the letter states. District spokeswoman Beth Pendergrass said the district, first and foremost, disputes the companys claims. Second, there is a statutory and contractual process for resolving these disputes through mediation and then through arbitration, she wrote in an emailed statement. We are currently in mediation and it is being handled by our legal counsel. Martin told the Journal that the two sides did sit down in mediation in November, but nothing came of it. They refused to negotiate, she said. We left. To Martin, the district is acting in bad faith because facilities staff signed documents that acknowledged our right to extended general conditions of time and costs. We cant function this way, Martin said. To build, you have to have a trusting relationship. The trust is tempered with the contract, with the signed documents. If someone signs a document and does not honor it, things dont function. Trujillo, personally, is reluctant to ever work with RRPS again unless its leadership changes. He and Martin did not think they had ever done business with the district before, though they have completed a number of prominent education projects around New Mexico, including Atrisco Heritage Academy High School and North Star Elementary School in Albuquerque and Centennial High School in Las Cruces. The 42-year-old company also built Rio Ranchos city hall, Central New Mexico Community College Rio Rancho Campus and the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa at Santa Ana Pueblo. Martin said the situation with RRPS is very rare in her experience, commenting that she has not had similar problems on projects that cost over $100 million. She intends to take the issue to arbitration, the next step stipulated in the contract, to get the $200,000 payment and hold the district accountable. The only candidate who filed to run against longtime 13th Judicial District Attorney Lemuel Martinez has been disqualified from the race over an insufficient number of valid petition signatures, according to the Secretary of States Office. A District Court order signed last month by Judge Francis Mathew explains that Republican candidate Peter Ortega only obtained 192 valid signatures on his nominating petition; 197 are required. Mathew ordered that because Ortega failed to gather the correct number of signatures, his declaration of candidacy was void and he would not be included on the Republican primary ballot. Ortegas petitions contained a total of 228 signatures and Martinez, a Democrat, challenged the validity of dozens of them, according to the complaint filed against Ortega and Secretary of State Brad Winter. Ortega said he was disappointed with the outcome and his disqualification, though he felt the ruling was fair. Im sure they were honest mistakes, Ortega said of the faulty sig natu res. I dont think people were out there intentionally trying to sign something, knowing they were invalid. The complaint filed March 18 by Martinez challenging Ortegas nominating petitions asks the court to order that the Secretary of State leave Ortegas name off of the primary election ballot. The document explains that Ortega was required to gather 197 valid signatures from registered Republican voters within the 13th Judicial District, which encompasses Valencia, Sandoval and Cibola counties. The complaint then outlines various faults in 40 of the signatures on Ortegas petition. Some who signed, Martinez alleged, were not registered Republicans. Others were registered to vote outside of the 13th Judicial District. A handful were not registered to vote in New Mexico. One person had been purged as a voter; another signed the petition twice. Ortega, a contract attorney for the Office of the Public Defender who has previously worked as a prosecutor, said people suggested that he secure two times the number of signatures required, and warned that he should expect that about one-third of them would turn out to be invalid. I would say that generally if youre doing it the honest way by going around, youll get some people signing who dont remember what they are (registered as), it was so long ago, Ortega said. Martinez, the only candidate running in the Democratic primary, agreed that theres a certain margin of error in gathering signatures, which is why he turned in about 10 times more than the required 197. I think with 2,000, you could probably feel pretty good that you could meet that threshold, Martinez said. M artinez said he filed suit against Ortega because he believes a prosecutors job is to compare facts with law, and the fact was that the number of valid signatures Ortega collected was below the number required. We want a person in here who can not only enforce the law, but who can follow it, as well, Martinez said. We thought, in this case, it wasnt followed. Though the suit was filed in 13th Judicial District Court, it was heard by 1st Judicial District Judge Mathew after judges in the 13th District were recused by the chief judge, said Amy Bailey, Secretary of State general counsel. Better training, stronger relationships and better communication among communities, law enforcement agencies and social service agencies are some of the strategies that will be used to combat human trafficking on tribal lands. A two-day conference titled Sex Trafficking in Indian Country, held Wednesday and Thursday at the Bureau of Indian Affairs regional office in Albuquerque, resulted in New Mexico now having the only tribal task force on trafficking in the country, said Deleana OtherBull, executive director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, which organized the conference and is coordinating the task force. The task force is made up of people and leaders from pueblo and reservation communities, tribal law enforcement officers, tribal courts, the state Attorney Generals Office, and directors from agencies that provide social and health services to Native Americans. During the next month, the task force will be doing community outreach and building awareness around trafficking, OtherBull said. Trafficking on tribal lands is a big problem but theres not much media attention because a lot of communities are closed, very remote, she said. Tribal police departments and the FBI generally conduct criminal investigations on tribal lands, but they are not known for sending out press releases to update the public, she said. Were going to encourage more media around this topic, and having this relationship and partnership with the AGs Office will help in getting the word out. Lawrence S. Roberts, acting assistant secretary for Indian affairs, U.S. Department of Interior, said in a statement released Friday that human trafficking knows no borders and interagency collaboration is vital to our efforts to foster safe and thriving Native communities. Also on Friday, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas called human trafficking modern-day slavery, with perpetrators who prey on New Mexicos most vulnerable populations. He added that the task force partnership with the BIA, tribal entities, service providers and the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women is key to preventing and prosecuting human trafficking across our state. The women in the sex trafficking trade are often enslaved by traffickers who keep all the money and force them to commit sex acts, and control them with threats of violence and forced drug addiction, said AGs Office spokesman James Hallinan. The conference was held in the wake of the May 2 sexual assault and murder of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike. She was abducted after being let off from a school bus near her home in Lower Fruitland on the Navajo Reservation. Her body was found near Shiprock. The FBI has arrested 27-year-old Tom Begaye of Waterflow in connection with the crime. ARVADA, Colo. Authorities are trying to determine what caused a fire that killed two people at a group home in suburban Denver. Arvada Fire Protection District spokeswoman Deanna Harrington says firefighters were called to the home early Saturday. They found heavy smoke billowing from the front. Harrington says firefighters removed seven people from the home, six of whom were transported to hospitals for treatment. Two of the six were later pronounced dead. Harrington described the house as a residential group home, but she did not have more information about the facility or the victims. Albuquerque police are investigating a suspicious death at an Albuquerque hotel. Police found an unidentified man dead in the parking lot of Hotel Cascada, 2500 Carlisle NE, at around 2 a.m. Saturday morning, officer Simon Drobik, a police spokesman, said in a news release. Officers had been called to hotel to check on the mans well being. Drobik didnt say why the mans death was considered suspicious. No arrests have been made. IMGCAP(1)]Inventory management is the practice of planning, directing and controlling inventory so that it contributes to the business' profitability. Inventory is an asset on the balance sheet that remains there until goods or merchandise is sold. It should include all of the followingmerchandise or stock in trade, raw materials, work in process, finished products, and supplies that physically become a part of the item intended for sale. For tax purposes, an allocation of certain overhead costs normally expensed must be capitalized and individualized as part of inventory. Second, why is inventory management important? From a financial perspective, it can help a business be more profitable by lowering their cost of goods sold and/or by increasing sales. Inventory is a major factor in calculating taxable income. When an ending inventory overstatement occurs, the cost of goods sold (COGS) is stated too low. This means that net income before taxes is overstated by the amount of the inventory overstatement. From a business perspective, it is about having the right stock at the right time to meet customer demands. In order to properly manage inventory, there are a number of factors to consider: Have a solid inventory control system. Two common systems are the periodic and perpetual systems. A periodic system updates the accounting ledger on a periodic basis weekly, monthly, quarterly. A perpetual system updates inventory after each purchase, sale and adjustment. The more frequently it is updated, the easier it is for a business to plan. Have a proper inventory ordering system. Know what you need, how much you need and when you need it. This is important as it often leads to undesirable consequences such as longer lead times, reduced responsiveness and customer service, lost sales opportunities and increased inventory costs. Categorize your inventory. The 80-20 rule often applies to inventory (80 percent of the sales comes from 20 percent of the products) so it is a good idea to categorize and set priorities accordingly. It may be a good idea to make sure you have a larger stock buffer for faster moving items than slower items. Demand forecasting. Sales often fluctuate due to seasonality, business trends and the economic outlook. Thus, the ability to forecast can help one better plan inventory needs to maintain appropriate levels. Automate and consider an asset-tracking system. This can streamline the inventory management process, simplify documentation, increase accuracy and save time and money. It correlates with having a proper ordering system. Take physical inventory counts. This is a method to control inventory and reconcile it to the amounts shown under a periodic or perpetual system on the books. These are normally taken at least once a year, often close to the end of a business fiscal year. Larger businesses, those with a large number of items, those who need to verify the accuracy of their inventory more frequently and those who prefer periodic or seasonal inventory counts often do it more frequently. Make adjustments as necessary to account for goods that are unsaleable, obsolete, damaged, stolen or where the market value is lower than the cost (if you use the lower of cost or market method). The effect of a write-down is to lower the value of ending inventory. COGS are equal to beginning inventory plus inventory purchases minus ending inventory. Any decrease in ending inventory increases COGS and cuts gross profits. The effect on the income statement is lower taxable income. The preceding points summarize a number of best practices when it comes to managing inventory. It is one of the more overlooked areas that impact increasing profitability, especially for smaller, less sophisticated businesses. Jeffrey Arnol, CPA, JD, is managing partner of Kessler Orlean Silver & Company, a CPA firm in Deerfield, Ill. The House Judiciary Committee said Friday that it will hold two committee hearings to examine misconduct by the Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen. The hearings could lead to impeachment proceedings. At the first hearing, which will take place on Tuesday, May 24, committee members will hear from a witness panel presenting the findings of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committees investigation of Koskinen. The House Judiciary Committee will also invite Koskinen to testify. The Oversight and Government Reform Committee has been investigating the extra scrutiny given to political groups applying for tax-exempt status ever since the scandal came to light in 2013. Some of the committees members contend that Koskinen failed to comply with a congressional subpoena to preserve evidence from Lois Lerner, the former director of the IRSs Exempt Organizations unit who was implicated in the scandal. They also accuse Koskinen of making false statements during his sworn congressional testimony, and failing to notify Congress that some of Lerners emails were missing. More recently, the chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, has complained about the IRSs plans to hire up to 700 additional enforcement employees despite budget cuts (see IRS Finds Money to Hire Hundreds More Enforcement Employees). Last October, Chaffetz and 18 other members of his committee introduced a resolution to impeach Koskinen (see GOP Lawmakers Introduce Resolution to Impeach IRS Commissioner). At the second hearing, which will take place in June, members of the House Judiciary Committee will invite outside experts to comment on the findings presented in the first hearing and whether further congressional action is warranted. The fact that officials at the IRS wielded their power to target certain Americans for their political views is both outrageous and contrary to our nations values, said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., in a statement. Our government is supposed to work for all Americans, not for a particular partisan agenda. As a result of the IRS targeting, conservative groups were singled out across the nation, resulting in lengthy paperwork requirements, overly burdensome information requests, and lengthy, unwarranted delays in their applications. Despite repeated congressional efforts to get to the bottom of this matter, Obama Administration officials, including the IRS Commissioner, have consistently undermined the investigation. Over the coming weeks, the House Judiciary Committee will closely examine Commissioner Koskinens misconduct and the implications of his actions. The IRS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. India Radio Forum Awards, which aims to support and recognise quality in radio broadcast, has concluded the 11th edition of the awards. The Awards, which celebrates the very best of Indian radio, honouring outstanding programming, on-air personalities were distributed under four categories Programming, Talent, Promotion & Marketing and Advertising. Red FM won 13 awards across five different categories, followed by Big FM, which grabbed eight metals, while Radio Mirchi bagged six metals at the awards ceremony held on May 13, 2016 in Mumbai. Radio Mirchi, Delhi was adjudged the Best Radio Station. The Best RJ of the Year award was won by Neelesh Misra for Big FMs Yaadon ka Idiot Box. The title for the Best Breakfast Programme went to Red FM for its Morning No 1 show, while Red FM walked away with the Best Radio Promo award. This year also marked Red FMs 11th year partnering with IRF as Premium Presenting Partners. Red FM Delhis Bauaa was given the Best Radio Sparkler of the Year award. Red FM Punes Morning No.1 show was honoured as the Best Radio Program (Marathi). While Red FM Mumbais Morning No.1 and Suryam FMs Blade No.1 shows walked away with the Best Breakfast Program award in Hindi and Tamil categories, respectively. Red FM Hyderabads Zabardasth Masthi was recognised as Best Program (Non-Breakfast) in the Telugu category. Red FM came out shinning with four of its RJs receiving RJ of the Year awards. RJ Blade Shankar from Suryan FM Chennai, RJ Dhrumil from Red FM Rajkot, RJ Sowmya from Red FM Kochi and Red FM Pune RJ Sangram stole the limelight with RJ of the Year trophy in Tamil, Gujarati, Malayalam and Marathi categories, respectively. Red FM Mumbais show Special 26, Red FM Hyderabads Red FM Sankranthi and Red FM Mysores Pani to Police initiative were recognided for Best Radio Promo (In-house) in Hindi, Telugu and Kannada categories. Red FM Delhis social initiative Himmat Ki Kimat Delhi was conferred with the Best Community Service Award. Speaking about IRF and the Excellence Awards, Nisha Narayanan, COO, Red FM, said, It is a moment of immense pride for Team Red FM. In a constantly evolving and challenging industry scenario, being recognised for creativity, innovation and clutter breaking campaigns is an encouraging impetus. We have aggressive plans for the coming year both in programming and marketing and listeners in each of our stations can look forward to some great listening experiences. -- This look around the Air Force takes us to a memorial for explosive ordnance disposal technicians at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; discusses the B-21 naming contest; and commemorates four decades of the U-2 in South Korea. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Traci Keller.For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.Related links: The Air Force chief of staff published his 2016 professional reading list May 13.This years reading list addresses every Airman on our total force team, said Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. The profession of arms, Air Force heritage, and developing Airmen are topics that apply to all of us.This years list contains books, TED Talks, a film, work from Air Force photojournalists, journals, and, for the first time, military-themed blogs.One of this years books recommended by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody, At All Costs, was written by Air Force reservist Chief Master Sgt. Matt Proietti.Im delighted the book was included in the reading list because it means more people will hear about Chief (Master Sgt. Richard) Etchbergers life, Proietti said. He was a remarkable GI, one worthy of emulation well before he performed heroic actions at the end of his life.A TED Talk on this years list, given by cultural innovator Verna Myers, is a compelling presentation about unconscious bias."With thoughtful leadership, General Welsh has put together a powerful list of diverse content that will challenge each Airman to expand her or his worldview, Myers said. With this valuable information, Airmen will be equipped to break down stereotypes, to understand the life experience of people different from themselves, and to foster a more inclusive, fair and high-performing Air Force. I'm honored to be part of this important list."Print selections of the books will be arriving in base libraries in the coming weeks, but Airmen can find many of the works available electronically through Air Force Libraries OverDrive system.The complete 2016 reading list can be found here Amid the furore over the shocking murder of two scribes in Bihar and Jharkhand within 24 hours, the Congress on Saturday called on the Centre to introspect and look into how journalists are being repeatedly attacked and murdered in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states. A journalist was killed by unknown assailants in Bihar and simultaneously another journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh was killed in BJP-ruled Jharkhand. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has already swung into action and two people have been detained. We express our condolences to the families of the two journalists and hope that the BJP implies the same principle in BJP ruled Jharkhand and ensure that decisive action is taken against the culprits and murderers, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. He also called on the BJP to introspect and look into how journalists are being repeatedly attacked and murdered in BJP-ruled states. Talking about instances of scribes being attacked in BJP-ruled states, the Congress leader recalled of how two journalists were murdered in 2013-14 in Chhattisgarh and also of how the state police had illegally detained people on false charges because they were raising their voice against human rights violation. In MP our friend and journalist of Aaj Tak Akshay Singh was killed while examining Vyapam scam but no headway has been made. Similarly, Sandeep Kothari was burned alive in Balaghat and his wife and children were similarly killed by mining mafia in Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister and the BJP leaders must answer, Surjewala said. Meanwhile, two people have been detained in connection with the murder of senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan, Bihar. Siwan Superintendent of Police said that the two are being grilled to procure more details regarding the shocking murder. Ranjan, a journalist with Hindi daily Hindustan was shot dead by criminals near the Siwan railway station. Two bullets were fired at the Siwan bureau chief of the daily that hit on his head and neck. He was shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. According to police, five motorcycle-borne criminals were waiting for Ranjan, who was walking down the road to his home, and shot him twice. The ruling party JD(U) leader Ajay Alok said that the government would nab the culprits within 48 hours. No matter who the criminals are, the government is determined to hunt them down within 48 hours, Alok said. By Dan Olmsted I met a friend for lunch this week. He was fresh off the plane from London as part of a multi-country jaunt, and he had the baggy eyes to prove it. The first thing he did was pull out Mondays Daily Telegraph and point to an article on page 12: Primary pupils who can swipe but not speak. The article began: Parents immersion in smartphones has left thousands of children starting primary school unable to hold conversations, teachers say. Around one in three children starting school is not ready for the classroom with many lacking social skills, suffering speech problems or not toilet trained, a survey of senior primary school staff showed. The litany included more and more children entering our early years stage with delayed speech and levels of reading, writing and numeracy lower than they should be. The rest of the article basically blamed the parents and their failure to keep children from coming into contact with the world we live in, which is deemed self-evidently noxious and destructive too many smartphones, too little parent-child interaction. Before tackling that bogus argument, lets just acknowledge the facts in evidence here. A third of pre-school kids in England today have some version of issues that echo autism speech problems, lack of social skills and toileting problems. My friend, much more knowledgeable about autistic children than I am, said the latter probably reflected sensory issues and GI problems (as well as general delay, Id suggest). I dont care what this is called autism-like traits, or school-readiness deficit syndrome in a third of children, not otherwise seen before (SRDSIATOFC-NOSB), or whatever. Its the kind of thing weve been talking about for years, a generation and now more damaged by something new and terrifying, and at least in England, its indisputable. I asked my friend what he thought was going on, and he said some combination of vaccines and other medical mayhem, pesticides, and god knows what else (the Environmental Working Group's study of all the evil crap found in mothers' umbilical cords is passing through the back of my brain). Unless you want to argue that the ability of one-third of children to make their way in life from the very start is just good old genes doing their work of making our species less able to thrive in a hostile world, it's definitely environmental. And it is NOT smartphones, dammit! Of course, we also see this in America, with the same veneer of pop psychology pabulum stapled onto it because facing the truth is too threatening to the people doing the observing for a living. From the New York Times last October: Boys are falling behind. They graduate from high school and attend college at lower rates than girls and are more likely to get in trouble, which can hurt them when they enter the job market. This gender gap exists across the United States, but it is far bigger for poor people and for black people. As society becomes more unequal, it seems, it hurts boys more. Ah, so inequality is at the heart of it. Thats the ticket! We can blame vague malignant capitalist forces, and get on the right side of the social justice movement. Well, I am on the right side of the social justice movement, but I dont think inequality is whats really going on here. As if there were no inequality much worse inequality before this male-centric problem was ever observed? And please tell me, then, why are four out of five autism cases boys? Were they disadvantaged? Did their parents or teachers disadvantage them? That's a discredited old argument but it is gaining new life. In April 2014 another column in the Times was titled. "A Link Between Fidgety Boys And a Sputtering Economy." As I wrote then: The Times piece came very close to the core issue -- what's the matter with kids today?, and especially, what's the matter with boys? Things have gotten so dire, and the implications so large, that even a mainstream mouthpiece like The Times has no hesitation linking boys' problems to the overall economic fate of the country. The Times went on: "If the United States is going to build a better-functioning economy than the one we've had over the last 15 years, we're going to have to solve our boy problems," adding that if only girls are considered, there's no problem at all. As I pointed out, the solutions on offer in the piece, and in the research paper it was based on, and among the "experts" in general, amount to evidence-free bromides -- better schools, more understanding of the ways boys learn, more support for families because boys suffer more when fathers are absent. (What, no smartphone-blaming? Let's get the story straight here.) To quote the Beatles: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Missing was any sense that environmental factors, and specifically toxins, which have been repeatedly linked to problems like ADHD ("fidgetiness") and other neurodevelopmental disorders, which affect 1 in 6 children, and several times more boys than girls, could be playing a role. So its just about unanimous, isnt it? Even our most mainstream publications, openly hostile to concerns about vaccines or other environmental factors, acknowledge the rise of so many disabled and dysfunctional children that these kids futures and ours, as the society they will inherit are at stake. Yet the experts fall back on video games and lack of good parenting and the devastation of being disadvantaged to explain it all. Fifty years ago it would have been the predations of rock and roll, and how refrigerator parents made their kids autistic. Faced once more with an inexplicable problem in children, parent blaming is, once again, the last refuge of those who cannot or will not see. More on that next week. -- Dan Olmsted is Editor of Age of Autism. Multiple Casualties Feared in Syria Car Bomb Blast on Turkish Border Multiple casualties are feared after a car bomb exploded in the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli on the Turkish border, a source in the Christian Assyrian militia told RIA Novosti on Saturday. A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire agreement came into force across Syria on February 27. The deal does not apply to terrorist groups such as Daesh and al-Nusra Front. Qamishli has been under control of both the Syrian government and Kurdish forces, with the latter controlling the majority of the city. "According to preliminary information, the car explosion at the Al-Hilaliya intersection in Qamishli led to deaths and injuries," the source said. May 13, 2016 When professor David Dean Shulman won the Israel Prize, his admirers called his decision to donate the 75,000-shekel ($20,000) prize to anti-occupation organization Taayush "sweet revenge." Other anti-occupation activists contend that the leading researcher of religion and philosophy chose a creative and intelligent form of protest to reconcile the ethical dilemma the prize presented him. On the one hand, as an opponent of the occupation, accepting the prize at all might be construed as reneging on his worldview in front of the Israeli establishment. On the other hand, rejecting the prize and refusing to shake the hands of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennett on Independence Day would look as if he were making himself a pariah. Established jointly by Shulman and his colleague Gadi Elgazi during the start of the second intifada in 2000, Ta'ayush "living together" in Arabic set a goal of protecting the basic rights of Arabs in the territories and Israel. The organization is very active in dealing with the appropriation of Palestinian lands by the state as well as the displacement of the Bedouin. Over the past several months, the radical right-wing movement Ad Kan has waged a much-ballyhooed campaign against Ta'ayush. Disguised as leftist activists, some of the movement's members allegedly joined Ta'ayush to expose its methods of operation. One of Ta'ayush's most prominent activists, Ezra Nawi, was portrayed in the material Ad Kan provided to the media as someone who exposed Arabs who sold lands to Jews and handed that information over to Palestinian Preventive Security. Ad Kan alleged that some of the Palestinians whose identities were revealed to the Palestinian security forces were later executed, though those allegations were proven to be baseless. In his 2007 book "Dark Hope, Journal of a Taayush Activist," Shulman describes his activity within the organization between 2002 and 2006. Though he describes the settlers as violent and brutal, he lays most of the blame on the state's leaders, the ones whose hands he shook upon receiving the prize. He describes an elaborate overarching system that benefits the settlers and corrupts the speech and even the thoughts of Israelis. Under advisement by colleagues, he decided to accept the prize but chose to donate the money to an organization that Netanyahu and Bennett see as the root of all evil. The check Netanyahu handed to Shulman on May 12 was passed directly to the organization the Israeli premier is trying to stifle financially through his Transparency Act, which targets human rights and leftist organizations in Israel. There's no better way to describe the protest of the Israel Prize laureate than a poke in the eye of the Israeli establishment and right-wing organizations that have labeled him a foreign agent and traitor. In a talk with Al-Monitor shortly before receiving the prize, Shulman said that he knew that winning it this year just months after the widely-covered confrontation between the right and Ta'ayush could be an embarrassing moment for him. "It calls for a distinction between the State of Israel and its leadership. Though it's difficult, such a distinction is possible," Shulman said. "I was convinced [to accept the prize] after many talks with my family, friends and activists in Ta'ayush, because at a time when we and other human rights organizations are being boycotted, delegitimized and cast as pariahs, we mustn't give up and we mustn't relinquish the entire state and its important symbols to the radical right." The decision to donate the prize money to Ta'ayush elicited anger among right-wing organizations. Hilel Weiss, a radical member of the Academic Council for National Policy, called on Netanyahu and Bennett to abolish the Israel Prize ceremony altogether. He believes it has become too political a platform. "This is a Jewish mental illness expressing self-hate. This is Stockholm syndrome. Every person thinking of himself as enlightened identifies with the person out to destroy him." The protest from the right was mainly aimed at Bennett, who had to explain to his constituents how he as chairman of right-wing HaBayit HaYehudi could entertain the idea of awarding the prize to someone who is considered by many voters a basher of Israel. Bennett told his critics, "No person should be disqualified for their views, whatever they are left or right." Shulman told Al-Monitor that Bennett "did the right thing," saying, "I was very happy and I'm grateful. This cannot be taken for granted. I know that he was put under a lot of pressure, which intensified when I announced that I would give the prize money to Ta'ayush. I heard and read the attacks on him. It's unbelievable. The rage was directed mainly at him, not even at me. They nearly made him out to be a Ta'ayush member." Before the ceremony, Shulman was greatly troubled by the thought of having to shake Bennett's hand, but much more by the prospect of taking Netanyahu's. "I knew that it would be hard to shake his hand, but right now I don't feel this way. In the past he bestowed another prize, which was given to me by the Emet Foundation. I must say that I wasn't thrilled to do it, but I said something he probably doesn't remember. In the 10 seconds allotted to me I told him that he had to make peace." This time, the professor whispered nothing in Netanyahu's ear. He realized that for Netanyahu, too, this was an awkward and difficult moment. Shulman's protest on Israel's 68th independence anniversary forced the Israeli establishment to grapple with the most intense dispute in Israeli society and the deep rift the occupation has created within it. In recent years, especially after Netanyahu's election to a fourth term and the establishment of a patently right-wing government, a direct or indirect onslaught has begun on nearly every institution, organization or public figure that does not toe the government's line. During the Israel Prize ceremony celebrating Israel's Independence Day, the protest was a stark reminder of that reality. Among other things, Shulman was able to shed light on an organization that has worked for human rights for many years, while recently focusing mainly on the rights of Bedouin and Palestinians in the southern Hebron Hills. The Israeli media by and large and the rest of the Israeli public are not keen on knowing what's going on in the West Bank in general, especially the remote and rural south Hebron hills region. Whenever the Israeli public does debate that region and the state of human rights there, it usually happens thanks to the activities of Ta'ayush and other human rights movements. "Our opponents and the right in general call us the radical left," Shulman said. "Whenever I get the opportunity I say: We are not radical people. If there's something radical about our behavior, its actually our moderation. In that sense, I hope I've exposed Taayush to the media." May 13, 2016 On May 8, eight Egyptian policemen were killed in an attack by masked gunmen who opened fire on them in the Helwan district of southern Cairo. In a statement published on its official Facebook page the same day, Egypts Ministry of Interior said that the policemen had been on a mission at the time of their death. Dressed in civilian clothes, they took the microbus. A truck intercepted them as they were moving along the Nile Corniche area. Four unidentified men who were hiding in the truck stepped down from the vehicle, opened fire on the policemen and fled. The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack on Twitter accounts affiliated with the group, in what the group described as an act of vengeance for pure and honorable women prisoners held by Egypt. One eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Al-Monitor that she heard heavy gunshots and peeked from her nearby house balcony to see gunmen with machine guns shooting at people in a microbus then fleeing in a truck with the flag of IS on its front. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Matar, the former director of security for the North Sinai province, told Al-Monitor that he doesnt rule out the involvement of some of the Muslim Brotherhood members in the incident. He expressed his belief that some Muslim Brotherhood members were likely involved in concealing IS members in the Helwan area and facilitated their attack. He stressed that the desert hinterland that lies to the south of Helwan allows for criminals to easily disappear, not to mention that the area includes a large number of Brotherhood-affiliated people. Matar told Al-Monitor that Egyptian army operations have succeeded in eliminating many terrorist outposts. This has prompted IS to prove its existence by hindering Egyptian security efforts and showing that it is capable of hitting different areas in Egypt, including the capital. Matar expected the organization to carry out further attacks in major cities, but he confirmed that such operations would be on a small scale with limited goals because of what he described as a high level of security and stability in Egypt. Naser Zakaria Hussein, professor of strategic studies and former director of the Military Academy, ruled out the possibility of IS being involved in the incident. Speaking to Al-Monitor, he said that the heavy security presence in the Sinai Peninsula, the ongoing operations by the armed forces against terrorist strongholds and the killing of hundreds of militants would prevent other militants from making it this far. At the same time, Hussein stressed that Egypts ongoing war on terror will lead to inevitable confrontations with terrorists in different areas. He also said that all of Egypt is at risk at the moment, and that the war on terror is likely to drag on for several years. Hussein added that the security apparatus in Egypt does not need to train its personnel in ways to anticipate dangers. Rather, it is in need of military equipment, which requires significant cost that the state is not able to afford in light of the current economic crisis. The security services cannot be breached and everyone agrees that we are facing a fierce war on terror, Hussein said, denying claims about an official in the Interior Ministry leaking information to facilitate the targeting of security forces. He also stressed that the tight security measures within the police do not allow for the leaking of such information. Chief prosecutor Ahmed Al-Abraq denied reports about the involvement of some police officers in leaking information about the mission that was targeted. These officers were summoned to be questioned about the incident. Col. Hatem Saber, an expert on international terrorism and a lecturer at Nasser Military Academy, said, What happened indicates that there were clear violations within the Interior Ministry. He told Al-Monitor that the members of the targeted patrol were from the investigation department at the Interior Ministry, stressing that this departments task is to collect information and work in secret, and that a person from this department must have leaked details about the patrols movement. Saber said that any successful terrorist operation passes through five stages target selection, carefully studying the target, practicing on a similar target, actual execution and escape and all those stages were successfully executed in the May 8 attack. He noted that the needed information to execute an operation with such accuracy can only be provided by a security apparatus that has access to detailed information about patrols. In addition to IS, the Popular Resistance Movement claimed responsibility for this incident. They noted on their Facebook page that they received detailed information about the police forces movements and prepared a perfect ambush and killed them. According to the Popular Resistance Movement, the terror attack occurred 1,000 days after demonstrators in support of former President Mohammed Morsi were dispersed in Rabia al-Adawiya and Nahda squares. Saber noted that the fact that several parties claimed responsibility for the incident is a means to destroy the state by providing conflicting information, in a bid to consolidate the idea that those carrying out these terrorist operations are rebels or individuals resisting authority. Saber predicted a significant increase in terrorist attacks and the disappearance of what he described as religiously motivated attacks. He said that in return for the latter, attacks in the name of the armed resistance would be carried out. He expressed his belief that the country could see an expansion in terms of both bombings and assassinations. Although Saber stressed that the Egyptian security institutions are doing their job properly, he called on the need to re-examine all those working with the targeted patrol to find out who leaked the information and use new means to exchange information among security apparatuses. In addition, he pointed out how necessary it is for the investigation department to be more secretive when it comes to its field action and divide the patrols into several cars in order to ensure their security. Meanwhile, Matar believes that the security forces need to be more vigilant and constantly on guard for such ambushes, especially in exposed areas like the one in which the most recent attack was carried out. The [department] needs members who are more trained to deal with such attacks, said Matar, demanding the presence of trained members from the central security or special forces armed with automatic weapons to accompany security patrols, monitor roads and be fully prepared for any possible attack. May 13, 2016 ERBIL, Iraq In a dramatic shift, 13 years after the US-led invasion of Iraq, Muqtada al-Sadr, the once-ignorable Shiite cleric, has reinvented himself as the central figure in a chaotic push to reform the country's broken political system. After Sadr's supporters stormed Baghdad's Green Zone late April, many wonder what his ultimate aim might be. Sadrs political initiation began in a remarkable fashion: when his supporters were accused of murdering Abdul Majid al-Khoei, a promising rival Shiite cleric, the day after Saddam Husseins regime was toppled in April 2003. Loathed by US political and military officials and underestimated by Iraqi politicians returning from exile, Sadr was for years considered nothing more than a menace. The mainstream Western press often described him as a firebrand or radical. Nevertheless, capitalizing on the spiritual legacy of his father and uncle, Mohammed Mohammed Sadiq al-Sadr and Mohammed Baqir al-Sadr, both senior Shiite clerics executed by Hussein, Muqtadas political fortunes rose steadily, making himself an actor to be reckoned with. In April 2004, he led a major rebellion against the US-led coalition that he considered an occupation force. Today, amid popular demand for change in Iraq, Sadr has put his political capital on the line in advocating an overhaul of the Iraqi political system. Muqtada has clearly enhanced his status by adopting a populist, non-sectarian stance at a time when Iraqis are peculiarly conscious of the corrupt and dysfunctional nature of their government because there is not sufficient oil revenue to cover expenditure, said Patrick Cockburn, a Middle East correspondent for the British Independent and author of the book Muqtada: Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shia revival and the Struggle for Iraq. Sadr has been supporting efforts by embattled Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to form a Cabinet of ministers with technocratic and professional backgrounds and not beholden to political elites. Growing exasperated with Iraq's paralyzed political system, on April 20 Sadr suspended the activities of the Al-Ahrar parliamentary bloc, with which he is associated as a spiritual leader. Then, on April 30, Sadr's supporters, who had for weeks staged protests on Baghdads streets, stormed the parliament building in the city's fortified Green Zone, which houses state institutions as well as the US and British embassies and has become a symbol of the countrys political dysfunction. This unexpected action sent shock waves through Iraq. With the country in the midst of a bloody war against the Islamic State, many feared the move on parliament might lead to the collapse of the state structure. Ever adept and calculating, Sadr acted to prevent the dramatic maneuver from spiraling out of control, pulling his supporters out of the Green Zone after a 24-hour sit-in. The message was clear: Sadr showed he is willing to take extraordinary measures and that he can hold the countrys center of power at his mercy. Many now wonder if Sadrs intent is to dominate the countrys political landscape, rendering himself the one calling the shots. His supporters say that is not the goal. The Sadrist current does not seek hegemony, Dhia al-Assadi, former chief of Al-Ahrar bloc, told Al-Monitor. If we sought hegemony, we would want a greater presence for ourselves in the Cabinet and other state institutions. We are not trying to attain the office of prime minister. When on April 12 some 80 legislators staged a sit-in at the parliament building allegedly to precipitate political reforms yet seen by many as muscle-flexing by those close to former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Sadrs Al-Ahrar bloc joined in, too. His loyalist parliamentarians soon, however, ended their participation in the action sensing the agenda might detour from their own. The main factor for Al-Ahrars withdrawal from the members of parliament sit-in was their fear that former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki might benefit from their success, said Abbas Kadhim, an expert on Iraqs Shiites and a senior foreign policy fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University. Sadrs relations with Maliki have often been characterized by tensions, especially after 2008, when Maliki, as prime minister, authorized Iraqi forces to move against the armed, pro-Sadr Jaish al-Mahdi in the oil-rich city of Basra and Baghdad suburb of Sadr City to curb in the group's armed activities. Such a seemingly ill-measured move as joining a sit-in of mostly pro-Maliki parliamentarians is unlikely to harm Sadrs standing with his supporters, who primarily revere him for the religious heritage he represents. [The Sadrists'] involvement in the sit-in and their withdrawal were badly calculated. The good news for them is that their constituents will not hold them accountable. They never have, Kadhim observed. The storming of the Iraqi parliament by pro-Sadr protesters has angered many in Iraqs polarized political landscape. They believe such actions can only contribute to destroying the space to try to arrive at political solutions in a country where armed conflict has long been a way of settling differences. We dont think this is the way to bring about reforms. What they did was contributing to chaos, said Muthana Amin, a Kurdish parliamentarian who managed to flee the protesters foray into the parliament building at the last minute. Some legislators, including a few Kurds, were harassed and beaten. Amin believes Sadrs perceived encouragement of the attack on the parliament has actually backfired. I dont think the Sadrists have taken over the scene, Amin said. You can say Sadr has the loudest voice in Iraqs political arena today, but this does not mean he is the strongest political figure. If he were, he would be able to change things as he desired. Given his show of power and ability to gather tens of thousands of people on the street, some observers wonder if Sadr can bring about fundamental changes to Iraqs political life. Many tend to think that given the divided nature of the political arena and often conflicting interests, there is a limit to what Sadr can achieve, including the power-broker status he appears to covet. On May 7, Sadr's arch political nemesis, Maliki, called for Al-Ahrar to be banned from politics. Sayyed Muqtada al-Sadr has a strong loyal following, which makes him one of the most powerful political leaders in Iraq. He is also in command of a unified political bloc in the Iraqi parliament, which he can steer in any direction he wants, Kadhim said. But his power is more a tool to obstruct, not to impose any political outcome, as we saw in the events of the last weeks. Would you turn down a $30 million buyout? Taylor Rosenthal did. And he's just 14. Taylor, an Opelika High School student, started RecMed, a first-aid vending machine. The idea is that basic first-aid needs like cuts and scrapes could be solved at places like sporting tournaments or amusement parks without waiting in line for a first-aid tent. Was Taylor wise to turn down the buyout? Our Facebook community chimed in. Do you think Taylor should have taken the money and run? Or are we seeing the makings of a shrewd businessman? Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook. Some Alabama politicians moved quickly to denounce a directive from President Obama's administration that public schools allow transgender students to use restrooms that match their gender identity. The U.S. departments of Justice and Education released "joint guidance" today saying that schools that receive federal money cannot discriminate against transgender students. Schools must accommodate students when notified by the parents or the student, when appropriate, that a student is transgender, according to the directive. The directive suggests that schools could lose federal funding if they don't adhere to it, according to CNN. U.S. Reps. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery and Gary Palmer, R-Hoover, released statements blasting the new guidelines from Washington. "They have lost their minds," Roby said in a statement. "This is a great example of an issue in which we need a lot less government and a lot more common sense." Palmer released a statement that said, in part: "No reasonable person could conclude that forcing school children, particularly adolescents, to share bathrooms and showers with individuals of the opposite sex, no matter how they might self-identify, is a smart idea." Attorney General Luther Strange said he would work with other attorneys general to block what he called an "absurd edict." "The Obama Administration's new guidance document is just one more example of the kind of federal overreach that we have come to expect from this White House," Strange said in a statement. "School bathroom use is an issue that should be decided by parents, teachers, and principals -- not federal bureaucrats." Rep. Will Ainsworth, R-Guntersville, said he would propose legislation to block Obama's directive in Alabama and urged the state Board of Education to adopt a policy requiring schools to manage restroom usage based on biological gender. "Dressing like a pirate doesn't make you a pirate, dressing like an astronaut doesn't make you an astronaut, and dressing like the opposite sex doesn't make you a man or a woman," Ainsworth said. Sen. Phil Williams, R-Rainbow City, said he would introduce a bill requiring that restrooms or changing rooms used by the public must be single user, separated by the physical gender of the users, or, if not separated, have an attendant to address any concerns. Williams expects pushback on the bill. "But my legislation is designed to provide security to the public at large, and this bill could just as easily protect a transgender user of a public facility from being harmed as well," he wrote. Let's just preface this by saying everyone is OK. But a Florida woman had the scare of a lifetime this week when a large turtle crashed into the windshield of her vehicle on Interstate 4 in Deltona, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported. Nicole Marie Bjanes, 38, posted about the incident on her Facebook page. According to the report, a 12-to-14-inch red-eared slider was crossing the highway Monday afternoon when it was hit by a car. The impact sent the turtle flying and into the windshield of Bjanes' Volkswagen Jetta. The turtle may have hit the woman in the forehead, according to a man who called 911 to report the crash. Later, Bjanes said she wanted to keep the turtle. She wrote this on her Facebook page: "I really can't even believe it!!! Thanks for all your concern. I am a lucky girl. All the people who stopped and the EMT and trooper were taking pics....unbelievable, and the guy at the hospital was laughing at how he should word the incident!!! Life is good and sometimes a little crazy....someone is keeping my (sic) on my toes and entertained." According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the turtle only suffered some scratches to its shell. Emergency personnel placed it in a nearby pond where it swam away. Phony pornographic images of former presidential candidate Marco Rubio flashed on at least two billboards in Alabama today after a hacker allegedly breached the controls. Motherboard reports the images were displayed on two billboards after a hacker using the name Johnny (expletive) Ring followed directions released on the internet to hack into LED billboards. The directions had been posted the previous day by hacker Andrew Aurnheimer, known as Weev. Johnny told Motherboard he hacked the billboards to test Aurnheimer's statements. ("I) didn't change anything," said Johnny, who would not reveal his real name. "Just added that image to the playlist. Usually there are about 20 or so pic and (they) rotate every few seconds and eventually the Rubio pic gets played in the rotation." He told Motherboard he did not plan on hacking any more billboards. "It was fun while it lasted," he said. Two of the pornographic images showed up on billboards in southeast Alabama, local media reported. Bill Durden, who owned Durden Outdoor Display, said the photo showed up on billboards in Dothan and Fort Rucker. Durden said he had contacted police and the company has tightened its security systems. The second annual Human Rights Film Festival in Gaza is under way in an effort to show the cultural face of the besieged Palestinian territory. The festival has attracted an international audience, underscoring that despite the suffering of Gazas residents, the territory is still a creative place, organisers told Al Jazeera. There is creativity in Gaza I support the existence of purposeful cinema that harmonises with traditions, culture and customs of the Palestinian community in Gaza, freelance journalist and project coordinator Mohammad Shurrab told Al Jazeera. Despite the Israeli siege and suffering imposed on Gaza by Israel, we as Palestinians have powerful skills to produce movies, series and long narrative and documentary films, Yara Abumseen, a student and festival organiser, told Al Jazeera. The festival is set to screen 70 films. Beyond the paradox of celebrating a bygone Islamic civilization at the height of Islamophobia in the United States. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has just opened a magnificent exhibition of Islamic art of the Seljuqid period. That sentence would or should probably cause a double-take for right at the artistic and intellectual heartland of this beleaguered empire, Americans are celebrating one of the highest summits of Islamic civilization at a time when US Muslims are subject to one of the ugliest phases of Islamophobia in their recent history. Court and Cosmos: The Great Age of the Seljuqs (April 27 to July 24, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Iris and B Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall) is curated with admirable care, competence, and grace. Along with the exhibition, scholars affiliated with the Met have published a beautifully edited volume under the same title, with insightful essays by the leading social and art historians. Approximately 270 objects, as the curators of this rare exhibition explain, including ceramics, glass, stucco, works on paper, woodwork, textiles, and metalwork from American, European, and Middle Eastern public and private collections are shown. Both the gracefully lit and curated exhibition galleries and the chapters of the accompanying volume address such aspects of the Seljuqid culture and civilization as the vast range of the their empire, their courtly lives, the state of science, medicine, technology, and other sciences, as well as their state of literary and religious scholarship, and finally their funerary arts. Museum as cultural haven It is hard to believe that you step out of the busy streets of Manhattan, now heavily overshadowed by the fearsome xenophobic rhetoric of the Republican candidates, and especially that of their now presumptive nominee Donald Trump, and walk into a succession of adjacent galleries so carefully and competently devoted to celebrating a crucial period in Islamic civilization. ALSO READ: Once upon a time in the cosmopolitan east But lo and behold! The Empire may go around the world and wreak havoc on it, but at its republican heart it needs to stage the relics of the vanquished. The relics of this once magnificent, now all but forgotten, empire exhibited at the heart of this empire are uncanny. by Equally unsettling is when we look at a number of stucco figures, sitting gracefully or else standing with towering power and authority, that we can only imagine them in a similar museum in Iraq or Syrian destroyed on camera by the barbarian cannibals of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group, plundering the priceless heritage of nations and selling them on black market to finance their malignant maladies. What is it that you see when you enter this exhibition at one of the finest cultural institutions in the US? You see statues of emperors and other royal dignities of the Seljuqid Empire (1037-1194) as they went about conquering and ruling over more than half of the civilized world, from the Mediterranean Sea to China. You see utterly exquisite manuscripts of books on history, astronomy, medicine, you see decorative ceramics and chinaware, you see remnants and relics of magnificent palaces and mosques and citadels. You go through these calm, quiet, and delightfully lit galleries and you wonder. Relics and empires The relics of this once magnificent, now all but forgotten, empire exhibited at the heart of this empire are uncanny. Beyond the paradox of celebrating a bygone Islamic civilization at the height of Islamophobia stands another paradox: Ruins as the site and citation of memorial remembrances. The 12th century Persian poet Khaqani (1121-1190) has an iconic Qasideh that he composed after he visited the ruins of Taq-i Kisra (Iwan-e Madain), a derelict ruin of the ancient city of Ctesiphon, the capital of the Sassanian Empire (224651), before their collapse following the Arab conquest of the 7th Century. Khaqani uses this visit to warn and admonish the kings and princes of his own time, asking them to ponder the lesson that these ruins of once a mighty empire contain: Oh heart that can still learnest: Learn from what thou seest Behold the Ivan-e Madain As if looking into a pensive mirror He continues to look at Euphrates as if a river of tears had flowed from the calamity that happened to that once magnificent city. All the palaces of tyrants one day will come to ruins, he assures his patrons and readers, just like these remnants of the Ctesiphon. Will they behold and learn? Khaqani then goes through the whole gamut of kings and conquerors one dynasty after another passing through such palaces and yet now dead and forgotten. He asks the current rulers of the world to dismount their horses and elephants and prostrate on those ruins and learn the lesson of history. That earth has swallowed so many tyrants and yet it is still insatiable and will devour even more world conquerors. ALSO READ: Iran and Saudi Arabia: The art of Islamic tolerance Today a poor man may ask the Sultan for some help And tomorrow the same Sultan may ask a poor man for help! Horses for Humvees Generations and centuries have passed since the time Khaqani visited Taq-e Kisra and composed his unforgettable poem. Today those ruins are either viciously destroyed as the ISIL did in Palmyra or else carefully and competently curated in museums like this one at the Met. But the lesson they contain is not much different from those offered by Khaqani. Those horses might now have been traded for Humvees, and those marching armies for drones and submarines. But the wisdom of Khaqani persists. When in the company of a friend I visited the exhibition on the morning of May 5, scarce a single other soul was there in these serene and soulful galleries. We wondered from one room to another, a few hapless guards looking at us unsuspectedly. We looked at one manuscript here and stood in front of a statue there. Outside these galleries, the rest of the museum was abuzz with guided tours, schoolchildren and their teachers, and haphazard New Yorkers and tourists. Outside the museum the heavy shadow of a new presidential election dominated the sense of the city and the mood of the country at large. We walked out of the celebrated ruins of an old empire and stepped into the self-forgetful hussle-bussle of another. Hamid Dabashi is Hagop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at Columbia University in New York. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Murder of 75-year-old whose body was found in a temple follows spree of similar killings in the country. A 75-year-old Buddhist monk has been hacked to death inside a temple in Bangladesh, police said. The body of Mongsowe U Chak was found on Saturday at the isolated temple where he lived alone in Naikkhangchhari village in Bandarban, about 338km (211 miles) southeast of the capital Dhaka, police said. Police said they did not know the motive of the killing and no one had been arrested. The killing followed similar murders of two prominent gay activists, a law student, a Hindu tailor and a university professor in April. His body was found with a slit throat. Police are saying he was most likely killed on Friday night, Al Jazeeras Tanvir Chauwdhury said, reporting from Dhaka. From 2013 until now we have seen a spree of murders in similar fashion This is a major concern for the Bangladesh government. Chauwdhury said the government regularly accused what it called extremist groups of carrying out such attacks, adding that in some cases blame was also pointed at opposition parties. [But] very few are brought to justice, Chauwdhury said. The nation of 160 million people has seen a surge in violent attacks over the past few months in which liberal activists, members of minority Muslim sects and other religious groups have been targeted. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) has claimed responsibility for some of the killings. The government, though, denies the group has a presence in the country, saying homegrown groups are behind the attacks. Israel refuses to grant an ID number to Khalid Yasin, even though he has lived in the West Bank for over two decades. Qalqilya, occupied West Bank Khalid Yasin, 25, graduated at the top of his class in high school, but no university would accept him. Living without citizenship or identification for his entire life, Yasin has become dependent on others for everything even something as simple as signing up for a phone line. Its like I dont exist, Yasin said, sitting behind a desk inside his small shoe store. I cant do anything without an ID number. My business isnt in my name, I cant go to university, I cant own an apartment, I cant even get married legally. Im not a citizen anywhere everywhere I go, I am illegal. Yasins family travelled to the northern West Bank district of Qalqilya when he was four. His parents, who fled from Kuwait in 1991 during the Gulf War, lived in Jordan for several years before receiving permission from Israeli authorities to enter the occupied West Bank. The family immediately applied for Palestinian citizenship, a bid that took 14 years for the Israelis to approve and by the end, Yasin, who was then 18, was rejected. Israeli authorities told him that as he was no longer a minor, he had to apply on his own. He has since applied numerous times, each one rejected. I live in fear of being caught, Yasin told Al Jazeera. There are checkpoints everywhere, night raids all the time. Israeli soldiers are always entering the city and I am always at risk of them finding out about me. I can't do anything without an ID number. My business isn't in my name, I can't go to university, I can't own an apartment, I can't even get married legally. I'm not a citizen anywhere - everywhere I go, I am illegal. by Khalid Yasin, Palestinian without ID According to Imad Shanan, the Palestinian Authoritys interior ministry director of general civil affairs, 576 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank applied for ID numbers in 2015 all of which were denied. Shanan could not verify how many of those were repeat applicants. When it comes to this issue, it is out of our hands, Shanan said. The PA can provide IDs only if Israel agrees, and this issue has not seen any progress. We do our best to provide human rights, but in the end, this issue is up to the Israeli side to say yes or no. Israels Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories Unit, which oversees the occupied West Bank, told Al Jazeera that the Israeli government did not keep records of how many people were living there illegally. READ MORE: Israeli law tears Palestinian families apart Fed up with the failing bureaucracy, Yasin recently came out of hiding and began telling his story to the media. Ive always been scared of getting caught, and Im still scared of being arrested and taken away from my family, but I cant live like this forever so going to the media is my last hope. Three years ago, Yasin took another risk: As his friends were graduating from university, he felt like his life was standing still, and decided to leave the West Bank. Under Jordanian law, Palestinians in the West Bank can get five-year Jordanian passports as travel documents, though they are still not granted national ID numbers. Yasins uncle in Dubai had offered him a job as a flight attendant, and he decided to take the jump. Although Yasin did not have the five-year passport, he possessed a re-issued Jordanian birth certificate and thought that would be sufficient for crossing the border. Ive never flown on a plane, or seen the ocean, Yasin said. It was a big decision; I was so scared that once I left, I would never be allowed back in the West Bank again but I had to do something. My life here was so stagnant. Family members travelled with Yasin to the West Bank-Jordan border to see him off, but things did not go as planned. When I went to cross the [Israeli] border, workers were very confused about my situation, Yasin said. Eventually they called over a captain. I explained my situation and he told me that he should be arresting me, but that he felt bad and didnt want to. Instead, the Israeli official told Yasin to go back home, as he could not allow him to leave the country without a travel document to stamp. Since then, Yasin has thought numerous times about turning himself in to Israeli authorities. Ive been in a lot of situations that were close calls with Israeli forces. I thought a lot about just letting them arrest me to see what would happen, but I have never had the nerve, he said. I dont think about stuff like that much any more, though; that was mostly when I was younger. For now, Yasin desperately wants to make a normal life for himself. Since he was young, he has wanted to study journalism, and dreams of travelling to Europe for training and then returning to cover stories in the occupied West Bank. He also wants to get married and have children. Everything is on hold until something happens with my ID, he said. Yasins mother, Amal, hopes that her son the eldest of five will one day have a better life. I tried to talk him into getting married, but he wont think of it unless the marriage could be legally acknowledged, because he doesnt want to put his hardship on a woman and children, she said. I never thought something like this could happen to him. Its an impossible situation. Even within the occupied West Bank, Yasin rarely travels. In 21 years, he has been to Ramallah twice and Hebron once. Each trip was nerve-racking. I used to try and search online for other people in my position, but I found that most of them were denied IDs because of some political issue, Yasin said. Thats so far from my case. No one in my family is political, particularly not me. I dont follow whats been going on much. To be honest, I think my problem is just a mix-up in paperwork a mix-up that is costing me my life. If the title of drummer Jeremy Warren's debut album sounds a tad hyperbolic, that's because Warren has faced and overcome more than his share of adversity en route to living his dream. As a child, Warren was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare and sometimes deadly disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. Told he might not live to adulthood, or could be blind, Warren underwent four corneal transplants while battling the disease. Not only did he survive SJS, Warren also managed to graduate from the University of Memphis and earn a master's degree in music from New York University. And oh yes, along the way he started drumming and composing as a way to satisfy his musical desires, which had also begun in childhood.Warren's preferences run the gamut from blues, R&B and hip hop to neo-soul, rock and jazz, each of which is given a cordial nod on I Can Do All Things, which does its best to generate a wide appeal. In doing so, however, it runs the risk of turning away purists whose tastes may be confined to one genre or another. To avoid this, Warren infuses most tracks with an insistent rock beat, which serves to bind the various numbers while at the same time lending a certain sameness to its rhythmic component that may also unsettle those whose penchants may lie elsewhere. It is, however, well-suited to the arrangements, all of which were presumably written by Warren who also composed eight of the album's ten numbers.Warren's wife, Dermel, lends her voice to half a dozen selections including two ("Yet Faithful," "Lost Friends") for which she penned the lyrics. Again, what she does is fine for the music as written, although it poses no real challenges; one's response to Dermel's singing will more than likely rest on his or her fondness for the recording as a whole. Warren welcomes three guests: Leon Marin (rap vocal on "Livin' Way Up"), pianist("Battle with Steven") and tenor saxophonist("J-Dubb's Step"). They're cool and steady, but none rises above the material at hand, which for the most part is unexceptional. As for other personnel, there's no comprehensive list but some names are provided for each number, which may or may not indicate the actual size of the group. The only name not listed is Warren's, and his presence is conspicuous on every track.Having evaded so many hazards to arrive where he is, Warren undoubtedly had a game plan in mind for his first recording and accomplished what he set out to do. The import of his enterprise now lies in the ear of the beholder. Of the MissMuslim cofounders, only one of them is covered. Matari wears tight clothing, makeup, and bikinis. "Most people don't know I'm Muslim when they look at me," she says. "I'm also fairly light in skin color. I have dirty-blonde hair and brown eyes." Halal makeup like Ingblot exists for women who are stricter when it comes to their faith. But Muslim American women adhere to most of the beauty trends as any other American woman would (which means cat eyes and lipstick are beloved universally). "We basically just wanted girls to know that any beauty routine they see can be applied to them whether or not you're conservative or wear a hijab, it doesn't mean that what looks good on Kylie Jenner isn't going to look good on you," explains Matari. Since MissMuslim focuses on a lot of topics that are nontraditional for Muslim culture, the cofounders of the site took some heat when the site was first launching. "People were telling us that we were shaming Islam and giving a bad name to Muslim women," says Matari. While there have been no death threats, some people have threatened to sue the site and say that they've "shamed" Islam and Muslim women. The women of the site have been called dirty and inappropriate, and people have told them that they'll never get married "because no man wants a woman who openly discusses these things." Melero also experienced some backlash from her posts on the site. She talks about sex and dating as someone in an interfaith relationship. She explains how wonderful her partner is, and she says that even when she gets weak in her faith, her partner encourages her to be a better Muslim. The articles that border on controversiallike "What Are the Slut Protocols?" and the hilariously headlined "A Softcup for YOUR Soft Cup" are usually from Melero. After others realized how much MissMuslim was actually helping young girls, the site began garnering more positive feedback, eventually becoming an outlet where girls could share their stories free of judgment. The site's women's health and MissMommy columns have been most well received by the public. "There are a lot of times in my life that people didn't know I was Muslim, and I wasn't so open about [it] because I felt really judged about my own community," explains Matari. "I kept quiet about the things I was struggling with." For MissMuslim, the cofounders want people to understand that there isn't one specific image of what a Muslim girl looks like. "Everyone thinks we're these oppressed girls who are boring, don't have our own lives, and aren't pretty," says Matari. "We're beautiful. There are so many definitions of what a Muslim woman is, and this site is where we can have our voices heard." PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MISSMUSLIM 2005 .. ACTUALITES Boko Haram Summit: Human rights must be foundation of regional response Alwihda Info | Par Amnesty International - 14 Mai 2016 Accountability for human rights violations and abuses should be an indispensable part of the regional response to Boko Haram, Amnesty International said today. As world leaders meet today for the Regional Security Summit in Abuja to discuss the collective effort to defeat Boko Haram and reconstruct the Lake Chad region, Amnesty International calls on them to ensure that justice remains a priority and to increase efforts to protect civilians. Whether they have suffered at the hands of Boko Haram, or of the security forces who were supposed to protect them, the conflicts thousands of victims deserve justice, said Netsanet Belay, Amnesty Internationals Research and Advocacy Director for Africa. Despite repeated promises, governments affected by the conflict have not adequately investigated evidence of crimes under international law and human rights abuses and violations nor taken steps to prosecute and bring to trial the suspected perpetrators. Now is the time to put those promises into action. While focusing on efforts at combatting Boko Haram, the Summit, the second of its kind, will also discuss measures to enhance security, deliver humanitarian assistance and plan for post-conflict reconstruction. Since 2009, Boko Haram has killed thousands of civilians, abducted thousands more from their homes, and subjected women and girls to sexual violence. In Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger, the armed group has destroyed towns and villages, forcing more than two million people from their homes and denying them access to their livelihoods. In these countries, security forces have also committed human rights violations and crimes under international law in their fight against Boko Haram. Amnesty International has documented extra-judicial executions, deaths in military custody, enforced disappearances, the use of torture, looting and other violations by the state security forces of Nigeria and Cameroon. Chad and Niger have also been accused of human rights violations in the context of combatting Boko Haram, including by the United Nations. The organization is still not aware of any members of security forces in those countries who have been brought to trial for crimes committed in the context of the fight against Boko Haram. This has created a climate of impunity, while deepening the frustration of families and victims who have a right to justice A man whose brother was killed by Nigerian security forces told Amnesty International this year: "Justice should be done. My brother was not Boko Haram. Those who killed him should be investigated so that they will not do this again. Our family is keeping this in our hearts, it is very painful, and there is nothing we can do. Amnesty International calls on Governments attending the summit to develop mechanisms for accountability, and bring suspected perpetrators of crimes under international law before civilian courts in fair trials without recourse to the death penalty. In the week of the Summit, Amnesty International published shocking revelations about the deaths of babies, among others, in Nigerian military detention centers. Evidence gathered by the organization showed that many detainees may have died from disease, hunger, dehydration, and gunshots wounds. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Le rugby a Madagascar : le pays fou du rugby TeslaCoin : plateforme de trading ou cryptomonnaie ? Tchad : un projet dassistance et de protection en faveur des migrants au Batha Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) ACTUALITES USCIRF: Saudi is as repressive as ever; Alkhalifa not faring better Alwihda Info | Par Bahrain Freedom Movement - 14 Mai 2016 Last week the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released its annual report detailing the state of religious freedom in the world. It said that Saudi Arabia remains uniquely repressive in the extent to which it restricts the public expression of any religion other than Islam, and a number of high profile cases during the past year demonstrated the governments continued disregard for freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief. The government continues to prosecute, imprison, and flog individuals for dissent, apostasy, blasphemy, and sorcery, and a 2014 law classifying blasphemy and advocating atheism as terrorism has been used to prosecute human rights defenders and others. In addition, authorities continue to repress and discriminate against dissident clerics and members of the Shia community who criticize the government and call for equal rights. Based on the Saudi governments systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, USCIRF again recommends in 2016 that Saudi Arabia be designated a country of particular concern, or CPC, under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). The State Department has designated Saudi Arabia a CPC repeatedly since 2004. The chapter on Bahrain details the ongoing abuses by the government against a large portion of the kingdoms population. Currently, the majority Shia population in Bahrain continues to experience increased interrogations, detentions, and arbitrary arrests by the government. In an effort to criminalize dissent, the government targets Shia Muslims, including clerics, for peaceful protests and criticizing the governments human rights and religious freedom record.. It added that Bahrain had failed to meet some its own self-imposed deadlines on the implementation of the recommendations from the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). Additionally, the Shia population continued to face cultural, economic, educational, and social discrimination in 2015. Meanwhile Saudi Arabia has been given the rank of 165 by Reporters Without Borders in its 2016 World Press Freedom Index. This reflects the nature of what is commonly called Kingdom of Silence which condemns its opponents to executions and beheadings if they speak out against the most reactionary regime in the world. A scandalous behaviour has exposed the reality of the Alkhalifa ruling tribe. Cherif Bassiouni visited Bahrain this week to assess how much of his commissions 26 recommendations have been implemented. He had headed the Bahrain Independent Committee of Investigation (BICI) in 2011 charged with investigating regimes crimes in March and April 2011. For the past five years; torture, sectarianism, repression have continued unabated. Last week the US Commission on International Religious Freedom said in its 2016 Annual Report said that: Bahrain had failed to meet some its own self-imposed deadlines on the implementation of the recommendations from the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). Yet the regime claimed that Dr Bassiouni Praised it for implementing the recommendations. This caused an outcry among the people who have witnessed sharp deterioration in Alkhalifa treatment of the native majority. When pressed about what he said he replied: The English is wrong, he wrote in an email sent in the early hours of Tuesday, adding: I have asked them to correct it. Bassiouni was given the same medal that had been bestowed by the dictator on Ian Henderson in 2001. Meanwhile the regime has escalated its attacks on natives. On 9th May Moosa Jaffar, from Dair Town was arrested in a vicious raid on his house. Last week at least seven people were arrested from the Town of AlGhuraifa: Jassim Ahmad Abdulla, his brother, Abdulla, Sayed Mohammad Sayed Saleh Sayed Khalil, Sayed Mohammad Sayed Habib, Sayed Ahmad Sayed Hadi Alawi and his two brothers, Sayed Baqir and Sayed Hassan. Yesterday regimes courts issued terms sentences of ten years on six natives. A child was given three years for protesting against the regime. On 5th May regimes courts sentenced three natives to life in jail for opposing the hereditary dictatorship. Six others were given ten years each. Three more were sentenced to three years. In a separate case, two natives were sentenced to three years; Sadiq Jaffar AShoor and Ahmad Ali Khamis. Pressure is mounting on the regime to release Zainab AlKhawaja, one month after its foreign minister promised to do so. He was speaking on 7th April with visiting American Secretary of State, John Kerry when he said that she wou ld be released on humanitarian grounds. After a month, Zainab remains behind bars. She has written an open letter from her cell calling for peoples freedom from this criminal regime. While people were happy to see Rayhana AlMousawi released from her three year incarceration for protesting against Formula 1 blood race in Bahrain, new shocking revelations have caused anger against the regime. It has now been confirmed by Rayhana that she had been subjected to severe torture including sexual harassment. She was ordered to take off her clothes on two separate occasions while police officers were watching. She was also subjected to various forms of torture including beating, swearing and deprivation of sleep. There are calls for the UN Human Rights Commissioner to take the case personally. Bahrain Freedom Movement 11th May 2016 Dans la meme rubrique : < > Le rugby a Madagascar : le pays fou du rugby TeslaCoin : plateforme de trading ou cryptomonnaie ? Tchad : un projet dassistance et de protection en faveur des migrants au Batha Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) AR's Editor Joe Shea Talks About Elections On Iranian TV Bear Stearns Saved By Fed As Lehman Bros. Falters; Major Bank Failure Looms Over Wall Street, Sends Markets Into 200-Pt. Dive Lie Upon Lie Five Years Into the Iraq War The Administration Still Churns Out Lies by Randolph Holhut A Small Tragedy Even at 90, As Friends Turn Cool She Knows the Show Must Go On by Joyce Marcel I'll Take Me Imagine John Wayne or Arnold In Heels, Silk and a Girdle by Elizabeth Andrews Sen. Nelson Calls For New Fla. Primary; Gov Crist Backs 'Do-Over' Who'll Win? Ask Spock Spock.com Engine Predicts Winners By Site Searches; It Can be Wrong by Jay Bhatti Chatting Up The Cat God Gave Me Dominion Over Him But I Think He's a Non-Believer by Constance Daley Death of a Thug The Life and Horrors of Suharto by Andreas Harsono ___________________________ This Just In Sierra Club: McCain Ducked All 15 Key Votes On Green Laws (AR) A Work By AR's T.S. Kerrigan Is Chosen As 'Best Poem' By Wordpress Site Murder At Mile 63 The Deadly Assault and Bush Administration Cover-Up by S. Eben Kirkesby and Andreas Harsono 5427 14th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34207 $6.99 Fish Fridays! Manatee Co.'s Only 24-Hr. FREE Wi-Fi Paid Advertisement On Native Ground AFTER 5 YEARS, WE'RE STILL LIED TO ABOUT IRAQ by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Next week is the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. And it is likely that sometime in the next couple of weeks, the 4,000th American soldier will die in Iraq. [MORE] Momentum OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - It's 1931, and a 14-year-old girl is standing alone on a stage. She's small and lively with dark curly hair, widespread hazel eyes, slender wrists and an open, eager face filled with the wonder of performing. Her name is Rose, and one day she will be my mother. But now she is performing an Eugene O'Neill monologue called "Before Breakfast" for a ladies' club in a wealthy suburb of Long Island. [MORE] One Woman's World COMFORTABLE WITH MYSELF by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- I'm not sure but I think I may be socially incorrect. [MORE] On Native Ground ENOUGH FOR A WAR, NOT FOR A PEOPLE by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Last week, the National Governors Assn. met in Washington, D.C. One of the tasks the NGA had on its agenda was to ask President Bush to increase federal spending on roads, bridges and other public works projects as a way to stimulate the economy. He rejected their pleas out of hand, claiming that infrastructure projects wouldn't offer any short-term economic boost. [MORE] Brasch Words BEWARE THE SELF-REVERENTIAL PRESS by Walter Brasch BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Shortly before the primary votes this past week, Newsweek's Jonathan Alter called Sen. Barack Obama's surge to the Democratic nomination "inevitable." It also called for Hillary Clinton to "start her campaign for Senate majority leader." [MORE] Constance A CONVERSATION WITH MY CAT Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- Normally, when the cat starts his evening rant of meowing continuously until he makes his point, I just take it as long as I can, pick him up, and put him in the garage for the night. He doesn't want to go, but the meowing stops and I don't care if he likes it or not. [MORE] Momentum OUT OF STRUGGLE, ART by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Here we are again at the crossroads of art and social change, having the opportunity to watch good and great films about the lives of women in support of the Women's Crisis Center. [MORE] Campaign 2008 HOW TO PREDICT SUPER TUESDAY II WINNERS? ONLINE SEARCH by Jay Bhatti NEW YORK, March 4, 2008, 7:00PM ET -- With the outcomes of the Texas, Vermont, Ohio and Rhode Island primaries to be decided tonight, how possible is it that online searching can predict who will win tonight's primaries? [MORE] One Woman's World DON'T VOTE; IT ENCOURAGES THEM by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Call me angry and disgusted but don't call me un-American because I won't be voting come November. [MORE] On Native Ground BUSH AND THE KEYBOARD COMMANDOS by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- As the days tick down toward the eventual departure of President George W. Bush from the White House, it's a hopeful sign that most Americans are no longer moved by his Administration's constant exploitation of terrorism for political gain. [MORE] Momentum WHICH AMERICA DO YOU LIVE IN? by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- It's a little confusing. [MORE] Make My Dat THE LAWYER THAT ATE NEW YORK by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- I used to know a guy who, quite literally, didn't get hyperbole. He didn't understand exaggeration. As a result, he missed most jokes that came his way. [MORE] On Native Ground FIDEL RETIRES: NOW THE COLD WAR IS REALLY OVER by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Maybe now, we can finally say the Cold War is over. [MORE] Make My Dat THE LAWYER THAT ATE NEW YORK by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- I used to know a guy who, quite literally, didn't get hyperbole. He didn't understand exaggeration. As a result, he missed most jokes that came his way. [MORE] One Woman's World POLITICS IS NO PARTY by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Are you having a hard time focusing your eyes? Do you have faint red spots all over your body? Is there a ringing in your ears and do you see wavy lines when you look at your television set? Do your hands shake when you try to hold a cup of coffee? And have you recently been forgetting what day of the week it is - or what year? [MORE] Make My Day FOR BETTER OR WORSE ... A LOT WORSE by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- "Marriage: It's Only Going to Get Worse." [MORE] Constance YOU CALL THESE RIGHTS? by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- When you express an opinion you hope to persuade others to your point of view. It doesn't always happen but still, opinion writers try. [MORE] Momentum THE BRIDGE WOMAN by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - Out there in America - yes, still - is a generation of women who were born in the 1940s, raised in the 1950s, and who came to radical consciousness in the late 1960s and early 1970s. I am one of them. Hillary Clinton is one of them. [MORE] On Native Ground OBAMA AND MY GENERATION by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- I originally planned on voting for Dennis Kucinich in the Vermont Primary on March 4. [MORE] The Willies: WARNING: THIS MEDICATION MAY MURDER YOUR FRIENDS by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla. -- You've heard the warnings, haven't you? Stop Prozac and you may take a shotgun, an Uzi or an AK-47 and mow down your family and friends, or even a whole classroom full of your fellow students. You didn't? Well, that warning is not on the bottle, but like countless mass-murder incidents before it, Friday's shootings at Northern Illinois University, as well as the Virginia Tech shootings that killed 32 last year, was probably precipitated by the effect of stopping medications that suppress anger and other powerful emotions but do not relieve the underlying cause. Isn't it time we started warning people - or stopped prescribing these medicines? [MORE] One Woman's World DON'T KNOCK ON MY DOOR by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- I wish I could feel delight in my poet's mansion being like Grand Central Station all the time, but I can't. And I wish my place was such a place that someone would one day write: "Her door was always open and she always made you feel all fuzzy and warm in her presence. She could make a cup of coffee seem like a banquet." [MORE] Reporting: Panama PANAMA'S VIOLENT LABOR UNREST INTENSIFIES Mark Scheinbaum PANAMA CITY, Panama, Feb, 15, 2008 -- After just one day of relative calm, wildcat construction strikes by some members of Panama's largest union flared up again Friday morning, four days after a police sniper shot one worker. More than 140 demonstrators have been injured and at least 500 arrested, authorities say. [MORE] Brasch Words TO STIMULATE ECONOMY, BUY A CHINESE-MADE U.S. FLAG by Walter Brasch BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Walking down Main Street, pushing a grocery cart loaded with clothes, toys, and appliances was Marshbaum. Fastened to the right front corner of the cart was an American flag tied onto a three-foot ruler. [MORE] Make My Day THE TOOTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TOOTH by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- To commemorate the death of noted shark exploder Roy Scheider, and the "Jaws" movies that resulted in Erik never setting foot in the ocean again, we are reprinting this column from 2003. Shark Experts 0, Sharks 1 [MORE] Momentum THE WINTER OF MY DISCONTENT by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - As I write this, it's raining ice. Maybe a half a foot of snow and ice has already landed up here in the woods of Dummerston. Our cars are encased in it, and the door to the house is blocked. The satellite dish that brings in our Internet service quit about 20 minutes ago - frozen solid. [MORE] The Willies AMERICA TO HILLARY: GET OUT! by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 13, 2008 -- Sen. Hillary Clinton has adopted the Rudy Giuliani strategy, and it's working - for Sen. Barack Obama. It turns out to be the strategy all Democrats are seeking - an exit strategy. But it's not for Iraq. It's for her exit from the race for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. [MORE] Constance CONFESSIONS OF A DISAPPOINTED VOTER by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- A week ago at just about this time, I completed an article and was about to submit it as scheduled to The American Reporter. I was feeling rather elated, ready to show up on Super Tuesday morning, firmly touch the X next to Rudy Giuliani's name and get on with my day. He was my choice; he would get my vote. [MORE] Reporting: Florida SIERRA CLUB SET TO SUSPEND FLA. CHAPTER by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 10, 2008 -- The national Sierra Club is set to suspend its Florida chapter after years of divisive infighting, the president of the national club told Florida members in a letter delivered to some this weekend. It is the first time in its 116-year history that such a step has been considered by the club, according to news reports. [MORE] One Woman's World PLANT A NEW WORLD THIS SPRING by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- For a little while, the men will just have to toss and turn in their fear-free-women beds. For a small space of time Hillary Clinton will just have to trudge on toward the White House without my faint applause in the background. [MORE] On Native Ground VERMONT AND THE 5 STAGES OF CONSERVATIVE GRIEF by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- First, Vermont tried to convince the nation to impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney. [MORE] Make My Day REBEL WITHOUT A TONGUE by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Kids' brains work in amazing ways. At times, they can grasp complex concepts and make impressive discoveries. Other times, you have to wonder how we ever survived as a species. [MORE] The Willies FOR DEMOCRATS, NOW IT'S ABOUT RACE, INCOME AND GENDER by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Feb. 6, 2008 -- It's not a good time to be a Democrat. As the Super Tuesday results demonstrated, the presidential race between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has divided the partly along clear racial, income and gender lines - the very distinctions the party has sought to erase in principle but has emphasized in its pursuit of diversity. [MORE] Momentum SUPER TUESDAY BLUES by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Super Tuesday has come and gone and I still can't get excited about the upcoming presidential elections. [MORE] The Willies ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY, YOUR PUSH IS NEEDED by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 5. 2008 -- I'm expecting a sea change tonight. I believe that for the first time in this nation's history we will once and forever banish racism as the deciding factor in the destiny of African-Americans, and indeed adopt diversity as our path to the future. [MORE] Campaign 2008 AT 88, EVERY VOTE REALLY COUNTS by Ted Manna DENVER, Feb. 5, 2008 -- Pearl Turner will caucus for Mitt Romney tonight in Denver. [MORE] One Woman's World STAND BY YOUR WOMAN by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- The black vote. The gay vote. The fundamentalist vote. The Hispanic vote. [MORE] An AR Special SUSPECTS IN BENAZIR ASSASSINATION HAVE TIES TO MUSHARRAF by Ahmar Mustikhan WASHINGTON, D.C. -- When Gordon Brown this past Monday feted coup-leader-turned-President Pervez Musharraf at 10 Downing Street, Britain's new prime minister probably didn't ask the Pakistani dictator a question that is now on many minds: Did you order the murder of Benazir Bhutto? [MORE] Momentum TO THE VERMONT DELEGATION: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR US LATELY? by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. Back when President George W. Bush and Dick Vice President Dick Cheney were building up to their loathsome war in Iraq, very few people were brave enough to call the bullies' bluff. [MORE] On Native Ground IF BUSH HAS HIS WAY, WE'LL NEVER LEAVE IRAQ by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. - In his final State of the Union address on Jan. 28, President Bush cautioned against accelerating U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq, saying that it would endanger the process that has been made over the past year. [MORE] Campaign 2008 CLASH OF COMMENTS AND PROTESTORS AT CLINTON, OBAMA RALLIES IN DENVER by Ted Manna DENVER, Feb. 1, 2008 -- At least four presidential campaigns of both partiers rolled into in Denver this week ahead of the Feb. 5 "Super Tuesday" primaries in 22 states, but it was the Democratic presidential contenders who drew the big crowds and duked it out Wednesday. If sheer numbers are any indication, Sen. Barack Obama - preceded by a buoyant and beautiful Caroline Kennedy - won the round handily. He is the overwhelming favorite to win the Colorado primary next Tuesday. [MORE] The Willies WHY THE FLORIDA PRIMARY STINKS by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Jan. 30, 2008 -- I was with my wife and daughter driving the back way from Miami home to Bradenton when we stopped at a McDonald's in Clewiston, the only big town along the vast shore of Lake Okeechobee, the state's precious freshwater reservoir. The McDonald's had three televisions at a central seating area, each tuned to a different network, and our table was in front of CNN as the very first election results started to pour in around 7:30PM. With them, almost as counterpoint, suddenly came such an overwhelming odor of cow plop that my wife started to throw up as we all ran to the parking lot. [MORE] Passings: Suharto DEATH OF A KEMUSU THUG by Andreas Harsono JAKARTA - A few minutes after hearing that former president Suharto had died in his hospital bed, Marco, a militia leader in downtown Jakarta, raced to Suhartos house, wearing his jungle camouflage and began guarding the Suhartos residence on Cendana Street. [MORE] Constance I REMEMBER YOU by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga.. -- It seems to be more often lately that the sentiment is spoken but it's always been out there: "You never get over the death of your child." This is true. But the heartfelt expressions come from some who cannot fathom the notion of losing a child; their own child is who is in their mind, not another mother's child. [MORE] The Reagan coalition is dead. A new one is needed. We've got four years to figure it out. In 1979, as Reagan launched his second campaign for the White House, communism was still on the move. After receiving a kiss on the ear from Leonid Brezhnev, President Jimmy Carter believed our fear of communism was inordinate. Then came the invasion of Afghanistan, and he changed his tune. But if you wanted to stand up to the Soviet Union, it was clear you for Reagan. Big Labor, under George Meany, was fiercely anticommunist, as was the Catholic Church. Anticommunism was the glue that held the Reagan coalition together. In defeating the Soviets, Reagan broke up his own coalition. In 1980 Roe v. Wade was seven years old, and the religious right was in ascendancy. Social conservatives were the second leg of the Reagan stool. But this bloc of votes is dispirited, and has disintegrated. Republicans have not only failed to reverse Roe v. Wade, they've been losing the culture wars on all fronts, from gay marriage to transgender rights. When Cruz lost the evangelicals of the South, his path to victory became narrow and treacherous. These voters, more than any other, gave Trump his eventual victory. They care a lot more about Trump's issues than the ones their preacher is always talking about. So we're left with constitutional conservatives and libertarians. But we don't control the Republican Party. The Chamber of Commerce controls the Republican Party. These people are in it to line their pockets. The first step to putting a New Conservative Coalition together is to take control of the Convention in Cleveland. By doing so, we will write the rules for the 2020 primary, and write them in our favor. We also preserve our conservative platform, and improve it. Not only will we remain pro-life, we'll also become pro-Article V, and pro-transfer of federal lands to the States. Come 2020, these could both be powerful issues. If Article V continues to make progress, as it will, the realization that the states, and the people, have a way to get control of the federal government will help us put our new coalition together. And the transfer of federal lands gives us the bedrock of our new coalition -- the Far West. We need a candidate with the courage to stand up for the bedrock principle of the Constitution -- equality before the law. In fact, in America today, we are not equal before the law. Some minorities are given privileges not available to their fellow citizens. It's wrong, and everybody knows it's wrong, and counterproductive, and destructive of harmonious racial relations. But no one will campaign against it, because they're afraid of being called a racist. Donald Trump is an unabashed supporter of affirmative action. If Ted Cruz had gone into the Southern primaries campaigning against him on this issue, he could have won the nomination. But he was afraid of being called a racist, so he kept quiet. As did every other Republican running, for the same reason. None of them had the guts to stand up for equality before the law. If a political party and its candidate refuse to stand for that, I don't want any part of them. The most important accomplishment of my political career was defeating an effort to create an exception to the principle of equality before the law in the Alaska Constitution. I was called a racist and anti-native. But if fear of being libeled as a racist paralyzes you, you're not a leader. The new coalition must be an anti-government coalition. If you want to fight the federal government, and Congress, and the political class, then you're with us. Environmental extremism, over regulation, crony capitalism, and the IRS have combined to create the conditions needed for a revolt against the Washington establishment. But being anti-government doesn't mean being necessarily libertarian. We're just against the out of control federal government. Every state can be as libertarian, or as evangelical, as it wants. We're a big tent. For lack of a better term I'll call it the Federalist Coalition. It will not be led by neoconservatives, who are really warmed-over Wilsonians, or American Imperialists. The rise of Trump is, in part, a repudiation of foreign entanglements. NATO is not really an alliance at all. It's simply an American guarantee to Western Europe against the Russians. It made sense when Russia was part of the Soviet Union. But that ended a quarter century ago. Today, the American people will not send their sons and daughters to die in a European war, and NATO is a dead letter. Adventurism in the Middle East is also no longer on the table. Lindsey Graham talks, but nobody listens. With North America self-sufficient in oil and gas, we no longer have a vital national interest in that part of the world, other than guaranteeing Israeli security. The proper foreign policy for the Republican Party is the peaceful advancement of American interests around the world, in concert with our allies. We do not seek world hegemony. It was thrust upon us after world War II, but it was a temporary and unnatural position for a nation such as ours, with no natural enemies, and no desire to rule the world. Trump's strident opposition to illegal immigration succeeds because both parties have lied to the American people about this issue for 30 years. Securing the border and adopting an immigration policy that puts the interests of the American people first is indispensable to the formation of an electoral majority. Political coalitions come and go. What must never change is our commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. This must be the glue which binds the new Federalist coalition. 2016 may be a disastrous year for American conservatism. But if we listen to the voters, and heed their concerns, 2020 could be the year of conservative revival. If not, the party's over. Fritz Pettyjohn served as Chairman of Reagan for President, Alaska, House Minority Leader, and State Senator. He blogs daily at ReaganProject.com All countries have imperfect records, both historically and in contemporary times. All at some point have been engaged in internal and external conflict and encountered enmity and violence. The State of Israel is no different in this respect, and has been the subject of continual hostility by some countries and hostile groups that refuse to recognize its existence and legitimacy. It is therefore all the more important, at this moment commemorating the 68th anniversary of the creation of Israel, to acknowledge the extraordinary story and achievements of the miracle in the desert. In a Middle East all too replete with failed states, dictatorships, authoritarian regimes, civil wars, terrorist groups, and intra-Muslim religious conflicts, Israel is the only democratic nation and the only economically developed and modernized one. This often comes as a surprise since Israel is a small country, 8,500 square miles, almost the exact size of the great state of New Jersey, and in which 60 per cent of the land mass is the Negev desert. The width of the country can be crossed, if there is no traffic jam, in 90 minutes. Equally surprising, Israel is one of the relatively small number of counties in the world with a flourishing multiparty parliamentary system expressing almost all political points of view, universal suffrage, a free press and media, an independent judiciary often critical of the government, autonomous independent great universities and research centers, and numerous human rights groups. Israel society is vibrant, diverse and productive. First, it should be universally acknowledged that though the State of Israel is relatively new, the relationship of the Jewish people to the land goes back at least 3,000 years. King David established Jerusalem, which has been the site of two Jewish Temples, as the capital of Israel. This history belies the spin of the fallacious Palestinian Narrative of Victimhood, embraced by haters of Israel, that Jews are foreign occupiers or colonialists in the land native to their ancestors. Indeed, the Israeli system has incorporated non-Jews. Unlike its neighboring countries, Israel has freedom of worship for all religious groups. Of the 8.4 million population, 75 per cent are Jews, 20 per cent are Arabs, mostly Sunni Muslims, and there are ten other minority religions. Christians constitute 2 per cent of the population, and are more religious that Israeli Jews. The population is pluralistic and diverse, with variations of religious affiliations and political views, and with ethnic, cultural, color, and linguistic differences. The various aspects of diversity can be illustrated by a few examples. A Jewish Ethiopian became Miss Israel in 2013. Arabic is an official language. About half the lawyers in Israel are women. The return of Jews to the area, whether described as the Holy Land, Palestine, or Israel, has led to transformation of barren land, planting of forests, irrigation of the soil, building of urban areas, and to economic development. OECD now rates Israel as the 35th largest economy in the world. In 2015 its GDP per capita was $35,000. In spite of international pressure and the bigoted BDS campaign spearheaded by Palestinian activists, Israel has not been isolated internationally. Israel is part of the global world, economically, technologically, and militarily. For a country of its size and population Israel has the most impressive record of technological initiatives as well being on the cutting edge of research in science, medicine, and agricultural innovations. For example, India has become a major purchaser of Israels defense systems. China in investing in Israeli companies, especially startup companies. Israels credit ratings are high. A recent example of the military integration is the decision of NATO on May 3, 2016. It upgraded relations with Israel, and invited Israel to establish a permanent mission in its headquarters at Brussels, thus joining together in the fight against terrorism, in intelligence gathering and in cyber technology development. Today, Israel has the largest number of startup companies per capita, and the third largest for venture capital investments. The BDS bigots, in their animosity towards Israel and possible anti-Semitism, in their determination to boycott relations with Israel research units, are ignorant of the fact that it was the Israeli employees at Motorola in Israel who developed the original cell phone technology. The country is a treasure for cultural connoisseurs and gourmets. After Tokyo and New York City, it has the largest number of sushi restaurants in a city, that of Tel Aviv, which is now also regarded as the gay capital of the world. Interestingly, Starbucks failed in Israel that has what it regards as better local coffee. The country has pride not only in the large number of Nobel Prize winners, orchestras, museums, theaters, and dance groups, but also in its wineries, especially those in the Golan Heights. It has international superstars in Hip Hop, and in the Eurovision Song Contest. It is a tragedy that the Arab countries, except Egypt and Jordan, surrounding Israel and the Palestinian neighbors have refused to recognize the benefits they would gain from cooperating with Israel, and reaching a peaceful resolution of existing differences. Instead, they have been counterproductive and reactionaries. The Israeli Declaration of Independence states, we extend our hand to all neighboring states and their peoples in an offer of peace and good neighborliness. Unfortunately, this sentiment has not been reciprocated. Israel has survived the wars thrust upon it by hostile neighbors, but those wars did not lead to a Palestinian interest in peaceful negotiation of the difficult issues dividing the two sides, and need to be resolved. Many in the international community have focused on the Palestinian claims and proposed one sided resolutions concerning them. They fail to appreciate that at present there is no Palestinian partner with whom Israel can reach a peace agreement, a settlement that appeared possible in the Oslo accords of 1993, and the Israeli peace offers in 2000 and 2007. Even well-meaning do-gooders have underestimated the extraordinary success of Israel and the value of Israeli contributions to the Middle East as well as to Western culture. They have often underestimated the Israeli need for secure and defensible borders to survive in a rough neighborhood is paramount. Almost 250 years ago the French writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau told the Poles who were threatened by outside powers, You are likely to be swallowed whole, hence you must take care to ensure you are not digested. Israel is acutely aware of the continuing threats to swallow it whole, but the international community needs to be continually reminded of it. Critics of Donald Trump America First economic nationalism are undoubtedly correct when they assert that his policies will raise consumer prices or, put concretely, the $5 made-in-who knows where but probably overseas shirt from Walmart may be history. But, the awaiting price increase is only part of the larger financial perspective, and if viewed more broadly, the picture looks less bleak. The costs of economic nationalism can be viewed from two vantage points. The dominant perspective, and the one usually favored by multi-national businesses, is to focus on imports as an unqualified good deal for consumers. It is an alluring argument -- after all, how many shoppers will pay a premium for an item that comes with a 100% made-in-America tag? Imagine if Walmart offered imported products side-by-side with those costing a third or more? A no-brainer or so it would seem. In other words, trade agreements like NAFTA and cheap immigrant labor are a boon for bargain-minded American consumers. But bargains may be illusionary and these hidden costs probably far exceed the ending of paychecks for unemployed American shirt-makers. After all, idle shirt makers are not guest workers who can be deported when their jobs evaporate. Many if not most will live for decades and their government-paid upkeep should be included in the bargain shirt. These monetary costs can be gleaned from the campaign rhetoric of candidates seeking votes in those areas where jobs have fled overseas. The typical cure for this job loss is an assortment of government measures such as extended unemployment benefits, tax credits for firms locating in these areas, subsidized job training, low-cost community colleges to acquire 21st Century job skills, plus handouts like food stamps, Medicaid, and old-fashioned public welfare. But these dollar figures ignore the human costs of long-term unemployment -- psychological pathologies such as alcoholism, drug addiction, domestic violence, and depression whose treatment will inevitably be paid for by Uncle Sam. In other words, those buying cheap imports are paying for these bargains with higher taxes so the price tag on the $5 imported shirt should read as follows: One shirt manufactured in Bangladesh $5.00 Taxpayer cost of sustaining unemployed US shirt-maker (And as with a detailed telephone bill, this could be itemized) $4.40 Human unhappiness from economic dislocation No charge Total Cost $9.40 But you now pay only $5.00 at the register, and the IRS will bill you on April 15th for the difference. It does not require much to discern winners and losers here. Clear winners include those who will work for the big tax-funded liberal state, most of whom identify with the Democratic Party. I personally first observed this in upstate New Yorks Catskill Mountain area where I stay during the summer. This was once a thriving area but is now an economic wasteland populated by retirees, local government employees and those mowing lawns. In driving around I noticed that state offices offering everything from psychological treatment to marital counseling all had full parking lots. More disconcerting is that such rural areas and old rust belt cities are now experiencing epidemics of heroin and crystal meth, yet more business for job counselors, social workers, addiction specialists and even law enforcement officials. It is exaggerating only slightly to say that a factory closing may now be a bonanza to those who earn a livelihood ministering to the needs of the newly unemployed. What, of course, is missing in the public debate is assessing the trade-off in these consumer bargains. What if the former factory worker were given a choice of earning, say, $500 a week plus decent benefits for building cars or $500 a week worth of social work counseling, tax credits for community college courses, food stamps and the like? Id guess that few would opt for these Big Government-supplied benefits. Nor would many of the unemployed blue collar workers rush to embrace Information Age jobs as computer coders or call center employees, let alone being an addiction counselor to cure the deadly habits of neighbors. Americas blue collar workforce cannot be re-cycled by dispatching them to a local community college. Critics of Trumps bring-back-the-jobs vision will, of course, insist that the days of America as an industrial power are long gone, a fantasy in a world where you can produce steel in India and ship it to Youngstown, Ohio cheaper than making locally. But if this comparative advantage argument were correct as an economic fact of life, why has the US attracted countless Japanese, Korean and German car manufacturers. Nor have Japan, Korea or Germany launched a trade war over the US stealing jobs. A certain unnoticed irony pervades todays marketplace. On the one hand you have free- market economists who insist that Americans demand cheap consumer prices uber alles and that Trump and his ilk are inviting trouble by upsetting these bargain hunters. Well, Yogi Berra once said you can see a lot by looking around, and this is certainly applies to todays marketplace. To take a simple example, I live in Manhattan and I sometimes visit Chinatowns street vendors for blueberries shipped in from Chile for maybe a $1.25 a box, sometimes less. Meanwhile, my neighbors can purchase a similar carton of blueberries at Whole Food for $4.25. The difference is that Whole Food customers willingly pay a premium for produce that is organic, grown at a local farm employing sustainable production methods where blueberry pickers are paid an above market living wage that includes generous healthcare benefits. In fact, there are some New Yorkers, including our current mayor, who have publicly stated that Walmart is not welcome in New York City even if it would save consumers millions (but 55% disagree). Our examples of Walmart shirts and Whole Food blueberries are not atypical. What is paid at the checkout register is not the full price of an item and, as the blueberry example, illustrates, altruism can shape the buying equation. Various do-gooder NGOs have convinced millions of virtue-seeking consumers to boycott inexpensive products manufactured in Asian sweatshops, using exploited child labor living in areas of rampant air and water pollution. I suspect that part of the aversion to spending extra for made-in-America products, products whose manufacture here will improve the lives of millions of Americans, may reflect an unspeakable cultural aversion. To be blunt, millions of socially conscious consumers will avoid anything made by exploited 10-year old dewy-eyed barefoot girls forced to work 12 hour shifts but will feel no sympathy for fellow Americans categorized as trailer court trash, rednecks, yahoos, hicks or hillbillies. Somehow, helping these overseas workers displays social responsibility but shunning $15.00 shirts made in rural Alabama in favor of the $5.00 version from China is celebrated by economists as marketplace sophistication. Decades ago Michael Harringtons The Other America (and Night Comes to the Cumberland by Harry M. Caudill) argued that modern highways made the rural poor invisible. Alas, much remains as before and perhaps the Donald should hold a giant press conference in a de-industrialized town so millions of TV viewers can see the human carnage of an economic vision that treats Americans as unmitigated bargain hunters. President Obamas purported boy genius, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes is not proud of his bosss record in failing to prevent genocide, but hey, there was nothing he could have done. That red line in Syria? The one Obama proclaimed and then ignored. Fugghedatboutit. Tim Mak reports in the Daily Beast about a conversation Rhodes had where the red line apparently never came up.: Senior White House official Ben Rhodes told Syrian-American activists at a gathering on Wednesday that he was not proud of the Obama administrations Syria policy, according to three people who participated in the interchange. But Rhodes waved off any suggestion that the United States should be responsible for a conflict that has left millions displaced and hundreds of thousands dead, those attendees said. We arent proud of our Syria policybut we dont have any good options... nothing we could have done would have made things better, Rhodes said, according to three individuals present: Ibrahim Al-Assil, a fellow at the Middle East Institute; Kenan Rahmani, a policy adviser with the Coalition for a Democratic Syria, and a third individual, who requested to stay anonymous. As Ed Lasky commented: The Clinton Global Initiative articles of incorporation state that its purposes are "exclusively charitable," yet Bill used the CGI to steer a $2 million donation to a private company with ties to his close friend and neighbor, Julie Tauber McMahon. Prior to 2009, the CGI was operated as a program under the William J. Clinton Foundation (WJCF), which is a 501(c)(3) charity under the IRS code. According to the WJCF website, the White House required the CGI to be operated as a separate legal entity but still under the control of the WJCF. In late 2009, Clinton attorney, confidante and CEO of WJCF filed papers for the incorporation under the laws of the State of Arkansas. The articles of incorporation for the CGI provide in Article VII as follows: The purposes for which the corporation is established are exclusively charitable, as specified in Ark. Code Ann, 4-33-201, and shall include engaging governmental, corporate, and non-profit leaders, as wel1 as college students and on-line participants, in the development of concrete and measurable commitments to action to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. The management of CGI included some Wall Street alumni: the CEO was Robert S. Harrison, a former partner and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs (which paid Hillary $675,000 in speaking fees) and the Director of CGI International and Finance and Operations was Lisa A. Rickert, a former Vice President of investment banking Lehman Brothers, which went bankrupt prior to her joining CGI. Several directors are aides and/or friends of Bill. The purpose of the CGI was to bring like-minded people together to solve global problems and they did so at lavish, splashy meetings. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, at a 2010 meeting in New York, Bill Clinton arranged for a "commitment" by Kim Samuel, a philanthropist and owner of the Samuel Companies, to invest $2 million in Energy Pioneer Solutions, a private company. While the CGI did not make the investment itself, it did pay substantial sums for the venue to close the deal. This alone should raise eyebrows since a tax-exempt charity is facilitating an investment in a for-profit company, which in this case was clearly in violation of the CGI articles of incorporation. The kicker is that one of the major investors in this company was Ms. McMahon who is Bill's neighbor, a frequent visitor and by some accounts, his mistress. (There are no reports in the media yet which describe this alleged liaison as a Bimbo eruption, the term used during Bills impeachment for the many women touched one way or another by him.) This is another example of the sleaze that permeates everything involving the Clintons from Whitewater, Monica Lewinsky, Travelgate, Clinton Cash (involving the WJCF) and the list goes on. It is not clear if the FBI probe has looked into this episode of the long running Clinton soap opera, but there appears to be plenty to investigate about Bill and Hillary. During the Republican presidential primary campaign, now-presumptive nominee Donald Trump proposed a temporary ban on Muslim immigration. It was a novel proposal. Of the 16 other Republican candidates for the nomination, and of the 3 Democrats, not one fully embraced Trump's proposal, and most roundly condemned it. And reportedly, a majority of Americans oppose the ban as well. And yet, with the strife we see unfolding in France, Sweden, Belgium, Germany and elsewhere involving Muslim immigrants, it hardly seems to be an unreasonable proposal. Is it? This is a question that needs to be answered, and answered now. For the longer we wait, the more difficult it will be to even address. The question will be answered for us. The foregoing implies that we have not already given this issue the attention it calls for. Some may disagree, and say that we have given serious attention, but have simply concluded that there is no need for such a ban. But what attention have we given? What political forum, particularly in the campaign season, exists for doing so? Currently, the most important such forum, by far, are the televised "debates" between the presidential candidates that come late in the campaign. More precisely, they are the "debate-like" exchanges, in which a "moderator" -- always a journalist sets the agenda by asking questions of the candidates. We could, perhaps, wait until September or October, and hope that the moderator asks about this issue, but there is no guarantee that he or she will. But even if the moderator does ask, it isn't likely to be very illuminating, for at least two reasons: First, the candidates themselves would not necessarily be any special authorities on this issue. Even though Clinton was secretary of state, this does not mean she is an authority on it, for she could have relied heavily on advisors. And, of course, being a real estate developer and television personality, Donald Trump is even less likely to be an authority. There is really very little reason for tens of millions of voters to be listening to him or Clinton on such a subject. Also, such exchanges would be oral, so that there would be no time to reflect on how to best answer the statements and responses of one's opponent. Answers, or statements themselves, may be irrelevant, incomplete, inaccurate, or simply false. (While there may be subsequent corrections by "fact checkers," by then, the audience has checked out.) For such reasons, it is fair to say that, for addressing an issue of such potential consequence potentially affecting literally the character of this society such debates are a shaky vehicle. But there is no need to rely on them that is, to rely on them solely. There is no need to rely solely on the questions that a moderator may or may not bring up; to rely solely on the expertise that a political candidate may or may not have; or to rely solely on how well or poorly that candidate might perform on a given night. Instead, prior to the televised exchanges, the candidates may engage in a different kind of debate -- that is to say, a "real" debate, one in which a candidate would present a resolution to be proven or disproven, and challenge his or her opponent with it. Assuming, in the present context, that the challenger would be Trump, that resolution might be "Resolved, until we can be confident that Muslims can be assimilated into a democratic society there should be a temporary ban on Muslim immigration." (Or Clinton could challenge, putting it differently.) This need not be a debate between the two candidates themselves, but may instead be between advocates that they select -- people who would be authorities on the issue. And this need not be a debate that is conducted orally, but could be one conducted through written exchanges, allowing plenty of time for reflection between responses. These could be posted in real time over the Internet, and contended facts could be documented with hyperlinks. This would create a forum best suited for finding the truth -- one in which advocates selected by the candidates would, in writing, confront each other. (And subsequent oral exchange between the advocates could follow as well.) Such confrontation, particularly mixed with authoritative advocates, could attract wide voter attention. Even if does not, however, it could still serve as a basis of discussion by commentators, and a basis for questions by moderators. And, if nothing else, it would force both sides to fully address the arguments of their opponents -- something that, if they do not do so prior to the election, may be even more disinclined to do so after it. This is a process, in other words, that candidate and/or officeholders should undergo in any case. A political campaign would be a good time to do it. Adapted from a forthcoming e-book, Asserting Democracy Former president Bill Clinton was flew on the plane of registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein far more often than was originally believed. Epstein, who avoided federal prosecution for child sex abuse, witness tampering and money laundering that would have put him behind bars for decades, took a plea deal: On Sept. 24, 2007, in a deal shrouded in secrecy that left alleged victims shocked at its leniency, Epstein agreed to a 30-month sentence, including 18 months of jail time and 12 months of house arrest and the agreement to pay dozens of young girls under a federal statute providing for compensation to victims of child sexual abuse. In exchange, the U.S. Attorneys Office promised not to pursue any federal charges against Epstein or his co-conspirators. The list of Epstein friends and associates who flew on his orgy plane - dubbed "The Lolita Express" - reads like a who's who in business, the arts, and politics. As for Bill Clinton, it was believed he flew on Epstein's plane about a dozen times. Instead, flight logs obtained by Fox News show that the ex-president traveled with Epstein on 26 occassions. The flights were notorious for the sex orgies that took place with girls as young as 12. On at least 5 occasions, Clinton ditched his Secret Service detail. Fox News has hit a wall with the Secret Service, the Clinton Library, prosecutors and lawyers in trying to get information about the ex-president having sex with underage girls. Official flight logs filed with the Federal Aviation Administration show Clinton traveled on some of the trips with as many as 10 U.S. Secret Service agents. However, on a five-leg Asia trip between May 22 and May 25, 2002, not a single Secret Service agent is listed. The U.S. Secret Service has declined to answer multiple Freedom of Information Act requests filed by FoxNews.com seeking information on these trips. Clinton would have been required to file a form to dismiss the agent detail, a former Secret Service agent told FoxNews.com. In response to a separate FOIA request from FoxNews.com, the U.S. Secret Service said it has no records showing agents were ever on the island with Clinton. A Clinton spokesperson did not return emails requesting comment about the former presidents relationship and travels with Epstein. The Clinton Library said it had no relevant information and does not keep track of Clintons travel records. Martin Weinberg, Epsteins current attorney, did not respond to multiple inquiries. Epstein said in a court filing said that he and his associates have been the subject of the most outlandish and offensive attacks, allegations, and plain inventions. However, hundreds of pages of court records, including reports from police and FBI agents, reviewed by FoxNews.com, show Epstein was under law enforcement scrutiny for more than a year. Police in Palm Beach, Fla., launched a year-long investigation in 2005 into Epstein after parents of a 14-year-old girl said their daughter was sexually abused by him. Police interviewed dozens of witnesses, confiscated his trash, performed surveillance and searched his Palm Beach mansion, ultimately identifying 20 girls between the ages of 14 and 17 who they said were sexually abused by Epstein. In 2006, at the request of Palm Beach Police, the FBI launched a federal probe into allegations that Epstein and his personal assistants had used facilities of interstate commerce to induce girls between the ages of 14 and 17 to engage in illegal sexual activities. I am feeling unclean simply by writing about this. They should have thrown Epstein into a dark hole - along with his partner in sexual deviancy Bill Clinton - and thrown away the key. Meanwhile, the Great Enabler, Hillary Clinton, runs for the highest office in the land as her pervert husband campaigns for her. As long is Bill is campaigning for Hillary, this issue is fair game for both of them. But I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the rest of the media to jump on this. It may be that Clinton's sexual peccadilloes might actually matter this time around, which means the truth must be covered up at all costs. For those smirking reporters who not-so secretly had admiration for Clinton's sexual conquests, perhaps they should wonder how they'd feel if their teenage daughter had been on one of those flights? Islamic State forces are preparing for an extended seige of its capital Raqqa as two forces close in on the city from the east and west. Social media reports say that the terrorists have declared a state of emergency and are working feverishly to protect key potential targets. CNN: They see the Syrian Democratic Forces, along with the Syrian Arab Coalition, maneuver both to their east and to their west," Warren said. "Both of these areas becoming increasingly secure, and the Syrian Democratic Forces increasingly able to generate their own combat power in those areas." The coalition believes ISIS is now responding to those maneuvers. "We've had reports of ISIL repositioning both their combat capabilities, I guess what they think may be coming next," Warren said, using another name for ISIS. "And we've seen reports of them repositioning personnel ... either within the city or even out of the city." U.S. military also note the movement of fighters who have been well dug in throughout Raqqa could give overhead surveillance aircraft an improved chance of finding and targeting them. The fortunes of ISIS have changed in the last few months, as the international coalition has gradually put pressure on ISIS economic assets, drying up their sources of income. And Turkey has taken a far more active military role in the fight, shelling ISIS targets near its border. But, as factionalism among rebels continues to hinder the effort to defeat ISIS on the battlefield, the Syrian government is targeting the very same forces that are lining up to beseige Raqqa. It seems unlikely that ISIS can be dislodged from their stronghold as long as opposition to them is so divided. We learned that the Obama administration has sent a letter to public schools regarding bathrooms: The Obama administration will send a letter to every public school district in the country telling them to allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that match their chosen gender identity, as opposed to their birth certificate. The letter, which is signed by officials at the Justice Department and the Department of Education, will be sent out to the districts on Friday. While the letter does not have the force of law, it does warn that schools that do not abide by the administrations interpretation of civil rights law may face lawsuits or loss of federal aid. "There is no room in our schools for discrimination of any kind, including discrimination against transgender students on the basis of their sex," Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement. Welcome to insanity and double standards. First, the Obama girls, who have never attended a public school, won't have to worry about any of this. They get to enjoy education the old-fashioned way, or when bathrooms were for boys and girls. Second, this is another example of executive overreach, such as rewriting laws to distract your base from high black youth unemployment rates or sending troops to Iraq. The Obama administration is using Title IX rather than going to Congress or public opinion for a new law. I guess that they don't want to put Democrats in the uncomfortable position of voting "yes or no" on this issue. So they expand Title IX like they did with ObamaCare. At some point, I'd love to see a Democrat stand up and say this: My fellow liberals, do we want these executive powers in the hands of President Trump? In the meantime, it must be nice to write letters that affect parents but do not apply to your own kids. P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. On Friday, May 13, the Obama administration released guidelines stipulating that American schools must allow males into changing rooms, showers, and bathrooms previously reserved for females, and vice versa. Schools that do not comply will be subject to lawsuits and fines. I have researched and published on WWII and jihad. I've had the unfortunate experience of reading of many invaders, unconstrained by any concept of decency, whose only goal was absolute power at any price. There is a predictable second act after the initial onslaught. After soldiers have killed enough to win a victory, there is theater. Evil men on an evil mission stage public displays designed to demoralize the populace. These displays involve predictable scenarios: children are damaged in front of their helpless parents, who are made to watch. Priests, rabbis, and sadhus are humiliated in front of their flocks, who must merely stand by helplessly as everything they perceived as sacred is debased. Women are raped in front of their husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons. After the invaders do that, the population is demoralized. Broken. Easier to manipulate. Men want to protect women. Women want to be protected by men. The Obama administration's announcement that it will force males into females' private space, where vulnerable, naked, not yet mature girls will be exposed to situations that frighten them, parallels other spectacles where men are demoralized by being forced to surrender their role as protectors of women. I don't know if Obama planned this. I do know that this is a minor parallel to major atrocities. My male friends express their frustration to me. They want to protect their wives and daughters. Male school administrators and elected officials are equally frustrated and increasingly desperate. My heart goes out to them as they juggle their natural urge to protect against Obama's and society's threats to stigmatize them as bigots and punish them financially. I would like to address the transgendered, including one of my loved ones. (Love to you if by any chance you are reading this.) The Left is using you. The Left doesn't care about you. The Left cares about taking down Western civilization. You are merely the tool, in the same way that they are using Muslims and African Americans and women. They are using you in the same way that they once used my ancestors, the so-called "white ethnics," the immigrant Poles, Italians, and Jews who arrived in America a hundred or so years ago and were recruited and then spat out when they refused to relinquish their families, their patriotism, and their God. Read left-wing literature published early in the twentieth century. We were the beautiful workers back then. Read left-wing literature now. We suddenly morph into monsters, the worst reactionaries, the biggest obstacles to revolution. My transgendered fellow citizens, don't buy the left's product. Don't be their tool. They will betray you as quickly and thoroughly as they betray everyone they use. Look what they did to Juan Williams. Look what they did to the women of Cologne, Germany. When you, the transgendered, are no longer useful to them, you will be out in the cold again. They will denounce you as decadent, as they have done in the past. I appeal to you: reject this fascism. Come to terms with the rest of us. Let's work on a solution that respects everyone. Danusha Goska is the author of Save Send Delete. In her recent column, "That Moment When 2016 Hits You," Peggy Noonan issues something of a lament for the nation. The current presidential election represents a unique, a seminal episode in our political history, and in no good sense as far as Miss Noonan is concerned. She has had her "2016 Moment," in which she sensed that "something epochal is happening in politics" and that "there has never been a presidential year like 2016." She has experienced "a poignant sense of dislocation, a knowledge that our politics have changed and won't be going back." Her column is an account of her sentiments and those of her friends, all generated in one way or another by the present political campaign. One friend took his child to Cruz and Sanders events in New Hampshire and found them to be "'great and wonderful.'" Then they went to a Trump rally and heard the "P-word" directed at Senator Cruz. The descent of our civilization thereupon became apparent. The friend's disillusionment was deepened by a viewing of the musical, Hamilton, which underscored in his mind how far we have fallen since the Founding. A second Noonan friend took his child to the Reagan Library, which, like the dramatization of Hamilton's life, precipitated a comparison between the exalted past and the sordid present. No more have we such leaders as Reagan, Franklin Roosevelt, King, and John Kennedy. Miss Noonan reveals the series of experiences and resulting feelings that constitute her "Moment." A "great political party," the Republicans, is "splintering." Her fellow opinion writers have much disappointed her since some who had "backed the policies that broke [the Republican Party]" now publish essays about who was responsible for the very deed. Others write disdainfully of the "white working class" (presumably Trump's supporters) instead of treating them with compassion. On this we agree with Miss Noonan. Hamilton, conservative women tussling over Trump in emails, Hillary Clinton yelling on TV, demonstrators trying to block those journeying to a Trump rally, and a Paul Simon song also affect Miss Noonan. The song ends with an admonition not to cry, and so Miss Noonan sobs, "[b]ecause [her] country is in trouble, [b]ecause [she] felt anguish at all the estrangements, [b]ecause some things that shouldn't have changed have changed, [b]ecause too much is being lost," and "[b]ecause the great choice in a nation of 320 million may come down to Crazy Man [that would be Mr. Trump] versus Criminal [Secretary Clinton]." Now, Miss Noonan's emotion is obviously that of a good and patriotic American. We hope it, then, not ungracious to suggest that in righting the nation's course at so perilous a moment, if that is what she has in mind, emotion makes a poor counselor. It is, again, only with the greatest respect that we recall 2008, in which Miss Noonan had very positive feelings about the Democratic candidate for president, Barack Obama. She rather roughly aspersed the intelligence of such a woman as Sarah Palin, who in retrospect saw Mr. Obama more clearly than did Miss Noonan. Miss Noonan's friends also would do well to leaven their perturbation with a more lucid thought. It is most unlikely that any Bernie Sanders rally the first friend and his child attended was "great and wonderful." It was instead an eruption of Marxist claptrap by an old crank who, given the chance, would have his people living like the Cubans and Venezuelans. The fact that a young person is repelled by vulgarities shouted at a Trump rally is reassuring, but his or her finding Bernie Sanders to be wonderful is not. There are probably better sources from which to derive appreciation of the Founding Fathers than a rap musical, for those old enough to read, at any rate. The point is not to dispel passion from electoral politics. A national political campaign will never prevail without the passionate devotion of millions of people. This is something that the purveyors of many nominally conservative journals of opinion cannot seem to understand. But winning an election is one thing; diagnosing and restoring what is wanting in a nation is another. Early in our history, it was said: Passion has helped us, but can do so no more. It will in future be our enemy. Reason cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason must furnish all the materials for our future support and defense. Let those materials be molded into general intelligence, sound morality, and in particular, a reverence for the Constitution and laws[.] Lincoln's warning in the Young Men's Lyceum Address (1838) that passion could be the enemy of liberty is borne out every day now by the effort of the left to trample upon freedoms of speech, association, and religion, all in the ardent conviction that they are completely right and the contrary view is inadmissible. Some of the events that disturb Miss Noonan vulgarity and lawless protests might suggest the same problem, although democratic debate is never going to be quiet, and the truth can emerge from acrimonious exchanges. In any event, we need leaders and citizens out of government willing to stand up for constitutional liberty, for the rule of law, and for the rule of reason. The despairing second friend should be advised that we do too have a small number of leaders of this caliber, comparable in intellect and integrity to those that he mentions. Senator Ted Cruz is one such a leader, whether or not one agrees with his policy positions. His filmed attempt to argue the facts with a boorish Trump supporter in front of an unsympathetic crowd, just before the end of his campaign, was an indication. Neither the Trump supporter nor anyone in the crowd had any answer to the senator's points, or any intention of listening to them. But that could not obscure the example of a man determined to argue from fact and reason, and always with civility, no matter what catcalls and insolence he had to endure. Democracy is governance by persuasion persuasion of voters, persuasion of legislators but reasoned speech and demagoguery can both persuade. And those persuaded are made better or worse as a result. There are many admirable people who for understandable reasons support Trump, but the belligerence and indifference to truth of those Senator Cruz encountered on this occasion suggest the effect that their candidate has had upon them. Those influenced by demagogues become a mob. Those willing to uphold reason and decorum before a mob represent hope. The case for maintaining the Constitution in its primacy rests upon reason, and on our people's willingness to heed it. No set of candidates in an election, however bad, betoken irretrievable loss, so long as the Constitution and Declaration of Independence are revered a tall order, given the state of American education, but the first object of our endeavors. Let them be revered by the common citizen and, above all, by the young as they enter citizenship, and we may say, in the words of the civil rights hymn, "No more weeping, no more weeping over me." We may be assured that the Republic fashioned at Philadelphia will not die, regardless of who becomes president this year and irrespective of the foibles of politicians, but will be as ever the towering edifice upon which the world gazes, in envy and in hope. Mill Ends Park in Portland, the United States, is only two feet in diameter and is really just a flower pot, but dont say that aloud, especially in front of Portlandians. Since the last 40-odd years, the locals have been celebrating this tiny hole of earth as the worlds smallest park, and they have a certificate from the Guinness Book of Records to prove. The site that would become the Mill Ends Park was originally scheduled for a light pole. When the pole failed to appear and weeds sprouted in the opening, Dick Fagan, a columnist for the Oregon Journal, decided to take matters into his own hands and planted flowers in the hole. Fagan's office in the Journal building overlooked the median in the middle of the busy thoroughfare that ran in front of the building. Photo credit Fagan wrote a popular column called Mill Ends (the rough, irregular pieces of lumber left over at lumber mills), and he started using this column to describe the park and the various "events" that occurred there. It was Fagan who started calling the space as the "World's Smallest Park." The park was dedicated, two years later, on St. Patrick's Day in 1948. Fagan continued to write whimsical stories about the park and the lives of its alleged residents fairies called leprechaun, that he claimed only he can see. He told a story about how he looked out the window and spotted a leprechaun digging in the hole. He ran down and grabbed the leprechaun, which meant that he had earned a wish. Fagan wished for a park of his own, but since he had not specified the size of the park in his wish, the leprechaun gave him the hole. Fagan even named the head leprechaun, Patrick O'Toole. Fagan died of cancer in 1969, but the park lives on, cared for by others. Mill Ends officially became a city park on St. Patricks Day in 1976, and the park continues to be the site of St. Patrick's Day festivities. Over the years, contributions have been made to the park, such as the small swimming pool and diving board for butterflies, many statues, a miniature Ferris wheel, which was brought in by a normal-sized crane, and the occasional flying saucer. The events held here include concerts by Clan Macleay Pipe Band, picnics, and rose plantings by the Junior Rose Festival Court. During the December 2011 Occupy Portland event, a couple of plastic army men figures and small signs were placed in Mill Ends as a tongue-in-cheek flash mob demonstration. Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Occupy Mill Ends Park in Portland. Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Sources: PortlandOregon.gov / Wikipedia There is much to admire about Chinese smartphone manufacturer, OnePlus. The company was born out of the desire to bring the perfect smartphone to customers at an affordable price, showing the rest of the industry that a flagship device does not have to cost $700 or more. The company spent its money on designing and building their first handset, the OnePlus One, rather than marketing and selling to carriers the device was sold via word of mouth under the Never Settle slogan. As it stands, OnePlus generated massive interest in the One even though it proved difficult to get hold of the device thanks to their initial invite-only way of purchasing the device. Over the months, it has become easier to buy the OnePlus range of smartphones now broadened to include high and low end choices. For 2015, OnePlus introduced the OnePlus Two and later the OnePlus X (which has a similar specification to the original OnePlus One). These devices are much cheaper than the equivalent Samsung or HTC models. During the same time, OnePlus have endured many challenges. They had to recruit and build their own variant of Android after a messy breakup with their original software developer partner, Cyanogen. There were several reported marketing foul ups, although each one did not especially deter customers but instead put the business name into the press and this is most of the point of marketing of course! The OnePlus Two was released without NFC, which generated much discussion in the technology world about the relevance of the device in todays Android Pay world, but again this highlighted the OnePlus brand: there are many markets still yet to receive Android Pay and where it has been coming soon for many months. OnePlus remains committed to the promise of delivering great quality smartphones to customers. Advertisement To this end, the company has just announced two important new hires. The first is Juha Rytkonen, who joins the OnePlus European team as the head of business development. Juha has twenty years of experience, including working at Nokia and subsequently moving to Microsoft. Juhas remit will be to lead European partnership development based from OnePlus new London office. The second hire is Kyle Kiang, who has more than ten years of product marketing and brand management experience at LG, PepsiCo and Doppler Labs, a wearable technology startup business. Carl Pei, OnePlus co-founder, said this on the news: The past two and a half years at OnePlus have been both exciting and challenging. We have continued to grow our business, improve availability, and expand to new regions by focusing on creating great products. Im really proud of how far the team has come in such a short time, but we still have a lot of room to grow and improve To keep moving forward, we need to balance the young and dynamic OnePlus team with more seasoned leaders. Juha and Kyle have already made a positive impact at OnePlus, and Im looking forward to seeing how we can continue better serving our fans around the world. When it comes to Sonys Mobile division, they have not had the easiest of rides over the last couple of years. While their Xperia Z range proved popular among users, as time has gone on, the Xperia Z line had become somewhat limited in its availability on a worldwide scale and most notable, in the U.S. This then led to many wondering what the future would hold for the Xperia Z range, although answers to that particular question seemed to come through loud and clear at the start of this year. Around the same time however, Sony began pushing forward with its Xperia X range which was introduced at MWC this year and includes the Sony Xperia X, Xperia XA and Xperia X Performance. A line which is said to be not a direct replacement for the Z range, but a different projection of their mobile ambitions going forward. Although, to all purposes, it does seem to be what is now the flagship range for Sony. Now, reports are starting to come through from China which look to confirm that Sony is going to solely focus on the Xperia X range up until at least 2018. While this might not come as a massive surprise to some, as it understood that the Xperia X range marks the best of what Sony Mobile now has to offer, the focus in the reports is the overall intention of Sony to create a unified brand under the X moniker. What this also means (according to the information), is that Sony is looking to fully drop the likes of the Xperia C and Xperia M ranges as well. As a result, with the C and M ranges joining the Z range, the information suggests Sony will entirely place its mobile, IoT and Cloud emphasis, branding and products under the one X banner. Advertisement Again, according to the details, this unification of the X brand is designed to be one of the main advertising aspects Sony hopes to use going forward with the reports detailing the X chapter as Chapter 3 in the Sony Xperia history. For reference, Chapter 2 was said to be the Best of Sony and is summed up by the offerings of 2013 through to 2015, including the Sony Xperia Z range while Chapter 1 spanned 2010 through to 2012. You can see an example of the Sony evolution in the image below, which also highlights the X emphasis going forward. Whether this means there will be less devices coming through from Sony remains to be seen, but if the information is correct then what it does mean is that all the devices which do come from Sony (at least until 2018) will be Xperia X branded handsets, irrespective of price or status. The 2014 Motorola DROID Turbo, originally released as a Verizon Wireless exclusive late in the year but later unveiled in different markets around the world, is a very capable handset. Its based around a 5.2-inch, QHD very high resolution AMOLED panel and a quad-core, 2.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 System-on-Chip. Theres 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage plus a 20.7 MP rear camera. And unfortunately customers on Americas largest network, Verizon, are still waiting for the device to receive the software update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The device is easily capable of running Android Marshmallow but Verizon are dragging their feet in working on the update. Still, Verizon customers of Motorolas other 2014 high end device, the Moto X, are not set to receive the update at all. We do understand that Verizon are still supporting the device as today we have news of a software update for the device, but unfortunately for customers waiting for Android 6.0 Marshmallow, this might be taken as a tease! Verizon are rolling out version .21.49.quark_verizon.verizon.en.US vzw for the DROID Turbo, which brings with it two features as well as device performance optimizations. The first is an improvement in call performance but it is not clear what exactly this means: it could be enhanced audio quality or it might be networking improvements to the device to improve handover when moving between base stations. The second improvement is, in Verizons words, the latest Android security patches. Unfortunately, here it isnt clear if this means security patches up to and including May have been included in the update and seeing as the device is not yet running Android 6.0, it will not be obvious the date of the security patches. Advertisement The update is rolling out to DROID Turbo customers. Verizon cautions customers to connect the device to a Wi-Fi network or ensure it has a strong signal before the update, and to ensure the battery is fully charged. The release notes also caution for customers to allow additional time for the apps on your device to continue to download after the software update. Although the update should arrive automatically, customers can visit the Settings menu, then About Phone and look for the software update feature. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Le CBD, cette molecule active du cannabis a aujourdhui le vent en poupe. Et cela est en grande partie du au fait quil permet... Best Education Products and Services Would you like to submit an article in the Education category or any of the sub-category below? Click here to submit your article. Would you like to have your product or service listed on this page? Contact us. Best Travel Products and Services Would you like to submit an article in the Travel category or any of the sub-category below? Click here to submit your article. Would you like to have your product or service listed on this page? Contact us. Vijay Iyer & Wadada Leo Smith, A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke (ECM) Pianist Vijay Iyers new collaboration with the ceaselessly adventurous trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith stems from the closeness they developed when Iyer was a member of Smiths Golden Quartet late in the late 1990s. In his notes, Iyer calls Smith his hero, friend and teacher. The centerpiece of their album of duets is the albums title suite, seven movements in which the fluency of Iyers playing often contrasts with Smiths pointillism, split tones and abstract musings. And yet, for all of the metaphysics of his approach, the trumpeter now and then smoothes out into the held tones of a balladist. That aspect is striking in the section called Notes on water, with electronic keyboard background from Iyer that is both supportive and ethereal. The album begins with Iyers Passage. It closes with Smiths Marian Anderson, both imbued with power that grows out of quietness. Close listening to this music is a must. Frequent listening discloses depths and surprises. Lars Gullin: Portrait Of the Legendary Baritone Saxophonist (Fresh Sound) From his emergence as a baritone saxophonist, Lars Gullin (1928-1976) played a dominant role in placing Sweden second only to the United States as a force in the evolution of modern jazz. This pair of four-CD box sets contains substantial amounts of the music that Gullin recorded from 1951 to 1960 when he and Swedish jazz were flourishing. They contain his collaborations with countrymen like pianist Bengt Hallberg, alto saxophonist Arne Domnerus, trombonist Ake Persson, trumpeters Jan Allan and Rolf Ericson and clarinetist Putte Wickmann. There are also celebrated encounters with visiting Americans Lee Konitz, Zoot Sims, Conte Candoli and Frank Rosolino. Throughout, the smoothness, swing and harmonic inventiveness in Gullins playing demonstrate what made him a perennial poll winner on both sides of the Atlantic. These volumes provide a fair picture of the state of Swedish jazz during one of its yeastiest periods. Ray Comiskeys comprehensive liner notes are a bonus. More reviews to come, anon. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will provide electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan. It will cost 1.2 billion dollars and will be completed by 2018. All contractor-countries stand to benefit economically and ensure regional stability. The power supply to Pakistan will avoid blackouts in the summer, causing hundreds of victims among the population. Dushanbe (AsiaNews / Agencies) - After 10 years of negotiations, the CASA-1000 (Central Asia - South Asia) project for the supply of electricity by Tajkistan and Kyrgyzstan to Afghanistan and Pakistan has been launched. The construction of the new power grid will be completed by 2018 and is already being hailed as one of the most important trade agreements of recent times among the countries of the area. The deal - worth $ 1.2 billion - is not only of economic advantage for all contractors, but will also serve to maintain regional stability, ensuring security and prosperity. The agreement was signed last May 12 in Dushanbe. The political leaders of the four countries in question were present and spoke of a "historic agreement". Pakistan's prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, said that the CASA-1000, along with two other commercial projects (CPEC with China and Tapi with India and Turkmenistan), "is among the greatest achievements of my government." Sooronbai Zheenbekov, Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, added that the project "will give a powerful boost to the strengthening of mutual cooperation with Afghanistan." The project involves the construction of a 1,222 kilometers long electricity network between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The grid will produce clean electricity that will be distributed in Afghanistan (300 MW) and Pakistan (1000 MW). The construction is financed by the United States, Great Britain and the leading international financial institutions: World Bank, European Investment Bank and Islamic Development Bank. The new network will create economic benefits for all countries, increasing employment in the Central Asian republics, providing substantial revenue for Afghanistan (which will pass on the portion of electricity supplied to Pakistan), and avoiding Pakistan being left without electricity in summer months, during which blackouts often occur with serious consequences for the population. The declared objective is to ensure security in the area through the development of trade, and to promote contact between the populations. To this end, the World Bank has allocated $ 40 million to be distributed in the border areas. The Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif concluded by saying: "I am confident that soon the day will come when South Asia will be fully integrated with Central Asia through energy and trade routes, stimulating economic and social development and bringing prosperity to the region". by Ngoc Thanh Fr Joseph Nguyen Van The is the assistant of ong Chuong parish, in the diocese of Bac Ninh. The parish covers a vast territory, with more than 6 thousand faithful. The priest was attacked brutally with sticks, batons and iron bars. He was headed to two remote areas to celebrate mass. The local faithful believe that it is premeditated violence. Hanoi (AsiaNews) - He boldly criticized the corruption of the police and local authorities. For this Fr. Joseph Nguyen Van The was brutally attacked by police while on his way to celebrate two masses in a remote area in northern Vietnam. The priest was beaten with sticks and metal bars and sustained serious injuries to his hands and feet. Right now he is hospitalized. The attack took place on 7 May. Fr. The is the assistant of the ong Chuong parish, in the diocese of Bac Ninh. The parish is located in Tuyen Quang province (in northern Vietnam) and covers the largest territory of the whole diocese (100 sq km), with more than 6 thousand faithful. Fr. The was attacked around 6 pm (local time) as it headed to Son Duong district to celebrate the functions. Witnesses said that "the aim of the criminal group was to kill him. But their attempt failed. " The priest had expressed no reservations about the corruption of local authorities and their illegal activities. Father Joseph Nguyen Van Phong, vicar of the same parish said: "This is a deliberate attack, under the direction of the local government and police. It was not a random aggression. " On hearing of the incident, Msgr. Cosma Hoang Van Djat, bishop of Bac Ninh, went to the hospital to visit the priest. The latter was able to tell the dynamics of his attack in detail and reported that some police officers had gone to the parish to know the time and place of the Mass that he would celebrate. "Last Saturday [May 7] I was headed to the Minh Thanh area - he said - to preside over the liturgy. After, I had to go to Hop Hoa, about 30 km from Thanh Minh, to celebrate a second Mass. But suddenly four criminals with their faces covered by masks approached me. They were riding two motorcycles, they jumped down and attacked me with batons, sticks and iron bars". Some parishioners reported that "people who follow a different faith from government dictates, are increasingly repressed and abused." A young man speaking to AsiaNews anonymously adds: "Fr. The is a kind old priest. He helped so much, and came here to work and serve the faithful and the residents". London receptionist, Nicola Thorp, was sent home on her first day at finance company PwC after refusing to wear high heels. Arriving at the office in December last year, she was told she had to wear shoes with a two to four inch heel. After complaining that the male employees were not required to do the same, she was told to go home. Thorp said she would have struggled to work the full day in heels and asked to wear flats instead. I said If you can give me a reason as to why wearing flats would impair me to do my job today, then fair enough, but they couldn't, she told BBC Radio London. I was expected to do a nine-hour shift on my feet escorting clients to meeting rooms. I said I just won't be able to do that in heels. When she was asked if the same would be expected of a male employee, she was laughed at, she claimed. She has since created an online petition calling for a change in law so employers cannot force women to wear high heels at work. The petition has garnered more than 10,000 signatures. If it reaches 100,000, the UK government will have to respond. I was a bit scared about speaking up about it in case there was a negative backlash, she said. But I realised I needed to put a voice to this as it is a much bigger issue. The BBC also reached out to PwC about the incident. PwC outsources its front of house and reception services to a third party supplier. We first became aware of this matter on 10 May, some five months after the issue arose, a spokesperson said. This outsourced supplier was reception firm Portico. Both companies are now in discussions about improving the prescribed dress policies. Simon Pratt, managing director of Portico, told the BBC that it was common practice within the service sector to have appearance guidelines. These policies ensure customer-facing staff are consistently well presented and positively represent a client's brand and image. However, he added that Portico had taken all comments on board and was now reviewing its dress guidelines. I don't hold anything against the company, Thorp said. They are acting within their rights as employers to have a formal dress code, and as it stands, part of that for a woman is to wear high heels. I think dress codes should reflect society and nowadays women can be smart and formal and wear flat shoes, she added. Hello, I have total of 55 points (English 10 point, age 30 points and skill 15... no job experience). Am I eligible to apply Australian PR? I am currently doing PhD in Animal Science, which I am expecting to complete within 1.5 years. Will my PhD help me getting PR? Can I apply for state nomination? I am also fluent in Hindi. I saw that will also help me getting 5 points. Please suggest. Thanks. Hi everyone, I'm about to submit my application hopefully this week for a Offshore Prospective Marriage Visa for my fiance from Thailand. I am using a migration agent and have all the documents on the checklist completed except the police check. I am also waiting on a decision for a 6 month multi entry Visa which I applied for April 19th and have still heard nothing except to get the health check done about a week after submission and that was completed and sent the following day. On the visitor visa application I stated the proposed period from June to November. From experience does anyone know if they will wait until June to grant it or will they give more notice? I am hoping to bring my fiance here June 6th so that's why i want to know. Also potentially she stay here for the whole 6 months waiting for a decision on the PMV and apply for a bridging visa in between the end of the visitor visa whilst waiting for a decision on the PMV. Does anyone have info for me from experience about all this? Thanks Jarrod Does this sponsor have expired passports that were previously used to travel to Australia? Does this sponsor have an Australian visa grant number? Does this sponsor have an Australian visa label in their current or previous passport? Just doing the sponsor for 820 from a PMVOne question confuses me:Has this sponsor previously travelled to Australia or previously applied for a visa?Ifit asks:I have obviously travelled to Australia, as I was British before before becoming Australian.But I would answer NO to those questions, as it was all 30 years ago.Does it seem like a problem? Hi All, I am looking for an experienced and reliable migrant lawyer who is specialised in the Partner visas. I am going to apply for an offshore partner visa online soon. With a few complications from the previous visa refusal, I am looking for a good lawyer who can advise us. As I will be outside of Australia, the location of the lawyer does not matter. I have had a bad experience with the previous one I used and so I am being very cautious when choosing one! Thank you! Hi all, I'll be applying for a 189 visa from Australia in the next month. I have a doubt in regards to my work experience. I have worked firs for an employer for 6 month from which a have a letter and payslips and for another one for a year an a half from which I just have a letter saying that I used to work there ( I do not have any payslip from this employer ) It is this letter enough evidence to demonstrate that I used to work there? On the other hand after my experience working for this company I started to work as a freelancer architect what I did for two years. I wonder what kind of document should I attach to the application to demonstrate these two yeas. I have only the next documents: Architect accreditation letter from my city council, letters from my client, business taxation number which allow me to work as Architect and a breakdown of transactions made in to my account from my client accounts. Are these documents properly to demonstrate my work as freelance architect? And finally I wold like to ask you about my Australian experience. I have been working in my nominate occupation for 8 month and at the end of my work & holliday visa I will have accumulated 11 month of experience. I have read that a minimum of 12 month are needed to get 5 points. It is that correct? Could I get those point submitting just 11 months of Australian experience? Thank you very much in advance! Fred Peugeot has ordered a new marketing campaign designed specifically for the UK market that challenges the way things are done. It sets a new tone, a more serious one, where we are indirectly told to stop looking for perfect roads and pretty girls in car commercials. To carry the message, Peugeot enlisted the help of British actor Peter Mullan, whom we've seen in everything from Hercules to Braveheart and Harry Potter.We like the ad, but it's not quite there, as the idea doesn't tie in perfectly with the tagline "With Confidence. Built In." After all, it's supposed to be about falling in love with the details. We can say roughly the same thing about the car, as the 308 GT is nearly there but not quite.It's supposedly a hotter version of the regular hatchback and wagon. The competition has swelled in the time Peugeot has been away from the GT market. We are talking about the competent Skoda Octavia that's available with all-wheel drive, the Leon FR , and especially the Ford Focus ST, which is available as diesel as well.The GT is more of a rapid car in which to cover long distances. While it does come with more standard equipment, the starting price of about 25,000 pounds pushes it past the 1 Series and right to the edge of BMW 3 Series territory. The 308 GT is available with a 180 horsepower 2.0 BlueHDI or a 1.6-liter petrol with 200 ponies. We'd pick the latter, as it makes a better compromise with the fake engine sound piped through the speakers.Mark Pickles, Marketing Director at Peugeot UK, commented, "We have enjoyed formulating this UK campaign as we are entirely confident in the excellence of our products and simply wish to convey this sentiment to our prospective customers. PEUGEOT is a highly trustworthy brand and with so many virtues on offer. We are looking at ways to bring our products to the scrutiny of people who might otherwise be distracted by the promises of other brands when the values of what we offer are in fact better, more valued and of higher quality. The new ad is provocative intentionally." Third-class medical reform could get another chance of making it to a congressional vote via a defense funding bill that moved through the Senates Armed Services Committee this week. The committee voted 23-3 in favor of the bill, which would authorize $602 billion for the Department of Defense and other national security programs. It includes the pilot medical changes in the Pilots Bill of Rights 2, which would exempt private pilots flying light GA aircraft from the current third-class medical requirement. That legislation is also part of the FAA reauthorization bill the Senate approved in April, while a House version remains pending. The Armed Services Committee includes James Inhofe, R-Okla., who spearheaded PBOR2.Including the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 in the National Defense Authorization Act demonstrates the commitment of the Senate to getting third class medical reform passed this year, Inhofe said in a statement. If the full Senate approves those changes as part of the defense bill in the coming weeks, it would be the chambers third approval of medical reform in the past five months first as the standalone PBOR2 and then as part of FAA reauthorization, AOPA noted Friday. We are committed to doing everything we can to see these reforms signed into law, said Jim Coon, AOPA senior vice president of government affairs. 14 May 2016 12:00 (UTC+04:00) The world community has started to realize that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the region's biggest threat, and it focuses on the importance of the conflict's settlement, Bahar Muradova, the vice-speaker of Azerbaijan's parliament, said. She made the remarks May 13 during the hearings in the Azerbaijani parliament on the "Recent developments on the line of contact: Problems of the international humanitarian law." The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Muradova said that everyone is aware of Armenia's actions on the contact line of the country's and Azerbaijani troops. "The Armenian side is taking consistent and purposeful steps, inciting Azerbaijan and its supporter countries and by continuing aggressive policy carries out drills in Azerbaijan's territory with the participation of Armenian servicemen," said the vice-speaker. Armenia destroys cultural monuments of Azerbaijan on the occupied territories, Muradova said. "People were killed, property was damaged as a result of the criminal actions of the Armenian side in early April," Muradova said. "Azerbaijani army launched a counter-offensive in order to prevent these actions, and the country regained control over a part of its territory. The myth of the Armenian army was destroyed, processes undesirable for the Armenian government began, there started to appear statements in Armenia that no one needs the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict." "This confirms the fact that the conflict should be resolved," said the vice-speaker. "Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh region are citizens of Azerbaijan. We need to solve their problems as well, free them from the power of the Armenian leadership, ensure the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their native lands. Azerbaijan is able to respond and will do so regarding all the provocations by Armenia." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 May 2016 11:47 (UTC+04:00) Armenians did not shoot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry told Trend May 13. The ministry was commenting on the Armenian media reports which said that allegedly an Azerbaijani drone was shot down. The ministry said all the UAVs at the disposal of the Azerbaijani armed forces are unharmed. "The Armenian side has shot down its own drone by mistake and is now trying to mislead the Armenian public by releasing such information," said the Defense Ministry. It was earlier reported that Azerbaijan's armed forces carried out a forced landing of an Armenian X-55 UAV, which was attempting to fly over the Azerbaijani positions along the frontline on May 13. Thus, two Armenian UAVs got neutralized on May 13. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 May 2016 16:20 (UTC+04:00) The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict won't be resolved unless the main geopolitical actors want its settlement, Mateusz Piskorski, Polish expert, director of the European Centre for Geopolitical Analysis, told Trend May 14. He was commenting on a possible meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents in Vienna. "Undoubtedly, the resumption of the talks and the attempt to at least reduce the tension are positive factors," said the expert. Piskorski pointed out that he has a pessimistic view about the possibility for the conflict's settlement in the near future. He also believes that participation and political will of all the main geopolitical actors, including the US, the European Union, Turkey and Russia are needed for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict's settlement. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 May 2016 12:50 (UTC+04:00) The OSCE should streamline its efforts in dealing with threats and challenges to security and stability in its region, a statement of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the OSCE says. The Azerbaijani delegation made the statement at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council. According to the statement, protracted conflicts remain to be the major threat in the OSCE area posing serious challenges in all three dimensions. "The Azerbaijani delegation strongly encourages the OSCE Secretariat, current and future chairmanships, as well as executive structures to pay due attention to tackling challenges posed by the conflicts and re-double their efforts aimed at elimination of harsh consequences of conflicts in all three dimensions," the statement says. "The OSCE is the only internationally mandated organization for the solution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict," the statement says. "Therefore, the Organization should keep the conflict high on its agenda through facilitating comprehensive discussions on various aspects of the conflict and providing effective guidance to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and its co-chairmen." According to the statement, the Azerbaijani delegation would appreciate to hear more on the plans of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) with regard to resolution of the conflicts in the OSCE area. The Azerbaijani delegation regrets to observe lack of proper attention to the issue of IDPs and refugees in OSCE activities, the statement says. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 May 2016 12:34 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have hailed the political dialogue and mutual confidence as foreign ministers Elmar Mammadyarov and Daniel Mitov met in Baku. The two said the bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria reached the level of strategic partnership, adding that this has its positive impact on Azerbaijan-European Union relations as well. Bulgarian FM Mitov said his country attached great importance to cooperation with Azerbaijan in all fields, particularly in the areas of energy and transport. He emphasized that the Southern Gas Corridor was of strategic importance for the European Union, particularly Bulgaria. FM Mammadyarov highlighted the latest developments in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. He said all international organizations, including OSCE Minsk Group acknowledged unacceptability of status-quo, adding that progress will not be achieved, unless the Armenian armed forces withdraw from all the occupied territories of Azerbaijan in compliance with resolutions of the UN Security Council. Highlighting Armenia`s provocations against Azerbaijani civilians in the residential areas along the troops' line of contact, FM Mammadyarov said they use artillery and other heavy weapons. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 May 2016 14:00 (UTC+04:00) Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov has expressed his country`s interest in developing cooperation with Azerbaijan as he met with chairman of the Milli Majlis Ogtay Asadov. He expressed confidence that high-level political dialogue would give an impetus to the development of economic relations. Bulgaria wants to develop cooperation with Azerbaijan not only in energy sector, but also in the fields of tourism, agriculture, transportation and high technologies, he added. Mr. Asadov underlined that Azerbaijan attached huge importance to development of cooperation with Bulgaria. Our relations will enter a new stage after the signing of a document on strategic partnership. He also stressed the role of reciprocal visits and meetings of heads of state in developing relations. Mr Asadov hailed political relations and interparliamentary ties between the two countries. The parliament chair touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, saying: We hope that Bulgaria as a strategic partner will demonstrate a sensitive position on the issue in future, he added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 May 2016 14:30 (UTC+04:00) Asan Imza has been presented at Londons reputable conference and exhibition SDW (Security Document World). The event, dedicated to the subjects of digital identity, biometric data and e-security, was attended by over 1500 delegates representing about 80 countries, including leading international experts, representatives of the worlds leading solution providers, functionaires of the respected international organizations as well as government officials from different states. The head of Azerbaijani B.EST Solutions, the operating company of Asan Imza mobile ID & signature service, Jana Krimpe also took part at the conference. She joined the mobile ID plenary session where she delivered a presentation about the Azerbaijani mobile ID technology Asan Imza. She spoke about the experience of Azerbaijan in introducing the mobile ID technology in the process of transition from e- to m-government. It was stressed that the Azerbaijani technology Asan Imza had been acknowledged as the most dinamically growing mobile ID & signature tool in the world due to such advantages as easiness of implementation for e-service providers and ubiquity of the technology for citizens. During her speech, Mrs. Krimpe demonstrated the main statistical figures related to the performance of "Asan Imza" in Azerbaijan and mentioned that the Asan Imza service is actively used in the innovative e-services of Azerbaijani Ministry of Taxes, State Customs Committee, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population, E-Government Portal and AsanPay portal as well as the local financial sector. The audience of the conference positively assessed the growth rate Azerbaijan demonstrated during two years of existence of its Mobile ID service. At the end of the presentation, the Azerbaijani side has been invited to share its experience at other similar events worldwide as well as to introduce this experience in other countries. The technology of Asan Imza is regularly presented at various international industry events under the slogan Made in Azerbaijan. B.EST Solutions actively participates at such events worldwide with an aim of presenting the achievements of Azerbaijan in the field of exploitation of the advanced mobile identity and signing tool as well as its interaction with various public and private e-platforms. At present, the Asan Imza mobile ID service successfully functions within the single e-government concept in Azerbaijan and is being more widely used in the electronic systems of private service providers such as banks, insurance companies, online payment portals. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 May 2016 10:18 (UTC+04:00) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday accused Western countries of being insensitive to the suffering and needs of millions of people in war-torn Syria. Speaking at a ceremony in the northwestern province of Kocaeli, Erdogan said it was unrealistic to expect those who did not see nearly 600,000 innocents killed by the Syrian regime to act for executions in Bangladesh, referring to the execution of the leader of Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami party, Motiur Rahman Nizami. "Shame on those who in the West divert their sensitivity to the so-called freedoms, rights, and law shown in the debate over gay marriage away from Syrian women, children, and innocents in need of aid," Erdogan said. "Shame on those who divert their sensitivities to the living space of the whales in the seas, seals, [and] turtles away from the right to life of 23 million Syrians. Shame on those who put their security, welfare [and] comforts ahead of other people's struggle to survive," he said. "Shame on the slavery-and-colonial-era mindsets that set their eyes firstly on incoming refugees' money in their wallets, and jewelry on their arms and necklaces," Erdogan said, apparently referring to Denmark's plan earlier this year to confiscate valuables from incoming refugees to defray the costs of caring for them. In his remarks, the president said that these ordeals would one day end. "The important thing is that we must honorably pass this test, [and] at ease." Turkey hosts 3 million sufferers and will continue to keep its door open to the oppressed despite dangers and threats, the president added Syria has remained locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when the regime of Bashar al-Assad cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity. Since then, more than 250,000 people have been killed and more than 10 million others have been displaced, according to UN figures. Around 2.7 million Syrians who have fled the civil war in their country are being sheltered at camps inside Turkey, with many others living in cities and elsewhere. The conflict in Syria has now driven more than four million people -- a sixth of the country's population -- to seek sanctuary in neighboring countries, making it the largest refugee crisis in a quarter-century, according to the UN. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Kiev and Ankara discussed the possibility of Ukraine joining the Southern Gas Corridor project, project, aimed to bring gas from the Caspian Sea to Europe, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Hennadii Zubko said. "We discussed possible participation of Ukraine in the vital Southern Gas Corridor project if it proves to be economically rational and ensures non-discriminative access to the facilities," he said. The blueprint signed by Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Hennadii Zubko and Turkish Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz follows guidelines set in the bilateral declaration on strategic partnership signed in March in Ankara. "The minutes of the meeting signed by the intergovernmental commission virtually follows strategic roadmap signed by president of the two countries and outlines points of interest in our cooperation to boost trade relations between our countries in all areas," Zubko said, as quoted in one of the statements. The blueprint envisions free trade, tax facilitation, business support and joint industrial projects, for example design and construction of new passenger aircraft using facilities of the Ukrainian Antonov Aeronautical Complex. Turkey is the second largest importer of Ukrainian goods and its fifth largest trading partner, according to 2015 statistics. However, last year Ukraine recorded 22.2-percent decline in its exports to Turkey. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3.0 ( - - ): editor [at] bahrainmirror.com Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. When a venomous Eastern diamondback rattlesnake appeared in the backyard of a 7-year-old girl, her German shepherd came to her rescue, refusing to back down even when the snake bit him three times. Rattlesnake appeared in Tampa backyard where girl was German shepherd came to her rescue Dog was bitten three times In short, Haus is a hero. "It shows you that a rescue dog, for us, paid it forward by protecting my family," said Adam DeLuca of Tampa. Now hundreds of donors are coming to the family's rescue, quickly topping the goal of $15,000 Friday on a GoFundMe account to help pay for the antivenin needed to keep the dog alive. By Friday afternoon, $35,000 had been raised for the dog's care. Haus is still recovering in the Intensive Care Unit of Tampa's Blue Pearl Emergency Veterinary and Specialty Hospital, and is being treated with anti-venom and painkillers, said Dr. John Gicking. "Without the pain medication, he's in pain. He's responsive, he's alert, and his leg is swollen and uncomfortable," the doctor said. Molly DeLuca's grandmother was watching her play with the 2-year-old shepherd in their backyard when the dog suddenly jumped in front of the girl and reared up several times. It wasn't clear what happened at first, but they could tell Haus was bleeding, and brought him to the vet. When his leg was shaved, three bite marks could be seen telltale signs of the rattlesnake. The family lives near a state park that is a habitat for rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, and dangerous critters can slip under their fence from the wilderness, her father said. The snake's venom damaged the dog's kidneys. Vets now expect a full recovery, but it won't be cheap: Each day in the ICU costs between $1000 to $1500, and each vial of anti-venom costs $618. Haus is averaging 4 or 5 vials per day as the poison leaves his system. A family friend started the fundraising effort. The response, said DeLuca, has been "overwhelming." Haus is expected to be hospitalized for another couple of days. The family plans to forward any unused donations to a local rescue organization. The family adopted Haus just two months ago from a rescue organization, but they already had no doubt he would risk his life to save Molly or her four-year-old brother. "He just exceeded our expectations all the way around," said DeLuca. "Right away, the kids were hugging and loving on him, he always took it, he never did anything. Whenever anyone came to the door, he would start barking and try to be protective. He has just been an amazing dog. He's the type of dog that when you want to go buy a dog, you pay thousands of dollars and that's the dog you get. But we adopted him and got him for free." A dozen Florida cattle ranchers have formed a new company that will market beef grown entirely in the Sunshine State. Florida home grown beef to hit store shelves next January Customers can scan bar code with cell phones to find out where beef was grown, how it was raised Florida Cattle Ranchers beef website In the past, almost all cattle raised in Florida was sold and sent to feed lots in the Midwest to be fattened up before it was slaughtered. But the ranchers believe there is a strong demand for grown in Florida food. The Florida Cattle Ranchers company will send about 25,000 head of cattle to a feed lot in North Florida to be fattened up. That's possible because more corn is being grown in Florida. "It's very exciting to me because it's from one point from the beginning to the end, said Dr. Robert Gukich. The veterinarian has more than a thousand head of cattle at several ranches. One of them is near Lake Wales in Polk County. His G7 Ranch will supply at least five hundred head of cattle to the new company. Gukich has three son-in-laws who work at his cattle ranches, including Tim Lawson. Lawson said many consumers want to know where their food comes from. That will happen with the new company. "They can get to know the people who raise them for them. Let them know they are getting a good product. They take care of their cows, he said. There will be a special label on the beef at the store. Customers will be able to scan a bar code with their cell phones. It will tell them where their beef was grown and how it was raised. The ranchers hope to cash in big with the company. "Supply jobs for Florida people through growing corn, raising cattle, slaughterhouses, etc. I think it all fits right there, said Gukich. The first Florida Cattle Ranchers beef should hit store shelves next January. Seaside Museum Open House, Ocean Science Talk on N. Oregon Coast Published 05/13/2016 at 6:11 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Seaside, Oregon) Two different events in Seaside in the coming weeks offer a fascinating look into different sides of the Oregon coast. One is an open house and dedication ceremony at the Seaside Museum and Historical Society, and another is a presentation that lets you literally go deep inside the ocean. On May 18, the Seaside Library presents Listening to the Land: Into the Deep. Join marine ecologist Kirsten Grorud-Colvert, PhD, for a wide-ranging talk about the sea beside us. The dynamism of the Oregon coast and certain features unique to our ocean. Shell give us a look at our underwater reefs as she discusses upwelling and its role in the productivity of our ocean. She will address challenges such as sea star wasting syndrome and ocean hypoxia, or dead zones. And shell explore steps Oregon is taking - with marine reserves in particular - to conserve its ocean. Things happen in the near-shore ocean off of the Oregon coast that dont happen everywhere else in the Eastern North Pacific, along the path of the California Current. Life abounds - as do challenges, some of them perennial and some of them specific to this moment in Earths history. It is the final program in the 2016 Listening to the Land speaker series, which this year has focused on the theme of water. Admission is free; refreshments are served. 6 p.m. Seaside Library. Highway 101. Seaside, Oregon. 503-717-1458. necanicumwatershed.org. The Seaside Museum and Historical Society (SMHS) shares International Museum Day with the public each year by offering free admission. Marking the day this year on May 21, SMHS will host an open house from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. which will also include tours, activities, refreshments and door prizes. In addition, the museum building will be named to honor Helen Gaston. She has been the major force behind the museum: from leading the board to conducting major fund raising efforts, creating exhibits, saving and establishing the Butterfield Cottage, establishing elementary school curricula regarding the Clatsop-Nehalem presence and initiating the painting on the side of the building harkening back to the days of the Daddy Train. The building dedication will occur at 1:30 p.m. The theme of 2016 International Museum Day is Museums and Cultural Landscapes. The cultural landscape is defined as the country where we live, which surrounds us with the images and symbols that identify and characterize it. According to this vision, the landscape is considered as the context - geographic, historical, economic, social and cultural - which creates our heritage. The main mission of museums is to oversee the safekeeping and protection of the heritage that lies both within and beyond their walls. This theme makes museums responsible for their landscapes, asking them to contribute knowledge and expertise and take an active role in their management and upkeep. Highlighting the link between museums and cultural heritage enhances the idea of museums as territorial centers with the primary mission to oversee and protect heritage, whether it be inside or outside their walls. 570 Necanicum Drive. Seaside, Oregon. 503-738-7065. Seaside Hotels for these events - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour More about Seaside below and at the Seaside, Oregon Virtual Tour, Map. More About Seaside hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Southeast Texas school districts on Friday were outspoken in their defiance of an Obama administration directive on the use of school bathrooms and locker rooms by transgender students that has intensified one of the fiercest battles in the nation's culture wars. A letter to the nation's school districts from the Justice and Education departments stated that students must be allowed to use the facilities that match the gender they identify as, even if that conflicts with their anatomical sex. Port Neches-Groves Superintendent Dr. Rodney Cavness was unapologetic about comments to Channel 12 News that Obama "can't tell me what to do" and the letter was "going straight to the paper shredder." "Let there not be any doubt in your mind that I am absolutely 100 percent against the fact that Washington wants to send a letter to Port Neches-Groves ISD to tell us how to run our school," Cavness told The Enterprise. The administration had already taken the position in scattered cases around the country - from a school district in a Chicago suburb, to a district in rural Virginia, to, most prominently, this week's lawsuit challenging a North Carolina state law. But Friday's rules were the most sweeping attempt yet to impose that view, turning it into a national issue. The policy drew a swift backlash from conservative politicians, groups and parents, who called it an illegal overreach that will put children in danger. A recent poll shows that they are in the majority in opposing the administration's position on bathrooms and locker rooms. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appealed to local school boards and superintendents not to abide by the administration's guidelines, noting that there were just a few weeks left in the school year and time over the summer to fight the policy with legislation or legal action. "We will not be blackmailed," he said. "I believe it is the biggest issue facing families and schools in America since prayer was taken out of public schools," Patrick, a Republican, said at a news conference. "Parents are not going to send their 14-year-old daughters into the shower or bathroom with 14-year-old boys. It's not going to happen." Like Cavness, Silsbee ISD superintendent Richard Bain sided with Patrick against the administration. "We're not going to change the way we do things," said Bain, who has been the district's superintendent for eight years. "Boys use the boys bathroom and girls use the girls bathroom." Beaumont ISD's Nakisha Burns, special assistant to Superintendent John Frossard, said in a statement that the district "will await clarification from the federal government, the state government, the Texas Education Agency and the Region 5 ESC before taking any action or developing any policies." Lumberton ISD and Hamshire-Fannett ISD said they have not changed their procedures. Hardin-Jefferson ISD did not comment. Bain said Silsbee previously had a transgender student use the bathroom in the nurse's office and said that will be the district's procedure going forward. Cavness said PN-G followed its attorney's advice in the past and allowed transgender students to use faculty restrooms, which are used by both men and women. "Nobody dislikes these kids or hates them in any way or wants to hurt them in any way - we just believe that boys should be in the boys restrooms and locker rooms and girls should be in the girls locker rooms and restrooms," Cavness said. "When transgender kids need some accommodations, there are practical and effective ways to do that." Beaumont Pride, an organization that supports the LGBTQ community, released a statement that they "extend our hands and our hearts to those children who will suffer as a result of Cavness' comments and policies." Jacqueline Hays, Beaumont Pride's volunteer coordinator, said transgender people will use the restrooms that fit them best and called the government's position "a solution without a problem." "You've had transgender people go into the bathroom with you," said Hays, an adjunct English instructor at Lamar University. "I've had transgender people go into the bathroom with me - and I didn't even know it. Sex is defined by more than just your genitalia. So when you say 'boy' and 'girl,' it's not necessarily a binary world." "The bottom line is this: Boys need to use the boys restroom and girls need to use the girls restroom," PN-G's Cavness said. "We're going to do everything we can to fight and keep it that way." BKubena@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/BKubena A custom hilltop home in Leander not too far from Round Rock is under foreclosure and listed at $849,000. Built in 2013, the 5,903-square-foot house has four bedrooms and six baths. The interior is modern, with a number of sleek finishes and large windows that let in natural light. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Houston Police Department arrested 26 men as part of a two month-long prostitution sting in southeast Houston. The more than two dozen accused johns were apprehended mainly around the 2400 block of Gould near Stratton and and the 3200 block of Telephone Road. Police say the 26 males attempted to buy sex in exchange for money and were taken into custody. Those areas were targeted as a response to citizen complaints about a high amount of prostitution in the area. HPD's goal is to lower the demand for sex trafficking, which often involves under-age girls and women being abused and coerced into prostitution. By targeting johns, the hope is to reduce demand for these illegal activities and the exploited women forced into them. Click through the gallery to see who was arrested in this latest sting. Revenue cycle management is essential to any business's strategy. These processes are only growing in importance in healthcare as every dollar is expected to stretch further than before. Here are 118 companies that provide revenue cycle management solutions specific to the healthcare industry. 3M Health Information Systems (Salt Lake City). 3M Health Information Systems offers a number of RCM products and services. The company's 3M Ambulatory Revenue Management Software is designed to reduce compliance risks and achieve maximum reimbursement in the outpatient setting. The company also offers the 3M APCfinder with medical necessity validation, which focuses on CMS' Outpatient Prospective Payment System. The solution allows users to apply medical necessity at the point of coding. Access Healthcare (Dallas). Created in 2011, Access Healthcare leverages best practices for revenue cycle management to help healthcare systems and billing companies reach their goals. Access helps organizations drive sustainable excellence by using a three-step operating model that involves creating a best practice process, applying the right technology and recruiting and retaining the right people. Access has experience in all hospital and physician billing platforms and is legally compliant in all 50 U.S. states. Accretive Health (Chicago). Accretive Health offers revenue cycle management services, physician advisory services and value-based managed services. Operating together, Accretive Health partners with hospitals and health systems to reduce administrative costs, enabling providers to focus on their core mission: delivering high quality care. The company's revenue cycle management services portfolio includes creating a distinctive operating partnership model, aligning financial relationships and providing propriety technology and data science. Acustream (Lafayette, Colo.). Acustream's proprietary RevBuilder enterprise solution uses both client hospital billing and/or professional billing data, facility specific rules (FSR's) and predictive analytics to find reimbursable "never billed" charges. Not a collections tool, RevBuilder finds dollars in the data that were missed for any number of reasons. The business model is 100 percent contingency-based. Adreima (Downers Grove, Ill.). Adreima has solutions that address the front, middle and backend of the revenue cycle process. The company's services include eligibility, medical prior authorization review, charge description master, charge capture, receivables management, clinical denials and appeals, clinical audit support and post payment recovery. Advanced Patient Advocacy (Richmond, VA). Advanced Patient Advocacy is a patient-centric organization specializing in revenue cycle solutions that drive reimbursement to hospital clients. Core services include eligibility enrollment, disability (SSI/SSDI) services, resolution of workers compensation and third-party liability claims, insurance recovery, legacy account receivable resolution and out-of-state Medicaid. AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions (Lombard, Ill.). AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions is a medical billing and practice management company. The company offers revenue cycle management and business management solutions to hospitals, hospital-based physicians, office-based physicians, behavioral health providers and surgery centers. AdvantEdge's portfolio includes medical coding and billing, revenue optimization, informatics, compliance and more. The Advisory Board Company (Washington, D.C.). The Advisory Board Company is a global research, technology and consulting firm that provides performance improvement services for healthcare and higher education. The company's revenue cycle services include denial and bad debt management, documentation optimization and more. The Advisory Board Company partners with more than 230,000 leaders at 5,200 organizations. AGS Health (New York). AGS Health offers medical billing, coding and business analytics services. The company includes more than 2,500 employees in the United States and India. AGS Health manages approximately $1.1 billion in receivables each year. Allscripts (Chicago). Health IT vendor Allscripts offers an analytics toolset geared toward revenue cycle challenges. The company has a 99 percent net collections rate, 98 percent first pass clean claims rates and a 5 percent average increase in collections. Allscripts Revenue Suite and Services offers pre-claim solutions, claims submission, inbound processing, A/R management and more. Alltran (Sartell, Minn.). Alltran, a solutions provider of advanced revenue cycle, accounts receivable management and contact center solutions, has been in business for more than 39 years. The company has more than 2,200 employees and operates facilities in Sartell; Gaithersburg, Md.; Woodridge, Ill.; Bryan, Texas; Tulsa, Okla.; and Houston. Last August, United Recovery Systems announced it is now marketing under the Alltran name. Alvarez & Marsal (New York). Alvarez & Marsal is a global consulting firm with headquarters not only in New York, but also London, Sao Paulo and Hong Kong. Amongst its many services, the company offers revenue cycle optimization and financial services to the healthcare industry. Guy Sansone, based in New York, is the head of the company's healthcare industry group. AmkaiSolutions (New York). AmkaiSolutions is a software company that caters to the ambulatory surgery center, surgical hospital and specialty practice industries. The company offers an EMR, billing software and more. The company's product AmkaiEnterprise is designed to reduce operating costs, enhance analytics capabilities and improve quality of care. Anthelio Healthcare Solutions (Dallas). The company offers IT services, EHR and optimization services and its Pyramid HALO RCM services. Anthelio acquired RCM company Pyramid Healthcare Solutions in July 2015 to expand its revenue cycle offerings. The company's RCM portfolio includes HIM outsourcing and optimization, medical coding, coding audit and education, revenue assessment and analytics, patient financial services, clinical documentation improvement, transcription and voice recognition, ICD-10 support and more. athenahealth (Watertown, Mass.). athenahealth offers cloud-based services from electronic health records and population health management to patient care coordination and revenue cycle management. The company's revenue cycle tool is athenaCollector. Each quarter, the company submits approximately 27 million claims, and 94 percent of these claims are resolved on first submission. Availity (Jacksonville, Fla.). Availity caters to physician practices, hospitals, health plans and vendors. The company's revenue cycle solutions address patient access issues, as well as the full spectrum of revenue cycle functions. The company also offers add-on modules that range from advanced claims editing and comparative analytics to self-pay eligibility verification and workers' compensation. Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Charlotte, N.C.). Bank of America Merrill Lynch offers a number of healthcare solutions including revenue cycle solutions, employee benefits integration, profit enhancement, streamlining operations and more. In addition to financial solutions, Bank of America Merrill Lynch offers mergers and acquisitions services and transaction services. BESLER Consulting (Princeton, N.J.). BESLER has provided financial and operational consulting to the healthcare industry since 1986. The firm offers transfer DRG revenue recovery and software solutions, coding and compliance, readmissions analytics tools, comprehensive revenue cycle assessment and more. Bolder Healthcare Solutions (Louisville, Ky.). Bolder Healthcare Solutions has a number of revenue cycle management services. The company's Avectus Healthcare Solutions resolves third-party liability claims for the hospital and trauma center market. Bolder's ROI Companies is a full suite of RCM services for hospitals. The company's portfolio also includes Bolder Anesthesia Management, Bolder Billing Services and Bolder Outreach Solutions. The Camden Group (El Segundo, Calif.). The Camden Group is a national healthcare business advisory firm. Services include financial advisement, clinical integration, business planning, operations improvement and more. In the realm of financial advisement, the firm offers payer contracting support and value-based payment modeling, amongst other services. Cardon Outreach (The Woodlands, Texas). Cardon Outreach manages $10 billion in accounts on an annual basis. The company provides eligibility services, accounts receivable services, disability solutions and services to increase revenue recovery of patient self-pay. Cardon also has technology solutions including its integrated proprietary technology platform MPOWER. CareCloud (Miami). CareCloud aims to offer an all-in-one RCM solution, which encompasses claims submission, payment posting, payer follow-up and patient billing. In addition to RCM services, CareCloud offers practice management, EHR, patient engagement, mobile app and healthcare analytics services. Cerner (Kansas City, Mo.). Cerner is the worlds largest publicly traded health information technology company providing leading-edge solutions and services for health care organizations worldwide. In addition to its core revenue management solutions, the company provides billing and coding services including charge processing, A/R follow up, eligibility checking, denials management, cash posting, self-pay and early out as well as full business office management for acute and ambulatory venues. Change Healthcare (Nashville, Tenn.). Change Healthcare, formerly Emdeon, focuses solely on revenue cycle management and clinical information exchange solutions. The company serves providers, payers and pharmacy service providers. Emdeon's network includes 340,000 providers; 1,200 government and private payers; 5,000 hospitals; 105,000 dentists; 60,000 pharmacies and 600 vendors. Citadel Outsource Group (Hendersonville, Tenn.). Citadel Outsource Group is an outsourced business office financial services company. The company's revenue cycle services include billing, claims resolution, denial management, discrepancy management, business office management, interim revenue cycle consulting, cash posting, revenue cycle assessment and more. Citi's Money2 for Health (New York). Money2 for Health focuses on the patient payment process function of the revenue cycle. This service from Citi Group allows patients to pay healthcare bills easily by linking to checking accounts, health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts. The platform was launched in 2013 in partnership with Aetna and Parallon, a subsidiary of HCA. The Claro Group (Chicago). The Claro Group, a healthcare consulting firm, has a RCM unit. The firm's solutions address admissions, cash collections, A/R days and more. The Claro Group focuses on hospital clients ranging from academic medical centers to community hospitals. Cognizant (Teaneck, N.J.). Cognizant offers providers a comprehensive suite of revenue cycle management solutions, from patient access platforms to contract management tools. TriZetto, a subsidiary nestled within Cognizant's healthcare arm, develops health IT platforms to improve revenue cycle operations for Cognizant's provider and payer clients. Coker Group (Alpharetta, Ga.). Coker Group, a national healthcare advisory firm, offers a wide range of services from accountable care organization preparation to executive search capabilities. The firm also offers healthcare-specific revenue cycle support including revenue cycle staffing, pay mix analysis, national benchmarking, processes review and more. Conifer Health Solutions (Frisco, Texas). Conifer, a subsidiary of Tenet Healthcare, has more than 13,000 employees and processes more than $26 billion in net revenue each year. The company, which has 20 service locations through the country, caters to hospitals and health systems, physician groups and employers. Conifer offers revenue cycle management services such as scheduling, eligibility and enrollment, denials prevention, patient financial services and revenue cycle operations management to both the hospital and physician markets. Connance (Waltham, Mass.). Connace is a healthcare predictive analytics platform. The company's platform aims to eliminate 20 percent to 30 percent of the work associated with revenue cycle management. Services the platform can provide include vendor performance, self-pay segmentation, claims optimization, revenue optimization and more. Convergent (Atlanta). Convergent is a process outsourcing, revenue cycle and receivables management company with 14 locations in North America. The company's revenue cycle management offerings include patient access services, third party reimbursement services, self-pay services and bad debt services. The Corridor Group (Overland Park, Kan.). The Corridor Group has served more than 2,000 clients, including hospitals and health systems, since 1989. The company offers consulting services, regulatory compliance support, ICD-10 solutions and more. In January, the company acquired revenue cycle management company Healthcare Management Solutions, which expands the company's revenue cycle management services portfolio. Craneware (Atlanta). Craneware offers patient access, charge capture and pricing, coding integrity, revenue recovery and retention, professional services and ICD-10 solutions. The company's automated revenue cycle solution was named No. 1 for the 2015/2016 Best in KLAS Awards: Software and Services. Additionally, the company's Chargemaster Toolkit ranked first in the "revenue cycle chargemaster management" category. Crowe Horwath (Chicago). Crowe Horwath is a public account, consulting and technology firm serving multiple industries. The firm's healthcare division offers finance, revenue cycle, reimbursement, tax, risk and compliance, audit and mergers and acquisitions services. Crow Horwath's revenue cycle management program includes credit balance management, denials management, observations services and outpatient charge capture. Dell (Round Rock, Texas). Dell Healthcare Solutions serves hospitals, health systems, physician practices and health plans. The company provides business process outsourcing, including revenue cycle management. Dell can take on coding, remittance processing, accounts receivable follow-up and denial analysis for its clients. drchrono (Mountain View, Calif.). drchrono offers a number of services include an EHR, medical billing and a platform for patients to view their health record. The company's revenue cycle solutions include Apollo and Apollo+. Apollo allows drchrono EHR users to manage billing from the EHR, while Apollo+ gives users access to the company's fully managed billing services. Experian Health (Austin, Texas). Experian is a global information services company with a focus on data and analytics. The company's revenue cycle services can automate up to 80 percent of processes. Its services suite includes patient access, claims, contract management and collections products. FTI Consulting (Chicago). FTI Consulting serves multiple industries, including healthcare. The consulting firm's revenue cycle division offers a wide range of services including benchmarking, cash flow performance improvement, managed care contracting, denial management improvement and more. G4 HealthSystems (Tulsa, Okla.). G4 HealthSystems provides healthcare technology solutions for claims billing and management, audit appeals and management, denial management, work flow, patient statements, patient estimates, payer tracking, clearinghouse services, eligibility verification and more. More than half the company's clients, 51 percent, are hospitals. Forty-seven percent of its clients are physicians and 2 percent are specialty clients. The company has had 100 percent client retention for three-plus years. GeBBS Healthcare Solutions (Marina del Rey, Calif.). GeBBS offers HIM solutions, insurance billing services, patient access solutions and end-to-end RCM solutions. The company has a number of technology platforms supporting its services. Technology includes the enterprise-wide coding solution iCode, coding compliance platform iCode Assurance, business process management tool iP2P and EOB to ERA conversion tool iERA. GE Healthcare (Little Chalfont, United Kingdom). GE Healthcare, a subsidiary of General Electric, offers a wide range of services including revenue cycle management. GE Healthcare provides software solutions for full revenue cycle management support, billing support, analytics and more. The company's RCM software systems include Centricity Business, Centricity Group Management, Centricity Practice Solution and Centricity EDI. Global Healthcare Alliance (Houston). Global Healthcare Alliance is a full-service, revenue cycle management company. Its offerings include a medical billing and collection outsourcing solution to physician practices, medical practice management software and bundled payments administration. Global Healthcare Alliance has three decades of experience and has operated as both a payer and provider. Greenway Health (Carrolton, Ga.). Greenway offers a wide array of solutions for the healthcare industry, including revenue cycle management. The Greenway suite of RCM solutions includes claims management, secondary claim filing, denial management and more. The company's clients have a more than 99 percent claims acceptance rate and an average decrease of 31 percent in A/R days. Halley Consulting Group (Westerville, Ohio). Halley Consulting Group offers consulting services exclusively to the healthcare industry. The group's revenue cycle division offers services including the creation of a revenue cycle management work group, documentation improvement, best practice education, transitioning central billing to central processing, establishing accountability standards and more. Harmony Healthcare (Tampa, Fla.). Harmony provides revenue cycle management staffing, coding support, HIM leadership, ICD-10 support, HIM offshore services and more. The company offers temporary, temporary-to-permanent and permanent staffing solutions. Harmony has worked with a number of healthcare providers including Ascension Healthcare based in St. Louis, John's Hopkins based in Baltimore, Yale-New Haven (Conn) Hospital and more. Hayes Management Consulting (Newton Center, Mass.). Hayes Management Consulting focuses on partnering with healthcare organizations to streamline operations, improve revenue cycle management and enhance technology. The company's revenue cycle consulting services include assessment, optimization and interim management. Healthcare Business Insights (Milwaukee). Healthcare Business Insight's core focuses are revenue cycle, supply chain, cost and quality and information technology. HBI's Revenue Cycle Academy addresses each element of revenue cycle management. The academy is designed to be a collection of best practice resources to support healthcare revenue cycle leaders. Healthcare Resource Group (Spokane Valley, Wash.). HRG focuses on providing the healthcare industry a full suite of revenue cycle management services. Services include business office outsourcing, revenue cycle department management, consulting and staffing. HGS (Lisle, Ill.). HGS has a wide range of services including claims benefit management, medical cost management, revenue cycle management and more. The company's revenue cycle offerings include patient access support, patient financial services and health information management, as well as technologies designed to support various RCM functions. HGS manages more than $6.9 billion in client accounts receivables. The company has processed more than 60 million claims for hospitals, physicians and other clients. Human Arc (Cleveland). Human Arc, founded in 1984, provides hospitals and health plans with revenue cycle services with a focus on eligibility determination and program enrollment. The company offers a number of technology services, such as its business-wide information management system COMPASS or its IQualify web-based tools designed for hospital patient financial counselors. Huron Consulting Group (Chicago). Huron Consulting Group offers a specific healthcare revenue cycle solution. The solution aims to provide an annual 3 percent to 6 percent increase in revenue. Bruce Lemon serves as the managing director of the group's revenue cycle service. Huron's healthcare division also offers Epic implementation and optimization services. IMMI (Las Vegas). IMMI has been offering billing and collections services for more than 20 years. The company days has just 8 percent A/R days more than 90. In addition to its billing and collections offerings, IMMI has consulting, credentialing, financial services and scheduling services. Impact Advisors (Naperville, Ill.). Impact Advisors is a healthcare consulting firm offering expertise in a broad range of areas, including strategic IT planning, clinical optimization, meaningful use, revenue cycle management and more. The company's RCM optimization services include patient access, charge services, case management, health information management and patient financial services. In the 2015/2016 Best in KLAS rankings, Impact Advisors was named the Best in KLAS Overall IT Services Firm and the top firm in the IT Advisory Services market segment. Intermedix (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.). Intermedix is a technology and analytics company serving the healthcare, business and government sectors. Under the umbrella of its healthcare offerings, the company provides EMS revenue cycle management services. Additionally, the company offers RCM services for hospitalists, anesthesiologists and primary care providers. Intermedix handles coding and billing services for more than 12,000 providers. Jacobus Consulting (Irvine, Calif.). Jacobus Consulting bases its revenue cycle management services on the core areas of patient access, case management, revenue integrity/charge capture, health information management and business office performance improvement. The consulting group also offers interim leadership for revenue cycle leadership roles. Kaufman Hall (Chicago). The healthcare management and consulting experts at Kaufman Hall help healthcare providers across the country realize improvements in their revenue cycle operations. Kaufman Hall provides hospitals and health systems with a variety of resources to assess revenue cycle performance, pinpoint pain points and devise and implement solutions and processes that drive efficiency. KeyBank (Cleveland). KeyBank's healthcare solutions are utilized by more than 10,000 healthcare organizations. The bank's KeyPatient POS is designed to streamline collections, reduce bad debt, decrease days in accounts receivable and more. KeyBank also offers a payment management solution design to track financial performance and overall improve revenue cycle management processes. Kraft Healthcare Consulting (Nashville, Tenn.). Kraft Healthcare Consulting, a part of KraftCPAs, includes reimbursement and operations insight, coding and compliance support and advisory services. Within these categories the consulting firm targets revenue cycle management, coding and documentation, ICD-10 preparation, underpayment recovery and more. Leidos (Reston, Va.). Leidos focuses on national security, engineering and health. The company employs 19,000 people worldwide. Leidos Health's revenue cycle solutions are designed for assessment and optimization. The company focuses on patient access, revenue integrity and patient financial services. Leidos Health also lends support in the form of interim leadership, initiative support and project management. McKesson (San Francisco). McKesson offers healthcare providers revenue cycle management optimizations services, as well as several products. The company's service portfolio includes access management improvement, healthcare consumerism support, cash collection acceleration and payer performance improvement. McKesson's revenue cycle management product portfolio includes solutions for medical billing and revenue cycle management, the McKesson Performance Analytics system, McKesson Intelligent Coding and Paragon Hospital Information System. MedAssets (Alpharetta, Ga.). MedAssets has solutions driven toward reducing the cost of care, enhancing efficiency, aligning clinical delivery and improving revenue performance. The company's revenue cycle management solutions are driven to reduce total cost by approximately 10 percent and increase net revenue by up to 5 percent. MedAssets provides revenue performance improvement consulting for all RCM processes, as well as ICD-10 readiness services. MedAssist Healthcare Solutions (Louisville, Ky.). MedAssist is a patient engagement company focused on revenue cycle solutions. The company services more than 700 hospitals and health systems. MedAssist's revenue cycle solutions include several patient access technologies, such as a patient bill estimator, and several business office services, such as denial management and tracking. MedData (Brecksville, Ohio). MedData has been around for more than 36 years. The company offers various technology-enabled healthcare services. These services include billing, coding, patient balances, eligibility and enrollment, third party liability and patient satisfaction. MedData has a network of more than 1,000 hospital sites nationwide. MedeAnalytics (Emeryville, Calif.). MedeAnalytics' services are tailored for both healthcare providers and health plans. The company's revenue cycle offerings aim to accelerate cash flow, limit bad debt and denials, automate collections workflow, evaluate service line profitability and streamline monthly reserves. MedeAnalytics also offers ICD-10 and patient access solutions. MedHelp (Baltimore). MedHelp offers several revenue cycle management services including professional fee billing, physician billing and credentialing services. The company specializes in emergency department MCO denial appeals. Additionally, the company developed an internal scrubbing program that allows for expanded medical coding review and scrubbing. MediGain (Dallas). In 2002, MediGain broke into the healthcare market as a full-service revenue cycle management company. The firm provides revenue cycle management, medical billing and reimbursement services and solutions to physicians practices, ambulatory surgical centers and hospitals. Since its founding, MediGain has grown into a global company with an integrated portfolio of IT and process solutions. MediRevv (Coralville, Iowa). MediRevv specializes in helping hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers and physician groups improve their cash flow and grow their revenue. The company offers self pay and insurance extended business office services, coding and denials management services and more. The company has clients such as Bon Secours Health System, based in Richmond, Va., and Dignity Health, based in San Francisco. MEDITECH (Westwood, Mass.). Health IT vendor MEDITECH's revenue cycle management solution offers automated claim tracking, denial management, integrated charge capture and more. The solution offers support for centralized and decentralized billing. MEDITECH's RCM offering is designed to provide integration between hospital and office settings and to consolidate all revenue cycle functions. MedSynergies (Irving, Texas). MedSynergies, acquired by Optum last year, offers healthcare providers financial and operational insight and support. The company's product MSIGHT helps providers streamline revenue cycle processes from appointment scheduling all the way through to patient check out. Meridian Medical Management (Windsor, Conn.). Meridian Medical Management services more than 40,000 healthcare providers each year and processes more than $5 billion in revenue for medical practices. The company was acquired by GE Healthcare in 2005, but reestablished as a private entity. The company provides medical billing services on a number of different platforms, such as Allscripts, eClinicalWorks, GE Centricity, NextGen EPM and VertexDr. Additionally, Meridian Medical Management will operate on the Epic platform for its academic medical center clients. MiraMed Global Services (Jackson, Mich.). MiraMed began as a small practice management company in 1979 and grew into a large-scale healthcare business process outsourcing provider. The company offers hospitals and physicians patient services, billing services and reimbursement solutions, as well as practice management and consulting options. National Medical Billing Services (Grover, Mo.). NMBS is a revenue cycle outsourcing company catering specifically to the ambulatory surgery center market. The company offers a full suite of revenue cycle solutions including complete outsourcing, coding, coding and billing audits and managed care contracting. Navicure (Duluth, Ga.). Navicure's portfolio includes cloud-based healthcare claims management and patient payment solutions. The company has several product lines tailored for specific RCM functions. Naviure ClaimFlow includes solutions for eligibility verification, coding, claims management, remittance management and denials and appeals management. All of the company's solutions are backed by its 3-Ring Client Service, which guarantees a service representative will answer each client call in three rings or less. Navigant Cymetrix (Irvine, Calif.). Navigant Cymetrix, a fully-owned subsidiary of Navigant Consulting, was formed this year by the consolidation of Alleviant, Cymetrix and legacy RCM businesses. Navigant Cymetrix provides comprehensive RCM services, consulting services, eligibility and financial counseling, self-pay services, clinical documentation integrity, coding support and auditing, payment processing, accounts receivable management and more. NaviNet (Boston). NaviNet is a healthcare communications network designed to facilitate payer and provider collaboration. NaviNet has more than 40 health plan partners and 420,000 active users. NaviNet's revenue cycle resource focuses on determining patients' out-of-pocket costs. The group's Payment Estimator allows providers to verify eligibility and providers an accurate estimate of a patient's financial responsibility. Nearterm (Houston). Nearterm offers interim management, healthcare executive search capabilities, project staffing and revenue cycle consulting. The company's core RCM offering is Nearterm 360. The solution incorporates health information management, consulting, permanent executive search and temporary staffing. NextGen Healthcare (Horsham, Penn.). NextGen Healthcare offers ambulatory solutions, population health management, interoperability solutions, consulting solutions, revenue cycle management and more. The company's revenue cycle division offers consulting and outsourcing for physician billing, collections and claims. NextGen Healthcare's revenue cycle management services are driven by technology and proprietary solutions. Ni2 Health (Bothell, Wash., and Cary, Ill.). Ni2 offers revenue cycle management and expense reduction services to hospitals and healthcare organizations. The company offers no risk assessments which typically identify 3 percent to 6 percent of total net patient revenues as the performance improvement opportunity. Ni2 said it also partners with hospitals and healthcare organizations to instill the resources, expertise and technologies required to ensure successful implementation of identified opportunities. Nordic (Madison, Wis.). Nordic is a healthcare consulting company offering implementation solutions, optimization tools and Epic services. Among its many advisory options, the company offers RCM services. The company focuses on creating revenue cycle efficiencies to maximize charge capture, decrease days in A/R, improve staff productivity and streamline the entire process. NueMD (Marietta, Ga.). NueMD offers a cloud-based platform that offers healthcare providers practice management services, an EHR and medical billing services. NuedMD's medical billing software and EHR work together to decrease outstanding claims, provide customized reposts and more. The company's practice management services aim to reduce patient cancellations and boost claims acceptance. Ontario Systems (Muncie, Ind.). Ontario Systems is a software and services company focused on the healthcare industry. The company's product Artiva Healthcare is designed to enhance providers' patient accounting system. The company also offers Revenue Performance Optimization, a portfolio of consulting services. Optum 360 (Eden Prairie, Minn.). Optum 360 is a patient-focused revenue cycle management service provider for hospitals and physicians. Services include revenue cycle management consulting, health IT and systems, medical coding and documentation, claims and reimbursement, denial management and recovery, financial compliance, ICD-10 readiness and more. Parallon (Franklin, Tenn.). Parallon offers revenue cycle management insight and customized solutions. The company, which employs 14,500 plus people, is partnered with more than 700 facilities and 6,000 physician practices. Parallon offers full-service revenue cycle outsourcing, consulting, payment compliance, collections, physician billing, extended business office services and more. ParrishShaw (Houston). ParrishShaw, an Advanced Patient Advocacy company, provides insurance benefit recovery services for every segment of the insurance billing and revenue collections cycles. Services provided to all healthcare providers include small balance insurance resolution, aged insurance account management, denial management, third-party liability, out-of-state Medicaid provider enrollment, and legacy accounts receivable management. Patientco (Atlanta). Patientco focuses directly on the revenue cycle portion involving the patient. The company provides a cloud-based, online platform that automates the entire patient payment process. The system is designed up automate up to 80 percent of patient payment tasks, including payment reconciliation and automatically posting files to health information and practice management systems. Physicians Group Management (Lyndhurst, N.J.). PGM, founded in 1981, offers physician billing services, facility billing services and EMR solutions. The company offers billing solutions specifically tailored to a number of different specialties including allergy and immunology, anesthesiology, cardiology, chiropractic, dermatology, emergency medicine, gastroenterology, mental health, nephrology, oncology, orthopedics, pain management, primary care and urology. PNC Healthcare (Chicago). PNC Healthcare, a division of PNC Bank, offers healthcare providers a number of revenue cycle management resources. PNC Healthcare's products range from claims submission services and electronic remittance to a patient estimator and denial challenger. Precyse (Wayne, Pa.). Precyse's solutions include health information management, medical coding and computer assisted coding, clinical documentation improvement, medical transcription, ICD-10 education and more. That company's services have been used by more than 4,000 healthcare facilities and providers across the country. Prism Healthcare Partners (Chicago). Prism offers financial, operational and clinical performance improvement services to hospitals, health systems and academic medical centers. The company's revenue cycle solutions hone in on identifying any inefficiencies and boosting net revenues. Prism's solutions include registration, insurance verification, financial counseling, charge capture, coding, collections, managed care contracting, clinical documentation and more. PwC (New York). PricewaterhouseCoopers, a large business intelligence consulting firm, has consulting services for a wide range of areas, such as strategy, operations, risk and finance. PwC's revenue cycle services are offered through its financial management branch. Its core offering is its Virtual Business Office, which serves as an extension of clients' physician business office. The VBO offers third-party aged accounts receivable remediation, insurance verification, claims volume management, customer service support and more. Quadax (Middleburg Heights, Ohio). Quadax has revenue cycle solutions customized for hospitals, physician practices, vendors and laboratories. The company's line of solutions aims to increase cash flow, maximize productivity and reduce paper processing dependency. Quadax specializes in electronic transaction management, emergency department business services and laboratory revenue cycle management. Quest Diagnostics (Madison, N.J.). Quest Diagnostics is a clinical laboratory services company. The company, along with Inovalon, offers a Data Diagnostics solution, which provides physicians with real-time analytics at the point of care to improve value-based care efforts. Data Diagnostics provides patient-specific analyses that help physicians align clinical management strategies with quality, utilization, risk and financial performance goals in the pursuit of value-based care. The data solution is integrated with nearly 600 EHR platforms. Quorum Health Resources (Brentwood, Tenn.). QHR, founded in 1977, offers a number of brands including QHR Management Services, QHR Consulting Services, Quorum Purchasing Advantage and The QHR Learning Institute. The company's revenue cycle solution focuses on providing cash flow solutions from coding and billing to patient access and customer service. Recondo Technology (Greenwood Village, Colo.). Recondo Technology aims to connect providers, patients and payers with cloud-based revenue cycle management solutions. Recondo's patient access services included integrated payer authorization, accurate patient estimation, analytics-driven denial avoidance and more. The company's business office portfolio includes automated claims workflow, claims status data, denial management, claims submission and more. Regent Revenue Cycle Management (Westchester, Ill.). Regent RCM is an independent division of ambulatory surgery center management and development company Regent Surgical Health. The company offers billers and collectors with an average of more than 17 years of revenue cycle management each. The company offers a number of automated services including insurance verification, electronic claims processing, electronic payer payments and patient remittance posting, digitally stored contracts, outsourced patient statement generation and report formatting. RelayHealth (Emeryville, Calif.). RelayHealth, owned by McKesson, offers analytics-driven revenue cycle management solutions. The company's products include RelayAnalytics Acuity, RelayAnalytics Pulse and RelayAnalytics Spectrum. The Acuity product focuses on providing data to support decisions in areas ranging from ICD-10 compliance to reimbursement. The Pulse product helps create meaningful benchmarks. The Spectrum product is an iPad application designed to allow mobile access to data. RSM US LLP (Chicago). RSM US offers advisory services to several industries, including healthcare. The firm's revenue cycle services suite includes research and management reports, supporting analytics, performance indicator summaries, executive presentations to leadership and more. re|solution (Louisville, Colo.). re|solution offers services for the full range of revenue cycle processes. Services include a revenue improvement program, cash acceleration, days in accounts receivable reduction, interim staffing, business office insourcing and coding and compliance services. RevClaims (Jackson, Miss.). RevClaims focuses on injury claims billing. The company partners with providers to increase claims recovery related to workers' compensation, automobile accidents and catastrophic injuries. The company works with hospitals, health systems and trauma centers. RevenueXL (Cupterino, Calif.). RevenueXL is a healthcare solutions and EMR company focused on small- to mid-sized practices. The company not only provides EMR and EHR solutions, but also medical transcription, coding compliance and document indexing. RevenueXL's medical billing portfolio also includes billing software options, billing services, coding services, insurance follow up and denial management. RevSpring (Wixom, Mich.). RevSpring focuses on customized revenue cycle solutions. The company offers business process outsourcing. RevSpring applies data analytics, patient centered communications and more to improve providers' revenue cycle processes. RPM Healthcare (Charleston, S.C.). RPM focuses on delivering customized solutions to help healthcare organizations keep their revenue cycles healthy in a rapidly changing reimbursement environment. The company considers an organization's particular payer mix, specialties and demographic environment to create operational and management solutions that drive RCM improvement. Rycan (Minneapolis). Rycan, recently acquired by Healthland, is a healthcare revenue cycle software company. Rycan's solutions address revenue cycle issues including patient liability, eligibility verification, claim submission, remittance management, denial management, contract management, reporting and data mining and more. SCI Solutions (Campbell, Calif.). SCI Solutions provides business process software for more than 550 hospitals, imaging centers, physician practices and post-acute care providers. SCI Solutions offers the Provider Network Manager that is designed to boost outpatient volumes, referrals and revenues. The company also offers a scheduling platform and client performance optimization services. SourceMed (Birmingham, AL). SourceMed solutions capture, exchange and analyze data that that enable outpatient facilities to optimize revenue, increase operational efficiency and improve compliance. The companys integrated software, analytics, revenue cycle management and professional services are used by more than 35,000 healthcare professionals in over 6,500 ambulatory surgery centers, specialty hospitals and rehabilitation therapy clinics nationwide. SourceMeds team of certified coders, billers and collectors ensures that claims are continually worked so that customers realize earned revenue more quickly and stay compliant with changing regulations. Specialty Billing Solutions (Lakewood, Colorado). Specialty Billing Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASC management company PINNACLE III, provides coding, claims submission, denial management and patient financial services for ambulatory surgery centers. The companys team includes certified professional coders, experienced billing & collection professionals and is 100 percent United States-based. The company performs forensic collections on new client accounts with existing A/R to capture proper reimbursement for old claims. ASCs making the switch to Specialty Billing Solutions have realized increases in net revenue per case of at least 10 percent. The SSI Group (Mobile, Ala.). SSI focuses on claims management technology and electronic data interchange platforms. The company's financial performance service options include denial management, audit management, contract management, analytics and SSI Medibis. Medibis is a solution designed for the ambulatory surgery center market. SSI's claims management service portfolio includes billing, claims status and the Cerner HIS Solution. SymMetric Revenue Solutions (Fort Meyers, Fla.). SyMetric Revenue Solutions offers a diverse services suite ranging from revenue cycle management and physician practice management to real-time reporting and value-based medicine. The company's revenue cycle options include emergency department coding and billing, hospitalist coding and billing, urgent care coding and billing, documentation improvement, auditing, collections and more. TD Bank (Toronto, Ontario). TD Bank's healthcare and not-for-profit banking group offers liquidity solutions and financing solutions in addition to revenue cycle management. TD Healthcare Remittance Management offers a comprehensive solution for healthcare revenue cycle management processes. Trace by The White Stone Group (Knoxville, Tenn.). Trace is a communication management solution designed to support scheduling, coordination and reimbursement functions. The system offers revenue protection, enhanced communication, compliance support and operational performance enhancement. TransUnion (Chicago). TransUnion provides solutions for several industries including healthcare. The company's revenue cycle solutions serve both hospitals and physician practices. TransUnion's revenue cycle management services and technologies focus on patient access, reimbursement and data breaches. TSI (Lake Forest, Ill.). With a focus on compliance, TSI, formerly Transworld Systems, aims to ensure clients, patients and their data are protected. The company's revenue cycle solution MDeverywhere aims to streamline hospital and physician practice revenue cycle management processes. The MDeverywhere system includes practice management software, a claim expert, a contract expert and business services. The system decreases denials up to 90 percent. TruBridge (Mobile, Ala.). TruBridge is a business and IT services consulting company focused on rural and community hospitals. The company's revenue cycle management services include accounts receivable management, private pay collections, insurance follow-up, contract management, statement processing, online bill pay and medical coding. United Collection Bureau (Toledo, Ohio). UCB, founded in 1959, provides revenue cycle services to more than 400 healthcare providers. UCB's revenue cycle solutions include pre-registration services, eligibility assistance, presumptive charity, pay analytics, self-pay collections, insurance follow-up and bad debt recovery. VisiQuate (Santa Rosa, Calif.). VisQuate offers a number of products including an enterprise performance management platform, visual operating system, business analytics engine, knowledge distribution engine, business rules management and data integration studio. In 2014, VisiQuate partnered with Ovation Revenue Cycle Services to offer its healthcare clients a combination of revenue cycle software and services. VitalWare (Yakima, Wash.). VitalWare offers RCM services and tools powered by cloud-based technologies, identifying and simplifying challenges in an ever changing and regulated industry. The company offers best in class documentation, coding, billing and auditing services for a powerful user experience. VitalWare's products include VitalCDI, iDocuMint, VitalCoder, VitalCDM, VitalCharges and VitalAuditor. VHC (Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.). Vaughn Holland Consulting focuses on revenue cycle consulting. The firm's services include revenue recovery, Medicare underpayments, software solutions, health information management solutions, revenue cycle consulting and more. Xifin (San Diego, Calif.). In 2001, health IT technology company Xifin launched an accounts receivable and financial management solution aimed at using a financial framework specifically to address the problems that undermine the effectiveness and efficiency of laboratories' revenue cycle management. Today, the company's billing solutions service diagnostic service providers of all types including clinical, hospital outreach, anatomic pathology, molecular diagnostics, toxicology and radiology providers. XIFIN processes more than 200 million claims annually on behalf of its clients, and has realized over $2 billion in cumulative net cash collection gains for them. Xtend Healthcare (Hendersonville, Tenn.). Xtend Healthcare focuses on financial performance improvement. The company aims to improve revenue cycle functions, offers staff extension and IT assets and focuses on bottom line improvements. The company's revenue cycle management solutions include on-site accelerated recovery, extended business office services, automated follow-up, consultation, HIM consulting, coding services, ICD-10 education and self-pay services. ZirMed (Louisville, Ky.). ZirMed, founded in 1999, provides services to more than 8,000 healthcare organizations and nearly 300,000 providers. The company's key service offerings are patient access, charge integrity claims and accounts receivable management, cost and utilization, population risk management and patient engagement. Zotec Partners (Carmel, Ind.). Zotec is a specialty-driven company with a focus on anesthesiology, emergency medicine, pathology and radiology. The company's medical billing services include customized billing protocols, contract variance, integrated imaging, a patient portal, automated appeals and more. More articles on finance and revenue cycle management: Washington state continues efforts to curb balance billing Heart hospitals waiting for Valeant price breaks Physicians Realty Trust closes $324M deal with CHI: 6 things to know The story of a pair of nervous parents who got schooled in emergency department facility fees when they received a $629 medical bill for a Band-Aid is making waves online. Their story, reported by Vox, involves bringing their 1-year-old daughter to the Danbury (Conn.) Hospital ED for a small cut on her pinky. There, a physician ran water over the cut and put a Band-Aid on it, which fell off as soon as the family got to the car, according to the report. By then, the bleeding had stopped, according to Vox, and the parents had peace of mind that their daughter was OK. This peace of mind didn't last long, though. The girl's father, Malcolm Bird, told Vox he was stunned when he got the bill for $629. Rather, he owed $440.30 after his health insurer negotiated, but that was still a steep bill for a Band-Aid. According to Vox, Mr. Bird promptly wrote the hospital a letter, expecting them to lower the price. Mr. Bird received a response from John Murphy, CEO of Danbury-based Western Connecticut Health Network, the hospital's parent company. In the letter, Mr. Murphy explained the Band-Aid cost $7 and the rest of the cost was the ED facility fee, according to the report. He didn't offer to reduce the cost of the medical bill. When Vox reached out to the hospital network to get an explanation of how facility fees are determined, they never got one. The system CFO Steven Rosenberg did, however, remove all of the Bird's charges, according to the report. Facility fees can be particularly exasperating in cases like that of the Bird family, who barely use ED services. Vox points out that while hospitals may need to charge these fees, they should consider tiered pricing, charging based on the severity of the visit, or simply price transparency, providing the cover charge to patients before they step into the ED, so they can make an informed decision about the cost. Read the full story here. More articles on finance: One call away: The all-too common mistake hospitals make with customer relationships CHS, Tenet and HCA stock prices tumble after ACA ruling North Carolina bill ramps up financial reporting rules for nonprofit hospitals Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y., part of NYC Health + Hospitals, has new leaders, according to a Crain's New York Business report. In an effort to restore public confidence in the hospital, NYC Health + Hospitals CEO Ram Raju, MD, has named Anthony Rajkumar CEO and Mei Kong, MSN, RN, COO. Mr. Rajkumar, who will leave his current post as executive director at Manhattan's Metropolitan Hospital, previously served as COO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County. Ms. Kong was the assistant vice president responsible for patient and employee safety for NYC Health + Hospitals. "I want patient experience to be the centerpiece of this organization. We are selecting people who will give that particular aspect. If the patients are not engaged, the outcomes are not good," Dr. Raju told Crain's New York Business Wednesday. The appointments come after three executives at Coney Island Hospital left their positions. "There have been numerous leadership changes throughout NYC Health + Hospitals in the past year as the public healthcare system reorganizes to meet the goals of its Vision 20/20 transformation plan," NYC Health + Hospitals spokesman Ian Michaels previously said regarding the leadership shakeup. "After an extensive review of the hospital's culture it was decided that changes were necessary to improve the patient experience at the hospital. Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience to every patient and their family and we are committed to the appropriate changes to deliver on that promise." A New York Post article claimed the leadership changes at Coney Island Hospital were related to the controversial death of 47-year-old Grisel Soto, who died at the facility Feb. 1 after nursing staff misdiagnosed her as suffering from an overdose of synthetic marijuana. The health system has disputed those claims. Dr. Raju noted that recent leadership changes at Coney Island were not triggered by the negative publicity about patient safety. In addition to Mr. Rajkumar and Ms. Kong, Coney Island Hospital has added various other executives in recent weeks, according to Crain's New York Business. Wehbeh Wehbeh, MD, is the new CMO; Barbara Campfield was appointed chief nursing executive; Mark William Edward Kindschuh, MD, became chairman of emergency medicine; and Janice Nini is now associate director of nursing of the emergency department. With more than 2 million Americans now suffering from an opioid use disorder, it is high time for physicians to accept their responsibility in creating the problem and the solution, according to the American Medical Association's President Steven J. Stack, MD. Writing in an open letter to America's physicians, published by The Huffington Post, Dr. Stack wrote, "The medical profession must play a lead role in reversing the opioid epidemic that, far too often, has started from a prescription pad." He added, "As a profession that places patient well-being as our highest priority, we must accept responsibility to re-examine prescribing practices. We must begin by preventing our patients from becoming addicted to opioids in the first place." He called on physicians to take immediate action in the following ways: Avoid prescribing opioid treatments for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration for post-operative care and acutely-injured patients. Join and use the state-based Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Reduce stigma to provide better care. Reduce opioid exposure in patients on chronic opioid therapy, but do so compassionately. Help connect patients with opioid abuse to evidence-based treatment. Co-prescribe naxolone, the overdose reversal drug, to at risk patients. More articles on integration and physician issues: 84-year-old recent college grad considers medical school St. Peter's Health Partners joins forces with law school to provide patients legal assistance Survey: Massachusetts physicians, patients fail to prepare for end-of-life care ProPublica's database that details the prescribing habits of hundreds of thousands of physicians has led to several important findings and is a useful tool for physician comparison. However, it appears some readers are taking advantage of the database to find physicians likely to prescribe widely abused drugs. Released in 2013, ProPublica's Prescriber Checkup has led to several important findings. For instance, the data showed some physicians are far more likely than others to prescribe brand-name drugs for which there are cheaper generic alternatives. In addition, patients use the database to vet their physicians' prescription drug choices, and physicians use it to see how their prescribing habits stack up to those of their peers, according to ProPublica. Provider Checkup has also proven useful to law enforcement officials, who search the database for leads on fraud and pain medication trafficking. Although the database provides valuable information to many, some readers may be using it to find physicians who freely prescribe commonly abused drugs such as opioids. ProPublica's Google Analytics data revealed that as many as 25 percent of Prescriber Checkup's page views this year involve searches for amphetamines, narcotic painkillers and anti-anxiety medications. Many readers landed at the Prescriber Checkup after searching the web for "doctors who prescribe narcotics easily" or "doctors that will prescribe anything." ProPublica wrote a "reporting recipe" to help journalists identify physicians who are among the top prescribers for narcotics. "The readership for this recipe far exceeds any reasonable estimate of local or regional journalists researching stories," according to ProPublica. ProPublica noted that some readers are likely looking for physicians who will help them with chronic anxiety or pain, but it is also probable that some are looking for physicians who are likely to prescribe amphetamines and narcotics when there is no medically necessary reason to do so. Although many groups benefit from the information on Provider Checkup, ProPublica realizes that it cannot ignore the fact that the database can be used for unintended purposes. To help with this issue, ProPublica said it is adding a warning to the pages of all narcotic drugs that reminds readers of the serious health risks associated with taking opioids. ProPublica will also link to the CDC's advice on the use of opioids. More articles on physician issues: 84-year-old recent college grad considers medical school St. Peter's Health Partners joins forces with law school to provide patients legal assistance Survey: Massachusetts physicians, patients fail to prepare for end-of-life care Arlington-based Texas Health Resources has pledged $116.5 million to buy Dallas-based Forest Park Medical Center's campus in Forth Worth, Texas. Forest Park Medical Center's network of six physician-owned facilities fell into financial trouble in 2015 and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2016. Texas Health Resources outbid Dallas-based Methodist Health to take over the Fort Worth facility. The transaction is expected to close by the end of May, according to the Dallas Business Journal. With the addition of the Fort Worth hospital, Texas Health Resources will have 27 acute care and short-stay hospitals throughout the state. Forest Park is selling off its facilities one by one. Earlier this week, an Austin, Texas-based system, of which Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Holdings is the majority owner, agreed to purchase Forest Park's yet-to-open hospital in Austin for $115 million. HCA also acquired Forest Park's hospital in Frisco, Texas in April. More articles on healthcare industry transactions: UVM Health Network adds another NY hospital So many M&A deals collapse because leaders neglect this simple strategy Allina Health to merge 2 hospitals An investigation is underway after a hidden camera was discovered in a bathroom at Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, according to a KTRK news report. A Ben Taub staff member discovered the camera May 5 in a co-ed bathroom on the fifth floor of the hospital. The bathroom is primarily used by hospital staff, but it is not locked and is occasionally used by members of the public. Hospital officials turned the camera over to police, who are handling the investigation. No arrests have been made, according to the report. More articles on healthcare news: Physicians accept responsibility for Joan Rivers' death MD Anderson blames EHR costs for 56.6% drop in income HCA to buy yet-to-open Texas hospital for $115M To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below She might be a Hollywood star, but Helena Bonham Carter's parenting dilemmas are familiar territory. Ahead of new series Love, Nina, Gemma Dunn catches up with the eccentric actress to talk about tech habits, self-sufficiency and being an 'embarrassing mum'. She may have amazed industry critics with her acting versatility, but Helena Bonham Carter has a much tougher crowd to please at home. "No, they aren't remotely," the 49-year-old declares, when asked whether her two kids - Billy (12) and Nell (8) - are impressed by her CV. "In fact, they're embarrassed," adds the star, who separated from her long-term partner, director Tim Burton, in 2014. "And they're going to get more and more embarrassed because it's that age. It's like: 'Please keep your head down - mum, don't!' They want me to be as least conspicuous as possible. "But that's the nature of being a parent, to embarrass your children," she concludes with a laugh. Known for her roles in historical dramas and fantasy films, like Alice in Wonderland, Corpse Bride and the Harry Potter franchise, the Bafta-winning actress is renowned for her ability to play against type, from period protagonist to transforming into a primate for Planet of the Apes. It's mid-afternoon when we meet, at an arts centre close to her home in London's Camden and Bonham Carter, who has come straight from a photoshoot, is wholly apologetic for running late. All is forgiven as she opens up about her latest project Love, Nina - a Nick Hornby, five-part fictionalised drama adaptation of Nina Stibbe's prize-winning novel. "It's a joy, a total joy," she enthuses, twiddling one of her fabulous oversized green earrings. "I thought it was a bit of magic and enchanting, so that was the draw. I thought, 'well, it makes me happy', so if the TV adaptation can make people as happy, then it's worth making." Nina is a 19-year-old who leaves Leicester to work as a nanny in Eighties London. The story revolves around the letters she sends home to her sister, and the result is a charming, laugh-out-loud funny, culture-clash comedy, which celebrates family and friendship in all its chaotic glory. When it came to playing the part of Nina's employer Mary-Kay Wilmers (changed to Georgia for the BBC series), Bonham Carter had one condition: "I said I'd only accept it if Mary-Kay didn't mind me doing it, so I got the blessing." Of her time spent with the real Mary-Kay, now 77, the London-born talent recalls: "She's a fascinating, amazing woman and there are so many things I wanted to borrow. "She employed Nina because she was fun, and a lot of people don't have the gift of fun. She was a single mother, and it's tough to be a single mother and a working mother. "I related to it because I have nannies, and they're one of the most intimate relationships in my life. People often talk about kids being a life-changing thing, but I think a nanny can be a life-changing thing. I've never really seen any talk about that." Born in London, to a psychotherapist mother and merchant banker father, Bonham Carter deems her own early family life to be - much like Mary-Kay's - incredibly unpretentious, despite being the great-grand-daughter of former prime minister Herbert Asquith, and counting barons, baronesses and diplomats among her relatives. "I've definitely had some bonkers nannies looking after my children, and we definitely had eccentrics growing up, too," she muses, reaching for another coffee. "We had Carrie who always had a headache, we had Peruvians - one who sleep-walked nude, but with socks on ..." The similarities don't end there. Opening up about her late father's disability (he became wheelchair-bound after a stroke during her childhood), she recalls: "Although it's not central, [Mary-Kay's son] Sam has a disability, so I could relate to that." Of her own family's experience, she adds: "It's how you deal with it, and my father was never patronised. There was a lack of self-pity from him and an 'it's just part of life' attitude. Disability can either explode a family, or bring you together, and I think our family had a lot of community." Today, Bonham Carter lives with her two children in what she hopes is a "fun household". But she won't be encouraging their activity on social media any time soon. "Luckily they don't have phones yet, but they do have an iPad. That's what they want to do and it's utterly passive. "I want them to find something they can lose themselves in; something 'absorbable' with their hands that's real, not virtual. I find it very depressing. "My brain, which is very distractable anyway, is always being interrupted, so my concentration has got very undermined," she adds of modern technology and how we're all so "connected" now. "Everybody expects an answer. I think it's giving us unnecessary stress." It's hard to imagine that the offspring of unconventional couple Bonham Carter and Burton wouldn't have character, though. Discussing daughter Nell's upcoming involvement in Burton's sequel, Alice Through the Looking Glass, she exclaims: "She was an extra, which she found really boring, but she got paid. That's really what she was excited about, but the fact the cheque was made to 'Neil Burton' is her main problem." But Bonham Carter is intent on teaching her children to be self-sufficient - just as she is. "I think anybody who has a mum who works, resents the work. She says, 'why do you have to work? You don't need to work!' I say, 'I do actually', and she says, 'no, Dadda can pay for everything'. "And I say, 'well yes he can, but I need to work and I want to be financially independent and I want to do something to get some sense of self'. And she goes, 'urgh, come on!' "She's already made," Bonham Carter adds with a smile. "I don't need to mould her!" A man caught by a sniffer dog smuggling internally concealed drugs into Magilligan Prison has been jailed for 12 months A man caught by a sniffer dog smuggling internally concealed drugs into Magilligan Prison has been jailed for 12 months. Martin Nelson (37), a serving prisoner from Boyne Court in Belfast, has 211 previous criminal convictions. He told police that when he was on home leave two members of a loyalist paramilitary organisation had ordered him to bring the drugs into the jail on May 6, 2014. Nelson, who declined to name the two terrorists and declined to name the inmates he was to give the drugs to, was taken into a care and supervision room inside Magilligan by warders after the dog had detected the drugs. He was searched, but nothing was found. The following day in his cell he pointed out to staff a towel on a shelf. Wrapped inside the towel the officers found five packets containing 90 milligrams of the class A drug fentanyl, 48 diazepam tablets, 112 anabolic steroid tablets and 40 grams of cannabis resin. Defence barrister Eoghan Devlin told Londonderry Crown Court that Nelson immediately admitted his guilt to police. He said it had taken almost two years to have the identity of the drugs confirmed by forensic scientists. Mr Devlin said Nelson was not a drug dealer, and had been prevailed upon by others to smuggle the items into the jail. Jailing Nelson for 12 months, Judge Philip Babington said he took into consideration the defendant's early guilty pleas of possessing and possessing with intent to supply the drugs, and the delay in finalising the case. "The delay in this case is both appalling and unforgivable," he said. "It does nothing for the judicial system and it does nothing for defendants, nor does it do anything for injured parties." Judge Babington told Nelson: "The amount of drugs you concealed on your person is quite large compared to what I have seen brought into prison and you did so in a way which may well have harmed your own health. "Drugs in prison form a currency value 10 times greater than that at street level. They make prisoners more difficult to deal with, thereby putting the prison officers in danger." Nelson will be electronically tagged for 30 days after his release. An east Belfast couple funded a "lavish lifestyle" by defrauding a leading global medical supplies company out of 1m over seven years, a court has heard. Dolores Savage (59) and her husband Noel Savage (60), both from Kincora Mews, previously pleaded guilty to a number of offences relating to the crime. Mrs Savage admitted obtaining a money transfer by deception and fraud by abuse of her position within the company Arjo Huntleigh. Belfast Crown Court heard the total amount defrauded by the couple was 1,044,113. A hearing was told that Dolores Savage carried out the fraud by making duplicate invoices, identical to those on the company's computer system, for a legitimate supplier. Arjo Huntleigh would then make double payments - one to the legitimate supplier, and a further to a firm called Savmac or to Dolores Savage. The judge was told that there was significant evidence that the couple enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, with Noel Savage withdrawing large amounts of money and a total of seven vehicles being bought for cash or through hire purchase for the pair and their children. They included a second-hand Nissan Navara 4x4, a new Peugeot 207, a used Peugeot 308, a new Mercedes Vito van, a new Ford Focus and a new Peugeot RCZ. Judge Mr Justice Treacy said: "Nowhere on the papers that I have examined explains what happened to over 1m. Where did this money go? "Nothing has been recovered and it appears nothing is recoverable. Are the defence going to seriously entertain that a suspended sentence is appropriate in this case when no explanation has been given as to how the money was spent or where it went to?" He added that there had been cases of people convicted of benefit fraud and stealing from the State who had gone to prison for sums less than what was involved in the case before him. Defence lawyers claimed that the defrauded money was not used to fund a lavish lifestyle, but was "squandered" on the couple's children. Liam McCollum QC and Gavan Duffy QC said there was no evidence to show that the pair had spent money on themselves or to fund holidays abroad, save one or two trips to Scotland. Mr McCollum, acting for Mrs Savage, also told the court that his client was "not a sophisticated person from a privileged or educated background". Mr Justice Treacy released the couple on bail and said he would pass sentence next week. BBC NIs Donna Traynor; Janice Smyth, director of the RCN in Northern Ireland, and Pauline Casey, RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year 2016 A nurse who spearheaded major improvements for patients battling dementia has scooped a top accolade in Northern Ireland. Pauline Casey from Donemana in Co Tyrone has won the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2016. The lead nurse for older people's mental health at the Western Trust was given the title after impressing judges by redesigning services to ensure people were assessed and treated in a dementia-designed unit or in their own homes. Over three years, Pauline reduced inpatient treatment from 84 days to just nine days and within a year achieved a 50% reduction in falls, a 90% reduction in challenging behaviour with other patients, and 94% improvement in the attendance rate for nurse-led outpatient reviews. Runners-up at the awards evening, which was staged on International Nurses Day, were Sarah Arthur and Marysia Graffin. Both are district nurses at the Northern Trust. They were nominated for designing a dressing pack to carry out specialised wound care in the patient's own home. Meanwhile, Margaret Kerr, from Randalstown, won the Practice Nurse award. DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds has accused Prime Minister David Cameron of putting government on hold in the run-up to June's referendum on the UK's membership of the EU. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the Cambridge-educated barrister claims that "parliament is bereft of serious business, and all is on hold until June 24". In his hard-hitting signature article, Mr Dodds points to a series of U-turns and policy flip-flops as evidence of how distracted the Government is by the referendum. "A week alone can give you retreats on junior doctors' contracts, forced academisation of schools, child refugees and reform of the BBC," he said. "One week, four policies, all gone. "It doesn't matter whether they're ones you're minded to support or to oppose: they're things that deserved proper considered parliamentary and political scrutiny." Mr Dodds highlights three issues he feels require serious thought and urgent action: a British Bill of rights: major infrastructure projects including HS2 and the expansion of Heathrow: and the refugee crisis. But MP saved his most stinging jibe for last. "If you can't govern against Corbyn and McDonnell, when can you?" he asks. It's a penetrating question: and one that members of the Government are unlikely to forget in a hurry. Concerns have been raised about the transparency of an inquest for a dissident republican murdered six years ago. Kieran Doherty (31) was shot dead in February 2010 and his body dumped near Londonderry by his killers. The Real IRA claimed responsibility for shooting one of its members, but nobody has ever been charged with the killing. In the weeks before his death Mr Doherty claimed MI5 attempted to recruit him as an agent, and his family have raised concerns the UK security services could have played a role in his death. At a preliminary hearing in Belfast's Laganside Court, Fiona Doherty QC, barrister for the family, said: "This is the second or third preliminary enquiry we have attended and we really do not know what's going on at all. "I know and appreciate the stated intention to progress matters and also trying to inject some transparency. "But we are not being kept up to date with what is happening. "I am afraid it is all fairly delphic and dense." The issue of disclosure of police and military files has not yet been addressed, it was revealed. Coroner Brian Sherrard said he was "anxious" to get the process under way. The court also heard how representatives from the Coroners Service were in Derry in recent weeks and took statements from 32 individuals without informing legal representatives for the next-of-kin. Mr Sherrard accepted it was not the normal practice, but said there were sound reasons for the move. While he understood the frustrations of the family, Mr Sherrard said the case dealt with difficult and sensitive matters. "We all understand that there are reasons why this case is sensitive. I do not need to explain it," he said. "But as somebody with an overview, I am satisfied that there has been a great deal of work to provide us with a pretty good starting point whenever these statements are released." Another preliminary hearing has been provisionally listed for June 24. Almost 70,000 Housing Executive properties in Northern Ireland have asbestos. The cancer-causing fibres are present in nearly three-quarters of dwellings, figures have revealed. The details emerged after a Freedom of Information request by online blog Beyond the Pillars. Asbestos was used extensively as a building material between the 1950s and mid-1980s. It is now banned, but remains in many schools, hospitals, offices and factories. It becomes dangerous when disturbed and, if inhaled, its fibres can cause lung problems such as the fatal mesothelioma and debilitating asbestosis. Every year around 4,000 people die from mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer across the UK. Beyond the Pillars found asbestos is present in 69,747 Housing Executive properties across Northern Ireland. That is equivalent to 71.43% of the Housing Executive's 98,000 stock. Graham Dring from the Asbestos Victims' Support Groups Forum UK said asbestos was a common problem for housing associations. "We do know there are issues with asbestos in a lot of local authority housing," he said. "It was widely used, particularly in post-war housing, continuing into the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties. "The long-term policy has got to be getting asbestos out of properties. "Things like fires or accidental damage in any building containing asbestos carry the risk of exposure to tenants and their families. "Therefore it is best to eradicate asbestos from the properties, although we recognise this cannot happen overnight." The Housing Executive said asbestos had been treated at 1,397 properties since 2011 at a cost of 297,863. The highest number of properties is in the Coleraine area - 198 at a cost of 33,224 In south Belfast a further 33,420 was spent treating 175 properties. A Housing Executive spokesperson said: "The Housing Executive has a programme in place to manage asbestos in all of its properties. As part of that, we inspect all of our properties. "We advise all of our tenants of the process and what happens if asbestos is found and if any action is required. This also includes advice around house sales and home improvements. "We would stress that the asbestos in the majority of our properties is low-risk, i.e. it is present in floor or roof tiles, soffits etc. Asbestos only poses a risk if it is disturbed. "Our tenants are advised that they should not be making changes to their properties without approval from the Housing Executive, at which stage we will check if asbestos survey details are available. If not, we will acquire a survey relevant to the works "All our surveys are risk-assessed and asbestos is only removed when it is deemed likely to cause a risk to the occupants or any other visitor." Former Ulster Unionist Party leader and former first minister David Trimble Nobel Laureate Lord Trimble has backed the Ulster Unionist Party's decision to take on the role of formal Opposition in the Stormont Assembly. The former Ulster Unionist Party leader threw his weight behind current leader Mike Nesbitt's decision on Thursday to pull out of the ruling coalition - despite the party being entitled to one seat at the Executive table. Lord Trimble described the Ulster Unionist decision to go into Opposition as "courageous", telling the BBC: "It is a bold move but it's a move which I think reflects what was always going to be the case." And Lord Trimblle added: "I think bold moves have to be taken now and again and people have to offer leadership. "I recognise that in what Mike's doing and I salute him for it." Lord Trimble's support for the move comes as a row broke out over seating arrangements in the Assembly chamber following Mr Nesbitt's decision to go into formal Opposition. A Catholic priest from Armagh who posted pictures of himself on a gay dating website has received support after he took a leave of absence from his duties A Catholic priest from Armagh who posted pictures of himself on a gay dating app has received support after he took a leave of absence from his duties. Father Rory Coyle (35) asked for time off from his clerical duties in March to reflect on his future and has been absent ever since. It has been reported in the Irish News that Fr Coyle is originally from Drogheda, Co Louth, and that he has been a curate in Armagh for the last six years. The popular priest is a member of Armagh GAA's management committee, and in 2010 he was chief celebrant during the Requiem Mass of Cardinal Cahal Daly. He is also on the board of governors of St Malachy's Primary School, and is chaplain for St Catherine's College in Armagh. Earlier this year Fr Coyle posted some pictures of himself on Grindr, along with a series of comments about himself. He posted his mobile number on the site so people could contact him. Fr Coyle failed to mention he was a member of the clergy, alternatively describing himself as a lecturer. A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Armagh said: "Early in March, Fr Rory Coyle asked Archbishop Eamon Martin for time off to obtain personal and spiritual support. "Following this, on March 22 he asked the Archbishop to extend his leave so that he could 'engage in a period of personal discernment and receive further help'. "Fr Coyle's request was granted and he is currently on leave of absence." At the end of March Fr Coyle posted a message in the Armagh parish bulletin to say he was on extended leave and asked all the parishioners to keep him in their prayers. Sinn Fein Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan said the priest was very well-known and respected and wished him well "at this difficult time". "Fr Rory Coyle is well respected by the community in Armagh and known for his dedication and work promoting Gaelic games," said Mr Boylan. "I'm sure I'll not be alone in wishing him well at this difficult time." The young priest has not been active on social media since early February. The DWP was ordered to release the death statistics by the Information Commissioner Campaigners have called for a review of controversial sickness benefit assessments after the release of "disturbing" statistics showing the numbers who died after being told they were "fit to work". Figures published by welfare chiefs under freedom of information laws showed that 2,380 people who had been told they would no longer qualify for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) died between December 2011 and February 2014. The Department for Work and Pensions , which was ordered by a watchdog to publish the numbers, said no "causal link" could be drawn from the data between an individual's benefit status and their likelihood of dying. Overall, death rates for unemployed claimants had remained in line with trends in the wider population for a decade, it said. But charities and unions, who claim the work capability assessment system is unfair and causes undue stress for vulnerable people, said the mortality rate appeared surprisingly high for people of working age who had been declared fit. Of 50,580 ESA claimants who died over the period, 2,380 had been told they were "fit to work" and would be switched to standard unemployment benefits - meaning a drop of up to 30 per week - pending any appeals. There were 1,340 whose appeals had been completed though it was unclear what proportion of these had been successful. TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady called for an urgent inquiry into the back-to-work regime. "The fact that more than 80 people are dying each month shortly after being declared 'fit for work' should concern us all. We need a welfare system that supports people to find decent jobs not one that causes stress and ill health," she said. Disability Benefits Consortium co-chairman Rob Holland - from learning disability charity Mencap - said: "These tragic figures are concerning and warrant further investigation. "We know the fit for work test is failing disabled people, with devastating consequences. Wrong decisions can mean people are left with little or no support at all, in some cases struggling to pay for their homes and basic essentials like food and heating. "The Government must act now to reform the work capability assessment so it is fair for disabled people and those with health and medical conditions. Indeed there is real concern that the process itself is stressful and can in fact worsen people's conditions." Shadow work and pensions minister Kate Green said: "These figures should be a wake-up call for the Government. "Ministers need to focus on sorting out the assessment process so that everyone can have confidence in it, and providing support for disabled people who can work in order to help them do so." Labour leadership candidate Andy Burnham said they were " shocking figures that for the first time show the human cost of this Government's punishing benefits regime". "We now need an urgent national debate about these figures, and if elected leader I would call a full-day debate in Parliament at the first available opportunity." A DWP spokesman said: "We don't hold information on reason of death, so no causal effect between a fit for work decision and death should be assumed. "The mortality rate of those who are claiming Jobseeker's Allowance - which includes some of those found fit for work - is still lower than for the general population. "Furthermore, the overall trend shows the mortality rate for people who have died while claiming an out-of-work benefit, has fallen over a 10-year period." The top commander of Hezbollah was killed in Syria by insurgent shelling, the Lebanese militant group said, vowing to continue its involvement in Syria's civil war. Mustafa Badreddine became the highest ranking casualty for Hezbollah since the group joined Syria's conflict four years ago. The group said the blast that killed Mustafa Badreddine near the Damascus International Airport was caused by artillery shelling by "takfiri" groups, a term Hezbollah uses to refer to Sunni extremists. The area on the southern edge of the Syrian capital is known to host positions of several militant groups including al Qaida's branch in Syria, known as the Nusra Front. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that according to his network of activists in the area on the ground, there has been no shelling in the airport area since Wednesday. "Hezbollah must come forward with proof about the death of its commander," Mr Abdurrahman said. Hezbollah's statement said Badreddine's killing will only boost the group's "will and intention to continue fighting these criminal gangs until they are defeated". It added that defeating insurgent groups in Syria was "the wish" of Badreddine who was also known among the group's ranks as Zulfiqar. Hezbollah's statements hinted that the group will continue to be deeply involved in the conflict that has killed more than 250,000 people since 2011, including more than 1,000 Hezbollah fighters. "It is the same battle against the American-Zionist project that the terrorists are spearheading," Hezbollah's statement said. Hezbollah has sent thousands of fighters to Syria to back President Bashar Assad's government against militants trying to remove him from power. The group announced Badreddine's death on Friday without saying when the attack occurred. It said at the time that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the blast. The 55-year-old Badreddine had directed Hezbollah's operations in Syria since its fighters joined Assad's forces in 2012, the group's biggest-ever military intervention outside of Lebanon. Thousands of guerrillas fighting alongside Syria's military were crucial to tipping the battlefield in the government's favour on multiple fronts, from the suburbs of Damascus to the northern province of Aleppo. With Badreddine's death, Hezbollah is likely to rely on a younger generation of commanders, moving away from the veterans who came of age during Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war or during Hezbollah's 18-year war against Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000. One possible successor, Ibrahim Aqil, is among the last major figures from that generation. A member of Hezbollah's highest military body, the Jihad Council, Aqil has been involved in the Syria fighting and is suspected of involvement in hostage-takings in the 1980s and a bombing campaign in Paris in 1986. Paying tribute: for the most part, the Easter Rising commemorations took place in a spirit of quiet dignity The Church of Ireland has been making news at the General Synod in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin this week, and the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Richard Clarke, reflected on how we all look on historical commemorations, including the Easter Rising and the Somme. "I would want to suggest that neither event should be commemorated or interpreted through the lens of a single narrative," he said. "They were both highly complex affairs, both in the history of the events themselves and also in subsequent interpretations of those events. "But also deeply symbolic and emblematic, and we have all been shaped in different ways and to differing degrees by them." There is every expectation that the Somme commemorations will take place in a spirit of quiet dignity and a seeking for truth that characterised the Easter 1916 commemorations - apart from the ludicrous masked ghouls who marched in Northern Ireland and were totally out of step with history and progress. One way to sow seeds for a better future is to encourage young people on all sides to take a more reflective view of Irish and European history, and not just to accept the old interpretations from both sides, that have been stuffed down our throats for so long. It was therefore good to hear Archbishop Clarke announce a joint initiative with Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Roman Catholic Primate. Next month, they will lead a group of young people from all over Ireland on a journey of discovery from the new Glasnevin memorial, which records all the victims of the Easter Rising, to the Somme and the battlefields of France, where men from all backgrounds in Ireland perished together. Archbishop Clarke said: "This is a shared journey on so many different levels, reflecting on our past, but looking on how we can shape our future." This is reminiscent of a similar initiative by the Churches in Londonderry that I mentioned last week and which, I am sure, had the full backing of the Anglican Dean of Derry, the Very Reverend Dr William Morton, who has played such a major role in the ecumenical, community and artistic life of that great city. His many friends are delighted at his appointment as Dean of St Patrick's in Dublin, which is the Church of Ireland's national cathedral in the Republic. William Morton, an accomplished organist and organiser, will be following in the footsteps of some very creative deans, including Dean Jonathan Swift himself. Dr Morton faces a huge change in moving from Derry to Dublin, but it is the right step for him at the right time. This is good news, and I believe that, despite our sometimes gloomy view of ourselves, change for the better is taking place. Things are opening out. This week I had a different view of the journey from Dublin to Belfast when I accepted an invitation to give a lecture on the Caribbean Princess, the first huge liner to dock here this year. There was an agreeably large audience for my talk on 'Titanic Port', which must be a rare example of a lecturer talking about the Titanic on another cruise liner. In Belfast, I joined thousands of visitors from all over the US, and elsewhere, as we disembarked on a sunny May morning and I felt very proud of my native province, despite all its challenges. I might not use exactly the same words as Arlene Foster about our "great wee country", but I fully echo her sentiments. A Bangladeshi Border Guard keeps watch on a jetty on the Naf River that separates Bangladesh and Myanmar, June 13, 2012. Bangladesh says it has protested to Myanmar about an incident this week in which mortar-shell fire from the Burmese side of the frontier hit a Bangladeshi border guard outpost. We, through the foreign ministry, have lodged complaints with the Myanmar authorities about it. The border guards of the two countries will meet and discuss the issue, Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told BenarNews on Friday. Our forces immediately retaliated with counter firing. No one was injured in the Wednesday night incident in which six mortar shells came down and exploded at a helipad at a Border Guard Bangladesh outpost in Alikadam Upazila (see map below), a sub-district in southeastern Bandarban district, BGB officials said. A BGB operation to search for the people who launched the mortars was ongoing as of Friday along a hilly and porous section of Bandarbans border with Myanmar, said Khan, whose ministry oversees the border guard. Khan said Bangladeshi authorities also were trying to determine whether the mortars were fired by the Arakan Liberation Army, a Myanmar rebel group that operates just across the border in Myanmars Arakhine state, or by Myanmars Border Guard Police (BGP). Officials with Myanmars embassy in Dhaka could not be reached for comment. Since the incident Bangladesh has reported no other incidents of cross-border shelling. Porous border Bangladesh shares a 271 kilometer (168.3 mile) border with Myanmar in its southeast. A stretch of at least 150 km (93.2 miles) is porous because of rugged, hilly and densely forested terrain. The Arakan Liberation Army (ALA) has been active on both sides of this stretch. In August 2015, it was involved in skirmishes with BGB units, which led to the arrests by Bangladesh of four suspected ALA members. These included Renin Su, an alleged ALA leader and Dutch citizen of Myanmar origin who is now in jail. According to Bangladeshi officials, he had frequently visited the Chittagong Hill Tract region over an 18-year period and was staying illegally in Rangamati district when Bangladeshi authorities picked him up last year. Aside from the presence of rebels along the border, tensions exist between the two countries over the issue of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar crossing into Bangladesh as they flee from persecution at the hands of the neighboring countrys Buddhist majority, where they are not recognized as citizens. Border guards on both sides of the frontier have occasionally exchanged fire. The latest skirmish took place on May 30, 2014, when a Bangladeshi border policeman was killed in an unprovoked attack from Myanmar, according to Bangladesh. Shelled The shelling incident occurred between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, when six shells landed at a BGB camp in the Bulu Para sector of Alikadem Upazila, slightly damaging the helipad, officials said. The shelling, we suspect, came from the other side of the border. We responded with spontaneous shelling and beefed up security and surveillance. None of our forces was injured, Col. Habibur Rahman, a BGB commander, told reporters Thursday. He said the BGB had informed Myanmars Border Guard Police about the incident. The Myanmar army had been fighting with Arakanese rebels inside its territory, Rahman added. The shells could have been fired by any of the sides, he added. A thaw in relations? According to a diplomatic expert, Bangladesh has been interested in improving relations with Myanmar, especially since Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy took office in Naypyidaw. Suu Kyi, now Myanmars foreign minister, had said that she planned to improve relations with all neighbors, including Bangladesh. As a democratic icon, Suu Kyi would try her best to thrash out all bilateral problems with Bangladesh. Our prime minister also wants warm relations with our second neighbor, Myanmar. So, I think both governments would behave responsibly, Ashfaqur Rahman, a former Bangladeshi ambassador, told BenarNews. Officers, their faces blurred by Royal Malaysia Police, escort a 42-year-old Sri Lankan who was arrested after allegedly posting threats online to kill his countrys president and prime minister, April 22, 2016. Malaysian police said Friday they had deported two Russians with alleged links to the Islamic State (IS) extremist group and a Sri Lankan national who had allegedly posted death threats on social media. The two unidentified Russian nationals of ethnic Chechen origin, men aged 23 and 25, were arrested on March 28 by the Malaysian polices counter-terrorism special branch (Bukit Aman) and sent back to Russia on Friday, Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement. They previously were detained by Turkish authorities in February for suspected involvement in IS movements in Syria. Both were expelled and managed to find their way into Malaysia in early March, Khalid said. The unidentified Sri Lankan, a 42-year-old man who was working as a closed-camera television technician in the Klang Valley, was arrested last month for posting death threats via Facebook against Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Khalid said. The suspect was on Sri Lankas list of wanted fugitives. With the help from the Sri Lankan enforcement agency, he was detained on April 22 and deported back home in a special operation five days later, Khalid said. Khalid did not into detail about why the three suspects had traveled to Malaysia. All three men were arrested in the state of Selangor. Chechens are from Chechnya, a predominantly Muslim republic in the North Caucus region that used be part of the former Soviet Union and where separatist conflicts against Russia were fought in the 1990s. Chechen militants have also been blamed for carrying out acts of terrorism in Russia, and are among foreign fighters that IS has been recruiting for its combat ranks in Iraq and Syria. Malaysian officials say they face a similar threat from IS targeting young Malaysians for recruitment through social media. Citing intelligence sources, the Home Ministry claimed that more than 130 Malaysians had attempted to join IS in Iraq or Syria. At least 19 Malaysians have been killed while fighting for IS in the Middle East, according to Bukit Aman chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. 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Sofern relevant, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auerdem, um Inhalte und Werbung altersgerecht zu gestalten. Wir verwenden Cookies und Daten, umWenn Sie Alle akzeptieren auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auch, umWahlen Sie Weitere Optionen aus, um sich zusatzliche Informationen anzusehen, einschlielich Details zum Verwalten Ihrer Datenschutzeinstellungen. Sie konnen auch jederzeit g.co/privacytools besuchen. First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain. Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that. And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details. If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For Immediate Release, May 13, 2016 Contact: Sarah Uhlemann, Center for Biological Diversity, (206) 327-2344, suhlemann@biologicaldiversity.org Kimiko Martinez, Natural Resources Defense Council, (310) 434-2344, kmartinez@nrdc.org Amey Owen, Animal Welfare Institute, (202) 446-2128, amey@awionline.org Vaquita Population Plummets to Just 60 Individuals In Mexico, Full, Permanent Ban on Nets Is Required to Save World's Most Endangered Porpoise ENSENADA, Mexico Scientists announced today that fewer than 60 vaquita porpoises likely remain on Earth, down from 245 in 2008. The vaquita is the worlds smallest and most endangered porpoise, found only in Mexicos northern Gulf of California. Without permanent and fully enforced protections, the species could be effectively extinct within six years. The primary threat to vaquitas is entanglement in fishing gear, including in nets set for the totoaba, a large and endangered fish endemic to the Gulf. Totoaba swim bladders are illegally exported to Asia to make soup perceived to have medicinal properties. Demand for the bladders spiked around 2011, and a single bladder can reportedly sell for between $2,500 and $10,000. Its heartwrenching to watch the vaquita plummet toward extinction in real time, said Sarah Uhlemann, international program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. If were going to avoid losing this species forever, Mexico must do much more to ensure its survival, and that should start with an immediate, permanent ban on fishing nets that are pushing vaquitas to the absolute brink of extinction. In 2015, in an effort to stem the vaquitas decline, Mexico temporarily banned the use of gillnets within the vaquitas range and promised to step up enforcement. But enforcement has not been as aggressive as needed, and an exception allowed fishermen to continue netting a fish called corvina. This spring, poachers took advantage of this loophole and used corvina fishing as a cover for continued totoaba poaching. As a result, in March, three vaquita were found dead due to entanglement. Theres no margin for error if were going to save the vaquita, said Zak Smith, senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Councils Marine Mammal Protection Project. Each and every remaining vaquita is vital to the species survival. If the species is going to make it beyond 2020, Mexico needs to take responsibility. Otherwise, the disappearance of vaquitas is on them. The protection of the vaquita in the wild must be the absolute priority for the governments of Mexico, China and the United States, said Susan Millward, executive director at the Animal Welfare Institute. It is the responsibility of Mexico to end illegal fishing in the Upper Gulf of California, and to join with other countries engaged in the illegal trafficking of totoaba to stop this trade in order to save the vaquita. Scientists have long urged Mexico to adopt a permanent ban on nets in the Gulf of California, ensure rigorous enforcement to save the vaquita, and transition local fishermen to vaquita-safe gear. The new vaquita population estimate is based on observer data and acoustic monitoring conducted during a joint Mexico-U.S. vaquita research cruise last fall. To prompt Mexico to action, the Center in 2014 requested that the Obama administration impose trade sanctions against Mexico to stop the countrys illegal totoaba fishery. And last year the Center and the Animal Welfare Institute sought in danger status for the Gulf of California World Heritage site that was designated, in part, to protect the vaquita and the totoaba. The issue may be considered at the upcoming World Heritage meeting in July. NRDC is sponsoring a motion before the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) 2016 World Conservation Congress that would result in the worlds conservation community calling for immediate action to save the vaquita. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. www.biologicaldiversity.org The Animal Welfare Institute (www.awionline.org) is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1951 and dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people. AWI engages policymakers, scientists, industry, and the public to achieve better treatment of animals everywhere in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home, and in the wild. For more information, visit www.awionline.org. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 2 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC. Czech extremists misused the anniversary of the birth a mediaeval Holy Roman Emperor to attack refugees and the EU 14. 5. 2016 cas cteni 1 minuta Several hundred extreme right wingers from Tomio Okamura's party "Freedom and Direct Democracy" demonstrated on Saturday, the 700th anniversary of the birth of Charles IV, a Czech Holy Roman Emperor, against refugees and the EU on Wenceslas Square in Prague. According to Okamura, if Emperor Charles IV ruled today, no refugees would be allowed to come to the Czech Republic. Okamura also said that Charles IV allegedly did not tolerate islam. Okamura sharply criticised the European Union and its openness towards refugees. In his view, refuges were "uninvited unadaptable economic intruders who are coming to live as parasites destroying the wealth that had been created by the ancestors of the Czechs for generations". Okamura and his guests, including Ludovice de Danne, a high official from Marine Le Pen's Front National, also complained that the media and the journalists were "peddling lies". The meeting of the extremists was also addressed by the British Euro MP Janice Atkinson, who was elected for UKIP in 2014 and is now an independent. Atkinson said that the participants of Saturday's Prague demonstration were like the people who in 1968 demonstrated against the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia. Source in Czech HERE There are stories like this in the Czech Republic every day that never make it to the outside world because of a lack of translation. You can support us and help reveal what's happening in Central Europe today. Please make a contribution today on www.paypal.com and send your donation to redakce@blisty.cz. We fully rely on crowdfunding in our work. Thank you. 0 It looks like you have reached this page in error ... The content you are looking for has either moved, or if you typed in the address there might have been a mistake. If you believe there has been a technical error please let us know. Most Popular Destinations Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/05/2016 (2355 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A man who got caught posing on Facebook with a stolen Rolex, that turned out to be a fake, will spend some time on probation. It became evident that the watch was a phoney when Cody Jarred Flett got it appraised. The store that he had attended to had told him that the watch was probably worth around $30 that it was a fake, Fletts lawyer, Philip Sieklicki said told Brandon provincial court on Thursday as Flett was sentenced for possessing stolen property. He indicated that he had actually gotten water on the watch and the gold colouring from the watch had wiped off. Crown attorney Brett Rach said the watch had been stolen from a womans home in mid December of last year. The woman called police to report it stolen after Flett was seen posing with the timepiece in a Facebook photo. Flett had been at a party in December 2015, the woman said. Police arrested Flett, who said he had bought the watch from someone else. However, Sieklicki said his client admits that hed seen someone else wearing the watch at the party and should have known it was stolen. Judge John Combs gave Flett a one year conditional sentence with 10 hours of community service work. ihitchen@brandonsun.com Twitter: @IanHitchen Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/05/2016 (2354 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The U.S. primaries are effectively over it is abundantly clear Donald Trump is the Republican flag carrier and will be his partys nominee for president. While party leaders are reticent to endorse his candidacy, Trump won the nomination fair and square. No media pundit, myself included, predicted this outcome a year ago. Other Republicans ignored Trump as a sideshow act while they spoke seriously about policy. It didnt work. Trump kept winning. On the Democratic side, CNN and other news outlets want the race to keep going, although it ended months ago. The math doesnt allow Bernie Sanders to win the nomination he cant catch up with Hillary Clintons lead. If you doubt this, keep in mind that Hillarys lead is literally twice the plurality Barack Obama had during his victorious campaign in 2008. The math is the math. Bernie cant win. Move on. The Associated Press Columnist Kerry Auriat expects the U.S. presidential election featuring Republican Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton to be among the ugliest in recent history. Why does the media act as if this is still a race? Well, how likely are viewers to tune in to a debate or political analysis if the outcome is already known? Media organizations are capturing ratings by amping up this political race, even though it is long over. That aside, how do we make predictions in this most unpredictable year? History has certainly failed us in the last year, but it is all we have to go on. Based upon current opinion polls, it is hard to discern Trumps path to victory. Calling Mexicans rapists, making countless, vulgar misogynistic comments and encouraging violence towards African-American protesters at his rallies, well, thats no way to win over key demographic groups. This is not to say that any group votes en masse, but a coalition of these groups, plus progressive voters, may well be impossible to overcome. Trumps primary support comes from white males, and they are far from a given in this most unusual race. So how does Trump win? First, there must be a weakening in the Democratic support base, particularly as it applies to Hillary. How does that happen? Well, if she gets indicted for the Tripoli/email imbroglio, that could singlehandedly end her candidacy. I believe this to be highly unlikely. Assume that after this current malaise, the Republican party coalesces around Trump as their leader. Meanwhile, he pushes gadflies like Sarah Palin to the sidelines. Her presence provides little benefit. Next, Trump emphasizes an anti-Washington/anti-Hillary sentiment that somehow weakens traditionally Democratic supporters including Jews, blacks, women and Hispanics. His best hope? Voters are more disillusioned by the Washington establishment than by Trump and are prepared to burn down the village to save it. Hillary represents the establishment. If Trump can convince voters to completely throw the bums out, then he has a chance. This strategy is gutsy and completely outhouse-rat crazy, but it might work. After all, there are only two people in the race, so of course he has a chance. That being said, the odds are stacked against Trump. Consider a recent study by the Pew Research Center only 33 per cent of the public has a favourable view of the Republicans the lowest figure since 1992 when Bill Clinton won. Trump has to find ways to suppress voter participation while still getting his key demographics out. This is a highly difficult task. The following statistics underscore the magnitude of The Donalds challenge: according to the Pew Research Center, 49 per cent of women view the Democratic party favourably, but that figure drops to 32 per cent for Republicans. Similarly, 17 per cent of African-Americans view the Democrats unfavourably while 79 per cent view the Republicans unfavourably. Ouch! Among educational cohorts, those polled view the Democrats more favourably than they view Republicans except for one category white people who possess less than college graduation. The November election promises to be among the ugliest in recent political history. My sense is that, while his fellow Republicans gave Trump a pass until it was too late, Hillary and her experienced operatives will not make the same mistake. Few of us took The Donald seriously. Hillarys finely honed political machine can take punches and, more importantly, can throw them, too. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/05/2016 (2354 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. @03 Body Copy:On the face of it, the results of the 2016 provincial election looked like a resounding vote of confidence in Brian Pallister and the Progressive Conservative party. Not only did the Tories win an historic 40 seats, they also achieved a record 53 per cent of the popular vote. Governments, even majority governments, rarely get into power in Canada with more than 40 per cent of the popular vote (a fact which continues to astound and frustrate my first-year students). Even Justin Trudeau, riding the wave of Trudeaumania, won the last federal election with only 39.5 per cent of the popular vote roughly what the federal Conservatives captured in their 2011 majority victory. But the new PC government in Manitoba would do well to heed another message that came out of the election results, and that is the more than 4,000 voters who chose to formally decline their ballots on election day. Manitoba is one of only a handful of provinces (along with Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta) that allows voters to officially decline a ballot at the polling station. Unlike rejected ballots, where a voter refuses to accept a ballot, or a spoiled ballot, where it is unclear whether a voter intended to mark his/her ballot incorrectly, declined ballots involve a voter writing the word decline on the front of their ballot. This distinction matters. Whereas rejected or spoiled ballots are considered invalid by Elections Manitoba, declined ballots are recorded as such and are included in the final count of votes. Essentially, then, declined ballots can be considered as a kind of protest vote, a way for voters to choose none of the above. The 4,023 Manitoba voters who chose this option accounted for almost one per cent of all votes cast on April 19. And while this might not seem like such a big deal, it takes on greater significance when you consider that in the last provincial election, only 440 declined ballots were recorded. Even in 1999, which saw a similar wave sweep across Manitoba (albeit an orange one instead of blue like this time around), the number of declined ballots topped out at 1,100. And in case you might think this is simply part of a larger trend happening elsewhere, in Saskatchewans last provincial election, the number of declined ballots amounted to only 0.28 per cent of all those votes cast, while in Alberta certainly a game-changing election if there ever was one the number of declined ballots in May 2015 was only 0.14 per cent. Clearly, Manitobans were not thrilled with any of the parties or leaders they had to choose from on April 19. And this disillusionment with our provincial system is on the increase. Since 2003, Elections Manitoba has conducted post-election surveys to gauge voter turnout and the reasons why people choose to vote or not vote. The data from these surveys are telling, revealing that an increasing number of Manitobans are choosing not to vote in provincial elections, or are choosing to decline their ballots, because they do not trust the candidates, dont like any of the choices available to them, or are generally disillusioned with politics. In 2003, the number of voters who fell into this camp stood at 13 per cent; by 2011 it had jumped to 22 per cent. While we will have to wait a few months to see what the percentage of disillusioned voters was this time around, given the record number of declined ballots it is not a big leap to suggest that the number will be even larger. So what is the message in this for the new Pallister government? It is this: govern prudently and with humility. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security or complacency on the basis of your record seat count. While more voters might have voted PC than NDP or Liberal this time around, they were not necessarily happy with the options before them. Manitobans might not have liked Brian Pallister, but they liked Greg Selinger and Rana Bokhari even less. This is hardly a stellar vote of confidence in our new government to simply do as it pleases. To his credit, our new premier has said that an election shouldnt be a popularity contest, that results in office matter more to him than how likable he is with voters. And he is right, results do matter. But remember that the most successful premiers in Manitoba men like Duff Roblin and Gary Doer practised a style of politics that reflected the centrist political culture of our province and the lessons learned from long years spent in opposition. A style based on moderation and pragmatism with a healthy dose of unpretentiousness. Manitobans dont want someone to govern us from on high. We want a leader who is one of us, not above us, and who doesnt forget where he came from. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/05/2016 (2354 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. And so it begins. Two stories coming out of Winnipeg this week underscore the challenges ahead for the newly minted Progressive Conservative government as it assesses the financial damage wrought upon Manitoba by the previous fiscally imprudent NDP government. Or if you sympathize with folks on the other side of the legislature, the Tory axe is about to fall, and all the good work done by the former NDP government will be undone by slash-happy Premier Brian Pallister and his band of right-wing zealots. Of course, these songs are nothing new. Weve been hearing these refrains for years as both sides positioned themselves for last months election. But the babble began anew this week when Pallister announced on Wednesday that a provincial budget would be coming down in a little more than two weeks after Mondays throne speech. His comments regarding the provinces financial situation were a clear shot at the former government under Greg Selinger. Its worse than we thought. Its definitely worse than we thought, he told media following a swearing-in ceremony at the legislative building for his 40-member caucus. As reported in the Winnipeg Free Press, the Selinger government estimated the 2015-16 operating deficit at $773 million in a fiscal update just before the election. For the current year, it projected a deficit of $619 million. The new premier noted that all new governments tend to demonize an outgoing government, but he was adamant that the provincial books his people have inherited from the NDP are an absolute mess. This, of course, is hardly surprising what else would the Progressive Conservatives say? But to be frank, running hundreds of millions of dollars into deficit a structural annual deficit without providing a light at the end of the red ink tunnel is highly questionable. And the former NDP government was doing precisely that for several years. The fabled balanced budget was little more than a vanishing target for the New Democrats. Also this week, the Tories laid down spending restraints for all government departments while new ministers begin taking stock of program spending. The Canadian Press reported that a memo from the provincial treasury board directed deputy ministers in all departments to refrain from new spending on office relocations, furniture and information-technology projects. It also requires all travel and advertising to be scrutinized closely, and outlines new restrictions on hiring, except for critical health and safety positions. This isnt really news, per se. The move to suspend operational cash flow is a very prudent step for any new government to take when trying to ascertain the state of the provinces finances. As a province, we should prepare for the fact that many of the government projects that were in the works i.e. approved by the previous government will be put on hold and reviewed before moving forward, if at all. Pallister has suggested that his new government will be restricted by the financial predicament it has inherited. Our fiscal strategies, going forward, are obviously going to be, to some extent, remedial to try to get ourselves back on track in terms of managing (the provinces finances) sustainably, the premier said. What does that mean for Brandon? We suspect that there will be delays in the construction of any new school, though the government will be well aware of this citys needs a point that no doubt will be hammered home when the school division has a chance to sit down with the new education minister. And though the premier told reporters in Brandon yesterday that Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College arent on their radar right now, rest assured they will be at some point whether it be to funding changes or board changes. Change is coming, as sure as the sun rises in the east. Only time will tell what the effect will be. Concerns are being raised about cost over runs at the new runway for Dublin Airport. The runway is now expected to cost 320m. The Minister for Finance is welcoming the decision by Moody's to upgrade our credit rating. It is the first time since 2010 that Ireland is in the A category. Michael Noonan has said it shows we are progressing in the right direction. Moody's has maintained its "positive" outlook on Ireland's economy and upgraded our rating to A3. The Minister for Finance and the National Treasury Management Agency have welcomed the announcement today. Michael Noonan has said our economic growth rate is the highest in the EU and that the public finances have been placed on a sustainable footing is a clear factor in the Moodys decision. Minister Noonan has said it proves Ireland is progressing in the correct direction. He has said it also shows that the ratings agency is confident in the plans in the new Programme for Government. It is the first time since 2010 that Ireland is in the A category. Gardai in Cork are searching for a man who held up cleaning staff in a post office in the north of the city this afternoon. The man entered Mayfield Post Office on Kerry Road around 2pm, only to discover that there was no cash on the premises. Drugs mule Melissa Reid is to be released from jail in Peru after authorities agreed to expel her from the country, according to reports. The 22-year-old was imprisoned for cocaine smuggling in 2013 and had appealed to be expelled to serve the remainder of her sentence closer to home. Reid, from Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, and Michaella McCollum, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, were jailed in 2013 for six years and eight months after admitting trying to smuggle cocaine worth 1.5m from Peru to Spain. McCollum, 23, was freed in March under new legislation on early prison release introduced in Peru last year after serving two years and three months. According to the BBC, Peruvian authorities said they had agreed to release Reid after a court hearing on Friday. A magistrate ruled that she had been remorseful and shown her "intention to be re-inserted back in society' at an earlier hearing. The Daily Mail reported that the court was to inform the British embassy of the decision so arrangements can be made for Reid to be returned to the UK. The Foreign Office said on Saturday it was providing assistance to Reid and remained in contact with her family and local authorities. However it is anticipated to be some time before the women are able to return home. McCollum and Reid were caught with the haul at Lima airport on August 6 2013 while attempting to fly to Spain. They had claimed they were forced into carrying the drugs but pleaded guilty to charges later that year. The pair were caught trying to board a flight with 24lb (11kg) of cocaine in food packets hidden inside their luggage. McCollum and Reid faced the prospect of a maximum 15-year prison term but struck a behind-closed-doors plea bargain to secure a shorter sentence. They had previously been held at Lima's Virgen de Fatima prison but were moved to the Ancon 2 prison, where McCollum was reportedly crammed into a cell with 30 other prisoners with poor sanitation and toilet facilities. The SPS agreed in principle to a transfer in 2014 and Reid has been awaiting approval from the Peruvian authorities, who need to consent to her serving the remainder of her sentence under Scots law. Reid's father Billy has previously said the impact of his daughter's crime on his family had been "horrendous" and spoke out in a video warning of the consequences of drug offences abroad. He said: ''It's horrendous to see your daughter in handcuffs and the living conditions that she has to put up with. Melissa has spent her own 20th and 21st birthdays in prison in Peru. ''She missed the significant event of her only brother's wedding. Events such as Christmas are non-existent for us. "There'll be no celebrations in our house, there'll be no Christmas tree until we get her back home.'' LONDON: Penny Mordaunt, one of two candidates to be Britains next prime minister, is still in the leadership race... LAGOS: More than 600 people are now known to have perished in the worst floods in a decade in Nigeria, according to... Black Mountain School has been forced to suspend its hydrotherapy program and could wait until mid-June for its campus pool to be back in working order. Water ingress damage and wet-sealant failure in the gutter and tiled grout were discovered when the pool was drained for routine cleaning on April 29. Black Mountain School's hydrotherapy pool has been drained and closed for repairs. Credit:ACT Education Directorate But a fortnight on, the pool remains drained and out of service while repairs works, estimated to cost $30,000, get under way. Opposition education spokesman Steve Doszpot, during question time in the Legislative Assembly on May 5, asked whether the pool was functioning but at the time Education Minister Shane Rattenbury was unaware of the issue. One of Canberra's leading drug rehabilitation providers is optimistic ACT funding will be renewed in next month's budget, after it won another NSW contract to help methamphetamine users. Directions Health Services chief executive Fiona Trevelyan said contracts for the $1.4 million, four-year deal for the Murrumbidgee region were signed with the NSW government last month. Canberra's Directions will have two NSW drug services operating by August, targeting methamphetamine. It follows a deal of the same price for the Goulburn area announced in February. "2016 has been a good year for Directions thus far," she said. Zed Seselja says he will save the public coffers $40,000 a year with an agreement to move his electorate office from the Canberra Centre to Gungahlin. But the ACT's only federal Liberal politician will have to be re-elected before he moves in, and admitted he knew little about the Greens opponent who could take the seat and the premises from him. Zed Seselja has slammed the decision to cancel the Australia Day Live concert, making representations to the prime minister and Australian of the Year. Credit:Jamila Toderas Senator Seselja said the Department of Finance was expected to sign a lease soon, to take effect from June 1, and would then fit out the office. It would be in the Gungahlin town centre, but its address was yet to be released. "It's the first time a federal representative or senator has had an office in Gungahlin, and it's important we're where the people are," he said. Public servants in the Department of Immigration and Border Protection are unhappy about a "command and control" culture they believe has taken hold in the workplace, likening management practices to those of a "military-style regime". These alarming results from the most recent staff survey, revealed by Fairfax Media last week, might be an understandable consequence of difficulties stemming from the 2014 merger of the formerly separate departments, Immigration and Customs. But much as department chiefs deny the complaints about militarisation, the martial-style uniforms of the recently established "Border Force" agency and an increased number of staff carrying weapons have certainly left this impression. Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Such impressions matter, if for no other reason than because the first glimpse of Australia for people from overseas is through this vital department. The Immigration Department ought to reflect the open and inclusive values of the nation. That might be as simple as someone applying for a visa or passing through border controls. Or more critically for our national prosperity, it also includes a would-be migrant seeking to make a new life. But concerns about militarisation might also reflect the outsized emphasis in political debates and inside the bureaucracy on border control, seemingly at the expense of facilitating migration and settlement. This subtle but unmistakable shift in emphasis threatens to have long-term consequences for the character of Australia. Immigration has been essential to the building of the nation; almost one in every three Australians was born overseas. The contribution of migrant communities has been enormous and further immigration and a growing population are critical for the future, too. He spoke about an actor who dared not use his real name because he feared he would miss out on roles if he did. Australia was simply not ready to embrace an actor called Mustafa. By Monday, Mustafa had been outed as Tyler De Nawi, a young actor of Lebanese background whose CV includes significant roles in The Principal and Here Come the Habibs. So that's a plus, right? But, he said this week, his trouble is not so much with landing the parts as it is with getting the auditions that lead to them. "I can count the auditions I've had for professional jobs on two hands," says the 27-year-old, who has been acting for three years. "My Anglo actor friends, they'd get about three or four auditions a week. There have been stages when I don't get one for three or four months." Last year he landed three jobs out of five auditions "so my strike rate is pretty good" but it's a struggle to survive. "I don't want to be given a role unless I deserve it," he says. But equally, he doesn't want to miss out on a role he deserves simply because of his ethnicity. A look at the on-air talent lists of the free-to-air networks shows that whatever hurdle an ethnic name might pose in the world of drama, it is nothing compared to the rest of the slate. There are some Italian names among the rosters of the commercial networks, a few Greek and a very small smattering of Asian (Sam Pang and Anh Do on Ten, news reporters Neary Ty and Tracy Vo on Nine), even a Maori (Cian Elyse White from Seven's 800 Words) and a Samoan (Jay Laga'aia on kids' TV). But for the most part it's a wall of white. I kind of feel like in some weird way we were more progressive back when we had shows like Acropolis Now. Chum Ehelepola The ABC fares better, thanks largely to the upturn in the past few years in its Indigenous slate. The forthcoming drama Cleverman, the sketch series Black Comedy, the dramas Secret River, Redfern Now and Ready For This all feature Indigenous characters and storylines, and in many instances were made by Indigenous filmmakers too. It also has the multi-ethnic cast of Tomorrow When the War Began and Ronny Chieng (Malaysian heritage) and a Play School that continues to be perhaps the most colour-blind corner of Australian television. SBS of course has the most ethnically diverse line-up across the board, despite the fact that its hiring policy does not require applicants to "provide information on what, if any, ethnicity they identify with", according to a spokesman for the network. Representing a culturally and ethnically diverse Australia is in its very DNA, but with an audience share of around 6 per cent, its offerings sit very much at the fringe for most viewers. Screen Australia is conducting a major survey of diversity in Australian TV drama. The research will cover not just ethnicity but the broader issue of representation in relation to gender, sexuality and disability. The sample will take in 200 programs over five years, and, according to research manager Rebecca Mostyn, will provide a benchmark against which the industry can be measured in the future. The report isn't likely to be tabled until August. "It's early stages," says Mostyn, "but we have the sense that in the area of 'mundane' or everyday representations of diversity things are improving. That said, it's likely that some pockets of diversity are still likely to be under-represented." The Screen Australia survey will be the most comprehensive, but it won't be the first such study. Back in 2002, Queensland academic Harvey May produced Broadcast in Colour for the Australian Film Commission (a precursor of Screen Australia). May found even then that "mundane multiculturalism" representations of diversity as a simple fact, not an issue were on the rise. It took Melissa Bonne nine years to land her first TV audition, and 15 to score a regular role. Using a relatively small sample (65 actors) and a two-week sample of Australian TV drama in 1999, May established that actors born overseas and from a non-English-speaking background landed 3 per cent of roles (against 14 per cent representation in the general population), actors born here but with one or both parents born overseas and from a non-English-speaking background landed 17 per cent of roles (against 11 per cent representation in the general population), and Indigenous actors landed 3 per cent of roles (against 2 per cent in the general population). It would be fair to assume that things have improved especially for Indigenous performers. But on the other fronts well, it might not all be good news, according to actor Chum Ehelepola. A New Zealand-born, Australia-raised, LA-based 40-year-old of Sri Lankan background, Ehelepola says he has worked on every network in Australia, sometimes in roles where his background is a storyline, sometimes not. "I did The Straits, playing a Sri Lankan refugee, put on an accent, it was a great character arc," he says. "But if I have to put an accent on just because I look like this, I turn those shows down." In LA, he has been feted for his ethnicity. "There's huge competition between networks to find the top ethnic actors of the year," he says. "It's not about being philanthropic, it's about booking talent that can sell product at home and internationally." Ehelepola thinks things in this country are starting to get better after a spell when they probably became worse. "I kind of feel like in some weird way we were more progressive back when we had shows like Acropolis Now," he says. "They were sort of stereotypes but they were funny and they did some good stuff. Back then you could just say shit and everyone knew the tone of it, you could laugh with it, not at it." The rise of political correctness, he feels, has actually made life worse for ethnic actors. "You can get too sensitive on ethnicity," he says. "Suddenly you can't talk about it because everyone's going to call you a racist, but if you don't talk about it everyone says you're whitewashing. So you can't win either way as an ethnic actor." Ehelepola, who is now filming season two of the Stan comedy No Activity, thinks the success of Nine's comedy Here Come the Habibs may help change that. "It says yeah, we're allowed to laugh at ethnicity again," he says. The people I spoke to for this story were united in their view that things are changing, but slowly. And for some, the pace has been glacial. Melissa Bonne, a 31-year-old actor born in Zimbabwe, finally landed her first major role in a TV series last year after 15 years of trying. "It took me nine years to land my first audition [for a TV role]," she says. "The part in Janet King wasn't written as an ethnic role. That was just massive." The current mission is retracing previous journeys along the 170 W longitude line to measure precisely how key parameters such as temperature, salinity and acidity are changing. As Dr Church notes, including in a Nature paper published last month, sea-level increases are accelerating as a warming planet melts glaciers and swells oceans. CSIRO's RV Investigator on one of its research voyages. Credit:Pete Harmsen From increases of a few tenths of a millimetre annually in the 1000 years before about 1850, the rate jumped 1.7 mm on average in the 20th century. Since 1993, the rise has quickened to about 3 mm a year, he says. Despite this trend, CSIRO will slash about half the climate staff about 70 scientists - in its Oceans & Atmosphere division. New hires will be made in climate adaptation and mitigation, the agency promises but numbers cited so far are much smaller. John Church speaks to the media about proposed cuts to the CSIRO. Credit:Penny Stephens As with other CSIRO staff, Dr Church will get a chance to save his job. The sole scientist on board to be told of a pending redundancy, he was granted until June 16 or three weeks after the voyage ends in Wellington, New Zealand to argue his case. Letter of support Scientists from leading research agencies, such as NASA of the US and France's CNES, have called for Dr Church's group to be retained. No thought bubble: Deploying weather balloons from RV Investigator. Credit:Stewart Wilde In a letter sent to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Science Minister Christopher Pyne obtained by Fairfax Media, the scientists said the team was key for global efforts to collect and analyse climate change processes. "Breaking up the long-term research program of this world-famous CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere unit is a catastrophic short-sighted management decision," the letter said. "In addition to the detrimental effect on research and accuracy of predictions for the Australian region, this decision will also impact on the international collaboration programmes, built up progressively over the last 20 years." Fairfax Media sought comment from Minister Pyne, and the PM's office. Kim, Carr, Labor's shadow science minister, said "the actions of the CSIRO will only see Australia's best and brightest leave our shores for other countries who are in demand for their talent and expertise". "Malcolm Turnbull says he wants to create an ideas boom but all he is creating is the largest brain drain in Australia's history." Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said CSIRO executives had shown "monumental disrespect" to Dr Church by effectively issuing him his redundancy notice while at sea. "John Church won the CSIRO Medal for Research Achievement in 2006 and is the world leader in sea-level rise research," Senator Whish-Wilson said. "If CSIRO aren't holding onto John, then they aren't serious about continuing to engage in sea-level rise and I urge the board of CSIRO to stop this process immediately." A CSIRO spokesman said it would not comment on discussions with staff: "All of the talks and negotiations at present have the same goal of ensuring the excellent science and the long-term future of CSIRO is maintained". 'Inconceivable to the world' Rosemary Morrow, one of the letter's authors, said CSIRO's undermining of its oceans expertise "is just inconceivable to the rest of the world. Especially for a country at the crossroads of so many evolving climate modes - of droughts and driving rains." Dr Morrow added a personal touch, saying Dr Church had been the ideal mentor when she studied in Hobart. "John was a great PhD supervisor - interested, curious, with a wide oceanographic knowledge and a patient teacher," she said. "I was very lucky to have himit was a very motivating start to my professional life." Andy Pitman, head of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science based at the University of NSW, said Dr Church was "the world's premier scientist" in sea-level research. "Sacking John risks 30 years of accumulated science knowledge and the capability of transferring that knowledge to the next generation of scientists," Professor Pitman said. "If you have a batsman averaging over 100 in cricket it's a cause for national celebration. In science, the accumulation of runs over time provides insight and understanding that is irreplaceable," said Professor Pitman. "CSIRO has just sacked its Bradman of sea-level science." Outspoken Dr Church, who has been among the most outspoken scientists criticising the current round of CSIRO job cuts, was told one reason for his firing was the need to consolidate sea-level change into regional impacts. "This is essentially a repetition of [chief executive] Larry Marshall's incomplete, naive and misleading statements, except for a focus on my area of science," he said. "Any reading of the literature or of the most recent [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] reports would clearly indicate that the overriding uncertainty in sea level remains the amount and distribution of sea level rise," he said. Also mentioned was the cutback of external funds, including the Abbott government's ending of the Australian Climate Change Science Program that had been funded from 1990 until June this year. Various clashes in recent years with management "probably did not earn me any favours but I do not know if I was targeted because I was prepared to think for myself and to speak out," Dr Church said. "Personally, that is what I think the taxpayer expects from their scientists." Dr Church says he will take a short break after a stressful few months finishing research and confronting "the CSIRO disaster". But he's unlikely to be marooned for long, with fellowships and other roles in the offing. "Sea-level rise is a long term issue," he says, noting that without emissions reductions, the world is committed to seas rising several metres over coming centuries. Tens of thousands of specialist doctors are joining GPs' war against the Turnbull government's extended freeze on Medicare rebates, increasing pressure on the Coalition's health record ahead of the federal election. The Australian Medical Association has distributed posters to its members, warning patients that they will be out of pocket because the cost of running the medical practice will continue to rise as Medicare rebates stay frozen until 2020. AMA President Professor Brian Owler. "You will pay a new or higher co-payment every time you visit your GP, every time you visit other medical specialists, every time you need a blood test, and every time you need an X-ray or other imaging," it says, alongside a photo of a woman comforting a crying child. It comes a week after the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners announced its 32,000 members would urge their patients to lobby local MPs against the move. The groups share about 8000 members, adding about 22,000 more specialist doctors to the campaign. The high-profile Liberal Party candidate who rolled Bronwyn Bishop had described asylum seekers who came to Australia by boat as the victims of pirates and crooks and said they should be welcomed rather than shunned. Jason Falinski, who won Liberal pre-selection to replace Mrs Bishop as the party's candidate for the blue-ribbon Sydney seat of Mackellar last month, wrote an opinion piece advocating in favour of "freeing up borders". The Liberal member for Mackellar, Jason Falinksi. Credit:Christopher Pearce In The Australian Financial Review article published in May 2001 and co-authored by barrister and former Liberal adviser Greg Barns, Mr Falinski wrote Australia needed a larger, more liberal immigration program. He took aim at then-immigration minister Philip Ruddock, who was preparing to tighten the definition of what was a refugee, and criticised the country's political leaders for pandering to "xenophobic tendencies". Like the giant engines that thrum away unseen beneath great ocean liners, the formidable backroom machines put together by both major parties will be key drivers of the federal election campaign over the next seven weeks. Unlike most previous campaign years when they've set up headquarters in Melbourne, the Liberals will remain in Canberra this time, taking additional office space across the road from their national office. Their campaign managers say they're staying put in the national capital for cheaper rent and better access to the senior press gallery journalists (who no longer travel so much with the leaders), as well as easy access to existing federal staff. Both major parties will have up to 100 staff working around the clock for the duration of the campaign, headed on the Liberal side by Tony Nutt and on Labor's by George Wright. Nutt, the Liberal party's federal director, is a former director of its Victorian and NSW branches, and long-time senior staffer for John Howard. He ran premier Mike Baird's successful campaign in NSW in 2015, and former premier Ted Baillieu's in Victoria. As a former Howard aide he will be well acquainted with the early morning telephone hook-ups that kick off each day of the campaign, as the leaders and key campaign strategists come up with agreed lines of attack and defence. But this is the first federal campaign he has led in his own right. Federal Liberal director Tony Nutt. Credit:Jessica Hromas Labor's national secretary George Wright is a former ACTU chief of policy and communication, who helped craft the highly effective union attack against the Howard government's Work Choices policy in 2007. He was blooded as national campaign director during Labor's tumultuous 2013 federal election when Tony Abbott was at the height of his political potency. Effective communication between the leader's offices and CHQ is critical, as Labor learnt to its cost in 2013 when then leader Kevin Rudd repeatedly strayed off-piste during the campaign, running tactics and themes that had not been workshopped with key campaign personnel. Labor is determined there will be tight discipline inside its camp this time, aided by the recruitment late last year to Bill Shorten's office of former Queensland state Labor director Cameron Milner, who masterminded the most successful campaigns of former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie. Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is stronger now thanks to Russia's backing and high-level talks this week must therefore focus on getting Moscow to steer Assad into peace and political talks, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says. Ms Bishop will join US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Vienna on Tuesday for talks on maintaining a shaky ceasefire and getting regime and opposition groups to the negotiating table for a power-sharing settlement. Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop. Credit:Louise Kennerley After more than four years of civil war that have claimed at least 250,000 lives, the majority of them killed by the Assad regime, Ms Bishop said she maintained her long-held view that Australia and other players needed to work with Assad in the short-term in order to get a longer-term peace deal. She told Fairfax Media ahead of leaving the election campaign trail to fly to the Austrian capital for the International Syria Support Group meeting that she would be looking to Russia to exert its influence over its ally Assad. Buyers and sellers of real estate will have to prove their residency and citizenship status to the NSW government before a sale is completed, under new rules targeting foreign buyers that will apply from July. The Baird government will collect the first comprehensive data about the real level of foreign ownership of NSW houses and apartments, and whether restrictions on foreigners buying established dwellings are being complied with. Buyers and sellers of property will have to provide residency details to the NSW government from July. Credit:Paul Jeffers For the first time, a land tax certificate showing whether any money is owed must be supplied to a home buyer by a vendor before settlement. The vendor must disclose their residency status and nationality when applying for the certificate. Foreign buyers will have to provide citizenship and visa details, as well as Foreign Investment Review Board clearance, through the stamp duty process. A man is in a stable condition in hospital after an explosion in a suspected illegal drug laboratory in Sydney's west. The explosion occurred at about 10.15am on Saturday, in a shed in the backyard of a house in Blewett Road, Marayong. The 26-year-old man, who was initially treated by paramedics at the scene, was admitted to Westmead hospital with burns to his face, chest and hands. A woman in her 20s, who was also at the scene, was treated for smoke inhalation and is now helping police with their investigation. It is unknown what kind of drugs were being processed at the lab. The man remains in a stable condition at Concord Hospital. In some instances, the third-year chemical engineering student would visit up to five Sydney designer boutiques in a day and drop up to $310,000. Court documents obtained by Fairfax Media reveal the long list of transactions Christine Jia Xin Lee, 21, allegedly made after Westpac accidentally gave her an unlimited overdraft on her statement account. A Sydney student mistakenly given $4.6 million in a banking glitch has allegedly spent vast amounts of the money on designer handbags, clothes, jewellery, mobile phones, a "selfie" camera and even a deluxe vacuum cleaner. Christine Jia Xin Lee leaves Ryde police station in Sydney. Credit:James Alcock Ms Lee, who moved to Australia to study five years ago, was arrested at Sydney Airport on May 4 as she tried to board a flight home to Malaysia. She was charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. It's alleged she opened the statement account one month shy of her 18th birthday yet only realised in July 2014 that she had an unlimited overdraft. Over the next 11 months, she allegedly made hundreds of transactions, overdrawing to the tune of $4,653,333.02. At her first appearance in Waverley Local Court on May 5, magistrate Lisa Stapleton granted her bail and cast doubt on the case, saying it appeared Ms Lee hadn't broken the law. She said Ms Lee had allegedly used credit that was given to her by the bank and would therefore have to repay it rather than face criminal sanctions. The family of a man and a boy who died in a car accident on a notoriously deadly stretch of road have said they "don't blame anyone", including the driver. A 24-year-old friend of the family was driving when the Toyota Hilux crashed into a power pole on Peats Ridge Road near Bushells Road. A man and a teenage boy have died after a single-car crash on NSW's central coast. Credit:Nine News A 67-year-old man and a 16-year-old family member died, leaving three others, including the driver, with injuries. The daughter of the man who was killed told Sky News the family did not blame the driver. The Gold Coast will play host to one of the most important tourism events in the country this week when travel agents from all over the world converge on the glitter strip. The Tourism Australia Australian Tourism Exchange brings tourism operators from all over the country to one place to meet with the world's leading travel buyers in what is being described as speed dating for tourism. Tangalooma Resort is one of the many Queensland operators that will benefit from the Australian Tourism Exchange. Tourism Australia boss John O'Sullivan said the event was a huge opportunity for the industry at large as well as local operators. "What it provides is the opportunity for Australian product to talk directly to the people who make the purchasing decisions overseas," he said. Jetstar begins direct flights between the Sunshine Coast and Adelaide from September, opening the door for extra southern tourists and business links with South Australia to Australia's fastest-growing airport. The popular budget airline starts with three flights a week, which Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson on Friday welcomed as "another step forward" for the Sunshine Coast. Jetstar boosts its flights to the Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore. Credit:Brock Perks "This is great news and a real sign that things are looking up on the Sunshine Coast," Cr Jamieson said. In 2015 Qantas returned to the Sunshine Coast, running direct flights to Melbourne and Sydney. Police have arrested a 58-year-old man, after he was seen exposing himself in front of a child in Altona North on Friday. The man was observed touching himself inappropriately near the corner of Millers Road and McArthurs Road about 3pm, according to a police statement. Altona North man charged after exposing himself in front of a child. The Altona North man has been charged with wilful and obscene exposure, and doing an indecent act in front of a child. He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 8. A police spokeswoman said she could not reveal the age of the child involved. The men, aged 31, 21, 25, 28 and 30, have each been charged with making preparations for incursions into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities. Five Melbourne men who allegedly planned to take a small boat to Indonesia to join Islamic state have been charged with terrorist offences. The five, who had their passports cancelled, allegedly drove from Melbourne to far north Queensland intending to sail to Indonesia in a seven-metre motorboat and make their way to Syria. They were arrested in Laura, north-west of Cairns. It is believed police had been monitoring the men for weeks before they left Bendigo. They have been in custody since their arrest, and are not scheduled to face court until Monday. "There's no current or impending threat of a terrorist act to the Australian community arising from this investigation," a police statement said. Australia, a staunch US ally, has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown radicals since 2014 and authorities say they have thwarted a number of potential attacks, while there have been several "lone wolf" assaults, including a cafe siege in Sydney that left two hostages and the gunman dead. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help bring the body of a man killed by a train at Altona Meadows on Thursday back to New Zealand. Twenty-year-old Hoppers Crossing man Jason Kahukiwa and his 21-year-old friend from Point Cook, Callum Hall, died after being struck by a city-bound train about 11.45pm. Jay Kahukiwa. Police initially established a crime scene near the corner of Merton Street and Railway Avenue, but later said no criminality was involved and described the deaths as a "definite tragedy". Aleisha Hancy, the best friend of Mr Kahukiwa's sister, created the GoFundMe page with the aim of raising $15,000. The widow of a Melbourne principal who took his own life has won a landmark payout that could pave the way for better support for school leaders. After a gruelling 18-month wait, the wife of former Eltham Primary School principal Dr Mark Thompson also received official confirmation that workplace stress was a factor in her husband's death. Dr Mark Thompson, the former principal of Eltham Primary School. Lynda Thompson, who is also a principal, said she was not interested in the money. When Janina Wojcik left her Altona home on Christmas Eve 1962, she told her husband she was going on a holiday. He never saw her again. Thus began one of the most intriguing mysteries and longest-running police investigations in Victorian history. A man has died after being involved in a freak car crash north west of Melbourne. Credit:Scott Barbour After 54 years missing, on Saturday police revealed they had solved the case. Janina had remarried, changed her name and created a new life for herself as a public servant in Canberra. She died from a medical condition in 2010, aged 87. The drive to crack the long-running mystery came from Hobsons Bay Detective Senior Constable Luke Dalli, who took over the investigation in 2013. A woman who mysteriously disappeared from her home in Altona on Christmas Eve more than 50 years ago, died six years ago in Canberra. Police said Janina Wojcik was first reported missing to police on February 28, 1963, by her husband Marion Wojcik. Janina Wojcik went missing in 1962. She died in Canberra six years ago. Mr Wojcik told police he last saw his wife on December 24, 1962, when she left their home on David Street in Altona wearing a blue skirt and white cardigan. She told her husband she was going on a holiday. Ansett chief Sir Reginald Ansett had argued that airlines would be unsafe, incur extra costs and be inconvenienced if women flew, because they weren't strong enough, they menstruated and would have children. Under her married name Deborah Wardley, Captain Lawrie famously took Ansett to the Victorian Equal Opportunity Board and the High Court, and won the right to be employed alongside male peers. Deborah Lawrie, who in 1979 won a landmark sex discrimination case against Ansett Airlines, called for a permanent institution to showcase women's achievements. Australia's first female commercial airline pilot is backing a push to establish Melbourne's first women's museum. Deborah Lawrie, a pioneeering female pilot, who is now a senior pilot with Tigerair. Credit:Justin McManus His fears of calamity proved unfounded, and Captain Lawrie has since flown (very safely) for Ansett, KLM, Jetstar, and now Tigerair. Captain Lawrie is among nine accomplished women profiled in a new pop-up women's museum called Her Place, on from May 16 to June 3 in a ground floor gallery of Melbourne Town Hall. While volunteer-run and mostly privately funded, the exhibition received a $14,000 City of Melbourne grant, and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle told The Sunday Age he would endorse a permanent women's museum. The multimedia pop-up includes video interviews and objects from living role models such as Rebecca Scott, founder of the STREAT food carts employing disadvantaged youth; AFL goal umpire Chelsea Roffey; and disability advocate Patricia Malowney. WA is enjoying the best salmon season that anyone can remember. There are massive schools of the fish from Esperance to Exmouth and experienced anglers say they have never known salmon to be caught so far north before. Brad Armstrong with a salmon caught off Woodman Point. Credit:Peter Goulding Peter Goulding, who runs Perth's Fishing School, described this year's metropolitan salmon run as unbelievable. "There has never been a salmon season like this in my lifetime, and I am nearly 60," he said. Buenos Aires: Former Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was indicted on Friday over accusations that she oversaw irregularities in the central bank's sale of US dollars in the futures market while she was in office. Federal judge Claudio Bonadio charged Ms Fernandez, her former economy minister Axel Kicillof and former central bank chief Alejandro Vanoli with "unfaithful administration to the detriment of public administration", according to court papers. Argentina's former President Cristina Fernandez arrives at the airport in El Calafate, Argentina, in April as she travels to the capital to face questions. Credit:Francisco Munoz The ruling, which gives a green light for prosecutors to put Ms Fernandez on trial, may be appealed. There was no arrest warrant. Ottawa: After taking a helicopter tour of fire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau credited firefighters for saving much of the city. An official count found that 2432 buildings were destroyed and 500 were damaged, by the fierce wildfire, which continues to burn in the province of Alberta. About 25,000 buildings were "still standing" but may have smoke damage. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks into a burned car while visiting neighbourhoods devastated by the wildfire in Fort McMurray. Credit:New York Times "I don't think Canadians yet understand what happened here," Mr Trudeau told firefighters and rescue workers after touring the city. "They know there was a fire. They're beginning to hear the wonderful news that so much of the town was safe. They don't yet understand that this wasn't a fluke of wind or rain or luck, that this was the extraordinary response by people such as yourselves - the work you did to save so much of this community." Mr Trudeau saw from a military helicopter the wide blackened trail left around and through the city by the wildfire. Lagos, Nigeria: Young men became entangled in a swirl of flying fists. Petrol station workers swatted away boys hoping to fill their plastic cans. A mother with a sleeping baby in her minivan was chased off, rightly accused of jumping the line. A driver eager to get ahead crashed into several cars, the sound of crunching metal barely registering amid the noise. Nigerians are getting used to days like this. Drivers wait in line for fuel at Oando Petrol Station in Lagos, Nigeria. Credit:New York Times But then came the ultimate insult to everyone waiting at the Oando mega gas station. A bus marked Ministry of Justice rolled up to a pump, leapfrogging no fewer than 99 vehicles. "Service With Integrity" was painted on its door. A petrol station supervisor who calls herself Madame No Nonsense stepped aside to let it fuel up before anyone else. The crowd howled at the injustice. Vegans, here's what to order at these South Jersey restaurants Colonial Diner, Kitchen 519, Tortilla Press and Sabrina's are just some of the South Jersey non-vegan restaurants ready to serve you vegan fare. In 2008, the then Director-General of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Ajay Mathur floated the idea of a new company to sell energy efficient electric equipment. The idea was readily accepted by the ministry of power and 2010 saw the birth of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). Saurabh Kumar, a former Income Tax officer, was put at its helm. For six years EESL was an anonymous organisation and came out of the shadows with the NDA governments much-talked-about LED distribution programme. The company had an equity base of Rs 90 crore in 2010-11. In 2015-16 it clocked a turnover of Rs 700 crore and made profits of Rs 50 crore. We will touch a turnover of Rs 2,500 crore during the current financial year and double our profits, said Saurabh Kumar, managing director, EESL, in an interaction with Business Standard. EESL is based in Noida Sector 1, sharing an office with Inland Water Authority Limited. The two floors of EESL are lit with LED bulbs. EESL first came into limelight in July 2014 when it completed the Puducherry street lightning programme in four months. In November, it revamped the urban streets of Andhra Pradesh with LED lights just two months after a cyclone. In January 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the domestic efficient lighting programme along with Piyush Goyal, minister of state for coal, power and renewable energy. Since then, LED has made the headlines and EESL expanded its business across the country. Having started with 10 employees, the company now has a staff of 450 and is looking to hire another 100 people. The equity of the company is Rs 450 crore. We paid a 30 per cent dividend to our promoters. For the coming year we have raised debt of 300 million euro from German bank KfW. Recently, ADB approved a line of credit of $200 million and we received the same amount of credit from the World Bank, said Kumar. Total LED distribution touched the 100-million mark in April. The price has crashed 83 per cent in a year to Rs 75 per piece. The power ministry pegs savings in the power bill at Rs 14.5 crore per day. EESL calls itself Super Energy Service Company (SuperESCO) with no fixed assets. EESL now plans to handhold other ESCOs in some states and devise standards and verification for energy efficient equipments. Everyone you meet at EESL office is thankful to the NDA government and an endorsing minister like Goyal. The social media savvy minister is quick to share all the achievements of EESLreal time on different platforms and also flaunting the mobile app tracking LED distrbution. Shifting gears, in the next phase, agricultural pumps, centrally monitored street lightning programs and Building Management System (BMS) in on the cards for EESL. Under BMS, the company would make government buildings energy efficient. The office of NITI Ayog at Parliament Street has already been retrofitted by EESL and made a 5-Star energy efficient building. We will sign MoUs with Central Public Works Department as most government buildings are in their portfolio. We will work along with them to retrofit the buildings with energy efficient lighting and cooling systems. The exercise would start from 20 buildings in North and South block of the Central government, said Kumar. Currently, EESL is busy retrofitting the energy guzzling Shram Shakti Bhawan at Rafi Marg, Delhi to set a befitting example. The building among other ministries houses power ministry as well. Kumar adds with a smile, It is 3-Star efficient building now and we will take it to 5-star. Irrespective of the government in power, maps have always been a sensitive issue for India. Most recently, according to the draft Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016, all information related to India's geospatial data will have to be vetted by a special authority before being published. This could mean users would need a licence before sharing their location via a smartphone. Not only does the Bill in its current form hamper innovation, anyone found guilty of possessing, sharing or making maps without a licence can be imprisoned for seven years or fined up to Rs 100 crore. Novelist Amitabha Bagchi, who is also an associate professor in the department of computer science and engineering at IIT Delhi, tells Nikita Puri what this signifies. Excerpts: How does this Bill affect free flow of information? The Bill calls for licensing of all geospatial data by a Security Vetting Authority. The draft says "no person shall, in any manner, make use of, disseminate, publish or distribute any geospatial information of India, outside India, without prior permission from the Security Vetting Authority." This is a very broad remit and brings every corner of the geospatial data ecosystem into its ambit. Even ordinary users looking at a mapping service on their phones may be liable to take permission under this Act. It may happen that if the Bill becomes an Act, the rules ensure that such things don't happen, but including such broad language in the Bill is not a good idea. Most recently we've seen how cartographic emergency responders have used open-access maps during the earthquake in Kathmandu, and floods in Chennai. Do you see this Bill as a hurdle during rescue efforts? The letter of the Bill will inhibit such efforts. During natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, tsunamis etc, new temporary or permanent geographical features may emerge. Quickly updating geospatial information may be critical to saving lives in such situations. However, the draft Bill says that all geospatial data used under a licence must be watermarked after vetting and only the watermarked data is to be used. It is not clear how updates will be propagated into such watermarked data without essentially tampering with it. Will the vetting authority be able to clear such updates on a real-time basis? The language of the Bill provides no clues to these important questions. What does this mean for this government's signature programmes like Digital India and Smart Cities? Both Digital India and Smart Cities are well-intentioned programmes. I feel that for these programmes to succeed, the effort by public agencies has to be augmented by efforts from private players, often driven by a profit motive, who are looking to develop innovative applications built around geospatial data. Such players will have one more regulatory hurdle to clear to enter this field. The Bill promises a three-month time for clearances to amend maps. Considering how quickly spaces around us are changing, do we need quicker turnarounds? We certainly do. There is a feasibility issue here. Two of the Vs of big data, velocity and volume, will pose a major challenge. Mandatory licences are to come into play for makers, sellers, distributors and buyers. How tough is this to execute and what are the drawbacks? From an execution point of view, I can say that there are challenges posed by the volume of the data and also by the issue of data provenance, i.e., if an application wants to use data from multiple sources then the question of vetting will become more involved. As the provenance of the data gets more complicated, the challenge increases. While businesses using maps may require licences, what about students since they are end users, too? The language of the Bill makes this a possibility, although the rules framed under the Act, once it is passed, may exclude such cases. However, such strong language (in the Bill) is unnecessary and should probably be moderated. If this Bill is passed in its current form, should we be bid goodbye to artistic licences, and innovation stemming outside of government agencies? That might be an overly alarmist view, but I do feel that the much talked about "ease of business" will go down. There has been an interesting reversal of trend at the Competition Commission of India. The number of its orders upholding violations since it was born in 2009-10 has flipped. From finding questionable business activities in nearly 60 per cent of the cases investigated by it back then, the competition regulator now drops almost 64 per cent of the cases that come to it. For instance, in 2010-11, there were 70 cases where it was convinced there was a good enough reason to ask the office of director general to investigate the charges. Jump to the statistics, five years later. In 2014-15, CCI "closed the matter" in 73 of the cases reported to it. The trend holds true for companies across sectors. Of the total number of "specific information" or cases received by CCI so far, 20 per cent was from the real estate sector. This is more than the number of cases from the financial sector, media and pharmaceuticals put together. However, while the number of cases from the real estate sector has increased every year, those the Commission has moved for investigation as possible anti-competitive behaviour have fallen. The CCI highlights two reasons for this turnaround: It "closes relatively more cases" at the initial stage itself instead of taking them all the way through to the investigation stage. The other reason, it says, is that a large number of cases that come up to it now pertain to violations of consumer rights and are not necessarily anti-trust activities. "The reasons I would hold are the maturing of the Commission," says its former-chairman Ashok Chawla. He should know as he has remained at the helm of CCI for the better part of these years. In the earlier years, there was almost an evangelical zeal to pick up all cases, he says. "There was a feeling that we must be proactive; that we are a body set up for consumer redress," he adds. It led to a spike in cases where CCI did go on to establish that there was a contravention of competitive behaviour. The highest number of such cases was in 2011-12 at 29; quite logical since the year before CCI had asked its investigation wing to examine 70 anti-trust activities. But since then such orders have dipped to an average of 20 a year. Obviously, the earlier approach of focusing on consumers has given way to a more realistic appraisal of what constitutes anti-trust behaviour. The latest annual report of the regulator, yet to be tabled in Parliament, shows the trend to let industry perform without a threat of a rap on the knuckles has deepened. "An economy, which is an amalgam of enterprises, performs the best only if every enterprise performs the best. This is possible only if it has full economic freedom, it pursues its own interest aggressively and it does not hinder freedom of other enterprises," says the Commission's annual report. The earliest of such Commissions worldwide was the Federal Trade Commission of the United States set up in 1912. Too much work To ensure competitive behaviour among companies, when CCI members receive any credible piece of information, according to the rules of the Competition Act of 2002, all of them have to sit together on a bench to adjudicate on an order. This judicial role of CCI is distinct from the functioning of other regulators like the Securities and Exchange Board of India where each full-time member reserves the right to dispose of a case with the relevant monetary penalties. To create space for CCI members to devote more time on the cases before them, the regulator has had to make a choice. It has led to a large number of cases of anti-competitive behaviour being dismissed at an early stage when the admissible evidence is thin to begin with. In other words, instead of asking the investigation wing headed by director general to build up evidence, it now stresses for aggrieved parties to come up with evidence at the first stage itself. The reason for this stricter screening process is straightforward. The anti-trust regulator itself acknowledges this problem. The Commission's annual report shows even after weeding out 299 of the 553 cases that were brought before it since 2009-10, the pace of investigation by the director general in the remaining cases has slowed. In 2010-11, investigations were completed in 66 cases. Five years later, this number has slipped to 34 annually. This is attributable to the paucity of resources with the director general's office. Under the Competition Act, this office is a dedicated arm of CCI but, at the same time, it maintains an arm's length from the competition regulator. The presumption is that the judge, in this case CCI, and the prosecutor, which is the director general, cannot be rolled into the same organisation. The director general's office has just 20 people on board. It was 13, a year before. The Commission itself, including all support staff, has 109 people. The US Federal Trade Commission had 1,131 people on board on September 2013. Even after discounting for the size of the respective economies, the difference is remarkable. In April, CCI had advertised for filling up 26 vacancies in one go. However, because these are to be filled on deputation basis from within the government, the Commission has not received much of a response so far. Cases pile up The rising level of pendency, the report consequently notes, reflects two concerns. The first "reflects the inadequate staff strength in the office of the director general". For a young regulator, the number of cases pending has gone up to 61 in just one year. Vijaya Sampath, chairperson of Ficci's corporate laws committee and senior partner at law firm Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan, too, confirms the drop in number of investigations. "Earlier, CCI used to (take up) many cases for investigation. Now it asks the parties to submit documents and evidence and it hears cases more on merit in the first phase itself instead of first establishing whether a prima facie case exists." The second concern, though, is more significant. It reflects the increasing complexity of the cases coming to the Commission's notice. Chawla makes another point in this context. He says as CCI has to decide on each matter with all members on board, there is a natural scarcity of time the Commission has to examine each case. "It makes sense that our going after many of them (cases) will not help the industry as it will fritter away the resource we have," he adds. Whether CCI would decide to investigate or would pass an order to drop the case ab initio is of deep import to industry. The cases of perceived anti-competitive behaviour among the original equipment manufacturers in automobile industry, those of taxi aggregators or of cartel in pricing of cement by the cement manufacturers have become landmark decisions which the anti-trust regulator has handed down in the past few years. As the economy has matured in the past few years, the pace of mergers and asymmetrical growth of companies has soared. For example, just look at the e-commerce space. To deal with this growth, CCI has had to refine its sense of what works as competition. Extolling Indian culture and traditions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the values of sacrifice, integration and good-for-all run deep in Indian culture at Ujjain. "We belong to a tradition where even a bhikshuk (beggar) says, 'may good happen to the person who gives me and also to the person who does not'," Modi said in his address at the International Convention on Universal Message of Simhasthon on the sidelines of . "We are not stubborn and rigid, we are philosophical. We see divinity in trees and life in water," he added. Flanked by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Modi said that a "holier than thou" attitude is taking people towards conflicts. "Let's look within and see how we can grow ourselves", he added. Referring to the Simhastha Kumbh mela, a huge spiritual gathering on the banks of the Shipra river in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said, "What is happening here is the birth of a new effort, a modern edition of what would happen in the yesteryear." He said that the "51 elixir points" of Simhasth declaration will start a new discourse not only in India but around the world. Emphasising that Indians were always ready to sacrifice for others' sake, Modi cited the example of LPG subsidy. "I just once asked my people, to those who are well off, to give up their LPG subsidy. And more than one crore people have already given it up, so that thousands of poor families can get LPG connection," Modi said. He said that enabling rural and poor households to switch to LPG would benefit the environment as well as result in better health outcomes for women who previously cooked on wood or dung cakes fire. Speaking of the arrangements, including connectivity, for hundreds of thousands of devotees, Modi said that Kumbh management is a great case study for the world institutions. President Sirisena, who spoke earlier, referred to the long standing ties between India and Sri Lanka. Sirisena said that his first overseas visit after being elected president last year was to India, and that Modi returned the bilateral visit later. Sirisena is here on a two-day visit. He held bilateral talks with Modi in New Delhi on Friday evening. The Ujjain conference spread over several sessions is part of the ongoing Simhasta Kumbh mela on the banks of Shipra river. Union Minister Prakash Javedekar today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed for a permanent solution to the issue of Indian during his talks with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. Speaking to reporters here, he said during the talks between the two leaders at New Delhi yesterday, "Modi has stressed for a permanent solution to the issue of Indian ." He alleged that the successive regimes of AIADMK and DMK were marked by "corruption and bad governance. The two parties were corrupt parties. These corrupt parties should be punished by the people in the election," he said. He said the people did not want freebies, but expected things like goodeducation and employment opportunities. A senior journalist was murdered in Bihars Siwan district on Friday evening. Rajdeo Ranjan, the Siwan Bureau Chief of Hindi Daily Hindustan, was shot dead in Bihars Siwan district on Friday evening near Railway station. According to the police sources, five motorcycle-borne criminals were waiting for Ranjan, who was walking down the road to his home. They shot him twice from the close range, one of the bullets hit him on the head and another on the neck. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he was declared brought dead. The motive behind the incident is unclear, as his colleagues said Ranjan had no personal enmity with anyone. Siwan is the stronghold of former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin, who is serving a life term in jail for the abduction and murder of two people in 2004. He still exerts considerable influence in the area. Reacting to the murder of the scribe in Siwan, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said while Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is touring Varanasi, the fourth estate is "in danger" in his state. "This is not jungle raj. This is maha jungle raj...Sad to know about his killing, Rajdeo was a fearless journalist," he tweeted. The doctors wanted to talk about illness, but the patients - often miners, waitresses, tree cutters and others whose jobs were punishingly physical - wanted to talk only about how much they hurt. They kept pleading for opioids like Vicodin and Percocet, the potent drugs that can help chronic pain, but that have fuelled an epidemic of and deadly overdoses. "We needed to talk about congestive heart failure or diabetes or out-of-control hypertension," said Sarah Chouinard, the chief medical officer at Community Care of West Virginia, which runs primary care clinics across a big rural chunk of this state. "But we struggled over the course of a visit to get patients to focus on any of those." Worse, she said, some of the organisation's doctors were prescribing too many opioids, often to people they had grown up with in the small towns where they practiced and whom they were reluctant to deny. So four years ago, Community Care tried a new approach. It hired an anaesthesiologist to treat chronic pain, relieving its primary care doctors and nurse practitioners of their thorniest burden and letting them concentrate on conditions they feel more comfortable treating. Since then, more than 3,000 of Community Care's 35,000 patients have seen the anaesthesiologist, Denzil Hawkinberry, for pain management, while continuing to see their primary care providers for other problems. Chouinard said Community Care was doing a better job of keeping them well overall, while letting Hawkinberry make all the decisions about who should be on opioid painkillers. "I'm part Federal Bureau of Investigation investigator, part Central Intelligence Agency interrogator, part drill sergeant, part cheerleader," Hawkinberry said. He is also a recovering opioid addict who has experienced the difficulties of the drugs himself. Even for people with access to the best doctors, it is hard to safely control chronic pain. Community Care is trying to do so for a disproportionately poor population, in a state that has been the epicentre for opioid abuse from the beginning of what has become a national epidemic. Now, the difficult work of addressing the nation's over-reliance on opioids, while also treating debilitating pain, is playing out on a patient-by-patient basis, including in a patchwork of experiments like this one. About 70 per cent of the 1,200 patients currently in Community Care's pain management programme receive opioids as part of their treatment, which may also include non-narcotic drugs, physical therapy, injections and appointments with a psychologist. Many had already been on opioids "for many years before they met me," Hawkinberry said, adding that his goal was to get them on lower doses, and to try other ways of managing their pain, with his own experience as a cautionary lesson. He became addicted to the opioid fentanyl when he was an anaesthesiology resident, he said, and had to wage a legal fight to stay in the programme. He relapsed four years later while working at a West Virginia hospital and underwent treatment and monitoring by a state programme for doctors with problems. He says he has been in recovery and has not used drugs for almost nine years. Chouinard said Hawkinberry's experience made him "all the better positioned to know what this is like" and to screen for drug abuse. Patients who are prescribed opioids have to submit urine samples at each monthly appointment and at other random times, and to bring their pills to every visit to be counted. About 500 have been kicked out of the programme for violations since it started in 2012. In addition, Community Care's pain management clinic is closely monitored by the state as one of six licenced to operate under a 2012 law meant to cut down on pill mills. The organisation's primary care providers talk frequently with Hawkinberry about the patients they share with him. Because they use the same electronic medical record system, they can keep close tabs on how their patients' pain is being treated - and he on how their other problems, like high blood pressure, are being addressed. "We can even instant-message each other, and we do that a lot," said Kimberly Becher, a primary care doctor at Community Care's clinic in Clay, a town of 500. In the past, Community Care's doctors would sometimes send patients to outside pain specialists, which Becher said yielded poor results because of a lack of communication. The close contact has especially helped complicated patients like Frances Key, who was struggling to control her diabetes and high blood pressure when she started seeing Hawkinberry three years ago. Addressing her back pain with physical therapy and hydrocodone, typically taking one low-dose pill a day, has helped her lose 50 pounds and manage her other chronic conditions. 2016 The New York Times News Service When Union coal and power minister Piyush Goyal set a target of providing affordable round-the-clock electricity to all by 2019, it seemed overambitious to some. However, one public sector enterprise went into an overdrive to turn this dream into a reality. During 2015-16, domestic coal availability at thermal power plants was record 28 days, with no plant facing fuel scarcity. This, in turn, kept a check on India's forex outflows as demand for imported coal remained under control. India's power sector heavily depends on coal as over 80 per cent of the country's electricity is generated by thermal plants. Coal India achieved a staggering production of 536.51 million tonnes (mt) during the financial year ended March 31, 2016. But how did Coal India, which faced one of its gravest production crisis during 2010-11 with nearly no production growth, manage a turnaround to live up to its reputation of being the world's largest coal miner? The answer lies in a combination of policy-related reforms, state-Centre partnership, swift execution and close monitoring by the ministry. "There was a paradigm shift in the resolution of the issues while taking the states along" said Anil Swarup, secretary, ministry of coal. The coal ministry used a three-pronged approach - increasing land availability, fast environmental clearance and efficient evacuation, he added. Former chairman of Coal India, Partha Bhattacharyya, explains how the usage of the then prevalent Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) by the Union environment ministry led to Coal India projects being "freezed" while the miner struggled on production front. The CEPI formula took particle dust matter, sound pollution and release of toxic matter into water as the parameters with more weightage given to the latter. Almost all Coal India projects used to score above 70. "We took up the matter and explained to the ministry that mining doesn't involve toxic matter being released into the water. If this was looked into, our score came down to 40-45, which is within the permissible limit," Bhattacharya explained. The plea did not receive positive response and major brownfield projects got stuck. However, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government coming to power, things took a turn for the better after the sub-cluster analysis method was implemented."Environmental clearances and forest clearances have been fast-tracked now. This has resulted in increased production as we are able to open new mines when old ones wear out," a senior Coal India official said. Coal India grew by 8.6 per cent in the last financial year, compared with 6.9 per cent growth in 2014-15. It has 431 operational mines with plans for further expansion. The average life of a mine is 30 years."We established an institutional approach to work with the ministries to get necessary clearances," Swarup said adding, "There was not a single case where any regulation was bypassed. We just fast-tracked the process." During the beginning of the 11th Plan Period, Coal India meeting the requirement from the energy sector with 5-5.5 per cent growth.On the operational front, the share of work and responsibility between the government and the public sector enterprise was clearly defined. "The task of the Ministry was more of a facilitator instead of a monitor, when it came to coal production. There was a clear division of work between the Ministry and Coal India with the Ministry taking the lead in resolving issues with the Ministry of Environment and Forest as well as the Railways," the coal secretary said. Land acquisition for expansion and growth was also smoothened and prioritised. At a time when the private sector companies complained about land availability to execute projects, Coal India had a smooth journey. "No meeting was held in New Delhi, we went to respective states and convinced those to expedite clearances by proposing the value that coal mining would bring to their state," a senior coal ministry official said. The miner got clearance for close to 3,000 hectares land last year, double than the previous year. It is now in possession of more than 5,000 hectare of land. The company has upped its land acquisition budget by a near 2.5 times to Rs 60,000 crore over a period of four years. Its improved coordination with railways also boosted the scenario as rake allotment during 2015 rose to 121 from 91 in 2014. The coal ministry also formed joint ventures with the railways to build dedicated corridor for efficient movement of coal."Increase in rake availability in the last two years helped in smooth evacuation of coal and its evacuation capability will increase further as the three crucial rail links become operational," said Debasish Mishra, partner at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India. Imagine a court case in which Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi, Rajdeep Sardesai and Subramanian Swamy are on the same side. This happened recently in the Supreme Court when they all joined cause to constitutionally challenge the offence of . The criminal offence of is contained under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 which frequently has been used to prosecute politicians and journalists. The Supreme Court declined relief in their petitions holding criminal to be constitutional. Some points are necessary to consider what was at stake and how the Supreme Court failed to substantively engage with the arguments of the petitioners. This rare agreement between such diverse profile of petitioners converged on the interplay between the criminal offence of defamation and the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. The fundamental right to speech and expression is not an absolute right. The constitution itself contains exceptions to this right that are termed as, reasonable restrictions. If the legislature so wishes, it can make law in the categories of such exceptions. One of the categories under which law can restrict free speech is defamation. On a plain reading it would appear that since the phrase, defamation is expressly mentioned as a, reasonable restriction there cannot be any challenge to criminal defamation. But such a reading is incorrect and limited, for it only considers the legislative competence to make a law, not the substantive reasonableness of its contents. It is at this point of, unreasonableness that the Supreme Court fails to engage with the arguments raised by the petitioners. Though it captures much of the courts that runs into 268 pages, its volume does not add any weight. The Petitioners arguments on unreasonableness rested on the practical effect of the criminal remedy of defamation. A key part of this was demonstrating that the offence is disproportionate to the harm caused by speech. Given that a civil remedy to defamation already exists, no purpose is served by retaining the criminal remedy except to coerce, harass and threaten. A criminal remedy would allow a potential complainant to file a case anywhere in India which would be pending for years, requiring the accused to be personally present along with a lawyer on each date of hearing. Given the case arrears and the slow pace of trials there have been few convictions for criminal defamation. Most cases are abandoned after a certain number of years. Till the point the case survives the cost of a criminal trial is enormous on the wallet, time and ultimately the mind of any accused. Criminal defamation does act as a deterrent, but not to defamation. It stifles legitimate speech itself given that it almost never results in a conviction. The chilling effect it causes is beyond doubt and for the court to state otherwise is absurd. A lack of dynamism ordinarily expected from a constitutional court does not end here. In jettisoning the arguments of the Petitioner the Court adopts two key forms of analysis. It first crafts a right to reputation and it secondly gives a wide margin of tolerance to the statute by adopting a theory of balancing rights. The judgments stresses on the need for a balance between the right to reputation with the right to speech stating the best compromise to this, is the offence of criminal defamation. In doing so it not only upholds the remedy of criminal defamation but gives it a legal stamp of approval. At some parts of the it almost seems the Court is even commenting on the moral necessity of the criminal remedy. This is not only irregular but also distressing. Today criminal defamation is being repealed and even being held unconstitutional all over the world. Oblivious to this, ignoring the practical effect of the law the Supreme Court of India has decided to retain it on our statute books. In doing so the judgment does not move the law forward; neither does it move it back. It remains stuck in time. In the year, 1860 when the Indian Penal Code was first made. Apar Gupta is a practicing advocate in New Delhi. He represented the Foundation for Media Professionals (FMP) that was one of the petitioners in the case. BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday charged the All India N R Congress(AINRC) government here with having failed to bring in several welfare measures. While the NDA government had evolved and implemented in many states to help the youth, farmers, poor women and other sections of society. "The AINRC government has failed to implement several welfare measures that the NDA government headed by Narendra Modi evolved and implemented in several states to help the youth, farmers, poor women and other sections of society," he said at an election rally here. BJP is fighting the May 16 Assembly polls in the union territory on its own. Shah, alleged that neither DMK, AIADMK, Congress nor AINRC governments had addressed the concerns of people, though the union territory offered good scope for development. He listed various welfare measures the NDA government had brought about in the last two years and said the AINRC government had not emulated the MUDRA scheme for youth. "This scheme has been of help for enterprising youth and more than l.5 crore persons had benefitted in different parts of the country. It is really sad that the AINRC government had not enforced the scheme here," he said. Shah said successive governments in Puducherry had not met the housing requirements of the poor. "The Prime Minister's Awas Yojana now implemented holds the key to tackle problem of housing of the poor and this will be taken up if BJP is voted to power in Puducherry", he added. Voicing concern over continued closure of industrial units due to "poor governance" by AINRC,he said the previous UPA regime at the Centre that was in power for 10 years had also not tackled the sufferings of Tamil fishermen in Sri Lanka. Alleging more than 550 Tamil fishermen had been killed by Sri Lankan navy during the 10 year of UPA rule, he said they had done nothing to relieve fishermen in the island republic of their sufferings. He also charged Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments with failing to take steps to protect the fishermen. "Not even a single fisherman has been killed since the present NDA government was installed in office two years ago in Delhi," he said, adding that the welfare of fishermen had been taken care of by the present Central government. Shah said the scheme to provide free LPG cylinder connection would be implemented in Puducherry. He urged people to vote BJP to power so that benefits of several Central government welfare measures would be available to them. With the polling for the 15th Legislative Assembly of to take place on Monday, the campaigning for the multi-cornered contest is coming to an end on saturday at 6 pm. Around 5.82 crore voters in 32 districts, including 2.88 crore men, 2.90 crore women, 4,720 third gender voters and 58,114 service electors are in the electoral role to elect their representatives from the 234 constituencies across the state from 66,007 polling stations. A total of 107,210 electronic voting machines, including reserves are made available for the election and there are 75,908 control units including reserves. Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is being allotted to booths in 17 constituencies, for the voters to verify their votes has been cast to the intended candidate. A total of 3,776 candidates are contesting in the election, including 3,454 male, 320 female and two third gender. According to Assembly website, the Legislative Assembly consists of 234 elected Members from 189 general and 45 reserved constituencies (42 SC Constituencies and 3 ST Constituencies). Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency, where Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is contesting, has the highest number of candidates - 45, while three constituencies Arcot, Gudalur and Mayiladuthurai has the lowest number of candidates, which is eight. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader and incumbent Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, his son and former Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMDK) Chief Ministerial candidate Vijaykant and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) Chief Ministerial candidate Anbumani Ramadoss are among the major candidates contesting in the election, this time. AIADMK led alliance, DMK-Congress led alliance, DMDK led People's Welfare Front (PWF), BJP alliance with India Jananayaka Katchi (Indian Democratic Party) and PMK are the main contestants in the election scheduled on May 16, 2016. AIADMK, along with allies has fielded 234 candidates, while DMK has fielded 180 candidates, DMDK 104, Congress 41, BJP 188, BSP 158, Communist Parties 25 candidates each and NCP 20. The total number of registered and unrecognised political party candidates are 1,235, while 1,566 candidates are contesting independently. The largest assembly constituency in terms of electorate is Sholinganallur, in Chennai, which has over 6.02 lakh voters, while smallest assembly constituency electorate wise is Kilvelur, where there are 1.63 lakh voters. The campaign, which started in a slow pace almost three months back started to gain pace with the Election Commission of India announced poll schedule for the elections on March 4, 2016. The nominations were submitted by April 22, on the day when the notification was also issued. The nominations were finalised on May 2, with the time given for withdrawal of candidature expired on the day. The campaign gained momentum along with the summer heat scortching the state and the Election Commission had to interfere with advice on conducting campaign during the day time, as there were reports of at least three to four people dying due to exposure to heat for a long time, during public meetings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state for thrice, first addressing public meetings in Hosur and Chennai, then addressing public meeting in Kanyakumari, and finally addressing a meeting in Vedaranyam, almost 360 km away from Chennai. Other BJP leaders including Amit Shah and various union ministers including MoS for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar, Power Minister Piyush Goyal, MoS for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan, who is also from the state, Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari, among others with strong criticism against the AIADMK, DMK, Congress and others. On the other hand, national leaders of Congress party, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi also visited the state and addressed public meeting seeking vote for the DMK-Congress alliance. All the parties have promised complete prohibition in the state as their primary motto in the ensuing government, if they come to power. While AIADMK spoke about prohibition in a phased manner, others said they will implement prohibition in a day. The Election Commission, led by Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni in the state, has taken several measures to stop the cash distribution among voters seeking votes. The cash seized by the commission crossed Rs 100 crore, which is an unprecedented amount ever in the history of the election in the state, according to officials. Out of this, around Rs 37 crore was returned upon submitting proper documents. The commission has appointed black money surveillance teams, which are deployed across the state. Across the state 6,112 flying squads and static surveillance teams are pressed to service. To promote ethical voting and 100 per cent voting in the state, the Election Commission has taken different initiatives to reach the public, including posters and contests in social media platform such as Twitter and Facebook. As per the schedule, the votes will be counted on May 19, Thursday. Attributing mounting bad loans to economic sluggishness, Finance Ministrys annual report has said gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) of banks could soar to 6.9 per cent by March 2017 in a severe stress scenario. The gross NPA of the scheduled commercial banks, which was 5.14 per cent at the end of September 2015, may rise to 5.4 per cent by September 2016, it said quoting a RBI report. If the macro economic conditions deteriorate, the GNPA ratio may increase further, and it could rise to around 6.9 per cent by March 2017 under a severe stress scenario, said the Finance Ministry's 2015-16 Annual Report. The Capital to Risk Asset Ratio, an indicator of bank's capital adequacy, could decline to 10.4% by March 2017, from 12.7% as of September 2015, it said. According to the report, the main reasons for increase in NPAs of banks include sluggishness in domestic growth during the recent past, slowdown in recovery in the global economy and continuing uncertainty in the global markets leading to lower exports of various products like textile, engineering goods, leather, gems. Besides external factors, it said, ban in mining projects, delay in clearance of projects in power and steel sector, volatility in prices of raw material and shortage of power have impacted operations in infrastructure sectors, which were aggressively funded by the banks in the past. The infrastructure sector lending had a major bearing on the public sector unit banks, the report said, adding that the loan requirements are such that "only big public sector banks could assume exposure under the consortium arrangements". In order to address the NPA situation, the report said that the government has taken sector specific measures in identified areas like road, steel, power and textiles. It is also setting up six new Debt Recovery Tribunals to facilitate recovery of bad loans. The GNPAs of banks had steadily declined from 12.04% in 2000-01 to 2.45% in 2008-09. However, the upward trend was noticed since 2012-13. According to the report, GNPAs rose from 3.42% at the end of March 2013, to 4.11% in March 2014, further to 5.14% in September 2015. PM reviews drought and water scarcity situation at high level meeting with Rajasthan CM . . The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired a high level meeting on the drought and water scarcity situation in parts of Rajasthan. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Smt. Vasundhara Raje, was present in the meeting. Senior officials from the Government of India, and the State of Rajasthan, were also present. . . An amount of Rs. 911.64 crore has been released to the State under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), after adjustments of the State balances. This is in addition to Rs 827.25 crore released as central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2015-16 to the State. A further amount of Rs. 434.25 crore has been released as first instalment of SDRF for 2016-17. . . The Chief Minister said that Rajasthan has faced drought for 61 out of the last 67 years. She explained in detail, the difficulties being faced by people in various parts of the State due to the shortage of drinking water. She informed the Prime Minister about the Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan, under which 7 lakh water conservation structures are to come up in four years, including one lakh by 30th June, 2016. The State is using the waters of the Narmada for micro-irrigation. . . The Prime Minister called for a mass movement to be generated for water conservation, and said youth organizations including NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Scouts and Guides should be involved in creation of water storage structures. . . The Prime Minister stressed on the importance of waste water management and rooftop rainwater harvesting. Global best practices in this regard were also discussed. The Prime Minister said traditional water storage structures in the State (Bavdis) should be revived in a big way through public participation. The Chief Minister mentioned the successful example of Bavdi revival in Kuchaman City, in Nagore district, and assured of taking it up on a large scale. . . The Prime Minister said the State should aim to develop one city as a model, for solid waste management and waste water management, integrating irrigation of the neighbouring rural areas and use of gas in the citys mass transport network. . . The meeting ended with a resolve on the part of the Centre and State to work together. . . PM reviews drought and water scarcity situation at high level meeting with Jharkhand CM . . The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired a high level meeting on the drought and water scarcity situation in parts of Jharkhand. The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das, was present in the meeting. Senior officials from the Government of India, and the State of Jharkhand, were also present. . . Rs 273 crore was released to the State as central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2015-16. A further amount of Rs. 143.25 crore has been released as first instalment of SDRF for 2016-17. . . The State has disbursed Rs. 376 crore to 12 lakh farmers under SDRF, through DBT. Insurance claims of Rs. 53 crore were also settled through DBT. . . Jharkhand plans to double its irrigated area from 19 per cent to 40 per cent in the next two years. One lakh farm ponds are planned to be built under the State Plan, and an additional five lakh farm ponds will be built under MNREGA. The State is promoting fishery in the water bodies. . . The Prime Minister called for a mass movement to be generated for water conservation and rainwater harvesting in a comprehensive manner, and said youth organizations including NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Scouts and Guides should be involved in creation of water storage structures. . . The Chief Minister informed that tenders for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana have been finalized in the State. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of regular monitoring of the progress towards implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. . . The Prime Minister also called for generating a mass movement for soil health cards. He said mobilization, momentum and mechanism are all required to make the soil health card programme a success. He said soil testing should be developed as a skill, and loans can be given for setting up labs through MUDRA. . . Emphasizing the use of technology, the Prime Minister called for reporting of assets created by MNREGA, through geo-tagging and uploading of photographs with hand-held devices. He also called for all water bodies to be identified through unique numbers and geo-tagging. . . The meeting ended with a resolve on the part of the Centre and State to work together. ? . . Britons eager to find out more about the pros and cons of European Union membership will have a wealth of options this weekend, with campaigners for a "Leave" vote in next month's referendum pledging a publicity "blitz" and their opponents promising "the biggest day of cross-party campaigning in UK political history." Prime Minister David Cameron, opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, Liberal Democrat chief Tim Farron and the Green Party's only lawmaker, Caroline Lucas, will all be out campaigning on Saturday, Britain Stronger in Europe said in ... The campaign to woo British voters in the run up to the June 23 referendum to decide if Britain will remain in the European Union (EU) took to the streets of the UK on Saturday. With less than six weeks to go before the voting, surveys have placed the 'Remain and Leave' camps head to head at nearly 50% each. "Vital projects across every region of the UK have been financed by the EIB (European Investment Bank). These make a huge difference locally, nationally, and sometimes globally," UK Prime Minister David Cameron said in a speech in his Oxfordshire constituency. "Not only would leaving the EU see us wave goodbye to this crucial funding, but, with a smaller hit by new trading barriers and job losses, it's unlikely we'd be able to find that money from alternative sources," he said. Cameron also unveiled a poster, which depicted an envelope on a doormat with wording saying an EU exit would cost the equivalent of "4,300 pounds for every household". Vote Leave has accused Cameron of "failing to be honest" with voters saying that the cost of staying in is 4,600 pounds per household, as membership of the EU "costs 50 million pounds" a day. "David Cameron knows that not a single British family would lose that amount of money if we Vote Leave. In fact they would prosper as we spend our money on our priorities," said Vote Leave chief executive Matthew Elliott. Britain's senior-most Indian-origin minister, Priti Patel, has been a key voice of the Leave campaign and attacked the Monetary Fund's (IMF) warning earlier this week against . "The IMF warned Britain it was playing with fire when it set out a plan to deal with the deficit. Now our is stronger than nearly every other major . Today, the IMF is talking down Britain because we want to take back control from Brussels. They were wrong then and they are wrong now," she said. The official 'Britain Stronger In Europe' campaign said it was putting on about 1,000 events across the UK on Saturday to make the case that Britain is "better off" staying in the EU. Apple's $1 billion investment in China's largest ride-hailing service could help accelerate growth in the world's most populous country - and earn goodwill with Beijing. On Friday, the iPhone maker said it was investing in Didi, which handles more than 11 million rides a day and serves about 300 million users in China. The deal was hatched in just 22 days - a sign of how important the Chinese market is to Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook. Hooking up with Didi could help Apple secure a firmer foothold in the world's largest mobile arena at a time when the company is ... The Group of Seven nations will take steps to tackle a global glut in steel that many blame on overcapacity at Chinese producers of the material used in construction and cars, according to a draft text. If adopted at the summit in Japan later this month, it will likely add to pressure on China, which accounts for about half of global steel output, to take steps after production hit a record high earlier this year. Steel mills from Australia to the UK are under threat of closure because of the glut. We recognise the negative impact of global excess capacity across industrial sectors, especially steel, on our economies, trade and workers, the draft text says. We are committed to moving quickly in taking steps to address this issue by enhancing market function, including through coordinated actions that identify and seek to eliminate such subsidies and support, and by encouraging adjustment. leaders will meet on May 26-27 in Ise-Shima near Nagoya, a major car production and steel manufacturing centre. Chinas steel output hit a record in March as rising prices and better margins prompted mills that had been shut or suspended to resume production. Chinese prices have since plummeted, with Chinese steel futures posting their biggest weekly fall since 2009 on Friday. Last month, China and other major steel producers failed to agree on measures to tackle the overcapacity crisis, prompting the United States, European Union and others to call for urgent action. China plans to shed as much as 150 million tonnes of domestic crude steel capacity in the next five years in a bid to help tackle the capacity overhangs that have saddled domestic firms with losses and debts. France and Germany urged fellow EU members to tighten trade defences to protect the blocs companies against floods of cheap imports, including steel products from China. Cheap Chinese steel exports have been cited as one reason for Tata Steels decision to sell its British steel operations. Australian steel and mining company Arrium has gone into administration, while in Germany steelworkers have taken to the streets because of the threat of job cuts. Chinese officials have said that they are already taking sufficient steps to curb capacity, while state news said blaming China for the global steel crisis is an excuse for protectionism that would be counter-productive. Some European countries are opposed to the wording of the draft text because of fears about retaliation from China, according to a source. China is not the only concern, with Japan threatening to take action against India at the World Trade Organisation after it set minimum prices for imported steel. Japan and South Korea have also been criticised for exporting steel products cheaper than those that are sold domestically. In particular, we are concerned about subsidies and other support by governments and government-supported institutions that distort the market and contribute to global excess capacity, including such supports granted to overseas expansion of the capacity, the G7 text says. German companies are scaling back their investment in ahead of its June 23 referendum on membership of the European Union, and German industry is becoming increasingly vocal in warning that a "Brexit" would hit both countries' economies. German foreign direct investment to fell by 6 per cent on the quarter to euro 4.4 billion ($5 billion) in the first three months of this year, Bundesbank data reviewed by Reuters showed. That followed an already steep annual decline of more than 40 per cent in 2015. "A British exit means uncertainty for German companies doing business in Britain," Markus Kerber, managing director of the BDI Federation of German Industries, told Reuters. Reflecting the concerns of German companies and investors ahead of the British referendum, Kerber said a "Brexit" would lead to severe legal uncertainties for at least the next two years, creating economic risks for both and Germany. German companies are among the biggest foreign investors in the UK, with 2,500 subsidiaries and some 500,000 British employees in sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, transport, energy and retail, according to German Industry UK, a private organisation of some 100 chief executives of companies in Britain with a German majority shareholding. While German firms generally decline to comment in detail on their investment plans in Britain, there are signs that managers are becoming increasingly worried ahead of Britain's referendum. "From our point of view, it would be advantageous, particularly in terms of wealth and employment if Britain was to stay in the EU," a Siemens spokesman said. He said if Britain should leave the EU, Siemens would not terminate its business activities there. "But a British exit could play a role when it comes to future investment decisions." Like many other German companies in Britain, Siemens sent a letter to its 14,000 British employees last month, warning of the risks the firm would face if Britain voted to leave. "In particular, a new trade deal with the EU could take many years to conclude and it is impossible to predict the terms that will be agreed and at what price," the Siemens management said. "This uncertainty, and threat of increased costs, could make the UK a less attractive place to do business and may become a factor when Siemens is considering future investment here." Companies that have published similar letters or statements include BMW, whose British employees make the luxury Rolls-Royce car, as well as chemical company BASF and planemaker Airbus. A "Brexit" would not only affect the British . A study by DZ Bank showed it could also cost Germany up to euro 45 billion by the end of 2017 as exports from Europe's economic power house would likely be hit, at a time of already waning demand from emerging markets like China. In 2015, German companies exported goods worth some euro 89 billion to Britain, making the UK their third-most important export destination. At the same time, Germany imported British goods worth some euro 38 billion. With a total trade volume of euro 127.5 billion, Britain is Germany's fifth-biggest trading partner behind the United States, France, the Netherlands and China. For the UK, Germany is the most important trade partner, ahead of the United States. Lebanon's Hezbollah, on Saturday, blamed Islamist extremists for killing the Shiite militant group's top military commander in Syria in an artillery attack. It did not name any particular group and there has been no claim of responsibility for the attack. The Iran-backed movement has deployed thousands of fighters in Syria where Mustafa Badreddine had led its intervention in support of President Bashar al-Assad. "An investigation has shown that the blast that targeted one of our positions near the Damascus Airport that led to the martyrdom of the brother commander Mustafa Badreddine was caused by artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri (Sunni extremist) groups present in that region," a statement said. has been battling opponents of the regime including Sunni extremists from the Islamic State jihadist group and Al-Nusra Front, al-Qaeda's Syria affiliate. A Syrian security source has told AFP that Badreddine was in a warehouse near the Damascus airport when it was rocked by a blast on Thursday night. No aircraft was heard before the explosion, the source said. In its statement released on Saturday, a day after thousands attended Badreddine's funeral in Beirut, vowed no let up in its war against those it describes as "criminal gangs" in Syria. "The result of the investigation will only increase our determination and will to pursue the fight against those criminal gangs until they are defeated," the statement said. "It is the same battle against the American-Zionist scheme in the region, which the terrorists are spearheading," it added. Badreddine was on a US terror sanctions blacklist, was a key suspect in the 2005 assassination in Beirut of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri and was one of the "most wanted" by Israel. His predecessor, cousin and brother-in-law Imad Mughniyeh, was killed in Damascus in a 2008 bombing that Hezbollah blamed on its regional arch-foe Israel with whom it has fought several wars. Badreddine's death has raised many questions, namely because the area where he was killed is technically under the control of the Syrian army while Hezbollah and Iranian fighters are also present there. The closest rebel positions are seven kilometres (four miles) away in the Eastern Ghouta area. Bangladesh today accused of breaching the post-1971 liberation war agreement by not taking back thousands of its stranded citizens, affecting the validity of the treaty. "Under the 1974 agreement (among Dhaka, new Delhi and Islamabad), was obligated to take back its stranded citizens from Bangladesh. They did not fulfil their obligation over the decades," Law Minister Anisul Huq said at a discussion here. He said, Bangladesh on the other hand, complied with the treaty allowing the defeated Pakistani soldiers' repatriation and in no way breached the agreement by bringing to justice Bangladeshi perpetrators of war crimes who carried out atrocities siding with the invading Pakistani troops. He added that according to the principle of law, if any party violates a treaty, its validity comes into question while itself "clearly defied" the agreement by refusing to take back its citizens over the decades. Thousands of Urdu-speaking Muslims, dubbed as 'Biharis', who migrated to the former East Pakistan after partition in 1947, continued to stay in makeshift homes called Bihari camps in Bangladesh since 1971 and waited for decades to go to Pakistan but the subsequent governments in Islamabad declined to take them. The law minister's comments came amid a growing diplomatic row between the two countries as Pakistan recently accused Bangladesh of failure to uphold the commitment of "not to proceed with the trials" in line with the 1974 treaty since Dhaka took initiatives to try the 1971 war criminals among its own nationals. Pakistan had been upset after fundamentalist Jamaat-e- Islami chief Motiur Rahman Nizami was executed for war crimes in Bangladesh earlier this week and Pakistani parliament also passed a resolution condemning the hanging. Bangladesh said Pakistan's reaction proved that Nizami was a "traitor" when he acted as chief of the infamous Al-Badr militia, an auxiliary unit of Pakistani troops that committed mass killings during the war. Bangladesh had accused Pakistan of "deliberate misinterpretation" saying nowhere in the agreement was it mentioned that Dhaka could not try its own nationals who had committed war crimes and sided with Pakistani troops during the liberation war. The two countries in the past week summoned and counter-summoned their envoys issuing statements and counter statements over Nizami's execution. With the "definitely looking good," the US central bank is on the cusp of deciding whether to raise rates at any of its next few meetings, San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams said. "I view the balancing act as very similar to the balancing act that kind of led to the first rate increase.... We have to be making the decision. Do we want to wait a little longer or act now?" Williams told reporters after a speech at the Sacramento Economic Forum. Two to three rate increases this year "definitely still makes sense," he said. The Fed raised rates in December for the first time in nearly a decade, but has kept them on hold since then largely because of worries over a slowdown in China and Europe. Williams, a centrist whose views are generally in line with those of Fed Chair Janet Yellen, said he has not yet conferred with his staff economists over whether the next rate increase would be best made in June, July or September. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro recalled his country's ambassador in Brazil after his counterpart Dilma Rousseff was suspended over an impeachment trial. "We have been evaluating this, I asked our ambassador in Brazil, Alberto Castellar, to come back to Caracas," Maduro said. Castellar, who is already in Caracas, met with Maduro, Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, Vice President Aristobulo Isturiz and several political leaders to analyze Rousseff's suspension. "We were evaluating, well, this painful page in the history of Brazil... they tried to erase history with a dirty trick against the first female president in Brazil," said Maduro. Rousseff was removed from her position as President on Thursday morning following a vote in the Brazilian Senate where 55 senators voted in favour of her impeachment and 22 against. After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced a humiliating defeat in the floor test, party chief Amit Shah will hold a meeting of the state's core group on May 18 to discuss the recent developments in the state. Party organisation general secretary Ram Lal, general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, in-charge Shyam Jaju, all Lok Sabha MPs, state president Ajay Bhatt, and senior party leader Satpal Mahraj would be present in the meeting. The meeting would also discuss about the future of the nine rebel Congress MLAs. The Centre on May 11 revoked President's rule from Uttarakhand after Chief Minister Harish Rawat proved his majority on the floor of the House. The Congress won by a margin of 33-28 in the floor test on Tuesday. With nine Congress rebels barred from voting, the strength of the 71-member assembly was 62. Sources said 28 MLAs voted for the BJP. Harish Rawat welcomed the decision of revoking President's rule in Uttarakhand by the Central Government. Following his meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi after assuming charges as Uttarakhand Chief Minister again, Rawat earlier on Thursday said the nine expelled Congress rebel were sitting in the lap the BJP with whom the Congress could have no compromise. The Centre had imposed President's rule in the state on March 27, arguing that the Rawat government lost majority when nine rebel Congress MLAs voted against the state government's annual budget. An elderly Buddhist monk on Saturday was killed by unidentified miscreants in Bangladesh Naikkhangchhari upazila of Bandarban district, adding to the list of murders of religious minorities and secular activists in the country. Seventy-year-old, Mong Shwe U Chak's body was found near Baishari Bihar at Uppar Chak Para village in the upazila, the Daily Star Quoted Abul Khair, officer-in-charge (OC) of Naikkhangchhari Police Station, as saying. Khair's daughter-in-law found the body when she went to the bihar with some food for the monk around 5:00a.m.. Khair added that no valuables were missing from the bihar where he had been staying alone for the last two years. Meanwhile, Aung Sa Dhoai Chak, son of the victim, said that his father did not have any enmity with anyone in the area. The attack first of its kind in the area have left the locals panic- stricken. Police official said that the motive of the killing is yet to be ascertained. Members of police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have reportedly been deployed in the area. Thought no group has claimed responsibility for the killing, in the past, the Isis group and a Bangladeshi branch of al-Qaida have claimed carrying out several killings in the country. With Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and others leaving no stone unturned to corner the Bihar Government over recent criminal incidents in the state, the Congress, which is a part of the 'Mahagathbandhan', on Saturday expressed confidence that the JD (U) Government will 'act decisively' in order to bring the culprits to justice. Speaking to ANI over the murder of a senior journalist in Bihar's Siwan district, Congress leader Manish Tewari condemned the killing and asked the state government to investigate and bring the responsible people to justice. "Well it is extremely unfortunate that a journalist was killed under such circumstances. The state government must investigate and, whosoever is responsible, need to be brought to justice," Tewari told ANI. "An impression should not be allowed to create that people can get away with any kind of criminalities. I am confident that the Bihar Government will act and act decisively in order to bring the culprits to justice," he added. Two people have been detained in connection with the murder of senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan, working with Hindi daily Hindustan, who was shot dead by criminals near the Siwan railway station. Two bullets were fired at the Siwan bureau chief of the daily that hit on his head and neck. He was shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. According to police, five motorcycle-borne criminals were waiting for Ranjan, who was walking down the road to his home, and shot him twice. The ruling party JD (U) leader Ajay Alok, told ANI that the government would nab the culprits within 48 hours. "No matter who the criminals are, the government is determined to hunt them down within 48 hours. Though the Government of Bangladesh and the ruling Awami League (AL) have faced considerable flak from neighbouring Pakistan, human rights groups and opposition Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) leaders and activists for going ahead with the decision to execute JeI Amir and former cabinet minister Matiur Rahman Nizami, there is no doubt in the minds of the majority that his ties with Pakistan were deep-rooted in both nature and fact. Nizami was sent to the gallows by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh on May 10 this year on charges of committing various war crimes during the nine-month-long 1971 Liberation War that eventually led to the bifurcation of Pakistan and the creation of the new nation of Bangladesh towards the east. That war for independence from Pakistan left around three million people dead and hundreds of thousands of women raped, and several hundred deprived of their properties and homes. Nizami was sentenced to death on the basis of the court delivering four death sentences, five life terms and eight acquittals in the 17 war crime-related charges brought against him, and most of these charges or acts that he was accused of appear to have had the backing of Pakistan and its stamp of authority. If we have a look at a fact sheet on the late JeI leader, we come across several instances where it is clear as daylight where his loyalties lay. Every aspect of his persona, development and emergence as a fundamentalist leader had a link to Pakistan. Nizami's party Jamaat-e-lslami actively opposed the Liberation War and Bangladesh's secession from Pakistan and collaborated with the invading forces of the Pakistani Army by forming militias. He was inspired by the political preaching of Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi, who founded Jamaat-e-lslami Hind at Lahore in 1942, and joined its student wing, the Islami Chhatra Sangha (ICS) (1966-69) and was its president between 1969 and 1971. In 1971, he took the extraordinary step of converting the ICS into the Pakistan Army's infamous auxiliary force Al-Badr and was widely known to have spearheaded the execution of the intellectual elite in East Pakistan, ranging from doctors, journalists, teachers, writers, composers and many more, just days before the December 16, 1971 victory and the creation of the new nation of Bangladesh was declared. Both Nizami and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, the General Secretary of Jel, were dubbed as 'Angels of Death' for leading the much dreaded Al-Badr activists into universities and college hostels with 'kill lists' figuring intellectuals and professors committed to the cause of secular Bengali identity and murder them. It was genocidal rampage to cleanse the Bengali nation-in-the-making. Some of the best brains who formed the spine of secular nationalism that undermined Pakistan's race-based founding principles were eliminated. According to the charges brought against him, Nizami conspired with the Pakistan Army, planned and incited crimes; was complicit in murders, rapes, looting and destruction of property; ordering the murders of young freedom fighters and instrumental in the formation and running of the Razakar and Peace Committee forces to help Pakistan's generals. H e was widely regarded as a stooge of the Pakistan establishment and this gained credibility with Islamabad repeatedly marshalling its resources to obstruct trial of all war criminals, including Nizami, since the process began in 2009. A case in point is the press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan expressing concern on the May 5, 2016 dismissal of the review petition against Nizami by the Bangladesh Supreme Court against the death sentence which paved way for his hanging. Pakistan was even accused by Bangladesh of interference in its internal matters, and its reaction to Bangladesh violating the 1974 Tripartite Agreement (not to proceed with the trials as an act of clemency) was described as "misleading, limited and partial interpretation of the underlying premise." Bangladesh maintained that the essential spirit of the agreement was to create an environment of good neighbourliness and peaceful co-existence. Pakistan's repeated statements on the issue and the Punjab Assembly condemning the execution and terming Nizami as martyr is enough to acknowledge Islamabad's direct involvement and complicity in the genocide of 1971. The Jel is known to have had and still does have long standing deep-rooted ties with Pakistan and the ISI, and these links were maintained through the likes of people like Nizami. Pakistan has become increasingly desperate to gain foothold in Bangladesh through the ISI, as it sees the 1971 defeat and the loss of territory as a loss of face. The Jel and its Amir Nizami were anti-liberation, non-secular, islamist, anti-India and pro-Pakistan in both deed and creed, and disliked the idea of Bangladesh having close ties with India. Through persons like Nizami, the ISI had been trying to create a joint Islamic front to counter the pro-liberation and pro-India Awami League-led government in Bangladesh. Five top Jamaat leaders have already been punished for their 1971 crimes and three other top leaders are being tried in two war crimes tribunals. In November 2015 Jel Secretary General AN Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid was hanged along with BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury for war crimes. Their execution followed that of the Jel's Assistant Secretary General Muhammad Kamaruzzaman who was executed on 11 April 2015. Another former Jel leader, Abdul Kader Mullah was hanged in December 2013 after also being found guilty of war crimes. Motiur Rahman Nizami was executed on May 10 this year. A sixth JeI leader-- Mir Quasem Ali - is also on death row. Bangladesh has maintained that the verdicts handed down were independent, sound, fair, impartial, open and transparent, and without any political interference. Human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh province, and particularly in its capital Karachi, which is widely regarded as the country's richest city, has become par for the course, because of the frequency with which such incidents take place and are reported by domestic as well as foreign media. Pakistan has a population of about 20 crores, making it the world's sixth-most-populous country. Of its four provinces - Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Punjab has the majority population, estimated to be 100. 6 million, while Sindh has an estimated population of 55.25 million, and it is on the basis of demographic strength, that Punjab has historically almost always had a dominant presence over the other three provinces, and been able to have a tight and controlled grip over the politics and administration of these areas. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), which is Punjabi-dominant and led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been quite successful in forging a powerful troika-like partnership with the Pakistan Army and the country's premier intelligence outfit, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The last two have been known to carry out or spearhead operations that have led to involuntary disappearances, detentions, and torture of Sindh-based leaders and activists who support and follow them. The Punjabis in Pakistani society have always aimed and retained a desire to establish and impose a stranglehold on Sindh, and this is reflected through reports of massive human rights violations, which has left the international community quite concerned, and the United States in particular, airing the view that Pakistan appears often indifferent to the fates of smaller ethnicities and minorities in its geographical terrain. Karachi is the country's commercial capital, and yet here, we see the domineering presence of security deployment, tasked with the responsibility of undertaking "operations" against those elements which they say are responsible for spreading "fear" through mafia groups. The Pakistan armed forces and paramilitaries use these so-called operations to target those identified as the opposition with the civilian authority's blessings, especially those leaders espousing the cause of Sindhis and other minorities, some of whom become victims of targeted killings. For example, recently, during a march organised by Sindh Awami Tehreek (SAT), participants were fired upon. Shafiq Baloch, an eyewitness to the incident, said, "We were marching to the (Karachi) Press Club and as soon as we crossed the street, were fired upon. I cannot tell you how many of our young men were injured. You can see my bloodied clothes, as I have picked up many of the bodies myself." The tens of hundreds of security personnel deployed in Karachi often launch operations against leaders and supporters of local Sindhi political outfits and the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), the reason being, its growing clout and acceptance as a political party with national credentials in places such as Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur. What is probably of even greater concern to the Punjabi element in Pakistani society is the growing representational presence of the MQM in the Parliament and in provincial assemblies. This is one of the main reasons why reports keep surfacing of MQM leaders and their supporters being taken into police custody or arrested on false charges of spreading fear and terror. Some are even incarcerated in torture cells at undisclosed locations, and even end up being victims of target killings. There have been many cases of human rights and religious persecution in Sindh. Senior MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar said, "We demand from the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the army chief and the Sindh Rangers chief explanations about the incarcerations of MQM leaders, and in particular, information on Wasim Akhtar." Dr. Qadir Magsi, Chairman of the Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party, said, "The resources of Sindh are meant to be for the people of Sindh. We are completely opposed to those elements who are indulging in the wanton robbery of the province, and will do everything in our power to prevent it. The revenue earned from the province, or allocated to it by the federal government, must spend it for the welfare of the people of Sindh." So deep is the Punjabi bias against the MQM, that all rallies and public functions that are to be addressed by its founder, Altaf Hussain, via video conference or radio from London, where he is on self-imposed exile, are prohibited or unlawful and unwarranted strictures are put in place, to prevent him from gaining popularity or reaching out to the masses. Popular figures like senior journalist Hamid Mir, intellectuals and civil rights activists like Sabeem Mehmud and social activist like Khurram Zaki have been eliminated. Zaki's daughter said "The lives of members of our family are in danger. The people, who are in power and supposed to be protecting us, are doing absolutely nothing." The situation in Sindh is such today that minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Shias become victims of target killings. Leaders of these communities claim that the only accusation or blame against them is there links with the MQM, which is seen as representative of the people and for peace. They say that they will continue with this support of the MQM. Forced conversion of Hindu Sindhi females is a grave concern among Hindus in Sindh. Many cases have been reported of forced conversion from Hinduism to Islam. Among them, some have political reasons behind these conversions so that the majority of Sindhi Hindus are forced to leave Sindh. There have been many cases of political persecution in Sindh as well. Finally, the one of the three films from the agreement signed between India and China during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India, 'Kung Fu Yoga,' has completed its shoot. Sonu Sood, who is also a part of the movie, which stars Jackie Chan in the lead, took to his Twitter handle to share the news along with a picture with the 'Rush Hour' actor. "And it's a WRAPPP! the last shot of #kungfuyoga! What a journey with the most grounded man I ever met. #jackiechan," he wrote. 'Kung Fu Yoga' was shot in Jaipur and Beijing. On the final day of the shoot, the 'Happy New Year' actor even clicked a snap with the film-team and wrote, "You can measure my HEIGHT not my HEARTfinal day shoot of #kungfuyoga #beijing. #memories." 'Kung Fu Yoga', which is directed by Stanley Tong, is set to release in 2016. "Whether the soldier is a resident of Jammu and Kashmir or is a resident of India, we will not accept this colony on any grounds. Tomorrow, you will ask for land to build colonies for CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) and BSF (Border Security Force). Already a lot of land has been given to the army," Malik told media here on Friday. In April 2015, the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, N.N. Vohra, approved the establishment of army colony in Srinagar and said that 21.6 acres of land had been identified for the colonies. However, under severe criticism, the state government has denied the allotment of land to army colonies. Malik also claimed that "atrocities" on native Kashmiris have risen ever since the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) combine came to power in the state last year. He also protested against the creation of separate settlements for Kashmiri Hindus in the state. Amid the furore over the shocking murder of two scribes in Bihar and Jharkhand within 24 hours, the Congress on Saturday called on the Centre to introspect and look into how journalists are being repeatedly attacked and murdered in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states. "A journalist was killed by unknown assailants in Bihar and simultaneously another journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh was killed in BJP-ruled Jharkhand. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has already swung into action and two people have been detained. We express our condolences to the families of the two journalists and hope that the BJP implies the same principle in BJP ruled Jharkhand and ensure that decisive action is taken against the culprits and murderers," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. He also called on the BJP to introspect and look into how journalists are being repeatedly attacked and murdered in BJP-ruled states. Talking about instances of scribes being attacked in BJP-ruled states, the Congress leader recalled of how two journalists were murdered in 2013-14 in Chhattisgarh and also of how the state police had illegally detained people on false charges because they were raising their voice against human rights violation. "In MP our friend and journalist of Aaj Tak Akshay Singh was killed while examining Vyapam scam but no headway has been made. Similarly, Sandeep Kothari was burned alive in Balaghat and his wife and children were similarly killed by mining mafia in Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister and the BJP leaders must answer," Surjewala said. Meanwhile, two people have been detained in connection with the murder of senior journalist in Siwan, Bihar. Siwan Superintendent of Police said that the two are being grilled to procure more details regarding the shocking murder. Ranjan, a journalist with Hindi daily Hindustan was shot dead by criminals near the Siwan railway station. Two bullets were fired at the Siwan bureau chief of the daily that hit on his head and neck. He was shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. According to police, five motorcycle-borne criminals were waiting for Ranjan, who was walking down the road to his home, and shot him twice. The ruling party JD(U) leader Ajay Alok said that the government would nab the culprits within 48 hours. "No matter who the criminals are, the government is determined to hunt them down within 48 hours," Alok said. Sept. 11, 2001, began just like any other day. My kids bustled about, getting ready for school, and I did the same, getting dressed and grabbing breakfast before heading off to The Gazette. I dropped my daughter off at middle school and then as I drove to my sons high school, we heard a radio DJ, one who often pulled humorous pranks, talking about a plane crashing into one of the World Trade Center towers in New York City. At first my son and I figured it was a bad joke. When we realized the DJ was serious, I pictured a small plane crashing into a very large building, a sad thing but still affecting only a few people. After I dropped off my son, I ran home and turned on the TV. I needed to get a clearer idea of what had just occurred. Thats when I saw the first tower collapse and mountains of dust and debris billow into the air. I was transfixed and mystified by what I was seeing. It was surreal, as if I was watching a TV movie, not an unfolding tragedy. Even the television newscasters seemed unsure of what was happening. When an airliner hit the second of the World Trade Center's towers, I knew what I was seeing was horrifically true. The multiple terrorist attacks that day killed nearly 3,000 people and injured thousands more. I headed to the newspaper. Although the attacks occurred thousands of miles away, our job was to tell of the attacks effects closer to home. The truth is, being a reporter isnt always easy. Sometimes we have to put on our game face and report the news, even though we keenly feel its impact. At the time, I was covering education and religion. So I checked in with School District 2 officials to find out how teachers and students were handling the situation. Then at noon I headed over to the Yellowstone County Courthouse lawn. Dozens of people, including local and state officials and people who worked downtown, gathered for an impromptu community prayer service. Local clergy led the crowd in prayers for everyone touched by the attacks. I scribbled notes describing the scene, the people and their prayers, but as a person of faith, I couldnt totally divorce myself from the proceedings. Typically my job is to cover an event accurately and dispassionately. That day I found myself bowing my head and closing my eyes with everyone else. At one point, a speaker encouraged everyone to hold hands and pray. My hands were occupied with a reporters notepad and a pen, but a man standing behind me placed a hand on my shoulder. His touch provided a comforting warmth. It was an antidote to the isolation I felt as I tried to hold myself apart on a day that cried out for togetherness in the face of unspeakable horror. Pakistan has pledged to raise the issue of executions of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) leaders in Bangladesh at United Nations forums, including its Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz gave the details in this regard to the members of the Senate were given details in this regard. Condemning the Bangladesh executions, Aziz asked Dhaka to reconsider its policy "not just in the interest of other Muslim countries, but also its own", reports the Express Tribune. Aziz said that the hangings were "in sheer violation of a 1974 agreement between Pakistan, India and Bangladesh". He urged the international community to take notice of human rights violation in Bangladesh. Senators here praised Turkey for recalling its envoy from Bangladesh in protest and recommended that Pakistan should follow suit. Paying tribute to the fallen political leaders, including Matiur Rehman Nizami, Senator Hashmi said that Nizami had served as a parliamentarian and minister in Bangladesh. He highlighted that the tribunal headed by Sheikh Hasina had executed JI leaders whose "only crime was their loyalty to Pakistan and the two-nation theory". "International organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch had deemed the decision (to hang JI leaders) unacceptable," he said. A new study has found that the girls from progressive societies do better at mathematics. Research co-authored by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) showed that the "math gender gap" is much wider in societies with poor rates of gender equality and is far less pronounced in societies that hold progressive and egalitarian views about the role of women. The researchers analysed the relationship between math scores of 11,527 15-year-olds living in nine different countries and the Gender Gap Index (GGI) in their country of ancestry. The GGI measures economic and political opportunities, education, and well-being for women. Co-author Almudena Sevilla explained, "These boys and girls grew up and live in the same country, but their parents came from elsewhere. So, differences in how well girls perform compared to boys, given that they are in the same environment and exposed to the same institutions, is likely to be the result of parents (or their social network) transmitting values about gender equality to their kids." The researchers found that the more gender equality in the country of ancestry, the higher the math scores of girls relative to boys living in the same country. The findings were significant and robust even when the researchers controlled for other individual factors that may affect youths' math performance. In particular, the results show that an increase of 0.05 points (or one standard deviation) in the GGI is associated with an increase in the performance of girls in maths, relative to boys, of 7.47 points - equivalent to about one and a half months of schooling. The researchers described the results as a contribution to a policy problem of "first order importance" as it highlights the relevance of gender social norms on girls' educational outcomes. They argue that policies which attempt to change cultural values about women's role in society "may prove decisive in reducing the maths gender gap," which is accepted as a contributing factor in the gender pay gap. The study is published in American Economic Review. The government-owned State Bank of India (SBI) has seized a villa of debt-strapped liquor baron in Panaji, Goa. Mallya flew to London in March, under pressure from bankers seeking to recover about Rs 9000 cr owed by his collapsed Kingfisher Airline. The district magistrate gave an order in favour of to take physical possession of the Rs 90 cr Kingfisher Villa in Panaji town, which was venue of many famous parties hosted by him. "The property is attached now completely. All the inventories have been done. There is no access, nobody can enter into it. Security guard and everything has been changed now. The SBI Trustee has taken complete charge of this property and the process has ended," said SBI lawyer Vikas Kumar. So far, India has failed in its initial attempt to secure the return of Mallya from Britain but New Delhi said it would continue to seek his repatriation to face his creditors. India, which has revoked Mallya's diplomatic passport, requested on April 28 he be deported but now acknowledges there is no immediate prospect this will happen because Mallya has the right to remain in Britain. The 60-year-old Mallya, a Formula 1 boss known as the "King of Good Times" for his party lifestyle, is the subject of a non-bailable warrant issued by a special judge in Mumbai. The Enforcement Directorate, a government agency set up to fight financial crime, has accused Mallya's UB Group of using Rs 430 cr of bank loans to Kingfisher to buy property overseas. Creditors, led by State Bank of India, have rejected an offer of partial repayment by Mallya, who had given a personal guarantee for the Kingfisher loan. They have demanded that the billionaire attend a hearing in the Supreme Court. Mallya has denied wrongdoing, calling the charges against him "preposterous". He has also offered a settlement to his creditors that they have so far refused to consider. No comment was immediately available from a Kingfisher spokesman. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Subramanian Swamy on Saturday wrote to Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking his intervention in setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take forward the probe into mysterious death of Sunanda Pushkar, wife of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. The BJP leader has been crying foul over the death of Pushkar. Swamy has even alleged that the wife of the Congress leader was killed in a professional way. Sunanda was found dead inside her suite at a five-star hotel here in January 2014, a day after she was involved in a spat with Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar on Twitter over the latter's alleged affair with Tharoor, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram. Her viscera samples were sent to the FBI lab in Washington DC in February last year to determine the kind of poison that killed her after an AIIMS medical board identified poisoning as the reason behind her death. The FBI had endorsed the AIIMS report on poisoning and also said that a "dangerous chemical" was present in her body that may have killed her. Swamy had earlier written two letters - one in July, 2014 and another in December 2014 - to the Home Minister in this regard. Gill Parker Payne, a North Carolina man, has pleaded guilty for grabbing a Muslim woman's hijab and pulling it off on a Southwest Airlines flight last December. Federal authorities said that 37-year-old Payne, of Gastonia, North Carolina, entered the plea on Friday, reports the Guardian. Payne was charged with using force or threat of force to obstruct a Muslim woman in the free exercise of her religious beliefs. Authorities said that Payne approached the woman, who was sitting several rows in front of him, and told her to take off her hijab saying "This is America!" and removed the hijab from her head. Both were on December 11 flight from Chicago to Albuquerque when the confrontation happened. CII will launch WATSCAN, an advanced tool for Water Resources Evaluation and Management at watershed level, said the new CII President, Dr Naushad Forbes. He explained that this tool has been developed by CII to identify water generation, accumulation and losses in geographical areas. CII will apply WATSCAN in 50 districts in 10 drought-prone states over the next five years, he announced. Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII added that CII is currently in talks with Maharashtra Government for applying WATSCAN in 10 districts of the state. A study for Pune district has been already completed. He also shared that the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra has requested for synchronised efforts from industry to support the government on drought solutions. Dr Forbes, who belongs to the Western Region, added that with expectations of a normal monsoon, GDP growth rate for 2016-17 could touch 8%, higher than the government's projection. This is based on expected higher agricultural growth on a low base after two successive years of drought. The CII President stressed that legislative reforms for introducing Goods and Services (GST) and Bankruptcy law must be quickly passed. He called for strong political consensus on GST. He also urged states to action laws on labour as in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and land reforms as in Tamil Nadu. Regarding unfinished non-legislative reforms, Dr Forbes welcomed the grandfathering clause and sunset clause for government schemes and hoped this would be implemented speedily. Public investment in industrial parks, roads and highways and railways as well as activation of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) can be fast-tracked, he added. Dr Forbes said that for medium to long term growth, productivity in Industry, Services and Agriculture needs to be boosted; hence, CII's theme for 2016-17 is 'Building National Competitiveness'. This covers the areas of human development, ease of doing business, corporate integrity and good citizenship, innovation and technical capability, sustainability, and global integration. CII has launched the CII Model Code of Conduct and Code of Good Corporate Citizenship to guide members on ethical business for improving Corporate Integrity and Good Citizenship, he announced. Speaking about new CII initiatives in the six areas, Dr Forbes said that CII's new Startup Center of Excellence is being set up with partnership from Tel Aviv University, Harvard University and TiE Silicon Valley. CII is also working on Waste to Worth under the Swachh Bharat initiative for solid waste management in ten cities. Under Standup India, CII will escalate work on Affirmative Action with Dalit Chamber of Commerce and Industry on education and vendor opportunities. In Manufacturing, CII has recently launched a pioneering and innovative website with a diagnostic tool for manufacturing firms to benchmark their productivity to best global practices. This will help them identify gaps and strengthen their competitiveness. Mr Banerjee added that CII has identified 6 core manufacturing sectors in which India can be number one or number two in the world. CII will bring out specific roadmaps for their rapid progress. CII has partnered with three cities under the Smart City campaign for setting up pilot smart cities, including Pune. Powered by Capital Market - Live News United Nations has formally lifted the sanction put on Indian flag tanker MT Distya Ameya owned by M/s Arya Shipping, Mumbai. The oil tanker was blacklisted by the United Nations on April 26, 2016 after it had sailed from Al-Herega port in Libya picking up the consignment of over 6.5 lakh barrels of oil to discharge at Malta. Subsequently, it had emerged on April 25, that this was in breach of the sanctions of the United Nations in as much as the said interim Government of Libya is not recognised by the United Nations. The vessel Distya Ameya was listed pursuant to the resolution as transporting crude oil illicitly exported from Libya, based on information received from the government of Libya, said the United Nations Sanctions Committee in its order of April 26. Being an Indian flagged ship, the Director General of Shipping, Government of India, took up the matter with the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations. Upon the instructions of the DG Shipping, the vessel sailed back to Libya and discharged its entire oil consignment at the designated port Zawiya in Libya, under the supervision of the National Oil Corporation. This port is under the control of the Government of National Accord of Libya, which is recognised by the United Nations. This cargo evacuation was completed on May 6, 2016. It was also found out that the foreign charterers or the Indian owners and managers of the ship were unaware of the UN sanction. Upon this the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York issued a Note Verbale to the UN Security Council apprising it of the positive developments in the compliance of order. The UN on May 12, 2016 formally lifted the sanction on the Indian vessel 16 days after it was held for carrying disputed Libyan oil. The ship is now completely free to resume its normal sailing and carry on its commercial operations. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Indian-American designer Naeem Khan's designs are drawing attention from the creme de la creme. After US First Lady Michelle Obama flaunted one of his creations at an important event earlier this week, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan chose to flaunt a red ruffled gown from the New York-based designer for an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. Following her glittering-in-gold red carpet look on Friday, Aishwarya spent Saturday morning at Cannes giving press interviews. She looked ravishing in red in the ensemble from Khan's Resort 2016 collection. The former beauty queen's bright red lips and winged eye-liner added to her beauty. On the terrace of Hotel Martinez, post her press interactions, the L'Oreal Paris team celebrated the 15th year 'Canniversary' of Aishwarya by cutting a cake and presenting her with a bouquet of red roses. The actress is busy setting trends on red carpet looks of the international movie extravaganza, which will conclude on May 22. This year, the gala is also special to her as her forthcoming film "Sarbjit", a film which brings forward a sister's fight for getting justice for her brother convicted of terrorism and sentenced to death in Pakistan, will also be screened at the ongoing fest. --IANS nv/rb/bg Thousands of IS associates have been routinely crossing into Syria aided by contacts in Turkey, phone calls tapped by Ankara security forces and handed to the media by opposition lawmaker Erem Erdem reveal. He accuses the government of a massive cover-up. Transcribed phone recordings belonging to Ilhami Bali, well known in Islamic State ranks and suspected of staging high-profile bomb attacks in Ankara and the mainly Kurdish border city of Suruc, detail the lack of control along the Syrian Turkish border. Pressured by the international community to impose stricter border controls to stem the flood of militants into Syria, Ankara has been erecting walls at key crossing points, but to no avail as surveillance data from the Municipality of Ankara Provincial Security Department revealed. The transcripts of the recordings, according to RT online, were passed on to the media by Turkish opposition politician Eren Erdem of the Republican People's Party (CHP), who was facing a witch-hunt from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government over his repeated allegations of massive cover-up of IS activity on Turkish soil. While daily logs by the Turkish Armed Forces reveal that Turkish security forces apprehended 961 IS members from 57 countries in 2015, the alleged reality exposed by the Erdem leak, shows that thousands of IS fighters and their family members cross the Turkish border from Syria on a daily basis. But even those who get arrested on the Turkish side are often released at the crossing points. Several documents suggest that IS coordinators helped some 1,400 people cross the Turkish border from September 22 - October 17. In one of the phone conversations, Ilhami Bali asked his interlocutor named Erkek, who according to the conversations helps smuggle people, the exact number of persons he has helped cross the border. --IANS ahm/bg A Bangladeshi has been jailed for life for planning a terror attack on a US airbase in Britain. A court in London on Friday sentenced Junead Khan, 25, for contacting the Islamic State militant group following a plan to attack the US airbase in East Anglia, bdnews24.com reported. He was preparing to go to Syria to join the IS, the police said. Junead's relative Shazib Khan joined the group last year. He had sent a message to Syrian IS leaders about his plan to explode a "pressure cooker bomb" at the airbase. According to police, Junead possessed the IS flag and bomb manual. --IANS py/bg To view Christianity only through the lens of the New Testament robs believers of a full understanding of their faith, says Pastor Jim Harmon. For that reason, Harmon and two other pastors at the Hebrew Bible College in Billings help facilitate courses that reveal the Hebrew roots of Christian faith. It gives you a richer, fuller understanding of the Scriptures, Harmon said, sitting in one of the classrooms at the school at 445 Daniel St. It isnt taking anything away from what youve learned, its just adding to it. To make his point, Harmon pointed to a New Testament story, in Luke 8:43-44, of a woman who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years. She touched the edge of Jesus cloak and was healed. As Christians we dont really understand the full concept of why she wanted to touch him, he said. But there was a prophecy in Malachi chapter 4 that said the son of righteousness would have healing in his wings. In ancient Israel, a man would wear a prayer shawl, and on each corner of the shawl was a tassel, or tzitzit. Translated into English, one of the word's meanings is "wing," Harmon said. Because of the prophecy, the woman knew if she touched that tzitzit, that wing, she would be healed. Those are some of the nuances that, without the Hebrew side, Christians dont necessarily understand, Harmon said. It makes your Bible come alive. Harmon, who previously led the congregation of a Church of God church in Sidney, arrived in Billings two years ago with his wife, Deanna, to open the school. The third leader of the school is his sister-in-law, Sharon Voltz, founder of One 4 Him Ministries. The Church of God focuses on the Hebrew roots of Christianity, Harmon said. That includes naming Saturday as the Sabbath and celebrating the feast days of God. Harmon also became acquainted with the teachings of Ralph Messer, leader of the Simchat Torah Beit Midrash (Joy of Gods Teaching and Foundation) International Center for Torah Studies in the Denver area. I met him and started watching his teachings and he was a big influence on my learning, Harmon said. I would study for sermons and things and he was a big source of information. It is Messers teachings that are featured in videos that are at the heart of learning at Hebrew Bible College. Students can move up through five levels of instruction, starting with Torah: The Ancient Foundation and going up through Torah 401 Moving on to Perfection. Classes are held once and week and semesters last 16 weeks. The cost of most of the classes is $180. The ministry also holds Sabbath services on Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The services include two teaching times and a meal, and classes are available for children. The public is invited to attend. About 25 people are enrolled in the college, Harmon said, and they come from religious backgrounds as varied as Baptists and Pentecostals. Though the school isnt accredited, students receive certificates for each level they complete. State-run power equipment manufacturer Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) on Saturday said that it has commissioned a 660 Mw supercritical thermal unit in Maharashtra. "The unit has been commissioned at Mouda Super Thermal Power Station (STPS) in Nagpur district of Maharashtra," the company said in a BSE filing. According to the company, the new unit was commissioned under an order placed by state-run power producer NTPC. "The order for setting up two coal-based thermal units of 660 Mw was placed on by NTPC," the filing said. "While the first unit has been commissioned, work on the other 660 Mw unit is also in an advanced stage." The state-run power equipment manufacturer had earlier set up two units of 500 Mw each at Mouda STPS, which are in operation. The company elaborated that it has successfully demonstrated its leadership status in the supercritical segment, with technological capability to manufacture and execute projects of 660 Mw, 700 Mw and 800 Mw sets. "Notably, the unit commissioned by at Mouda is the first to be commissioned out of the 11 units ordered under bulk tendering to different manufacturers," the filing added. A car bomb went off in the predominantly Kurdish city of Al Qamishli in northeastern Syria on Saturday, killing at least five people, pro-government Sama TV reported. The car bomb hit a checkpoint of the Kurdish People's Protection Units, or YPG, at the al-Hilaliyeh roundabout in Al Qamishli in the northeastern province of al-Hasakah. The state news agency SANA reported the explosion, without giving a death toll, according to Xinhua. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a powerful explosion was heard in the Hilaliyeh district west of Al Qamishli, adding that the preliminary information indicated the presence of several causalities. The Kurds, who make up 15 percent of Syria's 23 million inhabitants with most living in the north of the embattled country, have been trying to keep their areas away from military operations. In 2012, Syrian troops withdrew from most of the Kurdish areas, and Kurdish militia took over local security. The government, however, is still in control of vital areas in the city of Qamishli and the al-Hasakah province. Following the surge of the IS militants in July 2014 and their capture of Kurdish areas in northern Syria, the US-led coalition begun to help the Kurds in their battles against the extremists. Last month, the Kurds voted in favour of establishing a federal region, which would include the areas in northern Syria on a triangular basis of the predominantly Kurdish strongholds of Kobani, Afreen and the al-Jazeera region. --IANS vr/ A court here on Saturday took cognisance of a chargesheet filed against environmentalist R K Pachauri, accused of sexually harassing a colleague in The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Metropolitan Magistrate Shivani Chauhan considered the charge-sheet and fixed July 11 for further hearing. Delhi Police has charge-sheeted Pachuari, a former executive chairman of TERI under various sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation and words, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman. The police have cited around 23 prosecution witnesses and several text messages, e-mails and WhatsApp messages exchanged between the accused and victim as evidence to support its case. Pachauri was accused of sexually harassing a female colleague in 2015. He stepped down as chairperson of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in February last year and proceeded on leave from TERI, where he was the director general. In November, the woman researcher who accused him of sexual harassment quit her job at TERI, alleging she was treated badly. TERI denied the charge. On February 8, Pachauri was appointed executive vice chairman of the organisation. Following severe criticism, TERI on February 12 asked him to proceed on indefinite leave. Film: "Criminal" (in Hindi); Director: Ariel Vromen; Cast: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones and Gal Gadot; Rating: *** Having read the vicious reviews, "Criminal", which I braved in Hindi, turned out to be as misunderstood and misinterpreted as "The Jungle Book" would be if it was taken literally to be a jungle fable (did someone just say, it is?). There is a lot more to "Criminal" than the outrageously absurd premise of a ruthless criminal Jericho(Costner, knock-out in his malevolent makeover) whose brain is implanted with a slain CIA agent's memory to get vital earth-saving information on a terrorist before catastrophe strikes civilisation. Catastrophe struck this film in angry welters with critics dubbing "Criminal" as one of the worst films in recent times. In brief, a 'criminal' waste of time and energy, the critics chorused. In actuality, "Criminal" has a lot going for itself. The action sequences on the streets of London are among the best I've seen in recent times, comparable if not better than what we see and savour in "Captain America". Then there is Kevin Costner. If you admire this actor as much as I do, his proclivity to transform from his habitually genial roles to an evil violent criminal is beyond admirable. As Jericho, the venom machine, Costner spreads vitriol across the screen in rippling motions. Then begins his moral and emotional transformation as Jericho begins to think with another, obviously more evolved and empathetic brain. He is bewildered and bitter about losing his psychotic rage. He is a man reluctant to feel. "They're called emotions," explains Jericho's Frankenstein Tommy Lee Jones, playing the doctor who undertook the brain-transplant surgery. Lee Jones, one of America's most versatile actors, wears a constantly worried look. He knows he has unleashed an entity that can go either way. There is a brilliant scene in a medicine store between Costner and Lee Jones which ends with a stumped saleslady offering Costner medicines "on the house". She is the audience. We are equally stumped. Costner humanises Jericho with compelling dexterity. As he enters the dead CIA agent's home and meets his beautiful grieving wife (the stunning Gal Gadot) and little daughter, his venom alchemizes in unexpected ways, giving to the monster a new window into human emotions he never knew existed. Israeli director Ariel Vromen exercises firm control over the action drama. While Jericho changes, the narrative remains steadfastly true to the action genre, implanting into the stunts the kind of irresistibly dark and seductive tension that Curtis Hanson once imposed on his cinema. The script is furiously unapologetic about the implausibilities, pushing through the virile material with unrelenting enthusiasm. Some of the verbal exchanges are decidedly over-heated and unconvincing and stilted. I also wanted to know more about the dead CIA officer's (Ryan Reynolds) life. What was he like? His absence is the strongest presence in the film. "Criminal" cuts across the chase to give us an entertainer with brains and a moral backbone to the relentless and sometime reprehensible violence. Most of all, Costner walks the talk with such confident strides that you are with his reformation from monster to human being even as the world all around goes up in flames. It's apocalypse unplugged. --IANS skj/rb/bg The body of former US embassy employee Leena Sharma, who was missing for some days, was found buried in a jungle in this Madhya Pradesh district on Saturday, police said. Three people, including her uncle, have been arrested in this connection. Police said that her murder seemed to be over a dispute about her ancestral property in Sohagpur area. Sharma, who is based in Delhi, had come here to inspect the property but had gone missing subsequently, subdivisional police officer Anurag Uike told IANS. He said police received information that a female corpse had been found in Kamti jungle area and on investigating, found Sharma's body buried in the ground and urea and salt added to the spot so that the body decomposes fast. Her maternal uncle Pradeep Sharma, and his two servants Rajesh and Gorelal have been arrested and the body sent for autopsy, Uike said. --IANS hindi-vd Amid China and Pakistan's opposition to India's bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the US has backed New Delhi's entry into the group. US State Department spokesman John Kirby on Friday quoted US President Barack Obama as saying during his visit to India in 2015 that "India meets missile technology control regime requirements and is ready for NSG membership". To reports that China has blocked India's membership to the group, Kirby said the US was committed to help India become a member of NSG. On Pakistan and China's position on India's membership to the suppliers group, Kirby referred the mediapersons to the governments of the respective country. "I'm going to refer you to the governments of China and Pakistan with respect to their positions on India's membership," Kirby said. China and Pakistan are closely coordinating their strategy against India's admission into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Sputnik News said quoting US sources who work with the group. The sources pointed to the fact that when India requested a session with the NSG participating governments at the recent NSG Consultative Group meeting on April 25 and 26, where it would have made a formal presentation in support of its membership, Pakistan also sought a similar opportunity. Though aware that its request would not be accepted, Pakistan made it in order for China to look "neutral" and reject both applications on grounds of parity, it said. Sources from the US expressed their disappointment with China's tactics of "using Pakistan's non credentials with the NSG to settle scores with India." The "either both or none" strategy is not a secret; it was coordinated during the visit of Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain to China in November 2015. Sputnik News quoted sources as saying that the Chinese government told President Hussain that if India is allowed into the NSG, China would ensure that Pakistan also gets its membership in the group. However, "if India is allowed to join the NSG and Pakistan is deprived of NSG membership, Beijing will veto the move and block the Indian entry." "India's non-proliferation credentials are not comparable with Pakistan's, as Pakistan has a history of "selling nuclear technology to rogue states like Libya," the sources noted. Moreover, the West fears that Pakistan's nuclear weapons could easily find their way into the hands of terrorists. China knows that Pakistan does not stand a chance at the NSG, and most of the NSG members will reject its application. Nevertheless, that did not stop Beijing from using Pakistan as a "parity token to stop India which is fast emerging as China's competitor," added the sources. Meanwhile, in Beijing the foreign office spokesperson, to a question on India's NSG membership, said that all the multi lateral non-proliferation export control mechanisms, including the NSG, have been taking the Nuclear Weapons Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) membership "as a necessary qualification for their accession". "Not only India, many other non-NPT members have voiced their aspirations to join the NSG. This poses a question for the international community. Many NSG members, China included, think that this matter shall be fully discussed and then decided by consensus among all NSG members in accordance with the protocols and procedure of the NSG," said the spokesperson. "We supported and also took part in such discussions. As we repeatedly said, our position targets no one. It applies to all non-NPT members. Why we and other like-minded members are committed to this position is because we want to uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime based on the NPT," the Chinese official said on Friday. --IANS py/rn/bg Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) smothered Gujarat Lions (GL) to a 144-run defeat in a lopsided Indian Premier League (IPL) contest at the M. Chinnaswami Stadium here on Saturday. Requiring 249 runs in 20 overs with an asking rate of 12.45 runs per over, Gujarat Lions could only manage 104 runs by the 19th over, losing all 10 wickets. Royal Challengers have thus added two more points to their tally and now have a total of 10 points. They are at the unchanged sixth position in the points table while Gujarat Lions hold on to the second position with 14 points. Out of 11 encounters, RCB have won five and lost six. Gujarat Lions added a loss to their record, which includes seven victories in 12 encounters. South African superstar Abraham de Villiers was adjudged the man of the match for his scintillating century for RCB. Royal Challengers demolished the top order of the visiting team by the eighth over, reducing Gujarat Lions to 47/5. Except for Aaron Finch (37), Ravindra Jadeja (21) and captain Brendon McCullam (11), all the other Gujarat batsmen fizzled out with single digit scores. Yet again, Royal Challengers bowling mainstay Yuzvendra Chahal produced an excellent effort with the ball. He went 3/19 in four overs with an economy of just 4.75 while Sachin Baby took two wickets in just four balls of his only over. Chris Jordan emerged as the most successful Royal Challengers bowler, claiming four wickets in three overs for just 11 runs. Earlier, Royal Challengers batsmen Abraham de Villiers (129) and Virat Kohli (109) pummelled the Gujarat Lions bowling attack to blast electrifying centuries, powering the team to 248/3 in 20 overs. De Villiers, who remained unbeaten, smashed 12 sixes and 10 fours while Royal Challengers captain Kohli blasted eight sixes and six fours. Kohli hit a 55-ball-109 while de Villiers smashed a 52-ball-129. Altogether, RCB cracked 17 fours and 20 sixes. Of the total 248 runs scored, 188 emerged from boundaries alone. Other than the two centurions, only Chris Gayle hit a four. De Villiers and Kohli built a partnership of 229 runs in 97 balls. At one time in the last stages of the innings, the duo plundered 47 runs off 14 balls. Some of the sixes hit by de Villiers are so unique that only he could have hit them. Some of the shots demanding extreme flexibility included a couple of deep sixes near the third man position, rarely seen before. Not just boundaries, quick running between the wickets also helped Royal Challengers greatly in grabbing many quick singles and exploiting sloppy fielding by the Gujarat Lions at times. Hell-bent on ending his run of poor form, Chris Gayle kept it slow, trying to steal quick singles. Despite exhibiting great discipline, Gayle succumbed to an inside edge off Dhawal Kulkarni in the fifth ball of the fourth over. Enter de Villiers, and the face of the innings changed with regular boundaries all over the ground with all possible shots. Despite starting his innings much later than Kohli, de Villiers reached his half-century in 25 balls in the 12th over by a four off Kulkarni. Until the fall of Kohli in the second last ball off the match, RCB did not lose a wicket after the dismissal of Gayle in the fourth over, manifesting the hard-hitting determination of the centurions in the match. Interestingly, Kohli reached the milestone of scoring 3,000 IPL runs in this match, to join two other Royal Challengers, de Villiers and Gayle. Except for Ravindra Jadeja who had figures of 0/34 in four overs, all the other Gujarat Lions bowlers conceded expensive economy rates ranging between 11 to 16.66. Though Praveen Kumar leaked 45 runs in four overs, he claimed two wickets while Kulkarni (1/33) was the only other bowler to claim a wicket. Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 248/3 in 20 overs (Abraham de Villiers 129 not out, Virat Kohli 109; Praveen Kumar 2/45, Dhawal Kulkarni 1/33) beat Gujarat Lions 104 all out in 20 overs (Aaron Finch 37, Ravindra Jadeja 21; Chris Jordan 4/11, Yuzvendra Chahal 3/19). --IANS sth/ajb/bg Palermo (Italy), May 13 (IANS/AKI) Italian police on Friday smashed a criminal gang suspected of stealing archaeological artefacts from Sicily and smuggling them to Germany for sale on the black market. Police arrested two alleged gang members and seized hundreds of looted treasures from the ancient Greek and Roman eras during the operation. Police arrested the gang's alleged ringleader, a 56-year-old man from the Sicilian town of Siracusa, and a second man from Siracusa, while a third suspect was ordered not to leave his home town of Paterno, police said. The "well-organised" gang used couriers to smuggle the archaeological treasures to Germany and sell it on the international underground market in ways that are being probed, according to investigators. Police said they were working with authorities outside Italy in efforts to repatriate the stolen artefacts to Italy. A total of 22 other people are being probed in connection with the alleged gang, investigators said. Police investigations began in 2014 when illegal digs were discovered at the ruins of the ancient Greek town of Himera, near Palermo. The looters allegedly operated in at least five other archaeological sites in Sicily - near Corleone and Petralia Sottana in the province of Palermo, Augusta in the province of Siracusa, at Cattolica Eraclea in the province of Agrigento and Mussomeli in the province of Catania. --IANS/AKI vd LGBT activists on Saturday gathered in Philippines' Quezon city for a memorial to raise awareness of the HIV virus spreading in the country. They gathered at the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, aiming to challenge discrimination against people living with the virus and the widespread misconception among Filipinos that HIV/AIDS only affects the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, Efe news reported. Philippines Health Secretary Janette Garin urged people across the country to participate in the memorial and commemorate those who died from HIV/AIDS by lighting a candle during the country's - and world's - first "AIDS Hour" at 6 p.m., reported The Philippine Star newspaper. The health department is co-organising the hour with the Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation. All lights except one will be switched off at the Quezon Memorial Circle's Liwasang Aurora during the hour so that it appears as a huge candle shining in the darkness, said foundation director Ico Rodulfo Johnson. "By lighting a candle, we hope that people will be reminded every time they see a lighted candle that there is a community of people living with HIV and help contribute to take away the stigma and discrimination," Garin said. The Philippines has recorded a total of 32,647 HIV cases between 1984 and March 2016, with 1,675 patients dying of AIDS. While the number of HIV cases has increased in recent years, Garin explained that this was due to more testing centres being established - but this meant more patients were provided with treatment, leading to a declining number of deaths due to AIDS. --IANS ksk/bg BJP leaders on Saturday attacked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the law and order situation in the state following the murder of a scribe and that of a teenager in Gaya and said that "maha jungle raj" has returned with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) coming to power. "Before the Bihar election we were saying jungle raj will return to Bihar if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power, but we were wrong. Ab to maha jungle raj aa gaya hai (Now, there is maha jungle raj)," BJP spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said. He said that the chief minister "has time to go to Banaras but didn't find the time to visit the victim's family in Gaya, where a teenager was murdered". On Friday, Rajdeo Ranjan, bureau chief of the Hindi daily Hindustan, which is part of the HT group, was shot dead in a busy market near the station road in Siwan. Rocky Yadav, the son of a Bihar lawmaker, allegedly shot dead Aditya Sachdeva, 19, last weekend in a case of road rage. BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav took to social media to attack Nitish. "Forget common man, even police and press do not feel safe in Bihar. This says it all about lawlessness under Nitish government," he tweeted. Union Minister Giriraj Singh tweeted, "Even tears of Gaya have not dried, the murder of a journalist in Siwan has made Bihar's blood curdle." --IANS bns/rn J.N. Institute of Medical Sciences, the only state-run medical college in Manipur, has set a rare example -- tending to poor and needy patients free of cost and even arranging to fetch them from far-flung areas. The free services rendered by the hospital, set up only a few years ago, are a boon to those who cannot afford the exorbitant hospital bills. Deven Laishram last week led a hospital team to pick up R.K. Tamphasana, a young housewife who was deserted by her husband when both her legs were paralysed following a botched operation. She has been bed-ridden for the last five years. To feed and educate her son and invalid parents she had borrowed some money for which the patch of homestead is about to be taken away by the money lender. Laishram said, "JNIMS is also the hospital of the poor and Tamphasana will get the best treatment and free medicine." Specialists are doing their best to restore her health though amputation seems to be the only way out as all that is left of her thighs are bones. On Thursday a tribal woman, both legs paralysed, was brought to JNIMS with the help of lawyers and other activists from Tamenglong district. The woman, Khalailung, was paralysed after the birth of her third baby. By that time she became a widow and with her village Khamphai having no motorable road the only treatment was herbal medicine. While a district legal awareness camp was on in the village, her neighbours brought her in a litter from where lawyers and doctors took her to JNIMS. Aribam Noutuneswori, a district judge, said: "We heard about the plight of this woman one year ago and had approached the JNIMS authority." Laishram said: "Our medical team started the journey in the bridle path at 3 a.m. to fetch her. All specialists are now attending to her to see whether her health can be restored. She will get free treatment and medicines." Ramshing, the father of the patient, said, "We are poor people. Since we could not send her to any hospital she remained bed ridden. The Almighty shall bless those who have helped my daughter." --IANS il/rn/bg Film: "Pencil"; Language: Tamil; Director: Mani Nagaraj; Cast: G. V Prakash Kumar, Sri Divya, Shariq Haasan, VTV Ganesh, Urvashi and T.P. Gajendran; Rating: ** Early on, we are told that debutant Mani Nagaraj's "Pencil" is based on true events. As the film opens, we witness a hand stabbing a neck with a pencil, and from what one can quickly assess, the murder has taken place in a classroom. About 15 minutes into the film and if you're a fan of world cinema, it isn't tough to find out that "Pencil" is heavily inspired by Korean thriller "4th Period Mystery", and the adaptation is so sloppy that you want to stick a pencil into your own neck. "Pencil" could have been an excellent edge-of-the-seat campus thriller, provided the makers didn't try and commercialise it for the masses. Had they stuck to the template (sans a romantic track) that was followed in the original, this could've been a path-breaking film. Sadly, it doesn't even come close and unlike the original, which establishes its lead characters very convincingly, "Pencil" doesn't even do half the good job. Sri Divya's character, for instance, is very crucial in the film. She single-handedly investigates the murder, thanks to the skills she develops by voraciously reading crime novels. The whole episode featuring this character is so beautifully established in the original, that you're invested in the film when two teenagers investigate a murder of their classmate. In "Pencil", however, everything looks silly and amateurish. There are a few sub-plots that don't make sense till the end. Till the last minute, you expect the story to justify the presence of certain characters that appear and disappear in the film for reasons, I think, even the director can't explain. Even the portion involving actress Urvashi, which you anticipate will be fun, falls flat. Among the performances, newbie Shariq Haasan stands out, playing the rich and conniving brat to the tee. The film was supposed to mark composer-turned-actor G.V. Prakash Kumar's acting debut as it was originally slated to release nearly two years ago. Therefore, it's understandable why he couldn't illicit any interest for the viewers in his performance. Sri Divya, too, was a newcomer when she was signed on for the project and falls in the same category. "Pencil" is the perfect example on how not to adapt a film. --IANS hp/rb/vm Taking suo motu cognizance of the murder of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand, the Press Council of India (PCI) on Saturday set up two inquiry panels for both the states. Council members Kosuri Amarnath, Prakash Dubey and Prajnananda Chaudhuri will probe the killing of Rajdeo Ranjan, the bureau chief of Hindi newspaper Hindustan, part of the HT Group, in Bihar's Siwan district, a PCI source said here. The fact finding committee for Jharkhand where television journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh was killed will comprise of Prabhat Kumar Dash, Sondeep Shankar and Rajeev Ranjan Nag. The PCI has meanwhile directed police and administration in both the states to submit their reports to the council. The fact finding committees have been asked to submit the report at the earliest, sources said. --IANS nd/vd Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne says his estranged wife Sharon Osbourne is still "the boss" as the former couple made their first public appearance together since their recent split. Sharon kicked Ozzy out of their Los Angeles home amid reports that he had been sleeping with hairdresser Michelle Pugh but she remains his business manager. They recently reunited at the Los Angeles Palladium for a press conference where Sharon supported Ozzy by announcing the merging of their annual music festival Ozzfest and American metal band Slipknot's music festival Knotfest. "Our wives have been very important to us," Ozzy told eonline.com. When asked if she is "still the boss," he replied, "Oh, yeah". --IANS ank/rb The name of the new game in Washington is 'whodunit!' An army of sleuths and scribes is at it since "The Donald" emerged as the would be Republican nominee for the race to the White House. Leading the charge for the influential Washington Post is Bob Woodward of the Watergate fame with 20 reporters working 24/7 to dig up dirt on "every phase" of the Manhattan mogul's life with a promise of a book. The first nugget they turned up was that back in 1991 Donald Trump posed as his own PR person to talk to a reporter of People magazine about a story on his then-collapsed marriage with wife Ivana and subsequent relationship with Marla Maples. The brash billionaire who has in the past admitted to posing as his own spokesman named John Miller or John Barron, denied it flatly this time saying it wasn't him and asserting it "sounds like one of these scams, one of the many scams. Doesn't sound like me." But the talking heads would have none of it. CNN brought in a forensic audio specialist who "based on several criteria -- including pitch, tone and cadence" declared "with a fair degree of scientific certainty that it is Donald Trump's voice." As the buzz on every show turned on "did he or did he not" and if he did, as they insisted, why he was lying about it, the reporter in question asserted that the publicist on the "Trump tape" was "absolutely" him. But she had lost her own copy of the tape. And as the only other person to have a copy of the tape was Trump, the real estate mogul must have leaked it himself, she suggested. But why in the world would he do it? Because "strange are the ways of Donald Trump!" Not so strange, considering Trump had done it again - turned the conversation away from why he was not releasing his tax returns - "none of your business". Or why he was softening his stand on banning the entry of all Muslims to the US "till we figure out what's going on" -- "It was only a suggestion. I am not the President as yet." Then there was the matter of what the Post called "Donald Trump's butler problem". Media was agog Thursday with reports that the Secret Service is investigating Anthony Senecal, 84, Trump's butler for 17 years turned unpaid, in-house historian at his Mar-a-Lago estate for advocating on Facebook that President Barack Obama should be "taken out". "To all my friends on FB, just a short note to you on our pus headed 'president' !!! This character who I refer to as zero (O) should have been taken out by our military and shot as an enemy agent in his first term,!!!!," he posted Wednesday. This time Trump's campaign quickly condemned Senecal's rants saying, "We totally and completely disavow the horrible statements made by him regarding the president." And as in all good old 'whodunits' the butler admitted, he did it. "These are my ideas," he said. "They have nothing to do with Mr. Trump." (Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in) --IANS ak /tb Two Indians said to be missing in Myanmar since May 2 are presumed dead, intelligence sources told IANS. The sources told IANS on Saturday that chances of survival of the two men who had gone for fishing to Myanmar are very slender. The family members are also not so hopeful. The two Indians, Mohammad Jalanuddin, 30, and Mohammad Kheiruddin, 24, of Muslim Basti at Moreh, the border town in Manipur had left on May 2 morning ostensibly to fish trout in Myanmar. However, they never returned home. Police sources said: "A missing report was lodged with the police station at Moreh. We made inquiry and the Myanmarese authority assured us that all available information would be shared." Till date no such information has come. Meanwhile, the residents of Moreh got local information that bodies of two persons were sighted at Wukshu village in Myanmar. A team led by the representatives of the Muslim Council Moreh went there. However no dead body was found. Suspecting foul play the Hill Tribes Council, the Meitei Council Moreh, the Muslim Council Moreh, Tamil Sangam Moreh, the Indo-Myanmar Workers Forum, Gorkha Samiti and others called a 24-hour shutdown at Moreh on May 9 during which the international border was sealed off. On May 9 night there was stone pelting along the international border during which at least 10 persons who sustained injuries were hospitalised. Some Muslim organisations came to Moreh to express sympathy with the families. Police officials said that in the absence of feedback from Myanmar there is nothing that could be done. This is the first instance of Indians who intruded into Myanmar for fishing going missing. --IANS il/rn/bg Women are now being courted by some politicians who sense that their appeal to Dalits, backward castes and Muslims is dwindling in the absence of providing more and more sops, or that their rivals are more successful in cultivating these vote banks. In the Hindi belt, for instance, the support base of the Yadavs, the most dominant of the backward castes, has become the monopoly of Laloo Prasad Yadav in Bihar and Mulayam Singh Yadav in U.P. Interestingly, these bases are not transferrable across the boundaries of the two states. Evidently, the Bihari Yadavs are not enamoured of the leader of their caste group in U.P. and vice versa. It is this watertight division which made Mulayam Singh break away from the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Bihar last year and ring the death knell of the proposed Janata "parivar" comprising remnants of the old Janata Dal. This brittle and unreliable aspect of the social scene appears to have persuaded Nitish Kumar to court a new support base - that of women, which presumably cuts across caste lines though not the class barriers. The Bihar chief minister's compulsions are understandable. As a leader of the small caste group of Kurmis, who make up a mere 3.8 percent of Bihar's population, he must have felt at a political disadvantage vis-a-vis his friend-turned-foe to uneasy friend again, Lalu Prasad, leader of the Yadavs who comprise 14 percent of the state's population. To offset this drawback, Nitish Kumar has tried to rally the women to his side by implementing prohibition. The annual price which he is willing to pay for this policy is Rs.4,000 crore, which used to be the earnings of the excise department. Apart from the revenue shortfall, which cannot but affect Bihar's development, there are other problems associated with prohibition, viz. criminalisation of the liquor trade via bootlegging, bribery of the police and excise officials and the conversion of law-abiding drinkers into dissemblers and liars about their habits. Unlike Bihar, which is yet to shed its BIMARU or sick label because of a sluggish economy, the far more advanced state of Goa has also become a victim of the political tactic of wooing women as a vote bank. Instead of banning liquor to save the fair sex from abusive husbands/boyfriends, a section of the women in Goa is seeking to outlaw casinos to prevent the men folk from squandering the hard-earned money of their families. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar is, therefore, considering legislation to ban Goans from entering the casinos, introducing a kind of apartheid in the state. Earlier, identity politics was focussed on entire castes or communities. Now, the spotlight is on a gender-based group. It is no secret that differentiations of this kind tend to pit the chosen category against the others. Therefore, it is possible that a policy based on "guarding" women against ill-behaved men is not a recipe for harmonious family relations. Although the law against domestic violence has the same objective, it is meant to act as a warning. The policy on prohibition pre-empts the issue by assuming that all those who drink alcohol are louts. Since this is patently not the case, the policy penalizes not only those men who are not guilty but also those women who drink. Aimed at checking a few anti-socials, the ban on liquor tars everyone with the same brush. It may also be promoting class antagonisms, for the denizens of the cocktail circuit may believe themselves to be at the receiving end for the misdemeanours of a few among the lower-middle and working class. Not that the upper strata do not have their black sheep - the murderous evening in Kathmandu's royal palace in 2001 is an example. But worldwide alcohol consumption has become a part of social life just as imbibing soma and sura was in ancient times. The breeding of ill-feelings between caste groups is a known aspect of identity politics. It was to obviate such bad blood that the Dalit czarina Mayawati changed her earlier slogan "Tilak, tarazu aur talwar, inko maro jootey char" (beat with shoes the Brahmins, banias and thakurs) to "Brahmin sankh bajayega, hathi aagey jayega" (the elephant will go forward to the sound of the Brahmin's conch shell). The elephant is the BSP's poll symbol. To what extent the prohibition-induced wall between men and women will jeopardize their relationship is difficult to say. But it cannot be of any help in fostering amity at a time when drinking at parties and in the home has become much more common than what it was, say, half a century ago. Prohibition will be strongly resented by a much larger section of the population than what the Bihar government imagines. It will be the same in Goa if the locals are kept out of casinos on the plea of ensuring moral health and curing the spendthrift gambling addicts. Since women are supposed to be behind these official initiatives, men will not be overly pleased. A not inconsiderable portion of the votes which the proponents of the bans will get from women will be negated by the contrary votes of the men. (Amulya Ganguli is a political analyst. The views expressed are personal. He can be reached at amulyaganguli@gmail.com) --IANS amulya/bim/vm/ky/tb Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. It is probable that President Barack Obama will not tender an apology for the atomic bombs the US dropped on Japan in August 1945 when he visits Hiroshima on May 27. Nor is his host, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe - no great apologist himself going by his lukewarm statements on Japanese wartime atrocities against China and North Korea - likely to insist on one. But a presidential apology or lack of it is scarcely the point of this historic visit. Mr Obama's decision to be the first sitting US president to visit the site of the first of two bombs, which killed upwards of 80,000 people, maimed thousands more, and created lethal lasting after-effects, is loaded with multiple messages and symbolism. For those people who think the battle for the Republican nomination is over, Donald Trump supporter Audrey Walleser says think again. The Montana team leader of the Trump grassroots campaign wont be treating Saturdays state GOP delegate convention in Billings as a victory lap, even though Trump is the only Republican candidate still campaigning. In the true Conrad Burns fashion, you run like hell until 8 oclock at night when the polls close and go OK, I think we may have won, Walleser said. Several hundred Republicans are gathered in downtown Billings to decide who will represent Montana at the partys national convention July 18-21 in Cleveland. About a third of the people wanting that trip to Cleveland will be Trump supporters, Walleser said. The rest, not so much. Montana has 27 delegates to the Republican National Convention, three of which are already assigned. The rest will be decided this weekend at meetings in Crowne Plaza and the Northern Hotel. The winner of Montana's Republican primary gets all 27 delegates through the first vote of the national convention, after which the delegates can vote for whomever they want if more than one vote is needed to select a presidential candidate. The weeks leading up to the Montana delegate convention have been a real battle. Members of the Trump National Campaign swooped in a few weeks ago to make sure that Trump supporters, many of whom have never been involved in party politics, actually applied for delegate consideration. Meanwhile, the more battle tested Montana members of the Ted Cruz campaign were scouting county central committees to find true Cruz supporters, ones willing to support the Texan on a second vote at the national convention should Trump fall short of the 1,237 delegates needed to win in a first voting round. All that strategizing proved seemingly pointless May 3, when Trump won the Indiana primary. Texas Sen. Cruz, who before Indiana was expected to be in Billings on Friday, suspended his campaign. Ohio Gov. John Kasich suspended his campaign the next day. Less than two weeks after Cruz defeat, his Montana supporters are pretty raw, said state campaign director Will Deschamps. A Missoula Republican and former state GOP chairman, Deschamps is encouraging those supporters to suck it up and back Trump. Hes had more than a few Cruz supporters call asking for advice. I told them, I dont know about you, but Im going to support the nominee, and I think thats going to be Trump. Deschamps said. They were horrified. I said, Do you really want Hillary Clinton to be the next president? Deschamps said he will encourage Cruz supporters to stay involved and focus on Republican candidates in down-ticket races. The Cruz campaign has offered to help down-ticket Republicans get elected, he said. Before those races get attention, theres convention delegates to be elected. Bill Porta, a Billings real estate broker, is one of the Trump supporters trying the become an elected delegate. Hes never been involved in party politics before. The past few weeks have been a crash course in delegate politics. Its been interesting, you do get a lot of conflicting information. You get three or five different people you talk to telling you three or four conflicting things, Porta said. In past delegate conventions, when supporters of one candidate wanted to get its delegates elected over another candidates, confusion was baked into the process. In 2008 supporters of candidate Ron Paul printed and distributed what looked like the "McCain Presidential Unity Slate National Delegate Voting Guide," complete with McCain's campaign logo. There were a few well-known McCain delegates listed, like former U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns, who chaired McCain's Montana campaign, but 14 of the 22 names on the purported McCain list were Paul delegates. McCain backers printed a "Johnn McCain Unity Slate," also with McCain's logo. The extra "n" on McCain's first name was a deliberate typo so his backers would know that it was the real list. McCain delegates won all 22 spots. Once elected, delegates aren't on easy street, said Laurel Republican Ken Miller, a former state legislator and party chairman. Miller and his wife, Peggy, are campaigning to be delegates. If they win, the couple will have to pay their own way to Cleveland. For the Congress, the May 10 Uttarakhand trust vote win was a morale booster, given that it had not made substantial gains since the 2014 general election debacle. For Harish Rawat, reinstated as chief minister, it was much more. But now he has his task cut out. The Bharatiya Janata party is leaving no stone unturned in their attempt to corner the Bihar government over the murder of senior journalist in Siwan, with Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today saying that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's regime had become a safe haven for criminals. Naqvi said that situation in Bihar had indeed worsened from being 'jungle raj' or even 'maha jungle raj', and coined a new epithet 'bloody raj' to describe situation in the state. "Jungle raj has now become 'khooni raj'. The criminals are roaming free and common people are in the grip of fear. Such an unfortunate incident has taken palce and the state government is indulging in blame game instead of taking concrete action. Nitish Kumar's regime has become a safe haven for criminals," said. "People had given mandate for good governance, safety, improvement in law and order situation, but what is happening is exactly the opposite," he added. Backing the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP)'s 'maha jungle raj' jibe to describe situation in Bihar, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi earlier suggested the Centre to impose President's Rule in the state. Meanwhile, two people have been detained in connection with the murder of the senior journalist. Siwan Superintendent of Police said that the two are being grilled to procure more details regarding the shocking murder. Ranjan, a journalist with Hindi daily Hindustan was shot dead by criminals near the Siwan railway Criticising the murder, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain had said, "It has never been this bad in Bihar, this is not 'Jungle Raj', this is 'Maha Jungle Raj'. Nitish Kumar should look after Bihar instead of worrying about Varanasi. Altogether 22 people, including children and women, fell ill in Assam's Kokrajhar district after consuming free medicines from a mobile medical unit (MMU) of NRHM, official sources said today. A free medical camp was held at Tetlipara village yesterday and free medicines were distributed by the MMU and 22 patients fell ill after consuming them, they said. They were admitted to nearby hospitals where the condition of two of them was stated to be serious. The rest were out of danger, the sources said. Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Madhab Prasad Sharma said an investigation was ordered into the incident and samples of the drugs distributed in the camp were being examined. Continuing the process of rebuilding and strengthening the neighbourly relationship, the second round table meet between Assam and Naga civil societies, jointly organised by Asom Sahitya Sabha and Naga Hoho, was held here. Addressing the meet last evening, ex-minister of Nagaland Tiameren Aier expressed concern over the decades old boundary discord between Assam and Nagaland and questioned the "seriousness of political leaders in solving it by casting aspersions on each other without any achievement till now". Calling upon the civil societies of both states to convince their respective governments and people to resolve the issue amicably, he said continuous dialogue through "enhanced cultural exchanges, trade and business and people-to-people contact would help bring an amicable solution to the vexed problem". "Unless we stand up together, the governments, both the Centre and states, will continue to have excuses and the problem will remain unresolved," he said. Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for PWD (Housing) Levi Rengma said, "We must remember and also accept the fact that Assamese and Nagas have to live together as neighbours whether we like or not. Hence, it will be in interest of both sides that we start loving and trusting each other." "If we, the Asom and Nagas, keep on looking at the past mistakes and have misunderstanding, we will never progress and our people will suffer and continue to live in poverty," he said. Naga Hoho president P Chuba Ozukum said, "If we have goodwill towards each other and unity of purpose, we can definitely overcome the challenges." Stressing the need to strengthen the historical ties between the Assamese and the Nagas, Asom Sahitya Sabha (ASS) President, Druya Jyoti Bora said, "We are dealing with Nagas as a whole and not as a particular a tribe of Nagas. Over 160 passengers and crew on-board a Lufthansa flight from Munich to the megapolis had a providential escape here last night after all four back tyres of the Airbus aircraft were damaged while landing. The 163 passengers on-board the Airbus A330 flight were be deplaned through stairs and none of them were hurt, the airline said The incident that took place at 2250 hrs yesterday forced the Mumbai airport to shift the operations to the secondary runway, leading to cancellation of many international flights besides delays. While the aviation regulator DGCA has initiated a probe into the incident, experts say the damage to the tyres could have been caused either by manual braking or landing at a speed higher than the prescribed limit. Besides the four tyres at the back of the aircraft, there are two in front. "It can't be a tyre issue. It is next to impossible that all four rear tyres of the aircraft get damaged at the same time. In this case, prima facie, it appears to be either a snag in the braking system or the pilot landing at an unusually high speed," a former DGCA official told PTI. He also ruled out any possibility of the incident occurring due to any problem in the runway surface. There has not been any instances of such an accident being reported in the country in recent memory though aviation industry officials said such accidents are not very rare. The delays in flight operations are because the Mumbai airport, despite being the second busiest airport in the country, has only one main runway, while all other major airports have two runways. The accident took place on Runway 27, which is the main runway. The main runway was cleared for operations late evening after the aircraft was towed away to the parking bay. In a statement, Lufthansa said, "On May 13, at 10:50 pm local time, four tyres of the flight LH764 from Munich to Mumbai were damaged. The incident happened on Runway 27." Asked how the tyres got damaged simultaneously, Lufthansa in a late evening statement said, "the regulator, DCGA, is in charge of investigating the incident and we have to wait for the outcome. We certainly won't join into speculation but cooperate very closely with the local authorities." The German airline also said it cancelled the return flight (LH765) to Munich scheduled for today from the city. The cancelled flight was to ferry 223 passengers, who would be booked on other flights. Meanwhile, the airline said it is sending an Airbus A340 to Mumbai to ferry the passengers who were booked on flight LH765 earlier. The Lufthansa accident caused jam on the runway leading to cancellations and delay of several flights. While four flights -- United Airlines, Singapore, Air India and Cathay Pacific -- were cancelled, a number of flights got delayed. In a statement, Singapore Airlines said its Airbus A380 flight (SQ423) bound for Singapore from Mumbai last night was delayed due to the temporary runway closure. The airline said the passengers have been provided with hotel accommodation and a revised departure time will be determined when the runway is reopened by the authorities. Around 64 per cent voter turnout was recorded in sixth phase of panchayat polls in Bihar today amid stray incidents of minor clashes and death of a polling officer due to ill-health. "The Commission has received reports of 63.77 per cent of voter turnout till 5 PM in the sixth phase of panchayat polls that passed off peacefully barring some stray incidents," State Election Commissioner (SEC) A K Chauhan told reporters here. "The polling percentage is likely to increase once the final reports from all the districts reach us," Chauhan said. He said the polling percentage was 62.37 in the sixth phase in the 2011 panchayat polls. The Commission has directed the officials concerned to keep away Parbatta Block Development Officer (BDO) in Khagaria district from poll process till the panchayat elections are over, Chauhan said. Polling in sixth phase was held in 58 blocks of 37 districts at 13,253 polling stations. Nandan Singh, a polling officer of booth no. 119 at Sugauli in East Champaran district, died of ill health. Chauhan said Singh complained of stomach ache and started vomiting, after which he was taken to the local primary health centre. He died during treatment there. So far, there are reports of minor incidents of clashes between rival candidates from Bhojpur, Chauhan said. A total of 484 people were arrested while 35 vehicles, Rs 70,361 in cash, and 11.25 litres of liquor were seized during the sixth phase of polling. Besides, the Commissioner said, one rifle, 2 country-made pistols, 18 cartridges and two mobile phones have also been seized. In the 6th phase, voters exercised their franchise to elect 125 members of Zila Parishad, 1,227 members of panchayat samities, Mukhiya and Sarpanch in 903 gram panchayats, 12,242 members of Gram Panchayat and 12,242 members of Gram Kutchery. The 10-phase three-tier panchayat polls are being held to elect a total of 1,161 members of Zila Parishad, 11,496 members of panchayat samities, Mukhiya and Sarpanch in 8,392 gram panchayats, 1,14,733 members in Gram Panchayat and Gram Kutchery each. A 70-year-old Buddhist monk was today brutally hacked to death inside a remote monastery in Bangladesh, with police saying the incident bore the hallmark of previous killings of secular activists, bloggers and minorities by Islamists in the Muslim-majority nation. Mawng Shoi Wuu, chief of the monastery located in the isolated and rugged Naikkhangchari area of Bandarban hill district, was found dead this morning by a Buddhist devotee as he went to serve him breakfast, police said. "The assailants slit his throat...It appears he was murdered sometime after the midnight when he was staying alone at the monastery," officer-in-charge of Naikkhangchhari police station Kazi Ahsan said. The killing bears the hallmark of previous murders of intellectuals, bloggers and minorities by Islamists in the country. No group has claimed responsibility for the murder of the monk so far and an investigation has been ordered to track down the assailants. The monastery was situated at an isolated area away from the villages in the neighbourhood and Mawng Shoi Wuu used to live there alone, locals said. The latest murder comes exactly a week after a 65-year- old Muslim Sufi preacher was hacked to death in a similar attack by unidentified machete-wielding assailants in northwestern Rajshahi city. There have been systematic assaults in in recent weeks especially targeting minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and foreigners. In the recent attacks, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death last month by machete-wielding ISIS militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. Two days later, Bangladesh's first gay magazine editor was brutally murdered along with a friend in his flat in Dhaka by Islamists. On April 30, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants in his shop in central . The ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Indian Peninsula have claimed responsibility for some of the attacks although the government denies their presence in . A 70-year-old woman passenger on wheel chair was not allowed to board her Air India flight to New York from Mumbai via Delhi allegedly due to "over booking." The incident took place yesterday. The woman was later flown on the airline's Delhi-London Heathrow flight to provide her a connecting flight for her destination, New York today, an Air India official said. Air India attributed the denial of boarding to the woman passengers on its flight AI 101 (Mumbai-Delhi-New York) due to the cancellation of its same flight on Thursday. The incident was brought out by her daughter, who tweeted, seeking airline's help in this regard. "Air India has offloaded my 70y mother from her US flight becoz of overbooking. She is wheelchair-bound and scared. Please help! @airindiain," she said in her tweet. "In fact, Air India flight which was to depart for New York via Delhi was cancelled due to some technical issue. As a result some of the passengers of that flight were accommodated in its Friday's flight, leading to denial of boarding to many passengers including this woman," airline sources said. All the stranded passengers were given accommodation, the official said, adding, "the woman passenger was later flown to Delhi from where she boarded Air India flight AI 115 for London. The London staff was also informed of her arrival and told to provide her all help in getting a connecting Air India flight to New York from there. ABVP today demanded a CBI inquiry into the affairs of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Social Justice at Hyderabad Central University, which is spearheading the agitation over the suicide of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula. The demand comes in the wake of allegations made by former SFI leader and general secretary of HCU Students' Union, Raju Kumar Sahu, that the agitation was massively funded by Congress, Left and opportunist forces of the country. Sahu, who had been an active participant in the protests following Vemula's death, had quit the SFI on May 11, in protest against the "opportunistic politics of SFI". Addressing a press conference here, a group of ABVP leaders of HCU, also condemned the "divisive agitation by JAC, wherein several outsiders with vested interests were brought to fuel the movement". "Now that the cat is out of bag and the fake agitation of JAC/ SFI/ ASA (Ambedkar Students' Association) is exposed, ABVP demands a thorough enquiry into the agitation of JAC and its supporters," ABVP leaders K Palsaniya, Kumar Nayak, N Susheel Kumar and others said. "The accounts of JAC as well as the bank accounts of its leaders and the faculty associated with them need to be examined to ensure the sources of funding for the (ongoing) agitation," they said. A CBI enquiry also needs to be constituted into the conduct of leaders of ASA just before the death of Rohith Vemula. ABVP is of the opinion that the suicide was due to instigation and provocation by persons near and dear to him, they alleged. According to the ABVP leaders, the ASA members held protests against the hanging of Mumbai-blasts convict Yakub Memon on August 3, 2015 at the HCU campus, and the next day they manhandled its member Susheel Kumar. "Only a CBI inquiry into the murky affairs of JAC would reveal the truth. We dare JAC to agree for the enquiry into the affairs of ASA/SFI/JAC from August 4, 2015 till date," they added. On the expose by Sahu, ABVP would like to declare that there is no need to induce any person. The truth is bound to come out on its own, the ABVP leaders asserted. ABVP further demanded that the "fake" agitation must be stopped by JAC and it should vacate the space occupied by them at shopping complex (on HCU premises) and allow students to focus on their studies. Members of JAC for Social Justice at HCU had yesterday refuted Sahu's allegations that the JAC was funded by Congress and Left parties, and said that they were supported financially by students and faculty members. They also demanded his resignation from the post of general secretary of the Students Union (SU) of the HCU, and threatened to get him impeached if he failed to do so. Vemula, who was associated with the Students Federation of India (SFI), before joining ASA, was found hanging in a hostel room on HCU campus on January 17. JAC has been demanding removal of HCU Vice Chancellor Podile Appa Rao, who is amongst those booked for abetment of the Dalit scholar's suicide. The media fraternity in Arunachal Pradesh today condemned the killing of two journalists, one in Bihar and the other in Jharkhand. The scribes in the state under the aegis of Arunachal Press Club, Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist and Arunachal Electronic Media Association condemned the killings and urged the authorities to award stringent punishment to the persons involved in the crime, a statement by the organisations said. A senior reporter of a Hindi daily 'Hindustan', Rajdev Ranjan, was killed in Bihar's Siwan district on Friday evening while another newsman Akhilesh Pratap Singh was shot dead in Chatra district of Jharkhand on Thursday night. Theres a map on the website for the Crisis Text Line, a nationwide, 24/7 service that offers immediate support for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts. We need to figure out ways to meet kids where they are, said Gov. Steve Bullock while promoting the service during a visit to Orchard Elementary. The service has exchanged more than 17 million messages in the U.S. since 2013. Those messages, written by trained staff, offer support and resources to kids and adults in mental health crisis. "So many times, text is the most comfortable mode or model of communication" for children, Bullock said. Orchard wasnt randomly picked for the event. It's home to one of only three school-based health centers in the state, a model driven by the same principle as the text line meeting kids where they are. The clinic is staffed, in part, by a clinical social worker and is regularly visited by a child psychiatrist. It has made a huge difference already, said School District 2 Superintendent Terry Bouck. About half of the students at Orchard are registered to use the clinic, and about half of those have visited for some reason whether its a mental health issue or a runny nose. Students family members can also use the clinic. Dr. Eric Arzubi, the child psychiatrist, spends four hours at the clinic every two weeks. Im full every time, he said. The clinic is a collaboration between SD2, Billings Clinic and Riverstone Health. Groups like the Rimrock Foundation, which provides mental health counselors in Billings middle and high schools, also provide support in the district. Truly, this is a model for the rest of the state, Bullock said. While some states have dozens of school-based clinics, the idea has been slow to catch on in Montana. At Orchard, the end goal is to keep students in school more, improving attendance and dependent outcomes, like graduation. For issues like a cold or strep throat, early identification helps students get back to class sooner, or keep them in class if the problem is benign. We can get ahead of those, intervene and prevent those from becoming more serious problems, said Nancy Taylor, a vice president of clinical services for RiverStone. Weve seen the highest demand for mental health service. By offering early, consistent mental health support, officials hope to help students before they end up in the emergency room. A 2015 survey showed that almost 30 percent of Montana students struggle with depression, and almost 20 percent had made a plan to take their own lives. Its scary information, and people dont want to listen to it, Arzubi said. Ive heard it over and over again, Oh, its not the schools business, its not the schools responsibility. Well guess what? It is. SD2 has said that it hopes to expand the school-based clinic model, but the district hasnt offered specific plans. Taylor said that the Orchard roll-out was intentionally cautious to determine whether the model is financially sustainable. Whats the barrier? I think its going to be a dollar sign, Bullock said. Its a little more complicated, but it often boils down to money. At Orchard, TIF funds and money from the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools helped pay to renovate and furnish the clinic. Orchard was able to swing the space; many schools dont have an extra room or money for renovations. Education and community outreach could be better, officials said. Use by family members is pretty low right now, Taylor said. I think its mostly because they dont know. An assistant sub inspector was killed while a head constable sustained injuries as they tried to stop three highway robbers at police checkpoint at Subhanpur on Jalandhar-Amrtisar national highway here this afternoon. ASI Surinder Singh died on the spot while traffic head constable Harpal Singh was injured, police said, adding, they were trying to stop the robbers from fleeing in a car, police said. The robbers abandoned the car following a snag in the vehicle and snatched a bike from a man. They were later arrested with the help of the villagers. The robbers had earlier looted Rs 17,000 and a gold ring from two women who were on a scooter. Jalandhar Range IG Lok Nath Angara and SSP Rajinder Singh reached the spot to inquire about the incident, police added. The BJP today demanded a CBI inquiry into the killing of a journalist in Siwan and hinted about the alleged involvement of a jailed RJD strongman in the murder. "The needle of suspicion points to a jailed 'bahubali' (muscleman) in the murder of journalist Rajdeo Ranjan. Since such a high profile person is suspected, its a known fact that Bihar police would not be able to do justice to the case. Hence the matter should be handed over to the CBI," senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi told PTI. Modi along with leader of opposition in Legislative Assembly Prem Kumar and state BJP chief Mangal Pandey visited the family of Ranjan, the district bureau chief of Hindi daily "Hindustan", who was shot dead at Station Road under Town police station last night. Modi, leader of opposition in the Legislative Council, said the family of the victim also sought CBI investigation into the murder case. The senior BJP leader claimed that recently the Superintendent of Police of Siwan furnished a list of 23 people to the state police headquarters who were "black listed" by jailed RJD strongman and former MP, Mohammad Shahbuddin, and Rajdeo Ranjan's name figured in the list. "The pattern of murder of the journalist was similar to the recent killings of BJP workers of Siwan, Srikant Bharti and Rajesh Roshan, at the behest of Mohammad Shahbuddin," he said. BJP would organise a sit-in at Siwan tomorrow to protest against the journalist's murder, said Modi, who was Deputy Chief Minister during NDA rule in the state. Elsewhere in the state, BJP workers would burn effigy of the state government to protest deterioration in law and order situation in Bihar, he added. Meanwhile, BJP's ally Hindutani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) also used the journalist's murder to attack Nitish Kumar government. The murder of the journalist proved that "its not a 'jungle raj' but 'maha jungle raj' (great jungle raj) prevailing in Bihar," Former Chief Minister and HAM president Jitan Ram Manjhi said in Patna. "Power has gone into their (criminals') head under the present dispensation," alleged Arun Kumar, state chief of RLSP, the party of Union minister of state Upendra Kushwaha. Leaders of the ruling grand secular alliance, however, defended the state government. Tej Pratap Yadav, Health minister and son of RJD president Lalu Prasad, alleged that BJP was hitting at the state government "out of contempt." He said the state government was initiating prompt action after any incident of crime. Senior JD(U) leader and Deputy leader in the Legislative Assembly Shyam Rajak condemned killing of scribe in Siwan but attacked BJP for "trying to derive political mileage out of it. Brazil's new justice minister pledged his "full support" for an explosive corruption investigation that has a host of top politicians in its sights, including several of his colleagues. Opponents of the new government installed by acting president Michel Temer have accused it of seeking to smother the anti-graft probe known as "Operation Car Wash," which has uncovered a multi-billion-dollar embezzlement and bribery scheme centered on state oil company Petrobras. But Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes said he would protect the probe's independence and even increase its funding if necessary. "There isn't the slightest possibility of interference," said Moraes, who was previously security secretary for the state of Sao Paulo. "Fighting corruption is the most important thing in the country, now and always," he told TV network Globo in an interview broadcast on Friday. Temer, the former vice president, took power on Thursday from his suspended boss-turned-nemesis, Dilma Rousseff, pending her impeachment trial on unrelated charges of cooking the government's books. He promptly sacked the leftist leader's ministers and installed his own business-friendly cabinet -- including three ministers under investigation in the Petrobras probe and several others whom witnesses accuse of involvement. Temer is not under investigation himself, but some key allies are, including top leaders in his party, the center-right PMDB. Moraes promised that would make no difference. "The law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of name or party affiliation," he said. Moraes is one of several controversial figures in Temer's cabinet, which supporters of Rousseff, Brazil's first female president, attacked as a throwback to another era because its members are all conservative white males. Dubbed "Temer's pit bull," Moraes oversaw a police force accused of frequent human rights abuses in Sao Paulo, including the use of death squads to confront suspected criminal groups. A British youthwas killed when his motorcycle fell into a deep gorge in the district, a senior police official said today. 21-year-old Victor James Fox had come to visitGangotri, the famous Himalayan shrine in Garhwal Himalayas. He fell into a 200-metre deep gorge near Nalupani on Rishikesh-Gangotri highway while he was on his way to Gangotri on a bike along with three of his friends on Thursday evening, Uttarkashi SP Dadan Pal Singh said. His friends reported the matter to Chinyalisaur police station but by the time a rescue team reached the spot, it was too late. Fox's body was retrieved after an operation that lasted for hours, the SP said. The British High Commission was informed about the incident and Fox's body flown to Delhi, he said. One person was killed and 24 others injured when a bus veered off a highway and fell into a ditch early today in central China's Hubei province. The bus, with 51 people on board, veered off the highway and fell into a 20-meter roadside ditch near the Zhijiang city in Hubei, local traffic authorities said. The injured were admitted to local hospitals. The bus traveled from Wenzhou city in the east, to Mianyang City in the southwest, about 2,000 kms away, state-run Xinhua agency reported. Campaigning ended today in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry for May 16 assembly polls, ringing the curtain down on the gruelling two-month-long exercise. The ruling Congress-led UDF is up against the LDF headed by CPI(M) in Kerala. For BJP, it is turning out to be a battle of prestige after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's whirlwind campaign and war of words with Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, and the party is keen to open its account in the Assembly. A total of 2.61 crore people in Kerala are eligible to cast their votes on May 16 to elect 140 law makers in the Assembly out of 1,203 candidates, including 109 women. The LDF too will be facing another crucial contest to stage a comeback in Kerala as in West Bengal, where the six-phase Assembly election ended on May 5. The Left has a tie-up with Congress in West Bengal and the two sides took pains to assert that it will not affect their prospects in the two states. The last leg of poll campaign saw many national leaders canvassing for their parties. Though campaign started on state-centric issues like solar and bar bribery scams in Kerala, it took a new turn after Modi kicked up a row with his comparison of Kerala with Somalia. Congress leader Chandy, heading the UDF campaign, was quick to latch onto the remark to hit back at BJP and Modi, saying "the Prime Minister has insulted the people of Kerala". There was also war of words between BJP and Chandy over the expenses borne for bringing back people from strife torn Libya to Kerala. Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi, party leaders A K Antony and Ghulam Nabi Azad, CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI National Secretary Sudhakar Reddy, CPI(M) leader and Tripura Chief Minister Nirpuan Chakravorty, Former Prime Minister Deva Gowda, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were among the prominent politicians who took part in the campaign. The BJP this time is fighting along with its key ally Bharath Dharam Jana Sena (BDJS), a new party formed by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, a powerful outfit of backward Ezhava community. Tamil Nadu is witnessing a multi-cornered contest with AIADMK, DMK-Congress, PWF-DMDK-TMC combine, BJP-led alliance and PMK in the fray. More than 5.79 crore voters in 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu will decide the fate of 3,776 aspirants, including four Chief Ministerial candidates -- incumbent J Jayalalithaa of AIADMK, DMK's M Karunanidhi, DMDK's Vijayakant and Anbumani Ramadoss of PMK. Jayalalithaa is seeking a second successive termin office in the state, where elections have dethroned the ruling party in recent decades. While the opposition including DMK and BJP harped on prohibition and corruption, Jayalalithaa sought votes on her government's five year-performance. Flow of illegal money was a major challenge for electoral authorities which seized an unprecedented Rs 100 crore of unaccounted cash. Of this, Rs 37 crore had, however, been returned to the owners on submission of documents. In Puducherry, 9.43 lakh voters will decide the fate of over over 300 candidates in 30 seats. The election process announced for West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry assemblies on March 8 will conclude on May 19, when the results will be declared. Assembly election concluded in two phases in Assam on April 11. Winding up his public campaign seeking votes for UDF candidates, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said that the BJP would not win a single seat in the state in the May 16 Assembly polls. Chandy also said that the people of Kerala would give a fitting reply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 16 for drawing a parallel between Somalia and Kerala on the issue of infant morality rate in the tribal areas of the state. "BJP will not open account in the state. The mind of Kerala will never gel with the divisive politics of the BJP," he told reporters at Kottayam press club. The Chief Minister said the electoral battle is between Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF in the state. "People will cast their votes against the criminalism in politics being practised by CPI(M)," he said, while condemning the alleged attack by CPI(M) cadres on RMP candidate K K Rama in Vadakara Assembly constituency in Kozhikode district early today. Condemning the Somalia statement by Modi, when he had compared the infant mortality rate among tribals in the state with that of the African country during his poll campaign rally early this week, the CM said "his remarks are an insult to Keralites across the globe. The people will give a fitting reply to this type of remarks by the Prime Minister". The senior Congress leader's statement comes at a time when almost all assembly constituencies in Kerala are witnessing a tough three-pronged fight between the Congress led UDF, CPM-led LDF and the BJP-led NDA. "UDF is confident about its victory in the elections. The front will win more seats than the seats it had secured in the previous elections," Chandy said. Asked about the delay in arresting the culprits involved in the brutal rape and murder of a 30-year-old Dalit woman in Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district, he said investigation is going on in the right track. "The culprits will be brought to justice at the earliest," he said. With Congress targeting the government over the NIA's clean chit to sadhvi Pragya Thakur, BJP today hit back saying that it gave Pakistan a handle to attack India by "framing" her and others in terror cases by using "Pakistan-sponsored" terms like Hindu terror. Attacking the UPA government, BJP claimed that it "fixed" people in Malegaon and Samjhauta Express blasts cases and that allowed Pakistan to deflect the blame when the international community had put it in a dock over the issue of terrorism. "Congress should not do politics over the NIA's decision but atone for its conspiracy. Political comments are not evidence. The then Home Minister used Pak-sponsored terms like Hindu terror and saffron terror. There was no evidence against Pragya Thakur. Digvijay Singh had even blamed the RSS for the Mumbai attack," BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said. He claimed that the investigation agencies now work freely unlike the past when they looked at cases through "Italian glasses". "Congress and its B team like AAP are doing vote bank politics over the issue," he said, accusing them of having double-standards as eight Muslims were also discharged by the court in the Malegaon blasts recently. Congress had yesterday dubbed NIA as "NAMO Investigation Agency", alleging there was "politically partisan misuse" in the Malegaon blast case. Police have arrested a couple and two of their accomplices who were allegedly operating a fake call centre and duping people through mobile-based money transfer, financing and micro-financing service. The accused used to call up people and on the pretext of announcing bonus points on their credit and debit cards used to extract details of their cards and then would allegedly siphon off money from their bank accounts. Once they received the money, they used to transfer it to their own accounts using M-Pesa, the mobile-based money transfer, financing and micro-financing service provided by Vodafone, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav said. Those arrested have been identified as Tej Bahadur, kingpin of the racket, Uma Bharti Kushwah, her husband Amar Prajapati, and Brajesh Narayan Shukla. They used to cheat their targets in instalments of Rs 5,000 which is reportedly the per day limit of the M-Pesa service, police said. They had appointed over a dozen female tele-callers on payroll whose job was to allure the customers and obtaining secret details of their credit cards. The gang was busted after the police raided their fake call-centre at Noida on Monday, police added. A 61-year-old doctor was shot dead at his clinic in south-west Delhi's Palam area by an unidentified assailant, police said today. The victim has been identified as Balwant Singh, a general physician, who has a clinic at Palam village. Singh was getting some renovation done in his single-room clinic and as he was about to leave for home after the workers left at around 10 PM yesterday, a person approached him, fired a round and fled, a senior police official said. Police teams rushed to the spot and a case of murder was registered. Efforts are on to nab the accused, DCP (Southwest) Surender Kumar said. Prima facie it is a case of personal enmity. Singh was under huge debt after he took loans for the marriage of his two daughters. His son, who too got married recently, also didn't contribute much financially and Singh was the sole bread-earner for the entire family, police said. Singh also had dispute with his brothers over division of parental property. All his brothers live in Palam area, an official privy to the investigation said. Mail carriers will pick up donations of nonperishable food items on doorsteps Saturday during the annual Stamp Out Hunger drive. The National Association of Letter Carriers, the U.S. Postal Service and other partners join to help more than 48 million Americans, including one in five children, who face hunger every day. Letter carriers in more than 10,000 cities and towns across America, including Billings, will conduct the nations largest one-day food drive. Last years food drive resulted in more than 71 million pounds of food collected by mail carriers nationally, feeding an estimated 30 million people. To donate, leave a nonperishable food donation in a bag by your mailbox on Saturday, and the Postal Service carrier will do the rest. The food drives timing is crucial. Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering the summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available to children in need. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. Learn more at nalc.org/community-service/food-drive. Aam Aadmi Party today claimed an RTI its leaders had filed to seek degree details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been returned by Delhi University citing technical reasons. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the letter from the varsity reasoned that Rs 10 pay order was not made in favour of the "Registrar of University of Delhi'". "The Delhi University sent our RTI application back because pay order of Rs 10 was not addressed to the Registrar of University of Delhi or the Accounts Officer. For this the Delhi University spent Rs 17 on the Speed Post," Singh said. "This reaffirms our doubts that Prime Minister's degree is forged and fake. In our last meeting with the Delhi University Vice-Chancellor, he had clearly said he was under pressure, which he later retracted," the AAP leader claimed. He said the AAP leaders had filed two RTI applications on May 9, seeking details of Modi's degree. In one application, the AAP had asked two questions while in the other 14. The party will now file a fresh RTI application, Singh added. The DU has already authenticated Prime Minister's degree. AAP has been accusing the varsity of not sharing Modi's degree details. An Egyptian court has sentenced 101 people to five years of imprisonment for participating in protests last month against the government's decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. Seventy-nine of them were also slapped a fine of 100,000 Egyptian Pounds (approx USD 10,000) by the court yesterday. The defendants, who took part in protests in Dokki and Agoza districts of Giza on April 25, were charged with protesting without permission, inciting violence and joining a terrorist group among other charges. Seven of them were minors, whose cases were referred to a juvenile court. Meanwhile, another Egyptian court yesterdaysentenced 51 people to two years hard labour for protesting in the downtown area of Cairo on April 25 against the Egyptian-Saudi Red Sea maritime border demarcation deal. Thirty-one people were present in court, while 20 were sentenced in absentia. The defendants were charged with illegally protesting, attempting to overthrow the government, inciting against state institutions and disturbing public peace. Thirteen minors were also referred by prosecution to juvenile court. Several activists rallied on April 25 to protest against the Egyptian government's recent decision to transfer the two Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia. The two islands were under Egypt's control for over 60 years. The protesters planned marches in different parts of Egypt and accused the government of selling the islands in return for investments from Saudi. Police used tear gas to disperse the anti-government rallies and arrested a number of demonstrators, as street protests without prior permission from police are banned according to a controversial protest law issued in 2013. As the Indian contingent at the 69th Cannes Film Festival welcomes Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor, other B-town stars are doing their bit in and around the Palais des Festivals. Aishwarya walked the Cannes red carpet in an embellished couture gown by Kuwait's designer Ali Younes while Sonam will attend the festival tomorrow. Both are brand ambassadors of French cosmetics giant L'Oreal. Shahana Goswami, part of the cast of Tu Hai Mera Sunday, which is set for a Marche du Film (Cannes Film Market) screening later in the week, is already here. Shahana turned up for the opening film of Directors' Fortnight, Marco Bellocchio's well-received "Sweet Dreams", on May 12. The actress also put in an appearance at the Palais on Friday morning in support of the market screening of "Force of Destiny", directed by Australia's best-known arthouse filmmaker Paul Cox. Shahana plays a key role in the film, which is a fictionalized exploration of the director's brush with cancer and an agonizing wait for a life-saving liver transplant. Also in the cast of "Force of Destiny" is Seema Biswas, who has a film in Cannes Critics' Week this year. She is due to arrive ahead of the May 18 official premiere of the film, "A Yellow Bird", directed by Indian-origin Singaporean K Rajagopal. Both Aishwarya and Sonam will do more than just walk the red carpet. They are promoting a film each in the Cannes Film Market. While Omung Kumar's upcoming Sarbjit, starring Aishwarya, Randeep Hooda and Richa Chadda, will be screened for the press here on two consecutive days, Sonam will be representing Ram Madhvani's Neerja, which also screens in the market. Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vicky Kaushal are due to reach Cannes with the team of Anurag Kashyap's "Raman Raghav 2.0", which premieres in Directors' Fortnight on May 16. On the opening day of the festival, Mallika Sherawat was on the red carpet for the screening of Woody Allen's "Cafe Society". The following day, the actress joined the producers of Hong Kong director Daniel Lee's "Time Raiders" to promote the film in Cannes. Mallika plays a sorceress in the action film. Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today announced magisterial inquiry into the alleged lathicharge on protesting fishermen by the police two days ago, a fishermen's organisation stated here. A delegation of fishermen, under the banner of Goencho Ramponkarancho Ekvott (Unity of Goan Fishermen), met Parsekar today and put forth various demands including a magisterial inquiry into Thursday's alleged lathicharge. The fishermen claimed that the superintendent of police (North) Karthik Kashyap ordered the lathicharge without any provocation. "The Chief Minister has assured us that he would order magisterial inquiry into the entire incident and Kashyap's role in it," said Agnelo Fernandes, GRE president, afterwards. While Parsekar had already received a preliminary report about the incident from the police, the magisterial inquiry would be completed within a month, Fernandes told PTI. "It was not lathicharge. Since protestors were blocking the road for long time, police tried to disperse them," Parsekar had said yesterday reacting to media reports that Superintendent of Police (North) Karthik Kashyap ordered lathicharge without mandatory approval of Sub Divisional Magistrate. Hundreds of fishermen blocked the river Mandovi here and Sal channel near Betul on Wednesday and Thursday, demanding ban on use of LED lights by fishing trawlers and 'bull-trawling'. Chief Minister told the delegation that marine police and State Fisheries Department will crack down on the LED lights and high-speed trawlers with China-made engines, according to Fernandes. "If there is any violation of rules in the deep sea, Coast Guard has been instructed to take action," Fernandes said, adding that the fishermen would not withdraw their ongoing strike till government acted on these promises. (REOPENS CAL1) Haldar said six fishermen were rescued by Bangladesh coastal police and handed over to the Association last night near Kendo near the maritime boundary with Bangladesh. Two of the four missing trawlers have been identified as 'FB(fishing boat) Mahagouri' and 'FB Pallabi'. Three of the fishermen whose bodies were found today had gone out to the sea in 'FB Mahagouri'. Another body was identified as that of the 'sareng' (the main fisherman) Haripada Das of 'FB Pallabi'. All the four hailed from Kakdwip. The rescued fisherman has been identified as Nirmal Jana. Sundarbans development minister Manturam Pakhira said he has informed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and is rushing to hospital. (REOPENS CAL2) The chief minister said Rs 2 lakh will be given as ex gratia to the kin of each of the five dead fishermen. The government will pay for the treatment of the rescued fishermen. 'Turnaround - Leading Assam from the Front', an autobiography of Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was released by MP Dr Karan Singh at a function in Delhi this evening, a government release said. Published by Harper Collins India, the autobiography traces the story of how Gogoi's "innovative and grounded style of governance helped bring about the change from dark days towards dawn vis-a-vis towards the path of development," the release said. "As a record of Assam politics (2001-2016) at its transformative best, the book documents a trailblazing career and a state abuzz with the excitement of a makeover," it said. Releasing the book, Singh said it has been an astounding achievement for Tarun Gogoi to be at the helm of affairs for three consecutive terms and for steering the state through difficult times. "For being the Chief Minister during the most difficult times with insurgency and various forces at work and for bring about a turnaround in the situation, his place in the history is assured," he said. Terming Gogoi as a great son of the Brahmaputra, Singh said the manner in which the Chief Minister handled a state like Assam confronted with so much difficulties and complexities similar to that of Jammu and Kashmir, was quite extraordinary. The Chief Minister during an interview said when he took over the reins of power in May 2001, Assam was passing through difficult times. "Insurgency was at its peak with militants calling the shots. Development came to a standstill. With empty coffers, government employees were not paid salaries. "But things have changed since then. The number of killings by militants has come down as several outfits were brought to the negotiating table. Economic growth accompanied the new stability. And the rest is history." Gogoi further said the biggest achievement of his government has been changing the mindset of the youth. "Today the youth of Assam are shining outside the state. They are feeling confident like never before. Assam's future is bright and the state is well poised to become one of the leading states of the country." "When history of Assam is penned, my three terms will show up both positives as well as negatives. But, I will leave history to judge these years. I, as a son of the soil, am only content and grateful that I could take centre stage in the turnaround story," he said. Gogoi said his main thrust would be on education if he formed the government for the fourth straight time, the release added. The state of Hawaii is suing Japanese manufacturer over defective air bags, saying they threaten peoples' lives. The lawsuit filed yesterday in the First Circuit Court of Hawaii also names auto manufacturer Honda. Millions of Takata's defective air bags have been recalled because their inflators can explode, spewing shrapnel in cars. Hawaii is the first state in the nation to sue over the air bags, which are blamed for at least 11 deaths worldwide and more than 100 injuries. Independent reports have concluded that a chemical used in air bags - ammonium nitrate - can degrade when exposed to heat and humidity, which can trigger explosions. "We're particularly vulnerable here in Hawaii to the defect that has manufactured... We're not going to wait until something like this happens," said Stephen Levins, executive director of the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection. Takata switched to ammonium nitrate, a cheaper component for the inflator of the company's air bags, despite the fact that it was widely known to be an unstable and dangerous chemical, Levins said. Honda was in a position where the company should have known what was going on, Levins said. "Clearly Takata has engaged in a deceptive manner in marketing this, and actually has put profits, their own profits, over the personal welfare and safety of people around the United States, and around the world, and people here in Hawaii." Levins said. "It's a situation that's intolerable, and we're not going to put up with it." Calls to Takata's office in Los Angeles and a company spokesman late yesterday were not immediately returned. Honda hasn't yet received the lawsuit so it can't comment, said Chris Martin, a spokesman for American Honda Co., in an email. Martin said Honda is cooperating with the government on the Takata air bag inflator issue. More than 70,000 cars containing Takata air bags have been sold in Hawaii, according to the complaint. The state is seeking penalties of $10,000 per violation. Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was adding up to 40 million air bags to the ongoing recall of 28.8 million air bags made by Takata. "The dealerships have the obligation to fix this ... Unfortunately, they don't have sufficient quantities of parts on hand right now," Levins said. India has signed an agreement with World Health Organisation for cooperation in promoting traditional medicine, a move which will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for training in yoga, ayurveda, unani and panchakarma. "AYUSH Ministry and WHO have signed a historic Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) for cooperation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine," an official statement said. The PCA was signed by AYUSH Ministry secretary Ajit M Sharan and Marie Kieny, Assistant Director General, Health Systems and Innovations, WHO in Geneva yesterday. The agreement titled 'Co-operation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine between WHO and AYUSH, India, 2016-2020', aims to support WHO in the development and implementation of the 'WHO Traditional and Complementary Medicine Strategy: 2014-2023. It will also contribute to the global promotion of traditional Indian systems of medicine. "The PCA for the period 2016-2020 will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for training in Yoga and WHO benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda, Unani and Panchakarma. "These will contribute significantly in strengthening of national capacities in ensuring quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional medicine including in establishing regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine products and practice and promote their integration in national healthcare systems," the statement said. Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik and Director-General, WWHO Margaret Chan witnessed the agreement signing ceremony at the WHO headquarters. Speaking at a reception hosted by India, Naik recalled the long history and rich heritage of traditional medicine in India and its growing relevance in providing holistic and comprehensive health care. Naik also reiterated the high priority attached by the Indian government for promotion of traditional medicine both in India and abroad and highlighted the numerous initiatives undertaken to integrate AYUSH in the country's national health programmes to achieve universal health coverage. "India, in fact, sets a unique example for adopting a pluralistic healthcare delivery system that allows every recognised medical system to develop and be practiced with a view to provide integrated and holistic healthcare services," he said. The statement further said the agreement with WHO is further recognition of India's rich experience in the development and governance of traditional medicine. It will pave the way for India's long-term collaboration with WHO in fostering global promotion and integration of AYUSH medicine systems including inclusion of ayurveda and unani in the international classification of diseases and the international classification of health interventions. An officer of the Indian Coast Guard, who was today found in an unconscious state at the single officers' accommodation at Southern Naval Command here, died at a naval hospital and a probe has been ordered. A Navy spokesperson said it has ordered an inquiry into the death of 26-year-old Assistant Commandant S Srivatsan, who was undergoing training at Southern Naval command. The officer was found in an unconscious state in the single officers accommodation in the early hours. He was immediately shifted to the naval hospital, INHS Sanjivani for medical attention. "In spite of extensive resuscitation measures, the officer could not be revived and was declared 'brought dead'," the spokesperson said. The officer's parents who live in Chennai have been informed by Naval authorities. "The case is being investigated by the harbour terminus police station.Navy has ordered a inquiry into the incident," he added. An Indian-origin pioneering Tamil scholar and author, who was instrumental in persuading the South African government to introduce Tamil as a language at secondary schools, has died here aged 103. Cundasamy Kuppusami, who died yesterday, began his career as a teacher and went on to become the first inspector of schools in the Department of Indian Education when the system was still segregated by race in the apartheid era. The South African-Indian community is mourning the death of Kuppusami. He was also a prolific author on education in the Indian community and Tamil culture among the Indians in South Africa. Among his most popular books which are still sought after are 'A Short History of Indian Education', 'Religions, Customs and Practices of South African-Indians' and 'The Three Pillars of Tamil'. Kuppusami was a founder member and the longest serving member of the South African-Tamil Federation (SATF). "Volumes could be written about this doyen and his contribution to our language, culture and the arts. The centenarian was one of the greatest Tamil scholars that we had in our midst," said SATF representative Bobby Pillay. "He was responsible for the drafting and the layout of the first Tamil alphabet card that the SATF printed and distributed freely to all Tamil organisations in the country to utilise at their schools. The late Mr Kuppusami was also responsible for spearheading the numerous Tamil teacher programmes that the SATF held in the past. "Whilst still with the then Department of Indian Education, he was instrumental in persuading the Department to commence Tamil as a language at secondary schools. Mainly through his efforts, the first Tamil class commenced at the Brindhaven Secondary School, at Montford in Chatsworth with the combined efforts of the Tamil Advancement Society," Pillay said. Kuppusami's funeral will take place tomorrow at his hometown Durban. IndiGo airlines has terminated two of its ground staff besides suspending three more employees at the Srinagar airport for a week for security breach last month. The security breach at Srinagar Airport took place on April 1 when a senior AAI official allegedly misused his position and travelled on a boarding card of his subordinate. An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the incident and termination of two of the airlines-employees. Sources, however, said that besides sacking the two employees yesterday, the Gurgaon-based budget carrier has also suspended three ground staff employees for seven days and issued them "warning letters" for "negligence" after investigations found multiple security breaches by a high-ranking security official at the aerodrome. Also, five other employees have been issued warning letters, the source added. "As per the internal investigation conducted by IndiGo, it was observed that the official flew from Srinagar to Delhi on flight 6E-436, using the boarding pass under a name of Vimal Kumar, AAI official at Srinagar Airport. "As per the inquiry, this passenger was observed breaching the security protocols multiple times, at Srinagar airport," an official of IndiGo airlines said. The official said Kumar had sent two of his colleagues (from AAI, based in Srinagar) to collect his boarding pass from the airport staff. "Following the protocol, the airline staff inquired the two AAI officials to present the photo identity - which is the standard procedure to collect the boarding pass. "The staff learned that these two officials from AAI were only there at the airport to collect the boarding pass for their senior colleague Kumar. "On grounds of the verification process, the airline staff immediately refused to issue the boarding pass to these AAI officials and demanded Kumar to be present at the check-in counter to collect the boarding pass," the official said. The AAI officials then requested a "familiar person" from the airline to accommodate the request on Kumar's behalf and "consider the cordial/working relations". "Based on the working relations with AAI officials, the staff agreed to issue the boarding pass, however the categorical remarks were inserted in the system against this request," the official said. After the boarding of 6E-436 flight, he said, three persons reported at the last minute at the boarding gate. "These three persons dismissed the instructions given by the boarding gate staff and walked towards the aerobridge to board the aircraft. "Before the official could board the aircraft, he was stopped for another security check point deployed by IndiGo security at the aerobridge. "After noticing this lapse by airline's security staff, the matter was immediately escalated to the concerned departments for a detailed inquiry," the official said. The official's act to furnish boarding pass from the airline staff, "misusing" the Airport entry permit and entry into the restricted security areas resulted in a "serious security violation", hence the two members of the staff have been terminated with immediate effect on grounds of negligence, the airline said. Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah today blamed Sunni extremists for killing its top military commander in Syria and vowed to keep fighting to defend President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The Islamist State (IS) jihadist group, meanwhile, overran a government-controlled hospital in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor, killing 20 members of pro-regime forces and taking medical staff hostage, a monitor said. Hezbollah has deployed thousands of fighters in Syria where Mustafa Badreddine had led its intervention in support of Assad's forces, which are also backed by Russia and Iran. Badreddine, who was on a US terror sanctions blacklist and wanted by Israel, was killed in a blast on Thursday night near Damascus international airport. Hezbollah announced his death yesterday but without immediately apportioning blame, breaking with its usual pattern of accusing arch-foe Israel of responsibility. Today, it said a probe had concluded that Sunni Islamist radicals known as "takfiris", who consider Shiites to be heretics, had killed Badreddine. "An investigation has shown that the blast that targeted one of our positions near the Damascus international airport that led to the martyrdom of the brother commander Mustafa Badreddine was caused by artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups present in that region," a Hezbollah statement said. It did not name any specific group, and there has been no claim of responsibility. Hezbollah has been battling opponents of Assad's regime including Sunni extremists from IS and Al-Nusra Front, Al- Qaeda's Syria affiliate. A Syrian security source has told AFP that Badreddine was in a warehouse near the airport when it was rocked by a blast on Thursday night. No aircraft was heard before the explosion, the source said. The head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman, said no artillery fire had been heard in the area either in the past three days. In Deir Ezzor, IS attacked Al-Assad hospital today as it pressed an advance aimed at controlling all of the oil- rich city and its vital airbase, the Observatory said. The attack sparked clashes with regime forces providing security for the hospital in which six jihadists were killed, the monitor said. "IS attacked Al-Assad hospital at the city's western entrance, killing at least 20 soldiers and allied fighters," Abdel Rahman said. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram today accused the UDF government in Kerala of "neglecting" tribal people and said the recent death of new born twins of a tribal woman is an example of that. Speaking to reporters at Mananthavady in Wayanad district, Oram alleged that the state government was negligent in not using Central funds for the tribal people in the state. The death of the babies also proved that government had "torpedoed" the Janani Suraksha Yojana scheme, a Centrally sponsored scheme for pregnant women belonging to the poorer sections, he said. The minister during his visit to the Medical College hospital at Kozhikode where Sumathy, the woman, who delivered the twins, had been admitted for treatment, said he learnt from doctors that the major reason for the death was malnutrition. He said the Union Tribal Affairs ministry would seek a detailed report from the state government. The ministry would send an expert team to study the problems of the tribals in the state. Oram visited various tribal colonies during his visit here. Reality TV starlet Kylie Jenner will be showing off her mixing skills during a DJ set at a Las Vegas nightclub over America's Memorial Day weekend. On May 29, the 18-year-old "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star will be behind the decks playing music for partygoers at the SLS Las Vegas Resort's Foxtail Nightclub. Bosses at the trendy hotel and casino made the announcement on the resort's Twitter account, writing, "We're excited to welcome style icon @KylieJenner to @foxtailatsls on 5/29 for her highly anticipated DJ debut!" Jenner has been making several moves in recent months connected to her emerging career as a musician. Back in early April, she released a surprise promotional video entitled "Glosses" and although it was created to promote her Kylie Cosmetics lip kit lines, the teenager also chose to utilise the clip as a platform for her vocal skills, singing throughout the footage. Sri Lanka is under international pressure to ignore celebrating the seventh anniversary of its victory over the LTTE, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa's brother alleged today. "When we were in government, ambassador's pressurised us not to celebrate the war victory", Basil Rajapaksa, younger brother of the then president Rajapaksa told reporters here. "The government is not willing to celebrate the victory which liberated our country so that they can please the Western countries", Basil, who was also a former minister said. The senior Rajapaksa is credited with ending the 30-year separatist campaign of the The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who fought successive governments since the mid 1980's to carve out a separate Tamil homeland in the north and east. Rajapaksa commandeered troops to defeat the LTTE in a successful military campaign which lasted for three years. The anniversary falls on May 18 and the current government of Maithripala Sirisena has plans to celebrate it with a low key ceremony. During Rajapaksa regime it was celebrated widely. The Tamil groups have plans to commemorate the dead with lighting of oil lamps at Mullivaikkal in the northeastern Mullaithivu the scene of the final battle. Macedonia's former and possible next prime minister Nikola Gruevski says his party is preparing to stand in an early election next month despite a boycott by his opponents and international disapproval. Gruevski, who had stepped down in January after 10 years in power to make way for the vote, told AFP late Friday that the troubled Balkan country could now face two general elections in coming months. Parliament was dissolved in April as part of an EU-brokered deal to end a national political crisis and street protests, but Gruevski's conservative VRMO-DPMNE was the only major party to register candidates for the June 5 poll. His rivals have declared a boycott, saying conditions for a free and fair vote have not been met. "We are in a very unpleasant situation now, the only (one) of the four big political parties which is going to the elections," Gruevski said in English in an exclusive interview at his imposing party headquarters in downtown Skopje. If the vote goes ahead next month as he expects, Gruevski said his party would be "immediately ready" after a new parliament is formed to go to yet another election and "give citizens the chance to choose". "We want a deserved victory," the 45-year-old politician said. Described by critics as a corrupt authoritarian who has clamped down on media freedom, human rights and democracy, opinion polls nevertheless suggest Gruevski maintains strong support among Macedonia's two million people. Meanwhile opposition leader Zoran Zaev told AFP he was confident the election would be postponed until fairer conditions were in place. But Gruevski said he saw no way of avoiding the vote following parliament's dissolution. "Generally the international community is not in favour of elections on 5th June". But nobody has come up with a "constitutional way to postpone this," he explained. The former economist and amateur boxer spoke after a special envoy from Germany, Johannes Haindl, visited Skopje to try to help resolve the deadlock. The prospect of back-to-back elections comes as Macedonia wrestles with twin crises: domestic political turmoil and thousands of migrants blocked on its border with Greece. Gruevski warned that his landlocked nation, one of Europe's poorest and not a member of the EU or NATO, was struggling to fund security at its southern frontier. "The country is less and less able to directly finance the cost for the policemen, the soldiers, and equipment for them," he said, describing military budgets as "exhausted. Mumbai Congress today filed a police complaint demanding registration of FIR against unnamed persons, including "a saheb from Bandra" whom BJP MP Kirit Somaiya had recently accused of being involved in corruption in the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. City Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam led a party delegation to the Azad Maidan police station in south Mumbai and submitted a complaint with relevant reports. Nirupam also submitted a video of Somaiya's statement where the BJP MP had said there was widespread corruption in MCGM which was in "the grip of a powerful mafia" controlled by "a Saheb from Bandra and his PA". Somaiya's remarks validated Congress's allegation that Shiv Sena-BJP ruled MCGM was mired in corruption and there was a fit case for registering an FIR, Nirupam told PTI. Police can very well ask Somaiya to identify the persons he was referring to, he said. "We demanded that police should register FIR and bring the accused to the court in the stipulated 24 hours after preliminary investigation," Nirupam said, alleging that the police were, however, dragging their feet. Former Congress MP Eknath Gaikwad, sitting MLAs Varsha Gaikwad and Kalidas Kolambkar, MLC Charanjeet Sapra, leader of opposition in the MCGM Pravin Chheda, among others, accompanied Nirupam. "We have launched a series of initiatives which exposed the murky world of corruption in the civic body. Now the ruling party MP, Kirit Somaiya, has corroborated our stand," the city Congress chief said. Nirupam said that if there was enough evidence about the "maifa-raj" in MCGM, it would be a fit case for invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act too. "There is scam everywhere (in MCGM). Nullah desilting scam, road repairing scam, dumping ground scam, fire brigade scam, tablet scam, waste management scam, etc," the former Congress MP said, adding that if police did not register an FIR, Congress would approach the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and then the Governor or Lokayukta. Nirupam has also written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking dissolution of MCGM over corruption. Fed up with drug-related violence, a growing number of Mexican politicians see one potential cure: legalising the cultivation of opium poppies for the production of medicine. The debate has emerged in recent weeks after President Enrique Pena Nieto proposed legislation in April to loosen marijuana laws by legalizing medical cannabis and easing restrictions on its recreational use. Since then, governors and congressional lawmakers have voiced their support for regulating opium poppies, which are often grown by farmers in poor areas of the country and sold to cartels as the raw material for heroin. The idea was launched by Hector Astudillo, governor of the southern state of Guerrero, which has the country's highest murder rate amid turf wars among drug cartels battling for control of the mountains where US-bound heroin is born. Astudillo, whose state is the biggest producer of opium poppies, proposed a pilot program for the crop's cultivation for medical uses. Graco Ramirez, governor of the neighboring crime-plagued state of Morelos, which is a transit route for the drug, voiced his support. "In (the northwestern state of) Sinaloa and Guerrero, growing opium poppies is a fact of life and we must take it away from the criminals and give it to health," Ramirez said. Manuel Mondragon y Kalb, the national commissioner against drug addiction, said that his agency is "deeply studying the use of opium gum as medicine, its transformation into morphine and its derivatives as painkillers." While Mondragon did not indicate whether the government was drafting some kind of legislation, El Universal newspaper said Wednesday, citing presidency sources, that the government was working on a proposal to send to Congress by the end of the year. Pena Nieto's spokesman, Eduardo Sanchez, told AFP that he had "no idea about this information" in the newspaper while Health Minister Jose Narro told reporters that Congress must first focus on the marijuana bill. One backer of such a measure, Senator Miguel Romo, of Pena Nieto's centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), said opium poppies are regulated in "a very efficient way" in some countries where it is legal for medical uses, such as Spain. Australia, France, Turkey, Hungary and India also grow opium poppies legally for the pharmaceutical industry under international licenses. Senator Roberto Gil, of the conservative National Action Party, said that it "is stupid" that Mexico cannot use opium poppies for medical purposes when it is one of the world's major producers of the crop. But for Raul Benitez Manaut, a security expert at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, such a measure would not reduce violence in Guerrero because the illegal heroin market in the United States will always be too lucrative for cartels to give it up. Missouri lawmakers have passed a sweeping expansion of gun rights, allowing people to carry concealed guns without needing permits while also expanding their right to stand and fight against perceived threats. The legislation, which goes to Democratic Gov Jay Nixon, was among the most prominent measures passed by the Republican-led Legislature on the final day of its annual session yesterday. Under the measure, most people could carry concealed guns, even if they haven't gone through the training now required to get a permit. The legislation would also expand the state's "castle doctrine" by allowing invited guests such as babysitters to use deadly force against intruders. And it would create a "stand-your-ground" right, meaning people would have no duty to retreat from danger in any place they are legally entitled to be present. Republican supporters described it as a reasonable approach to personal safety, while many Democrats decried it. "There won't be blood in the streets," said Rep Joe Don McGaugh, of rural Carrollton. "But what there will be is more people protected by the right to bear an arm legally." Missouri lawmakers also gave final approval to a bill bringing the state's law on deadly force by police into compliance with a US Supreme Court ruling from 30 years ago. The outdated law -- which doesn't specify that suspected felons must be dangerous -- gained national attention when Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson fatally shot Michael Brown in August 2014. Grand jurors were initially given the old law before prosecutors supplied them with updated guidelines. Wilson, who is white, was not charged for shooting the black 18-year-old by either state or federal authorities. Nixon was among those calling upon lawmakers to update Missouri's law on police force. But he had not sought the other gun-law measures. Ten other states already have what supporters describe as "constitutional carry" allowing concealed guns without permits, including ones enacted this year in Iowa, Mississippi and West Virginia, according to the National Rifle Association. Condemning the murder of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand, the Mumbai Press Club called for speedy investigation and trial. "We strongly condemn the killing of Rajdev Ranjan, the bureau chief a Hindi daily Hindustan in Bihar's Siwan and Akhilesh Pratap Singh, reporter for a TV channel, in Jharkhand," a release issued by the club said. "While the antecedents of the killers and their backers are still being investigated, these tragic incidents underline the increasing attacks on the media and the growing atmosphere of intolerance being perpetrated by violent factions and those with ulterior motives," it said. These two back-to-back incidents has come as a shock to the journalist fraternity in the country. At the time of crisis, we stand behind both the families and condemn the killing in strongest possible words and urge for speedy investigation and trial, the release said. They demanded the governments of Bihar and Jharkhand to order a special investigation into the killing of the duo and also ensure that the culprits and their masterminds are brought to book. On Friday evening, Ranjan was shot dead in Bihar's Siwan district. In Jharkhand's Chatra district, 35-year-old Akhilesh Pratap Singh, who worked for a local channel, was gunned down on Thursday night. A Municipal councillor surrendered in a court here in connection with the killing of a Muslim cleric at a madrassa and has been sent to jail for 14 days. The accused, Sabir Ali, surrendered before the court yesterday. He was the alleged master mind in the killing of muslim cleric Mufti Sahazad Ali on April 2 here, police said. Four shooters-- Santosh, Manoj Yadav, Vipin Yadav and Shahbaz-- were arrested on Thursday by police and during their interrogation, they claimed that Sabir hired them for killing Mufti for Rs 4 lakh. Sabir had alleged earlier that he was being implicated due to political rivalry. Police also recovered the motorcycle allegedly used in the murder along with cash worth Rs 35,000. The reason behind the murder is stated to be a school property dispute between the cleric and Sabir. Civil societies of Nagaland and Assam have jointly resolved to constitute 'Naga-Assam Dialogue Forum' for developing a common platform between the two states. Naga Hoho president P. Chuba Ozukum told PTI here today that the need for the platform was felt for a long time and was agreed to in principle after a discussion between civil societies of the two states here yesterday. It has been resolved that Assom Sahitya Sabha and Naga Hoho would lead the forum and will comprise of minimum 15 persons each from both bodies. The two apex bodies have also been endorsed to propose the names for the Naga-Assam Dialogue Forum, Chuba said. The Forum would be working towards fostering better understanding and reviving neighbourly relationship between Nagas and Assamese people with special emphasis on those living along the border areas. Regional and Western powers gathered in Nigeria today for talks on quelling the threat from Boko Haram as the UN warned of the militants' threat to African security and ties to the Islamic State group. French President Francois Hollande told reporters after meeting his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja that "impressive" gains had been made against the Islamists by greater cooperation. But he warned: "This terrorist group nevertheless remains a threat." Buhari has invited leaders from Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, whose troops will make up a new regional force against Boko Haram, which has been pushed to northeast Nigeria's borders around Lake Chad. The 8,500-member force, which has African Union backing and is based in Chad's capital, N'Djamena under a Nigerian general, was supposed to have deployed last July. Plugging gaps and improving coordination between armies that are currently operating largely independently is seen as vital in the remote region where borders are notoriously porous. The waters of Lake Chad form the border between Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, which have all been attacked by the militants in raids and suicide bombings. Nigeria is seeking closer military cooperation to bring to an end nearly seven years of violence, which has left at least 20,000 dead and displaced more than 2.6 million people in the northeast. The UN Security Council today said talks should help develop "a comprehensive strategy to address the governance, security, development, socio-economic and humanitarian dimensions of the crisis". But it also expressed "deep concern" at Boko Haram's threat to security in West and Central Africa and "alarm at... linkages with the Islamic State", which operates in Syria, Iraq and Libya. Boko Haram's shadowy leader Abubakar Shekau pledged allegiance to his IS counterpart Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last year, although there has since been little evidence so far of direct support on the ground. A Nigerian national was arrested here for allegedly trying to smuggle out dry ganja, police said today. The arrested foreigner was identified as Ikechukwu Augustine (23) who came to India a year ago on tourist visa and was living in Hyderabad. According to the City Task Force ACP, I Chittibabu, the accused had come to Vizag along with another Nigerian friend and a man from Hyderabad around five months back. The trio visited tourist spots in Vizag agency area including Araku and came in contact with Raju with whom they allegedly smuggled nearly 50 kgs of dry ganja at that time. Later the Nigerian national alone procured the over 50 kgs dry ganjafrom Araku and smuggled it from the city, police alleged. Augustine was arrested yesterday on his third attempt to smuggle the contraband, they said. He said that Augustine has established contacts in remote areas of Vizag with the support of few others. Yesterday, Augustine boarded a bus from Paderu after procuring around 32 kgs of dry ganja and was caught while alighting near Dwarakanagar area in the city, they said. The Nigerian procured the ganja at a cost of Rs 3,000 per kg in Vizag agency and he was reportedly selling it at Rs 7,000 a kg in Hyderabad. The CTF police has handed over the arrested Nigerian to the Special Branch for further investigation. In another raid, the CTF police arrested two persons from Gnannapuram area for smuggling the contraband. The arrested were identified as Supermani (29) and Suresh (25), both residents of New Delhi. Cops seized about 26 kgs ganja from their possession. Scores of nurses from government and private hospitals today held a protest meet at Jantar Mantar against the government's decision to outsource the existing vacancies in government hospitals including AIIMS Jodhpur. "It was decided by the authorities to outsource the vacancies of nursing jobs to private companies. This action of government is discriminatory and it will devalue the nursing profession and compromise the healthcare needs of Indian citizens. "A steadily declining state investment in public health-as reflected in the recent cut in health budget and the new recruitment rules (2014) for recruiting nurses point out the same," said Vipin Krishnan, President of All India Nurses Association. Krishnan further said this would lead to "exploitation of nurses". There is a huge shortage of government-funded nursing colleges as a result of which many who wish to make nursing as a profession are forced to take educational loans so as to obtain nursing degrees from private nursing colleges, he said. One soldier and two Kurdish rebels were killed in clashes today in Turkey's restive southeast, the Turkish army said. Two soldiers were also wounded in the fighting in the Daglica region of Hakkari province near the Iraqi border, the army said on its website. "Our hero comrade fell martyr during the armed clashes with the terrorists," the army said, referring to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) listed as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies. It said "two terrorists" were killed, adding there was an ongoing operation to hunt PKK rebels in the region. Six Turkish soldiers were killed on Friday in a clash with Kurdish militants in the Cukurca district of Hakkari while two more lost their lives when a military helicopter sent to the scene crashed. Turkey has been waging an offensive against the PKK after the collapse in 2015 of a two-year ceasefire declared by the group. Hundreds of members of the Turkish security forces have been killed in attacks since. Over 40,000 people have been killed since the PKK took up arms in 1984 demanding a homeland for Turkey's biggest minority. Since then, the group has pared back its demands to focus on cultural rights and a measure of autonomy. A Pakistani national was nabbed by the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel while he was trying to cross the Indo-Pakistan border near Biar Bet in Kutch district, officials said today. BSF personnel also recovered body of an unidentified person from near the same area. 40-year-old Rahimbhai Khan was apprehended after he was spotted by BSF personnel on duty in that area last evening while trying to cross over to Indian side of the border. They did not recover anything incriminating from his possession, officials said. Khan was insisting on entering the country as according to him, he wanted to find his lost brother who he claimed was living in India. Khan was handed over to Gujarat police by the BSF today. The people's mandate in Kerala in the May 16 assembly elections will be absolutely in favour of the ruling United Democratic Front due to its development initiatives, according to Janata Dal (United) state president, M P Veerendrakumar. "The people will deliver an absolutely favourable verdict for UDF in the state as several development programmes were implemented during the five years of its rule", he said. The UDF victory in Kerala, which will bring many changes in the state, is a necessity for the development programmes to continue, he said in a press release. He alleged that the previous LDF rule saw only disputes and debates. But in the present Oommen Chandy led UDF regime, developments likeKochi Metro and Vizhinjam harbour project besides construction of 250bridges are being implemented in a time bound manner. Kerala has seen a people-friendly CM and administration in the last five years, he said, adding, thegovernment's liquor policy has received widespread support from the public. The setback in the 2015 Bihar assembly polls for BJP, "which is a threat to democracy and secularism," will also be reflected in states going for polls on Monday, he said. People should reject both BJP and LDF, which are "encouraging" political violence in Kerala,he said, adding that BJP was "daydreaming" of opening its account in Kerala. Narendra Modi's comparison of Kerala with Somalia was unbecomingof a PM, Kumar said adding Modi was highlighting minor incidents in the state while keeping silent on "atrocities" perpetrated against people in BJP ruled states. A pioneering Italian gynaecologist best known for helping women in their 60s to have babies has been arrested on suspicion of removing eggs from a patient without her consent. Severino Antinori, 70, was arrested at Rome's Fiumicino airport yesterday following a complaint filed by a 24-year-old Spanish woman who was being treated for an ovarian cyst at Milan clinic run by the specialist, police and lawyers involved in the case told the AGI agency. Antinori has had his licence to practice gynaecology provisionally suspended for a year and been placed under house arrest in Rome on charges of aggravated robbery and causing personal injury, the agency reported. The alleged victim was a Spanish national with a nursing qualification who had recently begun working at the clinic. Prosecutors allege that Antinori, who had met the woman by chance, set up the job interview and subsequently diagnosed the ovarian cyst with the sole intention of harvesting her eggs without her knowledge. The woman says she had her mobile phone taken off her before being forcibly immobilised, placed under anaesthetic and operated on without her consent. She believed she was only going to be treated by injection for the cyst, according to her lawyer. The investigation was triggered by the woman calling emergency services from a payphone in the clinic after she came round from the surgery. Antinori's lawyers described the charges against their client as "absurd". Prosecutors are also working on the hypothesis that this may not be an isolated case. "The arrest of Severino Antinori is extremely serious because it indicates the existence of a market in eggs that will not stop at anything," said Donata Lenzi, an Italian lawmaker from Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's Democratic Party. Antinori became famous worldwide in 1994 when his fertility treatment led to Italian Rossana Della Corte giving birth to a son at the age of 63. At the time she was the oldest woman to have given birth. The gynaecologist was also involved in the treatment of Patricia Rashbrook, who became Britain's oldest mother when she had a boy in 2006. Antinori has also attracted controversy with his advocacy of the use of cloning technology to enable infertile couples to have children by injecting genetic material from a father into donated eggs. It is unclear whether he has ever overseen the creation of a cloned child. Violence marred the 24-hour Jharkhand bandh by opposition JMM today in which a police officer was injured and two vehicles were set on fire despite tight security. The in-charge of Nawadih police station in Bokaro district Ram Chandra Ram was injured in his chest while trying to control bandh supporters who were burning tyres to block the road at Nawadih, Superintendent of Police Y S Ramesh said. Ram has been admitted to a hospital, he added. In another incident, a stationary bus for employees of Tata Motors was torched by bandh supporters in the early hours in Jamshedpur, deputy superintendent of police K N Mishra said. Glass panes of some other vehicles were smashed and blockades were put up in Kolhan region, he said. A truck from Andhra Pradesh was set ablaze by the bandh supporters on the national highway near Dhanga in East Singhbhum district, DSP Amit Kumar said. 9,284 bandh supporters were taken into preventive custody from across the state for trying to enforce the shut down as tight security was clamped under the directions of Chief Minister Raghuvar Das, police said. JMM senior vice-president and MLA Champai Soren claimed that the bandh was successful and "historic". The police, however, issued a statement saying the bandh did not evoke much response as the day passed off peacefully, barring sporadic incidents. RJD, CPI and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) supported the bandh called by JMM to protest against the state's recently announced domicile policy that defines, among other criteria, that anybody who has lived in Jharkhand for 30 or more years for business, employment or any other reason and has immovable property will be considered as a resident of the state. JMM is demanding that the 1932 survey be made the cut off mark for eligibility of being a resident. Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan today urged the Centre to take up industrial corridor in Odisha along with Vishakhapatanam-Chennai industrial corridor (VCIC). "I strongly suggest that planning and implementation of the industrial corridor in Odisha must begin in right earnest. It would complement Prime Minister's vision for development of Eastern India," Pradhan wrote to Union Minister of State for Commerce and industry Nirmala Sitharaman. Stating that the Centre has conceived development of various industrial corridor projects for promoting manufacturing and industrial development in the country, Pradhan said some of these are under implementation and others in planning stage. "Given the rich mineral resources and huge availability of manpower in Odisha, such industrial corridor project in the state is highly necessary to create state of the art infrastructure in the state to help realise its economic potential," Pradhan said in the letter. He said the industrial corridor be simultaneously taken up with VCIC which is envisaged to be developed in the first phase of the East Coast Economic Corridor, linking Kolkata, Chennai and Tuticorin. Odisha has well developed National Highways, Pradhan said, adding that in the railway budget of 2016-17, two dedicated freight corridors has been announced which would be passing through Odisha. "The planning of the industrial corridor can be synchronized with the existing and upcoming infrastructure," he said. President Pranab Mukherjee today condoled the death of Nirankari Mission head Hardev Singh saying the nation has lost a spiritual leader whose insightful teachings inspired people to follow the path of kindness and compassion. 62-year-old Hardev Singh was killed in a road accident in Canada yesterday. In a condolence message to Singh's wife, Sawinder Nirankari, the President said, "I am sad and distressed to learn about the untimely demise of Baba Hardev Singh. Words are difficult to give solace at this moment of deep loss to you and your family". Baba Hardev Singh was a pious soul, always concerned about the welfare of the community, Mukherjee said. "He provided able leadership to the Sant Nirankari Mission during his 36 years at its helm. In his death, the nation has lost a spiritual leader whose insightful teachings inspired people to follow the path of kindness and compassion. "Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to the rest of your family members and countless followers of Baba Hardev Singh in India and abroad. I pray to the Almighty to give you and other members of the family strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss," the President said. Condemning the killing of journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand, their counterparts here took out a protest march today. Journalists from print, electronic and digital media today took out a protest march from Calcutta Press Club carrying placards and sporting black batches condemning the killings. A section of journalists also demanded immediate action against the culprits and strict laws to ensure the safety of scribes. Three persons with criminal background were detained by police for questioning in connection with the murder of a senior journalist Rajdev Ranjan of a reputed daily vernacular newspaper in the heart of Siwan town in Bihar, police said. A channel journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh (35) was gunned down near panchayat secretariat of Dewaria village in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Thursday night and a bandh was observed in Chatra town yesterday in protest against it. : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today handed over relief package of Rs 31 lakh to those affected by the May 11 blaze at Pasighat market in East Siang district. In his maiden visit to the district headquarters the chief minister visited the site of the accident in which 27 shops were reduced to ashes and instructed that there should be no distinction made between shop owners and tenants while distributing relief. He said shop tenants would be compensated as they too suffered losses in the blaze which destoryed their wares. Pul said the government would soon revise the existing relief package of Rs 5000 - Rs 10000 to Rs 119000 and would approach the Centre for it. Additional relief package for the fire victims would be worked out soon under the Chief Minister's Relief Package in which both shop owners and tenants would be equally compensated, he added. A backup dancer for Ricky Martin is facing a domestic violence charge after an alleged incident with his girlfriend, who is a dancer for Pitbull. Sherhan Rodriguez, who hit the road with the Musica + Alma + Sexo (M A S) Tour in 2011, has been in an on-and-off relationship with Magdielle Bracoviche, who has worked with Cuban-American rapper Pitbull, reported People magazine. In November, Sherhan reportedly found questionable pictures and text messages on his girlfriend's phone, and when he confronted Magnielle about it, he allegedly became aggressive while he was with her in her car. According to a police report, two witnesses claim they saw Sherhan slap Magdielle across the face numerous times, before striking her, with the impact of the latter so forceful that she almost crashed her vehicle. When the couple arrived to the parking garage of Magdielle's apartment building, Sherhan reportedly got out of the vehicle, only to jump back in through the passenger-side window. Electoral officials in today seized about Rs 570 crore from three containers during checking in Tirupur district, which the occupants of the vehicles claimed was for inter-bank money transfer. Officials said that personnel accompanying the containers told them that they were transferring Rs 570 crore from State Bank of India in Coimbatore to Vishakhapatnam branches but did not have all the necessary documents and efforts were on to ascertain the veracity of their claim. The flying squad of the election department, along with paramilitary forces, seized the cash on early Saturday morning, during a routine vehicle check on Perumanallur-Kunnathur Bypass, police said. The containers escorted by three cars, did not halt, but officials chased them and stopped them near Chengapalli. A check revealed the amount kept in many boxes inside the containers, they said. The men in cars, claimed to be policemen from Andhra Pradesh, were not in uniform. They told the officials that they were transferring Rs 570 crore from State Bank of India in Coimbatore to Vishakhapatnam branches. However, they could not produce any proper document to substantiate their claims, following which the vehicles were taken to the District Collectorate in Tirupur. When police asked them the reason of speeding away without stopping, they told that they feared robbery attempt and were unaware of the officials were from the election department. Bank officials from Coimbatore and Vishakhapatnam were informed, who have left for the spot, police said. Polling in Assembly election in will be held on May 16. A Russian yacht has been detained by North Korean coastguards in the Sea of Japan with five crew on board and towed in to land, Russian officials said on Saturday. "The North Korean side has communicated that the yacht has been taken to the port of Kimchaek," Igor Agafonov, a foreign ministry official in the far-eastern city of Vladivostok told state-run RIA Novosti news agency. "The crew is alive and well. We are still waiting for an explanation from as to the reasons for the detention," Agafonov said, adding that diplomats were seeking permission to visit the crew. Earlier an unnamed official at the Russian embassy in Pyongyang told TASS news agency that the sailboat Elfin was detained by North Korean coastguards late Friday with five people on board as it was sailing from a competition in the South Korean port of Busan to Vladivostok. "The embassy... Has handed over a note to the North Korean side demanding the immediate release of the crew," Denis Samsonov, a spokesman for the Russian mission in North Korea, told RIA Novosti. Yesterday the vice president of the regional sailing federation Yevgeny Khromchenko wrote on Facebook that the vessel had been stopped by "North Korean fishermen" 160 kilometres from shore and was being towed in to land. Russia shares a short land border with and enjoys relatively friendly ties with the country's reclusive Stalinist regime. Supreme Court judge Arun Mishra today stressed on the need to improve the quality of legal education in India and said Bar Council of India should look into it. "Quality of education should be good. If the number of institutions or colleges is high but there is no quality, then it is useless," he said while speaking on challenges and future of the profession at a conference here. He also highlighted the need to clear pendency in courts and provide "affordable justice" to people. Suggesting young lawyers to work hard and practice with dedication, he stressed on promoting 'Guru-Shishya' tradition in lawyers' fraternity and said young lawyers and newcomers should be promoted and given adequate remuneration by seniors. Newly-appointed Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Navin Sinha said new lawyers should keep themselves updated with developments and new judgments. From locker rooms and sex education classes to dress codes and overnight field trips, many US public schools already are balancing the civil rights of transgender students with any concerns that classmates, parents and community members might have. The US Department of Education is drawing on those practices to guide other schools as they work to comply with the Obama administration's directive that transitioning children be treated consistent with their gender identity. That has been the policy since 2013 of the Arcadia Unified School District in Southern California. As part of a settlement with the federal departments of Justice and Education that became the foundation for the national mandate issued on Friday, students may use the bathroom, locker room or wilderness cabin that corresponds with their recognized gender outside school, Superintendent David Vannasdall said. "This is absolutely not about a student on a day-to-day basis saying, 'Today I'm a boy, tomorrow I'm a girl.' That has never happened," Vannasdall said. "By the time these students are at a point where they are asking for our help, they are presenting in all areas of their life as that gender." The administration had warned schools before Friday that denying transgender students access to the correct facilities and activities was illegal under its interpretation of federal sex discrimination laws. But the new guidance, for the first time, offers advice for accommodating the privacy needs of nontransgender youngsters. Citing guidelines adopted by Washington, New York, the District of Columbia and Atherton High School in Louisville, Kentucky, President Barack Obama's Education Department said schools could erect privacy curtains in changing areas, permit all students to make use of single-stall restrooms or work out other case-by-case arrangements as long as the burden doesn't rest exclusively on transgender students. "The concerns for right to privacy and safety of children applies to every single child, including the transgender child," said Atherton's principal, Thomas Aberli, who faced community opposition when he first allowed a transgender freshman to use the girls' restrooms two years ago. Since that first student, about a half-dozen more have come out as transgender, Aberli said. A scrap dealer was killed and another seriously injured when a rocket-propelled grenade, dumped by the Ordnance Factory, exploded at his shop in nearby Navalpattu area here today, police said. While Rangaswamy died on the spot, his friend Rajasekaran was seriously injured, they said. The Ordnance Factory, near Rangaswamy's house, usually dumps scraps there which are picked up by scrap dealers, police said. Various Sikh organisations staged a protest today against the alleged assault of a youth in Akhnoor area of Jammu district blocking the Jammu-Pathankot national highway for several hours. The protestors alleged that Harvinder Singh, a resident of R S Pura area, was assaulted in Akhnoor by several goons and his hair were also pulled on May 9. The protestors claimed that the assailants also made a video of the assault and circulated it on social media. "The assailants have not only attacked the Sikh youth but also showed disrespect to the Sikh faith. We demand the immediate arrest of all the assailants," Avtar Singh, General Secretary, Sikh United Front, said. Holding placards, the protestors blocked the national highway for over two hours and were only pacified after the intervention of senior police and civil officials. Sri Lankan Tamil expatriates in the UK have been asked to be open to political compromises as the island nation undergoes constitutional reforms. It is important to make the most of the opportunity as it is the first time that Sri Lanka's two main political parties had come together to form a government, Jayampathy Wickramaratne, head of a committee providing technical support to the Constitutional Assembly to draft Sri Lanka's new constitution, told a gathering of Non Resident Tamils of Sri Lanka (NRTSL) here last week. "It is impossible and is unrealistic to expect all aspirations and demands of everyone are met. There have to be compromises. This is a great opportunity that may not come again, certainly not in the foreseeable future. It is therefore important that this opportunity is not missed. This reality must be recognised," said Wickramaratne, a member of the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly. Sri Lanka also needed electoral reforms and a clear division of powers between the central government and provincial councils, the political leader said during the personal visit to the UK. NRTSL, which organised the talk, was founded in October 2014 by a group of Tamils from different backgrounds based in Britain to work with the Sri Lankan authorities. The government headed by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has launched a process to formulate a new constitution replacing the 1978 statute. The Tamils demand for a federal system dates back to the days when Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, became independent of the British rule in 1948. Later, the campaign was extended to a separate state demand when the LTTE fought a decades-old war with the government to carve out a separate Tamil homeland. Chief Minister of Sri Lanka's Tamil-dominated Northern Province CV Wigneswaran has in the past said the long-sought federal system in the North and the East to devolve power will not lead to the division of the country. He has said the planned federal solution would not threaten the integrity of the island nation as it would not lead to separate states. Politicians from the Sinhala majority have criticised Wigneswaran for raising communal passions at a time the central government was taking steps to achieve reconciliation with the Tamil minority. TNA is hopeful of a federal solution when the country is expected to formulate its new constitution this year. The stage is set for the high- stake Delhi municipal bypolls to 13 wards tomorrow, with both ruling BJP and Congress exuding confidence of winning while AAP is seeking to replicate its assembly elections performance in its maiden outing at the civic hustings. Over 6 lakh electorates will decide the fate of 95 candidates in the bypolls necessitated due to 13 councillors getting elected to Delhi Assembly in 2013 and 2015. The Delhi State Election Commission has also geared up to hold smoothly the elections at 695 polling stations and made necessary arrangements besides deploying about 2,500 staff. "Out of 695 polling stations, about 200 have been identified as sensitive and ultra-sensitive and adequate security arrangement has been made in those areas. Among the three corporations, North Corporation area has been found the most sensitive for polling," Delhi State Election Commissioner Rakesh Mehta told PTI. In the elections to the then unified Municipal Corporation of Delhi in 2012, BJP had held 7 seats out of these 13. The same year MCD was trifurcated into North Corporation (NDMC), South Corporation (SDMC) and East Corporation (EDMC). In 2012 MCD elections, BJP candidates had won the Nangloi Jat, Shalimar Bagh (North) and Wazirpur wards, now falling under the NDMC. Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay has claimed his party will poll "maximum share of votes" and give the "best" performance in the bypolls. Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken has also claimed the party candidates are getting overwhelming support from the people, saying it is a clear indication that Congress would "win" the MCD by-elections with "thumping margins". Having won 67 of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party is upbeat in its maiden outing in the civic polls, aiming to replicate its performance. AAP contested two Assembly polls in the national capital - in 2013 and 2015, and the party has been highlighting "BJP's corruption" and "rotten" state of affairs in the civic bodies, an issue it seeks to leverage in the bypolls. Among other candidates in the BJP camp, ex-MLA Nagpal is again contesting from Wazirpur ward. The councilor of Matiala ward in South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) Rajesh Gehlot had also vacated the seat after being elected to Delhi Assembly in 2013. Ashok Sharma will try to wrest back the seat which is expected to witness keen contest among BJP, AAP and Congress. The Nanakpura ward in SDMC fell vacant after election of the BJP ward councilor Anil Kumar Sharma from R K Puram constituency in 2013 Assembly elections. BJP's Kartar Singh Tanwar from Bhati ward later joined AAP and won from Chhatarpur Assembly seat in 2015 elections. There are a total of 6,68,870 voters entitled to exercise their franchise in the by-elections for wards falling under three corporations - SDMC (7), NDMC(4) and EDMC(2). Voting will be held from 8 am to 5 pm. Counting of votes will be held on May 17 and begin at the counting centres established in the 13 wards from 8 am. The Delhi State Election Commissioner said to encourage voting among the masses, the "BLOs have sent letters to voters asking them to come out and vote." Besides, videography, photography and arrangements for micro-observers have been made, he said. Voting will be held at the polling stations, each being manned by a polling team comprising a presiding officer, three polling officers and one class IV employee. Hundred sector officers assisted by 100 sector police officers equipped with wireless sets connected to the Central Control Room in Commission's Office will be delivering Electronic Voting Machines at every polling station and supervise the poll throughout the day of voting. Campaigning for the polls ended at 5 am today. Among other candidates is Vinod Kumar Binny, who was elected councilor from Khicharipur ward in East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) as an Independent candidate in 2012 MCD elections had later joined AAP and become MLA from Laxmi Nagar constituency in 2013. Binny has been again fielded by BJP from the Khichari Pur ward. Jitender Singh Shunty who held the Jhilmil ward and later won Assembly election in 2013 from Shahdara constituency was also fielded by the party from the same ward. Out of the 13 wards, seven being won by BJP in 2012, the rest six were held by independents. Ballimaran ward was won in 2012 MCD elections by Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate Imran Hussain. He later joined AAP and after winning in 2015 Assembly elections became a minister in Kejriwal government. The independent ward councilors from Munirka and Nawada Parmila Tokas and Naresh Balyan had later also joined AAP and become MLAs in 2015 Assembly elections. AAP has fielded Sunita Tokas from Ward 166 (Munirka), Anvika Mittal from Ward 55 (Shalimar Bagh North), Mohammad Sadiq from Ward 86 (Ballimaran), Ajay Kumar from Ward 126 (Nawada), Abhishek Bidhuri from Ward 199 (Tekhand), among other places. The MCD bypolls are being seen as a litmus test for all three parties as its outcomes is likely to have a bearing on the municipal polls due in 2017. Maternal stress and depression during pregnancy may activate certain protective mechanisms in babies, which could help them develop more resilience to cope with future challenges and adversities, researchers have found. Researchers from University of Basel in Switzerland in collaboration with international colleagues examined 100 mothers and their babies during and after pregnancy. They collected umbilical cord blood from 39 newborns and assessed the stress hormone cortisol in saliva samples of the mothers. In addition, they evaluated stressful life events and mental health of the mothers via questionnaires. They observed that increased concentrations of maternal stress hormones, depressive symptoms and general adversities during pregnancy were accompanied by epigenetic changes in the child. As a result of these changes the oxytocin receptor gene, which is important for social behaviour and stress adaptations, is activated more easily, researchers said. This mechanism could indicate that in these cases, the babies adapt to develop more resilience to cope with future challenges and adversities, they said. Whether a gene can be activated or not also depends on methyl groups that attach to the DNA and function as a switch. Researchers found that children from mothers with increased stress and depressive symptoms show a reduced methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene at birth. This results in the gene becoming more easily activated, which leads to a facilitated production of oxytocin receptors for oxytocin to react with and unfold its effects, researchers said. Oxytocin not only has an important function in mother-child bonding and in induction of labour and lactation, it also influences social behaviour, they said. Previous studies have shown, that adversities during pregnancy can increase the risk for mental disorders and physical diseases in the mother's offspring, researchers said. However, science has so far dedicated much less attention to potential protective mechanisms of the child, they said. "The observations made provide first evidence that an adverse environment during pregnancy could also activate protective mechanisms," said Gunther Meinlschmidt from University of Basel. "We need a comprehensive understanding of the psychological processes that allow humans to sustain long-term health even over generations despite adversities," said Meinlschmidt. Based on this knowledge, resilience processes could be promoted in order to try preventing the development of mental disorders and physical illnesses, researchers said. The findings were published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said the government will take into account the concerns while forging strategic partnership in the critical sector and set a target to raise Indias defence exports to $2 billion in the next two years from the current over $330 million. Parrikar, however, took a dig at defence players who were objecting to proposed strategic partnerships, saying it seems they have realised that they will not be able to go through the window. After the windows have been well defined, (some) people, who have realised they they would be not be able to go through the window, have started canvassing that defence ministry is facing problems over strategic partnerships, he said at a seminar here. Parrikar said he had received many letters from VIPs expressing concern about strategic partnerships. He said many a times the letters had similar content, which showed that at times the VIPs were signing off letters written by some other party. Their concerns are well expressed. We are taking into account those concerns. We are soon sitting for second round of small groups (to discuss strategic partnerships). I intend to take up strategic partnership model further and work out strategic partnerships in couple of projects where otherwise there is no solution, he said. Parrikar said he would love to follow the already established model (of tendering) but there are problems. How do you compare one fighter with any fighter, he said. Former DRDO chief V K Aatre had earlier this year submitted a report to the Defence Ministry recommending guidelines for selecting domestic private firms for strategic partnership. A TDP corporator from Vijayawada, was booked for allegedly misbehaving with a woman passenger on board an Air-India flight while travelling from Delhi to Hyderabad, police said today. According to a complaint by the 35-year-old woman, she had boarded the flight yesterday from Delhi in which the corporator Ummadi Venkateswara Rao was sitting beside her. He allegedly misbehaved with her and tried to touch her, RGI Police Station Inspector T Sudhakar said. "The woman brought the matter to the notice of the flight crew and they changed the corporator's seat. After the aeroplane landed at RGI Airport here, she complained to AI officials and security personnel and later lodged a complaint with police," Sudhakar said. A case under section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of IPC has been registered against the corporator, the police officer said. By the time the complaint was lodged, the flight which was scheduled for Gannavaram (Vijayawada) via Hyderabad had departed and Rao left in that, he said adding, investigation is underway. Three persons including the brother of Leader of Opposition in Surat Municipal Corporation were stabbed to death by unidentified persons late tonight in city's Ashvinikumar road area, police said. Another person was injured in the attack, after which unidentified attackers fled from the spot, police said. "Three persons were stabbed to death by unidentified attackers in Ashvinikumar road area of the city tonight," DCP of Surat city Jagdish Patel said. Among the three killed in the attack include Bharat Patel brother of leader of opposition in Surat Municipal Corporation Prafful Patel, police said. The other two killed were identified as Balu Hirani and Ashok Patel. One Dinesh injured in the attack has been shifted to a city hospital, they said. Police has started investigation in the case. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today saw his younger daughter Sumeyye marry defence industrialist Selcuk Bayraktar at a large-scale and high security ceremony in Istanbul. Turkish media pictures earlier showed Sumeyye, 30, wearing an Islamic headscarf, sitting in the front seat of the black BMW bridal car. Erdogan and his wife Emine have four children -- eldest son Burak, Bilal and two daughters Esra and Sumeyye. The wedding started with the reciting of Koran, the private NTV television reported. Top officials including Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, army chief Hulusi Akar and former president Abdullah Gul attended the ceremony, to which some 6,000 guests were reportedly invited. Foreign leaders including Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were also in attendance. Davutoglu's appearance at the wedding could dismiss claims of a split with the president. In a surprise move, Davutoglu last week announced he would step down as premier and leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) at a congress later this month. A heavyweight former foreign minister, he is believed to have been forced out of office due to repeated disagreements with Erdogan and that the key quality in the next head of government would be loyalty. The high-profile wedding forced the closing of several roads to traffic In Istanbul and additional barriers were put up around the wedding hall in Kucukcekmece on the European side of the city, media reports said. Sumeyye studied at Indiana Univeristy in the United States and earned a masters degree from the London School of Economics. She served the AKP government on foreign policy issues when Erdogan was prime minister but after her father was elected president in 2014, she quit that post. She now works as the deputy head of the non-govermental group Women and Democracy Association (KADEM). The groom Bayraktar graduated from Istanbul Technical University's department of electronic engineering in 2002. At least two people were killed today after a mass brawl involving hundreds of men broke out at a Moscow cemetery, police said. "Out of the 10 wounded people, two have died," police spokeswoman Sofya Khotina told Interfax agency. "Fifty people who took part were arrested." Reports said the fight at the Khovanskoye cemetery involved 200 immigrants from former Soviet Central Asia and residents from Russia's volatile North Caucasus. The interior ministry said the fight involved firearms and appeared to have been sparked by a dispute over who had the right to work on the cemetery, a massive 200-hectare site on Moscow's southwestern rim. Two tigers escaped today from a big cat shelter in the north of the Netherlands, police said, triggering an urgent search. Veterinarians equipped with tranquiliser guns and a police helicopter circling overhead began combing the area around the village of Oldeberkoop where the animal shelter is located. Police later said they spotted the two tigers around 11:00 am and local residents have been warned about the escape. "We are going to try to bring the animals back to the shelter safe and sound," police said. Authorities added it was possible the tigers escaped through an open gate, according to the Dutch agency ANP. The tigers had been kept at the Felida big cat rescue centre that takes in animals from zoos, circuses and individuals in need of care from possible abuse, neglect or aging. The goal is to eventually transfer the animals to a sanctuary in South Africa. A top UN official has lauded efforts undertaken by India and other nations in designating focal points to facilitate paternity and child support claims in case of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against peacekeepers. Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare told the General Assembly that India, Benin, Ecuador and Uruguay, though notnecessarily facing paternity allegations, have taken steps to designate national paternity focal points and expressed hope that other nations will follow the example. Against the backdrop of challenges being faced and progress being made to end the exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers, Khare yesterday said priority must be for the organisation to provide victims with support and assistance. In 2015, the UN made progress in facilitating paternity and child support claims against peacekeepers, underlining that the practice of designating national paternity focal points helps to address some of the challenges for a victim in bringing claims in the country of nationality of the alleged father, he said. "We have seen best practices emerge in this regard. Recently four countries - not necessarily facing paternity allegations - Benin, Ecuador, India and Uruguay - have informed the Secretariat of focal points designated for this function and we look forward to positive response from more members states," he said. Khare said Sri Lanka in particular has arranged a one-time ex-gratia payment to a victim and child born as a result of sexual exploitation and abuse. No Indian peacekeeper was found guilty of any wrongdoing in a new report that was launched in March and that for the first time identified nationalities of UN peacekeeping personnel involved in sexual abuse against citizens. As many as 69 allegations ofsexual exploitation were received by the UN against its peacekeepers last year, according to the report. Reiterating that there can be no impunity for sexual exploitation and abuse, Khare said that if allegations are substantiated, the UN "takes all action within its control". "We have the responsibility to take administrative action and sanction all civilians, including individual consultants and contractors. The authority, though, to sanction or criminally prosecute personnel is under the exclusive jurisdiction of Member States," he said. Khare said among the organisation's immediate priorities has been to provide protection and support to the victims, reiterating the need for collective efforts to put stronger measures in place to ensure prevention and greater accountability. UN experts say Congolese army officers and police reported receiving pistols from a group of 30 North Korean instructors training their presidential guard and special police forces, which would appear to be a violation of UN sanctions banning Pyongyang from exporting weapons or providing military training. The panel of experts monitoring UN sanctions against Congo said they found that pistols similar to those produced in North Korea were issued to some members of the Congolese army and national police serving in the UN peacekeeping mission. "The group also found that the same type of pistol was available for sale on the black market in Kinshasa," the Congolese capital, the panel said in excerpts from the report seen by The Associated Press yesterday. On another issue, the experts said Rwanda is continuing to train and finance Burundian refugees in Congo with the ultimate goal of removing Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza from power. The Rwandan government "denied any involvement," the experts said. In a report in February, the experts said about 400 Burundian refugees in Congo were recruited and trained by Rwandan military personnel last year in military tactics, small arms such as assault rifles and machine guns, and hand grenades and mortars, among other weaponry, with the aim of overthrowing Nkurunziza. "Similar outside support continued through 2016," the new report said. "This took the form of training, financing, and logistical support for Burundan combatants crossing from Rwanda" to Congo. The experts said they also met Rwandans who told them they had been involved in training Burundian combatants or had been sent to Congo to help support the Burundian opposition. Burundi has been wracked by violence since April 2015 when Nkurunziza declared his bid for a third term, which he eventually won in July, despite protests that it violates the constitution. More than 400 people have been killed and an upsurge of violence, including tortures and increased disappearances, has created a climate of fear and led more than 250,000 people to flee to neighbouring countries. Elektrans Shipping, the manager of oil tanker Distya Ameya, which had been blacklisted by the UN for carrying illicit crude oil from Libya, today said it was not aware that there was any issue with the cargo loaded on the vessel. The tanker is owned by Mumbai-based Arya Shipping Charterers, while Elektrans Shipping (Mumbai) is its crewing and technical manager. "We wish to reiterate that neither vessel owners/managers - 'Arya Ship Charterers/ Elektrans', were aware that there was any issue with the cargo loaded on the vessel. Pertinently, at the relevant time, the vessel was under charter and was operating in accordance with charterer's instructions," the company said in a statement. "However, immediately upon being notified that a 'sanctioned' cargo was loaded on board, vessel owners, managers and charterers acted strictly in accordance with instructions received from the UN, through the flag state. This resulted in an expeditious resolution of the situation, to the satisfaction of the UN, the Libyan government and the Indian government," it said. The vessel on April 25 had left Marsa el-Hariga port in eastern Libya, where the unrecognized government was behind the sale of the crude, to India. However, the India-flagged tanker was asked by Indian authorities not to move from Malta after it was added to UN sanctions blacklist for illegally carrying crude from Libya on April 26. Libyan UN Ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi had written to 15-member sanctions committee for blacklisting the tanker. The DG Shipping yesterday said that following India's intervention, United Nations lifted sanctions on the tanker. "Achieving denotification of the vessel in merely 16 days is an unparalleled achievement which was made possible with the timely support and intervention from Indian Flag, particularly the Director General of Shipping, Deepak Shetty...," the statement said. The statement said the Libyan Ambassador to the UN, Ibrahim Dabbashi, when commenting about the sanctions imposed on the vessel, acknowledged the support received from Indian Flag and went on record as stating "tanker operators had no intention of getting involved in an improper transaction and had lacked proper information", thereby exonerating the vessel's owners and operators from any wrongdoing. The Libyan government's conviction that the vessel owners/ managers / operators acted in a bona fide manner led to Libyan government withdrawing its complaint, which in turn facilitated the expeditious denotification of the vessel, the company said. (Reuters) - Berkshire Hathaway Inc Chairman Warren Buffett is backing a consortium vying for Yahoo Inc's internet assets that includes Quicken Loans Inc founder Dan Gilbert, people familiar with the matter said on Friday. The consortium is in the second round of bidding in the auction for Yahoo's assets, the people said, asking not to be identified because details of the sale process are confidential. Buffett offered no immediate comment when reached by telephone. A Quicken Loans spokeswoman declined to comment on behalf of Gilbert, while Yahoo did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Michael Flaherty and Greg Roumeliotis in New York; Additional reporting by Dan Freed and Jennifer Ablan in New York and Liana B. Baker in San Francisco; Editing by Bernard Orr) A recent report by the Press Council of India (PCI) on the safety of journalists shows that 80 journalists were killed in India from 1990 to 2015. Assam has seen the highest number of deaths, followed by Jammu & Kashmir and Telangana. Offline search, Hindi maps, real-time traffic alerts, pit-stop pro with search along routes and booking a cab Google Maps has come a long way in India since its first entry in 2007, when having a map meant going through confusing sheets of paper. At present, over 5,000 cities in India are on Google Maps. India is among the top three nations contributing with the most local guides, and is among the top five countries using offline maps. Googles effort to map India has evolved over the years. The initial steps to map India started with finding addresses by using landmarks first time in 2009. Before that, Google had started the use of Map Maker in India, which allowed users to edit the maps they use. The success of Map Maker led to the spawning of local guides. In the last two months, the Google Maps team in Hyderabad has tried to come up with several features that would make using maps in India easier and commute convenient. It is also asking users to share local addresses by allowing them to directly sign-up from within Google Maps. Sanket Gupta, product manager, Google Maps, said: When we started Google Maps 10 years back (globally), we had nothing; it was a blank sheet. Since then we have put maps into every persons pocket. Though India is not as well mapped as the US, several features that have been launched on Google Maps have come from Indian usage. For instance, the latest offline maps, which have been made available in India. I have personally seen that whenever your network is on roaming usage, data speeds are slow. Moreover, connectivity in India in several areas is spotty. Our offline maps allows users to get turn-by-turn driving directions without internet connection, said Gupta. Gupta further added that Google Maps is a global product, which will be localised for each type of geography. For instance, Google maps will now also be available in Hindi. We have been working on this for sometime now. Its a huge effort from our side. We completed this last year when we launched the voice-navigation in Hindi. The best part is that we have come up with the Hindi maps all through machine learning since it is one of the most elite languages. Earlier, we would have done it manually, Gupta added. With more and more people spending time on their handsets, Google Maps has also incorporated pit-stops while still being on track. This could be either for a situation wherein you are running low on fuel and want to figure if you need to turn back, or drive along to the closest petrol station. Or, when you are on way to attend a social function and need to pick-up a bouquet or gift on the way. Search along route feature will come in handy. The other feature that gets embedded with Google Maps is the taxi-booking feature. Available in 27 cities, Google has partnered with cab partners Ola and Uber, and a user can book a cab seamlessly with just one tap. Of course, Ola and Uber apps have to be downloaded on the handset. Google Maps also has added a real-time traffic update feature. This feature allows users to see current traffic conditions right in the Maps and also compares how long certain routes will take. This feature is available on all national highways and 34 cities across India. Among the new features, Google Maps allows users to explore, review, and share experiences of places on the Maps. More importantly, Google now allows sharing of the venue with friends and family via WhatsApp, email, hangouts or any other sharing platform. Undeterred by cold winds and snow flurries, more than 100 people gathered at the state Capitol on Friday to remember North Dakota law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and to honor those who serve today. Sixty-two North Dakota officers have been killed in the line of duty, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said. Their names are inscribed on the stone memorial that stands outside the judicial wing of the Capitol building. "These officers did not know the terrible price they might have to pay, but we know that it would not have mattered to them even if they had. They would not have hesitated to do their duty," Stenehjem said. "We must never forget their sacrifice." Fargo Police Officer Jason Moszer is the most recent name on the wall, and his memory was a focus of the ceremony. Moszer was fatally shot while responding to a domestic disturbance in February. He was one of seven North Dakota officers to die while responding to such incidents, Stenehjem said, reminding the audience of how dangerous they can be. Moszer was "a son, a grandson, a brother, a brother in arms, a combat veteran and a police officer," Stenehjem said. "He dedicated his life to serving his country, the state and his community." Law enforcement held a similar ceremony in Fargo on Friday, remembering officers who were killed across America in 2015, as well as Moszer and Fargo Police Lt. Jeff Skuza, the Fargo Forum reported. Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle said the country is becoming more polarized and the job of a police officer more confrontational. Not all officers uphold professional standards, and those officers should be promptly and proportionally disciplined, he said, but we should fully support the officers who do uphold them. "I ask then that each of us examine our conscience and actions to determine if we are supporting and advancing the rule of law, or whether we are part of the problem, the problem that puts our police officers' lives in danger. Indeed, if each of us accept that responsibility, perhaps next year we will not be adding to the memorial names of peace officers who lost their lives in a violent manner," VandeWalle said. A police chaplain read aloud each of the 62 names, and members of the honor guard rang a bell 62 times in their honor. Officers from all over North Dakota, including Fargo, Dickinson and Ellendale, came to Bismarck to attend the event and to participate in a law enforcement conference, which was scheduled to coincide with it. Cass County Chief Deputy Sheriff Rick Majerus drove from Fargo to attend the conference and the service, which he expected to have more of an impact on him this year given Moszer's recent death. For him, the memorial is not only a chance to remember how they died, but to "celebrate what they did for the public," he said. The Bismarck-Mandan area has lost several officers in its history. In 2011, Burleigh County Deputy Sheriff Bryan Sleeper died of a heart attack after an altercation with a subject, and Bismarck Police Sgt. Steven Kenner was fatally shot while responding to a domestic disturbance. Two Mandan officers were killed in the 1920s, and a Burleigh County Deputy Sheriff died in the 1930s. The Abolitionists is a documentary that chronicles the missions of a non-profit organization based in Utah, Operation Underground Railroad. The film details trips to Colombia, Haiti and other countries, some successful, some not by volunteers who put themselves in very dangerous situations while trying to rescue children from child sex trafficking rings. On KVNUs For the People program on Friday, host Jason Williams guest was Darren Fletcher, who co-directed & co-produced the film with Chet Thomas. He talked about the experience in making the documentary. This film is a passion project for us. Normally we make theatrical feature narrative films, we dont do documentaries, although I love the genre. This is our very first documentary, so we didnt really know what to expect as far as that kind of film-making in general just to begin with. Fletcher went on to explain But this was unlike anything Ive ever been a part of. Never again will I be able to say, You know what? When I was making that movie we rescued 57 children from child sex slavery and we put 7 people in prison for the rest of their lives Utahs Attorney General Sean Reyes was a volunteer for one of the sting operations. Fletcher was with Reyes on the operation they pulled on an island in Colombia and said hes done a great deal with local law enforcement to lead the nation in this cause against a worldwide plague. A special advance screening will be held Monday night at the Providence Stadium 8 Theater. You can get tickets and more information on the movie at TheAbolitionistsMovie.com. (The film is rated PG-13). A call for a ban on hydraulic fracturing Friday evening by Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont drew a cheer during a rally in the nation's second largest oil-producing state. The brief comment drew a round of cheers as Sanders, 74, fired up a crowd of more than 500 in the Bismarck Depot parking lot following rallies in Fargo and Grand Forks earlier in the day. Weve got to ban fracking, Sanders said while discussing energy policy. Sanders speech tapped the support of the partys more liberal and younger voters, also taking time to hammer away on climate change. The debate is over. Climate change is real, Sanders said. Sanders talk of energy and climate change came on the same day as it was reported presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump was tapping Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., who is a climate change skeptic, to provide advice to him on energy policy. This week March oil production numbers, the most recent available, put North Dakota at more than 1,109,000 barrels per day. The process of fracking has unlocked massive reserves of oil in North Dakota and other states, which critics of the practice call dangerous to water and the environment. Prior to his comments on fracking Sanders said he understands the impact of energy production in North Dakota, which provides tens of thousands of jobs to industry and sectors that support the industry. Sanders said hell push a climate change plan to reduce carbon emissions and increase renewable energy use in the country. He said his plan would provide tens of billions of dollars to aid communities such as those in North Dakota during an overhaul from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The self-proclaimed democratic socialist spent most of the rest of his speech delivering a searing critique of the state of the nation, which he said is serving the interests of the richest Americans at the expense of the impoverished and sick. The crowd roared with approval as he repeatedly hit on his signature campaign themes of reining in Wall Street through more stringent regulation as well as eliminating income inequality. We are doing something very unique in contemporary American politics: we are telling the truth, Sanders said. Our democracy today is being undermined. Sanders said change throughout American history, whether its equality for women, minorities, workers or the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, only come when people decide to organize and push for it. No president can do it alone. The only way we do this is when millions stand up and fight back, Sanders said, also calling on a Wall Street speculation tax in order to make big banks give back after receiving a multi-billion dollar bailout from Congress. Sanders said the United States shouldnt accept that its infrastructure is crumbling, have the most expensive health care in the developed world and lag behind other developed nations in education. What we take for granted does not have to happen. If you believe we cannot do what countries do it will never happen, Sanders said. Sanders trails former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the fight for the Democratic presidential nomination. California remains the main prize on June 7, which holds its primary along with contests in Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota. We have traveled a very steep road from Day 1 in this campaign, Sanders said, adding that hell continue on to the national convention. Tracy Potter, a former state senator and Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation director, said hes a Sanders supporter and believes his candidacy provides a healthy debate within the party. I do think its good that Bernies in the race all the way to the end. I dont think it hurts as long as candidates are promoting Democratic values, Potter said. Gubernatorial candidate Marvin Nelson, D-Rolla, praised Sanders for his visit to North Dakota while introducing him. He said it was fitting for a candidate like Sanders to visit a place with a state-owned mill and elevator as well as the nations only state-owned bank, which he called monuments of what can happen when people band together to fight back against economic injustice. Former President Bill Clinton will be in Fargo next Friday to stump for Hillary Clinton. A total of 2,383 delegates are needed to secure the nomination. Clinton has 1,716 delegates to Sanders 1,433 as of this week. When factoring in the unpledged party leaders from each state known as superdelegates the Clinton lead increases to 2,240-1,473. The delegate count is according to the Associated Press. The winner of the nomination will likely face Trump. More than 500 people many with a tendency toward youthful turned out to the Bernie Sanders rally in downtown Bismarck Friday. Around 5 p.m., a line started forming about a city block long on East Main Avenue, across the street from Peacock Alley and Blarney Stone Pub. The line continued to grow, and around 6 p.m. security began letting the crowd into the empty parking lot which sits in Bismarck Depot building, formerly Fiesta Villa. The crowd gathered to hear the Vermont senator speak was comprised of mainly young adults, but there was a mix of older adults and some bundled-up children. Temperatures hit a cool 40 degrees, and some people kept warm by buying hot chocolate sold by servers from Blarney. Ione Gayton, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, drove from Fort Yates to see Sanders. Gayton said she supports his ideas on free college tuition and reforming the campaign finance system. She said shell vote for Hillary Clinton, if he doesnt get the Democratic Party nomination. But, I believe in Bernie, she said. Sanders appeal to youth was demonstrated at Fridays event. Several high school students attended the rally to hear Sanders speak, including Ethan Block, 18, of Minot. Block came to Bismarck with a group of students all from Minot High School Magic City campus to see Sanders, most of them old enough to vote. Block said he supports Sanders belief in universal health care and thinks the United States should follow in suit of other successful countries with a universal health system. Hes never seen Sanders speak in-person, just heard him on TV, so he jumped at the opportunity to see him live. Lexi Purdy and Kennedy Delap, both 15, went to the rally with April Delap, Kennedys mom, donning a pink Bernie Sanders T-shirt and gear. Purdy and Kennedy Delap are students at Century High School, and though they cant vote quite yet, they agree with Sanders notions on womens rights, immigration and income equality. Were having fun! said April Delap, as the three of them stood in line waiting to get into the Depots parking lot. Capri Ryan, of Minot, stood in line to see Sanders. She brought her sons Kalen, 2, and Jacks, 9 months old, who was kept close to her in a baby wrap carrier. This is the first time Ive been able to see a presidential (candidate) in North Dakota, said Ryan, a breastfeeding specialist who says she supports Sanders family leave policy. Ryan said she sees difficulties many women must overcome to work after having a baby, and said, even if Hillary Clinton gets the Democratic Party nominations, shed write-in Sanders as a candidate. Many college students attended the Sanders rally in support of free tuition and lessening the burden of student debt. Eryn Anderson, of Bismarck, said she has heard snippets from all the candidates and wanted to learn more about Bernies standpoints. She just completed her degree at Minnesota State University in Moorhead where she studied pre-med. Now, she plans to attend graduate school to get her masters in medical illustration. Lowering college education cost is a very big thing for me, she said. Juan Vadell, of Coleharbor, came to the event with his wife, Kalyn Vadell, and their daughter, Cora. In North Dakota, we dont get to see these types of things, Juan Vadell said. Both Juan and Kalyn Vadell have been Bernie supporters for years. Its nice to see someone of the peoples side, Kalyn Vadell said. To me, hes the man with the facts and he has solutions, said Juan Vadell, adding he remains optimistic Sanders will get the Democratic Party nomination. Joanne Brokaw, 82, from Dickey County, said she supports Sanders because he favors Obamacare, and she also agrees with his view on Social Security. This was the first time she has heard him speak, but shes been watching him since he started on the campaign trail. Shed vote for Clinton if Sanders doesnt get the nomination. At the rally, several red Make America Great Again hats stood out in the crowd. Jake Olheiser, 17, and Tanner Olson, 18, students at Bismarck High School, are Donald Trump supporters, but came to the event to hear Sanders speech. I kind of want to hear what he has to say, Olheiser said. If I had to vote Democrat, Id probably vote for Bernie. The two stood across the street from the Depot parking lot, but said they planned to stick around to hear Sanders full speech. What has Gov. Abbott done about the six mass shootings on his watch? Politics Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Several new homes are being built in the London Independent School District boundaries. District officials estimate enrolling 910 students in the fall, based largely on data that shows application for 70 new housing permits there. Jim Gaines, economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, described the state's housing market strength as "remarkable," despite an economy that has cooled off after a five-year boom that was fueled mainly by energy growth. SHARE Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times In the Coastal Bend, home sales increased 16.4 percent in the first quarter of 2016 to 1,199 single-family home sales when compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the Texas Quarterly Housing Report by the Texas Association of Realtors. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times London Independent School District has adjusted to its enrollment growth by passing bonds to add and expand facilities. A local Realtor said means potential buyers are looking for homes that have never been occupied and those that are within reach of high-performing schools. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times London Independent School District has adjusted to its enrollment growth by passing bonds to add and expand facilities. A local Realtor said means potential buyers are looking for homes that have never been occupied and those that are within reach of high-performing schools. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Several new homes are being built in the London Independent School District boundaries. District officials estimate enrolling 910 students in the fall, based largely on data that shows application for 70 new housing permits there. Jim Gaines, economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, described the state's housing market strength as "remarkable," despite an economy that has cooled off after a five-year boom that was fueled mainly by energy growth. By Chris Ramirez of the Caller-Times Texas' economy may not be what it was just a year ago, but that hasn't stopped a surge in home sales. That's particularly true among younger homebuyers in the Corpus Christi area. In the Coastal Bend, home sales increased 16.4 percent in the first quarter of 2016 to 1,199 single-family home sales when compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the Texas Quarterly Housing Report by the Texas Association of Realtors. The median price of a home grew 2.2 percent to $177,000 during the same period. Jim Gaines, economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, described the state's housing market strength as "remarkable," despite an economy that has cooled off after a five-year boom that was fueled mainly by energy growth. Statewide, home sales rose significantly in the first quarter of 2016, while housing inventory fell to an all-time low, according to the realtor association's report. In all, 65,265 homes were sold in Texas in the first quarter of 2016, a 7.8 percent increase from the same quarter of 2015. Home prices also climbed; the median price for a home in Texas increased 5.4 percent year-over-year to $195,000. An analysis by SmartAsset, a New York-based personal financial technology company, labeled Corpus Christi as one of its Best Cities for First Time Homebuyers. Using Census Bureau data from 2005 and 2014, the group looked at households in which the head of the household was less than 35 years old and calculated the percentage of those families that owned their own home in that period. SmartAsset said the Port of Corpus Christi and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi stabilize the city' economy and make it less susceptible to economic downturns. It ranked Corpus Christi No. 7 on its Healthy Housing Markets Index. "With all the building that has been going at the port recently, we're a real attractive job market," said Warren Andrich, president/CEO of the Corpus Christi Association of Realtors. "We're not just reliant on oil and gas." Andrich said local realtors are seeking out millennials as potential clients because they generally are carrying less debt. Recent surveys have shown 63 percent of people in that age group don't have a credit card, positioning them to get more favorable loans. It also means they may have saved more cash for a down payment. To hear Chris Montalvo tell the story, price tags aren't the only thing that matters when it comes to buying a new home. So, too, does quality of life. Montalvo, owner of Mirabal Montalvo and Associates, thinks the trend locally means potential buyers are looking for homes that have never been occupied and those that are within reach of high-performing schools. Newer homes have been built in a rush along the Northshore in San Patricio County and near London ISD, where vacant land is more plentiful and schools enjoy good reputations. "That's why the Southside and Portland are growing so much, everything is new," Montalvo said. "People just like new stuff." New homes are beginning to mushroom all around London ISD, a rural school district within the Corpus Christi city limits. The district has adjusted by passing bonds to add and expand facilities to handle the growth. Enrollment was 487 students when the district introduced ninth grade during the 2011-12 school year. It has added high school grades each year afterward and now has 842 students. District officials estimate enrolling 910 students in the fall, based largely on data that shows application for 70 new housing permits there. "We're going up about 70-100 new students a year," London schools superintendent David Freeman said. "We're fine for next year. You just have to make sure the growth you have is measured and ... that you can facilitate the students you have and the new ones you're getting." The housing growth has been complicated by a local labor shortage in the construction industry, said Jodi Steen, president of the Builders Association Corpus Christi Area. Experienced construction workers were in limited supply during the height of exploration in the Eagle Ford Shale energy play. Work crews on homebuilding job sites have gotten smaller, which can affect construction time lines and ultimately cost buyers. Oil prices have since plummeted and some of the workforce has returned, but finding specialists, such as those in carpentry and masonry, remains difficult. "With the increased housing demands, our labor force is spread pretty thin," Steen said. Twitter: @Caller_ChrisRam CORPUS CHRISTI HOUSING PROFILE First quarter 2016 Median home price: $177,000, up 2.2 percent Number of active listings: down 11.4 percent Average days on market: 89 Single-family homes sold: up 16.4 percent Months of inventory: 4.4 percent Source: Texas Association of Realtors EDDIE SEAL/SPECIAL TO THE CALLER TIMES London High School seniors Carolina Fitzpatrick (from left), Paige Robinson and Makenzie Knibbs pose for a photo at GenTX Day at La Palmera Mall Center Court on Friday, May 13, 2016, in Corpus Christi. SHARE EDDIE SEAL/SPECIAL TO THE CALLER TIMES Seniors from area high schools sign letters for Del Mar College at GenTX Day at La Palmera Mall Center Court on Friday, May 13 , 2016, in Corpus Christi. EDDIE SEAL/SPECIAL TO THE CALLER TIMES Janet Cunningham (left), executive director of Citizens for Educational Excellence, poses for a photo with high school senior Rita Carbajal, who will be attending Texas A&M-Corpus Christi University, at GenTX Day at La Palmera Mall Center Court on Friday, May 13, 2016, in Corpus Christi. EDDIE SEAL/SPECIAL TO THE CALLER TIMES Seniors from area high schools pose for photos after signing letters of intent to attend Texas A&M-Kingsville at GenTX Day at La Palmera Mall Center Court on Friday, May 13, 2016, in Corpus Christi. EDDIE SEAL/SPECIAL TO THE CALLER TIMES Seniors from area high schools pose for photos after signing letters of intent to attend Del Mar College at GenTX Day at La Palmera Mall Center Court on Friday, May 13, 2016, in Corpus Christi. By Beatriz Alvarado of the Caller-Times Kevin Davila on Friday pledged to aim higher than most students his age. He signed two letters of intent to further his education. Davila is finishing his third year at the Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend, which will spill into the summer. And after he lands a job those of which are "easy" to find in the Coastal Bend when certified he's taking it a step further. "I chose to pursue a technical career to pay for college," he said. "To have options." The 18-year-old is a level-three certified welder. He's also ranked fifth in Banquete High School's senior class with a 4.0 grade-point average. In the fall he will pursue a degree in chemical engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He was among 160 area seniors who on Friday participated in a statewide initiative during which the group were recognized for their postsecondary education plans dubbed GenTX Day. The annual event coincides with the May college and university admission deadlines most seniors have to meet. GenTX is part of Generation Texas, which is supported by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Students singed letters of intent to area colleges and universities as well as Baylor University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, among others. Education to Employment Partners, a nonprofit, and the Texas Education Agency's P-16 council hosted a college signing ceremony at La Palmera mall. The council works to address issues in local education systems and promote a postsecondary education culture. Citizens for Educational Excellence executive director Janet M. Cunningham, stressed postsecondary education is valuable everywhere, but especially in the Coastal Bend. The nonprofit is associated with Education to Employment Partners. "We know most of the jobs in this area are going to require some kind of education beyond high school," she said. Odem High School senior Hillary Gonzales is among those graduating armed with the means to meet area workforce needs. The 18-year-old, who signed a letter of intent to attend Del Mar College, already has three certifications under her belt phlebotomy, certified nursing assistant and EKG technician. She earned the credits through dual-credit courses at the college. Her dream job is to become a traveling nurse, "because of Grey's Anatomy." "It was a lot to do in a short amount of time, but I work well under pressure," she said. Cunningham said the ceremony shows that not only students pursuing a traditional postsecondary education deserve to be commended. Students enlisting in the military and technical colleges also signed letters of intent during the event. "No matter what the path is beyond high school, they are going to better their lives," she said. Twitter: @CallerBetty By Beatriz Alvarado of the Caller-Times The Texas Supreme Court's decision upholding the state's public school funding system as constitutional doesn't entirely ring true in South Texas. State Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown, and state Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, spoke out about the Friday decision. Statements from each included the words "surprised" and "disappointed." State Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, was a bit more optimistic, stating although the ruling dubbed the system constitutional it also called for reforms he is in a position to bring to fruition. "Although I have always believed that we needed to reform the school finance system, today's ruling now firmly puts the ball in the Legislature's court," Lozano said in an email to Caller-Times. "Now that the court has ruled and is clear in their opinion that they want us to reform the school finance system, not one legislator can say that they prefer to wait until the court rules." Corpus Christi Independent School District Superintendent Roland Hernandez echoed the notion the Legislature bears the responsibility now, but also feels the system has for a long time spawned local problems that are out of schools district administrations' reach. "While (the system) may be constitutional, it doesn't make the problems go away," Hernandez said Friday to Caller-Times. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A mini capesize cargo vessel pulls into the La Qunita Terminal carrying a payload of iron ore for Voestalpine Texas. The Austrian company will use the material to test various system at its $800 million plant near Gregory. SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Tug boats push a mini capesize cargo vessel up to the Voestalpine Texas dock. The Austrian company will use the ship's payload of iron ore to test various system at its $800 million plant near Gregory. Voestalpine Texas plant By Chris Ramirez of the Caller-Times GREGORY Voestalpine Texas's ship has come in literally. Thousands of huge cargo vessels sail through the Port of Corpus Christi each year. But there was something significant about the mini-capesize ship that arrived from Brazil two weeks ago. This one carried 100,000 metric tons of iron ore pellets, representing a starting point for the Austrian company that set up shop in the Coastal Bend not that long ago. "To think, we started with a PowerPoint presentation in September 2011 ... and all of sudden you have a humongous ship coming in," said Matthias Pastl, head of environmental management for the company. "It was the result of all the work and preparation ... and suddenly it's there, it's tangible. It's not theory any more." Voestalpine pronounced 'fursh-tahl-peen-nah' broke ground on the $800 million plant, just off U.S. Highway 181, in April 2014. Construction there has been steady ever since, and now the company is in the first of two stages of commissioning. The raw material it received in the shipment will be used to test the plant's various systems during commissioning, Pastl said. Commissioning is a phase of a project where equipment and processes are tested to verify they function according to their design specifications or objectives. Jonas Chupe, a Voestalpine Texas spokesman, said company officials expect the commissioning period to run through the summer, and for the plant be operational by the end the year. Iron is a natural material, but when it is dug from the ground, it typically contains impurities, such as silicon, phosphorous, aluminum and sulfur. Iron purified at the plant would be converted into easier-to-transport cellphone-sized hot "briquettes" that can be used in steel production for automobile manufacturing, or even aviation. When finished, the plant will be capable of producing 2 million metric tons of purified iron briquettes each year. Bay water will be used in the cooling process. About 1,400 construction workers currently work on the site. The plant will create roughly 170 permanent jobs. Twitter: @Caller_ChrisRam FARES SABAWI/CALLER-TIMES Capt. Donald Moore has his badge pinned by his father, Donald Moore Sr. SHARE FARES SABAWI/CALLER-TIMES Lt. David Saldana shakes Management Services Director Pat Eldridge's hand after being promoted Friday afternoon. FARES SABAWI/CALLER-TIMES Lt. David Saldana (left), Capt. Donald Moore, Capt. Kevin Bolles and Lt. Melvyn Goce were promoted Friday afternoon. By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times Four Corpus Christi police officers have new responsibilities now. In a promotion ceremony Friday at Corpus Christi Police Department headquarters, police administration celebrated as Lts. Kevin Bolles and Donald Moore were promoted to captains and Senior Officers David Saldana and Melvyn Goce were promoted to lieutenants. Chief Mike Markle commended them for getting this far in their careers, but noted there will be challenges on the way. "(They) have to lead while still being among the officers. That's not an easy thing to do," Markle said. Markle imparted some wisdom before they were promoted. "Remember who you are, remember where you came from, and remember what your mission is," he told them. The wives of Bolles and Saldana pinned on their badges, while Goce had Markle pin his badge. Moore asked his father to do the honors for him. "It is special for me to have him here," Moore said. "It meant a lot to me." Twitter: @Caller_Fares GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES SHARE By Esther Hackleman, Esther.M.Hackleman@caller.com A 42-year-old man died after his Grand Marquis crashed into the backside of a truck in the 5800 block of Weber Road, according to a news release. Police responded to the wreck about 1:30 a.m. Saturday just north of Caravelle Parkway after the Grand Marquis driver, who was traveling north, hit the truck, veered left and struck a telephone pole on the opposite side of the road. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not have any information on the truck driver, who had left the area before they arrived, and cannot confirm whether there were passengers in either vehicle. The police traffic safety section used laser mapping to construct a scale diagram of the crash, and AEP braced the telephone pole, according to the news release. Police are still investigating the cause of the wreck. Anyone with additional information about the crash can contact the traffic safety section at 361-886-2600 during business hours. Twitter: @Caller_Esther "To prepare for the 21st century if we are providing educational opportunities for our kids, we can also make Tioga a place where people want to live and bring their children. Access to technology is a competitive edge." Tioga's economic development specialist, Dennis Lindahl, on why the town wants to brand itself the Energy and Innovation Capital of North Dakota." q q q "The interesting thing is, most of the bids came in at the last minute. I wish they wouldn't do that. This isn't eBay and the system's not really made for that." Drew Combs, the State Department of Trust Lands minerals manager, on the departments first totally online auction of mineral acreage. q q q "North Dakota sent them on their way; we'd be happy to do the same thing. I told them that if they want to divide communities and divide families and divide churches, keep it up, this will do it. We've had pig feedlot issues here that divided people so much they won't sit in the same pew in church anymore." Former South Dakota governor Harvey Wollman, on his opposition to a potential deep borehole project in Spink County, S.D. q q q "That's the kind of positive use that I think really enhances the neighborhood and provides services to that community." Bismarck School Board President Lawrence King, on a proposal for the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way to take over Saxvik Elementary for after-school care, preschool, day care, family programs and job training. q q q "We will create a set of standards by North Dakotans for North Dakotans. These standards will set clear and high expectations for all students." State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, on plans to drop Common Core and write new educational standards. q q q "That little critter's put on a lot of miles." Jeb Williams, chief of the North Dakota Game and Fish Wildlife Division, after discovering a wolverine shot in North Dakota had spent time in Colorado. q q q "Every animal has a line that you cross, and they will take that as a threat. And you never know what that line is." Wisconsin photographer Cameron Gillie, on the hazards of wildlife photography. q q q "We want (visitors) to experience the whole state, including native culture." Les Thomas, vice chairman of the Turtle Mountain Tourism Association, on plans by North Dakota tribes to band together and seek funds to promote tourism on reservations. q q q "Crime victims deserve constitutional rights. This is an opportunity for all of us to work together." Kathleen Wrigley, chair of the committee seeking to get Marsy's Law on the November ballot. The measure would place victims' rights in the state constitution if approved. q q q "UND has been very aggressive which I appreciate. He didn't have to make those hard choices." North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott, on how University of North Dakota interim president Ed Schafer has approached mandated reductions in the university system. q q q "We're in an ideological war in this country, and the last thing we need is to see this nation elect Hillary Clinton." Sen. Dick Dever, R-Bismarck, on why he thinks the Republican Party will come together to support Donald Trump. Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 10:31AM GM is recalling 473,000 SUV's in the US and Canada. The recall covers certain 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD and Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicles whose brake pedals can come loose and fail to work properly. More than 46,800 of the recalled vehicles are in Canada. GM reports that a nut on the brake pedal pivot mechanism can come loose, causing the pedal to loosen and possibly become inoperative. Dealers will inspect the pivot bolts. If they weren't fixed at the factory, dealers will put adhesive on the nut and retighten it. Canadian safety regulators say the problem can cause the brake lights to stay on longer than expected. Source: CTV News Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 12:00PM Google's going to throw its hat into the VR game and what many are calling Android VR is expected to be part of the Google I/O keynotes. Google, who previously toyed with Virtual Reality by creating the affordable Google Cardboard which can use a smartphone's display and processor to enable various immersive VR experiences, seems to be going one step further. Android VR will be a standalone VR headset that will be similar but less powerful than the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Google has also developed various VR apps and experiences, one of the best I've tried is Tilt Brush which allows VR users to paint in interactive 3D environments. It is said that the Android VR won't require a smartphone and In a later statement, Mr Barr argued it was a chief minister's job "to support Canberra businesses to grow and expand", that companies expanding into international markets can benefit significantly from ACT government support, and that he hopes to have "more opportunities to endorse businesses" in the future. His logic is credible, but only up to a point. Chief ministers and premiers do indeed spruik the businesses or products of their home state or territory. They do so in broad-brush terms, however, since to single out individual brands or products would inevitably give rise to perceptions of conflict of interest. In an age of music criticism where hyperbolic headlines rule, words such as inimitable and singular are often tossed around frivolously. As a result these words have lost some of their intended potency. But as critics and journalists lament pop artist Princes death in the coming days, those words and others unparalleled, virtuoso and authentic will be apt in describing and mourning one of modern musics most important voices. Prince died at his Paisley Park home outside of Minneapolis on Thursday. The artist, once known as an unpronounceable symbol and always celebrated for his unwavering fight for creative autonomy, was 57 years old. When the news of Princes death first struck social media on Thursday morning, many fans immediately recalled David Bowies passing less than four months earlier not because of their musical similarities but because of their almost unprecedented influence and shared vision. They were leaders, not followers, and oftentimes Bowie and Princes ahead-of-their-time trailblazing wasnt fully acknowledged or even understood until years later. Prince was that musical force who was talented (and crazy) enough to force funk into a position of transcending its own limitations. By transposing legit funk aesthetics via his unparalleled ear for a perverse pop groove, Prince developed a new subgenre that not only connected with the people it was also entirely his own. Sure, we all compared Prince to Michael Jackson throughout the 80s. But that was never about them making the same kind of music, rather it was them ruling over the charts a Prince of pop and the King of Pop with hit singles that occupied the same space on the airwaves. Even though Princes 1978 debut failed to strike a match, his eponymous sophomore record released the following year contained bits and pieces of the genius his fans would come to love and cherish. Its staggering when you consider that I Wanna Be Your Lover, I Feel For You and Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? were written, recorded and released before the 80s even arrived. And how many of Princes disco-influenced peers from the late-70s went on to gracefully age and meaningfully mature and also somehow never lose track of what was cool or progressive with each flip of the calendar? Not many. It was perhaps Princes outrageous authenticity that kept him so chic and of the moment. Prince was never trying to be cool, he simply was. The 80s were Princes most commercially viable years, jam-packed with hit records and the kind of momentum that kept him top of mind for fans throughout the world. Hollywoods biggest studios paid him to write their summer blockbusters soundtracks, as he did with Tim Burtons Batman. Prince even made his own film and accompanying soundtrack, and Purple Rain will perhaps be remembered as his most significant, 360-degree contribution to popular culture. Of the nine songs on Purple Rain, at least seven are considered legitimate hits and few other records on the Billboard charts, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or elsewhere ever connected with the masses on that level. You cant ignore Princes 90s output from Sexy M.F. to 7, Gett Off to Sinead OConnors hit cover of Princes little-known ballad Nothing Compares 2 U. But the 90s also werent the artists best decade given the creative and commercial flops he released if only to fill out record contracts. While a majority of his fans arent aware of the 13-14 albums Prince released between 2000 and his passing, they regularly jumped at any opportunity to see the artist live and in person. When Prince played two back-to-back arena concerts at Denvers Pepsi Center in August 2004, he jump-started the already electric crowd with Musicology and a hit-laden medley made up of a funk-infused Lets Go Crazy, I Would Die 4 U, When Doves Cry and a Baby Im a Star that was more of a meditation on gospel than it was a pop landmark, according to my review. When Denver Post arts writers in 2009 looked back at the most memorable concerts to ever play at the busy arena, that Prince show ranked No. 1. It was a different scene entirely when in May 2013 Prince returned to the Mile High City for what would be his final Colorado concerts. He included Denvers intimate, 1,700-capacity Ogden Theatre on his experimental tour of small concert venues. The details of the 2013 shows were classic Prince, showcasing the artist doing his own thing and by his own rules: He would play two shows a night at the Ogden on May 12 and 13, and tickets cost fans a whopping $250 apiece. Fans paid for the intimacy, as the Ogden is one-tenth the size of the Pepsi Center, and that intimacy made the exorbitant ticket prices swallowable. More rock than funk, more quirky than familiar, the brief 90-minute set trended toward album tracks and B-sides as opposed to the artists many ubiquitous hits, I wrote of the late-night show on May 12. The audience didnt seem to mind the deep grooves, the extended solos and the quick whiplash of a concert; They came, they danced, they sang along and they spilled out on East Colfax Avenue at 1:05 a.m. as a slap-happy mess. Existing in that close proximity to Prince for those 90 short minutes was something those in attendance will long remember. I wrote then that it was impossible to not glimmer in his glow, which was true. It almost felt like seeing Elvis Presley at his peak in a Las Vegas showroom. But even now, knowing that Prince has joined Elvis and M.J. and even Bowie in the after-world he spoke of in the prologue to Lets Go Crazy, its still easy to find myself all goosebumps even thinking about the soaring guitar intro to When Doves Cry. That our glimmering in his glow doesnt end with Princes life speaks to his immense legacy. It also gives fans of music rooted in the 80s and 90s hope as we come to terms with the losses of a suddenly aging generation of musical heroes. Ricardo Baca: 303-954-1394, rbaca@denverpost.com or @bruvs If youve been reviewing or catching up on past episodes of Game of Thrones in anticipation of this weeks series return, you are not alone. Over the past four weeks, an HBO spokesman says, the network has seen a 30 percent increase in GoT viewing activity on HBOs on-demand and mobile sites. The sex, violence and medieval power plays resume Sunday, complete with new alliances and new characters. Things are changing: The story will venture beyond the books this season, and HBO isnt making previews available to critics, the better to avert spoilers. (The networks fears about fans obtaining clips and spoiling the surprise for others via the Internet was voiced by Denvers GoT producer Greg Spence, even before the Jon Snow suspense.) The long-running epic is an exception to the more recent rule of shorter-run literate TV projects. Yet it all may end sooner than we thought. HBO has said Game of Thrones is likely to wrap up in 2018 with season eight. Last week, trade reports said showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are mulling two short-order final seasons for the fantasy drama based on the best-selling book series by George R.R. Martin. One possibility is breaking the last 13 episodes into two seasons, seven episodes for the not-yet-announced seventh season and six for a likely eighth and final season. The network issued a soft denial: Any conversations about the end of Game of Thrones and the number of episodes of future seasons is purely speculative. However the series ends, with whomever on the Iron Throne, it will have been an exceptional effort, a medley of mosts: most expensive, most expansive, most culturally influential small-screen project with the most blood, gore, political machinations and dragons per frame. The Jon Snow question If youre reading the tea leaves as to whether Jon Snow lives or dies, consider: the HBO press materials refer only to Jon Snows bloody fate at the hands of Castle Black mutineers at the end of season five. Nothing about being lifeless. Kit Haringtons name still appears in the credits for season six. In a series that leans on the supernatural, anything can happen. (Im not betting against him.) To some, the pressure of a 10-week Sunday night commitment seems stressful. As Game of Thrones launches its sixth season, the requirements of following a complex storyline across the years becomes ever more daunting. For those of us whove stayed with it, thats part of the fun. (When the first season bowed, HBO sent critics complex folding posters diagraming the family trees of the various Houses. If only Id held onto that. ) Social media plays an important part in the Sunday night discussion and the rather academic unpacking for days afterward. In the age of too much good TV, when short-run anthologies are popular partly because theyre manageable and some of the best dramas (Transparent) are available to download and view all at once, a long-lasting epic series that unfolds week to week such as GoT flies in the face of the trends. Game of Thrones is a three-month Sunday night immersion that demands attention, a good memory and an appreciation of hierarchies, cultures and family ties across several ruling houses. The limited-run option More U.S. networks are adapting the British approach, with short-run, limited-run, event series aiming to stand out. (The People versus O.J. Simpson is this years best example.) GoT goes against that trend, too, with far-flung locations and post-production offices around the world. Star vehicles are increasingly used to attract attention, like the first season of True Detective, drawing viewers to see Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey. The structure of those vehicles also appeals to actors who can jump in without being tied to a long-term commitment. By contrast, a series such as GoT creates stars. Anthologies such as American Crime and American Horror Story feel short enough to digest, whereas GoT requires serious ongoing commitment. (A shorter episode count can be an enticement. On the other hand, when a favorite such as Better Call Saul does only 10 episodes and calls it a season, it feels awfully short.) If you never joined the GoT crowd, you may be hesitant now. But thats old-school thinking. In todays fragmented, users-choice, binge culture, its never too late. Possible prequel? The network certainly is enjoying the awards, the cultural relevance and the subscriptions driven by GoT and would like to keep it going as long as possible. Executives floated the suggestion that they would be interested in launching a prequel, as AMC did with The Walking Dead, to maximize the phenoms lifespan. Now they say its unlikely, unless the original showrunners were to sign on. For now Benioff and Weiss are focused on bringing the story to a credible close. They combined two of the George R.R. Martin books to create season five. They are reportedly working closely with Martin so that season six is in synch with the next book. How have they kept things fresh for so long? Fans know the series is unafraid to depart from the original text or to kill off beloved characters. Its been clear from the first beheading that nobody on GoT is safe when it comes to shedding blood and trimming the cast. Rather than alienate viewers, that uncertainty seems to keep us glued. Surprising turns happen in this fantasy universe just as in prosaic life. At a reported $6 million to $10 million per episode, Game of Thrones is among the most expensive series on television. The lavish design, exotic locales, huge international cast and intense special effects prove the budget is put to good use. Season five averaged 20 million viewers through its run and scored an amazing 12 Emmy wins. There is absolutely nothing to suggest the tale is running out of steam. The question going forward will be the storys ability to venture beyond the authors original intent. The biggest, most successful TV epic in existence had better not fail fans now. Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830, jostrow@denverpost.com or @ostrowdp A long time at the top The Simpsons holds the record, with 27 amazing seasons on the air. Of course animated characters need not age, so starring roles could hold in perpetuity. But what about scripted, non-animated dramas, not counting police procedurals? The Law & Order and CSI series are built to last forever with ripped-from-headlines fodder and revolving casts. NYPD Blue made it to 12 seasons. But the more literate, even profound dramas are tougher to keep churning. Deadwood couldnt make it past three seasons. 24 ran eight seasons, and we begged it to stop halfway through. Hill Street Blues, The West Wing and Homicide: Life on the Street each ran seven seasons. Breaking Bad ran for 62 episodes over five terrific seasons and is arguably the most brilliant TV work of the mediums so-called second golden age. The Wire also ran for five memorable seasons. Is six too much to ask of a complex, beautifully written and acted artistic work? How about eight? Quick, easy dinners during the week that are packed full of flavor and color help my family get through those mid-week doldrums. We often have some sort of a sandwich night during the week. Whether it is the classic Grilled Cheese with homemade tomato soup for dunking, an All American Hero style sub, or Meatball style sandwiches, we look forward to the ease of sandwich night. What child doesnt love a sandwich? You get to eat dinner with your hands, manners are slightly relaxed at the dinner table and the varieties of sandwiches are endless. This last week, after discussing in the car with my kids on the way home from school what they wanted for dinner, my son perked up and said that he wanted his favorite Pork Sandwiches! Now, these are what he calls these beauties but they are really called Vietnamese Bhan Mis. These sandwiches are layered with grilled and sliced pork chops, quick pickled vegetables, cilantro, mint and sliced jalapenos for a little kick on a toasted baguette. These sandwiches are quick and easy and they have so much flavor. For my kids and people that like things on the milder side omit the sliced jalapenos and Sriracha mayo and sub out for traditional mayo. Vietnamese Bhan Mi Sandwiches 2 French baguettes, cut in thirds and sliced in half lengthwise 3 pork chops 1 cucumber peeled and sliced into matchsticks 1 cups matchstick carrots 1 bunch cilantro 4 sprigs fresh mint Sriracha Mayo 1 jalapeno thinly sliced c rice wine vinegar 3 tlbs low sodium soy sauce, divided c hosin sauce 1 tlbs fish sauce 1 tsp black pepper 3 tlbs vegetable oil Place pork chops, hosin sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, vegetable oil, and 2 tlbs of the soy sauce in a zip top bag and marinate on the counter for 30 minutes to 1 hour. While those are marinating, combine the cucumbers, carrots, rice wine vinegar, and remaining 1 tlbs soy sauce and let pickle. Grill the pork chops3-4 minutes per side over medium high heat. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute their juices. Slice thinly. Build the sandwich! Place a thin amount of the Sriracha mayo on both sides of the baguette. Top with a thin layer of pork, c pickled vegetables, 3-4 slices of jalapeno, 3-4 leaves each cilantro and mint. Place on top of baguette and enjoy! Kids Fishing Derby set for Saturday The annual Kids Fishing Derby will be Saturday at Pathfinder Park Pond, Colo. 115 between Canon City and Florence. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be present to help with safety, techniques or answer any questions. Personal fishing gear is required. Children, ages 8 and under, will fish from 9 to 11 a.m. Children, ages 9-14, will fish from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Westcliffe to host Community and Armed Forces Appreciation Day Outdoor Buddies will host the fifth annual Community and Armed Forces Appreciation Day on Armed Forces Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at A Painted View Ranch, three miles west of downtown Westcliffe on CR 160 (Hermit Road). Outdoor Buddies is a Westcliffe based all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping mobility-disabled persons and youth find outdoor adventure opportunities. Joint sponsors of the event are Coalition to Salute Americas Heroes and the Independence Corps. There will be free food, including hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips, iced tea, lemonade and water. (No alcoholic beverages will be permitted.) Military members and their families can register free at MilitaryTicket.eventbrite.com. Black Hills Energy inspecting meters in Canon City Black Hills Energy electric customers in Canon City could see contractors for the utility on their property in the coming weeks for routine meter testing and necessary maintenance. Employees of Utility Sales and Service are conducting the inspections as part of the utilitys annual maintenance and repair program. They also will make any necessary repairs with a focus on safety and limiting the impact to customers and their property. No access to homes or businesses is required. All contractors will have the Black Hills Energy logo on their vehicle, vest and hardhat. In addition, they are required to present a Black Hills Energy-issued identification badge if asked. Black Hills Energy customers can direct any questions or concerns about someone claiming to represent the company to Black Hills Energys 24-hour emergency line at (800) 694-8989. A call to local law enforcement is also an immediate option. Black Hills Energy can confirm the legitimacy of a contractor. Daily Record Staff GRAND FORKS -- Bernie Sanders made a surprise visit Friday to a Grand Forks coffee shop, where he rallied support for his quest to be the Democratic nominee for president. The event was billed as a "community conversation" with Sanders' wife, Jane. But after a brief introduction, Jane Sanders introduced her husband to the crowd at the Archives Coffee House on the University of North Dakota campus. The size of the gathering swelled after news of Sanders' arrival spread. "I threw on clothes and a hat and jumped in my car, was literally sprinting across campus, and I got here just in time," said UND grad student Erin Kunz. Sanders, a senator from Vermont, hit on campaign trail staples of income inequality, health care, college affordability and campaign finance reform. Sanders is taking on former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, will stump in Fargo next week. Sanders, who also spoke Friday in Fargo and Bismarck, made his North Dakota push less than a month before Democrats here will caucus on June 7. Five other states, including South Dakota, California and New Jersey, will hold primaries that day. "We think we have a very good chance to do well on June 7," Sanders said. On the issues As in his national campaign, Sanders focused much of his remarks on income inequality and the shrinking middle class. "The gap between the very, very wealthy and everybody else is growing wider," he said. Sanders called health care "a right," and argued for tuition-free public colleges and universities. On the latter point, he said low-income children may be more successful in school if they expected to go to college and pointed to the millions of people struggling with student debt. "If we need the best-educated workforce in the world, why are we discouraging people?" Sanders said. But Sanders also commented on issues more specific to this part of the country. He talked about his recent visit to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, which he said struggles with poverty and drug abuse. "The way we treat the Native American people today is a national disgrace," Sanders said. Sanders said a "corrupt campaign finance system" is "undermining American democracy," adding that he would overturn Citizens United, the controversial Supreme Court decision that held that the First Amendment protects political expenditures by corporations and unions. Speaking on voter identification legislation, Sanders said he would "use the Justice Department to go after those states that are making it harder for people to vote." The event also included some light-hearted moments, including when Sanders mistook UND interim President Ed Schafer for a member of the media, and when he realized it was snowing outside. "Are we back in Vermont?" he said. Reaction Friday's visit wasn't the first time a Democratic presidential nominee has visited Grand Forks. Both Barack Obama and Clinton stumped here in 2008. State Rep. Corey Mock, D-Grand Forks, said North Dakota has a "unique demographic," that includes research and technology ventures, energy interests and farmers. "If you can speak and appeal to North Dakotans, you have a message that can resonate," he said. Sanders' unexpected visit also brought a bit of impromptu opposition. Devin Kuhns and Frank Henning arrived with a sign in support of presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. Henning, a student at UND, worried that tuition-free college would result in higher taxes and a larger national debt. "I think Donald Trump would bring the America that I really want," he said. But for Alyssa Rowland, Sanders' stance on college affordability is heartening, as she and many of her peers face significant student debt. "I think he cares about all generations, current and future," she said. After taking her on a shopping spree at Cherry Creek mall, the 62-year-old man sporting a gray suit bought a Starbucks cake pop for Vanessa, 23, and left the mall alone. Vanessa, who did not want her full name used for privacy reasons, describes herself as a sugar baby part of a growing population of primarily college women who are turning to men of means to make ends meet amid soaring expenses. The arrangement is nothing new, but increasing tuition and student-loan debt paired with the ease of joining a site that facilitates these relationships are contributing to an increase of Colorado sugar baby relationships. I was picking up shifts left and right, said Vanessa, whose two steady sugar daddies ensure her nursing school externships dont overwhelm her. With the sugar daddies help, Ive been able to cut down on that to focus on school. They make sure I focus on things that are important. They take care of the rest. Vanessa meets her sugar daddies on the website seekingarrangement.com, dedicated since 2006 to setting up relationships between well-to-do older men and women and young adults who are looking to be supported. How the transaction plays out up to and including sex is up to the participants. The website and its mission seemed to fly under the radar of local law enforcement who all agreed on the sites legality but said theyd never heard of it and alarmed experts concerned about the young adults possible victimization. Nonetheless, students continue to sign up. The University of Colorado was ranked 18th out of 20 fastest-growing sugar baby schools for this past year. In 2015, 66 CU students signed up to be a sugar baby on Seeking Arrangement, which is more than a 60 percent jump over the previous year. In total, 175 CU sugar babies were registered on the site by the end of 2015, according to the site. The University of Colorado Denver was not far behind, with 105 registered students out of the nearly 10,500 undergraduates. Joanne Belknap, ethnic studies professor at CU, said its one thing if students are simply watching TV or having dinner with their senior benefactors, but she wonders if true consent can exist when it comes to sex. You have the huge power imbalance with gender, age, class and sometimes race, Belknap said. Are they consenting, or is this just, I really need to get a college degree, and I cant do that working at Starbucks a few hours a week. Yes, legally, theyre adults, but it just seems highly exploitative to me. Though Seeking Arrangement, clients self-report their ages, the website tries to make sure the babies are not younger than 18. Unlike other dating sites we manually approve or deny each profile, picture and account before it is ever live on the site, meaning e-mail and reverse image searches to make sure that people are of age, said website spokeswoman Brook Urick. In addition to that, we suspend anyone from the site who is suspected of being underage. Local law enforcement agencies say that because the site was set up like a dating website and advertised as facilitating consensual connections, it is not illegal. Its not like theyre making them do it, said Denver police spokeswoman Raquel Lopez. Ramen versus Chart House A 43-year-old Greeley-based sugar daddy who uses Seeking Arrangement and spoke on condition of anonymity for privacy reasons, has gone on at least 50 dates with sugar babies since he started using the site in September, he said. He described the girls he has seen all in college or aspiring to be as barely getting by financially. Theyre eating ramen noodles at home, and I take them to the Chart House, he said. Theyve got nothing, and I treat them like a little princess. They eat that up. The sugar daddy, who has given $3,000 a month in cash to his most serious sugar baby, said rather than viewing his dates as transactional, he sees them as companionship. When the companionship becomes serious, he said sex is involved. I want something that feels more like an actual girlfriend, he said. I want something thats somewhere between a normal relationship and an arrangement. There are more than 2,700 sugar daddies registered with Seeking Arrangement in the Denver area and 202 sugar mamas, according to the website. More than 15,300 Denver women some college students, some not are using the site as a sugar baby, and nearly 2,300 Denver men are registered sugar babies, too. Justin Jaramillo, interim director in the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office at CU Denver, said its no secret that college tuition, loans and living costs can be daunting. Students attending CU Denver on average pay more than $13,500 in annual tuition and typically complete college with nearly $23,000 of debt, according to the U.S. Department of Education college scorecard. Students are trying to find different ways to fund school and try not to take on the student loan burden that we all know can add up, Jaramillo said. He was not familiar with students using sugar daddies or mamas to pay the bills. With shopping bags at her feet, Vanessa explained that she gets a monthly allowance provided by her sugar daddies that varies from $500 to $3,000 depending on the guy. The money covers her rent, car payment and leisure activities while her parents and academic scholarships cover her tuition. Im not going to graduate in debt, which I think is pretty unique for a 23-year-old American, she said. Her allowance doesnt include occasional gifts, like a trip to Las Vegas with a $1,000 daily shopping allowance, a Fendi purse or dinner dates. In exchange for the financial support, Vanessa said the confident older men seek companionship with someone they can mentor. Sugar babies set their own terms, but I look for actual relationships and chemistry, Vanessa said. She has connected with men from the site who range in age from their 40s to their 70s. Since July, shes had six who lasted a month or longer and several more who have just been single dates. Vanessa hasnt filled in her parents on the details of her sugar-daddy dating life. If I were to get very serious with someone, I would tell them, she said. I dont think they would really care too much. My mom is 10 years younger than my dad. Some of Vanessas more serious sugar-daddy relationships have been sexual, but she said the site does not facilitate prostitution. I view prostitution more as a wham-bam-thank-you-maam situation, Vanessa said. With this, theres chemistry. There are feelings. You talk every day. You text every day. You travel with them. You go to dinner. Its like any dating relationship. Theyre just successful enough to give you gifts, too. The Greeley sugar daddy said he understands that some people might think the site condones prostitution, but he said he doesnt view it as an escort service. I dont ever want them to do anything they dont want to, he said. Its very mutual and upfront. Id like to think Im a pretty nice sugar daddy. Because Vanessa is studying nursing, she tends to search for doctor sugar daddies. Some have promised to get her a job when she graduates. Honestly, older guys have a lot more to offer, Vanessa said. Money and safety Although Belknap, the CU professor, worries about the young peoples exploitation, she says she does not pass judgment on young women for trying to get a degree. I dont want to blame the women because I feel like it is a way to get a college education, which I feel really strongly about, she said. We live in a culture where women are paid so unfairly compared to men. Its not surprising that women would do this when you think of the level of sexual harassment women have to put up with at their jobs that pay a lot less. Its a sad state of where were investing money in this society. Seeking Arrangement contracts with a company to provide background checks that ensure members dont have a history of violent or domestic crimes. About half of the sites nearly 5 million members have had their background verified, Urick said. Sugar daddies and mamas pay $70 a month for their membership, while the sites services are free for sugar babies. Its really an empowering site for men and women who are not able to find success in relationships and are not getting what they want, Urick said. They dont feel victimized at all. We are one of the safest sites out there. The company does not release statistics regarding how often Seeking Arrangement situations are reported to law enforcement, Urick said. Denver police said they have not received any complaints about the website. The Greeley sugar daddy said some of his dates have been so trusting it made him fear for their safety. When they ask me to pick them up at their house in my car and take them wherever, Ive thought Holy cow. Youre 19 years old and dont know my last name. Youre just lucky youre out with me tonight because Ill make sure you get home safe. [Your Business Name] Contact Info Phone: Fax: Email: Web: CAPITOLHILLCUBANS.COM Business Overview Geographic Area Line of Business Brands We Carry Products and Services Discounts Offered Additional Information Business Hours Timezone We Accept Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. John C. Murtha.jpg Ingalls Shipbuilding delivered its 10th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, the John C. Murtha, to the U.S. Navy on Friday. (Ingalls Shipbuilding) PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Ingalls Shipbuilding delivered the amphibious transport dock John C. Murtha (LPD 26) to the U.S. Navy Friday, marking the company's delivery of its 10th San Antonio-class ship. "Today we delivered our 10th LPD and we have at least two more ships to complete in this class," said Ingalls vice president Richard Schenk. "John P. Murtha is the culmination of four years of tireless efforts on the part of thousands of our shipyard employees and our Navy partner. Schenk signed the DD 250 document which officially transfers the ship from Ingalls to the U.S. Navy. "I couldn't be more proud of all of those involved, and they are showing that serial production pays dividends when it comes to providing affordable ships to our nation," Schenk said. LPD 26 is named in honor of the late John C. Murtha, a 37-year Marine Corps veteran who also served 36 years representing Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. During his Marine Corps service, Murtha earned a Bronze Star with Combat "V," two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for his service during the Vietnam War. He retired as a colonel in 1990. "To the incredibly talented, dedicated and resourceful shipbuilders who built this ship from raw steel and cable into this awe-inspiring warship, please accept my personal thanks on behalf of the crew, U.S. Navy and the American people," said Capt. Kevin Parker, the John C. Murtha's commanding officer. "You have fully reinforced the sincere belief that I have held for many years that the best shipbuilders in the world are found right here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. As we take this ship to sea, we will do our very best to make you proud and put this ship to good use in defense of our nation." With the Murtha now delivered, attention turns to LPD 27, the Portland, already under construction. The Portland launched on Feb. 13 and is scheduled for christening on May 21. In addition, Ingalls has already received more than $300 in procurement funding for construction of its 12th LPD, the Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28). The San Antonio class is the latest addition to the Navy's 21st century amphibious assault force. The 684-foot-long, 105-foot-wide ships are used to embark and land Marines, their equipment and supplies ashore via air cushion or conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles, augmented by helicopters or vertical takeoff and landing aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey. The ships support a Marine Air Ground Task Force across the spectrum of operations, conducting amphibious and expeditionary missions of sea control and power projection to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions throughout the first half of the 21st century. Welcome to SwanseaOnline - your home for the best news, sports and what's on coverage of the city. Never miss a Swansea story with our daily newsletter Sign up to comment on our stories here Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Swansea City news | Ospreys news | InYourArea Its no secret that BMW plans to expand the i range with another model, probably even challenging Tesla in the process, but not just yet. The self-driving, Vision Next 100 concept presented at the beginning of this year, could lay the foundation of a model which will be positioned above the 7 Series, in an attempt for BMW to hold its part against the competition, which is getting stronger and stronger. While speaking at the companys 95th Annual General Meeting, in Munich, BMWs CEO Harald Kruger stated the revolution in automotive engineering has been all about the electric i3, and since BMW has sold more than 50,000 i-branded vehicles to date, the next logical thing would be to supplement the line-up. Kruger went on saying that in just a few weeks the i3 will be available with 50 percent more battery capacity, while 2018 will mark the debut of the i8 roadster. But, most importantly, all this will be followed in 2021 by the BMW i NEXT, described as a new innovation driver, with autonomous driving, digital connectivity, intelligent lightweight design, a totally new interior and ultimately bringing the next generation of electro-mobility to the road. So, there you have it: BMW will roll out its posh electric machine in five years from now, arriving a bit late to the tech party, but opening a new era of motoring for the German car maker. At the same time, BMW will have its work cut out with other projects, as Kruger explained. It is still unclear which drivetrain will prevail, but we are prepared: We are optimising the combustion engine with Efficient Dynamics NEXT, in which efficient diesel engines will continue to play an important role. At the same time, we are electrifying our vehicles focusing on battery power for short distances and fuel cells for longer trips. In this area, we are working closely with our partner, Toyota. BMW Vision Next 100 concept pictured PHOTO GALLERY Subaru of America has announced a new safety campaign, covering the Legacy and Outback, and has warned owners not to drive them until they are inspected and, if needed, repaired. The recall covers certain units of the 2016 and 2017 MY Legacy and Outback, manufactured between February 29 and May 6, 2016 and the issue is a possible steering wheel defect. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its recall summary. Subaru isnt aware of any reports of injuries or crashes related to this defect, but the automaker did announce a stop sale on vehicles earlier in the week, after a customer reported with an issue with an Outback. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by the manufacturer and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 13, and for any extra details on the topic, owners can contact Subarus customer service at 1-800-782-2783. PHOTO GALLERY Photo: Contributed Hello Kelowna. My name is Kevin Lavigne and I am very excited to start bringing you news about both business and community events. I have been in the Okanagan for 8 years and I am never without anything to do. I am a local business professional at Reid & Associates Financial Solutions, President of the Junior Chamber and a regular community volunteer. So I know what is going on because I am involved in most of it. This column is meant to praise the successes of past events, inform you of new local businesses that are opening, celebrate successes of established businesses and to promote some fun upcoming events. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Kelowna just had its first Lip Sync battle on Saturday night which was hosted by Sisters with a Cause. It was a showdown of epic lip sync performances with performances by AC/DC, Salt n Peppa and the Spice Girls. It was such a success that Emma Miller and Liz Dunning were asked to do a follow up competition in the fall. Start practicing now because the competition is fierce. The Kelowna Jaycees helped our community leaders be better with their annual LeaderCast event. Over 220 people were inspired and taught how to grow their business. LeaderCast is the worlds largest leadership event and hosts names like Steve Wozniak, Nick Saban, James Brown, Kat Cole and so many more. Dan Vrskovy has brought Shack Shine to Kelowna which is a new House Detailing Service company. This new venture is part of the 02e Brands which we all know from 1-800-Got Junk. They will be making Kelowna sparkle again. Visit shackshine.com or call them 1-888-808-7751 for an estimate today. Nooks design is heading to Toronto this weekend to pitch their childrens clothing and footwear designs which are made from upcycled material. We wish them all the best! The Okanagan has had a lot of success with the dragons so I look forward to hearing the results. Congratulations to Jared Hope, he is this week Top 40 Under 40 winner. We are glad you found Kelowna and we look forward to your continued success in the Valley. The tech sector in Kelowna continues to impress as Fresh Grade has just completed an 11.6 million dollar raise. This money will continue to enable teachers, engage parents and empower students. Continue to watch them at www.freshgrade.com Karoleena Homes in Okanagan Falls have just been acquired by Horizon North Logistics. Hozion North believes in a full service mentality and will continue focus on customer and quality just like Kurt & James of Karoleena homes did. Accelerate Okanagan will be hosting their next Women in Tech on May 17th at 6pm at the Streaming Cafe. Yes men you can join them for this event however it is ladies only for Women in Technology Unwined happening May 19th at 5pm at Xchange Tapas Bar. Register quickly for both of these events. Congratulations to Mathieu Bedard of Kelowna Homes for having his television debut on Global TV. Our real estate market continues to grow. Be sure to read Carmen Welds article on some of the Okanagans most expensive properties. The Young People In Business is having their next mixer at the Hatch Winery on May 19th. This event brings out some of Kelownas top young professionals from all industries. It always sells out so get your ticket today. The Great Okanagan Beerfest is back this Saturday. 40 breweries from across the world are all coming together to celebrate the unity of water, hops, yeast and malt. Get your tickets at http://wl.ticketzone.com/BeerFestival. Thanks Gibbons! Mudd Sweat and Tears is back again at Crystal Mountain on Saturday May 14th and they are promising more mud, more obstacles and more fun. I look forward to seeing some of those pictures. Watch for Hedley, Carley Rae Jepsen and Francesco Yates roaming our streets as they are performing at Prospera Place on Tuesday May 17th. Make it a great week and I dont forget to check out the Castanet Event Calendar for all the events. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife made headlines this week when she asked for extra staff to manage her official duties. The issue became fodder after Sophie Gregoire Trudeau was quoted in the Quebec City newspaper Le Soleil as saying she is overwhelmed by the crush of requests from groups that either invite her to speak or ask her to help promote their causes. The opposition parties roundly criticized her. Conservative MP Jason Kenney took to Twitter, saying the "Harpers paid for babysitters, not taxpayers. And they didn't inherit millions. Nor did Laureen whine about it." Read more. Photo: Contributed Customers were evacuated Friday morning from Safeway in Kamloops after they started choking and coughing uncontrollably. Police arrived and determined someone had sprayed bear spray in the North Shore grocery store. Kamloops RCMP Sgt. Joe Morrissey said it happened at about 8 a.m. "A male suspect was observed by patrons spraying the substance inside the store and departed, said Morrissey. "The store was re-opened for business after it was determined to be safe. Police are urging anyone with information to call the Kamloops RCMP or call Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous. We arrived at our BackPacker hotel in Plimmerton, a town 20km north of Wellington. Almost every other person is from a different country in these accommodations. The girl at the reception desk is from Netherlands. Shes quite helpful with tips on local restaurants. We had our sights fixed on a Polish Cafe that she highly recommended, but it turned out that the cafe was closed for that day. So we went for an Indian place next door. Local Kiwi beer The food is pricy, but quite tasty. We asked for the hottest curry and it didnt disappoint. It was very hot indeed Lamb curry with muhroom rice Appetizer of grilled chicken, fish and lamb Took this on our walk back from the restaurant Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Its located at the south end of the North Island, I guess its only fair to have the nations capital kind of in the middle. We took the train into the city, fare was $13.50 roundtrip per person, and it took half an hour. Plimmerton train station Arrived at Wellington Well, finally we are in a city again, no time to waste, we want some good food, our stomacs demand it. I found this place called Big Thumb while doing my homework the previous night, and it turned out to be an excellent find. The dim sum was very good, and very affordable. We decided to come back again for dinner. First we need to see the city. Inside of Big Thumb The BIG Thumb Wellington is a small city. The town center is maybe 2km across. Nations capitals usually have good museums, and Wellingtons no exception. Maori sculpture at the entrance to Te Papa Inside of Te Papa This is a Kiwi bird It was school holiday in New Zealand. The Te Papa is swarmed with school age children. The museums admission is free (as it should be). A large section of the museum is about the aboriginal Maori culture. The Maori fared slightly better than American Indians and Australian aboriginals during European colonization. There are still a sizable population of Maori in New Zealand, and their numbers are rising. Still they were cheated of their land and resources during the colonization period. The New Zealand government recognized this mistreatment and actually returned titles of some of the lands to the Maori. various benefits had also been given to the Maori in recent years. More Maori art We took an leisurely stroll along the Oriental Pl at Wellingtons waterfront. Its still early spring so the area feels a little deserted. Harbor view along Oriental Pl A Disney-ish house up the hill Waterfront restaurant Chair/sculpture in the park A small park, the silver ball in the middle is suspended with steel wires After walking for 5 straight hours, we make a bee line for Big Thumb. It did not disappoint. Their food truly deserved a thumbs up. Steamed Blue Cod, extremely good. We only remembered to take a picture when we are half-done with it tastes good, but does not taste like Sichuan food. This is more of a Cantonese place Next morning we got on the InterIslander Ferry to the South Island. The 3 hour ferry ride started in rain, but ended in spectacularly beautiful weather. Because of its huge size, the ship is very stable. The only downside is that the onboard wifi connection was offline for the entire trip, which contributed to our slow blog update Ferry leaving Welington behind We arrived at the South Island in great weather Top deck of the ferry A sister ship returning to Wellington At noon on October 13, 2011, we have landed on the South Island of New Zealand. We left Takaka on the morning of October 17, its going to be a long drive today. We would follow the coast line down toward Westland National Park. The 600km drive would probably take 6-7 hours. The speed limit for most NZ highways is 100km, which drops down to 50-80 in towns. The enforcement is rather lax though. So far we have only seen one car pulled over by police, and we have seen a total of maybe seven or eight police cars since we arrived in New Zealand. On the road to Punakaiki We made a stop in Punakaiki, a town famous for blow holes and pancake rocks, layered sedimentary rock that looked like thin slices laid on one by one. The seams are actually softer material that got washed away more than the harder parts. As to why there are these softer layers sandwiched in between there are no definitive scientific explanation yet. Layered rocks on the left looks quite different from those on the right Tracy sitting on a pancake rock chair A bridge formed when sea water carved away the lower sections While traveling around, its very often to see rocks named after what people imagine that they look like. Sometimes the resemblance is there and you can see it right away. Other times its obvious that someones imagination ran wild. We found this picture here. Compare this illustration of imagined shapes with the actual rock formation, can you see them as well? Someone left a dummy here? Westland NP has two main glacier attractions Franz Joseph Glacier and Fox Glacier. We went with the latter because its slightly cheaper, less crowded, and from what Ive heard, just as magnificent. It turned out to be a lucky choice. We found out later that there was a rock slide last week in Franz Joseph. The slide blocked part of the glacier, so there was only partial access to the ice. Lucky or not, here we are and ready to jump on the ice. Fox Glacier is also the name of the town at the base of the glacier. Its a small town mostly supported by tourism. Theres only one main company that does the glacier tours. The town has a small grocery store where we get our daily supply of kiwi fruits. Our full-day tour started at 9. After we are fitted for equipment, we boarded a bus to the foot of the glacier. Two guides led our group. Scott, from Minnisota, and Jono, a kiwi. Each of them carries an impressive looking ice axe, and use them they do. The ice near the lower section of the glacier looks quite dirty. Dust and pieces of rock brought down by water, dust storm and rock slide accumulate on the surface of the ice. Scott told us that once much of the glacier were painted orange by a huge red dust storm from Australia. The lower right hand side of the ice face collapsed last night. Blue ice not yet touched by dirt can be seen there. Face of the glacier Clear blue and green glacier pool Putting crampons on before climbing onto the ice Beautiful blue ice Tracy in an ice cave, everyone must get a picture taken here. It took a while Climbing out from the other end, watch out for that guy The surface of the glacier is anything but smooth. Theres gullies of all sizes cut by running water from the rain or melted by the sun. Some of the holes and gaps are filled with water. These are usually not too deep. The ice under out feet can be 200 meters deep. Falling into a sinkhole is not fun. Its the guides job to find a safe path across the ice. A bit shaky crossing that gap Tour guides like Scott and Jono only do part of the work. Because the glacier changes frequently from surface and ground streams, they also have a group of people whose job is to locate interesting ice formations and cut a clear path to them. This helped to make the tour more interesting it would be quite dull to just walk on top of ice for 4 hours right? Jono surveying a potential future attraction Hiking past a small ice lake on top of the glacier Another gap Scott and Jono really putting those axes to use Waiting to take a picture in front of an ice wall Our group assembling A smooth ice wall. Layers formed when snowfalls from different periods were compressed into solid ice Patiently waiting for our hard working guides Yes I can still see you. Now will you get moving? Posing with Jono's axe Taking a group picture. The jagged ice at our back is the upper limit of our trek. Decending into an ice hole Not a lot of space in here Looking up from the bottom Crossing a gap on our way back Our valiant guides Scott (left) and Jono (right), really great guys We spent four and half hours on the ice. It was even more fun than I expected. The crampons we put on our boots are very good. Mine never slipped on ice. I feel more sure footed walking on ice than walking on rocks. I want a pair of those if we are getting as much snow this year as last year in New Jersey. The day was still young when we got back in town. Tracy and I drove to Lake Matheson 8km out of the town. Theres an one and half hour trail around the lake which, when theres no wind, offers postcard shots of snow capped mountains and reflections in the lake. Fifteen minutes into the trail I was able to get a good shot. However, that was it, the wind picked up soon after. I can still get pretty pictures, but no more reflections. Looks delicious huh? Apparently this photographing location is legendary. While walking the trail we see groups of people hurrying toward the next photo spot, carrying cameras big and small. We met a woman 5 times at different spots on the trail. After patiently waiting for the wind to die down to no avail, she predicted that well probably meet again here tomorrow at sun rise. Next morning we can hear the wind with window closed, so that didnt happen. Missed Delivery? If missed delivery or wet paper please call our office 909-628-5501 ext 110 Leave a detailed message with name, address, and phone number. Readers must call before 1 p.m. on Saturday. Re-deliveries are available for Chino residents until 1 p.m. Saturdays. Click Here The legislature in my home state is currently on a roll. Theyre planning to systematically destroy the largest public school system in Michigan , once a landmark district, drain it of resources, and make it super-easy for predatory, for-profit charters to move in. Plus other ultra-important stuff like preventing municipalities from banning plastic shopping bags , and keeping open-carry laws as open as possible. And, of course, getting rid of Common Core State Standards. Im no advocate for the Common Core (although the thought of abandoning all the CCSS alignment work and pricey professional training teachers have been dragged through makes me shake my head). But heres the funny thing: the Michigan House wants to adopt the old Massachusetts State Standards --the ones MA abandoned when they adopted...the Common Core. I know. Confusing to the general public (and more than a few educators). Didnt we already adopt the CCSS to raise standards? Arent teachers complaining about how unrealistic the standards and tests are--even harmfully inappropriate for our youngest learners? What do the old Massachusetts standards have that made them more--what, successful?--than the Common Core? Good question. Quick answer: they were being utilized in Massachusetts. Fully 55% of adults in Massachusetts have at least an Associates degree, compared to 39% in Michigan. Poverty rates? MA is in the top ten, nationally --and Michigans in the bottom third.* Massachusetts had a reputation for having excellent state-built education standards, but they (like many other states) dropped all their in-house work and jumped on the Common Core bandwagon, probably in hopes of tapping into the federal grant machine. And heres the real irony: MA standards are very similar to the Common Core--especially the math standards. So why is the MI Senate so hot to dump the Common Core? The legislation was introduced by Sen. Patrick Colbeck, a longtime critic of Common Core who argues the change is needed because the standards haven't delivered on their promise of increased student achievement. "The goals that it has set out to achieve, which are improved student performance or academic achievement, it's not achieving," said Colbeck, R-Canton. Colbeck and his media cheerleaders are making a classic mistake, here (albeit one that many citizens make): Believing that raising standards will raise achievement. Problems with low-achieving students? Dont look for causes! Dont bother trying solutions! Just raise the standards! Besides, Id be willing to bet that none of the senators co-sponsoring this bill have actually read the standards--either set. This is a political ploy--a jab at the folks who adopted the CCSS in the first place (the State Board), and a chance to poke some more at public schools, who have been diligently (and often reluctantly) rolling out the Common Core to meet the latest tests--whatever the legislature decided was the test du jour. By shifting to the Massachusetts standards, the lawmakers think they can claim they raised the bar. So high that an increasing number of students cant get over them. Proving that public schools are failing, and need to be replaced by for-profit charters. I do agree with Colbeck and his anti-Common Core crew on two issues: Colbeck says the state shouldn't bet on standards that aren't proven. "Beyond that, I think it's important from a government control perspective ... I'm actually very concerned about making sure that we have Michigan control of our education system." Maybe adopting the unproven Common Core standards wasnt such a great idea. But blaming them for not raising test scores is idiotic--and expecting another set of standards to do the job is worse. Nobody seems to understand that the Common Core was the essential building block in crafting a set of national tests that would generate a comparative-data gold mine for would-be reformers and a boondoggle for publishers and professional training. There was a lot of happy talk about building your own curricula and using rich content to develop critical reading skills, but in the end, the Common Core was mostly about what Arne Duncan called the same goalposts. Some people think the Common Core is what has ruined the teaching of English or forever screwed up arithmetic. We can argue about instructional, curricular and assessment issues--its my professional wheelhouse--but the Common Core is not what has broken public education. Its the accountability movement and austerity funding. And maybe, in some states, a craven disregard for the children of the poor. The Common Core is just another set of standards. We can raise and lower, tweak and replace standards until the cows come home, but until other things are in place (clean, safe classrooms, say--or books, supplies and experienced teachers), its an exercise in blah-blah over reality. Most important: if were going to dump everything weve been working on, lets put the rebuilding back in the hands of educators, not politicians. * These data are presented in the same verbal format as the linked source, but somewhat confusing. Massachusetts is #10 on a list of state poverty rates, and 9th in the nation in childhood poverty; the lowest poverty rate is #1, New Hampshire. Michigan is number 33. See the linked source for more information. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions An English teacher at a Catholic high school in San Francisco will be allowed to keep his job after coming out as a transgender man. Gabriel Stein-Bodenheimer recently came out to the nuns who run Mercy High School, a college preparatory school for girls. Stein-Bodenheimer, who was born female, has been at the school since 2012, and serves as the English department chair. In a press release obtained by the National Catholic Reporter , Stein-Bodenheimer said he loves teaching at Mercy High School, but needed to be true to himself. For my own sense of authenticity in the classroom, it was important to name myself, to identify myself, to bring the whole self into the aspect of my teaching, he said. It is important to speak to this issue, not to be silent. In a letter to parents on Wednesday, Sister Laura Reicks, president of the 16-state region of the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community, wrote that administrators studied how to respond in a manner consistent with Mercy and Gospel values and your Schools Catholic Identity. We prayed for guidance, Reicks wrote. We also consulted trusted advisors as we applied these principles to this circumstance. .... We strive to witness to mercy when we honor the dignity of each person in a welcoming culture that pursues integrity of word and deed. The schools values include supporting every person, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identification, the letter said. The school will offer counselors for parents, students, faculty, and staff to process their views on the issue. According to the Associated Press, there have been no complaints from the school community so far. In a statement, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone said the Sisters of Mercy had affirmed their Catholic beliefs and values while not advocating for policies or causes that contradict these values and beliefs. Often in such situations a balance must be struck in a way that distinct values are upheld, such as mercy and truth, or institutional integrity and respect for personal decisions affecting ones life, he said. In this particular personnel matter I am thankful to the sisters for seeking a response consistent with mercy and Gospel values and the corporate identity of the school as a Catholic institution of secondary education. There is no official Catholic policy regarding transgender people, but some church leaders, including Pope Benedict XVI, have said that God created males and females and that anatomy defines identity. The sisters response comes at a time when transgender rights in education have been the subject of a national debate. Today, the Obama administration announced that public schools must allow transgender students to use the restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. Source: Image by Flickr user BookMama , licensed under Creative Commons More on LGBT teachers and transgender rights: Follow @madeline_will and @EdWeekTeacher on Twitter. The Information Officer, Khaing Myo Tun, said: It is true that a lawsuit has been filed. It was filed on 5 May. Lt-Col Tin Naing Tun, a staff general (grade 1) from the Sittwe-based Regional Operations Command (ROC), filed it directly with Sittwe Township Court. I heard that I have been charged with Section 505, Defaming the State. In a statement released on 24 April the ALP accused the Burma Army of forcibly recruiting local residents as porters, using civilians as human shields, and breaching the Geneva Convention by executing prisoners of war during their ongoing war against the Arakan Army in the Arakan State. The Arakan State Borders and Affairs Security Minister Colonel Htain Linn then summoned Khaing Myo Tun and Major Khaing Ye Linn, the ALP Kyauk Taw Relations Officer, to the government offices on 27 April and told Khaing Myo Tun that if he could not produce evidence for the allegations made against the Burma Army in the ALP statement he would be arrested. The ALP then submitted their evidence against the army to Col. Htain Linn on 1 May. Despite the ALPs evidence Lt-Col Tin Naing Tun still filed the defamation case on 5 May. Arakan State Government representatives met with ALP representatives led by Daw Saw Mya Yarzar Lin in Sittwe on 9 May to discuss the case, but there have been no further developments. Daw Saw Mya Yarzar Lin said: I read about the lawsuit in the newspapers. The government also told us. They told us about the charges. Both [the government] and us have signed the NCA (nationwide ceasefire agreement). According to the NCA, it stands on the principle of finding solutions through negotiations when issues arise. I have told them that we believe the issues in Burma can only be resolved through negotiation and we can continue while maintaining our friendship. She said that she did not know whether the lawsuit against Khaing Myo Tun would proceed as negotiations about it are ongoing. Translated by Thida Linn Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI Mark Zuckerberg will meet with "leading conservatives" as well as "people from across the political spectrum" over the next few weeks, the Facebook founder and chief executive wrote Thursday night. His announcement comes days after allegations that the social media behemoth suppressed conservative viewpoints in its trending news section the small rectangle of curated topics that sits to the right of Facebook's news feed on desktop computers or below the search bar on mobile devices. On Monday, the website Gizmodo reported that certain topics had been "blacklisted " from Facebook's trending news, according to an unnamed source who had worked as a curator at Facebook. "I believe it had a chilling effect on conservative news," the individual said. The backlash was as swift as it was furious. On its blog, the Republican National Committee declared that Facebook "must answer for its conservative censorship." Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., sent a letter to Zuckerberg on Tuesday, asking the 31-year-old tech entrepreneur to explain what goes on in the Trending Topics section. RNC chairman Reince Priebus tweeted, "Facebook must answer for conservative censorship #MakeThisTrend" Previously, Facebook had said its trending news module was rooted almost entirely in algorithms. Although algorithms can reflect biases, intentional or not (code is, after all, a human creation) this explanation lent an air of computational objectivity to the trending topics section. On Thursday, however, Facebook elaborated upon the role humans play when selecting Trending Topics. Potential news is "surfaced by an algorithm," but human curators may combine related topics into one item. Or the curators weed out certain non-newsworthy items that happen to be trending Facebook gave the example of "#lunch," which spikes around various global lunchtimes, as a hashtag booted from the Trending Topics section. The news algorithm scans for surging stories on Facebook, in addition to the RSS feeds of websites as varied as the Wall Street Journal, ViralNova and The Washington Post. Facebook has 1.6 billion members, and is one of the most significant drivers of internet traffic to media websites. But how much influence, exactly, the Trending Topics section has is unclear. The Gizmodo report did not address the News Feed, the personalized list of stories users see when they log into Facebook. Facebook has also denied that any news was blacklisted due to a conservative viewpoint. "We have found no evidence that this report is true," Zuckerberg wrote Thursday. "If we find anything against our principles, you have my commitment that we will take additional steps to address it." "We have rigorous guidelines that do not permit the prioritization of one viewpoint over another or the suppression of political perspectives," he added. There are no details yet about whom Zuckerberg might meet, and Facebook was unable to respond immediately to an inquiry from The Washington Post. "Facebook stands for giving everyone a voice," Zuckerberg wrote Thursday night. "We believe the world is better when people from different backgrounds and with different ideas all have the power to share their thoughts and experiences." Zuckerberg, who recently decried the "fearful voices calling for building walls," would only have to travel as far as a Facebook board room to mingle with different viewpoints. Peter Thiel, a billionaire venture capitalist and Facebook's first investor, will be a California delegate for Donald Trump. The Washington Post There's no short answer to that either. It's been argued that almost everyone who was between 15 and 30 years old in the years from 1965 to 1975 belonged to hippie culture, if only at the margins, brought into the movement by music and a pervasive social mood. Maddon, who is 62, falls into the zone. Firefighter and paramedic Zach Major with the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District tends to Fintan at Seafra Farm in Barrington Hills. (Todd Shields / Pioneer Press) Barrington Hills police carry different items in their squad cars to fight crime, but one item is especially unusual a bucket of grain. The bucket came in handy about four months ago, when Barrington Hills Police Chief Richard Semelsberger responded to an incident along Brinker Road near Route 62, a high traffic area with higher speed limits. Advertisement "I shook the bucket, and the three horses heard it and came walking right up to us," Semelsberger said. "We got them corralled and back home." In a community known for its equestrian ways, Barrington Hills authorities often respond to reports of horses on the loose. Advertisement Buckets of grain equipped in squad cars are a reliable tool officers use to recapture horses, the police chief said. And on Wednesday, the local Hooved Animal Rescue Protection Society hosted a two-day clinic in Barrington Hills to teach first responders how to handle horses that have escaped barns, stables, paddocks or fenced pastures. Volunteers at the Riding Club of Barrington Hills also worked with officers and firefighters during the clinic at Seafra Farm on handling the big, snorting animals. "It's a way for officers with no experience with horses to make them feel more comfortable," Semelsberger said. "Barrington Hills is an equestrian community. All 16 of our officers are going through the program as a refresher. We've been trained before." Firefighters and paramedics of Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, which serves portions of Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Lake Barrington, Inverness and parts of unincorporated Cook, Lake and McHenry counties, also paticipated in the sessions. Incidents involving horses on the run often vary for authorities in the Barrington Hills area. Semelsberger said officers can respond to stray horses several times a day or only once a month. Police and fire personnel also have been known to respond to horse-carrying trailers involved in traffic accidents, and horses that have fallen into swimming pools, he said. "We want to protect the horses and motoring public," Semelsberger said. "This clinic teaches us capture techniques." Ronda Griffin, director of operations for Hooved Animal Rescue Protection Society, said the clinic taught authorities basic horse-handling techniques, such as haltering, leading and capturing, "Horses running at large." Advertisement She also said horses have been known to nose open an unlatched gate, or stall door, and take off. When the incident involves a horse barn fire, first responders are taught to properly blindfold horses and lead them to safety, Griffin said. "A barn fire is a horror in itself," she said. "They burn to death and get incinerated. It's an unspeakable horror." Her mother, Donna Ewing, founded the Hooved Animal Rescue Protection Society in 2001. The nonprofit also works to protect abused hooved animals. During the clinic, firefighters and police officers stood around the rim of the riding arena, watching Griffin guide Fintan, an Irish Sport Horse, by lightly applying pressure with an open hand to the gelding's shoulder. "Some young police officers have grown up in the city ... and have never touched a horse," Ewing said. Barrington Hills Police Sgt. David Kann, who grew up around horses in central Pennsylvania, said officers sometimes are apprehensive to corral horses because the animal can weigh up to 1,200 pounds. Advertisement Firefighter and paramedic Zach Major, who also owns a horse, said he found value in the training. "If a horse spooks on the street, we help the rider, and police normally go and grab the horse," he said. "But it's good for us to know how to handle horses." tshields@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @tshields19 Five people were shot in the Park Manor neighborhood in the 7100 block of South State Street. May 11, 2016. (WGN-TV / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune) Four people were killed and at least 14 people have been wounded in Chicago since early Wednesday afternoon, including a triple fatal shooting in Englewood and five people shot in the evening in the Park Manor neighborhood, officials said. A man and two women were shot to death about 11:20 p.m. during a domestic-related incident in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side, said Officer Ron Gaines, a police spokesman. Advertisement A 50-year-old man, his 26-year-old daughter and her 26-year-old sister-in-law were in the 1500 block of West 71st Street when a man known to them fired shots at them during a domestic-related incident, police said. The shooting happened inside and outside of a home on the block. Advertisement Police officers investigate the crime scene in the 1500 block of West 71st Street in the Englewood neighborhood where a man and two women were shot to death during a domestic-related incident late Wednesday evening on May 11, 2016. (Alexandra Chachkevitch / Chicago Tribune) The 50-year-old was shot in the head and pronounced dead on the scene, near a sidewalk on 71st. A 26-year-old woman, the man's daughter, was shot in the head inside the home and pronounced dead at the scene. Another 26-year-old woman was shot in the back. She was taken in critical condition to Stroger Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, Gaines said. A suspect in the shooting barricaded himself and SWAT teams were called about 4:15 a.m. to a home near 103rd Street and Union Avenue in the Fernwood neighborhood on the Far South Side, according to police. Chicago police outfitted with tactical gear operate near 103rd Street and Union Avenue where a triple murder suspect is barricaded May 12, 2016. (Armando Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) Most recently, a 22-year-old man was shot to death about 12:40 a.m. Thursday in the West Pullman neighborhood on the Far South Side, Gaines said. The man was discovered shot in the head in the 500 block of West 126th Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Gaines said. No one was immediately in custody in the fatal shootings. In other shootings: Advertisement About 10:35 p.m. Wednesday, a 25-year-old man walked into MetroSouth Medical Center was wounded in a shooting in the West Pullman neighborhood, Gaines said. The man was in a vehicle in the 12900 block of South Lowe Avenue when he an unknown male attacker came out of an alley and fired shots, Gaines said. The man was struck in the thigh, and he managed to get to the hospital, where his condition stabilized, Gaines said. A woman and four men were wounded in a shooting about 8 p.m. in the 7100 block of South State Street, according to police. The Chicago Fire Department took four adults to local hospitals, all in serious-to-critical condition, said fire Cmdr. Curtis Hudson, a spokesman. Five people were shot in the attack, although fire ambulances took only four to hospitals, according to police. Advertisement A 32-year-old woman suffered a gunshot wound to the temple, and a 20-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. Both were in critical condition at Stroger Hospital, said Officer Thomas Sweeney, a police spokesman. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Chicago police investigate the shooting of five people May 11, 2016, in the 7100 block of South State Street. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune) A 20-year-old man was in critical condition with gunshot wounds to the arm and back, and 27-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the leg was stabilized, both at Mount Sinai Hospital. A 26-year-old man was shot in the leg, and he was taken to St. Bernard Hospital, Gaines said. The victims were outside on State Street when someone on foot approached them and fired shots, then fled in a vehicle, Sweeney said. A man who works on the block said he heard eight shots and that the incident began near the bus stop on the corner. A "lady ran into the store" and had a wound on her head. The man tried to help her by giving her some towels and saw other people running into the liquor store and another person shot in the chest. Advertisement "It's terrifying," he said. "I'm scared to be here to be honest. I've been in this neighborhood six years and no problems happened. And now I'm scared to walk outside." Michael Elmore, who walks on State to go home from work every day, said he was shocked to see the police cars and called the incident "maddening" and blamed it on the grandchildren of longtime residents and people who sell loose cigarettes. "This community has been grounded in being a middle-class neighborhood of working professionals for the last 50 years if you will," he said. "So to have this sort of congregation of people who meet at this space dealing drugs and selling loose cigarettes, is like a phenomenon, if you will, in the last five years. It is despicable, and it does make it difficult for the people who are here." About 8:25 p.m. in the Austin neighborhood, a 15-year-old boy was shot in the 1300 block of North Parkside Avenue, Sweeney said. The boy was outside when someone in a vehicle drove up and began firing. The boy was in good condition, with a gunshot wound to the leg. Just before 6:40 p.m. in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood, a 17-year-old boy was shot in the 2500 block of West 63rd Street, said Officer Nicole Trainor, a police spokeswoman. The boy was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn for treatment of a gunshot wound to the thigh. The boy was being uncooperative, so police did not immediately have information on the circumstances of the shooting. Advertisement On the Near West Side, a shooting wounded two people about 2:20 p.m., Sweeney said. A 27-year-old woman was shot in the arm and hip and a 40-year-old man was shot in the hip in the 2200 block of West Jackson Boulevard, Sweeney said. Police initially said the man's age was 44. Both were taken to Stroger Hospital, where their condition stabilized. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > In a separate attack at 2:15 p.m. in the 700 block of North Trumbull Avenue in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, a man was shot in the leg, according to Sweeney. The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, but a condition was not known, said Hudson, the Fire Department spokesman. Earlier, three people were wounded in an attack about 12:45 p.m. in the 6900 block of South Artesian Avenue in the Lithuanian Plaza neighborhood, according to Hudson. A 22-year-old pregnant woman was shot in the foot and taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, Hudson said. A 22-year-old man was shot in the right arm and was taken to the same hospital, Hudson said. Advertisement The third victim, a 27-year-old man, was shot in the leg and was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, said Hudson, who added that all of their conditions were stabilized. Officer Laura Amezaga, a police spokeswoman, said the three were standing outside when someone in a passing vehicle opened fire. No one is in custody, Amezaga said. Police are conducting a death investigation after a woman was found dead near train tracks early Saturday in the West Garfield Park neighborhood on the West Side. Police officers responded to the 4600 block of West Kinzie Street around 6:51 a.m. after getting a call of a person down and found the woman lying near railroad tracks in the area, said Officer Jose Estrada, a Chicago police spokesman. Advertisement The woman, who appeared to be in her late 60s or early 70s, was unresponsive, and she was pronounced dead on the scene, officials said. Police did not immediately find any signs of visible trauma on the body of the woman. Advertisement Police are conducting a death investigation. No other information was immediately available. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday. Just before the New York primary, I received a newsletter from a law firm specializing in elder care and special-needs law. The headline asked, "Are you registered to vote? Are your local voting sites ADA compliant?" That stopped me in my tracks. My 23-year-old autistic son has never voted. In fact, my husband and I have been debating about this ever since our son turned 18 and his special education teacher handed us a voter registration form. Advertisement It's time. It fact, it's overdue. This year we're registering him to vote. There's too much at stake that directly affects his life. As our son's legal guardians, my husband and I have the authority to make medical, financial and housing decisions for him. That doesn't give us the right to tell him how to vote. I'll do my best to explain some of the issues in simple terms he'll understand. Yes, my inherent biases will sway him. But just as labor unions tell their members how to vote, or special interest groups lobby voters for causes they believe in, I feel an obligation to help my son vote for the candidates who will best protect his interests. Advertisement Hillary Clinton is the only candidate who has addressed the needs of the autistic population. She has outlined a comprehensive plan for autism research and services, highlighting the need for increased research funding, universal screening and improved housing and employment opportunities. Donald Trump has no discernible plan to address those concerns. Not only has he injected an unprecedented level of vulgarity and bigotry into the campaign, he has publicly mocked the disabled. He has been silent about programs that directly impact the quality of my son's life. When our nation was founded, only white male property owners could vote. After the Civil War, Jim Crow laws, literacy tests and poll taxes were used to bar many African-Americans in the South from voting. Women waged a 70-year battle to win the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Until recently, people with developmental disabilities were frequently denied the right to vote, based on the outdated assumption that they are incapable of making reasoned judgments. Today voting is a fundamental right protected by federal law. With few exceptions, if you are a citizen and over 18, you can vote. We don't quiz voters on their knowledge of the Constitution. We don't administer IQ tests before we let people into the polling booth. The landmark federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits state and local governments from requiring people to pass a literacy or writing test or to attain a certain level of education in order to vote. It also stipulates that disabled voters may receive assistance in voting, such as help filling out forms, or having someone accompany them into the voting booth. There have been abuses of the system, of course, and people with disabilities have been manipulated at polling places. But that's all the more reason to protect the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, which says, among many other things, that state and local governments are required to ensure that disabled voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the voting process. You can't disenfranchise someone on the grounds of having an intellectual disability or mental illness. Having normal neurology doesn't guarantee thoughtful judgment. We allow people with no special needs at all to make uninformed decisions all the time. Voters can cast their ballots for reasons as capricious as a candidate's good looks, but no one challenges their right to vote. Why, then, are we holding the bar higher for our son? Yes, if you asked him right now who he'd like to vote for, he might not be ready to articulate an answer. Come November, I think he'll be able to give you compelling reasons. Liane Kupferberg Carter lives in Westchester, N.Y. She is the author of the memoir "Ketchup is My Favorite Vegetable: A Family Grows Up With Autism." Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, looks up at the vote tote board while on the House floor at the Illinois State Capitol Tuesday, May 10, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (Seth Perlman, AP) During President Barack Obama's first term, Democrats in Washington, D.C., labeled Republicans "The Party of No." Whatever Obama tried to accomplish, Republicans shunned it. At the time, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, another Democrat, latched onto the same rhetoric, describing Republicans in Springfield as obstructionists. Madigan said the GOP had become "The Party of No," with Republicans even opposing proposals that they knew would help the state but might hurt them come election time. Advertisement From a February 2010 Tribune story on the state budget: "They don't want to participate in the legislative process. They don't want to participate in the government. They simply want to stand on the sidelines and point fingers and say, 'Wherever there are problems, it's the problems of the Democrats because they're the majority party in the legislature,'" Madigan said. Advertisement Now the tables have turned. This time, "The Party of No" is a party of one: Madigan. For more than a year, Madigan has rejected numerous attempts to find common ground with Republicans on a budget deal. In an interview that aired Tuesday, he told a Springfield-based television reporter that his goal for the spring session, scheduled to end May 31, was to not address any of Gov. Bruce Rauner's agenda items. No compromise. That's not exactly helpful to his own Democrats including Reps. Elaine Nekritz, of Northbrook, Fred Crespo, of Hoffman Estates, John Bradley, of Marion, and others who have been working with Republicans behind the scenes to find areas of agreement. Folks, there will be no agreement. (Scott Stantis) Rauner's own budget director has been involved in the talks among rank-and-file lawmakers. Those talks have addressed the possibility of raising income taxes and adding new taxes on services such as landscaping and attorney fees. The talks also have addressed some spending reforms, such as reducing costs within the state's health care program for the poor and pushing high-end pension costs onto local governments that generate them. There's also talk of borrowing $5 billion to pay down a backlog of overdue bills. More borrowing? Grrr. But the point isn't that anyone loves everything being negotiated. It's that some serious people in Springfield are trying to cut a deal. Rauner still is calling for changes to workers' compensation to reduce abuses in the system. He also wants to institute a property tax freeze while giving local governments more control over collective bargaining. He wants fewer state mandates imposed on local governments. But his list has gotten considerably shorter. Rauner set aside his push for local right-to-work zones and prevailing wage changes, two issues that organized labor opposes. He dropped his requests or they were ignored that the General Assembly put term limits and redistricting reform on the November ballot. Advertisement Just about everyone in Springfield understands that between all of these ideas, there is middle ground. Everyone, except one. Rauner has said he is open to the possibility of raising taxes to straighten out the state's fiscal nightmare. It is Madigan who is shutting the door to compromise, mostly for political reasons. He doesn't want to jeopardize his members' chances at re-election this fall with controversial votes. Madigan is doing exactly what he accused the GOP of doing in 2010 saying "no" for campaign reasons, even though it hurts the state. Last year, Democrats left Springfield after sending Rauner a budget roughly $4 billion out of balance. They had pulled a similar stunt the year before. Judging by Madigan's reaction to proposals being negotiated by his own members, prepare for some semblance of 2014 and 2015 in 2016. There will be no grand bargain without Mr. No. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. Beryl Satter knew something like this was bound to happen. Or, rather, to happen again. The Rutgers historian wrote the book on an obscure form of predatory lending from the mid-20th century that victimized black home buyers when banks would not lend them mortgages. Her book, "Family Properties," came out in 2009, on the heels of the housing crash. And as she traveled the country talking about it - about families defrauded from the homes they thought they owned, about sellers who promised home ownership but collected deposits and evictions instead - people kept approaching her. "Pretty much everywhere I go, people say 'I've been hearing about this,'" Satter says. "Contract" selling is making a comeback. In this model, buyers shut out from conventional lending are offered an alternative: They can make monthly payments on a home directly to the seller, instead of a bank, with the promise of receiving the deed only once the property is entirely paid off, 20 or 30 years down the road. In the meantime, they have few of the legal protections of a typical home buyer but all of the responsibilities of one. They don't build equity with time. They can be easily evicted. And if that happens, they lose all of their investment. According to the Detroit Free Press, more homes were bought in Detroit last year using such "land contracts" or "contracts for deeds" than conventional mortgages. In a series of recent stories, the New York Times has reported that Wall Street is now betting on this market, with investors buying foreclosed homes by the thousands and selling them on contract. Earlier this week, the Times reported that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is now investigating the practice's resurgence, although it is not by definition illegal. What is particularly alarming about the trend, though, is that we've seen it before. In its earlier incarnation, it was an explicitly racist form of exploitation. And now it is victimizing the same groups again: mostly lower income and minority home buyers who can't access traditional credit. "There's nothing new here in the slightest," Satter says. "This is just a continuation of the same old game. That's what's so disturbing." In the earlier era when this was common, between the 1930s and 1960s, contract lending was in some cities the primary means middle-class blacks had to buy homes. Real estate agents and speculators jacked up the price of properties two- or threefold. Then when families fell behind on a month's payment or on repairs, they were swiftly evicted. The sellers kept their deposits and found the next family. Satter's father, Chicago lawyer Mark Satter, helped organize black Chicagoans to fight the practice in the 1950s. He estimated then that about 85 percent of homes bought by black in Chicago were bought on contract. "It was the way you bought," Beryl Satter says. "There was no other way." Many of those families then struggled to keep their homes in a system that was not sustainable by design. Atlantic writer Ta-Nehisi Coates based his blockbuster 2014 article "The Case for Reparations" around the story of Chicago blacks who suffered under this system, the outgrowth, as he put it, of a segregated city with "two housing markets - one legitimate and backed by the government, the other lawless and patrolled by predators." The Times reports of what's happening today sound eerily similar. Writers Matthew Goldstein and Alexandra Stevenson report that an estimated 3 million people have bought homes through contracts, although the numbers are hard to track given that the deals are regulated differently in each state and are not subject to the same disclosures as mortgages. The practice is particularly common, they report, in distressed Midwestern communities like Akron and Detroit, where the government offered hundreds of foreclosed properties to investors in bulk sales. Those same investors, the Times reports, have turned around and sold the properties on contract to moderate-income buyers for sometimes four times as much. Why now? But why, though, would a financial scheme created in an era of sanctioned racial discrimination be making a resurgence today? Since Satter's father tried to sue over the tactic a half-century ago, the Fair Housing Act and Home Mortgage Disclosure Act were passed. And the end of legal discrimination opened up legitimate lending to more blacks who were no longer forced into the housing market's rapacious underworld. But a crucial similarity between the two eras exists: Many people still can't get loans today. Now, this is the case because lenders have tightened their credit standards since the crash, overcorrecting for the bubble's exuberance with historic stinginess. The Urban Institute has counted more than 5 million loans currently "missing" from the housing market - mortgages that would have been made between 2009 and 2014 if lenders used the kind of credit standards that were common back in 2001, a benchmark for more reasonable lending prior to the housing bubble. Millions of Americans over this same time have had their credit ruined by foreclosures - in many cases because of predatory subprime lending that has now put them in the crosshairs of predatory land contracts. Minorities who were disproportionately targeted for the former are not surprisingly concentrated among those caught up in the latter. "When the banks close down, people still need to buy," Satter says. And so they find a way. Just as creative investors find a way to meet their demand. Land contracts are to housing what payday loans are to banking and Rent-A-Centers are to furniture. What people in need can't access through credit someone is always willing to provide - for a price. A lawyer for Harbour Portfolio Advisors in Dallas, one of the larger players in the new wave of contract lending, told the Times that the firm's business model is "to purchase unproductive residential properties and sell them to other people who will make them productive again." But Satter frames this differently. "Choices that black Americans have had for housing loans have been predatory loans, or no loans," she says. And when banks choose not to loan, she adds, this is who they choose not to loan to. "The result," Satter says, "is a complete revival of redlining in a slightly different guise." This is why she wasn't surprised to see the practice she'd studied as a historian (and lived through with her family in the 1950s) re-emerge as front-page news. One other factor, though, helps explain why contract selling is back again. The demand among buyers who can't get mortgages is deep. But so is the supply of houses that might accommodate buyers at the moderate end of the market. The foreclosure crisis created a vast stock of vacant homes, many of which have deteriorated through neglect. Steven Brown, an affiliated scholar at the Urban Institute, has shown that the number of homes worth less than $50,000 has been growing. So an investor who has bought up thousands of distressed foreclosures for $10,000-$20,000 a piece has to get creative. These properties need expensive repairs, meaning there likely isn't much profit in repairing and renting them. They aren't likely to appreciate much over time in stagnant markets like Detroit or Akron, so an investor can't simply sit on them waiting for a recovery. And these homes can't easily be sold at a profit to buyers - even with some modest flipping - because buyers in this market can't get mortgages. Contract selling, in other words, is just about the most profitable thing an investor could do with these homes. And that opportunity is colliding right now with a time of desperation for would-be buyers. One way to look at this situation - today or in the 1950s - is that a market failure exists. Something is not working right in the world of legitimate home lending that's causing families to reach for dubious alternatives, and that's prompting dangerous models to proliferate. Satter, though, doesn't see it this way. "It's a market success," she says, viewed from the standpoint of the investors. "They figured out a great way to make a huge amount of money in this situation." As for market failures, she says, maybe we should rethink the term. "If you're looking at how a market works, this is how it works - people saw an opportunity, they came in and grabbed it," she says. "The market doesn't care about fair housing for people, or that families need a place to live." And that is the other lesson of history that is repeating itself. An honest essay has numerous characteristics: original thinking, a good structure, balanced arguments, and plenty more. But one aspect often overlooked is that an honest essay should be interesting. It should spark the readers curiosity, keep them absorbed, make them want to stay reading and learn more. An uneventful article risks losing the readers attention; whether or not the points you create are excellent, a flat style, or poor handling of a dry subject material can undermine the positive aspects of the essay. The matter is that a lot of students think that essays should be like this: they believe that a flat, dry style is suited to the needs of educational writing and dont even consider that the teacher reading their essay wants to search out the essay interesting. You might want to have online essay editor service to boost your confidence in writing with an error-free output. Academic writing doesnt need to be and shouldnt be bland. The excellent news is that there is much stuff you can do to create your essay more attractive, while youll be able only to do such a lot while remaining within the formal confines of educational writing. Lets study what theyre. Have an interest in what youre writing about Dont go overboard, but youll be able to let your passion for your subject show. If theres one thing bound to inject interest into your writing, its being fascinated by what youre writing about. Passion for a subject matter comes across naturally in your essay, typically making it more lively and fascinating and infusing an infectious enthusiasm into your words within the same way that its easy to talk knowledgeably to someone about something you discover fascinating. Include fascinating details Another factor that may make an essay boring maybe a dry material. Some topic areas are naturally dry, and it falls to you to form the article more interesting through your written style and by trying to seek out fascinating snippets of knowledge to incorporate, which will liven it up a small amount and make the data easier to relate to. A way of doing this with a dry subject is to create what youre talking about that seems relevant to the critical world, as this is often easier for the reader to relate to. Emulate the fashion of writers you discover interesting When you read lots, you subconsciously start emulating the fashion of the writers you have read. Reading benefits you a lot, as this exposes you to a spread of designs, and youll start to require the characteristics of these you discover interesting to read. Borrow some creative writing techniques Theres a limit to the quantity of actual story-telling youll do when youre writing an essay; in the end, essays should be objective, factual and balanced, which doesnt, initially glance, feel considerably like story-telling. However, youll apply a number of the principles of story-telling to create your writing more interesting. consider your own opinion Take the time to figure out what its that you think instead of regurgitating the opinions of others. Cut the waffle Rambling on and on is dull and almost bound to lose the interest of your reader. Youre in danger of waffling if youre not completely clear about what you wish to mention or havent thought carefully about how youre visiting structure your argument. Doing all your research correctly and writing an essay plan before you begin will help prevent this problem. Editing is a vital part of the essay-writing process, so edit the waffle once youve done a primary draft. Read through your essay objectively and eliminate the bits that arent relevant to the argument or labor the purpose. employing a thesaurus isnt always a decent thing Avoid using unfamiliar words in an essay; theres too great a likelihood that youre misusing them. You may think that employing a thesaurus to seek out more complicated words will make your writing more exciting or sound more academic, but using overly high-brow language can have the incorrect effect. Avoid repetitive phrasing Please avoid using the identical phrase structure again and again: its a recipe for dullness! Instead, use a variety of syntax that demonstrates your writing capabilities and makes your writing more interesting. Mix simple, compound, and complicated sentences to avoid your paper becoming predictable. Use some figurative language Using analogies with nature can often make concepts more accessible for readers to know. As weve already seen, its easy to finish up rambling when youre explaining complex concepts mainly after you dont know it yourself. One way of forcing yourself to think about a couple of pictures, present it more simply and engagingly is to form figurative language. This implies explaining something by comparing it with something else, as in an analogy. Employ rhetorical questions Anticipate the questions your reader might ask. One of the ways ancient orators held the eye of their audiences and increased the dramatic effect of their speeches was by using the statement. A decent place to use a statement is at the top of a paragraph, to steer into the following one, or at the start of a replacement section to introduce a brand new area for exploration. Proofread Finally, you may write the top interesting essay an instructor has ever read. Still, youll undermine your good work if its plagued by errors, which distract the reader from the particular content and can probably annoy them. While showing off some new UAZ Patriot pickup trucks armed with machine guns and grenade launchers to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, a general couldn't open the door of one of the trucks and, in his desperate desire to please the commander-in-chief, ripped off the door handle. "Well done," Putin said, laughing. Meanwhile, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is debating how most effectively to deter Russia from invading the Baltic States. The U.S. has already proposed quadrupling the budget of the so-called European Reassurance Initiative, to $3.4 billion in 2017. A billion dollars of that sum is to add another armored brigade combat team, 4,000 to 5,000 strong, to the 35,000 U.S. troops already present in Europe. Another $1.9 billion is earmarked for additional war-fighting equipment. Still, many U.S. analysts still believe that may not be enough for deterrence. Advertisement They should watch the door-handle video and ask themselves if they aren't being hoodwinked. RAND Corporation recently held a war game to see if the Baltic states were defensible against Russia and concluded that, with the current level of protection, the Russian military could get to Tallinn and Riga in as little as 60 hours. To prevent such an outcome, Rand concluded that NATO would need seven brigades, including three with heavy armor, "adequately supported by air power, land-based fires, and other enablers on the ground and ready to fight at the onset of hostilities." Advertisement Writing for the Atlantic Council, Franklin Cramer and Bantz Craddock proposed reinforcing the Baltic nations' defenses with additional air defense and anti-armor systems and setting up new multinational battalions former from Baltic, other European and U.S. soldiers. On the defense analysis site War on the Rocks, Elbridge Colby and Jonathan Solomon declared the planned additional U.S. deployment insufficient, arguing that persuading the "increasingly capable Russians" to stand down would require "fielding a conventional military posture that includes substantial, potent forces permanently deployed forward in Central and Eastern Europe that can assuredly arrest any Russian military thrust into NATO member-state territory." These experts all discuss Russia's resurgent military strength. RAND argues that forces in Russia's Western Military District are far more powerful, in terms of numerical strength and equipment, than what NATO deploys in and around the Baltics. Russia's air campaign in Syria has also impressed many. Watching the door-handle video or reading last year's reports from Debaltsevo in eastern Ukraine, where local rebels aided by Russian troops encircled and defeated the Ukrainian army after weeks of heavy fighting, should sow some doubts in the minds of military specialists as to the Russian army's readiness for a bold invasion of two or three NATO member states. Although Russia is undergoing extensive rearmament, a program to which Putin pays lots of attention, it's plagued by typical modern Russian problems of inefficient, overly expensive procurement and shoddy quality. Demonstrating success to Putin is more important to the generals than actually achieving it and Putin, in turn, may well be more interested in showing off to the world in Victory Day parades on Red Square, than attacking NATO. He pursues domestic goals, too, whipping up a patriotic frenzy to maintain his support. The climate in today's Russia is one in which Kalashnikov, the assault rifle manufacturer, is having difficulty turning a profit from its main product -- but is hoping to make up for that by producing a line of military style clothing for patriots. Russian troops can be effective against weak adversaries, such as the Ukrainian military or lightly armed Syrian rebels, but even then they do not achieve lightning-fast results. The invasion of Crimea was scary, because unbadged Russian soldiers there wore modern-looking gear and looked dangerous, but they did not meet with any resistance. As the Wilson Center's Michael Kofman argues on War on the Rocks, "the Russian army is simply not set up to occupy an invaded country, particularly one likely to resist. There are few permanent units based on NATO's borders and no higher tier command structures to organize a fight using units pieced together from other districts." Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > More importantly, however, none of the alarmist proponents of an increased U.S. military presence in Eastern Europe can explain why Putin would want to invade the Baltics. Countries don't attack other countries simply because they don't like them, or because they can. There has to be some strategic benefit to the attack. In the premise for its war game, RAND takes a stab at locating one: "The strategic goal of the invasion was to demonstrate NATO's inability to protect its most vulnerable members and divide the alliance, reducing the threat it presents from Moscow's point of view." It's not clear why Russia would risk an all-out war with the U.S., including the prospect of a nuclear conflict, just to prove NATO's vulnerability. The previous aggressive actions of Putin and his close circle suggest they do indeed consider NATO as a threat to Russia. But Putin backed separatists in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and went to war for them in 2008, to make a destabilized Georgia unacceptable to NATO as a potential member. It has been feeding the unrest in eastern Ukraine with the same purpose. Both wars are used by the alarmist experts as arguments for increased deterrence, but are really arguments against it: Russia fears NATO's closeness to its borders enough to launch these adventures at considerable cost to its international status, so it's unlikely to invite a direct conflict with the alliance. And it isn't the U.S. contingent stationed in Europe that scares Putin, but the full U.S. military might, including its nuclear arsenal. Advertisement Kofman doesn't rule out Russian military mischief in the Baltics, but he believes an all-out invasion of Riga and Tallinn would not be the most likely scenario. To test NATO's resolve in a less life-threatening way, Russia could seize a patch of disputed land. "A smarter approach for Moscow," Kofman wrote, "and one conceptually demonstrated in Crimea, is to create a crisis in which NATO's credibility is tested on the choice of whether or not to attack Russia first." A heightened U.S. military presence would only make that choice a tougher one for the U.S.: the safety of its personnel could become an added consideration that could give rise to rash decisions. Increased budgets, more toys, more opportunities to hold exercises in various geographies are always attractive to generals. Strategically, however, they won't help to resolve any real-world problem. Russia has no reason to mount a massive invasion of the Baltics and Putin knows how much of the country's new might is window-dressing. Leonid Bershidsky, a Bloomberg View contributor, is a Berlin-based writer. For more columns, visit Bloomberg View. A tourist attends a reception as part of a bus trip along the ancient silk road towards China in Berlin, Germany, on May 12, 2016. The journey across the entire Euro-Asian continent lasts for nearly 2 months, and brings the tourists through Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) "I have been deeply interested in the silk road since I was a child, now I've finally got a chance to really experience it," Heinrich Schultz, a 77-year-old German retiree, told Xinhua on Thursday when he started a bus trip with some 50 other Germans along the ancient silk road towards China. The journey across the entire Euro-Asian continent lasts for nearly two months, and brings the tourists through Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The group will then enter China from the country's western border. "It will be a very special, unforgettable experience to travel from the Atlantic to the Pacific," said Liu Guosheng, chief of China Tours which co-organized the trip, in Berlin. According to him, nearly half of the 13,000-kilometer-long trip will be inside China. From Xinjiang at the western border to Shanghai at the eastern coast, tourists will visit over 20 Chinese cities. "We have been running the route for 10 years. More and more people, not only from the German speaking countries, are joining us," Liu said. Nearly 26 million foreigners traveled to China in 2015. Some 5 million among them were from Europe. Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and the Yangtze River are traditional Chinese travel destinations for European tourists. "Compared with modern cities, western China is more attractive for me," said Schultz, "the culture, ethic minorities, their lives...all these are very interesting." China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) regards "Silk Road Tourism" as a new brand to attract foreign visitors, setting it as the leading theme of tourism promotion in recent two years. "It helps people to know more about China, especially the north-western part of the country," said Shi Xiang, head of CNTA office in Frankfurt. You are here: Home China will take enforcement action against the United States under the WTO dispute settlement framework to urge the latter to stop illegal anti-dumping activities. The United States failed to enforce the decision made by the WTO appellate body to stop 15 illegal anti-dumping practices against Chinese products, damaging WTO credibility and Chinese enterprises' interests, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce on Friday. China proposed settlement of U.S. anti-dumping practices on 22 Chinese products including solar panels and petroleum tubing in 2012. An expert group was organized and published its report in favor of China in 2014. The ministry urged the U.S. side to finish domestic reinvestigation procedures and enforce the WTO decision. China will again resort to the WTO dispute settlement framework if the United States fails to reform its practices, the ministry added. Presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte talks to reporters in Davao city in southern Philippines, May 9, 2016. [Photo/China Daily] The Philippines is set to have Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City as its next head of government. His way to the presidency has been beset with extreme brashness, peaking when he made some absurd and misogynist comments about the rape and murder of an Australian missionary in the Philippines. That didn't stop him from winning, however, possibly because he promised to be the "punisher" and to stop all crime and terrorism within six months of his elections. Within hours of his win, he vowed to change the constitution and turn the country into a federal government, stating that it has been a long time that the state has achieved anything substantial. He promises to execute criminals en masse to stop crime in the country and also sobbed in front of his mother's grave, which apparently showed the humane side of a politician who is often compared to Donald Trump for his straight talking. "I will be strict. I will be a dictator, no doubt it. But only against forces of evil criminality, drugs and corruption in government," Duterte said Tuesday morning, as quoted by CNN. Duterte's popularity struck the right note among the 25.2 percent of Filipinos living below the poverty line, even though the Philippines is one of the success stories of Asia with a growth percentage of 6.2. However, alongside high GDP growth, inequality continued unabated, making Duterte seem like a savior for his focus on it. The majority of Filipinos didn't seem to care about his brash words as long as he promised to give them the prosperity they deserve. His promise to be a tough talking no nonsense crime-stopper also resonated with the masses. Now comes the interesting part. How will it affect Duterte's foreign policy? He opposed Grace Poe's election saying he can't allow an American to lead the Philippines, but that might be purely election rhetoric. But his strongman dictatorial tendencies bode ill for the region. Duterte might realize his bandwagoning with China will be beneficial or he might try to find a balance between China and the U.S. It is difficult to predict his course of action. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. Flash Brazil's acting President Michel Temer (C) presides over his first cabinet meeting at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on May 13, 2016. Brazil's Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said the interim government's first task will be to rein in public spending, which outstrips tax collection and generates a deficit. (Xinhua/TELAM) Brazil's newly-installed interim government said Friday it plans to lay off 4,000 high-level public-sector aides as part of an effort to cut spending and lower the budget deficit. New Minister of Planning, Development and Management Romero Juca said the plan was to trim what he described as the bloated government payroll left behind by suspended president Dilma Rousseff. "By Dec. 31, 2016, we want to have cut 4,000 such posts," said Juca, though he admitted he didn't know "how much the government will save by these cuts." There are 51 different categories of aides working in government and they will be reviewed, Juca told reporters at a press conference a day after Rousseff's vice president, Michel Temer, was made acting president and introduced his new cabinet. "We will change the organizational structure of the ministries. Several have already been incorporated or assigned to other ministries," he added. Juca spoke with reporters following the interim government's first cabinet meeting. "All state banks and companies are going to go through this ... through adjustments. They will have to present results and spending reductions," he said, adding "we have to spend little in internal procedures and invest a lot in attending to the people." While the layoffs "won't solve the problem of public spending and the target deficit ... it is a position the government must adopt as an example to society," said Juca. Rousseff was suspended on Thursday pending an impeachment trial that could take six months. She is accused of covering up public deficits to enhance her chances of winning reelection in 2014. Also Friday, new Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said the interim government's first task will be to rein in public spending, which outstrips tax collection and generates a deficit. "We have to control the rise in public spending," he told Brazilian news channel Globo TV, adding the new government must "tell the truth" about the country's economic situation. Rousseff's government projected Brazil's deficit this year would ring in at more than 96.6 billion reals (27.6 billion U.S. dollars), said Meirelles, adding "everything indicates the number will be larger than this." Meirelles served as president of Brazil's central bank during the administration of Rousseff's predecessor and mentor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010). The new Finance chief indicated the government is looking to make changes to the pension law to help alleviate public-sector spending, but provided few details. "There will be a minimum retirement age. We are studying the rules of transition," he said. He dismissed tax increases, however, saying "the tax burden is already high. Key social programs put in place by Rousseff's Workers' Party (PT), and recognized by international agencies such as the World Bank for their effectiveness, are to remain untouched, said Meirelles. A package of economic measures will be unveiled "at the right time," said the finance minister. "This government begins today, we are getting the concrete data on the situation of the Brazilian state and economy. The measures will be announced at the right time, when they have the potential to be approved by the National Congress," he said. On Monday, the new heads of the central bank and other state banks are to be announced. Flash Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L, front) speaks during the opening of the seventh ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Doha, capital of Qatar, May 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Nikku) The 7th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) held in Doha on Thursday paves the way for further economic and political cooperation between China and the Arab world, said Arab experts. China and the Arab world enjoy vast economic partnerships, mutual political and diplomatic support and strong relations based on respect, friendship and shared interests, according to many analysts. The China-Arab Cooperation Forum was described by Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Araby as "a good example for the South-to-South cooperation," stressing the Arab nations are "sincere and confident in our strategic cooperation." BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in Doha that the Belt and Road Initiative is "a historic opportunity" for China and the Arab nations to boost common development and national rejuvenation, expecting "huge potentials" for future Chinese-Arab cooperation in infrastructure projects. During the one-day meeting, held under the theme of "Working together on the Belt and Road Initiative and deepening China-Arab strategic cooperation," the two sides agreed to take the initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as the lodestar to promote their relations. The initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was announced by President Xi in 2013, with the aim to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road. "This initiative may form a cooperation framework between the Chinese and the Arab sides, and transport can be one of the fields of cooperation," said Gamal Bayoumi, head of the Arab Investors Union, noting the ancient Silk Road crossed some Arab states, including Egypt. "The revival of the Silk Road is important; the more it reduces the cost and time for transport of goods, the higher their competitiveness in the markets will be," the top Arab investment expert told Xinhua. He stressed that the regularly-held China-Arab forum is a "good habit" that enhances ties between the two sides and provides potentials for raising the level of cooperation to presidential levels. "Arabs should learn how China became the largest world exporter and how it attracted the largest amounts of foreign investments," Bayoumi told Xinhua. Omar al-Hassan, head of the Gulf Center for Strategic Studies, stressed that China has "real huge partnerships" with Arabs in general and the Gulf states in particular. "The Belt and Road initiative is very important as it may open new horizons for China-Arab economic cooperation that reflects on political cooperation and coordination between the two sides," the Gulf expert told Xinhua. Hassan believes that any further step in the Chinese-Arab economic cooperation will enhance partnership between the two sides, and will in turn reflect on their political cooperation. "Arab states look at China and turn to it as an important partner," he added. For his part, Ahmed Wali, vice chairman of Egypt-China Friendship Association, said that the initiative will open a new window for larger economic cooperation between China and the Arab world. "The initiative is very significant for the Arabs and China alike, and every country the road passes through will benefit in many ways, mainly in the commercial and the cultural fields," " Wali told Xinhua, noting that the revival of such a key ancient commercial road will lead to further cultural interaction and exchange between China and the Arab nations. STRATEGIC COOPERATION Many experts believe the China-Arab Cooperation Forum manifests longstanding strategic cooperation between the two sides as China is a main friend and supporter of Arab nations while the Arabs look at the Asian giant with a different perception compared to the West in general. During the ministerial meeting, the chief of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, described China's relations with the Arab countries are "ideal," and said that the Arab world should "attach even more importance to the strategic cooperation between the two sides." Araby added that "China is the only major state in the world that always supports Arab rights," hailing the strategic cooperation between the two sides and the Chinese "great influence" on the balance of international relations. Diaa al-Fiqy, chief of Chinese-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, referred to China as 'an honest and trusted partner that respects the sovereignty of its friends and never intervenes in other countries' affairs." He added that China adopts a smart diplomacy as its attitudes are based on strategic thinking and never builds its diplomatic relationships on the action-reaction strategy, which is why China is regionally and internationally respected. China has huge projects in the Middle East region, Africa and the Arab world, which encourages the Arab nations to enhance strategic ties with the Asian power and benefit from its development expertise. "Arab cooperation with China should not be restricted to economy, but it should also be military, political and cultural. I believe the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum can achieve this," Fiqy told Xinhua. "China has many development experiences the Arabs should learn from, as they paid dearly for following the terrible Western capitalism," Fiqy said, urging Arabs to take China as a successful development example "for the country is moving with stable swift pace towards a comprehensive development." Wali, the vice chairman of Egypt-China Friendship Association, said that the Arab world should benefit from its strategic cooperation with China. "The Arabs can learn from the Chinese development experience in the fields of education, banking, business and culture. They can shorten the time to reach high development levels by following on the footsteps of China," he told Xinhua, adding, "I believe many Arabs have already started to follow the Chinese development model." "Promoting ties with many Arab countries to the level of strategic partnership is a proof of China's deeply-rooted friendship with the Arab world that views China as a successful model for a modern, strong, rich state," Wali said. CHINA'S ROLE Chinese Foreign Minister Wang told the forum Thursday that the Chinese and Arab sides realized the necessity of their firm mutual support for maintaining their respective core interests and easing regional tensions through dialogues. "Politically, China is a peaceful country whose policies are based on dialogue not confrontation and has always been a backer of Arab rights for the past five decades without interference in the domestic affairs of any Arab countries," said Diaa al-Fiqy. He added that China's role in the region is completely different from that of Western countries and the United States, which always work to divide the Arab region for personal interests and selfish policies. Hassan, head of the Gulf Center for Strategic Studies, said that the Arabs try to get closer to China as a strong partner amid rising regional instability. "China undoubtedly has a great role that it can play in the Arab region in support of the settlement of some issues including the turmoil in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and others," Hassan told Xinhua. A view of Taikoo Li Sanlitun, the bustling zone of Beijing, July 15, 2015. [Photo/IC] China signed an agreement on Thursday on the exchange of country-by-country reports by multinationals, as the international community steps up efforts to tackle tax avoidance and evasion. Wang Jun, commissioner of the State Administration of Taxation, signed the agreement during the 10th meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Forum on Tax Administration, which ended on Thursday in Beijing. According to the OECD, a multilateral agency that has taken a leading role in reshaping international taxation rulesan effort known as the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project39 jurisdictions have signed the agreement. Base erosion is a term referring to the effects of corporate tax avoidance. Transfer pricing, which occurs when companies within a multinational group trade with each other, becomes a problem when the prices are manipulated to minimize tax bills. The agreement, developed as a tool to enhance tax transparency, will enable global collaboration on tax issues and facilitate efforts to fight cross-border tax avoidance. Signing the agreement is a step by the Chinese tax authority to "crack down on cross-border tax evasion and tax avoidance", according to a statement by the State Administration of Taxation. "It also shows China's commitment to implementing international tax rules." Wang said on Wednesday that China will boost its efforts in fighting international tax avoidance and evasion through global cooperation. Multinationals have been accused of exploiting gaps in tax rules to artificially shift profits to low- or no-tax locations where there is little or no economic activity. The OECD believes that the resulting revenue losses to national treasuries have grown to as much as $240 billion a year, or 10 percent of global corporate income-tax receiptsan estimate it considers to be conservative. To tackle the problem, China has established bilateral cooperative relationships with 115 countries and regions by signing tax treaties or agreements as well as agreements on information exchanges, Wang said. A visitor plays VR games at the three-day Consumer Electronics Show Asia 2016 in Shanghai, which ends on May 13. The event showcases the latest VR products including headsets, glasses and accompanying content displayers. [Photo provided to China Daily] China's top securities regulator said on Friday that current policies on refinancing and mergers and acquisitions by listed companies remain unchanged. The China Securities Regulatory Commission was responding to an earlier media report the regulator had banned companies from selling new shares to invest, or conducting mergers and acquisitions in four sectors: online finance, gaming, film and television, and virtual reality. "The regulator actively encourages qualified listed companies to refinance and conduct mergers and acquisitions in an effort to allow the capital market to serve the real economy," Deng Ge, CSRC spokesman told a news conference. Deng said that the regulator will make an official announcement if there is any adjustment to the rules. Stocks in the related sectors experienced sharp volatility after a media report on Wednesday claimed the regulator had halted refinancing and M&A activities in those four sectors. On Friday, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.3 percent to 2,827.11. Chinese stocks fell for a fourth week, capping the longest string of losses in two years, as metal prices dropped and the yuan weakened amid concern the government will hold off from new stimulus even as growth falters. The Shanghai gauge slid 3 percent this week, led by energy and material companies. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index dropped 10 percent from the April high, entering a so-called correction. The China-Africa Development Fund on Friday signed a cooperation agreement with Shaanxi government in Xi'an, the first of its kind with a provincial-level partner that aims to boost more investment in the African market. Hu Heping, governor of Shaanxi province, said the agreement had great significance for companies in Shaanxi, pointing the way for them to go abroad and accelerate their steps into Africa. According to the agreement, the two sides will establish Shaanxi Africa Industry Development Fund, which will help local companies in financing, project selection and loans for their businesses in Africa. "As a province with traditional heavy industry, including energy development and manufacturing, Shaanxi has a good number of companies which have an advantage in mining, oil exploration and large-scale equipment manufacturing. All those sectors are needed in Africa," Hu said. He said the China Development Bank, together with CAD Fund which has nine years of experience in Africa-related investment, will help companies in Shaanxi gain more information and financial aid in their business expansion in Africa. Chi Jianxin, chairman of the fund, said there were unprecedented opportunities in China-Africa cooperation at present and the thing that Africa needed the most was capital. The bank has already allocated $3.2 billion in the CAD Fund for more than 80 projects, from infrastructure to agriculture to energy resources in 35 African countries. In December the bank hit its target of pooling $5 billion to go into the fund, aiming at further diversifying financial vehicles that facilitate Chinese investment in Africa. Chen Yuan, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former chairman of the bank, witnessed the signing of the agreement. He said the international cooperation has brought opportunities for companies to invest in industrial capacity in Africa. "China and Africa still have huge potential in future because of their complementarity," Chen said. Moiseikin Jewellery House director Viktor Moiseikin cheks an Easter egg created for patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia, Yekaterinburg, Russia, April 11, 2015. [Photo/IC] Cultural and art companies from countries and regions along China's Belt and Road Initiative are lining up to export more traditional and modern products to Chinaand a major Shenzhen industrial fair that has just opened is highlighting the trade to an expanding market. "We are looking for opportunities in the Chinese market, where a growing number of people have already developed demand for luxury jewelry," said Victor Moiseikin, founder and designer of Russia's Moiseikin Jewelry House. Moiseikin has a history of over 20 years in making conceptual handmade jewelry, maintaining a 200 year-old tradition of Russian craftsmanship. China is the world's fastest-growing market for gold and jewelry, driven by an expanding and affluent middle class, according to Moiseikin. "We employ over 200 artists, craftsmen and goldsmiths, who pour their souls and talents into creating gemstone and jewelry items which convey and advance Russian luxury," said Moiseikin. BEIJING - China will take enforcement action against the United States under the WTO dispute settlement framework to urge the latter to stop illegal anti-dumping activities. The United States failed to enforce the decision made by the WTO appellate body to stop 15 illegal anti-dumping practices against Chinese products, damaging WTO credibility and Chinese enterprises' interests, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce on Friday. China proposed settlement of US anti-dumping practices on 22 Chinese products including solar panels and petroleum tubing in 2012. An expert group was organized and published its report in favor of China in 2014. The ministry urged the US side to finish domestic reinvestigation procedures and enforce the WTO decision. China will again resort to the WTO dispute settlement framework if the United States fails to reform its practices, the ministry added. BEIJING - European Union lawmakers' vote against granting market economy status (MES) to China sends a worrying signal that one of the world's most important trade relations risks deteriorating. The EU Parliament said in a resolution on Thursday that China's excess production capacity and cheap exports are hurting EU jobs, urging the European Union not to grant China the MES. Although the non-binding resolution by the EU parliament is not legally effective, it could carry the wrong message that China's booming trade with the EU is based on artificial and unfair price advantages, which distorts the real picture. Since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), it has been relentless in trying to reduce the government's sway in economic activity and give market forces a bigger role. As the world's second-largest economy is working to transition from relying on exports to consumption, China is grappling with soaring production costs. The country's exporters have felt the growing pains. With the global economy battling with a prolonged and slow recovery, major trading countries tend to seek protectionism to support domestic industry. Trade frictions have been rising dramatically in the steel sector globally of late, as the world's major steel makers are facing production overcapacity. The EU's censure of China as being accountable for the steel glut in the 27-country bloc is untenable. China's steel exports to the EU are small compared with other countries. The Asian giant's low value-added steel products are complementary to the EU's steel market portfolio. Without exports from China, the EU would still have to turn to other countries to import similar products. That will not stem job losses in the EU. The opposition to giving China MES within the EU mainly comes from southern European countries, where steel, textile and other manufacturing sectors have been hard hit. More competitive manufacturing countries such as Britain and Holland have voiced their support for granting China the status. In its resolution statement, the European Parliament recognized the importance of the EU partnership with China, stressing that Chinese market "has been the main engine of profitability for a number of EU industries and brands." China is the EU's second-biggest trading partner, with daily trade flows of over 1 billion euros ($1.14 billion). Giving China MES will make China-EU trade ties stronger than ever before, given the increasing interdependence between the world's two major economies. The EU should think twice before making a final decision on China's MES. Only by heeding the progress China has made in its market economy agenda and discarding deeply-rooted prejudice can China-EU trade relations move forward in a healthy way that bodes well for both. NEW YORK - A delegation of South China's Guangdong province signed 28 cooperation projects worth $4.14 billion with US enterprises on Friday. More than 200 US enterprises and 85 companies from Guangdong province participated in the China (Guangdong)-US (New York) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference, where the projects were signed. Hu Chunhua, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the Guangdong Provincial CPC Committee, and Patrick Santillo, deputy assistant secretary of commerce for China at the US Department of Commerce, were among the participants. Hu said Guangdong Province will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with US states to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. He put forward ways to strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation, including expanding two-way investment and bilateral trade, deepening cooperation in technological innovation, tourism and cultural exchanges and establishing long-term mechanisms for such cooperation. Data from the provincial government show that the United States is Guangdong province's second largest trading partner. Foreign trade between China's Guangdong province and the United States totaled $128.3 billion in 2015, accounting for 12.55 percent of the province's total foreign trade. By the end of 2015, the province had set up 555 companies in the United States with contractual investment of $3.7 billion and actual investment of more than $2.1 billion. Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to the United States, who was also present at the conference, said local cooperation is an important part and a cornerstone of the China-US relations, as well as the most direct way to benefit the people. The Chinese delegation also held similar economic and trade cooperation conferences in Detroit and Boston this week. HELSINKI - Chinese visitors arriving at Helsinki Airport grew by 50 percent last year compared with the previous year, Finland's state-owned civil aviation company Finavia said on Friday. About 300,000 Chinese passengers visited Helsinki Airport in 2015. The number surpassed the amount of Russian passengers for the first time. More than half of the Chinese passengers were first-time visitors. As a result of Russian economic downturn and the ruble devaluation, the number of Russian travelers dropped from 400,000 in 2014 to 280,000 in 2015. Finavia said Helsinki Airport had a total of 16.4 million passengers in 2015, of which 3.6 percent were Chinese. Chinese passengers were now the fourth biggest foreign group at the airport, following Swedes, Germans and Brits. In April, Finavia reported that travelers from China were the biggest spenders, who spent a total of 16.6 million euros ($18.77 million) at Helsinki Airport in 2015, followed by Russians and Koreans. Helsinki Airport is the main international airport of Finland. Measured by the amount of connections to Asia, the airport is the fifth biggest one in Europe. There are currently 17 Finnair flights directly to Asia. Among the Asian destinations, six are in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chongqing, Xi'an and Guangzhou. CAIRO - The 7th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) held in Doha on Thursday paves the way for further economic and political cooperation between China and the Arab world, said Arab experts. China and the Arab world enjoy vast economic partnerships, mutual political and diplomatic support and strong relations based on respect, friendship and shared interests, according to many analysts. The China-Arab Cooperation Forum was described by Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Araby as "a good example for the South-to-South cooperation," stressing the Arab nations are "sincere and confident in our strategic cooperation." Belt and road initiative Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in Doha that the Belt and Road Initiative is "a historic opportunity" for China and the Arab nations to boost common development and national rejuvenation, expecting "huge potentials" for future Chinese-Arab cooperation in infrastructure projects. During the one-day meeting, held under the theme of "Working together on the Belt and Road Initiative and deepening China-Arab strategic cooperation," the two sides agreed to take the initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as the lodestar to promote their relations. The initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was announced by President Xi in 2013, with the aim to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road. "This initiative may form a cooperation framework between the Chinese and the Arab sides, and transport can be one of the fields of cooperation," said Gamal Bayoumi, head of the Arab Investors Union, noting the ancient Silk Road crossed some Arab states, including Egypt. "The revival of the Silk Road is important; the more it reduces the cost and time for transport of goods, the higher their competitiveness in the markets will be," the top Arab investment expert told Xinhua. He stressed that the regularly-held China-Arab forum is a "good habit" that enhances ties between the two sides and provides potentials for raising the level of cooperation to presidential levels. "Arabs should learn how China became the largest world exporter and how it attracted the largest amounts of foreign investments," Bayoumi told Xinhua. Omar al-Hassan, head of the Gulf Center for Strategic Studies, stressed that China has "real huge partnerships" with Arabs in general and the Gulf states in particular. "The Belt and Road initiative is very important as it may open new horizons for China-Arab economic cooperation that reflects on political cooperation and coordination between the two sides," the Gulf expert told Xinhua. Hassan believes that any further step in the Chinese-Arab economic cooperation will enhance partnership between the two sides, and will in turn reflect on their political cooperation. "Arab states look at China and turn to it as an important partner," he added. For his part, Ahmed Wali, vice chairman of Egypt-China Friendship Association, said that the initiative will open a new window for larger economic cooperation between China and the Arab world. "The initiative is very significant for the Arabs and China alike, and every country the road passes through will benefit in many ways, mainly in the commercial and the cultural fields," " Wali told Xinhua, noting that the revival of such a key ancient commercial road will lead to further cultural interaction and exchange between China and the Arab nations. Strategic cooperation Many experts believe the China-Arab Cooperation Forum manifests longstanding strategic cooperation between the two sides as China is a main friend and supporter of Arab nations while the Arabs look at the Asian giant with a different perception compared to the West in general. During the ministerial meeting, the chief of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, described China's relations with the Arab countries are "ideal," and said that the Arab world should "attach even more importance to the strategic cooperation between the two sides." Araby added that "China is the only major state in the world that always supports Arab rights," hailing the strategic cooperation between the two sides and the Chinese "great influence" on the balance of international relations. Diaa al-Fiqy, chief of Chinese-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, referred to China as 'an honest and trusted partner that respects the sovereignty of its friends and never intervenes in other countries' affairs." He added that China adopts a smart diplomacy as its attitudes are based on strategic thinking and never builds its diplomatic relationships on the action-reaction strategy, which is why China is regionally and internationally respected. China has huge projects in the Middle East region, Africa and the Arab world, which encourages the Arab nations to enhance strategic ties with the Asian power and benefit from its development expertise. "Arab cooperation with China should not be restricted to economy, but it should also be military, political and cultural. I believe the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum can achieve this," Fiqy told Xinhua. "China has many development experiences the Arabs should learn from, as they paid dearly for following the terrible Western capitalism," Fiqy said, urging Arabs to take China as a successful development example "for the country is moving with stable swift pace towards a comprehensive development." Wali, the vice chairman of Egypt-China Friendship Association, said that the Arab world should benefit from its strategic cooperation with China. "The Arabs can learn from the Chinese development experience in the fields of education, banking, business and culture. They can shorten the time to reach high development levels by following on the footsteps of China," he told Xinhua, adding, "I believe many Arabs have already started to follow the Chinese development model." "Promoting ties with many Arab countries to the level of strategic partnership is a proof of China's deeply-rooted friendship with the Arab world that views China as a successful model for a modern, strong, rich state," Wali said. China's role Chinese Foreign Minister Wang told the forum Thursday that the Chinese and Arab sides realized the necessity of their firm mutual support for maintaining their respective core interests and easing regional tensions through dialogues. "Politically, China is a peaceful country whose policies are based on dialogue not confrontation and has always been a backer of Arab rights for the past five decades without interference in the domestic affairs of any Arab countries," said Diaa al-Fiqy. He added that China's role in the region is completely different from that of Western countries and the United States, which always work to divide the Arab region for personal interests and selfish policies. Hassan, head of the Gulf Center for Strategic Studies, said that the Arabs try to get closer to China as a strong partner amid rising regional instability. "China undoubtedly has a great role that it can play in the Arab region in support of the settlement of some issues including the turmoil in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and others," Hassan told Xinhua. SANTIAGO - China's strategic economic planning, including its decision to tackle urbanization head-on, sets an example for Latin America, according to the head of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). "The interesting thing about China's economic model is that it has a strategic medium- and long-term vision of the country, which allows its progressive change, and from which we are learning," ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Barcena told Xinhua in an interview on Friday. "We analyze China's economic development a lot, because it is undergoing an interesting process through ongoing structural reforms," said Barcena. Over the past five to seven years, China has bought large quantities of iron and copper in the international market, and it is "preparing for greater industrialization in sectors with high technological and knowledge content," said Barcena. "China has known very well how to make the most of such opportunities and today it is the largest producer of steel, bigger than Europe and Latin America, both of which had significant steel production," she said. Many of the transformations China has undergone are changes that ECLAC would like to see in Latin America, so analyzing this process is conducive to the development of countries in the region, she said. China, for example, is changing its investment- and export-led growth model and trying to position itself well in global manufacturing markets, while working to raise educational standards, all challenges that Latin America is struggling to meet. "Perhaps the most important issue facing China is the movement of people from rural to urban areas," Barcena said, adding that "urbanization is a huge challenge and the authorities have taken it seriously." ECLAC is set to hold its 36th session in Mexico City on May 23-27, where members will discuss "Horizons 2030: Equality at the center of sustainable development," a document aimed at outlining a regional development strategy for the next 15 years. The document underscores China's national capacity for innovation, noting the fact that "China used to represent 2 percent of world patents, but has succeeded in reaching 35 percent, while Latin America has remained at 2 percent since 1990," Barcena said. Another accomplishment China has obtained is its move away from motorized transport, Barcena said. "The development of rail transport, which is more sustainable than motorize transport, confirms that country's strategic vision," she said. Besides, China's strategic planning is not limited to its domestic affairs, the official said, adding that the country put forward several key initiatives, such as the creation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing regional connectivity and prosperity through international cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was announced in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The aim is to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road. "That's why we believe the role China is playing is very important," Barcena said. SHANGHAI - Eleven charging posts have been installed in the parking lot of Wanfo Temple in Shanghai. The charging posts will be free to use for temple visitors, said Master Huichan, director of the Jiading District Buddhism Association, which encourages use of clean energy. There are plans to install around 100 posts at the temple, he said. Free charging will also be available near six other Buddhist temples in Jiading district. Electric cars are gaining popularity in China upon strong government support and incentives. In October last year, China's cabinet, the State Council, announced plans to build a nationwide charging-station network that will fulfil the power demands of five million electric vehicles by 2020. Candidates for advanced degrees at the High-level Tibetan Buddhism College of China in Beijing debate Buddhist scripture on Friday with heated arguments. The candidates will be challenged on five major classic works of Tibetan Buddhism by senior monks from Buddhist temples or colleges from Tibet and other provinces. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily] Judges will use secret ballot to decide results Students at the High-level Tibetan Buddhism College of China in Beijing debated Buddhist scripture on Friday in sessions filled with nerves and heated arguments. There are 13 candidates from the Tibetan Bon region for the Tho Ram Baequal to a university doctorateand 22 candidates for the Chi Ram Baequivalent to a master's degreeaccording to the college. The college, established in 1987 after a proposal by the late 10th Panchen Lama, is the only Buddhist college in China that offers the Tho Ram Ba degree. Zhu Xiangdong, an official with the news office of the college, said a major change this year is that judges will use a secret ballot after the debating test. A man who was wrongfully imprisoned for 23 years will receive more than 2.75 million yuan ($421,800) in compensation, a court in Hainan province said on Friday. The Hainan Provincial High People's Court announced that Chen Man will get more than 1.85 million yuan in compensation for restriction of personal freedom, as well as 900,000 yuan for mental suffering. Chen, with his family and lawyer, applied for more than 9.66 million yuan in compensation in March, including 1.85 million yuan for loss of freedom, 3 million yuan for mental suffering, 3.7 million yuan for unemployment and 1 million yuan for his family's expenses. "We accept the court's compensation and respect its decision, even though it is much less than what we applied for and expected," Wang Wanqiong, Chen's lawyer, said on Friday. Chen, 53, from Southwest China's Sichuan province, who was given a two-year suspended death penalty in 1994 for homicide and arson, was acquitted in Haikou, Hainan's capital, on Feb 1. He had been held in prison before being sentenced. Officials at the provincial high court bowed and apologized to him when he was declared innocent. After he was released, he returned to his hometown of Mianzhu in Sichuan to be with his parents. "He is still at home and jobless," said Wang. Chen said that he is adapting to society. "As a wrongfully imprisoned man, I have lost too much. I won't waste time. I'll face my life positively," he said. In a similar case, Nian Bin, who was wrongfully jailed for eight years, was offered 1.13 million yuan in compensation in February last year, but he did not accept it, saying that it is far from his request for 15 million yuan. Nian, who was sentenced to death in the poisoning deaths of two children in 2006 and freed on Aug 22 two years ago, is still applying for compensation. Ruan Chuansheng, a criminal lawyer in Shanghai, said that such a gap between final compensation and an applicant's expectation is understandable. "After all, how much money a court decides to pay is often different from what people apply for," he said. In the past, money for mental suffering was not agreed to by courts, "but after the country revised the state compensation law, this part has been approved", Ruan said. But the revised law does not specify a standard. "It makes judges estimate an amount in line with how much damage a wrongfully jailed man in a prison experienced, but it's hard to quantify," he added. caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily 05/14/2016 page4) Xi'an High-tech Industrial and Development Zone, one of China's top zones at a national level, signed 23 high-tech projects with its partners on Friday to promote strategic emerging industries and to transform the most advanced scientific and technological achievements. As one of the most important activities of the on-going 2016 Silk Road International Expo and the 20th Investment & Trade forum for Cooperation between East & West China, a national promotion for economic cooperation and development in the country was held between May 13 and 17 in Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province, the signing of the contracts of the 23 projects meant an influx of 16.3 billion yuan ($2.5 billion) for the zone, of which 15.7 billion yuan came from other provinces and regions, and 600 million yuan from foreign investors. The contracted projects cover strategic emerging industries, including semiconductor, civil and military integration, new energy, new generation of information technology, financial services and advanced manufacturing, of which there are industrializing projects for a number of advanced scientific and technological achievements. These projects are of high quality and new technology with good prospects and will bring innovative development for related industries after they are put into operation. They will also vigorously promote the construction of the national independent innovation demonstration park in the Xi'an high-tech zone. Under the leadership of Central Committee and the State Council, Chinese tax administration has witnessed significant progress over the past few years. Modernizing the taxation in China by the year of 2020 has become the common goal that all the Chinese tax officials have been working towards. Many works have achieved remarkable recognition in the process. Revamp of 'Six Systems' In 2013, the State Administration of Taxation set the goal which was to modernize taxation by the year 2020. One of the many important features of the modernized taxation was that it would consist of the "Six Systems". A comprehensive legislation system will be established to ensure that tax laws are high in the legislative hierarchy and the implementation of the "tax governance by law" principle. A mature institutional system will be built to favor sound economic development, social fairness and equal treatments of market players. A quality taxpayer service system will be put in place to serve the strategic opening-up and economic development. A technology driven administration system will be adopted to improve the effectiveness and efficiency by incorporating the risk management techniques. A powerful information system will be developed to collect and analyze information from all the taxes levies and the whole work process of taxation. An effective organizational structure has been adopted to nurture future leaders of Chinese tax administration. As a part of the effort to motivate the workforce and improve organizational efficiency, a cross-the-board performance evaluation framework has been incorporated. In addition, several local tax administrations have been selected to pilot the "E-Personnel" program. Implementation of blueprint The Blueprint for Deepening Reform of Tax Collection and Administrative Systems of State and Local Tax Administrations" has laid out six key tasks including clarifying responsibilities for State and LTAs, encouraging innovative taxpayer service, transforming administrative approaches, participating in international collaboration, optimizing organizational structure, and exploring collaboration possibilities between State and LTAs and beyond. In a bid to provide taxpayer service in a highly integrated manner, to enforce law with coordinated actions, to synthesize information in a sharing spirit, respective resources and advantages of State tax and LTAs will be leveraged. The blueprint focuses on maintaining the balance between lower administrative and compliance cost and higher efficiency of tax administration. In the meantime, higher voluntary taxpayer compliance and stronger taxpayer satisfaction can be expected. The goal is to establish a modernized tax administration system that continuously evolve to build governance capacity and therefore will fit better in the national governance system as the foundation, pillar and safeguard. Tax reforms The indirect tax system in China now is undergoing a significant reform with the objective of unifying the Business Tax and the Value Added Tax. This is another major reform to the VAT system since the first launch of the indirect tax in 1994 and the transformation from manufacture-based VAT to consumption-based VAT in 2009. As part of the wider push to deepen the country's fiscal and tax reforms, the VAT reform is expected to sustain economic growth in the long run. Starting from 2012, the application of VAT has been gradually expanded to industries including transportation, postal service and telecommunication as well as seven modern service sectors including research and development and technical services, information technology services, cultural and creative services, logistics auxiliary service, tangible movable assets leasing services, authentication and consultation services, and broadcasting, film and television services. By the end of 2015, it is estimated that the reform has cut taxes by 641.2 billion yuan ($105.1 billion) and effectively reduced business costs for the taxpayers. The boost to the modern service sectors has in turn stimulated entrepreneurship and employment. The final phase of the reform ushered in on May 1, 2016, has finally put all industries under a unified VAT regime by adding construction, real estate (with input taxes paid on the newly purchased property deductible), financial services and consumer services to its application scope. With that, the VAT has essentially taken the place of the BT in all the manufacturing and service sectors. This move was expected to slash taxes by over 500 billion yuan this year and reduce tax burden for all the industries involved. Alongside advancing the VAT reform, Chinese tax administration plans to implement reforms on other taxes including resource tax and environmental protection tax in order to support the country's sustainable development and promote its economic transformation. 'Spring Breeze Initiative' In February 2014, the "Spring Breeze Initiative" was launched to streamline the tax administration processes and to reduce compliance burdens. It has since become the new testimony to the quality taxpayer service delivered by the Chinese tax administration. Just in 2015, taxpayers have received tangible benefits from the more than 2,200 service measures rolled out under the initiative. One of the most applauded measures was the collaboration between the tax administrations and the banks which has enabled banks to grant unsecured loans to small scale businesses with good tax payment history. The tax payment records turned out to be an important input for building a well-around social credit system. Cross-the-board standardization Following the Plan for Deepening the Standardization Reform put forth by the State Council, the SAT has published standardized protocols in four aspects, namely: taxpayer service, tax collection and administration, export refund administration and cooperation between the State and LTA so that requests raised by taxpayers are to be answered in a consistent manner, tax officials are required to follow standardized approaches, taxpayer service is to be delivered in a uniform way and tax laws are to be enforced to a same standard. After multiple upgrades, the Standard on Taxpayers Service released in October 2014 set up a high national benchmark for the taxpayer service provided while some areas has even exceeded the benchmark by large margin. The Standard on Tax Collection and Administration was implemented in May 2015. After several revisions and improvements were made, it was able to prioritize risk management strategy, set up clear roles and responsibilities, streamline work processes and unify administrative approaches. The detailed instructions were designed to cover all tax matters processed by tax administrations at all levels. The Standard on Administrating Export Refund/Exemption was put into force in February 2015 and underwent a remake in January 2016. It was able to ensure higher efficiency in export refund processing and thus contributing to the sustainable development in foreign trade. The Standard on Cooperation between the State and the Local Tax Administrations took effect in July 2015. It clarified the responsibilities of the STA and LTAs in 32 cooperative tax matters. Starting from January 2015, another 12 tax matters were included into the scope of collaboration. The seamless service delivery has made it possible for taxpayers to handle tax matters in one place without having to take separate trips to offices of the STA and LTAs. It is expected that the collaboration will be further explored now that the VAT reform is complete. 'Internet plus Tax' Action Plan The SAT introduced the "Internet plus Tax" Action Plan in September 2015 with the vision to combine internet-related innovations with taxation. It has put forth 20 detailed action plans in five modules. On the one hand, the action plan has been designed to provide well-thought-out and easy-to-access taxpayer service in an efficient and effective manner. On the other hand, the action plan has made the tax administrations' "data managers " who are not only able to make tax data into value-adding tool for taxation but also can provide valuable inputs for macroeconomic performance evaluation and national decision making. So far, the plan to establish "E-Tax Bureaus" has been carried out in full swing which has enabled taxpayers to handle certain tax matters remotely through web and mobile applications. The tax information system built around the "Third Stage of the Golden Tax Project" has been incorporated by 20 provinces and cities and expects a nation-wide adoption by the end of 2016. Its successful launch will support the unified tax administration system as well as ensure the data central processing, thus unleashing the potential of big tax-related data. Upgraded VAT Invoice System As of January 1, 2015, the upgraded VAT Invoice Processing System was put into use. The upgraded system has several notable features. First, it is designed to collect all the information printed on the VAT invoices. Second, the information will be uploaded to the database once the information is collected. Last, the taxpayer invoice issuance process is monitored remotely and the information recorded will be stored in the database. By compiling data from various types of businesses operating in diverse industries and different regions, the system can effectively identify and prevent tax evasion and tax frauds related to tax invoice. Above all, it can help inform the macroeconomics decision making. International cooperation In 2014 when attending the ninth G20 Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping, proposed that the world should enhance global cooperation in tax matters, crack down on international tax evasion and help developing countries and low-income countries build tax administration capacity. The proposal has set the Chinese tax administration into motion by taking active participation in the G20 international tax reform and ensuring the implementation of the outcomes of the reform. As a part of G20 countries and a member of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting bureau, China has been working with other countries on an equal footing in the development of the BEPS project. In February 2016, the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters was signed and put into force in China. Meanwhile, China has developed cooperative relationship with 25 international and regional tax organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the International Monetary Fund. China has established bilateral cooperative relationship with 115 countries and regions by signing 104 tax treaties or agreements and 10 agreements on information exchange. In addition, working in the transforming international taxation landscape, China has established an inclusive framework that consists of three aspects of administration, service and audit to tackle cross-border tax avoidance and protect national interests. The 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) is the decisive stage in finishing building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects. This important period of strategic opportunities is a critical time for the taxation in China as well. Aspiring to be pragmatic, innovative, open and tolerating, Chinese tax administration will not let this opportunity slide. A bright future lies ahead for taxation in China where taxation is the driving force in social and economic development as well as prominent player in global cooperation. The author is commissioner of the State Administration of Taxation. Edward Troup (fourth from left), chairman of the Forum on Tax Administration and chief executive and permanent secretary of HM Revenue and Customs in the UK, inspects the upgraded VAT Invoice System at Beijing Offi ce, State Administration of Taxation on May 9. Provided To China Daily (China Daily 05/11/2016 page6) The United States is finding its regional hegemony in the Asia-Pacific contested as China whittles away the US' influence in its neighborhood. The most recent example of the expansion of Chinese influence relates to the sea boundary disputes with Brunei, Cambodia and Laos. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reported on April 24 that these members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations had agreed to follow individual paths of bilateral negotiation with China. This despite US President Barack Obama urging ASEAN member states to stand together in dealing with China's South China Sea position only two months earlier. Australia, too, has opposed Chinese actions in the South China Sea, prompting Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Colonel Wu Qian to call on Australia to "cherish the hard-won good momentum of development in bilateral relations". Actress Honor Blackman poses on a scooter in a slender cocktail dress [Photo provided to China Daily] Design classic and symbol of the dolce vita, the Vespa turned 70 last month and Italy's most celebrated scooter is buzzing along nicely after tripling sales in the last decade. It was on a Vespa that Gregory Peck pursued Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, the 1953 film that helped make the marque synonymous internationally with the Roman capital. But it was actually in Florence that the wasp-shaped two-wheeler was born, Enrico Piaggio having registered the patent in the Tuscan capital on April 23, 1946. Seventy years later, more than 18 million models have been sold and Piaggio's objective of reinventing the family aeronautical company has been realized and then some. With the company still dealing with the damage done to its production facilities by World War II bombing, Piaggio asked one of his engineers, Corradino d'Ascanio, to create a motorcycle that would be both easy to produce from the materials at hand and inexpensive for consumers. The simple brief proved inspired, as did the choice of d'Ascanio, who never made any secret of the fact that he found the motorbikes of the time uncomfortable, cumbersome and dirty. The engineer addressed each issue one by one and the result was a scooter with a revolutionary design that remain barely untouched to this day. It was an instant success. From sales of 2,284 in 1946, annual production increased to nearly 20,000 within two years, and to 60,000 in 1950. By the mid-50s sales had tripled again and Vespas were being manufactured in 13 countries. Retro style "The Vespa was better than a motor bike: it had a body with a front apron that protected riders from dust, the mud and the rain," says Patrice Verges, a historian of the automobile industry. "It had small wheels which made it possible to carry a spare with you at a time when punctures were a regular hazard because of nails dropping off horseshoes. "And people liked the design and the distinctive noise, which was like that of a wasp." For quite some time, an increasing number of Chinese fashion designers have been, by invitation on many occasions, gracing the catwalks at international fashion weeks and showcasing an emerging, modern and dynamic Chinese fashion industry. Haizhen Wang (a luxury womenswear label based in London), Xander Zhou (collections aimed at preserving traditional Chinese culture through fashion, based in Beijing), Masha Ma (whose recent collections have been featured in Vogue and Elle) and Uma Wang (Wang's eponymous label has recently showcased catwalk collections at London, Paris and Milan fashion weeks), to name but a few, continue to contribute to significant and sizeable global recognition of the talented and creative industry. And last month Shanghai-based fashion brand Arete Studio, only launched in 2013 by Jasmine Ting, was one of a few select brands invited to parade at the internationally prestigious Paris Fashion Week's AMF Paris Showroom. Most importantly it is increasingly the home-grown Chinese talents who are being invited to showcase their work and ideas internationally, often at major fashion shows in the fashion centers of the world. The times are changing and turning into very exciting moments indeed for the wave of Chinese fashion designers. Such is the attention and achievement now associated with this emerging pool of young Chinese fashion design talent that only a month or so ago, White Milano, one of the most prestigious international fashion shows in the industry's calendar, carved out an area dedicated to young talents from the Chinese mainland. This area was promoted with the banner "China Calling" and proved hugely popular among all attendees. Sonja Long Xiao, founder of the Shanghai-based concept store Alter, was invited to organize the display of many rising Chinese fashion designers such as Nicole Zhang, Chen Yi Yuan and Shushu Tong. The coalescing of a number of young, talented Chinese fashion designers will have accelerated international awareness of their presence. Beyond Milan, Chinese Academy of Art graduate Min Wu's work was first displayed at London Fashion Week in September 2015. And rising Chinese star Guo Pei followed up her success at the Met Gala in New York last May with a debut appearance in Paris in January during Haute Couture Week. But how to build on this international market exposure and make meaningful progress in the competitive area of global brand building? What we now need to see from these Chinese fashion pioneers is evidence of careful, considered international market penetration plans and brand building programs. A coherent strategy with a detailed target market profile per country or region and a clear, valued and unoccupied market position are fundamental to any sustainable success overseas. That said, collaboration, co-operation and learning from others should not replace each fashion designers' own talent and creativity. Above all else, young Chinese fashion designers should never forget that it is their mother country that has put them where they are and its unique history and heritage can shine through again and again in the visual appearance and symbolic imagery surrounding their latest designs. The author is a visiting professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (right) shakes hands with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during their meeting on the sidelines of a series of regional summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nov 21, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua] The United States is finding its regional hegemony in the Asia-Pacific contested as China whittles away the US' influence in its neighborhood. The most recent example of the expansion of Chinese influence relates to the sea boundary disputes with Brunei, Cambodia and Laos. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reported on April 24 that these members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations had agreed to follow individual paths of bilateral negotiation with China. This despite US President Barack Obama urging ASEAN member states to stand together in dealing with China's South China Sea position only two months earlier. Australia, too, has opposed Chinese actions in the South China Sea, prompting Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Colonel Wu Qian to call on Australia to "cherish the hard-won good momentum of development in bilateral relations". Many Chinese seem puzzled about Australia's position on the South China Sea and why it is not congruent with that of China. Australia and China already have good relations so they do not understand why the two countries cannot see eye-to-eye on security matters such as this? However, the Australian partnership with the US is a long-standing one, and one it is unlikely to give up. Australian policymakers will no doubt be watching nervously, as will their European counterparts, to see if Donald Trump's presidential campaign pronouncements to revisit the US' strategic architecture, might translate into policy if he ends up occupying the White House. Yet Australia's position vis-a-vis the South China Sea is one taken by a friend of China, not a foe. Countries continually seek to develop their defense capabilities, this includes forming alliances. But such moves should not be misread as confrontational. The actions must be seen in the context of other balancing actions, notably economic and soft power actions. The proof of the pudding with regard Australia is in the contrasts seen relative to its security and economic interests. While Australia is a major shareholder in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank its ally, the US, has fought shy of joining the AIIB. Australian national security interests have led to a rotational system of marines at the US base in Darwin. But the Northern Territory's economic interests have led to Landbridge, a Chinese company, winning a 99-year lease valued at $506 million, to operate the Port of Darwin. It must be said here that Australian public opinion is far from monolithic. Groups have come out for and against the economic and security actions in Darwin. But as friends, China and Australia can influence each other, not only regarding the South China Sea, but also on other matters of mutual interestsuch as cyber security and terrorism. Australia cannot coerce China to acquiesce to its stance, nor has it the intention to do so. Likewise, China cannot and does not seek to coerce Australia to accept its stance. Undertaking cooperative projects, whether military, economic or cultural, is a way of growing reciprocal positive images. So far there have been 18 Defence Strategic Dialogue meetings between Australia and China. The dialogue was reported to have been upgraded at the end of 2015 in areas of counterterrorism, peacekeeping and senior personnel exchanges. We also know that Royal Australian Navy frigates engaged in "live firing" training exercises with Chinese naval vessels in October 2015. And China will join the US-led multinational naval Rim of the Pacific exercises off Hawaii in June and July 2016. These are signs that this is not a Cold War type situation, but rather a more complex balancing of interestseconomic and securityin the contemporary geopolitical context. Australia, China and the US can cooperate in a triadic relationship to their mutual benefit without precluding other partnerships. The author is a professor and inaugural director of the Soft Power Analysis and Resource Centre at Macquarie University. Yading scenic spot offers tracks running 29 kilometers through sprawling mountains and forests, giving those walking or running on them the chance not only to lap up the pristine nature but also to test theirphysical strength.[Photo by Wei Xueyan/ China Daily] In a scenic spot that literally takes your breath away, the competitive juices run. Skin baked dry and hard by the sun, dark purple lips and the lilt of Tibetan in the air: It was late April, and it was these sights and sounds that greeted us even before we had fully come to terms with a couple of other welcoming presents: the weather and altitude sickness. We had just arrived at Daocheng Yading Airport, the world's highest civilian airport, 4,411 meters above sea level, which had just been blanketed by snow, something that seemed incongruous for us who had been in balmy Beijing, where short sleeved seemed to be all the go the day before. We changed into our down and wind jackets before getting out of the aircraft, and some of the passengers immediately felt the effects of altitude stress. An hour earlier we had been soaking up or merely tolerating the hustle and bustle of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, and here the dark brown, snowcapped mountains reclining on the horizon could not have presented a starker contrast. Yading is in Daocheng county, Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, in Sichuan and well known for its virgin natural environment and spectacular scenery. The three crowning glories of it all are the Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong and Xianuo Duoji peaks, each about 6,000 meters above sea level, blanketed by dazzling white snow, and with blue-watered rivers, lakes and lush alpine meadows all contributing to the majestic tapestry. "We worship these three peaks, regarding them as having been given to us by Buddha," a local guide told us. One of the main reasons for our visit was much more earthbound: the first ever event in China put on by Skyrunning, an organization that puts on cross-country running events around the globe. For this event more than 70 professional runners from 22 countries and regions, including Iran, Italy, Mexico, Nepal and the US, had flown in to savor what this out-of-the-way venue had to offer. Most of them were among the top 100 cross-country runners worldwide, the organizers say. The organization's name refers to the interface between the earth and the sky, and Yading was regarded as ideal venue for the event, given its superb mountain tracks. The organization places a premium on putting runners in touch with nature. It has staged more than 200 events in more than 50 countries, and it says they attracted more than 30,000 participants. The tracks used in Yading ran 29 kilometers through sprawling mountains and forests, giving those walking or running on them the chance not only to lap up the pristine nature but also test their physical strength. In fact, the rigors of the altitude left some of us breathless as we merely negotiated a couple of flights of stairs. Ruth Croft, a professional cross-country runner from New Zealand, said: "It actually reminds me a bit of Nepal, but then it's amazing as you go up the trail here, you see the change in the trees and they're really bright and orange." Croft and winners of several international running events, such as the 2015 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in the French Alps, were among the several professionals invited to offer their opinions and advice on preparations for the Skyrun event. Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe on Friday denied allegations that he knowingly misused money from his political fund group, rejecting allegations levied at him earlier in the week. At a news conference in Tokyo, Masuzoe apologized for causing public concern and said any incorrect balance in payments regarding his expenses claimed from his former political funds body would be returned. The scandal-plagued governor said the suspicion was caused by the fact that his family were staying at the same hotel at which he was also attending an official conference and said any funds that were mistakenly expensed would be returned. Masuzoe's remarks follow harsh public criticism for his lavish lifestyle which has called into question on Japan's political funding laws and the Tokyo governor's possible misappropriation of funds. Earlier this week, Masuzoe's expenses were called into question by a weekly magazine claiming that he paid $3,400 for a two-day stay at a luxurious resort hotel in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, and expensed them as "conference fees" which were paid through his political fund group called Global Network Kenkyukai. The Tokyo governor has also been implicated in previous scandals, and spent $82,800 on art which he expensed through his fund group, listing the valuable collectibles as "supplies" and "expenses". Masuzoe, a former upper house member and governor of Tokyo since 2014, has also faced a public backlash this week for using an official car to make private trips to his villa located in the exclusive hot spring town of Yugawara in Kanagawa Prefecture, as well as traveling to a slew of international destinations using business class, and dining at expensive restaurants in Tokyo, including Italian and sushi restaurants. In terms of the official car, Masuzoe has been found to have used the car 48 times to travel to and from his private villa since May last year, as well as using the car to travel to different work locations. Under Japan's Political Funds Control Law, politicians must report the use of political funds to both the internal affairs ministry and election administration commission. (China Daily 05/14/2016 page9) A Sumatran rhino at an Indonesian sanctuary has given birth in a rare success for efforts to save the critically endangered species. The International Rhino Foundation said the female calf was born on Thursday, weighs about 20 kilograms and looks healthy and active. "We haven't stopped smiling since the moment we were sure she was alive and healthy," said IRF's executive director Susie Ellis in a statement. "While one birth does not save the species, it's one more Sumatran rhino on Earth." Only an estimated 100 Sumatran rhinos remain, mostly on the island of Sumatra, and several are in captivity. They are threatened by destruction of their tropical forest habitat and poachers who kill the animals for their horns. The species was rediscovered in the Indonesian part of Borneo through trails and footprints in 2013. But one member of the small population on Borneo died in April after a wound from a poacher's trap became infected. The calf is the second to its mother Ratu, who gave birth to a male named Andatu in 2012, which was the first rhino birth in captivity in Indonesia in 124 years. The father, Andalas, was born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2001. IRF established the rhino sanctuary in the Way Kambas National Park on Sumatra in 1997. It praised the sanctuary's staff as "topnotch experts" and said the second birth shows that the expertise exists in Indonesia to increase the rhino population. The foundation said Ratu was given a hormone supplement daily during her pregnancy to help ensure it went to full-term. (China Daily 05/14/2016 page8) A solar-powered airplane has landed in Oklahoma after taking off from Arizona on the latest leg of its around-the-world journey. The Swiss-made Solar Impulse 2 took off from Phoenix Goodyear Airport about 3 am on Thursday. It landed without incident at Tulsa International Airport around 11:15 pm, the Tulsa World reported. It departed from northern California in the early hours of May 2 and landed at the airport southwest of Phoenix 16 hours later. Last month, it flew from Hawaii to California. The globe-circling journey began in March 2015 from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and has made stops in Oman, Myanmar, China and Japan. After Oklahoma, the plane is expected to make at least one more stop in the United States before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Europe or northern Africa, according to the website documenting the journey. The newspaper reported the crew likely will have to stay in Tulsa a few days to wait out the weather. The Solar Impulse 2's wings, which stretch wider than those of a Boeing 747, are equipped with 17,000 solar cells that power propellers and charge batteries. The plane runs on stored energy at night. Ideal flight speed is about 45 kilometer per hour, although that can double during the day when the sun's rays are strongest. The plane had a five-day trip from Japan to Hawaii and three-day trip from Hawaii to California's Silicon Valley. The crew was forced to stay in Oahu, Hawaii, for nine months after the plane's battery system sustained heat damage on its trip from Japan. Project officials say the layovers give the two Swiss pilots - Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg - a chance to swap places and engage with local communities along the way so they can explain the project, which is estimated to cost more than $100 million. The solar project began in 2002 to highlight the importance of renewable energy and the spirit of innovation. AP - AFP Pilot Bertrand Piccard boards the experimental solar-powered aircraft before taking off from Phoenix, Arizona, on Thursday. AFP (China Daily 05/14/2016 page9) Trump, Ryan, pledge to work together By Associated Press in Washington (China Daily) Updated: 2016-05-14 08:27 Straining to mend their party after months of chaos, Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan declared themselves "totally committed" to working together after a fence-mending personal meeting on Thursday. Ryan suggested that after initial hesitance, he may well end up endorsing the GOP candidate for president. "We will have policy disputes. There is no two ways about that. The question is, can we unify on the common core principles that make our party?" Ryan said. "And I'm very encouraged that the answer to that question is yes." Trump broadcast his own enthusiasm. "I really think we had a great meeting today, and I think we agree on a lot of things and it'll be a little process but it'll come along. I'm pretty sure," he said. The surprisingly fervent show of unity capped a remarkable week that began with Ryan, the GOP's top elected officeholder and its 2012 vice-presidential nominee, turning his back on his party's presumptive presidential nominee just days after Trump had effectively clinched the nomination. Ryan said at the time he was not yet ready to back Trump, who had succeeded in insulting women, Latinos, disabled people and many conservatives in the course of a brutal primary season. The two also issued a joint statement in which they pledged to work together to beat Clinton. (China Daily 05/14/2016 page9) Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C) attends the opening of the seventh ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Doha, capital of Qatar, May 12, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] DOHA - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized on Thursday that railways and ports are key symbols of the China-Arab relations during his attendance to the seventh ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF). "Camels and sailing boats marked the ancient Silk Road," Wang said, adding that "nowadays, the China-Arab cooperative relations can be labeled by railway and port under the Belt and Road Initiative framework." The Chinese official expressed the points of view in his speech on the opening ceremony of the CASCF ministerial meeting, which was held in Doha on Thursday. Since its establishment in 2004, the CASCF has made great achievements in the past 12 years. In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted a "1+2+3" cooperation pattern under the Belt and Road Initiative for China-Arab relations in his keynote speech during the sixth CASCF ministerial conference. In January, Chinese government issued its first policy document to the Arab states before Xi's visit to the region, providing a plan of future for the cooperation between the two sides. (Photo : Getty Images) Alibaba's membership in the global anti-counterfeiting coalition has been suspended. Advertisement The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition has announced its suspension of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba's membership. The move is believed to have been influenced by pressure from current members of the coalition due to Alibaba's alleged lax attitude towards listing fake goods. However, it was revealed that Alibaba's membership has been suspended because there were irregularities when the company was being admitted. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The coalition stated that the suspension of Alibaba's membership is due to the failure of the group's president to informing the board of members about a potential conflict of interest. The group President Robert Barchiesi was found to have owned Alibaba stock since its listing in 2014. Apart from this, Barchiesi's son Bassiur currently works as the vice president of global intellectual property enforcement at Alibaba. In a letter sent to its members, the coalition said that such conflict of interest remains under the wrap owing to "weakness in our corporate governance procedures." Consequently, the group has scrapped the new class of membership which allowed Alibaba to join the coalition. The decision is going to affect two other companies, which were singed up following the introduction of the new rules. The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition is an influential group which has more than 250 members. The group lobbies with US officials and Congress. After the coalition granted Alibaba membership, various companies such as Tiffany, Michael Kors, and Gucci America quit the group. France's Kering Group said in a US court filing that Alibaba is aware of fake listings on its site and profits from it. Alibaba, on the other hand, called the case "wasteful litigation." Advertisement TagsAlibaba, Gucci, Michael Kors, Tiffany, The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (Photo : Reuters) BMW is planning to roll-out fully autonomous cars by 2021. Advertisement BMW chief executive officer Harald Krueger has revealed that the company is planning to release its first fully driver-less car by 2021. Krueger shared his visions about the future of driverless cars during BMW's annual shareholder meeting in Munich. The German automaker is currently focusing most of its resources on electric cars. Krueger noted that the shift to the autonomous vehicle market will be a natural extension of this strategy. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement In a statement, Krueger said, "In 2018, we will launch a BMW i8 Roadster. This will be followed in 2021. By the BMW I Next, our new innovation driver, with autonomous driving, digital connectivity, intelligent lightweight design, a totally new interior and ultimately bringing the next generation of electro-mobility to the road." BMW's vision of the future is clear - to be on top of the autonomous car market. To achieve this, the company is focusing on vehicle safety and the security of customers' personal data. Before the recent announcement, there were rumors that BMW's parent company Daimler was in negotiations with tech giant Apple to form a collaborative project to fast track the development of autonomous cars. Daimler allegedly turned down the deal after Apple did not agree with the terms regarding who will own the data received from customers. Several tech companies like Apple and Google have all established teams to work on autonomous cars. In a bid not to be left behind, traditional car makers are also dipping their toes into it this futuristic area. Car companies like Volvo have plans of testing driverless vehicles in the streets of London by next year. Meanwhile, Toyota recently opened a research facility that will focus mainly on the development of fully autonomous cars. Advertisement TagsBMW, Autonomous Cars, Self-Driving Car, BMW autonomous car, BMW self driving car, autonomous car update, self-driving car news, apple, Google (Photo : Getty Images) Mozilla has asked a U.S. court to compel the FBI to share security vulnerabilities that it used to exploit the company's Tor browser. Advertisement Mozilla, the developer of the Firefox Internet browser, has asked a United States court to provided information regarding a vulnerability that was discovered hidden deep in the codes of the Tor browser. Tor (or The Onion Router browser) is based in part on the Firefox browser and Mozilla is keen to know whether the vulnerabilities discovered in it can be used to exploit Firefox users. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement In a statement posted on the company's official blog, Mozilla chief legal and business officer Denelle Dixon-Thayer wrote, "At this point, no one (including us) outside the government knows what vulnerability was exploited and whether it resides in any of our code base." The tech company is asking the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington to share the vulnerabilities discovered on Tor. Mozilla has noted that the main intention of this request is to protect the interest of Firefox users. Mozilla is concerned that should the vulnerability be publicized without the company properly patching it, this could result in serious issues that could led to cyber-attacks and hacks. The Tor browser is comprised of a version of Firefox with modifications to provide additional layers of privacy. In 2015, the Federal Bureau of Investigation used what it called "network investigative technique" to monitor users who accessed websites that offer child pornography. These websites are hidden in the Tor anonymity network and can be accessed using only the Tor browser. The court has asked the government agency to produce information linked to the security vulnerability that was used to exploit the Tor browser. The defense is demanding the information regarding the exploit to find out whether the government exceeded the conditions stated on the warrant. Mozilla has said that if the court will not grant its request, it should at least allow the company to appear as a friend of the court or amicus curiae while the trial is being heard. Advertisement TagsMozilla, mozilla news, Tor, TOR browser, Mozilla update, Mozilla hack, Mozilla exploit, TOR hack, TOR exploit (Photo : Getty Images.) China claims that other members supported China's move to block India's inclusion in NSG. Advertisement China on Friday defiantly defended its move to block India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), claiming that other members of the group supported its view that signing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a pre-requisite for inclusion into the multinational body. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "All the multilateral non-proliferation export control regime including the NSG has regarded NPT as an important standard for the expansion of the NSG," China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said. Lu Kang said China and other members of NSG unilaterally consider the NPT as a cornerstone for ending the illegal proliferation of nuclear weapons across the world. In response to media reports that China is linking India's membership to the NSG with Pakistan's admission into the bloc, Lu noted that several other members have expressed their desire to join NSG. "Apart from India, lot of other countries expressed their willingness to join," Lu said, without naming Pakistan. "The international community believes that there should be a side discussion in the NSG on this issue and a decision should be made in accordance with relevant rules. China's position is not directed against any specific country but applies to all the non-NPT members." Four United Nations (UN) Members including India and Pakistan have not signed NPT - an international treaty that seeks to end nuclear proliferation. China's statement about blocking India's move into the NSG comes nearly a month after a senior Pakistani minister admitted that Beijing helped Islamabad to block India's NSG membership. Last month, China also blocked India's move in the UN to blacklist Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar. Beijing's snub over the Masood Azhar issue created some diplomatic tension between India and China. In response to China's snub, India issued a visa to Chinese secessionist leader Dolkun Isa last month, only to revoke it later after strong protests from Beijing. Last month, New Delhi also imposed import ban on several Chinese products like milk and smartphones. Sources in New Delhi have revealed to the local media that the Indian government is contemplating imposing tough trade sanctions on Chinese companies seeking to invest in the country. Advertisement TagsIndia, china, India and China, Pakistan, NSG, Nuclear Suppliers Group (Photo : Getty Images) Anbang Insurance Group Co. has come under the spotlight of Chinese regulators. In March, Anbang was involved in a $14 billion bidding war against Marriott Hotels to purchase Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. Advertisement China's insurance regulators are planning to investigate Anbang Insurance Group Co. following its recent real estate shopping spree in the United States. China's Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) is putting up a team to examine Anbang's business model, a source told Bloomberg. The initiative comes after the company made the headlines by acquiring business properties overseas over the last two years. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Anbang was involved in a $14 billion bidding war against Marriott Hotels to purchase Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. The company has also acquired prominent US establishments such New York's Waldorf Astoria and Blackstone's Strategic Hotels and Resorts Inc. Last week, CIRC announced that it will implement stricter supervision for insurance companies' real estate and private equity investments. Anbang, on the other hand, has revealed that it has not received any notification from the agency. At the moment, it is unclear which part of Anbang's business the agency plans to look into. Earlier this month, Sino Life Insurance Co. came under the spotlight of regulators after CIRC received a letter about an alleged asset transfer by senior management. When probed about the report, the company refused to give any comment. Meanwhile, Caixin noted on Monday that Anbang's case differs from Sino Life, as regulators fear that insurance companies' concentration on illiquid assets such as real estate might end up in a liquidity mismatch. This means the company might have difficulties paying investors and policyholders in case of a capital run, according to the Real Deal. In March, Anbang was involved in a bidding war with Marriott Hotel for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. However, the insurer dropped its $14 billion bid because of "market consideration." "Anbang has both the interest and the financial resources to do a deal of this size and more, but only at the right terms that make long-term financial sense," Fred Hu, Primavera chairman, told Reuters. Advertisement TagsAnbang, China insurance regulatory commission, blackstone, Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc., Sino Life Insurance, insurance company (Photo : Getty Images) In a recently released report, the Pentagon has accused China of using coercion and threats in the South China Sea region to assert its claim to almost the entirety of the disputed waters. Advertisement The Pentagon has accused China of using force and threats, and creating tension in the South China Sea region while expanding its maritime powers in the disputed waters and the East China Sea. In its annual report to Congress released on Friday, the Pentagon said despite Beijing's growing assertiveness in its claim of almost the entirety of the South China Sea, Washington is still taking all the steps to avoid a military conflict between the two nations and between China and the claimant states. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The US Department of Defense detailed China's island expansion in the disputed waters of the South China Sea and explained how Beijing is assertively pushing its sovereignty to the contested waters including the East China Sea. PLAN The Pentagon report said that last year alone, Beijing deployed ships from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the coast guard to the South China Sea to maintain a permanent presence there. China likewise sent ships, planes, and maritime police ships to the East China Sea to patrol the waters near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands. "China is using coercive tactics... to advance their interests in ways that are calculated to fall below the threshold of provoking conflict," the report stated. Abraham Denmark, a high-ranking US defense official, said the Chinese coast guard and its fishing vessels often exhibit 'unprofessional actions' in the South China Sea region. Unprofessional actions Denmark told reporters that these 'unprofessional actions' usually take place within proximity to foreign ships and other countries' fishing vessels in an attempt by Beijing to exercise control over the disputed territories. "These activities are designed to stay below the threshold of conflict, but gradually demonstrate and assert claims that other countries dispute," he added. Beijing is claiming over 90 percent of the disputed South China Sea in which $5 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes through every year. The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan all have competing claims. The US has criticized China for its rapid expansion of islands and reefs through reclamation activities in the South China Sea to increase its influence in the disputed waters. China has built several airstrips, outposts, and other facilities on the reclaimed islands. The US said this is apparently Beijing's way of militarizing the region. The US has maintained that Beijing's claims in the South China Sea have no basis under international law, prompting Washington to conduct freedom of navigation patrols near China's newly built islands. Political observers claim that Washington intends to establish a permanent presence in the international waterway to make sure that trade will not be impeded by China's activities in the disputed waters. Advertisement TagsSouth China Sea, Pentagon report, reclamation activities, Washington, china (Photo : Getty Images) United States' Department of Defense (DoD) claims China is strengthening its military presence along the Indian border. Advertisement The United States' Department of Defense (DoD) claims that China is strengthening its military presence along the Indian border. In its 2016 report to Congress on military and security developments involving the People's Republic of China, which was released on Friday, the Pentagon revealed that Beijing has boosted its military presence along the Indian border. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Beijing has strengthened its defense capabilities and deployed more troops along Indian border, according to the report. "We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India," Abraham. M. Denmark, deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, said during a press briefing. "It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration," he noted. The DoD report comes just a few days after Beijing raised the authority level of the Tibet Military Command (TMC). The move put the TMC under the direct jurisdiction of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground forces. "The elevation of the authority level is not only an improvement for the troops' designation, but also an expansion of their function and mission," said Zhao Zhong, deputy director of the Political Work Department of the Tibet Military Command, according to Global Times. The move is likely to further sour ties between India and China. Beijing's recent objection to India joining the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) has already affected the bilateral relations between two nations. The Pentagon, in its report, revealed that India's nuclear arsenal is pushing China to modernize its nuclear force. In March, India accused Beijing of deploying troops to Pakistani-Occupied Kashmir (POK). However, Chinese denied the allegation. Advertisement Tagschina, India, US, Pentagon, border home US Two American missionaries shot dead, the other chopped, in Jamaica according to autopsy Authorities continue to investigate the killing of two American missionaries in Jamaica last month, with no suspect and few clues to work to date. Bodies of two American missionaries a 48-year-old Randy Hentzel and 53-year-old Harold Nichols a were found in the Caribbean island of Jamaica. According to local news outlet Jamaica Observer, Hentzel's body was found on April 30 at around 1 p.m, while Nichols' body was found a day after at around 5 p.m. with the help of a search team consisting of search dogs and the police. According to the autopsy report last week, the missionaries died in a violent manner; both bodies received gun shots, while Nichols' was also chopped up. There were sources claiming that suspects had already been captured, but such were denied by local authorities. Last week, the Jamaica Constabulary Force released a statement saying that U.S. authorities have joined the investigation. "Law enforcement officials from the United States of America have now joined local investigators, to assist with the investigations into the circumstances that led to the death of two American citizens who were killed over the weekend in St. Mary," the statement read. Nichols and Hentzel were both part of TEAMS for Medical Mission, a mission agency that is based in Pennsylvania. They were last seen on the morning of April 30 renting motorcycles in Ocho Rios, according to reports from the local police in St. Mary. They left and followed a trail in the area of Albion Mountain to check out a site for house construction. Nichols' wife, Teri, told WKBW, that the missionary loved helping people, stating that her husband helped build houses for the local residents, took people to the hospital and visited them often. 'A defeat for everyone': Catholic Church laments approval of gay unions by Italy's legislature In the very place where Roman Catholicism was born, homosexuals are one step away from being allowed to have civil unionsa direct assault to teachings in the Holy Bible about marriage being exclusive only to men and women. In an unexpected overwhelming vote, a chamber of Italy's legislature, the Chamber of Deputies, approved a bill instituting civil unions for gay couples. With this, homosexual unions are now close to being allowed in the entire Eastern Europe. Despite widespread opposition especially from the Roman Catholic Church, a total of 369 lawmakers voted to approve the bill. Only 193 lawmakers stood up for the Holy Bible's teachings and opposed the bill. Although the unions will not be called "marriage," they will confer many of the rights and privileges of marriage, with the exception of the right to adopt, which may still be awarded by judges on a case-by-case basis. Roman Catholic Church leaders and conservative Italian politicians lamented the Chamber of Deputies' approval of the gay civil unions bill. Monsignor Nunzio Galantino, secretary-general of the Italian bishops' conference, described the legislature's vote as a "defeat for everyone." He also urged the electorate to pick politicians who will protect family values. "[There is a] need for politicians that are more attentive, and who truly acknowledge the centrality of the family, made up of a mother, father, and children," Galantino said, as quoted by LifeSite News. Archbishop Michele Pennisi meanwhile described the bill favouring homosexuals as an act of "creeping fascism" by the Italian government. The secretary of Italy's Northern League party, Matteo Salvini, for his part went as far as calling on League party mayors to disobey the impending law on gay civil unions., "It's a misguided law, the anteroom to homosexual adoption," Salvini told the Italian news agency ANSA. Italy's Senate already approved the same measure allowing gay civil unions last February. The legislature supported the bill despite a recent poll showing that less than half of Italians, or 46 percent of the population, favour such a legislation. With this, it is now up to Italian President Sergio Mattarella to either pass or veto the bill, with the latter scenario deemed as highly unlikely. Controversial U.S. governor wants to bring back guillotine to execute drug traffickers Maine Governor Paul LePage wants to use a medieval method of executing drug traffickers in the state. During a radio interview with WVOM-FM Tuesday, LePage suggested reviving and using the guillotine against hardened and heinous criminals. "What we ought to do is bring the guillotine back. We could have public executions and we could even have which hole it falls in," he said, according to NBC News. Guillotine was the main method of execution in France during the French Revolution and was used until 1977. LePage also said that "I think the death penalty should be appropriate for people that kill Mainers." Maine abolished the death penalty in 1887. His office said Tuesday that his remarks were a joke to show his support for tougher penalties against drug crimes, the Associated Press reported. During the radio interview, LePage added, "We've got to go 20 years, we've got to keep them here until they die. If you want my honest opinion, we should give them an injection of the stuff they sell." Earlier this month, LePage was criticised for being racist when he talked about drug dealers coming to Maine. "These are guys with the name Dee Money, Smoothie, Shifty. They come up here, they sell their heroin, then they go back home. Incidentally, half the time they impregnate a young, white girl before they leave, which is a real sad thing because then we have another issue that we got to deal with down the road," he said. Alison Beyea, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, wrote in Bangor Daily News that LePage was referring to blacks. "LePage suggested that Maine's drug problem is being driven by black people from away rather than by inadequate drug treatment resources here in Maine," she wrote. The governor also faced a threat of impeachment in the Maine House this month for allegedly using his power to coerce organisations and his refusal to allow administration officials to testify before House proceedings. The bill that would create an investigative committee to probe LePage failed to pass. Osama bin Laden's youngest son urges Muslims to unite and 'free' Jerusalem The youngest son of the late Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is encouraging his fellow jihadists to "free" the holy city of Jerusalem, which he likened to a "bride," news reports say, citing the U.S. terrorist-tracking organisation SITE. "Jerusalem is a bride whose blood is our dowry,'' Hamza bin Laden purportedly said in the online message quoted by SITE, Newsmax reports. "The fight to free Jerusalem is a battle between faith and unbelief that requires the unity of the Umma (the Muslim community),'' he added. Hamza, whose father and brother died in a 2011 U.S. raid, said the battle in Syria will also pave the way to freeing Palestine. "The liberation of Palestinian land has been brought much closer by the Syrian revolution.'' His message was released a week after Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri also issued a message urging rival militant groups in Syria to unite or risk death. Zawahiri reportedly expressed his support to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al Nusra Front's plan to create a sovereign state in Syria that would rival the self-declared caliphate of the Islamic State (ISIS). "The matter of unity today is one of life and death,'' he said, according to The Guardian. "Either you unite to live as Muslims with dignity, or you bicker and separate and so are eaten one by one.'' Born in Egypt, Zawahiri became Al-Qaeda's leader in June 2011 just weeks after the older bin Laden was killed in a raid on his compound in Pakistan by U.S. special forces. It is believed that Hamza bin Laden managed to escape from the compound during the raid by U.S. Navy Seals. Last August, the terror network also released an audio message purportedly from Hamza bin Laden calling for jihad against America and its allies. It mentioned in particular London, Washington, Paris and Tel Aviv as targets for attacks, Statesman.com reports. "The Islamic Umma should focus on jihad in al-Sham (Syria)... and unite the ranks of mujahideen there,'' Hamza was quoted as saying. "There is no longer an excuse for those who insist on division and disputes now that the whole world has mobilised against Muslims.'' In another audio message discovered by Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), Osama bin Laden's son reportedly praised the attacks by Palestinians against Israelis, and called on Muslims around the world to kill the Jews and attack the interests of U.S. and other Western countries, the Inquisitr reports. The young bin Laden said the supporters of the Jews "must pay the bill in their blood'' and ultimately "feel the pain Palestinians in Gaza have been experiencing.'' MEMRI noted that the young bin Laden wants to create a massive army based in Syria to free Palestine. Syria: Suspected Russian airstrike hits ancient Church of St Simeon A Syrian monastery dedicated to one of the country's most famous saints has been damaged by a Russian airstrike, according to activists from the region. The monastery near Aleppo is dedicated to St Simeon Stylites, who lived for 47 years at the top of a pillar as a way of mortifying his flesh and removing himself from worldly temptation. He died in 459 AD and the church is the oldest surviving Byzantine church. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011. The church was captured by Kurdish YPG forces in May 2015. According to the Daily Telegraph, the church and the remains of Simeon's pillar were hit by the airstrike. It is close to the front line between rebel forces and the regime, which is desperate to recapture the city of Aleppo. Syrian-American academic Amr al-Azm said three sources in the area told him they believed Russian jets were responsible for the attack on Thursday. He called the damage to the site "devastating" in a preliminary report. The facade of the church has been holed, while part of St Simeon's pillar has been toppled. "You can see the damage to it," Azm said. Islamic State forces have deliberately damaged and destroyed historical sites in Iraq and Syria they regard as un-Islamic. As well as a religious motivation, the terror group seeks propaganda victories. It also makes money by selling looted antiques on underground markets. UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova has branded these activities as "a form of cultural cleansing". Tiffany & Co. marketing exec claims jeweler fired her for saying Jews killed Jesus A Catholic marketing executive at jeweler Tiffany & Co. in New York has filed a lawsuit against the company, saying it discriminated against her for saying that Jews killed Jesus. Kristin Rightnour is seeking unspecified damages against the jeweler where she worked as a marketing director from October 2013. According to the lawsuit, in April 2014, she had a conversation with a Jewish colleague. She was talking to one Catholic and one Jewish co-worker in the office when they started chatting about Easter plans. When her Jewish colleague asked them about Easter mass, she explained the crucifixion story. "Rather, the Jewish colleague laughed at the story and replied, 'They didn't teach us any of this in Hebrew school!'" according to the lawsuit. But in August 2014, a human resources managed told Rightnour that a co-worker had complained, saying that she said that "the Jewish people killed Jesus". Rightnour "vigorously denied ... having ever said anything of the sort while simultaneously maintaining, when asked, that she is in fact a devout Catholic, that her religion was known to her colleagues, and that what Ms. Rightnour had explained is indeed a standard Catholic belief," according to New York Daily News. She was reprimanded and put on a one-year probation. In December of that year, Rightnour complained about her punishment and she alleged that Tiffany retaliated by giving her a mediocre performance review. After she filed a complaint with the United States Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, the jeweler is alleged to have bypassed her promotion before firing her in August 2015. "What you have here is an employer engaging in a systematic, yet brutally transparent, scheme to punish an accomplished management-level employee for raising a good faith complaint that she was treated disparately because of her religion," said Rightnour's lawyer, Alexander Coleman. Vatican plays down expectations over women deacons Vatican has played down expectations that Pope Francis might be ready to ordain women as deacons after he had raised hopes among liberal Catholics by promising to set up a commission to study the issue. Deacons are ordained clerics who sit just behind priests in the Church hierarchy. They can officiate at baptisms, funerals and weddings, but are not allowed to celebrate Mass, hear confessions or anoint the sick. The role is reserved for men, who, unlike priests, can be married. During a question-and-answer session with nuns on Thursday, the Pope was asked if a commission could be created to study whether women might also serve as deacons. "It would be good for the church to clarify this point. I agree," the Pope replied, setting off a mammoth debate that spilled out into the media on whether Francis was poised to rock the Church and crack open the all-male clergy. But 24 hours after Francis's comments, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi moved to head off any such speculation. "One has to be honest. The Pope did not say that he had any intention of introducing ordination for female deacons, much less priestly ordination for women," he told Vatican radio. "It would be mistaken to reduce the many important things that the Pope said to the nuns to this single question." The Church teaches that women cannot become priests because Jesus willingly chose only men as his apostles. However, St. Paul refers in the bible to a deaconess called Phoebe, leading liberal Catholics to argue that there is clear precedent for women to play a much more important role in Church life. Conservative Catholics would certainly put up fierce resistance to any such a move, eager to preserve clear and separate roles for men and women within the Church. After his election in 2013, Pope Francis swiftly ruled out ordaining women priests. However, he stirred concern among traditionally minded Catholics over what they perceive as his liberal leanings on a range of other issues, from divorce to the use of contraception. Earlier this year, he overturned centuries of tradition that banned women from a foot-washing service during Lent, upsetting conservatives and delighting women's rights activists. Church liberals had hailed his call for a commission to look into the question of deacons. "I can't underscore enough how groundbreaking this is for the Church," said Father James Bretzke, Professor of Moral Theology at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. "It's clear that Pope Francis, I believe, is trying to move toward institutionalising a greater leadership and service role for women in the Church," he added in emailed comments. The Vatican did not say when the promised commission would be set up or what it would be asked to do. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Forbes' list of the most valuable brands in the world proves that tech companies manage to conquer any best-of lists out there. The top three companies Apple, Google and Microsoft all reign supreme in the tech world and, apparently, the branding world as well. CLIMBING THE LADDER: Forbes reveals the best places in America for careers Apple and Microsoft have long had loyal customers who seemingly would go to battle to defend their preferred brand. The same goes with Apple's iPhone loyalists when challenged by Samsung users, even though, as Forbes points out, the gadgets are not that much different from each other. MORE FORBES: These are the best companies to work for in Texas "Apple-philes will cry blasphemy, but Apple phones are not that distinct from the latest Samsung gadget," Forbes writes. "Hence why the two companies are always suing each other. Yet, Apple commands a premium price and accounts for nearly half the smartphones sold in the U.S." Click through the gallery above to see the other most valuable brands in the world. BUSINESS OF LIVING: Forbes names the best, worst U.S. cities for renters This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Houston Police Department arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting May 8 in southwest Houston. Edis Lopez, 29, is charged with murder in the death of Jose Antonio Hernandez, 34. Hernandez was shot around 1 p.m. Sunday at his home in the 5800 block of Glenmont. Hernandez died at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital following the shooting. SEE ALSO: Man's headless body found on boat ramp, head still missing According to police, Hernandez was drinking with friends in his apartment complex parking lot when he was approached by someone with a gun. Police believe Lopez fired at Hernandez multiple times with a shotgun before fleeing the scene. Police did not disclose a motive in the incident. The Harris County District Attorney's Office did not respond to calls Friday. Glenmont is just outside of the 610 loop, near Westpark Drive. Lopez was taken into custody on Tuesday. He is being held without bond in Harris County jail. He is scheduled to appear June 17 in the 232nd State District Court. The Coast Guard is searching for a North Texas woman reported missing from a Carnival cruise ship off the coast of Galveston, officials confirmed Friday. The missing woman has been identified as Samantha Broberg, 33, the U.S. Coast Guard said. She is a stay-at-home mom to four children in Arlington, according relatives. "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the incident that occurred on the Carnival Cruise Ship. We hope and pray the U.S. Coast Guard is able to bring Samantha home. We ask for privacy as our family comes together during this difficult time," according to a statement from the family. Security video from the cruise ship shows a woman, believed to be Broberg, falling overboard about 2 a.m. Friday. The ship is located about 195 miles from Galveston, officials said. The ship's crew made a confirmation check on all the passengers, but Broberg wasn't accounted for, the Coast Guard said. An HC-144 Ocean Sentry and crew were sent from the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala., to search for the woman. Further information was not immediately available. KPRC posted a statement from Carnival on its website: "Earlier today, a 33-year-old female guest on the cruise ship Carnival Liberty was reported missing by traveling companions. A ship-wide search was conducted along with a review of the ship's camera footage. Unfortunately, it appears the guest may have gone overboard early this morning. Authorities were notified including the U.S. Coast Guard which is initiating a search effort in the area where the ship was located when the individual was last seen. Carnival's CareTeam is providing support to the guest's traveling companions and family. We are keeping our guest and her loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time. Carnival Liberty departed Galveston, Texas on a four-day Mexico cruise on Thursday. The ship is based in Galveston year-round." A Rosharon man was sentenced Friday to life in prison for his role in a 2004 murder that was solved 11 years later. Vith "Chino" Loch, 45, also must pay a $10,000 fine for the shooting death of then 28-year-old Soeuth "Mario" Nay. Harris County sheriff's deputies said the two men were seen arguing at an apartment complex in the 7300 block of Kingsway in southeast Houston. Later, they left together in Loch's truck and Nay was never seen alive again. A decomposing body was later found dumped in a bayou behind a salvage yard along the 1000 block of Northville, about 20 miles from the apartment building. Nay had been shot in the head. Loch was interviewed soon afterward, but there wasn't enough information at the time to link him to the crime. The case went cold after the leads were exhausted, sheriff's officials said. Deputies with the sheriff's cold case unit reopened the investigation in November 2014. They tracked down additional witnesses and found new details in the case, authorities said. Loch was charged with murder in March 2015. He was later arrested and eventually confessed to his role in the slaying, officials said. Two Houston-area teachers won a share of the $430,000 handed out at the 15th annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards Friday night in San Antonio. The program, designed to recognize top educators and school districts, has awarded more than $8 million since 2002. Galena Park ISD's Hilda Nanez, a teacher at Green Valley Elementary, was named a rising star, earning $5,000 for herself and $5,000 for her school. Teachers with less than 10 years of experience are eligible for the award. Nanez grew up in an immigrant family, speaking only Spanish. When she was switched to an English-only class in fourth grade, she went from straight As to struggling, according to her award entry with H-E-B. She wanted to ensure that other children didn't have that same experience. "When I was sinking I thought, 'When I grow up, I want to be a bilingual teacher and help kids like me be able to swim,'" Nanez told H-E-B. Nanez is a bilingual intervention teacher who provides students extra help on math and reading in both English and Spanish. She has already completed a master's in leadership with principal certification and hopes to become a principal someday. "As a principal, you can advocate for every single child on your campus," Nanez said. Clear Creek ISD's Tammy Verstrate of LaVace Stewart Elementary won in the leadership category, which honors teachers with 10 to 20 years in the classroom. She received a $10,000 check and her school gets a matching amount. Verstrate, who grew up in El Salvador during a civil war, remembers dodging rebel factions on her walk to school. Despite that, she said, "school was a place where I could be myself and I could shine." She now works as a dual-language teacher, helping her young students master both languages. Her work has served as a model for the district's dual-language curriculum, according to H-E-B. "I believe it is our responsibility as teachers to close the achievement gap. So many students don't have resources at home, don't have opportunities," Verstrate told H-E-B. "We need to hold high expectations and let students know it doesn't matter their background, they can succeed." H-E-B launched the Excellence in Education Awards program with the Texas Association of School Administrators in 2002 to support public education in Texas. It's now the largest program for educators in Texas, spotlighting best practices and celebrating successful educators. Just because "twerk" and "work" have a similar pronunciation, it doesn't mean you should ever combine the two. Colombian prison director Claudia Patricia Giraldo Ossa is accused of combining her work with twerking in front of "sex-starved" inmates, and now she is facing a disciplinary inquiry at the Villahermosa Jail, according to reports by the Daily Mail and The Sun. The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p. AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man is accused of binding the hands and feet of two girls with duct tape and sexually abusing them. Paul Burkhammer, 52, is charged with two counts of abduction, two counts of sexual imposition, domestic violence and child endangering. He is being held in the Summit County Jail on $250,000 bond. The incident happened April 27 at Burkhammer's Polk Avenue home. Burkhammer locked one of the girls out of the home. He punched the 13-year-old girl in the stomach and smacked her in the back of the head. Burkhammer taped her arms together and legs together. Burkhammer smacked her feet with a wire clothes hanger. He took the tape off and tried to kiss her twice. The girl told police Burkhammer threatened to kill her if she told anyone. Later in the night, Burkhammer told the 13-year-old girl to get cigarettes out of his car. He locked her out of the house. He took the 11-year-old girl to a different room in the house and put duct tape on her hands and feet behind her back. He also hit the 11-year-old girl's feet with a wire hanger, according to police reports. He took the tape off and tried to kiss her. Burkhammer later apologized to the girls but he didn't say for what, police report say. The girls told police Burkhammer had tried to kiss them several years ago but never told anyone because he threatened them. If you want to comment on this story, please go to our crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Forgive the enthusiasm, but a behind-the-scenes visit to the NASA Glenn Research Center is mind-blowing. On Thursday, I visited the 350-acre facility to get a taste of how the center plans to celebrate its 75th anniversary next weekend, May 21-22, with the first free public open house in eight years. NASA Glenn offers regular monthly tours from April to October that focus on specific facilities, but open houses are like one of those celestial occurrences that come along every so often, such as a solar eclipse, or the transit of Mercury across the face of the sun, which occurred earlier this week. In 2008, the last open house drew 20,000 visitors, said Media Relations Officer Jan Wittry. Preview What's on: NASA Glenn 75th Anniversary Open House Where: Glenn Research Center, Lewis Field, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland. When: Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Parking: Free public parking will be available at the I-X Center, 1 I-X Center Drive, Cleveland. After parking, you will be processed through NASA security and will board a free shuttle to NASA Glenn. The last shuttle to the center leaves at 5 p.m. Additional information: Go to nasa.gov/glenn75. This time around, visitors will be able to See NASA aircraft and technology used for environmental research, such as monitoring algae blooms in Lake Erie algae. Glenn engineers, scientists and technicians will discuss their work amid exhibits devoted to space exploration and aeronautics. On Thursday, Wittry guided Plain Dealer Photographer Marvin Fong and me to three of the 13 sites at Glenn that will be open to the public. The bland surroundings at NASA Glenn give little clue about the exciting research that goes on there. With 100 buildings and 3,200 employees, including contractors, NASA Glenn looks and feels like a city, albeit one that consists of bland, low-rise brick and metal buildings painted a nearly uniform beige. We visited a World War II vintage wind tunnel that has been upgraded continually and is still used to test de-icing and anti-icing technology on aircraft wings and engines. Hidden inside a building that gives no clue about what it contains, the wind tunnel has a gigantic heat exchanger that circulates chilled brine through metal tubes plus a giant fan that can simulate what it's like to fly at hundreds of miles an hour through icy clouds as cold as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The tunnel can be tuned to within a tenth of a degree, said mechanical operator Shaun McNea. "When it's minus 40 in here it's crazy," he said. "The ice makes a different crunching sound." We visited a second building filled with massive, cylindrical vacuum chambers used to simulate near-earth environments in space. The chambers resembled fat submarines bristling with gauges and display monitors. In one chamber, scientists were testing an ion thruster that burned xenon gas. A video monitor shows the glowing ring of an ion thruster inside a vacuum chamber. NASA Glenn is testing equipment that could be used to guide asteroids into low lunar orbit for study. The eerily beautiful circular flame, visible on a large monitor, looked like a bright, blue-white donut glowing in blackness. A larger chamber, which we entered, can be chilled with liquid nitrogen and is used to simulate the icy vacuum near the earth, where the temperatures reach minus 173 degrees Fahrenheit, said Space Simulation Facility Manager Mary Lobo. Deep space gets much colder, she said. Scientists can aim a powerful lamp into the chamber to mimic the fierce brightness of the sun. The idea here is to test the durability of equipment that will operate in low orbit, such as satellite components. Lastly, we stopped by the SLOPE lab, short for Simulated Lunar Operations. There, mechanical engineer Colin Creager explained how he and other researchers use specially manufactured sands in horizontal and tilting beds to simulate how tires made of wire mesh and other materials would perform on the moon and Mars. Variables include the fineness and grittiness of the sand particles, the width of the tires, the weight they're expected to carry, and the durability of materials in extremely punishing environments. "This is wheel central" for NASA, Creager said. Intended or not, our visit had taken us from research aimed at atmospheric flight to investigations focusing on near earth and lunar orbits, and ultimately manned exploration of the moon and Mars. I realize that NASA is funded by taxes, and that pulling back the curtain from time to time is good PR and part of an effort to keep the public interested in space exploration. Public awareness can also play a role in occasional battles over maintaining the center's funding, including a recent successful effort by Ohio's Congressional delegation to avert steep cuts in the federal budget. Aside from all that, it's inspiring to witness some of the work that is shaping America's future in aeronautics and space. And it's exciting to know that part of that future is being shaped right here. CH police car.jpg Cleveland Heights police are investigating a case in which a young woman stole an elderly man's truck from his garage. (file photo) Vehicle theft, Brinkmore Road: At 4:30 p.m. May 4, police were called to a home where an elderly man reported his truck stolen. The man told officers that a woman in her early 20s came to his house asking if he could help her with her school project. The infirm man said he could not. The girl then asked to use his bathroom and the man allowed her to do so. After being in the bathroom for a longer time than usual, the woman, believed to be in her early 20s, made a cell phone call and left. Next, the man saw the woman driving his truck out of his garage. The man had left the keys in the truck. The woman left the man's driveway driving "aggressively." Police were able to get the woman's fingerprints from the man's bathroom. Assault, Rushleigh Road: A woman left her two children at her cousin's house on the evening of May 4. When she returned to pick them up, her male cousin verbally attacked her, asking why she took so long to return. As the argument escalated, the man began to punch his cousin on her head and in the stomach. Another female cousin tried to break the two apart and the man punched her, as well, before running outside. The mother decided to pursue assault charges. Theft, Mayfield Road: At 5:15 p.m. May 4, a woman said that her daughter put down her smartphone on the counter while at Citi Trends, 3472 Mayfield Road. A short time later, the phone was gone. Surveillance tape showed police that a woman took the phone, put it in her jacket and quickly left the store. Assault, Noble Road: At midnight May 4, a woman, 20, was sitting in her car, speaking with a male friend. The car was parked in the woman's driveway. As she talked, the woman looked up to see her former boyfriend standing outside her car door. She got out of the car and the ex-boyfriend slapped her in the face, then got in the car and started beating the friend. The ex-boyfriend, 19, of Euclid, then got out of the car and punched the woman in the forehead. Next, he grabbed her by the shoulders and kneed her in the stomach before getting in his car and driving away. Police found that the woman had a large bump on her forehead. An EMS crew treated the woman. The woman signed a complaint for assault against the former boyfriend. Assault, Altamont Road: At 12:20 a.m. May 6, police were called to the home of a woman, 21. The woman said her ex-friend, a woman, 22, followed her home then demanded the complainant give her back her food. The complainant handed her former friend a bag of food and asked why the ex-friend brought with her two other women. The ex-friend replied that it was time to fight. The ex-friend hit the complainant in the face and shoulders with a stick, causing scratches. The three women then left the complainant's yard in a Jeep. Burglary, Dresden Road: A resident returned home at 5:35 a.m. May 5 to find that someone had broken into her home. Police believe entry was made by forcing open a side door. Stolen were five TVs of varying sizes, an electronic tablet, DVD player, two microphones and other items. Burglary, Cleveland Heights Boulevard: Police were called at 11:40 a.m. May 9 to a man's home. The man left his home at 11:20 a.m. and was gone just eight minutes when he received a call from his alarm company telling him someone tried to enter his home. The man returned to find that entry was made through a patio door, where a window was broken. Nothing appeared to be missing. Disturbance, Severance Circle: At 6:05 p.m. May 10, a woman was doing a child custody exchange with her baby's father when a disagreement arose. The woman went to the police department to file a complaint. The baby's father, 34, followed her and, at city hall, cut her off with his car as she walked. The man pried the baby from the woman's arms, pushed her away, and left. The man and woman have had several custody disputes involving police since 2015. Disturbance, Henderson Road: At 6:40 p.m. May 7, a woman, 19, contacted police stating that she was sitting in a car with a man and her female cousin, also 19. As they argued about text messages, the man struck the complainant in the face, took her iPhone, then forced the women out of his car. He then drove away. The complainant , who had a cut near her eye, said she did not wish to pursue charges against the man for robbery. Assault, Edgewood Road: Police were called to a home at 6 a.m. May 4 about a disturbance. There, they found arguing a highly intoxicated woman and a man who lives on another floor of the same dwelling. The man told police that the woman called to ask if he had any liquor. The man brought the woman half a bottle of vodka. He said she was already drunk from partying the night before. The woman, he said, then began asking over and over again for money. The man refused to give her money, so she began going into his pockets and took $10 and a pack of cigarettes. The woman was too drunk to communicate well with officers. She did say the man called her and swung at her for no reason. The woman said the $10 was hers. Police sent the man back to his residence. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. richmond heights police.jpg On Friday, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office announced that the December 2015 fatal shooting of Carlumandarlo Zamaro by Richmond Heights police has been ruled justified. (File photo) CLEVELAND, Ohio - A December 2015 fatal shooting by a Richmond Heights police officer has been ruled justified, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday. The Ohio Attorney General's Office Bureau of Investigation looked into the shooting of Carlumandarlo Zaramo, 48, by Richmond Heights police officer Greg Patterson on Dec. 6, 2015 before passing findings onto the prosecutor's office. In cases of deadly use of force used against a civilian, a Cuyahoga County grand jury is presented evidence in order to make a final ruling on whether officers will face criminal charges. In this case, a grand jury also ruled that Patterson's actions were "objectively reasonable," according to a news release from the prosecutor's office. Zaramo's wife called police about 7 p.m. Dec. 6, saying her husband had a gun and was threatening to commit suicide. She and her 11-year-old son left the home before Zaramo was killed. Patterson was one of four officers who responded to Zaramo's house on Geraldine Avenue the night of the shooting, the prosecutor's office said in the release. Richmond Heights Sgt. Michael Gerl was able to negotiate with the man via phone before Zaramo allowed police into the house. Zaramo was initially persuaded to receive help, but he asked police if he could grab some warmer clothing before they left the house, the release states. Gerl and Patterson accompanied him to a second-floor bedroom. Zaramo went into a walk-in closet, reached up to a shelf and grabbed a pistol, the prosecutor's office said. Gerl tried to get the gun away from Zaramo when he was shot. Patterson, who was standing in the bedroom's doorway, drew his weapon and fired six shots, killing Zaramo. Gerl was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest, broken ribs and damage to his right lung and liver, the prosecutor's office said. He was not wearing a bulletproof vest when he was shot. During an interview as part of the shooting investigation, Patterson told authorities that he heard the shot that injured Gerl and was afraid for their lives. "I didn't know at that point if he [Zaramo] was going to continue firing at Sergeant Gerl or if he was going to possibly spin around and begin firing at me," Patterson said. "It all happened very quickly and I guess in that moment I was afraid for both of our lives." During a search of the Zaramo house, police found 10 firearms, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty said in a letter to Richmond Heights police chief Gene P. Rowe. Two pistols, two rifles, three revolvers and three shotguns were recovered. It was also determined during Zaramo's autopsy that he had several different types of drugs in his system at the time of his death, including painkillers and "depression and mental health prescriptions," McGinty's letter states. "Officer Patterson could have taken cover or fled and left Sergeant Gerl to be killed by Mr. Zaramo's second to third shot," McGinty said. "Given Mr. Zaramo's use of deadly force against another officer, Officer Patterson used the only alternative that would save Sergeant Gerl's life. This shooting was necessary and justified." McGinty also said in his letter to Rowe that Patterson should be "commended for responding with courage and for heroically fulfilling his duty to protect and serve his fellow officer and the citizens of Richmond Heights." Zaramo was formerly a researcher and fellow at the Cleveland Clinic before he left the hospital for unknown reasons in 2008. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University. He left behind a wife and three children, as well as a large extended family, according to his obituary. If you'd like to discuss or comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Imprisoned Westlake cardiologist Dr. Harry Persaud was ordered Friday to pay nearly $5.5 million in restitution for subjecting patients to unnecessary heart procedures in order to receive insurance payouts. Persaud, 57, is serving a 20-year sentence at a federal prison in Lisbon. Under the order, his victims will be paid before any insurance companies or the United States are reimbursed. U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent also ordered the doctor to liquidate a timeshare in Hawaii and trust he established in 2012 in the name of his wife, Dr. Roberta Persaud. The U.S. Attorney's Office said that Persaud created the trust after the FBI executed a search warrant in the case, and he transferred $4.7 million into it. He also gave his wife almost all control of the trust, Nugent wrote. Harry Persaud did not disclose this to pretrial service officers when they interviewed him about his assets. Prosecutors had also sought liquidation of other trusts and accounts, but Nugent denied the request, saying they were either created before the investigation began or by his wife. Persaud performed dozens of unnecessary stent insertions, catheterizations and tests as part of a scheme to overbill Medicare and other insurers for $29 million. He received about $5.7 million in payouts. He did this over six years while he had a private medical practice in Westlake with hospital privileges at St. John Medical Center in Westlake, Fairview Hospital in Cleveland and Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights. An FBI investigation began in 2012, as did a review from consultants hired by all three hospitals to see whether the tests and procedures Persaud performed were necessary. A jury found him guilty in September of health-care fraud and 13 counts of making false statements relating to health-care matters. He was also found guilty of money laundering, stemming from $250,000 he transferred from his account to his wife's while he was under investigation. The restitution order is in addition to the more than $2.4 million he was ordered last month to pay in forfeitures and judgments. Persaud is appealing his case. If you wish to discuss or comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section. What does one call a website that sells shirts, suits, pants and as of this week, shoes to an aspirational class of men? A technology company. That's the attitude of Irvine, Californiabased Combatant Gentlemen, an emerging menswear brand that uses algorithms and other data-driven techniques to provide clothes, sartorial guidance and accessories to men particularly millennials. The company's curated approach to selling menswear has invited comparisons to Netflix, Amazon and on-demand applications that generate user recommendations based on individual preferences. This week, Combatant began selling footwear priced between $65 and $130, which sold out within hours, to go along with one of its signature items: Italian wool suits that start at only $160. Combatant Gentlemen is part of a growing club of internet retailers that cater to upwardly mobile men, and includes names like Trunk Club, Bonobos, Fashion Stork and Bombfell (which employs its own technology that recommends clothes based on body shape, height, weight and fashion tastes). As the menswear market gets largerEuromonitor International estimates men's clothing is worth $400 billion in global saleshow does Combatant Gentlemen expect to distinguish itself from the competition? In a recent interview, Combatant Gentlemen CEO and founder Vishaal Melwani described the company as focusing on how to offer clothes that are accessible, affordable and higher quality than what can be found on the rack. Melwani uses the phrase "baller on a budget" to describe the type of man that would be interested in buying Combatant's clothing: young, at the cusp of their career, but not having enough money to shop at higher end places. Those men have an "innate need to try and make money and still live a 'baller-esque' lifestyle," Melwani told CNBC. Combatant "tries to master fit and understand the guy from a data set," he said. Hence why the company sees itself as "technology first and fashion second," said the 31-year-old University of California, Irvine graduate, the son of tailors who worked for Versace. In particular, Combatant has a wide following at Goldman Sachs, Melwani told CNBC, which illustrates what the company considers its target demographic. He added that the average shopper visits the site at least five times a year. Imran Rahman, Combatant's COO, said, "These guys are working regular hours at 9 to 5 jobs and look great in a suit." For Combatant, "the sweet spot is [a male in his] mid 20s, and it's the working guy who's living in the big city and is broke, has a lot of debt and doesn't have a lot of money to go around but he's got to wear something to work, got to look good and feel good," he said. Enter the company, with all its algorithms and data to create a look that's both affordable and eye-catching. "What we always say is we're not in the fashion business, we're in the problem-solving business," Rahman added. A group of dissident Republicans refusing to support Donald Trump have courted a diverse slate of potential candidates to mount a potential third party bid against the putative nominee, The Washington Post reported on Saturdaya group that includes another outspoken billionaire. Conservative opinion writers William Kristol and Erick Erickson have been part of the effort, the publication reported, as has former GOP nominee Mitt Romney. In recent months, Romney has emerged as a prominent voice in the movement to derail Trump's White House ambitions. The Post added that the list of candidates the group has fielded include names like Ohio governor John Kasich, who recently ended his own bid for the Republican nomination; Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, who has also become a strident critic of Trump; and billionaire Mark Cuban. According to the report, Cuban was approached because of his possible ability to connect with votersand his own blustery persona that can match Trump's. A representative for the Trump campaign did not immediately reply to CNBC's requests for comment. Read MoreCandidate: US voters are libertarian but don't know it However, the report added that most of the response to the 3rd party effort has been tepid at best. Cuban was quoted by The Post as saying that he didn't "see it happening," and given the closeness of the election, there "isn't enough time." The European Central Bank announced on May 4 that it will permanently stop printing and issuing the 500 bank note by the end of 2018. The European Central Bank announced on May 4 that it will permanently stop printing and issuing the 500 bank note by the end of 2018. The decision is the end result of a discussion that began publicly not long ago and reached a crescendo after the attacks in Paris and Brussels in November and March. The dispute over the notes future pitted multiple law enforcement agencies against the notes defenders. Some of this latter group equate the move with an infringement on personal freedom. Others say the note is important for those who distrust the banking system. The highest value note in the euro series (worth approximately $570 at current exchange rates) has been called the Bin Laden and the note criminals love because of its supposed appeal to terrorists, drug dealers and money launderers. A million dollars in 500 notes, for instance, weighs just 5 pounds, while its equivalent in 200 bills would weigh more than double that, and the same in 100 notes, over four times as much. Connect with Coin World: The 500 note will remain legal tender but will not be included in the new Europa series of bank notes, which will now consist only of the 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 denominations. The latter two denominations are scheduled for release in 2018 in quantities sufficient to coincide with the phase-out of the 500. , , , , . As the population of Erie has continued to grow at a rate unmatched by neighboring East Boulder County cities a reported increase of 188 percent from 2000 to 2010 and is now projected to total 65,526 residents in 40 years time, officials have been forced to adjust in recent years. Along with growth has come the need for development, a sentiment highlighted Tuesday night as Eries Board of Trustees examined preliminary plans for multiple development designs. With a portion of the meeting allocated solely for land development resolutions and ordinances, in which trustees held public hearings regarding several design concepts for the Erie Highlands and Colliers Hill residential developments, a clearer understanding of the towns next phase has begun to take shape. A review of the proposed preliminary plat for the second phase of development in Erie Highlands located southwest of Erie Parkway and Weld County Road 5 includes designs for 212 acres and 230 single-family lots, an elementary school site lot, HOA clubhouse/pool site lot and 24 tracts for various park, open space, landscaping, drainage, utility and future development area purposes, according to official town documents. To accommodate expansion within Erie Highlands, another public hearing was held on Tuesday night to examine a proposed rezoning to adjust the developments boundaries. The grand opening of Erie Highlands last year, a development that was projected at the time grow the communitys housing stock by more than 900 homes and increase the towns population by more than 2,700 residents, signaled the early steps begin taken to update the 2005 Comprehensive Plan intended to provide a decision-making guide as the town grows. Last year, Fred Diehl, assistant to the town administrator, said that while so much of the conversation lately has been associated with the numbers related to growth, what is truly energizing are the reasons Erie has become a Front Range magnet for families. Trustees on Tuesday night also heard a presentation of a preliminary plat for Colliers Hill, located at the southwest corner of Weld County Road 5 and Weld County Road 10. Plans included 726 single-family lots, 12 tracts for parks, open space and a private amenity, two tracts for future development and 27 tracts for other landscaping and utility uses, according to town documents. While the plans presented to trustees represent only a portion of the wide-scale development currently taking shape in Erie, the concepts allowed insight into how the town will move forward as it continues to adapt to its population boom. Though the concepts are scheduled to come back to trustees later this summer, officials on Tuesday asked for more clarity on time frames from the applicants. What is the window for development here? Asked Mayor Pro Tem Mark Gruber. Is it a three- to five-year window? It is an important question to ask. Anthony Hahn: 303-473-1422, hahna@coloradohometownweekly.com or twitter.com/_anthonyhahn The Lafayette City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to table an annexation agreement for HeartEye Village, a development that has grown increasingly controversial among the citys residents in recent months. The decision to postpone the scheduled vote was due in large part to council members lack of understanding of the agreement, which had been omitted from the agenda packet distributed to the council and public ahead of Tuesday nights meeting. Its surprising to me that it is not a usual thing to include it, Councilwoman Alexandra Lynch said. Have we seen this actual annexation agreement? City Attorney David Williamson told the council that the omission of the agreement was an oversight, and not intentional. He said that, if signed, the agreement makes it very clear that applicants cannot withdraw their annexation. It would require them to proceed with zoning, a process that should take about a year. Yet without a full understanding of the agreement itself, council members said they did not feel comfortable voting. We realize the applicants are here tonight, Mayor Christine Berg said, but I just think this is too important of an issue. The council will revisit the agreement May 17. Plans for the mixed-use development on the property called HeartEye Village including about 480 apartments, condos, townhomes and single-family homes, plus 10,000 square feet of commercial space, and regional trails and open space received support from the Lafayette Planning Commission at a December meeting, but have received a substantial amount protest from residents in the interim. In a meeting colored by residents objections, individuals flooded the council chambers Tuesday to discuss the resolution, many of whom voiced their objection with the developments density and the councils lack of communication on the matter. I was driving by these units and it just looked like Stalin had moved in, resident Bill Howland said. I would like to see us build more family friendly housing. I would give up on the affordable part and try to focus on the long term. The project went to the Planning Commission in October, when Susan Weems, architects from David Kahn Studios and Keenan Tompkins of Cornerstone Contracting pitched the community, according to local real estate agent Malia Maunakea, who attended the meeting and posted the presentation on her website. During a previous council meeting, Lafayette annexed the 80 acres, known as the Weems property, allowing plans for the HeartEye Village development to push forward. If the subdivision moves forward at a later date, it is poised to join a slew of development projects underway near U.S. 287 and Arapahoe Road most notably Eries contentious Nine Mile Corner, which council members also addressed Tuesday night. The council voted to declare the intent to acquire real property for open space purposes and to protect Lafayettes unique community character by providing a buffer from neighboring communities, allowing attorneys to take all necessary steps, including eminent domain, to acquire property slated for a retail center in Erie along the two towns increasingly divided border. As the clash between the neighboring towns continues, officials are wary of letting any new development slip away. Strategically we want to hold the line along U.S. 287 and Arapahoe, City Administrator Gary Klaphake said in reference to HeartEye Village. Do you want (the development) in our city or do you want it in another city? Anthony Hahn: 303-473-1422, hahna@coloradohometownweekly.com or twitter.com/_anthonyhahn Members of Lafayettes Church of the Arts are seeking support from residents as the co-ops future once again has come into question. Last November, Church of the Arts founder Jonathan Berner was informed by the buildings landlord that he had received a better offer from Foothills preschool, run by Vrenda McGinnis of Lafayette. While the co-op still maintains space in the former church, Berner lamented the events that wont be able to happen now that it occupies a smaller area. We have lost the ability to be that community center for people, Berner said. In the smaller space we cant do a lot of the cool stuff we were doing like First Fridays and poetry readings. With the Church of the Arts lease set to end Nov. 30, Berner, with the help of Fractured Atlas, a nonprofit technology company that provides business tools for artists, now looks to raise roughly $2.5 million to find a new location. While originally hoping for a much larger sum, Berner will take the issue to council once he has reached about $500,000 though he has yet to raise much so far. That is likely what it will cost us for just a piece of dirt to build on, Berner said. Once we have that, we have something to build on. Right now we are a ship without a rudder. As a Lafayette resident, Berner would like to see the city focus more attention on art-centered issues. A community that doesnt support the arts will lose its soul, Berner said. Lafayette loves to talk about how its diverse, but unless it acts now to solve the issues impacting low-income residents, its failed. I am thrilled if I make even $5 an hour. While McGinnis has refrained from displacing the Church of the Arts space, the school will look to expand down the line. We were very interested in the space when we were looking for a building to move into, McGinnis said. But we obviously didnt want to displace the artists. They are such an asset to the community. The building was home to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 1960 to 2007, when the congregation moved to a new location on U.S. 287. The building was vacant until 2013, when the city changed its zoning from Old Town residential to transitional business/planned unit development to make it easier for the owner to find a tenant, according to a Planning Commission report. Berner leased the 8,200-square-foot building in August 2013 as a workspace for his yarn-dyeing and resale business, MJ Yarns. A few months later, he began subleasing space to area artists to help him cover high utility costs. But Berner gained more than just financial perks from the co-op model. The co-op participates in city arts events, such as First Friday Art Walks, and hosts community gatherings at the former church, such as poetry contests and performances. As several art-related issues have arisen throughout Lafayette in the past months, including the restoration of the recently discovered Coca-Cola mural, residents in Lafayette either have disregarded the projects or have rallied around them. We support Jonathans vision, said ARTS!Lafayette President Rachel Hanson, and we agree that there should be more affordable workspace for artists in Boulder County. Anthony Hahn: 303-473-1422, hahna@coloradohometownweekly.com or twitter.com/_anthonyhahn Residents and business owners flooded Lafayette city hall last week, furious over a plan that would reduce parking along South Harrison Avenue an area of town many feel is already in need of more parking while some have accused officials of breaking protocol in informing the public. While Lafayette looks for ways to become more bike- and pedestrian-friendly, it is counting on the eyes of its residents to spot possible areas of improvement. Walk and Wheel Lafayette, a community audit program, kicked off in 2014 and has continued to be updated since. Through the program, the city has equipped teams of volunteers with a mobile app or printed checklist of potential problem areas on which to take notes. Residents walk designated routes throughout Lafayette and respond with feedback on the condition and safety of sidewalks, trails and intersections, while also counting the number of pedestrians and cyclists they encounter on their routes. The first step in this grant program is data collection and taking inventory of our infrastructure, city spokeswoman Debbie Wilmot said in 2014 when the program began. Wed like to get the residential input, because those are the folks who are using it. They see things that we dont see. Last month a letter from Wilmot was sent to some residents, informing them of the updated project. Im thrilled to share with you that South Harrison Avenue will be the location of one of two multi-modal demonstration projects new bike lanes installed as a result of the Walk and Wheel project, said Wilmot in the letter. To allocate space for the upcoming project however, parking will need to be reduced along South Harrison Avenue, a street many residents feel is already burdened with the spillover from South Public Road. In order to provide the necessary width for these new bike lanes, parking along the west side of South Harrison, from Emma to Simpson, will be removed, she continued in the letter. We realize the removal of parking may potentially cause some inconvenience to those who dont park in front of their houses, but ample parking is available on the east side of the street for you and guests. Members of the community last week came in droves to the city council meeting to discuss the project. Many, including resident Cynthia Kennedy, expressed outrage over the citys lack of communication regarding the reduction of parking. We received a letter about two weeks ago that said this is a done deal and that this is going to happen, said Kennedy. Nobody was informed prior to that time. We walked up and down Public Road this weekend and gathered 60 signatures from every single business on Public Road and every one of them is against it. Adding to the demand for parking will be the anticipated restaurant called Community. It will be located at 206 S. Public Road, just north of Cannon Mine Coffee. As is the case with a number of other businesses along that street where parking there is sparse and patrons will likely filter over to residential streets such as South Harrison Avenue to park. Lafayette has a lot going for it as far as property values increasing. I live here now. Ive got two kids. Im building a new house, Community co-owner Graham Bailhache said last month. Bailhache, who began plans for the shop before the citys proposed parking reduction came to light, believes the restaurant is what Lafayette citizens want to have available to them. We think its what a lot of people around here would want to see. And being two residents around here, we want to see it too, he said. Residents such as Kennedy however, feel the city misled them when proposing additional restaurants along South Public Road earlier this year. Dont you think I would have come here and talked about that restaurant if I had known you were going to take away 40 parking spaces near that restaurant? Kennedy said during Tuesdays council meeting. What is most disturbing to me is the due process. In terms of due process, to not disclose things to your community is misrepresentation. In law we call it fraud. You must disclose relevant information to your community. While the program was set to begin later this month, the public backlash has likely halted any work until officials can reach a better understanding of its impact on residents. More discussion regarding the process will take place at the citys next council meeting, May 17. Anthony Hahn: 303-473-1422, hahna@coloradohometownweekly.com or twitter.com/_anthonyhahn On May 3, the Lafayette Fire Department and community lost one of its most beloved members. Charles Nicholas Waneka, known as Nick, passed away due to complications of a lifelong battle with muscular dystrophy. He was known in the community for his commitment to the Lafayette Fire Department, where he dedicated 15 years of his life volunteering. He was 36 years old. Waneka graduated from Centaurus High School and Front Range Community College, and was a lifelong resident of Lafayette. During his service for the fire department, he was responsible for data entry and accountability while doing live fire training exercises. In response to the news of his passing, an outpouring of support was shared over social media. Nick Waneka literally grew up in the fire department, said former Lafayette Fire Department Chief Gerry Morrell in a Facebook post. Fifteen years ago Nick came to me to see if there was any way he could volunteer, stricken with MD as a child he wasnt able to be an active firefighter but volunteered in many ways and didnt let his wheel chair hamper his abilities to serve the community. He was Colorados Muscular Dystrophy Ambassador and awarded for his efforts to make unknown buildings safer for the firefighters in Lafayette. At the conclusion of last weeks council meeting, Councilor Alexandra Lynch shared some tearful words on Nicks behalf. Most people who are familiar with Lafayette know Nick was an absolute delight of a person who volunteered every day at the fire department, said Lynch. You would see him whipping up on his motorized wheelchair and was just a really, really special person. Im sorry to see him pass. Nick was a recipient of the 9 Who Cares award for his service to the Lafayette Fire Department. Nick was extremely dedicated to the Lafayette Fire Department. He was truly one of the guys; he was a member for 15 years, said Lafayette Fire Chief Dave Friedel. Nicks passing has truly touched the entire organization and he will be loved and missed always. The Lafayette Fire Department is saddened to announce the passing of Nick Waneka, the Lafayette Fire Department said in a statement. He is a hero to many who never knew him and his presence will be missed. Thank you for your service, Nick. Rest in peace brother, we have the watch from here. Anthony Hahn: 303-473-1422, hahna@coloradohometownweekly.com or twitter.com/_anthonyhahn After years of drafts and revisions many of which were made in the past two weeks Louisville City Council on Tuesday night voted unanimously to adopt the South Boulder Road Small Area Plan. The plan, which has proven controversial since its conception in 2013, includes the creation of development regulations, identifying infrastructure improvements and locating areas for public spaces for the corridor, based on input from the public. Earlier this month, councilmembers voted to table the resolution to adopt the plan until Tuesdays meeting. Staff had requested that councilmembers provide direction on any desired changes to the plan before it be brought back for potential approval. During the meeting, councilmembers pored over the plans language and revised details before voting. Much of the discussion involved issues regarding residential special review use, building height, intersections including the Main Street Crossing/underpass and approved development. Under the new plan, the allowance for residential as a special review use in Commercial Community and Commercial Business zone districts has been removed, according to city documents. We want to allow and encourage redevelopment at existing densities, said Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Lipton. We just dont want to open the door for redevelopment above the density. Language in the plan regarding building height, open space considerations and concerns with an underpass on Main Street were updated before the council voted to adopt the resolution. According to the 20-year cumulative fiscal impact, the total revenue for the project will amount to $66.9 million; total expenditures will amount to $54.2 million, leaving a net fiscal impact of $12.7 million. The South Boulder Road area began being annexed into Louisville in the late 1970s. Development occurred intermittently, and by the time the 2013 Comprehensive Plan update was adopted, the area ranged from undeveloped fields to sites undergoing redevelopment. This is a big step, said Mayor Bob Muckle at the meetings conclusion. Weve been working on this a long time. Anthony Hahn: 303-473-1422, hahna@coloradohometownweekly.com or twitter.com/_anthonyhahn In light of recent changes, residents, business owners and city officials are bracing for change as upcoming plans seek to reconcile the small-town feel of the citys past and the development boom of the last few years. As the Coal Creek Station development draws closer to city council review, reactions have grown divided. The Coal Creek Station plan calls for 30,000 square feet of commercial space and 51 residential units at the southwest corner of Colo. 42 and South Boulder Road. The proposed development includes replacing 13,440 square feet of existing commercial space for a net increase of 16,032 square feet. The request includes 51 residential units: 34 duplexes and 17 townhomes. The streets in the development are intended to serve local traffic and provide alternative routes for a small amount of through-traffic. As such, the streets are narrow and designed to accommodate on-street parking. The street sections have been approved by the Public Works Department. The applicant, BVZ Architects of Boulder, has submitted a plan to develop the Coal Creek Station property as a mixed use project. The property is nearly 11 acres, and was platted as part of the Caledonia Place subdivision in 1890. Parts of the property have been replatted over the years to allow for commercial development, including the railroad car restaurant, the Louisville Cyclery building, the former 7-11 building, and the Tims Training building. The small building that houses Precision Pours coffee shop is on a separate lot and not part of the development. The remainder of the property is vacant. Some along South Boulder Road, such as Brice Young, owner of Precision Pours, view the proposed development as a potential boost to business and the citys economy. Young, who lives in Lafayette but was born and raised in Boulder, opened Precision Pours at 1030 South Boulder Road last April. I moved my business to this location a year ago and a big part of my decision was this development coming here, said Young. Business started out slow, but I am hoping for a big boost with the new commercial and residential units right next door. While some businesses within the block will not be part of the commercial development, Louisville Cyclery falls within the boundary. If the new development is finalized, the building that has housed the 37-year-old Louisville Cyclery will be demolished and integrated into the new space, something the shops owner Scott Adlfinger is looking forward to. Were really happy to see it finally happening, said Adlfinger. Its been about 15 years in the making but we have been pulling for it. Not much will change about the store it will be roughly the same size, just with nice higher ceilings. Versions of the development have been in the works for roughly 15 years, according to Gary Brothers, principal architect at BVZ Architects. Originally, we were trying to develop residential and commercial property there, Brothers said. The problem was that it was at a time when Louisville wasnt looking for more residential development. The project was brought back when the citys 2013 Comprehensive Plan was conceived, according to Brothers. It was resurrected about three years ago. We had some issues on the property and some easements to take care of before we moved forward, Brothers said. However, members of Louisvilles Citizens Action Council (CAC), a neighborhood organization that encourages community involvement, have grown continually distressed with the densification along South Boulder Road. I am not against growth, said longtime resident and CAC member Cammie Donnolley. I am in favor of responsible growth that adds sales tax and benefits the citizens. Developers have gone back on their word, they label the development for commercial use so that it will be pushed through, and then they switch it to something residential because its more lucrative, she added. As Louisville continues to grow rapidly, many residents feel commercial development is paramount. Because of how much Louisville has grown in population, we need commercial development to help with these costs, said Donnelly. At times I think the city government does listen to us, but I have a feeling the city has its own agenda or that they dont hear us correctly, Donnelly had said last year. I want Louisville to grow, but with guidance from its citizens. Despite scrutiny from citizens such as Donnelly, Brothers believes the community input has been positive overall. The feedback from the neighbors has been great, Brothers said. From what Ive heard, people think it will be a great addition to the community that everyone can get involved with. After years of drafts and revisions, the Louisville City Council earlier this month voted unanimously to adopt the South Boulder Road Small Area Plan. Before council decided on the plans final approval, council members voted to table the resolution to adopt the plan until a later date amid community push-back. Staff had requested that council members provide direction on any desired changes to the plan before it be brought back for potential approval. I have raised my kids here, said resident Michael Perkins at the meeting. I dont want to see Louisville turn into just some borough. The plan, which has proven controversial since its conception in 2013, includes the creation of development regulations, identifying infrastructure improvements, and locating areas for public spaces for the corridor, based on input and ideas from the public. The South Boulder Road area began being annexed into Louisville in the late 1970s. Development occurred intermittently, and by the time the 2013 Comprehensive Plan update was adopted, the area ranged from undeveloped fields to sites undergoing redevelopment. Historically, Louisville residents have generally opposed plans involving increased housing. I just think we havent gotten there yet with this plan, resident Peter Stuart said at the meeting. By not defining the community desires; by not doing that, weve failed, its key to the plan. Now, as the city plans to move ahead with further large-scale development such as Coal Creek Station, competing visions for Louisvilles future could prove to be more conflicting. The passing of a former Louisville volunteer firefighter will be recognized as a line of duty death this week at a ceremony in Lakewood. The name of John Bollinger, who served as a firefighter, engineer, lieutenant and captain during his 15-year tenure at Louisville Fire, will be placed on the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation memorial wall during a ceremony on Saturday, May 7. He died January 7 at his home in Louisville. Bollinger, 62, was diagnosed in May 2014 with esophageal cancer that spread to his shoulder, forearm and spine. His cancer is believed to have been caused by the toxins he encountered during his time as a firefighter, which included volunteer service in Louisville and also in State College, Pa, and Coralville, Iowa. About 40 men and one woman shaved their heads in 2014 as part of a fundraiser for Bollinger. The event, which was held at LuLus BBQ in Louisville, raised more than $6,000 to help Bollinger with his medical bills. Between in his 15 years of service Bollinger served in nearly every position short of chief engineer, training lieutenant, lieutenant and captain. Bollinger joined Louisville Fire in 1996 as part of a very small probationary firefighter class. Today the department runs its own ambulance transport service and employs eight full-time fire-medics, three lieutenants, three battalion chiefs, and 10 firefighters, supported by 40 volunteers who work duty crews and respond from home. Since Bollinger started, the annual call load has increased to roughly 3,500. When he came to Louisville Fire, Bollinger had several years of fire experience under his belt. While a student at Penn State, he volunteered at the Alpha Fire Co. in State College, Penn., and later worked the Coralville Volunteer Fire Department in Coralville, Iowa. While at Louisville Fire, Bollinger was respected as a calm and cool presence during emergencies and widely regarded as a mentor and role model. He formerly worked as an engineer and project manager for the Boulder Valley School District, overseeing the 2006 bond program. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. following a procession of fire apparatus, including an engine Louisville Fire, that will end at the memorial at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S, Allison Parkway. Bollingers family and former fellow firefighters will attend. Louisville Fire protects 17 square miles in Louisville and surrounding unincorporated areas. While I no longer wear the uniform, Bollinger said upon his retirement in 2011, when I hear the trucks go out, my heart always beats a little faster. Anthony Hahn: 303-473-1422, hahna@coloradohometownweekly.com or twitter.com/_anthonyhahn Superiors Board of Trustees unanimously rejected a resolution Monday night in support of a grant application to fund the installation of the Rocky Mountain Greenway Regional Trail. The project, in which roughly a dozen residents spoke out against during the meeting, proposed building a trail through the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge a site considered by many to still be contaminated with hazardous waste. If you approve this grant, said resident Jon Lipsky during public comment, youre telling your residents that it is safe there, which it certainly is not. The proposed project would connect the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge with public lands adjacent on the north and east sides, completing linkages of the Rocky Mountain Greenway Regional Trail initiative, according to official city documents. Superiors contribution to the project was estimated to be about $122,780, with the federal contribution being $3.5 million. Local governments would provide 17 percent of the total, divided among the Boulder County and Jefferson County partners. The Boulder County entities included Boulder County, the city of Boulder and the town of Superior. Theres radioactive material still buried out there, said Trustee Chris Hanson. Why would we ever want to put a trail out there? Why would we take that chance? Theres not even a chance I would support this. Anthony Hahn: 303-473-1422, hahna@coloradohometownweekly.com or twitter.com/_anthonyhahn The Superior Board of Trustees began to shape preliminary designs for the upcoming town hall expansion Monday night, a plan the town allocated at least $2.6 million for in the 2016 budget. During the meeting, three potential plans were outlined by Elizabeth Hallas, a principal architect at Anderson Hallas Architects, the firm charged with designing the potential building changes. We are at the beginning stages of the process, said Hallas. There are several goals we want to achieve with this process. The design options hope to balance several imperatives, including the enhancement of customer service for residents doing business in the town hall, providing efficiencies for town business operations, giving a capable addition to the existing building and adding a cost-effective solution while meeting the space and operational needs, according to official town documents. The first addition option and least costly to the town would add roughly 10,500 square feet to the additional building size to the town hall and involves the least alterations to the existing structure. The second addition option would potentially add 12,950 square feet, utilizing the existing front entrance and providing a main circulation spine between the existing building and new addition. The last option presented to council members would potentially add 12,850 square feet to the building while re-orienting the building entry to the north. Trustees Monday night expressed the need for town staff to work under one roof, while some feared the plans would continue to be put off. If we put this off, and we have been for as long as Ive been on the board, said Trustee Joe Cirelli, putting people in temporary locations is not the answer. I think we need to grow up. While some trustees appeared positive about the plans for redesign, some residents in attendance expressed concern over the plans. There is no way the cost of this would be offset by the potential efficiency of staff being under one roof. It would be about 18 years until payback, said resident Kevin Ryan. I recommend we pause, not stop the work that is being done, until we get a sense of the needs of the community. The first phase of the project was hiring an architect for professional planning and design services. In March, the board approved a contract with Anderson Hallas Architects for this work. In April during the Boards retreat, Elizabeth Hallas, a principal at Anderson Hallas, met with the board to solicit initial feedback on the project. This isnt a question about what we do with the $2 million; its a question about efficiency, said Mayor Clint Folsom. We plugged $2.6 million into the budget because we thought at the time that thats what it would take to get this process done. I just hope we can build on this and move forward. The final construction plan is projected to be brought before the Planning Commission for approval on June 7. Construction is estimated for completion in May 2017. Anthony Hahn: 303-473-1422, hahna@coloradohometownweekly.com or twitter.com/_anthonyhahn Attorneys in Fiji case given until December to suggest trial date Judge gives defense and prosecuting attorneys until Dec. 19 to suggest trial date and duration. Bob Corker is quickly becoming the Rudyard Kipling of the 2016 presidential campaign. The two-term Republican senator from Tennessee is keeping his head about the GOP race when seemingly everyone else in his party including the presumptive nominee himself has been losing theirs. Amid the party infighting over Donald Trump's bluster, his crude and misogynistic attitude toward women and his utter lack of a plan foreign or domestic for leading the country, Corker in true Kipling style has two words of advice. Just chill. "I had always planned to support the (Republican) nominee," Corker told me last week during a podcast interview for The Commercial Appeal. "And my advice to people is just to chill." Indeed, Corker never boxed himself into a corner over who should, or should not, be the Republican standard-bearer in 2016. For example, unlike former Texas governor Rick Perry, Corker never said Trump's candidacy would be "a cancer on conservatism" and a mixture of "demagoguery, mean-spiritedness and nonsense that will lead the Republican Party to perdition." Perry is now all in as a Trump supporter. And the taint of hypocrisy is all over him. Corker, however, remained neutral during the run-up to the Tennessee presidential primary in March, even as Gov. Bill Haslam announced his support for Marco Rubio. And when Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, offered a stinging rebuke of Trump in early March, Corker issued a few rebuking words of his own. "Here's my message to the Republican Party leaders: Focus more on listening to the American people and less on trying to stifle their voice." Corker has done just that. And he's convinced that the people those who have voted in Republican primaries, at least have spoken clearly. And he respects their decision. Of course, that does not mean that Corker has come around to Trump's warped way of thinking. In fact, quite the contrary. During our interview Wednesday, he said this about Trump's belief that Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia probably should have nuclear weapons: "I think that's . . . not a place where we should go." On Trump's proposed ban on Muslims entering the United States, Corker reiterated his earlier position that "a ban just runs completely counter to the values and principles of our great nation." And on Trump's stance that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization perhaps should be disbanded, Corker tried to give the floundering candidate the benefit of the doubt by saying that the NATO alliance probably does need a little shaking up. But Corker rejected the notion, suggested by Trump, that NATO members start making direct payments to the United States. Corker also is playing down published reports that he is serving as an adviser to Trump on foreign affairs, saying he will only offer sporadic input when asked by the Trump campaign. And he is certainly playing down any rumors that he is on Trump's list for a vice presidential running mate. Corker, in his nine years in the Senate, has emerged as an expert on foreign policy. He lives and breathes the stuff. And I came away from my 23-minute interview with the impression that he is exasperated by Trump's complete ignorance of the subject. Yet, Corker believes Trump will eventually evolve into a serious, policy-driven candidate with positions that are similar to those of President George H. W. Bush and James Baker, Bush's secretary of state. Personally, I don't see it. And it has nothing to do with partisan politics. Yes, Trump has tapped into a national mood in which a sizable portion of the electorate is tired of being lied to by the Republican establishment and wants someone to shake things up. Trump's supporters have had their fill of political correctness, and they want the hackneyed phrase "take our country back" to really mean something. Under Trump, they believe it will. They honestly believe he will ban Muslims, deport 11 million undocumented immigrants, bring the jobs back from other countries and stamp out movements they don't like, such as Black Lives Matter. But once the anger has subsided, we still need someone in the White House who knows what they are doing, who knows how to get along with people, who won't say the first thing that pops into their brain and who won't clown around every time the TV cameras are rolling. Senator Corker is right. Millions of Republican primary voters have spoken, and all of us should be like Kipling's poem. Let's keep our heads, pause and listen for a while. The problem is, I have been listening. And frankly, what I've been hearing from the mouth of Donald Trump terrifies me. SHARE By Eli Lake The last time the federal government designated a U.S. charity as a front for terrorist fundraising, President Barack Obama had been in office for less than a month and Osama bin Laden was still at large. On Feb. 11, 2009, the Treasury Department designated the Tamil Foundation, a Maryland based charity allegedly raising funds for the Tamil Tigers, a Sri Lankan foreign terrorist organization that today barely exists. Since then, the Obama administration has overseen a financial war against Iran and targeted the oil revenue of the Islamic State. The Treasury Department has pressured banks to cut ties with terrorist fronts and worked closely with Gulf states to modernize financial systems and crack down on dodgy charities and other money launderers. But the practice of blacklisting charities inside the U.S., a key tool of President George W. Bush's war on terrorism, has come to a standstill under Obama. Many experts and some members of Congress are beginning to ask why. Susan Phalen, the communications director for the House Homeland Security Committee, told me this week that her committee was beginning to look into the issue. Jonathan Schanzer, a former terrorism finance analyst at Treasury, told me, "My understanding, based on conversations with several senior Treasury officials, is that this is no longer a Treasury function." Schanzer, who is now the vice president of research at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, added that Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence "sees itself as more of an global intelligence shop, leaving the domestic work to domestic agencies like the FBI." He continued: "My concern is that the FBI may be overwhelmed with direct threats to the homeland, thereby relegating domestic terrorism-finance cases to a third- or fourth-tier priority. Is anyone taking the threat of domestic terrorism finance as seriously as the Treasury did back in its heyday? I don't know." No Treasury official agreed to talk about this issue on the record. But a spokeswoman told me in a written statement that "there is no change in policy regarding designating U.S. persons that violate sanctions, and it is incorrect to claim that Treasury principals or staff have said otherwise." The spokeswoman added that it remains a priority to take action to protect the U.S. financial system overseas and in the U.S. And yet an examination of the Treasury's own website that lists charities designated for terrorist fundraising shows a precipitous drop since Obama came into office. Between the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the February 2009 designation of the Tamil foundation, the U.S. designated eight major U.S.-based charities for terrorist fundraising. These included al-Qaida fronts such as the U.S. branch of the al-Haramain Foundation and the Benevolence International Foundation. In this period, the U.S. government also blacklisted groups that raised money for the Palestinian terror group Hamas, including the Holy Land Foundation, and for the Lebanese militia and political party Hezbollah, like the Good Will Charitable Organization. While the Obama administration has not designated any U.S. charities since its first month in office, it has nonetheless continued to squeeze not only al-Qaida, but also Hezbollah and Hamas. On Wednesday, Daniel Glazer, the assistant secretary of Treasury for terrorist financing, told the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies that his office has waged a campaign over the last five years to keep Hezbollah out of the international financial system. Some experts say the U.S. has stopped designating U.S.-based charities in part because terrorist groups have determined it's too risky to set up a philanthropic front in the U.S. these days. "Our enforcement efforts did have an effect on the ability of groups to openly organize and use nongovernmental organizations as fundraising mechanisms for designated terrorist organizations," Juan Zarate, a deputy national security adviser for counterterrorism under George W. Bush, told me. Zarate is in a position to know. He is one of the architects of the U.S. government's post-9/11 policy on counterterrorist financing. He said the days of major charity designations like the Holy Land Foundation "are over in part because it is now understood the U.S. government will look closely and not sympathetically on any groups that are set up to mask or to hide funding for terrorist organizations." While Zarate and other experts I spoke to said it would be a mistake to assume that no terrorist groups would try to set up fronts to raise money in the U.S., the nature of the business has nonetheless changed. "ISIS doesn't have to create a U.S. NGO, they run a war economy," Zarate said. "Al-Shabaab, they are taxing people, they are engaged in other kinds of illicit trade." Matthew Levitt, a former FBI counterterrorism analyst and deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury, told me one factor that may explain the drop in U.S. charity designations is that these cases often bring the risk that the charities themselves will challenge the designation in court. Levitt, who is now the director of the counterterrorism and intelligence program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, agreed with Zarate that prior prosecutions of charities have made the U.S. a less attractive venue for terrorist financing. "When an authority does find an entity worthy of this kind of attention, the first inclination is not to designate, which has limited consequences, but rather to investigate and prosecute," he added. One person who continues to investigate is Schanzer. Last month, he testified before Congress that his research has found that three individuals who were involved in the Holy Land Foundation (but not indicted in a subsequent prosecution) are today working closely with a new group known as American Muslims for Palestine, which funds college groups that agitate for boycotting, divesting from and sanctioning Israel. Of course, raising money for anti-Israel activism is not the same as raising money for suicide bombers legally or morally. Today Hamas is the sovereign of Gaza, where it has generated resources for rockets it launches at Israel. Hamas no longer needs an American charity to covertly raise funds for its military war against the Jewish state. So the remnants of its former charity are free to raise funds for the war of ideas against the Jewish State at American colleges. Eli Lake is a Bloomberg View columnist. Google for Work President Amit Singh is leaving the company's business-focused division to tackle new challenges on the virtual reality side of the house. Singh will be joining the Google VR team to lead its business and operations efforts, he said in a tweet Friday. The company hired him six years ago from Oracle to lead the Google for Work team, and he was at its head for the launch of a number of key enterprise-focused products, including Android for Work and Chromebooks for Work. Thrilled to be joining Google VR team to lead biz and ops. Incredibly proud of @googleforwork and where they are headed Amit Singh (@aksingh77) May 13, 2016 Those products have been important parts of Google's strategy to bring in businesses as paying customers. It will be interesting to see what his move means for the company's VR ambitions. Currently, most of Google's VR offerings are aimed primarily at consumers, but Singh's move to the world of virtual reality may signal something of a shift. The news comes roughly six months after Google hired VMware co-founder Diane Greene to lead a team overseeing its business-focused efforts, including Google for Work. Google confirmed it is actively seeking to replace Singh, and Greene will work with the Google for Work team until a replacement is hired. It's unclear whether Singh's replacement will come from within Google. Interestingly, rumors have begun swirling that Google plans to announce a new Android VR platform next week at its I/O developer conference. It's still not clear what Android VR would be capable of, or how it would stand out from the existing Google Cardboard ecosystem. Big data is now a familiar term in most of the business world, and companies large and small are scrambling to take advantage of it. Data exhaust, on the other hand, is less widely known, and in some ways it's an evil twin brother. Here are five things you should understand about data exhaust's pros and cons. 1. It's essentially all the big data that isn't core to your business. The "data exhaust" term has been around for more than a decade, and it arose with the new streams of data coming from smartphones, said Tye Rattenbury, director of data science and solutions engineering at Trifacta, which makes software for data preparation. Today, more accessible data tools are bringing exhaust to the fore. If big data is "primary" data that relates to the core function of your business, data exhaust is secondary data, or everything else that's created along the way, Rattenbury explained. For instance, a bank would consider primary all the data about debits and credits to its customers' accounts. Secondary data might include information like what percentage of customers' transactions are done at an ATM instead of a physical branch. There are no standard definitions or schemas for data exhaust, which tends to be raw and unstructured, but in many ways, it's equivalent to the byproducts associated with a company's machines and core online activities. It can include streams coming in from Web browsers, plug-ins, log files, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and more. 2. It's typically bigger than 'big.' The term "big data" is itself a relative term, boiling down essentially to "anything that's so large that you couldn't manually inspect or work with it record by record," Rattenbury said. In general, data exhaust tends to be even bigger, primarily because there are few limits on what a company can collect. "Google is the leader here," he said. "They literally collect everything, even before they know what they will do with it." That brings up another interesting feature of data exhaust: It can become primary data once a use for it is found. 3. It has great potential. Data exhaust can be enormously useful. In that bank example, for instance, knowing where consumers conduct most of their transactions can help the bank do a better job. "It's not core to the transaction, but it can still be hugely relevant to servicing customers at a better level," Rattenbury said. "It provides a level of understanding and contextualization to that primary transaction or service that's increasingly desired by customers." Data exhaust can contain important elements of information that you may not be looking for today but that could prove useful in the future, noted Mary Shacklett, president of research firm Transworld Data. "A lot of exhaust data isnt immediately valuable," agreed Nik Rouda, senior analyst with Enterprise Strategy Group. "The trick is figuring what is or could be." 4. Beware the 'swamp' -- and the legal baggage. There can be risks associated with data exhaust. "This is generally stuff customers may or may not be willing to have given you," Rattenbury explained. "So there are potential legal, marketing, and public-relations risks around leveraging that data. You could end up alienating your customer base or partners by knowing stuff about them that they didn't want you to know." The implications can be subtle. If an insurance company were to make use of the fact that it can see the GPS location of everywhere you've recently parked your car, for instance, it could raise rates for customers who routinely park in higher-crime areas. Without intending to do so, it might build an algorithm that ends up discriminating racially, he pointed out. Another potential risk is saving data that will never be useful. "CIOs need to balance the value of data exhaust against the waste of keeping tons of useless data forever," Shacklett said. "This is very difficult to do right now. " The goal is to save data exhaust that can go beyond just adding incremental insights and color to being transformative in business activities, Rouda said. "If there isnt any business reason, this is where data lakes get a bad rap" and become data swamps. 5. You need to make some decisions. The bottom line is that it's critical to be selective about what data exhaust gets saved. "It is important to start making some executive decisions on what you are going to throw out," Shacklett said. For instance, when it comes to smartphones and other devices, it's well-known that much of the associated streaming data is "overhead" from device handshaking and extraneous "log data gibberish," she pointed out. "It is doubtful that this type of data will ever be useful." Companies should also consult with lawyers, Rattenbury said. In addition, they should get their employees closest to the core business in touch with the data. "They'll have immediate questions they can ask that will show the relevance right away," he explained. From a technical perspective, companies need scalable storage technologies as well as tools for self-service data access. One of the hardest pieces of working with exhaust data is getting a single coherent view around it, Rattenbury said. Cleaning up and unifying that data can be a challenge. "I might have signed up for service at one place and entered credit-card information at another," he explained. "You've recoded the same piece of data on me from a few different places." With secondary data, companies don't typically worry at the time of collection about cleaning it up, Rattenbury added. So "you have to realize that it's not just a matter of saying, 'here's this great pile of data -- let's do something with it.'" This morning Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, told The Guardian that the Labur Party should go back to the approach favoured by Tony Blair: We need to understand that Camerons government is as bad as John Majors. If you compare and contrast what John Smith and Tony Blair did during that period, compared to now, that is the trajectory we need to be on if we want to win in 2020. Less than a year ago Khans message to the same newspaper was rather different: The one thing he wont do is rubbish Milibands legacy. Too many of his colleagues are already doing that, he says, looking back on the Blair years with rose-tinted glasses. Of course, Khans initial challenge, a year ago, was to win the nomination to be the Labour candidate for the Mayoralty. That meant presenting himself as a Leftist alternative to the Blairite on offer, Baroness Jowell. Once selected, it was time for Khan to switch. So he quickly schmoozed the Mail on Sunday and City Am stressing how pro-business and anti-Corbyn he is. He told The Spectator that it was a good thing that London had over 140 billionaires. While a year ago he complained that aspiration was overused he went on to use this theme himself, about himself, pretty constantly. Those of us who happen to be Londoners will be interested to see the direction he takes now he has been elected. Will he shift back to the Left? Will the fears of a return to a Livingstonian era of extremists in senior well-paid posts at City Hall be realised? The initial signs are that they will not. Instead, so it is being briefed, technocrats such as Lord Adonis will be in the ascendency. If so, that is welcome. However, it does not mean that the Goldsmith campaign was wrong to warn of the risks. Indeed it had a duty to do so. The claims that Khan had a record of condoning extremists were not smears but solidly based in fact. Any suggestion that to challenge Khan over his associations was anti Muslim is outrageous. Conservatives (and some Labour figures such as Yvette Cooper) have asked equivalent questions about the poor judgment that Jeremy Corbyn has shown with some of his friends. Where the Goldsmith campaign struggled as Paul argued this week was to get across the positive messages. For instance, few would have been aware of Goldsmiths support for the Create Streets agenda. The argument that new housing could and should be traditional and beautiful was certainly a difference from Boris Johnson who is an enthusiast for ugly tower blocks. So much the better. Highlighting where a Mayoral candidate takes an independent approach is generally a plus. Even if the Corbynite dystopia fails to materialise in the capital, it does not mean that the Khan Mayoralty wont have the capacity to surprise. As a consummate opportunist we can almost rely on Khan to do so. For instance Khan used to support the third runway for Heathrow, then he announced he was against it. Might he change his mind again? I wouldnt put it past him. While he can be teased over these u-turns, Khan has proved himself a formidable politician. There was a good piece in the New Statesman about some of the strengths in his campaign. For a start they decided that personality matters more than policy. Im afraid thats true for a Mayoral contest whether you like it or not. It might well be a different matter for General Elections, or Euro Elections, or other local elections. But for a Mayoral candidate, the voters look for a strong character someone who swanks and swaggers, has a bit of showmanship, if you make a few gaffes so what? A good back story. Most of all authenticity Another thing the Khan campaign got right was getting started early. He was selected nearly a month before Zac Goldsmith which helped. But the Khan campaign also announced the key policy pledges such as the fares freeze early on and kept repeating them. As well as giving these messages time to sink in, it also gave a sense of energy and momentum. Having thus gained an early poll lead it meant it was easier to dodge the questions about extremist links by saying they were a desperate response by Goldsmith to being behind in the polls. What was also impressive was that Khan was able to get away with all this, while keeping the Labour Party united behind his campaign. He attacked the Mansion Tax and the 50p top rate of Income Tax but still retained the enthusiastic backing of Ed Miliband. Khan denounced Corbyn, but never went so far as to provoke return fire. The Labour moderates were ferociously indulgent towards Khan over the extremist links even as the disclosures became ever more extensive. So Khan certainly showed the determination to win. But will the Labour Party follow his approach? I doubt it. They were willing to rally round Khan because in London there was always going to be an excellent prospect of electoral success. Many suspect that even if Labour do change their Leader they will lose the next General Election anyway. So why not go down to defeat with Corbyn at least that gives Labour Party members the satisfaction of campaigning for someone whose views most of them agree with. 130515 MASONO WARNS NGOS By Tom Kathoa International and Local Non Governmental Organisations have been warned not to meddle with what the Government is doing in relation to the Carteret Island situation. The warning was issued by the Member for Atolls, Raymond Masono when responding to a news article implying that Tulele Peisa, a local NGO group that has resettled 5 families at Tinputz is the only authority on the ground. Mr Masono said that the article implied that both the national and ABG governmental are not doing anything to help the affected communities. He said this is not true because the ABG has a unit within the Department of Community Government that is dealing very issue. The member for Atolls says the effects of Climate Change is not only being felt in the Carteret, but throughout Bougainville and the world. He said it is the government`s responsibility to plan and implement climate change adaptation and mitigating strategies for the affected people in all the islands of Bougainville. And he is urging all NGOs to check their facts before going to media. Ends SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates straight in your inbox. Close Based on tradition, breakfast has always been considered the most important meal of the day. We often hear this from our folks but there are some who defy that belief and eventually skip the alleged most important meal of the day. The reasoning behind breakfast being the most important meal of the day is simple it allows us to ample time throughout the day to burn them. Paired with good sleep and exercise, this is one of the long-time beliefs that many still cling on to. But is it a myth or a reality? This question gains more ground following a study showing that eating breakfast was not consistently associated with body mass index or overweight cases. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who do follow the breakfast eating practice show no significant difference to those who do skip the morning meal. It could be a case of eating habits with some preferring not to immediately eat after getting up. Some would prefer to have coffee instead and save their appetite for bigger meals like lunch (or brunch breakfast+lunch) instead. But would this not lead to obesity? It may all boil down to what a person eats. "If [your] breakfast is based on highly processed carbohydrates [such as sugary cereals or sweet rolls], it may be as bad [as], or worse than, skipping breakfast," explains David Ludwig, an obesity researcher, nutrition professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, and author of the book Always Hungry? The reason behind this is the refined carbs and sugar that the human body consumes. A protein-rich breakfast (i.e. eggs) is seen as something that could soothe the body longer and delay the hunger that individuals are bound to crave for. "The high insulin programs the body for fat storage, making it hard to cut back calories," adds Ludwig. An ideal breakfast seems to be a mix of eggs, mix of fresh greens and some pumpkin seeds according to Drew Ramsey, a psychiatrist at Columbia University. Adding more light to this may be the fact that high protein meals may help people control their appetites and eat less the remainder of the day according to another study. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close While Apple is keeping mum on the Apple Watch 2 price, release date and specification details, rumors are that the next iteration of the Apple Watch might get unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is scheduled to be held in San Francisco this June. However, there are also reports which claim that Apple Watch 2 might be launched together with iPhone 7 in September, reported Vine Report. In a recent interview with Jim Cramer on Mad Money, Apple CEO Tim Cook did not directly acknowledge the existence of Apple Watch 2, but he did assure that the next smart watch from the company will only be better. "We're still in learning mode," Cook said, reported Christian Daily. "We're learning fairly quickly, though." "You'll see the Apple Watch getting better and better," Cook added. "I think that in a few years, we will look back and people will say, 'How could I have ever thought about wearing this watch?'" Cook's statement hints that the upcoming smart watch will get more improved functionality and features than its predecessor. Talking about features and specs of Apple Watch 2, it is expected that the Cupertino may make the Apple Watch 2 less reliant on the iPhone. Currently, the smart watch's main use is as an extension of the iPhone. It can make calls and send messages, but only using the mobile connectivity of the iPhone. It is rumored that the next Apple Watch will be completely independent and will stand as its own gadget. This means users will be able to make calls, send texts and connect to the internet without the need of the iPhone. There are even reports which suggest that the upcoming smartwatch might pack a new processor that will deliver better performance for apps and overall watch performance. This would make apps that run on the Apple Watch 2 directly much faster. The iPhone maker is also planning to add a FaceTime camera to the smart watch for video calls. As far as the pricing is concerned, it is expected that the price of Apple Watch 2 could start at $349, according to Gotta Be Mobile. We advise our readers to take the information with a grain of salt as Apple has not confirmed anything yet. Are you excited about Apple Watch 2? Let us know in comments below. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Killing Carp In Australia: Genocidal Fantasies Down Under By Dr. Binoy Kampmark 14 May, 2016 Countercurrents.org Trying to decide whether I side with the carp or Barnaby Joyce. Jeff Sparrow, Twitter, May 1, 2016 Infections are the stuff of Australian agricultural policy, the daily business of a scientific establishment that has made killing and artificial guardianship of ecology central. Biosecurity is code for selective extermination and control, and it is a word that does more than just stalk the visitor to the worlds largest island continent. The Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has never shied away from his enthusiasm about controlling natures unruly creatures, by containment or death, even if unwittingly introduced by humans. He would have given it to Hollywoods most famous pets, Pistol and Boo, cameras at the ready. Of course, he could never leave it at that, feeling the new-found pangs of directorship in criticising Johnny Depp and wife Amber Heard over their preposterous video of apology. Apart from that farcical sideshow, the biosecurity business in Australia is serious. It is also conspicuously genocidal, and would satisfy any species-killing definition. Some sense of this could be gathered at the announcement earlier this month by the Science Minister Christopher Pyne that $15 million would be set aside for a plan to eradicate European Carp from the Murray Darling Basin using a strain of herpes, cyprinid herpesvirus-3. According to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, the fish make up 90 percent of the fish in the basin. Language here is everything. The word eradication is repeatedly used regarding various introduced animal species in Australia, giving the impression that one is simply removing them from a specific environment. In fact, it would more appropriately be termed extermination. By 2045, Pyne has visions of a river system suitably and successfully cleansed at least to the astrologically predicted degree of 95 percent. Scientists such as Susan Lawler, ironically writing for a section of The Conversation named This Thing Called Life, wrote earlier in January about her enthusiasm (viral, perhaps?) for eliminating the species using a lethal, population-control virus. Without qualification, she suggested that, Everyone wants to give Australian carp the herpes virus. With the usual ecological blindness that characterises such discussion, she argued that research suggests that a viral control agent may be the most effective solution. Excited at the consensus, she saw before her eyes the coming together of an unlikely coalition spanning fishers, conservationists, irrigators, scientists and farmers. The announcement by Pyne also sent the deputy prime minister into paroxysms on the floor of Parliament. We are afflicted with these disgusting mud-sucking creatures, bottom dwelling mud-sucking creatures, for which the only version of control is a version of herpes to try to get rid of these disgusting mud-sucking creatures. On Twitter, the member for New England announced with purpose that money had been committed in an effort to rid our waterways of the [sic] one of the countrys most devastating pests. His call to arms is an ominous reminder about how humans can be, not only to themselves, but to other species. Carp are the rabbit of our waterways and weve now got a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to manage one of the countrys most devastating pests. With each seemingly dedicated program to eradicate a pest, the Australian scientific establishment has tended to create vast environmental problems. Programs of death are sold like targeted miracles, specific to a species, and supposedly minimal in environmental impact. In this case, warnings from carp fishermen that such a virus may well cause a pollution outbreak have not been heeded. According to Garry Warrick, such animals, numbering in the thousands of tonnes would, if killed off in mass numbers, lead to another environmental catastrophe in its own right. In his measured words, such mass destruction would mean there wont be enough people to clean it up. Nor would the Environmental Protection Authority allow the burying of large quantities of deceased carp. Houseboat operator Robert Hughes fears that the effect of such vast deceased animals would affect the tourist industry. I think a river full of dead carp is not going to be fantastic for business. Then again, one should never underestimate the morbid fascination of a foreign guest. Visiting sites of mass death can sell. The architect of death, Pyne, simply sees it in practical, utilitarian terms. Turn them into fertiliser, he argues, or pet food maybe, or dig enormous holes and put them in there. Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, barely able to stifle a giggle, also congratulated the minister on his plan to give herpes to carp. Fertiliser companies are certainly looking forward to a jump in profits murdering whole species, as humans have found amongst themselves, can be lucrative. There are a huge amount of logistical and practical issues that have to be dealt with, suggests Charlie Carp director Harold Clapham, but we can use dead carp. Evidence, scrupulously avoided, suggests that such a plan will not work. There will, of course, be massive killing. Biodiversity will take a hammering. But Israels case suggests that the population may well rebound, making this a futile and vicious exercise in genocide. That, however, is the Australian way with animals, one sponsored by government, enacted by scientists, and cheered on by the populace. Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com Printer Friendly Version NIA Must Look Into The Mohan Bhagwat Confession And Art Of Living Involvement By Shamsul Islam 14 May, 2016 Countercurrents.org "Of the majority of the people whom the government has accused (in various blast cases), a few had left voluntarily and a few were told by the Sangh that this extremism will not work here so you go away." RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat on Hindutva accused of bomb blasts in a speech on January 10, 2011 at Surat, Gujarat. The latest turn around by the NIA in cases of bomb blasts by the Hindutva cadres against Muslims in different parts of the country including blasts in Samjhauta Express in 2007 makes it very clear that finally the Hindutva terrorists are going to be gradually reprieved as per the plan scripted by the current Indian rulers who also happen to be senior cadres of the RSS. It was not unexpected once Modi government assumed power in 2014. The chief prosecutor Rohini Salian in the case had warned that it was coming in the first half of 2015 itself. Julio Ribeiro, perhaps the most decorated cop in independent India and expert on terrorism, in a signed piece on June 27, 2015, warned that "going slow on Hindu terror is dangerous. Its also an insult to the memory of Hemant Karkare". In his write-up Julio Ribeiro went on to share the crucial facts about the case: "A day before he was shot dead by Pakistani terrorists who had clandestinely sailed from Karachi to Mumbai, Hemant Karkare, an outstanding IPS officer of impeccable integrity as well as high intelligence and abilities, had come to meet me. He was disturbed by the reactions of some BJP leaders, particularly L.K. Advani, to the turn his investigations had taken in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. "The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which he headed at that time, had initially suspected jihadi fanatics. Such thoughts would come naturally to any policeman those days as Muslim groupings like Simi had been responsible for several terrorist acts across the country. But, the ATS had suddenly, unexpectedly and, I must add, fortuitously come across incontrovertible evidence, which included taped conversations, to prove that the Malegaon blasts, as well as the Ajmer, Hyderabad and Samjhauta Express blasts that killed nearly a hundred people, were conceived, planned and executed by a group of fanatical Hindus bent on revenge. "It is the duty of law enforcers to seek the real offenders and ensure that they are dealt with by the law of the land. Politics, religion, caste, community have no role to play in the pursuit of truth and justice. It is true that such lofty ideals are often forgotten but fortunately there are still police officers who act according to their conscience and the Constitution. Hemant Karkare was one such officer. "I went through some of the evidence he had gathered. I was staggered. I could understand the anger that prompted the perpetrators to embark on their misconceived journey. But a police officer has to do his duty, which is to stick to the truth and the letter of the law. I advised Karkare to abide by his 'dharma'. I offered to speak to Advani if required. I was sure that Advani would appreciate the fact that Karkare was doing what any true gentleman and patriot would be expected to do. "Unfortunately, Ajmal Kasab and his brainwashed companions snuffed out the life of a good man. Karkare was not around to pursue the case but his successors carried on the investigations and filed the charge sheet against the real culprits in court." While discussing the fears of Rohini that NIA may renegade on the persecution of the Hindutva terrorists he had commented: "Rohini Salian is a legend in the world of public prosecutors. Every policeman knows her name. So do the lawyers and judges of the city of Mumbai. She is single-minded in her commitment to her duties and, above all, everyone knows that she cannot be bought. "Salians lament on being asked to go soft on Hindu extremists accused of terrorist acts frightens us to believe that the country is steadily being led on to the path trodden by our surly neighbour on our western border. The masterminds of the 26/11 attacks are treated like heroes in Pakistan." What he feared in June 2015 that "if hidden hands nudge the judicial system to free murderers of the saffron variety" has taken a concrete shape in the charge sheet of NIA submitted on May 13, 2016. According to a press report, "In a turnaround on Friday (May 13, 2016), the National Investigation Agency dropped all charges against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and five others in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, while charges under the stringent MCOCA law have been given up against all the other 10 accused, including Lt. Col. Prasad Shrikant Purohit". In fact, the cowardly killing of Hemant Karkre on November 27, 2008 in Mumbai by the Islam-o-fascists to the glee of Hindutva terrorists derailed the whole process of bringing to justice the perpetrators. The persecuting agencies even during UPA rule after Hemant Karkare's removal from scene did not follow important leads. The RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat confessed while addressing RSS meeting at Surat (Gujarat) on January 10, 2011 that "of the majority of the people whom the government has accused (in various blast cases), a few had left voluntarily and a few were told by the Sangh that this extremism will not work here so you go away". Mohan Bhagwat candidly had disclosed that 'majority of the people' accused were in RSS out of whom 'few had left voluntarily'and others were told by the RSS to 'go away'. Bhagwat must have been called for investigation to share the names of these terrorists. It was never done. Since the search for real perpetrators is still on, Bhagwat should be asked under oath to disclose list of such criminals and made a party to the case as a witness. The current charge sheet also makes a startling revelation. According to a report in a prominent English daily of India , "The key accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Lt. Col. Prasad Shrikant Purohit, had organised a training camp under the guise of an Art of Living event, the charge sheet filed by the National Investigation Agency said. The NIA has recorded the statement of the owner of a hotel in Panchmarhi in this regard. The owner, who was a prosecution witness, said that in September 2005, Purohit met him in the hotel and asked him to arrange a camp for 40-50 people related to Art of Living (AoL) at Panchmarhi. " If NIA is serious even about its depleted charge sheet it must grill the Sri Sri Ravishankar and whole of his nexus. Of course, examining Mohan Bagwat must be the top priority. Shamsul Islam is a retired Professor of University of Delhi.Email: notoinjustice@gmail.com For some of S. Islam's writings in English, Hindi, Urdu & Gujarati see the following link: http://du-in.academia.edu/ShamsulIslam Facebook: shams shamsul Twitter: @shamsforjustice Tweet WhatsApp Share Share on Tumblr Comments are moderated Tobacco Control Must Be A Priority For Health Professionals By Shobha Shukla and Bobby Ramakant 14 May, 2016 Citizen News Service (CNS): As lung cancer treatment outcomes are difficult and five-year survival is abysmally low, preventing lung cancer is a top public health priority. Up to 90% of lung cancer cases are because of tobacco use. Therefore effective implementation of evidence-based and comprehensive tobacco control policies will make a huge difference in slashing new cases of lung cancer as well as preventing a large number of other diseases, disabilities and premature deaths attributed to tobacco use said Professor (Dr) Prakit Vathesatogkit, Executive Secretary of Action on Smoking and Health Foundation of Thailand. More than 100,000 deaths occur each year because of lung cancer in ASEAN. New cases of lung cancer and deaths too are rising each year in ASEAN. That is why tobacco control attains a never-before urgency added Prof Prakit Vathesatogkit. IASLC Asia Pacific Lung Cancer Conference (APLCC 2016) is being held in Chiang Mai, Thailand and CNS (Citizen News Service) is the official media partner of APLCC 2016. Prof Prakit was one of the plenary speakers at APLCC 2016. He added: Out of the 50,710 tobacco related deaths occurring in Thailand every year, 11,740 or 23% were because of lung cancer. In ASEAN region, it is estimated that out of the total 467,194 smoking related deaths every year, 107,454 were due to lung cancer. Tobacco-related lung cancer deaths will keep growing in catastrophic proportions with ageing 121 million smokers in ASEAN region if we fail to act now. Also it is important to underline that tobacco related lung cancer rate might shoot up because of the combined effect of tobacco industrys aggressive marketing, weak political will on tobacco control and other key factors. Therefore while making progress in treatment of lung cancer is very welcome, more contribution from healthcare workers in tobacco control is direly needed. Prof Prakit walks the talk! Prof Prakit Vathesatogkit himself has lived by example of how health professionals can contribute to tobacco control in their lifetime. In his 40 years as a lung disease specialist, he spent first 10 years in clinical management of lung diseases, of which smoking was the major and common cause! He was left aghast not only with late diagnosis of lung cancer but also to see abysmally low cure rates for lung cancer cases. Also available treatment was within reach to only a few of his patients. He finally decided to join the brewing tobacco control movement 30 years ago and learnt by doing. He has indeed set an example for others to imbibe. He has contributed on tobacco control related policy advocacy and then engaged with legislative processes in Thailand. His leadership in tobacco control in strengthening the global tobacco treaty (formally called the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control or WHO FCTC) is well acknowledged. Healthcare workers can bolster tobacco control Health professionals including lung cancer experts have a prominent role to play in tobacco control. They have the trust of the population, the media and opinion leaders, and their voices are heard across a vast range of social, economic and political arenas. At the individual level, they can educate the population on the harms of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke. They can also help tobacco users overcome their addiction. At the community level, health professionals can be initiators or supporters of some of the policy measures described above, by engaging, for example, in efforts to promote smoke-free workplaces and extending the availability of tobacco cessation resources. At the society level, health professionals can add their voice and their weight to national and global tobacco control efforts like tax increase campaigns and become involved at the national level in promoting the WHO FCTC. In addition, health professional organizations can show leadership and become a role model for other professional organizations and society by embracing the tenants of the Health Professional Code of Practice on Tobacco Control said Prof Prakit Vathesatogkit. Physicians, nurses, dentists and pharmacists and all health professionals in the everyday health-care setting need to address tobacco dependence as part of their standard of care practice. The Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence - Clinical Practice Guideline, issued by the United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends the 5As approach: - Ask about tobacco use - Advise all users to quit - Assess willingness to make a quit attempt - Assist the patient to quit - Arrange follow-up contact. ASEAN and tobacco control The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a geo-political and economic organization of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Prof Prakit said: In 2002, through the 6th Health Ministers Meeting, ASEAN governments committed to a vision and a Regional Action Plan on Healthy ASEAN Lifestyles. Identifying tobacco control as one of the priority policy areas, the Action Plan calls upon member nations to implement a Programme of Work on promoting healthy ASEAN lifestyles. For tobacco control this includes developing and implementing a national action plan, consistent with the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) on issues such as smuggling, taxation, product advertising, distribution, sale and agricultural production. There are other actions that have been taken by governments in this region too. In ASEAN (see box), apart from Indonesia every other country has signed and ratified the global tobacco treaty (WHO FCTC). Recognizing tobacco as the major and common risk factor for range of life-threatening diseases including lung cancer Health Ministers from 11 countries in the Southeast Asia region had signed the Dili Declaration in September 2015 pledging to accelerate hard-hitting measures to reduce tobacco use. Summarises Prof Prakit Vathesatogkit: At the very least, all healthcare personnel must provide brief advises for smoking cessation to every patient who has a smoking history, in every consultation visit. Worldwide, doctors are among the most influential figures in leading the tobacco control movement. I urge all doctors to join and support tobacco control movement, not just by a supportive gesture but by action, in whatever capacity they feel comfortable. Shobha Shukla and Bobby Ramakant, CNS (Citizen News Service) - Shared under Creative Commons (CC) Attribution License 130516 BEAUTIFUL BOUGAINVILLE By Tom Kathoa The Autonomous Region of Bougainville has been described as the Most Beautiful and Welcoming place for overseas tourists. The description was made by Mr Chat Aveiel, the Captain and pilot of North Star Cruise who conducted a two days aerial survey of Bougainville this week. The survey was located suitable and safe anchorage ports for cruise ships to use while on tour of the region, Mr Aveniel told New Dawn FM reporter Joe Elizah. Ends SHARE Michael Loveless By Mark Wilson of the Courier and Press A special judge denied a motion to dismiss charges and a trial date was set for an Evansville firefighter accused of raping and threatening his girlfriend. Michael C. Loveless, 42, is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of intimidation, criminal confinement and a misdemeanor charge of battery. Because the alleged victim is a local attorney, Warrick County Circuit Court Judge Greg Granger is presiding over the case; former Vanderburgh County prosecutor Stan Levco is serving as prosecutor. On Friday, Granger set a Dec. 12 trial date for Loveless in Vanderburgh Superior Court. Loveless has pleaded not guilty. He has been free on $50,000 cash bond since April 15 and is living in Kentucky. As part of his bond condition, Loveless an 11-year veteran at the Evansville Fire Department is ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim or her children, and is on GPS monitoring. He must also submit to daily Breathalyzer tests. The court agreed to allow him to reside in Kentucky "upon execution of a written waiver of extradition," according to court records. Loveless is accused of threatening his girlfriend with a handgun and a knife while children were present in the home they shared. The woman reported she was raped during the Feb. 23 encounter. The intimidation charge arises from an incident alleged to have occurred on Feb. 17, six days before the alleged rape, according to an amended probable cause affidavit filed in court last month. It states that the alleged victim arrived home to find Loveless, who had appeared to have been drinking. It alleges he was upset, and that he damaged a shower door and punched a bathroom wall, according to the affidavit. Loveless reportedly threatened to kill the victim if she called police about the incident. SHARE Stern By Max Roll of the Courier and Press A 36-year-old New Harmony, Indiana man reportedly told police he was lost coming home from a concert when he drove the wrong way on a one way street and got stuck in a large hole late Thursday, police said. Timothy S. Stern is lodged in Vanderburgh County jail on preliminary charges of drunk driving and drunk driving with a blood alcohol content level higher than 0.15 percent. According to an Evansville Police Department arrest affidavit, police found Stern around 11:30 p.m. behind the wheel of a black 2009 Pontiac G8 that was stuck in large hole within a construction area where railroad tracks were removed. Stern told police he was not from the area and entered into the construction area, according to the affidavit. Police said Stern told them he had four beers at a Downtown Bar. Police said Stern had a BAC of 0.17 percent. Douglas and Coomes SHARE By Max Roll of the Courier and Press Update: According to a Vanderburgh Sheriff's arrest affidavit, Douglas and Coomes were suspected of burglarizing a home in 1000 block of Oak Trace earlier on Friday. Police said the vehicle the two used, a silver Ford Taurus, struck a landscapping boulder and left tire ruts at the residence. A deputy and detective spotted Douglas and Coomes at a gas mart after noticing dried mud on the vehicle and damage matching the scene on Oak Tree, according to the affidavit. Police said the two drove off at a high rate of speed when they noticed law enforcement. The affidavit says that during the pursuit the Taurus drove in the wrong direction and nearly struck vehicles trying to pass them. Also, the Taurus nearly caused an accident after running a stop sign. Police said the Taurus was traveling nearly 80 mph when it finally crashed. Douglas was the driver and was taken to Deaconess Hospital for injuries sustained during K-9 apprehension, according to the affidavit. Coomes told police she was the initial driver but jumped in the back seat during the pursuit to let Douglas drive, according to the affidavit. She suffered a head injury in the crash that rendered her unconscious. Earlier: Two Owensboro, Kentucky residents were arrested in Evansville Friday night after police said they led officers in a vehicle pursuit on the citys West Side. Roger D. Douglas, 26, and Deserae N. Coomes, 26, were lodged in Vanderburgh County jail early Saturday and both faces multiple preliminary charges. According to jail records, Douglas charges include auto theft, burglary, criminal recklessness, resisting law enforcement, theft, traffic hit and run and reckless driving. Coomes faces charges of burglary, theft, auto theft, resisting law enforcement and reckless driving. According to an Evansville Police Department incident report, an Evansville police officer assisted on a vehicle pursuit involving Vanderburgh County sheriffs deputies around 9:30 p.m. going south on Tekoppel Avenue from Claremont Avenue. The officer attempted to deploy stop sticks but the suspect vehicle passed him before he could. The officer noticed two people in the vehicle and followed them in his cruiser from Broadway Avenue to Strueh Hendricks Road, ahead of pursuing sheriff deputies. According to the report, the officer said that the vehicle lost control three times and committed multiple traffic violations. The officer also said he watched the passenger toss a cup out of the window. Deputies caught up to the pursuit and took the lead on Strueh Hendricks Road where the suspect vehicle drove down an embankment at a T intersection at Posey County Line Road. The vehicle came to rest in a field. Clark was taken into custody immediately. Douglas fled into a wood line where he was later apprehended with the help of a K-9 officer. Evansville-Vanderburgh Central Dispatch advised that the vehicle returned stolen through NCIC out of Owensboro, Kentucky. No bond is set for either suspects as of Saturday morning. Cuellar and Flemmon SHARE By Max Roll of the Courier and Press An Evansville police officer was assaulted by a man and a woman early Saturday at Pistons Bar & Grill on West Franklin Street, police said. According to an Evansville Police Department arrest affidavit, Amanda L. Flemmon, 24, and Javier S. Cuellar, 22, were both lodged into Vanderburgh County jail on preliminary charges of battery on a public safety official and disorderly conduct. Cuellar also faces charges of public intoxication, trespass, and resisting law enforcement. Both suspects have Henderson, Kentucky addresses. The officer, who was working security, ejected Cuellar from the bar around midnight after Cuellar was involved in an altercation on the dance floor with Flemmon., according to the affidavit. A short time later, police spotted Cuellar inside the club again wearing different clothes. Police think he hopped an outdoor fence to get back inside Pistons. According to the affidavit, Cuellar struck the officer in the left side of his ribcage after refusing to leave a second time, prompting the officer to use force to make an arrest outside Pistons. Subsequently, thats when Flemmon ran across the sidewalk and punched the officer directly in the left side of his face, police said. The officer complained of sharp pains to his ribs and left side of his face, which was red and swollen, according to the affidavit. The officer also said his $350 prescription eye glasses were damaged beyond repair by Flemmons strike. SHARE By Mark Wilson of the Courier and Press A Vincennes student will remain in youth detention until he returns to court next week to face charges for allegedly attacking a Lincoln High School teacher. The 16-year-old male student who has not been publicly named was arrested on preliminary charges of attempted murder, robbery, battery with serious bodily injury, criminal confinement and strangulation. The student is accused of beating the female teacher semiconscious on Wednesday, according to the Vincennes Police Department. She was taken to an Evansville hospital. Police Chief Dusty Luking said the student will make an initial court appearance to face charges from the incident on May 20. It has not yet been decided if he will be waived to adult court. Luking said the student appeared in juvenile court Friday morning for a detention hearing, something required within 48 hours of an arrest. Indiana law says that when a juvenile is alleged to have committed an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult, that record becomes publicly accessible. Although police and school officials declined to name the teacher, the Vincennes Sun-Commercial newspaper reported that social media accounts indicated it is Cheryl Clemens. Luking described her as a long-time special education teacher with the Vincennes Community School Corp. "She had significant injuries. She is stable but she is going to need a lot of time to recover. We believe she will make a full recovery," he said. He said police have not been able to get a statement from the alleged victim yet. Luking said the student, who is hearing impaired, is a special needs student. He said police had never dealt with the student for any reason before the alleged attack. According to Luking, a school administrator found the teacher between 4:15 and 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. He said the administrator was looking for a student who was reported to have missed the bus and reentered the building. Luking said the administrator found the student in the same room as the injured teacher after another teacher reported seeing them together in that area of the school. He said the student was detained and offered no resistance. The student was taken to the Vincennes Police Department for questioning and is being detained at the Southwest Indiana Regional Youth Village, a treatment center for at-risk youth in Vincennes, according to police. By Max Roll of the Courier and Press Indiana governor Mike Pence paid Evansville a visit Friday to mark the opening of his campaign field office at 812 John Street. Pence, a Republican, is seeking reelection against Democrat John Gregg in the state's gubernatorial race in November. Calling his trip across Indiana the "Start Your Engines Tour," Pence held a roughly ten minute speech in the parking lot in front local GOP politicians, residents and protesters. He was joined by Indiana Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb, who spoke briefly. Afterward Pence took photos with attendees and toured his new office before taking off in his bus. His office neighbors the Vanderburgh County Republican Party's headquarters at 815 John Street. Prior to his Evansville visit, Pence met with miners at the South Gibson Coal Mine. SHARE By Shannon Hall of the Courier and Press Partial tapes with results from 10 voting machines caused the delay in election results on primary night. "Think of it as a ticket-taker, and you're adding the column of figures," Vanderburgh County Election Board member David Shaw said. Part of the tape was ripped or missing from the top. When the election board met Wednesday to finalize results from the May 3 primary, a full tape was reprinted, and it matched the incomplete tape, he said. "If you're wanting to rerun the tape, you have to have a communication pack attached to the voting machine," Shaw said. "Since the voting machines were at the vote site, and the vote site had already been locked up, nobody was there to recover the machines." The 10 voting machines were from the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center. About 1,000 votes that weren't reported on Election Day. Shaw said he's not sure how the tape ended up missing the top portion. Vanderburgh County Clerk Debbie Stucki told the Courier & Press on May 4 that none of the ballots were compromised overnight. The total voter turnout for the 2016 primary election was high thanks the contested Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, but fell short of the record. About 32 percent of registered voters came out May 3 about 43,813 people. Eight years ago, the presidential race hit Indiana with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama fighting for the Democratic nomination. That spiked the turnout in Vanderburgh County to 45,407 voters, or 34.65 percent of registered voters. "It was extremely busy election," Stucki said. She said they used the same number of poll workers as they did in the 2014 and 2015 primary. The 2016 primary had three times as many voters come out to cast a ballot than the 2014 and 2015 primary. The next election board meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. June 20. The board said it will address concerns with disability accessibility and long waiting lines to vote. 130516 STATUE BINDS PEOPLE TOGETHER BY TOM KAthoa/ Helen TEVIRI A twenty eight (28) member pilgrimage from Koromaketo Village in the Torokina area travelled to Nissan amist the rainy day yesterday armed with a statue (image) of Lady Regina to be presented to the people of Sirot community there. The group comprised of adult male and female, including youths from the area. According to the Group leader, Mr Slyvester, the trip and the statue gift are in response to a request from a late church worker, the late Moses Matarina who suggested a statue to be given to another community to promote and strengthen the work of gospel in our time. Reports say that the late Matarina was a strong supporter of the Katholic Women`s Group and work. It took the Koromaketo Community four years to raise funds totalling K 4800 to make this trip possible. The money was raised mainly by members of the LKK in the area. The move is also seen as strengthening both spiritual and physical relationships between two groups. Ends SHARE By Max Roll of the Courier and Press Inspections (April 25-29) Summaries of Vanderburgh County Health Department's inspections are made public after restaurants and food stores have had 10 days to respond. Reinspections are at the inspector's discretion. Food Service AFC Sushi Bar at Schnucks, 4600 Washington Ave., no violations. Chick-fl-A, 329 Main St., two critical violations: Salad and fruit refrigerator measured at 56 degrees and not maintaining 41 degrees or colder; portable hand sink not operational. Chido Mexican Bar & Grill, 701C NW Riverside Drive, two critical violations: Jell-O shots stored in melted ice water (corrected); dish machine not sanitizing; one noncritical violation: Dish machine leaking underneath. Chipotle Mexican Grill, 499 N. Green River Road, no violations. Edible Arrangements, 240 N. Burkhardt Road, no violations. Evansville Brewhouse, 56 Adams Ave., approved for operation. Gigi's Cupcakes, 236 N. Burkhardt Road, no violations. Great Steak & Potato, 800 N. Green River Road, one noncritical violation: Lacking thermometers for several reachin cooler units. Kwik Stop, 4301 Pollack Ave., no violations. McDonald's, 2960 Covert Ave., two critical violations: Employee hand sink mixing valve measured at 125 degrees; sanitizer wiping cloth container lacking sanitizer; one noncritical violation: Ice machine inside lid damaged. Meals & More, 7801 Bussing Drive, no violations. Milano Italian Cuisine, 500 Main St., two critical violations: Dish machine is not sanitizing (corrected); lacking grease trap manifest to demonstrate cleaning schedule; five noncritical violations: Lacking soap for kitchen hand sink and front service line; lacking disposable towels for kitchen hand sink; straws at customer self-serve soft drink dispenser are not protected from possible contamination (corrected); portable deep fryer used not positioned under hood vent with fire protection (ansel system) as required; wall at portable fryer soiled with grease accumulation. Reitz High School, 350 Dreier Blvd., no violations. Smitty's, 2109 W. Franklin St., no violations. Taste of NYC, 800 N. Green River Road, two critical violations: Utilizing nonfood grade cutting board and reusing Styrofoam container; lacking date marking for pizza at front display; two noncritical violations: Lacking light shielding for two sets of lights in kitchen; lacking labeling for bulk food containers to identify product. Vanderburgh County Jail (Aramark), 3500 N. Harlan Ave., three noncritical violations: Dish machine not reaching required temperature; mop sink needs recaulking; paper towels missing at hand sinks. Vendair Vending, 810 N. Fares Ave., inspected 30 vending machines and wearhousing; no violations observed. Yang's Shabu Shabu, 4700 Vogel Road, approved for operation and issued food permit. Food Stores Schnucks, 4600 Washington Ave., one critical violation: Lacking back siphonage device for wearhousing mop sink; one noncritical violation: Lacking food product thermometers for deli reachin. Reinspections McDonald's, 2960 Covert Ave., corrected all violations. Taste of NYC, 800 N. Green River Road, corrected date marking for pizza's and labeling. In 36 states, there are no legal requirements for gun registration, no permit needed and no license to purchase and own a firearm such as a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. SHARE By Thomas C. Frohlich and Steven M. Peters, 24/7 Wall St. / USA TODAY Network Corrections and clarifications: An earlier version of this story answering whether states require permits to carry a handgun in general incorrectly indicated that the permits apply to concealed weapons. The Second Amendment, which was passed by Congress on September 25, 1789, states, A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. The private right to own a firearm for protection, for hunting, or for enjoyment has remained central to the national ethos of the United States. Americans living in most states today would not have much trouble buying a gun. In 36 states, there are no legal requirements for gun registration, no permit needed and no license necessary to purchase and own a firearm such as a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. Due to the lack of these regulations, as well as the ease with which many Americans can purchase guns online or at gun shows, most guns in the United States are not registered. To identify the easiest states in which a person can buy a gun, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed gun laws in each state as catalogued by the . To be considered, a state needed to have no legal requirements for gun registration, no permit needed to purchase, and no license necessary to own a firearm. The presence of regulations, including whether or not a permit to carry a concealed weapon is required in a given state, for both handguns and long guns, also came from the NRA. The number of registered firearms per 1,000 adult state residents in 2015 came from the s , Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) annual report, Firearms Commerce in the United States, Statistical Update 2015. The number of licenses to sell firearms per 1,000 establishments in each state is as of 2014 and also came from the ATF. Population figures came from the s 2014 American Community Survey. These are the easiest states to buy a gun. 1. Alabama > License, registration, or permit required to buy gun?: No > Permit needed to carry a handgun?: Yes > Registered guns per 1,000 adults: 30.6 (6th highest) > Federal firearm licensees per 1,000 establishments: 24.5 (18th highest) 2. Alaska > License, registration, or permit required to buy gun: No > Permit needed to carry a handgun: No > Registered guns per 1,000 adults: 22.6 (11th highest) > Federal firearm licensees per 1,000 establishments: 47.0 (the highest) 3. Arkansas > License, registration, or permit required to buy gun: No > Permit needed to carry a handgun: Yes > Registered guns per 1,000 adults: 28.9 (8th highest) > Federal firearm licensees per 1,000 establishments: 31.6 (8th highest) 4. Colorado > License, registration, or permit required to buy gun: No > Permit needed to carry a handgun: Yes > Registered guns per 1,000 adults: 17.4 (23rd highest) > Federal firearm licensees per 1,000 establishments: 18.3 (20th lowest) 5. Delaware > License, registration, or permit required to buy gun: No > Permit needed to carry a handgun: Yes > Registered guns per 1,000 adults: 5.6 (3rd lowest) > Federal firearm licensees per 1,000 establishments: 14.4 (15th lowest) 6. Florida > License, registration, or permit required to buy gun: No > Permit needed to carry a handgun: Yes > Registered guns per 1,000 adults: 16.1 (24th highest) > Federal firearm licensees per 1,000 establishments: 14.7 (16th lowest) 7. Georgia > License, registration, or permit required to buy gun: No > Permit needed to carry a handgun: Yes > Registered guns per 1,000 adults: 22.1 (13th highest) > Federal firearm licensees per 1,000 establishments: 17.4 (18th lowest) 8. Idaho > License, registration, or permit required to buy gun: No > Permit needed to carry a handgun: Yes > Registered guns per 1,000 adults: 37.0 (5th highest) > Federal firearm licensees per 1,000 establishments: 32.5 (6th highest) 9. Indiana > License, registration, or permit required to buy gun: No > Permit needed to carry a handgun: Yes > Registered guns per 1,000 adults: 20.0 (17th highest) > Federal firearm licensees per 1,000 establishments: 20.7 (23rd lowest) 10. Kansas > License, registration, or permit required to buy gun: No > Permit needed to carry a handgun: No > Registered guns per 1,000 adults: 16.0 (24th lowest) > Federal firearm licensees per 1,000 establishments: 25.9 (16th highest) More states where buying a gun is easier: More on states where buying a gun is easier Only a few million privately owned guns in the U.S. are registered with the federal government. The actual number of guns, however, is certainly far higher. Last year alone, U.S. gun makers manufactured more than 10 million firearms. According to a 2012 estimate from the , there are as many as 310 million guns across the nation. In states where weapons can be purchased with relative ease, there are also far more venues for buying guns. Nationwide, for every 1,000 businesses, there are 19 that are licensed to sell guns. In 30 of the 36 states reviewed, there are more than 19 businesses licensed to sell arms for every 1,000 businesses. In Alaska, there are nearly 50 gun shops for every 1,000 businesses the most of any state. By contrast, in New Jersey, which has relatively strict gun laws, there are fewer than three firearm licensees per 1,000 businesses. These weapons are used for a range of purposes primarily for recreation and peace of mind. A new study shows that while hunting was one of the most common reason for gun ownership among Americans, self-defense is now by far the most common reason given. Some of these weapons, however, will be used to commit violent acts. For instance, in addition to accidents that often occur, thousands of weapons are reported lost or stolen every year, and many of these find their way into the hands of criminals. The connection between gun laws and firearm deaths is hotly debated in the United States. While liberals believe legal restrictions would lower gun death rates, conservatives hold that stricter laws would do little to curb the behavior of violent criminals. While the solution may be unclear, the problem of shooting deaths in the United States is a serious problem. According to a recent study in The , the firearm homicide rate is 25 times higher in the United States than in other high-income nations. Compared to other OECD nations, all of which have considerably stricter gun regulations, the United States is far and away the leader in gun homicides. SHARE By Keith Roysdon / USA Today Netowrk / The Star Press MUNCIE An FBI probe into possible wrongdoing in Muncie city government might have been ongoing for months, officials say, but became more focused and urgent in the past three months as allegations of inappropriate practices came to light. The day after The Star Press reported that an FBI investigation was underway and Mayor Dennis Tyler said he had told his department heads to cooperate with investigators and "tell the truth," officials were cautious Friday in their public comments about the investigation or, potentially, investigations. Although the FBI told The Star Press this week it could neither confirm nor deny an investigation was ongoing and Delaware County Prosecutor Jeffrey Arnold said he hadn't been "officially" notified of a federal investigation, the focus seems to be on a handful of topics, including building demolitions performed by the city, in some cases by a private company founded by Building Commissioner Craig Nichols; the firing of Gretchen Cheesman, a longtime city employee who oversaw some demolitions and who later told city officials she would talk about "alleged misconduct by others if Tyler changed her status from fired to retired and restored her benefits; and the purchase in September of a former flea market building by the Muncie Sanitary District for $395,000, a few weeks after the previous owner sold it for $150,000. In each of those instances, Tyler and his administration have maintained there was no wrongdoing. Another possible investigation was cited to The Star Press on Friday also related to demolitions but stemming from the $4 million in state and federal Hardest Hit Funds awarded to the city in 2014 to remove abandoned structures. The Star Press was told Friday that the Indiana inspector general's Ethics Commission was investigating the use of Muncie's Hardest Hit money. Tiffany Mulligan, chief legal counsel for Inspector General Cynthia V. Carrasco, said, "In accordance with Indiana law, our investigations and inquiries are confidential. As a result, we cannot comment on whether our office made such an inquiry." Officials recently acknowledged that no demolitions with Hardest Hit funding had been done in the two years since funding was awarded. Delaware County government officials, including commissioners James King and Sherry Riggin and Delaware County Council member Mike Jones, said Friday they did not believe the investigation touched on county government. "I'm confident there's no investigation into county business," Jones said. King said the time frame for the city-focused investigation extended back into 2015. "I started hearing about (the FBI investigation) eight months to a year ago," said King, who is also the Daleville town marshal. "I wasn't told by law enforcement. It was from people in the community who heard the FBI was investigating the city of Muncie." Riggin said she had heard the investigation included "the Cheesman thing," but added, "People are intimidated and urged not to talk." County Commissioner Shannon Henry, who is also the Albany town marshal, declined to talk about the investigation. Muncie City Council member Linda Gregory said she was aware of the FBI investigation but declined to say publicly how and what she knew. Political differences are part of the mix in this new investigation, not surprisingly, since elected officials and the people they appoint could be most affected by any investigation. Tyler and his department heads are part of the mainstream Democratic Party. Gregory is a Democratic Party outsider, while Jones, who lost a re-election bid in the Democratic Party primary election earlier this month, has generally been in good standing with his party. Others like Riggin and Henry are Republicans. King, who was estranged from Democratic Party leaders, including Tyler, before switching to the Republican Party earlier this election year, said he took no pleasure in reports of the investigation. "Stuff like this is an embarrassment to our community," King said. "I would never want our community being investigated by the FBI." "I believe in the system," Jones said. "If wrongdoing has been done, the people responsible should be held accountable. I have faith in the mayor that he told his department heads to tell the truth." SHARE Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller will not seek a third term. By Kristine Guerra, IndyStar / USA TODAY Network Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller will not seek re-election, his campaign treasurer confirmed Friday. The two-term attorney general lost in his bid for the Republican nomination to fill Indiana's 9th Congressional District seat, which will be vacated by Rep. Todd Young. Delegates at the Republican State Convention will select the GOP nominee for attorney general on June 11. State Sen. Randy Head and Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill are seeking the party's nomination. Steve Carter, Zoeller's predecessor and another Republican, also is running for his old post. Former Lake Circuit Judge Lorenzo Arredondo, a Democrat, has filed for candidacy as well. Zoeller and state Sens. Erin Houchin and Brent Waltz were defeated in the May 3 primary by political newcomer and millionaire businessman Trey Hollingsworth, who filed to run for Congress shortly after moving to Indiana last fall. Hollingsworth racked up 34 percent of the vote Zoeller worked for former Vice President Dan Quayle. He served in other government capacities and worked in the private sector for 10 years. He joined the Office of the Indiana Attorney General in 2001 and became the state's 42nd attorney general in 2009. He won re-election in 2012. The New Albany native could have sought a third term because an Indiana attorney general has no term limits. Zoeller's campaign treasurer, Andy Buroker, of the law firm Faegre Baker Daniels LLP, said he couldn't comment on why Zoeller decided not to seek re-election or what he plans to do after his term ends. Young defeated tea party favorite Rep. Marlin Stutzman in the U.S. Senate race. Young won with 67 percent of the vote. Ryad Merhy and Williams Ocando will face off for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title over a scheduled 12 rounds at Spiroudome Arena in Charleroi, Hainaut, Belgium, on Saturday, May 21.Born on the Ivory Coast, but fighting out of Brussels, 23-year-old Merhy is a three-year ring vet (18-0, 15 KOs). Undefeated and hard-hitting, he won the vacant WBC International Silver cruiserweight title in his most recent bout, last December, by knocking out Sylvera Louis in the sixth.His 27-year-old opponent, a Venezuelan, is a five-year pro (16-3, 14 KOs). Although a hard-hitter, Ocando has tasted defeat three times, twice by TKO, and has in fact lost two of his last six. He most recently fought last month, stopping Estarki Peralta by second-round TKO. Following February's MotoGP test, the Sepang International Circuit underwent a complete resurfacing. But the changes made to the venue, which is hosting the Malaysian World Superbike round this weekend, went far beyond simply replacing the asphalt. Dromo, the circuit design company headed by Jarno Zaffelli, have also made subtle but significant modifications to nine sections of the circuit: Turn 1, Turn 2, Turn 3, Turn 4, Turns 5-6, Turns 7-8, Turn 9, Turns 13-14 and Turn 15. Immediately after the first World Superbike session here at Sepang, Crash.net spoke to Zaffelli about the main areas that have been altered, and why. "It's always exciting, the first time people ride on a track we've worked on. Especially when we've only just finished, because for example with Termas de Rio Hondo [Argentina's MotoGP venue] we finished two years before the first race. We finished the asphalt here on April 23," Zaffelli said. "It seems the riders are enjoining the new asphalt. I went out to watch all the lines in FP1 and it was a mess! Everybody taking different lines. That's good. It means it is challenging." The Italian was clear that the changes to Turn 15, the final hairpin, were the most significant. Turn 15 changes at Sepang. Red new design, green old asphalt. "The biggest change for the riders, other than the change of asphalt, is Turn 15. With the original shape water would collect on both the entry and exit of the corner. "So to remove the water we have made a big camber change on the inside of the corner. There is now a 1m height difference from the old kerb compared to the new kerb. And to make it more interesting and challenging for the riders, the whole corner also rises towards the exit, like going uphill. "In the picture you can see how the circuit was before (green) and after (red). So the whole track is flat on entry, then you have the camber change - falling away from the inside - while at the same time the track is starting to rise. "The racing line is now completely different. Before they would hug the kerb on the inside, like a traditional racing line, but now if you do that the front will feel like it is going to close on the negative camber. "So you have to try to go wide on entry, stay where the track is more flat, and then cut back and make more of a straight-line on the exit. But if you are wider it invites somebody to try to pass you on the inside. So the question is do you want to be fast, or do you want to keep your position? "The corner will be safer because there is less chance of them losing the front just as they start to enter the corner. Now they are more likely to lose the front n the apex area, which is the slowest part of the corner. Also the riders can run wide on the entry and should not lose too much time. "But the changes have also slowed down the corner as a whole, which in turn means that the top speed on the main straight is slower. We needed to slow down the speed on the main straight because the run-off cannot be extended in Turn 1 and they are going a bit too fast now, every year the speed rises. "In FP1 you can see the top speed was 300km/h and before it was 308km/h. But the best lap time is exactly the same as in FP1 last year. This is because all of the other camber changes, in the other corners, have been to add positive camber. So they are a bit faster than before. "Turn 15 is the only corner that has been made slower, because it is not possible to carry the same corner speed due to the camber change. Also now they already have their elbow down on the inside of the corner, because of the camber, so they cannot lean the bike over any more. "So for the fans, motorcycles or cars, Turn 15 is the place to watch the races I would say. Which is perfect because it is close to the main grandstands. Also in the case of a wet race, the racing line should not have any puddles now, so there is a good chance of passing even in the wet." The other main area for overtaking is the braking area into Turn 9. "Now there is camber around the corner, meaning you can brake less and push more. We wanted to give the riders more confidence to overtake because it is less easy to lose the front," Zaffelli said. "Turn 9 is also the place where I expect the most crashes at this track, followed by Turn 15, so we should have reduced the crashes by making these changes." A further noticeable modification is to Turn 5, the quick left-hand corner behind the pits (the place where James Toseland had a huge testing accident at Tech 3 Yamaha). "T5 is the only fast corner on the left side. So there's a problem with balancing the tyre wear and the set-up of the bike or car. Normally they destroy the right hand side of the tyre a long time before the left. Turn 5 now has 200% more camber, exactly twice the previous amount." The width of the circuit is a constant 16m, meaning the white line on the outside of places such as Turn 1 and 15 has been moved inwards. The asphalt now beyond the white line, previously part of the track, now acts as part of the run--off area. "Before it was designed to be wider 'so they can make an overtake'. No! It is not the width of the track that allows you to overtake. Now it is 16m wide everywhere and the riders or drivers feel more speed." The full list of changes can be seen below. Sussex News Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Cloud News Google's Amit Singh Leaving Enterprise Leadership Role Joseph Tsidulko Share this Amit Singh, the Google executive largely responsible for shaping the Internet giant's channel structure over the past five years, revealed Friday that he's leaving Google's enterprise division to run operations for the company's virtual reality team. Singh is vacating his position as president of Google for Work, he tweeted, to take over business and operations as a vice president in a unit that's developing headset devices, like the Google Cardboard viewer. The move comes six months after Diane Greene took charge of Google for Work in the role of senior vice president. [Related: Google Extends Program Incentivizing Microsoft Office 365 Defections] Some of Google's channel partners told CRN they had been expecting a leadership change since Greene's hire. Rajesh Abhyankar, CEO of Princeton, N.J.-based Google premier partner MediaAgility, told CRN: "We were speculating this change of guard as Google for Work prepares for the next stage of growth with an SVP level person coming in to lead." A Google spokesperson told CRN that Singh's position is not being struck from the books, and the company is looking for someone to fill the vacancy. Until they do, Greene will work directly with Singh's team. "Diane Green is an enterprise software veteran and is going to run the playbook her very specific way," Tony Safoian, CEO of SADA Systems, a Los Angeles-based Google partner, told CRN. Singh has deep experience developing marketing, sales and retail strategies for early-stage products. He helped Google build its Chromebooks business, and also played a significant role in bringing to market Android for Work. Singh was also a controversial figure in Google's channel. A CRN report last year cited several partners who blamed the former Oracle exec for changing the culture when he was brought in to head sales in March of 2010. Soon after joining Google as vice president of international sales for enterprise, Singh started bringing into the company new sales leaders -- many of them his former colleagues at Oracle -- and imposing discipline on what most agree had become an unruly program. As a result of those efforts, some partners said, Google became ambivalent to the success of partners that weren't driving massive business selling its first enterprise product, the Google Apps cloud productivity suite. Partners told CRN Singh imported from Oracle a strategy of driving enterprise expansion by teaming direct sales with a select group of global system integrators -- and pruning the program of smaller regional players. "That's when the culture changed. The direct sales agents started to compete," one partner told CRN. "They started changing the program, giving quotas to everyone. Sales reps started doing more internal business." Thrilled to be joining Google VR team to lead biz and ops. Incredibly proud of and where they are headed /**/ /**/ Nanaimo is planning a warm island welcome for one of the largest cruise ships to visit, Royal Caribbeans Explorer of the Seas, which will call Wednesday May 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the central island, according to Bernie Dumas, president and CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority. The Explorer of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships calling in British Columbia with an impressive passenger capacity. If you are anywhere near the Nanaimo Harbour you wont miss her, he said. Dumas continued: As usual, passengers will be enjoying local and regional shore excursions to the Alberni and Cowichan Valleys, including the Parksville - Qualicum area. As passengers arrive in the cruise ship terminal, Tourism Nanaimo Travel Counsellors will greet them with Nanaimo Bar samplings and point the way to photo opportunities with the RCMP in Red Serge, the Big Tub and displays of racing tubs from the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society. Cannon firings at our historic Bastion are scheduled for 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. Passengers can also take in the popular farmers market in the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza and a Classic Car Show in Diana Krall Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary shuttles transport passengers from the cruise terminal through downtown where they engage local volunteers organized by the DNBIA (Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association). Contact with local culture include the downtown area, museums, galleries, eateries and walking tours which receive positive passenger feedback on a consistent basis, Dumas said. Economically, each cruise visit has an immediate impact of over $250,000 to the region. Also, passengers seriously consider our destination for a future multi-day visit. The Nanaimo Port Authority is one of 18 Port Authorities across Canada, established under the Canada Marine Act, to promote and support the National, Regional and local economy and to ensure a safe and secure harbour for cargo operations. In April, just three months after announcing plans to move its headquarters to Boston, General Electric pledged to make $50 million in philanthropic contributions in Massachusetts over the course of the next five years. The announcement did not surprise Connecticut nonprofits or organizations, many of which have benefited for years from GE employee contributions, the companys matching contributions and awards from the GE Foundation. It did, however, make many people question what the companys new commitment would mean for the community GE was leaving behind. But with the news this week that as many as 600 of the 800 employees at its Fairfield headquarters would move just a few miles south to Norwalk, most organizations are expressing relief and optimism that the corporate giant and its employees will still have a stake in the community. I think its a huge benefit that those folks will be staying within Fairfield County, said Maggie Gunther Osborn, president of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy. Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County has maintained a strong relationship with GE over the years, with the company sponsoring homes and hundreds of GE employees volunteering their time to building those homes. After the announcement that its Fairfield campus would soon no longer serve as its headquarters, Habitat staffers waited to hear how that news might change the relationship. We were respectfully standing back and saying, Let the company do what it needs to do, said Stuart Adelberg, CEO at Habitat. They are a major player and very important to us. He said he was thrilled to hear GE would maintain a strong presence in the county and that the majority of its employees would remain as well. Ive always been optimistic that the company really cares about this community, Adelberg said. We have every reason to believe that they will continue to be supportive. I believe it truly is driven by the employees. Flourishing relationships Susan Bishop, a GE spokesperson, confirmed that the company doesnt plan to end its philanthropic contributions in Connecticut. What weve said to our employees and the organizations is that GE is retaining a substantial office and employee presence in Connecticut, Bishop said. As such we will continue to support these organizations. She said the company matches 100 percent of most employee contributions. There are roughly 1,000 employees in its Norwalk offices. According to its website the GE Foundation contributed $5.7 million to Connecticut universities, groups and organizations last year. And the company contributed another $2.4 million and 33,800 volunteer hours. Linda Casey, director of programs and strategic development for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, said the organization already works closely with employees in Norwalk and are hoping that will continue. We have relationships in place that will hopefully continue to flourish, she said. Were just glad there wont be many people leaving. Its the employee support that really has benefited organizations, even when GE grants expire, said Ludwig Spinelli, CEO of Bridgeport-based Optimus Health Care. The organizations Stamford and Bridgeport offices were awarded $250,000 several years ago by GE. The funds helped support its behavioral health services and allowed them to hire a nutritionist. But its the employees, particularly those in the Stamford area, who continue to regularly hold food and clothing drives for Optimus clients. Having them stay is going to be positive for the region, he said. Some organizations depend on GE for a substantial portion of their budgets, like the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, which estimates GE contributes 25 to 30 percent of its funding. At the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, which serves Stamford, Darien, New Canaan and Greenwich, direct GE contributions and their employee and matching contributions account for roughly 6 percent of those received by the organization. They have been very reassuring to us that they will continue to support us, said president and CEO Eliot Brenner. Osborn said the state needs to do a better job providing opportunities for funding for nonprofits and attracting companies that can add to the philanthropic pool. I still think we have major budgetary and community issues in the state, she said. In the long run it continues to be a challenge not to have businesses that will continue to attract professionals that can continue to contribute. She said organizations shouldnt be beholden to whether a company remains or leaves the region. ktorres@hearstmediact.com; 203-330-6227 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORT - Police on Saturday identified the alleged shooter of a teenager killed while he sat in a car in The Hollow neighborhood. Deonte Tomlinson, 19, of Bridgeport, was charged with murder, carrying a pistol without a permit, unlawful discharge of a firearm and altering identification marks on a firearm. He was being held in lieu of $1 million bond pending arraignment in Superior Court on Monday. Tomlinson is accused of fatally shooting Kahlil Sloan-Diaz, 18, shortly after noon Friday. Capt. Brian Fitzgerald, head of the Detective Bureau, said Sloan-Diaz was shot three times in the neck and wrist as he sat in a silver Audi on Madison Avenue. Three months earlier, Sloan-Diaz was acquitted by a jury in connection with a gangland shooting on a downtown street. Police said Fridays shooting was gang related and appears to have been in retaliation for the earlier shooting. Sources said Tomlinson was at the courthouse when Sloan-Diaz was acquitted. Police Chief A.J. Perez said at a Saturday morning press conference there are increased patrols across the city to prevent more violence. Perez said federal agencies like the FBI and Department of Justice and stiff prosecution from the U.S. Attorneys office would be used to stop this small percentage of people who are causing this kind of problem. The chief said he believes the community feels better we made an arrest and made it in a quick manner, adding the city of Bridgeport is a safe place. Ftizegerald said, This appears to be targeted violence where this particular indiviual targeted our victim and by all accounts it appears to be gang related. Perez said, What took place there is tragic ... a total waste of human life. A young man lost his life for absolutely nothing. Another is going to jail; hes probably going to be in jail for the rest of his life for taking the young mans life. Two youth bureau detectives, Al Palatiello and Teddy Montagna, happen to been in the area Friday, heard the shots and witnessed the shooter fleeing the scene, Police Lt. Chris LaMaine said. Both detectives pursued the shooter and apprehended him behind a church. He said the detectives also recovered the gun used in the shooting and some clothing the suspect had discarded. Perez said, Our detectives not only witnessed, but were able to apprehend the person that was responsible for the homicide. I am very happy and very proud of the work that was done by the Bridgeport Police Department by not only the patrol division, but also the Youth Bureau and the Detective Bureau. City Council members Jeanette Herron and Jose R. Casco also attended the Saturday press conference outside the police department. Both praised Bridgeport polce for the quick apprehension and also said the city of Bridgeport was safe. Fridays killing was the second homicide in the city this year. Sloan-Diaz, a student at Harding High School, was found not guilty Feb. 5, in connection with the Aug. 10, 2014 fatal shooting of 21-year-old Ryan Hernandez. Hernandez had been standing at the corner of Park Avenue and Olive Street when a dark colored car pulled up. A video from a surveillance camera on a nearby store shows a man with a black shirt over his head get out of the car and confront Hernandez. The man pistol-whips Hernandez in the head and then shoots him once in the chest. He then gets back into the car and it drives off. Police contended Sloan-Diaz was the getaway driver. The man they believed was the shooter in that case, 17-year-old Fabian Fab Francis, was also found not guilty of the crime. Digital News Editor Jim Shay contributed to this report. Pa. is about to vote. Here's what to know about voting and ballot access in 2022 Many Ways To Honor Our Loved Ones There are many ways to honor our loved ones when they pass, from graveside committal to celebrations of life. Whenever... Takeaways from the DeSantis-Crist debate Democrat Charlie Crist came out swinging against Republican incumbent Ron DeSantis in the only televised debate in the Florida gubernatorial race. The power suit has moved out of the office and onto the street in a variety of colours with the celebrity support of Julia Roberts and Cate Blanchett. by Damien Woolnough Claim: David Cameron prompted derision when he said that Brexit would risk genocide and war It was perhaps the biggest lie of all. This week, David Cameron provoked universal derision by claiming that Europe risks sliding back into war and genocide if Britain votes to leave the EU. He argued that it was only because of the EU that peace had been maintained on the continent over the past 70 years. He couldnt have been more wrong: for the fact is that Europe is now riven by more hatreds, divisions and conflicts than at any time since 1945 and they are threatening to tear the continent apart. And, of course, the irony is that the main cause of this potentially catastrophic situation is Brussels failed immigration and economic policies. Here, DOMINIC SANDBROOK explains why . . . CHILLING RISE OF THE FAR RIGHT This weeks resignation of the Austrian Chancellor, Werner Faymann was little noticed in Britain. But it was merely a symptom of a wider crisis that threatens to turn one of Europes richest, most stable and most self-satisfied countries into a bastion of the xenophobic far Right. Thanks largely to popular fury at the migration crisis, the countrys far-Right Freedom Party is now comfortably the most popular in the land. Its candidate for president, Norbert Hofer, seems almost certain to become Austrias head of state after elections this month. Many experts believe that in that case, Austrias coalition government would fall, paving the way for the Freedom Party to win an election and take control of key ministries, including the police. Since Austria was famously the birthplace of Adolf Hitler, the prospect of a far-Right government taking power in Vienna has a peculiarly sinister resonance. But popular fury at the advent of 700,000 migrants into a country of barely eight million people means it is probably inevitable, turning Austria into a European pariah and inflaming tensions with its neighbours. NOW RAZOR WIRE FENCES GO UP To the horror of most outsiders, Hungary has already lurched towards aggressive authoritarianism. First elected in 2010, its ultra-patriotic Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has steadily eroded the independence of its banks, Press and even the judiciary, effectively turning himself into a dictator in all but name. For Orban, the migration crisis has been a gift. He has used it to whip up popular antipathy to Muslims, the EU and even outsiders in general, erecting vast fences topped with razor wire along Hungarys southern borders, boasting of his admiration for Russias Vladimir Putin and presenting himself as an old-fashioned nationalistic strongman. As Orban tirelessly tells his supporters: Hungarians wont live according to the commands of foreign powers. In the long run, therefore, conflict with the EU or even with Hungarys appalled neighbours, such as Austria, Croatia, Slovakia and Serbia may be unavoidable. Clash: Migrants on the border between Macedonia and Greece, which has been closed thanks to the refugee crisis across Europe LOATHING OF NEIGHBOURS Nowhere has been more affected by the migration crisis than the southern Balkans, which still bear the scars of bullet-holes and burned-out buildings from the bloody wars in the former Yugoslavia in the mid-Nineties. Fences and walls now run along the northern borders of Croatia and Serbia, as well as between Macedonia and Greece. Not surprisingly, memories of former conflicts are still raw. In Bosnia and Kosovo, resentment seethes between local Muslims and Serbs. But the most obvious flashpoint is in Macedonia, where thousands of migrants have been injured in battles with armed riot policemen. When the Greek government condemned Macedonias indiscriminate use of chemicals, rubber bullets and stun grenades against vulnerable populations, it only inflamed tensions between the two countries. The Greeks have long feared Macedonian expansion into the north of their country, and their government even refuses to acknowledge the former Yugoslav republics name, accusing it of hijacking the heritage of Alexander the Great. And given the presence of so many armed men on either side of the border as well as thousands of desperate, hungry refugees it is easy to see how resentment could escalate into outright conflict. HATRED IN A DIVIDED NATION Eighty years after the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, the people of Spain are in turmoil once again. At the end of last year, the Catalan regional government ignored warnings from Madrid and voted to begin the process of building an independent Catalan state. Meanwhile, Spains economy like that of its neighbour, Portugal remains in dire straits. With 45 per cent of young Spaniards out of work, many blame the EU for their economic plight. Yet far from being supportive, Brussels is taking an increasingly hard line, preparing this week to levy whopping sanctions on Spain and Portugal for their failure to cut their budgets to EU-approved levels. With a general election due in June, polls show one in four Spaniards plans to vote for the hard-Left, anti-European Podemos party. A Podemos victory would inevitably mean an open breach with Brussels, and could easily push Catalonia into a unilateral declaration of independence, with shattering consequences for Spanish unity and the wider European project. POVERTY AND SIMMERING RAGE When Greek security forces came under attack from petrol-bomb-throwing protesters last weekend, it was merely the latest in a series of clashes in one of the darkest periods in Greeces recent history. Brutalised by recession, stricken by austerity and outraged by what they see as the European elites callous indifference, thousands of Greeks have been driven into the arms of the far Right and extreme Left. Indeed, it is barely a year since the hard-Left Syriza government threatened to default on Greeces debt and pull out of the Eurozone. With youth unemployment still a staggering 49 per cent, it is little wonder that so many ordinary Greeks burn with rage against Angela Merkel, whom they blame for their plight. And if, as some experts fear, a second financial crisis tips Europe back into deep recession, then the consequences could be catastrophic, boosting the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party and reawakening memories of the civil war of the Forties, the armed coup of 1967 and the notoriously cruel dictatorship of the Greek Colonels in the years that followed. Power: Marine Le Pen could end up controlling the government of France LE PEN POISED TO TAKE CONTROL France has already been under a state of emergency since the terrorist attacks last November, allowing police to conduct raids without warrants, to place large numbers of people under house arrest and to forbid any large gatherings. In cities with large Muslim populations, such as Paris and Marseille, tensions remain high. But what frightens many is the prospect of next years presidential election. With the incumbent, Francois Hollande, at barely 15 per cent in the polls, the runaway leader is the far-Right Front Nationals leader Marine le Pen, who has exploited anti-Islamist and anti-migrant sentiment to command a double-digit lead over almost every other conceivable candidate for the job. To most mainstream European observers, it seems almost unthinkable that France could fall under the control of a party like the FN, steeped in anti-Semitism and xenophobia, and reflecting a far-Right heritage stretching back to the pro-Nazi Vichy regime. But with every passing month it seems increasingly plausible that, for the first time since the Forties, the extreme Right will control one of Europes major powers which would almost certainly mean a direct confrontation with the EU. NEW THREAT OF FINANCIAL CHAOS italy has been shuffling towards disaster. Its notoriously fragmented banks are sitting on some 280 billion in bad loans, triggering fears that a banking crisis in the Italian peninsula could take down the entire European financial system. Meanwhile, with thousands of migrants flooding into the country every month, public support for the EU is wearing thin. This week, Italys finance minister even warned that the chaos on Europes borders was going to be much more destructive than a crisis of the Eurozone. Not surprisingly, polls show Italian voters swinging towards the extremes. Almost one in three support the populist, anti-European Five Star Movement, while almost 15 per cent now back the separatist Northern League, which demands independence for northern Italy. And to cap it all, the Mussolini name is back, with two of the dictators granddaughters standing for office in Rome for rival conservative parties. GERMAN CONTEMPT FOR THEIR LEADER Since reunification in 1990, Germany has been a beacon of stability. Yet Europes richest and most populous nation faces an unprecedented challenge. In just over a year, 1.2 million migrants have arrived in Germany, courtesy of Angela Merkels open-door policy. But thanks to appalling scenes such as the New Years Eve riots in Cologne, where thousands of Middle Eastern men reportedly assaulted and robbed hundreds of women, popular sentiment has turned against the Chancellor. Local elections in March saw unprecedented gains for the far-Right Alternative fur Deutschland, which, after an aggressive anti-immigrant campaign, won a staggering 24 per cent of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt region. Not for decades has so openly xenophobic a party won such support in the heart of Germany. Indeed, polls now suggest that two-thirds of German voters want Mrs Merkel to stand down before next years general election an astounding turnaround given her popularity in recent years. Since no other country matches its importance to the European project, the prospect of a rudderless Germany under untested leadership is deeply disturbing. And if the worst happens and there is a second financial meltdown, or if the migrant crisis provokes serious conflict in Hungary or Macedonia, a weakened Germany would be unable to provide the necessary leadership. For Europe as a whole, the consequences could be devastating. DICTATOR WHO COULD SPARK WAR Even as thousands of British tourists head to Turkey this summer, this vast country, the bridge between Europe and Asia, is sliding closer towards violent chaos. Although not an EU member, it has been a candidate state, destined to join the Union since 1999. The latest step towards it joining was the agreement by Brussels in March to grant visa-free travel to its 75 million population inside Europes passport-free Schengen area. EU leaders also agreed to give Turkey 4.7 billion including 500 million from Britain after it threatened to flood Western Europe with migrants. In Turkeys south-east, security forces are battling Kurdish separatists, while operations on the Syrian border have brought Turkey close to open conflict against Vladimir Putins Russia, which supports the Syrian president Assad. Already this year, Islamist terrorist attacks have killed dozens of people in Istanbul and Ankara. In response, the increasingly autocratic President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered a massive security crackdown. To many European observers, however, Erdogan is a central part of the problem. His increasingly authoritarian methods jailing dissidents, closing liberal newspapers, having reporters beaten up, and violently suppressing opposition demonstrations mean Turkey now looks more like a dictatorship than at any time in recent memory. Indeed, many experts fear that Erdogan is deliberately playing on anti-Kurdish sentiment to secure his own power base against domestic opposition. Scared? David Cameron has refused to enter into a head-to-head debate with his Tory EU rivals On yesterdays front page, the Mail asked the Prime Minister: What are you so scared of, Dave? The question was prompted by Mr Camerons apparent refusal to appear in a televised encounter with either of the most persuasive Tory advocates of Brexit, Boris Johnson and Michael Gove. Instead, he has arranged to take part in an ITV programme in which the case for withdrawal will be put by Nigel Farage, who is not a member of the official Leave campaign, thought by No 10 to be a divisive figure and easier to out-argue. They will not even meet head-to-head. Such calculations are unworthy of Mr Cameron and the great issue we must decide on June 23. For months, he has made sweeping and passionate statements, outlining his apocalyptic vision of Brexit. He has dragooned security chiefs and even Barack Obama into his campaign to frighten the wits out of voters. This week, he went so far over the top as to suggest that leaving the EU would heighten the risk of genocide and European war! Leave aside that if this is what he truly believes, it is strange that he called this referendum in the first place, indicating he would be ready to lead Britain out of the EU if he failed to get the fundamental reform he sought. After all he has said, he simply cannot deny voters the chance to hear his scaremongering subjected to forensic scrutiny by the other side. If he ducks this challenge, the public will conclude either that he is a coward or, more probably, that he knows his doom-laden claims will not stand up to analysis. Mr Cameron is a formidable debater, as sharp-witted as anyone in politics. If there is a sound case to be made in support of his dire predictions a mighty big If nobody is better equipped to make it. This paper urges him to man up and face his most penetrating critics. Or is he content for the public to conclude hes been talking rubbish and he knows it? True voice of EU elite Last year, IMF chief Christine Lagarde postponed publication of her health check on the UK economy so as not to influence the election. Yesterday, she showed no such reticence about interfering in our referendum, bringing forward a spine-chilling prediction of economic disaster if Britain pulls out. Whats more, she says similar warnings are likely to be leaked in the week before the vote. Elite: Christine Lagarde has been attempting to sway the results of the forthcoming EU referendum Never mind that the IMF proved wildly wrong when it said George Osborne was leading Britain into a double-dip recession. Forget, too, that its guesswork over Brexit is so fantastically imprecise as to be worthless (output will fall by between 1.5 and 9.5 per cent, it says!). Former French finance minister Mrs Lagarde incidentally, under investigation for financial negligence is a eurofanatic to her core, with a history of abusing IMF funds to prop up the single currency. In politicising the independent body she leads, she is the epitome of the European elite from whose clutches so many yearn to escape. She should mind her own business and leave ours to us. Censoring migration In the week ministers sought to bury the news that 800,000 people arrived in Britain from the EU last year (and some respected sources say the figure could be even higher), former Prime Minister Sir John Major tells Tory Brexit campaigners to stop harping on about migration. Whether playing a woman dying of cancer in The C-Word, or wearing a red wig and false teeth as Cilla Black, she is a towering talent. Sheridan Smith could turn her hand to anything, conquer any part. Or so we thought until recently. For her very public meltdown while playing Fanny Brice in the West End show Funny Girl shows us the one role in which she is not comfortable . . . being Sheridan Smith. Sheridan Smith could turn her hand to anything, conquer any part. Or so we thought until recently Sheridanas Fanny Brice in Funny Girl: Three times this week she pulled out of the production, and now were told the 34-year-old star is taking a two-to-four-week break Three times this week she pulled out of the production, and now were told the 34-year-old star is taking a two-to-four-week break. This follows behaviour that had become ever more erratic. Theatre-goers claimed she slurred her words and looked drunk on stage, while after the Bafta awards she partied until 7am and spent the next night on Twitter attacking her detractors. She tweeted that she was not strong enough, and friends have said shes stressed because her father has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Whatever the cause, its evident this extraordinary woman is in the middle of a tragic meltdown. Left, the actress playing a woman dying of cancer in The C-Word and right, with rapper Professor Green at the BAFTA awards Saying thank you: Sheridan's understudy Natasha Barns spent time with the fans after the show on Friday As one of her friends wrote: Sheridan is brilliant but so fragile. She is on a massive self-destruct downward spiral and everyone is just worried about her. How very, very sad. Which is why the trolls gleefully attacking her on the internet and theatre-goers asking for their money back should be ashamed of themselves. Sheridan needs our compassion, not our carping. Those who dismiss her as a highly-strung actress who should be grateful for her talent dont seem to understand she could be suffering from depression, an affliction that knows no boundaries. BBC BLOOPER In the BBC White Paper shake-up, long-running daytime favourites that are past their sell-by date will be axed. Bargain Hunt (in its 43rd series) and Homes Under the Hammer (20th) are likely victims. What snobs. How about ditching those other dinosaurs such as Question Time and I dont just mean presenter David Dimbleby. Did anyone stay awake during this weeks snore-athon from Aberdeen? And while she endures her collapse in the harsh glare of public scrutiny, millions of others young and old suffer from depression in silence. The fact is that women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with it as men, and around 20 per cent of adults will experience depression at some point in their lives. Yet such is the stigma surrounding mental illness that many feel unable to admit to the tears, the inconsolable despair they face each morning. Many of us have witnessed friends or family members struggle through bleak days caused by this illness. Lets pray that Sheridan gets the right help, comes back stronger and even more brilliant and that were queuing round the block for her next performance. Tom Hiddleston fuels rumours he will be the next Bond after being spotted meeting director Sam Mendes in London. Lets hope its not true and that Daniel Craig will reign again with his sexy pout. I dont even want to think about chicken-lips Hiddlestons scrawny body in a pair of blue budgie smugglers. Tom Hiddleston (left) fuels rumours he will be the next Bond after being spotted meeting director Sam Mendes in London. Lets hope its not true and that Daniel Craig (right) will reign again with his sexy pout Is Posh just too posh? The Spice Girls are reuniting without Posh for the 20th anniversary of first hit Wannabe. The girls think shes a stuck-up spoilsport whos gone all Hollywood. On the other hand, it might be Mrs Becks is too busy to bother. She and David now have a combined fortune of 165 million, shes launched her own fashion house, and is the toast of vacuous tinsel town. Whatever you think of it, theirs is a true success story, while that of the others is, er, not. Too revealing, Amal A wardrobe malfunction on the Cannes red carpet revealed a little more of Amal Clooney than even she might have wished for, as the wind caught her split skirt exposing pencil-thin legs to go with her matchstick arms. Youd have thought with a brilliant career, a husband to die for and more beauty than any woman has a right to, she would be happy in her body. But then the pressures of being thrust in to the spotlight are terrifying. Whoops!A wardrobe malfunction on the Cannes red carpet revealed a little more of Amal Clooney than even she might have wished for Look at what it did to Diana. When she was snapped in a see-through skirt at the kindergarten where she worked, she had a gorgeous, curvy figure. By the time Diana had married one of the worlds most eligible men, she had lost stones. Are there lessons here for Kate? The latest offering from Woody Allen is Cafe Society, another comedy about a love affair between a young woman and a much older man. The director, 80, is perhaps drawing on the 35-year age gap between him and his wife Soon-Yi who was 21 and his partner Mia Farrows adopted daughter when he began an affair with her. Once a dirty old man, always a dirty old man. Film director Woody Allen, 80, and his wife Soon-Yi Previn, who is 35 years his junior Much hilarity when the Queen received a 50 Tesco voucher after one of her horses won at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Does that mean the supermarket will now get a Royal Warrant? They could give it the one they took off Harrods. WESTMINSTER WARS David Cameron refuses to go head-to-head with the leader of Brexit, Boris Johnson, in a TV debate, saying he doesnt want blue-on-blue combat to tear the Tories apart. Rubbish! He knows that after six rounds with the far more clever and more popular Boris, hed be left black n blue. Its pretty rich that David Cameron held an anti-corruption forum to hold countries such as Afghanistan and Nigeria to account, when we reward the likes of the vile Philip Green with a knighthood. Email from Zac Goldsmith on Thursday: Amanda, I wanted to write to say thank you for all your support on my London Mayoral campaign. Last week I explained why I couldnt vote for the over-privileged, underwhelming Gold-smug and I never actually lifted a finger to help his campaign. With attention to detail like this, its no wonder Londoners turned their backs on Zac. The Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, warns that leaving the EU could trigger economic catastrophe and even a recession. Given that polls for Brexit rose after President Obamas blatantly political intervention, were hardly going to take kindly to lectures on our sovereignty from a multi-millionaire Canadian banker. Releasing a new single, the wacky rapper and The Voice judge Will.i.am says music for me is medication. Yep, it has the same effect on the rest of us Will as a guaranteed sedative. Now the doors of Downton Abbey have closed, Michelle Dockery is being wooed by Strictly Come Dancing. Given that her Lady Mary was as stiff as an ironing board, Dockerys two-step should make Judy Murray look positively supple. The young woman who took on a temp firm for insisting she wear 2in heels to work is now campaigning for women not to be pressured into wearing make-up in the office. Wed have more sympathy with this self-righteous little madam if she hadnt launched her latest crusade wearing more make-up than Lily Savage. One of the 2016 Turner Prize offerings is a deeply unflattering rear view of a big, fat, wobbly mans bottom. And there I was thinking wed already seen the back of John Prescott. One of the 2016 Turner Prize offerings is a deeply unflattering rear view of a big, fat, wobbly mans bottom English Heritage has a new project to save graffiti drawn by conscientious objectors locked up in Richmond Castle in World War I. Surely our priority should be to protect crumbling memorials to those who died fighting for our freedom, like the neglected graves of Victoria Cross winners from that war. In a world where spare royals are struggling to find anything to occupy themselves other than nightclubs or luxury holidays, all credit must go to Prince Harry for the second Invictus Games. He has created an arena for wounded heroes to prove the courage they showed on the battlefield can be matched in sport. Prince Harry poses with 91-year-old Ruth Uffelman, after attending the wheelchair tennis at the Invictus Games Look after our old first Nothing highlighted the plight of the vulnerable elderly more than the story of an 80-year-old woman kicked out of her NHS bed in the middle of the night to free up space. Pam Little had Parkinsons disease, dementia and heart disease, yet officials deemed her fit enough to go home. Health experts say the NHS cannot cope with the strain of elderly patients, but surely this was something it could have forecast decades ago. What it couldnt have predicted is the 800,000 EU migrants whove poured into this country in the past year alone and been given access to the NHS. Spin: George Osborne is is adopting devious, manipulative tactics to win the EU referendum George Osborne has a very poor record when judged by his performance as Chancellor. His budgets have been a series of shambles marked by humiliating U-turns such as being forced to abandon plans for 1.3 billion-a-year cuts in disability benefits and to cancel his so-called pasty tax (which would have added VAT to heated takeaway meals). He has also failed to solve the huge structural problems facing the British economy. Indeed, the most recent statistics suggest we are heading back into recession. The truth is that Mr Osborne has become distracted from his prime duties at the Treasury, and is frequently absent, I am told, for days at a time. His main fascination is with political intrigue. This would have made him a very good chief whip or party chairman. Bored by his responsibilities for Britains economy for which he has been the steward for six years Mr Osborne is now devoting his energies to ensuring the Government wins its campaign to keep Britain in the European Union. Characteristically, like his friend and mentor Peter Mandelson, he is not trying to win the political debate by using straight, honest argument. Instead, he is adopting devious, manipulative tactics. In a gross abuse of public office, the Chancellor is channelling the resources of the supposedly neutral government machine into a partisan campaign to keep Britain inside the EU. One example is the notorious pro-EU pamphlet produced at a cost of at least 9 million to the taxpayer sent to every household in Britain a few weeks ago. Teams of publicly funded civil servants are being moved from normal duties to get involved in the supply and distribution of pro-Brussels Project Fear propaganda. For example, Antony Phillipson, a very capable but fanatically pro-EU official who used to work as private secretary to Mandelson, is running the European unit at the Cabinet Office. I am told that Mr Phillipson retains his links with Mandelson and acts as a bridge between Tory and Labour wings of the pro-EU campaign. Most shamefully, Remain campaigners have hijacked the whole Establishment machine even worse than in 1975 when Labour PM Harold Wilson held a referendum on Britains membership of the then Common Market. Disgracefully complicit have been Mr Osbornes officials at the Treasury. Mandarin: Sir Jeremy Heywood, pictured with David Cameron is supposed to ensure the integrity of the civil service This traditionally neutral and fastidious organisation has been suborned into producing a farcically biased and one-sided document claiming that British families would be 4,300 a year worse off in the event of Brexit. The fact these abuses have been allowed reflects extremely poorly on Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood Sir Cover-Up whose job is to ensure civil service integrity. Not content with destroying the traditional probity of the Civil Service, Mr Osborne has inveigled the ostensibly independent Bank of England into being a cheerleader for his pro-EU campaign. Having railroaded through the appointment of Mark Carney (a politically ambitious Canadian) as Governor, the Chancellor has encouraged this puppet in Threadneedle Street to spout pro-Brussels propaganda. On Thursday, Carney did Osborne a blatant political favour by claiming that Brexit would cause Britain to sink into recession. (If Carney had been attending to his duties as Governor, he might have noticed that we are heading in that direction anyway!) Divisive: Nigel Farage is the only anti-EU politician to be debating David Cameron head to head The Bank of England (like the Monarchy) has historically been above politics, and for the same excellent reasons: it needs to remain above the fray in order to work with governments of any colour. This, however, is not the end of Mr Osbornes shabby behind-the-scenes and undemocratic meddling. He has also enlisted international figures who, protocol normally demands, dont interfere in British domestic politics. Yesterday, Christine Lagarde, the French director of the International Monetary Fund, warned that Brexit could be very, very bad for the British economy despite the fact her organisations predictions on said economy have proved risibly wrong in the past. The fact is Mr Osborne has exploited every conceivable diplomatic, economic and political ruse to try to make sure the case for Europe is heard. Outrageously, heavy and persistent pressure has also been brought to bear on the broadcast media, culminating in ITVs disturbing cave-in to Government bully-boys. The supposedly independent broadcaster has disgracefully allowed Downing Street to dictate which representative of the Leave lobby goes head-to-head with David Cameron in a TV debate on the EU referendum. Wary of having to confront and being outshone by Boris Johnson or Michael Gove, the PM only agreed to appear on the programme with Ukip leader Nigel Farage a man he feels he can out-argue and who is not universally liked by all sections of the Brexit campaign. The decision about who should appear in a TV encounter with the Prime Minister should have been made by Vote Leave, the officially designated voice of the anti-EU campaign. It should not have been made under influence from No 10. Indeed, Vote Leave officials did not want to put up Mr Farage for exactly the same reason that Downing Street was so keen to have him: he is a divisive figure. Not only has ITV whose chairman until Thursday was former Tory MP Archie Norman allowed Mr Cameron to pick his opponent, it also allowed him to dictate the terms of the debate. As a result, Cameron and Farage will speak separately rather than engage in spontaneous argument. How utterly dishonourable that ITV has agreed to this sterile, anti-democratic, manipulated format. Yesterday, its CEO revealed a possible commercial motive behind this pathetic kowtowing. He told media magazine Campaign that the prospect of leaving the EU had led to advertisers reducing bookings and that it was not clear if such money would return immediately if Britain votes to stay in Europe. Such a self-serving excuse is no reason for ITV to abandon its reputation for independence and to betray its viewers. Perhaps it was no coincidence that George Osborne agreed to be a guest on Robert Pestons debut political show on ITV last Sunday morning. How sickeningly cosy! All this leads me to believe that this week marked a pivotal point in the referendum debate. It has now turned into a rigged contest. Terrified of taking any risks, the Government has decided to try to fix the result by manipulating data, corrupting independent institutions and browbeating broadcasters. Such shoddy tactics may, however, backfire. Voters will quickly realise they are transparently cowardly and unprincipled. Next months referendum was meant to settle the European question once and for all. But it cannot do so if George Osborne and his henchmen cheat and bully. If they win by using such methods, it will be an illegitimate victory. Cameron's Oxford chum cannot dodge Tory spending row Doomed: Lord Feldman is set to be sacked by David Cameron after the EU referendum A Cabinet reshuffle is expected soon after the referendum result and its already clear that David Cameron (if he is still the PM) will have to sack Conservative Party chairman Andrew Feldman. His old Oxford University chum has been, by several leagues, the most incompetent chairman since the post was created shortly before the First World War. Under Lord Feldmans stewardship, party membership has almost halved, and the party organisation has been mired in scandal over allegedly breaking election expenditure rules, following an investigation by the Daily Mail and Channel Four. Feldman himself has been unwilling to perform one fundamental part of his job, which is to speak for the party to the media. Indeed, the unelected Cameron crony has given only two interviews during his six years in the post, both unplanned. The first came when, after a late-night dinner, he paused to shoot the breeze with nearby journalists and took the opportunity to denounce Tory activists (the very people he is supposed to represent) as swivel-eyed loons. His second encounter came when he was chased down a Westminster street by the formidable Channel 4 correspondent Michael Crick, who rightly wanted answers about the growing Tory election expenses scandal. Feldman dodged the questions. But he cant do so for much longer. Yesterday, it emerged the Electoral Commission has taken the extraordinary step of applying to the High Court for a disclosure order following the failure of Tory officials to hand over key documents concerning election spending. Meanwhile, Lincolnshire police has become the tenth force to examine apparent Tory election irregularities. So far, I have been one of only a handful of journalists to write about this story. Yet I predict it will soon become a massive scandal. It is looking increasingly as if Feldman has lost control of Tory HQ and now is embroiled in an embarrassing criminal investigation amid allegations that the party may have bought its election victory last year. Three years ago, when we looked around our lovely old house in the middle of the Somerset countryside, I admit I scoffed when I noticed it boasted no fewer than three dishwashers. Who needed such an extravagance, I thought. Exactly how many dinner parties could one throw? Surely like a double garage or an iceberg basement this was just another way to show off. Nowadays, I am eating my words. I wonder how I coped without my trio of dishwashers, such is the domestic harmony theyve created in our family. Journalist Alice Smellie has three dishwashers - including this one in her utility room. She says if you time it right you never have to bother unloading any of them For aside from the three meals cooked and consumed each day, my children, Archie, 11, ten-year-old Oscar and Lara, seven, seem to be permanently snacking and leaving mountains of dirty plates in their wake. With back-up dishwashers, theres always somewhere they can be stashed out of sight and smell. Also, if you time it right, with three dishwashers two in a stacking set of drawers from Fisher & Paykel (A two-drawer set costs around 800 to 1,250 in shops) and another normal one built into the utility room counter you never need to bother yourself with unloading the things. You just take clean crockery from one, and stack dirty stuff in one of the others. And, yes, when we have dinner parties I do have a sense of smugness if I ask helpful guests to take the dishes through to the other dishwasher. On a couple of occasions, people have expressed surprise. Id like to think they were impressed. Now I read that my dishwasher quota is a little on the short side. Marina Fogle, wife of explorer Ben Fogle, this week told a glossy magazine she has a whopping four. Matt Prall, managing director of kitchen design company Papilio, which fits kitchens costing up to 100,000, says the multiple dishwasher trend has filtered down from the super-rich to become a near-standard desire among the middle-class. After speaking to Marina and other dishwasher multiples, Im wondering whether we might be able to fit another one in. Having read the womens stories below, you may find yourself doing the same. I've got FOUR! So no more sloshing around in the sink MARINA FOGLE, 37, businesswoman and writer, lives in London with her explorer husband, Ben, 42, and their two children, Ludo, six and Iona, four. Marina says: DISHWASHER COUNT: 4 For me, the desire for multiple dishwashers is rooted in my childhood, growing up in London and holidaying in Austria. My mother is a great entertainer, but the downside of friends and family coming together for meals was, of course, the extraordinary amounts of washing-up created. My two younger sisters, Olivia and Chiara, now aged 32 and 36, and I were always required to help with the washing-up. Marina Fogle hated washing up as a child - but loves to have a gleaming kitchen at all times Just leave it to drip-dry, Id implore my mother, desperate to get back to my ponies and despairing at the piles of crockery piling up on the draining board. She always refused. Now I understand why. If you leave piles of wet dishes, more are always placed on top of them re-wetting the originals and streaking clean plates and glasses with rivulets of water. As an adult I, too, like to have a gleaming kitchen. My husband Ben and I love to entertain, and we hate to leave a kitchen dirty at the end of the night. Of course, 1am isnt the ideal time to tidy up, but its nothing compared with attempting it at 6am with a fuzzy head from red wine, two children running around and a kitchen reeking of alcohol. I do the cooking, Ben does the clearing up, and we both agree that everything has to be tidied before we go to bed. With the four dishwashers humming away, we can enjoy a final glass of wine rather than spending the last hour of a fun evening sloshing dirty dishwater around a sink. The washers, from Fisher & Paykel, were here when we moved in two sets of two stacking drawers each which slide out from under the counter individually. We put everything in the dishwasher and I only allow dishwasher-proof items into our home. Forget about delicate crystal and bone-handled knives. If you cant handle a direct spray of hot water, then you have no place in the Fogle household. Marina says she puts everything in the dishwasher and so only allows dishwasher-proof items into her home I am particularly appreciative of my four dishwashers at breakfast time. Ludo and Iona treat the first meal of the day as though its a running buffet in a five-star hotel. Im happy to serve many courses of cereal, eggs, fruit and yoghurt. Im equally happy to throw everything in the dishwasher and turn it on immediately. Returning to a dishwasher smelling of stale milk is disgusting. The two of them can follow simple recipes. But the amount of dirty dishes created by a four-year-old attempting banana bread and muffins are extraordinary. Again, how wonderful to always have the space to put all the flour and butter-smeared plates straight into the washer. I think its important for the children to learn about tidying up and they even know to bring their plates to the dishwashers. But do they appreciate them? Dont be ridiculous. Theyd rather play with bubbles. I need 50 plates with so many dishwashers Jenny Weiss, 57, is an interior designer. She lives in Weybridge, Surrey, with husband Graham, 55, a property consultant. They have two sons, Jamie, 28, who lives in Los Angeles and Dan, 27, who lives at the family home with his fiancee Louise. Jenny says: DISHWASHER COUNT: 4 Over the 34 years Graham and I have been married, we have moved 16 times, but this is the first time weve had more than one dishwasher and I find it fitting for the life we lead. I come from a big family, with two sisters and two brothers who all have children, so whenever we get together there are around 24 people and we congregate in the open-plan kitchen which leads onto a bar area. I have one Miele dishwasher in the kitchen for pots, plates and pans, a Gaggenau model in the bar area for glasses and a Fisher & Paykel in the utility room for spillover pots and pans when were entertaining. Jenny Weiss has a large family - there can be 24 round for Sunday lunch - so she needs four dishwashers We bought them direct from the suppliers, because Im an interior designer, but a similar Miele today might cost 1,000, the Gaggenau around 1,200 and the Fisher & Paykel from 1,000 to 2,000 prices vary depending on whether you buy it as part of a fitted kitchen. Some people may think its excessive particularly in the eco sense but the one in the utility room is a two-drawer unit, so often if its only me and Graham in the house, well only use one drawer to save water. We had this five-bedroom, 8,000 sq ft house built for us five years ago and weve just put it on the market for 7 million. Because our son Jamie lives in LA, our plan is to downsize in the UK and buy an apartment near to him. But I imagine in our new house in the UK, well still have more than one dishwasher; Ive grown so used to it now. We knew we wanted a large open-plan kitchen, with all the appliances hidden behind cupboards. If you walk into ours, you might wonder if it is a kitchen because its designed as an entertaining area. It has a five-metre island with bar stools. Having so many dishwashers means Jenny need lots of place settings and has more than 50 plates The biggest party we held was for Grahams 50th and we had 60 guests the last thing you want is pots and plates cluttering worktops. At family events everyone will chip in, loading and unloading the dishwasher. But at special parties I hire caterers who cook, clean and load. I also have a lovely cleaner who comes twice a week and will load or unload it. Another great benefit is you dont need to ever put things away you can lift the clean plates straight from the dishwasher to the table, no more tedious hiding away in cupboards. Having so many dishwashers means I need lots of place settings. I have more than 50 plates. But Im still happy to put on the Marigold gloves and do washing-up by hand occasionally, especially if Ive done scrambled eggs in a pan and know it needs to be scrubbed quickly. I have some handmade glassware that I will only wash by hand as well as some plates with a metal rim which I dont want to get cloudy. I regard dishwashers as an essential, not a luxury. Lynda has two dishwashers in her kitchen and admits she would love a third in her home, near Reading Extravagant? No, it's essential AND it saves water Lynda Mills, 49, owns a kitchen design company. She is married to Christian, 44, a company director, and they live near Reading with daughters Annabelle, 16, and Jemima, 14. Lynda says: FIVE OF THE BEST POSH WASHERS Miele Semi-integrated XXL, 2,250, miele.co.uk Highly economical to run (this dishwasher is 20 per cent more energy -efficient than the top A+++ efficiency rating), this can be controlled from your smartphone. Four interior LED lights illuminate your crockery. The racks have flexible elements and silicone pads to hold everything in place. The door has a patented motor which opens and closes it automatically. Samsung DW60J9970BB Chef Collection WaterWall, 999, johnlewis.com Designed with the help of top chefs, this impressive appliance uses a sweeping wall of jet-powered water to clean. Individual water pressures and temperatures can be set for different zones of the dishwasher, too. Cutlery can be laid flat for better cleaning. Fisher & Paykel Single, Wide DishDrawer, 1,459, johnlewis.com Choose a huge single dishwasher drawer from the F&P range like this one, a set of smaller double drawers, or stack as many as you like, a la Marina Fogle. This model pulls open like a drawer at waist height for easy loading and has space for nine place settings. Smeg DF6FABR2 Freestanding Dishwasher, 649, currys.co.uk If you love the Fifties vibe of the iconic Smeg fridge, youll be thrilled with this (pictured above). More about looks than gadgets and gimmicks, this freestanding, decorative dishwasher, available in a glossy cream, black or red finish, can carry 13 place settings. Bosch SKS62E22EU Compact, 424, currys.co.uk Perfect if youre short on space but love to host parties, this smart counter-top dishwasher can handle six place settings at a time. It has a speed function which allows it to run through a full cycle in a flash. Its also incredibly quiet. Mandy Francis Advertisement DISHWASHER COUNT: 2 Ive had two dishwashers for the past seven years and Id never go back to just one. Its an essential in my kitchen and Id love a third. Thats because I like to think of our kitchen not so much as simply somewhere to cook food, its more of a family zone, where people can gather around the island. The kitchen leads out onto an orangery with a ten-seater table and on the other side theres a sofa room with a television. Its great for a party. We often have 12 guests and the last thing I need is for the worktops to be cluttered. I tend to alternate using each one, and one is usually going at some point in the day. Both of mine are Miele Turbothermic Plus models. I bought the first from a shop in Slough, but got the second from eBay for 120. A bargain as they cost 500 to 1,000. I am in charge of stacking its a standing joke that no one else dares stack them because Ill say theyve done it all wrong. Some people ask if its extravagant having two dishwashers and a waste of water. But, if anything, it saves water because youre using a controlled amount and not always filling up the sink. When Ive suggested to clients that they have two dishwashers next to each other, they look at me a little oddly. If they have thought about having two in the first place, they think its a good idea to have one in the kitchen and one in the utility room, but if youre going to have two, you need them in the kitchen so you can hide things away immediately. There are a couple of downsides in that it means we have to own a lot of crockery and cutlery. Weve got enough for about 14 place settings. Plus, when both dishwashers are on at the same time it can create quite a lot of noise even though we have models which have a low decibel rating. Hundreds of patients suffering from jaw tumours may be saved from complicated and disfiguring surgery by a titanium implant inserted through tiny incisions near the ear and under the chin. Until now, the traditional procedure involved removal of the affected part of the jaw through a 4in incision on the side of the face, and rebuilt using bone taken from the hip or leg. It leaves large scars and requires at least two nights in intensive care, followed by a two-week hospital stay. The new minimally invasive approach has meant that some patients have been allowed home the next day. Scroll down for video Consultant maxillofacial surgeon Luke Cascarini, who has pioneered the procedure at Guys and St Thomas Hospital, London, said: One of the biggest challenges in dealing with tumours in this area is being aware that while curing a patient, you may well leave them disfigured, which can cause psychological problems. Visible scars can have a huge impact and if we can avoid them, we should. Mr Cascarini, who has so far operated on four patients using the new technique, estimates that up to 300 jaw-cancer sufferers a year could be benefit from the new procedure. Head and neck cancers are the seventh most common type of cancer in the UK, with about 67,000 people affected. In the case of jaw tumours, there are broadly two types: secondary tumours where the cancer started elsewhere and has spread to the jaw, or, in rarer cases, where the tumour originates in the jaw bone itself. Existing surgery involves a major eight- to ten-hour operation to remove the affected part of the jaw. Patients may also then need radiotherapy to prevent the cancer spreading. For patients with the rarer type of cancer that originates in the jaw bone, radiotherapy is not required, meaning they could be spared such drastic surgery. The new operation is carried out in several stages over a period of three months. First, a CT scan is taken of the patients jaw and the images sent to a medical modelling company in California, who create a custom-made titanium copy of the healthy side of the patients jaw. Then the diseased part of the jaw is removed via the mouth, and a temporary implant is put in place while the implant is manufactured. Hundreds of patients suffering from jaw tumours may be saved from complicated and disfiguring surgery by a titanium implant inserted through tiny incisions near the ear and under the chin The next operation sees two small incisions made just in front of the ear and underneath the chin, and the titanium implant slides in and is held in place with screws. Patients then have the option of a third operation for dental implants to replace any teeth that were removed along with the tumour. Each stage of the operation can take as little as two hours, with patients going home the next day. Mr Cascarini says of the new procedure: You would never get the same degree of accuracy using a piece of bone from the hip or leg. Among Mr Cascarinis patients is 28-year-old Richa Thapa, who faced losing part of her jaw and six teeth after being diagnosed with a jaw tumour in 2014. I was in shock, said the business graduate from Middlesex. The thought of a large scar from the conventional surgery and how my face would look afterwards really worried me. NHS funding was granted, and Richa had surgery last year. Theres a piece of metal where my old jaw bone was, but youd never know, adds Richa. I feel grateful that the cancer is gone and that Ive been left without any disfigurement. The 8,000 implant is significantly cheaper than conventional jaw-replacement surgery and aftercare, which costs about 25,000. Mr Cascarini hopes the implant will one day be made using 3D printing technology. His dads the most famous horror writer on Earth, so its no shock that Joe Hill became a novelist. But why did he endure a decade of rejection slips rather than confess he had Stephen Kings blood in his veins? The writer who gave Daniel Radcliffe horns reveals all... Im not the writer my dad is. Hes faster, has more confidence, a better instinctive narrative sense, his writing is so beautifully relaxed, its sort of effortless,' said Joe Hill of his father Stephen King Theres a joke Joe Hill tells that has Stephen King settling his kids down for the night. The creator of terrifying tales such as Carrie and The Shining sits at the end of the bed and asks: Would you like Daddy to tell you a story? And the kids all run out screaming: No Daddy! No! Hill laughs because he knows the truth though he spent years pretending not to. The author of sizzling apocalyptic thriller The Fireman insists on being published under a shortened version of his real name but as UK fantasy fans were the first to discover he is Kings son. Actually, my dad told great bedtime stories. A lot were about Spider-Man, because I loved him, says this geeky, skinny, funny guy in his 40s, with a goatee beard and a mop-top of black hair. The stories were graphic and obscene. Spider-Man would go on vacation, eat bad food and get diarrhoea and be fighting a lizard, while his pants fell off! He grins, remembering how he and his brother and sister howled with pleasure at the stories as they grew up in a big house in Maine. Spider-Mans wearing this adult diaper but he gets punched in the stomach and theres this horrific ripping sound... wed shriek in horror because it wouldve been better if Spidey had died! So my dad never told scary bedtime stories, he told hilarious ones. I was a really weird, not terribly social kid and I really lived in my head. I was boiling with story ideas I had to do something with it. I was pretty much writing every day by the time I was 12,' said Joe Hill has a shelf of awards for fantasy, mystery and horror writing and three New York Times best-selling novels Heart-Shaped Box, Horns (which became a film starring Daniel Radcliffe) and biggest hit NOS4A2 (a vampire thriller, out loud it sounds like Nosferatu). The Fireman is a 768-page epic about a virus sweeping America, infecting people with beautiful black-and-gold markings, before they explode in flames. Pregnant school nurse Harper is trying to survive this in a story with appeal way beyond its genre. But Hill spent more than a decade piling up rejection slips for four failed novels, refusing to use the family name. I was afraid a publisher would publish it regardless of whether it was good or not, because they saw a chance to make money on the connection. 'People would say, He only got published because of who his dad is. Then your career is over. Joseph Hillstrom King was told not to follow in the footsteps of a father who has sold 350 million books and written stories that have become remarkable movies, including The Shawshank Redemption. The worst piece of advice I ever got when I was in high school a friend said, You shouldnt become a writer, youll never get out of your dads shadow. 'Im glad I didnt listen to him because I would have missed out on having a hell of a lot of fun. The way he tells it, there was not a lot of choice. I was a really weird, not terribly social kid and I really lived in my head. I was boiling with story ideas I had to do something with it. I was pretty much writing every day by the time I was 12. He sips his orange juice at a chic Soho hotel, a long way from his home in New England, and smiles to himself. Dont underrate my arrogance as a boy. It never crossed my mind that I wouldnt be absolutely brilliant! He certainly had the right teachers in his father and his mother Tabitha King, also a successful thriller writer. I remember one summer, I was about 16, and I wrote a crime novel about a heist, 300 pages long. Joe with his father Stephen King and mother Tabitha, who is also a successful thriller writer, and siblings Owen and Naomi in 2001 'These guys steal a T-Rex skeleton from a museum for a collector. I would write five pages and my dad would edit them. Wed sit down and hed talk about why he had crossed out some things and added others. 'We did that for about two months. I learned a lot that way. I still send them manuscripts and get feedback. 'My mum just wrote me a pair of emails back about The Fireman and she said, You missed this, you dropped that, you blew this He knows how high the bar is set. Im not the writer my dad is. Hes faster, has more confidence, a better instinctive narrative sense, his writing is so beautifully relaxed, its sort of effortless. He is so much fun to read. I tend to overthink things and its more of a strain for me. Im getting better... Hill actually got his first break with a Spider-Man story for Marvel, and went on to create the comic book series Locke And Key about teenagers battling demons. But it took a decade before a small English press agreed to publish a book of stories called 20th Century Ghosts in 2005. Even then, neither his publisher nor his agent knew who he was. So why did he come clean? They found out. My secret to keeping it quiet for so long was that I was a failure. Then the first book was published and I came over here for a convention in 2005. 'The moment I walked into the room, people started saying, Hey, you know who he looks like? 'Almost instantly, they started posting on their blogs. My secret started to come apart like wet paper in the rain. At first he asked bloggers to help protect his identity, but there was too much of a buzz. To this day some people still buy the books who dont know. There is a pleasure in capturing a reader that way. As a big fan of J K Rowling, he was thrilled when Daniel Radcliffe starred in the film of his novel Horns, as a young man who grows devil-like horns after his girlfriend has died, with the town accusing him of her murder. I watched pieces of the movie with my three boys, says Hill, who had just divorced when Horns came out in 2014. I had to cover the 12-year-olds eyes a few times. Some of its pretty raw. Now comes The Fireman: There are people bursting into flame on every street corner and every hospital is on fire. Harper and husband Jacob are caught in a classic survival situation, but she discovers an ally known as the Fireman: an Englishman who dresses as a fireman but is not actually a fireman at all. Daniel Radcliffe in the film adaptation of Hills novel, Horns. I watched pieces of the movie with my three boys. I had to cover the 12-year-olds eyes a few times. Some of its pretty raw,' he said 'I wanted to explore what it is like to be hated and hunted because youre sick, because society feels looking at you is dangerous. Hill loves all things English, listing his favourite bands as The Beatles, the Stones, Led Zeppelin and Oasis. That explains the hair, T-shirt and over-shirt that make him look like a Google employee at a Brit-rock convention. The inspiration for The Fireman was a real-life natural disaster, like the huge fire recently sweeping Canada. When I started writing The Fireman people were talking about who would be the Republican candidate and whether global warming was real as they were arguing, half of Texas was on fire. 'And it seems like another hundred miles of California burns every summer. It hit me this was the new normal, runaway fires because parts of the country have dried out. The Fireman taps into fears we all have about the world coming to an end, as Donald Trump stokes the fires of racial hatred in America, wars continue across the planet and diseases such as Zika and Ebola spread with shocking speed. Whether you think the apocalypse has come depends on where you live. The author Joanne Harris says this wonderful thing, paraphrasing William Gibson: The apocalypse is here, its just not evenly distributed. 'If you ask people in London if the apocalypse is happening, theyd say no. Ask someone who just ran away from the war in Syria, theyd say yes. Given such troubled times, why do we want to read books about the end of the world? When you have good things in your life, its natural to be afraid of it being taken away. Fiction has always been a safe playground to explore ideas and questions that make us uncomfortable. 'Thats why a story like The Walking Dead [a comic book series turned into a hugely successful TV series about a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies] is popular it gives us a chance to think about stuff we normally would not want to think about. 'We are drawn to wrestle with our worst fears: to rehearse them, prepare for them, experience them in a safe format, which is fiction. With success as Joe Hill and a superb fourth novel, is he finally able to feel hes made it on his own terms? Theres a long pause. I dont know that I am ever going to be that secure. You have to feel like your back is against the wall and every scene has to be great. A little prickle of fear helps get you there. Is this paragraph right? Its an obsessive thing. Maybe thats inherited, but theres no doubt Hill has worked immensely hard to be great. Once you think you are entitled to be read, youre dead. You have to earn it, with every paragraph. Whoever you are. Alison Balsom and Tom Poster Warner Classics, out now Legende: Works For Trumpet And Piano Rating: Alison Balsom is the poster girl of British classical music and one of the worlds finest trumpeters. She uses her supermodel looks to promote a remarkable range of music, from traditional favourites to cutting-edge contemporary, as well as acting as an ambassador for music education for all, which she is not alone in thinking is in serious decline in Britain. This new album contains a remarkable range of music and, although I think its a winner, not everything will suit everybody. Alison Balsom is the poster girl of British classical music and one of the worlds finest trumpeters who is also an ambassador for music education for all, which she is not alone in thinking is in serious decline in Britain Balsom and pianist Tom Poster's new album features a remarkable range of music For great-tune enthusiasts, Balsom and her indefatigable pianist Tom Poster, with whom she has worked for more than a decade now, dish up quality arrangements of two big items from the Great American Songbook: Gershwins Someone To Watch Over Me and Jerome Kerns The Way You Look Tonight. Thoroughly entertaining, but quite a lot more challenging, is Jean Francaixs perky Sonatine, George Enescus Legende and Alexander Goedickes Concert Etude. Then, as you come up for air, mid-listen, theres a charming arrangement of the late, lamented Peter Maxwell Daviess Farewell To Stromness. Not for the faint-hearted are two names in my shudder zone: Paul Hindemith and Bohuslav Martinu. But the Martinu is actually quite engaging, and the Hindemith Sonata, although typically overlong, has its moments. So, if you want to push the envelope and move a bit out of your comfort zone, this is one for you. CONCERT OF THE WEEK London Chamber Orchestra Cadogan Hall, London Beethoven, Haydn, Catel and Frances-Hoad Rating: The London Chamber Orchestra, one of the capitals oldest, offers consistently attractive concerts and first-class playing at the beautiful Cadogan Hall in Chelsea without a penny of public subsidy. As it happens, its principal trumpeter used to be Alison Balsom (see above). Enough said, quality-wise. Its principal conductor, Christopher Warren-Green, offers imaginative artistic leadership and, in concert, an abundance of verve. Warren-Green was leader of the Philharmonia as a very young man, and there isnt much he doesnt know about getting the best from orchestras. The London Chamber Orchestra's education and outreach programme, Music Junction, raises privately about 160,000 a year to offer performing experience to almost 200 children drawn from a wide range of schools And what he doesnt know, his wife Rosemary, the orchestras leader, certainly does. She is also artistic director of LCOs education and outreach programme, Music Junction, which raises privately about 160,000 a year to offer performing experience to almost 200 children drawn from a wide range of schools, from Barnardos to Bradfield. At this concert, Music Junction performed the world premiere of Cheryl Frances-Hoads I Am You, Brave And Strong, a catchy three-movement work based on a melody handed over by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies shortly before he died earlier this year. The performers sawed and oompahed away on a variety of instruments with total abandon, and then sang a finale with words they had composed themselves. Irresistible. No wonder the orchestras patron, the Duchess of Cornwall, is so enamoured of the whole thing that she sat through a long rehearsal and proudly carried a Music Junction bag to her next engagements. Tracking down shares which pay a meaty dividend is the Holy Grail for savers in need of a regular income. Typically, the way you do it is to look at the price of a stock and then see how much its dividend is paying from this you can work out the yield. This is a percentage of dividends you get back compared to the share price each year. But some experts are saying that savers are searching in the wrong place. For example, Arm Holdings is one of the biggest companies in the FTSE 100. Valued at 13billion, it designs computer chips and software. The shares yield around 0.8 per cent not exactly a prime candidate for an income seeker. But heres the key point: the actual yield you are getting depends on the price you paid for the shares not what the price is today or what it was a year ago. If you invested in Arm this week when shares were 938p then, with a total dividend last year of 8.78p, thats how you get the yield of 0.8 per cent. But if you had invested ten years ago when shares were just 119p, then your actual yield today is around 7.4 per cent. This is because you are earning 8.78p for every 119p you invested in the firm. And unless youre selling your shares, todays price is irrelevant. In that decade not only would your capital have grown more than seven-fold as the share price rocketed, but your dividend would have grown at an average rate of 24.3 per cent a year. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, says: All that matters when youre investing in companies is a rising dividend. Savers shouldnt be worrying about which company will be the next to cut their dividend, they should be focusing on the ones that will increase theirs. Just 26 companies in the FTSE 100 have managed to increase their dividend every year for the past decade. On January 1, 2006, those 26 companies which include Next, Vodafone and Diageo had an average yield of 2.8 per cent. Good bet? Paddy Power paid a healthy 18.3 per cent dividend. The average yield for the whole FTSE is around 4.5 per cent Investors who had stuck with those shares for the following ten years are now earning considerably more. Based on the share prices back then, Next yields 26 per cent, Paddy Power 18.3 per cent and Compass 13.3 per cent. The average yield among those 26 companies now, based on their share price a decade ago, is a chunky 9 per cent. Thats double the average yield for the whole FTSE, which is around 4.5 per cent. On top of that, the share price of these 26 businesses has grown an average of 265 per cent in that time. If you had invested 1,000 in Next shares on January 1, 2006, over the next ten years you would have received 792 in dividends after tax and the shares would be worth 4,749. Trying to fathom which are the next generation of shares that will achieve these stellar returns is difficult. H owever, there are a number of funds which focus on these companies and have a good track record of increasing their own income payouts. This year the City of London Investment Trust became the first to raise its dividend for 50 years in a row. The trust, which invests in big FTSE firms such as Vodafone, National Grid and BP, yields around 4.1 per cent. According to trade body the Association of Investment Companies, some 19 investment trusts have increased their dividend for 20 consecutive years or more. Bankers Investment Trust and Alliance Trust have both grown theirs for 49 years in a row. They have also returned 56 per cent and 51 per cent respectively over the past five years. Mould likes the Chelverton UK Equity Income Fund, which invests in medium-sized firms including Dairy Crest and construction company Galliford Try. It yields around 3.9 per cent and has returned 87 per cent over the past five years. Another favourite is Evenlode Income, which yields 3.7 per cent and has returned 73 per cent over the past five years. Apple is close to being ousted as the most valuable company on the planet by Google's owner Alphabet Almost 140billion has been wiped off the value of Apple as investors fear the world's biggest company many have run out of big ideas. Sales of the iPhone have slumped by 10million this year, and yesterday the jitters of shareholders were increased as Apple's sole supplier of microchips for the iPhone 7 announced that it was cutting production. This was a signal that Apple was being forced to lower its estimates on the number of gadgets it was expected to sell. It was then announced that Apple had invested 700million in Chinese firm Didi Chuxing, an Uber-style ride-hailing service. But this did little to ease the nerves of investors, who saw it as another sign that Apple was choosing to invest in rival firms rather than build on its own reputation for developing new technology. It has no plans for a major launch this year. The firm's stock has tumbled 19.6 per cent in the past six months and major investors such as hedge fund boss Carl Icahn have dumped billions of pounds worth of shares. To cap it all, Apple is close to being ousted as the most valuable company on the planet by Google's owner Alphabet. Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves said: 'The market is saturated and they have no massive growth drivers outside of the iPhone.' Yesterday it was revealed Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company was expected to ship 80 per cent fewer microchips between June and December compared to the same period last year, according to a report by the Nikkei Asia Review. It prompted speculation that Apple had cut orders of its forthcoming iPhone 7, expected to be released in September. Last week Dialog Semiconductor, which sells chips used in iPhones and other smartphones, slashed its revenue outlook amid weakening demand in the market. It follows a move by British chip designer ARM Holdings towards creating technology for the construction industry in a bid to diversify away from the slowing smartphone markets. Apple last month revealed its revenues fell for the first time since 2003, to 34.4billion from 39.7billion in 2015. Sales of iPhones dropped for the first time, falling 10million in the three months to March compared to the same period last year. Slowdown: Sales of the iPhone have slumped by 10million this year, and yesterday Apple's sole supplier of microchips for the iPhone 7 announced that it was cutting production The company expects sales to have dropped again by the end of this quarter. Demand has been dampened by high costs up to 789 for the 6S Plus model because users tend to sign up to contract deals rather than buying the phones outright. This ties consumers into keeping their phones for longer, leaving them less likely to upgrade when new models are released. In a move to try to boost the iPhone among business users, Apple last week signed a deal with German software maker SAP. Only 20 per cent of workers use iPhones for business, Apple's boss Tim Cook said. Under the partnership the companies will create more business apps compatible with Apple. The firm has thus far struggled to find a foothold in China amid competition from rival smartphone makers such as Xiaomi and Huawei. In the quarter to March its revenues in China fell 26 per cent. In January, Cook had predicted the fall in iPhone sales, warning that the environment had become 'dramatically different'. It is thought the investment in Didi Chuxing could be a way for Apple to strengthen its Apple Pay service, which is up against fierce competition from contactless payment rivals in China. But the company still faces big hurdles in the country. Last month, authorities shut down Apple's movie and book services and it recently lost a court case over the use of its iPhone trademark. Its lunchtime at one of the City of Londons biggest conference centres and the suit and stiletto brigade are making a bee-line for the canapes and cheap Prosecco. Dozens of corporate types file past us, deep in conversation and oblivious to who is in their midst. Dapper in a navy blue suit, open-necked shirt and a rather smart and colourful pair of brogues, Jimmy Wales looks otherwise unremarkable. He might even be mistaken for one of the forty and fifty-something suits that fill the atrium below if this was dress down day. New project: Jimmy Wales' latest project is a virtual mobile phone company called The Peoples Operator Yet Wales is anything but an anonymous corporate clone. Hes an internet pioneer whose efforts pre-date those of Google, Facebook and YouTube. He is, of course, the founder of Wikipedia. The online encyclopaedia ranks as the fifth most popular website in the world receiving 15billion page views per month. It recently celebrated its 15th birthday, which in internet years (like dog years) makes it very old. It means an entire generation has now missed out on the delights of the library and carrying out basic, book-based research. In the Lyall household my two teens, when challenged to find out something new, will tell me: Dont worry dad, well Wiki it. Not that I hanker for the old days. I regularly draw from the 38m-page archive generated by an 80,000-strong army of volunteer contributors and editors who maintain and update the pages of Wikipedia. Jimmy Wales Born: August 7, 1966, Huntsville Alabama Education: Auburn University, University of Alabama Family: Married to Kate Garvey, former Prime Minister Tony Blairs diary secretary. Three daughters. Net worth: Estimate at US$1mln. Home: Notting Hill, west London. I love London, I think it is a fantastic city to do business in. It is a great place to live. Its a cliche, but time-zone wise it is right in the middle of the world. Thats good for my work, which is global. Reading: The Story of the Negro: The Rise of the Race from Slavery, by Booker T Washington Watching: BBCs adaptation of War & Peace Gadget: Smartphone, but I really have to learn to charge it in a room other than the bedroom at night otherwise Im up reading email. Day in the life: 'There is probably not an average day for me,' Wales says. 'I still travel for meetings and give speeches. When I am in London I have some days when I come in and work with the development team at The Peoples Operator, other days I work in my personal office. And then there are days when Im attending tech events and meeting investors. So no one day is the same.' Downtime: 'Outside of work I lead a pretty normal life. I spend a lot less time in the US than I did now that my four-year-old has started school. Im now on the school holiday schedule.' Geek rating: 10 out of 10. Waless Wiki entry describes him as having been addicted to the internet from an early stage and he wrote computer code during his leisure time. In fact, Waless Wiki profile, which tells me he is also known as Jimbo, was part of my background reading for our interview. Naturally, I ask: is your Wiki entry correct? He chuckles, though there was a years-old spat over tweaks to his profile that were interpreted by some as Waless attempt to rewrite Wikipedias history. We move on quickly and to the subject at hand. Wales is at the conference centre to talk to an audience of would-be investors about his latest project, The Peoples Operator, or TPO for short. It is a virtual mobile phone company similar to giffgaff that will appeal to societys givers and helpers and doers. Thats because 10 per cent of the bill goes to the good cause of the subscribers choice, while 25 per cent of the firms profits, when it starts making them, will be donated to charity. The business was set up by Tom Gutteridge, Mark Epstein and the late Andrew Rosenfeld. Rosenfeld was known in City circles as the founder of the property firm Minerva; though the politicos will remember him for being embroiled in Labours cash for honours scandal. Wales got involved with TPO after meeting the guys socially. He joined the board in 2014 as co-chairman.The idea of a commercial enterprise with a social dimension appealed to Wales. TPO is able to be so generous because it doesnt spend millions every year on advertising and marketing. Instead it relies in this digital era on a very old economy method of promotion word of mouth. However, with the aid of social media, ventures such as TPO have the potential to grow very, very quickly. Word of mouth between consumers is more powerful than ever before, says Wales. If you think about it 40 years ago, if you really loved something, you would probably tell five people. Today if you love something you share it on Facebook. The average person has 314 friends on Facebook. So, the ability for a company to get the word out without spending on TV commercials and all that is very powerful today. So, what we thought is consumers who are interested in supporting their local school, their local church or whatever might be into advocates of the brand, and really thats what its all about. While there is no doubting Waless altruism, it is a job too; a source of income. For unlike the likes of Google founders Larry Page and Sergei Brin, or Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg, Wales isnt an internet billionaire. In fact some reports put the 49-year-olds net worth at around $1million, or 685,000 in real money. You see Wikipedia is a not-for-profit operation that relies on donations, as well as an unpaid army of editors, to get by. So, it is not a money-making machine like Jeff Bezoss Amazon, and neither has it undergone an over-hyped and over-priced stock market IPO like Twitter, or Alibaba. Internet giants: Unlike the likes of Google founders Larry Page (right) and Sergei Brin, or Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg (left), Wales isnt an internet billionaire Waless main commercial venture is Wikia, a free web hosting service for fan sites. It is popular and is ranked 98 by Alexa, the web analytics tool used to measure these things. Just how much money the business makes is unknown as Wikia is a private company and so doesnt publish its financial results. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, Wales now calls London his home, although he is used to travelling to Florida, where his teenage daughter from an earlier marriage is based, and San Francisco, home of Wikia. He is married to Kate Garvey, once diary secretary to Tony Blair when he was Prime Minister, and who, after leaving Number 10, went on to have successful career in public relations. He has described Garvey, his third wife, as the most connected woman in London. The couple have two young children aged two-and-a-half and four - and live in Notting Hill, an affluent part of west London that used to be home to David Cameron and his family. The TPO HQ is an office in Shoreditch, an area of east London on the City fringes that has been settled by Britains up-and-coming tech companies. Waless stubble doesnt quite match some of the splendid, almost Victorian beards sported by the skinny chino wearing, sockless, floral shirted male inhabitants of this oh so trendy enclave, but his tree-hugging credentials were recently enhanced when he became an independent director of the Guardian Media Group. Wales is a regular at the World Economic Forum, a get-together in the Swiss resort of Davos He is also a regular at the World Economic Forum, a get-together in the Swiss resort of Davos where heads of state can be found rubbing shoulders with the captains of industry. Wales has clearly picked a few tips from the politicians when asked about the pitifully small sums of tax paid by internet companies with large operations here in the UK. It is a public policy problem that companies arent paying, he says. Its not a level playing field; its not fair. I feel beating up on companies as long as they are following the law is a bit misguided. We should be asking the politicians to fix the problem. It seems about time we focused on this issue. Increasingly it is becoming an issue. If we see a UK-based business is at a disadvantage to a global business thats not healthy for the UK. Its not fair to anybody. Waless spare time is spent with his kids. Hes also an avid reader. His Wiki profile reveals hes a fan of Russian-American author Ayn Rand, who wrote 'The Fountainhead'. Success: Wikipedia is now the fifth most popular website in the world, Wales said Black History Month in the US prompted him to starting reading The Story of the Negro: The Rise of the Race from Slavery, by Booker T Washington, one of Americas early civil rights activists. 'War and Peace' might be next on the list once the BBC adaptation of the Leo Tolstoys epic concludes. I get so lost I keep thinking I should order the book. It would be remiss not ask one of the internets founding fathers what he reckons the next big thing will be. In fact, his answer is simple and straight to the point; its the device he is never without: the mobile phone. For me one of the most impressive trends is the rise of the really inexpensive smartphone, he explains. I think this is going to have a huge impact on the world, particularly the developing world. In the developing world in particular people are coming online for the first time using mobile devices. In cultures and societies where they have had limited access to information they suddenly have the entire world in their pocket. I think it is an amazing thing. Amazing too has been the growth and longevity of Wikipedia. Did he ever expect to morph into the worldwide success it is today? I always say Im a pathological optimist. So, I tend to think everything is going to be fine, says Wales. I remember in the early days looking at a list of the top 100 websites and seeing an encyclopaedia-style website at 50. I thought if we did a really good job we might get in the top 100. A leading figure in the drinks industry has said European Union rules have helped UK ginmakers to sell more than 2billion of the drink overseas since 2010. Gin exports last year totalled 421m, a rise of 46 per cent since 2010. While that total covers 139 countries, 45 per cent of it - or 189million - comes from the 27 countries of the EU. Speaking at the 2016 Ginposium, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association Miles Beale told ginmakers how the spirit is a 'significant beneficiary' of EU rules. EU a tonic for UK ginmakers? Seven of the top ten gin export markets by value are inside the EU; the other three countries are US, Canada and Australia. Mr Beale said: 'The great tradition of British gin making is supported by the EU, which defines how gin is made, giving it a distinctly British flavour. EU regulations covering gin are a force for good and have provided a springboard for the global and growing success of British gin. 'The high quality, inherent Britishness and simplicity have led to an explosion of new and innovative gins on the market. 'Thanks to the resurgence in cocktail making and a sprinkling of the Downton Abbey effect, British gin is now a growing global phenomenon.' His speech came after he had spent the morning with Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Damian Hinds, touring Chivas Brothers Beefeater distillery to discuss the risks to British gin if the UK left the EU. In a survey of WSTA members, 90 per cent of those who responded supported the UKs continued membership of the EU, 2 per cent were in favour of the UK leaving, and the remainder (8 per cent) were undecided or impartial. Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Damian Hinds said: 'The UKs gin industry is undergoing a remarkable renaissance with the rest of the world developing a taste for our world-leading gin. 'The message from industry voices and famous gin makers like Beefeater is clear; leaving the EU would hit exports hard and could apply the brakes to the gin boom. I believe that gin like the rest of our spirits industry will be stronger, safer and better off within a reformed EU.' Sainsbury's has apologised after one of its stores placed an advert calling for an artist to decorate the staff canteen for free. The store in Camden Road, north London, said it was looking for an 'ambitious artist to voluntarily refurbish our canteen'. It said the artist would gain experience in the creative industry while making 'a comfortable area for our employees to escape to'. The store in Camden Road, north London, said it was looking for an 'ambitious artist to voluntarily refurbish our canteen' The advert, placed in the latest edition of the Camden New Journal, sparked a backlash on social media. Artist Conor Collins posted a letter to the supermarket chain on Twitter after seeing the advert. He wrote: 'I am looking for a company worth 150,000,000 to feed all of my artist friends in Manchester.' In the post, he suggested the company 'take some of the millions you fork out to your CEOs and pay for someone to do work for you so that the concept of 'starving artist' wouldn't have to be a thing'. Paul Johnson Rogers, a British composer, tweeted that the store was 'disgusting' and 'should be ashamed'. The advert said the artist could 'bring their own style to transform our canteen into an environment that allows positivity and inner peace through the scopes of your imagination'. 'By crafting your ideas into a reality for our company, you are recreating what is originally a basic canteen to salvage the energy of our staff members.' Artist Conor Collins tweeted a photograph of the Sainsbury's advert for a volunteer to decorate a staff room A Sainsbury's spokeswoman apologised for the store's 'error of judgment' and said it was in talks with the store. 'We're discussing this with our store in Camden. The advert was placed in the local paper following a colleague discussion around ways to improve the canteen and offer an opportunity to the local community. Politicians in Texas, Arkansas and elsewhere have vowed defiance after the Obama administration asked them to let students use the bathrooms and locker rooms they prefer. A directive from the US Justice and Education Departments told public schools across the US on Friday to let transgender students use the facilities that match their gender identity. Parents of transgender students met it with tearful praise - but conservative leaders thundered against it and President Barack Obama. 'This is the most outrageous example yet of the Obama administration forcing its liberal agenda on states that roundly reject it,' Mississippi Republican Governor Phil Bryant said. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said during a news conference Friday in Dallas (pictured) Texas that the state is prepared to forfeit billions rather than let the Obama administration dictate restroom policy for its 5.2 million students The directive told schools across the US to let students use whichever bathroom they want. Hunter Schafer pictured posing with parents Katy and Mac on the front porch of their Raleigh, North Carolina home on Friday, is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against a state law requiring transgender people to use facilities corresponding to the gender assigned to them at birth The guidance came just days after the Justice Department and North Carolina sued each other over a state law requiring transgender people to use the public bathroom that corresponds to the sex on their birth certificate. The law applies to schools among other places. Supporters say it is needed to protect women and children from sexual predators but the Justice Department and others argue the threat is practically nonexistent and the law discriminatory. The guidance issued on Friday is not legally binding, since the question of whether federal civil rights law protects transgender people has not been definitively answered by the courts and may ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. But schools that refuse to comply could be hit with civil rights lawsuits from the government and could face a cutoff of federal aid to education. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said the state is prepared to forfeit billions rather than let the Obama administration dictate restroom policy for its 5.2 million students. 'We will not be blackmailed by the president's 30 pieces of silver,' he added. Rodney Cavness, superintendent of the Port Neches-Groves school district in Texas, told KFDM-TV: 'When I get that letter, I'll throw it away.' Similarly, GOP Governor Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas said schools should disregard the directive, which he derided as 'social engineering'. Governors and top leaders in other conservative states railed against the guidance but stopped short of telling schools to ignore it. 'The last time I checked, the United States is not ruled by a king who can bypass Congress and the courts and force school-age boys and girls to share the same bathrooms and locker rooms,' North Carolina Republican Senate leader Phil Berger said. And Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin said: 'It is difficult to imagine a more absurd federal overreach into a local issue.' 'We will not be blackmailed by the president's 30 pieces of silver,' Patrick (pictured) added Friday. The guidance is not legally binding but schools that refuse to comply could face a cutoff of federal aid to education However, Democratic Governors Peter Shumlin of Vermont and Jay Inslee of Washington praised the Obama directive, saying it was consistent with their own policies. 'I applaud the Obama administration for establishing policies that will better provide all our children an opportunity to thrive,' Inslee said. Officials from eight states West Virginia, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Maine and North Carolina have signed on to a brief in recent days asking a federal appeals court to re-hear a case in which it sided with a Virginia transgender student seeking to use the boys' bathroom. The new guidance says public schools must treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity, even if their education records indicate a different sex. Some school systems around the country already accommodate transgender students when it comes to bathroom use. Nearly half the high schools in the 53,000-student Seattle district have gender-neutral restrooms, and students can also use the bathrooms in the nurses' office, spokeswoman Stacy Howard said. The National School Boards Association has published guidelines for its members in dealing with transgender students. It stops short of telling them exactly what to do, instead advising them to work with their attorneys to determine the best course amid a 'shifting legal landscape'. Francisco Negron, chief attorney for the organization, said there is a 'disconnect' between what is happening in various states and what the federal government is demanding, 'and school districts are caught in the middle'. Tyler, whose 15-year-old transgender son goes to high school in Raleigh, said she cried when she heard about the Obama administration directive. 'It means a lot to our kid. People don't realize that these kids in schools weren't having any bathroom issues before,' she said. 'It's heartbreaking that these kids are losing their lives because they can't be accepted. Somebody has to speak for the kids.' Since the passage of North Carolina's bathroom law, Tyler's son has been doing his schoolwork under a special arrangement that allows him to take classes mostly from home. Before the new law, Hunter Schafer, 17, had no problems being accepted by her peers at the UNC School of the Arts, a residential high school in Winston-Salem where she has lived in the girls' dormitory. The school gave her her own private restroom in the dorm. With the passage of the law, Schafer said she found herself 'just having to decide do I break the law, or do I put myself in this highly uncomfortable or highly dangerous situation in the men's restroom?' Her father, Mac Schafer of Raleigh, was elated to hear the new guidance from the Obama administration. 'As a parent, some of your core instincts are protection for your child,' he said. 'To know that the federal government is pushing for respect and safe space and rights for Hunter is thrilling.' Supporters of North Carolina's state law say it is needed to protect women and children from sexual predators but the Justice Department and others argue the threat is practically nonexistent and the law discriminatory. Pictured, a self-portrait drawn by Schafer Responding to the growing discontentment of travelers across the country, Jeh Johnson of Homeland Security asked fliers to be patient as the government tackles a shortage of TSA employees. Travelers have endured security waits as long as three hours in the past few months, with some lines snaking through food courts and into terminal lobbies, causing irate passengers to miss their flights. Congress agreed earlier this week to shift $34 million in TSA funding to allow the agency to pay its existing staff overtime and hire an extra 768 screeners by June 15. Despite these efforts, Johnson said people should expect long waits in airports this summer. Scroll down for video Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, center, accompanied by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator Peter Neffenger, right, asked fliers 'to be patient' during a news conference on Friday Travelers have endured security waits as long as three hours in the past few months, with some lines snaking through food courts and into terminal lobbies, causing irate passengers to miss their flights (pictured, Chicago's O'Hare Airport on Thursday) Congress agreed earlier this week to shift $34 million in TSA funding to allow the agency to pay its existing staff overtime and hire an extra 768 screeners by June 15, but waits are seen as inevitable this summer 'Our job is to keep the American people safe,' Johnson told reporters at a news conference. 'We're not going to compromise aviation security in the face of this.' The TSA cut its airport screener staff by 10 percent in the past three years with the assumption the PreCheck program would speed up the process. But the program requires an $85 to $100 fee every five years, and applicants need to pass an interview before they are allowed to go through faster lanes, where passengers don't have to take off their shoes or remove laptops and liquids from their bags. This week, Congress agreed to shift $34 million in TSA funding forward, allowing the agency to pay overtime to its existing staff. The money will also go towards hiring 768 screeners by June 15 to bring numbers up to the congressionally mandated ceiling of 42,525. But that might barely make a dent on the lines.The agency loses about 100 screeners a week through attrition. And J. David Cox, the president of the union representing TSA officers, sent a letter to congressional leaders this week suggesting that a whopping 6,000 additional screeners are needed. With fewer staff, stricter security procedures, and a record number of fliers, the perfect storm has been brewing for months. Airlines have been warning customers to arrive at the airport two hours in advance, but with summer travel season approaching even that might not be enough. The TSA cut its airport screener staff by 10 percent in the past three years with the assumption the PreCheck program would speed up the process. Fewer people have enrolled than expected With fewer staff, stricter security procedures, and a record number of fliers, the perfect storm has been brewing for months Johnson said the TSA is working with airlines to enforce limits on carry-on bags and their size. Passengers often flout carry-on regulations to avoid paying the $25 checked bag fee most airlines charge, which only contributes to the problem. John Mica, a Florida Republican who sits on the House Transportation Committee, suggested the TSA should tailor screeners' schedules to fit the volume of passenger traffic, rather than conforming to shift schedules. Airlines and airports have hired extra workers to handle non-security tasks at checkpoints, like returning empty bins to the beginning of the line, as part of an effort to free up as many TSA employees. The help can't come quickly enough for travelers. Friday morning, American Airlines held at least five flights at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport because of passengers stuck at security lines, according to airline spokesman Ross Feinstein. On the 7.20am flight to Las Vegas, 52 of 160 passengers had not made it on board 10 minutes before departure. American Airlines held the plane an extra 13 minutes, but 29 people still missed the flight. With fewer staff, stricter security procedures, and a record number of fliers, the perfect storm has been brewing for months At Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, security lines peaked at one hour and 45 minutes on Thursday. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said: 'The longer lines get the more passengers are going to miss flights and there's not much you can do about that.' Enrolling in the PreCheck program may be the most efficient solution. PreCheck gives previously vetted passengers access to faster lines, where shoes, belts and light jackets stay on. Laptops and liquids stay in the bags and fliers go through standard metal detectors rather than the full-body scanners most pass through. PreCheck security lanes can screen 300 passengers an hour, twice that of standard lanes. The TSA's goal was to have 25 million fliers enrolled in the program. But as of March 1, only 9.3 million people were PreCheck members. Johnson Friday said that 10,000 people applied for PreCheck Thursday, up from 8,500 a day in April and 7,500 in March. Still, at that pace, it will take more than four years to reach 25 million members. Advertisement Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed to rebuild a town that has been ravaged by the wildfires in Alberta as he toured entire neighborhoods leveled by the out-of-control inferno. Trudeau was taken around Fort McMurray by fire officials after a helicopter fly-over of the region, which has been evacuated by 88,000 people. The still-raging blaze has torn its way through 241,000 hectares (596,000 acres) of woodland and towns in Alberta and continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate. The fire is likely to cost insurers upwards of C$6billion ($4.7billion), but Trudeau promised that the federal government would pour money into rebuilding Fort McMurray and other affected towns. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (pictured with Fort McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen) toured entire neighborhoods leveled by the Alberta wildfires Trudeau was taken around Fort McMurray after a helicopter fly-over of the region, which has been evacuated by 88,000 people Trudeau took a helicopter tour of the devastation caused by the wildfire that forced the evacuation of the city in Fort McMurray, Alberta Trudeau looked out of a helicopter window as he surveyed the horrendous damage inflicted on Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed by the wildfires which are still out of control in Fort McMurray and other parts of Alberta Families have been evacuated from the area, with 88,000 moved to temporary accommodation. Some will not have a home to come back to The still-raging blaze has torn its way through 241,000 hectares (596,000 acres) of woodland and towns in Alberta and continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate The inferno closed the extensive oil sands operations nearthe town and the effort to restart them is progressing slowly.The wildfire knocked out nearly half, or 1.07million barrelsper day, of Alberta's oil sands capacity. 'To the people of Fort McMurray: Know that even thoughthings may look difficult and uncertain and at times perhapsalmost hopeless, know that you are not alone. Canadians arestanding with you,' Trudeau said. 'There will be significant federal monies invested in thatcommunity as we rebuild,' he added. Ottawa runs a fund to help provinces recover from disastersand could end up paying 90 per cent of all eligible costs.Trudeau said the government would try to ensure the money waspaid out more quickly than usual. After the aerial tour, he was briefed on progress fightingthe fire, which has moved east of Fort McMurray into lessinhabited areas, and praised emergency officials for their'valor and courage' in preserving much of the town. 'The work you did to save so much of this community, to saveso much of this city and its downtown core ... wasunbelievable,' he said. Devastation: Prime Minister Trudeau praised emergency officials for their 'valor and courage' in preserving much of Fort McMurray Carnage: Trudeau and Fire Chief Darby Allen looked over a burnt out car as they wandered through the destroyed neighborhood Trudeau, right andAlberta Premier Rachel Notley hope to rebuild the town, but it could take weeks for people to start moving back home Fort McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley walked together during the tour of the town 'To the people of Fort McMurray: Know that even though things may look difficult and uncertain and at times perhaps almost hopeless, know that you are not alone. Canadians are standing with you,' Trudeau said. Ottawa runs a fund to help provinces recover from disasters and could end up paying 90 per cent of all eligible costs. Trudeau said the government would try to ensure the money was paid out more quickly than usual Trudeau has faced criticism in Alberta, a province that doesnot usually vote for his party, for waiting more than a week tosurvey the damage. He initially stressed he did not want hisvisit to interfere with firefighting efforts. 'I think it's a good thing he's coming,' said Fort McMurrayhousekeeper Maureen Pearce at a supply center for evacuees inLac La Biche, Alberta. 'I hope he provides more aid.' Many of the evacuees are living in temporary accommodationacross the province, while authorities work to restore power,gas, water and communications. Local officials say it will be 10 days before they can evenproduce a plan for resettlement as a number of small fires are still erupting. Rebuilding Fort McMurray 'is the work of years,' AlbertaPremier Rachel Notley said. Evacuees are collecting Alberta debit cards loaded withC$1,250 ($966) per adult and C$500 ($386) per dependent, as well as CanadianRed Cross aid of C$600 ($464) for each adult and C$300 ($232) for each child. Trudeau (pictured meeting police officers) has faced criticism in Alberta, a province that does not usually vote for his party, for waiting more than a week to survey the damage Trudeau initially stressed he did not want his visit to Alberta to interfere with firefighting efforts, which are still very much ongoing Local officials say it will be 10 days before they can even produce a plan for resettlement as a number of small fires are still erupting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau receives a briefing at the Regional Emergency Operation Centre during his visit to the area Pearce, who believes both her home and the hotel where sheworks survived the fire, said the emergency funds are helpful. 'But if we're going to be out of our homes for a month,we'll need more,' she added. The fire on Friday was about seven-and-a-half miles fromConocoPhillips' Surmont oil sands site, which is 39 miles southeast of Fort McMurray, and it had not advancedsince Thursday morning, spokesman Rob Evans said. He saidoperations would be on hold until Alberta allowed people to stayovernight at Surmont's camp. The inferno is a blow to Alberta's economy, which wasalready reeling from collapsing oil prices. But even so,portfolio managers see value in Alberta's government bonds,anticipating the province will rebound. A former sorority girl was found guilty of aggravated murder on Friday after she put her newborn daughter in plastic bag and threw her out in a trash can, where the baby died from asphyxiation. Emile Weaver, a former student at Muskingum University in New Corcord, Ohio, was also found guilty of abuse of a corpse and two counts of tampering with evidence. Weaver has not been sentenced, but she could face life in prison without parole. Weaver said she had been living in denial and was not aware she was pregnant despite her sorority sisters noticing she had gained weight, wore baggier clothing, and often held a pillow in front of her stomach months before the birth on April 22, 2015. She told investigators she gave birth on the toilet, left the bathroom to get a knife to cut the umbilical cord, and returned thinking the baby had died because it showed no signs of movement. But coroners ruled the baby was alive when it was placed in the bag. Weaver texted the man she thought was the father a few hours after the birth and said it had been 'taken care of' and that there was 'no more baby'. Days later, she went to a hospital in West Virginia with her mom saying she had a miscarriage, even though medical tests showed she had carried the baby to full term. Emile Weaver, (right) was found guilty of aggravated murder on Friday after she put her newborn daughter in plastic bag and threw her out in a trash can. She was a former student at Muskingum University in New Corcord, Ohio Weaver said she had been living in denial and was not aware she was pregnant despite her sorority sisters noticing she had gained weight, wore baggier clothing, and often held a pillow in front of her stomach months before the birth on April 22, 2015 The jury found Emile Weaver guilty of all four charges on Friday. She will be sentenced at a later date, and could face life in prison without parole for aggravated murder. Prosecutors revealed the baby's name, and told the Zanesville Times Recorder: 'We feel justice has been served for Addison Grace Weaver.' The 21-year-old, who showed no signs of emotion when the verdict was read in court, claimed the baby was dead when she disposed of it, and told jurors on Friday she lived in denial of her pregnancy. In a recorded interview with investigators played in court this week, Weaver admitted the baby was alive when she gave birth in the bathroom of the Delta Gamma Theta sorority house on April 22, 2015, the Zanesville Times Recorder reported. The 21-year-old pulled out the placenta and put her daughter on the bathroom floor before trying to clean up the mess, she recounted in the interview. When she returned to the bathroom after getting a knife from the kitchen to cut the umbilical cord, Weaver said: 'I thought the baby was gone'. Coroners ruled the baby was alive when she was placed in the bag and died from asphyxiation. Weaver notified the man she thought was the baby's father that she had gone into labor the night before, and told him the baby died of complications. Weaver (pictured left and right) claimed the baby was already dead, but coroners disputed this and found the baby had died from asphyxiation. Weaver was also found guilty of abuse of a corpse and two counts of tampering with evidence today A few days after giving birth, she told her roommate she had a miscarriage, and showed up at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, West Virginia with her mother. Weaver claimed she experienced cramps and found a four-inch long mass of tissue that 'looked like a baby' when she went to the bathroom. But medical tests found Weaver had carried a baby to term, according to the Zanesville Times Recorder. She was arrested and held on $1million bail after her sorority sisters found the baby tied in a plastic bag on the ground next to a large trash can outside their house the same night Weaver gave birth. Several members of the sorority testified on Wednesday saying rumors that Weaver was pregnant started in the fall of 2014. Although she denied their questions, students noticed she often held a pillow or stuffed animal in front of her stomach, they told the court. Muskingum County Prosecutor Michael Haddox argued that Weaver knew she was pregnant. He said: 'I don't want you to lie to me because I think you knew you were pregnant. I don't believe you went to the bathroom and had this baby and it was a complete surprise.' Weaver told the jury on Friday she didn't look at the pregnancy test results the campus health clinic had sent her, and despite questions posed by her sorority sisters, she lived in denial. She told the court on Friday: 'I said "no" so many times that in my mind, none of this was happening.' Weaver previously pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but a judge ruled that she was mentally competent to stand trial. This is the second time a student as Muskingum University has placed her newborn in a trash can after giving birth despite the state's Safe Haven law. Jennifer Bryant was charged in 2002 after she wrapped her newborn son in a blanket and placed him in a receptacle on campus The 21-year-old has sparked outrage within her community. Despite Ohio's Safe Haven law, this is the second time a student as Muskingum University has placed her newborn in a trash can. The law allows mothers to give up their babies anonymously if they are left at a fire station or with a police officer or hospital worker within 30 days of the birth. 'It's extremely hurtful,' said Dave Boyer, director of Muskingum County Children Services. 'What a hurtful tragedy to think that a newborn could be given a chance at a healthy, stable life by doing nothing more than saying, "I can't do this. Can you take her?" It's breathtakingly tragic.' Jennifer Bryant was charged in 2002 with child endangerment, involuntary manslaughter and abuse of a corpse after she wrapped her newborn son in a blanket and placed him in a receptacle on campus. Bryant, who claimed that she thought the child had been stillborn, pleaded guilty and was given a three year sentence. She served six months. China is planning to 'weaponize' the man-made islands it has formed in the disputed South China Sea, a Pentagon report claims. The Communist country has now claimed 3,200 acres of land in the contested region which the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all claim as theirs. The Defense Department said three of the man-made landmasses in the Spratly Islands now hold 10,000-foot-long runways, large harbors and even intelligence facilities. China's rapid expansion in the area will not give the country any territorial rights and only represents its attempt to aggressively reclaim the region, the report added. Scroll down for video China has deployed anti-aircraft missiles to Woody Island (stock) and the Pentagon have declined to release details about the increased reclamation in the Paracels or to provide concrete estimates in the Spratly Islands The country's focus has shifted to developing and weaponzing man-made islands in the South China Sea (stock) so it will have greater control over the maritime region without resorting to armed conflict The country is now said to be focused on enlarging and weaponzing the man-made islands so it control the area without ever having to resort to armed conflict. More than $5trillion worth of trade passes through the potentially energy-rich section of the South China Sea every year. Last year, the United States' military commander for Asia said China could eventually deploy radar and missile systems on its outposts, giving it the power to enforce an exclusion zone. China's ambassador to the United States responded by saying it was 'natural' that his country's reclamation work would include military defense facilities. Cui Tiankai said there 'should be no illusion that anyone could... repeatedly violate China's sovereignty without consequences'. Its actions in the South China Sea have continuously been described as 'aggressive' by Senator John McCain, chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. The Pentagon report released today said China's rapid expansion 'would improve its ability to detect and challenge activities by rival claimants or third parties'. The developments would also 'widen the range of capabilities available to China, and reduce the time required to deploy them'. China will significantly enhance their long-term presence in the South China Sea after reclaiming 3,200 acres of land. However China's building in the Paracels (stock) has not been included in its estimates The report also notes that China has continued to assert sovereignty over the East China Sea, including the Senkaku Islands (pictured), which are administered by Japan It said: 'China is using coercive tactics short of armed conflict, such as the use of law enforcement vessels to enforce maritime claims, to advance their interests in ways that are calculated to fall below the threshold of provoking conflict.' However China's presence in the Paracels, further northwest, in the contested Woody Island, has not been included in its estimates. China has deployed anti-aircraft missiles to Woody Island. The Pentagon declined to release details about the increased reclamation in the Paracels or to provide a more concrete estimate of the increase in building in the Spratly Islands. Chinese officials have defended the land reclamation by saying it is Beijing's territory, adding that the buildings and infrastructure are for public service use and to support fishermen in the region. It accuses the Philippines, Vietnam and others of carrying out their own building work on other islands. The report also notes that China has continued to assert sovereignty over the East China Sea, including the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan. Vietnam, China and Taiwan all claim the Paracels, and the three along with the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei claim all or parts of the Spratlys. China's island-building program and the Defense Department said that three of the land features in the Spratly Islands now have nearly 10,000-foot runways (pictured) and large ports in various stages of construction The U.S. says it takes no side in the territorial disputes, but supports freedom of passage through the areas in the South China Sea The U.S. says it takes no side in the territorial disputes, but supports freedom of passage through the area, which is one of the world's busiest sea lanes. China's island building, the report concludes, is designed to walk right up to but not cross 'the threshold of provoking the United States, its allies and partners, or others in the Asia-Pacific region into open conflict.' More broadly, the report says that China is steadily increasing its role and power around the world, while continuing to modernize and build up its military and inventory of ships, missiles and aircraft. Specifically, it notes China's plans to build its first overseas military facility in Djibouti to help support naval operations in the region. The report also repeats assertions by Defense Secretary Ash Carter that continued provocation by China may only improve U.S. relations in the Asia Pacific. The report said: 'China's increasingly assertive efforts to advance its national sovereignty and territorial claims, its forceful rhetoric, and lack of transparency about its growing military capabilities and strategic decision-making continue to raise tensions and have caused countries in the region to enhance their ties to the United States.' Other than their attempt to claim power over Islands in the South China Sea, plans to build its first overseas military facility in Djibouti to help support naval operations in the region has been started More broadly, the report says that China is steadily increasing its role and power around the world, while continuing to modernize and build up its military (stock) and inventory of ships, missiles and aircraft. U.S. officials have been increasingly concerned China's activities could be a prelude to enforcing a possible air defense identification zone over the South China Sea, similar to one it declared over disputed Japanese-held islands in the East China Sea in 2013. As noted in previous year's reports, China continues to target U.S. government and Defense Department computer systems through cyber intrusions. The report said that during 2015, China used its cyber capabilities to spy on the U.S. and steal information from computer networks. An Alabama university apologized publicly on Friday after discovering offensive T-shirts had been printed by a sorority, which said members initially failed to notice the racist illustration. The T-shirts depicted a map of Alabama marked with an array of images including an illustration of a black man holding a slice of watermelon to his mouth in the map's southeast corner. 'I was repulsed by the image,' Samford University President Andy Westmoreland said in an email to students and employees. 'I lack the words to express my own sense of frustration.' Scroll down for video Samford University in Alabama apologized publicly on Friday after discovering T-shirts depicting a black man eating watermelon (pictured) had been printed by the Alpha Delta Pi chapter at Samford Above a post appeared on Facebook with the images and a note saying the shirts also show slaves picking cotton and described the images as 'distasteful, disgraceful and most importantly racist' University spokesman Philip Poole said the shirts were ordered as keepsakes for the spring formal of the Alpha Delta Pi chapter at Samford. 'In selecting the T-shirt, we failed to focus on the specific images in the design,' Lauren Hammond, president of the sorority's Samford chapter, said in a statement issued through its national headquarters on Friday. 'We are horrified by our oversight. Had we recognized what the design details depicted, we would never have purchased the shirts.' Administrators are conducting a review that could lead to disciplinary action against the sorority at Samford - where the embarrassing disclosure came as students and faculty were celebrating graduations at the Birmingham campus on Friday. Hammond said sorority members have been told not to wear the shirts, which she said were being collected so they could be destroyed. SAMFORD UNIVERSITY APOLOGIZES AFTER OFFENSIVE IMAGE APPEARS ON T-SHIRTS PRODUCED BY ALPHA DELTA PI SORORITY University spokesman Philip Poole's statement in full: 'Samford University apologizes for the offensive image that appeared on T-shirts produced by the Kappa chapter of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. 'This is completely inconsistent with the university's mission and values. 'We are addressing the issue with our Alpha Delta Pi chapter and the international organization and with the vendor who produced the shirt. 'Despite the university's denial of the project through our normal review and approval process, the shirts were produced anyway. 'We will be following our procedures as quickly as possible to address this violation of Samford's values community.' Source: WIAT Karina Shaver, who identified herself in an email as a media representative for Alpha Delta Pi, said chapter members originally found the map image using a Google search. Poole said an employee of the campus Greek Life office found out the shirts had been delivered and alerted administrators on Thursday afternoon. In a statement apologizing for the shirts, Samford officials said the sorority ordered the offending T-shirts even after their design had been rejected when it was submitted to the university for approval. 'The shirt design absolutely contradicts the values of respect and dignity that our organization prides itself on,' said a statement from Alpha Delta Pi's national headquarters. 'We do not tolerate, and would never intentionally approve any design with racial stereotypes/overtones or any other offensive images or language.' This is the terrifying moment a man hangs treacherously onto a helicopter flying the dead body of a prominent businessman, whose murder has sparked an outcry in Kenya. The crazed man, named as Saleh Wanjala alias Sambaka, defies death as he grips tightly to the landing skis during a public viewing ceremony for the body, because he was desperate to catch a glimpse. In a moment of madness 28-year-old Saleh refuses to let go even when the helicopter drops to the ground, reports Kenyan news site Standard Digital News. Madness! This is the terrifying moment a man hangs treacherously onto a helicopter's landing skis in Kenya The pilot, also transporting the bereaved family, does not notice his unwelcome passenger until the public's noise attracts his attention. The body inside is Jacob Juma, a prominent and controversial figure who was murdered in obscure circumstances last week. After the video cuts out the pilot had to navigate through powerlines to save Saleh. He was finally dropped on the Bungoma airstrip, two kilometres away, where he sustained serious injuries on his forehead and legs. Bungoma County Commissioner Mohamed Maalim said Saleh had been admitted to Bungoma County Referral Hospital. He said: 'He is under police watch. He will be charged in court once he recuperates for endangering his life and that of the pilot.' Locals at the scene, on Friday May 13, expressed their shock at what they had seen. The crazed man, named as 28-year-old Saleh Wanjala alias Sambaka, defies death at Posta Ground in Bungoma Siboe Siboe said: 'He was showing us a unique style of mourning the fallen hero, but he went far by displaying his stupidity. That was dangerous.' While another witness, Pamela Mutoro, said the youth was a poor fellow who might have been trying to display his anger. It is thought that Saleh was desperate to see Mr Juma's body before he was flown away from Posta Ground in Bungoma after a public viewing. The helicopter is carrying Jacob Juma, an outspoken critic of the government who was slain in obscure circumstances last week Mr Juma was an outspoken critic of the government, and had even warned on Twitter there was a plot to assassinate him. He was murdered in Nairobi after a brutal drive-by shooting which left ten bullet holes in his vehicle. His death has sparked outrage in many sectors in the country, with Opposition leaders accusing the state of being behind the killing. Up and away: It is not yet known exactly why Saleh decided to disrupt the ceremony where Mr Juma was being flown away from Posta Ground in Bungoma after a public viewing The 43-year-old had enemies everywhere, and at his funeral service politicians rose to his defence. Senate Minority Leader Moses Wetang'ula said: 'I want to tell the IG (Inspector-General of Police) for free that the recent tweets of Jacob Juma can be taken as dying declarations and can be used as irrefutable evidence.' He later said there was a systematic diversion into investigations surrounding the killing which occurred on May 6. Saleh was finally dropped on the Bungoma airstrip some two kilometres away, where he sustained serious injuries on his forehead and legs The incredible footage of Saleh was uploaded on YouTube by David Fwamba, who wrote: 'This is ridiculous. tempting death.' A suicidal man opened fire on police in California last month after they were called to his home and it was all caught on CCTV. The dramatic footage was posted to the Orange County Sheriff's Department's Facebook page on Thursday to show the public the dangerous situations police find themselves while on the job. The video begins with officers pulling up to the home of suspect Robert Fee, 39. The officers park access the street from his home and get out of the vehicle. A suicidal man opened fire on police in California last month after they were called to his home and it was all caught on CCTV The video begins with officers pulling up to the home of suspect Robert Fee, 39. The officers park access the street from his home and get out of the vehicle and later duck when Free opens fire Arrested: Fee was charged with three counts of attempted murder of a police officer. He has no previous criminal record Suddenly the police were forced to duck for cover after gunshots started flying out of the open garage door. Police say they didn't return fire because they had trouble seeing how many people were in the garage. 'The deputies were unable to return fire due to poor sight lines and concern that they couldn't see who else may have been inside the garage,' says the post on the police's Facebook page. Fee eventually walked out of the garage with his hands and his assault rifle raised in surrender. Police instructed him to get on the ground in front of their car and they could be heard yelling orders at him to get down. Fee was charged with three counts of attempted murder of a police officer. He has no previous criminal record, according to CBS. Fee was taken into custody by mental health professionals. Police say they didn't return fire because they had trouble seeing how many people were in the garage Police are investigating the mysterious deaths of two people after their bodies were found at a house in Melbourne's north-east. The body of a 66-year-old man and the body of a woman, 71, were found at a property in Bulleen early on Saturday morning. The two are believed to have been brother and sister, The Age reported. Scroll down for video The body of a 66-year-old man and the body of a woman were found at a property in Bulleen in Melbourne's north-east early on Saturday morning Emergency crews were called to the house on Carrathool Street just after midnight. A crime scene has been established and the investigation has been handed to the Manningham Crime Investigation Unit. Crime investigation detective Snr Sgt Matt Russell said the alarm was raised by a family member in regional Victoria, the Herald Sun reported. 'One of the deceased was expected to be in the country region at a certain time last night. That hadn't occurred and enquiries were made,' he said. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection to the two deaths. Investigators remain at the scene and will prepare a report for the coroner. Think of Princess Anne, and a certain image comes to mind. The hair in that governess-style do. A stern expression with furrowed brow. In short, a most imperious princess. A world away, then, from the beaming, grandmotherly Anne who revealed herself last week at the Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire while playing with her third grandchild, Mia, daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall. Laughing, cracking jokes, pulling silly faces and stroking the mischievous-looking toddler's hair, Anne's affectionate joy towards her granddaughter, an adorable blonde poppet, was plain to see. Her mood was clearly infectious, as her affable second husband, the Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, took his own turn to playfully dangle Mia by the ankles and gently stroke her cheek. Princess Anne points at her granddaughter Mia Tindall as she is held by Autumn Phillips after watching Zara Tindall compete in the Cross-Country phase during day four of the 2016 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Now 65 nominally retirement age, which couldn't seem less applicable in the case of our hardest-working Royal Princess Anne seems to have found in grandmotherhood a joy and contentment that has always seemed to escape her. Previously snappy and chilly in public, she was once highly troubled by Zara's youthful drunken indiscretions not to mention her own brothers' various public and romantic embarrassments. Persistent rumours of an estrangement from her husband also dogged her. But today, Anne seems to have found true happiness. And like so many women her age, it has been largely derived from her grandchildren. One source tells me Anne is a fun-loving granny, who encourages her grandchildren Mia, two, and son Peter's daughters, Savannah, five, and Isla, four to make mischief. 'Anne loves to play games with them, the messier the better. Her influence on the little ones is clearly shown in the fact they're country girls who love getting filthy and mucking about.' Some of those games, of course, include horses. The love of all things equine, so endemic with the Royals, can be clearly seen in Anne's three granddaughters, and she encourages them all to ride. Indeed, Peter Phillips admits his girls have 'the horse gene'. Zara bought Savannah a Shetland pony when she was just two, and Isla now also has a Shetland. Mia, meanwhile, had been on a horse before her first birthday. Aside from horses, traditional games are the order of the day when Anne is babysitting: hide and seek, catch, sardines and peek-a-boo. Mia Tindall hugs her Grandmother Princess Anne's leg as they watch the Whatley Manor Gatcombe Horse Trials, Gatcombe Park, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire Members of the Royal Family attend as Zara Tindall competes on the Cross Country day of the Badminton Horse Trials, Badminton, Gloucestershire, UK There are also trips to the mechanical horses and merry-go-rounds, as well as ice cream treats when equestrian shows take place at Anne's home, Gatcombe Park, the 730-acre estate and part working farm with 18th-century manor house in Gloucestershire. But it's not just outdoorsy rough and tumble with Anne. Apparently, she loves nothing more than reading to them more Beatrix Potter than Harry Potter as yet and the girls are said to be gripped by their granny's tales. They also love the Velveteen Rabbit, thanks to it being Zara's favourite book her cousins William and Harry even read parts of it aloud at her wedding. In keeping with Anne's redoubtable personality, the source tells me 'she encourages her granddaughters to push boundaries such as jumping into a swimming pool or picking especially tricky hiding places. She's the very opposite of an over-protective granny. She also makes them hearty, organic, home-cooked meals and doesn't hesitate to reward the little one who clears their plate the best.' It's this mix of structure, fun and affection that makes her so adored by her grandchildren. Indeed, Anne, who relished her days as a young mother, is, perhaps, rather reliving those times with Mia, Savannah and Isla no doubt helped by Mia inheriting many of Zara's traits. The source says: 'Mia is so like Zara in temperament very self-willed. Dad Mike and Anne have to keep a close eye on her at equestrian events as she has a tendency to wander off to befriend dogs and tries to bring them home with her own brown boxer, Spey.' She was seen laughing, cracking jokes, pulling silly faces and stroking the mischievous-looking toddler's hair Princess Anne's husband Sir Timothy Lawrence holds Zara Tindall's daughter Mia joined by Autumn Phillips and her daughter Savannah (left), after watching Zara compete with High Kingdom in the Cross-Country phase during day four of the 2016 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Another source told me: 'Anne is hands-on as a grandmother, and the older they get, the more she will be. Riding lessons, sailing lessons; she'll instruct the girls in these things and more. She admires courage but is absolutely not afraid to discipline the girls with a sharp word.' It's all very much in keeping with how Peter, 38, and Zara, 34, were raised. Anne declined to give them titles or anything resembling a royal life, and made them help with chores from cooking to mucking out horses. While they were not smacked, Anne threatened them often. They were certainly never spoiled. Despite this no-frills upbringing, both Zara and Peter remain close to their mother. Indeed, Zara, Mike and Mia live in a seven-bedroom farmhouse, Aston Farm, in the grounds of Gatcombe Park right next door to Anne's home. So settled are Zara and her family here that they've completely refurbished the Grade II-listed building. It now includes a high-tech cinema, gym, games room and gun room. Peter and his wife, Autumn, at one point also lived in a cottage on Gatcombe. And until recently, even Anne's first husband, Mark, lived there, too. '[Gatcombe] is like a strange posh commune, with horses part of the family,' said one friend. Such is Anne's contentment that she's been open about her desire for more grandchildren. One source says: 'Anne's so keen on the role of grandmother she's not-that-jokingly encouraging Zara and Mike to hurry up and have another one.' So how have Anne and Zara gone from being rather at odds to bosom buddies? Grandchildren, again, go some way to answering the question. In the recent BBC documentary to mark the Queen's 90th birthday, Anne made the perceptive comment that a mother-daughter relationship often changes for the better once the daughter becomes a mother herself. 'You can become much closer as for the first time you understand what mothers have been doing,' she said. This would seem to be the case with Anne and Zara. While never openly at war, relations were certainly not easy, particularly when Zara was living out her wild singleton days. Anne was 'properly furious', according to one source, when police were called to a 'brawl' between a 19-year-old Zara and her then live-in boyfriend, jockey Richard Johnson. Princess Anne's husband Sir Timothy Lawrence holds Zara Tindall's daughter Mia, joined by Autumn Phillips, after watching Zara compete Princess Anne with Mike Tindall (left) and Autumn Phillips (right, light blue) after watching Zara Tindall in the Cross-Country phase during day four of the 2016 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Just as Anne has found a new ease in her relationship with her daughter, so it has been with her mother. The celebrations around the Queen's 90th clearly showed their closeness, as Anne was the one chosen to accompany HM in a particularly warm picture of the pair, her arm wrapped protectively behind the Queen, by photographer Annie Leibovitz. And in March, it was Anne who took her mother out to dinner with Princess Alexandra, at Bellamy's Restaurant in Mayfair a very rare visit to a restaurant by the Queen. Mother and daughter have much in common: independent, fearless, ferociously hard working, doughty and without a trace of self-pity. You can see why the Queen has come to rely on Anne's counsel in a way you could never imagine her doing with, say, the gaffe-prone Andrew. 'There are two things to know about Anne,' says a source. 'One is that duty comes before pleasure, hence she has had a go at Andrew many times and is a stern critic if anyone embarrasses the Queen she's got a short fuse. She's still close to Charles, and Edward to an extent, although Sophie is less comfortable with her. 'Secondly, she is a countrywoman. Her comfort zone is dog hairs, filthy kitchens, people who have a whiff of the earth about them. Little make up, lots of drive, that sort of thing. But none of that means she isn't loving or devoted to her mother or her family.' In the BBC documentary, Anne revealed herself to be more likeable than the tough equestrienne of the public imagination. Labelling herself a pessimist yet clearly a woman prone to laughter footage of herself 'horsing around' with Prince Charles at the Coronation and being reprimanded by their nanny prompted a strange outburst. 'Senior Nanny Lightbody who treated senior child in a very different way to the junior child. I don't think I'll go any further,' she said. Scottish Nanny Lightbody was fired in 1956 for strictness after overruling the Queen when she ordered a pudding for then seven-year-old Charles. Despite the fallout, Charles, who is two years older than Anne, continued to visit Nanny Lightbody in later life. One royal insider says: 'You cannot imagine the impact of being brought up by staff who openly regard you as the less significant sibling. For any child born after an heir it is a problem, but when that heir is a future monarch, it's as acute as it can be. 'Anne hated the pecking order and the formality. It's one reason she didn't want her own children to be part of it. But this week's pictures show how happy Anne is now. 'In her favourite milieu family and horses at last she is comfortable in her own skin.' Princess Anne with her granddaughter Mia and Mike Tindall after watching Zara Tindall in the Cross-Country phase during day four of the 2016 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Zara Tindall kisses husband Mike and daughter Mia after riding High Kingdom in the Cross-Country phase Anne might well have added in her interview that when grandchildren come along, not only does the relationship with mother and daughter change, but, in this case, daughter and stepfather, too. Vice Admiral Tim Laurence is now on a surer footing within the Windsor clan to Anne's relief and that's down to his closer bond with Peter and Zara, as well as his rather endearing delight in his new step-grandchildren. For there's no denying that Tim Laurence has been something of a royal outsider. Anne's children idealised their father, the unfaithful Mark Phillips, to the extent that Tim was somewhat inevitably excluded. But he did his best. As one source close to them tells me: 'Tim has been a supportive stepfather to Peter and Zara. And today he is a 'go-to' playmate for little Savannah and Isla. 'He loves a game with tiny toughie Mia who is more than a match for boisterous Prince George any day.' Indeed, with no children of his own, he seems as delighted by grandchildren as Anne is. It has no doubt helped he and Anne bond, too. For theirs has not been a straightforward union. One source says: 'It was generally held a few years ago that Anne was alienated from Tim and set to divorce him. Pleas from the Queen were listened to and no further action was taken. So, despite deliberately spending much time apart, the Laurence marriage chugs on, in much calmer waters than before.' They've formed a rhythm and show affection in their own way. Tim 'nicknamed Basildon Bond rather than James Bond by the other Royals', says a source loves making his wife martinis. 'The gin he favours for Anne is soft, no juniper, two parts gin to half a part of dry vermouth, ice, stirred and served in glasses from the freezer with olives and Sicilian lemon.' The past, however, isn't entirely forgotten. 'One mustn't forget Tim was equerry to the Queen. One of the most toxic memories among the Royal household was the Princess Margaret and Group Captain Peter Townsend affair. 'Since then, such romances were always viewed as crossing a line that should never be crossed; the family think it's predatory, other staff that it's social climbing.' Members of the Royal Family attend as Zara Tindall competes on the Cross Country day of the Badminton Horse Trials, Badminton, Gloucestershire, UK The source continues: 'Out of all the spouses of the Queen's children, he is the only one who's never done anything embarrassing. He's built his own successful career, rising much quicker in the Royal Navy than, say, Prince Andrew.' Tim has also been a military advisor and visiting fellow at an Oxford college and holds many lucrative director or consultant roles. He's now chairman of English Heritage, too, among other charity roles, for example at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. In other words, Fergie Anne's bete noir (she shares her father's view) he is not. In his charity work, Tim is like his industrious wife. Anne is patron of more than 200 charities and her visits, at over 500 a year, are constant. This week she has been to Bradford, Leeds, and London's Fishmongers' Hall for the Gibraltar Literary Festival, as well as Badminton. 'She shames the workshy Cambridges,' says one courtier. Happiness for the Laurences in these later years, it seems, comes in work and family. And so, in a few weeks' time, Anne and her quietly loyal husband will take off together, as they do every early summer, to sail around the Scottish Isles on their yacht, a 500,000 customised Rustler 44 called Ballochbuie (named after an ancient forest on the Balmoral estate). While at sea they'll visit lighthouses, just as Anne did as a child on the RY Britannia, where her husband was once an officer. It's an idyllic picture. And once home, it'll be back to Beatrix Potter and ice cream with their grandchildren. Mr Sunak he must now also choose a Cabinet to tackle a plethora of issues facing the UK, having earlier vowed to run No10 with 'integrity and humility' before warning of the 'profound challenges' to come. He faces a 40bn black hole in the public finances amid speculation he could delay the Halloween Budget, while his new Cabinet must also deal with skyrocketing energy bills and soaring inflation that has left families struggling amid a cost-of-living crisis. The new PM has vowed to appoint a Cabinet of 'all the talents' as he tries to foster party unity. He told MPs yesterday that he wanted his government to represent the 'views and opinions' from across the Conservative Party. It comes after his predecessor Liz Truss was accused of failing to appoint MPs from across the Tory spectrum when she entered office last month. She is now expected to take a break from politics after her turbulent premiership, friends believe. Mr Sunak is expected to bring back some Johnson loyalists, keep members of Ms Truss's team - and promote his allies. And there could yet be another return to frontline politics for Michael Gove. It was also reported last night that Dominic Raab could get the Home Secretary role. A man filmed the bodies of girls as young as 11 using a mobile phone hidden in a shopping bag with a spy hole. Brisbane District court heard Andrew James Emblem, 40, would talk with young girls and secretly film their legs and buttocks with a secret mobile phone. Emblem pleaded guilty on Friday to making a recording, in breach of privacy, and four counts of stalking, and will be sentenced on Monday. Andrew James Emblem, 40, pleaded guilty to filming the bodies of girls as young as 11 using a mobile phone hidden in a shopping bag The court heard that Emblem had held a phone under a changing room door at a Target in Westfield North Lakes and filmed a 17-year-old girl trying on underwear on May 2 last year. Emblem fled the scene after being spotted holding the phone by the teenager who alerted security the Courier Mail reports. The day after this incident, Emblem filmed an 11-year-old girl who had been shopping at a Kippa-Ring shopping centre with her grandmother. He hid the phone in a plastic shopping bay, filming the young girl's bottom and legs through a hole in the bag. Brisbane District court heard Emblem plead guilty on Friday to making a recording, in breach of privacy, and four counts of stalking. He will be sentenced on Monday Emblem filmed two 12-year-old girls that same day, in a different store in Peninsular Fair shopping centre, again using the hidden phone. A store attendant called security after spotting Emblem talking with the two girls Witnesses then caught him filming a girl, 13, at a DVD kiosk in the shopping centre, when he tried to escape. The Brisbane District court heard Emblem was stopped by a father who accused him of harassing his daughter and took his mobile phone and wallet, holding Emblem until police arrived. Emblem admitted to 'having a bit of a perve' according to Defence counsel Chris Minnery, but denied any sexual interest in children Emblem admitted to 'having a bit of a perve' according to Defence counsel Chris Minnery, but denied any sexual interest in children. Judge Suzanne Sheridan was told that since the incident the 17-year-old was afraid to leave her house. Muslim convert Gianluca Tomaselli (pictured), 27, allegedly travelled to Syria in 2013 to become a fighter A British jihadi who left his family to fight for Islamic State is working at an NHS hospital after returning to Britain. Leaked files exposing the terror groups network of recruits reveal that Muslim convert Gianluca Tomaselli, 27, allegedly travelled to Syria in 2013 to become a fighter. Despite links to a jihadi faction that encouraged other so-called Lions in the UK to take up arms in the Middle East, the father of two has been able to return from the battlefield to a comfortable life in Britain. Italian-born Tomaselli, who grew up in north London, is working as a parking attendant at a hospital in the capital. Colleagues at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, east London, where Tomaselli issues fines to visitors, said yesterday that they knew nothing about his journey to join the ranks of the barbaric group. The ease of his return, despite being known to MI5, will raise concerns about how closely the authorities are able to monitor home-grown extremists trained by IS. The security services have been under increased strain in recent years, with hundreds of Britons having reintegrated into society after stints with extreme groups in Iraq and Syria. Officials have warned that IS-trained extremists are plotting atrocities in the UK following attacks in Paris and Brussels. Tomaselli abandoned his wife and young children to travel to Turkey in 2013, telling some relatives he was trying to find work. Others thought he had gone on holiday. But a cache of IS documents revealing the personal details of thousands of the organisations members states that Tomaselli crossed the border into Syria in October of the same year, declaring himself a fighter. The document gives his date of birth, reveals that he attended university, and contains details about how he got into the war-torn country. Tomaselli is thought to have returned to Britain at the end of 2014 and to be living now with his wife and children in a council house in east London. He converted to Islam along with his two sisters when his mother married a Somalian man after separating from their father. But he became estranged from his mother and stepfather following a family fallout surrounding his wedding in 2010. Despite links to a jihadi faction (pictured) that encouraged other so-called Lions in the UK to take up arms in the Middle East, the father of two has been able to return from the battlefield to a comfortable life in Britain His mother, Stefana Graziano, said she was stunned by claims that her son had entered Syria and said relatives did not know how he developed an interest in radical Islam. Im under stress about this situation, I dont know anything about these things, she said. Sometimes he calls me but he left my house in 2010. Italian-born Tomaselli, who grew up in north London, is working as a parking attendant at a hospital in the capital Tomaselli has been linked to a group called Rayat al-Tawheed meaning Banner of God which is made up of British combatants and has close ties to IS. The British jihadi faction has posted a series of video messages issuing threats to attack Britain and America. Tomaselli bears a striking similarity to a fighter using the name Abu Abdullah al-Britani, a similar name to that on his entry in the leaked IS files. Abu Abdullah appeared in several propaganda videos wearing a balaclava and describing life in Syria whilst brandishing an AK-47. Tomaselli refused to comment when asked about his visit to Turkey and Syria and why his name appeared in the IS documents. He previously issued a statement saying that he was assisting the authorities. Tomaselli grew up in Camden where he attended the former South Camden Community School which was predominantly made up of Muslim children from immigrant families. Former neighbours described the family as good people. Last week it emerged that Ali Alosaimi, a Kuwaiti who trained as a Merchant Navy officer in Britain before travelling to fight in Syria, was also named in the files. A spokesman for Barts Health NHS Trust, which runs Whipps Cross Hospital, said: The safety of patients and staff is our number one priority, and we are seeking assurances from CP Plus (the car park operator) that individuals contracted to work at our sites are subject to the appropriate vetting procedures. CP Plus said: With all our employees we follow the correct employment protocols. We will co-operate fully with the authorities and help with any of their enquiries. Said cartel spent $1million on hunt and bought trio luxury cars as a reward against his own father at the trial A former Mexican policeman turned cartel scout and his cousin have been found guilty of helping to track down a rival leader before he was killed in a hail of bullets. Jesus Gerardo Ledezma Cepeda, 59, and Jose Luis Cepeda Cortes, 60, tracked Gulf cartel boss Juan Jesus Guerrero Chapa to a wealthy Texas suburb using high-tech spy equipment before he was murdered in broad daylight the town square in 2013. Cepeda and Cortes, who were working for the Beltran-Leyva cartel, are now facing life in jail after being convicted Friday following a dramatic trial which saw Cepeda's own son testify against him. Jesus Gerardo Ledezma Cepeda, 59, and Jose Luis Cepeda Cortes, 60, after facing life in jail after they were convicted of helping the Beltran-Leyva cartel hunt down Juan Jesus Guerrero Chapa During the case jurors were told of brutal cartel execution methods including one woman who was skinned alive in evidence so harrowing that one had to be excused due to stress. Jurors were told Cepeda's involvement with Beltran-Leyva cartel stemmed from his relationship with Rodolfo Villarreal Hernandez, known as 'El Gato' or 'the cat', the Dallas Morning News reports. Prosecutors claimed that Cepeda had been part of an organization called Grupo Rudo, or rough group, which was supposed to keep peace with cartels but actually protected Beltran-Leyva. Cepada was said to have operated on spying missions for El Gato for years, but the first evidence of his work came from 2010 following the arrest of fellow cartel member Alberto Mendoza Contreras, known as 'Chico Malo' or 'bad boy'. Cepeda's son, Jesus Gerardo Ledezma Campano, 32, testified that hunting for the rat that led to Malo's arrest was the first spying work he was involved with for his father. He told jurors that he was asked to place a GPS device on the car of the San Pedro police chief, who was eventually shot dead. Jesus Gerardo Ledezma Campano, 32 (left), Cepeda's son who has already admitted his part in the operation, testified that a gang member spent $1million tracking down Chapa (right), who was shot dead in 2013 After that killing El Gato asked Cepeda to help him track down Chapa, who had taken control of the Gulf cartel following the arrest of former kingpin Osiel Cardenas-Guillen, who was jailed in 2003. El Gato told Cepeda that he wanted Chapa dead in revenge for killing his father years before. Chapa was also a wanted man among various cartels, including Las Zetas, at the time after it was revealed he convinced Guillen to turn snitch. Guillen had been extradited to the U.S. in 2007 and was planning to fight fresh charges from the U.S. government, but was persuaded not to. Chapa was a wanted man after convincing his former boss, Osiel Cardenas-Guillen, to turn snitch after he was arrested Instead he agreed to inform on his former associates and had over $50million in cartel profits in return for a reduced 25-year sentence. The plot, and Chapa's involvement, was exposed in early 2010 by which time he had already moved to Texas and settled in the wealthy suburb of Southlake under an assumed identity. Cepeda enlisted the help of former telephone worker Cortes in order to help trace Chapa, who they tracked obsessively for two years. The men placed a GPS tracking device on the underside of Chapa's car in order to trace his movements, while spy cameras similar to those used in deer hunting were set up around his home and areas he frequently visited. On May 22, 2013, Cepeda and his son followed Chapa to Southlake town square where they watched him and his wife eat ice cream and do shopping while relaying their position to Gato. As Chapa climbed into the driving seat of his car, and his wife loaded shopping bags into the back, a white sedan pulled up behind them, blocking them in, and a masked gunman jumped out. The assassin walked up to the side of Chapa's vehicle where he pumped at least nine rounds through the driver's window, killing him. According to Campano, El Gato spent a total of $1million on the hunt and after Chapa was killed rewarded Cepeda with a luxury car and a hunting trip, adding that his death was celebrated with a huge party. While the driver and the gunman have not been found, Cepeda and Campano were arrested in 2014 while trying to cross the border back into Mexico. Chapa fled Mexico for this Texas mansion shortly after his scheme with Guillen was exposed in 2010, where he lived under an assumed identity until Cepeda, Cortes and Campano tracked him down Cortes, who was living in Texas on a green card, was later arrested at his home in Edinburg. Cepeda tried to claim he was forced into working for Beltran-Leyva after they threatened his family, while Cortes argued he was tricked into providing information that led to Chapa. However a jury swept those arguments aside and convicted them of interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder for hire. The pair are scheduled for sentencing in September and face a maximum of life in prison. Millions hoping to buy a home could be refused mortgages because banks are quietly increasing their credit card limits to encourage them to spend more. The Mail revealed last week how banks are luring customers into a debt binge with cheap loans and easy credit, including raising card limits without being asked. But experts say this could result in them being denied mortgages or having to wait longer while their applications are scrutinised, risking their home purchase falling through. Lenders often refuse mortgages to those deemed to have too much other credit. The amount varies between banks, but experts said it could be as little as 30,000 Lenders often refuse mortgages to those deemed to have too much other credit. The amount of credit borrowers can have available to them before it jeopardises their mortgage varies between banks, but experts said it could be as little as 30,000. Many major lenders are understood to be taking this hardline approach towards borrowers, according to industry insiders. Those likely to be hardest hit by the policy are customers whose credit card limits have been increased by their banks without them realising especially if a lender considers their application risky for other reasons, for instance if they are borrowing large amounts. Firms are allowed to increase credit limits as long as they give customers 30 days notice. Consumers are able to stop the increases from going ahead but many fail to do so. Two thirds of credit card customers have had their limit increased without requesting it, according to a study by the comparison website uSwitch. It found the average hike was 1,300 but one in ten have had more than 2,500 added to their limits. Justin Basini, founder of the credit reference agency Clear Score, said: Banks will have a figure for the amount of credit borrowers can have available to them before it raises red flags on a mortgage application. For example, someone might be at their banks available credit limit of 30,000, but if a credit card firm then hikes their card limit by another 5,000, it could trigger the bank to look at their mortgage application again. Marc Gander, co-founder of the campaigning Consumer Action Group, said: It is disgraceful and totally irresponsible that banks are telling people to take on more debt without paying any regard to the impact to their financial plans, for instance if they want to take out a mortgage. Bank of England figures show households across the country are falling a total of 61million further into debt every day. Many major lenders are understood to be taking this hardline approach towards borrowers, according to industry insiders While customers are bombarded with easy credit card offers, mortgage firms must abide by tough lending rules set down by the City watchdog. They must closely investigate the finances of potential borrowers, considering how much credit they have available, as well as their level of debt. This information is fed into a computer to decide whether to approve the customer for a loan. If an applicant has too much credit available or is in debt, or is viewed as risky for other reasons, their case will be examined in greater detail by the bank a process that could take weeks. David Hollingworth, of the mortgage broker London and Country, said: How much credit you have at your disposal could be enough to mean someone is turned down for a mortgage if their application is touch and go in other areas. For instance, lenders could be concerned you might use your credit card to kit out your home out with loads of 50in TVs but then not be able to afford your mortgage repayments. A judge in Peru has ordered Scottish drugs mule Melissa Reid to be sent back to Britain after three years in prison but she faces an anxious 72-hour wait to find out if prosecutors are planning to appeal against the expulsion order. Magistrate Ana Zapata Huertas granted an expulsion order for the 22-year-old, officially known a 'special country departure benefit for sentenced foreigners'. Reid, 22, from Lenzie in Scotland, was arrested along with her friend Michaella McCollum, from Dungannon, Northern Ireland, at Lima airport in August 2013 while trying to smuggle 24lb (11kg) of cocaine to Spain. A judge in Peru has ruled that Scottish drugs mule Melissa Reid (pictured, in white top) can be sent back to Britain as a free woman McCollum was released from prison in March but has been told she must stay in Peru for six years while on parole. She has 'found God' and is working as a volunteer for a charity. Ms Zapata said Reid had 'shown remorse for the crime committed' and had shown her 'intention to be re-inserted back in society' in a court hearing last month. In a statement the court said the British Embassy would be informed so procedures could be made for her to return to the UK. Melissa Reid (centre, left) and Michaella McCollum Connolly (centre, right) are pictured after their arrest at Lima airport in 2013 But it could be up to a month before Reid can board a plane home. Reid is expected to be moved from the tought Ancon 2 prison outside Lima to a holding facility next week until she can fly home. Ms Zapata said Reid, who has served a third of her sentence, could be released as it was her first offence and she carried out work while in prison and had paid a fine of 2,087. Michelle McCollum (pictured) has undergone a dramatic makeover since being released from prison in March. She will have to stay in Peru for six years and is working as a volunteer for a charity Reid applied to be released following a 2014 law - designed to reduce Perus prison population - which allows for first-time foreign offenders to be released after less than seven years in jail. The initiative, which foreign convicts can apply for once they have served a third of their jail term, has been branded an expulsion programme. Under the terms of the law, applicants have to secure the permission of their prison director before applying to the judge in charge of their case. Ms Zapata said Reid (centre) had 'shown remorse for the crime committed' and her 'intention to be re-inserted back in society' in a court hearing last month Father Sean Walsh, a priest who has made pastoral visits to both women in jail, described Reid as 'serious-minded' and said she had been studying. 'She gave a very good impression and has learnt a lot from the experience,' he told The Daily Mail. The women, who flew to Peru from Ibiza where they had been working over the summer, insisted after their arrests they were coerced into becoming drugs runners by an armed gang that kidnapped them. Melissa Reid (right), 22, from Scotland, and Michaella McCollum (left), 23, from County Tyrone, were both imprisoned for six years and eight months in August 2013 Melissa's parents, energy company manager Billy, 55, and National Grid administrator Debra, 54, backed them but admitted a month after their arrests a guilty plea was the best course of action. Mrs Reid said: 'She was definitely carrying the drugs in her luggage. That's for sure.' In 2013 the UN said Peru had overtaken Colombia as the world's biggest cocaine exporter, with much of the drugs heading for Europe, via Spain. Father Sean Walsh, a priest who has made pastoral visits to both women in jail, described Reid as 'serious-minded' and said she had been studying. 'She gave a very good impression and has learnt a lot from the experience,' he told The Daily Mail. Last year, Peru brought in laws that allowed overseas prisoners to apply for expulsion to help ease chronic overcrowding. Convicted drugs traffickers, who make up the largest sector of Peru's foreign prison population, were included in the new law, which government officials presented at the time as a valuable cost-cutting exercise. Previously Reid's legal team had applied for a transfer back to the UK under the Prisoner Transfer Agreement which has existed between the UK and Peru since March, 2003 But a series of strikes and backlogs in local courts have held up the new law and Reid's family had been seeking other ways to bring her back to the UK. Previously Reid's legal team had applied for a transfer back to the UK under the Prisoner Transfer Agreement which has existed between the UK and Peru since March, 2003. The 'Special Benefit to Leave' law was approved in Peru's Congress in August 2014 but it has been granted to very few inmates, says a source in the Peruvian judiciary. Under the agreement Britons can opt to serve 50 per cent of their time in the UK after serving 30 per cent in Peru. It would have seen Reid being forced serve out the remainder of her sentence in Scotland. Police have begun obtaining material about business minister Anna Soubrys (pictured) election spending amid amid wider claims that tens of thousands of pounds were wrongly declared and rules broken Tory chairmen Lord Feldman and Grant Shapps personally approved rules on how the partys controversial election spending was managed, it has emerged. Leaked documents show how the party instructed its local campaign teams to handle declarations around the so-called Battlebus campaign. Ten police forces have now launched probes into election spending, amid claims that tens of thousands of pounds were wrongly declared and rules broken. The leaked emails make clear the arrangement had the personal sponsorship of Mr Shapps and was signed off by Tory campaign chief Lynton Crosby, deputy chairman Stephen Gilbert and Lord Feldman and was supported by Lord Feldmans sister Deborah, who works at Tory HQ. Published by the Guido Fawkes website, they said the cost of hotels and Battlebuses would be accounted for out of central campaign spend. They also pointed out transport within constituencies was not included. For legal reasons the Battlebus cannot ferry people around the seat, one email said. An investigation by the Daily Mail and Channel 4 News has already revealed accommodation costs of activists bussed around the country by the Tories to campaign in key seats were recorded as national rather than local expenses. Last night Channel 4 News reported how Nottinghamshire Police have begun obtaining material about business minister Anna Soubrys election spending. It said the force plans to go to court to apply for a time extension so it can continue looking at the expenses returns of the Broxtowe MP, along with those of Sherwood MP Mark Spencer. The leaked Battlebus emails take the scandal to the heart of Tory central office and suggest that key figures were conscious of spending rules. Only weeks ago, Mr Shapps denied he had a role in ensuring compliance. Deliberate breach of spending limits by individual candidates usually around 15,000 is a criminal offence punishable by a fine or even a one-year jail term. To secure convictions, police would need to prove a deliberate attempt to dodge rules or hide cash. Any MP found guilty would be barred from holding public office for three years, triggering a new election. In theory, the Tories could lose their 12-seat majority if cases are proved. Tory officials have admitted the party failed to declare some 38,000 worth of hotel costs for activists to the Electoral Commission. They denied wrongdoing and blamed an administrative error. This week the party faced a court order from the watchdog for failing to hand over paperwork linked to the probe. Tory chairmen Lord Feldman (left) and Grant Shapps (right) personally approved rules on how the partys controversial election spending was managed, it has emerged After the order was produced and as the Prime Minister attended an anti-corruption summit in London the party supplied the documents. The emails emerged as a fresh complaint was made about Tory spending during last years election campaign. Former Lib Dem MP Adrian Sanders demanded Devon and Cornwall Police investigate letters sent in David Camerons name to voters in Torbay. Mr Sanders told the BBC the letters should have been classed under local spending limits because they mentioned the name of the constituency. One said: The only way you can stop Ed Miliband and the SNP taking us back to square one is to vote Conservative here in Torbay. A Tory Party spokesman said that the letters were rightly classed under national spending because they made absolutely no reference to any individual candidate. Last night Miss Soubry issued a tweet denying any probe into her spending. But Nottinghamshire Police confirmed it was awaiting documents, saying: When we have had access to that material we will be able to determine whether an investigation should be conducted. Oxford and Cambridge are boosting their coffers by admitting hundreds more lucrative foreign students than poor British teenagers. New figures show the elite universities took almost three times as many foreign students to undergraduate courses as they did disadvantaged home students last year. Almost 1,400 students were recruited from abroad, in comparison with only 613 British students from low-income homes. New figures show the elite universities took almost three times as many foreign students to undergraduate courses as they did disadvantaged home students last year Around 60 per cent of the overseas students were from non-EU countries, allowing the universities to charge them much higher fees. While UK and EU undergraduates only pay 9,000 per year, non-EU undergraduates attending Oxbridge can end up paying more than 40,000 a year. The findings come as universities across the country continue to look to rich foreign students to make up shortfalls in funding. At the same time, campaigners warn not enough is being done by top universities to attract bright students from deprived backgrounds. In the 2014/15 academic year, Oxford took 263 first-year undergraduates from households with incomes of less than 16,000 the governments key indicator of deprivation. In that same year, the university took 246 students from the EU and 370 from non-EU countries. Meanwhile, at Cambridge, there were around 350 low-income British students in comparison with 310 EU students and 445 non-EU students. The two universities took 1,371 between them from other countries 556 from the EU and 815 from outside the EU. It meant there were around 200 or a third more lucrative non-EU undergraduate students than poor Britons. Almost 1,400 students were recruited from abroad to Oxford (pictured) and Cambridge, in comparison with only 613 British students from low-income homes The figures emerged from analysis by the New Schools Network, which receives government funding to advise those setting up free schools. They said many free schools in deprived areas had been successful in helping youngsters to enter university. Non-EU undergraduates at Oxford pay between 15,295 and 22,515, with an additional college fee of 7,135. At Cambridge, non-EU students pay between 15,816 and 38,283, with college fees of between 5,670 and 7,980. Two years ago, Andy Hamilton, the former vice-chancellor of Oxford, put the actual annual cost of laying on an undergraduate degree at around 16,000. Many experts say foreign students are crucial to making up shortfalls in budgets, cross-subsidising students who are paying less. A recent discussion paper for the London School of Economics Centre for Economic Performance found that the fees paid by growing numbers of overseas postgraduates studying in the UK have helped to subsidise additional places for domestic learners. The report, Paying Out and Crowding Out? The Globalisation of Higher Education, estimated that every additional non-EU postgraduate on a course at a UK university creates an additional place for one domestic student. Oxford and Cambridge said ten per cent of their UK students came from households with incomes of under 16,000 a year - the key eligibility criteria for free school meals. Many experts say foreign students are crucial to making up shortfalls in budgets, cross-subsidising students who are paying less. Pictured: A student at Cambridge They said the free school meal data did not give a full picture as it only captured the very poor when others on middle incomes were also disadvantaged. Both universities have a number of programmes to encourage disadvantaged students to apply and offer bursaries to those with financial issues. In order to keep their government funding, they are obliged to prove to the Office for Fair Access that they are doing enough to encourage applicants from poor homes. A Cambridge spokesman said: The biggest single factor affecting entrance to highly selective universities is prior attainment. We work hard to raise aspirations among disadvantaged groups and to improve their access to Cambridge and higher education in general. But universities cannot solve these problems alone. Low attainment at GCSE and A-Level is caused by complex socio-economic factors which take root in a students earliest years and are compounded at every stage of their school life. An Oxford spokesman said it had defined its own target groups based on educational, social and economic disadvantage, and numbers from these groups were on the rise. They added: More than 34 per cent of the UK candidates we currently accept are from one or more of our target categories (this compares to 31.5 per cent in 2010). As part of our significant outreach work, Oxfords Education Deanery also targets and supports numerous local state schools and students. Nick Timothy, director of the New Schools Network, said: When criticised about fair access, universities understandably point to the lack of high quality candidates coming through our schools. By setting up free schools, universities can help address this and improve access to higher education for disadvantaged students. Public schools have long had a stranglehold over Oxbridge, with the 30,000-a-year Eton College sending 82 pupils there in 2014. Top universities also have less chance to consider applications from deprived students students not in receipt of free school meals are more than twice as likely to apply to university. Justice Secretary Michael Gove, endorsed new rules to call convicts 'men' instead of 'prisoners' and refer to the cells as rooms Norman Stanley Fletcher certainly would have approved. For prison governors have been told officers should knock on the door before entering an inmates cell as a basic courtesy. They should also call convicts men instead of prisoners and refer to the cells as rooms. The new politeness rules have been endorsed by Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who said they would help rehabilitate offenders. They were the brainchild of prison governor Russell Trent. Mr Gove said: When it comes to governing prisons, Mr Trents instincts are right. The ex-Royal Marine runs HMP Berwyn in North Wales. As it is an all-male prison, the issue of how to refer politely to female prisoners has not been addressed. The new rules are a far cry from 1970s sitcom Porridge in which Ronnie Barker, as Fletcher, had his life dictated by strict warder Mr Mackay. Mr Gove announced the guidelines in a speech to prison chiefs this week, which was published last night. He also said more inmates will be given day release from prison as part a new rehabilitation drive. And he wanted to make it easier for criminals considered a danger to the public to be released. Mr Gove has made it his mission to reform jails in England and Wales in an effort to turn thousands of offenders into honest citizens. However he has sparked the ire of Right-wing Tory MPs, who condemn his reforms as soft justice. In his speech to prison governors, Mr Gove told the audience they would have more control over which inmates would be allowed out temporarily. Two years ago, his predecessor Chris Grayling drastically limited release on temporary licence after released inmates carried out a string of horrific crimes. Releases have fallen 40 per cent since. In 2013, a killer given day release went on to murder a Good Samaritan. Ian McLoughlin stabbed to death Graham Buck, 66, while away from HMP Spring Hill in Buckinghamshire, on temporary licence. The following year armed robber Michael Wheatley, dubbed the Skull Cracker, raided a building society after fleeing when he was let out. Mr Gove has made it his mission to reform jails in England and Wales in an effort to turn thousands of offenders into honest citizens, but he has sparked the ire of Right-wing Tory MPs, who condemn his reforms as soft justice But Mr Gove insisted that temporary release was not a soft option and would help inmates prepare for leaving prison for good. He said it would be wrong to allow a very few high-profile cases to distract us from the [schemes] long-term advantages for society. It can only enhance public safety if prisoners can gain experience of work and life on the outside prior to full release, he said. Learning how to conduct themselves properly and contribute effectively so they can integrate back into society. Mr Gove also announced a review of inmates on indeterminate sentences for public protection. Introduced by Labour, these forced prisoners to prove it would be safe to let them walk free by completing courses before they could leave jail. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver was thrilled when his campaign for a Government-imposed sugar tax came to fruition earlier this year, but I can reveal that his success has left a bitter aftertaste with his illustrious TV rival, Marcus Wareing. Im not getting behind the Governments sugar tax. I think its a great gain for the Government but no gain for anyone else, fumes the two Michelin-starred chef. Its like petrol when the prices go up, do you stop putting petrol in your car? No! When it goes down, you put the same amount of petrol in. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver was thrilled when his campaign for a Government-imposed sugar tax came to fruition earlier this year - but not everyone is impressed Wareing, who is a judge on the BBCs MasterChef: The Professionals, adds: So with the principle of sugar tax, eventually youll just forget about it and there will be another expense for the public. 'Where does that money go? Were hoping it will go into the NHS, but we wont know. Oliver argued for a tax on sugary drinks in front of the Health Select Committee last October, and was delighted when Chancellor George Osborne included it in his Budget in March. Of the plan, which comes into effect in 2018, Oliver said: Business cannot come between our kids health. Our kids health comes first. Marcus Wareing, who is a judge on the BBCs MasterChef: The Professionals, pictured with his wife Jane at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards But Wareing, who was speaking to me at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink awards, argues that responsibility should lie with the parents not David Cameron. People need to wake up. Its not the Governments job to teach us. MENTIONING NO NAMES... Which leading politician rents out a house in South London but has not declared it on the Register of Members Interests? 'Were human beings, we can read and write, lets not blame the Government. Im sorry but I dont buy into all that s***. 'If I see someone walking down an aisle in a supermarket and they fill their trolley full of c***, thats not David Camerons problem. If that person buys and eats that, thats their problem. There are only two people to blame for the obesity crisis: mum and dad. Its up to them to teach their children how to eat properly and take care of themselves. Now the Queen has won a 50 Tesco voucher at Windsor Horse Show perhaps shell seek advice from Lady Dufferin. When Lindy Dufferin was trying to sell yoghurt from her familys farm at Clandeboye in Northern Ireland she was asked by Tesco what were its main selling points. How would I know? said her ladyship, a Guinness heiress who is an accomplished artist. Ive never been shopping. Portly Prince could take tips from Fergie... Has Prince Andrew enjoyed too many lavish state dinners on the trot? The Duke of York displayed a portly figure during day three of the Royal Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Castle this week. The Duke of York displayed a portly figure during day three of the Royal Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Castle this week Royal-watchers whispered that the jowly Prince, 56, could do with going up a couple of collar sizes in his tailored Turnbull & Asser shirts. Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett said he will lead the government to the next state election despite a record deficit and a disastrous result in the latest opinion poll. The WA government unveiled an unprecedented $3.9billion deficit for 2016/17 in Thursday's Budget, the with debt expected to hit $40billion in 2018/19. A Newspoll this week revealed Mr Barnett's personal popularity had slumped to a record low as Labor extended its lead over the Liberals, but the premier remains confident he will lead the party to the March election. Scroll down for video Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett said he will lead the government to the next state election despite a record deficit and a disastrous result in the latest opinion poll The Newspoll, which was published in The Australian, shows Labor is ahead of the government by 54 per cent to 46 per cent in two-party-preferred terms. Labor leader Mark McGowan leads Mr Barnett as preferred premier 46 per cent to 32 per cent with 22 per cent undecided. But Mr Barnett insisted that if anyone was dissatisfied with his performance they would tell him. A Newspoll this week revealed Mr Barnett's personal popularity had slumped to a record low as Labor extended its lead over the Liberals, but the premier remains confident he will lead the party to the March election Mr Barnett (pictured) told reporters on Friday: 'If any member was dissatisfied with my leadership or thought they should be leader or could do a better job they would come and talk to me about it' 'If any member was dissatisfied with my leadership or thought they should be leader or could do a better job they would come and talk to me about it,' he told reporters on Friday. 'They're all my friends. No one has raised the issue with me at all.' Mr Barnett said winning a third term was a tough ask but his government could still campaign on its economic record, which he described as 'pretty damn good' despite record debt and deficit. 'We've got a higher level of debt than we want but it is manageable,' he said. 'Because we tend to have a volatile economy, people tend to exaggerate the good times and exaggerate the bad times. Treasurer Mike Nahan (pictured) said he had not heard rumblings about backbenchers agitating for a spill. 'There is not a single area of public policy where we have not excelled.' Treasurer Mike Nahan said he had not heard rumblings about backbenchers agitating for a spill. Dr Nahan said he was 100 per cent confident in Mr Barnett's leadership and 'definitely' ruled out any interest in the top job or the deputy premier role. She approached an end-of-life clinic and is now on the waiting list Her mental state has worsened and she now wants to die by euthanasia A woman called Jackie, 45, has been placed on a Dutch euthanasia clinic's waiting list after approaching them because she was haunted by horrific memories and wanted to die She is a conventional mother who enjoys life with her two children and husband in a farming town 100 miles away from Holland's razzmatazz capital of Amsterdam. Helena waves her youngsters off to school every morning, puts their dinner on the table at night and strongly values the importance of her close-knit family. The 40-year-old's gentle lifestyle could not be further removed from the euthanasia industry which has given Holland a notorious reputation all over the world. The latest figures show that last year 5,516 Dutch people including children were legally killed by lethal injection administered by doctors trained to do the task with rapid efficiency. Helena is now dealing with the revelation that her sister Jackie wants to die by euthanasia, too. This follows a traumatic childhood experience when she was sexually abused at five years old and developed depression as a result. Haunted by the horrific memories, 12 years ago Jackie became so ill that she quit her job as a manager in the pharmaceutical industry. As her mental state got worse, she tried to commit suicide by overdosing on pills and was only saved after being taken to hospital. Brutal electric shock treatment prescribed by psychiatrists to stop the depression didn't work. Next, Jackie went to numerous mental health clinics but none could find a cure. Her GP could do nothing more. As her depression worsened, she stopped talking, even to her own family. Slipping into this silent world, her physical strength sapped, too, because she lay in bed and rarely went out. Now she can take only a couple of steps on her own and relies on a mobility scooter if she makes a rare trip out with family or friends. Helena told the Mail: 'Jackie is only 45 but dearly wants to die. Our family believes she must be allowed to do so. She approached an end-of-life clinic and it has put her on the waiting list for an appointment. 'Her mood has brightened since. She knows there is an end in sight to her suffering and this has given her comfort.' Jackie's tragic story emerged after her family put a message on Facebook this week sympathising with a very similar case to her sister's. A Dutch woman, in her 20s, last year opted for euthansia after developing mental health problems brought on by having been sexually abused as a young girl. According to the Dutch Euthanasia Commission, which monitors the mercy killings, the woman was suffering from a litany of ailments: 'incurable' post-traumatic stress disorder, 'therapy resistant' anorexia, suicidal mood swings, tendencies to self-harm, hallucinations and chronic depression. Psychiatrists could find no permanent cure. The woman also became almost entirely bedridden and told doctors that her life was 'unbearable'. They then agreed to give her a lethal injection after a team of independent consultants ruled that she was competent to make the decision to end her own life. Details of the controversial case were released by the Dutch authorities this week in an effort to prove to critics of the country's liberal euthanasia laws that doctors only carry it out under strict guidelines. The process involves a patient submitting a request to die to a doctor who, in turn, must agree they are in a medically hopeless condition, suffering 'unbearably', either physically or contentiously mentally. Above all, they must have no hope of improvement. The request then goes to an ethics committee which makes a decision, normally within a week. This is a photograph of a euthanasia clinic in The Hague. Euthanasia laws were introduced in the Netherlands in 2002. In 2015, there were more than 5,000 euthanasia deaths Currently, 4 per cent of the 140,000 or so deaths a year in Holland are the result of doctor-assisted suicide and the tally is rising. In particular, increasing numbers of Dutch people with mental illness demand euthanasia. In 2010, two people with such conditions had their lives ended with the figure increasing to 56 last year. Of those deaths, 36 were conducted by doctors from Amsterdam's End Of Life clinic which has a lengthy waiting list and sends mobile euthanasia teams across Holland to help patients die in their own homes. The clinic is run by Steven Pleiter, the former European director of an American IT company, who told me in Amsterdam this week: 'One of the reasons the clinic was set up was to help the 'forgotten ones' who wish for euthanasia but get denied it. 'This is a huge group: those with dementia, the elderly with no clear medical diagnosis and those with psychological problems.' Soft-spoken and with the air of a doctor (despite his non-medical background), Pleiter says his clinic had 1,234 applications for help last year, a third of them from people with psychiatric problems. Significantly, many of the mentally-ill patients had already been rejected for euthanasia by their own GPs. He explained: 'If someone has cancer and the prognosis is poor, doctors will shorten their suffering by euthanasia. 'But if you cannot see what a patient is dying of, or know when they will die it could be many years ahead if the person is mentally ill then the doctors find it more difficult to decide whether to end a life.' So Pleiter's team offers to fill this gap. He got into the right-to-die business when his mother suffered a stroke at 80 and was left paralysed down one half of her body. She had always told him that if such an eventuality happened, she wanted to be helped to die. Her son could do nothing to fulfil that wish, and she struggled on for another four difficult years before getting pneumonia and passing away. The memory stays with him. 'What our clinic provides is a miracle for some people,' he says. 'They are always very eager when the moment to die comes. The doctor comes in and says it is the time. They find it is a big relief to let go because it is the end of their suffering.' After the clinic opened in 2012, its first psychiatric patient was a 54-year-old woman who had mysophobia (a pathological fear of germs or dirt). She, like other End Of Life patients, was killed at home after first being injected with a strong sedative and then a muscle relaxant which stops the heart. Gerty Casteelen, one of the clinic's psychiatrists, conducted eight hours of interviews with her before deciding that she really wished to die. 'It was a long process', the medic recalls. 'I came to understand that her fears completely controlled her life. 'All she could do all day was clean. It was impossible for her to maintain a relationship. Her whole development had stalled.' The patient wanted to die in the evening, at 11 minutes past eight, in her own home. (She chose the very precise time for reasons she kept to herself.) HOW THE LAWS ON DYING DIFFER Netherlands: Euthanasia laws were introduced in 2002. In 2015 there were more than 5,000 euthanasia deaths; only four were found by review officials to have been marred by 'irregularities'. Euthanasia is carried out with drugs, either injected for incapable patients, or provided for self-medication. Psychiatric patients can be put to death at their own request despite their mental illness. Britain: MPs voted against an Assisted Dying Bill last year by 336 votes to 118. But the courts continue to lean in favour of laws permitting assisted dying. Guidelines effectively mean that no one who helps someone to die will be prosecuted for assisting a suicide, a crime that carries a 14-year maximum sentence, unless they did so for financial reasons. She had already prepared the invitation cards for her memorial and had bought champagne for the four women who would watch her death. The quartet were psychiatrist Ms Casteelen who would kill her, an assisting nurse from the End Of Life clinic, the patient's GP and a close friend. Ms Casteelen recalls that the patient was wearing grey pyjamas and says she was happy and relaxed. 'At eight o'clock, I said: 'We have to start preparing things now. She replied: 'No. I would like another glass of champagne.' We asked her if she still wanted to die. She told us how she had been looking forward to this moment; how she was going to be free.' Ms Casteelen then went about her work. She began to put a sedative drip in the woman's arm. 'We wished her well on her journey. She fell asleep very quickly. That's when I put the muscle relaxant into her.' This week, another of the End Of Life clinic's psychiatrists, Paulan Starcke, spoke at a pro-euthanasia conference in Amsterdam attended by doctors and scientists from all over the world. Her speech was entitled 'Condemned to live with unbearable psychiatric suffering, or allowed to die?' Ms Starcke showed a film featuring the family of a Dutch woman with post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic depression and a personality disorder, who aged just 34 chose euthanasia even though her own daughter was a toddler aged only three. She explained that the little girl was living with her father, whom her mother had divorced. After the woman's euthanasia, her toddler daughter attended her mother's funeral. Ms Starcke says that she was sure that the woman 'would commit suicide if I didn't help her to die'. The psychiatrist continued: 'I talked to her parents a year after her death. 'They expressed gratitude that their daughter's life ended in this way and not in a violent one (by suicide). 'You can prepare for death by euthanasia, you can say goodbye. It can be a loving memory, not only hurt, as suicide is only hurt. 'Euthanasia is a good death for the person who dies and it carries out the wish of the patient.' The way these medical experts speak makes euthanasia sound as simple as any other hospital treatment. Yet is there another, much more worrying, side to all this? Many people are appalled, fearing that legalising mercy-killing is a slippery slope, leading to many more deaths than law-makers intend. They say that this is why it was right that British MPs rejected Lord Falconer's Assisted Dying Bill last year. The measure would have made it legal for a terminally ill person to request assistance with ending their life in Britain if diagnosed as having less than six months to live. There is another worrying issue. Research shows that 70 per cent of those with psychiatric problems which the Dutch clinic helps to die are women. A quarter of them are under 50. Many of the clinic's mentally-ill patients male ones, too have already tried to commit suicide on numerous occasions, and more than 30 per cent have been refused help to die by doctors in the past, often because that desire may be linked to their psychiatric disorder. Earlier this week, alarm bells sounded in Britain when the Mail revealed details of the young Dutch sex abuse victim's decision to die in her 20s. Tory MP Fiona Bruce, the chairman of the Parliamentary All-Party Pro-Life Group, said: 'This tragic situation shows why euthanasia should never be legalised in Britain. What this woman needed, at a desperate point in her young life, was help and support to overcome her problems, not this option.' Labour MP Robert Feldo said the 'horrendous' case 'sends out the message that if you are the victim of sex abuse and, as a result, you get a mental illness, you are punished by being killed; that the punishment for the crime of being a victim is death'. For their part, the right-to-die campaigners argue that Lord Falconer's Bill proposed more safeguards than exist in Holland. They claim that every fortnight, one Briton has to go abroad to use a euthanasia clinic (normally in Switzerland or Belgium), and this 'death tourism' will continue unless the UK has its own assisted dying law. They believe it would not result in more people being killed, but fewer people suffering. In contrast to Holland, only those who are deemed mentally competent would be allowed to end their lives prematurely in the UK. Which brings us back to Helena, whose depressed sister Jackie plans to die soon with the help of doctors from the End Of Life clinic in Amsterdam. For many years, her family have lived in dread of a police officer arriving at their door to tell them that Jackie had committed suicide. Helena says: 'We are sure what my sister wants is a good thing for her. Our own doctors say her condition is untreatable and there is no cure for her. 'She has the right to make up her own mind about dying and the clinic has offered her hope of peace at last.' The tycoon hailed as a potential saviour of the UK steel industry was last night facing awkward questions over his tax affairs. Sanjeev Gupta, who has launched a bid for Tata Steel including its Port Talbot works, has been named in the notorious Panama Papers. The revelation will raise questions for the business secretary Sajid Javid, who is working to find a suitable buyer for Tata Steels UK assets. It is expected to shut down its sites by late June if no buyer is found. Sanjeev Gupta pledged to revive the business and save its 4,000 workers , but leaked documents show that his company, Liberty House, registered its commodities operation in the tax haven of Panama two years ago Mr Gupta, 44, has pledged he can revive the business and save its 4,000 workers from the dole queue. But leaked documents show that his company, Liberty House, registered its commodities operation in the tax haven of Panama two years ago. It used the services of Mossack Fonseca the secretive law firm at the centre of the Panama Papers leak. The commodities arm of Liberty is a key part of Mr Guptas 4billion-a-year business empire. When confronted about the revelations, Liberty told the Mail it had suspended plans to set up in Panama because of the increased reputational risk associated with the country. The firm said there was never any intention to gain a tax advantage and Panama appealed purely as a logistics hub with its canal and regional links. It said the company had never traded or had a bank account. The revelation will raise questions for the business secretary Sajid Javid, ho is working to find a suitable buyer for Tata Steels UK assets But the explanation received short shrift from MPs and tax experts. Margaret Hodge, a Labour MP who heads a cross-party committee on responsible taxation, said: If he wants to enjoy the trust and earn the legitimacy to take over an important part of our industrial empire, he must be more open about his affairs. Horrified customers of an Indian restaurant in West Australia have posted photos online of cockroaches and flies in their food. Urban Turban in the Perth suburb of Cannington has been fined $54,000 and ordered to pay an additional $14,000 in costs after inspections in April uncovered a range of offences under the states Food Act. The hefty penalty comes just months after customers posted a series of unflattering comments and disgusting photos of the restaurant to Trip Advisor. Urban Turban in Perth has been fined $54,000 for exposing food to unhygienic conditions One Urban Turban customer said they had a very bad experience when the found a fly in their meal We had a very bad experience, we found a fly in our food we had take away from Urban Turban Carousel, one person said. The customers complaint and attempt to claim a refund went unanswered. Another horrified customer found a cockroach in their curry and said the food looked like a nightmare. The City of Canning found that Urban Turban had breached seven clauses of the Food Act when it was inspected last month. A customer to Urban Turban in Perth were shocked when they found a cockroach in their meal Customers posted a series of unflattering comments and disgusting photos to Trip Advisor The conviction notice stated that food was not protected from contamination, there were filthy fittings and poorly maintained hand washing facilities. The notice also noted the restaurant failed to eradicate and prevent harbourage of cockroaches. Urban Turban is one of 33 food businesses on the WA Department of Healths offenders list. Daily Mail Australia has attempted to contact Urban Turban. set to take part in about 1,000 events across the day David Cameron will today repeat the controversial claim that Brexit would cost every household in the country 4,300 as senior figures from the four main political parties take to the Remain campaign trail. The blitz will enlist 6,200 campaigners from Britain Stronger In Europe and the political parties will lead about 1,000 events across the UK. On what is being billed as the biggest day of cross-party campaigning in British political history, the Prime Minister will unveil a poster showing a brown envelope lying on a doormat with the words: The cost of leaving the EU: 4,300 for every household. David Cameron will today repeat the controversial claim that Brexit would cost every household in the country 4,300 as senior figures from the four main political parties take to the Remain campaign trail Jeremy Corbyn will speak at a rally in London to an audience of 900 people It repeats the controversial Treasury claim, made by Chancellor George Osborne in an analysis last month. Jeremy Corbyn will speak at a rally in London to an audience of 900 people. The Labour In For Britain battle bus will be in the West Midlands, visiting Telford, Wolverhampton and Birmingham where the partys deputy leader, Tom Watson, will campaign for Remain votes. Tim Farron, the leader of the Lib Dems, will be on the stump in Kendal, and Caroline Lucas, representing the Green Party, will rally supporters backing a Remain vote in Brighton. Mr Cameron said: This is a day unlike any other: Politicians of every stripe taking to the streets with the same message. Because we face a vote unlike any other, one which will shape our country for decades even generations to come. Gill Parker Payne (pictured in a previous mugshot), 37, of Gastonia, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to yanking off a Muslim woman's hijab A man has admitted he pulled off a woman's hijab and exposed her head while on a Southweast Airlines flight. Gill Parker Payne, 37, of Gastonia, North Carolina, was flying from Chicago to Albuquerque, New Mexico, when he walked up the aisle to the woman, identified as KA. He told her: 'Take this off! This is America!' before grabbing the hijab and exposing her head, federal authorities said. KA later told officials she felt 'violated' and quickly pulled her hijab back up. Payne pleaded guilty Friday to one count of using force or threat of force to intentionally obstruct a Muslim woman in the free exercise of her religious beliefs, the Department Of Justice said on Friday in a statement. Payne had been sitting several rows behind KA on the airplane before the December 2015 attack. He did not previously know her. 'I saw that KA was wearing a headscarf. I was aware that it is a religious practice of Muslim women to wear a headscarf,' Payne said in the plea agreement. He now faces up to a year in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. 'No matter one's faith, all Americans are entitled to peacefully exercise their religious beliefs free from discrimination and violence,' Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, said in a statement. 'Using or threatening force against individuals because of their religion is an affront to the fundamental values of this nation, and the Civil Rights Division will continue to be vigilant in protecting the religious liberties guaranteed to all Americans.' A sentencing hearing has not been set yet. John Beggs QC (pictured) who led the police fightback aimed at showing Liverpool fans contributed to the Hillsborough disaster was a member of a violent animal liberation group The QC who led the police fightback aimed at showing Liverpool fans contributed to the Hillsborough disaster was a member of a violent animal liberation group in the 1980s, it has emerged. John Beggs, regarded as the 'go-to' barrister for 'a police force in a tight spot', represented retired officers at the new inquests into Britain's worst sporting disaster. His clients included match commander David Duckenfield, who now faces potential manslaughter charges over the deaths of 96 fans at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final. Mr Beggs, who is up for Barrister of the Year in The Lawyer magazine awards, angered relatives by questioning witnesses about claims of rowdiness and drunken behaviour comprehensively rejected by the inquest jury, who said police were primarily to blame. Now it has emerged that as a law student in the 1980s, Mr Beggs was press officer for the South East Animal Liberation League despite reputedly not liking animals. He appeared regularly on TV defending the group, which targeted those accused of experimenting on animals. There is no suggestion he was involved in violence or illegal activities himself. But he was quoted in a 1989 book, Animal Warfare, saying he wouldn't shed many tears if a scientist was shot by anti-vivisectionists: 'I'm not saying it's the right thing, but I couldn't really weep about it because I think it's almost inevitable.' And he allegedly said it was 'quite amazing' that 70 police were used to find members of his group after a break-in and armed raid against a research laboratory and nearby kennels in Hampshire, where its veterinary director was 'coshed in the head' and beaten up. Seven members of SEALL were jailed in 1985 for their part in the raid. A member said to have been Mr Beggs' girlfriend at that time, Sally Miller, then 25, was jailed for 18 months six of them suspended for conspiracy to burgle. In 1986 Mr Beggs told documentary makers it didn't matter if animal extremists broke the law although he said SEALL was 'strictly non-violent'. He defended raids on labs in search of evidence of cruelty by saying police 'support the status quo and guard vivisectors'. According to the Animal Warfare book, Mr Beggs disliked animals and preferred not to stay with fellow activist Tim Daley because he owned a dog. Mr Beggs is understood not to have challenged the accounts in the book. He is currently representing Surrey Police at the inquest into Deepcut soldier Cheryl James, where he was reprimanded by the coroner for asking her father whether he had distracted the force from the hunt for Milly Dowler's killer by expressing concern its resources were 'stretched'. Now it has emerged that as a law student in the 1980s, Mr Beggs was press officer for the South East Animal Liberation League despite reputedly not liking animals. He angered relatives by questioning witnesses about claims of rowdiness and drunken behaviour comprehensively rejected by the inquest jury, who said police were primarily to blame for the incident (pictured) Upcoming cases include defending Essex Police against Michael Barrymore's claim for wrongful arrest over the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001. In the words of one legal directory, he is 'indisputably the lead QC to go to if you're a police force in a tight spot'. But his tactics in representing retired Chief Superintendent Duckenfield and two other former senior officers at the Hillsborough inquests incensed victims' families. He highlighted references to 'drunken' fans carrying 'carafes of wine' and suggested Liverpool supporters were known to try to 'bunk' into matches for free. He asked one witness 'You remember Heysel, don't you?' before describing how 38 Juventus fans were killed 'after Liverpool supporters went on the rampage'. However the jury exonerated fans, saying poor planning by South Yorkshire Police was the primary cause of the disaster. Lawyers for Mr Beggs confirmed he had been involved in the animal rights movement as a student but said he ceased his involvement when he joined the Bar in 1989. The new head of the RSPCA apologised last night for the charity becoming too political. Jeremy Cooper, who took over as chief executive last month, said the organisation had become too partisan and its previous leader had taken on too many prosecutions. He admitted an aggressive campaign against badger culling had alienated farmers, and revealed that it would be very unlikely the RSPCA would bring another prosecution against a hunt. In his first interview in his new role, Mr Cooper recognised that the charitys leadership had become too confrontational. Charity: The RSPCA has been too aggressive in his campaigning in recent years, according to its new boss Of course we have made mistakes in the past, and we are very sorry about that. We have to be honest and admit the mistakes and acknowledge them, he told the Daily Telegraph. For me it is about recognising those mistakes and then doing everything we can to prevent them happening again. The 190-year-old charity, which has a turnover of 135million, has been the subject of a significant amount of negative publicity in recent years. It brought a 330,000 private prosecution against David Camerons local hunt, Heythrop, in 2012 and it demanded the naming and shaming those farmers taking part in the Governments badger cull. Criticism of its policies led to a parliamentary inquiry and an independent report that recommended significant changes to the way it handled prosecutions. Mr Cooper, 56, described the previous period of leadership under his predecessor Gavin Grant as too adversarial. Prosecutions: Jeremy Cooper said it was unlikely that the RSPCA would pursue fox hunters in future Mr Grant stepped down in February 2014 due to medical concerns after an unstable couple of years. There had been no permanent chief executive until last month. Mr Cooper explained that decisions on fox-hunting prosecutions would be handed to the Crown Prosecution Service in the future. He said: We will investigate where we have been told that illegal hunting is taking place. But we will then pass on our findings to the authorities. As with any organisation or citizen we reserve the right to take action if the authorities fail to act, but we expect that to be very unlikely. Mr Cooper, who was an RAF corporal, added: We are going to be a lot less political. It doesnt mean we wont stand up for animals. But we are not a political organisation. My style of advocacy is encouragement and dialogue. The [previous] leadership was too adversarial. If you want to shout and use rhetoric thats fine, but it isnt helpful to anybody. It is not going to make friends and influence people. People wont like you for it. Despite Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's reassurances that pathologists will continue to bulk-bill patients for blood tests, medical professionals said they are still concerned. Mr Turnbull announced during a leaders' debate in Sydney on Friday night that the funding dispute with pathologists regarding proposed cuts to bulk-billing incentives had been resolved, according to ABC. 'Sussan Ley, our Health Minister, has reached agreement with the pathologists, Pathology Australia, and they will be continuing to bulk bill,' he said. Scroll down for video Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) announced in Sydney on Friday that pathologists will continue to bulk-bill patients for blood tests despite proposed funding cuts, but doctors are skeptical Mr Turnbull said that the funding dispute with pathologists regarding proposed cuts to bulk-billing incentives had been resolved by Health Minister Sussan Ley (left) Australian Medical Association Chief Brian Owler (pictured) said he is skeptical 'So, the concern that has been expressed about patients who go to have their blood tests done and so forth, being charged extra, not being bulk billed, that concern is gone.' As part of the agreement, pathologists have agreed to maintain the existing bulk-billing rates and absorb the cost of changes under the Federal Government's proposal. Australian Medical Association Chief Brian Owler said he is skeptical. The announcement was made just before the upcoming Federal Election in July 'Australia cannot guarantee that their members won't change their bulk-billing patterns at any time in the future,' Dr Owler said. Pathologists are still having significant amounts of funding taken away, Dr Owler said. The changes to bulk-billing practices were announced in December and will save $650 over a four-year span. News came in report after he was accused of suppressing whistleblowers David Loughton of Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust told employees not to 'elaborate' when they were asked questions by inspectors Claims: David Loughton is accused of mistreating whistleblowers at a major NHS trust The 200,000-a-year NHS boss facing calls to be sacked for his suppression of whistleblowers told staff that if hospital inspectors spoke to them they should answer the question and shut up. Hospital employees were also instructed to shut up, dont elaborate to avoid them scoring own goals or bringing any embarrassment to the trust. David Loughton, chief executive at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, used this as his standard mantra before visits from health regulator the Care Quality Commission, an official report was told. The claims were made in a report into the treatment of whistleblower Sandra Haynes Kirkbright. The 52-year-old grandmother has been suspended on full pay for four years after accusing Mr Loughtons trust of fraud and fixing death rates. She was threatened with disciplinary action for then speaking to the Daily Mail. The independent report, ordered by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, is the latest in a series of investigations into Mr Loughtons suppression of whistleblowers during his three decades as an NHS chief. The report detailed allegations that Mr Loughton oversaw very, very tight control over what people could and couldnt say. Denise Harnin, the former director of human resources at the trust, said: When weve had briefings, in readiness for CQC visits and the like, its a kind of standard drill answer the question and then shut up, dont elaborate. She added: Its about control isnt it? Mrs Haynes Kirkbright told the reports authors that on the way to a meeting with the local primary care trust, she was told to watch what you say. A colleague added: Dont say anything to them. We just try to be really careful what we say around the PCT. Mrs Haynes Kirkbright replied: You might want to let me out of the car and Ill walk back because if they ask me a straight question Ill give them a straight answer. Mr Loughton admitted staff were instructed to just answer questions but not to volunteer anything. He claimed the approach was approved by the CQC and endorsed by its chief inspector of hospitals Mike Richards something Sir Mike vigorously denied last night. Sir Mike said: We do not recognise the claim that we do not want to hear from staff during inspections or that we would discourage them in any way from expressing their views. Suspended: Sandra Haynes Kirkbright was threatened with punishment for speaking to the Press We always encourage staff to be fully open with us. An organisation that is well-led will also encourage their staff to be open with us. No one should feel prevented from raising concerns about the quality and safety of care. Mr Loughton, 62, has worked as an NHS CEO for three decades and now earns just over 210,000. He is believed to have spent more than 10million fighting whistleblowers during his career, and is now facing a full review into the management at his trust. But a group of renowned NHS whistleblowers insisted he must be sacked or suspended immediately to protect staff and patients. Mrs Haynes Kirkbright was suspended by Mr Loughton after raising concerns that his hospital had mis-recorded deaths, making it look like fewer patients had died needlessly. She had also accused the trust of fraudulently charging for treatments it had not performed, a claim it strenuously denies. The report into her case published on Thursday condemned the trusts management for its significantly flawed and unfair treatment. Mr Loughton was accused of instructing staff to make sure Mrs Haynes Kirkbright was out of the way before a visit by hospital inspectors, telling them to kick this into the long grass. Last night, NHS whistleblower and campaigner Dr Minh Alexander said: Loughton should go. There is no excuse for the Department of Health and others to shield him any more. Three people were rushed to hospital on Saturday after a fire ripped through a flat in New Zealand where popular band Six60 formed. The trio were forced to leap from the second-storey window of the house after a fire started on Saturday morning. Firefighters were called to 660 Castle St in Dunedin, in the country's South Island, about 6.50am. Three people were hospitalised after a fire ripped through a flat in Dunedin, New Zealand Three people were forced to leap from the second-floor to escape the blaze Three tenants and a visitor escaped from the house, said Laurence Voight, the East Otago fire service area commander. 'Three have come out of top [storey] bedrooms and one out of the bottom. A guy who came out of the right-hand top window has some pretty serious burns to his hands and cuts . . . he's also got an injury to his ankle,' Mr Voight told stuff.co.nz. One person taken to Dunedin Hospital is in a serious condition, with burns and cuts to his body and a broken ankle, the Otago Daily Times reported. The other two who jumped from the house suffered minor injuries. The fourth person was not taken to hospital, but a firefighter is being treated for a knee injury. The band Six60, who once lived at the flat and are named after the address, posted messages to social media after hearing of the incident. 'This looks bad. Hope everyone is doing ok,' the band said on Twitter. Popular New Zealand band Six60 lived at the flat and are named after the address Six60 posted messages to social media after hearing of the incident Ji Fraser, lead guitarist for Six60, said on Instagram said he was 'very sad' to hear people were injured as a result of the fire. 'I'm so relieved you guys got out. Keep safe kids,' he said. Neighbour Michael Butcher described the fire as huge. 'I woke up to a few smashing windows and yelling and just thought it might have been a brawl or a fight or something, so I came down, looked up and saw a few flames and smoke,' he told newshub.co.nz. The house was newly renovated and fitted with fire alarms. Fire investigators are looking into the cause of the blaze. Gogulan is famous for climbing iconic buildings around the world once and scaled the Bolshoi Obukhovsky Bridge In another, he is seen sitting with his legs over the edge of a skyscraper with New York City hundreds of feet below -inducing pictures including one of him dangling off a ledge over Central Park Before his arrest, he posted only made it to the 11th floor when he was arrested for reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing Advertisement A Russian daredevil has been arrested for his latest death defying stunt which saw him scale a Manhattan skyscraper. Pavel Gogulan, who is famous for climbing iconic structures around the world, had attempted to climb the 39 story Seagram building on Park Avenue on Thursday. But the 23-year-old had only made it to the 11th floor when he was stopped by police who took him into custody, the New York Post reports. Scroll down for video Russian daredevil Pavel Gogulan (pictured dangling off a ledge over Central Park) has been arrested for his latest death defying stunt which saw him scale a Manhattan skyscraper Pavel Gogulan, who is famous for climbing iconic structures around the world, had attempted to climb the 39 story Seagram building on Park Avenue on Thursday (pictured sitting with his legs danglig over the edge of a skyscraper with New York City hundreds of feet below) Gogulan is renowned for his daredevil stunts which have often landed him in trouble with the authorities (pictured scaling another New York skyscraper) He has since been charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing. Gogulan is renowned for his daredevil stunts which have often landed him in trouble with the authorities. In 2005, while still at college, he and his friends scaled the Bolshoi Obukhovsky Bridge in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Russia - all while dressed in bunny costumes. More recently, he has been exploring the heights of New York City, detailing his exploits on his Instagram page. On one post, he was pictured in a vertigo-inducing shot, stood on a tiny ledge overlooking the city hundreds of feet below. On the caption he wrote, in Russian: 'Well come upstairs to look at the sleeping city, to drink hot tea and (get) disconnected from all.' In another, he was seen gripping onto the spires of the iconic Plaza Hotel. On one post, he was pictured in a vertigo-inducing shot, sat on a ledge overlooking the city hundreds of feet below In another, taken from the ground, the 23-year-old was shown climbing up the side of a Manhattan building Gogulan is not the first thrillseeker to scale some of New York's tallest skyscrapers. Last year, a teenager - who goes by the name of Dark.Cyanide, posted shots of the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and the building around Times Square as they have rarely been seen before, as he scaled buildings without ropes or harnesses. He said: 'What I like the most about photographing New York is that it's huge. I can never stop finding new places to photograph and go wandering into. 'The city is always growing and always providing new views with new skyscrapers being built. I am most fascinated by the views and different vantage points I come across. As well as taking pictures of urban landscapes from the rooftops of New York, Dark.Cyanide also specialises in shots of abandoned buildings and underground tunnels dotted around the city. His Instagram page has more than 8,000 followers, and on his webpage he describes himself as an 'NYC photographer' and 'urban historian' dedicated to capturing the sights and sounds of the city from different viewpoints. He was arrested after trying to scale the Seagram Building (pictured) and charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing She has been teaching to Children as young as seven are being taught about 'transgender experiences' as part of a primary school program. The co-founder of the controversial Safe Schools Coalition, Roz Ward, has been teaching the secondary school program in primary schools to Year 3 students,The Australian reported. In an audio recording of a lecture given by Ms Ward, obtained by The Australian, she recommends a 'great activity' from the program's main teaching guide called 'All of Us', to a group of teachers. Children as young as seven are being taught about 'transgender experiences' as part of a primary school program (stock image) But the All of Us guide was only to be used as a teaching resource for Year 7 and 8 students. Ms Ward also visited a primary school in regional Victoria to discuss gender ideology in a separate recording. Last week she was photographed at RMIT in Melbourne teaching a group of primary education students about the program, despite not having a teaching qualification, according to The Australian. Ms Ward reportedly also conducted an activity with primary school students that genderless aliens have arrived on Earth and want to know how to tell whether someone is male or female. Students were asked to draw up lists of gender characteristics, but when the lists are handed to the aliens, 'male' and 'female' are accidentally switched. The kids are then expected to engage in a conversation about gender stereotypes and societal expectations of being male or female, in order to explore gender diversity. The 'Transgender Experiences' guide, which is co-authored by Ms Ward, said that many students believe gender is a clear cut binary and have specific characteristics. 'By completing this exercise, students will be able to explore the concept that gender exists outside this binary and that societal expectations of gender are shaped by the world in which they live,' Ms Ward wrote in the guide. The co-founder of the controversial Safe Schools Coalition, Roz Ward, has been teaching the secondary school program in primary schools to year three students (stock image) Safe Schools has come under fire from conservative voices, despite being branded as an anti-bullying program. A Safe Schools spokesperson declined to comment on whether Ms Ward had taught the program to primary schools, but told The Australian that the group provided support to primary school staff 'at their request.' It comes after the federal government called for an overhaul of the Safe Schools program in March, where teaching material would be restricted to use in secondary schools. There are currently 75 Australian primary schools that have joined the coalition. The spokesperson told The Australian: 'All in-classroom resources are designed for Year 7 and older and delivered by schoolteachers. Schools decide themselves which resources are most appropriate and relevant for their students.' Australia's Labor leader has dismissed rape accusations in a new book as he campaigns for the upcoming federal election. Bill Shorten was accused of rape by a woman known as Kathy, who claimed the Labor Leader assaulted her in 1986 during a Young Labor conference in Portarlington, near Geelong, Victoria. An extract of the new book, titled ' Faction Man: Bill Shorten's Pursuit of Power,' was published on the Brisbane Times. Victorian police did not lay charges and on August 21, 2014, Mr Shorten released a brief statement confirming police had dropped their investigation into the claims. Scroll down for video Australia's Labor leader Bill Shorten has dismissed rape accusations in a new book by David Marr called 'Faction Man: Bill Shorten's Pursuit of Power' The accusation surfaced in September, 2014, after Kathy posted a message on Kevin Rudd's Facebook page, beneath his farewell message to the nation. She wrote that Shorten: 'did things to me without my permission' at a camp in Victoria 27 years earlier. 'You probably get crazy messages all the time,' she added, 'but I need help. Thank you again for everything and I am sorry that the ALP did this to you, too.' Her comment was picked up by cartoonist Larry Pickering and published online. She claimed she had been 16 when the 19-year-old Shorten had allegedly raped her in the bathroom of one of the cabins after drinking and smoking marijuana. Kathy claims she complained to police once in NSW in 2004, and again in Queensland in 2006. She abandoned both complaints. Bill Shorten (pictured) was accused of rape by a woman known as Kathy, who claimed the Labor Leader assaulted her in 1986 during a Young Labor conference in Portarlington, near Geelong, Victoria The new book comes as Bill Shorten (right) campaigns against Malcom Turnbull (left) for the role of Prime Minister in the upcoming Federal election on Saturday, 2 July, 2016 After 10 months' investigation Victorian police decided not to lay charges and on August 21, 2014, Mr Shorten released a brief statement in Melbourne which confirmed police had dropped their investigation into the claims. 'I will not go into the details, except to say that the allegation was untrue and abhorrent,' Mr Shorten said at a press conference. Mr Shorten revealed that the investigation had been difficult for he and his wife Chloe Bryce, the daughter of former Governor-General Quentin Bryce. 'This has been deeply distressing for my family,' he added. 'I'm thankful for the love and support of Chloe and the support of my staff and parliamentary colleagues.' The new book comes as Bill Shorten campaigns against Malcom Turnbull for the role of Prime Minister in the upcoming Federal election on Saturday, 2 July, 2016. Two Texan realtors are pledging to help Americans who claim they will flee the country if Donald Trump becomes president. Michelle Blackwell posted an advert on her real estate page offering to sell the homes of anyone planning to move to Canada if the Republican presumptive nominee is elected. 'Leaving the country if Trump is elected President? Give me a call and let's get your home sold!' her ad reads. Michelle Blackwell posted an advert on her real estate page offering to sell the homes of anyone who plans to move to Canada if the Republican presumptive nominee is elected Blackwell is one of two Texan realtors pledging to help Americans who claim they will flee the country if Donald Trump (pictured at an Iowa rally last year) becomes president Blackwell, of Heritage Real Estate Group, says she has been inundated with calls and messages from people who had seen the advert - so much so she had to remove it from her page. But not before the post had been shared more than 5,000 times on social media. And Blackwell isn't the only realtor making a bid for anti-Trump voters, Buzzfeed reports. Dallas agent Elena Dinaburg, of Texas Urban Living Realty, posted an almost identical ad in a private Facebook group. She explained that she had chosen to run the attention-grabbing advert because 'there's so much media [attention] with Trump, and so much for and against him.' Both realtors denied that their adverts were politically motivated but said it had been a clever marketing tool. Dallas agent Elena Dinaburg, of Texas Urban Living Realty, posted an almost identical ad in a private Facebook group Dinaburg said she too had received lots of comments on her post, the vast majority of which was positive. 'There were only one or two who said "What are you doing?!" she said. Trump's bombastic campaign to lead the Republican Party to the November presidential election, along with his outlandish claims that he will build a wall on the border with Mexico and ban Muslims from entering the Unites States has alarmed some Americans - both liberals and those in his own party. Fear of a Trump presidency has prompted some to pledge they will move to Canada if he is elected. But the Texan realtors aren't the first to cash in on those concerns. A dating website is pledging tomatch Americans who can't live with a Donald Trump presidency toCanadians looking for love, facilitating the pledge often madeby U.S. voters to move to Canada if the real estate billionaireis elected. The realtors aren't the first to cash in on fears of a Trump presidency. Dating website Maple Match is taking full advantage of American anti-Trump sentiment, even using the phrasing 'Make dating great again' to recruit singles from the United States The dating site Maple Match is allowing Americans scared of a Donald Trump presidency to find eligible Canadian singles to escape with 'Maple Match makes it easy for Americans to find the idealCanadian partner to save them from the unfathomable horror of aTrump presidency,' the Maple Match website reads, beforeoffering a waiting list for interested singles. Officials with Maple Match did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Chief Executive Joe Goldman told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp that more than 10,000 singles and about 2,500 Canadians had signed up for the website's waiting list as of Tuesday morning. In February, the island of Cape Breton on Canada's Atlantic coast marketed itself as a tranquil refuge for Americans seeking to escape should Trump capture the White House. Titled, 'Cape Breton if Trump wins', the site sparked such a wave of internet interest the province's tourism agency had to rehire three laid-off workers just to keep up with immigration inquiries from U.S. citizens. In just over a week, their website has had 300,000visits - more than in all 2015 and two-thirds from Americans -with the top three questions being immigration, employment, andhousing. In February, the island of Cape Breton on Canada's Atlantic coast marketed itself as a tranquil refuge for Americans seeking to escape should Trump capture the White House Cape Breton is the economically depressed north tip of Nova Scotia which is suffering a population shortage Meanwhile the mayor of anOntario border town made a - possibly tongue-in-cheek - announcement to Americans that the greenback is accepted everywhere. While the pledge to 'move to Canada' has been made in elections past, it rarely plays out in reality. Migration data from after Republican George W. Bush's 2000 election and 2004 re-election other moments when liberal Americans pledged to move to Canada in protest suggests few followed up on their promises. While immigration to Canada increased during the years of Bush's elections, the rise was not The U.S. Coast Guard is searching the Gulf of Mexico for a passenger missing from a cruise ship sailing out of Galveston, Texas. A Coast Guard statement says its district command center in New Orleans was contacted by the master of the cruise ship Carnival Liberty. The ship reported that a surveillance video showed a woman falling overboard about 2 a.m. Friday. All passengers were checked and 33-year-old married North Texas woman Samantha Broberg was found to be missing, according to ABC 13. Scroll down for video Missing: Samantha Broberg, 33, was reported missing and may have fallen overboard. She is pictured here with her husband. It is not known if he was on board the cruise The ship reported that a surveillance video showed a woman falling overboard about 2 a.m. Friday. Pictured here is a search on board the Carnival cruise to Mexico Broberg's traveling companions, who have not been identified, notified staff that Broberg was missing but it is not known if she was traveling with her husband A search was underway on board the ship and rooms were checked. Passengers reported feeling sad A Coast Guard aircraft was dispatched from Mobile, Alabama, to search the area about 200 miles southeast of Galveston. The cruise ship was on its way to Cozumel, Mexico. Broberg's traveling companions, who have not been identified, notified staff that Broberg was missing but it is not known if she was traveling with her husband. 'Earlier today, a 33-year-old female guest on the cruise ship Carnival Liberty was reported missing by traveling companions. A ship-wide search was conducted along with a review of the ships camera footage,' said carnival in a statement. Location: A Coast Guard aircraft was dispatched from Mobile, Alabama, to search the area about 200 miles southeast of Galveston(pictured) Statement: 'Carnivals CareTeam is providing support to the guests traveling companions and family. We are keeping our guest and her loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time' 'Unfortunately, it appears the guest may have gone overboard early this morning. Authorities were notified including the U.S. Coast Guard which is initiating a search effort in the area where the ship was located when the individual was last seen. Carnivals CareTeam is providing support to the guests traveling companions and family. We are keeping our guest and her loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time,' the statement continued. Passengers described feeling saddened about hearing the news of Broberg's disappearance. 'Our steward came into our room, checked the closets, checked the bathroom, looked under the bed looked out on our balcony. I mean, they did a very thorough search,' passenger Jo Trizila of Dallas told NBC. An elderly Buddhist monk has been hacked to death in Bangladesh, the latest in a spate of murders of religious minorities and secular activists in the largely Muslim nation. Mong Shwe U Chak, 75, was killed near Uppar Chak Para village in the remote district of Bandarban in south-eastern Bangladesh. No group has yet claimed responsibility but the killing bears a resemblance to several recent murders by suspected Islamist militants. Police in Bangladesh (pictured) have been unable to stop a tide of Islamist murders this year There have been seven murders since the start of last month. Bandarban is just across the border from the Rakhine region of Myanmar where the Muslim Rohingya people have been suffering persecution at the hands of the Buddhist majority. Jashim Uddin, deputy police chief of Bandarban, said: 'Villagers found Bhante (monk) Maung Shue U Chak's dead body in a pool of blood inside the Buddhist temple this morning. He was hacked to death.' Mr Uddin said the monk had been attacked by at least four people in the Buddhist temple in Baishari Bihar, 220 miles from the capital, Dhaka, early on Saturday morning. He said: 'We saw human footprints in the temple and found that four to five people entered the compound.' He said U Chak was a retired farmer who had changed his name from Udai Ma Oaisa when he became a monk two years ago. Jyotirmoy Barua, a human rights lawyer who is close to the country's Buddhist community said the monk had received anonymous death threats. 'He became a monk just one and a half years ago. He had received death threats, but nobody took it seriously,' he said. Bandarban is largely Buddhist, home to indigenous peoples who adopted the religion centuries ago. Police sub-inspector Anisur Rahman said officers had not yet established a motive for the killing but added: 'It appeared the monk did not have any personal enemies'. Across the border in Myanmar around a million Rohingya Muslims have been persecuted by Buddhists and many have become refugees The killing comes as suspected Islamists have been blamed for or claimed responsibility in dozens of murders of minority Sufi, Shiite and Ahmadi Muslims, Hindus, Christians and foreigners in recent years. Saturday's murder adds to a grim toll in past weeks, with an atheist student, two gay rights activists, a liberal professor, a Hindu tailor and a Sufi Muslim leader hacked to death since last month. The Islamic State group and a Bangladeshi branch of Al-Qaeda have said that they carried out several of the killings. But the secular government in Dhaka denies that ISIS and Al-Qaeda are behind the attacks, saying they have no known presence in Bangladesh, and blames the killings on homegrown militants. Clashes broke out in Bangladesh last week after the main Islamist party called a nationwide strike to protest against its leader's execution for warcrimes. Jamaat-e-Islami party president Motiur Rahman Nizami was hanged late Tuesday following his conviction for the massacre of intellectuals during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. Bangladesh is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with small Christian and Hindu minorities. An argument erupted between the An uninhabitable Melbourne house that was the scene of a murder over tomato plants is up for sale for nearly a million dollars. The three-bedroom house at 13 Thompson Street in Clayton is being touted as the worst house on one of the suburb's most sought-after streets. The listing advertises the property as a perfect opportunity to knock down the existing house and build new dwellings in one of Melbournes up-and-coming suburbs. The three-bedroom house at 13 Thompson Street in Clayton was the scene of a murder in 2011 But in 2011 it was the scene of a grisly murder. Periklis Papadopoulos, 67, stabbed his house mate Andonios Mirtsopoulos, 72, for digging up his tomato and pepper plants. The house was being used as a rooming house for elderly Greek men at the time. An argument began between the pair after Papadopoulos planted four or five tomato and pepper plants in a vegetable patch Mr Mirtsopoulos had dug at the back of the property, according to The Age. Mr Mirtsopoulos confronted his house mate about the matter and started pulling out Papadopouloss plants. Papadopoulos, who was wearing pyjamas but carrying a knife, stabbed Mr Mirtsopoulos in the chest and killed him Periklis Papadopoulos killed his house mate Andonios Mirtsopoulos after the pair argued over tomato plants Papadopoulos was sentenced to 11 years and six months in jail for the killing. During sentencing it was revealed that Papadopoulos had already served 16 years jail in Greece for killing his cousin. Harcourts listing agent Ty Chea said the house has not been lived in since the incident. 'My focus is finding someone who can look past history and concentrate on what it is, hetold domain.co.au. He said buyers could snap up a bargain and the property was large enough to build two townhouses. The property is close to Monash University, Clayton station and shops. A Utah city that was once run by Warren Jeffs now has a new high school, 16 years after the fundamentalist Mormon leader killed the local education system. Hildale, which is twinned with Colorado City in Arizona, lost its elementary school after less than a dozen students were left in the early 2000s. Jeffs, the disgraced leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, had told parents sending their children to a public school would have a bad influence on them. But now, former sect spokesman Willie Jessop has worked with the district to bring the city's schools back to life - and the Water Canyon High School has just welcomed its first students,the Spectrum reported. Scroll down for video Water Canyon High School opened in Hildale, Utah, opened last month as part of the rebirth of the local public education system. Pictured earlier this week, students attending a home economics class The high school (pictured) is close to the city's elementary school, which remained closed for 13 years after fundamentalist Mormon leader Warren Jeffs told parents not to send their children to a public school The high school, located in a renovated storehouse, has a gym, a computer lab, a library and brand-new hallways and classrooms. It is close to the Water Canyon Elementary School, which opened in August 2014 to replace the defunct Phelps Elementary School. Phelps shut down after less than a dozen students were left during the 2001-2002 school year, when it had once surpassed 400. The new elementary school quickly attracted 150 students, then 200 - most of them children whose parents had left the fundamentalist sect, residents told the Spectrum. With the added high school, principal Darin Thomas now expects a total of 400 students to be enrolled by next fall. 'Ive seen this when it was nothing but an old warehouse. Ive taken trash out of here myself,' Thomas told the Spectrum. 'Its been truly a blessing in my life to bring education back into a place that didnt have an educational system for a decade or more.' Jeffs (pictured left in 2006) is currently serving a prison sentence of life plus 20 years for sexually assaulting two teenage girls. Willie Jessop (pictured right in 2008), a former spokesman for the sect, later disavowed Jeffs and has worked to rebuild Hildale's school system Water Canyon High School is located in a renovated storehouse and has a gym (pictured), a computer lab, a library and brand-new hallways and classrooms Principal Darin Thomas now expects a total of 400 students to be enrolled by next fall at Hildale's elementary school and high school. Pictured on Friday, high school students attending classes The rebirth of Hildale's public education system came in part after Willie Jessop, a former leader for left the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2011. Jessop, who later disavowed Jeffs, worked with the district after gaining ownership of the former Phelps school site according to the Spectrum. Meanwhile Jeffs is serving a prison sentence of life plus 20 years for sexually assaulting two underage girls whom he had made his wives. The former guru, who is now 60, had an estimated 60 children with 78 wives. He landed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list in 2006 due to the allegations of sexual assault against him. The girls involved in the two cases that led to his conviction were 12 and 15 years old. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which separated from mainstream Mormonism in 1890 after it banned polygamy, had about 10,000 followers at the time across Hildale and Colorado City. Jeffs's adult son and daughter, Roy and Becky, told CNN in October last year that their father had molested them as children. They are two of four of his children who have left the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A jury found earlier this year that the sect had intentionally sabotaged residents considered as enemies as part of the police departments and municipal governments of Hildale and Colorado City, the Los Angeles Times reported. They harassed and intimidated nonbelievers and denied them services, the jury found. Marks of Jeffs's past leadership remain, such as unfinished buildings abandoned in 2005 - when Jeffs ordered that all construction be halted so that the money could go to his church instead. A quick-thinking customer thwarted the attempted robbery of a Perth supermarket in March when he grabbed the wannabe thief's weapon. CCTV footage captured the assailant run into a busy Kenwick supermarket just before 8am on March 24 with a knife hanging out the back of his pants and a dark cloth covering his face, according to Perth Now. The man, who is also wearing an orange top and brown shorts, storms into the store and demanded money from the female cashier while lifting his shirt to show the knife. Scroll down for video A quick-thinking customer thwarted the attempted robbery of a Perth supermarket just before 8am on March 24 when he grabbed the assailant's knife (pictured) The man, who is also wearing an orange top and brown shorts, storms into the store and demanded money from the female cashier while lifting his shirt to show the knife (pictured) After the customer grabbed the weapon, the assailant fled the store to his white Hyundai getaway car (pictured) He places a black bag down on the counter and opens it furiously while demanding the money as a customer stands close by, in the middle of purchasing items. The nearby customer then bravely reached over and quickly pulled the knife out of the assailant's pants, causing him to grab his bag and flee. He then goes back to his car, grabs a hammer and returns to the store to threaten the man who took his knife, police said. The two men got into a fight before the thief fled back to his car - a white Hyundai i20 hatchback with no registration plates - and sped away. The man is described as between 25 to 40 years old, 170-175 centimeters tall with fair skin and a medium build. He places a black bag down on the counter and opens it furiously while demanding the money as a customer stands close by, in the middle of purchasing items (pictured) He then goes back to his car, grabs a hammer and returns to the store to threaten the man who took his knife, police said Justin Trudeau's wife has come under fire for asking for more staff to help her with the 'overwhelming' job of being First Lady of Canada. Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, 41, said one aide was not enough to help her juggle her official duties and care for her three children. Mrs Gregoire-Trudeau's plea for help came as a huge wildfire tore through Alberta, forcing 88,000 people to evacuate their homes - with many of their houses destroyed. Rival politicians said she was out of touch with the Canadian public and pointed out that the previous First Lady got along fine with a single helper. Justin Trudeau's wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau has come under fire for asking for more staff to help her with the 'overwhelming' job of being First Lady of Canada Mrs Gregoire-Trudeau's plea for help came as wildfire tore through Alberta, forcing 88,000 people to evacuate their homes - with many of their houses destroyed Trudeau's wife said she wanted to help as many charities and campaign groups as possible but was struggled to find the time to help everyone. 'I would like to be everywhere but I cannot,' she told Le Soleil. 'I have three children at home, and I have a husband who is prime minister. I need help. I need a team to help me to serve the public.' Tory MP Jason Kenney said Laureen Harper, the wife of former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper, never had a problem with having just one aide, the Canadian Press reported. 'Harpers paid for babysitters, not taxpayers,' Kenney tweeted. 'And they didn't inherit millions. Nor did Laureen whinge about it.' Fellow Tory MP Candice Bergen said the Liberal prime minister's wife would be wrong to employ more staff when some Canadian families were unable to put food on the table. Mrs Gregoire-Trudeau, 41, said one aide was not enough to help her juggle her official duties and caring for her three children Trudeau's wife said she wanted to help as many charities and campaign groups as possible but was struggled to find the time to help everyone She added that the couple should have known the office of prime minister - which comes with a C$170,000 ($131,000) salary - would strain their family life. New Democrat Niki Ashton said: 'Hearing statements like that certainly doesn't speak to the reality that Canadian women face and the kind of struggles that, you know, that they're undertaking day in, day out. 'Certainly the kind of statements we heard from the prime minister's wife, you know, speak to that disconnect with the reality that Canadian women face.' Dozens of people mocked Mrs Gregoire-Trudeau on Twitter, using the hashtag '#PrayForSophie'. One Twitter user wrote: 'Scheduling paid speeches to buy Gucci bags isn't easy. #PrayForSophie.' Rick Fuerst tweeted: 'No one should have to live with the indignity of a caviar more chilled than your champagne #PrayForSophie.' Stephen Taylor posted: 'We should have a telethon to raise money to get Sophie Trudeau the help she needs. #PrayForSophie #SophieStrong.' Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has defended health services on Nauru as 'significant' after an asylum seeker was flown to Brisbane following an emergency caesarean. Naima Ahmed, a 22-year-old Somali woman, and her newborn, who was one month premature, were taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital this week following the procedure. It has been reported she had showed signs of pre-eclampsia when five months pregnant and suffered a fit before surgery. Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton (pictured) has defended health services on Nauru as 'significant' after an asylum seeker was flown to Brisbane following an emergency caesarean It has been reported she had showed signs of pre-eclampsia when five months pregnant and suffered a fit before surgery (stock image) But Mr Dutton on Saturday insisted the health facilities on the island were significant and 'dozens' of babies had been delivered there throughout the year. 'All I can say to you is the advice is taken from the doctors,' he said in Brisbane. 'The doctors advised at which point this woman should be airlifted to Australia. 'We rely on that advice and I think that's perfectly reasonable.' Naima Ahmed, a 22-year-old Somali woman, and her newborn, who was one month premature, were taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (pictured) this week following the procedure But Mr Dutton on Saturday insisted the health facilities on the island were significant and 'dozens' of babies had been delivered there throughout the year (stock image) Asked about her current condition, Mr Dutton would only say that she was 'receiving the medical attention that's required'. He had become aware of her situation only before her flight. The woman's partner may be flown to visit her, but no decision had been made. Mr Dutton said $11 million of taxpayers' money was spent to upgrade the medical facilities on Nauru. He also hit out at asylum seeker advocates who suggested the woman was deprived of adequate care. 'They are pushing a particular issue and they are trading in the misery of these people which is appalling,' Mr Dutton said. 'The doctors on the island - medically trained doctors - have provided the medical advice about what could be provided to this woman and at which point she needed to be evacuated.' A man whose son died when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine has been embraced by Malcolm Turnbull during campaign event in Sydney. The Prime Minister gave Serge Oreshkin a hug in Homebush, in the city's inner west, on Saturday morning. Mr Oreshkin asked Mr Turnbull to make sure the families of the 38 Australians killed in the crash are remembered. Malcolm Turnbull gave Serge Oreshkin (left) a hug during campaign event in Homebush, Sydney, on Saturday Mr Turnbull embraced the emotional father, later saying giving him a hug was the 'best thing we can do'. 'You can only imagine the grief that Serge feels after losing his son Victor in that shocking murderous attack in the plane,' he said. Victor Oreshkin died when flight MH17 was shot down over the Ukraine-Russia border in July 2014. Mr Oreshkin received the coroner's report on the death of his 29-year-old son on Friday, but he hasn't been able to open it. 'It is too hard because I don't know what I'll read in there,' he told AAP. 'I will open it, I will go through it but it's not easy.' Mr Oreshkin's son died when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over the Ukraine-Russia border Mr Oreshkin asked Mr Turnbull to make sure the families of the 38 Australians killed in the 2014 crash are remembered Mr Oreshkin was in the area taking his grandchildren to the Russian community school based at Homebush Public School. Mr Turnbull was campaigning with local member for Reid Craig Laundy. Mr Oreshkin admits his family isn't coping with Victor's death. 'Men aren't supposed to cry, but sometimes you can't help it,' he said through tears. 'I took him to the airport and I said "Bye Vic, see you when you get back" and he never came back.' Mr Turnbull said after the encounter that giving Mr Oreshkin a hug was the 'best thing we can do' The father doesn't want compensation and believes the government has done more than enough. But he hopes there'll be funding into the future to get the families together once every few years to handle their grief and sorrows. Mr Turnbull told the Regents Park local there was a continuing funding commitment for Australians impacted by terrorism overseas. His office took down his details to talk further. A man is suing for damages after a doctor misdiagnosed him with a panic attack, when in fact he was having a heart attack. Dr Paul Raftos, a GP at Maroubra, in Sydney's eastern suburbs is being sued for hundreds and thousands of dollars by Steven Iacovone who now suffers with lifelong disabilities. Mr Iacovone was given a prescription for Xanax on June 7, 2010 when he went to Dr Raftos complaining of chest pains. Mr Iacovone sued for damages from injuries and disabilities he suffers from because of the negligence, including a rare condition known as Lance Adams Syndrome. Dr Paul Raftos (right) misdiagnosed Steven Iacovone with a panic attack on June 7, 2010. Mr Iacovone had a heart attack two hours after leaving Dr Raftos' practice Two hours after leaving Dr Raftos' practice in 2010, Mr Iacovone had a heart attack which resulted in cardiac arrest and brain damage from a lack of oxygen. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Mr Iacovone's heart stopped for at least eight minutes and he was in an induced coma for about 10 days. Mr Iacovone has been unable to return to work at his business Yakka's Electrical and now lives with cognitive impairment, involuntary jerking, impaired lung function, serious depression and epilepsy. Dr Raftos admitted liability through his insurer Avant and the NSW Supreme Court is deciding how much damages Mr Iacovone will receive. The GP is the club doctor at Randwick Rugby Club and was made a lifetime member in 2015. Mr Iacovone's heart stopped for at least eight minutes and he was in an induced coma for about 10 days. He now lives with Lance Adams Syndrome and suffers from cognitive impairment, involuntary jerking, impaired lung function, serious depression and epilepsy The GP is the club doctor at Randwick Rugby Club and was made a lifetime member in 2015. He admitted liability through his insurer Avant In a court hearing in May, the court heard that the parties are disputing over the amount of future care Mr Iacovone needs. They also are trying to agree on the length of time which that care will be required and the how much Mr Iacovone has lost finanically as a result of the misdiagnosis. Tinned tomatoes sold at major supermarkets have been recalled after it was found opening a can of the product may cause injury to consumers. SPC Ardmona, who package Ardmona 400g whole peeled vine-ripened tinned tomatoes, say the product could be hazardous due to 'potential issues with packaging... causing increased pressure in the can'. After almost two years of lobbying to ensure the survival of Australia's tinned tomato, this comes as a major setback to the SPC Ardmona plant in Shepparton, Victoria. SPC Ardmona have flagged Ardmona 400g whole peeled vine-ripened tinned tomatoes (pictured) to be potentially hazardous due to packaging issues causing increased pressure in the can All cans with the product code TOM W/P 428580 007CM have been asked to be disposed of and customers who have bought the product have been asked to call customer service for a full refund. In a post on Twitter SPC Ardmona wrote: 'We've taken a precautionary decision to recall Ardmona Whole Peeled Tomatoes 400g'. The product is sold at major supermarkets such as Coles, Woolworths and IGA. The company said: 'There is a potential issue with the packaging integrity of a specific batch causing increased pressure in the can.' In a post on Twitter SPC Ardmona wrote: 'We've taken a precautionary decision to recall Ardmona Whole Peeled Tomatoes 400g' Recently the company celebrated the first season of the $36 million plant in Shepparton and the launch of a new marketing campaign for Ardmona tomatoes, Business Insider reported. Meanwhile in February the Turnbull Government announced it was going to impose tariffs on two brands of imported Italian canned tomatoes - Feger and La Doria. SPCA launched an anti-dumping complaint in June 2013 and in 2014 the commission decided that every Italian importer was 'dumping' except for Feger and La Doria. When a manufacturer exports a product to foreign markets at a lower price than they would expect to receive domestically it is known as 'dumping'. A few months later SPCA launched another complaint targeted at these major international importers - and after a year of debate found in SPCA's favour. All cans with the product code TOM W/P 428580 007CM have been asked to be disposed of from supermarkets such as Coles (stock) A failed Jihadi terrorist who planned to bomb Wootton Bassett and the London Stock Exchange before being jailed is seeking a job online in the hope he can secure early release in July. Richard Dart, 33, was arrested as he tried to travel to Pakistan for terrorist training with two other jihadis in 2012. The father-of-one wanted to blow up crowds standing to attention in Wootton Bassett in honour of British troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan being repatriated to the UK. Friends of convicted terrorist Richard Dart have posted a message online seeking employment for the Muslim convert who has served three years of a six-year jail term for plotting a jihadi attack in the UK Dart changed his name to Salahuddin al-Britani after becoming radicalised after moving to London by a hate preacher who cannot be named for legal reason and was planning on travelling to Pakistan for terrorist training Dart was handed an extended six year sentence in 2013 meaning he must serve two thirds of the term rather than half and will also spend the next five years on licence following his eventual release from prison Dart, who changed his name Salahuddin al-Britani, became involved in extremism after moving from his home town Weymouth to east London. According The Sun, the job request was posted online by Abu Walaa, whose real name is Abdul Muhid. Muhid was convicted of soliciting murder in 2007. In the request, which was posted on Twitter, Walaa asked: 'Can you help Salahuddin with employment? 'A Parole Board will be considering releasing brother Salahuddin from prison this July, insha Allah. 'If you are in a position to offer employment to brother Salahuddin upon his release then please contact Abu Walaa. 'CV available upon request.' Jahangir Alom, left, and Imran Mahmood, right, were jailed for four and nine years for their part in the plot Dart, who converted to Islam refused to stand when he was jailed in 2013 along with co-conspirators Jahangir Alom and Imran Mahmood in the Old Bailey. He was jailed for six years and given an extended sentence, meaning he was due to serve two-thirds, rather than half of the term. However, the convicted terrorist, hopes the offer of a job will enable him to convince the parole board to release him early. As well as the extended jail term, Dart will spend the five years following his release on licence. Before his prison sentence, Dart worked as a security guard at the BBC. During the trial it emerged that Dart and Mahmood held a 'silent conversation' on the convert's laptop by opening up a Word document and typing in a message which was read by the other and deleted. The pair thought that by not speaking aloud and by deleting the words as they went along they would avoid possible surveillance. However, computer experts were able to retrieve fragments of the conversations from Dart's hard drive, including the plot to attack Wootton Basset. Counter-terrorism teams also believe that the pair used the same tactic walking down the street with a mobile phone. Dart and Mahmood were both born in the UK, while Alom was born in Bangladesh but is a British citizen. When Mahmood was stopped at Manchester in 2010, traces of explosives were found on two rucksacks that he had with him. An AirBnB host has been taken to court by their neighbours in the first of what experts believe is many more cases against those who use the site. Residents in a block of flats in Brixton, south London, took a man to court over a penthouse party thrown by his guests which reportedly became out of control. According to the Times, a judge ruled that the man had breached a number of terms in his lease, and said the tenant was using his property as a guesthouse. Scroll down for video A man who hosted guests through AirBnb at his flat in Brixton, south London (pictured, stock image) was ruled by a judge as being in breach of his lease agreement Neighbours of the accused rang the police a number of times when a party in the top-floor flat escalated. One guest allegedly fell from the balcony to that of the property below and had to be let back into the building through the neighbour's flat. Others, a letter seen by Times said, detailed how they did not feel safe with a continuous stream of new people staying in the block. There are more neighbours who are thought to be preparing to take the same host to court. Property lawyers told the newspaper that AirBnB legal cases will become increasingly common, especially surrounding those who rent out property in a block of flats. The ruling over the Brixton incident is, however, the first time in the UK that a host has been taken to court. AirBnB was launched in 2008 and over the past couple of years its popularity has rocketed. Last year, more than two million people shunned hotels in favour of the flats and houses of ordinary homeowners, booked through the website Airbnb. But it is not without its risks, and as the site expands further, the number of tales in which a rental has gone awry is growing. AirBnB was launched in 2008 and over the past couple of years its popularity has rocketed. So has, however, the number of incidents in which hosting has gone badly wrong A woman who rented out her flat on Airbnb on New Year's Eve was left devastated after the tenant threw a raucous drug-fuelled party and left her home in tatters. Christina McQuillan, 31, and partner Henry, also 31, decided to rent out their 500,000 one-bedroom apartment in Putney, south west London, for the night while they attended a party. But they were left with a hefty bill after their home was trashed by around 100 drunken revellers who stole items, damaged the flooring and even ripped the TV off its brackets. A woman who rented out her flat on Airbnb on New Year's Eve was left devastated after the tenant threw a raucous drug-fuelled party and left her home in tatters. Christina McQuillan, 31, and partner Henry, also 31, decided to rent out their 500,000 one-bedroom apartment in Putney, south west London, for the night while they attended a party. The true identity of an Englishman who was found dead in a beachside apartment has remained a mystery for almost two years, but now police believe DNA will finally reveal who he was. The man who was known as Paul Lachlan was found dead in Manly, Sydney in November 2014, after taking his own life. What started as a routine investigation into the 46-year-old's death quickly turned into a major enquiry when it was discovered that no such person had entered Australia from England using that name. The man who was known as Paul Lachlan (pictured) was found dead in Manly in November 2014, after taking his own life The true identity of an Englishman who was found dead in a beachside apartment has remained a mystery for almost two years, but now police believe DNA will finally reveal who he was The mystery surrounding his death grew as it was revealed that he managed to live comfortably in Sydney's affluent northern beaches without a bank account, drivers licence or any apparent income. 'It was a mystery for a while but now we believe we are getting closer to revealing who he is,' Inspector Craig Wonders, crime manager of northern beaches command told The Daily Telegraph. Inspector Wonders said that a woman in England has come forward after seeing his photo and is confident that the man is her brother. Inspector Wonders said that a woman in England has come forward after seeing his photo and is confident that the man is her brother Police are now waiting for results of DNA samples taken in the UK to be compared with samples from 'Paul Lachlan.' A coronial hearing due to be heard this week has been postponed pending the DNA results. Inspector Wonders told The Daily Telegraph that police are getting closer to solving the mystery but 'can't say for sure' who he man is until the results come back from the UK and more statements are gathered to present to the coroner. Prime Minister David Cameron has warned Brexit could cost Britain major funding such as the 16billion invested into infrastructure projects by the European Investment Bank over the past three years. Mr Cameron said leaving the EU would have a 'devastating impact' on future major road, rail and education projects. He said: 'Vital projects across every region of the UK have been financed by the EIB. These make a huge difference locally, nationally, and sometimes globally. David Cameron, pictured, claimed that Brexit could cost the British economy billions of pounds in investment The PM, appearing at his constituency Witney, Oxfordshire, claimed leaving the EU will cost money Mr Cameron, pictured, said leaving the European Union will put the British economy into reverse 'Not only would leaving the EU see us wave goodbye to this crucial funding - but, with a smaller economy hit by new trading barriers and job losses, it's unlikely we'd be able to find that money from alternative sources. 'Infrastructure affects the competitiveness of every business and the prosperity of every family in the country - but a Leave vote on June 23 risks putting the brakes on the infrastructure investment we need and shifting our economy into reverse.' Among projects to have benefited from EIB support, he said, were the purchase of new super express trains for the East Coast Main Line, the extension of the M8 motorway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the expansion of Oxford University's research and teaching facilities. Earlier this week the EIB announced a 700 million loan to help fund the 4.2 billion Thames Tideway Tunnel. The EIB is 16 per cent owned by the British government. Last year the organisation allocated 5.6 billion to 40 projects in Britain. Mr Cameron's intervention came as Jeremy Corbyn prepared to mount a scathing attack on the Conservatives as he tries to rally support among Labour voters to stay in the EU. The European Investment Bank, pictured, has invested 16 billion into Britain over the past three years As the battle for votes hots up, both Mr Corbyn and Mr Cameron were out on the campaign trail for Remain - but with sharply differing messages. The Prime Minister was keen to emphasise that the issue of Britain's membership of the EU was 'bigger than party politics'. However in a rally in London, Mr Corbyn will launch a highly partisan attack on the Conservatives, saying responsibility for many of the country's problems 'lies in 10 Downing Street, not in Brussels'. His comments are likely to be seen as a response to concerns within the Remain camp that they are encountering significant hostility to the EU on the doorstep in traditional Labour areas. The Labour leader, who for many years opposed EU membership, will highlight the importance of European regulations in underpinning workers' rights, which would be jeopardised by a Leave vote. 'People in this country face many problems: from insecure jobs, low pay and unaffordable housing to stagnating living standards and environmental degradation, and the responsibility for them lies in 10 Downing Street, not in Brussels,' he will say. 'The Tories and Ukip are on record as saying they would like to cut back our workplace rights and many unscrupulous employers would have our rights at work off us if they had the chance. 'Instead a Labour government will go further and work to raise employment standards throughout Europe to stop the undercutting of wages and strengthen every worker in Europe.' Jeremy Corbyn, pictured, will address a rally in London later today where he will attack the Conservatives while appealing for his supporters to vote remain next month when it comes to the referendum Mr Cameron said Remain campaigners from across the political spectrum were saying 'with one voice' that Britain was better off in the EU. 'This is bigger than party politics. Its effects will last longer than our lifetimes. So we are saying with one voice: make sure Britain is stronger, safer and better off - and vote to remain in a reformed European Union,' he said The official Britain Stronger In Europe campaign said that it is staging 1,000 pro-Remain events across the UK, with Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron and the Greens' Caroline Lucas among those taking to the streets. On the Leave side, Boris Johnson will be speaking in the South West while the Grassroots Out campaign is mounting a nationwide blitz with events across the country. Boris Johnson, pictured, will address meetings during a tour of the South West promoting Brexit They include a rally in Chester addressed by Conservative former cabinet minister Owen Paterson and Ukip migration spokesman Steven Woolfe. Mr Paterson will say: 'If we vote to remain, we will be consigning ourselves to being a colony of an EU Superstate, with more integration and increasingly diminished British influence. 'If we vote Leave, we will be making the safer choice, and securing the future freedom and prosperity of this region and the UK at large. Mr Woolfe will say: 'This referendum is not about whether you are on the right of politics or on the left, whether you are Tory, Labour, Ukip or support no party at all. The death of a top Hezbollah commander in Syria was due to shelling from jihadi forces, not an Israeli air strike as initially reported. Thousands of Hezbollah supporters lined the streets of Beirut, on Friday as Mustafa Badreddine's coffin was carried through the Lebanese capital. The Lebanese Shia Muslim group had admitted the 55-year-old was killed in Damascus but did not specify whether the explosion was the result of an air raid, missile attack or artillery shelling. Scroll down for video Slain military commander Mustafa Badreddine (pictured) was in Damascus overseeing Hezbollah's involvement in the Syrian war But on Saturday details emerged that he had suffered fatal injuries at Damascus International Airport when artillery shells were fired by what Hezbollah described as 'takfiri' groups - a term used to describe Sunni extremists, or jihadis. Hezbollah has played a significant role in the conflict next door, and along with Iran, has been one of President Bashar al-Assad's key backers. Around 1,000 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in 2011. The Assad regime has long been supported by the Alawite sect, who are considered heretics by ISIS and other Sunni jihadi groups but are considered close to Shia Muslims. Hezbollah members and supporters lined the streets of Beirut on Friday to carry the coffin of the militant group's top commander Mustafa Badreddine Hezbollah issued a statement saying his killing would only boost the group's 'will and intention to continue fighting these criminal gangs until they are defeated'. They added: 'It is the same battle against the American-Zionist project that the terrorists are spearheading.' Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, cast doubt on Hezbollah's claims and said: 'Hezbollah must come forward with proof about the death of its commander.' On Friday many Lebanese and Israeli media claimed the explosion may have been an Israeli airstrike. Members and supporters of militant group Hezbollah carried the coffin of Mustafa Badreddine, a top Hezbollah commander who was killed in an attack in Syria The Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV, which is close to Hezbollah, said Badreddine was killed in an Israeli airstrike but later removed that report. Badreddine's death is the biggest blow to the militant group since the 2008 assassination of his predecessor, Imad Mughniyeh, who was killed in a bomb attack in Damascus. Badreddine, and his possible successor Ibrahim Aqil, are the last of a generation of veterans who first tasted conflict in Lebanon's civil war, which ended in 1990, and Hezbollah is likely to rely now on a younger generation of commanders. On Friday hundreds of people, many waving the yellow Hezbollah flag, made their way to the Ghobeiry area of southern Beirut, Lebanon, to attend his funeral. Hezbollah fighters carried the coffin - which was covered in a huge flag - along a red carpet and some supporters standing in the crowd also managed to hold it up. On Friday many Lebanese and Israeli media claimed the explosion may have been an Israeli airstrike. The Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV, which is close to Hezbollah, said Badreddine was killed in an Israeli airstrike but later removed that report. Hezbollah Industry Minister Hussein Hajj Hassan (left) comforts the brother of top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in Syria Badreddine's death is the biggest blow to the militant group since the 2008 assassination of his predecessor, Imad Mughniyeh, who was killed in a bomb attack in Damascus. He was one of four people being tried in absentia for the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The 2005 suicide bombing that killed Hariri and 22 others was one of the Middle East's most dramatic political assassinations and the trial is ongoing near The Hague, Netherlands. Hezbollah fighters carry the coffin of their slain commander Mustafa Badreddine during his funeral in southern Beirut A billionaire businessman, Hariri was Lebanon's most prominent politician after the 15-year civil war ended in 1990. Hezbollah said Badreddine was a 'great jihadi leader' that he had joined 'the convoy of martyrs on top of them his comrade and close friend Mughniyeh'. Hundreds of the group's supporters, many waving the yellow Hezbollah flag, came out to the streets in the Ghobeiry area of southern Beirut, Lebanon, to attend his funeral Badreddine was the brother-in-law of Mughniyeh and was suspected of involvement in the 1983 bombings of the U.S. and French embassies in Kuwait that killed five people. He was detained in Kuwait and imprisoned for years until he fled jail in 1990 after Iraq's Saddam Hussein's forces invaded Kuwait. Badreddine, pictured in a handout photo released while he was being hunted for the murder of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri Over the past 30 years, Israel has killed some of the group's top leaders. In 1992, Israeli helicopter gunships ambushed the motorcade of Sayyed Abbas Musawi, killing him, his wife, 5-year-old son and four bodyguards. Eight years earlier Hezbollah leader Sheik Ragheb Harb was gunned down in south Lebanon. Hezbollah has paid a very steep price for its public and bloody foray into Syria's civil war. Once lauded in Lebanon and the Arab world as a heroic resistance movement that stood up to Israel, it has seen its popularity plummet, even among its Lebanese base, because of its staunch support for Assad. The Arab League designated Hezbollah a terrorist organization in March. A month earlier, Saudi Arabia cut $4 billion in aid to Lebanese security forces after Lebanon's Foreign Minister Gibran Bassil declined to join Arab and Islamic league resolutions critical of Iran and Hezbollah. The predominantly Sunni Gulf Arab states, led by the kingdom, have taken other punitive measures. They have warned their citizens against traveling to Lebanon as well as cut Lebanese satellite broadcasts, and closed a Saudi-backed broadcaster in Lebanon. The Gulf countries are also expelling Lebanese expatriates they say have ties to Hezbollah. The war between Uber and taxis appears to have taken a terrifying turn after a man was mowed down in a hit-and-run. It was revealed by industry sources the motorist who allegedly ran over a taxi driver on Queensland's Gold Coast and left him for dead is a driver for ride-sharing app Uber. Footage of the incident shows the 29-year-old victim hurled into the air before crashing down head first in a collision which left him fighting for his life, 7News reported. Scroll down for video The sickening footage shows the motorist mowing down the victim who is sent spinning into the air before leaving him for dead in the middle of the road Police have charged the 33-year-old motorist - a former cabbie turned Uber driver - who was arguing with the victim in the moments before the incident. Sources in the taxi industry say they believe the feud was sparked because of tensions between the two industries. The disturbing scenes on Laycock Street were witnessed by crowds of people who rushed to the victims aid. The offender has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm. The 33-year-old is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on May 26. It comes as Queensland's taxi council is applying pressure on the State Government to deliver an instant Uber crackdown after introducing heavier fines for drivers of the ride-sharing service. Paamedics treat the victim who was hurled into the air before crashing down head first in a collision which left him fighting for his life Sources in the taxi industry say they believe the feud was sparked because of tensions between the two industries It is the second tragedy in a year after Lisa's husband died unexpectedly Young family lived in the rental home for 10 years, but had no insurance Occupants managed to escape unharmed shortly before the roof collapsed A young family has 'lost everything' after escaping a devastating fire that tore through their home. Lisa Roberts, a friend and her four children were able to escape a blaze that broke out in the garage of their Chester Hill home in Sydney's west on Friday afternoon, 9 News reported. But the fire destroyed most of the home and killed the family cat. A young family has 'lost everything' after escaping a devastating fire that tore through their home Lisa Roberts (pictured centre), a friend, and her four children were able to escape a blaze that broke out in the garage of their Chester Hill home in Sydney's west on Friday afternoon But the fire spared little and destroyed most of the home, car and the family cat was killed The roof collapsed just minutes after the family evacuated unharmed, including a toddler who had been sleeping when the fire broke out. One of the children was heard saying after the blaze: 'Where are we going to live?' The family's car was also destroyed in the blaze. Unfortunately the family had no insurance on the rental home they had lived in for the past 10 years. The roof collapsed just minutes after the family evacuated unharmed, including a toddler who had been sleeping when the fire broke out Lisa's father, Albert Delgadl (pictured), said he was worried for his daughter and grandchildren Unfortunately the family had no insurance on the rental home they had lived in for the past 10 years A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesman said the fire was a 'tragedy' for the family and there were no suspicious circumstances. The tragic event comes as a second harsh blow to the family after Lisa's husband died unexpectedly last year at age 38, leaving four young children behind. Lisa's father, Albert Delgadl, said he was worried for his daughter and grandchildren. 'They lost everything, they got nothing at all. The kids come out of the house without shoes, just the school uniform they had on,' he told 9 News. Overwhelming support for the family has been provided through a GoFundMe page which had raised over $8000 by Saturday evening, with a target to reach $20,000. 'They lost everything, they got nothing at all' - Albert Delgadl said he was worried for the young family But the engine will travel on the new Borders Railway under own steam as planned after U-turn by track operator cancelled part of trip after failing to do the checks on the line leaving many fans disappointed Advertisement The Flying Scotsman steamed through Northern England and into Scotland for the first time in 16 years after Network Rail reversed its plans to cancel the historic visit. The iconic locomotive has already been seen thundering along England's railway lines, but this was the first time the impressive engine has powered through Scotland since its multi-million-pound restoration. Hundreds of train buffs were originally left disappointed after track operator Network Rail said checks to ensure the design of the 93-year-old machine was compatible with the Scottish railway infrastructure had not been made. Full steam ahead: The Flying Scotsman steamed through Northern England and into Scotland for the first time in 16 years after Network Rail reversed its plans to cancel the historic visit. The engine is pictured in North Yorkshire Historic: The iconic locomotive has already been seen thundering along England's railway lines, but this was the first time the impressive engine has powered through Scotland since its multi-million-pound restoration Blunder: Hundreds of train buffs were originally left disappointed after track operator Network Rail said checks to ensure the design of the 93-year-old machine was compatible with the Scottish railway infrastructure had not been made U-turn: Alternative arrangements were devised for the locomotive, built in 1923 by Sir Nigel Gresley, to be pulled by an engine after arriving at Waverley Station in Edinburgh, but the company has now made a U-turn Alternative arrangements were devised for the locomotive, built in 1923 by Sir Nigel Gresley, to be pulled by an engine after arriving at Waverley Station in Edinburgh, but the company has now made a U-turn. The Flying Scotsman winged her way from York to Edinburgh today and will tomorrow head south to Tweedbank on the new Borders Railway under her own steam as originally planned. Network Rail revealed on Friday that the famous steam locomotive would no longer be able to undertake planned tours of the Borders and Fife on Sunday because it had not been able to carry out safety assessments on some lines in time for the trips. Scotland's Transport Minister Derek Mackay accused the rail body of 'appalling incompetence' and started talks to restore some of the route. The Flying Scotsman, pictured last week leaving Newcastle on its way to London, was due to cross the Forth Bridge this weekend However, Network Rail failed to do the required survey work which would have allowed the vintage train north of Edinburgh The train has been on a tour of the UK and this weekend was due to go to Edinburgh from York and then across the Forth Bridge He later tweeted: 'Solved. Flying Scotsman will run on Borders and Fife. Questions remain on how it came to this, but thanks a solution was found.' Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne offered a 'wholehearted and sincere apology' and said an investigation into Friday's cancellation will still take place. 'Overnight and through today our engineers and analysts have worked hard to find a way to get the necessary safety checks and engineering assessments done,' Mr Carne said. 'I am pleased to say that we have been successful and are now able to reinstate the original planned tours of Flying Scotsman in Scotland on Sunday. 'I wholeheartedly and sincerely apologise for the consternation caused by the premature announcement yesterday. 'Once the tours have been safely and successfully run, I will be instigating a full investigation into how this problem occurred on our railway in Scotland.' The locomotive is due to arrive at Edinburgh Waverley from York on Saturday and earlier plans would have seen a vintage diesel engine take over for Sunday's trips on the new Borders Railway to Tweedbank and across the Forth Bridge. The cancellation had dismayed hundreds of rail enthusiasts planning to see the recently refurbished steam engine. Excursion operators Steam Dreams said Network Rail had known about the trips for months but left work 'until the last minute'. Built in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, in 1923, Flying Scotsman pulled the first train to break the 100mph barrier in 1934. The National Railway Museum in York bought the locomotive for 2.3 million in 2004 before work got under way on its decade-long restoration two years later. Network Rail was forced to pay out almost 60,000 in compensation when dozens of train services were delayed by people encroaching on the track during the refurbished train's inaugural run from London to York on February 2 this year. The first section of the trip is due to take place as far as Edinburgh, but a diesel locomotive will deputise across the Forth Bridge Advertisement Residents have been allowed to return to their homes after a huge fire broke out in a 'tyre cemetery' in Spain, sending a huge toxic cloud into the sky. Around 9,000 people were evacuated on Friday from a large apartment block complex in Sesena, 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Madrid, as plumes of acrid, thick black smoke rose from the dump containing an estimated 100,000 metric tons (110,000 tons) of used tyres. The regional government of Castilla-La Mancha lowered the danger level on Saturday and allowed people to return to the town of Sesena but have told them to wear face masks when they are outdoors. Picture taken from the Almudena cathedral in Madrid shows a huge smoke column caused by a fire in an uncontrolled dump near Sesena The regional president, Emiliano Garcia-Page, told El Pais: 'I've been talking with the two workers at the gas station who raised the alarm, and they told me that the fire started on one side of the dump, which makes us think it was not a random occurrence that could have happened in the central portion. 'Besides, it was not so hot last night as all that. But for now we are not drawing any conclusions.' Millions of tyres which were stored at the dump have gone up in flames but firefighters say they have 'totally contained' the blaze, although they admit they will take three or four days to extinguish. Flames rage through a pile of tyres at the dump of Sesena in Toledo, Spain - the blaze is set to last for days A helicopter tries to extinguish the fire which broke out at the tyre dump of Sesena in Toledo, Spain Tyres burn in an uncontrolled dump near the town of Sesena, after a fire broke out The government of the Castilla-La Mancha region where the dump is located, dozens of kilometres south of the Spanish capital, said it has activated an emergency action plan as it believes the fire may last for days According to local authorities, the fire was apparently deliberately started because rain had hit the area in the past few days Firefighters and helicopters were working to extinguish the blaze, which produced a 'toxic cloud... that could affect part of the (nearby) town of Sesena,' with its 20,000 residents, the regional government said The massive pile of tyres started to form in the 1990s when a company began using the site as a temporary depot for old tyres The dump stretches over some 10 hectares (25 acres), the equivalent of 10 rugby fields, straddling the Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid regions. Sesena Mayor, Carlos Velazquez, pointed out the it had rained in the area for several days, which makes an accidental ignition unlikely. She said: 'Everything points to the fact that this disaster was deliberate.' The massive pile of tyres started to form in the 1990s when a company began using the site as a temporary depot for old tyres due to be recycled. But over the years these started to accumulate, resulting in three-metre (10-feet) high piles. Environmentalists have for years warned that the dump poses a health hazard, and the town of Sesena has lived in fear of the rubber heap catching fire. Dump stretches over some 10 hectares (25 acres), the equivalent of 10 rugby fields, straddling the Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid regions Residents were evacuated from these apartments in the town of Sesena as the tyre dump fire blazed Toxic smoke rises over the housing estate of Nueva Sesena near Madrid after an illegal tyre dump These types of blazes are notoriously difficult to put out and have been known to go on for months and even years, as tyres often continue to burn inside even if they are extinguished from the outside, and easily reignite A seaplane discharges water over the tyres burning in an uncontrolled dump near the town of Sesena These types of blazes are notoriously difficult to put out and have been known to go on for months and even years, as tyres often continue to burn inside even if they are extinguished from the outside, and easily reignite. The cloud emanating from the blaze appeared to be moving south over the day, sparing Madrid and its international airport, according to Vicente Garcia, a spokesman for environmental group Ecologists in Action. But he criticised authorities in Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha for years of inaction. See more of the latest Islamic State news at www.dailymail.co.uk/isis The men face life imprisonment and will appear in Cairns They have been charged with fleeing to Syria to engage in foreign fighting Five men have been charged over a plot where they tried to sail from Queensland to Syria so they could allegedly join Islamic State. Musa Cerantonio, Shayden Thorne, Kadir Kaya and two others were charged with going to Syria to engage in hostile activities on Saturday after the plot was foiled by Australian police, the ABC reported. The men - aged between 21 and 31- face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted of the charges. Scroll down for video Musa Cerantonio (pictured) is a Melbourne-raised former Catholic with Italian heritage A joint statement by police said: 'Five Melbourne men arrested in Queensland this week have today been charged with foreign incursion offences. 'The men were arrested on Tuesday... in relation to suspicion of potential offences against the Commonwealth Criminal Code, specifically those concerning incursions into foreign countries to engage in hostile activities.' The men are due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday. One of the men charged is well-known Islamic preacher Mr Cerantonio. Police allege the group had towed a seven-metre fibreglass boat (pictured) from Melbourne and had planned to use it to travel to Syria Mr Cerantonio - pictured here in an Islam in Focus Australia video - changed his name to Musa from Robert after converting to Islam at age 17 Mr Cerantonio is an Islamic radical who allegedly led the four other men on their mission to Syria Mr Cerantonio is a Melbourne-raised former Catholic with Italian heritage who changed his name from Robert after converting to Islam at age 17, 9News reported. Cerantonio was arrested in the Philippines in 2014 for claiming on Twitter that he had fled to Syria, ABC reported. Although he was deported back to Australia he was never charged with an offence. Western Australian Shayden Thorne is also part of the group. Mr Thorne was jailed in Saudi Arabia for possessing terror-related literature, SBS reported. He is the brother of Islamic preacher Junaid Thorne, who was jailed for eight months last year after booking flights under a fake name. On Friday CCTV footage emerged showing the men making a stop at the Palmer River Roadhouse in far-north Queensland while towing a boat on the back of their ute. CCTV has emerged of five men who were arrested after their alleged far-fetched plan to leave Queensland in a small boat (pictured) to join ISIS in Syria was foiled The video footage obtained by 7 News shows known Mr Cerantonio (pictured) allegedly leading Mr Kaya and Mr Thorne on the first leg of their mission from Melbourne to Cape York The video footage, obtained by 7 News, shows Mr Cerantonio allegedly leading Mr Kaya and Mr Thorne on the first leg of their mission from Melbourne to Cape York. The group appeared to act casual as they refueled and bought items from the roadhouse before they were arrested on Tuesday morning. 'They all had, just, big black beards, and all in one car, which is normal I suppose,' Andrew Stewart, from the Palmer River Roadhouse said. Previously police have said the group had towed a seven-metre fibreglass boat from Melbourne and had planned to use it to travel from Cape York to Indonesia, and then make their way to Syria. The Australian Federal Police on Thursday confirmed a magistrate had granted authorities an extended period of detention under 'specified time' provisions to question the men. The group appeared to act casual as they refueled and bought items from the roadhouse before they were arrested on Tuesday morning Andrew Stewart (pictured), from the Palmer River Roadhouse said they had 'big black beards, and all in one car' 'These detention provisions recognise that terrorism investigations can be complex and that there may be legitimate reasons for extended periods of detention for suspects in such matters,' the AFP said in a statement. 'The use of "specified time" provisions during investigations like this is vital to gathering, assessing and compiling relevant evidence.' The provisions state that the extended period of time must not exceed seven days. The AFP said the presumption of innocence still applied to the group. It came after Attorney General George Brandis said there was a significant risk the group would have made it to Indonesia and on to Syria. Following the arrests police confirmed that the men are considered to be extremists, and their passports had already been cancelled. A young mother-of-two died during a liposuction and buttocks augmentation cosmetic procedure in Miami-Dade Thursday. Heather Meadows, 29, who had traveled from West Virginia, 'suffered medical complications' at Encore Plastic Surgery, Hialeah and was rushed to Larkin Community Hospital's Palm Springs Campus, where she died. Hours later the south Florida surgery remained open, according to the Miami Herald. Heather Meadows, 29, died during a cosmetic surgery procedure at Encore Plastic Surgery, Hialeah Thursday Meadows, who had traveled from West Virginia, 'suffered medical complications' and was rushed to Larkin Community Hospital's Palm Springs Campus, where she died. She leaves behind a six-year-old son (right) and a new born girl (left) The licensed clinic has no active complaints, according to health officials but the paper linked Encore to the death of a 51-year-old woman who died shortly after buttocks augmentation surgery in 2013. The surgery was performed at Vanity clinic whose doctors, Orlando Llorente and James McAdoo, are also affiliated with Encore. Both doctors have a clear license without complaints on file but Llorente has a violent criminal history, according to ABC's Local 10. He was arrested in 2013 and charged with kidnapping and attempted murder in a case of domestic violence that involved water-boarding. Dr. Osakatukey 'Osak' Omulepu had license restricted after he was accused of injuring four patients in botched surgeries Llorente's girlfriend told police he tortured her for 12 to 16 hours in a Miami apartment but authorities later dropped the charges due to lack of evidence. Meanwhile, there was an order of emergency restriction of license filed against another doctor who was affiliated with Encore Plastic Surgery back in February. Dr. Osakatukey 'Osak' Omulepu, formerly of Vanity Cosmetic Surgery and Spectrum-Aesthetics Center for Cosmetic Surgery, was accused of injuring four patients, ages 29 to 35, last year , according to Florida Department Health records. The botched surgeries resulted in hospitalizations from three days to three months and indicated that Omulepu 'will cause significant harm to his patients' and presented an 'immediate serious danger' if not restricted. One woman who was scheduled for a procedure the morning of Meadow's death said she cancelled it after hearing about Heather's death, but the surgery was planning on going ahead with it. Dr Orlando Llorente (left) charged with kidnapping and attempted murder in a case of domestic violence that involved water-boarding. James McAdoo is a doctor at Encore surgery Antoinette from New York told WSVN: 'They were calling me this morning to come in earlier to have surgery when they knew this happened. 'I'm not having surgery here. Are you kidding me? This is a chop shop.' I'm not having surgery here. Are you kidding me? This is a chop shop Antoinette from New York, scheduled for surgery at Encore She said her surgery would have cost about $8,000 less than at other clinics. She has since been refunded her $4,000 payment. While Marianela Sanchez, an Encore Plastic Surgery patient, said she underwent breast augmentation nine months ago and was still suffering. Sanchez told Local 10: 'I'm still in pain,' and added that she had to deal with blood clots and has undergone two surgeries to correct 'mistakes.' Friends and family of Meadows, who leaves behind a six-year-old son and a new-born daughter, quickly took to social media to express their shock at her tragic death. Hours after Meadow's death the south Florida surgery on 1738 W 49th St (pictured) remained open Antoinette from New York (pictured) had been planning on having surgery that day but cancelled after she heard of Meadow's death Video courtesy WSVN Jessica McConnell wrote: 'You were a huge chunk of me. My very best friend. Your daughter will know how wonderful you were... Your son and the rest of us will tell her. I will never let them down Heather, I promise you that. I love you.' Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Feliz of Miami Plastic Surgery said that Meadow's death is simply 'something that should never happen' While Pastor Larry Roberts said: 'Such a tragedy that this happened to Heather. Will be praying for this family that I have know for many years. God bless Pastor Larry. ' But many still demand answers from Encore, who did not respond to Mail Online's request for comment Saturday. Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Feliz of Miami Plastic Surgery told WSVN that Meadow's death is simply 'something that should never happen'. Feliz added that there is a 'plastic surgery problem across Florida due to a lack of state oversight' and that any physician with a medical license can open a plastic surgery. An investigation has since been launched by Hialeah Police Department who said they were currently treating the death as accidental. America's first black self-made millionaire has married his girlfriend of five years in front of 100 close friends in California. Bob Johnson, 70, the founder of BET, wed Lauren Wooden, a 37-year-old international business-management doctorate student in Napa Valley last week. The wedding, the second for both, took place in front of a host of famous faces, including music executive L.A. Reid, actor Leon Robinson and former Clinton chief of staff Mack McLarty, at the Auberge du Soleil. Bob Johnson (right), 70, the founder of BET, wed Lauren Wooden (left), a 37-year-old international business-management doctorate student last week The couple wed at Auberge du Soleil in California's Napa Valley in front of a 100-person guest list of famous friends TV's Judge Mathis, real name Greg Mathis, officiated the ceremony. Johnson proposed to Wooden in Paris last December with a little help from best man, Franco Nuschese, who owns Georgetown's Cafe Milano. The jaw-dropping proposal included an ice sculpture of the Eiffel Tower, a shower of rose petals, a bottle of Dom Perignon, following a private after-hours tour and dinner at the Musee Rodin. The kicker - a seven-and-a-half carat engagement ring. But it wasn't the first time Johnson proposed to Wooden. Johnson became America's first black billionaire after he sold BET to Viacom for $3 billion in stock and assumed debt in 2000 He allegedly asked her to marry him on their first date. Five years later she agreed. 'I've found the absolute, unequivocally right person for me. Happiness only begins to describe how I feel,' Johnson told the Washington Post. Johnson became America's first black billionaire after he sold BET to Viacom for $3 billion in stock and assumed debt in 2000, according to Forbes. A sought-after sheep dog has set a new UK record after being sold for close to 15,000. Sixteen-month-old border collie Cap fetched a staggering 14,805 when he was sold to an anonymous Northern Irish bidder who beat two rivals to the dog on Friday. Interest in the dog was high following a smooth display on the trial fields at Skipton, North Yorkshire. Scroll down for video Sixteen-month-old Cap fetched a staggering 14,805 when he was sold to an anonymous Northern Irish bidder on Friday His fee smashed the previous world record paid for a working sheep dog by John Bell, from Howden, East Yorkshire, who stumped up 9,240 for a 15-month-old dog at Skipton in 2013. Cap was bred by brothers Padraig and Joe Doherty who run Ardagh Sheepdogs in County Donegal. The brothers also hold the record for the highest ever price paid for a puppy, when they sold a six-month-old female, Ann, 12 months ago for around 2,000. Padraig however holds Cap in high esteem, even going as far to say he might be his best ever dog. Cap the 16-month-old sheep dog who was sold for a record amount at auction. Pictured with breeder Padraig Doherty The dog in action herding sheep - his fee broke the previous record of 9,240 which was made in 2013 'He is a special dog with genuine power and has a calming effect on sheep,' he said. Cap's father, Sid, had also been bred in Donegal by trialling legend James McGee, who family runs Glencregg Sheepdogs in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal. Foreigner who spent two months in a regional town - a few things I learned about Australia The Australian accent/speech in general Got the shock of my life when I asked a Sydney airport official where the taxi ranks were and knew I had to pick it up quick or die. First off, the concept of vowels is non-existent; an 'a' may sound like an 'e' and vice versa. What I try to do is to have a 'loose' jaw and speak like the very action of talking is tiring, and act as though everyone you speak to is your close buddy from kindergarten. Australians adore small talk; even the cashier who is dead tired wants to know how your day was. Currency Australian currency is weird. Why the coins get smaller the more valuable they are, I can't fathom. Also the smallest note is $5, very odd considering you can buy a fair amount of groceries using only coins. Back in Malaysia the smallest note was one Ringgit, and with a cup of coffee going for RM4~6, hardly anyone carries coins anymore. That debit/credit card thing where you just wave your card to pay is pretty cool though. Shopping Kmart is proof of god's blessing, atheists can go f*** off. Groceries are heaps cheaper compared to back home (I really like the adjective heaps). For comparison, a litre of milk in Malaysia will go for RM6~7 while in Australia it's $1 or so. The killer? Minimum wage in Malaysia is RM4.50/hour. This is the reason why I believe Malaysians have their Milo with hot water instead of milk; it's simply too expensive to have it with milk. Meats are also very cheap here along with...everything else. The only item which I found to be more expensive here are tropical fruits, which is fair enough (I really like fair enough a lot too) The drinking culture Oh god I was not prepared for this. I had my first drop of alcohol here despite being over 18 for a year and a half. Australians will drink alcohol anywhere and everywhere, even while taking a f**king shower (things to bring to a typical Australian shower: soap, shampoo and 3 Carlton Dry stubbies). While drinking in Malaysia is frowned upon, getting drunk is a serious taboo whereas here it's a badge of honour to "get f**ked". I remember when I first got drunk, started saying dumb s*** to girls ("Heeyyy, just lettin' ya know, I'm taking my coffee white these days"). As for alcohol itself, I take 3 drinks and I'm done. S*** tier: Goon and juice. Tasted ok when I first started but now that I've tried other things it's p*ss Low tier: Beers. Disgusting at first but I'm liking it now. Carlton Dry is the way to go., f*** VB. Mid tier: Mixed drinks like redbull+vodka and rum+coke. Look like a badass when mixing it too Top tier: Shots. I personally prefer vodka but tequila's an ok substitute. God tier: Canadian Club dry. This was the first drink I had and I got hooked. Being drunk of course leads to another thing... The "dating" culture Went to my first club here. Thought it was a really good way to let off steam with the dancing and music, but my friends insisted that I was missing out if I didn't hook/pick up. This was a huge shock to me coming from a religious country and so far, remains the only thing I haven't tried out (more out of failure than reluctance I admit). I'm so horrible with girls it's not even funny and me posting it on Reddit makes it worse. Most of my friends attribute it to me being too nice or some s*** Sports Australians are very active. I remember all of the ice breakers we organised amongst ourselves involved a lot of running around (bullrush and duck-duck-goose). I was panting pretty soon and I thought "Damn, this is how Australians get to know each other??". The major sports that Australians follow are quite cool actually. I like American football a lot so rugby was basically it without forward passing and a lot more punting. AFL is enjoyable but odd, I felt that a behind should be worth a lot more than 1 point. Cricket is actually really cool, especially at the closing moments when a team only has a few balls left to score x amount of points. Food Food, like groceries, is really cheap here. You can get a $5 pizza at Domino's for crying out loud. Rice back home is replaced by mash potatoes or chips. Vegetables aren't cooked, they're mixed with funny sauces and served ice cold for some stupid reason. Who the f*** wants to have a piping hot steak with cold ass salad?? Weather Let's just say I came from a place where we have 30c heat all year round, and when I go to sleep I set my air conditioning to 24c as a comfortable sleeping temperature. Now it's 5c when I get up for class and IT'S NOT EVEN WINTER YET F*** ME Prom night for one group of Massachusetts teens got all hot and bothered - but not in the way they were expecting. The 10 teens in Natick had only just been picked up by their rented white stretch limo when it suddenly burst into flames. Yasir Sati, the limo's driver, knew something was wrong when he saw smoke coming between the dashboard and windshield. Scroll down for video Prom night got off to a hot start for ten teens in Natick, Massachusetts when their white limo burst into flames Yasir Sati, the limo's driver, knew something was wrong when he saw smoke coming between the dashboard and windshield The teens happily posed in front of their limo just moments before it would begin to smoke 'I tried to figure it out, and then the smoke started to come quick,' he told WCVB. 'I pulled over and just told everyone to get out.' The teens immediately left the limo, which was swallowed up in flames only moments later. 'It started to get really big, and it looked like it was going to explode,' Natick High School student Alexander Goudsmit told CBS Boston. Sati tried to put out the fire with his suit jacket as the teens left the car. Firefighters were then able to extinguish the flames. Sati tried to put out the fire with his suit jacket as the teens left the car. Firefighters were then able to extinguish the flames The cause of the fire remains unknown. As for the teens, they caught another ride to prom on a trolley They had to re-extinguish a blaze three hours later when the flames re-ignited after the limo was taken to a tow lot. The Natick Police joked on their Twitter account that the car 'might be evil'. The cause of the fire remains unknown. As for the teens, they still made it to the prom after catching a ride with another group who went on a trolley. 'It is a happy occasion', Tammo Goudsmit, Alexander's father, told the network. 'I mean thank goodness, they're going to be at the prom and they're going to have quite the story to tell.' The teens only enjoyed a few moments in their white stretch limo before it began to smoke Curt Schilling has revealed that he's endorsing presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Schilling published an essay on his blog 38 Pitches on Friday about the choice. He wrote that he trusts the billionaire businessman, noting: 'I don't agree with him on many things, that's cool. 'I also know that there is and never will be a candidate anywhere that I will agree with on everything. That candidate doesn't exist.' Scroll down for video Curt Schilling has revealed that he's endorsing presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Schilling is seen in this April 2016 file photo Schilling argued: 'While I don't agree with him there are two incredibly important things he possesses that neither candidate on the Soviet ticket do. He loves this country.' Trump is seen on Thursday Schilling argued: 'While I don't agree with him there are two incredibly important things he possesses that neither candidate on the Soviet ticket do. He loves this country. 'You can laugh, you can mock, but you also are full of crap if the current administration has ever given you the confidence that they love this nation above all else. He will protect my family, and my loved ones.' The former Boston Red Sox pitcher also praised the real estate mogul's children in the essay. He wrote: 'I firmly believe that to know the real heart and soul of a man you look at his children. 'Who are they, what are they, and how do they act. Schilling tweeted out a link to his essay on Friday, writing 'I thought it best to spell out why I will vote for him' Schilling was recently fired from ESPN after he shared an offensive meme regarding transgender people on Facebook (pictured) 'I've never, even for a second, heard his children speak with anything but respect, courtesy, integrity and confidence.' Schilling, who was recently fired from ESPN after he shared an offensive meme regarding transgender people on Facebook, also discussed Trump's views on Muslims and Mexican immigrants. He argued: 'Mr Trump doesn't want to 'ban all muslims' from entering the nation. Mr Trump doesn't want to ban mexican immigrants from coming here. Schilling is seen playing for the Boston Red Sox in this 2004 photograph 'No, Mr Trump wants to halt, dismantle and rebuild a horrifically corrupt, broken and useless immigration system. 'This current administration has made no bones about disarming both our border patrol and our first responders in a rush to make sure everyone, even criminals, dont have their rights infringed on.' Schilling's post made a number of other claims, and touched on presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's handling of Benghazi while she served as Secretary of State. He said that 'Hillary Clinton is as guilty as the day is long, and as responsible for the deaths of 4 Americans, including an ambassador she was sworn to protect.' Writing about Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, Schilling said: 'His love of the "Nordic Model" is understandable, who wouldn't like free stuff.' A woman from Florida who was blind after being in a car accident has regained her sight after more than two decades without vision. Mary Ann Franco lost her sight in 1995 after suffering serious spinal damage from the accident. She recovered from her injuries, but lost her ability to see. Franco spent the next 21 years completely blind until a slip-and-fall in her Okeechobee home landed her back in the hospital. Scroll down for video Mary Ann Franco (pictured) has regained her sight after being blind for 21 years following a serious car accident Franco had neck surgery after a slip-and-fall in her home. When she awoke from surgery her vision had returned After surgery to repair the damage to her neck caused by the fall, she awoke to the view of a sailboat gliding on a lake past her window. Uncomfortable from the surgery, she asked the nurse 'wearing purple' for medication. It was the first time she indicated she could see. 'I said, "Lady, you with all that purple on you, give me something for pain". 'And my niece says, "What did you say, Mary?",' she told ABC 25. Not only had Franco's vision returned, but she could also see color for the first time. Franco was colorblind her whole life. Doctors are baffled by Franco's astonishing recovery and have theories, but no explanation for the woman regaining her sight. Doctors aren't sure how Franco regained her sight but they believe her first accident might have kinked an artery in her neck John Afshar, the neurosurgeon who performed Franco's operation, believes the car accident from 1995 might have kinked an artery in her neck, which delivers blood to the part of the brain responsible for vision. When he operated on her neck from her slip and fall, he thinks he might have unwittingly unkinked the artery. 'And when we gave that extra amount of blood flow by unkinking the vessel, it could have re-established the blood flow. But this is all theoretical,' Dr. Afshar said. As for Franco, she believes her sight returning was an act of God. 'I believe he just went ahead and give it to me, he give me back my sight. I really believe this with all my heart,' she said. A Springer Spaniel stunned her owners when she gave birth to a litter of 15 puppies. Owner Carly Armstrong, 31, was only expecting two-year-old family pet Jessie to have six babies. But she was shocked when the puppies 'just kept coming' after the poor pooch was in labour for 21 hours on Wednesday. Jessie the Springer Spaniel gave birth to 15 tiny puppies last week, despite vets guessing she would have six Jessie's owner Carly Armstrong from Nottingham, said that her dog was in labour for 21 hours Ms Armstrong, who lives in Arnold, Nottingham, said: 'The vet scan said it would be about six. 'We were in utter shock and disbelief with how many she had, I was expecting between six and eight so 15 was crazy. 'It was never ending, I was saying to her 'please don't have anymore'. 'I don't think 15 has been done before by a springer spaniel so it's quite exciting.' Carly said first-time mum Jessie is doing well looking after her giant brood and is managed to feed all 16 puppies herself in shifts. The mum-of-three is currently sleeping downstairs with her and rotating the pups every two hours so they all get fed regularly. Ms Armstrong has been sleeping downstairs to help the new mum and her puppies. She rotates them every two hours to make sure they're fed enough Carly added: 'Her personality is just brilliant. She is soft, loving and laid back, nothing what you would expect a Springer Spaniel to be. 'Her temperament is anything you would want from a dog. 'I am having to sleep downstairs as we have to rotate the feeding every two hours to make sure they all get enough nutrition. I'm just having to get a nap in where I can.' Ms Armstrong's husband James Armstrong added: 'I'm very surprised that she has had so many and I'm glad all pups and mum are doing well.' The puppies are not currently named because owners need to wait until the puppies are four-weeks-old to become Kennel Club registered. Jessie, who is a first-time mum, is 'soft, loving and laid back, nothing what you would expect a Springer Spaniel to be', said Ms Armstrong Ms Armstrong, who lives with her husband and three children Jordan, 13, Jamie, eight, and six-year-old Janai, said they will be ready to be sold to new owners after they are eight-weeks-old. Bill Lambert, Kennel Club's Head of Health and Breeder Services said: 'Caring for a mother and her puppies properly can be extremely rewarding but looking after so many puppies will need extra care and attention. 'Fifteen puppies is an exceptionally large litter particularly for a dog the size of a Springer Spaniel. Latest figures show that the average litter size for this breed is six puppies.' Sarah Spinks, a PDSA veterinary nurse, added: 'A litter of fifteen puppies is very large, the average litter size for a Springer Spaniel is around five or six. They must be quite a handful. Advertisement Britain has gone from sizzling to shivering in the space of a week as an icy Arctic chill sweeps across the country, making it colder than St Petersburg in Russia and Minsk in Belarus. Brighton Beach was virtually deserted today in stark contrast to last weekend when it was heaving with people enjoying the sunny weather in conditions warmer than Ibiza. Freezing temperatures this weekend come just one week after Britain basked in a heatwave and enjoyed the hottest day of the year last Sunday. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing in the early hours of Sunday in parts of Scotland, with residents likely to wake up to frost - bringing an abrupt end to the country's [very] brief heatwave. And parts of the country are likely to see rain over the next week, according to the Met Office. Scroll down for video Slide me This graphic shows the contrast between Brighton Beach today, when it was deserted, and last week, when it was heaving in the sun Shivering Brits huddled on Brighton Beach today wearing woolly hats, fleeces and coats - a far cry from the scorching heat of last week Dog walkers took a stroll along on the sand of Dublin Bay during low tide today. Dublin may see highs of around 14C tomorrow A man relaxed with a book in Bute Park in Cardiff today, which enjoyed some spells of sunshine - but the temperature is set to drop to around 8C overnight A couple cuddle up to one another on Brighton Beach, dressed in coats, as Britons put their shorts and T-shirts back in the cupboard Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: 'It has been fine weather for most people, but the temperatures are going to be closer to average for the time of year, as opposed to the highs of last weekend.' The balmy weather last weekend had seen people flock to the beaches, fire up their barbecues and soak up the sun. But, no sooner had people fetched their shorts and T-shirts out the wardrobe, it was time to put them back. The highest temperature Britons are likely to see this weekend is around 16C or 17C in London and the south east. Winds will turn increasingly northerly this evening and bring bracing Arctic air down from the North across the country. Weatherman Mr Burkill said the UK temperature would be average for May, around the low to mid teens, making the country colder than St Petersburg in Russia, which will have highs of 21C today and Sunday. A man takes pictures of the huge waves crashing over the seafront in Whitley Bay, in Tyne and Wear, as temperatures plummeted A dog (in Bute Park, Cardiff) wraps up against the chill today - as temperatures dropped dramatically in the space of a week He said: 'Most places, particularly in the west, are dry and bright today, but there are some showers on the east coast. It will be bright but the temperatures will be cooler for the day. 'Across most of the country temperatures are around the 11C to 14C mark, with London a little warmer up to 15C. 'It will be pleasant for most people when the sun is out but it will be colder than it was last weekend. 'The sun should be there for most people, but there are showers around in isolated areas, in the north and the east of the UK. There is some sun around the west and south west.' Parts of the country will fall below freezing tonight as temperatures dropped dramatically in the space of a week Many cities in the UK will be more than 10 degrees colder than they were last Sunday, as a bitter Arctic chill sweeps across the country This map shows the overnight ground temperatures from today into Sunday, with freezing weather expected in many areas It will be relatively settled albeit very cold over the weekend, but then bands of rain will move in from the west on Tuesday The balmy weather last weekend had seen people soak up the scorching sun as the country basked in conditions hotter than Ibiza Carly Houghton and Alexandria Jones enjoyed the sunshine in Green Park in London last Sunday where temperatures reached 27C Mr Burkill said tomorrow will bring highs of 16C in the South and 13C in the North, while Scotland will be lower than that and struggle to get above double digits. He continued: 'There is a potential for some overnight frost in the rural spots in the north tomorrow morning. 'You can't complain too much really - it will be dry and pleasant, but a lot of people would have preferred a repeat of last weekend.' On Monday next week temperatures will be around average for the time of year, with clouds coming in from the West. A spokesman for the Meteo group of weather forecasters said: 'It will be relatively settled over the weekend, but then bands of rain will come from the west on Tuesday onwards. It's just Spring I guess.' The 'terrorists' were actors working for a French internet start-up company A French internet start-up company 'stormed' a hotel favoured by Hollywood A-list celebrities near Cannes as part of an ill-judged PR stunt. The company sent a rigid inflatable boat carrying a load of 'commandos' to the hotel. Guests cowered in fear as the men, who guests feared were terrorists, approached. Actors hired by a French internet start up stormed a top celebrity hotel as part of a sickening PR stunt The stunt was arranged by new French internet start up company Oraxy.com designed for the super rich The six men, who were on a boat flying a black flag, approached the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, which is about 30 minutes outside Cannes at high speed. A spokesman for France's National Police force said: 'It was not a terrorist attack. It was a communication effort and publicity for an Internet site.' According to the Hollywood Reporter, a hotel spokesman said the stunt was 'just a bad joke - a really bad one'. One guest said: 'We were caught off guard. And then someone screamed and people jumped out of their chairs and started moving quickly to the swimming pool area. It was pretty scary. The fact that men appeared to be dressed like an ISIS-like militia group was quite shocking.' The company, Oraxy, claims it is the world's first private global marketplace reserved exclusively for 'ultra high net worth individuals'. According to one insider, the website is an 'e-Bay for the one per cent.' The source said: 'Already there are five 100 metre yachts on the site. It is designed to be a place were the super rich can keep in contact securely. 'The plan is to have high-end art works, expensive watches and pretty much anything else the super rich want or need. But to become a member, you have to be amazingly wealthy.' The men were wearing military fatigues and body armour and had their face hidden by balaclavas MailOnline has sought a comment from the company in relation to yesterday's stunt. Hundreds of soldiers, police and security agents have been deployed as the city braces itself against any potential terror attack. Last month, elite police forces staged a simulated terror attack at the Palais des Festivals, the venue for the main screenings. Meanwhile, air and sea exclusion zones have also been declared, as well as a ban on drones, and Mayor David Lisnard has said random searches will be conducted in the streets of Cannes. But Mayor Lisnard dismissed concerns that the tight security will throw a wet blanket over the parties, glitter and glamour of the event. He said: 'Do you think an attack brings merriment? We have succeeded in preserving the festival atmosphere. 'The public will be at the foot of the (red-carpeted) steps. All the parties will be authorised but security must be taken care of.' The military-style men raced up to the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, 30 minutes outside Cannes in a high-speed boat The extra measures have been put in place following the Paris terror attacks, which left 130 people dead in November. France has been in a state of emergency ever since. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the festival was at high risk of attack, but they had put in place 400 security agents to guard the Palais des Festivals, not to mention hundreds of extra police officers and security forces ready to act if needed. Cannes already has 500 CCTV cameras, making it the most closely monitored town in France. But this is not the first time organisers have been on high alert. In 1978, French authorities thwarted an attack on the film festival when they discovered a bomb on the Palais des Festivals stage. The six actors patrolled the French Riviera and circled huge yachts near the shore The boat approached one of the hotels on the coast near the Cannes Film Festival The boat, being steered by one of the actors, came close to one of the large yachts in the French Riviera Their prescence comes as Cannes was placed on high alert after the world's stars descended on the city for the well-known 12-day film festival Some 45,000 people are expected to visit the event, with nearly 90 feature films set to be shown in this year's official selection, 21 of which are in the running for the Palme d'Or. Hollywood stars like Blake Lively, Jessica Chastain, Eva Longoria and Kirsten Dunst have already been spotted arriving. The six actors approached the five-star Eden Roc Hotel in Antibes, France The vessel approached a number of expensive yachts near the Cannes Film Festival French actress Vanessa Paradis, Johnny Depp's ex-wife, and Susan Sarandon were pictured arriving at their hotels. Several billionaires have parked their superyachts along the Riviera for the festival - Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's 'Octopus' was in Nice and Spielberg's 'Seven Seas' in Antibes, according to Forbes.com. Cannes has drafted in hundreds of extra security guards, soldiers and police officers to guard the city during the festival The whole of France has been on high alert since the November terror attacks in Paris, which left 130 dead George Clooney and his wife Amal Alamuddin arrive at the Eden Roc Hotel in Cap d'Antibes ahead of the start of the festival tributes on social media and at the scene Father-of-two Callum Hall was desperately tried to save the life of his friend when he died by his side as the pair were struck by a passenger train. Mr Hall, 20, and Jason Kahukiwa, 21, were on the tracks near Laverton in Melbourne's south-west when they were hit by a train travelling within the 65 km/h limit shortly before midnight on Thursday. The father has been remembered by his sister, Sophia, as a loving parent who died trying to save his friend, the Herald Sun reported. Callum Hall (left) desperately tried to save the life of his friend Jason Kahukiwa (right) when the pair were hit by a train 'He has always been like that. He is really heroic, has a really good heart and we are just devastated because he didn't want to go: he had two kids and he was a really good dad,' she said. 'He did a wonderful thing for the best reasons, to help a friend' she added. Friends and family of the pair, who reportedly met in high school, left balloons, flowers and bottles of Jack Daniels at the place where they died. The family of Mr Kahukiwa, born in New Zealand, have launched a crowdfunding page to help fly his body back to New Zealand. Detective Sergeant Alistair Boyd says police have ruled out suspicious circumstances and suggestions the men jumped onto the tracks from a nearby bridge. The pair were on the tracks near Laverton in Melbourne's south-west when they were hit by a city-bound passenger train A police investigation will look into the circumstances that led to the double fatality Police at the scene said the train driver tried to stop when he saw the men just before midnight on Thursday A police investigation will look into the circumstances that led to the double fatality. Dozens of friends and family have paid their tributes to the pair on social media. Describing the scene as a 'definite tragedy', Sgt Boyd has told reporters the driver saw the men and applied the emergency brakes as quickly as he could. 'Trains are a large object and they're deadly - train tracks are a very dangerous place,' he said. The traumatised driver underwent counselling on Friday. The deaths occurred on a stretch of track where trains can be seen and heard coming from a distance. Police have told of the hunt for a young man who ran a violent global child porn network from his bedroom at his parents' house. The identity of Lux - the administrator of several 'evil' child porn websites - was revealed in August 2014 when Matthew David Graham, who was 21 at the time, was arrested in his South Morang home, on Melbourne's northern fringe. Prior to his arrest, Graham had run a global child porn network that shared footage of the sexual torture, murder and mutilation of children and babies on the dark web from the confines of his bedroom in his parents' house. Matthew David Graham, 23, who ran an 'evil' global child porn network from his bedroom, is serving a 15 year sentence Victoria Police arresting officer Detective Sergeant Christine Stafford said Graham was 'staunch and confident' when his home was raided and initially denied everything, The Canberra Times reported. During the raid on his parents home where he lived, Graham willingly handed over his phone and passcode, which contained three images he was unaware of that depicted dead children and a baby being abused. He was reportedly taken into custody and charged with possessing child abuse material and failing to comply with an order to provide his laptop password. After one of his seized hard drives were broken into by the FBI, who had helped to gather intelligence on the profile of 'Lux', Graham was given a choice - be charged with offences in the US or plead guilty to all charges in Australia. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana (pictured) said since the Lux investigation 30 children have been rescued internationally - all who had been victims of his global child porn network Graham was 'staunch and confident' when his home was raided and initially denied everything, according to police during the search of his parents' home The university student, pleaded guilty in September 2015 to 13 charges including setting up child pornography websites on the 'dark web' and advising a Russian man how to rape and murder a five-year-old girl. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana said since the Lux investigation 30 children have been rescued internationally - all who had been victims of his global child porn network. At the time of Graham's sentencing in March, Judge Michael Tinney said the predator's level of offending was unprecedented and its scale had never before been dealt with by authorities in Australia. 'You were, in fact, a world player seeking to exercise influence and actually achieving influence on like-minded people in this country and around the world from the comfort of your bedroom in South Morang,' he told Graham in the Victoria County Court. Two of his websites were called 'Hurt 2 The Core' (above) or 'Love 2 The Core', and as a condition of membership people were required to upload a certain number of videos to enter On these sites, users had access to child prostitutes, images of 'delicious little boys' and 'yummy little girls', and videos of 'sexy little boys' The court heard how the vile abuser controlled other paedophiles and gave them detailed instructions on how to produce child pornography and abuse children. 'You were at the very top of the tree,' Judge Tinney said. THE DARK WEB EXPLAINED The 'dark web' is a term that essentially refers to websites that are visible to the public but hides their server information, including their IP addresses and identity. By doing this, it proves to be very difficult to find out the owner, administrator or manager of a website. They cannot be found in search engines. Nearly all sites on the 'dark web' use a tool called the 'Tor encryption tool' to keep their identities or location hidden. The 'dark web' should not be confused with the 'deep web', which is a term used to describe all web pages that cannot be found or searched for in search engines. The 'deep web' includes the 'dark web', but also includes user databases (like ones belonging to Ashley Madison), pages locked behind pay walls or password protected. His services offered an extreme form of a child pornography called 'hurtcore', which showed sickening torture and sexual acts being carried out on children, even babies and toddlers. Two of his websites were called 'Hurt 2 The Core' or 'Love 2 The Core', and as a condition of membership people were required to upload a certain number of videos. On these sites, users had access to child prostitutes, images under titles including 'delicious little boys' and 'yummy little girls', and videos of 'sexy little' boys and girls, The Kernel reported. A sample of topics on Hurt 2 The Core's message boards in June 2013 included 'Producing kiddie porn for dummies', 'Toddler childporn star', 'Crying rape' and 'Need ideas for blackmailed girl'. His websites attracted up to 400,000 hits-a-day and included people who posted images of themselves abusing their own children. Graham also shared, with great fanfare, a video which showed an assault on an 18-month-old girl, the court heard. The video was made in the Philippines by alleged Australian paedophile Peter Scully, and Graham tried to sell it for up to 900 bitcoins. Graham, who was not actually producing the vile images himself, told police he wanted to be 'the biggest and the best'. Graham has been linked to Australian businessman Peter Gerard Scully who is up on child sex abuse charges in the Philippines He also taunted the FBI, at one point writing: 'Well, it looks like this empire hasn't fallen just yet. To any law enforcement agencies reading this, f*** you.' Diagnosed with a schizoid personality disorder, Graham was disconnected from the suffering of the children, as though he were 'from another planet', the court heard. Graham's parents, who stand by him, could not have imagined in their wildest dreams the evil and twisted life he was leading from the confines of his bedroom, Judge Tinney said. He accepted Graham had now shown some remorse. Carlie Trent spent her Friday like most nine-year-old girls. She rode her pink bike, did cartwheels on the grass and chased her sister around the backyard of her aunt's Tennessee home. But the smile on her face hides the fact that this is a reunion, one that came 10 days after her uncle abducted Carlie from her school in Rogersville. Gary Simpson, 57, has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and is being held at Hawkins County Jail on a $1million bond. Investigators say more charges could be added. Scroll down for video Carlie Trent has been reunited with her family 10 days after she was abducted by her uncle, Gary Simpson, from her school in Rogersville, Tennessee Carlie spent the reunion playing with her little sister Katie and doing cartwheels on the trampoline at the home of her aunt Linda Simpson, who is married to Gary The nine-year-old girl returned to Simpson's home after spending a night in the hospital following her rescue But for now Carlie's family is focusing on helping the little girl return to reality after she disappeared with Simpson for eight days. Carlie returned to the home of her aunt Linda Simpson, who is married to Gary Simpson, after spending the night at a nearby hospital. When asked what she wanted to do first on her return home, Carlie shyly told the WCYB reporter 'I don't know'. But within minutes Carlie was playing with her little sister Katie, doing flips on the trampoline, trying to score a basket on their net in the backyard and showing off her hula hoop skills. 'I can do it on my neck,' she told Katie, demonstrating her technique before her sister said, 'Now let me do it'. Carlie was especially happy to see her pet rabbit, named Alligator, who she said she 'mostly takes care of' and well as her aunt's dog Pat. Carlie was all smiles as the car pulled up to her aunt's home on Friday from the hospital Linda said Carlie (pictured right with her mother Shannon and sister Katie) has yet to talk about her abduction, and that the family had no immediate plans to ask her about it Simpson, 57, has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and is being held at Hawkins County Jail on a $1million bond. Investigators say more charges could be added. 'We're all glad that Carlie's home,' said Katie. Linda said Carlie, who lives nearby with her dad, has yet to talk about her abduction, adding that the family had no immediate plans to ask her about it. 'We just have to let Carlie do what she wants to until she decides when she wants to go back to school or whatever,' Linda told the station. 'We just want to love her and hold her, take care of her and support her.' As for her husband, Linda only had one thing to say: 'He's where he deserves to be.' Carlie went missing after Simpson checked her out of school under false pretenses, telling staff her father had been in a car wreck, before going on the run with her. Carlie went missing after Simpson checked her out of Hawkins High School under false pretenses, telling staff her father had been in a car wreck, before going on the run with her After an intense eight-day search the pair were discovered Thursday afternoon by Roger Carpenter, Donnie Lawson, Stuart Franklin and Larry Hamblen. The four friends were searching an isolated tract of land on ATVs when they saw Carlie wandering around with a teddy bear. Carpenter, a Baptist minister, was reported to have held Simpson at gunpoint while another called police, who took him into custody. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn said: 'I think this is just heroes that went on to the property just to see, by chance, could they be there, and they were. 'Carlie is safe tonight because of an entire community pulling together and working with law enforcement to bring her home. Simpson was discovered hiding on an isolated tract of land on Thursday, just hours after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation added him to their ten most wanted people list Earlier Thursday, the TBI had added Simpson to its Top 10 Most Wanted list and warned that Carlie was in imminent danger. Simpson is Carlie's uncle by marriage and was previously granted custody over Carlie while her father, James Trent, served time in prison. Custody had recently been transferred back to Trent. '[Simpson] had access to her every day, he was obsessed with her, he wanted her and he wanted her all to himself,' Trent said in a previous interview. 'Thats a scary thing to think about. District Attorney Dan Armstrong told the New York Daily News: 'We have some concerns obviously as to what when on.' Medical exams were carried out following Carlie's rescue to determine the extent of Simpson's crimes. A driver has captured the horrific moment a fellow motorist lost complete control of his car in Kuwait. Shocking video footage shows the driver pulling up to stop at a set of traffic lights. But a silver car coming from a side road on the other side of the carriageway hurtles down at full pelt. Horror: Footage shows a speeding car hitting the intersection of a busy road near traffic lights in Kuwait The car skids into another black car, leaving both careering through the intersection It crashes into another black car and sends them both skidding into the middle of the road - sending the car it hit into yet another car. A woman gets out of the first car holding her head in her hands. She is followed by a man getting out of the second car, as they survey the damage the incident has caused. The cars spin into the air as the second black car heads towards the the white car, causing a three vehicle crash It is not known whether anyone was injured in the horror crash, which happened on Tuesday The incident happened on Tuesday at the intersection between Hawally Cairo Street and Beirut Street. It is not known whether anyone was injured. The prime minister is tight lipped about the fate of the controversial backpacker tax amid speculation it may be scrapped. The tax, which is due to come into effect from July 1, would have cut backpackers off from the tax-free threshold of $18,200 of income, instead charging them 32.5 per cent from the first dollar earned. Concerns have been raised this would seriously harm the tourism industry and discourage fruit pickers and working travellers from coming to Australia. Concerns have been raised the proposed backpackers tax would seriously harm the tourism industry and deter fruit pickers from coming to Australia Speaking to reporters in Sydney on Saturday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull suggested the government may turn back on the proposed tax. 'We've been listening very carefully to the concerns expressed in regional communities ... we'll have more to say about that in the future,' he said. Treasurer Scott Morrison turned down a proposal recently that would tax backpackers at about 19 per cent, reports ABC. Earlier this month the government had forecast the tax would achieve $540 million in savings over three years. Speaking to reporters in Sydney on Saturday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull suggested the government may turn back on the proposed tax Police are keen for the picture to be disseminated in Pakistan, as inquiries have led them to believe the mystery man has links to the country Just 24 hours later, he was found dead - lying on his back - on the moor Was seen buying a ticket from Ealing Broadway to Euston on December 11 The artist's impression is the first forensic image of the man whose true identity remains unknown Police have released an artist's impression of the mystery man who was found dead on the top of Saddleworth Moor six months ago. Dubbed 'Neil Dovestone' after the reservoir close to where his body was found, the man's identity remains unknown. Detectives have been left stumped by the riddle of the smartly dressed lone walker, who was filmed on CCTV buying a one-way ticket from Ealing Broadway to Euston on December 11 last year. Just 24 hours later, he was found dead - lying on his back with his arms by his side - on the moor. He is described as being white, slim, having a receding hairline with grey hair to the side and back and a large nose which may have been previously broken, and was clean-shaven. He was wearing a brown heavy jacket, blue jumper, white long sleeve shirt, blue corduroy trousers and black slip-on shoes. The black and white image will now be circulated around the world. Police are keen for the picture to be disseminated in Pakistan, as inquiries have led them to believe the man has links to the country. The key to the case could lie in a metal plate fitted inside his left leg between 2001 and 2005 in the south Asian country. Four theories are that he was a Pakistani national injured there, a UK national in Pakistan when he suffered the injury, had dual nationality or was a 'health tourist' going abroad for cheaper treatment. The man was seen on CCTV at Ealing Broadway, west London, where he is believed to have started his journey on the morning of 11 December. He arrived in Manchester shortly after midday after taking a train from London Euston, then went to Saddleworth, and visited the Clarence pub at 2pm before climbing the peak The body of the man - aged between 65 and 75 - was found on December 11 last year. He was wearing slip on shoes and had 130 in cash in his pockets and three train tickets he purchased the day before. He was not carrying any documentation. One was from Ealing train station to London Euston which was bought at 9.04am from the ticket office on Friday December 11 2015 and the other tickets were returns from Euston to Piccadilly, bought at 9.50am the same day. Detectives have been left stumped by the riddle of the smartly dressed lone walker, who was filmed on CCTV buying a one-way ticket from Ealing Broadway to Euston on December 11 last year He arrived in Manchester Piccadilly shortly after midday where he walked around the shops at the station and bought some food. The man then headed to the city centre before making his way to Greenfield, Saddleworth and visited the Clarence pub at 2pm, where he asked how to get to the top of the 1,500ft Indian's Head peak above Dovestone reservoir. Mel Robinson, the landlord, told him he would not be able to climb the mountain in the dark or heavy rain but he did anyway. The mystery man arrived in Manchester Piccadilly shortly after midday where he walked around the shops at the station and bought some food DEATHS ON SADDLEWORTH MOOR Saddleworth Moor in the South Pennines is where killers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley dumped bodies Saddleworth Moor, which is situated in the South Pennines, became infamous in the 1960s as the burial site of four victims of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. The pair lured children and teenagers to their deaths, with their victims sexually tortured before being buried on the moor in Greater Manchester. In 1965, the bodies of Lesley Ann Downey and John Kilbride were discovered at the remote hillside, having been buried there during the previous two years. Saddleworth Moor was also the site of a 1949 plane crash. The twin-engined British European Airways Douglas Dakota plane crashed into the hillside after taking off from Belfast, killing 24 people. Those killed included 11 women, six men and four children, three of whom were aged under two years, as well as a number of crew. Eight people survived. Witnesses saw him about a mile up the hill at around 4.30pm and again about three quarters of the way up. He was wearing black slip-on shoes, a blue coat and a white shirt with a collar. His body was found the next morning, lying face-up on a boggy section of track, with head pointing towards the mountain summit, his legs together and arms by his side. The peak overlooks the moor where murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley buried their victims in the Sixties. Toxicology reports showed he died from strychnine poisoning. The poison, a white powder which is highly toxic, is a pesticide used to kill rodents and birds and is usually inhaled, injected or taken orally. It is illegal to buy in the UK and can be fatal in humans if swallowed or absorbed through the eyes or mouth. Since the discovery of his body a number of theories have been explored by police officers about how and why he died on the secluded moorland above Greater Manchester. One theory suggested he might have been making a pilgrimage to the scene of a plane crash that killed 24 people in 1949, possibly because he was related to one of the victims, or he could have been one of the survivors. But that line of inquiry hit a dead end when the last-living surviving of the ill-fated British European Airways flight, respected academic Professor Stephen Evans, came forward. Despite numerous appeals, officers have been unable to identify the man, who did not have any scars, marks or tattoos on his body. The extravagant shopping list of the student who allegedly spent $4.6 million after mistakenly receiving an unlimited overdraft four years ago has been revealed. From luxury vacuum cleaners to $160,000 bags, the list, uncovered by The Sydney Morning Herald, is extensive and apparently shows a young woman with incredibly expensive tastes and a shopping habit to match. Christine Jiaxin Lee, 21, spent $1,350 on a Chanel cashmere pillow, almost $9,000 on a Cartier love bracelet and another $2,500 on a pair of Christian Louboutin boots. Scroll down for video Christine Lee allegedly spent more than $4million dollars after realising her bank account had an unlimited overdraft Her biggest purchase was a rare Hermes Birkin crocodile skin bag - worth almost $160,000, it was reported Her real weakness appeared to be Hermes, with the Malaysian woman reported to have bought 13 of the iconic designer scarves, and a number of their handbags. The coveted Birkin bags range from the basic model in Epsom leather, which would have set her back almost $20,000, to the elaborate Birkin Himalayan crocodile palladium bag with a $158,225.67 price tag. The extensive list shows that on April 9, 2015, she spent $220,200 at the Christian Dior Sydney store - her biggest recorded purchase. The next day she returned to spend a further $94,520, the report stated. These purchases are only a small portion of Ms Lee's alleged $4,653,333 overdraft debt. The chemical engineering student was arrested at Sydney Airport as she tried to board a flight to Malaysia A list detailing some of her extravagant shopping trips revealed she spent thousands of dollars at the Sydney Prada store This Hermes 35 Scheherazade Porosus Crocodile Birkin bag set Ms Lee back roughly $88,750 In just one day in April, Lee spent $220,200 at the Sydney Christian Dior store. The next day she returned to spend another $94,000 The coveted rose gold Cartier 'Love' bracelet costs almost 9 grand - a drop in the ocean of Ms Lee's endless funds The chemical engineering student was arrested on May 4 after trying to fly home to Malaysia on an emergency passport. She was charged with dishonesty obtaining financial advantage by deception, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. Earlier this month, a court heard that, although the police fraud unit had started their investigation into the withdrawal of the money in 2012, they only issued the arrest warrant on March 4 this year. After her arrest in May, her release on bail was delayed after her boyfriend, Vincent King, failed to verify his identity as he was only carrying a Malaysian ID card. She was released on bail the next day and ordered to stay with Mr King at his waterside apartment in Rhodes. Christine Jiaxin Lee has been arrested on suspicion of spending millions of dollars that were mistakenly transferred into her account four years ago This original Hermes Birkin bag in epsom leather is worth $19,995 - the price of a new car HS2 and homebuilding schemes could be 'at risk of delay' because Britain faces an alarming shortage of archaeologists needed to examine relics dug up during construction. The 55.7billion high speed rail project is expected to uncover a host of artefacts and completion could be in jeopardy unless more trained workers are hired, experts have warned. Road upgrades and work on the rail networks planned over the next 17 years could also face delay - leading to employers and universities urgently trying to encourage school leavers into archaeology. The 55.7billion HS2 (pictured, an artist's impression) and homebuilding schemes could be 'at risk of delay' because Britain faces an alarming shortage of archaeologists needed to examine relics dug up during construction There are 3,000 people employed in commercial archaeology in England, a number that will need to grow by at least 25% over the next six years, according to the report by public body Historic England (HE) to be published on Monday. Universities and employers are trying to encourage young people into apprentice programmes and archaeological field schools to plug the gap. Projects touted as under threat by the lack of skilled workers include work on the Hinkley Point power station and the Thames Tideway Tunnel - a 15-mile 'super-sewer' which will greatly reduce the amount of untreated sewage that overflows into the Thames. Developers are required to fund archaeological excavation as part of planning permission policy introduced 25 years ago, a move that has led to 'remarkable discoveries,' according to HE. Notable finds during excavation work on major infrastructure projects include the unearthing of the remains of an elephant, whose species is now extinct. The animal, uncovered in Ebbsfleet, Kent during the works for HS1, was butchered with flint knives 420,000 years ago by pre-Neanderthals. Historic England's chief executive, Duncan Wilson (pictured), said his organisation was making 'co-ordinated action' to ensure more trained professionals were in place The only chariot racing stadium ever found in England was discovered during a housing development in Colchester. In 2013 an 'exceptional' Roman sculpture of an eagle clasping a serpent in its beak was unearthed by archaeologists in the final hours of a dig at a London building site. Historic England's chief executive, Duncan Wilson, said his organisation was making 'co-ordinated action' to ensure more trained professionals were in place to meet the upturn in demand. He added: 'Put simply, more spadework is needed, and this calls for us to think hard about how we can offer a new generation routes into the profession.' Historic England has custodianship of 400 historic sites, with responsibility for looking after the historic environment. Nick Shepherd, chief executive of the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers, said: 'The delivery of new UK housing and infrastructure depends not only on engineers and bricklayers, but also on archaeologists. 'Archaeological investigation is now a core part of the development process. 'This report makes clear that the government infrastructure plans over the next decade present a challenge to ensure sufficient archaeological capacity is in place to support construction of the new roads, rail and energy projects vital to economic growth.' The news that the HS2 could be affected comes as a descendant of the founder of world-famous department store Liberty is battling to save the country house the family has owned for generations from the ravages of Britains new high-speed rail line. HS2 is scheduled to pass just 800 yards from 500-year-old Field End Grange, a Tudor-era cottage in the village of The Lee in Buckinghamshire, owned by businessman Richard Stewart-Liberty. The house, worth 1.5 million, was bought in 1890 by his great-great-uncle, Sir Arthur Liberty, who made his fortune after founding the London store that became famous for its fabric prints. But it is threatened by the route of the controversial new London-Birmingham rail route through the Chiltern Hills. A photo on Snapchat showed a black high school student in Alabama being 'lynched' with a rope by a white peer. The rope hangs around Wade Sturgeon's neck in the photo, while a boy named Jordan grabs the rope. The boys, who are friends and students at Curry High School, have since spoken about the incident, calling it 'stupid.' Their mothers have also come forward, addressing the controversy. Scroll down for video A photo on Snapchat showed a black high school student in Alabama being 'lynched' with a rope by a white peer. The rope hangs around Wade Sturgeon's neck in the photo, while a boy named Jordan grabs the rope Wade Sturgeon (pictured) has said: 'It was just a stupid decision by both of us, we shouldn't have done it' Samantha Blackenship was identified locally as Jordan's mother. She said she's sorry for his behavior, AL.com reported. The mother issued a statement to the website which said: 'I am the mother of the boy in the picture taken in the Curry locker room. 'I want to start out with saying my son is no racist, and I will not tolerate any kind of racist behavior from him. I am dealing with him and his punishment. 'I also want to add he and the boy in the pic have been friends since elementary school and they are both where goofing off when they did this. 'My son is young and definitely did not think about what the consequences of such behavior would be. He is learning very quickly.' Jordan apologized on Instagram, AL.com reported, saying: 'We just planned it as a joke. 'It was stupid for me too post something like that in the first place. I just wasn't thinking.' Wade's mother Carol Spurgeon (pictured) has said she's disappointed yet no malice was intended by the photo The boys were suspended, and are now going to complete senior year at an alternative school Carol Spurgeon is Wade's mother and told WVTM she's disappointed yet no malice was intended by the photo. She told the TV station: 'I know there have been some very negative things said about Jordan but my son was standing there just the same as Jordan. 'Jordan didn't force Wade to do it, Wade didn't force Jordan to do it, nobody forced the kid to take the picture. 'It is something that happened, it was stupid, it was very ignorant on all three parts but they are 17-year-old kids and they have a lot of mistakes left to make yet.' Her son Wade also talked to the news outlet, saying: 'It was just a stupid decision by both of us, we shouldn't have done it.' He said: 'We didn't mean to offend anybody by it, it was just me and him joking around like we usually do.' The two boys were suspended, and are now going to complete senior year at an alternative school, according to WVTM. Has been caught in Pec, Kosovo after European Arrest Warrant was issued Laurence Soper has been arrested in Kosovo after five years on the run A Catholic monk wanted over child sex abuse allegations has been arrested in Kosovo after five years on the run. Laurence Soper went into hiding after being investigated for alleged sex offences at Catholic Ealing Abbey in London from 1991 to 2000. Following allegations by a former pupil, Soper was arrested in Rome and questioned by appointment by the Metropolitan Police in September 2010. However, investigators allowed him to retain his passport and did not take a picture, asking him through his solicitor to return to London from Italy where he worked. Instead, after leaving St Anselmo Church on March 4, 2011, apparently to fly to Heathrow, Soper skipped bail and vanished. He has now been apprehended in Pec, Kosovo after a European Arrest Warrant was issued for him in 2012. The extradition process to return him to the UK is reportedly underway. A Met Police spokesman said: 'We are aware of the arrest and we are liaising with the relevant authorities'. A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman said: 'Our Embassy is providing assistance following the arrest of a British National in Peja, Kosovo on Wednesday 11 May.' According to Kosovan news outlet Insajderi, Soper lived in Pec for years under the name Andrew. 'He lived in a house of a friend of mine. I have spoken and met with him several times. He said he was writing a book,' a resident told the outlet. Having worked for nearly 30 years at St Benedicts, a 12,000-a-year private school attached to the Abbey, now-expelled monk Soper quit Britain in 2001 for Rome to become treasurer at the Benedictine Order's headquarters at St Anselmo. A source close to the investigation said in 2012: 'He knew he was about to be charged.' Laurence Soper went into hiding after being investigated for alleged sex offences at Catholic Ealing Abbey in London from 1991 to 2000 Two former teachers at St Benedict's had been jailed and five, including Soper, were named in Lord Carlile's independent report into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of children at the school over a 40-year period. A former worker has also raised concerns about Soper's time as part-time chaplain at Feltham Young Offender Institution between 1988 and 2000, while Ealing Abbey has now confirmed that Soper was questioned by police during this period. In the mid-Nineties, Scotland Yard investigated an alleged paedophile ring visiting boys there. An Ealing Abbey spokesman said of Soper in 2012: 'All efforts to make contact with him have been without success. 31-year-old was jailed for 12 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday Ceni was traced to a house where police found a further 37kg of the drug Police stopped the Mercedes and found 15kg of cocaine inside the holdall Ylber Ceni was caught when police watched him hauling a holdall to a car A drug dealer has been jailed for 12 years after he was caught with a staggering 52kg of cocaine, with a street value of almost 5 million. Ylber Ceni was caught when police spotted him with a holdall packed with the drug. The 31-year-old was taking it to a silver Mercedes C-Class parked on a road in Caterham, Surrey. Ylber Cenci (left), of Caterham, Surrey, was jailed for 12 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court after police caught him with 52kg of cocaine, of which 37kg was found at an address in Caterham (right) When police stopped the vehicle they found 15kg of cocaine inside the holdall but were unable to apprehend the driver, who ran off when they approached. Police are still hunting the suspect. Ceni was traced back to a local address, where police found a further 37kg of cocaine in blocks varying between 70 and 90 per cent purity. Cenci, of Caterham, Surrey, was jailed for 12 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday. He admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in November. Police estimated the total street value of the haul to be worth 4.7 million. Detective Constable Liam Hurley of the Metropolitan Police's central task force said: 'This operation recovered a substantial amount of cocaine that was destined for the streets of London and beyond. 'I would encourage anyone who has information about the supply of drugs to contact police so that we can continue to arrest and prosecute those who cause harm.' Ceni was caught when police spotteded him walking to a Mercedes with a holdall packed with 15kg of cocaine There seemed little to disturb the army of well-heeled shoppers floating round the Georgian colonnades, the bars and boutiques of Royal Tunbridge Wells this weekend little, certainly, to cause fear let alone disgust. So how to explain this to Theresa Dodd and her husband Charles, a retired solicitor: that three of their four privately educated daughters would become heroin addicts, reduced to the shame of begging on the streets of the genteel spa town, desperate for a fix? Or that their drugs were bought and sold not in the pubs of South or Central London, but supplied by specialist dealers in Tunbridge Wells itself, supposedly the epitome of affluent respectability? It seems hardly credible. The people behind it are metropolitan criminals greedy for the wallets of rich commuters and they have seized wealthy market towns by the throat (file photo) But not to the Dodds or their daughters, because as they know all too well Tunbridge Wells has fallen victim to a new, meticulously planned and chilling expansion of the London drug trade that has so far gone barely reported. This cold-eyed drive for fresh sales territory uses business cards, travelling salesmen, text-message marketing, and the sort of introductory offers familiar to any supermarket shopper. The people behind it are metropolitan criminals greedy for the wallets of rich commuters and they have seized wealthy market towns by the throat. Mrs Dodd and her family are still reeling. They are still at various stages of recovery, she says of her daughters. Once you are an addict, it becomes a lifelong thing. They talk on the TV about drug problems in Brixton and in Brighton, but we have problems here. The sheer scale of those problems is laid out in police documents leaked to The Mail on Sunday. Papers prepared for the Mayor of Londons office as recently as February reveal there are now a staggering 83 London gangs operating outside the capital. It is so rife that gangs from 19 of the 32 boroughs are involved, with those from Hackney, Brent, Greenwich and Newham known to be the most prolific. Compiled using data from the Metropolitan Police and other forces, the papers chart the rise of 14 super gangs which are now active in more than one police area outside the capital. London drug dealers are now so prolific, they are operating in every police area across Britain, but in particular a string of towns and cities within easy reach of London, including Oxford, Cambridge, Guildford, Epsom, Crawley, Chelmsford, Harlow, Salisbury, St Albans, Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. In Tunbridge Wells, 74 of the 106 drugs-related arrests made by police since 2014 are for crimes perpetrated by London-based gangs. Last month, Shay Hanchard a 20-year-old drug dealer from Lewisham, South London, was jailed for four years and four months after pleading guilty to possessing heroin and crack cocaine that he intended to supply in the town. And last week, another London gang member, Bilihimin Omisola nicknamed Tiny was jailed for three years after he admitted that he had moved from London to the Wiltshire town of Trowbridge in order to sell Class A drugs. They call it cuckooing the new supply method devised by the London drug gangs. Dealers will arrive in a new area and quickly identify a vulnerable local addict. Then they move in, commandeering that persons home and sometimes, like a cuckoo, forcing them out. The house or flat becomes a regional headquarters, often staffed by teenage gang members. This cold-eyed drive for fresh sales territory uses business cards, travelling salesmen, text-message marketing, and the sort of introductory offers familiar to any supermarket shopper The next step is to establish a customer base by handing out business cards to prospective clients, and buying phone numbers of known drug users from local dealers. They can then send mass marketing text messages, perhaps offering introductory buy-one-get-one-free deals to draw punters in. If business is good, further gang members could be dispatched, put up in bed and breakfast accommodation or hotels. Dwayne was one of them. Today, the former gang member is lounging on a cream faux leather sofa in his mothers three-bedroom terrace house on a council estate in East London. A pale-skinned black man of 18, with tufts of wispy stubble on his chin and dressed in a scruffy tracksuit, Dwayne not his real name describes earning 2,000 a day selling crack cocaine and heroin in small towns across Essex until six months ago. When you go out of London, theres more money, he explains. Id get guys dressed in suits driving smart cars who were my customers. Sometimes theyd buy from me more than once in a day. He frittered the money he earned on a classic gangster lifestyle expensive designer clothes and nights in clubs where he would spend thousands on champagne. Bilihimin Omisola, 24, originally from London, but living in Trowbridge at the time of the offence, came to the attention of officers in August 2015 Dwayne never took the highly addictive Class A drugs he was selling. In fact, he reveals contempt for his former crackhead clients when he speaks about them. By the age of 13 he had been arrested several times for street muggings. By 14 he was earning up to 180 a day as a drug runner, moving around London by train and taxi, and by 15 he was firmly established as a street dealer. Moving out to Essex was easy even though, as a black teenager, he stood out. I used to dress like a tourist and sometimes even wore T-shirts with I Love London on them. In each town he befriended addicts by offering them free drugs and used their flats as a base. The addicts also helped him to circulate the gangs mobile phone number among other users, and when they called Dwayne, he would offer to deliver his goods to their door or arrange to meet them in different locations to stay a step ahead of police. Rival dealers were usually not a problem and sometimes Dwayne could buy them off by offering to let them sell his gangs drugs. The biggest threat was from the crackheads, he said. If they didnt have the money they could get real crazy if you wouldnt give them the drugs. They would kill for a fix. A friend of mine was killed by an addict. He stabbed him in the head. Partly because of that incident, Dwayne put that life behind him and is training to become a plumber. A separate report published last August by the National Crime Agency, Britains equivalent of the FBI, revealed that the seven police forces closest to London had identified 827 London-based criminals who were selling drugs in their areas. The gangs are drawn to the regions by what they see as rich and easy pickings. There is a ready supply of wealthy customers, with the NCA report saying more than half of the towns targeted could be described as middle-class or affluent. Above all, it is the perception of an easy market space that draws [gangs] to these locations, the report warned. It also found that criminal rivals already existing in the towns are easily subdued by the London gangs who routinely use much greater levels of violence. The report stated: The gangs use children on the front line because they are inexpensive, easily controlled and less likely to be detected by the police. Last month, five men were jailed over the death of a man in Basildon, Essex, who was stabbed in a row between rival London gangs. Some of the gangs from South London and in Harlesden, North-West London, have access to Mac 10 machine-guns, and experts are worried that clashes between such groups will soon begin happening in provincial towns. Tony Saggers, head of drugs threat and intelligence at the NCA, said the gangs best weapon, however, is the mobile phone. What sits at the heart of this is the ability to buy pay-as-you-go phones virtually, if not completely, anonymously to run a criminal business and cause enormous human misery, he says. As a consequence we have seen an increase in the misery of drug addiction and the exploitation of vulnerable young people who are coerced and enlisted into helping these gangs. Bedford Terrace - an early nineteenth century terrace of houses in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, Kent Perhaps unsurprisingly, the greatest concentration is in the areas closest to the capital and in at least ten counties including Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and sweeping from Norfolk down to the South Coast and around to Hampshire. There are between 15 and 50 different London street gangs supplying cocaine, crack and heroin. In the West Country there are between 11 and 14 of the gangs in each county. And groups from East London supply skunk cannabis to students at Oxford and Cambridge. One leader from the Custom House gang in East London, who was caught with half a kilo of crack cocaine in a police raid, was found to have booked 240 hotel rooms in a string of towns along the east coast. These kids are groomed and coerced into working with the gangs, said Sheldon Thomas, a former gang member who now runs Gangsline, a charity which helps young people escape their criminal life. The charity also delivers hard-hitting seminars in schools and prisons to youngsters at risk. The gangs are firmly entrenched in many schools and they are expanding their influence through videos which these kids watch on YouTube, flaunting an image of apparent success. But its all fake and these kids face a bleak future if they get involved. In the long run there are only two outcomes for them: they will end up either dead or in prison. Mr Thomas said the school visits are costly but that Government cutbacks are making them more difficult. His charity has worked with 6,000 gang members from 150 London estates. He said that nearly four in five of the teenagers have no connection with their fathers. THE police are certainly attempting to act against the gangs. Operation Holdcroft is a joint effort to share intelligence of the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police and forces in Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Thames Valley. One method is to charge gang leaders running networks of young people with human trafficking, which attracts tougher sentences. Last summer, Kent Police launched Operation Jupiter, which focuses on organised drugs gangs and has led to 209 arrests for offences including drug supply, human trafficking and burglary. But privately, officers from the Met concede the task is insurmountably huge. Back in Tunbridge Wells, Mrs Dodd fears the police are failing to root out the gang leaders. Top Republicans strongly oppose the movement but there is some support from lower ranks Near-miss shows the Texas Nationalist Movement is becoming more mainstream The political platform fell two votes shy of going to the convention floor of nearly 4,000 delegates Committee of Texas GOP leaders narrowly threw out drafted language in party platform that would support referendum on Texas secessionists were narrowly defeated after nearly forcing the state Republican Party to vote on their cause. A committee of Texas GOP leaders threw out drafted language in the party platform that supported a referendum on Texas leaving the United States Thursday - but only by a tiny margin. The political platform fell just two votes shy of going to the convention floor of nearly 4,000 delegates. A committee of Texas GOP leaders narrowly threw out drafted language in the party platform that supported a referendum on Texas leaving the United States Thursday. Pictured: Texas Nationalist Movement supporte The Texas Nationalist Movement (pictured) once a grassroots organisation has been leading the effort for ten years and as Thursday's near-vote shows, is now becoming more mainstream The group's president Daniel Miller told CNN: 'We want Texas to become an independent state. It's not that far-fetched of an idea It wasn't expected to survive a floor vote, but secessionist supporters say their efforts had never made it this far. The Texas Nationalist Movement, once a grassroots organisation has been leading the effort for ten years and as Thursday's near-vote shows, is now becoming more mainstream. The group's president Daniel Miller told CNN: 'We want Texas to become an independent state. It's not that far-fetched of an idea. 'This idea that people have the right of self-determination and places like Texas can assert their right of self-determination and become independent nation states is not that odd at all.' But the Texas Nationalist Movement has no support whatsoever from top Republicans. SREC member of Senate District 11 in the Greater Houston area Tanya Robertson has led the drive for an independence vote within the party Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (left) said 'too many people died for this country' to support secession. Texas GOP chairman Tom Mechler said the Nationalist Movement was not a Republican group Texas GOP chairman Tom Mechler told the Houston Chronicle that the Nationalist Movement was not a Republican group and was simply using the state party as apparatus to push its cause. He added: 'Republican is not even in their name.' While Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said 'too many people died for this country' to support secession. But the push has had support from some of the lower ranks. SREC member of Senate District 11 in the Greater Houston area Tanya Robertson has led the drive for an independence vote within the party. She told the Chronicle last year: 'There's been a big groundswell of Texans that are getting into the Texas independence issue. 'I believe conservatives in Texas should have a choice to voice their opinion.' Members of the San Antonio Living History Association fire muskets on Thursday, March 6, 2014 in front of the Alamo during the 'Dawn at the Alamo' ceremony on the 178th anniversary of the battle for Texas independence THE LONG AND BLOODY HISTORY OF TEXAS SECESSION In December 1835, in the early stages of Texas' battle for independence from Mexico, a group of Texan volunteers led by George Collinsworth and Benjamin Milam overwhelmed the Mexican garrison at the famous battle of Alamo and captured the fort, seizing control of San Antonio In 1836, Texas won its independence from Mexico in a bloody war. Remembering how badly the Texans had been defeated at the Alamo, on April 21, 1836, Sam Houston's army won a quick battle against the Mexican forces at San Jacinto and gained independence for Texas. Texas sought annexation by the United States, but both Mexico and antislavery forces in the United States opposed its admission into the Union. For nearly a decade, Texas existed as an independent republic, and Houston was Texas' first elected president. In 1845, Texas joined the Union as the 28th state, leading to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. Then, in 1861, Texans voted to secede and join the Confederacy during the Civil War. When the war was over, the Supreme Court decided that states can't secede unilaterally and any attempt to do so would be 'absolutely null.' The Texas secession movement has ebbed and flowed for the 150 years since and revved up again in the 1990s under controversial leader Richard Lance McLaren. His violent approach to getting his point across landed him a 99-year prison sentence, relating to a kidnapping. The Texas Nationalist Movement, headed by Daniel Miller, then took over, evolving from one of the factions of the old Republic of Texas in the late 1990s to early 2000s. Miller's group has advocated a more political approach and has attempted to get language advocating for secession on GOP primary ballots. Support has grown particularly in the last year and it's near victory Thursday is an indication that the idea is becoming more mainstream. Advertisement The Nationalist Movement made headlines last year with a statewide tour of speaking events, aimed to garner enough signatures to get secession on the GOP primary ballot. But the idea of secession is nothing new to Texas. At a rally in 2009 then-Texas Gov. Rick Perry that while there was 'no reason' to dissolve the union, he said 'who knows' what might happen if 'Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people', although later clarified that he wasn't saying Texas should secede. While in 2012, a petition gathered support that called on the White House to allow Texas to withdraw from the union. A smoke bomb was let off and police tried to charge into John Lewis, but police blocked them Police made no attempt to move the Protesters clashed with police and let off smoke bombs during a demonstration against Topshop owner Sir Philip Green in Central London today. The protest, which started outside the company's flagship store in Oxford Circus, saw traffic being blocked as people took to the streets chanting 'Topshop, shame on you'. The disorganised demonstration was billed as part of the United Voices Of The World union's campaign for a real living wage for cleaners at Topshop. Get back! Scuffles between police and protesters broke out as officers in front of John Lewis blocked the entrance The protest started outside the company's flagship store in Oxford Circus as one demonstration took to the street with a smoke bomb Around 150-200 protesters from a number of organisations turned out for the demonstration, and took their places on one of London's busiest roads. But the group admitted to not knowing where they were going to be marching to as demonstrators clashed with police outside the nearby John Lewis and others chanted outside the Topshop in Marble Arch. Teresa Grey, from United Voices Of The World, said the group were taking to the streets to 'make their voices heard.' She said: 'Two Topshop cleaners joined our union. For that, one was sacked, the other suspended.' But when she was asked about the route they would be taking, she said: 'No idea. We're just marching.' Aysan Dennis, from protest group Class War, added: 'We want our voices heard. This is a class war.' Asked why she was blocking traffic she said, pointing at Topshop. 'I don't care. The tax dodgers are the real criminals.' Despite a large police presence there was no attempt by officers to move the protesters from the middle of the road. After the group moved on from Oxford Circus they marched down Oxford Street and a small number attempted to charge into John Lewis. The demonstration was billed as part the United Voices Of The World union's campaign for a real living wage for cleaners at Topshop Protest: Around 150-200 protesters from a number of organisations turned out for the demonstration Scuffles between police and protesters broke out as officers stood in front of the store entrance. Masked members of Class War lit red smoke bombs as shoppers watched on. Footage of the scuffle showed police officers being pushed back as angry protesters continued to chant and attempted to gain entrance to the building. A John Lewis employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told MailOnline: 'The protesters caused a great disturbance at the front of the store. 'Security were called to control the crowd and customers had to use the back doors to exit.' The staff member added that the demonstrators were outside the shop for around 15 minutes to half an hour. The group then gathered outside Marble Arch Topshop, forcing the store to close its shutters. Shoppers were left locked inside for around 15 minutes while protesters stood outside the store chanting and banging drums. Metropolitan Police confirmed no arrests were made during the demonstration. A spokesman said: 'Flares were let off and traffic was held up by protesters for around 10 minutes at around 5.45pm at Oxford Circus.' Despite a large police presence there was no attempt by officers to move the protesters from the middle of the road Ted Cruz has been welcomed back to the Senate with less than open arms after returning to Capitol Hill for the first time since losing the GOP presidential nomination. The Texas senator managed to make headlines even before setting foot in the Capitol on Tuesday, when he and his detail were spotted committing a parking sin, AOL reported. The photo of the incident was captured by photojournalist Bill Clark for Roll Call, which showed the car taking up two spaces in the parking lot as Cruz got out, and has since gone viral on social media. Scroll down for video Ted Cruz (pictured arriving at his office in Washington DC on Tuesday) has been welcomed back to the Senate with less than open arms after returning to Capitol Hill for the first time since losing the GOP presidential nomination Cruz managed to make headlines even before setting foot in the Capitol on Tuesday, when he and his detail were spotted committing a parking sin, with the car taking up two spots (pictured) People were quick to hit out at Cruz on Twitter, suggesting the parking sin was his worst sin yet One person tweeted that Cruz was 'the kind of douche who takes up two parking spaces' People were quick to hit out at Cruz on Twitter, suggesting the parking sin was his worst sin yet. 'Don't care that he didn't drive. This parking is the most Ted Cruz thing to happen,' one person tweeted. 'Ted Cruz is the kind of douche who takes up two parking spaces,' another wrote. And another person suggested the terrible parking job was another reason for people to hate Cruz. But if that was already a rocky start to his return to the Senate, US Senator John McCain was not holding back on Thursday at a GOP lunch when he joked they did not want Cruz back. And on Thursday, US Senator John McCain joked that the Senate did not want Cruz back either after the Texas senator said he did not want to come back '[Cruz] came and he spoke at that lunch, and he said, "To be honest with you, I didn't really want to come back to the Senate,"' Manu Raju reported on CNN. 'And John McCain stood up and said, "Well, we didn't really want you back, either."' On Tuesday, Cruz gave no indication he was ready to endorse Donald Trump and hinted the media may have to wait a bit longer to see him back in a race. He also quipped that it was 'great to be back in the welcoming embrace of Washington.' Cruz's colleagues have not been shy about voicing their feelings about the senator who suspended his presidential campaign last week after losing to the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump in Indiana. On Tuesday, he gave no indication he was ready to endorse Donald Trump and hinted the media may have to wait a bit longer to see him back in a race 'If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody could convict you,' Senator Lindsey Graham famously said. And last month, Former House Speaker John Boehner made it clear where his presidential primary loyalties lied when he slammed Cruz as 'Lucifer in the flesh' and a 'miserable son of a b***h.' Cruz, who is in the middle of his fourth year in the Senate, has been described as a polarizing figure in the Senate. The reporter who recorded an interview with a 'spokesman' for Donald Trump in 1991 claims the GOP front-runner leaked the audio to the Washington Post himself. This has been a challenging week for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee as Hillary Clinton put pressure on him to release his tax documents. The audio tapes, which reporter Sue Carswell claims were leaked by the Donald himself, have been a convenient distraction from the controversy. Twenty-five years ago, Carswell interviewed a man called John Miller, who said he was a spokesman for Trump, as the billionaire was divorcing his first wife Ivana. In the tape, a man who sounds very similar to Trump and uses words that often appear in his vocabulary discusses the Donald's personal life with Carswell. Scroll down for video Sue Carswell (pictured) went on Fox News to discuss her interview with 'John Miller', who is believed to be Donald Trump posing as his own PR person Carswell told Megyn Kelly (pictured) she believed Trump leaked the tapes to the Washington Post himself Kelly seemed to find it hard to believe Trump would do that and asked if Carswell was suggesting he did it to generate a news cycle. She told Kelly only two people had the tape and she lost hers 25 years ago Trump has adamantly denied that it is him on the tape, despite admitting in the past that he routinely made calls to reporters in the 1970s, '80s and '90s posing as a publicist named John Miller or John Barron, CNN reported. On Friday, Carswell went on Fox News to discuss the tapes with Megyn Kelly. In the clip from the show, Carswell tells Kelly that only two people could have possibly had access to a recording of that interview: her and the person on the other end of the phone. 'Megyn, the main thing here is that I didn't leak the tape and there are two people in the conversation,' Carswell says. Kelly clarifies that Carswell was recording Trump because she's a reporter and was doing her job. Carswell responds that that is correct and that she 'lost the tape'. 'You were the only one with a copy of the tape?' Kelly asks. Carswell tells her she was and that she lost it 25 years ago. When Kelly asks if someone could have stolen it, she tells her 'no'. Carswell told Kelly she lost her copy of the tape 25 years ago while moving. When Kelly asked if someone could have stolen it, she told her 'no' Trump has adamantly denied that he was John Miller, despite admitting to using the alias many years ago In the 1991 interview with Carswell, a man who claims to be a Trump spokesman called John Miller, talks about what a great guy the mogul is while boasting about his 'three girlfriends' in addition to Maples 'It was in my house and then I moved apartments,' Carswell says. Kelly replies: 'Who else would've had a copy of the tape?' 'Donald Trump,' Carswell says definitively. Laughter can be heard from producers in the studio as Kelly acts like her mind is being blown. She asks if Carswell is suggesting that Trump leaked the tapes himself to the Washington Post, to which Carswell confidently replies 'yes'. When Kelly asks why, Carswell says the man has done stranger things and then Kelly asks if Carswell is suggesting Trump leaked the tapes to generate a new news cycle. 'Hello, Donald,' Carswell deadpans at the camera. Kelly laughs as people behind the camera continue to laugh, too. According to a report in the Washington Post, Trump regularly pretended to be his own spokesman in interviews with reporters in the 1990s, when his love life made him a tabloid staple. The paper recently obtained audio between a People magazine reporter and one of these so-called Trump spokesmen who is clearly just Trump himself - his Queens accent unmistakable. Trump later admitted to such in another People magazine article, but 25 years later, he is now denying the masquerade. On Friday morning, Trump called in for an interview on the Today show, and when questioned about the recording, Trump denied that it was him and even lashed out at Savannah Guthrie for bringing up old news. 'Youre going so low as to talk about something that took place 25 years ago about whether or not I made a phone call,' Trump balked. In the audio recording obtained by the Post, People magazine reporter Sue Carswell speaks to a man who claims to be a Trump spokesman named 'John Miller'. Advertisement Servicemen from both Georgia and the United States continued joint training exercises in Georgia on Saturday, photos have revealed. They were seen with AT4s and a SPG-9 anti-armour weapon outside Tblisi. Earlier this week, the Georgian army began twoweeks of military exercises with the United States and Britain on Wednesday - despite Russia's anger as American tanks rolled into its backyard. Scroll down for video Servicemen from both Georgia and the United States continued joint training exercises in Georgia on Saturday Soldiers from the United States are seen out in a field on Saturday wearing camouflage makeup Earlier this week, the Georgian army began two weeks of military exercises with the United States and Britain on Wednesday. US servicemen are seen on Saturday U.S. servicemen fire AT4 light anti-armour weapon during joint military exercises on Saturday US servicemen prepare to fire AT4 light anti-armour weapon at the Vaziani military base on Saturday for the exercises U.S. servicemen march to firing positions during joint military exercises at the Vaziani military base outside Tbilisi, Georgia A Georgian serviceman is seen firing a SPG-9 anti-armour weapon on Saturday U.S. servicemen are seen holding their firearms and being briefed together Several U.S. servicemen are pictured on Saturday in Georgia marching to firing positions US servicemen are seen together on Saturday outside Tbilisi, Georgia Hundreds of soldiers gathered at the military base of Vaziani - once used by Russia, just outside the capital Tbilisi - for the opening ceremony of the exercise, dubbed 'Noble Partner 2016'. As the sky filled with paratroopers while some 650 American, 150 British and 500 Georgian soldiers watched on in front of a fleet of tanks, Moscow's anger was almost palpable. Last week, it said the decision to hold the exercise on its doorstep was 'provocative' and 'aimed at deliberately rocking the military-political situation in the South Caucasus'. The Russian Foreign Ministry went as far as to accuse the United States - which has also dispatched an entire mechanised company, including eight Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and, for the first time, eight M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks - of indulging the 'revanchist desires of Tbilisi'. It is a charge which Georgia has strongly denied. The two week exercise, which began on Wednesday, involves about 650 U.S. soldiers, 150 British and 500 Georgians. Georgian servicemen are pictured on Wednesday The news of the exercise, called Noble Partner 2016, angered Russia, who said it could destabalise the region. US servicemen are seen in this Wednesday photograph Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, center, visits British troops after Wednesday's opening ceremony Giorgi Margvelashvili said at Wednesday's opening of the two-week exercises that his country would one day become a member of the Western military alliance 'These exercises are not directed against anyone. There isno trace of provocation,' Georgia's Prime Minister GeorgyKvirikashvili said in a statement. Georgia's Defence Minister Tina Khidasheli said the drillswere an important event for the South Caucasus republic. 'This is one of the biggest exercises that our country hasever hosted, this is the biggest number of troops on the ground,and the largest concentration of military equipment,' Khidasheli said. Georgian soldiers are seen attending the Wednesday opening ceremony US servicemen wait for an opening ceremony of US-led joint military exercise 'Noble Partner 2016' Moscow also accused the United States of indulging the 'revanchist desires of Tbilisi'. British servicemen are seen Wednesday British servicemen are seen gathered attending the opening ceremony, which took place earlier this week Russian forces used to be based at the base where the exercises are being carried out. Paratroopers are seen Wednesday US airborne troops participate in joint military exercises on Wednesday US airborne troops are seen in the sky on Wednesday, participating in the war games. Also pictured are the US and UK flags Russia defeated Georgia in a short war in 2008 over the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia. Moscow continues to garrison troops there and to support another breakaway region, Abkhazia. Russian forces used to be based at the base where the exercises are being carried out until they withdrew atthe start of the last decade under the terms of a European armsreduction agreement. 'The importance of these exercises is to improveinteroperability between Georgia, the United States and theUnited Kingdom. ... It enables us to prepare Georgia'scontribution to a NATO response force,' Colonel JeffreyDickerson, the U.S. director of the exercises, told Reuters. The United States has spoken favourably of the idea thatGeorgia might one day join NATO, something Russia firmlyopposes. The United States has spoken favourably of the idea that Georgia might one day join NATO, something Russia firmly opposes Russia defeated Georgia in a short war in 2008 over the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia. Pictured: U.S. servicemen attend an opening ceremony of U.S. led joint military exercise "Noble Partner 2016" It is the dream of every young girl to be a princess for a day. And for 13-year-old Kinvara Garner, that dream is becoming a reality, as she is playing the Queen as a youngster tonight in front of Her Majesty, and live on TV. The horse-mad teenager was picked to take part in the Queen's 90th Birthday Celebration, playing the young Princess Elizabeth in a scene showing the future Monarch learning to ride. Kinvara has been the centre of attention in the star-studded extravaganza at Windsor Castle over the past week, but tonight's show and its special guest means added pressure. She has even been practising her royal wave, as she will have to wave to Her Majesty. Scroll down for video Honoured: Kinvara, from Bangor-on-Dee, North Wales, was picked to take part in the Queen's 90th Birthday Celebration Kinvara said: 'We did the show on Thursday. Princess Anne was there and I couldn't believe it when she waved back. It was lovely.' The scene narrated by Jim Carter, best known as Downton Abbey butler Carson will be a highlight of tonight's spectacular, to be screened on ITV from 8.35pm. It is likely to rekindle cherished memories for the Queen as it closely mirrors her own experiences as a teenager learning equestrian skills with her sister Margaret. Another young rider, Hannah Richardson, won a Pony Club competition to play the young Margaret. Tonight's show, hosted by Ant and Dec, will involve 900 horses and more than 1,500 people, including Dames Shirley Bassey and Helen Mirren to recreate key moments in the Queen's life. According to sources, Her Majesty's beloved pony Carltonlima Emma, a black fell mare, is being secretly transported to Windsor Castle to take part too. Seeing double: The 13-year-old will play the young Princess Elizabeth (pictured in 1939) in a scene showing the future Monarch learning to ride The sources also revealed plans for Prince Edward and Princess Anne to make a surprise appearance in the show, which the Queen will watch with the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry. Kinvara, from Bangor-on-Dee, North Wales, was told late last year that she had been selected for the role and has been allowed time off by her Shropshire boarding school to rehearse even though she has exams next week. She said: 'I only started rehearsing last Friday. I shall be riding a black fell pony called Bert. I'm so pleased. I know the Queen loves the breed. 'We go round the ring, change the reins and follow a carriage. That was particularly difficult at first. I was nervous but now I keep relaxed.' A Button Boy from the Household Cavalry rides through the arena during the Queen's 90th Birthday Celebration at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Friday The teenager said she particularly enjoyed dressing up in old-fashioned riding gear, including baggy jodhpurs known as elephant ear breeches, and a tweed jacket. Under her helmet, Kinvara will also wear short dark wig replicating the hairstyle of the future Queen. Some 200 maternity staff say the campaign is an insult to their profession Britains biggest maternity union has joined forces with abortion providers and radical feminists in an extreme campaign to abolish the legal limits on abortion. The Royal College of Midwives, which represents nearly 30,000 midwives and health workers, is calling for women to be allowed to terminate an unborn child at any stage of pregnancy and face no criminal sanctions. Abolishing abortion law would do away with the current time limit of 24 weeks of pregnancy, after which a woman can only have a termination for medical reasons. The campaign comes after a 24-year-old woman was recently jailed for deliberately inducing a miscarriage when she was eight months pregnant. Cathy Warwick, who is the The Royal College of Midwives Chief Executive and General Secretary But critics fear such a radical change in the law will lead to healthy foetuses being aborted late in pregnancy for reasons including being the wrong sex or simply for the convenience of the mother. The RCMs new policy was formally announced in a new position statement published last week, which has already sparked a rebellion among the unions members. The continued criminalisation of abortion in the UK may drive women to access abortion services which are neither safe nor legal, and which may prove harmful or even fatal. Accordingly the RCM supports the campaign to remove abortion from criminal law RCM Abortion Position Statement published last week Around 200 midwives and maternity workers signed a letter to the unions board condemning the utterly unacceptable move, on which they say members were not consulted. For the organisation that represents us to support the radical position that all protections for unborn children should be removed right through to birth, and without any consultation of us members, we find utterly unacceptable, the letter states. We, the undersigned, therefore wish to state that the RCM does not speak in our name. Signatory Michelle Viney, a midwife of 15 years standing, said: Why could the RCM think it could do this without asking any of their members? I find it so shocking. I financially support it, but I wouldnt want to be paying a fee towards an organisation which is going to be campaigning for something which, morally, I 100 per cent disagree with. The Mail on Sunday can also reveal astonishing links between the head of the RCM and Britains biggest abortion provider, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), which is driving the We Trust Women campaign. BPAS chief executive Ann Furedi (pictured), said abortion should be accepted as a form of family planning. She is married to sociology professor Frank Furedi, a founding member of the Revolutionary Communist Party BPAS runs a nationwide chain of abortion clinics and receives 25 million of public money to carry out more than 63,000 terminations a year on behalf of the NHS. But Cathy Warwick, the 155,000-a-year Chief Executive and General Secretary of the RCM, has been a trustee of BPAS for at least five years, and in 2014 became Chairman of the abortion provider, with ultimate responsibility for the charitys strategy and direction. Her BPAS position which is unpaid is not mentioned in her RCM biography. Since Professor Warwick became Chair of Trustees, BPAS has taken an increasingly political direction with a key objective being to expand our advocacy for the decriminalisation and destigmatisation of abortion throughout the UK, corporate papers reveal. Left, The RCM Abortion Position Statement and right, The Royal College of Midwives badge. The college was established in 1881 with the Latin motto Vita Donum Dei, meaning Life is the gift of God In February, as BPAS launched its We Trust Women campaign to decriminalise abortion, Prof Warwick signalled the union supported the campaign meaning the professional body was ranked alongside feminist groups such as The Fawcett Society, the National Union of Students Womens Campaign and Southall Black Sisters. Last Friday, the position was confirmed in its statement, which reads: The continued criminalisation of abortion in the UK may drive women to access abortion services which are neither safe nor legal, and which may prove harmful or even fatal. Accordingly, the RCM supports the campaign to remove abortion from criminal law. If these aims were ever implemented, it would mean the introduction of abortion up to birth for any reason. We object to this new extreme position taken by the College. It is out of keeping with what we take to be the ethic of our profession Letter to RCM chief signed by 200 midwives and maternity workers The document, which emphasises the rights of women, makes no reference to the moral rights of the unborn child. This is despite recent calls to lower the legal limit for abortions. Survival rates for premature babies have improved massively in recent years and now 80 per cent born at 25 weeks survive. Last night, Liberal Democrat peer Lord Alton of Liverpool said the RCMs support was shocking. He added that he found it extraordinary that midwives who have a high calling bringing babies into the world were being frogmarched into carrying out terminations. Citing the cases of two Christian midwives in Scotland who resigned after refusing to care for women who had undergone abortions, he added: It is bad enough for people to lose their jobs and to have their consciences trampled upon. But in addition, that the Royal College which represents them without any consultation with its membership is campaigning for a more draconian abortion law, will shock any fair-minded person. Next year there will be eight million abortions since it was legalised in Britain, and it is not the job of midwives to add to that number. The British Pregnancy Advice Service 'We Trust Women' campaign document (pictured) states: 'The abortion time limit would be removed from criminal law. There is no doubt that abortions post viability raise particular moral concerns for many...but there is no evidence that [it] leads to an increase in later terminations' BPAS is led by Ann Furedi, its 145,000-a-year Chief Executive, who is a former Cosmopolitan journalist turned advocate of abortion as a method of birth control. In 2000 Ms Furedi said: It may be time to understand that, for women, abortion is an essential method of family planning and accept it as such. Most abortions carried out in Britain today are authorised under the 1967 Abortion Act on the grounds that continuing with the pregnancy would jeopardise a womans mental health. Such abortions are allowed up until 24 weeks gestation. Only a tiny proportion of abortions take place at 24 weeks or later: there were 211 such terminations in 2014 After that, they are only legal on medical grounds if continuing with the pregnancy would endanger the life of the woman, or the unborn child has severe health problems. Consequently only a tiny proportion of abortions take place at 24 weeks or later: there were 211 such terminations in 2014. The We Trust Women campaign explicitly states that the abortion time limit would be removed from criminal law, if it succeeded. It claims there is no evidence that removing criminal sanctions leads to an increase in later terminations. Canada and parts of Australia have already decriminalised abortion altogether, it adds. Concerned midwives and pro-life campaigners dispute this, saying there is evidence of increased late-term abortions in the Australian state of Victoria after its Abortion Law Reform of 2008. Sally Carson, a trained midwife from Chester, said: Midwives are for delivering live babies wherever possible and trying to preserve the lives of those born prematurely. These babies are not tumours that they can just remove. Tory MP Fiona Bruce, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group, said: To propose abortion up to birth for any reason at all is, I believe, completely out of step both with the society and many of societys representatives in Parliament. We need to stand against this. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg made a candid address to University of California-Berkeley graduates Saturday. She shared how the death of her husband had left her 'swimming in an ocean of grief' but also that she has become grateful for the 'gift of life itself'. Her late husband Survey Monkey CEO Dave Goldberg collapsed aged 47 after suffering a head trauma and blood loss following a fall off a treadmill due to a heart arrhythmia while on vacation. Speaking at the commencement, Sandberg told the crowd that her husband's sudden passing 'changed (her) in profound ways.' Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg made a candid address to University of California-Berkeley graduates Saturday (left and right) She shared how the death of her husband had left her 'swimming in an ocean of grief' Her late husband Survey Monkey CEO Dave Goldberg (right) collapsed at age 47 after suffering a head trauma and blood loss following a fall off a treadmill due to a heart arrhythmia while on vacation Speaking at the commencement she told the crowd that her husband's sudden passing 'changed (her) in profound ways'. Pictured: The couple's wedding She said it taught her overnight 'the depths of sadness and the brutality of loss' but that she also learned that 'when life sucks you under, you can kick against the bottom, break the surface, and breathe again'. She added: 'I'm sharing this with you in the hopes that today, as you take the next step in your life, you can learn the lessons that I only learned in death.' 'Lessons about hope, strength, and the light within us that will not be extinguished.' And living up to her tech credentials, Sandberg told graduates that some of her healing came from analyzing data gleaned from experts studying how people overcome setbacks and cited psychologist Martin Seligman's three Ps: personalization, pervasiveness and permanence, reported USA Today. The bestselling author of Lean In also spoke out just last week about the pain of being a single parent on Mother's Day. Actor Vince Vaughn delivers remarks at Liberty University's graduation on Saturday, May 14 in Lynchburg Actors Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn (center) both addressed former students at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Actor Mel Gibson shared his wisdom with the former students at Liberty University's graduation on Saturday Sandberg wrote the tribute to single moms in honor of mother's day, less than a week after remembering her husband on the one year anniversary of his death. She discussed the 'new and unfamiliar' world of single parenthood, admitting that she still often finds herself asking 'What would Dave do if he were here?' 'Before, I did not quite get it,' she writes. 'I did not really get how hard it is to succeed at work when you are overwhelmed at home.' 'I did not understand how often I would look at my son's or daughter's crying face and not now how to stop the tears.' But speaking on Saturday, Sandberg ultimately shared a message of hope with the class of 2016. She told the crowd: 'As you graduate, can you ask yourselves to live as if you had 11 days left? 'I don't mean blow everything off and party all the time although tonight is an exception. I mean live with the understanding of how precious every single day would be. How precious every day actually is.' Hoda Kotb delivers Tulane University commencement address at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on May 14 in New Orleans, Louisiana Oscar Winner Callie Khouri Delivers Commencement speech at The 2016 Watkins College of Art, Dasign & Film Commencement on May 14 in Nashville, Tennessee And concluded: 'There are so many moments of joy ahead of you. 'That trip you always wanted to take. A first kiss with someone you really like. 'The day you get a job doing something you truly believe in. Beating Stanford. (Go Bears!) All of these things will happen to you. Enjoy each and every one.' In March this year, Sandberg was pictured boarding a plane with rumored new boyfriend Robert Kotick, the billionaire CEO of Activision Blizzard, which owns franchises such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. A raft of celebrities took to the stage Saturday to address various graduates across the country. Actors Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn shared their wisdom with former students at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. While NBCs Hoda Kotb delivered a speech at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Oscar winner Callie Khouri addressed the Class of 2016 from Watkins College of Art in Nashville, Tennessee. George Zimmerman deleted his profile from an auction site on Saturday after internet trolls hiked up the price for the gun he used to kill Trayvon Martin to $66million. Zimmerman told the Orlando Sentinel that he deleted the auction posting with United Gun Group 'to purge the false bidders' from trying to obtain the gun. 'We will be reposting to [the auction listing] today, once we have corrected the infrastructure and security protocols,' Zimmerman said on Saturday. He reposted the gun on the site at around 3 p.m.The starting price is now at $100,000.00. Bidding in an online auction for the gun George Zimmerman used to kill Trayvon Martin appeared to have been hijacked by fake accounts posting high bids early Friday Repost: He reposted the gun on the site at around 3 p.m.The starting price is now at $100,000.00. Zimmerman said on Saturday that he deleted the auction posting with United Gun Group 'to purge the false bidders' from trying to obtain the gun. Pictured here are commenters and potential bidders Early Friday, the bidding surpassed $65 million with the leading bidder using the screen name 'Racist McShootFace' before a person named Craig Bryant overtook the bidding on UnitedGunGroup.com (above) At one point early Friday, the bidding went past $65 million with the leading bidder using the screen name 'Racist McShootFace' on UnitedGunGroup.com. The site later showed that account had been deleted. Other screen names of bidders on the site included 'Donald Trump,' 'shaniqua bonifa' and 'Tamir Rice,' the name of a black 12-year-old who was shot and killed by Cleveland police in 2014 while playing with a pellet gun. The website for United Gun Group began hosting the auction Thursday after another website, GunBroker.com, took down the auction saying it wanted 'no part in the listing on our website or in any of the publicity it is receiving.' Hours later, United Gun Group tweeted and wrote in a statement on Facebook that it would post Zimmerman's ad. 'United Gun Group offers a free platform for law-abiding citizens to buy, sell, trade and discuss firearms and related products,' a statement on their Facebook page reads announcing the gun auction. Tragic: An undated handout photo released by the Martin family public relations representative shows 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman Other screen names of bidders (above) on the site included 'Donald Trump,' 'shaniqua bonifa' and 'Tamir Rice,' the name of a black 12-year-old who was shot and killed by Cleveland police in 2014 The former neighborhood watch captain said the gun had only recently been returned to him by the Department of Justice following his murder trial and initial bidding started at $5,000 'United Gun Group's stance is that as long as Mr. Zimmerman (or any other UGG member) is obeying the letter of the law, his personal firearm sale will be permitted on our network. 'UGG reminded Mr. Zimmerman to ensure the gun is shipped from one FFL to another FFL. He appears to be following all applicable laws.' The new link was posted, along with a statement from Zimmerman. The site calls itself a 'social market place for the firearms community.' In the listing, Zimmerman wrote: 'Prospective bidders, I am honored and humbled to announce the sale of an American Firearm Icon. 'The firearm for sale is the firearm that was used to defend my life and end the brutal attack from Trayvon Martin on 2/26/2012.' Zimmerman explained that he planned to lock it in a safe to eventually give to his grandchildren if the Kel-Tec PF-9 9mm didn't sell He tried to first sell it on GunBroker.com before they pulled the auction Thursday morning before it started GunBroker.com took down Zimmerman's listing, citing that they didn't want any part of the publicity it was receiving. The message above is what appears on the page where his listing was Within hours of the listing being removed, a second website - UnitedGunGroup.com - tweeted that their website was now hosting the auction of the gun Bidding on the 9 mm Kel-Tec PF-9 pistol began at $5,000 on Thursday afternoon, but by 9.30am on Friday the highest bid was $65,039,000. Critics called the auction an insensitive move to profit from the slaying. Zimmerman said the pistol was returned to him by the US Justice Department, which took it after he was acquitted in Martin's 2012 shooting death. His listing said a portion of the proceeds would go toward fighting what Zimmerman calls violence by the Black Lives Matter movement against law enforcement officers, combating anti-gun rhetoric of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and ending the career of state attorney Angela Corey, who led Zimmerman's prosecution. The listing ended with a Latin phrase that translates as 'if you want peace, prepare for war.' In both listings of the weapon, he has claimed that the 'many have expressed interest in owning and displaying the firearm including The Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.' However, the museum said in a statement it had not done so and had no plans to display it. Zimmerman, now 32, has said he was defending himself when he killed Martin, an unarmed black 17-year-old, in a gated community near Orlando. Martin, who lived in Miami with his mother, was visiting his father at the time. Zimmerman, who identifies as Hispanic, was acquitted in Martin's February 2012 shooting death. The case sparked protests and a national debate about race relations. The former neighborhood watchman was acquitted in Martin's February 2012 shooting death. The Kel-Tec PF-9 9mm is pictured above during the trial in June 2013 Amy Siewert, from FDLE, showed the jury how George Zimmerman's gun can be fired during his trial in Seminole circuit court, in Sanford, Florida in July 2013 The Justice Department later decided not to prosecute Zimmerman on civil rights charges. Lucy McBath, the mother of another black teenager shot by a white man during an argument at a Jacksonville convenience store in 2012, said the auction reflected a 'deplorable lack of value for human life.' 'I am deeply disappointed that the man who killed Trayvon Martin is trying to sell the very gun he used to cut that precious life short to raise money,' McBath said in a written statement. The slaying of her son, 17-year-old Jordan Davis, by Michael Dunn drew parallels at the time to the Zimmerman-Martin case. Dunn told police he had felt threatened by Davis. Unlike Zimmerman, Dunn was convicted of murder. Since Zimmerman was acquitted, he has been charged with assault based on complaints from two girlfriends. Both women later refused to press charges and Zimmerman wasn't prosecuted. His estranged wife, Shellie Zimmerman, also accused him of smashing her iPad during an argument days after she filed divorce papers. No charges were filed because of lack of evidence. They were divorced in January. Orlando-based attorney Mark O'Mara has previously represented Zimmerman. A receptionist in O'Mara's office said Thursday that he no longer represents Zimmerman and had no comment. Martin's parents declined to address Zimmerman's actions in statements made through representatives. Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton, said through an attorney that she would rather focus on her work with the Trayvon Martin Foundation than respond to 'Zimmerman's actions.' Daryl Parks, whose firm represented the Martin family during the trial, is now chairman of Fulton's foundation. He says Fulton is pushing for policies that protect youth and address gun violence. Fulton also founded the Circle of Mothers conference, a three-day event to help mothers who have 'lost children or family members' to gun violence. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will be keynote speaker at the event in Fort Lauderdale starting May 20. A cartoonist has been accused of racism after he portrayed Michelle Obama as masculine and butch next to a pageant-ready Melania Trump in a controversial drawing. The cartoon - which has been branded 'racist and misogynistic' - shows a muscular Mrs Obama wearing a green dress with a bulge in the groin area. Stood next to her is a feminine, smiling Melania Trump in a pink dress and holding a Trump sign. The artist Ben Garrison tweeted the picture on Friday with the caption: '#InTrumpsAmerica The #FirstLady will be Great Again! #Trump2016.' Scroll down for video A cartoonist has been accused of racism after he portrayed Michelle Obama as masculine and butch next to a pageant-ready Melania Trump in a controversial drawing The artist Ben Garrison tweeted the image of Michelle Obama (left) and Melania Trump (right) on Friday Twitter reacted with fury to the drawing, with dozens of people defending the First Lady. Femi H tweeted: 'Honestly this is racist as hell and reverts back to stereotypes that black women are angry and masculine.' Imani Gandy wrote: 'Oddly, they feel the need to denigrate Michelle to prop up Melania, when that's so not the point. But they're too stupid to [understand] that.' One user tweeted: 'Why you body shaming? Michelle is beautiful and great. And not only that, but a good person. Smh.' Marcus Wesson added: 'A Princeton and Harvard Law School educated lawyer vs. a Slovenia high-school dropout turned model/goldigger. #yeahright' Another wrote: 'You know, I'm *just* now noticing the bulge. So it's not only misogynoiristic AF....it's trans-misogynoiristic AF'. Back off: Twitter reacted with fury to the drawing, with dozens of people defending the First Lady Garrison later boasted of the new Twitter followers the cartoon had brought him and called his haters 'cry babies'. 'Satire could strip naked, paint itself purple and yell "Satire-satire!" and they still wouldn't see it,' he tweeted. Garrison is known for his controversial political cartoons and - looking at his work - appears to be a supporter of Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump. He has previously praised Trump for 'shaking up the neocon-controlled Republican Party', but told Breitbart that he is more of a libertarian than a fan of the GOP. After a four-year battle, she has finally undergone the operation in London It is one of the last taboos a woman who dares to say she does not want children. So when writer Holly Brockwell, then aged 26, asked doctors to sterilise her, she unleashed a storm. First, NHS staff said she was too young. Then the personal abuse rained down, much of it vile. It took an unflinching four-year battle in the public eye before, finally, she won. Yesterday, Holly, now aged 30, had her operation. Here is her passionate and honest account of that fight, one that many will find controversial but one which everyone must read. Defiant: When writer Holly Brockwell (pictured), then aged 26, asked doctors to sterilise her, she unleashed a storm By the time you read this, I will be just waking up still a little groggy and sore, but euphoric. Because for the first time in my life, today I know for certain that I will never have children. That might seem like a strange thing to be excited about. For many people, it would be devastating news. But for me, its everything Ive been fighting for over the last four years. Ive been patronised, ignored, harassed, judged and demonised, but Ive never wavered in my determination to be sterilised. It might seem like a drastic choice for a 30-year-old. I was only 26 when I started asking my GP for the procedure, and they reacted the same way as many people that Ive met since: Youre far too young to even be thinking about this. Really? At 26, Id been legally considered old enough to create new human life for a decade. So why then was I too young to make an equally permanent alternative decision? I understand their concerns but this unwillingness to give me autonomy over my own body is part of a national debate: how much say do patients have over what happens to their bodies? Particularly when it comes to women, whose bodies and wombs have long been treated as public property. Now, finally, after a four-year battle with the health service, I have had the operation. Ms Brockwell (left) said she wants 'the freedom to pursue the things that are important to me' and 'the energy to be a good partner' to her boyfriend, Zack (right) It was a simple procedure at St Thomas Hospital in Central London: doctors made an incision by my belly button, and put a metal clip on each of the fallopian tubes. I was in and out of surgery in less than an hour, and went home the same day, feeling nauseous but delighted. Yes, I feel like my stomachs been run over, but thats only temporary. However, the effects are forever. I might stop keeping an emergency pregnancy test in my desk drawer for a start. Over the years, I have heard the same arguments again and again, from medical professionals, friends and strangers. I have been demonised but I have never wavered Holly Brockwell People ask about your reproductive plans surprisingly often if youre female, and Ive never felt the need to lie. Youll change your mind one day Your biological clock will kick in and youll regret it Youll meet the man of your dreams and want to have his babies And those were just some of the kinder responses. When I didnt bow to their idea of my life, the commentary got nastier. Youre selfish, I was told. Youre naive Youll die alone Whats the point of you, then? How can you deny your parents the grandchildren that you owe them? How can you be so ungrateful that they had you? Judgment day: Ms Brockwell said she underwent a simple procedure at St Thomas' Hospital. She is pictured outside the facility yesterday People said I was a waste of a perfectly good womb, that I was insulting people who couldnt have children, that I should never have sex if I didnt want babies. When I wrote online about trying to get sterilised, the criticism became a crude insult. Youre broken inside Youre incapable of love Youre someone who wants to have sex with no consequences Thank God therell be no more of you. Nothing could sway me - it's my body and my life Holly Brockwell Ive suffered horrendous attacks on my character, looks, career, even my partner. Ive been called names that I cant repeat in a family newspaper, and all because I dont want to become a mother. Sadly, some child-free women get these kinds of comments from their own families, whereas mine has been supportive. My mother has known for a long time that I dont want children and has admitted she felt the same at my age. She eventually gave my father two daughters. He committed suicide five years after the second one me was born, and my mother had to raise her children on her own. Like me, she went on to have her tubes tied. However, she later had the operation reversed because she remarried and knew that her new husband wanted kids of his own. She had three more children but her second marriage also failed, so shes worked her whole life to care for us, often by herself. Ms Brockwell (pictured last year) said she had been patronised, ignored, harassed, judged and demonised, but that she had 'never wavered in my determination to be sterilised' I cant thank her enough for not sugar-coating the truth that raising a family is so hard you have to want it 110 per cent. I know she had dreams and ambitions shell now never realise. Shes not bitter: she doesnt regret us, or wish we didnt exist. She just says shed stick to her guns if she had her time again, and Im taking that advice for myself. Its easy for armchair psychologists to assume this family background is behind my decision, yet my elder sister has always wanted children. When we were growing up, she would be the one playing at being a mother, while I was pretending to work in an office. And thats exactly the way weve both gone: in 2014 she gave birth to the two most beautiful twin girls Ive ever seen in my life; meanwhile, I went on to establish an award-winning company. The past four years have caused a lot of reflection, and one of the things Ive concluded is this: I dont think it particularly matters why I dont want children. Ms Brockwell said she suffered personal abuse after revealing her desire to be sterilised No one asks mothers why they do want a child. Wanting or not wanting children is instinctive: you just know, and I just know that I dont want them. Partly, I want the freedom to pursue the things that are important to me the time to develop and improve myself; the energy to be a good partner to my boyfriend, Zack; and the money to feel secure. Those things are all possible with kids, but lets be honest, theyre a lot more difficult. Luckily, Zack feels the same way as I do. Ive harangued him about it a fair bit (the last time being the night before the operation: Youre definitely sure you dont want them? Sigh. Yes), but hes never changed his answer. I love him to bits, but Id break up with him immediately if he wanted children, and he knows that. After endless rejections, I finally persuaded the medical profession and the health service. I took all my articles arguing in favour of sterilisation to my GP, and she said: Youre really serious about this, then? Thats what it took to get the referral, and while Ive had to answer the same questions over and over again, the answers are ones that Ive known all along. The main thing people ask is what Ill do if I change my mind. They think its very likely, whereas I know itll never happen. The operation is irreversible in most cases, and reversal is certainly not available on the NHS. These days, I joke that I couldnt possibly change my mind imagine the backlash after the fuss Ive made. And what if the poor child Googled me? That usually puts a stop to the comments, but Im saddened that there should be any need. In fact, I dont really understand the abuse Ive had for what seems to me to be a sensible decision. I dont want a baby, so Im making sure I dont get pregnant. Yes, Ive considered all the other contraceptives most involve the hormones that make me sick, and the coil isnt an option. Doing something permanent means I wont waste any more NHS time or money with prescriptions or dealing with side effects. Another line of attack has been the claim that, in asking for an NHS operation, Im somehow stealing from more deserving people: Its a lifestyle choice, not a medical emergency, people say. But having a baby on the NHS costs a great deal more, and thats a lifestyle choice, too. I even had an NHS employee sending messages claiming that I am wasting precious resources. She went on to say something far more disgusting about me. I reported her to her employers, who were quite rightly horrified. Yet nothing in the past four years has swayed my decision, and certainly not the abuse. Its my body and my life. Ill do whats right for me, and thats not selfish Im putting myself before children who dont exist. Ms Brockwell said: 'Until we accept that not all women are born to become mothers themselves, we havent won the war' Not having kids doesnt mean I dont have a maternal side, either: Im crazy about my nieces. I just dont want to be a mother and that seems to be something that both men and women find difficult to accept, as Ive found to my cost. I think theres a problem when society cant believe that a woman does not want children. I have received hundreds of messages from women whove had their choices undermined and sterilisation refused. My consultant told me yesterday that he only does one procedure a year on women who have not had children. Yet, because vasectomy is cheaper and easier to undo, they are fairly common. My doctor even suggested a vasectomy for my boyfriend who, at 24, is two years younger than I was when I was told I was too young to think of having my tubes tied. I hope my fight has gone some way to changing attitudes towards women who feel the same way I do, particularly those many child-free women who struggle to be taken seriously by their families, friends and doctors. Im sore and my voice is hoarse from the tube that was placed down my throat. But Ill be back to work in a few days and organise a drink with some friends in a couple of weeks. Its been a long road and I would like to mark the occasion somehow. Ive won my battle. Anthony Weiner and his wife Huma Abedin appear in a new documentary trying to work through the aftermath of his 2011 downfall - only for a new scandal to shake up their lives. 'Weiner', which will be released on May 20 in theaters, chronicles his disastrous 2013 mayoral run and his attempt to stage a political comeback, two years after his first scandal. But Weiner's campaign tanked when it emerged he had kept sending explicit photos and text messages after his first fall from grace - and the former US Representative ended his run with less than five per cent of the vote. The documentary shows him and his wife trying to stick together through Weiner's troubled campaign, featuring private moments at the couple's home and at Weiner's headquarters,,Yahoo News reported. Scroll down for video Anthony Weiner and Huma Abedin (pictured earlier this week at a benefit in New York City) considered splitting up after he was first caught sending explicit messages to other people Weiner was first caught tweeting a raunchy photo of himself and pretended his account had been hacked, before admitting he was trying to send it to a woman. He then revealed he had sent similar messages to several people other than Abedin and resigned from the House Of Representatives. Two years later, he tried to get back into politics by running for New York City mayor. The documentary features scenes of his hopeless campaign, which gets perpetually derailed by questions about his first scandal when Weiner wants to discuss his plans for the city. And after the second wave of lewd messages hit, the documentary becomes in part an intimate portrayal of the couple as they try to handle it. One scene, according to Yahoo News, shows them in Weiner's campaign office not long after the new pictures emerged. 'It's when we were talking about,' a visibly pained Abedin says as her voice trails off. 'About separating.' The movie also includes scenes at the couple's home, including some with their young son. These moments show how the pair suffered as Weiner stepped back in the public eye, with Abedin telling the filming crew her current situation is 'a nightmare'. The couple appear in 'Weiner' (pictured), a documentary that chronicles the former congressman's attempt to return to politics by running for New York City mayor in 2013 - only to find himself caught in a new scandal Weiner (pictured in the documentary) was first caught tweeting a raunchy photo of himself in 2011 and pretended his account had been hacked, before admitting he was trying to send it to a woman Two years later, he tried to get back into politics by running for New York City mayor (pictured in the documentary). But his campaign got derailed when a second scandal hit By the end of the movie, both Weiner (pictured) and his wife seem to regret trying to re-launch his political career. Weiner eventually lost with less than five per cent of the vote Abedin, a longtime aide to Hillary Clinton and currently the vice-chair of Hilary Clinton's presidential campaign, supported his return to politics in 2013, according to the documentary. Josh Kriegman, a former chief of staff at Weiner's congressional office, co-directed the documentary and was granted access by his former boss. This seems to indicate that Weiner hoped the movie would tell the story of his rebirth - but instead, 'Weiner' became an intimate account of how his second downfall. At one point, Abedin can be seen talking on the phone to a man named Philippe, who tells her not to go on the campaign trail with her husband, Yahoo News reported. The website reached out to Philippe Reines, also a longtime aide of Clinton, but he did not respond to a request asking whether that was him on the phone. When it emerges that Sydney Leathers, the woman who released the second round of photos and messages sent by Weiner, plans to attend his concession speech after the election, Abedin can be seen sticking to her plan to go with him. Weiner himself tells her to stay inside the car and go back home just as they are about to arrive. Abedin ended up taking his advice and did not appear during Weiner's speech, during which he said: 'Theres no doubt about it. We have the best ideas. Sadly, I was an imperfect messenger.' Both Weiner and his wife seem to regret launching a new campaign by the end of the movie. The former congressman even asks on camera: 'Why did you let me film this?' The movie will become available on Showtime around the world in October, five months after its theater release - and just weeks before the general election. Britain's Special Forces have launched a devastating electronic warfare attack on Islamic State terrorists in Libya. The highly sophisticated jamming strike crippled the groups communications network around their stronghold of Sirte, a town on Libyas Mediterranean coast just 200 miles from Europe. According to defence sources the black ops attack was led by the crew of an RAF Rivet Joint spy plane. These airmen used VHF and UHF transmitters to jam the radio frequencies used by IS to exchange information on the battlefield. The RAFs radio experts did this by tuning into the enemys preferred frequencies. The crew then used the high-powered transmitters built into the aircraft to broadcast interference on the same wavelengths, drowning out the enemys conversations. Meanwhile, aboard HMS Enterprise, a GCHQ cyber-warfare team gauged the response to last weeks jamming strike by monitoring exchanges online between IS leaders who are believed to be in command of up to 6,000 jihadists in Libya. British special forces in the desert. They have launched a devastating electronic warfare attack on Islamic State terrorists in Libya A source said: They were very angry and couldnt understand what had gone wrong. We jammed the frequencies for 40 minutes long enough to prove the capability, but not so long that IS realised what was happening. All enemy communications including mobile phones and the internet are vulnerable to interception. It is best practice to monitor these means and gather information, then occasionally use jamming strikes to spread confusion among their ranks at vital times. There is a shortage of human sources within IS in Libya so whatever intelligence we can gather from listening to their conversations, the better. UK and Nato allies stepped up their support for an offensive against IS by troops from Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA) (file picture) For security reasons The Mail on Sunday has chosen not to disclose precisely when the electronic warfare attack took place. But it came as the UK and Nato allies stepped up their support for an offensive against IS by troops from Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA). Sources have also suggested that up to 50 troops from C Squadron, Special Boat Service (SBS) are expected to deploy to Libya this week, but last night the Ministry of Defence declined to comment on this development. Even now, two years on, Leo Mahon flinches whenever he brings to mind the moment he told his parents his appalling news. There was no easy way to say it and he knew it would break their hearts. Along with three friends, he had been accused of a truly shocking crime: taking part in the gang rape of a young woman at the prestigious Royal Agricultural Universitys May Ball. There was more, he said. He urged the bewildered couple to take a seat in the kitchen of their sprawling farmhouse, set in 1,500 acres of peaceful Worcestershire countryside. Fumbling his words, Leo, 22, emphasised his innocence. But he conceded the truth: he and the others had consensual sex with the woman, and one of the four not him had filmed part of it on a mobile phone. Still suffering: The three friends who spoke of their ordeal, from left, Thady Duff, Leo Mahon and Patrick Foster It was a desperate moment, and starkly different to the news that Leo, a talented amateur jockey, had delivered to his family only a few months earlier: he had been named as the highest achieving student on his degree course at the famous college in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Telling my parents about what happened was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life, he recalls. He will never forget the look that registered across his mothers face as she sank into her chair. My parents definitely thought better of me, he said. So too did his twin sisters, older than him by a few years, whom he told separately and who were also utterly stunned. Across the country, at a hotel in Windsor, a similarly grim scene was unfolding. Another of the four, Patrick Foster, 22, the son of a civil engineering contractor, was holding his own dread-inducing summit with his parents. They were devastated. I was a mess. My mother held herself together; she didnt cry, says Patrick. The hardest thing for them to get their heads round was that there were more than two people involved. Centre of a storm: How the case was reported, with pictures of the men at court It was the same for fellow student Thady Duff, 22, and their 20-year-old friend James Martin. But once all four gave their version of events, their families offered unequivocal support. Leos sisters, for instance, would attend every one of his court appearances. Like us, our families felt it would be cleared up quickly, says Thady ruefully. None of us had been in trouble with the police before and we all put our faith in the judicial system. To their unending agony, the truth could not have been more different. They would indeed be cleared but only two years later, on the eve of their trial, when the case against them collapsed after staggering police failings came to light and by which time they had been photographed walking to court, in images that will be indelibly recorded on the internet. Too late to save their reputations, the case collapsed when it emerged detectives inexcusably buried data found on the womans phone that revealed details of her extraordinary sexual appetite, and sat on damning evidence that shattered the womans story. Some of it related to a threesome at an Army barracks, which featured in another rape case, to which she was a witness. Crucially, as a judge would later note, this happened just five months after the May ball. But more than this, The Mail on Sunday can reveal today staggering breaches by the investigating officer: texts suggesting he was chatting up the alleged victim; that astonishingly he interviewed her in her bedroom; and gave her a running commentary on the college boys testimonies. No wonder the Crown quickly conceded that there is no realistic chance of a prosecution and offered no evidence. If only that had been the end of it. In reality, the damage has been incalculable. The four are reminded daily of how their good names have been utterly shredded; they endure stares and pointing in the street. Patrick says: It has been two years of complete hell and it still hasnt ended. Im nervous even going to a petrol station. Im fearful Ill be recognised. My confidence has been hugely affected. Telling my parents about what happened was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life Leo Mahon All were denied the chance to complete their degrees and even though they were acquitted five weeks ago, they still havent heard a word from the university. Our futures dont seem as bright as they once did, concedes Thady. If [at a job interview] its a choice between two people and one of them has been accused of rape, who is the employer going to choose? In the Cotswolds, its been big news and gossip. If we wanted to get a job with a business which relied on local reputation, its not going to be easy, is it? And girlfriends are always going to want to know about it. Their families will be asking questions. To your face they may be saying, Oh, were so sorry for you, but in the back of their minds, if youre taking out their daughter for supper, they are going to be wary. It was all so different on that balmy evening in Cirencester in May 2014. Patrick and Leo, in their final year, had just finished their exams. Thady was still in his first year. Around 1,200 students, including the offspring of some of Britains largest landowners, attend the university. Known as the Oxbridge of the countryside, and with Prince Charles as its President, the colleges 85-a-ticket ball is the highlight of its social calendar. There were fairground rides based on an Alice In Wonderland theme and a giant dance floor beneath a vast big top-style marquee. Needless to say, the free alcohol flowed liberally and end-of-term high spirits swiftly prevailed. Along with three friends, Leo Mahon had been accused of a truly shocking crime: taking part in the gang rape of a young woman at the prestigious Royal Agricultural Universitys May Ball At some point, soon after the 8.30pm start, the young woman who would later make her devastating accusation turned up with some friends. All four men knew her socially. None had any previous sexual contact with her. However in the four days leading up to the ball, Thady said she sent him naked pictures of herself. Previously, she had sent similar images to his brother. Thady, a member of the Beaufort Polo Club, admits to a slightly flirtatious exchange with the woman via social media, but nothing more. He says: It didnt take her long to get down to the reason behind her contact, which was well, she was sending me sexually explicit chat which I hadnt asked for. It was against this background that Thady and the others bumped into the girl, who was with her friends, at the ball at around midnight, and were invited to her place. Three of the men Thady, Patrick and Leo agreed to talk to us about what happened next, though they were, perhaps understandably, coy. Leo stares nervously at the floor. Patrick screws up his eyes. Only Thady, the more vocal of the three, seems prepared to address the mortifying subject. Yes, we all had sex with her, but it wasnt at the same time, he says. It was not group sex. They wanted to send us down... it was a police witch hunt Leo Mahon None of the young men had ever been involved in anything like it before. Afterwards, all four men went back to the ball and the woman returned a short while later with her friends. We saw her again in the big marquee, and we may have spoken to her. There was certainly no awkwardness, says Thady. Tellingly, they were later told by a friend of the woman that he had seen her in the hog roast queue and asked her what had been going on. She just held up four fingers and smiled, says Leo. At around 2am, Thady and Leo went back to the womans place for a second time where more consensual sexual activity took place. Once again, they returned to the ball, as, they insist, did the woman. If we had noticed that she was distressed, we would have gone to ask why. But she wasnt, says Leo. We had all had a few drinks but none of us were that drunk, neither was she. On both occasions she went to the room freely. All four men left the ball between 4.30 and 5am. Distastefully, some of the earlier proceedings had been filmed by Thady on his mobile phone and next day he sent clips to five or six friends via Snapchat, an app that shows images momentarily before they vanish; there was never supposed be a permanent record, he insists regretfully. We hadnt intended it to be circulated widely, says Thady, but what we didnt realise until after our arrest was that one of the friends had an app, Snapsave, that captures and saves images. It seems likely that the clips were forwarded on but it is not known how widely they circulated. Thady continues: Actually, it helped bring our case to an end because the clips showed exactly what happened consensual sex. If it had really been rape as she claimed, who in their right mind would have filmed it and kept in on their mobile phone? It just didnt make sense. By the afternoon of the following day Saturday rumours were sweeping the university. What they couldnt yet know was that the woman went to the police the day after the party and had accused them all of rape. On Sunday morning, Thady, Leo and Patrick all received an email from the college vice-principal, Professor Paul Davies, saying they were suspended with immediate effect. Leo Mahon had been named as the highest achieving student on his degree course at the famous college (pictured) in Cirencester, Gloucestershire He added that a reported serious incident during the May Ball was being investigated by police, and that if you foolishly now come on to the campus, having been told to stay away, you will be detained and handed over to the police. Patrick says: We were shocked. We wondered what the hell was going on. We knew nothing about the police being involved at this stage. Around an hour later, police arrived at their house and arrested them on suspicion of rape. I couldnt make sense of it, says Patrick. It didnt sink in. Rape is such a huge crime. They were taken to separate police stations, where they would remain for the next 13 hours. Leo says: Being in a cell was petrifying. Nothing like this had happened before. I remember thinking when the door closed on me that I might be locked up for the next two weeks. It was a very lonely place to be. Thady says: I was in a state of shock. I asked the female custody officer if she had children and asked what would she expect them to do in my situation. She said, Youve got to ring your parents. I rang my mum and explained that wed been arrested. I didnt say what for, but told her who the solicitor was whod be representing me. I didnt really know what to say. After being released on bail, the students said their friendship group quickly assembled. Thady says: Some friends went to get us phones as ours were confiscated, girls brought us food, some others went to campus to find out what was going on. Some of the girls came round and explained that loads of people had seen stuff, such as the girl going back to the ball after the incident. They were hopeful that when they answered bail in two months time, the investigation would be dropped. They were wrong. I wouldnt want anyone who has been raped not to come forward because of our story. That would be terrible Leo Mahon Leo says: Over the course of two years it became increasingly clear that the investigation wasnt going to be fair and balanced. We had to fight. If the young men werent happy with the way police appeared to be cherry-picking evidence, neither were they impressed with the way the college treated them. Surely they owed us a duty of care? enquires Patrick. At one point during their two-year ordeal, Thady and Patrick had a meeting with the university authorities: they wanted to explore the possibility of continuing their studies. But they say they were given the impression that they wouldnt be welcome back whatever the outcome of the police investigation. This is a claim the Royal Agricultural University denies. The case dragged on and on. Patrick recalls: Bail kept being pushed back several times. Each time, wed get close and think this cant go on much longer, theyve seen the CCTV, they must know it wasnt rape. I was very positive about getting it dropped. Wed be anxious and nervous and we thought within a week, it could all be over. Yet 13 months after they were arrested, the four were all charged, a delay that would be later criticised in court as excessive. Thady remembers crying when he heard the news. I was on the sofa. I wept uncontrollably. Patrick adds simply: It was very difficult. Weve all got close-knit families. They were horrified. Leo recalls not being able to plan or even think a month ahead, it was all day-by-day. Everywhere you went, someone would ask you about it or say they were so sorry about whats going on. For me, riding was a release. But I had to turn down some big point-to-point rides. I just didnt know what was happening that far ahead. As the trial approached, Thady and Leo remember being with friends in a pub who started talking about plans for the following month. They were talking about a party and a festival and asked if we wanted tickets, says Thady. But we thought to ourselves that we might not be around then, we might already be locked up. Remarkably, none of the three now condemn their accuser. Leo says only: I feel sorry for her. They believe but arent sure that she alerted the college authorities not because of the alleged rape, but because of the video clips and humiliating messages from people who attended the ball. Someone sent her a picture of five pints on a table four blue and one pink. People were giving her a difficult time. At the trial, Patrick was a bag of nerves and felt physically sick. It was like a blur and I couldnt take it in. When the hidden evidence emerged, there was a huge sense of relief but little surprise. We just felt this policeman wanted to send us to prison, whatever the reason. I thought that if they have done this to us, there must be lots of innocent people in jail. All four men believe the law should be changed so that rape suspects retain anonymity up until the point of conviction. But Leo says: I wouldnt want anyone who has been raped not to come forward because of our story. That would be terrible. For the four young men, the relief was immense. They had been forced to contemplate the possibility of 15 years jail or more the best years of our lives. Last week, a senior judge ended their legal ordeal by allowing them to pursue 221,000 in costs. At the same time, he was severely critical of the police. We do feel that for some reason we were victimised, says Thady. In many ways it was a police witch-hunt. But of course, while the womans anonymity will endure, the law does not afford the four young men the same immunity. The Gloucestershire officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Ben Lewis (pictured), was accused of vandalising the case In the words of a judge who threw out the case, the four young men accused of gang-raping a woman at Britains oldest agricultural college were facing a trial so unfair they had one hand tied behind their backs. The four defendants accused of raping a young woman during the end-of-term party at the prestigious Royal Agricultural University endured two years of being dragged through hell before all charges were dramatically dropped last month. The botched police investigation is now being reviewed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission after the Gloucestershire officer in charge, Detective Constable Ben Lewis, was accused of vandalising the case by defence barristers. As the judge who eventually acquitted the four young men, the Recorder of Gloucester, Judge Jamie Tabor QC put it, DC Lewis became too close to the young woman who accused students Thady Duff, Leo Mahon, Patrick Foster and James Martin of rape. His conduct and omissions, the judge said, were stark and serious. But the full extent of how disastrously the May Ball rape investigation was handled can only now be revealed. The Mail on Sunday today discloses troubling details about DC Lewiss conduct, along with the crucial evidence which he withheld from the Crown Prosecutors including intimate messages from the young womans mobile phone. The basic details we have uncovered should have alerted police to the many inconsistencies and errors for the prosecution. Instead, they were buried and only discovered on the eve of the trial by defence lawyers. This story outlining a culture of casual and permissive group sex; questionable accusations of the most grievous kind and a highly unprofessional relationship between a police officer and a vulnerable witness may shock the reader. But above all, it raises the question of how on earth a case against the four young men ever reached court at all Questions about the girls behaviour and the way such evidence was handled by police begin to arise months before the May Ball. Thady Duff (left), Leo Mahon (centre), Patrick Foster (right) and James Martin (not pictured) were facing a trial so unfair they had 'one hand tied behind their backs', according to the judge said who threw out the case About a week after she made the initial claim of rape, in May 2014, the girl made a further allegation of sexual assault against Thady Duff but one which she said dated back fully seven months to October 2013. Yet the woman sent a flurry of sexually explicit text messages to Mr Duff, including naked photos of herself, in the days leading up to the May Ball. As Mr Duff himself asked: Why would she be sending that kind of material to someone she claimed sexually assaulted her months earlier, and why would she invite me back to her place twice on the night of the ball itself? That second invitation, extended to Mr Duff and fellow defendant Leo Mahon just two hours after the original attack, is without doubt the most astonishing factor of all in this extraordinary case. Yet DC Lewis simply recorded it as a second allegation of rape, despite the obvious incredulity it would raise in most peoples minds. It was far from the only question mark against the victim. No one, certainly not the defendants in this case, would wish a return to the bad old days when rape victims found themselves cross-examined over their sexual proclivities, but there are aspects of what the judge described as the complainants particular sexuality which are relevant to the allegations, not least because they have a bearing on her credibility. Shortly after the supposed gang rape and on the same night, the woman sent a text to another male friend not one of the defendants inviting him over for sex. She was re-interviewed about this by police and said: I was on my own, I wanted some company. It wasnt even from a sexual point of view. I wanted him to come over and I wanted to erase the memory of the boys. Still on the night of the ball, following the first incident of sex with all four men, back at the marquee in the queue for food at a hog roast, the woman was asked by a friend what was going on and she simply held up four fingers and smiled. About three weeks after the May Ball, the girl discussed with a friend the video clips of the rape which Mr Duff had recorded on his mobile phone. Crucially, she told her friend that the footage might show her smiling and being normal and might end up with them getting done. As the judge noted: This conversation sits uneasily with the suggestion that the complainant was raped. The text was never disclosed to the defence. The inquiry by the IPCC will centre on the dealings between the victim and DC Lewis, whom the judge described as a confidant. In a text to a friend, some months after the incident, the woman said she was considering deleting messages about herself from Facebook, but added Will talk to Ben about it. Any blurring of the lines was not helped by Mr Lewiss failure to record their contacts, as his record- keeping of discussions and meetings was wholly inadequate and very often non-existent. Moreover, he passed on developments in the case to the complainant which he should not have done. In one text message from the woman to a friend, in July 2014, she wrote: James [James Martin, the last defendant to be interviewed] came in and said he had consensual sex with me and that was all that happened and said no comment to every question Ben asked him Ben said he expected something like this and also that his story was enough different to Thadys etc to be caught out on some points [smiley face]. The judge said: She did not hide her sexual predilections from him and as a result he knew a great deal about her. At one stage, she even texted her stepfather to say she had discussed her sexual behaviour with Ben in great detail on various occasions. Astonishingly, one of those meetings, which was supposed to be a formal re-interview, took place in the girls bedroom, the defence lawyers discovered. The tape recorder broke down on that occasion and he was forced to make handwritten notes. The judge observed: It is argued that the officer had frequent meetings with the complainant and was well aware of her particular sexuality. And such familiarity might not all have been one-sided. In a text exchange with her mother in October 2014, the victim said: Just been to see Ben this morning all fine X The mother replied: Good. What did he say apart from chatting you up? A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: We have referred this matter to the IPCC and as we do not wish to prejudice their findings we cannot comment further. It also emerged that the woman changed her evidence as a witness in a different rape case, involving a threesome she had with a female friend and a male soldier. The students had been accused of taking part in the gang rape of a young woman at the prestigious Royal Agricultural Universitys May Ball. The college is pictured Initially she said the sex was consensual but when her friend accused the man of rape he was later acquitted she acted as a witness against him. In her statement, she stated that she was morally opposed to having sex when someone else was in the next bed. The judge said that this sits very uncomfortably with many of the text messages she had sent to various third parties concerning her sexual behaviour. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that in addition to the threesome, she slept with another man that night, later texting a friend to say that no one should know about this liaison. As the judge observed: She was remarkably frank in text messages about her sexual encounters. He added that one interpretation of no one should know was that she was concerned that her credibility in the May Ball trial would have been undermined if it got out. This material, said the judge, was vital to the fair conduct of the trial. The Mail on Sunday has seen a text message timed and dated 8.27pm on May 24, 2014, in which the girl tells a friend: That woman is making us go to the police. Centre of a storm: How the case was reported, with pictures of the men at court The woman referred to is an official at the university to whom the girl went with a friend the day following the incident, according to some reports, intending to complain about the embarrassment and humiliation of being filmed by students from the university without her permission. The official has denied the claim and said she called in police at the girls request. She told the MoS: She came to see me on the Saturday evening, the night after the ball and based on what she told me, I said she should report it to the police. It was the first Id heard of it. I had never met her before that evening. A female friend of the defendants told them she had gone to the official to inform her she had seen the victim back at the ball after the supposed attack, and that she seemed quite happy. According to the friend, the official suggested she sleep on it. The official denied all knowledge of that encounter and added that she had acted in accordance with university procedures. The university described the claim as factually incorrect. The official said the allegations and the legal process they triggered had been unpleasant from her perspective. She wanted to move on and had left the university. The three defendants who were at RAU felt they had been treated unfairly by college authorities in being immediately suspended and banned from the grounds by email even before the police had arrested them. The RAU insisted however that it had acted in accordance with University Regulations. A Philadelphia police surveillance SUV crudely disguised as the Google Maps car has left local residents baffled after it was spotted Wednesday - and triggered an internal investigation. The large silver SUV, which has chunky black cameras on its roof that can photograph thousands of license plates in a minute, looks nothing like the colorful cars that Google uses to create its 360-degree interactive Street View maps. But that didn't stop someone - presumably within the police - sticking a pair of large, unconvincing Google Maps decals on its back windows in an apparent attempt to disguise the vehicle's true purpose. Unconvincing: The decals were spotted on the back of the surveillance SUV Wednesday. The car is capable of photographing thousands of cars a minute with its two roof cameras, and can keep their info for up to a year The real deal: The real Street View cars are sedans with several cameras high above their roofs that take panoramic photos. However, some say the public could still be fooled by the simple disguise on the SUV The vehicle's cameras use infra-red imaging to identify and capture several license plates at a time, as well as taking photograph of the cars themselves a GPS logs of where they were seen, Motherboard reported. And under Philadelphia law, police can legally hold that information for up to a year even if the car in question is not involved in a crime - and indefinitely if it becomes the subject of an investigation. That might seem like a good reason to disguise the vehicle - however unconvincingly - as a much more public-friendly Google Street View car. But as Motherboard pointed out, Philadelphia police have been operating ten such Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) vehicles openly since 2011. And of course, doing so without Google's permission is illegal. Brandon Worf, formerly of Busch and Associates, a sales group that specializes in public safety technology, told Motherboard that while the SUV doesn't look anything like a Google car, many would still be misled by the decals. He said 'it boils down to the fact that most people at first glance wouldn't recognize an ALPR system if they saw it, and for those that do, they likely wouldn't know what Google would be doing with one. 'Frankly, what I don't get is why they felt a need to hide something like this. It certainly makes one question the motive for doing so.' The bizarre deception first came to light on Wednesday, when Philly scientist Matt Blaze Tweeted a photo of the vehicle with the remark 'WTF? Pennsylvania State Police license plate reader SUV camouflaged as Google Street View vehicle.' He noted that the car had a Pennsylvania State Police parking placard, but their official Twitter account denied ownership. The day after, Motherboard photographed the placard, which showed it was registered with the Philadelphia Office of Fleet Management, which maintains city government's 6,316 vehicles. Later that same day, Philadelphia police confirmed the vehicle belonged to them, but said they didn't know who had added the decals. 'We have been informed that this unmarked vehicle belongs to the police department; however, the placing of any particular decal on the vehicle was not approved through any chain of command,' a spokesperson said. 'With that being said, once this was brought to our attention, it was ordered that the decals be removed immediately.' Google is also investigating the unauthorized use of its logo, the site said. Advertisement There are luxury hotels, and there is The Temple House. This might come across as a rather bold statement, especially for someone who is more used to sleeping in tents at festivals then in five-star accommodations but I'm not one to exaggerate. And my first ever trip to China was made all the more special thanks to my stay at the hotel groups impressive and newest branch in Chengdu. Studio 70: The Temple House Chengdu's spacious studio rooms offer a relaxing space to work, sleep and enjoy stunning views of the city from the comfort of your luxury bed Endless amenities: The Temple House offers guests a wide range of toiletries including bath salts, mouthwash, lotions and more (left). Guests can make use of a twin sink (right) Soak away any stresses: The bathroom offers a wide and deep bath with a separate wet room featuring a rainfall shower head As well as Mi Xun, an urban day spa beside a private courtyard, guests can swim in an indoor pool. Nearby, the gym features a selection of equipment and free weights Upon arriving at the vibrant hotel, around 30 minutes drive from the airport,- I was warmly greeted by the staff, taken up to the room, a studio 70, and given a full tour of what it had to offer. It took a while, because it offers so much. If theres a bed bigger than a super king size then that was what I was met by, complemented by a view of the city from the comfort of its soft white sheets. The spacious suite came with a cosy seating area adorned with a desk and chair, free mini bar, espresso machine, tea set, yoga mat, giant bath and wet room, his and hers sinks with a TV built into the mirror and every type of toiletry and hotel essential that would have Ross from Friends filling his suitcase to the brim. There was also a complimentary maxi bar with a coffee machine, tea set, soft drinks, beers and a mixture of sweets readily available in each room and replenished twice daily The blinds, lights and TV controls were easy to access from my bed, and after placing my dirty travelling clothes in the laundry bag ready for housekeeping to collect in the morning, it didnt take me long to fall down for the luxurious count. Each hotel in The House Collective reflects its location as such The Temple House is named after the nearby Daci Temple The Temple House honours the historic buildings of Chengdu with Bitieshi, a restored Qing dynasty courtyard that inspired elements of the hotels contemporary design Tivano (right) has an open plan kitchen and offers diners Italian cuisine while Jing (left) is a speak-easy style lounge for guests to enjoy drinks Italian cuisine at The Temple House Chengdu's Tivano restaurant (left) and a pizza (right) was created in a wood-fired oven Bringing the West to the East: Tivano offers guests a break from just sampling the flavourful Sichuan cuisine of the area From shady courtyards to traditional Chinese architecture and bespoke furniture, The Temple House offers a heritage-infused form of luxury with a few contemporary flourishes. Continuing this heady blend of influences, breakfast at the hotel marries Eastern tradition and Western modernity. One morning I had a salmon and sun dried tomato omelette, the next, Eggs Benedict, and on the final day dim sum. When in Chengdu. Interestingly, the hotel houses an Italian restaurant and the succulent antipasti, pizza and pastas made quite a refreshing change to the Sichuan cuisine that dominated our lunch and dinners during the trip, not that that was anything to complain about. The Panda Centre is not far from the hotel and is filled with the black and white bears of all ages, all busily chewing on their bamboo and pancakes and proving why they are possibly the most adorable bear in the world Squad: The pandas tuck into their pancakes during feeding time at the sanctuary Young and old: Pandas on site varied in age and Hanna was lucky enough to spot the little baby cubs early in the morning Heritage: The beautiful entrance to the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project in the Qin Yang District. The site has an array of little shops, street food stops and restaurants From kung-po chicken to entrails soup, we were offered a plethora of tasty and unusual dishes to try as a group allowing us to experience Chinese food as it's really meant to taste. We dined at various Chengdu restaurants serving traditional cuisine from the Sichuan region. After visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding we enjoyed lunch at the Chai Men Shu Jun Local Restaurant, and later that evening ate Hoisin duck at the Lotus Restaurant in Wide & Narrow Alley. The Panda Centre is not far from the hotel and is filled with the black and white bears of all ages, all busily chewing on their bamboo and pancakes and proving why they are possibly the most adorable bear in the world. Stunning: To prevent flooding, the Minjiang river travels down through the 2,200 year old irrigation system Rich with culture: A Sunday parade saw locals dressed in traditional costume and walking towards the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project A bridge over the river Minjiang: Tourists cross over the water to see more of the traditional buildings Quirky: People can leave tokens at the temple at the Irrigation Project and sample one of the kooky dishes at one of the restaurants nearby At the Confucius Temple, Hanna (pictured) dressed up to practise the six arts: Rites, Music, Archery, Rubbing, Calligraphy and Mathematics I was a little disappointed that the centre looked like a zoo, with lots of concrete enclosures, but there was plenty of woodland and vegetation for the smaller red pandas to roam around in freely. Morning is the best time to visit as pandas spend a lot of time sleeping, and it turned out we lucked out with our timing as we saw the baby pandas getting a little play outside too. No visit to Chengdu would be complete without a visit to this sanctuary, but it's not the only quirky place in the city worth checking out. Centuries old expertise: An archery show of excellence was performed for the guests of the temple Keen Student: Hanna enjoyed both her archery and calligraphy classes held at the Confucius Temple Fun day out: The temple is open to families to explore as well as guests who want to pay for the Six Arts package Dujiangyan Irrigation Project in the Qin Yang District is a 2,200 year old irrigation system on the Minjiang River to prevent flooding. It's amazing place to explore, walk around and grab food at thanks to its array of little shops, street food stops and restaurants. Nearby is the Confucius Temple where travellers with families might want to visit to try out the six arts: Rites, Music, Archery, Rubbing, Calligraphy and Mathematics, which are all part of a special experiential package. If you fancy a more relaxing time of it, a trip to The Temple House spa is a must. I enjoyed an indulgent full body massage and I can honestly say it was the best I've ever had. The masseuse's pressure was perfect, the oils fragrant and my body kept comfortable with heated mittens placed on my feet and hands as she kneaded out the knots in my body. Hong Kong style: A chef prepares the Hoisin duck at one of the restaurants in Wide & Narrow Alley Cuisine: Hanna enjoyed some Hoisin duck at the Lotus Restaurant in Wide & Narrow Alley and other Sichuan dishes throughout the trip After visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Hanna ate lunch at the Chai Men Shu Jun Local Restaurant Wide & Narrow Alley: A short drive from the hotel, is one of Chengdu's most famous places to visit filled with shops and restaurants Leaving that massage room was the hardest thing to do, but alas I did and was greeted by a refreshing herbal tea. The hotel has its own tea house too, serving specialty teas for guests and visitors in a calming environment. If you fancy a bit of shopping you only have to walk outside of The Temple House to find flagship designer stores including Hermes, Stella McCartney and Chanel. Souvenirs: Wide & Narrow alley was filled with trinket shops, where having 'Made in China' on a gift is exactly what you'd hope for Eastern promise: The area certainly played up for tourists with costumed ladies in doorways in between food vendors serving an array of classic Chinese dishes It's interesting to see the juxtaposition of these western luxury shops with the traditional eastern stores but I suppose that is what the hotel reflects. You come to The Temple House for not just its traditional Chinese heritage and values, but also because of its western sensibilities. And it's because of this intoxicating union of East and West that I would love nothing more than to come back again. And they say 'Love don't cost a thing'. Actress Vanessa Hudgens has paid a $1,000 fine after she carved a tribute to her boyfriend Austin Butler into a rock during a trip to Sedona, Arizona, in February, according to the Associated Press. The 27-year-old actress and her 24-year-old beau were busted red handed for carving a love heart with their names in it on the famed red rocks in a national forest in northern Arizona after the High School Musical star posted a picture of their dirty deed on Instagram. Undoing the bad: The payment resolves a citation issued to Vanessa for a misdemeanor count of damaging a natural feature on U.S. Forest Service land. A volunteer group will be given the money to help restore the rock The star was seen in West Hollywood, california, on Friday as news of her fine broke According to AP, the payment resolves a citation issued to Vanessa for a misdemeanor count of damaging a natural feature on U.S. Forest Service land. A volunteer group called Friends of the Forest will be given the money to help restore the rock wall by scrubbing or sanding the rock. A federal magistrate signed off on the agreement April 19, but it was not made public until AP made a records request. Once authorities were alerted to the damage, Vanessa quickly removed the picture from her Instagram but then fessed up. Punishment: Actress Vanessa Hudgens has paid a $1,000 fine after she carved a tribute to her boyfriend Austin Butler into a rock during a trip to Sedona, Arizona, in February (pictured) Couldn't deny it: The 27-year-old actress and her 24-year-old beau were busted red handed for carving a love heart with their names in it on the famed red rocks in a national forest in northern Arizona after the High School Musical star posted a picture of their dirty deed on Instagram Not rocking her world: As news broke of the star's punishment, she seemed unfazed as she headed out for smoothies with her sister Stella in West Hollywood Working with authorities, she admitted to using a rock to scratch the names inside the heart and gave authorities information on where to find it. The 1-by-1-foot heart was done on a geologic formation known as Bell Rock. This was no doubt one of the first times being a celebrity did not help a star's case, as authorities told AP that her star status made it easy - for once - to find the culprit. Forest officials rarely find out who is responsible for vandalizing rock walls, but Vanessa's celebrity status played a huge role, Coconino National Forest Service spokesman Brady Smith told AP. Famously foiled: This was no doubt one of the first times being a celebrity did not help a star's case, as authorities told AP that her star status made it easy - for once - to find the culprit 'She was caught in the act because she publicized it and she's famous,' Smith said. 'I'm sure there are others who are not famous and publicized it and we've never known.' Smith said carvings destroy the natural beauty of the area and create the perception among the public that it is alright to deface rock walls. Vanessa could have got in a lot more trouble, however, as damaging a natural feature is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine. A publicist for Vanessa did not immediately respond to AP's request for comment. Patriotic ensemble: Vanessa popped out in a red romper with a blue denim jacket around her waist and a pair of White Adidas Stan Smith sneakers It may not be just the fine that helps Vanessa get a better appreciation for nature, as it was also announced on Friday that she will be once of a handful of stars appearing on Bear Grylls' Running Wild program. Vanessa will join the survival expert along with Courteney Cox, Nick Jonas, Julianne Hough, and Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. Nick and Vanessa will be heading into the Sierra Nevada wildness while Courtney and Lindsay will go to Ireland and Julianne to Africa. Former American Idol co-host Brian Dunkleman is involved in a nasty custody battle with his wife Kalea, according to TMZ. The 44-year-old and his estranged spouse have been hitting out at each other's reputations, claiming physical abuse, alcohol addiction, and child stealing. The gossip site reported that Brian currently has their three-year-old son Jackson in New York, and that Kalea is asking a judge to order that the boy return immediately to California. A house divided: Former American Idol co-host Brian Dunkleman is embroiled in a bitter custody battle over three-year-old son Jackson with wife Kalea (pictured in 2003) Brian has said that his wife Kalea is an alcoholic who is 'so out of control she poses a danger to himself and their son.' The comedian also alleged Kalea 'has drunkenly punched him in the face and is now involved with a cartel drug dealer she met in rehab.' In fact, the actor said that he was so fearful of Kalea that he took their young son to New York last month, then went to court and got an order that gave him temporary physical custody of the boy- pending a hearing. He said, she said: Brian recently whisked son Jackson off to New York as he alleged he was fearful of his safety from Kalea, an alcoholic who is 'so out of control she poses a danger to himself and their son' (pictured in April) Meanwhile, Kalea insists Brian is the one who is the abuser. She said he has 'picked her up and thrown her against a wall in front of their son.' She has also accused him of verbally abusing her, calling her a 'c***,' 'an abomination,' and 'a useless b***h.' Kalea also alleged that Brian is so abusive that he 'once locked her out of the house and made her pee outside while he smirked at her from inside.' Throwback: Brian originally gained fame as Ryan Seacrest's co-host - who famously stepped down to pursue acting - on the first season of American Idol in 2002 Kalea has admitted that she is not blameless, saying that she has had alcohol problems, although she said it was because of her job. She explained that since she was a publicist for chefs such as Wolfgang Puck, drinking was part of her job. However, Kalea also insisted that she is now on the straight and narrow and has her drinking under control. Kalea - who has been married to Brian since 2007 - has asked a judge to order Brian to immediately return their son Jackson to California. There's a chance that it isn't the end of the road for Nashville, despite it being axed by ABC on Thursday. The country-music drama starring Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere was cancelled after four seasons, but fans are hoping the drama will fine a new home after the show's creators confirmed they are shopping it to other outlets. The production company behind the show, Lionsgate TV, tweeted on Friday that they are seeking a new platform for the show. Being shopped around: There's a chance that it isn't the end of the road for Nashville, despite it being axed by ABC earlier this week '#Nashies we are working hard to find a new home for your favorite show! Thank you for your support & keep tweeting #BringBackNashville', Lionsgate's official account said. The series has two new episodes left to air - with the final episode scheduled on May 25. Shopping a show to other outlets is a normal next step for canceled series hoping to get a last-minute save, reports the Hollywood Reporter. Working hard: The production company behind the show, Lionsgate TV, tweeted on Friday that they are seeking a new platform However, they point out that Nashville creator Callie Khouri did not seem to hint at a future for the series outside of its longtime home at ABC when she tweeted about the news on Thursday. 'With a heavy heart, I thank all our incredible fans for all of your love, huge thanks to the city of Nashville. See you on down the road', she wrote. But actor Ed Amatrudo, who stars as Juliette's manager Glenn in the show, was more optimistic. He tweeted: 'Visualize the "NASHVILLE" pickup party! It can happen! Talk about pure insanity! HULU, CMT, here's your opening! Go! #BringBackNashville.' Heavy-hearted: Nashville creator Callie Khouri did not seem to hint at a future for the series outside of its longtime home at ABC when she tweeted about the news on Thursday Insanity: Ed Amatrudo, who stars as Juliette's manager, Glenn, in the show was sounding more optimistic The actor will, no doubt, be hoping for a fifth series which would bring a landmark 100th episode of the musical series. The network's decision to cut the drama shocked fans on Thursday, and was one of several shows knifed including long-running procedural Castle. A major cliff-hanger ending is reported to be planned for the final episode in season 4. Blood on the carpet: The network's decision to cut the drama shocked fans on Thursday, and was one of several shows knifed including long-running procedural Castle And star Connie thanked fans for their support on Friday. Posting on Instagram, she wrote: 'To the amazing friends and family who are Nashville, to the cast and crew, and most of all to the fans...I'd just like to say it's been my honor to be a part of this world, to live in it and breathe it in and try to replicate it. 'Sometimes we were more successful than others. Gracious: Connie Britton thanked fans for their support on Friday 'But the place of Nashville in my heart is deep and permanent. I am grateful for the hard work and faith of so many who dedicated themselves to creating and supporting this show. And I am forever changed for the better. Thanks for the music,' she wrote. Earlier this week, star Hayden revealed to fans she has readmitted herself to treatment for postpartum depression. The Nashville star broke the news to fans with a post on Instagram, explaining the move was her own decision. 'Wish me luck!' Hayden Panettiere, seen earlier this year, has headed back to treatment for postpartum depression as she tells fans illness has 'impacted every aspect of my life' Open: Hayden revealed the news to fans on her Instagram page It comes seven months after she first admitted herself to a facility to treat the disorder - and comes just as the news broke that her series was cancelled. 'The postpartum depression I have been experiencing has impacted every aspect of my life,' she wrote in her statement on Thursday. 'Rather than stay stuck due to unhealthy coping mechanisms I have chosen to take time to reflect holistically on my health and life. Wish me luck!' The 26-year-old has been very open about her struggles with the disorder, which she developed following the birth of her now 17-month-old daughter Kaya. She checked into a treatment facility around the same time her Nashville character, Juliette Barnes, was ignoring her own troubling symptoms onscreen. Family: Hayden's fiance Wladimir Klitschko, 39, with their child The actress has been supported in her recovery by her fiance, boxer Wladimir Klitschko, 39. While on the red carpet for the Critics' Choice Awards in January, Hayden told People Magazine: 'Honestly, when I said [I had PPD] the first time on Kelly And Michael, I didn't plan on it.' And she explained: 'We talked about it for a second, but it was just like a conversation, and I was like, "Why should I be ashamed or hide when it costs so much?" 'It costs me so much to hide. It costs you so much to lie. 'I'm 26. I'm a mom. I don't need to be afraid of what people are going to think.' At her side: The actress has been supported in her recovery by her fiance Wladimir Klitschko, 39 And she explained in a later interview with Yahoo Style that she felt there was an unfortunate stigma around the disorder, saying anyone who thought women should just 'suck it up' just doesn't understand it. 'Its like, you have no idea what youre talking about,' she said of people who question postpartum depression. 'If you think for one second that a mother wants to feel that way toward her child, youre outta your mind. It is one of the most debilitating, scary, guilty feelings that you can ever feel. She stunned in a jeweled Alexander McQueen gown at the Cannes Film Festival in France on Thursday. And Jessica Chastain made a more demure appearance as she returned to LAX on Friday, looking lady-like in a sleeveless, red dress as she arrived in Los Angeles. The 39-year-old's bold frock featured an A-line cut, and was adorned matching crimson appliques. Scroll down for video Return to the U.S.: Jessica Chastain, 39, made a demure appearance as she arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, looking lady-like in a sleeveless, red dress She completed her look with a pair of strappy, peep-toe heels that showed off her mauve-coloured pedicure. For hair, Jessica wore her strawberry blonde locks down and parted two one side. The Miss Sloane star shielded her eyes from the sun in a pair of oversize shades. Decorations: The 39-year-old's frock featured an A-line cut, and was adorned matching crimson appliques Finishing details: She completed her look with a pair of strappy, peep-toe heels that showed off her mauve-coloured pedicure Easy do: For hair, Jessica wore her strawberry blonde locks down and parted two one side. The Miss Sloane star shielded her eyes from the sun in a pair of oversize shades Notable guest: On Thursday, the stunner adorned the red carpet at the Cannes premiere of the Julia Roberts and George Clooney thriller, Money Monster On Thursday, the stunner adorned the red carpet at the Cannes premiere of the Julia Roberts and George Clooney thriller, Money Monster. Jessica dazzled in an ornate, flapper-style gown from Alexander McQueen that swept the floor as she walked. While the star was celebrating her return to the states, UK native Jude Law was also spotted at LAX, set to depart Los Angeles with girlfriend Phillipa Coan. Jetset: Britisch actor Jude Law and girlfriend Phillipa Coan were also seen at LAX on Friday Airport style: The Sherlock Holmes actor layered a light T-shirt under a dark V-neck, before adding a jacket Casual: He finished off his look with a pair of white, tapered pants and utility boots In-step: The 43-year-old star and his psychologist girlfriend were dressed in similar attire, both choosing a wardrobe of classic, solid-colouring The 43-year-old star and his 30-year-old psychologist girlfriend were dressed in similar attire, both choosing a wardrobe of classic, solid-colouring. The Sherlock Holmes actor layered a light T-shirt under a dark V-neck, before adding a grey jacket. He finished off his look with a pair of white, tapered pants and utility boots. She previously expressed some resistance towards Channel Nine's upcoming biopic on her late husband Alan Bond. But now Eileen 'Red' Bond has changed her mind about the House of Bond miniseries, praising the actress who is set to depict her, Adrienne Pickering, as 'good sort in a great cast' in an interview with news.com.au. The miniseries, which follows last year's ratings winner House of Hancock, features a star-studded cast, including Sam Neill and Rachael Taylor. Scroll down for video 'A great cast:' Eileen Bond (pictured right with ex-husband Alan) is lending her support to Channel Nine's upcoming Alan Bond miniseries, House of Bond The red-haired beauty, who was Alan's first wife of 37 years, echoed her praise for Rake star Adrienne in an interview with Sydney Morning Herald, saying: 'Well, she is a good-looking choice.' Despite her positive outlook on the Bond biopic, Eileen confessed that production never contacted her about the miniseries, admitting: 'We don't know what they're going to do.' In addition to Adrienne, the cast also includes Packed to the Rafters star Ben Mingay in the titular role of the late businessman Alan. 'Well, she is a good-looking choice!' Eileen was positive about Rake star Adrienne Pickering portraying her Kept in the dark: Despite her kind words towards the cast, Eileen, who was married to Alan for 37 years, admits that she was never consulted by Nine's production about the miniseries Rachael Taylor, who is currently the toast of Tinseltown thanks to her role in Marvel's Jessica Jones, will play Bond's second wife Diana Bliss, who tragically committed suicide in 2012. Sam Neill, who starred in House of Hancock, will depict British businessman Roland 'Tiny' Rowland. Other names in the cast include The X Factor contestants turned Home and Away actors Samantha Jade and Johnny Ruffo, and veteran screen star John Howard, best known for the classic dramas SeaChange, All Saints, and Always Greener. Big shoes to fill! Ben Mingay will play a young Alan Bond in the highly-anticipated mini-series Star on the rise: Samantha Jade, who recently joined Home and Away, also has a role in House of Bond A-List: Rachael Taylor, who is currently the toast of Hollywood thanks to her role in Marvel's Jessica Jones, will play the late businessman's second wife, Diana Bliss, Diana Bliss, who committed suicide in 2012 Veteran actors: Sam Neill (left) and John Howard (right) are also part of the star-studded cast A statement from Channel Nine reads: 'House of Bond is the rags-to-riches tale that will expose Alan Bondy Bonds incredible rise and spectacular fall in the 1970s and 80s as the cheeky, knockabout Ten Pound Pom who fought his way from the back alleys of Fremantle to become the richest man in Australia and one of our greatest sporting heroes for winning the Americas Cup. 'Was Bond a hero? A villain? Or a little bit of both?' House of Bond is being produced by Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder, with executive producers Andy Ryan, Jo Rooney and Michael Cordell; producer Paul Bennett (House of Hancock, The Great Mint Swindle); writer Sarah Smith (Winter, Rescue Special Ops, Dripping in Chocolate); and the assistance of Screen Australia and Screen NSW. The miniseries is currently in production and tentatively set to air later this year. He's known for his action man antics in films such as Mission Impossible and Top Gun. And Tom Cruise added even more excitement to his repertoire as he began filming for The Mummy reboot on Friday. The 53-year-old was spotted near an overturned ambulance on the set, which was based in dramatically overgrown woodland in Surrey. Scroll down for video Ready for action: Tom Cruise added to his action-packed repertoire as he began filming for The Mummy in Surrey on Friday In the heart-racing scenes, a stunt double was also seen suspended from the trees in a gravity defying pose as crew members looked on. Tom cut a cool figure for his role as Tyler Colt in grey combat trousers and a form fitting navy shirt that perfectly showed off his bulging muscles. He rounded off his adventurous style with some black boots that were splattered with mud for an authentic effect. Into the woods: The 53-year-old was spotted near an overturned ambulance on the set, which was based in dramatically overgrown woodland in Surrey Authentic: Tom cut a cool figure for his role as Tyler Colt in a form fitting navy shirt that perfectly showed off his bulging muscles and grey combat trousers Getting his hands dirty: Tom rounded off his adventurous style with some black boots that were spattered with mud for an authentic effect Tom took in the sensational scenes around him with his hands on his hips and an open-mouthed stare. The American was also seen to get into role by discussing his script with other members of the crew. The plot of the film is thought to be similar to the original version where a dead and buried ancient queen - played by Sofia Boutella - is awakened in the current day, bringing with her malevolence and terrors that have been brewing inside her for over a millennia. In awe: Tom took in the sensational scenes around him with his hands on his hips and an open-mouthed stare Preparation! The American is also seen to get into role by discussing his script with other members of the crew Bringing it back to life! The plot of the film is thought to be similar to the original version According to the movie synopsis, Tom plays Navy Seal Tyler Colt who goes on a mission in the Iraqi desert to find a group of terrorists hiding out in a bunker. However their prey turn out to be mere grave robbers who have all magically died, and when they go inside the bunker Tyler and his team also succumb to some mystical forces out of their control, which is when they realise they are actually in an ancient tomb. While his men end up turning on each other, Tom's character is the only one make it all the way deep within the tomb alive and find an ominous black iron sarcophagus. Holding out for a hero: According to the movie synopsis, Tom plays Navy Seal Tyler Colt who goes on a mission in the Iraqi desert to find a group of terrorists hiding out in a bunker Survivor: Tom's character is the only one make it all the way deep within the tomb alive and find an ominous black iron sarcophagus After he tries to open it he is stabbed in the palm and his mind is cursed with visions of Ashurbanipal, King of Assyria, more informally known as The Mummy. The film is part of Universal's Monsters Universe franchise, which kicked off with 2014's Dracula Untold, which was met with mixed reviews. Other actors involved in the movie include Annabelle Wallis, Jake Johnson and Courtney B Vance. Bigger picture: The film is part of Universal's Monsters Universe franchise, which kicked off with 2014's Dracula Untold And the action-adventure will be directed and produced by Alex Kurtzman and Chris Morgan, who have been behind some of the most successful franchises of the past several years, thanks to films such as the Transformers and Star Trek. However Kurtzman has a hard task on its hands to match the impact made by the original monster who was made famous on the big screen by the incomparable Boris Karloff in Karl Freunds 1932 feature. On Monday, Cruise was also said to have been filming elsewhere in the county at Waverley Abbey in Farnham. With the Eurovision 2016 final just hours away, Australia's own Dami Im is getting ready for her big performance. Taking to Instagram on Friday evening, the 27-year-old singing sensation shared a photo of herself after her final rehearsal, also revealing a stunning black Steven Khalil dress, which seems to be what she will wear on the night. 'Just finished singing at the final rehearsal and I'm so excited for tomorrow!!!! Who's going to be watching?!! @eurovision #sbseurovision (sic),' she wrote next to the full-length image of her outfit. Scroll down for video Excited: Late on Friday Dami Im shared this photo of herself after a rehearsal ahead of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest The former piano teacher stunned in the designer dress, which featured sheer sleeves and intricate laced and beaded detail. Her dark tresses were styled in loose waves, while her bold front fringe was worn out straight. With her left hand on her hip as she looked out into the distance, Dami no doubt exuded a sense of confidence ahead of the big performance. Taking it easy! The singer was seen receiving a helping hand during the first dress rehearsal of the grand finale in Stockholm Hot talent: The beauty is up against 25 contestants from around the globe including, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Israel, Russia, Croatia, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, The Netherlands and United Kingdom On Friday the Australian songstress was selected to move forward after her stellar performance of her hit song, The Sound Of Silence. As it was announced that the talented Korean-Australian beauty had progressed through to the grand final, she broke into an excited celebration. Dami proudly held up an Australian flag in her arms as her team of supporters gathered around her cheering her on. She did it! Earlier the Australian songstress was selected to move forward after her stellar performance of her hit song, The Sound Of Silence Celebrations: As it was announced that the talented Korean-Australian beauty had progressed through to the grand final she broke into an excited celebration The songstress appeared overjoyed when her name was announced and threw her head back in elation while sitting in the crowd. The beauty is now up against 25 contestants from around the globe including, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Israel, Russia, Croatia, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, The Netherlands and United Kingdom. Dami is the second to represent Australia at the popular singing contest, after Guy Sebastian participated in Eurovision last year. She's usually seen on the set of morning breakfast show Sunrise. But Samantha Armytage has swapped her usual newsroom setting and headed to Summer Bay, visiting the set of the Home And Away diner. Sharing a snap to Instagram on Friday, the 39-year-old stands behind the counter, pretending to take orders at the cash register, looking every inch the Summer Bay local. Scroll down for video From Sunrise to Summer Bay! Samantha Armytage swapped her usual newsroom setting and headed to the set of the Home And Away diner on Friday Wearing a dark denim shirt which she unbutton to reveal a white shirt underneath, she styled her blonde tresses into a trendy ponytail while sporting a subtle smokey eye look and a light blush on her cheeks. 'At work in the Summer Bay diner... #homeAndAway,' she captioned the image. While the outside scenes of the famous Australian drama are filmed at Palm Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches, there are also sets at the Channel Seven studios in Redfern for internal shots. It's not the first time the journalist has been seen on the set of the soap, having also paid a visit late last year with Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham. Another visit to the Bay: It's not the first time the journalist has been seen on the set of the soap, having also paid a visit late last year with Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham (R) Regular visitor: Sunrise also filmed at the idyllic Palm Beach earlier this year during their 'Great Aussie Road Trip' where they presented from a number of locations on Australia's east coast Sunrise also filmed at the idyllic Palm Beach earlier this year during their 'Great Aussie Road Trip' where they presented from a number of locations on Australia's east coast. The bubbly blonde also shared another playful photo from her busy Friday, this time with Sunrise Supervising Producer Stefan Mitchell. Sporting the same look she did earlier in the day, Samantha gives a heart laugh as she holds up a bunch of grapes while her friend tries to put them in his mouth. 'Sometimes on a Friday night, if there a cheese plate at a function, I like to feed the garnish to my colleagues......... via their nose... also everyone must wear denim shirts @stefanpetermitchell,' she wrote for the amusing shot. Fun Friday! The bubbly blonde also shared another playful photo from her busy Friday, this time with Sunrise Supervising Producer Stefan Mitchell (pictured) Despite her daily 3am alarm, Samantha still looks fresh in her casual attire. Earlier in the week, she spoke to Daily Mail Australia about the importance of being comfortable during her long days at the InStyle Women of Style Awards. 'When you get up a 3am, you want to be comfortable and I do like a Carla Zampatti pant,' she told DMA referring to her designer flared trousers. The TV presenter put on an elegant display at the event, tucking a Jack and Jack partially unbuttoned shirt into her Carla Zampatti trousers and added sparkle with George Jensen jewels, while carrying a monogrammed clutch. She recently announced her engagement to Wiggles star Simon Pryce. And Lauren Hannaford made a bold style statement as she attended the annual Shine And Dine gala in Sydney on Friday evening. The former elite gymnast looked sensational in a daring black gown, which featured gold embellishment and a deep plunging neckline that put her chest on full display. How low can she go? Wiggle star Simon Pryce's fiancee Lauren Hannaford made a bold style statement as she attended the annual Shine And Dine gala in Sydney on Friday evening The 30-year-old showcased her incredible figure as she arrived at the event held at Doltone House, which overlooked the picturesque views of Jones Bay Wharf in Sydney Harbour. Leaving very little to the imagination, Lauren flaunted her cleavage in the low-cut look, with its plunging neckline proceeding down below her bust. The blonde beauty also exposed a liberal amount of skin thanks to a daring thigh-cut split, ensuring her slender legs were on display, and she completed the look with a pair of strappy heels. Taking the plunge! The former elite gymnast looked sensational in a daring black gown which featured gold embellishment and a low-cut neckline which put her chest on full display The stunner sported a deep bronze tan and a flawless application of make-up which included a soft pink lip and dark smokey eyes. The soon-to-be bride left her glossy shoulder-length locks down in loose waves. Gracing the red carpet without her main man, Lauren didn't hesitate in putting her best fashion foot forward at the glittering soiree, instead posing for photographs alongside pals Kara Ryan and Zena Kaddour. Dazzling: Gracing the red carpet without her main man, Lauren didn't hesitate in putting her best fashion foot forward at the glittering soiree, instead posing for photographs alongside pals Kara Ryan and Zena Kaddour The Shine And Dine gala is held annually for the Make A Wish Foundation to raise funds for children with life-threatening illnesses and medical conditions. This year the soiree attracted a celebrity-filled crowd that included Imogen Anthony, Zoe Marshall, Kara Ryan, Steven Khalil, Sally Obermeder and James Tobin. The star-studded event which is the brainchild of Sharon Melhem, featured a red carpet entrance, a decadent three-course gourmet dinner, special performances by top talent including Justice Crew and a premium auction. 'It was quite emotional': Wiggles star Simon Pryce announced his engagement Lauren, after a romantic proposal in Paris Red Wiggle Simon announced the couple's engagement earlier this year, after a four-year romance. Simon dropped down to one-knee during a romantic getaway to Paris. However, despite the elaborate gesture, the 43-year-old revealed to Woman's Day, that Lauren didn't initially respond to his offer. 'It was quite emotional, and she didn't actually say yes,' he confessed to the publication. 'I just took the jumping up and down on the spot and the fact that she was hysterically laughing and crying at the same time as a yes!' he recalled of the special moment. Simon proposed to his love, near the 13th century church Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and Lauren, also agreed that the children's entertainer took her completely by surprise. Perfect match: The couple have been dating for over four years 'I just had this crazy rush of excitement and emotion and I burst into tears but I was smiling, I was crying and laughing at the same time - I had to ask later, did I actually say yes?' the former elite gymnast recalled. 'It was such a beautiful night - I'll remember it forever.' Simon had commissioned a jeweller to make a ring to his design, a two-carat perfectly square, princess-cut diamond, and kept the ring hidden in his luggage when the pair left to spend Christmas with Simon's sister Megan in London. Following the engagement the couple took to Instagram to upload a snap capturing the moment, as they posed together outside the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Love at first sight: The happy couple met when Lauren, who is a personal trainer, was working on road with The Wiggles Blossomed: The pair formed an instant connection and became good friends through a shared love of fitness The snap was accompanied by a love heart emoticon. The happy couple met four years ago, when Lauren, who is a personal trainer, was working on road with The Wiggles. They formed an instant connection and became good friends through a shared love of fitness, and their relationship blossomed from there. Her performance at the 2016 Eurovision grand final is only hours away. But Dami Im put the finishing touches on her performance in one final dress rehearsal for the big event. The Australian hopeful even got a helping hand from stage crew as they lifted her down from where she was seated on stage. Scroll down for video Taking it easy! Dami Im was seen receiving a helping hand during the first dress rehearsal of the grand finale in Stockholm on Friday Dressed in the extravagant silver Steve Khalil gown she'll wear on the night, the 27-year-old continues to belt out her tune the Sound Of Silence as she holds onto the two men's shoulders as they bring her down. Taking to Instagram on Friday evening, the singing sensation shared a photo of herself after her final rehearsal, also revealing a stunning black Steven Khalil dress. 'Just finished singing at the final rehearsal and I'm so excited for tomorrow!!!! Who's going to be watching?!! @eurovision #sbseurovision (sic),' she wrote next to the full-length image of her outfit. Hot talent: The beauty is up against 25 contestants from around the globe including, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Israel, Russia, Croatia, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, The Netherlands and United Kingdom Need assistance: The former piano teacher was seen in need of some assistance as she seen trying to gain her composure on a sparkly blue podium Style star: The former piano teacher stunned in a stunning Steven Khalil dress The former piano teacher stunned in the designer dress, which featured sheer sleeves and intricate laced and beaded detail. Her dark tresses were styled in loose waves, while her bold front fringe was worn out straight. With her left hand on her hip as she looked out into the distance, Dami no doubt exuded a sense of confidence ahead of the big performance. Excited: Late on Friday Dami Im shared this photo of herself after a rehearsal ahead of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest On Friday, the Australian songstress was selected to move forward after her stellar performance of her hit song, The Sound Of Silence. As it was announced that the talented Korean-Australian beauty had progressed through to the grand final, she broke into an excited celebration. Dami proudly held up an Australian flag in her arms as her team of supporters gathered around her cheering her on. She did it! Earlier the Australian songstress was selected to move forward after her stellar performance of her hit song, The Sound Of Silence Celebrations: As it was announced that the talented Korean-Australian beauty had progressed through to the grand final she broke into an excited celebration The songstress appeared overjoyed when her name was announced and threw her head back in elation while sitting in the crowd. The beauty is now up against 25 contestants from around the globe including, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Israel, Russia, Croatia, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, The Netherlands and United Kingdom. Dami is the second to represent Australia at the popular singing contest, after Guy Sebastian participated in Eurovision last year. Summer may be well and truly over in Australia, but Elyse Knowles is making sure the heat remains turned up in Sydney. Soaking up the sunshine at Bronte beach on Friday, the 24-year-old model dazzled as she flaunted her rock-hard abs and cleavage in a white bikini. The blonde beauty caught the eye in the skimpy attire which showcased her incredible gym-honed physique while on location at the sun soaked beach. Scroll down for video White hot! Elyse Knowles dazzled as she flaunted her rock-hard abs and cleavage in a white bikini during a photo shoot on Friday at Sydney's Bronte Beach in Sydney for swim label Perfect Peach Swim Elyse flaunted her enviable leggy and lean frame in her tiny two-piece, which left very little to the imagination as she was primped and preened by two assistants during the shoot for swimwear label Perfect Peach Swim. The Sydney-based model kept her long blonde tresses loose for her day of fun on the sand, with her beachy mane tumbling over her shoulders in the light breeze. She opted for natural make-up which included a nude lip and a light smokey eye. Sharing a behind-the-scenes snap to Instagram the following day, Elyse wrote: 'Yesterday's behind the scenes! Defiantly can't complain shooting bikinis when it's 26 degrees.' Flawless: Elyse also shared a selfie from the shoot to Instagram, showing off her radiant complexion It is not known what the risque photo shoot is for, however Elyse was posing in front of Vogue Australia fashion photographer Emily Abay. Earlier in the day, Elyse also shared a selfie from the shoot to Instagram, showing off her radiant complexion, which she captioned: 'Ripper day shooting in Bronte Beach!' The Aussie beauty has developed a huge online following by flaunting her remarkably fit physique on Instagram. But she previously told Daily Mail Australia, her enviable figure is the product of long hours in the gym and keeping up her fitness regimen while travelling. 'I make sure that I can train at least once a day, but things happen,' she said. Slender: The Aussie beauty has developed a huge online following by flaunting her remarkably fit physique on Instagram 'When you travel you can't take your whole fitness regimen with you, so I literally have my stop watch on my phone and I skip and I jump on things, or I do push-ups and burpees. 'I use whatever I have in my hotel room,' she concluded. The model just returned from shooting with surf brand Billabong and promises that she has several other projects in the pipeline that she can't wait to reveal. 'I have a lot of goals but I'm slowly ticking them off but I'm happy where I'm at,' she stated. 'I'd love to be the face of upcoming big labels in Australia, or an ambassador for a department store.' She works hard! The blonde beauty previously told Daily Mail Australia, her enviable figure is the product of long hours in the gym and keeping up her fitness regimen while travelling He is Australia's favourite - and quite possibly hunkiest - vet. But Dr. Chris Brown swapped the animals for laughs when he stepped out to attend Joel Creasey's Sydney Comedy Festival show, The Crown Prince, on Friday night in Sydney. The 37-year-old sported a casual look for the event as he was seen chatting and posing for pictures with the young comedian. Scroll down for video Lots of laughs: Dr. Chris Brown (L) swapped the animals for laughs when he stepped out to attend Joel Creasey's (R) Sydney Comedy Festival show - The Crown Prince - on Friday night in Sydney The Bondi Vet wore an opened denim shirt, rolling up the sleeves to his elbows, over a white T-shirt and a black pair of fitted jeans. Chris and Joel smiled for the cameras at the VIP events which was held at Enmore Theatre in Sydney's Inner West. Also in attendance was The Loop host Olivia Phyland and actress Brooke Satchwell. Blonde beauty Olivia donned a leather jacket and grey mini-dress, while keeper her short tresses in a straight bob and flipped to one side, while 25-year-old Joel donned a blue and white stripped shirt and black pants. Group photo: The comedian and vet also posed with The Loop host Olivia Phyland Meanwhile Brooke, who was last seen on ABC funny show Black Comedy, went for a more relaxed look wearing skinny jeans and a T-shirt under a warm jacket. The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! host appeared in good spirits at the comedy night after having quite an eventful Sunday at an afterparty for the 58th TV Week Logie Awards. Chris is said to have rushed to the aid of Channel Nine presenter Lauren Phillip's brother after he was involved in altercation with actor Malcolm Kennard. Old pals: Chris and Joel were seen chatting and smiled for the cameras at the VIP events which was held at Enmore Theatre in Sydney's Inner West Girls night out: Also in attendance was The Loop host Olivia Phyland (L) and actress Brooke Satchwell (R) Bo Phillips, who accompanied his sister on the night, was reportedly embroiled in an incident with the actor, who played notorious serial killer Ivan Milat in the television mini-series, during the early hours of Monday. A witness told The Daily Telegraph that Dr. Chris was on the scene immediately after standing nearby. 'Bo suddenly hit the deck. He hit the ground pretty hard. Dr Chris Brown was first to the scene, rolling him on his side and checking him over,' the onlooker told the publication. The high profile party goer went on to add that security had not intervened saying: 'He (Kennard) just walked back inside and ordered a drink or two at the bar before leaving himself.' Fun times! The 25-year-old funny man poses for a shot as he attends the VIP for his comedy show Hes the down to earth Australian star who went on to become a Hollywood heartthrob. And when Joel Edgerton stepped out on Friday, it wasn't hard to see why. The 41-year-old actor cut quite the dapper figure as he arrived at the Focus Features Toast during the Cannes Film Festival in France, where his new film Loving will premiere. Scroll down for video Dapper gent! Joel Edgerton cut quit the dapper figure as he arrived at the Focus Features Toast during the Cannes Film Festival in France on Friday, where his new film Loving will premiere For the occasion, The Great Gatsby star showed his suave sartorial streak in a beige two-piece suit. The Hollywood A-lister added a classic laid-back edge to his look by wearing a white shirt open at the neck, while he rounded his look off with a pair of brown leather shoes. With his auburn hair pushed away from his face, Joel completed his slick ensemble with a pair of light-rimmed sunglasses. At the event, Joel appeared to be in high spirits as he clutched a flute of champagne whilst posting for photographs with fellow party goers. Handsome: The 41-year-old showed his suave sartorial streak in a beige two-piece suit Joel's latest film offering Loving sees him play lead character Richard Loving. His character is sentenced to prison in Virginia in 1958 for entering into an interracial marriage with partner Mildred, played by Ruth Negga. The civil rights drama will be released later this year, and comes not long after Joel's success with Might Night Special - with both movies directed by Jeff Nichols. Midnight Special is currently out in cinemas and co-stars Kirsten Dunst. Letting his hair down: At the event the Australian star appeared to be in high spirits as he clutched a flute of champagne whilst posting for photographs with fellow party goers Stylish: The Hollywood A-lister added a classic laid-back edge to his look by wearing a white shirt open at the neck The Sci-Fi film follows the story of a father who goes on the run with his son after learning that his child possess magical powers. In the film Joel and Kirsten play two characters, Sarah and Lucas, who join the father-son duo on the run. Late last year, the Hollywood actor revealed that he wasn't deemed attractive enough to star in the heavily beach-centric Australian soaps at the beginning of his career in the late 90's. He told the UK's Telegraph: 'I just wasn't that pretty, to be honest! They didn't want me on a surfboard'. 'And back then I was a little bit judgemental about the soapy stuff. I was working happily in the theatre, but I was losing the occasional really cool job to actors who'd been in those shows, because they sold tickets and I didn't.' New role: Joel's latest film offering Loving sees him play lead character Richard Loving, who is sentenced to prison in Virginia in 1958 for entering into an interracial marriage with partner Mildred, played by Ruth Negga They wowed audiences when they came together for 2013's Fruitvale Station and 2015's Creed. And now actor Michael B. Jordan will be teaming up with director Ryan Coogler once again after signing on for Marvel's upcoming Black Panther, according toThe Hollywood Reporter. The 29-year-old will be joining Chadwick Boseman, who just made his debut as the Marvel hero in Captain America: Civil War. Second time's the charm? Michael B. Jordan - who previously made his superhero debut in the poorly received Fantastic Four- has signed on to appear in Marvel's upcoming Black Panther (pictured on May 7) Ryan will be writing the comic book movie - along with Joe Robert Cole - in addition to directing. This will be the third time Michael has worked alongside Ryan, following his star-making roles in Fruitvale Station and Creed. Most recently the actor made his superhero debut as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch in The Fantastic Four, though that was widely unsuccessful (with a 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes) and so that franchise will not likely be an issue. At the helm: Ryan Coogler (pictured at the London premiere of Creed in January) will be directing the upcoming comic book movie, as well as writing the script, along with Joe Robert Cole Reunited: This will be the third film Michael has done with Ryan directing, with the two previously working together on 2013's Fruitvale Station and 2015's Creed (pictured) Marvel has kept mum on Michael's role as of yet, though a source did reportedly tell THR that he could be playing a villain. Michael is also co-writing a new comic book series, North, which is a spy action story. Meanwhile, the upcoming Black Panther film is shaping up to have quite the cast as Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o is also reported to be signing on, in the role of Chadwick's love interest. Chadwick made his debut as Black Panther in the recently released Captain America: Civil War, which grossed over $700 million worldwide in under a week and a half. Another new addition: Lupita Nyong'o (pictured, L, in New York on Thursday) will also reportedly be joining Black Panther as Chadwick Boseman's (pictured, R, at a Captain America: Civil War screening on May 4) love interest His character, named TChalla, is the warrior king of Wakanda, Marvels fictional African nation that is rich in an unbreakable alloy called vibranium. The plot of the movie is set to follow T'Challa as he must rise to take the mantle of the Black Panther after his father, the king T'Chaka (John Kani), is treacherously killed. Black Panther is set for release in February of 2018. Delta Goodrem has admitted she was a people pleaser when she began her singing career as a teenager. And now, 13 years after launching her hit debut album, the Australian star says she is a stronger person who knows what she is worth, and what she will and wont put up with. I will give everything to anybody I care for, or anybody I see energetically with a good soul Ill give them everything, but I also wont tolerate anything else either, she told Popsugar. I dont want to waste my time, my life is happening. Scroll down for video Stronger today: Delta Goodrem said 13 years after launching her hit debut album she is a stronger person who knows what she is worth, and what she will and wont put up with The 31-year-old said her new single Dear Life, released last week, reflected on how time had changed her and wanted listeners to know everyone has the same questions about life. Its always about finding the real and the truth, about what is real in this world. And then having that moment of going "dear life, am I doing this right?" she confessed. Its not like someone magically tells us all, yes or no. Early days: She admitted to being a 'people pleaser' when she began her singing career as a teenager. Pictured here singing at the Alan Border Medal ceremony in 2003 soon after her debut album Hit debut: Delta in 2004 receiving her Triple Platinum disc for sales of 900,000 copies of her album Innocent Eyes Reflections: The 31-year-old said her new single Dear Life, released last week, reflected on how time had changed her and wanted listeners to know everyone has the same questions about life The chart-topping songstress also said her life had evolved and she was proud of the woman she was today. Delta was first signed to Sony as a 15-year old and after her first single flopped she re-launched her career through a stint on Neighbours. Her 2003 single Innocent Eyes went to number one on the ARIA charts, as did her next two and nine of her singles. Proud: The chart-topping songstress said her life had evolved and she was proud of the woman she was today Busy girl: Delta said her packed schedule only gave her time to herself while she was sleeping from midnight to 7am but that she loves being busy She is now a judge on The Voice, toured for the musical Cats, and sang at the 2016 Logie Awards. Delta said her packed schedule only gave her time to herself while she was sleeping from midnight to 7am but that she loves being busy. She had been living in Los Angeles with fellow Australians Renee Bargh, Teresa Palmer and Jessica Gomes but said she was back in Australia for quite a while. Bridget Malcolm was certainly dressed to impress when she arrived in Sydney on Saturday ahead of fashion week. The 23-year-old Australian model, who strut the Victoria's Secret runway last year, opted for a sleek black and white ensemble. She was spotted walking through the terminal in a chic white top teamed with a black jacket and matching trousers. Scroll down for video Stylish traveller: Bridget Malcolm was certainly dressed to impress when she arrived in Sydney on Saturday ahead of fashion week She slipped her feet into a pair of gold studded, strappy heels, which complemented the bold buttoned details on her blazer. With her golden locks worn out in tousled waves, the runway sensation opted for a relatively natural and barefaced look. Last year, Bridget debuted on the Victoria's Secret runway alongside fellow newcomers Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid. However, Bridget previously revealed to Daily Mail Australia it was a case of third time lucky, as she'd been knocked back twice before, during casting. Keeping it chic: The 23-year-old Australian model, who strut the Victoria's Secret runway last year, opted for a sleek black and white ensemble 'This was the third year I cast for the show...The first two years I was turned away,' she said. 'The first year was because I wasn't in good enough shape and the second year I wasn't confident enough to pull it off.' She also added that she believed her figure wasn't in shape at that time because she only 'went to the gym once before the casting' and wasn't aware of the commitment that was needed. Although she originally hails from Western Australia, Bridget is currently based in New York where her career continues to soar. Catwalk sensation: Last year Australian Bridget made her Victoria's Secret Runway show debut in New York The glamazon was discovered in 2007 when she placed third in an annual Vivien's model search in Perth. She has since walked for Australian retailer David Jones, Ralph Lauren and Stella McCartney while also posing for Harper's Bazaar, Elle and V magazine. Bridget became engaged to her musician beau Nathanial Hoho last year after dating for a year. And on Saturday she wished her man a happy birthday, sharing a snap of the couple along with the caption: 'Happy birthday to the love of my life and future husband @nathanielhoho I love you more than words can describe!!!!'. Scott Disick cut a solitary figure as he jetted out of Los Angeles on Friday. The reality star spent Thursday partying with his ex Kourtney Kardashian's younger sister Kylie Jenner at the Nylon Young Hollywood party in Los Angeles. But on Friday, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star sported a low-key vibe as he arrived at the airport. There he goes: Just one day after catching up with Kylie Jenner, Scott Disick boarded a flight out of LAX The 32-year-old looked serious as he strolled into the terminal. The stylish father-of-three wore a trendy, navy blue bomber jacket. He added a pair of grey skinny jeans and his favorite pair of tan-coloured, sued boots. Scott completed his look with a pair of aviator shades. Downtown cool: Scott layered a black top underneath a navy blue bomber jacket Go-to look: He added a pair of grey skinny jeans and his favorite pair of tan-coloured, sued boots Scott and Kourtney split last year but continue to co-parent their three children: Mason, 6, Penelope,3, and Reign, 1. And Thursday, Scott was there to comfort 18-year-old Kylie, after news broke earlier that day that the teenager had spit from her 26-year-old rapper boyfriend Tyga for good. Scott could no doubt console Kylie, as he has been in an on-and-off relationship with her sister (and mother of his children) for many years. Hauling his own items: Scott carried a black bag and a sweater as he made his way into the airport Reuniting: On Thursday, the reality star was seen hanging out with Kylie Jenner, 18, the younger sister of his ex Kourtney Kardashian The two broke up last summer and he later completed another stint in rehab. While the duo have ended their relationship, the former couple have been spotted on outings with their children. Scott is also reportedly dating Australian model Megan Blake Irwin, as the two are often seen on evenings out together. She's the daughter of legendary actors Clint Eastwood and Frances Fisher. And Francesca Eastwood has been busy carving out her own niche as she was spotted arriving at the Cancer Support Community's 2016 Gilda Award Gala held at The Intercontinental Hotel, Los Angeles on Friday. The 22-year-old actress looked sensational in a fiery red jumpsuit as she accompanied her mother Frances to the charity benefit. Scroll down for video Red hot! Francesca Eastwood, 22, arrived at the Cancer Support Community's 2016 Gilda Award Gala held at The Intercontinental Hotel on Saturday The one-piece was sleeveless and went on to skim her svelte figure as it plunged down the middle to highlight her ample assets. A patterned and gold belt cinched her in at the waist, while the bottom half of the garment fell in to a crisp straight-leg trouser format. The former E! reality star kept her accessories look simple and adorned her fingers with sparkly silver polish which complemented a dainty gold ring. Cute twosome: Joining her on the carpet was mum Frances Fisher who rivaled the young actress with an extreme plunging figure-hugging bandage dress Naturally beautiful: Her chocolate brown tresses were parted down the side and framed her porcelain skin and baby-doll featured to perfection As a former blonde, Francesca oozed sophistication as she channelled her mother Frances' effortless image. Her chocolate brown tresses were parted down the side and framed her porcelain skin and baby-doll featured to perfection. Wearing just a hint of blusher on her cheeks, she wore a flirty layer of mascara and kept her lips nude. Stylish: The one-piece forewent any sleeves and went on to skim her svelte figure. Joining her on the carpet was mum Frances, who was in a relationship with Clint in the early 1990s, who rivaled the young actress with an extreme plunging figure-hugging bandage dress. It has been a busy couple of years for Francesca who's been doing her best to prove that she has more to offer than just being a famous offspring. She won rave reviews earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival for her role of Florence Tildon in the Western thriller Outlaws & Angels. The film, expected for release in July, is directed by JT Mollner. Motherly pride: Frances accompanied Francesca at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year for the premiere of her Western thriller Outlaws & Angels It tells the tale of outlaws who invade the home of an unsuspecting frontier family to hide out for the night, which unexpectedly leads to seduction, role reversal, and ultimately, bloody revenge. Following the premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, she told Verge magazine that she was terrified about walking the red carpet. '[The premiere was] absolutely nerve-wracking,' she admitted. 'When I shot this movie, it was such an intense experience that I forgot it was something that was going to be seen. I really bared my soul.' Famous family: Francesca in the only child of Clint's six year relationship with Frances in the 90's Being a mom is the best job in the world but it can also be tiring and frustrating - just ask this star. Selma Blair took the special little man in her life, son Arthur, out to lunch on Friday afternoon. The mother son duo headed to Joan's On Third in Studio City, California, where they shared - literally - a bite to eat. Lunch crew: Selma Blair took the special little man in her life, son Arthur, out to lunch on Friday afternoon in Studio City, California The 43-year-old star made sure her boy got enough to eat by convincing him to chow down some more grub by hand feeding him. The four-year-old gladly took a big bite of his food as his mom spooned it into his mouth. Taking advantage of Los Angeles' beautiful weather the actress and her little man sat outside to enjoy their meal. For their lunch date, Selma wore an ensemble by label Johnny Was Clothing featuring an easy to wear tunic with colourful embroidery and a matching bag by the brand. Here comes the airplane: The 43-year-old star made sure her boy got enough to eat by convincing him to chow down some more grub by hand feeding him Simply chic: For their lunch date, Selma wore an ensemble by label Johnny Was Clothing featuring an easy to wear tunic with colourful embroidery and a matching bag by the brand Keeping with her less is more theme, the People V. O.J. Simpson star threw on a pair of cream leather slides. Long night? While she looked good, the star also looked a little tired - perhaps after an evening of cleaning furniture thanks to her darling four-year-old While she looked good, the star also looked a little tired - perhaps after an evening of cleaning furniture thanks to her darling four-year-old. On Friday morning, Selma posted an Instagram of her son and their dog wearing matching pyjamas fast asleep - something, she said, that was a blessing. Being candid about the ups and downs of motherhood, Selma captioned the snap: 'Good morning. I am so grateful. This. Right now. 'Last night, not so much... When I asked (yelled in disbelief) why did you wipe food all over the velvet couch????? He simply mumbled because ''I didn't have a napkin''. What????????????? TF!!!!!!!!!!!! #partnersincrime.' Dirty couch aside, Selma has often spoken about her love of being a mom. She told Glow last year: 'It blows my mind to think about how intense the bond is that women have with their children, especially in the first few years of life. 'And it just blows my mind that everyone who has children feels this way, too. If the world is capable of this much love, and patience, and understanding, I just can't imagine what we're all capable of together.' Arthur's father is fashion designer, Jason Bleick, and while he is in his son's life Selma has primary custody. He has just celebrated the arrival of his second daughter with partner Eva Mendes. And Ryan Gosling certainly looked every inch the proud father as he stepped out in New York on Friday night, just days after it was revealed he had welcomed a second daughter. The 35-year-old actor cut a typically dashing figure in a laid back ensemble of a dark blue jacket worn over a white T-shirt teamed with black jeans. Scroll down for video Dapper: Ryan Gosling certainly looked every inch the proud father as he stepped out in New York on Friday night He accessorised with a pair of on trend tortoiseshell sunglasses and completed his look with some popular black Dr Marten boots. The star clearly had a lot to carry and clutched a large tan holdall as he left a venue in downtown Manhattan. Ryan appeared to be in good spirits and smiled for photographers as he made his way to his chauffeured car. The hunky actor and partner Eva welcomed their new daughter, Amada, a fortnight ago, but kept the news tightly under wraps. Looking good: The 35-year-old actor cut a typically dashing figure in a laid back ensemble of a dark blue jacket over a white T-shirt teamed with black jeans Speaking about the birth this week Ryan told Good Morning America: 'It's heaven. It's like walking through a field of flowers every day. I live with angels.' And last night the heartthrob was the Ellen DeGeneres Show gushing about his family life and eldest daughter Esmerelda. But hilarity began when Ellen decided to dramatically unveil her 'cute' picture of Ryan's latest child. Keeping it casual: Ryan appeared to be in good spirits as he smiled for photographers as he made his way to his chauffeured car Of course, the canny prankster had merely decided to catch out her guest with an hilarious mock-up image, which featured her head superimposed onto that of a toddler lying on her front in a nappy. Old pro Ryan used all of his experience as a former Mousketeer to improvise, conceding that the image was both 'adorable' and 'precious.' However The Nice Guys star did have some reservations, saying: 'The hair, it's a little suspicious. I don't know how she's getting her hair done so early. 'I monitor whose coming in and out of the house very carefully, and nobody's been coming in and doing it.' Oh baby: Ryan Gosling was gobsmacked at the' 'exclusive picture' of his newborn daughter Ellen DeGeneres showed during their interview for Friday's show She always travels in style. But Paris Hilton outdid herself as she prepared to jet into France for the iconic Cannes Film Festival on Friday. Looking as elegant as always, the 35-year-old socialite was the epitome of riviera chic as she headed to board her flight at LAX airport. French fancy: She always travels in style. But Paris Hilton outdid herself as she prepared to jet into France for the iconic Cannes Film Festival on Friday wearing a sheer floor length gown Clad in a sheer floor length gown, Paris ensured all eyes would be on her as she showed off her incredible figure beneath the folds of billowing fabric. Protecting her modesty, she donned a short nude slip beneath, whilst her dress was adorned with white lace flowers. Nipping in at her tiny waist, the gown flared out and trailed behind her as she walked, partially concealing her white Louboutin heels. Paris does Parisian chic: Looking as elegant as always, the 35-year-old socialite was the epitome of riviera chic as she headed to board her flight at LAX airport, turning heads as she strolled through the terminal Adding to the glamour, she donned a wide brimmed white hat over her golden locks, whilst a pair of oversized sunglasses concealed her sparkling blue eyes. Keeping her jewellery to a minimum so she wouldn't detract from her outfit, she wore a pair of glittering diamond studs in her ears, and carried a large white handbag. Removing her hat as she strode through the terminal, she showed off her honey coloured tresses which were styled in loose glossy waves. Capping off the look: Adding to the glamour, she donned a wide brimmed white hat over her golden locks, whilst a pair of oversized sunglasses concealed her sparkling blue eyes Lacy lady! Clad in a sheer floor length gown, Paris ensured all eyes would be on her as she showed off her incredible figure beneath the folds of billowing fabric. Protecting her modesty, she also donned a nude slip Ahead of her trip, Paris spent the day with her pregnant sister Nicky, who threw a baby shower at the hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. The heavily pregnant mom-to-be was surrounded in friends and family as they marked the upcoming birth of her first child with husband James Rothschild. Paris had accidentally revealed the sex of her younger sister's child in an interview, and no doubt trying to redeem herself, the DJ meticulously recorded the event on Snapchat and joined with hers and Nicky's cousins to yell 'It's a girl'. She exudes confidence whenever she's working her best angles on the red carpet. However, on Friday, actress Ruby Rose seemed a little camera shy as she arrived at LAX Airport for a flight. The stylish 30-year-old appeared to be covering her face with a small black Saint Laurent purse, which was draped over one shoulder. Scroll down for video Rushing for her flight? Ruby Rose appeared a little camera shy as she walked through LAX Airport on Friday, covering her face with a Saint Laurent purse The Orange Is The New Black starlet was rocking an effortlessly cool outfit in her signature androgynous style. The stunning Australian DJ, actress and model attempted to cover up further with a black beanie and orange-tinted sunglasses. Sporting an oversized khaki army jacket, which featured an American flag printed on the sleeve, Ruby added a pair of ripped charcoal jeans and black high-top sneakers. The open jacket showed a glimpse of her red and black T-Shirt as well as some of her extensive tattoos, which were visible along her arms. She completed her understated look with a chunky gold and silver watch as well as a couple of rings. Wearing her heart on her sleeve? The now US-based Australian actress sported a khaki jacket with an American flag on the arm Effortlessly cool: Despite her pose, the model was certainly dressed for the cameras in an eclectic ensemble, including a black T-shirt under her jacket, along with ripped jeans and trainers The talented star may have been shunning the attention after she recently took to social media recently to express her anger toward her former record label UMA (Universal Music Australia). On Thursday, the former DJ-turned-Hollywood star slammed the company for plans to release a remix of her 2012 song 'Guilty Pleasure', despite her being against the idea. Accusing the label of trying to cash-in on her current popularity, the 30-year-old wrote on Instagram: 'I am upset because I don't want a song I wrote 5 years ago being re-released'. She continued: 'Like any human I have different experiences I write about now than what I did 5 years ago... I'm in a completely different place in my life. Distracted: Ruby seemed to be multi-tasking as she typed on her phone while making her way through the terminal Social media rant: The talented star may have been shunning the attention after she recently took to social media recently to express her anger toward her former record label UMA 'Yet don't let that stop a record company trying to find a way to profit off of something they had no part in building. 'This is a classic case of someone trying to profit off a name they didn't have faith in when they stood there at a table across from me.' The star went on to state that she had already expressed her disinterest in re-releasing the song, and had tried to block its release 'through many channels.' They were amongst an esteemed and star-studded crowd at the Obama's Nordic state dinner. But it was Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel who stole the show on the night as they made a rare public appearance together. Arm in arm as they strode through the White House on Friday, the pair made for a handsome couple as they prepared to mingle with dignitaries and colleagues. Scroll down for video Two's company: Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel stole the show at the White House Nordic State Dinner on Friday as they made a rare public appearance together and made for quite the handsome couple Clad in a floor length blush gown, Miranda looked every inch the supermodel as she strode through the hall, whilst Evan, 25, cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo. Snuggled up to his girlfriend, the Snapchat CEO couldn't seem to take his eyes off her, which was understandable as she looked the epitome of elegance at the prestigious event. Adorned with tiny flowers, the dazzling dress nipped in at the 33-year-old Victoria's Secret's model waist before flaring out in a flattering full skirt. Carrying a small crystal embellished clutch, she glimmered under the bright lights of the wall, whilst the delicate chain straps on her dress also added some glitz. Blooming lovely! Clad in a floor length blush gown, Miranda looked every inch the supermodel as she strode through the hall. Adorned with tiny flowers, the dazzling dress nipped in at the 33-year-old waist Brunette beauty: Sweeping her chestnut coloured locks back into a chic chignon bun, she styled her glossy tresses in a side parting, exposing her flawless features, whilst Evan looked dapper in a tuxedo Injecting yet more glamour, she wore a pair of glittering diamond earrings whilst a myriad of silver rings lined her perfectly manicured fingers. Sweeping her chestnut coloured locks back into a chic chignon bun, she styled her glossy tresses in a side parting, exposing her flawless features. Oozing old Hollywood glamour in her elegant ensemble, she finished off the look with a slick of red lipstick on her plump pout. Loved-up: Miranda shared a sweet snap of herself cuddled up to her beau at the event. Taking to Instagram she simply captioned the snap 'us' between two love hearts It was a rare red carpet appearance for the couple, despite almost a year of dating and numerous low-key dates solidifying their relationship in the public eye. Orlando Bloom's ex - with whom she has a son, Flynn - recently explained how she met the businessman, who she's been linked to since September 2015. 'We met at a dinner in LA for Louis Vuitton and became friends,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald. 'We were really good friends for a long time before we started dating.' She added: 'We've just been having fun together and sharing our time amongst friends and family.' She's the globetrotting blogger who recently graced the cover of Cosmopolitan Australia. But Natasha Oakley claims the secret to her success is her best friend and A Bikini A Day co-founder Devin Brugman. The 25-year-old told E!'s The Hype, in an interview which aired on Saturday: 'We really are basically in a relationship we are so supportive (of each other)!' Scroll down for video Close: Natasha Oakley revealed on E!'s The Hype, airing on Saturday, the secret to her success is best friend and A Bikini A Day co-founder Devin Brugman, who is so supportive it's like a relationship Globetrotters: Sydney-born Natasha is often spotted flaunting her curves at the beach with best pal Devin, who hails from California, USA Natasha, who hails from Sydney, spoke about her friendship with Devin while behind-the-scenes of her fashion shoot for the magazine, with photographer Tane Coffin. The busty pals launched the blog A Bikini A Day back in 2012 and have since released their own bikini collection Monday Swimwear. And while Natasha enjoyed the spotlight for Cosmopolitan, her loyal friend Devin joined her backstage for the photo session. 'I'm so happy that Devin could be here for it,' Natasha gushed to E! 'We're so lucky to have our friendship, that we're able to work together as well.' She continued: 'I think that's really unique and I'd love to see more women and girls supporting one another instead of bringing each other down. Friendship: Natasha told host Ksenija Lukich (R) about her friendship with Devin while behind-the-scenes of her Cosmopolitan cover shoot with photographer Tane Coffin earlier this year 'I'm so happy that Devin could be here for it': Natasha (left) told E! that Devin (right) was backstage for her Cosmopolitan debut, offering plenty of helpful advice about fashion, make-up and poses 'Because having Devin there as my support is, like, the most important thing in the world to me. We really are basically in a relationship we are so supportive!' she quipped. Natasha also revealed that California-born Devin, 26, offered plenty of helpful advice during her Cosmo cover girl debut, saying 'she has my back'. 'Even just having her here on the shoot today is like, it's so nice to have her here by my side, watching every pose I do, watching my hair and make-up,' she explained Friends and business partners: Natasha, 25, and Devin, 26, co-founded blog A Bikini A Day back in 2012 Meanwhile, Natasha also spoke about swapping her signature bikini-clad look for the glamorous fashion photo shoot. 'Honestly, it's really refreshing!' she said candidly. 'I love to feel sexy and glamorous in a dress. 'There's a certain feeling when you're in a beautiful outfit that you can never get from a bikini or activewear,' she added. 'It's nice to have a little bit of a difference from just being on a beach all the time - which is obviously 90 per cent of the time where I want to be!' Despite being world-famous for her bikini body, the Australian model instead opted for an array of glamorous gowns inside the magazine. Still showing plenty of skin: Natasha landed the cover of the June issue of Cosmopolitan magazine and swapped swimwear for an array of gorgeous gowns In one snap, she offers a glimpse of her cleavage and well-toned tummy in a beige off-the-shoulder dress with cut out detailing. Natasha's sun-kissed skin glows against the pale-coloured number as she delicately lifts the thigh split to flaunt her legs. Her luscious blonde locks are curled and hang loosely around her shoulders, courtesy of celebrity hair stylist Luana Coscia. Meanwhile, she opted for a smouldering bronze smokey eye paired with a nude lip by make-up artist Ania Milczarczyk. Glamour: In another image from the shoot, Natasha casts a sultry gaze over her right shoulder while lifting the hem of her slinky Bec & Bridge dress In another image from the shoot, Natasha casts a sultry gaze over her right shoulder while lifting the hem of her slinky Bec & Bridge dress. The pale blue number clings tightly to her curves and features a cut-out design which shows off a generous portion of her back. Her piercing eyes look back at the camera, highlighted by a dewy make-up look as her luscious hair is swept over one shoulder. Ravishing: Elsewhere, Natasha is pictured in a vibrant red off-the-shoulder frock in her photo shoot for the glossy magazine Elsewhere, Natasha is pictured in a vibrant red off-the-shoulder frock in her photo shoot for the glossy magazine. Long sleeves cover her toned arms as she peers down at the ground, and displays a hint of her decolletage. Her styling came courtesy of Nicole Adolphe and stylist assistant Kayla Bajars, with creative direction by Leisa Maait. For the June issue cover of Cosmopolitan Australia, currently on newsstands, Natasha puts on a busty display in a low-cut gold snakeskin dress by Steven Khalil and accessorises with a delicate Lucy & Mui necklace. The most crucial element of a Eurovision performance is undoubtedly the song. So when Sydney-based songwriting/producing pair DNA Songs were asked to create a tune worthy of Australia's entry into the international song contest, it's fair to say the pressure was on. However, DNA duo David Musumeci and Anthony Egizii certainly haven't disappointed with their original ballad, Sound of Silence. Scroll down for video Feeling the pressure: Songwriting/producing duo David Musumeci and Anthony Egizii of DNA Songs were chosen to write the ballad to be sung by Australia's representative Dami Im at Eurovision 2016 Former X Factor Australia winner Dami Im was selected to represent the country in this year's Eurovision, and she has already done the song justice in the semi finals. Her stellar performance saw her proceed through to the grand final, which will take place on Saturday in Sweden, airing live on Sunday morning in Australia. The songwriters, who have the ability to turn all they touch to gold, spoke to The Fix about being asked to get the job done by music giant Sony. Perfect match: Dami, pictured with songwriter Anthony Egizii, has done Sound of Silence justice so far in the song contest, making it to the grand final after a stellar performance in the semi final on Thursday 'They briefed us on what they were looking for, and we pretty much tried to go for the big, epic ballad and get the moment happening for all the European fans,' Anthony revealed. They added that as they are of Italian background and grew up watching the popular song contest, they felt well prepared to create something fitting. 'We approached the song saying, "We just want to write a great song". A great song that we love, that is powerful and has all these epic moments that Eurovision's about. I think we definitely achieved that.' A (Euro)vision: The songstress dazzled in her semi final performance in a glittering one-shoulder silver gown Powerhouse performance: Dami did Australia proud with her rendition of the song and it has made the iTunes Top 10 in Sweden The songwriters said the moving lyrics were inspired by a feeling known to many of being away from loved ones and waking to the dreaded sound of silence. The boys added that being away for work on writing trips meant they often experienced special moments they wished they could share with their loved ones and that life could feel a bit 'lacklustre' when those people aren't there with you. Finding success: The boys have worked with a long list of successful musicians, including The Veronicas (Pictured) and Delta Goodrem The boys have worked with a long list of successful musicians, including The Veronicas, Delta Goodrem, Nathaniel, Samantha Jade and Jessica Mauboy. They have also produced and mixed songs for international acts such as Ricky Martin. Sound of Silence has proved popular overseas, cracking the iTunes Top 10 in Sweden ahead of the finals, and Dami is tipped to place extremely well in the upcoming Eurovision final. He is best known for hosting the hit talent show American Idol. But Ryan Seacrest went back to school on Friday as he picked up an honorary degree from his alma mater - the University of Georgia - 24 years after dropping out. The 41-year-old beamed as he was presented with the prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters degree by the university's president, Jere Morehead. Proud: Ryan Seacrest went back to school on Friday as he picked up an honorary degree from his alma mater - the University of Georgia Wearing a traditional academic gown, the TV host gave the commencement address at the institution's spring ceremony in Athens, Georgia, and was ecstatic on stage. More than 5,000 students crammed into the Sanford Stadium to receive their degrees and hear from one of the university's most illustrious alumni. Seacrest attended the school for one year in 1992, as a journalism student, before moving to Hollywood to begin his successful broadcasting career - failing to graduate. But he now has the credentials he failed to get the first time around, after being awarded the honorary doctorate - the highest honour the university can bestow. Ecstatic: The 41-year-old beamed as he was presented with the prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters degree by the university's president, Jere Morehead Smart: Wearing a traditional academic gown, the TV host gave the commencement address at the institution's spring ceremony in Athens, Georgia At one the point the proceedings took a bizarre turn when a man dressed as an English bulldog - the institution's mascot - appeared on the stage. Members of the audience laughed as Seacrest used a selfie stick to take a picture with the quirky animal, named Uga. The TV personality was born and bred in Georgia and grew up in the Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody before heading to the state's most eminent university. Seacrest is considered one of TV's hottest bachelors, after splitting from his most serious long term partner Julianne Hough in 2013. Last month rumours swirled he was in another relationship after he was spotted with a stunning blonde date at Dave Grutman's Miami wedding. Prestigious speaker: Seacrest attended the school for one year in 1992, as a journalism student, before moving to Hollywood to begin his successful broadcasting career - failing to graduate Successful: More than 5,000 students crammed into the Sanford Stadium to receive their degrees and hear from one of the university's most illustrious alumni But it was later revealed the lady in question was none other than his friend Ted Waitt's model wife Michele Merkin, 40. Since then Seacrest has been seen with Shana Wall in March and before that Hilary Cruz, both of whom he briefly dated. He has also been linked to Sophie Monk, Sara Jean Underwood, Katrina Darrell, Jasmine Waltz, Shayna Terese Taylor and Dominique Piek. It was rumoured he had romanced Teri Hatcher. His most serious relationship was with Dancing With The Stars vet Julianne Hough, whom he was with from 2010 until 2013. Bizarre: At one the point the proceedings took an odd turn when a man dressed as an English bulldog - the institution's mascot - appeared on the stage Quirky: Members of the audience laughed as Seacrest used a selfie stick to take a picture with the mascot Fans believed they would marry but they never got engaged and she is now set to marry Brooks Laich. Seacrest has said that he wants to wed and start a family but has not met the right woman yet. In 2014 he told People magazine: 'I look at what my mom and dad have had for 40-plus years a fantastic relationship and great marriage. 'Someday I'd like that. They're my role models.' Right second time round! Seacrest now has the credentials he failed to get the first time around, after being awarded the honorary doctorate - the highest honour the university can bestow He's been spotted feeding squirrels, meditating outdoors and wandering around barefoot in the park. And Justin Bieber continued his reported mission to 'centre himself with religion and nature' on Friday as he paid a visit to a health spa. The 22-year-old also stayed faithful to his decision to cease all fan pictures as he was seen to ignore an admirer on his way inside a Parliament Hill retreat in Ottawa, ON. Scroll down for video Ignored: Justin Bieber appeared to ignore a female fan as he headed into a spa in Ottawa, ON on Friday Justin was low-key in a black outfit, but recognisable beneath a burgundy beanie hat, hiding his newly-cropped hairstyle. One female onlooker certainly seemed to notice him and turned her gaze - and her cameraphone towards him - in a bid to capture one of those forbidden snapshots. According to TMZ, Justin's recent behaviour can be explained by a 'spiritual mission' to 'centre himself with religion and nature' Relaxation: He is said to be on a spiritual mission at this time Sources tell the website that he needs to retrieve his 'centre' after the global Purpose Tour, which threw off the balance. Earlier this week, Justin spent time at a Canadian park, where he was seen lying down on his back in the grass. On Monday, the What Do Your Mean? star had been seen in the same park wandering around barefoot and feeding squirrels. Meditating: Justin's strange behaviour - which has seen him meditating in parks - can be explained by his need to centre himself Cutting a solitary figure, the star - who got a cross tattooed on his face last week - then popped himself down on a bench, where he sat listening to music on his iPhone. It is no secret that this star has been on an emotional roller coaster of late from cancelling meet and greets, bursting into tears mid-performance and now banning fans from asking for photographs. Justin told fans on Instagram on Tuesday he was struggling and their demands were making it harder for him to stay sane. He wrote: 'If you happen to see me out somewhere know that I'm not gonna take a picture. I'm done taking pictures. It has gotten to the point that people won't even say hi to me or recognize me as a human. 'I feel like a zoo animal, and I wanna be able to keep my sanity.' Window to the soul: He's seemed emotional of late, after the Purpose tour took it out of him She the globe-trotting bikini blogger who is making a splash in the fashion world, with the launch of her own swimwear and activewear collections. But Natasha Oakley has a surprisingly cosmopolitan outlook on style, despite her beach chic reputation. The 25-year-old told E!'s The Hype, in an interview which aired on Saturday, that she has a 'completely different style' depending on what city she is living in. Scroll down for video Bikini blogger: Natasha Oakley (pictured) has a surprisingly cosmopolitan outlook on style, despite her beach chic reputation - telling E! that she has a 'completely different style' depending on what city she is living in Natasha claimed that her busy schedule - which has taken her across Europe and the States several times - requires a wardrobe to suit all seasons. And while she's perhaps best known for her skimpy bikinis, Natasha claims traveling allows her to experiment with winter style. 'I've moved city so often (that) I have a completely different style in Sydney, Los Angeles, New York and Paris,' she revealed. Mixing it up: While she's best known for her skimpy bikinis, Natasha (left) told The Hype's Ksenija Lukich (right) on Saturday that traveling to different cities around the world allows her to experiment with winter styles 'It's been nice being in the colder cities because I can play around with my wardrobe a little bit more.' She continued: 'Everywhere I go I have a different style. So rather than the climate being the thing that confuses me it's like, "Okay, what city am I in?" '"Okay, I'm in Sydney? I need a bikini, I need some cut-off denim shorts. Okay, now I'm in New York, I need a band T-shirt, I need a leather jacket, I need some fringe".' Fashion capital: During a recent trip to Paris, Natasha put on a leggy display in a slinky long-sleeve red dress, featuring a bow detail on the neckline Meanwhile, a glance at Natasha's Instagram account - which has over 1.7million followers - confirms Natasha has a skill for adapting to different cities and seasons. During a recent trip to Paris, she put on a leggy display in a slinky long-sleeve red dress, featuring a bow detail on the neckline. She rounded off her winter look with a pair of sheer black tights and knee-high boots, with the look completed with a designer handbag. London calling! For a separate trip to the UK, the 25-year-old bundled up against the chilly English winter in an effortlessly chic all-black ensemble As she posed against the backdrop of the Seine, Natasha looked perfectly dressed for Europe's fashion capital. But for a separate trip to London, Natasha bundled up against the chilly English winter in an effortlessly chic all-black ensemble. She opted for a pair of skinny jeans with a low-cut black top and felt choker, and wrapped herself in a gorgeous velvet jacket. Runway ready or ready for a run? During a warm snap in London, Natasha opted for workout chic while en route to her local gym in a black singlet and figure hugging leggings But during a warm snap in the English capital, Natasha opted for workout chic while en route to her local gym. She displayed her well-toned body in a simple black singlet, and flaunted her slender thighs in figure-hugging leggings. Styling her blonde hair in a scruffy up-do, Natasha also concealed her gaze behind dark sunglasses before her morning exercise routine. Big Apple: For a recent trip to New York City, the model embraced the chilly weather by bundling up in a Viktoria and Woods coat and dress For a recent trip to New York City, Natasha embraced the chilly weather by bundling up in a Viktoria and Woods coat and dress. As she departed her hotel for a scheduled photo shoot in the Big Apple, Natasha looked every inch the stylish city girl as she enjoyed her morning coffee. But while model enjoyed a vacation in sunny Santa Monica, she decided to flaunt her toned midriff in a busty crop top and leggings from Nordstrom. Home away from home? While in Santa Monica, Natasha blended expertly into the California surroundings, which were comfortably similar to Sydney's Bondi Beach She blended expertly into the California surroundings, which were comfortably similar to her home in Sydney's Bondi Beach. During the visit to Los Angeles, she also displayed her hourglass figure while modelling a chic white two-piece from her own bikini range, Monday Swimwear. Meanwhile, it is in her home city of Sydney that Natasha first earned her reputation as a beach style icon. La-la Land! During a visit to Los Angeles, that model-turned-fashion designer displayed her hourglass figure in a white two-piece from her own bikini collection, Monday Swimwear Living the LA lifestyle: Natasha and her best pal Devin Brugman (right) looked effortlessly chic as they enjoyed a recent trip to the West Coast city Earlier this year, she was photographed walking hand-in-hand through Bondi Beach with her best pal and a Bikini A Day co-founder Devin Brugman, 26. As the girls sizzled in matching black bikinis, Natasha beamed with pride as she soaked up the summer sun at her local beach. Appropriately, she captioned the image: 'Showing Devin Brugman why I love home so much'. She's one of Australia's top modelling exports. So it comes as no surprise to see newlywed Nicole Trunfio and her 15-month-old son Zion looking chic straight off a long-haul flight from Los Angeles to Sydney on Saturday. Looking every inch the stylish jet-setter, the face of the Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection showed off her long and lean legs in a pair of ripped jeans in an image posted to Instagram. Scroll down for video She's back! Newlywed Nicole Trunfio and her adorable 15-month-old son Zion made a stylish return to Sydney on Saturday, sharing a shot to Instagram on arrival She teamed the figure-hugging trousers with a loose-fitting black T-shirt, khaki bomber jacket and and open toed ankle boots. The mother-of-one styled her long brunette locks into tousled waves which danced around her face, while covering her well-known facial features with a pair of rounded frames. She completed her look with a nineties inspired choker around the neck and a chain handbag slung across her chest. Meanwhile, Zion followed in his mother's stylish footsteps and was pictured in a pair of blue tights, a striped top and a denim jacket. Coming home: Nicole took to social media on Friday to share pictures of herself and her 15-month-old son Zion as they pair made their way to Australia The cherubic tot, who was cradled by his doting mother, finished his adorable toddler look with a pair of suede shoes. Nicole also made sure to make a slight joke about the pair's stylish ensembles, writing in the post: 'Made it (someone needed an outfit change and it obviously was moi).' A day earlier, the brunette beauty shared two pictures as the pair made themselves comfortable on a plane. In one snap, Zion is seen sitting up in his seat, looking cool in a knitted beanie and denim jacket, as he munches on two pretzels. Too cute! In one snap, Zion sits up in his plane seat, looking cool in a knitted beanie and denim jacket, as he munches on two pretzels 'With this guy.... Next stop #Sydney,' Nicole captioned the picture of her son. In the next shot, the Perth-born beauty snaps of a selfie of the pair as they both show off how photogenic they are, as eyes pierce the lens. Nicole added an angel and devil emoji in the caption, while doing a shout out to all mother's who travel on long-haul flights with babies. 'Looks like an [angel] acts like a [devil],' the mother-of-one wrote before adding, 'Anyone who knows, knows. #wishmeluck.' While there was no reason mentioned in the posts for her trip Down Under, it would no doubt to have some involvement during Sydney Fashion Week which begins on Sunday. The West-Australian native married American musician Gary Clarke Jr. three weeks ago in a star-studded ceremony in California. Newlyweds! The West-Australian native married American musician Gary Clarke Jr. three weeks ago in a star-studded ceremony in California For the nuptials, Nicole wowed in a white Steven Khalil wedding dress and had plenty of celebrity guests in attendance, including her fellow Australian models Gemma Ward and Jessica Gomes, who served as bridesmaids on the big day. The couple welcomed Zion in January 2015. Clearly enjoying being a hands-on mother, Nicole took to social media to gush about her little man, penning a sweet tribute to him on Instagram on Mother's Day. Proud parents: The loved up couple welcomed Zion in January 2015 Sharing a picture of herself holding onto the adorable tot, the pair have their backs to the camera as they stare up at a Lemur, presumably during an outing at a zoo. 'My dear son. How blessed I am to have a child as magical as you?' Nicole began in the caption. 'How honored I am you chose me, how inspired I am by your spirit and intellect, Proud mother: Over the weekend Nicole took to social media to gush about her son, penning a sweet tribute to him on Instagram for Mother's Day 'How joyful you make me with your humour, how thankful I am that your father gave you to me, how humbled I am to be your mother,' she continued. Gushing about her role in her son's life, Nicole wrote, 'Motherhood is the most profound thing to experience as a women, I cherish every moment. 'I hope I can guide you and teach you everything you desire and give you the tools to have a wonderful long life. I love you young little #Zion #mothersday,' she concluded. She was thrown an opulent baby shower just hours earlier by her family - including sister Paris Hilton. And Nicky Hilton made a quick change as she continued her festivities by heading out to dinner with her mum Kathy Hilton at Dan Tana's in West Hollywood on Friday night. The 32-year-old socialite positively glowed as she went expertly from day to night in a form-fitting black dress which hugged on to her bump. Scroll down for video Busy day! Nicky Hilton, 32, headed to dinner with her mum Kathy Hilton at Dan Tana's in West Hollywood on Friday night a few hours after her lavish baby shower As she's due to give birth in July, the beauty opted for sensible, yet classy ballet flats with bow detailing which complemented her toned pins. She wore her long blonde locks in to a side braided ponytail which showed off her silver stud earrings and clung on to a small patterned handbag. Obviously excited about her upcoming motherly duties, Nicky put on quite the proud display as she placed her hand on the top of her bump and showed off her wedding ring whilst doing so. While she flashed an ear to ear smile on one occasion, on others she wouldn't let a slight smirk on her glossy pink pout escape. Stunning mother-to-be: The socialite positively glowed as she went expertly from day to night in a form-fitting black dress which hugged on to her bump Life couldn't be any better: Obviously excited about her upcoming motherly duties, Nicky put on quite the proud display as she placed her hand on the top of her bump and showed off her wedding ring whilst doing so So happy! She wouldn't let a slight smirk on her glossy pink pout escape The jovial display only seemed to emphasise her perfectly contoured cheekbones and wide-eyed glances. By her side, Kathy couldn't help but beam in delight at the impending new arrival. Wearing an all-black outfit complete with a statement leopard print scarf, she couldn't stop doting on her daughter with loving stares. Her little girl: By her side, Kathy couldn't help but beam in delight at the impending new arrival Glowing: The jovial display only seemed to emphasise her perfectly contoured cheekbones and wide-eyed glances It's been an emotional day for the 57-year-old who put on a heart-warming display with her daughter at the baby shower earlier. The stunning event was hosted at the very fancy Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles where the heavily pregnant mom-to-be was surrounded by friends and family as they marked the upcoming birth of her first child with husband James Rothschild. Paris did her best to serenade her sister at the show after she accidentally revealed the gender of the baby to Us Weekly earlier this week. Party time: Nicky Hilton celebrated her baby-to-be in lavish style earlier on in the day in Los Angeles, California Family affair: Sister act: Nicky, with the help of big sister Paris and mom Kathy, hosted a stunning shower at the very fancy Hotel Bel-Air 'She's going to be such a beautiful little girl, and I can't wait to meet her,' she exuded. Nicky however didn't seem to mind as she put on a glowing display in a summery white broderie anglaise off the shoulder dress by label Self-Portrait. The theme of the shower was pastel pink and featured a gift table with pink balloons and nearly every present also had a pink bow. 'Baby time': Rick Hilton was the sole male allowed to attend and did so briefly to pose up for a picture with his little girl and wife Kathy as well as do a speech Cheers! The mother-to-be and Paris made good use of the non-alcoholic beverage But, sticking to tradition, James was not at the party but one male interloper managed to get an invite - Nicky's dad, Rick Hilton, who posed for pictures with his little girl and wife Kathy as well as do a speech. Guests included La Toya Jackson and auntie Kim Richards and were treated to glasses of champagne and, in a cute touch, pink lemonade in baby bottles handed to them on silver platters. The baby is due a year after her parents tied the knot in a lavish wedding at Kensington Palace in London. Picture perfect: It is Kathy and Rick's first grandchild so they are very excited for her July arrival Diversity on our television screens has been a hugely talked about topic this week. But for those at the centre of this issue, fighting racism in the media is no new battle, just one they've been embroiled in for many years. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday, actress Melissa Bonne, who was born in Zimbabwe, recounted her struggles to kickstart her acting career in Australia. 'It took me nine years': Actress Melissa Bonne, who was born in Zimbabwe, revealed in a recent interview that it took her a staggering nine years to land an audition for an Australian TV role After 15 years of pursuing her dreams, the 31-year-old only landed her first major role in an Australian TV series last year. 'It took me nine years to land my first audition (for a TV role),' she told the publication. The actress then landed the part of Keisha Gibson in crime drama Janet King this year. 'The part in Janet King wasn't written as an ethnic role. That was just massive.' At last! She landed the part of Keisha Gibson (pictured) in Australian crime drama Janet King this year Melissa recognized that there is certainly a gap in the industry that needs addressing, but she doesn't hold casting agents or networks accountable. She maintains that agents have always been supportive and thinks the lack of work for ethnic actors comes down to the writing. 'It starts with the stories people being mindful of how things have changed in society.' Spreading the word: The actress said problems with diversity in Australian media come down to the writing itself and cannot be pinned solely on casting agents and networks The actress continued by suggesting that embracing the new and different can only have a lasting positive effect on our society. 'If you stand and look outside your own experience you're suddenly going to get a richer version of life that will resonate with more people. It kind of feels like a no-brainer.' Melissa's comments come after television diversity was in the spotlight following Waleed Aly's Gold Logie win at the annual Logie Awards on Sunday. Taking home the gold: The Project co-host, Waleed Aly, won the coveted Gold Logie at the 2016 TV Week Logie Awards on Sunday The popular television presenter used his acceptance speech to delve into the controversy surrounding the diverse nominees, telling viewers 'there's nothing wrong with the picture'. He cleverly added: 'If you are in the room I'm sure there's an Instagram filter to return things to normal.' The 37-year-old then acknowledged an ethnic actor who was forced to use an Anglo-Saxon name for the industry, telling Waleed ahead of the awards show: 'My name is Mustafa. But I can't use that name because I won't get a job.' Passionate: The Project star used his acceptance speech to delve into the controversy surrounding the diverse nominees at this year's awards Aly also mentioned a man named Dimitri who came up to him a week ago and 'commanded' the Channel Ten presenter to win the Gold Logie. He said his win mattered to people like Mustafa and Dimitri, and thanked people from different backgrounds for their support. He continued by saying that those without the confidence to have a voice and express their true identities deserved 'more worthy avatars' but that he didn't know if or when that would happen. He concluded: 'If tonight means anything and I don't know if it means anything, but if tonight means anything it's that the Australian public, our audience as far as they are concerned there is absolutely no reason why that can't change.' She's never been shy of flaunting her famous figure. But Jessica Wright opted to conceal her curves for a night out at Nobu restaurant in London on Friday. Slipping her hourglass curves into a billowing floral gown, the 30-year-old reality star was a vision of beauty as she headed home after grabbing a bite to eat. Scroll down for video Pretty as a petal! She's never been shy of showing off her famous figure. But Jessica Wright opted to conceal her curves for a night out at Nobu restaurant in London on Friday Nipping in below her ample chest, the empire line dress flared out to the knee, revealing a flash of her tanned and toned pins. Featuring delicate splashes of pink and green, the feminine frock complemented her bronzed complexion and remained flirty yet demure. Adding some height to her petite frame she donned a pair of brown suede heels which matched her quilted peach handbag. Flirty in florals! Slipping her hourglass curves into a billowing floral gown, the 30-year-old reality star was a vision of beauty as she headed home after a bite to eat in the iconic Japanese restaurant Sweeping her caramel coloured locks away from her face, she wore her glossy tresses in a chic chignon bun, exposing her pretty features. And accentuating her natural beauty, she lined her hazel coloured eyes with a sweep of violet eyeshadow, whilst she painted her plump pout with a slick of gloss. She finished off the look with a chunky gold watch on her wrist whilst a myriad of delicate rings lined her perfectly manicured fingers. Leggy lady! Nipping in below her ample chest, the empire line dress flared out to the knee, revealing a flash of her tanned and toned pins which were elongated by a pair of tan suede heels Meanwhile, Jessica recently revealed she wanted to distance herself from her reality TV past as she confessed she is now taking acting lessons. 'I want to show casting people there is more to me than just TOWIE,' she told Sunday People. 'People often get an impression of you that is totally wrong and make up their minds before really knowing you.' Brunette beauty: Sweeping her caramel coloured locks away, she wore her glossy tresses in a chic chignon bun, exposing her flawless complexion. Accentuating her eyes with purple shadow she also painted her pout Tana Ramsay was seen for the first time on Saturday as the dust settled on news she's expecting her fifth child with TV chef husband Gordon. A regular at SoulCycle in Los Angeles, the 41-year-old is known for keeping superfit but she proved that she's going to be keeping up her regime during her pregnancy. The cookery book author, who's due in September this year, was positively glowing as she stepped out in London with a make-up free complexion, showing off a hint of her bump in a hooded top. Scroll down for video Pregnant: Tana Ramsay was seen for the first time on Saturday as news broke that she's expecting a fifth child with husband Gordon Tana was keeping comfortable in sporty neon shoes, showing off her impeccably trim figure in leggings that cut off below the knee. She wore her appreciation for friend Victoria Beckham's favourite spin class SoulCycle on her jumper as she hid her bump beneath. Busy hard-working mum Tana looked relaxed with her phone in hand, her shades pushing back her unstyled tresses and a bright handbag toted on one elbow. Smiley: She was smiling as she was spotted running errands in London in a sporty ensemble SoulCycler: She displayed her appreciation for SoulCycle in a hoodie that just hid her bump News that 49-year-old Gordon and his wife were expecting another baby broke on Friday, after the British TV chef appeared onThe Late Late Show on Thursday. The couple already have three daughters Megan, 17, Holly, 16, and Matilda, 14, and one son Jack, 16. In the chat show interview, the food connoisseur paused when talking to host James Corden about his four children before breaking the news by saying, 'We have three girls and a boy... and one more on the way.' Asked about the welfare of expectant mum Tana, Gordon said: '[She's] excited, she's doing well, she's all good thank you.' Parents again: Gordon Ramsay (here last September) revealed on Thursday night that he and his wife Tana are expecting a fifth child Fabulous in her forties: Tana is super-fit, and has been training for her second half-Ironman challenge Expanding the family: The couple have now been married for 20 years A new addition: The duo will have a one-year-old and a 19-year-old in the family by next September Nervous: Gordon went on to say that he was nervous they would have a fourth girl in the family This year, Gordon and Tana will mark their 20th wedding anniversary, a 50th birthday for Gordon and an 18th birthday for their eldest child, Megan. Megan turns the milestone age next week but he revealed in the interview that he wants each of his girls to wait until they're aged 21 to start dating. Superfit Tana, who met Gordon at 18, spoke about her relationship in a rare interview three weeks ago, when it was simultaneously revealed that she's training for her second half-Ironman challenge, but she is 'first and foremost' a mother. Nervous: The star revealed the news on The Late Late Show this week, saying that he's nervous they would be having another girl, after welcoming three Great news: Host James Cordon jumped up to congratulate the star when the announcement shocked his US audience On fame, she told The Telegraph: 'For both of us its always been about family. People have this impression of Gordon that isnt the man Im married to. When Megan brings a boy home you can see in his eyes hes terrified, but Gordon will be the first to make him feel at home. 'He loves being surrounded by the kids and their friends. He can be strict but he can be very soft. That is who he is. The family share their time between Los Angeles, London and Cornwall and calls their family unit a 'team.' Keeping fit: The mum-of-four was seen wearing sporty shoes and leggings Making strides: The star met her husband Gordon when she was just 18 Looking well: The make-up free mother of four was looking very glowing Family orientated: Speaking about family recently, Tana recently said 'its always been about family' Sporty girl: Tana regularly hits SoulCycle with her famous friend Victoria Beckham There is also the possibility that their eldest child will go off to university this September, which is something that unsettles Gordon, she confessed. It's a big deal for Gordon and I because neither of us did. My kids are all conscious that they have to prove themselves for who they are.' Tana went on to say that she wants her children to put passion and hard work into anything that makes them happy. In shape: Tana is often seen heading to SoulCycle with her pal Victoria Beckham She recently confirmed her split from long-term boyfriend James Argent. But former TOWIE star Lydia Bright is clearly taking her new relationship status in her stride, as she proved when she was seen in Essex on Saturday. The 26-year-old, who has been dating her co-star on and off since they were teens, cut a casual figure as she ran errands alone. Scroll down for video Smiling: Lydia Bright is clearly taking her new relationship status in her stride, as the TOWIE beauty proved when she was seen in Essex on Saturday Stepping out in a boho-inspired summer dress, the sleeveless number was matched with a pair of navy pumps. Clearly enjoying some down-time, the smiling media personality opted for a make-up-free approach to her local shopping spree. Usually sporting sleek, straightened hair, she instead replicated Kylie Minogue's latest look with natural curls. Looking good: The 26-year-old, who has been dating her co-star Arg on and off since they were teens, cut a casual figure as she ran errands alone Casual approach: Clearly enjoying some down-time, the smiling media personality opted for a make-up-free approach to her local shopping spree Lydia's latest sighting comes after a night of partying with her beloved mum Debbie Bright at the Fostering Awards in Camden. Looking considerably more glamorous, she teamed a formal crop top with a floral skirt for a classy, but low-key approach. Mum Debbie also looked glam in a demure number. She recently joined host Lorraine Kelly on her morning TV programme to discuss her split from ex James. Close: Lydia's latest sighting comes after a night of partying with her mum Debbie Bright at the Fostering Awards in Camden 'It was a tough decision to make but I felt like I didn't have a choice. I'm stronger and happier now,' she told the veteran presenter. 'I've just been away to Indonesia and I've come back a lot more positive and strong and looking forward to the future.' Lorraine chimed: 'You'll always love him, though. You'll always be friends. I want to shake him sometimes.' Glamorous! Lydia teamed a formal black crop top with a floral skirt for a classy, but low-key approach for the awards ceremony Lydia replied: 'You and me both, Lorraine.' The reality star seemed to be showing him exactly what he's missing as she headed to the ITV studios the day before. Clad in a pretty floral frock, she was a vision of beauty on the outing and seemed in good spirits despite the break-up. Natural beauty: Lydia scraped her hair back off her face to exhibit a dewy glow and minimal makeup Golden girl: The TOWIE star's metallic skirt was adorned with vibrant poppies that carefully tied her outfit together Cinched in at her tiny waist, the cream dress highlighted her slender curves whilst the pink floral print kept the dress looking flirty and fun. Showing off her tanned and toned thighs, the empire line dress skimmed past her thighs, blowing behind her in the breeze. Slinging a large nude handbag over her shoulder, she matched the accessory to a pair of patent nude heels which added some extra height to her frame. Sad times: Lydia discusses her 'tough decision' to part ways with Arg during an appearance on TV show Lorraine on Friday See updates on the TOWIE stars as Lydia Bright dazzles in a flirty floral dress after Arg split Wearing her golden locks in cascading curls, her glossy tresses were styled in a side parting, framing her pretty face. Painting her plump pout with a slick of pink lipstick, she drew attention to her sparkling blue eyes by lining her lashes with several sweeps of mascara. Keeping her accessories to a minimum, she rounded off her ensemble with a chunky gold bracelet and a myriad of rings on her fingers. All over: Lydia reportedly split from Arg after he relapsed into his alleged cocaine habit Bronzed and beaming, the reality starlet appeared to be still sporting a tan from her healing jaunt to Indonesia, after which she revealed in an Instagram post on Wednesday she is officially single. Clearly having had time to think things over, the 26-year-old reality starlet attached a lengthy caption to an image from her holiday - as she insisted that 'some things just aren't meant to be'. It was reported earlier this month that Lydia finished things with her long-term boyfriend after he allegedly relapsed into his cocaine habit. Leggy lady! Showing off her tanned and toned thighs, the empire line dress skimmed past her thighs, blowing behind her in the breeze whilst she accessorised with a large nude handbag slung over her shoulder She soon jetted away to Bali, seemingly determined to forget her troubles, when she spied a sign reading: 'I'm single and happy' - much to her delight. The boutique owner added a caption on the image: 'Just returned from the most spontaneous, magical trip to Indonesia. I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to travel the world and experience such beauty. 'I saw this sign at the Tagenungan waterfall in Bali and it made me smile. Life threw a massive curveball at me over six weeks ago. But I can now say I have healed and I am happy. Some things in life just aren't meant to be. #Indonesia #Traveling #SEAsia #Closure #NoRegrets'. See TOWIE updates as Lydia Bright breaks her silence over split from James Argent Tan-tastic: Bronzed and beaming, the reality starlet appeared to be still sporting a tan from her healing jaunt to Indonesia, after which she revealed in an Instagram post on Wednesday she is officially single Seemingly embracing fresh starts and new beginnings, Lydia got inked up with her first ever tattoo during the trip inspired by her recent turn on Bear Grylls' survival show. Adorned with a fish hook on her index finger, she revealed she went under the needle after an incident while fishing left her scarred. She said: 'So here it is my ever tattoo. A fish hook. In February, I took part in the biggest challenge of my life 'Bear Grylls The Island.' I got a nasty, extremely painful fish hook stuck in my finger that left me my proud scar. Onwards and upwards: Lydia Bright has broken her silence over her split from James Argent 'I got this tattoo in Bali to represent my wonderful world travels and incredible experiences'. Last week Lydia made vague references to her love split in Instagram posts before finally speaking out on Wednesday. 'Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations,' she wrote as she delivered a broad, carefree smile in front of the most serene of backdrops. With wet, salted curls, the gorgeous blonde posed in a super-plunging swimsuit, swinging from a sea swing. Thanking a 'difficult road' for bringing her to such a paradise, she appeared to reference the news that she has endured yet another tumultuous split from Arg, thanks to his alleged cocaine habit. 'Good morning from Bali,' she said. 'The most magical place in the world,' she continued as she alerted fans to her sudden getaway. And while she's yet to reference her newly-single status directly, she welcomed the addition of 'new friends' to her trip and sipped on Pina Colada cocktails in her latest holiday pictures. Tatted up: Seemingly embracing fresh starts and new beginnings, Lydia got inked up with her first ever tattoo during the trip inspired by her recent turn on Bear Grylls' survival show Paradise: Lydia thanked her 'difficult road' for bringing her to Indonesian paradise on Wednesday as she posted a serene snap Lydia's impromptu trip came just one day after the revelation that on-again, off-again sweethearts James and Lydia had gone their separate ways again. She reportedly split from her co-star after he relapsed into his alleged cocaine habit, and while she has jetted off to the sun, he has headed to bootcamp. Looking a beacon of relaxation and zen, Lydia shared a host of defiant snaps with her 751,000 Instagram followers in which she looked a world away from her troubles. One snap saw Lydia sat in a meditative pose while sporting traditional dress with the faintest trace of a smile at the corner of her lips. Sipping Pina Coladas: After jetting to Bali to take her mind off things, things appear to be blissful for Lydia 'New friends, old friends': She posted a group snap on Wednesday to let fans know she's 'making friends in Paradise. Cocktails and sunset.' She added the caption: 'Good morning from Bali, the most magical place in the world Add me on snapchat to watch my journey lydiabrightsnap'. Lydia appeared to shun the typical Essex glam in favour of a simple look, with her blonde tresses tied in a loose bun with curly tendrils framing her face. Another image saw Lydia in the same ensemble bathing under a water fountain, where she seemed to hint about her relationship status as she wrote 'Freedom'. She wrote beneath the snap: 'Cleansing our mind, body and souls at the Tirta Empul #Bali #Dreams #Freedom'. The only way is up... Lydia has made a bid to escape her love woes by heading somewhere cleansing The blonde beauty took a picture of a glass of wine, penning the caption: 'I have arrived in Paradise. #Bali #SEAsia'. Taking a moment out, Lydia also showed images of her dining experiences and a relaxing moment in which she applied a face mask. James, 28, spent a stint in rehab facility The Priory in December 2014 yet sources tell The Sun that he has slipped back into his old ways. Freedom: Another image saw Lydia in the same ensemble bathing under a water fountain, where she seemed to hint about her relationship status as she wrote 'Freedom' Boutique owner Lydia is said to have discovered her boyfriend 'a bit out of it' after which she became enraged due to her passionate hatred of narcotics. While James' representation refused to comment when approached, Lydia's have remained unreachable, yet the blonde beauty seems to be in a carefree state. See TOWIE updates as Lydia Bright jets away from her troubles as she enjoys girls' trip Both Arg and Lydia have been at the forefront of TOWIE since its 2010 inauguration, where viewers have watched their love story play out - yet it appears the end is in sight. Paradise: The blonde beauty took a picture of a glass of wine while penning the caption: 'I have arrived in Paradise. #Bali #SEAsia' She has regularly accompanied her famous husband on the red carpet in an array of stunning dresses. But Livia Firth, 46, refuses to splurge on endless new gowns - and in her latest outing in front of the cameras on Saturday at Cannes she looked spectacular in a recycled dress once owned by her mother to promote sustainable fashion. Colin Firth's wife was celebrating the Chopard green carpet collection at the 69th Film Festival and wore a 1968 vintage coral dress once modelled by her mother in the Italian seaside resort of Viareggio. Scroll down for video Ethical fashion: Livia Firth, 46, refuses to splurge on endless new gowns - and in her latest outing in front of the cameras on Saturday she looked spectacular in a recycled dress once owned by her mother Livia - who campaigns for ethical fashion and is the self-styled queen of the green carpet challenge, which promotes sustainable clothing choices for celebrities - never wears a dress just once. The Italian born green champion dazzled in ethically sourced emerald jewellery, which was created in collaboration by Chopard and Gemfields - the worlds leading producer of coloured gemstones. Her sleek brown hair was pulled back in an elegant ponytail to show off her exquisite emerald drop earrings and onlookers could not fail to notice her huge emerald ring - surrounded by diamonds. Colin Firth supported his wife at the event and looked effortlessly stylish wearing a classic grey suit and an open-necked crisp white shirt - the only nod to current fashion trends was his heavy rimmed Tom Ford spectacles. Stylish: Colin Firth's wife was celebrating the Chopard green carpet collection at the Cannes Film Festival and wore a 1968 vintage coral dress once modelled by her mother in the Italian seaside resort of Viareggio Dazzling: The campaigner shone in ethically sourced emeralds set as earrings and a huge ring, which were created in collaboration by Chopard and Gemfields - the worlds leading producer of coloured gemstones The Firths were joined at the event by Caroline Scheufele, the artistic director and co-president of Chopard, the luxury Swiss-based luxury watches and jewellery company. Livia, who is the creative director of Eco-Age - which aims raise the profile of sustainability, ethics and social welfare - has been promoting the idea of sustainable fashion for some time and regularly wears recycled outfits for high profiles events. She told the Telegraph this month: 'The biggest message is every time you buy something, always think, Will I wear it a minimum of 30 times?. 'If the answer is yes, then buy it. But youd be surprised how many times you say no. That should tell you something about how the current model in fashion is unsustainable - and needs urgent change.' Vintage: Livia posted a picture of her mother wearing her dress, dancing with her father in Viareggio in the 1960s on her Instagram page A refined look: Livia has been campaigning for ethical fashion and is the self-styled queen of the green carpet - which promotes sustainable clothing choices for celebrities - and never wears a dress just once Many celebrities have supported the green carpet challenge and earlier this month at the Met Gala Emma Watson wore a bespoke Calvin Klein dress made entirely from recycled plastic bottles - proving that fashion can be green. Last year Livia teamed helped to create an ethically-sourced clothing range for high street retailer Marks & Spencer. She said at the time: 'I dont buy much but when I do my golden rule is: will I still wear it at 60? If the answer is yes I buy it.' Livia said the reason she had been inspired to dress more ethically came after a trip to Bangladesh when she witnessed sweatshops workers forced to do 14-hour days in appalling conditions. She also cited the example of the Rana Plaza clothing factory collapse in India, which killed more than 1,100 people in 2013. There are few occasions she doesn't put her perfect pins on display. And Charlotte Crosby once again ensured her enviably lithe legs were the main attraction as she attended a signing of her latest book, Live Fast Lose Weight, at a WH Smith in Manchester on Saturday. The 25-year-old reality star certainly dressed to impress for the event, which saw her meet and greet a bevvy of fans. Scroll down for video Legs eleven! Charlotte Crosby once again ensured her enviably lithe legs were the main attraction when she attended a signing of her latest book, Live Fast Lose Weight, at a WH Smith in Manchester on Saturday The Geordie Shore star flashed plenty of skin as she sizzled in nude shorts that were relatively demure in nature with their high waist and flared fit. But the same couldn't be said for her choice of top as Charlotte daringly ditched her bra and revealed more than just a peep of her ample assets in a sheer halterneck design. The design teasingly covered the majority of her bust with its intricate baroque detailing that was rendered in a contrasting velvet fabric. Sizzling! The 25-year-old reality star certainly dressed to impress for the event, which saw her meet and greet a bevvy of fans If you've got it, flaunt it! The Geordie Shore star flashed plenty of skin as she sizzled in nude shorts that were relatively demure in nature with their high waist and flared fit The TV personality elongated her pins with black peep toe stilettos and kept accessories to a minimum. Her honey blonde tresses cascaded in a sleek style around her face, which possessed a dramatic make-up look comprised of copper smokey eyes and a dewy pink lip. But despite her glamorous look, Charlotte maintained her down to earth demeanor at the event as she snapped away selfies with fans and even offered hugs. Risque: The same couldn't be said for her choice of top as Charlotte daringly ditched her bra and revealed more than just a peep of her ample assets in a sheer halterneck design Friendly: Despite her glamorous look, Charlotte maintained her down to earth demeanor at the event as she snapped away selfies with fans Her new book is just the latest in a string of fitness-related ventures Charlotte has pursued on the back of her recent weight loss, with the Celebrity Big Brother star already bagging a successful workout DVD, 3 Minute Belly Blitz. Last month, Charlotte announced that her one regret was being fat in the early seasons of Geordie Shore. In an interview with The Sun, she explained: 'My biggest regret is being fat. I look back at pictures and think, "I was young and on TV but I was so fat."' He's hot on the promotional trail for his latest film The Nice Guys. And Ryan Gosling, 35, joined his co-star Russell Crowe at the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, in Antibes, France, on Saturday to have a lighthearted chat with the media. The actor looked typically handsome in a white polo shirt showing off his muscular physique, which he wore tucked into a pair of grey plaid trousers. Scroll down for video The Nice Guy: Ryan Gosling, 35, joined his co-star Russell Crowe at the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, Antibes, France, on Saturday to have a lighthearted chat with the media He sported some well-groomed stubble and perfectly-coiffed short hair for the interview. Ryan flashed a bright white smile mid-interview and cut a relaxed figure as he stood with his hands in his pockets. Once he'd done his piece, he draped his suit jacket over his arm and conversed with Russell. The Australian actor dressed down in a navy polo shirt and jeans, and slicked his dark locks back behind his ears. In shape: The actor looked typically handsome in a white polo shirt showing off his muscular physique, which he wore tucked into a pair of grey plaid trousers Stylish: He sported some well-groomed stubble and perfectly-coiffed short hair for the interview The hotel is a favourite with the A-list crowds during the Cannes International Film Festival accommodating the likes of Toby Maguire and Jodie Foster who were also spotted relaxing in an outdoor lounge area. Jodie was deep in conversation with members of her party and sported a pair of quirky thick-rimmed specs. Meanwhile, Spiderman star Toby also appeared to be in a jubilant mood as he stood clutching a bottle of water with a smile on his face. Co-stars: Once he'd done his piece, he draped his suit jacket over his arm and conversed with Russell Keeping it casual: Russell dressed down in a navy polo shirt and jeans, and slicked his dark locks back behind his ears Shake on it: Ryan cut a relaxed figure as he went to shake the Austalian actor's hand A-list: Ryan also spent time talking to Jodie Foster, who was wearing a navy t-shirt Have a break: The Drive actor went to take a seat at one of the tables in among the hotel's other guests Hollywood royalty: Ryan and long-term partner Eva Mendes, 42, welcomed their second child into the world on April 29 British reality star Ferne McCann was also at the five-star establishment, enjoying the sunshine while stood beside a gal pal. Gosling and long-term partner Eva Mendes, 42, welcomed their second child into the world on April 29. The low-key couple, who keep their relationship largely out of the public eye, named their baby girl Amada Lee. She arrived just two weeks after the first reports the couple were expecting again. Star-studded: The hotel is a favourite with the A-list crowds during the Cannes International Film Festival All smiles: Jodie Foster was spotted deep in conversation with members of her party and sported a pair of quirky thick-rimmed specs Deep in conversation: Jodie looked to be giving her full attention during her chat with a friend Happy! Spiderman star Toby also appeared to be in a jubilant mood as he stood clutching a bottle of water with a smile on his face He got the colour memo: Toby was another famous face dressed in navy at the hotel, wearing a plain t-shirt The actors, who met on the set of their movie The Place Beyond The Pines, are also parents to 20-month-old daughter Esmeralda Amada. Ryan said in a recent interview with the Canadian edition of Hello! magazine that his family is his 'biggest investment'. He shared: 'I'm with the person I'm supposed to be with - I'm not looking for anything else beyond Eva - and I feel very lucky that we have a beautiful, healthy daughter, who is an angel. That's investment enough for me.' Kit Harington revealed the fate of his Game of Thrones character to get out of a speeding ticket. The 29-year-old actor - who stars as Jon Snow in the HBO television series - was driving back from his parents' house when he got caught speeding and was offered a chance to get out of it if he revealed the fate of the popular character. Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, he said: 'One policeman knew. He said, "Look, theres two ways we could do this. "You can either follow me back to the police station now and I book you in, or you can tell me whether you live in the next series of Game of Thrones."' Looking handsome: Kit Harington looked dapper during his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday in New York City Revelation: Kit said he revealed the fate of his Game of Thrones character to get out of a speeding ticket When Kit confirmed his character would still be alive, the officer told him: '"On your way Lord Commander. Keep the speed down this far south of the wall."' Kit previously apologised to the majority of Game of Thrones' fans for lying to them when he said Jon was really dead. Star quality: The 29-year-old wore a dark hued blazer with matching hued trousers and a button up Gorgeous smile: Kit chose a pair of tailored dark hued bottoms, finishing off his stylish look with similar colored shoes Perfect gentleman: The handsome Game Of Thrones actor sported a beard and slicked back locks He said at the time: 'I'd like to say sorry for lying to everyone. 'I'm glad that people were upset that he died. I think my biggest fear was that people were not going to care or it'd just be, "Fine, Jon Snow's dead." 'But it seemed like people did have, similar to the Red Wedding episode, a kind of grief about it. Which meant that something I'm doing, or that the show's doing, for Jon is right.' Kit had previously erroneously insisted he would be returning to the show - but only as a corpse. During the late night show, Kit played a game of charades with Jimmy and fellow guests Rose Byrne and Blake Shelton. Focused: The HBO star plays the beloved character Jon Snow on the hit show Game Of Thrones When asked why he was spotted filming with the cast, he said: 'I was playing a corpse. I was there for a little bit, I was there for about a month or two months, it was spread over a bit and I was playing a corpse. 'I won't tell you how many episodes I'm lying dead but it's enough that I was out there for quite a while. It's going to be so satisfying when you see it and you see that I was telling the truth the whole time.' In the moment: The British-born star recently wrapped filming Brimstone, a mystery thriller also starring Dakota Fanning and Guy Pearce For Friday night's appearance the 29-year-old wore a dark-hued blazer with matching colored trousers and a button up shirt. The handsome actor, who sported a beard and slicked back locks, finished off his stylish look with black dress shoes. During the late night show, Kit played a game of charades with Jimmy and fellow guests Rose Byrne and Blake Shelton. They got engaged back in December. And clearly their love hasn't waned a bit, as Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy were caught kissing on Friday after practice at the Dancing with the Stars studio. Peta, 29, looked ready to simply motor out of the car park following practice, but Maksim, 36, had other ideas. Love birds: Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy were caught kissing on Friday after practice at the Dancing with the Stars studio Spotting her in her SUV, the Russian dance phenom walked over and gave her a big kiss on the lips through the open driver-side window. The dancing beauty was all smiles behind her mirrored aviator sunglasses and gave her beloved's cheek a little squeeze before continuing to reverse out of her spot. Maksim, meanwhile, looked like the cat that ate the canary as he retreated from the site of the smooch. He kept things very casual, donning a pair of grey jeans, a thin white t-shirt and white trainers with the colors of the French flag embedded in the sole. Satisfied: The dancing beauty was all smiles behind her mirrored aviator sunglasses and gave her beloved's cheek a little squeeze before continuing to reverse out of her spot The two dancers have been dating on and off since 2012 but have been exclusive since 2014. Meanwhile, Peta has been dancing up a storm with contender Nyle DiMarco. Nyle has been a consistent crowd favorite, as he is the first contestant to compete while being completely deaf. Lucky guy: Maksim, meanwhile, looked like the cat that ate the canary as he retreated from the site of the smooch Finally: The two dancers have been dating on and off since 2012 but have been exclusive since 2014 On Monday he reduced Dancing With The Stars to tears as he gave a powerful demonstration of what it is like to dance in total silence. As Nyle came to the middle of his paso doble to Panic! At The Disco's Victorious, the music cut - leaving the model and four support dancers all moving in perfect time despite being in complete silence. As the performance ended, his pro partner Peta failed to hold back her tears, as did judge Carrie Ann Inaba, co-host Erin Andrews and large chunks of the audience, who all remained silent in the key 10-second section. Powerful partners: Nyle has been a consistent crowd favorite, as he is the first contestant to compete while being completely deaf It was a baby shower in honour of her famous niece Nicky Rothschild. But for Kim Richards, it's clear the baby she's really excited about is that of her own daughter Brooke Wiederhorn. The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star shared a picture of herself cradling Brooke's growing bump, as they posed together at Nicky's partyon Friday. 'New life is moving!' Kim Richards shares her excitement at becoming a 'nana' as she cradles daughter Brooke's bump while attending Nicky Hilton's baby shower on Friday And her thrill at becoming a first time grandmother was unmistakable. 'A mother's joy begins when new life is moving around inside...and those playful kicks that remind her she's never alone...' Kim wrote. 'NANA waits for those moments too.' While Kim, 51, has three children, this will be her first grandchild. Brooke - Kim's daughter with late ex-husband Monty Brinson - glowed as she posed with her mother at the star-studded event. Twice the joy! Paris tweeted a picture of the pregnant cousins, writing 'I'm excited to be an aunt for the first time. And my aunt Kim Richards is thrilled to be a grandma for her first time!' Baby time: There will be two new members of the Hilton family by Christmas The 30-year-old and Fatburger heir Thayer Wiederhorn are expecting a son, as she previously revealed. The two tied the knot in August 2014 at Kathy Hilton's Beverly Hills home so that terminally ill Monty could attend, before hosting a second larger wedding in Mexico. Meanwhile Brooke's cousin Nicky is expecting a daughter with husband James Rothschild. So proud: Paris, who accidentally revealed her sister was having a girl, poses with Nicky and their mother Her shower was hosted at the very fancy Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles where the heavily pregnant mom-to-be was surrounded by friends and family as they marked the upcoming birth. Paris did her best to serenade her sister at the show after she accidentally revealed the gender of the baby to Us Weekly earlier this week. 'She's going to be such a beautiful little girl, and I can't wait to meet her,' she exuded. It was the 2003 Australian Idol result that seemingly divided a nation in two: Team Guy and Team Nollsy. And after Dami Im narrowly placed second to Ukraine in the 2016 Eurovision Contest in Stockholm on Saturday (Sunday morning local time), disappointed fans thought history was repeating itself. When the 27-year-old former X Factor contestant narrowly missed out to Ukraine, Twitter lit up with reactions to say she was 'robbed', comparing her to Idol runner-up Shannon Noll. Scroll down for video 'Dami Im is the new Nollsy': Disappointed fans took to social media to say Australia's Eurovision contender was 'robbed' after narrowly placing second to Ukraine 'Dami Im is the new Nollsy,' tweeted one fan. 'Dami Im is the Shannon Noll of #Eurovision,' wrote another. 'Congrats to Ukraine, but I think Australia was robbed. I thought Dami Im was the best,' wrote one fan. 'She was robbed': Many fans expressed their disappointment comparing her to Shannon Noll, who was runner-up in the 2004 series of Australian Idol Disappointed: Many fans took to Twitter on Sunday Dami was sitting pretty in the lead position after the judges' votes until the 11th hour when the Ukraine over took her to win with the popular vote. Pop star Dannii Minogue lead the celebrity congratulations for the singer, taking to Twitter to say 'Congratulations Ukraine @Eurovision winners. 'Australia 2nd place with Dami Im @damiandmusic #Eurovision #Peace&Love,' she tweeted. 'A little bit crushed': Some fans took to social media to express their disappointment at coming so close Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull congratulated the singer on Twitter: 'Congrats @damiandmusic on winning the jury vote in the #Eurovision final and to @jamala for winning the contest.' Leader of the opposition Bill Shorten also tweeted his pride, writing: 'You've done Australia proud Dami Im.' The reality series that launched the 27-year-old's career took to Twitter shortly after the results were announced, tweeting: 'Congratulations to @damiandmusic: #Eurovision RUNNER-UP 2016. So proud! #DamiArmy.' Cyrus Villanueva, the winner of The X Factor's seventh season congratulated the singer on Twitter, writing: 'So proud of this incredible talent, you have absolutely outdone yourself!' 'So bloody proud': NovaFM's Fitzy and Wippa took to Twitter to express their pride Anxious! It was a nail-biting win for Ukraine, with Australia leading the jury votes by over 300 points Radio hosts Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli took to social media with their congratulations: 'So bloody proud of @damiandmusic. Can't stop smiling. #Eurovision.' Viewers waited anxiously for the verdict of votes across 42 competing nations as well as the judgment of five-person professional music juries from each country. Dami performed in a glittering white dress in front of thousands of flag-waving fans in a packed Globe Arena theatre in the Swedish capital on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEST). The show was being watched by an estimated television audience of more than 200 million. Lochte cruises home in Charlotte swim meet Olympic champion Ryan Lochte cruised to victory in the 400-meter individual medley at the Arena Pro Swim Series. The 31-year-old American star never looked in danger as he surged home in 4min 16.92sec to delight the crowd at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center in Charlotte, South Carolina. "That win tonight hurt but on (the) bright side, it's Friday," Lochte quipped on Twitter shortly after his victory. Ryan Lochte surged home in 4min 16.92sec to win the 400-meter individual medley at the Arena Pro Swim Series Mike Comer (Getty/AFP) Lochte, the short course world record holder over the 400 medley, finished two seconds clear of Tomas Peribonio, with Michael Weiss coming home in third. This week's meeting had suffered a blow after US swim star Michael Phelps withdrew from the competition following the birth of his son. However other Olympic gold medalists were in action on Friday including 100m butterfly champion and world record holder Dana Vollmer. Vollmer clocked 57.23sec, just over a second clear of Canadian teenager Penny Oleksiak. Birth of rare Sumatran rhino hailed as major boost The rare birth of a Sumatran rhino in Indonesia has been hailed a victory for the critically endangered species, which has been almost wiped out in the wild by poaching and habitat destruction. Conservationists wept in joy as the healthy female calf was born on western Sumatra island on Thursday, just the fifth rhino of its kind born in a breeding facility. The newborn was walking within hours and has since grown stronger, feeding and bonding with its mother, a conservationist at the rhino sanctuary in Sumatra told AFP. Female rhino Ratu gave birth to her calf on May 12 at a rhino sanctuary in Lampung, Indonesia Stephen Belcher (International Rhino Foundation/AFP) Sumatran rhinos are extremely rare, with just 100 believed to exist worldwide. Susie Ellis, the head of the International Rhino Foundation, said their scarcity in the wild made this birth "extremely significant". "Every birth counts," she told AFP from Sumatra. "One birth doesn't save the species, but it's one more Sumatran rhino." Sumatran rhinos are targeted by poachers as their horns and other body parts fetch high prices on the black market for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Their rainforest habitat on Sumatra island is also being destroyed due to the rapid expansion of palm oil and pulp and paper plantations. Last year, they were declared extinct in Malaysia. The remaining rhinos, distinctive for their woolly hair and twin horns, often exist in small herds of two to five within their jungle habitats in Indonesia. Ellis said conservationists planned to consolidate these smaller groups into a larger population, so the rhinos can find suitable mates and ensure the longevity of the species. It will be at least six or seven years before the newborn is ready to mate. For now the calf -- which has not yet been named -- will remain in the sanctuary where she's under 24-hour observation. "She seems to be healthy," Ellis said. "They come out and they're so skinny, but she's started to fill out a little bit today." It was the second time the newborn's mother, Ratu, had given birth at the facility. Her previous birth four years ago marked the first time a Sumatran rhino had been born in an Asian breeding facility for more than 140 years. Despite being the smallest of the five remaining rhino species, Sumatran rhinos have very long pregnancies that last about 16 months. Experts who witnessed the rare birth, including some who travelled from the United States and Australia, cheered, prayed and wept as the newborn took its first steps, Ellis said. "I burst into tears, because it was just such a special moment and such a joyous occasion," she added. It's hoped Ratu, a 14-year-old rhino that wandered out of the rainforest a decade ago, could give birth to more young in the future, Ellis added. More help needed to defeat Boko Haram, rebuild, summit told Regional and Western powers were on Saturday urged to do more to stop the threat from Boko Haram, as the UN voiced concern about the militants' ties to the Islamic State group and threat to African security. Nigeria invited leaders of its neighbours Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger to Abuja, whose troops will be deployed as part of a much-delayed 8,500-member regional force to combat the Islamists. But delegates -- including French President Francois Hollande -- were told that despite major gains since the last security summit two years ago in Paris, more needed to be done to eradicate Boko Haram and tackle the root causes of extremism. Nigeria is seeking closer military cooperation with regional and Western powers to bring to an end nearly seven years of violence in the remote northeast which has left at least 20,000 people dead Stefan Heunis (AFP/File) The final communique said a "global approach" was required, comprising hard and soft power, to end the threat. Britain's Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond characterised the fight against extremist ideology as "a generational struggle against an evil that will destroy us if we do not destroy it". "We must sustain this fight until evil is defeated and good prevails," he told the gathering, calling for countries affected to win the "hearts and minds of those terrorised by Boko Haram". US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said respect for human rights was essential, after repeated accusations of military abuses against civilians and Boko Haram suspects. He warned that not addressing the drivers of extremism -- poverty, deprivation, lack of opportunity and education -- would create "Boko Haram 2.0" even if the group were defeated militarily. - IS links - Nearly seven years of violence in northeast Nigeria has left at least 20,000 dead and displaced more than 2.6 million people in one of the world's most brutal conflicts. The United Nations Security Council on Friday expressed "deep concern" at Boko Haram's threat to security in West and Central Africa and "alarm at... linkages with the Islamic State", which operates in Syria, Iraq and Libya. Boko Haram's shadowy leader Abubakar Shekau pledged allegiance to his IS counterpart Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last year, although there has since been little evidence of direct support on the ground. Chad's President Idriss Deby highlighted the threat from Libya, which has long been seen as a source for arms and explosives smuggled into the Sahel region and which is facing multiple threats from jihadist groups. Boko Haram fighters are reported to be in Libya, raising concerns about their possible return. France's Hollande said because of Boko Haram's links to IS and its status as "the world's deadliest terrorist group", it "remains a threat" and no-one should drop its guard. After controlling territory in northeast Nigeria the size of Belgium in 2014, Boko Haram has been pushed back in the last 15 months to remote border areas on and around Lake Chad, whose waters form the border between Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The new, regional Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has African Union backing and is based in Chad's capital N'Djamena under a Nigerian general, was supposed to have deployed last July. Plugging gaps and improving coordination between armies that are currently operating largely independently is seen as vital when it is eventually deployed, as the region's borders are notoriously porous. - 'Food crisis' - Western powers in particular have indicated more confidence in Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari's government than the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan, offering training, intelligence-sharing and equipment. Britain has committed nearly 40 million ($58 million, 51 million euros) to "counter and counter-extremism support" over the next four years. The EU has contributed 50 million euros to the MNJTF, said the bloc's top diplomat Frederica Mogherini. But Buhari said an estimated 960 million euros was required for short- and medium-term development in the Lake Chad region. US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who visited northeast Nigeria and northern Cameroon last month, said 9.2 million people in the wider region were affected by the conflict. Hollande said France last year gave 17 million euros in aid and it was "vital that the international community does more", announcing the creation of a specific "Lake Chad Initiative" through his country's development agency. Two million internally displaced Nigerians are currently living in host communities or camps, with little prospect of an immediate return to their homes. Homes, businesses, schools, medical facilities, government offices, power and telecommunications infrastructure, water sources and land in the mainly agricultural region have all been destroyed or damaged in the fighting. The government of Nigeria's Borno state -- the worst-hit by the violence -- has said the displaced face a "food crisis" and $5.9 billion was needed to rebuild shattered infrastructure. (L-R) Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou, French President Francois Hollande, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Chad's President Idriss Deby Itno and Cameroon's President Paul Biya give a press conference in Abuja on May 14, 2016 Stephane de Sakutin (Pool/AFP) Another Syria peace push, but has US put too much faith in Russia? First a ceasefire in Syria, then aid and then -- who knows -- perhaps a political transition? Don't bet on it, analysts warn, saying Washington has put too much faith in Moscow. Efforts to end Syria's brutal five-year civil war may hang by a thread, but Washington's top diplomat will once again throw himself into the fray. Secretary of State John Kerry set off on Friday for Saudi Arabia to consult with his Arab ally before talks on Syria in Vienna on Tuesday. Efforts to end Syria's brutal five-year civil war may hang by a thread, but Washington's top diplomat will once again throw himself into the fray Mohamad Abazeed (AFP/File) Once again, senior officials from the 17-nation International Syria Support Group (ISSG) will meet to reaffirm their support for peace. But will they have any more success than they have had so far? Or will Bashar al-Assad and his rebel foes fight on as Syria drowns in blood? "Obviously, not all the trend lines in Syria are going in the right direction," Kerry's spokesman John Kirby admitted on Friday. "There's plenty of work to be done in the ISSG," he added. "And the secretary is still mindful of the challenges ahead." But many of the US administration's critics think the plan is doomed by a fundamental flaw -- it relies on Russia's good graces. - Regional paranoia - Kerry and his Kremlin counterpart Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the odd couple of great power diplomacy, are co-chairs of the ISSG. Moscow has undertaken to pressure its ally Assad to respect the shaky truce that Washington hopes will smooth the path to political talks. And the US, with regional ally Saudi Arabia, is working to reassure an opposition coalition that a ceasefire will lead to a political transition. But what if, reassured by the military and diplomatic support of Russia and Iran, Assad and his regime have no intention of standing aside? "Regardless of what the Russians might want, they are effectively supporting a victory operation on behalf of Syria and the Iranians," said Jim Jeffrey, a former top diplomat and senior adviser to president George W. Bush. "And all we have against this is to meet with the Russians and plead with them to adhere to all of these agreements," he told AFP, arguing that Moscow has already backtracked. "The Russians agreed to a clear political transition -- they have not delivered on that." And it is not just former senior officials from Republican administrations who feel Kerry's Russian outreach will not be enough to dislodge Assad. "Keep in mind we're not asking the regime to come to the table," said Philip Gordon, a former member of President Barack Obama's National Security Council. "We're asking them not to exist. We're asking them to get rid of their leader," he told reporters this week at the Council on Foreign Relations. Kerry's response to this obvious flaw in the ISSG strategy is to hope that Russia will grow tired of propping up its friend in Damascus. Gordon, Jeffrey and many others -- including serving diplomats from US allies speaking privately -- find this naive. "I think many have consistently underestimated Russia's determination to prevent this regime from falling," Gordon said. In Jeddah before the full ISSG meeting, Kerry will seek to reassure the Saudis -- and through them the Syrian opposition -- that Assad's days are numbered. But it is not clear what will happen if he holds on beyond the supposed August 1 cut-off that the ISSG has agreed must be the start of a process of transition. Obama, still proud of his record as the president who extricated the United States from Iraq, shows no sign of wanting deeper military involvement in Syria. Earlier this year, Kerry publicly floated the idea of a 'Plan B' in which stepped up US and allied support for the rebels might give Assad pause. But he has gone silent on that idea in recent weeks, and his spokesman refuses to address it. "There is no plan B for Syria. It's a very different situation," snorted Jeffrey, now a fellow at the Washington Institute. "These guys are on a roll and everybody in the Middle East notices this," he said of President Vladimir Putin's Russia. Meanwhile, some observers suggest the overthrow of Assad should not be Washington's main target. - Military options - Gordon argued that the current position on the ground -- with Russian and Iranian forces defending Assad -- means any US meaningful intervention would be costly. "It is perfectly legitimate to argue we should do whatever it takes," Gordon said of military options. "But let's not pretend it's a modest increase." The US and its Saudi, Turkish and Gulf Arab allies could increase the scale and sophistication of arms in the hands of the rebels. But without a large-scale US-led intervention -- one that the American public would likely not support -- Assad could cling to power indefinitely. "If you are not prepared to do what I think would be necessary to do to achieve that political objective, then you have to change that political objective or accept that the war just goes on with all of these consequences," Gordon argued. Instead of the Kerry plan -- which Kirby outlined as being to secure a truce, extend humanitarian aid and then begin a transition -- why not shift the focus off Assad? Then, Gordon argued, if the ceasefire takes hold and people begin to see the benefits of peace, areas outside Assad's control may begin to develop self-governance. Jeffrey, by contrast, called for a tougher stance. He compared the Syria strategy to the relatively successful bid to freeze the Ukraine conflict by stepping up NATO's military posture and imposing sanctions on Moscow. Would either plan work? No one can guarantee it. But nothing else has. Civil war in Syria John SAEKI, Adrian LEUNG (AFP) Palestinians and Syrians collect food aid parcels from UNWRA in the district of Yarmuk in southern Damascus rami al-sayed (AFP/File) Two Indian reporters shot dead in less than 24 hours Gunmen shot dead two journalists in 24 hours in separate incidents in eastern India, police and local reports said Saturday, the latest media killing in Asia's deadliest country for reporters. Rajdeo Ranjan the local bureau chief for Hindi-language daily Hindustan, was travelling on his motorcycle late Friday in Bihar state when a group of unknown assailants shot him five times. "He was shot from very close range. We rushed him to a hospital where he was declared dead on arrival last night," local Siwan district police chief, Saurabh Kumar Sah, told AFP by telephone. India was Asia's deadliest country for journalists in 2015, according to Reporters Without Borders Indranil Mukherjee (AFP/File) Sah said police were yet to ascertain the motive behind the killing, but two people have been detailed for questioning. "We are focusing more on the professional angle since he may have written some things about certain people, which may have led to this," he said. Television footage showed villagers collecting firewood to prepare Ranjan's funeral pyre as family members and women sat on the ground wailing, holding their heads in their hands. Late on Thursday, television journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh was also shot dead by unknown assailants as he returned home on a motorbike in restive Jharkhand state, which neighbours Bihar, according to local reports. "We have no eyewitnesses yet. But we suspect that the assailants too were on motorcycle," the Indian Express newspaper quoted Upendra Prasad, a senior state police official, as saying. "It is not immediately clear if the journalist had (received) any threat from anybody." Singh's family members and supporters held a protest Friday, blocking roads and demanding compensation and swift police action against the perpetrators. India was Asia's deadliest country for journalists in 2015, according to Paris-based Reporters Without Borders. It is also one of the most restrictive countries for the press, ranked 133 out of 180 nations by the group. Journalists in the world's largest democracy often face harassment and intimidation by police, politicians, bureaucrats and criminal gangs, while scores work in hostile conditions in conflict-ridden pockets of the country. In October gunmen on a motorbike shot dead a television journalist in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh as he returned home from a market. Hezbollah says Islamist extremists killed military chief in Syria Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah on Saturday blamed Sunni extremists for killing its top military commander in Syria and vowed to keep fighting to defend President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The Islamist State (IS) jihadist group, meanwhile, briefly overran a government-controlled hospital in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor, triggering a battle with pro-regime forces in which 59 fighters were killed, a monitor said. Hezbollah has deployed thousands of fighters in Syria where Mustafa Badreddine had led its intervention in support of Assad's forces, which are also backed by Russia and Iran. Hezbollah fighters carry a portrait of Mustafa Badreddine during his funeral in the Ghobeiry neighbourhood of Beirut on May 13, 2016 Anwar Amro (AFP) Badreddine, who was on a US terror sanctions blacklist and wanted by Israel, was killed in an explosion on Thursday night near Damascus international airport. Hezbollah announced his death on Friday but without immediately apportioning blame, breaking with its usual pattern of accusing arch-foe Israel of responsibility. On Saturday, it said a probe had concluded that Sunni Islamist radicals known as "takfiris", who consider Shiites to be heretics, had killed Badreddine. "An investigation has shown that the blast that targeted one of our positions near the Damascus international airport that led to the martyrdom of the brother commander Mustafa Badreddine was caused by artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups present in that region," a Hezbollah statement said. It did not name any specific group, and there has been no claim of responsibility. Hezbollah has been battling opponents of Assad's regime including Sunni extremists from IS and Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda's Syria affiliate. - Medics held hostage - A Syrian security source has told AFP that Badreddine was in a warehouse near the airport when it was rocked by a blast on Thursday night. No aircraft was heard before the explosion, the source said. The head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman, said no artillery fire had been heard in the area either in the past three days. In Deir Ezzor, IS attacked Al-Assad hospital on Saturday as it pressed an advance aimed at controlling all of the oil-rich city and its vital airbase, the Observatory said. The attack sparked clashes with regime forces providing security for the hospital in which 35 soldiers and pro-regime militiamen and 24 IS fighters were killed, Abdel Rahman said. The monitoring group said regime forces recaptured the hospital after losing control for several hours during which IS took medical staff hostage. There was no immediate word on their fate. The jihadist group controls about 60 percent of Deir Ezzor, including the centre and the north of the city. - Kerry peace push - In the northern city of Aleppo, where a ceasefire expired on Wednesday at midnight, the Observatory reported seven civilians killed in 48 hours of rebel shelling of government-held western sectors. State television said a reporter and three other people were wounded by rebel rocket fire on state radio and television offices in Aleppo. The Observatory also reported heavy fighting on the edge of rebel-held Daraya near Damascus, besieged by government forces since 2012 and where a Red Cross operation to deliver humanitarian aid this week was thwarted. Syria's conflict has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the repression of anti-government protests in 2011. On the political front, US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday to consult with his Arab ally ahead of international talks in Vienna next week aimed at salvaging teetering peace efforts. In Hezbollah's statement on Saturday, a day after thousands attended Badreddine's funeral in Beirut, Hezbollah vowed no let-up in its war against those it describes as "criminal gangs" in Syria. Badreddine was a key suspect in the 2005 assassination in Beirut of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri and was one of Israel's "most wanted". His predecessor, cousin and brother-in-law Imad Mughniyeh, was killed in Damascus in a 2008 bombing that Hezbollah blamed on Israel. Hezbollah has also accused Israel of killing another of its prominent figures, Samir Kantar, in an air strike last December near Damascus. Expert Waddah Charara says Hezbollah has sent between 5,000 and 6,000 combatants to Syria. Between 1,000 and 2,000 of its fighters have been killed in combat there, other experts say. Hezbollah fighters carry the coffin of top commander Mustafa Badreddine -- who was killed in Syria -- during his funeral in the Ghobeiry neighbourhood of Beirut on May 13, 2016 Anwar Amro (AFP) Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah (centre L, black turban) attends the funeral of Mustafa Badreddine -- a top commander who was killed in Syria -- during his funeral in Beirut on May 13, 2016 Syrian men ride a motorbike past damaged buildings in the rebel-held Bustan al-Qasr district in eastern Aleppo, on May 4, 2016 Karam Al-Masri (AFP/File) Russia says yacht detained by North Korea A Russian yacht has been detained by North Korean coastguards in the Sea of Japan and towed in to land with five crew members on board, Russian officials said Saturday. "The North Korean side has communicated that the yacht has been taken to the port of Kimchaek," Igor Agafonov, a foreign ministry official in Russia's far-eastern city of Vladivostok told state-run RIA Novosti news agency. "The crew is alive and well. We are still waiting for an explanation from North Korea as to the reasons for the detention," Agafonov said, adding that diplomats were seeking permission to visit the crew. An unnamed Russian embassy official in Pyongyang told TASS news agency that a Russian yacht was detained by North Korean coastguards as it was sailing from the South Korean port of Busan to Vladivostok Earlier an unnamed official at the Russian embassy in Pyongyang told TASS news agency that the sailboat Elfin was detained by North Korean coastguards late Friday with five people on board as it was sailing from a competition in the South Korean port of Busan to Vladivostok. "The embassy... has handed over a note to the North Korean side demanding the immediate release of the crew," Denis Samsonov, a spokesman for the Russian mission in North Korea, told RIA Novosti. On Friday the vice president of the regional sailing federation Yevgeny Khromchenko wrote on Facebook that the vessel had been stopped by "North Korean fishermen" 85 nautical miles (160 kilometres) from shore and was being towed in to land. Russia shares a short land border with North Korea and enjoys relatively friendly ties with the country's reclusive Stalinist regime. Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed in a statement that the yacht was sailing from the South Korean port of Busan towards Vladivostok when it was boarded and searched on Friday evening. Migrants rescued off Sicily are not Syrians, UN says There were hardly any Syrian migrants among the 800 people rescued off Sicily, contrary to earlier reports from Italy's coastguard, the UN and the International Organization for Migration have confirmed. The coastguard had said Thursday that half of the 342 migrants they had picked up were Syrians, sparking concern that the flow of Syrians previously attempting to cross into Europe via Turkey and Greece was shifting to Italian shores. Around 50,000 Syrians arrived in Italy between mid-2013 and early 2014, after which Greece became the route of choice, the IOM said. Members of the Italian Navy (Marina Militare) carry out a rescue operation of migrants and refugees off the coast of Sicily on April 11, 2016 While only 26 people from the war-torn country have landed in Italy this year, a deal between Turkey and the EU to close down that route and return those attempting to cross has raised fears Syrians would begin once more to set out for Sicily. Of the 800 arrivals, only two people were believed to be Syrians. "The information was incorrect," Carlotta Sami, Italy spokeswoman for the UN's Refugee Agency, told AFP after UNHCR humanitarian workers spoke to the newly-arrived migrants on Friday after they were brought to various ports on the Italian island. "There are a lot of different nationalities: Yemenis, Somalis, Eritreans, South Sudanese", she said, while IOM spokesman Flavio di Giacomo said there were also many Egyptians and a high number of unaccompanied minors. The IOM said what was notable was the rise in the number of people setting off from Egypt rather than Libya. The 800 migrants rescued had all departed from Egypt, and there has been a 10-fold increase in the numbers leaving from there in the first four months of the year, compared to the same period in 2015, di Giacomo said. The boats used by Egyptian smugglers are usually in a better condition than those employed by their Libyan counterparts, who rely almost exclusively on poor-quality inflatable dinghies. But the length of the crossing and greater numbers of people packed onto the boats raises the risk of tragedies at sea. Boko Haram 'still a threat' despite counter-insurgency gains: Hollande Boko Haram remains a threat despite "impressive" military gains against it, French President Francois Hollande said on Saturday, as regional and Western leaders gathered for talks on the Islamist threat. "The results (of the counter-insurgency) are impressive" and the rebels had been "diminished and forced to retreat", he told a news conference in Abuja. But added: "This terrorist group nevertheless remains a threat." Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (R) and French President Francois Hollande speak during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Abuja on May 14, 2016 Stephane De Sakutin (Pool/AFP) Hollande was speaking after talks with his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa in the Nigerian capital before regional leaders met to discuss the conflict. Nearly seven years of violence have left at least 20,000 dead and left more than 2.6 million homeless, devastating infrastructure in Nigeria's remote northeast and creating a humanitarian crisis. Discussions at the security summit are expected to focus on the formal deployment of a new regional force comprising troops from Nigeria and its neighbours Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Over the last 15 months, individual armies have largely been acting independently to curb the violence in the face of mounting cross-border attacks, particularly suicide bombings against civilians. The UN Security Council has also raised concerns about Boko Haram's links to the Islamic State group, after reports of Nigerian fighters in lawless Libya. Buhari said progress had been made, as Boko Haram, which captured swathes of territory in 2014 and declared a self-styled caliphate, was "now... not holding" any local government districts in the northeast. But he said the "main problem now is rehabilitation" of destroyed infrastucture such as schools, health clinics, roads and bridges, as well as handling the displaced, more than 60 percent of whom are women and children, many of them orphans. "This is a pathetic situation and is a major problem we are going to face in this country." Hollande, who sees France as a natural liaison between its former colonies and English-speaking Nigeria, said results had been achieved through better regional coordination. Paris had also provided training and equipment, he added, as part of the international support to Abuja that includes British military trainers and US surveillance drones. Hollande and Buhari signed a "letter of intent" to pave the way for a defence agreement. The two leaders also signed several accords strengthening existing cooperation, including through France's main development agency, of upwards of $120 million (106 million euros) for Nigeria's under-capacity electricity sector. IS 'attacks Syria hospital, kills 20, takes hostages' The Islamic State jihadist group on Saturday overran a government-controlled hospital in eastern Syria, killing 20 members of pro-regime forces and taking medical staff hostage, a monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the jihadists attacked Al-Assad hospital in Deir Ezzor as they press an advance to try to control the oil-rich city and its vital airbase. The attack sparked clashes with regime forces providing security for the hospital in which six jihadists were also killed, the monitor said. Rebel fighters walk along a trench in the northeastern Syrian city of Deir Ezzor during fighting with pro-regime fighters on March 24, 2014 Ahmad Aboud (AFP/File) "IS attacked Al-Assad hospital at the city's western entrance, killing at least 20 soldiers and allied fighters," said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman. The jihadists "seized the hospital and captured the medical staff, holding them hostage", he said. The jihadist group controls about 60 percent of Deir Ezzor, including the centre and the north of the city. It has imposed a siege on government-held districts in the south and east where about 200,000 civilians have been trapped since March 2014. The jihadists, who also control nearly all the surrounding province, have repeatedly attacked the government enclave and seized several neighbourhoods since the start of this year. But their efforts to capture the airbase located in the south of the city have been crushed by elite regime troops. In the northern city of Aleppo, the Observatory said, seven civilians including two children were killed over the previous 48 hours in rebel shelling of government-held western sectors. A ceasefire in the divided city expired on Wednesday at midnight. Saudi Arabia hit by new credit rating downgrade Saudi Arabia suffered another cut to its credit rating on Saturday as Moody's Investors Service downgraded the kingdom along with Bahrain and Oman because of the slump in oil prices. Moody's lowered its long-term rating for Saudi Arabia to A1, which denotes low credit risk, down from Aa3, saying lower energy prices "have led to a material deterioration" in the profile of the top oil exporter. "A combination of lower growth, higher debt levels and smaller domestic and external buffers leave the kingdom less well positioned to weather future shocks," it added. The oil price collapse, from above $100 in early 2014 to around $46 on Friday, has intensified Saudi efforts to diversify the economy away from oil which makes up the majority of its revenue Amer Hilabi (AFP/File) But ambitious plans announced by Riyadh to diversify its economy could lead to a credit ratings upgrade in the future, Moody's said. Fellow agencies Standard and Poor's and Fitch have also downgraded Saudi Arabia in recent months. The crude price collapse, from above $100 in early 2014 to around $46 on Friday, has intensified Saudi efforts to diversify the economy away from oil which makes up the majority of its revenue. Major oil producers failed to reach an agreement on freezing output in Qatar last month as Saudi Arabia insisted any deal must include all OPEC members, including rival Iran which boycotted the talks. Moody's lowered its rating for Bahrain to Ba2, which indicates substantial credit risk, from Ba1, with a negative outlook. It warned that the country's government debt burden was expected "to deteriorate significantly over the coming two to three years." Trade set to resume at main Tunisia-Libya crossing Cross-border trade between Tunisia and Libya will resume on Monday after the two countries reached a deal to lift a trade blockade at the main frontier crossing following angry street protests. The breakthrough came after an agreement was reached late Friday on customs duties for goods passing through Ras Jedir, local governor Tahar Matmati said. The accord provides for the establishment of a single customs duty for goods, Matmati said, adding that a joint monitoring committee was to oversee the deal. The Tunisia town of Ben Guerdane is one of the North African nation's poorest Fathi Nasri (AFP/File) Libyan border officials halted all freight traffic through the crossing at the end of April in an attempt to stop the smuggling of fuel, which is much cheaper across the border. The closure sparked demonstrations on the Tunisian side and a strike on Wednesday in the impoverished town of Ben Guerdane, where the economy is heavily dependent upon trade with Libya, both legal and contraband. On Monday, police used tear gas to disperse a protest by hundreds of demonstrators. Ben Guerdane, one of the North African nation's poorest towns, was also hit by jihadist violence in March from across the border that killed seven civilians and 13 security personnel as well as 55 extremists. On Saturday, Libya's LANA news agency cited an official in the Libyan town of Zwara as saying passenger traffic had already been fully restored. On the Tunisian side, lines of vehicles waited patiently under the hot sun to cross, as security forces looked on, an AFP correspondent said. Tunisia has built a 200-kilometre (125-mile) barrier stretching about half the length of its border with Libya in an attempt to prevent militants from infiltrating. Thousands of Tunisians have joined jihadist movements including the Islamic State group in Syria, Iraq and Libya. Last year, Tunisia was hit by three IS attacks targeting both the country's lucrative tourism industry and the security forces, killing a total of 72 people. Taliban bomber kills three at Afghan police training centre A Taliban suicide bomber detonated an explosive-laden car at a police training centre in the opium-rich southern province of Helmand Saturday, killing at least three people and wounding nine others, officials said. The attack in Nad Ali district comes in the midst of the Taliban's annual spring offensive launched last month, in what is expected to be the worst fighting season in 15 years of war. "Three policemen were killed in a suicide car bombing in Nad Ali," Helmand police chief Abdul Rahman Sarjang told AFP. Afghan police inspect the site of a suicide car bombing in the Nad Ali district of Helmand province, on May 14, 2016 Noor Mohammad (AFP) "Seven police and two civilians were among the wounded," he added. Eyewitnesses said the powerful bombing left a huge crater outside the training centre. The attack comes after a period of relative calm in Helmand, a Taliban hotbed, for more than a month when many militants left the frontlines to assist in harvesting poppies for opium -- the group's main source of revenue. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said the militants were behind the bombing and claimed that dozens of policemen were killed in the attack. The militant group is known to exaggerate death toll figures in attacks on government or Western targets. The insurgents have frequently used roadside bombs, ambushes and suicide assaults in nearly 15 years of war. Anti-Israeli cartoon contest opens in Tehran A contest of anti-Israeli cartoons opened Saturday in the Iranian capital, with many entries deriding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government's Middle East policies. The exhibition, totalling 150 entries from 50 countries, was launched on the eve of the Palestinian commemoration of "nakba", which means catastrophe in Arabic, marking the 1948 creation of Israel. The Iranian government has distanced itself from the contest, which Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said was organised by a non-governmental organisation without any support from the authorities. A woman looks at anti-Israel cartoons displayed at the second international exhibition of drawing and cartoons on the Holocaust in the Iranian capital Tehran on May 14, 2016 Atta Kenare (AFP) Several cartoons on display poke fun at Netanyahu, with one depicting the Israeli prime minister as a member of the Islamic State jihadist group and holding a sabre in his hand. Another shows a map of the Middle East with a coffin bearing the word "Holocaust" flattening Palestinians in place of what should be the country of Israel. "We are not seeking to confirm or deny the Holocaust," said organiser Massoud Shojaie Tabatabaie, himself a cartoonist. He said the exhibition was a rebuttal to the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed by French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, which was attacked by Islamists last year. The best cartoon will be awarded $12,000, said Tabatabaie. An earlier edition of the exhibition was held in 2006. In April Zarif insisted that the cartoon festival was not endorsed by the Iranian government, in an interview published by The New Yorker magazine. He said the contest was being organised by a non-government organisation "that is not controlled by the Iranian government. Nor is it endorsed by the Iranian government." Asked why Iran has allowed the exhibition to go ahead, Zarif said: "Why does the United States have the Ku Klux Klan? "Is the government of the United States responsible for the fact that there are racially hateful organisations in the United States? Don't consider Iran a monolith. The Iranian government does not support, nor does it organise, any cartoon festival of the nature that you're talking about." Israel marked Holocaust Remembrance Day earlier this month as well as the 68th anniversary of its foundation. 25 Palestinian children killed in 3 months: UNICEF Twenty-five Palestinian children were killed in the last three months of 2015 during a wave of anti-Israeli attacks and the number detained was the highest in seven years, the UN children's agency said. "Serious concerns arose regarding excessive use of force, particularly in relation to incidents where Palestinian children were shot dead by Israeli security forces after carrying out or being suspected of carrying out stabbing attacks," UNICEF said in a report. It said more than 1,300 Palestinian children were injured during the spike in attacks, almost all in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, while three Israeli children were hurt in the West Bank and west Jerusalem. Palestinian children play on a sand dune at the Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip on May 11, 2016 Mohammed Abed (AFP/File) UNICEF cited the example on October 25 in Hebron in the West Bank of a 17-year-old girl who was "taken by IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldiers for a search, shot with at least five bullets and killed". "Israeli authorities said that she had attempted to stab a policeman, however an eyewitness stated that she was not presenting any threat at the time she was shot, and was shouting that she did not have a knife," it said. Compared with the high toll for the October-December period, UNICEF recorded four Palestinian children killed and 165 injured between July and September. UNICEF also voiced alarm over the number of Palestinian children aged between 12 and 17 held by the Israeli army, noting the tally stood at 422 at the end of December according to the Israeli prison service, the highest recorded since March 2009. Israeli law allows Palestinian children from the age of 12 to be put on trial. Egypt court jails 51 for protests over Saudi island deal An Egyptian court on Saturday sentenced 51 people to two years in prison for protests against the handover of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, judicial officials and lawyers said. Parents and friends of the defendants burst into tears and cried out in shock after learning of the verdict outside the Cairo courthouse. Defence lawyers Hossam al-Khadrawy and Ahmed Abdel-Latif confirmed the verdict, which they said can be appealed. A protester sits in front of riot policemen during a demonstration on April 15, 2016 outside the Journalists' Syndicate in central Cairo against a controversial deal to hand two islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia Mohamed El-Shahed (AFP/File) Thirty-three defendants were present in the court, while the rest had been released on bail. Police had quickly dispersed protests against the islands deal on April 25 and arrested dozens of people. Prosecutors charged them with participation in illegal rallies. The deal to hand over the islands in the Straits of Tiran had galvanised dissidents who oppose President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. In the leadup to the protests, police already made dozens of arrests to discourage a repeat of a large rally on April 15 at which demonstrators chanted for the "fall of the regime". The government says the islands had always belonged to Saudi Arabia and that Egypt had merely administered them while on lease since the 1950s. Critics accuse Sisi of "selling" the islands in return for Saudi investments. Sisi, a former army chief who was elected president after overthrowing his Islamist predecessor in 2013, has been accused by activists of installing a heavy-handed regime that tolerates no dissent. After president Mohamed Morsi's overthrow, a police crackdown killed hundreds of Islamist protesters, while hundreds of policemen and soldiers have died in a jihadist insurgency. The crackdown has extended to secular and liberal dissidents over the past two years. Sisi had initially been feted by millions of Egyptians who opposed Morsi's rule and welcomed a firm leader at the helm to revive the economy. DR Congo denies getting pistols from North Korea The Congolese government on Saturday denounced as an "outright lie" claims in a UN confidential report its soldiers and police have been equipped with pistols from North Korea in violation of international sanctions. "It's an outright lie. There hasn't been any cooperation with North Korea since the death (in 2001) of (Laurent) Kabila," referring to the father and predecessor of the Democratic Republic of Congo's current President Joseph Kabila, government spokesman Lambert Mende told AFP. A UN panel of experts had found that "pistols with characteristics similar to those produced in DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) were issued to certain members of the FARDC (armed forces), as well as to Congolese national police that were deployed to MINUSCA," the UN mission in the Central African Republic, according to the report seen by AFP Friday. A Congolese soldier of the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic stands guard after clashes in Bangui on February 19, 2014 Fred Dufour (AFP/File) Congolese soldiers and police said the arms were delivered in 2014 as part of a training programme of the presidential guard and special police units carried out by some 30 North Korean instructors. The same type of pistol is sold on the black market in Kinshasa, said the report. North Korea is banned from selling weapons under UN sanctions. Washington has in the past noted that the DRC has cut back its relations with pariah countries like North Korea. In late 2001, the US embassy in Kinshasa said that "since Joseph Kabila took power after his father's assassination, the government of the DRC has behaved in a much more responsible manner," in relations with North Korea, Libya and Cuba, according to a US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks. But this latest accusation against the Kinshasa government comes as it is facing mounting international criticism for suppressing political opposition and seeking to delay the next presidential poll. Britain warned on Friday it may seek EU sanctions over "acts of repression" in the DRC as police clashed with supporters of a key opposition figure accused of hiring foreign mercenaries. California Catholic school lets transgender teacher keep job SAN FRANCISCO (AP) A teacher who came out as a transgender man at a Catholic high school in San Francisco has been allowed to keep his job by the order of the nuns that runs the school. An order of the Sisters of Mercy announced its support for Gabriel Bodenheimer, the San Francisco Chronicle reported (http://bit.ly/1T9VnfX ). "This is significant for us; we did not take this lightly," said Sister Laura Reicks, president of the 16-state region of the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community. "We feel because of our values, the choice was this, but that didn't mean it was easy." Gabriel Bodenheimer, a teacher and the English Department chair, speaks in class at Mercy High School for girls on Thursday, May 12, 2016, in San Francisco. Bodenheimer who came out as a transgender man at a Catholic high school in San Francisco has been allowed to keep his job by the order of the nuns that runs the school. The San Francisco Chronicle reports an order of the Sisters of Mercy announced its support for Gabriel Bodenheimer on Wednesday. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT PHOTOG & CHRONICLE; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; TV OUT; INTERNET OUT Supporting the dignity of each person regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identification aligned with the order's values, Reicks said Wednesday. The decision reflects policy within the West Midwest Community, which sponsors or co-sponsors six high schools. It comes amid a growing national debate on transgender rights, including access to gender-specific facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms. On Friday, the Obama administration issued a directive telling public schools that they must allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. While there is no official Catholic policy or doctrine regarding transgender people, church leaders have addressed the issue, noting God created males and females and that anatomy defines identity. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone neither condemned nor fully endorsed the sisters' decision. "Often in such situations a balance must be struck in a way that distinct values are upheld, such as mercy and truth, or institutional integrity and respect for personal decisions affecting one's life," he said in a statement. He emphasized that such decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis, "allowing for prudential judgment." Bodenheimer had been teaching English at Mercy High School, a college preparatory school for girls, for four years before he came out as transgender. "It was very important to speak, and name myself, and not be silent," he said. "The response I got was tremendously positive." The school's board chairwoman says there have been no complaints from the school community so far. ___ An earlier version of this story inaccurately referenced Pope Benedict. Gabriel Bodenheimer, a teacher and the English Department chair, speaks in class at Mercy High School for girls on Thursday, May 12, 2016, in San Francisco. Bodenheimer who came out as a transgender man at a Catholic high school in San Francisco has been allowed to keep his job by the order of the nuns that runs the school. The San Francisco Chronicle reports an order of the Sisters of Mercy announced its support for Gabriel Bodenheimer on Wednesday. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT PHOTOG & CHRONICLE; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; TV OUT; INTERNET OUT Gabriel Bodenheimer, a teacher and the English Department chair, speaks in class at Mercy High School for girls on Thursday, May 12, 2016, in San Francisco. Bodenheimer who came out as a transgender man at a Catholic high school in San Francisco has been allowed to keep his job by the order of the nuns that runs the school. The San Francisco Chronicle reports an order of the Sisters of Mercy announced its support for Gabriel Bodenheimer on Wednesday. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT PHOTOG & CHRONICLE; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; TV OUT; INTERNET OUT Gabriel Bodenheimer, a teacher and the English Department chair, speaks in class at Mercy High School for girls on Thursday, May 12, 2016, in San Francisco. Bodenheimer who came out as a transgender man at a Catholic high school in San Francisco has been allowed to keep his job by the order of the nuns that runs the school. The San Francisco Chronicle reports an order of the Sisters of Mercy announced its support for Gabriel Bodenheimer on Wednesday. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT PHOTOG & CHRONICLE; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; TV OUT; INTERNET OUT Gabriel Bodenheimer, a teacher and the English Department chair, speaks in class at Mercy High School for girls on Thursday, May 12, 2016, in San Francisco. Bodenheimer who came out as a transgender man at a Catholic high school in San Francisco has been allowed to keep his job by the order of the nuns that runs the school. The San Francisco Chronicle reports an order of the Sisters of Mercy announced its support for Gabriel Bodenheimer on Wednesday. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT PHOTOG & CHRONICLE; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; TV OUT; INTERNET OUT Toddler, granddad found after vanishing amid Craigslist buy ATLANTA (AP) Atlanta police say they have found a toddler and his grandfather who were reported missing after they failed to return from a trip to complete a bunk bed purchase via the online sales site Craigslist. WAGA-TV (http://bit.ly/23ObLHL ) quoted police as saying that 2-year-old Anthony Tolbert and his 42-year-old grandfather Michael Taylor were found safe Friday, hours after authorities issued an alert asking the public to be on the lookout for them. The two had been seen last on Thursday morning. Atlanta Police Lt. Charles Hampton told the television station that officers are trying to determine where the pair had been. Michelle Obama wears Naeem Khan to Nordic state dinner WASHINGTON (AP) Michelle Obama stood out in a sea of black tuxedos at Friday night's Nordic Summit dinner, wearing a blush-colored, off-the-shoulder, floor-length gown. The first lady chose a dress by Indian-born designer Naeem Khan for the White House dinner honoring the leaders of Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Denmark and Norway. She finished the look with gold jewelry and a wispy chignon. The gown featured a draped bodice, cinched waist and full shirt. A single, asymmetric sleeve fell casually around the First Lady's toned right arm. First lady Michelle Obama touches President Obama'a chin as they wait for the arrival of Nordic Leaders on the North Portico for a State Dinner at the White House in Washington, Friday, May 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) While state dinners typically celebrate a single head of state and Mrs. Obama often wears a gown by a designer from the country being honored the Nordic party was a twist on typical White House protocol. The president accidentally stepped on his wife's dress as they made their entrance, but both still looked impeccable. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk out together to begin to greet Nordic Leader on the North Portico for a State Dinner at the White House in Washington, Friday, May 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama stand with Iceland Prime Minister Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson and his wife Ingibjorg Elsa Ingjaldsdottir as they arrive at the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Friday, May 13, 2016, for a State Dinner. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) California mom given 1 week to keep toddler on life support SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) A federal judge in California on Friday granted a one-week extension for a mother's request to keep her toddler on life support to give an appeals court time to weigh in. U.S. District Court Judge Kimberly Mueller in Sacramento ruled in the case of 2-year-old Israel Stinson after two hospitals determined he is brain dead. Mueller rejected Jonee Fonseca's request for a permanent court order requiring Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Roseville to keep her son on life support to give her ample time to find another facility for him. But Mueller gave Fonseca a week to appeal her decision. Fonseca's attorney, Kevin Snider, said attorneys will go to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals early next week. Fonseca said Israel moved in response to her touch and voice even after he was declared brain dead following what appeared to be an asthma attack that led to cardiac arrest. "While Ms. Fonseca's maternal instincts and moral position are completely understandable, the concerns reviewed here suggest she is unlikely to obtain the relief she seeks," the judge wrote. Kaiser Permanente attorneys said Israel's condition will not improve and futile care would deprive him of the "dignity of death." "Our hearts go out to this family as they cope with the irreversible brain death of their son," the hospital's chief of staff, Dr. Chris Palkowski, said in a statement promising to follow the judge's order. The fight is similar to the battle over Jahi McMath, a 13-year-old girl who underwent a tonsillectomy and tissue removal at Children's Hospital in Oakland, California, to treat sleep apnea. The girl suffered massive bleeding, had a heart attack and was declared brain dead in 2013. But her family fought to keep her on life support and moved her to a New Jersey, which requires medical treatment of patients like McMath who are declared dead but show minimal brain function. "Plaintiffs are Christians with firm religious beliefs that as long as the heart is beating, Israel is alive," Snider said in court documents. ___ Hawaii sues Takata, Honda over unsafe, defective air bags HONOLULU (AP) The state of Hawaii is suing Japanese manufacturer Takata over defective air bags they say threaten peoples' lives. The lawsuit filed Friday in the First Circuit Court of Hawaii also names auto manufacturer Honda. Millions of Takata's defective air bags have been recalled because their inflators can explode, spewing shrapnel in cars. Hawaii is the first state in the nation to sue over the air bags, which are blamed for at least 11 deaths worldwide and more than 100 injuries. Stephen Levins, executive director of the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection, shows photos of defective air bags and parts on Friday, May 13, 2016 in Honolulu. The state of Hawaii is suing Japanese manufacturer Takata over defective air bags they say threaten peoples lives. (AP Photo/Cathy Bussewitz) Independent reports have concluded that a chemical used in Takata air bags ammonium nitrate can degrade when exposed to heat and humidity, which can trigger explosions. "We're particularly vulnerable here in Hawaii to the defect that Takata has manufactured ... we're not going to wait until something like this happens," said Stephen Levins, executive director of the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection. Takata switched to ammonium nitrate, a cheaper component for the inflator of the company's air bags, despite the fact that it was widely known to be an unstable and dangerous chemical, Levins said. Honda was in a position where the company should have known what was going on, Levins said. "Clearly Takata has engaged in a deceptive manner in marketing this, and actually has put profits, their own profits, over the personal welfare and safety of people around the United States, and around the world, and people here in Hawaii." Levins said. "It's a situation that's intolerable, and we're not going to put up with it." Calls to Takata's office in Los Angeles and a company spokesman late Friday were not immediately returned. Honda hasn't yet received the lawsuit so it can't comment, said Chris Martin, a spokesman for American Honda Co., in an email. Martin said Honda is cooperating with the government on the Takata air bag inflator issue. More than 70,000 cars containing Takata air bags have been sold in Hawaii, according to the complaint. The state is seeking penalties of $10,000 per violation. Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was adding up to 40 million air bags to the ongoing recall of 28.8 million air bags made by Takata. "The dealerships have the obligation to fix this ... Unfortunately, they don't have sufficient quantities of parts on hand right now," Levins said. People can check whether their car is subject to the recall by visiting the federal website www.safercar.gov . ___ Follow Cathy Bussewitz on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cbussewitz . Her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/cathy-bussewitz . Peace deal expected with armed Afghan group KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Afghanistan is expected to finalize a peace deal with a notorious militant group in the coming days, in what could be a template for ending the 15-year war with the Taliban, a government official and a representative of the militant group said Saturday. The deal is partly symbolic as the group in question, Hezb-i-Islami, has been largely inactive for years, but it marks a breakthrough for President Ashraf Ghani, who has made little progress in reviving peace talks with the far more powerful Taliban. Under the 25-point agreement, a draft of which was seen by The Associated Press, Hezb-i-Islami would end its war against the government, commit to respecting the Afghan constitution and cease all contact with other insurgents. In return its members would receive amnesty and its prisoners would be released. In this Thursday, March 17, 2016 photo, Amin Karim, second right, an official of the Hezb-i-Islami Party, speaks as he leaves after a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan. An Afghan official says the government will finalize a peace deal with a notorious militant insurgent group within days. Ataullah Saleem, a deputy head of Kabul's High Peace Council, said on Saturday, May 14, an agreement with the armed wing of Hezb-i-Islami could be completed Sunday, after two years of negotiations. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul) Ataul Rahman Saleem, deputy head of the High Peace Council a government body charged with negotiating an end to the war told the AP that the deal could be completed on Sunday, after two years of negotiations. A senior representative of Hezb-i-Islami, Amin Karim, also said he expected Ghani to approve the final version of the agreement on Sunday. Hezb-i-Islami is led by warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whose forces killed thousands of people in Kabul during the 1992-1996 civil war. He is believed to be in Pakistan, though Karim has said he is in an unspecified location in Afghanistan. He could soon return to Kabul to sign a formal peace deal and take up residence. Hekmatyar, in his late 60s, is designated a "global terrorist" by the United States and blacklisted by the United Nations. The agreement obliges the Afghan government to work toward lifting those restrictions. The group has had only a minor role in the conflict in recent years. Its last major attack killed 15 people, including six American soldiers, in Kabul in 2013. The Obama administration has welcomed the progress toward a peace agreement and said it supports an Afghan-led resolution to the conflict. Hezb-i-Islami should be part of the negotiations along with all other insurgent groups, a senior Obama administration official said in a statement. The official wasn't authorized to comment by name and requested anonymity. U.S. officials declined to say publicly whether the U.S. would consider lifting the terrorist designation subjecting the group to sanctions if the agreement is reached. Ghani's spokesman, Zafar Hashemi, would not comment directly on the Hezb-i-Islami deal, telling reporters Saturday that "the doors are open for peace talks" to all groups. He added, however, that "there are developments" and "optimism." Ghani is due to return to Kabul on Sunday from an official visit to London. Karim said he expected the president to give his final approval to the agreement soon after his return. Negotiations began in July 2014, Karim said, when Hekmatyar received a letter from Ghani, who was then campaigning to become president. Ghani pointed out that one of Hekmatyar's key conditions for peace the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan was about to be met. "That was the beginning," Karim said. But progress stalled after President Barack Obama decided against a complete withdrawal and instead to leave a 10,000-strong, largely noncombat force in the country through the end of 2016. Earlier this year, Hekmatyar began referring to his demand for the withdrawal of all foreign troops as a "goal" rather than a condition, clearing the way for talks to continue. The political wing of Hezb-i-Islami, which has long had a significant presence in Afghanistan's parliament, has no relationship with Hekmatyar, and its members endeavor to address grassroots concerns rather than engage in high-level politics. A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the deal with Hezb-i-Islami would have "no impact" on the overall peace process because "a majority of Hezb-i-Islami members are already part of the government." The agreement includes a guarantee of equality between men and women and respect for the Afghan constitution, both points of contention with the Taliban. It gives legal immunity for "all past political and military proceedings" by Hezb-i-Islami members and mandates the release of all prisoners within three months. Karim said there are about 2,000 Hezb-i-Islami prisoners in Afghan jails. Under the agreement, Hekmatyar would have a "consultant" role on "important political and national decisions." The Afghan government would provide housing and security for Hekmatyar at two or three residences in places of his choosing. The two sides also commit to bringing millions of refugees home from neighboring Iran and Pakistan. The first stage would be to repatriate 20,000 from Pakistan "with the help of the international community." ___ Associated Press writers Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Josh Lederman in Washington contributed to this report. In this Thursday, March 17, 2016 photo, Amin Karim, an official of the Hezb-i-Islami Party, speaks during a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan. An Afghan official says the government will finalize a peace deal with a notorious militant insurgent group within days. Ataullah Saleem, a deputy head of Kabul's High Peace Council, said on Saturday, May 14 an agreement with the armed wing of Hezb-i-Islami could be completed Sunday, after two years of negotiations. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul) Poland avoids Moody's ratings downgrade but outlook cut WARSAW, Poland (AP) Poland has avoided a downgrade by the ratings agency Moody's, but its outlook was cut from stable to negative due to new government spending policies seen as risky to state finances and a more unpredictable investment climate. The Moody's report was published early Saturday. Investors had been bracing for an outright downgrade after a similar move earlier this year by Standard & Poor's, which cited the erosion of the independence of key institutions and increased spending by the populist Law and Justice party. Poland has been one of Europe's most dynamic economies for years, with growth expected at around 3.5 percent this year and continued strong growth predicted for the coming years. But investor confidence has been shaken by the policies of the ruling party, which took power last November. A view of the Palace of Culture and and skyscrapers on Friday May 13, 2016, in Warsaw Poland. Poland is bracing for a possible credit downgrade by ratings agency Moody's on Friday amid international concerns over the new government's move to erode the independence of key institutions and increase spending. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Moody's says its affirmation of Poland's A2 rating is based on the country's "economic resilience as reflected in a large, diversified economy that has shown robust real GDP growth irrespective of external headwinds." Poland was the only European Union nation that enjoyed continued growth even through the global financial crisis that hit in 2008. The post-communist country's growth is stronger than most other European countries as it still works to catch up with Western economies. In changing the country's outlook, Moody's cited the fiscal risks that stem from government promises to increase welfare spending and a plan to lower the retirement age. Moody's also noted "unpredictable" policies, such as a government plan still being worked out that would convert Swiss franc loans into the Polish currency, the zloty, to the benefit of the mortgage holders. Such a law is expected to pass the costs to banks. Poland has seen significant political upheaval in recent months, mainly due to a conflict concerning the Constitutional Tribunal as the government has taken steps aimed at neutralizing the court's ability to act as a check on its power. Moody's said one reason it changed its outlook on the country is due to "the prolonged stalemate between the government and the country's constitutional court." Two men walk in front of the Warsaw Stock Exchange Friday, May 13, 2016, in Warsaw Poland. Poland is bracing for a possible credit downgrade by ratings agency Moody's on Friday amid international concerns over the new government's move to erode the independence of key institutions and increase spending. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) When it comes to electronic dance music, where my girls at? NEW YORK (AP) David Guetta, Diplo, Avicii and Calvin Harris are holding fast as the kings of the clubs, with women still a rarity among popular electronic dance DJ-producers. This weekend's Electric Daisy Carnival in New York City the annual ultra-popular electronic dance music extravaganza features six women among the 80-plus performers. And lest you think that number seems low: "I think that sounds like a higher than normal number," said Miriam Nervo, one-half of the Australian EDM duo NERVO, which includes her sister Olivia. FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2013 file photo, Miriam Nervo, left, and Olivia Nervo of Nervo perform at the Gift at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Electric Daisy Carnival in New York City - the annual ultra-popular electronic dance music extravaganza - features six women of the 80-plus performers on May 14-15, 2016. And lest you think that number seems low: I think that sounds like a higher than normal number, said Miriam Nervo, one-half of the Australian EDM duo NERVO, which includes her sister Olivia. (Photo by John Davisson/Invision/AP, File) Other festivals have featured one or two women, while some don't have any at all. But outside of DJ'ing, women make up other parts of the dance music world. They appear as vocalists on most of the thumping tracks that have been spun over and over for decades and they also work as songwriters as well as managers of top talent, such as Caroline Prothero (Guetta), Amy Thomson (Swedish House Mafia) or Stephanie LaFera (Kaskade). Nervo, who also has had success as a songwriter with her sister for acts like Kesha, Kylie Minogue and even co-penned Guetta's breakout pop anthem, 2009's "When Love Takes Over," said though on paper the EDM world looks like a boys' club, that's not the case. "Our experience has really been so positive from the boys," Nervo said. Other women have echoed her statement, including Nicole Moudaber, who is performing and hosting her own stage dubbed "MoodZONE" at Citi Field for EDC New York. "I never even thought about it; it never really crossed my mind. I do what I do and I live in my own club in my own world, and I never had obstacles as such never," said the performer, who was born in Nigeria to Lebanese parents. "It's really something that I haven't experienced to be honest. At the end of the day the music that you make has no gender, no color." Nervo and Moudaber said they haven't faced uphill battles in EDM because they are women, unlike in other fields. But the lack of women DJs has been a part of the EDM conversation for the last year. It reached a new height when DJ Magazine the definitive source for news and info on DJs, dance music and its culture released its 25th anniversary issue last month, featuring 25 male DJs on its cover and zero women. The British-based magazine's 2015 Top 100 list of DJs only included three female acts, with NERVO in the highest position at No. 24 (the female duo Krewella was at 81 and Miss K8 at 94). "My guess is maybe there's the thought that it's more challenging for women so less women go for it because maybe they're intimidated by it," said Pasquale Rotella, the CEO of Insomniac, which produces EDC festivals around the world. "And I would hate for that to be the case. If that is, I'd love to help change that." In 2007, Tatiana Alvarez was so over being ignored that she transformed and became DJ Musikillz, a male performer. She wore facial hair and loose clothing, hid her breasts and booked more gigs as a man. Warner Bros. is turning her story into a movie. "There were prejudices toward women, definitely back then. It was a different industry, it was a different time," said the Los Angeles-performer, who disguised herself as a man for a year. "It was definitely 'cause I was a girl, 'cause I was a sexy girl." Writer and former Beatport editor Katie Bain said there may be a lack of female DJs because "women historically have not been as involved in STEM and computer engineering and all of that stuff that one needs to know how to do in order to make electronic music. Women haven't been as prevalent in those areas." Bain, who will moderate a panel at the EDMbiz Conference & Expo next month called "Beyond the Boys' Club: What's Next for Women in Dance Music," said that as the topic of female DJs "has gotten more attention, I feel that women are getting booked more." Moudaber encourages other women to grab the bulls by the horns like she's done in her six-year career as a DJ and producer. "If women want to take to that path, it's out there and it's available. It's down to the women to choose if they want to or not. It's not easy job and it's not cut out for everybody," she said. ____ Online: http://newyork.electricdaisycarnival.com/experience/lineup/ http://www.edmbiz.com/ FILE - In this July 5, 2015 file photo, French DJ David Guetta performs on the main stage at Wireless festival in Finsbury Park, London. Guetta, Diplo, Avicii and Calvin Harris are holding fast as the kings of the clubs, with women still a rarity among popular electronic dance DJ-producers. Electric Daisy Carnival in New York City - the annual ultra-popular electronic dance music extravaganza - features six women of the 80-plus performers this weekend, on May 14-15, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP, File) FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2013 file photo, Australian EDM duo Miriam Nervo, left, and Olivia Nervo arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Electric Daisy Carnival in New York City - the annual ultra-popular electronic dance music extravaganza - features six women of the 80-plus performers on May 14-15, 2016. And lest you think that number seems low: I think that sounds like a higher than normal number, said Miriam Nervo, one-half of the Australian EDM duo NERVO, which includes her sister Olivia. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) GOP chairman says he thinks Trump understands need for unity WASHINGTON (AP) The chairman of the Republican Party says presumptive nominee Donald Trump has been trying hard lately to act more presidential and should keep meeting individually with Republican leaders to win the party's trust. In a brief interview Friday with The Associated Press, Reince Priebus also expressed uncertainty about whether Trump needs to heal his frosty relationship with House Speaker Paul Ryan before the GOP launches fall campaigns to capture the White House and defend its control of Congress. Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, has declined to endorse Trump, though the two men met privately Thursday in a session both said was positive. "I'm not sure," Priebus of the need for a Trump-Ryan embrace. But he added, "I do think that Donald Trump understands, and I certainly understand and believe, that the more unity we have, the better off we're going to be." Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus answers questions from The Associated Press about Thursday's face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump, the GOP's presumptive presidential nominee, and House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., Friday, May 13, 2016, at RNC headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington. With the GOP both energized and torn over Trump's rise, Trump and Ryan pledged to work together despite their differences, though the speaker stopped short of a full-throated endorsement. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The extraordinary chasm between the country's two leading Republicans reflects ideological differences over spending, immigration and other issues. In addition, swing district GOP lawmakers worry that Trump's hard-line statements on Hispanics and comments about women's appearances will imperil their re-election prospects. Priebus, who attended Thursday's meeting between Trump and Ryan, said the session "was more Midwest than New York" and said he believes Ryan will end up chairing the party's July national convention in Cleveland. Trump had threatened to keep Ryan from that largely ceremonial role but has since backtracked. Priebus repeatedly referred to the problems political professionals have had assessing Trump's candidacy, saying people have been "completely wrong about Donald Trump and the playbook." Trump seems all but certain to formally become the GOP nominee at the party's convention, despite his insulting entire voting blocs and personal invectives against many of his rivals. "He's been trying very hard to be presidential and gracious and I think he's actually done a nice job of that lately," Priebus said of Trump, "And I expect him to continue working at it and getting the job done." To win over Republicans who continue resisting his candidacy, Trump should continue visiting party leaders, Priebus said. Trump also met Thursday with other House GOP leaders and with top Senate Republicans. "Obviously he's a salesman. So he's naturally talented, and I think the more he does that individually here with leaders of our party, the better off I think he's going to be," Priebus said. Sidestepping a fresh dispute, Priebus said it is up to Trump and the public whether the billionaire should release his tax returns. Trump refused Friday to reveal even the tax rate he pays, saying he would not do so until the IRS finishes auditing his returns. Priebus also said he didn't know what to make of a report in The Washington Post that Trump posed as his own spokesman more than two decades ago in phone conversations with reporters in which he provided details about the New York businessman's personal relationships. The Post posted online a recording of one such phone call from 1991. On NBC's "Today" show Friday, Trump denied the voice was his. "I don't know if it's true or not, so I don't know what to tell you," Priebus said. Asked about Trump's departure from GOP orthodoxy on some issues such as his opposition to trade treaties and to culling savings from big benefit programs like Medicare Priebus downplayed the differences. Conservatives have been threatening to battle Trump over the GOP platform at the Cleveland convention if he tries altering crucial party principles. "I don't think Donald Trump is interested in rewriting the platform of the Republican Party," said Priebus. He said "80 to 95 percent of the things he believes in are in line with our platform, and no candidate has been totally in line with our platform." Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus answers questions from The Associated Press about Thursday's face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump, the GOP's presumptive presidential nominee, and House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., Friday, May 13, 2016, at RNC headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington. With the GOP both energized and torn over Trump's rise, Trump and Ryan pledged to work together despite their differences, though the speaker stopped short of a full-throated endorsement. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) PICTURED: A selection of pictures from the past week Highlights from the weekly AP photo report, a gallery featuring a mix of front-page photography, the odd image you might have missed and lasting moments our editors think you should see. This week's gallery features riot police charging toward opposition supporters during a protest in Kenya, a funnel cloud from a tornado, and indigenous supporters of Brazil's ousted President Dilma Rousseff. ___ Lightning flashes in the sky behind the Gateway Arch, right, and the Old Cathedral, left, as a line of thunderstorms moves through St. Louis, Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Thousands of Ameren Corp. customers in the St. Louis area lost power after the strong thunderstorm hit the region. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) This gallery contains photos published May 7-14, 2016. See the latest AP photo galleries: http://apne.ws/TXeCBN The Archive: Top photo highlights from previous weeks: http://apne.ws/13QUFKJ ___ Follow AP photographers on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AP/lists/ap-photographers Follow AP Images on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AP_Images Visit AP Images online: http://www.apimages.com http://www.apimages.com/ ___ This gallery was produced by Patrick Sison in New York. Portraits of the late North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il hang in a subway car above commuters in Pyongyang, North Korea on Saturday, May 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E) A funnel cloud from a tornado that struck Graves County about 2:30 p.m. is shown on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. (Tom Berry/The Messenger via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT The transit of Mercury, left, in front of the Sun is seen from St.Petersburg, Russia, Monday, May 9, 2016 through a hydrogen-alpha (H-alpha) narrow spectrum solar telescope that shows the sun's surface activity. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) A car maks its way on a winding road through flowering canola fields on the L401 highway near Nienstedt, Germany, Thursday, May 12, 2016. (Julian Stratenschulte/dpa via AP) A woman walks with her baby through a field as a group of refugees and migrants leave the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, on Tuesday May 10, 2016. About 54,000 refugees and migrants are currently stranded in Greece as 10,000 are camped in Idomeni, after the European Union and Turkey reached a deal designed to stem the flow of refugees into Europes prosperous heartland. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Stylists help a model to get ready for a fashion photo shoot for a leading online website that offers conservative fashion items, in Istanbul, Monday, May 9, 2016. Istanbul is hosting Turkey's first Modest Fashion Week, a two-day event that kicks off on May 13th and brings together designers of conservative wear from around the world. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) Members of Israel's Knesset guards march during a rehearsal of the upcoming ceremony for Israel's Independence Day in Jerusalem, Monday, May 9, 2016. Israel will celebrate the 68th anniversary of the founding of the state beginning at sundown Wednesday through Thursday. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) Riot police charge towards opposition supporters during a protest in Nairobi, Kenya Monday, May 9, 2016. Kenyan police have tear-gassed opposition supporters after some pelted police with rocks during a protest demanding the disbandment of the electoral authority over alleged bias and corruption. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) A protestor uses a water gun to spray colored paint on the facade of the Public Revenue Office building behind a police cordon, during an anti-government protest in downtown Skopje, Macedonia, Tuesday, May 10, 2016. Protests continue in the Balkan country almost every evening for nearly a month, after the country's president pardoned dozens of politicians who were facing criminal proceedings for alleged involvement in a wiretapping scandal. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski) Indigenous supporters of Dilma Rousseff march to Congress in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 11, 2016. On Thursday, President Dilma Rousseff was impeached on allegations she violated fiscal laws. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) Hezbollah says commander killed by Syrian insurgent shelling BEIRUT (AP) The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said Saturday that the explosion in Damascus that killed its top militant commander was caused by insurgent shelling and vowed to continue fighting alongside the Syrian government until the rebels are defeated. Mustafa Badreddine was the highest-ranking Hezbollah militant to be killed since the group joined Syria's civil four years ago. Hezbollah said the blast near the Damascus International Airport was caused by artillery shelling from "takfiri" groups, a term Hezbollah uses to refer to Sunni extremists. Hezbollah supporters carry the picture of their slain commander Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in Syria, during his funeral procession in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, May 13, 2016. Badreddine died in an explosion in Damascus, a death that is a major blow to the Shiite group, which has played a significant role in the conflict next door. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) The area on the southern edge of the Syrian capital is known to host positions of several militant groups, including al-Qaida's branch in Syria, known as the Nusra Front. A Lebanese politician with close links to the Syrian government told The Associated Press that Badreddine was killed Thursday night when a shell exploded near him outside a Hezbollah center near the airport. The politician spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to reveal information about the incident. He said Badreddine might have been killed by the pressure of the blast since his shrapnel wounds did not appear to be fatal. Hezbollah and the Syrian army have a heavy presence around the airport, which includes a military base, the politician said. He said the area is subjected to regular shelling. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that according to his network of activists in the area, there has been no shelling in the airport area since Wednesday. "Hezbollah must come forward with proof about the death of its commander," Abdurrahman said by telephone. Hezbollah's statement said Badreddine's killing will only boost the group's "will and intention to continue fighting these criminal gangs until they are defeated." It added that defeating insurgent groups in Syria was "the wish" of Badreddine, who was also known among the group's ranks as Zulfiqar. Hezbollah's statements indicate it will continue to be deeply involved in the conflict next door, which has killed more than 250,000 people since 2011, including more than 1,000 Hezbollah fighters. "It is the same battle against the American-Zionist project that the terrorists are spearheading," Hezbollah's statement said. Hezbollah has sent thousands of fighters to Syria to back President Bashar Assad's government against militants trying to remove him from power. The group announced Badreddine's death on Friday without saying when the attack occurred. It said at the time that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the blast. The 55-year-old Badreddine had directed Hezbollah's operations in Syria since its fighters joined Assad's forces in 2012, the group's biggest-ever military intervention outside of Lebanon. Thousands of guerrillas fighting alongside Syria's military were crucial to tipping battles in the government's favor on multiple fronts, from the suburbs of Damascus to the northern province of Aleppo. With Badreddine's death, Hezbollah is likely to rely on a younger generation of commanders, moving away from the veterans who came of age during Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war or during Hezbollah's 18-year war against Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000. One possible successor, Ibrahim Aqil, is among the last major figures from that generation. A member of Hezbollah's highest military body, the Jihad Council, Aqil has been involved in the Syria fighting and is suspected in hostage-takings in the 1980s and a bombing campaign in Paris in 1986. Asked if Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has named any replacement for Badreddine, the Lebanese politician said: "Not yet. The group is not in hurry." He added that all senior Hezbollah officials have aides and deputies who can run affairs after them until a successor is named. Hezbollah supporters carry the coffin of their slain commander Mustafa Badreddine, draped in a Hezbollah flag, who was killed in Syria, during his funeral procession in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, May 13, 2016. Badreddine died in an explosion in Damascus, a death that is a major blow to the Shiite group, which has played a significant role in the conflict next door. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Pictures of slain top commander Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in Syria, hang during his funeral procession in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, May 13, 2016. Badreddine died in an explosion in Damascus, a death that is a major blow to the Shiite group, which has played a significant role in the conflict next door. Arabic reads, "The martyr commander Mustafa Badreddine."(AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Hezbollah fighters raise up their hands as they carry the coffin of their slain top commander Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in Syria, during his funeral procession in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, May 13, 2016. Badreddine died in an explosion in Damascus, a death that is a major blow to the Shiite group, which has played a significant role in the conflict next door. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Hezbollah supporters carry the coffin of their slain top commander Mustafa Badreddine during his funeral procession in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, May 13, 2016. Badreddine died in an explosion in Damascus, a death that is a major blow to the Shiite group, which has played a significant role in the conflict next door. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Hezbollah fighters carry the coffin of their slain commander Mustafa Badreddine, draped in a Hezbollah flag, who was killed in Syria, during his funeral procession in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, May 13, 2016. Badreddine died in an explosion in Damascus, a death that is a major blow to the Shiite group, which has played a significant role in the conflict next door. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Hezbollah supporters, carry the coffin of their slain commander Mustafa Badreddine, draped in a Hezbollah flag, who was killed in Syria, during his funeral procession in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, May 13, 2016. Badreddine died in an explosion in Damascus, a death that is a major blow to the Shiite group, which has played a significant role in the conflict next door. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Afghan official: Suicide attack kills 3 police in south KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) An Afghan official says at least three policemen have died after a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near a police training base in southern Helmand province. Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, said Saturday that 12 others, including two civilians, were wounded in the attack. The attack targeted a training center for police in the Nad Ali district, Zwak says. Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban frequently uses roadside bombs, ambushes and suicide attacks against Afghan security forces across the country. Civilians are often caught up in the attacks. Turkish warplanes pound Kurdish rebels in the southeast ISTANBUL (AP) The Turkish military says its fighter jets have carried out nine airstrikes against Kurdish rebels in the southeast of the country and northern Iraq. The state-run Anadolu Agency cited the military as saying the warplanes destroyed 98 targets Friday of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party. Militants of the party, also known as the PKK, have waged a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state in a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. A ceasefire between the two parties collapsed last summer. Since then, Turkey has witnessed a surge of violence in the southeast including PKK bombing attacks against police and military personnel as well as large-scale military operations to flush out Kurdish rebels. Ukraine's Jamala wins 2016 Eurovision Song Contest STOCKHOLM (AP) Ukrainian singer Jamala's melancholic tune about Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's 1944 deportation of the Crimean Tatars was crowned the winner of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest early Sunday, an unusual choice for the kitschy pop fest. Susana Jamaladinova, a 32-year-old trained opera singer who uses the stage name Jamala, received the highest score of 534 points for her song "1944," after votes from juries and TV viewers across Europe were tallied following performances Saturday night by the 26 finalists at Stockholm's Globe Arena. Australia's Dami Im was second with 511 points, followed by Russia's Sergey Lazarev in third with 491. Ukraine's Jamala celebrates with the trophy after winning the Eurovision Song Contest final with the song '1944' in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) The show was broadcast live in Europe, China, Kazakhstan, Australia, New Zealand and, for the first time, the United States. Last year's contest reached nearly 200 million viewers globally. Amid entries about love and desire, Jamala's song stood out. With somber lyrics it recalls how Crimean Tatars, including her great-grandmother, were deported in 1944 by Soviet authorities during World War II. Many died during the deportations or starved to death on the barren steppes of central Asia. Decades later some of the survivors were allowed to return to the Crimean Peninsula. Jamala delivered an emotional performance, her voice soaring as the song built up force from a quiet start. "I was sure that if you sing, if you talk about truth, it really can touch people," she told reporters after the competition. The focus on Crimea, whose annexation by Russia in 2014 was opposed by its Tatar minority, could be considered a swipe at Moscow, but Jamala insisted there was no political subtext, and contest officials agreed. The rules of the glitzy competition prohibit political statements. Im, who was born in South Korea and is a former Australian "X Factor" talent show winner, was in the lead following a count of the jury votes, but her song "Sound of Silence" was bumped down to second place when the popular vote was added. Though Australia is far from Europe, the Eurovision show is hugely popular Down Under where it has been broadcast for more than 30 years. Australia was invited to compete for the second consecutive year. The annual contest, which started in 1956, is known for its eclectic mix of rock ballads, techno-pop and occasional folkloric tunes. However, in recent years entries have moved away from ethnic influences toward more mainstream dance music. All but one of the 26 entries in the final were performed entirely or partially in English. The stage production is also getting increasingly elaborate, with pyrotechnics and computer graphics compensating for bland tunes with cheesy lyrics. Lazarev's club anthem "You Are the Only One" had the most striking visual effects. At one point the black-clad Russian scaled a LED display and rode a virtual iceberg through space. Some Russian fans accused the judges of political bias, noting that Lazarev got the highest score in the popular vote. "I'm so sad," said Dennis Kalinkin, a 29-year-old Russian who lives in France. "All of Europe voted for Russia. Russia was first. But the jury voted for other countries." Bulgaria placed fourth, ahead of host nation Sweden. Germany's Jamie-Lee Kriewits, an 18-year-old inspired by Japanese schoolgirl fashion, finished last with just 11 points. The show was broadcast live in the United States by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cable TV network Logo. The Eurovision Song Contest has a cult following in the gay community. It was Ukraine's second Eurovision win; its first came in 2004 when Ruslana won. The victory means Ukraine gets to host the contest next year. Asked by a Crimean journalist whether she thought the competition should be held in Crimea, Jamala answered "I hope Eurovision will be in Ukraine." The theme of this year's contest was "Come Together," a subtle message for Europe to stay united amid a backlash against migration to the continent and rising nationalism. In a rare serious moment at the beginning of the show co-host Mans Zelmerlow last year's winner for Sweden warned that Europe once again is "facing darker times." The director of the TV alliance that produces the Eurovision Song Contest said the show's message of unity is particularly significant at a time when Europe is seeing its internal borders returning and Britain is holding a referendum on whether to exit from the European Union. European Broadcasting Union Director-General Ingrid Deltenre told The Associated Press before Saturday's final that "you have reactions in Europe which are very polarizing ... we are sending out a signal. It's a signal about tolerance, about openness, about diversity." __ Associated Press videojournalist David Keyton contributed to this report. Ukraine's Jamala celebrates with the trophy after winning the Eurovision Song Contest final with the song '1944' in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) U.S. singer Justin Timberlake performs during the Eurovision Song Contest final in Stockholm, Sweden, Saturday, May 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Australia's Dami Im celebrates as she learns the results during the Eurovision Song Contest final in Stockholm, Sweden, Saturday, May 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Russia's Sergey Lazarev reacts as the results are announced during the Eurovision Song Contest final in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Ukraine's Jamala celebrates as she wins the Eurovision Song Contest final with her song '1944' in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Ukraine's Jamala performs the song '1944' after winning the Eurovision Song Contest final in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Ukraine's Jamala celebrates with the trophy after winning the Eurovision Song Contest final with the song '1944' in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Jamala of Ukraine kisses the trophy at the press conference after winning the Eurovision Song Contest final in Stockholm, Sweden, early Sunday, May 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Ukraine's Jamala celebrates with the trophy after winning the Eurovision Song Contest final with the song '1944' in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Ukraine's Jamala performs again the song '1944' after winning the Eurovision Song Contest final in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Ukraine's Jamala performs again the song '1944' after winning the Eurovision Song Contest final in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Russia's Sergey Lazarev, center, reacts during the final vote counting of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest final at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. Ukraine's Jamala was crowned the winner of the show early Sunday for a melancholic tune about the 1944 deportation of Crimean Tatars by Soviet authorities. (Maja Suslin/TT News Agency via AP) SWEDEN OUT Ukraine's Jamala smiles after winning the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest final at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 15, 2016. Jamala was crowned the winner of the show early Sunday for a melancholic tune about the 1944 deportation of Crimean Tatars by Soviet authorities. (Maja Suslin/TT News Agency via AP) SWEDEN OUT Ukraine's Jamala performs her winning song "1944" during the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest final at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Saturday, May 14, 2016. Jamala was crowned the winner of the show early Sunday for a melancholic tune about the 1944 deportation of Crimean Tatars by Soviet authorities. (Maja Suslin/TT News Agency via AP) SWEDEN OUT Spaniards evacuated due to massive tire fire return home MADRID (AP) Thousands in the central Spanish town of Sesena were allowed to return home Saturday as firefighters tamped down a massive tire fire that had coated the area in thick, toxic smoke. The regional government of Castilla-La Mancha lowered the danger level Saturday and permitted residents to return with the recommendation that windows should be kept shut and surgical facemasks be used when outdoors. It had ordered the evacuation of up to 9,000 people Friday from a large apartment block complex as plumes of acrid black smoke rose from the dump, which Spanish media says contains an estimated 100,000 metric tons (110,000 tons) of used tires. A man walks across a street between two apartment blocks in Sesena, central Spain, Friday, May 13, 2016. Spanish officials have ordered the evacuation of 9,000 people living in a sprawling apartment complex close to a raging tire dump fire in a town near Madrid. (AP Photo/Paul White) Regional spokesman Francisco Martinez Arroyo said the fire was "totally confined" and firefighters expected to be able to extinguish it completely within three or four days. Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set but say a full investigation into its cause can't begin until the embers cool. Firefighters were wary of dousing the fire with too much water for fear of contaminating underground aquifers, state broadcaster TVE said. By midafternoon Saturday, a few people could be seen on the streets of the Madrid commuter town but a plume of grey smoke was still rising 700 meters (2,300 feet) into the sky. Known locally as the "tire cemetery," the dump was declared illegal in 2003 because it lacked proper permits. Authorities since then have been trying to figure out what to do about it. The online newspaper El Espanol published a document showing Saturday that government-owned industrial waste management company EMGRISA on May 9 proposed that the regional government acquire the dump and convert it into an energy source. Four women with masks walk away from billowing black smoke from a huge fire in Sesena, central Spain, Friday, May 13, 2016. Spanish officials have ordered the evacuation of 9,000 people living in a sprawling apartment complex close to a raging tire dump fire in a town near Madrid. (AP Photo/Paul White) A man walks alongside a fence as smoke billows from a fire in Sesena, central Spain, Friday, May 13, 2016. Spanish officials have ordered the evacuation of 9,000 people living in a sprawling apartment complex close to a raging tire dump fire in a town near Madrid. (AP Photo/Paul White) Smoke billows from a fire as two youths ride though the streets of Sesena, central Spain, Friday, May 13, 2016. A massive fire is raging at a sprawling tire dump in a town near Madrid, sending a spectacular cloud of thick black smoke into the air that's visible for at least 30 kilometers (20 miles). Ten teams of firefighters are trying to put out the blaze at the tire dump in the town of Sesena, still raging more than 10 hours after it started. (AP Photo/Paul White) Suicide bombers attack town outside Baghdad, kill 6 people BAGHDAD (AP) More than a dozen suicide bombers attacked a residential and government complex outside Baghdad on Saturday, killing at least six people, an official said. The police chief of the town of Amiriyat Fallujah, Col. Ali al-Issawi, said at least 14 suicide attackers broke into the complex at dawn. In addition to homes, the complex also includes a police station and several government offices. Al-Issawi said five of the attackers blew up themselves while clashing with security forces, while others holed up inside the buildings, and were later killed. He added that five troops and one civilian were killed, while another 18 people were wounded. The town is located a few miles south of Fallujah, the main Islamic State stronghold in Anbar province, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Baghdad. IS still controls key areas in northern and western Iraq, including the country's second largest city, Mosul. The extremist group has declared an Islamic caliphate on the territory it holds in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi troops, backed by paramilitary militias and U.S. airstrikes, have recaptured a number of cities and towns in recent months. But IS has responded with a string of deadly bombings far from the front lines in a campaign that Iraqi officials say is an attempt to distract from their battlefield losses. Croats commemorate WWII massacre amid far-right surge BLEIBURG, Austria (AP) Thousands of far-right supporters, many brandishing insignia and waving flags of Croatia's World War II Ustasha regime, gathered Saturday in a field in southern Austria to commemorate the massacre of pro-Nazis by victorious communists at the end of the war. The annual event this year came amid a surge of far-right sentiments in the European Union's newest member. For Croatian nationalists, the Bleiburg site symbolizes their suffering under communism in Yugoslavia before they fought a war for independence in the 1990s. Tens of thousands of Croatians, mostly Ustasha soldiers, fled to Bleiburg in May 1945 amid a Yugoslav communist offensive, only to be turned back from Austria by the British military and into the hands of revengeful antifascists. Thousands were killed and buried in mass graves in and around Bleiburg. Visitors hold flags including a black one reading "Za Dom Spremni" or "For Homeland Ready", a chant used by pro-nazis during WWII, attend a rally in Bleiburg, Austria, Saturday, May 14, 2016. Thousands of far-right supporters have gathered on a field in southern Austria to commemorate the massacre of Croatian pro-Nazis by victorious communists at the end of World War II. The event on Saturday, which featured insignia and flags of Croatia's wartime pro-fascist Ustasha regime, comes amid a surge of far-right sentiments in the EU's newest member country. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) The Ustasha regime sent tens of thousands Serbs, Jews, Gypsies and Croatian anti-fascists to death camps during the war. The gathering Saturday on a vast field surrounded by mountains was attended by top Croatian officials and Croatian Catholic Church clergy who held a mass for the killed Croats. "All (WWII) victims deserve the same respect and reverence and the totalitarian regimes which committed the crimes deserve equal blame," Croatia's Deputy Prime Minister Bozo Petrov said after the ceremony. "We should stop divisions over the victims." Since taking power in January, Croatia's center-right government has widely been blamed for turning a blind eye to the rising extremism and downplaying the crimes of the Ustasha regime. The policies have triggered protests from Croatia's minority Jewish and Serb communities. "We are faced with an effort to totally relativize the Ustasha crimes," said the head of the Zagreb Jewish community, Ognjen Kraus. "It all started with such denials in Germany in 1933 and in Croatia in 1941." The Croatian government, which has cracked down on free media and non-government organizations, has denied backing policies that counter EU standards, saying it's focused on major economic and social reforms and not the revival of the far-right sentiments. On Saturday, the ultra-nationalists wore black T-shirts with the Ustashas' "U'' symbol and waved flags with inscriptions of their wartime chant "For the Homeland, Ready!" "I'm here because my grandfather perished in the Bleiburg massacre," said Elvis Duspara, wearing a T-shirt with the chant. "We Croats were never aggressors, we only defended our homeland. That's why we proudly say: For the homeland, ready!" Croatia's deputy prime minister Tomislav Karamarko, center, parliament speaker Zeljko Reiner, right and head of a county Ante Sanader attend a mass in Bleiburg, Austria, Saturday, May 14, 2016. Thousands of far-right supporters have gathered on a field in southern Austria to commemorate the massacre of Croatian pro-Nazis by victorious communists at the end of World War II. The event on Saturday, which featured insignia and flags of Croatia's wartime pro-fascist Ustasha regime, comes amid a surge of far-right sentiments in the EU's newest member country. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) Visitors waving Croatian flags as they attend a rally in Bleiburg, Austria, Saturday, May 14, 2016. Thousands of far-right supporters have gathered on a field in southern Austria to commemorate the massacre of Croatian pro-Nazis by victorious communists at the end of World War II. The event on Saturday, which featured insignia and flags of Croatia's wartime pro-fascist Ustasha regime, comes amid a surge of far-right sentiments in the EU's newest member country. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) Visitors attend a mass in Bleiburg, Austria, Saturday, May 14, 2016. Thousands including prominent members of Croatia's government and parliament have gathered to commemorate a massive massacre of Croatian pro-nazis at the end of WWII. Thousands of far-right supporters have gathered on a field in southern Austria to commemorate the massacre of Croatian pro-Nazis by victorious communists at the end of World War II. The event on Saturday, which featured insignia and flags of Croatia's wartime pro-fascist Ustasha regime, comes amid a surge of far-right sentiments in the EU's newest member country. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) Ice cream magnate auctioning off Monticello mansion replica SOMERS, Conn. (AP) Just before his 100th birthday, ice cream magnate S. Prestley Blake gave himself a $7.7 million gift a house built to replicate Monticello, the famed Virginia home of Thomas Jefferson. Nestled a stone's throw from the Massachusetts line in the small Connecticut town of Somers, the 10,000-square-foot house on more than 9 acres of land goes on the auction block May 31. It has never been lived in, failed to sell for the original asking price of $6.5 million and didn't get a buyer at the reduced listing of $4.9 million. Jefferson's Monticello was built over 28 years at a cost of more than $100,000, according to its official website. Because much of the work was bartered or done by slave labor, it is impossible to figure out an exact cost, The Thomas Jefferson Foundation says. In this May 11, 2016 photo, a replica of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello stands in Somers, Conn. Friendly's ice cream co-founder S. Prestley Blake is auctioning off the home he had built in 2014 for $7.7 million. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) Blake, the co-founder of the Friendly's ice cream and restaurant chain, lives a few doors down on adjacent property connected by a horse trail. He never meant to live in the replica. "This is my swan song," he said in 2014, when the house was built. "This is the last thing I'll leave for posterity. I want this to be an asset to the community." Other than a three-car garage, the house was built to mimic the original Monticello from the outside. That includes the decorative railings on the roof and the handmade bricks imported from Virginia, laid in the same Flemish bond pattern used by Jefferson. For its construction, Blake flew his contractor, Bill Laplante, to Virginia to study the original. Laplante said he used photographs and a book with original architectural drawings to help him build the replica. "I would say, with the exception of the garage and the rear elevation, it's probably 95 to 98 percent accurate," he said. "The footprint is pretty much the same." The inside of the house is modern, complete with an elevator, gourmet kitchen and lights and heating that can be controlled from a smartphone app. The chandelier in the foyer also can be lowered electronically to replace light bulbs and a bookcase in the master bedroom opens to reveal a hidden safe. Laplante said the house is also environmentally friendly, with a geothermal heating system. Much of the wood involved was harvested from the property. There are also a few elements inside, such as the finish carpentry on the moldings, which resemble the original. Some potential bidders are considering it as a potential bed and breakfast or wedding venue; others are interested in living there, said Jack Hoyt, project sales manager for Concierge Auctions. The property has attracted interest from as far away as Florida and Canada. "I try to guess where these auctions will end up and I'm often wrong," Hoyt said. "I can tell you it will sell from anywhere from zero to $4.9 million. We may start the bidding at $500,000 or $1 million or something like that and then wherever the bidders drive it up to is what the final price will be." Those who want to participate in the online auction must pay a $100,000 deposit in advance and provide proof they have the funds to purchase the home. The property comes with a couple of drawbacks. The house is visible from the road and people often stop to look and take photos. It's also less than 3 miles from several state prisons. Now 101, Blake declined to comment for this story. "It's just a spectacular property," said Lisa Pellegrini, the town's first selectman. "What we would like to see is just somebody who would continue to take very good care of it." In this May 11, 2016 photo, a room stands empty inside a replica of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Somers, Conn. Friendly's ice cream co-founder S. Prestley Blake is auctioning off the home he had built in 2014 for $7.7 million. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) In this May 11, 2016 photo, a modern kitchen stands inside a replica of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Somers, Conn. Friendly's ice cream co-founder S. Prestley Blake is auctioning off the home he had built in 2014 for $7.7 million. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) In this May 11, 2016 photo, a chandelier hangs inside a replica of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Somers, Conn. Friendly's ice cream co-founder S. Prestley Blake is auctioning off the home he had built in 2014 for $7.7 million. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) In this May 11, 2016 photo, a replica of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello stands in Somers, Conn. Friendly's ice cream co-founder S. Prestley Blake is auctioning off the home he had built in 2014 for $7.7 million. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) Big rallies or quiet voters? Is Clinton low on enthusiasm? DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Rock concert rallies versus intimate town halls. Adoring groupies versus dutiful voters. Sweeping promises versus targeted proposals. Whether Hillary Clinton is competing against Democratic rival Bernie Sanders or presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, one concern is much the same. They are outsider candidates riding a wave of populist excitement, while she is viewed as a traditional, establishment choice. As a result, her campaign sometimes just looks a little less exciting. In this photo taken May 10,2016, supporters cheer as they listen to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speak during a rally in Louisville, Ky. For Clinton, whether she is competing against Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump, one concern is much the same. They are outsider candidates riding a wave of populist excitement, while she is viewed as a traditional, establishment choice. As a result, her campaign sometimes just looks a little less exciting. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Clinton has won far more votes than any other 2016 candidate. But if she moves into a general election matchup with Trump, she may continue to be dogged by questions about voter enthusiasm, especially as Trump pledges to continue his raucous rallies. Clinton's supporters say they are not worried. "Big crowds mean nothing," said former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. "You don't get extra points for an enthusiastic vote versus a moderately enthusiastic vote." Still, the differences are clear. In recent days, Sanders rallied with roughly 4,000 in Salem, Oregon, and Trump drew thousands in Bellingham, Washington. Clinton held a rally with over 1,000 people in New Jersey, but also spoke about family issues at a gathering with about 15 in northern Virginia. Trump's large crowds were good for more than his ego. They helped him power past his numerous rivals and to the verge of clinching the nomination as Clinton continues mopping up against her last remaining challenger. "I think the rallies for Trump are the demonstration of his appeal as I think the rallies for Sanders are the demonstration of his appeal," said Republican pollster Greg Strimple. He added that Sanders' crowds have exposed some of Clinton's weaknesses and he would not have generated that energy "if the Democrats were so enamored of her candidacy." Republican strategist Sara Fagen, who has not backed Trump, says Clinton "doesn't have a movement. She has a base of people that will show up, but they're not overly energized." Still, Fagen said a general election may be more challenging for Trump, noting that his success so far has been in a crowded primary. "There's no doubt Trump is energizing an element of the electorate," she said. "But some people are showing up not to support him as well. He's divisive." Crowd counts are just one measure of excitement. Polling suggests that the competitive Democratic race has energized voters, and exit polls find enthusiasm for Clinton as well as Sanders. About 2 in 5 primary voters were enthusiastic about their party's front-runner in a recent CNN poll. Both Clinton and Trump have negative favorability ratings among general election voters. But Trump's negatives with people of all backgrounds are at historic highs, suggesting he may have difficulty connecting with a broad cross-section of voters in November. Sanders and Trump have reveled in their large crowds as evidence of the power of their message. During a recent interview with The Associated Press, Trump said the huge rallies would continue to be a centerpiece of his campaign. He argued that the excitement and momentum were more important than spending heavily in a sophisticated data operation to turn out voters. "My coalition of voters is amazing," Trump said. "You know, we don't get enough credit. First of all, I have the biggest crowds by far. I have the most loyal voters by far." Clinton, who shines in more intimate interactions, stressed early in the campaign that she wanted to engage with voters at smaller venues. She is on track to wrap up the nomination within weeks and is increasingly focusing on Trump as she tries to replicate the kind of data-heavy approach that helped Barack Obama win presidential elections in 2008 and 2012. Clinton also struggled with the enthusiasm gap when she ran against Obama in the 2008 primary. Obama held huge rallies and captured much of the popular imagination and enthusiasm. Rendell said he did not think 2016 would pose the same problems because the "fear and loathing" of anti-Trump voters will drive turnout. Democratic pollster Geoff Garin, a strategist for a super political action committee supporting Clinton's candidacy, acknowledged "there is a lot of emotion around Donald Trump's candidacy" but contended that cuts both ways. Trump will be a "lightning rod for motivating Democratic voters to engage in the race and turn out in November in a way that counters whatever enthusiasm he creates on the other side," Garin said. Whatever happens, Democratic consultant Joe Trippi said dealing with Sanders and his rallies may help Clinton. "They may just have to get used to hearing everybody whine about 'but he'd got all these crowds,'" Trippi said. "Maybe this is good practice, the primary. There's no evidence that any of this matters." ___ Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report. Venezuela recalls Brazil ambassador over Rousseff's ouster CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is recalling his ambassador to Brazil to protest the suspension of his leftist ally Dilma Rousseff. Maduro held a televised meeting with his Cabinet Friday night and said that Rousseff's suspension this week is an attempt to erase the will of the Brazilian people and threatens progressive democracies across the Americas. Maduro is fighting an attempt for a referendum to remove him from power as well. He's accused the U.S. of plotting to oust leftist governments in South America. The 11-nation Bolivarian Alliance he leads also condemned Rousseff's ouster. FILE - In this May 1, 2016 file photo, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro waves to supporters alongside first lady Cilia Flores during a labor day march in Caracas, Venezuela. Maduro frequently accuses the U.S. of working with the opposition to sow dissent where none exists. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File) Photo controversy highlights black women in Long Gray Line Self-expression is hardly a part of life for cadets at the United States Military Academy. So it was far from ordinary when 16 black women put their own spin on the traditional graduation photo, hoisting their fists in the air while posing in their dress uniforms, swords at their sides. A social media firestorm followed. So did an internal inquiry at the school. In this photo taken May 13, 2016, Mary Tobin, wearing her West Point class ring, poses for picture in Washington, Friday, May 13, 2016. Self-expression is hardly a part of life for cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Tobin, who has mentored other black women cadets since graduating in 2003, said the experience is one rarely discussed publicly. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Some viewed the cadets' pose as a gesture of racial solidarity and strength. Others questioned whether it was a statement of support for Black Lives Matter. West Point officials decided last week that the photo was not politically motivated and no punishment was warranted. Still, that outcome left some black female graduates confused: Why would anyone see controversy in how those 16 women celebrated their experience in the Long Gray Line? "When I saw it, I said, 'I wish me and my classmates had taken a picture like that,'" said Shalela Dowdy, a 2012 graduate and a friend of some of the women in the photograph. "But something clicked in my mind that not too many people would be happy about that picture. The fist stands for unity and solidarity, but some people are going to take this the wrong way." None of the 16 women would agree to be interviewed for this story. Speaking through black alumnae, they cited a need to focus on their graduation next Saturday, when Vice President Joe Biden will give the commencement address, and life after West Point. For some, that will mean active duty service in the Army. They will become Army officers after leaving the academy. The picture was one of several the women took in their traditional dress uniforms. A different photo, without the raised firsts, was tweeted by the chairwoman of West Point's Board of Visitors. Mary Tobin, who has mentored other black female cadets since graduating in 2003, said few are inclined to discuss their experiences publicly. "To be a black woman at West Point is essentially to make a choice going in ... that the majority of the time, you can never fully express your womanhood or your blackness," Tobin said. "We're told we're all green. We don't ever talk about it, because it's hard enough for everyone at West Point to graduate." The cadets pictured are joining a rare but proud group of black women who have broken barriers on dual fronts at West Point. In interviews with The Associated Press, black alumnae describe a rewarding experience with challenges that included navigating racial incidents. Established in 1802, West Point went co-ed in 1976. Four years later, there were 62 female graduates. In that class were the first black female graduates, Joy Dallas and Priscilla "Pat" Walker Locke. West Point has graduated 357 black women in its 114-year history, and the Class of 2016 includes 18 black women. Blacks have contributed to West Point's legacy for centuries, from the first African-American cadet, Henry O. Flipper, who graduated in 1877, to 2nd Lt. Emily Perez, a black woman who was the first member of the "Class of 9/11" to die in combat, in 2006. According to admissions director Col. Deborah McDonald, about 15,000 students apply to West Point each year, and about 9 percent enroll. There were 1,859 black applicants for the incoming freshman class, and 14 percent of them were accepted, McDonald said. West Point's numbers are mirrored at the other U.S. military service academies. The Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, counts 20 women who identify as African-American in its 2016 graduating class of 1,215. The Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has a graduating class of 827, of whom 11 are African-American women. The Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Connecticut, didn't have a gender breakdown by race, but said three students identifying as African-American are in the graduating class of 186. The application process at West Point is rigorous. Most cadets get in with a letter of recommendation from a member of Congress or the vice president. A medical and physical test is required. Once enrolled, students are immersed in a campus environment that doesn't focus on individuality, explained Donald Outing, West Point's chief diversity officer. "It's about adopting the culture and the values of the military as an institution," Outing said. "The mission requires us to develop soldiers and leaders to function and fight as one team." Sakima Brown, a 1998 graduate who was the first person from her hometown of Poughkeepsie, New York, to attend West Point, said making it at the storied military academy meant you had to "shrink your blackness." When she and the other eight black women in her class saw each other on campus, they would greet each other briefly and move on. Brown, Dowdy and Tobin described a campus life where even the most casual interactions among black students piqued curiosity. For example, they said, fellow cadets, and sometimes staff or faculty, took notice when more than a handful of blacks came together for meals on Sundays, when cadets were not required to eat with their companies. "There were times we would sit at a table, and if there were more than two or three African-Americans, it was a problem," Brown said. "People would come over and ask, 'What are you guys doing?' I have never seen 10 African-Americans sitting together at West Point. At three or four, the table would get broken up." Still, forging friendships was possible. Brown recalls the day an upperclassman stopped her on campus and whispered quickly, "Join the gospel choir." "She didn't ask if I could sing or not sing," Brown said. "You just joined the gospel choir. It wasn't just about the singing. It was praying together, the support system. That was the only place you were allowed to be together, and it was once a week for two hours. During that time, you could talk about what was going on. It was the only place we were safe being together." Dowdy, now stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, said when Barack Obama was elected the country's first black president and the cadets' new commander in chief in 2008, some on campus "were mad, they were disrespectful, saying the n-word." Dowdy said she was often the only black woman in her company. Sometimes, she was the only black person or the only woman in her classes. Support from other black women on campus helped her get through. "They motivated me when I doubted myself," she explained. "Sometimes things happen at the school and you don't know if you want to bring it up, but they were family. I talk to all of them every day still, right now." Which is why, Brown said, the backlash over the photograph was hurtful. "I couldn't understand why they didn't see the pride that I saw," Brown said. Tobin, who has served as a mentor to some of the women pictured, said she believed all along that their motive was simply to express their joy over graduation. "You're looking at each other like, 'We made it and we did it together,' and we did it in an environment that still fights the ghosts of discrimination, sexism and homophobia," said Tobin. "You raise your fist as a sign of victory." ___ Associated Press writer Deepti Hajela in New York contributed to this report. ___ Online: United States Military Academy at West Point: http://www.westpoint.edu ___ Errin Haines Whack covers urban affairs for The Associated Press. Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emarvelous and read more of her work at http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/errin-haines-whack In this photo taken May 13, 2016, Sakima Brown poses for a portrait in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Self-expression is hardly a part of life for cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Brown, a 1998 graduate who became the pride of her hometown as the first person from Poughkeepsie, to ever attend West Point. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) This undated image taken from Twitter shows 16 black, female cadets in uniform with their fists raised while posing for a photograph at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Self-expression is hardly a part of life for cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point. So it was very out of the ordinary when 16 black women put their own spin on the traditional graduation photo, and hoisted their fists in the air while posing in their dress uniforms, swords at their sides, their faces both stoic and smiling. ( Photo take from Twitter via AP) In this photo taken May 13, 2016, Mary Tobin, wearing her West Point class ring, poses for picture in Washington, Friday, May 13, 2016. Self-expression is hardly a part of life for cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point.Tobin, who has mentored other black women cadets since graduating in 2003, said the experience is one rarely discussed publicly. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Germany to spend $106 billion on refugees BERLIN (AP) Germany's federal government expects to spend 93.6 billion euros ($106.2 billion) to support refugees over the next five years, weekly Der Spiegel reported Saturday. The Hamburg-based magazine cited a finance ministry document that predicted the annual costs would rise from about 16.1 billion euros ($18.2 billion) this year to 20.4 billion in 2020. Much of the money would go toward basic benefits, housing support and language lessons for asylum-seekers, but the overall amount also includes spending on efforts to fight the reasons why people flee their home countries and seek refuge in Germany. FILE - In this Sept. 1, 2015 file picture volunteers distribute food for migrants coming from Budapest at the main station in Munich, Germany. German weekly Der Spiegel reports Saturday May 14, 2016 the federal government expects to spend 93.6 billion euros ( US $106.22 billion) to support refugees over the next five years. Der Spiegel cited a finance ministry document according to which much of the money will go toward basic benefit, housing support and language lessons for hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers who have come to Germany. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader,file) Finance ministry spokesman Juerg Weissgerber declined to comment on the figures but confirmed that federal officials were in discussion with representatives from Germany's 16 states about the cost of supporting refugees. They are aiming to reach an agreement on sharing the cost by the time Chancellor Angela Merkel meets state leaders on May 31. Heavy government spending on refugees has boosted Germany's economy in recent months, but has also stoked resentment among some Germans who believe that migrants are getting preferential treatment. A nationalist party, Alternative for Germany, has surged in recent polls and the number of attacks against refugee shelters has increased sharply over the past year. Almost 1.1 million asylum-seekers entered Germany last year, although the government has stressed that the figure doesn't account for those who move on to other countries or return home. The finance ministry document cited by Der Spiegel predicts that 600,000 refugees will come to Germany this year, falling to 400,000 in 2017 and 300,000 in the following years. It assumes that over half of those who are officially recognized as refugees will find work within five years. Thanks to low unemployment and strong exports, Germany recorded a budget surplus of 12.1 billion euros last year on federal spending of 299.3 billion euros. Mexico court absolves soldiers in army killing of suspects MEXICO CITY (AP) A Mexican civilian court has freed the last three soldiers accused of homicide in a 2014 incident in which at least a dozen suspects were allegedly executed after they surrendered. The federal Attorney General's Office emailed a news release shortly after 11 p.m. Friday saying the court absolved all three of charges of homicide, cover-up and alteration of evidence for lack of proof. Santiago Aguirre, deputy director of the nonprofit Miguel Agustin Pro Juarez Center for Human Rights, which is representing a woman who survived the incident but whose daughter was killed, said authorities cannot appeal the ruling but families of the victims may still do so. FILE - In this July 3, 2014 file photo, state police stand inside a warehouse where a black cross marks a wall near blood stains on the ground, after a shootout between Mexican soldiers and alleged criminals in Tlatlaya, Mexico. A Mexican civilian court has freed the final three soldiers accused of homicide in the 2014 incident in which suspects were allegedly executed after they surrendered. The federal Attorney Generals Office said late Friday, May 13, 2014, the three were absolved of charges of homicide, cover-up and alteration of evidence. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) If there is no appeal, the decision could signal an end to a case that rights groups see as emblematic of abuses by some agents in the Mexican security forces. "This confirms what we had been warning, in the sense that one of the most serious recent cases of human rights violations was on the way to going unpunished," Aguirre said. The Mexican army reported in June 2014 that 22 presumed criminals had died in a clash with troops at a warehouse in the town of Tlatlaya west of Mexico City. It said only one soldier was wounded. But questions emerged when The Associated Press found that evidence at the site didn't match the army's account of a clash with drug suspects. There was little sign of a protracted gun battle. Instead, the walls of the warehouse showed a repeated pattern of one or two closely placed bullet holes surrounded by spattered blood, giving the appearance that some of those killed had been standing against a wall and shot at about chest level. The government's Human Rights Commission investigated and determined that at least 12 and as many as 15 people had been executed at the warehouse. It also said there were attempts by civilian and military authorities to cover up what happened. Prosecutors, however, concluded that only eight were killed after surrendering. Three women who survived came forward to say that agents of the Mexico State prosecutor's office had tortured them to support the army's version, and state officials later charged several police officers with torture. Juan Velazquez, an attorney who advised the families of the soldiers who were charged, insisted there was no massacre and said it was all an effort to discredit the military. "That whole story of the execution of Tlatlaya was an invention," he said. Aguirre said the woman his center is working with, Clara Gomez, was "very upset" in the wake of the ruling. "She fears she may suffer reprisals from the army or from the very soldiers who were on trial," he said. Gomez is under round-the-clock protection by bodyguards as part of cautionary recommendations by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Aguirre added that Gomez's daughter was not among the eight victims who prosecutors determined were killed after surrendering, and Gomez therefore does not have the right to appeal. His organization has not been able to contact relatives of those executed to see if they intend to seek an appeal. Seven soldiers were initially charged in both military and civilian courts. A civilian judge soon threw out charges against four of the soldiers, and the new ruling clears the other three. In October, a military court acquitted six of the seven soldiers charged with breach of discipline in the case, though the ruling was not made public until March, when it was obtained by a human rights organization. One soldier was convicted of disobeying orders and received a one-year sentence. He has been released. The government said it began investigating days after the event, but officials gave differing versions following the initial army account of a one-sided shootout. A government commission for aiding victims of crime announced last year that it would give about $3.3 million to relatives of the suspects slain at the warehouse under a Mexican law requiring compensation for victims of human rights violations. At least one family had received the compensation. Jose Miguel Vivanco, director of the Americas division at Human Rights Watch, likened the Tlatlaya case to that of 43 students from a teachers' college known as Ayotzinapa who disappeared at the hands of police a few months later in 2014. Jewish bus blaze evokes tension of 1991 Brooklyn riots NEW YORK (AP) For days, the charred school bus sat in front of a Jewish girls' school in Brooklyn, its ruined hulk posing a troubling question: Has the quarter-century of peace between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights begun to fray? Twenty five years ago this August, the neighborhood's black residents exploded into days of rioting after a 7-year-old boy, the son of Guyanese immigrants, was accidentally struck and killed by a car in the motorcade of the leader of the Lubavitcher sect. A rabbinical student was stabbed and died. Many people were beaten. Vehicles were flipped and burned. Those tensions were supposed to have melted away a long time ago, but last Sunday afternoon a group of boys, all black, went aboard an unlocked bus parked in front of the Bnos Chomesh Academy, set fire to the seats and ran. Flames consumed the bus in minutes. An Orthodox Jewish boy peeks into the school bus that was burned Sunday May 8, 2016, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Five children, including 11-year-olds, a 12-year-old and two 14-year-olds, have been arrested and accused of arson and criminal mischief. The episode prompted at least one leader in Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish community to formally complain to police about what he saw as a trend in anti-Semitic incidents. He says another bus was attacked and a student was beaten by a group of black teens in the days before the bus burning. "These are not isolated events," Barry Sugar of the Jewish Leadership Council wrote. "Attacks of this nature can either be decisively curtailed by law enforcement or defiantly intensified by delinquents." Many others, though, said there was no reason to believe that the bad old days were back. Community leaders say that some tensions linger, but that newer stresses have taken over, including skyrocketing rents and gentrification. "With an 11-year-old kid, I'm not sure. Maybe it was just mischief," said Shea Hecht, a leading Lubavitch rabbi who had been among the community leaders working to quell the 1991 riot. "Some stupid 11-year-old kid did something. I hope we don't all get bent out of shape and start thinking we have to go back and start fighting." Richard Green, a black community activist who has worked with neighborhood kids for more than three decades, said he thought the burning of the bus was "more about idle hands than hate." This week, Crown Heights bustled with residents going about their business blacks, Jews and others walking side by side on streets. The area is still mostly black, according to city figures. But once largely poor, it has grown steadily wealthier in recent years during Brooklyn's economic boom. As some commercial strips have transformed into hipster districts with artisanal coffee and burger joints, rents have tripled. Police officers patrolled around the Lubavitch headquarters on Eastern Parkway, but that is a routine sight in post 9/11 New York. Just feet from the Lubavitch headquarters, a sleek, 24-hour espresso bar offered kosher food. Daniel Berry, 29, a Jewish computer technology student who moved to Crown Heights from Los Angeles three months ago with his wife and toddler son, said he thought the bus attack was an isolated incident. "I definitely think it's a racist and anti-Semitic act, but it can be an isolated act," he said. "Honestly, I don't necessarily have close relationships with people in the black community. But the encounters I have, whether it's at the market, or walking to the laundromat, it's typically very polite and cordial and normal." Zorina Frederick, a native of Granada who has lived in Crown Heights since before the 1991 riots, said the neighborhood vibe has changed dramatically since then. "We will still have pockets of people who feel different about another group of people," she said. But she summed up the sentiments of many in Crown Heights by suggesting that a reckless act by one group of kids was no sign of more trouble to come. "Kids do foolish things," she said. A New York City Police Department reward poster hangs on a post behind the remains of a school bus that was burned Sunday May 8, 2016, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) A pair of New York City Police Department officers guard the school bus that was burned Sunday May 8, 2016, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) The remains of the school bus that was burned Sunday May 8, 2016, is ringed with fire department caution tape, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) The remains of a school bus that was burned Sunday May 8, 2016, sits on a street in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) The remains of a school bus that was burned Sunday May 8, 2016, sits on a street in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) A copy of a Talmud, lower right, is near the driver's area of a school bus that was burned Sunday May 8, 2016, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Rabbi Shea Hecht, chairman of the board of the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education, speaks during in interview, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Zorina Frederick speaks during an interview, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Mordechai Lightstone, left, and Yaacov Behrman are interviewed in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Daniel Berry speaks during an interview in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday May 11, 2016. When a group of young, black children set fire to a school bus outside a Jewish school this week, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) In this frame grab taken from surveillance video, children place pieces of cardboard on a school bus before lighting it on fire, Sunday, May 8, 2016, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York. When the group of young, black children set fire to the school bus outside a Jewish school, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (Beth Rifkah School via AP) In this frame grab taken from surveillance video, children place pieces of cardboard on a school bus before lighting it on fire, Sunday, May 8, 2016, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York. When the group of young, black children set fire to the school bus outside a Jewish school, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (Beth Rifkah School via AP) In this frame grab taken from surveillance video, children watch as pieces of cardboard they placed on a school bus begin to burn, Sunday, May 8, 2016, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York. When the group of young, black children set fire to the school bus outside a Jewish school, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (Beth Rifkah School via AP) In this frame grab taken from surveillance video, a school bus burns after it was set on fire by children Sunday, May 8, 2016, in the Crown Heights section of the Brooklyn borough of New York. When the group of young, black children set fire to the school bus outside a Jewish school, it evoked bad memories of a violent riot in the same Brooklyn neighborhood 25 years ago. Relations between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights have been peaceful for many years, but some community leaders say tensions remain. (Beth Rifkah School via AP) IS seizes hospital in advance on Syrian government forces BEIRUT (AP) The Islamic State group launched an offensive against government forces in eastern Syria on Saturday and captured several buildings, including a hospital, in clashes that left more than two dozen people dead on both sides. Deir el-Zour, near the border with Iraq, is split between government forces and IS fighters. Government-held areas have been under a months-long siege by the extremists, and the U.N. has been airdropping aid to residents amid food and medicine shortages. The Local Coordination Committees, an activist-run collective, said IS fighters have captured the Assad hospital, university dorms and grain silos in an advance that began at dawn. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fighting killed at least 20 government troops and six IS fighters. It said government forces have surrounded the hospital but the fate of its staff and patients is not known. Opposition activist Omar Abu Leila, who is from Deir el-Zour but currently lives in Europe, said Saturday's fighting is different from the past because IS has launched offensives on several fronts at the same time. Abu Leila, who has a Facebook page that tracks developments in Deir el-Zour, said IS fighters entered the hospital and shot dead several police guards that they captured alive. He said IS fighters paraded the bodies of troops and policemen through the streets of areas they control. Abu Leila said 20 troops and pro-government militiamen were killed and at least 10 IS fighters died in the fighting. In northeastern Syria, a car bomb exploded in the predominantly Kurdish town of Qamishli. The Observatory said two people were killed and five wounded, while state news agency SANA said five were killed and several others wounded. Ex-US Sen. Bob Bennett laid to rest in Salt Lake City SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Hundreds of mourners gathered Saturday to remember Bob Bennett as a loving husband and father who did not let his career as a senator define him. The former Republican senator died earlier this month at his home in Arlington, Virginia, from complications of pancreatic cancer and a recent stroke. He was 82. Bennett was heralded during a funeral at a Mormon church in Salt Lake City as someone who was always kind, honest, patient and modest. Joyce Bennett, the widow of former U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, sits alongside his casket at the interment service at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, Saturday, May 14, 2016. (Scott Sommerdorf/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP) "That's no exaggeration, that's really the man," said attorney and business partner John Knapp Baird. "He was the genuine article. And I don't think we fully appreciate what we had." His son and daughter, Robert Bennett and Wendy Bennett Prawitt, also spoke of a father who had no athletic ability but once got caught trying to master the hula hoop. But no matter what he was doing at work, he made time to take his children's phone calls. "Because of him, my capacity to love has increased immensely," Prawitt said. Gov. Gary Herbert, former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Sen. Orrin Hatch and former Sen. Jake Garn were among the current and former public officials in attendance, according to the Salt Lake Tribune (http://bit.ly/1sctgWh ). The service was followed by a burial at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. A viewing and funeral service were also held in Virginia, where a bipartisan group of Washington power players remembered the former senator as someone who could get things done and work across the aisle. The Republican served 18 years in the Senate before losing a re-election bid in 2010, becoming one of the first of a number of Republican incumbents booted out by a rise in tea party-fueled anger. Bennett was criticized for supporting a bailout for distressed banks and working with Democrats on his own health care bill that would require Americans to buy insurance. He was first elected in 1992 and was seen as politically moderate, a stance that sometimes put him in conflict with members of his own party in the conservative state. Bennett stayed on top of developing technologies and helped lead government Y2K preparations ahead of the new millennium amid fears that the transition from 1999 to 2000 would cause major computer glitches. There were no significant problems, but officials say the preparations ensured no disastrous shutdown of computer systems, including those at the Department of Defense. Bennett's interest in technology began in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when he served as chairman of American Computers Corp. and president of Microsonics Corp. After leaving the Senate, Bennett ran a consulting business, worked as a Washington lobbyist and was a resident scholar at the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics. Bennett also became a vocal critic of the GOP's conservative flank, saying it was driving the party away from mainstream Americans. As the son of four-term U.S. Senator Wallace Bennett, Bob Bennett caught the political bug early in life and won his first elected office as student body president at the University of Utah. He was the grandson of Heber J. Grant, a president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bennett is survived by his wife, Joyce, six children and 20 grandchildren. Joyce Bennett, the widow of former U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, sits alongside his casket at the interment service at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, Saturday, May 14, 2016. (Scott Sommerdorf/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP) Sara Prawitt, granddaughter of former U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, places a rose on his casket during interment services at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, Saturday, May 14, 2016. (Scott Sommerdorf/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP) Mitt Romney leaves the funeral services for former U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett in Salt Lake City Saturday, May 14, 2016. (Scott Sommerdorf/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP) Former U.S. Sen. Bob Bennet's casket is carried to the interment service by pall bearers at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, Saturday, May 14, 2016. (Scott Sommerdorf/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP) Former U.S. Sen. Bob Bennet's casket is carried to the interment service by pallbearers at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, Saturday, May 14, 2016. (Scott Sommerdorf/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP) Georgia man fatally shot during standoff with police STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. (AP) A Georgia man was fatally shot during a standoff with police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in a news release Saturday. Henry County police officers responded to a report of a fight between a father and son at a Stockbridge home around 7 p.m. Friday, the release says. Officers responded to the home again around 11 p.m. after getting a report that the son had shot at his father, who wasn't hit and fled the home. When officers arrived, no one answered the door. Officers then treated the situation as a barricaded gunman, and SWAT officers were sent to the home around 11:45 p.m., the GBI said. Officers made numerous unsuccessful attempts to reach the man inside the home, the GBI said. SWAT officers entered the home around 2:40 a.m. Saturday. Once inside, the officers determined the man was still inside the home and tried to make contact with him. Officers fired a stun gun and gunshots inside the home and the man was fatally injured, the GBI said. When asked if officers fired the shot that killed the man, GBI spokesman Scott Dutton said in an email that the investigation is ongoing and that he wasn't in a position to provide more details. None of the police officers were injured. The GBI is not releasing the names of anyone involved since the investigation is still in its early stages, the release said. An autopsy is planned at the GBI medical examiner's office in Decatur. Sweet Honey in the Rock protesting during NC shows LOS ANGELES (AP) The a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock is protesting North Carolina's law addressing LGBT rights and bathroom use by transgender people during its concerts in the state this weekend. The group performed as scheduled but protested in song at the Paramount Theatre in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on Friday, and plans to again at the High Point Theatre in High Point, North Carolina, on Saturday night. "We gave a shout-out to everyone and performed a civil rights medley," said group member Carol Maillard on Saturday morning. "As I always say, you never know when you'll need a good, strong protest song to bring your community together so they can raise their voices." FILE - In this April 12, 2009 file photo, Sweet Honey in the Rock performs during an event to commemorate Marian Anderson's performance 70 years ago, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. The a cappella group is planning to protest North Carolina's law addressing LGBT rights and bathroom use by transgender people during their concerts in the state next week. The group announced this week that they will perform as scheduled but protest in song at the Paramount Theatre in Goldsboro, N.C., on May 13, 2016 and at the High Point Theatre in High Point, N.C., on May 14. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) The long-running African-American female performance group was founded in 1973 and has been nominated for several Grammy Awards. Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato have all cancelled performances in North Carolina since the law was passed in March. Maillard said the group never considered canceling the shows in North Carolina. "We realized it would be to our advantage and the community's advantage to come together and let them know we give our spiritual and emotional support for what they're fighting for here," Maillard said. "I'm sure it'll all work out." ___ Online: http://www.sweethoneyintherock.org ___ Toomey's balancing act: Win over moderates, deal with Trump HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Republican Sen. Pat Toomey already had the political balancing act of winning over middle-of-the-road voters in his quest for a second term in moderate Pennsylvania. Now Toomey has another: distancing himself from Donald Trump. In recent days, Toomey hedged on his long-stated intent to support the eventual GOP presidential nominee. In interviews and an editorial published in major newspapers, Toomey laid out a long list of concerns he has with the bombastic billionaire and warned: "I hope we don't get to a point where I decide I just can't support him." In doing so, he may risk alienating the Republican voters who delivered a surprising 37 percentage-point victory for Trump in Pennsylvania's April 26 primary. "I saw what Toomey said and did I like it? No, I didn't like it," said Arnold McClure, chairman of the Huntingdon County GOP. McClure said he'll vote for Toomey again. But "he angers me with his attitude. ... Does that mean I'm some dummy who doesn't know any better? That infuriates me." Toomey's contest against Democrat Katie McGinty in the November election is considered crucial to deciding majority control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 54-46 advantage but have to defend more than double the number of seats than Democrats. Democrats like their chances against Toomey in Pennsylvania, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by 4 to 3. That portends another tight race for the senator, who scored a 2 percentage-point victory in 2010's Republican wave and is ranked by the American Conservative Union as the 13th most conservative senator. In a typical presidential election year, Toomey would face what Republican campaign strategists view as a narrow, but reasonable path to victory: strong Republican support, plus some Democrats and most of the independents. This year is anything but typical. McGinty is aggressively tying Toomey to Trump and now Toomey is trotting out a longer list of differences than agreements with Trump. "I'm trying to make some sense of the situation we're in and it's pretty unusual," he said on WAEB-AM in Allentown. Toomey said he hopes to support Trump, but his laundry list of complaints include Trump's lack of devotion to conservative fiscal principles, his vulgarity, and his vagueness about what he would do as president or how. "In short, I find his candidacy highly problematic," Toomey wrote in a 770-word opinion piece published in The Philadelphia Inquirer and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In it, Toomey advised Trump to work to unite the Republican Party and the country, and to "listen more, and talk less" to win over critics. Toomey won't vote for Hillary Clinton, the Democratic front-runner; she is "unacceptably flawed," he wrote. Pennsylvania's GOP chairman, Rob Gleason, said he expects no ill-effects for Toomey from his criticism of Trump or from Trump's divisiveness that has turned off a high percentage of voters nearly 7 in 10, according to a recent AP-GfK poll. "I always advise people, it's their race. There're no coattails anymore, good or bad," Gleason said. Toomey may be out of step with the majority of Pennsylvania's Republican presidential primary voters, but not party brass. Very few GOP leaders or officials in Pennsylvania supported Trump in the primary. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, the country's first Homeland Security secretary, has said there's "no chance" he'll vote for Trump. Still, the scale of Trump's victory in Pennsylvania caught many party leaders by surprise, and some with less on the line than Toomey have fallen in line with Trump. "We've got a coalition of Trump people here," said Jim Worthington, an elected convention delegate from suburban Philadelphia. "If Toomey is not on board with Trump, well, I don't know where I'm going to be on him." Said Joe Sacco, another Trump supporter from southcentral Pennsylvania: "I'll vote for him for the good of the Republican Party, but he better start changing his ways and getting on the bandwagon, like the rest of us." ___ Trudeau praises firefighters efforts to save oil sands city FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta (AP) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says most Canadians have yet to grasp the lengths to which firefighters went to save nearly 90 percent of the oil sands capital of Fort McMurray from a massive wildfire that forced the evacuation of more than 88,000 people. Trudeau visited the devastated northern Alberta city on Friday almost two weeks after the wildfire ignited, tearing through the isolated region and surrounding areas, causing several oil sands operations to shut down. Alberta officials say they will have a plan within two weeks for getting residents back into their homes. Trudeau took a helicopter ride over a patchwork of devastated neighborhoods, where some homes still stand while others burned to their foundations. Alberta officials say 2,432 structures have been destroyed, 530 damaged and 25,000 saved. Despite the savage fire, officials said 85-90 percent of the city has been saved. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Fort McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen look over the devastation during a visit to Fort McMurray, Canada., Friday, May 13, 2016. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT "I don't think Canadians yet understand what happened. They know there was a fire. They're beginning to hear the wonderful news that so much of the town was saved," he told 150 firefighters and first responders after his aerial tour by military helicopter of Fort McMurray. "But they don't yet understand that that wasn't a fluke of wind or rain or luck that happened. This was the extraordinary response by people such as yourself. The work you did to save so much of this community, to save so much of this city and its downtown core ... was unbelievable." Trudeau toured one of the city's damaged neighborhoods after his visit with first responders and volunteers before meeting with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley. In the forest surrounding the Fort McMurray airport, where Trudeau landed, trees looked like little more than used match sticks, charred right up to the tarmac, and the ground was blackened. "When I got a chance to fly over the community, the first thing you notice is the smoke, the haze, the smell in the air. Even from the airport, which was untouched, you can tell the scale and the scope of what just happened. And then you notice the blackened forest that surrounds Fort McMurray... entire swaths of burned out trees and hillsides," Trudeau said during an evening news conference. He told of the moment when he saw a small plastic child's scooter on the sidewalk as he toured the city. "The one thing I realized, unlike so many images we've seen, that little plastic scooter, whatever little boy or girl was using that just before the evacuation, they're safe. They're alive," he said. "They're being sheltered by friends or family or kind strangers." "Yes, this was a terrible disaster to befall this community but there is strength here and a will to build a stronger future," Trudeau added. The prime minister and Notley, who also spoke during the evening press conference, took the opportunity to thank the first responders, the evacuees, and Canadians who donated funds to the Red Cross, sent shipments of care packages or opened their homes to those who had to flee the fire. "When we stick together and when we have each other's backs, we are all stronger," said Notley. Fort McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen, who led the fight against the fierce fire, said having the prime minister visit is a morale boost. "Right now the residents aren't there, but there are hundreds and hundreds of emergency workers. I think they'll get a lift from that," he said. Melissa Blake, mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, accompanied Trudeau, saying it was critical for him to tour the burned neighborhoods. "Once you see it, you know not just how daunting the work will be, but how important it is to make it back to what it was before," she said. Trudeau was also accompanied by some federal cabinet ministers, who are part of a special committee that will coordinate aid and reconstruction efforts in the city. Alberta Member of Parliament Kent Hehr, who heads the special committee, said it's important to show people that the federal government will be there for them in the reconstruction. "It's very difficult for me as an Albertan" to witness the damage, said Hehr, who represents a Calgary district. More than 80,000 residents had to evacuate their homes May 3 as the flames carved a destructive path through the city. The fire is now 930 square miles (2,410 square kilometers) in size and has moved away from the city. It's expected to burn in forested areas for at least a few more weeks. The more than 80,000 evacuees have begun receiving direct financial assistance from the Alberta government and the Canadian Red Cross as officials asked for patience in getting residents home. ___ Associated Press writer Charmaine Noronha contributed from Toronto. This aerial photo shows the charred remains of homes in wildfire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Alberta, Friday, May 13, 2016. (Jason Franson /The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves the helicopter during a visit to see the devastation caused by the wildfire, in Fort McMurray, Canada., Friday, May 13, 2016. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT A burned building stands among charred rubble in the neighborhood of Abasand in wildfire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Alberta, on Friday, May 13, 2016. (Jason Franson /The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is presented with a jacket from Fort McMurray fire chief Darby Allen in Edmonton, Friday, May 13, 2016, before a flight to Fort McMurray. Trudeau is making the visit to see first-hand the devastation caused by the wildfire that forced the evacuation of the city. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with Fort McMurray fire chief Darby Allen as Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, right, looks on in Edmonton, Friday, May 13, 2016, before a flight to Fort McMurray. Trudeau is making the visit to see first-hand the devastation caused by the wildfire that forced the evacuation of the city. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is presented with a jacket from Fort McMurray fire chief Darby Allen in Edmonton, Friday, May 13, 2016, before a flight to Fort McMurray. Trudeau is making the visit to see first-hand the devastation caused by the wildfire that forced the evacuation of the city. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley in Edmonton, Friday, May 13, 2016, before a flight to Fort McMurray. Trudeau is making the visit to see first-hand the devastation caused by the wildfire that forced the evacuation of the city. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gets ready to fly in a helicopter to survey the devastation by the wildfire during a visit to Fort McMurray, Canada., Friday, May 13, 2016. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT A charred truck sits near burned structures in the neighborhood of Abasand in wildfire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Alberta, on Friday, May 13, 2016. (Jason Franson /The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT A burned building stands in the neighborhood of Abasand in wildfire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Alberta, on Friday, May 13, 2016. (Jason Franson /The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT The charred remains of homes, various items, and a vehicle litter the neighborhood of Beacon Hill in wildfire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Alberta, on Friday, May 13, 2016. (Jason Franson /The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT The charred remains of various structures, buildings and vehicles litter the neighborhood of Abasand in wildfire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Alberta, on Friday, May 13, 2016. (Jason Franson /The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, and Fort McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen look over the devastation caused by a massive wildfire during a visit to Fort McMurray, Alta., on Friday, May 13, 2016. Trudeau arrived in wildfire-ravaged Fort McMurray on Friday and after taking a helicopter tour to assess the damage said he doesn't think most Canadians comprehend yet the scope of what happened in the oil sands capital, where more than 88,000 people were forced to evacuate. (Jason Franson /The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes a helicopter tour of the devastation during a visit to Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, on Friday, May 13, 2016, to see first-hand the devastation caused by the wildfire that forced the evacuation of the city. Alberta officials say 2,432 structures have been destroyed, 530 damaged and 25,000 saved. The fire is now 930 square miles (2,410 square kilometers) in size and has moved away from the city. It's expected to burn in forested areas for at least a few more weeks. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is given a briefing at the Regional Emergency Operation Centre during a visit to Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, on Friday, May 13, 2016. Alberta officials say 2,432 structures have been destroyed, 530 damaged and 25,000 saved. The fire is now 930 square miles (2,410 square kilometers) in size and has moved away from the city. It's expected to burn in forested areas for at least a few more weeks. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Russia: 2 police killed, 14 wounded in clash with militants MAKHACHKALA, Russia (AP) Police in Russia's Dagestan region say two officers have been killed and 14 wounded during clashes with militants holed up in an apartment. Police spokeswoman Fatina Ubaidatova said the clashes began Saturday when police searching an apartment building in the city of Derbent came across armed militants, who threw a grenade at them and took a wounded officer hostage. She said after learning that the captive officer had died, police stormed the apartment and another officer was killed. She gave no information about the militants. The Interfax news agency, citing unidentified law enforcement officials, said at least four militants were killed in the apartment, which was set on fire. Protesters block train tracks to 2 Washington refineries SEATTLE (AP) Hundreds of climate activists on Saturday marched to the site of two refineries in northwest Washington state to call for a break from fossil fuels, while a smaller group continued to block railroad tracks leading to the facilities for a second day. Protesters in kayaks, canoes, on bikes and on foot took part in a massive demonstration near Anacortes, about 70 miles north of Seattle, to demand action on climate and an equitable transition away from fossil fuels such as oil and coal. A day before, about 150 activists had pitched tents and set up camp on nearby railroad tracks to block the flow of oil flowing to the nearby Shell and Tesoro oil refineries. Break Free PNW kayaktivists unfurl their banner while out on the water in Fidalgo Bay east of Seafarer's Memorial Park in Anacortes, Wash., Friday, May 13, 2016. Hundreds of people in kayaks and on foot are gathering at the site of two oil refineries in Washington state to call for action on climate change and a fair transition away from fossil fuels. Behind is a U.S. Coast Guard vessel near the March Point refineries loading dock. (Scott Terrell/Skagit Valley Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT "We can't wait anymore. We've got to do things now," Clara Cleve, 76, of Edmonds, said Saturday. "Direct action is very effective. My grandchildren are not going to have a place to live unless we move quickly now." Cleve said she plans to spend another night in a tent on the tracks and is prepared to be arrested for trespassing if necessary. The protests are part of a series of global actions calling on people to "break free" from dependence on fossil fuels. Similar demonstrations are taking place in Los Angeles and Albany, New York, on Saturday and in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. In upstate New York, climate activists gathered at a crude-oil shipment hub on the Hudson River in an action targeting crude-by-rail trains and oil barges at the Port of Albany. A group of activists sat on tracks used by crude oil trains headed to the port. Police did not report any arrests as of midday Saturday. Albany is a key hub for crude-by-rail shipments from North Dakota's Bakken Shale region. In Washington state, organizers are targeting two refineries that are among the top sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Tesoro has started shipping Bakken crude oil to its refinery, and Shell is proposing an expansion project that would similarly bring in Bakken crude oil by train. Officials with both Shell and Tesoro said in earlier statements that they respect the right of people to demonstrate peacefully, and that safety is their highest priority. A Shell spokesman also noted that the company, which employs about 700 workers at the refinery, is proud to be a part of the community and the refinery is a vital part of the region's energy infrastructure. BNSF Railway spokesman Gus Melonas said no trains are scheduled through Saturday but he declined to say whether any are expected to run Sunday. "We had anticipated this and therefore adjusted scheduling with customers," Melonas said. "At this point, we're allowing the protest on our property." There had been no word of any arrests during the day, Given Kutz, a spokesman for the Skagit County Emergency Coordination Center, said late Saturday night. The tracks, which connect BNSF's mainline to Anacortes, serve the two refineries, as well as other customers who ship animal feed, steel and lumber by rail, Melonas said. Skagit County spokeswoman Bronlea Mishler said authorities are monitoring the situation. Crowd estimates of the march range from several hundred to about 1,000 people, she said. Bud Ullman, 67, who lives on Guemes Island, participated in the march, which he described as good-spirited, peaceful. "The scientists are right. We have to get away from our dependence on fossil fuels, and it has to be done in a way that takes into serious consideration the impact on workers, families and communities," he said. The three-day event ends Sunday and has included "kayaktivists" demonstrating on water, community workshops and an indigenous ceremony. "I'm here because there's nothing more important to me than protecting the Earth," said Elizabeth Claydon, 24, who lives in Seattle. "This is an urgent matter, and traditional ways are not working." Many of the nearly 40 groups involved in organizing the event were also involved in large on-water kayak protests against Shell's Arctic oil drilling rig when it parked last year at a Seattle port. Members of the Seattle Raging Grannies sit in their rocking chairs chained together on the Burlington-Northern Railroad tracks at Farm to Market Road in Skagit County on Friday evening, May 13, 2016, in Burlington, Wash. From left are Deejay Sherman Peterson, Anne Thureson, Shirley Morrison and Rosy Betz-Zall. Hundreds of people in kayaks and on foot are gathering at the site of two oil refineries in Washington state to call for action on climate change and a fair transition away from fossil fuels. (Scott Terrell/Skagit Valley Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT People congregate on the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks off Farm to Market Road in Skagit County on Friday evening, May 13, 2016, in Burlington, Wash. Hundreds of people in kayaks and on foot are gathering at the site of two oil refineries in Washington state to call for action on climate change and a fair transition away from fossil fuels. On Friday evening, dozens of people were setting up a camp on railroad tracks near the refineries with the intent to stay and block the flow of oil as long as possible, according to a news release sent by event organizer Emily Johnston. (Scott Terrell/Skagit Valley Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Erick Brown and his pet goat Deer stand on the top a van parked on the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks at Farm to Market Road in Skagit County on Friday evening, May 13, 2016, in Burlington, Wash. Hundreds of people in kayaks and on foot are gathering at the site of two oil refineries in Washington state to call for action on climate change and a fair transition away from fossil fuels. On Friday evening, dozens of people were setting up a camp on railroad tracks near the refineries with the intent to stay and block the flow of oil as long as possible, according to a news release sent by event organizer Emily Johnston. (Scott Terrell/Skagit Valley Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Break Free PNW kayaktivist leaders Margo Polley, left, and Kanit Cottrell, both from the Seattle area, do a dry land demonstration of a water rescue in preparation for a training trip on Fidalgo Bay in Anacortes, Wash., Friday, May 13, 2016. Hundreds of people in kayaks and on foot are gathering at the site of two oil refineries in Washington state to call for action on climate change and a fair transition away from fossil fuels. (Scott Terrell/Skagit Valley Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Kayakers head out onto the water at Seafarer's Park in Anacortes, Wash., Friday, May 13, 2016. Hundreds of people in kayaks and on foot are gathering at the site of two oil refineries in Washington state to call for action on climate change and a fair transition away from fossil fuels. They were training and rehearsing for upcoming protests at the March Point oil refineries this weekend. (Scott Terrell/Skagit Valley Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT Teens escape unharmed after limo catches fire on way to prom NATICK, Mass. (AP) Bad luck followed a group of teenagers heading to the prom on Friday the 13th as the limousine they were riding in caught fire. WFXT-TV reports (http://fox25.com/1OqHahR) the Natick High School students from Massachusetts smelled smoke in the white stretch limousine around 6 p.m. Friday. Good luck returned when the 10 teens and the driver escaped the limo unharmed before it burst into flames. It's unclear what caused the blaze. Natick police tweeted the limo "might be evil" because the fire later rekindled. One student suggested the bad fortune was a result of it being Friday the 13th. The students said it was scary but also "kind of cool." Former Texas foster children tell of frequent moves, abuse DALLAS (AP) Former Texas foster care children described conditions of neglect and sometimes physical and sexual abuse as part of a lawsuit against Texas, prompting a federal judge to declare the system unconstitutionally broken. Here are some of their stories, based on court documents and interviews. ___ After about 25 placements across Texas, Kristopher Sharp refused a move 600 miles away during his senior year of high school. He soon found himself living on the streets of Houston and turned to prostitution "for a place to stay at night or for a meal." Patricia Virgil talks about being in foster care Tuesday, May 3, 2016, in The Woodlands, Texas. As part of a lawsuit against Texas, Virgil testified she was placed in foster care at 12 after enduring all forms of abuse from her stepfather. There, she said, a fellow foster child choked her until she passed out, and a shelter worker kicked her awake. She testified that at a foster group home, the foster father sexually abused her. She told her caseworker, but nothing ever happened, she testified. Officials noted in her record that she was wearing provocative clothing and asking for it, she said in an interview. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan) Sharp entered the foster care system at 10, and testified he was molested beginning around age 12 by a residential treatment center employee. "I came from a chaotic home environment, and I was thrown into a system where people beat on you, they call you names and they molest you. And it didn't necessarily seem like this was abnormal," Sharp, 26, told The Associated Press. Most of his placements were in foster group homes or residential treatment centers, and were "absolutely fraught with abuse," he said, especially between children. He lived as far east as Lufkin and as far west as El Paso. So after several placements in Houston, he didn't want to leave. "There was this convenience store by my house and I used to go by there and a couple of the clerks knew my name," Sharp said. "I'd never been somewhere long enough where there were people who actually noticed me and got to know me." But after refusing the move, Sharp was homeless or "precariously housed" for two years, and learned he was HIV-positive. "It is a direct result of me having to be on the streets, which is a direct result of the foster care system allowing me to fall through the cracks," he said. One day, Sharp wandered into a University of Houston-Downtown building and discovered that as a former Texas foster child he was entitled to a college tuition waiver. He earned a social work degree and now works for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. ___ Darryl Jackson entered foster care as a baby in Louisiana, and moved into the Texas system at 12. From then until he aged out of the system at 18, Jackson had some 35 placements in about 10 different cities, at one point moving every other week. As a teenager in a foster group home, he shared a room with a 2-year-old and two other teens, and saw one of the other teens hit the toddler and later go to jail. Jackson said after he left foster care he had no idea how to live on his own. "How could someone let me go all the way to ... almost 19 before I get a driver's license? No one decided to say, 'Hey, let's help this kid out,'" Jackson said. His caseworker recommended Angel Reach, a Houston-area nonprofit that offers temporary lodgings after foster care, counseling and life-skills lessons. Jackson said he learned "all the basics of adult life," including how to drive and pay bills. Now 19, Jackson is using the state tuition waiver to study criminal justice. ___ Patricia Virgil testified she was placed in foster care at 12 after enduring "all forms of abuse" from her stepfather. There, she said, a fellow foster child choked her until she passed out, and a shelter worker kicked her awake. She testified that at a foster group home, the foster father sexually abused her. She told her caseworker, but "nothing ever happened," she testified. Officials noted in her record that she was "wearing provocative clothing" and "asking for it," she said in an interview. Her caseworkers changed frequently, leaving her often unsure where to seek help. "When you are in foster care you just want to feel loved, and I didn't feel that from a lot of places," Virgil said. She started college using the tuition waiver, but moved often and eventually became homeless. She dropped classes and paying back tuition left her $13,000 in debt. Now 27, Virgil lives near Houston where she works two child-care jobs. She now hopes to return to college and become an elementary school teacher. She also wants to start her own family and become a foster parent herself. ___ Crystal Bentley says after being physically and sexually abused in the foster care system, she's "become a statistic once, twice, again and again" in adulthood: having unhealthy relationships, being sexually trafficked and having four children. Bentley, who entered foster care at 2, said it was common to be abused by other children in the household. One boy told her, "I won't beat you up if you let me touch you," she said. "So as I got older, sex was my bargaining chip," she told the AP. She was adopted at 11, but left after conflicts with the mother. She got pregnant her senior year in high school and said she lived for a while with the baby's father. Later, a friend of a friend lined up work for her. That turned out to be prostitution, she said. Bentley, now 25, lives in Houston where she has started a catering business and also sings and raps and makes art and jewelry. "I'm actually just now learning how to be happy," she said. Kristopher Sharp rides on the Senate subway on Capitol Hill, on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, in Washington. After about 25 placements across Texas, Sharp refused a move 600 miles away during his senior year of high school. He soon found himself living on the streets of Houston and turned to prostitution for a place to stay at night or for a meal. Sharp entered the foster care system at 10, and testified he was molested beginning around age 12 by a residential treatment center employee. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Crystal Bentley explains her latest art project Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Houston. Bentley says after being physically and sexually abused in the Texas foster care system, shes become a statistic once, twice, again and again in adulthood: having unhealthy relationships, being sexually trafficked and having four children. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan) Cut out headlines and sayings are laid out for possible use for a art project by Crystal Bentley Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Houston. Bentley says after being physically and sexually abused in the Texas foster care system, shes become a statistic once, twice, again and again in adulthood: having unhealthy relationships, being sexually trafficked and having four children. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan) Crystal Bentley sits in her new apartment looking over her latest art project Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Houston. Bentley, entered the Texas foster care system at 2, where she was physically and sexually abused. Now 25, she lives in Houston where she has started a catering business and also sings and raps and makes art and jewelry. Im actually just now learning how to be happy, she said. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan) 'The Blacklist' spin-off with Famke Janssen coming to NBC LOS ANGELES (AP) "The Blacklist" is branching out. NBC announced Saturday that it has ordered a spin-off of the popular drama series starring James Spader as criminal-turned-informant Raymond "Red" Reddington. "The Blacklist: Redemption" will feature "The Blacklist" co-star Ryan Eggold, as well as guest stars Famke Janssen, Edi Gathegi and Tawny Cypress. FILE - In this Sept. 5, 2011 file photo, Famke Janssen poses during a photocall for her film" Bringing Up Bobby", at the 37th American Film Festival in Deauville, Normandy, France. "The Blacklist" is branching out. NBC announced Saturday, May 14, 2016 it has ordered a spin-off of the popular drama series starring James Spader as criminal-turned-informant Raymond "Red" Reddington. "The Blacklist: Redemption" will feature "The Blacklist" co-star Ryan Eggold, as well as guest stars Famke Janssen, Edi Gathegi and Tawny Cypress. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler) The network says the spin-off will revolve around Eggold's undercover operative Tom Keen joining forces with Janssen's mercenary boss Susan "Scottie" Hargrave. The announcement comes ahead of next week's "upfront" presentations in New York where broadcasters will hype the upcoming season's schedules to advertisers. Eggold has starred in "The Blacklist" since it debuted in 2013. The show's third season finale airs Thursday. Janssen has appeared in the "X-Men" and "Taken" film series, as well as the TV series "Nip/Tuck" and "Hemlock Grove." Thousands of tiny red crabs stranding on California beach NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (AP) Thousands of tiny red crabs are carpeting beaches in Orange County and creating an amazing spectacle for swimmers and surfers. Lifeguards estimate that hundreds of thousands of the tiny crustaceans washed up Friday on beaches in Newport Beach. Others were spotted in Laguna Beach. Sylvie Bergeron, of San Diego, at left, and her sister Line Bergeron, of Quebec, walk with their dogs next to tuna crabs that washed up onto the beach at Shaw's Cove on Friday, May 13, 2016 in Laguna Beach, Calif. Pelagic red crabs are usually found off Baja California but currents that are part of the El Nino weather pattern are sweeping them north. (Kevin Sullivan/The Orange County Register via AP) MAGS OUT; LOS ANGELES TIMES OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT The Orange County Register reports that (http://bit.ly/1WwUGne ) pelagic red crabs are usually found off Baja California, but currents that are part of the El Nino weather pattern are sweeping them north. The 1- to 3-inch-long crabs have washed up for several years along the Orange County coastline. Before that, they hadn't been seen in the area for decades. This Friday, May 13, 2016 photo shows tuna crabs washed up onto the beach at Shaw's Cove in Laguna Beach, Calif. Pelagic red crabs are usually found off Baja California but currents that are part of the El Nino weather pattern are sweeping them north. (Kevin Sullivan/The Orange County Register via AP) MAGS OUT; LOS ANGELES TIMES OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT Sylvie Bergeron, of San Diego and her sister Line Bergeron, of Quebec, walk over tuna crabs that washed up onto the beach at Shaw's Cove in Laguna Beach, Calif. Friday, May 13, 2016 . Pelagic red crabs are usually found off Baja California but currents that are part of the El Nino weather pattern are sweeping them north. (Kevin Sullivan/The Orange County Register via AP) MAGS OUT; LOS ANGELES TIMES OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT This Friday, May 13, 2016 photo shows tuna crabs washed up onto the beach at Shaw's Cove in Laguna Beach, Calif. Pelagic red crabs are usually found off Baja California but currents that are part of the El Nino weather pattern are sweeping them north. (Kevin Sullivan/The Orange County Register via AP) MAGS OUT; LOS ANGELES TIMES OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT New Mexico principal on leave over student-shaming poster FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) A Shiprock, New Mexico, middle school principal has been placed on leave for allegedly displaying a poster listing students who wouldn't be graduating to the next grade. The Farmington Daily Times reports (http://bit.ly/1TgvAEY) that district officials put Principal J. Kaibah Begay on leave Wednesday. Central Consolidated School District spokesman James Preminger says the administration learned Tuesday that Tse Bit'a'I Middle School had put up a poster in a hallway identifying 100 students who wouldn't be promoted. The school has more than 480 students between sixth and eighth grade. Preminger said Friday that interim Superintendent Colleen Bowman issued an apology, calling the poster an "ill-conceived attempt" to motivate students. Begay could not be reached for comment. The district's human resources director will be acting principal until the last day of school May 27. ___ Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil set to leave hospital SAO PAULO (AP) Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil is set to be released from a Sao Paulo hospital where he has been treated for the last four days for renal insufficiency. Via Instagram, Gil is thanking fans for their concern and good wishes and says he will soon be going home. Gil's press office said Saturday that he was due to be released the next day. Gil and longtime friend Caetano Veloso are credited with inventing the Tropicalism movement, a blend of rock and bossa nova music. FILE - In this May 27, 2015 file photo, Brazilian singer Gilberto Gil rehearses before a recording session at a studio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. According to Gil's press office, he is set to be released Sunday, May 14, 2016, from a Sao Paulo hospital where he has been treated for the last four days for renal insufficiency. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File) The political content of Tropicalism's lyrics offended the nation's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, and Gil and Veloso were jailed in 1968 and lived in exile in London from 1969 to 1972. Peru drugs mule Melissa Reid to be released from prison Drugs mule Melissa Reid is to be released from jail in Peru after authorities agreed to expel her from the country. The 22-year-old was imprisoned for cocaine smuggling in 2013 and had appealed to be expelled to serve the remainder of her sentence closer to home. Reid, from Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, and Michaella McCollum, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, were jailed in 2013 for six years and eight months after admitting trying to smuggle cocaine worth 1.5 million from Peru to Spain. Melissa Reid is to be released from prison in Peru, according to authorities in the country (AP) McCollum, 23, was freed in March under new legislation on early prison release introduced in Peru last year after serving two years and three months. Peruvian authorities agreed to release Reid after a court hearing on Friday. A magistrate ruled that she had been remorseful and shown her " intention to be re-inserted back in society' at an earlier hearing. The Daily Mail reported that the court was to inform the British embassy of the decision so arrangements can be made for Reid to be returned to the UK. The Foreign Office said on Saturday it was providing assistance to Reid and remained in contact with her family and local authorities. However, it is anticipated to be some time before the women are able to return home. McCollum and Reid were caught with the haul at Lima airport on August 6 2013 while attempting to fly to Spain. They claimed they were forced into carrying the drugs but pleaded guilty to charges later that year. The pair were caught trying to board a flight with 24lb (11kg) of cocaine in food packets hidden inside their luggage. McCollum and Reid faced the prospect of a maximum 15-year prison term but struck a behind-closed-doors plea bargain to secure a shorter sentence. They had previously been held at Lima's Virgen de Fatima prison but were moved to the Ancon 2 prison, where McCollum was reportedly crammed into a cell with 30 other prisoners with poor sanitation and toilet facilities. The Scottish Prison Service agreed in principle to a transfer in 2014 and Reid has been awaiting approval from the Peruvian authorities, who need to consent to her serving the remainder of her sentence under Scots law. Reid's father Billy has previously said the impact of his daughter's crime on his family had been "horrendous" and spoke out in a video warning of the consequences of drug offences abroad. He said: ''It's horrendous to see your daughter in handcuffs and the living conditions that she has to put up with. Melissa has spent her own 20th and 21st birthdays in prison in Peru. ''She missed the significant event of her only brother's wedding. Events such as Christmas are non-existent for us. Flying Scotsman back on track after Network Rail gives green light Flying Scotsman's planned trips north of the border are back on after earlier being cancelled at short notice. Track operator Network Rail revealed on Friday that the famous steam locomotive would no longer be able to undertake planned tours of the Borders and Fife on Sunday because it had not been able to carry out safety assessments on some lines in time for the trips. Scotland's Transport Minister Derek Mackay accused the rail body of "appalling incompetence" and started talks to restore some of the route. Flying Scotsman will be making its trip to the Borders on Sunday after all He later tweeted: " Solved. Flying Scotsman will run on Borders and Fife. Questions remain on how it came to this, but thanks a solution was found." Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne offered a "wholehearted and sincere apology" and said an investigation into Friday's cancellation will still take place. "Overnight and through today our engineers and analysts have worked hard to find a way to get the necessary safety checks and engineering assessments done," Mr Carne said. "I am pleased to say that we have been successful and are now able to reinstate the original planned tours of Flying Scotsman in Scotland on Sunday. "I wholeheartedly and sincerely apologise for the consternation caused by the premature announcement yesterday. "Once the tours have been safely and successfully run, I will be instigating a full investigation into how this problem occurred on our railway in Scotland." The locomotive is due to arrive at Edinburgh Waverley from York on Saturday and earlier plans would have seen a vintage diesel engine take over for Sunday's trips on the new Borders Railway to Tweedbank and across the Forth Bridge. The cancellation had dismayed hundreds of rail enthusiasts planning to see the recently refurbished steam engine. Excursion operators Steam Dreams said Network Rail had known about the trips for months but left work "until the last minute". Built in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, in 1923, Flying Scotsman pulled the first train to break the 100mph barrier in 1934. The National Railway Museum in York bought the locomotive for 2.3 million in 2004 before work got under way on its decade-long restoration two years later. Philip Hammond praises Nigerian leader days after PM's corruption comments Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has praised the Nigerian president's "strong leadership", days after David Cameron was overheard calling the country "fantastically corrupt". Mr Hammond made the remark during a visit to Nigeria where he praised President Muhammadu Buhari's approach to fighting terror group Boko Haram. On Tuesday Mr Cameron was caught on camera making the unflattering comment during a conversation with the Queen ahead of an anti-corruption summit. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has attended a summit in Nigeria "We've got some leaders of some fantastically corrupt countries coming to Britain," Mr Cameron told the Queen. "Nigeria and Afghanistan - possibly the two most corrupt countries in the world." Mr Buhari's spokesman Garba Shehu called the comments "embarrassing". In a statement on social media, he wrote: "This is embarrassing to us, to us say the least, given the good work that the president is doing. The eyes of the world are on what is happening here. The Prime Minister must be looking at an old snapshot of Nigeria. Things are changing with corruption and everything else." Following the incident , a Downing Street spokesman said: "Both leaders have been invited to the summit because they are driving the fight against corruption in their countries. The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with them as they do so." Mr Hammond is in Abuja, Nigeria, for a security summit where he restated Britain's support for the country in the fight against Boko Haram. The Foreign Secretary said: "President Buhari has shown strong leadership in the fight against Boko Haram, a brutal organisation that has raped, murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians and forced over two million people to flee their homes. Their allegiance to, and potential coordination with Daesh is a reminder of the threat they present to the region and to British interests. "Britain and Nigeria, with support from the US, France, and its neighbours, are making progress in degrading Boko Haram, but we must maintain the momentum to win the war, and build the right conditions for post-conflict stability in the region." Two years ago, the Islamic extremists seized 276 girls who had gathered for science exams at the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok. Some managed to escape, jumping off pick-up trucks as the Islamic extremists drove them toward the Sambisa Forest. Police issue impression of mystery man found dead near Peak District reservoir Police have released an artist's impression of a mystery man who was found dead in the Peak District last December. Dubbed Neil Dovestone, after the reservoir on Saddleworth Moor close to where his body was found, the man's identity remains unknown. CCTV footage shows him walking through Manchester Piccadilly train station on December 11. An artist's impression issued by Greater Manchester Police of a mystery man who was found dead in the Peak District The man was wearing a brown heavy jacket, blue jumper, white long sleeve shirt, blue corduroy trousers and black slip-on shoes. He is described as being white, slim, having a receding hairline with grey hair to the side and back and a large nose which may have been previously broken, and was clean-shaven. When the man's body was searched, he had money and three train tickets. One was from Ealing train station to Euston which was bought at 9.04am from the ticket office on Friday December 11 2015 and the other tickets were returns from Euston to Piccadilly, bought at 9.50am the same day. Luis Suarez nets hat-trick as Barcelona clinch title with Granada win Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick as Barcelona retained their Primera Division title with a 3-0 victory at Granada as Real Madrid's late-season charge came to nothing. Suarez's first-half double put the defending champions in control and the Uruguay international confirmed Barca's 24th La Liga crown with his third goal four minutes from time. Real, who entered the weekend just a point behind their fierce rivals, beat Deportivo La Coruna 2-0 courtesy of a Cristiano Ronaldo brace but it proved in vain. Barcelona are champions again (AP) The Champions League finalists were on an 11-match winning streak in the league and were looking to capitalise on any further slip-up from the Catalans to steal top spot. Barca, though, were not made to pay for their mini-slump in April - which brought three Primera Division defeats in four games - as they secured a fifth successive victory and a sixth title in eight years. Despite a nervy start at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes, it was Suarez who eased the tension with a 21st-minute goal. The former Liverpool forward tapped home Jordi Alba's cross and then headed in Dani Alves' centre at the near post just before the break to double Barcelona's advantage. Granada did seek a route back into the contest but Suarez ended any hope they, and Zinedine Zidane's Real, had of a comeback with a simple 86th-minute goal after unselfish work from Neymar. The hat-trick also allowed Suarez to win his personal battle with Ronaldo in the race to clinch the Trofeo Pichichi - the league's top scorer - with 40 goals. Madrid's talisman did do his best to breathe life into the title tussle with his own first-half double in Deportivo, but his 34th and 35th goals of the La Liga campaign were merely consolation. Atletico Madrid geared up for the Champions League final against their city neighbours with a 2-0 victory against Celta Vigo. Atletico were guaranteed to finish third no matter what the result at the Vicente Calderon Stadium but second-half goals from Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann secured a comfortable win. Celta Vigo, meanwhile, needed three points to seal fifth place and the result allowed Athletic Bilbao to take full advantage - although both still booked a Europa League spot for next season. Bilbao's 35-year-old striker Aritz Aduriz helped put Sevilla to the sword at San Mames Stadium with a first-half double to take his Primera Division season tally to 20. Juan Munoz Munoz pulled a goal back for Sevilla just after half-time before Raul Garcia wrapped up the 3-1 victory, which saw Bilbao leapfrog Celta. Sevilla, who face Liverpool in the Europa League final on Wednesday, had Timothee Kolodziejczak sent off in the second half and finished seventh despite failing to manage a single away win all season. Protesters stage Oxford Street protest against Topshop owner Sir Philip Green London's busiest shopping street ground to a halt as activists demonstrated against billionaire Topshop owner Sir Philip Green and his company's practices. Protesters stopped traffic, scuffled with police and blocked the entrances to several shops in the demonstration which was billed as part of the campaign for a real living wage. At its height the protest attracted around 150 activists, with crowds holding banners and standing in the middle of London's Oxford Circus, leaving traffic at a standstill for around 20 minutes. Protesters block traffic outside Topshop in Oxford Street in London Beginning outside the Topshop's flagship store, protesters stood in the road blocking buses and cars whilst chanting "Topshop, shame on you". The group then marched down Oxford Street, rushing towards the entrance of a John Lewis store where police scrambled to stop them entering and faced off with several protesters. The demonstration was arranged by living wage campaigners United Voices of the World union (UVW), who claim two Topshop cleaners have been "victimised and bullied" for joining their organisation. UVW said the cleaners, dubbed the Topshop Two, had been initially suspended and one has since been sacked. In recent weeks Sir Philip has come in for widespread criticism after BHS collapsed, months after he sold the company for 1, putting 11,000 jobs at risk and leaving a 571 million pension fund deficit. Aysan Dennis, from protest group Class War, told the Press Association: "We want our voices heard. This is a class war." Asked why she was blocking traffic she said, pointing at Topshop. "I don't care. The tax dodgers are the real criminals." Masked members of Class War lit red smoke bombs as bemused shoppers watched on. Teresa Grey, from UVW, said the group took to the streets to "make their voices heard". She said: "Two Topshop cleaners joined our union. For that, one was sacked, the other suspended." Asked where they were marching to, she said: "No idea. We're just marching." As the group diminished, they gathered outside Marble Arch Topshop, forcing the store to close its shutters leaving dozens of shoppers locked inside for around 15 minutes. Mexico says unhappy with Egypt's response to 2015 attack on tourists MEXICO CITY, May 13 (Reuters) - Mexico said that it was not satisfied with the Egyptian government's response to an aerial bombing in Egypt last year in which eight Mexican tourists wee killed. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its website on Thursday that it had sent a letter to the Egyptian embassy to express its "surprise and dissatisfaction" with the government's failure to thoroughly investigate the case, penalize the perpetrators and compensate victims. Last September, an Egyptian army aircraft fired on a group parked for a barbecue near a tourist site, thinking they were militants. In addition to the eight Mexicans, four Egyptians were killed. Six Mexicans were wounded. The ministry said that although media outlets had reported on negotiations with one of the victim's families, Mexico did not have any knowledge of that. The Egyptian foreign ministry could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts over Egypt's Friday weekend. The New York Times reported earlier this week that the Egyptian Tourism Federation would compensate families of three Mexican victims and it was also negotiating with families of the other Mexican victims. Two Mexicans convicted in drug cartel killing in Dallas suburb By Marice Richter FORT WORTH, Texas, May 13 (Reuters) - Two Mexican citizens were convicted by a U.S. jury in Texas on Friday of helping set up an ambush slaying of a suburban Fort Worth attorney who prosecutors said was a high-ranking member of a Mexican drug cartel. Jesus Ledezma, 59, and his cousin Jose Cepeda, 60, were each convicted of interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder for hire in the May 2013 shooting death of Juan Guerrero at a shopping center in the upscale Fort Worth suburb of Southlake. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Guerrero was gunned down by an assassin in a revenge plot masterminded by Mexican citizen Rodolfo Villarreal Hernandez, known as "El Gato" or "the cat," the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas said in a statement. Ledezma and Cepeda tracked Guerrero for two years, both in Mexico and the United States to set up the hit, according to evidence presented by prosecutors. The two men placed surveillance cameras in Guerrero's neighborhood of million-dollar homes and put tracking devices on vehicles owned by him and his relatives, prosecutors said. Guerrero, who prosecutors said was an attorney for a former leader of the Los Zetas crime syndicate, was shot multiple times with a 9 mm pistol while he sat in a Range Rover parked in an upscale shopping area. Video surveillance from the shopping center showed a Toyota Sequoia pull up behind the Range Rover. Someone then exited the vehicle and walked toward the passenger side of the Range Rover, where Guerrero was seated. New York Fed defends fund transfer after Bangladesh heist May 13 (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is standing by its procedures for wiring funds after facing scrutiny in the wake of the $81 million cyber heist at the Bangladesh central bank, a letter released by a congresswoman on Friday showed. The New York Fed was responding to criticism lobbed by U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, who had called for a probe of the fund transfers triggered by the February cyber attack on Bangladesh Bank. Criminals tried to withdraw $951 million from Bangladesh Bank's U.S. bank account in what ranked as one of the largest cyber heists in history. They succeeded in transferring $81 million. In the April 14 letter Thomas Baxter, general counsel and executive vice president at the New York Fed, said the correct procedures were followed in approving five transfers of money on Feb. 4 and in blocking 30. Baxter said the New York Fed's procedures for checking transfers included catching those to people subject to sanctions but would not stop a transfer if it had passed the authentication process on the SWIFT messaging network. "The vast majority of authenticated instructions received from foreign official account holders are not flagged for manual review by the automated systems," Baxter wrote in the letter. Authorities in Bangladesh and elsewhere are still trying to figure out how hackers carried out the attack and what happened to the money, which was routed from the Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Fed to accounts in the Philippines. Maloney said in a statement on Friday that while Baxter's letter provided key information about the incident, she remained "concerned that there are critical security gaps in the international payment system." China complains to WTO that U.S. fails to implement tariff ruling By David Lawder WASHINGTON, May 13 (Reuters) - In another sign of escalating trade tensions between China and the United States, Beijing told the World Trade Organization on Friday that Washington was failing to implement a WTO ruling against punitive U.S. tariffs on a range of Chinese goods. China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said it had requested consultations with the United States over the issue, and anti-subsidy duties on products including solar panels, wind towers and steel pipe used in the oil industry. China's complaint to the WTO was filed just days after Washington lodged a similar complaint against China, accusing it of unfairly continuing punitive duties on U.S. exports of broiler chicken products in violation of WTO rules. "By disregarding the WTO rules and rulings, the United States has severely impaired the integrity of WTO rules and the interests of Chinese industries," MOFCOM said in a statement distributed by the Chinese embassy in Washington. The case was first brought before the WTO by China in 2012 against U.S. duties on 15 diverse product categories that also include thermal paper, steel sinks and tow-behind lawn grooming equipment. In December 2014, the WTO's Appellate Body ruled in favor of Chinese claims that the products subject to duties had not benefited from subsidies from "public bodies" favoring particular manufacturers. The deadline for implementation of the rulings and recommendations of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, set through binding arbitration, expired on April 1, according to WTO records. A U.S. Trade Representative spokesman said the United States had been "working diligently to comply with the recommendations" and to fully conform with its WTO obligations. He added that the U.S. response to China's request for consultations would come "in due course." Trade tensions between the two largest economies have been rising in the past year as China's economic slowdown floods world markets with manufactured goods. U.S. producers of steel and aluminum have filed a number of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy complaints against imports from China. New York Fed defends fund transfer after Bangladesh heist By Nathan Layne May 13 (Reuters) - After an $81 million cyber heist at the Bangladesh central bank, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said there was no problem with its procedures for approving fund transfers, according to a letter released on Friday by a U.S. lawmaker who had questioned those methods. U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney had called for a probe of the fund transfers triggered by the February cyber attack on the Bangladesh central bank. In the April 14 letter Thomas Baxter, general counsel and executive vice president at the New York Fed, said the correct procedures were followed in approving five transfers of money and in blocking 30. Blocking the 30 requests prevented the attackers from reaching their goal of stealing a total of $951 million. Baxter said the New York Fed's systems were designed to flag transfers to people and jurisdictions subject to sanctions but not to block a transfer if it had passed the authentication process on the SWIFT messaging network. That comment was an acknowledgement that the New York Fed, much like other banks, in most cases relies solely on SWIFT verification to prevent fraud and does not take additional steps. "Unlike the SWIFT authentication protocols, these steps are not designed to protect our customers from an unauthorized transfer," Baxter wrote in the letter. "The vast majority of authenticated instructions received from foreign official account holders are not flagged for manual review by the automated systems." Authorities in Bangladesh and elsewhere are still trying to figure out how hackers carried out the attack and what happened to the money, which was routed from the Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Fed to banks in the Philippines. Cyber security firm BAE Systems connected the heist on Friday to the hack at Sony Corp's film studio in 2014, a day after SWIFT disclosed a second attack similar to the Bangladesh incident, this time hitting a commercial bank. The attacks have put a spotlight on the global financial messaging system run by SWIFT, a Belgian based co-operative owned by member banks. Maloney said in a statement on Friday that while Baxter's letter provided key information about the incident, she remained "concerned that there are critical security gaps in the international payment system." G7 to take steps on global steel glut-draft By Francesco Guarascio TOKYO, May 14 (Reuters) - The Group of Seven nations will take steps to tackle a global glut in steel that many blame on overcapacity at Chinese producers of the material used in construction and cars, according to a draft text obtained by Reuters. If adopted at the G7 summit in Japan later this month, it will likely add to pressure on China, which accounts for about half of global steel output, to take steps after production hit a record high earlier this year. Steel mills from Australia to the U.K. are under threat of closure because of the glut. "We recognise the negative impact of global excess capacity across industrial sectors, especially steel, on our economies, trade and workers," the draft text says. "We are committed to moving quickly in taking steps to address this issue by enhancing market function, including through coordinated actions that identify and seek to eliminate such subsidies and support, and by encouraging adjustment." G7 leaders will meet on May 26-27 in Ise-Shima near Nagoya, a major car production and steel manufacturing centre. China's steel output hit a record in March as rising prices and better margins prompted mills that had been shut or suspended to resume production. Chinese prices have since plummeted, with Chinese steel futures posting their biggest weekly fall since 2009 on Friday. Last month, China and other major steel producers failed to agree on measures to tackle the overcapacity crisis, prompting the United States, European Union and others to call for urgent action. China plans to shed as much as 150 million tonnes of domestic crude steel capacity in the next five years in a bid to help tackle the capacity overhangs that have saddled domestic firms with losses and debts. France and Germany urged fellow EU members on Friday to tighten trade defences to protect the bloc's companies against floods of cheap imports, including steel products from China. Cheap Chinese steel exports have been cited as one reason for Tata Steel's decision to sell its British steel operations. Australian steel and mining company Arrium has gone into administration, while in Germany steelworkers have taken to the streets because of the threat of job cuts. Chinese officials have said that they are already taking sufficient steps to curb capacity, while state news said blaming China for the global steel crisis is an excuse for protectionism that would be counter-productive. Some European countries are opposed to the wording of the G7 draft text because of fears about retaliation from China, according to a source. China is not the only concern, with Japan threatening to take action against India at the World Trade Organisation after it set minimum prices for imported steel. Japan and South Korea have also been criticised for exporting steel products cheaper than those sold domestically. Buddhist monk hacked to death in Bangladesh DHAKA, May 14 (Reuters) - An elderly Buddhist monk was hacked to death on Saturday at a temple in Bangladesh, police said. The body of Mongsowe U Chak, 75, was found at the isolated temple where he lived alone in Naikkhangchhari village, about 338 kilometers (211 miles) southeast of Dhaka, police said. Police said they did not know the motive of the killing and no one had been arrested. The Muslim-majority nation of 160 million people has seen a surge in violent attacks over the past few months in which liberal activists, members of minority Muslim sects and other religious groups have been targeted by Islamist extremists. Kuwait deputy FM says Iran, oil producers must not increase production DUBAI, May 14 (Reuters) - Kuwait's deputy foreign minister Khaled Jarallah said oil exporting countries must freeze production and the market could not support a production increase from Iran, state news agency KUNA reported on Saturday. "There is no choice but to freeze production," KUNA quoted Jarallah as telling Japanese news agency Jiji press while he and acting oil minister Anas al-Saleh attend a Kuwait-Japan business seminar in Tokyo. Asked about Iranian production policy, Jarallah said, "Iran should learn from the market ... the market does not give an opportunity to increase production." OPEC members and other oil exporters failed in a meeting in the Qatari capital Doha on April 17 to reach an agreement on freezing their output to rebalance the global oil market. Iran, seeking to regain market share after international sanctions on Tehran were lifted last year, had refused to join the supply freeze initiative and the deal fell apart after Saudi Arabia insisted Tehran take part. For Iran and Hezbollah, a costly week in Syria By Tom Perry and Babak Dehghanpisheh BEIRUT, May 13 (Reuters) - A rebel onslaught on the town of Khan Touman near Aleppo last week delivered one of the biggest battlefield setbacks yet to the coalition of foreign Shi'ite fighters waging war on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al Assad. Reports put the death toll among the Iranian, Afghani and Lebanese militiamen as high as 80 in the attack spearheaded by the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front. At least 17 of the dead were Iranians, seemingly the highest toll in a battle outside the Islamic Republic's borders since the Iran-Iraq war. "Pray for us, we can't move. There are 83 of us in one room. We're waiting for artillery backup so we can pull back," an Iranian fighter wrote in a WhatsApp message, quoted by state-run Iranian website Jaam-e-Jam. "God willing, we are martyred rather than taken prisoner." Events in Khan Touman were followed by an even bigger blow to Iran and its allies: news emerged early Friday of the killing of Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, who had been overseeing the Lebanese group's military operations in Syria. It is unclear how such reversals will affect the course of a war that grew out of Arab spring-inspired protests in 2011 calling for democratic change. Before Iran, Hezbollah and Russia came to Assad's aid, his grip on power appeared to be failing. The commitment of these allies to support him is seen by diplomats and Middle East experts as key to Assad's survival. Such blows are evidence of the price being paid by Iran and Hezbollah in Syria, and the wide range of adversaries they face in a multi-sided war that has escalated again in recent weeks as U.N.-led diplomacy has foundered. Israel has not missed the chance to pick off top Iranian and Hezbollah commanders in Syria over the past year or more. Hezbollah, a Shi'ite group established by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, said Badreddine had been killed in an explosion near Damascus airport. One Hezbollah official blamed Israel. The Israeli government has not commented. Other enemies in the predominantly Sunni insurgency are meanwhile celebrating what they see as Iran's defeat in Khan Touman, which followed the loss of the nearby town of al-Eis. One security expert close to Damascus described low morale on the government side because hard-won territory had been lost. One explanation of the reversal could be that there is less Russian air support. Russia has been mounting air strikes in support of Assad for seven months, but it has also been involved in U.S.-backed diplomatic efforts and supported ceasefires. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and a rebel fighting in the area said the intensity of recent Russian air strikes had diminished. That could be a source of friction between the alliance supporting Assad, analysts of the conflict say. SHOCK IN IRAN The attack by Nusra and its allies on Khan Touman created shockwaves in Iran. Sites linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps published the names and photos of 13 Iranians killed in Khan Touman. Most of them were from a unit of the Guard in Mazandaran province in northern Iran. But there were concerns among some Iranian officials and military leaders that the report of heavy casualties could sway public opinion against Iran's involvement in Syria. A press release from the Revolutionary Guard office in Mazandaran, the province where most of the Iranians killed were based, reflected these concerns. In order to "preserve calm in society" only information released by their office should be trusted, it said. Among the Iranians killed was Shafie Shafiee, a commander of the elite Quds force, according to the Tasnim news site, which is affiliated to the Revolutionary Guards. His body was seized by Syrian rebels, according to the another site, ABNA. Pictures posted by rebels and reprinted by Iranian news sites show closeups of individual fighters killed in the battle. One photo shows what appears to be at least a dozen bloodied corpses lined up in the hallway of a building. Another set of photos posted by the Syrian opposition show two prisoners of indeterminate nationality, bound and bloodied, being led behind a vehicle. Mohammad Saleh Jokar, a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy committee, said there were not any precise numbers on how many Iranians had been killed or taken prisoner in the Khan Touman "disaster". Parliament speaker Ali Larijani called it a crime carried out by "cowardly terrorists" during a ceasefire - an apparent reference to a cessation of hostilities agreement to which the Nusra Front and other jihadist groups are not a party. "This incident will not go unanswered," Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council said in an interview with the Young Journalists Club news site this week. Footage shot from a drone by rebels shows a complex assault on Khan Touman that began with a barrage of rockets or mortars and involved armored vehicles and a tank. A mushroom cloud, apparently caused by a car bomb, is seen erupting near a building. HEZBOLLAH VOWS TO FIGHT ON Iran has announced the death of half a dozen generals in Syria, and a much larger number of less senior officers since 2012. Hezbollah has meanwhile lost four prominent fighters, including Badreddine, a brother-in-law of the group's late military commander Imad Moughniyah. Badreddine was the most senior Hezbollah figure to be killed since Moughniyah was assassinated in 2008, also in Damascus. Hezbollah is estimated to have lost a total of around 1,200 fighters in Syria, where its highly trained guerrillas have provided crucial support to the Syrian military. The group depicts its war in Syria as an existential struggle against ultra-radical jihadists such as the Nusra Front and Islamic State, groups it refers to as "takfiris". German firms scaling back investment in Britain ahead of EU vote By Michael Nienaber BERLIN, May 13 (Reuters) - German companies are scaling back their investment in Britain ahead of its June 23 referendum on membership of the European Union, and German industry is becoming increasingly vocal in warning that a Brexit would hit both countries' economies. German foreign direct investment to Britain fell by 6 percent on the quarter to 4.4 billion euros ($5 billion) in the first three months of this year, Bundesbank data reviewed by Reuters showed. That followed an already steep annual decline of more than 40 percent in 2015. "A British exit means uncertainty for German companies doing business in Britain," Markus Kerber, managing director of the BDI Federation of German Industries, told Reuters. "Firms are reacting to this, they are delaying or reducing their investment." Reflecting the concerns of German companies and investors ahead of the British referendum, Kerber said a Brexit would lead to severe legal uncertainties for at least the next two years, creating economic risks for both Britain and Germany. German companies are among the biggest foreign investors in the UK, with 2,500 subsidiaries and some 500,000 British employees in sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, transport, energy and retail, according to German Industry UK, a private organisation of some 100 chief executives of companies in Britain with a German majority shareholding. While German firms generally decline to comment in detail on their investment plans in Britain, there are signs that managers are becoming increasingly worried ahead of Britain's referendum. "From our point of view, it would be advantageous, particularly in terms of wealth and employment if Britain was to stay in the EU," a Siemens spokesman said. He said if Britain should leave the EU, Siemens would not terminate its business activities there. "But a British exit could play a role when it comes to future investment decisions." Like many other German companies in Britain, Siemens sent a letter to its 14,000 British employees last month, warning of the risks the firm would face if Britain voted to leave. "In particular, a new trade deal with the EU could take many years to conclude and it is impossible to predict the terms that will be agreed and at what price," the Siemens management said. "This uncertainty, and threat of increased costs, could make the UK a less attractive place to do business and may become a factor when Siemens is considering future investment here." Companies that have published similar letters or statements include BMW, whose British employees make the luxury Rolls-Royce car, as well as chemical company BASF and planemaker Airbus . A Brexit would not only affect the British economy. A study by DZ Bank showed it could also cost Germany up to 45 billion euros by the end of 2017 as exports from Europe's economic power house would likely be hit, at a time of already waning demand from emerging markets like China. In 2015, German companies exported goods worth some 89 billion euros to Britain, making the UK their third-most important export destination. At the same time, Germany imported British goods worth some 38 billion euros, leaving a trade surplus of around 51 billion euros. Bolt for freedom ends for Dutch tigers on the loose AMSTERDAM, May 14 (Reuters) - A few hours of freedom ended for two Bengal tigers that escaped from a big cat shelter in the Dutch countryside on Saturday, when police managed to sedate them and get them back in their enclosure. Residents in the northern village of Oldeberkoop, with a population of 1,500, had been told to stay indoors while the tigers - named Radjah and Dehli - were on the loose. "Careful work by a dog catcher and a vet appears to have tranquilised both tigers. Now checking if they're sleeping deeply," said local police officer Jan Graafstra in a tweet before it was confirmed they were back home. An initial attempt to tranquilise one of the tigers failed. Nobody had been in any danger during the chase, said Gijsje van Bentum, spokeswoman for the Felida animal sanctuary, where Radjah and Dehli are kept. The tigers had never left the shelter's property after escaping their enclosure, she added. Felida receives often elderly big cats from circuses and zoos, treats them, and works to rehome some in a larger shelter in South Africa. This pair was rescued from a zoo in Germany where they were no longer being fed. The two tigers appeared to have escaped from their enclosure through a gate that had accidentally been left open. Syrian forces retake Deir al-Zor hospital after "major" Islamic State offensive BEIRUT, May 14 (Reuters) - Syrian government forces retook a hospital in Deir al-Zor after Islamic State attacked it on Saturday following a dawn offensive by the militants on the besieged eastern Syrian city, a war monitor and state media said. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors Syria's five-year-long war, said Islamic State had killed at least 35 members of the Syrian armed forces and detained some medical staff from the hospital. The fighting in and around the hospital also killed at least 24 Islamic State fighters, the Observatory said. Islamic State's Amaq news agency said its fighters staged a "major offensive" on the southwestern edge of Deir al-Zor on Saturday, storming the Assad Hospital and cutting the supply route between the a Syrian army base and the airport. Islamic State controls most of Deir al-Zor province and has laid siege since March last year to the remaining government-held areas in the city of the same name, which is close to Syria's eastern border with Iraq. Deir al-Zor province links Islamic State's de facto capital in the Syrian city of Raqqa with territory controlled by the militant group in neighbouring Iraq. Islamic State also said it had taken control of a check point, a fire station, university accommodation, grain silos and some territory near the al-Tayyam oil fields, in the vicinity of the state-held military airport on the city's southern edge. Russia's RIA state news agency on Saturday reported a source within the airbase on the southern edge of the city as saying an Islamic State attack had been repelled. The Observatory and Amaq said there were ongoing fierce clashes between government forces and Islamic State in the area of the attack. Islamic State said it killed at least 80 government troops, took three prisoner and destroyed a number of armoured vehicles. Iraq oil projects face delays as companies resist spending cuts By Ahmed Rasheed BAGHDAD, May 13 (Reuters) - International oil firms have warned Iraq that projects to increase its crude output will be delayed if the government insists on drastic spending cuts this year, a senior Iraqi oil official said on Friday. Oil companies helping Iraq develop its massive oil fields effectively perform a role similar to oil service firms in that they have to clear spending with the government each year. They are then repaid with crude oil produced from existing fields. The arrangement worked smoothly when oil prices were above $100 a barrel but since crude has collapsed to $40 a barrel, Iraq has been struggling to find enough oil to repay the companies for their investment. Iraq relies on oil for nearly all its revenues and is spending heavily to fight Islamic State in its northern and western provinces. With its finances stretched, Iraq has asked foreign oil companies to rein in their budgets for developing the country's oil resources for a second year in a row but the two sides have failed so far to agree on spending levels. The Iraqi government request was contained in Oil Ministry letters, seen by Reuters, to BP, Royal Dutch Shell , Exxon Mobil, Eni, Lukoil and Petronas. "There has been no agreement so far with the foreign companies on the proposed budgets, and that is causing delays in all key oil field projects," said the Iraqi official, adding that the talks were continuing. The government has also argued that prices for goods and services have fallen steeply during the market downturn so oil companies should be getting less. Some companies, however, have complained that the proposed budgets may prevent them from continuing operations in Iraq, the official said, giving no details. He said BP, Shell and Lukoil have already objected to the proposed investment budgets. Iraq's outgoing Oil Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi had said in February that the budget for foreign oil company development costs had been revised down to just over $9 billion in 2016 from $23 billion, following complex negotiations. Among OPEC members, Iraq's supply rose last year and output reached a record 4.775 million barrels per day in January 2016. SPENDING AND PRODUCTION TARGETS According to a summary of Iraq's proposals seen by Reuters: * BP has been asked to cut its 2016 budget to $2.48 billion and target output of 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) at the Rumaila field it operates. BP proposed a budget of $3.25 billion for 2015, though the amount agreed with Iraq may have differed. * Lukoil is expected to cut spending to $1.26 billion and aim for a production of 400,000 bpd at the West Qurna 2 project. The Russian company proposed a 2015 budget of $2.1 billion. * Eni should cut spending to $1.62 billion and aim for production of 351,000 bpd at the Zubair field. The Italian firm said in February it would cut spending by 20 percent across the board this year, without specifying the size of cuts in Iraq. * ExxonMobil was asked to slash spending to $878 million and aim for output of 379,000 bpd at the West Qurna 1 project. Last year, the U.S. company insisted on spending $1.8 billion. * Shell should cut spending to $855 million and aim for a 200,000 bpd from the Majnoon field. Last year, it proposed a budget of $1.5 billion. * Petronas should reduce costs to $712 million and target production of 100,000 bpd from the Garraf field. Argentina agrees $217 mln arbitration deal with energy companies BUENOS AIRES, May 14 (Reuters) - Argentina has agreed to pay $217 million to two energy companies in long-standing arbitration cases stemming from its 2001/02 economic crisis, part of the center-right government's efforts to lure back foreign investors. The country will pay damages to Britain's BG Group, now owned by Royal Dutch Shell, and U.S. firm El Paso Energy, now owned by Kinder Morgan, the Argentine finance ministry said in a statement late on Friday. "Both agreements put an end to the claims and level the way to re-establishing direct investments, particularly from companies coming from the associated countries (Britain and the United States) and in the energy sector," the ministry said. The World Bank's International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) had found in favor of both companies in 2014. Last month, Argentina returned to global debt markets and paid off 'holdout' creditors, 14 years after a massive sovereign debt default that triggered an exit of investors and a wave of litigation. New business-friendly President Mauricio Macri hopes closing that painful chapter in the country's history will bring down borrowing costs across Latin America's third-largest economy and attract the investment needed to kick-start growth. The government is keen to move towards energy self-suffiency and Macri has promised to increase investment in the oil sector, particularly in renewable energy and the sprawling Vaca Muerta shale formation in Patagonia. Moody's cuts Saudi, Oman, Bahrain debt ratings DUBAI, May 14 (Reuters) - Moody's Investors Service cut its debt ratings for Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain on Saturday while assigning negative outlooks to three neighbouring states, as low oil prices continue to undermine government finances in the region. The rating agency downgraded Saudi Arabia's long-term issuer rating by one notch to A1 but gave the kingdom a stable outlook, saying sweeping economic reforms announced by the government last month might stabilise the state budget. In late April, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman revealed Saudi Arabia's biggest policy shake-up in decades, including tax rises, an efficiency drive and plans to give a bigger role to the private sector. "The government has ambitious and comprehensive plans to diversify both the economy and its balance sheet which, if even partly successful, should stabilise its credit profile and which could, if achieved, offer a route back to a higher rating level over time," Moody's said. However, the agency said it was still uncertain how Saudi Arabia would fund a massive budget deficit averaging 9.5 percent of gross domestic product between 2016 and 2020, which would require total financing of $324 billion. "It is not yet clear how this cumulative financing need will be met: while Saudi Arabia's low levels of government debt at 5.8 percent of GDP in 2015 provide fiscal space, no medium-term funding strategy has yet been announced," Moody's said. The agency downgraded Oman by one notch to Baa1 with a stable outlook, and cut Bahrain by one notch to Ba2, deeper in junk territory, with a negative outlook. Both countries lack the huge financial and oil reserves of their wealthy neighbours. While Bahrain can expect support from its ally Saudi Arabia in a crisis, it is likely to find it increasingly hard to borrow in the international markets, particularly since it will be competing for money with its neighbours, Moody's said. "The further deterioration in the government's balance sheet, combined with increased external debt issuance from other countries in the region, will lower the supply of external funding, thereby heightening the risk that finance is obtainable only at much less affordable rates for Bahrain, or potentially reduced amounts." Moody's also confirmed the Aa2 ratings of the United Arab Emirates and its biggest member, Abu Dhabi, but assigned a negative outlook to them. The UAE has been more proactive than its neighbours in restraining spending and reforming its finances in an environment of low oil prices, but Moody's said the government's policies to cut its budget deficit were still not clear. U.N. experts accuse Congo general of aiding attacks on civilians By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, May 14 (Reuters) - A Congolese general recruited, financed and armed elements of a Ugandan Islamist group to kill civilians while he was in charge of a military operation targeting the rebels, according to a confidential report to the United Nations Security Council. A panel of U.N. experts, who monitor sanctions on Democratic Republic of Congo, said "it has become clear that FARDC (Congolese army) officers were involved in recruiting and supplying armed groups involved in the killings (of civilians)." More than 500 people have died in a wave of attacks in eastern Congo since October 2014, rights groups say. The Congolese government has blamed most of those on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Brigadier General Muhindo Akili Mundos was in charge of the offensive against the ADF - named Sukola, or "cleanup" in the local Lingala language - between August 2014 and June 2015. "The Group knows of eight individuals that were approached in 2014 by General Mundos to participate in the killings," the experts wrote in the report, seen by Reuters. Three members of the ADF-Mwalika, a splinter group of the core ADF, told the experts that before the killings began Mundos had persuaded elements of their group to merge with other recruits. "According to them, General Mundos financed and equipped this group with weapons, ammunition and FARDC uniforms. He came to their camp several times, sometimes wearing an FARDC uniform and sometimes in civilian clothes," the experts said. "Although it is unclear if they knew what the objective was initially, these three ADF-Mwalika elements were eventually given the order to kill civilians," they said. Mundos told Reuters on Saturday that the accusations against him were false and the killings had continued after he left the operation. The U.N. report also contains accusations of links between other Congolese army officers and the ADF. The Congolese army and the Congolese government did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Saturday. The U.N. experts said that while the number of killings had decreased since Mundos was transferred from the Sukola operation in June 2015, "the killings of civilians have continued by armed elements throughout 2015 and early 2016." Gambia charges six women for protesting trial of opposition figures ABIDJAN, May 14 (Reuters) - Gambia has charged six women with offences including rioting, unlawful assembly and inciting violence for demonstrating against the prosecution of dozens of opposition activists, a defence lawyer and court official said on Saturday. Police arrested the women on May 9 outside a courthouse in the capital Banjul where about 45 members of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) were standing trial for staging protests against President Yahya Jammeh. The demonstrations are a rare act of defiance in Gambia, where Jammeh has dealt swiftly and severely with dissent since seizing power in a 1994 coup. This week's demonstration involved many women, some of whom carried cooking spoons -- a traditional symbol of protest in the West African nation. UDP officials say 25 of their members were arrested outside the courthouse. It was not clear whether the other 19 protesters remained in custody or if they would face charges. The six women were due to appear in court on Monday. Jammeh has garnered international attention for his eccentric proclamations, including a claim to have invented a cure for HIV/AIDS, and his recent surprise decision to make Gambia an Islamic republic. But he is also regularly denounced by rights groups and foreign governments for ruthlessly stamping out political dissent in the nation of two million people, which is a popular beach destination for budget-conscious European tourists. Having scrapped constitutional term limits, Jammeh, who once told a report he could rule Gambia for "a billion years", is expected to win re-election again in December. Brazil rebuffs Latin American leftists over Rousseff suspension RIO DE JANEIRO, May 14 (Reuters) - Brazil's interim government dismissed criticism by leftist countries in Latin America, including Venezuela, Cuba and Bolivia, over the impeachment process of Dilma Rousseff, who was suspended as president by the senate. The leftist president of El Salvador on Saturday added to the regional pressure on Brazil, saying that he would not recognize the interim government and recalled his ambassador, claiming there had been "political manipulation" in Latin America's biggest country. The bickering, not rare between leftist leaders and more conservative governments at a time when much of the region is moving to the right, comes as centrist Michel Temer, Rousseff's vice president, assumes Brazil's presidency and scrambles to pull the economy out of its worst recession since the 1930s. Rousseff, after five months of impeachment proceedings, now faces a senate trial over irregularities in her government's budget. The trial could take up to 180 days and is expected to lead to her definitive ouster. In a statement Friday evening, Brazil's foreign ministry said it "emphatically rejects" neighbors "allowing themselves to opine and propagate falsehoods over internal political process in Brazil." In a separate statement, the ministry, headed by Jose Serra, a prominent former senator and presidential candidate, criticized the head of Unasur, a South American regional bloc. Ernesto Samper, Unasur's secretary general, earlier had questioned the validity of Rousseff's suspension. After Brazil's strongly-worded statements Friday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is also struggling with economic problems and a push to remove him from office, asked his ambassador to Brazil to come home to discuss the tensions. Maduro is among leaders, including Rousseff herself, who have condemned her suspension as a "coup". Rousseff, who is spending the weekend with family in the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre, has said she could appeal to regional organizations in efforts to discredit the impeachment process. Thus far, however, she has complied with all procedures related to her suspension. On Saturday, mainstream Brazilian media made light of the statements by leftists in the region, especially the Socialist government of Venezuela and Communist-run Cuba. Nigeria's Buhari needs to address grievances in Delta after militant attacks-UK By Ulf Laessing ABUJA, May 14 (Reuters) - Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari needs to address grievances in the Delta region where militants have been blowing up oil pipelines in a conflict that has become a "major concern", a senior British official said on Saturday. The swamps of the southern Delta have been hit by a series of attacks on pipelines and other oil and gas facilities that have reduced Nigeria's output by 300,000 barrels a day, closed a major export port and two refineries. Nigeria has moved in army reinforcements to hunt the militants but British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond said Buhari needed to the deal with the root causes because a military confrontation could end in "disaster". Crude sales from the Delta account for 70 percent of national income in Africa's biggest economy but residents, some of whom sympathise with the militants, have long complained of poverty. "It's obviously a major concern," Hammond told reporters on the sidelines of a regional security conference in Abuja when asked about the Delta situation. "The idea that your answer is by moving big chunks of the Nigerian army to the Delta simply doesn't work," he said, adding that the army did not have the capacity while fighting Boko Haram jihadists in the north. "It won't deal with the underlying issues." "Buhari has got to show as a president from the north that he is not ignoring the Delta, that he is engaging with the challenges in the Delta," Hammond said. Buhari is a Muslim from the north who has not visited the Christian Delta since taking office a year ago, something highlighted by a militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, which has claimed a string of attacks on pipelines. The group has warned oil firms to leave the region within two weeks and says it is fighting for independence for the Delta. It has said it wanted a greater share of oil revenues and an end to oil pollution. The attacks have driven Nigerian oil output to near a 22-year low and, if the violence escalates into another insurgency, it could cripple output in a country facing a growing economic crisis. Boko Haram to increase cooperation if Islamic State boosts Libya presence-UK By Ulf Laessing ABUJA, May 14 (Reuters) - Boko Haram jihadists are likely to step up cooperation with Islamic State should the latter extremist group gain a stronger foothold in Libya, a senior British official said on Saturday. Boko Haram, which has been waging a seven-year insurgency in northern Nigeria, last year pledged loyalty to Islamic State. Little is known about the extent of cooperation. But Western officials worry that Islamic State's growing presence in North Africa and ties with Boko Haram could herald a push south into the Sahel region and create a springboard for wider attacks. Islamic State first seized parts of Syria and Iraq but later built up a foothold in Libya, exploiting a security vacuum. "If we see Daesh establish a stronger presence in Libya, that feels much more to people here like a direct communications route, that is likely to step up the practical collaboration between the two groups," British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond said at a security conference in Nigeria. He was referring to a derogatory name of Islamic State. On Friday, a senior U.S. official said there were signs of Boko Haram fighters going to Libya from Nigeria, crossing via porous Sub-Saharan borders. "The intent is clearly there, the evidence of hard collaboration is still pretty sketchy," Hammond said about the cooperation between the two groups. At the conference attended by Nigeria's neighbours and Western powers, several African leaders warned stability in lawless Libya was key to fighting Boko Haram and improving security in the region. In a speech, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari said the army had almost recaptured all territory it had lost to Boko Haram, though the group still often stages suicide bombings. "What remains is to dislodge the terrorists from their hideout in the (northeastern) Sambisa forest and safely liberate the Chibok girls and other victims of abduction," he said. He was referring to a group of 219 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in the Nigerian town of Chibok in 2014. Buhari also said the Nigeria's army was respecting human rights when dealing with civilians, a condition from the U.S. to fulfill requests to sell it aircraft and other arms. Under Buhari's predecessor Goodluck Jonathan, the United States had blocked arms sales, partly due to human rights concerns. Climate activists in New York, Washington state protest fossil fuels May 14 (Reuters) - Hundreds of climate change activists in Washington state and New York mobilized on Saturday as part of a global protest against fossil fuels, event organizers said. The so-called Break Free 2016 is a 12-day protest event seeking to call attention to climate change and demanding a transition to clean energy, according to the organization's website. Events are planned on six continents. Hundreds of activists were holding a protest in Anacortes, Washington, after about 150 demonstrators spent Friday night occupying railroad tracks leading to Tesoro Corp and Royal Dutch Shell refineries some 70 miles (113 km)north of Seattle. Tesoro spokeswoman Destin Singleton said operations at the refinery were not affected. A Shell representative could not immediately be reached. Break Free Pacific Northwest organizer Ahmed Gaya said, "Break Free is about pressuring the system so we get the change we need, but it's also about imagining an alternative." Gus Melonas, a spokesman for BNSF Railway Co, said train service had been shut down for the day on the Anacortes tracks leading to the refineries. He added however that rail officials were planning with local authorities to have the protesters removed. "Obviously these people can voice their opinion, but we ask that they do it off our property," Melonas said. "We can only put up with it for so long." Skagit County Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Kathy Watson said there had been no arrests made by Saturday afternoon. In Albany, New York, about 1,500 people gathered to protest against trains carrying crude oil into the Port of Albany, said Break Free Albany spokeswoman Aly Johnson-Kurts. She said organizers expected that 40 people would spend Saturday night at an encampment set up on train tracks leading into the port to blockade the oil shipments. Earlier on Saturday, two activists were arrested after suspending themselves from a railroad bridge over the Watervliet Reservoir in nearby Guilderland and stopping a train, Johnson-Kurts said. New York authorities could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. Representatives for the Port of Albany were also not immediately available. German police find pig's head outside Merkel's constituency office BERLIN, May 15 (Reuters) - Police found a pig's head bearing a written insult against German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the entrance to her constituency office in the northeastern town of Stralsund on Saturday, state police said. Police declined to provide further details about the insult when contacted by Reuters, saying an investigation had been launched. Merkel's popularity has waned due to her liberal migrant policy. More than a million migrants arrived in Germany last year, many of them fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa, and concerns about how Europe's largest economy will be able to integrate them are now rife. A quick survey of the bars in Chennai on the evening of Friday the 13th (May), a mere 72 hours before the state goes to the polls on May 16 for 234 seats in the state Assembly, may give you the answer. The bars are crammed to capacity. The alcohol is flowing like the Cauvery in full flood. The men please note, there are almost no women here are thoroughly enjoying each others company. There is absolutely no sign that only a few days from now, all this could be a thing of the recently remote past. Thats because Tamil Nadus major political parties, the AIADMK led by J Jayalalithaa and the DMK led by MK Karunanidhi, have promised to ban liquor if they come to power. Results come in on May 19. A TASMAC liquor shop in Tamil Nadu. Actually, it was the PMK, a small party led by former health minister in the first UPA government, Anbumani Ramadoss, which first campaigned for prohibition, a charge that has since also been picked up by the Third Front, an alphabet soup of abbreviations led by former film actor Vijaykanths DMDK, a pro-Dalit group called VCK led by Thol Thirumavalavan, Vaikos pro-LTTE party, MDMK, a breakaway faction of the Congress led by GK Vasan, as well as the CPI and the CPI(M). Folklore has it that it was the accidental death last year of Gandhian activist Sasi Perumal, who had been agitating for a ban on liquor in the state that lit the spark of prohibition, which has since become a major election plank. It seems Perumal was witness to the ravages of rising alcoholism in Tamil Nadu, especially in the villages and the devastating effect it was having on families. All states control their liquor policy, but Tamil Nadus rocky relationship with alcohol as long back as 1937, Salem town in western Tamil Nadu introduced prohibition, which was expanded across the state by the time India became independent in 1947 by then governor-general C Rajagopalachari has turned it into a fine art. From 1948-1971, Tamil Nadu went dry. Then when DMK came to power, party president Karunanidhi argued that until the entire country adopted the straight and narrow, Tamil Nadu couldnt afford to be the only state to take on the nations moral burden. "Tamil Nadu is like camphor surrounded by the burning fire of liquor. How long can it remain untouched?" asked Karunanidhi. If it comes to power, the DMK will of course be forced to eat those famous last words. Over the decades since 1971, liquor has been taken on and off the table several times by every party. By the time the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation or TASMAC was created in 2003, to manage the sale of both wholesale arrack and Indian-made foreign liquor, nearly 8,000 liquor shops were brought under control. The all-powerful government acquired a new weapon, the exclusive sale of booze to its thirsty population. Sales have touched nearly Rs 30,000 crore in recent years. The TASMAC shop is a unique thing. First of all, it advertises itself loudly, complete with its serial number, a bit like a Kendriya Bhandar store. But unlike the Kendriya Bhandars, the front is a wire mesh from ceiling to floor, with a small cut-out in the wire that serves as the window. Its as if you have to protect yourself to keep the hordes at bay. Moreover, each TASMAC is almost always attached to a bar, a shack really, owned by a private citizen who helpfully provides tables and benches and even snacks, so that you can buy yourself a bottle or two of happiness and consume it right next door. And now the DMK is threatening to cut short that trip. Jayalalithaa is being eminently more sensible, say several people, by promising to bring in the ban in stages. "The ban is never going to work," says Dara Singh in Edayanchavadi village, which abuts Pondicherry, a union territory where the "French shops" do roaring business. It is noon in these parts and Dara Singh has already consumed three quarters of liquor he has bought in plastic pouches introduced by DMKs Karunanidhi in an earlier chief ministerial incarnation. Certainly, Tamil Nadu will gravitate to these outposts if prohibition is implemented. Hooch traders will get a new life. Drinking will go underground. All manner of corruption will abound, with drinkers thinking up new ways to get that all-important doctors certificate which allows you to tipple regularly, if modestly. Like in Gujarat, the certificate will demand information like "sharaabi ka naam" and "sharaabi ke baap ka naam". The most important reason against the ban is, of course, financial. With the approximately Rs 30,000 crore the state earns from the sale of liquor, it has been able to implement not only various schemes that have dramatically improved socio-economic indicators like maternal and infant mortality, it has also subsidised the freebies that Tamil parties routinely promise. Jayalalithaa has thrown in 50 per cent off on scooters, 8 grams of gold and Rs 18,000 for pregnant women for good measure in these elections, while the DMK has promised laptops and tablets and the reduced price of milk. But Tamil Nadus women are pointing out that the citizenrys improved health as a result of the mid-day meal schemes and compulsory education and other quotas for the backward and generally poor - bringing it almost at par with Kerala - are at risk today because increased prosperity has translated into rising alcoholism. Sasi Perumals agitation against this growing threat and his accidental death last year (2015) opened the floodgates of protest although interestingly, the women are still not swarming at the gates. Their demand to ban liquor remains a silent revolution, although it cuts across castes and class and region. Tamil Nadus women are demanding that their men get a hold on themselves. And if they cant, well, the state better do it. The DMK was the first to pick up the signs, in the wake of Perumals death. It announced it would ban liquor if it came to power, hoping to attract womens votes beyond those its committed cadres bring. AIADMKs Jayalalithaa followed soon after. "Ammas promise to ban alcohol is a delayed one because the party and state need to recover some of the money she has spent on the elections," admits an AIADMK supporter. According to one estimate, each candidate in the 234 Assembly seats has been given a Rs 5 crore budget to spend. It was on November 26, 2008, few hours before 26/11 attacks, I got a call from my source in Shiv Sena that they were going to launch an offensive against ATS officers who arrested Sandhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and others in 2008 Malegaon blasts case. The then ATS chief, Hemant Karkare, was at the centre of the controversy as Sena was planning to protest outside his Mumbai residence and publish pictures of the ATS officers involved in investigation of 2008 Malegaon blasts case in the party mouthpiece Saamna. I called Karkare while he was rushing to meet then then home minister, RR Patil, which was not of much help because the minister had put Karkare himself in a spot for making the government face such allegations in the first place. I interviewed him that evening in which a distressed Karkare said that he had no hidden agenda and he was just doing his job. In fact, it looked that rather than being pressurised by the ruling coalition to arrest a particular set of people (as being now charged), he was feeling pressured for his and his officers' safety from the main opposition party in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena. Ironically, Karkare laid down his life in the terrorist attack on the same night and the protest and editorial against him never happened. Late ATS chief Hemant Karkare. Cut to now, and the NIA, in its chargesheet, has said that the evidence against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur is not enough to prove charges against her because the bike owned by her was not in her possession but was with Kulsangra (known to be close to Sadhvi, which even NIA admits). The two prime witnesses, Rakesh Dhawde (who is also accused in the case) and Yashpal Bhadana, who established that Pragya Thakur attended meetings of Abhinav Bharat, where the "conspiracy" of Malegaon bomb blast was hatched, later retracted their statements. ATS had recorded Yashpal Bhadana's statement under section 164, that is in front of judicial magistrate, and this statement is admissible in the court of law as evidence. But after the case was transferred to the NIA, Bhadana, recorded another statement in Patiala House court and said that the earlier one was given by him under pressure. Since 2011, when the NIA was handed over this case, the agency has come up with a new theory which revolves around Lt Col Purohit, and nine other accused. They have not denied the entire module detected by late ATS chief Karkare and his team, but have informed the court that they want to remove MCOCA charges from the case, suggesting that they were concocted and applied with evidence. To challenge the premise of MCOCA in the case, the NIA said that MCOCA was applied in it because Rakesh Dhawde, who was arrested by the ATS team investigating the Malegaon blast case on November 2, 2008, has allegedly disclosed that he had organised a training camp in July/August 2003 at Singhgad, Pune, in which the arrested accused in Parbhani blast (this small-scale blast happened near mosques in Parbhani in November 2003) had participated. He also confessed of giving logistical support to eight accused in 2004 Jalna blast (again near a mosque). That's how the ATS established a crime syndicate and past record of crime and applied MCOCA in the Malegaon case. Now, the NIA has raised questions on swiftness of ATS. It has asked how is it that the ATS within a few days of Dhawade's arrest, found out that he was part of the training modules for Jalna and Parbhani blasts. NIA has also questioned how, after passing on that information to Aurangabad ATS office on November 6, 2008, did ATS Aurangabad file supplementary chargesheet in Jalna and Parbhani blasts cases within just seven days and declared Dhawade as an accused in Malegaon case on November 13, 2008? Sadhvi Pragya Thakur. The supplementary chragesheet says that accused in 2008 blast case didn't have any knowledge about Dhawade's involvement in Jalna and Parbhani blast cases. It says he retracted from his statement given in front of the judicial magistrate, in which he had "confessed" that Lt Col Purohit had asked him to give RDX to Ramji and Sandeep Dange who were sent by Pragya Singh Thakur. So, the NIA thinks that the stringent MCOCA doesn't hold any water in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, even though the strict law has stood ground for many other blast cases investigated by probing agencies in Maharashtra, resulting in conviction in some of them. Now, as NIA has submitted that they want to remove MCOCA and apply UAPA to the Malegaon 2008 case, Sadhvi Pragya and other five other accused - Shiv Kalsangara, Shyam Sahu, Pravin Takkalki, Lokesh Sharma and Dhansingh Choudhry - reaped the benefits. The statements which could have been used to prosecute these accused under MCOCA cannot be used now and NIA couldn't collect evidence against them to try them under court of law. But the same has relied on the investigation done by team Karkare and has maintained that Lt Col Prasad Purohit "collected huge funds for the Abhinav Bharat oranisation and directed to disburse it to procure weapons and explosives for their unlawful activities. He is one of the key members of the conspiracy". NIA has relied on the FSL report which confirms voice samples of Prasad Purohit, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Ramesh Uphadhyay. Their conversation was recovered from the laptop of accused Sudhakar Dwivedi. The authorised intercepted conversation between Purohit, Uphadhyay and others reveal that they were in process of creating their defence. The post conduct of accused persons shows the guilt in their mind and their active participation in the crime. Lt Col Prasad Purohit. To conclude, the theory that secret meetings were held by Abhinav Bharat and that they were the brain behind the blasts has been put forth in NIA's chargesheet. On the other hand, public prosecutor Rohini Salian has resigned under alleged pressure from the NIA for going slow on all the Malegaon blast accused. Though NIA brushed these accusations aside by saying that Salian's performance was not satisfactory and hence she was being removed from the panel of public prosecutors, the agency will also have to answer new special public prosecutor Avinash Rasal's outcry. Rasal has decried he was completely unaware that NIA was going to file the supplementary chargesheet, ask MCOCA to be revoked and inform the court that they had no evidence to prosecute the main accused in the case, Sadhvi Pragya Thakur. He was in the court since 11 am on May 13, and was dumbfounded when he saw an NIA officer with some junior lawyer in the panel approaching the special MCOCA court and informing that they are filling long-awaited supplementary chargesheet. Feeling hurt, Rasal told the NIA officer present there that he "better resign rather than continuing like this". It may be factually correct or incorrect, the BJP will pay the price for its supreme leader raking up the totally unwarranted Kerala-Somalia controversy in a speech made during the state Assembly elections campaign. The #PoMoneModi campaign on Twitter and the ferocious social media response to the prime ministers remark is an indication of how deeply he has hurt the people of Kerala and their pride. Modis Somalia comment most of all disproves one quality that he has boasted of possessing in ample: Political sujh-bujh, or understanding. Remember his taunt to the Gandhis in the Lok Sabha on MNREGA? He had said, "One can question my knowledge of many things but nobody can question my political sujh-bujh." The party might have debuted had Modi not bungled the BJPs prospects. (File Photo) Modi has now sent a message that what he lacks is political understanding. There is no reason why he should have shot himself in the foot in an election meeting. For heavens sake, what made him think of Somalia as comparable to Kerala, which is often compared with the most developed countries on various parametres of Human Development Index (HDI). Its true that the conditions of tribal population in Keralas Attappady have been compared with sub-Saharan nations. Its also true that the unemployment rate in Kerala is one of the highest in the country. But doesnt our country compare with sub-Saharan countries on many other index of development or lack of it? Dont we have the largest number of poor in the world? But we are not going into the maze of statistics to prove whether or not Modi got his facts in order while drawing the Kerala-Somalia parallel on one particular parameter of infant mortality rate. Enough has already been said about it and there is no gold standard to take a call on any issue that can have highly subjective, often biased and even racial overtones. Perhaps, more than lack of political astuteness, its foot-in-mouth disease that Modi is a victim of. He shoots off his mouth on anything and everything without giving serious thought to the consequences his statements might have. During his two years in Delhi, Modi has proved that he loves talking as much as he loves his image in the mirror, his wax statues, his selfies and his monogrammed suits. His foot-in-mouth disease is result of his arrogance, his now proven attitude to hurt and humiliate his political opponents with a single-minded view of scoring political points. Modis Somalia barbs had one limited purpose - to demean the Congress and the CPI (M). The BJP is yet to win a seat in the Kerala Assembly. The party might have debuted had Modi not bungled the BJPs prospects. Surely, Kerala is in India. The prime minister is expected to connect with the people, laud the peoples collective history and heritage, and not belittle their achievements and taunt their failures. Didnt Modi realise that taunt and broadside could only boomerang against him and not bring any benefit? Didnt he remember how a chief minister's slight in Andhra Pradesh led to the first-ever defeat for the Congress party in 1983, and the birth of a formidable rival and alternative to the Congress? Rajiv Gandhi, then general secretary, lost his cool and scolded the chief minister T Anjaiah in the presence of party workers at the Hyderabad airport. On a personal visit to Hyderabad, Rajiv asked Anjaiah why people had gathered at the airport when he was not on an official visit. He called the hapless chief minister a "buffoon". The people of Andhra Pradesh were outraged. They interpreted the insult to Anjaih as an attack on their pride. Indira Gandhi sacked Anjaiah but an ageing film star NT Rama Rao took this insult to his home state and the people personally, jumped into politics, floated Telugu Desam Party in 1982 and routed the Congress in the election. It was the same Andhra Pradesh that had stood behind Indira Gandhi and returned 41 out of 42 seats in the 1977 elections when the Congress was wiped out in the entire north India. Modis penchant for gaffes and faux pas has become as predictable as his attempt to belittle and taunt political opponents. From the Lok Sabha election in 2014 to the bitterly fought election in Bihar, there are many instances of Modis use of language that was low and undignified in its quality of discourse. But all that pales into insignificance in comparison with his Somalia comment. In this case, even if Modi was factually correct, he was politically incorrect. He was seen talking about a state and not any party and any leader. Modi is known to have a huge back office to manage his social media, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Does he have fact checkers? Does he have speech-writers? High-profile political accusations and high decibel controversies are welcome as they add masala to the public discourse. For more than 300 news channels, it has been all about raising TRP ratings, the very sustenance of expensive telecasts. But what about some serious issues that affect the lives of millions, particularly when the Narendra Modi government is about to complete two years in office? Take the black money issue, for instance. Where is all that wealth stuffed in the vaults of those isolated islands like Canary Isles or Jamaica or Seychelles that you promised to bring back in 2014, they taunt the PM. Where is black money you promised to bring back in 2014, they taunt the PM. Prosecution A statement by the finance ministry claims that as much as Rs 50,000 crore of indirect tax evasion and Rs 21,000 crore of undisclosed income have been unearthed in two years. For the first time the regulars with secret vaults know it is becoming increasingly difficult to ply their trade from India. Over 1,400 cases are facing prosecution within two years of the Modi government being sworn in. A special investigation team is at work over this hidden wealth. But one does not hear a word about all this! Very little of the discourse in the media is focusing on this new approach that is yielding results. The Modi governments appeal to the well-off to voluntarily give up subsidies on the cooking gas has done wonders. Over one crore users have voluntarily given up the subsidy, so more is available for the needy. Never in the past has such an appeal from the government for voluntary giving up of entitlement received such overwhelming response from the public. Surely, this level of response is an index of peoples confidence in the prime minister who made the appeal. His sincerity alone has been responsible for such an incredible result. Here is something more and that too will ease the lives of millions, who unfortunately have fallen victim to a host of health problems. Medicine On May 10, the drug price regulator National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) slashed prices of 54 essential medicines by up to 55 per cent, including commonly used drugs for cancer (brain and breast), hypertension, diabetes, and several heart disorders. This was the second price revision in the past three weeks. On April 28, the NPPA had fixed prices of another 54 drugs. This bold move, on the part of the Modi government, will surely benefit countless Indians; irrespective of whether TRP-starved news channels bring it into the public discourse or not. Did anyone find a mention of it in the news channels? The prime minister has received commendation even from his academic critics for keeping his government clean and transparent in the past two years. No small achievement where temptations fly fast and fine, and pitfalls are many and unseen. That also brings us to a silent revolution going on in this government at the level where it counts. A complete understanding between what the government at the political level wants and what the bureaucratic level can deliver. Document Only the other day, this was demonstrated when several groups of secretaries under the leadership of Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant produced for the prime minister a document "Creating a movement for change". The entire approach reflected a government that wants a firm connection between what is projected and what is achievable. There is apparently no place for targets that are a pie in the sky, numbers projected merely for an applause from the gallery. The document was unusual in every way. Normally such a document with a target of taking the economy from about $2 trillion to $10 trillion a five-time jump would run into a huge roll of paper. It, incidentally, was just a bunch of power-point deck that could be grasped in a few minutes. With the bulk of the government business going online, the corridors of power get lightened up. A sign that the Modi government is really transforming both India and Bharat. That is not welcome for a section that wants both the government and the public sector business behind the bamboo curtain. No wonder, the vested interests are hurt. And shifting the public discourse from the real to the mundane is a part of their strategy to hit back. LONDON - England - Speaking in Enfield, last night, Iain Duncan Smith revealed that during the recent EU 'negotiations' David Cameron gave away Britain's right to veto the use of the court and the Commission in application of the Euro area. The venue yesterday at Enfield North Conservative club was buzzing with energy as it was packed to the rafters with people eager to listen to Iain Duncan Smith about the upcoming EU referendum on June 23. Discarding the microphone, IDS jumped straight into an emphatic strong oppositional argument to the terrible travesty of the EUs constitutional hold over Britain. The key point that really stood out was revealed mid speech where a blistering IDS tornado revealed that during Camerons so-called negotiations, he had given away Britains right to veto treaties. This revelation is astounding, because it reveals that if Britain remains in the EU it will have no bargaining chip left, it will simply have to accept every indignity foisted upon it without question. Furthermore, the mainstream controlled media has neglected to report this point and it has been kept secret by the StrongerIn campaign. Mr Duncan Smith may be portrayed as the quiet man of politics, but he was definitely not quiet about this new revelation which is shocking to say the least. Leaving Britain unarmed without the power of veto will endanger every law, every constitutional point of Britain, surrendering everything to Brussels. David Camerons so-called negotiations were a sham losing Britains veto We had a right to veto the use of the court and the Commission in application of the Euro area. They needed our permission to use those to adjudicate matters in the Euro area. One vote was enough to say veto. I was told during the negotiations, this didnt matter any longer, threatening to use it didnt make any difference, because theyd get it to the court and theyd say no. But I knew that the legal advice said differently. He said the British Government slashed the number of concessions they wanted to ask for, yet the European Commission only wanted one thing from Britain in the negotiations, and that was to get the veto back. The former Tory leader, added: They know that that right to veto gave us quite a strong position to stop development in the European Union which we did not want. We have given it away and that makes our position, if we vote to remain, even weaker than it was before. So dont be fooled by the idea that there is some negotiation that we undertook. This is why it is imperative that we Vote Leave on June 23. To not do so will leave Britain completely vulnerable to the EUs will. This vote is going to be the most important vote of your life. Think of your children, think of your grandchildren and their future. Your vote will determine whether Britain lives or dies. This is our last chance. New Delhi: India announced a new intellectual property policy on Friday, speeding up the online registration of patents and trademarks, but resisted pressure from the United States and other Western countries to amend its patent laws. The policy will make the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy the agency in charge of regulating intellectual property rights in the country. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, global drug brands led by US companies have been pushing for changes to India's intellectual property rules. India's strained patent and intellectual property administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. Global pharmaceuticals players have often complained about India's price controls and marketing restrictions. "We hope it will lead to an interpretation of the Indian Patent Act that respects innovation, encourages research and facilitates effective enforcement mechanisms," said Ranjana Smetacek, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, a body of multinational drugmakers in India. Nirmala Sitharaman, commerce and industry minister, told lawmakers last month that over 237,000 applications were pending in India's four patent offices. The policy aims to spread awareness among public about trademarks, copyrights and patents to promote innovation within the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters. The new policy will try to safeguard the interests of rights owners with the wider public interest, while combating infringements of intellectual property rights. Jaitley said India would retain the right to issue so-called compulsory licenses to its drug firms, under "emergency" conditions, and would not immediately need to change patent laws that were already fully World Trade Organization-compliant. "Compulsory licences are already provided in our patent law. That existing provision will continue," Jaitley said after the cabinet approved national IPR policy on Thursday evening. Last month, the US Trade Representative kept India, China and Russia on its "Priority Watch List" for inadequate improvement in IPR protection. India, however, says, it is party to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), a WTO agreement that sets minimum standards for intellectual property regulation. "It (IPR policy) reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS agreement," a government statement said. This is the 5th year of Aishwarya gracing the Cannes red carpet. (Photo: AP) Mumbai: It is that time of the year again, when Aaradhya gets to see her mommy, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan put on her best gown and walk down the red carpet of the prestigious film festival. Aishwarya graced the red carpet of her 15th year at the Cannes Film Festival dressed in a golden gown by Kuwait's designer Ali Younes. Aishwarya, who is the face of a cosmetic line, had everyone's attention as she walked the red carpet. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the red carpet of Cannes film festival. (Photo: AP) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the red carpet of Cannes film festival. (Photo: AP) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who is the face of a cosmetic line, left for the French Riviera on Thursday. The actress is all set to walk the Cannes red carpet on May 13 and 14. Aishwarya added a touch of glamour to her look by colouring her upper lid with a bold turquoise blue liner and giving it a smokey blue eyeshadow and bold lashes. Letting her hair run wild in loose waves, the actress had minimal make-up on. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the red carpet of Cannes film festival. (Photo: AP) For her 15th year at Cannes, the actress left for the French Riviera on Thursday. Ever since Aaradhya was six months old, she has accompanied her mother to the Cannes and this year was no exception as the duo flew off to attend the prestigious festival together. In an exciting turn of events, Aishwaryas upcoming film Sarbjit directed by Omung Kumar will be screened at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival on May 14. It will be followed by a press conference the next day. This will be the 15th year of Aishwarya gracing the Cannes red carpet. Earlier at a press conference, Aishwarya had expressed that Cannes is the best platform for showcasing the biopic. However, her co-star Randeep Hooda will give the Cannes premiere of 'Sarbjit' a miss because the doctor advised him against travelling after his appendicitis surgery. Joe Temperley gained prominence in Britain after switching to baritone sax when he joined Humphrey Lyttelton's band in 1958. (Credit: YouTube) New York: Scottish-born baritone saxophonist Joe Temperley, a former member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and a founding member of Wynton Marsalis' Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, has died at age 86. Temperley died Wednesday in New York City after battling cancer, said JALC public relations director Zooey T. Jones. "For someone from another country and culture to exhibit the depth of belief that animated his sound was, and still is, truly miraculous," Marsalis said in a JALC statement announcing Temperley's death. "From the coal mines of Scotland, to clubs and concert halls all over the world. Joe's journey was epochal, and he did it with integrity, style, piss and vinegar. We will miss him deeply and his spirit will forever live on in the sound of our orchestra," Marsalis said. Born in 1929 in the Scottish mining town of Lochgelly, in Fife, Temperley moved to London when he was not quite 20 after successfully auditioning to play tenor sax in Tommy Sampson's popular band. He gained prominence in Britain after switching to baritone sax when he joined Humphrey Lyttelton's band in 1958. In 1965, he moved to New York where he became the first Scottish musician to make a big impact on the American jazz scene, performing and/or recording with Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Joe Henderson and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra. He was invited to join the Ellington band in 1974 after he played at the funeral of the band's long-time baritone saxophonist Harry Carney. Temperley spent nearly a decade in the Ellington band, run by son Mercer Ellington. In 1988, Marsalis invited several Ellington alumni, including Temperley, to perform in an all-star big band for an Ellington tribute. That band evolved into the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Temperley recorded several albums under his own name, including "Sunbeam and Thundercloud" with pianist Dave McKenna (1996) and "Double Duke" (1999). As an educator, he taught at Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music and served as a mentor for the Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra in Scotland. There is a rich heritage of traditional medicine in India and it is growing relevant in providing holistic and comprehensive health care. (Photo: Pixabay) New Delhi: India has signed an agreement with World Health Organisation for cooperation in promoting traditional medicine, a move which will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for training in yoga, ayurveda, unani and panchakarma. "AYUSH Ministry and WHO have signed a historic Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) for cooperation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine," an official statement said. The PCA was signed by AYUSH Ministry secretary Ajit M Sharan and Marie Kieny, Assistant Director General, Health Systems and Innovations, WHO in Geneva yesterday. The agreement titled 'Co-operation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine between WHO and AYUSH, India, 2016-2020', aims to support WHO in the development and implementation of the 'WHO Traditional and Complementary Medicine Strategy: 2014-2023. It will also contribute to the global promotion of traditional Indian systems of medicine. "The PCA for the period 2016-2020 will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for training in Yoga and WHO benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda, Unani and Panchakarma. "These will contribute significantly in strengthening of national capacities in ensuring quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional medicine including in establishing regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine products and practice and promote their integration in national healthcare systems," the statement said. Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik and Director-General, WWHO Margaret Chan witnessed the agreement signing ceremony at the WHO headquarters. Speaking at a reception hosted by India, Naik recalled the long history and rich heritage of traditional medicine in India and its growing relevance in providing holistic and comprehensive health care. Only by acknowledging that complementary and alternative medicines are important to cancer care will oncologists be able to help patients to make sufficiently informed choices. (Photo: AP) When breast cancer patients and their doctors discuss chemotherapy, they need to talk about complementary and alternative medicines like supplements and herbs, researchers warn. The use of such medicines has increased among women with breast cancer over the past two decades, but a new study published in JAMA Oncology found that breast cancer patients who use a lot of these unconventional therapies are more likely to skip recommended chemotherapies. "From a public health perspective, there really needs to be a discussion between patients and providers about whether women are using (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies, why are they using them and are their goals realistic," said lead author Heather Greenlee of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York. Greenlee and colleagues studied 685 U.S. women with invasive breast cancer that had not spread. The women were under age 70 and had enrolled in the study between 2006 and 2010. When they first joined the study, 87 percent of the women reported using vitamins and/or minerals, herbs and/or botanicals, other natural products, mind-body self practice or mind-body practitioner-based practice. About 45 percent of the women should have received chemotherapy based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. The other women fell into a discretionary category where the decision to undergo chemotherapy is based on a discussion with their doctors. Overall, 89 percent of the women who should have received chemotherapy did so within 12 months of starting the study. About 36 percent of those in the discretionary group also chose to undergo chemotherapy. In the discretionary group, use of complementary and alternative medicine was not tied to women's decisions about chemotherapy. But in the group for which there was evidence to support a benefit of chemotherapy, women who were using supplements or a lot of complementary and alternative medicines were about 84 percent less likely to have received chemotherapy compared to women who didn't use those alternative approaches. When the researchers looked at individual types of complementary and alternative therapies, they found mind-body practices weren't tied to the decision to undergo chemotherapy. Greenlee and her colleagues can't say why women who used supplements or a lot of complementary and alternative methods were less likely to undergo guideline-supported chemotherapy. It could be that women were choosing these other methods as alternatives to chemotherapy. "The good news is that 89 percent of the women who were clinically indicated to receive chemotherapy, received chemotherapy," Greenlee told Reuters Health. In a commentary accompanying the new study, Robert Zachariae of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark writes that doctors who treat cancer need to discuss use of complementary and alternative therapies with their patients. Only by acknowledging that complementary and alternative medicines are important to cancer care will oncologists be able to help patients to make sufficiently informed choices, Zachariae writes. Visitors to the Kruger National Park in South Africa were horrified when they witnessed three male lions hunting down a female buffalo and its unborn foetus as well. (Credit: YouTube) A shockingly violent video has proved that the adage might is right is the only rule that is followed in the jungle kingdom. Visitors to the Kruger National Park in South Africa were horrified when they witnessed three male lions hunting down a female buffalo and its unborn foetus as well. The couple who managed to capture the brutal incident on camera are heard commenting in the background as the predators proceed to chew the carcass of the buffalo. However, one of them decides to stay and eat it a bit more even as the others go away after having their fill. Seconds later the beast manages to pull out a fleshy object out of the bloody cavities of the dead creature and is seen walking away. A woman is then heard crying in disgust after realising that it was actually the unborn baby of the buffalo. The rapacious lion is then seen walking towards its companion resting under a tree and later feasting on his prize. Click on the link below to view the video: In honour of the sites launch, Paris Musees brainstormed an art project of their own, called Parallels. Art is for everyone but not everyone enjoys going to an art museum. Thats why Pariss municipal museums, Paris Musees, created a new web platform to make their vast assortment of paintings, sculptures, and photographs digitally accessible to the public. In honour of the sites launch, Paris Musees brainstormed an art project of their own, called Parallels. They collaborated with 10 well-known Instagram personalities to recreate famous works from their collections using the popular social media platform. Their goal? To make the artworks a little more accessible. Whether a photographer, fashion blogger, or a comedy YouTuber, each Instagrammer drew on material from his or her own experiences to express his or her affinity for the original work or simply to reinterpret it with a new twist, the museum explained. The final result? A series of fresh, modern takes on paintings and photographs by artists including Charles Negre, Francois Boucher, and Amedeo Modigliani. The Instagram photos, which went on display on Thursday, will be exhibited in the citys Gare Saint-Lazare rail station through July 31, 2016, and travelers can suggest their own remakes of works by posting them on the social platform with the #ParallelesParisMusees hashtag. Tonga rides remain a popular tourist attraction in cities like Mysuru, where the Palace, the Zoo, Chamundi Hills and Kukkarahalli Kere attracting travelers from across the world, for whom riding a horse-drawn carriage is quite the thrill. Time was when riding a tonga and getting to pet a horse in Cubbon Park was the highlight of a kid's day out on Sunday. But that was the eighties. Today, in this IT metropolis, the horse-drawn tonga has virtually disappeared from our roads. Who's got the time to take a tonga ride around the city anyway, bemoans Yusuf Khan, the self-styled sheikh of the tonga drivers from a stable on a side-street off Kalasipalyam, knowing that Sher Ali is probably the last horse he will ever own. Every morning, Sheikh Yusuf Khan would ride his tonga down to Cubbon Park, where scores of children tugged at their mothers hoping for a ride. They would ride around the park, past Vidhana Soudha, the High Court and the Raj Bhavan. This was Bengaluru in the 1980s and for Khan, the glory days. These quaint two-wheeled, horse-drawn carriages are a rare sight today, lost in the melee of automobile madness to which every city has succumbed. I met the 58-year-old Yusuf Khan in Kalasipalya on a cloudy evening in May, as I was wandering through the back street and he was winding down for the day, feeding his horses in the makeshift stable while he loaded his carriages with pipes as he talked, breaking off in the middle to negotiate rigorously with a customer. Kya sahib? Aaj ek hi customer mila hai, Khan urged, prodding the customer into giving him Rs 500, more than double of what was being offered to him. They sealed the deal at Rs 350 and Khan, who looked a tad disappointed, said, There was a time when no customer dared to negotiate with us. We got anything we asked for. Beggars can't be choosers, unfortunately. Khan gazed into the distance as he recalled his early days in the profession. He was 18 years old when he first learned to train a horse and drive the tonga. Why? I was hungry, he said. I was fed up with being an odd job man. By that age, I had already tried my hand at construction labour, painting and carpentry. When nothing worked, I decided to become a tonga driver instead. When he began, the tonga was still a popular mode of transport, with hundreds of carriages making their way through the city streets everyday. Public transport was scarce, people preferred us to buses, he said. Today, their number has whittled down to around 200, with a maximum of 30 drivers in the main tonga areas like Kalasipalyam, Malleswaram and Tannery Road. Tonga rides remain a popular tourist attraction in cities like Mysuru, where the Palace, the Zoo, Chamundi Hills and Kukkarahalli Kere attracting travelers from across the world, for whom riding a horse-drawn carriage is quite the thrill. Unfortunately, that never worked in Bengaluru, he said. Autos took over our business here and kids lost interest too. The transition from high-demand to being nearly forgotten - one that Khan has witnessed in full - has not been easy. All of us started feeling the pinch. People had begun to use tempos to transport large construction materials or when they moved home. Commuters preferred autorickshaws to the slow-paced tonga. Still, they remained positive, hoping against hope that this was merely a bad phase. Their glory days have gone for good, however and now, theirs is a largely unorganized sector. We have an association and a union to safeguard our interests, but nobody to call a leader, Khan remarked. This has been the situation for about five years now, ever since the demise of their leader, Akbar. Now, we're all nameless faces of an unrecognised group. I ask if he has ever considered looking for another job. I ask myself that question too," he said. I'm 58-years-old, how long can I possibly go on like this?" Life is unpredictable at best. On some days, I make some money, but there are several when I don't earn a single rupee. Still, I can't be more thankful for my life. Khan has fulfilled his duties as a family man. I have married off my daughters and ensured that my son found a job. They are busy with their lives now. What's more, horses are expensive, both to buy and to maintain. His carriage had been obtained for Rs 20,000 in Mysuru and he has, over the years, bought and sold a number of horses. They need about six kilos of food a day, which costs about Rs 250, he said. It was necessary to trade them, though, because looking after an aged horse is simply not viable. He bought his current horse around eight years ago (he refuses to tell us how much it cost him). I manage to take care of him with whatever little I earn, he said. Tonga drivers live by a golden rule to ensure their horses are not overworked. We never take a trip that exceeds 10 kilometres, he said. Times are hard, but they have their little niche in the transportation business. Our tongas go through alleys that tempos cannot enter, he said. People often demand longer trips, but we refuse. We don't burden our horses. He turns to gaze affectionately at his horse, Sher Ali, and it's clear, then, why he has done this for so long - his love for the horses he has owned, especially his first. He doesn't remember his name, only his calm demeanour and his dewey eyes. He says, with a smile, I have accomplished what was expected of me and none of it would have been possible without my horses. He looks pensive for a moment, saying, I am happy with what life has given me. Still, I know I can't do this for another ten years. If I lose my physical strength, I will look for another job. Maybe.... Yusuf Khan, the last of his name. As tongas fade from our urban space, is he the last holdout, will he be the last tonga driver from Kalasipalyam? New Delhi: The messages sent by TERI chief R K Pachauri to a former colleague reveal how he troubled and stalked her for almost two years, according to a DNA report. The Delhi police attached a copy of the messages to the chargesheet filed in a court on March 4. The messages range from creepy to disturbing and some are utter explicit. The report states that according to a friend's statement, the "accused used to harass the victim by sending emails, calls, SMS and calling her with sexually coloured remarks and also insisted for her to respond. Emails and messages were quite disturbing as they had words like "Meri Jaan" and "I love you." He (Pachauri) went on to use explicit "words which are totally unacceptable. The report further said that most messages started with "Dearest Meri Jaan" and one of the message read: "Well the truth is that I have never felt so overwhelmingly in love as I have been with you, and even though you gave me so much pain, I will always be your well-wisher and carry beautiful memories of the joyous moments between us, limited as they might have been." The chargesheet running into over 1400 pages was filed in the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Shivani Chauhan who has fixed it for consideration on April 23. Pachauri has also been accused of stalking and criminally intimidating the victim with gesture or act intended to insult her modesty. Police has arrayed 23 prosecution witnesses, many of whom are present and former employees of The Energy Research Institute (TERI). Pachauri has been accused of committing offences punishable under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354 A (sexual harassment), 354 D (stalking), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of IPC. Police in its report filed in the Delhi High Court recently has said that an out-of-court settlement was proposed to the victim. The status report was filed in the matter in which the victim has sought quashing of anticipatory bail of Pachauri granted by the trial court in the case. Delhi police said there is "sufficient evidence" against Pachauri that he sexually harassed, stalked and threatened his former woman colleague. Pachauri was granted an anticipatory bail in the case on March 21, last year. On February 13, last year an FIR was registered against Pachauri on charges of sexual harassment under IPC sections 354, 354(a), 354(d) (molestation) and 506 (criminal intimidation). Patna: A senior journalist with national hindi daily Rajdeo Ranjan was killed in Siwan on Friday by some unidentified assailants. According to sources, he was hit on the head and neck from point blank range. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him dead. According to the police, the motive behind murder is not clear as he had no personal enmity with anyone. Read: Bihar: Two people detained for murder of senior scribe in Siwan The police, however, on the basis of the eyewitness account, said that motorcycle-borne criminals killed him on the streets of Siwan. Later in the evening after the incident, RJD chief Lalu Yadav who was campaigning for the by-election in the nearby locality visited his house. Meanwhile, BJP senior leader and former deputy chief minister condemned the killing and demanded a speedy investigation into the incident. Mounting an attack on the chief minister, Hindustani Awami Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi said, Everyday people are being killed and Nitish Kumar keeps talking about good governance. Law and order system has completely failed in Bihar. The incident has sparked protests by mediapersons, triggering a shutdown in the areas. Mr Rajdeo Ranjan, Siwan district chief of Hindi daily Hindustan, was fired at in Siwan district when he was going on his motorcycle near the fruit market on Station Road under Town police station at around 7:45 pm, superintendent of police Saurabh Kumar Sah said. Ranjan has been writing for a long time against law-breakers of the area. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, Akhilesh Pratap Singh (35), a journalist of a news channel, was gunned down by unidentified people at Dewaria in Chatra district, the police said. Mr Singh was attacked near panchayat secretariat of the village on Thursday night, a police official said. A bandh was observed in Chatra town in protest against the killing. Both the accused and the victim have been subjected to medical examination to confirm the assault. (Representational Image) Bengaluru: In what could up the anxiety of working parents, a three-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 46-year-old man at a daycare centre run by his wife in west Bengaluru under Jagjivanram Nagar police limits on Thursday. The police have registered a case under several sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and have arrested the accused, Chainrup Baradia, who hails from Bikaner in Rajasthan and is a resident of Jagjivanram Nagar. His wife Sandhya Baradia has been arrested for running the daycare centre from their home without permission from the authorities, the police said. Both the accused and the victim have been subjected to medical examination to confirm the assault, the police said. On Thursday evening, soon after the parents picked up the girl from the creche, the three-year-old started complaining of stomach pain. When the parents rushed her to a private hospital near their house, the doctors told them that the girl could have been sexually assaulted. The parents immediately lodged a complaint with the J.J. Nagar police, who arrested Chainrup and Sandhya, the police said. The victims father, who is an autorickshaw driver, and the mother, who is a private company employee, left the child at the daycare centre from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm every day, the police said. The child was enrolled at the centre only recently. The daycare centre too started functioning a few months ago. There is no information on how many children had been enrolled into the creche. It did not have CCTV cameras on its premise as required by law, the police said. During counselling, the girl said that The uncle hurt me with his fingers, while her parents said that the three-year-old was bleeding from her private parts when they rushed her to the hospital. The police have recorded the statements of the girl and her parents. Chainrup worked at a book shop in Gandhinagar, while his wife ran the daycare centre from their house, the police said. Only recently, a four-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a dance teacher at a summer camp that was being held in a private school in Kempapura near Hebbal and the accused dance teacher Peter was arrested by the Amruthahalli police. New Delhi: There is no official estimation of amount of black money that has been sent to foreign countries by India persons, government said on Tuesday. "Determination of black money sent to foreign countries by Indian persons is subject matter of investigation and other follow-up actions by relevant law enforcement agencies, including Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate, CBI etc, which is on-going. "However, details regarding the amount of money involved in such cases are not maintained centrally," Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha. Asked whether Indian share in black money stashed in tax havens across the world is at USD 152-181 billion, as per the recent estimate by economists from Bank of Italy, he said there seems to be no empirical evidence to suggest that the figures arrived at on the basis of certain assumptions and presumptions, necessarily represent Indian's share in black money stashed in tax havens. These economists have reportedly analysed data from IMF and the Bank of International Settlement (BIS) and applied certain assumptions to arrive at the estimation, he added. The minister pointed out that by applying another set of assumptions, the same economists have reportedly estimated Indian share in black assets at USD 4-5 billion. "In the context of these estimation, they have reportedly put the caveat that these estimations have to be considered with great care and in no way can represent firm data," Sinha said. ABVP activists clash with Jadavpur University students who stopped the car of film director Vivek Agnihotri during their agitation against screening of his film 'Buddha in a Traffic Jam' at University campus in Kolkata. (Photo: PTI) Kolkata: Rival groups of students clashed at the Jadavpur University campus on Friday over the screening of Vivek Agnihotri-directed political film 'Buddha in a Traffic Jam' triggering chaos during which some girls were allegedly molested and BJP actor-turned-politician Roopa Ganguly was not allowed to enter its premises. The fracas began after the film's screening ended late in the evening, and students from ABVP fought with activists of Left-backed student unions in which a few of them received minor injuries, officials said. Agnihotri faced black flags at the campus gates, sloganeering and placards bearing message that asked him to leave. The filmmaker claimed he was "manhandled and gheraoed" by some students and even the glass pane of his car was left shattered in the commotion. The cancellation of letter for the screening of #BuddhaInATrafficJam at Jadavpur Univ. What a lame excuse. pic.twitter.com/DsVIP8LJ0Z Vivek Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) May 6, 2016 Read: Buddha in a Traffic Jam screened open air in Jadavpur University amid protests The agitating students said they have nothing against the screening of the film, but were protesting against the "divisive content" in it, which also stars Anupam Kher. "We all know Kher's views in the whole debate on whatever happened in JNU. He is acting in this film which has divisive content. We are protesting against that," Sounak Mukherjee, a first year MA student of English Department, said. Read: West Bengal governor says Jadavpur University turning into 'centre for disturbance' Some girl students were allegedly molested during the melee that ensued after the incident, police said. "The students had isolated four of them inside the campus following the incident. I have handed them to the police. There were some outsiders also. The students said they molested some girls," University Vice Chancellor Suranjan Das said. A senior varsity official said "the four youths were outsider and FIR is being lodged against them". Read: Jadavpur University hub of anti-nationals, VC supporting them: BJP BJP leader Roopa Ganguly also rushed to the campus but was stopped at the gate by the police. The state-run varsity's alumni association, which runs the Triguna Sen auditorium, had decided to cancel the booking for a pre-release screening of the film in their hall. The producers, however, went ahead with the screening at an open-air space in the campus claiming they have support from another group of students. "The students arranged a bed sheet and turned it into a screen to see my film. Many watched it and realised it's not what they were thinking. It is a realistic film," Agnihotri, the director of "Hate Story" and "Goal" said. Even as the screening was going on in the evening, after classes were over, the agitators carried on with demonstration near the spot. Hyderabad: ABVP today demanded a CBI inquiry into the affairs of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Social Justice at Hyderabad Central University, which is spear heading the agitation over the suicide of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula. The demand comes in the wake of allegations made by former SFI leader and general secretary of HCU Students' Union, Raju Kumar Sahu that the agitation was massively funded by Congress, Left and opportunist forces of the country. Sahu, who had been an active participant in the protests following Vemula's death, had quit the SFI on May 11, in protest against the "opportunistic politics of SFI". Addressing a press conference here, a group of ABVP leaders of HCU, also condemned the "divisive agitation by JAC, wherein several outsiders with vested interests were brought to fuel the movement". "Now that the cat is out of bag and the fake agitation of JAC/ SFI/ ASA (Ambedkar Students' Association) is exposed, ABVP demands a thorough enquiry into the agitation of JAC and its supporters," ABVP leaders K Palsaniya, Kumar Nayak, N Susheel Kumar and others said. "The accounts of JAC as well as the bank accounts of its leaders and the faculty associated with them need to be examined to ensure the sources of funding for the (ongoing) agitation," they said. A CBI enquiry also needs to be constituted into the conduct of leaders of ASA just before the death of Rohith Vemula. ABVP is of the opinion that the suicide was due to instigation and provocation by persons near and dear to him, they alleged. According to the ABVP leaders, the ASA members held protests against the hanging of Mumbai-blasts convict Yakub Memon on August 3, 2015 at the HCU campus, and the next day they manhandled its member Susheel Kumar. "Only a CBI inquiry into the murky affairs of JAC would reveal the truth. We dare JAC to agree for the enquiry into the affairs of ASA/SFI/JAC from August 4, 2015 till date," they added. On the expose by Sahu, ABVP would like to declare that there is no need to induce any person. The truth is bound to come out on its own, the ABVP leaders asserted. ABVP further demanded that the "fake" agitation must be stopped by JAC and it should vacate the space occupied by them at shopping complex (on HCU premises) and allow students to focus on their studies. Members of JAC for Social Justice at HCU had on Friday refuted Sahu's allegations that the AC was funded by Congress and Left parties, and said that they were supported financially by students and faculty members. They also demanded his resignation from the post of general secretary of the Students Union (SU) of the HCU, and threatened to get him impeached if he failed to do so. Vemula, who was associated with the Students Federation of India (SFI), before joining ASA, was found hanging in a hostel room on HCU campus on January 17. JAC has been demanding removal of HCU Vice Chancellor Podile Appa Rao, who is amongst those booked for abetment of the Dalit scholar's suicide. Patna: Bihar JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi's son Rocky on Saturday confessed that he shot dead 19-year-old Aditya Sachdev near police lines in Gaya district, according to police sources. Rocky whose real name is Rakesh Ranjan Yadav was arrested from his father's mixer plant in Gaya district on Monday. He allegedly shot dead 19-year-old Aditya Sachdeva for overtaking his Land Rover near Gaya. When asked the police have said that he has confessed to the crime, Rocky said, "Just because someone says it does not make it true and it is also false that I was in hiding as I was in Delhi . My mother called me to come here and then I surrendered before the police." Asserting that he would disclose his side of the story in court, Rocky reiterated that he never fired any shots at the youth, which comes as a contradiction to the statement by Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Garima Malik, who claimed that the JD(U) leader's son had admitted to committing the crime. "In his statement, Rocky Yadav admitted committing the crime. I assure you that we will soon arrest others involved in the case. The investigation will reveal about his whereabouts and these things would be addressed later on," Malik told the media. Read: Rocky Yadav issued gun licence over threat from extremists: Delhi Police Rocky's father, known in the area for his muscle and money power, and Manorama Devi's bodyguard Rajesh Kumar were arrested on last Sunday for allegedly helping him escape. The police had recovered a Beretta pistol which was used in the crime by the MLCs son. And in the latest, the Delhi police revealed that a gun license was issued to Yadav on ground of threat from elements in "left-wing extremism-affected areas". This information was revealed by the police after Bihar deputy chief minister Tejaswi Yadav demanded to know how licence for his pistol without proper verification in Delhi, and called for a thorough probe into the matter. The murder of Aditya Sachdeva had triggered protests and the state government faced criticism from the opposition for the alleged law and order break down. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar too had strongly condemned the incident and asserted that nobody could escape from the "long arms of law", opposition BJP claimed that "jungle raj" had returned to the state. The victim's mother demanded that a speedy trial be carried out in the case. Hyderabad: The AP government, in a report to the Centre, said that the drought had affected 2.35 crore people out of the states total population of 4.94 crore. The report comes in the wake of a meeting that AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 17 in Delhi. The Centre had wanted a low down on the drought and steps taken by the state government for pre-monsoon water conservation besides innovative measures taken for drought mitigation. In its report, the state government explained a detailed action plan for the conservation of rainwater and sought Rs 2,000.56 crore from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): The Centre relea-sed only Rs 433.77 crore. The state government requested that the balance amount of the NDRFs Rs 1,566.70 crore for the 2015 drought be released. It also said that the state government had submitted proposals worth Rs 126 crore under the Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) pr-oject, which were pending with the Central Water Commission (CWC). The state government, in its explanation about the integrated action plan for water conservation, said that within six weeks time, the government would complete restoration or desiltation of 49,624 water bodies, tanks, farm ponds and community ponds. The water spread area in these water bodies covers 3,17,934 hectares. The state government will construct 605,000 new farm or community ponds and 41,000 groundwater recharge structures. Ten out of 13 districts in the state, 6,974 villages and 27,917 habitations have been affected by the drought. The state government said that all the existing 40,817 water bodies of medium irrigation we-re surveyed and an action plan prepared to restore and renovate those requiring repairs. The government said the focus would be on desilting tanks, feeder channels and field channels to restore them to their capacity. The state government said that the Godavari and Krishna rivers had been interlinked successfully and water had been transferred to the Krishna basin through the Pattiseema lift irrigation project. The report stated that seven irrigation projects had been prioritised for early completion and to provide irrigation to the needy areas and 175 defunct lift irrigation schemes had been taken up for revival to stabilise 1.4 lakh acres. To save the crops from water stress during prolonged dry spells, an innovative measure was taken up to provide protective irrigation through rain guns. The state government had also entered into an agreement with Australia for improved and integrated water resource management for river basins in the state. Ujjain: Warning that global warming and terrorism have become the world's biggest concerns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that shedding the "holier-than- thou" attitude is the key to overcoming these issues and resolving conflicts. "World's biggest concerns are global warming and terrorism... the holier than thou attitude apparently is behind them," Modi said addressing the valedictory session of the three-day international conference on "Living the Right Way" on the sidelines of Simhastha Kumbh mela here. "The world is passing through two types of crises. On the one hand there is global warming while on the other there is terrorism. What is the solution? What is behind their genesis...simply holier than thou attitude or (the thinking) that my way is better than yours. This is the thing which is dragging us towards conflict," he said. Strongly opposing attempts at expansionism, he said this was not a solution to the problems. "Expansionism is another thing that is leading us towards conflict. Time has changed. Expansionism is not a solution to the problems. We should not go horizontal. It is not a solution. We need to go vertical and raise ourselves from within," Modi said. The Prime Minister also released 51-point 'Simhastha Declaration' jointly with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan. He said one of the major issues faced by the world is conflict management but the Indians know how to resolve the conflict and cited mythology to underscore his point. "But we (Indians) inherit conflict management skills...Indians worship Lord Rama for his obedience and loyalty to his father and in the same breath glorify Prahlad who disobeyed his father. "The same way Sita and Mira are also worshipped, which shows that people here are well adept at conflict management," he said, adding what the world was doing today, Indians have been practising for ages. "World Earth Day is observed (globally). In India, when a child wakes up in the morning his or her mother asks them to seek forgiveness from the earth before putting the foot down on the ground." Simhastha Kumbh Mela is one of world's largest spirtual gatherings held once in 12 years when lakhs of devotees, including hundreds of sadhus, take dip in river Kishipra. The three-day conference, styled as "Vichar Mahakumbh", is organised on the sidelines of the event to discuss issues like global warming, hazards of chemical farming and benefits of organic one and women empowerment among others. Modi said the Declaration, referred to as "Amrit Bindu", was a result of concerted efforts over two years during which experts deliberated on various issues. "If all these powers including saints and those working selflessly for the society walk in a single direction then they can bring a major change to the society, and in that, these 51-points, in the days to come will play a major role, especially for people of India and the world," Modi said. Extolling the virtue of Indians, Modi recalled how well off people gave up cooking gas subsidies for the benefit of the less privileged. On well-off people giving up their subsidy on cooking gas, the Prime Minister said around one crore people had surrendered it and government now plans to give five crore cooking gas cylinder connections inthe next three years." The PM said that this move will also protect environment (by avoiding cutting of trees) and check global warming. A woman inhales smoke of 400 cigarettes a day while cooking food by wood. Empowering them with cooking gas cylinders will improve their lot. In an apparent reference to the US presidential polls underway, he said that candidates running elections in developed countries were fighting on the plank of family values. "They were giving pre-eminence to family values in their campaign (now)," he added. Whereas in India, when a child is born, he or she is from the beginning itself brought up with certain values and principles. When Kanhaiya was in jail on sedition charges and students of several universities were holding demonstrations demanding his release, ISIS's Ahmad Ali asked Ashiq Ahmad alias Raja of Hooghly, to infiltrate the movement and burn vehicles and oil tankers (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Islamic State (IS) recruits in India allegedly wanted to infiltrate the Kanhaiya Kumar-led protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and other universities in the country, in order to further agitate the students and create disorder. According to a report, on February 19, when Kanhaiya Kumar was in Tihar jail on sedition charges and students of several universities were holding demonstrations demanding his release, ISIS's Ahmad Ali asked Ashiq Ahmad alias Raja of Hooghly, to infiltrate the movement and burn vehicles and oil tankers. Three recruits of India's ISIS wing Junud al Khalifa-e-Hind (JKH) have provided this information to the NIA. The names of the recruits are Ashiq Ahmad alias Raja, Mohammad Abdul Ahad and Mohammad Afzal. Their statements reveal that JKH was created as ISIS India wing and held meetings in Bengaluru, West Bengal and Punjab, says the report. Ahmed Ali, who was the boss of Ansar-ut Tawhid fi Bilad al-Hind (AuT), called up 19-year-old Ashiq Ahmad and asked him to set vehicles on fire. He warned him however that the security agencies were after both of them. Ahmed Ali is none other than Shafi Armar, the head of ISIS in India who is learnt to have died in a recent US drone attack. AuT was responsible for the formation of JKH in India and planned to eliminate Shias meaning Shia Muslims whom ISIS considers heretics, as well as free former Indian Mujahideen chief Yasin Bhatkal from jail. "When I asked Ali for a pistol and sent him a picture of a temple near my place in Hooghly where we could have carried out a blast to impress him, he told me that we will not do anything small," Ashiq is quoted as saying. He said that he was attracted to jihad after breaking up with his Hindu girlfriend who wouldnt change her religion for him. On the other hand, Mohammad Abdul Ahad claimed that he was not interested in jihad and wanted to help poor Muslims, which was not JKHs intention. A science graduate from the US, Ahad worked in Singapore, Saudi Arabia and UAE before he came in touch with ISIS members. He claimed he wanted to set up an NGO in Syria but was caught and deported to India. The official added that to support his application, Rocky also submitted a "renowned shooter" certificate issued by the National Rifle Association of India (Photo: Facebook) New Delhi: Rocky Yadav, a JD(U) MLC's son arrested on murder charge in Bihar, was issued a gun licence on ground of threat from elements in "left-wing extremism-affected areas", Delhi Police said on Friday. Rocky had acquired the licence from Delhi Police on June 12, 2013. As his address proof, he submitted the documents of a rented house in south Delhi's Vasant Kunj area, a senior police official said. Earlier on Friday, in a counter-attack on the Centre, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav demanded to know how Rocky got the licence for his pistol without proper verification in Delhi, and called for a thorough probe into the matter. Delhi Police is under the Centre, hence, they need to explain about the issuance of license in violation of rules, the RJD leader said. The developments compelled the licensing unit of Delhi Police to dig out records, following which it emerged that while applying for license, Rocky had submitted a written statement claiming to be the executive director of a private construction company. "Rocky also claimed that the company took up several government contracts for construction of roads and other facilities in left-wing extremism-affected areas for which he faced threat to life," the senior official said. Read: Sacked JD(U) MLC's son Rocky Yadav was fond of AK-47, SLR guns The official added that to support his application, Rocky also submitted a "renowned shooter" certificate issued by the National Rifle Association of India. As far as residential address is concerned, the applicant is required to have resided there for at least six months and Rocky fitted the criteria, he added. Rocky whose real name is Rakesh Ranjan Yadav is the son of ruling JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi in Bihar. He allegedly shot dead 20-year-old Aditya Sachdeva for overtaking his vehicle and was arrested from his father's mixer plant in Gaya district on Tuesday. Read: Bihar Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav trains gun on BJP on pistol license issue Police also recovered the Beretta pistol which was used in the crime. Chennai: Former TNERC member S. Nagalsamy on Friday alleged that irregularities in procurement of solar power and long term power purchase would cause a total loss of Rs 52,000 crore to the Tangedco over a period of 15 to 25 years. Addressing a press conference here, Mr Nagalsamy said that by signing power purchase agreement with 11 private power producers to procure 3330 mw in violation of government of India guidelines, Tangedco would incur a loss of Rs 45,000 crore. Pointing out that the 11 companies have quoted a levelised tariff ranging from Rs 4.91 per unit to `9.85 a unit for 15 years period, he said Tangedco accepted the lowest quoted tariff of `4.91 per unit and started buying power. He noted that at the same time, Athena Energy Venture PVT Ltd agreed to supply power at `3.32 per unit to Uttar Pradesh while Andhra Pradesh signed agreement with PTC and Thermal power Tech Company for Rs 3.44 and Rs 3.675 per unit. The capacity and fuel charges quoted in the tender were unrealistic and very high. The lowest bidder DB Power Ltd quoted rates of capacity charge vary from Rs 2.1 to Rs 3, he said, adding that similarly fuel charges also varied from Rs 1.06 to Rs 6.78 per unit which is highly unrealistic. Citing the guidelines of standard bid document issued by GOI that stipulates conditions to prevent the generator from quoting a unreasonable rate for a long time, he said as per it, the ratio between the minimum and maximum fuel charges quoted by a producer should not be more that two times. If a producers quotes a minimum fuel charge of Rs 1 per unit, he cannot charge more than Rs 2 as the maximum price for 15 years. If this condition is not fulfilled in the tender, such a tender should be rejected as invalid, he said. Out of 11 companies awarded contract, six tenders are against the stipulation of guidelines. They are to be rejected but the Evaluation committee approved these tenders. The L1 company DB Power also did not qualify and it violated guidelines. Hence all tenders are invalid and are to be rejected, he said, noting that a retired GM from Cooperative bank was appointed as external member of evaluation committee breaking from the tradition of co-opting an officer with expertise from similar organisation like NLC. Pointing to the loopholes in tendering process, he said that Tangedco has started paying power bills upto the rate of Rs 7 .38 per unit in 2014-15 itself. Mr Nagalsamy also pointed out that Tangedcos decision to procure solar power over and above the renewable purchase obligation fixed by the commission would result in a loss of Rs 7000 crore over a period of 25 years. The commission, in violation of the Appellate Tribunal of Electricity direction, has revised the RPO for 2015-16 one day before the closure of the financial year on March 30 this year at 0.50 per cent from 0.05 per cent. Target cannot be fixed retrospectively. Even if we agree to this 0.5 per cent RPO, the requirement is only 200 mw. The PPA signed with Adani Group for 648 mw shall not be valid and it is against the orders of the commission, he said. New Delhi: The Centre on Saturday announced that its amnesty scheme for declaring domestic black money would start from June 1. Individuals willing to declare their black money in the country will have to pay tax and a penalty, totalling 45 per cent, to come clean. The Income Declaration Scheme, 2016, comes on the heels of a similar scheme launched by the Modi government last year for black money or undisclosed assets in foreign countries. The scheme launched last year did not have the desired results as the government collected only Rs 2,428 crore in taxes after around 644 declarations were made under the one-time black money compliance window for those who had black money parked abroad. The domestic black money amnesty scheme came under fire from the Opposition with Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi calling it the Modi governments Fair and Lovely scheme. The amnesty scheme will be valid for four months June 1 to September 30 for making declarations. Payments towards taxes, surcharge and penalty will have to be made by November 30. Scheme applies to undisclosed income The four-month window for declaring domestic blackmoney will open on June 1 and those opting to come clean by paying 45 per cent tax and penalty will not be subject to scrutiny and enquiry by tax department. The scheme will apply to undisclosed income whether in the form of investment in assets or otherwise, pertaining to financial year 2015-16 or earlier, the ministry said. Under the scheme, income as declared by the eligible persons, would be taxed at the rate of 30 per cent plus a Krishi Kalyan Cess of 25 per cent on the taxes payable and a penalty at the rate of 25 per cent of the taxes payable, thereby totalling to 45 per cent of the income declared under the scheme, the ministry said. Declarations can be filed online or with the jurisdictional Principal Commissioners of Income-tax. New Delhi: An adult accused committing a grave and heinous crime like murder cannot be permitted to take statutory shelter under the Juvenile Justice Act that he is a juvenile to escape punishment under the Indian Penal Code, the Supreme Court has held. Minors below the age of 18 are tried by the Juvenile Justice Board under the Juvenile Justice Act, under which the maximum sentence for murder is only three years. Giving this ruling, a bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and R.K. Agrawal said, It is no doubt true that if there is a clear and unambiguous case in favour of the juvenile accused that he was a minor below the age of 18 years on the date of the incident and the documentary evidence at least prima facie proves the same, he would be entitled to the special protection. The bench rejected the submission of counsel Dr. V.P. Appan that the appellant was a minor and not an adult and that he should be tried only by the Juvenile Justice Board. The appellant, 19, through his mother challenged an order of the Allahabad High Court affirming the findings of a sessions judge that he was not a minor on the date of committing a murder in July 2011 and that he should be tried in a court and not by the Juvenile Justice Board. The bench dismissed the appeal. Patna: Slain journalist Rajdeo Ranjans story on law and order had disturbed criminals. Police picks up Shahbuddins shooter in connection with the murder. The gruesome killing of Siwan-based senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan remained unsolved even after 24 hours of the incident. Police has arrested four persons in connection with the murder including one sharp shooter Upendra Singh. Singh, a close aide of former RJD MP and Siwan don Mohammad Shahbuddin, was picked up for questioning on Saturday. Police says Singh was involved in the murder of BJP leader Srikant Bharti in Siwan in 2014. According to journalists in Siwan, Rajdeos stories against deteriorating law and order situation had disturbed the criminals. Journo deaths (Infographics) A source close to the slain journalist said, He used to receive threat calls from local criminals. He said, Due to his stories he had even made Sahabuddin his enemy. Shahbuddin is serving a jail term in connection with cases related to murder and kidnapping. The police is checking CCTV footage of the area where the journalist was killed. Rajdeo was cremated on Saturday in Siwan. He is survived by his wife and a son and one daughter both students. His wife is a teacher. They were to celebrate their marriage anniversary on Saturday. Journalists protesting Ranjans killing demanded speedy investigation from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The incident was condemned by NDA leaders who termed the situation in Bihar as maha jungle raj instead of jungle raj. Mounting an attack on the Chief Minister for deteriorating law and order, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar said, Even journalists are not safe in Bihar. His stories may have angered criminals with top political connections. Mr Modi said, Nitish Kumar talks of good governance in Bihar but he has no control on his own ministers. BENGALURU: A day after his government turned four, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah came across as a lone-ranger as he sought to turn the tables on leaders of BJP, in particular state unit chief B.S. Yeddyurappa, saying the former chief minister had no moral right to criticize his government after going to jail on charges of corruption. I think, the BJP is under an illusion. After indulging in corruption and having been imprisoned and losing the CMs post, how can he make such comments. He does not have any moral right to speak like this. I ask Yeddyurappa not to be under an illusion of returning as Chief Minister in 2018. People of Karnataka will not bless (him) again. Under my leadership, and Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhis, we are confident of winning the Assembly elections in 2018, he told the media here on Saturday. Mr Siddaramaiah was reacting to Mr Yeddyurappas statement that the Kuruba strongman would be the last Congress CM of the state. The Chief Minister also trained his guns on leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Jagadish Shettar for releasing a chargesheet against him. I think all BJP leaders are under the illusion that they will come back to power, he added. Ironically, was flanked by two MLCsV S Ugrappa and H M Revannawith no ministers, not even information minister R Roshan Baig or his close confidants from Mysuru district, when he addressed the media today. The CM listed out achievements of this three year-old government and reiterated that he would complete his term in office. I am satisfied with our performance during the last three years. Of the 165 assurances listed in our manifesto, more than 120 have been fulfilled. The rest will be fulfilled over the next two years. I am happy to say that during the last three years, no corruption charges were made against our government. Few charges were made by leaders of opposition parties but with a political motive and without any substance. In my government, no minister went to jail or sought bail. In fact, whenever allegations were made against our government, we ordered CBI inquiries. In five cases, I have ordered CBI inquiry, he added. Journalist Rajdev Ranjan, who has been shot dead in Siwan (Bihar). (Photo: Twitter) Hyderabad: The Indian Journalists Union has strongly condemned the murder of two journalists in two days in Bihar and Jharkhand. Rajdeo Ranjan, bureau chief of Dainik Hindustan was killed at Siwan, Bihar, on Friday, Akhilesh Pratap Singh was killed at Dewari in Chatra district of Jharkhand on Thursday. IJU president S.N. Sinha, secretary-general Amar Devulapalli and Press Council of India member K. Amarnath alleged that the two journalists were killed by goons of the politico-criminal mafia for exposure of their criminal activities. Terming the reporters as martyrs in the cause of freedom of the press, the IJU demanded a special investigation team with police officers of proven integrity to bring the culprits to book. It demanded the state governments to pay Rs 25 lakh compensation for their families. Hyderabad: Responding to a request made by state government, Karnataka has issued orders for release of 1 TMC ft of water to Jurala dam to meet the drinking water needs of Mahbubnagar district. According to TS irrigation minister T. Harish Rao, his Karnataka counterpart M.B. Patil had informed him of the decision over the telephone. Mr Harish Rao had gone to Bengaluru on April 27 to request Mr Patil and Chief Minister Siddara-maiah to release 3 TMC ft of water from Naraya-napur for Jurala. He offered to cut 3 TMC ft from the TS quota in the monsoon period in lieu of the release now. Karna-taka agreed to release 1 TMC ft of water. Telangana state engineer-in-chief C. Murali-dhar said the water would be released from a barrage between Narayan-pur and Jurala. We can realise more water at Jurala due to reduction in distance, he said, alluding to smaller losses due to absorption and evaporation. As of Saturday, Karnataka had not released the water. Politically, there was a rush to claim credit. After Mr Harish Raos visit to Bengaluru on April 27, Telangana PCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy led a party delegation to Mr Siddaramaiah. After their meeting, Congress MLC Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy sent an SMS stating that Karnataka had agreed to release 1 TMC ft. The official letter, however, mentioned the request of Mr Harish Rao. Asked about this, Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy said The water release was done on our request. We used our good offices with the Congress Chief Minister. He agreed to our request, since we represented a political party, Karnataka officials might have responded to the Telangana state government's official request. New Delhi: Milli Gazette journalist Pushp Sharma, who quoted a fake RTI reply to a query under the RTI Act to publish a report that said the Ayush ministry was denying jobs to Muslims, was arrested by the Delhi police on Friday. Pushp Sharma is accused of fabricating an RTI reply in his controversial report which claimed that the Ayush ministry, as per government policy, does not recruit Muslims. Earlier, the Ayush ministry filed a formal complaint with the Delhi police asking them to probe the alleged fake RTI reply which Sharma quoted to allege that the Centre discriminated against Muslims in the process to select yoga teachers for International Yoga Day and his statement that he has proof that all the RTI replies in his possession are authentic. The ministry has rejected the purported fabricated and mischievous RTI reply which had claimed that the Centre does not recruit Muslims in the ministry as a matter of policy. The Ayush ministry noted with anguish certain mischievous misinformation being spread in certain sections of media and social media quoting a reply to an RTI by mentioning a fabricated draft as Annexure I to that letter, which has never been issued by the ministry of Ayush or any of its agencies, the ministry said. The ministry strongly condemns this piece of misreporting, it said. Chinese troops often transgress into Indian territory as both countries have different perceptions of the line of actual control (LAC) NEW DELHI: The South Asian neighbourhood is threatening to turn volatile with China bolstering its forces along its border with India and its nuclear capabilities. Briefing reporters after the submission of a Pentagon report on Friday, US deputy assistant secretary of defence for East Asia Abraham M. Denmark, said: We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India. A Pentagon report, Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China 2016 states that worried over the US, Russia and Indias advances in nuclear capability, China has strengthened its own nuke forces. India's nuclear force is an additional driver behind Chinas nuclear force modernisation. The PLA has deployed new command, control, and communications capabilities to its nuclear forces to improve control of multiple units in the field. China (Infographic) It adds: Through the use of improved communications links, ICBM units now have better access to battlefield information and uninterrupted communications, connecting all command echelons. Unit commanders are able to issue orders to multiple subordinates at once, instead of serially, via voice commands. Citing the September 2015 border skirmish between the two Asian giants in Northern Ladakh, the report says: Tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057 km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and therefore of China), and over the Aksai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. Theatres would start screening the morning show at 10 am, against 11 am or 11.30 am now. Hyderabad: The Telangana state government is actively considering a proposal to allow five shows in theatres every day against four now. The government is planning to relax the norm for films with a duration of less than three hours and allow theatres to exhibit five shows. If the proposal goes through, the theatres would start screening the morning show at 10 am, against 11 am or 11.30 am now. The five shows from 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm and 10 pm and theatres have to close by 12.30 midnight in single screen theatres. Cabinet Panel wants 3,000 mini-theatres The recommendation to screen five shows a day was made by a Cabinet sub-committee appoin-ted by the government to develop the Telugu film industry. Committee chairman Talasani Srinivas Yadav, the minister for cinematography, said, There has been a demand from theatre managements to increase film shows from four to five as they were not recovering maintenance costs and suffering losses. The committee has also recommended that the government allow setting up of 3,000-plus mini theatres in mandal headquarters with a seating capacity of 200 to 250. As per the plan, the mini theatre can come up in 3,800 sq ft space, including 2,400 sq ft of screening area and 1,400 sq ft for a cafeteria. They will have digital screening of films. This is because small films find it difficult to get theatres for screening as all of them booked by major producers. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar being received by his Chinese counterpart Gen. Chang Wanquan at the PLA headquarters in Beijing. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: India and China have moved a step closer in setting up a hotline between the two military headquarters as part of their efforts to improve border security. China reacted positively toward setting up a military hotline with India on border security, Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan said after meeting Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Parrikar later said that "the Chinese have returned the draft of the memorandum on establishing a hotline between the two military headquarters. The issue should be closed within one or two months." The two sides were discussing the move to address tensions arising out of aggressive patrolling by both sides. Chang spoke highly of the healthy and stable development of China-India relations in recent years, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. He called on the two sides to do a good job in implementing the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, enhance strategic communication, so as to safeguard common interests. He also suggested that the two sides strengthen defence exchanges and jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity of the border area. Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Fan Changlong who also met Parrikar said China regards bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective and is willing to strengthen military-to-military cooperation to contribute more to peace, stability and prosperity of two countries. KOZHIKODE: Calicut University is planning to give a boost to its focus on foreign languages by introducing learning courses in German, Russian and one more foreign language which is yet to be decided. There is a Russian department in the university which already offers language courses. While course on German will start with the help of Goethe Zentrum, the German cultural centre in Thiruvananthapuram. The university has also agreed in principle to co-operate with Maldives to encourage research and study in Dhivehi language during a highlevel Maldives delegation visit to the varsity on Friday. The department of Russian and centre for comparitative literature is already running a part time oneyear certificate course on Russian language and for the first time, it also has introduced a two-months summer vacation course recently. Learning Russian is providing a vast opportunity for people in many fields including tourism and BPOs. Notification will be issued soon fora oneyear course which will be starting in June. Anyone with a plus two qualification can apply for it, said head of the department Dr. Nagendra Shreeniwas. The university is also in talks with Goethe Zentrum for starting German course soon. The decision to start German course received a mileage after the German consul general Jorn Rohdes visit to the varsity in March this year. The faculty for the course will be provided by the Goethe Zentrum and students will be provided with international certification. The university is also planning to conduct a seminar in order to promote the research in Dhivehi and its connection with Dravidian languages in association with the Dhivehi Language Academy. Vice-chancellor Dr. K. Mohammed Basheer held talks talks with DLA president Ashraf Ali and other members which also included former Maldives president Ibrahim Nazirs wife Nazeema Muhammed. Dhivehi has close relation with Malayalam and other Dravidian languages. The seminar will explore those relations, said Dr. Basheer. The university is also welcoming Male students to conduct their higher studies here, he added. New Delhi: The total seizure of cash in poll-bound Tamil Nadu has gone over Rs 100 crore. The figure is big when compared to the total interdiction which has been pegged at more than Rs 161 crore in five states, as per the latest EC data. However, the data clarifies, that out of the total Rs 100.71 crore seized in Tamil Nadu, Rs 45.65 crore was released after verification, as it was "not linked" to any political party or candidate trying their luck at the hustings. Senior Income Tax department and Election Commission (EC) officials said this is one the highest figures of cash interdiction in any poll going state in the recent times. "Speaking about figures of seizure in Tamil Nadu, which is one of the highest. But effectively the seizures in the state stand some where around Rs 54 crore," they said. In the same stead, as per data updated till yesterday, a total of Rs 23.15 crore has been seized in Kerala, out of which Rs 1.43 crore has been released while in poll-bound Puducherry, out of the total seizure of Rs 4.73 crore, Rs 4.3 crore has been released. Similar seizures in West Bengal and Assam, where polls have ended, stand at Rs 20.75 crore (Rs 4.67 crore released) and Rs 12.33 crore (Rs 5.42 crore released) respectively. "The total progressive figure for cash seizures in states, as of Thursday, stands at Rs 161.67 crore. The seized cash, in some cases, is being released after ascertaining the bona fide and legitimate purpose of the funds and post verification that it does not have links to a political party or candidate," a senior official said. Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will go to polls in a single phase on May 16. Keeping in view the abuse of money power in Tamil Nadu, the EC had last month also issued some special instructions to be followed by observers and members of the surveillance teams deployed in the state. The Commission had sought "stepped-up vigil" across Tamil Nadu to detect and intercept cash and other inducements being used to lure voters and ensure that a level-playing field is maintained. The counting of votes in all the five states is slated for May 19. The Model Code of Conduct came into force on March 4 after the Commission had announced the schedule for the Assembly polls. Puducherry: BJP President Amit Shah on Friday charged the AINRC government here with having failed to bring in several welfare measures the NDA government had evolved and implemented in many states to help the youth, farmers, poor women and other sections of society. "The AINRC government has failed to implement several welfare measures that the NDA government headed by Narendra Modi evolved and implemented in several states to help the youth, farmers, poor women and other sections of society," he said at an election rally here. BJP is fighting the May 16 Assembly polls in the union territory on its own. Shah alleged that neither DMK, AIADMK, Congress nor AINRC governments had addressed the concerns of people, though the union territory offered good scope for development. He listed various welfare measures the NDA government had brought about in the last two years and said the AINRC government had not emulated the MUDRA scheme for youth. "This scheme has been of help for enterprising youth and more than l.5 crore persons had benefitted in different parts of the country. It is really sad that the AINRC government had not enforced the scheme here," he said. Shah said successive governments in Puducherry had not met the housing requirements of the poor. "The Prime Minister's Awas Yojana now implemented holds the key to tackle problem of housing of the poor and this will be taken up if BJP is voted to power in Puducherry", he added. Voicing concern over continued closure of industrial units due to "poor governance" by AINRC,he said the previous UPA regime at the Centre that was in power for 10 years had also not tackled the sufferings of Tamil fishermen in Sri Lanka. Alleging more than 550 Tamil fishermen had been killed by Sri Lankan navy during the 10 year UPA rule, he said they had done nothing to relieve fishermen in the island republic of their sufferings. He also charged Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments with failing to take steps to protect the fishermen. "Not even a single fisherman has been killed since the present NDA government was installed in office two years ago in Delhi," he said, adding that the welfare of fishermen had been taken care of by the present Central government. Shah said the scheme to provide free LPG cylinder connection would be implemented in Puducherry. He urged people to vote BJP to power so that benefits of several Central government welfare measures would be available to them. Vijayawada: BJP national secretary and its state party affairs in-charge Siddharth Nath Singh on Friday reiterated the Centres view that AP is a special state for the BJP, but it would not be granted Special Category Status. Speaking to the media here on Friday, Mr Singh said that no state could be given special status as per the Niti-Aayog report and the 14th Finance Commission's recommendation. However, the Centre is looking at alternative ways to develop AP while providing it the benefits of Special Category Status, he said. Mr Singh said that his party would counter the allegations regarding the Centre's cooperation, or lack thereof, and release of funds to AP. He also termed allegations against the Centre to be the stuff of vote bank politics by some political parties, asking them to stop criticising the party with a political motive. The BJP-led Central government had released 30 per cent funds in excess of its original quota, he said. He said that the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were implementing promises in the AP Reorganisation Act, but special status was not in the Act: so where then was the BJP's lapse. Mr Singh said that the Centre would bear the entire cost of the Polavaram project even though its actual share was 70 per cent. He recalled that the Centre had taken the initiative to merge seven mandals into AP as part of its commitment to complete the lifeline project. Explaining the fund allotment, Mr Singh said that nearly `1.43 lakh crore was allotted to AP, with roads and infrastructure projects being allotted `65,000 crore and about `6,400 crore released under various heads. He said that the Centre was implementing all promises in the Act priority-wise, with the railway zone to be given sanction soon. He also reacted to the Congress' Private Members Bill and asked why its MP was trying to move this instead of focusing on his party's initiation. BJP AP president K Hari Babu, former Union minister D. Purandeswari, MLC S. Veera Raju and other leaders were present. Jaipur: BJP MLA Jagat Singh courted a controversy on Saturday after he was caught on camera assuring a gathering that they can continue illegal mining without fear. The MLA from Bharatpur district in Rajasthan, which is notorious for illegal mining, is seen addressing a group of miners or transporters. After attending Pahadi Panchayat Samiti meeting, Jagat Singh attended another meeting wherein he emphasised that they can continue with their illicit practices. I dont understand legal or illegal, but you can continue doing your work. I have spoken to higher authorities in the government, he allegedly told them. Neither RTO nor mines engineer or SDO will come. I have explained to chief minister 'saahiba' that this is how we earn our daily bread and butter. We have no choice. She has assured me that she will not look this side," Jagat Singh said. Jagat Singh is son of former foreign minister Natwar Singh who was forced to resign from the union cabinet during UPA regime after his name came up in Volcker committees report a decade ago, The block development officer K K Jaiman said that police action against vehicles deployed in mining area was discussed in the meeting but no such statement was made by the MLA. However, a member of the Pahadi Panchayat Samiti Ramkishan said that illegal mining remarks were made by the MLA in the meeting. According to reports, locals opposed MLA's visit and and also waived black flags after the meeting. Congress vice-president and media chairperson, Archana Sharma, said, "The BJP MLA is openly supporting and abetting illegal mining and overloading. He has said that the CM is supporting illegal mining, which confirms her involvement in the same, so investigation in the multi-crore mining scam being probed by the anti-corruption bureau should now focus on CM's role too." THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition Leader V.S. Achuthanandan on Friday accused Chief Minister Oommen Chandy of acting like a real estate agent, selling off precious land to corporate companies and Methran Lake (378 acres), Kadmakudiyil (47 acres), Vaikom Chembu (150 acres) and Idukki Hope Plantation (724 acres) were some of the instances, he said in his Facebook post. Mr. Achuthanandan alleged that during his tenure, Chandy had taken a series of controversial decisions to provide valuable government land to corporate for peanuts. He is demanding continuation of his government for selling off the remaining land. Achuthanandan said during the fag end of the incumbent government's tenure, the Chief Minister gifted land to corporate companies, religious groups and community organisations. "The direction of courts and intervention from my side, the government was forced to freeze these decisions," Mr. Achuthanandan added. A section of corporate world has paid huge advance and were also funding the UDF campaign since. They don't mind spending some money in return of precious land. But this is Kerala and the north Indian corporate cannot fool Malayalis," he said. Achuthanandan said the previous LDF government had taken back unauthorised land kept by big companies and distributed among landless. Chennai: Likening the poll battle in Tamil Nadu as a contest between the unholy alliance which emptied the coffers and the party (BJP) connecting the treasury to citizens bank accounts, Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani said people should realise that Lakshmi (Goddess of Prosperity) comes seated on Lotus and not on Rising Sun or Leaves. Electorate in Tamil Nadu, she said while campaigning for BJP candidates in the city on Friday, should understand the confidence reposed by people in the country in BJP leadership, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when they have deposited over Rs 30,000 crore in banks following the launch of Jan Dhan Yojana. Our Prime Minister not only connected the treasury with citizens bank accounts, but also has introduced Suraksha Bhima Yojana (insurance scheme) at a premium of Rs 1 per month. Imagine, in Chennai you get filter coffee for Rs 20 to Rs 30. Our Prime Minister has also launched the Mudra Yojana to help youth realise their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs, she said appealing to people to vote for BJP. While Modi was working hard for betterment of people introducing several innovative schemes, the contribution of Congress and DMK has been only in producing scam after scam. The mention of Congress and DMK only brings to mind their unholy alliance. The Congress has not spared anything from 2G to helicopters (AgustaWestland chopper deal scam). The DMK have taken in their hands the rising sun as the party symbol. But when you ask the people of Tamil Nadu which son rises (after DMK chief M. Karunanidhi), they will tell you that till now, even within the DMK, a decision has not been taken on who shall rise and who shall be left behind, she said ridiculing the combine. The minister was campaigning for Tamilisai Soundararajan contesting from Virugambakkam constituency. While addressing rallies at Royapuram in support of party candidate Jameela and in Sowcarpet for Krishna Nathani, Irani spoke in Hindi. She accused the DMK of hijacking the destiny of Tamil Nadu. On the other hand we have a party (AIADMK) which had not economically strengthened the people so that they can take care of their needs, the Union minister said and claimed that only Modis BJP could ensure overall development of the people. New Delhi: As the Centre and Kerala government engaged in a war of words over evacuation of 29 Indians from war-torn Libya, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday asked the poll-bound state's Chief Minister Oommen Chandy not to "trivialize" the issue to "score brownie points". Taking a dig at Chandy, Naidu said earlier the same chief minister had lauded External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for her initiative to bring back Keralites from Iraq. Read: 16 Keralites, including infants, arrive home from Libya A total of 29 Indians, including 16 from Kerala, were evacuated from strife-torn Libya. Those from Kerala, including nine families, reached Kochi on Thursday morning. Mr Naidu said the stranded Keralites who arrived from Libya are facilitated and being taken care by the union government. Read: After Somalia dig, Centre takes credit for returning Keralites trapped abroad "Centre evacuated thousands of Keralites from Iraq, Libya and Yemen. As said by Sushma Swaraj Ji, it is our pious duty towards our citizens. The stranded Keralites arrived from Libya are facilitated and being taken care by the government of India," Mr Naidu said in a tweet. "... and Mr Chandy says that he wanted to buy air tickets but could not do so owing to foreign exchange issue. Funny argument ... Earlier the same chief minister lauded Sushma Swaraj for her initiative of bringing back Keralites from Iraq," he added. "Mr CM.. do not trivialize. As it is joint responsibility of both Central and state governments, do not try to score brownie points (sic)," Mr Naidu said in another tweet. Kerala goes to assembly polls on May 16 and the results will come out on May 19. On Thursday, Mr Chandy had said the state government was bearing the travel expenses of the families, indicating that the Centre had not extended the financial assistance for their travel. The political fight erupted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that his government evacuated the families from Libya. Belagavi/Bengaluru: The state BJP will not resort to Operation Lotus after the next Assembly elections but several legislators from the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) will be joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on their own, claimed former minister Murugesh Nirani, a close confidante of former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, who is now the state BJP president. Mr Nirani gave a call to his party workers at a meeting in Belagavi to be prepared to face Assembly elections next year as infighting and differences among Congress leaders will lead to elections soon. Leaders who spoke at the meeting, said the Chief Minister was more worried about holding on to his post, while highlighting the government's failure to tackle water shortage. Instead of initiating serious measures to overcome drought that has rocked most parts of the state, Congress leaders are lobbying for ministerial berths, he said while giving a call to party workers to be ready for Assembly elections. Hailing the nomination of Mr Yeddyurappa as president of state BJP, Mr Nirani said he would be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka as the party would win at least 150 seats in the 2018 Assembly elections. Siddaramaiah will ensure he is last Cong CM: BJP Hitting out at the Congress government in state for its failures as it completed three years in office, BJP said on Friday that Siddaramaiah will ensure that he will be the last Congress CM in the state. Calling Siddaramaiah the captain of a "zero development" government, state BJP president B.S. Yeddyurappa told reporters here that the public mood is against the Congress government, which is "anti-farmer, anti-dalit and also anti-minority." He alleged that there was no coordination within the cabinet. Targeting the CM and his cabinet colleagues for their "inability" in handling drought situation, Yeddyurappa said, Siddaramaiah's government could not rescue farmers in distress, leading to 1,450 of them committing suicide." He also targeted the government for not properly utilising the fund given by the Centre. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Election survey conducted by community website of Technopark, technoparktoday.com among techies has predicted LDF victory in the coming polls. To the question who will rule Kerala this time, 60.2 per cent said LDF, 23.8 UDF and 16 per cent supported BJP. As many as 47.7 per cent thought the BJP would open its account in Kerala this time. On who is their Chief Minister choice, 25.6 per cent people preferred Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan. Opposition leader Mr. V S Achuthanandan was the second preference with 19.7 per cent and Mr. Oommen Chandy came third with 17.8 per cent. While 11.7 per cent techies supported Mr. O Rajagopal , 11.1 favoured T M Thomas Isaac for the top job. Mr. Kumanam Rajashekharan secured 8.6 per cent and Mr. V.M. Sudheeran and Mr. Ramesh Chennithala got the support of 3.3 and 2.2 per cent respectively. Will Modi factor have an impact on the polls ? Only 34.2 per cent techies believe so and 65.8 per cent think otherwise. To the question whether the scams during UDF Government's tenure would affect its poll prospects, a whopping 82 per cent techies answered in affirmative and just 18 said no. Interestingly, about 56.4 per cent techies were not in favour of selecting film actors and media persons as candidates. But 43.6 per said there was nothing wrong in actors and journalists entering electoral fray. Majority of the participants (56.4 per cent) believed that corruption was a major issue. The rest said development, communalism, environment degradation and waste management were other important issues. The survey was conducted through the portal, technopark related discussion forums and email forwards. Opinion of 3600 techies was taken during the survey which was done over a period of one month ending last week. BENGALURU: With a revolt brewing in JD(S) over selection of the candidate for election to the Legislative Council from South Graduates constituency, state unit chief H D Kumaraswamy held a meeting with peeved legislators but a new problem has cropped up, adding to woes of top leaders of the party. Lok Sabha member C S Puttaraju, former minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, Puttanna, Akhanda Srinivas, and C Balakrishna, all legislators are unhappy over the candidature of former MLC H K Srikante Gowda, announced by party patriarch H D Deve Gowda. They had threatened to remain neutral in the election if the candidate was not changed. All miffed legislators had opined that they should have been consulted before finalizing the candidate, and imposition of a candidate was not a good sign. They demanded that the party field a new face as Mr Srikante Gowda had been elected thrice from the same constituency. Gauging the gravity of the situation, Mr Kumaraswamy held a meeting at Mr Puttarajus residence in Bengaluru to smoke the peace pipe. The legislators and Mr Putttaraju wanted the ticket to be given to Mr Jagadish, a close confident of Mr Cheluvarayaswamy. Mr Kumaraswamy promised to take up the matter with Mr Deve Gowda on his eturn from Kerala on Sunday. Sources in the party said the legislators also complained about the style of functioning of Mr Kumaraswamy who skipped important meetings. They reportedly told him that if JD (S) could win more seats in 2018 Assembly polls, he who would become the CM and not others. Mr Kumaraswamy promised to work for the party on completion of shooting of his son's movie Jaguar. The politics over terror has a long history in India. Over the years it has built a number of stereotypes leading, in many cases, to the brutalisation of the minority community. The Malegaon blasts cases of 2006 and 2008 helped change the perspective for the first time even if it began on the same stereotypical note with a number of Muslims initially jailed as suspects. Their exoneration and the charging of the members of a Hindu group much later was the first indication that, may be, the acts had been carried out by Hindu zealots aiming to disrupt communal harmony or perpetrating acts of revenge. The swing in the direction of suspicion helped reiterate the argument that terror has no religion and terrorists should be brought to book regardless of their religion or political persuasion. The always moving wheels of politics also change direction, which is why we are now seeing an extraordinary change in the Malegaon blasts cases in which Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and five others had been charged with committing a terrorist act. While the ATS Mumbai had concluded long ago that they had no evidence against the Muslims charged with the crime, the NIA, which had taken over the investigation in Maharashtra in 2011, has now concluded that it has little evidence against the people charged. The changed findings in the case mean that who perpetrated the act of terror is now a complete mystery. The realistic conclusion to draw from these sudden about-turns in the investigation is that the probing agencies and the prosecuting authorities are susceptible to change with swings in political fortune. The fear is that the independence of government agencies probing crimes has been compromised so much that authentic investigation and prosecution, even in cases of terrorism, has become a rarity. The Malegaon blasts cases are not the only investigations that appear to have suffered from heavy doses of politics. Any number of instances of the agencies barking up the wrong tree has been documented, including the Akshardham temple attack in 2002. At the root of all this is also the lack of thoroughness in the investigation process and the interminable delays in the judicial system, particularly when it comes to justice delivery. The loudness with which such issues are politicised also helps bring about these swings in the findings. Be it the Ishrat Jahan encounter case or the Malegaon blasts, the loud play of politics uses the delays to whip up a campaign to exonerate those charged or change the scenario altogether. Even so, the losers are those who are charge-sheeted for crimes as they suffer incarceration which brutalises them needlessly. And indeed if they are innocent, they are the real victims of Indian politics, irrespective of their religion. The idea is simple. There are places in the planet where nature is bountiful - the equatorial areas for sunlight, the North Pole for wind. Harness nature's bounty from these areas and distribute this electricity around the world. Simple! The month of May this year is going to be remembered for many historic events. On 9th May, Mercury was gently gliding along the universe and passed directly between the Earth and sun, a rare celestial event. Almost as a result of the effects of Mercury, there was turmoil in the boardrooms of the meeting of the OPEC, when Saudi Arabia decided to ditch its long standing practice of controlling production to keep oil prices high. The well oiled machine that OPEC once was seems to be creaking. Saudis want to produce more oil, gain market share and earn money, which sounds like a scramble to gather up the last oil coins that have fallen out of the global purse. The Stone Age did not end because humans ran out of stones. It ended because it was time for a re-think about how we live, said William McDonough. This is what the Saudis are worried about. The world is rethinking and beginning to realise that renewable energy is the way forward for the world that is hungry for electricity, and getting weary of extreme climate events caused by global warming. Critics of renewable energy are still dismissive of renewable energy, citing problems related to consistent supply, unpreparedness of ageing grids to receive renewable energy, transmission challenges, etc. They contend that renewable energy is great for small local geographies, but not for country and region-wide deployment. They now have to eat their hats and swallow their words, as along comes a steaming bowl of delicious Chinese news that they would love to gobble up. While the Saudis plan the Jeddah Tower which will be the world's tallest building, to prop up the sagging morale in their economy, the Chinese are planning a global energy gridyes, you read this right, a global energy grid! The idea is simple. There are places in the planet where nature is bountiful - the equatorial areas for sunlight, the North Pole for wind. Harness nature's bounty from these areas and distribute this electricity around the world. Simple! According to Liu Zhenya, Chairman of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), the world's largest power company, We have the capacity to enable much greater use of renewable energy by interconnecting the world's energy grids. SGCC serves more than 1.1 billion Chinese consumers and operates energy grids in the Philippines, Brazil, Portugal, Australia and Italy. This dream energy grid from Liu Zhenya is not science fiction. China has a lot of experience developing very sophisticated grid systems out of necessity because the raw materials for its energy production are spread out across the country. Its main coal deposits are in the north, its main wind potential in the far west and its nuclear plants are on the coast, so it had to develop and interconnect its grids. By 2015, SGCC had invested $75.5 billion to extend what is called an ultra high voltage (UHV) grid to 40,000 km. By 2020, the capacity of the UHV network is expected to be some 300-400 GW, which will function as the backbone of the whole system, connecting six regional clusters. By 2020 UHV transmission lines are expected to increase to 1.6 million circuit kilometres. While there are many complications to this idea of a global energy grid besides the $50+ Trillion price tag, the biggest challenge will be to get nations around the world to accept the idea of as lines crisscrossing their countries. But it will serve the countries well to remember that if renewable generation grows at an annual growth rate of 12.4 per cent over the world, then by 2050 renewable energy share will increase to 80 per cent of total consumption, realizing clean energy dreams forever and completely solving the damage caused by fossil fuels. While we leave the Saudis and OPEC to deal with their declining oil woes, I am dreaming a Chinese dream, of a global village interconnected with clean energy. Let us all dream with Liu. Deep Kumar Upadhyays tenure as Nepals ambassador to India was rather short, if eventful. As soon as he assumed charge last year, a devastating earthquake struck the Himalayan nation. This was followed by another political earthquake in the form of the Madhesi agitation. In this interview to Sridhar Kumaraswami, days after he was sacked by the Nepal government and before his return to Kathmandu, the Nepalese envoy spells out his views on why India-Nepal ties are unstable and the road ahead for the two neighbours. Why were you suddenly sacked by your government? Was it on account of your previous association with the Nepali Congress? You are also perceived to be close to New Delhi. It was a political decision. I was appointed by the previous government. As an ambassador, my job was to strengthen ties between India and Nepal. When I was appointed ambassador to India, I suspended my links with the Nepali Congress. As an ambassador, one has to be neutral. I will not speak against my government. All I will say is that, perhaps, there was some misunderstanding. But there were reports in the Nepalese media that the government was upset because you had allegedly visited the Terai region with Ranjit Rae, the Indian ambassador in Kathmandu, and that your role was suspected in the Nepali Congress bid to remove Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli from power I dont give credence to these reports and dont like to go by hearsay unless I get some specific communication in this regard from either the ministry of external affairs or the Prime Ministers Office in Nepal. I never visited the Terai region with Mr Rae. There was a programme planned by Nepals far-west tourism corporation to promote jungle safaris in Mahendranagar. It was supposed to be an event to promote regional tourism in Nepal to which both the Indian ambassador to Nepal and I were invited. But it never took place due to the Madhesi stir and it was mischievously projected by some that there was something more to it. Your removal was triggered by your opposition to the cancellation of your Presidents visit to India. There was talk that this was done because Mr Oli was upset with India. My recommendation to my government was that the scheduled visit of Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari to India should go ahead as it will strengthen ties between the two nations. She was to visit Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. But it was called off. The visit has now been suspended. But I hope it takes place soon. There is a feeling in New Delhi that India gets blamed whenever there is political turmoil in Nepal since the three main political parties there cant get their act together? In a democracy, what matters is the numerical majority. That is both the beauty and error of democracy. Whenever there is some political turmoil on this score in Nepal, we should not rush to blame others. Currently, we have a hung Parliament where no one has a clear majority. Look at what happened in Uttarakhand. The Congress and the BJP were engaged in a tussle. Eventually, one party had the numbers on the floor of the House. But whenever there is such political turmoil, one should not blame it on other factors. Mr Olis government is seen to be pro-Beijing. Do you think China can emerge as an alternative to India as far as Nepal is concerned? Can we change our geography? Nepal is bound on the east, west and south by India. This border with India has easy accessibility and terrain. It is an open border. We have cultural similarity with India. We have a roti-beti relationship. The unique ties that Nepal has with India cannot be built with any other nation. Yes, no doubt, China is also our neighbour and we want good relations with them as well. China has surplus money and good relations with them will make us economically prosperous. But the border with Tibet (China) is at an altitude of 16,000 ft. It is not so easy for transportation of goods at such a height. It is practically very difficult. Do you think Nepalese politicians love to use the China card frequently against India, upsetting the Indians? India should not always compare itself with China, as far as Nepal is concerned. Doesnt India have confidence in itself? Trade, in fact, has grown between Nepal and India. Nepal is now more dependent on India. The Indian government should always ensure that the Nepalese do not suffer. During the Madhesi agitation, there was a shortage of essential supplies in Nepal which resulted in anger among the people. Even when movement of goods stopped at the Birgunj border, I was persuading the Indian government to rush supplies through other checkpoints. I urged them to see the sensitivity of Nepal as a landlocked country. They eventually saw my point of view. The movement of supplies is in full swing now. No matter what perception a government may have, people-to-people ties matter. When the earthquake struck, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went all out to send relief aid to Nepal. It was something that touched us and we will always remember it. Do you think the differences between the Paharis (hill people) and the Madhesis (people of the plains) in Nepal can be resolved to the satisfaction of all? Why not? Even if there is a regional dispute, it can be resolved. That is democracy. We have to talk to each other. My forefathers migrated to the hills of Nepal from India more than two centuries ago. But my own home now is in the Madhes region. Kapilavastu in the Madhes region was my constituency when I was in active politics. The Constitution can be amended by consensus to make the situation better. But no amendments are possible without the support of the Nepali Congress. How would you describe your experience as an ambassador to India? Do you plan to plunge into active politics? I believe in the eastern philosophy that life is one learning experience from birth to death. Being an envoy to India has been a great learning experience for me. I will now visit my constituency Kapilavastu. I avoided going there while I was an ambassador since I was on a diplomatic assignment. My people are waiting eagerly for me. I will return to Nepal and consult them on what my future course of action should be. Drones will be able to perform most tasks at height, reducing the risk of death and injury and increasing efficiency. Google and Amazon were quick to put drones to use delivering orders. But new research suggests delivery is just one small way drones are going to replace humans. The tiny airborne vessels will soon clean windows on skyscrapers, verify insurance claims and spray pesticide on crops. The global market for drones, valued at around $2 billion today, will replace up to $127 billion worth of business services and human labour over the next four years, according to a new research by consulting firm PwC. Drone technology could soon become part of our everyday lives, monitoring problems with crumbling infrastructure such as cracks in tarmac, bridges and houses and even repairing them as part of $45.2 billion of infrastructure work currently done by humans. Construction companies, amid other things, will be able to attach 3D printers to drones to produce onsite replacement parts for damaged elements of houses or roads. Drones will be able to perform most tasks at height, reducing the risk of death and injury and increasing efficiency. In transport, the most promising uses of drones is predicted to be food delivery. Providing products such as frozen food, ready-to-eat dishes or even daily groceries from large chains may become the next big thing in the food and restaurant industries, analysts at PwC said. As soon as regulation permits, drones will be able to decrease the time it takes to deliver food, PwC said. Google is for instance already trying to solve the problem of how to fly drones safely in yards without endangering pets or other potential obstacles. In agriculture, drones will increasingly be used to gather and analyse data on crops quickly as well as to do precise spraying on plants. It is fascinating to see how the combination of drone technology with deep analytical capabilities is reshaping the business world, Piotr Romanowski, CEE advisory leader at PwC, said. The key barrier is actually the lack of legislation regarding the use of drones, said Michal Mazur, head of drone-powered solutions at PwC Poland. Owners of drones in the US will soon have to register their machines with the US Department of Transportation, as the federal government attempts to regulate the devices more tightly. Concerns over the use of drone around sensitive areas such as airports have also been raised after a British Airways pilot has revealed his flight was stuck by suspected drone as it came in to land at Heathrow airport. Source: www.independent.co.uk Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Android-based smartphones are one of the most commonly used devices in the entire world and even the likes of Apple find it difficult to stay ahead in the race. For starters, Android is the most use mobile OS in the world, and Google is incessantly working to keep on making the platform more efficient. Apart from that, Android-based smartphone manufacturers are constantly developing their handsets to make the most of Android. However, Android users still face a number of difficulties over the course of time due to some common errors. On that note, here are some suggested tips that can help you significantly help your Android smartphone experiencefrom simple navigation to performance. Scale down animations: All users prefer their smartphones to be lag-free and thats one area where Android devices really take a big hit. However, by following a set of simple steps, you can get rid of any unnecessary lag. In settings, go to about device and click on the build number option for seven times. This will unlock your developer option where you will find a slew of animation scaling options. You can turn down the animation scales to 0.5x in place of 10x. This will significantly boost your smartphones transition and navigation speed. Delete unwanted apps: On most cases, smartphones tend to get infected with viruses as new unused apps start accumulating in your device. But you can easily avoid such problems by regularly monitoring and deleting unwanted apps. Keeping your home screen widget-free also helps in upping your smartphones performance. Use OK Google: This is a very handy feature and can be used to search almost anything on your smartphone. This feature can significantly help you improve searching for any kind of content on the internet or on the device. The default settings only allow OK Google to work from the home screen, but you can just go to settings and change the preference to from any screen. Turn on power-saving mode: If youve noticed, most smartphones come along with power-saving options and there are also numerous power-saving apps available on Play Store. The power-saving mode on your device is extremely useful when you are really low on charge and can save up to 50 per cent more battery in contrast to the normal mode. Activate mobile data tracking: While most users might know about this simple Android feature, for the ones who dont know, this resourceful feature will seamlessly allow you to monitor how much data you are using. Moreover, this feature will automatically cut off mobile data when you are on the verge of exhausting your data pack. Automatic photo backup: It feels horrible when you loose or break a device full of pictures only to find out that your photos were not automatically backed. Well, you can avoid this by utilising the nifty Google Photos app, which gives you 15Gb of free data storage space. Save offline maps: A few months back, Google added another very useful feature to its mapsoffline storage. All you have to do is find the area on the map, which you want to save and tap on the search bar at the top of the screen. After the downloading is complete, you will have access to all the offline map data pertaining to that area including streets, points of interest, and navigation. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. US said it has noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India. (Photo: AFP) Washington: China has increased defence capabilities and deployed more troops along the Indian border, the Pentagon has said, as it warned of increasing Chinese military presence including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan. "We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India," Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters during a news conference here after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China'. Read: India unlikely to increase military presence on Chinese border: sources However, Denmark said it is difficult to conclude on the real intention behind this. "It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration," he said in response to a question on China upgrading its military command in Tibet. Referring to US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter's recent trip to India, Denmark said he had a very positive and productive visit. "We're going to continue to enhance our bilateral engagement with India, not in the China context, but because India is an increasingly important player by themselves. And we are going to engage India because of its value," he said. The Defence Department also warned of China's increasing military presence including bases in various parts of the world, in particular Pakistan - with which it has a "longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests". China's expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said. "China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries," the report said. The Pentagon in its report expressed its concerns about Chinese military buildup near the Indian border. "Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino- Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces. "After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides," it said. The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and, therefore, of China), and over the Askai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. Some 1,019 bids had been made for George Zimmerman's gun within less than 24 hours of the sale beginning on the United Gun Group auction site (Photo: AP) Washington: Bidding for the gun used by a Florida neighbourhood watchman to kill unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin hit $65 million Friday, as hoax buyers appeared to jack the controversial sale to astronomical levels. Nationwide protests erupted over the 17-year-old's shooting in 2012, in what the watchman George Zimmerman said was self-defense but which the teen's family and friends claimed was a murder driven by racism. Zimmerman's trial and subsequent acquittal exposed deep racial fissures in US society. Bids for the Kel-Tec PF-9, a 9mm pistol, began at $5,000 on Thursday -- already far above the market value of a secondhand weapon -- and had reached $65,039,000 by Friday morning on UnitedGunGroup.com, with more than four days left to go in the sale. Some 1,019 bids had been made within less than 24 hours of the sale beginning on the United Gun Group auction site. An attorney for Martin's family denounced the "insulting" sale. "Think about what that means: This is a gun that took a child's life and now he wants to make money off of it," Daryl Parks told The Washington Post. US reports said a bidder using the screen name "Racist McShootface" made several offers of around $65 million overnight, though the account was later deleted. The top bid belonged to a user identified as Craig Bryant. It was difficult to verify the validity of the bids, with participants using pseudonyms and seemingly bidding against themselves. The website does not request down payments for bids. Amid growing backlash over the sale, United Gun Group said it would press forward "unless the law has been violated," and offered condolences to the Martin family. One bidder went by the pseudonym Tamir Rice -- the name of a 12-year-old African American boy shot dead by police while carrying a toy gun. That bidder's highest offer was for $430,000. Website users sparred in the comments section, with some denouncing bids that were clearly fake. "This just goes to show people how stupid yall really are," said a user who went by the pseudonym "Quit trolling it's not worth it." User Brez Morrell, whose highest bid was listed as $485,000, said: "Obviously the jury didn't think it was murder. He did nothing wrong." Zimmerman had previously listed the gun on GunBroker.com, but the auctioneers swiftly removed it, saying: "We want no part in the listing on our website or in any of the publicity it is receiving." While serving as a neighbourhood watch volunteer in a gated community in Florida, Zimmerman fatally shot high school student Martin as he was walking home with iced tea and candy in February 2012. Zimmerman insisted he had been following the teenager on suspicion he was involved in robbery, and that he shot him in an act of self-defence. He was acquitted of second-degree murder the following year, setting off protests nationwide over Florida's "stand your ground" gun laws. Zimmerman advertised the gun as "the firearm that was used to defend my life and end the brutal attack from Trayvon Martin" and called the sale "your opportunity to own a piece of American history." "The firearm is fully functional as the attempts by the Department of Justice on behalf of B. Hussein Obama to render the firearm inoperable were thwarted," Zimmerman's listing said. He highlighted President Barack Obama's middle name in an echo of radical conservative critics who have questioned the US leader's origins and legitimacy to serve as president. "I am proud to announce that a portion of the proceeds will be used to: fight BLM (Black Lives Matter) violence against Law Enforcement officers," Zimmerman wrote. The Black Lives Matter movement grew out of the killings of a number of young black men across the country, many at the hands of police officers who were not subsequently charged. The weapon's online description was accompanied by photographs of the gun taken when it was displayed as evidence in court. The 32-year-old Zimmerman has made headlines repeatedly since his acquittal over Martin's death, notably for selling paintings of the Confederate Flag -- which many view as a racist symbol -- in partnership with a Florida gun store. He has had several subsequent run-ins with the law. Last year, he was accused of assault by his girlfriend, although she later withdrew the complaint. n September 2014, he allegedly threatened a man during a road rage incident on a Florida highway, but police released him because the man did not want to press charges. In 2013, his estranged wife Shellie Zimmerman called police to say he had threatened her with a gun, but she too failed to press charges. "We have seen this declaration of emergency in Raqqa, whatever that means. We know this enemy feels threatened, as they should," US-led anti-ISIS coalition spokesperson Col Steve Warren said (Photo: AFP) Washington: The Islamic State (IS) believes that it may soon come under siege in its self declared capital in Raqqa , Syria and the US military officials are closely monitoring the developments. "We have seen this declaration of emergency in Raqqa, whatever that means. We know this enemy feels threatened, as they should," US-led anti-ISIS coalition spokesperson Col Steve Warren said. According to CNN, reports have indicated that ISIS is moving personnel around the city and trying to put up covers in certain areas to shield potential targets from air strikes and ground attacks. "They see the Syrian Democratic Forces, along with the Syrian Arab Coalition, manoeuvre both to their east and to their west. Both of these areas becoming increasingly secure, and the Syrian Democratic Forces increasingly able to generate their own combat power in those areas," Warren said. "We've had reports of ISIL repositioning both their combat capabilities, I guess what they think may be coming next and we've seen reports of them repositioning personnel ... either within the city or even out of the city," he added. Anti-government fighters took control of Fallujah in early 2014 during unrest that broke out after security forces demolished a protest camp farther west, and it later became an IS stronghold (Photo: AFP) Washington: Islamic State terrorists are targeting humanitarian corridors established by Iraqi security forces to relieve suffering in the IS-held city of Fallujah, a Pentagon official said Friday. Baghdad-based military spokesman Colonel Steve Warren said the shooters were preventing residents from escaping Fallujah, which is only about 30 miles (50 kilometers) west of Baghdad and is facing major shortages of basic supplies including medicine. "We know that the Iraqis have attempted on several occasions to open up humanitarian corridors to allow some of those civilians to come out," Warren told Pentagon reporters in a video call. "Those have met with generally not much success. ISIL has done things like set up snipers to cover down on those corridors, to kill people as they're trying to get out. So that has really discouraged their use," he added, using an acronym for the IS group. Warren later said Iraqi forces had tried to set up three corridors, but these have been all but abandoned because of the snipers. "Word must have spread because no civilians have tried to use the corridors in the last few weeks," he said. Anti-government terrorists took control of Fallujah in early 2014 during unrest that broke out after security forces demolished a protest camp farther west, and it later became an IS stronghold. Warren said Iraqi security forces now "generally" surround Fallujah and have begun to slowly "chip away" at it. "This is the very first city that ISIL gained control of," he said. "ISIL's been there for more than two years, so they are dug in and dug in deep. This is a tough nut for us to crack here. This is a tough nut for the Iraqis to crack." US forces are training and advising Iraqi partners as they try to repel IS jihadists from the country. The Pentagon says the IS group is losing ground, and the jihadists have suffered major defeats in Iraq, including the loss of the cities of Heet and Ramadi. But they remain in control of Iraq's second-largest city Mosul and it is not clear when Iraqi troops will mount an assault to retake it. Warren said there was no "no military reason" for Iraqi forces to liberate Fallujah before they could tackle Mosul. About half of Iraq's security forces are focused on protecting Baghdad, where IS terrorists claimed responsibility for a string of suicide attacks this week. At least 94 people were killed in three blasts in Baghdad on Wednesday, the deadliest day in the Iraqi capital this year. The guilty plea comes in the wake of a number of anti-Muslim incidents in the United States (Photo: Representational Image) Washington: A North Carolina man admitted on Friday that he ripped off a Muslim woman's head scarf during a flight to New Mexico last December after saying, "Take it off! This is America !" Gill Payne, 37, pleaded guilty in US District Court in New Mexico to one count of using force to intentionally obstruct the woman from freely exercising her religious beliefs, prosecutors said. "No matter one's faith, all Americans are entitled to peacefully exercise their religious beliefs free from discrimination and violence," said Vanita Gupta, head of the US Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. An attorney for Payne said by e-mail: "Mr. Payne has taken responsibility for his actions and is sorry for them. He is ready to begin the healing process and move forward." Payne admitted that on a flight last December, he approached the aisle where the Muslim woman was seated shortly before landing in Albuquerque , and stopped next to her seat, Prosecutors said. Payne then told the woman, a stranger identified in court documents as K.A., to take off her hijab, saying something to the effect of "Take it off! This is America !" prosecutors said. Payne then grabbed the back of the hijab and "pulled it all the way off," leaving her head exposed. "As a result, K.A. felt violated and quickly pulled the hijab back up and covered her head again," prosecutors said in a statement. A sentencing hearing for Payne has not yet been set, prosecutors said. However, under the terms of a plea agreement struck with prosecutors and accepted by a magistrate judge, Payne will likely serve two months of home detention as well as probation, Payne's attorney, Amber Fayerberg, said. The judge could also impose a fine, she said. The guilty plea comes in the wake of a number of anti-Muslim incidents in the United States . Earlier this week, a Muslim advocacy group said a California student was embarrassed and distressed after her name was incorrectly listed as Isis , the abbreviated name of the Islamic militant group. In late April, a New Jersey school board member resigned after drawing fire over anti-Muslim Facebook posts, including one saying, " America needs to get rid of people like you." Kirby was responding to a question on the statement made by Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that his country's relationship with the United States has been under stress for the past three months (Photo: AP) Washington: The US is committed to maintaining its "important" and "vital" relationship with Pakistan, the Obama Administration said on Saturday amid reports of strains in bilateral ties. "It is an important, vital relationship that we strongly believe in. Is it complicated at times? Absolutely it is. And do we see eye-to-eye on every issue with Pakistan? No, we don't," State Department spokesman, John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference. "But that's why the relationship matters so much because we have shared threats and shared concerns, shared interests in the region. And we're going to continue to work at it," he said. Kirby was responding to a question on the statement made by Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that his country's relationship with the United States has been under stress for the past three months. Kirby said he has not seen the statement. "I didn't see his comments. So I'm going to refrain from responding specifically to that sentiment," he said. Kirby did not agree when asked if the US-Pakistan ties are not at the best of times these days. "It is an important relationship that we continue to work at very, very seriously. We're going to remain committed to. And I would not share that characterization of it," Kirby said. Caracas: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is recalling his ambassador to Brazil to protest the suspension of his leftist ally Dilma Rousseff. Maduro held a televised meeting with his Cabinet on Friday night and said that Rousseff's suspension this week is an attempt to erase the will of the Brazilian people and threatens progressive democracies across the Americas. Maduro is fighting an attempt for a referendum to remove him from power as well. He has accused the US of plotting to oust leftist governments in South America. He also condemned Rousseff's ouster. But incoming Brazilian Foreign Minister Jose Serra says his government won't take lessons from its Spanish-speaking neighbors. On Friday he said Rousseff's removal is transparent and constitutional. Washington: In a sign that the party is gradually rallying behind him, as many as nine chairmen of key Congressional committees in the US House of Representatives have endorsed presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. We stand on the precipice of one of the most important elections of our lifetime. This great nation cannot endure eight more years of Democrat-control of the White House, chairmen of nine Committees said in a joint statement. It cannot afford to put Democrats in charge of Congress. It is paramount that we coalesce around the Republican nominee, Donald J Trump, and maintain control of both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, they said. The nine chairmen are Steve Chabot (Small Business), Michael Conaway (Agriculture), Jeb Hensarling (Financial Services), Candice Miller (House Administration), Jeff Miller (Veterans Affairs), Tom Price (Budget), Pete Sessions (Rules), Bill Shuster (Transportation and Infrastructure), and Lamar Smith (Science, Space and Technology). Any other outcome is a danger to economic growth, puts our national security in peril, enshrines ObamaCare as the law of the land, entraps Americans in a cycle of poverty and dependence, and undermines our constitutional republic, they said. There is a path to winning in November, and it comes through unity. To solidify this partnership, we endorse Trump as the Republican nominee for President and call upon all Americans to support him, the joint statement said. In a statement, Trump said a strong House Republican Majority is imperative to fixing the problems facing America and making the country better and stronger than ever before. Meanwhile, Trump said he has no intention of getting back the $50 million that he has loaned to his campaign. I have absolutely no intention of paying myself back for the nearly USD 50 million I have loaned to the campaign. This money is a contribution made in order to 'Make America Great Again', he told MSNBC. The New York Times pressed Trump to release his tax returns after the real estate mogul told a news channel that it is none of your business. Democrats want Sanders to exit Democratic Party leaders are upping the pressure on Bernie Sanders to drop his presidential campaign, alarmed that his continued presence is undermining efforts to beat the presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump, and again win the White House. I don't think they think of the downside of this, said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., a supporter of front-runner Hillary Clinton and broker of the post-primary peace between Clinton and then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in 2008. It's actually harmful because she can't make that general-election pivot the way she should, Feinstein said. Trump has made that pivot. The new concerns come after Sanders' recent wins over Clinton in Indiana and West Virginia. While those victories have provided his supporters a fresh sense of momentum heading into next week's primaries in Kentucky and Oregon, they did almost nothing to help Sanders cut into Clinton's nearly insurmountable lead in the delegates who will decide their party's nomination. Paris: French nuclear giant Areva's former boss Anne Lauvergeon was charged Friday as part of a probe linked to its disastrous 2007 purchase of a Canadian uranium mining firm, Uramin. "Atomic Anne" as she is known, who ran the group from 2001 to 2011, faces questioning specifically for presenting and publishing false accounts and spreading false information, a judicial source said after a day-long hearing. Investigators have been following two lines of inquiry since 2014, one into the purchase of Uramin, and the other into the presentation of Areva's group accounts in 2010 and 2011. Her husband, energy sector adviser Olivier Fric, was charged in March with insider trading as part of the former probe. Lauvergeon faces questioning over the the accounting allegations -- specifically examining magistrates want to know if she applied pressure for the group's accounts to downplay the collapse in Uramin's value in order to save her own job. The charges are part of a wider probe into the $2.5 billion (1.8 billion euros at the time) purchase by Areva of Uramin at a height of demand for enriched uranium. Areva was later forced to revalue its Uramin uranium mines to only 410 million euros. Lauvergeon was a key economics advisor to late French president Francois Mitterrand before being named to head nuclear energy agency Cogema which she merged with Framatome to form Areva. She left Areva in 2011. She has been included in Forbes's list of the world's most influential women. The website discusses several issues related to sex and sexuality, including first-time sex, virginity issues, gender equality, same-sex relationships and their legality in European countries, kinds of sexual problems, sexually transmitted diseases, and so on (Photo: http://www.zanzu.de/en) The notorious sexual assaults on German women on New Years Day, some of which were allegedly committed by refugees from across the Mediterranean, have given the German government a reason to publish a sexual education manual directed specifically at refugees. Germanys Federal Center for Health Education has gone live with a sexual education website for adult refugees. Using highly graphic diagrams and images, the site outlines everything from first-time sex to how to perform far more advanced sexual acts. The sex education website focuses on several topics, such as having good sex, homosexuality, family planning, relationships, rights and laws in Europe etc The website discusses several issues related to sex and sexuality, including first-time sex, virginity issues, gender equality and womens rights, same-sex relationships and their legality in European countries, kinds of sexual problems and how to solve them, sexually transmitted diseases and how to avoid them, and so on. It even suggests what kinds of sexual positions would result in a satisfactory experience for the individuals concerned. A graphic teaching refugees about the acceptance of lesbian relationships in Germany The manual has raised eyebrows among some in Germany, while others have supported the initiative. The critics claim that teaching refugees about sex and sexuality assumes that they lack knowledge or understanding of the same. Some have gone so far as to call it racist. But supporters argue that the initiative is necessary to integrate refugees into German society, especially after the string of sexual assaults on German women witnessed over the past few months. While the sexual education website is a first-of-its-kind initiative by the government, there have been several other efforts of this sort over the last few months. In Munich, public pools published cartoons warning migrants not to grope women in bikinis. In Bavaria, public money is partially funding sexual education classes including lessons for male refugees on how to correctly approach German women. The site, which went live in March, is available to anyone with the URL. But officials say it was devised to be disseminated by doctors and other medical professionals who are working with refugees. Rome: A pioneering Italian gynecologist best known for helping women in their 60s to have babies has been arrested on suspicion of removing eggs from a patient without her consent. Severino Antinori, 70, was arrested at Rome's Fiumicino airport on Friday following a complaint filed by a 24-year-old Spanish woman who was being treated for an ovarian cyst at Milan clinic run by the specialist, police and lawyers involved in the case said. Antinori has had his licence to practice gynaecology provisionally suspended for a year and been placed under house arrest in Rome on charges of aggravated robbery and causing personal injury, according to reports. The alleged victim was a Spanish national with a nursing qualification who had recently begun working at the clinic. Prosecutors allege that Antinori, who had met the woman by chance, set up the job interview and subsequently diagnosed the ovarian cyst with sole intention of harvesting her eggs without her knowledge. The woman says she had her mobile phone taken off her before being forcibly immobilised, placed under anesthesia and operated on without her consent. She believed she was only going to be treated by injection for the cyst, according to her lawyer. The investigation was triggered by the woman calling emergency services from a payphone in the clinic after she came round from the surgery. Antinori's lawyers described the charges against their client as "absurd". Prosecutors are also working on the hypothesis that this may not be an isolated case. "The arrest of Severino Antinori is extremely serious because it indicates the existence of a market in eggs that will not stop at anything," said Donata Lenzi, an Italian lawmaker from Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's Democratic Party. Antinori became famous worldwide in 1994 when his fertility treatment led to Italian Rossana Della Corte giving birth to a son at the age of 63. At the time she was the oldest woman to have given birth. The gynaecologist was also involved in the treatment of Patricia Rashbrook, who became Britain's oldest mother when she had a boy in 2006. Antinori has also attracted controversy for advocating cloning technology to enable infertile couples to have children by injecting genetic material from a father into donated eggs. It is unclear whether he has ever overseen the creation of a cloned child. London: Gill Parker Payne, a North Carolina man, has pleaded guilty for grabbing a Muslim woman's hijab and pulling it off on a Southwest Airlines flight last December. Federal authorities said that 37-year-old Payne, of Gastonia, North Carolina, entered the plea on Friday, reports the Guardian. Payne was charged with using force to obstruct a Muslim woman from practicing her religious beliefs. Authorities said that Payne approached the woman, who was sitting several rows in front of him, and told her to take off her hijab saying "This is America!" and removed the hijab from her head. Both were on December 11 flight from Chicago to Albuquerque when the confrontation happened. Beirut: Lebanon's Hezbollah on Saturday blamed Islamist extremists for killing the Shiite militant group's top military commander in Syria in an artillery attack. "An investigation has shown that the blast that targeted one of our positions near the Damascus international airport that led to the martyrdom of the brother commander Mustafa Badreddine was caused by artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri (Sunni extremist) groups present in that region," a Hezbollah statement said. It did not name any particular group and there has been no claim of responsibility for the attack, which pro-Hezbollah media said happened on Thursday night. The Iran-backed movement has deployed thousands of fighters in Syria where Badreddine led its intervention in support of President Bashar al-Assad. Hezbollah has been battling opponents of the regime including Sunni extremists from the Islamic State jihadist group and Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda's Syria affiliate. In its statement Saturday, a day after thousands attended Badreddine's funeral in Beirut, Hezbollah vowed no let up in its war against those it describes as "criminal gangs" in Syria. "The result of the investigation will only increase our determination and will to pursue the fight against those criminal gangs until they are defeated," the statement said. "It is the same battle against the American-Zionist scheme in the region, which the terrorists are spearheading," it added. Badreddine was on a US terror sanctions blacklist, was a key suspect in the 2005 assassination in Beirut of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri and was one of the "most wanted" by Israel. His predecessor, cousin and brother-in-law Imad Mughniyeh, was killed in Damascus in a 2008 bombing that Hezbollah blamed on its regional arch-foe Israel with whom it has fought several wars. However, the General refused to kill the terrorist and instead bandaged the injured terrorists leg. He said that the terrorists leg had been injured after his explosive vest did not detonate and his friends exploded hurting his ankle. (Photo: AFP/ Representational Image) An Islamic State (IS) suicide bomber pleaded with his Kurdish captors to kill him, so that he could be in heaven by 4 pm. According to a report in the Daily Mail, the bomber was taken prisoner in Peshmerga, near Mosul, in northern Iraq, on the day of the Muslim festival of Isra and Mi'iraj. The prisoner asked his captors to immediately kill him and his co-terrorists because they all had to attend a commemoration in heaven by 4 pm. Read: ISIS kills 14 Real Madrid fans near Baghdad, calls football 'un-Islamic' While I was bandaging his wound I asked him where he was from and he said he's from Samarra (a city in Iraq) and that he came to fight here with 50 other armed men. They were supposed to commit suicide using their suicide belts because today is the anniversary of the Isra and Mi'iraj celebration. He told me "all of us must be in heaven by 4pm, kill me, said a Lieutenant General of the Kurdish forces. You are infidels, kill me, pleaded the ISIS terrorist to his captor. However, the General refused to kill the terrorist and instead bandaged the injured terrorists leg. He said that the terrorists leg had been injured after his explosive vest did not detonate and his friends exploded hurting his ankle. Islamabad:Over 250 Pakistanis, including senior officials and the mother of a woman filmmaker who won two Oscars this year, have been listed in the biggest-ever global data leaks as having offshore companies. According to the details made available by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) through an online searchable database, at least 259 Pakistanis have been named with links to offshore companies. They include several influential people including Abdul Sattar Dero, former general manager of the Port Qasim Authority; Shaukat Ahmed, the ex-president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI); and Saba Obaid, mother of renowned filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. The Dawn reported that the database contains ownership information about companies created in 10 offshore jurisdictions including the British Virgin Islands, the Cook Islands and Singapore. It covers nearly 30 years until 2010. The fresh digital cache includes names of members of Pakistan's business elite but it is not immediately ascertainable whether the documents contain names of political heavyweights like the explosive April 3 Panama leaks that named Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's children Maryam, Hassan and Hussain among other world leaders having offshore wealth. The release of more names with link to offshore companies may soften pressure on Sharif, who faced angry opposition demanding his resignation over the Panama scandal. Sharif last month asked Supreme Court to probe all listed in the Panama papers, while opposition parties want his probe first. When asked to comment, filmmaker Obaid-Chinoy told the Dawn: "I fully support ICIJ and the laudable efforts being made by it... I would, however, like to clarify that in that my name is not mentioned in the Panama leaks and I am neither the legal nor the beneficial owner of any enterprise mentioned in the Panama Papers." "There is a mention of my mother, Mrs Saba Obaid and I say with confidence that the off-shore companies mentioned in the Panama Papers as being owned by my mother are compliant with the applicable laws." Dhaka: Bangladesh today accused Pakistan of breaching the post-1971 liberation war agreement by not taking back thousands of its stranded citizens, affecting the validity of the treaty. "Under the 1974 agreement (among Dhaka, New Delhi and Islamabad), Pakistan was obligated to take back its stranded citizens from Bangladesh. They did not fulfill their obligation over the decades," Law Minister Anisul Huq said at a discussion here. He said, Bangladesh on the other hand, complied with the treaty allowing the defeated Pakistani soldiers' repatriation and in no way breached the agreement by bringing to justice Bangladeshi perpetrators of war crimes who carried out atrocities siding with the invading Pakistani troops. He added that according to the principle of law, if any party violates a treaty, its validity comes into question while Pakistan itself "clearly defied" the agreement by refusing to take back its citizens over the decades. Thousands of Urdu-speaking Muslims, dubbed as 'Biharis', who migrated to the former East Pakistan after partition in 1947, continued to stay in makeshift homes called Bihari camps in Bangladesh since 1971 and waited for decades to go to Pakistan but the subsequent governments in Islamabad declined to take them. The law minister's comments came amid a growing diplomatic row between the two countries as Pakistan recently accused Bangladesh of failure to uphold the commitment of "not to proceed with the trials" in line with the 1974 treaty since Dhaka took initiatives to try the 1971 war criminals among its own nationals. Pakistan had been upset after fundamentalist Jamaat-e- Islami chief Motiur Rahman Nizami was executed for war crimes in Bangladesh earlier this week and Pakistani parliament also passed a resolution condemning the hanging. Bangladesh said Pakistan's reaction proved that Nizami was a "traitor" when he acted as chief of the infamous Al-Badr militia, an auxiliary unit of Pakistani troops that committed mass killings during the war. Bangladesh had accused Pakistan of "deliberate misinterpretation" saying nowhere in the agreement was it mentioned that Dhaka could not try its own nationals who had committed war crimes and sided with Pakistani troops during the liberation war. The two countries in the past week summoned and counter-summoned their envoys issuing statements and counter statements over Nizami's execution. The Delhi government will keep tabs this year on measures taken by the BJP-run municipal corporations to prevent dengue. The city government will call at least 3-5 per cent of the households on the list of those visited by municipal workers to verify if the visits actually took place. Admitting there were gaps in monitoring the ground situation in dengue preparedness last year, the government said on Friday it will start with the preventive steps from this month itself this time. Last year, Aam Aadmi Party-run Delhi government and municipal corporations kept blaming each other for the slack in dengue prevention measures in the city. The year 2015 saw the worst dengue outbreak since 1996. The government has already held three meetings with officials of the municipal corporation and with the Centre to coordinate well in dengue prevention. We will place sample calls to 3-5 per cent of the households on the list submitted by the corporations in their weekly reports, said Health Minister Satyender Jain at a press conference. This comes amidst repeated complaints from resident welfare associations that the civic bodies do not visit their houses to check mosquito breeding or to raise the awareness level of residents. The state government is now planning to map the areas which saw the most cases of dengue last year. The areas which saw record number of cases include several places in north Delhi and east Delhi. These areas are being mapped this year, said Jain. The government has come up with a dedicated dengue control cell this year to curb the disease. Last year, the preparations started late. We need more coordination at the ground level. Also, there will be more focus on educational activities this year. There will be more focus on areas which report the first dengue cases or which reported a high number of dengue cases last year, said a Health Department official. According to the data available with the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, at least 65 per cent of those infected with dengue last year were in the age group of 15-45, said the official. Therefore, this year we are thinking of mobilising children through projects, homework on taking early preventive steps, he added. However, the government insisted that citizens cooperation is required so that the Capital can avoid a dengue outbreak. It is necessary that residents designate a day of the week in monitoring that there is no mosquito breeding in their premises. It cannot be left to the domestic breeding checkers alone, said Jain. Meanwhile, the city government has registered a Delhi Healthcare Corporation (DHC). This body will be responsible for purchasing medicines, consumables and equipment. The corporation will have a staff of around 100. The Central Procurement Agency which makes bulk purchase of medicines and equipment has been merged with the DHC. A 21-year-old man was arrested last week for allegedly raping a nine-year-old neighbour at south Delhi's Chanakyapuri. Two days after the arrest, families of five more girls turned up at the local police station to allege that he was a serial rapist. They accused him of raping their daughters and claimed that it was going on for the past two months. The girls told police that Johny Ghosh used to lure them to his room on the pretext of sharing tea and snacks. They alleged that Ghosh used to touch them indecently before forcing himself on them. A couple of them accused him of threatening with a knife and drugging before sexually assaulting them. When police confronted Ghosh with allegations made by other girls, aged between 7 and 12 years, he had no choice but to confess to the crimes. The families told police that Ghosh lived on rent in their neighbourhood for past seven years. Police said the crime came to light on May 3 when a girl in the area saw Ghosh doing indecent acts with a nine-year-old girl in his room while her mother, a widow, was out for work. When the girl came out, the other girl told her that she will inform her mother about it. The nine-year-old became scared and the nervousness was visible on her face when she returned home and met her aunt. When the aunt asked her why she was looking terrified, the girl broke into tears and narrated the entire incident. In the meantime, her mother also returned home and learnt about the matter. The family straightaway went to Ghoshs room and they entered into an argument when he claimed that the girl was lying, said a police officer. Hearing the commotion, some neighbours also arrived and began assaulting Ghosh after they learnt about his crime. The girl mothers called the police control room and Ghosh was handed over to the Chanakyapuri police. A case under relevant sections of POCSO Act and IPC was registered and he was arrested. On May 5, the girl while sharing her nightmare with her mother said that she was not the only victim who was victimized by Ghosh. The mother was shocked when the girl revealed that her elder sister was also subjected to cruelty by Ghosh last month. The girl also revealed names of four more girls, two belonging to a neighbouring family. When questioned by police, the girls elder sister and three others confirmed while one, a relative of the accused, denied it. Four separate FIRs were registered against Ghosh, a native of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Ghosh was produced before a city court that sent him to Tihar Jail. The DCW has asked five city cab aggregators, including Ola and Uber, to furnish details about their compliance of the rules imposed by the Delhi government like fitting GPS tracking device and panic buttons in taxis within seven days. Taking suo-moto cognisance of threat to womens safety posed by unregulated taxi aggregators in Delhi and the recent case of molestation of a Belgian national by an Ola cab driver, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has asked the cab companies to submit details such as number of drivers with each company having banner of company that possess the Public Services Badge and those verified by police. As per the prevalent rules and regulations imposed by the government, taxi aggregators need to satisfy conditions such as GPS tracking device, a display panel, good moral character of the driver without any criminal record, etc. Apart from information on compliance on these rules, the DCW has also asked the companies Uber, Ola, Taxiforsure, Ridz, and Meruto provide details on drivers having licenses from outside the state. It has also asked the protocol the aggregators follow to connect to police in case a distress call is received. Please provide us copies of all standard operating procedures followed by you for the same, data on response time and a brief summary of all cases in 2015 that have required police intervention, the commission said in the letter. It has directed the companies to provide the information in seven days failing which appropriate action will be taken. The government recently conducted a review of the impact of its dust control measures, under which the repeat offenders are fined Rs 50,000 daily and warned that their projects will be shut down till they adhere to the environmental norms. The compliance rate has increased in comparison to before we started issuing notices and penalties, the official said. Delhi government is likely to launch an advertisement campaign, including radio jingles and television ads, against burning leaves and construction dust on a scale similar to the odd-even scheme.The Environment Department has sent a plan to the government for the campaign which will include billboards, hoardings, radio jingles on FM channels and ads in news channels and the print media.The plan is to create awareness on a similar scale like seen during odd-even. The scheme was successful in raising public awareness on air pollution and now the plan will be extended to other sources of pollution, a government official said.The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had on May 9 asked Delhi government why it was not emphasising pollution from dust and waste burning the way it had stressed on the odd-even scheme.On car curbs linesThe tribunal had asked the city government to release advertisements on the lines of the odd-even formula. Get complete instructions on these issues, a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar had told the counsel for Delhi government.The tribunal was also irked that neither Delhi government nor the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has furnished reports on leaf burning and dust control measures.We are continuously doing inspections at construction sites, issuing challans and calling violators for meetings. Some days ago we had taken out a print advertisement against waste burning and dust pollution but it was a small ad, the official said.Now we will focus on reaching out to public through radio and hoardings, just like we did in odd-even scheme, the official added. A 19-year-old girl has been arrested for armed robbery at a house in south Delhis Safdarjung Enclave last week. Sana had befriended the complainant, property consultant Jyoti Chhabra. Late on May 5, Jyoti was with Sana and a friend named Pooja when three men barged into the house and robbed cash and jewellery. The probe revealed that Sana intentionally came close to the victim and gathered information. She informed her accomplices on the day of the robbery, said DCP (South) Ishwar Singh. She had also bolted the main door of the neighbours house from outside. A team of Safdarjung Enclave police station has now arrested Sana, a resident of Sangam Vihar, and 22-year-old Aman of Madangir. A juvenile has also been apprehended. Jyoti had made a PCR call at 12.30 am on May 6. She reported that two gold chains, a gold ring, ATM cards, Rs 15,000 cash and two mobile phones were robbed at knife-point. During investigation, police questioned Jyoti, Sana and Pooja. The testimony of Sana was not found consistent. Her activities prior to the incident were checked which raised suspicion, Singh added. The CCTV footage of the area was checked which revealed Sana in close proximity of three men. Jyoti identified those men as the intruders. Drug addict Police sources also identified Sana as a drug addict. Raids were then conducted to nab Sana and her accomplices, but they were found absconding. Sensing the police pressure, Sana discreetly contacted the victim and offered to return the robbed articles. Sana had requested Jyoti to take back her case, Singh said. Jyoti informed police on which the investigating team advised her to strike a deal. On Wednesday, a trap was laid in Ambedkar Nagar. At 9 pm, two youngsters were nabbed when they approached Jyoti. They were identified as Aman and a juvenile. Two robbed mobile phones and Rs 11,500 cash were recovered from their possession. During interrogation, they disclosed to have committed the robbery along with Yogesh, on conspiracy hatched by Sana. At their instance, Sana was also arrested from Hauz Rani village. A robbed gold chain was recovered from her possession. Aman has criminal history. He is involved in three cases filed with Model Town, Safdarjung Enclave and Neb Sarai police stations. Satish Chandra, a former labour surveyor in Delhi government, had never imagined that his own department colleagues would make him run around for post-retirement benefits. But he realised this after going from one officer to the other to get a pension revision. Now, a harassed Chandra, who retired over two years ago from South West district, has complained against his own former colleagues in the public grievance management service (PGMS). When Chandras complaint was forwarded by the PGMS cell closely monitored by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal himself senior Labour Department officials found themselves in a tight spot. Solving his problem within the time limit set under PGMS seemed difficult. The accounts office is unable to process his case due to unavailability of his original pension file which must be lying unattended in South West district, said an official. The problem is more acute with retired officials who left the department between May 2009 and March 2014 during which the Labour Department switched to a system of decentralised accounts. Chandras ordeal may now bring relief to many others like him as the Labour Commissioners office has alerted all districts to send pension files, along with service books, of those who retired during 2009-14. Several reminders sent earlier have gone unheard, forcing the accounts departments to issue a last warning. If there is no pension file available with the district office, a nil report should be submitted, said Y P Soni, accounts officer. The laxity of district offices in responding to reminders has also been brought to the notice of Labour Minister Gopal Rai. Since Rai is in hospital, the Chief Ministers Office is trying to help Chandra get his dues. Labour Department sources said following Chandras complaint there is virtual panic in the South West district as his service books have still not been traced. Chandras complaint has come in public domain at a time when Kejriwal has warned department heads to check subordinates from dismissing PGMS complaints as non-resolvable. The government is also pressing officials to switch to a mechanism in which each complaint received under the PGMS is marked under subcategories for future review. Lenders to the grounded Kingfisher Airlines today started the process to take physical possession of Kingfisher Villa, which was pledged by beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya to the bankers as collateral for over Rs 7,800-crore loan. The move comes within two days of North Goa Collector Neela Mohanan allowing, after a two-year delay, the application of the bankers to take over the Rs 90-crore worth villa at Candolim in North Goa. Following this, SBI Cap Trustee Company today put up a notice on the villa. "The property is in possession of SBI Cap Company under section 13 (4) of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 as per the orders passed by the district magistrate of North Goa," says the notice put up on the villa. The district administration officials also visited the villa this afternoon along with SBI Cap officials. On Wednesday, the Collector had issued an order in favour of the 17-banks consortium led by SBI to take physical possession of the villa. The villa used to be Mallya's base in Goa and also the venue of his many parties. Representing the bankers' consortium, SBI Caps had sought physical possession of the property under Section 14 of the Sarfaesi Act in late 2014. But three of Mallya's companies -- United Spirits, Kingfisher Airlines and United Breweries -- had objected to the move. Last week, media reports had said Mallya put up a "villa manager" as a caretaker to thwart the banks' attempt to take it over. The villa was mortgaged to the lenders while obtaining loans for the now defunct airliner, but the caretaker, who claimed to be an employee of United Breweries, and the subsequent establishment of tenancy rights would have made it difficult for the banks to take over the property. According to reports, the bankers' attempts to take possession of the villa were repeatedly stalled by USL, which claims the first right to buy the property as it is a tenant. USL had also approached a local court, citing provisions in the Portuguese Civil Code to block auction of the property in the past. There was a delay on part of the collector in allowing takeover of the property, which made SBI Cap approach the Goa bench of Bombay High Court. The bench then granted three months to the collector to complete the hearing of application filed by the consortium of banks seeking possession of the villa. So far, the banks have recovered over Rs 1,240 crore by selling shares and collaterals and over Rs 1,200 crore is blocked in escrow accounts at Debt Recovery Tribunal, Bengaluru and the Karnataka High Court. Mallya had told the Supreme Court last month that he was ready to repay up to Rs 6,800 crore of the total dues of over Rs 9,430 crore. Last month, the consortium of banks had failed in its attempt to sell the airlines' erstwhile headquarters Kingfisher House in Mumbai because of the high reserve price of Rs 150 crore. Attempts to sell the Kingfisher brands and associated trademarks carrying a reserve price of Rs 367 crore had also found no takers. Mallya left the country on March 2 for London. Earlier this week, the government asked Britain to deport Mallya, citing the revocation of his passport and a non-bailable warrant against him. The flying squad of the election department, along with paramilitary forces, seized the cash early this morning during a routine vehicle check on Perumanallur-Kunnathur Bypas, police said. The containers escorted by three cars, did not halt, but officials chased them and stopped them near Chengapalli. A check revealed the amount, kept in many boxes, inside the containers, they said. The men in cars, who claimed to be policemen from Andhra Pradesh but were not in uniform, told the officials they were transferring Rs 570 crore from State Bank of India in Coimbatore to Vishakhapatnam branches. However, they could not produce any proper documents to substantiate their claims, following which the vehicles were taken to the District Collectorate in Tirupur. Asked whey they had sped away without stopping, they told the police they feared it was a robbery attempt and that they were unaware that the officials were from the election department. Bank officials from Coimbatore and Vishakhapatnam were informed and are rushing to the spot, police said. Polling in Assembly election in Tamil Nadu will be held on May 16. Electoral officials in Tamil Nadu today seized about Rs 570 crore from three containers during checking in Tirupur district, which the occupants of the vehicles claimed was for inter-bank money transfer.Officials said that personnel accompanying the containers told them that they were transferring Rs 570 crore from State Bank of India in Coimbatore to Vishakhapatnam branches but did not have all the necessary documents and efforts were on to ascertain the veracity of their claim. Strongly condemning the killing of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand in the past couple of days, the Press Council of India (PCI) has demanded that a special law be enacted to ensure safety of scribes and cases of attacks on them be tried by fast-track courts. In a statement issued here, PCI chairman Justice (retd) Chandramouli Kumar Prasad "strongly condemned" the killings and also rued the fact that in 96 per cent of such cases, the matter is not taken to logical conclusion. "It is a matter of grave concern that three journalists were killed in the country in the last four months and another died in a tragic accident while on the line of duty," he said. "I urge upon the Government of India to enact a special law for protection of journalists and speedy trial of cases of attacks and assaults them in special fast track courts as recommended by the Sub-Committee for Safety of Journalists appointed by the Press Council," the PCI chief, who is a former judge of ths Supreme Court, said in his statement. The PCI chief mentioned that on Thursday, Akhilesh Pratap Singh working for news channel, was shot dead by some unknown assailants in Chatra district of Jharkhand and yesterday armed miscreants shot dead the News Bureau Chief of Dainik Hindustan Rajdev Ranjan in Siwan, Bihar. He recounted that earlier Karun Mishra, working with a local newspaper, was killed in Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Four days earlier on Monday, 9 May, Ravi Kanojia, a PCI Awardee in 2014, was killed while taking pictures of water train at Jhansi, he added. "The killing of nine journalists last year and three journalists this year so far, does not bode well for the freedom of media and safety of journalists in the country. It is sad that such incidents happen in the largest democracy in the world," Prasad said. He noted that 96 per cent of the cases of killing of journalists have not been taken to logical conclusion and are either languishing in the courts or in some cases, investigation reached dead-end in the last two decades, as reported by a Committee of the PCI. He called upon editors, managements and working journalists in the country to launch a campaign to sensitize the civil society on the dangers of killing of journalists with impunity. Prasad expressed "deep sympathy" with the members of the bereaved families and urged the state governments to pay adequate compensation to them. They came, they performed, they conquered. This is an apt description of the Singapore-based dance company Apsara Arts, which recently toured South India with Alapadma, their production. They impressed not only the audience, but also the connoisseurs of Indian classical dance forms. The troupe was elegant and professional, and didnt strike a single note of discord throughout the performance. As such all the dancers have had many years of training. Apart of their individual training background, they are selected to perform for the company through a strict audition. They are professional bharatanatyam artistes and perform either as soloists or as part of an ensemble, like the one which performed Alapadma, explained Aravinth Kumarasamy, the creative and managing director of the dance company. Flower power Alapadma presents the unfolding of a lotus and explores a few aspects of the flower such as Srishti Sarasija (signifying creation), Pada Pankaja (mythology), Leela Kamala (romance), Alankaara Ambuja (iconography) and Sahasrara Padmam (human wisdom). The aspects are choreographed to the lyrics chosen from Alwar Pasuram, Kamba Ramayanam and Abhinaya Darpana slokas; verses from the Bhagavatam; and the poetry of Bharathiyaar and contemporary poets. The intriguing bit about the dance is that lotus is presented not just as the flower that Indians perceive, but as seen in other countries like Egypt, Singapore, China, Iran etc, in their religions and civilisations. The performance began with the exploration of an ancient Egyptian belief. It showed the beginning where the waters of chaos were covered by darkness until the primeval blue water-lotus rose from the abyss and opened its petals to reveal the sun god seated in its resplendent golden heart. As the lotus closed its petals at the end of each day, chaos reigned throughout the night until the god within returned. In the Puranas, Vishnu and Brahma are considered the ideal creator and the practical creator, respectively. The lotus is believed to be the centre of the universe, arising from the navel of Vishnu, and at the centre of the flower sits Brahma, the creator of the world. So in the next segment of Alapadma, the choreography illustrated this bit of mythology through selected verses from the Pasurams by the revered 6th-century Vaishnava saint, Periyalvar. This story about lotus was researched for a couple of years before the selection of appropriate raga and dancers to represent each aspect of the story. Of course, the professionalism of the dancers helped. All the performers arent necessarily trained by Guru Neila Satyalingam, the founder of the dance academy. Though the dancers are residents of Singapore, their place of birth or dance training could be elsewhere. But they all congregate at Apsara Arts for a decided performance. Singapore is a hub of Indian classical dances and dancers. Every prestigious school and college has classical dance classes and well-trained dance teachers. When I, along with my husband, late S Sathyalingam, a musician, founded Apsara Arts way back in 1977, we had 20 students to begin with. Over the years, we have trained many students, who are now in different parts of the world teaching and performing. Today, Apsara Arts has become a professional company, focussing on creating new works at both national and international festivals, corporate events and seasonal performances, explained the 78-year-old. Neila Satyalingam is a Sri Lankan Tamilian by birth. She perfected her dance techniques when she trained under the late Rukmini Devi Arundale, known as the revivalist of bharatnatyam and who founded Chennai-based Kalakhestra, an academy of dance and music, built on the principles of Indian gurukula system. Neila later married Sathyalingam, son of a Sri Lankan politician, who was a teacher of music at Kalakshetra.Elaborating on her academy, she said, Thanks to our Kalakshetra pedigree, Apsara Arts is now seen as a leading dance institution known for innovative bharatanatyam productions. We have collaborated dance forms of India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and China. We have also started to present experimental work based on kathak from the Lucknow gharana. Past in a performance In fact, one of their productions of 2013, Angkor, which recreated the story of Khmer (Cambodia) of the 12th century, was a mammoth production that cost millions. The audience was completely mesmerised, and those who watched it still talk about it. To restage that performance, we would need many big sponsors. That was really impressive, gorgeous and absolutely fascinating. Everyone including us was left speechless after the performance! recalled the founder. Both Neila and Aravinthan are not at all apprehensive of the invasion of satellite television and escalating popularity of Indian film music on classical dance forms. They feel that all art makers have an obligation to ensure the continuity of the chosen art from. The bharatnatyam dance maestro said, Bharatanatyam artistes must make efforts to build audience by reaching out to newer members and to take bharatanatyam to younger generations. Its important to focus on innovating performances with newer thoughts and ideas to provide a learning experience for the audience. Alapadma, like our other productions, attempts to create curiosity in the audience about Asian cultures, while also letting them enjoy bharatnatyam and Carnatic music. Kashmiris are liberal in giving alms to beggars She begs on the streets of commercial hub Lal Chowk every year during summer. Wearing a burqa (veil) she has learnt to speak Kashmiri as, according to her, begging becomes easy if you know the local language. She identified herself as Kajri from Bihar and says she has been begging on the streets of Srinagar for nearly a decade. Wearing untidy and tattered clothes, Kajri says she has six children, all of whom are begging at designated venues in the city. It was only after a little persuasion that she agreed to speak. Asked where she was putting up with her children in Srinagar, Kajri declined to reveal her real identity. We keep on moving from one place to another as we apprehend police might arrest and send us back to our state, she told Deccan Herald. She again declined to answer when asked how much she and her children earn daily. I dont know the amount as my children and I hand over it to my husband in the evening. He keeps all the money and takes care of our meals. But one thing is clear that begging here is more profitable and less hard working than earlier labour job. For some time, my husband was working as a labourer but couldnt feed the family properly even after a day of hard toil. Begging has improved financial condition of our family, she revealed. People here (Kashmiris) are generous and easily get swayed once we consistently ask for alms. And on some special days people even dont hesitate to pay Rs 100 note to a beggar, she added. Every year like Kajri, thousands of beggars from other states come to the Valley as soon as the tourist season begins. They are mostly seen at tourist places, masjids, shrines, hospitals, bus stands and traffic signals. A majority of them have set up colonies of tents on the outskirts and then roam in the lanes of Srinagar for alms. These beggars move fearlessly in the busy and crowded streets catching many pedestrians off guard and are often seen pestering people to succumb to their demands even as policemen watch them. While men usually prefer to remain away from the city and beg in small towns, women along with their children beg in the city. The traders around the commercial hub Lal Chowk blame government for its failure to curb the growing menace of begging. Due to the fear of beggars, sometimes customers avoid visiting our showrooms as they (beggars) irk them. These beggars demand money in such a way that it seems like somebody is taking back his/her money forcibly from a borrower, said Khurshid Wani, who owns a readymade garments showroom on posh Residency Road. The un-hygienic living pattern of migrant beggars is another concern as it results in spread of communicable and infectious diseases. Wherever the migrant beggars get settled, the atmosphere of that area gets polluted by the waste, he complained. The easiest target for beggars are youth, especially college girls and even young couples for whom the only way to get rid off the beggars is to give them money. During the month of Ramadan (fasting month), Kashmir witnesses a spurt in local and non-local beggars, as they flock to take advantage of the generosity of people. In this holy month, Muslims give away a part of their earnings as charity to poor and needy people. It is said that many Indians go to Dubai during Ramadan to beg and earn money. However, begging is an offence in that city. Bashir Ahmad Shah, a former government official, says the unabated influx of beggars in Kashmir Valley has made the life of local people difficult as there is no immediate end to their entry into the Valley. The beggars who mostly come from northern states not only to fleece people but also indulge in petty crimes. While the common people are worried over this alarming influx, the government has adopted an Ostrich-like attitude, he blamed. Temporary tent colonies set up by non-local beggars on the outskirts of Srinagar have become another cause of concern for the locals. The colonies set up by them are illegal and have become biggest source of ills and infection. If the government is serious about curbing this menace they should not allow non-local beggars to enter into the state and they should be stopped at Lakhanpur, Shah said. While people blame law enforcing agencies for failing to curb the menace, police say they cant stop the beggars from entering the state. It is not written on somebodys face when he enters J&K that he/she is coming for begging. We can arrest the beggars but after arresting them weve to let them go as there is no such law which permits police to detain the beggars for a long time, a senior police officer told Deccan Herald. He said, according to the law, if a beggar is detained he/she has to be sent to a beggar home while non-local beggars can be deported. But in Kashmir there are no beggar homes, the officer rued, adding when police arrest any non-local beggar, they deport them. Society must realise that giving alms to child beggars encourages them to beg, he added. The alarming increase in number of beggars has become a matter of concern for those who want to help the needy. It has become extremely difficult to identify the needy and helpless. Sometimes I pay my charity to a person who begs just because he has made it a profession as identifying the needy ones and the professional beggars has become a difficult job, said Arshid Hussain, a businessman. In addition to the non-local beggars these days many non-locals carrying receipt books can be seen collecting donations in the name of building masjids and madrasas. I am collecting donation for a masjid to be built in Uttar Pradesh, said a man, who introduced himself as Arif from Bulandshahar in Uttar Pradesh. Asked what made him come to Kashmir, he said, I had heard that Kashmiris are generous and in the past month I have come to know they really are. The growing trend of the number of visitors to the heritage town of Hampi continues. Hampi received 3.5 lakh tourists in the financial year 2015-16. The number has been ever growing since 2010-11. Tourists, including locals and foreigners, flocked the town even in the hot months of February and March, when the temperature touched 40 Celsius. The various temples and monuments here had a large number of visitors. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) show that of the 3,21,059 tourists, including 23,419 from abroad, visited the architectural marvels by purchasing tickets. The numbers exclude those below 15 years of age, for whom entry is free. The high tourist numbers has pushed up the ASIs revenues. The entry fee alone has brought in Rs 90.3 lakh, including Rs 58 lakh from foreign nationals. Increase in incomeThe income can go up further in the current financial year as the entry fee to the monuments has been hiked from Rs 15 to Rs 30 per head for the Vijaya Vittala temple, Lotus Mahal and the museum. The entry fee for foreign nationals is up from Rs 250 to Rs 750 per head. For those from Saarc countries, it is Rs 500. Prakash Naikanda, deputy superintendent of the Hampi circle of the ASI, said that curbing of the beggars menace and improvement in tourist facilities were all instrumental in drawing visitors. Naikanda said people who used to head to places like Cambodia were now preferring Hampi. The safe environs in the heritage town is attracting more people, he said. Tourist numbersThe usual peak season for tourists to Hampi starts in September and continues till the last week of March. It sees a decline in the months of April and May. The numbers do not pick up in June as it is the beginning of monsoon. Tourist numbers pick up only in September. Irregularities have regularly plagued mega construction projects in Bengaluru. But the National Green Tribunal (NGT) verdict on the one linked to Mantri Tech Zone/Coremind could force a dramatic course correction. Could this mean the industry juggernaut that swallows up lakes galore be finally regulated? The line-up against the encroachment of the wetlands between Agara and Bellandur lakes has been formidable this time. Citizen groups, NGOs such as the Namma Bengaluru Foundation, scientists and environmentalists came together to eventually clinch a verdict in their favour. But a bigger challenge remains: Implementation of the NGT order. Besides ordering penalties on the builders, demolition of their structures and restoration of the encroached land to its custodians, the Tribunal has redefined the boundaries of lakes and the use of treated water for construction purposes. The BBMP Special Commissioner (Projects) J Ravindra has been quick to issue an inter-department note directing the Joint Director of Town Planning of BBMP to approve only projects that adhere to NGT guidelines. BDA awaiting clarification But the BDA is yet to act in terms of its order. It is awaiting the government's direction. BDAs Town Planning Member, Chowdegowda explains, We are awaiting clarification from the state government whether the order is prospective. However, we will implement whatever is mentioned in the ruling and accordingly an office order will be issued. The Development Authority, he says, will incorporate the NGT order in the Revised Master Plan 2031 that is now being prepared. But will this make much change in the way how BDA functions? Past experiences show that the Authority has often violated the provisions of the law and court directions. A case in the point is Venkatarayana Kere (tank) in Gubbalala village near Uttarahalli. In 1995, the Karnataka High Court had ordered the state government not to allow any construction activities on the lake land. Eight years later in 2003, the BDA formed a residential layout on the tank. Chowdegowda has no answer to this question. I can't answer your question on Venkatarayana Kere since I was not there when the layout was formed. You should better ask our Commissioner, he replies curtly. The BBMP Chief Engineer (Stormwater Drain) Siddegowda says the onus of implementing the NGT order lies with the plan sanctioning authorities. Origin of illegalities It is interesting to note how the illegalities took shape in the Bellandur wetland case. The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) had acquired about 80 acres of land for industrial purposes near Bellandur lake during 2004. This acquisition also included a good portion of the Bellandur wetland, which the BDA has identified in its Comprehensive Development Plan as a sensitive zone. A recent survey conducted by the Bengaluru Urban district authorities showed the land acquired by the KIADB as encroachment of Bellandur lake. The portion acquired by KIADB was where the BWSSB had intended to set up a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to save the lake from turning into a big septic tank. The location was chosen since it was from where the maximum effluents enter the lake spread across an expanse of about 950 acres. BWSSB officials were reportedly pressured to give up the portion of land and set up their STP at a place where there was no inlet of sewage. The land was then given to for a dubious project to Manipal ETA, which has Sushil Mantri of Mantri Developers as a director, and Coremind. The allotment happened through a single-window system to make the transfer of land hassle-free. KIADB as realtor The KIADB is meant for developing industrial areas but it served as a real estate agent for the developers. The proposal by the two firms served more as a real estate project. It had malls, residential complexes and other commercial buildings besides a Special Economic Zone. Top sources in the revenue department say there was tremendous pressure on the officials not to carry out any survey of the lake as it would expose the wrongdoings. It was only after the hue and cry from various quarters including IISc professor Dr T V Ramachandra, Citizens' Action Forum, the NBF and the House panel on lake encroachment that the government acted. It ordered a survey of all lakes, including Bellandur. The survey eventually exposed the lies. But despite the pressure, the illegalities continued. Construction activities were in full swing right under the nose of various government agencies such as BBMP, the lake custodian BDA, the Lake Development Authority, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and the Chief Secretary-headed Karnataka Lake Conservation Authority. BWSSB too had not given its approval but the work went on unabated. The damage caused to the sensitive zone looks irreparable as the entire topography of the area has changed due to the dumping of soil and debris. The NGT verdict has given hope that further damage could be prevented. Charlotte, North Carolina-based Fuzzy Logix, a big data analytics firm, is in talks with 35 organisations in different core sectors in India to increase customer base. Talking to Deccan Herald, Fuzzy Logix Managing Director (Asia Pacific) Suvro Banerjee said, We are engaged in conversations with anywhere between 30-35 organisations in India, who are potential customers. These are all top 5 companies in each industry verticals to get them on board. The sectors include financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, retail and very important ecommerce. Banerjee said, In India, as of now, we have 1 client in financial sector. Within 3 years, we would like to get on board at least 12 companies in India. In India, Fuzzy Logix embarked on its journey in 2012 with sales office. In 2014, the company has set up engineering centre with R&D with an investment of Rs 4 crore in Benglauru. DB Lytix, its flagship product, is a suite of over 600 analytics and data mining functions that are deeply embedded in data warehouse platforms and hardware. From Bengaluru R&D centre, we are continuing to add new functionalities to the product, improving design and embarking on new technology. We are also supporting newer platforms, said Banerjee. The company has 20 member team currently and looking at expanding by moving to new office with 5,000 sq feet space to accomodate 75 employees. Residents and citizen activists are happy about the National Green Tribunal ( NGT) verdict, but they feel there is still a long way as the real challenge lies in implementing it. Welcoming the Tribunal ruling, DS Rajashekhar from Kalyan Nagar Welfare Association notes that the revised buffer zone norms for lakes, wetlands and Storm Water Drains (SWDs) could help in protecting the waterbodies in the future. The SWDs should carry rainwater to the lakes but have become filled with sewage water. In my locality, I see many people getting illegal sewage connections that in turn leads to SWD. The government has to look into this aspect as well and introduce strict regulations on illegal sewage connections, he points out. According to Arbind Gupta from Save Bangalore Lakes, the landmark judgement has given a boost to the morale of activists involved in rejuvenation of lakes. He expains, The penalty imposed on Mantri Tech Zone and Coremind for illegally encroaching the wetland of Agara and Bellandur lakes is a clear message to all builders. Gupta feels all the waterbodies in the City should be declared as environmentally sensitive zones. The next step that needs to be taken by government is to go through the NGT report in detail and work out the changes in approval policy granted by various government departments for construction projects. A resident of Bellandur, Shivakumar says the lake has remained highly polluted for the last ten years. I am hopeful that the Bellandur lake will be restored thanks to the NGT verdict, he adds. Ted K Dass, a lake activist, working for rejuvenation of Horamavu lake says that the violators are not just the builders but also the government officials who give permission for construction projects and people who buy the properties. There is already a Supreme Court order that states that there should not be any development within the 30 metres from the edge of the lake. SC order itself is not being followed. Hence, I am concerned about how it is going to be implemented, notes Dass. Namma Bengaluru Foundation (NBF) and Forward Foundation, the lead petitioners in the Agara-Bellandur Lake case have already hailed the verdict. They are now pushing the government and Chief Minister Siddaraiamah to effectively implement what the verdict spells out. How buffer zones shrinked The guidelines on buffer zone for lakes were introduced by the forest department 30 years ago in view of urbanisation of Bengaluru, said environmentalist Yellappa Reddy (in pic). Lakes were in the custody of the department. Hence, it had proposed 300 metres of buffer zone from the edge of the lakes. Due to pressure from realtors, it was reduced to 100 metres, he said. He blamed BDA for reducing the buffer zone to a mere 30 metres. The BBMP had adopted a policy of treating 10 metres from the edge of Rajakaluves as buffer zone, said BBMP chief engineer (SWD) Siddegowda. "Any structure within 10 metres from Rajakaluves has been liable for demolition. The onus to ensure implementation of NGT order lies with the plan sanctioning authorities." Bengaluru-based mens apparel brand Breakbounce Streetwear will launch its 5 standalone stores soon, including 1 in Bengaluru. Started in 2012, by partnering with ecommerce giants to sell its products through online, the brand opened its first store in Vadodara, last year. We are planning to open stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Ahmedabad and Surat soon. We are looking for right locations in Bengaluru, as all malls are packed. We are in talks with a couple of malls and we will open a store soon, said Sanjeev Mukhija, Managing Director of Breakbounce Streetwear. The apparel brand will also sell its products on its own website from June 1. We began by selling online to get an idea and test the brand and products. We have been getting a very positive feedback from our customers. Apart from other ecommerce portals, we will be selling on our own website, said Mukhija, adding they going to concentrate on both online and offline. Apart from 170 sales points, Breakbounce is also into distribution, especially in tier II and III cities. Our product ranges include chinos, cargos, denims, t-shirts, jackets and pullovers, among others, he said, adding we are also planning to target the teens segment, between 12 and 18 years, by catering to their particular needs. Talking about revenues, Mukhija said they closed the last financial year with Rs 50 crore and target Rs 75 crore this year. Breakbounce wants to foray into the international market. We will be foraying into the Middle East. At the same time, we are also looking at partners who can understand and have more knowledge in the retail sector, he said. With the governments Digital India initiative in full swing, the Railway Ministry is looking to implement the worlds biggest enterprise resource planning (ERP) project, according to Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. We have taken a lot of initiatives to revamp and modernise Indian Railways. The ERP project undertaken by the Railways is the largest such IT project undertaken by any country, Prabhu said while speaking at the launch event of the Association of MSMEs in Information Technology (AIM-IT). Our ministry has started a special fund of Rs 50 crore to support IT companies coming up with innovative solutions for Railways. We are looking for solutions in critical areas such as customer interface and also IT security. Cyber security is also of utmost importance to us, Prabhu added. Speaking on the occassion, AIM-IT founder chairman Vinit Goenka said that the government needs to tap technology to solve infrastructural issues. India is the fourth largest base for new businesses in the world and home to over 3,100 tech startups. It is time that the government taps into these new, technology driven companies to help India solve infrastructural issues that have been stunting its growth since independence, Goenka said. Currently, India is deprived of research and innovation due to irrational and biased policy strategies of large corporate houses and IT MNCs from the West who dominate the IT sector. We strongly feel that if the government includes MSMEs in IT, then we will see path-breaking and cost effective solutions in the transport sector, Goenka added. The United Nations has lifted the sanction it had earlier put on an Indian ship for carrying oil from Libya in violation of the sanctions imposed on the North African country. The MT Distya Ameya, an oil-tanker owned by M/s Arya Shipping, Mumbai, was blacklisted by the United Nations on April 26 last, after it had sailed from Al-Herega port in Libya, picking up the consignment of over 6.5 lakh barrels of oil to discharge in Malta. The UN noted that carrying oil from Libya was in breach of the sanctions it put on the interim government of the North African country. The interim government is not recognised by the United Nations. The vessel Distya Ameya was listed pursuant to the resolution as transporting crude oil illicitly exported from Libya, based on information received from the government of Libya, said the United Nations Sanctions Committee in its order of April 26. Being an Indian flagged ship, the director general of Shipping, Government of India, took up the matter with the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations. Upon his instructions, the vessel sailed back to Libya and discharged its entire oil consignment at the designated port Zawiya in Libya, under the supervision of the National Oil Corporation. This port is under the control of the Government of National Accord of Libya, which is recognised by the United Nations. This cargo evacuation was completed on May 6, a press-release issued by the Ministry of Shipping said here. It was also found out that the Indian owners and managers of the ship were unaware of the UN sanction. The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York issued a note verbale to the UN Security Council apprising it of the positive developments in the compliance of order. The UN on May 12, formally lifted the sanction on the Indian vessel, 16 days after it was held for carrying disputed Libyan oil. The ship is now completely free to resume its normal sailing and carry on its commercial operations, official sources in the Ministry of Shipping in New Delhi said. BJP president Amit Shah is expected to do a postmortem on Wednesday on the botched attempts to have its government in Uttarakhand after Presidents Rule was imposed. Harish Rawat returned to power after winning the Supreme Court-directed vote of confidence on May 10 which was seen as a major setback for the Narendra Modi government. Party sources said Shah wants to meet Uttarakhand core group which comprises leaders from the state as well as joint secretary in-charge of the state, to assess what went wrong. The significance of the timing of the meet is that it is to be held a day before the results of Assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where BJP apprehends mixed outcome. Meanwhile, Congress chief whip Indira Hridayesh has filed a plea with Uttarakhand Speaker, requesting him to end membership of MLA Rekha Arya. Arya was the lone Congress legislator who supported the BJP during the confidence vote. The BJPs failure to occupy power in the hill state ahead of Assembly polls has led to rumblings within the party with questions being raised on master strategist Shahs ability to pull off elections after the first round of wins in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The party lost back-to-back polls in Delhi and Bihar last year. The state leaders, said sources, are blaming the central leadership for owing up the internal struggle of the Congress giving an impression that the BJP was engineering defection to topple the Rawat government. Instead, added sources, the BJP should have allowed intra-Congress differences to weaken Rawat as had happened during the time of his predecessor Vijay Bahuguna. The Supreme Court has upheld the life term awarded to 10 people under TADA for six incidents relating to planting and carrying out of blasts in Rajdhani Express trains in 1993. The apex court, however, acquitted 4 others due to lack of sufficient evidence. A bench of Justices F M I Kalifullah and U U Lalit relied upon confessional statements and other evidences collected by the CBI with the arrest of the convicts from different places across the country. The appeal was filed in the court by as many as 14 accused out of 16 against the order of the designated TADA court in Ajmer in Rajasthan. TADA has since been repealed. The trial court had held 14 people guilty under various provisions of the TADA and the IPC. One of the 16 accused, Irfan Ahmad, had escaped from custody during the trial, while another claimed juvenility which led to separation of his trial. A series of bombs blasts had taken place in 6 Rajdhani Express trains across the country on the intervening night of December 5 and 6, 1993 in which two persons were killed and several others injured. A blast occurred in Rajdhani Express running from New Delhi to Howrah on December 12, 1993, near Kanpur Railway Station in which 2 persons were injured.Another blast took place in the early hours of December 6, in Rajdhani Express running from Howrah to New Delhi in Kanpur division in which no injury had taken place. At about 7:05 am on December 6, 1993, a bomb exploded in AP Express running from Hyderabad to Nizamuddin in the general compartment, while the train was at Moula Ali Railway Station in which 2 persons had died. A device meant to cause explosion was on the same day detected by a watchful passenger in Bangalore-Kurla Express while the train was near Karjat Railway Station. The device was thrown out of the railway compartment, averting any damage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled the 'Simhastha Declaration' at the Kumbh Mela in Ujjain in the presence of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. The 51-point universal message of Right way of living and doing forms the theme of the declaration. Addressing the gathering at a conference, which has also been described as a Vichar Kumbh on the sidelines of the Kumbh Mela at this Madhya Pradesh town, the prime minister described this convention as the birth of a new effort. He said this declaration will mark the start of a new discourse not only in India but around the world. He said this was a modern edition of what might have happened in ancient times, when thought-leaders of society would gather at the sites of Kumbh melas, to reflect and provide new vision to society. "We belong to a tradition where even a bhikshuk [beggar] says, may good happen to the person who gives me and also to the person who does not, the prime minister said. Modi said a holier than thou attitude is taking people towards conflicts. Lets look within and see how we can grow, he said. The Sri Lankan President unveiled the statue of Angarika Dharmapala, who played a major role in the revival of Buddhism in India, at Sanchi. He praised the efforts made by the Indian government to secure and develop Buddhist archaeological sites. Since our two countries have had extremely intimate bilateral relations for centuries, I consider this invitation as a firm endorsement of goodwill and friendly attitude to each other, Sirisena said. Modi suggested that a Vichar Kumbh should be held every year to discuss issues such as afforestation and education of the girl child. The Border Security Force on Saturday recovered the body of a young boy and apprehended a Pakistani national wandering near the international boundary in Kutch district. At about 1630 hrs, an on-duty personnel near Biar bet observed movement of a person coming from the Pakistani side between Border Pillar no 1081/M and 1081/S-1. The operational party informed the company commander, who, along with 5 others, rushed to the spot and apprehended the person, a senior BSF official said. Giving details of the apprehended person, the official said that the 40-year-old person has been identified as Rahimbhai LakhaKhan of Pabuhar, Tharparkar, Pakistan. Among other things, the BSF has recovered Rs 40 in Pakistani currency from the apprehended person. In another incident, BSF official said that a checking party at around 0630 am on Saturday found a body of a boy aged approximately 12-13 years near Biar bet. The body was found near culvert (on the Pakistan side of the border security fence ) close to Border Pillar no 1080 by Khura checking party. The boy wore a kurta pyjama. BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has written to the Union home minister seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into the mysterious death of Sunanda Pushkar, the wife of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. Accusing the Delhi Police of dragging its feet in the case since last August, when FBI of the US established poison in Pushkars body, Swamy in his letter dated May 12 to Rajnath Singh said, the police was not even taking elementary steps necessary in carrying out criminal investigation. This is his third letter to the union home minister on the issue, with the last one coming in December 2014. The FBI of the US was also roped in to determine the nature of poison and despite delay, the bureau was able to pinpoint the name of the poison that was found in her body. But since August 2015, till today, the Delhi Police has been dragging its feet even on elementary steps necessary in criminal investigative procedures such as custodial interrogation of Shashi Tharoor and others, stated Swamys letter. The newly elected Rajya Sabha MP, who has been accusing the Kerala MP and former UPA minister of his wifes murder much before becoming a parliamentarian, has suggested to home minister that the SIT should be monitored either by Supreme Court or high court. If, however, you feel that an impartial, proper investigation and filing of the chargesheet can still be done by the Delhi Police, I will defer to your wisdom in not approaching the Supreme Court or high court in a PIL to direct a court-monitored SIT probe, said Swamy in the letter. Sunanda was found dead in a Delhi hotel in January 2014 after having differences with Tharoor over his relationship with Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar. Prior to FBI lab, AIIMS medical board had suggested that a poisonous substance had lead to her death. Strong backing from the United States may not be enough for India to get into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), as China has claimed support of other nations in blocking the move. Soon after Beijing indicated that it was not alone in opposing New Delhis bid to get a berth in the NSG, the US reiterated that India was in fact ready for a membership of the 48-nation cartel, which controls the global nuclear commerce. Id point you back to what the President (US President Barack Obama) said during his visit to India in 2015, where he reaffirmed that the US view was that India meets Missile Technology Control Regime membership requirements and was ready for NSG membership, the PTI quoted John Kirby, a spokesman of the US State Department, making the remarks to journalists in Washington. His comment came just hours after Lu Kang, a spokesman of Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told journalists in Beijing that several other members had shared Chinas view that being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was an important requirement for a new member seeking admission to the bloc. Not only India, many other non-NPT members have voiced their aspirations to join the NSG, said Lu, adding: This poses a question for the international community. Many NSG members, China included, think that this matter shall be fully discussed and then decided by consensus among all NSG members in accordance with the protocols and procedure of the NSG. Beijings opposition came ahead of next months annual plenary of the group where NSGs relationship with India is likely to be discussed. NSG guidelines prohibit its members from entering into nuclear ties with countries that had not signed the NPT. Neither India nor Pakistan has signed the NPT. Washington, however, helped New Delhi secure a waiver from the NSG in 2008. The waiver, given in form of a statement from the NSG, cleared the hurdle for the US-India nuclear cooperation. They came to hospital to see a friend who had met with an accident knowing little that it would be their last meeting. Minutes after leaving the hospital on Hennur Main Road, Awab Mohammad Ibrahim, 20, and Abdul Rehman Mubarak, 24, both Sudanese nationals, died on the spot when their motorcycle collided with a mini goods truck on Kasturinagar flyover near Ramamurthynagar early on Saturday. They were on their way back home in Hesaraghatta when the accident occurred at 6.45 am. Both were students of Acharya College. Ibrahim was in the third year BCA while Mubarak was doing his BPharm fourth year. The two were not wearing helmets and police are trying to ascertain whether they were speeding or were driving under influence. On learning that their friend had suffered serious spine injuries in an accident near the Tin Factory at Krishnarajapuram around 5.30 am, Ibrahim and Mubarak came to see him on another friends motorcycle. After meeting their injured friend, the duo headed for home, said the police. The two men, with Ibrahim riding the motorcycle, were heading from Tin Factory to Ramamurthynagar when Ibrahim tried to overtake a mini goods truck from the left side. He lost balance and fell down when the motorcycle brushed against the truck. They were crushed under the trucks rear wheels. The truck driver abandoned the vehicle and fled. There was hardly any movement on the flyover and hence the accident went unnoticed for some time. Police, who received information, rushed to the spot and shifted the bodies to Bowring Hospital. The police denied reports that the bodies were lying on the flyover for about two hours. We contacted Acharya College and collected details. We have written to the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) who will get in touch with the Embassy in New Delhi. A formal communication will come from the Embassy after consultations with the Sudanese government... the post mortem may be conducted on Monday, Krishnarajapuram traffic police inspector said. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy today (August 12th, 2022) signed the Ellie Mae Act to provide support to statewide volunteer search and rescue organizations at no cost to the state. Senate Bill 95 (SB 95) sponsored by Senator David Wilson, allows volunteer search and rescue organizations to exercise the right of first refusal on items related to search and rescue before the property is sold, leased, licensed, or disposed of. As Alaskans we hear countless stories of search and rescue missions, oftentimes due to the extreme elements we experience statewide. From recreational incidents to the Iditarod and natural disasters, our search and rescue volunteers play an essential role in rural and urban Alaska, said Governor Mike Dunleavy. I am happy to sign Senate Bill 95 today and thank Senator Wilson for his work to find innovative solutions to support these selfless volunteer organizations at no cost to the state. Search and rescue operations across the State of Alaska are largely done by volunteer organizations, dispatched by the Alaska State Troopers, at minimal cost. Im very pleased to see Senate Bill 95, the Ellie Mae Act, signed into law, said Senator David Wilson. It enables these volunteers to more easily obtain the equipment they need to fulfill their life-saving missions. Senator Wilson named the legislation the Ellie Mae Act in honor of a service dog. Service dogs are critical in search and rescue operations statewide. Search and Rescue organizations are dispatched by the Alaska State Troopers across the state. Senate Bill 95 allows these groups to exercise the right of first refusal on items that may be used for search and rescue before they are put up for auction to the general public. This comes at no additional cost to the state. While groups may be reimbursed for expenses incurred during specific operations, search and rescue services are provided at a minimal cost to the State of Alaska. There are nearly 1,100 search and rescue volunteers statewide. Share this: Tweet Email Mountain-Pacific Quality Health is pleased to announce the 2018 winners of the Alaska Primary Care Awards. Eleven facilities, including the Bethel Family Clinic, received the Alaska Primary Care Quality Honorable Mention Award. The awards were presented during the Alaska Primary Care Association Conference on November 6th in Anchorage. The quality awards are given out each year to recognize Alaskas community health care centers and clinics for their undying commitment to improving patient care. All recipients of the awards must demonstrate a dedication to their consumers and their community. Recipients of the Alaska Primary Care Quality Excellence Award must meet four clinical measures and show improvement in one financial measure. Recipients of the Alaska Primary Care Quality Honorable Mention Award must meet four clinical measures but are not required to show improvement on a financial measure. Community health centers play a vital role in our health care system and they are a critical part of our Alaskan communities, says Sharon Scudder, Alaska director for Mountain-Pacific Quality Health. These community health centers have demonstrated a true dedication to improve health care for all Alaskans. I couldnt be more pleased with their unwavering dedication to provide the best care possible. Three facilities received the Alaska Primary Care Quality Excellence Awardthe highest award possible: Kodiak Community Health Center, Kodiak Dahl Memorial Clinic, Skagway Seward Community Health Center, Seward Ten other facilities joining the Bethel Family Clinic in receiving the Alaska Primary Care Quality Honorable Mention Award: Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Anchorage Bethel Family Clinic, Bethel Cross Road Health Ministries, Glennallen Eastern Aleutian Tribes, Anchorage Lliuliuk Family & Health Services, Unalaska Interior Community Health Center, Fairbanks Norton Sound Health Corporation, Nome Peninsula Community Health Services of Alaska, Soldotna Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, Juneau Yakutat Community Health Center, Yakutat All community health care centers and clinics across Alaska were considered for these awards. Mountain-Pacific appreciates the dedication shown by the winners and recognizes the effort they put forth every day to provide excellent care within their communities. Share this: Tweet Email by Greg Lincoln KuC graduate Isabelle Dyment of Bethel received her diploma for her B.A. Elementary Education degree. The red sash signifies graduating Alaska Native and Native American students. She also is wearing a teal cord, she is the first in her family to earn a baccalaureate degree. Congratulations! photo by Kelly Lincoln Leanna Kaligtuq Isaac of Bethel received her Masters Degree in Social Work at the Kuskokwim Campus UAF College of Rural and Community Development during the commencement ceremony on April 29th, 2022. With her marching during the recessional is her 4 year old daughter Charlamagne Qalukaq Isaac. Graduates were honored for their achievements and were awarded certificates, degrees, and honors at the event. photo by Kelly Lincoln The Kuskokwim Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Rural and Community Development celebrated their Forty-Eighth Commencement on April 29th, 2022. The graduates clad in their graduation gowns, mortar boards, and tassels entered the room at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center. Friends and family were present to witness this momentous day and to share in the joy of their loved ones accomplishments. Carolyn Goolsby, the new Director of the Kuskokwim Campus gave the welcoming address. Pastor Bob White and Rachelle White performed the Invocation with prayer. This was followed by the presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance by the Bethel Regional High School JROTC. The keynote address was given by Ben Kuntz of Bethel, Associate Professor of English for KuC. Student addresses were delivered by Lucy Jayne Martin Associates Degree, James C. Ayaqulluk Chaliak Bachelors Degree, and Leanna Kaligtuq Isaac Masters Degree. The graduation speeches were followed by the conferring of certificates and degrees. A hooding ceremony took place for Masters Degree recipient Leanna Kaligtuq Isaac to acknowledge the hard work and dedication she demonstrated while working towards her degree. She received an M.S. in Social Work. Performing the hooding honors were Dr. Diane McEachern, Dr. Demientieff, and Dr. George-Bettisworth. In closing, the newly graduated marched in the recessional to the sound of an Eskimo drum played by Panuk Agimuk. The ceremony was followed by a reception with cake and punch. Congratulations to the graduates and we wish them all the best and that many benefits and privileges may be bestowed upon them for their hard work to earn their degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Kuskokwim Campus UAF College of Rural and Community Development 48th Commencement Occupational Endorsements Ethnobotany Oona Martin, Anchorage Raven Aihs Palmer, Fairbanks Supervision and Personnel Management Jessica L. Glore, Bethel Certificates Community Health Brittany D. Akaran, St. Marys Tamara J. Ayapan, Kwethluk Desiree A. Coffee, Bethel Renae M. Keene, Kasigluk Katherine Martin, Kasigluk Jeremy R. Woods, Bethel Ethnobotany Peter Gooseberry, Fairbanks Pierette Nicole Imbriano, Brooklyn NY Associate Degrees Brent Guard Summa Cum Laude A.A.S. Human Services Larsen Bay Jennifer Ella Kameroff A.A.S., Applied Accounting A.A.S., Tribal Management Emmonak Kimberly A. Kozevnikoff A.A.S. Early Childhood Education Russian Mission Lucy Jayne Martin Cum Laude A.A.S. Community Health Kwigillingok Ann J. Neglaska A.A.S. Human Services Kaltag Allen Abraham A.A. General Program Chefornak Hazel Alstrom A.A. General Program St. Marys Jaden Anaver A.A. General Program Kipnuk Albina Andy A.A. General Program Newtok Elliott Ray Hoffman A.A. General Program Bethel Virginia Ann Howard A.A. General Program Bethel Brianna Norton A.A. General Program Nunapitchuk Bertha N. Therchik A.A. General Program Toksook Bay Alice M. Tulik Cum Laude A.A. General Program Toksook Bay Baccalaureate Degrees Sylvia I. Andrew B.A., Special Education University of Alaska Southeast Kiana Diane M. Atti B.A., Social Work Kwigillingok James C. Ayaqulluk Chaliak Cum Laude B.A., Social Work Nunapitchuk Thomas Andy Ruby Mianaq Daniel B.B.A., Business Administration: General Business Bethel Isabelle Dyment B.A., Elementary Education Toksook Bay Ann Marie Tinker B.A., Elementary Education Kasigluk Masters Degree Leanna Kaligtuq Isaac M.S., Social Work University of Alaska Anchorage College of Health Bethel Honorary PhD Michael Williams Sr. Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree University of Alaska Fairbanks Akiak Michael Williams, Sr. from Akiak, AK, grew up attending the two-room BIA Day School in Akiak, the Wrangell Institute boarding school in Wrangell, and the Chemawa Indian School in Salem, OR, where he graduated. Though he planned to enter college after high school, he was drafted into the US Army and served a stint in South Korea. Both Chemawa and the Army exposed him to leadership training and experience, factors that shaped the rest of his life. After the deaths of his six brothers to alcohol abuse, Mike turned his efforts to the sobriety movement, modeling and advocating a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. When he began mushing and racing in the Iditarod, Mike carried tens of thousands of signatures in his sled from people pledging sobriety. Mike has been involved in many organizations locally, statewide, and nationally, serving on the boards of the Kuskowkim Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Association of Village Council Presidents, Yukon Kuskowkim Health Corporation and many others. Most recently, Mike as Chief of the Akiak Native Community, spearheaded the efforts to bring high speed internet to every home in the village the first village in the YK Delta to do so. Though he is a leader and strong advocate for subsistence rights and sobriety, he is most proud of having found and married his wife Maggie. The best decision I ever made, he says. -Exerpt from the Kuskowim Campus graduation booklet. Share this: Tweet Email Coastal Villages Region Fund is launching the Spring 2017 period of its flagship People Propel program. The program was created in 2013 to help residents of CVRFs 20 member communities purchase equipment critical to daily life Western Alaska. Since its inception, the program has assisted 1,300 people purchase over $13 million worth of equipment such as boats, motors, ATVs, snowmachines, and stoves. CVRFs budget for the Spring 2017 People Propel program is $750,000. As in previous years, CVRF will also be offering a fall period timed to coincide with permanent fund dividend season, with another $750,000 made available to help subsidize the purchase of critical equipment. The Spring 2017 People Propel budget will be allocated to each community based on population, so that the program is distributed fairly and equitably for all of CVRFs residents. This program is intended for verified residents of CVRF member communities. Interested individuals are encouraged to fill out applications starting the week of May 1, 2017 at workfishhope.coastalvillages.org. Qualified participants will be eligible for a subsidy to cover up to 30% of their equipment purchase. The program is operated on a first come, first served basis. Applications will be taken until $750,000 worth of subsidies are approved, so early applications are encouraged. Details regarding the Fall 2017 People Propel program can be found in the People Propel catalogue that was mailed to all box holders in CVRF member communities on May 1, 2017. An electronic copy of the catalogue can be found here. CVRF is a 501(c)(4) Alaska non-profit corporation whose 20 member villages are along the west coast of Alaska from Scammon Bay to Platinum. CVRF is believed to be the largest Alaskan-owned seafood company in history and is governed by a 20-member Board of Directors elected by the residents of its 20 member communities. CVRF is dedicated to providing economic development in its 20 member communities by creating sensible, tangible and long-term opportunities that generate Hope for residents who want to Fish and Work. CVRF is the largest jobs provider in its member villages and is the first CDQ group to own and control the vessels that harvest its CDQ allocations. For more information, visit www.CoastalVillages.org. Share this: Tweet Email by the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame A pair of 4-time state wrestling champions and Alaskas fastest female today (May 6th, 2020) were selected as recipients of the 2020 Pride of Alaska Youth Awards. Anchorages Aedyn Concepcion and Bethels Hayden Lieb were named co-winners for the boys and Delta Junction track star Hailey Williams was the girls winner. In addition, the Houston High football team was named the winner of the Trajan Langdon Youth Award. The winners were announced by Alaska Sports Hall of Fame executive director Harlow Robinson via Facebook Live. PRIDE OF ALASKA YOUTH AWARD Hayden Lieb BOYS CO-WINNER Hayden Lieb, Bethel Hayden added his name to an exclusive club of 14 Alaska boys who won four state titles in high school. He also won three more team championships for Bethel High. The 3-time All-American finished his career with a 139-12 record and signed with NCAA D1 Wyoming. In his final match at the 2019 state championships, Lieb defeated a Petersburg wrestler 15-0 at 160 pounds to help Bethel take a narrow victory over Glennallen. He was twice named ASAA D2 Outstanding Wrestler and this year was the only Alaska named the Wrestling USA Senior All-American team. Aeydan Concepcion BOYS CO-WINNER Aedyn Concepcion, Anchorage The South High wrestler captured his fourth straight individual championship to join an elite group of 14 Alaska boys who have achieved a four-peat. He became the first from South to do so with a 7-1 decision over a Wasilla wrestler in the 119-pound division. The senior also won his fourth straight Cook Inlet Conference title and lost only two matches in his four-year career. Concepcion was selected a Wrestling USA All-American and named to the Academic Team. He has signed with Gardner-Webb in North Carolina. Hailey Williams PRIDE OF ALASKA YOUTH AWARD GIRLS WINNER Hailey Williams, Delta Junction Williams was Gatorade Alaska Track & Field Girls Player of the Year the first Gatorade honors for Delta High in any sport. As a junior, she swept the 100-, 200- and 400-meter races at the Alaska D2 state championships. Later that summer she placed fifth in 200 and 12th in the 100 at New Balance Nationals. Her senior year was canceled due to COVID-19. As a sophomore, she became the first Alaska girl in 37 years to break the 12-second barrier in the 100. She maintained an A average in the classroom and won seven state titles on the track. She has signed with NCAA D1 Duke. Houston Hawks TRAJAN LANGDON YOUTH AWARD WINNER Houston High School Football Team After a year of fires and earthquakes, Houston rose above it all and won the D3 state championship. The Hawks completed a perfect 10-0 season for the first time in school history with a 41-8 victory over Barrow at Anchorage Football Stadium, avenging a semifinal loss to the Whalers the previous year. Houston finished the year averaging 42 points a game while only allowing 7. Congratulations! Share this: Tweet Email DETROIT Subaru is telling owners of some newer Legacy and Outback vehicles not to drive them because the steering can fail. The company is recalling about 52,000 of the cars and SUVs from the 2016 and 2017 model years. It also has told dealers to stop selling them until theyre repaired. About 22,000 of the cars have been sold in the U.S., with the remainder still on dealer lots, Subaru says. In documents posted Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Subaru said the steering columns may have been manufactured improperly by a parts supplier. The columns may not engage properly with the rest of the steering system. If this were to occur, the steering wheel may rotate freely and the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, the documents said. The problem was discovered May 3 when the owner of a 2016 Outback reported trouble. Subaru says there have been no crashes or injuries. The Outback is Subarus second-best selling vehicle. Dealers will send technicians to a customers location to inspect the steering columns. If they werent manufactured properly, they will be replaced starting in mid-May. The company will offer loaner cars until parts are available, Subaru of America spokesman Mike McHale said. We have the details of the owners and are contacting them directly, he said. Subaru does not know how exactly many cars will have the problem. The problem affects cars worldwide, but McHale said he did not know the number. The recall covers 2016 Legacys and Outbacks made from Feb. 29, 2016 to May 6, 2016. Also covered are 2017 Legacys and Outbacks made from April 18, 2016 to April 29, 2016. WASHINGTON Facing a growing backlash over extremely long airport security lines, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on Friday asked fliers to be patient as the government takes steps to get them onto planes more quickly. Travelers across the country have endured lengthy lines, some snaking up and down escalators, or through food courts, and into terminal lobbies. At some airports, lines during peak hours have topped 90 minutes. Airlines have reported holding planes at gates to wait for passengers to clear security. Johnson said the government has a plan to deal with the lines but wont neglect its duty to stop terrorists. Our job is to keep the American people safe, Johnson said at a news conference. Were not going to compromise aviation security in the face of this. The Transportation Security Administration has fewer screeners and has tightened security procedures. Meanwhile, more people are flying. Airlines and the TSA have been warning customers to arrive at the airport two hours in advance, but with summer travel season approaching, even that might not be enough. In the past three years, the TSA and Congress cut the number of front-line screeners by 4,622 or about 10 percent on expectations that an expedited screening program called PreCheck would speed up the lines. However, not enough people enrolled for TSA to realize the anticipated efficiencies. Congress this week agreed to shift $34 million in TSA funding forward, allowing the agency to pay overtime to its existing staff and hire an extra 768 screeners by June 15 to bring it up to the congressionally mandated ceiling of 42,525. But that might barely make a dent on the lines. This week, the president of the union representing the TSA officers sent a letter to congressional leaders suggesting that 6,000 additional screeners are needed. J. David Cox, Sr. wrote that the $34 million just provides a small amount of temporary relief for travelers and defers dealing with the long-term, larger problem. Additionally, the agency loses about 100 screeners a week through attrition. Airlines and airports have hired extra workers to handle non-security tasks at checkpoints such as returning empty bins to the beginning of the line as part of an effort to free up as many TSA employees to handle passenger screening. The help cant come quickly enough. Friday morning, American Airlines held at least five flights at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport because of passengers stuck at security lines, according to airline spokesman Ross Feinstein. On the 7:20 a.m. flight to Las Vegas, 52 of the 160 passengers were not onboard 10 minutes before departure. American held the plane an extra 13 minutes past its scheduled pushback from the gate, allowing 23 passengers to hop onboard. However, 29 still missed the jet and arrived on later flights. A few gates away, 27 passengers missed their flight to Orlando, Fla. At another American hub, Chicagos OHare International Airport, security lines peaked at one hour and 45 minutes on Thursday. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian told The Associated Press Thursday that the longer lines get the more passengers are going to miss flights and theres not much you can do about that. The biggest help to ease lines is to have more fliers enroll in the PreCheck program. Launched nationwide in 2012, PreCheck gives previously vetted passengers special screening. Shoes, belts and light jackets stay on. Laptops and liquids stay in bags. And these fliers go through standard metal detectors rather than the explosive-detecting full-body scanners most pass through. PreCheck security lanes can screen 300 passengers an hour, twice that of standard lanes. The TSA offered Congress a lofty goal of having 25 million fliers enrolled in the program. But as of March 1, only 9.3 million people were PreCheck members. Applicants must pay $85 to $100 every five years. Most must also trek to the airport for an interview before being accepted. Getting once-a-year fliers to join has been a challenge. Johnson said Friday that 10,000 people applied for PreCheck Thursday, up from 8,500 a day in April and 7,500 in March. Still, at that pace, it will take more than four years to reach 25 million members. The latest on Donald Trump? He masqueraded as a spokesman to brag about himself to reporters back in the 1980s and 1990s, according to The Washington Post. And if you listen to a recording the newspaper provides, youll have little doubt the story is correct. One more thing: Trump now says he has no intention of releasing his tax returns before the election. His tale about waiting for an IRS audit to conclude was apparently just a bit of misdirection to get him through the primaries. Hardly a day goes by without another surprising move or revelation regarding Trump which may be why some commentators seem to focus on nothing but the Republican presumptive nominee and the partys anguished dilemma over what to do about him. Meanwhile, though, the dilemma facing the Democratic Party, although by no means as dramatic, seems to escape their attention. But dilemma there is and its important. Although Hillary Clinton continues her clumsy slog toward the nomination, she cant seem to put any daylight between herself and an opponent who espouses tax and spending policies that would crush the economy with debt and suffocate growth and job creation. In fact, Bernie Sanders actually seems to have gained momentum in recent weeks and could enter the Democratic convention with an earned delegate count (as opposed to superdelegates) not far behind Clintons. Already Sanders and his supporters are fighting to drive the platform significantly to the left just as his popularity has pushed Clinton herself into embracing policies of dubious wisdom. Most recently, for example, Clinton signaled she is open to a Medicare buy-in option for those younger than 65 a sure way to add to the already escalating burden of federal medical spending. According to a recent analysis by the Tax Policy Center, a joint project of the left-leaning Urban Institute and Brookings Institution, Sanders proposed tax increases would raise $15.3 trillion over the next decade and yet still fall $18 trillion short of covering all of the hikes in spending he has pledged, such as government-financed single-payer health care, long-term services and supports, college, and family leave benefits and expand[ed] Social Security benefits. The combination of new taxes and hemorrhaging red ink would stifle private investment and economic growth, aggravating a host of social and fiscal problems. It should be deeply alarming to moderate voters that the activist base of the Democratic Party has migrated so far to the left, and that the Republican Party has embraced a crude, unprincipled nativist. Both parties face an identity crisis as they move toward this election years main event. To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by e-mail or mail. Jon Keysers bid for U.S. Senate ran away from him Thursday after the Republican candidate dodged repeated questions about forged signatures used to qualify for the ballot and gave a cringe-worthy interview that included a menacing comment toward a reporter about his Great Dane, Duke. The dog-bites-candidate moment came at a debate hosted by a Foothills Republican club just days after a local television station uncovered problems with Keysers petitions for the June primary ballot. The debates first four questions involved the petition issue, and Keyser refused to answer all of them. Heres the important thing. Im on the ballot, and Im going to beat Michael Bennet, Keyser said in a line he repeated five times in two minutes. The response drew groans from the crowd and a shot from GOP rival Darryl Glenn who said the issue is important to the candidates integrity. If you are going to stand for the rule of law, if you are going to raise your hand and support the constitution, then you need to follow the law, Glenn said to applause. Thats the issue. In an interview with The Denver Post and Denver7 during a break, Keyser dodged eight more questions on the issue. He took the issue a step further when he criticized the local TV reporter for creeping around my house after the reporter knocked on the door at his home to request an interview. You woke up my kids, Keyser told the reporter. Yeah, you woke up my kids. My baby cried for an hour after that. Did you get to meet my dog? I met your dog and your nanny. She was very kind, Denver7s Marshall Zelinger responded. My dog, hes a great dog. Hes bigger than you are. Hes huge, Keyser said. Hes huge. Hes a big guy. Very protective. What did you mean by his size? Zelinger responded. Did you see him? Hes a Great Dane. Hes 165 pounds, Keyser continued. The exchange and the candidates continual refusal to address the signature made headlines in national political circles, and Democrats pounced, calling it a painful meltdown. His repetitious answers drew comparisons to Marco Rubio, who drew ridicule in presidential debates for his robotic answers. Keyser made the ballot only after winning a legal challenge involving his petitions. The Colorado secretary of states office said he finished 86 signatures short of the 1,500 needed in the 3rd Congressional District. But he presented new evidence in court to legitimize the signatures, and a judge put him back on the ballot. Keysers refusal to discuss the forged-signature issue disappointed Ray Warren, a Jefferson County Republican who attended the forum. If somebody forged the signature on there, shame on them, but its not necessarily his fault, the 69-year-old retiree said. If we want to be honest and we want politicians who are honest, just face the facts and say it like it is. Another Republican candidate, Ryan Frazier, is still fighting to join the four other candidates after he didnt submit enough valid voter signatures to qualify. Fraziers campaign is challenging the ruling, and the Colorado Supreme Court agreed Thursday to hear the case. John Frank: 303-954-2409, jfrank@denverpost.com or @ByJohnFrank WASHINGTON Following accusations of fraud in Colorados U.S. Senate race, Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey has asked to review the signatures that Republican candidate Jon Keyser submitted to state officials in order to qualify for the June 28 primary. An aide to Morrissey confirmed the review, but cautioned the move was a preliminary reaction to allegations that at least 10 signatures that Keyser used to make the ballot were forged by a worker contracted by the campaign. As is the practice of our office, specifically the Economic Crime Unit, they review the original complaint and any accompanying documents to determine if there was a crime committed, whether the suspect is identifiable and if we have jurisdiction, said Lynn Kimbrough, a DA spokeswoman, in a statement. Kimbrough said the review was sparked by a complaint from the liberal group ProgressNow Colorado, which has targeted Keyser, a former state lawmaker, and his bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, the Democratic incumbent. Colorado election rules require that U.S. Senate candidates seeking to make the ballot by petition must gather at least 1,500 valid signatures from each of the states seven congressional districts. Denver7 this week found that 10 signatures collected in District 1 were forged, raising questions about his signature-gathering operation. His campaign cleared the 1,500 mark in District 1 by 20 signatures. All signature gatherers sign an affidavit promising they will comply fully with the law including a promise that they personally witnessed every signature on their petition, said Matt Connelly, Keysers spokesman. That affidavit also says that they are aware of the consequences associated with disobeying the law. No one would dispute that so far, 2016 has been uncommonly brutal in terms of the mortality of a great many musical innovators. Lets celebrate our living cultural treasures, who continue to thrive, and support them while we still can. Sonny Rollins, one of a handful of historys masters of the tenor saxophone, doesnt frequent the studios in his 80s like in previous decades. Fortunately, Rollins has amassed a vast archive of previously unreleased live performances, and his newest in the Road Shows series, Holding The Stage (Doxy/Okeh), proves he isnt straining to find worthy, even inspired music to release. On all of these cuts, ranging from 1979 to 2012, Rollins enlists expert group support, and the music includes deep ballads and alpha-sax blowouts. The real reason to listen to a Rollins album, in 1956 or 2016, is to luxuriate in his inimitable tone and partake of his inexhaustible wealth of improvisatory ideas. I wonder what will emanate from the vault next? Drummer Jack DeJohnette continues his run of committed creation with In Movement (ECM). Its a trio date showcasing the offspring of one of the most influential groups ever the classic John Coltrane Quartet. Coltranes son, Ravi, holds down the saxophone duties while bassist Matt Garrison, son of 60s powerhouse Jimmy Garrison, provides support on his main instrument as well as providing subtle but effective synthesized backdrops. Its quite a departure from a tribute album to the fallen masters alluded to in the lineup, and the results are often exciting and cerebral, with the crystalline ECM sound projecting an intense aura around these swirling collaborations. A long under-acknowledged soprano saxophonist (by the media, anyway), Jane Ira Bloom releases an engaging album every year or two. The new Early Americans (Out-Line) may not be as easy to come by as the above two releases, but its just as worthy of admiration. Bloom, as Rollins, is ceaselessly inventive and just as invigorating. And her short compositions here are packed full of life and effortless swing. The trio on this set, bassist Mark Helias and drummer Bobby Previte, help push Bloom to nicely extroverted highs, and she even breathes new life into a solo reading of Leonard Bernsteins standard Somewhere to close out the set on a meditative note. Pianist Cyrus Chestnut and his Trio are scheduled for May 17-18 at Dazzle, followed by Josh Quinlan and the Denver School Of The Arts Orchestra And Jazz Program re-creating the famous Charlie Parker With Strings sessions at Dazzle on May 19. Smooth-ish guitarist Peter White will play the Soiled Dove Underground on May 20. Peter Stolzman heads a Chick Corea tribute at Nocturne Jazz And Supper Club on May 19 and 26. Ryan Kilgor plays Jazz@Jacks the afternoon of May 28. City Park Jazz kicks off its season of free Sunday shows with Euforquestra on June 5. Details at cityparkjazz.org Bret Saunders can be heard from 6 to 11 a.m. weekday mornings at KBCO 97.3 FM and KBCO.com. bretsaunders@kbco.com A messy security checkpoint situation at Denver International Airport could get much worse under a potentially record-breaking crush of summer travelers, say officials who are urging passengers to get to the hub three hours before their flights. The Transportation Security Administration has shed nearly 10 percent of its screeners in the past three years, a period in which air travel has grown 9 percent. The result: interminable lines filled with frustrated fliers at DIA and airports across the country. I think the perfect storm right now is that capacity definitely outpaces the TSA ability for screening, said Gregory Feith, a Colorado-based aviation safety consultant. Its probably going to get worse unless staffing is increased. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said last week he is acutely aware of the delays and that TSA has made solving the problem a priority. The agency has cleared more overtime pay, is racing to hire new officers and is increasing the use of canines trained to detect explosives. Johnson also said he will petition Congress for more money to expand the number of airport screeners working during peak hours. But Feith said backfilling the staffing gap wont happen overnight. And other observers worry the efforts may be too little too late with Memorial Day the first big test of the busy summer season just a few weeks away. We were watching what was essentially a slow developing car or train wreck, said Jonathan Grella, executive vice president for public affairs for the U.S. Travel Association. We are hoping that all involved will be able to slam on the brakes before its too late. Most DIA travelers make it through security in 20 minutes or less, TSA spokeswoman Carrie Harmon said. Anecdotal data collected by spot checkers who watch passengers move through DIA security lines show average wait times more than doubled to 11 to 14 minutes in the first quarter of this year compared with four to six minutes in the same period of 2015, airport spokesman Heath Montgomery said. Harmon said the number of passengers screened at DIA this year increased 8.7 percent in January, compared with January 2015, and rose 11.8 percent in February and 3.2 percent in March. DIA, the nations fifth-busiest airport, is expecting the June-to-September summer travel season to set traffic records. Early forecasts suggest July could be the busiest month ever, Montgomery said. Already, DIA is advising passengers to arrive as much as three hours before their boarding time to have enough cushion to pass through security. The bottom line is that passengers should expect us to be busy overall this summer and get to the airport early, Montgomery said. The airport has no control over TSA or the way security checkpoints are staffed, but DIA officials have expressed their concerns to the agency and offered to help in any way they can, he said. In recent weeks some passengers flying from Denver have reported waiting more than an hour to clear security. On April 23, midmorning security line waits stretched to 90 minutes for some people. Two days earlier, passengers posted photos on social media showing a security queue that snaked into baggage claim. I had never seen it so packed, said Kara Hammer, who tweeted about her 40-minute DIA security line wait before boarding a flight to Las Vegas about 9 a.m. April 21. It was just a mass of people. You could just tell they were understaffed. During a high-profile backup in December, dozens waited in three-hour lines to get through DIAs security checkpoints, and some eventually missed their flights. TSA initially blamed those delays on miscommunication with airlines that added flights for the busy Christmas holiday but then admitted it had not followed its own staffing protocols. U.S. Travel Association officials worry the security delays will make people think twice about flying. If you have to arrive at the airport three hours before your flight and are only in the air for about half that time, there is going to be frustration, Grella said. On Friday, Airlines For America, a trade organization for U.S. air carriers, launched IHateTheWait.com, which encourages passengers stuck in long security lines to use the hashtag #IHateTheWait on Twitter and Instagram to help keep the issue on TSAs front burner. Industry experts point out that screening delays are bad for airport retailers and restaurants, who are being ignored by passengers racing to their planes, and for airlines, which face the expensive and complicated consequences when a passenger has to be rebooked. United Airlines and Southwest Airlines said they are working with the TSA to improve security efficiency. DIA is a hub for both airlines. Kevin Burke, president and CEO of the Airports Council International-North America, said TSAs attempts to increase efficiency have fallen flat. He cited the agencys PreCheck program, which has only 2.5 million people enrolled when it was projected to have 25 million by now. The agency was so confident about PreCheck and its potential to thin general security lines that it has cut the number of screeners to 42,525 from 47,147 three years ago, according to an Associated Press analysis. At the same time, the number of annual fliers passing through checkpoints has grown to more than 700 million from 643 million. About 30 percent of the 1.3 million passengers who passed through DIA security in February were PreCheck. While Burke is hopeful about TSAs public commitment to improve its operations, security checkpoint lines remain the biggest problem facing the airport directors he speaks with nationwide. Theres not enough officers, Burke said. Theres not enough use of PreCheck. Theres probably not enough allocation to checkpoints. DIA tracks security lines Denver International Airport has a widget at flydenver.com/security that shows how long you can expect to wait at each of the three checkpoints at the airport. But if youre flying, airport spokesman Heath Montgomery says, check the site early and often. We are working to add additional equipment to help us be more precise with our wait time estimates, he said. However, the lines can change very rapidly during peak travel times, so passengers should check the site frequently. A school district board in El Paso County approved Thursday a policy to allow therapeutic marijuana products at its schools. The District 49 Board of Education, in Peyton, unanimously, in a five-to-zero vote, approved the Compassionate Administration of Therapeutic Cannabinoid Products on District Property policy, the district announced in a media release. The policy, known as Jaxs policy, was approved as part of a regularly scheduled monthly meeting and is the first of its kind in the state, according to the district. Sand Creek High School 11th-grader Jackson Jaxs Stormes, 16, was suspended in May 2015 for carrying cannabis oil to school as a seizure treatment, the district said. Jaxs suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare and catastrophic form form of intractable epilepsy, as well as Juvenile Parkinsons Disease. Stormes has undergone two brain surgeries and more than 60 drug combinations in efforts to relieve his seizures. In 2012, we pretty much ran out of options, said his mother, Jennie Stormes, in the release. We started cannabis, and almost immediately he did better. His seizures were in better control. He was just starting to thrive and do so much better. District 49 is made up of more than 20 schools in Colorado Springs and Peyton, including three high schools. It also operates one school in Pueblo. This process began firmly rooted in the cultural values of respect and care for one of our students, said Marie LaVere-Wright, District 49 Board of Education president on Facebook. His struggle to balance his medical need for cannabinoid oil with attending school represented a struggle faced by approximately 40 other students in our district. Earlier this month, the state legislature approved a bill allowing the use of medical marijuana in schools. The bill says schools, with district approval, can permit non-smokeable marijuana medicines and the drug is administered by a caregiver or parent. Stormes and other students in the district will now be able to receive cannabis treatments during the school day. This policy is not about District 49 deciding what is an acceptable medical treatment, said LaVere-Wright. Jaxs policy is about respecting the decision of a childs parent and physician. Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822, knicholson@denverpost.com or @kierannicholson A well-known veteran in Grand Junction received inadequate treatment at the local Department of Veterans Affairs hospital before he died, the agencys inspector general found. Vietnam War veteran Rodger Holmes had survived homelessness, recovered from alcohol addiction and volunteered as a Salvation Army van driver. But he suffered from liver disease, and his health deteriorated rapidly despite numerous visits to the Grand Junction VA medical center in 2014. He died that December. Three Colorado members of Congress, Sens. Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner and Rep. Scott Tipton, requested an investigation of the hospitals treatment of Holmes. We substantiated the allegation that followup care was inadequate and led to further hospitalization, says the inspector generals report released this week. The hepatitis C care provider often did not provide the care or assess the patient thoroughly when seen. The circumstances of discontinuity of care and the lack of a thorough analysis of the patients condition may have contributed to his progressive decline and slower recovery. The report stopped short of concluding that VA treatment killed Holmes, however, by finding that his final hospital admission was timely. One contributing factor to Holmes treatment was a decision by the hospitals hepatitis specialist to reduce his hours. The inspector general report recommended that the hospital ensure contingency plans for specialities when too few specialists are available. If Rodger were with us, he would be thrilled with that change, said Chris Blumenstein, a social worker who quit the hospital to protest Holmes treatment. When staff is insufficient, there needs to be a plan for that. The clinics cant just wing it like they did with Rodger. Blumenstein challenged the reports finding that Holmes had recovered when he was sent home in September 2014, saying his friend was a very sick man when he and others launched a Saving Veteran Rodger Holmes campaign that fall. He plans to appeal on the grounds that the inspector general failed to hold the hospital fully responsible. The VAs medical director in Grand Junction, Marc Magill, disputed the finding that Holmes treatment was inadequate. We believe the review of encounters below supports appropriate clinical care was provided to this veteran, he responded. The veterans issues were appropriately addressed at each encounter, including medication adjustments, emergency room treatment and IV fluids, and hospitalization when appropriate. He concurred, however, with the recommendation to make sure specialty care will be available as needed for veterans in Grand Junction. Medical center spokesman Paul Sweeney said the hospital has hired a cardiologist and neurologist and is contracting with other specialty care doctors. Hepatitis patients are treated through a telehealth program, he said, but the Western Slope still lacks a liver specialist. Jenny Davies, one of Holmes supporters, recalled helping him start to use e-mail and Facebook in the campaign to save his life. He was kind, funny and very humble about the whole thing while he did want to improve his own health care, his feeling was that hed already had a nightmare experience and this effort was to improve the care for all the veterans coming after him, she said. Little did we know that all that mismanaged care was going to continue and he wouldnt survive. David Olinger: 303-954-1498, dolinger@denverpost.com or @dolingerdp Three guns stolen from a Rapid City, S.D., outdoors store have been connected to a homicide and a fatal officer-involved shooting in Colorado in the past nine days, authorities say. The guns were among 25 stolen from The Rooster store on April 10 after someone broke through the business front door, Brendyn Medina, Rapid City Police spokesman, said Friday. When we had 25 guns stolen, that was cause enough for concern, Medina said. And when we learned that the guns were used in two violent crimes in Colorado, that was certainly a shock to us. Two of the guns were recovered after the shooting death of Michael House, 29,in a hotel at 5888 Broadway on May 4, he said. Lakewood police arrested Jose Ocampo, 37, on May 5 at a Motel 6 and discovered the two guns in his possession. Testing has not determined whether either of those guns was used to kill House, Medina said. At the time, Adams County deputies also issued an arrest warrant for 29-year-old Kenneth Ray Bastidos. He was last seen in a stolen white 1996 Jeep Cherokee with Texas license plate GFW-7518. The third gun was recovered early Wednesday morning when Aurora police fatally shot a carjacking suspect after a high-speed chase. The Arapahoe County coroners office identified the suspect as 35-year-old Stephen Ray Schuster. Crystal McCoy, spokeswoman for Aurora police, confirmed that the gun the suspect had in his possession was stolen in South Dakota. She declined to comment further. House was a local musician who went by the name Syklone. He left behind a wife and three children. Ocampo of Denver was arrested twice in South Dakota during the past few months, Medina said. On March 6, Ocampo was charged with two counts of possession of methamphetamine. South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers arrested him March 22 near Box Elder on a charge of eluding police after a high-speed chase. Hes gotten into some trouble with South Dakota authorities, Medina said. Ocampo has served prison terms in Colorado for several crimes. In 1998 he was charged with attempted second-degree murder in Denver. He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree assault and was sentenced to eight years in prison. He was sentenced to six years in prison in 2006 on a menacing conviction and 15 months in prison for a gun possession charge in 2013, according to court records. Rapid City police and ATF agents have set up a task force to track down the remaining 22 missing weapons, Medina said. The cavalry, so to speak, has arrived at the Denver Sheriff Department. With a little pomp and circumstance and loud, long cheers, the largest class in the departments history graduated Friday afternoon from its academy. The expectations are huge, and the graduates know it. Yes, definitely, said Juan Guevara when asked if he was ready for the job. Since I am part of the community, I want to create change. The new deputies are expected to bring a breath of fresh air to the sheriffs department, relieve overworked colleagues and embrace a culture change where deputies are groomed to be guardians rather than warriors. The city approved $6.8 million to recruit, train and equip 200 new deputies in 2016 as part of its effort to reform the embattled department. The city had planned to hire 100 deputies in the first class, but Stephanie OMalley, the citys executive director of safety, said she would not compromise quality for numbers. So, 87 students, culled from 1,900 applications, arrived for class in January. On Friday, 80 took the oath of office. On the first day of class, instructors at the sheriffs academy made it clear what the recruits faced by signing on with the embattled department, said Matthew Hammernik, the class valedictorian. The instructors said, If you choose to stay, you know what youre in for, Hammernik said. We know exactly who we are for the city and county of Denver. Bridget Andrews, the second-oldest member of the class at 48, told The Denver Post in January that her class was the cavalry. In her speech at the graduation, she repeated that line. And she pledged the entires class devotion to the job. We are public servants, guardians of public trust, Andrews said. The 80 new deputies will spend the next week with various community groups to understand the various races and ethnicities in Denver. Then they will spend five weeks with field training officers before they are on their own inside jail pods. A second class, which could number up to 100 deputies, starts in June. For years, the department has been short-staffed, forcing deputies to work hundreds of hours of overtime each year. Overworked deputies are tired deputies, and tired deputies make mistakes, Sheriff Patrick Firman said in an earlier interview. It took massive planning and cooperation from other agencies within city government to screen applicants, adapt the academy for a larger class and teach the recruits, OMalley said. Now, the new deputies are expected to meet the challenge. It is not easy to be a deputy sheriff. It requires an exceptional person who can act as a caretaker, a diplomat and a counselor and a whole bunch of other things, OMalley told the new deputies. But make no mistake, we believe that you as graduates of the largest recruiting class in the history of the Denver Sheriff Department will lead and do what is needed to help change the department for the better. Noelle Phillips: 303-954-1661, nphillips@denverpost.com or @Noelle_Phillips Travel has gotten a little faster and smoother for weekday commuters on U.S. 36 and for weekend skiers returning on Interstate 70 to the Front Range, especially for those willing to pay several bucks for an easier drive. Whether drivers love them or hate them and there are plenty in both camps Denver-area commuters in coming years will see more express lanes. Lanes added on those two high-traffic corridors began charging tolls in the last year, and state transportation officials promise at least three more metro-area projects in coming years will add express lanes. Plans call for extended toll lanes on north Interstate 25 and new ones on C-470, in the southwest suburbs, and on I-70 through northeast Denver and Aurora. What happened to regular highway expansions, with more open-access lanes added to absorb traffic? The Colorado Department of Transportation, which faces perennial budget shortfalls for projects, cant afford them. State lawmakers, for their part, repeatedly have disagreed over raising more money for transportation, most recently when the General Assembly spiked two options, including a potential ballot measure to allow $3.5 billion in borrowing for projects, last week. Thats frustrating to drivers such as Michael Wiland, who says he goes out of his way to avoid paying tolls because roads should have free access. I am a big fan of TABOR and the restrictions it puts on the liberal Democrats in Denver, the Centennial resident said of the Taxpayers Bill of Rights. However, its been proved that if the cause is worthy enough, Coloradans are willing to pay for a small tax increase. But for now, CDOTs financial crunch shows little sign of ending at the same time metro Denver is undergoing a traffic-worsening population boom thats expected to continue for decades. Full-scale highway expansions also face questions about their effectiveness, as transportation experts say new free lanes tend to fill up quickly with more traffic. Given those challenges, CDOT in recent years has shifted toward a reliance on express lanes, or managed lanes, as transportation planners call them. Those lanes are sold as providing some congestion relief while helping to pay for a portion of the cost by collecting tolls from drivers. Except on the 13-mile I-70 Mountain Express Lane, which is all-toll, buses and vehicles carrying at least two occupants plus an ExpressToll transponder with an HOV switch get the faster ride without a toll on CDOTs lanes. If an express lane gets too crowded, tolls can go up to keep traffic flowing sometimes immediately, in the case of the I-70 express lane. Managed lanes are the way that we are going to be building capacity in Colorado for our transportation system, said David Spector, who leads CDOTs High Performance Transportation Enterprise. When we have this financially constrained environment, really, the only way that we have to add capacity on our high-congestion corridors, with all these people moving to Colorado, are these managed lanes where people pay. Wasting time in traffic Although critics contend express lanes raise an equity issue since not all commuters can afford them, supporters from free-market think tanks to transportation researchers argue they offer a smarter solution that gives drivers who dont have time to waste in traffic an option to avoid it. Some Denver-area commuters told The Denver Post that the recently opened express lanes have made a difference. Others, though, express skepticism, citing continuing gridlock that doesnt always seem better or shortcomings that include CDOTs change last year to require the purchase of the transponder for free HOV access to the lanes on U.S. 36 and I-25. The data is really the thing that we can hang our hat on and say, Hey, these are really working for everybody, Spector said. CDOT cites a limited comparison for U.S. 36 that suggests improvement for most drivers. It shows weekday westbound speeds through the first phase of the corridor, for all lanes, were about 10 mph faster in September, two months after the new express lane began tolling, compared with the same month in 2011, before construction began. Tolling began in the express lanes second phase, closer to Boulder, on March 30. It was great during March when the toll lane was free (during testing) and there were three lanes in and out of Boulder, Julie C. Raines, who commutes from Broomfield to work at a real estate firm in Boulder, wrote in an e-mail. But now that the tolls are in place, traffic has returned. But Dustin Moody, a communications manager who lives in Westminster and works in Boulder, extolled the value of the new option amid recurring backups in other lanes. If Im short on time, Ill normally take the express lane up until 36 ends, he said, paying $1 or less. Based on the cost, its usually a small price to pay for speed and efficiency. Commuters who travel all of U.S. 36 to downtown Denver, connecting to recently improved lanes on I-25, pay more than that as much as $8.75 at the height of morning rush hour with a transponder, or up to $16.33 if they are billed via license plate billing. The $497 million project replaced bridges, expanded the freeway, added components for the Regional Transportation Districts new Flatiron Flyer bus service, which uses the express lane, and constructed a bikeway. Travel times shortened More tracking data was available for the I-70 express lane, a $78 million project that CDOT finished between Empire and Idaho Springs in mid-December. CDOT recently reported that the added capacity at least on the 32 days the lane was open shortened average travel times during the peak period in the two nontolled lanes by 18 percent, compared with the last few winter seasons. Under an agreement with federal officials, the built-out shoulder lane a less-costly option than a full-scale widening is opened only on busy weekends and Monday holidays, except during bad weather. Tolls typically have ranged from $4 to $6 (or $8.33 to $11.50 without an ExpressToll transponder). During the ski season, which often features nightmare-inducing afternoon backups on weekends, CDOT says 42,600 drivers used the express lane. But its design aggravated some drivers, particularly given that the express lane and adjacent free lane each are only 11 feet wide, a foot less than normal. Some told The Post they regularly saw vehicles use it as a passing lane, avoiding the tolling sensors. The lane is dangerously narrow, said Jenette Keese, who regularly drove back home to Brighton on Sunday afternoons this winter. People take the word express literally and drive too fast for their ability, often crossing over their lane lines in the tighter corners. Weve nearly lost a side mirror on several occasions. Federal officials allotted CDOT 73 days a year to use the express lane, so that leaves 41 remaining for the busy summer mountain-travel season, which starts Memorial Day weekend. CDOT has projected that 74,000 vehicles will use the toll lane in the first full year. $97.5 million extension More express lanes are on tap in coming years. CDOT recently extended I-25s toll/HOV lanes from U.S. 36 to 120th Avenue in a $72 million project, with free-access testing underway. Next month, a contractor is set to break ground on a $97.5 million extension of those lanes north to the interchange with E-470 and the Northwest Parkway. Those could open in late 2018. On C-470 in late summer, a three-year, $276 million project will kick off to widen and reconstruct that mostly four-lane highway, with tolled access only on the new lanes. In 2019, westbound drivers will get the option of two express lanes from I-25 to Colorado Boulevard, and then one to Wadsworth Boulevard. Eastbound drivers will get a single express lane from Wadsworth to I-25. And then theres the Central 70 project a rare behemoth thats awaiting federal environmental approval. Its mired in controversy over health concerns and the scope, which includes sinking the aging I-70 viaduct through northeast Denver below ground; installing a 4-acre cover over a portion to help reconnect severed neighborhoods; and expanding the current six lanes to an eventual 10. The $1.2 billion first phase would add an express lane in each direction from I-25 to Chambers Road, with second lanes added later. Years of construction could start in 2017. Jon Murray: 303-954-1405, jmurray@denverpost.com or @JonMurray About the series The Denver Post is examining the ways that increased traffic congestion is affecting drivers and residents as well as plans and potential changes that could ease the crunch and expand transportation options. The first story, in December, explored traffic and population growth projections that could bring worse congestion to the metro area in coming decades. In February, a story looked at emerging technologies, including self-driving vehicles, that could upend the traffic equation. Legislators are barking up the wrong tree when expressing outrage about severance tax refunds to the Colorado oil and gas industry, which for years were collected by the state Department of Revenue in a manner that conflicted with the plain language of state severance tax laws. Disputes between taxpayers and the Department of Revenue are customary, and Colorado courts eventually resolve many of them. One such taxpayer, BP America Production Company, challenged the Department of Revenues interpretation regarding the deductibility of certain costs associated with the calculation of severance taxes (severance taxes are paid by those extracting minerals from the ground to compensate the state for the permanent loss of the resource). BPs challenge was supported by a broad range of other severance tax payers in an amicus curiae brief filed by industry trade organizations. In recent weeks, the Colorado Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of BP. Two days before the end of the current 120-day legislative session, House Democrats suddenly raced to introduce legislation to overturn the unanimous Supreme Court decision. Despite the court explicitly stating the deductions were allowed, Speaker of the House Dickey Lee Hullinghorst and other legislators hostile to industry defended the departments incorrect legal position, stating it was commonly accepted by taxpayers. Amicus curiae briefs filed in the case challenge that notion and demonstrate the speaker does not understand taxpayers perspective of the issue. Budget committee members who performed miracle work to develop this years budget are justifiably unhappy they have to adjust the budget to accommodate refunds and possibly make cuts to the grant funds they provide to local governments and natural resource programs. Local governments are justifiably upset they may lose grant money for cherished programs. But instead of blaming taxpayers, all their angst is better directed at the Colorado Department of Revenue. First, they might ask why the department chose to misinterpret the clear language of Colorados severance tax statute which allows the deduction of costs, the very conclusion reached by the Supreme Court. Second, legislative budget writers might also ask why the Department of Revenue neglected to advise them about the states financial exposure in the case and the potential for refunds to taxpayers. Legislators gratuitous criticism of an industry that generates nearly $30 billion in annual economic activity is unhelpful and unwarranted and smacks of a different agenda than simply protecting the budget. Oil and gas taxpayers followed the law and played by the established rules. In response to a court ruling confirming the Department of Revenue was acting contrary to severance tax laws, industry critics jumped at the chance to try and change rules at the 11th hour. Stan Dempsey is president of the Colorado Petroleum Association. To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by e-mail or mail. Save us all the faux drama. We already know how this star-crossed courtship is going to end: House Speaker Paul Ryan will decide that Donald Trump isnt such an ogre after all, and theyll live unhappily ever after. Ryan will be unhappy, at least. Trump has stolen his party, and theres nothing Ryan can do in the short term to get it back. I heard a lot of good things from our presumptive nominee, Ryan told reporters after his much-ballyhooed Thursday meeting with Trump. I do believe we are now planting the seeds to get ourselves unified to bridge the gaps and differences. Translation: Ryan may still not be there yet, in terms of a formal endorsement, but we should have no doubt about where hes headed. Trump came to Washington for meetings with Ryan and other GOP establishment figures as a conqueror, not a supplicant. His populism, xenophobia, isolationism, bigotry and evident love of big government may be anathema to the Republican elite, but the partys base clearly feels otherwise. Anyone choosing self-interest over principle a habit I have observed among politicians would think twice about opposing a man who received more primary votes than any previous GOP nominee. Thus we witness a shameful parade of quislings. The most galling surrender may have been that of Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who says he will support the nominee even though Trump cruelly ridiculed him for being shot down and captured during the Vietnam War. McCains military service was a profile in courage; what hes doing now is not. Leaving aside the personal insult, McCain has spent his career advocating a muscular foreign policy. His has been one of the loudest and most persistent voices arguing that more U.S. troops be sent to Syria and Iraq. Trump, by contrast, has proclaimed an America first doctrine that focuses resources on solving problems at home. Trump has even expressed deep skepticism about NATO, which has been the cornerstone of the Wests security architecture for more than half a century. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, McCains closest soul mate on national security issues, is one of the few leading Republicans who remain in the never Trump camp. He vowed this week that no re-education camp would change his mind. Whats the difference between the two amigos? Graham doesnt have to face South Carolina voters again until 2020. McCain is running for re-election this year and watched as Trump scored a blowout victory in Arizonas presidential primary in March. Ryan is, or perhaps was, the last great hope of those Republicans who oppose Trump on ideological and historical grounds. The party of Lincoln has a storied past the landmark civil rights laws of the 1960s, for example, never could have made it through Congress without GOP support. This heritage has been dishonored in recent years; among other transgressions, Republican governors and state legislatures across the country are trying to discourage minority voters with restrictive voter-identification laws. But there are those, such as Ryan, who profess to believe that the party can still be compassionate and inclusive. Not with Trump in charge, however. Trumps appeal has been built on anger, grievance and nostalgia for a golden age that never was (at least for women and people of color). To the extent he has any coherent political philosophy, it is one of exclusion. His one unwavering promise involves the building of a wall. Everything else, it seems, is negotiable. Having sewn up the nomination, Trump has entered the three-card Monte phase of his campaign in which he shuffles his positions so quickly that the gullible patsy loses track. His proposed ban on Muslim immigration? That was a mere suggestion, he said the other day. His view that wages are too high? He now wants to see the minimum wage raised, but by the states, not the federal government. His view on whether the rich should pay more in taxes? Yes, no and maybe. Ryan acknowledged after his meeting with Trump that differences remain. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has endorsed Trump, as has most of Ryans leadership team in the House. If Ryan were to announce at this point that he deems Trump unfit for the presidency and therefore cannot support him, he would become the leader of a movement with few followers. The Republican Party will not be united this fall. In what promises to be a display of cravenness on an epic scale, it will pretend to be. E-mail Eugene Robinson at eugenerobinson@washpost.com. To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by e-mail or mail. I am thrilled that Colorado is one of four states where the use of student surveys are allowed, not mandated, as an additional way to evaluate a teachers performance. It is good news that districts like Denver Public Schools, Roaring Fork, and the Thompson School District, among others, are exploring how best to invite feedback and learn from what students have to say about classroom instruction. Not that, in my 18 years of teaching, it was always fun to read what my students had to say. You pass out the surveys to your students with some trepidation. By mid-May, you have spent more than 160 days together, you have a sense of what has and has not gone well, and you know you never made a great connection with students A and B. You recall past surveys where the students comments hurt, so you brace for a few zingers. Still, you know you must get their feedback. Hey, youve been grading them all year; isnt it their turn to give you that C? They know how well you teach, you tell yourself, better than does your principal. Yes, you take some comments with a grain of salt perhaps that student is ticked off by a recent low score on a paper, or feels you snapped too harshly at his or her off-task behavior yesterday. But your class knows if your instruction has been clear, energetic, challenging . Students know your character pretty well too: Every day they assess if you are kind, patient, fair, and if no, when you fall short. They know that you can perform well enough for the administrators walk-through, but what has taken place day in day out, beginning back in mid-August that was no act. What the kids will tell you is likely to be a good reality check. No one will ever again hire this 66-year-old, so I dont mind sharing a few responses from a survey I used that forced me to look in the mirror: When speaking about my work, the teacher did not embarrass me. One year, almost half of the seventh-graders scored me a 1 (strongly disagree) or 2 (disagree). In sharing the results with the school administration, I wrote: I believe strongly in using student work for comment for pointing our problems, and of course for giving praise, which I try to do as much as criticize but these comments from 7th graders are troubling. I obviously need to address this issue when I meet next years 8th graders in August. The teacher did not lecture, or give uninterrupted talks, too often. One year, 20 out of 38 seventh-graders disagreed, as did 16 out of 35 eighth-graders. Extremely worrisome, especially as I claimed to emphasize class discussion and participation. Hard to swallow, but I needed to hear it. The teacher made an effort to know me personally and to teach me as an individual. One year, over a third of the eighth-graders disagreed. In a small K-8 school, where classes never exceeded 23 students and where I never had more than 90 students in my four classes, I could only blame myself for the low marks from so many. Even more perilous: inviting comments from high school students. Thirty years later, I am still miffed by the comment from the senior in a Shakespeare class who suggested I pop a Quaalude or two before class to relax. Still, some truth there, too. Peers often told me: Lighten up. Keep your sense of humor! In a state where student surveys are not required but where we are free to develop the criteria for such surveys and decide how best to use them, this is a real opportunity for Colorado schools. Everyone agrees: Judge schools/ teachers/ students using multiple measures. We should welcome this additional measure. Students will, since they will be glad to have a voice. School leaders will. They know the limits of their occasional visits. Reading through the surveys gives them a much deeper sense of what is taking place in their classrooms on the 170 days they are not observing. Most of all, teachers will. When we sit down in early June to read the surveys (and do our best not to get defensive), we can find great value in taking a close look at our students feedback. They will give us specific areas to work on, and remind us lest we forget we can do better. As we hope to do next year. Peter A. Huidekoper Jr. is an education consultant. He lives in Parker. To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by e-mail or mail. An immersive, experiential dance-theater piece is about to take over a 16,000-square-foot RiNo warehouse retrofitted to look like a speakeasy and antique shop. With cocktails. Prepare to be eased into a dream state by the choreographed movement, evocative props, encounters with performers and music on a two-hour journey through a rich and reactive environment in Sweet & Lucky, a site-specific work commissioned by the DCPAs Off-Center. Part theater, part dance, the performance piece is a fusion of forms, according to Zach Morris, a Denver native who is now a nationally known practitioner of this art form as co-artistic director of Brooklyn-based Third Rail Projects. This will be nothing like a night at the Buell. Only 72 patrons will be admitted per performance. In addition to the usual theater advisories about turning off electronics, the producers of Sweet & Lucky warn all comers to wear comfortable shoes. Patrons with allergies should decline any food offerings. Dont speak unless a performer asks something of you. Also, you must be 21 with valid ID. (Adults who dont consume alcohol may want to attend one of the scheduled booze-free nights.) The way the piece is shaping up, it will be impossible for any audience member to see exactly the same show as another audience member, Morris said by phone from the warehouse during rehearsals. Third Rail aims to craft a 360-degree world in which the audience can lose themselves amid a cast of 12 performers. Everyone starts in the huge warehouse space together then moves in smaller groups. The lushly designed environments each have a different audio texture with live and recorded music. Its not about the protagonist of the piece having a traditional heros journey, Morris said. Its more about the theater-goers journey. Expect to be rifling through drawers, touching props and discovering ephemera, perhaps a letter or photograph that tells part of a story. Its interesting to attend with friends, Morris advises, to compare notes after engaging with the content, that is, experiencing specific moments in characters lives, stirring memories as if at a cocktail party. Scenes are designed to honor the audiences choices. You wont be forced to participate, but there are options you may explore to find yourself falling deeper into a labyrinth of memory, Morris said. For instance, the audience finds itself in very close proximity to a performer. What the audience members do affects the scene in some very subtle way. Third Rails previous works include the long-running dance-theater piece Then She Fell, staged at a former Brooklyn hospital. (New York Times theater critic Ben Brantley called that work transporting.) Artistic directors Morris, Tom Pearson and Jennine Willett have won multiple Bessie Awards for dance and performance with projects performed internationally during the past 15 years. A starting point for Third Rail in creating these experiences is that they are a complete evening out, Morris said. Hence, the partnerships with bars and restaurants. This is a total experience. Cocktails before the show and a pop-up bar at the end bookend the night, with custom drinks for Sweet & Lucky crafted by mixologist Sean Kenyon of Williams and Graham. Literally out of the box The effort is physically, financially and creatively a stretch for the DCPA. Off-Centers most ambitious project to date, it was also the first to launch with a Kickstarter campaign to crowd-fund the production. (364 donors raised more than $40,000.) Unlike a conventional show, the structure of immersive theater is fluid. Ten or more scenes may happen simultaneously, many of them nonverbal. There are scripts for scenes but not a traditional script, Morris said. It looks very different on paper than the way Chekovs Three Sisters looks. Sweet & Lucky poses a few questions, but its up to the viewer to answer them: What is the nature of memory? What is the nature of loss? How do you reconcile a tumultuous love with notions of death and memory? Its all decidedly dreamlike, Morris said. Did they ever consider a pop-up dispensary rather than a pop-up bar when bringing the work to Colorado? We have had a number of audience members say our work was like being on drugs. He wont say more. (BYO dream.) Morris credits the DCPA with being bold enough to support the project artistically and otherwise. The DCPA is nationally known for the amazing work that they do. They are one of the few really taking big leaps to figure out how to support this kind of work that is quite literally out of the box. The challenge to find new ways of storytelling is a response to the changing technological times, Morris believes. We are finding ourselves in a cultural moment in which many thinkers are beginning to evaluate the ways we tell stories in the digital age. We are carrying computers in our pockets. We have the agency to navigate through stories in a way we never have before. Humans are yearning for genuine connection, he said, and thats exciting for the performing arts. As amazing as social media is, the experience of being in the same room as a musician, feeling the vibrations from their guitar, is not something you can find anywhere else. The tactile sensation of finding something or being centimeters away from a performer, theres nothing like it. Denver native Born and raised in Denver, Morris grew up in Cherry Creek before it was Cherry Creek. He attended George Washington High School and credits the schools former drama teacher Nancy Priest and former speech teacher Carolyn Williamson as the two most formative figures in his theatrical career. As a young man, he did an internship at the DCPA costume shop, hand-sewing buckskin and machine-sewing silk. The thing thats particularly exciting about this collaboration with DCPA is being able to come back to the institution that was so pivotal in my formation as an artist. Morris work as a choreographer has been performed internationally. He has won numerous awards for site-specific performances, installation art, multi-media projects and immersive performance environments. Just dont expect a normal night of theater. Youre coming to a vastly different experience. It is multi-sensory. It engages touch, sight, sound also smell and taste. Morris said. If a traditional proscenium work is akin to a novel, he said, immersive theater is like a poem. The idea is to move through these dream-like experiences, connecting the dots. Its less about being a passive viewer, more about letting moments accumulate meaning, layer upon layer. Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com SWEET & LUCKY Immersive, site-specific experiential theater. By DCPAs Off Center, a commission of Brooklyn-based Third Rail Projects. With Lia Bonfilio, Diana Dresser, Colby Foss, Ondine Geary, Meridith C. Grundei, Leigh Miller, Patrick Mueller, Tara Rynders, Mackenzie Sherburne, Justin Walvoord, Edith Weiss, Ryan Wuestewald, Amanda Berg Wilson. Custom cocktails by Williams & Graham mixologist Sean Kenyon. Through June 25 at #A20, 4120 E Brighton Blvd. Denver. Tickets are extremely limited and non-transferable, available at 303.893.4100 or online at denvercenter.org. Oman may be the anti-Dubai. Although the Persian Gulf country is just south of the famed emirate, it boasts no glittering skyscrapers. Instead, low whitewashed buildings skirt the coast of the capital, Muscat, its sole tall edifices the colorful minarets of mosques. Five times a day, a person rather than a recording, as is common in other Gulf cities recites the call to prayer from each. The aesthetic is no accident. When Omans ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, overthrew his father in 1970, he inherited a country with six miles of paved road, three schools and one hospital. Qaboos father, Sultan Said bin Taimur, had been so suspicious of the outside world, particularly the West, that he banned things such as radios and sunglasses. Qaboos set about developing Oman using its moderate oil wealth, but he pledged to keep its traditions and culture intact. Almost 50 years later, Omans infrastructure is first-rate, with approximately 18,000 miles of paved roads, more than 1,500 schools and about 250 hospitals and medical centers serving its population of more than 4 million. Yet Qaboos cultural vision was evident as soon as I arrived at Muscats airport in late February. Omani men strolled by in national dress, a crisp long robe called a dishdasha, and the sweet, spicy scent of frankincense long an Omani commodity soaked the air. Fellow tourists, while in evidence, didnt seem to come in hordes as in neighboring Gulf cities, although the time of year I was there is peak for visitors. With temperatures in the 70s and 80s during the day and cooler at night, its dream weather. (Summers are a lot hotter, except in the southern governorate of Dhofar, which experiences a cooling monsoon that creates a lush, green landscape.) In my light long-sleeved shirts and pants, with the aim of dressing respectfully in a Muslim-majority country, I felt comfortable and at ease. While Omans tourist sector is, like the rest of the country, well-developed, it takes a bit of effort to see some of the truly stunning sites. My two-week trip in the north and east of the sultanate included some of these out-of-the-way places. And while I kind of cheated I traveled with a guided tour its possible to rent a car and do it on your own. After spending a few days in the capital getting acclimated and exploring Old Muscat, the main souk and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, I flew to the first of these remote locations: the Musandam Peninsula. You have to look closely at a map to understand how this part of Oman is separate from the rest of the country. Positioned north of the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, the enclave protrudes into the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which about 30 percent of the worlds oil travels daily. In the regional capital of Khasab (population 18,000), toothbrush in hand, I boarded a dhow, or traditional Omani boat, with 10 other tourists for an overnight sail. Dhows, made of wood, originally were lashed together using coconut rope rather than nails. Today, they are still used for trade, as well as to ferry tourists such as me around the stark and beautiful khors or fjords of the peninsula. Tiny villages hug the tan, rocky shores, layer upon layer of sediment rising up behind them a beginning geology students dream. Dolphin sightings are common, their fins a shiny streak, as are Iranian speedboats carrying smuggled goods, such as Marlboro cigarettes, to the Islamic Republics shores only about 50 miles across the Strait. After a leisurely float among the khors and a swim in the chilly waters off the dhow, the captain anchored for the night in a small cove. A tiny boat arrived with dinner: lightly spiced chicken, rice, lentils and other dishes emblematic of Omani cuisine, which embodies the cultures seafaring and imperial past (Oman once controlled parts of East Africa and South Asia) with its mix of Indian, Persian and African fare and spices. That night the wind picked up, rattling the vessels fabric roof, and I tossed for a good hour in my sleeping bag before slumber took over. But by morning, all was calm, and the boat made its return to Khasab. My next stop, via a flight back to Muscat and a southerly drive into the interior, was the desert. The Wahiba Sands, named for one of the Bedouin tribes that inhabits them the Bani Wahiba consists of almost 5,000 square miles of rippling orangy desert in eastern Oman. At the edge of the great expanse, my guide let out some air in the tires of our 4WD so the vehicle wouldnt get stuck on the way to our overnight locale, a bit cheesily named the Safari Desert Camp. As he worked over the tires, I took my first steps in the sand. The only sound was the wind constantly brushing over the dunes and making narrow rivulets of sand on the flatter terrain. After about an hours roller-coaster-like drive past occasional forlorn outposts housing camels, I arrived at the decidedly un-cheesy camp. Small huts made with long, narrow sticks were scattered about a plateau, the interiors outfitted with vibrant red Bedouin textiles and attached open-air bathrooms. Groups of elderly Omani men sat together in the reception area. My visit happened to coincide with the camp hosting them as part of a local nonprofit organizations mission to ensure that Omans elderly are provided services and companionship. After a buffet dinner in the dining hall, local musicians sang and played for the graying crowd. Early the next morning, I joined a group on the camps outskirts for a camel ride. I had heard that camels are ill-tempered, and the fact that many of them sported crocheted muzzles around their mouths ostensibly to keep them from spitting on us seemed to confirm this rumor. Yet the camel right behind mine seemed friendly enough, stretching its neck and batting its long eyelashes at me as I stroked its head and cooed. And one camel left behind the would-be rider who had reserved her was a no-show followed us forlornly about a quarter mile back when it realized its fellow camels were leaving. My sense of camel humanity affirmed, I enjoyed the fiery sun beating down on my head as our caravan made its way farther into the desert, the vista one of the most incredible Ive ever seen, with endless undulating dunes and camels not designated for tourist rides (and thus obviously more authentic) ambling in the distance. My last stop was in the mountains of Jebel Akhdar, about a three-hour drive west from the desert and near the historic city of Nizwa. Jebel Akhdar is made up of the central section of the Al Hajar Mountains, which sweep the country from the Musandam Peninsula south through Muscat and end near the seaside town of Sur. Wikipedia calls Jebel Akhdar Omans wildest terrain, and the term struck me as appropriate. On a steep, curvy drive up to the Saiq Plateau, situated at 6,500 feet among rugged peaks, the rain commenced, its brownish waterfalls plummeting down the sides of the crags. In some places, the water created large pools that our vehicle had to traverse. Safely delivered to the plateau and in better weather the next day, I hiked through the nearby villages of al-Aqr, al-Ayn and al-Sharayjah. Areas of terrace farming were carved into the rocky summits and dotted with tiny mosques and crumbling stone and concrete houses. While following my guide and fellow hikers, I had to walk on aflaj, Omani irrigation systems in which water runs through channels dug into the earth; the channels I saw in Oman were constructed of concrete. Some of the aflaj on the hike seemed to be almost carved into the side of a mountain, with the view from my narrow walkway a sheer drop to the left or right. I swallowed my fear of heights and tried to laugh when the guy behind me advised that I fall toward the mountain if I lost my balance. Itll hurt less that way, he joked. Despite some sweaty palms, the experience was well worth it. If you go WHERE TO STAY Atana Khasab Hotel Khasab Coastal Road, Khasab 011-968-26-730-777 atanahotels.com Perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. Each room has a private balcony. Rooms from $175. Safari Desert Camp Wahiba Sands 011-968-92-000-592 safaridesert.com Huts and tents on a desert plateau. Buffet dinner and breakfast included, transport and camel rides extra. Tents from $130. Sahab Hotel Saiq Plateau, Jebel Akhdar 011-968-25-429-288 sahab-hotel.com Soak in an infinity pool and hot tub at 6,500 feet amid marine fossils dating to 270 million years ago. Studios from $161. WHAT TO DO Dolphin Khasab Tours 011-968-99-566-672 dolphinkhasabtours.com Full or half-day dhow cruises of the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula. Overnight trips may be available upon request. $54 per adult for a full day, $41 for a half-day. INFORMATION omantourism.gov.om By Zena Tahhan 13 May 2016 (Al Jazeera) Iraqi civilians and officials have voiced concern over the humanitarian situation in the countrys western cities of Fallujah and Ramadi. The situation is deteriorating every day the shortage of food is becoming worse, a member of the Anbar Provinces security committee, Rajeh Barakat al-Issawi, told Al Jazeera. ISIL fighters are banning all and any aid from entering the city [Fallujah], he added. For almost two years now, Fallujah has endured a siege imposed on the city after it became the first to fall to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) in January 2014. Since then, the Iraqi army has placed a near-total blockade, and ISIL has barred any civilians from leaving the city. With only a few routes remaining open, there is a serious shortage of food, medicine and fuel. Approximately 50,000 of the residents in Fallujah are at risk of starvation. Recently, the United Nations described Iraqs humanitarian crisis as one of the worlds worst, saying that more than 10 million Iraqis, making up almost a third of the population, are in need of immediate humanitarian aid. This number has doubled from last year. [more] Moody's upgraded its rating on Ireland's sovereign bonds, hailing the country's strong growth, prospects for a continued reduction in Dublin's debt pile and the recent political compromise reached between its two largest political parties. The ratings agency bumped up its long-term credit rating from Baa1 to A3, with a 'positive' outlook, with the latter entailing that the next most likely move would be a further upgrade. Irelands key credit fundamentals have continued to improve at a faster pace than expected even a few months ago, including a stronger economic recovery and a more marked reduction in the public debt ratio, Moody's said in a statement. The recent political agreement between the two largest parties in parliament and the recent election of a minority government led by Fine Gael, which has established a strong track record of fiscal management over the past several years, give comfort that the budget deficit will be reduced further in coming years. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm had forecast Ireland's economy would grow by approximately 5% in 2016 followed by a rate of expansion of 3.5% in 2017. In parallel, that would allow Dublin to slash the stock of public debt as a percentage of gross domestic product from the peak level of 120% reached in 2013 to 89% in 2016. Analysts at Moody's also downplayed the potential negative impact which Brexit might have on the country's finances. While a U.K. exit from the EU would have negative repercussions on Ireland, given the close economic ties, Moodys considers that this risk would be manageable for the Irish economy, they said. Franklin County officials slam Ohio election security mandate Franklin County commissioners, all Democrats, criticized GOP Secretary of State Frank LaRose's election security mandates and their $375,000 cost. China has increased its defence capabilities and deployed more troops along its border with India, the Pentagon said, as it warned of increasing Chinese military presence including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan. ''We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India,'' Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters during a news conference in Washington after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China. Denmark said it is difficult to draw any conclusion on the real intention behind this. ''It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration,'' he said in response to a question on China upgrading its military command in Tibet. Referring to US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter's recent trip to India, Denmark said he had a very positive and productive visit. ''We're going to continue to enhance our bilateral engagement with India, not in the China context, but because India is an increasingly important player by themselves and we are going to engage India because of its value,'' he said. The Defence Department also warned of China's increasing military presence including bases in various parts of the world, in particular Pakistan with which it has a ''longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests''. China's expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said. ''China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries,'' the report said. The Pentagon in its report expressed its concerns about the Chinese military buildup near the Indian border. ''Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino-Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces. Military standoff ''After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides,'' it noted. The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet), and over the Aksai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. ''China's interests are getting more global as their economy expands and as their economy grows more sophisticated and modern. Their interests are growing more global, which we see as a primary driver for, for instance, in the announcement of establishing a facility in Djibouti,'' Denmark said. ''And so naturally, it's understandable that they would be operating in new areas. But that does not include a value statement about the intentions behind these actions or the effects of these actions,'' he said. The Pentagon said as China's global footprint and international interests grow, its military modernisation programme has become more focussed on investments and infrastructure to support a range of missions beyond its periphery, including power projection, sea lane security, counter-piracy, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. People Liberation Army's (PLA) global operations in 2015 included counter-piracy patrols, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, exercises, and sea lane security operations. China's November 2015 public confirmation of its intention to build its first overseas military support facility in Djibouti likely reflects this more global outlook, as it will be utilised to sustain the PLAN's operations at greater distances from China, it said. However, China's overseas naval logistics aspiration may be constrained by the willingness of countries to support a PLAN presence in one of their ports. Ties with Pakistan The Pentagon said Pakistan remains China's primary customer for conventional weapons. China engages in both arms sales and defence industrial cooperation with Pakistan, including LY-80 surface-to-air missile systems, F-22P frigates with helicopters, main battle tank production, air-to-air missiles, and anti-ship cruise missiles. In June 2014, Pakistan started co-producing the first two of 50 Block 2 JF-17s, which is an upgraded version of the Block I JF-17, it said. In October 2013, Chinese and Indian officials signed the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement, which supplements existing procedures managing the interaction of forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The report said that China and India continue to accuse each other of frequent incursions and military build-ups along the disputed territories, with the most recent incident occurring in September 2015 along the LAC at Burtse in Northern Ladakh. After a five-day standoff, China and India held a senior-level flag meeting and agreed to maintain peace and retreat to positions mutually acceptable to both sides. Noting that China's use of force in territorial disputes has varied widely throughout its history, it said some disputes led to war, such as China's border conflicts with India in 1962 and Vietnam in 1979. In more recent cases, China has been willing to compromise with and even offer concessions to its neighbours. Since 1998, China has settled 11 land-based territorial disputes with six of its neighbours. In recent years, China has adopted a coercive approach that eschews military conflict in order to deal with several disputes continue over exclusive economic zones and ownership of potentially rich, offshore oil and gas deposits, the Pentagon said. Belgium will extend its F-16 air strikes against ISIS militants in Iraq into Syria, the government said on Friday, as it grapples with the aftermath of deadly ISIS-claimed bomb attacks in Brussels in March. ''In accordance with UN Resolution 2249, the engagement will be limited to those areas of Syria under the control of ISIS and other terrorist groups,'' a spokesman for Prime Minister Charles Michel told AFP after a cabinet meeting. ''The objective will be to destroy these groups' refuges,'' the spokesman said, adding that the strikes would begin on 1 July. Belgium launched its first attacks against ISIS in Iraq in late 2014 as part of the US-led coalition, but decided against strikes in Syria amid public fears over getting dragged into a wider conflict. However, the 13 November Paris attacks which left 130 people dead brought home the ISIS threat to the heart of Europe and changed sentiment sharply. In early March, Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said the government was reconsidering its position, as it did not make sense to attack IS in Iraq but not in Syria. Along with the Netherlands and Denmark, Britain has also changed tack and launched its first sorties against IS targets in Syria in December. Michel's spokesman did not spell out the reason for the change in policy but it comes as Belgium is still reeling from the ISIS suicide bomber attacks at Brussels airport and on the metro on 22 March which killed 32 people. The Paris and Brussels attacks have both been linked to the same militant cell with links to ISIS in Syria. Halloween creatures owls, crows and bats all live at Crossroads, and that makes us very happy, for these scary animals make a positive contribution to the habitats of the preserve. We don't even mind black cats, IF they are kept indoors. Feral and outdoor cats are exceedingly harmful to wildlife ... and that's not a superstition! But to tamp down superstitions, we at Crossroads will spend the week demystifying Halloween creatures. On October 28, 2022, at 6 p.m. will be our Evening with Owls. The Open Door Bird Sanctuary will be at Crossroads, offering a one-hour presentation followed by the opportunity to meet and greet live birds. Learn all about owls and the other incredible birds in the care of the Sanctuary! Down through the centuries, in many cultures throughout the world, owls have been associated with evil and death. Truth is, owls probably are not smart enough to be evil. But researchers agree that owls are about as dim as the nighttime forests in which they hunt. Owls don't need to be smart. They have everything else going for them. They are muscular. They fly silently. Their huge eyes enable them to see in the dark. Their beaks and talons are strong and wickedly sharp. But their sensitive ears are what make owls extraordinary hunters. Most people assume that the plumicorns (a.k.a. "horns) of an owl are its ears. Not so. The actual ears lie under feathers on the sides of the head, and they aren't symmetrical. Because one ear is higher than the other and the ears are unequal in size, sound is different from different directions, helping owls locate prey, which they do almost unfailingly, even in total darkness. Owls do not smell their prey. As with most birds, the sense of smell is insignificant, if it exists are all. Great Horned Owls frequently prey on skunks. Enough said. But well-developed intelligence? Researchers have observed owls beating their wings on bushes to try to flush out little birds. Is this learned behavior? Is it problem-solving? Maybe. For the most part, owls do not have a lot of problems to solve. They appropriate abandoned nests of other birds, so they don't need building skills. They are stealthy by nature, and they pounce on and usually catch anything they hear, so they don't need hunting techniques. In spite of ghost stories, legends of American First People, and superstitions from Europe and India, hooting owls do not foretell impending death, although their nocturnal calls are spooky. We hear them now and then this time of year, but we will regularly hear those eerie calls at Crossroads in January or February. In contrast to owls, crows are noisy all year round and they are amazingly intelligent. They can learn. They can remember. They can solve problems. They can even identify individual humans. And they detest owls, though whether this is innate or learned behavior is not clear. Those curious about crows will want to attend the Crossroads Book Club on Wednesday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m. This month, the book Crow Planet, Essential Wisdom for the Urban Wilderness by Lyanda Lynn Haupt will explore the fascinating world of these remarkable birds. The program is free and open to all, whether or not they have read the book. So bring the family to our program on owls, learn about crows at the Crossroads Book Club, or learn about bats at our pre-school Junior Nature Club on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. or our Family Science Saturday program at 2:00 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but not required at Junior Nature Club and Science Saturday, and adult visitors are welcome. Officials from the ASPCA made a trip to the Dothan Animal Shelter on Friday in conjunction with an effort to help reduce the animal population in the area. Nicole Wiley, with the local nonprofit organization called Save-A-Pet, said two officials from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals came to Dothan on Friday to help take the dog and cat overpopulation issue in the Dothan area to another level. Its taking programs that already exist and possibly improving on them, Wiley said. Theyre the experts coming in and looking at our programs. Wiley said Save-A-Pet has already been working with the ASPCA in an effort to find the dogs brought into the Dothan Animal Shelter new homes in other areas of the country through puppy transports. Wiley said a $17,000 grant through the ASPCA helped pay for the transports through the first quarter of 2016. Save-A-Pet is now looking for financial help to fund future transports. She said over 3,000 dogs were taken to no-kill shelters across the country through the Save-A-Pet coordinated transports in 2015. Wiley said the officials with the ASPCA asked to come to Dothan to see the shelter. She said the officials also saw the facilities for the Wiregrass Spay and Neuter Alliance and Save-A-Pet. We all have the same goal of healthy animals, lessening the population and community education, Wiley said. Dothan Police Officer Rene Skipper, who works at the shelter, showed the two ASPCA officials around the Dothan animal shelter on Friday. Skipper said there were around 75 dogs and 50 cats at the shelter on Friday. Even a rabbit was being held in the room with the cats at the shelter. Kate Pullen, senior director for the ASPCA for six states including Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, was impressed with the cardboard boxes used inside the cat cages. I love the boxes. The more shelter that can make the cats comfortable the better, Pullen said. We see so much emphasis on whats going on at the shelter. But the reality is the problem is in the community, and the solution is in the community too. So thats the challenge all across the country, not just in Dothan. Pullen said they came to Dothan to celebrate how well the local organizations work together on the issue of animal overpopulation in the region. Were here to better understand the reality in Dothan, Alabama, said Pullen, who traveled to Dothan from Cincinnati. Dothan, Alabama, is kind of on the cutting edge for working together. Wiley said organizations like Save-A-Pet, the Wiregrass Spay and Neuter Alliance and the Dothan Animal Shelter all work together to address the issue of pet overpopulation in the Dothan area. Nikki McCord, executive director of the Wiregrass Spay and Neuter Alliance, said the alliance helps spay and neuter around 7,000 animals a year for the region. She said since the facility opened in 2009 they have performed nearly 47,000 spay and neuter surgeries. McCord said a Pet Smart Charities grant has given them the opportunity to offer reduced spay and neuter rates for kittens and puppies for the month of June at $20 each. Spay and neutering is one of the first steps to preventing the pet overpopulation, McCord said. dpa ElectionsData With dpa ElectionsData you get access to a unique collection of data. Via a programming interface (Rest-API), your developers can access detailed information, candidate profiles and live results for all national elections in the European Union and important international elections, like the US Midterm elections etc. The data pool also includes all heads of state and government as well as about 20,000 elected members of parliament throughout the EU. In addition to their data (name, party, constituency or list position), we collect social media profiles and official websites of individuals and parties. Walmart on Thursday began testing a two-day unlimited shipping service priced at US$49 a year. Subscribers will get more than a million items, including the most commonly purchased items on Walmart.com, delivered to their door in two days or fewer, Walmart spokesperson Bao Nguyen said. Customers will continue to enjoy their two favorite features no minimum order requirements and free returns online and in stores, he told the E-Commerce Times. The service, called ShippingPass, launched last year as a three-day shipping pilot program with a $50 annual subscription fee. Interested consumers can join thewaiting list. Consumer Acceptance Consumer reaction to the three-day ShippingPass pilot likely was not been favorable because Amazon has already trained consumers to expect to receive many goods in two days or less, said Larry Chiagouris, professor of marketing atPace University. Walmart already offers free value shipping on orders of $50 or more. We will continue to offer free shipping on orders of $50 or more, Bao said. There is no minimum order or minimum distance requirement for ShippingPass. Taking on Amazon Amazon, Walmarts prime target, has warehouses and drop centers throughout the United States and can leverage economies of scale because its so large, getting better prices for shipping and products. However, its not just about scale; its about efficiency, said Nikki Baird, managing partner atRSR Research. Thats one place where Walmart has the advantage, she told the E-Commerce Times. Amazon has a much more difficult inventory optimization than Walmart, because Walmart can always tap into store inventory and can always balance inventory choices against both online and walk-in demand. The problem comes down to splits, Baird said. Amazon often ships orders as split line items, even those that are add-on only, and as soon as you have to ship from multiple locations, it doesnt matter how much you can negotiate the shipping fee. Its two boxes and two sets of hands on those boxes. Weighing the Advantages Amazon is well ahead of Walmart in drone delivery, having tested drones in the UK, Canada and the Netherlands and having just acquired a team of top European computer vision experts. In contrast, Walmart applied in October to test drones for home delivery and pickup. We can offer faster and more affordable shipping because we have a unique fulfillment network that includes new large-scale fulfillment centers, stores, distribution centers and our transportation network, attested Walmarts Nguyen. Logistics is the weapon that will decide who wins and who loses, Paces Chiagouris told the E-Commerce Times. Walmart is quite sophisticated in using logistics to its advantage. If Walmart can use its legendary supply chain efficiency to do something [like Amazon Prime] but actually make money at it, then, yeah, I think they can take on Amazon, Baird surmised. On the other hand, saying you want to deliver to the home is one thing; executing it is another, Guy Courtin, VP and principal analyst at Constellation Research. Amazon has been constantly building the necessary infrastructure distribution centers, logistics and IT systems to handle this, he told the E-Commerce Times. Walmart can differentiate itself from Amazon because it offers some goods that are not offered by Amazon, including many perishable food products, and needs to leverage these to its advantage, Chiagouris suggested. Further, it can offer customers the option of returning products to the store, which Amazon cant, Baird said. Making Money Subscribers to ShippingPass can cancel at any time. That, along with its lack of minimum order requirements and shipping distance, raises the question of whether the program will be profitable. Walmart is betting that many consumers will see this as a catalyst to buy more merchandise, so it will make up the revenue on increases sales to existing customers and possibly new ones, Chiagouris suggested. Were able to offer free two-day shipping for $49 as a result of enhancements weve continued to make to our e-commerce fulfillment network, Bao said. Its not clear whether Amazon makes money off its Prime members, Baird noted. Im guessing Walmart did the math to figure out how to offset shipping costs. 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To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020. Oct. 13, 2022 Prior to this summer, the memorial garden had lost its shine and perhaps had gone forgotten. That was when 18 year old Annabelle Smith, daughter of an Eielson Airman and a Girl Scout for 13 years, decided to take on a renovation project as a part of a Gold Award project, one of the highest awards in February 12, 2016 Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents elects James M. Smith as Universitys 23rd president President of Northern State University to assume duties on July 1, 2016 Dr. James M. Smith The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents has elected James M. Smith as the Universitys 23rd president. Smith will assume the duties on July 1, 2016. Dr. James M. Smith with his wife, Dr. Connie Ruhl-Smith. Smiths election follows a national search process that began in April 2015. He has served as president of Northern State University (NSU) in Aberdeen, South Dakota since June 2009. For the past seven years (2008-2015), NSU has been named by US News and World Report as one of the best undergraduate public institutions in the Midwest. This is a special moment in the 167-year history of our University, as we elect Dr. Smith as our 23rd president, said Board of Regents Chairman Mike Morris. He brings extraordinary energy, vision and experience to this role. I join the entire Eastern Michigan community students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters in welcoming Dr. Smith to a special place that emphasizes teaching, student-faculty engagement, and student success. NSU is premier residential and liberal arts institution, characterized by outstanding instruction, community relations, and co-curricular opportunities. I am honored to be selected as the next president of Eastern Michigan University, said Smith. This is an outstanding opportunity. Eastern Michigan University is poised for wonderful things, with terrific curricula that are appealing to undergraduate, graduate, transfer and non-traditional students. I am looking forward to getting to know Easterns esteemed faculty members, student support staff, and of course, the outstanding students at Eastern. Dr. James M. Smith talks with student leader Nakayla Clark. Board of Regents Vice Chair Mary Treder Lang said, Im confident the campus community will enjoy getting to know and working with Dr. Smith as we continue to move this great institution forward. I also wish to extend the Boards sincere gratitude and appreciation to Don Loppnow as he continues to lead us during the coming months in his capacity as interim president. Prior to accepting the presidency at NSU, Smith was vice president for Economic Development at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Bowling Green, Ohio. A veteran educational leader, Smith has also served as a professor, branch campus CEO, education dean, doctoral program director, and university liaison to K-12 schools. During his time at BGSU, he had the opportunity to visit Easterns campus on several occasions. Smith began his career as a public school teacher and principal at the K-8 level, working in both rural and suburban schools. One of his most cherished honors is the West Texas A&M University Distinguished Teaching Award, which he received in 1994. He holds a B.S. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, M.S. from Xavier University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Miami University. He has been an active fundraiser and was instrumental in helping NSU obtain the largest donation in its history, a $15 million gift. Regent Michelle Crumm, who chaired the search process, said, Dr. Smiths selection represents the culmination of a process that drew an outstanding field of candidates, including many sitting presidents or provosts. The process was rigorous and difficult, but yielded an exceptional result. I want to note the outstanding work of the Search Advisory Committee, which helped identify finalist candidates and contributed greatly to the successful completion of this process. The Search Advisory Committee included: Regent Michelle Crumm, Chair Regent Michael Hawks (BBA83) Regent James Stapleton Regent James Webb (BBA71, MBA76) Anne Balazs, interim director, Graduate Studies David Turner (BBA94), vice president, University Human Resources Joe Chrzanowski (BBA73, MBA78), chair of the EMU Foundation Board of Trustees Anjali Martin, student body vice president, Honors College student majoring in International Affairs with a triple minor in French Language, Music Performance, and International Business Nakayla Clark, student leader from the Office of Diversity and Community Involvement, majoring in Therapeutic Recreation and minoring in Spanish Donald Loppnow, representing the Ypsilanti community and emeritus faculty Loppnow will remain interim president until Smith begins his presidency in July. Loppnow said, As a member of the Search Advisory Committee, I found Dr. Smith to be highly engaging, intelligent and inspiring, with a rich understanding of Easterns history, mission and special community role. I am eager to work with him as he assumes leadership of our great, historic university. I anticipate an excellent and seamless transition that will continue to move Eastern Michigan forward. The eight-member EMU Board of Regents made the final election pursuant to the Michigan Constitution, which provides that the Board is vested with the authority and responsibility to elect the President of the University. Under the terms of the five-year contract, Smiths annual salary will be $400,000, with potential for a 10-percent annual bonus based on achievement of performance goals. by Walter Kraft ITV4 coverage for Manx stage of Pearl Izumi Tour ITV4 will broadcast coverage of the Manx stage of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series on Monday night. Highlights of the event will be shown at 7pm - the five week competition will also visit Scotland, England and Wales. Professional cyclists took to the 1.5 kilometre closed road circuit around Mooragh Park in Ramsey on Thursday night - it marked the start of the four day inaugural Isle of Man Cyclefest event. Events continue today - the Mountain Road will be closed from Barrule Park in Ramsey to the Gooseneck between 1pm and 4pm for the Storm the Tower Hill Climb. Firefighters in training for three peak challenge Five local firefighters are attempting to climb the UK's three highest peaks in 24 hours. Next month the group will travel to Scotland to climb Ben Nevis, then down to Scafell Pike and then through to Wales to finish the challenge on Snowdon. The group from Laxey are attempting the challenge for The Firefighter's Charity; they hope to raise 1000. Sam Quileash is one of those taking part - he explains how they've been getting ready: Media Sam Quileash If you want to win The Amazing Race, you can't be afraid of heights. The CBS series ended its 28th race around the world on Friday, and the Los Angeles leg was rife with terrifying plunges. Luckily for the final three, "fear" and "vertigo" aren't in the vocabulary. While only one pair of travelers left the show with an extra million dollars in their bank accounts, everyone finished strong (and were more than happy to do so!). The final kicked off with a thoroughly relaxing trip from China to Los Angeles. Landing at LAX, Dana/Matt, Sheri/Cole, and Tyler/Korey made their way downtown to Angeles Plaza. From there, one member of each team had to ascend a skyscraper, literally hurl themselves off the edge, and then catch the next clue in midair. Other than Matt, everyone had take more than one pass at the "Leap of Faith," causing our hearts to fly into our throats every dang time. Next, the teams hopped a plane to Santa Barbara to search a crowded harbor for the Theresa Ann. The social media mavens quickly took to the Internet to track the ship down, but a little confusion about the docking location caused Sheri and Coal to loose precious minutes. The next clue then sent the world-weary competitors to... ...Gibraltar Rock, where the teams stared into an abyss once more. In a complicated bit of dizzying theatrics, one team member glided out across the canyon while the other plunged down the steep slope to retrieve each half of the clue. Once back on solid ground, the teams merged their findings and beat feet to the final road block. Titled "Roll Out the Barrels," the last puzzle put our memories to the test. One competitor from each team had to rearrange wine barrel tops to spell out each city they've hit over the last twelve legs. To make the word jumbles just a little bit harder, the unscrambled words had to be matched with the hashtag clue from each location. Ultimately, Dana and Matt hit the mat first, proving that Dana's fiery personality comes equipped with a million-dollar prize. Sheri and Cole snagged second place while Tyler and Korey came in third. Who were you cheering for in the final moments? Sound off in the poll below! Hundreds of Australian children with high-risk cancer will have access to new genome sequencing technologies that could guide their treatment, following the announcement today of substantial Lions Club funding for the Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project - an important new component of the Zero Childhood Cancer Program for diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer. The Project, which was announced today at the Lions Australia 2016 National Convention in Echuca, Victoria, is supported by the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) and by the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation (ALCCRF). Together, the two organisations are contributing AU$3.2 million - one of the largest single philanthropic gifts for children's cancer in Australia - with a commitment from ALCCRF to raise an additional AU$0.8 million over the next three years. The Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project is a collaborative partnership, bringing together Australia's national personalised medicine program in childhood cancer - the Zero Childhood Cancer Program, led by Children's Cancer Institute and the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick - and state-of-the-art capability in whole genome sequencing and analysis at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. In its first three years, the Project will provide whole genome sequencing and analysis for 400 children with high-risk cancer in Australia who will be enrolled in the Zero Childhood Cancer Program - one of the most detailed genetic and biological analyses of a child's cancer globally to date. Whole genome sequencing will take place following diagnosis or relapse of cancers with the poorest prognoses, such as brain tumours. Whole genome sequencing looks at the entire genome and its 20,000+ genes in order to define the genetic changes associated with a given cancer. This makes it possible to develop personalised cancer treatment by integrating this genetic information with other biological and clinical data. In addition, the study will identify genetic changes in each child's DNA that might predispose to cancer, helping to build up a database of genetic risk factors that could assist with prevention and treatment strategies in the future. Genome sequencing and analysis for the Project will be carried out at Garvan's Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics (KCCG), which is the largest genome sequencing facility in the southern hemisphere. Barry Palmer AM (past International President (PIP) of Lions International and LCIF), a long-time advocate for research to improve outcomes for children with cancer, announced the funding. PIP Palmer says, "I am delighted that LCIF and Lions Clubs internationally have taken a strategic step towards developing a genome database which will benefit clinicians and researchers who work tirelessly to help children with childhood cancers. "Lions are renowned worldwide for their service to the community. This project is another wonderful example of how we Lions are making a difference by helping create a brighter future for young people who deservedly need our help to have a better chance at a healthy life as they are growing up." Professor John Mattick AO FAA, Executive Director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, has worked closely with the Lions Clubs of Australia in developing the Kids Cancer Genome Project. "This project has the potential to help kids and their families, not only in Australia but also around the world, and shows once again the extraordinary vision and generosity of the international Lions community," Prof Mattick says. Professor Glenn Marshall AM, Director of the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick and Clinical Lead for the Zero Childhood Cancer Program, says, "This funding provides the hope that we can better individualise treatment to fight cancer in children at high risk of relapse. It is an honour to stand with Lions Australia in advocating for our youngest Australian citizens." "This is a very exciting initiative that will revolutionise the way in which treatment decisions about childhood cancer will be made," says Children's Cancer Institute's Executive Director Professor Michelle Haber AM. "The global Lions community's extraordinary contribution will enable us to provide new knowledge and hope for improved outcomes for children with the most challenging forms of cancer." The project will roll out through the Zero Childhood Cancer Program to children's hospitals across the country in 2017, and is ultimately intended to be implemented internationally, in accordance with the Lions' ethos that "Every child deserves a chance at a healthy life". PIP Palmer says, "Lions will be focussed on making this project a success for all concerned but especially those children we want to see benefit from this project. It's early days, but if successful in Australia this pilot project could well provide a mechanism for many other countries to join us in our fight to eradicate deaths from childhood cancer - so that one day 100% survival for children with cancers becomes a reality." ### Notes for editors The problem of childhood cancer in Australia Cancer is the most common cause of disease related death in Australian children. Every year, more than 950 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancers, and nearly three will die from cancer every week. While 60 years ago cancer was a death sentence, and today 8 out of 10 children survive thanks to medical research, some cure rates for many childhood cancers have not improved significantly over this time. Additionally, at any one time in Australia, over 2000 children, adolescents and young adults are on active treatment for cancer, or at risk of relapse - and in most cases, the treatments used are general, non-targeted, cytotoxic drugs that are highly toxic to normal and cancer tissues alike. The side effects from their treatment can be serious and lifelong. Lions Clubs of Australia and childhood cancer The Lions Clubs of Australia have a decades-long history in supporting research in childhood cancer. In 2009, the Clubs formed the Australian Lions Childrens Cancer Research Foundation (ALCCRF) to focus the efforts of Lions Australia's 1400 clubs into one foundation with the vision of achieving 100% survival for kids with cancer. ALCCRF has developed an ethos of 'donors without borders' - an approach to bringing together diverse individuals, institutions and states to unite behind a common goal of eliminating deaths from childhood cancer. What is a genome? Your genome is the entire complement of genetic information contained within the DNA in your cells. Your genome is a combination of genetic material you have inherited from your parents, totaling more than six thousand million DNA units or bases. The genome of a cancer cell contains changes to DNA sequence and structure. Whole genome sequencing can be used to compare the genome of a tumour cell with that of healthy tissue within an individual. Clinicians can use this genomic information to guide the use of existing treatments or to focus on more targeted treatments. What is whole genome sequencing? Whole genome sequencing is a laboratory technique used to determine the order of the DNA bases across the entire genome -- including all of our 20,000+ genes and the regions between them. About the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics (KCCG) KCCG was established by Garvan in 2012 to advance the use of genomic information in patient care. KCCG was among the first sites in the world - and the first on the southern hemisphere - to acquire the Illumina HiSeq X Ten sequencing platform, which is capable of sequencing up to 18,000 whole human genomes per year. KCCG has recently undergone clinical accreditation (ISO15189), which permits the laboratory to receive patient samples and return interpreted genomic data for diagnostic purposes to clinicians. About Zero Childhood Cancer The Zero Childhood Cancer Program is a national initiative of Children's Cancer Institute and The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. The Program is led by scientists and clinicians from Children's Cancer Institute and Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick and is one of the most exciting childhood cancer research initiatives ever undertaken in Australia, to tackle the most serious cases of infant, childhood and adolescent cancer. http://www.zerochildhoodcancer.org.au/ About Children's Cancer Institute Children's Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research organisation in Australia dedicated 100% to childhood cancer research, existing solely to cure childhood cancer and improve the quality of life for survivors. The Institute was originally known as The Children's Leukaemia and Cancer Foundation and was established in May 1976 by a dedicated group of parents and doctors of children with cancer. Children's Cancer Institute opened its own research laboratories in 1984 and has since grown to employ nearly 200 staff and students, establishing a national and international reputation for scientific excellence. http://ccia.org.au/ About the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick The Kids Cancer Centre (KCC) at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick has been treating children with cancer and blood diseases in NSW, Australia and the Asia-Pacific region for nearly 50 years. Almost two thirds of children treated for cancer or leukaemia at the Centre are enrolled on clinical trials, in a unique model where research and clinical care are one, aimed at ensuring the best possible care for children and their families. During that time the survival rates for children with cancer have gone from 10 per cent to nearly 80 per cent. Clinical and research staff from the Centre have made major international and national contributions to the expansion of knowledge in the area: from important discoveries around bone marrow transplantation, chemotherapy for relapsed solid tumours and leukaemia, to the invention of novel anti-cancer drug combinations and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing in ALL. Centre staff have been leaders in devising new methods of outreach and home nursing, and in developing modern approaches to the bereaved family. These achievements have been founded on academic excellence and clinical expertise. In the past five years alone, Centre staff have published over 100 papers in peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals, and have been awarded more than $40 million in competitive grant funding. Over the past 20 years a total of eight clinical staff have received Order of Australia honours for their work. Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have found that losing even a modest amount of weight can reap significant rewards, including lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, improved sleep, and fewer aches and pains. But losing weight is difficult and maintaining that loss over years is even harder. The vast majority of those who lose weight gain it back. Yet research has found one group that has defied that trend. A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, presented today at the 2016 Society of General Internal Medicine Annual Meeting, demonstrates the effectiveness of long-term participation in a national weight-loss program. The investigators followed over 65,000 overweight or obese people who joined Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) between 2005 to 2010. In the first year, half of participants in the nonprofit weight-loss support group had significant weight loss. Of the patients with significant weight loss in the first year who participated in a second year, 80% kept off the weight. Each year, during years three to seven, roughly 90% of patients who continued participation in the program maintained their weight loss. The researchers concluded that after one year of significant weight loss, consistent participation in the program helped participants sustain their new healthy weight. "Maintaining long-term weight loss is a critical challenge in treating obesity and related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease," said the study's lead author Nia S. Mitchell, MD, MPH at CU Anschutz. "Just losing the weight isn't enough. Since the health benefits of weight loss disappear when weight creeps back on, we need more research into effective strategies for maintaining a healthier weight once it is reached." Mitchell concluded that further studies of the TOPS program should examine which populations will succeed at weight loss and weight-loss maintenance and determine factors that can improve sustainable weight loss and maintenance. Founded in 1948, TOPS is a nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss support group with thousands of chapters across the United States and Canada. TOPS chapters provide support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise and wellness information at a fraction of the cost of commercial programs. ### The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is the only comprehensive academic health sciences center in Colorado, the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region and one of the newest education, research and patient care facilities in the world. Home to 21,000 employees, more than 4,000 degree-seeking students and two nationally recognized hospitals that handle 1.7 million patient visits each year, CU Anschutz trains the health sciences workforce of the future and fuels the economy. CU Anschutz features schools of medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine and public health, a college of nursing and a graduate school. All interconnected, these organizations collaboratively improve the quality of patient care they deliver, research they conduct, and health professionals they train. The Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) SGIM is a member-based international association of over 3,500 of the world's leading academic general internists, who are dedicated to improving access to care for vulnerable populations, eliminating health care disparities, and enhancing medical education. The members of the Society advance the practice of medicine through their commitment to providing comprehensive, coordinated, and cost-effective care to adults, educating the next generation of outstanding physicians, and conducting cutting-edge research to improve quality of care and clinical outcomes of all patients. SGIM 2016 Annual Meeting The Society of General Internal Medicine is holding its 2016 Annual Meeting, "Generalists Engaged in Population Health: Improving Outcomes and Equity through Research, Education and Patient Care", May 11-14, 2016 in Hollywood, Florida at the Diplomat Hotel & Spa (3555 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33019). Members of the media are invited and welcome to attend the meeting. For more information on SGIM or for a schedule of the events, please visit http://connect.sgim.org/sgim16/home. As those of us at Discovery Institute have emphasized for a long time, intelligent design is not incompatible with the idea that living things share a common ancestor. In other words, one can believe that nature displays evidence of intentional design, and still believe in common descent. Indeed, I would argue that one of the forebears of the modern intelligent design movement is none other than Alfred Russel Wallace, who is credited with Darwin as co-discoverer of the theory of evolution by natural selection. Wallace believed that nature displayed powerful evidence of design by an overruling intelligence. Today, Discovery Institute has a number of affiliated scholars who similarly affirm the idea of common descent, including biologist Michael Behe and geneticist Michael Denton. Denton makes his views clear in his book Evolution: Still a Theory in Crisis, which Discovery Institute Press published earlier this year. Of course, we have other affiliated scholars who are strongly critical of universal common descent, the claim that all living things are descended from one original primordial organism. I think that our diversity on this issue is a good thing. You can see it on display in the recent, fascinating exchanges between ID proponents Cornelius Hunter (a biologist and Discovery Institute Fellow) and ID-supporter Vincent Torley, a gifted philosopher who writes at Uncommon Descent. This type of robust exchange on the evidence for common descent is the sort of thing you would be hard pressed to find among supporters of modern Darwinism, either atheist or religious. Although supporters of Darwinism typically try to claim the mantle of being fearless free-thinkers, many of them appear to have an exceptionally narrow tolerance for genuine diversity of thought, especially when it comes to allowing any debate on the scientific evidence relating to evolution. In my experience, this narrow tolerance for scientific debate relating to evolution is just as true among religious supporters of Darwins theory as it is among secularists. Indeed, I have come across many religious supporters of Darwins theory who make common descent a litmus test on whether one is anti-science and who wont entertain any discussion of the scientific evidence. On this and other topics, I think its the ID community that is showing the way. Photo: Model of Neanderthal man in business attire, via Neanderthal Museum. Hi guys, Last week I've sent a letter to my case worker explaining that I would need travel next week on 20th May and 5 June untill 19th June. I have got today a letter from Liverpool to where I have sent the letter(got the address from European inquiries number). The letter itself it's very explained,first they said that I haven't sent the flight booking confirmation in other language, and then they said they can't prioritize my case, but instead they will send this to the case worker make the decision. My question is: Do they are gonna do it now or they won't accept my request and instead I will have to wait until my case worker decides? My case is that I have lost my passport with vignette EEA2, and I had to make a fresh application to EEA FM. My case took less than 3 months in 2014, because I have asked our passaports back, this might speed up my application. and I am compelling that if it previously took less than 3 months, it wont make sense it takes 6 months to confirm my rights under EU law, plus my urgents travel. What you guys think about this letter? For those of you that like a live music performance and did not pop along to the Aphrodite Rock Brewery tonight missed a real treat. Kirsty Dewar, a young Scottish, Limassol based vocalist entertained a small crowd of guests in beautiful surroundings on a balmy evening to an acoustic treat. Well done the ARB team for putting together a fantastic evening and introducing the Paphos area to this extremely talented young lady..... Hi Experts, I recently got an offer from a German based company. They are expecting me to join by first week of July. However, in this context I am not very sure what kind of visa do I have to apply is it Job Seeker or National Visa. May be some of you think that the company might help me to understand about the process, Yes indeed they are helping . However, I am also keen to understand the process of getting work permit for Germany. Please provide me the some links which I can refer. Thanks Bunni Hi Everyone! I'm new here. My husband is a US DoD civilian employee, and we will be moving to Manila next month for his job. I currently work for a private US company and, in the past, have continued to work while we were located overseas for the same company. For this move I am concerned about whether or not my company will be required to register or pay taxes to the Philippines because I am working remotely from there. The company has no office in the Philippines nor clients. All of my work and clients are based in the US, and I will be doing my work on the computer from home. Does anyone know about this or where I can go to find answers? I can't seem to locate much information with Google searches. I've worked for the company for 12 years and may lose my job because of any restrictions that may be in place. I'd appreciate your thoughts! Thanks Been living in the Philippines over two years now and have decided to get married. Took dating many women here to find one that I feel is genuine and trustworthy so now is the time. Getting married in the Philippines like most things in this country is not easy nor is getting married here desirable. The advice I'm seeking is to learn the quickest path to marriage. We desire children and won't have or attempt to have them until marriage, I'm 47 and at this point in life feel the sooner the better. The cleanest path to do this is a fiance visa but that will take many months which I will consider if there are not any other paths to take. What I'm hoping for is the ability to visit another country, marry there and have America and the Philippines recognize the marriage. If what I'm trying to do is not possible than getting married here or getting the fiance visa will be our only choices. If doing the fiance visa would we then be able to marry in Guam? I so do not want to make a trip to America to get married. Thoughts? Since this thread is continuing, I'll post here as well but only to point out a serious, dangerous (to some)downside to these IWATA fans or any other that uses water to cool.Many people moving here as expats are older and with them they bring existing and sometimes serious, life threatening health issues. As such, these water fan/air coolers should not ever be used by someone that has COPD-Emphysema. The local water here contains enough dangerous bacteria to kill an army. When used in these air cooler or fans, that bacteria, mold, and mildew that builds up in them. That bacteria etc is then in the air and goes directly to the lungs of anyone in the building or even outside if they are the large ones that are used outdoors.For people at risk it is also important to avoid stores here that use water coolers inside. I noticed that in Clark Airbase, Oriental and other duty free stores use these and should be avoided by people at risk.. Hi everyone, Planning on coming over to SA in a month to marry my fiance. She is an SA national. The process is a bit of a mess and lots of different answers from lots of different people. My question is this: she recently went to Home Affairs to book our pre-marriage interview and the official she talked to said I need to bring my certificate of non-impediment and a criminal record check from Canada, my home country. This is the first time we've heard of this requirement. Getting CRC in Canada on short notice is bit of problem, we're hoping to avoid. I've searched online, and nothing, including Home Affairs website, says anything about producing CRC. Does anybody here know if this is part of the requirement for getting married in SA now? Thanks in advance! This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate EAGLE PASS Donald Trump's Mexico is killing us and Hillary Clintons Make it in America messages are striking fear in Texas-Mexico border communities that have been thriving thanks to cross-border free trade. Case in point: Eagle Pass. Its a junction along the Pan American Highway about halfway between the automotive manufacturing hub of Saltillo, Mexico, and the convergence of major U.S. shipping routes at San Antonio. Eagle Pass and its neighbor Piedras Negras, Mexico, feed off one another. A U.S.-owned brewery about 13 miles south produces Corona and other Grupo Modelo brands for U.S. beer drinkers, while the Mexican-owned Dos Republicas coal mine in Eagle Pass supplies two of Mexico's largest power plants with coal. Both operations are colossal. The Modelo plant, purchased by New York-based Constellation Brands from Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2013, is in the middle of a $1 billion expansion aimed at doubling its share of the U.S. beer market to 14 percent by 2017. Its expected to employ about 2,000 Mexican workers and has spurred construction of bottling and cardboard plants to package the beer, all of which will be shipped across an international bridge that has the highest rail shipping volume on the Texas-Mexico border. That same Union Pacific rail bridge carries 75 car loads of coal south every other day from the Dos Republicas mine outside Eagle Pass, operated by Plano-based North American Coal. The mine has been hotly contested by environmental groups and Native American tribes who say it is destroying ancestral grounds. But that didnt deter U.S. workers many laid off due to the effect of low oil prices on the Eagle Ford Shale from lining up to work there. There were 780 applicants at the mines job fair for an initial 180 positions. The mine pays $1.3 million a month in salaries. Holt Cat, a San Antonio-based Caterpillar dealer, opened shop in Eagle Pass largely to supply the mine. You have a U.S. company that owns a Mexican operation, and then a coal mine thats owned by a Mexican company in the United States, said Hector Cerna, CEO and president of International Bank of Commerce-Eagle Pass, which helped finance the coal mine and has clients who work at the brewery. Its the complete mirror image and it shows cross-border trade where it works. Gabriel Bustamante Garza, owner of a Piedras Negras plant that makes telecommunications equipment, has dual U.S.-Mexico citizenship and carries a two-sided business card, one for his Eagle Pass-based Hamar Enterprises, Inc. distribution center, the other for Grupo Innovador de Coahuila, his Mexican factory. What hes heard from Trump has deeply disturbed him. Its a business region, he said. The little that Ive heard about creating a bigger wall, creating more division ... would hurt. Im 56 years old. Ive worked the maquiladora business and trade for over 30 years and theres always been the communication between Piedras Negras and Eagle Pass. Its the same thing for Laredo and all the different border communities. As in other rapidly growing cities dotting the U.S. side of the border, Eagle Pass considers itself a shopping depot, banking center, and logistics hub for the Mexican cities across the Rio Grande that are sprawling with manufacturing plants. They base much of the regions prosperity on the 22-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. NAFTA was negotiated by former President George H.W. Bush and signed by former President Bill Clinton, but its been derided by all of the major political candidates in this years presidential election. Christopher Wilson, deputy director of the Mexico Institute for the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, said the positives of the deal are being left out of the discussion. There are many border communities in the United States that would basically cease to exist if it wasnt for retail shoppers from Mexico, he said. Cross-border impact The hum of commerce in the lobby of Cernas bank branch on Main Street plays out mostly in Spanish, with business owners from neighboring Piedras Negras making up a sizable proportion of the banks clientele. Not far away is a 700,000-square-foot mall anchored by mid-range retailers Bealls and J.C. Penney, and a 95,000-square-foot H-E-B supermarket down the road. They both seem oversized for a city of 26,000 people whose main attraction is the Kickapoo Indians casino hotel. But the locals know Eagle Pass is a retail hub for some 250,000 people living south of the Rio Grande in Piedras Negras and its surrounding communities. The warehouses, customs brokers, banks, and real estate offices are thriving thanks to the factories or maquiladoras a stones throw across the river. When companies threatened to pull out of Piedras Negras out of fears personnel would become casualties of warring drug cartels, business leaders there got the Mexican government to crack down. Right now, we survive on cross-border trade, theres no doubt about it, Cerna said. According to an October report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, trade with Canada and Mexico nearly quadrupled to $1.3 trillion during the first two decades of NAFTA. The two countries buy more than one-third of U.S. merchandise exports. Trade with the two countries supports nearly 14 million U.S. jobs, with about 5 million of them attributed directly to NAFTA trade. For border cities, the evidence is in the infrastructure built to support the trade, such as new international bridges and U.S.-side free trade zones full of produce warehouses. Its also in the Mexican license plates that fill the shopping mall and restaurant parking lots. Retailers in San Antonio count Semana Santa, the Mexican holiday week before Easter thats become popular for shopping, as one of their most lucrative times of the year. Stone Oak and Sonterra, upscale developments on the citys North Side, are nicknamed Little Monterrey and Sonterrey after the industrial city of Monterrey because so many Mexican nationals own homes there. A good number of the high rise condominiums on South Padre Island are likewise owned by Mexicans. On May 4, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that SATA Group, a high-tech components manufacturer, would be building a machine plant in Brownsville expected to create 300 jobs and generate $114 million in capital investment. The plant is to supply equipment to SATAs clients in northern Mexico. But such gains arent being heard in the campaign speeches. More scrutiny of deals Trump has called NAFTA a disaster and has said he would break it and impose a 35 percent tariff on cars and other goods coming into the U.S. from Mexico. Clinton supported the pact during husband Bill Clintons presidency, but in her 2008 primary campaign against Barack Obama she said it hadnt lived up to its promises. Shes now proposing cutting tax breaks for companies that ship operations offshore as well as $10 billion in incentives to revitalize manufacturing in the U.S. and a ramping-up of personnel to combat trade violations. Bernie Sanders has called free trade agreements destructive and has said he would renegotiate NAFTA and work against other agreements, such as the Trans Pacific Partnership, an agreement with 11 other Pacific Rim countries. According to a Brookings Institution analysis of Moodys Analytics data, globalization, offshoring, and automation have cost nearly 7 million U.S. manufacturing jobs, more than a third of jobs in the sector since 1980, with manufacturing employment falling from 18.9 million jobs to 12.2 million. Mark Muro, a senior fellow and director of policy for the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution, said the candidates are answering to a groundswell of Rust Belt anger amid decades of job losses and failed promises to adjust U.S. workers. He said the country is still reeling from what economists call the China shock beginning in 1991, which put factories in direct competition with Chinese counterparts with much lower labor costs. No one should underestimate the sea change of thinking thats going on about trade right now given the systematic analysis of the impacts of the China period, he said. The candidates are now speaking to a disquiet about trade. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. That doesnt mean that they are anti-trade, he said, but it does signal that were entering a new period in which theres going to be a greater stress on re-balancing the playing field and frankly rebuilding public support for trade through key policy moves. Robert Scott, senior economist and director of trade and manufacturing policy research at the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., said NAFTA ended up benefiting only the corporate interests that he said weighed in on the wording of the 2,000-plus page document. These agreements are negotiated by the U.S. government with very close consultation with hundreds and hundreds of government trade advisers that come from the private sector, he said. They have the rules they want and they invest. Its not an accident. Its a very carefully predetermined outcome that was heavily influenced by corporate lobbying. President Clintons promise of U.S. job creation, increased exports, and an improved trade balance with Mexico didnt pan out, he said. Instead, the U.S. has a trade deficit with Mexico thats measured in the tens of billions, a net loss of hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs, an integration with Mexico and low-wage countries such as China and India thats caused an average $1,800 annual wage loss for every U.S. worker without a college degree. The average Mexican worker hasnt fared much better, he said. There are a few college educated workers and managers who have benefited and thats generally been the case both north and south of the border, he said. Essentially the gains are all concentrated at the top and the losses at the bottom of the labor force. Trade moves jobs around. It doesnt create them. At best we break even, he said. What youre seeing in Texas and Mexico is simply jobs moving around. Benefiting both sides But Morris Libson, a Mexican-born dual citizen whose Piedras Negras-based company imports U.S. natural gas to Mexico, says manufacturing in Mexico is evolving from cut-and-sew to high tech, expanding the middle class in states like Coahuila and Queretaro and forcing plant owners everywhere to raise wages, invest in housing and improve surrounding communities. In a global economy, companies will seek to lower production costs, to include labor, to compete, said Bustamante, who has business operations on both sides of the border. But he said moving the jobs to Mexico has created new opportunities in Texas. Everybodys got a warehouse, everything thats coming through the borders got to be unloaded, you have to pay customs brokers, you have to pay freight companies, warehousing, logistics, he said. So indirectly youre creating jobs even though youre manufacturing in Mexico. That would not be the case if you are buying everything from China. Wilson of the Mexico Institute said NAFTA has allowed the North Americans to remain competitive amid a technological revolution in manufacturing. We now have an integrated manufacturing platform across North America, he said. Theres really no such thing as a Mexican car or Canadian car or an American car anymore. All of those things include parts and materials from across the continent and so its this joint system of manufacturing that has made North America so competitive. But he said thats no comfort to the Rust Belt communities that are cheering on promises to bring manufacturing back. Unfortunately, one of the reasons that we have such a divided debate about this as a country in the United States is we havent done the best job of dealing with those who have lost out as a result of not only trade and globalization but also technological change. lbrezosky@express-news.net Federally mandated ethanol blending is adding extra pressure to the faltering profits of U.S. refiners. The worst crude oil downturn in a generation, which at first helped refiners profits, has now passed through to the fuel prices. Now, gasoline is cheaper than the ethanol that refiners have no choice but to use. Ethanol averaged 30 cents above gasoline in Chicago during the first quarter, costing HollyFrontier Corp. $36 million. Chicago ethanol now runs at about a 2-cent premium to gasoline, while Los Angeles prices are 24 cents higher, said David Hackett, president of energy consultancy Stillwater Associates. Ethanol futures on the Chicago Board of Trade averaged 21.5 cents above gasoline contracts on the New York Mercantile Exchange in the quarter, compared with an average 48-cent discount in the same period during the previous five years. The Renewable Fuel Standard program, introduced in 2005 under the Energy Policy Act by the administration of President George W. Bush, mandates the use of about 18.11 billion gallons of renewable fuels this year, 80 percent of which is ethanol. For the first time, EPA this year mandated consumption targets that would exceed 10 percent of projected gasoline demand. EPAs proposed biofuel targets for 2017 are currently under review at the White Houses Office of Management and Budget, according to a government filing. The mandates have boosted ethanol prices, according to Ed Hirs, an energy economics lecturer at the University of Houston. The mandated increased volumes provide a way to drive up demand for ethanol which is otherwise non-economic to produce. The Renewable Fuels Association, a U.S. ethanol industry trade group, declined to comment. If a company doesnt blend enough ethanol to meet its quota, it can fill the obligation by purchasing blending credits called RINs. Depending on the size of the refiner, RIN compliance can cost tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars per quarter. RINs trade in an over-the-counter market and can swing dramatically when supplies are short. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. San Antonio-based Valero Energy Corp.s first-quarter RIN cost was 21 percent higher year-over-year, Chief Financial Officer Michael S. Ciskowski said. It spent $161 million last quarter. HollyFrontier disclosed its first-quarter RIN obligation cost $46 million. Ethanol RINs that meet current year compliance averaged 70 cents each last quarter, compared with 69.25 cents during the first quarter of 2015, Progressive Fuels Limited data compiled by Bloomberg show. Concerns of a 2017 RIN shortage are mounting. A report released last month by Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, predicted the price of RIN credits could surge in a sequel to the 10-fold price run-up seen in 2013. Lipow pointed to actual gasoline demand thats come out stronger than forecast. Whether blending higher volumes of ethanol or purchasing RINs, theres no way around the legislation-induced losses for refiners like HollyFrontier. If ethanol blending isnt economic, like it wasnt in the first quarter, whether you own retail or not its still garbage, HollyFrontier CEO George Damiris said on the companys first-quarter earnings call. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TOKYO Honda plans to recall 21 million more vehicles worldwide to fix defective air bags supplied by the equipment manufacturer Takata, a senior executive at the carmaker said Friday. The Japanese automaker made the estimate public after U.S. regulators more than doubled the scope of its air bag recall, identifying another 35 million to 40 million vehicles they said needed fixing. Honda, which is Takatas biggest customer, is now recalling 51 million vehicles in total. The Honda executive, Vice President Tetsuo Iwamura, did not specify how many of the vehicles that Honda plans to recall are in the United States or other countries. But many of the vehicles are likely to be part of the U.S. recall expansion, which was ordered last week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Takata-made air bag inflaters can explode with too much force when the air bag deploys in a crash, sending shrapnel shooting into a vehicles cabin. The fault has been blamed for at least 11 deaths worldwide and more than 100 injuries. Replacing tens of millions of Takata-made inflaters is a costly undertaking for carmakers, about a dozen of which have been caught up in the crisis. Honda reported a rare quarterly loss Friday because of expenses stemming from the recall. Honda said it had set aside an additional $2.45 billion to cover recall-related costs. That brought its total recall expenses for the financial year that ended in March to $4 billion. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. The burden more than halved its net profit for the year, to $3.17 billion. Automakers hope to recoup a portion of their costs from Takata, but how much they will be able to recover remains unclear. The amount is subject to negotiation, and Takatas ability to pay is in doubt. Takata has announced plans for a major restructuring. Analysts say it risks bankruptcy unless it can secure fresh capital from banks, a new investor or a buyer. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When Dylan Posos wants to use the bathroom at Kennedy High School, he has to walk to an office that is often on the other end of campus and find someone who has a key to what he described as a tiny, uncomfortable space. Its just this little, like, closet in the auditorium where I have to use the restroom, and it just became a hassle, said Posos, 18, a transgender male student. Now a senior, Posos began identifying as male in his sophomore year. Posos said school officials told him he was not allowed to use the boys room. That would be something that would be ideal for me, being able to go into the restroom where I feel comfortable, where I dont feel like I have to present myself as more feminine to be able to use the restroom, Posos said. I want to be able to walk in, do what I have to do and walk out. Under a White House directive issued Friday, Posos may soon be able to do just that. In a statement that immediately triggered backlash from elected Republicans and conservative pundits, the U.S. Department of Education said public schools should let transgender students use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity or risk losing federal funding. Governors and top leaders in other conservative states railed against the guidance but stopped short of telling schools to ignore it. The last time I checked, the United States is not ruled by a king who can bypass Congress and the courts and force school-age boys and girls to share the same bathrooms and locker rooms, North Carolinas Republican Senate leader Phil Berger said. Texas top Republican took a tougher stance, vowing defiance. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the state is prepared to forfeit billions of dollars rather than let the Obama administration dictate restroom policy for its 5.2 million students, and he appealed to local school boards and superintendents not to abide by the administrations directive. We will not be blackmailed by the presidents 30 pieces of silver, Patrick said at a news conference. Parents are not going to send their 14-year-old daughters into the shower or bathroom with 14-year-old boys. Its not going to happen, Patrick said. In response, Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, took a jab at another job Patrick has held, saying, I think this does underscore the risk of electing a right-wing radio host to a statewide office. In Bexar County, many school districts reported they did not have official policies governing such issues but that they worked with students and their families on a case-by-case basis. Common solutions included allowing transgender students to use bathrooms otherwise reserved for faculty or staff. Representatives from many districts said they expected trustees to review their policies more closely, given the national debate that has erupted. No Bexar County districts reported making immediate changes Friday as a result of the federal directive or the defiant response from Patrick. Some said they were still reviewing the federal mandate or had not received it. We cant say yet what we would do or if we would look at something different, said Leslie Price, spokeswoman for the San Antonio Independent School District. We have not had a situation that I know of that would put us in some sort of conflict with any of these things. Unlike most other local school districts, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD has a policy protecting students from discrimination based on gender identity. SCUC ISD also allows transgender students to use faculty or staff bathrooms, spokesman Ed Suarez said. Edgewood ISD, which includes Posos high school, faced a reckoning over transgender issues last year, when a transgender male student at Memorial High School protested having to ride with the girls on gender-segregated buses. Posos said the buses he takes to marching band competitions are gender-segregated, but he is allowed to ride with the boys. He said he would like faculty to spend more time correcting students who harass him and other transgender students, so they might feel safer using the bathrooms of their identified genders. Since the protest in February 2015 at Memorial High School, the Edgewood central office has not been involved in any requests or complaints involving transgender students, officials said. Edgewood last year promised to review its policy on transgender students, which assumes students genders based on legal documents their parents provide. Edgewoods deeply divided board of trustees, which the state is now in the process of replacing, never managed to address the policy, said Eddie Rodriguez, board chairman. However, transgender students are given the opportunity to use faculty restrooms, said Keyhla Calderon-Lugo, district spokeswoman. Northside ISD, Bexar Countys largest, tells school employees to call transgender students by their preferred name but has no official policy on restrooms, spokesman Pascual Gonzalez said. Every case involving students under 18 requires a family conversation, and the district suggests transgender students use a unisex or faculty bathroom but allows them to use the bathroom of the sex they identify with, Gonzalez said. North East ISD follows similar practices. Spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor said Friday no changes were expected. Judson ISDs spokesman, Steve Linscomb, noted the White House directive could conflict with the state University Interscholastic Leagues policy of using birth certificates to determine gender for student-athletes. Judson allows transgender students to use single-use bathrooms, but we, as other school districts, will be waiting for interpretation and guidance from the state on how to proceed from this point forward, Linscomb wrote in an email. We will wait to see how the two sides reconcile this out for proper guidance. The New York Times and the Associated Press contributed to this report. amalik@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The reputation of education in San Antonio got a boost Friday, as three of the 12 statewide H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, considered the Oscars of Texas education, were given to school officials here. Coming off a year in which her school won a National Blue Ribbon for excellence, Delia McLerran, principal of the Young Womens Leadership Academy in the San Antonio Independent School District, beat four other finalists to win the secondary principals award. She received $10,000 in cash for herself and a $25,000 grant for her school. H-E-B officials said they chose McLerran because she does everything in her power to help her girls attend college. YWLA, an all-girls college preparatory academy enrolling students from all over Bexar County between the sixth and 12th grades, has a 100 percent graduation rate although 61 percent of its students are low income. Many graduates are the first in their families to attend college. If the school needs to be open at 7:30 a.m. on a Saturday, we are here, McLerran told H-E-B judges. If students need the library open during the summer, we make it happen. Sunshine Cottage won the early childhood facility award, receiving a $25,000 cash prize. Director Belinda Pustka accepted the award. The preschool for deaf children was also nominated three years ago, but did not win. The Somerset ISD school board won in the public school board category, beating four other school boards including that of Alamo Heights ISD. The boards president, Omar Pachecano, accepted the $25,000 cash prize. The school board had already won $5,000 as a finalist. Somerset won its award two decades after the Texas Education Agency intervened in the district, citing violence at meetings and threats made to trustees. Since then, it has transformed its reputation by helping students succeed despite a student population that is 80 percent economically disadvantaged, based on federal income thresholds. The board has funded labs that are credited with significant gains in math and science standardized test scores. Five area teachers, all from Northside and North East ISDs, were nominated for awards but did not win, as was the principal of Driggers Elementary in Northside ISD. Teacher finalists were surprised in March with $1,000 each for themselves and their schools. Principal finalists were also surprised with $1,000 for themselves and $2,500 for schools. The awards, in their 15th year, took place at the La Cantera Hill Country Resort after years in other cities. All the nominees were invited and the winners were announced by surprise at the formal banquet. The 12 winners were selected out of a pool of 58 total finalists. Renowned astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson delivered the keynote address in a ballroom before hundreds of educators, elected officials, community leaders and H-E-B employees. Tyson encouraged the educators to encourage creativity and innovation over grades and test scores. We spend the first years of a kids life teaching them to walk and talk and the rest of their lives teaching them to shut up and sit down, he said. Thats a problem. H-E-B Chairman and CEO Charles Butt handed out $430,000 in cash awards and grants. The H-E-B Excellence in Education program has given away more than $8 million in cash and grants since it began. amalik@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DALLAS The state Republican Party turned back a move to allow Texans to decide whether to secede from the United States, but not before a raucous debate between a vocal group of supporters and opponents who blasted the move as a national embarrassment. After nearly an hour of arguing, delegates by a voice vote struck down a proposed amendment to the party platform that would have allowed a statewide vote on whether to reassert Texas status as an independent nation, under provisions in the Texas Constitution. The delegates left in the platform wording asserting that the federal government has impaired our right of local self-government, as a prelude to secession. Slideshow: What if Texas did secede? At times during the debate, supporters of a secession who wore shirts with the Sam Houston quote Texas will again lift its head and stand among the nations loudly booed opponents. They cited federal policies that they assert have restricted personal liberties and states rights, allowing abortions and federal mandates they view as increasingly oppressive as a reason why such a vote is needed. I say we secede now and this platform language is a start, yelled one delegate as party Chairman Tom Mechler tried to restore order so conventioneers could hear the speakers for and against. Dont just vote aye, vote hell aye for your children and grandchildren, said another supporter of the secession wording. Opponents of secession, which has come up for several years at the state convention but appeared this year to have more supporters than in recent years, were just as vocal. As Republicans, it is not our goal to divorce the United States, Hayden Sparks of Cherokee County told the delegates, to a roar of applause. It is our goal to restore the principles that made this country great. At one point, a veteran told the convention that he fought for his country first, not Texas. The Texas Democratic Party blasted the vote on secession. Instead of focusing on fixing our schools, raising incomes for hard-working Texas families, or expanding opportunities for Texans, the party that controls the majority of our state government is focused on one of the most un-American, unpatriotic things Ive ever seen, the partys executive director, Crystal Kay Perkins, said in a statement. The Republican Party is dead. All that is left is a bunch of crackpots and traitors. Delegates at times were intent on introducing proposals that would tie elected officials hands and force them to comply with the platform as agreed to by the convention. Republican officeholders in the state are under no obligation to abide by any parts of the platform, though, which is a nonbinding statement of party stances on various issues. At just under 30 pages, this years platform was decidedly shorter than those from previous years, which helped ease the party into its first platform voting process that allowed every delegate to vote for or against each of the nearly 260 planks on a Scantron ballot. In 1869, in a case over whether Texas bonds issued during its years in the Confederacy were legal, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution does not permit states to unilaterally secede from the United States. EU co-operative Copa & Cogeca have sent a letter to the EU Commission today warning new plans to support the EU fruit and vegetable sector are insufficient and must be revised. Copa & Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen warned: "Fruit and vegetable growers are suffering a crisis situation, hit by the Russian ban. "Russia was the the number one outlet for our exports. "Prices have still not recovered. The progress made in finding alternative export markets does not offset the volumes that were exported to the Russia before the embargo. "Particularly concerning are the stocks in the apple and pear sectors as of 1st April 2016. "Indeed, the levels of apples and pears in stock are 10 % and 20% higher respectively when compared with 1st April 2014." He continued: "The market situation for tomatoes is also in danger of worsening following the closure of the Russian market and the increased tomato imports into the EU from Morocco. "There are meanwhile only limited opportunities to diversify export markets for summer fruits because of their highly perishable nature." "We consequently welcome the fact that the Commission has agreed to extend the support measures to help alleviate market pressure after Russia banned our exports outright and ask for it to be implemented from 1st July onwards so that it can apply from the beginning of the summer fruit marketing year. "But it is unacceptable that the Commission plans to cut by 70% the quantities eligible for support under the new EU aid scheme and that withdrawal prices are so low." Copa and Cogeca consequently urge the EU Commission to: Set the maximum guaranteed quantities allocated to the Member States based on the amount they exported to Russia and on their fruit and vegetable production. Raise the level of compensatory aid for withdrawing produce from the market, prioritising purposes other than free distribution. Ensure the deadline to pay farmers is shortened. Raise the volume for the Member States from 3,000 to 5,000 tonnes and grant them flexibility on the eligibility of products. Defra has rejected an emergency application made by the NFU for growers to use banned neonicotinoid seed treatments on oilseed rape this autumn. The decision will come as a major blow to the NFU, who wanted the emergency use of neonicotinoids to tackle the threat of cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) in oilseed rape. The NFUs application was for a limited proportion of the oilseed rape crop in England and was meant to be specifically targeted to the fields at greatest risk from CSFB. The types of neonicotinoids that were applied for are thiamethoxam (Cruiser OSR) and clothianidin (Modesto). The application was reviewed last week by the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP). The ECP said: "There is insufficient information to ensure that use will be limited only to those areas where there is a danger or threat to plant protection. "And the stewardship arrangements proposed by the applicant do not offer adequate assurance that the use will be controlled in an appropriate fashion." 'Grave need of access' NFU Vice President Guy Smith said: "We know farmers facing pest pressure are in grave need of access to an effective way of preventing CSFB from destroying valuable oilseed rape crops. "This is why the NFU put in this application for the targeted emergency use of neonicotinoid seed treatments. "CSFB numbers have seen a dramatic increase since restrictions were imposed on the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments by the European Commission according to research published by Fera. "The CSFB threat cannot be effectively addressed by any other means of pest control. Without access to these insecticides, farm businesses are unsustainable; farmers must be able to produce healthy and profitable crops. "The damage caused by CSFB has contributed to a reduced area planted with oilseed rape in England which is estimated to be up to 14 per cent down in the 201516 season. "The neonicotinoid seed treatments are effective in reducing the damage caused by the pest CSFB and prevents the destruction of a crop which is economically and environmentally important for farmers. "With emergency use of neonicotinoids granted in eight countries across the EU in 2015, we are conscious that British farmers will be operating at a disadvantage without access to this important insecticide. "As the resilience of food production becomes more important than ever it is vital that regulation of plant protection products is based on sound science and evidence. "The decreasing availability of these products is hampering British farmers ability to produce the wholesome and affordable British food that shoppers in this country expect." 'Threat to crucial pollinators' Welcoming the news, Friends of the Earth bee campaigner Dave Timms said: "The Governments decision to reject this application is great news for Britains bees. "Allowing farmers to use banned bee-harming pesticides would have been a real threat to these crucial pollinators." "The Expert Committee on Pesticides has given a damning verdict on the applications. We hope the NFU will get the message and give up trying to bring back these dangerous chemicals. "This refusal is extremely welcome, but the applications and evidence submitted are all still secret. They must be released immediately. "Ministers must now push for the ban on these chemicals to be made permanent." Pork producers in Wales are being encouraged to stick strictly to general biosecurity practices as the summer show season approaches. Movement of people, vehicles and animals between pig farms presents a particularly high risk of infection from diseases such as Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea Virus (PEDv), an infection that causes severe diarrhoea in pigs of all ages and can also lead to high death rates amongst piglets. A particularly virulent strain of the virus has severely affected the pig industry in North America and has since spread to the Ukraine. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) continue to monitor the situation in Europe to help minimise the risk of the disease entering the UK. England, with large numbers of pigs located close to European transport routes, made PED a notifiable disease in December 2015. "Whilst PEDv is not notifiable in Wales, pig keepers are being encouraged to take measures now to minimise the risk of PED and other diseases being introduced to their premises and to their pigs," said Dr Julie Finch, Hybu Cig Cymru's (Meat Promotion Wales) Corporate Strategy and Policy Manager. "HCC will be joining forces with Farming Connect at the RWAS Spring Festival to help producers ensure that they minimize disease risks through a series of demonstrations for pig producers on pig health and safe handling." She advised general biosecurity principles should be followed to minimise the risk of disease, including: restricting visitor entry; discouraging visitors if they have been near pigs within the previous two days; supplying clean overalls and boots for visitors and wash and disinfect after use; using disinfectant foot dips; considering displaying politely worded keep out or do not enter signs using barriers to limit access to pig areas of the farm/premises - fences and gates, no entry signs; sourcing incoming pigs and supplies carefully- always ask about the health status of any animals youre buying or moving and check with the source farm and their vet; managing wildlife access. "A line of separation is a good way to differentiate between the farm facilities, its animals and staff from lorries, trailers and people who must remain outside of the pig production area - this could include hauliers, feed deliveries, contractors removing manure etc," said Dr Finch. "Remember, if a supplier is delivering pig-related items to you, including feed and equipment, the chances are they have been to another pig unit. "Maintain distance between your pigs and the vehicle and driver, and where possible, try to receive deliveries at the edge of your property. "The main source of PEDv is infected faeces. Anything that is contaminated with even a tiny amount of infected pig faeces can be a source of infection for other pigs. "Effective cleaning and disinfection can inactivate and destroy pathogens from any potentially contaminated surfaces including vehicles, clothing and equipment." House of Prayer Christian Church has GI Bill eligibility revoked House of Prayer Christian Church on Hodge Street in Fayetteville remains open despite having its GI Bill eligibility revoked. No sooner has one Ben Wheatley film hit the big screen then we are talking about another. Yes, the filmmaker is set to return with is new film Free Fire. Free Fire Free Fire comes hot off the heels of High-Rise and sees Wheatley back in the director's chair and on writing duties. No official release date for the film has been released but the first image has been unveiled. The director has brought together a terrific cast and Armie Hammer, Enzo Cilenti, Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Sam Riley and Michael Smiley all feature in this brand new image. Sharlto Copley, Jack Reynor, Noah Taylor, Patrick Bergin, Tom Davis and Mark Monero are also set to star. Justine (Larson) has brokered a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two Irishmen (Murphy & Smiley) and a gang led by Vernon (Copley) and Ord (Hammer) who are selling them a stash of guns. But when shots are fired in the handover, a heart-stopping game of survival ensues. Wheatley has already brought us movies such as Kill List and Sightseers and he is one of the most exciting directors around. I am already looking forward to seeing what he delivers this time around. by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on It cant be easy to be the butt of jokes about your intelligence or be challenged for your acting chops. But Alia Bhatt has clearly managed to rise above that. As she gears up for Udta Punjab, here's a little lesson on being cool we all can learn from her. In the wake of the fiasco on Koffee With Karan, Alia Bhatt was the target of thousands of memes and jokes on social media sites. But it didnt bother her. I dont get upset at itI laugh at it. I am the first person to laugh at myself. I always say that I rather be stupid than pretend to be intelligent, Alia has said. The jokes out there are very funny. Basically there are these Twitter and Facebook jokes about me, because I am apparently stupid. They are very hilarious.When the jokes reached a crescendo, Alia agreed to participate in a spoof video by comedy group AIB called Alia Bhatt: Genius Of The Year. The video starred her, Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra and Karan Johar, with parents Soni Razdan and Mahesh Bhatt and sister Shaheen thrown in for good measure. The video became a viral sensation, and Alia became the first Bollywood star to parody herself. We didnt actually sell her the idea at all, said AIBs Rohan Joshi. Shes very chilled out about her public image, and how shes perceived, even after Koffee With Karan. Even when that happened, there was no giant PR disaster-management machinery that swooped in to protect her or anything. She rolled with the punches. So when we came up with the idea, she was totally open to it right away.Alia has been called dumb, stupid and many other names. And shes tried to have a sense of humour about it. But at some point you have to shut the trolls and move on. She was recently at a book launch and was asked to shoot some funny questions at the author-writer. While still thinking about what question to ask, one reporter suggested that she ask who the president of Zimbabwe is. At that, Alia coolly said, You know, we are really bored of this president joke. We are bored! Even the president is bored! Silence your critics Kangana Ranaut said in a recent interview with a television channel, "Kill them with success or sarcasm" when asked abot her critics. Our dear Alia has been doing the same for a while now. After being praised for her performance in Highway, many have raised questions whether she'd be able to top her performance. And her answer lies in the trailer of her upcoming release, Udta Punjab. Need we say more? The Botswana government has given the go-ahead for the Textile and Clothing Institute of Botswana (TCIB), the first of its kind in the country , to overcome a chronic shortage of skilled workers that has negatively impacted the textiles sector for many years.Its founder, Shahid Ghafoor, president of the Botswana Textile and Clothing Association, said TCIB was offering one-year certificate courses in clothing manufacturing in a wide variety of skills, Botswana's news website Mmegi Online has reported. The Botswana government has given the go-ahead for the Textile and Clothing Institute of Botswana (TCIB), the first of its kind in the country, to overcome a chronic shortage of skilled workers that has negatively impacted the textiles sector for many years. Its founder, Shahid Ghafoor, president of the Botswana Textile and Clothing Association# Our faculty and staff will be dedicated to providing candidates with face-to-face teaching, hands-on learning and workforce development to ensure our country has an educated, skilled population and competitive workforce, he said.Ghafoor, who is also the Managing Director of Western Apparels, said the institution, with an area of 1,000 square metres, is located at the Gaborone West Industrial. It aims to be a renowned training and technical service provider to cater for the growth and needs of the textile and clothing industry.Our mission is to facilitate sustainable development of the regional and local textile and clothing industry by nurturing a competent workforce with specialised skills, he said.The courses, known as certificate in clothing manufacture, will have three levels covering cutting, embroidery, design and pattern making, garment assembly, sewing, commercial sewing skills and mechanics.Ghafoor said all the programmes were designed by clothing industry professionals so that students who take up the course, can thrive in the textile and clothing industry.Preparations for the official opening are at an advanced stage.He said the establishment of the training centre was motivated by shortage of skilled manpower. Getting skilled manpower is a big challenge for the local textile industry, he added. This hampers our wishes of developing this industry so that it can end up exporting to the US through African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).He said the establishment of TCIB and the recent extension of AGOA will offer opportunities for local clothing manufacturers to export their products.AGOA is a unilateral trade arrangement by the U.S for African countries to penetrate the U.S market duty-free. But currently, there is only one company in Botswana is taking advantage of this trade arrangement, the website said. (SH) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Until China has fulfilled the EU's five criteria for market economy status, its exports to the EU must be treated in a "non-standard" way, Members of European Parliament (MEPs) said in a non-legislative resolution passed on Thursday.This non-standard methodology, for use in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations, should assess whether China's costs and prices are market-based, so as to ensure a level playing field for EU industry and defend EU jobs, they added, according to an article on the European Parliament website. Until China has fulfilled the EU's five criteria for market economy status, its exports to the EU must be treated in a "non-standard" way, Members of European Parliament (MEPs) said in a non-legislative resolution passed on Thursday. This non-standard methodology, for use in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations, should assess whether China's# However, the EU must to find a way to do this in compliance with its international obligations in the World Trade Organization (WTO), and in particular China's WTO Accession Protocol, which provides for changes in how China is to be treated after December 11, 2016. In a resolution passed by 546 votes to 28, with 77 abstentions, MEPs call on the EU Commission to come forward with a proposal that strikes a balance between these needs.MEPs urged the Commission to listen to the concerns of EU industry, trade unions and stakeholders, about the possible consequences for jobs, the environment and economic growth in the EU. China's excess production capacity and the resulting cut-price exports are already having "strong social, economic and environmental consequences in the EU", they said, pointing in particular to the EU steel sector.MEPs pointed out that 56 of the EU's current 73 anti-dumping measures apply to imports from China.MEPs nonetheless stressed "the importance of the EU partnership with China". China is the EU's second biggest trading partner and with daily trade flows of over 1 billion euros, the Chinese market "has been the main engine of profitability for a number of EU industries and brands", they said.MEPs said they strongly "oppose unilateral concession of market economy status to China", but instead asked the Commission to coordinate with other major trading partners to come to a joint interpretation of WTO law. They also urge it to use the upcoming G7 and G20 summits, as well as the EU-China Summit, to find a WTO-compatible response.MEPs also stressed on the "imminent need for a general reform of EU trade defence instruments, and call on the Council to unblock a package of proposals to modernise them on which Parliament voted its position in 2014.If the EU Commission were to propose to recognize China as market economy in EU law, the European Parliament would have co-decision rights with the Council.In a recent plenary debate on how to deal with Chinese imports after 11 December 2016, EU Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis told MEPs that the Commission is working on a new set of rules that will include a strong trade defence system and ensure compliance with WTO rules, and that it would debate this "before the summer recess", the website reported. (SH) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India The Liberia National Tailors, Textiles, Garments and Allied Workers Union, has commended President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for supporting and promoting the industry. During a meeting with the President, the Union said that since the official pronouncement of the 'Wear Your Pride' campaign by the Liberian leader during her annual address to the National Legislature, it has noticed a complete transformation in the textiles and garment sector.According to the official government website Executive Mansion, the statement was made by the Union's President Lansana K. Dawon on Thursday at President Sirleaf's Foreign Ministry Office in Monrovia. The Liberia National Tailors, Textiles, Garments and Allied Workers Union, has commended President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for supporting and promoting the industry. During a meeting with the President, the Union said that since the official pronouncement of the 'Wear Your Pride' campaign by the Liberian leader during her annual address to the National# He said more Liberians are now beginning to appreciate and love wearing Liberia's traditional country cloth thereby creating a market and job opportunities for weavers mainly from Lofa County. Dawson pointed that during the inauguration of President Sirleaf for her second term, she mandated the inaugural committee to grant the Tailors' Union the sewing contract to produce flags and other materials for the programme, which according to him brought relief to the institution financially.He furthered, since the President Sirleaf's pronouncement, the Union has been having conversation with many Liberians Organizations in the diaspora especially in the US through their legal representative Kimma Wreh, Liberia Fashion Ambassador to the US to promote Liberian clothing abroad.According to the website, Dawson praised President Sirleaf's continued support to the industry and appealed to her to help identify partners who will enhance their efforts aimed at promoting the industry.In response, President Sirleaf applauded the Liberia National Tailors,Textiles, Garments and Allied Workers Union for the commitment in promoting Liberia-made clothing but was quick to point out that there is much more to be done in the sector, stressing performance as key towards ensuring a sustainable market.You have done well but you need to connect with other counties and get fully established before extending outside of Liberia, which is a sign of growth, she said.The Liberian President pledged government's fullest support and commitment in promoting Liberian businesses - stressing quality and performance. She asked Commerce Minister Axel Addy to continue working with the Union to ensure that Liberian products are available in the market.She assured the Union that once it takes inventory of schools and begin to produce uniforms of all schools, government will work with them to promote the industry.Commerce Minister Addy stressed on the compelling need to change the Liberian story and assured the Union of government's commitment in lifting the industry to another level. (SH) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Multimedia publisher, World Textile Information Network (WTIN) and strategic and technical events organiser of inkjet technology, IMI Europe have signed an agreement of partnership for the delivery of inkjet technology events. As a part of this partnership, WTIN will offer knowledge to IMI for the strengthening of its technical content during the course of its conferences and seminars. In return, IMI will help WTIN to analyse the potential impact of inkjet technology on various applications through the medium of its insights and events. World Textile Information Network (WTIN) and strategic and technical events organiser, IMI Europe have signed an agreement of partnership for the delivery of inkjet technology events. As a part of this partnership, WTIN will offer knowledge to IMI for the strengthening of its technical content during the course of its conferences and seminars. # The partnership will also open a way to joint activities in the future. Commenting on the partnership, Mark Jarvis, MD of WTIN said, These are two companies each with a strong reputation in its own industrial community. For us, IMI Europe's ability to place textile applications within the broader context of inkjet innovation, with a view to emerging opportunities, will be a valuable addition to our services, he added. Additionally, Tim Phillips, MD of IMI Europe said, We have a wealth of inkjet experience and strong community building around our conference and courses, which we are looking to build on in innovative ways. I look forward to working with WTIN to advance the industry by promoting information exchange and collaboration between inkjet developers and users, he added. (MCJ) Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India Hello peeps! Yesterday (May 13, 2016) we had reported you the exclusive pictures of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan from her Cannes visit and now we have brought to you all the new pictures of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, from her press interview. Sporting a red coloured gown, Aishwarya is looking nothing less than a princess! We wonder, how every time she manages to bewitch us with her stunning look, whenever she steps out! So, don't waste your time and get ready to swoon.. Click On VIEW PHOTOS To Check Out All Her Pictures On the work front, Aishwarya will be next seen in Omung Kumar's upcoming film, Sarbjit. Recently, while promoting Sarbjit on different platforms Aishwarya had said that Caness would be perfect platform for Sarbjit. Preity Zinta Reception Party Pictures! SRK, Salman & Other Celebs In Attendance There have been reports that "Sarbjit" will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival this year. "It's (film) releasing on May 20. I don't know if we will be able to make the opportunity possible on that (Cannes Film Festival) platform as well. In the last week (of film release) we meet you (media). So given the time line if it's possible the team will use that opportunity," has said Aishwarya. "However there are many deadlines to be met. We will wait for the team to announce if there is an opportunity. It (Cannes) would be the perfect platform to share it, but it is coinciding with the release of the film," had added Aishwarya. Sarbjit is a biopic on Sarabjit Singh, an Indian farmer who was convicted of terrorism and spying in Pakistan and was sentenced to death. It narrates the story from the point of view of Dalbir Kaur, Sarabjit's sister played by Aishwarya, who endured severe hardships in trying to get her brother released. We have no words to describe how gorgeous Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looked on the red carpet yesterday! And today she surprised us again by wearing the most beautiful gown from Naeem Khan's latest resort wear collection, for a press conference. Click On VIEW PHOTOS To See All The Pics. On Friday (May 13th), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dazzled the red carpet at Festival De Cannes in her studded champagne coloured couture gown by Kuwait's designer Ali Younes. She made her first appearance of 2016 for the screening of the film "Ma loute" (Slack Bay) at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. Also Read! Rare Pictures Of Salman Khan Show Why He Was Voted As The Best Looking Man In India Fashion critics are saying that it was a brave choice for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and she did not disappoint. As we know already, this time her dress was created by Kuwaiti designer Ali Younes, not Elie Saab, Roberto Cavalli, Armani or any of the other couturiers that Ash has worn in the past. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her debut at Cannes in 2002 and she is celebrating 15 years of representing India and L'Oreal at the Cannes, this year. Before leaving Mumbai, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan told the press that she hadn't decided on a dress yet and told the fashion police, "Troll me as much as you like.'' Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was too busy with the promotions of her upcoming film Sarbjit before leaving for the prestigious festival. She's also going to have to skip the amfAR Gala which she attends annually because of her movie. Sarbjit releases on May 20 and the Gala is to be held on May 19. This year, Sonam Kapoor will fill her spot at the amfar gala. Action Hero Biju, which released on February 4, 2016 has turned out to be one of the biggest of hits this year so far. The movie recently completed 100 days of its run in selected theatres. Team Action Hero Biju was seen celebrating the 100 days of run of the film. Take a look at various pics from the event. Image Courtesy: Facebook Page Of Nivin Pauly The team took it to the theatres to celebrate the success of the movie. They were seen celebrating 100 days of Action Hero Biju by cutting specially made cakes. The celebration took place at two different theatres, one at PVR Cinemas in Lulu Mall, Ernakulam and the other at Devipriya theatre in Thiruvananthapuram. The event was attended by Nivin Pauly, director Abrid Shine and other important crew members. Actors like Maniyanpilla Raju attended the function held in Thiruvananthapuram. Actor Nivin Pauly expressed his happiness and gratitude through a Facebook Post. Take a look at the message posted by the actor. Action Hero Biju has had a wonderful run throughout the theatres in Kerala, especially in Ernakulam where it still manages to draw crowds. The collections from Ernakulam multiplex theatres are overwhelming and the film kept intact the glorious winning streak of Nivin Pauly. The movie did witness one of the biggest comebacks ever seen in the history of Malayalam cinema. After, receiving facing some intentional degrading in the first few days, the film came back strongly to establish its presenc Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. EQS-News / 14/05/2016 / 10:59 UTC+8 New York, U.S. May 13, 2016 / GF Securities' Dynamic Globalization Strategy GF Xinde Establishes Life Sciences Fund in the U.S. Recently, at New York Times Square the GF Securities' 25th anniversary promo video is airing on the China billboard downtown, 192 times a day. GF Securities is the largest, non-government, investment bank in China, listed on the Shenzhen and HK stock exchanges, in February 2010, and April 2015, respectively. The promotional display at Times Square in New York City is not only to create momentum for GF Xinde Investment Management CO., LTD. (a wholly owned subsidiary of GF Securities, hereinafter referred to as "GF Xinde", and to celebrate the creation of a Life Sciences Fund in the US; furthermore, it represents GF Securities overall strategic layout to acquire diversified assets including cutting-edge technology, laying a solid foundation for the company's overall strategy of increased globalization. On May 13 (EDT), GF Xinde signed a strategic cooperation agreement in New York with Bay City Capital, America's leading life sciences investment institution for initiating the establishment of a multinational life sciences fund. Mr. Sun Shuming, Chairman of GF Securities attended the ceremony and declared that, "this life sciences fund is the first investment fund that combines 'international technology and Chinese backing!' This investment platform aims to break through innovative medical deficiencies in China, with advancements in life sciences technology representing a new era of creation and innovation. With more than 25 years of strategic planning and development, the pace of GF Securities international investments are gaining greater and greater traction. This is an unprecedented breakthrough in healthcare for GF Securities, to establish an international life sciences fund with the leading life sciences investment institution in the United States. It will provide momentum and innovative development resources for the Chinese life sciences industry! In terms of cross-industry and cross-border cooperation, this fund is an innovative first amongst Chinese investment banks." Mr. Fred Craves, founder and managing partner of Bay City Capital was in attendance during the ceremonial signing, and remarked, "Bay City Capital has invested in life sciences technology for nearly 20 years. And we feel honored to partner with GF Securities and GF Xinde. We have been interested with great intensity in the Chinese markets, closely following the initiatives put forth by the Chinese government for improving the quality and accessibility of universal health care. The current speed of development in China's pharmaceutical industry is much higher than that of Europe and America, thus the country is expected to become the world's largest pharmaceutical market soon. This will provide many opportunities for international medical investment institutions to enter China. GF Securities, as one of China's leading investment banks, has a wealth of resources and experience in capital market operations, with a vast network of institutional clients. We are confident that the cooperation between GF Xinde and Bay City Capital in an international life sciences fund will create outstanding financial and industrial benefits for Chinese enterprises." The fund, jointly managed by GF Xinde and Bay City Capital, focuses on investing in innovative life science companies with high growth potential in the United States, Europe and China. The fund will be fully backed by the resources of both Bay City Capital and GF Xinde to achieve cross-border mergers and acquisitions, which will serve to introduce the world's leading technology to Chinese enterprises. Chinese companies will gain access to competitive global products and technology. The fund will diversify sources of returns through a variety of exits channels, through cross-border mergers and acquisitions and the licensing of technology. GF Securities and Bay City Capital, have already attracted large publicly listed pharmaceutical enterprises to be limited partners, including By Health, Jinling Aodong, Nanjing Pharma and Nanjing New Industry Investment Group which is major shareholder of Jinling Pharma, as well as publicly listed companies and institutions such as Solareast and Hengqin Financial Investment. There is a lack of leading-edge technology and innovative diversity in the pharmaceutical industry of China. In order to meet the demand for overseas mergers and acquisitions, now is a crucial time for Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises to carry out a large-scale reform of the pharmaceutical industry in China. Strong reform and supply side development in this industry, will have profound social effects for the entire Chinese society. GF Xinde is China's leading PE and VC investment institution in China. Since its establishment, over the past eight years, the Company has ranked top three for direct investment five years in a row. Assets under management are more than RMB 15 billion, specializing in VC investment in life sciences, listed pharmaceutical companies, cross-border investment banking, IPO and M & As. In the field of life sciences, GF Xinde and GF Securities has a team of over 50 investment advisors, investment bankers and equity analysts. In addition, GF Xinde has a large presence in the health and medical industries, not only through direct investment holdings but facilitating merger and acquisitions of hospitals in China, and investing a considerable amount in various life sciences companies. GF Xinde has over 300 projects underway in the field of life science and the GF Xinde Medical Treatment Industry M&A Fund focuses on mergers and acquisitions of hospitals, with over 50 potential acquisition targets each year. Bay City Capital has been deeply involved in life sciences investment for over 20 years in the United States of America. It is the world's leading life sciences VC investment institution with a wealth of experience and resources in the R&D of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, IPOs and M&As, scientists and entrepreneurs. The Company has invested in more than 100 life sciences companies worldwide, with a successful exit rate of more than 50%. -End- This press release is issued by Wonderful Sky Financial Group Limited on behalf of GF Securities Co., Ltd. For further information, please contact: Wonderful Sky Financial Group Limited Connie Liu / Barney Liu/ Sindy Wong Tel:(852)3970 2290/ (852)3970 2212/(852)3970 2257 Email: po@wsfg.hk / barneyliu@wsfg.hk / sindywong@wsfg.hk Document: http://n.eqs.com/c/fncls.ssp?u=XCHAFSQXKV Document title: GF Securities' Dynamic Globalization Strategy, GF Xinde Establishes Life Sciences Fund in the U.S. Key word(s): Miscellaneous 14/05/2016 Dissemination of a Press Release, transmitted by EQS TodayIR - a company of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com 463855 14/05/2016 (END) Dow Jones Newswires May 13, 2016 22:59 ET (02:59 GMT) LAC-BROME, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 05/14/16 -- Department of Canadian Heritage The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced $94,000 in financial support to The Brome County Historical Society for the renovation of the Old County Courthouse. This funding, provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will help the organization revamp the Old County Courthouse in the village of Knowlton and purchase computer equipment to digitize its archives. Quick Facts -- The Brome County Historical Society is a non-profit organization of historical interest located in the village of Knowlton in Lac-Brome in the Eastern Townships. Its aim is to acquire, preserve, research, exhibit and interpret the history of the pioneers in the Brome- Missisquoi region. -- The Society is the owner of several historical buildings, including the Old County Courthouse, which it acquired in 1993 and converted into an archive centre. Together, these heritage buildings form the Brome County Museum. -- The planned renovations will include revamping the Old County Courthouse to improve the conditions for archiving and better serve its clientele. Acquisition of new computer equipment will make it easier to digitize and share the Museum's archives. Quotes "The Government of Canada is proud to help preserve Lac-Brome's history and architecture. Through this renovation, the Old County Courthouse in Knowlton will be able to offer its visitors a modernized environment that is well-anchored in the digital age." - The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage "On behalf of the Brome County Historical Society, I want to thank Canadian Heritage for their significant financial support for the restoration of the Old County Courthouse. This project is the first phase of a multi-year plan to preserve and protect the Society's buildings. The federal government's support will assist us greatly in our ongoing capital campaign." - Donald Gray Donald, President, Brome County Historical Society Associated Links Brome County Historical Society Canada Cultural Spaces Fund Stay Connected Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr. Contacts: Pierre-Olivier Herbert Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage 819-997-7788 Media Relations Canadian Heritage 819-994-9101 1-866-569-6155 pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca There are terrible movies, there are some movies whose existence mystifies you, and then there are films like Criminal, which are so corny and strange you wonder how big names got attached to them. Twenty-five years after Oliver Stones JFK, Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman and Tommy Lee Jones share screen space in Criminal. The film is directed by Ariel Vromen, who made the watchable gangster drama The Iceman three years ago. With such names attached to the project, you would expect at least an entertaining film. Unfortunately, Criminal is as generic as its title and a thriller so mediocre it makes you wish for the pulpy thrills of '90s potboilers. Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds) is a CIA honcho is on the run from bad guys who work for some sort of Spanish bad guy named Heimbahl (Jordi Molla). Heimbahl wants to know the whereabouts of a hacker the Dutchman (Michael Pitt) who has gained access to USAs defence. Pope is killed and the head of the CIA Wells (Gary Oldman) decides to do something crazy. He incorporates a procedure that transplants memories from one brain to another. So the Frankenstein doctor Franks (Tommy Lee Jones) chooses a criminal named Jericho (Kevin Costner) as the recipient. With Popes memories and abilities, Jericho escapes the CIA stronghold and makes a run for it, trying to juggle two different personalities. The concept is ridiculous, even in a sci fi zone, and it feels like a 12-year-old decided to rewrite The Bourne Identity. And despite the plots silliness, unfortunately the film takes itself way too seriously. As Jericho deals with his own child abuse issues and Popes traumas and does ridiculous stunts in the process of fighting with numerous baddies, you cant help but guffaw at the stupidity of the whole thing. Theres a subplot involving Popes wife (Gal Gadot) and daughter for a ham-fisted emotional hook in between Jericho trying to juggle different objectives. The action sequences are painfully dull and no amount of rapid-fire editing convinces the viewer that anything remotely exciting is going on. The film is also a sad reminder of how a good actor like Costner has been washed away over the years. His sociopathic tendencies are established by a cartoonish Batman-like growling voice, and his stunts are obviously done by a double. The villain in the film guffaws like an '80s Bollywood bad guy, utilising ridiculous techy methods to track down Jericho. Oldman does his best to keep a straight face, but Jones does his very best to make it clear that he is not interested in being in the movie. The biggest mystery is why Reynolds, who is a pretty big star, chose such a small role in the film. Perhaps the lure of easy money, and the entirety of his screen time being in bed with Gal Gadot was an offer he decided not to refuse. The only interesting aspect of this movie is that this is Reynolds fourth role in five years where he plays someone who switches bodies. OTTAWA The health of the world economy is expected to be a major focus at the upcoming meeting of Group of Seven finance ministers, given the increasing number of risks to growth, a senior Canadian official said on Friday. The topic of international tax evasion and avoidance is also likely to be prominent in the wake of the so-called "Panama Papers", the Finance Department official told reporters. Policymakers will begin the G7 meeting in Sendai, Japan next week with a discussion of the key risks to the global economic outlook and what policy mix is the right one to bolster growth. While some, including the International Monetary Fund, have called for countries to take more fiscal action rather than relying on central bank policy to stimulate growth, some countries have argued they do not have the room to take such measures. Canada's new Liberal government unveiled a stimulus budget earlier this year that included infrastructure spending to boost growth and Finance Minister Bill Morneau is expected to tout a growth agenda and encourage his G7 peers to focus on investment, the official said. Canada could find an ally on this in the United States, though other countries at the table will also likely be sympathetic, the official said. The possibility that Britain could vote in a referendum next month to leave the European Union will also likely be discussed. A vote to leave would have significant implications for Britain, the EU and the world economy but it is difficult to know exactly what the impact would be ahead of time, the official said. As for movements in the foreign exchange markets, the official said he did not expect that to dominate the discussion as G7 members have been clear about the importance of not manipulating currencies. U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said earlier on Friday it was important for G7 economies to reinforce pledges to refrain from competitive currency devaluations at their meeting next week. (Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Eight years after she was arrested in the Malegaon blast case, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur is set to walk out of jail. The fact that she wore saffron robes and other accused persons in the case had links with radical Hindu outfits, gave coinage to the controversial term "saffron" or "Hindu" terror. Her arrest in 2008 and the filing of the first chargesheet by the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of the Maharastra Police in 2009 has been a matter of heated political and public debate. Their arrest, particularly of Pragya, Colonel Prasad Srikant Purohit and Swami Aseemanand was vigorously contested by the BJP, even charging the Congress of conspiracy to defame Hinduism and distract attention from the actual perpetrators of the crime (Islamic terror modules). The Congress held that the investigative agencies were on the right track. In January 2013, speaking at the Congress convention in Jaipur then (UPA) home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had claimed that RSS and BJP were promoting Hindu terror: "Reports have come during investigation that BJP and RSS conduct terror training camps to spread terrorism. Bombs were planted in the Samjhauta Express, Mecca Masjid and a blast was also carried out in Malegaon. We will have to think about it seriously and will have to remain alert." Interestingly a month later, faced with retaliatory fire from the BJP, Shinde expressed "regret" for his Hindu terror remark. Under the Congress-led UPA regime, the ATS in Maharastra and later NIA at the Centre had booked Pragya and others, and kept pressing terror charges against them till UPA exited from power both in the state and at the Centre. However, the change in the course of investigations and conclusion that there was no substantive evidence against the Sadhvi after the BJP came to power at the Centre raises some very serious questions about whether the investigations in cases as serious as Malegoan, Ajmer or the Samjhauta Express are guided by the whims and fancies of political masters. The flip flops, U-turns with changes in regime, or even mid-course of the same regime erodes popular faith in investigative process and draws ridicule from neighbouring Pakistan. First, the Maharastra Police arrested nine Muslims allegedly linked to banned outfit Student Islamic Movement of India (Simi), the CBI too investigated along the same lines, but then it all changed after 2008 when ATS under Hemant Karkare picked up Swami Aseemanand and Sadhvi Pragya. The NIA that took over investigations in 2011 continued to work on the Hindu terror angle. Two years ago, during the closing months of the UPA regime, the NIA had told the MCOCA court that it didn't have any evidence against nine Muslim accused but changed its position in April 2016 by opposing their acquittal in the case. The NIA has now dropped charges against Pragya and taken a more cautious view on the involvement of other accused including the trial of other accused persons like Colonel Purohit under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). This would mean that all supposed confessions made by the accused before the police would not be admissible as evidence in court of law. It must also be noted that the NIA that took over the case in 2011 couldn't file a chargesheet in five years. One of the three course of investigations two under the UPA (first, charging alleged Simi activists, then blaming Pragya, Purohit et al) and the third under the BJP-led NDA that gave a clean chit to Pragya is closer to the truth than the rest, or perhaps there could even be a fourth angle that has not yet been investigated. Soon, as it became clear that Pragya would be released, Congress general secretary took to news channels to blast the Narendra Modi government and give the narrative an emotive spin by recalling "Shaheed" Hemant Karkare, the ATS chief who was killed in the 26 November, 2008 Mumbai terror attack. The BJP, on the other hand, expressed satisfaction that Sadhvi Pragya was to be freed. Party spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said she always believed that Sadhvi was framed and even indicated that there could a probe to investigate who hatched a conspiracy to frame her in the blast case. The political narrative over the case is not going to die down any time soon. Sadhvi Pragya is suffering from cancer and has some other health issues. There are suggestions that she might appeal in a court of law, seeking compensation for "conspiracy, torture and wrongful confinement" in jail. If that happens and if the court admits her petition, it is bound to spark off another round of heated debate. Eight years ago, Rajnath Singh as BJP president had openly defended Sadhvi Pragya and some others. Singh is now home minister and the NIA reports to him. In an interview to Shekhar Gupta for NDTV's Walk the Talk, Rajnath had said: "I personally believe that there is a huge conspiracy behind these happenings (the Malegaon investigations) and do not forget that Maharashtra has a Congress-NCP coalition government and this could be part of the conspiracy. This possibility cannot be ruled out... I am completely convinced that they (Sadhvi and others) are not involved... I'm not ready to believe that Sadhvi Pragya Thakur is a terrorist until there is enough evidence against her. She has been subjected to three or four brain mapping tests, narco-analysis tests. Have you ever heard of this being done to any terrorist?" It's a different matter though that Pragya in January 2015 felt betrayed by Rajnath but hoped that that Modi would give her justice. Heated political exchanges and blame-games apart, the Malegaon blast will forever be a case study to suggest how our investigative agencies work politics of political masters take precedence over national security. The actions of the police, ATS, CBI and NIA yet again prove that these supposedly premier investigative agencies are caged parrots. By Madhura Kadaba, The Ladies Finger A couple of weeks ago, Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted about new rules mandating a panic button on every cell phone sold in the country from January 2017. To keep women safe, of course. Approved yet another new policy. From Jan 2017, Panic Button in every new phone, to help our women in distress,with the power of technology. Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) April 26, 2016 Pressing the button will alert police & designated friends/relatives, for immediate response in case of distress or security related issues. Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) April 26, 2016 According to a statement released by the Telecommunications Ministry, the panic button will be activated by pressing a designated button on a smartphone or by holding down both 5 and 9 keys on a basic phone. Pressing the panic button is expected to alert police and designated friends or relatives, similar to apps launched previously by police departments like Himmat. It followed remarks from Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi, in the Lok Sabha in December 2015. "Every cell phone will have an in-built panic button. Now, all new cell phones will be made with panic buttons. But in case of all old cell phones, you can go to the person who owns the company or the dealer and they will adjust it for you. If a woman is in trouble, she can just press the button on the cell phone and she will immediately get help.'' Two days later, reacting to concerns that the mandate could increase mobile phone costs, Prasad said, Manufacturers have given their support. My expectation is that they will render their support in social justice and women security." After a point, it almost becomes a farce the governments continuous search for grand, one-stop solutions to dealing with sexual violence. We had the vast coffers of the Nirbhaya fund, which went nowhere. It had tech solutions coming out of its 1,000-crore ears. It included plans for setting up control rooms in 114 cities within nine months back in 2014 and surveillance cameras in all public transport vehicles including auto rickshaws! Who was going to be watching the feed of these cameras, if ever by some vast change in the face of humanity such a thing happened, you may wonder? Or as journalist Revati Laul wrote, Given that police stations across the country are short staffed, given how many of them cannot even afford paper to file a first information report (FIR) or fuel for the police personnel's motorbike, just how will the appearance of these control rooms change that? How will switchboards help if police stations in even big cities like Varanasi have too few vehicles to cater to the existing load of emergencies they have to deal with? But hush, dont interrupt when Daddy is talking. Recently, we published an investigation into the one-stop centres promised by the Nirbhaya fund. These centres are supposed to provide services like assistance in lodging FIRs, medical assistance for medical examinations, and therapy. On paper, Delhi is supposed to have six. Good luck locating them because they dont exist. Most of the staff of the hospitals where the centres were to be located, were clueless about the programme. But perhaps we should forget the tiresome past and move to the shiny button-filled future. We asked Rohini Lakshane, a technology expert and programme officer at the Centre for Internet and Society what she thought of panic buttons. Recently, she reviewed a bunch of personal safety apps geared toward women and was very unimpressed. About the governments new plan, she said, GPS accuracy in India can be patchy and not very accurate, and location tracking can drain the battery. Lakshane added, The app will also enable tracking by family members, which can increase the chance of intimate partner abuse and violence. In short, you are unlikely to get the help you need in case of stranger danger and continue to face whatever oppression you maybe facing from your loved ones. Which brings us to the biggest problem with panic buttons the idea that what Indian women should live in fear of scary strangers outside the house. In fact, carefully conducted research shows over and over again that Indian women are most likely to face violence from their families, within their homes. The Mumbai NGO Raahats report shows that 91 percent of the accused in reported cases of rape were by known persons. Add on the fact if you have even a fleeting acquaintance with a man who attacks you, the police is additionally reluctant to do anything. Not that the police likes to file complaints if you have been raped by a stranger. Cops, that way, are quite equal opportunity about ignoring complaints. Perhaps we should have a panic button on our phones after all. A daily reminder that you should fear rape, in case for a moment you had decided to stop worrying. A daily reminder that if you do get raped, you must remember to press a button that goes nowhere. A great metaphor for how we deal with victims of sexual violence in India. The Ladies Finger is an online womens magazine Beyond noisy deliberations in TV studios, little else would be achieved by debating the merits and demerits of NIA's move to drop all charges against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and five others in the 2008 Malegaon blast case and revoke provisions of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The opposition, led by the Congress, has accused the BJP of forcing NIA to fudge probe so that "RSS activists involved in terror activities could be saved". They even had a new name for NIA: Namo Investigative Agency. The BJP, expectedly, has denied any such interference and has blamed the Congress instead, charging the previous UPA regime with putting pressure on the agencies to nail RSS and prove their theory of 'Hindu terror'. It is a matter of great concern and seriousness if a party takes advantage of the fact that it is in power and uses the state's investigative arms to suit political ends. In India, however, it has been done with such regularity that it is hard to stifle a yawn when accusations and counter-accusations of this nature fly around. The nature of the beast that is democracy ensures that political parties suffer little beyond a sullying of image. That, too, ceases to matter in the long run because all bathers in the hamaam are naked. Investigative agencies, however, emerge as the biggest losers in this sordid game of chess. Their credibility sink lower and lower with every instance. Probe agencies in India are never insulated from political interference. The forensic tools change colour in accord with the regime and each of their cases is subject to myriad pulls and pressure. It is a testament to how often CBI has been used as an instrument of political bullying by nearly party at the Centre since its co-option during Emergency in 1976 that some Chief Ministers have charged it of being department of the Prime Ministers Office. 'CBI, the caged parrot' Though peacock is the national bird of India, the parrot shot into prominence when in 2013, Supreme Court justice RM Lodha famously denounced CBI as being a "caged parrot" and "master's voice" while hearing the case related to coalfield allocations to private firms. It was the first damning indictment of India's premier investigative agency which the Congress-led UPA had ostensibly been using to cover up wrongdoing, keep fickle coalition allies in line and political opponents at bay. A three-judge Bench of Justices RM Lodha, Madan B. Lokur and Kurian Joseph had expressed strong displeasure at Centre's interference in the Coalgate probe report and said "the heart of the report was changed on the suggestions of the government officials." The Bench said the CBI has ceased to be a professional and non-partisan outfit. "Is it (the CBI) a collaborator or investigator?", the apex court had asked. The Bench rapped the CBI for sharing the draft status report on the coal scam with the Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and had said suppression of this fact from the court was "disturbing". Despite the popular hand-wringing, little can be done about the independence of our probe outfits because agencies like the CBI are part of the government, hence at the mercy of the party at the Centre. As Sanjivi Guhan and Paul Samuel point out in their book Corruption in India (Orient Paperbacks, 1997): "The very appointment of the Director of CBI and other personnel down the line, their career prospects and several other service benefits are all within the domain of the government. It is the circumstances that operates against the professional independence of the CBI". If the Congress party has dominated the seat of power for six decades since Independence, it stands to reason that many of the subversions took place during its regime. In some, it had actually set the gold standard in subversion and engineered a deep-seated belief that probe agencies are merely tools of coercion. Syed Modi murder case In August 2009, nearly 21 years after national badminton champion Syed Modi was gunned down in cold blood, a Lucknow sessions court sentenced lone surviving accused Bhagwati Singh to life without establishing any motive for the murder. It also refused to go into alleged links of the murderer with politician Sanjay Singh and Modi's ex-wife Amita Singh, saying no conspiracy was established by the CBI. The judge noted that even after 21 years, the CBI couldn't find a motive for the murder and pinpoint the conspirators behind the crime. The circumstances were entirely different in 1988, however, when the murder took place. India's No.1 ranked badminton player Syed Modi was gunned down in July. The CBI, which took over the case, chargesheeted Congress minister Sanjay Singh and Modi's wife Amita, who were thought to be involved in an illicit affair and five others. With the CBI at the helm of probe, salacious and juicy details of the relationship started appearing in various newspapers, including "excerpts" from what was allegedly the personal diary of Modi's widow. And this curiously coincided with Sanjay Singh's falling out with then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. When VP Singh became the Prime Minister in 1990, the CBI failed to prove what had till then appeared to be a watertight case. The case was subsequently closed. Anti-Sikh riots in 1984 In some cases like the massacre of more than 3000 Indians of Sikh faith, the state has failed to bring even one perpetrator of the horrific crime to justice. As The Times of India points out: "The fact that Rajiv Gandhi did not want the massacre probed or investigated and was happy to let the guilty walk tells us their monstrous crime must have had his approval. The judicial commission he set up under Ranganath Mishra was a farce; subsequent commissions and committees established to probe various aspects of November 1984, such as the complicity of police, were either ineffective or had their recommendations brazenly cast aside. Many of the politicians named by survivors and independent citizens inquiries all prospered in Rajivs time and later." Leave alone charging, the CBI had filed a closure report on Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, whose name was indelibly linked to the pogrom. The agency said was not involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case relating to an attack on Gurdwara in Pulbangash. A Delhi court, however, rejected the closure report in 2015 and ordered the agency to further probe the role of Tytler. St Kitts forgery case: In 2004, a special court for CBI cases acquitted self-styled godman Chandraswami in the St Kitts forgery case. He was accused of conspiring to forge documents to frame Ajeya Singh, son of the former Prime Minister, VP Singh. It was said that the conspiracy was hatched by the Congress to divert attention from the Bofors scandal. In August 1989, Kuwait-based Arab Times carried a report about the alleged bank account in the name of Ajeya Singh. After the change of guard at the Centre following Congress' debacle in 1989, VP Singh became Prime Minister and CBI registered a case in May 1990. The CBI probe found that the allegations of the "non-existent" bank account were floated by some "interested persons" to tarnish the image of VP Singh. However, the case proceeded at snail's pace after Singh's Government fell in November 1990. The Malegaon blast case, which has pitted one probe agency against the other, is merely a continuation of this time-honoured Indian tradition. It will generate a lot of heat in studios, trigger terabytes of digital data but ultimately, remain as just one more chapter in India's exhaustive encyclopedia of subversive politics. A huge question mark has been placed on the independence of ace investigating agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and public prosecutors with the dropping of names of the key accused, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit among others, from terrorism charges for the bomb blast outside a Mosque in Malegaon on 9 September 2008 which killed eight people. Both these persons had been arrested by the NIA when the prosecutor was different. They were charged under the stringent anti-terror law, the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), and were directed by Supreme Court to face the trial court under MCOCA. But the NIA had laid the foundation of dropping their names of the charge sheet in February when the special prosecutor representing NIA had told a special court in Mumbai that he was of the opinion that the stringent MCOCA was not applicable in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case. He had also revealed that Attorney General Mukul Rohtagi, who was appointed by the BJP led NDA government in May 2014, was also of the opinion that the charge of MCOCA couldnt be applied on Thakur, a former ABVP activist, and Col Purohit. It was no secret that prosecutor in Mumbai had been instructed by NIA in New Delhi that MCOCA couldnt be invoked in this case. Both Ms Thakur and Col Purohit have been in judicial custody for about eight years. While Thakur would be released on bail as she would face trial in the soft Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Col Purohit and nine others will now be tried for charges including murder and conspiracy under the provisions of anti-terror law UAPA, IPC, Arms Act and Explosives Substance Act. Director General of NIA Sharad Kumar has sought to dispel the common perception that NIA changed its stance on the direction from new BJP government. He added that there was no dilution in the case. When asked about the stand taken by the agency in the past when it had opposed the bail plea of Ms Thakur and others even in the Supreme Court, he said till our investigation was not complete, we had to go by the probe done by the ATS. Now that we have completed the investigations, we have submitted our final report (chargesheet). NIA prosecutor Geeta Godambe submitted the revised charge sheet before Special Judge SD Tekale. However, Special Public Prosecutor in the case Avinash Rasal was not privy to this development and said he might put in his papers to protest against this unwarranted secrecy of dropping names of key accused from the case. I am hurt and I may resign from the case, Rasal told reporters. Earlier too, top public prosecutor Rohini Salian accused NIA bosses of pressurizing her to go soft on Hindu terror suspects in the case ever since the new government came to power. Later, she resigned as special prosecutor of NIA. However, the days' development martyred a diligent Mumbai police officer Hemant Karkare again. He was killed in exchange of fire with Pakistan trained terrorists including Kasab on November 26, 2008. He was decorated with the Ashoka Chakra on 26 January 2009. Karkare being head of Anti Terror Squad (ATS) had bust the conspiracy behind the Malegaon blast and arrested the accused persons. Now, the NIA has accused Karkare of fabricating evidence. In fact Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju minced no words in his statement to a wire service when he said that "We found earlier that the UPA government has pressurised and influenced certain government officers on the basis of political motivated campaign by coining wrongful slogans like Hindu-terror of saffron terror which tarnished the whole community. "What our government is doing is that the investigative agencies have been given absolutely freedom to take action on the basis of available circumstances and evidences and as per the direction of the court," Rijiju said. However, Congress leader Digvijay Singh has reacted sharply saying, I had predicted BJP and RSS have started the process of saving the Sangh activists involved in terror cases. The DG of NIA has been given extension for this case? he asked. But such U-turn tactics are quite often whenever theres change of political government either in a state or the Centre. In the series of criminal cases arising from Gujarat riots in 2002 and encounter killings, the public prosecutors changed their stand which paved the way for acquittal of accused persons. Some of the key accused have been acquitted, and no appeal has been filed by the prosecuting agency yet. Even on acquittal of some key accused persons who now yield power, no appeal has been filed by the prosecuting agency. Similarly, the stand of the UPA government on certain vital issues relating to its policies underwent a change with the new political party succeeding it but theirs is an exception to it. Recently, Modi government took a U-turn from the stand consistently taken by UPA government when it told Supreme Court that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is not a minority university."It is the stand of the Union of India that AMU is not a minority university. As the executive government at the Centre, we can't be seen as setting up a minority institution in a secular state, Attorney General Rohatgi told the top court as there was an uproar against the BJP governments anti-secular decisions. More recently, the NDA government drastically changed UPA governments long standing position on bringing back the $200 million Koh-i-noor diamond from UK. The Modi government told the Supreme Court that going by a 44-year-old law; the diamond cannot be reclaimed as it was given as a "gift" in 1849 by successors of Maharaja Ranjith Singh to the East India Company and not stolen or forcibly taken away from India. Up until now, all the governments have said that essential steps would be taken to bring back the 105 carat legendary diamond. More importantly, the RSS too has demanding the return of the diamond to India. Though the BJP had opposed the Mahatma Gandhi Guaranteed National Rural Employment Act (MGNREGA) and Aadhaar cards scheme under the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), it has dittoed both the schemes presumably because both the issues are directly related to common man, who matters a lot in the electoral system of governance. Six months ago, the slogan Bihar me bahar ho, phir se Nitise Kumar ho caught the fancy of people. The stress on Nitise had a touch of local lingo. Sushasan Babus public image, Lalu Prasad Yadavs electoral might and the Congress secular push proved to be an unbeatable combination. Nitish had successfully countered BJPs political onslaught and the people believed that given a fresh five year term in office, he would bring his own version of achche din, or its poetic euphemism Bihar me bahar ho. But the turn of events in the last few months, more particularly in the last six days, has proved that different people have very different interpretations of his pre-poll catch phrase with all its poetic euphemism of happy days are here again. For Nitish Kumar, it meant that he could push his prime ministerial ambition more vigorously than ever, and for Lalu Prasad Yadav it meant that he could settle his two sons Tej Pratap and Tejaswi in politics and himself be a magnanimous power above. For Congress, it meant that it could happily piggy-ride on the success wave, and for their muscular social constituents it meant that no one could overtake them in any way. If the rulers and their core constituents are happy, then who cares about the aam janata. A humble journalist, Rajdev Rajan, bureau-chief Siwan region of the Hindi daily Dainik Hindustan was shot dead on Friday; two bullets pumped in his body, one in the head and one in his neck while he was coming back home from office. It revived memories of the killing of former JNU Student Union President Chandrashekher Prasad in 1997, among several others. Though the persons behind his killing and the motive is unclear, the very fact that it happened in Siwan, that too to a working journalist has instantly generated a sense of fear in and around the region. Siwan is known in Bihar for former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddins notoriety and his uncontained reign of terror. He was convicted in several cases of heinous crime and is currently languishing in jail. But that didnt stop the state Minority Welfare Minister Abdul Ghafoor and RJD's Raghunathpur MLA Harishankar Yadav from paying a courtesy visit to Shahabuddin in the Siwan jail. The meeting took place over tea and snacks in the jailer's official chamber. A month later, in April, Lalu Yadav honourably rehabilitated Shahabuddin in politics as a national executive member of the ruling RJD. Nitish Kumars biggest USP when he first came to power in 2005 was his management of law and order. In fact, a decade ago, Nitish began to build his image as Sushasan Babu, following the arrest and speedy trial of Shahabuddin. It meant that the rule of law was in force in Bihar. A decade later, Nitishs USP in his fifth term in the Chief Ministers office lays tattered. Since last week, when Rocky Yadav allegedly killed Aditya Sachdeva simply because he dared to overtake the ruling Janata Dals (U) Manorama Devis son, the unofficial slogan for Bihar (as coined by someone on social media in Bhojpuri) has become, overtake mat kariha Bihar me na tah goli mar detava kapar me (dont over take in Bihar, else a bullet will be shot in your head). Rocky Yadav, his notorious criminal father Bindi Yadav, his ruling party legislator mother Manorama Devi, his over one crore rupees worth Land Rover, guns and pistols, shoot at will tendency, etc have all come to symbolize the kick of power in the present Nitish-Lalu-Tejaswi rule in Bihar. The message to aspiring teenagers, the youth and their hard-working parents is to remain in a perennial bow-and-behave mode if you want to live in the state, or else leave it to remain alive. Those in small or big time business are dismissed as bania-baikal by those bearing socially mightier surnames. How could a meagre Swift dare overtake the mighty Land Rover, in all its varied connotations? Over a decade ago, when Sadhu Yadav and Subash Yadav ruled the roost in the Lalu-Rabri era, a large scale migration of the business community and of those in the upper castes took place. Once again, that kind of fear psychosis is thick in the air of Bihar. Whether this marks the return of the Jungle Raj is currently being debated. Long back, when the Jungle Raj charge was first levelled on him by the BJP-JD(U) combine, Lalu had laughed it off with a one liner borrowed from Shammi Kapoors 1960s blockbuster Junglee: Chahe koi mujhe Jungle kahe, kanne do ji kahta rahe This time around, when the Jungle Raj charge has returned, Nitish Kumar is busy pursuing his prime ministerial dream and Lalu Yadav is letting his son, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi, respond on his and Nitishs behalf. Nitish is busy building a self-professed secular coalition and be its leader an unannounced prime ministerial challenger to Narendra Modi in 2019. He has coined the phrase Sangh Mukt and Nasha Mukt Bharat, basically borrowing from Narendra Modis 'Congress Mukt Bharat' phrase to realise his prime ministerial ambitions. The series of recent incidents in Bihar including those committed by ruling party leaders is a clear indicator that Nitish has no problem with criminals, scamsters, casteists, and communalists just as long as they bring political dividend to him. He is busy campaigning Nashabandi (prohibition) in UP and Jharkhand, hoping that in three years time this would catapult him to the coveted corner office in South Bloc at Raisina Hills in New Delhi. He has already been to Banaras the prime ministers constituency which is adjacent to Bihar. Little does he realise or is unmindful of the fact that his own legislators are high with liquor stored at their home. His previous attempt at a grand merger of SP, RJD, INLD, JD(U), JD(S) and some other parties failed ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. His second attempt to make himself big by merging with RLD, JVM, JD(U), Apna Dal into Jan Vikas Party too has hit a rough patch. But nevertheless, he continues to persevere. Nitish is a brave man leader of the number two party in the state in a coalition of three, aspiring to emerge as the sole challenger to the incumbent prime minister. But in the process, the governance, once considered his forte has taken a hit. The RJD has already pitched Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, its best face forward, to take on Nitish Kumars selfishness and political ambitions. Singh blasted his policies and actions, while projecting himself as the leader of a possible anti-BJP front that is weakening secular forces. Its time that Nitish should remember his own words, spoken few years ago when Modi was yet to come up on the national radar, Jo CM rahkar PM banne to khab dekhte hain won a PM bante hain na CM rah pate (those who dream to become PM while occupying the CM position, end up losing CMs position). While Nitish is more focused on campaigning outside Bihar, and building a secular coalition as an alternate to NDA, inside Bihar ally Tejaswi is fast catching up in stature. Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government today described Sri Lanka's reported move to demolish and reconstruct a church in Katchatheevu islet as a "carefully calculated provocation" and urged the Centre to prevail on Colombo to involve Indian fishermen in the process. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said the "unilateral" decision by Sri Lanka has created fears among Indian fishermen from the state that it could curtail their traditional and customary access to St Antony's church in Katchatheevu. This reported move of the Lankan Government had "greatly" exercised the Indian fishermen in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, who had regularly visited and worshipped at this church for several centuries, she said. The church in Katchatheevu, an islet ceded by India to Sri Lanka in the 1970s, holds considerable religious significance for fishermen in coastal districts who had traditionally undertaken pilgrimages for the annual festival of St Anthony's for several centuries, she said. "It is part of their essential cultural and religious heritage," she told the Prime Minister even as she recalled the state government impleading in a case filed by her in the Supreme Court for the retrieval of Katchatheevu as a permanent solution for the vexed fishermen issue. During the annual St Anthony's festival in February, when local priests proposed demolishing and reconstructing the church, Tamil Nadu fishermen "indicated" to them that as it represented the joint heritage of fishermen from both countries, its reconstruction should be taken up jointly by the two sides. "In this context, the present unilateral decision of the Sri Lankan government to demolish and reconstruct St Anthony's Church without consulting Tamil Nadu fishermen who are vital stakeholders, appears to be a carefully calculated provocation." "The Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu apprehend that if the church is demolished and reconstructed by the Sri Lankan side unilaterally, their traditional and customary access to this important place of worship could also be curtailed in the future," she added. To allay apprehensions of the Indian fishermen, the Centre "ought to urgently respond to this provocation and prevail upon the Sri Lankan government to first consult the fishermen from Tamil Nadu on this issue and take further steps in this regard only in consultation with all the key stakeholders," Jayalalithaa said. The Lankan side should also be prevailed upon to accept the reconstruction of the church jointly by India and Sri Lanka after obtaining the concurrence of Tamil Nadu fishermen, she told the Prime Minister. Dhaka: Bangladesh on Saturday accused Pakistan of breaching the post-1971 liberation war agreement by not taking back thousands of its stranded citizens, affecting the validity of the treaty. "Under the 1974 agreement (among Dhaka, new Delhi and Islamabad), Pakistan was obligated to take back its stranded citizens from Bangladesh. They did not fulfil their obligation over the decades," Law Minister Anisul Huq said at a discussion in Dhaka. He said, Bangladesh on the other hand, complied with the treaty allowing the defeated Pakistani soldiers' repatriation and in no way breached the agreement by bringing to justice Bangladeshi perpetrators of war crimes who carried out atrocities siding with the invading Pakistani troops. He added that according to the principle of law, if any party violates a treaty, its validity comes into question while Pakistan itself "clearly defied" the agreement by refusing to take back its citizens over the decades. Thousands of Urdu-speaking Muslims, dubbed as 'Biharis', who migrated to the former East Pakistan after partition in 1947, continued to stay in makeshift homes called Bihari camps in Bangladesh since 1971 and waited for decades to go to Pakistan but the subsequent governments in Islamabad declined to take them. The law minister's comments came amid a growing diplomatic row between the two countries as Pakistan recently accused Bangladesh of failure to uphold the commitment of "not to proceed with the trials" in line with the 1974 treaty since Dhaka took initiatives to try the 1971 war criminals among its own nationals. Pakistan had been upset after fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami chief Motiur Rahman Nizami was executed for war crimes in Bangladesh earlier this week and Pakistani parliament also passed a resolution condemning the hanging. Bangladesh said Pakistan's reaction proved that Nizami was a "traitor" when he acted as chief of the infamous Al-Badr militia, an auxiliary unit of Pakistani troops that committed mass killings during the war. Bangladesh had accused Pakistan of "deliberate misinterpretation" saying nowhere in the agreement was it mentioned that Dhaka could not try its own nationals who had committed war crimes and sided with Pakistani troops during the liberation war. The two countries in the past week summoned and counter-summoned their envoys issuing statements and counter statements over Nizami's execution. Rome: Italy's foreign ministry summoned India's ambassador to Rome, Debabrata Saha, on Saturday after the Kollam court pressed ahead with murder charges for two Italian sailors accused of shooting two Indian fishermen they mistook for pirates in February. The ministry "firmly signalled the unacceptable judicial developments related to the Italian sailors", the statement said. Sailors Salvatore Girone and Latorre Massimiliano, who were involved in an international anti-piracy effort, should be protected by immunity, and India has no jurisdiction over the incident, which occurred in international waters, the statement said. Italy recalled its ambassador to New Delhi on Friday, and the diplomatic row shows no signs of abating as a the court denied bail to the sailors just hours later. Reuters The World Health Organisation (WHO) signed a first-of-its-kind agreement with the Indian government on Friday to develop a global protocol for promoting traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) by providing reference documents for governments to regulate and integrate such systems of knowledge into national health regimes. The Indian Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) has committed to provide technical and financial support to WHO, to develop benchmark documents for Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Unani, and Yoga. India will provide US $0.97 million (Rs 6.45 crore) against staggered outcomes to the UN health agency for the agreement that runs up till December 2020. At present, there are no WHO basic requirement documents for regulating practice and training to ensure the quality, safety and effectiveness of international disciplines and therapies in T&CM. The Project Collaboration Agreement that was signed today will develop for the first time basic WHO benchmark documents for training and practice of different Indian systems of medicine, said Ajit Kumar, Indian Ambassador to the UN office at Geneva. T&CM need rigorous, scientific data to demonstrate their efficacy. It needs guidelines in good manufacturing practices. It also needs evidence-based standards, said Dr Marie-Paule Kieney, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Innovation. The two systems of traditional and western medicine need not clash, Kieney said, praising Indias attempts to mainstream AYUSH under the National Rural Health Mission. India and WHO will seek to improve the quality and service delivery of Indian systems of medicine and help in their better acceptability internationally, said Shripad Yasso Naik, national AYUSH minister after the signing of the agreement. There is an increasing appetite among national governments to strengthen their traditional systems of medicine the number of WHO member states who put together national policies on traditional medicine have increased from 25 to 69 between 1999 and 2012. The limitations of public health systems based on a single approach or a single medical discipline are becoming rather evident, Naik said. The UN had undertaken some initiatives in the recent past to better integrate traditional systems of medicine with the mainstream health narratives. The WHO passed a resolution in the 2014 health assembly initiated by China called WHO Traditional and Complementary Medicine Strategy: 2014-2023 to help member states build their knowledge base, promote universal health coverage by integrating T&CM into national health policies, regulate products, practices and practitioners related to such disciplines, among other objectives. India had co-sponsored the resolution. The UN agency had also established an International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines (IRCH) a global network of regulatory authorities responsible for the global regulation of herbal medicines. Next IRCH meet will be hosted by India in November, 2016. The UN has also declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. This agreement has been quite a few years in the making. Discussions on the possibility of a collaborative agreement between WHO and the then Department of AYUSH began in 2006, with the establishment of two Indian institutes on traditional medicine as WHO collaborating centres in 2013. It is a landmark agreement because it adds global acceptability to AYUSH systems. The major drawback right now is a common protocol. This is the beginning of many more such collaborations of WHO, Ajit Sharan, AYUSH secretary, told Firstpost. The Department of AYUSH was elevated to a dedicated ministry for traditional medicine in November 2014. The government has signed MoUs on traditional medicine with nine countries Nepal, Bangladesh, Hungary, Trinidad &Tobago, Malaysia, China, Mauritius, Mongolia and Turkmenistan apart from having Ayurveda chairs in the four countries of Thailand, Indonesia, Slovenia and Russia. The agreement would subsequently lead to a long-term collaboration with the UN health agency involving multilateral collaboration in T&CM, including development of basic terminologies, establishing a database for global T&CM practitioners, establishment of a network of international regulatory cooperation for traditional practice, for preserving, protecting, and promoting the bio-resources, traditional medicine and folklore knowledge related with these systems. The Cabinet approved this a long-term collaboration with WHO in February this year. We are not saying that AYUSH is superior to others but requesting the people to try this (system of medicine), Naik told Firstpost. Every medicinal system, including AYUSH, has its strengths, and promoting alternate systems of medicine empowers and expands the choices available to the patient, he added. Paris: France changed its military strategy and started airstrikes in Syria last year because of concerns months before the attacks on Paris that ringleader Abdelhamid Abaaoud was plotting to target a concert and take hostages, according to a French newspaper report. The report in today's Le Parisien, citing French and Belgian intelligence material and police recordings, lists repeated occasions when authorities allegedly failed to catch Abaaoud, even though he had been considered a major threat by several European intelligence services before the November 13 attacks that left 130 dead in the French capital. US intelligence was also onto Abaaoud. President Barack Obama's envoy for the anti-Islamic State coalition, Brett McGuirk, said today that at as soon as he heard about the Paris attacks "we all assumed this was probably something that was planned by Abaaoud" from the Syrian IS stronghold of Raqqa. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, McGuirk described the Paris attacks as unusually sophisticated. Abaaoud was killed in a police raid five days after the attacks by IS suicide bombers on a concert, stadium and cafes. Most of those killed in the Paris attacks were hostages in the Bataclan concert hall. The French president's office and the Interior Ministry, which oversees intelligence services, did not respond to requests for comment on today's report. The news came as survivors and families of victims marked six months since the attacks, which shook the nation and prompted a state of emergency that is still in place. French authorities came under criticism immediately after the attacks for intelligence missteps that failed to prevent the bloodshed. France had been under high alert since deadly shootings at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper and a Paris kosher market in January 2015. By September 2015, Le Parisien reported, authorities had identified links between Abaaoud and thwarted attacks on a high-speed train and a church, and suspected he was plotting a big attack. The report quotes a witness as saying Abaaoud asked him to find a concert or other easy target with a lot of people, with the goal of seizing hostages and dying while fighting police. France joined the US-led coalition against IS in Iraq in 2014 but stayed out of Syria. President Francois Hollande changed that tack in September 2015, launching Syria airstrikes. Le Parisien said the decision was prompted by intelligence about Abaaoud, and that a September 27 French airstrike on Deir ez-Zor in Syria was aimed at Abaaoud's training camp. A North Carolina man admitted on Friday that he ripped off a Muslim woman's head scarf during a flight to New Mexico last December after saying, "Take it off! This is America!" Gill Payne, 37, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in New Mexico to one count of using force to intentionally obstruct the woman from freely exercising her religious beliefs, prosecutors said. "No matter one's faith, all Americans are entitled to peacefully exercise their religious beliefs free from discrimination and violence," said Vanita Gupta, head of the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. An attorney for Payne said by e-mail: "Mr. Payne has taken responsibility for his actions and is sorry for them. He is ready to begin the healing process and move forward." Payne admitted that on a flight last December, he approached the aisle where the Muslim woman was seated shortly before landing in Albuquerque, and stopped next to her seat, Prosecutors said. Payne then told the woman, a stranger identified in court documents as K.A., to take off her hijab, saying something to the effect of "Take it off! This is America!" prosecutors said. Payne then grabbed the back of the hijab and "pulled it all the way off," leaving her head exposed. "As a result, K.A. felt violated and quickly pulled the hijab back up and covered her head again," prosecutors said in a statement. A sentencing hearing for Payne has not yet been set, prosecutors said. However, under the terms of a plea agreement struck with prosecutors and accepted by a magistrate judge, Payne will likely serve two months of home detention as well as probation, Payne's attorney, Amber Fayerberg, said. The judge could also impose a fine, she said. The guilty plea comes in the wake of a number of anti-Muslim incidents in the United States. Earlier this week, a Muslim advocacy group said a California student was embarrassed and distressed after her name was incorrectly listed as Isis, the abbreviated name of the Islamic militant group. In late April, a New Jersey school board member resigned after drawing fire over anti-Muslim Facebook posts, including one saying, "America needs to get rid of people like you." In the wake of deadly attacks by Islamist militants in Paris and California last year, Donald Trump, now the presumptive Republican White House nominee, called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States. (Reporting by Eric M. Johnson in Seattle; Editing by David Gregorio) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. digital and print publisher. digital and print publisher. We are Americas largest We are Americas largest The brands you love. The experiences you want. Sony already confirmed that it is retiring its Z series of smartphones for its new X series. Now reports from Asian tech media confirms that Sony will also end the Xperia C and Xperia M series as well and will concentrate on the Xperia X series, which will be a single brand till 2018. Sonys upcoming Xperia C6 Ultra is expected to launch as Xperia X Ultra. In a presentation slide, Sony Mobile reveals that the Xperia X series marks its Chapter 3, after the Xperia X10 series between 2010 and 2012 and Xperia Z series between 2013 and 2015. So Sony is planning to continue with the latest X Series for two more years. The Xperia X has a new visual identity for Sonys brand communication and also has a new X logo for promotional print and TV advertising. Sony recently rolled out the Xperia X Performance in Europe, which is currently its flagship smartphone. Source 1,2 | Via Check out the new FoneArena Daily video that gives you a quick roundup of todays technology news. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3ShZOCNmhM Microsoft has announced that it plans to support fingerprint scanners for Windows 10 Mobile through Windows 10 Mobile Anniversary Update this summer. Sony has announced that it will end the Xperia C and Xperia M series to concentrate on the Xperia X series, which will be a single brand till 2018. Android VR placeholder has been spotted in Googles Play Developer Console confirming that it will be announced at the I/O next week. Google has apparently delayed its own version of 3D touch technology for Android, which will not be a part of the initial Android N release as expected. It's hard to believe that at one time last year we had approximately two-dozen contenders ready and raring to become the 45th President of the United States. However, with most primaries and caucuses in the rearview mirror, two likely nominees have emerged. On the Republican side, Donald Trump is the last man standing, with rivals Ted Cruz and John Kasich suspending their campaigns. Without any major opposition, Trump should be able to net the votes and delegates needed to secure the GOP's nomination for the November ballot. For the time being, he's being referred to as the party's "presumptive nominee." For the Democratic Party, things may not be 100% certain, but it's looking very likely that Hillary Clinton will be her party's nominee come November. Considering the way the Democratic Party assigns delegates and superdelegates, Clinton could hit the magic number needed to secure her party's nomination by June 7, the date of the California primary. With the field having been whittled down to an (un)likely showdown between Trump and Clinton, the process of contrasting the two to see which would be better for America as a whole can begin. Voters typically do this by analyzing the two candidates' stances on an issue-by-issue basis. As expected, Social Security, national security, jobs growth, and our national debt are all issues that will be at the forefront of the presidential debates. A surprisingly popular issue this election season But a surprising issue has worked its way into the mix this presidential election that's never before been such an important issue for Americans: the potential legalization of marijuana. According to an October 2015 poll from national pollster Gallup, 58% of respondents were in favor of fully legalizing marijuana. Despite this record-tying number (a previous year Gallup poll also showed 58% support for full legalization), neither Trump nor Clinton, or any other candidate save for perhaps Democratic Party contender Bernie Sanders, has been remotely ready to put forth legislation that would legalize the use of recreational marijuana. Of course, this hasn't stopped four states (Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Alaska) from legalizing the sale of adult-use marijuana and regulating the substance, all while the federal government stands firm by the drug's schedule 1 status (i.e., illicit). In fact, with the help of nearly $588 million in recreational cannabis sales in 2015, Colorado narrowly missed $1 billion in cumulative legal pot industry sales last year. 84% of the public supports this, and so does "The Donald" However, the marijuana industry doesn't need full legalization of the drug to necessarily be successful. Every new approval, be it recreational marijuana or medical marijuana, is a step in the right direction. With Pennsylvania's legislature approving a medical marijuana bill last month, there are now two dozen states that have approved the use of pot for medicinal purposes. The truly interesting thing about medical marijuana is that its approval rating is truly through the roof among the American public. A survey conducted in April 2015 by CBS News found that 84% of respondents would be in favor of seeing marijuana legalized for medical purposes in the United States. Legalizing medical marijuana could provide new treatment options for patients with certain types of epilepsy, glaucoma, and terminal cancers, and it could be an instant tax revenue generator for states and even the federal government (though recreational marijuana sales would probably be considerably larger than medical marijuana sales in the U.S.). In spite of this overwhelming support in favor of medical marijuana's legalization, the federal government, and the vast majority of the original presidential candidates, either have no desire to legalize its medical use, or they'd rather wait for additional safety data to become available. Hillary Clinton is one such candidate. With the exception of extreme cases of need or compassionate use, Clinton would restrict access to medical marijuana. She doesn't have an issue with the current status quo of allowing states to legalize and regulate marijuana on their own, but she has clear concerns about its safety profile for the time being. On the other hand, in an interview with Fox News, Donald Trump stated that he was "a hundred percent" in favor of the legalization of medical marijuana. The jury was still out on recreational marijuana for Trump, who prefers a wait-and-see approach, but his clear support for reforming the federal view on medical marijuana is a clear departure from the thinking throughout Capitol Hill. Depending on who gets into the Oval Office, we could see a major shake-up in the marijuana industry come 2017. Marijuana is growing by leaps and bounds, but is still a risky investment But even if Clinton becomes our next president, estimates suggest the marijuana industry will continue to expand. According to ArcView Market Research, the marijuana industry, through state level recreational and medical expansion, is expected to grow by 30% annually through 2020. This would suggest a market value of $22 billion for the industry by 2020, compared to $5.4 billion in 2015. The industry is expected to create plenty of jobs (and not just retail jobs), and it's clearly drawing a lot of interest from investors. Yet investors would be wise to realize that rapid growth doesn't necessarily translate into success for larger-scale marijuana companies. Because the federal laws governing marijuana are so restrictive, marijuana businesses aren't allowed to take normal tax deductions, and they have minimal or no access to basic banking services like checking accounts or lines of credit. As long as these disadvantages remain in place, expansion and hiring could be challenging, which will likely have a direct impact on profitability. My suggestion as an investor? Wait to see how the November elections play out. We have numerous states voting on whether to legalize medical or recreational marijuana, and we have two candidates with very different views on medical marijuana vying for the Oval Office. After the election we should have a clearer picture on the marijuana industry's path going forward. Until then, it's really a guessing game -- and I much prefer not to jump to conclusions with my hard-earned money. First they said SpaceX couldn't land a rocketship. So SpaceX did it. Then they said SpaceX couldn't land a rocketship on a boat. So SpaceX did that, too. Finally, cynics accused SpaceX of making that last landing too easy on itself. "Its rocket didn't go far enough," they accused. It didn't reenter hot enough, or fast enough. Let's see SpaceX try landing a rocket after launching to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), and not just low Earth orbit (LEO) -- it won't survive the attempt! Touchdown Well, surprise, surprise -- last week, SpaceX did that too. After launching a Japanese communications satellite into GTO roughly 22,300 miles above Earth, SpaceX landed its Falcon 9 launch vehicle aboard a drone barge in the mid-Atlantic last Friday. This is something that no one else has ever done -- not Boeing (BA 0.52%) nor Lockheed Martin (LMT 0.63%), the twin titans of United Launch Alliance. Not Arianespace. Not even Blue Origin has accomplished such a feat. The rundown In fact, SpaceX has now successfully relanded three of its last five rockets launched, including those carrying: The Orbcomm mission, launched to LEO and landed at spaceport on Dec. 21, 2015 at spaceport on Dec. 21, 2015 Jason-3, launched to LEO and failed landing at sea on Jan. 17, 2016 SES-9, launched to geostationary orbit (GEO, which is similar to GTO in altitude) and failed landing at sea on March 4, 2016 CRS-8, launched to resupply the ISS in LEO and landed at sea on April 8, 2016 at sea on April 8, 2016 JCSAT-14, launched to GTO and landed at sea on May 6, 2016. And yet, SpaceX's critics have been right about one thing all along: Space is hard. It took SpaceX two failed attempts before it finally stuck a landing on solid ground. It took the pioneering space exploration company two more failures before Falcon 9 would land safely on a boat at sea. Turns out, the one thing everyone was wrong about was that landing a rocket after a GTO mission (delivering a satellite to 22,000-26,000 miles distant) would be appreciably harder for SpaceX than landing after an LEO mission (LEO is anything under 1,200 miles above Earth's surface). Yes, the speeds involved were higher, with SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket rising higher and therefore falling farther down Earth's gravity well before landing. Yes, the temperature of reentry was higher. (Check out the discoloration on that rocket up above. It was white when it started its trip....) But SpaceX still did it. The question now is: What will SpaceX do next? What comes next The easy answer to this question is: Thaicom 8. On May 26, SpaceX is scheduled to fly a Falcon 9 rocket out of its Space Launch Complex 40 installation at Cape Canaveral, carrying the Thai communications satellite into geosynchronous orbit (GSO) roughly 23,000 miles above Earth. After that, SpaceX has three launches scheduled to take place in June, two flying out of Cape Canaveral and one leaving from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SpaceX may or may not choose to relaunch the same Falcon 9 that landed at sea on April 8 for one of these missions -- or for another mission yet to be announced. Elon Musk has said he's "aiming for relaunch around May or June," depending on whether SpaceX can find a customer willing to take a ride on a used rocket. What comes after next It's after SpaceX finds that guinea pig, though, that things really get interesting. According to the company's chief operating officer, Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX plans to cut its usual advertised price for a space launch by about 30% when reusing a rocket. That should shave $20 million off the company's usual launch price of roughly $60 million. At $40 million a rocket ride, it's going to be very difficult for any other space launch company to compete with SpaceX. Currently, Boeing and Lockheed Martin's space launches cost $125 million and up. Arianespace has a plan in place to launch satellites two at a time aboard its new Ariane 64 rocket (once it's built), for an average launch cost of $63 million -- but even this won't compete with a $40 million price, if SpaceX is able to offer that consistently. The key, though, is consistency. SpaceX has launched and landed three rockets -- and deserves all possible kudos for that. But can it re-launch and re-land a rocket? Can it rere-launch it and rere-land it? Because if it can, SpaceX will be able to underprice all comers, and change the economics of space exploration forever. And in as little as a month and a half -- or less! -- we'll know the answer. What: Shares of Boston Beer Co. (SAM 0.49%) fell 15.7% in the month of April, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, after the craft brewer admitted it lost market share for the second straight quarter. As of this writing, Boston Beer stock has fallen more than 23% year to date and sits within a bottlecap of a fresh 52-week low. So what: More specifically, the bulk of Boston Beer's decline happened in a single day last month after it revealed that first-quarter revenue fell 5% year over year, to $188.8 million, as planned price increases were more than offset by a 6% decline in core shipment volume, to 830,000 barrels. That resulted in a steep 48.8% decline in net income, to $7 million, or $0.53 per diluted share. Boston Beer also saw depletions -- a key industry measure for how quickly its product travels from warehouses to consumer outlets -- decline 5% from last year's first quarter. According to Boston Beer CEO Martin Roper, this result fell "significantly" short of the company's expectations, led by declines from its core Samuel Adams and Angry Orchard brands. Jim Koch, Boston Beer's founding chairman added, "We believe Samuel Adams has lost share due to the increased competition and continued growth of drinker interest in variety and innovation." That perspective echos comments made by Koch three months earlier, when he noted depletions trends were softening even as the company's "better beer" and craft categories appeared to remain healthy. At the time, Koch also pointed out that new craft brewers were entering the market even as existing craft brewers continued to expand distribution. Of course, that's great for beer drinkers searching for new, high-quality options. But it's bad -- at least in the near term -- for established brewers looking to gobble up a larger share of this burgeoning market. Now what: Still, the news wasn't all bad. Boston Beer is seeing increased momentum for new beers rolled out during the quarter, including its smooth Samuel Adams Nitro varieties and Rebel Grapefruit IPA. And as the company works to reverse a decline in the cider category that began in late 2015 after years of outsized growth, Roper insisted, "We believe the recent declines are not indicative of long-term cider category potential, and are happy that Angry Orchard has maintained a very high share level." Nonetheless, Boston Beer had no choice but to reduce its depletions and shipments guidance for the full year to a range of a 4% decline to 2% growth, compared to its preview view for the metrics to increase in the mid-single-digit percent range. Boston Beer is also scaling back planned increases in advertisement, selling, and promotional expenses and will focus on reducing costs to levels more appropriate for its lower volume expectations so it can focus on making strategic investments in categories with the highest potential growth. In the end, that may be frustrating for investors with a short-term view of the business. But for long-term shareholders willing to watch Boston Beer patiently work to make the most of this beer boom, I think the stock at today's levels could prove a mouthwatering bargain. Neither Kimi Raikkonen nor Sebastian Vettel could get within a second of polesitter Lewis Hamilton, leaving them on the third row of the grid - a far cry from earlier in the day when Vettel came very close to snatching top spot from the Silver Arrows in final practice. "I don't know what happened this afternoon," said Vettel after his P6 qualifying result. "We are disappointed as a team today because we didn't deliver what we can. "We can't change it now [but] we need to have a look and understand. We know that the car can be very strong, we just need to make sure that we get it in the right groove. I think we should be a lot quicker tomorrow." Team principal Maurizio Arrivabene was similarly perplexed by the sudden loss of pace, adding: "Something went wrong for both drivers it went wrong. Look at this morning: we were much better. We have to check." The Italian team's row-three grid slots mark only the fourth time in the last two seasons that neither Raikkonen nor Vettel have qualified inside the top four. This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. The now-presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump, stirred up millions of voters early in his presidential campaign by saying he would build a wall separating the U.S. and Mexico, that wouldnt cost Americans money. Instead, he asserted the entire structure would be paid for by Mexico. After vulgar comments made by former Mexican Vicente Fox about Trumps statement, Felipe Calderon, a former Mexican president himself, is calling for a rational discussion on trade immigration between his country and the United States, while calling Foxs comments disgusting and disappointing. It is not necessary to go to the insults, Calderon told the FOX Business Networks Liz Claman. We need to provide rationality to the debate. We need to provide arguments. Calderon, who served as Mexicos president from 2006 to 2012, said the proposed wall was non-negotiable and would not consider contributing funds at all. Its an absurd and stupid wall, he said. [The U.S. doesnt] have the right to impose any charge on any neighbor. Its the same way people have the right to do a wall in his or her own house, but doesnt have the right to impose the cost of the wall to the neighborhood. The former Mexican statesman issued a warning about the consequences of the U.S. reducing trade with Mexico. Six million American jobs will be under threat, he said. Why? Because six million families in the United States depend on trade with Mexico. Mexico is the second largest buyer of American products. Mexican people are the second largest group of tourists to the United States. Both economies depend a lot on our common trade and relations. Calderon added: [Trump] needs to know that the net migration of Mexican workers to the United States went to zero. And even today its negative, meaning that there are more Mexican workers coming back to Mexico than Mexican workers going to the United States. I recently discussed why I bought shares of CyberArk and how the Israeli cybersecurity companymakes money. However, investors should also understand the challenges that CyberArk faces. Let's take a closer look at four of the biggest risks which the company highlights in its latest 20-F filing. Image source: Pixabay. 1. Top and bottom line declines CyberArk has delivered solid top and bottom line growth in recent quarters. Revenue rose 43% annually last quarter as non-GAAP net income improved 46%. But looking ahead, CyberArk warns that as "we invest in the growth of our business, we expect our operating and net profit margins and our revenue growth rate to decline in the near-term." CyberArk's outlook for the current year reflects its plans to reinvest more cash into its business. The company expects sales to rise 30% to 31% this year, which exceeds analyst expectations for 28.5% growth. But on the bottom line, CyberArk expects non-GAAP net income to fall 9% to 13%, due to the development of new products and an aggressive expansion ofits sales and marketing team. That didn't surprise Wall Street, which already expected CyberArk's net income to fall 13% for the year due to those investments. CyberArk considers the timely growth of its workforce to be crucial to its future growth. The company warns that if it does not"effectively expand, train and retain our sales and marketing personnel," it could "be unable to acquire new customers or sell additional products and services to existing customers." 2. Being unable to sell new products to existing customers A "significant portion" of CyberArk's product and service sales are generated by its existing customers. The company uses a "land and expand" model. It sells a customer an initial license for a basic password vault product, which can be expanded to cover more accounts and include additional services, like its licensed application identity manager and expanded privileged session manager services. CyberArk's "land and expand" strategy. Image source: CyberArk. Since the land and expand strategy unfolds over several years, CyberArk needs to continuously develop new products and services to lock in its customers and generate higher revenues per customer. CyberArk states, "If we are unable to sell additional products and services to our existing customers, our future revenues and operating results will be harmed." To continue launching new products, CyberArk's R&D expenses will also rise. That's why its R&D headcount, which rose by 48% last year, is expected to continue growing alongside its sales and marketing teams this year. 3. Intense competition from bigger IT players CyberArk dominates the niche market of protecting privileged accounts, which are often used by hackers or disgruntled employees to gain access to data. However, many bigger companies have started bundling similar services into broader security platforms. CyberArk warns that the company faces "intense competition from IT security vendors, some of which are larger and better known than we are, and we may lack sufficient financial or other resources to maintain or improve our competitive position." CyberArk's most dangerous rival is CA Technologies , one of the biggest independent software companies in the world. In a Dec. 2014 presentation, research firm IDC noted that CA was evolving from a "major player" in the privileged account market into a "market leader" like CyberArk. CA is a threat because it offers a wider array of security and network monitoring solutions than CyberArk, which gives it the ability to bundle similar services at lower prices. Other challengers include IBM, Microsoft,and Oracle, which all offer bundled access and identity solutions. 4. Losing its "best in breed" reputation CyberArk dominates the privileged access market because it offers a "best in breed" solution. That's why its platform was recently certified by the U.S. Department of Defense, and why its customer list includes 40% of the Fortune 100 companies and 17 of the 20 biggest banks in the world. However, CyberArk notes that its sterling reputation "could be harmed based on real or perceived shortcomings, defects or vulnerabilities in our solutions or the provision of our services," or the "failure" of its customers to "correctly implement, manage and maintain our solutions." Therefore, if CyberArk's R&D fails to keep pace with the hackers and result in embarrassing breaches, itslongtime "land and expand" customers could embrace bigger IT rivals. Be aware of the risks, but don't panic Investors should be aware of these risks, but they shouldn't fret over them. CyberArk's expenses will rise this year, but the company has a solid track record of controlling costs and preserving GAAP profitability. Competitors are eyeing CyberArk's market, but its recent launch of the C3 Alliance with FireEye,Symantec, Intel,and otherscould widen its moat. Therefore, investors shouldn't worry unless CyberArk posts sudden and steep declines in sales and earnings growth. The article The 4 Biggest Risks To CyberArk Software Ltd. Stock originally appeared on Fool.com. Leo Sun owns shares of CyberArk Software. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends FireEye. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft and Oracle. The Motley Fool recommends CyberArk Software and Intel. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. While Fridays better-than-expected data on the U.S. consumer wasnt enough to help Wall Street hold onto its gains, one market watcher says its also not enough to push the Federal Reserve to raise rates at its next meeting in June. Lenore Hawkins, founding partner at Meritas Advisors and co-author of Cocktail Investing, said while the economic data surprised to the upside, theres more on the U.S. central banks plate to consider before hiking rates again. She pointed to the looming mid-June decision overseas in which British citizens will take to the polls to decide whether their nation should leave the European Union. That vote on the UK leaving the eurozone is just a couple of days after the June meeting. And that could really rock markets, she said. I dont see the Fed adding something more in with the rate hike that would just make the markets even more nervous. Further, Hawkins pointed to a Fed study that showed 47% of Americans dont have $400 they could pull from their bank accounts to use in case of an emergency. She explained that while data have shown more Americans saving more money since the Great Recession the levels are off a low base. Its not really a bad thing to see people saving more. And yes Americans are spending a little bit more, but when we look at the last GDP numbers, the big areas of spending have been housing and health careyou put those together and thats a lot of peoples wallets. It doesnt leave much leftover for them to go have fun, she said. To that point, Hawkins co-author, Chris Versace, who is also the chief investment officer at Tematica Research, said the April retail sales report showed consumers are spending cautiously. The data from the Commerce Department showed a 1.3% jump in retail sales, compared to expectations for a 0.8% rise. Excluding the volatile autos component, sales rose 0.8% compared to views for a 0.5% tick higher. A reading of up 0.8% excluding autos is hardly gangbusters, Versace said. And we see other confirming signs of this in our cash-strapped consumer investing theme. But we also continue to see a shift in what they spend on and where they spend. Versace explained that more shoppers spent more on clothing and accessories, sporting goods, hobby, and purchases made at health and personal care stores. Those trends bode well for online players like Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) which have been poaching consumers from bricks-and-mortar retailers for several years. The fact that Aprils year-over-year increase was stronger than that for the first four months of 2016, up 8.1%, tells us consumers are increasingly shifting where and how they ship to online and we see Amazon as a natural beneficiary as it expands its Prime offerings, he said. In light of the categories that remained strong for physical retail in April, Versace advised keeping an eye on shares of Under Armour (NYSE:UA), Foot Locker (NYSE:FL), Nike (NYSE:NKE), Shake Shack (NYSE:SHAK), and Jack in the Box (NASDAQ:JACK). Friday brought a little bit of good news for investors: Sales at U.S. retailers and restaurants grew at the fastest pace in more than a year during April. That was a positive development after a sluggish few months in 2016, and the result was ahead of expectations. Retail sales jumped 1.3% in April, sequentially from March, to $454 billion according to the Commerce Department. That 1.3% jump was a solid 50 basis points ahead of average estimates of a 0.8% gain. Even better, a surge in automotive sales, gasoline stations, and non-store retailers (such as Amazon) led April's results to a 3% gain over the prior year's result. Despite the positive retail sales from April, some of the biggest losers this week in the S&P 500 , which itself dropped 0.51%, were retailers. Between merger information, earnings results, or monthly sales, here's a look at what drove each of the following four retailers lower this week. ODP Price data by YCharts. Shares of Fossil Group dropped as much as 34% Thursday and finished trading for the week down roughly 31%, after the company reported a combination of weaker than anticipated first-quarter results and disappointing forward guidance. Image source: Fossil Group's corporate website. Looking specifically at its first-quarter figures, first-quarter revenue dropped 9% year over year to $659.8 million. That was driven by double-digit declines in its watches and jewelry segments, which posted declines of 10% and 13%, respectively, while leathers sales were roughly flat. The revenue pain was felt in multiple places with the Americas, Europe, and Asia posting respective declines of 8%, 10%, and 8%. The bottom line took an even worse hit with an 84.8% decline in net income to $5.8 million, or $0.12 per share -- that checked in below analysts' expectations of $0.15 per share. On top of all of that, Fossil Group CEO Kosta Kartsotis commented that headwinds will continue to pressure the traditional watch category and retail environment, and it will continue to impact this year's results. Fossil expects second-quarter net sales to drop 8% to 10% year over year to between $666 million to $681 million. That disappointed analysts, who expected second-quarter revenue to check in above $700 million. Two other retailers feeling major pain this week are Staples and Office Depot , which tumbled 19% and a staggering 41%, respectively. The stocks plunged midweek when it was announced that the two companies were blocked from merging. It was an ordeal that had lasted over a year by the time a federal judge sided with the Federal Trade Commission and issued the verdict. Because of that, Staples terminated the merger agreement and will pay Office Depot a $250 million breakup fee and go back to the drawing boards on what the company needs to do to turn the business around. The drop in stock price is also indicative of which company was more reliant on the potential merger, as Staples remains a much healthier company than its counterpart. For instance, Staples is expected to generate $600 million of free cash flow this year, while Office Depot wasn't even cash-flow positive last year -- and Office Depot has a larger debt pile, despite being the smaller company, to boot. Lastly, despite the overall market posting solid April gains in retail, Gap couldn't keep up, and its stock price shed nearly 19% of its value this week after it released its sales results. Gap's sales for April reached $1.12 billion, which was a decline from $1.21 billion during last year's April. That was driven by a 7% decline in comparable-store sales and declines in all of its major brands. Gap Global and Banana Republic Global posted comparable-store sales declines of 4% and 7%, while Old Navy Global posted the steepest decline of 10%. When you add it all up, throughout the entire first quarter, Gap's total comparable-store sales checked in 5% lower, which set the stage for weak expectations heading into its first-quarter earnings presentation. The company anticipates its earnings per share to check in between $0.31 and $0.32, and if that result materializes, it will be far below last year's $0.56 EPS during the first quarter. The thing is, this sales and earnings pressure -- which has recently been driven by higher inventory levels -- isn't exactly an easy problem to solve as the brand has lost some power since its surge in the 1990s, which leaves it open to more inventory/sales volatility as consumer demand is linked to product hits rather than the brand name. The article What Investors Missed in the Stock Market This Week (Hint: Some Retailers Got CRUSHED) originally appeared on Fool.com. Daniel Miller has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Fossil. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image source: Shake Shack. The stock market finished the week on a negative note Friday, with the Dow and S&P 500 both falling about 1% on the day. A combination of troubling quarterly results from several major retail department stores, uncertainty about the energy and banking sectors, and overall macroeconomic concerns undercut any sense of optimism among many investors. In addition, now that first-quarter earnings season has reached its peak and started to wind down, market participants worry that come July, second-quarter results could be disappointing. Yet even amid the doom and gloom, several stocks posted substantial gains on Friday. Among them were Shake Shack , Globalstar , and South Jersey Industries . Shake Shack gained almost 10% after the hot new burger chain reported its first-quarter results. The company said that comparable sales were up almost 10% among stores that had been open for at least 24 months, and it raised its guidance on full-year same-store sales growth to between 4% and 5%. Although the chain still has the popular perception of being a burger joint, Shake Shack's newly released chicken sandwich has gotten a lot of attention in boosting customer satisfaction and broadening the restaurant's menu. Some still aren't happy about the pace of expected future growth, but shareholders celebrated nevertheless. Globalstar soared 35% after the satellite company said that the Federal Communications Commission had been in contact with it. According to Globalstar's release, the FCC's Office of the Chairman said that an order has been circulated in advance of anticipated action from the full commission regarding the authorization of the company's Terrestrial Low-Power Service. The service, also known as TLPS, has been pending before the FCC since late 2012, and Globalstar believes that TLPS can get five times the distance and four times the throughput of public Wi-Fi systems. With an order expected soon, today's jump indicates the hope among shareholders that a positive resolution to the long-standing issue could be imminent. Finally, South Jersey Industries climbed 7%. The utility said late Thursday that it had increased the size of a secondary offering of common stock by 500,000 shares, bringing the total offering to 7 million shares. South Jersey Industries priced the offering at $26.25 per share, raising a gross total of $183.8 million. The company expects to use the net proceeds for capital expenditures in order to grow its regulated utility business, citing infrastructure investments as a potential example. Given that South Jersey Industries has been trying to make a transition to emphasize its regulated business over other, less-predictable sources of revenue, raising additional capital should give it even more flexibility in deciding a strategic direction for growth going forward. The article Why Shake Shack, Globalstar, and South Jersey Industries Jumped Today originally appeared on Fool.com. Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends South Jersey Industries. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. One Wells Fargo Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Image source: iStock/Thinkstock. There are three periods in Wells Fargo's past that shine a revealing light on its approach to banking: The Latin American debt crisis of the mid- to late 1980s The recession and commercial real estate downturn in the early 1990s, and The financial crisis of 2008 Although none of these crises caused Wells Fargo to record an annual loss -- which distinguishes it from many other banks -- they all had a meaningful impact on its bottom line. The chart below illustrates this, which traces Wells Fargo's yearly earnings since 1971. Data source: Wells Fargo's annual reports. Chart by author. As you can see, Wells Fargo's profits dropped precipitously in 1987, 1991, and 2008. The reason in each of the cases was the same: higher loan loss provisions. In 1987, Wells Fargo set aside an extra $589 million to cover expected losses from its portfolio of Latin American loans. It boosted its loan loss provisions by more than $1 billion in 1991 to buffer it against the downturn in commercial real estate. And the drop in Wells Fargo's earnings in 2008 stemmed principally from its $16 billion provision tied to the housing downturn as well as its acquisition that year of Wachovia. This is not unusual. Even the best-run banks suffer loan losses. One could argue in fact that every bank should make some bad loans; otherwise, they're not being aggressive enough on the sales front. The key is to minimize losses and to respond to them immediately and aggressively when they do materialize. Wells Fargo's experience serves as a case in point. With the benefit of hindsight, it's clear that the California-based bank has consistently set aside more money at the beginning of crises than it ended up using to absorb losses during the crises. From 1987 to 1990, it recorded $1.9 billion in loan losses provisions but charged off only $998 million worth of loans. From 1991-1993, it set aside $3.1 billion but charged off only $1.9 billion worth. And from 2007-2009, it recorded $42.6 billion in provisions versus $29.5 billion in net charge-offs. The impact of setting aside more money than it needs is twofold. First, it means that Wells Fargo's profit in the first year of a crisis will bear the brunt of any losses that materialize during the crisis. And, second, it means that the bank can later boost its profit by releasing unused provisions. Wells Fargo did so from 1994 to 1999, during which its charge-offs exceeded its provisions every year, meaning that it released money from its loan loss reserves. And it's done so every year since 2010. In 2011, for instance, Wells Fargo's provisions added up to $7.9 billion while its net charge-offs amounted to $11.3 billion. The net result is that not only can investors in Wells Fargo assume that it will be better equipped to survive crises, on account of its aggressive approach to loan loss provisions, but also that it will recover more quickly, as it benefits in subsequent years from reserve releases. The article 1 Reason Wells Fargo Recovers So Quickly From Financial Crises originally appeared on Fool.com. John Maxfield owns shares of Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Wells Fargo. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image source: Teck Resources. Teck Resources turned in a solid first quarter. In fact, it beat analyst expectations by a wide margin. Even better, there appear to be some bright spots starting on the horizon. Although it may be too early to call the all-clear, here are five key takeaways from the first quarter that management wants you to know about. 1. We made moneyAccording to Teck CEO Don Lindsay, "After removing the unusual items, adjusted profit attributable to shareholders was $18 million, or $0.03 per share." That may not sound like much, and it isn't. Last year the company earned $0.11 a share in the first quarter. But analysts were calling for a loss of $0.04 a share. In other words, it was a pretty good quarter on an absolute basis, despite the ongoing impact of low metallurgical coal, copper, and zinc prices. To put a number on that, revenues fell roughly 16%. So in some ways its pretty impressive that Teck didn't fall into the red, adjusting for one-time items. 2. We're controlling what we canA big piece of this puzzle comes down to Teck's hard-won cost cuts. Selling commodities means a company doesn't have pricing power. What a miner can control is how much it spends. Lindsay was proud to announce that "unit costs are down in each of our coal, copper, and zinc business units." Image source: Teck. Helping that along were lower oil prices, which reduces fuel costs, and a weakening Canadian dollar. The company's products are sold in dollars, but most of its expenses are in Canadian dollars, setting up a natural currency arbitrage. Adding a little color to the big picture, the CEO noted: "On a USD basis, total cash unit costs, including capitalized stripping, were $68 per ton for coal; that's down $12 per ton from Q1 last year. Copper cash unit costs, including capitalized stripping, again, are currently $1.49 per pound, and that's down $0.26 per pound from the same period last year." A lot of hard work is starting to pay off at Teck. 3. We've got some breathing roomOne of the big overhangs at Teck, and a lot of other miners, has been finances. With prices falling and a lot of miners spending heavily in recent years, often supporting that with debt, investors have been rightly worried about solvency. Lindsay wants you to know that Teck has plenty of cash available. He explains, "Our liquidity remains strong [at] over $5 billion, with our current cash balance of $1.3 billion and undrawn $3 billion U.S.-committed line of credit." That didn't happen on its own. For example, in 2015 Teck signed two streaming deals -- one with Franco-Nevada that raised $610 million, and another with Royal Gold that added about $160 million or so to the company's cash hoard. In other words, Teck's been busy here, too. 4. What about that oil thing?One of the other big investor worries about Teck is an oil sands project that it's involved in, called Fort Hills. For starters, Lindsay noted, "Construction on the Fort Hills project continues to progress well." But that's not really what's worrying investors -- it's the cost of the project. Image source: Teck. On that score, the CEO explained: "[O]ur target for the full year is to fund all of our share of the project capital [expenditures] internally. In total, there's only $1 billion remaining to project completion." A billion dollars is nothing to sneeze at, but remember that $1.3 billion it has in cash and $3 billion or so it can pull from a line of credit, if it needs to. In other words, it looks like Teck has the costs for Fort Hills under control. 5. Is that a glimmer of hope?The last takeaway is a bit more speculative. According to the CEO, "[C]oal sales were higher than we originally expected, and demand strengthened toward the end of the quarter." Also, "The quarterly contract price of $84 per ton represents the first increase since Q3 of 2013." And this is pretty important. Coal's lost some of its luster at Teck, but go back to 2011 and this business made up roughly half of revenues. So this positive news isn't heralding a turnaround -- it's way too soon to call that -- but it is something to keep an eye on, especially since the CEO noted that "the outlook for [the] steelmaking coal market has improved in the last two months, quite significantly." In all, Teck had a pretty solid quarter to start the year. Investors should be pleased. But, more important, it looks like some of the dark clouds are starting to lift. And there may even be some silver linings starting to appear at the edges. If you're looking for a miner, Teck is worth a deeper dive after its solid first-quarter performance. The article 5 Things Teck Resources Management Wants You to Know originally appeared on Fool.com. Reuben Brewer has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image source: Tesla. The Los Angeles Times is on a crusade to undermine Tesla Motors . Last year, the media outlet published a seemingly scathing report arguing that CEO Elon Musk and his trio of companies are supported by $4.9 billion in government subsidies, although the assumptions and calculations behind that total are overly aggressive and misleading. Electrek has an excellent breakdown of the total and why the numbers are somewhat disingenuous. Well, the Times is at it again with a fresh opinion piece titled, "Tesla throws cold water on its own hype by admitting huge risks in building the Model 3." Overplaying your hand The "huge risks" that author Michael Hiltzik refers to are actually little more than standard disclosures around the plethora of risk factors that Tesla faces. Investors are all too familiar with the risk factors section of any 10-Q and 10-K, since companies go to great lengths to outline anything that could possibly go wrong with the business. This is nothing new. Companies tend to go overboard with risk factor legalese, specifically to limit their liability to investors in the event that things go sideways. If disclosures are inadequate, companies open themselves up to another risk: class action investor lawsuits. But just because things can go wrong doesn't mean they will. The most recent 10-Q has been updated with a wide range of risk factors related to Model 3, since the upcoming EV was unveiled at the end of the quarter. Included are things like the possibility that Model 3 "may experience delays," and that Tesla has "no experience to date in manufacturing vehicles at the high volumes" expected for Model 3. There are "many key assumptions" involved in the production plan, including Gigafactory construction timing, completion of design and engineering plans, supplier validation, and tooling availability and performance, among many others. To be clear, these risks are very real, and Tesla faces an immense challenge with executing on its plan. But investors are already keenly aware of these risks, which is why the market is seemingly skeptical about Musk's plans. Hiltzik is aggressively overplaying the storyline here, framing these risk factors as if they're disproportionately probable or news to investors. It could happen Two can play at Hiltzik's game. There's another "huge" risk factor for investors to consider: acts of God. Most companies need several types of insurance to cover possible losses in various parts of the business. Tesla maintains many of the types of insurance that you'd expect of an auto company, including general liability, automobile, property, and workers' compensation, among others. But Tesla chooses not to maintain as much coverage as other companies in other areas, which theoretically exposes it to greater risk. Specifically, here's another risk factor listed in the 10-Q: Losses associated with any uncovered loss could require a significant capital outlay, which could also include large deductibles that Tesla has to pay out of pocket. Any of these could "adversely affect our financial condition and operating results." Consider the possibility that Tesla's Fremont factory were to spontaneously combust as an act of God. While Tesla very likely carries insurance on its primary manufacturing facility, the disruption in manufacturing would wreak havoc on earnings. Tesla should probably acquire some deity insurance. Can you imagine the hellacious premiums? The risks are still real Jokes aside, Model 3 absolutely entails a ton of risks, and investors must carefully consider those risks. That's especially true since Tesla's premium valuation utterly depends on the company becoming a mass-market OEM at some point (hopefully sooner rather than later). However, risk factor disclosures in SEC filings don't include probability weightings, which is where the tricky and subjective part comes in. As investors, it's our job to assign appropriate weights to these risk factors when making investing decisions. Simply put,Hiltzik is trying to get investors to overweight these risks. I wouldn't say that Tesla is throwing "cold water" on all the genuine consumer excitement and demand around Model 3, just because it is legally required to document in excessive detail all the things that could go wrong. The article "Acts of God" Could Also Crush Tesla Motors originally appeared on Fool.com. Evan Niu, CFA owns shares of Tesla Motors, andhas the following options: long January 2018 $180 calls on Tesla Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tesla Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Few railroads move goods more efficiently than CN. That's helped it grow profits, even as volumes have slipped. During the past year-plus, investors have heard a near-constant refrain fromCanadian National Railway (USA): Weak energy and metals/minerals shipments have seen total volumes fall, though strong auto demand and housing construction in the U.S. have balanced that with increased shipments of vehicles and forest products. At the same time, however, CN has done an excellent job of managing its costs, and continues to report the best efficiency in the rail industry, helping it continue to grow profits, even as the issues above reduce volumes and revenues. Let's take a closer look at Canadian National Railway's first-quarter financial results. (Note: All dollar amounts in this article reported in Canadian dollars.) The numbers Metric Q1 2016 Q1 2015 Change Revenue $2,964 $3,098 -4% Net income $792 $704 13% EPS $1.00 $0.86 16% Operating ratio 58.9% 65.7% 680 BPS improvement Revenue and net income in millions. Source: Canadian National Railway. CN isn't the only railroad feeling the pinch of weak energy volumes. CSX Corporation reported earnings in mid-April, and its revenues declined 14% on a 5% decline in volume and lower fuel recovery. CSX reduced its expenses by 12% in the quarter, but the continued weakness -- particularly in shipping demand for coal, metals, and other commodity goods -- is expected to continue weighing on the company's volumes. CSX reported an 18% decline in earnings per share in the quarter. CN, which recognizes its results in Canadian dollars, gets some benefit from a strong U.S. dollar, though much of this benefit is canceled out by operating expenses, which are also in U.S. dollars for all of its operations south of the Canadian border. At the same time, the company's ability to manage its costs, and consistently improve its already-excellent operating performance, has been a key and sustainable benefit to the bottom line. Keys to the quarter This slide from CN's earnings presentation sums up the operating-efficiency gains the company got last quarter: Image source: Canadian National presentation. In short, the railway moved goods more quickly, moved more cars through its yards in less time, and hauled more goods per horsepower utilized in the quarter. Add these all up, and that's more goods moved per dollar of cost, whether it's labor, fuel, or assets being utilized. Another slide, which showed how the weaker Canadian dollar, as well as higher prices, helped drive a higher revenue per rail-ton-mile shipped, combined with the better ratios above to increase earnings: Image source: Canadian National presentation. The slide also shows, on the right, the volumes shipped by category. The importance here is that CN's relatively diverse mix of products that it ships allows the company to ride out weakness in one or more industries, while still maintaining highly efficient operations and solid profits. Key comments from management The weak Canadian dollar, as compared to the U.S. dollar, is helping CN in more than one way. Two statements from Chief Marketing Officer Jean-Jacques Ruest: The company's relatively small exposure to coal is a big benefit, particularly as competitors such as CSX, with larger dependence on coal, will be challenged to find replacement volume: CFO Luc Jobin pointed out that a weak Canadian dollar did help earnings, but it was far from the only source of earnings growth: Back out that $0.07 per-share benefit, and EPS still increased 8% year over year. Factor out the 3% reduction in the share count from buybacks, and that's still a 5% boost in profits from improved operations, even on lower volume and revenue. Looking ahead When management gave guidance for 2016 on its fiscal 2015 earnings call, the expectation was for earnings per share to grow at a mid-single-digit rate. However, a number of factors, including a higher fuel price and foreign exchange assumptions, led the company to revise its guidance down, with the goal of delivering $4.44 per share in earnings in 2016. That would be the same as the railroad produced last year. In short, net income could decline as the year progresses, as share buybacks are likely to further reduce the share count. At the same time, the board approved a 20% increase to the dividend earlier this year, to $1.50 per year, paid quarterly. At the projected $4.44 per share in earnings, that's roughly a 33% payout ratio, slightly below the target of 35%. In other words, if the company can exceed its earnings guidance in 2016, and if management can sustain that growth, further dividend increases that track with earnings growth each year are likely. Image source: Canadian National Railway. The article Canadian National Railway (USA) Is Just Better at Moving Goods More Cheaply originally appeared on Fool.com. Jason Hall has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool recommends CSX. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Natural gas engine-technology leaderWestport Innovations announced financial results for its first quarter on May 12, and the bottom line isn't getting any better. The company continues to face declining sales, and while expenses are falling, it continues to burn through capital at a much-faster rate than it's producing. Factor in concerns that its pending merger withFuel Systems Solutions-- which has a much-stronger balance sheet and much-better operating cash flows -- may fall through, and there's much to be uncertain about. Operating results far from covering cash expenses For years, the lure of Westport's technology has failed to deliver any sustainable business results. And while it's easy to say that timing has played a big part -- after all, the ongoing oil crash caught almost everyone off guard, and significantly altered the demand landscape for natural-gas vehicles -- at some point, the music will stop for a company that's unable to produce enough cash flow to cover its expenses. Here's Westport's financial performance last quarter: Metric Q1 2016 Q1 2015 Change Revenue $24.0 $28.0 -14% Net income (loss) -$23.3 -$17.2 -35% EPS $(0.36) $(0.27) -33% Revenue and net income (loss) in millions. Source: Westport Innovations. In short, Westport's net loss was nearly equal to its total revenue. While that doesn't tell the whole story -- Westport doesn't recognize revenue from its joint ventures, which generated $95 million in sales in the first quarter -- those joint ventures only produced $5.4 million in operating income. Further, Westport will only receive $2 million of that total. Here's where Westport spent its money last quarter: Cost of product: $17.2 million General and administrative: $10.1 million Sales and marketing: $3.7 million Research and development: $11.6 million Interest and bank charges: $138,000 With the exception of general/administrative and interest expense, Westport spent less in every one of these categories last quarter. But at the same time, the company spent $42.7 million on these categories, while only generating $26 million in revenues and income from its joint ventures. That's $16.7 million headed the wrong way. Westport needs Fuel Systems Fuel Systems Solutions, on the other hand, has been generally cash-flow positive in recent years: FSYS Cash from Operations (Annual) data by YCharts. Yes, it was cash flow negative in the first quarter, but it typically is in the first quarter. This occurs because it spends cash to build up inventory early in the year that it will sell as the year progresses, producing positive cash for the full year. Furthermore, Fuel Systems also has $49 million in cash on the balance sheet, and no long-term debt. At the same time, Westport isn't the only partner to this arranged marriage that would benefit. Westport President and COO Nancy Gougarty said on the recent earnings call that the combined business would realize $18 million in annual cost savings. Furthermore, Fuel Systems doesn't participate in heavy-duty transportation, focusing instead on light-duty vehicles, infrastructure such as refueling systems, and industrial technology, such as forklift engines. In the short term, Westport would certainly get a huge lift from Fuel Systems' stronger operating business and the capital that it would bring to the combined venture. In the long term, however, prospects for Fuel Systems and its shareholders would be enhanced with a much-larger addressable market. Why HPDI 2.0 might actually be the big one The enticing potential of Westport's technology -- particularly high-pressure, direct-injection, or HPDI -- to unlock the massive (and potentially massively profitable) heavy-duty trucking industry, has been a siren's call, destroying many an investor's capital ship on the stony shore of "Just keep waiting" island. HPDI has been the key technology that Westport has touted for many, many years, but has yet to bring to market in any meaningful way. The company produced an in-house 15-liter version of the engine several years back, but relatively low sales -- largely because of the high cost of each of these essentially hand-built engines -- led the company to discontinue it, and make the shift to HPDI 2.0. HPDI 2.0, however, might actually be different. I know... I can hear you now: "This time it's different... right?" Yes, it's true that "This Time it's different" and "Just keep waiting" are merely two islands in an archipelago of destroyed investor returns. But seriously, here's why HPDI 2.0 could actually work out: First, HPDI 2.0 won't be manufactured by Westport. The company is partnering withDelphi Automotive, one of the largest global manufacturers of engine injectors in the world. Delphi and Westport are currently installing production lines inside Delphi facilities, and are on track to start production this year. This move will mean three major things: Significantly lower unit costs Significantly higher volume capabilities Significantly simpler OEM integration Lower cost and easier OEM integration are key, because that will drive more buyer demand, while also reducing the cost and complexity for OEMs to work HPDI 2.0 into their assembly lines. But here's the real bottom line: Delphi isn't in this to just take up space on its manufacturing floors, and it has strong credibility with vehicle and engine OEMs. This is a real positive for HPDI 2.0, and a solid reason why it should progress toward commercialization in 2016. The clock is ticking The reality is, if the Fuel Systems deal falls through -- and a co-founder with a nearly 9% stake in the company says he will vote against it -- Westport's financial situation will be much, much more uncertain, and there will be real concerns whether the company will have enough capital to bridge the gap between now and HPDI 2.0 generating meaningful revenue. Bottom line: the Fuel Systems merger is good for both companies, but Westportneeds Fuel Systems more than Fuel Systems needs Westport. Assuming the deal closes, there's a lot to be optimistic about. Failing that, Westport shareholders should be at least a little bit worried. The article The Clock Is Ticking for Westport Innovations Inc. (USA) originally appeared on Fool.com. Jason Hall owns shares of Westport Innovations. Jason Hall has the following options: long January 2017 $3 calls on Westport Innovations. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. In the past few years, Delta Air Lines has taken a relatively unique route toward improving its position in foreign markets. The airline has invested money in several airlines across the globe, including Virgin Atlantic in the U.K., China Eastern in China, Gol in Brazil, and Aeromexico in Mexico. Delta's goal is to get economic exposure to high-growth markets while gaining some influence over the carriers it invests in. When possible, Delta also aims to create immunized joint ventures with these airlines; these joint ventures allow it to harmonize schedules and fares with its partners while maximizing schedule flexibility and connecting opportunities for customers. Delta has invested in four other airlines around the world. Delta intends to increase its investment in Aeromexico within the next few months. It hopes to get regulatory approval to set up an immunized joint venture in the near future as well. This Delta-Aeromexico partnership could be good for No. 2 Mexican airline Volaris . Here's why. One step closer to a joint venture More than a year ago, Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico filed applications to set up a joint venture for flights between the U.S. and Mexico. Essentially, this structure would allow them to operate as a single airline on these routes. Since a joint venture structure entails setting schedules and pricing together and sharing revenue, it needs to be approved by antitrust regulators both in the U.S. and in Mexico. Delta and Aeromexico's joint venture plans have moved closer to realization in the past month. In late April, Mexico's Senate approved a new air service agreement with the U.S. that would permit a joint venture arrangement. Shortly thereafter, Mexican regulators approved the proposed Delta-Aeromexico joint venture. The approval did come with some conditions. Most importantly, the two airlines will have to give up all eight of Delta's slot pairs at Mexico City's heavily congested airport. Delta and Aeromexico have announced that they will accept these conditions. Assuming that the U.S. also approves the joint venture -- which is not guaranteed -- Delta and Aeromexico could begin cooperating later this year. More slots for Volaris? The Aeromexico-Delta joint venture, if it is cleared by the U.S., could help top Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Volaris in two ways. First, it may be able to pick up some more slots in Mexico City. Volaris has been growing rapidly in recent years, but it has been unable to add flights in what is by far the largest market in Mexico. Instead, Volaris has started adding larger A321 aircraft to its fleet in order to meet demand in Mexico City. When I spoke to Volaris CEO Enrique Beltranena two months ago, he didn't see much hope of gaining additional slots in Mexico City. However, Delta now needs to give up eight slot pairs to meet regulators' conditions, creating an opportunity. Volaris may try to acquire some of Delta's Mexico City slots. Many airlines are likely to be interested in picking up these slots. However, Volaris' position as Aeromexico's strongest competitor in Mexico and its small current portfolio of Mexico City slots give it a good shot at winning at least some of the slots. (Volaris representatives did not respond to a request for comment.) More customer segmentation in the cards A second way that a Delta-Aeromexico joint venture could help Volaris is through increased capacity and pricing discipline at Aeromexico. Delta sees Aeromexico's position as the only full-service airline in Mexico as its key competitive advantage. As a result, Delta is likely to push Aeromexico executives to focus on better serving business travelers rather than competing mainly on price with ULCCs like Volaris. (To put it another way, it wants Aeromexico to be more like Delta.) A strategy shift like that could help protect Volaris from a repeat of the price war that broke out in 2014 when Aeromexico decided to slash fares to regain market share. The price war damaged both companies' profitability during 2014 without impacting the long-term market share trend. Room for multiple winners in Mexico Mexico's airline industry is fairly concentrated, with four airlines dominating the domestic market: Aeromexico, Volaris, Interjet, and VivaAerobus. With the exception of Volaris and the much-smaller VivaAerobus -- which are both ULCCs -- the carriers all have distinct strategies and target markets. Given the massive growth potential of the Mexican air travel market, there's room for multiple winners in the years ahead. Joining forces with Delta could help Aeromexico significantly improve its profitability. But this development could also open up new opportunities for rivals like Volaris. The article Delta's Partnership With Aeromexico May Create Opportunities for Volaris originally appeared on Fool.com. Adam Levine-Weinberg owns shares of Volaris and is long June 2016 $12.5 calls on Volaris, short June 2016 $20 calls on Volaris, and long January 2017 $40 calls on Delta Air Lines. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Depending on your particular needs, your investment strategy will inevitably change over time. Investors in retirement typically focus on strong dividend stocks with a solid trajectory of growing dividends over the long term, as these kinds of companies tend to be especially healthy and reliable. So, if you're looking to add some rock-solid dividend stocks to your retirement portfolio, names such as PepsiCo , McDonald's , and Kimberly-Clark are worth considering. Here's why. PepsiCoPepsiCo is a global market leader in nonalcoholic drinks and snacks. The company owns 22 different brands, each generating over $1 billion each, in global revenue. This massive brand power in combination with a gargantuan distribution network provide rock-solid competitive strengths for the company. Global consumers are increasingly inclined toward healthier foods and drinks, so PepsiCo needs to adapt to changing demand. Nevertheless, management has been restructuring the portfolio to capitalize on this trend for a long time, so PepsiCo looks well positioned to continue thriving in a healthy new world. Image source: Pepsico. The company tracks performance for two different kinds of healthy product categories. "Everyday Nutrition" are products that provide positive nutrients, such as grains, fruit and vegetables, and protein, as well as water and unsweetened tea. These products currently account for nearly 25% of PepsiCo's revenue. "Guilt-Free" products, which includes everyday nutrition products plus low-calories beverages and snacks now represent nearly 45% of total company-level revenue. In a sign of the times, just 12% of PepsiCo's revenue currently comes from Pepsi, and less than 25% of sales come from carbonated soft drinks on a global basis. PepsiCo has a truly impressive track record of dividend growth over the years. The company has paid uninterrupted quarterly dividends since 1965, and it has accumulated 44 consecutive years of consistently growing dividends, including a recently announced dividend hike of 7% for 2016. The dividend payout ratio is quite reasonable, roughly 63% of earnings, and the stock pays a dividend yield of 2.9% at current prices. McDonald'sMcDonald's owns nearly 36,500 restaurants in 125 different countries. Location is a crucial advantage in the industry, and McDonald's has positioned its stores in many of the most coveted locations in the top cities around the world. Besides, its massive scale provides cost advantages via negotiating power with suppliers and operational efficiencies. Steve Easterbrook assumed the position of CEO in March of 2015, and McDonald's has been implementing a successful growth strategy based on product innovation since then. Launching the all-day breakfast menu in the U.S. has been a major success for the company, and global comparable sales increased 6.2% in the first quarter of 2016. Even in a highly saturated market such as the U.S., comparable sales grew by an impressive 5.4%. The company is betting on Asia for growth; McDonald's has recently announced it plans to open 1,500 restaurants in China, Hong Kong, and Korea over the next five years. Image source: McDonald's. The company refranchised 200 restaurants last quarter, and it plans to refranchise 4,000 additional units by the end of 2018. This will increase the franchised base from 82% of all stores to nearly 95% of all units, providing more stability and predictability to the company's cash flows. McDonald's paid its first dividend in 1976, and it has increased dividends in each and every year since then. The payout ratio is around 66% of earnings, and the dividend yield stands at 2.8%. Kimberly-ClarkKimberly-Clark is a top player in basic health and hygiene products. Most of the company's sales come from categories such as diapers, bathroom tissues, feminine products, and paper towels. Kimberly-Clark owns several of the most recognized brands in the industries where it operates, including widely recognized household names such as Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kleenex, Kotex, and Scott, among others. The company sells mostly everyday necessities as opposed to discretionary items, and this makes the business particularly stable and resilient. Kimberly-Clark does business in over 170 countries, and more than 50% of revenue comes from overseas. This international exposure is weighing on financial performance now that global currencies are depreciating against the U.S. dollar, but it also provides scale and growth opportunities for investors. Image source: Kimberly-Clark. Organic sales grew only 2% in the first quarter of 2016, but earnings per share increased by a much stronger 18% on the back of expanding profit margins and a reduced share count via stock buybacks. The company has embarked on an ambitious cost-saving program, and it plans to achieve $350 million in savings this year. Kimberly-Clark has increased dividends over the last 44 consecutive years, including a 4.5% increase announced in February of 2016. The payout ratio is around 60% of earnings, and the stock is paying a dividend yield of 2.9%. The article Retired? 3 Bulletproof Dividend Stocks You Should Consider Buying originally appeared on Fool.com. Andres Cardenal has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends PepsiCo. The Motley Fool recommends Kimberly-Clark. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. IMAGE SOURCE: SINA CORPORATION. SINA Corporationreleased first-quarter 2016 results Wednesday, and as usual it benefited from strong growth from its large stake in microblogging websiteWeibo. And even as SINA saw continued momentum in monetizing the mobile aspect of its core search portal business, shares still declined around 4% the following day. But before we get there, let's have a closer look at how SINA kicked off the new year. SINA's results: The raw numbers Metric Q1 2016 Actuals Q4 2015 Actuals Growth (YOY) Net revenue $198.7 million $184.6 million 7.6% Net income/(loss) attributable to SINA $15.3 million ($10.3 million) N/A Adjusted earnings per share $0.22 ($0.18) N/A DATA SOURCE: SINA CORPORATION. What happened with SINA this quarter? On an adjusted (non-GAAP) basis, revenue climbed 7.7% year over year, to $196.1 million, and SINA incurred a surprising net loss of $2.8 million, or $0.04 per share, compared with adjusted net income of $3 million, or $0.04 per share in last year's first quarter. The adjusted net loss primarily resulted from an equity loss generated by SINA's investment in E-House. Online advertising revenue grew 8.4% year over year, to $163 million, as a $20.1 million increase in Weibo advertising and marketing revenue more than offset a $7.5 million decline from portal ad revenue. Weibo's daily active users increased 75% year over year, to 120 million, including 45% growth in mobile daily active users. More than 91% of Weibo's average daily active users came from mobile devices in March. Daily video at Weibo increased 829% year over year, and 64% from last quarter. Mobile advertising revenue at Weibo represented 34% of total portal ad revenue, up from 14% in last year's first quarter. Mobile devices drove 60% of total portal traffic, and 44% of total portal ad revenue in Q1. Adjusted non-advertising revenue increased 5% year over year, to $33.1 million, including a 10% decline in portal non-ad revenue driven by the de-consolidation of SINA's core business, and 17% growth in Weibo non-ad revenue, to $20 million, the latter of which is thanks primarily to increased membership revenue. Cash from operations in the first quarter was $18.2 million, and capital expenditures were $8 million. SINA ended the quarter with $2.2 billion in cash, equivalents, and short-term investments, $373 million of which is related to Weibo's cash and short-term investments, and $796.5 million in convertible debt. What management had to say SINA CEO Charles Chao called it a "good start" to 2016 given Weibo's continued outperformance and in-line results at SINA's portal business. He elaborated: Looking forward SINA didn't offer any revisions to guidance for the full-year 2016. But when that guidance was issued in March, SINA told investors to expect 2016 adjusted revenue between $850 million and $950 million. In the end, SINA's report held few surprises, as usual, and demonstrated more than anything the same reliance on Weibo to drive growth, as it takes continued steps in advancing its portal business in the path toward sustained, profitable growth. As for now, it's apparent that mobile is as important to achieving that goal as ever. And given this solid beginning to the new year after reporting similar progress overall in recent quarters, I think SINA investors should still be content with the company's position today. The article SINA Gets Mobile As Weibo Continues to Drive Growth originally appeared on Fool.com. Steve Symington has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Sina. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The May 6 SpaceX JCSAT-14 mission that silenced the critics. Image source: SpaceX. First they said SpaceX couldn't land a rocketship. So SpaceX did it. Then they said SpaceX couldn't land a rocketship on a boat. So SpaceX did that, too. Finally, cynics accused SpaceX of making that last landing too easy on itself. "Its rocket didn't go far enough," they accused. It didn't reenter hot enough, or fast enough. Let's see SpaceX try landing a rocket after launching to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), and not just low Earth orbit (LEO)-- it won't survive the attempt! Touchdown Well, surprise, surprise -- last week, SpaceX did that too. After launching a Japanese communications satellite into GTO roughly 22,300 miles above Earth, SpaceX landed its Falcon 9 launch vehicle aboard a drone barge in the mid-Atlantic last Friday. This is something that no one else has ever done -- not Boeing nor Lockheed Martin , the twin titans of United Launch Alliance. Not Arianespace. Not even Blue Origin has accomplished such a feat. SpaceX's Falcon 9. On a boat. After launching a satellite into orbit 22,000 miles high. (Hint: It survived.) Image source: SpaceX. The rundown In fact, SpaceX has now successfully relanded three of its last five rockets launched, including those carrying: The Orbcomm mission, launched to LEO and landed at spaceport on Dec. 21, 2015 at spaceport on Dec. 21, 2015 Jason-3, launched to LEO and failed landing at sea on Jan. 17, 2016 SES-9, launched to geostationary orbit (GEO, which is similar to GTO in altitude)and failed landing at sea on March 4, 2016 CRS-8, launched to resupply the ISS in LEO and landed at sea on April 8, 2016 at sea on April 8, 2016 JCSAT-14, launched to GTO and landed at sea on May 6, 2016. And yet, SpaceX's critics have been right about one thing all along: Space is hard. It took SpaceX two failed attempts before it finally stuck a landing on solid ground. It took the pioneering space exploration company two more failures before Falcon 9 would land safely on a boat at sea. Turns out, the one thing everyone was wrong about was that landing a rocket after a GTO mission (delivering a satellite to 22,000-26,000 miles distant) would be appreciably harder for SpaceX than landing after an LEO mission (LEO is anything under 1,200 miles above Earth's surface). Yes, the speeds involved were higher, with SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket rising higher and therefore falling farther down Earth's gravity well before landing. Yes, the temperature of reentry was higher. (Check out the discoloration on that rocket up above. It was white when it started its trip....) But SpaceX still did it. The question now is: What will SpaceX do next? What comes next The easy answer to this question is: Thaicom 8. On May 26, SpaceX is scheduled to fly a Falcon 9 rocket out of its Space Launch Complex 40 installation at Cape Canaveral, carrying the Thai communications satellite into geosynchronous orbit (GSO) roughly 23,000 miles above Earth. After that, SpaceX has three launches scheduled to take place in June, two flying out of Cape Canaveral and one leaving from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SpaceX may or may not choose to relaunch the same Falcon 9 that landed at sea on April 8 for one of these missions -- or for another mission yet to be announced. Elon Musk has said he's "aiming for relaunch around May or June," depending on whether SpaceX can find a customer willing to take a ride on a used rocket. What comes after next It's after SpaceX finds that guinea pig, though, that things really get interesting. According to the company's chief operating officer, Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX plans to cut its usual advertised price for a space launch by about 30% when reusing a rocket. That should shave $20 million off the company's usual launch price of roughly $60 million. At $40 million a rocket ride, it's going to be very difficult for any other space launch company to compete with SpaceX. Currently, Boeing and Lockheed Martin's space launches cost $125 million and up. Arianespace has a plan in place to launch satellites two at a time aboard its new Ariane 64 rocket (once it's built), for an average launch cost of $63 million -- but even this won't compete with a $40 million price, if SpaceX is able to offer that consistently. The key, though, is consistency. SpaceX has launched and landed three rockets -- and deserves all possible kudos for that. But can it re-launch and re-land a rocket? Can it rere-launch it and rere-land it? Because if it can, SpaceX will be able to underprice all comers, and change the economics of space exploration forever. And in as little as a month and a half -- or less! -- we'll know the answer. Up it goes and down it goes. But investors want to know: Can a SpaceX rocket yo-yo -- can it go up-down-up? Image source: SpaceX. The article SpaceX Stuns the Cynics originally appeared on Fool.com. Rich Smithdoes not own shares of, nor is he short, any company named above. You can find him onMotley Fool CAPS, publicly pontificating under the handleTMFDitty, where he's currently ranked No. 291 out of more than 75,000 rated members.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. What:Shares of Boston Beer Co. fell 15.7% in the month of April,according to data provided byS&PGlobal Market Intelligence, after the craft brewer admitted it lost market share for the second straight quarter. As of this writing, Boston Beer stock has fallen more than 23% year to date and sits within a bottlecap of a fresh 52-week low. So what:More specifically, the bulk of Boston Beer's decline happened in a single day last month after it revealed that first-quarter revenue fell 5% year over year, to $188.8 million, as planned price increases were more than offset by a 6% decline in core shipment volume, to 830,000 barrels. That resulted in a steep 48.8% decline in net income, to $7 million, or $0.53 per diluted share. Boston Beer also saw depletions -- a key industry measure for how quickly its product travels from warehouses to consumer outlets -- decline 5% from last year's first quarter. According to Boston Beer CEO Martin Roper, this result fell "significantly" short of the company's expectations, led by declines from its core Samuel Adams and Angry Orchard brands. Jim Koch, Boston Beer's founding chairman added, "We believe Samuel Adams has lost share due to the increased competition and continued growth of drinker interest in variety and innovation." That perspective echos comments made by Koch three months earlier, when he noted depletions trends were softening even as the company's "better beer" and craft categories appeared to remain healthy. At the time, Koch also pointed out that new craft brewers were entering the market even as existing craft brewers continued to expand distribution. Of course, that's great for beer drinkers searching for new, high-quality options. But it's bad -- at least in the near term -- for established brewers looking to gobble up a larger share of this burgeoning market. Now what:Still, the news wasn't all bad. Boston Beer is seeing increased momentum for new beers rolled out during the quarter, including its smooth Samuel Adams Nitro varieties and Rebel Grapefruit IPA. And as the company works to reverse a decline in the cider category that began in late 2015 after years of outsized growth, Roper insisted, "We believe the recent declines are not indicative of long-term cider category potential, and are happy that Angry Orchard has maintained a very high share level." Nonetheless, Boston Beer had no choice but to reduce its depletions and shipments guidance for the full year to a range of a 4% decline to 2% growth, compared to its preview view for the metrics to increase in the mid-single-digit percent range. Boston Beer is also scaling back planned increases in advertisement, selling, and promotional expenses and will focus on reducing costs to levels more appropriate for its lower volume expectations so it can focus on making strategic investments in categories with the highest potential growth. In the end, that may be frustrating for investors with a short-term view of the business. But for long-term shareholders willing to watch Boston Beer patiently work to make the most of this beer boom, I think the stock at today's levels could prove a mouthwatering bargain. The article Why The Boston Beer Co., Inc. Stock Dropped 15.7% in April originally appeared on Fool.com. Steve Symington has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Boston Beer. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. What: Bloomin' Brands , the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, met its Q1 sales expectations when it reported earnings on April 26, which was good enough for investors, who sent its shares flying after results were announced. Image source: YCharts.com. The company reported first-quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.29, a decrease from $0.47 the previous year. Despite the decrease, the company's stock, which closed March at $16.87 jumped after results were reported, ending the month at $18.70, a nearly 11% gain, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. So what: While overall revenue was down 1.7% and comparable-store sales dropped by 1.5% in the United States, investors clearly liked what the company reported, perhaps because it delivered what it promised. "Our first quarter earnings were in line with our expectations," said CEO Liz Smith in the earnings release. "As we indicated in February, we expect our performance to strengthen in the back half of the year. This cadence was contemplated in our annual guidance and is driven by the timing of investments and their related benefits, lapping a very strong first half in 2015 and the pacing of foreign currency impact." Bloomin' Brands has also continued to repurchase shares and the company plans to continue efforts to return money to shareholders. The company repurchased $75 million worth of stock in the first quarter. "This was enabled by our strong free cash flow and the great progress we are making in our efforts to sell our owned real estate," said Smith. We will continue to explore additional opportunities within our portfolio to maximize shareholder value." Now what: When you tell investors to expect better performance in the second half of the year, you have to deliver. Clearly investors are accepting that Bloomin' Brands has a plan and so far it executed that plan by being on target with its Q1 predictions. Of course, when it comes to any operating plan delivering on the underperforming part is the easy piece of the equation. Going forward investors will want the company to meet its expectations in Q2 and then begin to show growth in Q3 and Q4 in line with its full-year guidance. The article Why Did Bloomin' Brands, Inc. Stock Climb 11% in April? originally appeared on Fool.com. Daniel Kline has no position in any stocks mentioned. He does not understand what makes Outback Steakhouse Australian. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image Source: Netflix. What: Shares of Netflix dropped 11.9% in April, according to data provided byS&P Global Market Intelligence. Weak subscriber growth guidance for the second quarter is to blame for the stock's poor performance. So what: Netflix reported first-quarter revenue of $1.96 billion, up 24.4% year over year but slightly short of analyst expectations. The company added 2.23 million U.S. subscribers and 4.51 million International subscribers during the quarter, with the total of 6.74 million the highest ever for Netflix. EPS came in at just $0.06, driven down by continued international losses, but $0.03 higher than the average analyst estimate. Netflix's guidance for the second quarter was the real problem. The company expects to add just 2.5 million subscribers in total, compared to 3.28 million added during the second quarter of last year. In the U.S. market, just 0.5 million subscribers are expected to be added, with Netflix expecting a modest negative impact from a price hike for longtime customers. More than half of Netflix's U.S. subscribers pay less than full price for the standard $9.99 plan, and the company will be removing this discount over the course of the year. International growth is also expected to slow, with just 2 million subscribers expected to be added during the second quarter. Netflix blames a tough comparison due to the launch of the service in Australia and New Zealand last year. With Netflix now operating in essentially every major country expect China, the company's subscriber numbers will no longer benefit from entering new countries. Now what: Investors value shares of Netflix based on its growth, not on its profits. While Netflix put up solid first-quarter subscriber growth, its guidance for the second quarter was well short of analyst expectations. On average, analysts were expecting about 3.5 million subscribers to be added. When a growth stock stops growing as fast as investors expect, a big drop isn't out of the ordinary. The Netflix story revolves around the company rapidly growing its international business, but with growth appearing to slow, investors may be re-evaluating Netflix's nosebleed valuation. The second quarter may prove to be nothing more than a blip, with faster growth eventually resuming, driven by Netflix's original content. But if slower growth becomes the norm, Netflix may see its stock fall even further. The article Why Netflix Stock Slumped 11.9% in April originally appeared on Fool.com. Timothy Green has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Netflix. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The White House welcomed the five Nordic nations of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway to its 12th state dinner Friday night for what was a celebration of democratic principles and appreciation for President Obama in his final year in office. The leaders of Denmark and Iceland toasted Obama and celebrated his accomplishments during the summit's formal dinner, declaring him the quintessential commander in chief. "Speaking of taking the lead, speaking of leadership, it is easy to see the importance and value of your leadership, Mr. President," Lars Lokke Rasmussen, prime minister of Denmark, said. "So without interfering in American politics, I can truly and without a doubt say that you have been the best president you have ever had." Rasmussen told the 350 guests, including a number of American celebrities in attendance, that Obama represents "a dream for millions of Americans" and applauded his enactment of a national health care program and lighting the White House in rainbow colors following the Supreme Court decision to allow same-sex marriages in every state. Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com Organized labor has poured about $45 million into pro-Democratic super PACs in the current election cycle, according to data reported to the Federal Election Commission. But only a small portion of that money has been spent, meaning that Republican candidates likely will face a heavy barrage of attack ads in the fall. Federal filings show, for example, that unions have donated about $10.7 million to Priorities USA Action, the top Democrat-aligned super PAC, accounting for about one-sixth of the group's funds. That exceeds the donations by deep-pocketed liberal donors such as George Soros ($7 million), Univision owner Haim Saban ($3.5 million), and Herbert and Marion Sandler ($2.5 million), according to the Center For Responsive Politics. In the last presidential election cycle, unions donated $13.4 million overall to Priorities USA Action. With six months remaining this year's election, the unions could easily top that figure before the year's end. Super PACs are campaign organizations that, unlike traditional political action committees, can raise unlimited amounts from individuals, corporations and labor unions, and are not limited in the amounts they can spend to back or oppose a particular candidate. Legally, they are obligated to be separate from the candidate's campaign, though most are run by people with close ties to the candidate or party the super PAC is aiding. Donations to super PACs are separate from direct donations to candidates' campaigns, which are capped by law. Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com EXCLUSIVE: It was just a few years ago, in March 2011, when a pair of U.S. Air Force B-1 bombers during a harsh winter storm took off from their base in South Dakota to fly across the world to launch the air campaign in Libya, only 16 hours after given the order. Today, many in the Air Force are questioning whether a similar mission could still be accomplished, after years of budget cuts that have taken an undeniable toll. The U.S. Air Force is now short 4,000 airmen to maintain its fleet, short 700 pilots to fly them and short vital spare parts necessary to keep their jets in the air. The shortage is so dire that some have even been forced to scrounge for parts in a remote desert scrapheap known as The Boneyard. It's not only the personnel that are tired, it's the aircraft that are tired as well, Master Sgt. Bruce Pfrommer, who has over two decades of experience in the Air Force working on B-1 bombers, told Fox News. Fox News visited two U.S. Air Force bases including South Dakotas Ellsworth Air Force Base located 35 miles from Mount Rushmore, where Pfrommer is stationed to see the resource problems first-hand, following an investigation into the state of U.S. Marine Corps aviation last month. Many of the Airmen reported feeing burnt out and exhausted due to the current pace of operations, and limited resources to support them. During the visit to Ellsworth earlier this week, Fox News was told only about half of the 28th Bomb Wings fleet of bombers can fly. We have only 20 aircraft assigned on station currently. Out of those 20 only nine are flyable, Pfrommer said. The [B-1] I worked on 20 years ago had 1,000 flight hours on it. Now we're looking at some of the airplanes out here that are pushing over 10,000 flight hours, he said. "In 10 years, we cut our flying program in half," said Capt. Elizabeth Jarding, a B-1 pilot at Ellsworth who returned home in January following a six-month deployment to the Middle East for the anti-ISIS campaign. On an overcast day in the middle of May with temperatures hovering in the low 50s, two B-1 bombers were supposed launch at 9:00 a.m. local time to fly nearly 1,000 miles south to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico for a live-fire exercise. On this day, though, only one of the two B-1s that taxied to the runway was able to take off and make the training mission on time. The other sat near the runway for two hours. It eventually took off but was unable to participate in the live-fire exercise and diverted to a different mission, its crew missing out on valuable training at White Sands. A spare aircraft also was unable to get airborne. When operating effectively, the B-1 can be one of the most lethal bombers in the U.S. militarys arsenal. Designed as a low-level deep strike penetrator to drop nuclear weapons on the Soviet Union in the early 1980s, the B-1 has evolved into a close-air support bomber. Flying for 10-12 hours at a time high above the battlefield, B-1s can carry 50,000 pounds of weapons, mostly satellite-guided bombs. It can put a 2,000 pound weapon on a doorknob from 15 miles away in the dark of night, in the worst weather, said Col. Gentry Boswell, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth. But only half of these supersonic bombers can actually fly right now. The jet is breaking more today than it did 20 years ago, Pfrommer said. The B-1 issues are a symptom of a broader resource decline. Since the end of the Gulf War, the U.S. Air Force has 30 percent fewer airmen, 40 percent fewer aircraft and 60 percent fewer fighter squadrons. In 1991, the force had 134 fighter squadrons; today, only 55. The average U.S. Air Force plane is 27 years old. After 25 years of non-stop deployments to the Middle East, airmen are tired. Our retention rates are pretty low. Airmen are tired and burnt out, said Staff Sgt. Tyler Miller, with the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron based at Ellsworth. When I first came in seven years ago, we had six people per aircraft and the lowest man had six or seven years of experience, he continued. Today, you have three-man teams and each averages only three years of experience. Across-the-board budget cuts known as sequestration that began three years ago forced the Air Force to fire people, meaning those who stayed had to work extra shifts. And instead of flying, pilots are having to do more administrative jobs once taken care of by civilians, who were let go. "Honestly, from the perspective of an air crew member, the squadron is wiped out," said Jarding. Then there is the shortage of parts, which is pushing the Air Force to get creative in order to keep these planes airborne. They have had to cannibalize out-of-service planes from what is known as "The Boneyard," a graveyard in the Arizona desert for jets that are no longer flying. They strip old planes of parts, but now there aren't many left -- posing an obvious problem. Like their counterparts in the Marine Corps, they even cannibalize museum aircraft to find the parts they need to get planes back into combat. Capt. Travis Lytton, who works to keep his squadron of B-1s airborne, showed Fox News a museum aircraft where his maintainers stripped a part in order to make sure one of his B-1s could steer properly on the ground. We also pulled it off of six other museum jets throughout the U.S., Lytton said. On the heels of the Fox News reports on budget cuts impacting Marine Corps aviation, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook was asked last week if Defense Secretary Ash Carter thought the problems were more widespread. No, I do not think so, Cook replied. I think this is a particular issue that's been discussed at length and this is an issue we're working to address. But the airmens concerns suggest the problem is broader than the Pentagon would like to admit. Similar issues can be witnessed for the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force base in South Carolina, home to three squadrons of F-16 fighter jets. Out of 79 F-16s based at Shaw, only 42 percent can actually deploy right now, according to the commander of the wing, Col. Stephen F. Jost. That's because they, too, are missing parts. One F-16 squadron that recently returned last month from a deployment to the Middle East had a host of maintenance issues. Our first aircraft downrange this deployment, we were short 41 parts, Chief Master Sgt. Jamie Jordan said. To get the parts, the airmen had to take parts from another jet that deployed, leaving one less F-16 to fight ISIS. At one point, Jordan said they were taking parts from three separate aircraft. When asked about the efficiency of taking parts from expensive fighter jets, Jordan said the costs were not just in dollars: From a man-hour perspective, it's very labor intensive and it really takes a toll. The airmens concerns boil down to more than just the hassle on the airstrip: Its whether the U.S., which for decades has dominated the skies, would be ready for a conventional war with another major world power. Jost warned if one broke out soon, the U.S. would take losses. Said Boswell: The gap is closing and that worries all of us. Mixed feelings about presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump were on full display Saturday at the Wisconsin GOP convention, with Gov. Scott Walker and other officeholders not even speaking his name. Those who did mention Trump urged supporting him as a necessity in order to defeat Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. "We can't let Hillary Clinton bring four more years of Barack Obama," said U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, whose north-central congressional district is one of two Trump won in Wisconsin's primary on April 5. Trump lost statewide to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz by 13 points, but hasn't lost a state since. Wisconsin Republicans were more clearly united Saturday in support of Sen. Ron Johnson, who faces a tough re-election fight with Democrat Russ Feingold. "That needs to be our clear focus," Walker said of the Senate race. "That's where we can have the biggest impact, not just in the state of Wisconsin but the nation as a whole." Walker called for focusing "like a laser beam" on getting Republicans excited about supporting Johnson. Johnson, in his convention speech, compared the upcoming election along with the vote passengers on Flight 93 took on Sept. 11, 2001 before storming the cockpit to stop the hijackers and crash the plane in a Pennsylvania field. "It may not be life and death, like the vote the passengers on United flight 93 took, but boy is it consequential," Johnson said of the election. While Johnson joined state office holders in refusing to mention Trump by name, others in the congressional delegation broke the silence. "With Ron Johnson we're going to continue to make Wisconsin great and we're going to make America great again with Donald Trump," Duffy said, referring to Trump's campaign slogan. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, in calling for unifying behind Trump, said "the time has come to look at what the stakes are." "The consequence of staying home is effectively a vote for Hillary Clinton and Russ Feingold," he said. But Sensenbrenner's comment that Trump had won "fair and square" was met with only scattered applause. Rep. Glenn Grothman said Republicans need to get more excited in the race or face losing to Clinton. "Like the Scott Walker recall, we've got to be that riled up," Grothman said. There were few signs of excitement for Trump at the annual convention, which is largely staged as a pep rally for the party in advance of the election. One person wore a Trump hat and a vendor had Trump buttons for sale along with items for other candidates. There were no Trump signs hung in the convention hall. Walker has said he will endorse Trump as the Republican nominee, while others have said they want to hear more about his policies. U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan met with Trump in Washington on Thursday and said afterward he was confident that the party would be unified. Ryan, who represents the southeast corner of Wisconsin, was to speak at an evening banquet at the convention. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos pledged to help the "Republican nominee" but didn't say Trump's name. The next president "will likely have the power to stack the federal courts with nominees," Attorney General Brad Schimel said in his remarks. But instead of using that point to advocate for Trump, Schimel called for re-electing Johnson because of the role he plays in the Senate voting on confirming those nominees. Even state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, who had been one of the most outspoken office holders calling for unity behind Trump, did not make that plea during his remarks. Fitzgerald instead focused on Republican efforts to retain majority control of the state Senate. And Walker's son, Alex Walker, spoke about Johnson. A junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Alex Walker said he was working to organize college Republicans to help with the Johnson campaign. He didn't say anything about helping Trump. We must speak of contingencies in the presidential election year of 2016 because it has already been so strange. The Donald Trump phenomenon. A Sherman-esque non-candidacy by House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. A third--party candidacy. And efforts to court Mitt Romney or Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., are prime examples. Certainly a third party could prevent the Democratic or Republican presidential nominees from earning an absolute majority to win in the electoral college. This is a primer for a contingency, which hasnt unfolded in American political history in 191 years. It might not happen this round, either but just consider the past year in politics. The countrys founding fathers feared a direct, popular election of the president. So while the founders erected a system for eligible voters to cast ballots for president, they also simultaneously constructed an astonishing three safety valves to potentially curb the will of the masses, diffusing political power when selecting a chief executive. Creating the electoral college was the first circuit-breaker. The founders distributed electoral votes based on the population of each state. They granted the smallest states a minimum of three electoral votes -- based on the standard distribution of at least two U.S. senators and one member in the House. But bigger states would command more sway in the electoral college, because, well, they were bigger. Hence, the reason New York and Virginia were power players in the early years. In essence, voters were choosing electors for their state who would cast ballots on behalf of the candidate who emerged victorious. However, electors are free to vote the way they want and not bound to the candidate who prevails in a state. That produces the periodic phenomenon of faithless electors casting ballots in the electoral college. Washington, D.C., and 29 states have laws latching electors to candidates. But those statues are generally viewed as unenforceable. There have only been 157 instances of faithless electors for president or vice president in the history of the republic. No faithless electors have swayed the outcome of an election. The last faithless elector incident came in 2004. An unknown elector from Minnesota cast their ballot for then-Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., the Democrats vice presidential nominee, instead of now-Secretary of State John Kerry, the Democratic standard-bearer. Regardless, when writing the Constitution, the founders dictated that the House and Senate would serve as the ultimate arbiter of each states electoral slate. This is the second circuit breaker. In the period between the election and inauguration, the new House and Senate would convene a Joint Meeting of Congress to tabulate and check the electoral vote. This entails an actual adjudication and certification by each body. But what happens if a dispute arises when checking the electoral college slates? A member of the House and Senate must jointly contest an individual states electoral ballots. If that happens, the House and Senate dissolve into their separate bodies, debate the issue for two hours and then vote to accept or reject that states electoral vote. The House and Senate later reconvene to finally settle the issue in the Joint Meeting with the speaker of the House and the president of the Senate (the vice president) presiding. In early 2001, various members of the Congressional Black Caucus aimed to challenge Floridas electoral slate from the previous falls disputed presidential election. Then-Vice President Gore repeatedly asked each CBC member if they had a Senate sponsor to jointly contest the Florida electoral slate. None did. I dont care that it is not signed by a senator, famously proclaimed Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., when pressed by Gore if she had a Senate advocate. The irony of course is that the person who stood to benefit from a successful challenge of Floridas electoral ballot was none other than Gore -- the 2000 Democratic Presidential nominee. In other words, this was getting awkward. But not for long. The chair would advise that the rules do care, Gore chastened Waters as he rejected her petition. The move triggered applause from congressional Republicans in the House chamber. Officials reported voting irregularities in Ohio in 2004. The late-Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, raised the issue about Ohios electoral slate during the January, 2005 Joint Meeting of Congress certifying the electoral college. Only this time around, Tubbs Jones found a Senate patron in Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. The House and Senate then met separately to debate and vote on the Tubbs Jones/Boxer objection. The House and Senate eventually found the Ohio electoral votes to be in order. President George W. Bush secured a second term in the White House. Electoral college issues dont always stem from questions surrounding the veracity of a states electoral votes. Sometimes math is the issue. 538 ballots now comprise the electoral college -- 435 House seats, 100 Senate seats and three ballots allotted to the District of Columbia. Based on D.C.s population, the electoral college distributes the three electoral votes to the district -- the same number it would have if the city were a state - two Senate seats and one House seat. So, 270 electoral votes is the magic number to win the presidency. That number was not always the winning threshold in the electoral college because the country was much smaller. The District never registered in the electoral college until the 1960s. However, the founders anticipated the possibility of a scenario in which nobody captured an outright majority of the electoral vote. In other words, the most votes does not guarantee a win in the electoral college. The successful candidate must secure 50.1 percent of all electoral votes tabulated. That was not the case in the presidential election of 1800. Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson tied at 73 electoral votes. Astonishingly, sitting President John Adams only marshaled 65 electoral votes. This brings us to the third safety valve designed by the founders. Something called a Contingent Election. The U.S. has only witnessed two contingent elections in its history. The first occasion followed the 1800 mayhem and again in 1824. If no candidate harnesses an absolute majority in the electoral college, the Constitution pitches the election for president into the House of Representatives and the choice for vice president is left up to the Senate. In the House, each state votes as a delegation among the top three electoral vote getters. The District, despite holding three electoral votes in the electoral college, is cut out of the picture altogether in a contingent election because it technically does not have a voting House member. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, a Democrat, is just that: the Districts delegate to Congress. Not a full-fledged House member. The top three electoral college vote getters are eligible for consideration for president on the House floor in a contingent election. In 1801, it was Burr, Jefferson and Adams. That contingent election unfolded so early in U.S. history that they had yet to construct the House chamber. So House members voted in what is now the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on the Senate side of the Capitol. The exercise consumed seven days before Jefferson finally vanquished Burr and Adams on the 36th ballot. But the vote for president by state delegation in the House introduces an entirely new dynamic into the process. Consider that California -- the big-shouldered state in the electoral college with 55 electoral votes -- is reduced to just a single vote in the contingent election, the same as Delaware or South Dakota. More Democrats comprise Californias House delegation than Republicans. California would be expected to repeat its long-standing trend of voting for the Democratic candidate for president. So California remains the same. But try a swing state like Wisconsin. It currently has ten electoral votes. Republicans outnumber Democrats in its House delegation five to three. But heres where it gets interesting. Rep. Reid Ribble, R-Wis., is retiring. His district is up for grabs this fall. Lets say Ribbles seat flips to a Democrat. The Wisconsin House delegation is now even with four Republicans and four Democrats. And if the state is deadlocked, well, Wisconsins vote doesnt count toward the total. Ryan would preside over this pandemonium -- that is, if hes still speaker. He is cognizant of his role chairing the Republican convention this summer in Cleveland. Ryans said he wants to be Switzerland and neutral. But in a hypothetical contingent election, would Ryan vote as part of the Wisconsin delegation? Or would he remain above the fray, tipping the balance of Wisconsins delegation to the Democrats at four to three and breaking a possible deadlock? In the contingent election of 1825, John Quincy Adams squared off with Andrew Jackson. Adams eventually secured the presidency even though Jackson won more popular and more electoral votes in 1824. Jackson later accused House Speaker Henry Clay, of Kentucky, of engineering a corrupt bargain to catapult Adams to the presidency. Jackson accused Adams of offering Clay a cabinet post in exchange for whipping the vote for president in his favor. Clay harbored a visceral contempt for Jackson over how he handled the battle of New Orleans. Ergo, there could be good reason for the House speaker to stay above the fray should a contingent election ever unfold again. The contingent election of 1825 went a lot faster than the one in 1801. The House elected Adams president on the first ballot, compared to the 36 ballots needed to propel Thomas Jefferson to the presidency nearly a quarter century before. But what happens if the contingent election drags on past inauguration day? There is a very small window in which to settle an electoral college dispute -- between the start of the new Congress in January and inauguration day on January 20? The country cant operate without a president. Well, theres a contingency for that, too. Believe it or not, the sitting Vice President from the old administration becomes acting president until the House mediates the electoral college issue. In other words, in this strange world of hypotheticals, Joe Biden has a chance to perhaps serve as President of the United States at least for a few days. Eight years after he was the Republican presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain appears headed toward his toughest re-election fight yet, in no small part because of presumptive GOP presidential standard-bearer Donald Trump. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, the Democratic Senate candidate who is neck-and-neck with McCain in polls, has relentlessly gone after McCain for the senators support no matter how tepid of Trump. McCain has hardly shown enthusiasm for Trump, only saying he would support the partys nominee (while planning to skip the GOP convention in Cleveland). And hes privately warned that Trump could hurt his own bid. Politico reported on audio from a fundraiser where McCain is heard saying, If Donald Trump is at the top of the ticket, here in Arizona, with over 30 percent of the vote being the Hispanic vote, no doubt that this may be the race of my life. But Kirkpatricks campaign is hammering any connection it can between McCain and Trump, settling for nothing short of denunciation by the sitting senator. John McCains supporting Donald Trump despite declaring Trump dangerous and characterizing Trump's supporters as crazies, Kirkpatrick campaign spokesman D.B. Mitchell told FoxNews.com. It's clear McCain's 'straight talk' days are over. McCains campaign, meanwhile, has blasted Kirkpatrick as siding with the liberal establishment. The race is a snapshot of the conflicted relationship high-profile Republican candidates across the country could have with the presumptive presidential nominee. The jury is out on whether, on balance, he would help or hurt congressional candidates. But for McCain, Trumps impact is even being felt in the Republican primary. One of his opponents, Alex Meluskey, a businessman and talk radio host, cited an internal campaign poll showing most respondents would be more likely to vote for a businessman who never ran for office over a career politician and claimed the Trump phenomenon would be good for him. Any time you have an outsider businessman, that absolutely favors us, Meluskey told FoxNews.com. McCain also is facing opposition from Kelli Ward, a doctor who resigned her state Senate seat last year to run full time for the U.S. Senate. She is touting a resounding GOP straw poll victory over McCain earlier this month at the Arizona Republican State Convention and is pushing a campaign theme of bold, fresh and fearless, to contrast McCains status as a longtime Washington insider. The Republican primary is Aug. 30, just one day after McCain turns 80. But its the expected November race thats causing headaches for the senator this year. During his five decisive Senate victories, the relatively moderate McCain has rarely had a real challenge in the general election. He usually has more concern in the state over who his primary challenger will be," Barbara Norrander, a political science professor at the University of Arizona, told FoxNews.com. Democrats have had a hard time recruiting someone viable to oppose him. This year could be different. A Merrill Poll in March found McCain leading Kirkpatrick by just one point, while a Behavior Research Center poll in April showed the two tied at 42-42 percent. Kirkpatrick, a former Arizona state legislator, was first elected to the House in 2008. She was voted out of office during the Republican wave of 2010, then ran again and won in 2012 and withstood another Republican wave in 2014 to keep her seat. McCain has more than $5.5 million cash on hand, according to the Federal Election Commission. That overwhelms every other opponent, as Kirkpatrick has $1.3 million, Ward has $210,792 and Meluskey has $163,764, according to FEC reports as of March 31. The McCain campaign is going after Kirkpatrick for her support of ObamaCare, and says Arizonans are facing a 21 percent increase in health insurance deductibles, while 59,000 Arizonans lost their insurance when the states co-op was removed from the federal marketplace. Even as independent analysts predict a dramatic rise in health care costs and more insurers contemplate exiting a crumbling marketplace, Congresswoman Kirkpatrick offers no solutions for the people of Arizona, McCain campaign spokeswoman Lorna Romero said in a statement. Instead, she is siding with the liberal establishment and ducking questions about President Obamas failed health care law. On the issue McCain fears could be troublesome because of Trump, he and Kirkpatrick both agree on a pathway to citizenship for some 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, but clash on the so-called Dream Act. Further, Kirkpatrick doesnt necessarily have an automatic advantage with Hispanic voters. The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce endorsed McCain in April. Last year, the liberal group Emilys List, backing Kirkpatrick, criticized another Latino coalition endorsing McCain as a taco shop, and said McCain put on a sombrero to pander. The Arizona Republic editorial board denounced the Emilys List stereotypes. Top congressional leaders have asked independent watchdogs to open an investigation into whether agencies deliberately gave them false information about a proposed $400 million-plus center for intelligence analysis overseas, according to a letter and documents reviewed by Fox News. The April 27 letter was signed by House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif.; Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry, R-Texas; Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah; and Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller, R-Fla. They asked Acting Defense Department Inspector General Glenn A. Fine and intelligence community Inspector General I. Charles McCullough III to "initiate one or more inquiries into the allegations that inaccurate or misleading information was intentionally conveyed to Congress in connection to the selection of RAF Croughton, as the location for a Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex (JIAC)." RAF Croughton is a base about 70 miles northwest of London that acts as a U.S. Air Force communications station. The Defense Department and intelligence community want to locate their proposed intelligence center for analysis at that base. The central allegation from lawmakers as well as documents citing whistle-blowers is that government agencies gave Congress misleading information to support the selection of RAF Croughton, while downplaying other options that may have been more cost-efficient. Nunes told Fox News that, considering military and intelligence-gathering funds have been cut, it makes no sense to build a new facility when other facilities are available across the NATO theater. He suggested the selection was fast-tracked. "We've met with the deputy secretary of defense, we've met with the DNI director (James Clapper), and we've been very clear that they have not done a report, an analysis of alternatives that's real," Nunes said. "There's a lot of threats that are out all over the globe and no American thinks it's smart to build a new intelligence center right outside of London, which is one of the most expensive areas in the world." Nunes said when he and other congressional leaders began asking questions about why Croughton was the preferred location, government officials were not forthcoming. "When Congress started asking questions, we didn't get straight answers and so myself and many others have asked the inspector general to come in and help us investigate because we believe that we've been misled," Nunes said. "When we finally figured out that they didn't look at multiple locations across the NATO theater, we knew at that point that there was something going on here that was turning into a fiasco." The new intelligence center would be used by AFRICOM, which conducts intelligence analysis for the Africa Command as well as EUCOM -- which does the same for the European Command. There is no requirement for analysts to be located in the geographic area that they are assessing. For example, analysts who cover Iraq and Syria work at CENTCOM in Florida. And the AFRICOM headquarters is in Stuttgart, Germany. The documents cited by lawmakers indicate "various whistleblowers have come forward alleging that the DOD has used faulty data in its analysis to achieve a preferred outcome, and has intentionally provided to Congress false information on housing and communication at Lajes Field, which was a competing site. The whistleblower claims could not be independently verified. According to the documents, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told Nunes in July 2015 that senior "civilians and contractors" would "quit rather than move" to Lajes Field in the Azores, a group of mid-Atlantic islands. The California lawmaker, whose family emigrated from the Azores, said he wants the most cost-efficient operation and disputes claims that he favored the Azores location because his family came from the islands years ago. "A half a billion dollars -- that's real money. Look at what that could do for our military, Nunes said. Look at what that could do for intelligence. I think if you look at what's happened across Europe and Africa, our intelligence -- we're not getting enough." A spokeswoman for the intelligence community inspector general, Andrea Williams, said their office received the letter and is deferring to the Defense Department inspector general -- and "if DoD IG needs our support and asks, we will provide it." DOD IG spokeswoman Bridget Serchak said they have the request and it is under review. A source familiar with the discussions said Clapper had met with Nunes and raised various concerns about alternate sites. A spokeswoman for the deputy secretary of Defense said RAF Croughton "remains the optimal location" for the intelligence center, and disputed allegations that the required selection process was not followed. "The Department evaluated a number of alternative locations and of those 14 locations, Croughton rated the highest overall," Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson said. "Lajes was not included as a candidate in the analysis of alternatives because it did not meet the minimum operational requirements. For example, Lajes cannot cost-effectively provide the needed communications bandwidth. ... Lajes is not easily accessible, is not proximate to major transportation hubs, and its geographic remoteness does not provide the access we and all NATO members need. On allegations Congress was misled, Hillston said at least two separate assessments were conducted: "While we share the view of the importance of Lajes, the Department assesses that is not the best location for the [Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex]. The Department has participated in numerous briefings with the Congress about the location of the JIAC and well as the viability of Lajes, and we look forward to continuing to work together." A charity group that helps homeless military veterans on Chicagos South Side says the city is trying to take control of the meager facility to make way for the restaurants, shops and other commercial venues that would complement the proposed Obama presidential library and museum. Group leaders said the RTW Veterans Center is the last privately-owned property on a stretch of S. King Boulevard near the proposed Washington Park site for the Barack Obama Presidential Center and that city building inspectors unexpectedly arrived last April to find an overwhelming 32 code violations at the facility. We dont appreciate being muscled out and put in the situation of having to negotiate from a position of despair, facility center Director Jah Ranu Menab told FoxNews.com on Saturday. Menab thinks the University of Chicago, which is working with the Obama Foundation to bring the presidential center to the South Side, is also part of an apparent effort to ultimately force the facility into receivership. The fate of the veterans facility -- which officials say serves more than 3,000 meals monthly -- may well be decided Tuesday, when officials return to Cook County Circuit Court for a hearing on the efforts to fix the buildings problems. Menab admits that the facility is in disrepair, with some violations related to a fire hazard, rats nests and raw sewage flowing onto the basement floor. However, he says the situation, which includes fines of $16,000 daily, looks like an attempted land grab and that the prestigious university, where Obama was a law professor, exerts a tremendous amount of influence over the city and its future. The university strongly denies any involvement in the city's dealings with the center and its building and on Friday issued the following statement: The mission of providing support for veterans is extremely important, and numerous University of Chicago community members have volunteered their time at the RTW Veterans Center. The university is not engaged in discussions regarding the center's property and has no plans to purchase it." Veterans center co-founder Daniel Doc Habeel, a Vietnam War veteran, acknowledged Saturday that people associated with the university have indeed volunteered time. But he also expressed uncertainty about the universitys involvement. lts hard to say because everybodys hiding their hand, Habeel said. Center officials argue the states budget crisis has created an increased demand for their services, including serving three meals daily on every day of the week, and that theyre open to negotiating for a fair selling price, to perhaps relocate to a better, nearby facility. To be sure, each side has suggested the other is perhaps battling in the media for the best price for the property, about a half-block from the proposed Washington Park site. The not-for-profit facility, which receives no government funding, cited in a press release Wednesday a history of building inspectors in other places forcing a worn-out building into receivership so a prospective developer is eventually able to acquire the property without having to negotiate. The city says the fines are not being enforced and that the case landed in court because numerous 311 calls led inspectors to visit the facility, where they learned about the severity of the problems, including a structurally unsafe porch. Nevertheless, the city on Friday expressed a continued willingness to work with the facility, while also pointing out that the court in December granted a six-month extension to fix the property, including the porch that remains unrepaired. The city has been diligently working with the RTW Veterans Center for the past year to address outstanding building code violations, the city said in a statement to FoxNews.com. And the city will continue to work with the organization to ensure repairs are completed and that the site is safe and accessible for veterans. A 2014 study commissioned by the university found the presidential facility would have about 800,000 visitors a year, which would have an annual economic impact of $31 million on the neighborhood economy, enough to support a new hotel, 11 new retail outlets and 30 new restaurants. The Obama Foundation is scheduled to decide by this summer on either the Washington or Jackson Park proposals, both on the South Side. The foundation sent a letter in November to the facility praising its efforts in helping veterans and expressing a willingness to work together. The Obamas have a long history of passionate support for our veterans and military families, the letter in part states. I want to personally thank you for the work you do. We are humbled by your invitation to join your weekly meeting and look forward to working with you in the future. The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a cruise ship passenger who may have gone overboard in the Gulf of Mexico, the Houston Chronicle reported Saturday. The Coast Guard said in a statement that its district command center in New Orleans was contacted by the master of the cruise ship Carnival Liberty. The ship reported that surveillance video showed a woman falling overboard at about 2 a.m. Friday. Earlier today, a 33-year-old female guest on the cruise ship Carnival Liberty was reported missing by traveling companions. A ship-wide search was conducted along with a review of the ships camera footage, the cruise line said in a statement, according to KVUE-TV. DFW: NTX woman missing after falling off cruise ship https://t.co/WL9cXHTky6 FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) May 14, 2016 Unfortunately, it appears the guest may have gone overboard early this morning. Authorities were notified including the U.S. Coast Guard which is initiating a search effort in the area where the ship was located when the individual was last seen. Carnivals CareTeam is providing support to the guests traveling companions and family. We are keeping our guest and her loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time. Samantha Broberg, 33, was found to be missing. Broberg is a stay-at-home mother of four from Arlington, Texas, her relatives told the Chronicle. A Coast Guard aircraft was dispatched from Mobile, Alabama, to search the area about 200 miles southeast of Galveston. The ship had left Galveston for Cozumel, Mexico about 10 hours earlier. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Prosecutors say a Delta Air Lines flight attendant has been charged with stealing nearly 1,500 mini-bottles of liquor from her job and selling them online. The Shelby County district attorney's office said Friday that 28-year-old Rachel Trevor has been indicted on charges including theft, unlawful sale of alcohol and unauthorized transportation of alcohol. Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission investigators say Trevor would put the small bottles of rum, vodka, gin, whiskey and other alcoholic beverages in her bag after a flight, then post the bottles for sale on Craigslist. Investigators said the bottles typically sell for $8 on flights, but Trevor was selling them for $1 apiece. Trevor has a June 6 court appearance. Online records do not show if she has a lawyer. A prominent Stanford scientist has denounced a secret meeting of 150 scientists at Harvard this week to discuss creating a synthetic human genome, or essentially constructing human life from scratch with chemicals, The San Jose Mercury News reports. The scientist Drew Endy and Northwestern University bioethicist Laurie Zoloth said the moral implications of human genome synthesis are such that discussions should not occur in closed rooms, the paper reported Friday. An invitation for the Harvard meeting that was held Tuesday states that the goal of the proposed project would be to synthesize a complete human genome in a cell line within a period of 10 years, according to the paper. Attendees were instructed not to contact the news media or to post on Twitter during the meeting, The New York Times reported. The paper reported that the prospect of creating a synthetic human genome, the complete set of DNA in the human body, has spurred intrigue and concern in the life sciences community because it could lead to the use of synthetic genome to create human beings without biological parents. But one of the organizers of the gathering, Harvard genetics professor George Church, told the paper the proposed project is not aimed at creating people, just cells and would not be restricted to human genomes. Theyre painting a picture which I dont think represents the project, Church said of critics of the meeting. He also defended holding the event behind closed doors. Endy and Zoloth criticized the proposed project in an essay that was published as the scientists were meeting. For example, would it be OK to sequence and then synthesize Einsteins genome? they wrote, according to The Times and the Mercury News. If so how many Einstein genomes should be made and installed in cells, and who would get to make them? France changed its military strategy and started airstrikes in Syria last year because of concerns months before the attacks on Paris that ringleader Abdelhamid Abaaoud was plotting to target a concert and take hostages, according to a French newspaper report. The report in Friday's Le Parisien, citing French and Belgian intelligence material and police recordings, lists repeated occasions when authorities allegedly failed to catch Abaaoud, even though he had been considered a major threat by several European intelligence services before the Nov. 13 attacks that left 130 dead in the French capital. U.S. intelligence was also onto Abaaoud. President Barack Obama's envoy for the anti-Islamic State coalition, Brett McGuirk, said Friday that at as soon as he heard about the Paris attacks "we all assumed this was probably something that was planned by Abaaoud" from the Syrian IS stronghold of Raqqa. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, McGuirk described the Paris attacks as unusually sophisticated. Abaaoud was killed in a police raid five days after the attacks by IS suicide bombers on a concert, stadium and cafes. Most of those killed in the Paris attacks were hostages in the Bataclan concert hall. The French president's office and the Interior Ministry, which oversees intelligence services, did not respond to requests for comment on Friday's report. The news came as survivors and families of victims marked six months since the attacks, which shook the nation and prompted a state of emergency that is still in place. French authorities came under criticism immediately after the attacks for intelligence missteps that failed to prevent the bloodshed. France had been under high alert since deadly shootings at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper and a Paris kosher market in January 2015. By September 2015, Le Parisien reported, authorities had identified links between Abaaoud and thwarted attacks on a high-speed train and a church, and suspected he was plotting a big attack. The report quotes a witness as saying Abaaoud asked him to find a concert or other easy target with a lot of people, with the goal of seizing hostages and dying while fighting police. France joined the U.S.-led coalition against IS in Iraq in 2014 but stayed out of Syria. President Francois Hollande changed that tack in September 2015, launching Syria airstrikes. Le Parisien said the decision was prompted by intelligence about Abaaoud, and that a Sept. 27 French airstrike on Deir ez-Zor in Syria was aimed at Abaaoud's training camp. McGuirk argued that intelligence among Western countries has improved since the Paris attacks, as governments share more information about what he said are an estimated 40,000 IS fighters from 100 countries. "I think it is much harder for them now to plan these types of things than it was before," he said. The fight is far from over, however, he added. "We can't take our eye off this ball for the next decade." More than 60 people have reportedly been killed by lightning strikes over the past two days across Bangladesh, according to local newspapers. Leading Bengali-language newspapers Prothom Alo and Samakal reported Saturday that 64 people have been killed by lightning since Thursday. The reports said most of the deaths have occurred in rural Bangladesh, where farmers are busy with the current harvesting season. Much of the dangerous meteorologic activity has come as a result of tropical storms in the region, characteristic of the pre-monsoon season. The reports of casualties could not be verified independently, with lightning deaths not usually monitored by government agencies. Experts say increased deforestation and people's exposure to metal equipment like cellphones are the reasons behind lightning deaths. "Palm and other taller trees usually attract the lightning flashes," Bangladesh Disaster Preparedness Forum member-secretary Gawher Nayeem Wahr told Voice of America. "But these trees [are] becoming scarce in rural areas," Wahr said. The country's disaster management chief, Mohammed Riaz Ahmed told the outlet the government is considering collectively giving the high number of deaths a natural disaster status. "We will make all efforts...so that lightning strikes cannot be that big a threat in Bangladesh," Ahmed said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Islamic State terror group declared a state of emergency in its de-facto capital of Raqqa, a U.S. military official said Friday. Col. Steve Warren said in a Pentagon briefing that officials were monitoring ISIS declaration to try and figure out what it meant. The extremist group reportedly began bolstering its supplies in its underground bunkers. We have seen this declaration of emergency in Raqqa, whatever that means, Warren said. We know this enemy feels threatened, as they should. They see the Syrian Democratic Forces along with the Syrian Arab Coalition maneuver both to their east and to their west. Warren said that ISIS could be moving its troops to prepare for a possible attack. We've had reports of (ISIS) repositioning both their combat capabilities and personnel, either within the city or even out of the city, he added. So, rightfully, (ISIS) understands that their days are increasingly numbered. We are going to continue to keep this pressure on them and we expect to see them collapse eventually. Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) spokesman Tajir Kobani said earlier this week that commanders affiliated with the SDF in northern Syria have been planning a final operation to liberate Raqqa from the Islamic State. Click for more from The Telegraph. The teacher crisis is real, and were not going to work our way out of it simply by making it easier to hire teachers. Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. The App Store and Google Play are at the point of bursting. Right now, they host around 3.1m apps between them and that numbers growing at an incredible rate on a daily basis. The current app ecosystem is not designed to allow the most original or innovative content to be discovered easily; you can create the best game, build a life-changing health app, or invent the next big thing we dont even know we need yet - but how can people download what they dont know exists? The App Stores broken. If youre one of the worlds biggest publishers, youll have no problem getting featured and working your way onto peoples smartphones - thats just the way it is, big pockets equals big downloads. If you dont have that budget, you face a huge battle to make any kind of noise in the crowd. So how do you go about getting discovered in a market where demand is nowhere near the size of the supply? The basics Gartner said that only 0.01% of developers will be successful through to 2018 - thats a scary stat and a pretty sad one too. Thats why its important that you get the basics right. First impressions are everything, so dont rush your app into the stores - make sure you iron out any little bugs that may frustrate your early adopters. You need to make it easy for people to understand what it is your app does and why its right for them as quickly as possible, so ensure you have a clear, succinct description - using your keywords - some engaging screenshots and a quality video to draw them in. Next, think about when youre launching - unless yours is a seasonal-specific app, its a good idea to avoid the holiday periods altogether because chances are youll be up against even more competition as the big players push their marketing efforts. Before you start looking at alternative ways of gaining installs perfect the basics so that you dont become an early casualty before youve even got going. Cross-promotion I was lucky enough to be building apps for the App Store when it first launched in 2008. It was a lot easier to build traction then, and I became the first teenager in the world to reach more than 1,000,000 downloads. Shoot forward a couple of years and it became a lot more difficult to get those kind of numbers, and traditional advertising networks just werent raising the awareness I needed. These frustrations were shared with most of the developers I spoke to - including my cofounders at Tapdaq, Dom Bracher and Nick Reffitt - who were building apps at the time too. We found that cross-promotion was a great way of circumventing the cost aspect of obtaining downloads. Developers work together to grow and retain each others user base through efficient cross-promotion and a transparent install exchange. By searching ad-exchange platforms - like ours at Tapdaq - developers can select the apps they want to cross-promote with based on user interest and behaviour; ultimately increasing discoverability and install numbers by relevant users. Tell the media A hugely important time for any developer is the day your app launches - and you want the world to know about it. Using clever PR techniques can help boost your chances of early discovery. You may think this comes at an expense, but it doesnt have to - there are things you can do yourself to get your news out there. Think about what media will be interested in your app and build a dream target list of the publications your potential users will be reading. Then comes the hard bit; getting the journalists attention. Media coverage - unlike costly advertising - is never guaranteed, thats why you need to keep these things in mind before you contact the press about your launch: Who are your competitors and why do you stand out? Its one of the first questions any journalist worth their salt will ask you and you need to have a compelling answer ready. If youre launching a transport app for example, how are you different to Uber etc and why should consumers choose you over the existing offerings? Your team might be your greatest asset in the early days when you don't have any metrics to point to, so think about why yours is the team to pull off this great idea and make it succeed Journalists like facts not feelings. Its extremely important that any claim you make about why youre different / special / better can be backed up with facts rather than feelings. If youre saying youve developed the best new language learning app on the market you have to give evidence outlining why this is Prepare a kick-ass press kit. Journalists write - on average - 3 - 5 articles a day, so make life easy for them by preparing a press kit. This should include a press release - heres a good article on how to prepare one - company logo and assets, screenshots of the app in action and a video trailer Build an engaged community Building, growing and nurturing a loyal community is one of the most important things you can do once youve got your app out there. These users will help you grow in more ways than one; theyll tell their family and friends, spread the word on social media and give you feedback which will help steer the product in the right direction as you grow. There are loads of companies doing great things to engage with their community. One example is photography app, EyeEm, which is building a fiercely loyal community by hosting an annual Festival & Awards to celebrate the work on the platform. It also has an active social following and recently launched a magazine featuring the work of its users. Think about how you can interact with and reward your users in the most effective way possible, and steadily youll form a strong, devoted user base. Follow these dos and donts to getting featured Obviously getting featured on the app stores is fantastic - but as weve noted, its incredibly difficult. Our friend and independent games developer, Amir Rajan, wrote this great post on our blog explaining how he got featured and had a #1 game in the App Store. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia was among the right people enshrined on the memorial wall on Saturday, Oct. 21. On a sunny winter day, my friend Julia I were enjoying a rare sunny day, strolling and discussing the important creations of a renowned architect, and this led us to consider what sort of person he was. Julia recalled that a university professor had told her that the architect, despite his talent and vision, was also widely reported to have been arrogant. The professor had turned to Julia and said that he was entitled to his arrogance he had earned it. In fact, the professor had continued, anyone who had worked hard to become an expert in a chosen field was entitled to be arrogant. Long ago, I worked in an advertising agency where the general manager allowed his creative team a wide margin of behavior he told the secretaries and other support staff that because of their creative talent, the writers were entitled to be demanding, petulant, and arrogant. And so, predictably, they indulged in fits of anger, churlish behavior, childish tantrums, and treated the support staff with disrespect and dismissiveness. I soon left. Who is entitled to arrogance? Is anyone? Does superior talent and expertise entitle us to be demanding or to belittle others? I think of the courtesy and kindness with which the renowned astrophysicist Carl Sagan treated the young Neil deGrasse Tyson, answering that young mans questions, nurturing his curiosity, inspiring his lifelong intellectual inquiry. How different would Tysons life have been indeed would all our lives have been had Sagan dismissed Tyson as a child unworthy of his respect and consideration. Many religious traditions share the view that each person is inherently noble. We learn from their religious texts that our task in life is to acquire virtues, to mirror the attributes of God, and to develop the insight that enables us to see those qualities reflected in others; in fact, to actively look for them. We are told to treat others as we expect to be treated. In Hindu scripture, we read, This is the sum of duty: do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you. In Islam, the Hadith states, None of you will have faith until he wishes for his brother what he desires for himself. Christianity has given us the Golden Rule, Do unto others what you would have them do unto you, and in the Baha'i writings we read, Choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself. Believing that we share a common humanity leads us to treat others as we wish to be treated a verity in most faith traditions. The Baha'i writings further state, I admonish you to observe courtesy, for above all else it is the prince of virtues. ... Whoso is endued with courtesy hath indeed attained a sublime station. And, Let truthfulness and courtesy be your adorning. It doesnt matter how superior is our knowledge, how original our creations no person, however ingenious, brilliant, or intelligent, is entitled to arrogance. Humility is the virtue to be cultivated, for the good of all. So we must take steps to practice courtesy, to adorn ourselves with this virtue. Courtesy is conscious behavior. Practicing courtesy may at first feel false, stilted, inauthentic, or even pretentious. And yet, over time, conscious courtesy leads to second-nature courtesy, and courtesy to empathy. Empathy leads to acts of compassion, and compassion to healing the wounds of society. Ah, May, when flowers are blooming, allergens are wafting and aggrieved college students are mewling about commencement speakers whose politics don't sufficiently hew to the ultra-liberal standards set by the campuses' most outspoken activists. This year some of the loudest cries are coming from Los Angeles' own back yard. Scripps, the all-women liberal arts college in Claremont, California, secured former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright as its commencement speaker. From a practical perspective, the booking is quite a coup, considering that Scripps pays next to nothing and the wrangling is done not by the administration but by the students. Nevertheless, members of the Scripps community responded as if Joseph Goebbels had been raised from the dead and charged with the task of inspiring the class of 2016 to follow its dreams. According to some students, Albright, who served under President Clinton and was the nation's first female secretary of state, is a war criminal because of decisions she was involved in regarding Iraq sanctions and the genocide in Rwanda. Many haven't gotten over Albright's now notorious statement, made during the whipped-up frenzy of a Hillary Clinton campaign stop and widely attacked as an outrage by Bernie Sanders' female fans, that "there's a special place in hell for women who don't help each other." Albright published a New York Times op-ed not only apologizing for that remark but also contextualizing it in a way that underscored her clear commitment to gender equality. This either failed to impress or escaped the notice of an op-ed writer in the March 4 Scripps student newspaper, who boiled Albright's legacy down to "repeated genocide enabler" and a few similar social-media talking points. "I admit," the student wrote, "I didn't know much about Secretary Albright until she told the world there's a 'special place in hell' for women who aren't voting for Hillary Clinton and the whispers of her being our commencement speaker erupted all over Facebook. It did not take me long to decide that this was not the person I want to listen to on my graduation day, and she is certainly not the person I want any of my classmates or, God forbid, my little sister to model their lives after." Is there a speaker alive that every member of a graduating class (plus their little sisters) will want to model their lives after? Certainly no one in politics or business, where compromise and even collateral damage come with the territory, would fit the bill. When you're 22 years old, it can be all too easy to attempt to divide the world neatly into categories: heroes versus adversaries, the virtuous versus the problematic (to use the self-righteous set's word du jour). Adults, on the other hand, should understand human complexity. That's why the real enablers here are the Scripps faculty members who've joined in the pile-on. In an open letter published April 8 in the same student paper, 28 professors pledged to boycott the graduation ceremony, citing Albright's hell comment and her support of "several policies that led to the deaths of millions of people." Albright's selection as a women's role model, they said, "evacuates feminism of its anti-racist, anti-paternalistic, and anti-imperialist potential to address those lives that are systematically made vulnerable to illness and death." Lately, not a day goes by without the media pouncing on some example of campus outrage masquerading as social justice activism. Most often, the adults implicated in the foolishness are the parents whose coddling created a generation of thin-skinned kids. But what about the adults right there on campus? What about the ones who are paid to explain what F. Scott Fitzgerald was talking about when he said "the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." Recognizing that a commencement speaker can be less than perfect and still have something to say seems like a pretty basic example of such functioning. But if professors are just as impaired on this front as their students, that's not just "problematic" it's an actual problem. As President Obama said in a commencement speech at Howard University that came down hard on identity politics, "Change requires more than just speaking out ... it requires listening to those with whom you disagree." That's because a world where students don't learn how to hold opposing views will be its own special hell. Albeit with a lively Facebook feed. Death of Niklas P. : Community in shock Bonn/Region Citizens, politicians, teachers and clergy are saddened and shocked over the brutal death of Niklas P. Police pursue leads and the community mourns. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken People from Bad Godesberg and all over the region came to lay flowers and light candles for Niklas P. The 17-year-old youth was brutally beaten last weekend by a group of young men and died of his injuries overnight Thursday. A homicide commission is working with the City Attorney to find the perpetrators. We have first leads to several persons whom we are investigating, said a police spokesperson, but more details could not be released because they dont want to interfere with ongoing investigations. Releasing flyers in several languages with descriptions about the assailants was a helpful tool for police, bringing them useful tips. Bad Godesbergs Mayor, Simone Stein-Lucke said, I am deeply saddened by the death of Niklas P. That such a brutal attack could occur right in the middle of Bad Godesberg is just horrific. She also criticized the plans for a demonstration today by right extremist group Bogida, saying It is immoral and disrespectful for right-wing forces to exploit this tragic death, there at the scene where it occurred, for their own purposes. Rolf Beu of the Green Party emphasizes that it is not tolerable for a young victim to be used for political propaganda, That means Niklas is victimized a second time, this time by racists. Catholic church dean Wolfgang Picken organized a cross to be placed at the scene of the crime with the consent of the family of Niklas P. He says, There is less hesitation these days to use violence and brutality is increasing. We have a potential for aggression that lies smoldering, and becomes more unpredictable and presents more of a danger for all citizens. Its a sign of failed social politics and a society heading in the wrong direction. Father Oliver Ploch of the Thomas-Church Community commented, One is shocked at such excessive violence coming from youth so suddenly and unexpectedly. He said it was important for the churches to become even more involved with young people. Niklas P. was a student at a Realschule (a secondary school) in Remagen until 2013. After that, he visited a vocational school in Bad Neuenahr (BBS). After a year, he began an apprenticeship in commercial retail sales at a Baumarkt (Building and home improvement store) in Sinzig. The Realschule is planning a memorial to honor his memory. The director of the vocational school he visited, Hans-Werner Rick said We are deeply shaken. On Friday at 12 noon, bells rang across churches in Bad Godesberg for Niklas P. and again on Saturday as a sign of grief and solidarity with his family and friends. A book of condolences can be signed at St. Marien Church (Burgstrae 45) in Bonn. The book will later be given to his family. Niklas and his family will be remembered in prayer at a Pentecost service Saturday evening at 10 pm. at Herz Jesu Kirche, Beethovenallee 38. Everyone is invited to come to the service. Protestant churches will also be remembering him in their services. Samsung Galaxy S7 Active: What's Expected Of The Rugged Smartphone Features oi -Abhinaya Samsung took the wraps off its flagship Galaxy S7 in February this year at the MWC 2016. For the past few years, Samsung has been rolling out spin-offs of its flagship smartphones. Going by the same, we can expect the Galaxy S7 Active to be launched anytime this year. Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 6 Will Look Like This! 7 Innovative Features On the Card Eventually, the Galaxy S7 Active started leaking online revealing the potential specifications that could be a part of it. Check out the roundup that we have come up with here. Galaxy S7 Active to come with military certification The Galaxy S7 Active was spotted in the change-log of the Samsung Level app. The app listed the device with the model number SM-G891A. It is supposed to be dust and waterproof as it is a rugged version of the flagship. It will come with military certification as its prequel, Galaxy S6 Active. So, it will boast protection from salt, vibration shock, altitude pressures, humidity, etc. AT&T is testing a handset, Samsung SM-G891A. GS6 Active is G890A. Updated SKU, GS7 Active, or other? [pic: Zauba] pic.twitter.com/WgE3uWVVWG Evan Blass (@evleaks) March 23, 2016 A juicier battery could be used this time Galaxy S7 Active was spotted on the import/export tracking website Zauba by the Twitter based serial leakster. The listing reveals the model number SM-G891A once again. The smartphone is likely to make use of a more capacious battery than the 3,000 mAh battery in the Galaxy S7. As per the listing, the SM-G891A has a 5.1 inch display that matches the screen size of the Galaxy S7. The price of this specific device is given as $359.90 (approx. Rs 24,000). Galaxy S7 Active for AT&T in the making Continuing the partnership that started back in 2013 for the Galaxy S4 Active, the Galaxy S7 Active for AT&T is in the making. A Vietnamese source leaked the camouflage back panel featuring rubber bumper protection at the top, bottom, and sides. It is believed that Samsung has vital manufacturing operations over there. It also shows tougher buttons on the sides and front that will make it even more rugged. The specs leaked reveal that there will be IP68 certification for water and dust resistance. Also, it will be equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC teamed up with 4 GB RAM. QHD display to be retained in rugged model The alleged Galaxy S7 Active was spotted in the GFXBench listing that leaked earlier this week. This listing shows the potential specifications of the rugged device. Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 6 'Lite' in the making: Top 5 expected specifications The hardware aspects seem to be impressive with the same QHD 1440p display as the Galaxy S7. It seems to have a Snapdragon 820 SoC and 4 GB of RAM. The display seems to measure up to 5.5 inches diagonally. This points out at a larger body than the 5.1 inch Galaxy S7. Eventually, it is believed to feature a large battery as the 3,600 mAh one in Galaxy S7 edge. Source 1,Source 2, Source 3, Source 4, Source 5 Best Mobiles in India Here are 5 cool things about Hyundai's 'Iron Man' suit Features oi -Sachin Hyundai has a lot on its mind when it released in its post about the exoskeleton suit it has been working on. The new suit is identical to the one that Tom Cruise wears in the action/thriller Edge Of Tomorrow. The company's vision is to bring these units to workers in factories and other production units to enable them to carry heavy materials from point to another with great safety. Here are 5 ways this technology can benefit the industries that are soon to be set up in the wake of Make In India: Safety for all The exoskeleton brings a lot of safety features in it. Carrying large materials, albeit without any proper safety precautions has led to the death of many workers in our country. These exoskeletons provide protection to the worker in case of any accidents. Heavy becomes lightweight Carrying heavy weights can be seen a lot in the gym, and that is good. But to risk your life to carry heavy materials while you build great standing structures or handling heavy equipment is no stunt. These exoskeletons aim to reduce the stress that humans exert when lifting heavy materials up the stairs or over long distances (up to hundreds of kilos) Also read: Soft wearable exosuit to help soldiers, rescuers Multipurpose It is designed to be used for many industries that exist in different countries. Not only can it be beneficial for the manufacturing industries, but it can also be used in the military and also in the medical industry. H-LEX Mark 2 The new exoskeleton is an upgraded design of the H-LEX (Hyundai Lifecaring ExoSkeleton), another exoskeleton that assisted senior citizens and those physically disabled to walk with comfort. The previous iteration was more lightweight for users, and the company has plans to upgrade this into a new suit for industrial purposes. Also read: Save 50 Percent of Your Laptop's Battery Power With New Opera Browser Update Future industries could use this The Make In India initiative is bringing in many more manufacturers from around the world to set up their factories in India. Using these new machines will not only improve the production process but will also ensure the safety of both workers and equipment. Best Mobiles in India Polish Security Services Kept Defense Minister Under Surveillance - Reports Sputnik News 13:05 13.05.2016(updated 13:06 13.05.2016) Polish special services under the country's previous government carried out surveillance on the country's Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz, local media reported Friday citing a high-ranking government source. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On Thursday, Macierewicz said that the Polish special military services conducted surveillance on over 40 local politicians, journalists, publicists and scientists. The defense minister labeled the surveillance "political repression." "With full confidence Macierewicz was under surveillance," the source told the Wirtualna Polska media outlet. According to the source, the security services allegedly initiated surveillance due to Macierewicz's participation in closing down military information services and their employees' checks. On Wednesday, the Polish cabinet minister in charge of the national security, Mariusz Kaminski, said the country's Internal Security Agency had illegally watched dozens of journalists and activists under the previous administration. In February, a new law, expanding government surveillance powers, came into force in Poland. Under the law, Poland's Interior Ministry gains the ability to access citizens' personal data, communication and internet records without requiring a court's decision. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Eglin activates F-35 Partner Support Complex By 1st Lt Amanda Farr, 53rd Wing Public Affairs / Published May 12, 2016 EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The 53rd Wing activated on May 11 the F-35 Partner Support Complex, a U.S.-owned facility here that handles F-35 Lightning II testing. Robert Kraus assumed the new position as the complex's director, making it the first civilian-led unit in the wing. Kraus, a retired lieutenant colonel, served as the 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron commander and 53rd Electronic Warfare Group deputy commander at Eglin Air Force Base prior to this new position. The F-35 PSC is charged with providing mission data, intelligence support, lab facilities and training to the eight partner countries purchasing the fifth-generation aircraft. "The growth of the PSC will relieve that pressure, as well as ensure our coalition partners are ready to participate in any future operations," Kraus said. The partner countries include: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Turkey. These countries provided critical design input and funding during the early stages of the F-35 program, which differs from foreign military sales customers. "The PSC will directly support the partners, who currently have no indigenous capability to create mission data for the F-35," Kraus said. The complex will interact with mission data programmers and data analysts from the partner nations. According to Kraus, one of the key projects for the unit is to support the partners in the creation of two separate hardware in the loop testing facilities -- only one currently exists. The F-35 PSC started as a small team within the 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin AFB, which provides F-35 mission data files to the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. The team staffs 24 civilian employees and contractors, with plans to grow to about 100 personnel. The new unit will report to the 53rd EWG. While the mission of the complex has been ongoing for nearly five years, Kraus sees the formalization of the unit as a step forward. "The formal activation of the unit will give me a greater ability to support the partners in their efforts," he said. "(I can now) elevate the partner support functions to an equal level with U.S. squadrons, as opposed to a subordinate role." Plans are in the works for two separate buildings to hold the new unit and partner nation personnel. This includes the Australia/Canada/United Kingdom Reprogramming Laboratory building and the Norway/Italy Reprogramming Laboratory building. Additional support will be provided to Denmark, the Netherlands and Turkey. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter May 12, 2016 Remarks by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASH CARTER: Hello, everyone (APPLAUSE) At ease, please. You guys look magnificent. Well, thank you. Thanks for that introduction. I want to thank your superintendent also, who I've known for a long time, Lieutenant General Johnson -- a very respected leader in the department, not just in the Air Force, but throughout the department. Your dean, Brigadier General Armacost also, and your commandant. You all have great leadership, I've got to tell you. Your commandant, Brigadier General Williams -- all of them. (APPLAUSE) I thank them for welcoming me here today. SEC. CARTER: And I want to thank all of you here today for embracing the awesome responsibility of leadership you will assume upon commissioning -- leadership to accomplish the noblest thing that I believe a young person can do, which is to protect America, and also much of the rest of the world, which still depends so much on us for their security. And I like to say that security is like oxygen. When you have it, you don't think about it. But when you don't have it, it's all you can think about. And the great gift that we give to Americans is to give them that security that allows them to get up in the morning, take their kids to school, go to work, live their lives, dream their dreams, live lives that are full. A lot of people around the world don't get that, but that's what we owe to our own people, and that's what you'll provide to our own people. And there's no better feeling than being a part of that mission. You'll have that feeling. From cyberspace to outer space to the defense of the commons, the Air Force, our Air Force benefits the human family not just in this country, but around the world; gives them security, gives them peace of mind. And as you step forward into what is really a new and a complex world, our nation is counting on you -- counting on you -- on your professionalism, on your pursuit of innovation, and most of all your principled leadership. So before I get to your questions, I want to take some time to discuss the strategic landscape into which you will soon figure. And I want to convey to you briefly several of the lessons that I need and expect you to carry with you from this extraordinary institution, into the great challenges you'll confront in your career. Now, today we in the United States and around the world face no fewer than five major immediate evolving, but immediate challenges. First, countering the prospect of Russian aggression and coercion, especially in Europe; managing historic change in the vital Asia-Pacific region, which will be in your lifetimes the single region of the world of most consequence for America. It's where half of humankind lives, half of the global economy, and that's only increasing. We play a pivotal role there in keeping the peace and we're going to do that and need to do that into the future, and air power is going to be critical to that. Strengthening our deterrent and defense forces in the face of North Korea's nuclear provocations. Checking Iranian aggression and malign influence in the Persian Gulf. And of course, accelerating the defeat, the certain defeat of ISIL in its parent tumor in Iraq and Syria, and then everywhere it's metastasized around the world, and all the while protecting the homeland. Now, we don't have the luxury of choosing among all these challenges. We have to deal with them all. And they may all affect your career in some way at different times because your service will span decades -- maybe a future chief of staff or a future chairman of the Joint Chiefs will be -- is in this room right now. SEC. CARTER: And history tells us that 10, 20 years from now, new challenges we don't even foresee and aren't among the ones I just named, will almost certainly arise. So to help you prepare and succeed today, lead and thrive in an uncertain and complex future, I want to tell you about four commitments that I have that guide me every day in what I do, and that I want you to have and make also, and take with you as you leave this place. The first commitment is to ground all of your training, all of your thinking and all of your actions in our core mission of the Department of Defense -- our primary obligation will always be protecting our people and serving our nation's interests. When I sit with the president in the situation room, we're always focused on America's interests because that's what matters most. Some regions of the world are exceedingly messy, but we're not daunted or confused because we have our North Star. And we also recognize that protecting American interests often means leading other nations and other peoples, and leading by example. Ever since World War II, the United States has stood as the world's foremost leader, partner and underwriter of stability and security in every region of the world. It is a mantle we embraced again following the Cold War. And one that continues today to the great benefit of this nation, but also the rest of the world. The positive and enduring partnerships the United States has cultivated with other nations around the world are built on our interests. They understand that. But they can also see that it's built on our values, which most find decent, honorable and attractive. One thing I hear consistently from foreign leaders is how much they like working with you; how much they like working with the men and women of the United States military. They want to work with you not just because you're capable and competent, and have an awesome force, but also because of the way you conduct yourselves. They can trust you. Other nations know that you'll treat them with respect; that we take their interests into account even as we pursue our own interests. And that trust creates opportunities to defend our interests. The Air Force provides the United States unprecedented global power and reach. But these are assets of greatest benefit to our nation and interests when they're applied in ways that are consistent with our values. So for example, when a natural disaster occurs on the other side of the world, and that's not the reason we have an air force, but we bring it to bear. And it's often you -- it's often the United States Air Force that's first on the scene to deliver aid -- to deliver aid and demonstrate our values to the world. And I can tell you, that really creates an impression in people's minds. I hear it all the time. "We were in trouble and you came and helped us out." They don't forget that. Young people see it. It leaves an impression of what America is about. Also, you know, when we target our enemies, which we're doing right now as I stand here right now, as night falls over Syria and Iraq and the rest of the Middle East. As we target our enemies, which we have to do, we take utmost care to protect innocent life. And when we do that, we demonstrate our values. Whether you're flying over the skies of Syria or Iraq or standing vigilant watch with the air force of the Republic of Korea, or defending assets in space or cyberspace, standing with our strong, secure, reliable nuclear arsenal, the bedrock of our security, allowing people around the world to communicate, to have the opportunity to protect our interests, demonstrate our values, and be the difference our military can make in the world. Your individual actions will be a clear reflection of our values and our leadership in the world. This next commitment, the second one, the one that's echoed through generations of the military, is that it's our people -- it is our people, and it's your people when you become a commander, who make our military the finest fighting force the world has ever known. And it's our people who will ensure that the force of tomorrow, which you will command, remains as great as the force of today. That's why I'm so intent on building what I call the force of the future, because we have to continue to recruit and retain the very best talent for what is, after all, an all volunteer force, people as fine as you. And we need to do that as generations change, technology changes, families change, and job markets change. And we can't take that for granted. That's, for example, why we're opening all combat positions to women because we want to select our force from the maximum possible population. It's about combat readiness, remember that. From the first classes of female cadets, including Brigadier General Allison Hickey and your own superintendent, Lieutenant General Johnson, to the first female combat pilots, including my former special assistant, Brigadier General Jeanine Leavitt, to General Lori Robinson who tomorrow will become the first woman to lead a combatant command. I'll do the change of command tomorrow morning right here. The Air Force in these officers has proven time and time again that we're strongest when we draw from the entire strength of the nation. Females, after all, make up half the population, right? It would be foolish to pass over qualified people for any reason that has no bearing on their ability to serve with excellence. Third, I want you to remember that our nation's defense rests on being able to find solutions to seemingly intractable problems. And that's only going to be more so in the future. In many situations, you're going to expect -- you're going to encounter unexpected challenges. I told you. I told you what we're up to today, and that's plenty. But I also told you we don't know what waits tomorrow; that we need to be ready for that, too. In some instances you'll be confronted with life or death decisions at a moment's notice. Have the courage to accept risk and solve those problems, and the wisdom to determine when that risk becomes a gamble. You're responsible for the lives of your people in the accomplishment of your mission. Balancing these two solemn duties is one of the most difficult tasks you'll face, but you've got to succeed. That's the burden of command. When you plan, rehearse, and execute your missions, you must also be able to reevaluate the situation; reevaluate constantly; and take a new course of action when the situation demands it. And to chart a new course, you must have the confidence to be open to new ideas. At the Pentagon, I've made it a priority to encourage people at all levels to think outside what I call our five-sided box, because we are a learning organization. And people are constantly developing new ways of operating and approaching problems that we're at our best. SEC. CARTER: The culture of learning you have experienced on this campus can't end with your graduation. You're warriors first, but you're also scientists, mathematicians, and much more. Every day, you crack the code in some way. We need you to continue doing so. This should be a lesson for our enemies. Never underestimate the ingenuity of American officers. It's a competitive world out there. And we need to maintain competitive advantage over our enemies. They're trying, too. They're evolving. They're adapting. They're trying to go faster. We need to be better. That's why as part of our force of the future initiative, we're creating more opportunities for you to work in advanced industries and tech companies for a time in the course of your careers so you can learn from other parts of our society and our economy that are very innovative, and bring that strength back into our military. And finally, I want to discuss the importance of being a leader of character. I often walk the halls of the Pentagon. And on the fourth floor outside the Department of the Air Force, there's a series of paintings depicting the resolve of American airmen who were held as prisoners of war in North Korea. I know some of those men. They serve as reminders of the character and resolve at the core of our mission. As you walk around campus, you, too, have similar reminders. Walk by Sijan Hall or the statue of General Risner, or the Plaza of Heroes, and you're reminded of what you are part of and what you contribute to. Character is a lesson you have to constantly learn. You're never done. And teach throughout your career. So hold onto these reminders. Find new ones. You'll find the words of George Washington you memorized as fourth-class cadet. Remember that? "It is actions," he said, "not the commission that make the officer." And that there is more expected from him than his title. That will have greater meaning to you as your careers go on. We're a great nation with great responsibilities. As we meet these responsibilities, our nation stands on the foundation of character that both you and this institution make stronger and stand for, and show to the rest of the world. As you embark on your career of lives of service, know that your country is 100 percent behind you. I'm 1,000 percent behind you. I'm so proud of you. We know what you're putting into this, and we know what you're able to achieve. You're doing the noblest thing you can do, and I'm exceedingly proud of you. Thanks. (APPLAUSE) Q: All right, sir. So, we have a few questions here we'd like to ask you, just right off the top. And to begin, every generation seems to have its defining battle from World War II to Vietnam to Desert Storm. And we entered the military in a time when our fight isn't really -- it's nontraditional. It's complex. So our enemies are complex. So I was going ask you: What do you think the class of 2016... (APPLAUSE) ... what do you think our defining battle is going to be? What's going to be the fight of our generation? SEC. CARTER: History says I -- if I give you an answer to that, I'm going to be wrong. And that's the -- no, I'm serious. Everything we've done, we have reacted to. Almost every major mission of consequence in my lifetime was in a sense strategically unanticipated. And I'm giving you that answer because there's a lesson in there, which is I told you what we're up to today, right? And each one of those -- that's serious business, every one of those things. This isn't a game. We have to win in every one of those cases. And that seems like a lot, but I'm telling you it's even worse than that, that there are things that we're not foreseeing now. And by the way, I said worse, but you've got to think about a world of opportunities, too. There are great opportunities out there to make a safer America and make a better world. So -- so this is why I really want to focus you, and I think the Air Force does this very, very well -- on the capabilities that whatever the future holds, are sure to be critical. And you're doing them all, every single one, the Air Force is involved in everything that I'm certain is going to be part of our future, whatever it holds. Q: Thank you, sir. Sir, the cadets here in the room, they've seen a big emphasis on the remotely piloted aircraft career field. And you've been very instrumental to that growth. From your perspective, where do you see this career field going in the future? SEC. CARTER: It's -- it's -- it's here to stay. It's bedrock. It is the most visible part of every day of mine, and every night of mine. The RPAs are active, as you all well know, every single night. And so if you join that career field, you will, I guarantee you, you will have a lot of action that will be very satisfying because it's clear that -- it's very clear that you're doing something of great consequence. We have a little bit of an issue right now, as I'm sure many of you know, that we actually work you too hard in this field. And so we have a problem where we took all the instructors out of the schoolhouse and put them on the flight line. And had them working and flying and doing missions for us. And so we're squeezed now. And so what we're aiming for is the following: 60 Air Force orbits; another 10 government-owned but contractor-operated and basically run by the Air Force, but not staffed by you. That gets you up to 70. Then the Army has something called "Gray Eagle," which is a version of the MQ-9. And we're going to get them to make them not just part of their brigade sets, but get out there and operate every night. And then we've got SOCOM has some as well. So all together, that's going to get up to 90 orbits. That may seem like a lot of orbits, but every single day we are moving stuff around and trying -- are we going to do -- you know, how much is going to go to Afghanistan; how much is going to go to Syria; how much is going to go to Iraq and Yemen, Libya. I mean, believe me, this is a very active field. So it's sure to be a winner. But almost all your career fields -- really, without exception, your career fields, you've got a lot of exciting stuff. You've got nuclear deterrence. You've got space. You've got -- plus wonderful kinds of airplanes, including some new ones that we're buying. A pretty good deal. (Laughter.) Q: Thank you, sir. One of your topics of interest have been how can we modernize how we manage our DOD members. And so that said, what kinds of changes in deployments, trainings, promotions, benefits do you see -- do you think that we should expect in our careers? SEC. CARTER: Yeah, this is a real passion of mine. And it is for the reason I described, which is people are what make us the greatest. And but that isn't a birthright. I got the finest fighting force the world has ever known because my predecessors worked to make this military successful. And I have to do the same for my successors and my successor's successor. As I look ahead I realize, for example, generations are different, right? You guys are different from my generation. The people who come after you will be different from you. And we have to look at that and say well the profession of arms doesn't change. But we need to understand how to connect to new generations. We're not -- I'm not satisfied that we're recruiting in all demographics of the United States. We're heavier in some parts of the country than in other parts of the country. When I see that, I see lost opportunity. That's what I said about females as well. It's lost opportunity. I mean just if you're not fishing in the whole pond, you're not going to have the best fish, right? And so recruiting, we have to be creative in how we attract people. Then when you're in, how do we develop you and get you to stay? Development means consistent training as you go. And I'm really big on you all having the opportunity for professional education of various kinds. It makes you better. And it makes you better within our force. And you'll likely stick with this if you see that you're growing by being part of the Air Force. And I need that. I need that. You have choices. And I can't have you lured away by other things. You'll come a time when you want to have a family and you're trying to balance that. That's why I'm doing things like maternity leave. We just lengthened maternity leave. Paternity leave, childcare hours. I mean these things are -- may not seem important to you now. But in a few years if you decide to have a family they'll be really important things. So where I can, and I can't change everything, right? It's the military. You got to go where we tell you to go, when we tell you to go. You got to do what we say when we tell you to say it. I can't do a lot about that. But where I can make it easier for you to have a family and do other things that you want to do with your lives and stick with this, I will. And then finally, you guys are way too young to be thinking about retirement. But I got to look at that too because that's another thing that affects whether we retain. Because during the whole lifetime of a service member I'm looking to attract and keep and develop the very best because I know that's the heart and soul of our military. Q: Thank you, sir. What would you say is your favorite part about your job? SEC. CARTER: It's you guys. I mean it's visiting troops. There's no -- it absolutely is. I'm not... (APPLAUSE) I'm not just saying that. I -- you guys just make me so proud. I just think it is spectacular the kinds of people that we attract. And if -- you see these wonderful people matched up with what I -- as I told you I think is the noblest thing you can do with your life. And I see great people. It's just, it's inspiring to me. And yes, I work hard. And I take extremely serious the responsibilities that we share. As I said before, it's not a game. This is serious business. But to share it with wonderful people like this, it just makes me so proud. It's you and it's all the other services. And it's people of all ranks. And I have a wonderful wife, Stephanie, who works and can't go with me very often to things. But she's hugely patriotic. She loves you guys. And it's great when we go out and get to be with the family. And it's so much better than being in Washington. People are so much more real, and our people are the best. Our people are the best all over the world. You go wherever they are. And they -- you brighten me up, make me proud. So that's by far and away that makes all the other hassles worth it. STAFF: I think we can field some questions from the audience now if you're OK with that, sir. Q: Sec. Carter, thank you for being with us today. My question concerns the national debt. It's massive. Is that a national security threat? And what can we do about that as a military? How does that affect us? SEC. CARTER: Good. The question was the national debt, how serious it is. Is it -- and how does -- what can you do to affect it, how does it affect you? Let me start with the last part. It affects us a lot. And I'll say why. Unfortunately you can't affect it much, and I'll try to say why also. And then lastly, it's really important. Here's the deal, though. The -- in order to balance the budget, there are three pieces to it. There's taxes. If you want more money you can raise taxes. That's not very popular. You can cut things like Medicare, which is also not very popular. And so all the attention ends up on what's called the discretionary part of the federal budget, which is us. We're about half of it. And all the rest of the government is the other half. So, but that's a -- that's just a piece of -- we're not the biggest part of the federal budget. It's those other pieces. But our political system hasn't wanted to touch the other two pieces. So it focuses on us. And that is why we've been under such budget pressure for the last few years. Now, I have opposed that. And I can speak to it. You can't speak to it much, but I have to speak to it. But the reality is, that I'm the secretary of Defense. And I don't control all those other parts of the budget dialogue. So what I have been calling for, and most of our leaders -- all of our leaders from the Defense Department now for years is can you not do sequester? Can you come together in a bipartisan way? Can Washington come together behind a real addressing of the real issues here, which are all the parts of the budget. And we'll take our pain if we have to in the course of balancing the budget. We're realistic. And we're working real hard with the money we have to do what we need to do. We're working to spend it in the best possible way so we can look the taxpayer in the eye and say we're putting $600 billion to work for you in the best possible way. And also you know I talk about defense. But my job is national security. I'm in the National Security Council. So I have to care about what the FBI and the intelligence community and Homeland Security and the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons business. I have to care what they're doing because we can't do it all alone. And we can't protect the country and protect our people all alone. And I realize that the future of the nation and the strength of our military depends upon research and development, education. SEC. CARTER: So the other parts of the government count for me. So I try to say that. I say that all the time. But the reality is it's very hard in Washington for things to come together. And things have been gridlocked. And that's created a lot of turbulence. And I've tried to smooth that out for you all as best we can and not have it affect your lives. I'm confident now that the funding we're getting is adequate for what we need to do. SEC. CARTER: We're going to have to be careful about how we use it, but we can do it. But I don't like the turbulence and the up and down. And it's wrongheaded. And you can't balance the budget on the backs of the federal -- of the discretionary budget and the defense budget. I mean, just do the math, damn it. It doesn't work. So, anyway. You can tell I get frustrated. (APPLAUSE) Q: Sec. Carter, it's amazing hearing your bio about getting your doctorate in theoretical physics, and not only publishing papers on the physics realm, but also nuclear policy and security. And it's inspiring to many scientists, especially an aspiring physicist such as myself. But in 21 days, half of this room will be graduating from a world of academia to the operational Air Force, a vastly different environment. And you stressed in your third commitment the importance of keeping that culture of ingenuity we have here on to the other side. And so my question is: What were you able to take from academia into your current offices and offices you already held? And how were you able to make that transition? SEC. CARTER: It's a good question. The transition began by accident, I've got to tell you. And so much of your lives will -- you know, you'll pick the -- chosen a certain course, and then five years later, you'll do something else. And -- and your lives will zig and zag, and mine did as well. But I -- I, just like you, started out in physics. And I was just interested in -- I didn't really know anything about world affairs, national security and so on. But I was given one opportunity, and somebody said to me, "Here's a really important problem; come and work on it for one year." So there's that one year now -- whatever, 40 years later, here I am. (Laughter.) And to say what I brought to it, first, it was the magic of being able to combine something I thought I could make a contribution to, because it was -- we sat around the table and I knew how things worked. Other people knew other things about how the world worked and that, but I knew something. And the right decision couldn't be made without what I knew. And that felt -- I felt like I was helping. And I felt like the problem I was working on was really important. And I'd go home and night, you know, I'd tell my friends, "this is what I'm working on," like this is really -- you know, this isn't selling some widget or something; this is, no kidding, protecting the country. And those two things together made it. Now, I did try to bring from academia, and things I did in academia, the -- the -- both the discipline to think things through carefully, because this is serious. This is serious. I'm sending people like you into harm's way. And it's all about protecting our people. So, you -- I -- I tried to bring that kind of rigor. But also constantly questioning. We've got to be on ourselves all the time. It's a competitive world out there. You don't think the Chinese are competitive? You don't think the Russians are competitive? You don't think ISIL's competitive? These guys are competitive. And so, if you think that just by doing what we've been doing we're going to win, that's not the case. We've got to be -- and so we have to keep pushing ourselves. And so you'll find that you have to push yourself. You'll find that you have a boss who wants to do things, you know, just keep doing things the same way, and you have to push him or her to do things differently. You'll find that it's risky sometimes, and people say, "Boy, you're really pushing the envelope here." So have the courage to do that, because that's the only way we're going to be the best, and we've got to be the best. Q: Thank you, sir. STAFF: Sir, I think we have time for one more question -- one more question. Q: The Department of Defense is currently drafting policy that would allow transgender servicemembers to serve openly in the military. But there are a lot of members of the military and even the general public who don't encounter transgender people on a normal basis, and maybe don't fully understand it. Are there any plans for the Department of Defense to educate about it? SEC. CARTER: Yeah, we're working through -- we're working through it. This is a complicated issue. And I think it -- it -- it has a lot of ramifications that are very practical ones. The question of principle we've sort of settled, which is that -- the one I said earlier, which is what matters is people's ability to contribute to our military. That's what matters. And then the -- so -- the only barriers we should ever erect to that principle are ones in which there are practical issues that we can't work through. We usually, I'm confident, we're very good at working through those kinds of things. So that's what we're working on right now. But our principle is quite clear. And it's like everything else we do, we try to -- we do things in a careful, thoughtful manner. And I'm confident we're going to get to the right place in this, as in so many other things we have to work through. And it -- and what you have to keep in mind is it's the -- it's the quality and readiness of the force that matters. That's the goal, so keep that in front of us. Q: Thank you, sir. STAFF: I believe that's all the time we have for this today, so thank you, sir. SEC. CARTER: All right. Good to be with you all. (APPLAUSE) STAFF: One more round of applause please for the secretary of defense. (APPLAUSE) SEC. CARTER: Thanks. http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/758703/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter May 12, 2016 Remarks by Secretary Carter in a Media Availability, Colorado Springs, Colorado SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASH CARTER: Good afternoon. Are you all going to be able to hear me up here? OK. I'm here with General Johnson, my host here at the Air Force Academy, a terrific leader of this wonderful institution. The second stop I made today. Let me just describe my day here in Colorado Springs. We're very grateful, not only for the weather, but the wonderful hospitality of this community to the military. This morning, let me start with this morning. This morning over at Schriever Air Force Base I spent the morning at an operations center that was but a gleam in my eye five years ago, and am now extremely pleased to see up and functioning, and doing exactly what we need it do. It's called JICSpOC and the purpose of JiCSpOC is to integrate space operations with the rest of our military operations across all the kinds of operations we do, be they high-end threat to counter-terrorism. And, I say integrate because traditionally space was considered, first of all, a place that was a sanctuary from which military systems could operate, and second of all, really the province of engineers and not warfighters. It is now clear from the behavior of many actual and potential antagonists, and enemies of the United States, space isn't a sanctuary, and secondly, accordingly, it has to be the province of warfighters and not just engineers. The JICSpOC is about combining the operators with the space community. Both the DOD space community, and the intelligence community which, as you know, operates very important space systems. That was something we hadn't really started to do as a nation years ago, and I'm very glad to see it now up and operating, the JICSpOC. It means that a constellation like the GPS constellations, which you guys have visited the operations center, and watched its day-to-day operations. What the JICSpOC is doing is asking itself is how would we change the way that operated if the GPS constellation came under threat, or attack, electromagnetic, or physical attack. So, this is something that we need to do, and I was extremely pleased with progress made there, and I'm happy to answer any questions about it. Then, here at the Air Force Academy, where you see the future in so many ways. You see the future in these bright, bright, exceptionally dedicated, exceptionally disciplined young cadets here at the Air Force Academy. They are the force of the future. I talk about that all the time, that I'm blessed as Secretary of Defense to have the finest fighting force the world has ever known. My job is to use that appropriately, and carefully on behalf of the nation, and behalf of the president's strategy -- strategic priorities, but it's also to leave to my successors a force as fine. That means we got to be thinking about the future. You saw it here. I talked to a number of the cadets about how they were recruited, how they got here in the first place. I talked to them today about our need constantly to push ourselves to make sure we're reaching all of the population of the United States that can potentially make contributions to our military. Because we're an all-volunteer force. We're in a free labor market, we have to compete for talent, and we have to compete well because we have to remain the best. I had an opportunity to talk to a number of the cadets here who are responsible for leading other cadets on the subject of building character. I was really impressed with the insights they had. It's extremely important because the profession of arms is built on honor and trust, and so without character they can't do what they need to do to be the professionals who defend us. I was just extremely impressed with them. A whole other dimension of the future was going to the cyber laboratory. That's a relatively new thing in all of our military academies, and to see a new generation for which cyber is going to be an integral part of the curriculum. These folks are learning about all the ways that cyber can be used against American society, and how to participate in the defense of it, and military systems as well, which is our highest priority in cyber and defense. It gives me a lot of confidence. These folks are going to be on top of it. We're going to be in a very competitive world; we're going to remain the best in all these domains, including space and cyber, which are new domains in the field of warfare. I'm very pleased to see the Air Force, and especially the Academy, under General Johnson's leadership, making sure that we're on top of those frontiers. It's been a terrific day, and I'm happy to answer your questions about any of those matters. Peter is the impresario here. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, since we're at the Air Force Academy, I thought I'd go ahead and ask you a question about an Air Force platform. As you know, some people on Capitol Hill -- excuse me, Capitol Hill, are proposing restarting the F-22 production line. Is that something you would support, or are you concerned that would take money away from other high priority... SEC. CARTER: I'm concerned that restarting the F-22, that's an inefficient way to proceed. It's not something the Air Force has recommended to me. We value the F-22's we have. We're busy upgrading them, and making sure that their avionics, and so forth, are state of the art, but we don't need to restart the F-22 line. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, there's been debate over the last year and a half about whether there needs to be changes to the chain of command between the intelligence community and the Title 10 folks concerning satellites. As you begin to see what you're getting out of the JICSpOC exercises, do you see those two worlds still remaining separate, commanding their own assets, or do you know yet? SEC. CARTER: Well, I know what the right answer is, and I know what is happening in JICSpOC, which is we need to work side by side. I work extremely well with Jimmy Clapper, who's the Director of National Intelligence, I see him all the time. We can't live in a world -- and we don't anymore, in which those two are separated. You see that in everything we do. You see it in cyber, you see it in remotely-piloted vehicles, as you well know. And, you're going to see it, and are seeing it, in space. And, one of the things that I was very intent upon when we first had the vision of JICSpOC was precisely that. Aligning intelligence and defense space efforts because, after all, we in defense depend on intelligence from those space assets, and they're going to depend on us to make sure that they can operate in an environment where others are trying to disrupt our capabilities. So, that's where the partnership arises, and the way you can know that's true is this. The Director of the National Reconnaissance Office was there today, along with our military space and STRATCOM leaders doing the briefing. That's one sign. On the operations floor were people from all the intelligence community, as well as all the armed services of the Defense Department. One room, one floor. Where there had once upon a time been a separate intelligence room, the door had been taken off. There wasn't even a door any longer. So, that's the way it has to be in this case, that's the way it is, and that's an essential ingredient in JICSpOC. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, you took a question inside from one of the cadets on transgender policy. SEC. CARTER: Yes. QUESTION: It's no secret at this point that the working group has stretched on much longer than you had initially planned. Can you give us some sense for where the hang-ups are at this point? SEC. CARTER: There aren't any hang-ups, we know exactly where we're going. I established the direction some time ago. The implementation is working on implementation, they're doing the usual job which is going to be careful and thorough, and I have great confidence in the results, and I expect them to wrap up soon. QUESTION: You've reached the JICSpOC, and one question that comes up here locally a lot is there's a lot of capability out there in Schriever for war gaming, are you looking at taking the JICSpOC concept into other areas like cyber, like missile defense, and bringing that kind of war gaming into other areas? SEC. CARTER: Yes. It's a very good question, and they're doing very well at the war gaming -- however, I'll say in addition to war gaming they're doing real world, minute by minute, no-kidding operations now. I can't go into what they are, but it -- yes, they do some gaming in simulation which is intended to hone their operational concepts, and their tactics, and to explore what the future might be like, but they are working on it. We need them to work right now on problems of space's role in conflict first of all because we are in conflicts today. I'll just remind you on the counter-ISIL fight, and I have instructed our space community to join the fight. Figure out what we can do to contribute, can't explain what they can do, but they can do some things. But, secondly, every single day as we stand here, we need to stand watch, and situations which where we don't want to see conflict, nevertheless, can develop. Deterrence requires that our opponents know that we will be successful in our operations, and that we'll prevail in any domain that we enter, and that's an important part of deterrence. When it comes to deterrence, let's say for instance, North Korea, and so forth, it is a here and now issues, and not just a matter of war gaming. QUESTION: Thanks, today you talked a little bit about RPAs and the importance that they play for operations and their growing importance. Mica Endsley, former Air Force Chief Scientists was talking a little bit about the interface and how actually steering the drone is a little bit difficult. You discussed today some of the staffing challenges. When you look ahead to ten years from now, how do you see RPAs, both the operation of them changing, and what's the most important change you want to see in actual platforms themselves? SEC. CARTER: Well, let's see, I'll start with the last part, which is platforms. We are looking at new, different, and I will say surprising platforms. I want them to be a surprise, so we won't go any further in that regard. But, RPAs are here to stay, and the way that they are operated, I think, is only going to get more complex. It's not just a matter of launch and recovery, and we're flying. The complexity comes with the mission planning, and the mission execution, and the very careful rules that our RPA operators operate under because they, like all of our forces, operate in such a way as to respect the civilized rules of armed conflict -- which are proportionality and discrimination. They're extremely well trained to do that, they're extremely skilled to do that. Both, in regard to the complexity of the missions, the complexity of the command and control, the number of different sensors that will be feeding into their operations, their only getting more and more complex. I think the Air Force very specifically is working itself out of a manpower deficit with the MQ-1s and MQ-9s that we put them in. The Departments leader deliberately did that in order to surge RPA use a few years ago, especially in Afghanistan. That was the right decision to make. We knew what the consequences would be, and now we're trying to make up with that, and make sure we are able to operate 90 orbits, which is the number we need given the tempo of operations all around the world are RPAs. It was great to talk to some of the cadets who have chosen that field. They know that that's going to be a very rewarding, very militarily demanding field. You know, I'm sure if I talked to cadets 20 years ago, General Johnson may want to comment on this, they may have been -- they may not have even anticipated it, let alone been as convinced as these young cadets were of the importance of the field that they were joining. LT. GEN. MICHELLE D. JOHNSON: That's exactly right, sir. It's a growth industry, and they need to understand that that's a possibility. The see how it's so interwoven with the other platforms. No platform goes it alone, so they understand that better. They're enthusiastic about it, and they're going it make it better because they'll be clever, innovative leaders and find applications that we haven't thought of. SEC. CARTER: Alright, thank you. -END- http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/758707/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN calls for closer cooperation with African organizations for sustaining peace 12 May 2016 Stronger partnerships between the United Nations and African regional and sub-regional organizations are necessary to sustain the momentum for peacebuilding in Africa and prevent a lapse into violent conflict, Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said today, calling for greater efforts to reinforce initiatives and define the parameters of cooperation. "Today's global realities the changing nature of violent conflicts, the deepening refugee crisis and rising violent extremism underline the necessity to focus on preventing crises and addressing root causes," Mr. Eliasson said at the opening of a high-level meeting on sustaining peace in Africa at UN Headquarters in New York. The meeting also featured a thematic discussion on the topic that was co-moderated by Maged Abdelaziz, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, and Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support. Continuing his remarks, Mr. Eliasson said: "Formulating global responses from purely security and humanitarian perspectives is insufficient. We must avoid vicious cycles of military response and continued conflict and suffering." The Deputy Secretary-General noted the timeliness of the meeting which was jointly organized by the UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, the Peacebuilding Support Office and the African Union (AU) under the theme "Sustaining Peace: Mechanisms, partnerships and the future of peacebuilding in Africa" following the adoption on 27 April of substantially identical resolutions by the Security Council and the General Assembly on the review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture. "These ground-breaking texts place 'sustaining peace' at the core of national, regional and international peacebuilding and conflict prevention," he said. Mr. Eliasson highlighted that through the two resolutions, Member States had stressed the importance of stronger partnerships, especially with regional and sub-regional organizations. Emphasizing that the AU is a "vital strategic partner" of the UN, the Deputy Secretary-General noted that over the past decade, the UN's partnership with the AU and the continent's sub-regional organizations had grown significantly. "This meeting is an opportunity to take further steps together to prevent the lapse and relapse into violent conflict," he stressed, adding that peacebuilding in Africa has been a "top priority" for the UN. Citing Guinea-Bissau, Burundi and Somalia as examples of cooperation between the UN and AU, Mr. Eliasson also noted that the Security Council and General Assembly resolutions encourage regular exchanges of views, joint initiatives and information-sharing between the UN peacebuilding family and regional and sub-regional organizations, not least the AU Commission. "We should institutionalize such interactions, with a renewed focus on sustaining peace," he said. "As we develop our responses along those lines, we must recognize that sustaining peace is a core task derived from the UN Charter. It sets the direction for all UN activities, from conflict prevention and peacekeeping to work on human rights, reconstruction and development," he added. Mr. Eliasson said that such work requires a shared responsibility and commitment between the UN and its Member States including on financing. "Given the serious funding shortfall of Peacebuilding Fund, I appeal to you to provide predictable and sustainable financing," he stressed. The Deputy Secretary-General also stressed the need to strengthen the links between peacebuilding efforts and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . "The 2030 Agenda has a great potential to address the various factors which drive violent conflicts, including socio-economic and gender inequalities, lack of jobs, poor natural resource management, climate change, as well as corruption and the absence of the rule of law and well-functioning institutions," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Top UN and African Union officials condemn deadly violence at camp for displaced in North Darfur 12 May 2016 The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, have jointly condemn Monday's attacks by armed groups on an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp and the shooting at a nearby market in Sortoni, North Darfur. "The attacks resulted in the killing of five people, including two children and the wounding of several individuals, including a peacekeeper from Ethiopia serving with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID)," said a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson in New York. The two officials expressed their serious concern over the recent escalation of tensions between nomadic and IDP communities in the area, and called on them to refrain from acts of violence and resolve their disputes through dialogue. "They urge the Sudanese authorities to investigate and promptly bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice," said the statement. Underscoring that the continued implementation of UNAMID's mandate is imperative to maintain security and protect civilians across Darfur, including those displaced as a result of the most recent fighting in Jebel Marra between the Sudanese Government and the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid, the two urged all conflict parties to resume negotiations without further delay, under the auspices of the AU High Level Implementation Panel for Sudan and South Sudan (AUHIP), with a view to achieving a comprehensive political solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRC Chief: Displaced Need 'Something Better than Camps' by Jill Craig May 12, 2016 The majority of the world's refugees live in Africa, and there is a "need for a new deal" when it comes to their interests, International Rescue Committee President David Miliband said Thursday. "The debate should not be yes or no to camps," Miliband said, following visits to two large refugee camps slated for closure in Kenya. "The issue is finding something better than camps for the long-term displaced." The Kenyan government said this week that it would go ahead with plans to close the Dadaab and Kakuma camps "within the shortest time possible." Kenya hosts more than a half-million refugees, with about three-fourths from Somalia, and most of the others from South Sudan. Conflict continues in both countries. Opened in 1991 The Dadaab refugee camp was opened in 1991. About 100,000 of Dadaab's current residents were born there and do not know any other place, Miliband said. "There is a danger that people only think about the European refugee crisis," he said, adding that Kenya has shown "enormous resilience and fortitude" in hosting refugees for the past 25 years. He also noted that conflicts in the Middle East have further squeezed international aid budgets. Kenya's interior ministry said al-Shabab terrorists have used the Dadaab camp, home to an estimated 328,000 Somali refugees, to plan and train for attacks, like the one at Nairobi's Westgate Mall, where 67 people were killed in September 2013. Somalia's foreign ministry disputes that claim and said closing the camps would amplify security threats in the region. 'Taking advantage' "If you bring children and young people to Jubba Valley [southern Somalia], the extremists could be taking advantage of them, either harming them or recruiting them," Foreign Minister Abdisalam Hadliye Omar told VOA's Somali service Thursday. Kenya has threatened to close the refugee camps in the past, most recently in 2015 and 2013, but has never followed through. The United Nations has expressed "profound concern" about the government's plans. In a statement this week, the U.N. said the safety of hundreds of thousands of refugees hinges on Kenya's generosity. Kenya's government said the international community must take steps to minimize the refugees' pain and suffering, acknowledging that the closures will cause them harm. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Raptors complete successful European deployment By Staff Sgt. Stephanie Longoria, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office / Published May 13, 2016 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England (AFNS) -- Twelve F-22 Raptors from the 95th Fighter Squadron and about 220 Airmen from Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, completed on May 8 a month-long deployment to Royal Air Force Lakenheath. This historic deployment was the largest Raptor deployment in Europe to date and is part of their Global Response Force training. "The F-22 deployment to RAF Lakenheath makes perfect sense," said Col. Robert Novotny, the 48th Fighter Wing commander. "Lakenheath is the home (to) combat fighter aviation in Europe; it's the place where we work with our NATO allies to sharpen our tactical skills and reaffirm to our commitment to the alliance." During the deployment, the F-22s participated in exercise Iron Hand 16-3, conducted air training with all three RAF Lakenheath fighter squadrons and RAF Typhoons. The Raptors also forward deployed to Romania and Lithuania, both NATO countries, and participated in the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Lafayette Escadrille in Paris. "Deploying Raptors here and integrating with our efforts in these areas has been a phenomenal success," Novotny said. "During their deployment, we were able to integrate seamlessly into some of the largest fighter exercises in Europe." According to 1st Lt. Jolly Foss, a 95th FS Raptor pilot, training with the Typhoons was one of the main objectives for deploying to the U.K. "There's different capabilities here, different airspace that we don't have access to back home and being able to integrate with the three F-15 Eagle squadrons and with the Typhoons has allowed us to go through our exercise objectives," Foss said. Foss explained the different type of training sorties while deployed to the U.K. "We had some long sorties, where you send anywhere between 10-12 jets on the blue side against 10 aircraft on the red side; tactical sorties, where we look into destroying targets on the ground; and strictly defensive counter air, which is keeping the enemy from approaching that line," Foss continued. The F-22 is the Air Force's newest fully operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, maneuverability, integrated avionics and multirole capability enhances its warfighting capabilities. "Sending the Raptors into Low Fly Area 7 (Mach Loop in Wales) was an opportunity for their low-altitude qualified pilots to see firsthand the amazing training opportunities we have in the United Kingdom. The training ranges and low flying airspace here are some of the best in the world," Novotny said. The F-22s forward deployed to Eastern Europe to maximize training opportunities and demonstrate the United States' commitment to NATO allies. "The intent of the exercise was to show the capabilities of 'rapid Raptors' by taking two F-22s to Lithuania and Romania, along with our support assets on a tanker, and being able to go anywhere in the world with very little coordination and notice," Foss said. According to Novotny, many lessons were learned that will ensure faster, simple and if necessary more lethal deployments in the future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Echo Company sweeps through ITX 3-16 US Marine Corps News By Courtesy Story | May 13, 2016 Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, traveled from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., to perform field training exercises at Ranges 400 and 410 as part of Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 aboard the Combat Center May 8 and 9, 2016. During the exercise, each Marine from Echo Company played their role in executing the mission. Combat engineers cleared the way for fellow Marines and kept them safe from notional improvised explosive devices, snipers provided cover fire for the riflemen who advanced using fire and maneuver. "Everything we learn, from buddy pairs to battalion sized movements, we utilized here," said Cpl. John C. Fisher, squad leader, 2/8. "We practiced fire and movement along with fire and maneuver on the basic level to complete the range." According to the Marines of 2/8, it is important to train in an environment similar to the one they'll encounter while deployed. Not only is it beneficial for Marines at the forefront, it provides invaluable training for the leaders behind the scenes. Maj. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, commanding general, 2nd Marine Division, attended the training exercise to observe Marines from his division prepare for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-sustaining crisis-response force specifically designed to support U.S. and partner interests throughout the United States Africa Command area of responsibility to include; embassy reinforcement, support of non-combatant evacuation operations, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. "It is important to use all the organic weapons systems we have available at the infantry battalion-sized level," said Beaudreault. "This type of training isn't available on the East Coast. So it is great to train ourselves to the high-caliber end of each spectrum." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Obama warns Russia against military build-up in N Europe Iran Press TV Fri May 13, 2016 5:14PM US President Barack Obama has warned Russia against its "aggressive" military build-up in northern Europe. Obama made the remarks on Friday after meeting with Nordic leaders from Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark at the White House. "We are united in our concern about Russia's growing aggressive military presence and posture in the Baltic-Nordic region," he said. Earlier, Obama said the US and Nordic countries agreed on the need for a peaceful European order. "We believe that our citizens have the right to live in freedom and security, free from terrorism, and a Europe where smaller nations are not bullied by larger nations," he said. However, Obama said Washington would be prepared to counter any perceived Russian aggression. "We will be maintaining ongoing dialogue and seek cooperation with Russia but we also want to make sure that we are prepared and strong and we want to encourage Russia to keep its military activities in full compliance with international obligations," he said. Meanwhile, Denmark, Norway reportedly agreed to contribute to "enhanced allied forward presence" with the North Atlantic Organization Treaty (NATO). The United States on Thursday activated a land-based missile system in Romania, despite Russia's warning against a systematically increasing US-led arms deployment near its borders. The missiles' activation marked the penultimate step in the completion of a missile shield, which Washington proposed nearly a decade ago. Senior American and NATO officials attended the activation ceremony in Deveselu, southern Romania. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly criticized the deployment of the US missile system near his country, and vowed to neutralize any threats against Russia. "Now that these anti-missile elements have been installed we will be forced to consider putting an end to the threats emerging in relation to Russia's security," Putin said during a meeting with military officials. He also stressed that Moscow is doing its best to sustain strategic balance of power. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commander death bolsters Hezbollah anti-Israel resistance: Iran Iran Press TV Fri May 13, 2016 1:14PM Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the death of Hezbollah's military chief will certainly stiffen the Lebanese resistance movement's determination to fight the Israeli regime and terrorism. In a message to Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, Zarif expressed the Islamic Republic's condolences on the killing of Mustafa Badreddine by the Israeli regime. The Iranian minister said Badreddine was "all passion and devotion" in defending the ideals of Islam and the resistant Lebanese people and in fighting terrorism. In a statement on Friday, Hezbollah said it is investigating to find out whether a blast which claimed the life of its top military commander was caused by an airstrike, missile attack or artillery. The Lebanese resistance movement added that initial information indicates Badreddine was killed in a big explosion at one of its bases near Damascus Airport in Syria. Early reports had suggested that the commander, 55, was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike. He was the commander of Hezbollah's military wing which is helping the Syrian government drive out foreign-backed Takfiri terrorists from the country. Badreddine also directed military operations against the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and was a frequent target of attempts by Israel, the US and its allies in the Middle East to assassinate or capture him. Israel is widely known to have been supporting terrorists fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Funeral held for Commander Badreddine A funeral was held in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday afternoon for the assassinated commander. Addressing the mourners, Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's deputy secretary general, said the resistance movement will "continue the path" of Commander Badreddine. He said there are various hypotheses regarding the death of Badreddine, adding that Hezbollah will not announce how the commander was killed before the end of the investigations. Qassem added that his party will determine the nature of the blast and the identity of the perpetrators within hours. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel kills Hezbollah military commander Iran Press TV Fri May 13, 2016 1:5AM An Israeli strike against the Syrian capital, Damascus, has claimed the life of a top military commander of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement. Mustafa Badreddine was killed in the Israeli attack near Damascus International Airport on Friday, Lebanese al-Mayadeen television channel reported. Badreddine was the commander of Hezbollah's military arm, its chief of intelligence, and adviser to the movement's Secretary General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah. He was the cousin and brother-in-law of the top Hezbollah commander, Imad Mughniyeh, who was likewise assassinated by the Israeli regime in Damascus in 2008. Israel's spy agency, Mossad, killed Mughniyeh by remotely detonating a bomb planted in the spare tire of a parked SUV in the Syrian capital. Lebanon's Hezbollah has confirmed the death of its top commander, Reuters reported. Pro-Hezbollah activists on the social media were paying homage to the commander. Mughniyah's son, Jihad, was also killed in an Israeli airstrike in Syria in January 2015. Israel is widely known for its support for terrorists trying to topple the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. According to Israel's Channel 2 television, the number of militants having been treated by Israeli medical staff since 2011 has reached 2,100. In December 2015, the British newspaper Daily Mail said the Israeli regime had saved the lives of more than 2,000 Takfiri militants since 2013. The Syrian army has repeatedly seized sizable quantities of Israeli-made weapons and advanced military equipment from militants in the Arab country. Lebanon has been sporadically affected by the foreign-backed militancy that has been taking its toll for the past five years. Hezbollah has frequently announced that its military role in Syria is aimed at preventing the spillover of the Syrian crisis into Lebanon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nordic States to Increase Contributions to Anti-Daesh Coalition Sputnik News 20:56 13.05.2016(updated 20:57 13.05.2016) Four Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, will contribute additional troops, equipment and finances to the US-led coalition against Daesh, according to a joint statement released at the US-Nordic Leaders Summit on Friday. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Denmark will also financially support stabilization efforts in Iraq, while Finland will contribute up to 100 training staff in the fall of 2016 and provide $29 million for humanitarian relief in Syria. Norway will continue its anti-Daesh contributions and will deploy a contingent of around 60 soldiers to train Syrian local forces. Meanwhile, Sweden will send military trainers in Iraq and spend $200 million in development assistance to Syria. "Denmark will redeploy F16 fighter jets, a C-130J transport aircraft, and make additional troop contributions, including special operation forces, for operations in Iraq and Syria," the statement said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No US, Coalition Aircraft in Area Where Hezbollah Commander Was Killed Sputnik News 20:50 13.05.2016 The White House spokesman said no US or coalition aircraft operated in the area where Hezbollah's top military commander was reportedly killed. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) There were no US or coalition aircraft in the area where Hezbollah's top military commander Mustafa Badreddine was reportedly killed in Syria, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said during a press briefing on Friday. "We've seen the reports of his death. I can't independently confirm them. I can confirm that there were no US or coalition aircraft in the area where he was reported to be killed," Earnest told reporters. Hezbollah, a paramilitary and political organization originating in Lebanon's Shiite population, was established in the 1980s. The group has been fighting alongside the Syrian government against Daesh terrorists and other extremist militant groups since 2011. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organization by a number of countries including Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and many European states, but not by Russia. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Want Peace? Prepare for War! Finland Ready to Deploy Overseas Military Aid Sputnik News 15:03 13.05.2016(updated 16:20 13.05.2016) Finland has long righteously enjoyed international respect for its staunch support of non-alignment policy, yet the situation is beginning to change. In a shift of paradigm, Finnish troops may now be deployed overseas, a government proposal suggests. According to Defense Minister Jussi Niinisto of the populist True Finns Party, the aim of the proposal is to be able to provide military assistance to allies under extraordinary circumstances as part of Finland's international duties. He also stressed that the priority will be to only deploy military personnel who have particularly expressed their willingness to participate and are part of the recruitment pool for crisis management operations. The establishment of a separate recruitment pool would necessitate a considerable increase in the defense budget, which Finland can ill afford, admitted Niinisto. Niinisto's party colleague and Foreign Minister Timo Soini assured that the country would be able to freely decide on which operations involving the use of forcible measures it participates in, Uusi Suomi reported. "We can avoid such situations by fostering our foreign relations and security situation, and by investing in international co-operation. That is our objective, but if we cannot avoid those situations, we would always be able to take action," he said. Soini also cited the terror attacks in Paris in November as an example of a situation in which such assistance could be provided. Back then, France turned to the EU for military assistance in the wake of the attacks, invoking an article of the Lisbon Treaty on mutual aid. At the beginning of December, President Sauli Niinisto promised the US to help in the fight against Daesh. However, as Finnish legislation did not allow direct military assistance to third countries, the Finnish authorities had to settle for appropriate amendments. Earlier, Finnish military only participated in peacekeeping operations. At present, however, about 50 of Finnish military specialists train fighters of the Kurdish Peshmerga force the city of Erbil in Iraq. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Focusing Intently on China's Cyber Commitments by Nike Ching May 12, 2016 U.S. officials say they are watching closely to ensure that China abides by its cybersecurity commitments, following the first meeting between the two sides since they struck an anti-hacking agreement in September. On Wednesday, a group of Chinese and U.S. officials met to discuss "international norms of state behavior" and other issues. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the meeting the so-called Senior Experts Group on International Norms and Related Issues as "positive, in-depth and constructive." U.S. officials provided few details about the talks, and they declined to engage in "grading" China's follow-through on cyber commitments. However, the State Department called the meeting a "good indication that we stay engaged." "They spoke about international security in cyberspace, the international law on state behavior in cyberspace, voluntary international norms of state behavior, [and] cyber confidence-building measures," said State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau during Thursday's briefing. The talks came a month before Secretary of State John Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew are scheduled to attend the high-level annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue to be held in Beijing. Signs of progress The United States has clashed with China for years over cyber-enabled theft for commercial gain by state actors. Washington and Beijing agreed during President Barack Obama's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last fall that neither government would conduct or knowingly support cyber-enabled economic espionage to advance business interests. A senior U.S. official said Washington got a promise from Beijing to end state support for cybertheft after a "significant sanctions package" was threatened. Computer hackers inside China are believed to be one of the major groups responsible for stealing U.S. intellectual property that is estimated to be worth about $300 billion each year. "Part of the challenge is China has never historically acknowledged that it engaged in that kind of activity," Scott Harold of Rand Corporation's Center for Asia-Pacific Policy told VOA. But there may be signs that the U.S.-China cyber agreement may be having an impact. Harold said that private-sector companies that provide cybersecurity have indicated that the Chinese cyber-espionage groups they were tracking have changed their behavior and their targeting. "Not entirely, not in every case, but in large enough numbers, it appears to be ... that the agreement of last September actually carries consequences in the real world for Chinese behavior," he said. China canceled a separate bilateral cyber-working group in 2014 as a move to protest the U.S. indictment of five Chinese military officials on charges of hacking. The new initiative appears to be a fresh start to cope with cyber issues. Wang Qun, deputy-general for arms control and disarmament affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who also led Wednesday's meeting, said Washington and Beijing share interests in promoting a rules-based cyberspace. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Anti-Missile Base Drives Poland Into 'New Phase' of Security Buildup Sputnik News 19:43 13.05.2016 Poland enters a new phase of strengthening of the country's security while constructing a military base, which will be a part of an US-designed ballistic missile defense system in Europe, Polish President Andrzej Duda said Friday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Earlier in the day, the Polish village of Redzikovo hosted a ground-breaking ceremony of the US Aegis Ashore missile defense system, attended by US and Polish officials, including the country's president. The construction of the base is expected to be completed by 2018. "The missile defense system will intercept potential missiles which would fly further to the Western Europe. Today we are entering the new phase of strengthening of security of the free world and Poland," Duda said at the ceremony as quoted by the Polish television. According to Duda, the base is aimed at providing security and "it is not directed against any country." On Thursday, the same US Aegis Ashore missile defense system was officially inaugurated at a military base in Romania. Russia has repeatedly expressed concern over the creation of the ballistic missile defense system in Europe, approved in 2010 during a NATO summit in Lisbon. A group of European countries, including Poland, Romania, Spain and Turkey, agreed to deploy elements of the system on their territories. Earlier on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow would have to think how to reduce the threat posed against Russia due to the deployment of US missile defense systems in Eastern Europe. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh truck bombs leave 17 Iraqi soldiers dead near Ramadi Iran Press TV Thu May 12, 2016 10:10PM Military officials say more than a dozen Iraqi army soldiers have lost their lives when members of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group carried out truck bomb attacks against government forces in the country's embattled western province of Anbar. An army colonel, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the extremists killed at least 17 soldiers with bomb attacks in Jarayshi district, located 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the provincial capital city of Ramadi, on Thursday. Daesh Takfiris also laid a siege to an army regiment, seized a bridge and cut a key supply route linking Ramadi to Tharthar area, situated 120 kilometers (74 miles) northwest of the capital, Baghdad. An unnamed officer said the bombings were meant to slow the army's advance as it is preparing to mount an offensive to recapture a nearby region from Daesh militants. The liberation of the militant-held area would completely sever Daesh terrorists' supply routes to Fallujah, located roughly 69 kilometers (43 miles) west of Baghdad. Also on Thursday, two civilians were killed and seven others sustained injuries when an improvised explosive device went off near a commercial district in the al-Obeidi neighborhood of eastern Baghdad. Elsewhere in Baghdad's southwestern neighborhood of Hayy al-A'amel, a bomb attack struck an outdoor market, killing a civilian and injuring eight others. A roadside bomb also detonated in Baghdad's southeastern neighborhood of Arab Jabour, leaving a police officer dead and four others injured. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq says a total of 741 Iraqis were killed and 1,374 others injured in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict in April. According to the UN mission, the number of civilian fatalities stood at 410. Violence also claimed the lives of 331 members of the Iraqi security forces. A great portion of the fatalities was recorded in Baghdad, where 232 civilians were killed. Gruesome violence has plagued the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since Daesh Takfiris launched an offensive in the country in June 2014, and took control of portions of Iraqi territory. The militants have been committing vicious crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and others. Iraqi army soldiers and fighters from allied Popular Mobilization Units are seeking to win back militant-held regions in joint operations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria airstrike kills 16 Nusra leaders in Idlib: Monitor Iran Press TV Fri May 13, 2016 7:55AM At least 16 senior members of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front militant group have been killed in an airstrike in northwestern Syria, a monitor says. Rami Abdulrahman, the director of the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said on Friday that the air raid targeted a Nusra Front meeting in Abu al-Duhour air base in Idlib Province. He said the base had been heavily pounded in the attack, which came a day after a number of Syrian civilians were killed by al-Nusra snipers in Kefraya town of Idlib on Thursday. The neighboring Kefraya and al-Fouaa towns, located in northern Idlib, are besieged by Takfiri groups affiliated to the so-called Jaish al-Fatah terrorist organization. Fouaa was also targeted on Tuesday with more than 40 militant rocket shells that left five civilians injured. Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which has also displaced over half of the Arab country's pre-war population of about 23 million. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey not very hopeful about EU refugee deal: Minister Iran Press TV Fri May 13, 2016 2:14PM Turkish Minister of European Union Affairs Volkan Bozkir cast serious doubt Friday over the prospects of realizing a deal between Ankara and the EU on refugees, which would provide visa-free travel for Turks in Europe's borderless Schengen zone. "At this stage, I would not say we are very hopeful," Bozkir told Turkish reporters in televised comments in Brussels following talks with EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn. "Every country has things on which it can give ground and things on which it can't. The European Commission should help Turkey." "We think the European Commission should understand quite how critical the current situation is," Bozkir stated. The remarks came only a day after Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at the EU over what he termed as its "hypocrisy" for telling Ankara to change its anti-terror laws. "Since when are you running this country? Who has given you the authority?" President Erdogan said. Ankara says the laws are necessary given the ongoing clashes with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in southeastern Turkey, and the threat of Daesh Takfiri terrorists in neighboring Syria and Iraq. Rights groups, however, accuse Turkey of using the broad anti-terrorism legislation to silence opposition and arrest critics, including reporters and academics. Analysts say the problem of changing the anti-terror laws could endanger the Turkey-EU refugee deal, which has prompted a sharp decline in the number of refugees crossing from Turkey to Greece. Under the deal sealed in March, Ankara agreed to take back all the asylum seekers and refugees who had used its territory to illegally reach the EU shores in return for a number of commitments from the EU, including financial aid, visa liberalization and progress in its EU membership negotiations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address > Classic Myanmar tour Overview Our Classic Myanmar itinerary 10 days generally excursion who wants to visit essential highlight cities of Myanmar such as Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. We have put a lot of recommendations about the best local tasty restaurants in a sustainable community of Myanmar Tourism. Anyway below itinerary is suitable for couples and groups who want to visit Myanmar within 10 days. As an extra, we can put trekking tours, beaches and other destinations where your heart goes. > Detail Itinerary Day 1: Yangon Colonial walk, Circular train and Golden Temple (B) Upon your arrival at Yangon international airport, meet our tour guide and transfer to downtown. Take a 30 minutes walks around colonial buildings Maha Bandula Park, the Yangon Region Court, Yangon City Hall Sule Pagoda, and many colonial buildings. On the way Stop at Myanmar souvenir shop such as Hla day where you can find high-quality products made by disabilities, orphanage. Before proceed to Reclining Buddha Chauk Htat Gyi, hop on a Yangon circular train and take 15 minutes to ride to Yangon Central railway station. In the afternoon after lunch visit to Kandawgyi Lake and Karaweik floating barge which is beautifully situated in the heart of Yangon. The final stop is Shwedagon pagoda were the largest 99-meter tall golden stupa over 2800 years old. Day 2: Wandering around Bagan Temples (B) At early morning, our driver will pick up at the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport for early morning flight to Bagan. On arrival, meet and greet our guide and start to tour in Bagan, new hailed World Heritage site by UNESCO including the colorful Nyaung Oo Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Wetkyi-in Gubyaukkyi (a cave temple with exquisite jatakas mural paintings), the elegant Htilominlo Temple (noted for its plaster carvings) and the Tharaba Gate. After hotel check-in and refreshment, explorations of Bagan continue in the afternoon including visits to Ananda (an architectural masterpiece of early-style temple), Ananda Okkyaung (one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period), Thatbyinnyu Temple (the highest in Bagan, rising to 61 m) and Dhammayangyi Temple (noted for its remarkable brickwork). Enjoy a fantastic sunset view of Bagan. Day 3: Experience Lacquerware and Local Villages (B) After breakfast at the hotel, our driver and guide pick at the hotel and proceed to Myinkaba village and observe the process of creating traditional lacquerware, one of the best-known Myanmar handicrafts and a specialty of Bagan. Visit Myinkaba Gubyaukkyi (an early period Pyu-style temple of Hindu influence). Next, stop at the Manuha and Nan Paya temples. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the countryside village of Minnanthu. Visit some of the interesting temples if time permits, such as Payathonzu, Lemyethnar, Sinbyushin, Nandaminnya, and Minnanthu monastery. Enjoy sunset cruising over the Ayeyarwaddy River at Bupaya. Day 4: Excursion to Popa Mandalay trip (B) Pick up from your hotel and we head to Mount Popa 1518 meters high and extinct volcano from Popa Mountain. The Popa Taungkalat shrine is the home of 37 Mahagiri Nats or animist spirit entities, statues of which can be found at its base. To reach the top, you need to remove shoes and socks and climb the 777 steps to the summit. Along the way is a multitude of monkeys expecting treats. Proceed to Mandalay around a 4-hour drive. Hotel check-in and leisure in the evening. Overnight in Mandalay. Day 5: Be a Burmese for a Day in Mandalay (B) Meet our Mandalay guide at your hotel and visit the world longest U Bein Teak Bridge at Silk weaving Town Amarapura. Then proceed to Mahamuni Pagoda (famous for its venerable statue of Buddha covered with gold leaf). Next afternoon sightseeing includes the Shwenandaw Monastery (noted for its exquisite woodcarving), Atumashi Monastery and the Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures (known as the worlds biggest book). To Mandalay hill on sunset time, 230 Meters in elevation, commands a magnificent view of the city and view of both Shan plateau to the east of Ayeyarwaddy river to the south of downtown while paddy fields of rural area panoramic view. Day 6: Boat trip to the Mingun, the lost city on the other side of Mandalay (B) Today transfer to jetty and visit Mingun by boat exploring the Ayeyarwaddy river around 1 hour. Then proceed to the Unfinished Pagoda, Mingun Pahtodawgyi was built King Bodaw Paya and Mingun Bell is about 90 tons of the second-largest ringing Bell of the world. Near visit the most beautiful Pagoda, Myatheindan was built Queen Shinphyume. Proceed drive to Sagaing Hill across the Ayeyarwaddy River and will see the rural life of Myanmar People. On the top of Sagaing Hill, visit a Soon U Pon Nya Shin, U Min Thonesal Pagoda., a retreat for some monks and nuns and there are over 500 Monasteries. Day 7: Pindaya Nyaung Shwe Red Mountain Vineyard (B) Fly to Heho, upon arrival meet and greet our Inle lake guide, continue by car and enjoy a scenic drive to the small quiet town Pindaya, 48 km north of Kalaw, to visit Pindaya Lake and Pindaya Cave, well-known for its thousands of Buddha images. Next visit to tea leaf plantations around danu villages on the hills, Experience the picking tea leaf, how to make the best green tea and enjoy the Danu style tea leaf salad. And Visit Bamboo umbrella workshop, proceed to Nyaung Shwe watch the sunset from Red Mountain Vineyard, Transfer to your hotel. Day 8: Normal Inle Lake Boat trip (B) Take a full-day tour of Inle Lake by private boat with chances to see villages, the unique leg-rowers fishermen and the floating gardens, built up from the strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored with bamboo poles. Lunch at Floating Local Inthar House. The tour also includes visits to the silver smith factory, the silk weaving village, the Cheroot making a factory, the boat making workshop, Nga Phe Chaung Monastery and the most famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda where the Buddha images have been covered in so much gold that they look like balls of solid gold. The final visit to 14th and 15th-century ruins pagoda of Nyaung Oak, Shwe Inn Dein Paya. Day 9: Inle Lake-Yangon (B) Domestic Flight to Yangon and visit to Bogyoke Aung San Scott market where we can negotiate for the best value. Our guide will be standby for the rest of the day. Day 10: Yangon Departure (B) Depend on your flight departure, our driver will pick up at the hotel and transfer to Yangon International Airport and connect to your international flight departure. *** End of our services *** Inclusion: 9 nights hotel accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis with daily breakfast Yangon Bagan, Bagan-Mandalay, Mandalay Heho, Heho Yangon(4 domestic flights Bagan Horse cart, Mingun and Inle Lake boat fees Meals as mentioned in the itinerary All Private transferring within the tour by air-conditioned vehicle English Speaking Tour guide or other languages (Spanish, France, German or Japanese) on request All entrance and sightseeing fees Government tax 5% and services charge Exclusion: In the state of Texas, it is illegal to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel. Neither are you allowed to sell you own eye. In our state capitol, you may not carry wire cutters in your pocket. I discovered each of these when I searched for Texas' strangest laws. You can find list upon list of laws for almost every jurisdiction in America that we might call "strange" because governments around the country passed laws that seem to exceed, or at least no longer perform, the proper function of government in comic ways. Sometimes, those overreaches are less comical. In 2013, Edward Snowden leaked documents that revealed the details about PRISM, a mass surveillance program run by the NSA that collected millions of communications from Internet service users from all over the world, including U.S. citizens. Such overreaches raise questions about what government's role is should really be. In the middle of arguments over immigration, bathrooms and gender issues, gun control, trade agreements and deficits, same-sex marriage, tax equity, race and health care, what can we look to as a definitive statement on what government is for to guide what government does. This question is more pressing given our current contentious election cycle. Given the difficult decision between myriad bad choices, it might behoove us to carefully consider our expectations of a leader and of a government. It should not surprise you that the Bible has something to say about the role of government. Chapter 13 of Paul's letter to the Romans begins with an exhortation to Christians to submit to "governing authorities" (Romans 13:1). The New Testament repeatedly urges Christians to submit to every level of authority above them. The verses in Romans 13 are special because they not only prescribe a response to government for Christians, but they also describe the purpose for which government exists in the first place. This passage in Romans 13 makes the audacious claim that God Himself appoints those who come to power. If that's true, God elected Barack Obama to be our president long before the American people did. He also picked Vladimir Putin to lead Russia. And before we consider what it means that God must also have chosen Stalin and Hitler, remember that Nero was the emperor in Rome while Paul was writing to the Romans. He was telling them that God himself chose Nero, the emperor that used the bodies of burning, crucified Christians to light the city streets. But the church never grew as fast as it did under Nero. God has a purpose for the leaders he chooses, and they will suffer his judgment for failing to meet his standard. That's why the worst leaders in history met the most humiliating demises. The role of government, Romans 13 goes on to claim, is to punish evil and reward good. A leader in government is "God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil" (Romans 13:4). While cases can be made for providing civil defense and a few other functions, the Bible seems very clear that a government's primary role is to encourage and reward citizens who do good and to punish those who do evil. When I evaluate our own national government by this standard, I find it severely wanting. We spend 59 percent of our national budget on Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid/CHIP and "safety net programs;" we spend 16 percent of the budget on defense and 6 percent on interest for national debt. That means 81 percent of our budget is spent on things not even mentioned in the definitive statement in the New Testament on what a government should be. As I look at the statistics from the Office of Management and Budget from 2015, my best and most liberal estimate for national spending directly on punishing evil and rewarding good is 8 percent. If what we spend our money on is an indication of our priorities, it would seem that our government is about 8 percent committed to what the Bible says is its primary function. This does not change our response to the government. We are still called to submit to the governing authorities, but when we get to take part in choosing those authorities, I pray we will choose wisely. Kyle Hooks is the associate pastor at Angelo Bible Church. Contact him at 325-716-4258 or kyle@lookingupfrombelow.com.You can like Looking Up at facebook.com/lookingupfrombelow. BELOW: President Lyndon Baines Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in a ceremony in the Presidentas Room near the Senate Chambers on Capitol Hill in Washington on Aug. 6, 1965. Associated Press file photos SHARE ABOVE: People wait in line outside the Supreme Court in Washington in February 2013 to listen to oral arguments in the Shelby County, Ala., v. Holder voting rights case. The justices were hearing arguments in a challenge to the part of the Voting Rights Act that forces places with a history of discrimination, mainly in the Deep South, to get approval before they make any change in the way elections are held. Amelia Boynton of Selma, is shoved along by her collar by Dallas County Sheriff Jim Clark following an argument which erupted as blacks lined up in front of the courthouse seeking to register to vote in Montgomery, Alabama, Jan. 19, 1965. (AP Photo/Horace Cort) FILE - This March 21, 1965 file photo shows civil rights marchers crossing the Alabama river on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. to the State Capitol of Montgomery. Hundreds gathered Sunday, March 3, 2013 for a brunch with Vice President Joe Biden, and thousands were expected Sunday afternoon to march across this bridge in Selma's annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee. The event commemorates the "Bloody Sunday" beating of voting rights marchers by state troopers as they began a march to Montgomery in March 1965. The 50-mile march prompted Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act that struck down impediments to voting by African-Americans and ended all-white rule in the South. (AP Photo/File) An estimated, 1,000 African Americans are in line to vote in the Democratic Primary, the first major Southern Election since the 1965 Federal Voting Rights Act. This picture was taken at 7pm (CST) when polls usually close on May 3, 1966 in Birmingham. All in line got to vote. (AP Photo) By Ben Kamisar The Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON ? Ten months after the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, efforts have stalled in Congress to restore federal scrutiny of states with a history of racial bias. Freed from the need for Justice Department approval before changing election rules, even minor ones, states moved quickly to impose tight voter ID laws. But changes are also playing out quietly at the local level. In Jasper, an East Texas town with a history of racial tension, the City Council is deciding whether to annex mostly white subdivisions. In Galveston some court districts have been eliminated. Civil rights advocates complain that these moves dilute minority populations, unfairly reducing the influence of nonwhite voters. Before last summer's court ruling, such changes in nine states could not take effect without preapproval from Washington. Defenders of the decades-old system say the oversight served as a deterrent, prompting state and local officials to think twice before imposing burdensome or even unconstitutional measures. Rule changes still can be challenged in court after the fact. But such lawsuits are costly, and only a small number have been filed nationwide compared with the typical Justice Department caseload before the Supreme Court upended five decades of civil rights law. "Now, the burden is on minority groups to go in and try to prove a measure is discriminatory," said Michael Li, a Dallas lawyer and Democrat who runs a blog on redistricting and election law. "A watchdog has been removed from the process, and that watchdog was pretty valuable." The implications of the new landscape are apparent in Galveston County. A federal court verdict is pending over whether redrawn Justice of the Peace districts unfairly reduce minority voting strength. The U.S. Justice Department denied a proposal to change the map in 2012. But it lost the authority to do so when the Supreme Court ruled last June in a case known as Shelby County vs. Holder, and county officials again changed the districts. Section 4 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act provided a formula for identifying states that deserved federal oversight ? called pre-clearance ? due to a history of discrimination against minority groups. The Supreme Court ruled, 5-4, that the criteria for such supervision were badly outdated. The justices said Congress could draft new ones, but there's been little progress on a revision of the law. There's no official count of how many election rule changes have occurred in areas once subject to pre-clearance since the high court's ruling. Records from the Brennan Center for Justice, a legal advocacy group at New York University's School of Law, show that at least nine federal voting rights lawsuits have been filed, and at least five involve changes that previously would have required pre-clearance. The Justice Department blocked about 1,000 voting changes from 1969 to 2000. That's about 38 per year, though the average since 2000 had been about five per year. Attorney General Eric Holder has vowed to be more aggressive in enforcing other provisions of the voting law that let the department challenge violations after the fact. The department is currently battling Texas in court over redistricting maps and the voter ID law, which Gov. Rick Perry, Attorney General Greg Abbott and other state officials vigorously defend as constitutional and necessary to prevent voting fraud. Myrna Perez, deputy director of the Brennan Center's Democracy Program, said the cases can be too expensive for individuals to fight. It's tougher for advocacy groups to learn about many local voting changes, let alone to litigate them. Potential violations can slip through the cracks. That's a concern for some residents in Jasper, which received national attention in 1998 when three white men dragged a black man to death behind a pickup. In 2011, two black council members were recalled, paving way for the council to fire Jasper's first black police chief. Critics called the chief unqualified, though the East Texas city settled a discrimination suit for $831,000 in February. City leaders say they're considering the annexations to boost the local tax base, not to dilute minority voting strength. They haven't decided on which areas may be included in the move. Without pre-clearance, Washington would have no authority to review an annexation ahead of time. Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 GOP leader and a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, said after the Supreme Court decision that he would consider a new formula for pre-clearance. But in a recent interview, he warned against any "federal intervention in a selected handful of states." "Anyone who feels like their voting rights have been impaired would have a right to bring a federal lawsuit," he said. Michigan Democrat Rep. John Conyers and Wisconsin Republican Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, a former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, have championed a new approach. Their plan would initially cover Texas, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, based on a history of relatively recent voting rights violations. It would also require public notice for many voting rights changes in all states and strengthen other voting rights protections. The bill has only 22 House co-sponsors. There's little apparent movement in the Democrat-controlled Senate, either. Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the bill's lead Senate sponsor, is trying to persuade Republicans before moving forward, aides said. Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas said the new bill offers a "50-state solution." Any state is eligible for pre-clearance if it shows a pattern of discrimination, she said, and reinstating such oversight is essential to protecting voting rights. AT A GLANCE Here's a sampling of court cases underway concerning voting rights issues that once would have been reviewed by federal officials: North Carolina procedures: Three lawsuits target voting changes such as early voting cutbacks, eliminating same day registration for early voting and implementing voter ID. As with Texas, the Justice Department also is asking to bring North Carolina back into pre-clearance under another part of the Voting Rights Act. Texas redistricting: Legal challenges over the state's 2011 redrawing of legislative and congressional districts have been waging for years. Plaintiffs are also challenging interim maps drawn by federal judges in San Antonio. Texas voter ID law: It was blocked by the Justice Department and a federal court in 2012 but instituted by state officials after last year's Supreme Court ruling striking down a key part of the Voting Rights Act. Now, plaintiffs including Fort Worth Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey and the Justice Department are challenging the law in court again under another part of the law. Galveston courts: Five Galveston County elected officials and one resident are suing the county over whether a reduction of Justice of the Peace districts will deprive Hispanic and black voters of fair representation. SHARE Valdez posted the $25,000 bond Friday, the day he was booked in the Sterling County jail. By Matthew Waller Texas Rangers arrested a former Sonora Middle School principal Friday in Sterling City for indecency with a child, a second-degree felony. Sterling County Sheriff Tim Sanders said the Texas Rangers arrested Erbey Valdez, 37, who is also facing two previous charges of sex with a high school student in Sutton County. Valdez was on administrative leave in connection with those charges but is no longer working for the district, Superintendent Don Gibson said. The Rangers have been investigating him, Sanders said. They got a warrant and arrested him. Texas Ranger staff were not available for comment. The charges allege that the act of indecency took place in Sterling City, Sanders said. Valdez posted the $25,000 bond Friday, the day he was booked in the Sterling County jail. The charge has nothing to do with the one in Sonora, Sanders said. In Sonora, Valdez was indicted on an improper relationship charge and performance of a sexual act with a child, also a second-degree felony. He was booked in the Sutton County jail for those charges in October 2009. He posted $50,000 bail in those cases. Officials at Sonora Independent School District had put Valdez on administrative leave after his arrest. A second-degree felony is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Renault and Pirelli are puzzled as to the cause of Jolyon Palmer's high-speed tyre blowout in Friday practice. In the morning session, it was youngster Esteban Ocon at the wheel of the yellow car, but his rear puncture is said to have been clearly caused by debris. Later, however, the cause of Briton Palmer's 300kph rear failure in the same car proved more difficult to diagnose. "The tyre was completely destroyed," team boss Frederic Vasseur is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport. "We don't know why it happened." The report said Pirelli does not believe either debris or the high forces generated by the Barcelona circuit caused the incident as the tyre was only 3 laps old. Pirelli is reportedly investigating. (GMM) In addition to research in artificial intelligence, DFKI specializes in the fields of robotics, Industry 4.0 and driver assistance systems. In a joint project, Volkswagen and DFKI have started further to develop the software framework ROCK (Robotics Construction Kit) to allow direct, close cooperation between human beings and robots. The system was presented in a near-production scenario at the Volkswagen AG IT Symposium 2016. Volkswagen is taking a stake in the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence ( DFKI ), the worlds largest non-profit scientific institution specializing in artificial intelligence (AI). By acquiring participating in DFKI, the Volkswagen Group is reinforcing its research activities in the field of future-oriented digital technologies. Key features include the measurement of ambient conditions using several sensors, collision detection and avoidance as well as intuitive gesture control. Artificial intelligence is a key technology for autonomous driving and therefore an investment in our future. In the future, our participation will allow us to work even more intensively in this area. We want to forge ahead with AI research in the automotive industry and beyond. We also expect our participation in DFKI to provide new impetus for the digitalization of our plants and the continuing automation of corporate processes. Matthias Muller, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group Volkswagen and DFKI have cooperated on projects with and without public support for many years. The results of this cooperation include, as one example, the prototype of a smart car seat that can detect driver fatigue. By acquiring a share in DFKI, Volkswagen has intensified the existing cooperation. Volkswagen will appoint a member to the DFKI Supervisory Board and play an active role in shaping the Center's technology and research roadmap. This will accelerate the transfer of innovations from high-level research to society and industry. The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence is a leading research institute in the field of artificial intelligence. In terms of number of employees and the volume of external funds (42.5 million in 2015), it is the largest research center in the world in this field. More than 750 employees from over 60 countries are currently working on new software solutions, especially in the fields of machine learning, autonomous systems, robotics, data analysis, virtual reality and intelligent factory systems. In October 2015, Google Deutschland acquired a share in DFKImaking it the only research company in Europe to have Google's participation as an industry partner through a capital investment and a seat on the supervisory board. DFKI R&D projects are conducted in fifteen research departments and research groups, nine competence centers and six living labs. Funding is received from government agencies such as the European Union, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi), the German Federal States and the German Research Foundation (DFG)as well as from cooperation with industrial partners such as Volkswagen and Google. DFKI shareholders now include: Airbus Group BMW AG CLAAS Group Deutsche Post AG Deutsche Telekom AG Deutsche Messe AG Empolis Information Management GmbH Fraunhofer Gesellschaft e.V. Google Germany GmbH HARTING AG & Co. KG John Deere Intel Corporation KIBG GmbH Microsoft Deutschland GmbH Nuance Communications Deutschland GmbH RICOH Company, Ltd. Saarland University SAP SE Software AG Technische Universitat Kaiserslautern University of Bremen VSE AG Volkswagen AG Volkswagen Group IT symposium. At the Group IT symposium held in Wolfsburg, members of the Volkswagen Group and Brand Boards of Management and the Works Council considered IT solutions for the digital future of the Group. The main focus was on human-robot cooperation, augmented reality and digital customer solutions. At the symposium, IT representatives presented a new form of intelligent human-robot cooperation which could be applied in production in a few years time. For the first time, a new sensor configuration which can be combined in a modular way allows genuine cooperation between people and robots. The system can be operated intuitively using gestures, records ambient conditions using a combination of sensors and avoids collisions independently. This exhibit is a key step on the way to artificial intelligence in production. Group ITs virtual reality lab demonstrated the possibilities of merging the real and digital worlds using a plasticine car model and HoloLens smart glasses. The team projected a flow line simulation into the smart glasses. This was then made visible on the car model and could be viewed from any perspective. The field of vision of the HoloLens wearer including real and virtual content was projected onto the display. Other people could then join the field of vision via a video conference link. Employees of Volkswagen Group of America presented a mobile application to assist dealers with the sales process. Modules such as a precise analysis of requirements, vehicle configuration, vehicle presentation and a search in actual vehicle stocks provide personnel with support when advising customers. Following a sales discussion, the dealer can configure an individually tailored electronic sales folder for the customer. A further exhibit was concerned with automobile fleet data. At the Groups data lab in Munich, 124 vehicles have been equipped with telematics solutions over the past few years. These cars have now completed more than two million kilometers in 17 countries. The collected fleet data are being used as a basis for mobility control hubs. Together with other smart city or environmental data, they will be combined to generate new services for autonomous vehicles, fleet managers, customers and traffic planners on the basis of artificial intelligence. True Zero has opened a hydrogen fueling station in Santa Barbara in the California central coast regionthe latest addition to the worlds largest network of hydrogen-fuel stations being built in California by First Element Fuel , Inc. Top: The new Santa Barbara station. Bottom: Toyota Mirai refueling at a True Zero station. Click to enlarge. With Phase one of the True Zero network taking shape fuel cell vehicle customers are able to get around California seamlessly Soon, a short stop for a four-minute charge of True Zero at stations like this one in Santa Barbara, will enable drivers to confidently get to their destination without the worry of range anxiety. Dr. Tim Brown, Founder and COO of Irvine-based FirstElement Fuel Phase one of the True Zero Network was brought online at an unprecedented speed and scale throughout the Silicon Valley, the greater Los Angeles area, the Lake Tahoe area and the San Joaquin Valley. The projects are funded in large part by grants from the California Energy Commission, South Coast AQMD and Bay Area AQMD, as well as partnerships with automotive firms Honda and Toyota who are first to market with fuel-cell electric vehicles. We owe a special thanks to the State of California and to the automakers committed to fuel-cell vehicles for their persistence and support. It goes well beyond the financial assistance; the technical assistance has also been critical. We knew building this network was going to be challenging. Having completed 15 stations in 18 months is an unprecedented achievement. Tim Brown The current generation of electric vehicles powered by fuel cells will be able to travel more than 300 miles on a single charge; a fill up will take four minutes or less. The Santa Barbara True Zero station serves not only the local market, but also as a destination and connector for fuel cell customers have access throughout California, through the Central Coast area and beyond, just like they drive a gasoline-fueled vehicle. Tim Brown One third of TrueZero hydrogen fuel is renewable; the company says that it is continuously working to increase that number. I am responding to Christians are stopped from serving the Lord (letter, April 24). Lets get something straight: Christians are not being stopped from serving the Lord as they please. I believe the writer is just feeling threatened. Historically, Christianity has dominated America. There are Christian churches in every community and hospitals funded by Christian organizations in almost every state. Schools and universities named for Christian leaders educate Americas youth. Christians are free to wear symbols of their faith on chains around their necks and on their clothing. Christians can congregate, read religious books in public and openly say grace in restaurants. This is protected by the Constitution. What happens when that privilege is threatened? Remember what the wealthy plantation owners did when they faced losing all that free slave labor? Remember what kings and queens throughout history did to people who opposed them? Remember Jim Crow? These kinds of things occurred because privileged people felt threatened. Because others are asserting themselves in our culture, some people are feeling offended. No one is forcing Christians to have abortions or get gay married. But you dont get to tell the rest of us that we cannot, because (hooray!) were in America. Malinda Ingalls Greensboro Many people mark their careers by checkpoints along the way that either define their lifes work or make memorable the colleagues with whom they labored. As Barbara Netter readied last month to hand off her work leading the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, she could not help reflecting on the milestone year of 2011 on both fronts when a girl would receive an experimental treatment that ACGT helped fund that would allow her to live, and receiving the treatment months after Netters husband and ACGT co-founder Edward Netter lost his own battle with the disease. Last month, the former CEO of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society John Walter took the same role with ACGT. The organization was launched by Edward and Barbara Netter in 2001 following their daughter-in-law Kimberly Lawrence-Netters unsuccessful fight with breast cancer, and after they subsequently attended a talk at Mount Sinai Hospital on the topic of gene therapy by Dr. Savio Woo. Their organization would eventually distribute more than $26 million for varying efforts, several of which are now in clinical trials. This past year, 115 researchers applied for funding, with Yale University researcher Dr. Samuel Katz among this years grantees as he works on a technique to harvest a patients T-cells and reprogram them to recognize cancer. It is one approach under the broader umbrella of immunotherapy research that investigates ways to activate checkpoints on immune cells to help the body distinguish cancerous cells from healthy ones, and so attack them naturally through the immune system. Immunotherapy has been described as representing a potential fifth pillar of treatment for cancer after chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and targeted therapies designed to block the growth of specific molecules. The immune system doesnt know the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells, Netter said. The immune system protects these cells from being attacked, so with these checkpoint inhibitors, (immunotherapy) inhibits the immune system from doing that. Nothing was available to save Edward Netter in 2011, when he died of pancreatic cancer. His passing came just months before doctors at the University of Pennsylvania used immunotherapy to treat a girl named Emily Whitehead; with her case considered the seminal breakthrough and Whitehead marking her fourth year being cancer free in a Tuesday Facebook post. Today, Netter added, clinical trials are underway that could extend the lives of patients by years who are afflicted with cancers that have been considered largely untreatable. Edward Netter built his fortune in the insurance industry, ultimately running Geneve Corp., which held a controlling stake in the specialty carrier Independence Holding, which lists its headquarters in Geneves stately building overlooking Long Island Sound (as does ACGT). The Netters endowed the creation of Quinnipiac Universitys medical school, named for Edwards cousin, the surgeon and medical illustrator Dr. Frank H. Netter. Barbara Netter remains a Greenwich resident, and after five years running ACGT, is ready to turn the organization over to Walter, whose wife Jackie is a Stamford native and two-time survivor of melanoma incurred during his prior tenure with the White Plains, N.Y.-based Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Whats often remarkable about working in organizations like this everyones touched by cancer sooner or later it comes home, Walter said. Ive had employees whove had lymphoma. ... The great thing is when you can get them access to care and let them achieve complete remission. Of course, the tragedy is when you cant. Netter said her husband was a visionary who was always able to look into the future. He was so sure gene therapy would work and it has, Netter said. I felt that it was my responsibility to the mission of ACGT and to Edwards legacy, and to my vision that this organization continue on into the future. I felt that was a really important step to take, to see about succession. I would have held onto this as long as I had to to find the right person, and I feel I found the right person. Walter says nobody is in a position to make any guarantees about the eradication of cancer, calling it a longshot that the disease could be conquered in a decades time, but like Netter, is encouraged by the moonshot initiative recently touted by Vice President Joe Biden in marshaling massive new funding for cancer research. Walter said the field is in a far better place in part because of the Netters efforts to fund and promote research, and is looking forward to continuing the fight. Were cracking the code and were getting there, Walter said. I think the next five years are whats most exciting. There will be, as there have been the last 10 years, cancers that you can check off. To be able to tell somebody that is a remarkable thing. Due to reporting errors, an earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the relationship of Kimberly Lawrence-Netter to Barbara and Edward Netter, who was their daughter-in-law; and misstated Dr. Savio Woos affiliation with the Alliance for Gene Cancer Therapy; he is chairman of ACGTs Scientific Advisory Council. The article also misstated the affiliation of clinical trials funded by ACGT, and misstated John Walters title and the name of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-964-2236; www.twitter.com/casoulman Sandwiched between cosmopolitan New York City and burgeoning Stamford, Greenwich faces steep competition when it comes to attracting the ever-elusive millennial population. But individuals like John Fareri hope this narrative changes as more flexible and diverse housing options come to the area. Greenwich isnt known for a thriving young professional population. According to a report from the Connecticut Economic Research Council, there were 9,670 males and 10,025 females between the ages of 25 and 49 in town as of 2012; there were no specific numbers on those falling under the millennial category. Though theres no precise date for when Generation Y starts and ends, most researchers identify anyone born between the early 1980s to early 2000s as part of the millennial category. Countless reports, including one from Forbes Magazine, consistently rank the Norwalk-Stamford-Bridgeport area as a prime spot for young professionals. This influx of young professionals, however, primarily gravitates toward the cities of Fairfield County. In a study conducted by the Stamford Downtown Special Services District, for example, nearly 65 percent of people living in downtown Stamford had someone 18 to 34 in their household. Fareri, president of Greenwich-based Fareri Associates, hopes to sway some of those young professionals to Greenwich with his new loft-style development. He said its comparable to whats being developed in the competing markets of Stamford and Norwalk, without the congested urban lifestyle. From a convenient location to open interior, Fareri constructed his rental property with these younger tenants also part of the largest rental demographic in mind. The number of first-time homebuyers has trended downward since 2011, according to TheStreet, a financial news website, and more young people are gravitating away from homeownership and long-term investments, at least for now. Were attracting people from within the community, but also getting calls from New York City and other areas as well, Fareri said. It will be very interesting to see where it actually lands. Called the JLofts Greenwich, his new complex takes contemporary living to new heights with 60 uniquely designed rental apartments. It combines modern design with cool rental vibe, he said. With its chic urban flair and close proximity to the train, Fareri is hoping to impress young professionals and families, while simultaneously diversifying the Greenwich housing market. Theyre very popular right now, the urban loft setting, he said. So, thats what we did. Fareri initially developed the area with the popular fitness chain Equinox when he purchased the building about eight years ago. Located at 16 Old Track Road, the JLofts provide easy access to neighboring hubs like New York City, Stamford and New Haven, thanks to the nearby Metro-North train stop. Previously the Connecticut Natural Gas Corp., the former warehouse is outfitted with textured brick exterior and corrugated metal, and features studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three- bedroom apartments. There are six penthouses with a private rooftop deck. Rents range between $2,200 and $9,900 per month. The rentals have high ceilings and open floor plans. Industrial touches and wood floors accentuate the trendy aesthetic, and Fareri thinks its cool vibe will appeal to younger audiences. Millennial-inspired features include ping pong tables, a putting green, catering kitchen and a suite of other luxury amenities. What theyre offering, Fareri said, is very different from the rest of the Greenwich market. If you look at the trends, in New York City, people moved toward lower Manhattan for a more urban look, Fareri said. We think theres a market for that here, too. The process, which took about five years, is almost complete. The lofts will be ready at the end of June, or early July at the very latest, he said. Through print banners and Facebook ads, Fareri Associates started marketing the apartments two weeks ago, and Fareri said there has been an overwhelming response. According to Fareri, more than 120 individuals have expressed interest in the 60 units. The response has been very strong, he said. Though initially geared toward millennials, Fareri said theres been a mix of interest so far, from baby boomers looking to downsize to young professionals wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. His complex is attracting an audience beyond millennials, mainly people in transition those going through a divorce, being transferred to a new office or simply unsure of where to settle down, he said. We thought mostly young urban singles or couples would be interested, he said. But its all over the place. People want to rent for a while to get a flavor for the community. Like neighboring cities Stamford and Norwalk, which have seen a swell in young professionals, Greenwich could position itself as a prime spot for millennials in the region, Fareri said. Though they are often portrayed negatively in the media, millennials are necessary to any thriving region, according to Fareri. Its very good for the community, he said. We can get some young blood here. Theyre our future. If youve never thought of fashion as art, the Andrew Rossi documentary, The First Monday in May, might change your mind. The movie that opened the Tribeca Film Festival last month takes viewers behind the scenes of the annual Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute exhibit, as well as the Vogue gala that kicks off the three-month show every spring with a turn-out of pop culture icons second only to the Academy Awards. Rossi was given access to both the planning of last years China: Through the Looking Glass show by Met curator Andrew Bolton and Vogue editor Anna Wintour (and staff) putting together one of the biggest social events in New York City. The contrast is stark between the rarefied museum work and the crazy challenges at the magazine to figure out where celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian and George Clooney, will be seated at the opening night party. Wintour suffered some image damage a decade ago when a former assistant used her as the boss from hell in The Devil Wears Prada, but the documentary shows the great skill and energy Wintour needs to run a major magazine and to plan the 600-guest gala simultaneously. There was added drama in the run-up to the 2015 Met benefit with Vogue moving from its offices on 42nd Street to a floor in the new World Trade Center building. Vogue had a big hand in producing The First Monday in May, but Rossi addresses the criticism of Wintour with a scene showing her being grilled by a TV interviewer about Prada. In another sequence, the film director Baz Luhrmann says any man in Wintours position would not be pilloried for the same cool and decisive demeanor. The audience of about 25 people at our Danbury screening loved the film and stayed afterwards for some spirited discussion. I had fun doing my best Phil Donahue impression, going up and down the aisle with a microphone. The group unanimously praised the film, with several audience members saying that it made them want to attend this years Costume Institute show, Manus X Machina, which opened the day after the May 2 gala. The new show explores how fashion designers are reconciling the handmade and the machine-made in the creation of haute couture and avant-garde ready-to-wear. One woman in the audience said her visits to the China show last year and the very popular Alexander McQueen exhibit in 2011 left no doubt in her mind that fashion is an art form worthy of a place in one of the worlds greatest museums. She said the presentation by Bolton and his associates is as artful as the fashion pieces in the shows. Audience members were clearly fascinated by Wintour, who spends a lot of the film behind her trademark oversized sunglasses, keeping her emotions in check as everyone around her looks about to lose their cool. Jocelyn Chen, of Salisbury, said the movie triggered memories of her late mother, Helen Eng, telling stories of working with major designers like Donald Brooks and Charles James in the 1940s and 1950s. We went to exhibits in London and Paris to see some of the work she did with them. (Before she died she) gave her huge collection to the Fashion Institute of Technology (in New York City). The First Monday in May is in a limited theatrical release, but also is available from XFinity On Demand, with streaming expected in early summer. jmeyers@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @joesview This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Like a lot of Greenwich natives with deep roots in American soil, Kate Billingsley has some rather notorious ancestors in her family tree. In her case, the ancestor was Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Taney, who wrote one of the most famous legal decisions in American history, which stated no black man, even if free, could hold citizenship in the United States. The infamous Dred Scott case in 1857, named after the slave who unsuccessfully sought his freedom after living in non-slave states for four years, helped set the nation on a path toward war. There has always been an ambivalence about the connection to Taney (pronounced tawny by the family, like the color) among family descendants, including Billingsley. Her maiden name is Taney. It was always discussed in my family. It was something of a mixture of pride and shame, said Billingsley, who studied at Greenwich Academy and graduated from Greenwich High School. Any time it was mentioned in the classroom, I cringed a bit. ... Theres been a mixed bag of feelings around my name, always. She can recall seeing a portrait of her illustrious ancestor. Scary looking guy, she said. I have trouble saying he was a great man. That ambivalence is the subject of a new play by Billingsley, A Man of His Time, in production at the Actors Studio in New York. Billingsleys one-act piece imagines a modern-day encounter between Taney and Scott, who meet in a New Jersey eatery over coffee. Taney sets out to explain his actions and offer a measured apology. It is not warmly received by Scott, who has his own perspective on slavery and the damage done to his people in the following generations. I hope it starts a conversation, said Billingsley, who is an actress as well as playwright and lives in upper Manhattan. The origin of the play came about when a newspaper reporter called the Taney household in Greenwich, requesting comment on a proposal to remove a statue of Taney near the statehouse in Annapolis, Md. (Its still there.) There was talk among family members about issuing a formal apology to descendants of Scott, who died in 1858 at age 59. Nothing came of it, until now. Billingsley has done something else with the idea, using her dramatic skills to look at the lingering difficulties of race in the U.S. She wrote the play while the Black Lives Matter movement was advancing, It forced me to look at the race problem, she said. Its an uncomfortable play. Theres a lot of tension in it. The play was accepted for production by the Actors Studio, where Billingsley earned an advanced degree in acting through a partnership with Pace University. The well-known actress Estelle Parsons agreed to take it on as director. Parsons, who is directing other one-acts all related to the theme of community, said Billingsleys play is a compelling piece that touches on many issues in the headlines today. Im trying to make theater relevant. We care about giving the audience a big experience, psychologically and emotionally, said Parsons, who won an Academy Award for best supporting actress for her role as Blanche Barrow in 1967s Bonnie and Clyde and was nominated for another for her work in 1968s Rachel, Rachel. We want to get people opened up, and thinking. The actor playing the part of Scott, Count Stovall, said the play connects the past with the present in an enthralling manner. Every time we do the scene, the feelings become more and more real, more vivid. And its something real and topical, he said. Billingsleys father, Charlie Taney, a retired advertising executive now living in Norwalk, and the fourth-generation nephew of Justice Taney, said this week he was looking forward to engaging with St. Louis resident Lynne M. Jackson, a great-great-granddaughter of Dred Scott, who agreed to come to New York for a post-production, onstage discussion with him on Saturday. Its overdue that black and white Americans sat down and talked about race relations, he said. For me to sit down with Lynne Jackson, its going to come out of the spirit of the play. Billingsley, who gained a love of acting while in high school in Greenwich, will perform in a Chekhov play later this year and said she hopes to pursue a career on stage. Her family ghosts wont be disappearing anytime soon. After the shows current run ends May 21, she will work on expanding the play beyond a one-act format. As the cast and crew assembled for rehearsal this week, Billingsley said she wanted the conversation between the Scott and Taney descendants to take place outside the theater walls, as well. This story is important to hear, she said. And the question is, what are they going to do about the future? Performances of A Man of His Time at the Actors Studio are 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Reservations can be made at reservations@theactors studio.org. Robert.Marchant@scni.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH As family and friends grieve over the loss of a Greenwich man killed by an alleged hit-and-run driver, investigators say an arrest has not been made in the month-old crime because they are taking care to assemble a tight case against the person they believe to be responsible. Edward Setterberg, 43, a married of father of two young children, was killed by a car late in the evening of April 17 as he was walking on East Putnam Avenue near Hillside Road. The driver of the car fled. Police soon after said they had the car in custody and had identified the suspected driver. Greenwich Deputy Police Chief Mark Marino, in a statement released Friday, said authorities are focused on making the investigation as thorough as possible. The investigation into the fatal motor vehicle versus pedestrian collision that resulted in the tragic death of Mr. Edward Setterberg continues to be a top priority of the Greenwich Police Department. Throughout this process our investigators have been in constant communication with the Stamford States Attorney and continue to work under the authority that will ultimately be responsible for the prosecution of this case, he said. We have also maintained an open line of communication with the victims family in an effort to keep them informed of our efforts and progress. A call to States Attorney Richard Colangelo, who has oversight of the case, was not returned Friday. The deputy chief acknowledged that a segment of the community desires a quick arrest in this case. (But) we are not willing to jeopardize the outcome by acting rashly and not examining all available evidence, Marino said. Our objective has always been, and continues to be, a thorough and comprehensive investigation that will lead to a solid case for the prosecuting authority. This will ultimately result in justice for all involved. In an email, Alison Setterberg, Setterbergs sister, said This is a serious matter and I absolutely agree with the deputy chief that we cant risk thoroughness for speed. I know this case is as important to the GPD as it is to us so we support the time they need to make an airtight case. For now, we are focused on the funeral service and being with our family and friends. Setterberg, who owned a home remodeling business, has been described by family members as a devoted father who enjoyed sports, outdoor activities and playing guitar. In addition to his daughters, he leaves behind his wife, Michell. Police took possession of the vehicle in question within two days of the incident, obtaining a search warrant to analyze it for forensic evidence in short order. Authorities have not disclosed specifics about the case since then. GREENWICH Pedestrians and motorists are facing new aggravations in Old Greenwich because of the replacement of the railroad bridge over the main thoroughfare. There are extensive backups now that the two-lane roadway on Sound Beach Avenue has been reduced to one lane periodically. Un-clucking-stoppable. Photo: Evan Sung Shake Shack posted earnings yesterday for the first few months of 2016, and its very clear the chain is off to a strong start to the year, CEO Randy Garutti says, thanks largely to Januarys Chickn Shack rollout nationwide, plus the still dizzying pace at which its expanding. The Shack empire actually hit 88 locations this past quarter including a big push out West that involved Californias first outpost and Bloomberg reports the growth alongside the long-term game changer this sandwich is proving to be led to more traffic that, in turn, resulted in per-share profits 63 percent higher than analysts had projected. Same-store sales were likewise up by nearly 10 percent, basically twice their estimate, and overall sales rose 43 percent, to $54 million. That led Shacks internal team to also up the forecast for the remainder of 2016; it now predicts sales profits of $249 million on the year. Of course, burger lovers havent been completely forgotten about: Garutti also told investors that theyll soon be releasing the Bacon Cheddar Shack, a limited-time offering with the winning combo of strips of bacon and aged-cheddar cheese sauce. [Bloomberg, CNBC] Back in February this year, there were reports that Google's mobile payments service Android Pay is coming to the UK in the month of March. But, as we all know, that didn't happen. However, now it looks like the launch is imminent as a fast food chain - Pret A Manger - has started advertising that they accept payments through Android Pay. "According to employees at this particular Pret store, the We now accept Android Pay tags arrived overnight and have been displayed in stores from this morning, suggesting Android Pay will be imminently available to UK customers," a Telegraph report says. For those who aren't already aware, Google has also announced a list of banks whose credit and debit cards will be supported by Android Pay in the UK. Head here for the complete list. Android Pay is currently only available in the United States, where it launched back in September last year. While the UK launch seems imminent, next in line could be Australia as Google has already announced that the service will be launched there in H1 2016. Via These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Sony pulls the plug on Xperia C and M series as well, to focus squarely on X series Back in February this year, Sony officially confirmed that the company's Xperia Z series of smartphones is dead. And now, it's all but official that the Xperia C and M series have also been killed by the Japanese company. Leaked Sony Mobile presentation slides clearly show that all future Sony phones - including flagship models - will be from the new Xperia X series. This will be the case at least until 2018. The leak (specifically the slide shown below) also makes it clear that the 'X' logo will be aggressively used by Sony in all kind of promotions and advertisements. Keep in mind that Sony is yet to officially confirm this, although given that the development has already made it to the company's presentations, an official announcement shouldn't be far off. Via Xiaomi has launched the updated version of the YI Action Camera, the YI 4K Action Camera, which, as you can tell, now records in 4K. The YI 4K has a 12 megapixel Sony IMX377 sensor, that can also shoot stills in native resolution along with 4K video. The lens is a seven element piece with 155 degree viewing angle and f2.8 aperture. The six axis gyroscope enables the electronic image stabilization. On the back is a 2.19-inch touchscreen LCD. Along with 4K at 30fps, the camera can also record in 2.5K at 30fps or 1440p at 60fps. If you want slowmotion, you can either record at 1080p at 120fps, 960p at 120fps, or 720p at 240fps. You can also shoot time-lapse videos in 4K at 0.5/1/2/5/10/30/60 second intervals. The camera includes dual-band 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 to pair with your phone. The internal 1400mAh battery can last for around 2 hours while recording 4K video. The YI 4K Action Camera will be available in black, white, and rose gold, and is priced at 1199 yuan. Source Haiti - FLASH : Privert convene parliamentarians to the extraordinary "Considering the urgency of the vote of certain acts deemed relevant" President a.i. Jocelerme Privert, by decree, convene parliamentarians to the extraordinary at a session to be held Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Presidential decree, agenda of the session : "Given the items 92-1, 101, 105, 106, 107 and 136 of the Constitution; Considering the urgency of voting certain acts deemed relevant; The legislative body is convened to the extraordinary, Tuesday, May 17, 2016. This extraordinary session will be devoted to examining and voting the following acts : 1- Draft of the Amending Finance Act 2015-2016; 2- 2- Draft Penal Code; 3- Draft Code of Criminal Procedure ; 4- Draft law on electronic commerce; 5- Bill establishing the Commune of Montrouis; 6- Proposal for a framework law on decentralization; 7- Bill on organization and functioning of the Ministry of the Environment; 8- Law proposal creating a basic public service in communal sections. " Note that nothing appears in the agenda concerning the non holding of elections provided for in the agreement of 6 February and for good reason, contrary to what some parliamentarians say, nothing in the Agreement oblige the temporary President to explain the failure to respect the planned timetable concerning the absence or delay of elections within the framework of its mandate. Moreover, for those who advocate the resignation of the Head of State a.i. on May 14, let's recall that the term of the temporary President is of 120 days, as stipulated in the agreement of 6 February in its Article 7 "The mandate of the temporary President is up to 120 days from the date of installation. If necessary the National Assembly will take the necessary arrangements." https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16533-haiti-politic-the-details-of-the-agreement-from-a-to-z.html Jocelerme Privert was installed as interim president Sunday, February 14 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16603-haiti-flash-installation-of-the-provisional-president-jocelerme-privert.html HL/ SL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2016/05/14 | Source Chun Woo-hee plays a small but impressive role in her latest film "The Wailing". After completing the shoot she said she is happy with the result because she felt the same as when she first read the script. Advertisement Cheon admits that she does not care who is the director or her co-stars -- the script is all. "I read the script in one sitting and immediately wanted to do it. Now I've seen the film I think some people will love it and some will hate it. Some viewers may feel uncomfortable with the scenes, but I hope they will enjoy the suspense". The film was produced and distributed by major Hollywood studio Fox International Productions and has been invited to this year's Cannes Film Festival. "Fox International told me to learn English. I really want to make my international debut to see if I can be recognized for my acting skills rather than drawing attention with my Asian looks. I am planning to stay abroad for one or two months after finishing my current project". The thriller revolves around villagers who experience a string of mysterious murders when a stranger arrives in the village, and Cheon played the only witness to a case. It hit local theaters on Thursday. Published on 2016/05/14 | Source Added the upcoming Korean movie "Warm After All"'s page to HanCinema database Advertisement "Warm After All" (2015) Directed by Lee Sang-min-III With Lee Sun, Im Hak-soon, Woo Sung-eun, Park Myung-shin, Yang Jeong-won, Baek Soo-jang,... Synopsis Freelance actor bonds from the station Jeong Eun-kyeong. After the divorce , losing a son in a sudden accident after a day out painfully . Only people passed around the top , saying "Stop, forget" Eun-kyeong. Eun-kyeong is ready to send his son is displaced. Now even open the door just come as a son. Used cars for sale, and living in Jeju Yang Sang-moon. Sang-moon also lost a son can go out after a long day. Sang-moon heard uploaded to Seoul one day bring Eun-kyeong comes to Jeju. Eun-kyeong go and heal the pain of losing a son Sang-moon slightly from each other. So let go of a little boy in Jeju. Release date in Korea : 2016/05/19 Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby. 15:16, 24 OCT 2022 By Jesse Wood In a 2-1 decision on May 10, the N.C. Court of Appeals upheld a 2014 jury verdict and subsequent judge ruling ordering the Town of Beech Mountain to pay about $360,000 in damages to Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary. Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary is delighted that the North Carolina Court of Appeals has upheld the trial courts judgment, the jurys verdict and the dismissal of Town of Beech Mountains lawsuit against Genesis. The appeals court specifically noted that the Town received a trial free of prejudicial error, according to a statement from Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary. Our battle may not be over, as the Town may choose to appeal the decision to the North Carolina Supreme Court. If that is the path chosen by the Beech Mountain Town Council, Genesis will continue to fight for what we know to be right, fair and just. Litigation between the Town of Beech Mountain and Genesis is now in its fourth year and began in September 2012, when the town filed a complaint in Watauga County Small Claims Court seeking the eviction of the sanctuary from town property. In 1999, Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary entered into a 30-year lease agreement with the town to house the center on .84-acres of town property located near the Buckeye Lake. But in 2009, the Beech Mountain Town Council adopted the Buckeye Lake Protection Ordinance, which states that animals cant be caged or housed within 200 feet of Buckeye Lake and its tributaries. This was when the relationship began to sour. Once this ordinance was adopted, Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary was in violation of town ordinances, and the Town of Beech Mountain sought to evict it from the property. Thus was the beginning of litigation with judgments going for and against both parties. More background about the conflict can be found here. Here is the majority court opinion from May 10: In conclusion, we affirm the trial courts grant of summary judgment to Genesis on the Towns breach of lease claim. Further, we hold that the trial court did not err in denying the Towns motions for directed verdict and JNOV on Genesis substantive due process counterclaim. We also hold that the town has failed to demonstrate that the trial court erred in denying its motion for a new trial or amended verdict. Finally, we hold that trial court properly entered its declaratory judgments. Read the entire court opinion here: GenesisOpinion15-260-1 Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket Authorities have avoided trying to ease traffic chaos for strike-hit Luas passengers out of fear of exacerbating protests at depots around the city, sources have revealed. When Transdev put on extra buses on St Patrick's Day, the National Bus and Railworkers Union (NBRU) accused it of hiring 'scab labour'. Sources have said the experience has frightened off those considering extra services. People Before Profit condemned the move, and sources said members of Eirigi were supporting the drivers. "There is a fear that things could get ugly (if more buses were put on during strikes)," said a source. "The authorities do not want passengers involved in that situation." Transport minister Shane Ross and the National Transport Authority (NTA) said they cannot put on extra services for Luas passengers, who have endured 11 strikes and face another nine. A spokesman for Mr Ross said he was not going to intervene as the dispute was a "matter for the private company" and putting on extra services would be a question for the National Transport Authority. The NTA said putting on extra services was not feasible and the main constraint was the lack of availability of vehicles, the smaller capacity of buses, and the fact that extra buses would increase traffic congestion. "When we looked at the practicalities, we couldn't get it to work at all in terms of expectations," said a spokeswoman. "A Luas carries 250 to 300 people, while a bus carries 80 to 85, and you would need a lot of them. Even if you could magic up the buses, they could end up stuck in traffic." The Herald has learned that the NTA has powers under the Dublin Transport Authority Act to become the "operator of last resort". This can be applied if the operator, in this case Transdev, is unable to meet its contractual commitments, withdraws from providing or "fails to provide" services set out in the contract. Negotiations in the Luas dispute are at an impasse. Drivers want a 23pc pay rise by 2019, but the tram company is offering 13pc. The drivers' colleagues - ticket inspectors, ticket inspector supervisors, and control room staff - have accepted the 13pc offer. Meanwhile, the managing director of Luas operator Transdev, Gerry Madden, has said that 13pc pay increases were still on the table for drivers, if they stopped their strike action. Imposed Mr Madden has also promised that a 10pc decrease in wages imposed on drivers for working to rule could be immediately rescinded, if they called off that action. However, in a carrot and stick gesture, he also warned that the pay penalty could go further. Yesterday, the drivers staged pickets at Luas depots as the dispute over pay continued. They have notified Transdev of two further full days of strike this month on May 20 and 27. Four-hour stoppages are also planned for May 26, June, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Some of the strike days will affect those attending the Bruce Springsteen concert in Croke Park. Mr Madden said that the offer was still on the table for drivers, if they called off the action, but warned the amount the company could afford to pay was diminishing. Mr Madden said any deal would have to take consideration of "a further diminishing pot" and more strikes meant "more fees to pay" for the Luas operator. Luas drivers amended the times of their additional strikes scheduled for June in order to avoid potential disruption to students doing the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations. They notified Transdev that the strikes on June 8, 9 and 10 - the first three days of the State examination timetable - will take place from 6pm to 10pm. Dublin City Council has come under fire for rejecting dozens of properties offered as new homes by the National Assets Management Agency (Nama). The council turned down 146 units in a single development in the capital because of concerns of an "over-concentration of social housing". Council chiefs rejected a further 46 units in a development in Ballymun after claiming the properties would not be consistent with rules surrounding local "tenure mix". Issues This is despite the fact the local authority has sought to construct a number of social housing developments in Ballymun since declining the Nama properties. A further 32 units across two developments were turned down because of "poor condition and structural issues". Eight more potential homes were rejected because of low demand. The details of the reasons behind the refusal of Nama properties is contained in documents obtained by Fianna Fail under the Freedom of Information Act. Nama has offered Dublin City Council 638 units. The council confirmed demand for just 400 of the units. The party's Environment spokesman, Barry Cowen, questioned the decision to turn down almost 200 units because of concerns over tenure mix. "The declining of these units on the basis that their use as social housing would lead to an over-concentration of social housing in any particular area - and hence not be consistent with local tenure mix - is, no doubt, replicated across Dublin and other local authorities," Mr Cowen told the Herald. "There is a housing crisis and the rejection of homes on the basis of tenure mix needs to be seriously examined," he added. A council spokeswoman said: "Dublin City Council does not wish to comment on remarks attributed to Fianna Fail in relation to Nama properties." while some of Fair City's actors may be pocketing 459 for a single day's work, Aoibheann McCaul has insisted she is not one of them. The actress, who plays Caoimhe Dillon on the long-running soap, admitted she is not on the big pay day RTE previously confirmed as the daily shift rate for performers on the programme. The TV star said she found the news of her fellow actor's salaries "hilarious". "I actually had to move my gold Lexus to bring out my gold Mercedes today," she joked. "I am building a second garage for all my other vehicles also." While she may not be on 459 a day for her work on the series, McCaul admitted she wishes it were. "That would mean I was on over 120,000 a year," she told the Herald. "If I was on 120,000 a year, I would not be wearing shoes and jeans that are four years old. "It's obviously not true. It would be great if it was true, but no." The station confirmed to the Herald that the actors pay rate has been the same for the last four years, however they refused to state the annual salary of their leading soap stars. It was further revealed that 26 scriptwriters were contracted to the show last year, with 15 paid 3,495 each per episode and nine each paid 1,837. Speaking at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre's production of Chicago, the Malahide native opened up on her character's pregnancy storyline. Aoibheann admitted that wearing a fake bump throughout filming for the Carrigstown soap had put her off the idea of having children of her own in real life. "Fair City is going good. I am pregnant (in the show) so I have started wearing a bump which has made me realise pregnancy is not for me," she said. "I can't even see if my fly is up. It's not heavy, but you try and do your shoes and you're like: 'Oh, this'. I could not imagine actually carrying around a bump." Minister for Disabilities Finian McGrath has bowed to political pressure and will now pay his water charge. Mr McGrath had faced calls from his ministerial colleagues to pay the bill given his elevation to Cabinet last week. The Dublin Bay North TD sought advice over the issue from Attorney General Maire Whelan amid concerns boycotting the charges could compromise his position at Cabinet. Although Ms Whelan is believed to have said a refusal to pay would not jeopardise his ministerial role, Mr McGrath last night announced plans to pay his charge. Unacceptable In a statement, Mr McGrath said the "manner in which Irish Water was set up and its approach remains personally unacceptable". The TD also said he was "deeply sceptical about the motives and the ability of the service to deliver". However, he said that a failure to pay the water charges "will become a significant distraction to other important work and I'm determined that this will not be allowed to happen". "To that end, I will now regularise my situation with Irish Water and pay my charges," Mr McGrath said. Sources say Mr McGrath was contacted by a significant number of constituents urging him not to pay his bills. In his statement, he criticised the way in which Irish Water has done business. "The manner in which Irish Water was set up and its approach remains personally unacceptable to me. I'm still deeply sceptical about the motives and the ability of the service to deliver," he said. "There are also affordability issues, too, and I certainly felt there was a lack of insight demonstrated by the previous government as regards people's everyday financial struggles." "There are many examples of this, including leaving families to their own devices as regards replacing lead pipes in their homes, and not taking into account the significant additional water requirements of many families who have members with a special needs requirement. "However, I recognise that recent government negotiations, which I was involved in, have brought forward a mechanism to review the provision of water and its infrastructure." The Taoiseach and several members of Cabinet said during the week that all ministers should pay up. Criticised Labour deputy leader Alan Kelly had also criticised Mr McGrath after he revealed he did not pay the charge. Waterford deputy John Halligan, who along with Mr McGrath is a member of the Independent Alliance, has said he does not intend to pay. This is despite Mr Halligan's expected appointment as a junior minister next week. The issue of water charges will continue to dominate political events as more bills are sent out in the coming days. But the new Government has pledged to suspend charges in five weeks' time before setting up a commission. Irishman Ibrahim Halawa has said that the 1,000 days he has spent in prison in Egypt have felt like 1,000 years. In a letter to his family the Dublin man said he is suffering while other prisoners have died by suicide. The 20-year-old was arrested in Cairo 1,001 days ago while there were political protests ongoing, and he is now awaiting a trial and a potential death penalty. His family held a demonstration in Dublin yesterday to mark the 1,000 days he has spent in prison. His sister, Somaia Halawa, shared a letter he sent the family last week. "One thousand days with 1,000 different stories. Sadly, not the type of joy, laughter and smiles. But rather the type full of suffering, pain, torture, tears, abuse, suicide, and death," he wrote. "One thousand days that have felt like 1,000 years, not only for me but for hundreds behind bars. Some have lost hope and written 'the end' on their story, but I leave many blank pages to be filled." Somaia Halawa said she wants to see more serious and assertive action to free her brother. "We want to call on an end to this nightmare," she said. "This Irish student has been imprisoned in Egypt with no conviction, no fair trial, no adequate access to a lawyer, has been electrocuted, beaten, spat on and moved without his family's knowledge." Evidence Amnesty International's executive director Colm O'Gorman said the organisation has conducted a review of the prosecution's evidence and concluded that Mr Halawa could not have committed the crimes with which he has been charged. His mass trial has been delayed 13 times and is now due to take place on June 29. "Similar mass trials have seen hundreds of defendants convicted without ever having had an opportunity to present a defence, following hearings which lasted mere minutes, at the end of which hundreds were sentenced to death," Mr O'Gorman said. He also criticised the Egyptian Ambassador to Ireland's recent comments about the case. "The Ambassador's comments in relation to Ibrahim's case have been nothing short of outrageous," Mr O'Gorman said. The Department of Foreign Affairs said every effort was being made to secure his release. An innocent 72-year-old man was forced to pay gangsters 10,000 after they threatened to murder his son. The ruthless gang have moved onto the patch of a jailed gang boss who is a suspect in three murders. They are now extorting the relatives of people who owe them money. The latest incident occurred earlier this month in Balbriggan, when a thug "with scars on his face" called to the family home of the respected pensioner. "He banged on the man's door and informed the individual that his son had a drugs debt and also owed the gang money for a stolen jeep," a source said. "He told the man that unless he got 10,000, he was going to kill the man's son. He gave the elderly man two days to pay up, which the terrified man did. "He is now living in a state of terror that the criminals will come back knocking on his door," the source added. It is understood that the debt that the man's son owed was for around 2,000 and that the issue involved a stolen vehicle that had been bought from the same gang who made the threats. They are a family-based organised Traveller crime gang with strong links to Blanchardstown and Cavan town. Since the gang boss who operated in the area was locked up at the start of the year, the Traveller gang have become the main players in a very lucrative crime patch that includes a large area of north Co Dublin, including Balbriggan, Lusk and Swords. Rackets Apart from taking over the mobster's drugs rackets, sources said that the rival gang have also moved in on his stolen-car business. "They would not dream of being involved in the level of activity that they are if that individual was not locked up," a source said. The jailed gang boss, who is suspected of being behind the murders of Willie Maughan and his partner, was also previously arrested in relation to the murder of Benny Whitehouse, who was shot dead in front of his partner. Ill never forget the first time I came to Florida. To be more accurate, maybe Ill never remember it! Actually, I have fuzzy memories of that first trip to the Sunshine State. Much like the faded, black and white photographs on shiny paper, attached at the corners in ragged old photo albums. There are pictures of my dad holding my brother and me in the Atlantic Ocean and images of the canal behind the house where Aunt Ruth and Uncle Alex lived with all my Miami cousins. Some of those worn out memories are found on post card images of The Everglades, Monkey Jungle, Alligator Farm and Seminole Village. I think I remember it, vaguely, but perhaps the pictures and stories are what I really remember. I was barely three years old. My birthday was celebrated somewhere between Madisonville, Kentucky, and Miami, in a 1940-something panel truck converted into a camper, bearing the letters Playl Electric Co on both sides. The three day journey on US Highway 41 covered more than a 1,000 miles of two lane road. We must have felt like pioneers, but, of course, I had no idea what a pioneer was. Still, it surely was quite an adventure. We must have stayed with our kin folk a couple of weeks, then headed back. Some of my friends vacationed every year in Florida, but prior to my first year in college, I never got further east than Knoxville or further south than Nashville, except for a trip to New Mexico with the Boy Scouts. Then as a freshman at Western Kentucky University, barely 18 and more than barely crazy, I piled in a car with five or six other crazy topper fans and headed for Orlando to cheer the Hilltoppers to victory over Coast Guard Academy in the Citrus Bowl. Through the years that have ensued, I have crossed the Florida state line more times than I can remember. I have vacationed, attended conferences, preached, visited family, followed children and chased grandchildren through theme parks. Ive climbed to the top of lighthouses, flown over Florida and been in Daytona during Bike Week (unintentionally, I assure you ... what a mess!). And I always stop at the welcome center for my free glass of Florida orange juice. Most of our journeys here have been enjoyable, but last year we made an unexpected trip to Orlando that was anything but enjoyable. Many of you will remember. Many of you prayed with and for us as we rushed down to be with Lawrence, our precious grandson who had been revived from a drowning accident and survived, by Gods grace. With my computer on my knees, I am traveling on I-95 between St. Augustine and Ormond Beach right now. Dont worry! My wife is driving. We have three more nights to spend in Florida. We came for a Mothers Day getaway, but it turned bad after we got here. Monday we received another unexpected call. This time from the vets office in Bristol, where our sweet boxer dog was staying. While being prepped for what was expected to be minor surgery, he went into cardiac arrest. They did CPR but were unable to save him. Were still in grief, but God is with us ... just like he always is. We are so thankful to God that Lawrence is okay now. Were thankful for the 11 years of companionship Shelby provided. Thankful that my son and daughter gave him a proper burial ... and I pray that our next trip to Florida will be more pleasant than the last two. Halloween is coming! Here's when to trick or treat in your town We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/ Political realities on the ground in Tamil Nadu in the run up to the May 16 assembly elections are unprecedented. The state is used to witnessing a two-way contest between the two major Dravidian parties, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham(DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(AIADMK). However, a multi-cornered election is now a reality and the desire for change among the people is more than visible. Though people are desperate for relief from the DMK and the AIADMK, the conditions are not ripe and there is a sense of desperation and helplessness among the people craving for change. The need for change arises from the complete decay of major Dravidian parties. But it must be said that the real alternative for the DMK and the AIADMK has not emerged fully due to failure and shortcomings in the combination of forces or parties aspiring to present themselves as an alternative. To be precise, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK)-Peoples Welfare Allaince(PWA) has not emerged as an alternative to the DMK and AIADMK due to poor selection and quality of leadership. DMDK-PWA combine has not done well with the choice of Vijayakanth as its chief ministerial candidate. Vijayakanth lacks composure and decorum and hence, the Third Front as an alternative has not bloomed sufficiently to present itself as an alternative to either the DMK or the AIADMK. The present situation can throw up several possible scenarios. First, there is a likelihood of the AIADMK bagging more seats than the rest and retaining power. There is also a chance of the DMK getting an edge over the AIADMK, but falling short of the required seats to form the government on its own. DMK has been making a slow but steady comeback but not enough to form the government on its own or secure absolute majority. It is true and visible that the AIADMK has been gradually losing its way despite its strong hold among the rural population. It has therefore chosen the much tested path of more freebies for the people. Under the present circumstances, if the Third Front manages to bag a few seats and the Ramadoss-led Pattali Makkal Katcchi (PMK) secures some seats, it will result in a hung assembly. This may also demonstrate that the people are more than ready for change and it cannot happen in a single step. The desire for change and the absence of political alternative are the harsh realities of present-day Tamil Nadu. The poor leadership and weak co-ordination among the DMDK-PWA are factors that have postponed and delayed the potential transition in the political arena. What is tragic about the politics in Tamil Nadu is that the people are trapped between the AIADMK and DMK with no immediate alternative in sight. They are forced to choose between the parties that are fully responsible and have an undeniable share in all that we consider as evils of politics in the state. This anger or disillusionment may also result in a hung assembly. What is wrong with a hung assembly when people are searching for an alternative? It is a step forward, not an end itself. When we desire to fly, we must first learn to crawl. People of Tamil Nadu may just do that when they vote on Monday. Ramu Manivannan is a professor at Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Madras There is nothing wrong in sending a person to jail for defaming someone, the Supreme Court has ruled. The verdict has disappointed freedom loving individuals and organisations alike journalists and activists included, for it will have a chilling effect on free speech. Criminal defamation law is often abused by corporate filing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits). It was an interesting case where three prominent leaders espousing different political ideologies BJPs Subramanian Swamy, Congress Rahul Gandhi and AAPs Arvind Kejriwal were unanimous in their pursuit -- de-criminalising defamation law in India. A criminal defamation law... cannot be used punish a free people in India for having their say in matters of public concern, Swamy had said contending it was extensively used in India as a tool of harassment. But the SC disagreed. Right to free speech cannot mean that a citizen can defame the other. Protection of reputation is a fundamental right. It is also a human right. Cumulatively it serves the social interest, said a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said on Friday. This is the second time that a challenge to the validity of criminal defamation law has failed. In 2003, an English daily had mounted an unsuccessful challenge against the use of criminal defamation on the ground that it violated the press freedom guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Defamation is one of the eight reasonable restrictions on free speech permissible under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. However, its often misused. In the run up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, cutting across ideological divide politicians filed criminal defamation cases against each-other for comments that could have easily been left for the people to judge, instead of troubling the already overburdened courts. Sections 499 and 500 IPC -- that prescribed a maximum two-year jail term and fine -- have often been misused against media. The AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu filed dozens of criminal defamation cases against media houses in various session courts across the state, particularly in Chennai for pointing out lapses on the part of the administration. During 2002-06 tenure, the Jayalalithaa government had filed over 100 criminal defamation cases against the media. The DMK too had filed over 40 defamation cases against the media during 2006-11. It was perhaps for this reason that the Editors Guild of India has been demanding decriminalisation of defamation law. When Law Commission held wide-ranging consultations on the issue in 2014, the stakeholders overwhelmingly expressed dissatisfaction with the defamation law and favoured modifications. The verdict goes against UN Human Rights Committee (which administers the ICCPR) that says defamation laws must be crafted with care to ensure that they do not stifle free speech. Its perhaps for this reason that many countries, including the UK and Sri Lanka, have decriminalised defamation. In any case the option of civil defamation has always been there. The SC upheld the present defamation law under which even truth is not a defence unless its proved that the imputation made was for public good. If truth is the basic foundation of justice, the verdict certainly needs reconsideration. The author is Legal Editor, Hindustan Times. Views expressed are personal. After almost a decade, Delhis popular Bengali Club at Kashmere Gate is set to reopen. Known for its cultural and social activities, the club stopped organising events, about nine years ago. Around five years ago,a portion of the building which houses the club had collapsed. We had to stop all events at the club as the building was in shambles. The club has been renovated to keep the new generation in touch with our centuries-old culture, says Som Prakash Mitra, president of the club. Established in 1925, this was the first Bengali club in the Capital, and is known for not just its heritage significance but also for hosting one of the biggest Durga Puja celebrations. The heritage building was built in the 18th century. It also comprised a library, the Delhi Bangiya Sahitya Sabha, which was started in the year 1894. Later, when the club was established, the library was merged with it. It was after a long struggle by the members that the renovation process was allotted to Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The Bengali Club is located in a heritage building and has major historic significance. The club members personally approached us and asked us to help. We agreed to do this as we believe the public should be aware of the heritage value of this place, says AGK Menon, convenor of the Delhi Chapter of INTACH. The Bengali Club offered the Bengalis a place to socialise. (Ronjoy Gogoi/HT) The various cultural events and annual excursions organised by the club are still fresh in the memory of many of its members. The club will continue to have cultural programmes once it reopens. Noboborsho (Bengali New Year) celebrations and Rabindranath Tagores birthday will also be part of the evening cultural programmes. We would have celebrated Noboborsho any way and since Tagores birthday was on May 8, we thought well celebrate both the events together, says Mitra adding that the intention was also to save funds. Also, people wont have to take out time twice, if we organise both the celebration on one day. What could be better than the reopening day! Members of the Bengali club socialise in the library. (Ronjoy Gogoi/HT) Performances: Sanjoy Sarkars presentation of Rabindra Sangeet. He is one of the Capitals leading exponent of Rabindra Sangeet. Jayati Ghosh will sing renditions of Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul Geeti (written and composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam - Bengali poet, writer, and musician). WHERE: Bengali Club, Kashmere Gate WHEN: May 14 TIMINGS: 7pm and 7.20pm SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Campaigning in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry for the May 16 assembly elections ended on Saturday, ringing the curtain down on the gruelling two-month-long exercise. The ruling Congress-led UDF is up against the LDF headed by CPI(M) in Kerala. For BJP, it is turning out to be a battle of prestige after Prime Minister Narendra Modis whirlwind campaign and war of words with Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy, and the party is keen to open its account in the assembly. A total of 2.61 crore people in Kerala are eligible to cast their votes to elect 140 law makers in the assembly out of 1,203 candidates, including 109 women. The LDF too will be facing another crucial contest to stage a comeback in Kerala as in West Bengal, where the six-phase assembly election ended on May 5. The Left has a tie-up with Congress in West Bengal and the two sides took pains to assert that it will not affect their prospects in the two states. The last leg of poll campaign saw many national leaders canvassing for their parties. Though campaign started on state-centric issues like solar and bar bribery scams in Kerala, it took a new turn after Modi kicked up a row with his comparison of Kerala with Somalia. Congress leader Chandy, heading the UDF campaign, was quick to latch onto the remark to hit back at BJP and Modi, saying the Prime Minister has insulted the people of Kerala. There was also war of words between BJP and Chandy over the expenses borne for bringing back people from strife torn Libya to Kerala. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, party leaders A K Antony and Ghulam Nabi Azad, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI national secretary Sudhakar Reddy, CPI(M) leader and Tripura chief minister Nirpuan Chakravorty, former prime minister Deva Gowda, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar were among the prominent politicians who took part in the campaign. The BJP this time is fighting along with its key ally Bharath Dharam Jana Sena,(BDJS), a new party formed by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, a powerful outfit of backward Ezhava community. Tamil Nadu is witnessing a multi-cornered contest with AIADMK, DMK-Congress, PWF-DMDK-TMC combine, BJP-led alliance and PMK in the fray. More than 5.79 crore voters in 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu will decide the fate of 3,776 aspirants, including four chief ministerial candidates -- incumbent J Jayalalithaa of AIADMK, DMKs M Karunanidhi, DMDKs Vijayakant and Anbumani Ramadoss of PMK. Jayalalithaa is seeking a second successive term in office in the state, where elections have dethroned the ruling party in recent decades. While the opposition including DMK and BJP harped on prohibition and corruption, Jayalalithaa sought votes on her governments five year-performance. Flow of illegal money was a major challenge for electoral authorities which seized an unprecedented Rs 100 crore of unaccounted cash. Of this, Rs 37 crore had, however, been returned to the owners on submission of documents. In Puducherry, 9.43 lakh voters will decide the fate of over over 300 candidates in 30 seats. The election process announced for West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry assemblies on March 8 will conclude on May 19, when the results will be declared. Assembly election concluded in two phases in Assam on April 11. Police arrested a Madhya Pradesh Congress leader and two others for allegedly murdering a former American Embassy School staffer, whose body was found in a jungle in Hoshangabad district on Saturday morning. Leena Sharma an assistant manager of projects at Delhis American Embassy School went missing on April 29 after a protracted property dispute with the Congress leader Pradeep Sharma, who she used to call her uncle. Police said her body was found partially decomposed and officials could identify the 40-year-old only from her nails and blonde-coloured hair. The killers had allegedly heaped salt and urea on her body to make it decompose faster, sources said. The incident came under the spotlight after Leenas friends started a viral social media campaign to locate her called Save Leena. Police said she quit her job last year and came down to Dudadeh village in Sohagpur to demarcate and build a fence around 35 acres of her ancestral land that Pradeep was allegedly encroaching upon. Investigators are also probing the role of Leenas sister Hema in the crime because she took seven days to report the Delhi teachers disappearance. Sources said Pradeep had already encroached upon 10 of the 35 acres and was not happy about Leena coming back to fence the land. Leenas friends said her relations with her Pradeep were strained for the last few years because of this issue. Around two decades ago, Pradeep a resident of Sagar was ostracized by his family when he married his niece. Leenas mothers elder sister took pity on him and brought him to Sohagpur. That is why Leena called him her uncle. Crowd gathers around the spot in a jungle where Leenas body was buried. (HT Photo) Sources said after quitting her job last year, Leena came down to Sohagpur several times to get her land demarcated against the wishes of Pradeep and Hema. Hema owned the land jointly with Leena. Police questioned two aides of Pradeep- Gore Lal, 21 and Rajender, 25, who reportedly revealed how Leena was murdered on April 29 and buried in the nearby Kamati jungle. Leena finally succeeded in getting her land demarcated on April 24-25 through the intervention of some high-ranking officials in the chief ministers secretariat. This angered Pradeep and he had a heated argument with Leena when she went to Dudadeh on April 29 to get the land fenced. Pradeep and his two aides allegedly hit her with a rod and stones, killing her. Hoshangabad superintendent of police (SP) AP Singh said the suspects were charged with trying to destroy evidence and committing a crime with common intent. Three of Leenas friends from Bhopal rushed to Sohagpur to identify the body. And they confirmed the body was that of Leena, said Singh, adding the body had been sent for a post mortem. Pradeep and Hema had lodged the missing persons complaint with Sohagpur police on May 5, a week after Leena went missing. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was not overtly concerned that she had not decided on a gown for her Cannes red carpet appearance three days before the event. Neither did she rush to Cannes days before she was supposed to walk down the Croisette. Before going, she dared the trolls too. Read: Troll me but I havent decided Cannes dress yet, says Aishwarya Is this Aishwaryas most relaxed Cannes appearance ever? Let this picture posted by cosmetic giant LOreal be the answer. (Instagram) And then, the Bollywood actor switched on the goddess mode and delivered one of her most memorable appearances on the Cannes red carpet on Friday. As the design fraternity and fans applaud her fashion statement, we are raising a toast to the woman and her confidence. Her relaxed videos and Instagram pictures moments before the red carpet walk prove how relaxed Aishwarya was. It is her 15th year at the prestigious film festival, and she wants to enjoy every moment of it. Love from L'Oreal Paris Makeup Designer! #Cannes #lorealcannes #lorealista #lorealmakeup #meetandgreet #beinfallible #lorealparisinfallible #aishwaryaraibachchan #lorealxaishwarya#aishwarya A video posted by iCANnes by L'Oreal Paris (@icannesbylorealparis) on May 13, 2016 at 10:30am PDT Aishwarya had faced enough backlash over her post-pregnancy weight. It was at Cannes that she answered back her detractors with this style statement. Yes, she could lose the weight but she did it when she wanted to, she did it when her first priority motherhood gave her time for it. Aishwarya wowed everybody when she walked the Cannes red carpet in 2014 after having lost all the baby weight. Only, she did it on her own terms. (AFP) Read: Aishwaryas message is not without my daughter In the same way, her graph at the film festival showed that haters gonna hate, hate and the actors gonna shake, shake. Everybody is allowed a bad day but not when you are the former Miss World turned Bollywood superstar walking down the red carpet in French riviera. She was beaten over her fashion faux pas. Every time, she emerged stronger. Aishwarya has brushed off haters who attacked her for bad fashion choices or weight gain in the past. And now, she has proved herself a veteran of the pose-and-walk routine. She holds her own when walking with stars from across the world. And she does it with love and style. Trolls? Who cares about trolls? Kisses from the queen! #15yearsatcannes #lorealmakeup #lorealhair #Cannes2016 #cannescollection2016 #lorealcannes2016 #lorealista#aishwarya A video posted by iCANnes by L'Oreal Paris (@icannesbylorealparis) on May 13, 2016 at 9:43am PDT Shes no novice on the red carpet, so youve got to give Aishwarya Rai Bachchan props for getting her diva mode on as she made a striking appearance at the 69th edition of the ongoing Cannes Film Festival, celebrating 15 years of being at the fest. Ditching her usual favourites, Elie Saab and Cavalli, Ash surprised in a gown by Kuwait-based designer Ali Younes, who has dressed Hollywood celebs such as Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria. Before she left for the French Riviera, 42-year-old Aishwarya had said that she hadnt decided on what shed be wearing and didnt give two hoots about all those who love to troll her sartorial choices. See: Meet Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the queen of Cannes red carpet Well, while we have to hand it to her for the confidence, the heavily-embellished gold caped dress, and the unusual blue eye makeup got her both raves and rants. I loved her look! She looked beautiful and extremely sensuous. I enjoyed the shimmer and how the gown flowed seamlessly on the red carpet. I really liked the choice of cape and the overall sultriness of the outfit. The hair and makeup just added to it. She came across as super confident, glamorous and sensuous, says designer Manish Malhotra. Aishwarya got mixed reaction for her gold, caped gown on the Cannes red carpet. (Reuters) Aishwarya couldve made a better choice. Her recent appearances have been great, but this one doesnt match up. Sometimes some garments add to your personality, sometimes they dont. Unfortunately, this time it didnt. Im not a big fan of the silhouette, its predictable and the colour is a regular on the red carpet. The ensemble is not adding any newness, so its a basic fault of the gown, says designer Rahul Mishra. The Gorgeous #bollywood#queen #missworld#goddess @aishwaryaarai In Gold tulle cape dress @aliyounescouture #aliyounes #couture#cannes2016#cannes styled by @aasthasharma612 @icannesbylorealparis @lorealmakeup A photo posted by ALI YOUNES (@aliyounescouture) on May 13, 2016 at 9:48am PDT For designer Anand Bhushan, the look was far from a winner. To be honest, I am a little underwhelmed!.The entire look seems a little dated, neither do I appreciate the gown, nor the makeup. I cant understand how someone so spectacular could get it this wrong! he says. Read: Aishwarya Rai Bachchans most relaxed Cannes appearance in candid pics Keeping these opinions aside, designer Nikhil Mehra suggests we should just celebrate Ashs full-forced confidence and poise on the red carpet. For her to come out so confidently in the body-celebrating dress is amazing. She is unapologetic about her choice, and I think its high time that we should get over the hangover of not wanting Aishwarya to age. I applaud her bold choice of outfit, he says. Next up on the red carpet from India is actor Sonam Kapoor, who will also attend the AmfAR gala at the event. Follow @htshowbiz for more. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON It isnt unusual to see visitors clicking photographs in the atrium at the Fortis Hospital in Gurgaon. Thats thanks to artist Jitish Kallats huge white sculpture titled Loveable Curious Child a baby with a stethoscope plugged into the ground, keeping an ear on the pulse of the patients. Kallats work is one among several pieces of art commissioned by the hospital that staff, patients and visitors see as they move around the building. Our spaces should make you forget about any pain youre going through, even if it is for a brief moment, says Arundhati S Khanna, the architect at Fortis Healthcare Ltd, who strategically places each piece to engage visitors. We wish to make the hospital more about promoting health and healing, less about sickness, she says. The mammoth sculpture, Loveable Curious Child, by Jitish Kallat, at Fortis Hospital Gurgaon Art on a role Khanna may not know it, but her words echo those of Florence Nightingale, the lady with the lamp who revolutionised nursing more than a hundred years ago. In her 1895 book Notes on Nursing, Nightingale said that variety of form and brilliancy of colour in the objects presented to patients are actual means of recovery. About 110 years later, in 2003, a research study said pretty much the same thing: that exposure to visually stimulating and pleasing art reduces the duration of hospital stays for patients, decreases their intake of pain killers, and helps keep their blood pressure and heart rates in check. All good so far, but what is visually stimulating and pleasing art? Thats a tricky question to answer. The task of putting up artworks on hospital walls needs to be tackled with sensitivity, says art advisor Ashna Singh of Delhis Studio Art gallery, and the brain behind everything you see on the walls of Max Hospitals across the country. Working from the time that the hospital blueprints are finalised, Singh decides themes and displays of installations, closely monitoring the balance of colours. Works by artists such as Shobha Broota and Binoy Varghese adorn the Max Hospital in Saket, Delhi While theres a splash of colour in the reception area of Max Hospital in Saket, where Singh chose to put up works by artists such as Shobha Broota and Binoy Varghese, the corridors are relatively mellow with photographs of different faiths such as the especially assigned Gurudwara series by Munish Khanna. Art is not only a means of positive distraction during illness but seeing colours on the walls of a hospitals show have a significant role to play in relaxation and comfort of visitors, says Dr Samir Parikh, director at the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences at Fortis Healthcare. We use art therapy for rehabilitation in chronic illnesses and support groups for cancer patients as well. Rx: Art When I was in hospital with a bad viral fever, the photographs on the corridor walls kept my mind off thermometers and throwing up. And at Gurgaons multi-specialty hospital Medanta, the sculpture at the entrance is very soothing to relatives of patients. Titled the Trees of Life or the Mannat (wish fulfilling) Trees and made by Rajasthani artist Ruchur Tiwari, the sandstone structures are 21 feet each in height and stand tall, inviting visitors across religions. On the base of the tree is a beautiful cluster of mauli, the sacred red thread that relatives tie while praying for recovery of their loved ones. Shoes off and hands folded in prayer, Bhupender Singh has been a regular visitor to the sculpture for a week. Tying a thread after praying is a practice that is common to all faiths, and a hospital is a place of hope, he says. Throughout my brothers treatment, it has become a ritual for me to come every day and offer my prayers to help him heal. Not only is the artwork helpful for the patients but it also touches on the work life of doctors and technicians who work in the stressful environment. If I go to a room with a painting, I do look at it and appreciate it. Its not only aesthetic but also has an impact on your behaviour and provides an environment that is not sterile in terms of thought, says Dr Randhir Sud, chairman of the Medanta Institute of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Sciences. Anything that helps any patient remove emphasis from her or his illness is a huge help. Democracy Dog, an installation by artist Ved Gupta at the the Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon Each hospital has a certain vision of the art they display, says Khanna. While some hospitals keep funds separate for purchasing artworks, the others populate their walls as the years go by or commission site-specific works to various artists. Some hospitals even use art to allow their employees bond with the buildings they work in. For example, before the opening of Fortis Gurgaon, the technicians, staff and doctors were invited to send photographs they had clicked so as to make the hospitals art project a collective initiative. Khanna personally chose photographs, printed them on canvas and put them up throughout the hospital corridors. A great way to begin! Art is not always used to make significant mental impact in dire times. Sometimes its used simply to spread some cheer. One of Singhs favourite works is the Paediatric ward at Max Hospital in Saket. In addition to working at the Max in Dehradun, I loved working on this particular wing that is nothing but spreading happiness through vibrant colour, she says. The audience of children is ultimately harder to please than the adults, making it a challenge in itself. Fortis, Max and Medanta are the pioneers in recognising art as part of the essence of hospital architecture. And other hospitals are following suit. Noteworthy are the Artemis Hospital and the Alchemist Hospital, which have a growing collection of artworks. Gradually changing the atmosphere of hospitals by using art is coming to be perceived as a necessity, not just an option. So the next time youre facing the gloom in a hospital, be sure to take a closer look at the walls. From HT Brunch, May 15, 2016 Follow us on twitter.com/HTBrunch Connect with us on facebook.com/hindustantimesbrunch Do we care too much about university education? You might think that is a ridiculous question in view of the generally accepted doctrine that what India needs most is more education and health care. But the controversy about the prime ministers degree seems to me symptomatic of an unhealthy obsession with university education. I am not entering into the controversy about whether Narendra Modi has a degree. What concerns me is the assumption underlying this controversy, the assumption that he would in some way be a lesser man and less qualified to be prime minister if he didnt have a degree. The history of India since 1947 demonstrates that you dont need a degree to be prime minister. Rajiv Gandhi never tried to hide the fact that he ploughed at university or, as I remember used to be said, was plucked. In Britain Winston Churchill performed poorly at school and did not go to university, nor in France did General de Gaulle. Rabindranath Tagore thought so little of university education that he founded Shantiniketan to be different from traditional universities. READ: BJP releases PM Modis BA and MA degrees, asks Kejriwal to apologise This obsession with university education leads to job-seekers being assessed by the number of their degrees. Take the MA, for example. A British university professor recently told me the MA was merely a money-making device. That was literally true when I was young. I was awarded my MA simply by paying a comparatively small sum of money to Cambridge University. Many Indian students who flock to foreign universities to get their MA will be spending large sums of money just because the possession of an MA, and specially a foreign one, is so highly rated, by potential employers. The concentration on formal education tends to make students forget that there are many different ways to learn. That education should not finish when you leave the university. That, as Shri Aurobindo taught, the whole of life should be a learning experience life-long learning. READ: PM Modis degrees produced by BJP fake and forged, says AAP The most pernicious effect of this emphasis on the importance of degrees is the tendency to look down on those who dont have one. That is all too often coupled with disrespecting those who work with their hands. This concerned Mahatma Gandhi, who was a great upholder of the dignity of labour of all sorts but particularly of what he called bread labour, working with the hands, which he felt we should all honour by doing ourselves. He once said: Let me not be misunderstood. I do not discount the value of intellectual labour but no amount of it is any compensation for bodily labour which everyone of us is bound to give for the common good of all. The same danger of over-rating the importance of educational qualifications and consequently looking down on those who dont have them have reappeared in a form which undermines a crucial principle of the Constitution the principle that every citizen should have a vote irrespective of their sex, their economic status and their education. The governments of Rajasthan and Haryana have passed laws stipulating the educational standards candidates in local elections must have. This is a breach of the universal suffrage, which has enabled Indians to say with pride we have achieved in a few years what it took our former colonial masters hundreds of years to achieve and at the time the constitution was written America had still not achieved. But one-Indian-one-vote is of far greater importance than mere boasting. The literacy rate was only 12% at Independence, so imposing an educational qualification on voting would have excluded 88% of the population. Politicians, whose main concern is always votes, would have ignored them. READ: Media asked not to touch Modi degree row, says Kejriwal Babasaheb Ambedkar had this to say about those who insisted on literacy as a qualification for voting, Their first mistake consists in the belief that an illiterate person is necessarily an unintelligent person. Their second mistake lies in supposing that literacy necessarily imparts a higher level of intelligence or knowledge than what the illiterate possesses. The controversy over the Modi degree shows that far too many people think having a degree is a mark of superior intelligence and knowledge. The views expressed are personal A Delhi court extended by 10 days the police custody of three suspected members of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), arrested for allegedly planning an attack in the national capital. Additional sessions judge Reetesh Singh allowed the cops to further question the accused persons -- Mohd Sajid, Shakir and Sameer -- till May 24 after the police told the court that their custody was required to unearth the larger conspiracy. The Delhi Police, in its application, sought 15 days of custody of the suspects while submitting before the court that it has recovered a number of WhatsApp messages which need to be verified and the accused were required to be confronted with some Facebook data. While opposing the police application, advocate MS Khan, appearing for the accused, said that the police had already been granted sufficient time and there was no fresh ground for further custody of his clients. The court had earlier sent the accused to 10-day police custody after investigators submitted that their custodial interrogation was required to crack their Delhi module. Police detained around 10 more persons suspected to be linked with a terror group planning an attack in the city and recovered explosives from their possession after a series of overnight raids in Delhi and neighbouring states. However, they were later let off after questioning. All the three accused were suspected to be members of a sleeper unit of a terror outfit, planning an attack in the national capital and other cities, police said. In a major crackdown on unauthorised private buses, the Delhi governments transport department on Friday night seized 52 buses plying illegally. Similar action was taken against illegal buses after the December 16 gang rape that rocked the nation. The 23-year-old medical student who was raped and murdered had boarded a bus that was plying illegally. The incident had caused an uproar and the public transport system came under scrutiny. But nothing much had changed and buses continued to ply illegally. The transport department says things will improve with this crackdown. Why should we wait for an incident to happen to start challaning illegal vehicles. We noticed buses from Haryana, UP and Rajasthan picking up passengers from bus terminals of Delhi. On checking, they were found to be running without any permit, said KK Dahiya, special commissioner (transport). Over 50 teams of the transport department impounded buses from areas such as Dhaula Kuan, Peeragarhi, Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan. The Anand Vihar bus terminal is a major area of operation for illegal buses. Since the UP government doesnt own many buses, the illegal bus owners take over, especially at night. Most of the time, passengers are not aware that it is an illegal service. This can lead to crimes, said a transport department official. Sources said the transport department would write to the neighbouring state to run buses to prevent commuters from taking illegal buses. We will continue this drive till there are no illegal buses in operation. Apart from being a security concern, these buses are a threat to environment as they run on diesel, Dahiya said. Sources said since the transport department had not given an interstate permit to any bus in the past few years, most of them were running illegally. The buses were taking commuters to NCR towns and far-off areas. A 61-year-old doctor was shot dead by an unidentified man at his clinic in southwest Delhi on Friday night. The bullet hit his neck while he was sitting in the clinic where some renovation work was in progress. Surender Kumar, deputy commissioner of police (southwest), said the crime came to light around 10 pm after some locals heard a gunshot at the clinic of Dr. Balwan Singh Ramawat. A police team reached the crime spot and rushed Ranawat to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him dead on admission. A murder case has been registered at the Palam Village police station against unknown person, said Kumar. The preliminary probe, Kumar said, suggests that Ramawat was murdered over some personal enmity or monetary dispute. Investigators have learnt that apart from running his clinic from a 10x10 feet room, Ramawat also lent money on interest to needy people. No CCTV footage was available as no camera was installed at the clinic or in the locality where the crime took place. A local resident had seen an unidentified man coming out and running toward the main road after the gunfire. He, however, could not see the suspects face, Kumar said. Two teams have been formed to probe the case and arrest the assailant. Seven-year-old Shan Sultans family and friends in Lahore thought they would lose him to liver cancer, but he battled on and beat it back after undergoing a liver transplant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. The donor was his father Sultan Baqar, who works in the radiology department in a government hospital in Lahore. The child was admitted with pneumonia and infection. After he recovered, we recommended chemotherapy to reduce the size of the tumour before the affected part of the liver can be removed, said Dr Anupam Sibbal, group medical director and senior paediatric gastroenterologists, Apollo Hospitals. Eight rounds of chemotherapy, however, could not shrink the tumour. He underwent a liver transplant. The cancer had spread to his chest and diaphragm and it was very difficult to remove the entire thing. There was a risk of relapse if any of the cancerous cells were left behind. Timing the chemotherapy was also a challenge, said Dr Subhash Gupta, chief of Centre for Liver and Biliary Sciences, Apollo Hospitals It started with symptoms of severe abdominal pain and loss of appetite, and an ultrasound revealed a mass in his liver, said Baqar. The biopsy results showed he had hepatoblastoma, a form of liver cancer found in children. During the biopsy, he developed tumour bleed, and a tube had to be inserted into his chest to drain it. The artery carrying blood to the liver was blocked to prevent further bleed. His condition started deteriorating very fast and we thought that we will lose him, so we asked doctors at Lahore to refer him to India, said Baqar. With the help of his family, friends and neighbours, he came to India with `35 lakh, and eventually received some support from Pakistan government. A 23-year-old woman committed suicide at her house in east Delhi on Thursday afternoon on learning that her husband was allegedly married before. Kajal Gupta, a resident of Mandawli, hung herself and her in-laws discovered the body. Police recovered a suicide note from the spot in which Kajal held her husband Ankit Gupta (26) and his first wife Nisha responsible for her death. Kajal and Ankit fell in love and got married in November, said police. Kajals relatives took the body to Ganesh Chowk, near Mandawli in east Delhi, and refused to take it till police arrested her husband. They took the body only after senior police officers pacified them and assured them of action. Family members alleged that Ankit went missing for a few days last month. When she went to lodge a complaint that her husband was missing, she was told that he was at his wifes house in Samaypur Badli, an officer said. Her relatives alleged that when she approached the police officers in Mandawli, they refused to register a case against her husband and asked her to go to the Samaypur Badli police officials. Senior police officers met the family on Friday and assured that they will inquire if there was any lapse on their part. Kajal had graduated from Delhi University. She met Ankit last year when both of them applied for a job at the same company. After a few months, she worked as a telecaller for Ankit, who works as a loan disbursal agent for a private bank. Nearly 68 lakh students of Class 10 and Class 12 are anxiously waiting for their Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad results, which will be declared on Sunday . The results are expected by around 1.15 pm. The Class 10 exams were held between February 18 and March 9 and Class 12 exams between February 18 and March 21 this year. The exams were conducted at 11,580 centres spread across the state. A total of 37,49,977 students, including 21,08,937 boys and 16,41,040 girls, registered for the Class 10 exams. For Class 12, a total of 30,71,892 examinees, including 17,09379 boys and 13,63, 513 girls, registered. The copies were evaluated by 1.25 lakh teachers between March 30 and April 15. Students in Lucknow were a nervous lot a day before the results are to be announced and some even offered prayers in the different temples in the state capital. I am extremely nervous. Though my teachers and parents are trying to calm me down but somehow Im struggling to cope with it, Bhavna Sharma, a Class 12 student of SKD Academy, said. Class 12 student Mohd Zeeshan, whose father runs a small dairy, too was worried. My family has a lot of expectations from me. If I do well in academics and career, I can change familys fortune, he said. Ambuj Awasthi and his friends from Class 12 went to a temple to seek blessings of god and goddesses. We have done our best and now it is up to almighty to shower blessings on us. Morning prayers helped us ease our nerves, Awasthi said. Class 10 students Kirti and Surabhi also hope to do well. Im just keeping my fingers crossed but at the same time I am hoping to score good marks, said Surabhi. Nihal Pandey, a Class 10 student of Allahabad Jawaharlal Nehru Inter College, said he is looking forward to the result day. I have worked hard and tried to do well in all the papers. Rest everything is up to God. I hope I perform up to the expectations of my parents and teachers. A nervous and excited Anchal Tripathi said she has worked as hard as she could to ace her Class 12 exams. I want to be an IAS officer and if I manage to score well in these exams, then it is definitely going to boost my morale and the expectations of my parents to work even harder and fulfil my dream, Tripathi, a student of St Johns Inter College in Fatehpur, said. Boards not the end of the road SKD Academy called all board students to the school to help them overcome their nervousness. The schools director Manish Singh asked students to relax and appealed to their parents not to compare marks of their child with that of their classmates. Nearly 68 lakh students of class 10 and 12 of UP Board are having sleepless night as they anxiously wait for declaration of their results in Lucknow on Saturday. (Deepak Gupta/ HT file photo) Board results do not always make or mar ones career. It is the competitive examination that matters. Medical or engineering are not the only career options. There are so many options that are available, DK Singh, vice principal of the school, said. Psychiatrists urged parents to exercise restraint and caution if their children do not perform well. Parents must not compare marks of their child with other students. It leaves a strong impact on their childs psychology. Never use discouraging words for your child or punish him for not faring well in the exams, PK Khatri, a city-based psychologist, said. The results will be available on the official website of the board www.upmsp.nic.in and also at www.upmspresults.up.nic.in. Students can also pre-register their mobile numbers with Airtel to get their results. They can SMS UP10 to 5207051 for Class 10th and UP12 to 5207051 for Class 12 at a cost of 10 per SMS. Airtel customers can also dial *588# and register to get instant results at a cost of 10 per registration. Bihar board ISc 2016 results out: Check them here Read more: Jharkhand board Class 12 results expected on May 20 Indian-American designer Naeem Khans designs are drawing attention from the creme de la creme. After US First Lady Michelle Obama flaunted one of his creations at an important event on Friday, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan chose to flaunt a red ruffled gown from the New York-based designer for an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday. Read: Aishwarya Rai Bachchans most relaxed Cannes appearance 15 years of #aishwaryaraibachchan at #lorealcannes #lorealfamily #Cannes #Cannes2016 #makeupdesigner #lorealmakeup A photo posted by iCANnes by L'Oreal Paris (@icannesbylorealparis) on May 14, 2016 at 5:04am PDT Following her glittering-in-gold red carpet look on Friday, Aishwarya spent Saturday morning at Cannes giving press interviews. She looked ravishing in red in the ensemble from Khans Resort 2016 collection. #lorealista #aishwaryaraibachchan #Cannes2016 #cannescollection2016 A photo posted by iCANnes by L'Oreal Paris (@icannesbylorealparis) on May 14, 2016 at 4:36am PDT The former beauty queens bright red lips and winged eye-liner added to her beauty. Read: Fashion designers in India divided on Aishwaryas Cannes gown On the terrace of Hotel Martinez, post her press interactions, the LOreal Paris team celebrated the 15th year Canniversary of Aishwarya by cutting a cake and presenting her with a bouquet of red roses. #aishwaryaraibachchan in a gorgeous red dress by Naeem Khan! #day3 #Cannes #lorealcannes #lorealista #makeupdesigner #lorealmakeup A video posted by iCANnes by L'Oreal Paris (@icannesbylorealparis) on May 14, 2016 at 4:32am PDT The actress is busy setting trends on red carpet looks of the international movie extravaganza, which will conclude on May 22. L'egerie Aishwarya Rai prend la pose pour les photographes #aishwaryarai #cannes2016 #lorealcannes2016 #lorealista #worthit A photo posted by Get The Look (@getthelook_fr) on May 14, 2016 at 5:09am PDT This year, the gala is also special to her as her forthcoming film Sarbjit, a film which brings forward a sisters fight for getting justice for her brother convicted of terrorism and sentenced to death in Pakistan, will also be screened at the ongoing fest. Finally, Deepika Padukone is almost done with the shoot of her Hollywood debut movie, xXx: The Return of Xander Cage. Her fanclub, Deepika Padukone FC, took to its Twitter handle to share the news that next Satrurday, i.e, May 21 will be her last day of shoot. Deepika Padukone wraps up filming for #xXx3: The Return of Xander Cage in a week! Next Saturday is her last day, the post read. Read: Deepika Padukone and Ruby Rose are setting trends on the xXx sets Meanwhile, a clip from the much awaited movie got leaked in South Korea yesterday which shows the 30-year-old actress, who essays the role of Serena Unger, in a fiery look. The leaked clip also shows Vin Diesel in his Xander Cage avatar. The Bajirao Mastani actress is presently in North America for the films shoot. xXx 3 is led by Vin Diesel, whos off shooting the eighth Fast & Furious film in Cuba currently. It also stars Ruby Rose, Nina Dobrev and Samuel L Jackson. It has been scheduled for a January 20, 2017 release. Actor Jennifer Lawrence may be one of the biggest names in Hollywood right now, but there was a time when veteran actor Harrison Ford didnt recognise her. Lawrence remembered a humiliating incident when she was out with British comedian Jack Whitehall and decided to dance over to Ford and Star Wars: The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams, reports people.com. Read: Jennifer Lawrence, the queen of Hollywood, to now direct a film I probably humiliated myself more than ever before, Lawrence said on the The Graham Norton Show. I never assume anyone knows who I am, but when I spotted Harrison Ford and JJ Abrams I was like, Itll be fine, were all co-workers, right? she added. She said that she went up to them and started dancing like an idiot. I realised while I am dancing that they had absolutely no idea who I was so I just turned around and walked back to Jack dying of embarrassment, the Hunger Games actor added. Ahmedabad might soon be known as Karnavati, Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar and Aurangabad as Sambhaji Nagar, if the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has its way. The Sangh that was crucial in pushing through Gurgaons name change to Gurugram last month is now preparing for more such reversals to highlight Indian culture and cleanse foreign influence. Critics say the name changes are an attempt to rewrite Indias history and extend the Sanghs cultural influence. The RSS has made such attempts in the past but its clout in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that rules Gujarat and Maharashtra among other states strengthens the possibility of such changes being accepted by governments. RSS leaders believe the names of places should be tied to their history and culture and the Sangh already uses historic names to address cities. We use the old, historic names of cities and not the ones that were given by invaders. As a free country, we should take pride in our culture, a senior Sangh functionary told HT. The expanded list also proposes changing Keralas name to Keralam. In April, the BJP-ruled government in Haryana changed Gurgaons name to Gurugram as a homage to Guru Dronacharya, who, legend says, was given the land by his disciples in the Mahabharata-era. The RSS has referred to the Haryana town as Gurugram for years. The RSS wants Ahmedabad to be named as Karnavati after a Hindu king, Karan Dev, who is said to have established the city in the 11th century; Sambhaji Nagar after Sambhaji, the elder son of King Shivaji, who was captured and executed by the Mughals; and Bhagyanagar after goddess Bhagyalakshmi. The BJPs ally, the Shiv Sena, has also been demanding the renaming of Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar for years. This demand dates back to about 20 years. The Shiv Sena - BJP government in late 1990s even completed the procedure to rename Aurangabad as Sambhaji Nagar, said state BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari. The decision would be in accordance with the sentiments of the people of Marathwada. The BJP is not in a position to push through the changes in Telangana and Kerala where it is not in power but local party leaders in both states appeared in favour of the changes. BJP state legislator G Kishan Reddy said the RSS made the name change demand only because the people wanted it. Nobody questioned when Madras was renamed as Chennai, Bombay as Mumbai and Calcutta as Kolkata. Did the RSS demand the change of these names? Then, why is it being blamed for changing Gurgaon as Gurugram? he asked. He said Muslim invaders and the British changed the names of cities and towns at their will. All that we want now is to restore the original names that reflect the local culture and tradition, Reddy said. In Kerala, BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan said he hadnt heard of a proposal to change Keralaa name. In any case, when we write our states name in our mother tongue Malayalam it as Keralam but in English it is Kerala. I dont think it will make any difference, Rajasekharan said. The RSS and the BJP have a history of proposing such name changes to link cities to their perceived heritage. During the BJP-Shiv Sena rule in 1996, Bombay was renamed Mumbai to honour a local goddess. Months after assuming power at the Centre in 2014, the BJP-led NDA government consented to officially renaming Banglore as Bengaluru along with 11 other cities in Karnataka. The government renamed Aurangzeb Raod in the Capitals Lutyens zone to Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Road to honour the late president and agreed to an argument by right-wing organisations that said there was no merit in glorifying the Mughal king who was perceived to be anti-Hindu. In 2011, the Shivraj Singh Chauhan government in Madhya Pradesh petitioned the Centre to rename state capital Bhopal as Bhojpal to mark 1,000 years of King Bhojpals coronation. The request was not approved by the UPA government. Attempts have also been made to rename Allahabad as Prayag. (with inputs from Aurangabad, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram) Read: From Gurgaon to Gurugram: Here are 20 funny tweets we shouldnt miss SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Armed dacoits attacked a passenger train plying between Buxar and Mughalsarai late on Friday night, and decamped with a couple of rifles after shooting two government railway police (GRP) guards. One of the GRP personnel, Abhishek Kumar Singh from Balia district in Uttar Pradesh, died soon afterwards. While railway guard Nand Lal Yadav from Azamgarh was hospitalised with injuries, two other securitymen escaped unhurt. Identifying the stolen firearms as a couple of INSAS SLR rifles, Patna Railway superintendent of police Jitendra Mishra said the Buxar-Mughalsarai passenger train was attacked soon after it started moving from Pauni Qamarpur near Chausa station. East Central Railway (ECR) spokesperson Arvind Kumar Rajak said the zonal headquarters has been informed about the incident, and an inquiry was on. Stating that the information at hand was still sketchy, Rajak said six dacoits presumably boarded the passenger train at Mughalsarai on Friday, posing as passengers. Around 11.35 pm, they attempted to rob the passengers of their belongings. The four GRP personnel aboard tried to tackle them, but in vain. The Patna Railway police said there was some confusion on who should probe the case. We are not clear on jurisdiction because the incident occurred on the Bihar-UP border, Mishra said, adding that the GRP personnel who also boarded the train at Mughalsarai belonged to the Uttar Pradesh constabulary. Buxar, which borders Uttar Pradesh, is located about 60 km from Mughalsarai in the neighbouring state. However, the main railway main line linking it to the city comes under the ECR, headquartered at Hajipur in Bihar. All long-distance trains entering Bihar via the main and grand chord lines are provided with escorts because the route runs through Maoist-affected areas. However, escorts are rarely provided to short-distance passenger trains. A high-level delegation led by NITI Aayog vice-charman Arvind Pangariya has gone to Japan to discuss a way forward for realisation of bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The government has floated National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC) with a paid up capital of Rs 200 crore to implement the project. The Pangariya-led team consisting of top bureaucrats from department of economic affairs, department of industrial policy and promotion, and external affairs left for Japan on Friday, said a railway ministry official. The Indian team will explore the possibilities of participation of Japanese companies in the project under the Make in India initiative. The team will also discuss the finalisation of the general consultant for the Rs 98,000 crore flagship project with senior Japanese officials including the special advisor to Japanese PM Hiroto Izumi on May 16 in Tokyo. The general consultant oversees the project design and other related issues involved with the high speed train. The mega project is being financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is providing a loan of about Rs 79,380 crore, which amounts to 81% of the total project cost. Japan has given the soft loan at an interest of 0.1%, with a tenure of 50 years and a moratorium of 15 years. India will get the latest version of the Sinkansen, the Japanese bullet train, to cover the 508 km distance between Mumbai-Ahmedabad in 2.07 hours at more than 300 km per hour speed. Currently, the fastest train between the two metropolis takes about 7 hours. Rakesh Ranjan alias Rocky, the son of Janata Dal (United) MLC Manorama Devi, has confessed to murdering a teenager in a road rage case, a police source told ANI on Saturday. Rocky, 21, was nabbed in an hour-long operation from an asphalt concrete plant belonging to his father, Bindi Yadav, around 4 am on Tuesday. Although the lawmakers son reportedly confessed to mistakenly shooting 18-year-old Aditya Sachdeva back then, he later retracted his statement before the media. Sachdeva, the son of a businessman, and four friends were driving home from a birthday party on the night of May 7 when they overtook Rockys Land Cruiser on the Bodh Gaya-Gaya stretch. An incensed Rocky chased down the vehicle and roughed them up. It was when the five tried to escape in their Maruti Dzire that Rocky fired a bullet through its rear windshield killing Sachdeva. Read | AK-47s, SLRs: Rocky Yadavs Facebook posts show his love of guns The incident spurred large scale protests across the state, with the BJP-led Opposition denouncing the breakdown of law and order in the state. While Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan termed the shooting as the return of jungle raj in Bihar, the BJP held protest rallies in Gaya as well as other areas. Devi herself went absconding after police recovered six liquor bottles during a raid at her residence. Possessing alcohol is a punishable crime in dry Bihar. Rockys father, Bindi Yadav, is in judicial custody. Meanwhile, gun licences issued to Rockys family were suspended on Friday after officials in Delhi and Gaya moved towards their cancellation. Read | Bihar road rage: Gun licences of Rocky Yadavs kin suspended The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday demanded a probe into the alleged favour shown to an Italian shipbuilding firm during the Congress-led UPA regime for procurement of two major naval fleet tankers, INS Deepak and INS Shakti. The firm Fincantieri allegedly used inferior quality of steel in the naval tankers. While there are unconfirmed reports that the NDA government has ordered a preliminary probe into the deal after taking cognizance of adverse comments from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in 2010, BJP MP and a member of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Kirit Somaiya on Saturday told TV channels, the issue is serious and it demands investigation. BJP sources indicated that the ruling party members could even press for taking up the issue by the Public Accounts Committee of parliament. The Congress party is trying to say that the VVIP helicopters (AgustaWestland deal) belonging to Italy and even the ship company being from Italy is a coincidence. But I feel this cannot be a mere coincidence. Let us wait for some investigation and then when the findings are out, we can move ahead fast, said Somaiya. Read: New Indian warship launched in Italy In pics: On board INS Virat The BJP and NDA members are likely to demand that the PAC should take up examination of matters concerning the AgustaWestland chopper deal. The Indian Navy has two fleet tankers INS Deepak and INS Shakti, both built by Italian shipbuilding firm Fincantieri. The ships provide the Indian Navys frontline warships with fuel, water and other essentials while out at sea. The construction of the vessel INS Shakti began in November 2009 and was handed over to India in September 2011 and later commissioned on October 1, 2011, while INS Deepak was commissioned into service on January 21, 2011. Each tanker cost the exchequer around Rs.936 crore. A 2010 CAG report had pointed out inadequacies in the deal, citing undue favours to a foreign vendor. Lately, allegations have surfaced that instead of using weapons grade steel, commercial grade steel was used for building the two vessels. The bullet that killed 18-year-old Aditya Sachdeva was fired from a gun belonging to Rakesh Ranjan alias Rocky Yadav, the son of a JD(U) legislator, the preliminary findings of a forensic team examining the evidence in the sensational case have indicated. The data, submitted to additional chief judicial magistrate Sanjay Kumar Jha on Saturday, said the bullet came from the same Italian Beratta that was recovered from the accused. Rocky, the 21-year-old son of JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi, has been charged with shooting the teenager in a case of road rage on the Gaya-Bodh Gaya stretch at 8.30 pm last Saturday. He was reportedly enraged that Sachdeva and four of his friends had overtaken his Land Rover while returning from a friends birthday bash. Rocky had bought the firearm on a licence issued by a Delhi rifle club. The gun was reportedly issued on the basis of the accuseds contention that he owned a business in the Maoist-infested Chatra district in Jharkhand, and therefore faced a threat to his life. Gaya senior superintendent of police Garima Malik has stated that they will soon file an iron-cast chargesheet against Rocky, but four of Sachdevas friends who were present in the car when he was killed have been unable to identify the accused from a test identification parade. Read: Bihar road rage: Rocky Yadav confesses to killing businessmans son However, police said both circumstantial and hard evidence in the case linked Rocky to the crime, and he was clearly implicated by his own confession as well as the statements previously recorded by the deceaseds friends before the magistrate. The detailed ballistics report will come out only later, they added. The police had paraded Rocky, his cousin Teni Yadav, and Devis bodyguard Rajesh Kumar Yadav before the four. Sources said that while the forensic science laboratory (FSL) has found that the same gun was used in the shooting, there were no fingerprints linking Rocky to the crime. This may have occurred due to the weapon changing hands several times after the incident ultimately compromising the evidence. Some experts believe mishandling of the weapon after its recovery may allow Rockys lawyers to argue in-culpable murder, and secure some immediate relief from the court. We have more evidence to prove it as an in-culpable murder case. Neither the evidence nor the witnesses could pinpoint the exact shooter, leaving room for benefit of doubt, said senior criminal lawyer Qaisar Sarfuddin. Gaya police also drew criticism for the manner in which they dumped the bloodstained clothes of the victim, which could have yielded vital clues in the case, in a dustbin outside the autopsy room. It was later retrieved by relatives of the deceased, who gave it the police for scientific examination. Read: AK-47s, SLRs: Rocky Yadavs Facebook posts show his love of guns However, investigators claimed that clothes were not essential to the case because Sachdevas bloodstains had been recovered from the car itself. The manner in which Rocky was taken into custody has also been questioned. Soon after the MLCs son was arrested, he was remanded in judicial custody without being subjected to proper questioning under Section 164 of the CrPC a mandatory step. He was handed over to the police only after five days. Although Rocky confessed to shooting at Sachdeva, he pleaded innocence by saying that he never intended to kill anybody. I just fired rounds in the air to stop the Swift car from overtaking us; the killing was accidental, he reportedly said. Police seized Rockys Land Rover soon after the incident occurred, but parked it outside the Rampur police station without sealing it. They also failed to check if the bodyguard was drunk at the time of the incident. The incident spurred large scale protests that put the Nitish Kumar government on the backfoot, with the BJP-led Opposition denouncing the breakdown of law and order in the state. While Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan termed the shooting as the return of jungle raj in Bihar, the BJP held protest rallies in Gaya as well as other areas. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON China has deployed more troops and enhanced its military capabilities along the border with India even as it moves to set up logistics hubs in friendly countries such as Pakistan to bolster long-range naval deployments, the US has said. In an annual report to the Congress on military and security developments in China, the US department of defense noted that tensions remained along disputed portions of the Sino-Indian border and that Beijing is continuing with the trend of conducting submarine deployments to the Indian Ocean And as the report details, we have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India, Abraham M Denmark, deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, told a news conference held in Washington on Friday after the 2016 report was submitted to Congress. As China expands its access to foreign ports to pre-position the necessary logistics support to regularise and sustain deployments in the far seas, it will seek to set up logistics hubs in friendly countries, including Pakistan, because its current logistics footprint in the Indian Ocean is unable to support major combat operations in South Asia, the report said. China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries, it said. Read | China elevates Tibet command to prepare for likely conflict with India The report explained a logistics facility would represent an arrangement in which China leases out portions of a commercial port solely for logistics operations by the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Beijings expanding global economic interests are increasing demands for the PLAN to operate in distant seas to protect sea lines of communication, Chinese citizens and investments. China has not constructed US-style overseas military bases in the Indian Ocean and the countrys leaders might instead opt for a mix of preferred access to overseas commercial ports and a limited number of exclusive PLAN logistic facilitiesprobably collocated with commercial ports. The report further noted that Indias nuclear force is an additional driver behind Chinas nuclear force modernisation. Denmark acknowledged it was difficult to determine how much of Chinas military decision-making is influenced by the border dispute with India and resultant tensions. It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration, he said. The report noted that tensions remained between China and India along their 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims is part of Tibet, and the Askai Chin region despite an increase in bilateral political and economic ties. Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino-Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces, it said. After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides, it said. The report said China had continued to conduct submarine deployments to the Indian Ocean in 2015, ostensibly in support of its counter-piracy patrols. A Han-class nuclear-powered attack submarine operated in the Indian Ocean in the winter of 2014-15 and a Yuan-class attack submarine conducted a lengthy patrol from March 2015. The Yuan-class submarine conducted the first foreign port call by a PLAN submarine to Karachi. The Department of defense contended the submarines were probably conducting area familiarisation, and demonstrating an emerging capability both to protect Chinas SLOCs and to increase Chinas power projection into the Indian Ocean. Read | China claims support of several NSG members to block India bid A 70-year-old woman passenger on wheel chair was not allowed to board her Air India flight to New York from Mumbai via Delhi allegedly due to over booking. The incident took place on Friday. The woman was later flown on the airlines Delhi-London Heathrow flight to provide her a connecting flight for her destination, New York on Saturday, an Air India official said. Air India attributed the denial of boarding to the woman passengers on its flight AI 101 (Mumbai-Delhi-New York) due to the cancellation of its same flight on Thursday. The incident was brought out by her daughter, who tweeted, seeking airlines help in this regard. Air India has offloaded my 70y mother from her US flight becoz of overbooking. She is wheelchair-bound and scared. Please help! @airindiain, she said in her tweet. In fact, Air India flight which was to depart for New York via Delhi was cancelled due to some technical issue. As a result some of the passengers of that flight were accommodated in its Fridays flight, leading to denial of boarding to many passengers including this woman, airline sources said. All the stranded passengers were given accommodation, the official said, adding, the woman passenger was later flown to Delhi from where she boarded Air India flight AI 115 for London. The London staff was also informed of her arrival and told to provide her all help in getting a connecting Air India flight to New York from there. A fast deteriorating law and order scene is threatening to take the sheen of Bihars prohibition success story which chief minister Nitish Kumar is trying to turn into an election campaign formula at the national level. The murder of Hindi daily Hindustans Siwan bureau chief Rajdeo Ranjan on Friday has only added to the mounting pressure on Kumar to clean up the act following the killing of a youth by the son of a legislator from his own party, the JD-U. Kumars attempts to make prohibition an election plank at the national level is seen as an attempt to position himself as a possible prime ministerial candidate in 2019. He launched a campaign for a RSS-free India and liquor-free society in Uttar Pradesh where assembly polls are due next year. He also repeatedly stressed on prohibition during campaign rallies in Tamil Nadu and Kerala for assembly polls next week. Read more: Bihar: CCTV footage of Hindustan journo Rajdeo Ranjans murder missing The opposition BJP has already dubbed the situation as the much feared advent of maha-jungle raj in Bihar, a reference to the lawlessness that in the state when RJD was in power. Party leader Sushil Kumar Modi said the chief minister had turned a blind eye to the deteriorating law and order situation to nurse his national ambitions. Read: Professional hit? 4 detained for Hindustan scribe Rajdeo Ranjans murder The entire police machinery is busy enforcing prohibition to keep the CM happy, he added. The JD-Us partners in the ruling alliance -- RJD and Congress too have targeted Kumar over the incidents. The CM should focus on law and order instead of focusing solely on prohibition, said RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh. Read: Rajdeo Ranjan, bureau chief of Hindustan, shot dead in Bihars Siwan Former Bihar Congress chief and MLA Ashok Kumar termed the prevailing situation as challenging. In 2016 alone, there has been a spate of high-profile murders and incidents involving leaders of the grand alliance that comprises his JD-U, the RJD and Congress. LJP leader Brijnathi Singh was shot dead in Patna in February and a few days later BJPs state vice president Visheshwar Ojha was gunned down in Ara. Before that, a jeweler, a medicine trader and a sub-inspector were shot dead in Patna. Two businessmen were also gunned down in Siwan in April, while a teenager Ritik Raj was abducted allegedly for ransom and killed in Biharsharief in May. There were also killings of traders in Samastipur, rape cases involving an RJD MLA and the guard of Madhubani district magistrate and bomb blasts in the Chapra and Rohtas courts, all exposing loopholes in the law and order machinery. All these were contrary to the CMs claim of significant improvement in law and order due to enforcement of prohibition. After the Gaya road rage involving the son of a JD-U MLC, the government cited official data to claim that law and order in Bihar was better compared to several other states. In the Siwan journalists murder case, the opposition has started pointed fingers at incarcerated Siwan MP Md Shahabuddin, who was recently elevated to the national executive of the RJD. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday seeking Presidents rule in Bihar, said the Siwan killing pointed towards the involvement of Md Shahabuddin. BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav said that the journalist paid the price for exposing the wrongdoings of former Shahabuddin, who is serving jail term for kidnapping and murder. India has signed an agreement with World Health Organisation for cooperation in promoting traditional medicine, a move which will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for training in yoga, ayurveda, unani and panchakarma practices. AYUSH ministry and WHO have signed a historic Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) for cooperation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine, an official statement said. The PCA was signed by AYUSH ministry secretary Ajit M Sharan and Marie Kieny, assistant director general, Health Systems and Innovations, WHO in Geneva on Friday. The agreement titled Co-operation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine between WHO and AYUSH, India, 2016-2020, aims to support WHO in the development and implementation of the WHO Traditional and Complementary Medicine Strategy: 2014-2023. It will also contribute to the global promotion of traditional Indian systems of medicine. Minister of state for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik and director-general, WHO Margaret Chan witnessed the agreement signing ceremony in Geneva. IndiGo airlines on Saturday suspended its ground staff at Srinagar airport after investigations proved that the chief security officer of the airport had breached security on April 1. A statement by IndiGo said : As per the internal investigation conducted by IndiGo, it was observed that Tilak Raj, Chief Security Officer-Srinagar Airport, Airports Authority of India (AAI), flew from Srinagar to Delhi on flight 6E-436, April 01, 2016 using the boarding pass under the name of one Vimal Kumar, AAI official at Srinagar Airport. As per the inquiry, this passenger (Tilak Raj) was observed breaching the security protocols multiple times, at Srinagar airport. Two of his colleagues (from AAI, based in Srinagar) had come to collect his boarding pass from the airport staff. Following the protocol, the airline staff asked the two AAI officials to present the photo identity - which is the standard procedure to collect the boarding pass. The staff learned that these two officials from AAI are only there at the airport to collect the boarding pass for their senior colleague Vimal Kumar. Based on the working relations with AAI officials, the staff agreed to issue the boarding pass. It was then observed - after the boarding of 6E-436 flight, three persons reported last minute at the boarding gate. All three persons were informed by the boarding gate staff that boarding is closed for this flight. This resulted in an argument between the boarding staff and these three persons (one of them Tilak Raj). These three persons, including Tilak Raj (also using the name Vimal Kumar) dismissed the instructions given by the boarding gate staff and walked towards the aerobridge to board the aircraft. All three persons were carrying the airport entry permit. Tilak Rajs (representing Airport Authority of India) act to furnish boarding pass from the airline staff, misusing the airport entry permit, and entry into the restricted security areas resulted in serious security violation. Senior leadership has terminated the staff (on duty) with immediate effect, on grounds of negligence. Two months after an FIR was registered against journalist Pushp Sharma for allegedly fabricating an RTI reply of the Ayush ministry, the south Delhi police arrested him from South Delhis Amar Colony on Friday evening . The Delhi journalist had allegedly forged the RTI reply to publish a news report in the weekly newspaper Mili Gazette, claiming the Modi government was discriminating against Muslims and adopted a policy of not hiring any Muslim candidates as yoga trainers. Sharma has been arrested under charges of cheating, forgery and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc., said Nupur Prasad, additional DCP (south). In March, Sharma was booked in the case registered days after his report, We dont recruit Muslims: Modi govts Ayush ministry, appeared in the Milli Gazette. The report claimed the government in its reply said though 711 Muslim candidates had applied for the short-term assignment of trainers and teachers for the World Yoga Day in 2015, no Muslim candidate was invited, selected or sent abroad as per government policy. The Ayush ministry denied the report and accused the publication of publishing a fictitious reply as annexure-I. The ministry officials filed a complaint with the police and accused Sharma of promoting disharmony and distrust with ulterior motives. After the registration of the FIR, the police grilled Sharma, a resident of Dayanand Colony in southeast Delhi, for at least three consecutive days. He was arrested on Friday evening. The police said they had completed the formalities for the arrest. On Saturday, Sharma was produced before a city court that sent him to Tihar jail for two days. Zafarul-Islam Khan, chief editor of the Milli Gazette, said, The FIR against the journalist and the Press Council of Indias suo motu action are clear attempts to stifle the freedom of the press. While the Ayush Ministry was quick to file a complaint with the police, it failed to contact the news magazine. Moreover, the PCI, instead of protecting journalists and media publications, seems to be taking the side of the government, he alleged. The ministry earlier condemned the misreporting which it claimed was aimed at causing a chasm between different sections of the society and promoting disharmony and mistrust with ulterior motives. Sharma had claimed he filed an RTI with the ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH), enquiring about the Muslim teachers and trainers recruited for foreign assignments during the World Yoga Day last year. The ministry responded, writing that they dont recruit Muslims. A section of female students at Kolkatas Jadavpur University are shameless for pressing molestation charges on ABVP workers, West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said on Saturday. Ghosh called the charges false and wondered why female students were present during clashes between Left-backed union members and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) workers over a film screening last Friday. The ABVP is the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological patron of the BJP. Those who fear so much for their modesty, why did they go there? This is shamelessness. Making such allegations (of molestation) is very cheap. They intentionally threw themselves on others and are now blaming others, Ghosh, who comes from an RSS background and is known as a hardliner, said. His remarks were strongly condemned by a section of the varsity students and women activists. I just cant think what times are we living in. Is it the 21st century, or are we going back to the middle ages? asked Nandini Mukherjee, a professor of computer engineering of the university, who is also a CPI-M supporter. State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said: How can Dilip Ghosh describe them as shameless. They are daughters of your and my family. This is itself a shameless comment. Read: Plot thickens at Jadavpur University, clashes over movie screening Last week, the campus turned into a battleground over screening of Vivek Agnihotris film Buddha in A Traffic Jam. Sources said ABVP supporters came to free four of their supporters kept locked by students. The JU students alleged these four ABVP supporters molested some women. The university also lodged a police complaint against the four. I feel very bad that being students of a university, they are bringing such indecent allegations. This is very shameful, Ghosh said. The BJP and ABVP have used the dispute to allege that the Left-backed student union was violating freedom of speech by blocking Agnihotris film. Read: Its red vs saffron as Jadavpur University goes the JNU way ABVP is a students organisation and has all right to reach out to the students. If they (Left students) believe in freedom of speech, then others also have that right, Ghosh said. Exactly a week ago, Ghosh had dubbed the university a hub of anti-national elements and critcised students for allegedly shouting anti-national slogans. This is the latest in a series of campus unrests across the country involving right-wing groups. Opposition parties have accused the BJP of trying to muzzle free speech and dissent with violence. The left-leaning Jadavpur University hit the headlines earlier this year after rallies were taken out in support of the students at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University who were accused of sedition for allegedly shouting anti-national slogans. Read: Jadavpur University hub of anti-nationals, VC supporting them: BJP A group of men allegedly stabbed an army jawan to death, in revenge for his protest against them molesting his cousin in north Maharashtras Dhule district, police said on Saturday.. The deceased, Vinod Pawar, was on leave and had arrived at his native place Sayyadnagar in Sakri tehsil, police said. A group of around 10 people on Friday allegedly tried to molest his cousin. When Pawar intervened and tried to protect her, the assailants attacked him with knives. Eight of the alleged assailants, including groups leader Dnyaneshwar Rathod, have been arrested. Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to ban village councils from imposing social boycotts that ostracise individuals or families for defying tradition. Women and lower caste Dalits often bear the brunt of such judgments, passed as punishment for perceived misdeeds such as marrying between castes or dressing immodestly. The state last month passed the law against a decades-old practice of village panchayats, or councils, ordering social boycotts. The Act was required against the backdrop of atrocities inflicted on people in the name of tradition, caste and community, said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. It is necessary to prohibit social boycotts as a matter of social reform in the interest of public welfare, he said. Under village council orders, individuals and families have been banished from the community, and denied access to temples, wells, markets and celebrations. In some cases, panchayats have even branded women as witches, and ordered gang rapes or killings as punishment. Maharashtras new law declares social boycotts a crime punishable by up to seven years in prison, a fine of 500,000 ($7,500), or both. Human rights campaigners called for other states to follow Maharashtras example. The law will help check caste crimes to some extent. It empowers lower-caste people and it empowers human rights organisations, as it gives us a tool with which to fight against village panchayats, said Irfan Engineer, director of the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism in Mumbai. We need a similar law in the rest of the country, particularly in states where (unelected) khap panchayats are strong, he told Reuters. Khap panchayats are unelected village councils comprising men of a particular clan or caste. While their power has diminished since 1992, when elected village councils were made mandatory, they remain powerful in socially conservative states including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The Supreme Court in 2011 described khap panchayats as kangaroo courts that are entirely illegal. Maharashtra, home to several social reformers including BR Ambedkar who fought against caste discrimination, in 2013 passed legislation criminalising practices related to black magic, human sacrifices, and other superstitious beliefs. The social boycott act is another step toward ending outdated customs, said Avinash Patil, executive president of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, which had campaigned for the bill, as well as the 2013 law. We are demanding that the central government enact similar laws in all states, so we can end this brutal practice, he said. The Congress attacked the BJP-led government on Friday over the National Investigation Agencys decision to drop all charges against Pragya Thakur and five others in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, saying the Union government was trying to save alleged terrorists belonging to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the saffron fountainhead. The government, however, rejected the allegations, saying it does not interfere in the probe. BJP representatives said Thakur was framed by the UPA government that was headed by Congress. Congress Digvijaya Singh said it was deplorable that an honest and sincere officer like Hemant Karkare, who put his life in danger and fought against terrorists, is being accused of fabricating evidences. Karkare, the then Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad chief, was killed while fighting Pakistani terrorists in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Singh accused PM Narendra Modi, home minister Rajnath Singh and the Union cabinet of pressuring officers of the NIA to drop the suspects in the Malegaon blasts. Singh also tweeted that two of the absconders in the Hindu terror cases - Sandeep Dange and Ramchandra Kalsangra are shown as member of Sikh militant outfit Babbar Khalsa International on the website of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). As many as 16 people, including Thakur, were arrested in connection with the blasts. Was the NIA DG given extension for this? he asked. As I had predicted BJP and RSS have started the process of saving the Sangh activists involved in terror cases, Singh said. Singhs colleague and Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the NIA had become Namo Investigation Authority purely aimed at giving clean chit to leaders affiliated to the BJP and RSS in criminal cases. Rejecting the allegations, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju attacked the UPA government for coining the term Hindu terrorism to serve its interests. Justice should prevail. There should be no interference in handling such cases. Our government has allowed agencies to work independently, he told reporters. The main suspect in the 2008 Malegaon bombing, Pragya Singh Thakur, was cleared on Friday as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) dropped charges slapped on her under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). She was one of firsts to be arrested in October 2008 soon after a blast killed six people the previous month and has been in jail since. Evidence against Pragya was found insufficient to prosecute her in the case, NIA chief Sharad Kumar said. The Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS), which initially led the probe, had charge-sheeted her along with 13 people. She was arrested after forensics established that a motorcycle, which was rigged with explosives to trigger the blast, belonged to Thakur who lived in Surat. The ATS said she knew that the bike was used by her associate, fugitive suspect Ramji Kalsangra. The NIA found holes in the evidence. Kalsangra used to pay for its service and repairs as well. Witnesses stated that the motorcycle was in possession of Kalsangra for at least one-and-a-half years before the blast, an official said. Besides, Thakurs complicity in the crime could not be proved from what the ATS claimed she attended meetings of Abhinav Bharat, a Hindu extremist outfit apparently floated by serving military officer Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit, and plotted the bombing. But evidence about these meetings came from confessional statements of three suspects, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Rakesh Dhawade and Praveen Takkalki, recorded under MCOCA. Once MCOCA was dropped, the statements lost evidentiary value and weakened the case against Thakur, the official said. Confessional statements of the accused recorded under the MCOCA are admissible as evidence in court. The NIA found that the ATS applied MCOCA in haste. A person needs to be chargesheeted in two previous cases before the law can be slapped against the suspect. Lt Col Purohit, another accused in the case, argued after his arrest that he was an intelligence official who infiltrated Hindu extremist groups as part of his official duties. But no military officer backed his contention. We spoke with around half a dozen military officials who were Col Purohits colleagues but none of them supported his claim. There was no evidence produced by him either, said an investigator. (With inputs from Charul Shah in Mumbai) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After much delay, a legal agency appointed by a consortium of lender banks on Friday took possession of former liqour baron Vijay Mallyas iconic Kingfisher villa in Goas tony Candolim beach village. Officials of the Delhi-based ARCK Consultants appointed by State Bank of India, one of the lenders to Mallyas now defunct Kingfisher Airlines, sealed the Kingfisher Villa valued at Rs 90 crore after drawing up an inventory of goods and articles inside the palatial premises. Read: How the Bankruptcy Bill will help tackle defaulters like Mallya The property has been attached completely. All inventories have been done. No one can now have access to the villa without out permission. The SBI has taken control. We have proceeded as per court order, Anil Kohli of ARCK consultants told reporters outside Kingfisher Villa. Read more: ED moves Interpol for red corner notice against Vijay Mallya He attributed the delay in taking possession of the villa to the hearing of the North Goa collector, which dragged on for two years. Kohli also said that auctioning of the villa would take some time. That will take time. First there will be valuation of the premises. That will be the next step, he said. The Kingfisher villa, once known for its larger than life parties and celebrity-studded events, is expected to earn the lending banks around Rs 90 crore from sale of the property, once the valuation and auctioning processes are completed. The villa used to be Mallyas base in Goa and also the venue of his many parties. Representing the bankers consortium, SBI Caps had sought physical possession of the property under Section 14 of the Sarfaesi Act in late 2014. But three of Mallyas companies -- United Spirits, Kingfisher Airlines and United Breweries -- had objected to the move. Last week, media reports had said Mallya put up a villa manager as a caretaker to thwart the banks attempt to take it over. USL had also approached a local court, citing provisions in the Portuguese Civil Code to block auction of the property in the past. There was a delay on part of the collector in allowing takeover of the property, which made SBI Cap approach the Goa bench of Bombay High Court. The bench then granted three months to the collector to complete the hearing of application filed by the consortium of banks seeking possession of the villa The villa was mortgaged to the lenders while obtaining loans for the now defunct airliner, but the caretaker, who claimed to be an employee of United Breweries, and the subsequent establishment of tenancy rights would have made it difficult for the banks to take over the property. So far, the banks have recovered over Rs 1,240 crore by selling shares and collaterals and over Rs 1,200 crore is blocked in escrow accounts at Debt Recovery Tribunal, Bengaluru and the Karnataka High Court. Mallya had told the Supreme Court last month that he was ready to repay up to Rs 6,800 crore of the total dues of over Rs 9,430 crore. Last month, the consortium of banks had failed in its attempt to sell the airlines erstwhile headquarters Kingfisher House in Mumbai because of the high reserve price of Rs 150 crore. Attempts to sell the Kingfisher brands and associated trademarks carrying a reserve price of Rs 367 crore had also found no takers. Mallya left the country on March 2 for London. Earlier this week, the government asked Britain to deport Mallya, citing the revocation of his passport and a non-bailable warrant against him. More than 550 people, including an MLA, were arrested in Jharkhand during the 24-hour bandh called by JMM in the state, even as two vehicles were set on fire and many were damaged. A stationary bus for the employees of Tata Motors was torched by bandh supporters in Jamshedpur, deputy superintendent of police (Jamshedpur-HQ-1) KN Mishra said. Glass panes of some other vehicles were broken and blockades were put up in the Kolhan region, he said. A truck was set ablaze on the national highway near Dhanga in East Singhbhum district, DSP Amit Kumar said. More than 550 people were arrested across the state when they were trying to enforce the bandh, a police officer said. Of them, 450 people were arrested in Serailela-Kharswan district. JMM MLA Dasrath Gagrai was arrested along with 50 other supporters from Kharswan area this morning, SP Indrajit Mahatha said. JMM senior vice-president Champai Soren, also an MLA, said the bandh was successful and historic while police said its impact was partial. RJD, CPI and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) are supporting the bandh. JMM has called the bandh in protest against the states recently announced domicile policy that defines, among other criteria, that anybody who has lived in Jharkhand for thirty or more years for business, employment or any other reason and has immovable property will be considered as a resident of the state. JMM demands that 1932 survey should be made the cut off mark for eligibility for being a resident. A minor girl was allegedly stabbed to death by her father and uncle on Friday in a suspected case of honour killing in Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior, police said, highlighting a practice that claims dozens of lives in India every year. Police said the victim,,was killed at a shelter for women in the Hazira area of the city, more than 400km from capital Bhopal. Police said that one of the attackers was injured when a cow, disturbed by the commotion, charged at them. Another person who tried to save the victim was also said to be injured. CCTV camera footage showed the cow charging at the men, apparently trying to protect its calf nearby. The two accused, Kalyan Singh and Lakhan Singh, are absconding. The girl had angered her parents by eloping against their wishes with a 22-year-old man identified as Sonu in January, police said. Sonu was arrested and sent to jail on the complaint of the minors father. The victim, however, refused to return to her village Pahadigaon in Morena district and was sent to a government-run shelter following a courts order. She was later shifted to a shelter run by an NGO where she was attacked.

On Friday, the victim’s father and uncle Lakhan Singh came to meet her and persuade her to return. When she refused again, Kalyan and Lakhan stabbed her with knives. The victim sustained multiple wounds and collapsed on the spot.

Government data for 2014 show 18 people were victims of the so-called honour killings, most of them in response to romantic liaisons or for marrying against set societal norms. The killings are often carried out by close male relatives.

Activists say the crime is under-reported and many such killings are covered up. Convictions for such crimes are also very rare.

Gwalior’s superintendent of police HN Mishra said a murder case has been registered against the two.

Regional coordinator of women and child development department, Suresh Tomar, said an inquiry committed has been set up and action would be taken against the NGO for negligence.

A senior Hindustan journalists murder in Bihars Siwan is almost identical to the killing of a political operative two years ago and an aide of Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Mohammad Shahabuddin is suspected in both cases, police said on Saturday. Investigators told HT Hindi daily Hindustans Siwan bureau chief Rajdeo Ranjan spent the last few months probing the 2014 death of Shrikant Bharti and implicated Shahabuddin in the murder in newspaper reports. The former RJD parliamentarian is a local strongman who is serving a life sentence for the murder of two brothers. The case has an uncanny resemblance to Bhartis murder in November 2014. The place and site of Bharti and Rajdeos murder have great similarity -- crowd cover used to make getaways, said Saran deputy inspector general of police Ajit Rai. Top police officials confirmed the uncanny resemblance and said both murders were executed with the same professionalism and finesse.If it is such a case, it could even be a politically aided killing, they said. Ranjan, 42, was gunned down by criminals on Friday evening on the busy station road in Siwan, triggering outrage and underscoring the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Bharti was a close aide of BJPs Siwan MP, Om Prakash Yadav. Investigations revealed the killer was hired from Mhow in Uttar Pradesh, and Upendra Singh, an aide of Shahbuddin, was involved. Police have detained Upendra Singh and are questioning him. Read: Bihar: CCTV footage of Hindustan journo Rajdeo Ranjans murder missing Unlike the 2014 murder, the killers this time used silencers to muffle the sound of the shot to not scare the crowd. In the last four months, Ranjan focused on the link between Shahabuddin and the murders of Bharti and another case where two brothers were soaked in acid and burnt -- the crime in which the RJD leader is incarcerated. It seems from a scan of his writings that he had written extensively on the ex-MP and the activities of his aides. Maximum reports are on them and he had earned bylines on each. We are looking at a possible connection to the crime, police said. The journalists father -- Radhkrishna Choudhary, a small farmer said his son had no enemy. But he demanded a CBI inquiry, saying he had no faith in the local or state administration. Everbody knows, at whose instance my son has been killed, he said. Rai said Ranjans mobile phone records indicate he was called away from office at around 7.30 pm to a spot close to the site of the murder. The route did not fall in Nandans regular way home and it seems he left his office after receiving a call, police said. Read: Professional hit? 4 detained for Hindustan scribe Rajdeo Ranjans murder Spate of killings taking sheen off Nitishs prohibition success story SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With the murders of two scribes in Bihar in a span of 24 hours including of Rajdeo Ranjan, the bureau chief of f Hindi daily Hindustan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday accused the state government of failing spectacularly in managing law and order, adding that he senior scribe had paid the price for exposing the wrongdoings of former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin, who is serving time for charges including kidnapping and murder. Read : Two detained for murder of Hindustan bureau chief Rajdeo Ranjan We have seen how their own MLA was caught abducting and raping a minor, we have also seen one of their lawmakers molesting a girl in a railway station and only a few days ago, their MLC Manorama Devis son Rocky Yadav killed Aditya in cold blood, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told ANI. And today we come to know that one of the bureau chief of a leading newspaper has been killed point blank in Siwan, a place where he used to expose the wrongdoings of RJD and particularly MP Shahabuddin as news reports are saying, Patra added. Read more: Rajdeo Ranjan, bureau chief of Hindustan, shot dead in Bihars Siwan Asserting that it was a matter of grave concern that the freedom of the press was being choked and that journalists were killed for trying to project the wrongdoings of politicians, he said that complete lawlessness was rampant in Bihar under the current state government. Naturally it is not just Jungle Raj but Maha Jungle Raj. Even the jungle has a rule but in Bihar there seems to be no rule, the BJP leader said. Meanwhile, two people have been detained in connection with the murder of senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan. Siwan Superintendent of Police told ANI that the two are being grilled to procure more details regarding the shocking murder. Ranjan, a journalist with Hindi daily Hindustan was shot dead by criminals near the Siwan railway station. Two bullets were fired at the Siwan bureau chief of the daily that hit on his head and neck. He was shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. According to police, five motorcycle-borne criminals were waiting for Ranjan, who was walking down the road to his home, and shot him twice. The ruling party JD (U) leader Ajay Alok, told ANI that the government would nab the culprits within 48 hours. No matter who the criminals are, the government is determined to hunt them down within 48 hours. According to colleagues, Ranjan was supposed to celebrate his 14th wedding anniversary with a gala party on Saturday. Sources said he was threatened with dire consequences on many occasions in the past. India is considered one of the most dangerous places for journalists in the world with political influence mixed with a nexus between criminals and industry causing a surge in crimes against reporters. A 2015 study by Reporters Without Borders said India was the deadliest for journalists in Asia, ahead of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Nine journalists were killed in the country last year, with only war-torn Syria and Iraq recording more deaths. A man claiming to be the personal assistant of Maharashtra revenue minister Eknath Khadse has been arrested by the ACB for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 30 crore over a land allotment matter. Gajanan Patil, who calls himself the PA of Khadse, was arrested on Friday. The complainant, Ramesh Jadhav, an economist, wanted a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Khadses office, for which Patil allegedly demanded the bribe. An official from the state home department, requesting anonymity, said Patil sought a bribe of Rs 30 crore from Jadhav, who had approached Khadses office seeking a review of the previous government order regarding allotment of a revenue land in Nilje village in Kalyan taluka of Thane district. Patil had first demanded a flat and Rs 1 crore to get his work done, but slowly his demands kept on increasing. The ACB was thus approached and Patil was caught red-handed just outside Mantralaya, the officer added. Meanwhile, Khadse distanced himself from the controversy and said Patil was only a worker from his constituency Muktainagar in Jalgaon and was not employed officially or in private capacity by his office. Patil is not employed in any capacity with my office. If he has misused my name and is found guilty, strict action should be taken against him. This man is a resident of my constituency and keeps bringing people from Jalgaon to Mumbai for medical treatment. He is thus known to me, Khadse said. The land in question was allotted to the state Transport Department for a vehicle inspection centre on March 29, 2014. Read: 10,000 litres of water used for Khadses helipad Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the need for a permanent solution to the fishermen issue during talks with visiting Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena in New Delhi. Modi and Sirisena held talks over a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister at Hyderabad House on Friday evening. Modi stressed on the need to develop a mechanism and find a permanent solution to the issue of fishermen straying into each other waters. Modi appreciated Sirisenas efforts to promote reconciliation in Sri Lanka so that all sections of Sri Lankan society can live with equality and dignity, said an official statement. The two leaders discussed issues of bilateral interest, including problems faced by Indian fishermen, the status of various economic projects being implemented by India and efforts to increase trade and investment. Modi said that President Sirisenas visit for the Simhastha Kumbha in Ujjain was very significant as it showed the deep civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka. President Sirisena thanked Prime Minister Modi for receiving him and expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by government of India to Sri Lanka, in particular the various developmental projects being implemented by India. In this context, both the leaders appreciated the meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission led by two foreign ministers, which had met after the gap of three years, said the external affairs ministry statement. Modi will be accompanying Sirisena to Ujjain on Saturday. According to a statement put up by the Sri Lankan presidents website. Modi has assured to give every support to Sri Lanka to make the reconciliation programme successful. Both leaders also discussed setting up of an allopathic medicine investment zone in Sri Lanka. They also paid attention to enhancing of the economic, commercial and cultural relations between the two countries. The idea of setting up a common economic zone was also taken up. This was the sixth meeting between President Sirisena and Modi in a span of 15 months. President Sirisena had chosen India for his first state visit after coming to office. He had discussions with Modi during his bilateral visit to New Delhi earlier as well as during the Prime Ministers visit to Sri Lanka; both met on the sidelines of international forums such as the UN General Assembly and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meet in Malta as well as at the Paris climate summit. Thus, the leaders of Sri Lanka and India have become the two heads of states who met the most number of times during a period of 15 months. Consequently, the two heads of states have set an example of who held periodical bilateral discussions for most number of times, said the Sri Lankan presidents website. Sirisena later tweeted, posting a picture of him and Modi shaking hands, The amity between India and Sri Lanka is special. With @narendramodi it continues to improve. Earlier, the Sri Lanka President arrived here on a two-day official visit. In the evening, Sirisena also attended an event at the India Foundation where he was felicitated by petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Pradhan later tweeted: Energy relationship with Sri Lanka is very strong; IOC is present in marketing sector of Sri Lanka. In Ujjain, the Sri Lankan President will address the valedictory session at the Vaicharick Mahakumbh that is being held as part of the Simhastha Mahakumbh on Saturday. He will also visit Sanchi where he will tour the famed Sanchi Stupa and attend a function by the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka during which he will unveil a statute of Angarika Dharmapala. Sirisena is also to tour Sanchi as part of his visit in which he will also unveil a monument of Anagarika Dharmapala. Strongly condemning the killing of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand, the Press Council of India (PCI) has demanded that a special law should be enacted to ensure safety of scribes. PCI said cases of attacks on journalists should be tried by fast-track courts. PCI chairman Justice (retd) Chandramouli Kumar Prasad strongly condemned the killings and rued the fact that many cases like this dont reach a conclusion. It is a matter of grave concern that three journalists were killed in the country in the last four months and another died in a tragic accident while on the line of duty, he said. I urge upon the government of India to enact a special law for protection of journalists and speedy trial of cases of attacks and assaults on them in special fast track courts as recommended by the sub-committee for safety of journalists appointed by the Press Council, said the PCI chief, also a former judge of Supreme Court. The PCI chief cited two cases -- Akhilesh Pratap Singh who was working for a news channel, was shot dead by unknown assailants in Chatra district of Jharkhand on Thursday and Rajdeo Ranjan, the Hindustan bureau chief who was shot dead in Siwan, Bihar. Prasad also mentioned Karun Mishra who was killed in Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh while working for a locan newspaper. Ravi Kanojia, a PCI awardee in 2014, was killed on Monday while taking pictures of a water train at Jhansi, Prasad added. The killing of nine journalists last year and three journalists this year so far, does not bode well for the freedom of media and safety of journalists in the country. It is sad that such incidents happen in the largest democracy in the world, Prasad said. He noted that 96% of the cases of killing of journalists have not been taken to logical conclusion and are either languishing in the courts or in some cases, investigation reached dead-end in the last two decades, as reported by a committee of the PCI. He called upon editors, managements and working journalists in the country to launch a campaign to sensitise the civil society on the dangers of killing of journalists with impunity. Prasad expressed deep sympathy with the members of the bereaved families and urged the state governments to pay adequate compensation to them. A close aide of jailed Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Mohammad Shahabuddin was questioned on Saturday over the killing of a senior journalist in Bihars Siwan town, with investigators focussing on a possible political motive for the murder. Rajdeo Ranjan, 42, the head of Hindi daily Hindustan in Siwan, was shot dead by unidentified men on Friday. Police found two CCTV cameras near the spot were malfunctioning for the past two days. Footage from a third CCTV was being scanned. Among two people detained for questioning was Upendra Kumar Singh, 45, a close associate of Shahabuddin, a former RJD MP serving a life sentence for the murder of two brothers. Singh was briefly arrested over the murder of Shrikant Bharti, an associate of the sitting BJP MP from Siwan, in November 2014. The (Ranjan) case has an uncanny resemblance to that of the murder of Bharti. The place and site of Bharti and Rajdeos murder is the same and the same crowd cover was used to make getaways, said Ajit Rai, director general of police, Saran range. Read: Murdered Bihar journalist wrote on jailed RJD leader Shahabuddin Family members mourn Ranjans death. (HH photo) Investigators told HT that Ranjan spent the last few months probing Bhartis death, for which he had blamed Shahabuddin in his news reports for Hindustan, a sister publication of Hindustan Times. Ranjan was also said to have helped release a video clip of a meeting between Abdul Gafoor, a minister in the Nitish Kumar cabinet, and Shahabuddin at the Siwan jail in March. If it is such a case, it could even be a politically-aided killing, said an investigator. Ranjans killing came within hours of another journalists murder in neighbouring Jharkhand. India has emerged as one of the most unsafe places for journalists, who are often targeted for exposing illegal acts of politicians and criminals. Earlier this year, two journalists were arrested in Chhattisgarh and another hounded out of the state for writing on alleged excesses by government forces during anti-Maoist operations. Last year, nine journalists were killed in the country with only war-torn Syria and Iraq recording more deaths. Read: Bihar: CCTV footage of Hindustan journo Rajdeo Ranjans murder missing Ranjans father, Radhkrishna Choudhary, sought a CBI inquiry, a demand echoed by the opposition BJP. The party said: The needle of suspicion points to a jailed bahubali (muscleman). Police said Ranjans killing appeared to be a professional hit as he was shot in the temple and the neck to ensure instant death. Call details on mobile phone were also being scanned. The route did not fall in Rajdeos regular way to home and it seems his leaving his office suddenly could have resulted from a call he received from the killers, a police official said. The Press Council of India on Saturday formed a three-member panel to probe the murder of the two journalists. Ranjans remains were cremated in his ancestral village, Hakam, 145km north-west of Patna. Read: Spate of killings taking sheen off Nitishs prohibition success story SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A TDP corporator from Vijayawada was booked for allegedly misbehaving with a woman passenger on board an Air-India flight while travelling from Delhi to Hyderabad, police said on Saturday. According to a complaint lodged by the 35-year-old woman, she boarded the flight on Friday from Delhi in which the corporator Ummadi Venkateswara Rao was sitting beside her. He allegedly misbehaved with her and tried to touch her, RGI police station inspector T Sudhakar said. The woman brought the matter to the notice of the flight crew and they changed the corporators seat. After the aeroplane landed at RGI Airport, she complained to AI officials and security personnel and later lodged a complaint with police, Sudhakar said. A case under section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of IPC has been registered against the corporator, the police officer said. By the time the complaint was lodged, the flight which was scheduled for Gannavaram (Vijayawada) via Hyderabad had departed and Rao left in that, he said, adding that an investigation is underway. The Hyderabad Police on Saturday registered a case against a TDP corporator of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) for allegedly misbehaving with a woman co-passenger while travelling from Delhi to Hyderabad on an Air India flight. According to the police, the complainant has alleged that corporator, Ummadi Venkateshwara, was drunk and misbehaved with her during the flight that was travelling from Delhi to Vijayawada via Hyderabad. A case under section 354 (assault or use of criminal force to woman, intending to outrage her modesty) of Indian Penal Code has been booked against Rao at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport police station following a complaint by the woman. The woman was sitting besides Rao who was returning from a study tour in Pune. After landing at Hyderabad airport, Rao left for Vijayawada in another flight while the woman approached the police. Following an alert sent by the Hyderabad police, the corporator was stopped at the Vijayawada airport. Rao denied that he misbehaved with co-passenger and said it was a miscommunication that led to the lady filing the police complaint. Rao clarified that his leg accidentally touched the womans who then asked the air hostess to move Rao into another row. She is like my mother. Her age could be 50 to 60 years. How can I misbehave with her, said Rao. The confusion was because I dont know English or Hindi and she could not speak Telugu, he clarified. The first few days are the hardest. The needle stings, as it digs into the skin, and pain and swelling follow. Janaki Bai Soni, in her late 40s, recalls the first month of getting the gods name tattooed all across her face, and her wrists:I was only 20, but I knew I had to get this done. The tattoos made my mouth swell so bad, I could barely eat, or smile. I had to take water with a spoon. Those who get the tattoo all over their body sit for hours at a stretch, and it hurts so much, she says, sitting in her house in the Sarangarh village of north Chhattisgarh. For many such as Janaki, members of the Ramnami samaj-- a socio-religious movement of the lower castes in central and northern Chhattisgarh, in which followers practice chanting the name of Ram and tattoo different portions of their body faith has had its own demands. And driven by bhakti (devotion) for the god, many such as Janaki claim they have endured. While Janaki had her face and wrists tattooed a few decades ago, other members of the samaj (community) have either different portions of their body (the forehead, in many cases), or their entire body tattooed. The god, they claim, cannot be seen, but exists within the self. Watch: The Ramnamis of Chhattisgarh While most of the Ramnamis invoke faith and devotion as their primary motivation, the genesis of the tattoo practice, and the singing of Ram bhajans (drawn from Tulsidas Ramcharitmanas), lies in the subversive movements by lower castes against discrimination and caste-based hierarchies in central India, in the late nineteenth century. According to Professor Ramdas Lamb, who has done a comprehensive study on the subject, the Ramnamis are followers of Parasuram, a low-caste farm labourer in Chhattisgarh, who left his village for the forest, soon after he was detected of leprosy. In the forest, Parasuram met a monk, who prescribed chanting Ram to cure himself of the disease. Parasuram was cured overnight, and gradually, the cult of the Ramnamis started to take shape under his leadership. The Ramnami community, however, was really an offshoot of the regions Satnami movement, claims Professor Ramdas, of the Department of Religion at University of Hawaii, Manoa. The Satnami samaj, he says, was a powerful low caste movement that posed a big challenge to the orthodox religious tradition and existing caste hierarchy of the time. Parasuram, however, disagreed with the political aspirations of the Satnamis -- the latter were aligning themselves with the Indian National Congress and the freedom struggle to gain benefits for their caste, a feat which they managed, eventually, at least in a legal change in their name. Read: Maharashtra bans social boycotts that often shun women, Dalits Parasuram, however, advocated that the alternative of a spiritual rather than the social elevation approach to combat discrimination, writes Professor Ramdas, in a paper on the subject. Ramdas argues that Parasuram advocated that his followers should accept their caste status as the will of god, and devote themselves to chanting his name and shlokas from Tulsidas Ramayana. By the early 1920s, when Parasuram died, there were nearly 20,000 tattooed devotees and at least twice the number of those who dont have the tattoos, but are members of the community. However, going by the accounts of a few Ramnamis that HT met in the villages of Chhattisgarh, the numbers of the tattooed devotees is on the decline. Those surviving concede that they are probably the last adherents of the practice of tattooing. However, the numbers of those who dont have the tattoo is on the rise. Now, no one prevents lower castes like us from entering temples. So things have changed in many ways, and the tattooed devotee is not common. But the popularity of Ram bhajans has increased. There must be lakhs of devotees now. You should see the numbers who come for the bhajans at our annual event, claims Mahettar Ram Tandon, 73, a member of the Akhil Bhartiya Ramnami Mahasabha, and a resident of the village of Jamgahan, a few hours away from the city of Raipur. Read:Adivasi rights versus industry interests in Chhattisgarh The continuing tradition of organising an annual bhajan mela that Mahettar Ram invokes to validate the strength of his community is perhaps one of the few ways in which the Ramnamis are holding on their religious identity. The annual show receives state patronage and is an important event in the villages cultural calendar, locals say. Everybody comes. The Chief Minister himself inaugurates the show. Its a devotional fair, so the children have a good time too, says Devram Banaj, a resident of Sarangarh village, who is in his 80s. Devram and his wife Phulmat say they are invited at the annual show to perform, an event for which they ready themselves with special cotton drapes with the Ram written on it, as well as their customary peacock feather crown, which the Ramnami men wear. But beyond the cultural gala -- or, when photo journalists come calling -- the families of the Ramnamis (and some followers too) see little relevance of their conspicuous identity. Most Ramnamis feel that though the more obvious forms of discrimination -- such as barring entry in temples -- have ceased to exist in villages, the religious movement has not been able to effect any change in their material conditions. Some say that the Mahasabha maintains a fund for few development projects in the village, its hardly something that the families are banking on. Read:In India D stands for Dalits and Discrimination Devram and Janaki say they are small landholders, and making ends meet is hard. Devrams two sons, for instance, have travelled as far as Punjab for work. Jaliram Banaj, the couples 40-year-old son, says that unlike his parents, he and his brother never wanted to get the tattoos because no one would give you work if you had this on your face. For Janaki, who lives with her husband and has no children, however, being a Ramnami goes beyond mere religious identity, or a scribble on the walls of her house. It is now a matter of livelihood. People respect us because we sing devotional songs. They invite us to perform at community events and pay for the journey. Devotees might also offer money or food. It is their devotion for Ram. Our land is too small. But it is Ram who keeps me going. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police have detained four people in connection with the murder of senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan, Siwan superintendent of police Saurabh Kumar Sah said on Saturday. They are being interrogated, he added. Five people on motorcycles opened fire at Ranjan, Siwan bureau chief of the Hindi daily Hindustan, as he was heading home from work on Friday. While one of the bullets hit the 42-year-old in the head, another struck him on his neck. He was declared dead on arrival at the nearest hospital. Police sources said the manner in which the murder was carried out, with the senior journalist being shot straight through the temple, indicated that it was a professional hit. Ranjan was employed with Hindustan a sister concern of Hindustan Times for 20 years. Investigators, who recovered five empty cartridges from the spot, are yet to ascertain the motive behind the murder. Sources said Ranjan had written against local politicians on several occasions, evoking death threats from many quarters. Siwan is the stronghold of former RJD parliamentarian Mohammad Shahabuddin, who is serving a life sentence for the abduction and murder of two people in 2004. Senior JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak sought to downplay the issue by saying that aam aadmi maare nahi jaa rahe (the common man is not getting killed). He, however, hastened to add that the murder was condemnable, and the perpetrators would be brought to book soon. Read: Rajdeo Ranjan, bureau chief of Hindustan, shot dead in Bihars Siwan Ajay Alok, another party leader, told ANI that the culprits would be nabbed in 48 hours. No matter who the criminals are, the government is determined to hunt them down... he said. The incident has mounted further pressure on the Nitish Kumar government, which was already reeling under the road-rage murder of a teenager at the hands of Rocky Yadav, the son of a JD(U) legislator. The BJP grabbed the opportunity to attack the state government over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state. Taunting Kumar, party spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said that while the chief minister was visiting Varanasi, Biharis were migrating out of the state because criminals rule the roost. Hussain described the killing of Ranjan as an attack on the fourth pillar of democracy. The law-and-order situation in Bihar has become so bad that people are migrating to other states. It is not jungle raj but maha jungle raj here, he said. According to colleagues, the journalist was supposed to celebrate his 14th wedding anniversary with a gala party on Saturday. India is considered one of the most dangerous places for journalists in the world with political influence mixed with a nexus between criminals and industry causing a surge in crimes against reporters. A 2015 study by Reporters Without Borders said India was the deadliest for journalists in Asia, ahead of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Nine journalists were killed in the country last year, with only war-torn Syria and Iraq recording more deaths. The NIAs decision to drop charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the 2008 Malegaon blast allows key accused Pragya Singh Thakur to walk free. But Lt Col Prasad Purohit, another key accused, will continue to face charges as no military official supported his claim that he was a bona fide intelligence official who had infiltrated extremist Hindu groups. Seven people were killed in a blast at Malegaon on September 29, 2008. Thakur was among the first to be arrested, in October 2008. The evidence against Thakur was insufficient to prosecute her, said NIA chief Sharad Kumar. Thakur had been chargesheeted along with 13 others by the Maharashtra Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS), which probe the case before the NIA. In its investigation, the NIA claimed to have found many holes in the evidence collected by the ATS against Thakur. The ATS claimed that Thakur attended various meetings in Faridabad, Nagpur, Deolali, Bhopal, Ujjain of Abhinav Bharat, an outfit floated by Lt Col Purohit, at which plans for terror attacks were discussed. But the evidence with regard to these meetings came from confessional statements of three accused Sudhakar Dhar Dwevedi, Rakesh Dhawade and Praveen Takkalki recorded under MCOCA. But once MCOCA was dropped, the statements lost their evidentiary value and this weakened the case against Thakur, said an NIA official. Confessional statements recorded under the MCOCA are admissible as evidence in court, but the NIA said that the ATS had invoked MCOCA in haste. An accused needs to have been charge-sheeted in two earlier cases before the MCOCA can be invoked against him or her. The ATS charged an accused, Rakesh Dhawade, under MCOCA and, with that, invoked the law in the Malegaon case. The ATS had first arrested Dhawade for two earlier blasts, in Maharashtras Parbhani (2003) and Jalna (2004), on November 12 November 15, 2008, respectively. According to the NIA charge sheet, a case was registered for the Parbhani blast in November 2003, against Sanjay Choudhary and Himanshu Panse. In September 2006 the first supplementary charge sheet was filed against Maruthi Keshav Wagh and Yogesh Deshpande. The second supplementary charge sheet was filed against Dhawade on November 13, 2008 after his arrest on November 11, 2008, ie within two days of his arrest (in the Parbhani case), the NIA said. This raises considerable doubt on the integrity of invoking of MCOCA by ATS, the charge sheet read. Once the legal requirement for MCOCA becomes suspect, how can we apply in it the Malegaon case? added an NIA official. Another key piece of evidence against Thakur was that she owned the motorcycle that was fitted with the explosive. But an NIA official said, The motorcycle was owned by Thakur but it was being used by Ramchandra Kalsangra, an absconding accused. Witnesses said the motorcycle was in his possession for at least one-and-a-half years before the blast. The NIA also decided not charge another accused, Praveen Takkalki, as the only evidence against him was his own statement, recorded under MCOCA. But Purohit, a serving military intelligence official, will continue to face charges as the evidence against him remains at the threshold of prosecution, according to a source. Read more: Malegaon blast: Holes in ATC evidence let Pragya Thakur off the hook SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police in Madhya Pradeshs Hoshangabad town have found a dead woman in a forest and believe she could be a missing former employee of the American Embassy School in New Delhi, officials said on Friday. Leena Sharma, 38, disappeared in the last week of April from Sohagpur, her mothers home. She wanted to demarcate her 35-acre ancestral property against the wishes of her maternal uncle and local Congress leader Pradeep Sharma after 11 acres of the land was encroached upon, according to police. A partially decomposed body, which could possibly be Leenas body, was found from the Kamati jungles in Dudadeh village (her maternal village) in Sohagpur area early on Friday morning, Hoshangabad superintendent of police AP Singh said. Two of Leenas friends from Bhopal are on the way to Sohagpur to identify the body, added Singh. Sohagpur police sources said two people have been detained in the case and two to three others are being questioned. Both the detained men are linked to Leenas maternal uncle. Sources said Pradeep and Leenas elder sister, Hema, could also be interrogated in the case. Hema and Pradeep had lodged a missing person complaint with Sohagpur police on May 5, a week after Leena went missing from Sohagpur. She went missing from Sohagpur on April 29. Leenas friends allege her relations with uncle were strained since last few years after he encroached her ancestral land. They said she quit her job last year to settle the property issue. Leenas uncle Pradeep Sharma said his name was unnecessarily being dragged into the matter. I have very cordial relation with both Leena and Hema. Its Leenas cousins with whom she has strained relations over property, he said. Many of Leenas friends in Bhopal questioned why her uncle and sister reported a missing persons complaint at Sohagpur police station on May 5, when she was missing since April 29. While police said Leenas phone was switched off since April 29, some friends claimed her phone was available for some time on May 5. Both Leena and her uncle were in Piparia area of Hoshangabad the same day, sources said. Some of her friends told Hindustan Times her uncle gave contradictory statements when asked about Leenas disappearance over the phone on May 4. He first said she left with two people in a white car to Piparia and later said she flew to Thailand. In a first, a cadaver heart was ferried in an ambulance from Pune to Mumbai, saving the life of a 14-year-old Borivli boy. A green corridor was created between the two cities to allow the heart to be brought to Mumbai in record time of 1 hour and 35 minutes. On a normal day, it would take over three hours to travel the same distance. According to the Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee (ZTCC) officials, this was the 17th heart transplant recorded in the city. A team of doctors from Mumbai travelled to Pune early Friday morning to retrieve the heart from a 28-year-old male donor. He was declared brain-dead at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, after he met with a road accident on Thursday night. Doctors said his family consented to donate the heart, kidneys and the liver. The recipient of the heart was wait-listed by the ZTCC for more than four months. The boy had a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. The condition was rapidly deteriorating and a transplant was absolutely essential, said Dr Anvay Mulay, the head of cardiac transplant, Fortis Hospital, Mulund. According to Dr S Narayani, the zonal director of Fortis, the hospital opted to transport the heart via road as flight tickets were not available at that hour. It was phenomenal how the traffic police got together to lay out the corridor. However, we cannot use the road to transport organs on a regular basis, given the long distances and heavy traffic, she said. The traffic police from Pune, Thane and Mumbai laid out a plan to execute the green corridor between the two main cities to facilitate the timely arrival of the heart in Mumbai. Dr Vijay Agarwal, the head of paediatric cardiac surgery, Fortis Hospital, said, The transport of the heart via road led to a significant cut down of the cost. Four employees of an e-commerce firm choked to death when a fire engulfed their second-floor office in Ghaziabad on Saturday while a fifth jumped out of a window and died after landing head first. The building that housed the Indiamart office had no fire safety equipment, firefighters told HT. The victims were trapped as the fire spread from the first floor to the second and the only exit to the roof was locked, said HS Malik, deputy director, fire department (Meerut range). Neighbours who tried to rescue the trapped said the firemen arrived 30-40 minutes after they were called. This is the latest fire tragedy to hit the Capital after last months massive blaze that completely destroyed the National Museum of Natural History and all its priceless collections. Hundreds of fires, big and small, have kept the fire department busy all summer. Six Indiamart employees survived Saturday mornings blaze after jumping out their office window. Five of them suffered superficial burns and minor injuries. Five fire department personnel, including the fire safety officer, were also hospitalised with smoke inhalation and other injuries, said Deepak Garg, an administrator at the local Gargi Hospital. The building in Raj Nagar, a well-to-do residential neighbourhood, also houses a boutique on the ground floor and a property consultants office on the first. Officials said a short circuit in an airconditioner or inverter may have started the fire. We arrived at the office, where we work for internet promotion of companies, at 9.30am. We sensed smoke coming from the stairs and when we looked out the door, the smoke and fire leapt at us. We were holed in, crying for help, said Prashant Sharma, one of the survivors. Seven of us jumped out of a window in order to get to the roof of an adjacent house. The other four couldnt escape. India mart said in a statement, The four employees trapped inside the office and the one who fell head on were taken to nearby hospitals but declared dead on arrival. The Indiamart senior management and national heads are at the hospital with the families. Police identified the dead as Piyush Goel, Hemant Pratap Singh, Ritam Dwivedi and Chandra Prakash Tyagi all residents of Ghaziabad and Puneet Mishra from Lucknow. We put up a ladder on our roof, connecting it to the burning second floor, and saved at least six people, said a neighbour, Surinder Singh Walia. We also sprayed water on the building from our pump. But we couldnt save the others. The fire tenders arrived 30-40 minutes late. I even called 100 but no one picked up. It took four fire tenders and 20 firemen over an hour to douse the blaze, which gutted both the first and second floors. District magistrate Vimal Kumar Sharma has ordered a magisterial inquiry. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In Patna, whenever I interacted with our district correspondents, Ranjan would leave quite an impression on me. His replies to queries were straight and to the point, and he never minced words while expressing his opinion. He had an ever-smiling demeanour, but his voice never wavered when he spoke. It was evident that while this man respected my age, experience and position, he was equally confident of his own capabilities. Such was Rajdeo Ranjan, a man who had all the qualities of a good journalist. Thats why, since Friday night, I have been unable to comprehend as to who would have killed Rajdeo? Why? Was there a devious criminal mind or a syndicate behind it? Were the killers trying to send a message in the way they put a pistol to his head and shot him on a busy street in front of hundreds of onlookers? There was never any report of Rajdeo having a personal enmity with anyone. So who could be this anonymous enemy? Or could it be that through Rajdeos killing, a strong message is being sent out to the entire media fraternity? Footage from the CCTV camera near the murder-spot is missing. This can only be the handiwork of professional killers or conspirators. Who are they? Where are they hiding? When will the police reach them? No journalist has been killed like this in Bihar. Clearly, the ruling class and all those in charge of law and order need to bring out the truth in public. All the more so because journalists like Rajdeo Ranjan and newspapers like Hindustan remain fearless as they have earned the trust and support of the common man. It is this ordinary public that elects governments. It needs no iterating that today journalism is amongst the most dangerous professions in the world. Yet, why do people get attracted to it? It is because society needs truth and journalism is the most powerful medium to bring out that truth. We have made sacrifices and we will continue to do so, till it is necessary. In the immortal words of the great Punjabi poet Pash, I would say that we will fight my friends, because it is necessary to fight. For now, the first target of this struggle will be to bring the killers of Rajdeo Ranjan to book. Here I would like to thank friends in the media for their united stand on the issue. Thanks also to all those people, including new-age bestselling author Amish Tripathi, several public intellectuals and our esteemed readers for their support and encouragement to not get deterred by this tragedy. Believe me, we are nothing without your patronage. And we once again reaffirm our resolve to continue to be your voice. Shashi Shekhar is the Editor-in-Chief of Hindustan The Punjab and Haryana high court has directed the high court-constituted special investigation team (SIT) into the Bhola drug racket scam to submit a report on its investigation so far against two absconding NRIs, Satpreet Singh alias Satta and Parminder Singh Pindi, both allegedly known to Punjab revenue minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia. The SIT comprises three officers of the inspector general of police (IGP) rank--Ishwar Singh, G Nageshwar Rao and V Neerja. The high court bench, while seeking the report by May 30, wanted to know whether Punjab Police had shown the same zeal in the investigation against these two NRIs as was seen in other cases like that of businessman Jagjit Singh Chahal and another accused Sukhjit Sukha. The SIT has been asked to list out the efforts made to nab them and talk about their role in the scam and investigation so far. The detailed order is awaited. The high court bench, comprising justice Surya Kant and justice AB Chaudhri, was hearing a bunch of matters related to bails of various accused, including Maninder Singh alias Bittu Aulakh. The order came on the perusal of the sealed cover report by the high court bench, produced by the ED on its investigation against Aulakh. The report is learnt to have had statements of Aulakh in the past and details of properties acquired by him. The court had sought the report as it had noticed in February that the ED was opposing bail to Aulakh but it had filed no application for his production warrants in the matter. As per the statements of various accused, both NRIs are learnt to be in Edmonton, Canada. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday announced that around Rs 600 crore will be spent on the beautification and overall development of the holy city in the coming six months. After reviewing various projects, including beautification of the stretch from the Town Hall to Golden Temple and broad road transit system (BRTS), during his visit on Friday, Badal also disclosed that all development-oriented projects being executed in the city will be completed within three months. Interacting with mediapersons, Badal said special emphasis will be laid on development of the heritage hotel, BRTS, solid waste management system and parking facility. He said the Urban Haat, which he inaugurated, and Gobindgarh Fort will be developed as tourist centres. Talking about the Urban Haat, he said it has been developed by the Punjab Urban development Authority (PUDA) along with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to preserve cultural, artistic and culinary traditions of Punjab. Replying to a query, he said the government is finding solution to traffic jams around the Golden Temple, for which he will consult with the officials to shift the bus stand to some outer area. Badal said a quilt plant will be set up in Amritsar at a cost of Rs 200 crore to provide employment to 2,000 people. A cycle plant coming up over 300 acres in Ludhiana will produce 15 lakh cycles and provide employment to 1 lakh people, he said. Badal also announced opening up of an investment office in China to attract more investments to the state. Chief parliamentary secretaries Virsa Singh Valtoha, Amarpal Singh Ajnala and Harmeet Singh Sandhu, special principal secretary to the deputy chief minister Manvesh Singh Sidhu, police commissioner Amar Singh Chahal and additional deputy commissioner Tejinder Pal Singh Sandhu were accompanying the deputy chief minister. Sukhbir opens his ambitious Urban Haat project Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal inaugurated his ambitious project Urban Haat during his visit to the city on Friday. Sukhbir also spent some time at the Amritsar Heritage Festival, which is being held at the venue since May 6. Talking about the project, he said: The government had promised to open a food street for the people of the holy city and this is our gift to them. The festival that is going on at the venue is a replica of the famous Lahore Street. Primarily, citybased food outlets will have their counters on the street, but if people from across border or from other parts of the country are willing to open a kiosk here, they are welcome, said the deputy CM about the project that aims to boost tourism. Hasty visit leaves many disappointed Although christened as his dream project, the Urban Haat could not keep Sukhbir engaged for too long. After just covering half of it, the deputy CM left the venue, leaving many people disappointed. Sagar Kumar, a vendor, said, We were waiting for the deputy CM to pay a visit to our stalls, but he had no time for us. Earlier, Sukhbir arrived at the venue about an hour and a half late. Former Vidhan Sabha deputy speaker Bir Devinder Singh has questioned Union cabinet minister Maneka Gandhi, former chairman of Minorities Commission Tarlochan Singh and UP cabinet minister Balwant Singh Ramoowalia over their silence on the cold-blooded murders of Sikhs in Pilibhit Jail in UP. The three politicians mentioned above certainly owe public explanation as to why they miserably failed to take the cases of the victims while they were at the helms of affairs, he said. He said Maneka Gandhi, who represented the Lok Sabha constituency of Pilibhit for six times and currently a minister in the Union cabinet, has never ever thought it appropriate to raise the issue of the murders of the Sikh prisoners, neither in the Parliament nor at any other forum. Her mysterious silence on the issue till date is questionable and people of the area in general and Sikhs in particular would like to know from her as to what recourse she has taken, ever since she has learned about the unfortunate incident, said Bir Devinder. He also questioned that why former MP and former chairman of Minority Commission Tarlochan Singh, failed to take suo-motu call to probe such incidents. It is pertinent to mention here that the National Commission for Minorities was granted the statutory status in the year 2003 while Tarlochan Singh was the chairman of the commission and he continued as such till February 2006. Later, he became Rajya Sabha MP, but never raised this issue in the Parliament, said Bir Devinder, asking Tarlochan Singh to explain his conduct. Similarly, Balwant Singh Ramoowalia colossally failed to address the issue, both as member of the National Commission for the Minorities and thereafter as union minister in the HD Deve Gowda dispensation. Intriguingly, he is again minister of jails in Uttar Pradesh Government led by Akhlesh Yadav, said Bir Devinder. Let us see how Ramoowalia pursues the case of victims of Pilibhit Jail bloodshed, while him being the minister for Jails of Uttar Pradesh, he said, demanding a stringent action against the guilty. A pall of gloom descended at Avneet Setyas house in Sector 11 here, as news of his death reached his parents. Setya, 29, was killed in the same accident that claimed the life of his father-in-law and spiritual head of the Sant Nirankari Mission, Hardev Singh. He was married to Sudiksha, youngest daughter of the sect head. Karnail Singh, the local branch committee coordinator of the mission, said, Avneet was travelling with the sect head when their car met with an accident in Montreal, Canada, on Friday. There was a tyre burst. While Avneet and Baba Hardev Singh were in the rear seat, the latters another son-in-law Sandeep Khinda and Vivek Sharma, who was driving, were saved due to the airbags in the front. Also read I Condolences pour in over Nirankari sect heads death The victims were on their way to catch a flight to Toronto to oversee the preparations for the second international convention of the sect, Karnail said, adding that Sudiksha, who married Avneet on June 2, last year, was in New York at the time of the accident. Avneet is survived by his wife, parents Satish Setya and Kamla, a specially-abled brother and a married sister. He had passed out from DAV School, Sector 8, Chandigarh, and attended DAV College in Sector 10. An actor by profession, he was the winner of UTV Bindass Road Diaries Season 1. Avneet would be cremated, along with Baba Hardev Singh, in Delhi on May 18, Karnail said. The deadlock between traders and the municipal corporation over the closure of two prime parking lots in Sector 17 entered its fourth day on Friday with traders forming a human chain at the Plaza carrying a black band. Members of Business Promotion Council, Sector 17, have also announced that they will boycott a May-16 presentation that the MC commissioner is scheduled to make on the development of Sector 17. We are not against the development of Sector 17, but let the MC construct all four proposed multilevel parkings in Sector 17, then close the old lots, said Neeraj Bajaj, president, Business Promotion Council, Sector 17. He added, No one who cheats us can hope to become a mayor or councillor again. If our demand is not met, we will intensify our protest. Dhawan says mayor has cheated traders The issue has led to the widening of the rift within the BJP. On Friday, former MP and senior party leader Harmohan Dhawan said, The mayor has cheated the traders. In spite of offering assurances to the contrary, he closed the lots and acted in a dictatorial manner. He has dented the BJPs image. On a query that the mayor has maintained that the decision to close the lots was approved in a House meeting, Dhawan claimed, It seems only the mayor is educated and the rest are uneducated. Issue taking political colour With the issue cropping up a mere six months before elections to constitute a new MC House in 2017, political parties are trying how to draw maximum political mileage. The Congress, which is supporting the traders, plans to start a chain hunger strike. On Friday, members of Chandigarh Youth Congress held a protest in Sector 17 by wearing masks of traders. Of the 15 BJP councillors in the House, eight are supporting traders. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has claimed that it would remove barricades to the closed lots, if the decision was not revoked within two days. Local BJP leaders meet Chandigarh in-charge Local leaders of the BJP apprised Chandigarh BJP in-charge Prabhat Jha of the alleged anti-party activities by Harmohan Dhawan in a meeting at party office in Sector 33. He is reported to have told the leaders that it was an issue related to the UT administration and the party should not get involved. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Over 12,000 teachers, working in government schools under centrally sponsored schemes in the state, have not been paid salaries for months. The teachers, recruited under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) have been awaiting salaries for the past four months, while those appointed under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) have been without salaries for the past five months. Even senior laboratory assistants, working under the RMSA, have not been paid for more than 10 months. A senior official in the education department said that the delay on the part of the state government in submitting utilisation certificates (UCs) for the funds provided by the Centre under the scheme, was one of the main reasons for delay in releasing salaries. The Central government department stalled the funds for the scheme due to this particular reason. However, the state government has now submitted UCs, an official said. On the other hand, education minister Daljeet Singh Cheema denied delay in submitting UCs on the part of the Punjab government. Salaries have been delayed due to delay on the part of the Centre in preparing a detailed project financial plan for the 2016-2017 financial year, Cheema said. According to sources, teachers under the SSA get 65% share of their salary from the Centre, while the state government pays the remaining 35%. However, in the case of RMSA teachers, the Centre pays 75% of the salary, while the rest 25% is paid by the state. Hardeep Singh, state vice-president of SSA/RMSA teachers association, said they had meetings with senior officials of the education ministry on several occasions to expedite the release of salaries, but to no avail. The officials concerned made lame excuses every time and claimed technical snarls at the Central and the state levels as one of the reasons behind the delay, he said. Cheema, however, said the department has been directed to clear pending salaries of teachers at the earliest on priority. Recently, we were provided with `26 crore by the Centre to carry out works under the SSA. The department will hopefully release salaries after making financial adjustments, Cheema said. Protest tomorrow The teachers have planned to hold a statewide rally here on Sunday. Besides the early release of pending salaries, the union is also demanding regularisation of their jobs and cancellation of criminal cases registered against over 50 teachers during the protest in Bathinda in 2012. The state government has already constituted a high-level committee to discuss their regularisation and even sought feedback from teachers. But, the committee is yet to submit its suggestions to the education department. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sukhnas lone skimmer What could be the reason for a lone Indian skimmer to visit the Sukhna lake, thrice in the last four years? Could it be a vagrant thrown off-course by extreme weather disturbances or is it searching for safe breeding grounds? This vulnerable species has been spotted at Sukhna for brief durations on April 19, 2013, by this writer, March 22, 2014, by Sarabjit Lehal, and the latest, on May 7, 2016, by Mohit Kohli. The Sukhna sightings are relevant because there are not many skimmers left globally (6,000-10,000) and the bird has gone extinct in South-east Asia. Skimmers are under pressure from sand-mining, fishing, pollution, dams etc in their breeding strongholds on the Chambal river. Harike and Pong dam are the main wetlands where skimmers have been observed consistently and in significant numbers, though Harike has not reported skimmers in recent years. That leaves Pong as a possible destination for lone skimmers from Central India using Sukhna as a stopover. Such skimmer movements within the sub-continent in response to ravaged breeding habitats constitute a genuine migration, though different in scope and intent from trans-Himalayan flights of geese/ducks etc to Sukhna in winter. The skimmer breeds March-May, the nest being a scrape in large, exposed sandbanks/islands. Every year we are getting skimmers in March-April and they search for nesting grounds at Pong. The skimmers breeding was recorded for the first time at Pong in April 2006, and the species continued to breed every year till March 2013. Skimmers still visit Pong for a few months but do not seem to find a nesting place after 2013, assistant conservator (wildlife) at Pong and author, DS Dhadwal, told this writer. A most endearing wildlife rescue took place on May 9, 2016, when the Augusta County Sheriffs office brought to the Wildlife Center of Virginia a bear cub, who had lost his mother and sibling to a hit-and-run road kill. The cub possessed the most striking pair of blue eyes, reflecting in them innocence and acute consciousness of loss and trauma. (Photo: Wildlife Center of Virginia) A pair of blue eyes Blue eyes do sway the human sensibilities, regardless of whether ownership lies with bears or bare blondes with blue eyes. In the 19th century Thomas Hardy novel, A Pair of Blue Eyes, the main character is Elfride Swancourt, a young, beautiful woman with eyes blue as autumn distance...A misty and shady blue, that had no beginning or surface, and was looked into rather than at. Elfride, whom Hardy fleshes out as a passionate, headstrong character easily swayed into relationships, loses her mother early on in the novels plot. Now, we shall cut across an Atlantic passage of time, and from fiction to fact, and arrive in the State of Virginia (US). A most endearing wildlife rescue took place on May 9, 2016, when the Augusta County Sheriffs office brought to the Wildlife Center of Virginia a bear cub, who had lost his mother and sibling to a hit-and-run road kill. The cub possessed the most striking pair of blue eyes, reflecting in them innocence and acute consciousness of loss and trauma. Had the cub not been a teddy-bear-come-alive or a less appealing orphaned species with say dark, beady eyes, the reactions may not have poured in or been so mushy. Renee Jacobsen was among the hundreds who wrote on the Centers Facebook page: You do not have a bear mommy now, but lots of humans who think you are way too adorable for words are sending you their love. Pam Bennett declared upfront: Oh! I just wanna kiss his little nose! The cub is in excellent care and is being introduced to captive sows for fostering and eventual rehab in the wilderness. A glimpse of the python. (Photo: Vikram Jit Singh) For your eyes only The jungle can be a safer place to walk than a citys teeming thoroughfares provided the eyes, ears and nose lead the feet. It is crucial to know where one is to put ones foot forward, especially in bush country. During my night rambles through jungles, I traverse routes recceed before and affording a passage of sight on all sides of at least 5-6 yards. Armed with a flashlight and a sturdy walking stick, I have never been attacked by wild animals (snakes/leopards/wild boars) at night or day because such foresight pre-empts bloody encounters. The animals that pose a consistent danger are stray/feral dogs, who feed on rotting cattle carcasses or maul deer, and whose blood-thirsty character has resulted in several attacks on myself. During the afternoon of May 11, I was following a sambar trail deep into the Shivalik foothill jungles ahead of village Gurra, 15 km from Chandigarh. I was alive to the fact that the heat would have activated reptiles. The alertness paid-off when my eyes noticed the end of a tail sliding slowly though brushwood and making for the trail a few feet ahead of me. It was the tail of a Rock python and not of the similar-looking Russells viper. The gait was languid and purposeful, as if time itself had decelerated in deference to the mighty serpent. The pythons skin merged perfectly with the brushwood. The rustling sound arising from the python torpedoing below the leaf litter was in concert with the winds ruffling the bushes. Had I not kept my eyes focused on the ground and instead let them wander and wonder over the spectacles afforded by the undisturbed jungle, I would have stepped onto the python. It was 6-7 feet long and the only part I eventually saw was its mid-section and that, too, when I parted the brushwood concealing the python with my stick. The culmination of the pythons camouflage trick was to play a lifeless log to my sticks prod. (Email the writer at vjswild1@gmail.com) Also read, in WIld Buzz: A strange friend for Miss Peregrine A poisonous snake bit a villager; he caught the reptile and furiously sank his teeth into its flesh. The snake died instantly, the man perished 12 hours later. The astonishing incident happened at Bariyatu village in Jharkhands Latehar district after Thursday midnight when 50-year-old Ranthu Oraon was awakened by noise in the neighbourhood over a poisonous snake. One of his neighbours was crying for help. He swiftly entered the neighbours home and came out with the snake in his hands, said Parasu, a relative. Suddenly, he started biting the snake. The battered and bitten snake died instantly. Moments later, Oraons family and fellow villagers became aware that he was bitten too when he went into the neighbours home to catch it. Slowly the poison took effect and he was taken to Carmel Asha Kendra, a hospital that specialises in treating snakebite cases in Latehar, where he died on Friday. Snakebite victims biting back the reptile is not uncommon in Jharkhand as people in the tribal villages believe eating the snake after being bitten helps wear off the poison. For the first time, visitors to the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in London will be able to enter the Dursleys home at 4 Privet Drive, where Harry Potter grew up alongside his aunt, uncle and cousin Dudley. Previously, visitors were only able to pose outside the family home of the Harry Potter film set. Read: Harry Potter is real, see for yourself But beginning May 27 for a limited time, the doors to the Dursley family home will open, offering an inside look at the familys quirks and eccentricities. Visitors will behold little details like Dudleys school certificates for always eating up his lunch, decorative ceramics, family portraits as well as the pretentious outfits worn by Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. The salon will also feature the letters used in the film in an art installation meant to recreate the scene in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone when Hogwarts sends hundreds of letters shooting through the fireplace and the letter box. The letters will be suspended in air to freeze-frame the moment. Privet Drive opens at the Warner Bros Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter May 27 and runs until June 6. Sundari had the advantage of pedigree. Born to the iconic queen tigress of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR), Machhli, she inherited her territory and fan following from her mother. So, when she suddenly disappeared from the reserve in March 2013, leaving three cubs in the lurch, 110 forest guards were deployed to find her. Ministers descended from the state capital to handle the emergency. The media launched its own hunt. Contrast this with the case of Indu. The tigress went missing from the reserve around the same time in almost similar circumstances. But nobody noticed. T-17 (Sundari) was the tigress of the tourism zone. She was much highlighted. We never heard of T-31s (Indus) disappearance. Not even in our central meetings, a forester, who did not wish to be named, told HT. Indu is not alone. A Hindustan Times investigation reveals that in the past five years at least 12 tigers have mysteriously disappeared from RTR. This is equal to 25 per cent of the existing tiger population of the reserve. But unlike the uproar created over T-17 (Sundari), reports of other missing tigers -- belonging to the non-tourism zone of the reserve -- seem to have been quietly buried. To corroborate its findings, HT filed an RTI application with the Rajasthan Forest Department, pointing out the names of missing tigers and asking for the time and location of their last sightings. The RTI reply confirmed that 10 tigers had gone missing between 2010 and 2014 and have not been tracked, but was silent about the two other tigers. Nine of the missing tigers were young (less than 7 years old). The revelation comes at the time when the Indian government is celebrating a 30 per cent increase in tiger numbers in the country since 2011. The RTR authorities downplay the vanishing of the tigers. It cannot be conclusively said that tigers went missing. More and more tigers are moving out of the park to look for newterritories because the population in the park is increasing. Its a positive sign. While the population of Ranthambhore National Park (RNP, the core area of the reserve) is constant the dispersing tigers might be populating newer territories, said Y K Sahu, field director of RTR. But, if the tigers are dispersing from RTR, do we know where they are going? Are we sure they are even alive to populate new areas? Not in the case of these 12 tigers at least. Most missing tigers were last spotted at the peripheral areas of the RNP. While nine tigers went missing from the northern boundary, three disappeared from the south-eastern tip (see the map). This leads to the quick conclusion that the tigers might have dispersed through the corridors to the nearby sanctuaries. But the missing tigers do not feature in a recent study by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which found records of 11 tigers dispersing from the RNP to the nearby forests and sanctuaries between 1999 and 2015. So, what could have happened to the missing tigers? HT tracked the forests in and around RNP to look for answers. The case files Indu went missing from a big plateau called Indala Dang outside the eastern boundary of the park. Sahu attributed Indus disappearance to natural death. It was an old tigress, about 12-13 years old. The dying of tigers due to old age or illness is as common as birth of new cubs. In most cases we dont find the carcass because by nature tigers go to a secluded place to die naturally, he said. Another forest official, however, informed us that the tigress was pushed out of its territory by one of its two daughters in a territorial fight. Tigers are territorial creatures and no two adult tigers or tigresses can live in the same territory; the weaker one has to move out. A former forester, who retired from his service in early 2014, believed the tigress got poached once it was pushed out of the park. Right below the plateau there are habitations notorious for hunting. A week before the tigress went missing there was a fight between the forest guard and residents of one of these villages. Within a few days, camera traps in the forest captured images of men with guns. The information was passed to the police but nothing was done, he said. Insiders in the forest department say Sundari might have also met the same fate. After being pushed out from her territory in the tourism zone by a tiger, the tigress shifted to Kachida forests at the northern periphery of the park. She was injured and the department was feeding her and her cubs with bait. But another tiger fought with her in Kachida for the bait, said a forester in the park. The pug marks showed the tigress was pushed towards the villages where illegal stone mining is being carried out on the northern periphery. The miners might have poisoned the tigress, he added. A former poacher, now in his 60s, who was part of the infamous poaching network of Ranthambore till the 1980s, claimed Sundari died after being caught in a live wire trap that villagers near Kachida had put to protect their crops. They buried the carcass to destroy the evidence, he said. The other disappearing tigers might have met the similar fate. A mutilated carcass of a tiger was found in Khandar in 2012 with half of its body parts missing. While it was difficult to figure out the gender of the carcass, the forest officials were quick to claim it could be the tigress T-27, who had gone missing in 2010. They claimed they saw pug marks of another tiger and concluded the big cat had died in a territorial fight. But a few months later this theory collapsed when a forensic report confirmed the tiger had died due to poisoning. If these tigers have not been photo-captured in camera traps or sighted in Ranthambore for such long time, and have not been recorded in the nearby forests, there is a huge possibility that they might have died. In the human dominated landscape outside Ranthambore it is very unlikely for a tiger to live unnoticed for such length of time, said Ayan Sadhu, researcher at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun who is conducting research on tigers of Ranthambore since 2011. The death could be due to natural reasons, accidents, poaching or revenge killing by locals. None of the possibilities can be denied, he added. Forests in the buffer zone and in the wildlife corridors are poorly protected (Kumar Sambhav Shrivastava/ HT Photo) Poachers gain RNP is ecologically a small area to accommodate large number of tigers. At 41 adult tigers (2014 census), scientists believe, the RNP tiger population has reached saturation point and has been so for the past few years. Every year 5-7 cubs are born while 1-2 tigers die naturally. This means, 4-5 tigers are surplus every year who would be pushed out of the park, said Sadhu. While tiger protection is considered quite effective inside the RNP, the forest in the corridors and in the buffer zone is too fragmented to support a breeding tiger population, said Sunny Shah, team leader at the WWF office in Sawai Madhopur. Due to poor connectivity with the next protected area, a lot of tigers who move out might be living in compromised habitat where they become easy targets for poachers. There are several settlements of poachers along the northern corridor towards Madhya Pradesh. Also, if tigers dont find prey they kill livestock. The villagers then might kill the tiger in retaliation, he added. The WWF report has identified mining, increasing human pressure and poaching as possible threats to tigers in the surrounding areas. Evidence of poaching was found on more than one occasion when survey teams encountered armed poachers in certain sites. Empty cartridge shells were also encountered during the sampling period, says the report. Residents of the villages Bodal and Gopalpura at the periphery of the park told HT that gun shots can be heard at night from nearby forests. While most of the hunting is done by locals for subsistence, one or two tigers might be decimated every year by larger poaching networks. The forest guards here are not equipped to deal with poachers. They dont have the will power. With several surplus tigers dispersing out of the park and being not sighted for months, hiding one or two cases of poaching becomes easy for everybody, says the former poacher quoted earlier in the story. At 41 adult tigers, scientists believe, the RNP tiger population has reached a saturation point (Kumar Sambhav Shrivastava/ HT Photo) Sahu admits to the possibility of poaching, albeit hesitantly. Anything is possible. The forest departments (of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh) are aware that when a tiger moves out of its area, it is more vulnerable. We are doing what can be done, he added. Divided focus Experts, however, feel enough is not being done to secure the dispersing tiger population. The WWF report recommends that the corridors connecting RNP to nearby parks and sanctuaries can be secured by regenerating forests and enhancing protection. However, till recently the RTR was being patrolled by half the number of guards required to cover the reserve. The 1335 sq km reserve has just 92 forest guards. The government has recently approved appointment of 132 more guards but the process will take time. While the protection measures are lagging behind, thriving tourism keeps the reserve management occupied. Ranthambore is one of the most high-profile tiger reserves in the country. Project Tiger was first launched here. As tigers became the biggest tourist attraction of recent times, Ranthambore, with its small size and rising tiger numbers, has become a sought-after tiger-tourism destination. This has led to a massive investment in the tourism industry by land sharks. Hotels and resorts have mushroomed on every patch of saleable land. About 60 big resorts operating near RTR can accommodate about 3000 tourists, reveals forest department data. But on a given day only 1040 tourists can go inside the park according to its carrying capacity. This skewed ratio of demand and supply seems to have led to pervasive corruption in booking safaris. On March 13, the Anti Corruption Department (ACD) of Rajasthan Police conducted a raid in the park. It found that 105 vehicles were plying inside the park at one time while only 80 are allowed according to the forest departments own rules. The number of vehicles were almost double than the prescribed number in the zones which had a higher possibility of sightings. While the protection measures in the buffer area, thriving tourism keeps the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve management occupied (Kumar Sambhav Shrivastava/HT Photo) Sahu denied irregularities. We make exceptions to accommodate tourist pressure on some days. 105 vehicles are within the carrying capacity of the park, he said. A source in the ACD, however, said a handful of hotels and their agents controlled the safari bookings and zone allotment. Those who can pay money many times higher than the prescribed fee to their tour operators get a secured safari booking. If you want to go to the zone where chances of tiger sighting are higher, the charges will increase, said the ACD source. When HT visited the booking window, the scene was like a fish market. It was mostly the travel agents, guides and drivers who were negotiating tickets with the officers at the window. Tourist were not allowed by the agents to go ahead in the queue. Tickets and money are traded openly outside the windows by the agents, and accommodation deals for tourists are loudly negotiated over mobile phones. Last month, conservationists raised concerns when the Rajasthan Forest Department announced its plans to start full-day safaris and night safaris in the park at higher charges. They said it would disturb the wildlife. Right now the safaris are conducted for three hours each in the morning and evening. While the RTR makes news for its big plans on tourism, the stories of the missing tigers are quietly buried. The fact that most of the missing tigers are from the non-tourism zone might be more than just a coincidence. There is a lot of money if, as a forester, you are posted on tourism management duty. On the other hand, there is hardly any incentive if you are on protection duty, said a retired forester. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An elderly Buddhist monk was found hacked to death Saturday in Bangladesh, police said, the latest in a spate of murders of religious minorities and secular activists in the Muslim-majority nation. No group has yet claimed responsibility, although the killing in the remote southeastern district of Bandarban appeared to bear a resemblance to several recent murders by suspected Islamist militants. Villagers found Bhante (monk) Maung Shue U Chaks dead body in a pool of blood inside the Buddhist temple this morning. He was hacked to death, Jashim Uddin, deputy police chief of Bandarban, told AFP. Uddin said the monk, thought to be 75, appeared to have been attacked by at least four people at the Buddhist temple in Baishari, some 350 kilometres (220 miles) southeast of Dhaka early Saturday morning. We saw human footprints in the temple and found that four to five people entered the compound, he added. Suspected Islamists have been blamed for or claimed responsibility in dozens of murders of Sufi, Shiite and Ahmadi Muslims, Hindus, Christians and foreigners in recent years. The Islamic State group and a Bangladeshi branch of Al-Qaeda have said they carried out several of the killings. However the secular government in Dhaka denies that IS and Al-Qaeda are behind the attacks, saying they have no known presence in Bangladesh, and blames the killings on homegrown militants. Buddhists make up less than one percent of Bangladeshs population of 160 million people. Air Force Gen Lori J Robinson has become the first woman to lead a top-tier US war-fighting command when she took charge of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and US Northern Command in Colorado. Robinson one of just two female four-star generals in the air force was the clear and obvious choice, said defence secretary Ash Carter, who attended the change of command ceremony in a vast hangar at Peterson Air Force Base on Friday. Outside, a row of cannons fired a 19-gun salute. Carter praised Robinsons extensive experience and her skill as a strategic thinker capable of making split-second, life-and-death decisions. Her promotion shows the US has female officers qualified for the most senior positions, he said. I do hope well, I know there are more in her wake, more female officers in her wake, Carter said. Robinson is an inspiration to female cadets at the nearby Air Force Academy, said academy superintendent Michelle Johnson, a three-star general and the first woman to head the school. They appreciate seeing somebody that they can aspire to, Johnson said after the ceremony. Robinsons family has deep roots in the air force. Her husband, David Robinson, is a retired two-star general and was a pilot in the Thunderbirds demonstration team. A daughter, 2nd Lt Taryn Ashley Robinson, was fatally injured in a pilot training crash months after graduating from the Air Force Academy. She died in January 2006, four weeks before her 23rd birthday. I knew she was peeking over the clouds, and I knew that she was saying, You go, Mom, Robinson said after the ceremony. People who know Robinson describe her as the personification of a new generation of leaders, someone who understands that the air force has a broad role in space, cyber-security and drones, not just flying and fighting. Thats what sets Robinson apart, not her gender, said Maria Carl, a retired air force colonel who worked with her when the general headed the Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Gen Robinson reflects that change as much as anything else, said Carl, who serves on the Military Affairs Council of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce. She has an ability to take all the different pieces of the picture and pull it together strategically. One of her new commands, the North American Aerospace Defense Command or NORAD, is a joint US-Canada operation that defends the skies over both nations and monitors sea approaches. Its best known for its Cold War-era control room deep inside Cheyenne Mountain now used only as a backup and for its wildly popular NORAD Tracks Santa operation on Christmas Eve, fielding calls from children asking for Santas whereabouts. Her other command, Northern Command, is responsible for defending US territory from attack and helping civilian authorities in emergencies. It was created after the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Robinson has an extensive background in command and control, the science of orchestrating military operations across a broad area. In her previous job, commander of Pacific Air Forces, her area of responsibility spanned more than half the globe. Youre dealing with a lot of countries, a lot of the air forces in the Pacific, China being one of them, said Darryll Wong, a retired air force major general and Hawaiis former adjutant general. She had to be a fast learner. US President Barack Obama toasted Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland at a star-studded state dinner on Friday, lauding the nations for their global influence on civil rights, humanitarian issues and curbing climate change. The red carpet glamour followed a White House summit where Obama and the leaders of the five nations presented a united front against Moscows recent military aggression in Ukraine and the Baltic region. But the meeting was more about soft diplomacy than launching ambitious foreign policy endeavors, given that Obamas second and final term ends in January. Americans will vote in presidential elections on November 8. I thought this was a very useful and important conversation, although there was probably too much agreement to make for as exciting a multilateral meeting as I sometimes participate in, Obama said. President Barack Obama delivers a toast during a State Dinner for Nordic leaders. (AP Photo) More than 300 guests, including rapper Common, comedian Will Farrell and actress Tracee Ellis Ross, mingled with diplomats, tech and Fortune 500 CEOs, White House officials, and political donors in a glass-ceiling tent built around a tree on the South Lawn. Hand-rolled beeswax candles and strings of lights reflected off ten-foot pillars of ice, an homage to the Northern Lights. Pop star Demi Lovato, known for her support of liberal causes, was set to perform after a Nordic-inspired meal of ahi tuna, tomato tartare and red wine-braised beef short ribs. US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk in as they are introduced during a state dinner for Nordic leaders on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo) Its a great opportunity to drink wine and make progress on the most serious issues of our time, Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the United Nations, told reporters on her way into the dinner. Message to Russia The summit was aimed in part at sending a message to a nation not on the guest list: Russia, which annexed Ukraines Crimea region in 2014 and has stepped up its military posture. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) is planning its biggest build-up in eastern Europe since the Cold War to try to deter further Russian aggression, and Denmark and Norway said on Friday they would contribute to the enhanced allied forward presence with Nato. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand with Nordic leaders and their spouses. (AP Photo) We will be maintaining ongoing dialogue and seek cooperation with Russia but we also want to make sure that we are prepared and strong, and we want to encourage Russia to keep its military activities in full compliance with international obligations, Obama said after the summit. Obama has long expressed admiration for the pragmatic and liberal-leaning politics of the Nordic nations. There have been times where Ive said, why dont we just put all these small countries in charge for a while? And they could clean things up, Obama said. US President Barack Obama speaks to Nordic leaders during a state dinner at the White House. (Reuters Photo) China has reclaimed more than 3,200 acres of land in the southeastern South China Sea. But the countrys focus has shifted to developing and weaponising those man-made islands so it will have greater control over the maritime region without resorting to armed conflict, according to a new Pentagon report. In its most detailed assessment to date of Chinas island-building program, the Defense Department said three of the land features in the Spratly Islands now have nearly 10,000-foot runways and large ports in various stages of construction. And it has excavated deep channels, created and dredged harbours, and constructed communications, logistics and intelligence gathering facilities. The report argues that the accelerated building effort doesnt give China any new territorial rights. But it says the airfields, ship facilities, surveillance and weapons equipment will allow China to significantly enhance its long-term presence in the South China Sea. This would improve Chinas ability to detect and challenge activities by rival claimants or third parties, widen the range of capabilities available to China, and reduce the time required to deploy them, according to the report released on Friday. China is using coercive tactics short of armed conflict, such as the use of law enforcement vessels to enforce maritime claims, to advance their interests in ways that are calculated to fall below the threshold of provoking conflict, the report adds. The 3,200 acres only represent Chinas reclamation in the Spratleys and doesnt include its building in the Paracels, further northwest, including the contested Woody Island, in its estimates. China has deployed anti-aircraft missiles to Woody Island. The Pentagon declined to release details on the amount of increased reclamation in the Paracels or to provide a more concrete estimate of the increase in building in the Spratly Islands. Chinese officials have defended the land reclamation by saying it is Beijings territory, adding that the buildings and infrastructure are for public service use and to support fishermen. It accuses the Philippines, Vietnam and others of carrying out their own building work on other islands. The report also notes that China has continued to assert sovereignty over the East China Sea, including the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan. Vietnam, China and Taiwan all claim the Paracels, and the three along with the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei claim all or parts of the Spratlys. The US says it takes no side in the territorial disputes but supports freedom of passage through the area, which is one of the worlds busiest sea lanes. Chinas island building, the report concludes, is designed to walk right up to but not cross the threshold of provoking the United States, its allies and partners, or others in the Asia-Pacific region into open conflict. More broadly, the report says that China is steadily increasing its role and power around the world, while continuing to modernise and build up its military and inventory of ships, missiles and aircraft. Specifically, it notes Chinas plans to build its first overseas military facility in Djibouti to help support naval operations in the region. The report also repeats assertions by defence secretary Ash Carter that continued provocation by China may only improve US relations in the Asia Pacific. Chinas increasingly assertive efforts to advance its national sovereignty and territorial claims, its forceful rhetoric, and lack of transparency about its growing military capabilities and strategic decision-making continue to raise tensions and have caused countries in the region to enhance their ties to the United States, the report said. US officials have been increasingly concerned Chinas activities could be a prelude to enforcing a possible air defence identification zone over the South China Sea, similar to one it declared over disputed Japanese-held islands in the East China Sea in 2013. As noted in previous years reports, China continues to target US government and Defense Department computer systems through cyber intrusions. The report said that during 2015, China used its cyber capabilities to spy on the US and steal information from computer networks. The information targeted could potentially be used to benefit Chinas defence industry, high-technology industries, and provide the CCP insights into US leadership perspectives on key China issues, the report said. Police are looking for three teens in the US who skipped school to live-stream themselves engaging in sex acts on Facebook to their classmates, a media report said. On January 14, 2016, four juvenile students viewed a livestream on the social media website using their cell phones during health class at 1pm. The students said the videos show a 14-year-old girl, a 15-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy engaging in sex acts, the report added. Police in Milwaukee city of the US are asking Facebook to hand over all the information it has on the account of a 14-year-old girl. From pictures, status history and videos to user information like name, email, and IP address, a report on CBS58.com said. Meanwhile, Milwaukee Public Schools released a statement saying in January, staff became aware of a video depicting inappropriate conduct that took place outside of school and off campus. The school immediately notified proper authorities and cooperated with the investigation. We took appropriate disciplinary action against those involved, which would be in addition to any outside consequences they may face, the statement said. A Milwaukee County search warrant notes that the two juvenile girls in the video could be charged with exposing a child to harmful material while the 15-year-old boy that participated in the sexual acts was not listed as a suspect on the warrant. The video was viewed by students at Barack Obama School but was not filmed there. The two girls in the videos attend the school but according to the school principal, the two suspects skipped school after the first period, the report said. Lebanons Hezbollah on Saturday blamed Islamist extremists for killing the Shiite militant groups top military commander in Syria in an artillery attack. An investigation has shown that the blast that targeted one of our positions near the Damascus international airport that led to the martyrdom of the brother commander Mustafa Badreddine was caused by artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri (Sunni extremist) groups present in that region, a Hezbollah statement said. It did not name any particular group and there has been no claim of responsibility for the attack, which pro-Hezbollah media said happened on Thursday night. The Iran-backed movement has deployed thousands of fighters in Syria where Badreddine led its intervention in support of President Bashar al-Assad. Hezbollah has been battling opponents of the regime including Sunni extremists from the Islamic State jihadist group and Al-Nusra Front, al-Qaedas Syria affiliate. In its statement Saturday, a day after thousands attended Badreddines funeral in Beirut, Hezbollah vowed no let up in its war against those it describes as criminal gangs in Syria. The result of the investigation will only increase our determination and will to pursue the fight against those criminal gangs until they are defeated, the statement said. It is the same battle against the American-Zionist scheme in the region, which the terrorists are spearheading, it added. Badreddine was on a US terror sanctions blacklist, was a key suspect in the 2005 assassination in Beirut of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri and was one of the most wanted by Israel. His predecessor, cousin and brother-in-law Imad Mughniyeh, was killed in Damascus in a 2008 bombing that Hezbollah blamed on its regional arch-foe Israel with whom it has fought several wars. Spanish officials ordered 9,000 people to be evacuated on Friday night from a large apartment complex after a raging fire at a sprawling tyre dump sent toxic clouds of black smoke into the sky. About 8,000 apartment dwellers had already left their homes in Sesena, a central town near Madrid, as the thick smoke poured out from the fire that started before dawn, the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha announced. It said ambulances were being sent to the complex to evacuate people with health problems who could not leave on their own. The order was issued because weather conditions were expected to change overnight, raising the risk that the smoke could inundate the apartment complex even as firefighters reported progress in trying to bring the fire under control. The dump is less than 1 kilometre (.6 miles) from the complex. About 70% of the tyres had burned by Friday night but authorities did not know when the blaze would be completely extinguished, said Francisco Martinez, the regional governments environmental minister. No injuries were reported because of the fire, which authorities believe was intentionally set. The smoke plume was visible from Madrid, more than 30 kilometres (20 miles) away. The sprawling tyre dump is thought to be Europes largest, Sesena Mayor Carlos Velazquez told the Cadena Ser radio station. Two water-carrying helicopters doused the vast expanse of tyres throughout the day. Madrid firefighting inspector, Luis Villarroel, said firebreaks that were created helped restrict the blaze to one active front. By Friday afternoon, the smoke had lost much of its density. Classes at one school were cancelled and authorities urged drivers to keep their windows closed. Two major highways pass close to Sesena and one was closed to traffic for three hours before being reopened. Spains leading El Pais newspaper reported that the dump holds 100,000 metric tons (110,000 tons) of used tyres. Known locally as the tyre cemetery, it was declared illegal in 2003 because it lacked proper permits. Authorities since then have been trying to figure out what to do about it. An Afghan official says at least three policemen have died after a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near a police training base in southern Helmand province. Omar Zwak, spokesperson for the provincial governor, said on Saturday that 12 others, including two civilians, were wounded in the attack. The attack targeted a training centre for police in the Nad Ali district, Zwak says. Taliban spokesperson Qari Yusouf Ahmadi claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban frequently uses roadside bombs, ambushes and suicide attacks against Afghan security forces across the country. Civilians are often caught up in the attacks. The group, in its 15th year of war against the government, has been fiercely active in the poppy-growing province in recent months, intent on protecting routes for smuggling drugs that fund the insurgency. A North Carolina man admitted on Friday that he ripped off a Muslim womans head scarf during a flight to New Mexico last December after saying, Take it off! This is America! Gill Payne, 37, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in New Mexico to one count of using force to intentionally obstruct the woman from freely exercising her religious beliefs, prosecutors said. No matter ones faith, all Americans are entitled to peacefully exercise their religious beliefs free from discrimination and violence, said Vanita Gupta, head of the U.S. Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. An attorney for Payne said by e-mail: Mr. Payne has taken responsibility for his actions and is sorry for them. He is ready to begin the healing process and move forward. Payne admitted that on a flight last December, he approached the aisle where the Muslim woman was seated shortly before landing in Albuquerque, and stopped next to her seat, Prosecutors said. Payne then told the woman, a stranger identified in court documents as K.A., to take off her hijab, saying something to the effect of Take it off! This is America! prosecutors said. Payne then grabbed the back of the hijab and pulled it all the way off, leaving her head exposed. As a result, K.A. felt violated and quickly pulled the hijab back up and covered her head again, prosecutors said in a statement. A sentencing hearing for Payne has not yet been set, prosecutors said. However, under the terms of a plea agreement struck with prosecutors and accepted by a magistrate judge, Payne will likely serve two months of home detention as well as probation, Paynes attorney, Amber Fayerberg, said. The judge could also impose a fine, she said. The guilty plea comes in the wake of a number of anti-Muslim incidents in the United States. Read | Arab-American family removed from flight in US, alleges discrimination Earlier this week, a Muslim advocacy group said a California student was embarrassed and distressed after her name was incorrectly listed as Isis, the abbreviated name of the Islamic militant group. In late April, a New Jersey school board member resigned after drawing fire over anti-Muslim Facebook posts, including one saying, America needs to get rid of people like you. In the wake of deadly attacks by Islamist militants in Paris and California last year, Donald Trump, now the presumptive Republican White House nominee, called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States. On September 17, 1862, George B. McClellans Army of the Potomac attacked Robert E. Lees Army of Northern Virginia between Antietam Creek and the Potomac River outside Sharpsburg, Maryland. At the end of the day, 23,000 Americans were dead, wounded or missingstill the greatest single-day casualty total in Americas history. In this short video presentation, park rangers from the Antietam National Battlefield Park describe the days events. One dreadfully humiliating episode best illustrates Brigadier General William Nelson Pendletons reputation in the Army of Northern Virginia. In 1864, as General Robert E. Lee rode past a marching column, his troops cheered him vociferously. But when Old Mother Pendleton, the chief of artillery who was riding a bit farther back in the cavalcade, approached those same men, a lone soldier yelled three cheers for Genl Pendletonto which not a soul responded. The embarrassed trooper then very faintly cried Oh! whereupon the whole column broke out in a laugh. Pendleton was an Episcopal minister, and early in the war Southerners relished the notion of a highly placed cleric becoming a Christian soldier of sorts. Tales about Pendletons prayers for the Yankees at whom he was shooting circulated among avid audiences. He fights with the sword in one hand and the bible in the other, a correspondent wrote admiringly. An impressed soldier-worshipper loved to see Parson Pendleton in the pulpit: large and tallwith rough, shaggy irongray beard, dark complexion, rich, full, sonorous voice, fertile imagination, rapid utterance, easy flow of languagefine effect. More than one observer mistook the dignified, gray-bearded Pendleton for General Lee. Numerous missteps on the battlefield quickly tarnished Pendletons military reputation, however. In his three-volume Lees Lieutenants, Douglas Southall Freemans magisterial history of the leadership of Lees army, he generally passed judgment on the performance of Confederate leaders without displaying much subjective fervor. General Pendleton, however, had stumbled often enough in discharging his considerable responsibilities to earn straightforward mention of those gaffes in Freemans narrative. Freeman remarked in his private diary precisely what he thought of Pendleton in an entry dated December 8, 1939. He wrote of that days labors: Worked on that pompously-pathetic old fraud, Pendleton. An examination of the Southern artillery chiefs military career confirms the validity of Freemans judgment. The Pendleton patrimony ran back through a succession of notably distinguished Virginians of the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. The family had roots in Caroline County, just south of Fredericksburg, but William was born in Richmond on the day after Christmas 1809. Plans to secure an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy for a slightly older brother, Francis Walker Pendleton, foundered on the boys lack of interest. William went to West Point in Francis stead in June 1826. Higher education changes everyones life, but young Pendletons West Point years surely affected him even beyond the expected norms. Robert E. Lee and Joseph E. Johnston graduated a year ahead of Pendleton, which meant he spent three years with those later-famous individuals on the banks of the Hudson River. Jefferson Davis finished in the class just before Lee and Johnston. John B. Magruder, also destined for Confederate generalship, graduated with Pendleton in 1830; the two Virginians, who shared a Caroline County background, roomed together. The next younger class included Lucius B. Northrop and Andrew A. Humphreys; the former would serve as the Confederacys commissary general, while the latter became a Union corps commander. Pendletons youthful association with Lee seems to have been particularly pivotal to his military career. It is difficult to imagine the Episcopal clergyman of Pendletons later life having the chance to become Lees chief of artillery, and even harder (despite Lees characteristic loyalty) to envision the Confederate leader putting up with Pendletons repeated fumbling during the war except for their previous friendship. In addition, his youthful association with Jeff Davis also probably served the militarily maladroit Pendleton in his time of need. Pendleton coped quite capably with West Points rigorous curriculum. He stood seventh among 63 cadets at the end of his first year, advanced to third place at the end of each of the next two years, and finally ranked fifth among 42 graduates in the class of 1830. In that era, the U.S. Military Academy ranked cadets on conduct, based on demerits, across all four classes. Cadet Pendleton did not fare as well in conduct as he did academically. His standing in conduct dropped a bit each year: from 72nd in his first year to 74th, then 98th. At graduation he stood squarely in the middle of the West Point conduct register: 107th out of 215 cadets. During Pendletons third year, Robert E. Lee graduated with a rank of fifth in conductnot first, as has often has been reported. After graduation Brevet 2nd Lt. Pendleton, assigned to the 2nd U.S. Artillery, went on duty at Fort Moultrie in South Carolinas Charleston Harbor, where some of the Civil Wars opening shots would be fired three decades later. Within a few weeks of arriving in the swampy environs of Charleston, the freshly minted lieutenant became so seriously ill with a fever that the Army arranged his prompt transfer to a healthier zone, the arsenal at Augusta, Ga. Just a year after his graduation, Pendleton returned to West Point for a stint as an instructor in mathematics. In the fall of 1833, he resigned to accept a professorship in a small Episcopal College in Pennsylvania. The man destined to head the artillery of one of the most famous armies in American military history had accumulated only three years of experience before switching to a career as a pedagogue and cleric. He spent virtually none of that short early period with troops or in the field, and never saw any hint of action. After shedding his lieutenants frock coat and donning a surplice, William Nelson Pendleton saw nothing of military life for nearly 30 years. After five years of teaching in Pennsylvania and Delaware, Pendleton was ordained as an Episcopal priest. With that credential, he became principal of the new, and destined to become renowned, Episcopal High School of Virginia in Alexandria. Later he taught in Baltimore. For six years, beginning in 1847, he served as rector of All Saints Church in Frederick, Md. When Pendleton accepted a call to Lexington, Va., in 1853, he made his final relocation. For the next 30 years he would fill the Episcopal pulpit there, excepting only his stint in Confederate uniform. The post of Episcopal rector in Lexington proved wonderfully congenial to Pendleton. He doubtless shared the sentiment of his soon-to-be-famous fellow townsman, Thomas J. Jackson, who wrote in an 1852 letter: Of all places which have come under my observationthis little village is the most beautiful. As a leading figure in the Rockbridge County hierarchy, Parson Pendleton created a printed testimonial for a mathematics text written by the superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, joined the towns prestigious Franklin Society and even played a prominent role during an 1859 smallpox epidemic. From his cozy perch in Lexington, Pendleton also made something of a name for himself in pious circles. In an article titled The Philosophy of Dress, which appeared in the Southern Literary Messenger, a popular periodical, he called for a dress code based on dignitymoderationneatnessabove all of true penitence and celestial faith. In a substantial book (350 pages) issued by a major publisher, Science a Witness for the Bible, the Rev. Pendleton urged piety on the nation, else this entire planet shall one day be the funeral pile of all that is consumable. Devout Southerners embraced the book as well as its author. A visitor to Pendletons church on Christmas Eve 1860 marveled at the elegantly decorated sanctuary and credited the rector with having gained quite a hold upon the affections of the people of the village. When the Rev. Pendleton exchanged these peaceful scenes for an army commission a few months later, he brought no hint of military experience or prowess to his new undertaking. In the spring of 1861, his brief stint as a subaltern in the U.S. Army lay more than a quarter-century in the dim past. He parlayed that slender experience into the command of a local artillery company, the Rockbridge Artillery, as a captain on May 11. Two months later, six days before the First Battle of Manassas, Pendleton was commissioned as a colonel in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States. On July 2 he and his battery had performed capably at Falling Waters in a skirmish that seemed important in those innocent days. At Manassas, his artillery did well in supporting the command of fellow Lexingtonian, Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson. On March 26, 1862, Pendleton advanced to the rank of brigadier general. Nine weeks later, on the same day that Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia, he appointed Pendleton chief of that armys artillery. The wars first year, however, had begun to expose Pendletons rigidity and pompous outlook, perhaps a natural extension of decades of speaking as Gods representative without anyone to contradict him. In one revealing episode, Colonel Pendleton wrote to General Joseph E. Johnston on New Years Day 1862 insisting that the camp correspondent of the Richmond Dispatch, who wrote under the nom de plume Bohemian, obviously was a cunning spy & villain. Those articles, Pendleton believed, included so much accurate detail that they can hardly mean anything else. Johnston had the good sense to ignore this paranoid judgment. Bohemian in fact was the irreproachable Dr. William G. Shepperson, whose patriotic book War Songs of the South, issued soon thereafter, became a Confederate favorite. In similar high-handed spirit, Pendleton reacted to the accidental food poisoning suffered by members of a Georgia battery by presuming there had been some sort of conspiracy and arresting the Virginia farmer who had supplied the men with tainted milk, together with his entire family and slaves. Fortunately, two days later a judge in Petersburg, Va., quickly acquitted the farmer, as well as the women, children and the servants. The Seven Days battles around Richmond brought Pendleton neither shining accolades nor any serious criticism. Two days after the debacle at Malvern Hill, an artillery mule kicked the general viciously in the leg, seriously injuring him and by one account breaking a bone. Lee responded to Pendletons absence by ignoring rank and succession and directly issuing orders for artillery movements to the brilliant, though still low-graded, Lt. Col. E. Porter Alexander. It was not the last time Lee would assign artillery roles to Alexander out of proportion to his rank. By that time the commanding general must have been aware that Alexander constituted a monumental upgrade over Pendleton. The fact that Pendleton wasnt up to his assignment seemed obvious to the men in the ranks. A steady stream of complaints from soldiers about his military performance began early in the war and continued unabated. A Georgia soldier wrote of the general with unbridled scorn in 1862 diary entries: Gen. Pendleton displayed an utter want of confidence & fearlessnessit was an absolute disgrace to the army.[Pendleton] succumbed like a whipped puppy. When Pendleton heard mutterings that I had shrunk from my post and gone to the rear, he assiduously tracked them back to an artillery major, then complained bitterly about the rumors in a long letter to Stonewall Jackson. The battlefield failure most often connected with General Pendleton concerns the affair at Shepherdstown, Va., on September 19, 1862. Lee assigned his artillery chief the apparently easy task of defending the Potomac River crossings after the army returned to Virginia following the Battle of Sharpsburg. As early as the 17th, with the main battle still raging, Lee had directed that Pendleton defend the crossings with artillery and some infantry with it if possible. But the commanding general also asked that whatever artillery could be spared should be sent to Sharpsburg. On the 19th, with the Potomac behind his army, Lee instructed Pendleton to hold the river line until nightfall, and overnight if not pressed. Major General J.E.B. Stuarts chief of staff described the strength of Pendletons commanding position in a letter written the following week: Pendleton had some guns on the tremendous cliff overlooking the Ford, which is a very bad & rough one. Despite that strategic position, Pendleton lost track of his forces and lost control of the situation. Entirely unfamiliar with infantry operations, and primarily an artillery bureaucrat instead of a fighting artillerist, the minister-artillerist (as Douglas Freeman called him in describing the fiasco) panicked. Pendleton assumed that all had been lost. He headed disconsolately rearward, finally reaching Lees headquarters past midnight. In Pendletons own crestfallen words, Lee was of course disturbed. A member of Lees staff who had been aroused by the hubbub described Pendletons report much more vividly: The first announcement was, that the enemy had taken the heights, and captured ALL of the guns. All, said the General. Yes, General, I fear, all. This announcement lifted me right off my blanket, and I moved away, fearful I might betray my feelings. To the aides amazement, however, Lee exhibited no temper, made no reproach. To everyones relief, the staff officer concluded, the gallantry of an unnamed subordinate officer had saved the command, and [Pendleton] had been premature in his report. But before the true state of affairs became known in Lees camp, the army seemed in imminent peril. A member of General D.H. Hills staff saw Lee pacing restlessly before his tent and showing great agitation during the crisis, and said of the commanding general, I never saw a man more confused. Before the extent of Pendletons exaggeration could be ascertained, Lee sent a worried dispatch to Jefferson Davis in Richmond on the morning of the 20th: From General Pendletons report after midnight, I fear much of his reserve artillery has been captured. I am now obliged to return to Shepherdstown. Obviously discomfited, Pendleton wrote an immensely detailed apologia by way of an official report. It runs longer than Jacksons report for his entire corps, nearly twice as long as Lt. Gen. James Longstreets, and nearly as long as Lees. Pendletons pleading tone and flowery language at best sound embarrassed to a modern ear. Despite Lees magnificent poise in the face of apparent disaster, his chagrin over Pendletons ineptitude is apparent in the wording of a letter he wrote two weeks later. In directing Pendleton to a routine position well away from danger, Lee explained punctiliously, you will still be accessible to the points I have named, and perfectly safe by exercising care and attention. Having heard that Pendletons health remained indifferent, Lee told his subordinate that relaxation might benefit you, and also suggested he might want to take a furlough for health reasons. In a letter to his wife about the disaster, Pendleton displayed astonishing, and utterly inaccurate, optimism about the armys reaction. Although the letter hints at some personal embarrassment, the general insisted: No blame that I ever heard of is attached to me by any body. On the contrary, it is felt, I think, that with the means at my disposal, a great deal was accomplished. Another letter home a few weeks later, however, suggests that the general may have come to recognize his own incapacity in the field. In it he enjoined his wife and family to join me in special prayer for divine guidanceas to what God would have me do. May not my mission as a soldier have been fulfilled in two campaigns? May it not be my sacred dutyto resume exclusively the sword of the Spirit? Other Confederate officers freely expressed their scorn at the artillery chiefs plight. Pendleton was dreadfully stampeded and almost in tears, one of Jacksons staff wrote. A Virginia cavalry colonel described Pendleton as all day being in the rear in a well sheltered place, and entirely out of danger. A bright Virginia artillery captain wrote tartly that his chief had managedto lose four pieces. One witness to Pendletons fumbling battlefield efforts drew wide attention when he disgustedly described the affair in a Richmond newspaper a few weeks later. The artillery chief, he wrote: withdrew in confusion, losing four guns. Gen. P. thought he had lost almost all his guns, but such was not the case.Gen. P., it seems, retreated without sufficient cause. A rejoinder in the same paper under the pen name Justiceapparently Pendleton himselfoffered a complicated and wordy defense, complaining of ten hours stern endurance, without food, water or respite. The controversy subsequently degenerated into mutterings throughout the army, but also in at least one official Court of Inquiry. No difficulty equivalent to the Shepherdstown affair befell Pendleton through the rest of the war, mostly because he was thereafter relegated almost exclusively to bureaucratic roles. It is tempting to assign Pendleton part of the blame for the Confederate artillerys failure to bring converging fire on the Federals fishhook line at Gettysburg. Such firean artillerists idealmight have offset to some degree the tremendous Northern advantage of compact interior lines; it surely ought to have been attempted vigorously, at a minimum. An energetic chief of artillery responsibly discharging his tactical duties would have undertaken such an attempt. But Pendleton simply did not function in any such capacity on the battlefield. In the winter of 1863-64, rumors spread that Lee had decided to replace Pendleton as chief of artillery, and had even picked out a suitable candidate. Colonel Thomas H. Carter, one of the smartest gunners in the army and among the highest ranking, told his wife: It would be an advantage to the Artillery of this Army should he do so. The brilliant Maj. Gen. Robert E. Rodes wrote of a premium on imbecility in the armys artillery. Although Carter did not specify Pendleton, he obviously could not have been referring to the bright young cadre of Confederate gunners. Early in 1864, Lee decided to send Pendleton west on detached duty to inspect the artillery of the Army of Tennessee. It is hard to avoid speculation that Lee embraced the idea as a means to be rid of his inept artillery chief. The send them elsewhere solution to personnel problems always appealed to Lee, and he had a stable of superb gunners at hand in Virginia. Confederate Adjutant and Inspector General Samuel Cooper issued the orders on March 6, but Pendleton apparently did not wish to go. After the artillery chief had dragged his feet for a full month, Cooper reissued the edict, adding a stern without delay. Back in Virginia, Pendleton (perhaps still irked by the spring orders) engaged in a snarling match with Cooper. When he visited the War Department in Richmond, Pendleton had not met with the cordial acceptance befitting his rank, he complained in a letter to Cooper. The exclusive & extremely invidious obstruction placed at the door of your Dept. subjected the general to the indignity of seeking admittance through permission circuitously obtained. Cooper wrote on the back of that missive, I cannot permit myself to reply to so intemperate & insubordinate a letter as this. Widespread recognition of the generals military shortcomings probably affected the soldiers response to his preaching. Some enlisted men who heard Pendleton late in the war remained impressednoble and dignified one auditor observedbut others scorned even his performance in the pulpit. A First Corps staffer described him as a stupid old useless fool. Robert E. Lees chief of staff reportedly felt sorry when he heard officers make Pendleton the butt of jokes. After the war, again serving as Lexingtons Episcopal rector, Pendleton joined most other former Confederates in a scramble for some kind of livelihood. He and his wife took in paying boarders to help balance a sparse budget. A local investigator for R.G. Dun & Co. (predecessor of the familiar modern credit-rating firm, Dun & Bradstreet), assessed Pendletons status as: Pays v[er]y badly but occupies high social positionpoor & proud.always Hard Up. Pendletons public image suffered even more following the war, were that possible. During the postwar controversies of the late 1870s, he said things that were palpably untruethough perhaps due to senility rather than dishonesty. For instance, he blamed James Longstreet for ignoring a direct order from Lee to attack at dawn on July 2 at Gettysburg, a wholly fabricated assertion. The parsons friends found it impossible to defend him, and his detractors ratcheted up their disdain. After his death on January 15, 1883, most former Confederates remembered him without favor. One of the armys last surviving battalion commanders, Colonel David G. McIntosh, wrote of him early in the 20th century, He and his ponderous staff was regarded in the army as a sort of joke. In his later years, however, Parson Pendleton kept his eye fixed on the immortal prize. Not long before he died, he wrote to Jefferson Davis that there could be no enduring good government in America until the dawn of a far more thorough and prevailing influence of the blessed gospel. Following his death, Pendletons vestry paid glowing tribute to his religious career: The last day, and almost the last hour, of his earthly existence found him still employed in the active service of his Divine Master, and he fell, as he desired to do, with his Christian armor on. For more about William Nelson Pendleton, go to Resources, P. 71 of the June 2008 issue of Civil War Times. It was a grim errand that sent Abraham Lincoln hurrying toward Alton, Illinois, early on the morning of September 22, 1842. At Alton, he would cross the Mississippi River to a small island over the Missouri border-Bloody Island. There, he would prepare himself to kill or be killed in a saber duel to the death. The idea of Lincoln fighting a duel begs a burning question for the perennial speculator, the intensely curious sort of history aficionado who wonders what might have happened if Major General George Meade had pursued the Army of Northern Virginia after the Battle of Gettysburg, or if Lieutenant General Thomas Stonewall Jackson had survived his wounds at Chancellorsville. The question is this: What if Abraham Lincoln had been killed by a saber slash in 1842? It could have happened by the hand of 36-year-old James Shields if events had gone differently on September 22, 1842. Before circumstances turned Shields and Lincoln into mortal enemies, the two politicians had had a peaceable, professional relationship. They had been in the Illinois state legislature together, Lincoln having won election as a Whig in 1834, and Shields, as a Democrat in 1836. Illinois had an enormous debt in the late 1830s and early 1840s, and the legislature had its hands full just keeping the government operating. In 1837, as the state bank teetered on the brink of collapse, Whigs and Democrats fought over what to do. Lincoln and Shields, however, were able to negotiate a compromise that saved the banks. On one key issue of the timebuilding new infrastructure such as railroads and other public worksthe Whig party wanted private corporations to own the facilities. Democrats favored state ownership. Shields, though faced with heavy pressure from his party, often supported private ownership. So, despite party differences on major issues, Shields and Lincoln often managed to land on the same side of the final vote. When the state bank defaulted in 1842, however, there was no such camaraderie. Shields, now the state auditor, aligned with the states governor and treasurer to adopt a policy in which the state would refuse to accept its own paper money as payment of taxes and other debts. Lincoln cleverly assailed this sitting duck of a policy, simultaneously striking a blow at the Illinois Democratic party in general and at Shields in particular. In a letter to the editor of the Sangamo Journal published in the paper on September 2, 1842, Lincoln presented a polemic designed to embarrass Shields. He chose the Journal as his forum because he had fairly free rein in the papers columns; editor Simeon Francis was friendly to him and sympathetic to his views. Mrs. Francis had even opened her home as a rendezvous for Lincoln and his future wife, Mary Todd. Lincoln offered up some pungent prose in his letter to the editor. He began with an earthy character, Jeff, complaining to the rough-hewn but shrewd Rebecca: Ive been tugging ever since harvest getting out wheat and hauling it to the river, to raise State Bank paper enough to pay my tax this year, and a little school debt I owe; and now just as Ive got it, lo and behold, I find a set of fellows calling themselves officers of State, have forbidden to receive State paper at all; and so here it is, dead on my hands. When Rebecca identifies Shields as one of the officers of state and reads aloud from his declaration against accepting state money, Jeff explodes. I sayit-is-a-lie. It grins out like a copper dollar. Shields is a fool as well as a liar. With him truth is out of the question. Lincoln went on to deride his adversary on the social scene, with Jeff recalling Shields at a recent fair attended by the eligible women of Springfield. His very features, in the ecstatic agony of his soul, spoke audibly and distinctlyDear girls, it is distressing, but I cannot marry you all. Too well I know how much you suffer; but do, do remember, it is not my fault that I am so handsome and so interesting. The letter ended with an appeal to the editor: let your readers know who and what these officers of State are. It may help to send the present hypocritical set to where they belong and to fill the places they now disgrace with men who will do more for less pay. Lincoln signed it Rebecca. Before sending the letter to the Journal, Lincoln showed it to Mary Todd and her friend Julia Jayne. The two women had a grand time helping Lincoln sharpen his barbs. They apparently got carried away with excitement of the situation; later, they picked up where Lincoln left off and wrote a letter of their own, a feeble aping of Lincolns cutting wit that ended with a derisive verse signed Cathleen. Shields was an amusing if volatile target for taunting. Lincolns future presidential secretaries John Nicolay and John Hay, both familiar with the Illinois capital and its characters, described him as a man of inordinate vanity, an irresistible mark for satire. Shieldss law partner, Gustave Koerner, said, He was exceedingly vain and very ambitious, and like most ambitious men, on occasions, quite egotistical In his manner he was peculiar, not to say eccentric. Needless to say, Shields was incensed by the Rebecca letter. In an effort to get to the bottom of the situation, Shields asked Francis for Rebeccas true identity. Francis responded, as Lincoln had instructed him, that it was Lincoln. Lincoln, of course, had had help, but apparently he wanted to keep Mary Todd out of it. If the reason for that protective measure was not obvious at the time, it would become so on November 4, 1842, when he married her. On finding the source of his public humiliation, Shields, emotionally wounded and furious, had a menacing note hand-delivered to Lincoln in Tremont on September 17. I have become the object of slander, vituperation and personal abuse, Shields wrote. Only a full retraction may prevent consequences which no one will regret more than myself. Lincoln discussed the predicament with his friends Dr. Elias Merryman, a Springfield physician, and William Butler, the clerk of Sangamon County Court, and decided not to retract his pointed words. Shields was not appeased and again demanded absolute retraction. Lincoln refused, suggesting that Shields take back his hand-delivered letter and submit one that was more gentlemanly. There would be no further negotiation. Shields challenged Lincoln to a duel. As the party who had been challenged, Lincoln got to set the fights conditions. He did so on September 19 in a letter that demonstrated a personal trait that historian Gary Wills has described as letting nonsense work itself out to its own demise. First, Lincoln selected cavalry broad sword of the largest size rather than pistols as the dueling weapons. I did not want to kill Shields and felt sure I could disarm him, he later wrote, adding, I didnt want the d-d fellow to kill me, which I think he would have done if we had selected pistols. Next, Lincoln prescribed conditions so advantageous to himself that his opponent would be forced to write off the martial affair as a lost cause. He ordered a plank ten feet long, and from nine to twelve inches abroad, to be firmly fixed on edge, on the ground, as the line between us, which neither is to pass his foot over upon forfeit of his life. Such unusual conditions would allow Lincoln to take advantage of his superior reach; Shields was only five feet, nine inches tall, while Lincoln soared to six feet, four inches. Once again Lincoln had underestimated Shields. Shields was an ambitious, perseverant man, and his professional experience proved that. He had been a state legislator and now was the state auditor. He had been in the Black Hawk War, and during the Mexican War and Civil War, he would serve as a brigadier general. In the 1840s and 1850s he would win elections to the U.S. Senatefirst representing Illinois, then Minnesota, then Missouri. In Minnesota, he would found a town and name it Shieldsville. Such a driven and determined man fights stubbornly over his reputation. Stubbornness was only one of the characteristics that led Shields to the dueling field in September 1842. He also had courage in the face of death. During the Mexican War, he would take a bullet in the chest at the Battle of Cerro Gordo. After surgery and nine weeks of recuperation, he would return to command. This was clearly not a man who would run away from a fight to the death. So, on September 22, 1842, Shields left Illinois, where dueling was illegal, for Missouri, where it was allowed. He walked ashore onto Bloody Island ready to kill Lincoln or be killed by him. Fortunately for Shields and Lincoln, shared friends John J. Hardin, a relative of Mary Todd, and Dr. R.W. English sped to the duel scene-at least as much as anyone could speed in a small boat in 1842-and pleaded with the would-be combatants to let bygones be bygones. It was a truly desperate attempt to bring peace, but it worked. The duel was cancelled. Though the incident ended without violence, Lincoln avoided talking about it, preferring to forget it ever happened. In a letter written on December 9, 1865, Mary Lincoln recalled that an army officer visiting the White House asked her husband, Is it truethat you once went out, to fight a duel and all for the sake of the lady by your side? Lincoln replied, I do not deny it, but if you desire my friendship, you will never mention it again. Despite his bad experience with heavy-handed sarcasm, Lincoln did not retire his acerbic wit. Stephen A. Douglas, Lincolns Democratic opponent in the 1858 election for one of Illinoiss seats in the U.S. Senate, learned that firsthand. Lincoln roasted Douglas to a crisp during a debate in Charleston on September 18, and that display was not a one-time happening. Major General George B. McClellan, who received many kind words from Lincoln early in the Civil War, also knew the sting of Lincolns sarcasm. Annoyed by McClellans slowness in attacking Confederate armies in Virginia in late 1861 and early 1862, Lincoln referred to McClellans massive Army of the Potomac as McClellans bodyguard. He remarked that if McClellan did not care to use his army for fighting, he would like to borrow it. Lincoln never again got tangled up in the makings of a duel. Shields, on the other hand, found himself involved in such proceedings in 1850, when on behalf of Democratic Congressman William H. Bissell, he presented the acceptance of a challenge to a duel issued by future Confederate president Jefferson Davis. But he immediately set to work settling the matter without violence. He was successful. Lincoln and Shields apparently settled their differences, or at least agreed to disagree. During the Civil War, Shields was nominated for the rank of brigadier general in the Union army. Final approval fell to the president-Lincoln. He approved. With that move some 20 years after the duel that was not, Lincoln publicly buried the cavalry broadsword. This article was written by Louis Vargo and originally published in the February 2002 issue of Civil War Times Magazine. For more great articles, be sure to subscribe to Civil War Times magazine today! The announcement of an upcoming Womans Rights Convention in the Seneca County Courier was small, but it attracted Charlotte Woodwards attention. On the morning of July 19, 1848, the 19-year-old glove maker drove in a horse-drawn wagon to the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in the upstate New York town of Seneca Falls. To her surprise, Woodward found dozens of other women and a group of men waiting to enter the chapel, all of them as eager as she to learn what a discussion of the social, civil, and religious rights of women might produce. The convention was the brainchild of 32-year-old Elizabeth Cady Stanton, daughter of Margaret and Judge Daniel Cady and wife of Henry Stanton, a noted abolitionist politician. Born in Johnstown, New York, Cady Stanton demonstrated both an intellectual bent and a rebellious spirit from an early age. Exposed to her fathers law books as well as his conservative views on women, she objected openly to the legal and educational disadvantages under which women of her day labored. In 1840 she provoked her father by marrying Stanton, a handsome, liberal reformer and further defied convention by deliberately omitting the word obey from her wedding vows. Marriage to Henry Stanton brought Elizabeth Cady Stantonshe insisted on retaining her maiden nameinto contact with other independent-minded women. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon at the World Anti-Slavery Convention in London where, much to their chagrin, women delegates were denied their seats and deprived of a voice in the proceedings. Banished to a curtained visitors gallery, the seven women listened in stunned silence as the London credentials committee charged that they were constitutionally unfit for public and business meetings. It was an insult Cady Stanton never forgot. Among the delegates was Lucretia Coffin Mott, a liberal Hicksite Quaker preacher and an accomplished public speaker in the American abolitionist movement, who was also disillusioned by the lack of rights granted women. A mother of six, Mott had grown up on Nantucket Island, so thoroughly imbued with womens rights, she later admitted, that it was the most important question of my life from a very early age. In Mott, Cady Stanton found both an ally and a role model. When I first heard from her lips that I had the same right to think for myself that Luther, Calvin and John Knox had, she recalled, and the same right to be guided by my own convictions . . . I felt a new born sense of dignity and freedom. The two women became fast friends and talked about the need for a convention to discuss womens emancipation. Eight years passed, however, before they fulfilled their mutual goal. For the first years of her marriage, Cady Stanton settled happily into middle-class domestic life, first in Johnstown and subsequently in Boston, then the hub of reformist activity. She delighted in being part of her husbands stimulating circle of reformers and intellectuals and gloried in motherhood; over a 17-year period she bore seven children. In 1847, however, the Stantons moved to Seneca Falls, a small, remote farming and manufacturing community in New Yorks Finger Lakes district. After Boston, life in Seneca Falls with its routine household duties seemed dull to Cady Stanton, and she renewed her protest against the conditions that limited womens lives. My experience at the World Anti-provided the opportunity to take action. On July 13 Cady Stanton received an invitation to a tea party at the home of Jane and Richard Hunt, wealthy Quakers living in Waterloo, New York, just three miles west of Seneca Falls. There she again met Mott, her younger sister, Martha Coffin Wright, and Mary Ann McClintock, wife of the Waterloo Hicksite Quaker minister. At tea, Cady Stanton poured out to the group the torrent of my long-accumulating discontent. Then and there, they decided to schedule a womens convention for the following week. Hoping to attract a large audience, they placed an unsigned notice in the Courier, advertising Lucretia Mott as the featured speaker. Near panic gripped the five feminists as they gathered around the McClintocks parlor table the following Sunday morning. They had only three days to set an agenda and prepare a document for the inauguration of a rebellion. Supervised by Cady Stanton, they drafted a Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, paraphrasing the Declaration of Independence. The document declared that, all men and women are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights These natural rights belong equally to women and men, but man has usurped the prerogative of Jehovah himself, claiming it as his right to assign for her a sphere of action, when that belongs to her conscience and to her God. The result has been the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. There followed a specific catalog of injustices. Women were denied access to higher education, the professions, and the pulpit, as well as equal pay for equal work. If married, they had no property rights; even the wages they earned legally belonged to their husbands. Women were subject to a different moral code, yet legally bound to tolerate moral delinquencies in their husbands. Wives could be punished, and in a case of divorce, a mother had no child custody rights. In every way, man has endeavored to destroy [womans] confidence in her own powers, to lessen her self-esteem, and to make her willing to lead a dependent and abject life. Above all, every woman had been deprived of her inalienable right to the elective franchise. Eleven resolutions demanding redress of these and other grievances accompanied the nearly 1,000 word Declaration. When Cady Stanton insisted upon including a resolution favoring voting rights for women, her otherwise supportive husband threatened to boycott the event. Even Lucretia Mott warned her, Why Lizzie, thee will make us ridiculous! Lizzie, however, refused to yield. Although the gathering was a convention for and of women, it was regarded as unseemly for a lady to conduct a public meeting, so Lucretias husband, James Mott, agreed to chair the two-day event. Mary Ann McClintocks husband, Thomas, also participated. Henry Stanton left town. When the organizers arrived at the Wesleyan Chapel on the morning of Wednesday, July 19th, they found the door locked. No one had a key, so Cady Stantons young nephew scrambled in through an open window and unbarred the front door. As the church filled with spectators, another dilemma presented itself. The first days sessions had been planned for women exclusively, but almost 40 men showed up. After a hasty council at the altar, the leadership decided to let the men stay, since they were already seated and seemed genuinely interested. Tall and dignified in his Quaker garb, James Mott called the first session to order at 11:00 A.M., and appointed the McClintocks older daughter (also named Mary Ann) as secretary. Cady Stanton, in what was her first public speech, rose to state the purpose of the convention. We have met here today to discuss our rights and wrongs, civil and political. She then read the Declaration, paragraph by paragraph, and urged all present to participate freely in the discussions. The Declaration was re-read several times, amended, and adopted unanimously. Both Lucretia Mott and Cady Stanton addressed the afternoon session, as did the McClintocks younger daughter, Elizabeth. To lighten up the proceedings, Mott read a satirical article on womans sphere that her sister Martha had published in local newspapers. Later that evening, Mott spoke to a broader audience on The Progress of Reforms. The second days sessions were given over to the 11 resolutions. As Mott feared, the most contentious proved to be the ninththe suffrage resolution. The other 10 passed unanimously. According to Cady Stantons account, most who opposed this resolution did so because they believed it would compromise the others. She, however, remained adamant. To have drunkards, idiots, horse racing rum-selling rowdies, ignorant foreigners, and silly boys fully recognized, while we ourselves are thrust out from all the rights that belong to citizens, is too grossly insulting to be longer quietly submitted to. The right is ours. We must have it. Even Cady Stantons eloquence would not have carried the day but for the vocal support she received from Frederick Douglass, the ex-slave and abolitionist editor of the North Star. Right is of no sex, he argued; woman is justly entitled to all we claim for man. After much heated debate, the ninth resolution passedbarely. Thomas McClintock presided over the final session on Thursday evening, during which he read extracts from Sir William Blackstones Commentaries on the Laws of England that described the status of women in English common law. Short speeches by young Mary Ann McClintock and Frederick Douglass followed the reading of a poem by Cady Stanton, which was in reply to a pastoral letter signed by the Lords of Creation. Lucretia Mott closed the meeting with an appeal to action and one additional resolution of her own: The speedy success of our cause depends upon the zealous and untiring efforts of both men and women, for the overthrow of the monopoly of the pulpit, and for securing to women of equal participation with men in the various trades, professions, and commerce. It, too, passed unanimously. GET HISTORYS GREATEST TALESRIGHT IN YOUR INBOX Subscribe to our Historynet Now! newsletter for the best of the past, delivered every Wednesday. Close Thank you for subscribing! In all, some 300 people attended the Seneca Falls Convention. The majority were ordinary folk like Charlotte Woodward. Most had sat through 18 hours of speeches, debates, and readings. One hundred of them68 women (including Woodward) and 32 mensigned the final draft of the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. Womens rights as a separate reform movement had been born. Press coverage was surprisingly broad and generally venomous, particularly on the subject of female suffrage. Philadelphias Public Ledger and Daily Transcript declared that no lady would want to vote. A woman is nobody. A wife is everything. The ladies of Philadelphia, . . . are resolved to maintain their rights as Wives, Belles, Virgins and Mothers. According to the Albany Mechanics Advocate, equal rights would demoralize and degrade [women] from their high sphere and noble destiny, . . . and prove a monstrous injury to all mankind. The New York Herald published the entire text of the Seneca Falls Declaration, calling it amusing, but conceding that Lucretia Mott would make a better President than some of those who have lately tenanted the White House. The only major paper to treat the event seriously was the liberal editor Horace Greeleys New York Tribune. Greeley found the demand for equal political rights improper, yet however unwise and mistaken the demand, it is but the assertion of a natural right and as such must be conceded. Stung by the public outcry, many original signers begged to have their names removed from the Declaration. Our friends gave us the cold shoulder, and felt themselves disgraced by the whole proceeding, complained Cady Stanton. Many women sympathized with the conventions goals, but feared the stigma attached to attending any future meetings. I am with you thoroughly, said the wife of Senator William Seward, but I am a born coward. There is nothing I dread more than Mr. Sewards ridicule. But Cady Stanton saw opportunity in public criticism. Imagine the publicity given our ideas by thus appearing in a widely circulated sheet like the Herald! she wrote to Mott. It will start women thinking, and men, too. She drafted lengthy responses to every negative newspaper article and editorial, presenting the reformers side of the issue to the readers. Mott sensed her younger colleagues future role. Thou art so wedded to this cause, she told Cady Stanton, that thou must expect to act as pioneer in the work. News of the Seneca Falls Convention spread rapidly and inspired a spate of regional womens rights meetings. Beginning with a follow-up meeting two weeks later in Rochester, New York, all subsequent womens rights forums featured female chairs. New England abolitionist Lucy Stone organized the first national convention, held in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1850. Like Cady Stanton, Stone saw the connection between black emancipation and female emancipation. When criticized for including womens rights in her anti-slavery speeches, Stone countered: I was a woman before I was an abolitionistI must speak for the women. Quaker reformer Susan B. Anthony joined the womens rights movement in 1852. She had heard about the Seneca Falls Convention, of course; her parents and sister had attended the 1848 Rochester meeting. Initially, however, she deemed its goals of secondary importance to temperance and anti-slavery. All that changed in 1851 when she met Cady Stanton, with whom she formed a life-long political partnership. Bound to the domestic sphere by her growing family, Cady Stanton wrote articles, speeches and letters; Anthony, who never married, traveled the country lecturing and organizing womens rights associations. As Cady Stanton later put it, I forged the thunderbolts and she fired them. In time, Susan B. Anthonys name became synonymous with womens rights. Womens rights conventions were held annually until the Civil War, drawing most of their support from the abolitionist and temperance movements. After the war, feminist leaders split over the exclusion of women from legislation enfranchising black men. Abolitionists argued that it was the Negros Hour, and inclusion of female suffrage would jeopardize passage of the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which enfranchised ex-slaves. Feeling betrayed by their old allies, Cady Stanton and Anthony opposed the Fifteenth Amendment. Their protest alienated the more cautious wing of the movement and produced two competing suffrage organizations. In 1869, Lucy Stone, Julia Ward Howewell known as the author of the Battle Hymn of the Republicand others formed the moderate American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA), while Cady Stanton, Anthony, Martha Wright and the radical faction founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA). Lucretia Mott, now an elderly widow, sought in vain to reconcile the two camps. Both organizations sought political equality for women, but the more radical NWSA actively promoted issues beyond suffrage. Guided by the original Seneca Falls Resolutions, the NWSA demanded an end to all laws and practices that discriminated against women and called for divorce law reform, equal pay, access to higher education and the professions, reform of organized religion, and a total rethinking of what constituted womans sphere. Cady Stanton spoke about womens sexuality in public, and condemned the Victorian double standard that forced wives to endure drunken, brutal and licentious husbands. Anthony countenancedand occasionally practicedcivil disobedience; in 1872 she was arrested for illegally casting a ballot in the presidential election. By the time the two rival organizations merged in 1890 to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), much had been accomplished. Many states had enacted laws granting married women property rights, equal guardianship over children, and the legal standing to make contracts and bring suit. Nearly one-third of college students were female, and 19 states allowed women to vote in local school board elections. In two western territoriesWyoming and Utahwomen voted on an equal basis with men. But full suffrage nationwide remained stubbornly out of reach. The NAWSA commenced a long state-by-state battle for the right to vote. NAWSAs first two presidents were Cady Stanton and Anthony, both now in their seventies. Old age did not mellow either one of them, especially Cady Stanton. Ever the rebel, she criticized NAWSAs narrow-mindedness, and viewed with increasing suspicion its newly acquired pious prohibitionist allies. NAWSAs membership should include all types and classes, races and creeds, and resist the evangelical infiltrators who sought to mute the larger agenda of womens emancipation. Cady Stanton had long advocated reform of organized religion. The chief obstacle in the way of womans elevation today, she wrote, is the degrading position assigned her in the religion of all countries. Whenever women tried to enlarge their divinely ordained sphere, the all-male clerical establishment condemned them for violating Gods law. Using the Scriptures to justify womens inferior status positively galled her. In 1895, she published The Womans Bible, a critical commentary on the negative image of women in the Old and New Testaments. Even Anthony thought she had gone too far this time, and could do little to prevent conservative suffragists from venting their wrath. During the annual convention of NAWSA, both the book and its author were publicly censured. Henceforth, mainstream suffragists would downplay Cady Stantons historic role, preferring to crown Susan B. Anthony as the elder stateswoman of the movement. Elizabeth Cady Stanton died in 1902 at the age of 83, and Susan B. Anthony in 1906 at 86. By then a new generation of suffrage leaders emergedyounger, better educated, and less restricted to the domestic sphere. The now respectable middle-class leadership of NAWSA adopted a social feminist stance, arguing that women were, in fact, different from men, and therefore needed the vote in order to apply their special qualities to the political problems of the nation. However, more militant suffragists, among them Quaker agitator Alice Paul and Cady Stantons daughter, Harriot Stanton Blatch, continued to insist upon womens absolute equality. They demanded a federal suffrage amendment as a necessary first step to achieving equal rights. Victory on the voting rights issue came in the wake of World War I. Impressed by the suffragists participation in the war effort, Congress passed what came to be known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment in 1919. Following state ratification a year later, it enfranchised American women nationwide in the form of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution. It had been 72 years since that daring call for female voting rights was issued at the Seneca Falls Convention. On November 2, 1920, 91-year-old Charlotte Woodward Pierce went to the polls in Philadelphia, the only signer of the Seneca Falls Declaration who lived long enough to cast her ballot in a presidential election. Constance B. Rynder is a professor of history at the University of Tampa, and specializes in womens history. SERVED UNDER JOHN PAUL JONES My grandfather, Lt. William Seach, was a flesh-and-blood hero to all of us grandchildren growing up. An emigrant from England with a third-grade education, he gained his citizenship by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. One of his favorite stories was of serving under John Paul Jones, a feat he accomplished by jumping beneath the Admirals coffin as it was lowered to the deck of the U.S. Navy vessel on which young Seaman Seach served. The picture of John Paul Jones on the cover of your July/August 1997 issue caught my eye, and I nearly shouted out loud in the library when I spotted my grandfather marching briskly along and seeming to look directly into the camera in the photograph on page 33 (also pictured below). He is walking just behind the right rear wheel of the wagon. My grandfather was a small man in stature but a giant in courage. He went up through the ranks, winning the Congressional Medal of Honor in the Boxer Rebellions Peking Relief Expedition in 1900, and retired for medical reasons, a full lieutenant, after surviving the torpedoing of the troopship USS President Lincoln in World War I. Theodore Roosevelt said to him in his White House office, I would rather have won a Congressional Medal of Honor than be President! But though he met many presidents, my grandfathers greatest honor was the elementary school named after him in Weymouth, Massachusetts, the William Seach School. Boppie, the name all of us grandchildren called him, now rests in Arlington Cemetery. He died at 101 years of age, the oldest Medal of Honor winner alive, still sharp as a tack mentally when his body gave up the struggle in 1978. I still miss him. Thank you for one more glimpse. Steve Donovan Hanover, Massachusetts Where No Railroad Had Gone Before In this issue we welcome author Stephen E. Ambrose back to our pages. When this magazine started out as American History Illustrated way back in April 1966, Ambrose was one of the magazines associate editors (as well as an associate professor of history at Johns Hopkins University). In the years since, he has become one of the countrys best-known historians and, as anyone who has read D-Day, Citizen Soldiers, Undaunted Courage, or any of his other books knows, one of the finest. His latest work is Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad, 1863-1865. As the books title indicates, building the transcontinental railroad was an unprecedented achievement. It required massive infusions of capital, monumental amounts of man-hours, tons of steel and blasting powder, and a great deal of blood, sweat, and tears. In its engineering challenges and costand its sheer audacitythe railroad can be compared to the effort the nation expended to put men on the moon a century later. It even had a similar competitive elementwhere we were racing the Soviet Union to the moon in the 1960s, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific were racing to lay down the most track. Yet after Apollo 11 reached the moon in 1969, the nation gave a collective shrug and turned its attention elsewhere. For many Americans the moon landing was a stunt, little more. The railroads impact was on a different level; it helped tie the nation together. As Ambrose points out in his book, before the railroad opened in 1869 it took people months to travel from New York to San Francisco, at a cost of up to $1,000. But less than a week after the pounding of the Golden Spike, a man or woman could go from New York to San Francisco in seven days, Ambrose writes. In the summer of 1869 a first-class ticket for that trip cost $150. Its astonishing to look back at the rise of the railroads. In 1865 the country had about 35,000 miles of rails. By 1916 that number had soared to 254,000 miles. The rails were a transforming force, for good and ill. Towns sprung up alongside them in what had been empty deserts. As railroads appeared across the globe, the world shrank. Because of railroads and the speed of the trains, the nations of the world began dividing up the planet into recognized time zones. Farmers could now sell their crops in distant cities. Today, railroads are less of a vital force in this country, but they remain a strong element in American folklore, which is filled with stories of the Iron Horse, ill-fated engineer Casey Jones, lonesome whistles echoing down the tracks, and outlaws looking to pull off a great train robbery. Theres also something relentless, like the force of history itself, about the movement of the rails westward. But as Ambrose demonstrates in his book, it took a tremendous amount of people to put that seemingly inexorable force in motion. Some of their namessuch as the Big Four of Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford, Collis P. Huntington, and Mark Hopkinsare remembered today. Far more of themthe Irish and Chinese who labored day after day to put those rails down through harsh desert, blast tunnels through the unyielding rock, and build fantastic trestle bridges over deep gorgesare faceless and nameless today. Nonetheless, they too literally made history. Tom Huntington, Editor, American History Tired, hungry and proud, the black soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry stood in the light of the setting sun and awaited the call to battle on the evening of July 18, 1863. The air was filled with the rumble of big guns, and the very ground on Morris Island, South Carolina, trembled beneath their feet. The regiments baptism of fire had come only two days before, but the memories of that sharp skirmish had already begun to fade in the shadow of the awesome task that now lay before them. The path that had brought these determined men to the embattled sands of South Carolina had been a long one, born of idealism and fraught with difficulty. That they had succeeded in the face of bigotry and doubt was due in great measure to the colonel who led them. Slight and fair-haired, Robert Gould Shaw appeared even younger than his 25 years. But despite his initial trepidations, the Harvard-educated son of abolitionist parents had assumed the weighty responsibilities of command, and never wavered in his fervent resolve to show friend and foe alike that black soldiers were the fighting equals of their white counterparts. Suddenly, a mounted general and his staff rode up before the assembled ranks. The officer was handsome and smartly dressed, and grasped the reins of his prancing gray steed with white-gloved hands. Brigadier General George C. Strong pointed down the stretch of sand to the sinister hump of a Confederate earthwork that loomed amidst the roiling smoke and spitting fire of the guns. Loudly, Strong asked, Is there a man here who thinks himself unable to sleep in that fort tonight? No! shouted the 54th. The general called out the bearer of the national colors, and grasped the flag. If this man should fall, who will lift the flag and carry it on? After the briefest of pauses, Shaw stepped forward, and taking a cigar from between his teeth responded, I will. The colonels pledge elicited what Adjutant Garth Wilkinson James later described as the deafening cheers of this mighty host of men, about to plunge themselves into the fiery vortex of hell: The moment of trial for the 54th Massachusetts had come about through the appointment of a new Union commander, the then Brig. Gen. Quincy A. Gillmore, who had taken charge of the Department of the South on June 11, 1863, replacing the querulous and unpopular Maj. Gen. David Hunter. Stocky and balding, the 38-year- old Gillmore had stood first in the West Point class of 1849, and had gone on to make a name for himself as a talented and intellectually inclined officer of engineers. His successful siege of Confederate Fort Pulaski early in the war had secured the water approaches to Savannah, Ga., and had won Gillmore wide acclaim. The victory had also fueled his considerable ambition. From the moment of his arrival in the department, Gillmore had set his sights on the capture of Charleston, S.C. To many Northern eyes, Charleston was the very bastion of the Southern cause-the birthplace of the rebellion, from which the first shots had been fired at the Union flag. Indeed, one of the most formidable of Charlestons defenses was Fort Sumter, the battered island fortress whose capture had precipitated the war itself. Moreover, the commander of Charlestons 6,000-man defense force was none other than General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, the engineer officer turned Confederate leader whose forces had compelled Sumters garrison to surrender two years before. Gillmore viewed the reduction of Charleston as a logical sequence of strategic events that would bring an everincreasing rain of naval and artillery fire to bear on the city and its fortifications. Working closely with Rear Adm. John A. Dahlgrens Federal fleet, Gillmore would seize Morris Island, whose low-lying sands commanded the defenses of the inner harbor. From Cummings Point on the islands northern tip, Federal guns could reduce Fort Sumter, which had long prevented Federal ships from gaining access to the harbor. In order to get to Cummings Point, Gillmores 11,000 troops would first have to capture Fort Wagner and Battery Gregg, the Rebel fortifications that guarded the upper third of Morris Island. The first part of Gillmores strategy went entirely according to plan. In the early morning hours of July 10, Strongs brigade launched a surprise amphibious landing on the southern end of Morris Island. By late afternoon, the intrepid Strong had routed the islands defenders back to their strongholds at Wagner and Gregg. Strongs men took 150 prisoners, a dozen guns and five flags, and may well have overrun Fort Wagner itself, had Gillmore not been satisfied to rest on his laurels that day. The Confederates had time to prepare for the assault that followed on July 11, and despite Strongs personal initiative and the gallantry of his leading regiment, the 7th Connecticut, the Southern garrison was able to repulse the onslaught. Only 12 Confederates were killed or wounded, while the failed attack cost the Union 330 men. As more Union forces arrived on Morris Island, Gillmore pondered his next move. Originally constructed as a battery, Wagner had grown into a fully enclosed fort. Named for slain South Carolina Lt. Col. Thomas M. Wagner, the work measured 250 by 100 yards, and spanned the southern neck of Cummings Point from the Atlantic on the east to an impassable swamp on the west. Its sloping sand and earthen parapets rose 30 feet above the level beach and were bolstered by palmetto logs and sandbags. Fourteen cannons bristled from its embrasures, the largest a 10-inch Columbiad that fired a 128-pound shell. Wagners huge bombproof, its beamed ceiling topped with 10 feet of sand, was capable of sheltering nearly 1,000 of the forts 1,700-man garrison. The forts land face, from whence any Union assault must come, was screened by a water-filled ditch, 10 feet wide and 5 feet deep. Buried land mines and razor-sharp palmetto stakes provided additional obstacles to an attacking force. Eleven hours into the unprecedented land and sea bombardment, Gillmore had every reason to expect that a determined assault would carry the battered enemy earthwork. Gillmores chief subordinate, Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour, shared his commanders confidence. Seymour had formed a part of the Regular Army garrison that surrendered Fort Sumter at the start of the war, and eagerly anticipated the day when Sumter-and rebellious Charleston-would again be in Federal hands. Strong, whose brigade would spearhead the charge, was won over by Seymours zeal. But not every subordinate was so sure of success. Colonel Haldimand S. Putnam, like Strong a graduate of the West Point class of 1857, would lead a four-regiment brigade in the second wave of the assault. We are all going into Wagner like a flock of sheep, Putnam told his officers. Seymour is a devil of a fellow for dash: Gillmore had launched his initial assault on Fort Wagner without artillery support. Determined not to repeat his mistake, he decided to precede a second effort with one of the heaviest cannonades of the war to date. The fort would be pulverized not only by entrenched land batteries, but by the guns of the Federal fleet, a formidable armada that included the USS New Ironsides, a veritable floating gun platform sheathed in iron. The shelling would commence on the morning of July 18, 1863. Four Federal land batteries opened fire at 8:15 a.m., and soon 11 ships of Dah1grens fleet were adding their salvos to the massive bombardment. After covering the forts guns with sandbags in hopes of protecting them from the ravages of Yankee shellfire, the bulk of the Confederate troops scurried for the shelter of Wagners bombproof. Brigadier General William B. Taliaferro, a 40-year-old Virginian and battle-scarred veteran of Stonewall Jacksons campaigns, commanded the Confederate garrison. Taliaferro (pronounced Tolliver) fully expected the Federals to launch a land assault, and entrusted Lt. Col. P.C. Gaillards Charleston Battalion with the dangerous assignment of manning the ramparts during the bombardment. The South Carolinians hunkered down and breasted the iron storm as best they could. As the afternoon wore on, the tide rose, allowing the New Ironsides and five smaller monitors to close to within 300 yards of the fort. The turreted ironclads were a fearsome sight; to Taliaferro they seemed like huge water dogs, their black sides glistening in the sun: Naval shells weighing more than 400 pounds hurtled through the air with a terrifying roar that sounded to one Southern defender like an express train. Occasionally the iron missiles would skip across the waves like huge pebbles, each smack as loud as a cannon shot. One huge projectile exploded just offshore and showered the fort with a school of dead fish. Shell after shell burst over and within Fort Wagners ramparts, dismounting cannons and blasting wooden barracks and storehouses to splinters. In the words of one Southern officer, the fort was pounded into an almost shapeless mass! Although most of the Confederates were safe within Wagners massive bombproof, the strain was immense as the structure reeled and shook around them. Taliaferro, would later write: Words cannot depict the thunder, the smoke, the lifted sand and the general havoc; the whole island smoked like a furnace and trembled as from an earthquake! Waves of sand were blown over the exposed troops of the Charleston Battalion, and Taliaferro himself was buried to the waist while encouraging his beleaguered defenders. But despite the awesome tempest of fire, fatalities were few. At 2 p.m., the halyards of the forts big garrison flag were severed and the banner fluttered to the ground. While four intrepid soldiers struggled to raise the fallen colors, engineer Captain Robert Barnwell planted a regimental battle flag atop the parapet to show the Yankees that the garrison remained defiant. Afternoon gave way to evening, and still the inferno raged. Then, shortly before sunset, the Union fire rose to a crescendo. Shadowy forms could be seen massing on the open beach, and Taliaferro readied his men for imminent attack. As the light of the setting sun cast a lurid glow through the pall of smoke that hung over Fort Wagner, Shaw formed his black soldiers in the vanguard of the Union attack force. Earlier, Strong had tendered the 54th the dangerous post of honor. You may lead the column, the general told Shaw. Your men, I know, are worn out, but do as you choose! For Shaw, there had been no possibility of refusing the offerthere was simply too much pride at stake. His bearing was composed and graceful, Captain Luis Emilio recalled, his cheek had somewhat paled, and the slight twitching of the corners of his mouth plainly showed that the whole cost was counted. Shaw deployed his 624 men in column of wingsfive companies in the first line, five behind. The colonel positioned himself beside the Stars and Stripes in the first line, while Lt. Col. Edward N. Hallowell stood with the white colors of Massachusetts in the rear wing. At 7:45 p.m., Shaw raised his sword, and the 54th Massachusetts started down the beach. The men of the 54th advanced grimly, bayonets fixed and muskets at the right shoulder. The pace was at a quick time, and as the ramparts of Wagner loomed closer, Shaw ordered the men into a jogging double-quick. At a point where the beach narrowed to a width of 100 yards between the Atlantic on the right and the swamp on the left, the orderly ranks began to crowd together, the formation assuming a V-shape, the colonel and the United States flag at its apex. Shaw gave the order to charge, and the bayonets of the front rank were lowered into a bristling wall of steel. As the Federal assault swept ever closer to the ramparts of Fort Wagner, the day-long bombardment sputtered and died. Quickly, Taliaferros gray-clad defenders took their battle stations, artillerists ramming charges down half a dozen guns that had survived the shelling unscathed. The infantry leveled their muskets, and when the Yankees were within 150 yards, Taliaferro gave the order to fire. A sheet of flame flashed out, James recalled, followed by a running fire, like electric sparks! The blazing muskets and cannons reminded James of the fireworks he had seen illuminating the Arc de Triomphe during a Paris Bastille Day celebration. But the thud of hot lead into human flesh, and the screams of the dying, brought home the terrible reality of what lay before them. With a flourish of his sword, Shaw led his black soldiers into the vortex. With men falling on all sides, the 54th surged over the sharpened wooden stakes that ringed the fort and through the water-filled ditch. In some places, shelling had filled the moat with sand, while elsewhere the water was knee- to-waist-deep. Hallowell and James were among those who fell wounded before gaining the ramparts, but Shaw kept his feet, clambering up the sandy slope with a knot of determined survivors. As he crested the flaming parapet, Shaw waved his sword, shouted Forward, 54th! and then pitched headlong into the sand with three fatal wounds. Sergeant William Carney was sprinting through the chaos when he saw the man bearing the American flag stumble and fall. Carney threw away his musket, raised the flag, and scrambled up the bullet-swept slope of the fort. A shower of hand grenades leveled the ranks around him, but Carney gained the crest, where it seemed he was the only man left standing. He knelt and gathered the folds of the flag, while the battle raged on all sides. Unable to breach the defenses, many soldiers began to retreat, while others fired across the ramparts in a pointblank duel with the Charleston Battalion and the 51st North Carolina. Two captains of the 54th fell dead, one across the other, while Sgt. Maj. Lewis Douglass-son of the black abolitionist-had his sword ripped from his side by a canister shot. As a Confederate later commented, he and his comrades were maddened and infuriated at the sight of Negro troops: And indeed, no quarter was given by either side. At one point a Southerner ripped the white Massachusetts banner from its staff, only to have it snatched back in hand-to-hand combat. After the battle, the bloodied flag would be found under a pile of dead men in the ditch. The 54th Massachusetts had been shattered, but now the rest of Strongs brigade came charging up to the moatfive regiments, each in column of companies, with the 300 men of Colonel John L. Chatfields 6th Connecticut in the vanguard. Chatfields leg was shot from under him, and he was crawling rearward when another bullet knocked his sword from his hand. Private Bernard Haffy threw himself between his stricken commander and the hail of bullets, then began dragging Chatfield back down the beach. Many of the Connecticut men fell before reaching the ramparts, but Color Sergeant Gustave De Bonge bore the regimental banner to the crest, followed by more than 100 madly cheering New Englanders. De Bonge planted the flagstaff in the sand, then toppled over dead with a bullet between the eyes. The flag was raised, shot down, then raised again. As fate would have it, the 6th Connecticut had struck the Confederate earthwork at its weakest point. Demoralized by the long bombardment, the 31st North Carolina had failed to occupy their appointed post in Wagners southeast bastion. Taliaferro frantically rounded up more steadfast soldiers, while the 51st North Carolina and the Charleston Battalion poured an oblique fire into the determined Union assailants. Soldiers of the 48th New York succeeded in following the Connecticut troops up the slopes of the southeast bastion, but few of Strongs remaining units were able to get that far. Three Confederate howitzers had come into action on the flanks of the attacking forces, and the deadly hail of canister brought the 3rd New Hampshire, 76th Pennsylvania Zouaves and 9th Maine to a bloody standstill atop a ridge of sand just beyond Wagners moat. It was almost impossible to pass over that ridge and live five seconds, recalled 76th Pennsylvania Colorbearer S.C. Miller. Strong collared Miller and tried to get the charge moving again. A group of men led by 3rd New Hampshire Colonel John Jackson started forward with the general and the flag, but were mowed down by a salvo of canister shot. Miller survived unscathed, but his flag was riddled. Jacksons coat was torn from his body, while another of the iron balls ripped through Strongs thigh-an injury that would ultimately prove fatal. In shock and pain from his wound, Strong gave the reluctant command, Retreat in the best order you can! In fact, the leading Union brigade had dissolved in inextricable chaos, some running for the rear, others yelling, fighting and dying in the darkness. The genius of Dante could but faintly portray the horrors of that hell of fire and sulphurous smoke, one officer recalled, the agonizing shrieks of those wounded from bayonet thrust, or pierced by the bullet of the rifle, or crushed by fragments of exploding shell, sinking to earth a mass of quivering flesh and blood in the agony of horrible death! It was 8:30 p.m.more than half an hour after the charge began-before Haldimand Putnam brought the second brigade to Strongs aid. Furious at the delay, Seymour sent his chief of staff galloping to where Putnams troops stood in column on the beach. Putnam claimed that Gillmore had ordered him to wait where he was, but acceded to Seymours frantic plea and started his four regiments forward. Putnams 7th New Hampshire, 505 strong, pushed its way through the shaken fugitives of the earlier waves and reached the moat, where, in the words of a survivor, all regimental action ceased, and each action seemed an individual one: Private Stephen Smith was clambering down into the ditch when his left thigh was shattereda compound fracture that left him sprawled on his back atop a dead man, his broken leg pinned beneath his body. Beside him the casualties lay three and four deep, some drowning in the sea water that filled the moat with the rising tide. The tragedy unfolding on the flaming bastion was now compounded by the actions of the 100th New York Regiment, whose commander, in defiance of orders, had told his men to cap as well as load their pieces. Their ranks savaged by the ensuing holocaust, the New Yorkers poured a ragged volley into a mass of men silhouetted on the ramparts. Caught between two fires, scores of Federals went down, and a cry of rage and anguish rose above the crash of battle. Frantic shouts of Dont fire on us! went unheeded, and some Federals answered the mistaken volleys with shots of their own. Nursing a shattered elbow, 48th New York Private Joseph Hibson scrambled back down the rampart to check the deadly fire of the 100th New York, then returned to the battle in time to seize his regimental colors from a fallen bearer. The staff was shot in half, and Hibsons injured arm was broken a second time, while fragments from an exploding shell gashed his scalp. Still, the bloodied 20-year-old private was able to save the flaga deed that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The last of Putnams regiments, the 67th and 62nd Ohio, managed to get another 100 men across the moat and onto the southeast bastion. Then Putnam himself arrived, having been delayed when his horse was shot from under him in the advance. The colonel took charge of the beleaguered force, but was unable to organize a cohesive defense in a chaos in which no two men seemed to be from the same company, let alone the same regiment. In the words of one survivor, the bulletswept bastion was a carnival of death, and a hell of terror. Another man would never forget the sight of slain Lt. Col. James Green of the 48th New York, whose glassy eyes and smoldering beard were illuminated by the flashes of the guns. Putnam and his officers sent messengers back through the maelstrom of fire to bring up fresh troops. But Brig. Gen. Thomas Stevensons 3rd Brigade never arrived. Seymour had been severely wounded by a canister shot, and Gillmore was increasingly out of touch with the situation. Reinforcements may well have enabled the Federals to carry Wagner, but they were not forthcoming and, sensing victory, the Confederates began to launch counterattacks of their own. Using the roof of Fort Wagners bombproof as a makeshift breastwork, the Federals were able to beat off two attacks by gunning down the Southern officers who led them. But time was clearly running out. Putnam had just turned to Major Lewis Butler of the 67th Ohio and said, We had better get out of this! when a bullet blew off the back of the colonels head. After a hasty consultation with the surviving officers, Butler began an evacuation of his troops-first the bearers of the precious regimental flags, then every other man and, finally, a last mad dash for safety. Many never got the word and continued to fight until forced to surrender. The Federal collapse coincided with yet another counterattack by Taliaferros garrison, bolstered by fresh troops of the 32nd Georgia, who had been transported to Morris Island under the command of Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood. The Confederates surged over the southeast bastion, killing or capturing every Yankee who remained. By 10:30 p.m., the desperate fight for Fort Wagner was over. Stevensons belated preparations to commit yet a third wave to the charge on Wagner were rendered moot by the crowds of bleeding, powder-stained survivors who blocked his path. Confederate shells continued to sweep the beach, and as the battered remnants retreated, still more men fell victim to the unrelenting fire. Wounded adjutant James of the 54th Massachusetts was being borne from the field when a shell decapitated one of his stretcher bearers. Carney had managed to get the 54ths colors away from the fort in safety, though he was shot twice in the process. Like Hibson of the 48th New York, Carneys fidelity to the flag would win him the Medal of Honor. Daylight revealed the full extent of the Federal disaster. In front of the fort the scene of carnage is indescribable, Taliaferro wrote. I have never seen so many dead in the same space. At a cost of 36 killed and 145 wounded and missing, Taliaferro garrison had inflicted more than 1,500 casualties on their assailants. The brave soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts had sustained the heaviest loss281 men, of whom 54 were killed or fatally wounded, and another 48 never accounted for. But the other regiments had paid almost as great a price. The 7th New Hampshire alone counted 77 killed or mortally wounded, 11 of whom were officers. The Confederates stripped the slain of useful apparel and souvenirs, then piled the dead into mass graves. Shaw was singled out for what the Southerners considered the ultimate insult-by being interred with his fallen black troops. Gillmore had learned a bloody lesson. Fort Wagner could never be taken by direct assault, but must be gradually besieged, the noose tightened until the Confederate garrison was forced to surrender or evacuate. Nearly two months of grueling siege work finally gained Gillmore his prize, though even then he was denied the full fruits of victory. On the night of September 6, 1863, the defiant Confederate garrison abandoned Fort Wagner and Battery Gregg under cover of darkness, leaving their opponents a heap of sand, and a legacy of valor. This article was written by Brian C. Pohanka and originally appeared in the September 1991 issue of Americas Civil War magazine. For more great articles be sure to subscribe to Americas Civil War magazine today! On April 15, 1861, three days after the Confederates fired on Fort Sumter, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 militiamen to serve for 90 days against combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings. In the border states of Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware and Missouri, Lincolns proclamation met with a decidedly mixed reaction. Governor William Burton of Delaware reported that his state had no militia and therefore could not comply, while Governor Thomas Hicks of Maryland replied that his state would only furnish troops for the defense of Washington. Governor Beriah Magoffin of Kentucky issued the fiery statement, Kentucky will furnish no troops for the wicked purpose of subduing her sister Southern states. The most incendiary reply of all was sent by Governor Claiborne F. Jackson of Missouri: Your requisition is illegal, unconstitutional, revolutionary, inhuman, diabolical, and cannot be complied with. Jacksons stance would be the backdrop against which the struggle for Missouri and her greatest asset to both sides, the city of St. Louis, would be played out. In the early days of the war, Missouris strategic importance was well-realized by both governments. If the state remained in the Union, the Federal government would have a perfect staging area into the heart of the Mississippi Valley. The great river port of St. Louis would be a base of operations for a thrust down the river to Memphis and points farther south. It would also allow the vital town of Cairo, at the southern tip of Illinois, to be garrisoned and provisioned, opening the Ohio and Tennessee rivers to Federal incursions. Conversely, if Missouri seceded, the Confederate government would have a large salient into Northern territory, the state of Illinois would be threatened, the Mississippi Valley would be secure, and the Ohio and Tennessee rivers would be protected. In addition, both sides coveted Missouris rich farmland and her large population of military-age men. Internally, Missouri was truly a state divided. The majority of the population held to the view of conditional unionism. According to this rather impractical concept, slavery should be left to popular sovereignty within a state, but, conversely, there should still be a strong Federal government. Many Missourians hoped to remain neutral in the conflict. However, two small minorities unconditional union men and pro-secessionists existed within the state, and it was around these two factions that the struggle for Missouri would increasingly revolve. The two most prominent pro-secession leaders were the newly elected Governor Claiborne Jackson and former Governor Sterling Price. Jackson was a pro-Southern fire-eater who had been attempting to align Missouri with the Confederacy since the day of his election. Price, a well-respected Mexican War veteran, prosperous slave-owning tobacco planter and former congressman, had initially supported conditional unionism but had switched allegiance to the pro-secessionists when Jackson convened a state convention in February 1861 to address the question of secession. The pro-secessionists failed miserably in their attempts to take the state out of the Union, as the majority of delegates elected were conditional-union men. Price wrote in a letter to a friend after the conventions decision: It is now inevitable that the general government will attempt the coercion of our southern states. War will ensue. I am a military man, a southern man, and if we have to fight, will do so on the part of the South. Francis P. Blair and Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon headed the unconditional-union faction. Blair, scion of the politically powerful Blair family (his brother Montgomery was Lincolns postmaster general), insisted on the full support of the Federal government and declared that any talk of secession was treason. Lyon, a pugnacious 43-year-old New Englander who had once declared, I was born among the rocks, commanded Jefferson Barracks, the Federal garrison at St. Louis, and was an ardent abolitionist. When word of Governor Jacksons reply to Lincolns call for militia reached their ears, both men regarded it as the strongest sort of treason. Blair immediately set about organizing the Home Guards from St. Louis strong German immigrant population, while calling for reinforcements from Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. Lyon assisted by arming the groups with weapons from the arsenal. Jackson and Price, in turn, formed the Missouri State Guard. The stage was set for a violent clash; its focus would be the city of St. Louis. Missouri contained two Federal arsenals, one at St. Louis and the other at Liberty, in the western part of the state. The small arsenal at Liberty had been seized almost immediately by pro-secession elements. The contents 1,000 muskets, four small brass cannons and a small amount of ammunition were nothing to compare with the prize of the arsenal in St. Louis, which was said to contain 60,000 stands of arms and 25 fieldpieces. Price and Jackson immediately began plotting to seize the arsenal, and at the same time, Blair and Lyon took steps to defend it. The rank and file composing the companies of the pro-Union and pro-secession camps within the city were divided by nationality as much as by ideology. For the most part, the Unionists were German immigrants. They had seen Germany suffer lawlessness and depredations for centuries because of the lack of a strong centralized government, and had no wish to endure the same in their adopted country. In their view, the absence of a strong central government put one at the whim of whatever petty prince had control of the area, with no recourse available for the common man. Accordingly, they recognized the value of a strong government. The citys secessionists, for the most part, were composed of Irish immigrants. Long abused under English crown rule, they had an innate distrust and fear of strong central government; arbitrary use of political power had prompted their emigration. Side by side with both militias, there existed shadowy political organizations. The pro-Union group was known as the Wide-Awakes, and the pro-secession men were known as the Minutemen. The secessionists believed they were fighting the second American Revolution against tyranny, and they took the name Minutemen from the Colonials at Lexington and Concord. The Unionists chose to be called Wide-Awakes to show that they were alert and ever vigilant in defense of the Federal government in Washington. The two groups spent most of their time attempting to win the hearts and minds of the local populace by organizing demonstrations, posting signs and publishing pamphlets extolling the virtues of their respective causes. The first open clash between the two sides occurred on March 4, 1861, Lincolns inauguration day. Around midnight of the 3rd, the leaders of the Minutemen Rock Champion, Basil W. Duke, Arthur McCoy, Colton Greene and James Quinlan climbed the dome of the Federal courthouse on Market Street and removed the national flag, replacing it with the state flag. Above the Berthold mansion, headquarters of the Minutemen, a banner was raised that Greene described as a nondescript conceit a red field, emblazoned with a white cross, star and crescent made by Arthur McCoys wife. Toward dawn on March 4, the official in charge of the courthouse lowered the state flag and replaced the national colors without incident. However, at the Berthold mansion the situation was quite different. At midmorning, a curious crowd began to gather around the mansion and the streets leading to it. Minutemen circulated among the crowd promoting their point of view. The Wide-Awakes lost no time in assessing the situation and determined not to allow this affront to the Federal government to go unchallenged. David Dickey, a native Pennsylvanian, led a band of militant Wide-Awakes toward the area. Minutemen guards spread the alarm, and soon 100 or more sympathizers assembled around the mansion. A small swivel gun was placed at the entrance, and men with muskets and fixed bayonets took up positions along the mansion wall fronting Fourth Street, with strict instructions to use their bayonets if violence should erupt. While Dickey and his band of Wide-Awakes moved toward the area, another small group approached the mansion in an attempt to resolve the matter peacefully. Basil Duke received them cordially but firmly declared there would be no compromise involving the removal of the homespun standard. Dickey and his band arrived shortly afterward, and for several hours both sides engaged in name-calling, blustering and threats. The Minutemen who had been circulating among the crowd remained there with instructions to create diversions should the need arise. Finally, the Wide-Awakes could stand it no longer, and a small group attempted to force the Fourth Street wall. The Minutemen repulsed the foray with bayonets, and Greene gleefully recorded: The crowdpressing through the narrow alleywas assailed in the most ludicrous manner with the contents of an odorous vessel and other household missiles freely thrown down from the windows by the Irish servant girls (encouraged by the ladies within). Dickey did not take kindly to the setback and led the remaining Wide-Awakes against the front entrance of the mansion. The Minutemen attempted unsuccessfully to fire the brass swivel gun placed at the doorway, and Duke grappled with Dickey on the front steps, the little match ending with Duke holding a knife to Dickeys throat. Muskets and revolvers were brandished on both sides. The Minutemen in the crowd began to brawl with anyone within reach, and the situation soon began to deteriorate, with men who had no strong political feelings trying to find shelter as quickly and as far away from the mob as possible. The affair ended when, as Greene wrote, Irish from the Biddell Market quarter joined with us in the melee and we were masters of the ground. Following the events at the Berthold mansion, both sides regrouped, organized their forces and engaged in verbal recriminations. Most significant, the respective sides redoubled their efforts to bring outside aid into the state. Both the Federal and Confederate governments had been handling the situation in Missouri with kid gloves. Neither government seemed willing to commit to complete involvement, for fear that overt support would antagonize St. Louis citizens and drive the state into the opponents hands. James Buchanans lame-duck administration kept to the same waffling stance it had taken whenever the notion of secession came up. Meanwhile, the nascent Confederate administration in Montgomery, Ala., was too disorganized to move effectively even if it had so desired. Blair, Lyon and other Wide-Awakes renewed their efforts in Washington to coax effective Federal help to the city. Again, the focus was the arsenal, commanded by Major William H. Bell, whom Blair strongly suspected of holding pro-Southern sympathies. He was correct. In January, Jackson and Price had moved the small battalion of state militia, comprising roughly 500 men, from the southwest area of the state to St. Louis. Originally formed to combat Kansas Jayhawkers during the years of Bleeding Kansas, when internecine raiding and skirmishing had occurred almost daily across the border between the two states, the militia had been languishing at Carthage for the past year. Brigadier General Daniel M. Frost, a Mexican War veteran and an 1844 West Point graduate, commanded the small force. Although born in New York, Frost was thoroughly Southern in both his sympathies and politics. Jackson had hoped the people of the state would vote for secession, allowing him to take the arsenal without the use of force, as other seceding states had done. When the state convention voted overwhelmingly to remain in the Union, Jackson charged Frost with taking the arsenal by force when he deemed it expedient to do so. Accordingly, Frost had requested a conference with Major Bell, and wrote Jackson on January 24 of the result. I have just returned from the arsenal, he reported. I found the Major everything you or I could desire. He assured me he considered Missouri had, whenever the time came, a right to claim it as being on her soil. He asserted his determination to defend it against any and all irresponsible mobs, come from whence they might, but at the same time gave me to understand that he would not attempt any defense against proper State authorities. Blair became aware of Bells sympathies and the meeting with Frost through Isaac H. Sturgeon, assistant treasurer of St. Louis. Sturgeon had the confidence of the prosecessionists while secretly working for Blair and the Wide-Awakes. Blair immediately began lobbying Washington for Bells removal, but the Buchanan administration would not comply. Finally, Blair was able to bypass the administration and persuade General-in-Chief Winfield Scott to replace Bell with Major Peter V. Hagner. Hagner was an old-line Regular Army officer and was not predisposed to surrender the arsenal to either side without proper military orders from Washington. While not exactly a victory for Blair, the appointment of Hagner at least prevented Bell from turning the arsenal over to the Minutemen. Blair was not completely satisfied; he still coveted the arms in the arsenal for his Wide-Awakes, not all of whom were armed yet. He also wished to deny the arms to the Minutemen, and to both these ends he began lobbying both Buchanan and General William S. Harney, the military commander of the district, to assign Nathaniel Lyon as arsenal commander. What had prompted Blair and Lyon to take this course of action was the firm refusal of Hagner to release any arms to the Wide-Awakes without explicit orders from Washington. Once again Blair and Lyon appealed to Scott, who responded by ordering 200 men from Jefferson Barracks to garrison the arsenal. The general showed further support by sending an additional 500 men to the arsenal garrison a few days later. Scott, however, did not give Hagner direct orders to release any of the arms, and the major remained steadfast. Lyon grew increasingly exasperated with Hagner and wrote Blair that Hagners stance was eitherimbecility or damned villainy. Lyon vowed, if necessary, to pitch him in the river. After Lincoln took office on March 4, Blair had his brother Montgomery, now postmaster general, use his powerful influence to persuade the president to appoint Lyon commander of the arsenal. Lincoln did so promptly, and Lyon set about fortifying the arsenal and the city by placing artillery on the surrounding heights and approaches to the area. While Blair and Lyon went through their machinations, Frost, Jackson, Price and other Minutemen were not idle. Frost deemed it inexpedient to interfere forcibly during Bells and Hagners tenure, hoping the Unionists would fail in their attempts to place Lyon in command. After Lyon secured the arsenal and emplaced artillery, however, Frost wrote Jackson with a plan of action. He advocated dispatching emissaries to Alabama to lobby the Confederate government for mortars and siege guns. At the same time, he asked Jackson to order him to establish a militia camp at St. Louis, with full authority to begin military instruction and recruit more men into state service. Frost also wanted permission to begin placing artillery and building fortifications of his own, and he advised Jackson to convene an extra session of the legislature as soon as possible for the purpose of again addressing the question of secession. Jackson moved with admirable swiftness. He sent Basil Duke and Colton Greene to Montgomery to ask the Confederate authorities for the mortars and siege guns necessary to reduce Lyons fortifications and immediately authorized Frost to form a camp at St. Louis and begin to recruit and train men for state service. Then Jackson called a special session of the General Assembly and ordered the state militia commanders of the various districts within the state to go into camp by May 3 and await further instructions. Before Duke and Greene left for Montgomery, a meeting was held in St. Louis at the OFallon residence on Fifth Street. Attending were Frost, Duke, Greene and Lt. Col. John S. Bowen, a wealthy merchant and militiaman from the town of Carondelet, just south of the city. At the meeting, Frost gave Duke and Greene a list of the exact types of artillery and arms needed from Montgomery. Bowen proposed that the camp ordered by Jackson be positioned just south of the arsenal on the banks of the Mississippi River, where he suggested that Frost emplace his artillery while pretending to instruct the militia in the art of building field fortifications. Duke and Greene found a warm reception in the Confederate capital, although the Southern cabinet was divided. Secretary of War Leroy Walker was the biggest opponent. President Jefferson Davis, Attorney General Judah Benjamin and Secretary of State Robert Toombs were the strongest supporters. Davis made vital suggestions as to the exact placement of the cannons; he was intimately acquainted with the area, having served at Jefferson Barracks while in the U.S. Army. Davis gave Duke and Greene a letter to present to the Confederate commander at Baton Rouge, La., where a Federal arsenal already had been seized. The letter authorized the release of six 24-pounder cannons, one 32-inch mortar, six Coehorn mortars, 800 muskets and the fixed ammunition to accompany them. At Baton Rouge, the arms were packed in boxes marked marble and addressed to leading Republican leaders in St. Louis to allay suspicion. The materiel made it safely to St. Louis on May 9, and Major James Riddle Shaler of the state militia moved it by wagon to Frosts camp. For their part, Blair and Lyon had not been idle. They had known about the entire secessionist plan from the outset. Well-placed informers in the Minutemen ranks had kept them advised of all the activities of the group. Accordingly, the two Wide-Awake leaders began formulating a plan of their own to quash Frost and Bowen before the arms arrived from Baton Rouge. They had been unceasing in their efforts to have Harney removed from duty. Finally, Lyon was able to obtain direct authority from the War Department to release 7,000 stands of arms from the arsenal to the Unionist Home Guard and to begin active recruiting for the organization, bypassing Harney completely. In this way, Lyon was able to form five regiments to augment his small complement of Regular Army troops. Frost and Bowen had not been shy about founding their military camp. They christened it Camp Jackson in honor of the governor, and the camp streets were named Beauregard and Jefferson Davis. The Confederate flag flew openly. Lyon and Blair immediately responded to the threat. Their first step, on May 8, was to remove all the arms from the arsenal, moving them under cover of darkness across the Mississippi to Alton, Ill., just north and east of St. Louis. The following day, when the weapons and cannons arrived from the Confederate government, Lyon undertook a reconnaissance of Camp Jackson. (Legend has it that he dressed as a woman selling pies to gain access to the camp, although how he disguised his flame-red beard has never been properly explained.) Blair took Lyon before the Committee of Public Safety, the ruling body of the Wide-Awakes, to relate his findings. Lyon urged the capture of Camp Jackson forthwith, but the committee was hesitant to act, fearing open warfare in the streets. The committee also objected to such extreme measures as being in violation of state laws and insisted that any U.S. property held at the camp be recovered by due legal process. Blair and Lyon were equally insistent, and they managed finally to convince the committee to lend its support, with the understanding that a U.S. marshal would head a column of regular U.S. troops and Home Guards and demand the surrender of U.S. property. The combined troops, commanded by Lyon, would stand by to aid the marshal should Frost and his men resist. Plans were made to move against the camp the next day, May 10. Frost was not without his own spies among the Wide-Awakes, and he had been kept fully abreast of developments. During the preceding two days, he had received numerous reports of a planned move against his men and received positive confirmation on the morning of the 10th. Frost took the initiative of dispatching Bowen to Lyon that morning with a letter stating that neither he nor any part of his command had any intention of overt hostility toward the United States, its property or any of its representatives. Lyon flatly refused to receive Bowen and never read the letter. Instead, he put his column into motion and arrived at the camp about midafternoon. May 10, coincidentally, was the day the state militiamen were scheduled to go home, and they had passed the day bragging about what they would have done to the Dutch, given half a chance. When Lyon arrived with four regiments of Home Guards and a battalion of regulars, he surrounded the camp on all sides, placed artillery in position to rake the camp and demanded its immediate and unconditional surrender. Frost, seeing he was outnumbered 3-to-1, recognized the folly of resisting and promptly surrendered. As the Home Guards and U.S. troops marched the prisoners through the city, a crowd began to line the route, and soon cries of Hurray for Jeff Davis! and Damn the Dutch! filled the air. Clods of dirt and stones accompanied the taunts. The catalyst for what happened next remains unclear. After the war, Southern historians claimed that the Home Guards fired into the crowd in response to the thrown missiles, while Northern historians claimed a member of the pro-Southern mob fired first and mortally wounded a German Home Guard officer. There is no doubt about ensuing events. The Home Guards fired several volleys, and some members of the crowd drew their own weapons and returned the fire. Twenty-eight people were killed or wounded; among the dead were three of the prisoners, two women and a small child. Dubbed the Camp Jackson Massacre, the conflict raised tensions to a fever pitch throughout the city. On the evening of the 10th, a regiment of Home Guards, returning to its barracks from guard duty at the arsenal, halted momentarily on the corner of 6th and Walnut streets. Someone fired a pistol, and the Home Guards muskets blazed again, killing eight more civilians. The next day, another Home Guard regiment was accosted on 6th Street, between Pine and Olive streets, and fired into the crowd lining the sidewalks, killing or wounding several more. Although Blair and Lyon had saved the arsenal for the Union, their tactics resulted in a strong backlash amongst the citizenry. Thousands of Missourians immediately declared for secession. Many felt their loyalty to the Federal government had been badly strained, and in outlying towns armed bands formed with the expressed intent of marching on St. Louis to rescue its inhabitants from the bloodthirsty Dutch, who, drunk with beer and reeking of sauerkraut, were alleged to be running rampant through the city. The Unionists had almost driven the Federal cause to the edge of catastrophe. Sterling Price was a witness to the Camp Jackson events, and he denounced the affair as an outrage before a large crowd gathered in front of his St. Louis hotel on the evening of May 10. Saying that he regarded it as an affront to Missouris sovereign rights, Price departed the next morning for Jefferson City, the state capital, to confer privately with Jackson. Blair and Lyon, for their part, wanted to march immediately on Jefferson City. Harney, as the highest ranking Federal military commander in the area, refused to grant permission for such a move and threatened to remove Lyon from command should he do so. Meanwhile, the city police and elected officials appealed to Harney for aid in quelling the unrest within St. Louis, and he swiftly replied, sending two companies of infantry and two artillery batteries from Jefferson Barracks to the city to protect the peace, property and lives of the citizens. The situation quieted, and the high tide of secessionist sympathy passed. At Jefferson City, Jackson called for an immediate emergency session of the state Legislature, and on May 11 a bill was passed authorizing the recruitment of the Missouri State Guard, dividing the state into eight military districts and empowering Jackson to appoint eight brigadier generals and a major general of all state forces. The bill also appropriated all the money in the state treasury, some $82 million, for the purchase of war materiel, and gave Jackson almost dictatorial powers to repel invasions and crush rebellion. On May 12, Price was offered the major generalship of the state guard. He promptly accepted. The Legislature adjourned on May 15 after putting the state on a warlike footing. Both sides attempted to play for time while organizing for war within the state. To avoid further bloodshed, Price and Harney agreed to meet in St. Louis on May 21. From that meeting arose the so-called Price-Harney Agreement. In it, Harney agreed to recognize Jacksons authority over the state, and Price agreed to use his state guard troops to maintain order within the states borders, thus giving Harney no reason to advance into the interior. If the local papers of the day were indicative of general reaction to the Price-Harney Agreement, the majority of Missourians hailed the document as ensuring compromise. Many still held the belief that the state could remain neutral in the coming conflict. Extremists on both sides, however, looked askance at the agreement. Jackson already had dispatched Lt. Gov. Thomas Reynolds to the Confederate government in Montgomery to ask for more troops and materiel for the state, and after the agreement was released to the public, Reynolds renewed his negotiations with Davis and his cabinet. In turn, Blair and Lyon renewed their efforts to remove Harney from military command. Lincoln finally relented and removed Harney, replacing him with Lyon in early June. Instantly, Lyon made preparations to move into the interior of the state and confront Jacksons pro-Southern legislature at Jefferson City. Reynolds received permission to ask Confederate Brig. Gen. Ben McCulloch, who was assembling forces at Fort Smith, Ark., to enter Missouri with regular Confederate troops. But McCulloch wavered and only advanced as far as the Missouri border in northwest Arkansas. As a final effort to avoid armed conflict, influential citizens in St. Louis persuaded Blair, Lyon, Price and Jackson to meet face to face and attempt to resolve their differences. Blair and Lyon agreed under the condition that the meeting be held in St. Louis; they promised Jackson and Price safe conduct. The conference was held on June 11 at the Planters House Hotel. Blair would speak for the Union side and Price for the Southern. The Union men asked that the state assist in suppressing rebellion, that it permit Federal military occupation of the state, and that it allow the further organization of Home Guards units. Price and Jackson insisted that the Federal government disband the Home Guards and not occupy any additional state territory. In return, they offered to maintain peace and order within the state and keep out Confederate troops. The positions were mutually exclusive, and the meeting broke down after four hours. Finally, Lyon pushed Blair aside and thundered: Rather than concede to the State of Missouri the right to demand that my government shall not enlist troops within her limits, or bring troops into the State whenever it pleases, or move troops at its own will into, out of, or through the State; rather than concede to the State of Missouri for one single instant the right to dictate to my government in any matter, however unimportant, I would see you, and you, and you, and you, [pointing to each man in the room] and every man, woman, and child in the State dead and buried. This means war. In an hour one of my officers will call for you and conduct you out of my lines. After the fiery speech, Lyon turned on his heel and strode out of the room. After the Planters House meeting, St. Louis, the key to the entire state, would never again be threatened by pro-Southern forces. Her loyalty to the Federal government, guaranteed by Blair, Lyon and their fellow Wide-Awakes, would keep the entire state in the Union. The bloody battles of Wilsons Creek and Pea Ridge would decide the issue militarily, but never again would Missouris loyalty be in doubt after the tumultuous spring of 1861. This article was written by Anthony Monachello and published in the March 1998 issue of Americas Civil War magazine. For more great articles be sure to subscribe to Americas Civil War magazine today! Anita Neta Snook achieved a long list of firsts: first woman aviator in Iowa, first woman student accepted at the Curtiss Flying School in Virginia, first woman to run her own aviation business and first woman to run a commercial airfield. Yet it is for her connection with another pioneering woman pilot that Snook remains best known. Ill never forget the day she and her father came to the field, Snook wrote of the time in December 1920 when they first met, in her book I Taught Amelia to Fly. I liked the way she stated her objective. I want to fly. Will you teach me? The Amelia of the title was, of course, Amelia Earhart. When Snook was in her 70s, she wrote the story of her life and of getting to know her famous pupil. That project got its start in a creative writing class. As the title of her book indicates, Snook knew what her place in history would be. But before the two women became acquainted, Snook had already packed a books worth of adventure and achievement into her young life. Born in Mount Carroll, Ill., on February 14, 1896, Snook became fascinated with machinery and flight at an early age. Id always wanted to fly as far back as I could remember, she recalled, crediting the family doctor with igniting her interest when he took her on farm calls in his Ford Model T: Hed race to the top of each [hill] and down the other side. We called it flying. When she was little, Neta made toy automobiles that would run and boats that would sail in preference to playing with dolls, her mother told an Iowa newspaper reporter. Netas dad bought a secondhand automobile when she was 9, and together they studied the instruction manual and learned about auto maintenance a useful skill in 1905, since mechanics were a rare breed. After Snook graduated from high school in 1915, her family moved to Iowa, where she attended Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) in Ames. Largely an agricultural college, it had a home economics department added to accommodate female students. After completing the 17 hours required for the home economics course, Snook was finally able to choose courses that I really wanted mechanical drawing, combustion engines, and a course in the repair, maintenance and overhaul of farm tractors. When not in class, Snook spent much of her time in the college library, reading about the governments lighter-than-air and heavier-than-air craft divisions. During her second year of college, she heard about a flying school started by Glenn Curtiss that was part of the Atlantic Coast Aeronautical Station in Newport News, Va. She applied to the school but was disappointed when her application received a curt reply: No females allowed. The following year she spotted a newspaper advertisement for the Davenport Aviation School, close to her home in Iowa. Snook applied and was immediately accepted, becoming the first woman to attend the school. Finally the day came my first flight, Snook recalled in her autobiography. We raced down the field, the engine roaring and all eight cylinders firing in perfect time. I felt the tail lift but scarcely knew when we left the ground.I had no feeling of height, only of complete security with those long, sleek wings on either side which seemed almost a part of me. Beginning in June 1917, Curly, as her classmates were now calling her, helped to build and maintain the planes that were used for lessons. But when one of those planes crashed on September 9, killing the schools new president and seriously injuring its instructor, the school closed. Some of the students were heading for the Curtiss Flying School in Newport News and promised Snook that they would make the case for admitting her. Snook received news at the end of September that she finally had been accepted. When she reached the school on October 5, her pals from the Davenport Aviation School showed her around and introduced her to flight instructors Carl Batts and Eddie Stinson, who flew for the Wright brothers and would eventually own the Stinson Aircraft Company. Snook later noted that she was always nervous in the presence of Batts because of his stern demeanor, but she felt that Stinson was effervescent and projected camaraderie. Just a few months later, however, after Snook had logged many hours in the air but before she had managed to solo, a notice from the governments Security Division effectively stopped all flying in and out of the school. The United States had entered World War I on the Allied side, and there was fear that German spies would gain admittance to the school in an effort to take aerial photographs of the surrounding embarkation camps. The schools aircraft were dismantled in early 1918 and sent along with many of the students, including Snook to another of Curtiss aviation schools in Miami, Fla. But only months later, in March 1918, Snooks training was interrupted once more again before shed been able to solo. President Woodrow Wilson issued an order prohibiting all private flying in the United States for the wars duration. Having secured a letter of reference from the schools manager, Snook packed her bags. Her frustration is still evident in her recollection of the event more than five decades later: After parting farewells with all my Newport News friends, I went home back to Iowa with nothing to show for the past year except a To Whom it May Concern scrap of paper. Snook had been home only briefly when she received an invitation from the British Air Ministry to work as an expediter. A friend from the Davenport Aviation School had recommended her for the position. Snooks job was to improve delivery of airplane parts and engines that were being built in North America and shipped to England for the Royal Air Force. This move put her in Elmira, N.Y., where she tested metals and inspected Curtiss OX-5 training plane engines and Sunbeam engine parts at the Willys-Morrow plant. At wars end in November 1918, she received a certificate of appreciation from the British War Mission. Once again she was free to pursue flying. Before leaving Elmira, Snook bought a wrecked Canuck, a Canadian version of a Curtiss JN-4 Jenny, and had it shipped home to Ames. There, in between taking more classes at Iowa State, she rebuilt the airplane in her parents backyard. She recalled: People came to see it and asked, How will you get it out of this small yard? Can you fly straight up? Which is the front end? There were few people in the middle west who had ever seen a plane, most of the flying being limited to the east. When she had finished the Canuck, she dismantled the plane and had the fuselage towed to a nearby pasture, where she reassembled it. I was so concerned about the airworthiness of my rebuilt plane that I didnt think about myself, she recalled. I knew I could fly. Indeed she could, finally soloing in the spring of 1920. Snook barnstormed across the Midwest, offering 15-minute rides for $15. She had a U.S. license for flying civilian aircraft that had established the number of passengers she was allowed to carry as none, but Snook boldly erased the n, making it read one. A license she had more respect for was that of the Aero Club of America, and with it recognition as a pilot from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. During the summer of 1920 she passed the test for that license. That, I think, was the climax of my aviation career, she declared. Now I was a recognized pilot before all the world. Flying was tough during Iowa winters. Eager to get more time in the air, Snook dismantled the Canuck and shipped it to Los Angeles. There, she heard about Winfield Bert Kinner and his airfield near Huntington Park, where he built his Kinner Airsters. She made a deal with Kinner to test-fly his planes in return for full commercial use of his airfield and set up a business there flying passengers and aerial advertising stunts and teaching flying. one sunday in December 1920, Amelia Earhart appeared at Kinner Field with her father and requested lessons. Earharts first lesson, which lasted 20 minutes on January 3, 1921, marked the start of a legendary career as well as a firm friendship between the two women. Snook tutored Earhart for five hours in the Canuck. She then spent 15 more hours unpaid teaching her new pupil in a Kinner Airster that Amelia had bought after Snook tested the plane in early January. In July Earhart, with Snook accompanying her, crashed the Airster at nearby Goodyear Field. The Airster had proved too slow to gain sufficient altitude to clear a eucalyptus grove on takeoff. Neither woman was hurt, but the plane needed a new propeller and repairs to the landing gear. When Snook turned around to check on Earhart, she found the future media star fully composed and powdering her nose to prepare for the reporters. Although Snook said she would have made the same move as Earhart on that occasion, pulling the plane up rather than nosing down, she did express some reservations about her students talent, remarking later, Perhaps I had misjudged her abilities. But she seems to have kept her concerns largely to herself. Although Snook was still only in her early 20s, she was doing what she could to advance the idea that women could make a strong contribution to the fledgling field of aviation. Women are really more adventurous in their hearts than men are, she told a Los Angeles Evening Herald reporter. This spirit of adventure has been suppressed all these centuries and now its coming out in the 1921 woman. When Snook became the only woman entered in an race against 40 men held at the Los Angeles Speedway in February 1921, she told the press, I have to fly for the whole sex, as it were, and Im going to show the world that a woman can fly as cleverly, as audaciously, as thrillingly as any man aviator in the world. She finished in fifth place. By the spring of 1922, however, Snooks life had taken a different turn. She was by then married to Bill Southern and expecting a baby. I wanted that baby above everything, and I made a vow that if I could just have a healthy baby, I would give up flying forever, she wrote. She got her healthy baby named William Curtiss Southern after his father and Glenn Curtiss and kept her bargain, selling her business and retiring from aviation. A few years later, when Earhart invited her to join the group of women pilots she was organizing, later named the Ninety-Nines, Neta declined. Around that time, Earhart had sent another letter to Snook, which concluded with the line Sometime our paths may cross again, and we may be able to have a few words about the old days. But Snook never saw her again. In 1937, after Earhart famously disappeared during a flight over the Pacific, Snook renewed contact with Earharts family. She subsequently became a popular lecturer, speaking about her own career as well as Earharts. Her autobiography, I Taught Amelia to Fly, was published by Vantage Press in 1974. On March 23, 1991, she died at the age of 95. One year later, Neta Snook Southern was inducted into the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame. This article was written by Patti Marshall and originally published in the January 2007 issue of Aviation History magazine. For more great articles subscribe to Aviation History magazine today! Union Sergeant Frank Donaldson of the 1st California struggled to help a wounded friend into a boat returning to Harrisons Island, then turned to make his way back to the fight raging at the top of the 70-foot-high Balls Bluff. A man whose lower jaw had been shot away was in his path, but Donaldson had to ignore him; his mission was to help serve a mountain howitzer, not to render aid. Upon reaching the summit, he began to gather rocks that could be fired out of the cannon, as all the ordnance that had been brought over had been expended. During periodic lulls in the firing, he could hear the incongruous sound of a band on the island playing military airs. Donaldsons regiment was part of a 1,700-man force fighting an unintended and unplanned battle near Leesburg, Va. That day, October 21, 1861, was one that Donaldson would not likely soon forget. The Battle of Balls Bluff was a Union debacle that occurred during a period of quiet in the eastern theater, ensuring it a great deal of publicity. Southerners celebrated it as a follow-up thrashing to First Manassas, while Northerners bemoaned yet another defeat in northern Virginia. As such, the little fight would have major implications, particularly for the Union. Despite traditional historical interpretations, the engagement was not the result of a preplanned Federal attempt to take Leesburg. It was rather an accident that evolved out of the carelessness of an inexperienced infantry officer who reported seeing something that was not there. Captain Chase Philbricks Company H, 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, was picketing Harrisons Island, an island 2 miles long and 300-400 yards wide that bisects the Potomac River at Balls Bluff. The bluff itself, some 35 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., runs for about 600 yards along the Virginia shore, rising steeply from the 50-yard-wide flood plain that separates it from the river. On October 20, Philbricks commander, Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone, whose Maryland-based division was rather grandly known as the Corps of Observation, began moving troops around to give the impression that he was about to cross in force in response to an order from Army of the Potomac commander Maj. Gen. George McClellan that he should conduct a slight demonstration to see what effect it might have on the enemy. McClellans belief that the Confederates might have abandoned Leesburg spawned that order, and on October 16-17, the Rebels had indeed left the town. Regional Confederate commander Colonel Nathan G. Shanks Evans had been keeping a wary eye on the growing Federal forces across the river. The threat seemed to grow on October 9, when Union Brig. Gen. George McCall crossed his 12,000-man division at Chain Bridge and established a camp at Langley, Va., 25 miles east of Leesburg. A week earlier, on October 3, Colonel Edward D. Bakers large California Brigade reinforced General Stones division, bringing the Union numbers to something over 10,000 men near Balls Bluff. Baker and his brigade were a story unto themselves. The four regiments were made up mostly of Pennsylvania men, but had been tagged the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th California because Baker had long been affiliated with California and wanted it formally represented in the Eastern army. Baker was, in fact, a senator from Oregon and a close friend of Abraham Lincoln from the prewar political arena. So close were the two that the president had named his second son Edward Baker Lincoln. Evans interpreted McCalls and Bakers movements to mean an imminent advance on Leesburg. The town was strategically located on the Confederacys Potomac River frontier due to several militarily usable fords across the river and two working ferry sites. Whoever controlled the river there controlled invasion routes into Virginia. Several fortifications had been built to protect the area, including Fort Evans along the Edwards Ferry road, some three miles south of Leesburg. Evans, quite reasonably, became concerned that he did not have enough men. His brigade numbered only 2,500 to 2,800 men, and the closest supporting troops were 25 to 30 miles away along the Bull Run line. On the evening of October 16, on his own authority, Evans began shifting his brigade south along what is more or less todays U.S. Route 15. That night and all the next day, he moved to establish a new defensive line some eight miles south of Leesburg behind Goose Creek. His commander, General P.G.T. Beauregard, was displeased by the move and indicated his displeasure through a sarcastic third-party message that said Beauregard wishes to be informed of the reasons that influenced you to take up your present position, as you omit to inform him. Evans took the hint, and by late on October 19, his brigade returned to the town. Federals observed Evans southward movement and reported it to McClellan, who ordered McCall to investigate by taking his division on a reconnaissance-in-force as far west as Dranesville, about halfway between Langley and Leesburg. McCall did so on October 19. By that evening each side must have been very puzzled about the others intentions. General McClellan suspected a trap, thinking that Evans might be attempting to draw some of his forces forward in order to cut off and destroy them. When Evans learned that McCall was in Dranesville, he may well have thought that he had brought on the very advance that he earlier had feared. On the morning of October 20, McCall was probing westward toward Leesburg. Evans was along another portion of Goose Creek four miles east of Leesburg and some eight or nine miles from McCall. McClellan then ordered Stone to conduct theslight demonstration that led to Captain Philbricks involvement. By the evening of October 20, Stones demonstration was over and the Federal regiments were on their way back to their camps. In order to determine the effectiveness of the movement, he ordered Colonel Charles Devens to send a patrol across the river at Balls Bluff. Philbrick got the assignment partly because his company was already on Harrisons Island and partly because he had led a similar patrol on the evening of October 18 that had familiarized him with the area. Around dusk, Philbrick and a handful of volunteers using two small skiffs quietly crossed to Balls Bluff. The patrol moved downriver along the flood plain at the base of the bluff, then up a winding path that came out just behind the current national cemetery. Philbricks men cautiously advanced away from the river along a cart path some 10 or 12 feet wide. They crossed a large clearing and passed through some woods to open fields. A full moon had bloomed on October 18, and still provided some uncertain light. Lieutenant Church Howe later described the patrol: We proceededthree quarters of a mile or a mile from the edge of the river. We saw what we supposed to be an encampment. [There was] a row of maple trees; and there was a light on the opposite hill which shone through the trees and gave it the appearance of the camp.Captain Philbrick took the patrol back across the river and reported the presence of a small camp without pickets. General Stone called the discovery a very nice little military chance. He decided to raid the camp, and the chain of errors that led to the Union debacle had begun. Captain Philbricks inaccurate, faulty report would lead to the Battle of Balls Bluff. Preparations were made throughout the night and into the early hours of October 21 for a raid limited solely to the supposed camp. Indeed, General Stone specifically ordered Colonel Devens to make his raid and return to his present position. A second crossing was also planned downriver at Edwards Ferry. Stone ordered Major John Mix, an old Regular Army man commanding a battalion of the 3rd New York Cavalry, to take 30 to 35 men across the river and move out the Edwards Ferry road toward Leesburg. Mixs assignment was to draw Confederate attention away from Devens so that he would be able to conduct his raid and get safely back. Mix also was to scout the roads between the river and the main highway into Leesburg from the east (todays Route 7 East, the road down which General McCall would march should he be ordered to move on the town). Having done those things, Mix was to recross the river. Believing that he would be back in Maryland by 8:30 or 9 a.m., he ordered the regimental cooks to have breakfast ready. As things developed, Shanks Evans, also aware that McCall was only a few miles away in Dranesville, believed the Yankees were planning an envelopment of the town, but McCall had neither plans nor orders to advance on Leesburg. McClellan actually ordered him to return to Langley on October 20, but McCall needed an extra day to complete his reconnaissance survey of the roads. So quite by coincidence, McCalls orders called for him to withdraw from the area just as the fighting at Balls Bluff was getting started. Colonel Devens shuttled his raiding party, 300 men from the 15th Massachusetts, across the river in the patrols two skiffs and a slightly larger Francis metallic lifeboat that held about 15 men and was dragged across the island for their use. Some 30 to 35 men at a time could make the crossing in the three boats. Just over 100 troops from the 20th Massachusetts followed the 15th Massachusetts men. Their job was to deploy on the bluff, cover the withdrawal of Devens men following the raid, and then recross to the island under cover of fire from infantry and two mountain howitzers stationed there. Getting more than 400 men across the river in three small boats, in the dark and as quietly as possible, was a touchy assignment made more so by the fact that heavy rains during the previous three weeks had caused the river to rise well above normal. The shuttling of troops to the Virginia shore took most of the night. Colonel Devens consulted with Colonel William R. Lee, who commanded the 20th Massachusetts and accompanied his 100 men to the bluff. Devens then ordered his men to the attack as soon as it was light enough to see. Sunrise that morning came at 6:26, so it may be presumed that he moved out at about 6. Devens soon discovered that his raiding party had nothing to raid. Had he decided to return to the island at that point, the story would have ended there. General Stone, however, had given him the discretionary authority not to return immediately should he either drive the enemy easily or find that the situation was quiet and there was no threat. Colonel Devens decided to stay. He sent Lieutenant Howe back to tell General Stone about the mistake and to request further instructions. Howe returned to the river, crossed over and rode to Edwards Ferry, reporting to Stone around 8. On hearing Howes report, Stone decided to turn the raid back into a reconnaissance and ordered the remainder of the 15th Massachusetts to join Devens. The force then was to advance toward Leesburg to gauge the enemys strength in the area. Howe went ahead of the reinforcements and told his commander of the new orders. Howes message to Stone, however, was irrelevant before it was delivered. Devens actually was making contact with the Confederates as Howe was talking to Stone. Pickets from Captain William Duffs Company K, 17th Mississippi Infantry, had briefly engaged a small patrol from the 20th Massachusetts near Smarts Mill, a mile or so north of Balls Bluff. About four men on each side exchanged shots, then withdrew. First Sergeant William Riddle of the 20th Massachusetts was severely wounded in the elbow, the battles first casualty. The Mississippians sent word to Colonel Evans that Union troops were across the river, but no one from the 20th Massachusetts bothered to inform Colonel Devens of the contact. He therefore was surprised when his scouts reported Confederate troops moving toward his position. Captain Duff gathered his 40-45 men and moved southward in order to get between the enemy and Leesburg. He encountered Devens men near the home of Mrs. Margaret Jackson, a little north of where the camp mistakenly was reported to have been and several hundred yards from the bluff. Devens had 300 men with him, but, not knowing that he faced so few Confederates, he held most of his men in reserve and sent only Captain Philbricks 65-man Company H forward to meet Duff, triggering a 15-minute firefight at about 8 a.m. The Southerners got the best of it, as they killed one, wounded nine and captured three of the Federals while suffering only three minor wounds themselves. Both companies withdrew, and there was a lull of about three hours while both sides fed reinforcements into the area. The balance of Devens 15th Massachusetts were the first Federals to arrive, and the initial Confederate reinforcements were troopers from several companies of the 4th and 6th Virginia Cavalry led by Lt. Col. Walter Jenifer. Jenifer had heard the firing, pulled together as many horsemen as he could, and ridden to the sound of the guns. Both sets of reinforcements arrived after the initial skirmish had ended. Shortly after Howe left General Stone, Colonel Edward Baker had arrived at Edwards Ferry to find out what was going on. Neither he nor his brigade had played any part in the demonstration, the patrol or the raid, but Stone had ordered Baker to bring his men to Conrads Ferry, just above Harrisons Island, in case they were needed.Relying on Howes outdated information, Stone gave Baker command of all Union forces around Balls Bluff, permitting him to order across additional troops or recall those already in Virginia, depending on his evaluation of the situation. Neither Stone nor Baker knew that fighting already had broken out. Both were thinking only of an expanded reconnaissance. On his way back upriver between 9:30 and 10, Baker ran into Lieutenant Howe, now returning to Edwards Ferry with the new information about the Duff-Philbrick skirmish. Baker thus learned of the fighting before Stone did and said, according to Howe, I am going over immediately, with my whole force, to take command. Instead of doing that, however, he began throwing as many troops across the river as he could while spending most of the next four hours directing a search for more boats. Baker not only failed to go the battlefield, he also neglected to put anyone in charge on the Virginia side. Nor did he give any orders to the men already there. Each unit that crossed was effectively on its own. As additional troops arrived, two more skirmishes erupted near the Jackson house. One occurred around 11:30 between the roughly 650 men of the 15th Massachusetts and a mixed force of Mississippi infantry and Virginia cavalry of about the same size. At almost every point of contact during the day, the opposing forces were fairly evenly matched, though each side reported being heavily outnumbered by the other. A third skirmish took place around 1 p.m., after the 8th Virginia (minus one company) arrived with just under 400 men. Though larger than the previous skirmishes, it also was indecisive and was followed by a lull. By about 2, Colonel Devens, whose men had done all the fighting on the Union side thus far, decided to withdraw to the bluff, where he knew that he would have some help. Coincidentally, Baker finally had crossed to Balls Bluff and met Devens there at about 2:15. He approved of Devens withdrawal and ordered him to take a position on the right of, and perpendicular to, the Federal line. The position, sometimes called a chevron formation, would have looked from the bluff like a backward L. In one wing, facing west or inland, the men of the 20th had their backs to the bluff. The other wing, the 15th Massachusetts, faced south. Together they faced an open field and covered the cart path on which any troops coming into the clearing would have to march, forcing them into a crossfire. To beef up the defense, the 20th had dragged two mountain howitzers up the slope and added them to the line. A short while later, a James rifle fieldpiece was also brought up the bluff. Baker sent two companies of his 1st California Infantry up the slope on his left front. He thought that as many as 7,000 Confederates might be there (it actually was closer to 700), but he wanted to be sure. That move resulted in those two companies meeting a portion of the 8th Virginia around 3 p.m., marking the beginning of almost continuous fighting that lasted until after dark. Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Wistar of the 1st California claimed the Virginians rose up from the ground to blast his men, who took heavy losses and fell back. Confusion within the 8th Virginia, however, caused a good portion of the regiment to break and run. Colonel Eppa Hunton apparently ordered the 8th to withdraw to a better position a short distance to the rear about the same time that the clash occurred. That order and the shock of the clash seem to have combined to create a panic in the regiments rightward-most companies. Hunton reacted by moving the unit to the left and rear, where he spent nearly two hours reorganizing his men and getting them back into the fight. As Hunton was moving to his left, Colonel Erasmus Burt moved his 18th Mississippi into their former place. After the men were situated, Burt almost immediately ordered them forward. Not seeing the right wing of the Federal chevron because those men were under the cover of woods and sloping ground, Burt marched directly into what Rebel cavalryman Elijah White, a local resident home on furlough and acting as a guide, later called the best directed & most destructive single volley I saw during the war. More than half of the 18th Mississippis 85 casualties that day came from that volley. Burt was one of them. Shot through the hip, he was taken into Leesburg, where he died five days later. The Mississippians pulled back and were split into two battalions by Lt. Col. Thomas Griffin. One moved to the left and the other to the right, creating an opening of some 200 yards in the Confederate line. The Federals did not exploit that gap, and it eventually would be filled by the 17th Mississippi. As the afternoon developed, the Rebels constructed a U-shaped line that penned the Union troops in along the precipitous bluff. Mixed companies of the 18th and 17th Mississippi Infantry anchored the left flank, with the reorganized 8th Virginia next in line. The rest of the 17th Mississippi then filled in the aforementioned gap between 4:15 and 5 p.m., and seven companies of the 18th Mississippi held down the right flank of the gray line. Company H of the 18th was on the extreme right, separated from its comrades by a ravine. The Union troops were even less organized than their foe, as various companies and battalions of the 15th and 20th Massachusetts, the 1st California and the 42nd New York were moved to threatened areas. Other elements of the 42nd New York were the final piece in the Union puzzle, crossing over later in the day and taking an initial position roughly in the Federal center. After Burts mortal wounding, the fighting was almost continuous, becoming a swirl of individual company or battalion actions. One Yankee called it a fight made up of charges. The 18th Mississippi kept working around the Confederate right, assaulting out of a ravine at least five times. Each time they were repulsed. The Union cannons, though in the open, contributed to holding the line. When the vulnerable artillerymen were quickly shot down, infantrymen came forward to man the guns. It was probably during the final assault by the 18th Mississippi on the Union left, between 4:30 and 5, that Colonel Baker was killed. Many descriptions have been left of Bakers death, though one of the most credible came from Captain Caspar Crowninshield of the 20th Massachusetts, who reported seeing Baker rallying his men when he was shot, got up again and then fell, struck by eight balls. Hand-to-hand fighting occurred before Union troops could retrieve Bakers body. The colonel remains the only U.S. senator ever killed in battle. Colonel Milton Cogswell of the 42nd New York eventually took command of the Union forces and attempted to break through the Confederate right flank. Had that been tried earlier, it might well have succeeded. But by the time the beleaguered Yanks made their charge, it was a desperate move that fell apart almost before it began. The fight continued to rage as the Federals made other failed attempts to drive away their Rebel tormentors. Things came to a head when the 17th Mississippi, about 700 fresh troops with full cartridge boxes, and supported by much of the 18th and possibly a company of the 13th Mississippi, advanced on the worn-out Federals.After filing into the gap in the Rebel line, the 17ths commander, Colonel Winfield Scott Featherston, had his men lie down. No lizards ever got closer to the ground than we did, remembered one Mississippian. The men soon rose again at Featherstons command and moved forward in the final attack that drew in troops from the other Rebel regiments around dusk. It was too much for the pressed Yankees. Cogswell made an effort to conduct an orderly withdrawal, but it was too late. One Rebel noted, a kind of shiver ran through the huddled mass upon the brow of the cliff; it gave way; rushed a few steps; then, in one wide, panic-stricken herd, rolled, leaped, tumbled over the precipice! The Federals had nowhere to go but into the swollen river. Many of them drowned or were shot as they attempted to swim to Harrisons Island. Private William Thatcher of the 1st California swam for his life as he could hear balls going ploog in the water all around him. I never felt so near death, wrote a relieved G.W. Davison of the 15th Massachusetts, in the water, weak, and out of breath, and balls whizzing. Many other Federals took what cover they could at the base of the bluff and later surrendered. More than 50 percent of the Union force become casualties, making the Confederate victory as complete as any won by either side during the war. Material in the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion notes that 49 Union soldiers were killed. Regimental returns, medical records and the many reports of bodies washing ashore along the Potomac in the days following the battle make it clear, however, that the Federal death toll approached 250. The Confederates suffered fewer than 40 killed. The primary responsibility for the Federal disaster lies with Colonel Baker. Though personally brave, he made several very careless and costly decisions that hindered rather than helped the troops he ordered into battle. The Southern command structure also had problems resulting from confusion and casualties. Walter Jenifer, Eppa Hunton and Erasmus Burt all were in charge of the Confederate forces at some point, until Winfield Scott Featherston took command and led the climactic assault that drove the Federals into the river at the end of the day.As events played out, Colonel Evans, who remained close to the Edwards Ferry road during the fight, moved troops to Balls Bluff at just the right times. Although his force never really outnumbered the Union troops, the pressure they applied was consistent enough to generate positive results for the Confederates despite the confusion caused by the numerous field command changes. Balls Bluff was considered a significant fight in 1861, but by later standards it was a mere skirmish. General Stone later described it as being about equal to an unnoticed mornings skirmish in 1864. But it mattered at the time, and it had serious consequences. To the Confederates it was a splendid success. For the defeated Federals, a very nice little military chance became that cursed Balls Bluff, which inspired the inquiry of committees and ruined careers. Though Baker was primarily to blame, the Republicans who controlled Washington had no desire to smear a Senate colleague and friend of the president. Therefore, the ax landed on Stones neck. The congressional Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War was formed partly in response to the debacle. Stone, who had been a rising star in the Union Army, was grilled by committee members and eventually imprisoned for 189 days, although no charges were ever filed against him. After his release, he served in the Western theater before resigning from the Army in September 1864. The Joint Committee existed throughout the war, a shadow over the shoulder of Union generals who did not function precisely in the manner the politicians thought they should. And what of Sergeant Donaldson? Attempting to work his way downriver late in the day, he was captured and spent the night with more than 500 of his comrades in the yard of the Loudoun County Courthouse in Leesburg. Sent to a prison in Richmond, he was aided by his brother, Lieutenant John Donaldson of the 22nd Virginia, who got him released on the condition that he would not leave the city. He was even offered a job in the Confederate postal service, but refused. In February 1862, Donaldson was exchanged and returned to the war, eventually becoming a captain in the 118th Pennsylvania. He survived the war and attended the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, dying at his home in 1928. This article was written by James A. Morgan III and originally appeared in the November 2005 issue of Americas Civil War magazine. For more great articles be sure to subscribe to Americas Civil War magazine today! "Plumley never told war stories, never gave interviews. When reporters or historians would call, he would listen to their spiel quietly and then simply hang up his phone" We buried Command Sergeant Major (ret.) Basil L. Plumley in the red dirt of the post cemetery at Fort Benning, Georgia, on a beautiful sunny fall afternoon. Every move by the Army pallbearers, honor guard and firing party was done with a precise attention to detail that the sergeant major would have appreciated, or even demanded. [CSM Plumley died from cancer on Oct. 10, 2012, in Columbus, Ga.] Plumley was 92 years old and a legendary figure among noncoms and soldiers in three wars. He was a heroic figure long before his exploits figured in a book published in 1992, We Were Soldiers Onceand Young, and a movie released in 2002, We Were Soldiers. He was also one of my best friends for the better part of half a century. He was Airborne Infantry in World War II and the Korean War. Plumley made all four airborne combat operations of the 82nd Airborne Division during the Big War: Sicily, Salerno, Normandy and Holland. He made one combat jump with the 187th Regimental Combat Team in Korea. He wore Master Parachutist wings with a gold star signifying those five combat jumps. When the Vietnam War really came home to America in the summer of 1965, Plumley was serving as sergeant major to the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), commanded by Lt. Col. Hal Moore. The sergeant major, a native West Virginian, was a quiet, monosyllabic manuntil he wasnt. When he wasnt, Moore says, Plumley could be gruff and even ornery. He was a big man, 6 foot 2, and when he drew in a deep breath, preparatory to ripping the hide off some offending trooper, he seemed even bigger and taller. Although he wore the Combat Infantry Badge with Two Starsone of only 325 men to do soat the top of a chest full of ribbons, Basil Plumley never told war stories and never gave interviews. When reporters or historians or even students at the Armys Sergeant Major Academy would call to ask questions, Plumley would listen to their spiel quietly and then simply hang up his phone. I first met Sgt. Maj. Plumley in early November of 1965. I had accompanied 1/7 Cav on a medical civil action mission to a remote Montagnard village east of Plei Me Special Forces Camp in the Central Highlands, followed by a hard, slow slog through dense bamboo and wait-a-minute vinesa long, hot walk and crawl through jungle gloom. Just before sundown we forded a neck-deep mountain stream, then dug foxholes and rolled up in our ponchos for a cold, wet, miserable night. At first light I boiled a canteen cup of water over a bit of C4 and was fishing around for a couple of packets of powdered coffee when I looked up to see Hal Moore and Basil Plumley standing there looking me over. Moore informed me, In my battalion we all shaveincluding reporters! I groaned. Plumley grinned big as I dug out my razor and bar of soap and diverted my coffee water for a new task. Our next real meeting would be in battle at Landing Zone X-Ray, a clearing at the base of 2,300-foot-tall Chu Pong Massif in the Ia Drang Valley, on the morning of November 15. I had flown in after dark the night before in a Huey helicopter piloted by Major Bruce Old Snake Crandall and packed with crates of ammunition, grenades and mortar rounds. I found that I was the only reporter on the ground and had an exclusive seat at the biggest battle of the war. That morning at dawn my exhilaration was greatly tempered by the sight of 20 or 30 dead American soldiers wrapped in their ponchos, booted feet sticking out, in a long, sad line in the beaten-down elephant grass. I was sitting with my back to a small tree near a large termite hill where Moore and his staff were working the radios, when all hell broke loose. A battalion of North Vietnamese regulars boiled out of the dense brush and tall grass and slammed into the thin line of Captain Bob Edwards Charlie Company just inside the trees on the southeast side of the perimeter. Moores makeshift command post at the termite hill was inside the beaten zone. Enemy rifle and machine gun fire scythed through at about knee-high. The noise of battle was deafening. I rolled onto my belly and concentrated on getting as low as possible. Suddenly there was a thump in my ribs and I turned my head carefully to see what it was: a size 12 combat boot on the foot of Sgt. Maj. Plumley. He bent at the waist and shouted down at me, Cant take no pictures lying down there on the ground, Sonny! I thought: Hes right. I also thought it highly likely we might all die here in this remote mountain valley, surrounded by a vastly larger enemy force, much as this same outfit had fallen in the Little Bighorn River valley nearly a century before. So I got up and followed Plumley as he moved over to the makeshift aid station and yelled at the battalion surgeon, Captain Robert Carrera, and the medical platoon sergeant, Tommie Keeton: Gentlemen, prepare to defend yourselves! As if to punctuate how imminent the danger was, Plumley whipped out his M1911 Colt .45 pistol and jacked a round into the chamber. Plumley thought we were in dire danger of being overrun, and he was going around alerting the only available reservesa kid reporter, a doctor, a medic and some of the wounded. The following night an Air Force C-123 was keeping the battlefield illuminated with flares. The parachute failed on one burning flare and it plunged right into the middle of the pile of ammo crates that constituted our supply dump. Plumley leaped to his feet and ran over and, bare handed, lifted the burning flare out of the crates, reared back and threw it out into the clearing. For that, and other actions in the battle, he would earn his second award of the Silver Star. And there began another Basil Plumley story we would both laugh over for years. After the Ia Drang battles, I moved on to other operations, other units, but in January of 1966 I got word from Moore, now wearing the eagles of a colonel and commanding the 3rd Brigade, to hotfoot it to 1st Cavs home base at An Khe. There he briefed me on an upcoming operation into the Bong Son area along the central coast. Then he said something that froze my blood: By the way, Sgt. Maj. Plumley has a bone to pick with you, so you best see him and make it right. Soon enough I was with the sergeant major, and he was telling me how one of my stories about that flare incident had frightened Mrs. Plumley back home in Columbus, Ga. My boss at the United Press International (UPI) bureau in Saigon had been given sketchy information about Plumleys actions through radio reports reaching U.S. headquarters there. He had taken some liberties and blown the story out of proportion with lines like: Sgt. Maj. Plumley will wear the scars on his hands for the rest of his life. I was still on the battlefield when that story moved on the wires. I told Plumley, I did NOT write that story! His response: It had YOUR name on it, Joe. I gave up and asked, What will it take to make it right with you, Sergeant Major? He grinned and said that he really admired the Smith & Wesson short-barrel .38 Special on my belt. I told him he could not have my belt gun, but I would see that he got a brand-new pistol just like mine. The erring UPI boss brought a new pistol back from home leave, and I delivered it to a delighted Plumley. Nearly 40 years later, I was sitting at the dinner table at Plumleys home in Columbus as he gave a couple of movie stars a tour of his gun collection. He opened his sock drawer, pulled out that .38 and waved it around, telling them, Joe Galloway gave me this gun! He called it a peace offering; I called it a peacemaker. They broke the mold when they made Basil Plumley. He was mentally sharp right to the end, and we all wanted him to stick around for a few more years as an inspiration to todays sergeants major of all services. But when his wife of 62 years, Miss Deurice, died last Memorial Day, something broke inside the toughest man I ever met. He had concealed the fact that he had the softest heart in the world from everyone but her and their daughter and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe Galloway was a longtime war, military and foreign correspondent and is the co-author with Lt. Gen. Hal Moore of We Were Soldiers Onceand Young, which was made into a feature film in 2002, and the follow-on book, We Are Soldiers Still. He now resides in Concord, N.C. An intergenerational brotherhood The war in Vietnam ended nearly four decades ago, but for some veterans their war lasted much longer and for many it has never come to a close. Beyond physical wounds that have dogged so many, the Vietnam vets experience has greatly expanded our understanding of the emotional and psychological toll that inevitably accompanies combat. While acceptance of this fact in the military and among many veterans themselves took time, most today recognize post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a wound every bit as real as lost limbs. The past decade has seen tens of thousands of new wounded warriors return home from other distant battlefields. While their reception, by any measure, has been warm and embracing, they still face a hard and uncertain future, just as veterans of Vietnam did. But one irreplaceable advantage they have is the cohort of Vietnam-era veterans who are stepping up to lend them a hand. Barry Fixler, author of our grunts-eye-view lead story about the hell on Hill 861-A during the 77 days of Khe Sanh, has pledged the royalties from his recently published memoir, Semper Cool, to help wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, for the past eight years, Hal Koster, through the Aleethia Foundation, has provided more than 300 Friday Night Dinners to veterans whose serious wounds leave them hospitalized for long periods of time. As Koster, who served 25 months as a gunship crew chief in Vietnam and is a board member of the Rolling Thunder organization, says, these service members who are in their peak years dont need pity; they need friendly nurturing of their spirits and souls. They need, if only for a few hours, a taste of normalcy, a break from the sterile confines and routines of their life in hospitals. The story of how the Friday Night Dinners and the Aleethia Foundation got started is told in the Rolling Thunder XXIV Event Guide, which we present inside this issue. But the intergenerational veteran support isnt just a one-way street. As Iraq War veteran Drew Cameron and fellow Iraq and Afghanistan war vets grappled with their own traumas, they developed a therapeutic artistic means of releasing and coping with tough memories and expressing their feelings. What has evolved into the Combat Paper Project (Rags to Redemption) has recently reached a number of Vietnam veterans, unleashing some exciting and healing synergiesnot to mention some outstanding artworkas the different generations work together on a common creative process. And, speaking of art and expression, this month we take a look at the humble Zippo lighter in Vietnam and how, with the messages and images engraved on them, they came to be one of the wars lasting cultural icons. Andersonville vs. Camp Douglas In Lon L. Leapleys letter (Mail Call, June 2006) he says he had never heard of Camp Douglas, Ill., until he recently saw a TV documentary about it on The History Channel. He then hastily declares that it was a worse prison than Andersonville in Georgia. This is simply not true, and it needs to be corrected. Of the estimated 575 prisons that existed during the Civil War, I have for over 30 years put Andersonville at the top of the list, as the worst of all prisons. The facts cant be ignored. Camp Douglas was located on 80 acres. Most of its shelters were a form of barracks and in very poor condition. The camp was in existence from 1862-65. Deaths during this time are estimated at 4,454 and average 111 deaths per month for 40 months. The camp was built to hold 6,000 but at one time held 12,000. Andersonville was located on 26 acres, and most of its shelters were made with whatever materials could be found by the prisoners most just dug holes in the ground and made tents out of bits of clothing and other cloth. The camp was in existence for 13 months in 1864-65. Deaths during this time are estimated at 13,000 (or 1,000 per month). The camp was built to hold 10,000 people, but reports show that at one time it held as many as 32,900. When General William T. Shermans army captured Atlanta on September 2, 1864, most of the able-bodied prisoners at Andersonville were moved to other camps in the South. It would take the combined death totals of the top four most deadly Union prisons to surpass the total dead at Andersonville. Those four are Camp Douglas (4,454), Point Lookout, Md. (3,584), Elmira, N.Y. (2,933), and Fort Delaware, Del. (2,460). These combined totals are 13,431. Thus despite Mr. Leapleys claim, Andersonville remains the worst prison of the war and the front door to hell. Jerry R. Troxell President, Civil War Roundtable Sun City West, Ariz. Mail From the Front I am currently serving in Iraq with D Company, 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment. We are an Army National Guard unit from Richmond, Va. I am writing to thank you for your magazine, Civil War Times. I pick up a copy whenever I can at our post exchange, and my wife even mails me one occasionally. I enjoy the Gallery and My War departments especially those sections and the stories in them still ring true for soldiers facing todays wars. I remember reading about the importance of mail to troops during the Civil War. But even today with cell phones and e-mail regular mail is still an important thing to a soldier. Once again thank you for a wonderful magazine, and I wish your company continued success. Sergeant Robert Martin Iraq Lincolns Gettysburg Addressees It does ones heart good to see the only picture of Lincoln at Gettysburg crown the July issues Frozen Moment department. It might have been explained that it took until 1948 for Josephine Cobb of the Library of Congress to discover Lincolns face in the crowd. You mentioned that 10,000 people were present when the president delivered his Gettysburg Address at the Soldiers National Cemetery. But the number reached a minimum of 16,000. Local papers estimated the crowd at 30,000 and some claimed as many as 150,000 were present presumably a misprint. Gabor Boritt Director of the Civil War Institute Gettysburg College, Pa. Send letters to Civil War Times Editor, World History Group, 741 Miller Drive, S.E., Ste. D-2, Leesburg VA 20175, or e-mail to CivilWarTimes@weiderhistorygroup.com. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited. Their casualties were enormous but their courage and capacity for fun were legendary. General Lee, himself, gave highest praise to these Yankees of the Irish Brigade. BY JOHN F. McCORMACK, JR. Out Hanover Street in Fredericksburg they marched that December morning in 1862, sprigs of green in their caps, a bright green battle flag, with gold harp and the ancient Gaelic words Riamh Nar dhruid O sbairn lan (Never retreat from the clash of spears) defiantly emblazoned on it, held high as shot and shell exploded all around in a blaze of red and orange. Ahead was an open plain and then two hills known as Maryes Heights, covered with Confederate artillery. At the base of the hills was a sunken road behind a stone wall. Pausing to regroup behind a slight rise on the plain, they quickly dressed ranks and formed line of battle in brigade front. Then the commands rang out. Right shoulder, shift arms, battalion forward, guide center, march! They double-quicked across the plain toward the stone wall amid the seep of musketry and canister. The blue lines staggered and slowed as men fell like leaves in an autumn wind. Passing under the range of the artillery on the hills, they were suddenly met by a sheet of flame as the confederates behind the stone wall fired. A member of the 8th Ohio Infantry noted as they passed his unit that each man had a half-laughing, half-murderous look in his eye. They pass to our left, poor glorious fellows, shaking goodbye to us with their hats! They reach a point within a stones throw of the stone wall. No farther. They try to go beyond but are slaughtered. Nothing could advance farther and live. That was the Irish Brigade in the Battle of Fredericksburg, paying with their lives for Burnsides tragic blunder. And for the only time in its short proud history the brigade had to retreat from the clash of spears, terribly shattered, having suffered 41.4 percent casualties in killed, wounded, and missing. As General Lee remarked after the war, Never were men so brave. Organized in 1861 shortly after First Bull Run, the brigades nucleus was the 63d, 69th, and 88th New York Infantry. In the fall of 1862 the 28th Massachusetts and the 116th Pennsylvania were added, and the 29th Massachusetts served with it for a short time. It saw action in the Peninsular Campaign, at Antietam, Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cedar Run, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg, in the 1st Division of the II Corps. Reorganized in November 1864, with the 7th New York Heavy Artillery replacing the 116th Pennsylvania, it was by then no longer the old organization and certainly could not be truthfully designated the Irish Brigade. It had suffered over 4,000 casualties in killed and wounded, a total which exceeded the number of men enrolled in it at any given time. Of the five men who commanded the Irish Brigade, three were killed and the other two wounded. Colonel Richard Byrne was mortally wounded at Cold Harbor; Colonel Patrick Kelly was killed at Petersburg; Major General Thomas A. Smyth died at Farmville; and Brigadier Generals Robert Nugent and Thomas Meagher were both wounded. The most colorful and flamboyant of its leaders was the original commander and organizer, General Thomas Francis Meagher. Born in County Waterford, Ireland in 1823, he was described as the counterpart of some rash, impolitic, poetic personage from Irish poetry or fiction. Son of a wealthy merchant, he was an active disciple of Irish liberty and participated in the various independence movements. In 1845 the British exiled him to Tasmania. Three years later he escaped and eventually made his way to New York City. At various times a lawyer, lecturer, newspaper editor, and politician, his flaming oratory had made him a favorite of the Young Ireland group and he soon became the political leader of the Irish element in New York. At the outbreak of the Civil War he raised a Zouave company and commanded it at First Bull Run as part of the 69th New York State Militia. That winter he organized the Irish Brigade and President Lincoln appointed him brigadier general of Volunteers in February 1862. The officers and men of the Irish Brigade were among the most unusual in the Union Army. A surprisingly large number had combat experience in the papal Brigade of St. Patrick and Austrian and British services. Several won the Congressional Medal of Honor during the war. A single company contained seven lawyers as privates. Reporters George Townsend found Meaghers gold-bedecked staff to be fox huntersa class of Irish exquisitesgood for a fight, card party or a hurdle jumping but entirely too Quixotic for the sober requirement of Yankee warfare. In early December 1861 the New York regiments took up pleasant winter quarters at Camp California, near Alexandria, Virginia, where they were assigned to General Sumners division of the Army of the Potomac. Christmas was fondly remembered by those who survived the war. Little John Flaherty entertained on the violin while his father livened the festivities with Irish tunes played on the warpipes. The canteen, which hardly ever seemed to contain water, was eagerly passed around. Said Private Bill Dooley: It is as well to keep up our spirits by pouring spirits down, for sure, theres no knowing where well be this night twelve months. When major General Israel B. (Greasy Dick) Richardson took command of the 1st Division, Captain Jack Gosson, one of Meaghers aides, decided that the old veterans first review of the Irish Brigade should be a memorable occasion. Accordingly, he preceded the general along the drawn-up lines of Irishmen, informing the waiting soldiers, An what do you think of the brave old fellow, but he has sent to our camp three barrels of whisky, a barrel for each regiment, to treat the boys of the brigade; we ought to give him a thundering cheer when he comes along. That they did, startling both Richardson and the army. Gossons fine Irish hand was recognized when no liquor was subsequently found in camp. The chaplains of the brigade were also rather unusual. Chaplain Dillon succeeded in getting a large number of the 63d N.Y. to take the pledge against the use of alcohol. A medal was distributed to all who did so. During the Peninsula Campaign this led to much scrambling for the whisky rations of those who were abstainers. Chaplain Ouellet was probably the most colorful. Born in Canada, he had a French accent that amused the soldiers. He was credited with coining two army phrases during the Seven Days battles. It seems that some of the men preferred coffee and breakfast to divine service after a fight or a hard march. At church services one day he shouted, The good came here this morning to thank God for their deliverance from death, and the restwere coffee-coolers and skedaddlers during our retreat. The brigade received its first blooding in the Peninsula Campaign. The Columbia and Ocean Queen about which there was plenty of ocean but not much queen, deposited them at Ship Point, Virginia in the spring of 1862. There they occupied some abandoned Confederate huts filled with graybacks thoughtfully provided by their former host. The muddy condition of the Virginia roads added to their discomfort. Then a day at the races, The Chickahominy Steeple-Chase, was rudely interrupted by the Battle of Fair Oaks. A fierce bayonet charge and a sweeping fire earned the brigade the praise of army commander McClellan that day. At Gainess Mill they supported the hard-pressed Fitz John Porter. A vicious hand-to-hand struggle at Savage Station was repeated at Mavern Hill. The attrition due to battle and sickness prompted Meagher to secure McClellans permission to gain new recruits in New York after the Seven Day Campaign. While there he found it necessary to dispel rumors that the Irish regiments were being sacrificed by Black Republicans. Then the brigade was particularly saddened by the death from malaria of a popular young staff officer, Lieutenant Temple Emmet, grandnephew of one of Irelands greatest martyrs, Robert Emmet. Antietam was the next battle honor garnered by the brigade. It was committed in the Union center and had the dubious distinction of attacking the Confederates in the Sunken Road. With Meagher at their head, the cheering Irish moved against the waiting enemy. A rail fence was quickly torn away under enemy fire. The re-aligned brigade continued the attack when all of their flags were suddenly downed at once. A chagrined aide informed the watching McClellan, The day is lost, generalthe Irish fly. No, no their flags are up, they are charging. Was the happy rejoinder. Sure enough a captain of the 69th New York gathered a fallen green flag with the gold harp and followed Meagher. As division commander Brigadier General Winfield Hancock then reported it: A severe and well-sustained musketry contest then ensued, continuing until the ammunition was nearly expended, after which this brigade, having suffered severely, losing many valuable officers and men, was relieved by the brigade of General Caldwell whichadvanced tothe rear of Meaghrs brigade. The latter then broke by companies to the rear, and the former by companies to the front. The Irish Brigade had indeed suffered severely at Antietam. Meagher was carried from the field unconscious, thrown by his wounded horse. They lost over 500 officers and men killed or wounded. Two of the regiments sustained staggering casualty percentages: the 69th suffered 61.8 percent and 63d, 59.2 percent. The brigade recuperated somewhat from its ordeal while encamped on Bolivar Heights at Harpers Ferry after the battle. Here the 116th Pennsylvania joined them. Before they were again committed, the electrifying news reached them that McClellan had been relieved of command of the army. Many of the angered officers of the Irish Brigade, nearly all of them Democrats, resigned on the spot. Only Meaghers persuasiveness kept them with the army. As it was, at McClellans final review of the Army of the Potomac, the brigade broke ranks to swarm around their departing hero. An unusual incident is reported to have occurred as the Irish Brigade was enroute to Fredericksburg. As the men passed the house of the slain Confederate General Turner Ashbys mother, a disheveled-looking woman rushed into the midst of the marching soldiers, shrillingly invoking the curse of God upon those who had taken her sons life. To some of the more superstitious Irish her cries must surely have seemed akin to the dreaded wail of the feared banshee (signifying in Celtic lore a death to come). Prior to crossing a pontoon bridge into Fredericksburg that bleak December day, the command shook out its colors. The nearby 14th Brooklyn (84th N.Y.) cheered the marching Irishmen, as the band of Hawkins Zouaves (9th N.Y.) struck up the brigades marching tune, Garry Owen. Less cheering was the presence of professional embalmers who passed out cards advertising their patriotic services. One brigade member refused with a scathing be damned to yez. Once in town some of the byes joined in the plundering. One Irishman staggered under the weight of a huge feather bed, while two others sported womens bonnets and a more practical fellow carted off a ten-gallon coffeepot. The men of the 116th amused themselves by fishing up the contents of some sunken tobacco barges. Despite the tragic outcome of the battle of Fredericksburg, a previously planned banquet to receive new colors for the New York regiments was held in a Fredericksburg theater. The Irish colors (the regiments carried no state flags) had been donated by an appreciative citizens committee of native Americans. About 300 officers, including twenty-two generals, attended the Irish wake. The bereaved Meagher made an unfortunate reference to political generals (after all, he was one himself) in a speech which was held against this Democrat in his later efforts to gain permission to recruit his brigade. It was, incidentally, at Fredericksburg that the 69th thought they had lost their national standard. The next day the color-sergeant was found dead, sitting up against a tree with this hands clasped upon his chest. Further examination revealed the Stars and Stripes wrapped around his body. The regiment and the Irish Brigade could still maintain their claim to Appomattox that they had never lost a flag. After Fredericksburg the contending forces settled down in winter quarters. As usual, the Irish Brigade believed it incumbent upon them to enliven things a bit. The day chosen was, naturally, St. Patricks Day, March 17. As was customary, the day began with church services. Shortly afterwards about 30,000 gathered to watch the Grand Irish Brigade Steeple-Chase. General Hooker, the new army commander, was given wine with which he proposed The Irish BrigadeGod bless them! which was followed by three resounding cheers. After two races Meagher invited his guests to partake of sandwiches, wine, and spiced whiskey punch. The main feast of thirty-five hams, a side of roasted ox, roasted pig stuffed with boiled turkey, chickens, ducks, and small game, washed down by eight baskets of champagne, ten gallons of rum, and twenty-two gallons of whisky would come later, just before the evenings theatricals and excitations. Nor were the enlisted men forgotten. Their events included a half-mile run, half-mile hurdles, weight throw, greased-pig contest (winner got the victim), sack race, blindfolded wheelbarrow race, and Irish dance contests. At one point Meagher chased onlookers from beneath the grandstand with the exhortation that they stood in danger of being crushed by four tones of major generals. There was also a good deal of plotting being carried on within the Irish units of the army. Logically it centered in the Irish Brigade. Many of the men were members of the Fenian Brotherhood and thus were dedicated to the overthrow of the British in Ireland. Doctor Reynolds, the surgeon of the 63d New York, was Head Center of the Army of the Potomac Fenian Circle. Meetings were held regularly on the first Sunday of every month in the brigades hospital tent. Contributions were sent to the Head Center of the Brotherhood in New York. Despite the heavy losses, the men of the brigade always tried to maintain friendly relations with the enemy pickets. Sugar, coffee, whisky, and tobacco were freely bartered. In one instance some brigade pickets gave their Confederate counterparts a gift of several captured sheep. Then in the Chancellorsville Campaign the brigade helped round up the XI Corps fugitives after Stonewall Jacksons famous flank attack, and on May 3 it marched from Scotts Mills to near the Chancellor House to support the 5th Marine Battery, dragging it off when its gunners were rendered hors de combat. Meagher by now however, had made himself unpopular with the other high-ranking officers in the army by his constant political speeches and activities. It was also generally believed that he regarded the brigade more as an independent symbol of Irish glory than an effective unit of the army. Consequently, his request to recruit replacements was refused, and instead it was proposed to abolish the brigade by distributing its units among other commands. Highly indignant at this proposal, Meagher resigned his commission May 14, 1863 and went home in disgust. His resignation was accepted. However, he was re-commissioned, commanded the District of Etowah, but again resigned in early 1865. The reduced brigade was then led into battle at Gettysburg by Colonel Kelly. By this time the three New York regiments had been formed in battalions of two companies each, while the 116th Pennsylvania was one battalion of four companies. During the famous Confederate charge of July 3, one thought kept recurring to the commanding officer of the 116th. It was Fredericksburg reversed. A more profound thought, perhaps, occurred to a private when he was informed his regiment would be held in reserve. In resarve, yis, he muttered, resarved for the heavy fightin. There was more heavy fightin' and heavy marchin,ahead for the brigade. In the withdrawal from Cedar Run it fought two major engagements and marched seventy-six miles in fifty-six hours, capturing two stands of colors, five guns, and 450 prisoners. Then on May 3, 1864 the Irish Brigade moved out of its winter encampment with ten field officers. Within six weeks six of these would be dead and the other four seriously wounded. Its losses were so great that it finally disappeared into the so-called Consolidated Brigade (2d and 3d Brigades joined together). But as II Corps historian Walker later wrote, The Irish Brigadewas to the close of the war one of the most picturesque features of the Second Corps, whether in fight, on the march or in camp. John F. McCormack, Jr., is assistant professor of history and government at the Community College of Delaware County, Pa. He is a member of several historical societies and has written radio programs dealing with U.S. history. As a reading list he suggests the following: Michael Cavanaugh, Memoirs of Gen. Thomas Francis Meagher; David Powers Conyngham, The Irish Brigade and is Campaigns; Thomas F. Galwey, The Valiant Hours; and Francis A. Walker, History of the Second Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac. The wind was howling, snow was falling sideways, and the temperature was dangerously low. What better time to escape from Johnsons Island? BY ROGER LONG Part two of this article from Civil War Times Illustrated will appear on TheHistoryNet the week of March 30. Editors Note: As 1863 gave way to 1864, a group of Confederate officers hatched a plan to escape from Johnsons Island, the infamous Union prison on Lake Erie, just north of Sandusky, Ohio. The following story, the first of two parts, is based on the accounts of the prisoners themselves. New Years Day 1864 blew in inhospitably for the prisoners and guards on Johnsons Island, Ohio. As midnight struck, a heavy rain began to patter hard against the windows of the prisoners barracks, replacing the gray drizzle that had enveloped the camp for the past day. Soon a sharp wind arose from the north, layering bitter cold onto the island from icy Sandusky Bay, a small inlet on the southern part of Lake Erie. In minutes the rain turned to a rattling sleet, then a heavy snow. By dawn the mercury had dipped to 10 degrees below zero and continued to plummet. It looked like a long dayand a rough yearwas dawning. As day broke, snow poured almost horizontally off Lake Erie, drifting in deep folds along the stockade fence and around the 13 barracks that held prisoners on Johnsons Island. A storm like this was something new, and it caught everyone by surprise. Through December 1863 the weather had been moderate, and as a result, not all the prisoners had been given firewood. Fuel inside the bull penthe contemptuous name the prisoners had given their barrackswas in short supply, and one by one the stoves went cold. To go outside, even for an hour, to haul in more wood was to risk frostbite or perhaps even death. Sandusky Bay, which surrounded the 300-acre island, was frozen, and the slightly warmer water below caused a vapor cloud to rise eerily over the icy surface. Ripples of ice covered window panes and plugged cracks in the walls. Ink froze in stoneware bottles, and the black slush pushed up corks and oozed onto papers. The Southern inmates, wearing every stitch of clothing they owned, huddled under blankets, cursing the Yankees for this bitter day. Standing watch on the fence, the Hoffman Battalion guards (named after Colonel William Hoffman, the Federal commissary general of prisoners) were scarcely less miserable. In less vicious weather they would pace back and forth on a catwalk 12 feet above the bull pen and call out the hours. But in this weather they were forced to seek shelter from the piercing winds by remaining hunched in unheated sentry boxes along the walkway. All day the gale raged. By dusk on January 1, the temperature had fallen to 20 degrees below zero, and the wind made it seem like 40 below. Atop the ice-rimmed fence, the number of guards had been reduced, and those who patrolled were replaced frequently to prevent them from freezing stiff. If nothing else, the guards knew no Rebel would try to escape on a night like this. But Lieutenant Colonel William S. Pierson, the prison commandant, had not reckoned on the desire of a handful of Southern officers to be free. Captain Waller M. Boyd of the 19th Virginia Infantry was the first to go. Somehow, amid the blowing snow, he managed to scale the fence unnoticed, but before going far he was recaptured. Returned to Block 10 blue with cold, he told his roommates that escape was possible, but only if they had enough warm clothing and the will to continue. The sentinels, he explained, were not watching carefullythey were more concerned with keeping warmand the wind made it impossible to light the large reflector lamps inside the plank fence. According to one of the guards Boyd met, the temperature had fallen to 27 degrees below zero. His aborted escape apparently reinforced to the Federals that no Rebel could make it off the island; no guards were put on alert for more attempts. Boyds discovery reassured Major John R. Winston of the 45th North Carolina Infantry. The 23-year-old officer had been a teacher before the war, a man without military training, but he had found in war the perfect outlet for his talents. Described by a fellow Rebel as a man of deep piety, of stern integrity and the coolest courage in battle, Winston was wounded twice at Gettysburg before being captured there on July 3, 1863. Arriving at the prison from a Baltimore hospital late in September, the major had fretted more than most prisoners and had tried several times to escape. In this snowstorm he saw an opportunity that might never recur, for opportunities on Johnsons Island were few and far between. Since the prisons opening in February 1862, only one prisoner had fled successfullyCaptain Charles H. Cole of Brigadier General Nathan Bedford Forrests cavalry. Cole had been brought to the island in September 1863. Days after his arrival, he and other prisoners were sent into the hold of a steamer to retrieve straw for bunks. Their task completed, the others left the ship, but Cole hid in the straw, remaining behind as the guards lost count of the prisoners. He stayed under the straw as the ship steamed into Sandusky that night. Posing as a civilian worker, Cole cautiously left the ship and escaped into Canada. Coles attempt certainly was not the only one. Many others had tried to tunnel under the wall from the barracks. In one memorable case, a portly South Carolina lieutenant had become so tightly wedged in the hole that he had to be shoveled out by laughing Federals when rain poured in and threatened to drown him. Just before Christmas 1863, Confederate Brigadier General James J. Archer realized the ground was too frozen for tunneling to succeed. So, he bribed a guard with $200 and a gold watch to let him and a few fellow officers through the gate. Once outside, however, Archer found the ice far too thin to hold them for the three miles to Sandusky. Furious, Archer returned to the prison and demanded that his money and watch be returned. The guard, he said, knew the condition of the ice all along and had let the general out as a Yankee trick to get his money. The guard, of course, ignored the demand. Talk of escape, always a whispered topic among the prisoners on Johnsons Island, grew in the days after Archers failed attempt, but contemplating escape and actually trying it, especially on such a frigid night as January 1, 1864, were quite different. Many of the prisoners considered a go at the fence after hearing from Boyd that day, but in the end only five would try: Winston and Captains Charles C. Robinson of the 9th Virginia Cavalry, Thomas H. Davis of the 1st Virginia Infantry, John E. Stakes of the 40th Virginia Infantry, and N.W. McConnell of the 11th Kentucky Infantry. Had they known what lay ahead, perhaps none would have agreed to leave the comparative comfort of the prison. The five officers donned all the civilian clothing they possessed and everything else they could borrow. Each wore several pairs of cast-off trousers and an assortment of shirts, socks, and glovesso many clothes the men could scarcely move. Still, they feared they were underdressed for such bitter cold. As night arrived and the storm continued, the five men waited anxiously in Block 10. When the drum sounded lights out at 9:00 p.m., the beat could scarcely be heard over the howling wind. Hushed in their cell block, the would-be escapees continued to wait until they were sure the Federals had settled in for the night. The sentinels hourly callTen oclock and alls wellwas, like the nine oclock drum, muted by the storm. Finally, Winston and Davis emerged from the barracks dragging a mess hall bench. Nailed along the surface of the benchs seat were cleats that converted it into a crude ladder. Moving as quickly as their thick clothing and the drifting snow would allow, they struggled through the yard and crossed the deadline, bracing themselves for musket shots that never came. They gently leaned the bench against the fence and prepared to climb. Back inside the cell block, the other prisoners had scraped the ice from the windows and crowded around to watch. By drawing lots earlier, the men had decided Winston would be the first up the ladder. Hold, Davis. Lie low. Dont breathe, he whispered. The new relief is coming. They heard the Union guards outside, double-quicking along the fence, then climbing the ladders to relieve those above. Soon all was quiet again. Davis, a Richmond attorney before the war, held the bench as Winston quickly mounted the slats. Suddenly a muffled cry of pain arose from Davis. Whats the matter? Winston whispered. Get off my thumb! Davis answered. Winston climbed to the top of the ladder only to find it was four feet too short, but he was able to reach the top of the stockade and pull himself up. Seeing no guards, he stepped over the catwalk and slid down a fence brace, onto a stump, and into a soft bank of snow. Then the three other prisoners rushed to the wall. Davis soon joined Winston on the other side, followed by Robinson and then McConnell. The four gathered among the trees to wait for Stakes, whose brother Edward had built the ladder but declined to escape for lack of sufficient clothing. With no one left to hold the ladder, it scraped against the fence as Stakes tried to climb. Just as he dropped to the snow outside the wall, the guard, hearing a muffled noise, emerged from the sentry box. Seeing a dim figure in the blowing snow, he cried out Halt! Thinking quickly, Stakes waved to him, pretending to be a guard who had just been relieved, and started off briskly toward the Federal barracks. The guard returned to the warm sentry box. Meanwhile, the other four Confederates retreated deep into the woods. Prisoners inside Block 10 peered out their frosted windows, expecting gunfire at any second. After several anxious minutes passed, Captain Thomas H. White of the 17th Tennessee went out as arranged to retrieve the bench, which had fallen beside the fence. When White rounded a corner, he banged the bench against the barracks and imagined that he heard a musket hammer click on the fence, but no shot came. No guards had seen him, and White made it back in triumph, as one prisoner wrote in his diary. Soon the falling snow and gusting wind erased the fugitives footprints, and with them every sign of the escape. All that remained was snow, wind, and frigid night. The four Confederates waited a reasonable time for Stakes but finally could wait no longer. For all they knew he was in custody and giving information. They hurried north, away from the Federal barracks, past the prison cemetery, and toward the narrow channel between Johnsons Island and Marblehead Peninsula. The prisoners preferred this northern escape route for several reasons. It was only a half a mile to Marblehead, much closer than the three miles south to Sandusky. Moreover, the thickness of the bay ice to the south was uncertain, while the calmer water to the north was most likely safer. Lastly, the distance to neutral Canada was considerably shorter than any direct route to the Confederacy. Of course, they realized, the chance of reaching either was remote. Earlier the storm had broken up the ice and piled huge slabs on the island before the bay froze again. Climbing over this frozen barrier, the four escapees skated out onto the snowy bay. A thin layer of snow whitened the ice, making any cracks or holes that led directly to the frigid water below stand out as dark spots. The men ran, slipped, slid, and tumbled across the frozen surface. Finally, breathless but still together, they reached the far shore. The men paused only for a moment to catch their breath. Across the windswept bay the could hear the Federal sentries at their posts shouting, Alls well! The four men climbed over a rail fence and ran across a snowy field to the west. Winston, with his teachers knowledge of geography, had mapped out the route carefully in his mind. They could not go eastthat would lead to the end of the peninsula and almost certain capture. Cold, hungry, and exhausted, the Confederates dared not stop at any of the farmhouses they passed, even though they could see the enticingly warm glow of fireplaces through the frosted windows. Instead, they hastened along the road to Port Clinton, some 10 miles away. Two hours before dawn, they sought refuge in a haystack, where they hoped to get warm and hide for a while. Unfortunately, the rains from previous days had frozen, turning the stack into an almost impenetrable iceberg. The prisoners anxiety mounted. Afraid to keep going, yet even more afraid to stop, the four entered a farmers stable to borrow a pair of plow horses and bridles. In Winstons mind this was not exactly theft, though he knew the local constable would not agree. But this was no time for legalities. Two men to each horse, the escapees mounted and rode off. There was never a slower getaway. The draft horses refused to go at any pace beyond a slow walk. Exhaustion, however, gave the men no choice but to continue this way. As the sun was just graying the sky behind them, McConnell slipped off his horse, groaning like a dying man. He was freezing, he said, too cold to remain motionless atop a horse. Winston tried rubbing the warmth back into him only to find that McConnells thick clothes made this impossible. Winston knew there was no choice but to send the horses back toward their stable. When the Confederates last saw them, the animals were trotting at a brisk pace, now that there were no riders to slow them. Shivering, McConnell pushed on with the others and managed to keep up until daylight. The Confederates knocked on the door of a nearby farmhouse and introduced themselves as land speculators who had been out prospecting when they were caught by the storm. The farmer invited them in to get warm near his iron stove. All the while, he kept studying their well-worn clothing. After they were warm again, the men talked cheerfully yet cautiously with the farmer. While the other two rested, Davis and Robinson did most of the speaking; they were almost Yankees themselves. Davis had graduated from Norwich University, a military academy in Vermont, and Robinson had worked for a time as seaman out of New Bedford, Massachusetts. The farmer prepared a breakfast of bread, bacon, and strong coffee for them. As far as the Confederates were concerned, it was food of the gods, and the last they might see for a long, long time. The Southerners excused themselves at the earliest opportunity and departed without paying the farmer. All they had was $3 in gold, and Winston insisted on hoarding it as long as possible. If some Yankee felt cheated, the major could live with it. Even as the escapees made their way across northwestern Ohio toward Toledo on the morning of January 2, Union guards held roll call back on Johnsons Island, and the remaining prisoners answered for the five who were absent. Federal authorities still had no hint that anything was amiss. Word of the escape, however, had quickly spread through the bull pen after roll call, and a host of prisoners tracked over to Block 10 to learn more: if five could escape, surely others could as well. So the prisoners began planning another escape for that night; they would use the same method. But by then it would be too late to try. Meanwhile, Commandant Pierson remained oblivious to the absence of the five men until that morning, when Captain Stakes was hauled into his office. After becoming separated from Winston and the others, Stakes had made his way north and crossed Sandusky Bay far to the west, where the bay was wider. All alone on the ice, he had fallen several times. The wind and water claimed his hat and a glove. By the time he reached the peninsula, he had no feeling in his hand, feet, or ears. To make matters worse, he could find no sign of his friends. Lacking the proper clothing, Stakes had no choice but to seek shelter, so he knocked on the door of the first house he saw. Posing as a Canadian sailor who had gotten drunk and had been left behind at Sandusky when his ship sailed, he said he was trying to work his way home. The farmers wife and daughters fed Stakes while the farmer, a retired seaman himself, questioned him. Stakes, with a modest knowledge of the sea, managed to answer the farmers barrage and was finally given a place to sleep. The next morning, Federal soldiers on patrol happened upon Stakes at the farmhouse. Identified as a Rebel prisoner, he was returned to Johnsons Island. Back in Piersons office, scarcely able to stand, the captain refused to give any information about his escape or about others who might have escaped with him. The angry Pierson ordered Stakes thrown into a cold cell for the rest of that day and most of the next. Shivering and in great pain from frostbite, Stakes divulged the truth only after he was certain that the other four had gotten away. He was half-carried to his room inside the prison, where Confederate doctors took charge of his recovery. In the weeks that followed, Stakes would lose several fingers and toes, one by one, to gangrene. Meanwhile, the miles between Winstons group and the prison grew. The men skirted south of Port Clinton and crossed the frozen Portage River south of Oak Harbor, avoiding roadways and the Union soldiers likely to be patrolling them. At times, Winston heard the ominous sound of huge trees snapping in the sub-zero cold. It was like the sound of breaking bones, or gunfire. On the afternoon of January 2, the four fugitives stopped at an Irishmans house and slept briefly by his hearth. Exhausted but still alert, they departed before wearing out their welcome. At sundown they knocked on the door of what one of the men called a troubled-looking Dutchmans house and asked for supper, but the farmers dour wife refused to let them enter. Not daring to draw attention to themselves, the Confederates left quietly through the woods. They were now in marsh country, an all but trackless tangle of frozen ponds, forest, and streams. The locals called it the Black Swamp. Winston and the three other prisoners trudged through the swamp. At about 10:00 p.m. they entered a village, probably Oak Harbor, where they stopped at a tavern to get warm. They posed as woodcutters on their way back to Michigan, some 30 miles away. Certainly, it was an occupation more in keeping with their attire than was land speculatingand one less likely to attract attention. As they warmed themselves by a fire, a Union soldier came in and joined the general conversation. Immediately the Confederates were on guard. But the soldier was on furlough and far too concerned with his own affairs to be on the lookout for escaped Rebels. The conversation turned to the cold weather, and Davis casually mentioned that those old Rebs on Johnsons Island must be enjoying the cool lake breezes. The tavern filled with laughter, and Winston realized that no word of the escape was out yet. The four Southerners soon departed and marched west again. The cold tormented them all, but McConnell suffered the most. His chest was filled with pain, and an ache settled in his stomach. By sunrise he begged to be left at the next house so he could surrender and go back to prison. Anywhere, he said, was better than where he was. The other three decided to give him his share of the money if he agreed to wait until the others were out of sight before he knocked at any door. McConnell agreed. After the others were gone, however, the Kentucky captain decided to make one last effort to get away. He knocked on the door of a house and stayed with that family for a day or so before moving on to the nearest railroad depot, where he sold his pocket watch and bought a ticket to Detroit. On the train, however, he was eyed suspiciously by an alert detective looking to collect a bounty on the escapees, who by this time were marked men. McConnell decided to get off at the next stop, but it was too late. He was arrested and returned to the island. Only three remainedWinston, Davis, and Robinson, all seasoned veterans of the Army of Northern Virginia. They were accustomed to long marches and short rations. Since fleeing Johnsons Island they had eaten only one mealthe farmers breakfastand that was a day earlier. The three men were cold and hungry, but the potential reward of freedom drove them on. The Southerners continued walking until they reached a tiny, one-room house near Toledo in which a man and his wife lived with nine children. Asking for food there seemed hopeless, but the kindly woman fed the strangers on cornbread, pork, and gravy. It was all she could scrape together, and this time Winston paid for the meal; he did not have the heart to accept food from such generous people without offering something in return. Perhaps not all Yankees were heartless, he thought. Leaving the little house, the fugitives followed railroad tracks toward Toledo. The wind had quieted, and the temperature, though still below freezing, had risen slightly. Before night the men stopped at a hovel occupied by a little boy and his Irish grandfather, who refused to help them. Pushing onward doggedly, they sought refuge at every house, but most of the residents were recent German immigrants who spoke little English and seemed frightened by these ragged Americans with their frost-covered beards. Rebuffed at every turn, the weary escapees sat by the road to rest and think. The oaks in the forest behind them groaned in the rising wind. After coming so far, the threesomes prospects appeared hopeless. The men were spent, chilled, and feverish. Winstons legs were swollen, and every bone ached as if the marrow were frozen solid. The Confederates had been on the move for two days and had not enjoyed a decent night of sleep in more than four. Still, Winston resolved, they would not simply die there by the road in this god-forsaken landscape. At about midnight they knocked at yet another door and were invited to the fire by a shrewd Down-Easter who was suspicious of their every gesture. When the Yankee asked where his visitors were from, Robinson responded, New Bedford, Massachusetts. The host brightened, and Winston sank. By sheer chance the man had lived there and mentioned the names of several men in the fishing town. Fortunately, Robinson was able to make satisfactory responses, and the Down-Easter seemed satisfied and led all three upstairs to a bedroom. There was little sleep that night. The New Englander made Winston nervous. Such Yankees were not to be trusted. So the Confederates slept only briefly and left after just a few hours, telling their host they had to reach Toledo in time to catch an early train. Just as morning broke on January 4, the three crossed the Maumee River into Toledo and mingled with workmen on their way to foundries and shops. In three nights and two days, the escapees had traveled a little more than 60 miles. Fortunately, it was easier for ragged men to pass without notice in the city. Toledo was a bustling industrial port at the far western end of Lake Erie, far from the ravages of war. Turning north again, the Rebels made their way toward the city limits and the Michigan state line. At noon Davis, the groups unofficial treasurer, entered a store and bought a lunch of soda crackers and cheese for the strange-looking trio, and they walked onward, taking in the city and its inhabitants. Winston was especially struck by the sight of several boys ice-skating down an old canal near the lake shore. In the South he had departed the previous Junethe South to which he was trying to returnboys like these wore the lean and hungry look of soldiers, aged beyond their years by the sight of corpses, fields laid waste, and charred houses. He was reminded that there was a world beyond the war, where battles, prisons, and destruction were unknown. But there was little time for philosophical rumination. The sky was roiling with clouds, and by the time the Confederates reached Monroe, a small town on Lake Erie about a dozen miles north of Ohio, snow was falling. There, Winston observed happy people coming from church, hurrying through the snow to waiting sleighs that would take them to warm homes. None of these people had to worry about the sudden heavy hand of a Federal soldier on their shoulders. Nor did they have to fear flying lead that could rip their flesh at any moment. The Confederates did not pause. Winston, at least, knew they were still far from free. About 10:00 p.m. they found a hospitable roof and slept together on a pallet. Their host, a genial French-Canadian man himself new to Monroe, offered shelter but provided no supper, and his guests departed hastily before breakfast. A half-mile down the road, Robinson stopped suddenly in a panic. His pocketbook was missing. It must have fallen from his clothing while he was sleeping, he deduced. It contained all the papers that identified him as a Virginian and a prisoner at Johnsons Island. Winston and Davis grew anxious; both of them had left all such documents back at the prison. If the French-Canadian were to open that pocketbook. Roger Long is a writer from Port Clinton, Ohio. Part two of this article from Civil War Times Illustrated will appear on TheHistoryNet the week of March 30. On the evening of October 22, 1970, Company L of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment was engaged in anti-infiltration operations in the Rocket Belt, an area of more than 500 square kilometers ringing the Da Nang Airbase. The company was set up in bunkers at an outpost on Hill 190, to the west of Da Nang. Assigned to guard duty that night, Private Gary A. Hendricks settled into his position on the perimeter and made himself comfortable. Too comfortable, it turned out. A bit later, when Sergeant Richard L. Tate, the sergeant of the guard, discovered Hendricks sleeping on post, he gave the private a tongue lashing, but took no further action. Shortly after midnight the next day, Hendricks tossed a fragmentation grenade into the air vent of Sergeant Tates bunker. The grenade landed on Tates stomach and the subsequent blast blew his legs off, killing the father of three from Asheville, North Carolina, who had only three weeks left on his tour of duty. The explosion injured two other sergeants who were in the bunker. Hendricks was charged with murder. He confessed and was convicted by general court-martial. His death sentence was reduced to life in prison. The manner in which Hendricks murdered Tate, using a fragmentation grenade in the dark of night, will be forever linked to Vietnam as an iconic symbolization of an unpopular war gone horribly awry. Ironically, perhaps the first use of the word fragging in a prominent newspaper appeared in a January 1971 Washington Post opinion piece about troop withdrawals and the winding down of the war by columnist Chalmers Roberts. U.S. forces, now knowing they are on the way out but not knowing just when, have developed an enclave mentality and a philosophy of Why take the risks in a war thats winding down? Recent reports from Vietnam talk of demoralization and of draftees fragging gung-ho officers; that is tossing hand grenades at them to put a stop to aggressiveness. In 1970, in addition to Tates murder, the U.S. Army reported 209 cases of fragging. Although grenades in various forms have been used in warfare for more than 1,000 years, modern-style small-percussion hand grenades were first employed on a large scale by European armies at the beginning of the 20th century. While the term fragging may have been coined during the Vietnam War, there were reported instances of American soldiers assaulting their superiors using grenades in World War I, World War II and the Korean War, although the number of occurrences were miniscule when compared to the Vietnam War. The practice in Vietnam was named after the weapon of choice: the M26, M61 or M67 fragmentation hand grenade, standard issue to U.S. forces. Aside from the effectiveness of these weapons to kill and maim, unlike rifles and pistols, grenades were not assigned to individuals by serial number. Once exploded, they leave no traceable ballistic evidence that may be used to identify a perpetrator. In Americas earlier 20th-century wars, fraggings and homicides by other means typically occurred during combat situations when officers who were deemed incompetent, overly aggressive or otherwise considered a danger, would be killed by enlisted men under their command. Fragging of this sort also occurred in Vietnam. In all the lexicon of war there is not a more tragic word than fragging with all that it implies of total failure. CHARLES MATHIAS (R-MD.), APRIL 1971. Journalist Eugene Linden, in a 1972 Saturday Review article, described the practice of bounty hunting whereby enlisted men pooled their money to be paid out to a soldier who killed an officer or sergeant they considered dangerous. One well-known example of bounty hunting came out of the infamous Battle of Dong Ap Bai, aka Hamburger Hill, in May 1969. After suffering more than 400 casualties over 10 merciless days of attacks to take the hill, the 101st Airborne Division soldiers were ordered to withdraw about a week later. Shortly thereafter, the army underground newspaper in Vietnam, GI Says, reportedly offered a $10,000 bounty on the very aggressive officer who led the attacks, Lt. Col. Weldon Honeycutt. Several unsuccessful attempts were reported to have been made on the colonels life. After Hamburger Hill, an Army major was quoted as saying another hard-fought, high-casualty infantry assault like Hamburger Hill, is definitely out. Not Wanting to be the Last Soldier to Die in a War That Would Not be Won There are no official Pentagon fragging statistics before 1969, the year U.S. troop strength in Vietnam both hit its peak and significant combat troop pullouts began. When it became widely evident that the United States was no longer pursuing a military victory in Vietnam, many soldiers became less aggressive, not wanting to be the last to die in a war that would not be won. With this heightened sense of fruitlessness, fragging and the threat of fragging were seen by many enlisted men as the most effective way to discourage their superiors from showing enthusiasm for combat. Marine Colonel Robert D. Heinl Jr., in his seminal article The Collapse of the Armed Forces published in the June 1971 Armed Forces Journal, claimed the morale, discipline and battle worthiness of the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam were probably worse during this period than at any time in the 20th centurypossibly in the history of the United States. An unnamed officer was quoted in a January 1971 Newsweek article as saying, Vietnam has become a poison in the veins of the U.S. Army. While the Pentagon showed great reluctance to publicly discuss the problem, fragging entered the political arena when, in April 1971, Democratic leader Mike Mansfield of Montana emotionally spoke to the issue on the floor of the Senate. Mansfield related details of the death of 1st Lt. Thomas A. Dellwo, of Choteau, Mont. He was not a victim of combat. He was not a casualty of a helicopter crash or a jeep accident. In the early morning hours of March 15, the first lieutenant from Montana was fragged to death as he lay sleeping in his billet at Bien Hoa. He was murdered by a fellow serviceman, an American GI. Fragging so I have been advised by the Secretary of the Army, refers to the use of a fragmentation grenade in other than a combat situation by one person against another to kill or do bodily harm. The death of Dellwo, a 24-year-old West Point graduate who wanted to be a career soldier, was especially senseless as he was not even the intended victim. Mansfield asked what failure of order and discipline within the armed forces produced an atmosphere that resulted in 209 cases of fragging in 1970. Answering his own question, the longtime critic of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, proclaimed that fragging was yet another outgrowth of this mistaken and tragic conflict. Responding in the Senate chamber, Republican Charles Mathias of Maryland noted Mansfield had made history because for the first time he has surfaced the word fragging on the Senate floor. In every war a new vocabulary springs up. In all the lexicon of war there is not a more tragic word than fragging with all that it implies of total failure of discipline and the depression of morale, the complete sense of frustration and confusion, and the loss of goals and hope itself. Mathias vowed, To see this evil, and all the other evils that blight the spirit of man that have sprung from the miasmic swamps and bogs of Vietnam, be terminated with an end to this tragic war. Despite more troop withdrawals, the number of fraggings grew, and more were taking place in secure rear areas. Of the 209 fraggings in 1970, 34 resulted in deaths. This was more than double the 96 incidents reported in 1969, which killed 37 officers. In the first 11 months of 1971, some 215 incidents resulted in 12 more deaths. As of July 1972, when the last American soldiers were leaving Vietnam, there had been 551 reported fragging incidents, killing 86 and injuring more than 700. The Defense Departments fragging figures only included the incidents that involved explosive devices. Given the greater availability of firearms, the total number of assaults on commanders by enlisted men likely reached into the thousands, according to David Cortright in his 1975 book Soldiers in Revolt. Furthermore, military lawyers estimated that only about 10 percent of all fragging incidents actually ended up being adjudicated. Army Generals Testified About Deteriorating Morale and Discipline Senator Mansfields attempt to inject the fragging into the American political discourse about the war was successful. In September 1971, during House of Representatives hearings on Defense Department appropriations for 1972, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations Congressman George Mahon of Texas called upon Army generals to testify about the problems of the deteriorating morale and discipline in the Army. Vice Chief of Staff General Bruce Palmer Jr. acknowledged that the Armys problems, including fragging, could no longer be minimized. Palmer noted some of the Armys then current problems had also occurred in previous wars, but that fragging and widespread drug use were new phenomena. When asked if fraggings followed any noticeable patterns, Palmer told the committee that since the number of incidents was rising while the number of deaths and injuries were decreasing, many incidents might be explained in terms of intimidation or just plain horseplay rather than cases of deliberate murder. He also testified that the attacks did not seem to be racially motivated but rather were attacks against the man in authority, black or white. When a congressman asked General Palmer about incidents of officers being shot by their own men, another congressman ended the discussion by noting, They have been shooting second lieutenants in the back for a thousand years. A description of the typical fragging incident during the Vietnam War is straightforward: It was an assault by explosive devices (which excludes rifles, pistols and knives); victims were officers and noncommissioned officers who were of superior rank to their attackers and who were discharging their command responsibilities at the time of the attack; and the attack was not a face-to-face assault but rather was made at a distance. Since most fragging incidents did not end up in the court system, it is more difficult to establish a profile of the perpetrators themselves. However, a 1976 study conducted at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Fort Leavenworth gleaned some general characteristics of likely individuals who committed fragging. Of 850 inmates in the USDB population at the time, 28 were identified whose actions, based on their courts-martial transcripts, matched the fragging incident profile. On average, they were 20 years old and had 28 months on active duty. About 20 percent were African American, and about 7 percent were draftees. Most had enlisted in the service and supported the war. They had attained only a low level of education and were considered loners. Most were in support units, given jobs for which they had not been trained, and reported little job satisfaction. They felt scapegoated and showed little or no remorse for their crimes. Almost 90 percent of these men were intoxicated on a wide assortment of substances at the time of the fragging, which mostly occurred at night. They admitted to little planning beyond talking to others, and most did nothing to avoid capture. Consistent with the command structure at the company and battery level, captains and first sergeants were their most common targets, and 75 percent of the perpetrators had been at some time involved in a verbal or physical altercation with their victims. In terms of motive, the victims were viewed as having somehow denied the offenders of something they desired, such as promotions or transfers. The victims were perceived as a threat to the offenders. Only two of the 28 offenders studied claimed race was a factor. According to the authors of the study, the easy access and use of drugs was an essential factor in the assaults. That conclusion was further buttressed in a 1976 article in the American Journal of Psychiatry by Thomas Bond, which claimed that illicit drug use, so much more common in Vietnam than in other wars, tended to reduce any inhibitions the offenders may have had about assaulting superiors. Fragging had serious consequences for the U.S. military in Vietnam far beyond the number of actual victims. The most likely targets of fragging found themselves caught in a hard place between the hostility and frustration of the men they commanded and the expectations of their superior officers. Officers and noncommissioned officers were expected to inspire their men, to be aggressive and to initiate and succeed in combat. Yet to do so in Vietnam, especially in 1969 and later, was to assume the risk of being killed by their own men. For every actual fragging incident, there was an untold number of threats of fragging. These threats were made in various forms, such as the surreptitious placement of a grenade or grenade pin, or perhaps the detonation of a nonlethal gas or smoke grenade, in the potential victims quarters or work areas. According to Captain Barry Steinberg, an Army judge who presided over a number of fragging courts-martial, once an officer had been threatened with fragging, he was intimidated to the point of being useless to the military because he can no longer carry out orders essential to the functioning of the Army. Officers who survived fragging attempts often did not discover the identity of their attackers, and as a consequence they lived in constant fear the attacks would be repeated. In his 1972 Saturday Review article, Eugene Linden described a lieutenant who refused to obey an order from a superior officer to assault an enemy position in the Mekong Delta. The lieutenant subsequently learned his men had actually been considering killing him for being overly aggressive and hence dangerous to them, but decided to abandon their plan upon learning of the lieutenants refusal to attack the enemy. While this particular lieutenant was spared a possible fragging at the hands of the men under his command, he had to face the consequences of disobeying an order from his superior officer. Lindens reporting concluded that fragging, both actual and threatened, was such a powerful influence that virtually all officers and NCOs had to take the possibility into account before giving orders to men in their command. The only solution is the total dissolution of our involvement in Indochina By May 1971, overall U.S. troop strength in Vietnam had been halved. Combat troops had been reduced by 70 percent, leaving a greater portion of the remaining forces in rear areas. Nonetheless, even as the combat role declined, fraggings, along with serious drug and heroin use, continued to climb. However, in a Washington Post report the same month on the pace of combat troop withdrawals, Army Secretary Stanley Resor said more soldiers were coming forward with evidence of fraggings, and more prospective victims were being tipped off. He added that there was also an active effort by military authorities to get away from using the word fragging and use attempted murder instead, so as not to minimize the crime. The Army attempted to deal with the problem of fragging in other ways as well. Since, by 1971, large-scale offensive operations were being avoided, American forces were largely limited to small unit patrols protecting U.S. bases. In many of those units, personal weapons were taken from everyone except those on patrol or guard duty, and fragmentation grenades were taken from everyone. In his 1971 comments in the Senate chambers, Sen. Mansfield had said about the problem of fragging, I feel deeplythat the only solution is the total dissolution of our involvement in Indochina. Mansfield proved to be essentially correct; the Army solved its fragging problem only by leaving Vietnam. On August 12, 1972, the last U.S. combat battalion in Vietnam stood down. Americas war in Afghanistan has now officially exceeded the Vietnam War in duration, and the war in Iraq is approaching that milestone as well. In Vietnam, fragging was both a cause and a consequence of the breakdown in morale and discipline that plagued U.S. forces in the latter part of the war. In spite of facing formidable challenges, todays professional, all-volunteer Army has almost completely avoided these problems. In 2003 Sergeant Hasan Akbar of the 101st Airborne Division killed two officers when he threw grenades in their tents in Kuwait. In 2005 Staff Sgt. Alberto Martinez killed two officers by setting off grenades and a Claymore mine in their room at one of Saddam Husseins former palaces in Iraq. With but two reported fragging incidents in two wars, it appears the practice as a serious military problem has been relegated to historythe history of the Vietnam Warfrom whence it came. Peter Brush is a frequent contributor to Vietnam magazine. From 1967-68 he served in Marine artillery units in Quang Tri Province. He is now the history librarian at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Almost overnight, the Civil War turned Washington, D.C., into a frenzy, with thousands of soldiers, camps, supply dumps,horses, artillery parks and new government offices vying for space in the capital city. Riding down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol, a visitor found himself in the middle of constant activity, sharing the dusty road with soldiers and street vendors. In one shop a lady could buy a pair of satin slippers, while next door a load of hay was for sale. Nearby, John Ford had just opened a new theater. Free concerts were given at the White House, and anyone could step up to the president and shake his hand, or watch him work at his desk. But always and everywhere, there was the shadow of war. Washington was one of the worst pestholes. Well water was often contaminated by nearby latrines; Constitution Avenue was an open sewer filled with dead animals; and the Potomac River was already so polluted that President Abraham Lincoln had become ill from eating its fish. Garbage was eaten by pigs rooting openly in the streets. Hospitals had overflowing bedpans in the wards, and there were piles of trash on the grounds outsideno wonder that typhoid, dysentery and malaria spread everywhere. Of all the people affected by the Civil War, little has been written about the one person without whose help the war would have been an even greater horror than it wasthe Civil War undertaker. Until the outbreak of the Civil War, methods to delay body decomposition consisted mainly of ice-cooling or encasing bodies in air-tight receptacles. Thomas Holmes, known as the father of embalming, conducted considerable research on embalming fluids to preserve cadavers for the few medical schools around the country. Holmes was registered in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York and had graduated as a medical surgeon. Holmes criticized the use of poisonous compounds in the embalming fluids common at the time, since they caused many deaths and injuries to medical students during routine dissection at medical schools. His service as a New York City coroner in the late 1850s provided added opportunities for Holmes to pursue his own investigations and experiments into embalming fluids. By the outbreak of the Civil War, he had developed a safe embalming fluid, without poisons, and it was sold to many surgeons, anatomists and undertakers throughout the country. Holmes reputation as an undertaker skyrocketed with his embalming of Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth, a former clerk in Lincolns Springfield law office who had also organized Zouave regiments in Chicago and New York. On the morning of May 24, 1861, Ellsworth was shot and killed in Alexandria, Va., by a Southern-leaning innkeeper while attempting to remove the mans Confederate flag. Lincoln, distraught, invited the Zouaves to take the body to the White House for the funeral service. It was Holmes good fortune, through the intercession of Secretary of State William Seward, to receive permission to embalm the body. The embalming took place at the Washington Navy Yard and was quite successful. Cabinet members, senators and distinguished citizens in large numbers came to pay their respects. When Mrs. Lincoln viewed the body, she found Ellsworths face as natural as if he were merely enjoying a brief and pleasant sleep. Washington newspapers published a glowing account of Ellsworths funeral, and Holmes reputation as a successful embalmer and undertaker was established in the nations capital. As the war progressed and casualties mounted, Holmes services were all too greatly in demand. Through his own efforts and those of other undertakers and aspiring embalming surgeons he had trained, Holmes day-to-day operations reached substantial proportions. Most of the undertakers of the day were trained to use his embalming instruments and to purchase his embalming fluid at $3 per gallon. Most of the Federal soldiers who were killed in battle were quickly buried and, if time permitted, their burial places were marked with crude headboards. Due to the lack of identification, however, and with the enemy removing all valuables and clothing from the dead soldiers, it was often impossible to identify the remains. As a result, almost half of all Federal dead soldiers were placed in graves marked unknown. The government sent no coffins to the front, although coffins were furnished at large assembly points and at the general hospitals. All of the coffins were made of wood; the metal coffin did not come into existence until the early 1870s. Most undertakers had another full-time occupation, commonly that of either a cabinetmaker or furniture-maker. In this way, the embalmer could also make his own coffins, which typically sold from $4 to $7 each. Embalmers did a thriving business during the war, and their often ghastly advertisements met the eye of visitors in Washington and other large centers as well as at the front. Where there were no family members to claim a body, the undertaker sometimes embalmed and dressed it in a new suit of clothes and placed it in one of his finer coffins for display in the front window for all to see. Understandably, such displays had a certain demoralizing influence on the Army and the public at large. After several complaints, Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler ordered undertakers to cease this method of self-advertisement, at least around large military centers. In the early part of the war, the cost of embalming was $50 for an officer and $25 for an enlisted man. Later, the price was increased to $80 and $30, respectively. One firm attempted to get a bill passed that would have given the firm exclusive rights to embalm the Federal dead. Another bill was introduced to Congress to authorize the creation of a corps of military undertakers for each division, but it failed to pass. Embalmed bodies were placed in long wooden boxes, sometimes lined with zinc. On the lid was written the full name of the deceased and the address of the parents. Inside the box, along with the remains, were placed papers and other personal effects. On the Confederate side, freelance undertakers and embalming surgeons were given safe passage between the lines, thus allowing them to ply their trade in Richmond as well as Washington. Because of the lack of federal regulations governing undertakers, there were several cases of fraud and attempted extortion, so many that in March 1865 the War Department issued General Order Number 39, entitled Order Concerning Embalmers. In part it read: Hereafter no persons will be permitted to embalm or remove the bodies of deceased officers or soldiers, unless acting under the special license of the Provost Marshal of the Army, Department, or District in which the bodies may be. Provost Marshals will restrict disinterments to seasons when they can be made without endangering the health of the troops. Also license will be granted to those who can furnish proof of skill and ability as embalmers, and a scale of prices will be governed. The war ended a month after the order was issued, and it had little effect on embalming services for battlefield casualties. However, the order did represent the first major effort in the United States, and perhaps the world, to attempt to define professional requirements for undertakers and end the chaos of an unregulated work field. It would take the individual states an additional 30 years or more to duplicate the farsighted regulations. Abraham Lincoln was shot on the evening of April 14, 1865. He died the next morning at 7:22 a.m. His body was entrusted to the firm of Brown and Alexander, Surgeons and Embalmers, in Washington. Henry P. Cattell was the stepson of Dr. Charles Browns brother and had embalmed Willie Lincoln, the presidents son, in February 1862. Now, three years later, he embalmed the president. Whatever embalming had been done prior to the Civil War seems to have taken place within the context of medical pathology, and was based primarily on sanitation, specimen preservation, and other needs in connection with medical studies of the human body. At the start of the Civil War, chemical embalming by injection was performed by men with medical training, since only they were familiar with the process. Undertakers had to perform the various tasks of removing, transporting and preparing the dead for funerals, and medical embalmers associated themselves with the undertakers and offered their special embalming techniques professionally for a fee. The decade following the war found the surgeon-embalmer playing a less important role. As medical practitioners retreated from the field, undertakers advanced into it, and the period became one of great opportunity in which they experimented with new practices and ideas and improved the advancements gained during the war. No longer unknown and untried, embalming had gained professional status and its new practitioners were widely seen as men who had done their part, in President Lincolns words, to bind up the nations wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan. This article was written by James C. Lee and originally appeared in the November 1996 issue of Americas Civil War. For more great articles be sure to subscribe to Americas Civil War magazine today! The 30th anniversary of the memorial is likely to bring a deluge of items into the collection Every day and every night, streams of objects find their way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They range from the small to the large, from items whose significance is readily apparent to those whose meaning is more personal or obscure. All are deeply felt. All are deeply personal. But that is fitting. After all, the stark, somber rows of names of those who died in Vietnam inscribed on The Wall invoke deep, personal emotions from the millions who have visited and from those still seeking the inner courage to do so. For many years I was one of the latter. Too many names of those I knew are on The Wall. Some I grew up with. Others I served with. Still others I wrote about or knew during my post-Army years as a civilian journalist covering the war. It was just too hard, too personal. And as I sit here at my computer on an overcast day in late July, looking out the window at the calm, sheltered waters of Horn Harbor in Virginias Northern Neck, something strikes a chord and tears flow. Im not ashamed to admit it. If you cant cry for your friends, who the hell can you cry for? So I think I understandif only a littlewhy those objects are left. But what happens to them? Are they all treated like so much debris left at a sporting event or a rock concert, bagged up and then discarded? Far from it. Each item receives very special treatment in a National Park Service collection stored in the Museum Resource Center in suburban Maryland along with other treasured artifacts from Americas past. Dubbed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Collection, its curator and custodian is Duery Felton Jr., a wounded Army veteran who earned his Purple Heart while serving with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. For the Vietnam magazine interview with Duery Felton in October 2009, click here. When the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in November 1982, nobody could know about the crowds it would eventually drawan estimated 25 million and counting, according to Felton. Nor did anyone know about the emotional outpouring it would generate and the ocean of objects that would be left there. Felton began his association with the collection by volunteering to help catalog the items left at the memorial and picked up by National Park Service employees. Now, as curator, Felton recently gave me a personal tour of the facility. The most obvious questionthe size of the collectiondoesnt have a simple answer, like much about Vietnam. Felton estimated there are about 300,000 objects, conservatively speaking, depending on how you count. One good example, he said, is a leather jacket that had a bunch of objects in its pockets. Is it one item or more? Multiply that scenario many times over and its evident why precise numbers are tough to pin down. Regardless of the current total and how you count it, the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is likely to bring many more items into the collection. Will it be merely a deluge? Or a tsunami? Nobody knows, but my gut feeling is like that line in Jaws when they see the size of the shark theyre trying to catch: Youre gonna need a bigger boat. Cataloging the flood of new items will be a challenge. A big part of the process is trying to determine the meaning of items left at The Wall. Feltons goal is accuracy, so the Park Service staff welcomes and encourages a brief explanatory note or other clue to help them determine the story behind the treasures. Some years ago, an unfounded rumor circulated that the items left at the memorial were being stuffed into a rat-infested warehouse in the middle of nowhere. Nothing could be further from the truth. As I toured the collection facility, it quickly became apparent that much loving care is lavished on them. The climate-controlled facility is clean, well lit and orderly. The part of the immense building that holds the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Collection also contains many precious objects, some that once belonged to famous Americans including President Abraham Lincoln, Clara Barton and Frederick Douglass. Walking through the collection, past the shelves upon shelves of blue boxes holding the items, the net effect on me was emotional overload. It was tough, but I am gladvery gladI had the privilege. At the end of my tour we stopped in what Felton called the Press Room. The items kept there represent the variety of the collection through a relatively small sampling. What are arguably the crown jewels in that room are kept in a locked metal cabinet with pullout drawers. In one of those drawers are four sets of four-star-rank insignia pinned to index cards with a brief handwritten note on each card. Marine Corps General Peter Pace, who served in combat in Vietnam and rose to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, left them at The Wall. As I read the notes, chills ran down my spine. One of them was to a young Marine, the first under his command to die in Vietnam. These are yours, not mine, Paces handwritten note says. Do you know the story behind this one? I asked Felton. No, he replied. This was part of the speech he made at The Citadel when my sons class graduated in May 2006, I said. I told Felton about General Paces speech at the Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston, and promised to send him a copy of the pertinent part. For many years, I kept a copy of Paces words by my desk at work and looked at it every day: Check your moral compass frequently. I have seen it both in combat and in peace. If you do not know who you are walking into a situation, you may not like who you are when youre done. When I was a lieutenant in Vietnam, I lost Lance Corporal Guido Farinaro from Bethpage, New York, a 19-year-old Marine, to a sniperthe first Marine Id ever lost in combat. I was filled with rage, and I called in an artillery strike on the village from which the sniper fired. Between the time that I called in the strike and the rounds were fired, my platoon sergeant didnt say a word, he just looked at me. And I realized I was doing the wrong thing, and I called off the artillery strike, and we did what we shouldve done, which was to sweep through the village. And all we found in that village were women and children. I do not know how I could live with myself today if I had carried that first instinct forward. The time to decide who you are and what you will let yourself do is not when somebody gets shot, it is not when your wingman gets shot down, it is before you get in that situation so you have an anchor to hold on to. This applies elsewhere. I have had the great privilege of watching and knowing real heroes in combat. I have also had the great privilege of watching and knowing great heroes around conference tables where the discussion amongst many very senior leaderseach very powerful in their own right, each very articulate in their own rightwas going in one direction, and somebody in that room says, I see it a little bit differently, and speaks their mind. That takes an enormous amount of courage. If youre wrong in combat, you may die. If youre wrong in a situation like I just described, where your reputation is on the line, you have to live with it. So when you walk into a room like that, it is well to have thought through who you are and what your fundamental beliefs are. Where is your moral compass? So that when the situation and the discussion starts going one way, you have already decided where you are and the person who walks out of that room is the person you wanted to be walking into that room. Relating the story behind Paces note was a fitting end to a memorable, emotional visit. Now, I have just one more thing to do. In the near future, Im going to leave at The Wall a copy of my February 2012 Vietnam magazine article about the photo I shot at the U.S. Embassy during the Tet Offensive. That, and a short note explaining why, will be placed in front of the section that bears the name of my good friend, Spc. 4 Mark Lofaro, an Army photographer who was killed taking photos in the opening moments of Tet. Its the least I can do. As an Army enlisted man Don Hirst served in Vietnam in 1964-65, 1967-68. He covered the war for Overseas Weekly from 1968 to 1972 and was an editor at Army Times for 11 years. In 1985 he launched Salute magazine and was its executive editor for 20 years. Koerner posed his son, Billy, on horseback, weighting him down with coats and scarves, despite the miserable July heat If any painting has ever captured the misery of cowboy and cattle, and the deadliness of Western weather, it is W.H.D. Koerners Hard Winter. Swaddled in coats and scarves, hands shoved deep in their pockets, cowboys push a herd in a blinding blizzard, their backs to the wind. It makes one shiver just to look at it. Hard Winter is both an authentic look at Western history and a prime example of the golden age of illustration. Its beautifully done, says Mindy Besaw, curator of the Whitney Gallery of Western Art at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyo. Somewhat monochromatic, yet the image still comes across. The paint is incredibly lush and vivid, even though its meant to be a flat, illustrative image, but its really well painted. It has some charm on many levels. Hired by the Chicago Tribune as an illustrator when he was 20, German-born William Henry David Koerner (his family settled in Iowa in 1880 when Koerner was 2) was a serious student of history and art. In 1907 Koerner moved to Wilmington, Del., to study under legendary illustrator Howard Pyle. By the 1920s, Koerner was making a name and a living by illustrating books and magazines from his studio in Interlaken, N.J. He took research seriously, often traveling West with his family, gathering artifacts, taking notes, making sketches, snapping photographs and experiencing the West. The artists attention to detail is evident in Hard Winter. Koerner had a similar experience when he was on a cattle drive in the spring, and, surprisingly, the weather was often cold, very blizzard-like, Besaw says. He was able to better depict it, get more of that emotion of the downtrodden cowboy. All the imagery in the narrative comes through. In 1932 The Saturday Evening Post commissioned Koerner to illustrate Hal G. Evarts Short Grass, a five-part serialized novel set in Texas. (Evarts stories inspired such seminal Western movies as Tumbleweeds, William S. Harts last starring role, and The Big Trail, John Waynes first starring role. The prolific Western writer died of a heart attack in 1934 at age 47.) Koerner would create 18 illustrations for Evarts novel after reading several passages and taking copious notes. The snow eddied and whirled about the men, Evarts wrote in one passage. They were muffled to the eyes by their neck scarfs. Night had descended by the time they returned to the ranch house. Thus inspired, Koerner went to work. He posed his son, Billy, on horseback, weighing him down with coats and scarves, despite the miserable July heat. He then sketched preliminary images before creating Hard Winter, a 29-by-41-inch oil-on-canvas that appeared in the magazine as a black-and-white illustration. Today we dont quite realize how important things like The Saturday Evening Post were for getting visual imagery, especially of Western imagery, across to the public, because we have TV, Besaw says. Its hard for us to really understand what that was like. Koerner published 2,400 items before his death in 1938. A contemporary of N.C. Wyeth and Harvey Dunnand overshadowed by such illustrators todayKoerner often returned to Western images, including Madonna of the Prairie, perhaps his greatest work. He really was a pretty remarkable artist, Besaw says, and one of the top artists in that golden age of illustration. W.H.D. Koerners Hard Winter is housed at the Buffalo Bill Historical Centers Whitney Gallery. To view it online or to purchase a print, visit www.bbhc.org. In 1922 Walter Ufer rendered a painting that depicts the Taos, N.M., artist at work in a studio, surrounded by Indian artifacts, studying an unfinished landscape with brush and palette in hand. His long-suffering wife Mary sits reading a book in a corner, while the faint ghost of an Indian leans against his easel. Titled Fantasies, it shows Ufer at work amid the subjects he held dear. It is a painting that compels the viewer to think about the image of the artist, his relationship to his subjects and the creative process, says Sarah E. Boehme, curator of the Stark Museum of Art in Orange, Texas. When viewers notice the apparition of the Indian figure, they become intrigued and engage with ideas about what it means. Born to German immigrants (his father was a gunsmith and engraver), Ufer grew up in Kentucky, apprenticed in lithography in Louisville and returned to Germany to study art. While abroad he met artists Joseph Henry Sharp and Ernest Blumenschein, and after settling in Chicago, he journeyed to Taos in 1914. Sharp was already living there, and Blumenschein was spending summers in what had already become a thriving art colony. Ufer found in Taos a setting that provided subjects for his paintings that were both exotic and yet very American, Boehme says. He responded to the extraordinary landscape and beautiful atmospheric light that he would come to portray with intensity.Ufer had an environment in which his temperament could flourish. There was another reason for moving to Taos. In a practical sense, Boehme explains, Ufer first went to Taos because he had patrons who sent him there. Carter Harrison Jr., mayor of Chicago, encouraged him to go to New Mexico, and Harrison formed a syndicate to buy Ufers paintings. Ufer was drawn to American Indians and enjoyed painting them engaged in everyday lifeharvesting corn (Indian CornTaos), carrying water (Coming From the Spring), making adobe (Builders in the Desert) or crossing the beautiful northern New Mexico landscape (Summer in Taos and His Kit). He also expressed sympathy with their plight. The Indian has lost his race pride, he once said. He wants only to be an American. Our civilization has terrific power. We dont feel it, but that man out there in the mountains feels it, and he cannot cope with such pressure. New Mexico artist William Haskell points to Ufers European training as a key to his unique work. He was able to develop his recognizable style by combining his classical 19th-century German training with American realism, and by the use of dynamic shapes and intense light, to leave an important legacy that continues to influence many artists. In 1917 Ufer was accepted into the newly formed Taos Society of Artists, and three years later he became the first Taos artist to win a prize at the Carnegie International. Other honors followed. So, how does his work stack up against that of other Taos artists? Ufer has become known for his portrayals of the contemporary Indian, Boehme says. In comparison with the other Taos artists, he did not often portray the romanticized and historicized Indian subject but instead depicted scenes that reflected current situations. He also incorporated social themes into some of this paintings. Ufers success, however, proved short-lived. The Taos Society of Artists disbanded in 1927, and the stock market crash of 1929 hurt the art scene. Ufer continued to paint, but with his success diminishing and debts mounting, he began drinking heavily. On July 30, 1936, his appendix ruptured, and three days later Walter Ufer was dead. He was 60 years old. He remained faithful to representation in art, Boehme says, and yet was a modernist in his vision and composition. WW Johnny D. Boggs, a special contributor to Wild West, writes award-winning fiction and nonfiction from Santa Fe, also home to many art galleries. Originally published in the December 2015 issue of Wild West. Of all the men who wore blue uniforms in the Civil War, none felt more keenly the purpose of his mission than the African-American soldier. Every marching step, every swing of a pick and every round fired at Confederate enemies gave him a chance to strike a blow against slavery and prove himself equal to his white comrades. U.S. Colored Troops were consistently good fighters, performing well in every engagement in which they fought. Even their enemies had to grudgingly admit that fact. One USCT member, William H. Carney, transcended good to become great, and was the first black U.S. soldier to earn the Medal of Honor. On February 17, 1863, at age 23, Carney heeded the call for African Americans to join a local militia unit, the Morgan Guards, with 45 other volunteers from his hometown of New Bedford, Mass. That unit would later become Company C of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. There was something unique about the new regiment, commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw; it was an all-black unit with the exception of senior officers and a few senior noncommissioned sergeants. The 54th Massachusetts was created to prove that black men could be good soldiers. Carney was born a slave on February 29, 1840, at Norfolk, Va. His father, also named William, escaped slavery, reaching freedom through the underground railroad. William Sr. then worked hard to buy the freedom of the rest of his family. The free and reunited family settled in New Bedford in the second half of the 1850s. Young William learned to read and write, and by age 15 he was interested in becoming a minister. He gave up his pursuit of the ministry, however, to join the Army. In an 1863 edition of the Abolitionist newspaper The Liberator, Carney stated: Previous to the formation of colored troops, I had a strong inclination to prepare myself for the ministry; but when the country called for all persons, I could best serve my God serving my country and my oppressed brothers. The sequel in shortI enlisted for the war. That career change had momentous impact on Carneys life, as the 54th Massachusetts had a chance to prove its mettle in the July 18, 1863, Battle of Fort Wagner outside of Charleston, S.C. During the fight, the 54th made heroic attacks on the garrison, and Carneys bravery earned him a promotion to sergeant and the U.S. militarys most prestigious award. Fort Wagner on Morris Island guarded the entrance to the harbor of Charleston. Shaw and the 600 men of the 54th Massachusetts would spearhead the Federal assault from a slim strip of sand on the east side of the fort, which faced the Atlantic Ocean. The 54th burrowed into a sand dune about 1,000 yards from Fort Wagner. Behind it was the 6th Connecticut. Federal land and sea artillery bombarded the fort all day long. By nightfall, orders were passed down and the 54th stood up, dressed ranks and attacked in two wings of five companies each. As the men advanced they were immediately hit by a barrage of canister, musketry and shelling from the fort. A bullet struck the 54ths color sergeant, and as the wounded man faltered, Carney threw down his gun, seized the flag and moved to the front of the 54ths assaulting ranks. He soon found himself alone, on the forts wall, with bodies of dead and wounded comrades all around him. He knelt down to gather himself for action, still firmly holding the flag while bullets and shell fragments peppered the sand around him. Carney surveyed the battlefield and noticed that other Union regiments had attacked to his right, drawing away the focal point of the Rebel resistance. To his left he saw a large force of soldiers advancing down the ramparts of the fort. At first he thought they might be were Union forces. Flashes of musketry soon doomed his hopes. The oncoming troops were Confederates. He wound the colors around the flagpole, made his way to a low protective wall and moved along it to a ditch. When Carney had passed over the ditch on his way to the fort, it was dry. But now it was waist deep with water. He seemed to be alone, surrounded by the wreckage of his regiment. Carney wanted to help the wounded, but enemy fire pinned him down. Crouching in the water, he figured his best chance was to plot a course back to Federal lines and make a break for it. Carney rose to get a better look. It was a fateful move. As he later wrote: The bullet I now carry in my body came whizzing like a mosquito, and I was shot. Not being prostrated by the shot, I continued my course, yet had not gone far before I was struck by a second shot. Despite carrying two slugs in his body, Carney kept moving. Shortly after being hit the second time he saw another Union soldier coming in his direction. When they were within earshot, Carney hailed him, asking who he was. The Yank replied he was with the 100th New York, and asked if Carney was wounded. Carney said he had indeed been shot, and then flinched as a third shot grazed his arm. The 100th soldier came to his aid and helped him move farther to the rear. Now then, said the New York soldier, let me take the colors and carry them for you. Carney, though, would not consent to that, no matter how battered he was. He explained that he would not be willing to give the colors to anyone who was not a member of the 54th Massachusetts. The pair struggled on. They did not get far before yet another bullet hit Carney, grazing him in the head. The two men finally managed to stumble to their own lines. Carney was taken to the rear and turned over to medical personnel. Throughout his ordeal, he held on to the colors. Cheers greeted him when Carney finally staggered into the ranks of the 54th. Before collapsing, he said, Boys, the old flag never touched the ground! During the battle, Company C of the 54th Massachusetts was able to, for a short time, capture a small section of Fort Wagner. The 54th suffered 272 killed, wounded or missing out of the 600 in the battle. Colonel Shaw was among the dead. Total Union casualties were 1,515 out of about 5,000 in the assault force, while the Confederates had 174 casualties out of about 1,800 defenders. Although the Union forces were repulsed and had to lay siege to Fort Wagner, which the Confederates abandoned two months later, the 54th was widely hailed for its bravery. Like a pebble dropped into a puddle, the regiments heroism had a ripple effect, spurring thousands of other black men to join the Union Army. Even Abraham Lincoln noted that the 54ths bravery at Wagner was a key development that helped secure final victory for the North. William Carney recovered from the four wounds he received at Fort Wagner, and word soon spread of his unselfish actions. When Carneys commanders heard about his conduct, he was promoted to sergeant. Later in the war, the 54th fought a rear-guard action covering a retreat at the Battle of Olustee, but Sergeant Carney could not participate in that engagement due to the lingering effects of his wounds. Because of his injuries he was discharged from the Army a little more than a year after the battle, on June 30, 1864. Carney subsequently married Susannah Williams, also of New Bedford, on October 11, 1865. They had one child who later became an accomplished music teacher of the New Bedford area. In 1866 William Carney was appointed superintendent of streetlights for the city of New Bedford. He then went to California to seek his fortune but returned to New Bedford in 1869 and took a job as a letter carrier for the Postal Service. He worked at that job for 32 years before retiring. After retirement he was employed as a messenger at the Massachusetts State House, where in 1908 he would be fatally injured in an accident that trapped his leg in an elevator. William H. Carneys valor at Fort Wagner was honored on May 23, 1900, when he was awarded the Medal of Honor. That was almost 40 years after he so proudly served with the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. He was the first black soldier to receive the award. When asked about his heroic actions, he simply said, I only did my duty. It is evening, near freezing, and fog blankets the Pittsburgh railroad station. A young industrial engineer walks the platform, his brain roiling with a problem that has obsessed him for months. He has gone to sleep with it, awakened to it, and brooded over it while commuting to and from work. Now, while waiting at the station, he paces and pacesand then it strikesthe Archimedean lightning bolt of inspiration. The answer is literally all around him! It is the fog itself! The solitary thinkers name: Willis Haviland Carrier. Few other inventors have had such an impact on American life and yet remained so little-known. For on that foggy night in 1902, Carrier hit upon the theory that became the basis for modern air-conditioning technologyand air conditioning, in a sense, has become the sine qua non of modern American life. The huge postwar population shift from the Northeast and Midwest to the Sunbelt would scarcely have been possible without air conditioning, and scores of technologies from computers to pharmaceuticals could not exist without it. Yet for most of us, the simple ability to cool our homes amid the summers heat is more than enough reason to be grateful for Carriers fogbound moment of genius. Carrier, who grew up on a farm near Angola, New York, graduated from Cornell as a mechanical engineer in June 1901. A month later he began work for the Buffalo Forge Company, a firm that produced heating and exhaust systems. The summer of 1901 was torrid. Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing of Brooklyn became exasperated by how the weather impeded operationsink dried poorly, colors ran, and paper swelledand early the following year its executives approached Buffalo Forge, asking if some way could be found to regulate the moisture in the air as well as the temperature. The firm turned to the twenty-five-year-old Carrier, whose research on heating coils had already lopped $40,000 off his employers winter heating bill. For centuries, methods for cooling air had occupied thinkers who ruminated upon the irony that man, who had so early learned to turn cold into warmth, had been so frustrated in doing the opposite. Heat we have in readiness in respect to fire, wrote Francis Bacon at the beginning of the seventeenth century, but for cold we must stay till it cometh or seek it in deep caves and when all is done we cannot obtain it in a great degree. In 1851 two breakthroughs in cooling were achieved: Ferdinand Carre of France designed the first ammonia-absorption refrigerating machine; and in the United States, Dr. John Gorrie patented an ice-making device. Henceforth, the challenge would lay not in lowering temperature but in achieving the second element of the equationcontrolling humidity. Carriers partial solution to Sackett-Wilhelms problem involved circulating cold water through coils originally designed for heating and then balancing their temperature with the rate of air flow. It worked, and Carrier had every reason to be satisfied. But, while he had fulfilled most requirements for a modern central air-conditioning system, the problem of dew point control remained. It was the solution to this dilemma that came in the Pittsburgh railroad station. Carriers brainstorm was the recognition of a paradox: air could be dried by being saturated with water. He explained it this way: fog is air approximately 100 percent saturated with moisture. The temperature is low, so even though it is saturated, there is not much actual moisture. There could not be at so low a temperature. Now, if I can saturate air and control its temperature at saturation, I can get air with any amount of moisture I want in it. I can do it, too, by drawing the air through a fine spray of water to create actual fog. In effect, the water spray provides a condensing surface for the hot, soggy air passing through it. The moisture condenses on the droplets and drops out, leaving cooler, drier air behind. The patent for Carriers Apparatus for Treating Air was granted in the dead of winteron January 2, 1906.* Although Buffalo Forge executives promoted Carrier to head their engineering department, they apparently failed to appreciate the gold mine they had just been deeded. When war clouds gathered in 1914, the nervous firm dropped its air conditioning subsidiary. Joined by his friend Irvine Lyle, who was to promotion what Carrier was to technology, the inventor formed his own corporation. During its first year, the Carrier Corporation received forty contracts for air conditioning systems, and by 1929 it had three factories. The twenties were years of splendid attention-grabbing achievements. Carrier air-conditioned Detroits J. L. Hudson department store in 1924, and in 1928 and 29 he cooled the U.S. House and Senate chambers. But his biggest opportunity to make a public impact with this new technology came in 1925, when he was approached by the Rivoli Theater in New York City. In those days, as Carrier later explained, movies closed during hot weather or showed to such small audiences that they operated at a loss. Even on cool days the inside of the theater was hot if there were many people in the audience. The heat from the people was enormous. A few other theaters had already installed centrifugal refrigeration, but the Rivoli was Broadway. Success there would lead to recognition and financial rewards. Carrier personally supervised the installation of the Rivolis 133-ton machine and stayed up all night before the scheduled Memorial Day debut. The system was late in starting, and the theater was still hot when the crowd filed in. Among the viewers was the head of Paramount Pictures, Adolph Zukor. From the wings we watched in dismay as two thousand fans fluttered, Carrier recalled. We felt that Mr. Zukor was watching the people instead of the pictureand saw all those waving fans! But the temperature gradually dropped, and the patrons lowered their fans. Carrier went into the lobby to watch Zukor emerge: When he saw us, he did not wait for us to ask his opinion. He said tersely, Yes, the people are going to like it. During the next five years, a triumphant Carrier Corporation brought cooling relief to more than three hundred theaters. Although most Americans first encountered the wonders of air conditioning in movie palaces, Carrier himself had developed the new technology for industry. The cooling of offices and homes, where mere peoplenot valuable productswilted, remained too expensive. Yet Carrier realized that office air conditioning would be his next logical step. He was convinced that soon there would be a market for air conditioning tall buildings and that I had better design such a system. Edible fish were in sight, so I went fishing. The breakthrough came in the late 1930s with Carriers Conduit Weathermaster System, by which skyscrapers could be air-conditioned without encroaching upon valuable office space. The final frontier for air conditioning was in the home, but Carrier failed to capitalize on this potentially lucrative market. Home cooling was possible (Carrier had chilled a millionaires mansion as early as 1914), but the price in the 1930s ran at least $1,500. Carrier did test the home market, but his atmospheric cabinet proved too large, costly, and unreliable. After losing $1.3 million pursuing this venture, he decided to concentrate on industrial and office buildings. Home air conditioning would come in the 1950s, but more consumer-oriented companies such as General Electric and Westinghouse would lead the way. Carrier did not live to see their success. In September 1950 the holder of more than eighty air-conditioning patents suffered a heart attack that soon proved fatal. When Carrier died, the press poured out well-deserved encomiums. But to this day, Americans everywhere honor the farm-boy-turned-engineer with even more eloquent praisetheir exclamations of pleasure when, escaping the heat, they stand in front of the air conditioner and punch the button marked Cool. *The term air conditioning was coined, not by Carrier, but by Stuart Cramer, another engineer working on the problem of controlling the amount of humidity in the air, in this case in textile mills. This article was written by Joseph Gustaitis and originally published in the October 2000 issue of American History Magazine. For more great articles, subscribe to American History magazine today! A researcher from Mexico's Michoacan's University of San Nicolas Hidalgo (MSNH) has created a solar-powered, glow-in-the-dark cement that could likely last up to 100 years. The material absorbs solar energy and returns it to the environment as light, making it an ideal technology to light roads, highways or bicycle lanes without using electricity. "Nine years ago, when I started the project, I realized there was nothing similar worldwide, and so I started to work on it," said Jose Rubio, who is behind the unique project. "The main issue was that cement is an opaque body that doesn't allow the pass of light to its interior." Standard cement is a dust that, when added to water, dissolves as an effervescent pill and begins to form into a gel. At the same time, the formation of crystal flakes occurs, which are undesirable by-products of the procedure. Rubio focused on modifying the micro-structure of cement in order to eliminate the formation of crystals and allow it to form into a complete gel, increasing its ability to absorb solar energy and return it to the environment as light. The product will absorb solar energy from the morning and throughout the day, and when nighttime hits, it will have accumulated enough energy to emit it back into the night for approximately 12 hours. Most fluorescent materials are made from plastic and have a lifespan of around three years due to the fact that they decay with ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, the new cement is sun resistant, and Rubio claims that its lifespan is around 100 years. "Due to this patent (the first one for this university), others have surfaced worldwide," he said. "In the UK, we received recognition from the Newton fund, given by the Royal Engineering Academy of London, which chooses global success cases in technology and entrepreneurship." Rubio is currently in the process of commercializing the solar-powered, glow-in-the-dark cement product and hopes to integrate it into plaster and other construction products. The idea of glow-in-the-dark roads is not completely new - back in November 2014, designer Daan Roosegaarde and Dutch company Heijmans created a glow-in-the-dark bike path inspired by the artwork of Vincent van Gogh. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Last week, Marion Guy Williams went back to his old job one last time. He came with a shotgun and pistol. Fired two weeks earlier, his severance pay already exhausted, the 65-year-old truck driver entered Knight Transportation in Katy on May 4, shot into a lunch room, and then went looking for his former boss, loading his weapons as he walked, authorities said. Williams soon found his former supervisor, Michael Dawid, killing the 35-year-old Katy resident before turning a gun on himself. These fatalities represent the second co-worker-related killing in the Houston area in about five months, after the December shooting of a city waste-management supervisor during an argument with a subordinate. Tyrone Roy Auzenne, 44, was charged with the death of Michael Vaughn, 55, of Humble and is awaiting trial. Deaths from workplace-related violence are on the rise nationally, although the overall number remains relatively small. Nationwide, 61 people were killed at their jobs by a co-worker in 2014, up from 49 in 2011, according to the most recent data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The increase, workplace specialists say, reflects the growing anxieties among employees as wages stagnate, living costs rise, and on-the-job pressures intensify from companies operating with leaner staffs. In some cases, companies are not sensitive enough when they lay off or dismiss workers. More Information Reporting workplace violence concerns Here are some steps companies can take to prevent workplace violence: Set up an internal team for employees to report their concerns about co-workers who might be considering violence. Press upon employees it's their duty to report threats and other concerns. Create a culture that lets employees know they won't be punished if they come forward. Provide counseling for troubled employees. Train employees on how to respond to direct and indirect threats. Sources: Don Greenwood, president and founder of Don Greenwood & Associates and Harris Garcia, director of public safety for Houston Methodist hospital See More Collapse More often than not, people who work at a company involved in a workplace killing say they're not surprised after it happens, said Don Greenwood, president of the Houston risk and security management firm, Don Greenwood & Associates. Maybe they picked up the seething rage about managers playing favorites or overheard threats against co-workers. Or possibly they listened to enough one-sided phone conversations to know there was strife at home. "Anytime people are stressed because of economic circumstances, it can spark tendencies to commit violence," Greenwood said. While oil companies have laid off thousands of employees over the past few months in response to lower oil prices, Greenwood doesn't expect to see an increase in workplace violence in the industry. The energy business is cyclical, and layoffs are part of the common experience, he said. The danger comes when workers believe they'll have their jobs until they retire, said Greenwood. Sometimes the anger is triggered when a company is acquired and longtime employees lose their jobs. Other times, longtime contract workers expecting to be converted to regular employees are shattered when they get pink slips instead. "It's hard for employees to understand that permanent employment is a thing of the past," he said. 'Long memories' Companies can help prevent workplace violence by treating people well, especially on the way out the door, security experts said. Some of the best-run companies warn employees in advance of cutbacks so workers can prepare. Workers shouldn't be surprised about a termination, whether it's due to a downturn in the company's financial fortunes or poor performance, workplace specialists said. In either case, they should be treated with sensitivity. Supervisors should not stand over workers when they are delivering the bad news, nor should they humiliate terminated employees by escorting them out the door, unless there is a real threat of violence or sabotage. "People have long memories when they feel they've been wronged," said A. Kevin Troutman, an employment lawyer who represents management clients at Fisher & Phillips in Houston. Although infrequent, workplace shootings by angry employees or former employees tend to gain media attention. They are often framed as a symptom of a modern economy in which workers seem disposable to companies slashing jobs or shipping them overseas to satisfy investors, workplace specialists said. Most killings in the workplace, however, are not perpetrated by former or current employees, according to the Labor Department. Of the 409 workplace homicides in 2014, only 15 percent of the victims were killed by co-workers. More women, for example, are killed while at work by spouses, domestic partners and relatives. Men are most often killed in robberies while working as convenience-store clerks, taxi drivers and other jobs in which they handle cash. The FBI found that the number of "active shooter" incidents - when individuals are trying to kill others in a crowded settings - are indeed rising. Between 2000 and 2006, there was an average of 6.4 such incidents each year, according to the FBI. During the next seven years, it jumped to an average of 16.4 each year. The 160 shootings in the 14-year period killed 486 people and wounded 557, according to the FBI. Nearly half of the time, the shootings occurred in offices and shopping malls. About a quarter of the time, they happened in schools, including universities. About one in 10 occurred on government property. The number of deaths appear to be higher in the United States than the rest of the world, said W. Barry Nixon, executive director of the National Institute for the Prevention of Workplace Violence in suburban Atlanta. But it's hard to say exactly why, he added. It could be because the United States has more sophisticated methods of reporting workplace killings. It also could be that it's easier to get guns here than in other developed nations. Warning signs are there But the question of guns cuts both ways, Nixon added. One small insurance company in Georgia, for example, requires all employees to have a gun. The company's view: If everyone has a gun, everyone will be safer. These days, more companies are training their employees about what to do if a shooter comes into the workplace. A six-minute video produced by the City of Houston, called "Run. Hide. Fight." is available on YouTube and has been viewed 4.7 million times. Harris Garcia, director of public safety for Houston Methodist hospital, shows the video each week during new-employee orientation sessions. After a rash of workplace shootings, including one in late 2014 at Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, where a pharmacy technician killed his co-worker before killing himself, Garcia began incorporating workplace violence prevention as part of the new employee training program. He teaches new employees how to spot warning signs of workplace violence, from aggressive eye rolling to talking incessantly about weapons to thinly veiled threats. He also emphasizes the duty of employees to report their concerns to supervisors or human resources. So far, 3,200 of the hospital's 20,000 employees have received the training, Garcia said. It has been a year since he launched the training. He said he will survey employees on whether they feel better able to recognize signs of impending conflict and whether they feel comfortable reporting it. He hopes so. He also hopes they don't have much occasion to make such reports. In his job, he said, "boring is good." Stung by competition from ultra-discount carriers, American and United are striking back with cheap no-frills tickets of their own. By year-end, the pair plans to lure budget travelers with basic-economy fares - inexpensive tickets that don't include typical benefits like an assigned seat before you get to the airport. Taking a cue from Delta Air Lines, the carriers also hope that once the new fares draw attention, the bare-bones features will prompt some customers to "buy up" to pricier choices, aviation consultants said. Basic economy is one prong of a broader effort by the largest U.S. carriers to bolster revenue from each seat flown a mile, a standard industry measure that has been battered for about a year, partly because of fare wars with discounters such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines Holdings. The declines have helped push down the Bloomberg U.S. Airlines Index 17 percent this year through Thursday. "Spirit and Frontier, by the choices they've made with recent expansion, have managed to give a poke at the dragon," said Samuel Engel, head of the aviation practice at consultant ICF International. "When you start flying into the major carriers' hubs instead of skimming a bit at their sides, you tend to evoke a competitive response." Passenger revenue for each seat flown a mile tumbled 8.9 percent at American in the first quarter from a year earlier and fell 7.4 percent at United. Meanwhile, Spirit plans to boost capacity 65 percent this year in Los Angeles, an American hub, while Frontier will grow 12 percent in Denver, a core market for United, according to Credit Suisse Group. American and United are still working out the details, but the rock-bottom fares could come with restrictions against upgrading the tickets or carry no ability to make changes or get refunds, in addition to allowing seat assignments only at the airport. American declined to comment as it continues to refine its offering. United declined to comment, referring only to previous remarks by executives. It's too early to know what effect the new fares will have on the ultra-discounters, according to a Spirit spokesman. A Frontier representative said the airline will watch to see how markets develop. The strategy carries risks for the legacy airlines. American, United and Delta dominate the United States and have alliances with global carriers, advantages that would seem to negate the need to compete for the most price-conscious customer, said Jay Sorensen, a former Midwest Airlines executive who is now president of airline consultant IdeaWorksCompany. "Something just seems very wrong here," he said. "The analogy is like Kohl's saying, 'We're going to have a section in our story dedicated to dollar deals because we think Dollar Store is a threat.' You'd look at that and say, 'Why are you doing that? That's not your market.' " The big airlines see basic-economy fares as putting passengers into seats that otherwise would fly empty. A crucial part of the strategy is the "wine list effect" - a tendency for people to avoid the least expensive item in favor of a slightly higher-priced option, believing they're getting a better value, Engel said. The restrictions that come with the low fares may push buyers to higher-priced options, said Peter Belobaba, principal research scientist in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "As a strategy, it's not a bad one" for the large carriers, he said. Delta, which also is battling drops in unit revenue and already offers basic-economy fares, has acknowledged the dynamic in how passengers make decisions. "When presented with the options, when they were informed of what this product was, those customers chose something else," Delta President Glen Hauenstein said during a conference call in April. Basic economy is available on about 2,000 domestic Delta routes, and the carrier plans to keep rolling it out this year. Delta also has been experimenting by increasing some fares and putting restrictions on certain low-price options in an effort to keep revenue firm. It also has started requiring a round trip for some of its lowest fares, which previously were available for one-way flights. United expects that many customers "will buy the next higher fare to preserve all of their frills, all of the things they're accustomed to," like priority boarding, Douglas Leo, senior vice president for revenue management, said at a March conference. "This will help us improve revenue, reduce the risk of buy-down, and it also helps us compete in a more surgical manner with ultra-low-cost carriers," Leo said. "Segmenting products is a good way to compete and to offer those fares when you need to be competitive but not putting them out there and matching the entire economy cabin," said Michael Bentley of consulting firm Revenue Analytics. American has said that 87 percent of its passengers - accounting for half the airline's revenue - flew on the carrier just once last year. For those people, air travel was probably purchased just on the basis of price, meaning 50 percent of the company's revenue was up for grabs, President Scott Kirby said. "We have to compete for them," he said. WASHINGTON - A series of cybersecurity incidents at the federal office safeguarding bank deposits has seriously shaken the confidence of House members who were dismayed by agency testimony this week. Lawrence Gross, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s chief information and chief privacy officer, was called before a House panel to explain the removal of sensitive electronic data by employees. Members also accused the agency of obstructing a congressional investigation into the cyber-issues. News / Africa by Staff reporter Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma is willing to step down in order to recover the ANC's "integrity", a newspaper yesterday reported senior party sources as saying.The top ANC members told the Mail & Guardian that they had been secretly working on an "exit strategy" for Zuma, who has been under fire in recent months over scandals involving the Guptas, the Constitutional Court's Nkandla ruling and a high court judgment over his corruption charges that were dropped by the NPA.The M&G's report comes just under a month after the Sunday Times reported that ANC head honchos were working on a plan to remove Zuma.ANC leaders had told the Sunday Times at the party's manifesto launch in Port Elizabeth that those behind the plan needed to "buy time and only act after the elections". They said they were giving Zuma a "long rope to hang himself".The M&G reported that a report will be presented to the ANC's National Executive Committee two weeks from now with recommendations for Zuma and the party going forward.But an NEC member, speaking to the Friday weekly on condition of anonymity, said they have to work carefully so as not to "destroy the ANC".In the weeks after the ConCourt's Nkandla ruling, many former leading ANC members and struggle stalwarts urged Zuma to step down as president, News24 reported.Among them are former deputy ANC secretary general Cheryl Carolus, former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils, former justice Zac Yacoob, ex Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, former ANC Youth League member Ronald Lamola, and others who have come together as members of the People's Consultative Assembly for Democracy.Struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada and former finance minister Trevor Manuel also said they want Zuma gone.Many ANC grassroots members have also been vocal about their desire for the president to leave office.Members from several ANC branches in the Free State last month joined a small group of anti-Zuma marchers in Bloemfontein."In 2007, when other ANC comrades said Zuma must be the president, my region never supported him, and now we've been proven right," one marcher and a regional working committee member, Thokozile Mokoenanyana, told News24. AFP Just how securely are banks moving money around the world? New details emerged on Friday about a pair of related attacks on banks that use the Swift message service, which allows financial firms and companies to transfer payments around the world. Computer security researchers briefed on the investigation into one of the attacks, on the Bangladesh Bank, raised several theories about the crime, including the possibility that groups from Pakistan and North Korea may have been spying on the bank. Other analysts investigating the attacks said there were striking similarities between the "multiple bespoke tools" used by the hackers in both the banking cases and the attack on Sony Pictures in 2014. The latest breach detailed by Swift in a letter to its users on Friday occurred at a commercial bank that appeared, according to a leading online security firm BAE Systems on Friday, to be located in Vietnam. That attack and the $81 million heist from the Bangladesh central bank account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in February are thought to be part of a broad assault on the global banking system by thieves whose operating methods and digital fingerprints are being studied carefully by analysts worldwide. In both attacks on banks, the intruders obtained legitimate credentials to sign in to the Swift network. They initiated fraudulent money transfers, then covered their tracks using tailor-made malware. Swift, an acronym for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, is a global banking consortium that operates a secure and trusted network that sends payment instructions between banks across international borders. In the predictable finger-pointing that has followed the news of the attacks, Swift has pointed out that its core network was not hacked - just the end points at which the banks tap into it - and the New York Fed has reiterated that it followed all proper procedures. On Friday, Rep.Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., released a letter calling on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to bolster its security even further. "I remain concerned that there are critical security gaps in the international payment system," Maloney said in a statement. She also released correspondence between her office and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, in which the bank's general counsel, Thomas C. Baxter Jr., assured her that "there is no evidence that any Federal Reserve systems were compromised." Investigators briefed on the investigation at the Bangladesh central bank say that they had uncovered the presence of three groups of intruders inside the bank's systems: two nations - Pakistan and North Korea - and a third, unidentified group of digital criminals thought to have siphoned the funds from the bank to accounts in the Philippines. Also on Friday, two forensics investigators at BAE Systems outlined evidence that suggested similarities between the Bangladesh heist and a 2014 attack against Sony Pictures that law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the United States have traced to North Korea. Sony put out the farcical movie "The Interview' that poked fun at North Korea. The investigators pointed to highly specialized, identical tools - including identical encryption keys, file names and a highly unusual data deletion technique - that were used in the attack on Sony Pictures, the Bangladesh central bank and the Vietnamese Bank. However, people briefed on the actual investigation at Bangladesh Bank, who would speak only on the condition that they not be named, said that while the same tools were present inside Bangladesh Bank's systems, any link between that heist and North Korean hackers would be premature. Banks are frequent targets not just for profit-seeking digital criminals, but also nation states hoping to track spending by their perceived enemies or to gain insights into deal-making activity. In 2012, investigators at the Russian security firm Kaspersky Lab revealed a campaign by nations, presumably the United States or Israel, aimed at banks in Lebanon, including the Bank of Beirut, Blom Bank, Byblos Bank and Credit Libanais, along with Citibank and PayPal. In that case too, the organizations involved in the Lebanese bank intrusions never stole any funds. Rather, they used stolen credentials to track customers' assets. Theories advanced immediately after a breach can turn out to be wrong. In summer 2014, when hackers stole account information from tens of millions of customers at JPMorgan Chase, experts initially pointed to Russia, raising concerns about national security. In the end, federal prosecutors said that attack might have been partly the work of Israeli nationals and individuals who knew each other from Florida State University, and that their attack on the bank may have been aimed at advancing a pump-and-dump stock scheme. No money was stolen from JPMorgan in that breach. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Enterprise Products Partners has loaded more oil onto ships headed abroad than any other U.S. company, just five months after Congress lifted a 40-year ban on oil exports. The Houston-based pipeline company has spent billions over the past decade to become the pre-eminent waterborne exporter of propane and butane, two fuels derived from natural gas, and it soon will be the largest exporter of ethane, a chemical that is key to making plastics. Shale drilling operations have flooded the U.S. with propane, butane and light oil, and this surplus can be shipped to faraway consumers such as the giant petrochemical plants of China. The push into foreign markets with these products has placed Enterprise in the lead among North American oil and gas companies that are pushing to export crude now that the ban has been lifted. "Once we recognized that this country was going to produce more than it could consume, it became obvious to us that you needed to be positioned to export," said Jim Teague, chief executive of Enterprise Products Partners. The company's large stake in exporting fuel has helped turn the business from the two-truck shop founded locally by energy entrepreneur Dan Duncan into a truly global transporter of oil and gas. Today, Enterprise Products is one of Houston's largest companies, racking up more than $5 billion in revenue last quarter. Its rapid expansion and the company's reputation as a tough competitor, though, have at times left it at odds with Federal Trade Commission regulators - and some of its own customers - who have worried that the company's large holdings have given it too much influence over the business of shipping crude oil abroad. The rebirth of exports The oil tanker BW Zambesi rewrote the rules of the oil business when it set sail for Asia from Enterprise Products' Galveston dock in July 2014. This ship carried the first Texas oil sent overseas in four decades, and its departure meant that the shale drillers who had transformed the U.S. energy markets now had access to global buyers. When the ship sailed, the export ban on U.S. crude oil was still in effect. Lawyers and executives at Enterprise Products had spent weeks working with the U.S. Department of Commerce to open a loophole in the 1975 ban that allowed them to slip through shipments of lightly processed condensate, a type of thin and very flammable oil that was common in the U.S. but a poor fit for refineries on the Gulf Coast. The discovery of the loophole was somewhat of an accident, Enterprise executive Bill Ordemann said. His colleagues and lawyers had pitched to regulators the idea that lightly processed condensate oil could be exported under existing laws. "I left that meeting frankly flabbergasted, because at the end of the presentation they said, 'Well, that's very good,' " Ordermann said. "When I got out of there, I looked at the lawyer and said, 'What just happened?' " Once discovered, the oil began to flow through the loophole. The U.S. exported an average of 40,000 barrels per day of processed condensate from July 2014 to April 2015, according to figures from consulting group McKinsey & Co. Other companies, such as driller Pioneer Natural Resources and natural gas pipeline giant Kinder Morgan, rushed into the condensate export business as well. By the end of 2015, Enterprise estimated it was shipping 134,000 barrels per day of processed condensate and crude oil abroad. A portion of that oil was crude that was re-exported from the Gulf Coast. That's a small amount of the roughly 9 million barrels per day American drillers produced during that period, but a significant increase for a country that had locked itself out of international exports for more than 40 years. It also formed a small, but growing part of Enterprise's business. In the first quarter 2016, the company reported that its pipelines moved 5.2 million barrels per day of oil, fuels and chemicals. It moved 1.3 million barrels of those fuels through its marine terminals. In December, U.S. lawmakers repealed the ban on exports entirely, clearing companies to begin shipping oil abroad without even the light processing condensate exports had previously required. The first cargoes of wholly unprocessed oil left U.S. shores shortly after. Enterprise was the second company to send a cargo abroad. For the first quarter of 2016, Enterprise said it expects to load about 165,000 barrels per day of oil onto ships headed abroad. "They've worked their way into the enviable position of being the largest oil exporter," said Darren Horrowitz, an analyst who tracks the company for Raymond James. Enterprise "is doing things that other folks aren't doing right now." Export volumes and the business of loading oil onto tankers have been hurt somewhat by low oil prices. U.S. oil production has fallen from 9.6 million barrels per day in early 2015 to 9.1 million barrels today as drillers have cut back, meaning there's less U.S. oil to send abroad. Most of the oil currently exported is crude that isn't a good fit for the refineries in the U.S., said Kurt Barrow, an oil market expert at consulting group IHS. But volumes should grow when prices recover. "We're seeing exports that used to go only to Canada are now going to Japan, China, the Netherlands and Italy," he said. Light crude oils such as condensate "really have a better market in Asia, where they're needed for petrochemical feedstock." Dominant ingredients While Enterprise's leading position in the crude oil and condensate export markets is new, it has long been dominant in exporting propane and butane overseas. Its control of the market dates back to 2010, when propane and butane were fuels in search of a burner. Neither fuel is pumped out of the ground, but instead is pulled out of natural gas and crude oil as the two raw fuels are processed. A shale boom had production of oil and gas surging, and propane and butanes had been caught up in the rush. But while the U.S. had plenty of pent-up demand for oil and some for gas, there was little need for the flood of propane and butane. Propane is best known as a blue flame that grills meats or heats homes, and butane is an even lighter fuel that's used to light cigarettes or is blended into gasoline. Both are key ingredients for the chemicals that make plastics. By 2008, supply for the light gases had far outpaced demand in some parts of the U.S. While petrochemical plants in Asia were clamoring for propane and butane, drillers in some parts of the U.S. were essentially paying customers to take the fuel off their hands. Enterprise decided it would be the one to link the two markets. The company already owned a propane terminal it had set up on the Houston Ship Channel to import the fuel before the shale boom. In 1998, founder and then-CEO Duncan had decided to add a small hookup that would cool propane and butane into a gas, then load it onto tankers, where it could then be shipped across the globe. The terminal sat mostly unused until the shale boom. "In 2009, all the sudden we got a lot of people wanting to export," said Teague, the current CEO of Enterprise. The company went on a full building spree: "We just kept having people wanting capacity." By 2013, the company had most of the waterborne-export market for propane in the U.S. Enterprise had enough dock capacity to load 6.81 million tons of the liquefied fuel onto tankers each year, while the entire U.S. capacity totaled 9.32 million tons per year, according to IHS figures. Enterprise owned almost 75 percent of the exporting capacity. And business was good. Even though a cold winter had led to higher propane prices and cut into exports, Enterprise's chief financial officer, Randy Fowler, told analysts during a 2013 conference call that new customers were calling "every day." "The U.S. has gone from being not a player in the export market to being the largest player in the world in 10 years," IHS' Debnil Chowdhury said of propane and butane. About the same time, Enterprise began eyeing the company it had long partnered with in its export business. Oiltanking Holdings Americas, an affiliate of German company Oiltanking, had for some time offered additional ship loading and dock space for the fuel that Enterprise was shipping abroad, and the latest expansion by Enterprise had brought the two to sign a 50-year contract to work together. But Enterprise wanted more than partnerships, and Enterprise began negotiating an outright purchase of Oiltanking's Houston Ship Channel assets in the summer of 2014. Oiltanking Partners owned 12 docks on the Houston Ship Channel and in Beaumont, and controlled another 24 million barrels of storage for oil and refined products. The assets didn't come cheap: Enterprise paid about $5.8 billion for the deal, which was fully consummated in early 2015. "We've been lusting after those assets for years," Michael Creel, Enterprise's chief executive officer at the time, said during a conference call with analysts. In 2016, with the merger for Oiltanking completed and the final expansion of its Ship Channel assets finished, Enterprise will have the capacity to load about 16 million tons per annum of LPG onto tankers - just under half of the capacity in the U.S. Enterprise has also pioneered exporting American ethane, a fuel that's pulled out of natural gas and used as an ingredient in plastics manufacturing. So much ethane has been pulled from shale recently that prices for the fuel have at times collapsed low enough that processors don't even bother to pull it from natural gas. But in Asia, it's a key part of the manufacturing chain that has plenty of value. Enterprise Products is building the world's largest ethane export facility at Morgan's Point on the Houston Ship Channel. When it begins ramping up in the third quarter of 2016, the Morgan's Point facility will have two trains and two docks capable of loading about 200,000 barrels per day onto ships. Stepping on toes Enterprise hasn't come to dominate the export markets for several fuels without ruffling feathers. In February 2015, the Federal Trade Commission began asking questions about Enterprise's acquisition of Oiltanking and business practices. The Texas attorney general followed in April, according to Enterprise's ilings. The Federal Trade Commission doesn't acknowledge its investigations, and a spokeswoman declined to comment. Enterprise declined to comment past what it has already said. An inquiry is a non-public investigation that can, but doesn't always, lead to an official action by the commission. The questions came after Enterprise's customers reportedly complained that the company had raised the fees it charged customers to load oil onto ships. The higher fees raised the costs of their logistics services and made Enterprise's own logistics business more competitive. When asked about the complaints at an analyst meeting in early 2015, Teague said Enterprise itself was paying an 85-cent fee to load oil onto ships, a lower rate secured by offering a long-term 50-year contract. If other companies wanted to sign long-term contracts, Enterprise would be happy to give them deals, he said. "We believe if you want a service, you pay for it," he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate oil production Attacks threaten Nigeria's output LAGOS, Nigeria - An explosion closed a second Chevron facility in Nigeria, witnesses said Friday, as renewed attacks by militants further cut production in Africa's biggest petroleum producer. Adding to Nigeria's economic woes, Exxon Mobil on Friday said some production of Qua Iboe crude - the West African nation's largest crude grade - has halted because a drilling rig damaged a pipeline. The company declared force majeure, protecting it from contractual export obligations. Nigeria's oil production already had reached a 20-year low of less than 1.6 million barrels a day from a projected 2.2 million, because of attacks on a Chevron platform last week and on a pipeline that forced Shell to declare force majeure on Bonny Light crude on Wednesday. The same day, Shell began evacuating workers from its offshore Bonga oil field following a militant threat, though production there is continuing. Shell's Forcados export terminal has been shut since a February bombing. anti-counterfeiting Group suspends membership of Alibaba SHANGHAI - An anti-counterfeiting group said Friday it was suspending Alibaba's membership following an uproar by some companies that view the Chinese e-commerce giant as the world's largest marketplace for fakes. The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition told members that it had failed to inform the board of directors about conflicts of interest involving the group's president, Robert Barchiesi. Earlier Friday, the Associated Press reported that Barchiesi had stock in Alibaba, had close ties to an Alibaba executive and had used family members to help run the coalition. The coalition said it is hiring an independent firm to review its corporate government policies. stickers Listed mileage for some SUVs wrong, GM says DETROIT - General Motors Co. is telling dealers not to sell about 60,000 SUVs because the gas mileage listed on the window stickers was inadvertently overstated. The company told dealers that the Environmental Protection Agency-estimated mileage on the stickers is one to two miles per gallon too high. GM says it reported the mistake to the EPA as soon as it was discovered. The problem affects all 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave models, including ones that have already been sold. Legacys, Outbacks Subaru recalling some vehicles over steering DETROIT - Subaru is telling owners of some newer Legacy and Outback vehicles not to drive them because the steering can fail. The company is recalling 52,000 of the cars and SUVs from the 2016 and 2017 model years. It also has told dealers to stop selling them until they're repaired. Subaru said the steering columns may have been manufactured improperly by a parts supplier. Subaru says there have been no crashes or injuries. From wire reports WASHINGTON - Embracing the concept of "keep the change," the Transportation Security Administration said it collected more than $760,000 in unclaimed cash - mostly loose coins - from travelers who had forgotten the money after passing through airport security in the 2015 fiscal year. The agency said it "makes every effort to reunite passengers with items left at the checkpoint," but at times property or loose change go unclaimed. The coins, for instance, were left behind when passengers emptied their pockets before going through metal detectors. Money from other countries collected over the fiscal year, which ended on Sept. 30, made up more than $9,200, which was converted to U.S. currency, according to an agency report for March. What will the agency do with the money? In 2005, Congress gave the TSA the authority to use unclaimed money on security operations. The money came from 114 so-called hub airports, central airports where flights are routed through. Money collected at smaller airports, which are connected to hubs via routes known as spokes, turn over the money they collect to their respective hub. More Information By the numbers $9,200: Unclaimed money collected from other countries converted to U.S. currency. $43,716: Kennedy International Airport reported the highest total of unclaimed funds. $1.99: The lowest amount collected at a hub airport at the Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa. See More Collapse In the New York metropolitan area, Kennedy International Airport reported the highest total of unclaimed funds: $43,716. La Guardia Airport reported $23,414 , and Newark Liberty International Airport raked in $12,847. The lowest amount collected at a hub airport was $1.99, at the Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa, according to the figures from TSA. USA Today, which reported on the unclaimed money, noted that some airports had installed kiosks for passengers to deposit spare change for charitable causes. Denver International Airport collects money for a program to help homeless people, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport accepts donations to support a United Service Organizations' program for members of the military and their families. John Dedell, a video conferencing designer from Safety Harbor, Fla., said he flies about once a month for business and keeps his loose change in a backpack for safekeeping. "It really does not surprise me that people leave loose change behind," he said in an email. "People seem to leave all kinds of things, and I don't think there has ever been a trip that I didn't hear 'Will the person who left ... come back to TSA to retrieve it,' " he added. A combination of fewer TSA screeners, tighter budgets, new checkpoint procedures and more passengers has already created long lines at airports around the country. Money left unclaimed has nearly doubled, to $765,759 in the 2015 fiscal year from $383,414 in the 2008 fiscal year, the TSA report showed. The sum has increased every year except for one since 2008. Look for more loose change to be left behind this summer as air travel reaches its peak. Officials warn of extraordinarily long waits to get through security, which might mean more anxious passengers dashing for their gates and forgetting to pick up their money. John Evans picked up his daughter in Beaumont and asked her where she wanted to go. The choices were Houston, where he'd lived his entire life, or Austin, where the veteran roots-rock musician, songwriter and producer could also find regular work. "It was the first time she was going to be living with me full time," Evans says. "So I gave her the choice. Comfort or adventure. She chose adventure. So we put our stuff in a trailer and headed across I-10." Movement - both physical and personal - informs Evans' new album, "Polyester." The record also repeatedly touches on ephemeral connections, whether between two people or between people and belongings. So it starts with the song "Polyester," a swaggery appreciation of that stylish but unforgiving unnatural fabric with a monstrous guitar riff. But shed the facade of the stylish coat and the album progresses into matters of flesh and bone and spirit, closing with "Good Life," a song of bare-boned sincerity. Though not stated outright in the lyrics, the album's big, beautiful beating heart is Evans' relationship with his daughter. " 'Good Life' is just about appreciating where you are," says Evans, who will play Cactus Music on Saturday. "Coming to grips with where you are and being OK with it. Abbie is in that. She didn't need things. Instead, she focused on the things that are important. And she helped me realize there aren't that many things that are. Not many things worth getting bent out of shape about." More Information John Evans When: 1 p.m. Saturday Where: Cactus Music, 2110 Portsmouth Free See More Collapse Abigail Evans toured with her father in her teens, running his merch stand. She got a diagnosis of the rare disease epidermolysis bullosa, a connective tissue disorder. She died in December 2013 at the age of 20. Evans, 48, has always cut a striking figure. A lean, tall, wild-haired guitar whiz, quick to crack a crooked smile. But for the first time, following his daughter's death, he largely went quiet. He'd still play gigs with his band or do production work. But "Polyester" is his first recording in over six years. "I knew she'd want me to go out and be social again," he says. His process was a little different this time out, more internalized as he wrote most of the songs without his band. The songs aren't necessarily a departure. Evans says, "I grew up listening to Buddy Holly, so even if I made a 14-song album, it'd still come in below 40 minutes." As always, he's most comfortable working in the dirt of early rock 'n' roll, when country, soul, pop and rock weren't sifted into different piles. Some of the songs snarl (the title track), and others are better suited for a moonlit drive ("Sweet Dreams"). "The goal was good flow, no lulls," Evans says. Though it's easy to be snared by the fuzzy guitar on the title track, even the slower pieces have an engaging sense of movement. A gently plucked banjo moves "Grandma's Chair," another song about the ways we attach meaning to familial relics. "I got a piece of my family sitting right there," Evans sings. "That's straight from my life," he says. "I still have that chair. My previous girlfriend tried to get me to get rid of it. There was no way I was getting rid of it. I read something recently about how millennials don't want their grandparents' (expletive)." Today, it sits in his listening room in Buda. When Evans was unpacking in his home there, he came across a jar of notes from a high school girlfriend. "It was in a box that had moved so many times and never been opened," he says. Another song, the quiet "Love Note," came from that discovery. "Polyester" plays like a series of whispers from the past that Evans captures and projects into musical films, all about two or three minutes long. He dedicated the collection to Abigail. The next few months find Evans with a busy slate of shows. He's also busying himself with production work, including a Jesse Dayton album out later this year. He may produce Allison Moorer's next recording. And Evans also recorded a set at Blanco's the day before the old-school Houston honky-tonk shuttered - that live album is due later this year. Evans already has another set of songs recorded that likely find him in a contemplative space. Right now, they're just voice and acoustic guitar. "I keep thinking about putting bass or fiddle on them," he says. "So I'm doing everything I can to keep my hands off it. To just let it be." As I noted previously, Houston did not fare well in last year's report by the nonprofit Trust for Public Land, which rated how well U.S. cities served their residents' needs for parks and green space. There are indications, however, of potential improvements in Houston and Harris County. These hopeful signs were pointed out to me in an email this week from Ernest Cook, the trust's senior vice president. Cook noted that a new master plan for parks, approved by the City Council last October, calls for increasing the share of Houstonians who live within a 10-minute walk of a park from 48 percent to 75 percent by 2040. Second of two columns WACO - Chronicle reader Burt had an e-mail question for me in response to last Saturday's column about what may be the most notorious lynching in American history, a lynching that took place in my hometown 100 years ago Sunday: "Why the hell would you want to write about this?" It's a question I asked myself before plunging into the horror of what happened on Waco's City Hall square, where an estimated 15,000 people watched the hanging, butchery and immolation of 17-year-old Jesse Washington. It's related to a broader question about remembrance, one every community has to ask itself, whether Waco, a community that's had its share of calamitous events, or Houston, whose dark moments include the Camp Logan riots a year after the Washington lynching. "We've tried to deal with this as openly and honestly as possible," Waco Mayor Malcolm Duncan Jr. told me earlier this week. That hasn't always been the case, as the mayor readily acknowledges. It's safe to say that until about a decade ago, most Wacoans had never heard of an event so gruesome it came to be called the "Waco Horror." Unless you were African-American, that is. More for you Famous photographer documents Waco's dark day "It has passed down from one generation to one generation. It's a heavy burden," said Mary Pearson, 67, a cousin of Washington's four generations removed. "I had to ask the Lord to help me each and every day with the very angry spirit I had." Here's what we know - and don't know - about what happened. On May 8, 1916, an illiterate and perhaps developmentally delayed teen, Jesse Washington, was arrested and charged with bludgeoning to death 53-year-old Lucy Fryer, the wife of a white farmer in Robinson, a rural community south of town. The young man, his parents and his brother worked for the Fryers. After Washington confessed that he had raped and murdered Fryer, he was transferred to the Dallas County Jail by the McLennan County sheriff, who knew from grim experience what was likely to happen if the young black man remained overnight in Waco. 'Get him now!' The trial began on a Friday morning, May 15, in Waco's 54th District Court, with Judge Richard Munroe presiding. Munroe's courtroom was so packed with spectators that jurors and witnesses had to be lifted over desks and people. It was obvious that men in the courtroom were armed, as was the judge. When Washington, wearing overalls and a calico shirt, his eyes downcast, was brought in, a man in the back of the courtroom pulled a large revolver from under his coat and shouted, "Might as well get him now!" A companion warned him that he might hit a spectator, so the fellow reluctantly put his gun away. Washington's court-appointed attorneys were six young men, none over 27 and none with experience in a capital murder case. Young Atticus Finches they were not; they offered no witnesses, no alibi. After hearing the evidence presented by the sheriff, the jury of 12 white men deliberated for four minutes before returning a guilty verdict and assessing the death penalty. Before sheriff's deputies could remove Washington from the crowded courtroom, spectators surged forward, took control of the terrified young man and hustled him down a back stairs, where some 400 people were waiting in the alley. Throwing a chain around Washington's neck, they dragged him the few blocks to City Hall, where another group was building a bonfire. What happened on Waco's public square that morning shocked the nation; last week's column couldn't begin to capture the horror. When the barbarism on the City Hall lawn ended after a couple of hours, several men placed what was left of the burned corpse in a cloth bag, attached it to the rear bumper of a car and dragged it along Waco streets. They left it hanging on a pole outside a Robinson blacksmith's shop. Although newspaper editorials nationwide decried the lynching, the Waco papers had little to say beyond basic reporting. "The event is a closed incident as far as the local officers are concerned," the Waco Morning News reported the day after. "They had planned to execute the negro with no delay after he was tried, but the mob beat them to it." Lynching violated Texas law, but none of the ringleaders were prosecuted, even though local authorities knew them. The jury foreman, William Brazelton - father of the famed pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton - criticized local law enforcement for not protecting the defendant, and a Baylor faculty committee passed resolutions condemning the mob, but most Wacoans tried to bury what had happened. White Wacoans, that is. An apology A black journalist, A.T. Smith, editor of the Paul Quinn Weekly, was arrested and convicted of criminal libel after he printed allegations from the Chicago Defender that Lucy Fryer's husband had killed his own wife. To this day, many black Wacoans believe some version of that story but, of course, Washington's young lawyers knew better than to explore any alternate theory. When a tornado in 1953 killed 114 Wacoans, black and white, community lore among African-Americans held that the twister followed the path of the men dragging Washington's corpse through Waco's streets. "He was set up. He was accused of something he didn't do," Pearson said. "If he had did anything," she added, "why would he be just settin' on the porch" when sheriff's deputies came to arrest him. Descendants of the Fryer family, who also live in the Waco area, angrily reject that notion. The Jesse Washington story stayed buried in the city's psyche until about a dozen years ago, when then-City Councilman Lawrence Johnson, who's African-American, visited the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and realized that his hometown had never come to terms with its violent racist past. Two books written at about the same time, including Houston author Patricia Bernstein's "The First Waco Horror," also focused attention on the atrocity, as did efforts of the city's newly formed Community Race Relations Coalition. The coalition's focus on the incident wasn't universally appreciated. "Why should I apologize? I didn't lynch anybody," a city council member complained in 2006. Nevertheless, the city of Waco and McLennan County issued official apologies that same year. At a City Council meeting last week, the mayor recognized Pearson and her sister Denise Mitchell and presented a proclamation declaring May 15, 2016, as the 100th Anniversary of the lynching of Jesse Washington. "As leaders of a progressive city, we accept responsibility to give voice to the countless Waco residents, past and present, who have struggled under the burden of injustice. We profoundly regret and condemn any instance where a citizen of Waco has not received equal protection under the law," the proclamation stated. Duncan, who leaves office Tuesday after serving two terms, would much rather talk about his city's recent run of good fortune: the Baylor Bears' gridiron glory and their spectacular riverfront stadium; a revitalized downtown; and, most of all, Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of the wildly popular, Waco-based HGTV hit, "Fixer-Upper." Still, it seems to me, Duncan can be proud of our hometown's reconciliation efforts. At a time when cities around the country, particularly in the South, are grappling with dark and disturbing legacies, Waco faced up to its own - and is the stronger for it. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Houston-area public schools quietly have been accommodating the bathroom preferences of transgender students for years, but a directive Friday threatening federal funding for school districts that don't sparked fierce criticism from state political leaders and worried some local parents. The new guidelines from the Obama administration tell public schools nationwide to permit transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. The sweeping directive says allowing transgender students to choose restrooms falls under Title IX, the federal law which prohibits discrimination. The administration's action thrusts educators into the civil rights debate over this highly charged issue. Had such an interpretation of the federal law been enforced five years ago, Kirsten Beckler said her child, known then as Charlette, might not have struggled to fit in at her public high school in The Woodlands. Classmates mocked the student and told the teenager to go to hell, recalled Charlette, who now goes by Charlie. Charlie Beckler, who graduated high school in 2011 and now lives in California, said the new rules are important because "when things are supportive on the federal level, it does trickle down eventually." Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused the president of "seeking to unilaterally redefine and expand federal law." Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Houston Republican, urged the state's superintendents and school boards to ignore the directive. Many of the region's largest school districts, however, said they would continue to work with transgender students on a case-by-case basis, but the superintendent of the 6,000-student Crosby district in northeast Harris County said he could not commit to following the federal standard. "We know how polarizing this is in our nation," said Nancy Porter, spokeswoman for the Fort Bend Independent School District, which fielded calls from concerned parents Friday. "That's why we're trying to handle this with sensitivity for the best interest of all students." The district had offered sensitivity training to administrators last summer and has a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and gender. Like other districts statewide, its policy does not specifically mention restrooms. Obama called a bully The federal guidelines come six months after Houston voters overwhelmingly defeated an equal-rights measure that banned discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and other characteristics. Opponents of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, or HERO, successfully campaigned on the message to keep men out of women's restrooms. Similarly, the federal government and North Carolina currently are locked in a legal battle over that state's law barring people from using public restrooms that do not correspond with their biological sex. "If President Obama thinks he can bully Texas schools into allowing men to have open access to girls in bathrooms, he better prepare for yet another legal fight," Paxton said in a statement Friday. Patrick, meanwhile, predicted more parents would opt to home-school their children. "This has nothing to do with improving education in America," Patrick said during a news conference in Dallas. "Let's be very clear what our position is: We're not going to be blackmailed by the president, and we're not going to sell out our children for 30 pieces of silver." A White House spokesman rebuked Patrick's claims. 'Safe places to learn' Houston ISD, the nation's seventh-largest public school district, made headlines in 2011 when it revised a policy to specify that employees must not discriminate against their colleagues or students based on gender identity or gender expression. Regarding restroom preferences, administrators "are counseled to make accommodations that are aligned with the letter and spirit of the district's policy prohibiting student discrimination, harassment and retaliation," the district said Friday in a statement. "I hope we all can get beyond a political battle in the media and make sure we are taking care of all of our kids, so they have safe places to learn," HISD trustee Anna Eastman, an advocate for the revamped district discrimination policy, said. Bertie Simmons, the principal of HISD's Furr and REACH high schools, recalled intervening last year after one of her administrators at REACH tried to stop two transgender students from using the girls bathroom. "We can make big issues over things, or we can just take care of it," Simmons said. "They started going to the girls restroom, and it was fine." Officials at other local districts such as Clear Creek, Cypress-Fairbanks, Katy, Klein and Spring said they similarly respond to students' individual requests. "While schools are not unaware of the broader social conversations around these issues, the issue for school districts is to provide a safe and effective education to all the students," said Joy Baskin, director of legal services for the Texas Association of School Boards, which represents the 1,000-plus Texas public school districts. In Crosby ISD, Superintendent Keith Moore said he tries to create a warm, welcoming environment for students, but he rebuffed the federal government for pushing a uniform approach on transgender restroom choices. "I cannot comply with today's (Friday) directive from the U.S. Dept. of Education that simply defies logic and common sense," Moore said in a blog post on the district's website. "There's more than one group of students that needs to be respected," Moore added in an interview. "The (federal) guidance took into account being respectful to a very small number, at the cost of being disrespectful to a very large number." Beckler, who identified as a lesbian while in high school here, said subconsciously he thought it would be too dangerous to let himself transition to male at that time. "I would have these thoughts and I would just shove them away immediately," said Beckler, now 23. "I was miserable. I was unhappy in my body. I was unhappy with who I was, but I was so scared that I couldn't let myself know the truth." Sarah Wood, a spokeswoman for Conroe ISD where Beckler attended school, said the district makes "every effort to work with students and their families to meet the needs of each child." A changing tide Lou Weaver, a transgender man who lives in Houston, was astounded Friday by the new federal guidelines. He never thought he would see the country move so far to support the transgender community. The 45-year-old recalled going to high school in Littleton, Colo., without knowing the word "transgender." When his parents told him he was a girl, he thought it was his only option. "It wasn't OK to be different," said Weaver, who now works as the transgender programs coordinator for the Austin-based advocacy group Equality Texas. Six weeks into his senior year, the teasing and bullying got so bad for Weaver that he dropped out of high school. Today, he said, students still face embarrassment. Transgender students often use the school nurse's bathroom or just wait until they get home. Instead of focusing on schoolwork or weekend plans, he said, the students worry about being harassed over their gender identity. Perhaps, he said, the tide is changing locally and nationally. "It's going to show our transgender students that they are accepted," Weaver said. "That they are equal." Sebastian Herrera contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A suspected drunk driver fleeing police in north Houston killed a teenager and injured her prom date after running a red light Saturday morning, authorities said. A member of HPD's DWI Task Force spotted a man in a white pickup truck driving erratically around 1 a.m. Saturday, HPD spokesman Kese Smith said. They attempted to pull him over, but after initially stopping, he sped off. He made a U-turn, hopped a curb and barreled through the parking lot of a Fiesta grocery store, Smith said. The driver then turned onto the North Freeway service road, heading north. At Tidwell, the chase came to an abrupt end when the pickup driver ran a red light and slammed into a Dodge Charger. "The occupants of the Charger - a female occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene," Smith said. The vehicle's driver was taken to the hospital in serious condition. Jocelynn Valero, 18, and the 18-year-old driver were students at Yes Prep North Central high school. They had attended prom and then stopped at an IHOP. "Our entire community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of our bright shining stars and praying for the recovery of another student critically injured in the same incident. We hope that the person responsible for the reckless behavior that prematurely ended a precious life and endangered another will be held accountable through our justice system and we will support the investigation in every way possible," YES Prep leaders said in a statement. The crash turned the Charger into a mess of mangled metal and forced authorities to shut down the intersection for hours as they investigated the crash and cleaned up debris. The pickup's driver, meanwhile, received minor injuries, and was taken to the hospital in stable condition. Smith said he showed signs of intoxication. He has been identified as 27-year-old Edin Palacios-Rodas. Smith said he will likely face felony murder charges. "That's obviously one aspect of the investigation," he said. Jocelynn's death came just weeks after her brother, Jose Valero, was fatally shot outside a night club on the northwest side. The suspect is still believed to be at large. Saturday afternoon, some family members changed their Facebook profile pictures to one of Jocelynn in a purple gown with a tiara, standing alongside her brother Jose in a grey suit with a matching purple shirt and tie, perhaps from her quinceanera. A cousin of the family said the two tragic events so close together left the family distraught. The incident came just hours after a the death of 61-year-old man, the day after he was struck by another man fleeing police in a separate incident in southeast Houston. Fauzeya Rahman and Matt Dempsey contributed. A driver lost control of his car Friday night, running off Memorial Drive near Waugh and landing in Buffalo Bayou Friday night. A witness saw the accident around 8 p.m. and tried to help, but the car went out of reach, authorities said. The car sank. News / Africa by Staff Reporter President Robert Mugabe's recent Uganda trip will be remembered for just one thing - arriving late for functions.On Friday, Bulawayo24.com revealed that Mugabe (92) showed up at President Yoweri Museveni swearing-in ceremony venue when proceedings were well under-way on Thursday morning.However, it has since emerged that on Wednesday night he pulled the same act.Museveni hosted a dinner for his guests.According to Uganda's Monitor newspaper Mugabe showed up an hour late.Museveni, arrived at the dinner at 9.34PM only for Mugabe to arrive at 10.30PM "when all the formalities were done, and as the 16 heads of state and other invited dignitaries were settling to a sumptuous dinner.""When Mugabe, 92, walked in so gently a few minutes after the opening prayer, everyone sprung to their feet and cheered," reports indicate.Added the Monitor: "Some thought Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe, one of the world's oldest and longest-serving heads of state, was tired and needed to rest and for that reason, had opted to skip a grandiose State dinner ahead of President Museveni's swearing in yesterday."Others, particularly those who had no idea about his arrival, thought Uncle Bob' was not in the country yet. But when all the formalities were done, and as the 16 heads of state and other invited dignitaries were settling to a sumptuous dinner at about 10:30PM, the 92-year-old Zimbabwean leader arrived to the ululation of the guests and a standing ovation from his colleagues."The guests cheered President Mugabe as he stole the show, stretching his right hand to greet President Museveni, the host of the sumptuous dinner at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel on Wednesday. Mr Mugabe's politeness was warm and engaging as he mingled with other African leaders."He looked frail on account of his advanced age, yet strong-willed, shaking hands with Mr Museveni and other presidents before taking a seat at the front dinner tables reserved for special guests." WASHINGTON Public schools must permit transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their chosen gender identity, according to an Obama administration directive issued amid a court fight between the federal government and North Carolina. The guidance from leaders at the departments of Education and Justice says public schools are obligated to treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity, even if their education records or identity documents indicate a different sex. TEXAS DISPUTE: Texas' attorney general rebukes Fort Worth bathroom policy "There is no room in our schools for discrimination of any kind, including discrimination against transgender students on the basis of their sex," Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement accompanying the directive, which is being sent to school districts Friday. At the Republican Party of Texas convention in Dallas, state officials who have blasted such policies in Fort Worth schools and elsewhere immediately decried the federal move. As word spread late Thursday, convention delegates promised to make the decree an issue at Friday's sessions. "This is truly a modern-day Come and Take It moment," said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. "Texans will not stand for this . . . This will create chaos in America and in its schools, and it's now going to be one of the key issues in the presidential election. Because she supports this policy, this may have cost Hillary Clinton the election." CONVENTION SPOTLIGHT: Patrick urges party unity Gov. Greg Abbott had no immediate comment, although on Thursday he had told GOP conventioneers that Texas would be working with North Carolina as that state challenges a federal mandate to drop its bathroom-use law. In issuing the guidance, the Obama administration is wading anew into a socially divisive debate it has bluntly cast in terms of civil rights. The Justice Department on Monday sued North Carolina over a bathroom access law that it said violates the rights of transgender people, a measure that Lynch likened to policies of racial segregation and efforts to deny gay couples the right to marry. The guidance does not impose any new legal requirements. But officials say it's meant to clarify expectations of school districts that receive funding from the federal government. Educators have been seeking guidance on how to comply with Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding, Education Secretary John B. King said in a statement. "We must ensure that our young people know that whoever they are or wherever they come from, they have the opportunity to get a great education in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and violence," King said. NORTH CAROLINA BATTLE: U.S. sues N.C. over transgender bathroom law Under the guidance, schools are told that they must treat transgender students according to their chosen gender identity as soon as a parent or guardian notifies the district that that identity "differs from previous representations or records." There is no obligation for a student to present a specific medical diagnosis or identification documents that reflect his or her gender identity, and equal access must be given to transgender students even in instances when it makes others uncomfortable, according to the directive. "As is consistently recognized in civil rights cases, the desire to accommodate others' discomfort cannot justify a policy that singles out and disadvantages a particular class of students," the guidance says. The administration is also releasing a separate 25-page document of questions and answers about best practices, including ways schools can make transgender students comfortable in the classroom and protect the privacy rights of all students in restrooms or locker rooms. The move was cheered by Human Rights Campaign, a gay, lesbian and transgender civil rights organization, which called the guidelines "groundbreaking." "This is a truly significant moment not only for transgender young people but for all young people, sending a message that every student deserves to be treated fairly and supported by their teachers and schools," HRC President Chad Griffin said in a statement. The guidance comes days after the Justice Department and North Carolina filed dueling lawsuits over a new state law that says transgender people must use public bathrooms, showers and changing rooms that correspond to the sex on their birth certificate. The administration has said the law violates the Civil Rights Act. North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has argued that the state law is a "commonsense privacy policy" and that the Justice Department's position is "baseless and blatant overreach." His administration sued the federal government hours before the state itself was sued. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRENHAM - The baby was always on their minds. William and Morgan English couldn't escape the thought they might be in prison when they welcome their first child into the world. That's what life had come to for the couple in this town 60 miles northwest of Houston. "My God, I'm going to have this baby in prison," Morgan recalled thinking of the child due in August. "It was a very big fear." The bank teller and her husband, William, a former Marine who is a welder by trade, were among 177 people arrested a year ago this week after a deadly biker melee at the Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco. Morgan English, 31, had never been arrested and was not even a member of a motorcycle club. William English, 34, was a member of a tiny Brenham-area club called Distorted, and had only a years-old case for driving under the influence. They had ridden to Twin Peaks on May 17, 2015, not on motorcycles but in a Nissan Sentra, to attend a meeting for motorcycle clubs. They hadn't even made it inside the restaurant when the gunbattle began. Neither was injured, but they were arrested in the aftermath and charged with engaging in organized crime in what authorities said started as a turf war between the Bandidos and Cossacks motorcycle clubs. The Englishes sat in jail for two weeks before their $1 million bond was reduced, and they were able to make bail. Their mug shots and the accusations against them quickly made the rounds in their local community. William English lost a severance package, including several months of pay and medical insurance from his job as a factory welder, and now makes half his former wage. His wife kept her bank job. English, the son of a police officer, is now apprehensive about law enforcement. "I don't like seeing cops," he said. "I know they are supposed to be there to serve and protect, and they have a really horrible job. They have to deal with the worst of humanity. But the way we were handled, it makes me uneasy." Aside from the prospect of prison and financial woes, the couple has been struggling with medical complications with the pregnancy. "It put an immense amount of stress on the marriage," William English said of the criminal charges. "We are still trying to bounce back." But the Englishes are the lucky ones, apparently. They were among 39 people not indicted in the case. Prosecutors won't say if they have been formally cleared, but their lawyer, Paul Looney of Houston, said the charges against them were automatically dismissed when the McLennan County grand jury's term ended earlier this year. On a recent morning, as the Englishes shared a breakfast of scrambled eggs and pancakes before sunrise, it was a new day in so many ways. "I've had to kind of block out the whole Waco thing," Morgan English said. "The baby is number one." An Alief man suspected in a Houston slaying and the shooting of a state district judge in Austin will not face a murder charge in Harris County, officials said Friday. The Harris County District Attorney's Office dismissed a murder charge against Chimene Hamilton Onyeri, 28, clearing the way for him to be transferred first to Austin for a probation violation and then to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he faces a racketeering charge that could land him behind bars for decades. In a wide-ranging indictment from Calcasieu Parish, prosecutors charged Onyeri and five other people in a crime ring beginning in 2008 that included several crimes including identity theft, passing counterfeit money and the 2015 slaying in Houston. The group is accused of using fraudulent gift cards embedded with stolen credit card numbers to buy products from the Apple stores in the Galleria, Sugar Land and Willowbrook malls. They are also charged with using a fraudulent debit card to bilk victims of thousands of dollars. In one instance, they allegedly stole more than $15,000 from an ATM in a Louisiana Wal-Mart over the course of five hours. Onyeri is at the center of the allegations and could face 50 years of hard labor if convicted in the Bayou State. His sentence may be lengthened because of the allegations in the Harris County shooting. Onyeri was charged in Harris County in the death of Jacobi Alexander at an apartment complex in the Alief area last May. That first-degree felony has been dismissed, but could be filed again, according to Onyeri's attorney. "They could always refile it if they think it's in their best interest," said Sam Adamo. He credited the Harris County District Attorney's Office with dismissing the charge after the delay of evidence and witness statements from the Travis County Sheriff's Office threatened to violate state law requiring the information to be released to the defense. The lawyer said Onyeri denies shooting Austin Judge Julie Kocurek on Nov. 6, who was seriously injured outside her northwest Austin home. "He knows he didn't shoot the judge, so he's confident they're not going to file that charge," Adamo said. "If they do, he knows he will beat it." During that investigation, police got a tip that Onyeri was involved in the shooting and also bragged about a Houston murder, saying he stood over Alexander's body as he shot him in the head. Police found Alexander's body lying on the ground in a courtyard near a swimming pool. Onyeri was named as the primary suspect in Kocurek's shooting but he has not been charged. Court records show that Onyeri had a case before Kocurek in Austin, where prosecutors were seeking to revoke his probation in a fraud case, a move that could send him to prison for as long as 20 years. In that case, he and a friend were arrested during a traffic stop in 2012 for possession of 17 fraudulent gift cards embedded with stolen credit card numbers. Besides the case in Austin, Onyeri has long been in and out of trouble with the law in Houston. In 2013, he was acquitted by a jury during a trial on charges of armed robbery. He also was arrested and charged with murder in a 2008 shooting, but those charges were later dismissed. It was unclear Friday whether those allegations could also affect the charge in Louisiana. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate More than 150 families whose homes were inundated by water in last month's Tax Day Flood were pushed out of hotels on Friday. Three weeks after securing hotel rooms for displaced Houstonians - most from the hard-hit Greenspoint area - the city stopped subsidizing that emergency housing to pivot to permanent solutions, officials said. The aid expired at noon for people occupying 159 rooms, said Bill Kelly, the mayor's government relations director who also coordinates recovery efforts. The deadline marked another transition for flood survivors, some of whom were unprepared for another move. As of Tuesday, half of the hotel families - more than 80 - had received Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery payments, Kelly said. The affected households were notified Wednesday that the city would stop paying for their accommodations after Thursday night, according to the mayor's office. "FEMA is now here, and financial assistance is available to those who register. It is time to let them do what they do best so the city is able to turn its attention to meeting longer-term recovery needs," Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement Friday. "We will not let people fall through the cracks. We will be here today as well as tomorrow." Kelly estimated that more than 100 households had received federal rent assistance as of Friday. About a dozen families with needs deemed "medically critical" - including households with disabled children and at least one person on chemotherapy - were allowed to remain in hotels. But some who packed up and moved out of the Baymont Inn and Suites and the attached Park Inn on North Sam Houston Parkway, which together sheltered more than 100 households, were unsure Friday where they were headed next. Ashley Thomas, 29, was flooded out of the Arbor Court apartments, which took on massive amounts of water from Greens Bayou and had dramatic boat rescues on April 18. Hers was among the more than 1,900 apartments in the low-income Greenspoint area, 15 miles north of downtown, that flooded. She moved her belongings to her mother's home on Thursday but stayed in the hotel Thursday night to put her 7-year-old son on a bus to school on Friday morning. She's also raising nieces ages 1 and 4 who belong to an incarcerated sister. "We are on our own today. They want us out of here," she said, adding that she's concerned that her next home could be in Conroe even though her son attends school in the Aldine Independent School District in north Houston - and she doesn't have a vehicle. Thomas hoped the city would have allowed them to stay in Greenspoint-area hotels until the school year ended. "I thank them but what are we going to do when they put us out? How are our kids going to get to school?" she said. Tonya Scott, who has COPD among other health issues, was still waiting for some help after 5 p.m. Friday. At that point, she had no place to go. Barely 5 feet tall, water in her first-floor apartment rose up to her neck in the flood, and she left her breathing machine behind. "They told us: With the FEMA money you have, you have to get your own place. It's not much. I got my FEMA benefits and I had to divide it with the roommate that I had. I can't afford an apartment," the 48-year-old said. "The mayor promised to take care of the disabled and elderly people, and he promised we wouldn't be homeless. I have health issues. It's stressful." Hotel accommodations began April 22 and quickly grew to 127 households. The city added 40 families over the last three weeks as caseworkers identified additional people who needed help. The Friday deadline balanced a projection date for the majority of people to have received federal aid and ending hotel costs billed to the Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund. Turner said three weeks ago that the Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund had taken in more than $1 million. City officials have not provided a more exact figure when asked in the weeks since. The cost for a family to have a hotel room at roughly $110 a night for a week equaled a month's rent in their former housing. Kelly estimates that the city's hotel program will end up costing $350,000 to $500,000. In Harris County, FEMA will pay about $550 a month for a one-bedroom unit and $900 a month for a three-bedroom apartment, Kelly said. The length of time covered varies depending on the damage to the household's original home. ALBANY, N.Y. - Climate activists from around the Northeast gathered Saturday at a key crude oil shipment hub on the Hudson River in upstate New York to denounce fossil fuels and promote an accelerated transition to renewable energy sources. The action targeting crude-by-rail trains and oil barges at the Port of Albany is part of Break Free 2016, a two-week series of actions targeting key fossil fuel projects around the globe to protect local communities and fight climate change. About 40 activists from numerous groups attempted to line up across the river in kayaks Friday to practice blocking oil barges, but police and several U.S. Coast Guard boats herded them into a cluster that paddled past a riverfront park where a banner saying "Water not oil" was hung. Police blocked access to a railroad bridge over the river where activists had planned to unfurl banners. Another group on Saturday sat on tracks used by crude oil trains headed to the port. Police did not report any arrests as of midday Saturday. Albany was chosen as the focal point for activists in the Northeast from Pennsylvania to Maine because it's a hub for crude-by-rail shipments from North Dakota's Bakken Shale region to East coast refineries. For three years, residents of a low-income housing project beside the oil train route have been fighting expanded crude oil shipments at the port by Global Partners, a fuel transporter based in Waltham, Mass. "We have to stop these explosive bomb trains from rolling through our communities across the continent," Marla Marcum, a member of the Climate Disobedience Center in Arlington, Mass., said on Friday. "We have to keep fossil fuels in the ground and bring the focus to renewables." Mark Romaine, chief operating officer of Global Partners, said in a statement Friday that the company is committed to safety and has been inspected more than 270 times in the last three years with only a handful of minor infractions that were corrected. "It's clear we take our jobs and our responsibility to the community, to safety and the environment very seriously," Romaine said. In other Break Free events this weekend, activists plan to rally Sunday morning in front of the White House and march to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool to call on the Obama administration to stop offshore oil drilling. In Anacortes, Wash., civil disobedience is planned over the weekend at two oil refineries. Climate activist events are also planned this weekend in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Thornton, Colo., as well as in Germany, Turkey, New Zealand, Brazil and Nigeria. The Albany protests were organized by a coalition of more than 100 groups including 350.org, Citizen Action of NY and Riverkeeper. DALLAS DeDe Fuller says she got involved in Texas Republican politics more than a decade ago because she was fed up with career politicians who were saying one thing and doing another. "The political establishment was the problem, the elected officials and the special interests who get together to protect their interests first over what the people want," the North Dallas retiree remembers thinking. In a year when political outsiders railing against entrenched politicos have a strong cachet with voters, especially Republican voters as was underscored by the surprise ascension of Donald Trump to be the likely GOP presidential nominee, the so-called establishment is again a favorite punching bag. At the biennial Texas Republican Party convention that concluded here on Saturday, the theme was everywhere from the "Overthrow The Establishment" and "Secede Now" bumper stickers available in trade show booths, to the fiery rhetoric as delegates debated the state party's platform on Friday, to the campaign buttons and comments from delegates and guests who crowded the convention floor. It was more intense, perhaps, than at some recent Texas conventions, since the party faithful feels more pressure to win the presidency after two terms of what they believe is an utter disaster of Democrat rule. For all that railing and sniping, however, interview after interview on the convention floor during the three-day confab at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center produced a curious fact: The Red Staters cannot agree on exactly who is the Political Establishment that is such a big problem. Is it just politicians in Washington, the political hub that Texans both elected and grass roots love to hate? Or does it include some in the pink-domed statehouse in Austin? And what about Donald Trump? Even the billionaire non-politician gets hit with the label by some conventioneers because of the way they say he has played America's political system for years through contributions and perks to curry favor with both Republicans and Democrats in Washington. "It basically comes down to this: Everyone will tell you they want to throw the bums out, just not their bums," said Kurt Condant of Houston. "To most Texas Republicans, it's the Washington political establishment, the political elite." Does that include U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Texas' senior lawmaker in Washington who addressed the convention on Friday to generous applause? "No, not John. I like John. He's done a good job for us," said Condant, echoing other delegates at the convention. "I would say it's everyone in Washington who's not a Texan, or who agrees with what Texans think." To Julie Iris Oldham, 81, a longtime GOP San Antonio activist, Washington is the problem, "has been forever." And the politicians in Austin, starting with Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick? "I like Abbott and Patrick. (Attorney General Ken) Paxton? He's got that criminal indictment. He's a problem," she said. "People who listen to the grass roots, the people, are what we need in politics. Establishment politicians quit listening to the grass roots." State Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, said when most people complain about the political establishment, they are venting a general frustration with the political process, not so much with individual office-holders. "But there's tremendous frustration in the grass roots this year with politics, both Democrats and Republicans, and people are ready for change," he said. "People are tired of what they see as a broken system. And that's why bashing the political establishment has such appeal." In Texas, that appeal, perhaps, has an ingrained focus on Washington among the state's Republican base the voters who turn out to cast ballots in primary elections because the state's top leaders, including Abbott and Patrick, have made a career of criticizing Washington politicians. "People feel that not enough progress has been made on several important issues repealing Obamacare, border security, plus a lot of others, and so they blame the political establishment," said Steve Munisteri, a retired Houston lawyer and longtime political activist who served as state GOP chairman from 2010 until last year. "It's actually more a disappointment in leadership. Even if they're losing on some issues, they'd rather have the people they elect to be trying rather than not doing anything. Texans like people who speak their mind on issues." Once elected, the trick is not to become part of that establishment, in the eyes of voters. "That's why a lot of politics is smoke and mirrors: They tell you one thing and do another in Washington or Austin," said Andee Mendez, a San Antonio Republican. "We expect the people we elect to get involved in the political establishment so they can get things done. We just don't want them to get too much a part of that establishment, and the longer they're in office the more they're part of it." William Davis, a Houston tea party Republican, said that is why the term "political establishment" is a misnomer. "The anger this election and it's anger, for sure is with the system of self-protection for politicians that's more than about just those politicians," he said. "It's why those of us who wanted Ted Cruz are willing to take a deep breath and vote for Trump, because, in the most basic sense, they're both outsiders. "And we need to elect someone as president who is not part of the awful system." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PHILADELPHIA - Democrats gathering to nominate Hillary Clinton for president this week hope to present a picture of tranquillity that contrasts with the discord and dark visions of America on display at the GOP convention in Cleveland. But delegates pledged to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Clinton's vanquished foe, may prove hard to keep in line. And the task of changing perceptions of Clinton, viewed increasingly by voters as untrustworthy, will be a challenge, analysts say. Clinton's perceived character flaws would be more worrisome to Democrats if her GOP opponent were someone other than Donald Trump, whose overall unfavorable ratings are worse than Clinton's. Democrats were buoyed by the Republican infighting in Cleveland, notable in the jeering that flooded the hall when Texas Sen. Ted Cruz refused from center stage to endorse Trump. Nonetheless, in Clinton, Democrats know they have a nominee dogged by her past, a candidate who took an excruciatingly long time to defeat an opponent who identifies as a democratic socialist. Her vulnerabilities, brought home in polls showing a neck-and-neck race with Trump, underscore the need for a flawless convention before the gun sounds on the general election campaign. "We have our work cut out for us. This election is not guaranteed," said U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-San Antonio, among superdelegates from Texas. "It will take a united party that includes those who did not have Hillary Clinton as their first choice or were lukewarm on her." Democrats open the four-day proceedings Monday with their ticket in place now that Clinton has chosen Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine as her running mate. Kaine, 58, a party moderate and former Democratic National Committee chairman, is known for his affability as well as his national security credentials. He is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees. He will address the convention Wednesday night. Kaine was viewed by many delegates as a wise, if cautious choice. The Harvard Law graduate spent time as a missionary in Honduras and is fluent in Spanish, credentials helpful to Clinton in her appeal to Latino voters. He would be just the second Roman Catholic vice president; Joe Biden is the first. Unlike the loquacious Biden, Kaine is known as a measured politician not plagued by verbal gaffes. Drawing distinctions But Kaine may do little to assuage supporters of Sanders, many of whom rooted for the selection of firebrand Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. "We in the new generation of Democrats don't want the same old, same old, and the Kaine pick represents that," said Rick Trevino, a high school teacher in San Antonio and a Texas delegate pledged to Sanders. Along with first lady Michelle Obama, the Monday night line-up features Sanders, who for 14-months waged a campaign against Clinton from the left on a host of policy matters. His signal to supporters in a meeting hours before the convention opens could go a long way toward determining the tenor in the Philadelphia gathering. Right out of the gate, Democrats will begin drawing distinctions with Trump-led Republicans on immigration, an issue viewed as fertile territory for Democrats in Nevada, Colorado and several other battleground states. Among headline speakers on Monday is DREAMer Astrid Silva, who arrived in Nevada from Mexico at age 4 and struggled much of her life until granted a work permit under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. 'Reveal our values' On Tuesday evening, former President Bill Clinton, the most enduring American politician in the modern era, will present a stark contrast to warnings by Trump of rampant crime when he is joined by Mothers of the Movement. The group features mothers of African-American men and women who have been killed by gun violence or while in police custody. Both President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will speak on Wednesday night. And for her acceptance speech on Thursday night, Clinton will be introduced by daughter Chelsea. Jamie Dorff, of Leander, is among speakers this week who will aim to counter impressions left by a refrain at the GOP convention on her alleged shortcomings related to the attacks in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012 that left four Americans dead. Her husband, Patrick, was an Army helicopter pilot who died in Iraq in 2004 while searching for missing servicemen. She will highlight Clinton's efforts as a senator from New York that helped hike the death gratuity to $100,000 from $12,000 for families of soldiers and Marines who perish during hazardous duty. Clinton, in a fundraising letter Friday, said Democrats will "reveal our values" at the convention, noting what she calls the most progressive Democratic platform in history. The appeal to Sanders supporters remains to be seen even though Sanders won concessions, among them endorsement of the $15 an hour minimum wage. Superdelegate skirmish There promises to be no Cruz-like floor drama from Sanders, who endorsed Clinton on July 12. But in many of his followers, the combative spirit remains alive. Sanders delegate Karina Quesada, 37, of Houston, is hoping for the unimagined in Philadelphia. "I would like a miracle, Bernie coming out as the nominee," she said. "There's still kind of a hope there." Many of Sanders' nearly 1,900 delegates remain irked at the platform's evasiveness on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Texas delegate Theresa Haas, of Houston, referred to last week as "a real betrayal of genuine progressive and Democratic values." She was East Texas field director for Sanders. Critics hope, at the least, for a floor vote on a minority report that denounces the proposed 12-nation trade pact embraced by the Obama administration. Many of Sanders' loyalists also are pushing a rules change to do away with superdelegates, which they regard as a Democratic Party contrivance that rigs the primary process against outsiders. More than 100,000 people have signed a petition aimed at bringing the matter to the convention floor. How far Sanders' restive delegates are willing to go in expressing their displeasure could depend on his directions. He planned on Monday what an email invitation to his delegates called "a very special meeting," with unspecified goals beyond "to keep the political revolution going strong." Throughout the week, speakers will seek to address perceptions about Clinton complicated by FBI Director James Comey's assertion this month that said she'd been "extremely careless" handling her emails with a private server. Clinton's challenge showed starkly in Quinnipiac polls a week later in the battleground states of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania, each of which showed Trump scoring better - by double digits - when voters were asked which of the two they regarded as the most honest and trustworthy. "When you look at the polls in a variety of ways, it becomes clear that this trust deficit is a serious problem for her," said pollster G. Terry Madonna, director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. "She's been around so long and involved in so many controversies. And once people get an impression, it's hard to change," he said. Humanize Hillary Allan Lichtman, political historian at American University and author of the book "The Keys to the White House," said Democrats need to humanize Clinton. "She has to dissipate this aura surrounding her that she is arrogant and untrustworthy and present herself as a warm human being," he said. Lichtman sees other challenges for the Democrats: Present substantive solutions that he believes were scarce at the GOP convention; offer a tone that is far more positive than what sounded in Cleveland; and keep "loose cannon" Bill Clinton under control. Beyond the grim portrait of America that Trump offered in his acceptance speech, delegates headed to Philadelphia claimed to be stunned by the harshness at the Republican gathering. Chants of "lock her up, lock her up" sounded during New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's "prosecution" of Clinton from the dais and a Trump adviser on veterans' affairs went so far as to assert that Clinton "should be put in the firing line and shot for treason." "It's disgusting and scary," said Kim Frederick, a Clinton delegate from Houston who founded the nationwide HRC Super Volunteers for Clinton two years ago. "I've been tuned into politics since I was a little girl, and I've never seen anything like it. I worry for my future, and I worry for the next generation's future," said Frederick, 38. Clinton is 'authentic' Gloria Rodriguez, 68, of San Antonio, is among Texans who need no injection of enthusiasm. Rodriguez, who founded Avance, a nationally known social service organization, has known Clinton since her Arkansas days and later accepted an invitation from her to speak at a White House conference on early childhood education. A 17-year-old photo of Rodriguez with Clinton displays prominently on a GoFundMe website, a tool which helped her and more than a few other convention-goers handle Philadelphia's exorbitant lodging costs this week. "She's authentic to me; never has she deviated from her beliefs," Rodriguez said of Clinton. "I believe the opposition is very dangerous and that we need to understand the consequences of our vote. It will have an impact on all of us, on the way we relate to one another, and on our children's future." (Thumbs up) If you're of a certain age, chances are your first date may have started at either Mark's or Cafe Annie, two restaurants with different but profound impacts on Houston's ascension from cafeteria haven to dining respectability. Cafe Annie, its name shuttered for many years, is back, this week replacing RDG & Bar Annie on Post Oak. Chef Robert Del Grande, the Earl Campbell of Houston's culinary scene, is hoping that history repeats itself as he rolls out old favorites on the menu; so do we. At Mark's, the space and impeccable service equaled the haute cuisine. It announced it was closing this week, but we're also hoping that, like Annie, there's a second act. (Thumbs down) We pride ourselves in Texas for having citizen legislators who work real jobs before going to Austin to earn about $7,000 a year plus per diem plus an office plus a lucrative pension (but we digress). Where the system falls apart is with its conflicts. State Rep. Gary Elkins, for example, has sponsored legislation that conveniently helped payday lenders - such as himself. Now comes Houston Sen. Paul Bettencourt. He's in the middle of a series of public hearings allowing citizens to rail against property taxes. One small problem: Bettencourt likesto call himself the "Tax Man" and has run a tax protest company. So, he spends his evenings riling people up and his days helping them out - for a nice fee. (Thumbs up) THIS JUST IN: The Texas Republican Party will not be insisting that the Lone Star State secede from the union. Party leaders meeting in Dallas this weekend voted 16-14 against the call for Texas independence. No word on whether other states were secretly fanning the flames in favor of a Texas exit, or, as the Thumbs staff prefers to call it, a Texit. News / Local by Staff Reporter Contact Beats98: Beats98 aims to provide a large catalogue of African music, movies and books. Indie artists can register to sell their music.info@beats98.com / The first flash came at 8:15 on a Monday morning. Eyewitnesses remember it as a bolt of soundless light as if the sun had somehow touched down to the Earth. And suddenly, Hiroshima was gone. The second flash came that Thursday morning at 11:02. Eyewitnesses recall two thumps - possibly the sound bouncing off the mountains that cradled the city - and a flash of bluish light. And Nagasaki was decimated. Japan surrendered the following Wednesday, ending the Second World War. Last week, when it was announced Barack Obama will become the first sitting U.S. president to visit Hiroshima, everyone from Salon to the National Review raised two important questions: Will the president apologize for what America did 71 years ago this August? Should he? The White House says the answer to the first question is No. For whatever it's worth, the answer to the second is, too. It is a measure of the deep emotion this subject still stirs that that will be a controversial and divisive opinion. Many good and moral people will find it abhorrent. Of course, the opposite opinion would also have been controversial and divisive and would have appalled other people, equally good, equally moral. In the end, then, one can only answer to conscience, and this particular conscience is disinclined to second-guess the long-ago president and military commanders who felt the bombs might obviate the need to invade the Japanese home islands at a ruinous cost in American lives. Remember that the Japanese, inebriated by the "bushido" warrior code under which surrender equals shame and dishonor, had refused to capitulate, though defeat had long been a foregone conclusion. Indeed, even after Hiroshima was leveled, it still took that nation nine days to give up. That said, there is a more visceral reason the answer to the second question must be No: Any other answer would defame Americans who endured unimaginable cruelty at Japanese hands. Should America apologize? Ask Ray "Hap" Halloran, a B-29 navigator from Cincinnati who was beaten, stoned, starved, stripped naked and displayed in a cage at the Tokyo Zoo. Ask Lester Tenney, a tanker from Chicago whose sleep was forever filled with nightmares of a twitching, headless corpse - a man he saw decapitated in the death march on Bataan. And by all means, ask Forrest Knox, a sergeant from Janesville, Wis. He was trapped with 500 other prisoners in the hold of a Japanese freighter where the heat topped 120 degrees and there was barely any water. Some of the men broke out in gibbering, howling fits of madness, prompting a Japanese threat to close off the hatch through which their meager air came if there was not silence. The maddened men could not be reasoned with. So American men killed American men. Knox saw this. And participated. And for years afterward, he was haunted by dead men walking the streets of Janesville. Should America apologize? No. This was not slavery. This was not the Trail of Tears. This was not the incarceration of Japanese Americans. This was not, in other words, a case of the nation committing human-rights crimes against innocent peoples. No, this was war, a fight for survival against a ruthless aggressor nation. Japan committed unspeakable atrocities. America did the same. Such is the nature of war. Seven decades later, the idea of an apology feels like moral impotence, a happy face Band-Aid that denies the awful immensity of it all. There are two words that should be spoken, in fact, reverently whispered, with regard to Hiroshima, and they are not "I'm sorry." No, the only words that matter are this promise and prayer: Never again. Pitts is a columnist for the Miami Herald. Email him at lpitts@miamiherald.com. When you ask Dr. Susan Raine, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine, about her work, she says: "I have the best job in the whole world! Every day I get to help bring new babies into the world." In speaking of her work, Rice University Bioengineering professor Rebecca Richards-Kortum says, "I love bioengineering, but I love teaching my students even more." Both of these women had their lives changed when they traveled to Malawi, a sub-Saharan African country that has a terrifyingly high rate of mothers dying during childbirth - 634 deaths per 100,000 births, compared to 14 in the U.S., according to the World Bank. Raine finds her work in Malawi very satisfying as she trains local OB/gyn doctors in a country that has only 11 OB/gyn doctors to serve a population of 16 million. The new OB/gyn doctors will drive down the country's maternal death rate. When Richards-Kortum visited the maternity ward in a Malawi hospital, she noticed a total lack of equipment, not even a CPAP, a device that helps premature babies breathe. She returned from Malawi with a whole new outlook and purpose. She explained to her students the breathing problems of premature babies and assigned them the task of designing an inexpensive and simple CPAP. Her "baby engineers" (a term she uses with a twinkle in her eyes to describe her inventive young bioengineering students) loved the challenge and soon solved it. The result? A bubble CPAP that is currently saving babies' lives in Malawi and costs around $400, compared to $6,000 for other commercial ones. The amazing work of Raine and Richards-Kortum is helping mothers in Malawi, but what about the mothers in the 30 other underdeveloped countries that have maternal death rates of over 300 per 100,000 births? The Reach Every Mother and Child Act, a comprehensive bill focused specifically on helping pregnant mothers and their children in these countries, offers hope for relief. And each of us can do our part by calling our U.S. senators and representatives and asking for their support of the legislation. This bill does not call for any increase in development funding, and it is one of the few bills that currently has very broad support with 128 co-sponsors across partisan lines; 54 of of the supporters are Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, whose congressional district includes parts of Houston, and four other Texans. The Reach Act directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to focus its resources on proven, low-cost programs that save lives. Initiatives include: ensuring that midwives provide hygienic conditions for childbirth; providing magnesium sulfate to prevent pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, which causes 14 percent of maternal deaths; instructing pregnant women to breastfeed their babies so they develop healthy immune systems; and USAID's First 1,000 Days of Life program that provides pregnant women and their children with highly nutritious food from the beginning of pregnancy to the child's second birthday. The Reach Act also increases the accountability and transparency of USAID, and requires the appointment of a Child and Maternal Survival Coordinator responsible for oversight and coordination of resources directly linked to reducing maternal and child mortality. The bill is supported by more than 25 leading organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, RESULTS, faith-based organizations such as World Vision, and the humanitarian organizations CARE and Save the Children. Congress should be inspired by the efforts of Raine and Richards-Kortum and act now to move the Reach Act out of committee so that it can be voted on before the end of the year. Schubert is a Houstonian and a member of RESULTS, a volunteer-advocacy organization that works to end the worst aspects of poverty. Charlie Riedel Six years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill led to one of the largest environmental disasters in American history, we have some good news. At the beginning of April, a federal judge approved a settlement that will result in more than $14 billion for restoration of the Gulf of Mexico's ecosystems. We would like to thank state and federal officials, local leaders, advocates and other supporters for getting us to this point. From a disaster of historic proportions, we now have an unprecedented opportunity to invest in Texas' natural assets. The more than $800 million that will come to Texas from this settlement can be a boon to 367 miles of coastlines. Texans who call the coast home value the natural wonder of the barrier islands, bays and estuaries that dot its length. However, these places are important for far more than their beauty. Healthy coasts protect residents from hurricane storm surges, making communities more resilient to natural disasters. Healthy coasts boost the tourism and fishing industries, both of which provide tens of thousands of jobs and billions in annual revenue. Two persons were arrested late Monday on various charges by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Katelyn V. Diaz, 21, of Springfield, was arrested on a Cabool misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on an insurance charge and a Cabool misdemeanor warrant of not appearing on a failure to register a motor vehicle charge. She also is charged with possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is held at the Texas County Jail. Jordan A. Bittner, 24, of Springfield, was arrested on several Rogersville active warrants for failing to appear on speeding, no insurance, marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to register a motor vehicle. He also had outstanding warrants in Douglas County for failure to appear on having no insurance. (two) Bittner also faces charges of possession of 35 grams or less of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. News / National by Thobekile Zhou President Robert Mugabe on Friday gave starving Gutu villagers 30 tonnes of bananas to fight hunger.Masvingo has been one of the hardest hit provinces with more than half of the 25,000 reported livestock deaths and 90 percent of inadequate water supplies for agriculture.Mugabe held a rally in Gutu on Friday.The banana donation was announced by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira.She said besides the banana's, Mugabe who has over the years said no single Zimbabwean will die of hunger also donated 90 tonnes of maize, cassava, 50 bales of clothes for distribution in Masvingo province. OTTAWA The man in charge of ensuring the governments legislation passes without a hitch says hes not certain how Grit MPs will vote on the controversial physician-assisted dying bill. In the final analysis, I cant predict how the vote is going to go, Andrew Leslie, the chief government whip, told The Huffington Post Canada on Friday. I have a very good sense, but for obvious reasons, Im not going to tell you. Advertisement Andrew Leslie, Liberal MP for Orleans. (Photo: Althia Raj/HuffPost Canada) Leslie, a retired army lieutenant-general who led Canadian troops in Afghanistan and later was chief of the land staff, said the process isnt as nerve-racking as other jobs hes had to do but it has been challenging. Nerve-racking is all relative, he said. But I do want to thank the prime minister for making non-[election]mandate and non-confidence motions free votes because unlike most of my predecessors as whip, my job is now really exciting, he said, with a laugh. He said he and his staff have held about 1,000 sit-downs with MPs in the past six months, many related to bill C-14, the Liberals proposed legislation to deal with the Supreme Courts decision on physician-assisted death, he said. Advertisement About 15 to 20 people a day come to his corner office, right below the cabinet office in Parliaments Centre Block, he said, with questions about various bills the Liberals are pushing forward or questions about committee work. There are a lot of questions because, dont forget, more than 100 of us, actually 150, are all new, he noted. Whip helps ensure election promises are fulfilled Leslies job, and that of his team, he said, is to help the government achieve its mandate. Fulfil its election promises. Pass the cabinets legislation. So he nudges. He persuades. He tries to convince. And he listens. Someone might come in and say I have a problem with bill A, and I dont understand issue D, can you explain it to me, and if I cant explain to their satisfaction, or they are still puzzled or they still have concerns, then I pick up the phone and speak to a technical expert or the minister and I arrange a meeting between the individual and the minister or a member of the ministers staff. He keeps a copy of the physician-assisted dying bill close at hand, he said, so he can refer to it if an MP comes to him with specific concerns. Nine times out of 10, though an MP will rebuff his offer to talk to bureaucrats or the minister, he said. Instead, theyll want to do their own research. But once in awhile, someone takes him up on his offer. Advertisement Next week, C-14 returns to the Commons, practically unscathed from committee study, for a final debate and a vote. If it passes, it then heads off to the Senate for review. I do not have the certainty that you see in the films." Andrew Leslie Leslie said his job isnt quite what some people might imagine from watching House of Cards or The West Wing on television. I do not have the certainty that you see in the films, he said about the numbers game that is often portrayed in American popular culture. There is never a discussion about specific numbers between the parties, because that is a card you want to play very close to your chest, Leslie said. But, in a nutshell, the opposition whips have never misled me. They have never told me something that they havent followed through on. If there has been a glitch on some of the discussions that take place, its usually because of some other factor that is quite logical that we hadnt considered in our initial discussions, and kinda get shot sideways and you sort of react. But they would never tell me, they have, you know 21 people [who] are going to vote [with you]. Advertisement In the case of C-14, when 20 Conservatives supported sending the bill to committee, Leslie said, all he knew was that there was going to be some support from the Tory side. Tories, NDP largely oppose the bill On Friday, the parties faced off in a procedural battle over how long the House would sit next week so that MPs can participate in the debate. The Tories said they were blindsided by a Liberal manoeuvre to have a round-the-clock debate and rejected the idea in favour of a series of sittings until midnight so that more MPs could speak while their constituents were awake and, possibly, listening. As of mid-afternoon, there was still no agreement. As a group, the Conservatives are mostly opposed, the NDP are also mostly opposed because they dont think the bill goes far enough and the Liberals are generally in the middle, he said. But support among the Grits is far from unanimous. Robert-Falcon Ouellette. (Photo: Facebook) Winnipeg MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette voted against the bill at second reading saying he didnt think the legislation should even be considered. Advertisement This week, Toronto MP Rob Oliphant, the chair of the special committee that studied physician-assisted death and recommended steps the government should take to respond to the Supreme Courts Carter et al. v R decision, said he would be voting against the bill because he thinks the measures are too narrow and dont respond to the courts direction, so the bill unconstitutional. There is energetic, informed, sometimes passionate debate amongst the Liberals, Leslie told Huffpost. Its really cool. If MPs dissent, Leslie said, he doesnt ask them not to speak with the media. Were breaking new ground. And if you muzzle them, the tensions will grow. Muzzling MPs didnt work so well for Stephen Harpers government, especially towards the end, he noted. "If we dont actually pass something, then we are into a real grey area after June 6. Andrew Leslie Personally, Leslie said he believes the governments legislation reflects the Liberals commitment during the campaign and he hopes MPs realize there are serious consequences if the bill doesnt pass. Advertisement I think this is a really good first start towards a process which is going to have to evolve over time, he said. Because it is so deeply personal and emotional, the whole idea of a free vote on this issue is a correct one, and you are going to have individuals across the entire political spectrum who are thinking very deeply about it, consulting with their constituents, listening to their peers and colleagues in the House. But as well, we are all bound by the Carter decision . If we dont actually pass something, then we are into a real grey area after June 6. Government House leader Dominic LeBlanc responds to a question in the House of Commons on Jan. 28, 2016. (Photo: Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press) Government House Leader Dominic LeBlanc initially announced, even before the bill was tabled, that the physician-assisted dying bill would be whipped. After what Leslie called good healthy discussion, the decision was rescinded. Its a sign of progress that collectively we said, Hmm, lets think this through again. While Leslie and the government are likely to find the support they need next week to send C-14 to the Senate, the result there is far from known. Advertisement Will the Senate where many new independent senators now sit use C-14 as the first real opportunity to show the culture in the upper chamber has changed, as some senators have privately suggested? If hes worried, Leslie doesnt show it. The Senate will be free to exercise its will, and we will see how it comes out, he said. Anything is possible. I think the senators will do exactly that which they are supposed to do. There are going to be some interesting discussion, Im sure theyll have some very good suggestions, or modifications, [but] everyone is very aware of the looming deadline of the sixth of June. That really does focus the mind. Also on HuffPost An Austin, Texas mom could be in serious trouble after allegedly leaving her two young children at home while she attended a Zumba class nearby. Gisela Sanchez-Flores, 33, took the 18-month-old she was babysitting with her, according to ABC 13, but her own two-year-old and 18-month-old were asleep when she left for the hour-long class. Before she could return, the kids woke up and one of them wandered into the neighbourhood. A neighbour noticed and grabbed him up from the streets, then called 911. Soon after when police arrived, the boy was sobbing and asking about his mother, according to an affidavit, the Austin Statesman writes. Advertisement Based on court documents, their mom made it to the class less than a kilometre away at about 8:40 a.m. and returned home around 9:45 a.m., where police was waiting for her, My San Antonio reports. Sanchez-Flores is now facing a maximum of two years in prison for abandoning a child with intent to return. Also On HuffPost: When unsold goods start piling up in warehouses, thats a pretty good sign the economy is slowing down. And thats whats happening in the U.S. right now. The ratio of business inventories to sales has risen to near recessionary levels, according to data from the Commerce Department released Friday. Advertisement Simply put, this will not end well, writes the famously bearish Zero Hedge blog, which flagged the new data on Friday. But Zero Hedge isnt the only one seeing the possibility of a U.S. recession. Economists surveyed by the Wall Street Journal see an elevated chance the economy will shrink over the next year. The latest survey found a 20-per-cent chance of a recession in the U.S. over the next year. While those are low odds, they are still double the 10-per-cent chance economists saw as recently as last fall. Advertisement Decelerating employment growth, growing uncertainty and sputtering GDP growth does not portend well, Chad Moutray, chief economist at the National Association of Manufacturers, told the WSJ. Would impact Canada A U.S. recession, if it happened, would pull the legs out from under Canadas rotation away from oil and likely drag the country into its own recession. Economists had expected that, as oil prices fell and the loonie dropped, Canada would see a boost in exports to the U.S., the countrys largest trading partner, offsetting the damage from tanking oil prices. But that trend is now fizzling. Canadian exports took a deep dive in March, pushing Canada's trade deficit with the rest of the world to a record high of $3.4 billion, up from $2.5 billion in February. That unexpectedly bad report caused many economists to lower their forecasts for Canadian growth. Advertisement "Canada was never going to escape unscathed from a slowdown in U.S. imports, and for March that meant a 4.8 per cent collapse in exports," CIBC economist Nick Exarhos wrote. Still, many economists see this slowdown as a temporary blip. With the Canadian dollar expected to remain below the 80-cent U.S. mark for some time, Canada's export sector should remain a key source of strength over the medium term, TD Bank said in a recent client note. Most private sector forecasters are calling for GDP growth in Canada to come in around the 1.5-per-cent range this year. Also on HuffPost A few days ago, a story came across my news feed that I was sure was not true. Apparently, a school district in North Carolina has changed their handbook so that high schoolers are allowed to carry pepper spray with them to school. This has something to do with preemptive fear about who is in the bathroom, and there are a myriad of good articles discussing that fear. I would like to focus on the craziness that is allowing teenagers pepper spray in school. If we can't all agree that letting high school students carry weapons to school is a terrible idea, then there really is no hope for this country. I do not care what the problem is, giving teenagers pepper spray is NEVER the solution. Ever. Not even one time. Advertisement I have been working in a high school setting for ten year, and I have a lot of hands on experience with the kinds of stupid that high school students exhibit on a regular basis. This stupid is not because they are stupid, or bad, or awful. The kind of stupid that is high school student stupid has everything to do with the fact that there is a critical mass of bodies that look fully grown being directed by brains that are not fully developed. This isn't anyone's fault, but it has been my professional problem for the last ten years. Let me say, in my full teacher voice, with the kind of authority needed to keep two girls who have already taken off their earrings from going full MMA on each other in my classroom: WE DO NOT GIVE TEENAGERS WEAPONS AT SCHOOL! Teenagers do not think before they act. They just do not. When I took to Twitter and Facebook to ask my teacher friends what was the dumbest thing a student had ever done in their classroom, not because the child was bad simply because the child was a teenager, I got some doozies. These examples come from all kinds of kids with all kinds of backgrounds at all kinds of schools. The only thing these kids have in common, is their brain development. Here is a selection of the responses I received from my veteran teacher friends: A student stuck a paperclip in the electrical outlet just to see what would happen. A student used the bunsen burner to "sterilize" a paper clip and pierce their own ear." There was the girl who made appointments in the girls bathroom and pierced multiple peer navels before she was finally caught. Think about that for a second. MULTIPLE teenagers decided that it was a good idea to let a peer pierce their belly button in a public restroom. Multiple. Advertisement There were more incidences of kids sharpening pencils super pointy and then stabbing themselves or someone else with than I want to believe. The same goes for students who wanted to know if a staple would go through jeans and into a human's thigh. Spoiler alert: It can if you press hard enough. There were two separate incidents, reported by teachers who don't even know each other, of a kid hot glueing another kid in the neck "just to see what would happen." Speaking of seeing what would happen, there were also multiple reports of a student somehow getting a hold of pepper spray (usually from a teacher's key chain) and voluntarily spraying themselves with it, just to see if it really was as bad as the people on Youtube claim. I, personally, once taught a child who sprayed his friend and when the friend started crying BECAUSE HE HAD BEEN PEPPER SPRAYED the sprayer then sprayed himself to prove his friend was just being a baby. They both got sent to the nurse, and then had to go home. Advertisement One of my colleagues at a neighboring school system was knocked out cold by a stray textbook that had been thrown through the air. The kid who threw it wasn't being malicious it is just that he was wondering how far he could throw the textbook and it just got away from him. A textbook. A kid looked at a text book and didn't think, I wonder what kind of valuable information I can glean by opening this up and reading it. No, this kid looked at the textbook and thought, I wonder how far I can chuck this thing. So, he did that. And, hands down, the most disgusting incidence of WHAT IS EVEN HAPPENING IN YOUR BRAIN! A student, while dissecting a rat, dared another student to eat a rat fetus that had been preserved in formaldehyde. They of course recorded this epic incident and posted it on the internet for posterity's sake. When presented with the recording and the sheer amount of dangerous chemicals ingested, the student shrugged and said it was definitely worth the five dollars he was paid. These are the same, looking grown, but for sure not grown, people that a school district has agreed should be allowed to carry pepper spray to school. I have no idea how much the school nurses in that district make, but it is not even close to enough to deal with this foolishness. Aren't school districts supposed to be aware of what children are like? Who passed these changes? Surely not a parent with children in their own house! Parents of teenagers know better. Teachers of teenagers know better. Who does not know better than to let teenagers carry around pepper spray, and suggest to them they might need to use it in school and WHY ARE THEY IN CHARGE OF THE RULES? The Republicans are getting away with their disgraceful strategy of blocking the whole constitutional process for filling a Supreme Court vacancy. All signs show that although roughly two-thirds of voters do not think this stonewalling is right, the issue is simply disappearing from view and thus is falling off the radar as an electoral factor. Something should be done, and it can. Two assumptions undergird my recommendation: First, that there is a real chance that Donald Trump could be elected president. The political futures market says it's about a 40% chance, which is far from nothing. And, while I believe the chances are lower than that, I also believe in the general finding that such markets are more accurate than the opinion of individuals. So, there is a genuine possibility that -- unless something is done to break the present impasse -- the Republicans could reap huge benefits from their scandalous conduct. Abuse of the Constitution should never be rewarded. My second premise is that President Obama's nominee - Merrick Garland - is quite acceptable as a Supreme Court justice. I know many on the left believe otherwise, but I think they are missing the essential reality in the situation. By that I mean that there is good reason to feel confident that Garland's vote on the Court would be in line with the votes of the two justices appointed in the 90s by President Clinton and the two justices appointed by President Obama. To put it another way, I believe it would be a rare case in which the vote of a "centrist" Justice Garland would be different from that of a more solidly "progressive" justice. Advertisement Getting Garland onto the Court, in other words, would do the essential job -- in purely political terms -- of obtaining the first liberal-majority Court in over 40 years. So even if the hopes of Hillary Clinton winning the presidency and the Democrats taking control of the Senate are fulfilled, that would not lead to a meaningfully better result for filling this vacancy. If doing nothing means letting Garland's nomination die from neglect, then doing something is preferable. Because doing nothing means substantial risk for little gain. Fortunately, there's something that can be done. I propose that the president proceed with a modified version of an idea that was floated over a month ago, by an attorney named Gregory L. Diskant, in a Washington Post op/ed. The president can use this idea to bring in the judicial branch to break the impasse between the executive and legislative branches. Advertisement Diskant's essential idea is that the president can declare that the Senate, "having been given a reasonable opportunity to provide advice and consent to the president with respect to the nomination of Garland, and having failed to do so, can fairly be deemed to have waived its right." (Emphasis added) And with the Senate having "waived its right," the President - who the Constitution says "shall appoint" - can just proceed to make the appointment on his own. When that op/ed by Diskant came out, I wrote favorably about it. Developments since then lead me to wish now to make slight modifications in the approach Diskant laid out. Over the past month, it has become ever clearer that the Democrats are failing to punish the Republicans effectively for their shameful power grab. The President has shown himself again incapable of inspiring moral outrage in the American people. Or rather, he doesn't really even try. With nothing happening, a journalists like Slate.com's legal expert, Dahlia Lithwick, is frustration about their inability to find ways of calling voters' attention to the issue. (Lithwick writes: "Because there is virtually nothing happening each day, there is virtually nothing to write about each day. And because we don't write about it each day, voters continue not to know that it is going on each day. And since so many Americans don't know about what isn't happening to the empty seat at the Supreme Court each day, that all adds inexorably to the vague general impression that they must not care about it. And since they don't seem to care about it, it hardly makes sense to write about it.") Advertisement And evidence has suggested that there is more passion on the Republican side in support of the Republican stonewalling than there is on the Democratic side for defending the established American constitutional tradition for dealing with nominations to the Supreme Court. All of which means that, not only is it looking like the Republicans have a 40% chance of getting their desired scenario of re-establishing their control over the Court for the next generation. But also it looks like they can execute this ploy without the Democrats inflicting on the Republicans, in the coming elections, the devastating punishment these power-grabbers so richly deserve. For such reasons, I would now advocate streamlining Diskant's strategy and handing the issue off to the Supreme Court to decide: is the Senate stonewalling legitimate, or has the Senate, by its refusal to play its role, "waived" its right to "advise and consent"? The Court can then break the tie between the other two branches. Diskant suggested that the President issue a 90-day warning to the Senate Republicans: if the Senate does not act within that period, the president will declare the Senate to have waived its right and proceed on his own to appoint Garland. I would propose that the president give the Senate a mere two or three weeks. "If you have not launched the appropriate and traditional process by then..." I would also propose that, rather than just waiting for the Republicans in the Senate to take him to Court, the President be quite explicit that the conduct of the Senate needs to be judged by the Supreme Court. He should make the case that what the Republicans have done is Advertisement An unjustifiable abdication of their constitutional responsibilities; A dangerous precedent, degrading our constitutional system, that cannot be allowed to stand; and therefore A matter on which the Supreme Court, as guardians of our Constitution, should weigh in. It seems possible that the Supremes will refuse to hear the case. (Lithwick notes that Chief Justice Roberts "has opted to stay above the fray.") (But arguably the Supreme Court has as much reason to adjudicate this battle between the branches as it did in another very sensitive case involving competing claims between different parts of the government. In the case of United States v. Nixon, regarding President Nixon's assertion of "executive privilege" during the Watergate saga, a unanimous Court decided that the president could not withhold evidence important for ongoing Watergate investigations and prosecutions.) But even if the Court refuses to hear the case, even if the Court were to tie 4-4 in trying to decide the case, and even if the Court decided against the President's unilateral appointment--it would be a plus for the President, and for the liberal cause generally. For what is working for the Republicans is the lack of public attention to the issue, as the weeks and months roll by. With this move, with an appeal of the issue to the Supreme Court as to whether across-the-board stonewalling is a legitimate fulfillment of "advise and consent," it will again become a big story. And the media will eagerly cover it. The media like battles, and a battle between the two elected branches is a big story. Advertisement Which means that once again the voters will look at what the Republicans are doing, and will hear the powerful arguments that can be made in condemnation of it, and will be reminded of their widespread opinion: this is not right. A serial about two artists with incurable neurological disease sharing fear, frustration and friendship as they push to complete the most rewarding creative work of their careers. Read Episode Eighteen: Seeking the Target Or, start at the beginning: An Illness's Introduction Find all episodes here. On my last day in Rochester with Hadley, she had no appointments at the Mayo Clinic. Deciding she needed a break from the medical scene, we drove the red Impala an hour and a half to the Walker Art Center. We were excited -- both of us are art enthusiasts and had never been to Minneapolis. The museum was showing a retrospective of Cindy Sherman, whose work has been largely focused on the exploration of identity. Over the course of thirty years, Sherman has been her own model, capturing herself in a huge range of guises and personas. The Walker's exhibition included 170 very large self-portraits, photographs for which she'd painstakingly transformed herself with clothing, makeup, wigs and even prosthetics to become someone else: 1950's movie star, figure from a Dutch Master painting, society doyenne, clown, sexy provocateur, to name only a few. Hadley and I wandered through the rooms, amazed by how difficult it was to find the real Cindy Sherman in each of the bold portraits. They were fascinating and disturbing; I found myself somewhat relieved when, at the end of the exhibit, we watched a video of the artist discussing how she works. Finally, the real Cindy Sherman. Advertisement The portraits stayed with me. On the plane back to San Francisco the next day, I couldn't help thinking about the challenge of presenting ourselves to the world in a way in which we can be truly seen. In Hadley's case, she had put herself on exhibit for doctors over and over again. Unlike Cindy Sherman, she wore no disguises and strove to paint the clearest possible self-portrait, which made it especially hard for her to swallow the Mayo's suggestion of a functional movement disorder. By trying to catch inconsistencies in Hadley's movements, it was almost as if the doctor who'd first reported FMD had been looking for the disguise Hadley might be wearing to fool the specialists. During her diagnostic journey, Hadley had been scrutinized, analyzed, drugged, twisted, tilted, poked, punctured, injected, shocked, x-rayed, scanned, operated on. And still, doctors couldn't seem to see her. Before all of their testing, what the doctors could see they recorded in their medical reports: Hadley Ferguson is a 33-year-old, right-handed woman from Montana Patient is a very pleasant 33-year-old artist who works from home Patient is a well-developed, well-nourished woman in no acute distress Patient was awake, alert, and oriented x 3. Attention span and concentration were normal. There was no evidence of thought disorder Affect and mood were unremarkable Verbal expression, comprehension, repetition, reading and writing were intact, prosody was intact Hadley is a pleasant, alert, conversive, well-hydrated, well- nourished female in no acute distress Mrs. Ferguson is a pleasant, 36-year-old woman Alert, appropriate affect, excellent historian Mental status was normal She may need further psychological evaluation and counseling. Depression likely Advertisement The mighty Mayo machine spit Hadley back out into the oncoming winter with nothing certain to wrap around herself. The urine test for copper had been normal and her eyes had revealed no K-F rings, so Wilson's disease was off the table. John flew out to be with her for her last days there and she was discharged with the following report: EMG showed poor activation of upper and lower extremity muscles suggestive of an upper motor neuron process. There is no evidence of anterior horn cell involvement or any neuropathy. Our initial impression was a Parkinson plus syndrome with upper motor neuron findings. However thorough evaluation did not demonstrate any Parkinsonism. There are inconstancies in her examination, which points to a functional overlay. At this point I think that she has an upper motor neuron syndrome of undetermined etiology with functional overlay. She will benefit from PT. She is open to be evaluated by behavioral psychologist close to her home to explore a psychological basis of functional overlay. DIAGNOSES #1 Upper Motor Neuron syndrome of undermined etiology Hadley returned to Missoula depleted, confused, profoundly distressed and wishing she'd never gone to Rochester. Her Mayo experience had eroded her faith in the medical establishment, and once again, she was filled with self-doubt. If she was really seriously ill, why were so many doctors conflicted about the diagnosis? she wondered. Could she have made herself sick? As the Montana winter deepened, she struggled with her painting projects. Dr. Reid agreed with her that she should go back on the levodopa because it was clearly of some benefit to her movement. On New Year's Eve, she was terrified when she experienced some cognitive confusion: sitting in front of her dinner plate, she couldn't remember which hand to hold her knife and fork in and how to use them. Advertisement On the phone one day Hadley said to me, "Well, whatever it is, they'll find out when they autopsy my brain, I guess." I realized she was at her lowest point yet. When she said she might start writing down her thoughts, I encouraged her. None of us knows our fate; I just happen to be in a place where people are trying to predict mine and it's all over the map. It's terrifying. If my unknown disease had a name, I would have something to fight. I have to decide that Unknown Disease is my fight. This is hard. I am not there or even close to that yet. My only hope is that someday, my experience will provide answers that will help doctors understand better this unknown disease, so someone else will have a name for their disease. I have to believe there's a reason I'm going through this, that the reason is beyond myself and is a key to helping others. Hadley wrote a letter to her MDS, Dr. Youngman. Even though she wouldn't send it, she found relief in the exercise. I don't believe I have motor neuron disease. When you gave me that diagnosis, my instincts were jumping up and down, waving wildly, holding up signs that said STOP! WRONG WAY! I still believe I have a parkinsonism. I believe you were right about MSA or atypical Parkinson's and that someday you will have that confirmed. I think there is a lot in this world that relies on data and facts that may not be the same in every situation, and in those cases we have to step out and consider things we can't see. I think you and I both lost some of our trust in ourselves in this process. I wonder how things might have been different if you had given me some real thought that last day I saw you, if you had talked with me about the reasons for the abrupt shift in diagnosis to motor neuron disease, or even just said, "I really don't know; motor neuron disease looks like what it could be, but let's keep an open mind over the next 6 months to a year." If you'd said that, I probably could have avoided the whole ordeal at the Mayo, which has only confused my situation further. Instead, shifting my diagnosis has derailed me from getting help, from feeling optimistic, from wanting to face things head on and make the most of life. It has taken everything away from me that was helpful. You left me stranded and I had to fend for myself. It was sudden, without warning, and then you were done, gone. Advertisement On another day, Hadley wrote: The financial burden of my health is hard to ignore. I feel a responsibility to take care of those burdens. It is because of my medical situation that we struggle every month to stay on top of our bills. We're working so hard and at some point there is only so much we can do. What was I thinking, saying yes to the projects on my plate? I am digging myself into a deep hole and I am worried I won't get out of it. In her journal entry, Hadley describes the quadruple whammy of her situation: feeling her body failing, being separated from the creative work she loves, letting her family and clients down and racking up medical expenses. Because of her pre-existing condition from birth, pulmonary stenosis, her only choice for health insurance was a state plan with a very high deductible. In 2009, before she was diagnosed with Parkinson's, she and John together had earned plenty from her painting and his law practice and were easily able to meet all their expenses. But Hadley's productivity fell as her health worsened and with all the medical testing, bills piled up. On the last day of 2009, she had had an episode of incontinence that, considered together with her nerve pain, had indicated the need for two emergency MRIs. Because she hadn't yet met her health insurance deductible for the year 2009, by the beginning of 2010, she and John owed over $11,000 in medical expenses. As the designated bill-payer in their household, Hadley became increasingly anxious about their financial situation. John was working as hard as he could, but in 2010, Hadley earned less than a quarter of what she'd earned the year before. She tried to solve the money problem without worrying John by putting some of their expenses on credit cards and letting a few bills go. Occasionally, she would trade a painting for professional services, like therapy. In 2011, she had her most successful year yet, earning more than double her 2010 income, and it seemed as though they were getting back on track. But debts still dogged them and Hadley started dreading the mail when it came. Finally, in 2012 while she was at the Mayo Clinic, John went through the mail and saw the many past due and collection notices. On his own, he decided to have their mail forwarded to a P.O. box so that Hadley would no longer have the stress of looking at the bills. Hadley appreciated that he never made her feel guilty about the debts and from then on, they've worked together on their finances. But the question of how they would manage Hadley's medical expenses with her reduced income still plagued them. With partisan battles raging over Obamacare throughout 2012, Hadley held onto the hope that she would be one of those who would significantly benefit from the new insurance laws. In late February 2012, Hadley was clearing out her medicine cabinet, perhaps as a way of uncluttering her mind. She ran across the levodopa that Dr. Youngman had prescribed at her appointment nearly a year ago, which she'd never taken. Levodopa medication is formulated with a combination of levodopa, the chemical that replenishes dopamine, and carbidopa, an agent that counteracts levodopa's side effect of nausea. The medication comes in many ratios of carbidopa/levodopa and most patients are sensitive to the differences. While Hadley had taken medication with ratios of 10/100 and 25/250 carbidopa/levodopa without much benefit and a lot of nausea, she hadn't taken the 25/100 formula that Dr. Youngman had prescribed. On a whim, she decided to try it. Within a few days, she felt a remarkable change. Advertisement "It's how I felt a year ago," she told me on the phone. "My energy's back. I can't believe it! I feel like I could make it up Mt. Sentinel. And camping sounds fun to me. Maybe I only have Parkinson's, after all!" I had just awakened and was still in bed; I sat up when I heard the excitement in her voice. "Maybe you do only have Parkinson's!" I said. "Wouldn't that be amazing?" In my head, I quickly tried to rationalize why this particular ratio of carbidopa/levodopa would make a profound difference in how she felt. Could it be that the smaller proportion of carbidopa in the prescriptions she'd taken previously had made the side effects from the levodopa overwhelming for her body? The 25/100's she was now taking was the formulation I had been taking for three years with great results. Her general improvement seemed explainable by the change in meds, I reasoned, pushing back the doubts; but what about her autonomic problems, like urinary retention and orthostatic hypotension, and...? I stayed quiet. I knew Hadley probably heard her own chorus of doubting voices. But she seized this remarkable shift with gusto. She posted the new development on our Parkinson's Facebook page and our group responded joyfully and thoughtfully. "We are all unique," one person wrote. "I don't see how they can clinically lump us together for treatment. You are a great example of this." Hope can burn so brightly it hurts, but it's hard to look away from. Hadley's reprieve was short-lived. CHARLESTON, WV - MAY 5: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump wears a coal miner's protective hat while addressing his supporters during a rally at the Charleston Civic Center on May 5, 2016 in Charleston, WV. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Today, let's just start with some silliness. It just seems appropriate, somehow. Maybe because it's Friday the 13th? For whatever reason, silliness seems like the place to begin (and end) this week. Because, after this silly start, we're going to end this column with a contest to come up with the best playground taunt to call Donald Trump -- and you can't get much sillier than that! There was both some sad news and some amusing news from the internet recently, so let's get the sad news out of the way first. There will be no "RSS Boaty McBoatface." The British government announced that after it had held an online contest to name its new polar research vessel, the will of the online voters would be ignored. "Boaty McBoatface" won in a landslide, but the vessel will not be christened the RSS Boaty after all. Instead, in a massively disappointing downgrade, one of the robot probe ships on board the research vessel will get the name instead. Our favorite tidbit from this story: one of the other rejected names was: "RSS It's Bloody Cold Here," which we feel would also have been a great name for a polar research vessel. Advertisement The amusing news from the internet this week was the announcement that a new dating site will attempt to match up Americans fleeing their country (after Donald Trump wins the presidency) with lovely (but lonely) Canadians. Its name is "MapleMatch.com," and its slogan is: "Make dating great again." The site also helpfully explains: "Maple Match makes it easy for Americans to find the ideal Canadian partner to save them from the unfathomable horror of a Trump presidency." This could become wildly popular, say about mid-November. We hope it won't, of course, but it's good to know someone is paving the way, just in case. In other silly news, the circus came to Washington D.C. Well, not really -- it was just an overhyped meeting between Donald Trump and Paul Ryan, but the media went absolutely bonkers over covering it. This was so over-the-top that the media themselves had to sheepishly cover the story of how ridiculous their own coverage efforts were. Life imitating art, or something. Pretty much every pundit in the mainstream media got down on their knees and thanked a recent poll which showed Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton neck-and-neck in three key swing states this week, because they truly want this gravy train to continue. If the election becomes an absolute blowout for Clinton (something we pondered earlier this week), then it would become boring -- and nobody in the media ever wants to see "boring" in the same sentence as "Donald Trump." This was pointed out by a man who otherwise seems to be losing his mind this week, former Reagan official Bruce Bartlett (more on his craziness in a moment). In the midst of gleefully applauding the destruction of his own political party, Bartlett took a few interesting shots at the media in general, tweeting: "Until the very last minute the media will maintain that the race for president is close in order to keep people interested," and following it up with: "My guess is that around November 1 the mainstream media will suddenly notice that Trump is nuts and launch an all-out assault on him." It's hard to say he's wrong, really, knowing how the political media normally operates. Advertisement In other crazy Republican news, the mills of justice grind slow, but sometimes they grind the right person to dust. That's our conclusion, at any rate, after hearing that Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore has been suspended from the bench by a judicial inquiry commission, over his absolute refusal to follow the United States Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage. Moore "flagrantly disregarded and abused his authority as the chief administrative officer of Alabama's judicial branch," the commission reported as it levied six charges of violating judicial ethics against him. When the process is complete, Moore could be removed from the bench altogether. Astoundingly, if this happens it will be the second time Moore has had to be kicked out from his post. This is the same guy who insisted on displaying a stone monument to the Ten Commandments, back in 2003. But since the position is an elected one, we fully expect that even after getting booted from office twice, Alabama voters will likely send him right back, at some future point. Before we move along to our awards and our talking points (complete with our contest to come up with the best anti-Trump playground taunt!), we've got one final silly item to address. Hey, it's been that kind of week. Budweiser has just announced that they're renaming their beer "America" for the next few months. You just can't make this stuff up, folks! Obviously Trump is beginning to have an influence even outside the world of politics. Now, personally, we haven't touched a Budweiser in years, since we actually possess taste buds ("this bud's for tasting!"). Budweiser is precisely the beer Canadians think of when they tell the following joke (warning: adult language is an inescapable part of this joke): Advertisement "Why is drinking American beer like having sex in a canoe, eh?" "Because it's fucking close to water." Taste aside, however, we have another reason for not drinking Budweiser. It was revealed, during the height of the War On Weed in California that Budweiser was underwriting the "Campaign Against Marijuana Planting," to the tune of millions of dollars. They pledged five cents of every dollar made in the state to the CAMP effort, and that's when millions of Californians permanently stopped drinking Budweiser. Now that they've renamed their product "America," the jokes just write themselves. I mean, really, this is like a bad comedy movie or something. Anyone up for a six-pack of America? Will "tossing your cookies" become "upchucking America"? Will shotgunning America become outlawed, since it could be considered treasonous? Inquiring minds want to know. With Trump as the Republican Party's nominee, we are all clearly through the looking glass now, folks. Look for more reality to imitate bad satire in the upcoming months, because we predict there'll be a lot more idiocy to come, shortly. But enough silliness, let's get on with our political awards instead. We have two Most Impressive Democrat Of The Week awards to hand out this week, because we couldn't see downgrading either one to the level of a mere Honorable Mention. Both, in different ways, were worthy of the full MIDOTW, we felt. The first goes to President Barack Obama, for taking another step towards bending the arc of history in the right direction. Advertisement It's hard to even remember now, but President Obama actually got a lot of heat in his first term for moving too slowly on the issue of gay rights. It even got to the point where major gay rights donors were threatening to withhold their donations if he didn't start moving faster on their agenda. Obama, obviously, is going to go down in history as the president who did more for gay rights than any other -- probably before and after his term in office. The end of the road is obviously to add LGBT definitions to federal civil rights laws, so their basic civil rights are just as protected as people of different races, religions, and ethnic origins. That will likely not take place until Congress is Democratic once again, so Obama won't get credit for this final victory, but when you look at how far gay rights have come in the last eight years, it is nothing short of downright astounding. Obama furthered this legacy this week, making changes in federal regulations to protect transgender people in two major ways. Since the Supreme Court ended the fight over gay marriage, the battlelines have shifted towards transgendered issues. Obama's Justice Department is forcefully challenging reactionary laws in places like North Carolina, and the next fight will likely happen over school bathrooms. This week, Obama aggressively staked out the federal government's position, so there'll be a lot of skirmishes fought during the upcoming election at the local level in school districts across the country. By being pro-active on the issue, Obama is getting out in front of these inevitable political frays, which is why he fully deserves another MIDOTW for his leadership. However, our second MIDOTW goes to a Democrat who is fighting to get the Obama administration to do the right thing, and live up to the promises of how wonderfully transparent things were supposed to be under Obama. Former Senator Bob Graham is pushing very hard to get the censored 28 pages of the official government report on 9/11 released to the public. Graham served on the congressional Joint Inquiry committee which looked into the 9/11 attacks, and knows what the 28 pages have to say about Saudi Arabia's possible involvement in either funding or assisting the attackers. Saudi government officials have even been implicated by some, so it is important that the public know about this (since Saudi Arabia is usually described as "America's closest ally in the region"). Advertisement Graham lays out four unanswered questions in an opinion piece he wrote this week which urges the Obama administration to reveal the 28 pages: Should we believe that the 19 hijackers -- most of whom spoke little English, had limited education and had never before visited the United States -- acted alone in perpetrating the sophisticated 9/11 plot? Did the hijackers have foreign support? If so, who provided it? [C.I.A. Director John] Brennan stated the 28 pages contain information that is "uncorroborated, unvetted" and "inaccurate." What is the investigatory basis for his conclusion? Has the 13-year delay in empowering the American people with the information in the 28 pages affected national security, delayed justice to the families of the nearly 3,000 Americans killed on 9/11 or undermined the confidence of the American people in their federal government? These are not questions asked by some conspiracy theorist on the internet. These questions are posed by someone who already knows the answers (but who is sworn to secrecy and cannot publicly reveal them). Bob Graham is right. The American public deserves to know what is in those 28 pages. American foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia needs examination and re-evaluation, to put it mildly. The only way that is going to happen is if the truth is revealed to the public. The White House swears it'll make a decision by June. Bob Graham is fighting hard to convince Obama to live up to his campaign promises of transparency. It has been a decade and a half since the attacks happened, and it is high time the American people knew everything his committee discovered. For his ceaseless efforts to make this happen, Bob Graham wins his second Most Impressive Democrat Of The Week (his first was way back in FTP [78]). Advertisement [Congratulate President Barack Obama via the White House contact page, to let him know you appreciate his efforts. Bob Graham is a private citizen, and it is our standing policy not to provide contact information for such people, sorry.] We're not going to hand out a Most Disappointing Democrat Of The Week this week, instead we're going to create a Most Disappointing Pundit Of The Week award instead. We realize we're going to have to use these new MDPOTW awards very sparingly, because otherwise we'd be handing them out by the dozen, each and every week. But this week in particular was notable for the continuing chorus of "Mea culpa!" echoing through the halls of just about every news organization around, as the reality sinks in that Donald Trump is indeed the 2016 Republican nominee. The entire mainstream press corps pretty much completely screwed the pooch on covering Donald Trump, right up until about last week. The circus atmosphere (of their own creation) blinded them to the reality, to be blunt. It's entirely fitting that a fake pundit created specifically to be pure satire has a better record this year than people like Nate Silver, who absolutely refused to believe what his own poll numbers were telling him about Trump for far too long. Carl "The Dig" Diggler, a fictional character created as a parody of horserace "journalists," called 77 out of 87 primary races correctly -- an astounding record of being right 89 percent of the time. Carl was "predicated on being myopic, vain and -- frankly -- wrong," but his predictions turned out to be better than those of most of the professional pundits out there. That, more than anything else, sums up the kind of year it's been. The comedians have been better than journalists in predicting reality. An example of Carl's deep thoughts: "Wisconsinites are mostly a simple people. They eat their three lunches, kiss their often enormous children on their often featureless faces, and go to church so they can pray for the 2 Broke Girls." And yet, Carl was right 89 percent of the time. The whole article on the ruse is worth reading, because it is the most brutally accurate scathing indictment about how everyone else got everything wrong this year that we've yet read. Back in the real world of punditry, the respected Dana Milbank of the Washington Post ate one of his own columns this week. No, that's not a metaphor -- he physically consumed a page of newsprint. Milbank was making good on a promise he made back in October, when he ran a column titled "Trump Will Lose Or I Will Eat This Column," where he reassured his readers that Trump simply was not going to become the Republican nominee, because he said so. At the same exact time, we were trying to point out the cold fact that Trump was still doing a lot better than anyone else, to anyone who would listen to what the actual data indicated: The pundit world has been trumpeting the fall of Donald Trump for quite a while now, and in the past few weeks they've been joyously pointing out that Trump's poll numbers have fallen for the first time. What this fails to acknowledge is that Trump is still leading the pack, and still has poll numbers any of the other candidates would kill for.... While most pundits breathlessly await that one gaffe that will take down Donald Trump forever, I'm paying more attention to Carson and Fiorina -- because I think it equally likely that one (or both) of them could implode spectacularly at some point, given their inexperience at politics. The rest of the media is already writing Donald Trump's political obituary, but methinks that's a little premature. He's still leading the race, after all -- just not as comfortably as he used to. Milbank, to his credit, did actually eat his column. But our very first MDPOTW goes to Ben White at CNBC, who made a similar promise, back in July. From his confident article: Donald Trump is not going to be the next president of the United States. This reporter is already on record pledging to eat a bag of rusty nails if the real estate tycoon with the high hair manages to snag the GOP nomination, much less takes down likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton next fall. White had plenty of soothing conventional wisdom for nervous Americans, about how Trump's numbers "would dwindle following the debates." You know, the usual inside-the-Beltway cocktail party chatter: For those who think Trump has a real shot at winning the nomination, a little history lesson is in order. Republican primary voters often flirt with charismatic, fringe candidates but in the end almost always come home to the next-in-line, establishment figure. Think George W. Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney. Ben White wins the very first MDPOTW this week, for not following Dana Milbank's brave lead in living up to your promises. In print, White stated that he would "eat a bag of rusty nails." We have yet to see him actually sit down and do so. While we would advise him to at least get a tetanus shot before doing so, we do think it important that anyone calling themselves a journalist should either keep their own promises made in print, or else retire permanently from the job of holding politicians accountable for the promises they make. Put up or shut up, in other words. Milbank put up. Ben White, so far, has not. Maybe this will make him think twice about making such rash predictions in the future, at the very least. [We're not going to provide Ben White's contact information at CNBC, because he is neither in office nor even a politician. So you'll have to look it up yourself, if you'd like to let him know what you think of his inaction on the promise he made.] Volume 391 (5/13/16) As the general election campaign truly gets underway, we've been avoiding directing our talking points at Donald Trump, mostly because this field has been so crowded with Republicans badmouthing their own party's nominee. We couldn't hope to ever reach the scathing levels of what Lindsey Graham has been saying (just as one example). But this week, we have to gear up for what is likely going to be a very long and nasty campaign. Advertisement Other than our first talking point, we're devoting the rest to ideas for how to attack Trump. We only included one surreal one, and only one from a fellow Republican. And then in the last one, we're announcing a contest to see who can come up with the best playground taunt for Donald Trump, just because. Hey, we've got six months of this to look forward to, so we're all going to have to pace ourselves. Too, too funny, Mitch We had intended to devote all of these to Trump, but this one was just too juicy an opportunity to pass up. "Mitch McConnell seems to be trying his hand at being a comedian. This week, on the floor of the Senate, he said to his fellow Republican senators, quote: Some have said because it is an election year, you can't do much. I'd like to remind everyone: We've had a regularly scheduled election in this country every two years since 1788, right on time. I've heard people say, 'Well, we can't do it because we have an election next year.' And people have said, 'We can't do whatever it is because we have an election this year.' It is not an excuse not to do our work. Unquote. This is either his attempt at comedy or else he is more clueless than he normally looks. Funny how the election is 'not an excuse to not do our work' for everything other than actually doing your job by holding confirmation hearings and a vote on the president's Supreme Court nominee, isn't it? If Mitch McConnell really wants to become a comedian, perhaps he should ask for some tips from Senator Al Franken, because this was a pretty weak attempt at humor -- unless, of course, it was just sheer and blatant hypocrisy." Advertisement Bruce Bartlett losing his marbles? Bruce Bartlett is not the only Republican currently going off the deep end, but he is perhaps the most amusing, these days. "Now that Donald Trump is the Republican nominee for president, some Republicans are just flat-out losing it. Bruce Bartlett, a man who once worked for none other than Ronald Reagan, is excited that Trump will be the GOP nominee, because he thinks it will hasten the end of the Republican Party -- a group that Bartlett now refers to as (you'll have to excuse me for this): 'wankers.' Bartlett not only calls Trump 'the surest path to complete and total destruction of the Republican Party as we know it,' but also gleefully tweeted: 'With Cruz out and Trump guaranteed the wanker nomination, Phase 1 of my plan to destroy the wanker party is now complete.' You can almost hear the evil-genius cackling in the background, can't you? Bartlett does have a few good points to make, such as: 'All wankers who oppose Trump should prove they opposed Sarah Palin in 2008 or else they have zero credibility,' as well as: 'If Newt Gingrich is Trump's VP he will be worse than Dick Cheney at filling the president's head with terrible ideas.' But he seems to be strangely eager to see his own party destroyed, don't you think? I mean, while other Republicans may be thinking such things privately, Bartlett is openly predicting: 'Does anyone believe the wankers will come out of their convention more unified? I think not.' Grab hold of your seats, folks, because this rollercoaster ride has just gotten started!" Get naked to protest Trump! "Photographer Spencer Tuck, famous for his landscapes filled with nude bodies, is looking for 100 women to pose nude in Cleveland, during the Republican convention this year. The women will all be holding up mirrors in an attempt to shine some light on the Republican convention, which seems entirely fitting. So if you have nothing better to do on July 17, if you're comfortable with your body becoming part of an artistic piece, and if you'd love to make a bold anti-Trump statement, Tuck wants to hear from you! We look forward to seeing the results of what could be the best street theater of the entire convention." He's not as rich as he says he is OK, the rest of these are direct talking points for Hillary Clinton (or her surrogates) to consider attacking Trump with. Clinton better have some zingers ready, because she's definitely going to need them during the upcoming brutal campaign season. These are just the first that sprang to mind, really. Advertisement "Donald Trump is quite obviously not as rich as he claims. This is really the only reason he is so scared to release a single tax return, because then it would be painfully obvious to all just how much Trump lies about his wealth. Audits don't go back to the beginning of time, so why hasn't he at least released a tax return from before the period he says he's being audited for? I'll tell you -- because he isn't worth ten billion dollars now, he wasn't worth whatever he said he was back then, and he really, really doesn't want the American people to know it. That's why he's so afraid to release a tax return, because it would show people what a complete blowhard he truly is." Speaking of being afraid... Fear grips the countryside, over in Republicanland. "Ever since Donald Trump won Indiana (and the nomination), other Republicans have faced a stark choice. Either swallow their fear and support him, or denounce their own party's nominee. Republicans are caught between being afraid of Donald Trump and being afraid of Trump's voters. Most of them know, deep down, that Trump is not presidential material, but at the same time they envy his fervent support among the GOP base. What we're about to see is a whole lot of Republicans attempting to run with Trump and away from Trump at the same time. I don't ever remember such a bizarre situation, where Republican politicians are essentially afraid of their own voters. Even the Tea Party wasn't this bad, when you think about it." Establishment paper tiger This also needs pointing out, just to rub salt in their wounds. "For a long time, the so-called Establishment Republicans have been a force to be reckoned with in the GOP. The Establishment was to be feared, as it controlled the party's levers of power. But Donald Trump has just proven how toothless they really are. They poured millions of dollars into attempts to stop Trump, to no avail. They were caught flat-footed when he secured the nomination. All they've done is mutter about some mythic third-party conservative candidate, without actually doing any of the groundwork that would have made such a thing possible. Now more and more of them are kowtowing to Trump, in the hopes of being re-elected. It's really pathetic to see the powerlessness of the supposedly omnipotent Republican Establishment laid bare in such brutal fashion. I guess they were nothing more than a paper tiger all along." Dingbat, anyone? OK, as promised, we've saved our contest for last. We were prompted to create this contest by an article about how Team Clinton was test-driving "Dangerous Donald" as a playground taunt to level at Trump. The article expresses some skepticism that this will work, and we tend to agree. So what label can you come up with for Hillary Clinton (and all the Clintonistas) to use for the next six months? Advertisement We'll start the suggestions off with a few of our own, to get the playground ball rolling (as it were). Trump has reached into the land of cartoons to come up with "Goofy" as a label for Elizabeth Warren, so we thought "Dopey Donald" might be a good comeback. Of course, this one would have to get tweeted from Warren to be the most effective. Or how about "Dingbat Donald"? The idea is to ridicule Trump, which "Dangerous Donald" doesn't really achieve. Get under his skin. Make him tear his hair out (now that would be worth watching!). The last one we came up with (before we open up the comments for your entries) is a bit long-winded, but it does have a nice 50's rock-n-roll ring to it: Trumpa-Lumpa-Ding-Dong. Can you do better than this? Sure you can! Let everyone know about it in the comments, as always. Chris Weigant blogs at: Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisWeigant Full archives of FTP columns: FridayTalkingPoints.com News / National by Victoria Ruzvidzo Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has said his impending investments in Zimbabwe are on course and that he will not rescind the decision.In an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Africa here yesterday, Mr Dangote said a team was in the country finalising logistics while another would soon be in Zimbabwe as preparations for take-off gather steam."We are working on it. In fact, my team is on it right now. We have people there (in Zimbabwe) and we are making good progress," he said.Mr Dangote came to Zimbabwe last September and expressed keen interest to pour millions of dollars into power generation, coal mining and cement manufacturing. He met President Mugabe, his two Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, Cabinet ministers and representatives from the corporate sector.The deals will form some of the major investments that Zimbabwe has witnessed in recent years, further endorsing the potential the country holds as a destination for foreign direct invest- ment.His Nigeria Stock Exchange-listed conglomerate intends to set up a cement manufacturing plant that will produce at least 1,5 million metric tonnes per year while large sums of money are destined for power generation and coal mining.Mr Dangote has already secured the requisite licences from the Zimbabwe Investment Authority as also confirmed by ZIA chief executive Richard Mbaiwa a few months ago."We are not here looking to invest. We have already made up our mind to invest so we are here and we will invest," he was quoted as saying during his visit last year.Yesterday he stressed that he was not perturbed by negative reports about developments in the economy."Challenges don't drive us away," he said.There were reports in some sections of the media that the Nigerian business mogul, founder of the Dangote business empire that straddles across Africa, had developed cold feet.But yesterday he reaffirmed his intention to set up shop in Zimbabwe.He has already engaged consultants and lawyers to finalise the deals. Forbes estimates that the business tycoon is worth $17,5 billion.He recently entered into a $4,3 billion deal with Chinese firm Sinoma. This deal will increase his group's cement production to 70 million tonnes annually. Dangote Holdings aspires to reach 100 million tonnes by 2020 and Zimbabwe is already featuring as one investment that will help achieve the target.The conglomerate recently invested $400 million in a cement manufacturing plant in Zambia. The firm is importing coal from Zimbabwe.Zimbabwe expects to grow its foreign direct investment portfolio to generate more jobs, create wealth and contribute significantly to its Gross Domestic Product as part efforts to revive the economy.The country's detractors have been on a campaign to dissuade investors from giving a second look on Zimbabwe but much of this has been futile. Zimbabwe has hosted numerous trade and investment delegations in recent months from which concrete deals have emerged and are at different stages of implemen- tation. This story originally ran in the print May 2016 issue of Latin Trends Magazine. April showers may bring May flowers, but spring also brings the Tribeca Film Festival every year. Though the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival ended April 24, it planted a seed that will keep Latin American filmmakers flowering for years to come: A strong fifth year for the new era of the Tribeca Film Institute Latin America Media Arts Fund. Since 2011, TFI has offered grants and guidance to promising filmmakers living and working in Central and South America. Jose Rodriguez, director of documentary programs at TFI, tells Latin Trends, "When I started in late 2010, the idea was to revamp the program entirely and to refashion it as an open-call fund." He adds that the team wanted to draw in filmmakers from across Latin America. Prior to that, the Latin America Fund existed in the form of two grants awarded to Mexican documentary projects exclusively. But those parameters greatly limited the fund's scope. "We wanted look for those stories coming from those countries that show a new side what Latino culture is, to move away from the stereotypes," Rodriguez says. "We're not really that interested in stories about Mexican drug cartels or Brazilian stories about the favelas and how poor they are." Rodriguez especially wants to steers away from depressing, predictable narratives and create a means for Latin American filmmakers to make "funny" and "heartwarming" documentaries with a "unique and refreshing perspective." Advertisement Take the film, "The Creator of Universes," a documentary by Mercedes Dominioni. The film centers on the director's 16-year-old brother, who was diagnosed with Asperger's, and the home movies he makes with his 96-year-old grandmother. Little by little, the boy begins to worry about his grandmother dying and starts to make home movies that explore his personal thoughts on death. Dominioni tells Latin Trends that a film like hers may be personal but it also reveals something of Uruguayan culture and tells a family story that is universally relatable. Today the Latin America Fund assists over ten projects--in any stage of development--a year. This was the second year that it awarded grants to fictional, scripted films. The review process now is as follows: TFI receives applications from September to November. Applicants submit treatments, scripts, clips, and budget summary. TFI then spends the next two to three months screening and evaluating films before notifying the winners in February. Select grantees have the opportunity to come to New York during the film festival to meet with industry leaders. When Rodriguez came to TFI and the fund was only open to documentaries, he says they received 70 submissions for the Latin America Fund. This year, there were around 230 submissions. According to Rodriguez, the growth has been organic. "[My first year], I combed through every single [Latin American] production company, festival, post-production house that I could get my hands on and created a massive outreach list," he says. "In those earlier years when we didn't have much traction, I relief more on that list. Now, more and more, the list has been crystalized." Advertisement This year, for the first time ever, the Tribeca Film Festival showed a film that won a grant from the Latin America Fund. "The Charro of Toluquilla," directed by Jose Villalobos Romero, first screened at Tribeca on April 14. The documentary, which Rodriguez calls a "funny and incredible portrait piece," follows the journey of Jaime Garcia--a Mariachi, a father, and an HIV-positive man. The film won the audience prize at the Guadalajara International Film Festival in March. Rodriguez believes in the TFI Latin America Fund's mission because he thinks Tribeca has the power to introduce Latin America cinema to American audiences. WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 9: U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-NY) speaks to the media after a joint House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees briefing on Syria, on Capitol Hill, on September 9, 2013 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Barack Obama will address the American people on Syria from the White House on Tuesday. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Yesterday, Representative Peter King used the ethnic slur "Japs" when discussing Donald Trump's views on national security. His use of this derogatory term is yet another example of how corrosive and divisive our political dialogue has become, and it is clearly unacceptable. Advertisement His defense of it has been even worse. This entire incident epitomizes what's wrong with the political discourse today. Representative King inexcusably defends his comments because he was "quoting the guy at the end of the bar." First of all, he wasn't quoting an actual person. But even if he was, as an elected official, he has a responsibility not to repeat such divisive, offensive terms. He can still stand by the merits of his statement without needlessly offending others. Why is such an offensive word necessary to make his point? More and more often, people dismiss legitimate concerns about the use of derogatory language as "politically correct" and "overly sensitive." Just because Representative King would not be offended if someone used an ethic slur to describe Irish Americans does not mean that he speaks for all Irish Americans--nor does it give him license to use inflammatory words to describe other communities. Maybe it's this sense of entitlement--I'm not offended if it happens to me, so you shouldn't be offended if I do it to you--that is leading our political debate into the gutter. Words matter. And insisting that they don't leads to greater acceptance of the xenophobic and anti-Muslim rhetoric and policy proposals that divide our nation and undermine our very ideals. I am very disappointed that Representative King insists that he would continue to use this word, rather than simply apologize. Recognizing when you have offended others and apologizing is a sign of strength--of growth and reflection--that we need to see more of in our elected officials, not less. For the last 47 years the fight for LGBT equality, in general, and trans equality, in particular, has been led by the community. Sometimes unified, sometimes not. The people have changed, the organizations have changed, leadership among them has changed. But it was always the community that was moving the ball forward, with the help of straight and cisgender allies, on all fronts - legislative, legal, scientific, medical and cultural. This week that changed. In a week reminiscent of the period during 1963-64 - when the Kennedy White House first began to seriously grapple with the African-American civil rights movement, followed by the Johnson White House's action on the Civil Rights, Voting Rights and Fair Housing Acts - the Obama administration's Departments of Justice, Education and Health and Human Services took control of the trans civil rights movement. All this past week. This bold action did not arise spontaneously. The Obama administration has been taking steps since its inception in 2009 to make its own EEO policies trans inclusive. They took seriously the evolving medical and legal consensus that gender identity was a subcategory of "sex." Since Title VII in 1964 first protected people "because of sex," followed by other federal laws including Title IX and the Affordable Care Act, it became just a matter of time before this change became fully evident. That we reached this day because of "chance accidents, improbable circumstances and unimagined consequences" does not matter, either legally or culturally. Advertisement While the government has been cautious in its pronouncements over the past eight years, with occasional historic public acts such as the EEOC's Macy v. Holder decision in 2012 which set the stage for a raft of trans legal victories to this day, and the signing of the LGBT Federal Contractor Executive Order 13672 in 2014, that caution disappeared last week, and picked up steam this week. From Assistant Attorney General Gupta's notice to North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory last Wednesday, to the federal lawsuit against North Carolina on Monday announced at the historic press conference at the Department of Justice, to Thursday's announcement of new rules protecting public school and university students nationwide and yesterday's codification of rules affecting trans health care and insurance coverage (ACA Rule 1557), this has been a week of booming voices and stunning clarity, all in the service of civil rights in the grand American tradition. Not only have the voices of the Attorney General and her Assistant AG been booming in their own right, they've been even more so relative to the voice of the community. As my activist colleague, Sarah McBride, pointed out this week in the Advocate, the Feds had been speaking in whispers about trans civil rights for years. As Sarah wrote, Each step forward was announced with a whisper -- and met with a shrug by many of our allies. We've noticed that we have been unnoticed by so many whose passion for justice and equality for others should have led them to our side but didn't. It was only last year that the President, in the State of the Union message, first uttered the word "transgender" as a standalone word (not as part of "LGBT"). There's a reason, though, those advances were announced by the federal government in a whisper. It's because we, the trans community leadership and our LGB allies, modeled it for them. We were often crippled by fear, and stood just off to the side, sometimes in the shadows. We were afraid that we would lose in the Supreme Court, so we said that we couldn't embrace our rights until we got there, knowing that was unlikely to happen for years, if ever, and hoping no one would notice the inherent contradiction. We were afraid that the "ick factor," which had crippled our gay friends for years, would transfer to us, so we remained demure. We were afraid that speaking out would lead to a rift with the gay community and the creation of major disputes among the trans community both nationally and in the states. So we generally preferred not to be seen, or heard, fully. For the past four years, whenever the federal government has won us a major victory, the community basically remained silent. Worse, at times some misrepresented the state of the law and protections to which trans people all around the country were entitled. We did not dance in the street when the Macy decision was announced (the Transgender Law Center and Freedom to Work being the major exceptions), nor did we celebrate the legal victories of Diane Schroer, Vandy Beth Glenn or Tamara Lusardi, to name a few. More importantly, we did not learn from those victories that what we had believed for many years was true - that "because of sex" in Title VII included us. We remained mired in fear and anxiety, and in so doing deprived those who most needed the legal and emotional support the help to which they were entitled. Apparently the Obama administration feels no such fear. They are not only fully responsive now, they are highly proactive. While it's true that this progress would not have occurred without the daily grind of our staffers, trans and allies, working with the federal government during this administration, led by Mara Keisling and Harper Jean Tobin at NCTE, and Kellan Baker at CAP, to name just a few, all that work was occurring virtually under a cone of silence. The main lesson we learned from the marriage equality battles is that it is the dignity of each individual which should be foremost in the minds of those whom we're trying to win to our side. Rather than list tax benefits or legal documentation burdens we came to understand that if we were going to persuade America that gay men and women were entitled to full citizenship and the right to marry whomever they chose, we needed to humanize them to their neighbors. They needed to be in the spotlight. The same holds for the trans community, and our right to come out of the shadows and be full members of the American community. Today we have allies in some of the strangest of places, including Megyn Kelly on Fox News who has joined others like MSNBC's Chris Matthews and CNN's Jake Tapper. As Attorney General Lynch said: We see you. We stand with you; and we will do everything we can to protect you going forward. That was the game changer. She continued, Please know that history is on your side. It is, indeed. All those years organizing, demonstrating, lobbying, collaborating. All the recent celebrity comings out, award-winning television shows and films. It has all led to this week, where the federal government took off its gloves and made the issue bigger than us. It is now about rights, fairness and dignity across this country. And this simple fact, as stated clearly by AAG Gupta: Transgender men are men. They live, work, and study as men. Transgender women are women. They live, work, and study as women. Maybe now we will all live our daily lives with a little more pride, a deeper sense of self worth, and a willingness to speak out not in a whisper but a shout-out. Liberty and justice for all now formally includes the trans community; we should never forget that. Seeing three minutes of Homer Simpson on a Simpsons show might not seem like a big deal if the three minutes he's doing this Sunday weren't going to be live. Yup, that's the plan. For the last three minutes of Sunday's 8 p.m. telecast, Homer will be answering viewer questions in real time. Woo hoo! The decision to have Homer go live stemmed from the plotline of the show, executive producer Al Jean told TV writers Monday. Advertisement After bungling a speech to his coworkers, Homer decides to polish his skills by doing improv comedy. His three live minutes are life imitating art, with his improv answers designed to flow out of the prerecorded material. It helps, Jean noted, that Dan Castellaneta, the long-time voice of Homer, "does improv all the time. . . . He's terrific at it." Castellaneta will do separate versions for the East and West coast feeds of the show, and Jean says the producers "will pick the funnier one" for media reruns. The other will be made available later, probably online. To get in on the action, viewers can start calling 888-726-6660 a half hour early. They will propose questions and the show's writers will pick the most promising candidates. Advertisement "There are just a few rules," says Jean. "You have to be over 18. And the question can't be about Dan. It has to be for Homer." Castellaneta has done a few trial run-throughs, and "the first two," Jean said, "were a little rough, which you expect from a rehearsal. Then we kind of got the phone lines down smoothly." That doesn't mean it will sound slick. This is Homer, after all. "If Dan is [trying to] find an answer as Homer it's almost funnier than having an answer," said Jean. "The way he stumbles over words and gets to something and you never see where he's going, it's great." Castellaneta has prepped only in broad areas. "Obviously, we've talked about what people might be likely to ask," Jean said, "like what the heck, are people voting for Donald Trump?" Purely from a TV production perspective, a comedian doing a couple of minutes of improv Q&A isn't nearly as impressive as creating live, on-the-fly animation. Advertisement The process by which this can be done, said Jean, is called "motion capture" and was only honed to its present level over the last couple of years. "It was in existence actually as long ago as 2000," he said. "We considered doing a 'live' appearance by Homer on The Tonight Show in 2007 to promote The Simpsons movie, but what we saw didn't seem to have smooth enough animation. "Now it's advanced to the point where we think we can do three minutes." Castellaneta will be in a booth speaking into a microphone, and Jean said, "He's not hooked up by electrodes or anything. His motions are captured and translated into Homer's moves, which will then appear in the animation. It will look like the normal show. "We have background animation that's been pre-animated with several jokes but everything Homer does, the center of it, is live." It's a production departure, since Simpsons episodes ordinarily are produced six months in advance or more. Advertisement But it's not quite working without a net. A backup three minutes has been filmed in case something catastrophic like a zombie apocalypse renders the studio unusable. Jean is optimistic that won't happen. 'Egyptian hieroglyphics were a formal writing system used by the ancient Egyptians that combined logographic and alphabetic elements, Karnak Temple, Luxor, Egypt.' The Middle East has turned hostile to Christians and other religious minorities. The Iraqi Christian community has been devastated. Syria's civil war loosed the murderous Islamic State on Christians and others. Libya's disintegration opened the nation to IS fighters bent on killing anyone of the wrong faith. Also at risk are Egypt's Copts, who make up about ten percent of that country's population. Coptic Christians predate Islam and played an important role in Egypt's development. But they long suffered from discrimination and persecution. Advertisement Under dictator Hosni Mubarak the U.S. State Department called the status of religious liberty "poor" and noted that Christians and Baha'is faced "personal and collective discrimination, especially in government employment and their ability to build, renovate, and repair places of worship." Moreover, explained State, the government "sometimes arrested, detained, and harassed" those "whose beliefs and/or practices it deemed to deviate from mainstream Islamic beliefs and whose activities it alleged to jeopardize communal harmony." At times state-controlled media and -funded mosques encouraged violence. Attacks on Copts were common and perpetrators rarely were prosecuted. Indeed, victims sometimes were arrested too. The government also failed to respond seriously to the kidnapping of Christian girls who were forced to marry Muslims. Even when the authorities did not actively persecute Copts, observed Michele Dunne of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, "a prejudicial legal framework has created a permissive environment that allows Egyptian officials and private individuals to discriminate against Christians freely and with impunity." As elsewhere in the Middle East, converts and Baha'is tended to be most at risk. Reported William Inboden of the Strauss Center for International Security and Law: "Egyptian converts from Islam to Christianity, though very few in number, suffered particularly heinous treatment--including imprisonment and sadistic torture." Dina Guiguis of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy blamed Mubarak's regime "for creating the fertile ground on which pernicious and egregious sectarian violence has become routine." Advertisement Understandably, Mubarak's overthrow led Copts to hope for a freer and safer Egypt. But President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood failed to accept checks on executive authority, accommodate political opponents who feared centralization of power, and reassure those who feared the Brotherhood was determined to Islamize Egyptian society. Indeed, violent attacks on Copts increased. Morsi was not the only culprit. Responsible for many incidents were Salafists, who emerged as allies of the army against the Muslim Brotherhood. Moreover, reported the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, after the revolution "military and security forces reportedly have used excessive force and live ammunition targeting Christian places of worship and Christian demonstrators." In one infamous case the military, then headed by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, shot down more than a score of Coptic protesters. As a result, USCIRF recommended that Egypt be designated a Country of Particular Concern. Two years ago al-Sisi overthrew Morsi and eventually became president. While the previous Coptic Pope Shenouda III was controversially connected to Mubarak, Pope Tawadros II publicly supported the coup and subsequently called al-Sisi a "hero." Coptic film critic Joseph Fahim said the revolt "was a renewal of hope, a promise of a secular Egypt where political Islam will never have a say again. The then-field Marshall Sisi was no mere military leader; he was the great savior." Alas, secular saviors rarely keep faith with Christians. This case was no different. The military used extreme brutality--killing hundreds of demonstrators on the streets of Cairo--to maintain control. But the church remained as vulnerable as it was visible, and found itself targeted by angry Islamists because of its high profile support for the military. Dozens of churches were destroyed. A priest at the Church of Two Saints in Alexandria, Father Mina Adel, told Breitbart that "Most of our people are afraid" and many were leaving. In January al-Sisi celebrated Christmas at a Coptic service and promised to rebuild churches that had been destroyed. He apologized for past inaction: "This year everything will be fixed," he said. Some Copts, including in the U.S., appeared to take al-Sisi at his word and believed he would act as defender of the church. Advertisement So far, however, the government has delivered more promises than actions. Mina Thabet of the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms complained that al-Sisi was no liberal and "doesn't care about religious freedom." Certainly he evidenced no interest prior to assembling support for the coup. Nor is the only problem attacks on churches (which have diminished). Egypt's blasphemy law is frequently deployed against Christians. In fact, the government never stopped targeting Copts. Fahim pointed out in July 2014: "Copts, too, are not safe from the new government's oppressive measures. Two weeks ago, a 23-year-old Coptic teacher was sentenced to prison for six months for insulting Islam. On June 23, a Christian convert reporter was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly reporting false information about discrimination against Copts. The following day, a 29-year-old Copt from Upper Egypt was given a five-year prison sentence for liking a Facebook page put up by a group of Christian converts--so much for the secular utopia we conjured in our imagination." The State Department's most recent religious freedom report, from 2014, noted that Egypt's government did not recognize conversion from Islam, prosecuted people for religious defamation and blasphemy, and failed to respond to attacks on Christians. "Accountability for previous sectarian crimes was uneven," noted State. Moreover, "The government failed to prevent, investigate, or prosecute crimes targeting members of religious minority groups, which fostered a climate of impunity." Last year's USCIRF annual report concluded: "the Egyptian government has not adequately protected religious minorities, particularly Coptic Orthodox Christians and their property, from periodic violence. Discriminatory and repressive laws and policies that restrict freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief remain in place. Egyptian courts continue to prosecute, convict, and imprison Egyptian citizens for blasphemy, and new government initiatives to counter atheism emerged during the year." Those who commit sectarian violence generally are not convicted, leaving conditions for Copts "precarious." Baha'is and Jehovah's Witnesses are banned, while anti-Semitism is rife. Blasphemy cases are on the upswing. Most cases are brought against Sunni Muslims but, noted the Commission, "the majority of those sentenced by a court to prison terms for blasphemy have been Christians, Shi'a Muslims, and atheists, mostly based on flawed trials." In February four teenage Copts were sentenced to five years in prison for a video directed against the Islamic State but treated as an attack on Islam. At the end of March the court upheld a three-year sentence against the poet Fatma Naoot for "contempt of religion" and "insulting Islam." Advertisement Indeed, al-Sisi may be consciously using ostentatious state piety to maintain power in a society in which social hostility runs high against religious minorities. In reporting on the conviction of Naoot, who, ironically, had supported al-Sisi, the Washington Post's Sudarsan Raghavan explained: "there have been more religious-based convictions during President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi's time in office than under the Islamist government the former general replaced two years ago." Film director Ama Salama argued that "What happened with Fatma Naoot would have never happened under the time of Mubarak, or under the time of the revolution, or under Morsi." Even if Copts believe they remain safer under al-Sisi, they may have sold their liberty birthrate for what turns out to be a mess of security pottage. With the al-Sisi government instituting its own reign of terror, the Coptic Church appears to be on the side of the oppressors. Fahim contemplated Cairo's urban massacre, which was bloodier than Tiananmen Square: "The Coptic Orthodox Church watched the bloodshed and did nothing." And that was just the beginning. Copts live in the same unfree society as everyone else. Fahim wrote two years ago: "more than 40,000 arrests have been made since Morsi's overthrow, journalists have been prosecuted, artists have been censored, opposition voices have been violently silenced, dissented politicians have been witch-hunted, the Mubarak regime has successfully reassembled itself, institutional corruption has grown more rampant, the country has descended into further chaos and fear has become the prevailing sentiment of the day." Today the government targets all critics, including many who opposed Mubarak. In fact, the regime outlawed the April 6 democracy movement which organized protests against the previous dictator. Some activists received lengthy terms for participating in similar demonstrations against al-Sisi. TV host Wael al-Ibrashi originally supported the military but recently told the Wall Street Journal that the Mubarak "apparatus" is using violence to return to power. The State Department's 2015 human rights report on Egypt is a depressing read: "The most significant human rights problems were excessive use of force by security forces, deficiencies in due process, and the suppression of civil liberties. Excessive use of force included unlawful killings and torture. Due process problems included the excessive use of preventative custody and pretrial detention, the use of military courts to try civilians, and trials involving hundreds of defendants in which authorities did not present evidence on an individual basis. Civil liberties problems included societal and governmental restrictions on freedoms of expression and the press, as well as on the freedoms of assembly and association." Advertisement The human rights group Freedom House recently judged Egypt to be "not free" and getting worse. The group cited "the complete marginalization of the opposition, state surveillance of electronic communications, public exhortations to report critics of the government to the authorities, and the mass trials and unjustified imprisonment of members of the Muslim Brotherhood." In the name of fighting terrorism journalists who contradict the government face fines and arrest. Many people simply disappear. Explained Khaled Mansour, a writer and former executive director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights: "Security officers kidnap individuals they believe are activists, force them to provide information or testify to wrongdoing, and deny for days, weeks or months that they are keeping them in custody. Some of those kidnapped are then taken to court--or released--while the whereabouts of others remain unknown." The security forces appear to be largely unaccountable, perhaps even to the government. To be so detained is said to be going "behind the sun," a phrase dating back to the dictatorship of Gamal Abdel Nasser, since anyone looking for you may go blind. Last year Human Rights Watch documented several cases of "enforced disappearances." Public attention in Egypt focused on student Esraa al-Taweel, who was kidnapped along with two male friends and taken to the headquarters of state security, where the two men were tortured into confessing to violent activity. The latest case to embarrass the government involves 28-year-old Italian graduate student Giulio Regeni, who was investigating Egyptian labor unions. He disappeared in January; his mutilated body, which sustained the sort of torture typically inflicted by the security forces, was discovered several days later. The government initially blamed his death on a car accident, but later claimed he was murdered by a newly discovered criminal gang, whose members all happened to be killed at a police checkpoint. Finally, Cairo currently is engaged in a systematic campaign to shut down organizations which simply report on government abuses. Scores of domestic and international NGOs engaged in documenting human rights violations reportedly are under criminal investigation. In March the government sought to freeze the personal assets of Hossam Bahgat and Gamal Eid, founders respectively of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights and Arabic Network for Human Rights Information. Advertisement Another human rights advocate, Negad al-Borai, had been detained and threatened with criminal charges. The regime also launched legal attacks on the women's organization Nazra for Feminist Studies and the anti-torture Nadeem Center. The Working Group on Egypt, whose members include leading neoconservatives such as Robert Kagan and Elliott Abrams, warned that these efforts are part of the "Egyptian authorities' campaign to crush the last remnants of Egypt's independent civil society and human rights community." Two years ago I was a member of a delegation of lawyers who visited the Nadeem Center. We met with co-founder and psychiatry professor Aida Seif al-Dawla, who told us that torture was more pervasive then than at any point during the Mubarak era. Security personnel acted with complete impunity. Last year, reported the organization, the government abducted 464 people, caused the death of nearly 500 detainees, and tortured at least 676 people. Since February the government has been attempting to shut down the center. Seif al-Dawla told the Associated Press: "The problem now is that you cannot predict what can put you in jail or not." In short, Egypt is scary for anyone who dissents. People disappear and die. Prison conditions are harsh. Judicial verdicts reflect political demands. Journalists are punished for expressing independent opinions. Academic freedom is restricted. Human rights organizations are harassed and closed. Official corruption has spread. Security forces act with impunity. Unfortunately, sustained repression has only encouraged radicalization and more terrorist attacks. Which raises questions about the stability of al-Sisi's rule. In April public protests erupted over the gifting of two islands to Saudi Arabia, apparently in exchange for financial "aid" received. Egyptians unwilling to turn out on behalf of democracy demonstrated against this public prostration before Riyadh. Scores of protesters were arrested and imprisoned. Rumors of military dissatisfaction with al-Sisi abound. In the end Coptic Christians could end up more vulnerable than ever. The al-Sisi dictatorship does little to protect them and his promises of aid remain unfulfilled. Yet the Coptic Church has tied itself to his rule, which grows ever more repressive. If he falls, Copts again could find themselves targeted, but this time by a much wider proportion of the population. Advertisement I paused to catch my breath at the large, weathered wooden doors leading into the church assembly hall. With my hand on the ornate brass handle, I could feel my heart racing. I was about to go in those doors alone. I had decided to attend the Christian Citizenship in Action in Tampa Bay meeting entitled, "UNLESS WE ACT NOW OUR DAUGHTERS, GRANDDAUGHTERS, WIVES AND MOTHERS WILL HAVE TO SHARE THEIR RESTROOM WITH MEN!!" (Yes, with two exclamation marks.) My gut told me I needed to go and hear for myself the false rhetoric aimed at my transgender community and at me. I wanted to see if they truly believed the hate speech and if they would say it to my face. Advertisement Driving for over an hour that morning gave me time to reconsider my actions over and over in my head. One moment I was certain I'd be treated, at worst, with restrained hostility, other moments I wondered if I'd be dragged off by self-righteous bigots never to be seen again. At a time when a "Christian" legal group behind these dehumanizing laws advocated bringing a Glock .45 handgun into the ladies room, it was hard to know what was silly paranoia and what was appropriate precaution. I made a note, that if I made it through the day, to be sure to put out a policy brief to our Equality Florida TransAction Council advising not to do what I was doing this morning. When walking into the "belly of the beast," don't go alone. I arrived at the church a bit early and decided to circle the block assessing the landscape: Large open parking lot easy to be seen and easy to escape if needed. Check. After several laps around the block, I decided to back in so that my Equality Florida bumper stickers would be hidden from plain view, thus reducing the possibility of my car being keyed. Check. Email my public policy team to let them know where I was and when I would make contact again. Check. Palms sweating. Check. I pulled hard on the heavy door and as my eyes adjusted to the hall, I was shocked to hear, "Well, Gina Duncan?" Damn. Busted. Apparently, my path had previously crossed with the "Minister" conducting the meeting. We had testified before a County Commission on opposite sides of a fight to pass a human rights ordinance. I was met with cordial disdain and found a seat next to a woman about my age. We chatted about the weather and about the traffic, typical small talk over our coffee. After the opening prayer, surprisingly, Minister Terry started the meeting by introducing me as a guest and asked if I would like to make an opening statement. The nice woman sitting next to me scooted her chair as far away from me as she could. Advertisement I stood and told the hall full of evangelical conservatives who I was and why I was there. I told them that I used to be a father, a son, a brother and a husband. I told them I was the homecoming king and an all-state linebacker in high school when we won state in 1973. I told them I was in banking for 30 years and raised two amazing kids. I proudly told them I was transgender. And I told them that they were wrong about us. I told them these bathroom horror stories were unfounded hate speech, the bathroom predator fear was a myth and that transgender people simply wanted to live our lives, free from hate, discrimination or harassment. And I told them how many trans people were committing suicide and being murdered each year because of misinformation and fear mongering. As I took my seat, I noticed how Minister Terry's hands were shaking as he rose to speak. It was quiet except for an uneasy murmur across the hall and I noticed how no one would look me in the eye. Minister Terry asked if I was going to stay, and I said, "Yes, I came to hear what you had to say." There was another prolonged silence as I held my breath expecting to be escorted out of the "place of worship," but no one moved. For the next hour, I endured the canned rhetoric being sold by the Liberty Counsel and hate groups across the country. Often, when people rose to speak, they looked directly at me. I heard a young mother speak of her concern for her 10-year-old daughter in public bathrooms and cried as she said she no longer feels comfortable going in any public restroom. They spoke of how their religious freedoms were under attack and how the LGBT agenda was sweeping the country. And then they spoke of their next steps to discourage school boards across the Tampa Bay Area from passing LGBT non-discrimination policies that would protect our most vulnerable; Our young people. Advertisement At the end of the meeting, I had one more opportunity to set the record straight as Minister Terry asked if there were any closing remarks. He visibly grimaced as I began to, one-by-one, refute the fear and misinformation. I assured the young mother that we were no threat to her or her daughter and I tried to humanize my community to people who feared us as much as hated us for just trying to live an authentic life. As I concluded, Minister Terry felt the need, to once again, remind everyone how transgender people were, in fact, a threat to their "religious freedom." I reluctantly shook Minister Terry's hand as I left, saying I was sure our paths would cross again. And, I made a point to loudly ask where the women's restroom was before leaving. And, once again with my heart in my throat, I strategically made my way back to my car. I glanced over my shoulder several times confirming no one was following me out of the hall. I circled my car looking for vandalism, and relieved that my car in tact, I set out for home. I was glad that I had gone. I could tell that I was the first transgender person with whom many of those in attendance had ever come in contact. But, the stress of the morning hit me half way back to Orlando. My eyes filled with tears that ran down my face as I thought of how far apart our beliefs were and how far we still have to go. Would I do that again? Probably. You can't win if you don't fight. Onward TransEquality. Christians in the Levant, especially those in Syria, Iraq, and Palestine, are facing grave challenges that are either misunderstood or ignored in the West. In recent years, protecting them or even acknowledging their existence has only been a concern of policy-makers or advocacy groups when it has fit their accepted narratives or political agendas for the region. The Christians of Palestine, for example, are for the most part ignored. They are an uncomfortable burden to right-wing evangelicals who will only allow themselves to see Israel through ideological blinders. They view the in-gathering of the Jews to Israel as a necessary prerequisite for "the end of days": the battle of Armageddon, the conversion of the Jews to Christianity, the return of the Messiah, and all that follows. Advertisement These evangelicals come to the Holy Land as pilgrims to the places where Jesus walked. They visit the holy sites, all the while ignoring the existence of a Christian community whose presence in Palestine dates back two thousand years. Because right-wing evangelicals have become fervent defenders of Israeli policies, they not only refuse to acknowledge the grave injustices suffered by their co-religionists, they render them invisible. Unfortunately, this same blindness also affects politicians from the right and the left. Because criticism of Israeli behavior is considered a taboo, most politicians have cultivated a willed ignorance about Palestinian victims, whether Christian or Muslim. As a result, they have remained silent as Palestinian religious properties have been confiscated or vandalized and as Israel has imposed a political system that entitles one group, Jews, while Christians and Muslims are subjected to a variety of harsh discriminatory practices. The Christians of Iraq and Syria have endured a different, though no less problematic, fate at the hands of the West. In the lead up to the US invasion of Iraq, no one in Washington even considered what the impact of the war might be on that country's substantial though vulnerable Christian community. In the years that followed, as the Iraq was being torn apart by sectarian conflict, American political and religious leaders largely ignored the fate of Iraq's minorities. The Bush Administration, for example, remained silent while Christian businesses were looted, homes confiscated, and families forced into exile--resulting in the decline of Iraq's Christians from 1.4 million to 400,000. Saving this ancient Christian community didn't fit the US political agenda, and so their cries for recognition and protection were not heard. Advertisement Only in the face of the barbaric behavior of ISIS has the West begun to pay attention to what remains of the Christians of Iraq. Only now, it appears, does their fate fit a political agenda--a partisan attack against the President and a way for right-wing anti-Muslim advocacy groups to belatedly shed some tears. In like manner, the voices of the Christians of Syria were ignored in the beginning of that bloody conflict. Many Christians, though not supporters of the regime in Damascus, expressed deep discomfort with, and even fear of, the "opposition". Because the Assad government had adopted a secular approach that provided some protections for Christians, they were sometimes called collaborators and were shut out of political discussions about the future of their country--especially in the West. Only now, with the rise of ISIS, have Western churchmen and politicians begun to pay attention to Syrian Christians--but, as has been the case in Iraq, it is too little, too late. The bottom line is that these Arab Christians ought to matter and their voices need to be heard--and not only when what they are saying fits our agenda. They are more than just refugees or victims of religious extremism who provide a useful tool for Islamophobes to warn of the dangers posed by Islam. Arab Christians are communities of long-standing who have been an integral part of the development of the culture and social fabric of the Levant. Their survival is critical to that region. Recognizing their rights, listening to their concerns, and attending to their needs can provide lessons for policy-makers. And the very vulnerability of Arab Christians of the Levant has made them a litmus test for our policies. Advertisement For example, the silence of the West in the face of Israel's continued strangulation of the Palestinian Christian community indicts our human rights policies as self-serving, flawed, and infected by a fatal double-standard. The fate of Iraqi Christians should have served as an early warning for Americans that the sectarian-based system of governance that was being imposed on Iraq was fraught with danger. Similarly, the fact that the Syrian opposition did not include the Christian leadership (even though their were a few "token" Christians present in the opposition groups) should have informed policy-makers that the opposition was unrepresentative and that more needed to be done to create for an inclusive non-sectarian opposition movement. If the goal was to create a truly democratic representative system of governance in both Iraq and Syria than the voices of the leadership of Christian and other minority communities should have been taken into account. It was a far cry from confabs just harping on how media disseminate hate speech, promote sedition, spread rumors, and are used for nefarious purposes. The Arab Media Forum (#AMF2016) this week in Dubai - a major annual attraction - focused on how media in general, and social media in particular, can be channeled to spread peace and humanitarian principles, and how to make happiness an achievable target. UAE Minister of State for Happiness Ohood Al Roumi (Abu-Fadil) "Our region desperately needs to spread positive thinking that stimulates the feeling of happiness, given the proliferation of conflicts and challenges that have taken root, and given the spread of strange values like fanaticism and intolerance in our societies," said the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Happiness Ohood Al Roumi. Advertisement The young cabinet member added that a 2015 World Happiness Report showed under-18 youth in the Arab World felt more stressed and worried than their counterparts in other regions. Screen shot of UAE's "National Covenant for Happiness & Positivity" The UAE launched a government entity grouping 90,000 federal employees with a budget of about $13.2 billion to ensure sustainable happiness in the country for citizens and foreign residents alike. It also disseminated a "National Covenant for Happiness and Positivity" via Twitter that is expected to help growth of the country's GDP. Over 2,000 participants at #AMF2016 (Abu-Fadil) Dubbed "Media for Good," the two-day forum drew more than 2,000 participants from across the Middle East/North Africa region and beyond, including media professionals, academics, government officials, and students. Major international media firms take part in #AMF2016 (Abu-Fadil) Advertisement "Give media workers their material rights to ensure dignified subsistence," said Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, the U.N.'s Messenger of Peace, in a keynote address. "Lift curbs on the Fourth Estate so that journalists can do their jobs of conveying the true picture of the region, provided they abide by standards and laws, because nobody is above the law." Keynoter Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein (Abu-Fadil) The princess, who is the daughter of Jordan's late King Hussein, sister of the current monarch Abdallah, and wife of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, noted that political, economic and social upheavals in the Arab World had led to the marginalization of humanitarian issues, that, in turn, left media with negative priorities. Among them is the tarnished image of Islam, distorted by wayward adherents and terrorists, playing out in the media, notably in the West, according to Princess Ameerah Al Tawil. The princess, wife of Saudi entrepreneur Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, called on true Muslims to counter the xenophobia and social media hate campaigns. Princess Ameerah Al Taweel's "Inspiration for Good" presentation (Abu-Fadil) She referred to a Google search she conducted for the word "Islam" that initially yielded results associated with terrorism. Advertisement Tarnished image of Islam (Abu-Fadil) In a session moderated by CNN International anchor/correspondent Hala Gorani, the UAE's Ambassador to Russia Omar Saif Ghobash said some 80 percent of media messages produced by ISIS were in Arabic, while 12 percent were in Russian. "There is a tremendous opportunity to work with Russia in combating extremism in the region," he said in a session entitled "Spreading Peace and Humanitarian Principles." UAE Ambassador to Russia Omar Saif Ghobash and CNN's Hala Gorani (Abu-Fadil) Insulting Russia in Western media is counter-productive, he added. "While some call for a media code of ethics, a decrease in broadcasts of decapitation scenes, or a ban on 'how-to-make-a-bomb' instructions, terrorism continues to test the humanity of screens," wrote Egyptian journalist Amina Khairy in the pan-Arab daily Al Hayat. Egyptian journalist Amina Khairy (Abu-Fadil) The Arab Social Media Network, a Dubai Press Club enterprise, organized an informal "Discussion of the Influentials" session during the forum aimed at eliciting ideas to promote a positive outlook in young people who make up the majority of social media users in the region. One group of "influentials" at the gathering proposed "establishing a social media network to reinforce media ethics, spread the language of dialogue and forgiveness, reject hate, and attract and support young talents and innovative spirits to fulfill Arab youths' dreams." Advertisement "Discussion of the Influentials" (Abu-Fadil) Side activities at the forum included workshops by Bloomberg, Sky News Arabia, Google, YouTube and Facebook, as well as book signings and mini sessions dubbed "14 Minutes for Good." Book signing at the Dubai Reading Lab stand (Abu-Fadil) Speakers also tackled the issue of media's coverage of the Middle East, the impact of digital on journalism practices, and U.S.-Arab diplomacy. The Arab Media Forum and Al Jalila Foundation launched the "Walk for Good" initiative to support funding schemes for medical research on cancer, cardiovascular diseases and obesity - three major health challenges in the region. "Walk for Good" wristband (Abu-Fadil) Forum participants got wristbands with tags that could be scanned at various stops along the "Media Track" at the event. 2 o'clock in the afternoon!? The restaurant echoes with metallic clanging as a spoon falls to the ground. As the spoon falls, its user emits a shriek of horror... a shriek mirrored by the other restaurant patrons and the place falls silent with shock... That American woman over there, she... she... OH MY GOD I can't even say it! She ordered a cappuccino at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Sacrilege!!! A cappuccino in Italy is a breakfast drink - as is any coffee with milk actually. Maybe you won't get such a dramatic reaction, but you'll certainly be looked at quizzically as the server wonders why on Earth someone would make such a peculiar request! The way of drinking coffee here is to stand at the bar and drink it quickly - none of this sitting around gossiping in Starbucks business. [Oh, and don't mention Starbucks to your Italian friends!] Ciao Bella! Take everything Italian Males say with a pinch of salt; Be prepared for shouts of "Ciao Bella" as you walk down the streets, and outlandish statements and declarations of love after a short period of time. Advertisement Io, Mammeta e tu If you do take it upon yourself to date an Italian, you will always be the other Woman in his life - always the mistress... to his mother. Oh he's a 35 year old successful Business man? Yep he'll still be living at home with mamma ironing his pants.... that is, until he has a serious relationship... then you'll be the one ironing his pants. Food is serious business Italian food is amongst the best in the World and Italians are proud of their culinary heritage - their cuisine is UNESCO protected for Pete's sake! I watched a particle of sweat drip down my Italian friend's face as I told him about the tomato marscapone packet sauce I liked to eat with tortellini. I thought he was going to have an aneurysm. "Oh she's from Napoli" Italians can easily distinguish between someone from the South of Italy, and someone from the North - much like Americans could notice the difference between say, I don't know, someone from Park Avenue and someone from Georgia. People from the North tend to be more fashion conscious, those from the South more down to Earth and family oriented. After a few weeks travelling through Italy an Italian can say this to you and you will know exactly what they mean. Parli Italiano? "Posso usare il bagno per favore?" The Italian waiter looked at me with such pride and bewilderment as I utilised one of my four memorised phrases of Italian. As you leave the main tourist trail of Italy, you notice that fewer people speak English - but most are willing to help you, and at least trying to speak their language, even if badly, goes a long way. [That was "can I use the bathroom please" by the way - got the essentials down!] Advertisement Ma cche staje facenn'? 'O ppane? "What are you doing? Making bread?" [What's taking you so long?] Different regions of Italy have different dialects and phrases - Neapolitan is practically a language in itself! Even my Northern Italian friends cannot understand some of it! In case you thought conjugating the various Italian verbs wasn't enough. Allora! Cheers to our Pilot! Italians always applaud when a plane lands safely at its destination. It's quite cute really. I wait for this every time I touch down in Italy now. "I'll be there in 5" Austin, Texas has become a goldmine for indie music. With their unique and budding festival scene, Austin is not only producing a diverse array of artists but attracting them as well. Powerful vocalist, Mariclaire Gamble began assembling a charismatic tribe of musicians in 2014 which would eventually become MCG. With the help of her Los Angeles-based brother Evan, who is an actor and musician, she began her musical journey. After recording her first album, Mariclaire approached guitar players Andrew Bennett and David Tenczar about expanding her project. Over the span of nine months, bassist Jay Cesak and drummer Drew Silverman joined MCG finally completing her search for musicians. In September of 2014, the solidified group performed their live debut, catapulting them down an exciting road of creation which was paved with inspiration, passion and talent. As their musical chemistry began to strengthen, MCG began working on their debut album, Compatible Creature which was released in February of 2015. The album was well received, playing to a sold-out audience at The North Door, a historically rich, live music, performance and event venue that houses some of East Side Austin's finest sound systems and stages. Their single "I Love The Time" has and continues to receive, radio airplay on KGSR and KUTX which helped foster their popularity and garner a local fan base. While they have become a local fixture in the Austin indie scene, they are ready to expand their reach. Advertisement With the local fan support, an established sound signature, and most importantly, the confidence they gained from their success with live performances, MCG was ready to record their next album. That summer, the five-piece band recorded at The Bubble Studios with Grammy-nominated Chris "Frenchie" Smith who has worked with notable artists such as Wild Child, The Dandy Warhols, Ringo Deathstar, The Toadies and many more. The result was their latest three-track EP titled Outside. Though this is their second album, Outside is a polished record, showcasing the band's cultivation as unique individuals who came together to create music as a single entity. Mariclaire's voice resonates with evocative bliss while her songwriting bleeds with honest lyrics that speak of the love, loss, triumph and growth experienced throughout one's youth. Bennett, Tenczar, Cesak, and Silverman create the musical tapestry upon which Mariclaire decorates her words and without their tapestry, the threads of her lyrics would unravel. Reminiscent of '90s electro-pop and garage rock, the guitar-heavy instrumentals are full of emotive vitality and ear-tickling melodies. Funky moments of synth by Mariclaire and Bennett add an air of playfulness, like an electronic cherry atop an instrument pie. Together, their five minds discover the formula for musical symbiosis. The title track "Outside" closes the EP with a strong and moving cadence that ebbs and flows, eventually escalating into a grand finale that raises the heart rate before drifting off sweetly. The band plans on returning to the studio this summer to record a few songs that they have already written. Wrought with sublime vocals, uplifting instrumentals, and relatable lyrics, MCG is ripe with potential. News / National by Staff reporter ZIMBABWE lacks plurality of voices in the broadcasting sector with the two recently licensed commercial radio stations - ZiFM Stereo and Star FM - serving as an extension of the State-owned Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, MDC-T legislator and former broadcaster James Maridadi has said.Speaking at a belated Misa-Zimbabwe-organised World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Gweru on Saturday, Maridadi, who is Mabvuku-Tafara MP and member of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services, said the two radio stations did not fit into the category of independent commercial radio stations given their ownership structure and business model."If you ask me firstly as a practitioner, a journalist, broadcaster and Zimbabwean who listens to radio stations, I will tell you that ZiFM Stereo and Star FM are ZBC in another format, they are the same," he said."If you look at their business model, it is the ZBC business model and when they read headlines of newspapers they deliberately choose those newspapers that are not critical to the status quo."Maridadi said Star FM was owned by Zimpapers which in turn was owned by government, while ZiFM Stereo is owned by Information Communication Technology and Courier Services minister and Zanu-PF legislator Supa Mandiwanzira."I don't see him (Mandiwanzira) biting the hand that feeds him because it is Zanu-PF that gave him that licence," Maridadi said.He said the granting of a licence to ZiFM Stereo was flawed in that it was given to Mandiwanzira when he was Media, Information and Broadcasting Services deputy minister.Maridadi said Mandiwanzira had made it clear during the adjudication process before the Zimbabwe Media Commission that if granted a radio licence, he was not going to run for public office, but went on to take oath as a Cabinet minister three months later."The law is very clear you cannot run a media house if you are Media, Information and Broadcasting Services minister, it is clear as that," Maridadi said.He said the Broadcasting Services Act and Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act were archaic and needed to be repealed. Maridadi said it was disheartening that to date the country had no community radio stations. Co-authored with Donna Y Ford, Ph.D. Vanderbilt University, author of Recruiting and Retaining Culturally Different Students in Gifted Education, Mother, Grandmother, and Advocate for Racial Justice For the record, we both acknowledge Beyonce's talent and appreciate why so many people, and women in particular, are applauding Lemonade, and perhaps seeing themselves in it. That's not our issue or focus. The impetus for this conversation was a post on Facebook discussing feminist scholar bell hooks' response to Beyonce's visual album, Lemonade. While hooks offered numerous positive statements about the album, she also raised serious concerns about Beyonce's ideas regarding gender equality and feminism, some of which we will take up in our conversation. We had both also noticed that feminist scholars, and Black feminist scholars in particular, were actively promoting Lemonade and suggesting its potential use in college courses. The combination of this rush to promote Beyonce's latest work, as well as bell hooks' important critique, spurred a conversation about the societal value placed on pop stars' reflections on social issues as compared to scholarly reflection. It is here that we begin this conversation as two women scholars, across race. Advertisement Patricia Leavy: As a feminist scholar who has written and lectured about feminism and gender inequality for many years, I'm less troubled by the content Beyonce's Lemonade than I am by how it has overtaken the conversation of feminism. It's actually not specific to this album but ever since Beyonce stood in front of a sparkling feminist sign, she has been a major player in the conversation surrounding gender inequality. It isn't a question of whether she is well-suited to represent feminism, but rather, an issue that no one person should come to overtake a multi-generational and global movement. It is the response to pieces of art like Lemonade. To be clear, Beyonce is not alone in this. For another example consider Madonna, particularly in the late 1980s and 1990s. Cultural conversations about feminism and women's sexuality centered on the pop star. Videos such as those for the songs "Express Yourself " and "Justify My Love" became lightning rods for conversations about women's sexual autonomy. "Madonna Studies" quickly popped up across universities. What Beyonce and Madonna have in common is that regardless of the intent behind their art, they are firmly located in commercial culture, cashing in on their representations of these issues. So Beyonce, a pop star, serving as a quasi-feminist role model, is not itself entirely new. I use the word "quasi" because one of the issues is what kind of feminism is she portraying? As bell hooks pointed out in her May 9th piece "Moving Beyond Pain"-- a response to Lemonade-- Beyonce's version of feminism does not truly challenge patriarchal power. As hooks noted, Beyonce is merely representing one interpretation of feminism. Consequently, it bears significant differences from the interpretation of feminism espoused by many leading scholars. While hooks is an example of a highly successful and well-known scholar, most who publish and teach in the area receive little recognition and few material rewards. This is disconcerting. It also goes back to the impetus for this conversation, our concerns that scholars are promoting Beyonce's work more than they are promoting each other's work. There is an irony with women, and women of color in particular, who are systematically disadvantaged in the academy in terms of both recognition and material rewards, promoting a mega rich superstar's work, more than they generally promote each other's work. This is by no means to imply that feminist scholars do not promote each other's work but if you spent any time on social media since Lemonade dropped there is no comparison to how many scholars have posted and re-posted about this work, discussed incorporating it into classes, blogs and other opinion pieces. Our colleague, Dr. Claudine Candy Taaffee recently received her PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign noted how we need to support each other in the "dark holes of the academy." She also noted that in her own work she tries to be "sensitive and respectful" to those younger than her, especially younger Black girls, for whom Beyonce's message is powerful and meaningful. This brings me to what I think one of the biggest issues is: talking about the roles of artists and scholars in society. Advertisement I am not someone who does not see the value in the arts in relation to social issues. Quite the contrary. Although I am a trained sociologist I am actually an advocate for arts-based research which involves scholars in any discipline adapting the arts in their research, partly to make it more engaging and accessible to the public. In short, I fully appreciate the value in arts. This does not mean that artists and scholars have precisely the same role in society. When it comes to topics like feminism I think artists, such as Beyonce, are well positioned to provoke conversations. They can bring issues into the public foreground and inspire people to talk about them. However, scholars can provide the substance for those conversations. Scholars have done the work to contribute meaningfully to these conversations, and fill in the many holes that may be left when art and commerce are the main priorities. I know you have a lot of thoughts about this, including issues pertaining to how scholars of different generations may view these issues and how difficult it is for women of color in the academy to get their due credit. Donna Y. Ford: So much of what you have written resonates with me - the contradictions and tensions are real and leap off the pages in the various writings (and discourse) regarding feminism through an artistic lens and a scholarly lens. The critiques are creating a 'feminist artist' versus 'feminist scholar' debate that is rather divided and divisive. I wonder how both can be united for the larger good? bell hooks' critique of Lemonade is justifiable and she should not be thrown under the bus or have her views discounted as hatin' on Beyonce. It bothers me that a feminist scholar should now be negatively interrogated for doing what scholars do - critique, and offer food for thought and alternative perspectives. This is not about who is right and who is wrong, but rather, it is about how can we be in alignment on how females are portrayed in the work we do. You mentioned how artists in earlier generations contributed to feminism (for good or bad), so this is by no means new. What I am seeing is a generational divide, and that is definitely where I am situated. I have been very vocal about the pros and cons of how certain songs and dances (e.g., twerking) are anti-feminist and promote, especially in impressionable minds, the opposite of feminism as I see it. I often wonder, can feminist artists promote the same message without being scantily clothed? How would that sell, literally? Where does feminism support getting back at a man with a vengeance? It is legitimate to ask: "What exactly is Beyonce inspiring our young Black girls to be?" As bell hooks states, Lemonade is full of feminist contradictions. I was born in 1961, so I am not part of the Hip Hop generation. My favorite music is soul and neo soul; not Hip Hop or Rap. I like a few Hip Hop and Rap songs, as long as they promote justice of some kind and do not demean females and do not promote the adultification and criminalization of males. Yet, I am learning why so many resonate with this genre. So when this younger generation gets caught up in the music world and its impact, I am curious, clueless, and frustrated at once. I'd rather read or write a book. I could care less about reality shows (replacing the likes of soap operas from when I was a child), where we are let into the homes (and bedrooms) of artists and little is left to the imagination. Some viewers end up living vicariously this way, losing sight of their own reality as they get lost in others. It is called acting fueled by capitalism -- I see through the hyped arguments, fake drama, and more to garner viewers, ratings, and the almighty dollar. But this is me, and like bell hooks, I am entitled to own and express myself, and that includes disagreeing with famous artists (and authors). I know we are focusing on Beyonce and Lemonade, but I can't help but think about the recent death of Prince as well. I saw fans closing businesses, canceling classes, and leaving meetings when learning about his death. I was perplexed. Some are still mourning. I felt a sense of loss about this gifted artist, but did not grieve and kept it moving, so to speak. My deadlines were still due, bills still had to be paid, workshops had to be conducted, classes had to be taught, and assignments had to be graded. For some, this seems harsh; I consider it reality. I am from a different generation where I mourn the loss of, for example, a major politician and author; one whose work is changing laws and policies. I am just different from this generation and what it means to be a feminist. I am not influenced easily by social drama; too much hype and money seems to be the driving force. Too many find their 'self' in others rather than in themselves. If I were maybe 10 years younger, I might have a different take on this. But I think not. No disrespect... but I am from a different generation. Nothing Beyonce does will change my life. And nothing I do will change her life. Patricia Leavy: I do think there are generational issues that are challenging for feminist professors /scholars. As Dr. Taaffee noted, she attempts to embrace both the viewpoints of her younger counterparts, as well as her own. This is tricky in practice, but important. For years many feminist researchers tried to fight the objectification of women's bodies in popular culture by males. Feminist musical artists, I'm thinking of examples like Tori Amos and Patti Smith, battled for the same--a place in pop culture with their clothes on. Now a younger generation of feminist scholars and activists raise serious questions about "slut shaming" and questioning why women shouldn't be able to use their bodies and express themselves as they see fit and for their own financial gain. Enter artists like Miley Cyrus and her infamous "twerking" and advocacy for "free the nipple" as well as others who have written and spoken on the topic, such as Amanda Palmer. As a progressive movement, it's important that there are multiple feminisms, and that they continue to evolve. Older ideas need to be challenged by newer ones, but that doesn't mean the newer are necessarily the only truth. I think these artists serve us all by shining a light on topics that require meaningful conversation. Scholars then need to enter those conversations in significant ways. I'm thinking of your last comment that Beyonce does not change your life nor will you change hers. Wouldn't it be great if you did change her life though? I applaud her commitment to some brand of feminism. However, I think if you choose to wear and promote the label, you need to do the work too. I certainly wouldn't expect a commercial artist at her level to get formal education in the area, but there is much one can learn from reading books on their own. The same could be said for others, such as Taylor Swift, who also gets a lot of mileage out wearing feminism like it's a new trend. I mean no disrespect. I believe these women are committed to their interpretations of feminism. But just as feminist scholars who once fought to keep women in pop culture clothed now need to seriously interrogate the issues of "slut shaming" that may result from that position, so too musicians who choose to promote their ideas of feminism have a responsibility to do some homework and direct the spotlight at experts who can further these conversations. If it's about the issues and not purely self-promotion, share the stage to strengthen the substance of the message. Advertisement Your final thoughts? Donna Y. Ford: As I digest what is trending, it is clear to me that much is polemic and becoming a battle of hooks versus Beyonce, with the most outspoken portraying hooks attacking Beyonce. I also wonder what would be trending had Beyonce critiqued bell hooks' work. Music can bring people together; it can also do the opposite, as with Lemonade, as one of many examples. There is a lot of energy invested in controversial songs that I think could be placed elsewhere - on real issues, like battling hunger, abuse, sexual assault, homelessness, illiteracy, and other large social ills. I understand the power of all art forms, music included. But, frankly, I would like to witness more regarding how music and artists with millions of followers and capital are effecting changes regarding social injustices. What law has changed? What policy has changed? Artists, like authors, can play roles of change agents by investing in real issues and in practices that tackle and change policies and laws. Musicians have the following and clout, so I'd like to see such an investment. I'd like to see more artists use their social and economic capital to improve the lives of others. It happens, but not enough. The books hooks has written are most powerful, but will never sell like songs, and I wonder how many from younger generations know her or have read her work. I have. Clearly, you have too. I have also listened to young, contemporary artists - there is often no choice given how viral it goes. The older and younger generations must find a way to come together for a common good. As you stated, if it's about the issues and not purely self-promotion, share the stage to strengthen the substance of the message. For more information about Dr. Ford please visit http://www.drdonnayford.com/ By Alex Cequea I have a love-hate relationship with my iPhone. On the one hand, it's powerful enough to make many of my own brain cells obsolete. On the other hand, it contributes to an economic system that skirts ethical lines via oppressive labor practices abroad, sourcing of conflict minerals that may or may not include child slavery, and planned obsolescence that like clockwork makes the phone useless after a couple of years. Even worse, if I want to repair my iPhone or exchange the components myself, I need special tools that only Apple uses. Fairphone wants to change all that, and 100,000 happy users from around the world are already on board. I got to meet Sean Ansett from Fairphone at the SXSW Social Good Hub, which was put together by the UN Foundation. Sean pulled out his Fairphone and walked me through an impromptu demo. He talked to me about the features and took the whole phone apart in front of me in about 30 seconds. Advertisement "The whole thing snaps together very easily," he said, separating all of the phone components and putting them in my hand. Fairphone is a Dutch-based company that has been around for a couple of years. When I first heard of them, I immediately resonated with the effort to build a smartphone in a more ethical way and with more carefully sourced materials. It was a breath of fresh air from techie earth lovers like myself. But, it wasn't until Sean put the pieces of the phone in my hand (and let me assemble it back together in seconds), that I got a glimpse into bigger aspect of their mission. Most companies want you to buy a brand new device instead of taking the time to fix it. Apple goes out of their way to make the process awkward and time-consuming. The motivation comes partly out of business interests, and partly out of the obsession Steve Jobs had with locking users out of the components and into a uniform experience. Android phones are generally easier to mess with, but the knowledge of what to do is typically out of reach for the average user. Fairphone wants to demystify the mechanics of the mobile phone, and the modular design of the Fairphone 2 makes it easy to swap internal components in and out to repair or otherwise tinker away. This means that in the future you could potentially buy one phone and keep changing out the internal components every year, saving yourself a ton of money while staying up-to-date with current technology. This also means that your relationship with the smartphone evolves. Now the smartphone is no longer a throw-away conduit of information, and instead becomes an ever-changing device that stays with you for years, minimizing the devastating impact of disposable technology on our landfills and our environment. Earth-lovers rejoice! Advertisement The company currently has its strongest presence in Europe. Germany is their biggest market, followed by France and the Netherlands. They've currently sold over 100,000 devices, and they plan on targeting the US market in 2017. I think an ethical alternative is sorely needed in the US marketplace, and I can imagine it becoming very popular with the millennial crowd--who often favors socially responsible ventures but wouldn't be caught dead without their smartphones. For my fellow techie earth lovers who are wondering about the specs, the Fairphone 2 runs a customized version of Android and it's comparable to a Galaxy S5. It's got a 5-inch Full HD display, an 8MP camera (2MP front-facing camera), 2GB of RAM, and 2 micro-sim card slots. It comes in one 32 GB version, and you can extend the memory size (up to 64GB) by adding a memory card in the sd-card slot. My iPhone is a big part of my life, and even though I strive to make choices in my daily life that are as socially responsible as possible, I'm nowhere near perfect. There's always a subconscious pinch in my heart when I use my iPhone because I know about the labor issues surrounding Apple products. The Fairphone could represent a paradigm shift around technology and our connection to it. If they continue to make an impact in the marketplace, then perhaps my love-hate smartphone relationship will turn into a love affair. ANI Pushp Sharma, the Milli Gazette journalist who reported that the AYUSH ministry was denying jobs to Muslims in a 'fake' RTI query, was arrested by Delhi Police today. Sharma is accused of fabricating an RTI reply in which the AYUSH Ministry allegedly says that it does not recruit Muslims for jobs. Earlier, the AYUSH Ministry filed a formal complaint with the Delhi Police asking them to probe the alleged 'fake' RTI query, in which Sharma alleged that the Centre's discrimination against Muslims in the Yoga teachers' selection process for International Yoga Day is fabricated, adding that he has proof that all the RTI replies in his possession are authentic. Advertisement Journalist Pushp Sharma (who reported AYUSH ministry denying jobs to Muslims) arrested by Delhi Police, will be produced in Court shortly. ANI (@ANI_news) May 14, 2016 The Ministry has rejected a purported 'fabricated and mischievous' RTI reply which had claimed that the Centre does not recruit Muslims in the ministry as a policy. The Ministry has rejected a purported 'fabricated and mischievous' RTI reply which had claimed that the Centre does not recruit Muslims in the ministry as a policy. The Ministry of AYUSH noted with anguish certain mischievous misinformation being spread in certain section of media and social media quoting a reply to an RTI by mentioning a fabricated draft as Annexure I to that letter, which has never been issued by the Ministry of AYUSH or any of its agencies. Advertisement "The Ministry strongly condemns this piece of misreporting, clearly aimed at causing chasm between different sections of society and promoting disharmony and mistrust with ulterior motives," the Ministry said in a statement. The Ministry in a statement said, certain mischievous misinformation is being spread in certain section of media and social media quoting a reply to an RTI by mentioning a fabricated draft as Annexure I to that letter, which has never been issued by the Ministry of AYUSH or any of its agencies. Erik Simonsen via Getty Images Aerial view of the sun reflects on the Potomac River near the Pentagon WASHINGTON -- China has increased defence capabilities and deployed more troops along the Indian border, the Pentagon has said, as it warned of increasing Chinese military presence including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan. "We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India," Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters during a news conference here after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China'. Advertisement However, Denmark said it is difficult to conclude on the real intention behind this. "It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration," he said in response to a question on China upgrading its military command in Tibet. Referring to US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter's recent trip to India, Denmark said he had a very positive and productive visit. "We're going to continue to enhance our bilateral engagement with India, not in the China context, but because India is an increasingly important player by themselves. And we are going to engage India because of its value," he said. The Defence Department also warned of China's increasing military presence including bases in various parts of the world, in particular Pakistan - with which it has a "longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests". China's expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said. "China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries," the report said. The Pentagon in its report expressed its concerns about Chinese military buildup near the Indian border. "Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino- Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces. "After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides," it said. Advertisement The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and, therefore, of China), and over the Askai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. Also On HuffPost: Adnan Abidi / Reuters Demonstrators shout slogans as they hold placards during a protest demanding the release of Kanhaiya Kumar, a Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student union leader accused of sedition, in New Delhi, India, March 2, 2016. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi Three recruits of the Indian branch of the dreaded terror outfit ISIS have claimed in statements made to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), accessed by the Times of India, that they were asked to infiltrate the students' agitation that swept the country after the arrest of JNU student union president Kanhaiya Kumar, to create further chaos and mayhem. The three -- Ashiq Ahmad, Mohammad Abdul Ahad and Mohammad Afzal -- have told NIA that ISIS's Ahmad Ali, believed to be Shafi Armar, the head of ISIS in India who was allegedly killed in a recent US drone strike, asked 19-year-old Ashiq to infiltrate the movement and "burn vehicles and oil tankers using petrol", the TOI reported. This happened during Kumar's incarceration in the Tihar jail in the national capital on sedition charges. Advertisement The 28-year-old left-wing student leader's arrest had triggered massive demonstrations in universities across the country. Even at the hearing in a lower court, lawyers chanting nationalist slogans had barged into the compound and roughed up Kumar, on his way to court. The arrest came after Kumar and other students marked the anniversary of the hanging of Afzal Guru, who was convicted of an attack on Indian parliament in 2001. "He told me that a student movement is happening in the country and that we should enter and put vehicles, oil tankers on fire," Ashiq said, quoting Ahmed Ali, who contacted him on February 19 through his ID on Trillion app, according to the paper. He told me that a student movement is happening in the country and that we should enter and put vehicles, oil tankers on fire. In a sweeping, nationwide operation, the NIA captured Ashiq, a student of a private poly-technique college in Durgapur in Burdwan district, on February 25 from his mess near Panagarh military base, according to reports. Advertisement He was operating under the alias Raja Das and wanted to set up a unit of ISIS in West Bengal. "When I asked Ali for a pistol and sent him a picture of a temple near my place (in Hooghly) where we could have carried out a blast to impress him, he told me that we will not do anything small," TOI quoted Ashiq as telling the NIA. Ashiq said he was drawn towards "jihad" after breaking up with his Hindu girlfriend, according to the paper. Contact HuffPost India Also on HuffPost: ANI/Twitter The CCTV footage from cameras installed in the busy area along the railway station of Bihar's Siwan district, where a senior journalist was yesterday shot dead, has gone missing, the Hindustan Times reported, even as Union Minister Arun Jaitley strongly condemned the killing and called for a probe. An unnamed senior police officer allegedly told the paper that the missing footage indicated "a professional hit. The Tirhut range inspector general, Paras Nath, told HT that efforts were on to retrieve the CCTV data. Advertisement I strongly condemn murder of journalists, Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan & Akhilesh Pratap Singh in Chatra district. (1/2) Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 14, 2016 Independent investigation may be instituted & guilty be punished. (2/2) Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 14, 2016 Ranjan and a TV channel reporter in Jharkhand were both shot dead by unidentified gunmen yesterday, sparking protests by mediapersons and triggering a shutdown in the respective areas. Ranjan, the Siwan district chief of Hindi daily 'Hindustan', was fired at late in the evening when he was going to a nearby fruit market on Station Road under Town police station, Superintendent of Police Saurabh Kumar Sah told PTI. Ranjan, 45, died on the way to hospital. Advertisement The SP said the motive behind the murder was yet to be ascertained. Ranjan has been writing for a long time against law-breakers of the area. ALSO READ: Two Journalists Shot Dead In Bihar And Jharkhand In 24 Hours Meanwhile, police detained four people in connection with the murder. In Jharkhand, Akhilesh Pratap Singh (35), a journalist of a news channel, was gunned down by unidentified people at Dewaria in Chatra district, police said. Singh was attacked near panchayat secretariat of the village last night, a police official said. A bandh was observed in Chatra town in protest against the killing. Chief Minister Raghubar Das condemned the incident and asked Director General of Police D K Pandey to arrest the assailants at the earliest. A delegation of local journalists met Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar and Superintendent of Police Anjani Kumar Jha and demanded adequate compensation to the family of the victim. A US-based media watchdog has also called for an investigation into the brutal killings. "While police investigations into the murders of journalists are welcome, investigations without arrests or tough prison sentences for the killers send the wrong message," Committee to Protect Journalist's Asia program senior research associate Sumit Galhotra said in a statement. Advertisement "I strongly condemn murder of journalists Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan & Akhilesh Pratap Singh in Chatra district," Jaitley said. JOHN MACDOUGALL via Getty Images Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) addresses a press conference following the release of the IPCC report 'Climate Change 2014, Mitigation of Climate Change' in Berlin on April 13, 2014. The world has a likely chance of meeting the UN's warming limit of two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) if it cuts annual greenhouse gas emissions 40-70 percent by 2050, especially from energy, a top expert panel said Sunday, April 13, 2014. AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images) More than a year after a case of sexual harassment was filed against former TERI head RK Pachauri, his defence is moving away from the earlier claim that his devices were hacked. His lawyer now says that the climate scientist's computer and email was probably not hacked, but misused by those who knew his passwords. He claimed that they thought it was hacked initially, but he had said his accounts were misused even in his reply to the climate think-tank's internal complaints committee (ICC) in March last year, less than a month after the police complaint against him. Advertisement "We have never raised a plea of hacking," said Ashish Dixit, Pachauri's lawyer, to HuffPost India. "It has always been that of 'misuse'. He took this stance even before the ICC." But Pachauri's initial defence in the case was very much that his devices had been hacked. In fact the Delhi police had dismissed the claim as well while filing a chargesheet in the case. The complainant's lawyer was unavailable for comment. Interestingly, a recent article in The Guardian, which carried Pachauri's defence after multiple interviews with him, said that he had denied the allegations against them by claiming his accounts were "hacked or misused". Delhi Police had earlier dismissed that Pachauri's account was hacked in any way. Other unnamed women, who alleged that they had also faced harassment from Pachauri, released a public statement alleging that any hacking claims were "ridiculous". Dear All, We are deeply shocked and dismayed to hear that you have agreed to participate at the Jaipur Literature Festival claiming to be "The Greatest Literary Show on Earth" which has 'the world's most hated company' Vedanta as its key sponsor. Are you aware that Vedanta's activities are destroying the lives of thousands of people in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Punjab and also in Zambia, South Africa and Australia? Are you also aware that Zambian villagers are currently taking Vedanta subsidiary KCM to court in the UK, accusing it of consistently poisoning their water over the last decade? In 2011 Zambian High Court Judge Phillip Musonda said he wanted to make an example of Vedanta for their 'gross recklessness' in polluting the River Kafue without remorse, and highlighted 'KCM's don't care attitude whether human life which sacrosanct in our constitution was lost or not.' In 2014 Vedanta 69% owner and Chairman Anil Agarwal was caught on video bragging to businessmen at a Bangalore conference that he had bought the Zambian copper mines at a fraction of their value and was making $500 million each year despite declaring a loss in Zambia. The Zambian government reacted by auditing the mines, and discovered vast tax evasion schemes and asset stripping. In Korba, Chhattisgarh, India between 40 and 100 workers died at Vedanta subsidiary BALCO's aluminium smelter complex when a chimney under construction collapsed on them in September 2009. The subsequent judicial inquiry into the incident found Vedanta guilty of negligence and using sub-standard materials and construction methods. However, Vedanta's lawyers suppressed the report which was leaked by activists in 2014. In Odisha, India a nineteen year struggle by indigenous communities, Dalits and farmers led to a historic victory in 2014 when Vedanta was stopped from mining the sacred Niyamgiri hills for bauxite. Vedanta's attempt to secure the mountain through State Owned OMC was rejected by the Supreme Court again on May 6, 2016. Vedanta Aluminium Ltd had built the 1 mtpa Lanjigarh refinery at the base of the Niyamgiri hills in 2004, and even expanded it six fold, despite having no permission to mine bauxite from the hills above. Vedanta's launch on the London Stock Exchange in 2003 was based on the impression given to financiers that they had permission to mine Niyamgiri. In Goa, India, Vedanta's iron ore mining subsidiary Sesa Goa (now Vedanta Limited) was the largest company indicted by the Shah Commission in 2012 for illegal mining, including failure to obtain leases or environmental clearance, and exporting 150 million tonnes of iron ore from Goa in 2010/11 while only declaring 76 million, their agreed export allowance. Not far from Jaipur itself Vedanta is accused by an employee's union of casualising and de-unionising the labour force at Hindustan Zinc Ltd by reducing permanent workers to only 2,500 of 18,000 workers. The Maton Mines Mazdur Sangh (Maton Mines Workers Union) is also opposing Vedanta for poor working conditions and destruction of crops and houses around their phosphate mines. Meanwhile, on 11th May 2016 Anil Agarwal promoted Sterlite Technologies announced its successful bid to to run a second 'smart city' project in Jaipur. Vedanta has been attempting to create favourable public opinion by sponsoring International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the Our Girls Our Pride gender project and even the oxymoronic Mining Happiness campaign, using celebrities and media houses to hush up its liabilities. But each of these attempts has been exposed by grassroots groups and people's movements pointing out Vedanta's corporate crimes using social media and letter writing. The Vedanta JLF at Southbank is yet again another cynical attempt to distract attention from Vedanta's crimes at a time when it stands exposed across India and internationally. Vedanta's interests are directly opposed to the Dalit, Adivasi, Bahujan Samaj and black communities it claims to be helping. Literature doesn't exist in a vacuum. As public figures, we believe that writers and artists also have responsibilities. It makes little sense to discuss books and ideas and the problems of the world in abstraction, while being funded by and publicising a company that has been and continues to be a gross violator of human rights across the world. We hope that you agree, and will withdraw from involvement in this discredited and damaging PR campaign, rather than lending your name to it. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get the latest nostalgia features and photo stories from Hull Live straight to your inbox It seems that much of Hull's social and industrial history is crumbling before our eyes. Peppered throughout the city are once grand and thriving buildings that are now little more than empty shells. More worryingly, many of these buildings are attracting arsonists and vandals. Both the Lord Line building on St Andrew's Dock and Blundell's School, off Beverley Road, have been the subject of deliberate fires in recent weeks. Hull Civic Society believes it is time developers stopped procrastinating and bring these buildings back into use. Chairman John Scotney says: "The city would be in a terrible state if every disused building was torn down. There are too many buildings bought to increase developers' portfolios which becomes land banking. "This is what has happened to Blundell's School and Lambert Street Methodist Church . There is a worry buildings neglected too long become the target of vandals." Together with Mr Scotney, we take a look at some of the derelict buildings that should be brought back to life. 1) Lord Line, St Andrew's Dock, west Hull The building housed the Lord Line trawler offices when Hull was the largest deep sea fishing port but it closed in 1975 and has long been a target of vandals and arsonists . The owners want to turn it into student accommodation. Mr Scotney says: "Definitely worth saving for its association with Hull's fishing industry. It needs reusing as part of an overall development and is strong enough to be suitable for various uses." 2) Blundell Street School, off Beverley Road, Hull Built in 1878, Blundell Street School was one of 37 board schools built in the city.It became the Hull School of Architecture and finally a student union venue but closed in 1998. It is listed for its Gothic Revival-style design features. Mr Scotney says: "This listed building has been neglected by the owner despite receiving planning permission for conversion into 16 luxury apartments several years ago. It's a classic case of land banking. It's difficult to see the way forward after the fire." 3) Albert Hall Music Hall, Midland Street, west Hull The Victorian-era building opened in 1873 and was one of Hull's first music halls . It's last use was as a bingo hall but it has been empty for two decades. Mr Scotney says: "Another example of extreme neglect but, in this case, not protected by listing. Surviving details should be recorded before demolition." 4) Former Swedish seaman's mission, Church Street, Drypool Built in 1948, the old mission has been vacant for a while. Plans were put forward to build a 48-bedroom hotel and more recently for student accommodation. Mr Scotney says: "Interesting, but not of outstanding architectural quality. We would prefer to see it reused residentially or for some commercial function, but if the approved hotel scheme goes ahead, details should be recorded before demolition." 5) National Picture Theatre, Beverley Road, Hull The cinema took a direct hit during the Blitz in 1941 but remarkably no one was killed. It has been ruined every since . Mr Scotney says: "A very important listed structure as one of very few surviving war-damaged building in Britain. The site is a valuable reminder of what happened to Hull in the Second World War and still has much to tell future archaeologists." 6) Castle Chambers, Castle Street, city centre The former offices have been empty for a while but could form part of and Castle Street improvements. Mr Scotney says: "This interesting listed corner building has been well protected and there is hope that it will be given a new use as part of the Hull Venue arena scheme ." 7) Earl De Grey, Castle Street, city centre The pub closed in 1999 but reopened in 2002 after a 200,000 refurbishment. However, its renaissance didn't last and has been closed since 2005. Mr Scotney says: "Another listed building notable for its ceramic tiled facade. There is hope that it, too, will be given a new use as part of the Venue arena scheme." 8) Queens Gardens police station, city centre This building only closed a couple of years ago when police headquarters were moved to Clough Road. Mr Scotney says: "This has only recently gone out of use, so is in good condition. It is a good example of a building of 1957 and we would favour conversion for residential or commercial use, rather than demolition." 9) Edwin Davis, Bond Street, city centre This former department store closed in the 1970s and, apart from a brief stint as a nightclub in the 1990s, has been empty ever since . Mr Scotney says: "Another classic case of land banking. The building is remarkably dry and structurally sound and could be put to commercial use, if the owner were willing to sell at a more realistic price." 10) Former Baker Street Garage, Baker Street, city centre This former motor garage has been empty for a while. Proposals were recently put forward to turn the site into 98 apartments. Mr Scotney says: "The garage, house and chapel of rest as a group are more interesting, visually, than what is proposed. Again, when the site is redeveloped, details should be recorded before demolition. 11) Former Heaven and Hell nightclub, Anne Street, city centre This began life as a synagogue in 1903 but eventually became a nightclub . That closed a few years ago and a 15m hotel has planning approval. Mr Scotney says: "Redevelopment of the site would be welcome. This was originally a synagogue and details should be recorded before demolition." 12) Old Co-op, Jameson Sreet, city centre The current owners have put the site up for sale and is earmarked for office and retail use. The store closed in 1982 and the building has since been used as an indoor market and nightclub. Mr Scotney says: "One of Hull's best examples of a well-designed building of 1963. The handkerchief dome of the former "Skyline Ballroom" was an innovative feature. It is well worth keeping, especially with the Three Ships mosaic mural on the part now occupied by BHS." 13) George Lamb Memorial Chapel in Lambert Street, west Hull The building dates from 1893 and was built in the Classical Revival architectural style. A fire last April destroyed most of the church , although its main facade is largely intact. Mr Scotney says: "A great loss of a traditional late 19th century Methodist chapel, once very common in Hull. "Despite the loss of the interior in the 2015 fire, the surviving facade still adds a rare piece of grandeur to the district. The listed facade should be retained to be incorporated into a new building." News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has cracked the whip and ordered war veterans to take part in the planned solidarity march organised for him by the Zanu-PF youth league despite their earlier threats to boycott the event.Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association spokesperson, Douglas Mahiya confirmed the development yesterday."It is no longer a million-man march, but a parade that has been called by the President. Now as military people, we have decided that we will take part because it is our leader who has called on us and not some ideologically bankrupt group with ulterior motives," he said, adding they could not defy a directive from their party leader.The Zanu-PF youth league has been struggling to co-ordinate the march and in a last ditch attempt last week ordered provincial structures to marshal funds enough to transport 100 000 people each to the capital for the procession tentatively set for May 25.Early this week, war veterans dismissed the planned march as a waste of resources at a time the majority of ordinary Zimbabweans were facing grinding poverty, but Mugabe flexed his muscle and reined them in."We are taking part to provide leadership and the ideological direction that was lacking. We feared it would have been hijacked by some people to push their own agenda. The planned march did not have the correct political ideology and a formula to mobilise people and we are going to provide that," Mahiya said."It is basically the politburo, chaired by the President that has officially invited us and Zanu-PF has its ways of raising funds. We always had a problem with the exclusion of war veterans in the planning for the march. But now we think this is the beginning of a proper political programme that should turn into economic programmes that benefit the people."Tensions between the youth league and war veterans, have been simmering for some time with both sides trading verbal spats.This comes amid reports that a section of the youth league was supporting the G40 faction fronted by First Lady Grace Mugabe, while part of the war veterans' association was sympathetic to Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa.Both Mnangagwa and Grace are reportedly jostling to succeed Mugabe, although they have publicly denied harbouring such ambitions. News / National by Mashudu Netsianda A MINE worker has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for fatally striking a colleague with an iron bar during a fight.Fortune Ncube, 46, of Kensington just outside Bulawayo, flew into a rage and attacked Sindisani Sibanda, 24, on Christmas Eve last year after the latter made derogatory gay sexual utterances towards him.High Court judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi convicted Ncube of a lesser charge of culpable homicide after taking into account that he had been extremely provoked.He suspended two years of the sentence for five years on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar crime.Justice Mathonsi heard how Ncube struck Sibanda with an iron bar eight times in the head and on the back, resulting in his death, whenhe "insulted him by saying that he wanted to engage in sex with him."In passing sentence, Justice Mathonsi said although Ncube was a victim of drunken abuse at the hands of Sibanda who verbally abused him, his conduct was deplorable."You were a victim of drunken abuse at the hands of an unruly and undisciplined young man half your age who apparently targeted you for verbal and physical attack in a completely senseless manner," said the judge.Justice Mathonsi said although Sibanda's conduct reduces Ncube's moral blameworthiness, the court had a duty to uphold the sanctity of human life by passing harsh sentences on offenders."In aggravation, we cannot ignore the fact that a life was lost in a very violent manner. When the tables turned against him, the aggressive Sibanda was ruthlessly clobbered with a grotesque weapon which would have killed even an animal. The blows were directed at the most vulnerable parts of the body and therefore the courts cannot allow a situation where people consume alcohol to excess and senselessly kill each other in the name of drunkenness," said the judge.Justice Mathonsi urged people to exercise restraint when provoked."Our people must be reminded that crime doesn't pay. We can't have a society of primitive individuals who readily resort to extreme bouts of violence at the slightest provocation. People should control their emotions even under extreme provocation," ruled the judge.A post mortem report gave the cause of death as ruptured liver, haemorrhagic shock and blunt force trauma on the abdomen as a result of assault.Prosecuting, Sifiso Ndlovu-Sibanda said on December 24, 2015 shortly after 8PM, Ncube and Sibanda were at Joplum Mine in Kensington drinking beer when a misunderstanding ensued.Ncube alleged that Sibanda was disrespectful when he told him that he wanted to have sex with him.The court heard that a fight ensued and Sibanda tried to attack Ncube using a shovel but he was restrained by a colleague."During the fight, Ncube picked an iron bar and hit Sibanda three times on the head and he fell down," said Ndlovu-Sibanda.As Sibanda lay unconscious on the ground, Ncube further struck his colleague five times on the back using the same weapon and he died instantly.Soon after committing the gruesome murder, Ncube took to his heels.Ncube, through his lawyer, Sikhumbuzo Nyathi, pleaded for leniency, saying he was provoked and acted on the spur of the moment. News / National by Staff reportrer Hundreds of pensioners were stranded at the Post Office Servings Bank after failing to access money from the bank.This comes as the country faces serious cash shortages which the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe blames on the externalisation of money by some unscrupulous people.After failing to access their pensions at the POSB branches in Harare, hundreds of people, most of them elderly told the ZBC News that they had no money to go back to their respective places.As Zimbabweans wait for the bond notes, ordinary citizens continue to suffer as they are unable to get their dues.While sanity seem to have been restored in other banks, there is still more needed to be done with other banking institutions.Meanwhile, legal experts say thorough investigations are needed to effectively deal with the emerging commercial crimes that have threatened the country's economy.Externalisation of large sums of money by some unscrupulous business people has grossly affected cash flows in Zimbabwe."All the people fingered in the externalisation scam must be brought to book. However, commercial crimes are complicated and require resources to carry out specialised investigations," a legal expert and anti-corruption activist, Mr Dumisani Mthombeni said.Another legal expert, Mr Zivanai Makwanya said there is need to come up with new legislation that addresses the emerging problems in this multicurrency regime."The culprits have been taking advantage of the loopholes and laxity of the country's laws to siphon the US dollar out of the country. There is therefore need to address the problem through a new legislation," he said.Commercial crimes have been a challenge in Zimbabwe with most culprits being acquitted due to lack of incriminating evidence.However the coming in of the Commercial Court is anticipated to bring a new dispensation in the management of white collar cries in the country. Representatives from local veterans organizations at St. Elizabeth's Church. Three howitzers were brought from Fall River and set up at Veterans Circle. Ret. Brig. Gen. Paul Smith presents Carrie Alibozek with a flag. PreviousNext North Adams Native, Vermont General Buried With Honors Each of Dempsey's three children with presented with American flags. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. A cannonade from the Veterans Circle at Southview Cemetery blasted a final farewell on Friday to city native and longtime businessman John M. Dempsey Sr. Dempsey died on Saturday at age 81. Better known to his friends as Jack, his family business Martin's Shoe Store had been a mainstay in North Adams for more than 60 years. Mayor Richard Alcombright said he had known Dempsey since his store had been next to Hoosac Bank, where Alcombright had worked for many years. "He was 'Mr. Dempsey' for quite a long time before I called him Jack," he said. The mayor credited Dempsey for continuing to operate his local shoe store until 2002, long after his competitors shuttered in the face of a changing economy. "He probably hung in longer than he needed to as the economy started to turn down after the mills," he said. "He was one of those guys who hung in there for the good of the community and the city." Dempsey had long been involved with the city's economic health, serving for decades on the former Chamber of Commerce of Greater North Adams and is successor, the Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. He was last involved with the former Downtown Development Inc. "I considered him a mentor," said City Councilor Lisa Blackmer, who had worked with Dempsey at DDI. She remembered "taking a leap" into development work after years in banking and human resources and how helpful he had been. "I worked for him for a little over year, then stayed on the board and in contact with him." But it wasn't his years in business that prompted the cannonade. Dempsey was getting a full military sendoff suitable to a man of his rank: brigadier general. Art historian Lara Yeager-Crasselt has published her first book on Flemish artist Michael Sweerts. Clark Curator Explores 'Enigmatic' Artist in New Book The Clark Art's Lara Yeager-Crasselt will speak on her new book this Sunday. Copies will be for sale. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Lara Yeager-Crasselt's enthusiasm was palpable as she gestured to an image of a painting in her newly published book "Michael Sweerts (1618-1664): Shaping the Artist and the Academy in Rome and Brussels." "This is called 'A Painter's Studio,' " Yeager-Crasselt said. "It was done when Sweerts was in Rome and shows how he approached the subject of artists at work 'with an exceptional degree of immediacy and complexity,' which distinguished him from his contemporaries." Asked what motivated her to write a book about Sweerts, Yeager-Crasselt replied, "It happened by accident. In a graduate class, I wrote a research paper about Sweerts. He's fascinating, complicated. "I'm particularly interested in images of artists at work in the studio, engaging and exploring question of how artists were educated. My book examines the exchange of these ideas across Europe [in the 17th century], focusing on Italy and the Netherlands." Yeager-Crasselt will discuss her book on Sunday, May 15, at 3 p.m. in the Michael Conforti Pavilion of the Clark Art Institute, where she is interim curator of paintings and sculpture. The free lecture will be followed by a book signing. The first-time author has no qualms about speaking in front of an audience: it is an experience with which she is familiar. She has given talks at conferences pertaining to art and was an art history lecturer at Catholic University of America and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., for a total of three years. Sweerts has been described as an itinerant artist. "He was a Northern Baroque artist who came from Brussels, spent a lot of time in Rome, went back to Brussels and then went to Amsterdam. He joined a group of missionaries setting sail for Asia, and at some point in the mission, he was asked to leave. He went on to India, " Yaeger-Crasselt explained. In a quest for information about Sweerts, Yeager-Crasselt traveled to Europe several times for weeks at a time within three years. "I went to the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy," she said. "One of the most exciting times was doing research in the Brussels archives and being able to hold and read documents that were written in the 17th century. It was a challenge to find documents from that period, however, since little survives, it still only gives you little glimpses into this world, not the whole picture." It seems that Yeager-Crasselt was destined to pursue an arts education and a career in the arts. "My parents were very much into art. My father is a dentist, but he sculpts. We went to every museum wherever we traveled. It was a natural thing to have art around me," she said. News / National by Staff reporter MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has ignored threats by President Robert Mugabe's government to brutally clamp down any demonstrations against the cash crisis by calling on citizens to join him in expressing displeasure.In a video recording released yesterday, Tsvangirai said he was consulting partners in the opposition movement with a view to facing Mugabe head-on in a looming showdown over government's decision to "re-introduce the Zimbabwe dollar through the back door"."We cannot walk that road again. We said they can rig the election, but not the economy. These bond notes are an attempt to rig the economy," he said."We are consulting with others in the broader democratic movement and urge Zimbabweans to join us in our national public expression in provinces against misgovernance and the huge crisis we face as a nation."Tsvangirai accused the government of trying to bring back the Zimdollar."We have all walked that road before. Only eight years ago, we were all poor trillionaires after another ill-advised decision," he said."Considering that most of us are now in the informal sector, these bond notes cannot be used where we buy our wares and goods. All new currency has to be backed by economic production and this country at this stage is not ready for the return of the Zimdollar."With Zimbabweans still recovering from the trauma of the debilitating economic crisis that nearly tipped the country over, Tsvangirai warned of a return to the chaos that rocked Zimbabwe particularly in 2008."We will return again to the empty shops and the chaos. It is clear that this government wants to abuse our hardworking civil servants by giving them this bond paper as salaries," he continued. "As a country and as a people, we must reject this for the sake of our country and for the stability and legacy that we must leave for future generations. All patriotic Zimbabweans must reject this, people lost their livelihoods and pensioners lost their life savings as the economy went into a tailspin."The MDC-T also dismissed Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo's threat that government would crush its planned demonstration against the introduction of bond notes."Chombo was talking nonsense. Section 59 of the Constitution gives all Zimbabwean citizens the right to stage peaceful demonstrations," party spokesperson Obert Gutu said. "Of course, the MDC-T will simply ignore Chombo's puerile utterances and proceed with plans to stage peaceful demonstrations nationwide."Gutu accused Chombo of double standards."Right now, a certain faction of the moribund Zanu-PF political party is busy forcing youths to participate in a so-called million-man march purportedly to show support for their beleaguered leader, Robert Mugabe," he said."But in the same breath, a Cabinet minister is threatening to stop the MDC-T demonstration. What logic is that? We don't fear Zanu-PF. We are not cowards."The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), which has also threatened to go into the streets against the introduction of the bond notes, dismissed Chombo's threats."In his own shocking myopic thinking, Minister Ignatius Chombo believes that it's the duty of ZRP to ruthlessly deal with protesters'. As NCA, we take this threat as empty, baseless and an infringement on the rights and freedoms of citizens," party spokesperson Madock Chivasa said. "As NCA, we will go ahead and demonstrate against the introduction of bond notes. We are already at an advanced stage in finishing our plans for the planned demonstration." News / National by Staff reporter Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs Kudzi Chipanga says as youths they want to create a platform that will allow them to interact directly with the party's First Secretary President Robert Mugabe.Addressing thousands of Zanu-PF youths during the Midlands provincial inter-district youth league meeting at the party's convention centre in Gweru, Chipanga says as youths they are working on creating ways that will enable the youths to meet and interact with President Mugabe more often.He said youths usually meet the President briefly during conferences or congresses and have very little or no time at all to interact with him.The meeting was held to garner support for the one million men march to be held in solidarity with President Mugabe in Harare on the 25th of this month.Giving his report on the state of affairs in the province, the acting provincial youth chairman Prosper Machando says the province is solidly behind the leadership of President Mugabe, adding that individuals who were using their money to abuse youths for their own political interests where tarnishing the province's image.Interim Zanu-PF Midlands provincial chairperson, who is also the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr Jorum Gumbo, took a swipe at rowdy youths who caused a stir just before the meeting, threatening to disrupt the proceedings.Also present at the meeting were members of the Zanu-PF politburo, central committee, legislators and other senior party members. Imperial Valley News Center Music industry honors ICE agents Washington, DC - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigators were commended at a ceremony yesterday by representatives from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shutting down one of the largest U.S.-based online music piracy networks in history. ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents stationed in the United States, Canada, France and Netherlands were recognized by L. Carlos Linares, vice president of Anti-Piracy Legal Affairs at RIAA, for their role in aggressively pursuing a North Carolina man who had personally pirated upwards of $7 million worth of songs, albums and other copyright protected content on the websites RockDizMusic.com and RockDizFile.com before they were seized by HSI authorities in 2014. Collaboration with industry is absolutely critical to conducting effective intellectual property enforcement, said ICE-HSI Executive Associate Director Peter Edge. The dedication from agents involved in this case is a testimony to the importance we place on defending the U.S. economy, protecting consumers and cracking down on criminal organizations engaged in counterfeiting and other forms of IP theft. The RIAA initially referred this case to the Department of Justices Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), before it was transitioned to HSI offices in Norfolk, Virginia, after multiple takedown notices were ignored. Agents in Norfolk conducted undercover downloads of pirated material and gathered intelligence that revealed illegal files were stored on various servers located across North America and Europe. Investigators also learned that Rocky Ouprasith, the operator of both illicit websites, had established a revenue sharing service that encouraged users to upload pirated content. An estimated $10-15 million of pirated music was distributed through the RockDizFile cyberlocker each month without compensating artists, songwriters or record labels during the 12 months preceding ICEs takedown of the websites. On behalf of the major U.S. record labels, we are grateful for the excellent work of the ICE agents involved in this historic case, said RIAA Chairman & CEO Cary Sherman. Music creators cannot make a living doing what they love when sites like RockDizMusic and RockDizFile are allowed to permeate the marketplace with illegal music, creating a damaging domino effect throughout our entire economy. This agency has repeatedly shown that it will work vigilantly to protect consumers from illicit sites and preserve one of Americas greatest exports the intellectual property of our creative industries. Following a search warrant on his residence in 2014, Ouprasith admitted the scheme and subsequently pleaded guilty to criminal copyright infringement. Last August, attorneys with CCIPS, who were also recognized today, finalized a plea deal that sentenced Ouprasith to federal prison for three years followed by two years of supervised release. Founded in 2000, the IPR Center formally codified in the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 is one of the U.S. government's key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting and piracy. The center uses the expertise of its 23 member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate enforcement actions, and conduct investigations related to IP theft. Through this strategic interagency partnership, the IPR Center protects the public's health and safety, the U.S. economy and the war fighters. The Recording Industry Association of America is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world, investing in great artists to help them reach their potential and connect to their fans. Nearly 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States is created, manufactured and/or distributed by RIAA members. In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA also certifies Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino, an award celebrating Latin music sales. Governor Brown Redoubles Commitment to Fiscal Prudence in Revised Budget Sacramento, California - As revenues fall short of projections and California stretches into an eighth year of economic recovery, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today released a revised state budget that funds core programs while paying down debt, saving money and holding the line on new obligations. The surging tide of revenue has begun to turn, said Governor Brown. Quoting Aesop's fable of the ant and the grasshopper: It is best to prepare for the days of necessity. When Governor Brown took office, the state faced a massive $26.6 billion budget deficit and estimated annual shortfalls of roughly $20 billion. These deficits, built up over a decade, have now been eliminated by a combination of budget cuts, temporary taxes and the recovering economy. Barring any significant changes, the budget over the next two years remains in balance. However, in the years that follow, the states commitments will exceed expected revenues with annual shortfalls forecasted to exceed $4 billion by 2019 or worse with an economic slowdown or recession. Significant details of the May Revision: The Challenge of Fiscal Balance The May Revision revenue forecast has been reduced by $1.9 billion, reflecting poor April income tax receipts and more sluggish sales tax receipts than expected, while Proposition 2s required contributions have been reduced by a combined $1.6 billion. Even if the voters pass an extension of taxes, the longer-term budget outlook would be barely balanced. Until the voters decide in November whether temporary taxes should be extended, the May Revision reflects the principle that no significant new ongoing spending commitments should be made. Investing in Education Under the May Revision, the minimum guarantee of funding for K-14 schools is expected to grow to $71.9 billion in 2016-17, an increase of $24.6 billion over the last five years (52 percent). For K-12 schools, funding levels will increase by over $3,600 per student in 2016-17 compared to 2011-12 levels. This reinvestment provides the opportunity to correct historical inequities in school district funding with continued implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula. The May Revision provides $2.9 billion in new funding, bringing the formulas implementation to nearly 96 percent complete. The Budget also invests in the states higher education system to maintain the quality and affordability of one of Californias greatest strengths. The Budget keeps tuition at 2011-12 levels and commits $25 million in new one-time funding for the California State University to reduce the time it takes a student to successfully complete a degree. Reducing Housing Costs Approximately 1.5 million low-income California households pay more than half their income in rent, straining their ability to pay for other essential household expenses. In addition, the state has a disproportionately high share of the nations homeless and chronically homeless populations. The May Revision reflects $3.2 billion in state and federal funding and award authority for various affordable housing and homelessness programs. This amount includes recently created programs that pay for affordable housing in sustainable communities and housing for veterans. Local land use permitting and review processes have lengthened the approval process and increased production costs. The May Revision proposes additional legislation requiring ministerial by right land use entitlements for multifamily infill housing developments that include affordable housing. This would help constrain development costs, improve the pace of housing production and encourage an increase in housing supply. The May Revision also endorses a $2 billion bond from a portion of future Proposition 63 mental health revenues, which would enable the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop and administer homelessness and affordable housing programs with a particular focus on chronic homelessness. The May Revision proposes first-year funding of $267 million from the bond proceeds. Counteracting Poverty The state has taken historic steps in recent years to assist the states neediest residents. The implementation of health care reform has increased coverage under Medi-Cal to an additional 6 million Californians in just four years. The Local Control Funding Formula is concentrating the greatest school funding to students with the greatest need. The state guaranteed that 6.5 million workers are eligible for paid sick leave. The 2015 Budget Act created Californias first-ever earned income tax credit to help the poorest working families and encourage more families to claim the existing federal credit. The January Budget proposed the first state cost-of-living increase for Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) recipients since 2005. In April, the Governor signed legislation that will raise the minimum wage for all workers to $15 per hour as soon as 2023. Accounting for the full implementation costs, the General Fund has incurred new obligations in the effort to counteract the effects of poverty totaling more than $19 billion (about $10.7 billion of which will be paid for through Proposition 98 funds). Strengthening Infrastructure The May Revision continues to reflect the Governors transportation package that would provide $36 billion over the next decade to improve the maintenance of highways and roads, expand public transit and improve critical trade routes. The increased funding would be coupled with Caltrans efficiencies, streamlined project delivery and accountability measures. The budget also includes $737 million ($500 million General Fund) for critical deferred maintenance at levees, state parks, universities, community colleges, prisons, state hospitals and other state facilities. Fighting Climate Change The May Revision supports Californias ambitious policies to advance clean energy with a $3.1 billion cap-and-trade expenditure plan that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions through programs that support clean transportation, promote transformational sustainable communities, reduce short-lived climate pollutants and protect natural ecosystems. Over multiple years, the cap-and-trade program gives the state the chance to transform communities particularly those disadvantaged ones into innovative, sustainable economic centers. Additional details on the May Revision can be found at www.ebudget.ca.gov Former customs official sentenced to over 3 years in prison in bribery scheme to obtain benefits for immigrants Washington, DC - A former official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who went on to operate an immigration consulting service, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for participating in a scheme to pay bribes to other government employees to obtain green cards and citizenship for immigrants. George Wu, 63, of Pico Rivera, who worked as a CBP officer until early 2012, and then operated Great Eastern Immigration Services, was sentenced late Thursday by U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald. The case is the result of a probe by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the FBI.Wu was found guilty in August 2015 of paying bribes in an effort to obtain citizenship and legal permanent resident status for several immigrants. A federal jury convicted Wu of conspiracy and five counts of bribery of a public official. Wu, another immigration consultant named Michael Bui, and others solicited money from immigrants in exchange for help in obtaining benefits from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that included lawful permanent residence and citizenship. Some of the money paid by the immigrants was used to pay bribes to public officials in exchange for granting immigration benefits. This defendant attempted to corrupt our nations immigration system by offering bribes in exchange for benefits, said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. It is critical to our national security that our nations immigration system functions properly and free from corruption such as this defendants. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Wu received and paid bribe money on behalf of immigrants. The overall conspiracy involved at least seven immigrants, one of whom was allowed to pass an English proficiency exam even though she could not speak English. In the first case, an attorney who also works as an immigration consultant paid Wu $15,000, and Wu subsequently paid Bui $10,000, a portion of which was intended for bribery payments, to secure assistance with a citizenship application. In the second case, Wu paid the attorney a total of $15,000, again a portion of which was intended for bribes, for assistance in securing legal permanent resident status commonly called a green card for an immigrant. And in the third case, Wu paid a total of $3,000 to an official with USCIS an official who was acting in an undercover capacity as part of the investigation for help in obtaining a green card for an immigrant. Bui pleaded guilty in May 2015 to conspiracy and bribery, and he was sentenced Thursday afternoon by Judge Fitzgerald to serve one year and one day in prison. The investigation by HSI OPR and the FBI into corruption involving government officials and immigration consultants has resulted in charges against 11 defendants. Seven of those defendants including Wu and Bui have now been convicted, including: The clear picture on complying with the FTCs Eyeglass Rule Washington, DC - Seeing is believing. And last week, the FTC reminded eye doctors in writing about their legal responsibilities under the agencys Eyeglass Rule. The rule requires you to provide a copy of the prescription to the patient at the end of the eye exam, even if the patient doesnt request it. You should also not ask patients if they want their prescription. The prescription should be given to them automatically. The FTC has received complaints that some eye doctors ophthalmologists and optometrists may not be in compliance. In fact, FTC staff recently sent 38 letters to eye doctors, warning them of potential violations. The Rule defines a prescription as the written specifications for lenses for eyeglasses which are derived from an eye examination, including all of the information specified by state law, if any, necessary to obtain lenses for eyeglasses. Many states require the prescription to include: The patients name; The date of the patients exam and/or when the prescription was issued; When the prescription expires; and Your name, contact information, and signature. You also may want to include the patients pupillary distance. In some states, you are required to do so. If your patient wants to buy glasses online, theyll need that measurement. Also, the prescription should be legible and complete. Specific prohibitions under the rule include requiring a patient to buy eyeglasses, pay a fee, or sign a form or waiver before providing a prescription. Those practices were cited in the FTCs warning letters as potential rule violations. Breaking the rule could result in civil penalties of up to $16,000 per violation. Of course, its fine to charge for an eye exam. However, the only way you can require a patient to pay for the eye exam before giving a copy of the prescription is if you require immediate payment from all eye exam patients. You may charge an additional fee for verifying eyeglasses dispensed by another seller, but the fee may only be charged when the verification is performed. By the way, heres the answer to a common question: HIPAA does not prohibit the release of an eyeglass prescription to a patient. If you have more questions, check out Complying with the Eyeglass Rule. We also have information for consumers about Prescription Glasses and Contact Lenses. U.S.-Nordic Collaboration on Climate Change, the Arctic, and Clean Energy Washington, DC - Today, the leaders of the United States, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden marked another major milestone in their leadership in the fight against climate change with the release of a U.S.- Nordic Leader Summit Joint Statement. The Statement builds on a history of collaboration and reinforces commitments made on climate change and the Arctic in 2013. In the Joint Statement released today, leaders recognize that climate change is one of the foremost challenges the world is facing. In particular, the leaders reinforce that no effort should be spared in making concrete progress domestically and abroad over the coming decades by shifting to low carbon economies and creating more resilient communities. The statement reflects cooperation across a number of areas including showing leadership in the Arctic, implementing the Paris Agreement, promoting clean energy cooperation, advancing climate action globally, and promoting energy access. Todays statement is another indication of the United States commitment to Paris and to do everything we can within our borders and beyond to take ambitious actions to address climate change. The Arctic: The science of climate change in the Arctic is increasingly clear. Temperatures are rising about twice as fast as the global average; thawing permafrost destabilizes the earth on which 100,000 Alaskans live; warmer, more acidic oceans and rivers, and the migration of entire species, threatens the livelihoods of indigenous peoples; and Alaskas glaciers alone are losing about 75 gigatons of ice each year. With todays Joint Statement, the United States, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden have in the last two months alone committed to working towards conditioning commercial activity in the Arctic in part on world-class environmental standards and international and national climate change goals. These seven states account for about half of the Arctic waters where a state has primary rights to explore and use marine resources. President Obama and the six other leaders, including Prime Minister Trudeau and today the five Nordic leaders, have also committed to advance scientifically-based protection and conservation of ecologically important marine areas, in close consultation with subsistence communities, based on the best available science and traditional and local knowledge. In the case of the United States and Canada, we have committed to set a new long-term conservation goal later this year. Furthering these goals and more will be a key topic at the first-ever Arctic Science Ministerial, which will be held on September 28, 2016just after the one-year anniversary of President Obamas historic trip to Alaska. Also today, the White House is issuing a call to action for individuals, organizations, and institutions from all sectors to take new, specific, and measurable steps to help all people better understand and cope with the changing conditions in the Arctic. Implementing the Paris Agreement: Last month, more than 170 nations signed the Paris Agreement, including the United States, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. To reinforce their commitment, today, Iceland pledged to join the Paris agreement this year and the United States and Norway are reaffirming their commitment to join this year, alongside more than 30 countries that have already joined or have committed to do so this year. In addition, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark are committing to join the Paris Agreement as soon as possible. The leaders also called on countries to formulate and communicate long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, as they implement their respective climate targets To scale up support to developing countries to implement their respective Nationally Determined Contributions, the United States and the Nordic leaders are also committing to provide leadership on climate finance, including by using public resources to mobilize robust increases in private capital, and to support developing countries in strengthening their adaptation and mitigation efforts. The joint collaboration announced today builds on a strong U.S. commitment to implement the Paris Agreement at home, including: Mid-Century Strategy: The United States reaffirms its commitment to, in 2016, complete a midcentury, long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategy. Support for Transparency: The United States reiterates its pledge of $15 million dollars to the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) that will support developing countries efforts to meet the enhanced transparency requirements under the Paris Agreement. Support for Adaptation: The United States reaffirms its pledge to double its grant-based, public climate finance for adaptation by 2020. Cooperation on Clean Energy: The leaders are committing to scale up the deployment of clean energy. In particular, the leaders are calling for the mobilization of private capital to finance clean energy. To reinforce that commitment, five countries announced they intend to provide funding to institutionalize the Clean Energy Ministerial, a high-level effort by 23 of the worlds major economies and the European Union to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies. The United States and Denmark are also announcing a new memorandum to work together in developing offshore wind as a clean and sustainable energy source. This memorandum is a testimony to the strong Transatlantic ties between Denmark and the United States. Todays statement builds on a series of actions that the United States has taken to drive clean energy research and deployment through Mission Innovation, securing long-term extensions of the production tax credit (PTC) for wind and other renewables and the investment tax credit (ITC) for solar, and issuing eleven commercial wind leases along the Atlantic coast, which when the leases are fully developed, would generate enough energy to power over 4 million homes. Phasing Down HFCs: The leaders affirmed their commitment to adopt a Montreal Protocol HFC phasedown amendment in 2016 and provide additional support through the Protocols Multilateral Fund following adoption of an amendment. Todays statement is reinforced by actions that the United States is taking to reduce the use and emissions of HFCs. The United States has been working to negotiate a Montreal Protocol HFC phasedown amendment, including putting forth a proposed amendment with Canada and Mexico. Strong international action on HFCs could avoid up to 0.5C of warming by the end of the century. In terms of domestic actions, in 2014 and 2015, the White House announced a suite of private-sector commitments and other executive actions that will reduce cumulative global consumption of HFCs by the equivalent of more than 1 billion metric tons of CO2 through 2025. Tackling Carbon Emissions from Aviation: Today, the leaders committed to work together through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to reduce international aviations climate impact by furthering the development and deployment of sustainable alternative jet fuels, and adopting a strong market-based measure to enable carbon neutral growth from 2020 at ICAOs fall assembly. Earlier this year, the United States and 22 other countries reached consensus on the first-ever global carbon standards for commercial aircraft. When fully implemented, the standards are expected to reduce carbon emissions more than 650 million tons between 2020 and 2040, equivalent to removing over 140 million cars from the road for a year. Reducing Methane Emissions: In the Joint Statement, the United States and Nordic countries committed to ensure each country has developed a national methane reduction plan or otherwise identified and implemented enhanced actions to significantly reduce our overall methane emissions, and to expand technical cooperation, where appropriate. The leaders pledged to continue to drive down our oil and gas methane emissions, where applicable, through sound regulation, climate targets, and voluntary initiatives. In particular, to strongly encourage companies working within their countries to develop company-wide methane reduction goals, and to join the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Oil & Gas Methane Partnership. The Nordic countries welcome the announcement of new U.S.-Canadian methane reduction goal to reduce methane emission from the oil and gas sector 40 45 percent below 2012 levels by 2025. The Nordic countries pledged their support for the development of a global methane emission goal for the oil and gas sector. The United States took two domestic actions yesterday to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. In particular, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized the first ever standards to reduce methane emissions from new, modified, and reconstructed oil and gas sector sources. The final New Source Performance Standards for new and modified sources are expected to reduce the equivalent of 11 million metric tons carbon dioxide and have substantial health benefits. Fulfilling one of the commitments made during the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, the United States also took the first step on the path to regulating existing oil and gas operations by issuing for public comment the first draft of an Information Collection Request (ICR) that, once finalized, will require companies operating existing oil and gas sources to provide information to access different regulatory approaches to reduce emissions from these sources. Collaboration on the Important Role of Forests: The United States and the Nordic countries are determined to cooperate on the important role of forests in addressing climate change by supporting and incentivizing developing country forest partners to conserve, restore and sustainably manage forests, as well as strengthen their respective efforts to combat illegal logging and associated trade. The leaders also committed to facilitate private sector efforts to eliminate deforestation from the production of commodities such as palm oil, pulp and paper, cattle and soy. To reinforce these commitments: The United States and Norway are announcing that they will sign a joint statement to reinforce their intention to enhance cooperation on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) and sustainable landscapes. Yesterday, the United States announced the first results of a detailed action plan to reduce emissions and increase carbon storage in soils and forests through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry. Through this initiative, USDA committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon stored in forests and soils by over 120 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year by 2025 and announced yesterday that they are providing more than $70 million in funding for conservation practices that advance this commitment, including for forestry management. Promoting Energy for All: The Nordic countries and the United States commit to further strengthen efforts to achieve global access to sustainable, reliable, affordable and modern energy for all, consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, more than two-thirds of the population is without access to power. To support a doubling of electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa the United States and Nordic countries have expressed our support for the Power Africa initiative and commit to work together to provide technical assistance, financing, and other support to enable additional investment in energy projects throughout the region. In 2014, Sweden became the first bilateral partner to join Power Africa, committing to catalyze investments of $1 billion dollars in support of our shared goals under Power Africa. In 2015, Power Africa announced a new partnership with Norway, through which Norway is committing to bringing 1,500 megawatts (MW) online over a five-year period, contributing to Power Africa's 30,000 MW electricity generation goal by 2030. U.S. Chamber Applauds New Law Defending Trade Secrets Washington, DC - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today applauded President Obamas signing of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 into law. The Chambers Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) worked with more than 40 associations and companies in support of the bipartisan legislation, which previously passed in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives with nearly unanimous support. The law will provide additional civil remedies to help protect American innovators from theft of their trade secrets. Today marks a significant victory for American innovators and American workers, said David Hirschmann, president and CEO of GIPC. This law will provide much-needed protections against the theft of trade secrets the unique formulas and know-how that set many companies apart. The strong public support for this law is reflected in the broad bipartisan coalition that came together to make it a reality. We applaud President Obama for signing this crucial legislation, and we once more thank Chairmen Hatch, Goodlatte, and Grassley, as well as Senator Coons and Representatives Doug Collins and Jerrold Nadler, for moving this bipartisan bill forward. Ambassador Russell Travels to Copenhagen Washington, DC - Ambassador-at-Large for Global Womens Issues Cathy Russell will travel to Copenhagen, May 16 18, for the Women Deliver conference, the largest gathering on girls and womens health, rights, and wellbeing in more than a decade. Ambassador Russell will speak at the Ministers Forum on May 16 and a plenary session on the Sustainable Development Goals on May 18. She will also participate in side events focused on the connection between womens health and economic empowerment, intergenerational dialogue, and data collection. Secretary of State John Kerry's Travel to Saudi Arabia, Austria, Belgium, Burma, and Vietnam Washington, DC - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Saudi Arabia, Austria, Belgium, Burma, and Vietnam from May 14 to May 26. On May 15-16, the Secretary will travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for meetings with Saudi government officials to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues. Secretary Kerry will then travel to Vienna, Austria, May 16-17. The Secretary will co-host a ministerial meeting on Libya with Italian Foreign Minister Gentiloni to discuss international support for the new Government of National Accord, with a focus on security. He will also co-host the ministerial meeting of the International Syria Support Group to reaffirm and strengthen the Cessation of Hostilities, to discuss ways to ensure humanitarian access throughout the country, and to expedite a negotiated political transition in Syria. Together with Russia and France, the United States will also co-host a meeting on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenian President Sargsyan and Azerbaijani President Aliyev. The Secretary will travel to Brussels, Belgium, May 18-21, to participate in the NATO Foreign Ministerial, which will discuss preparations for the Warsaw NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government in July. On May 22, Secretary Kerry will travel to Burma to meet with key leaders in Naypyitaw to signal U.S. support for the new democratically elected, civilian-led government and further democratic and economic reforms. Secretary Kerry will then travel to Vietnam on May 22-25, where he will accompany President Obama to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The trip will highlight the Administrations ongoing commitment to the U.S. Rebalance to Asia and the Pacific, which is designed to increase U.S. diplomatic, economic, and security engagement with the countries and peoples of the region. The Secretary will join President Obama during official meetings with Vietnam's leadership to discuss ways for the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership to advance cooperation across a wide range of areas, including economic, people-to-people, security, human rights, and global and regional issues. They will also meet with members of civil society, the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative, entrepreneurs, and the business community. During meetings in both cities, discussions will focus on the importance of approving the Trans-Pacific Partnership this year. Coordinator Christopher Painter Travels to Mexico to Engage on Cyber Policy Washington, DC - Representatives from across the U.S. Government with expertise on a range of cyber issues traveled to Mexico City, Mexico May 12-13, 2016 to meet with partners from the Mexican government, academia, and the private sector. Christopher Painter, Coordinator for Cyber Issues, U.S. Department of State, led the U.S. government delegation that included representatives from the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and the National Security Council. The United States recognizes the importance of building strong regional partnerships with key stakeholders working on the range of cyber issues and views engagements like this as critical to achieving our goal of promoting an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet that benefits all users. Vice President Joe Bidens Call with President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine Washington, DC - The Vice President spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The Vice President welcomed the appointment of a new Prosecutor General as an important first step to bringing much-needed reform to the Office of the Prosecutor General. The Vice President also commended legislative changes that will set up an independent Office of the Inspector General in the Office of the Prosecutor General and allow prosecutions to begin against Yanukovych-era officials. The Vice President informed President Poroshenko that the United States was prepared to move forward with the signing of the third $1 billion loan guarantee agreement, which will support continued progress on Ukrainian reforms. The leaders also condemned the continued aggression by combined Russian/separatist forces against Ukraine, and agreed on the critical importance of accelerating progress on Minsk implementation by all sides. Notice Asking Women Advocates Not to 'Arrange' Hair in Open Court in Pune Sparks Outrage Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} John Boyega is probably just about getting used to being grilled about Star Wars at every given opportunity. This week at the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival, he shared some extremely general - but not less exciting words - on what fans can expect from Episode VIII. Speaking to Variety about the upcoming Rian Johnson-directed instalment, Boyega said: "Its a different take, darker, bigger. Someone will say: How do you get bigger than Force Awakens?' But its crazy. Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Show all 45 1 /45 Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art The actor was also quick to quash the idea that his character Finn and Daisy Ridley's Rey had any form of attraction to one another; when asked how the romance is "evolving in the next chapter," Boyega replied: "I mean, we didnt establish a romance in seven; we never played it that way... Finn and Rey - they're just friends." Slightly reneging, however, he went on to say: "Finn is a storm trooper, so he doesnt really know whats going on. So the romance thing is something thats going to be interesting in the next installment. Its not going to go the way you think it's going to go." Boyega was being interviewed alongside Diary of a teenage Girl actor Bel Powley with whom he'd won Cannes' Chopard Trophy, an award given annually given to two of the film industry's rising stars. Star Wars: Episode VIII will be released December 2018. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Millions of Eurovision fans around the world might be tuning in for their genuine love of cheesy pop music and literal tons of glitter. Others of us sack off our Saturday nights out solely for Graham Norton's gloriously acerbic, oh-so-British commentary. His savage efforts this year have certainly not disappointed. Here are just a handful of our favourites: Follow live for all the overly dramatic action from Stockholm On the Netherlands' folk-pop act Douwe Bob backing themselves a little too strongly: "He's put 1000 euros on himself to win, I hope he doesn't need that for tattoo laser removal." On Hungarian act Freddie maybe not being destined for a pop career: "If it doesn't work out for him, he's always got his Hotel Management degree. I feel he's going to use it." On Italy's far too arty staging: "It's incomprehensible. Something about the 'Tree of Life'. I did read a press release. That I didn't understand." On Israel's dramatic Hovi Star mixing pyrotechnics with hair products: "Well, that was tense. That number of fireworks with that amount of hairspray? Never a good idea." On the eccentrically-dressed Jamie-Lee, singing "Ghost" for Germany: "Maybe I'm just old and grumpy but there isn't a single thing about this woman that doesn't annoy me. Here's Jamie-Lee, making Bjork seem great." Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Show all 33 1 /33 Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures On the introduction of Poland singer Michal Szpak: "Enjoy that smile, it's the last one you'll see from him. He doesn't seem to enjoy performing very much." On host Petra Mede excitedly telling everyone that there are still 14 songs to go: "She says that as if it's a good thing!" On this year's rockiest act, Minus One from Cyprus: "The band is called Minus One but frankly should be called Minus Five. Might be better. The band performs in cages. I'm not sure who is being protected - them or the audience." On Serbia's creepy choreogrphy: "There's a strange backing dancer. It's more like lurking than choreography, but he is meant to be there." Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Graham Norton has fulfilled his promise to honour the late Sir Terry Wogan during song nine at this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm, Sweden. Wogan, who sadly died of cancer aged 77 earlier this year, commentated the song contest for the UK from 1971 until 2008. His dry, sardonic remarks became synonymous with Eurovision night, despite producer Christer Bjorkman recently accusing him of totally spoiling it for British audiences. He passed the baton onto Norton in 2008, who has continued in a similarly acerbic style. Eight years ago, when I was lucky enough to get this job of commentating, Sir Terry very kindly and graciously phoned me, and the only bit of advice he had for me was 'Don't have a drink before song nine', Norton said when the moment came for fans to raise their glasses of Bucks Fizz in a toast. While the crowd here in the Globe Arena cheer on their home boy, I would urge you back in the UK at home to raise a cup, a mug, a glass, whatever you have in front of you, and give thanks for the man who was, and always will be, the voice of Eurovision, Sir Terry Wogan. Sir Terry, this is song nine." Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Show all 33 1 /33 Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Eurovision 2016 - in pictures Norton is fully aware of Wogans legacy and has praised him for taking a role that wasnt really a role at all and totally transforming it into the job it is today. When I am doing the commentary I still hear Sir Terry in my head as I am sure lots of other people do too, he said before the contest. I think this year it will be bittersweet because we will all be thinking of Terry and I am sure I will say a few words about him as the night goes on as it is a night that will forever be associated with him. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Joe and Jake have given Eurovision 2016 their best shot in Stockholm, Sweden, storming the arena with the catchy "You're Not Alone". But have they done enough to break the UK's tradition of, well, waving goodbye to the contest from the bottom or near bottom of the results table? Viewers have been reacting to the boys' performance on social media, flooding Twitter with overwhelming praise for their efforts. Sure, there were some catty remarks about the bland, generic nature of the song, but there's no denying it was a Eurovision-friendly effort. Here are some of the funnier snippets of feedback sent across the internet tonight: Graham Norton has been providing yet more wonderfully sarcastic commentary on the performances and results, while you can follow our live blog here. Russia remain the favourites to win despite a history of booing at Eurovisin on account of the country's poor gay rights and the Ukraine crisis. Australia's Dami Im, returning to represent the nation's second chance at victory, is also a hot bet with the bookmakers, followed by France's upbeat club tune "J'ai Cherche". 7 most bizarre moments in Eurovision history Norton paid tribute to the late Sir Terry Wogan during song nine, which was when the legendary broadcaster told him it was alright to start drinking. He encouraged viewers to raise a glass as the hosts, Sweden, performed. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Buying groceries only to toss them into the street on the way home sounds absurd and yet 1.3 billion tonnes of food fit for human consumption is thrown away worldwide each year by both consumers and businesses. Such eye-opening figures have ignited an anti-food waste movement in recent years, to raise awareness of how such behaviour not only harms the environment and exacerbates food poverty but also dents wallets. In the UK alone, almost 50 per cent of the total food thrown away comes from the home even though half of it is safe to eat, according to the Love Food Hate Waste campaign run by anti-waste charity Wrap. But attitudes are changing. Between 2007 and 2012, avoidable waste was cut by a fifth. And if all of the tonnes of produce in the UK currently sent to landfills was eaten, it would save as much energy as removing one in four cars off the road. The latest battle in the war against waste sees online supermarket Ocado pledging produce to The Real Junk Food Project (TRJFP): a network of cafes which intercepts grub before it is trashed. Members of The Real Junk Food Project collect food to use in their 'pay as you feel' cafes (The Real Junk Food Project) Following a trial with TRJFP in November last year, Ocado will store food from orders cancelled by customers after it has been picked and packed, to be collected by the charity daily. TRFJP turns donations into healthy meals served at its pay as you feel cafes across the UK, as well as locations in Europe and Australia. Since 2013, the organisation has reused about 324.8 tonnes of food to create almost 200,000 meals in the UK alone. The supermarket claims to be the first UK retailer to send orders cancelled by customers directly to a charity. However, it is not alone in clamping down on waste. In 2009, leading retailers including Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Asda, Marks & Spencer and bread manufacturer Warburtons signed up to an industry-wide objective to reduce food waste. Earlier this year, Sainsburys became the first supermarket to replace multi-buy promotional offers, such as buy one get one free, with lower prices overall after a government-backed report found that over a quarter of consumers are enticed by deals to buy more than they need. The move followed a 2013 decision by Tesco to drop food promotions after it discovered that 68 per cent of bagged salad, 40 per cent of apples, and under half of bakery items went uneaten. Celebrity chefs including Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall have also rallied against waste with respective campaigns, while restaurants such as Japanese-inspired Itsu have cut the price of food in the evenings. However, France has gone the furthest, and earlier this year became the first country to demand supermarkets donate food to charities or food banks rather than discarding or destroying it. Snact, a firm which sources fruit destined for the bin from farmers and packing centres and turns it into jerky, is among smaller businesses trying to save food from landfills. Co-founder Illan Taub believes that food waste is a society-wide problem, and that placing the blame solely on retailers is not the most useful approach. We dont value food, she argues, adding: Weve become completely disconnected from our food system and weve come to see food as a commodity and just another thing we buy at the shop and discard. We dont think of how many resources have gone into growing, processing, transporting it. Sure, big players like retailers and manufacturers have a responsibility to do something about it because they have the power to make massive changes, but they shouldnt be singled out. Making surplus food palatable to consumers has been one of the main challenges faced by Snact since it was established in 2013, and Taub argues that the term food waste hinders the cause. Snact is made using surplus fruit sourced from farmers and packing sites (Snact) Its not food waste, its just food. If we stop thinking about it or seeing it as waste, perhaps well start treating it differently too. Justin Horn, the founder of Londons zero-waste pop-up restaurant Tiny Leaf, said working in restaurants and seeing initiatives at work in Amsterdam and New York City inspired him to launch the venture. The UKs supermarkets' stringent aesthetic requirements are causing huge amounts of waste, he argues, but adds that concerns about global warming have heightened awareness and partly helped Tiny Leaf to fill its tables night after night. As they prepare to open their second site in coming weeks, the Tiny Leaf team hope to one day build the first circular economy restaurant, using produce grown in vertical walls. Food trends in 2016 Show all 11 1 /11 Food trends in 2016 Food trends in 2016 Celeriac root We had a kale obsession in 2015, but 2016s vegetable sine qua non is predicted to be the knobbly celeriac root. Celeriac milk (Tom Hunt at Poco in Bristol serves it with winter mussels and wild water celery), celeriac cooked in Galician beef fat (from Adam Rawson of Pachamama, hot new chef in the capital) and salt-baked celeriac (to be found in Matthew and Iain Penningtons kitchens at The Ethicurean in the West Country) are just a few examples. Getty Images Food trends in 2016 Middle Eastern food The Middle Eastern Vegetarian Cookbook (24.95, Phaidon) by grand-dame Salma Hage, author of the bestseller The Lebanese Kitchen (whose halva is pictured here), is out in April Liz & Max Haarala Hamilton Food trends in 2016 Non-alcoholic cocktails Grain Store mixologist Tony Conigliaro has created Roman Redhead, a riot of red grape juice, beetroot, pale ale and verjus, and Rose Iced Tea (black tea, rose petals, anise essence, pictured here) Food trends in 2016 Gin The discerning will be slurping Hepple gin from chef Valentine Warner and cocktail guru Nick Strangeway which is punctuated with bog-myrtle nuances Food trends in 2016 Argyll and Bute Restaurant followers are getting in a froth about Pam Brunton in Scotland, who opened the Inver restaurant in Argyll and Bute to acclaim last year Food trends in 2016 Andy Olivers Som Saa One of the most eagerly awaited restaurants of 2016 will be the permanent incarnation of Andy Olivers remarkable pop-up Som Saa opening very soon in east London. Oliver, who worked at Thai god David Thompsons Nahm in Bangkok, raised a whopping 700,000 through crowdfunding, and is renowned for his piquant Thai flavours and obsessive attention to detail, including in his home ferments and DIY coconut cream Adam Weatherley Food trends in 2016 Venison Another ruminant in vogue is venison, with Sainsburys doubling its line for 2016. It provides a protein-packed punch, with B vitamins and iron, and its low in fat. Its entry into the mainstream is in part thanks to the Scottish restaurant Mac and Wild, just opened in London, whose Celtic head chef Andy Waugh (who also runs the Wild Game Co) has been touting it as street food for years (his venison burger pictured here) Food trends in 2016 Goat From Brett Grahams The Ledbury to Angela Hartnetts kitchens at Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest, Cabrito is the go-to goat supplier among the chef cognoscenti (roasted loin of kid pictured here) but this year, domestic cooks can get in on the action, as Sushila Moles and James Whetlor of Cabrito offer their meat through Ocado Mike Lusmore / mikelusmore.com Food trends in 2016 Coffee Coffee sage George Crawford is launching the much-anticipated Cupsmith with his partner, Emma. Crawford believes that 2016 is the year purist coffee will finally meet the masses; Cupsmiths mission will be to make craft coffee as popular as craft beer on the high street. The company roasts Arabica beans in small batches, improving its quality but sells it online, at cupsmith.com, in an approachable way: expect cheerful packaging and names such as Afternoon Reviver Coffee (designed for drinking with milk no matter how uncouth, most of us want milk) and Glorious Espresso Julia Conway Food trends in 2016 120-day-old steak Hanging meat for extremely long lengths of time has become an art. In Cumbria, Lake Road Kitchens James Cross is plating up 120-day-old steak (pictured here). The beef is from influential ager Dan Austin of Lake District Farmers, who is currently investigating the individual bacterial cultures that go into this maturing process Food trends in 2016 Lotus root Diners can expect root-to-stem dining - cue the full lotus deployed by the Michelin-starred Indian Benares in its kamal kakdi aur paneer korma Getty Images Mark Linehan, managing director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), praises Tiny Leaf and other zero waste establsihments including TRJFP and Silo in Brighton. [These restaurants] are making the most of food that would otherwise go in the bin and, rather than be seen as somewhere to avoid, have attracted rave reviews. Meanwhile, the SRA itself has tackled the issue with its own campaigns, including a drive to boost the use of doggy bags, at restaurants a popular practice in the US. Since the SRA conducted its Too Good to Waste campaign in 2011 restaurant staff have become more proactive in offering their customers doggy bags, which has helped overcome Brits' natural reticence to ask. As little as three years ago no one gave a second thought to used coffee grounds. Now this brown sludge is being put to serious use as furniture, mushroom compost, with restaurants now serving the mushrooms grown with their own coffee grounds, and much more besides. A box used as part of the SRA's Too Good to Waste campaign (Sustainable Restaurant Association) And cutting food waste at home is simple. Love Food Hate Waste highlights how planning meals by checking what is in the cupboard before heading to the supermarket; storing food correctly; portioning carefully; and using leftovers can drastically cut waste. Getting to grips with the difference between use by and best before dates is also important. Adopting such behaviours could make a dent in the 4.2million tonnes of avoidable food waste thrown out by UK households each year and save a palatable six meals a week or 700 a year. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A model at the centre of a controversial Calvin Klein advert has defended the designer amid a backlash over its upskirt image. The provocative and sexually charged Spring 2016 campaign features Kendall Jenner holding half of a grapefruit in her palm, a model with her hands in her underwear and an image of Klara Kristin, shot from below so as to allow the viewer to look under her skirt. The divisive advert has been accused of pushing a predatory concept and justifying sexual harassment while others have praised the concept behind it for stretching the limits of fashion. Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein Show all 5 1 /5 Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein mycalvins1.jpg Alasdair McLellan/Calvin Klein Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein mycalvins2.jpg Alasdair McLellan/Calvin Klein Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein mycalvins3.jpg Alasdair McLellan/Calvin Klein Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein mycalvins4.jpg Model Simon Nessman Alasdair McLellan/Calvin Klein Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein mycalvins5.jpg Alasdair McLellan/Calvin Klein Kristin reacted to the controversy on Instagram by expressing her support for Harley Weir, the photographer who shot the campaign, and suggesting the reaction is indicative of repressed attitudes towards the female body and sexuality. I love this photo @harleyweir took of me, the Danish model wrote. All this discussion about it makes me think about how alienated and scared some people are to [sic] the female human body... Be and love yourself and your sexuality #girlpower. Kristin's career was launched by her role in Gaspar Noes film Love, which controversially featured unsimulated sex scenes. Kristin, who did not participate in these scenes, spoke about women owning their sexuality in response to the controversy the film caused during an interview with Dazed. One reason I did the film is because I could, she said. Because I dont have a father who would kill me if I did. I have the freedom to choose what I do with my body. The fact that I use it like this, a lot of people would say... [that Im allowing myself to be objectified]. But Im still in control, I have the power and Ive done it to help other girls out there. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} One of the most underestimated risks around social media concerns the trajectory a photo could actually have. Thousands of unsuspecting people have watched as their innocent pictures appear all over social feeds across the world by others gleefully using them in a very different context to the one intended. This is something the Disney actress Skai Jackson recently became familiar with, and something Azealia Banks was quick to mock her for. Skai had found herself suddenly transformed into a meme in April after sharing a picture of herself before an appearance on Fox 5 to promote her new show, BunkD. Recommended Read more Azealia Banks responds to Twitter account suspension She incurred the rappers wrath by telling her to simmer down after Banks directed racial slurs at Zayn Malik. In her response, Banks attacked Skai and her mother, dismissing her as nothing more than a meme. People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015. The meme in question simply showed the 14-year-old sitting with her hand across her knee, yet was shared with captions such as: When he keep telling you, youre not his girlfriend, but you are. But Skai says she is unfazed by being turned into a meme. When I first saw the meme, I honestly didnt understand why people were making memes of me, she told the Huffington Post. I was like Whats so funny about this? Theres so many memes going on. Then I was going through them and theyre actually really funny. I dont know who created these but they actually did a pretty good job because it makes me laugh and I took no offence to it and thats why I posted it on my Instagram and Twitter. Its just really funny, and I have a good sense of humour. So I just thought, oh wow, thats cool now that Im a meme and Im on like all social media pages, on Twitter 24/7. And even people approach me, like different actresses and actors, they come up to me like I see you on my Instagram page like 24/7." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The oldest living person in the world, and the only one left who has touched three centuries, is a raw-egg-eating, brandy-drinking Italian woman who credits her long life to her daily eggs, her early bedtime and being single. Emma Morano received the news Friday morning that Susannah Mushatt Jones, a New York woman several months her senior, had died Thursday evening, making Morano the world's oldest known person at 116. Upon hearing of her new title, she said: "My word, I'm as old as the hills," a caregiver, Rosi Santoni, told the Telegraph. The Italian supercentenarian was born in the Piedmont region of northern Italy on Nov 29, 1899. She lives now in a small lakeside town near the Switzerland border, still in her own one-bedroom home. Doctors make house calls, but for a 116-year-old, her health is good. As a teenager, a doctor told her to eat raw eggs for her anemia, and so she has every day since, according to a New York Times profile in 2015. She also eats minced meat and pasta daily. Leaving an unhappy marriage also helped her live so long, she told the Times. She separated from her husband in 1938 and never remarried. "I didn't want to be dominated by anyone," she said, though she did have many "suitors." She worked at a factory and then as a cook, and didn't retire until she was 75 -- 41 years ago. Reporters went to her home in Verbania on Friday to talk to her about being the last living person with a birth date in the 19th century. But, according to the Associated Press, they had to wait because Morano was napping. Her physician, Carlo Bava, said Morano's longevity is "a phenomenon." Copyright Washington Post For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} With its extensive reach and immediacy, social media is a powerful tool for politicians. However, the same advantages can backfire and lead to very public embarrassment. Now, Barack Obamas official Twitter account has been found to be following a number of female porn stars. The Presidents personal account @BarackObama not the account which represents him as President of the United States, @POTUS was found to be following at least four adult actresses among the many thousands of people it follows. Recommended Read more The first Twitter civil war in British politics The @BarackObama account, along with, 653,000 other people, had followed the account of porn star Asa Akira, who wrote on her biography I have an award winning a**hole. The Obama account also followed Joanna Angel (who posted a number of pornographic images to her page), Nikki Benz (Penthouse Pet of the Year) and Ashley Steel, business media outlet Fast Company reported. (Twitter (Twitter) Obamas Twitter account is run by the staff of Organizing for Action, a grassroots group campaigning for Democratic party policies. The President himself is unlikely to know about the specific details of the page, particularly since it follows around 636,000 people. In addition, a large number of people followed by the @BarackObama page are ghost accounts, with very few followers and who have never written any tweets. The most influential people on social media in 2015 Show all 6 1 /6 The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie) Youtube The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Brandon Stanton The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Tess Holliday The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Lena Dunham The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Harry Styles The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Taylor Swift The gaffe likely occurred as a result of the social media team using an auto-follow tool in a bid to increase the accounts online presence. However, the revelation has drawn fresh attention to how social media can lead to blunders and can be a significant cause of embarrassment to politicians. The official Twitter account representing the Prime Minister, called @Number10gov, raised eyebrows in 2013, when it was found to be following an escort agency, Carltons of London. It was speculated by The Register that the person behind the error intended to follow the Carlton Club, a prestigious private members club for Conservative Party supporters. The account later unfollowed the escort agency. Labour politician Ed Balls caused waves of excitement on social media when he famously tweeted his own name. The event cause so much glee to the British public that the 28 April is now considered Ed Balls Day and the term often trends on that date annually. However, there is also a darker side when politicians make errors on social media. In April 2016, Labour MP for Bradford, Naz Shah, was suspended by the party over anti-Semitic Facebook posts which were made in 2014. A number of other Labour members have been connected to anti-Semitic posts on social media, contributing towards a scandal which has caused huge damage to the party. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Breasts, a natural part of female development, can still cause a remarkable amount of controversy. This is evidenced by the #Freethenipple movement, which continues to gain traction because its primary goal has still not been realised. Society's sexualisation of womens breasts and, as a result, the rush to censor them is an issue that caught international attention when even new mothers found their breastfeeding pictures being removed from Instagram or their accounts suspended. Pictures of breastfeeding are now permitted but, in 2016, female nipples on the site are still forbidden. The same rules do not apply to bare-chested men on the network. It isnt just Instagram that still has a ban on breasts in public. There are a number of places in the US where women who expose their breasts in public are technically committing a crime. According to Go Topless, having breasts on display is still an illegal act for women in Utah, Tennessee and Indiana. This issue was recently brought to the forefront of debate when a bill that would allow towns in New Hampshire to regulate attire was defeated on Wednesday, months after an attempt to ban women from showing their nipples in public was quashed in March. UK LAW It is not illegal to be naked in public in England and Wales - unless the person is proven to have gotten naked in order to upset or shock others In 2014, Scout Willis documented her walk around New York City while bare-chested on Twitter in protest at Instagrams censorship policy. But she was far from the first woman to exercise her legal right to walk with her breasts uncovered in public - Chelsea Covington has spent the last three years fighting to normalise women being bare-chested by appearing bare-chested in public, whether that be on the beach, in parks or while out walking. Covington is challenging the criminalisation of women choosing not to wear shirts and bras in places where men are allowed to walk bare-chested as part of a wider fight for gender equality. The 27-year-old, who prefers the gender-neutral term bare-chested to topless, lives in Maryland and documents her experiences on her blog, Breasts Are Healthy. She spends time bare-chested in places where it is legal for her to do so, such as Washington DC, Pennsylvania, New York and New Hampshire. The topfreedom movement is in itself a visual form of peaceful protest that works without slogans, signs or marches. Covington told the Independent: Walking bare-chested is still a powerful act for a woman, especially when done quietly, confidently and peacefully. Covington at Washington Memorial (Breasts Are Healthy ) (Breasts Are Healthy) Pictures on her blog show her standing with police officers and Covington says she now has an almost supportive relationship with some forces, who she will alert in advance when she is about to spend time bare-chested in a new area. Most, she says, thank her for the advance warning. Covington says her hopes are for fears of the female body to be diminished in order to reach the point where a woman appearing bare-chested in public isn't considered a subversive act. Covington is against the ownership of a womans body being in the hands of anyone other than that woman herself, not against feeling sexual excitement from breasts, as she explains on her blog. I do think it is wrong that women are often reduced to their bodies and that because some people consider some female breasts sexually exciting all females somehow should lose the right to control what we do with them, when men do not. The Independent spoke to Covington about her blog and campaign, Breasts Are Healthy. Why did you decide that going bare chested in public would be the way to push for gender equality? There is something about quietly walking bare-chested that really resonates within me, the other women who do it and with each observer. The female breast has all of this context, and people associate the female breast with so many different things. It can be a symbol of pride and shame, power and vulnerability, health and disease. The vast majority of passersby either ignore me or react positively. Thats the goal, to normalise the sight of female bare-chestedness until it becomes nothing extraordinary at all. But walking bare-chested is still a powerful act for a woman, especially when done quietly, confidently and peacefully. I never yell or protest or carry signs. Anger is fear. Im not trying to scare people. In fact, its the opposite. Im trying to get people to stop being afraid of the female breast and of the female body in general. Its common for critics to try to diminish the topfreedom movement by saying it isnt important all this wasted effort and debate, they say, about who gets to wear shirts and who doesnt. Well, if it really isnt that important, just treat everyone equally. It shouldnt be that big of a deal. I can see the undercurrent of that lingering prejudice sometimes in the facial expressions of people who see me, professionals, successful-looking people, people who I imagine would swear up and down they support gender equality, but then falter when faced with what that equality really means. I dont confront these people beyond taking notice. Its their work to do. I do look forward to the day when female bare-chestedness is no more or less remarkable than male bare-chestedness, because it will mean we have come a long way in how we consider the female body sexually, medically and politically, and how we value equality. Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Show all 22 1 /22 Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Katharine Hepburn I have not lived as a woman. I have lived as a man. I've just done what I damn well wanted to, and I've made enough money to support myself, and ain't afraid of being alone Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Betty Friedan No woman gets an orgasm from shining the kitchen floor Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Maya Angelou I want to be representative of my race - the human race. I have a chance to show how kind we can be, how intelligent and generous we can be Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Emmeline Pankhurst I want to say to you who think women cannot succeed, we have brought the government of England to this position, that it has to face this alternative: either women are to be killed or women are to have the vote Creative Commons Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Patricia Arquette "To every woman who gave birth, to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody elses equal rights, its our time to have wage equality once and for all, and equal rights for women in the United States of America." AFP PHOTO / Robyn BECKROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Nawal El Saadawi They said, You are a savage and dangerous woman. I am speaking the truth. And the truth is savage and dangerous Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Margaret Fuller "It is a vulgar error that love, a love, to woman is her whole existence; she is born for Truth and Love in their universal energy" Creative Commons Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Germaine Greer All societies on the verge of death are masculine. A society can survive with only one man; no society will survive a shortage of women Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Naomi Wolf A cultural fixation on female thinness is not an obsession about female beauty but an obsession about female obedience Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Rebecca West "I myself have never able to find out precisely what a feminist is. I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat" Creative Commons Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Margaret Atwood Does feminist mean large unpleasant person who'll shout at you or someone who believes women are human beings. To me it's the latter, so I sign up Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Susan B. Anthony "I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand" Creative Commons Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Sylvia Plath "Apparently, the most difficult feat for a Cambridge male is to accept a woman not merely as feeling, not merely as thinking, but as managing a complex, vital interweaving of both" Creative Commons Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Hillary Clinton "I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do was to fulfill my profession, which I entered before my husband was in public life" Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Lena Dunham "The idea of being a feministso many women have come to this idea of it being anti-male and not able to connect with the opposite sexbut what feminism is about is equality and human rights. For me that is just an essential part of my identity. I hope [Girls] contributes to a continuance of feminist dialogue" Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Bette Davis When a man gives his opinion, he's a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she's a bitch Creative Commons Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Jane Austen I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives Creative Commons Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Gloria Steinem A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Anais Nin I hate men who are afraid of women's strength Creative Commons Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Elizabeth Warren I have a daughter and I have granddaughters and I will never vote to let a group of backward-looking ideologues cut womens access to birth control. We have lived in that world, and we are not going back, not ever Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Malala Yousafzai In Pakistan, when we were stopped from going to school, at that time I realized that education Is the power for women, and thats why the terrorists are afraid of education Getty Images Feminist quotes from the icons to inspire you Virginia Woolf "As a woman I have no country. As a woman my country is the whole world" Getty Images Do you go bare-chested wherever you go? No. But I do go bare-chested a lot. Personal comfort is my guide. If I wish to do so, I do. I prefer the physical comfort bare-chestedness gives me, but also the feeling of freedom. I was not always this comfortable with my body and Im still not always. Women have so many voices telling us we are ugly, lacking, shameful. Im working hard to be done with those voices, and Im sharing my work with the world. Most days Im successful. Why did you decide to start a blog about it? As friends and family found out about my walks, they were incredibly curious and fascinated by my stories. They asked me to start a blog. I am not remotely the first woman to do this work so I wanted to add something that wasnt being done. I saw an unaddressed niche in the peaceful but direct approach with police, the quietly unapologetic, non-confrontational approach with the public, doing normal things to make it all look and feel normal, using the legal processes at my disposal to bring topfreedom to places where it wasnt before. Covington at Prospect Park in New York (Breasts Are Healthy ) (Breasts Are Healthy) How have police and law enforcement officials reacted? Great, now. Things began improving in 2013. Prior to that, police around the whole country were pretty aggressive and hostile. But so many women began taking on the challenge that the conversation has improved significantly. Its still not easy and these are long, repetitive conversations. Some police dont want to hear it. But this month Ive been getting some appreciative correspondence from law enforcement thanking me for my patient and professional approach. Two officials have even congratulated me on my success. I have learned so much about how law enforcement works, and how laws are created, interpreted and enforced. It can be pretty disheartening at times to see how entrenched stereotypes affect policing and lawmaking. But I would really like to celebrate the Washington DC, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh police departments for being professional with me and this whole topfreedom learning curve. Maryland police have not been so enlightened so far, which is strange because Maryland is actually crystal clear about guaranteeing gender equality from the state constitution all the way down to local ordinances. But several Maryland police officials have told me since Maryland law doesnt say female bare-chestedness is explicitly legal, they will treat is as illegal, and I will have to fight it by getting arrested and winning in court. Ponder that. Name one other law where someone would have to prove what isnt included in the law isnt illegal. Do you think that going bare-chested is helping to effect change? Absolutely. Beside the fact that women are going peacefully bare-chested in a lot of places now, my most compelling proof of positive change is the comments section on my YouTube videos and blog. Not because they are filled with gads of supporters - they arent always - but because the tone of the dissent is so often respectful, mature and controlled. In this day and age of ubiquitous vitriol, the conversation happening around my blog is actually quite mature. Not everyone gets it. There are unenlightened souls who say some profoundly unenlightened things (like the gentleman who testified to the New Hampshire legislature that women need to be protected from equality), but I am quite pleased with how things are going. Weve come a long way. What is the ultimate goal? Equal treatment under the law. Everyone, everywhere. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Vanessa Hudgens has been ordered to pay a $1,000 (696) fine after allegedly carving her name into a red rock in Arizona on Valentines Day. The High School Musical actress, 27, shared a picture on her Instagram page of a heart with the names Austin and Vanessa inside it after a trip to Sedona with her boyfriend Austin Butler. The image was shared with the hashtag #sedonadreams and later removed from Instagram. (Instagram (Instagram) Hudgens paid the $1,000 fine after being cited for a misdemeanour count of damaging a natural feature on US Forest Service Land, according to the Associated Press. She also directed officials to the location of the carving. A copy of the agreement, which was not made public, was obtained by AP. The amount paid in the fine was used to restore the rock wall. People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015. The media attention brought to the image alerted the Coconino National Forest, which looks after land around Sedona. Coconino National Forest Service spokesman Brady Smith said: She was caught in the act because she publicised it and shes famous. Im sure there are others who are not famous and publicised it and weve never known. Representatives for Hudgens did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It is hot. And it is only going to get hotter. New data released by Nasa revealed that last month was the hottest April on record. The information released by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Saturday showed that April 2016 was the sixth month in a row to be more than one per cent above the 1951-1980 average. The April figures continued the remarkably warm start to 2016, with each month among a handful over the most abnormally hot months in more than 130 years of global figures. Indeed, one expert said he believed that new data due to be released next week by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will show the last 12 consecutive months all broke records. Eric Holthaus is a meteorologist who writes for Slate, told The Independent: Its scary. Im at the point where I dont know what will happen next. We knew an El Nino would impact things, but I dont think anyone expected this jump. He said the increases measured by experts around the world meant that within the last year, global temperatures had increased by 25 per cent of the total increase since the 1880s. He said the rising temperatures were having very real impacts on the environment. He said he expected that sea ice levels will be found to be at an all time low this summer. Meanwhile, within the last 18 months, around one quarter of all coral colonies in the oceans had suffered bleaching as a result of warmer water and increased acidification. In such circumstances, the corals expel the algae living in their tissues and turn white. While coral can recover from such events, it is very often fatal. Mr Holthaus said he expected the record temperatures to continue for between four to six months, at which point they would begin to level out. A vast majority of experts believe that human activity is having a serious impact on the changes in the planet's climate. The Fifth Assessment Report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said in 2014 that there was a clear evidence human influence. It said warming of the atmosphere and ocean system was unequivocal. Many of the associated impacts such as sea level change, had occurred since 1950 at rates unprecedented in the historical record. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Drugs mule Melissa Reid is to be released from jail in Peru after authorities agreed to expel her from the country. The 22-year-old was imprisoned for cocaine smuggling in 2013 and had appealed to be expelled to serve the remainder of her sentence closer to home. Reid, from Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, and Michaella McCollum, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, were jailed in 2013 for six years and eight months after admitting trying to smuggle cocaine worth 1.5 million from Peru to Spain. McCollum, 23, was freed in March under new legislation on early prison release introduced in Peru last year after serving two years and three months. Peruvian authorities said they had agreed to release Reid after a recent court hearing. A magistrate ruled that she had been remorseful and shown her intention to be re-inserted back in society" at an earlier hearing. The court was due to inform the British embassy of the decision so arrangements can be made for Reid to be returned to the UK. The Foreign Office said on Saturday it was providing assistance to Reid and remained in contact with her family and local authorities. However it is anticipated to be some time before the women are able to return home. McCollum and Reid were caught with the haul at Lima airport on August 6 2013 while attempting to fly to Spain. They had claimed they were forced into carrying the drugs but pleaded guilty to charges later that year. The pair were caught trying to board a flight with 24lb (11kg) of cocaine in food packets hidden inside their luggage. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty McCollum and Reid faced the prospect of a maximum 15-year prison term but struck a behind-closed-doors plea bargain to secure a shorter sentence. They had previously been held at Lima's Virgen de Fatima prison but were moved to the Ancon 2 prison, where McCollum was reportedly crammed into a cell with 30 other prisoners with poor sanitation and toilet facilities. The SPS agreed in principle to a transfer in 2014 and Reid has been awaiting approval from the Peruvian authorities, who need to consent to her serving the remainder of her sentence under Scots law. Reid's father Billy has previously said the impact of his daughter's crime on his family had been horrendous and spoke out in a video warning of the consequences of drug offences abroad. He said: It's horrendous to see your daughter in handcuffs and the living conditions that she has to put up with. Melissa has spent her own 20th and 21st birthdays in prison in Peru. She missed the significant event of her only brother's wedding. Events such as Christmas are non-existent for us. There'll be no celebrations in our house, there'll be no Christmas tree until we get her back home. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A British sailor forced to abandon his yacht after suffering an injury to the head has been rescued by a passing cargo ship. Richard Tolkien was competing in a transatlantic race from Plymouth to New York when he was hit on the head by one of the sails on Friday night. Using an on-board alert system Mr Tolkien called for assistance at around 8.45pm. He was picked up in the mid-Atlantic by the Anton Topic cargo ship at 10.40pm where he was treated for his injuries and remains on board. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 New Conservative Party leader and incoming prime minister Rishi Sunak waves as he leaves from Conservative Party Headquarters in central London having been announced as the winner of the Conservative Party leadership contest AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 9 September 2022 King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort wave after viewing floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace Getty UK news in pictures 8 September 2022 A screen commemorating Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in Piccadilly Circus, London Britain EPA UK news in pictures 7 September 2022 Police officers stand guard after Animal Rebellion activists threw paint on the walls and road outside the Houses of Parliament in protest, in London, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 6 September 2022 Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience at Balmoral, Scotland, where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2022 Visitors at the PoliNations garden in Victoria Square, Birmingham, which is made up of five 40ft high tree installations and over 6,000 plants. The PoliNations programme aims to explore how migration and cross-pollination have shaped the UKs gardens and culture PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2022 Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews take part in the traditional Pier Walk along the harbour walls of St Andrews before the start of the new academic year PA Mr Tolkien said he rushed on to deck after hearing a "huge bang" which turned out to be one of his sails breaking. He told the BBC: "In trying to get the sail under control I was hit once and then more seriously a second time by a glancing blow to the head. "There was quite a lot of blood. "I realised I needed to take prudent action and seek assistance," he said. Mr Tolkien added: "The outcome could have been very different". He set off in his boat, number 44, in the Imoca 60 class, on 2 May and was 880 nautical miles west, southwest of Horta in the Azores islands, according to race organisers. The hydroptere, a flying boat out to set sailing speed records A statement issued by the Transat race read: "At 19:45, Race Control received a demand for assistance from Richard Tolkien. Tolkien reported that he had been struggling with some major technical issues on his boat, including damage to the inner forestay. "While he was on the foredeck trying to clear the sail, which was entangled in the rig, Tolkien was hit by one of the sails, sustaining an injury to his head. "The decision was taken to abandon ship, on account of Tolkien's injury and the daylight fading. "At 21:40, after an expert approach, the crew of the ANTON TOPIC were able to execute the safe transfer of Tolkien from his yacht to the ship." His support team are now attempting to arrange for his yacht to be recovered. The Anton Topic is heading to Philadelphia where it is expected to arrive on May 18. Press Association Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} More than 50,000 has been raised to support the Portuguese detective who claimed Madeleine McCann's parents faked their daughter's abduction. The money was donated to a web fund for Goncalo Amaral after he was ordered by the Portuguese courts to pay Mr and Mrs McCann 500,000 (394,000) in damages when they sued him for defamation. The group of British donors allegedly includes a number of serving Metropolitan Police officers, the Daily Mail reports. The Madeleine McCann case Show all 25 1 /25 The Madeleine McCann case The Madeleine McCann case Madeleine McCann One of the last photos of Madeleine before her disappearance EPA The Madeleine McCann case Madeleine McCann Madeleine McCann was three when she was abducted during a family holiday in 2007 The Madeleine McCann case Top worn by a man that detectives investigate with connection to disappearance of Madeleine McCann A computer generated image of the distinctive burgundy long sleeve top worn by a man that detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are looking for The Madeleine McCann case Apartment in Portugal from where Madeleine went missing An aerial view of the Ocean Club apartments and pool where Madeleine McCann went missing Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images The Madeleine McCann case Kate McCann Kate McCann speaks to the press outside the court house in Lisbon on 12 September 2013 following the first audience of the McCann couple's libel proceedings against former inspector Goncalo Amaral for a book written about the case of their missing daughter The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Kate McCann and Gerry McCann before the start of the 'Miles for Missing People' charity run in Regent's Park in London, 2011 The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann make an appeal at a press conference in the holiday resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal 7 May 2007 The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann The McCann's give an interview with a Spanish television channel at their home in Rothley The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Madeleine McCann was abducted in Portugal in May 2007 AP The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Preliminary forensic analysis on samples recovered from the McCanns' hire car raised the possibility of a match with Madeleine's DNA profile, according to the leaked report Getty Images The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Pope Benedict XVI blesses a photo of four-year-old abducted British girl Madeleine McCann, while meeting her parents Gerry and Kate McCann, after his weekly general audience at the Vatican, 2007 Reuters The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Gerald McCann and Kate McCann speak to the press on 4 May 2007 at the Ocean club appartement hotel in Praia de Luz in Lagos after Madeline vanished while her parents were out to dinner The Madeleine McCann case Portuguese police search for Madeleine Dozens of Portuguese police aided by dogs search for missing three-year old British girl Madelaine McCann in front of the Ocean club appartment hotel in Praia de Luz in Lagos The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Gerald McCann and Kate McCann walk holding their two other children outside the Ocean club apartment hotel in Praia de Luz in May 2007 The Madeleine McCann case Madeleine McCann Madeleine McCann pictured at the age of three, left, and as she might have looked aged nine PA/Teri Blythe The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have described as "pure speculation" reports in the Portuguese press suggesting that a chief suspect in the disappearance of their daughter was killed in a tractor accident four years ago. PA The Madeleine McCann case Tribute for missing Madeleine in Rothley, Leicesteshire Three year old Cally prepares to add a yellow ribbon to a floral tribute for missing Madeleine McCann in Rothley in Leicesteshire, 2007 The Madeleine McCann case Support for the missing Madeleine Everton captain Lee Carsley (L) leads his team onto the field, followed Mikel Arteta (C) and Manuel Fernandes (R) wearing Tshirts bearing a message of support for the missing British toddler Madeleine McCann, prior to the English Premiership match between Chelsea and Everton, at Stamford Bridge in London, 2007 The Madeleine McCann case Madeleine McCann A poster appealing for information about Madeleine McCann at a Spanish railway station PA The Madeleine McCann case BBC's Crimewatch reconstruction of Madeleine McCann's disappearance Former porn star Mark Sloan (L) was cast in the BBC's Crimewatch reconstruction of Madeleine McCann's disappearance BBC The Madeleine McCann case Clarence Mitchell holds two artist's impression of the new suspect McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell holds two artist's impression of the new suspect on 20 January 2008 in London. The description has come from British woman Gail Cooper, who was staying with her family close to the McCann's apartment in Portugal The Madeleine McCann case Image of a woman sought in the case Clarence Mitchell, the press spokesman for the McCann family, releases a photofit image of a woman sought in the search for missing Madeleine McCann Getty Images The Madeleine McCann case Suspect in disappearance of Madeleine McCann Police released two e-fits of suspect in disappearance of Madeleine McCann Getty Images The Madeleine McCann case Raymond Hewlett Convicted paedophile Raymond Hewlett, who is being sought in connection with the disappearance of Madeleine McCann PA The Madeleine McCann case A picture of a suspect An artist's impression of a suspicious man seen by a witness apparently watching the McCann family's apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, the day before Madeleine McCann went missing Channel 4 Although Mr Amaral won his appeal against the libel ruling, the McCanns are now challenging that ruling at Portugal's supreme court. In his book, Maddie: The Truth of the Lie, Mr Amaral blames Kate and Gerry McCann for her disappearance. The former detective, who was sacked as head of the investigation after criticising British police, claimed the three-year-old's faked her abduction. The book was published in 2008, three days after Portuguese authorities formally closed their inquiry and cleared the McCanns of any wrongdoing. Former detective Goncalo Amaral poses with his book during its launch in Lisbon in 2008 (AP) The Go Fund Me page was set up by psychology student Leanne Baulch in April 2015. She told the Daily Mail: "I set up the page to help [Amaral] with his appeal because I felt he had suffered an injustice. His assets had been frozen so he had no way to defend himself. "Im not anti-Kate and Gerry McCann. I dont know what happened and I dont claim to know. But I do believe there are hard questions that need to be answered." Madeleine went missing on 3 May, 2007, four days before her fourth birthday, from a holiday apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz as her parents dined at a nearby restaurant. British police are still investigating her disappearance. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Dozens of women are sharing pictures of their flat work shoes to show support for a temp receptionist sent home from her job after refusing to wear high heels. The Twitter hashtag, started by the Fawcett society - a charity campaigning for gender equality - on Friday, responded to an outcry over sexist work wear guidelines enforced by some employers. Temp worker Nicola Thorp was told to change into high heels when she arrived for her first day at the London offices of accountancy firm PwC wearing flat shoes. The 27-year-old was sent home without pay after being told she had to wear high heels with a height of two to four inches. Ms Thorpe said she was shocked by the request telling BBC Radio London: I said If you can give me a reason as to why wearing flats would impair me to do my job today, then fair enough, but they couldnt." She has since launched a petition calling for the law to be changed to stop employers from being able to insist that a woman wear high heels as part of their work. It has amassed more than 130,000 signatures of support. PwC have stated that the dress code is not their policy but that of a third party recruitment firm Portico which they use to employ staff. Outsourcing firm Portico said Ms Thorp had "signed the appearance guidelines" but would now review them. Many PwC employees offered pictures to the #FawcettFlatsFriday campaign to attest that the dress code enforcing high heels is not upheld by the company. Labour MP Stella Creasy and Womens Equality party founder Catherine Mayor also posted pictures of their shoes, but mostly women (as well as some men) used the campaign to stress that whatever their shoe choice, it has no impact on how well they are able to carry out their jobs. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The head of the British Medical Association (BMA) committe on junior doctors has said they are determined to rediscover the common ground with Government ministers and reach a deal in the dispute over contracts Dr Johann Malawana told the BMAs junior doctors conference that no agreement has yet been reached, but a more conciliatory tone had been struck. Members of the BMA and the Government have been meeting all week to try and resolve the dispute about the junior doctors contract in England, and prevent further strike action. Talks are now running until next Wednesday. A junior doctor on strike outside University College Hospital, London (Stefan Wermuth/Reuters) (Reuters) "Our attitude in these negotiations has been not to trade grievances but to resolve them, Dr Malawana told the annual conference in London. "Our aim has been to rediscover the common ground that is so great but so easily neglected - the shared interest of everyone in the health service to improve care for our patients. He added: "The temptation has been to relive the resentments, which are many, but instead we have tried to rediscover the opportunities." But Dr Malawana said that when the changes were put to doctors 300 days ago they had hoped for a contract that was better but had to start with a vision of one that was immeasurably worse. He said: "We have been arguing for 300 days about issues which have damaged junior doctors' morale and the quality of patient care for much longer than that, and would continue to do so. "It's not the 300 days, but these days that matter now. We're talking. They're listening. We're listening too. "If this were a movie, I'd now pull out a large envelope with the word 'deal' written on it. We're not there, and I can't even add the word 'yet' to the end of that sentence, he added. The negotiations are sponsored by the conciliation and mediation service Acas, and are seen as the last chance for the two sides to come to an agreement. The BMA has said any deal would need to be put before junior doctors in a ballot, which could take several weeks. It comes after the government indicated it would be imposing the contract from this summer if the talks failed. Acas chair Sir Brendan Barber said the talks had been conducted in a "constructive and positive atmosphere", according to BBC News. "This is a strictly time limited extension and represents a final opportunity to find an agreement as the basis for the resolution of this difficult dispute," he added. The dispute between the government and the BMA led to four strikes by junior doctors in England affecting routine care between January and April. In April there were two one-day strikes affecting all forms of care including emergencies the first all-out strike in the history of the NHS. Additional reporting by Press Association. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Network Rail have backtracked on plans to cancel planned trips by the Flying Scotsman in Borders and Fife after outrage from a Scottish minister. Derek Mackay, Scotland's Transport Minister, accused the company of appalling incompetence, after planned trips by the steam engine were cancelled at the last minute. Hundreds of enthusiasts were disappointed to learn the famous locomotive was not running planned tours this weekend. Network Rail revealed on Friday that the trips would not go ahead, despite organisers claiming the plans had been in the pipes for more than a year. But the operator announced a swift u-turn in the face of the outcry, and announced the schedule will now run as planned, much to the delight of train-spotters. The routes will take it to Tweedbank and across the Forth Bridge along the new Borders Railway, which was officially opened last year by the Queen. Network Rail had previously claimed the train could not run as the track needed to be individually assessed by engineers. An earlier statement said: "Unfortunately we have been unable to carry out the work in time and cannot allow the engine to run when we are unsure if the unique design of the Flying Scotsman is compatible with the current railway infrastructure across the Fife and Borders routes. But the company were forced to push ahead with proposals after receiving a dressing down from Mr Mackay. World's top 25 train trips announced Show all 15 1 /15 World's top 25 train trips announced World's top 25 train trips announced 140886.bin REUTERS/Andy Clark World's top 25 train trips announced 140841.bin Reuters/Andy Clark World's top 25 train trips announced 140871.bin Armstrong Group World's top 25 train trips announced 140789.bin AFP/Getty Images World's top 25 train trips announced 140702.bin reuters World's top 25 train trips announced 140866.bin PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images World's top 25 train trips announced 140785.bin DIPTENDU DUTTA/AFP/Getty Images World's top 25 train trips announced 140787.bin Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) World's top 25 train trips announced 140783.bin Hulton Archive/Getty Images World's top 25 train trips announced 140853.bin REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann World's top 25 train trips announced 140860.bin REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann World's top 25 train trips announced 140772.bin Evening Standard/Getty Images World's top 25 train trips announced 140778.bin PHOTO VISIT FLAM / PHOTOGRAPHER/AFP/Getty Images) World's top 25 train trips announced 140782.bin LAWRENCE BARTLETT/AFP/Getty Images World's top 25 train trips announced 140780.bin Gaye Gerard/Getty Images He branded the situation farcical and called for an investigation. When initially hearing of the cancellation, he said: "This announcement is hugely disappointing and represents appalling incompetence by Network Rail GB. The minister later tweeted: "Update: Spoken with Mark Carne, Chief Executive of Network Rail, about restoring as much of the Flying Scotsman route plan as possible." Excursion operators Steam Dreams also voiced their criticism of Network Rail before the climb-down was announced. Built in South Yorkshire in 1923, the Flying Scotsman pulled the first train to break 100mph in 1934. The National Railway Museum of York bought the locomotive for 2.3 million in 2004. It underwent a decade-long restoration costing 4.2 million, and while on its inaugural trip from London to York this February dozens of people trespassed on to the tracks. Network Rail was forced to shell out 60,000 in compensation due to the delay the crowds caused to services. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The new boss of the RSPCA has vowed to be less political and bring fewer prosecutions as he apologised for the charitys past mistakes. The animal charity recently appointed a new chief executive, Jeremy Cooper, who made an unexpected public announcement distancing the organisation from its previous actions. He admitted the RSPCA had become too adversarial in recent years, focussing on animals rights rather than welfare. Mr Cooper added they had alienated farmers with their stance on badger culling, where they had previously called for farmers who participated to be named and shamed. The new boss told The Telegraph: Of course we have made mistakes in the past, and we are very sorry. We have to be honest and admit the mistakes and acknowledge them. The fresh direction comes after the 192-year-old charity faced growing criticism and scrutiny, prompting a parliamentary inquiry into its conduct. One highly controversial incident was the seizing of 16-year-old family cat, Claude, who was later put down amid allegations of mistreatment. Mr Cooper, 56, said: Claude the cat was a catalogue of errors. We have apologised publicly and privately to Claudes family and it isnt something we are immensely proud of. The overhaul comes after a 2014 report by ex-chief inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, which slated the charitys prosecution policy. Mr Cooper has confirmed the RSPCA will bring fewer prosecutions going forward, adding at least half of the reports 33 recommendations have been implemented. In pictures: The most ridiculous calls to the RSPCA Show all 5 1 /5 In pictures: The most ridiculous calls to the RSPCA In pictures: The most ridiculous calls to the RSPCA Monkey rabbit Someone who thought they had seen a monkey in a rabbit suit and wanted the RSPCA to investigate In pictures: The most ridiculous calls to the RSPCA Onion mouse Someone who was convinced they had a rat in their kitchen, which they thought was unwell as it hadnt moved in some time. When we arrived our inspector soon discovered it was in fact an onion -that had rolled out of their shopping bag and onto the floor In pictures: The most ridiculous calls to the RSPCA Satellite cat A call involved a woman who was concerned about a cat up on a roof - when we arrived it transpired it was a satellite dish. (I am just creating an image of this at the moment - if you would like it?) In pictures: The most ridiculous calls to the RSPCA Birthday guest The woman who wanted someone from the RSPCA to come along to her birthday lunch as a guest In pictures: The most ridiculous calls to the RSPCA Offended dogs Person upset that they had overheard someone refer to their cross-breed dog as a mongrel - which they felt was insulting The group hit the headlines in 2012 when they brought a private prosecution against the Heythrop hunt, Prime Minister David Camerons local hunt in Oxfordshire, costing 330,000. The new boss has now said it is very unlikely they will ever do so again, and all future prosecutions will be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service. Overall, the number of prosecutions the RSPCA brought last year resulted in 1,781 convictions, but Mr Cooper said he wanted to see that figure come down. He said: The perception is we have been over zealous. Thats a little bit unfair. I would like to see the number of prosecutions come down. The new leadership is hoped to spell a new era for the charity, which had seen a worrying drop in donations. One of Britains largest charities, with an annual turnover of 124 million, they were without a permanent chief executive until Mr Cooper took up the role last month. His predecessor Gavin Grant stepped down in February 2014 due to medical concerns. Mr Cooper said: We are going to be a lot less political. It doesnt mean we wont stand up for animals. But we are not a political organisation. My style of advocacy is encouragement and dialogue. The [previous] leadership was too adversarial. If you want to shout and use rhetoric thats fine but it isnt helpful to anybody. It is not going to make friends and influence people. People wont like you for it. He added that the charity would be focussing on the prevention of cruelty, rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming in the future. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} David Cameron has hammered home the economic arguments for remaining in the European Union as politicians and activists of the main Remain-supporting parties stage a day of action to save Britains membership of the bloc. The Prime Minister unveiled a poster bearing the Treasurys claim that every family would be 4,300 worse off in the event of Brexit and warned that a vote to leave the EU could tip the British economy back into recession. A recession would be the "last thing our economy needs," Mr Cameron said. Mr Cameron also argued that the decision being put to the British people is bigger than party politics. Also on Saturday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will lay out his vision for remaining in the EU in a speech at the QEII centre in Westminster, London, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron will lead a campaign in Kendall and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas will make her case in Brighton. Mr Corbyn in particular is stepping up after having been urged by some of his MPs to take a greater role in defending membership of the EU. Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, yesterday told The Independent that Mr Corbyn should use his unique voice as a sometime-Eurosceptic to convince wavering Labour voters. The Labour leader yesterday urged young people to register to vote for the referendum, warning that those who neglected to do so would be left with no voice. Jeremy Corbyn is campaigning for Britain to remain in the EU (Getty) In total, Remain campaigners say they will be staging 1,000 events led by around 6,200 campaigners from Britain Stronger in Europe. The campaigns organisers hope the push will help their side open up a lead in the polls which have been stubbornly close in recent months. Mr Cameron sought to emphasise the cross-party nature of the campaign in his speech on Saturday a risky strategy reminiscent of some aspects of the Better Together approach during the Scottish Independence Referendum. What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Show all 5 1 /5 What's the European Parliament ever done for us? What's the European Parliament ever done for us? A cap on the amount of hours an employer can make you work The Working Time directive provides legal standards to ensure the health and safety of employees in Europe. Among the many rules are a working week of a maximum 48 hours, including overtime, a daily rest period of 11 hours in every 24, a break if a person works for six hours or more, and one day off in every seven. It also includes provisions for paid annual leave of at least four weeks every year Getty Images What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping the people of Britain to avoid smoking In 2014 MEPs passed the Tobacco Products Directive strengthening existing rules on the manufacture, production and presentation of tobacco products. This includes things like reduced branding, restrictions on products containing flavoured tobacco, health warnings on cigarette packets and provisions for e-cigarettes to ensure they are safe What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping you to make the right choices with your food Thanks to the European Parliament, UK consumers have access to more information than ever about their food and drink. This includes amount of fat, and how much of it is saturated, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and so on. It also includes portion sizes and guideline daily amount information so people can make informed choices about their diet. All facts must be clear and easy to understand What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Two year guarantees and 14-day returns policy for all products Consumers across the EU have access to a number of rights, from things which are potentially very useful, to things which used to be annoying. For example, shoppers in the UK receive a two-year guarantee on all products, and a 14-day period to change their minds and return a purchase, these things are useful www.PeopleImages.com-licence restrictions apply What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Keeping your air nice and fresh (and safe) Believe it or not, although the situation is improving, some areas of the UK have appalling air quality. A report by the Royal College of Physicians released on 23 February says 40,000 deaths are caused by outdoor air pollution in the UK every year. Air pollution is linked to a number of illnesses and conditions, from Asthma to diabetes and dementia. The report estimates the costs to British business and the health service add up to 20 billion every year Well see the effects of this referendum in our lives: the jobs we do, the opportunities our children have, the public services we rely on, the prices we pay, and the bills that land on our doormats, he said. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde on Friday warned against the effects of Brexit (International Monetary Fund) This is a day unlike any other: politicians of every stripe taking to the streets with the same message. Because we face a vote unlike any other, one which will shape our country for decades even generations to come," Mr Cameron said. This is bigger than party politics. Its effects will last longer than our lifetimes. So we are saying with one voice: make sure Britain is stronger, safer and better off and vote to remain in a reformed European Union. Over recent days the Leave camp has been running stalls around the country, with key figures taking their campans to the road. Former Mayor of London Boris Johnson paid a visit to Cornwall, where he warned against migrants coming to Britain without a job offer. On Saturday, Mr Johnson will be speaking in the South-west while the Grassroots Out campaign is mounting a nationwide blitz with events across the country. They include a rally in Chester addressed by Conservative former cabinet minister Owen Paterson and Ukip migration spokesman Steven Woolfe. Mr Paterson will say: If we vote to remain, we will be consigning ourselves to being a colony of an EU Superstate, with more integration and increasingly diminished British influence". Top-ranking institutional economists however issued warnings about Brexit this week. Bank of England governor Mark Carney said the event could cause a sharp collapse in the value of the pound, while the IMFs managing director Christine Lagarde warned the effect of Brexit on the British economy ranged from pretty bad to very, very bad. The public will vote on whether Britain should remain in the European Union on 23 June. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson is trusted to tell the truth about Europe by twice as many voters as trust David Cameron, according to a ComRes poll for The Independent. By a two-to-one margin, 45 per cent to 21 per cent, voters say that Mr Johnson is more likely to tell the truth about the EU than Mr Cameron. By a smaller margin, 39 per cent to 24 per cent, campaigners for Leave generally are considered more likely to tell the truth than campaigners for Remain. The shock finding will dismay the Prime Minister after a week in which he warned of possible conflict in Europe as a result of Brexit, and the Bank and England and IMF warned of the danger of recession. Despite Mr Camerons warning, more voters say Britains national security would be stronger if Britain left the EU, 42 per cent, than if it stayed, 38 per cent. This is a reversal of views since March, when by 42 per cent to 35 per cent voters said that national security would be stronger by staying in the EU. The poll also finds that by a large majority, 57 per cent to 27 per cent, people believe that the British government could control Britains borders better if it left the EU than by staying. On the crucial question of prosperity, though, more voters say they would be personally better off if Britain remained in the EU, 33 per cent, than if it left, 29 per cent. This four-point advantage for the Remain side on the economy has increased slightly from a two-point lead in February. What to believe about the EU referendum The other findings, however, will disappoint No 10 after a week in which the Remain case was bolstered by the intervention of Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, on Thursday, as the poll was being carried out. The poll finds that Mr Johnson enjoys a large credibility advantage over Mr Cameron even among Conservative voters, by 42 to 27 per cent, although a significant minority, 30 per cent, say they dont know. This will alarm the Prime Minister after a series of public appearances by Mr Johnson that attracted poor notices from the critics. The former Mayor of London was considered to have performed badly in an interview on the Andrew Marr Show and a hearing of the Treasury select committee in March. On Wednesday this week he was considered by many commentators to have been evasive on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, refusing to say whether he had written two columns for decision on Brexit, one in favour and one against, before plumping for Leave. Nicholas Soames, the Conservative MP and grandson of Winston Churchill, last night accused Mr Johnson of fundamentally dishonest gymnastics for criticising the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the planned free trade deal between the EU and the US which he previously praised as Churchillian for its brilliance. In an interview with The Observer, Mr Soames said Mr Johnsons apparent change of mind showed a complete lack of credibility and coherence. Mr Johnsons reputation for telling the truth may also be surprising, given that he was sacked by The Times early in his career for making up a quotation, and was also sacked from the Conservative front bench by Michael Howard in 2004 for misleading him about an extra-marital affair. Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond Show all 5 1 /5 Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond 653622.bin Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond 653601.bin Getty Images Europe Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond 653602.bin GETTY IMAGES Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond 653603.bin Getty Images Europe Boris Johnson: Cameron's bete blond 653604.bin GETTY IMAGES The Leave campaign was considered by No 10 to have had a bad week, issuing a late-night statement on Wednesday condemning ITV and its political editor, Robert Peston, for having joined the In campaign for arranging a head-to-head programme featuring Mr Cameron and Nigel Farage, the Ukip leader who is not involved with the official Leave campaign. A No 10 source told The Independent that the Stronger In campaigns polling, carried out by Lord Cooper, the former Conservative pollster, suggested that the fundamentals of public opinion favour a vote for EU membership. Drawing a distinction between the headline numbers and the equities of opinion polls, the source said: On risk and the economy, public opinion is moving heavily in our direction. Our Independent/ComRes poll also tested voters knowledge about the EU and found that 73 per cent didnt know how many countries are EU members and 61 per cent wrongly thought the European Parliament has to approve most British laws. However, large majorities said, correctly, that the UK pays more into the EU budget than it gets back, and 60 per cent knew that the Treasury had estimated that leaving the EU would cost the average household 4,300 a year by 2030. ComRes interviewed 2,043 GB adults online on 11 and 12 May 2016. Full tables on the ComRes website. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Isolated campaign victories won in opposition are no substitute for a Labour government when it comes to bringing about real social change, Jeremy Corbyn has said. Speaking at the annual conference of the New Labour pressure group Progress Mr Corbyn listed a string of recent campaign victories achieved under his leadership -- but said only Labour victory at a general election could genuinely change the country. He warned that "no matter how many" isolated campaigns were successful, the party would need to win a majority in parliament to do its job properly. "It's been said the Labour movement improves people people's lives when we win elections: that's absolutely true, we have to win elections, we have to fight as hard as we can," he said. "No matter how many campaigning we win -- and we have won a few, and I hope we'll win quite a few more as time goes on -- the reality is we don't have a majority in Parliament, we don't have a Labour government. "I want us to have that and to win that in 2020 or if David Cameron feels like it we could have it a bit sooner." The leader's statement echoes the rhetoric and claims of his critics, who say Mr Corbyn isn't doing enough to win the next election in 2020. MPs associated with Progress have been amongst Mr Corbyn's chief internal detractors since he was elected as leader in September 2015 -- and the leader's appearance today was made in front of a potentially tough crowd. Despite the venue the Labour leader however avoided any embarrassing incidents, with delegates politely applauding during his speech and no heckling. He noted that despite having been an MP since the 1980s this was the first time he had attended the gathering, which is closely associated with the party's New Labour wing, including Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Mr Corbyn was thanked for his appearance by Alison McGoven, the Labour MP who chairs Progress. She said she valued the Labour leader's commitment to open debate in the party despite wider disagreements. Taking questions from the audience after a speech, Mr Corbyn assured worried Labour supporters that he was doing all he could to tackle the recent row over alleged antisemitism in the party. "Antisemitism is wrong and has to be totally opposed and totally defeated, period," he said, adding that he would support a party rule change to make it clear Labour was "absolutely a totally anti racist" organisation. Rumblings of a leadership coup by hostile against Mr Corbyn have moved into the background since this month's set of local elections, where Labour achieved a better than expected result. The Islington MP however told Progress delegates that the result was "not good enough" and that the party needed to do more to win in 2020. He said the party was launching a review into how the party could reach out to workers left behind by previous policies, including the self-employed and private sector workers. The Government has U-turned on a number of key policies since Mr Corbyn came to power -- including tax credit cuts, disability benefit cuts, and the forced academisation of schools. While the Government has faced significant opposition from its own MPs on all those measures, Labour has also stood opposed and isolated the Tory leadership, with Mr Corbyn claiming some credit for the victories. Labour came third in the Scottish Parliament elections for the first time earlier this month, losing second place to a resurgent Tory party led by MSP Ruth Davidon. It however remained by far the largest party in Wales and retained many key marginal councils in the south of England, where the party has to do well to win a majority. The party also won significant victories in urban centres such as London and Bristol, where it captured mayoralties it had previously lacked. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The majority of people have no idea how many countries there are in the European Union, with more than 10 per cent believing there is an official European army. An exclusive ComRes poll for The Independent found most people also believed most UK law came from the EU and had no idea there was an official EU anthem. Of 2,043 people surveyed at the beginning of May, 73 per cent thought there were 29 countries in the EU when in fact there are 28, while 61 per cent of people believed most UK laws are set by the EU, when in fact official figures put EU regulation at anywhere between 15 and 50 per cent of UK law, including laws "influenced" by Brussels. And 70 per cent of people were unaware the EUs official anthem is "Ode to Joy". The poll also showed that while the majority of people were aware there was no EU army, 14 per cent believed there was, while 29 per cent did not realise UK citizens required a passport to get into other European countries. However, the majority of people surveyed were aware of the Treasury estimate that puts the cost of leaving the EU at 4,300 per household per year by 2030, although Ukip voters were the group most likely to say this statement was false. What to believe about the EU referendum There is currently an almost even split in people wishing to remain in the EU and those hoping for Brexit, according to the latest polls. The referendum will be held on 23 June. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The UN Security Council has expressed alarm at ties between the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram and Isis - while a security summit is taking place in Nigeria to discuss efforts to combat the extremists. In a statement approved by all 15 council members it demanded Boko Haram immediately and unequivocally cease all violence and all abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law." The Council said they were alarmed at Boko Harams links with Isis. They also demanded the release of thousands of captives reportedly held by the group, including more than 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, in Nigerias Borno State in 2014. CNN obtained a video thought to have been made in December of a group of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram (CNN) The statement supported Nigerian President Muhammadu Buharis crucial initiative to hold the summit in Abuja, Nigerias capital on Saturday. Mr Buhari welcomed counterparts from Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger for the gathering - all leaders of countries making up a regional force against Boko Haram. French President Francois Hollande, UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken were also due to attend. Mr Blinken said he was concerned by reports that Boko Haram militants were going to Libya, where Isis has established a large presence in recent months. Weve seen that Boko Harams ability to communicate has become more effective. They seem to have benefitted from assistance from Daesh, he told reporters in Nigeria. Mr Blinken added: So these are all elements that suggest that there are more contacts and more cooperation, and this is again something that we are looking at very carefully because we want to cut it off. During Boko Harams seven-year uprising 2.2 million Nigerians have been internally displaced and 4.2 million people in the Lake Chad Basin region face a food security crisis, according to the Security Council. The Council urged the international community to immediately support the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance for the people most affected by the crisis in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and noted that only 10 per cent of the $531 million required to fulfil such assistance had been received in 2016. Amnesty International called on leaders attending the summit to ensure that justice remains a priority and to increase efforts to protect civilians. Amnesty Internationals Research and Advocacy Director for Africa Netsanet Belay said: Despite repeated promises, governments affected by the conflict have not adequately investigated evidence of crimes under international law and human rights abuses and violations nor taken steps to prosecute and bring to trial the suspected perpetrators. Now is the time to put those promises into action. US-backed African governments have recently made military advances against Boko Haram. Soldiers and self-defence groups have reported intercepting several suicide bombers and have hemmed Boko Haram into the Sambisa Forest in the northeast of the country - but President Hollande said Boko Haram remained a threat despite the "impressive" gains. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A student organisation in Alabama has issued an apology after its members produced a T-shirt that showed a black person eating watermelon - an image widely considered an offensive racial stereotype. The shirts, which also showed other images from the state, were produced by the Alpha Delta Pi student soroity. The shirts are now to be be burned following an outcry on the campus and an apology from those involved. Officials at Samford University have also apologised. I was repulsed by the image, Samford University President Andy Westmoreland said in an email to students and employees. I lack the words to express my own sense of frustration. The controversy broke as students were celebrating graduation (Facebook) The Associated Press said that officials at the university, located in the city of Birmingham, are now carrying out an investigation that could result in disciplinary action against the Alpha Delta Pi chapter, where the controversy broke as students and faculty were celebrating graduation on Friday. University spokesman Philip Poole said the shirts were ordered as keepsakes for the sororitys spring formal dance, but the group said it had not considered all the details of the design. In selecting the T-shirt, we failed to focus on the specific images in the design, Lauren Hammond, president of the sororitys Samford chapter, said in a statement. Ms Hammond said sorority members have been told not to wear the shirts, which she said were being collected so they could be destroyed. Karina Shaver, a media representative for Alpha Delta Pi, said chapter members originally found the map image using a Google search. A statement from Alpha Delta Pi's national headquarters, said: The shirt design absolutely contradicts the values of respect and dignity that our organisation prides itself on. We do not tolerate, and would never intentionally approve any design with racial stereotypes/overtones or any other offensive images or language. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A series of declassified memos have revealed details of interviews - described by investigators as chilling - from the inquiry into alleged support of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by Saudi Arabian officials. According to a former Commission staff member, the newly released material largely duplicates a top-secret report known as the '28 pages', which reportedly includes sensitive findings relating to allged Saudi involvement in 9/11. Fahad al-Thumairy, a 32-year-old Imam and former Saudi diplomat deported from the US in 2003 because of suspected terrorist links, was questioned in Saudi Arabia by members of the 9/11 Commission in February 2004. A member of Commission staff later said it was so clear Thumairy was lying, according to The Guardian. It was also so clear he was dangerous. It is also reported that the investigators described the scene as "chilling". When confronted with evidence of numerous phone calls between himself and Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi national who allegedly befriended two of the 9/11 hijackers, al-Thumairy denied any knowledge of Mr al-Bayoumi. The document states that when Mr al-Thumairy was presented with more confrontational questions during the interrogation, his posture changed noticeably. Saudi Minister discusses 9/11 rumors Mr al-Thumairy is said to have crossed his arms, sat back in his chair and relied more heavily on the interpreter when questioned about his connections to two Saudi hijackers who had lived in southern California before 9/11. The interviews were conducted between 2002 to 2004 by the 9/11 Commission, set up to investigate the circumstances of the attacks. They have now been published by the National Archives. According to notes from an interview, members of the Islamic Council of the Saudi government said: Funds were probably misused. Saudis have an obligation to give to charity. People dont ask questions about where the money goes. We used our money. But we did not want our money to be used to attack the USA, or to be turned against us. An interview with Mr al-Bayoumi is also listed within the memos, in which he agreed that he had some telephone contact with al-Thumairy, which involved discussion of [al-Bayoumis] questions on religious matters. The document states that Mr al-Bayoumi considered al-Thumairy his religious advisor, but denied that he was ever his teacher, and expressed surprise that he might have held a position at the Consulate. Both Mr al-Thumairy and Mr al-Bayoumi deny any links to terrorists. On Thursday, a former member of the Commission, John F Lehman, claimed that Saudi government officials had supported the hijackers. Mr Lehman said there was an awful lot of circumstantial evidence that several employees in the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs had a hand in the terrorist plot. But he said that the secret report produced by the FBI, known as the '28 pages', includes no smoking gun relating to sensitive findings relating to Saudi Arabias alleged involvement in 9/11. Barack Obama has said he is nearing a decision about whether to declassify the 28 pages, which could have severe and widespread diplomatic repercussions. As many as six Saudi officials could have supported the 9/11 hijackers, according to statements made by Mr Lehman. Those individuals worked for the Saudi Embassy in the U.S., Saudi charities and the Saudi government-funded King Fahd Mosque in California, he said. 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty However, the Commissions report concluded that no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded al Qaeda. Mr Lehan said: Our report should never have been read as an exoneration of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government has said it was wrongfully and morbidly accused of complicity in the attacks and outlined its work fighting extremists and clamping down on their funding streams. Former President George W Bush claimed publication would damage Americas national security by revealing sources and methods that would make it harder for us to win the War on Terror, while the former chairman of the 9/11 Commission raised concerns that raw, unvetted material could damage innocent people. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The daughter of America's most famous evangelical Christian has said God let 9/11 happen to show the US they need him. Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Billy Graham, claimed God has abandoned Americans because of their attitude towards transgender rights, evolution and the separation of church and state. I think thats why God allows bad things to happen," she told the right wing radio station Conservative Review. "I think thats why he would allow 9/11 to happen, or the dreadful attack in San Bernardino. "To show us that we need him. The founder of AnGeL Ministries, a church in North Carolina, said the transgender debate in her own state was an example of "chaos on every level". Her comments come amid a legal standoff between the Obama government and the state of North Carolina over the controversial "Bathroom Law", also known as HB2, requiring people to use bathrooms according to their biological sex. President Barack Obama said transgender pupils at school must be allowed to use toilets and changing rooms of whichever gender they identify with. LGBT+ rights around the globe Show all 9 1 /9 LGBT+ rights around the globe LGBT+ rights around the globe Russia Russias antipathy towards homosexuality has been well established following the efforts of human rights campaigners. However, while it is legal to be homosexual, LGBT couples are offered no protections from discrimination. They are also actively discriminated against by a 2013 law criminalising LGBT propaganda allowing the arrest of numerous Russian LGBT activists. AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Brunei Brunei recently introduced a law to make sodomy punishable by stoning to death. It was already illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Mauritania Men who are found having sex with other men face stoning, while lesbians can be imprisoned, under Sharia law. However, the state has reportedly not executed anyone for this crime since 1987 Alamy LGBT+ rights around the globe Sudan Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sudanese law. Men can be executed on their third offence, women on their fourth Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Saudi Arabia Homosexuality and gender realignment is illegal and punishable by death, imprisonment, whipping and chemical castration Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Yemen The official position within the country is that there are no gays. LGBT inviduals, if discovered by the government, are likely to face intense pressure. Punishments range from flogging to the death penalty Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Nigeria Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal and in some northern states punishable with death by stoning. This is not a policy enacted across the entire country, although there is a prevalent anti-LGBT agenda pushed by the government. In 2007 a Pew survey established that 97% of the population felt that homosexuality should not be accepted. It is punishable by 14 years in prison Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Somalia Homosexuality was established as a crime in 1888 and under new Somali Penal Code established in 1973 homosexual sex can be punishable by three years in prison. A person can be put to death for being a homosexual Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Iraq Although same-sex relationships have been decriminalised, much of the population still suffer from intense discrimination. Additionally, in some of the country over-run by the extremist organisation Isis, LGBT individuals can face death by stoning Getty Ms Lotz said: What I see in the nation of America right now, just the chaos on every level. There is silliness, there is craziness, theres the most illogical rulings. The one in North Carolina on HB2, which is to protect our children in bathrooms and locker rooms, has become something where the justice department is suing us for something thats just common sense. To me its evidence that God has backed away. She said if Americans repent, God "would begin to reveal the plots of terrorists before they are carried out, even the weather patterns he can control and protect us from violent storms". Her brother, Franklin Graham, has previously called on Americans to boycott businesses that support gays. He has also accused Mr Obama of spreading "immorality" and "sin" and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for banning "gay propaganda". Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} By his own admission, Gill Payne did not think the Muslim woman on his flight should be wearing a hijab in America. And by his own admission, he set out to do something about it. As the SouthWest Airlines plane flew from Chicago to Albuquerque, he walked down the aisle towards her, grabbed the hijab to expose her head and shouted at: Take this off. This is America. On Friday, 37-year-old Payne pleaded guilty to using force to obstruct the religious freedom of the woman, who was identified in court by the letters KA. The incident happened on a flight from Chicago to New Mexico (SouthWest Airlines) Because I forcibly removed KAs hijab, I admit that the United States can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that I intentionally obstructed KAs free exercise of her religious beliefs, he said, in a written plea bargain with federal prosecutors. I saw that KA was wearing a headscarf. I was aware that it is a religious practice of Muslim women to wear a headscarf. KA, who did not know Payne later told officials she felt violated and quickly pulled her hijab back up after the assault happened in December 2015. Payne, from North Carolina, could not be contacted on Saturday. He now faces up to a year in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. Payne pleaded guilty as part of an agreement with prosecutors No matter ones faith, all Americans are entitled to peacefully exercise their religious beliefs free from discrimination and violence, Vanita Gupta, head of the US Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said in a statement. Using or threatening force against individuals because of their religion is an affront to the fundamental values of this nation, and the Civil Rights Division will continue to be vigilant in protecting the religious liberties guaranteed to all Americans. The Washington Post said that the incident was one of many incidents of Muslims being harassed or kicked off flights in the aftermath of the San Bernardino attacks earlier that month. Muslim women are the targets in 80 per cent of anti-Muslim hate crimes reported in the US. Prosecutor Damon Martinez said that the case sends a clear message to anyone who contemplates the use of threats or intimidation to interfere with the right of individuals, including members of our Muslim community, to express their faith without fear. The Bridge Initiative, a Georgetown University research project focused on Islamophobia, found in a report this month that anti-Muslim violence and vandalism rose last year to from 154 to 174 reported incidents. The 2015 incidents included 12 murders, 29 physical assaults, eight arsons, nine shootings or bombings, and 50 threats against people or institutions, the Post said. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Ever since he was a child, Simratpal Singh wanted to be a member of the US army. But equally as important as serving his country, was the desire to remain true to his faith. Last year, after a decade of service, which had seen him win bravery metals in Afghanistan, Mr Singh, who is Sikh, launched a legal challenge to a decades-old rule that forbade him wearing a turban or maintaining a beard. Recently, Mr Singh succeeded in overturning the rules that were part of an executive order passed by President Reagan in the 1980s. As as result, he can keep his beard and wear either a black or camouflage turban - the first American soldier in 35 years to be allowed to do so while on active duty. The ban on turbans was passed by President Ronald Reagan (The Sikh Coalition) Ever since I was a kid I had a fascination of being a soldier, Mr Singh, 28, told CBS News. Sikhs are required to maintain several articles of faith as part of their tradition. Among these are the requirement to wear a beard and turban. Yet in 2006, on his first day as a cadet at West Point military academy, he was forced to shave his beard and remove his turban. This was something he had never done before. I remember one of the hardest things to do was to look in the mirror the next day and kind of have that self-image of yourself shattered completely of what a good Sikh is supposed to be, he said. It was a hard adjustment. Germany: 3 injured in bomb attack against wedding at Sikh prayer hall in Essen His commanding officer, Major Vanessa Bowman, said the ruling had not created a problem. It didnt create any tension for us in the office. Captain Singh is a very professional officer. He comes to work, he does his job, she said. Since his victory, three more Sikh soldiers have received so-called religious accommodations. Mr Singh said he was inspired by his great grandfather and others who fought with the British in the two World Wars. Some day when Sikh American parents tell their kids that they can be whatever they want to be in this great country of ours, I hope that it rings a little bit more true, he told the news channel. And it means that they can serve in the Armed forces just as freely. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Your olive oil is possibly fake. As, perhaps, are your chocolates, sardines and alcohol. With Interpol recently announcing their largest ever seizures of fake food and the US government looking to clamp down on counterfeit olive oil, examples of food fraud are everywhere. Numerous studies have found almost 80 per cent of olive oil in the US is fake. Now, American politicians have now called for tests on all imports of the product, citing health and trading standards concerns. A US House of Representatives paper recommending changes to food legislation expressed concern with reports that consistently describe the prevalence of adulterated and fraudulently labelled olive oil imported into the United States and sold to American consumers. Olive oil is commonly marketed as being Italian, but is often grown elsewhere and is sometimes just packaged in Italy, allowing it to use the phrase Bottled in Italy on its labels. There is also concern that some products claiming to be olive oil are coloured, mixed with chemicals or blended with other types of oil before being sold. Producers have been worried over the rising price of the product since drought and disease caused poor harvests in southern Europe. Food and drink news Show all 35 1 /35 Food and drink news Food and drink news Healthy living makes us more inclined to binge, research suggests Gluten-free breads, dairy-free milks and other plant-based products have been some of the most favoured foods in British supermarkets this year. However, while were busy filling our shopping trolleys with gluten-free goodness, were also jamming it with junk food and alcohol, new research suggests Getty/iStock Food and drink news Growing list of Vegan celebs Making the switch to veganism is a major lifestyle choice, one that many claim can improve energy levels, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and clear up any skin issues. Beyonce, Natalie Portman and Jessica Chastain are among the growing list of Hollywood stars who have eschewed animal products from their diets in recent years. Theres also been an increasing number of professional athletes who have gone vegan, such as boxing champions Mike Tyson and David Haye, thus debunking the myth that following a plant-based diet will leave you feeling weak and malnourished. AFP/Getty/NARAS/iHeartMedia Food and drink news McDonald's has announced the launch of a new vegan burger on its menu in Germany This will mark the first time the German franchise of the fast food chain has offered a vegan burger to its customers. The Big Vegan TS burger consists of a patty made from soy and wheat. It is served in a classic sesame seed bun, and contains salad, tomato, pickles and red onion. McDonald's Germany Food and drink news Drinking too many protein shakes could lead to an increased risk of obesity and a reduced lifespan, a new study has claimed Researchers from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre carried out an investigation to determine the impact excessive consumption of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) has on the body. BCAA supplements are often consumed in the form of powder, which is then added to water to make a shake. Published in journal Nature Metabolism, the study found that while BCAAs help to build muscle, they can also negatively impact an individual's temperament, cause weight gain and lead to a shortened lifespan Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Britain consumes more chocolate than any other country Most people love chocolate but it turns out no one does more than the Brits with the average Brit found to have consumed 8.4 kg of chocolate in 2017, according to new data. Chocolate consumption around the world is on the rise, according to Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), which found that in the past year alone, Easter chocolate production has risen by 23 per cent Food and drink news 'Easter eggs should be banned for children under four' Dr Becky Spelman, chief psychologist at Harley Streets Private Therapy Clinic, is calling for Easter eggs to be banned for consumption for children under the age of four, claiming that giving them the opportunity to binge on chocolate so young will give them an unhealthy relationship with food later on. "This is a nightmare situation for parents of this generation as they have no idea how to teach their children to delay their response to cravings, she said, explaining that too many young kids binge on these chocolates because their parents dont know how to stop them. "Once a child starts overeating behaviour at a young age its very hard to turn things around for them in terms of food and their eating habits moving forward, leading to obesity from at very young age," she added PA Food and drink news Pineapple overtakes avocado as the UK's fastest-selling fruit According to Tesco, pineapple has overtaken avocado as the UKs fastest-selling fruit, with sales increasing by 15 per cent in 2017. In comparison, avocado sales rose by just under 10 per cent last year. The popular supermarket says the surge in popularity comes as shoppers buying the versatile fruit are beginning to use it as a main ingredient in everything from curries and barbecues, to juices and cocktails Getty Food and drink news Marks & Spencers launches stoneless avocados Rather than the result of genetic modification, the avocados are formed by an unpollinated avocado blossom. The fruit develops without a seed which in turns stops the growth, creating a small, seedless fruit. Whats more, the skin is actually edible, unlike a regular avocado. The flesh is much like that of a normal avocado - smooth and creamy, pale in colour and rich in flavour M&S Food and drink news Office teabags contain 17 times more germs than a toilet seat, reveals study The average bacterial reading of an office teabag was 3,785, in comparison to only 220 for a toilet seat. Other pieces of kitchen equipment also stacked up highly in their findings, with the bacterial readings averaging at 2,483 on kettle handles, 1,746 on the rim of a used mug and 1,592 on a fridge door handle Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New study shows drinking more coffee leads to a longer life There is good news and a final hope for coffee addicts and lovers. You will now be able to drink coffee for longer as new study shows its can lead to a prolonged life. Scientists showed that those who drank between two and four cups of coffee a day had 18% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers. PA Food and drink news Coke Zero is replaced with Coke Zero Sugar Coca-Cola is pulling the plug on its Coke Zero. The much loved drink will be replaced with a new improved taste. The move, backed with a 10 million campaign, is said to come from Coca-Cola supporting people to reduce their sugar intake. Coca-Cola want people make this move while not sacrificing sugary taste of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola Food and drink news Starbucks introduce new avocado spread The avocado craze has grown from hipster brunch restaurants to Starbucks. Starbucks have introduced their new avocado spread earlier this year and it has the internet in debate. Some argue that it not a spread but guacamole while others question if there is any avocado in there at all. When buying the new spread you can also buy an optional toasted bagel. It is a must try for all avocado connoisseurs. Starbucks Food and drink news New Mars chocolate bar The iconic British chocolate bar is about to get its partner in crime. The new bar, named Goodness Knows, will replace the gooey caramel goodness of the mars bar with oats. It is said to be more like a Florentine biscuit with a thin dark chocolate bottom. While being moderately healthy Mars says that is has good intentions. One pack has 154 calories and will sell for about 90p. Mars Food and drink news Wine prices could increase because of Brexit Wine lovers across the UK might soon have to shell out close to a quarter more for their favourite tipple after Brexit, as a weaker pound and sluggish economy takes its toll, a new study shows Rex Food and drink news Chocolate may be good for the heart A new study, published in the British Medical Journal: Heart, found that moderate chocolate intake can be positively associated with lessening the risk of the heart arrhythmia condition Atrial Fibrillation Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Brits throw away 1.4 million bananas each year British families are throwing away 1.4 million bananas that are perfectly good to eat every day at cost of 80m a year, new figures have shown PA/Armin Weigel Food and drink news Rosemary sales spike over exam time There has been a surge a surge in sales of the herb rosemary after a recent study found it helps improve memory. According to high street health food chain Holland & Barrett, sales of the herb have increased by 187 per cent compared to the same time last year Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Gluten-free diets 'not recommended' for people without coeliac disease Avoiding wheat, barley and rye in the belief that a gluten-free diet brings health benefits may do more harm than good, according to a team of US nutrition and medicine experts Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Starbucks launches two new coffee-based drinks Starbucks is launching two new coffee-based drinks in the UK, as it strives to tap into consumers growing appetite for healthy beverages. The Cold Brew Vanilla sweet cream and the Cappuccino Freddo, will both be available in stores throughout the UK from the start of May Twitter/@SbuxCountyHall Food and drink news Cadburys Dairy Milk Tiffin is making a permanent comeback after 80 years The Cadbury Dairy Milk Tiffin, first produced in 1937, is making a permanent comeback to the UK. The raisin and biscuit-filled chocolate bar is being launched after a successful trial last summer saw 3 million chocolate treats at the cost of 1.49 for each 95g bar- purchased by nostalgic customers Cadburys Food and drink news Pizza restaurant makes worlds cheesiest 'Scottie's Pizza Parlor' in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Facebook/Scottie's Pizza Parlor Food and drink news A pizza joint in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Why not eating before a workout could be better for your health A study published in the American Journal of Physiology by researchers at the University of Bath found you might be likely to burn more fat if you have not eaten first Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New York restaurant named best in the world A New York restaurant where an average meal for two will cost $700 has been named the best in the world. Eleven Madison Park won the accolade for the first time after debuting on the list at number 50 in 2010. The restaurant was praised for a fun sense of fine-dining, blurring the line between the kitchen and the dining room Getty Images Food and drink news Why you crave bad food when youre tired Researchers at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University in Chicago recently presented their results of a study looking into the effects of sleep deprivation upon high-calorific food consumption. Researchers found that those who were sleep-deprived had specifically enhanced brain activity to the food smells compared to when they had a good nights sleep Shutterstock Food and drink news Drinking wine engages more of your brain than solving maths problems Drinking wine is the ideal workout for your brain, engaging more parts of our grey matter than any other human behaviour, according to a leading neuroscientist. Dr Gordon Shepherd, from the Yale School of Medicine, said sniffing and analysing a wine before drinking it requires exquisite control of one of the biggest muscles in the body Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news British dessert eating surges after people ditch healthy eating in February : In heartening news for anyone feeling guilty about quitting their New Year diet, it seems lots of us have given in to our sweet tooths once again. New data from nationwide food-delivery service Deliveroo reveals there was a surge in Brits ordering desserts in February compared to the first month of 2017 Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news US congress debates definition of milk alternatives A new bill has been created that seeks to ban dairy alternatives from using the term milk. Titled the DAIRY PRIDE Act, the name is a tenuous acronym for defending against imitations and replacements of yogurt, milk, and cheese to promote regular intake of dairy every day. It argues that the dairy industry is struggling as a result of all the dairy-free alternatives on the market and the public are being duped too Getty Images Food and drink news Cadburys launches two new chocolate bars UK confectionary giant Cadbury has launched two new chocolate bars, hoping to lure those with a sweet tooth and perhaps help combat some of the challenges it faces from rising commodity prices and a post-Brexit slump in the value of the pound.The companys new products will be peanut butter and mint flavoured. They will be available in most major super markets as 120g bars, priced at 1.49, according to the company Cadburys Food and drink news You can now get a job as a professional chocolate eater The company responsible for some of your favourite chocolate brands think Cadbury, Milks, Prince and Oreo have officially announced an opening to join their team as a professional chocolate taster. The successful candidate will help them to test, perfect and launch new products all over the world. Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news MSG additive used in Chinese food is actually good for you, scientist claims For years, weve been told MSG (the sodium salt of glutamic acid) - often associated with cheap Chinese takeaways - is awful for our health and to be avoided at all costs. But one scientist argues it should be used as a supersalt and encourages adding it to food. Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Lettuce prices are rising Not only are lettuces becoming an increasingly rare commodity in supermarkets, but prices for the leafy vegetables seem to be rising too. According to the weekly report from the Governments Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a pair of Little Gem lettuces had an average market price of 0.86 in the week that ended on Friday, up from an average of 0.56 in the previous week thats an almost 54 per cent increase. Getty Images Food and drink news Do-It-Yourself restaurant To encourage more people to cook and eat together, IKEA has launched The Dining Club in Shoreditch a fully immersive Do-It-Yourself restaurant . Members of the public can book to host a brunch, lunch or dinner party for up to 20 friends and family. Supported by their very own sous chef and maitre de, the host and their guests will orchestrate an intimate dining experience where cooking together is celebrated and eating together is inspirational Mikael Buck / IKEA Food and drink news Ping Pong menu with a twist Gatwick Airport has teamed up with London dim sum restaurant Ping Pong to create a limited edition menu with a distinctly British twist; including a Full English Bao and Beef Wellington Puff, to celebrate the launch of the airports new route to Hong Kong Food and drink news Zizzi unveil the Maamgharita Unique pizza art has been created by Zizzi in celebration of the Queens 90th birthday. The pizza features the queen in an iconic pose illustrated with fresh and tasty Italian ingredients on a backdrop of the Union Jack Food and drink news Blue potatoes make a comeback Blue potatoes, once a staple part of British potato crops, are back on the menu thanks to a Cambridge scientist turned-organic farmer and Farmdrop, an online marketplace that lets people buy direct from local farms. Cambridge PhD graduate-turned farmer, Adrian Izzard has used traditional growing techniques at Wild Country Organics to produce the colourful spuds, packed with healthy cell-protecting anthocyanin, which had previously disappeared from UK plates when post-war farmers were pushed towards higher-yielding varieties The concerns of the paper also went beyond consumer rights. It continued: Some products labelled as olive oil may contain seed oil, which poses a serious health risk to consumers who are allergic to seed oil. The report then directed the Food and Drug Administration to to take a sampling of imported olive oil to determine if it is adulterated or misbranded. But olive oil is far from the only food product to be mis-sold to consumers. Earlier this year, Interpol and Europol made some of the biggest ever seizures of fake food in a sweeping operation in 57 countries across the world. In Italy, officers found 85 tonnes of olives which had been doused in copper sulphate solutions to enhance their colour. In Australia, tests done by officers to 450 kg of honey revealed it had been blended or adulterated, violating food standards. In Eastern Europe, investigators in discovered fake chocolates, sweets and non-alcoholic sparkling wine marketed towards children. Housed in locations in Hungary, Italy, Lithuania and Romania, the goods were intended for export to West Africa. False labelling also proved to be a major concern for the authorities and was found to affect products globally. Also in Australia, a batch of peanuts had been repackaged and labelled as pine nuts. This posed a significant public health risk -- peanuts can induce anaphylactic shock, potentially lethal to people allergic to them. Nine million in counterfeit banknotes discovered And its not just food. In the UK, nearly 10,000 litres of fake or adulterated alcohol including wine, whisky and vodka were found by officers. Counterfeit alcohol has continued to be sold to pubs. In May, Ranjit Singh, of Wallsend, Tyneside, was found guilty of supplying more than 300 bottles of fake vodka which included the same ingredients as screen wash to a local bar. Todays rising food prices and the global nature of the food chain offer the opportunity for criminals to sell counterfeit and substandard food in a multi-billion criminal industry which can pose serious potential health risks to unsuspecting customers, said Chris Vansteenkiste, Cluster Manager of the Intellectual Property Crime Team at Europol. He added: The complexity and scale of this fraud means cooperation needs to happen across borders with a multi-agency approach. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The US Coast Guard is searching for a woman believed to have been seen on CCTV footage falling overboard from a cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Officials from the agency said that the district command centre in New Orleans was contacted by the 13-deck cruise ship Carnival Liberty and alerted about a missing passenger. The ship reported that surveillance video showed a woman falling overboard at about 2am on Friday morning. The woman has been named as Samantha Broberg from Arlington, Virginia. The cruise ship Carnival Liberty has 13 decks (Wikipedia) A Coast Guard aircraft was dispatched from Mobile, Alabama, to search the area - about 200 miles southeast of Galveston - where she is believed to have fallen, the Associated Press said. Earlier today, a 33-year-old female guest on the cruise ship Carnival Liberty was reported missing by traveling companions. A ship-wide search was conducted along with a review of the ships camera footage. A ship-wide search was conducted along with a review of the ships camera footage, the cruise line said in a statement. Unfortunately, it appears the guest may have gone overboard early this morning. Authorities were notified including the US Coast Guard which is initiating a search effort in the area where the ship was located when the individual was last seen. Ms Broberg was on a four-day tour to Mexico (Facebook) It added: Carnival is providing support to the guests traveling companions and family. We are keeping our guest and her loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time. The ships crew posted photographs of Ms Broberg and carried out a search. Cruise passenger Linda Lopez told KTRK News: They wanted to check every single room to make sure that every guest was in their room. They were just keeping us updated like we have not found her. She added: People are talking about it everywhere. Theyre very sad. The Carnival Liberty cruise ship had taken off from Galveston, Texas on Thursday for a four-day Mexico tour. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A woman who was shot dead in a domestic dispute recorded the sound of her own killing using her mobile phone, police have said. Wesley Webb, from Pennsylvania, activated an audio recording programme on her phone just before her death, capturing the events of the shooting on 2 May at the home she shared with her partner in Phoenixville, near Philadelphia. According to police, the sound of a gunshot can be heard on the recording followed by a mans voice understood to be the 40-year-olds partner Keith Robert Smith. After the shot, Smith can be heard yelling, F*** you! Hows that? Thats where we just went, CBS News reports citing police. Authorities said Ms Webb and Smith had become involved in a fight during which she decided to leave the home with two of the children. Wesley Webb, 40 (GoFundMe) Smith allegedly shot Ms Webb fatally in the chest with a 12-gauge shotgun and then tried unsuccessfully to kill himself, 6 ABC reports. Smith, 43, was charged with a number of offences in connection with the incident on Wednesday, including murder. One of three children understood to have been present in the house at the time of the incident called emergency services after the shooting, CBS Philadelphia station KYW reported. All of the children are believed to be under 14, the Times of Chester County reports. The recording continues until police arrived at the scene. This was a savage, selfish and cowardly murder, Chester County District Attorney Thomas Hogan said in a statement. The defendant was focused on killing his girlfriend. He callously ignored the fact that he was killing somebody who was a mom, a sister, a daughter. The defendant did not hesitate to kill his girlfriend. But flinched when it came to killing himself, DA Hogan said. Smith, who was hospitalised in a stable condition on Wednesday, has been charged with murder, criminal homicide, child endangerment, reckless endangerment and a weapons crime. DA Hogan says the phone recording will be admissible in court. Ms Webbs sister has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Ms Webbs two children. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The relationship between the US and Venezuela has for many years been nothing less than toxic. In 2002, then President Hugo Chavez was briefly ousted in a coup by opponents supported by the US. Washington continued to funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars to his critics, while Mr Chavez took to the podium of the UN to accuse George W Bush of being the devil. Now, President President Nicolas Maduro has extended a state of emergency in the country for another 60 days and accused Washington of plotting against him, as US intelligence has claimed the country is heading for meltdown. Mr Maduro secured the extension of emergency powers, as unnamed US intelligence officials told reporters in Washington they doubted that the left-wing president would allow a recall referendum this year, despite opposition-led protests demanding a vote to decide whether he stays in office. The officials told the reporters that Mr Maduro was not likely to be able to complete his term, which is due to end after elections in late 2018, according to Reuters, which was among those briefed by the officials. On Friday night, Mr Maduro delivered a televised national address in which he directly accused the US of seeing to foment his ouster. Washington is activating measures at the request of Venezuelas fascist right, who are emboldened by the coup in Brazil, he said. We have already seen the image of the oligarchy signing and removing power to the people. An economic state of emergency has been in force in Venezuela since January, including rationing of food and other goods. The country is facing economic criris largely because of the crash in oil prices. Critics also accuse the government of failing to tackle corruption. Soldiers fired tear gas at protesters (AP) During the Chavez years, the country was able to invest in extensive social programmes, using the taxes from its oil wealth. It remains a major supplier to the US. In Washington, the US intelligence officials told reporters they believed a crisis was imminent. You can hear the ice cracking. You know theres a crisis coming. Our pressure on this isnt going to resolve this issue, said one official. Another said: This is really not the case that the US is rooting for any outcome other than there not be an economic meltdown or social violence. There are reasons for concern that over the summer as Venezuela gives importance to payments on debt over imports that these events could spiral. Yet observers of the region point out that the US has a long history of seeking to interfere in the politics of Venezuela, as well as elsewhere in Latin America. In addition to supporting those who ousted Mr Chavez in 2002, the US poured hundreds of thousands of dollars to his opponents via the so-called National Endowment for Democracy. In 2013, a former US official with a long history of opposing democratically elected governments in Latin America, accused Mr Maduro of stealing his election victory. Sees or promotes, the activist and government advisor Eva Gollinger wrote on Twitter, after retweeting an article from a US newspaper with the headline US sees rising risk of coup in Venezuela. Mark Weisbrot, a regional expert with the Centre for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, confirmed that Venezuela was suffering from economic problems, though perhaps not as badly as the International Monetary Fund predicted. He said that last year, inflation stood at 180 per cent. And yet he questioned the motives for unidentified US intelligence officials briefing Americans reporters on the issue. "The US has had a policy of regime change in Venezuela for at least 15 years," he said. "This is part of its strategy. They are saying this to threaten and destabilise the country." This week, Venezuela has reportedly seen people stealing flour, chicken and even underwear as looting increased. Soldiers fired tear gas at stone-throwing protesters on Wednesday as Venezuela's opposition marched. Mr Maduro has sworn he will not be forced out before his term expires in 2019 and accuses the opposition of seeking a coup against him to destroy the socialist legacy of his predecessor. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A Chinese province with a large Muslim population has banned religion in nursery schools after a video of a little girl reciting the Quran was posted online. The government in the northwestern province of Gansu reiterated the fiercely secular communist government's rules forbidding the presence of religion in public schools. It said the country's constitution and education laws protect children. "This video has drawn a gasp from the public, as many people are infuriated," a statement from the education authority said. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty "The Education Department of Gansu province strongly condemns the act that harms the mental health of the youth, and demands education agencies of all levels to stop it resolutely and strictly bans religion from campuses." The video shows the young girl wearing a black Muslim head covering and reciting verses from the Quran as her classmates look on. Gansu is home to around 1.6 billion Muslims, the third largest population of Muslims in China's provinces and regions, behind Xinjiang and Ningxia. China uses music to recruit young soldiers Last year, China approved a ban on women wearing the burqa in public in northwest Xinjiang. Later in the year, Muslim party members, civil servants, students and teachers were told not to fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. China also enforces strict restrictions on religious participation by young people outside of school, particularly in its culturally distinct western regions, where Islam and Tibetan Buddhism are widely practiced. The government is especially wary of what it sees as the use of religion to promote a non-Chinese cultural identity or independence for Tibet and the northwestern region of Xinjiang. Additional reporting by Associated Press For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} At least three people are dead and dozens more injured after a mass brawl more than a hundred strong inside a Russian cemetery. More than 90 people have been arrested after mass violence erupted in the 200-hectare Khovanskoye cemetery, in Moscows south-west outskirts. At least three people have been killed in the shocking scenes, reportedly run over by people fleeing the chaos in their cars. Early reports indicated a police officer had also been killed, but this has yet to be confirmed. Varying reports suggest between 200 and 400 people were fighting in the graveyard, with pictures on social media allegedly showing men holding baseball bats and iron polls as they got involved in the fighting. Police spokeswoman Sofya Khotina stated the brawl was over a territorial dispute. Vladimir Putin and the people Show all 11 1 /11 Vladimir Putin and the people Vladimir Putin and the people 561608.bin Vladimir Putin and the people 561611.bin GETTY IMAGES Vladimir Putin and the people 561614.bin EPA Vladimir Putin and the people 561615.bin REUTERS Vladimir Putin and the people 561617.bin AP Vladimir Putin and the people 561618.bin GETTY IMAGES Vladimir Putin and the people 561620.bin PA Vladimir Putin and the people 561621.bin AP Vladimir Putin and the people 561622.bin GETTY IMAGES Vladimir Putin and the people 561624.bin GETTY IMAGES Vladimir Putin and the people 561625.bin EPA Rival groups of cemetery workers are said to be behind the disturbance, which was fuelled by lucrative contracts for gravestones and other funeral services. It is thought the migrant gangs, predominantly from former Soviet republics in Central Asia and the Caucasus, were armed with shovels, spades and sticks. Gunshots were also heard, but are thought to have come from police trying to control the situation, with some firing in to the air. The Russian interior ministry confirmed more than 50 people had been detained after the clash. Moscows Health Department stated 23 people had been taken to hospital, with four said to be in a critical condition. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Denmark is set to become the first country to no longer define being transgender as a mental illness. Government officials said classifying transgender people as mentally ill was stigmatising and they had run out of patience with the World Health Organisations (WHO) work on the definition. Being transgender is officially considered a mental or behavioural disorder by the WHO, although the organisation is currently assessing its guidance. Changes by the WHO are characteristically slow, and the Danish government will now aim to push ahead with the move on 1 January 2017. At the moment, transgender is listed as a mental illness or behavioural problem, Social Democrat health spokesman Flemming Moller Mortensen told Danish news agency Ritzau. That is incredibly stigmatising and in no way reflects how we see transgender people in Denmark. It should be a neutral diagnosis. He added: "The WHO is currently working on a new system for registering diagnoses. It has been working on it for a very, very long time. Now weve run out of patience, and want to send out a signal saying that if the system is not changed by October, then we in Denmark will go it alone. The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe Show all 15 1 /15 The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 15. Italy Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 14. Macedonia The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 13. Poland Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 12. Liechtenstein The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 11. Lithuania The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 10. Latvia This content is subject to copyright. The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 9. San Marino The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 8. Moldova The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 7. Belarus Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 6. Ukraine Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 5. Monaco The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 4. Turkey Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 3. Armenia The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 2. Russia Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 1. Azerbaijan Getty/AFP Classifying being transgendered as mentally ill can also cause other problems, Mr Mortensen said. Its incredibly discriminatory to put transgender people in a box with mental and behavioural illnesses. It also has other consequences," he said. "Trans people can be denied insurance because they have a diagnosis." Health Minster Sophie Lohde confirmed to local media that there would be a Danish solo act to push ahead with the move if the WHO did not publish its report into the issue in a timely fashion. The proposal to declassify sexual orientation in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) was first submitted in January 2014. The revised ICD is not expected until 2017. In the 1993 WHO classifications, a person whose gender identity or sexual preference is not in doubt, but...wishes it were different is listed as a Psychological and Behavioural Disorder associated with Sexual Development and Orientation. Denmark has been criticised by rights groups in the past for its treatment of transgender people, who had to undergo forced sterilisation and gain medical approval before being legally recognised as a different gender. However, in 2014, a landmark ruling allowed transgendered adults to legally choose their own gender identity without official medical approval. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A transgender mafia boss has been found shot dead after being missing for three days. Giovanni Arrivoli, 41, was found half buried in a ditch near Naples in Italy and had been shot three times, twice in the head, in what police said appeared to be an execution-style killing. Arrivoli, who was assigned a female gender at birth, underwent female-to-male gender reassignment surgery and was reportedly a senior member of the local Pagato Amato crime family, The Mirror reported. He had been reported missing by his girlfriend, who he reportedly intended to marry, and after three days police found his body on 13 May, with local media reporting there were signs he had been tortured and forced to kneel before he was killed. Police have so far offered no explanation as to the murder of Arrivoli, who owned the Blue Moon cafe in Melito di Napoli, where the crime family conducts much of its business. However theories of the killing put forward by local media range from a killing by a rival criminal gang to a drug deal gone wrong to a warning to Arrivolis younger brother, Carmine Borrello, who was rumoured to have joined a rival gang. Arrivoli had been released from jail in 2012 after serving time in prison on drug-related charges. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hezbollah's top military commander in Syria was killed by shelling by Sunni extremists, the group has claimed, vowing to continue its involvement in the country's civil war. Mustafa Amine Badreddine became the highest ranking casualty for Hezbollah since the group joined Syria's civil four years ago. The group said the blast that killed Badreddine near the Damascus International Airport was caused by artillery shelling by takfiri groups, a term Hezbollah uses to refer to Sunni militant groups. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that according to his network of activists in the area on the ground, there has been no shelling in the airport area since Wednesday. Hezbollah must come forward with proof about the death of its commander, Mr Abdurrahman said. Hezbollah's statement said Badreddine's killing will only boost the group's will and intention to continue fighting these criminal gangs until they are defeated". It added that defeating insurgent groups in Syria was the wish of Badreddine, who was also known among the group's ranks as Zulfiqar. Top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine killed in Syria group confirms Hezbollah's statements hinted that the group will continue to be deeply involved in the conflict next door that has killed more than 250,000 people since 2011, including more than 1,000 Hezbollah fighters. It is the same battle against the American-Zionist project that the terrorists are spearheading, Hezbollah's statement said. Hezbollah has sent thousands of fighters to Syria to back President Bashar Assad's government against rebels trying to remove him from power. The group announced Badreddine's death on Friday without saying when the attack occurred. It said at the time that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the blast. People toss rose petals as Hezbollah members stand near the coffin of top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in an attack in Syria, during his funeral in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon (Hasan Shaaban/Reuters) The 55-year-old Badreddine had directed Hezbollah's operations in Syria since its fighters joined Assad's forces in 2012, the group's biggest-ever military intervention outside of Lebanon. Thousands of guerrillas fighting alongside Syria's military were crucial to tipping the battlefield in the government's favour on multiple fronts, from the suburbs of Damascus to the northern province of Aleppo. With Badreddine's death, Hezbollah is likely to rely on a younger generation of commanders, moving away from the veterans who came of age during Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war or during Hezbollah's 18-year war against Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000. One possible successor, Ibrahim Aqil, is among the last major figures from that generation. A member of Hezbollah's highest military body, the Jihad Council, Aqil has been involved in the Syria fighting and is suspected in hostage-takings in the 1980s and a bombing campaign in Paris in 1986. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A professor who won a prestigious Israeli prize has promised to donate the award money to a group of peace activists striving to achieve full civic equality between Israelis and Palestinians. David Shulman, an American-born Israeli who teaches at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, won the Israel Prize for his academic work on the languages and cultures of India. He said he will donate the $20,000 (14,000) award to Taayush - an Israeli group, co-founded by Mr Shulman, working to help Palestinians. The award is given out by the State of Israel to people or organisations who have demonstrated excellence in their field and is generally regarded as the state's highest honour. It is presented annually on Israeli Independence Day as part of the celebrations to mark the foundation of the Israeli state. Speaking about the award in a video on Thursday, Mr Shulman said: I hesitated to accept this prize giving the deteriorating situation, which now includes persecution of Taayush activists and other peace and human rights activists by the establishment and the far right, who seek to perpetuate the Occupation. Taayush describes itself as a grassroots movement working to break down the walls of racism, segregation, and apartheid by constructing a true Arab-Jewish partnership". The group have been working for over a decade in areas of occupied Palestinian territories, focusing their efforts in the South Hebron Hills. In the South Hebron Hills we find a civilian population of several thousand Palestinians living in tents, in caves and in small khirbehs scattered over the hills, says Mr Shulman. In the early 1980s Israeli settlements were established in their midst and since then, the people of this region have been subject to frequent attacks by settlers and the security forces, who regularly destroy their homes. A continually worsening threat of expulsion hovers over them. Video footage shows Mr Shulman and his fellow Taayush members helping Palestinian farmers with their harvests, cleaning wells, renovating roads and accompanying local school children along the settlement of Chavat Maon. We in Ta'ayush feel an ethical duty to defend the innocent civilian population and to stand by them in the face of on-going violence, says Mr Shulman. I have decided to donate the prize money to supporting the on-going activists of Taayush. Mr Shulman has worked with Taayush for around 15 years. In 2007 he published the book Dark Hope: Working for Peace in Israel and Palestine, documenting his years of volunteering in the movement. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Parents in Ontario who want their children to be exempt from immunisation requirements in public schools may have to complete a class in the science of vaccination. Health Minister Eric Hoskins tabled a bill that if passed would require any parent filing religious or moral objections to complete a course intended to inform them of the importance of immunisation and the dangers of foregoing it. "Choosing to vaccinate your child protects them from disease, and it protects vulnerable children who cant get vaccinated for medical reasons," Mr Hoskins said in a statement, adding that the bill aims to help parents make informed decisions about vaccinations. The proposed amendments to the Immunisation of School Pupils Act also aims to improve how vaccinations are reported. It comes after over 900 students were suspended from school in Waterloo Region for outdated or incomplete vaccination records, according to CTV Kitchner. Children can be suspended for up to 20 days if they have an outdated record. But they can return to class once parents provide proof of immunisation or a valid exemption to Public Health. If the suspension period has passed, the child can return to school even if records are not up-to-date. Currently, parents must report their childrens own immunisation records to their local public health unit directly. Under the proposed changes, health care providers would be required to report vaccines they administer to their local public health unit instead, making it easier for parents. Mr Hoskins said the changes would reduce unnecessary suspensions due to out-of-date immunisation records. Children in Ontario are required to show proof of immunisation against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough), meningococcal disease, and for children born in 2010 or later, varicella (chickenpox) to attend publicly-funded schools, according to CTV News. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Q My husband and I were due to fly with Virgin Atlantic on 18 April to Havana to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Our daughter fell ill the day before and we had to cancel our trip. I contacted Virgin Atlantic on 17 April and told them about the problem. They advised me to do a no-show" and then re-book the flights. There would be a fee of 150 which I understood was for both tickets. When I tried to re-book the fee was 150 per ticket plus a difference on the price of the ticket. That was 380-plus on top of the 1,740 I had already paid to fly on the 18 April. I told them about our special circumstances, and I asked them to consider this but all I got was a wall of terms and conditions. They referred us to travel insurance, but I was going to arrange cover the night before we travelled and did not manage to do so. All we want is a straight swap of our tickets to the new dates when we can travel without having to pay anything else. Is that too much to ask? Name withheld A I am sorry to hear about your daughters illness, and I hope she is recovering. Your frustration about the airlines attitude is understandable - but I am afraid that your expectations are out of line with practice in the airline industry. Given the circumstances, Virgin Atlantic has been much more generous than it needed to be. Assuming you were travelling on non-refundable and non-changeable tickets, an airline is entitled to keep your money and simply suggest you claim on your travel insurance - which, as you say, was not in place. Most airlines sell highly restricted tickets knowing that a proportion of passengers will have to cancel. That is not an unreasonable practice, given that in many cases the passenger will claim on their travel insurance. Normally a no-show would trigger an automatic cancellation of your tickets. In this case Virgin Atlantic allowed you to re-book. It is reasonable to charge a fee for this courtesy (150 per person is typical) and, crucially, any difference in price between the fare you paid and the prevailing fare on the flight you now wish to take. If you believe you were misinformed during the telephone call, you could ask for the recording to be reviewed. But another explanation might be that, at a stressful and upsetting time, you found it understandably difficult to take in all the detail about a complicated re-ticketing issue. In a case like this, I fear that all you can do is vow to insure your next trip as soon as you book the flights. Cancellation cover comes as standard with most policies, and I urge anyone booking flights costing close to 2,000 to make sure they are insured. Sorry I cant be more optimistic about the chances of avoiding the re-booking fees. Every day, our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles readers questions. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Ask me for my nationality and Ill tell you Im a European. No Brexiteer, I. But there are times when I do wonder if the EU doesnt cosy up too much to some very unsavoury folk. In my archives, I have tens of thousands of pages of notes, clippings, documents and reports from the Middle East over 40 years. Some of those files also cover the Bosnian war. I have in front of me a dispatch I wrote 18 years ago, when I was in the Kosovo capital of Pristina still part of old Serbia, still controlled by the thugs of the Serbian paramilitary police, and already partially controlled by the so-called Kosovo Liberation Army. Down from the Serbian capital of Belgrade on 18 June 1998 comes this rather suave, dangerous young man I unkindly referred to his baby face, thick lips and quick smile who tries to persuade us journalists that all dictator Slobodan Milosevic wants in Kosovo is peace, dialogue and human rights for everyone, including the 90 per cent Muslim Kosovar Albanian population. Not a word of Serbias suppression of Kosovos autonomy nine years earlier. Given that he was Milosovics information minister, and not long before that the spokesman for Vojeslav Seselj, leader of the Serbian militia which ethnically cleansed much of Bosnia and who said that his men had graduated to rusty shoehorns in putting out Croat eyes, we didnt expect this dapper gent in his smart blue blazer with shiny buttons to say much about ethnic cleansing. Serbia: PM Vucic condemns Hungary s anti-migrant wall proposal Was the minister aware, I asked him, that large areas of Kosovo were under the control of armed Albanian separatists? This is good justification for the presence of [Serbian] government forces on this territory, he replied. And there was no reason to use comparisons with Bosnia and here we all held our breath with the vocabulary of the situation in Srebrenica. Ah yes, the problem of vocabulary words like massacre, rape, pillage, the worst European war crime since 1945. That word situation came from Vucics lips, a craven, pusillanimous expression for the execution of more than 8,000 Muslims into mass graves that followed the 1995 surrender of the UN safe haven of Srebrenica to the Serb murderers. The vocabulary of the situation in Srebrenica: here was the Serbian minister, less than three years after the slaughter, palming us off with this Blairite expression while lecturing us on civic duty, constitutional rights, patriotism and non-violence. When he mentioned Srebrenica, without the slightest emotion in the midst of his creamy propaganda, it was like finding a splinter of glass in a piece of chocolate, a little horror buried away amid the soft undergrowth of words. So why should we be surprised again, less than three years after this chilling press conference in Pristina to find the same tall, rather gangling but smart young man accompanying the monstrous Vojislav Seselj (under a veil of secrecy and in the company of Iraqi security agents) to Baghdad as a guest of Saddam Husseins Baath party? Seselj held a long meeting with Saddam Iraq was at the time crushed by ten years of crippling sanctions which were imposed following Iraqs 1990 invasion of Kuwait after landing at Damascus airport in Syria and being escorted by both Syrian and Iraqi escorts to the border post at Wadi Ash Shalan for the overland journey to Baghdad. But now I must introduce you to this ambitious chap whose boss was housed in one of Saddams guest villas and who joined the Iraqi dictator in a joint condemnation of American aggression. Yes, the former Milosovic minister of information who knew very well that Saddam had sent telegrams of mutual support to Milosovic at the height of the 1999 Kosovo war when the Serbs, under NATO air attack, were driving 200,000 Muslims out of Kosovo is none other than the present-day Prime Minister of Serbia. That man is Aleksander Vucic, who wants to take Serbia into the EU and is thus loved by our EU mates in Brussels and who is now advised by no drawing in of breath here, please Tony Blair. And since Blair has now advised the dictator of Uzbekistan and more recently the Egyptian coup leader, Brigadier General President al-Sissi, Vucic is in good company. A safe pair of hands, then, greeted warmly these days in Downing Street and Brussels; not just a prodigal son, but a man whose decision to accept a compromise UN resolution on Kosovo acknowledging a World Court ruling that Kosovos independence declaration was legal was embraced by our Brussels elite as a major breakthrough. All of which will accelerate Belgrades request for membership of the EU. Blessed are the Peacemakers. Marcus Tanner: A coup that has shown Serbia at its best and worst Show all 2 1 /2 Marcus Tanner: A coup that has shown Serbia at its best and worst Marcus Tanner: A coup that has shown Serbia at its best and worst 610503.bin Getty Images Marcus Tanner: A coup that has shown Serbia at its best and worst 610504.bin Rex Features Vucic, of course, is doing all the right things. He now runs the Serbian Progressive Party, is heartily loathed by his old friend Seselj who was cleared of war crimes in Bosnia after eight years of imprisonment at The Hague and even turned up at the Srebrenica memorial service last year, where Bill Clinton rashly urged mourners to shake him by the hand. Vucic laid flowers at the cemetery. The Bosnian Muslims, however, had longer memories than the smoothies from the EU. They recalled a Vucic speech from the Bosnian war years For every Serb killed, we will kill 100 Muslims and they pelted him with stones and bottles. Only a few days earlier, the wretched Vucic had urged Russia to block a UN resolution that would have condemned the Srebrenica massacre as genocide, an act which the EU had typically ignored, but which made Bosnian Muslims very angry. Thumbing through my old notes from 1998, of course, it all makes a lot of sense. It was the same old problem: Vucics difficulty, despite the flowers, was all about the vocabulary of the situation in Srebrenica. Massacre, yes; genocide, no. Not to worry. Lord Blair himself the guy who bombed Serbia for its cleansing of the Muslims of Kosovo is on hand to smooth the path to greatness of Aleksander Vucic as he leads his nation into the comity of European nations. With friends like these... Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} When David Cameron said he was the heir to Blair, he didnt realise that he was doing a deal like that struck by Jafar, the Grand Vizier of Agrabah in Aladdin. Jafar is the baddie who had three wishes and used one of them to become a genie himself, with phenomenal cosmic powers, but who was then trapped in a lamp, the price that he had to pay. Cameron copied the Master, as he used to call him, and acquired some of Tony Blairs phenomenal electoral powers winning an election everyone expected him to lose but he too has to pay a price. Like Blair, he is going to be trapped for ever in his own partys disapproval. As James Forsyth of The Spectator pointed out recently, the EU referendum is Camerons Iraq. So the Prime Minister is the heir to Blair in two ways. He has delivered his party into government for at least 10 years but his party is the opposite of grateful. Camerons unpopularity with his own is, as yet, nothing like the full carnival of loathing with which the Labour Party celebrates its former leader. That took 13 years to mature after the Iraq war, and the crucial event in breaking Camerons reputation with the members of his own party hasnt even happened yet. But in six weeks time, if the British people vote to stay in the European Union, the great betrayal thesis will start to curdle into proper animosity. You can tell that the Leavers are preparing for defeat. The late night outburst against ITV and Robert Peston, its political editor, by Dominic Cummings, the director of the Leave campaign, on Wednesday was a classic of the paranoid worldview. Cummings is a brilliant and original thinker who used to be Michael Goves special adviser at the Department for Education, but his claim that Peston was part of the In campaign, and that ITV had better look out because the people in No 10 wont be there for long, made the official Leave campaign look ridiculous. The parallels with the conspiracy theories of the less reality-based supporters of Scottish independence are uncanny. In the Scottish referendum, the SNP campaigned against BBC bias and against Nick Robinson, then the BBCs political editor, in person. If the Leave campaign loses the referendum, the mythology of treachery will soon be complete. The Leavers will need no Chilcot inquiry to establish the causes of their defeat. Media bias, an establishment stitch-up and dossier-loads of so-called facts sexed up by spin doctors in No 10 will be to blame. Fridays report from the International Monetary Fund, warning of a technical recession if Britain leaves the EU, could be the 45 minutes of the conspiracy theory of a stolen referendum. Already, sharp-eyed observers have noted that the Bank of England, in its warning of the consequences of Brexit on Thursday, used the same phrase, technical recession. The technical definition of a recession being two successive quarters of negative growth (or shrinkth, as it should be called). Suspicious, eh? Far more than Iraq, which, people forget, was supported by conventional opinion at the time, Britain's EU membership is overwhelmingly backed by all sources of authority. Not just the IMF and the Bank of England, but the Treasury, the leaderships of all parties except Ukip, and by Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and the Pope. Far from meaning that the Leavers will accept defeat with good grace, this is likely to intensify the feeling that the Remainers triumphed as the result of an elite conspiracy against the rough-hewn good sense of the British people. Which might not matter to Cameron, except that the membership of his own party are predominantly Leavers. Their hearts beat in that direction, as Im told he said recently. A YouGov poll after his renegotiation found that 59 per cent of them intended to vote Leave. If that is how Tory members divide on 23 June and it could easily be higher they are not going to forgive Cameron easily for selling the country down the Rhine, or whichever river Brussels is on (the Zenne or Senne). That is why Boris Johnson is in such a strong position to succeed Cameron, whether the referendum is won or lost. Half of Tory MPs, who draw up the shortlist of two candidates, are Outers, and then the Eurosceptic party members make the final choice. And that is why, even if he wins the referendum, Cameron will find that governing is like driving with the handbrake on, as Blair described his final years. Blair was talking about the effect of Gordon Brown on him, but Brown had that leverage only because Iraq had broken Blairs support in the wider Labour Party. Cameron will find that Johnson, whatever post he holds in the ironically named reconciliation reshuffle after the referendum, will have the same effect on his government. Europe is Camerons Iraq. If he gets his way, his party will hate him for ever. Like Blair before him, he is going to be sucked back into the lamp, Aladdins itty bitty living space, where he could be trapped for the rest of time. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The revelation that Facebook have been censoring news stories they dont agree with is seriously worrying. A seventh of the worlds population use Facebook, which means over a billion people are exposed to the sort of Lefty liberalism the social network seems to like. A wise man once said with great power comes great responsibility, but Facebook obviously dislikes this axiom, preferring instead to throw it in the bin along with free speech. Of course the left will be ecstatic, lauding Facebook for weeding out all the bigots and hatemongers, from moderate right-wingers to neo-Nazis. Theyll praise the company for making their website a safe space before demanding they implement a trigger-warning system to protect their infantilised hordes from the real world. Unfortunately this sort of censoriousness seems to be in vogue and encapsulated by no-platform policies across universities worldwide. Unsurprisingly, alongside Facebook, Twitter now polices their feeds in deference to this new insidious zeitgeist. Nick Pickles, Twitters UK Head of Policy, has said that the web has helped to make challenging, even upsetting viewpoints more visible in a way that is not always comfortable. Twitter, once describing itself as the free-speech wing of the free speech party, now acquiesces to the demands of a mollycoddled generation of politically-correct online crusaders. Like fragile flowers they collapse at the merest hint of a contrary argument. The next stage for Facebook? Even Angela Merkels in on it. The German Chancellor was overheard last September asking Mark Zuckerberg what he could do to counteract offensive posts about the refugee crisis. In February the Facebook bigwig joyfully announced that Facebook were to clamp down on xenophobic posts. The doctrine of censorship is spreading, even to the highest of governmental levels. Like the residents of a 1984 dystopia, advocates of this movement have an acute case of doublethink. On the one hand theyre fans of freedom. They, like most good people on this earth, are all for religious and sexual freedoms but when they turn to political freedom things turn a bit sour. Admittedly, politics is different in this regard because it can include views that wish to curb religious and sexual freedoms. Facebook and the liberals however fail to understand that those who espouse unpopular views have just as much a right to express them as anyone else, no matter how risible. That is true political freedom. They fail to see, for instance, that freedom of speech has this amazing mechanism in which the most universally condemned of viewpoints just go away. If theyre unpopular that means no ones going to listen, and if no one is listening they will fade into obscurity. It also has another essential function: the right to criticise. Facebook et al misunderstand this as the right to censor, probably because they havent got any good arguments. Angela Merkel does though. She has a good, humanitarian reason for opening Germanys borders. Pandering to the puerile yelps of lily-livered liberals by censoring Facebook posts, however, seems a desperate step back. Mark Zuckerbergs signature look Show all 8 1 /8 Mark Zuckerbergs signature look Mark Zuckerbergs signature look Mark Zuckerberg told a Q&A audience he doesn't like spending on "frivolous" decision and that includes his attire Mark Zuckerbergs signature look The Facebook founder is often seen wearing Adidas flip flops, a gray T-shirt and a hoodie Getty Images Mark Zuckerbergs signature look That's Mark Zuckerberg wearing his signature gray shirt (again) Getty Images Mark Zuckerbergs signature look ...And again Mark Zuckerbergs signature look Zuckerberg showed up for Facebook's IPO wearing his favourite hoodie REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton Mark Zuckerbergs signature look Zuckerberg pictured with his wife, Priscilla, wearing THAT hoodie EPA Mark Zuckerbergs signature look Zuckerberg speaking at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference in San Francisco (in THAT hoodie again) Mark Zuckerbergs signature look Mark Zuckerberg (centre) at the Facebook headquarters as he remotely rings the bell to open the Nasdaq Getty Images Mark Zuckerberg has under his control the most influential medium in the entire world and is misusing it. Zuckerberg is an amiable kind of fellow, the kind of person youd love to have a coffee with, but his brash disregard for right-wing views is insulting and disrespectful and his penchant for draconian censorship illustrates that even the most innovative and forward thinking of people can be afflicted with the liberal delusion. Like natural selection, reprehensible views, if they are universally regarded as being so, will largely disappear, so censorship is not needed. The real danger is when Facebook include moderate right-wing views in their purge, views shared by a lot of good, decent people. Lumping these people in with white supremacists, homophobes, and racists not only fundamentally misunderstands their views but displays a level of ignorance similar to real extremists. US CATERING giant Aramark paid $57.9m (51m) for Irish retailer Avoca - much less than the more than 60m that was speculated at the time of the sale last year. Aramark revealed the purchase price in its quarterly financial report issued this week, and confirmed that it paid for Avoca in cash. Avoca has 11 outlets in Ireland and employs close to 900 people. It will open its 12th store this autumn. The business was owned by the Pratt family, but had been put up for sale as long as a year before the acquisition. Managing director Simon Pratt said in a 2014 interview that he didn't envisage the business being passed on to the next generation, as the ownership and operating structure could become too complicated and fraught. "It would be almost inevitable that there would be conflict, and the idea that my kids could end up not speaking to my sister's kids is just appalling," he said. Avoca started off life in 1974 as a textiles business after Simon Pratt's father, Donald, acquired Avoca Handweavers in Wicklow as it faced being closed. He and his wife Hilary then started selling Avoca fabrics from the back of their car. They later opened a purpose-built showroom in Kilmacanogue. The business flourished. In the 12 months to the end of January 2015, it generated 58.8m in revenue, and a pre-tax profit of 2.6m. Avoca eventually entered into exclusive negotiations with Aramark last year, and the US company acquired the business in November. Aramark plans to "internationalise" the Avoca brand, helping it to penetrate new markets, including the United States. Simon Pratt has remained as managing director with Avoca, and also joined the board of Aramark's Irish arm. "Aramark provides us with the corporate structures, the global reach and the resources to reach our fullest potential and to continue to grow both in Ireland and internationally," he said at the time of the sale. Aramark said that Avoca's retail operation would provide the group with consumer insights that would enable it to identify future trends. The US company said in its second-quarter results this week that it has given the Avoca trade name a "preliminary value" of approximately $14.5m (12.8m). Earlier this year, Donald and Hilary Pratt resigned as directors of Avoca, as did their children Vanessa, Amanda and Ivan. Meanwhile, Ivan Pratt has bought back Avoca's wholesale fashion and homeware business. He was head of sales at Avoca before it was sold, and established a new company called Mill Mount Weavers to buy out Avoca Handweavers Designs. Aramark said this week that it generated second-quarter revenue of $3.6bn (3.1bn), and a 6pc rise in adjusted operating income to $221m (195m) in the period. Philadelphia-based Aramark is one of Ireland's largest US multinational employers. As well as in food it is also active in areas such as facilities management. It employs 270,000 people worldwide. Traders and clerks react on the floor of the London Metal Exchange. Photo: Reuters European shares rebounded from losses earlier in yesterday's session as strong US retail sales data buoyed markets, although satellite company Eutelsat plunged nearly 30pc after slashing its outlook. The US dollar surged to a more than two-week high against a basket of currencies following stronger-than-expected US economic data, putting pressure on oil prices, which fell after three days of gains. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index gained 0.6pc, rebounding from losses earlier in the session after the US retail sales report. "The strong US data has lifted European markets, and we are fairly bullish in the medium term," said MB Capital trader Rick Jones. In Ireland, the ISEQ Overall Index ended the session 0.41pc lower at 6,116.76. Most shares were in decline, including Bank of Ireland, which shed 1.6pc to 24 cent. Drinks maker C&C shed some of the gains it made on Thursday when it rose on the back of full-year results. It fell 1.3pc yesterday to end the week at 3.99. Insulation maker Kingspan was 1.7pc lower at 23.20, while packaging group Smurfit Kappa edged almost 1pc higher to 24.15. The UK's FTSE-100 edged 0.56pc higher, while France's CAC-40 was up 0.6pc. Germany's DAX rose almost 1pc. In the UK, a 4.2pc fall in satellite communications company Inmarsat hampered gains after an outlook cut from sector peer Eutelsat sent its shares more than 27pc lower. Inmarsat stock is down over 21pc since it cut its own full-year outlook on May 5. Bottling firm Coca-Cola HBC also fell, down 3.5pc after adverse currency movements hit its revenue, although underlying trends improved in its established emerging markets. It said its Irish business remains challenging, and sales here fell. Broadcaster ITV was also among the top fallers, down 2.4pc. Ferry company Irish Continental Group (ICG) is not preparing for a British exit from the EU, as the firm's chief executive declares it as a "waste of time". Speaking at the company's AGM yesterday, ICG boss Eamonn Rothwell said it is impossible to plan around a deal that could take two years to conclude. "It's a complex thing, it's a political decision at the end of the day, if people want to leave and if the vote is against, which looks unlikely based on the bookies' odds I would say. "It will take two years at a minimum to negotiate an exit. So you can't possibly anticipate the various aspects of what that negotiating settlement might look like. "So to try and start planning around something that will take two years to negotiate would quite frankly be a waste of time," Mr Rothwell said. The ICG chief said it is unclear whether duty-free, which was once a major profit earner for the firm, would return. Stockbrokers have predicted ICG may be debt free by the end of 2016 and the company has gone some way in achieving that in the first four months of the year. Net debt at the end of April was 25.9m compared with 44.3m at 31 December 2015. However, despite the progress made by the firm in reducing the company's debt, Mr Rothwell refused to be drawn on a forecast for the remainder of the year. "We don't ever forecast ahead and the summer is a key trading period for us. At the end of August/September we'll have a better feel for the year but at this stage we don't give an outlook in the statement," he said. Revenues at the parent company of Irish Ferries in the opening third of the year increased by 7.4pc to 94.1m while roll-on roll-off (RoRo) freight increased by 8pc. Total revenue at the ferry business rose by 7.1pc to 51.6m with a 5pc increase in the number of cars being transported. In the four-month period Irish Ferries carried 90,200 cars while freight carrying stood at 92,300. The company-owned MV Kaitaki remained on charter, operating in New Zealand, while the four remaining container ships acquired at the end of last year were fully deployed. ICG expects the recently acquired vessel Westpac Express to be delivered by late May. Last month ICG acquired the vessel for $13.2m. When asked about further acquisitions, Mr Rothwell said the firm is "always looking at things". Low fuel prices have been beneficial to the company's margins and Mr Rothwell expects the pricing environment to continue. "My own experience is the trends of the last few weeks few months tend to continue for the next few weeks few months. You don't get a sudden change in the trend next Monday compared to what it is today. "So in the near term I think the trend certainly looks set to continue." Total revenues in the container and terminal division amounted to 42.3m, up 13.4pc on the previous year. Container freight volumes shipped were up 10pc on the previous year at 103,400 twenty foot equivalent units (teu). Units handled at the company's terminals and Dublin increased by 54pc year-on-year. In December of last year ICG surpassed the 1bn mark in market capitalisation for the first time. The country's biggest residential landlord has snapped up hundreds of prime Dublin 4 apartments at an average price of just under 300,000 each. The complex at Elm Park on the Merrion Road in Dublin 4 is next door to St Vincent's Hospital and just around the corner from RTE's headquarters at Montrose. Stock market-listed Irish Residential Properties REIT (Ires) said yesterday that it has agreed a deal to buy the 201 apartments, along with 203 underground car parking spaces, for 59m. Ires will have 2,288 apartments under professional management in Ireland when the deal closes, which is thought to make it the biggest private sector landlord in the country. The property at Elm Park is part of a much larger complex originally developed in 2006 by Bernard McNamara, Jerry O'Reilly and the late David Courtney. That huge scheme, still only part built, ended up in Nama and was sold to US fund Starwood Capital earlier this year for 183.5m. Starwood is now selling on a portion of the scheme to Ires. The bulk of the assets being retained by Lonestar are high-end offices. The units bought by Ires generate rents of 3.2m a year at a 92.5pc occupancy level - a yield of 5.4pc, based on the purchase price. The 201 apartments comprise 101 one-bed, 96 two-bed and four four-bed duplex penthouses. Ires said the homes, which will be rented out, are high quality but the complex has suffered from a lack of investment, with work under way to upgrade the amenities. A view of Dublin city centre from the top of Liberty Hall. Photo: Damien Eagers Housing and homelessness have been listed among the top priorities for the new Government. But for many of the thousands living in rented accommodation, reform will come far too late. The latest Daft.ie report grabbed headlines when it found that prospective tenants can expect to pay at least 1,000 per month for the average property in Ireland. But that is little surprise to many who have hunted high and low for affordable accommodation in recent months. On May 1, rental supply was at its lowest point on record with fewer than 3,100 properties available to rent nationwide, according to the report. In 2015, that figure was 4,300 and in 2009 there were 23,000 homes advertised to rent. As of Thursday, there were just 3,400 rental properties available, and with so few places on the market, tenants are becoming more willing to settle for extremely poor conditions at eye-wateringly high prices. But soaring rents are not the only worry, with some tenants citing unrealistic demands from landlords and breaches of contract. Landlords in turn cited red tape and other barriers to making accommodation more easily available. It's a perfect housing storm where nobody is happy, and nobody claims to be winning. Read More But rent hikes, vicious competition for leases and shabby accommodation are just the tip of the iceberg for generation rent. Roisin, a masters student who did not wish to be identified, said her current letting agent demanded that she and her housemate paid up 12 months' rent before being allowed to move into the property. "She got really angry when she found out I was a student," she said. "Once she discovered that, she said I had to pay the entire year's rent upfront." While Roisin felt the demand was extortionate, she believed she had no other alternative. "We did pay it all in the end," she said. "We didn't have much choice. We had been looking for about a month, and we were getting nowhere," she added. Roisin says the total sum exceeded 7,000 and did not include her security deposit. To amass the funds, Roisin had to turn to her parents for a loan. Argentinian-born Patricia moved to Dublin with her daughter last summer, seeking a new start after her restaurant in Italy went out of business. Patricia then moved to a two-bed rental property, paying out 1,300 to secure the property initially. However, she says her current situation isn't much better. "The landlord comes inside the house with his keys all the time," she says. "He didn't fix broken things in the apartment - we went the whole winter without heating." Read More But Fintan McNamara of the Residential Landlords Association of Ireland (RLAI) dismissed claims that it was a landlord's market. Mr McNamara said charges and taxes faced by landlords did not encourage people to buy property to let - contributing in part to the shortage of rental accommodation. He also called for a reduction to the PRSI payable by landlords, and a revision of current rental regulations. Under the regulations, which came into force in 2013, all rentals are required to have decent food-preparation facilities, heating appliances controlled by the tenant and access to laundry. Crucially, they are also required to have a bathroom inside the unit. While Mr McNamara said he understood that the regulations were well-intentioned, he felt they needed to be reconsidered. "Let's be clear here - landlords don't have a problem with the regulations on kitchens and good housing standards," he said. "It's only that there is a requirement for a bathroom en suite. It's just not economically and structurally feasible in a lot of properties." Mr McNamara added that many landlords he knew wanted to rent out a well-kept property to tenants, but were unable to because of the en-suite rule. He also welcomed Housing Minister Simon Coveney's statement that he was "open" to allowing for bedsits to alleviate the rental housing shortage. Kevin Donoghue of the Union of Students in Ireland said he was willing to "engage with any recommendations" to ease the accommodation crisis. "There is a potential to allow for non-traditional forms of accommodation - that could include bedsits, but also modular housing if it was done well," he said. However, he stressed such action must be accompanied by long-term plans for purpose-built student accommodation in Ireland's main cities. A spokesperson for the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB, formerly known as the Private Residential Tenancies Board) said while it does not encourage an upfront payment of a yearly rent, landlords or tenants could do so if they wished. However, the RTB stressed that tenants were entitled to receive a rent book or records of all rents paid during the tenancy. A spokesperson also said that complaints about maintenance issues in the property should be made in writing to the landlord. They also stated that it was never acceptable for a landlord to enter a property without giving notice. Investigators probing the cyber theft of $81m (71m) from the Bangladesh central bank connected it yesterday to the hack at Sony's film studio in 2014, while global financial network SWIFT disclosed a previously unreported attack on a commercial bank. SWIFT did not say which commercial bank it was or whether it had lost money, but cyber-security firm BAE Systems said a Vietnamese bank, which it did not name, had been a target. It was not clear if they were referring to the same attack and there was no immediate comment from authorities in Hanoi. SWIFT, the linchpin of the global financial system, said forensic experts believed the second case showed that the Bangladesh heist was not a single occurrence, but part of a wider campaign targeting banks. In both cases, SWIFT said, insiders or cyber attackers had succeeded in penetrating the targeted banks' systems, obtaining user credentials and submitting fraudulent SWIFT messages that correspond with transfers of money. The cooperative has maintained that its core messaging service has not been compromised. But confirmation of a second attack on a bank will likely increase scrutiny on the security of a network used by 11,000 financial institutions globally. Expand Close Concerns grow over cyber heist at Bangladesh bank. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Concerns grow over cyber heist at Bangladesh bank. Photo: Reuters In Bangladesh, cyber-security experts hired by the central bank said in a report that hackers were still inside the bank's network, monitoring the investigation into one of the biggest cyber heists in the world. Reuters reviewed parts of the report, but the source who shared the document declined to provide access to its full contents, saying the release of some details could hamper a multinational effort to catch the criminals. Asked about the report, a Bangladesh Bank spokesman said: "We have engaged forensic experts to investigate the whole thing, including this." He did not elaborate. Investigators have determined that one team of hackers, dubbed Group Zero in the report, was responsible for the heist and remained inside the network. Group Zero may be seeking to monitor the ongoing cyber investigations or cause other damage, but is unlikely to be able to order fraudulent fund transfers, the investigators wrote. Two other groups are also inside the bank's network, which is linked to the SWIFT international transaction system, the report found. One of the two is a "nation-state actor" engaged in stealing information in attacks that are stealthy but "not known to be destructive", it said. A spokeswoman for SWIFT said she was unable to comment. The report said investigators knew little about a third group of hackers found inside the network, referred to as Group Two, except that they were using mostly commodity, or off-the-shelf, hacking tools. Expand Close Sony studio attack is now being linked to the cyber criminals. Photo: Bloomberg / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sony studio attack is now being linked to the cyber criminals. Photo: Bloomberg BAE Systems, Europe's largest weapons maker, which also has a large cyber-security business, said it had uncovered evidence linking malicious software used in the Bangladesh heist to the high-profile attack on Sony's Hollywood studio in 2014 and other cases. "What initially looked to be an isolated incident at one Asian bank turned out to be part of a wider campaign," BAE's cyber-security team said in a report it released yesterday. BAE also said it uncovered malware that was recently used to target a Vietnamese commercial bank using fraudulent messages on the SWIFT money-transfer network. The malware operated "in a similar fashion" to the Bangladesh Bank hack, BAE said. SWIFT also did not name the victim, and neither firm said whether any funds had been stolen. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the findings of BAE's determination about similarities between the Bangladesh and Sony attacks. The US government has blamed North Korea for the attack on Sony's film studio, a charge Pyongyang has rejected. BAE's head of threat intelligence, Adrian Nish, told Reuters that the company was only focused on the technical evidence that links the attacks, not determining who was behind them. The report said the malware used against Bangladesh Bank exhibits "the same unique characteristics" as software used in 'Operation Blockbuster', a campaign documented by a coalition of security firms that dates back to at least 2009 and includes the Sony hack. BAE asserted the Operation Blockbuster connection after analysing tens of millions of malicious file samples, but the report acknowledged there could be alternate explanations for the similarities. It is possible that multiple programmers shared the same code, or even that it was painstakingly recreated to confuse investigators, according to BAE. (Reuters) (L-R) Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones arriving for the opening night gala for Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones exhibition held at the Saatchi Gallery, London. Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood says he is looking forward to being right "among the muck and bullets" when he becomes a father for the fifth time. The 68-year-old guitarist, whose theatre producer wife Sally Humphreys is expecting twin girls in June, said: "It is where every dad should be. I can't wait." Humphreys, 31 years his junior, is Wood's third wife. He has already nabbed band mate Sir Mick Jagger, 72, for babysitting duties. Sir Mick said: "I have volunteered to look after the two children after they have reached the age of one. I am not very good when they are really young. I can do it, but I am much better after that." They were speaking as they and bandmates Keith Richards, 72, and Charlie Watts, 74 arrived for the opening of Exhibitionism, a show reflects the rock band's 54 years in the music business. Exhibitionism took three years to set up and features the revolting digs the Rolling Stones lived in before they became famous. Sir Mick said the recreation of the flatshare on Chelsea's Edith Grove, complete with the smell of his favourite tandoori chicken dish, is one of the top picks of the exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in central London. Wood said he remembers the "dirty old socks and the fag ends, it was great." Sir Mick said the enormous stages the band played were among some of the items which did not make the cut for the show which is the band's first major exhibition. The Rolling Stones have just performed an historic free concert in Cuba in front of half a million fans. Sir Mick said: "We just could not fit in all the pieces. I was a bit disappointed but you cannot have everything. We have models of stages." Video of the Day Former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, guitarist Jeff Beck, Bob Geldof, Sir Mick's daughter and model Georgia May Jagger along with former Spice Girl Geri Horner, Game Of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer and fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger were among the celebrities who took to the red carpet. The exhibition spans two floors of the King's Road gallery, which is a stone's throw away from Edith Grove. Nine different rooms covering over 1,750 square metres, each with its own distinctly designed environment, will be used to show how the band has changed the way rock music is experienced. It will also include original stage designs, a 3D simulation of what it is like to be backstage, and then on the stage, with The Stones in addition to their collaborations with various big-name artists and designers such as Andy Warhol, Alexander McQueen and Martin Scorsese. Sunday Independent columnist Brendan OConnor's powerful words on last nights Late Late Show about caring for a child with Down Syndrome has sparked a massive outpouring of support. The writer and broadcaster told host Ryan Tubridy how one of his daughters Mary (5) has Down Syndrome, and she needs extra support services like speech therapy. He said the lack of support in Ireland for people who have disabilities will cause Ireland to be called an "inhumane culture" in 20 years time. We dont have huge problems with Mary, shes a great kid, he told Tubridy. I never expected this to happen in our family. And when it happened I thought, OK this is it: our lives ruined." But he said: It doesnt make you 'other', it doesnt make you different. The reality is, and its terribly upsetting, the reality is that people like my daughter are, its all very well that we look at them, and go arent they great but as a society the way we treat them is appalling. We will look back on how we treat these children now and we will go that was an inhumane culture we lived in. Read More Mr O'Connor said he considers his family lucky because they live close to available services in Dublin, but for many around the country, it's a very different story. If you knew the struggle that mothers [go through], there is a lot of extra work involved there, there is a lot of pain involved there as well. To lump on top of that then for these women, and it is mainly women, you do nothing to help them, to help the kids have some coping skills in life. There is nothing. There is less and less out there all the time. Talk to any parent. Video of the Day There are people down the country driving hours to try and get to a bit of physiotherapy, a bit of speech therapy if they can get it at all. He said his daughter was cut off from state services largely when she reached a certain age, because she has mild Down Syndrome. He said 15,000 children were waiting for an assessment of needs in Ireland at the end of 2015. "Imagine if one of your girls couldn't talk to you and couldn't express what's going on with themselves to you. Imagine them going out in the world and they can't be understood by anyone." "[Being able to speak] is your window on the world." "There are 15,000 kids just waiting to get an assessment... some of them are waiting two years to get an assessment. You don't have two years for a kid who needs help with speaking... then you get the assessment and it doesn't matter because the services aren't there anyway." Viewers took to Twitter last night to lend their support to Mr O'Connor's words. Thousands of parents are poised to have their fines refunded after the High Court ruled that children can be taken on term time holidays. In a decision branded a victory for common sense, Appeal Court judges ruled that it is not illegal to remove a child from school as long as they have a good attendance record. The Department of Education immediately vowed to close the loophole and change the law to remove the requirement that attendance is regular, meaning that every unauthorised absence will be illegal. However, the changes could take years to take effect and in the meantime millions of families could book term time holidays, experts said. The issue has become a cause celebre, with the Government refusing to back down despite the exorbitant prices that families face for trips away during designated holidays, which can cost eight times the normal price. This week a survey of package holidays for a family of four at a four- star hotel in Tenerife, Majorca, the Costa del Sol and the Algarve found that prices increase for the coming half-term were up 115 per cent compared with the same trip taken two weeks before schools close. More than 50,000 parents were fined last year alone for taking their child on vacation during term time, with many citing the fact that the savings dwarf the 60 penalty per child. Official figures show that in 2014, three million school days were lost to illegal holidays. Now, after a David and Goliath battle which saw a businessman refuse to back down over a fine for taking his five-year-old daughter on holiday, Appeal Court judges have ruled that a parent simply has to prove "regular" attendance. In the wake or the ruling councils will now have to use 'common sense when looking at fines to parents whose children have regular attendance at school, it is claimed. Experts also say this will lead to fewer fines as they will have to rule on a case by case basis rather than apply a blanket ban. Legal experts have also warned local authorities should brace for a "tidal wave" of appeals in light of the ruling. The High Court ruled in the favour of Jon Platt, 44, who argued he should have the right to take his daughter away without permission from her school because no evidence could be produced that she had failed to attend school regularly. 'Revisit my case' Mr Platt was fined by the Isle of Wight Council after he took his family on the holiday, which included a visit to Walt Disney World, without permission from his child's school but the decision was overturned by magistrates. The council appealed the decision but it was upheld at the High Court. Jonathan Bacon, leader of Isle of Wight Council, said the Platt ruling had "cast a shadow of doubt over the policies of schools and local authorities across the country". Bill Waddington, chairman of the Criminal Law Solicitors Association, said: "People will look very carefully at the specifics of this case. Quite possibly thousands of parents could contact the council to say 'I'd like my case revisited'. "This would apply for people who have already been dealt with weeks, months or even years ago. They will ask the council to re-examine their case. Each council area might be forced to set up a dedicated phone line to deal with demand. He said cases will range from those whose children have been mostly at school to those who haven't attended school for 70 per cent of the time and some of the cases might be dismissed quite quickly. Daniel Jackson, a solicitor with law firm Slater and Gordon, who has been involved in similar cases, warned that the Platt ruling could encourage other parents to challenge the fines they have received, and clarification was needed on what constitutes "regular" school attendance. A Local Government Association spokesman said children's education had to be treated "with the utmost seriousness", but it was clear that the current system "does not always favour families, especially those that are struggling to meet the demands of modern life or have unconventional work commitments". The spokesman suggested there were occasions "when parental requests should be given individual consideration and a common sense approach applied". Last night parents celebrated the ruling as they said it now gives them more clarity when it comes to taking their children on holidays during term time. 'More clarity' Karen Wilkinson of The Parents Union said: "It gives a lot more clarity to the situation. "The big difference is now schools, local authorities and magistrates can judge a child on their own circumstances and not impose a blanket ban on everybody. "That's a huge difference because we were getting parents fined and prosecuted where it is clearly ludicrous. "I think what will happen is schools and local authorities will think a lot more carefully before they issue the fines. "They were dishing them out willy-nilly before." Craig Langman, of Parents Want A Say, also celebrated the ruling. He said: "I think it is absolutely fantastic. It goes to show that when it needs to, justice can be done and common sense can be applied. "We are absolutely over the moon with this result." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Fishmonger Pat OConnell in the English Market on the anniversary of the Queens visit to Cork with the iconic photograph of him sharing a joke with the monarch in the background. Photo: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision It became the iconic photograph of the Irish State visit of Queen Elizabeth II. The British monarch was caught laughing out loud at a nervous joke told by a Cork fishmonger as she toured the city's 18th-century English Market on the final day of her State visit in May 2011. Dublin may have had the grand political gestures of the State visit and the landmark symbols of Anglo-Irish reconciliation, but it was in the Rebel County that laughter was injected into an itinerary where ordinary people, British and Irish, were reminded that they had far more in common than set them apart. Award-winning Kerry photographer Valerie O'Sullivan took the famous snap of the queen laughing merrily at Pat O'Connell's joke. Valerie said she knew there would be good images from the Queen's stop at O'Connell's fish stall but had no idea the photograph would prove to be so popular. "I knew Pat was a great character. The minute I saw him stepping out from the counter I knew we were going to get something good," she said. For Pat, he still can't believe the reaction to his attempt at humour. The joke he cracked was that he was more nervous meeting the Queen than he was on his own wedding day. The following Christmas, he was stunned to receive a card from Queen Elizabeth II. In July 2010, the then-British ambassador to Ireland, Julian King, contacted Mr O'Connell and asked him to sign a copy of the iconic photograph so that it could be presented to the Queen to add to her private collection. "It was a great day for Ireland, but particularly for Cork," he said. Nosayba (left) and Somaia Halawa, sisters of Ibrahim Halawa, in Dublins city centre, where family members and supporters held an awareness day yesterday. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Irishman Ibrahim Halawa said the 1,000 days he has spent in prison in Egypt have felt like 1,000 years. In a letter to his family, he said he is suffering and other prisoners have taken their own lives. The 20-year-old was arrested in Cairo during political protests in 2013 and he is currently awaiting trial and a potential death penalty. His family held a demonstration in Dublin yesterday to mark the 1,000 days he has spent in prison. His sister, Somaia Halawa, shared a letter he sent the family last week. "One thousand days with 1,000 different stories. Sadly not the type of joy, laughter and smiles. But rather the type full of suffering, pain, torture, tears, abuse, suicide and death," he wrote. "One thousand days that have felt like 1,000 years, not only for me but for hundreds behind bars." Somaia Halawa said she wants to see more assertive action to free her brother. Amnesty International's director Colm O'Gorman said the organisation conducted a review of the prosecution evidence and concluded that Mr Halawa could not have committed the crimes with which he has been charged. His mass trial has been delayed 13 times and is now due to take place on June 29. The Department of Foreign Affairs said every effort is being made to secure his release. Pressure is building on Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan to explain claims her legal team planned to tell the O'Higgins inquiry that whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe was motivated by "malice". The commissioner declined to comment on the claims yesterday, with a garda spokesman saying she was prohibited from doing so by law. Expand Close UNHAPPY: Alan Shatter. Photo: Frank McGrath / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp UNHAPPY: Alan Shatter. Photo: Frank McGrath However, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin insisted it would be "useful" for Ms O'Sullivan to clarify the issue. The fresh controversy revolves around claims a senior counsel for Ms O'Sullivan told a private session of the O'Higgins commission that evidence would be produced to show Sgt McCabe had told two other officers he was making complaints because of malice he harboured towards a senior colleague. However, no such evidence was ultimately given to the commission after Sgt McCabe produced a recording of the meeting, which showed he had not made those comments. Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald refused to intervene in the issue yesterday, saying it would be inappropriate for her "to second-guess" the commission's work. Read More She also declined to say whether she would be discussing the claims with the commissioner. However, it is unlikely the Government will be able to draw a line under the O'Higgins inquiry any time soon, with former Justice Minister Alan Shatter reiterating calls for his name to be cleared in the Dail. In an interview yesterday, Mr Shatter said some of Sgt McCabe's allegations, which were found to be untrue, had "wrought havoc". The O'Higgins report commended Sgt McCabe's integrity and upheld complaints he had about procedures and practices used in several investigations in the Cavan-Monaghan garda district. However, it said he was prone to exaggeration on occasion and completely rejected corruption allegations he made against former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and three other senior officers. Speaking on RTE radio, Mr Shatter said: "Whereas I absolutely accept it was perfectly right for him to raise issues of major public concern, but, insofar as he made allegations [for] which there was no evidence and were unfounded, he wrought havoc in the lives of a number of people." The former minister has sought for the findings of the barrister Sean Guerin, who conducted an earlier scoping exercise of allegations made by Sgt McCabe, to be withdrawn in the wake of the O'Higgins report. While Mr Guerin found Mr Shatter had not heeded the concerns raised by Sgt McCabe, the O'Higgins report found the opposite, saying Mr Shatter had acted appropriately. Read More Calls by Mr Shatter for Taoiseach Enda Kenny to amend the Dail record in the wake of the O'Higgins report have yet to be responded to. Mr Shatter resigned due to Mr Guerin's findings and said yesterday he "felt like a murderer" after the Guerin report was published in May 2014. The former TD said he believed the Guerin report cost him his Dail seat and described how he was spat on, shouted at and harassed in public in the wake of its findings. Ms Fitzgerald expressed sympathy for Mr Shatter earlier this week but her spokesman said she had nothing further to add to those comments. A 20-year-old Irish man jailed in Egypt for the last 1,000 days as he awaits trial and a potential death penalty has said his incarceration has felt like 1,000 years. Ibrahim Halawa's family and supporters are holding an awareness day on Dublin's Grafton Street to allow people to see pictures of him and to learn about his detention. Arrested in Cairo aged just 17 in the midst of protests over the ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood in Cairo, he has been held without trial for almost three years and is due to face justice as part of a mass trial in late June. His family released a section of a letter he wrote to them in the last week to mark the 1,000 days. Mr Halawa wrote: "One thousand days with 1,000 different stories. Sadly not the type of joy, laughter and smiles. But rather the type full of suffering, pain, torture, tears, abuse, suicide, and death. "One thousand days that have felt like 1,000 years. Not only for me but for hundreds behind bars. "One thousand days for something I believe people should be able to live in just as I do back home, in a free democratic country. "One thousand days and 1,000 more if it takes to be free. Some have lost hope and written THE END on their story, but I leave many blank pages to be filled." The Halawa family insist his imprisonment is unlawful and unjust. One of Mr Halawa's sisters, Somaia, said: "We want to come together to show Ibrahim our support and that we haven't forgotten him. "We also want to call on an end to this nightmare. We call on more serious and assertive action to be taken to help free Ibrahim." The Halawas insist Ibrahim has been jailed without a fair trial and no adequate access to a lawyer, and claim he has been electrocuted, beaten, spat on and moved without his family's knowledge. They have also criticised the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs over what they claim is a "softly, softly" approach by diplomats with Egyptian authorities. Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has ordered talks amid the controversy of Mr Halawa being moved from prison to prison, and sent Ireland's ambassador to Egypt Damien Cole to discuss the matter with officials in Cairo. He has also brought in the Egyptian ambassador Soha Gendi in Dublin as part of the diplomatic process. Mr Halawa's family have set up an information stall on Grafton Street to create awareness of his plight. Lynn Boylan, Sinn Fein MEP and one of their most vocal supporters, called on Ireland to seek Mr Halawa's release under a "presidential decree". "I am asking the incoming government and in particular the new Independent ministers to intercede on Ibrahim's behalf. In particular I ask (Children's) Minister Katherine Zappone TD from Ibrahim's constituency to speak for Ibrahim at the cabinet table." Ms Boylan called on the new cabinet members to ask Taoiseach Enda Kenny to take up the case personally and seek the Egyptian presidential decree. The London-based Reprieve organisation, which has campaigned for the Halawas and opposes the death penalty, reiterated calls for his release. "It is a scandal that the Egyptian authorities continue to seek the death penalty for Ibrahim despite his having been a child at the time of his arrest," Harriet McCulloch, deputy director of the death penalty team, said. "The Egyptian authorities must immediately call an end to this mass trial and others like it and release Ibrahim and the hundreds of others like him who have been illegally detained for so long." He was 17 when he was detained while taking refuge in a mosque near Cairo's Ramses Square as a "day of rage" was held over the removal of president Mohamed Morsi. The mass trial he is facing, along with more than 400 others, has been repeatedly postponed since his detention in 2013. Ireland is likely to face sanctions after the EU Climate Action and Energy commissioner conceded the country will fail to meet targets to reduce carbon emissions by 20pc before 2020. Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said the country needed to explore alternative and renewable energy streams. He added that he was aware Ireland was dealing with a difficult situation as agricultural emissions dramatically increase our overall carbon footprint. It means Ireland could now be fined by the EU. The country will also be under pressure to achieve later EU targets, such as increasing energy efficiency by 27pc before 2030. Mr Canete met with Energy Minister Denis Naughten and Agriculture Minister Michael Creed yesterday to discuss a revised initiative to address emissions in key industries. Livestock He said the Government informed him Ireland was unlikely to meet carbon reduction targets. "We have an ongoing dialogue with the Irish Government," he said. "The commission fully understands the unique position of Ireland because the emissions from agriculture doubles the rest of the European Union. It is over 40pc and that is unique. "We support action to improve the energy efficiency of the farming sector as well as climate-friendly agricultural practices and the reduction of livestock emissions." Data from the Environmental Protection Agency shows emissions in 2020 will be 5pc to 12pc below 2005 levels, well below the 20pc reduction target. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan was disappointed with the commissioners' concession. "The Government's main message to him was that it will be utterly impossible for us to meet our climate reduction targets. We should be using Ireland as a test location to show we are the best place in the world to do it. "It would create employment and save us money and allow us to meet our emissions targets." The Taoiseach said he would 'draw a line' between encouraging the Irish in Britain to vote, and lecturing the UK electorate. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne Fresh from commemorating the 1916 Rising by Irish rebels committed to independence, Enda Kenny will abruptly change tack by travelling to Britain to campaign in all but name to keep the UK in the European Union. The Taoiseach will visit the UK a number of times between now and the UK's June 23 vote - and other Cabinet and opposition members will also travel. The explicit mission is to encourage only the Irish in Britain to back the pro-European side, but in an increasingly rancorous campaign, Irish leaders should expect a backlash. With the vote too close to call, tensions in the so-called Brexit campaign ratcheted up further heading into the weekend. That included dire warnings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Bank of England of serious economic fall-out if Britain votes to leave the EU on June 23. International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said yesterday there were no economic positives to Britain leaving. Instead, the impact of a Brexit would range from "pretty bad to very, very bad", she said. The blunt language came as the IMF said the UK risks falling into a spiral of weaker economic growth, lower house prices and diminished foreign investment if voters opt for an exit from the EU. A Brexit vote would "precipitate a protracted period of heightened uncertainty, leading to financial market volatility and a hit to output," the IMF said in its annual report on the British economy. On Thursday, the Bank of England said the economy would slow sharply, and possibly even enter a brief recession, following a 'Leave' vote. That intervention that angered some pro-Leave campaigners. Conservative Party MP Jacob Rees Mogg called for Bank of England Governor Mark Carney to be sacked, claiming the intervention was like backing a political party during a general election. Yesterday, the Taoiseach said he would "draw a line" between encouraging the Irish in Britain to vote, and lecturing the UK electorate. "We don't like anyone lecturing us, nor does Britain want anyone lecturing them. "But I think it is important that our voice is heard as Britain's closest neighbour and friend," he said. The Government will target the Irish in Britain, a potentially influential constituency, he said. "We have almost a million Irish people living in Britain; they have the opportunity to vote on June 23 so we think it's important that they be informed," he said yesterday, at an event organised by the Bloomberg news service. "We would see the UK leaving the European Union as a considerable concern to put it mildly because successive economic studies show clearly that the impact on Ireland, on this country, would be proportionately greater than on any other EU member state," he said. "Were Britain to leave, Northern Ireland would be very severely impacted as a consequence of that. "So any involvement that we have in crossing to Britain between here and June 23 in respect of the referendum decision will be to talk to Irish communities to say: 'Look, this is how important I think this is. I'm going to encourage you to go and cast your vote and I'm going to encourage you to go and say stay'. "But draw a line between that and lecturing the British people and the British electorate about the decision that they have to make themselves." Speaking at the same event, Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said his airline will slash new investment in the UK, including Northern Ireland, in the event of a Leave vote. "We're creating about 1,000 new jobs this year. About 450 of this will go into the UK - we're opening bases in Belfast, expanding the bases in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester. "That expansion will come to a halt if there's a Brexit. You may actually begin to cut some capacity out of the UK, it will go elsewhere in Europe." Ryanair is contributing financially to the Remain campaign, and even plans to send emails to its customer base to advocate for the 'stay' side, he said "I personally despise much of the regulation that comes out of Europe but we are fundamentally better off with the EU. "We shouldn't underestimate the contagion effect this will cause. Whether Britain votes to leave or not, there will be referenda elsewhere.. look at France and Marine Le Pen," he said. As he plans his UK campaign, Enda Kenny may well face a backlash from pro-Brexit voices for the intervention. Former London mayor Boris Johnson attempted to paint Barack Obama as anti-British by virtue of his Kenyan family background, when the US President intervened in favour of Britain staying in Europe. Sketch LUCINDA Creighton has stepped down as leader of Renua Ireland. Ms Creighton said setting up a political party was a remarkable journey that did not end the way she planned. The former Fine Gael minister failed to return any candidates in the General Election despite entering the election with three TDs and a senator. She paid tribute to her party members and especially praised Offaly County Councillor John Leahy who she said showed qualities of leadership that our country is crying out for. Read More I am extremely grateful for those who made it possible, and the supporters and members across the country who shared in our common ideals, she said. It's time for me to move on from leading RENUA Ireland and allow new voices to be heard. I leave my role as party leader perhaps more humbled, but no less proud of all that we have achieved together and what can be accomplished in the future, she added. Read More She acknowledged that the party made a number of key mistakes in the general election campaign. "Flat Tax while innovative and not without merit, never captured the public imagination. It was wrongly depicted as a policy for the rich, and a punishment for the poor. "Nothing could have been further from the truth, but I as leader have to take responsibility for our failure in persuading the Irish people of its merits. "Everyone in RENUA Ireland shared the goal of making work pay but we should, and could have presented our tax policy in a way that was not seen to divide society but instead reward it. That is what we intended but we failed to do it, and RENUA Ireland must learn from this mistake in the future. "Despite our best efforts, we failed to shine a light on the different faces of RENUA Ireland, the Irish people never got an opportunity to see or hear John Leahy, Paddy McKee, Ronan McMahon or some of the many bright talented candidates who were standing for office for the first time. This is the rough and tumble of trying to start a new political party, but we could, and should have done better so a larger story of RENUA could have been told." One of the biggest sufferers of the rental crisis are students. With limited budgets and a lack of rental experience, they can be the most vulnerable in the market. And I was most definitely one of them. I hail from Donegal and lived in DCUs student accommodation for all three years of my degree. While viewing houses with four other female classmates recently, I soon learned how bad the rental market really is in Dublin. Our budget was extremely limited (maximum budget of 500 per month each) which wasnt going to get us very far in this market, we soon learned. Houses we viewed in that price range had either damp walls, tiny bedrooms or one bathroom to be shared among six people. One retail agent who showed us a house to rent in Santry was particularly dismissive of us. While weve all completed our degree and await our graduation in November, he refused to call us anything other than students who would be prone to partying. We were asked at almost every viewing about our party-throwing habits, even though we continuously explained that wed be working early mornings throughout the summer. Expand Close Fairview house was really old and had damp walls / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fairview house was really old and had damp walls Read More This agent also laughed when we told him that we had just finished studying journalism. Sure theres no money in freelancing, how will you pay the rent? He also told me that even though I had paid rent to DCU on time for three years, that didnt count as a rent reference as it didnt fall under private renting. While the house was listed online at a cheap price the landlord informed us that there was such a demand for the house that he had bids in excess of the asking price, something we couldn't possibly compete with. Needless to say, we didnt get that house. With landlords requesting cash deposits, students are also very vulnerable to scams. One house I viewed was on different housing websites, under different landlords, with different photos and prices, but the same address. After examining the houses available to us we decided to just lease for three months because we couldnt afford anything that was half decent in our price range for the year. Its a sorry state of affairs when three out of the five of us have part-time jobs as well as paid internships and cant afford to lease a modest house in Dublin for a year. Alan Kelly has formally thrown his hat in to the ring for the Labour Party leadership. Photo: Tom Burke Former environment minister Alan Kelly has declared his intention to seek the leadership of the Labour Party and double their Dail seats at the next election. The Tipperary TD predicted the new government will collapse within two years and he has the "energy and drive" to lead the party. However, he said that he does not anticipate a full-blown leadership contest, suggesting that the party's seven TDs will reach a consensus on who should succeed Joan Burton. Brendan Howlin is also considering whether to have a tilt at the position this weekend, while Jan O'Sullivan and Sean Sherlock have not ruled themselves out of contention. Mr Kelly (40) said that he spoke with Mr Howlin about the situation yesterday and the party TDs and senators will meet on Tuesday for further discussions. In a clear effort to differentiate himself from Mr Howlin (60), the current deputy leader suggested the party needs a leader who can plan for multiple elections and he could bring a "different philosophy". "If the election was very soon, the Labour Party would have ambitions to double their seats," he said. Speaking on the Late Late Show, Mr Kelly described Labour's election result as "disastrous" - but blamed "populism" for much of their troubles. "We lost because by and large we were lost in the flow of populism that has engulfed Irish politics," he said. "The issue is that in modern-day politics, there is a large element of populism that has taken hold. We need to take a step back from that." In a clear pitch for the leadership, Mr Kelly added: "We will bring this party back." On Irish Water, Mr Kelly hit out at junior minister Finian McGrath who had been refusing to pay his charges. He said it was "incredible" that Mr McGrath could have expected to sit at Cabinet while not obeying the laws of the country. A plan for extra buses during the highly disruptive campaign of Luas strikes is being scuppered because authorities fear protests at depots. Sources revealed that Transdev's experience when it tried to put on buses on St Patrick's Day has frightened off those considering extra services. When Transdev threatened to hire buses to transport passengers to the city centre from park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of Dublin, the National Bus and Railworkers' Union accused it of hiring 'scab labour'. "There is a fear that things could get ugly," said a source. "The authorities do not want passengers involved in that situation." The new transport minister and the National Transport Authority (NTA) have said they cannot put on extra services for Luas passengers who have endured 11 strikes and face another nine. A spokesman for Transport Minister Shane Ross said he was not going to intervene, as the dispute was a "matter for the private company". The NTA said putting on extra services was not feasible. It cited the lack of availability of vehicles, the smaller capacity of buses, and the fact that extra buses would increase traffic congestion. "When we looked at the practicalities, we couldn't get it to work at all in terms of expectations," said a spokeswoman. "A Luas carries 250 to 300 people, while a bus carries 80 to 85, and you would need a lot of them. Even if you could magic up the buses, they could end up stuck in traffic." The Irish Independent has learned that the NTA has powers under the Dublin Transport Authority Act to become the "operator of last resort". This provision can be applied if the operator, in this case Transdev, is unable to meet its contractual commitments, withdraws from providing or "fails to provide" services as set out in the contract or if it "fails on a persistent and sustained basis" to meet performance standards as set out in the contract. However, the NTA spokeswoman said that there were no plans to invoke the clause. Passengers suffered an 11th day of strikes yesterday and there will be another 24-hour stoppage next Friday, with more later in the month and in June. Drivers want a 23pc pay rise by 2019, but Transdev is offering 13pc. Their colleagues - ticket inspectors, ticket inspector supervisors, and control room staff - have accepted the 13pc offer. Transdev has warned the drivers that their colleagues are at risk if they continue their campaign of industrial action. Ryan Farquhar's first thought when he crashed at the North West 200 was to get a message to his wife Karen that he was still alive. In an incredible coincidence, the rider crashed right beside his wife's cousin, and despite his terrible injuries he was able to ask her to ring an anxious Karen, who had seen the shocking accident on the big screen back in the paddock. Ryan came off his bike during the third lap of the Supertwins race, which he was leading. He was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital for surgery and is being kept sedated in intensive care until today. Last night close friend Jill McWilliams - wife of fellow racer Jeremy McWilliams - revealed how Karen was anxiously waiting for news in the paddock when her cousin called to say she had been speaking to Ryan and he was all right. "We were both watching the race on the big screen and I knew right away that it was Ryan," said Jill. "The red flags didn't go up for some time, and when that happens your first thought is that it is not as bad as it seems. "Jeremy was able to go on and do the next lap before the race was stopped. "There is an amazing pastoral care team at the North West, and Karen was able to go directly to one of them - a lady called Jan who had an earpiece in - and get news. Jan was brilliant. She kept Karen informed. "We were happy that the air ambulance was there. It was just great to have it there and know he was being airlifted. "Karen really appreciated having Jan there because you want to know everything. "And because she was in the paddock and Ryan was down the road, it was difficult. "Then she got the phone call from her cousin and we knew that Ryan was sitting up and conscious. "As soon as he crashed and saw Karen's cousin, Ryan asked her to phone Karen and let her and the children know that he was all right. "I can't speak for Karen, but for me as a wife and mother, that would have been amazing just to know that at least he was alive and okay." The flying doctors Fred McSorley and David McManus were thankfully on hand to give immediate medical assistance to the injured rider and to offer his traumatised wife support. Ryan was sedated at the roadside as a precaution, and David was able to reassure Ryan's anxious partner that it was standard procedure. "Obviously Karen was shook up," Jill said. "They have two gorgeous girls - Keeley, who is in primary seven and old enough to know something was wrong, and little Mia, who is six. I know myself I would have been praying to God that everything would be all right." Jill revealed that get well messages had poured in from right around the world for the injured sportsman. She said that Karen was extremely grateful for all of the support she and her husband had received since the accident. Ryan (40) is believed to have suffered chest and pelvic injuries in the horror crash. He came through a successful operation late on Thursday night and is now in a stable condition. Doctors said they were very happy with his progress and are optimistic that he will make a full recovery. Yesterday Ryan's KMR Kawasaki team announced it intended to compete in today's Supertwin race as scheduled. "The texts, phone calls and messages through social media have come in from all over the world because Ryan has a big circle of friends, and Karen really appreciates all the support," Jill said. "The team decided to go ahead with their race because they know it is what Ryan would have wanted. "He would have been gutted and devastated if they had cancelled." The other rider who was involved in the crash, Dan Cooper, suffered two dislocated shoulders but was back at the paddock yesterday. The Englishman said he was still not certain what caused the crash, partly because "it all happened so fast". He told the BBC: "I just remember coming out of Metropole and thinking: 'Right, I'm going to make a move now coming into Black Hill'. "I got right up behind Ryan - as close as I could to get a good run - and then he just lost the front and I had nowhere to go. "I just remember hitting something. I don't know if it was him or the bike. "I just hit something and then I was flying through the air. That was it - I don't remember anything, really. "It all happened so quickly. I wasn't knocked out or anything. It just all happened so quickly. The next thing I was stood up, walking off the track. When you're following someone that close, you can't avoid it. It happens and then in a split-second you're down." Giving his thoughts on what could have happened, Dan added: "I think he had just hit the front and I had quite a good pace and I think he realised he had to push to try and break me. We were both riding on the limit sort of thing. "It's just one of those things. When you ride on the limit, you push that little bit too much and it's enough for him to lose the front. It's a fine edge and I think he went over that edge, unfortunately." The Englishman also sent his best wishes to the fellow rider and his family. "It's not nice," he said. "Hopefully he's okay. I hope he pulls through and I'm sure he will. He's a fighter, isn't he? Fingers crossed for him and thoughts with his family." While Dan will not be fit to ride in today's races, the accident has not put him off the North West 200 and he will definitely return. "We will be back - we've got to get ready now for the TT, so we'll just go home and recover; hopefully dad won't make me work on Monday," he said. "I'll hopefully lay up and get these shoulders working a bit more. If I'd have only done the one shoulder I'd have probably raced, but with two gone it's just not happening." Irish Water could be forced to axe the delivery of new water and wastewater plants amid uncertainty about its level of funding to operate and upgrade the network. The Irish Independent has learned that no money has been allocated to the utility for 2017, and it is not yet clear if the Fine Gael minority Government will make up the 200m shortfall which will arise from the suspension of water charges. While the Programme for Government says that the 5.5bn set out for upgrading the "dilapidated" infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 will be protected, there is no certainty on allocations for next year and when money will be committed. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is currently considering Irish Water's capital plan for 2017-2021, and the utility could be forced to drop priority schemes if money is not made available as is needed. Irish Water has three sources of revenue - government subvention, which amounts to 663m for 2016 and includes 184m towards capital projects; another 274m forecast to be collected from domestic water charges; and an additional 240m from commercial charges. However, the Department of the Environment has confirmed that "specific" funding decisions have not been made about the Government's contribution. "While in broad terms the funding of Irish Water, based on the Irish Water Business Plan, has been factored into the general Government budgetary arithmetic, specific decisions regarding funding for Irish Water in 2017 will be required by Government in the coming months, having regard to the Programme for Government," it said. Sources suggested that the Government's decision to suspend charges for at least nine months out to 2017 could cost the utility as much as 205m - this is the amount that Irish Water would have expected to collect between March and December this year. The total revenue forecast for collection in 2016 is 274m. Shortfall "The question is, 'how will Irish Water be compensated for the loss of domestic charges?'" one source said. "Basically, the subvention has to go up or there's less money to work with. "It's up to the exchequer and the department to figure out how to make up the shortfall. What could happen is that Irish Water will make a new submission to the regulator, which will be slightly amended. That will mean less work is done. "There are infringement cases against Ireland so that may result in some schemes being prioritised, and others dropped." Separately, it has also emerged that Irish Water will remain on the State's books for the foreseeable future. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) said it was still engaged in "technical discussions" with Eurostat over its decision last year to refuse to class Irish Water as a standalone company. Because the Government could not prove to the European Commission statistical office that more than 50pc of Irish Water's revenues came from non-State sources, it means that any borrowings will be classed as Government debt. This will limit the ability of the State to spend money on essential public services including water, housing, health and education, as well as hampering plans to cut the Universal Social Charge to lower and middle-income families. "The CSO continues to engage with Eurostat on the technical matters raised during the classification decision," it said. "As these matters remain outstanding, we are not currently in a position to re-examine the market corporation test." The State's subvention includes 61m to purchase water to cover the 'free' child allowance of 21,000 litres per year, another 138m to ensure that charges are capped and a "product subsidy" of 280m to offset the cost of production. To pass the test, Irish Water has to prove that the majority of its revenue comes from non-State sources. Irish politics has, on many occasions, thrown up those extraordinary moments where you cannot help but sit up and gasp. There was Padraig Flynn's infamous 'Late Late Show' appearance, during which he told us of the difficulties in paying for three houses, cars and housekeepers on a salary of 140,000 Irish punts. How did you react when Conor Lenihan told Joe Higgins to "stick to the kebabs" or when Paul Gogarty launched his "f**k you deputy Stagg" tirade? More modern examples include Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams's use of the 'N' word following his late night viewing of the Quentin Tarantino film 'Django Unchained'. And will we - or Alan Kelly - ever be able to forget that moment he chose to describe power as a drug in an interview with the 'Sunday Independent' during the election campaign. But the sorry saga that has become of Irish Water will also be remembered for a pronouncement that caused tempers to flare and minds to boggle. Fine Gael will always rue the events of May 6, 2014, when the then Environment Minister Phil Hogan took centre stage at a press conference in Dublin. Water pressure will be turned down "to a trickle" for people who don't pay their bills, Mr Hogan warned. The threat, made two years ago last week, is still being brought up on the doorsteps, according to Fine Gael backbenchers. Phil Hogan is of course no longer in Cabinet. But Finian McGrath is. And his agonising over whether to pay his charges has undoubtedly been an unhelpful distraction to a Government that many feel will fall at the first real hurdle. His pledge now to pay his bills is a clear illustration of a politician buckling under political pressure. The Irish Independent understands that legal advice issued to the new minister by Attorney General Maire Whelan (inset, far right)suggested that he could remain on as a member of Cabinet despite not paying the charges. The issue is, unlike bankruptcy, not a disqualifying factor. Despite the legal advice, Mr McGrath (below) says he will contact Irish Water on Tuesday and pay his bill. "It is clear to me that not paying the charge will become a significant distraction to other important work and I'm determined that this will not be allowed to happen," he said in a statement last night. "To that end I will now regularise my situation with Irish Water and pay my charges." Mr McGrath, who is a Super Junior Minister with responsibility for Disabilities, described the manner in which Irish Water was set up as unacce-ptable. But perhaps, upon making his decision, he realised that he no longer represents just the 150,000 constituents of Dublin Bay North. As Denis Naughten learned the hard way this week in relation to his proposal to link child benefit to school attendance, what you say and do while in Opposition often goes overlooked. But when you are in government, every single move you make will be scrutinised, not once, or twice, but many times over. Being populist, and taking the easy decisions, is no longer an option for McGrath, Naughten, Zappone and co. Acting responsibly is the very least we expect from this crop of ministers, particularly if the much-heralded new type of politics is going to work. So, by paying his water bills, McGrath has joined the 950,000 households that are lived in by law-abiding citizens. If he had continued to serve at the Cabinet table, while refusing to pay his bills, the new minister would have risked driving a further wedge between those who have taken up a position at either side of the water charges debate. The reasons why households took the decision to settle their bills are many. They include the strongly held belief that paying for water is a necessity in the interests of the health and well-being of families here and now, as well as for the generations to come. But above all, these households decided to pay their bills because they believe in obeying the law. They believe in doing the right thing. But what these people have been shown as a result of the farcical events of recent days is that doing the right thing is not necessarily rewarded in the Ireland of 2016. As a result of Fine Gael's capitulation to Fianna Fail's demands, charges will be suspended in five weeks' time. Enda Kenny has sent a clear message to the 950,000 households, many of whom voted for his party in February, that he is willing to sacrifice a core principle in return for power. What he may not realise is that trust he has built up with voters over the years has ebbed away by abandoning this principle. Many of these families not only feel upset and let down by Fine Gael's actions, they also believe they have been betrayed. "I looked one of my voters in the eye last week and straight away I could tell her sense of disgust," one Fine Gael minister told me recently. And thus, the cowardice displayed by Fine Gael in relation to water was replaced this week by an extraordinary commitment from Labour Party chairman Willie Penrose. The respected barrister has said he would be willing to offer legal representation, pro bono, to Irish Water customers seeking refunds. Mr Penrose's party followed up on the gesture by publishing a bill aimed at securing refunds in a move that could cost the Exchequer well in excess of 150m. But with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail agreeing to kick the issue to an Independent Commission, the possibility of refunds is minute. If this is a glimpse of the so-called 'new politics' we have all been promised, then it's hard to find reason for optimism. Hundreds of surveys are released every week, but occasionally, one of them really hits home. This week, my social-media timelines were flooded by different takes on the same study from the universities of Tel Aviv and Massachusetts which claims only half of the people you consider to be your friends, actually are. Like any normal person, the study left me wondering who, among my mates, might secretly hate me. I scanned my phone looking for ignored messages or snarky comments, racking my mind for who didnt turn up to my birthday party. But you know what I didnt do until much later? I didnt ask myself why Im holding on to people that I secretly hate. But Ive done it. And I bet you have too. If my WhatsApp conversations with my best friends were published, theyd make the hacked Sony emails look like a little bit of a slip. Theyre laden with screenshots, comments and voice notes about our mutual acquaintances whove rubbed us up the wrong way. But when I see those same people at social events? Its all air-kisses and I love your new hair! Im not a totally heinous person. But there are a handful of women who Ive continued to be friends with, despite the fact I dont really like them. In a couple of cases, its been about the longevity of the friendship. Researchers have claimed that if a friendship lasts longer than seven years, its likely to continue throughout your life. If thats true, I reckon its got less to do with Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants-style camaraderie, and more to with nostalgia, and guilt about ending something so long-standing. Ive lost count of the number of times Ive complained about a particular pal, only to finish the conversation with but weve been friends for so long. When someones seen you through side-fringes and virginity-loss, it can seem impossible or even cruel to get rid of them. Which is how I found myself having drinks and lunches with one particular friend who made me feel awful about myself and made snarky comments about my boyfriend. But how do you throw something that long-lasting away? Maybe the biggest reason we get stuck spending time with people we cant stand is because theres no ritual in our culture to get rid of friends. Ive put up with behaviour from certain friends (or, thankfully, now ex-friends) that I would never have accepted from a boyfriend. Break-up But theres no such thing as a friendship break-up. You dont take your girlfriends to dinner to explain to them you like them but youve changed as a person and you need space. Maybe if such a tradition did exist, we wouldnt find ourselves lumbered with frenemies in the first place. And for those who have done it? They say it was harder and more painful than any relationship break-up. On some level, Im making excuses for myself. Yes, Ive kept friends long past their sell-by dates for noble reasons, but sometimes its been a lot more selfish than that. Because, whisper it, bonding over a shared hatred of someone is one of the strongest connections you can have with a friend. Two women I know found themselves stuck in an awkward conversation at a drinks party until they realised neither of them could stand a mutual friend. Since then, theyve become besties, sharing yoga classes and secrets. Theyve moved way past a shared loathing but that doesnt negate what they first bonded over, and Ive done the exact same thing in the past. Im going to lay my cards on the table: I love a good bitch, and the advent of social media has made the remit of our gossip infinitely wider. Weve got viewfinders into other peoples lives. Whether its sharing Facebook screenshots from racist school friends, or spending a night out discussing someones obviously posed holiday snaps, its cathartic, its natural and I reckon its pretty normal. One thing it isnt is purposeless. If youre doing it a lot or its not about minor things it usually means something, and acknowledging that can be a powerful watershed. After my boyfriend pointed out that Id complained about the same friend over and over again, I was forced to ask myself why. I realised every time Id seen that person in the last year, Id come away feeling bad about myself, and because of that, I really didnt like her anymore. Whether it was announcing that Id signed with a literary agent or got engaged, shed made snarky comments one too many times, and Id lost my ability to brush it off. So even though it caused drama and fall-out, the friendship had to end. Doing nothing about a difficult friendship, aside from bitching, is pretty normal, even if its not A-grade behaviour. But if you consistently leave social occasions with that friend feeling worse about yourself? Then its time to stop telling other people you dont like that person and tell them to their face. Chances are, the feeling is entirely mutual. What would really happen if someone opened an airplane door in mid-flight? Oliver Smith investigates. Its one of the nervous flyers (numerous) nightmare scenarios. A potty fellow passenger makes a beeline for the emergency exit and yanks the door open, sending themselves, and any unsecured trolley dollies and holidaymakers, spinning into the stratosphere. That nightmare almost became reality recently, when a female passenger attempted to open the cabin door on board a Jetstar service between Sydney and Avalon. The crew managed to restrain her and she was arrested once the plane touched down. But are our fears founded? What would have happened had she been successful? If someone actually managed to open the door of a large passenger aircraft at high altitude, the cabin would lose pressure extremely rapidly and chaos would ensue. Expand Close Emergency Exit Door. Photo: Deposit / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Emergency Exit Door. Photo: Deposit Even instances of slow decompression, of which there are an estimated 40 to 50 a year, can be fatal. In 2005 a Boeing 737 operated by Helios Airways crashed, killing all 121 passengers and crew after a gradual loss of cabin pressure. The lack of oxygen at 30,000 feet left the crew incapacitated, and the plane on auto-pilot slowly ran out of fuel, before plunging to the ground. In such instances, oxygen masks (with enough oxygen to last several minutes) should drop from the ceiling to stave off hypoxia (a lack of oxygen, which leads to sluggish thinking, dimmed visions, unconsciousness and then death). In the cockpit, the flight crew will don their rubber masks and begin a rapid descent to a safe altitude anything below 10,000ft (depending on the terrain). Read More Sudden decompression, which would occur if a plane door was suddenly thrust open, is another matter. Anyone standing near the exit would be ejected into the sky; the cabin temperature would quickly plummet to frostbite-inducing levels, and the plane itself might even begin to break apart. In 1988, an Aloha Airlines flight (also a Boeing 737) with 90 people on board was en route to Honolulu, cruising at an altitude of 24,000 feet, when a small section of the roof ruptured. The resulting explosive decompression tore off a larger section of the roof, and a 57-year-old flight attendant called Clarabelle Lansing was swept from her seat and out of the hole in the aircraft. Luckily, all other passengers were belted up, and the pilot managed to land 13 minutes later, avoiding further loss of life. Dozens of other examples of explosive decompression have been recorded, and it often doesnt end well. And lets not forget the vaguely hilarious demise of James Bonds nemesis Goldfinger (see video below). Fortunately, while decompression can be dangerous, it is not going to happen because a fellow flier fancied a bit of fresh air for one simple reason: it is simply impossible to open a plane door during a flight. Cabin pressure wont allow it, explains Patrick Smith, an airline pilot and author of Cockpit Confidential, a book about air travel. Think of an aircraft door as a drain plug, fixed in place by the interior pressure. Almost all aircraft exits open inward. Some retract upward into the ceiling; others swing outward; but they open inward first. At a typical cruising altitude, up to eight pounds of pressure are pushing against every square inch of interior fuselage. Thats over 1,100 pounds against each square foot of door. So even Chuck Norris couldnt open it. But what about at lower altitudes, when cabin pressure is reduced? A meager two pounds per square inch is still more than anyone can displace even after six cups of coffee and the aggravation that comes with sitting behind a shrieking baby, says Smith. The doors are further secured by a series of electrical and/or mechanical latches. You would need a hydraulic jack, and airport security doesnt allow those. But there has been at least one incident when a passenger did manage to open the door of an aircraft while it was in the sky. In 1971 Dan Cooper hijacked a Boeing 727, extorted a $200,000 ransom, and then leapt from the rear exit with a parachute, never to be seen again. However, he had the pilot depressurise the plane in order to do so, while a year later Cooper vanes were installed to completely disable aircraft doors while the landing gear is up. Incidentally, the reason skydivers or military personnel can regularly leap from aircraft doors is because those planes are not pressurised. On the ground, however, the situation changes as one would hope, with the possibility of an evacuation in mind. Smith explains: While the plane is taxiing, you will get the door to open. You will also activate the doors emergency escape slide. "As an aircraft approaches the gate, you will sometimes hear the cabin crew calling out doors to manual. This has to do with overriding the automatic deployment function of the slides. Those slides can unfurl with enough force to kill a person, and you dont want them billowing onto the jet bridge or into a catering truck. Read more: Read More Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Beach-weather temperatures may have hit almost 22C yesterday but there was no respite for the 343 long-suffering patients across the country who endured hours on trolleys. In fact, yesterday must have proved chilling for new Health Minister Simon Harris. The long-delayed HSE performance report for February laid bare how 2,700 patients aged over 75 languished on trolleys for more than 24 hours during another chaotic month in emergency departments as overcrowding escalated. This was the all-too depressing scenario on the month we went to the polls. It followed the extra 117m in funding pumped into the health service in a desperate attempt to relieve pressures over the previous year. In the meantime, thousands of cancelled operations have seen public patient waiting lists for surgery and outpatient clinics soar to more than 500,000. The HSE is now facing a 500m deficit. So what is Mr Harris to do? The one mistake he should not make is to sell us the dream of some panacea which will take years to materialise. There is little toleration for any more distraction. We have already been down that cul-de-sac with former Health Minister James Reilly, who kept us waiting three years for a White Paper on universal health insurance. It was supposed to be the blueprint for an end to the two-tier system. In the meantime, the key areas of hospital beds, staffing and changing work practices stalled or deteriorated. Wards were closed to save money and newly-recruited hospital consultants' and nurses' salaries were cut. When Leo Varadkar took over, and the unaffordable cost of universal health insurance was revealed, the health service was back to square one. The new cross-party proposal to set up a committee, with a tight deadline, to try to work out a 10-year plan for the health service is welcome and overdue.But it cannot become the next big idea to divert attention from the urgent needs of thousands of people who are in increasing queues for care. Bottlenecks The Government's 15m fund, to be used to outsource some of the longest waiters for treatment in private hospitals, will just amount to very limited sticking plaster. Mr Harris will have to come up with some solution to the failure to attract so many hospital consultants to vacant jobs. The failure to fill so many specialist posts is fuelling bottlenecks and is having an impact on patient safety. The HSE report yesterday cited a lack of urologists for contributing to worrying figures showing only half the men with suspected prostate cancer are being seen in rapid-access clinics in the recommended time. In Limerick, just 20pc of clinics are meeting the timeline. Several posts for child and adolescent psychiatrists were advertised last year and drew little or no applicants. The Programme for Government is also promising a review of hospital beds to determine where they should be placed. The proposal for yet another review will set hearts sinking, particularly after an emergency department task force implementation group was supposed to be overseeing this kind of progress. It is imperative this is done quickly. The Government has already set itself an unambitious target to very gradually reduce the numbers on trolleys waiting more than six hours for a bed. But it will be 2021 before it is met for all patients. If the new minister manages to outdo that target, he will have scored major success. And he will have saved many lives. Given the uncertainty surrounding the question of water, the commitment by the Government to ring-fence the 5.5bn needed to upgrade the network is welcomed. But the bigger question is how, and when, that money will be allocated. The water regulator, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), is considering Irish Water's capital investment plan, which sets out almost 340 projects across the State which it says are in need of major upgrades. The projects range from a new supply for Dublin, to wastewater treatment plants to prevent the scandal of raw sewage being discharged into waters. There are smaller plant upgrades and new drinking water plants. Crucially, there's also minor works needed to keep the system ticking over until the next investment cycle. The regulator is not concerned about how those works are funded. It can only look at Irish Water's investment plan, and decide if the works are beneficial and represent the best interests of consumers. But, of course, the question of funding is crucial. As of now, there is no funding for 2017. That's not to suggest that there won't be money made available, but the amount provided will tell the story. It currently costs around 1bn to operate the network on a day-to-day basis. That is funded through a combination of government subvention and commercial and domestic water charges. The most recent figures show that Irish Water collected around 110m in the first nine months of charging, and more up-to-date figures will be published shortly. The utility expected to collect 270m this year. But with bills only being applied for the period from January to March, it means that at least nine months of revenue - possibly more if the suspension is extended - will be lost. There is yet no clarity on whether the 205m forecast loss from domestic charges will be made up. No doubt the new Cabinet will have a lively discussion on where the money should come from. The capital investment programme is somewhat different. Irish Water has borrowed 800m to date, and has another 500m secured, but the loss of charges means its ability to borrow may be somewhat curtailed. The reliance on Government funding, coupled with the loss of a major revenue stream, could deter international funders from approving additional borrowings. The Government intended for the utility to become self-financing over time. That will take more time than originally expected. Clarity on all these areas are needed, and soon. If the Government is committed to retaining a national utility, and maintaining any hope of public acceptance in the Irish Water model over the longer-term, it cannot allow investment to suffer. Premium What will it take to unite Ireland? Opinions are divided There are those for whom Northern Ireland is a geographical fragment of the UK holding true to empire on its western flanks, and those for whom partition is a century-old wrong that must be overturned. Somewhere in the middle are the persuadables people willing to accept either unity or union, so long as the justification is logical. One way or another, the unity conversation is in the air. Being Minister for Health is a big, important job and Simon Harris has got off to a good start. In his first interview in the post, he specified that he wanted to take party politics out of health. While health policy choices are inherently political, any attempts to take the party politics out of them are extremely welcome and demonstrate a good understanding for what is required in this tricky ministerial job. Minister Harris intends to do this by setting up a cross-party Oireachtas committee to hold hearings with relevant stakeholders, for them to reach a consensus on a 10-year plan for health. Harris has stated it takes more than one term and consistency across governments to successfully introduce such a long-term reform plan. Realistically, this may need to be a 15- to 20-year plan to bring about the change required for a decent health system. For such a plan to be viable, there needs to be a shared vision amongst the public and politicians about what type of health services we want and how they should be funded. A good starting point would be an Oireachtas-wide consensus to work towards a universal, high-quality health system. All parties expect Fianna Fail to advocate a universal health system in one form or another. Centre-left and left politicians advocate a tax-funded, universal system. Sinn Fein is the only party with a well-researched, comprehensive health policy that details how to undo our two-tier system. Fianna Fail also produced a health policy last year which, in effect, seeks to maintain the status quo of our two-tier health system funded through general taxation, that would still allow private patients to skip the queue, as well as promising more of everything to everyone. In 2011, Fine Gael and Labour committed to a "universal, single-tier health service, which guarantees access to medical care based on need, not income". They planned to deliver it through a flawed model of universal health insurance which they have now wisely abandoned. Such strong commitments to universalism are missing in the Programme for Government published last Wednesday. This programme has been rightly criticised for being too aspirational but the health section is sadly lacking any ambition. It is a rehash of yet-to-be-implemented existing government policy, alongside some shoddy concessions to Fianna Fail and the Independents. Last Tuesday, 89 opposition TDs proposed a motion which endorses the Government's plan and the "need for consensus at political level on the health service funding model". The motion specifies '"he need to establish a universal, single-tier service where patients are treated on the basis of health need rather than on ability to pay with the intention of adopting a 10-year plan for our health services, based on political consensus". Minister Harris responded with openness to this health motion, indicating a change in the realpolitik. He also wants the plans to be costed so that there can "be honest debates about the real cost of the proposals". No sooner was the minister's announcement in the public domain than an apparent spat between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail emerged over dismantling the HSE. The Programme for Government states: "We will continue the process of dismantling the HSE, evolving it into a Health Commission. We will advance progress made on Hospital Groups before strengthening their capacity to be stand-alone statutory Trusts." There is nothing new in this, it has been government policy since 2011 to dismantle the HSE into hospital groups and then trusts. Some have voiced concerns that establishing trusts is an effort to break up the component parts of the HSE, to gear it up for privatisation. Speaking to health service leaders this week, Minister Harris wanted "to reassure everyone that the only goal of this process is to facilitate the HSE to move to new structures that will devolve more decision making to the level of the hospital or the community, and to ensure greater accountability". One of the fatal mistakes of the HSE foundation was to centralise power and control to a monolith. If the new structures decentralise control, that is welcome but it is unclear now how workable they are and whether having different structures overseeing hospital and community care will make care more fragmented for the patient. The health part of the Programme for Government is without specific priorities, targets, costings or detail, but there is one health priority for the first 100 days - "the reactivation of the National Treatment Purchase fund [NTPF] to reduce hospital waiting lists". Buying private care for long-waiting public patients (in the guise of the NTPF) can reduce the waiting times for individuals but we know from before that spending hundreds of millions on private care does not resolve the underlying causes of high numbers of people waiting too long in the public system. Minister Harris has enthusiasm and energy. He also has the ear and support of Michael Noonan and Enda Kenny, which is critical for health policy to succeed. However, he must not make the same mistakes of his predecessors - of reorganising structures and contracting out care to the private system rather than resourcing the slow, hard grind of improving access and the quality of care in the public health system. If he can do that and at the same time reach Oireachtas-wide consensus on health reform for the decades ahead, this so-called brave new politics might actually bring about a better health system. EUNavforMed - or Operation Sophia, to give the gig its more romantic title - is a real success story. It's not the "failure" some would have us believe as outlined in a pretty mean-minded report by the House of Lords in Britain. EU ships have saved more than 9,000 souls among the poor and huddled masses crossing the Mediterranean, the refuse of Libya's "teeming shore". It is a stunning success for the humanitarianism of the EU - an institution which Britain is thinking of leaving. But such is the immoral nature of our reaction to this catastrophic human crisis that our political masters did not dare to put human lives ahead of tackling criminality when they launched the whole fandango a year ago. Well aware that millions of Europeans were not too keen on rescuing the refugees and migrants drowning in Mare Nostrum (and quite a few, alas, rather keen that these poor folk might expire en route), British Prime Minister Dave Cameron and his mates went banging on about the need to hunt down people-smugglers. Personally, I'd rather he hunted down the arms smugglers who are the cause of this bloody tragedy. But that would mean arresting all kinds of well-off gents from the Gulf, Turkey and, indeed, Libya - along with CIA agents, Russian spooks and quite a few intelligence outfits even closer to home. Impossible. So having told us this was all about criminality, Dave and the lads have to faff on about driving 'wedges' into people-smuggling Mafiosi who are supposedly the real culprits. Now that the Turks have been bribed with a regular annual wodge of greens and easy visas to Europe for their own migrants, rather than the more desperate kind from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, the immediate problem is that you can't bribe the Libyan government in the same way. First, because it doesn't exist, thanks partly to British messing in that tripartite nation; and second, because Britain doesn't have any real enthusiasm for sending marines to the shores of Tripoli. After all, dispatching British commandos to Arab lands - with or without permission from the relevant dictators - to shoot down the desperadoes who are packing the coffin ships with human flotsam would immediately bring us into conflict with all kinds of chaps: Isil, al-Qa'ida, Nusrah, Boko Haram, freelance militias, Arab government ministers, Gulf allies and Washington cut-outs. We would have to use precision bombing and lots of drones and then, before we knew it and as per usual, we'd be blowing up the camps, clinics and hospitals used by the refugees as well as the gunmen and smugglers before the homeless, 'tempest-tossed' migrants even dipped their toes in the sea. It's highly instructive that one of the most recent EU puffs for Operation Sophia puts the rescue of human life first on its list of mission objectives - which is where it should be - and only then waffles on about smugglers. There's one killer line at the end, however, that hits us old Middle East hands like a whiplash. The purpose of the whole EU project, we are told, is to "tackle the root causes" of the refugee tragedy. Surely not? For that would mean we've got to talk about justice, dignity and freedom for the people of the Middle East - which means we've got to redesign our policies towards Islam, history, Arab dictators, Israel, the Palestinians, the Kurds. We may even have to re-examine our views of Europe, even of the EU. And if we're going to set sail across the Mediterranean with that kind of ambition, we'd better follow the example of Admiral Lord Nelson who held his telescope to his blind eye at the Battle of Copenhagen and remember what he said: "I see no ships!" ( Independent News Service) McCallie senior Lucas Lius photographic expertise earned him a spot on the wall of Congressman Chuck Fleischmanns district office. Lius photo Diabetes (Type 13) finished third in the Third District contest for the United States House of Representative Congressional Art Competition. Lucas has been taking photography from Dave Hall while at McCallie. The Tennessee Third District competition featured 112 entrants and was one of the largest in the United States. The district includes 11 counties in East Tennessee: Anderson, Roane, Union, Morgan, Campbell, Scott, McMinn Monroe, Polk, Bradley and Hamilton. The district includes 11 counties in East Tennessee: Anderson, Roane, Union, Morgan, Campbell, Scott, McMinn Monroe, Polk, Bradley and Hamilton. The competition, held each Spring, provides an opportunity for members of Congress to recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. All House Members in the United States have the option to hold this competition potentially 435 Congressional Districts. Since 1982 more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the annual Artistic Discovery competition, now called the United States House of Representatives Congressional Art Competition. Creative paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photographs were on display at Chattanooga State for one week prior to the May 1 awards. Rep. Fleischmann served as Honorary Chairman of the award reception and ceremony hosted jointly by ArtsBuild and Chattanooga State Community College, while his field representative, Michelle Harstine, headed the competition. At last we have a government - though personally I did not have any problem with the delay, if we needed the time to get to the solution we have now reached. I wish this Government every success over the next five (or even three) years. Let us all be patient and understanding as they go about their duties. I would ask the following people in particular to fulfil the following functions. Alan Kelly: Much as you want to be the future leader of the Labour Party, don't destroy the good work of the last government just to score points now. That's not leadership in my opinion. Shane Ross: After 35 years, you have a Cabinet seat, so now you have got to put into practice what you have lectured us over the years through TV, radio and newspapers. It will not be as easy as it seemed. Finally, Finian Mc Grath: Firstly, congratulations on your promotion. Do not make the non-payment of your water charges an issue so you have to resign. You have a chance to do so much good work in the area of disability. Don't lose this opportunity, parents all over Ireland with special needs children/adults must have celebrated your appointment knowing your own experience and knowledge in this area. And, I intend to continue to pay my water charges as long as it's law. Donough O' Reilly Kilmacud, Co Dublin Nothing 'unjust' about Eurovision While it is understandable that we wanted to be supportive of the efforts of Nicky Byrne in the Eurovision, it is risible to suggest that there was an "injustice" done on Thursday. Nicky Byrne simply wasn't good enough, and the sooner we admit that, the better. Ireland has failed consistently over the last 20-odd years, not because of poor continental musical taste, or because "The East bloc all vote for each other", but because our acts have not been good enough. None of our entries in recent times could ever have realistically held a candle to the ones that eventually won out. If, despite the fact that seven out of the last 10 Eurovisions were won by Western countries, and despite the fact that several of the semi-final entries (such as Ukraine and Australia) were undeniably superior to our own, some still think that there was an injustice done this year, then those people are part of the problem. Tomas M Creame Ballinamore, Co Leitrim Gender balance a two-way street Your correspondent Mike Geraghty (Letters, Thursday May 14) advises us to "think outside the box" when it comes to gender balance, but then singularly fails to do so himself. Gender balance is a two-way street, and it's important to recognise that according to CSO statistics there are many areas where the balance does not favour men. Men are overwhelmingly more likely to be victims of homicide, or of a workplace fatality or suicide, or to be unemployed or homeless. The teaching profession has a bigger gender imbalance than the Dail, but then our education system fails to turn out an equal number of qualified males. William Mongey Waterford The only crisis is in government The news is full of people saying we have a housing crisis. We do not. We have a housing problem but a government crisis, just as we have had in flooding, health, water taxation and the environment. Some people are saying that the free market cannot handle the housing crisis. Certainly the free market would now have a serious problem saving us from the ludicrous artificial market that our disorganised governments have created. Nobody else has brought us to the position where hundreds of people have no roof or food and many are not even able to get into hospital this year. And, I might add, the situation would be far worse except for various charities. Richard Barton Tinahely, Co Wicklow Sabina Higgins controversy David Quinn is right (Irish Independent, May 13) that Sabina Higgins has politicised the Office of the President by dragging it into the divisive public controversy on abortion. Of course she is not a private citizen when she speaks as the wife of the President, when there is all the usual protocol and security attaching to her attendance at public events. The evidence of her status was clear from the statement issued by the Aras an Uachtarain press office to Newstalk radio station on May 11 clarifying her participation in the student midwives' event. The President's Office has more protocol attached to it than any other public office in Ireland. That protocol is not, nor does it need to be, grounded in constitutional law. Rather it is grounded in custom, convention and protocol that are respected. These, along with the constitutional limitations on the President's role, are what give the office its prestige and keep it outside political controversy. Mrs Higgins is pushing the independence of the office beyond the limits with her personal view, with which an awful lot of citizens do not agree. Quinn is right in suggesting that this behaviour will have major implications for future presidential election campaigns. Did we not learn anything from the last campaign? Do we want the presidency to be in constant controversy? Will the views of candidates' spouses have to be scrutinised in future campaigns? Matt Moran, Waterfall, Cork The remarks on abortion made by the President's wife's, Sabina, are very sad. A study of the suitability of the term 'fatal foetal abnormality' was dealt with in the 'British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology' in 2012. A list of 26 distinct disorders commonly termed 'fatal' resulted in conclusions that "none of the malformations commonly described as being lethal are in fact lethal in the strict sense". Prolonged survival has been described in all of the conditions listed. The damning conclusion of the study is that apart from cases of misdiagnosis, such terminology is often used to make it easier for women to come to terms with the termination of pregnancy and, shockingly, where "practitioners are aware that death is not inevitable but believe that the survivors will not have a life worth living". In other words, a condition is referred to as 'fatal foetal abnormality' to make abortion more palatable to parents who find themselves in this heart-breaking situation. Ireland entered into an international agreement in 1992, when the United Nations Convention on the rights of a child was ratified. The preamble states, among other things, that the "child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth." Gerry Glennon Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin The Guth Gafa international documentary film festival is inviting film-makers who work in Louth to submit new work for a special 'Made in Louth/Meath' strand which will be part of this year's programme. Guth Gafa is celebrating its tenth birthday with a longer family-oriented festival at the earlier time of 3-7 August in Kells. More films, outdoor events and a special programme for children are just some of the highlights of this year's biggest ever Guth Gafa festival which will return to Headfort House and Kells for the third consecutive year. Guth Gafa will accept short or feature documentaries on any human rights, social action and environmental issue subjects, completed since January 2015 by film-makers working in the Louth/Meath area (or a film by an Irish filmmaker that was shot in the Louth/Meath) and that have not yet been broadcast. Submission is completely free and online and the submission form can be accessed at this link: https://goo.gl/GRhx2F Deadline for submission is midnight Sunday 15th May 2016. See www.guthgafa.com for more info along with @GuthGafa on twitter and https://www.facebook.com/GuthGafaFilmFestival/ on Facebook. A Dundalk woman has become the first female host of the Rose of Tralee selection events. Chloe Copas, who is originally from Dundalk, is currently living in Newcastle Upon Tyne where she has been studying Musical Theatre at Newcastle College for the last three years. Chloe recently hosted the Newcastle-Gateshead Rose of Tralee Regional Selection, which took place on the same night as the Louth selection. 'I previously entered the Newcastle-Gateshead selection last year where I was the runner up budding rose,' Chloe told the Argus. 'This year I pitched an idea that would modernise and bring the selection night up a scale, and emphasised that a woman should host the event, as men have always hosted the Rose of Tralee in the Dome and at the regional selections.' Chloe put together an introduction video at the beginning of the night explaining what the Rose of Tralee is and welcoming the girls taking part in the Newcastle-Gateshead selection. 'I was working with the girls one to one before Christmas where I got to know them personally and knowing what they wanted to discuss on stage and sharing my experiences with them,' explained Chloe. 'I volunteered to host and to become a member of the new committee of the Newcastle-Gateshead centre alongside the chairperson, Derry woman Sheena Greeves and two previous roses who took part with me last year.' She said they worked together to make the selection night a huge success. 'I also received a personal video message from the main man Daithi O' Shea wishing me the best of luck as the first woman to host it.' She added hopes that by hosting such a special event like the regional selection for the Rose of Tralee, 'some doors will open in making a professional career within the industry.' Chloe was delighted to be joined by her sister Ashley, aunt Bernadette Hearty and soon to be 90 year-old grandmother Kathleen Watters, who all travelled over from Dundalk to see her making the hosting debut. Her mum Rita already lives in Newcastle. 'They like to thank Ryanair for the excellent personal assistance help as it was my aunt's first time traveling across with my granny, and only for the special assistance at both Dublin Airport and Newcastle Airport from Ryanair she would not have been able to travel so easy.' Over 70% of Louth secondary school students feel they won't find a job in their home county after they finish education, according to a new survey of student attitudes. The 2016 'Studyclix' Student Attitudes Index focused on finances, job prospects, emigration, housing, social media and phone usage. It also asked about bullying as well as attitudes towards politics and role models. The key findings from 2,000 complete responses were that 61% of Louth students say it is 'unlikely or highly unlikely' that they will be able to purchase a house in their home county when they begin working. A further 70% of Louth students say it is unlikely or highly unlikely that they will end up working in their home county when they finish their education, compared to 50% nationally. And 47% say the cost of rent will influence wherever in Ireland they choose to go to college or university. Indeed more than half of those surveyed think it likely they will emigrate at some point in their lives. The study also showed that 76% have used a smart phone to study. Meanwhile Snapchat has replaced Facebook as the social media tool of choice. Louth's young students are, as expected, heavy social media users, with 56% of students admitting their school work has been affected by social media use. Role models for young people in Louth were revealed as Conor McGregor, Bill Gates, Barack Obama for boys, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Emma Watson for girls. Most students reported they are happy with their looks, while the biggest stresses on their mental health are school and exam pressures, and for many the unforgiving points race. In other topics of interest to Louth students, politics wasn't one, as the survey revealed there is a 'serious dislike of our politicians.' Speaking about the results in Louth, Studyclix Co-Founder Luke Saunders said: 'It is certainly surprising how forward looking Louth students are. It obvious that financial considerations weigh heavily on second level students minds.' Following the launch of its 2016 spring/summer collection earlier this year, Lidl is set to launch its highly anticipated high summer collection into stores this Thursday. With a focus on trends that are both wearable and affordable, savvy shoppers can look forward to versatile summer pieces, trend-inspired accessories, as well as glamorous, Ibiza-worthy swimwear. The collection will land in Lidl's 146 stores nationwide between May and June, with prices ranging from just 2.49 to 15.99, meaning customers can look forward to a summer fashion haul without having to splash the cash. This May will see the arrival of a collection of Mediterranean-inspired pieces onto shelves, which can be mixed and matched to create the perfect capsule summer wardrobe. Light fabrics, simple stripes and pops of blue and coral dominate. Must-have pieces from the Esmara collection include classic chino shorts, 7.99, pretty blouses, 7.99, knitted striped tops, 5.99, and chic striped dresses, 9.99. Festival fashion also features, and a full outfit including tribal harem pants, 6.99, a bright cami top, 4.99, light crocheted jumper, 9.99, and fringed sandals, 10.99, can be picked up for just 32.96. The Esmara summer collection also features a range of versatile accessories and footwear. From gladiator sandals, 8.99, metallic slider sandals, 7.99, and wedges, 12.99, to chunky gold and rose-gold watches, 9.99, summer handbags, 15.99, in colours like cream and tan, and chic sun hats and visors, 6.99, there's something to suit every taste and style. Also sure to impress is the 'See You in Miami' collection of beachwear and athleisure, which will arrive in stores in from 9th June. Inspired by the vibrant city of Miami, the focus of the range is on bold colours, lush prints and geometric silhouettes. A stunning selection of tropical bikinis feature, including the luxe triangle neoprene bikini, bright floral bikini and black fringe bikini, available for the bargain price of just 9 each. Other stand-out pieces include glamorous cut-out swimsuits in a variety of styles and colours, 7.99, beach dresses in bold colours like pink, mint and orange, 6.99, and tropical print kaftans, just 8.99 each. Every now and again, the Husband (long suffering as he tells himself) gets out of his box and decides to put his head above the parapet to gently criticise this Wife of his. Isn't it funny how even the most mild mannered of men sometimes can't help repeating the first 'hilarious' thing they think of, only for the 'witty aside' to be met with a death stare on a face with a mouth like a cat's bum? The Husband takes absolutely no interest in my beauty routine. (Yes, I do have one, though you are entitled to doubt it's effectiveness). He knows, nor cares, nothing of YSL, Chanel, Garnier, pro-active serums or anything else that keeps me from looking like the total wreck of the Hesperus even though these tubes, jars, bottles and boxes clutter up the bathroom shelf. They may as well be boxes of Lego for all he knows. But every now and again, he will spot a new, shiny package he hasn't seen before and will question me on the contents, or like the incident last week, the cost of it, and will stand agog when he hears the money involved for the actually very reasonably priced miracle formula which will become the new 'essential' in my daily life. A friend got me a new foundation for which there was no change out of 30. It was an absolute bargain, because this wonder-cream is highly sought after and has been spotted on the faces of the famous. Just the job for me. One evening last week, I pulled the shimmering golden packaging out of my handbag and, like the magpie that he is, the Husband clocked it straight away. He noticed not the high class French manufacturer, nor the suitably expensive-looking packaging. Auld hawk eye clocked the price that I had casually left on the side of the box. 'Is that what that cost, for that skittery bottle?' he said, astounded. I found myself stuttering: 'Well, it's light reflecting, weightless radiance'. He paused. Then he burst out laughing. And before he could remind himself who he was talking to, out he came with: 'Aye, 'weightless' and 'radiance' are the very two words that spring to mind when I see you coming down the stairs first thing in the morning. Weightless radiance, har har har'. When the silence swelled around him in the aftermath of his outburst, he stopped mid-chortle and looked. Mine was not a happy face, despite the best efforts of my 30 bottle of 'weightless radiance'. He mumbled sorry and went off outside, still laughing, partly at his own joke and partly at his own bravery. I will give him that - it was mildly amusing. But revenge is sweet and this week, in preparation for the Big Lad's First Holy Communion on Saturday, I have issued him with a 'daily programme of works' as they call it in Louth County Council. Monday's job is the downstairs windows. Tuesday's is the fridge freezer. We will see who is weightlessly radiant by the end of all THAT! Of course, the Lads are no better. As I got myself ready the Sunday of the May Bank Holiday to judge the Rose of the Clans contest (where the men dressed up as women and vice versa), the Wee Lad asked me where I was going. 'To a beauty contest, son', I replied. Here's him, straight back: 'Oh mum, you're so funny' and off he went chuckling at my 'joke'. There was worse to come. I decided I would 'road test' the outfit I had planned to wear to the Communion and stuck it on for the Clans event. I came downstairs where the two Lads were sitting on the sofa, heads stuck in a shared tablet watching yet another Minecraft video. I stood in front of them and coughed. 'Thumbs up or down for mum's outfit', I stupidly asked. The Wee Lad took a quick look and gave me the thumbs up and went back to the video. The Big Lad frowned, putting down the thumbs. 'No mum, it's embarrassing', he declared. I went on anyway. I may have nothing to wear for Saturday, but the windows of the house will be clean! Dundalk chamber, in association with Bank of Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office, will showcase some of Louth's finest businesses at the Business-to-Consumer Expo in the Marshes shopping centre on Friday next. Over 60 companies from all sectors will be exhibiting, and the event will be opened by Padraic White, former managing director of IDA Ireland and former chairman of Louth economic forum. The trade fair is an opportunity to find new business opportunities from different sectors. Representatives of the Local Enterprise Office and various financial institutions will be in attendance. The exhibition also features an embassy hub with the commercial attache from a number of embassies on hand to answer questions. Those confirmed include the Romanian, Polish, Malaysian and Argentinian embassies. There will be promotions, giveaways and free draws for some fantastic prizes. This event is free to attend, from 10am to 5pm. A Dundalk man who was last week convicted over a timer power unit found at the south Armagh home he shared with his girlfriend has had an application for bail refused ahead of his sentencing next month, despite having been on remand in a young offenders' centre in the North for more than two years. Keith McConnon, a former Dundalk Grammar School student from Kilcurry, and his partner Orla O'Hanlon were charged with a catalogue of offences after their rented bungalow on the Tievecrom Road in Forkhill was raided by police in December 2013. Officers found an industrial grinder and fertiliser as well as a plastic bag in a wardrobe containing an improvised mobile phone-operated switch unit and portable power supply. A .455-calibre cartridge was also found. Last week, Judge Sandra Crawford acquitted O'Hanlon (19) of all the charges but convicted McConnon on two of nine counts. The 20-year-old, who has been on remand in Hydebank young offenders centre since his arrest, is awaiting sentence for possessing the timer power unit and cartridge in suspicious circumstances. The couple were tried on a series of serious offences including possessing explosives - crushed ammonium nitrate based fertiliser - both with intent to endanger life, and also in suspicious circumstances. McConnan, who admitted possessing the grinder but made the case he was acting under duress as he was under threat from a dissident republican, was cleared of all but two counts. McConnon admitted touching the bag and placing it in a wardrobe, but always denied any knowledge of its contents. Finding McConnon guilty of two charges linked to the bag - possessing the items in suspicious circumstances - Judge Crawford said it was 'inconceivable and wholly implausible' that he didn't know what was in the bag. O'Hanlon's solicitor Patrick Madden said after the verdict: 'Ms O'Hanlon was found not guilty of all charges. It was a difficult case and a very difficult time for Ms O'Hanlon, who maintained her innocence from the outset. 'She is glad to finally put this case behind her and looks forward to moving on with her life'. McConnon's barrister Barry Macdonald applied for bail on Friday on behalf of his client, and said: 'Put simply, this defendant has probably served more time in custody than he would be required to serve under any sentence he is likely to receive'. If bail was granted, McConnon would live with his parents in Dundalk and would adhere to any conditions imposed. He also said there was a 'glowing report' from the governor of Hydebank. Crown barrister Robin Steer raised several objections, including the fact that McConnon has been convicted of 'serious offences' and by his own admissions was 'linked to' a notorious alleged terrorist from the Dundalk area. Bail was refused and McConnan was remanded back in custody ahead of sentencing next month. Rory McKeague has been named as the next deputy principal of Dundalk Grammar School. He will take up the post when Jonathan Graham succeeds as headmaster with effect from 1 September next. A native of County Antrim, Mr McKeague is a BSc (Hons) Mathematics graduate of Queens University Belfast. After undertaking his Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Queens, he began his teaching career in Northumberland in the north-east of England. His career progressed in the UK when he was promoted to Mathematics Advisor for County Durham. Mr McKeague held the position of assistant principal in George Stephenson High School, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, before returning to Ireland in 2007 to join the Mathematics Department at Dundalk Grammar School. He holds a first class honours Masters degree in Education from University College Dublin. Malachai Duddy of Bray Credit Union hands over the keys of a new Ford Fiesta Titanium to Virginia Lyons, watched by John OBrien of Fitzpatrick Motors Another member of Bray Credit Union has driven away in a brand new car thanks to their monthly draw. Virginia Lyons is the latest winner and was thrilled to have won a Ford Fiesta Titanium. 'Bray Credit Union wishes her many years of safe motoring in her new car,' said a spokesperson for the organisation. She was presented with the amazing prize last week, when Malachai Duddy, Vice-President of Bray Credit Union, and John O'Brien from Fitzpatrick Motors, handed over the keys. Any member of Bray Credit Union Ltd, aged 18 years or over, can join the Bray Credit Union Ltd Monthly Car Draw for less than 1 per week. Application forms are available in the office of Bray Credit Union or can be downloaded from their website at www.braycu.ie. Membership of Bray Credit Union Ltd is open to those living or working in their Common Bond which extends from Kilternan to Ashford inclusive and includes Enniskerry, the Sallygap, Roundwood and Glendalough. The Credit Union has given away quite a few cars at this stage, as the draw has been held on a monthly basis ever since February 2011. The trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick on charges of misleading the bank's auditors has been put back to October next. Mr FitzPatrick (66) of Whitshed Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow has pleaded not guilty to 27 offences under the 1990 Companies Act. These include 21 charges of making a misleading, false or deceptive statement to auditors and six charges of furnishing false information in the years 2002 to 2007. Last month, Judge Rory McCabe said he was anxious for the trial to proceed in late May. The trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court is due to take between two to three months and will require a specially enlarged jury of 15 members. On Monday, May 9, Judge McCabe adjourned the start of the trial after concerns were raised that the trial would not finish by the end of July, when normal sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court finish for the summer vacation. The court heard that there was a possibility that the length of the trial might mean keeping a jury in over the summer or else a long break in the middle of a trial. Lawyers for the defence and for the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court that they were ready to proceed but couldn't give a commitment that evidence would be completed before the end of court term. Judge McCabe fixed a new trial date of October 4 next. Seven-year-old Merryn Lacy, who bravely fought childhood cancer for the last three years, has sadly passed away, leaving her parents to say 'Goodbye our sweet little princess.' Merryn's mum, Jenny is from Derry and her dad Mick is from Mountainview Drive in Bray. Merryn was raised in Bray before the family moved to Donabate some years ago. The little girl also attended school, when she could, at Balbriggan Educate Together NS. She had supporters in every corner of the island, including here in Bray, where two of her grandparents, Noel and Anne Lacy, reside. Bray man Stephen Guerin is trustee of the Merryn Lacy Trust. 'Merryn was a little girl who changed a lot of lives, including our own, with her amazing outlook on life,' he posted on social media, adding that she was 'a true inspiration'. Hundreds of people turned out to show their respects to the special girl at her funeral in Derry last Saturday. Mick, Jenny and Cora did a moving eulogy at the service at St Kilfennan Presbyterian Church, which Stephen said showed that they were such a strong family. Merryn was laid to rest with her granny Paula in Altnagelvin cemetery. Her family confirmed that Merryn passed away last week and took to social media to thank all of their many supporters around the country that have followed Merryn's courageous battle over the last three years. Merryn's heartbroken family wrote: 'This afternoon your little body had enough and you departed this world. No more pain! You leave us with so many happy memories. 'Our lives aren't just measured in years. They're measured in the lives of people we touch around us.' In July of 2013, the family's lives were turned upside down when they arrived home from a trip in London and noticed their four-year-old daughter, Merryn, 'just wasn't herself'. Within days, her parents, Michael and Jenny, were being told by an oncologist that their little girl had a lump on her right kidney which was later diagnosed as Neuroblastoma - an aggressive childhood cancer of the nervous system. Speaking in early 2014, Merryn's dad, Michael, said: 'It's turned our lives upside down - that's a given. You do become hardened towards it and toughen up a bit and we have our bad days and our good days.' The little girl he described then was 'a ball of energy' and battling her disease with a smile on her face. A fund was established for Merryn's treatment and fundraisers sprang up all over Bray, Wicklow and around the country to support the Lacy family. Michael said of that support, back in the early days of Merryn's struggle: 'What helps us is the incredible support we get. That kind of support kind of gives you strength.' Merryn passed away last Wednesday afternoon at Crumlin Hospital. Last Thursday, her parents updated their supporters saying: 'We brought her home last night. The three of us holding her in our arms as a Garda escort took us from Crumlin to Donabate. 'There aren't really words to describe these feelings, but we're truly overwhelmed by the heartfelt messages from those we know and those who have come to know us through Merryn's battle.' They added: 'Merryn lived life to the full we owe it to her to keep going. We miss you Merryn x. ' (From left) Michael Noble,Managing Director of Noble Solutions, Laura Mon, International Advisor with Myanmar Metropolitan College, and Nam Hoang Pham, Head of International Collaborations The Delgany man behind Wicklow's 'Best Start Up' company in the 2014 Best Young Entrepreneur Awards, is now working hard to position Ireland as a top class destination for higher education. This comes as the Indonesian governments decision to provide 5,000 fully funded international scholarships (LPDP) to graduates for their Masters Degree or PhD studies creates a huge opportunity for Ireland. Michael Noble, Managing Director of Noble Solutions, runs a business which brokers relationships between universities with the aim of articulating internationalisation routes. Noble Solutions works with a number of Irish institutions, including University College Cork, Dublin City University and Institute of Technology Tallaght. The company has also been expanding in the Asian region since 2013 and has active projects in Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines and Malaysia that aim to attract students to Ireland. The company is focused on building the Irish education brand through university partnerships, digital marketing campaigns, public events and media relations. It is hoped not only to create the opportunity to send LPDP recipients to Ireland this year, but, with a number of Irish universities having signed Memorandum of Understandings with institutions in South-East Asia through Noble Solutions, that they will look to further promote Ireland through faculty/student exchanges, summer programs and joint research. Mr Noble believes that bringing students to study in Ireland is good for the country in the long-term, as if fosters good relations between them and the Emerald Isle which can be built upon in the future. 'When students undertake studies in Ireland, they become brand ambassadors for our country,' said Mr Noble. 'Through education we create advocates of Ireland, which over time helps to build global relations and sustainable business partnerships. Besides the obvious benefits of enhancing international trade links, international students represent vital FDI to the Irish economy. 'Indonesia is a country that cannot be bypassed when seeking to attract international students to Ireland,' he added, referring to the Indonesian government's decision on scholarships. This sentiment has been echoed by Tom Redmond, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Irish Embassy in Indonesia. 'When Indonesians travel to Ireland to study, they create the people-to-people links which are essential in building up long-term cultural, political and commercial exchanges between our two countries,' said Mr Redmond. 'These exchanges promote trade, tourism and investment - in both directions and to the benefit of both sides. 'Encouraging and assisting students to travel to Ireland is an important part of the embassy's work, and we expect to see a steady increase over the next few years,' he said. The legacy which Fr John (Tom) Kerr from Drogheda left to the people of Cockstad in South Africa, the Maria Telgte Mission, prompted a visit of three members of the Napier family to the town last week. Winston Napier along with his wife, Cookie and son Garth, came to the town where their beloved pastor, Fr John (Tom) Kerr was born, to fulfil a promise and meet members of his family. Winston is a brother of South African Cardinal Napier who was also a friend of the Drogheda Franciscan Missionary. Winston spoke emotionally about the great friendship which engendered between himself and a young Franciscan Missionary Priest who arrived in South Africa nearly sixty years ago; " Father John, as he was known to us, arrived in Cockstad in 1959 to commence his missionary work. I had started out my professional life as a teacher and spent two years in front of the blackboard before my love of farming beckoned and I took up farming in Cockstad. 'This coincided with Fr Tom's arrival to commence his work in establishing the Maria Telgte Mission. He concentrated, first of all, on working the land to give resources and agricultural produce which would benefit his mission. 'Over the years he worked tirelessly to build up the mission to create what it is today. It has a fine church, community centre, caters for primary school children and has a boarding college for over 50 students. Down through the years we realised that Fr John received wonderful support from his family, neighbours and some business people from the town of Drogheda. So, in effect, there is a little piece of Drogheda in South Africa for which we are eternally grateful". During their visit, which was hosted by members of the Walker family, the Napier family spent time visiting places associated with the young Tom Kerr such as his former home in Bredin Street, where he grew up, The Highlane Church where he frequently celebrated mass on his home visits, the former Franciscan College in Gormanston where Tom spent time on retreats. As Winston says; " I spent many hours, particularly towards the end of his life, with Fr John reminiscing about his family and his beloved town. Whilst he was proud of his native town he chose to spend his final days among his congregation in the Maria Telgte mission where his remains are interred. 'It was during these last few years of his life I made a pledge that I would visit the town of Drogheda and pay tribute to his native townspeople, and particularly his family, for the wonderful contribution he made to our community". Since Father John's passing, Winston has continued to manage the farm on the Maria Telgte mission and is still awaiting a pastoral successor to take over from Fr John Kerr. Winston concludes by saying; "We have had a marvellous but sometimes sentimental time in your town. 'We really enjoyed the singing of The Drogheda Male Voice Choir and were delighted to meet and talk to some of their members who were actually friends of Fr John growing up. Their President, Robert Kierans, was a friend of Tom's and the Kierans family were very supportive of the work he carried out with us in Maria Telgte. We have one regret though, that we didn't meet Fr John's sister Rosaleen (Kerr) Walker who passed before our here visit just a while ago". Gardai say they responded 'within minutes' to an armed robbery in Clogherhead last week and not '40 minutes' later as a TD informed the Dail. In a clear disparity of the timeline it took for officers to attend the scene at the local post office, a garda appeal for information into the incident says 'local Gardai immediately responded to this incident and were on the scene within minutes', whereas Sinn Fein TD Imelda Munster states, 'despite ringing and pressing the panic button it took 40 minutes for Gardai to respond, yet the Garda station is only one minute away.' The incident occurred on Tuesday May 3rd at approximately 3.40pm when three men entered the convenience shop/post office in Clogherhead in possession of a firearm, sledge hammer and a metal bar. All three men wore high visibility jackets and they threatened staff and left the scene with a large amount of cash in a blue coloured Audi A3 car, partial registration number 00RN. A search of the area was carried out with the assistance of garda units from Drogheda and elsewhere from within the Louth Division. The blue Audi A3 was located, on fire, in a field at Coast Road, Callystown, a short time later. 'It is believed that the culprits then left this area in a silver coloured Skoda, not better described, that was parked at the entrance to this field. This car was being driven by a female with red hair,' the garda statement adds. Gardai are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information, particularly those who were in Clogherhead Village at approximately 3.30/3.45pm or who may have observed the blue Audi A3 prior to its arrival at Clogherhead village or subsequently at Coast Road, or who may have observed the silver Skoda in the Clogherhead area around the time of the robbery, to contact them at Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200, The Garda Confidential Line, 1800 666111 or any Garda Station. Louth TD Imelda Munster raised the incident as part of 'Drogheda district's community safety concerns' in the Dail. "In 2010 there were 109 Gardai assigned to the area however, using an answer I received from the minister, I found that there are now only 95 assigned to the area, 14 less than 2010,' she stated. "This week there was an armed robbery at the Post Office in Clogherhead. Despite ringing and pressing the panic button it took 40 minutes for Garda to respond, yet the Garda station is only one minute away. Finding a Garda present in Clogherhead Garda station has become pot luck as there are no official opening times. The same can be said about Dunleer station". She said Drogheda is a large urban town with the same general problems as everywhere else but "it has now come to the stage where some people have completely given up on reporting crime as there appears to be very little in regards to the following up of these complaints". "Furthermore, community Gardai are becoming disengaged and disenfranchised from communities because they've been required to perform other duties. You try to reach them by phone, and not unlike the more rural stations in the Drogheda area, its pot luck if you get them". "Neighbourhood watch schemes have been shelved. There are current schemes that have been enacted over a year ago, but not implemented. I'm aware of three applications from three estates that haven't received as much as a phone call, which is worrying to say the least as the implementation of these schemes, would make for a more efficient network". Speaking on recent crime in the area, Imelda Munster TD said "recently, there have been six burglaries carried out in one estate. The culprit was stashing his wares in an adjoining field and returning later to collect them. Despite being filmed doing this, the guards were called and arrested him, but he was never charged. "This disengagement with communities and community Gardai is due to a lack of resources and manpower, not the will of the Gardai who do great work, and who are consistently overstretched and over worked for minimal financial reward. "It's common knowledge in Drogheda that there is frequently only one marked car on duty to respond to calls. The Gardai no longer work in a proactive manner, but rather a reactive one. Morale is now at an all-time low, with many crimes going unreported and unsolved. This needs to change. The Gardai need both further recruitment and resources to do their job effectively. Turning a blind eye to resourcing community policing has compounded the problems for communities across this state". At a moment in time when Drogheda marks its involvement in the Easter Rising and nationalist blood flows through the veins, along comes the story of a man from 26 St Joseph's Terrace in Mell - also a true hero, in every sense of the word. Dennis McKeown was one of those soldiers that flew over the lowlands of Holland in a glider, packed with British soldiers. He was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the South Staffordshire regiment and it was September, 1944. The Allies were pushing forward following the Normandy landings in a bid to crush Hitler's Nazi forces. But they had met stiff resistance in various places and needed to form a bridgehead. And when Dennis McKeown left that aircraft in the darkness over Europe, he was charging into history - one of those to survive the Battle of Arnhem, immortalised in the film 'A Bridge Too Far'. 1,200 soldiers landed on the plains of Holland in those gliders, many would not make it home. The 9th SS and 10th SS Panzer Divisions gave them a pounding as soldiers dashed for cover, many separated from their weapons - many without a chance of survival. Dennis passed away at the age of 93 just a few weeks ago, and his emotional funeral at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Bulkington near Nuneaton heard stories of courage and daring. Mort Birch, writing in the Nuneaton News, said that an ex-chairman of the local Parachute regiment Robbie Thatcher described an extraordinary coincidence that occurred when he took Dennis and other veterans back to Arnhem. Dennis had told him that when their glider landed, he and his comrades were separated from their weapons and they lay defenceless in a ditch until a sergeant came along in a jeep and gave them covering fire so they could retrieve them. Robbie, told the mourners: "I organised the trip to Arnhem for the 65th anniversary of the battle and I was with Dennis and other veterans Ivor Sherrad and Arthur Adams when they were interviewed by Sky News. "Dennis told the interviewer about the landing and how they had been saved by the sergeant in the jeep. Arthur listened and then said 'that was me - I was that sergeant.' It was amazing. We were standing in the very same spot 65 years later to the day! "Later, Dennis lay in a ditch beside a church and his platoon sergeant asked him to go and get some ammunition. When he got back, the ditch had taken a direct hit and all his mates were killed. "Then he decided to escape across the river, but the current was too strong and started to pull him down. He was just about to give up when a Canadian soldier in a boat pulled him out." The Bedworth Ex-Paras chairman added: "Field Marshall Montgomery said: 'If you meet an Arnhem veteran, shake his hand and buy him a pint' - I and a lot of other people here today have had the privilege and the honour to do that with Dennis." Dennis was one of the dwindling band of survivors of the biggest airborne invasion in the history of warfare, his coffin draped with medals of valour, hard won. Parish Priest Father Michael Gamble told a packed congregation that Dennis was "a quiet man and a true gentleman, who had an extraordinary life." Dennis's nephew, John McKeown, says he met the war hero back in the mid 70s, and although had heard stories about the war, knew little of his experiences. Four boys in the McKeown household in Mell left Drogheda for life in England in the early to mid 40s, James, John, Patrick and Dennis. 'Dennis was the youngest and the last to go over,' John recalls. They all found work in the steel industry, but Dennis went off to war, before returning and marrying his wife, Thelma. At the end of his funeral service, the Last Post and then Reveille was played in honour of a Drogheda man who played his part in a fight for freedom so many years ago. St Joseph's Secondary School hosted a very special 1916 commemoration - at which a descendant of a GPO rebel had the honour of presenting the national flag to the army. The significance of the event was reflected in the very large turnout of staff, students, parents and members of the wider school community. The tricolour was presented to representatives of the Defence Forces by first year student Shane McKeown. Shane's Great Grandfather Patrick Connaughton fought in the G.P.O. alongside Padraig Pearse. The flag was then raised in accordance with military protocols. The National Anthem was then played by past pupil Wayne Floody and this was followed by a solemn lament played by an army piper. Mr Breifne Holohan and a number of the Students from Music Generation performed an original piece entitled "James Connolly". The Proclamation was read by teachers Mr Sharkey and Mr O Suilleabhain. Reflections on the 1916 Rising and the role of St. Joseph's past pupil (and signatory) Eamon Ceannt were also read by students Jack Bohill, Harry Lipscomb, Darragh Ward, Joshua Sokan and Karl Leonard. A stirring rendition of the 'Foggy Dew' was sung by Sean Tester (past pupil) and members of the St. Joseph's Primary school band. Mr David Madden (Principal) concluded the proceedings by expressing his gratitude to all who had supported and participated in the occasion. RTE'S Vivienne Traynor, who is a living kidney donor from Skerries, is encouraging people to turn out for the Irish Kidney Association's annual 'Run for a Life' family fun run on Saturday, May 28th. Vivienne, who is the ambassador for Organ Donor Awareness 2016, will be participating in the event, along with her extended family including her relative Michaela Delany (16) who is waiting for a second kidney transplant, having undergone her first when she was just two years of age. The fundraiser, which will take place at Corkagh Park in Clondalkin, celebrates the 'gift of life' and aims to raise awareness about the vital importance of organ donation and transplantation. Sponsored Astellas Pharma Co Ltd, the event is open to everyone of all ages, who have the option of walking, jogging or running competitively in either a chip timed 2.5km, 5km or 10km distance. 'I've been a long time supporter of the Run for a Life event as part of the Irish Kidney Association's efforts to raise awareness of the need for organ donation,' said Vivienne. 'However this year's event is even more significant as it emerges that another family member now needs a vital, life changing kidney transplant.' 'With love and support from her parents and wider family, Michaela has always lived life to the full after receiving a kidney transplant at a very young age. Now she needs another transplant to help her continue to be the bright bubbly teenager that she is. 'I am delighted to join with her and her parents, my first cousin Dermot and his wife Liz, to support this year's Run for a Life. 'Also keen to support the event is my nephew Martin Traynor who I donated a kidney to prior to him undergoing another transplant a few years later from a deceased donor. We will be taking part as one big extended family to help the Irish Kidney Association to continue getting the message out there about the importance of organ donation,' she said. Michaela's mother Liz Delany explained 'Our family has taken part in Run for a Life for the past eight years. Our only child Michaela was born with kidney disease and is living proof that organ donation is so important. Her first transplant which she received when she was two years old gave her a chance to enjoy a normal childhood away from dialysis treatment and we are very grateful to her donor's family who gave her this precious opportunity.' Unfortunately, Michaela's kidney function has been declining for the past year and this month she will commence haemodialysis treatment at Temple Street Hospital just before her Junior Certificate exams. 'She is now on the kidney transplant waiting list and we hope her wait won't be long,' said Liz. 'Other members of my family are willing to donate a kidney but are not blood group compatible. I have commenced the living donor screening process in the hope that I can donate one of my kidneys to her and we try to remain positive that once all the rigorous tests are carried out that the transplant will proceed. We need more organ donors to give hope to Michaela and others who are awaiting transplants for a chance at life.' Run for a Life Race Organiser, Colin White said: 'Our annual Run for a Life which is now in its eight year is a great day out for all of the family. The Irish Kidney Association sees this event as a positive way to promote organ donor awareness. We are looking to encourage the public to think about it, talk about it and make a commitment to organ donation. The support of families who have been touched by organ failure in helping us to promote the event is very much appreciated. All of this is underpinned by the continued support of event sponsor, Astellas Pharma.' Entry fee is 20 adult, 10 child and 45 for a family of two adults and four children. For more information on the event visit www.runforalife.ie The Irish Kidney Association has introduced a fundraising technique via mobile phone. You can text 'Kidney' to 50300 and 2 will be donated from your mobile phone account to the association. For organ donor cards Freetext Donor to 50050 or visit www.ika.ie/card. A total of 32 Taiwanese telecom fraud suspects deported from Malaysia in April will be investigated and may face prosecution on the mainland, said the Ministry of Public Security Friday. The mainland will maintain communication with the Taiwan side and deal with the case under the principles of curbing the crimes, protecting the interests of victims and upholding justice, said Chen Shiqu, a senior police officer with the ministry, at a meeting with a delegation of judicial officials from Taiwan. A total of 97 suspects implicated in more than 100 major telecom fraud cases across the mainland, were repatriated from Malaysia to the Chinese mainland on April 30, 2016, including 32 from Taiwan. All the victims of the fraud trap are mainland residents. [Photo / Xinhua] The two sides have met to discuss joint fights against telecom frauds from Thursday to Saturday in the southern city of Zhuhai. The mainland hoped Taiwan can try its best to help retrieve scammed money so that the mainland victims can have their money back, Chen said. The Taiwanese suspects are held at two detention centers in Zhuhai after being deported from Malaysia together with 65 mainland suspects. "So far 15 of them have asked for legal assistance and five wanted to hire lawyers through their families. The rest are still weighing their options," said Li Hongping, deputy chief of Zhuhai police. Most of them are in good health, except a few having skin infection and two showing symptoms of unstable blood pressure, which, however, is under control after proper treatment, according to the detention centers. Only one who has suffered hernia for eight years have been hospitalized but in stable conditions. The Taiwan delegation members were provided details of Taiwanese suspects' life at the centers through on-the-spot inspections and discussions with workers at the centers. Chen Wen-chi, who leads the Taiwan delegation, appreciated the effort the detention centers made to protect legal rights of these suspects. The Straits Exchange Foundation will keep in touch with their families and take care of legal assistance and other matters, Chen said. The Church of the Sacred Heart, Yellow Walls in Malahide is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a number of events, commencing at the end of the month. On Sunday, May 29, there will be a Mass and blessing of the new Parish Centre which will be attended by Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin at 12 noon. At 7.30pm, there will be a variety concert with local acts in the rugby club. The MC on the evening will be Marty Whelan. Tickets are available from the parish office and cost 10. There are also some family tickets available. Contact Sacred Heart parish office at 01 845 4783 for further details. On Monday, May 30, there will be a day of reflection and the parish centre will be open all day. The day will conclude with the Exposition and Guided Prayer. On Tuesday, May 31, there will be a dramatisation of Peter's Faith Journey, involving all age groups at 7.30pm. On Wednesday, June 1, there will be a lots of activities to mark International Children's Day. The event will include the Blessings of Animals. A fun day with bouncy castles and face painting will also take place. On Thursday, June 2, adoration will take place all day, concluding with the Guiding Prayer. On Friday, June 3, the closing Mass will take place with the Malahide St Pio Prayer Group. The main celebrant is Bishop Eamon Walsh and it will include the anointing of the sick. A man who is alleged to have been cultivating cannabis plants without a licence has been remanded on continuing bail to appear before the court again later in May. Shane Byrne (44) of Fancourt Heights in Balbriggan is charged with the offence which is alleged to have happened at his home address on December 3rd, 2014. Garda Stephen Hughes told Balbriggan Court that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed summary disposal of the case on a guilty plea only. If the defendant pleads not guilty the case will go to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Dempsey remanded Byrne on continuing bail to obtain legal advice and adjourned the case until May 26. TY students from Ardgillan College in Balbriggan are celebrating success in the National Junk Kouture Recycled Fashion competition. Junk Kouture is a competition which challenges second level students to make pieces of wearable fashion completely from recycled materials. The competition is open to second level students from all around Ireland. This year, seven designs from the Balbriggan school entered the competition leaving four amazed TY students, and their two respective designs, making it through to the national final. The principal of Ardgillan College, Mr Micheal O'Leary said of the students' participation in the competition: 'It's fantastic, I was so surprised by the level of interest and the talent. The quality of the outfits was extraordinary.' Junk Kouture was one of the many modules available in this year's Transition Year at the school, alongside Film Studies, Young Social Innovators and Horticulture, to name a few. Ms Laura Mc Veigh, Home Economics teacher at Ardgillan C.C and the Junk Kouture module teacher, was the main support system for all of the students involved in creating their own designs and it was evident what great art and design talent there is in the school. Junk Kouture has been running for five years and this year over 1,150 designs were entered. The judges had a tough job of choosing only 320 of these to compete in the regional finals and then those 320 designs became 80. The 80 finalists battled it out at the 3Arena. The judges were Lorna McGee, the fashion editor at Vogue India; Rob Condon, a freelance fashion stylist; Tracey Fahey, the longest serving 'Junk Judge' and head of Fine Art at the Limerick School of Art and Design; and Louis Walsh, former X Factor judge. For the designers, and the supporting student and teacher spectators from Ardgillan, the show was spectacular, and the pride everyone felt to see the models Caoimhe Hunt and Kayla Lockhart perform on stage was palpable. Co-designer of the military inspired outfit 'Shrapnel' (made from everyday recycled metals), Niamh Rowe said of the event: 'It was mad to see Caoimhe performing on the stage, so different from seeing her practice in the canteen.' Rebecca Ward, co-designer of recycled newspaper outfit 'Stop-Press' (where exaggerated and shredded newspapers were used to represent the damage of the media spotlight), said: 'It was a great experience, so much work, but it was worth it.' A man who is alleged to have assaulted a woman causing her harm is to be sent forward for trial at Dublin Circuit Court next month. Kevin Loughnan (27) is alleged to have broken the woman's teeth as a result of the alleged assault, Balbriggan District Court heard. He is also alleged to have caused other injuries to the woman's face. Loughnan (27), of The Maltings in Skerries is charged with assaulting the woman causing her harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act at a house in The Maltings on October 4th last year. Judge Dermot Dempsey previously refused jurisdiction of the case after considering photographic evidence and a medical report. At last Thursday's sitting of the court, a State solicitor said he is awaiting additional medical reports on the alleged victim before serving the Book of Evidence on Loughnan. Judge Dempsey remanded Loughnan on continuing bail until June 9th when the Book of Evidence is likely to be served and Loughnan is likely to be sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court. A man who was out drinking and took cocaine for the first time doesn't remember being involved in an altercation with other males, Balbriggan District Court heard. William Lawrence (23) was directed to leave the area by gardai as he was intoxicated but after he left, he returned a short time later. He was arrested and gardai discovered 60 worth of cocaine on his person. Lawrence, of Gardiner's Hill in Balbriggan pleaded guilty to being in unlawful possession of cocaine under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and to being intoxicated on January 31st in Balbriggan. Sergeant Tony Tighe told the court gardai were called after an altercation between Lawrence and several other males occurred at 2.20am. 'The defendant was told to leave the area. He did but came back a short time later,' said Sgt Tighe. He said Lawrence has seven previous convictions. Lawrence's defence solicitor said the 23-year-old was out drinking earlier in the evening and had tried cocaine for the first time. 'He doesn't remember much after he took the cocaine,' the solicitor said. 'He is deeply sorry and apologises to the gardai and to the court.' He said the warehouse worker is 'ashamed' of his behaviour. 'He doesn't want to have any more dealings with the court and wants to move on,' the solicitor said. The solicitor said the father-of-one has 'put a lot of effort into changing his life and wants to get back to work.' Judge Dermot Dempsey handed Lawrence a four month sentence, which he suspended for two years for the unlawful possession of cocaine. He took the charge of being intoxicated in a public place into account. 'He seems to be trying to turn his life around,' Judge Dempsey noted. New plans to improve the Green in Malahide are set to go on public display A new plan to improve Malahide Green as a public space has been presented to local councillors and will go on local display so that residents of the area can have their say on the proposals. Fingal County Council has engaged consultants, Murray and Associates to design the plans, taking into account the recommendations for the area that came out of Malahide's Public Realm process, two years ago which saw widespread consultation in the town on a whole range of issues around how the village should look and operate into the future. In devising the new plan, the consultants aimed to 'provide a strong focal point and identity' for this important green space, 'reinvigorate and improve the quality of the open space', improve pedestrian connectivity through it and also provide what they called 'a cohesive pallate of materials and street furniture that can be utilised in the wider area'. The consultants said this was the only large public open space in Malahide's centre and as such, had a vital role to play in the community. They suggested improvements to its entrance, making it more suitable to host public events, providing a wider Marina Plaza area to take full advantage of the Marina views from the green and making changes to the pedestrian pathways through the green space. The plan seeks to make the area a 'destination space' within Malahide. Cllr Eoghan O'Brien (FF) said the plans were 'interesting' but was somewhat concerned about the loss of some of its grass to create the 'plaza' area but consultants assured councillors that high quality Irish stone would be used in this area and would reflect shapes of mussels and oysters in its design, as a nod to the area's oyster bed heritage. Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) said he had seen plans for the area before and he was 'sceptical' of anything coming from the new plan but hoped it would be welcomed locally and would be able to progress quickly. Cllr David Healy (GP) welcomed the plan, saying there was 'some good thoughts and analysis in it' while Cllr Brian McDonagh (Lab) said he liked the 'simplicity' of the plans for The Green. Cllr Keith Redmond (Ren) said he 'really liked' the design and Cllr Cian O'Callaghan also broadly supportive of the design. Questions were asked about the future of the controversial 'Ammonite' sculpture but consultants confirmed it would stay in the park, albeit in a different location within The Green. A serial thief who was caught with stolen property at a Co Dublin service station has been sentenced to nine months in prison. John Stokes (35), who has 100 previous convictions mainly for thefts, was arrested after he was acting in a suspicious manner at Applegreen Service Station on the M1 near Lusk. He was found to be in possession of a stolen Bank of Ireland Visa Debit card belonging to a woman and a stolen NCT disc. He admitted both offences at Balbriggan District Court. His solicitor told the court that the married father-of-ten, whose wife is due to give birth to their 11th child, has a 'stream of difficulties.' 'He does have difficulties and has amassed a number of previous convictions,' said the solicitor, adding that Stokes has spent a considerable amount of time in and out of custody. 'His previous convictions does not make for good reading and he has been rarely given the opportunity to engage with the Probation Services or been given a suspended sentence,' the solicitor said. 'It always seems to be lock him up and throw away the key.' The solicitor told Judge Dempsey Stokes, of Dunsink Avenue in Finglas, is a member of the Travelling Community and while in prison he has given talks on his life as a Traveller, the difficulties Travellers have and has helped out with other members of the Travelling community who are in prison. The solicitor told the court that Stokes, who is currently serving a sentence for theft and will be released in June, is using his time wisely in prison by taking courses in computers, woodwork and metal work. Judge Dempsey sentenced Stokes to nine months in prison on both counts of possessing the stolen property to run concurrent to the sentence he is currently serving. Two water meter protesters who were found guilty of obstructing a water meter installer may escape a prison sentence if they are deemed suitable to complete community service work. Peter Plunkett (36) and Paul Cowzer (43) faced a trial at Swords District Court after they had pleaded not guilty to the offence. The court heard that while Liam Leonard of Richard Nolan Civil Engineering was on his way to install water meters at Shenick Drive, he was prevented from leaving the area for about 30 minutes after a group of protesters blocked his van. He said Plunkett and another man got out of the Transporter van and stood in front of his van. One of men, who was not one of the defendants, said 'Welcome to Fingal, you won't get away with installing water meters here. We have eyes everywhere.' He said Cowzer, who was driving an Audi car, drove up behind his van and blocked him in. He told the court that when gardai arrived there were five or six men in the area and they all agreed to leave the estate. 'They slow marched in front of my vehicle for about 20 minutes and then came to a halt,' said Mr Leonard. He said the Audi car was still behind his van. He said he couldn't move for about 40 minutes and he was trying to go back to his work base. Plunkett, of St Catherine's Court in Rush, pleaded not guilty to wilful obstruction, refusing to give gardai his details and failing to comply with garda direction on November 18th last year Shenick Drive in Skerries. His co-accused Cowzer, of St Catherine's Green in Rush also pleaded guilty to wilful obstruction and failing to comply with garda direction on the same date at the same place. Under cross-examining by defence barrister Annette Kealy, Mr Leonard agreed that the protest was peaceful and there was no violence or abuse used. Sergeant Tony Tighe gave evidence that he arrived at the scene at midday and spoke to other gardai there. He said he was satisfied Mr Leonard's van hadn't moved in 30 minutes and Mr Leonard was not in a position to leave the area. He said he approached the protesters and said they had a right to protest peacefully but they had no right to intrude on others and their right to freedom and their right to work. He said the men were directed to leave the area and they were blocking Mr Leonard's vehicle. The defendants made no move to leave the area. He said he arrested Plunkett who refused to give him his details and under caution Plunkett replied 'I stand under nobody.' Plunkett denied wilfully preventing Mr Leonard to leave the area and said he was slow marching in front of the van but claimed he was five or six feet away from the van. Sgt Tighe said he was satisfied Cowzer used his Audi to obstruct Mr Leonard's van. He said the rest of the protesters left the area and Mr Leonard was then able to leave the scene. Ms Kealy told the court that Plunkett did not think he was committing an offence which is why he didn't give gardai his details. 'He genuinely felt he had a right to assert his constitutional rights.' Cowzer denied blocking Mr Leonard's van and said he parked his car behind the van as his young child was in it and he wanted to keep his child close by. 'I was caring for my child and I wanted to protest,' said Cowzer. 'I am against the installation of water meters and I live five minutes away,' said Cowzer. 'And because I was on the footpath I didn't think I was part of the group being told to leave the area.' He claimed he didn't hear the instructions to leave. Judge Dempsey said 'Everyone has the right to protest, but peacefully and I am satisfied the State proved their case against these two men. Their evidence was implausible and unbelievable.' He convicted both men on all charges and remanded them on continuing bail until July 12th for a Probation Report to see if they are suitable of 240 hours community service work in lieu of two months in prison. There was great success for Creagh College recently in the Arklow Music Festival. This year the Junior and Senior Performing Arts groups from the school had a string of successes in the Drama and Verse Speaking sections of the competition. Both the Junior and Senior Drama groups came 2nd place amidst tough competition with Aisling Kirwan being honoured with the 'Best Actress' plaque for her performance in Willy Russell's Blood Brothers. Other awards received on the day included Very Highly Recommended certificates for student Toby Falconer, Megan Ryan and Paul Whelan for their performances in John B. Keane's much loved Irish drama The Field. Verse speakers Aengus Schulte and Ben Dowie shone in their category taking home the medal for first and second place respectively and Kate Byrne coming Highly Recommended in the 12-13 category. English and Drama teachers Orla Travers and Aine Roper were delighted with the various successes and extremely proud of their students' dedication and commitment over several months of rehearsals. Orla stressed the importance of the arts in school life saying: 'We strive to instil a love of drama, public speaking and the arts in our students here in Creagh College. Not only do they build and strengthen confidence and self-esteem but the experiences are also invaluable for students going forward into their adult lives. All the students were delighted to with their wins. Liam Farrell with his award for Best Stage Management in Athlone at the weekend There were top awards for the Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Group at the RTE All Ireland Drama Festival at the weekend. This was the second year in a row that the group qualified for the finals and this year's production was Jim Nolan's Moonshine. Moonshine tells the story of local undertaker McKeever attempting to stage 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' on Easter Sunday. But the gods seem to be conspiring against him as his actors start dropping out. Will he succeed in his quest? The Rector is consumed with the impending death of his wife and the closure of his church due to the loss of his congregation. Liam Farrell of Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Group beat off stiff competition from Nora Murphy of Kilmeen Drama Group, Maria Flanagan and Siobhan Kehoe from Prosperous Dramatic Society and Emma Mulligan of Dalkey Players to take home the title of Best Stage Management. Tim Connaughton of Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama was awarded the ADCI/DLI Summer School Scholarship. Two members of the cast of Moonshine, Ronan P Byrne and Mairead Connaughton were also nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively. Wexford also took top honours at the awards with Bridge Drama Group receiving the Perpetual Trophy for its production of Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers. The Bridge Drama Group production also won awards for Best Director (Pat Whelan) and Best Stage Setting (Pat Curran, Pat Whelan, Sarah Whelan, Adrian Power, Liam Clancy). Bunclody/Kilmyshall drama group was reformed in 1998 under the guidance of the late Fr. Francis Stafford and has competed each year since then on the Amateur Drama Circuit. In 2006 the group qualified for the 1st time for the All Ireland Confined finals and in 2007 went on to win the All Ireland Confined tile in New Ross with 'Portia Coughlan' by Marina Carr. In 2008 the group moved up to compete in the Open section and made the finals in Athlone in 2009 and 2012 and 2015. Last year they received the following awards in the final in Athlone; Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Stage Management. China has more than 30 million truck drivers, who are responsible for 76 percent of the freight transport missions across the entire country. Fighting against the dull and tedious trips which can last up to ten or more hours a day the long-distance drivers force themselves to stay awake by taking nicotine or even prohibited substances, such as alcohol or drugs. China has more than 30 million truck drivers, who are responsible for 76 percent of the freight transport missions across the entire country. Passing by forests of palm trees, a truck zigzagged along a rugged mountain. It was headed from Shenzhen in Guangdong Province to Chongqing municipalitya journey that requires dexterous driving skills along a winding path. After more than two hours, the truck came out of the mountainous area onto a four-lane highway, which is much broader and straighter. The truck's clock showed that it was 12:00 a.m., a moment signaling the start of a new day. However, the less challenging driving conditions made Zhang Yaofeng, the truck driver, begin to feel sleepy. Had it not been for the help of a cigarette, the driver would have probably smashed his head onto the steering wheel when he yawned, closed his eyes and inclined forward. "[The job of a truck driver] is both tedious and dangerous, but without it what else can I do?" Zhang said in an interview with Southern People Weekly Magazine. Transporting raw materials and parts for Foxconn, a manufacturer of cell phone parts, Zhang is one of 30 million truck drivers who are responsible for 76 percent of the freight transport missions across the country. Zhang's latest long-distance journey started from Shekou Port, Shenzhen. He was lying down in the driving cabin tangling his feet on the driving wheel and watching TV series on his mobile phone, waiting for the order to set out. After Zhang received the signal for departure, the truck rumbled towards the highway known for its narrow paths, with turns and twists along the ravines and ridges among mountains. The difficult road caused 2,553 traffic accidents and claimed more than 170 lives from October 2008 to March 2010. Even though he's a veteran driver who has passed through the highway time and time again, Zhang still slowed down out of safety concerns. And when he finished his nocturnal trip through the mountains, he was half an hour further behind schedule than usual. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. Residents across Wexford are being called upon to help clean up their coast as part of Coca-Cola Clean Coasts Week 2016. From May 6 to 15, volunteers across the country will get involved in numerous events and coastal clean-ups, including seven in Wexford. Through these clean-ups, organisers hope to remove a total of 11 tonnes of waste from beaches nationwide. The local clean-ups will take place on May 13 at 3 p.m. at Duncannon Beach and May 15 at 11.15 a.m. in Rosslare. Times and dates for clean-ups in Rosslare Strand and Curracloe have yet to be confirmed. On May 15, a beach clean and seal release will run in partnership with Seal Rescue Ireland at Morriscastle Strand. Times for a similar event at Curracloe Beach have yet to be confirmed. On May 13, the Wexford Kite-Surfing club will run workshops in Wexford. Other events include National #2MinuteBeachClean Day, the launch of Love Your Coast photography competition and Beat the Microbead Day. Artist Mary J Leen and Bishop Ray Browne with the new stained glass feature in Mercy Mounthawks new Centenary Building It has been a very exciting few weeks for everyone at Tralee's Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School. The momentous events began last Thursday when the school won two top prizes at the prestigious Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards in Dublin. In a major triumph for the school's talented young performers, Mercy Mounthawk won the Best Overall School Play Award for its stellar production of Sean O'Casey's The Plough and The Stars which judges described as a highly polished and fascinating production. This success was topped off with a second win on the night with the school also scooping the Best Set award for its production of classic musical Les Miserables. The highly impressed judges praised the set's sophisticated and stunning design. Both shows were directed by former principal Tony Behan. To put Mercy Mounthawk's awards triumph into perspective, the school faced competition from 2,888 entries from 349 schools nationwide. The excitement continued on Monday with the opening of the school's new extension. The 1.6 million Mercy Mounthawk Centenary Building was officially opened by Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne, Jimmy Deenihan and Mayor of Tralee Cllr Tom McEllistrim. Comprising seven classrooms and a number of dedicated special needs rooms the building, which marks the centenary of 1916, is designed around a large hall and the entry is dominated by a stunning stained glass window designed by Mary J Leen. The hall also includes a new stage which should come in very useful when the school's award winning young thespians stage their next production. Following the unveiling of a plaque, a mass presided over by Bishop Browne and musical performances by students, the crowd of several hundred invited guests enjoyed a meal in the new hall. Dingle was a busy place over the May bank holiday weekend. It was the venue for the 23rd year of Feile na Bealtaine festival and the organisers told me that every event was close to full. The arts festival was the brainchild of the late Micheal Fanning, who was a local GP and a poet. I had the good fortune to meet his daughter Ruth with her three-week-old baby daughter Orla at the festival. Ruth was at the door of the courthouse on Saturday with babe in arms welcoming guests, who were attending the interview with Redemptorist priest Tony Flannery. The festival authorities had asked me to conduct the interview with Fr Flannery. The courthouse is an old forbidding building and I certainly would not like to be heading there to face justice. I was nervous enough about the interview ahead. I had familiarised myself with Fr Flannery's case and had read his book 'A Question of Conscience'. Fr Flannery is one of a number of priests in Ireland who has run into trouble with the Holy See's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) for views he has expressed on a myriad of church issues. Fr Flannery would be the first to say that he is not a professional theologian. Over the years he has written in various church publications, including the Redemptorist magazine 'Reality'. The row with Rome began over an article he had written in 'Reality' concerning the origins of priesthood. That row has developed into a full-blown war between Fr Flannery and the CDF. He has been 'silenced' by the Holy See and is not allowed administer the Sacraments. There are always two sides in a row. But there are aspects to this row that throw up all those issues which seem to alienate so many people from the Catholic Church. When the dispute first erupted Fr Flannery was more or less treated like a small boy. The Vatican dealt with the Superior General of the Redemptorists in Rome and, reading Fr Flannery's account of things, the Redemptorist boss didn't handle the case as well as might be hoped. And then there is all the silliness of anonymous complaints going to the Vatican. Fr Flannery says that he received letters, which were not written on headed notepaper from the CDF. During our interview Fr Flannery was critical of the Irish bishops and the current papal nuncio. He said that there has been no communication between any of the Irish bishops or the papal nuncio, who is the Holy See's ambassador to Ireland. He has a good relationship with the Irish Redemptorists, who support him. During question time former Senator Brendan Ryan pointed out that more than 100 people had paid 10 to attend the event. He said that people were interested in their faith and church and that if change were to happen in the church then it would have to come from the people. Four days later I was in a church and spotted the different titles on the nameplates on confession boxes. But I was struck with the titles. After one man's name was CC, after another OP, CC. One man had nothing at all after his name. Two had Fr before their names and two others had Rev. in front of their names, with one of them giving himself the title V Rev. and then PP, VF after his name. In case you may not know, VF stands for Vicar Forane. Journalist Vincent Browne wisely said that once we give people titles we give them power over us. I keep saying to myself: the church just doesn't get it. Does it? Deputy Michael Healy Rae has hit back at accusations he missed a 'golden opportunity' for the people of Kerry by refusing to take the new Rural Affairs position in Enda Kenny's new cabinet. He says it was never legitimately offered to him at all, as Enda Kenny reached for Independent support from the FG genepool when push came to shove in finally pulling a new government together. Kenny did make an initial offer in early talks - but before he had even begun negotiations with Fianna Fail. "I didn't refuse anything. When Enda Kenny told me he agreed with me on the need for a Rural Affairs portfolio he offered me the job then," Michael Healy Rae told The Kerryman. "My first reaction to him was that 'you're not in a position to offer it'. He hadn't even begun talking with Fianna Fail by that stage and there wasn't even a programme for Government in place that Independents would be agreeing with." FF Deputy John Brassil hit out at Michael Healy Rae's apparent 'refusal' on Monday. "I think he made a huge mistake in not accepting it. I would have burst the door down to have been given it. He was given a golden opportunity and he should have pursued it for the benefit of the people of Kerry," Deputy Brassil said. Michael Healy Rae insisted that when Kenny did come to divvy roles for real to Independents, he was not on the list. He abstained from voting for Kenny as the 'people of Ireland rejected him'. He is happy with all he claims he secured in the programme for government over a tough 70-day period negotiating. "This wasn't about ministerial positions for me, but about ensuring I got things into the programme for the benefit of the people." Chief among the goals he says he negotiated in the new programme were the securing of the new Rural Affairs cabinet position (he welcomed Heather Humphries' appointment); a 25 million fund for struggling sheep farmers; the reintroduction of local improvement scheme; an action plan on housing and much more. It's expected that Deputy Brendan Griffin will meanwhile land a junior ministry shortly. Dozens of new jobs are expected to be created in the fishing industry in south Kerry following the designation of Renard Pier for commercial fish landings. The news was confirmed by Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, who said the move has been agreed in principle, pending the completion of safety works and subsequent assessment. Welcoming the news, Fine Gael Deputy, Brendan Griffin, said the move is a major boost to the local economy and will support and create additional jobs in the growing local fish processing industry. This will help create and sustain badly needed local jobs in Renard, Cahersiveen and the general South Kerry area and I am glad that this important piece of infrastructure, which had been laying waste, is now to be put to good use with positive economic benefits for the area." Deputy Michael Healy-Rae agreed that the move will support more jobs in the growing local fish processing industry. The Office of Public Works has been forced to indefinitely postpone the start of the visitor season on Skellig Michael after a rockfall blocked the main path to the summit of the world famous site. At around 4.30pm on Monday afternoon a huge boulder broke free from the slope above the Lighthouse Road and plummeted straight onto the middle of the path normally used by visitors to get to the monastery at the island's summit. It is the second serious rockfall on the island this year and the OPW - concerned that the island's upper slopes have become dangerously unstable following winter storms -have delayed the beginning of the visitor season which was due to start on Saturday. The agency says it has no idea when the island will be opened to the public as extensive safety checks will be required before the island can be deemed safe for visitors. OPW staff and a Safety Contractor are now assessing the scale of the problem and the possible risks it creates. Safety staff will first attempt to scale the slope above the rockfall location and assess whether there is other material likely to fall. Once the area is declared safe OPW staff will be in a position to move in and move the rock blocking the pathway. An OPW spokesman said the island is "deeply unsafe" and OPW staff are proceeding with "extreme caution" until the situation can be fully assessed. The OPW said that given the safety implications the rockfall will have "significant consequences" for the opening of the island and the start of the visitor season. The agency could provide no time-frame as to when, and indeed if, the island will be able to open this season. News of the rockfall has come as a hammer blow to the 11 boatmen who bring tourists to and from the island. With Skellig Michael attracting new found fame thanks to its role in the Star Wars franchise this summer was expected to be one of the busiest ever on the island. Indeed most of the boatmen were fully booked up until the end of June with Star Wars fans adding significantly to the number of tourists hoping to visit the island. Skellig Boatman Joe Roddy said the delay in opening the island - coming on top of a reduction to the length of the visitor season - was a disaster for the boatmen and the wider tourist industry in the area. "It's an absolute disaster pure and simple," he said. "This will have a devastating impact. As far as I know most of the boats were completely booked out solidly until the end of June," said Mr Roddy. "All we can really do to let people who have booked trips know what's happening is to get in touch with the B&Bs and hotels. There are going to be a lot of very disappointed people," he said. Mr Roddy - who has been bringing tourists to the Skelligs for 50 years - said rockfalls were relatively common on the island but that this appeared to be a far more serious incident than usual. Mr Roddy said the boat operators have had no contact from the OPW and they have no idea when the island may open. Outstanding customer service will be recognised in Gorey this month. Last week Gorey Chamber launched the May Ulster Bank Outstanding Customer Care and Service Awards. 'Excellent customer service is hugely important as it helps in attracting and maintaining customers. It plays a huge role in building goodwill and long term relationships with customers. It also helps to promote our town and to entice our all -important visitors to return', said Dick White of Gorey Chamber of Commerce. Businesses in Gorey will be visited during the month of May by a mystery judge and assessed for their customer service levels. The winning staff member will receive a memento and both the winning premises and staff member will be featured in local media. Ulster Bank will sponsor this round of the competition and will be keeping a close eye on the entries. For more information visit the Gorey Chamber Facebook page or visit its website www.goreychamber.ie. This week sees the conclusion of the Educate to Innovate School awards in Gorey. Last week the judges for the grand final which takes place in Gorey Library on Thursday were announced with CEO of Innovate, Jim Hughes, chairing the judging panel. He will be joined by Tom Enright of Wexford County Council, Keith Groarke of AIB Gorey, Sinead O'Sullivan of Fifth Avenue and Pat Rath of Wexford Local Development. This year the awards are sponsored by Jim Hughes and Enda Cahill of Innovate Business Technologies Ltd and have seen four schools from North Wexford and South Wicklow participating in a transition year programme. All preliminary judging has now taken place with the school winners chosen. In addition a number of wild card entries have been selected for inclusion on the night. Speaking at the announcement in Gorey Business Park Dick White of Gorey Chamber said: 'We are pleased to have such a high calibre panel of judges. The awards promises to be a seriously good night with representatives from Colaiste Bhride Carnew, FCJ Bunclody, Gorey Community School and Creagh College all fighting it out for the overall prize in our grand final.' The final takes place on Thursday in Gorey Library beginning at 7pm. The four schools have all very strong entries and it is expected that it will be a very closely fought contest for the overall winner. Dick said he was very impressed with the calibre of all entries adding it was very difficult to pick a school winner in the initial stages of the competition. For more information contact Gorey Chamber. Minister Paul Kehoe says that his personal intervention led to the release of a Wexford-registered freight lorry seized by the British Border Force in Dover two months ago. The Fine Gael deputy said he made direct contact with British Ambassador Dominic Chilcott 'requesting intervention in this matter because, despite the company's cooperation with the UK Border Force, the truck had still not been released'. Minister Kehoe said the truck and trailer had now been returned to its owners Baki GLS, which is based at Kilrane Business Park. He said that following his request to the British Ambassador, the diplomat assiged a member of his staff to deal directly with this matter and over the intervening weeks and 'following numerous communications to the British Embassy and UK Border Forces from my office we have finally reached a satisfactory outcome'. The truck was seized by the National Post Seizure Unit of the UK Border Force in Dover on March 11, suspected of carrying 'contraband', however, there was no suggestion that anyone within the Wexford company was aware of what was found, details of which have not been released. Other pallets of cargo on the lorry and trailer were released to their destinations, however, the UK Border Force detained one pallet and held on to the vehicle. The Freight Transport Association of Ireland said the detention of the rig amounted to 'victim blaming'. Minister Kehoe said Baku GLS cooperated fully with the UK Border Force providing all information relevant to the case with no resolution. 'This seizure and retention of the truck has had a severe impact on the Wexford based company and it was imperative to secure release of the vehicle as expediently as possible. 'I am delighted to have been instrumental in the release of the truck, but there are ongoing issues that need to be resolved. I am continuing to work with Baku GLS and the British authorities towards resolution,' he said. Last week, Enniscorthy Fianna Fail Deputy James Browne said he had rererred the issue of the detained truck to the Department of Foreign Affairs, asking them to intercede, a request that was passed on to the Department of Transport. Michael Doyle, the general manager of Baku GLS, was asked to comment, but did not respond. County Wexford politicians have denounced cuts to this year's mental health budget revealed by then Acting Health Minister Leo Varadkar. They said that cutting money that would have gone into mental health services was 'madness' and showed a lack of understanding of the challenges facing under-funded countries like Wexford where acuts services were in crisis. Wexford's Mayor Cllr Ger Carthy said that instead of cutting the budget for mental health services, more money should be ploughed into what is an 'emergency situation' both in this county and the wider Ireland. And Cllr Davy Hynes, the chair of the counselling service It's Good to Talk, presented a motion, which was passed at yesterday's (Monday's) county council meeting, calling on the (new) government to reverse the announced cuts. Local politicians across the political divide, including those whose deputies were part of the ruling coalition for the past five years, were unanimous in their condemnation of the Varadkar cuts. Cllr Carthy, who as an advanced paramedic is in the frontline of those picking up the pieces in dealing with people suffering with the consequences of mental illness, described the decision as a disgrace and said that instead of doing something about the parlous state of mental health services in the county inherited from Fiannna Fail five years ago, the coalition had sat on its hands while things got even worse. The mayor said that Wexford urgently needed a 24/7 mental health service and sending patients with mental illness to Newcastle, in County Wicklow, or the already-stretched unit at Waterford Regional Hospital, was not adequate. 'If the problem is finding a building we will find them one.. there should be no obstacle left to providing a proper acute mental service, this county is crying out for one. 'Mental health services in County Wexford alone are in a chaotic state. The notion that you would cut a budget that had been hard fought for and ring-fenced by Kathleen Lynch is scandalous,' said Cllr George Lawlor. 'It is scandalous too that Leo would move in like a vulture.. we need to protect as much of the mental health budget as we can.. the notion that he would seek to cut it at the first opportunity when flying solo is a scandal too.' Cllr Hynes said it was 'an absolute disgrace that the mental health budget should face the chop'. 'When St Senan's was closed there was no hullaballoo like there was when there were threats to Wexford Hospital and what we urgently need is a 24/7 service,' he said. 'It's another example of what people say when they are in opposition not translating into actions once they get into power. Things were bad when Fianna Fail was in government and after five years of a Labour/Fine Gael coalition, they are worse,' he said. 'Wexford has one of the highest suicide rates in the county, and all we hear from some of our deputies is a deafening silence. I hope the council will support my motion, but getting the government to do something about it is another thing.' Deputy James Browne said he was bitterly disappointed with the cuts. 'We already have one of the lowest spends per GDP of any country in the world on mental health. These cuts will affect County Wexford disproportionately due to the current high level of mental health incidents in our county,' he said. 'The recent cuts demonstrates a lack of basic empathy for those suffering from mental health illness and a lack of understanding of the very real and damaging effects of mental illness. We need to start treating mental health illness with same respect as any other physical illness.' Varadkar sparked fury when he confirmed that funding earmarked for mental health will be diverted elsewhere, but said the full 35m allocation will return next year. Mr Varadkar was speaking in the Dail after several TDs criticised the country's mental health services, with one, Fianna Fail's John McGuinness, saying they are in 'absolute chaos'. Mr Varadkar said 'claims of some sort of raid are entirely inaccurate'. He said the overall budget for mental health is 791.6m. He said the 35m figure was an increase in 'development funding' and that part of this was for recruitment. Mr Varakdar said it wasn't possible to fill all the posts from January 1 so savings made from not hiring the staff will be transferred elsewhere. 'The 35m will be fully provided for in the base budget for next year,' he said. UCC Welfare Officer Katie Quinlan, whose personal appeal to Minister Varadkar following the news of the cuts, said she had still not received a reply from him. 'I'm still furious and I hope you are too,' she said. Newbawn soapbox car racers will be among the 68 entries that made it through Driving a vehicle called the Jumbo Breakfast Roll, Newbawn soapbox car racers are hoping they haven't bitten off more than they can chew when they compete in the Red Bull Soapbox Race on Sunday, June 5, on the vertical drop that is St Patrick's Hill, Cork. The local team is the only team from County Wexford competing in the race. They will be among the 68 entries that made it through to compete in the hope of impressing the judges and the crowd when they launch themselves and their soapbox - Jumbo Breakfast Roll complete with fired egg - down a specially constructed course, down St Patrick's Hill in Cork, as part of the Red Bull Soapbox Race. From the hundreds of original and innovative designs that were received, 68 Soap Box Racing licences have been issued to participants from all over Ireland and even as far away as Cheshire and Edinburgh. Over the next four weeks all the real hard work and fun will begin when the entrants will frantically hope to transform their soapbox plans into actual creations. This free public event is expected to attract a crowd of 50,000. It will take place on Sunday, June 5, between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., when it returns to St Patrick's Hill for the second time. The Red Bull Soapbox Race is an international event in which amateur drivers race homemade soapbox vehicles fuelled by nothing other than sheer courage, the force of gravity and perhaps a little Red Bull. It is not just about speed though. Teams are also judged on the performance they put on for the crowd and the creativity of their soapbox design. Combining all three to produce the winning formula is the real challenge especially when you're not allowed an engine. St Patrick's Hill offers its own natural speedway that will ensure maximum excitement and test contestants stamina, speed and skills to the limit. Spectators can also expect an action-packed day for all the family and those wanting a good vantage point are advised to get there early. For those who don't get a spot close to the course, there will be several big screens positioned around the site. At the end of the race Red Bull is presenting amazing prizes for the best three Soapbox creations for first, second and third place, including the chance for winning teams to travel to an international Red Bull event. Red Bull has held more than 100 soapbox races around the world since the first one in Brussels in the year 2000. Over the years, vehicles have ranged from realistic replicas to anything the imagination can conjure up. Previous designs have included a piano, a giant baby carriage, a rodeo clown, a massive corn on the cob, a jail cell and the Golden Gate Bridge. David McLoughlin, CEO of Wexford Opera Trust, and Fran McFadden and Andrew Doyle from Gas Networks Ireland, with members of the orchestra of Wexford Festival Opera New kid on the Wexford block, Gas Networks Ireland has announced its corporate partnership with Wexford Festival Opera, commencing with this year's festival. Gas Networks Ireland is in the process of bringing natural gas to Wexford. The 16.5m infrastructure project to bring gas to the town commenced in 2015 and is on track with the first phase due to be completed by the end of 2016. 'We are pleased to announce our support of the Wexford Festival Opera for the next two years. We are delighted to support the arts and in particular an event that is synonymous with Wexford which showcases everything the town has to offer. We are working closely with the people of Wexford as we bring natural gas to homes and businesses in the town,' said Liam O'Sullivan, Managing Director, Gas Networks Ireland. David McLoughlin, Chief Executive, Wexford Festival Opera, said he was delighted that Gas Networks Ireland have come on board as a Corporate Leader with Wexford Festival Opera. 'Our sponsors' invaluable support enables us to make the Festival a hugely-popular audience event, year after year. Over the past year Gas Networks Ireland have built up quite a presence in Wexford and their continued support of the festival really demonstrates their commitment to our town and county,' said Mr McLoughlin. This year's festival, which runs from October 26 to November 6, will see leading and emerging artists from Ireland and across the world taking to the stage of the National Opera House to perform three hidden operatic gems. The opera highlights of this year's Festival will include performances of 'Herculanum' by Felicien David, followed by Samuel Barber's first opera, 'Vanessa,' and performances of 'Maria de Rudenz' by Gaetano Donizetti. Staff at The Irish Agricultural Museum, Johnstown Castle are celebrating after being awarded accredited museum status. The Museum Standards Programme for Ireland, the first of its kind in the Republic, is administered by the Heritage Council and sets out to improve all aspects of Ireland's museum practice. Museum experts from Britain and Northern Ireland travelled to Johnstown Castle last November to carry out an independent inspection of the museum. In a letter to the museum, Michael Starrett, the Chief Executive of the Heritage Council wrote, 'this represents a great achievement for the team at the Irish Agricultural Museum. The Heritage Council acknowledges the hard work and perseverance of all involved in working to meet these 25 standards.' Museum Manager Matt Wheeler said, 'we are delighted to achieve accreditation and receive this recognition from the Heritage Council. It was a significant challenge for us as we are a small team and we had to make many improvements in all aspects of the operation. We look forward to making further improvements over the coming years.' Museum Chairman Peter Miller said: 'This is an important milestone for the museum in this our 40th year of operation and the staff are to be congratulated for all their endeavour in preparing our submission. The museum is now open every day, is fully accessible and offers something for everyone year round. The future here at Johnstown is very exciting - we are looking forward to working with our colleagues at Teagasc and the Irish Heritage Trust as part of the wider redevelopment of the whole site.' Creative, caring, street smart, and forward thinking young entrepreneurs Leah Kelly, Anna Drews and Melissa Cox from Mercy College Sligo are the winners of the 'Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2016' which was held at the Mansion House in Dublin last Thursday. The young entrepreneurs were chosen as finalists from 1,000 young entrepreneurs who set up start-up businesses as part of the Foroige Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme this year. The programme empowers young people to develop core skills in business and enterprise to help them unlock their individual talents and potential. The girls' business which is called Comfy Crutch really wowed the judges. The company manufactures crutch handle covers from memory foam padding to help relieve the hand discomfort caused by constant crutch use. The covers are removable and washable and attach to the crutch with Velcro strips. The girls say they came up with the idea "when a friend in school was on crutches for a long period and was constantly complaining about the discomfort of the crutch handles." They tested their product with nurses and others from the medical profession and tweaked their product as a result of feedback they received so ensure a better fit. At the moment they provide the product for adult crutches but the girls have plans to expand their product line and hope to launch a kids Comfy Crutch line in the near future. Amylee Marshal, Saoirse Sweeney, Lauren Verdon, Susie Kelly Fallon and Leanne McGoldrick also from Mercy College were one of the seven finalists at the Awards and did themselves proud giving a very impressive presentation to the judges. They set up their business to produce an uplifting, inspirational book for people battling with or surviving cancer. The book is called: 'When Life Gives you Lemons.' A total of seven businesses including the two Sligo start-ups participated in the final and showcased their businesses and products to judges and guests at the awards event. Catherine Hunka on violin and Dermot Dunne on the accordion Some of the most iconic music from legendary movies will be raising the spirits of those attending a special concert in Ashford later this month. Katherine Hunka and the Irish Chamber Orchestra will be showcasing some Hollywood classics from the last 60 years at Nun's Cross Church at 8pm on Friday, May 20. The programme will feature Bernard Hermann's exciting Psycho Suite to the romanticism and joy of Il Postino's Italians strains. Other delights include Love Theme from The Godfather, Morricone's Cinema Paradiso alongside popular delights from Henry Mancini and Michel Legrand. A selection of these colourful works feature the accordion, which will be played with panache by Dermot Dunne The Irish Chamber Orchestra is Ireland's finest chamber orchestra and, under the leadership of Katherine Hunka, tours nationally and internationally The concert will be presented in a partnership between the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely and Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray. Admission is 20/18. Two County Wicklow business have been nominated in the Irish Restaurant Awards industry categories. Ballyknocken House and Cookery School has been shortlisted in the industry category of Best Cookery School, while The Happy Pear has made the shortlist for the Best Digital Marketing award. Both now go up against nine other establishments to secure their titles. The winners will be announced at the All-Ireland Irish Restaurant Awards on Monday, May 16, in the Hilton, Dublin. The industry categories differ from the main categories because only members of the Restaurants Association can nominate. However, both members and non-members are eligible to receive a nomination. Also unlike the main categories, industry nominees do not receive a mystery guest inspection. Instead, nominations are judged and shortlisted by a national awards academy and independently assessed by the awards auditors, BDO, before a final winner is selected in each category. 'Nominees and shortlists of the industry categories should relish in the fact that their peers, their competitors, are recognising their hard work and contributions to the sector,' said CEO of the Restaurants Association, Adrian Cummins. Ashford ICA present a cheque for 2,200 to Wicklow Meals on Wheels at Ashford Community and Heritage. Pictured (centre): Susan Kay and Margaret Stephenson, President, presenting to Rose Behan and Marie Morrisson from Meals on Wheels The fruits of a year of fundraising were handed over to Wicklow Meals on Wheels last week as the Ashford ICA Guild delivered a cheque for 2,200 to their 2015/2016 charity of the year. Efforts began last April to raise as much money as possible for the Wicklow town-based group, after it was nominated by ICA member Susan Kay, who also volunteers with Meals on Wheels. Coffee mornings and a contribution from the Lions Clubs through their fundraising table quiz all helped to fill up the pot but the bulk of the money was raised by two brave women who went the extra mile (skywards) in their bid to raise some cash. Una McGowan and Mary O'Brien headed for the skies and undertook parachute jumps for the cause. And their efforts were very well received, drawing in a considerable amount for Meals on Wheels. Members of the guild gathered in Ashford Community and Heritage Centre last Tuesday evening, May 3, to have over the cheque to a very grateful Rose Behan and Marie Morrison of Wicklow Meals on Wheels. There's no time for the Ashford ladies to rest on their laurels, however. Guild PRO Brigid Cahill said that the thinking caps are already in place so as they plan to raise as much money as possible for their 2016/2017 charity, the Irish Kidney Association. First-time Deputy Pat Casey has welcomed the formation of a new minority Government, saying that it will be 'truly accountable to the peoples' elected representatives'. While disappointed that Fianna Fail were unable to form a Government, Deputy Casey said that after 70 days, the people of Ireland needed a Government, adding that this was a 'new era for Irish politics'. 'This more powerful Dail allows Government to be truly accountable to the peoples' elected representatives,' said Deputy Casey. 'It allows all TDs to stand up and be counted in finding solutions to our problems, not just sitting on the sidelines and cynically opposing everything while proposing nothing. There will be no hiding place for showmanship, nor should there be. The people deserve better. Our problems are too serious for fantasy land solutions based on anger and jargon.' 'I also accept that there are many challenges ahead and this new politics can fail. I will work night and day to ensure that it does not,' he said. 'The most devastating presentation ever to happen in this chamber' was how Cllr Joe Behan described details of the recently passed National Transport Authority Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area at the Wicklow County Council meeting on Monday. Members were informed that plans to extend the Luas to Fassaroe have now been shelved in favour of bringing the tram line to Bray, ultimately hampering economic and employment growth in the Fassaroe area. The presentation was given by Sorcha Walsh of the Planning Section who told councillors of the concerns within her department of the implications this strategy will have for the Wicklow County Development Plan 2016-2022. Ms Walsh outlined that the 20-year strategy has already been approved having been laid before the Oireachtas and that it is likely to have a very serious impact on the council's core strategy for Wicklow. 'Decisions have been made which will completely obliterate the plans we made to try and improve matters for us and our citizens,' said Cllr Behan. He also said he found it 'incredible' that any of the Wicklow TDs would have agreed to this. 'One would have to ask was anyone, anywhere battling for Wicklow? This has blasted a complete hole in the core stategy and has made what we agreed completely redundant,' he said. Cllr Pat Vance proposed that the development plan should be suspended pending clarification. 'The responsibily of public reps is being eroded and we have to fight this hard. The fact is that unelected public servants are riding roughshod over us. If we allow this we might as well just leave the chamber,' he said. Cllr Vincent Blake raised concerns about the lack of any reference to west or south Wicklow in the transport plan and that it appears that the NTA is 'not providing any services' to these areas. Members agreed to seek an urgent meeting with the Wicklow TDs and thereafter to take the matter to the new Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, who resides in the county. There were scenes of disruption at Wicklow District Court yesterday (Tuesday) after two defendants were remanded in custody for breach of bail conditions in cases linked to water protests. Sean Doyle (66), 11 Sunnybank, Kilpedder, and Eamon McGrath (60), 88 Killarney Heights, Bray, were both remanded in custody with their cases adjourned. 'No justice, no peace, we want them released,' chanted a group of up to 30 people before they were removed from the court by gardai. They also called out 'shame, shame, shame on you!' Doyle and McGrath, along with two others, had also appeared at appeared in Bray District Court the previous day (Monday, May 9) having been arrested at a farm at Knockroe, Delgany. Paul Kiernan (39), 16 Brookview Way, Tallaght, and Fiona Byrne (44), 20 Glenshane Grove, Tallaght, were both released on bail. All four defendants were charged with trespass on the curtilage of the farm when they appeared at Bray District Court Doyle and Kiernan were instructed in their bail conditions to stay away from the farm and its owner and not to interfere with employees of Irish Water or GMC Sierra. Those matters were all adjourned to June 20 for a plea or date for hearing. Sean Doyle appeared in Wicklow District Court yesterday (Tuesday) in connection with a charge of obstructing Irish Water at Rosehill, Wicklow Town, alleged to have occurred on April 13. He was remanded in custody with that case adjourned to May 24 for mention. Eamon McGrath appeared in Wicklow District Court yesterday in connection with a charge of obstruction at Burnaby Lawns in Greystones and failing to comply with gardai, alleged to have occurred on April 5. He was remanded in custody, with that case also adjourned to May 24 for mention. The court heard that both McGrath and Doyle were previously given bail conditions prohibiting them from interfering with employees of Irish Water or GMC Sierra. Tributes have been pouring in following the death of former GAA president and Blessington man Jack Boothman. 'We sadly learned this morning of the passing of our lifetime member, former player, club official in several capacities and present Club Trustee Jack Boothman,' read a statement on Blessington GAA's website. 'We were immensely proud of his achievements nationally and I know he took huge pride in his own club, none more so than when we hosted Feile. As a mark of respect we are closing the pitches and the facilities for the rest of the week. Jack Boothman showed leadership qualities, in the three years he served in the position of president, which was a challenging time for the Association, and he made an immense contribution to the GAA over a prolonged period. Blessington, Wicklow and the wider GAA family have lost a legendary Gael in Jack Boothman. Boothman's longevity stands apart as his roots go deeper into the foundations of this famous Wicklow GAA community. Boothman lived through many defining moments in the GAA's history and was the longest surviving ex-president until his death. GAA people have spoken of Boothman's 'flair and passion as an administrator' and was described by many to be a traditionalist and idealist'. He always claimed he 'held the core value that made our Association what it is today', citing volunteerism, the amateur status, and love of club and Irish language. Former Wicklow PRO Jackie Napier praised the significat work carried out by Jack Boothman during his lifetime involvement with the GAA. Having acted in various roles, Boothman served as GAA president between 1994 and 1997. It was an important spell for the GAA according to Napier. 'At the time Jack went to nearly every GAA field in the country,' Napier said. He was respected not only in Wicklow but all over the country for his work. The development of Croke Park had a lot to do with Liam Mulvihill, then Ard Stiurtheoir, and Jack, who were both very forward thinking. 'Most of the planning for Croke Park was done during his term, and it was a very important time for the GAA. I was lucky enough to attend when the two Wicklow men, Hugh and Jack, were installed as president.' Napier recalls how Boothman, who was always active with his club Blessington, got involved as an official. He started out with the West Wicklow Board, him and the late Peter Keogh, served together in office. 'Jack was a former chairman of the West Wicklow Board, Vice-Chairman of the County Board, Vice-Chairman and chairman of the Leinster Council, and president of the Association. 'During his time with the Leinster Counil he produced the Oganach Report about juvenile games which led to approaches such as Go Games. No matter where I go people would always ask about him because of all he did,' added Napier. Uachtaran Chumann Luthchleas Gael Aogan O Fearghail has expressed his sympathies and those of the wider GAA to the family of Lar-Uachtaran Jack Boothman on his passing overnight. The current GAA president said: 'Jack Boothman was a man I considered to be a friend and he served the GAA with distinction. 'I had the privilege of knowing him since the 1980s and have very fond memories f attending an Irish language course with him and Joe McDonagh in the Meath Gaeltacht of Rath Chairn. He was great company. 'He had great interest in the club and the last conversation I had with him recently he told me 'don't forget about the clubs.' On behalf of the Association as a whole I would like to offer my condolences to his wife Nuala and his extended family and his wide circle of friends. Calvin Klein is going in a controversial direction with their latest campaign. In addition to Kendall Jenner and Justin Bieber posing in the brand's social media centric #MyCalvins imagery, the shot causing the most offence is that of Danish actress and model Klara Kristin. Or rather, the upskirt shot of her underwear for their 'Erotica' campaign. Calvin Klein has been largely criticised for the shots, with some accusing it of being predatory, Kristin said she was people were just "scared of the female human body." I LOVE this photo @harleyweir took of me ...all this discussion about it makes me think about how alienated and scared some people are to the female human body... Be and love yourself and your sexuality#girlpower @calvinklein A photo posted by Klara Kristin (@karate_katia) on May 13, 2016 at 6:27am PDT "All this discussion about it makes me think about how alienated and scared some people are to the female human body Be and love yourself and your sexuality, she wrote on Instagram. Headlines from around the world expressed shock at the style of photography, including USA Today's 'Calvin Klein uses crotch shot in new ad and it's uncomfortable' and the New York Post's 'Calvin Klein is marketing to perverts'. She might look like a teenager, but Klara is 23 and is best known for her role in Love, a 3-D movie about sex. The campaign was photographed by Harley Weir. Laid-back with actor @abbeylee in the Spring 2016 advertising campaign. Photographed by @harleyweir. #mycalvins A photo posted by Calvin Klein (@calvinklein) on May 11, 2016 at 6:26pm PDT Ivanka Trump speaks onstage during the 2016 Forbes Women's Summit at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York. Photo: Getty Images Ivanka Trump attends the 2016 Forbes Women's Summit at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on May 12, 2016 in New York City. Photo: Getty Images Donald Trump's daughter has launched a robust defence of her father, describing him as a man who has "elevated" the political discussion, but confessing that she didn't discuss the election with her friend Chelsea Clinton. "He's honest," she said, speaking at a Forbes magazine summit for women in New York. "With him, what you see is what you get - even if you don't like the topic. I think people respect the fact that he is bold enough. That is something we have never seen in politics." And, despite his rhetoric about Muslims, Mexicans and women horrifying many even within the Republican Party, she paid tribute to her combative father for setting the tone for the campaign. "He has elevated - he has created a dialogue around issues, which really is a powerful thing," she said. "When you think about leadership it's setting the agenda, and he has set the agenda on all the issues that were discussed. And I think that is quite powerful." Ms Trump, who gave birth to her third child six weeks ago, admitted that the vitriol directed at her family could be painful. Expand Close Ivanka Trump speaks onstage during the 2016 Forbes Women's Summit at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York. Photo: Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ivanka Trump speaks onstage during the 2016 Forbes Women's Summit at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York. Photo: Getty Images When Mr Trump made his comments in June about Mexicans being "rapists" her Instagram account was flooded with abuse, including one man saying: "I hope El Chapo kidnaps you and your daughter." She said: "On a human level, on a personal level, it can be very difficult and challenging -especially when it's wrong. And it often is wrong. The positions are often taken by people who don't know him. "But I'm pretty thick-skinned." Mr Trump has described his daughter, known for her diplomacy and elegance, as his most trusted adviser. She is currently executive vice president of development and acquisitions at the Trump Organization, meaning that she is charged with the domestic and global expansion of the company's property interests. She also has her own jewellery and accessories range. "He is someone who has been an incredible parent for me," she said. "An incredible mentor to me, as a parent, and also for the past decade having worked alongside him. "I've seen him as an executive inspire the team, set a vision, give people the freedom to reform but always watching them and ensuring the vision for the company is being carried out correctly. "It's hard. I've been incredibly impressed by his leadership. I think his leadership is now being shown on a larger scale." She said he was now "100 per cent" focused on politics, but said him being the presumptive Republican nominee came as no surprise to her. But when asked whether she had given any thought to living in the White House, she flatly replied: "No." With her husband, newspaper publisher Jared Kushner, she is part of a glossy yet discreet set of wealthy New Yorkers - a group that includes Bill and Hillary Clinton's daughter Chelsea. The pair, both working mothers to young children, are firm friends. "We're both children who love our parents and are very supportive of our parents," she said, when asked whether the bruising campaign between their parents had dented their friendship. "So for us there is not so much nuance. We are not navigating the friendship. We view ourselves as our own people. And that is separate from the politics."( Daily Telegraph London) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves as he arrives for a meeting with House Speaker Paul Ryan at the Republican National Committee Headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo: AP A woman walks past a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. Photo: PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP/Getty Images Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump snapped yesterday over the chorus of calls for him to release his tax returns before the election, saying the rate that he pays is "none of your business". Trump, who has virtually locked up the Republican Party's nomination for the November 8 presidential election, has said the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is auditing his returns and he wants to wait until the review is over before making them public. "It should be and I hope it's before the election," Trump told ABC's 'Good Morning America'. Mr Trump was asked why he had been willing in the past to release his taxes to Pennsylvania and New Jersey officials when seeking casino licences, even though he was being audited by the IRS. "At the time, it didn't make any difference to me. Now it does," Mr Trump said. Pressed on what tax rate he pays, Trump refused to say. Expand Close Mitt Romney / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mitt Romney "It's none of your business," he said. "Before 1976, people didn't do it. It used to be a secret thing," he added. US presidential nominees have voluntarily released their tax returns for decades. Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton and her rival, Bernie Sanders, have both released their returns. Clinton began calling this week on Trump to do the same. Sanders released his 2014 return in April, while former first lady Clinton posted the past eight years of her and her husband's tax returns on her website in August. Mr Trump has said there is nothing voters can learn from his tax filing. Tax filings show sources of income, both from within the United States and other countries, as well as charitable giving, investments, deductions and other financial information. Trump said his company was "clean". "I don't have Swiss Bank accounts, I don't have offshore accounts," he said. The 2012 Republican presidential nominee, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, has been scathing in his criticism of Trump and said this week it was "disqualifying" for a nominee to refuse to make his tax returns public. Expand Close Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves as he arrives for a meeting with House Speaker Paul Ryan at the Republican National Committee Headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo: AP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves as he arrives for a meeting with House Speaker Paul Ryan at the Republican National Committee Headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo: AP "There is only one logical explanation for Mr Trump's refusal to release his returns: there is a bombshell in them," Mr Romney said in a Facebook post this week. But Mr Trump, who has prided himself on paying his own way and attacked his competition for relying on political donors, is now looking for donors himself. Mr Trump, who recently hired a national finance chairman, has just scheduled his first fundraiser and is on the cusp of signing a deal with the Republican Party that would enable him to solicit donations of more than $300,000 apiece from supporters. And his money-raising begins right away. The still-forming finance team is planning a dialling-for-dollars event on the fifth floor of Trump Tower in New York, and the campaign is at work on a fundraising website focused on small donations. In addition to a May 25 fundraiser at the Los Angeles home of real estate developer Tom Barrack, he'll hold another soon after in New York. The political newcomer faces a gargantuan task as a general election campaign can easily run up a $1bn tab. For the primary race, Trump spent a tiny fraction of that amount - he's estimated $50m of his own money, plus about $12m from donors who sought his campaign out on their own. Trump said in an interview this week that he will spend minimally on a data operation that can help identify and turn out voters. And he's betting that the media's coverage of his rallies and celebrity personality will reduce his need for pricey television advertising. Yet he acknowledged that the general-election campaign may cost "a lot". To help raise the needed money, he tapped Steven Mnuchin, a New York investor with ties in Hollywood and Las Vegas but no political fundraising experience. "To me, this is no different than building a business, and this is a business with a fabulous product: Donald Trump," Mnuchin said in an interview at a financial industry conference in Las Vegas. Trump's new national finance chairman said prospective donors are "coming out of the woodwork" and he's been fielding emails and phone calls from people he hasn't heard from in 20 years. Trump's dilemma is that by asking for money, he could anger supporters who love his assertion that he's different from most politicians because he isn't beholden to donors. Flying Scotsman's planned trips north of the border are back on after earlier being cancelled at short notice. Track operator Network Rail revealed on Friday that the famous steam locomotive would no longer be able to undertake planned tours of the Borders and Fife on Sunday because it had not been able to carry out safety assessments on some lines in time for the trips. Scotland's Transport Minister Derek Mackay accused the rail body of "appalling incompetence" and started talks to restore some of the route. He later tweeted: " Solved. Flying Scotsman will run on Borders and Fife. Questions remain on how it came to this, but thanks a solution was found." Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne offered a "wholehearted and sincere apology" and said an investigation into Friday's cancellation will still take place. "Overnight and through today our engineers and analysts have worked hard to find a way to get the necessary safety checks and engineering assessments done," Mr Carne said. "I am pleased to say that we have been successful and are now able to reinstate the original planned tours of Flying Scotsman in Scotland on Sunday. "I wholeheartedly and sincerely apologise for the consternation caused by the premature announcement yesterday. "Once the tours have been safely and successfully run, I will be instigating a full investigation into how this problem occurred on our railway in Scotland." The locomotive is due to arrive at Edinburgh Waverley from York on Saturday and earlier plans would have seen a vintage diesel engine take over for Sunday's trips on the new Borders Railway to Tweedbank and across the Forth Bridge. The cancellation had dismayed hundreds of rail enthusiasts planning to see the recently refurbished steam engine. Excursion operators Steam Dreams said Network Rail had known about the trips for months but left work "until the last minute". Built in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, in 1923, Flying Scotsman pulled the first train to break the 100mph barrier in 1934. The National Railway Museum in York bought the locomotive for 2.3 million in 2004 before work got under way on its decade-long restoration two years later. Network Rail was forced to pay out almost 60,000 in compensation when dozens of train services were delayed by people encroaching on the track during the refurbished train's inaugural run from London to York on February 2 this year. Mr Mackay said: "This is welcome news and, as a result of concerted local action, I hope that many people will now get to enjoy the experience of Flying Scotsman returning to Fife, Midlothian and the Borders. "This however does not explain how we ended up in this farcical situation, nor will it comfort the many people who have been looking forward to this day and have had to amend or cancel travel plans at the last minute. "This is not the end of the matter, I am still committed to seeing a full investigation into the reason why the initial work by Network Rail GB was not completed in time and how it was mishandled so badly." A 75-year-old Buddhist monk has been killed in a monastery in south-eastern Bangladesh. Police official Abul Khayer said the body of Maung Shue U. Chak was found on Saturday morning by his daughter-in-law when she went to give him some food. His throat had been slit overnight. While no one has claimed responsibility for the killing, it follows a number of murders in recent years of members of religious minority groups, foreigners, atheist bloggers and secular publishers in Bangladesh by suspected Islamist radicals. The killings have come amid growing concern that religious extremism is gaining ground in the once moderate Muslim-majority nation of 160 million. Since the start of 2015, at least 15 people have been killed in such attacks, creating a climate of fear that has prompted some Bangladeshis to go into hiding, and others to seek asylum in the United States and Europe. Bangladesh's government insists it is working to stop the attacks, but so far it has charged no one over any of the 15 killings. While there have been some arrests - mostly of low-level operatives - there have been no prosecutions so far, and authorities have struggled to make any headway in naming those planning the attacks. Most of the attacks have a shared pattern - a handful of young men wielding knives or cleavers surround their target and hack the victim to death. The government has advised people at risk to simply lie low and try not to offend anyone. The Islamic State group and an al Qaida-linked group have claimed responsibility for some of the recent killings, but the authorities in Bangladesh insist that neither of the groups has a presence in the country. Instead, the authorities have blamed political opposition and local militant groups for the violence. Last month, suspected Islamist militants killed two prominent gay rights activists, an atheist student and a university professor. Justin Trudeau has said most Canadians have yet to grasp the lengths to which firefighters went to save nearly 90% of the oil sands capital of Fort McMurray from a massive wildfire. More than 88,000 people had to be evacuated because of the fire. The Canadian prime minister visited the devastated northern Alberta city on Friday almost two weeks after the wildfire ignited, making an aerial tour by military helicopter. The blaze tore through the isolated region and surrounding areas, causing several oil sands operations to shut down. Alberta officials said they will have a plan within two weeks for getting residents back into their homes. Mr Trudeau took a helicopter ride over a patchwork of devastated neighbourhoods, where some homes still stand while others burned to their foundations. Alberta officials said 2,432 structures were destroyed, 530 damaged and 25,000 saved. Altogether, 85-90% of the city was saved. "I don't think Canadians yet understand what happened. They know there was a fire. They're beginning to hear the wonderful news that so much of the town was saved," he told 150 firefighters and first responders. "But they don't yet understand that that wasn't a fluke of wind or rain or luck that happened. "This was the extraordinary response by people such as yourself. The work you did to save so much of this community, to save so much of this city and its downtown core ... was unbelievable." Mr Trudeau toured one of the damaged neighbourhoods after his visit before meeting with Alberta premier Rachel Notley. In the forest surrounding the Fort McMurray airport, where Mr Trudeau landed, trees resembled little more than used matchsticks, charred right up to the tarmac, and the ground was blackened. "When I got a chance to fly over the community, the first thing you notice is the smoke, the haze, the smell in the air. "Even from the airport, which was untouched, you can tell the scale and the scope of what just happened. "And then you notice the blackened forest that surrounds Fort McMurray... entire swaths of burned out trees and hillsides," Mr Trudeau said. He told of the moment when he saw a small plastic child's scooter on the pavement as he toured the city. "The one thing I realized, unlike so many images we've seen, that little plastic scooter, whatever little boy or girl was using that just before the evacuation, they're safe. They're alive," he said. "They're being sheltered by friends or family or kind strangers." "Yes, this was a terrible disaster to befall this community but there is strength here and a will to build a stronger future," Mr Trudeau added. The prime minister and Ms Notley thanked the first responders, the evacuees, and Canadians who donated funds to the Red Cross, sent care packages or opened their homes to those who fled the fire. "When we stick together and when we have each other's backs, we are all stronger," said Ms Notley. Fort McMurray fire chief Darby Allen, who led the fight against the fire, said the prime minister's visit was a morale boost. "Right now the residents aren't there, but there are hundreds and hundreds of emergency workers. I think they'll get a lift from that," he said. Melissa Blake, mayor of the regional municipality of Wood Buffalo, accompanied Mr Trudeau, saying it was critical for him to tour the burned neighbourhoods. "Once you see it, you know not just how daunting the work will be, but how important it is to make it back to what it was before," she said. Mr Trudeau was also accompanied by some federal cabinet ministers, who are part of a committee that will coordinate aid and reconstruction efforts in the city. Alberta Member of Parliament Kent Hehr, who heads the committee, said it was important to show people that the federal government will be there for them in the reconstruction. Mr Hehr, who represents a Calgary district, said it was "very difficult for me as an Albertan" to witness the damage. More than 80,000 residents had to evacuate their homes on May 3 as the flames carved a destructive path through the city. The fire is now 930 square miles (2,410 square km) in size and has moved away from the city. It is expected to burn in forested areas for at least a few more weeks. The more than 80,000 evacuees have begun receiving direct financial assistance from the Alberta government and the Canadian Red Cross as officials asked for patience in getting residents home. Adnan Badreddine, center, brother of top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, cries as he receives condolences from Hezbollah senior officials in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: AP One of the Middle East's most charismatic and mysterious guerrilla leaders has been killed in a explosion of unknown origin on an air base in Syria, the militant group Hizbollah has confirmed. Mustafa Badreddine (55), who was directing the group's operations in support of the Assad regime, was the highest ranking leader of the group to have died since his cousin and brother-in-law, its military commander, was assassinated in Damascus by Mossad in 2008. Initial claims that Israel had killed Badreddine too were withdrawn, and the Hezbollah statement, which did not give a date or time of his death, said it was investigating whether it was the result of an air raid, missile attack or artillery shelling. Hezbollah, which has fought several wars against Israel, has been fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces. Whoever killed him - and his enemies included Gulf states and rebel groups in Syria as well as Israel - brought to an end the career of a man once seen as a ghostly presence in Hezbollah's command, who was reported to have no passport, driving licence or property in Lebanon, yet who had a string of mistresses and drove around the Christian seaside resort of Jounieh in a large Mercedes. He is thought to have joined his first militant group in the 1970s as a teenager, before going on to help found Hizbollah, a militant, Iranian-backed Shia Islamist group that emerged from the Lebanese civil war. Expand Close Hezbollah members carry the coffin of top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine. Photo: AP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hezbollah members carry the coffin of top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine. Photo: AP He may have honed his skills as a bomb-maker in the attacks on the US and French military barracks in Beirut in 1983, which killed 305 people. That was masterminded by Imad Mugniyeh, his cousin and brother-in-law, Hizbollah's military chief and his mentor in the organisation, with whom he has said to have watched the explosions from a nearby rooftop. A year later, Badreddine personally supervised the bombing of the US embassy in Kuwait, which killed six people. He was caught, jailed and sentenced to death. Luckily for him, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990 and he was freed, escaping to the Iranian embassy which arranged his evacuation to Tehran and then back to Beirut. He went on to direct operations against Israel in the south of Lebanon, culminating in the war of 2006, seen by many as Hizbollah's biggest victory over its great enemy. At the time of his death he was standing trial in absentia at the Hague for organising the killing of Rafik Hariri, the former Lebanese prime minister and dominant Sunni politician. The suicide bombing attack happened near the Iraqi capital of Baghdad More than a dozen suicide bombers have killed six people during an attack on a residential and government complex outside Baghdad. At least 14 suicide attackers broke into the complex at dawn on Saturday, said the police chief of the town of Amiriyat Fallujah. In addition to homes, the complex also includes a police station and several government offices. Five attackers blew themselves up while clashing with security forces, while others holed up inside the buildings, and were later killed. Five troops and one civilian were killed, and another 18 people were wounded. The town is located a few miles south of Fallujah, the main Islamic State stronghold in Anbar province, about 40 miles (65 km) west of Baghdad. IS still controls key areas in northern and western Iraq, including the country's second largest city, Mosul. The extremist group has declared an Islamic caliphate on the territory it holds in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi troops, backed by paramilitary militias and US air strikes, have recaptured a number of cities and towns in recent months. But IS has responded with a string of deadly bombings far from the front lines in a campaign that Iraqi officials say is an attempt to distract from their battlefield losses. More than 100 people have been killed in in a string of bombings, mainly in Baghdad, since Wednesday. Actress Vanessa Hudgens has been fined 1,000 US dollars for carving a heart into a red rock wall during a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Hudgens posted a photo of the carving bearing the names "Vanessa" and "Austin" on her Instagram page around Valentine's Day, along with other photos of the couple amid the towering red rocks that draw tourists to northern Arizona. The payment resolves a citation issued to Hudgens on a misdemeanor count of damaging a natural feature on US Forest Service land. The money was used by a volunteer group called Friends of the Forest to restore the rock wall, which typically is done by scrubbing or sanding the rock. A federal magistrate in Flagstaff approved the agreement on April 19, but it was not made public. Hudgens is best known for her role as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical movie franchise. Hudgens admitted to using a rock to scratch the names inside the heart and gave authorities information on where to find it. Volunteers and Forest Service employees found the heart matching the description around February 23 on a geologic formation known as Bell Rock. Forest officials rarely find out who is responsible for vandalizing rock walls, but Hudgens' celebrity status played a huge role, Coconino National Forest Service spokesman Brady Smith said. Hudgens' followers on Instagram alerted the media, and authorities took note of the news coverage. The photo of the carving was quickly removed from her page. "She was caught in the act because she publicised it and she's famous," Mr Smith said. "I'm sure there are others who are not famous and publicised it and we've never known." Mr Smith said carvings destroy the natural beauty of the area and create the perception among the public that it is acceptable to deface rock walls. Damaging a natural feature is punishable by up to six months in jail and a 5,000 dollar fine. Jennifer Young, president of Friends of the Forest said about 10 to 15 volunteers responding to reports of vandalism set out in the Red Rock Ranger District every other week in search of reported graffiti and use wire brushes, sandpaper and a specialised drill to clean it up. "Unfortunately, there's a lot that happens," she said. PHOTOS BY ALLISON WELLS/SPECIAL TO INDEPENDENT MAIL The Clemson Farmers' Market will happen each Friday afternoon in Patrick Square until mid-October. SHARE Laura Duke of Clemson checks out lotions and balms make from locally resourced oils and honeys Friday at the Clemson Farmers' Market. The Clemson Farmers' Market included a Healthy Living Expo on Friday as well as children's activities. The Clemson Farmers' Market included a Healthy Living Expo on Friday as well as children's activities. By Allison Wells, Special to Independent Mail CLEMSON Friday marked the kickoff of the Clemson Farmers' Market's seventh season of bringing locally grown and homemade food to the community while promoting area agriculture. The market, which is on the Patrick Square village green in Clemson, offers produce, specialty foods and even crafts. It will happen every Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. until mid-October. It is a draw for many throughout Pickens and the surrounding counties and is known as a place to find a variety of quality foods. The market this year has doubled last year's vendor numbers, to 38 from 19, said market manager Kathi Dimmock. "We are so excited about the number of vendors this year. It's a great mixture; I'm very proud of our vendors," she said. Vendors came from Seneca, Six Mile, Anderson, Easley and other surrounding cities, in keeping with the vision for only locally grown and made products to be available, Dimmock said. Kerri Kwist, a Clemson resident and mother of two boys, said she looks forward to the Clemson Farmers' Market every year. "The kids love it. I can always talk them into going. The kids play, and I shop," she said. For the second year in a row, the Healthy Living Expo was also presented Friday, adding another 20 vendor booths to the event. Area businesses and organizations were invited to show how they can promote a healthy lifestyle. With participants ranging from hospitals and massage therapists to exercise centers and libraries, the goal of the expo, which will not be repeated on future Fridays at the market this season, is to help market shoppers continue to improve their healthy beyond the dinner table. Besides the nearly 50 booths, Patrick Square offered inflatables for children to jump in Friday, and The Sweet Potato Pie Kids also put on a show. Cooking demonstrations and other activities rounded out the afternoon to provide fun and promote the local produce industry. One of the main goals of the Clemson Farmers' Market is to combine filling the need for local products with educating people about farming, Dimmock said. "That's the fun part, to educate people about how food gets from the farm to their table," she said. "Someone's worked hard to grow it. The education is important." Graduate Cayla Gunter accepts her diploma during the Anderson University commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14, 2016, in Anderson. By Charmaine Smith-Miles of the Independent Mail A record 450 students walked along Boulevard on Saturday wearing their Anderson University regalia as family members stood on the sidelines snapping photos and waving. "I am about to cry," said Beverly White as she watched the ceremony. "I am so excited." Among the graduates was her 23-year-old daughter, LeChelsea Lomax. There was a point about two years ago when White said she wasn't sure if her daughter was going to make it. Lomax took a semester off when she missed some financial aid application deadlines. "She thought about stopping. She wanted to quit," White said. "But I encouraged her and she kept going." It was a small setback, White said. Her daughter decided to take a class at Tri-County Technical College, and then she picked back up with her degree work the next semester. On Saturday, Lomax graduated with a dual degree in early elementary education and early childhood development, and two honors, one of which was admission into the university's Denmark Society, White said. The Denmark Society Award is given to graduates who exhibit leadership, scholarship and Christian character. White said her daughter now plans to teach at Trinity Christian Educational School, which White founded in 2004. The school holds classes at Welfare Baptist Church and enrolls students in kindergarten through 12th grades. "My son is graduating from high school on May 28," White said. "I am so giddy I can't stand it. I am so proud of them both." White was one of hundreds of proud parents who gathered under the oak and magnolia trees on Anderson University's Alumni Lawn for the 10 a.m. ceremony. Little children waved to their siblings as they walked by. One graduate, Cayla Gunter, decorated her cap with a picture of Dobby, a character from the Harry Potter novels. On her cap it read: "Master has given Dobby a diploma. Dobby is free." The university's guest speaker, the Rev. Walt Brashier of Greenville, encouraged the graduates to remember those who had made sacrifices so they could receive their diplomas. But he also cautioned them about dwelling on the past, particularly past sins and mistakes. Brashier is a businessman and spent years traveling the country preaching in revivals. He is known for his national television and radio show, "You are on Target with Walter Brashier." He graduated from Furman University, Southeastern Theological Seminary and Erskine Theological Seminary. "Don't let your past shackle you or bridle you," Brashier said. "Forget those things that are behind and press on to the calling of God." Beyond handing out diplomas to its largest ever graduating class, the ceremony held additional significance for the university, according to university spokesman Barry Ray. Ray said the first 35 students to go through the university's four-year nursing degree program graduated on Saturday. Anderson University President Evans Whitaker also awarded a diploma to the first graduate of the university's Johnny Mann Center for Commercial Music. Whitaker also announced that Brashier and his wife of 63 years, Christine, gave the university $1.7 million in gifts for student scholarships and to help pay for the construction of the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center, which should be finished this summer. "Enjoy this time," Whitaker told the graduates. "Focus your attention on this beautiful moment. This is a celebration to remember." Follow Charmaine Smith-Miles on Twitter @Charmaine_AIM. 2 shot, possible 3rd victim at large in shooting at Anderson gas station Two are wounded and undergoing medical treatment after a shooting in Anderson. There is potentially a third victim at large.

Jonathan Pinson leaves the courthouse with his wife, Pamela, after a federal jury found him guilty on 29 counts, including racketeering, in his public corruption trial.

SHARE By John Monk/The State The FBI once wired him up and put secret cameras in a Columbia nightclub office to gather evidence. In the end, informant Lance Wright, a longtime Columbia-area developer and businessman, helped federal prosecutors win convictions and guilty pleas in the highly publicized case of racketeer Jonathan Pinson. The former board chairman of S.C. State University earlier his month was sentenced to prison for orchestrating four fraudulent wide-ranging business deals. Wrights pivotal role as an FBI informant who helped get evidence against Pinson and five others, some once highly respected African-American professionals in the Midlands, has made him an outcast in the circles in which he moves, according to his attorney, Sherri Lydon. He became anathema to the black community, Lydon wrote in a 19-page memo to the judge now on file in Wrights case that reveals far more about Wright and his role than has been known publicly. Wright never walked into an FBI office and volunteered to be an informant. He found himself forced into the role. In 2011, after being questioned by two FBI agents who showed up unannounced to ask him about possible criminal activity involving some of his business deals, Wright spoke freely and consulted with his attorney, according to records and sources familiar with the investigation. Wright, 49, who lives in Lexington County, has long been a developer and owned or managed medical and health care-related businesses. Like Pinson, he sat on S.C. States board before federal agents came knocking on his door. Wright learned that if he cooperated with the FBI, telling agents about crimes he knew about in addition to his own, he might earn only probation even though he still would have to plead guilty to at least some of the crimes he committed, according to records and multiple sources. The agreement made him Target A: the man who talked first to the FBI and the one who helped implicate everyone else. Tips and information Wright and Lydon, Wrights attorney, declined to comment for this story. Wright and the others have pleaded guilty. Most are awaiting sentencing. Everyone else testified against Pinson. Wright didnt take the stand. Still, Lydons memo on Wright was written to U.S. Judge David Norton to get her client a favorable sentence by convincing the judge that Wrights contribution was crucial to the case. In some cases, she wrote, the defendant obtained direct evidence of guilt, such as audio tape admissions, and in other cases, he obtained information that provided investigative leads. And most of the key witnesses against Pinson had been developed as a result of Wright helping the FBI, she wrote. Lydon said Wrights aid to government efforts to convict Pinson and his co-defendants was so extraordinary that he deserves probation not prison. The government believes the same. In a 2013 formal plea agreement, prosecutors recommended Wright get three years probation because of the timeliness and significance of information he gave prosecutors in the Pinson case. In the plea agreement he made with prosecutors, Wright agreed to plead guilty to bank fraud and mail fraud two charges that together carry a maximum of 35 years in prison. Earlier this month, Norton, who presided over Pinsons trial last summer, sentenced Pinson to five years in prison for orchestrating four different fraud schemes, converting or trying to convert money from projects to his personal use. That prison sentence was made possible by Wright, Lydon said. Without Lance Wrights cooperation, there would have been no case, Lydon wrote in the sentencing memo. His cooperation has been nothing short of remarkable, she wrote. Lydons memo, and other records as well as interviews with people familiar with Wrights case, reveal in greater detail than has been previously reported how Wright was crucial to the joint federal-state task force that gathered the evidence that led to the convictions of Pinson and the six others. Wright also sent investigators down trails that did not pan out. For example, Wrights role as a Pinson friend and co-investor in a Midlands housing construction project helped agents to investigate whether Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and former city employee Tony Lawton were part of one of Pinsons illegal schemes connected to that project, according to trial testimony and interviews with persons familiar with the case. Benjamin was an early partner with Pinson in the Village at Rivers Edge but sold his interest just before he ran for mayor and took office in 2010. Neither Benjamin nor Lawton was ever charged. No evidence against either man has been produced. And neither was called on to testify. On Friday, Benjamin spokesman Michael Wukela said of any Wright information regarding the mayor: His allegation just isnt true. Period. Dick Harpootlian, Lawtons lawyer, said, Allegations made about Tony Lawton by Lance Wright had no factual basis. The U.S. Attorneys office, which prosecuted the case, declined comment for this story. On the opening day of last summers Pinson trial, federal prosecutor DeWayne Pearson told the jury that Pinson used his association with Benjamin to squeeze money out of people and agencies. Although Benjamins name came up repeatedly during the governments opening statements, and although Pearson told the jury that Benjamin and Pinson got bank loans to line their own pockets, Pearson was careful to avoid saying that the mayor committed any specific crime. Later in the trial, an investigating government agent made the most specific public statement to date about what Wright may have said about Benjamin and Lawton. State Law Enforcement Division agent Richard Gregory, who worked with the FBI to arrest Pinson, confirmed to the jury that the FBI set up secret cameras and wired up Wright so Wright could catch what Pinson said at a meeting between the two men. The meeting took place at an office in the Rust nightclub on Gervais Street in Columbia. One source said the FBI concealed its camera inside a television set at the club. When we have cooperating witnesses and we believe that there is criminal activity, its not unusual for us to put recorders on someone and send them to have a meeting or ask someone to come meet with them, testified Gregory under cross-examination by Pinson attorney Jim Griffin. Thats very common during criminal investigations. Griffin asked Gregory, When you began this investigation, you were investigating a claim that Mr. Benjamin and Mr. Pinson instructed or requested Lance Wright to pay $5,000 or more to Tony Lawton as a kickback for Mr. Lawtons efforts in assistance in helping the Village at Rivers Edge obtain a $1.8 (million) grant for infrastructure from the city of Columbia, is that right? Gregory said that allegation was a part of the investigation but didnt get any more specific. Deeper in Wrights cooperation with the government began in August 2011, well before the first indictments in the case were revealed publicly in January 2013. FBI agents, suspicious of some bank dealings Wright was involved in, questioned him. Then they asked him about the Village at Rivers Edge housing project being built in north Columbia. At the time, Wright was a business partner of Pinsons in the Village at Rivers Edge as well as an investor in a Marion County economic development project. The Marion project involved an effort to have a diaper plant move from Georgia to low-income Marion County. Both projects had received or were receiving large amounts of federal funds. At first, investigating agents persuaded Wright to wear a wire to record conversations with Pinson. Later, the agents learned enough from Wright to go before Judge Norton and seek a wiretap of Pinsons cell phone. The wiretaps proved crucial. From July through November 2012, FBI agents listened in on thousands of hours of Pinsons cell phone calls. Some 118 excerpts from those wire taps were played at Pinsons trial. Although federal agents hoped to hear more on the wire taps about Lawtons and Benjamins possible involvement in Pinson illegal schemes, they did not, according to records and sources familiar with the case. Instead, agents heard Pinson discussing various other illegal activities, including soliciting a kickback for helping a Florida developer, Richard Zahn, sell land to S.C. State University. According to Lydons memo to the judge, Wright has been working in the Columbia area since he was 14, getting a job as a dishwasher at the University of South Carolina Faculty House, a dining facility on the historic Horseshoe. At the Faculty House, Wright worked his way up, becoming kitchen manager, food and beverage manager and finally, executive chef. A 1984 graduate of Keenan High School, Wright won a scholarship to USC but left after two years to open a restaurant, Las Vegas Delicatessen, in downtown Columbia, with a friend, Lydon wrote. Wright is also a longtime member of West Columbias Brookland Baptist Church, where he once served on a foundation advising the church on financial management and expansion strategies, Lydon wrote. Wright has had a long and varied business career but was not able to overcome the recession in 2008, when many of his bank lines of credit were not renewed or forced to be paid down, Lydon wrote. Since 2011, Wright has been CEO of Ahava Hospice, which has 65 employees and provides hospice services through most of South Carolina, she wrote. The business has been struggling since Lance became the subject of much negative media attention, Lydon wrote. Lance has managed, however, to keep these 65 employees working. Wright should stay out of prison to keep his business going, but he is also a good husband to his wife of nearly 20 years, Adrienne, and a caring father to his two middle-school age sons, Lydon wrote. Lance never misses a sporting event or school program, Lydon wrote. In fact, Lydon wrote, Wright decided to cooperate with the government because doing what was right was the way to teach his sons a lesson. Lance made the decision because of his two boys, Lydon wrote. Lance places nothing ahead of his role as a father. However, Lydon made it clear that Wrights role as an informant should be enough to get him probation and not prison. Wright made himself available to agents by phone at any time of the night or day, always responding immediately to queries about various aspects of the ever-growing investigation, Lydons memo said. Based on the defendants cooperation, the government obtained seven convictions for numerous offenses including racketeering, bank fraud, wire fraud, public corruption, money laundering, theft of government property and obstruction, the memo said. SHARE By Kirk Brown of the Independent Mail David Poag is peeved about a proposal to fine Anderson residents who leave their garbage carts along streets for more than a day after trash is collected. Poag vowed earlier this week to keep a garbage cart in front his home on Willow Court as a sign of his displeasure. "I dare the city to fine me," he said. "The men and women of our armed forces did not fight for our freedom just so the city of Anderson can take it away." But his protest was cut short when a higher power intervened. "My wife put the hammer down," he said. Poag said she told him "if I don't get that trash cart out of her yard, then the trash cart might not be the only trash out in the yard." City officials say hundreds of residents are letting their garbage carts linger on curbs each week, creating an eyesore that poses a traffic hazard on narrow streets throughout Anderson. Under an ordinance that received preliminary approval Monday from the City Council, residents who fail to wheel back their garage carts within 24 hours after trash is collected would receive a warning. A second offense would result in a $10 fine, and a $25 fine would be imposed for a third offense. Continual violations would be punishable by a $500 fine or up to 30 days in jail. Poag said he disagrees with the city's rationale for the fines. "This is not a matter of safety, rather this is simply a matter of government going too far," he said. Debris that is left along streets awaiting pickup by city crews represents a greater danger to traffic than garbage carts, he said. Kerry Stalnaker, the city's public works director, agreed that debris on streets can create problems. He said debris is not supposed to be put out until 24 hours before scheduled trash pickups. Stalnaker said city officials are focusing on garbage carts because they have received numerous complaints about the issue. He said his office has only heard from one resident who opposes the proposed fines. Follow Kirk Brown on Twitter @KirkBrown. photos by MIKE ELLIS/INDEPENDENT MAIL Prosecutor Rame Campbell, right, speaks at a plea hearing for Edrick Perego. SHARE Edrick Perego pleaded guilty in Anderson court to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and to third-degree arson. By Mike Ellis of the Independent Mail World War II veteran Edrick Perego, 89, was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison after he admitted to rigging a truck to ram into a Lake Hartwell restaurant in 2014 before setting fire to several buildings. Perego was not remorseful after pleading guilty at a court hearing in Anderson. He told everyone in the court, turning and pointing, that he did not deserve to be sent to prison because he had fought for their freedom as a paratrooper. Circuit Court Judge Scott Sprouse told Perego that veterans are rightfully admired, notably those from World War II, but Perego's age and veteran status did not excuse what he did. The judge said it was just luck that no one was seriously hurt in the wreckage or fires. Becky Lash, owner of the Tiger Cove Grill and Tiger Cove Campground on Lake Hartwell, was in the cement block building, as were several employees, when the truck rammed into it. She said her granddaughters were five minutes away from playing right where the truck struck the building. "I'm not the same Becky Lash I was before he made me a victim," she said. Perego had rigged the truck with wood on fire in the back and another piece of wood wedged between the seat and the gas pedal, according to prosecutor Rame Campbell. Perego was originally charged with four counts of attempted murder and two counts of third-degree arson. He pleaded guilty instead to two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and two counts of third-degree arson after the attempted murder charges were reduced and two of the attempted murder counts were dropped because the victims moved away, Campbell said. The plea deal included a stipulation that Perego, who was arrested hours after the 2014 incident, would be sentenced to no more than 10 years in prison. He will get credit for the 708 days he has served in jail. But he received essentially a life sentence given his age, said Hervery Young, Perego's defense attorney. Young said the incident stemmed from a property deal with another man, who was evicting Perego that day. Young urged that Perego be sentenced to home incarceration for 10 years. A psychiatrist consulted by Young spoke to the judge over the phone at the hearing. Dr. Amanda Salas, of the Palmetto Center of Psychiatry in Beaufort, said she believes Perego has a mild form of vascular dementia. State psychiatrists found Perego was "malingering," or faking symptoms, in his exams with them, Campbell said. He said the state doctors were initially fooled into thinking Perego had dementia but changed their minds, in large part because of several recorded jailhouse telephone calls in which Perego allegedly told his ex-wife that he was giving answers to fool the doctors, Campbell said. Salas said she had listened to those calls and agreed Perego was malingering. But he also showed physical symptoms, including facial reflexes, that could not be faked, Salas said. She predicted his mild-to-moderate dementia would get worse. Perego was on probation in 2014 after having pleaded guilty the previous year to attempting to solicit a felony. Prosecutors at the time said Perego had attempted to hire someone to beat up, and possibly kill, a business associate. Young said Perego had no criminal record until 2013. When he was given a chance to speak Friday, Perego talked at length about his blood thinning medication and medical complications, and said that as a veteran he was entitled to better medical treatment than he received in jail. He did not directly address the 2014 incident or offer regrets. Perego said he has an engineering background and has designed a unique home, blueprints for which are in his jail cell. Home incarceration would allow him to able to help military veterans who could come to his home, he said. Perego also spoke about real estate dealings he had in the county, including transactions involving the Anderson County Farmers Market and a 92-acre property near Homeland Park. He talked as well about liberating death camps in Germany and named the general he worked for in the war. "I was trained by the Army very well," Perego said. "I also worked for the CIA, so I knew what I was doing." Campbell, visibly frustrated, said Perego is pretending to have dementia but can still recall events both recent and long past in great detail even though he conveniently blacked out in the 2014 rampage. "He's faking it," Campbell said. "He is not a good person. Age couldn't take the meanness out of him". Follow Mike Ellis on Twitter @MikeEllis_AIM SHARE An hour with my congressman, Jeff Duncan Sherry McKnight, Salem SC On March 29, U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan spoke and took questions in the gated community of Keowee Key. Approximately 50 "trusting" constituents attended the well-rehearsed, 30-minute (give or take) talk in which he described his various committee assignments (homeland security, foreign affairs, natural resources) and current committee issues. Duncan described a particularly worrying situation with Puerto Rico's impending insolvency issue and highlighted California, (picking any state at random?), with its good roads and bridges and sound infrastructure but noting "California does not balance its budget," is financially insecure and cannot be allowed to file bankruptcy. A dangerous situation. He boasted South Carolina must lawfully balance its budget. He made no comparison of S.C. infrastructure. I silently countered, "What about the state of Kansas? Or Louisiana? Or Michigan? Even South Carolina? Currently, all these states have serious deficit revenue situations?" (Pew Trusts, March 2016) Of course those are all red states blue state California fits the polit-a-talk script. Duncan's U.S. debt discourse included the requisite "Obama has drastically increased the debt" and now it's out of this world! (murmurs of disgust) "We must put an end to this reckless spending!" (words to that effect). I planned my clarifying question: "You do know Reagan increased the debt by 190 percent, right?; H.W. Bush by 52 percent; W. Bush by 86 percent. Clinton at 37 percent and Obama at 46 percent are mere pikers!" (Factcheck.org) This audience believes the lie they crave. Duncan went on to explain the budget bill passed at 2015 end was "Boehner's budget" and he estimated only 50 regular, non-leadership House Republicans voted for the agreement, thus the House GOP is currently struggling with how to renege on that agreement. Duncan briefly outlined the difference between mandatory versus discretionary budget allotment, confessing he was "OK" with $1.7 billion increase in mandatory spending, so long as it was for defense spending, otherwise, "something's gotta be cut." An oft repeated Republican talking point was, of course, the next statement from Duncan. "Our military is at its lowest levels since World War II! We have fewer ships than we had in World War I! We must rebuild our forces!" False equivalency! I inwardly screamed it's been 70 years! It was a global conflict with 17 million Americans serving! (Nat'l WWII Museum) Our forces are no longer simple GIs today they're lean, mean and extremely well-trained, with such an overwhelming array of advanced weaponry and equipment that today's U.S. military is Goliath compared to our 1940s force being a mere gnat on David's exposed neck. The congressman ended his prepared remarks with the ISIS threat, "I support S.C. banning all Syrian refugees" and some word salad about the western hemisphere South American triangle somewhere around Argentina, Brazil and (he lost me) where the dangerous "Iraqis and Afghans" congregate before trekking through Central America and Mexico to invade through our defenseless southern border (news to me, but "reported" by FOX News and WND in 2014). To justify his unprotected border claim, he recounted the 24th documented capture of a smuggler by U.S. Border Patrol. I could only ponder '24 detentions of one guy seems like someone's doing their job.' Duncan continued, citing the dangerous, radicalized native-born Belgian and French Muslims,... which he then relabeled "infiltrating refugee terrorists sent from ISIS." I wanted to rise and shout "they're citizens of those countries! Not refugees!" But what good would it do? I was anticipating the "questions" portion of the program to enlighten the congressman and his followers. All bullet points having been presented, appropriately paced to allow thirty minutes for follow-up Jeff asked for questions. I held my hand high. First questioner, a mother of a federal worker claimed the government shutdown (2013) was "no big deal" as her daughter merely experienced a paid 16-day vacation. I wondered if 800,000 workers (not all were paid) simultaneously enjoying vacation time was sound H.R. policy, but hoped the Congressman would at least mention the adverse financial effect: "Standard & Poor's reports the shutdown has cost the US economy $24 billion shaving 0.6% off of economic growth this quarter." (BBC.com) No such clarification from the Congressman he more or less agreed shutting down the U.S. Government is tolerable. Rep. Duncan started to move on, however this same woman decried the outrage of "all those dead people voting" and "how can we trust our elections?!" Duncan was completely sympatico with her fears, fueling this GOP-created myth rather than explain that a comprehensive 2014 investigation of voter impersonation found 31 credible incidents out of one billion ballots cast. Even President George W. Bush's Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said, "after a five-year hunt for voter fraud, discovered little widespread fraud, finding mostly cases of people mistakenly filling out voter registration forms or voting when they didn't know they were ineligible. None of the cases involved a person voting as someone else." (FoxNews.com) I fervently reach for the ceiling again, ala Arnold Horshack .... but Duncan handed the mic to a woman in the front row, intent on keeping a focus on the past. She asked "what about Benghazi"? Duncan referenced his neighboring district Congressman Trey Gowdy's investigative U.S. House committee (the 8th such investigation, this one with a $20+ million price tag) "... is still amassing evidence as each interview with Clinton associates leads to yet another named person needing to be interviewed." Jeff actually stated as fact the, as yet, totally unsubstantiated GOP claim, "Secy. Clinton (wrongfully) disseminated top secret, classified documents and photos/graphics, etc, from her private server email." Duncan opined "the FBI is closing in on charging Secy. Clinton". At last, fast forwarding to the here and now, Duncan was queried about a "brokered Republican Convention." Duncan rambled a bit, mentioned Ted Cruz once, but emphasized the basic goal is to unify and, paraphrasing here, "...end the H-E-L-L of the last 7 years." My impression was Duncan didn't think a brokered convention would be beneficial, but rescuing America from Obama was imperative. The H-E-L-L of 5% unemployment rate, Stock Exchange up 107%, budget deficit lowest since 2008, under $2/gallon gasoline? The President's latest approval rating indicate 53% of Americans don't agree with the congressman. (March 27, 2016 Gallup Poll) Mentally kicking myself for not selecting a chair at either end of a row, an end-chair occupant wondered "how and when would the Congressman deal with gun violence." After expounding on the glories of gun ownership, Duncan's position seems to be "a gun in every hand is best and 'mental patient registry' is imperative." While a national gun ownership registry is unthinkable, overriding HIPPA regulations to expose personal and private health information is just fine and dandy? A final opportunity to question the congressman was given to a wise man who advised "you're (the GOP) picking the wrong battles" and what about compromise?" Rep. Duncan supports Democrats compromising with Republicans. We then had commentary by several local officials regarding Second Amendment rights; a former Iraqi veteran waxed lovingly upon his weaponry, and Mr. Duncan boasted of his AR15, or 24 or, whatever number it is, explaining AR doesn't mean assault rifle. I assume the bullets kill the same. And then, discouraged, my arm left dangling ... the session ended. I had come prepared to ask one very pertinent question, specific to my community: "Many Keowee Key residents are disturbed about their community fees being wasted here. Does your office keeps records of how many Keowee residents contact your office, outraged at the many, many millions of dollars you help squander on Obamacare repeal/delay votes?" I would have continued, "...you're participating in every frivolous, purely symbolic repeal/delay charade to keep these folks voting for you, aren't you? I just wondered how many of these folks actually encourage this extreme waste or aren't they as militant and upset about millions of dollars wasted versus their own few thousands of dollars?" Since "Jeff Duncan has supported all attempts to repeal or delay the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (Jeff Duncan website), I wondered if these "fiscal conservatives", so interested in the national debt, were aware that 60+ House votes to repeal/delay Obamacare (ACA) costs somewhere between $1 2 million each vote totaling approx. $120 million. Add Senate vote expense. I would have added, "Obama will always veto such legislation as all U.S. House GOP know, and any vote to overturn his veto, by both Houses of Congress, would at least double GOP's fiscal irresponsibility to as much as $400 million. Plus, the CBO estimates the cost of repealing the ACA over ten years would cost a minimum $100 billion. Does no one here care about that reckless spending?" I would have asked that, but I didn't, I couldn't. I now wonder if citing my facts would have made any difference to the gathered Republicans, who never challenged any 'claim' uttered by their congressman. Are all his audiences so uninformed and agreeable? I hope Jeff Duncan will consider updating future presentations by not reciting documented falsehoods. Duncan could blaze a trail for his party by formulating sound policies not based on faulting and fighting the other side. He could offer facts. This country needs a balanced government where all leaders focus on making progress rather than continually finger pointing, obstructing for obstruction's sake, and creating disharmony rather than seeking agreement. The personification of America's political governing model was once that of reliable Father (Republican) and Mother (Democrat) jointly steering the country. Lately, mother's' counterpart is 'our crazy uncle' and he's behavior is unsound, dangerous and a major reason for the divisive climate in the U.S.A! After the super hit Jigarthanda a slew of films released with Bobby Simha playing the lead role but the national award winner has been looking for the next break in career. Here comes Ko 2 which is his first political thriller. The title has been borrowed from the 2011 blockbuster which also falls under the same genre. Lets see how the Ko 2 has to offer and whether it lives up to the expectations over the Ko tag. Kumaran (Bobby Simha) kidnaps the Chief Minister of the State (Prakash Raj) when he makes an unscheduled visit for the inauguration of an old age home. The kidnapper starts communicating with the police and puts forth his demands. What are his demands? What is the reason behind the kidnap? Who is Kumaran? Know the answer for these questions by watching the film in theatres. Selecting a film dealing with politics has an inherent advantage. You can touch upon various issues that affect the people and this will ensure that the audiences connect with the film easily. But if this is not done properly the entire attempt will be let down. Debutant director Sharath with the help of fiery dialogues written by Bakkiyam Shankar and Raja Ram has succeeded in this important aspect. All the political and public issues handled in the film have a contemporary relevance. Liquor menace, farmers suicide, sand mafia, corporate getting huge tax benefits- everything discussed in the film are something that the society is facing every day. Politicians changing the election results with their money power, Public unrest and anti-social elements creating huge problems to the public when a Chief Minister is not on duty- instances like these are also something that people of Tamil Nadu have come across in the recent past. Though the film involves the kidnapping of a CM, the director makes a safe and smart move by putting a disclaimer in the beginning, which says that the film does not encourage kidnapping elected representatives. As said in the disclaimer, this is also not the plot of the film. The protagonist does that highly risky and unethical act only to unveil some bigger tragedy. The story behind the kidnap incident is revealed in the later part of the second half and that has been portrayed convincingly and also justified as far as the film is concerned. There are many claps worthy moments throughout the film. Watch out for the telephonic conversations scenes between the police officer (John Vijay) and the kidnapper and also the conversation between the Home Minister (Ilavarasu) and the hero is really a scream. Sharaths smartness is evident even in the minor instances like these: a media person deliberately avoiding a scoop as broadcasting that would only help to worsen the situation, a Police officer taking an important lead of the investigation from an intelligent question raised by a journalist. The films running time is around 130 minutes and you never feel that the film drags anywhere. Especially the second half moves so fast and you keep expecting what is next. On the flipside the romantic episode that takes a bigger chunk of the first half is uninspiring and the way they are filmed looks highly below par. But this is not a dampener as an interesting revelation about this episodes will make you forget the disappointment those scenes would have caused to you. But still these It is clearly evident that these scenes that are happening in a public place according to the story has been actually shot within a studio and that could have been avoided. There are a few other mistakes which could have been avoided if the director and his team had paid a little more attention. Spelling mistakes are evident in the texts that come as part of the film. Some candid shots are visibly low in quality. Also the writer-director has resorted to cinematic liberties in certain instances but these are contained within the bearable limits. Still the NSG Commando operation episode could have been handled in a better manner though. Bobby Simha perfectly fits in to the role of a angry young man who cares for the society and does a brave act risking his life. His expressions and histrionics are apt in the scenes where he utters dialogues about serious public issues. But his Tamil accent is something he has to concentrate and correct and it would be better if he takes some conscious steps to avoid imitating the mannerisms and bodily gestures of his role model Superstar Rajinikanth. It is refreshing to see Prakash Raj in a dignified Chief Ministers role. His character is limited to four walls and a seat for the most part except the final scene. The veteran scores brownie points with his apt expressions and dialog delivery. Ilavarasu has done a brilliant performance as the Home Minister. John Vijay after a long time has been given a role that justifies his acting capabilities and he has given one of his career best performances as a level headed and smart commissioner who takes charge of the kidnap situation. Nikki Galrani as the journalist heroine has something more than that of a heros arm candy. Bala Saravanan has got a meatier role and he proves he is an actor and not just a comedian. Nasser and Karunakaran are impressive with their respective cameos. Songs by Leon James are sweet to listen but their placement especially in the first half is little dampening. The youngster has done a wonderful job in re-recording. Cinematography by Philip R.Sundar and Venkat M and the Editing by Kevin are adequate. Art Direction could have been definitely better. Verdict: You could not have asked for a better film during the elections season and the film is highly entertaining which will make you like it even if you are not interested at all in politics. Cairn India Ltd has announced that Cairn India Holdings Limited (CIHL), an overseas subsidiary of Cairn India Limited, has decided to extend maturity of the loan of US$ 1.25 billion, which was given for a term of two years in May, 2014, to THL Zinc Limited (TZL), an overseas subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, for a further period of two years. The extension is on arm's length at a revised rate of interest of LIBOR + 450 bps in the first year and at LIBOR + 475 bps in the second year (compared to the existing rate of LIBOR + 300 bps) and is on terms that are market standards including change of control provisions and will continue to be secured by a guarantee from Vedanta Resources Plc. The return from the said loan will provide higher yield to CIHL compared to the return it is earning from its existing investments out of its cash and cash equivalents, which are in USD. TZL is the holding company of the Vedanta Group's international Zinc business, with assets in South Africa and Namibia. At an interactive session in Chennai with senior corporate executives, Gadkari said that his Ministry has formulated a policy that will encourage owners to scrap 10-12-year-old cars. The scheme is awaiting the Finance Ministry's approval, following which it will go to the Union Cabinet, Gadkari has been quoted as saying by a business daily. At the event, Gadkari said that the move has the potential to double the size of the Indian automobile sector, as sales will increase and costs will drop for the car manufacturers. Also, with the Government opting to introduce Euro-VI emission norms from April 2020, India can emerge as a major global exporter of cars, he said at the event in Chennai. Y.J. Ahn, ED - Corporate Affairs, Hyundai Motor India, suggested that the Government could consider incentives to encourage coastal shipping for moving cars. This will help reduce pollution and fuel costs. Hyundai had moved 800 cars by coastal shipping earlier this year but found it more expensive than road transport. Gadkari said that the Government was keen on encouraging coastal shipping and Hyundai Motor India could give its suggestion in writing. The Shipping Ministry will consider measures to reduce costs to make it viable, but will need the approval of Finance Ministry which could be tough, he said. My vision for transport is giving highest priority for inland waterways and coastal shipping, second to railways and third for road movement, Gadkari said. The Centre is looking at ways to use 111 rivers into waterways and work has started on the Ganga. Plan for the Buckingham Canal is ready to be implemented in PPP mode and the Centre needs co-operation from the private sector, Gadkari said. Vulnerable species are those that are likely to become endangered. Sadly, these are the species we don't know about and we don't talk enough about. It's important to know that these are the species that can still be saved. The list is not exhaustive, but definitely surprising. 1. Barasingha treknature The Barasingha or the swamp deer is a breed that feeds itself on grasses or aquatic plants. These are mainly spotted at the Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh. A few of them are still surviving in Assam and Uttar Pradesh, but are extinct in the state of West Bengal. 2. Blackbuck Flickr Blackbuck is a special species of antelope and is considered the most graceful of them all. This animal is the state animal of Punjab, but due to a number of cases of poaching and habitat loss, their population is declining. They are usually found in Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Punjab and Haryana. 3. Nilgiri Langur sciencelog.net The Nilgiri langur is a lutang, or an old world monkey as they call it. It is mainly found in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. The uniqueness of this animal are its two distinct furs. The black glossy fur on the body, and a light golden fur on its head. Due to deforestation and shooting, we dont see too many of them. 4. Yak siliconindia Yaks are usually found in hilly terrain and in India, mainly around the Himalayas. The uncontrolled hunting by the natives and military personnel are sighted as the prime reason for the decline in the population of this specie. 5. One Horned Rhinoceros worldwildlife.org The one horned rhinoceros is also known as the great Indian rhinoceros. These are mainly found in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, but have gone down in number due to excessive hunting and agricultural development. 6. Olive Ridley Turtle sstcn The Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest and the most abundant species of turtles in the world. Yet, they are vulnerable. However, these turtles face major threats during the course of their migratory route. The reasons are fishing activities, development and exploitation of nesting beaches. 7. Red Panda wikipedia Red panda, also known as the Red Fox, are beautiful creatures. In India, they are found mainly in the north-eastern states. Youll find them jumping around bamboo and hollow trees. Interestingly, Red Pandas are also kept as pets in India and Nepal. Sadly, this beautiful specie is reducing in number due to inbreeding depression, habitat loss and fragmentation. 8. Sloth Bear imgur The Sloth Bear is tamable specie, found mainly in the mountains. In India, they are spotted in the Himalayan region. They are also used as performing pets by some people. However, they have become vulnerable due to shelter loss and poaching. 9. Marbled cat safeproject.net The marbled cat is a little one and is usually spotted in the Himalayan foothills. It is considered vulnerable since 2002. These are species that exist in low densities. Deforestation is another reason for the reduction in the population of marbled cats. 10. Red Goral zoochat The Red Gorals are so rare that most people dont even know about them. These animal species are found in India, China and Myanmar. In fact, they are most common in the areas where India, Myanmar and China meet. This lesser known animal is facing threat due to hunting and habitat disturbance. 11. Indian Cobra zoochat.com The Indian cobra or the King cobra is native to the Indian subcontinent and is primarily found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. It is usually found in dense forests, rocky terrain and wet lands. The king cobra has decimated in number due to loss of habitat and over use for medicinal purposes. 1. Deepika Padukone's leaked video from xXx proves why she is the perfect one for her role. Deepika who plays a huntress in her Hollywood debut xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage, looks every inch her action-packed character in the first footage that got leaked from the film. 2. Bipasha Basu shared some pics of her tanned look from her "monkey-moon" in Maldives. Finally used the Hat!!!! Burnt crisp!!! #monkeymooning #maldives A photo posted by bipashabasu (@bipashabasu) on May 13, 2016 at 8:19am PDT Sun kissed A photo posted by bipashabasu (@bipashabasu) on May 12, 2016 at 2:00am PDT The dusky beauty is raising the temperatures with her new pictures from, what she calls her "monkey-moon" with husband Karan Singh Grover, from the beaches of Maldives. 3. Hrithik Roshan has reportedly been approached for a film based on his spat with Kangana. A source claims that Hrithik was approached by some filmmakers with a script that features him as an object of a girl's obsessive affection and deals with how an act of cyber-stalking becomes a subject of public interest. 4. Salman's girlfriend Lulia was earlier married to Grammy nominated music producer Marius Moga. New pictures of Salman's Romanian girlfriend Lulia and Marius emerged today. It is said that the couple had a tumultuous relationship, which ended in divorce. All this after Salman made his first official appearance with Lulia at Preity Zinta's wedding reception last night. 5. Nargis Fakhri is definitely not quitting Bollywood! Nargis, who left for her hometown New York few days back gave way to speculations that she has left India. Reason being Uday Chopra calling off their wedding and her subsequent "nervous breakdown". But now her spokesperson in a statement said she has not quit Bollywood, but suffering from ill-health. She will also skip the promotions of Housefull 3, until she gains back her fitness. brainknowsbetter Directing a Marvel movie is a humungous task. Don't believe us? Ask Taika Waititi, the New Zealand-based filmmaker, who is the latest one to join the elite group of directors of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Taika is set to make the third installment of Thor, and going by his own words, he is "freaking out"! denofgeek When Taika was signed on to direct the film, titled Thor: Ragnarok, it was said that the third Thor adventure will be Marvel's darkest movie ever. Taika, best known for his light-hearted comedies, was roped in to add the much needed comic balance to the mix. But now, as the project is set to take shape, Taika is nervous! So much so, that he has reached out to fellow Marvel directors for help. Well, not really. Or maybe! Taika showed off his humorous side in a spirited Twitter conversation with James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Peyton Reed (Ant-Man). He asked about the number of explosions required in the film. He even asked whether he needs to add "that purple dude in the floating chair" (a.k.a. Thanos) in Thor 3. And all the advice he got in return is worth a laugh. Check them out. @JamesGunn @MrPeytonReed And it's not so much an explosion - more of a "boink" sound. Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) May 12, 2016 @TaikaWaititi @JamesGunn Hmm. That's not gonna cut it, Taika. Check your contract. Marvel minimum is 42 onscreen explosions. Required! Peyton Reed (@MrPeytonReed) May 12, 2016 @TaikaWaititi @JamesGunn And they're strict! They didn't even count my Pym Tech explosion because "technically it's an IMplosion." Peyton Reed (@MrPeytonReed) May 12, 2016 12. Add 11 school buses full of kids exploding & youll be good. People love that in superhero movies. https://t.co/4NH6FJf4jt James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 12, 2016 Ahh got it, thanks! And do I have to put that purple dude in the floating chair in my movie? The magic glove guy. https://t.co/U8fFly4Ewg Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) May 12, 2016 Yes, but thats not Marvel, thats a new federal law. https://t.co/0Wk2RJreGq James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 12, 2016 comicbookmovie The latest Marvel film Captain America: Civil War, has received immense success both critically and commercially. Hence, we can understand Taika's tweets did have double meanings. There surely is massive pressure on him. Probably that is why he also wrote a tweet to director Scott Derrickson, who is also a first-timer at Marvel with this year's upcoming Doctor Strange. @scottderrickson Hey man, don't tell anyone at Marvel but I'm freaking out. Strictly confidential! Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) May 12, 2016 And lastly, he turned towards Spider-Man: Homecoming director Jon Watts, because he has title-envy against him! Someone tell Jon Watts to join twitter. I need to know if he wants to swap titles. "Spiderman Ragnarok" and "Thor Homecoming" would rule. Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) May 12, 2016 marvelcinematicuniverse Thor: Ragnarok will see the return of Chris Hemsworth in the lead role after taking a ceremonious leave from the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron. This time he will be joined on an interstellar odyssey by Mark Ruffalo as a significantly smarter Incredible Hulk. And knowing the kind of fun Hulk brings with him, he might just be Taika's safest bet in terms of some laughs in the otherwise action-packed film, which will release next year. giphy After the family of a 28-year-old brain-dead man from Wai in Satara district donated his vital organs, it was transplanted into 14-year-old Vaibhav Patil, and rushed via road from Pune to Mulund, through a green corridor. Plus, here's some more exciting stories you must read from today! Amazon India's Selling Preserved Snakes, Scorpions & Heart Specimens On Their Website, Wildlife Bodies Enraged It's not too often that you go to Amazon India to shop for preserved animal specimens. Animal rights body Wildlife SOS has alleged that Amazon website was selling wildlife specimens including sea horses, alligator heads and shark tooth, protected under the country's laws, and urged the company to stop their sale SpiceJet Told To Pay Rs 10 Lakh For Offloading Disabled Flyer Supreme Court slaps 10 lakh on SpiceJet for offloading passenger with cerebral palsy, Jeeja Ghosh in 2012https://t.co/VPsNtTc40O TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 12, 2016 Unless someone is deemed capable of harming passengers, or flight operations, it is rare to see an offloading on a flight. But for Jeeja Ghosh, her crime was being born with cerebral palsy. 4 years after she was offloaded from a SpiceJet flight in Kolkata, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the airline to pay her Rs 10 lakh in compensation. They noted the insensitive and callous manner in which the flight authorities pulled her off the flight. Mallya Has Just Lost Access To His 90-Crore Goa Beachside Villa As SBI Freezes His Assets bccl The State Bank of India (SBI) on Friday attached the Kingfisher Villa in Goa, former liquor baron Vijay Mallya's iconic beachside retreat, even as Enforcement Directorate's seeks to freeze his assets and force him to repay loans to banks. Previous attempts to take over the villa were thwarted by United Spirits (USL), which had claimed it was the tenant of the property since 2005. He Lost His Family And The Will To Live, Till He Planted His New Family Of 30,000 Trees wikimedia He may not have cut a mammoth hill like Dashrath Manjhi to clear the way for his fellow villagers in Bihar as a tribute to his wife, but this green crusader has helped plant over 30,000 trees in Chitrakoot of Bundelkhand region in Uttar Pradesh. After his wife died during labour in 2001, Bhaiyalal, 48, was desolate. In 2008, another tragedy struck him when his only son died at the tender age of seven and he lost all interest in life. But then the idea of working for the people occurred to him and he decided to bring barren lands back to life by planting saplings and nurturing trees. Since then, there has been no looking back for this environmental crusader of Bharatpur village in Chitrakoot. Buddhist Monk Found Hacked To Death In Bangladesh An elderly Buddhist monk was found hacked to death Saturday in Bangladesh, police said, the latest in a spate of murders of religious minorities and secular activists in the Muslim-majority nation. United States Department of Defense headquarters, Pentagon, has warned India of China's increased defence capabilities and troops along the Indian border. This is part of a bigger warning of increased Chinese military presence including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan. reuters We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters during a news conference here after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China. reuters It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration, he said in response to a question on China upgrading its military command in Tibet. Referring to US Defence Secretary Ashton Carters recent trip to India, Denmark said he had a very positive and productive visit. Were going to continue to enhance our bilateral engagement with India, not in the China context, but because India is an increasingly important player by themselves and we are going to engage India because of its value, he said. The Defence Department also warned of Chinas increasing military presence including bases in various parts of the world, in particular Pakistan with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests. Chinas expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said. wikimedia China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries, the report said. The Pentagon, in its report, expressed its concerns about Chinese military buildup near the Indian border. Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino-Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces. After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides, it said. The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and, therefore, of China), and over the Askai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. He may not have cut a mammoth hill like Dashrath Manjhi to clear the way for his fellow villagers in Bihar as a tribute to his wife, but this green crusader has helped plant over 30,000 trees in Chitrakoot of Bundelkhand region in Uttar Pradesh. TOI After his wife died during labour in 2001, Bhaiyalal, 48, was desolate. In 2008, another tragedy struck him when his only son died at the tender age of seven and he lost all interest in life. But then the idea of working for the people occurred to him and he decided to bring barren lands back to life by planting saplings and nurturing trees. Since then, there has been no looking back for this environmental crusader of Bharatpur village in Chitrakoot. Bhaiyalal, who has been working as a contractual labour with the forest department, took part in a massive plantation drive launched in Bundelkhand in 2008. He specially chose barren lands coming under the forest department in Chitrakoot and helped in planting and nurturing around 30,000 trees. wikimedia "I believe that forest should look like a forest and kept on planting trees," Bhaiyalal told TOI. Not only this, Bhaiyalal single-handedly watched over the 30,000 trees and saved them from the vagaries of nature or being eaten up by animals till they grew. According to the reports of Forest Survey of India, 2015, there has been an increase of 11 sq km of green cover in this region since the plantation drive was launched in 2008. Bhaiyalal's love for trees made him leave his village and he moved into the jungle where the trees were planted and constructed a cottage for himself in the midst of the woods. "I wanted to feel these trees as they give me inspiration to live after I lost my family," he said philosophically. Today, after almost a decade, Bhaiyalal continues to live with his trees, nurturing them like his own. Bhaiyalal's work has even earned him a sobriquet of Bundelkhand's Dashrath Manjhi. A married Indian lesbian couple has lost their legal battle to stay in the United Kingdom. The unnamed couple came to the UK as friends in 2007, and entered a a civil partnership in Scotland in 2008, which they converted into marriage last year. Judges at the UKs Court of Appeal rejected their application to remain in the UK on Thursday on the grounds that their relationship would not be legally recognised in their home country of India. They both completed Masters degrees in Scotland and then found work and have always lived on legal visas in the UK and now want to acquire an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the country. The Court of Appeal, however, analysed background material on India and accepted that India provided no legal protection or recognition of same-sex couples but felt their return to India would not be a violation of their right to a family life as there was no evidence the couple would suffer violence on return. My family do not know that I am a lesbian or that I am married. If I return home they will treat me as a single woman and start looking for a suitable husband for me, one of the women who cannot be identified was quoted as saying by the report. I wont have any legal protection for who I am because my marriage will not be recognised in India. In India we will both have to hide who we are. In the UK we enjoy our family life together, she said. The couples barrister, S Chelvan, said: This is a landmark judgment, as it is the first case from the Court of Appeal to address the balancing of the rights of migrant same-sex couples to legal recognition and protection, with immigration control and economic interests of the UK. The couple are now planning to appeal against the decision to the UKs Supreme Court. The last time you probably heard of Mumbai Anti Terror Squad Chief Hemant Karkare was in November 2008, when he was gunned down by terrorists' bullets during the 26/11 2008 attacks. For his valiant act, he was posthumously conferred the Ashok Chakra. RSS Is India's No.1 Terror Group, Says Former Mumbai Top Cop That very year, he had (reportedly) been called a traitor While Muslims were accused for the 2006 and 2008 blasts (across Maharashtra and Gujarat), ATS chief Karkare arrested 11 Hindu suspects, all members of the Hindutva group 'Abhinav Bharat'. This was the first proof of Hindutva involvement for what came to be known as 'Hindutva terror'. Among the arrested were former ABVP student leader Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, and this triggered accusation of Congress involvement in the arrests. Remembering The 5 Bravehearts Of The 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks Ajay Maken, Congress leader, remembered how the erstwhile opposition had started the traitor name-calling: At that time, various leaders from BJP and Shiv Sena had called the officers investigating the case including Shri Hemant Karkare as a traitor to the nation," ATS investigation procedures questionable but no intention to undermine competence & sacrifice by Hemant Karkare:NIA https://t.co/fMjMRdEuDG Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) May 14, 2016 New era we take terrorist triple agent Headley as gospel & desecrate martyr Karkare! swati chaturvedi (@bainjal) May 14, 2016 Karkare's legacy is much older - as Commissioner of Police Maharashtra, he had, within days, deduced a trail that led Indian authorities to free hostages of IC 814. Even if we ignore his patriotic achievements, let investigation be investigation, not speculation. While there's an ongoing investigation of the NIA's accusation that the ATS planted RDX in Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohits flat at Deolali near Nashik to implicate him, let's not prematurely kill the respect for Karkares achievements. Just 7 Years After 26/11 We Have Forgotten Our Heroes, Their Memorial Lies In Shambles Sources said not only has NIA found the "RDX-traced cotton swab" recovered from the house of Sudhakar Dwivedi, another 2008 blast accused, to be "doubtful evidence," but enquiries with the Military Intelligence unit found no RDX missing. Purohit, ATS had alleged, had "sourced" the explosive when posted in Srinagar. All 70 kg of RDX recovered in raids, of which Purohit was part, were accounted for. Why Kavita Karkare Was More Than Just The Widow Of 26/11 Martyr Hemant Unless someone is deemed capable of harming passengers, or flight operations, it is rare to see an offloading on a flight. But for Jeeja Ghosh, her crime was being born with cerebral palsy. 4 years after she was offloaded from a SpiceJet flight in Kolkata, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the airline to pay her Rs 10 lakh in compensation. They noted the insensitive and callous manner in which the flight authorities pulled her off the flight. Supreme Court slaps 10 lakh on SpiceJet for offloading passenger with cerebral palsy, Jeeja Ghosh in 2012https://t.co/VPsNtTc40O TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 12, 2016 Narrating how Ghosh was offloaded from the flight in Kolkata on February 19, 2012, a bench of Justices A K Sikri and R K Agrawal quoted Joseph Shapiro to say, "Non-disabled people do not understand disabled ones." Reuters Ghosh was on her way to Goa for an international meet. The SC said, "On our finding that SpiceJet violated Civil Aviation Requirement Guidelines, 2008, resulting in mental and physical suffering experiences by Jeeja Ghosh, we award Rs 10 lakh as damages to be payable to her within two months." 'Persons with disabilities most neglected' Justice Sikri, writing the judgment for the bench, said, "Persons suffering from mental and physical disability experience and encounter non-pareil form of discrimination. They are not looked down by people. However, they are not accepted in the mainstream either, even when people sympathise with them." intoday He added, "Most common, their lives are handicapped by social, cultural and attitudinal barriers which hamper their full participation and enjoyment of equal rights and opportunities. This is the worst form of discrimination which disabled feel as their grievance is that others do not understand them." All this continues despite enactment of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act more than 20 years ago, the SC said. Quoting Shapiro's criticism of Americans for not understanding disabled persons in his book 'No Pity', Justice Sikri said it was a global phenomenon and not restricted to the US alone. "What non-disabled persons do not understand is that persons with disabilities also have some rights, hopes and aspirations as everyone else. They do not want to depend on others, they want to brave their disabilities. They want to prove to the world at large that notwithstanding their disabilities, they can be masters of their own lives. They can be independent and self-reliant. They do not want sympathies of non-disabled. They want to be trusted," the SC said. Reuters "Persons with disabilities are the most neglected lot not only in society but also in the family. More often, they are an object of pity. There are hardly any meaningful attempts to assimilate them in the mainstream of the nation's life. The apathy towards their problems is so pervasive that even the number of disabled persons existing in the country is not well documented," the bench added. The court said Ghosh was a living example of one who despite her disability had achieved so much in life by her grit and determination to get herself counted as a valuable citizen of the country. The bench of Justices Sikri and Agrawal also quoted Hellen Keller and said, "To most disabled persons, the society they live in is a closed door which has been locked and the key to which has been thrown away by others." India's largest e-commerce website IRCTC may have escaped a hack last week, but the website is a sitting duck for even amateur hackers. governancenow So claims Bengaluru-based cybersecurity startup Fallible. The startup provided details on how exactly the data leak can easily happen on IRCTC website. "Contrary to the claims made in media, there is indeed a data leak happening on the IRCTC website. The data includes phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, date of birth, Aadhar for those users who gave it on IRCTC, password reset question and the secret answer," Fallible co-founder Abhishek Anand told TOI Tech . Anand has also sent a mail to railway minister Suresh Prabhu explaining the technical details of the vulnerability (TOI Tech has a copy of that mail). gazetaprawna The mail relates to a vulnerability found on the IRCTC iOS app . "We have confirmed it for iOS app but it does not matter since one can get all IRCTC users data, including even those who have never used the mobile app." The details of the vulnerability are yet to be tested and confirmed. However, the so-called hack cited by Anand appears very simple for untrained hands too. Last week, there were media reports that personal data of around 1 crore customers is feared to have been stolen from the server of the e-ticketing portal IRCTC. thebetterindia "We deny all reports claiming that IRCTC website was hacked. No Denial of Service attack (DoS/DDoS) has been successful and the E-ticketing website has been working normally thereby eliminating any chances of unauthorized interference. No leakage of data through any of the service providers of IRCTC has been established," IRCTC PRO Sandip Dutta told TOI Tech. The hacking speculations started after Maharashtra Cyber Cell was reportedly informed about a CD containing phone numbers, date of birth and other such information of IRCTC users being sold for Rs 15,000 in the market. IRCTC This raised fears about data of lakhs of IRCTC users being compromised. In the past too, there have been cases in which railway booking agents have used a software to hack into IRCTC's website and booked several e-tickets even before the online windows opened for bookings. After regular reports of Hindus and secular bloggers being murdered in Bangladesh, now there's been an attack on a Buddhist monk. The elderly Buddhist monk was found hacked to death on Saturday in Bangladesh, police said, the latest in a spate of murders of religious minorities and secular activists in the Muslim-majority nation. Hindu Tailor Hacked To Death In Bangladesh, ISIS Takes Credit For Attack No group has yet claimed responsibility, although the killing in the remote southeastern district of Bandarban appeared to bear a resemblance to several recent murders by suspected Islamist militants. A troubling rise in violence in the South Asian nation has now seen seven murders since the start of last month alone."Villagers found Bhante (monk) Maung Shue U Chak's dead body in a pool of blood inside the Buddhist temple this morning. He was hacked to death," Jashim Uddin, deputy police chief of Bandarban, told AFP. Uddin said the monk, 75, appeared to have been attacked by at least four people at the Buddhist temple in Baishari, some 350 kilometres (220 miles) southeast of Dhaka early Saturday morning. He said U Chak was living alone in the hillside temple after having recently left farming to become a full-time monk. A top Bangladeshi human rights lawyer who is close to the country's Buddhist community told AFP that U Chak had received anonymous death threats. "He became a monk just one and a half years ago. He had received death threats, but nobody took it seriously," lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua said Bandarban is largely Buddhist, home to indigenous peoples who adopted the religion centuries ago. Police district sub-inspector Anisur Rahman, who was at the scene, said that officers had not yet established a motive for the killing but that "it appeared the monk did not have any personal enemies". The killing comes as suspected Islamists have been blamed for or claimed responsibility in dozens of murders of minority Sufi, Shiite and Ahmadi Muslims, Hindus, Christians and foreigners in recent years. Saturday's murder adds to a grim toll in past weeks, with an atheist student, two gay rights activists, a liberal professor, a Hindu tailor and a Sufi Muslim leader hacked to death since last month. Shocking! American Blogger Avijit Roy Hacked To Death In Bangladesh The Islamic State group and a Bangladeshi branch of Al-Qaeda have said that they carried out several of the killings. But the secular government in Dhaka denies that IS and Al-Qaeda are behind the attacks, saying they have no known presence in Bangladesh, and blames the killings on homegrown militants. Clashes broke out in Bangladesh last week after the main Islamist party called a nationwide strike to protest against its leader's execution for warcrimes. Jamaat-e-Islami party president Motiur Rahman Nizami was hanged late Tuesday following his conviction for the massacre of intellectuals during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. Bangladesh is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with small Christian and Hindu minorities. Buddhists make up less than one percent of Bangladesh's 160 million population It was a chance meeting with Bengali snack Jhal Muri that hooked British chef Angus Denoon on a trip to India. Today, he's made the dish famous on the streets of London, and Jhal Muri has returned the favour. Smitten by the fuss-free snack, Denoon's put up a little desi-style stall titled 'THE EVERYBODY LOVE JHAL MURI EXPRESS' on London's Portobelle Road. How was he introduced to the dish? Speaking to Street Food Kolkata, hed revealed how it all started: When I first came back from filming in Kolkata on the street food a production company wanted to do a pilot for some cooking show and they asked me to make a dish from Kolkata at Totnes market in south Devon. The only dish that I felt confident to cook was jhal muri because there is no cooking. I assembled the basics from a trip to Southall along with some stainless steel pots, made a couple of masala mixes and set off to market Here he is, described by London-based food writer Zoe Perrett: Angus might be an Africa-born, British bloke; but, as many delighted customers insist, his heart is Indian. As are his tools, and the gloriously gaudy signs he commissions from his Bengal-based signwriter. All that would count for little were his food not also authentic. His chaat captures the streetfood spirit; freestyling, applying andaz, ever-evolving. Signature jhal muri is shaken into newspaper cones, puchkas are piled onto palm leaf plates, deep cups of ghughi dal feature a layer of crispy muri, chewy coconut chunks and a thick thatch of sev. We got jaggary syrup and black salt from a crystalline rock the size of a monkies first https://t.co/UZb9QZxEKJ pic.twitter.com/qFLC1wOwbP angus denoon (@jhalmuriexpress) April 20, 2016 And everybody here does love it, so much so that the chef has created his own variations of the snack. Inspired by 'chatpata' success, he's now serving ghooghni chat, gupchup, dhokla and even lassi. Why Arent Hiroshima and Nagasaki War Crimes? By Jacob G. Hornberger May 13, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " FFF " - I dont get it. On the one hand, were told that the intentional targeting of civilians in wartime is a war crime. On the other hand, were told that the intentional targeting of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with nuclear bombs was not a war crime. Which is it? The issue is back in the news with President Obamas decision to visit Hiroshima. The question that is being debated is whether he should apologize for President Trumans decision to order U.S. troops to drop nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. If the targeting of civilians in wartime is okay, then clearly the decision to nuke the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was not a war crime. But if thats the case, then why was U.S. Army Lt. William Calley prosecuted during the Vietnam War? Hes the officer who intentionally killed several defenseless women and children in a Vietnamese village. The military prosecuted and convicted him of a war crime. Why? If its not a war crime to intentionally kill women and children in wartime, then why was Calley prosecuted and convicted of war crimes? The fact is that it is a war crime for troops to intentionally target non-combatants in wartime. Nobody disputes that. But then given such, why the pass on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Everyone agrees that Truman was targeting non-combatants mainly women, children, and seniors when he ordered the nuking of those two cities. How do defenders of Trumans decision avoid the inexorable conclusion that Trumans action constituted a war crime? Their primary argument is that the nuclear bombings of the cities shortened the war, thereby saving the lives of thousands of U.S. soldiers who would have died had the war been continued to be waged, especially if an invasion of Japan had been necessary. Thats in fact the rationale that has been cited for decades by U.S. soldiers who were fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. Many of them have expressed gratitude over the years for what Truman did because it enabled them to live the rest of their natural lives while, otherwise, they might have been killed in subsequent battles. But there are big problems with that rationale. For one, the fact that killing non-combatants might or will shorten a war is not a legal defense to the war crime. Suppose Calley had said that his killing of those women and children had shortened the Vietnam War or that he intended to shorten the war by his actions. Would that have constituted a legal defense at his war crimes trial? Or suppose U.S. airmen who have bombed all those wedding parties in Afghanistan were to say, We did it on purpose because we felt it would shorten the war. Would they be let off the hook at their war crimes trial? The answer is: No because that is not a legal defense to the war crime. The law does not say that the crime is excused if it succeeds in shortening the war or if it is intended to shorten the war. Moreover, once that rationale is accepted, then doesnt it logically apply to both sides in a war? Whats to prevent an enemy nation from intentionally targeting American non-combatants during war under the rationale that by doing so, it is bringing the war to an early conclusion, thereby saving the lives of many of its soldiers? Once both sides are relying on that rationale, doesnt that effectively nullify the legal prohibition? The fact is that soldiers die in war. Thats the nature of war. Whats one to say about a soldier who exclaims, Thank you for killing those defenseless women, children, and seniors so that I could live out my natural life? Its certainly difficult to imagine Gen. George Patton ever saying such a thing. One cannot imagine that Patton would ever have been willing to kill defenseless women, children, and seniors if it meant that the lives of his soldiers would be spared. I think Patton would have said, Get out there and fight. If you die, so be it. We are not going to kill defenseless women, children, and seniors just so you can live a longer life. Some defenders of the nuclear attacks say that since Japan started the war, the Japanese people at Hiroshima and Nagasaki had it coming to them. But since when do individual citizens have much say as to when their nation goes to war or not? How much say did the American people have in George W. Bushs and the U.S. national-security states decision to go to war against Iraq and Afghanistan? And lets not forget who intentionally maneuvered, postured, and provoked Japan into attacking the United States, especially with his oil embargo on Japan, his freezing of Japanese bank accounts, and his settlement terms that were deliberately humiliating to Japanese officials. That would be none other than President Franklin Roosevelt, who was willing to sacrifice the soldiers at Pearl Harbor and in the Philippines in order to circumvent widespread opposition among the American people to getting involved in World War II. Isnt there something unsavory about provoking a nation into starting a war and then using that nations starting the war to justify nuking its citizens in an attempt to bring the war to a quicker conclusion? Wouldnt it have been better and less destructive to not have provoked Japan into attacking the United States in the first place? Defenders of the nuclear attacks also say that Truman had only two choices: nuking Hiroshima and Nagasaki and continuing the war until Japan surrendered. But thats just not true. There was another option open to Truman a negotiated surrender. Given Trumans steadfast insistence, however, on unconditional surrender a ludicrous and destructive position if there ever was one a negotiated surrender was an option that he refused to explore, choosing instead to kill hundreds of thousands of non-combatants in order to secure his unconditional surrender from Japan, which, by the way, turned out to not be unconditional after all since Japan was permitted to keep its emperor as part of its surrender. The real reason why so many Americans still cannot bring themselves to acknowledge that the nuclear attacks on the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were war crimes is their inability or unwillingness to acknowledge that their own government, including their own president and their own military, were capable of committing and actually did commit a grave war crimethe intentional killing of noncombatants consisting primarily of women, children, and seniors. In the minds of many Americans, thats something only foreign governments are capable of and willing to do, not their own government. Jacob G. Hornberger is founder and president of The Future of Freedom Foundation. He was born and raised in Laredo, Texas, and received his B.A. in economics from Virginia Military Institute and his law degree from the University of Texas. He was a trial attorney for twelve years in Texas. He also was an adjunct professor at the University of Dallas, where he taught law and economics. In 1987, Mr. Hornberger left the practice of law to become director of programs at the Foundation for Economic Education. He has advanced freedom and free markets on talk-radio stations all across the country as well as on Fox News Neil Cavuto and Greta van Susteren shows and he appeared as a regular commentator on Judge Andrew Napolitanos show Freedom Watch. View these interviews at LewRockwell.com and from Full Context. Send him email. Terrorists Commit War Crimes U.S. State Department: "We continue to have dialogue with them." By Moon Of Alabama May 13, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Moon Of Alabama " - Russia asked the UN to blacklist Ahrar al Sham and Jaish al Islam as terrorist groups. The U.S. rejected that. "We continue to have dialogue with them," said the State Department. A day later Ahrar al Sham joins al-Qaeda in breaking the ceasefire in Syria and in assaulting and ethnically cleansing a village loyal to the Syrian government. Meanwhile Amnesty International accuses both groups of indiscriminate attacks on civilians, including by use of chemical weapons, and of other war crimes. May 11 Russia's bid to blacklist Syrian rebel groups at UN blocked by US, others The U.S. and other countries at the United Nations Wednesday blocked Russias bid to blacklist two rebel groups in Syria saying it would undermine the war-torn countrys halt in fighting. Reuters reported that Britain, the U.S., France and Ukraine blocked the bid to blacklist Jaish al-Islam [(Army of Islam)] and Ahrar al-Sham. Moscow claimed the groups should have been excluded because of their ties to militant groups including ISIS and Al Qaeda. May 11 - State Department Daily Press Briefing QUESTION: -- on this issue? Both Ahrar al-Sham and Jaysh al-Islam I mean, they have exactly the same bylaw, almost the same bylaws. They dont have a constitution. They have what they call internal document. They espouse the same dogma, they believe the same thing, they practice the same practices as Jabhat al-Nusrah and as al-Qaida. Why shouldnt they be designated as a terrorist organization? MS TRUDEAU: So we constantly review information. We are constantly assessing these groups. At this stage our position is that these groups are members of the cessation of hostilities. We continue to have dialogue with them. If our position changes, well make that assessment then. But we are in constant review of this. May 12 - Syria's al-Qaida branch seizes central Alawite village DAMASCUS, Syria Syria's al-Qaida branch and allied fighters from ultraconservative rebel factions on Wednesday seized a village of President Bashar Assad's minority Alawite sect in central Syria, following fierce clashes with government troops. ... The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an activist group tracking the conflict, said families disappeared from Zaara after the militants overran the village. Along with Syria's al-Qaida branch known as the Nusra Front, other hard-line factions that took part in the raid on Zaara included Ahrar al-Sham and Faylaq al-Rahman. May 13 - Syria: Armed opposition groups committing war crimes in Aleppo city Armed groups surrounding the Sheikh Maqsoud district of Aleppo city have repeatedly carried out indiscriminate attacks that have struck civilian homes, streets, markets and mosques, killing and injuring civilians and displaying a shameful disregard for human life, said Amnesty International. ... Two of the armed groups attacking YPG forces in Sheikh Maqsoud - Ahrar al Sham and Army of Islam - have sent their own representatives to the UN-brokered negotiations over the Syria conflict in Geneva. The other armed groups have approved other delegates to represent them at the talks. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the mounting evidence of war crimes by armed opposition groups in Syria. [...], said Magdalena Mughrabi [interim Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Amnesty International.] With Rousseff Ousted, Vice President Assembles Right-wing Government in Brazil By Bill Van Auken May 13, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " WSWS " - Michel Temer, the vice president and former political ally of ousted Workers Party (Partido dos TrabalhadoresPT) President Dilma Rousseff, formally took control of Planalto, the presidential offices in Brasilia, Thursday, declaring that his would be a government of national salvation, and assembling a cabinet of right-wing politicians and capitalist economists from the banking and financial sector. With the Brazilian Senate having voted that morning after an all-night session to initiate impeachment proceedings against Rousseff, she was suspended from office for the length of a trial that will likely run into September or October. While only a simple majority vote was required to begin this process, the lopsided result was 55 to 22, more than the two-thirds majority that is ultimately required to permanently remove the PT president from office. Given that the basis of the impeachment chargesRousseffs alleged manipulation of budgetary accounts to cover for temporary shortfallswas clearly contrived as a pretext, a final conviction appears inevitable. Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and the seventh largest economy in the world. Rousseff received 54 million votes in 2014 when she was reelected to a second term as president. This election has now been overturned through an anti-democratic political conspiracy at the highest level of the Brazilian ruling elite. In his first speech to the nation, Temer, surrounded by a coterie of smirking politicians from nearly every party outside of the PT, stressed that his government would work to improve the environment for investment by the private sector and carry out fundamental reforms designed to shift the burden of the countrys profound economic crisis even more directly onto the backs of the masses of Brazilian workers. There was more than a whiff of fascism in the new interim presidents remarks. He declared that his goal was to pacify and unify Brazil and declared that the watchword of his government would be Ordeme Progresso, order and progress, the words that appear on Brazils flag. Taken from the French philosopher Auguste Comte, the slogan was first introduced into Brazils political lexicon in the late 19th century by leading figures in the military who were influenced by Comtes positivism. They became a watchword for national unity and suppression of the class struggle, imposed most effectively under the US-backed military dictatorship that ruled the country between 1964 and 1985. Temers remarks suggested that Brazil needed to return to these old values. The slogan on the flag, he declared, couldnt be more current than if it were written today. Temer told the assembled audience that he had recently driven past a gas station and seen that its owner had put up a sign reading Dont talk about the crisis, work. He added that he wanted to see this slogan spread to 10, 20 million billboards throughout Brazil. The slogan, he said served to promote harmony and optimism. He spoke these words under conditions in which 11 million workers are now unemployed and layoffs have been continuing at the rate of 100,000 a month. The collapse of the commodities boom and the emerging market boom has plunged the country into its deepest economic crisis in a century. The answer given by Temer to this crisis is clearly one of sharp austerity measures. He bragged that his first actions had been to slash the number of government ministries and indicated that a large-scale elimination of public sector jobs would follow. He also said that his government was committed to fundamental reforms, in the first instance in the countrys social security system and its labor laws. The cabinet assembled by Temer is a collection of reactionaries and pro-business figures. Among the most important figures is Jose Serra, who has been named foreign minister. Serra is a leading figure in the right-wing PSDB (Brazilian Social Democracy Party) who served as a senator, mayor of Sao Paulo and twice as the unsuccessful candidate of the PSDB, losing to the PT in both 2002 and 2010. Serra was named in US embassy cables released by WikiLeaks as favoring the privatization of the state-owned energy giant Petrobras and the opening up of the so-called pre-salt underwater oil fields to exploitation by major oil firms based in the US. The ministry of education was awarded to Mendonca Filho of the extreme right-wing Democrats (DEM) party, the successor to ARENA, the official ruling party of the former military dictatorship. He is the son of a career ARENA official and major landowner in the northern state of Pernambuco. The ministry of Institutional Security, which includes Brazils intelligence agency, has been placed under the control of the former top general in the Brazilian army, Sergio Westphalen Etchegoyen. When the generals father was identified by the countrys truth commission as one of the officials responsible for the murders, disappearances and torture under the dictatorship, he protested angrily, declaring the accusations frivolous. For agriculture minister, Temer named Blairo Maggi, a billionaire agribusiness figure known as the soy king, who is credited with doing more to destroy the Amazon rain forest than anyone else on the planet. And the ministry of justice was handed to Alexandre de Moraes, the Sao Paulo state public safety secretary, who is an advocate of police-state repression. A separate human rights ministry was folded into justice and also placed under his leadership. Earlier, the name of a right-wing female deputy known for her opposition to abortion, including in cases of rape, had been put forward for human rights. A number of those appointed to the new cabinet are facing corruption charges, including in connection with the massive bribery and kickback scandal involving contracts with Petrobras. Even the daily O Estado de S. Paulo, which backed impeachment, was compelled to observe that the new governments leaders with the participation of those notably involved in corruption scandals past and present, pretend that they are going to change everything to, in reality, leave everything as it is. Perhaps the most significant figure in the new cabinet is Henrique Meirelles, who will take the post of finance minister, directing the austerity drive. Social welfare will reportedly be placed under his remit, indicating the governments intention to make radical changes. The role of Meirelles underscores the fundamental continuity between the new right-wing government and the PT administration that preceded it. A former CEO of Bank of Boston, Meirelles was appointed head of Brazils central bank when the PT first came into office under the presidency of former metalworkers union leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. His appointment was a signal to both Brazilian and foreign capitalists that they had nothing to fear from the socialist rhetoric of the PT. Lula had proposed that Rousseff bring Meirelles into her administration, even as vice president. In her own speech delivered Thursday morning, Rousseff denounced the impeachment as a coup and insisted that she was guilty of no crime. Its the most brutal thing that can happen to a human being, she said, being condemned for a crime you didnt commit. No injustice is more devastating. She compared the experience to the torture she suffered as a prisoner of the military dictatorship in the late 1960s and her bout with cancer. While denouncing the attack on herself personally and the threat to democracy posed by the fraudulent impeachment, she made no attempt to warn the Brazilian working class of the sharp attacks that are to come, much less call for any concrete action by workers against the coup. This is because, in the end, the PT was prepared to carry out similar attacks, and had sought to win the support of Brazilian and foreign capital with the argument that only it could be seen as a legitimate government, and could utilize the collaboration of the CUT union federation to suppress working class resistance. Moreover, all of those who have carried out the supposed coup were, until recently, the PTs closest political allies, awarded posts in government, running on common slates and, as emerged in the so-called mensalao scandal, even paid handsome stipends to vote with the government in congress. Copyright 1998-2016 World Socialist Web Site - All rights reserved Anatomy Of A Propaganda Blitz. Part 1 By Media Lens May 13, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Media Lens " - We live in a time when state-corporate interests are cooperating to produce propaganda blitzes intended to raise public support for the demonisation and destruction of establishment enemies. Below, we will examine five key components of an effective propaganda campaign of this kind. 1: Dramatic New Evidence A propaganda blitz is often launched on the back of dramatic new evidence signifying that an establishment enemy should be viewed as uniquely despicable and targeted with action. The Blair governments infamous September 2002 dossier on Iraqi WMD contained four mentions of the claim that Iraq was able to deploy WMD against British citizens within 45 minutes of an order being given. But senior intelligence officials revealed that the original 45-minutes claim referred to the length of time it might have taken the Iraqis to fuel and fire a Scud missile or rocket launcher. The original intelligence said nothing about whether Iraq possessed the chemical or biological weapons to use in these weapons. The government had turned a purely hypothetical danger into an immediate and deadly threat. In 2011, it was claimed that the Libyan government was planning a massacre in Benghazi, exactly the kind of action that Gaddafi knew could trigger Western intervention. Investigative journalist Gareth Porter commented: When the Obama administration began its effort to overthrow Gaddafi, it did not call publicly for regime change and instead asserted that it was merely seeking to avert mass killings that administration officials had suggested might approach genocidal levels. But the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), which had been given the lead role in assessing the situation in Libya, found no evidence to support such fears and concluded that it was based on nothing more than speculative arguments. In 2013, the Syrian government was said to have launched a chemical weapons attack in Ghouta, Damascus, just as UN chemical weapons experts were visiting the city. It was claimed that Assad had ordered the crossing of Obamas very clear red line for intervention a war that would have destroyed the Syrian government and quite possibly resulted in Assads violent death. Investigative journalist Seymour Hersh reported on the Ghouta attack: The quick announcement that Bashar al-Assad did it is simply not true. Western dissidents are subject to continuous smears but also full-on propaganda blitzes of this kind. In 2012, after WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange requested asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, the corporate media rose up as one to denounce him as a vile narcissist and buffoon. Always controversial, journalists now presented Assange as a fully-fledged hate figure. In 2013, a single comment in an interview caused large numbers of journalists across the spectrum toconclude that Russell Brand then promoting a vocal form of anti-corporate dissent was a vicious sexist, narcissist and idiot. The intensity of the attacks on him, which are ongoing, eventually resulted in Brand withdrawing from the public eye. It is hardly in doubt that Assange, Brand and others are being targeted by state-corporate propagandists because they are challenging state-corporate power. How else can we explain the fact that criticism of the many hundreds of journalists and MPs who have repeatedly agitated and voted for wars that have wrecked whole countries is off the agenda? It is not even that criticism of Assange, Brand and co is disproportionate; there is very often no criticism at all of people who have brought death, injury and displacement to literally millions of human beings. But when Brand joked about his then girlfriend: When I was asked to edit an issue of the New Statesman I said yes because it was a beautiful woman asking me, these words were viewed as infinitely more deserving of vicious attack right across the media spectrum than political actions destroying whole countries. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has also, of course, been subject to a relentless, almost surreal, year-long propaganda campaign. As we will see in Part 2, this has most recently taken the form ofaccusations that Labour now seems to be a party that attracts antisemites like flies to a cesspit. Propaganda blitzes are fast-moving attacks intended to inflict maximum damage. State-corporate propagandists know that media attention will quickly move on from the claim of dramatic new evidence, so the durability of the claim is not a key concern. Marginalised media blogs and rare mainstream articles may quickly expose the hype, but most corporate media will not notice and will not learn the lesson that similar claims should be received with extreme caution in future. A prime example was the campaign justifying war on Libya in 2011, which faced minimal corporate media scepticism just eight years after the obvious deception on Iraq. 2: Emotional Tone And Intensity A crucial component of the propaganda blitz is the tone of political and corporate commentary, which is always vehement, even hysterical. High emotion is used to suggest a level of deep conviction fuelling intense moral outrage. The rationale is clear enough: insanity aside, in ordinary life outrage of this kind is usually a sign that someone has good reason to be angry. People generally do not get extremely angry in the presence of significant doubt. So the message to the public is that there is no doubt. Thus the eruptions of moral outrage demanding that something must be done to save Libya and Syria from impending massacre(delivered by journalists blithely indifferent to the consequences of their earlier moral outrages, for example in Iraq). Thus the talk of The fascists at the poisoned heart of Labour with their chilling race hatred. 3: Manufacturing Consensus A third component of a propaganda blitz is the appearance of informed consensus. The dramatic claim, delivered with certainty and outrage, is typically repeated right across the political and media spectrum. This cross-spectrum consensus generates the impression that everyone knows that the propaganda claim is rooted in reality. This is why the myth of a media spectrum is so vital. While a demonising propaganda blitz may arise from rightist politics and media, the propaganda coup de grace with the power to end public doubt comes from the left-liberal journalists at the Guardian, the Independent, the BBC and Channel 4. Again, the logic is clear: if even celebrity progressive journalists people famous for their principled stands and colourful socks join the denunciations, then there must be something to the claims. At this point, it actually becomes difficult to doubt it. Thus, in 2002, it was declared a given by the Guardian that Iraq still retained WMD that might be a threat, despite the fact that both claims were easily refutable. In 2007, George Monbiot wrote in the Guardian: I believe that Iran is trying to acquire the bomb. In October 2011, Monbiot wrote of Natos war on Libya: I feel the right thing has been happening for all the wrong reasons. At a crucial time in August 2013, Monbiot affirmed: Strong evidence that Assad used CWs [chemical weapons] on civilians. He subsequently wrote in the Guardian of the Assad governments long series of hideous crimes, including the use of chemical weapons. News of the killings of Syrian ministers in a bomb explosion were greeted by the Guardians Owen Jones with: Adios, Assad (I hope). Jones tweeted that this is a popular uprising, not arriving on the back of Western cruise missiles, tanks and bullets. As was clear then and is indisputable now, Jones was wrong the West, directly and via regional allies, has played a massive role in the violence. As if reading from the Nato playbook, Jones added: Im promoting the overthrow of illegitimate and brutal dictatorships by their own people to establish democracies. This is why the mythology of the liberal-left Guardian and Independent with their handful of noisy, tub-thumping progressives is so important and why we work so hard to challenge it. It is why expressions of progressive support for the Guardian with occasional articles appearing by Noam Chomsky and others, and with Russell Brand, for example becoming a Guardian partner are so important. The public is not for one moment fooled by a hard-right consensus. Agreement must appear to have been reached among all right-thinking people, including the lefties at the Guardian. 4: Demonising Dissent To challenge a propaganda blitz is to risk becoming a target of the blitz. Dissidents can be smeared as useful idiots, apologists, genocide deniers. Anyone who even questioned the campaigns targeting Julian Assange and Russell Brand risked being labelled a sexist, a misogynist and, in the case of Assange, a rape apologist. Even as this media alert was being written, Oliver Kamm of The Times once again tweeted that Media Lens has long espoused genocide denial, misogyny & xenophobia. In fact we have been accused of supporting, or apologising for, everyone from Stalin to Milosevic, from the Iranian Ayatollahs to the North Korean dictatorship, Assad, Gaddafi, Saddam and so on. It seems we are so deranged that we support completely contradictory political and religious movements and beliefs, even enemies who despise each other. This may be a function of our swivel-eyed hatred of the West, or perhaps because we are challenging state-corporate media bias. When moral outrage is directed at people challenging a propaganda blitz, reputations can be easily and irreparably damaged. The public can be left with a vague sense that the target is dodgy, almost morally unhygienic. The smear can last for the rest of a persons career and life. 5: Timing and Strange Coincidences The dramatic new evidence fuelling a propaganda blitz often seems to surface at the worst possible time for the establishment target. On one level, this might seem absurdly coincidental why, time after time, would the Official Enemy do the one thing most likely to trigger invasion, bombing, electoral disaster, and so on, at exactly the wrong time? But remember, we are talking about bad guys who, as everyone knows, are famously perverse. It is part of the Dr. Evil mind-set to strut provocatively and laugh in the face of disaster. Idiotic, blindly self-destructive behaviour is what being a bad guy is all about. So the implausibly perfect timing may actually help persuade the public to think: This guy really is a nutcase. Hes absolutely asking for it! Much journalism covering Official Enemies is about suggesting they are comically, in fact cartoonishly, foolish in exactly this way. We have no doubt that, with sufficient resources, media analysts could easily prove that propaganda blitzes consistently arise with impeccable timing just ahead of key votes at the UN, in parliament and in elections. In November 2002, before the UN vote on Resolution 1441, which set the clock ticking for war, the Blair regime began issuing almost daily warnings of imminent terror threats against UK ferries, the Underground, and major public events. In 2003, Blair actually surrounded Heathrow airport with tanks an action said to be in response to increased terrorist chatter warning of a missile threat, of which nothing more was subsequently heard. Even the Guardian editors expressed scepticism about this sudden flood of threats: It cannot be ruled out that Mr Blair may have political reasons for talking up the sense of unease, in order to help make the case for a war against Iraq that is only backed by one voter in three. (Leading article, Gloom in Guildhall, The Guardian, November 12, 2002) John Pilger cited a former intelligence officer who described the governments terror warnings as a softening up process ahead of the Iraq war and a lying game on a huge scale. (Pilger, Lies, damned lies and government terror warnings, Daily Mirror, December 3, 2002) In fact, Blair was perpetrating a form of psychological terrorism on his own people. Likewise, atrocity claims from Syria clearly peaked as the US drew closer to war in the summer of 2013. After Obama chose not to bomb, it was extraordinary to see the BBCs daily front page atrocity claims suddenly dry up. In 2012, the pro-Assad shabiha militia became globally infamous when they were blamed for the May 2012 Houla massacre in Syria. In September 2014, Lexis found that in the preceding three years, the shabiha had been mentioned in 933 UK national newspaper articles. But in the twelve months from September 2013 to September 2014 a time when Western crosshairs shifted away from Assad towards Islamic State there were just 28 mentions of shabiha (Media Lens search, September 15, 2014). In the last year, Nexis finds just 12 articles mentioning the terms Syria and shabiha in the entire UK national press. Similarly, in Part 2, we will see how a propaganda blitz targeting Jeremy Corbyn coincided perfectly to damage his chances ahead of local elections in the UK. In combination, the dramatic new evidence, moral outrage and apparently wide consensus, generate several important impacts. Most people have little idea about the status of WMD in Iraq, about Gaddafis intentions and actions in Libya, or what Corbyn thinks about anti-semitism. Given this uncertainty, it is hardly surprising that the public is impressed by an explosion of moral outrage from so many political and media experts. Expressions of intense hatred targeting bad guys and their apologists persuade members of the public to keep their heads down. They know that even declaring mild scepticism, even requesting clarification, can cause the giant state-corporate Finger of Blame to be cranked around in their direction. Perhaps they, too, will be declared supporters of tyranny, apologists for genocide denial, sexists and racists. The possibility of denunciation is highly intimidating and potentially disastrous for anyone dependent on corporate employment or sponsorship. Corporations, notably advertisers, hate to be linked to any kind of unsavoury controversy. It is notable how celebrities with potentially wide public outreach very often stay silent. It is easy to imagine that people will often prefer to decide that the issue is not that important to them, that they dont know that much about it not enough to risk getting into trouble. And, as discussed, they naturally imagine that professional journalists have access to a wealth of information and expertise best to just keep quiet. This is the powerful and disastrous chilling effect of a fast-moving propaganda blitz. Propaganda And Climate Change The most devastating impact, however, is on the public perception of threats. A series of propaganda blitzes have taught the public to associate an alarming situation with a unified eruption of concern and outrage right across party politics and media. This is a problem because genuine threats that do not trigger a propaganda blitz naturally appear to be far less urgent and threatening than they really are. And this is exactly what has happened with climate change. Despite the endlessly and ominously tumbling records for temperature and extreme weather events see here and here - despite increasingly urgent attempts to warn the public of a very real climate emergency, scientists are not close to being able to match the kind of alarm generated by a propaganda blitz. These campaigns are rooted in vast power and resources defending establishment greed. They are motivated by the need to remove obstacles to power and profit, to control natural resources, to justify bloated arms budgets (socialism for the rich). Naturally, then, a propaganda blitz is not triggered by a threat requiring action that will harm these same elite interests. As the state-corporate response to climate change makes very clear, propaganda blitzes are not really about averting threats. It is tragicomic indeed to see high state officials and corporate media commentators endlessly emphasising security concerns while doing little or nothing to address the truly existential threat of climate change. It is simply the wrong kind of threat requiring the wrong kind of action! The result is that the climate emergency is felt by the public to be a medium-sized, manageable problem surrounded by uncertainty. A YouGov survey in January found that the British public is far more concerned about the threat posed by population growth than it is about climate change. The case for dramatic new evidence has been made, but the emotional intensity, consensus and denunciation of climate denier dissidents for once, all justifiable are lacking. This is an awesome price to pay for corporate domination of politics and media. It seems the ultimate victims of propaganda will be the propagandists themselves and the public deceived by them. In Part 2, we will see how a recent propaganda blitz aimed at Corbyn fits the pattern outlined above. A Palestinian Perspective on Britains Anti-Semitic Controversy By Ramzy Baroud May 13, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " PalestineChronicle " - There is a witch-hunt in the British Labour Party. Britains Opposition party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is being hounded for not rooting out alleged anti-Semitism in his party. Those leading the charge are pro-Israel Zionists and their supporters within the party, members who are mostly allied with the former Prime Minister, the largely discredited pro-war Tony Blair. The Blairites are quite unhappy that Corbyn, who won the partys leadership election last September with a landslide victory is a non-elitist politician, with a deep-rooted grassroots activist past, and, yes, a strong stance for Palestinian rights. Corbyn has been subjected to all sorts of attacks and ridicule from his own party, many members of which have been busy plotting to push him out, but remained hesitant because of his popular appeal. The Labour party had, in fact, lost much of its credibility since the days of Blairs New Labour and following the US lead in waging an immoral and illegal war on Iraq. Blairs supporters changed the priorities of the party, which was Labour by name only. Corbyns advent galvanized young people around fresh ideals, and renewed the shaky faith of the partys traditional supporters. But since he became a leader, the mans agenda of anti-corruption and greater equality in Britain has been slowed down, or even entirely halted, by some most bizarre controversies. He was attacked over such things as his supposed poor sense of fashion, his alleged lack of patriotism, and more. The attacks have been so ridiculous, yet omnipresent, that they became the subject of popular memes and much satire. And when it all failed, he was hit with another manufactured controversy, that of alleged anti-Semitism within his own party. The recent attacks have been the most organized, yet. They involve Israel supporters, British politicians, the media and other sources. The media has tried to paint him as an embattled leader who is not able to control the uncontainable Jewish hate oozing from his party members. British Chief Rabbi , Ephraim Mirvis, known for his strong support of Israel joined the fray, charging that the lid has been lifted on bigotry within Labour and that investigation into anti-Semitism must be more than a sticker plaster. The investigation and the preceding outcry of anti-Semitism, however, targeted those who were critical of Israel, not Jews, in general, or Judaism. Former London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, who was suspended from Labour for suggesting links between the Nazi party and early Zionists, was not making any reference to Jews per se, and certainly not to Judaism. Arguably, if he was wrong, then it is a mere question of history, not race. In its coverage of the controversy, even the BBC, delinks both concepts: Anti-Semitism is hostility and prejudice directed against Jewish people, while Zionism refers to the movement to create a Jewish state in the Middle East. Indeed, the first is a racist ideology, while the latter is an entirely political and historical question, especially since early Zionists were largely atheists. Israels Zionist-Jewish contradiction wasphrased skillfully by Israeli historian, Ilan Pappe, when he wrote: The secular Jews who founded the Zionist movement wanted paradoxically both to secularize Jewish life and to use the Bible as a justification for colonizing Palestine; in other words, they did not believe in God but He, nonetheless, promised them Palestine. But the Rabbi, and many of those who unscrupulously joined the charge against Labour pretend that Zionism, a late 19th century political movement is the same as Judaism, a religion that dates back millennia. However, there is nothing new here, and the manufactured controversy is hardly limited to Britain or the Labour Party. The message that Israeli hasbara (propaganda) has been steadily sending to its critics since the establishment of Israel over the ruins of the Palestinian homeland in May 1948: if you are critical of Israel, however slightly, you are a certified anti-Semite. If it happens that you are Jewish, then you are a self-hating Jew, and if you are an Arab, you must abandon the idea that you are, yourself, Semitic and Arab, by merely opposing Israels ethnic-cleansing of Palestinians who are all anti-Semites, anyway. I doubt there is a self-respecting Palestinian intellectual who has not fended against accusations of being anti-Semitic for merely advocating Palestinian rights, and demanding accountability of Israeli violations of human rights and war crimes. Many independent Jewish voices, too, have found themselves on the defensive, although within a different category. The classification of a self-hating Jew has been ever so popular these days, especially as many Jewish activists have righteously joined the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS). The once-marginalized voices are now a large and growing crowd. Unable to defend Israeli action based on logical arguments, international law or common sense, Israels supporters use other means, threats, smears and vilifications, and also by fabricating non-existing controversies. And no one is immune. Daniel Greenfield engaged in a bizarre diatribe in the Jewish Press on March 8, in an article entitled: Bernie Sanders is NOT a Jew. In the same familiar tone of distortion and self-pity, Greenfield theorized: While Bernie Sanders invoked his last few drops of Jewishness and the Holocaust in support of a Muslim anti-Semites cry bullying, he didnt feel the need to do so for the Jewish State when it actually stood on the verge of destruction. Instead, he had called for denying arms to Israel before the Yom Kippur War. How about the United Nations, which has failed to enforce a single resolution of the dozens of resolutions passed to demand justice for the Palestinians and accountability from Israel? It is an anti-Semitic circus according to Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. The novel designation followed the recent UN Human Rights Council (UNHRCs) decision to compile a list of international and Israeli companies that do business in illegal Jewish settlements in the Occupied Territories. Despite the fact that the UN is yet to reverse the worsening plight of the Palestinians or advance their cause beyond symbolic gestures, one rarely hears the accusation that the UN is anti-Palestinian, or anti-Arab. On the other hand, for merely censuring Israeli action by words only, the UN, according to Jennifer Rubin writing in the Washington Post on February 16, tolerates and, by its silence, condones, anti-Semitism. The US government has blindly and unconditionally given credence to that notion, marching to the drumbeat of the Israeli government on every occasion and boycotting international institutions whenever Israel raises the frequently false flag of anti-Semitism. The matter is not only pertinent to Israel and Palestine. Anyone who dares go against Israels interest in the region and around the world is a candidate for the manipulation of Israeli terminology. Following the Iran nuclear deal between Iran and western powers, conservative commentator,Debbie Schlussel, coined new terminology: Jews in the Name Only or JINOs. Those alleged JINOs are the 98 prominent Hollywood Jews, who backed the Iran deal in an open letter. By completely shutting the door on any form of criticism of Israel, Zionism, and the censure of its military behavior in the region coupled with the daily violence meted out against occupied Palestinians, Israel has expanded the definition of anti-Semitism to include whole countries, governments, international institutions and millions of independently thinking individuals the world over. However, not even such deliberate distortion should prevent us from making the differentiation loud and clear: anti-Jewish racism should be condemned as loudly and decisively as Islamophobia and any other form of racial discrimination and bigotry. However, criticizing violent political movements and the behavior of any state that violates international law and human rights is a moral duty. Israel will not be the exception. Dr. Ramzy Baroud has been writing about the Middle East for over 20 years. He is an internationally-syndicated columnist, a media consultant, an author of several books and the founder of PalestineChronicle.com. His books include Searching Jenin, The Second Palestinian Intifada and his latest My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gazas Untold Story. Baroud has a Doctorate of Philosophy in Palestine Studies from the European Centre for Palestinian Studies at the University of Exeter. His website is: www.ramzybaroud.net. Copyright 1999-2016 PalestineChronicle.com. All rights reserved The Great Leap Backward: Americas Illegal Wars on the World By Luciana Bohne May 13, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Counterpunch " - Can we face it in this election season? America is a weapons factory, the White House a war room, and the president the manager of the neoliberal conspiracy to recolonize the planet. It exports war and mass poverty. On the economic front, usurious neoliberalism; on the military front, illegal wars. These are the trenches of Americas battle for world domination in the 21st century. If not stopped, it will be a short century. Since 1945, Americas Manifest Destiny, posing as the Free Worlds Crusade against the Red Menace, has claimed 20 to 30 million lives worldwide and bombed one-third of the earths people. In the 19th century, America exterminated another kind of red menace, writing and shredding treaties, stealing lands, massacring, and herding Native populations into concentration camps (Indian reservations), in the name of civilizing the savages. By 1890, with the massacre of Lakota at Wounded Knee, the frontier land grabinternal imperialism was over. There was a world to conquer, and America trained its exceptionally covetous eye on Cuba and the Philippines. American external imperialism was born. Then, something utterly dreadful happened in 1917a successful social revolution in Russia, the second major after the French in 1789, to try to redistribute the wealth of the few to the advantage of the many. The rulers of the worldUS, Britain, France and sundry acolytesput aside their differences and united to stem the awful threat of popular democracy rising and spreading. They invaded Russia, fomented a civil war, funding and arming the counter-revolutionary forces, failed, and tried again in 1939. But Hitlers war of extermination on the USSR ended in a spectacular victory for Moscow. For a while, after 1945, the US had to behave as a civilized country, formally. It claimed that the USSR had a barbarian, all-conquering ideology, rooted in terror, disappearances, murder, and torture. By contrast, the US was the shining city on the hill, the beacon of hope for a the free world. Its shrine was the United Nations; its holy writ was international law; its first principle was the inviolability of the sovereignty of nations. All this was rubbish, of course. It was an apartheid society. It nuked Japan not once but twice, deliberately selecting civilian targets. It shielded from justice top Nazi criminals to absorb them as partners in intelligence structures. It conducted virtual show trials against dissidents during the hysteria of the McCarthy congressional hearings, seeding the country with a harvest of fear. It waged a genocidal war on Vietnam to prevent independence and unification. It assassinated African independence leaders and bestowed fascist dictators on Latin America. It softly occupied Western Europe, tied it to itself through military cooperation in NATO, and it waged psy-op war on its opposition parties. Behind the civilized facade was a ruthless effort to take out the Soviet Union and crush self-determination in the colonial world. By hook and by crook, the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, and America went berserk with triumphalism. Now, at last, the conquest of the world, interrupted in 1917, could resume. The global frontier reopened and Americas identity would be regenerated through violence, which had delivered the American West to the European invaders in the 19th century. The benign mask dropped. Behind it came a rider on a pale horse. According to the ideologically exulted, history had ended, ideologies had died, and the messianic mission of the US to become the steward of Gods property on earth could be fulfilled. The civilizing mission was afoot. A cabal of neo-conservative policy wonks first sketched what I call the Great Leap Backward into lawlessness as a revival of the myth of the frontier in the 1990s. The Plan for a New American Century (PNAC) envisaged the 21st century as a unilateralist drive to entrench American values globallywhat the PNAC ideologues call freedom and democracythrough preemptive wars and regime change. This frenzied delirium of US military domination turned into official foreign policy with the Bush Doctrine after 9/11, but it was the Clinton administrations Doctrine of Humanitarian Warfare before 9/11, that shut the door on the prohibition of aggressive wars by the UN Charter, remaking the map of the world into a borderless American hunting reserve by removing the principle of sovereignty and replacing it with right to protect (R2P)or humanitarian pretext for use of force. Clintons doctrine was an act of supreme, even witty, exploitation of liberal principles and commitment to policies of human rights. It was how the liberal left was induced to embrace war and imperialism as the means of defending human rights. The Carnegie Endowment cooked up the doctrine in 1992. Its report, Changing Our Ways: Americas Role in the New World, urged a new principle of international relations: the destruction or displacement of groups of people within states can justify international intervention. The report recommended that the US use NATO as the enforcer. It must be noted, too, that the principle of humanitarian war has no authority in international law. The Charter of the United Nations sought to outlaw war by making it impossible for unilateral interventions in the business of sovereign states by self-appointed guardians of human rights. The reason behind the proscription was not heartlessness but the consciousness that WW II had been the result of serial violations of sovereignty by Germany, Italy, and Japanby militarist imperialism, in other words. The bell tolled for the UN and the old order in the 1999 Kosovo War. The bi-partisan effort to dismantle the architecture of the post wars legal order played out there. With the Kosovo War, the Clinton administration launched the first humanitarian war and set the precedent for waging war without Security Council clearance of many to follow by both Republican and Democrat administrations. The Clintonites who used NATO to bomb Serbia to protect ethnic Albanians in Kosovo from non-existing Serbian genocide may or may not have appreciated the fact that Hitler had used the pretext of R2Phumanitarian interventionto launch WW II by claiming to protect German minorities in Poland, but they certainly knew that the monopoly on use of force rested with the UNs Security Council. This monopoly was secured after WW II precisely to prevent unilateral attacks on sovereign states through bogus claims of altruistic interventions, such as Hitler had championed and pursued. Ironically for critics of the Soviet leader, it was Stalin who insisted at the Yalta Conference that if the USSR were to join the United Nations a veto in the Security Council was a must to insure that any war would be a multilateral consensus and a multilateral action. As the Clintonites understood, the postwar legal authority for peacekeeping and the prevention of war entrusted to the UN Security Council posed a colossal obstacle to the pursuit of American world domination. For the vision of PNAC and the Carnegie Endowment to become reality, the United Nations, the guarantor of sovereignty, had to go. In the run-up to the Kosovo War, the Clintonites fatally and deliberately destabilized the United Nations, substituting the uncooperative UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali with the subservient NATO shill, Kofi Annan. Annan obligingly opined that in the matter of war and peace, UN Security Council resolutions were not the only way to skin a country especially one chosen by the US for remaking, partitioning, or regime changing, a cynic might add. So now we live in a dangerous world. Once again, since the 1930s, the world is being stalked by an expansionist power answering to no law but its own unilateral, humanitarian vigilantism. The Kosovo precedent has spun out of control. Libya smolders in the ashes of NATO bombs, dropped to prevent genocide; Syria fights for survival under attack by genocidal terrorist groups, armed, trained and funded by genocide preventers grouped in the NATO alliance and the Gulf partners; Afghanistan languishes in a permanent state of war, present ten thousand American troops which bomb hospitals to promote human rights; in Iraq, the humanitarians are back, after twenty-five years of humanitarian failure. And in Ukraine, Nazi patriots are promoting American democratic and humanitarian values by shelling Donbass daily. I hesitate to mention Africa, where humanitarian Special Forces are watering the fields where terrorists sprout like mushrooms after rainin Mali, Nigeria, Somalia, Kenya. Then there is Yemen, perhaps the most callous, vicious, and careless humanitarian crime of a litany of crimes against humanity in the Middle East. The US government has recently admitted deploying troops to Yemen. The Pentagon claims that the deployment will assist Saudi Arabia (the Arab coalition) to fight al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula. Can a sentient being meet such a grotesque claim with anything but infernal laughter? Help Saudi Arabia to fight its own creature? Are we stupid yet? $4 trillion dollars later, spent on the War-on-Terror/Humanitarian-R2P, the pattern of military destabilization of sovereign states proceeds apace, one recalcitrant, independent country at a time in the Middle East and North Africa. For the rest of the world, the surrender of sovereignty is sought by means of economic globalization through trade pactsTTP, TTIP, etc.that virtually abolish the constitution of states, including our own. Spearheading the economic effort to control the periphery and the entire world is the so-called Washington Consensus. It hugs the market-fundamentalist idea that global neoliberalism and core finance capitals economic control of the planet by means of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) is the option to poverty and social chaos. Neither military nor economic war on the sovereignty of nations has yielded anything close to a stable, prosperous, and peaceful world. It had delivered death, destruction, debt, market crises, tidal waves of refugees and displaced persons, and concentrated masses of wealth in a few but powerful hands. What the poet W.H. Auden called the international wrong, which he named imperialism in his poem September 1939, is the crisis that stares out of the mirror of the past into our faces, and it bodes war, war, and more war, for that is where imperialism drives. In this scenario, no potential presidential candidateeven establishment-party dissenterwho does not call for both the end of the bi-partisan Washington Consensus and the end of bipartisan militarist aggression can reverse the totality of the international wrong or stem the domestic descent into social brutalization. If none calls this foreign policy debacle imperialism, elections will be a sleepwalkers exercise. Nothing will change. Except, almost certainly, for the worse. Luciana Bohne is co-founder of Film Criticism, a journal of cinema studies, and teaches at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania. She can be reached at: lbohne@edinboro.edu Bush-Obama Powers Will Pass to Next President by David Swanson By David Swanson May 13, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - Remember when coups and assassinations were secretive, when presidents were obliged to go to Congress and tell lies and ask permission for wars, when torture, spying, and lawless imprisonment were illicit, when re-writing laws with signing statements and shutting down legal cases by yelling state secrets! was abusive, and when the idea of a president going through a list of men, women, and children on Tuesdays to pick whom to have murdered would have been deemed an outrage? All such resistance and outrage is in the past by mutual consent of those in power in Washington, D.C. Whoever becomes the next president of the United States could only unfairly and in violation of established bipartisan precedent be denied the powers of unlimited spying, imprisoning, and killing. That this is little known is largely a symptom of partisanship. Most Democrats still havent allowed themselves to hear of the kill list. But the widespread ignorance is also a function of media, of whats reported, whats editorialized, whats asked about in campaign debates, and what isnt. The new book, Assassination Complex: Inside the Governments Secret Drone Warfare Program, from Jeremy Scahill and the staff of The Intercept, is terrific to see even more for what it represents than for what it actually teaches us. Weve already learned the details it includes from the website of the Intercept, and they fit with similar details that have trickled out through numerous sources for years. But the fact that a media outlet is reporting on this topic and framing its concerns in a serious way around the dangerous expansion of presidential and governmental power is encouraging. The United States is now working on putting into action drone ships and ships of drone planes, but has never worked out how in the world it is legal or moral or helpful to blow people up with missiles all over the earth. Drone wars once declared successful and preferable alternatives to ground wars are predictably evolving into small-scale ground wars, with great potential for escalation, and nobody in any place of power has considered what candidate Obama might have called ending the mindset that starts wars, perhaps by using the rule of law, aid, disarmament, and diplomacy. I recommend starting The Assassination Complex with the afterword by Glenn Greenwald, because he reminds us of some of Senator and candidate Obamas statements in favor of restoring the rule of law and rejecting President George W. Bushs abuses. What Obama called unacceptable at Guantanamo, he has continued at Guantanamo and elsewhere, but expanded into a program that focuses on murder without due process rather than imprisonment without due process. Somehow, writes Greenwald, it was hideously wrong for George W. Bush to eavesdrop on and imprison suspected terrorists without judicial approval, yet it was perfectly permissible for Obama to assassinate them without due process of any kind. That is in fact a very generous depiction of the drone murder program, as The Assassination Complex also documents that, at least during one time period examined, nearly 90 percent of the people killed in airstrikes were not the intended targets. We should think of drones more as random killing machines than as machines killing particular people who are denied the right to a trail by jury but are suspected of something by somebody. It is hard, writes Greenwald, to overstate the conflict between Obamas statements before he became president and his presidential actions. Yes, I suppose so, but its also hard to overstate the conflict between some of his campaign statements and others of his campaign statements. If he was going to give people a fair hearing before abusing their rights, what are we to make of his campaign promises to start a drone war in Pakistan and escalate the war in Afghanistan? Greenwald is assuming that the right not to be murdered ranks somewhere fairly high alongside the right not to be spied on or imprisoned or tortured. But, in fact, a war-supporting society must understand all rights to have particular protection except the right to stay alive. The advantage that comes from viewing small-scale drone murders as an escalation of small-scale imprisonment that is, as a violation of rights really comes when you carry logic one step further and view large-scale killing in war as also a violation of rights, as indeed murder on a larger scale. In fact, among the top areas in which I would add to Greenwalds summary of Obamas expansions of Bush powers are: torture, signing statements, and the creation of new wars of various types. Obama has made torture a question of policy, not a crime to be prosecuted. Frowning on it and outsourcing it and hushing it up does not deny it to the next president in the way that prosecuting it in court would. Obama campaigned against rewriting laws with signing statements. Then he proceeded to do just as Bush had done. That Obama has used fewer signing statements is largely due, I think, to the fact that fewer laws have been passed, combined with his creation of the silent signing statement. Remember that Obama announced that he would review Bushs signing statements and decide which to reject and which to keep. That is itself a remarkable power that now passes to the next president, who can keep or reject any of Bushs or Obamas signing statements. But as far as I know, Obama never did actually tell us which of Bushs he was keeping. In fact, Obama announced that he would silently assume any past signing statement to apply to a new and relevant law without restating the signing statement. Obama has also developed the practice of instructing the Office of Legal Counsel to write a memo in place of a law. And hes developed the additional technique of creating self-imposed restrictions, which have the benefit of not being laws at all when he violates them. A key example of this is his standards for whom to kill with drones. On the question of starting wars, Obama has radically altered what is acceptable. He began a war on Libya without Congress. He told Congress in his last state of the union speech that he would wage a war in Syria with or without them (which statement they applauded). That power, further normalized by all the drone wars, will pass to the next president. Lawyers have testified to Congress that drone killing is murder and illegal if not part of a war, but perfectly fine if part of a war, and that whether its part of a war or not depends on secret presidential memos the public hasnt seen. The power to render murder possibly legal, and therefore effectively legal, by declaring the existence of a secret memo, is also a power that passes to the next president. In reality, there is no way to even remotely begin to legalize drone murders, whether or not part of a war. The seven current U.S. wars that we know of are all illegal under the UN Charter and under the Kellogg-Briand Pact. So, any element of them is also illegal. This is a simple point but a very difficult one for U.S. liberals to grasp, in the context of human rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch taking a principled stand against recognizing the illegality of any war. If, on the other hand, the drone murders are not part of an illegal war, they are still illegal, as murder is illegal everywhere under universal jurisdiction. The defense that a foreign dictator, exiled or otherwise, has granted permission to murder people in his country, so that sovereignty is not violated, misses the basic illegality of murder, not to mention the irony that helping dictators kill their people conflicts rather stunningly with the common U.S. excuse for launching wars of overthrow, namely punishment of a dictator for the ultimate sin of killing his own people. Sovereignty is also an idea very selectively respected; just ask Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, or Syria. Reporter Cora Currier, in The Assassination Complex, looks at Obamas self-imposed, but never met, restrictions on drone murders. Under these non-legal limitations it is required that drone missiles target only people who are continuing, imminent threats to the American people, and who cannot be captured, and only when there is near certainty that no civilians will be killed or injured. Currier points out that Obama approves people for murder for months at a time, rendering dubious the already incoherent idea of a continuing imminent threat. Its not clear that capture is ever a serious option, and it is clear that in many cases it is not. The near certainty about not killing civilians is thrown into doubt by the constant killing of civilians and, as Currier points out, by the White House claiming to have had that near certainty in a case in which it killed civilians who happened to be American and European, thus requiring some accountability. Scahill and Greenwald also document in this book that sometimes what is targeting is a cell phone believed to belong to a particular person. That of course provides no near certainty that the targeted person is there or that anyone else isnt. What might begin to restrain this madness? Will those who opposed Bush lawlessness but turned a blind eye to its expansion under Obama find themselves opposing it again? That seems highly unlikely under the best of the three remaining big-party presidential candidates, Bernie Sanders. I cant imagine ever getting a significant number of his supporters to even become aware of his foreign policy, so good is he on domestic issures. With Hillary Clinton the task would be extremely difficult as well, aided only by the likelihood that she would launch truly big-scale wars. With a President Trump, it does seem much more conceivable that millions of people would suddenly find themselves opposing what has been firmly put into place the past 16 years. Whether it would then be too late is a different question. David Swanson is an author, activist, journalist, and radio host. He is director of WorldBeyondWar.org and campaign coordinator for RootsAction.org. Swansons books include War Is A Lie. He blogs at DavidSwanson.org and WarIsACrime.org. He hosts Talk Nation Radio. He is a 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee. War Is A Lie : Second Edition, published by Just World Books on April 5, 2016. Ill come anywhere in the world to speak about it. Invite me! http://davidswanson.org/node/5143 Lesser of Two Evils Vote is Counterproductive and Morally Corrupt By Carmen Yarrusso May 13, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - Theres probably never been a US presidential election where both likely nominees are more despised by more people. Millions on both sides plan to vote for the least despicable candidate. Do you need more proof our political system is corrupt to the core? If youre a Hillary Clinton supporter and plan to vote for her, thats fine. But Bernie Sanders supporters are being pressured and shamed into voting for Clinton. This pragmatic lesser of two evils tactic may work for the short term, but it will just embolden establishment politics and undermine future chances for real progressive change. Even if your vote helps defeat Trump youre clearly telling Democratic party elites they can confidently betray your concerns as long as they offer you someone marginally better than the Republican alternative. Where will it end? The Democratic Party will just continue to betray progressive causes with impunity. Progressives should say enough is enough and put moral principles above short-term political expediency. The Democratic Party elites are going out of their way with all manner of dirty tricks to stack the deck for Clinton. Theyre counting on Sanders supporters to feel the guilt if they dare to not vote for their chosen one. But if Trump wins, it wont be the fault of Sanders supporters voting their conscience. It will be the fault of party elites trying to force an establishment faux progressive down the throats of true progressives knowing full well their choice will alienate millions of progressive Democrats and independents while bringing Trump supporters out in droves. Like Clinton supporters, Sanders supporters have every right to vote for someone based on their moral principles. Sanders supporters shouldnt be coerced to compromise their moral principles and merely vote against someone. Democratic Party elites are blackmailing them by claiming, if you dont vote for our chosen one, its your fault if Trump wins. No, its the fault of the Democratic Party for ignoring and marginalizing progressives. If it were really about beating Trump, party elites would change their allegiance to Sanders who would beat Trump more handily than Clinton according to multiple polls. The onus is on the Democratic Party to promote someone who is worthy of your vote. The party elites shouldnt expect to be exonerated for second-rate judgment by getting Sanders supporters to violate their moral principles and vote for the lesser of two evils. Voting for the lesser of two evils is a logical fallacy called false dilemma Voting for the lesser of two evils is not like choosing to switch a runaway train to another track so it kills one person instead of five if you do nothing. In this hypothetical case, there are only two choices. But when faced with two repulsive candidates for office, there are other choices abstain from voting, vote for a third party candidate, or write someone in. If you arent fooled by the Democratic Partys propaganda, youll see the real lesser of two evils choice here is voting for the lesser of two evils versus refusing to vote for the lesser of two evils. Which choice is really the lesser evil? A Trump win may actually stimulate progressive change Trump may be a (loose-cannon) unpredictable evil. But then, based on her long track record, Clinton is a very predictable evil. In fact, Trump is left of Clinton on such things as legal marijuana, NATO aggression, and trade policy. His crazy proposals (e.g. Mexican wall, banning Muslims) are just bluster with zero chance of becoming reality. If Congress can stop Obama, it can stop Trump. But Clinton has a predictable pro-war track record (Iraq, Libya, Syria) and a predictable track record of changing positions for political expediency (e.g. Iraq war, NAFTA, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2000, immigration, gun control, the Keystone XL pipeline, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, same-sex marriage). How can you be sure she wont conveniently change her current progressive positions as president? A Trump presidency just might force Democratic Party elites to start seriously addressing the populist concerns they now arrogantly ignore. The Demoralized Mind Western consumer culture is creating a psycho-spiritual crisis that leaves us disoriented and bereft of purpose. How can we treat our sick culture and make ourselves well? By John F Schumaker May 13, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - Our descent into the Age of Depression seems unstoppable. Three decades ago, the average age for the first onset of depression was 30. Today it is 14. Researchers such as Stephen Izard at Duke University point out that the rate of depression in Western industrialized societies is doubling with each successive generational cohort. At this pace, over 50 per cent of our younger generation, aged 18-29, will succumb to it by middle age. Extrapolating one generation further, we arrive at the dire conclusion that virtually everyone will fall prey to depression. By contrast to many traditional cultures that lack depression entirely, or even a word for it, Western consumer culture is certainly depression-prone. But depression is so much a part of our vocabulary that the word itself has come to describe mental states that should be understood differently. In fact, when people with a diagnosis of depression are examined more closely, the majority do not actually fit that diagnosis. In the largest study of its kind, Ramin Mojtabai of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health sampled over 5,600 cases and found that only 38 per cent of them met the criteria for depression. Contributing to the confusion is the equally insidious epidemic of demoralization that also afflicts modern culture. Since it shares some symptoms with depression, demoralization tends to be mislabelled and treated as if it were depression. A major reason for the poor 28-per-cent success rate of anti-depressant drugs is that a high percentage of depression cases are actually demoralization, a condition unresponsive to drugs. Existential disorder In the past, our understanding of demoralization was limited to specific extreme situations, such as debilitating physical injury, terminal illness, prisoner-of-war camps, or anti-morale military tactics. But there is also a cultural variety that can express itself more subtly and develop behind the scenes of normal everyday life under pathological cultural conditions such as we have today. This culturally generated demoralization is nearly impossible to avoid for the modern consumer. Rather than a depressive disorder, demoralization is a type of existential disorder associated with the breakdown of a persons cognitive map. It is an overarching psycho-spiritual crisis in which victims feel generally disoriented and unable to locate meaning, purpose or sources of need fulfilment. The world loses its credibility, and former beliefs and convictions dissolve into doubt, uncertainty and loss of direction. Frustration, anger and bitterness are usual accompaniments, as well as an underlying sense of being part of a lost cause or losing battle. The label existential depression is not appropriate since, unlike most forms of depression, demoralization is a realistic response to the circumstances impinging on the persons life. As it is absorbed, consumer culture imposes numerous influences that weaken personality structures, undermine coping and lay the groundwork for eventual demoralization. Its driving features individualism, materialism, hyper-competition, greed, over-complication, overwork, hurriedness and debt all correlate negatively with psychological health and/or social wellbeing. The level of intimacy, trust and true friendship in peoples lives has plummeted. Sources of wisdom, social and community support, spiritual comfort, intellectual growth and life education have dried up. Passivity and choice have displaced creativity and mastery. Resilience traits such as patience, restraint and fortitude have given way to short attention spans, over-indulgence and a masturbatory approach to life. Research shows that, in contrast to earlier times, most people today are unable to identify any sort of philosophy of life or set of guiding principles. Without an existential compass, the commercialized mind gravitates toward a philosophy of futility, as Noam Chomsky calls it, in which people feel naked of power and significance beyond their conditioned role as pliant consumers. Lacking substance and depth, and adrift from others and themselves, the thin and fragile consumer self is easily fragmented and dispirited. By their design, the central organizing principles and practices of consumer culture perpetuate an existential vacuum that is a precursor to demoralization. This inner void is often experienced as chronic and inescapable boredom, which is not surprising. Despite surface appearances to the contrary, the consumer age is deathly boring. Boredom is caused, not because an activity is inherently boring, but because it is not meaningful to the person. Since the life of the consumer revolves around the overkill of meaningless manufactured low-level material desires, it is quickly engulfed by boredom, as well as jadedness, ennui and discontent. This steadily graduates to existential boredom wherein the person finds all of life uninteresting and unrewarding. Moral net Consumption itself is a flawed motivational platform for a society. Repeated consummation of desire, without moderating constraints, only serves to habituate people and diminish the future satisfaction potential of what is consumed. This develops gradually into consumer anhedonia, wherein consumption loses reward capacity and offers no more than distraction and ritualistic value. Consumerism and psychic deadness are inexorable bedfellows. Individualistic models of mind have stymied our understanding of many disorders that are primarily of cultural origin. But recent years have seen a growing interest in the topic of cultural health and ill-health as they impact upon general wellbeing. At the same time, we are moving away from naive behavioural models and returning to the obvious fact that the human being has a fundamental nature, as well as a distinct set of human needs, that must be addressed by a cultural blueprint. In his groundbreaking book The Moral Order, anthropologist Raoul Naroll used the term moral net to indicate the cultural infrastructure that is required for the mental wellbeing of its members. He used numerous examples to show that entire societies can become predisposed to an array of mental ills if their moral net deteriorates beyond a certain point. To avoid this, a societys moral net must be able to meet the key psycho-social-spiritual needs of its members, including a sense of identity and belonging, co-operative activities that weave people into a community, and shared rituals and beliefs that offer a convincing existential orientation. We are long overdue a cultural revolution that would force a radical revamp of the political process, economics, work, family and environmental policy Similarly, in The Sane Society, Erich Fromm cited frame of orientation as one of our vital existential needs, but pointed out that todays marketing characters are shackled by a cultural programme that actively blocks fulfilment of this and other needs, including the needs for belonging, rootedness, identity, transcendence and intellectual stimulation. We are living under conditions of cultural insanity, a term referring to a pathological mismatch between the inculturation strategies of a culture and the intrapsychic needs of its followers. Being normal is no longer a healthy ambition. Human culture has mutated into a sociopathic marketing machine dominated by economic priorities and psychological manipulation. Never before has a cultural system inculcated its followers to suppress so much of their humanity. Leading this hostile takeover of the collective psyche are increasingly sophisticated propaganda and misinformation industries that traffic the illusion of consumer happiness by wildly amplifying our expectations of the material world. Todays consumers are by far the most propagandized people in history. The relentless and repetitive effect is highly hypnotic, diminishing critical faculties, reducing ones sense of self, and transforming commercial unreality into a surrogate for meaning and purpose. The more lost, disoriented and spiritually defeated people become, the more susceptible they become to persuasion, and the more they end up buying into the oversold expectations of consumption. But in unreality culture, hyper-inflated expectations continually collide with the reality of experience. Since nothing lives up to the hype, the world of the consumer is actually an ongoing exercise in disappointment. While most disappointments are minor and easy to dissociate, they accumulate into an emotional background of frustration as deeper human needs get neglected. Continued starvation of these needs fuels disillusion about ones whole approach to life. Over time, peoples core assumptions can become unstable. Culture proofing At its heart, demoralization is a generalized loss of credibility in the assumptions that ground our existence and guide our actions. The assumptions underpinning our allegiance to consumerism are especially vulnerable since they are fundamentally dehumanizing. As they unravel, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify with the values, goals and aspirations that were once part of our consumer reality. The consequent feeling of being forsaken and on the wrong life track is easily mistaken for depression, or even unhappiness, but in fact it is the type of demoralization that most consumer beings will experience to some degree. For the younger generation, the course of boredom, disappointment, disillusion and demoralization is almost inevitable. As the products of invisible parents, commercialized education, cradle-to-grave marketing and a profoundly boring and insane cultural programme, they must also assimilate into consumer culture while knowing from the outset that its workings are destroying the planet and jeopardizing their future. Understandably, they have become the trance generation, with an insatiable appetite for any technology that can downsize awareness and blunt the emotions. With society in existential crisis, and emotional life on a steep downward trajectory, trance is todays fastest-growing consumer market. Once our collapsed assumptions give way to demoralization, the problem becomes how to rebuild the unconscious foundations of our lives. In their present forms, the psychology and psychiatry professions are of little use in treating disorders that are rooted in culture and normality. While individual therapy will not begin to heal a demoralized society, to be effective such approaches must be insight-oriented and focused on the cultural sources of the persons assumptions, identity, values and centres of meaning. Cultural deprogramming is essential, along with culture proofing, disobedience training and character development strategies, all aimed at constructing a worldview that better connects the person to self, others and the natural world. The real task is somehow to treat a sick culture rather than its sick individuals. Erich Fromm sums up this challenge: We cant make people sane by making them adjust to this society. We need a society that is adjusted to the needs of people. Fromms solution included a Supreme Cultural Council that would serve as a cultural overseer and advise governments on corrective and preventive action. But that sort of solution is still a long way off, as is a science of culture change. Democracy in its present guise is a guardian of cultural insanity. We are long overdue a cultural revolution that would force a radical revamp of the political process, economics, work, family and environmental policy. It is true that a society of demoralized people is unlikely to revolt even though it sits on a massive powder keg of pent-up frustration. But credibility counteracts demoralization, and this frustration can be released with immense energy when a credible cause, or credible leadership, is added to the equation. It might seem that credibility, meaning and purposeful action would derive from the multiple threats to our safety and survival posed by the fatal mismatch between consumer culture and the needs of the planet. The fact that it has not highlights the degree of demoralization that infects the consumer age. With its infrastructure firmly entrenched, and minimal signs of collective resistance, all signs suggest that our obsolete system what some call disaster capitalism will prevail until global catastrophe dictates for us new cultural directions. John F Schumaker is a retired psychology academic living in Christchurch, New Zealand/Aotearoa. This column was published in the April 2016 issue of New Internationalist. - See more at: http://newint.org/columns/essays/2016/04/01/psycho-spiritual-crisis/#sthash.jPk9FgSj.dpuf This column was published in the April 2016 issue of New Internationalist . THE National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDE-A, has accused former President Goodluck Jonathan of founding the new militant group known as Niger Delta Avengers. The NCNDE-A claimed that the group was formed in January last year ahead of the March 2015 presidential election, which Jonathan eventually lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. The National President of NCNDE-A, Israel Akpodoro, who made this shocking revelation in Abuja on Friday, urged the former President to call members of the self acclaimed Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, to order. According to him, the Niger Delta Avengers is a creation of the ex-president aimed at thwarting any efforts made by successive administration especially that of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress, APC, administration. He further revealed that the threat was planed at a well-attended meeting called at the instance of a governor from the South South region in January last year with all the prominent ex-militants including Jonathan and some of his close pals in attendance. Akpodoro claimed that the message from them as delivered by the a Special Adviser to the President then was that all ex-militants from the region should return to the creek preparatory for action should Gen. Buhari win the then coming election saying; that includes what we are witnessing today in the actions of the Niger Delta Avengers. He warned his kinsmen against risking their lives for the political interest of one man. He said, I was bundled out of the meeting but then that is realities of what Nigerians are witnessing today. The former President created the monster-Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, and he alone can call them to order and that is what my group is asking him to do. Nigerians should hold the Ijaw leader responsible for any possible collateral damage that may be incurred in the process of exterminating that destructive rag tag group with all its sympathisers in the region. Our common enemies in the Niger Delta region are those governors, ministers, Special Advisers, Director Generals, Senators and other representatives from the region who participated in government and use their offices to enrich themselves at the detriment of general good. We must redirect our anger to those who cornered the dividends of democracy in the region buying fleet of aeroplanes, building mansions in choices cities of the worldwhile their people live in abject poverty. President Buhari isnt our problem but our leaders from the region. President Buhari should not relent in his military actions against those he described as enemies of peace in the region, he added. Source: Daily Post Men of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested two sisters from the same mother: Miss Onyinyechi Achime (32) and Miss Akunna Achime (26), for plotting the kidnap of their 65-year old biological mother, Mrs Hannah Achime, for monetary gains. The duo of Onyinyechi and Akunna had contracted out the dirty job to a young man, Monday Egbe (30) who organised the kidnapping of Mrs Achime. Egbe, who hails from Onueke, in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State is said to be a boyfriend to one of the two sisters. The kidnapper, on the prompting of the two sisters, demanded a ransom of N2.5 million from their elder brother for quick and safe release of the woman from his custody. The elder brother who lives in Lagos was said to be rich but does not spend his money anyhow. The plot by the two sisters was to extort the said N2.5million from their elder brother for sharing amongst members of the ring which they constituted. All the three active players in the criminal act have been arrested by the Enugu police and they are currently singing to officers investigating the matter. The two sisters hail from Obinagu community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. As at the time the plot was hatched, Onyinyechi was earning her living through food stuff business while her sister was waiting for her call up letter to enroll into the present batch of corp members for the compulsory one year national service. They stressed that the reason why they took to the option was that they had spent all their life savings in attending to the depreciating health conditions of their mother, while their elder brother who stays in Lagos and very rich cares less about their mothers welfare. Miss Onyinyechi Achime said that her business got liquidated because she was spending serious money for the upkeep of their mother, Mrs Hannah Achime. She explained that the plot to kidnap their mother was merely to recoup the spent money from their elder brother, Mr Eric Achime, who stays in Lagos. Monday Egbe was an intimate friend of Onyinyechi Achime. Her sister, Miss Akunna Achime who also confessed to the crime, saying that Onyinyechi is her elder sister and that they jointly committed the crime together. Explaining how the alleged dirty job was done, Akunna narrated that on the agreed day, April 12, 2016, Monday Egbe drove down to the family home of the Achimes at Obinagu community in Udi council area, where he took away Mrs Hannah Achime, on the pretext that they have been kidnapped. Thereafter, Egbe started putting phone calls across to Mr Eric Chime, demanding the sum of N2.5 million, as ransom to secure the release of their mother, Mrs Hannah Achime. However, Mr Eric Chime secretly alerted the police of the development while still negotiating with Mr Egbe. He later settled to pay an amount of five hundred thousand naira to Mr Egbe, the suspected kidnapper, she said. Confirming Akunnas story, the police said Mr Egbe was rounded up and arrested as he was about to collect the ransom on April 20, 2016 at about ten oclock in the morning. While he was detained, he narrated how he was engaged by the two sisters to plot the kidnap of their mother, just as a way of extorting money from their brother, Mr Eric Achime,who stays in Lagos. Consequent upon Monday Egbes statement, the police said they went in search of the two sisters, Onyinyechi Achime and Akunna Achime. According to the police, the two sisters were eventually arrested at Obinagu Udi on April 27, 2016. They have equally confessed to the crime, stating that their ulterior motive was to collect money from their brother, for the upkeep of their parents, especially their mother, Mrs Hannah Achime, who has health problems. Monday Egbe, disclosed that he didnt charge or demand any money from the two sisters as payment for execution of the kidnap plot on their mother. He said he was personally touched by the situation they found themselves, based on their claim that Mr Eric Chime, their brother, who is doing well in Lagos cares less about the upkeep of their parents. He said he got involved in the crime out of sympathy and that he volunteered to do the dirty deal without any bargain. He has, however, pleaded for forgiveness. The case is one of the several crimes in Enugu State which the state police command under the new Police Commissioner posted to the state, CP Emmanuel C.S.Ojukwu, has been able to unravel. Source:BreakingTimes The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said there was nothing wrong with a letter he endorsed requesting for a loan from National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to cover travelling expenses of a delegation to China. According to a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by Mr. Peter Dama, the Director, Public Relations and Protocol in the Ministry, the letter to the NBC requesting for a loan of N13.12 million was mischievously leaked to the social media by staff of the commission. The loan being requested for is for the Ministry to meet up its obligations to enable the Minister and members of his delegation attend the all important Conference, the statement read. The loan is not meant for the minister alone as personal expenses, but for the expenses of all members of the delegation. The Conference is being organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in conjunction with the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, under the overall theme Tourism for Peace and Development. It will feature amongst others, discussions on major issues for sustainable development including the contribution of Tourism to poverty reduction and peace. The Conference is a veritable platform to develop synergy and partnership with players in the global Tourism Industry which will go a long way in boosting our drive to diversify the Nigerian economy, it stated. The statement further explained that on the sideline of the conference, the delegation would have discussion in China with Set Top Box Manufacturers, who were meant to establish manufacturing factories in Nigeria for the boxes for digital broadcasting processes rather than the current situation in which the boxes were being imported. This is meant to conserve our foreign exchange and to also create avenue for job creation for our citizens. It is clear that the Conference is an all important gathering that will benefit Nigeria, contribute towards diversification of its revenue base and create employment opportunities for Nigerians, it stated. The statement further clarified that it was not unusual for a ministry to take a loan from an agency under it. It is therefore shocking to find out that an internal memorandum from the Ministry could be leaked out to the social media by saboteurs in order to embarrass the government, it said. Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, weekend, set up a high-powered Advocacy Committee, headed by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, to tackle pipeline vandalism in the state. The committee has marching orders to proceed to the riverine areas of the state, especially the troubled Gbaramatu Kingdom to speak to the people, Vanguard reports. As part of its terms of reference, the governor directed the committee to relocate to the riverine areas and majorly advocate for an immediate stop of the on-going facility destruction, finding the immediate and remote causes of resurgence of militancy and create platforms of dialogue amongst others. Members of the committee include Commissioner for Youth Development, Asupa Forteta, Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mofe Pirah, Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Kelly Penaowu and Special Adviser on Petroleum Matters, Bosin Ebikeme. Others are Chairman, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Godwin Ebosa, Chairman, Delta Waterways and Land Security Committee, Chief Boro Opudu, Director Genearl, Political and Security Services, David Tonwei and former Commissioner for Commerce and one-time national president of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, who will serve as Secretary. Mr Antony Blinken, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, on Friday described Nigeria as the leader of other countries in the fight against terrorism. Blinken, who hailed Nigerias anti-terrorism stance, spoke to State House Correspondents after a visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja on Friday. Now here we have this very important security summit that Nigeria is hosting, with countries around the world attending. This is an evidence of the strength of the Nigerian leadership, with the effort that the President and the Vice President are making to strengthen the economy, fight corruption and deal with the security challenges, he said. He further hailed the relationship between Nigeria and the U.S. since Buharis inauguration as Nigerias President. I was here just a little less than a year ago in preparation for President Buharis visit to Washington and since then we have seen the relationship between Nigeria and the U.S. grow deeper and stronger, he stated. We have been focused on this from day one, doing whatever we can to provide all the assistance and information that we can develop, he said of the Chibok girls. According to him, this is something that has personally touched so many people in the U.S., including President Barack Obama and his family. It is something that we are focused on every single day. Of course there are others besides the girls who have been taken hostage by Boko Haram. Our thoughts are with them as well and we are determined as the Nigerian government, not to rest until we get them home, he added. Hedge fund managers claim to love a good contrarian bet. And right now, the most contrarian bet of all might be on their own future. At this weeks SkyBridge Alternatives (SALT) Conference, the annual hedge fund gathering held at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, industry titans rubbed shoulders with business legends like T. Boone Pickens, political heavyweights such as John Boehner and Hollywood celebrities including Will Smith and Ron Howard. But despite the A-list delegates and luxe environs some 2,000 conference guests enjoyed lavish pool parties, VIP dinners, private concerts with the Killers and the Wailers, a pop-up salon and free spin classes the mood this year was almost somber. And its easy to see why: After years of mediocre aggregate performance, followed by a terrible first quarter, hedge fund managers are enduring withering criticism from investors. And some of these investors are voting with their feet. According to Chicago-based data tracker Hedge Fund Research, investors pulled some $15 billion out of the $2.9 trillion industry in the first quarter, the largest quarterly outflow since the second quarter of 2009. Hedge funds fell, on average, 0.67 percent in the first quarter and lost 1.12 percent last year, according to HFR. In April the New York City Employees Retirement System announced that it is liquidating its entire $1.7 billion hedge fund portfolio, while the Illinois State Board of Investments also voted earlier this year to pull $1 billion out of hedge funds. Insurance giant American International Group said it will reduce its $11 billion allocation to hedge funds by half, citing disappointment over returns, while last week insurer MetLife revealed that its looking to redeem $1.2 billion of its $1.8 billion hedge fund portfolio, citing you guessed it frustration with performance. Even the industrys own denizens have piled on, with Point72 and SAC Capital founder Steven Cohen reportedly saying at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills earlier this month that he is blown away by the lack of talent in the industry. And in its most recent letter to investors, Daniel Loebs Third Point called first-quarter hedge fund performance catastrophic: There is no doubt that we are in the first innings of a washout in hedge funds and certain strategies, the letter said. Similar sentiments were not hard to find at SALT this week. Speaking from her perch on the dais at the Bellagio, a representative from one of the worlds largest investors in hedge funds delivered an attack on the industry. The past few years Im sort of disappointed with the performance of hedge funds, said Roslyn Zhang, head of fixed income and absolute return investments at China Investment Corp., which invests more than $20 billion in absolute return strategies. Zhang further ripped hedge funds for shorting the yuan, noting that numerous hedge funds have put on the trade regardless of whether its consistent with their overall strategy: They really dont know much about China, but they just spend two seconds and put on the trade. Should we pay 2 and 20 for treatment like this?, Zhang said, referring to the industrys traditional 2 percent management fee and 20 percent performance fee structure. On some of the panel discussions this year, managers expressed a sentiment I havent heard in my previous years attending this conference: contrition. Longtime manager Leon Cooperman whose New Yorkbased Omega Advisors has already endured some $2 billion in redemptions following a period of poor performance and a Wells notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission over its trading in Atlas Pipeline Partners admitted that managers have not earned their substantial fees and that the industry may see a contraction as a result. Money goes where its treated best, said Cooperman. Fees are going down. Maybe the hedge fund structure is the wrong structure. On the same panel, Kyle Bass, the founder of Dallas-based Hayman Capital Management who shot to fame for correctly calling the subprime mortgage market crash in 2007, said of fees: There should be a correlation to the risk-free rate. They have to come down. Panelist Paul Brewer, CEO and CIO of London-based Rubicon Fund Management, observed that over the years the hedge fund model has changed. As firms have grown larger, the focus has shifted from performance to asset gathering, he said. Of course, these and other managers offered familiar-sounding explanations as to why the industry as a whole, and their own funds in particular, had struggled to earn returns high enough to justify their fat fees. Managers for years have bemoaned persistently low interest rates and a lack of volatility in the markets, saying these factors make it much tougher to ply their strategies. Judging by the panel discussions at SALT, managers are not expecting it to get any easier to make money, and theyre having a tough time figuring out how to position their portfolios. Nobody knows what the hell is going on, one veteran hedge fund investor told me. The conference sessions seemed to bear this out, with speakers disagreeing on whether and when a recession will take hold in the U.S., whether theres still more pain to come in China and even who will be the next U.S. president. Another investor told me that hedge fund managers have been blaming central bank policies and low volatility for their lackluster performance for years. But when managers finally got what they wanted volatility returned with a vengeance and the U.S. Federal reserve finally raised rates late last year, albeit just barely managers did even worse. This investor remarked on the bearish tone of managers at SALT and said its hard to get excited about any particular hedge fund strategies right now. Even the much-vaunted quantitative strategies, which performed well last year, are too dependent on leverage. More disturbing, this investor said, is how managers seem to be focusing on returns at all costs. Few are talking about Sharpe ratios or risk-adjusted returns, because they have to go further and further out on the risk spectrum to generate any kind of performance at all. So what does this mean? At a minimum, the hedge fund fee structure, which endured such criticism for years, is finally changing. Anthony Scaramucci, the founder of SkyBridge Capital, which manages $12.7 billion in fund-of-hedge-fund assets, says: Were in a low rate, low return environment; the fees are going to come down, no question. Im negotiating fee breaks for my clients. This new, lower-fee reality is proving hard for some managers to take. A friend of mine who is a hedge fund manager asked, Is this over? Thats where I think people get too extreme, Ted Seides, the former president and co-CIO of hedge fund investment firm Protege Partners, told me in an interview earlier this year. The glory days for the industry are over, but hedge funds are definitely not going away. You have to recognize were experiencing both secular and cyclical headwinds simultaneously. The secular challenges are real and will cause a sea change in how hedge funds are packaged for investors, but the public scrutiny has been compounded by a particularly challenging cyclical market environment. At least one hedge fund manager agrees that the hedge fund industry will weather the current storm. At a media event held in New York last week, Mark Okada, chief investment officer of Dallas-based asset management firm Highland Capital Management, acknowledged that the first quarter was traumatic for the industry, and that for past few years, its been easy to make money simply being long the stock market. But he thinks this is an increasingly risky place for investors to be. This is the best time to be thinking about getting into hedge funds, Okada said. The smart money will be smart again. I wholeheartedly believe that. I was struck by a National Geographic article this week in which author Simon Worrall admits that, although there are influential women in technology and science, the numbers are few. The same is true of space exploration, he says. All the world knows the name Buzz Aldrin. How many of us have heard of Bonnie Dunbar or Joan Higginbotham? These women were part of a group of brilliant and tenacious female mathematicians and engineers at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, California, helping man make it to the moon. With women in insurance leadership we find ourselves in similar territory. Wed like to think that much has changed for women in our industry since INN published its inaugural Women of Influence cover story some 11 years ago. But has it? In 2006, I was one of five women in the general session audience of approximately 1,000 insurance leaders at the International Insurance Societys annual meeting. Today, there are still far less females than males serving in executive leadership positions in our industry. And if we look further, this imbalance applies across all industries. 2020 Women on Boards, a national campaign to increase the percentage of women on U.S. company boards to 20% or greater by the year 2020, reveals that today, only 19 percent of Fortune 500 board seats are currently held by women. If improving the future of women in in insurance leadership sounds difficult, its not. Its just that we havent fully identified or singled out the next generation of female leaders among us -- women like Tricia Griffith, who was just named the next CEO of Progressive and is a former WIL honoree. When INNs Women of Influence cover story gave birth to INNs formal Women in Insurance Leadership (WIL) program, my colleague Carrie Burns and I (as part of our respective tenures as editor in chief) interviewed many WIL candidates. We have been privileged to get to know women who came up through the ranks within the insurance technology and business sectors to take the reins in senior management. In almost every instance, these highly regarded decision-makers made professional development, networking, career advancement and mentoring a priority. And in every case, these candidates had an advocate promoting their leadership expertise. Through those advocates, WIL has been able to single out, recognize and showcase these talented women, women who have the passion and the power to improve the future--not just for their own companies-- but for other women who are coming up through the ranks. Nominations are open for this years program. Please advocate for your preferred woman in insurance leadership, and plan to celebrate with them in Chicago on Oct. 24 and 25. Im confident that former engineers, educators and American astronauts Bonnie Dunbar and Joan Higginbotham would approve. Saranno 1,4 milioni i rifugiati che arriveranno in Europa secondo le stime dellUnchr. Per il 2015 si prevede che saranno almeno 700.000 persone in cerca di sicurezza che cercheranno di varcare le frontiere europee e per il 2016 i dati sono simili anche se ci potrebbe essere un numero maggiore di arrivi rispetto a questanno. Inoltre nel report, lo Special Mediterranean Initiative June 2015 December 2016, le stime per questanno sono state riviste al rialzo di 350.000 migranti rispetto ai valori iniziali. Nonostante laumento dei controlli e dei pattugliamenti navali, soprattutto nel corridoio centrale del Mediterraneo, sono oltre 2.900 le persone che sono morte o disperse in mare nel 2015, aggiunge il rapporto, confermando cifre gia circolate nelle scorse settimane. In mancanza di vie legali per raggiungere lEuropa, i rifugiati hanno continuato a muoversi al fianco dei migranti, con gli stessi percorsi e mezzi e di fronte a rischi e pericoli simili, si precisa sottolineando che tra i fattori alla base del maggiore movimento verso lEuropa, i rifugiati hanno indicato la perdita di speranza, gli alti costi della vita che conducono alla poverta, opportunita di sostentamento limitate e carenze di aiuto. Di fronte a misure di controllo alle frontiere sempre piu restrittive e imprevedibili nelle regioni di origine e transito, molti inoltre cadono preda di trafficanti, ricorda il rapporto. Alla luce della situazione in rapida evoluzione in Europa, e alla necessita di spostare risorse da un luogo ad un altro, in risposta al flusso di persone attualmente in cerca di protezione internazionale nella regione, lUnhcr lancia un appello ai donatori per fornire i contributi che possono essere allocati il piu flessibilmente possibile in tutta la regione. Investing in overseas instruments such as stocks and bonds, can generate substantial returns and provide a greater degree of portfolio diversification. But they introduce an added risk that of exchange rates. Since foreign exchange rates can have a significant impact on portfolio returns, investors should consider hedging this risk where appropriate. To profit or protect from changes in currencies, traditionally, you would have to trade currency futures, forwards or options, open up a forex account, or purchase the currency itself. And the relative complexity of these strategies has hindered widespread adoption by the average investor. On the other hand, currency exchange-traded funds are ideal hedging instruments for retail investors who wish to mitigate exchange rate risk. These currency ETFs are a simpler, highly liquid way to benefit from changes in currencies without all the fuss of futures or forex: You purchase them, as you would any ETF, in your brokerage account (IRA and 401(k) accounts included). Why Currencies Move Foreign exchange rates refer to the price at which one currency can be exchanged for another. The exchange rate will rise or fall as the value of each currency fluctuates against another. Factors that can affect a currency's value include economic growth, government debt levels, trade levels, and oil and gold prices, among other factors. For example, slowing gross domestic product (GDP), rising government debt, and a whopping trade deficit can cause a country's currency to drop against other currencies. Rising oil prices could lead to higher currency levels for countries that are net exporters of oil or have significant reserves, such as Canada. A more detailed example of a trade deficit would be if a country imports much more than it exports. You end up with too many importers dumping their countries' currencies to buy other countries' currencies to pay for all the goods they want to bring in. Then the value of the importers' country currencies drops because the supply exceeds demand. 1:45 Minimize Exchange Rate Risk With Currency ETFs Impact of Exchange Rates on Currency Returns To illustrate the impact of currency exchange rates on investment returns, let's go back to the first decade of the new millennium which proved to be a very challenging one for investors. U.S. investors who chose to restrict their portfolios to large-cap U.S. stocks saw the value of their holdings decline by an average of more than one-third. Over the approximately nine-and-a-half-year period from January 2000 to May 2009, the S&P 500 Index fell by about 40%. Including dividends, the total return from the S&P 500 over this period was approximate -26% or an average of -3.2% annually. Equity markets in Canada, the largest trading partner of the U.S., fared much better during this period. Fueled by surging commodity prices and a buoyant economy, Canada's S&P/TSX Composite Index rose about 23%; including dividends, the total return was 49.7% or 4.4% annually. This means that the Canadian S&P/TSX Composite Index outperformed the S&P 500 by 75.7% cumulatively or about 7.5% annually. U.S. investors who were invested in the Canadian market over this period did much better than their stay-at-home compatriots, as the Canadian dollar's 33% appreciation versus the greenback turbocharged returns for U.S. investors. In U.S. dollar terms, the S&P/TSX Composite gained 63.2% and provided total returns, including dividends, of 98.3% or 7.5% annually. That represents an outperformance versus the S&P 500 of 124.3% cumulatively or 10.7% annually. This means that $10,000 invested by a U.S. investor in the S&P 500 in January 2000 would have shrunk to $7,400 by May 2009, but $10,000 invested by a U.S. investor in the S&P/TSX Composite over the same period would have almost doubled, to $19,830. When to Consider Hedging U.S. investors who put money into overseas markets and assets during the first decade of the 21stcentury reaped the benefits of a weaker U.S. dollar, which was in long-term or secular decline for much of this period. Hedging exchange risk was not advantageous in these circumstances since these U.S. investors were holding assets in an appreciating (foreign) currency. However, a weakening currency can drag down positive returns or exacerbate negative returns in an investment portfolio. For example, Canadian investors who were invested in the S&P 500 from January 2000 to May 2009 had returns of -44.1% in Canadian dollar terms (compared with returns for -26% for the S&P 500 in U.S. dollar terms), because they were holding assets in a depreciating currency (the U.S. dollar, in this case). As another example, consider the performance of the S&P/TSX Composite during the second half of 2008. The index fell 38% during this period one of the worst performances of equity markets worldwide amid plunging commodity prices and a global sell-off in all asset classes. The Canadian dollar fell almost 20% versus the U.S. dollar over this period. A U.S. investor who was invested in the Canadian market during this period would, therefore, have had total returns (excluding dividends for the sake of simplicity) of -58% over this six-month period. In this case, an investor who wanted to be invested in Canadian equities while minimizing exchange risk could have done so using currency ETFs. Currency ETFs With currency ETFs, you can invest in foreign currencies just like you do in stocks or bonds. These instruments replicate the movements of the currency in the exchange market by either holding currency cash deposits in the currency being tracked or using futures contracts on the underlying currency. Either way, these methods should give a highly correlated return to the actual movements of the currency over time. These funds typically have low management fees as there is little management involved in the funds, but it is always good to keep an eye on the fees before purchasing. There are several choices of currency ETFs in the marketplace. You can purchase ETFs that track individual currencies. For example, the Swiss franc is tracked by the CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust (NYSE:FXF). If you think that the Swiss franc is set to rise against the U.S. dollar, you may want to purchase this ETF, while a short sell on the ETF can be placed if you think the Swiss currency is set to fall. You can also purchase ETFs that track a basket of different currencies. For example, the Invesco DB U.S. Dollar Index Bullish ETF (UUP) and Bearish (UDN) funds track the U.S. dollar up or down against the euro, Japanese yen, British pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc. If you think the U.S. dollar is going to fall broadly, you can buy the Invesco DB U.S. Dollar Index Bearish ETF. There are even more active currency strategies used in currency ETFs, specifically the DB G10 Currency Harvest Fund (DBV), which tracks the Deutsche Bank G10 Currency Future Harvest Index. This index takes advantage of yield spreads by purchasing futures contracts in the highest yielding currencies in the G10 and selling futures in the three G10 currencies with the lowest yields. In general, much like other ETFs, when you sell an ETF, if the foreign currency has appreciated against the dollar, you will earn a profit. On the other hand, if the ETF's currency or underlying index has gone down relative to the dollar, you'll end up with a loss. Hedging Using Currency ETFs Consider a U.S. investor who invested $10,000 in Canadian stocks through the iShares MSCI Canada Index Fund (EWC). This ETF seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the Canadian equity market, as measured by the MSCI Canada index. The ETF shares were priced at $33.16 at the end of June 2008, so an investor with $10,000 to invest would have acquired 301.5 shares (excluding brokerage fees and commissions). If this investor wanted to hedge exchange risk, they would also have sold short shares of the CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust (FXC). This ETF reflects the price in U.S. dollars of the Canadian dollar. In other words, if the Canadian dollar strengthens versus the U.S. dollar, the FXC shares rise, and if the Canadian dollar weakens, the FXC shares fall. Recall that if this investor had the view that the Canadian dollar would appreciate, they would either refrain from hedging the exchange risk or "double-up" on the Canadian dollar exposure by buying (or "going long") FXC shares. However, since our scenario assumed that the investor wished to hedge exchange risk, the appropriate course of action would have been to "short sell" the FXC units. In this example, with the Canadian dollar trading close to parity with the U.S. dollar at the time, assume that the FXC units were sold short at $100. Therefore, to hedge the $10,000 position in the EWC units, the investor would short sell 100 FXC shares, with a view to buying them back at a cheaper price later if the FXC shares fell. At the end of 2008, the EWC shares had fallen to $17.43, a decline of 47.4% from the purchase price. Part of this decline in the share price could be attributed to the drop in the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar over this period. The investor who had a hedge in place would have offset part of this loss through a gain in the short FXC position. The FXC shares had fallen to about $82 by the end of 2008, so the gain on the short position would have amounted to $1,800. The unhedged investor would have had a loss of $4,743 on the initial $10,000 investment in the EWC shares. The hedged investor, on the other hand, would have had an overall loss of $2,943 on the portfolio. Margin-Eligible Some investors may believe that it is not worthwhile to invest a dollar in a currency ETF to hedge each dollar of overseas investment. However, since currency ETFs are margin-eligible, this hurdle can be overcome by using margin accounts (brokerage accounts in which the brokerage lends the client part of the funds for investment) for both the overseas investment and currency ETF. An investor with a fixed amount to invest who also wishes to hedge exchange risk can make the investment with a 50% margin and use the balance of 50% for a position in the currency ETF. Note that making investments on margin amounts to using leverage, and investors should ensure that they are familiar with the risks involved in using leveraged investment strategies. The Bottom Line Currency moves are unpredictable, and currency gyrations can have an adverse effect on portfolio returns. As an example, the U.S. dollar unexpectedly strengthened against most major currencies during the first quarter of 2009, amid the worst credit crisis in decades. These currency moves amplified negative returns on overseas assets for U.S. investors during this period. Hedging exchange risk is a strategy that should be considered during periods of unusual currency volatility. Because of their investor-friendly features, currency ETFs are ideal hedging instruments for retail investors to manage exchange risk. (For related reading, see "How to Avoid Exchange Rate Risk") The beautiful Achill Island is the largest island off the coast of Ireland and shouldnt be missed on your trip to Ireland. A jewel in the crown of County Mayo, the island is home to dramatic cliffs, soaring mountains, remote lakes and secluded beaches, and connected to the mainland by the Michael Davitt bridge, some solace for those fearing a boat trip on the Atlantic. With five blue flag beaches, there are plenty of sea activities to engage in around the coast carved out by the lashings of wind and rain from the Atlantic. With the earliest signs of life on the island dating as far back as 3,000 BC, the remnants of deserted villages dotted around the island are a reminder of times passed, in particular, the remains of 100 traditional stone cottages located at Slievemore. Although it is believed that the village may have been occupied throughout several periods of history, research work on the field system surrounding the cottages suggests that it dates to at least the Anglo-Norman period (12th century). Achill has existed under the control of various kingdoms and ruling families through the centuries, the most famous of which probably being the OMalley family, whose daughter Grace OMalley, or Grainne Mhaol, was once known as the Pirate Queen of Ireland. Believed to have been born on Clare Island around 1530, her father was the chieftain of the barony of Murrisk. She became a fearless leader and controlled the waters of the western seaboard, imposing taxes and levies on all ships passing through this territory. It is even speculated she met with Queen Elizabeth I in 1593. Her familys 15th-century tower house Kildamhnait Castle can still be visited on Achill. As well as pirate Queens, off the shores of Achill is one of the speculated locations of the lost city of Atlantis. The Bills are desolated rocks nine miles from the island, standing one hundred and twenty-four feet above sea level. Some suggest that the writings of Greek writer Plato refer to an area of land just off Achill before it fell into the sea. "At that time the Atlantic ocean was navigable and there was an island greater than Libya and Asia together, he writes. On this island a very rich war-race lived; but prodigious earthquakes and deluges took place and brought with them desolation in the space of one night, so all this people were merged under the earth, and Atlantis Island itself being absorbed in the sea entirely disappeared." Coming back to the present day, the villages currently occupied on Achill are full of charming cafes and restaurants as well as cosy pubs. Be ready to run into roaring fires, thatched roofs, great pints and lively music when the Atlantic rains unleash themselves. With seafood, walking, music and sailing boat festivals taking place throughout the year, even in the depths of winter on New Years Eve you can find a crowd gathering in Achill to celebrate. As one of the most westerly points in Europe, the island provides a spectacular location to view the last sundown of the year. What do you think is Ireland's best kept travel secret? Send in your tips to submit@irishcentral.com. Turlough Hill, in northeast Clare, is the only Burren summit to have evidence of a prehistoric hilltop residence. It is one of only two hilltop settlements in Ireland (the second is in Co Sligo), which has lead archeologists to ask why did a a group people choose to stay on a mountain-top without running water 3000 years ago? NUI Galway (NUIG) archaeologist Dr Stefan Bergh describes the summit, which overlooks Galway Bay to the north and west and the Slieve Aughty mountains to the east, as Truly one of the most enigmatic places in Irish prehistory. Dr Bergh, with funding from the Royal Irish Academy, has led a three-week excavation of the settlement, which consisted of 160 circular huts, bordered by a large burial cairn and two large labyrinthine enclosures of stone. While a typical prehistoric settlement comprises two or three dwellings, the settlement on Turlough Hill is the size of a housing estate, The Irish Times reports. Most of the huts were built on top of the limestone pavement, but others have been quarried into the bedrock, which would have been less eroded and in vegetation. Along the hut edges, were set slabs of stones, and hazel posts which were possible used for skin cover. The majority of the huts have a defined entrance or are conjoined with one other in semi-detached fashion. Dr Bergh does not believe the settlement was defensive; however, the summits distinctive rim, which comprises an eight-metre-high cliff face, does serve as a type of natural moat. The larger of the two enclosures, 140m in diameter, is built some distance from the settlement. It has 10 entrances, and Dr Berth says it is not a hillfort. Its location and construction could suggest that it might have been some sort of gathering place for two different peoples, he told the Irish Times. In his view, the absence of a regular water supply and the fact that the people who lived there left little of no trace or their activities is the most curious thing about the settlement. During the three week excavation, the team has found samples of charcoal and hazelnut shells, and a hearth for cooking, but so far, no pottery or toolmaking material. Volunteers from Burrenbeo and specialists, including Swedish surveyor Dag Hammar, have been assisting the NUIG team. Normally, as archaeologists we focus on the fine detail, but in this case we are analyzing the landscape and trying to work out what these people were thinking, said Dr Bergh. Religious beliefs can drive people to extremes, but there might be another purpose for this site. He told the Irish Times that the explicit liminal location at the physical edge of the characteristic Burren landscape could have offered a symbolically charged neutral ground for activities shared with groups based elsewhere. Dr Berth has also done work at Mullaghfarna in Sligo, which has the only other known prehistoric hilltop settlement of similar size in Ireland. That settlement has about 150 circular house or hut foundations dating from the Neolithic to Bronze Age. Bundy, Gacy, Manson all of these names are well known as belonging to serial murderers, but how many people have heard of Jane Toppan, a nurse and the daughter of Irish immigrants? This Angel of Mercy, Jane Toppan, is believed to have been one of America's most prolific poisoners having killed over 100 patients. Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish! Subscribe to IrishCentral Born in Massachusetts in 1857, Toppan, who became known as Jolly Jane, attended Cambridge Nursing school and established herself as a private nurse in Boston working for some of the citys wealthiest families. It wasnt until an entire family in her care died, within weeks of each other, that her crimes surfaced. Read more: Irish "Secret Serial Killer" responsible for up to 30 London murders The first generation Irish nurse was known for her cheerful, funny demeanor, hence her nickname, but it has been said that she was the most notorious female poisoner in modern times. Its believed that she gave injections of morphine and atropine to 31 hospital patients and a suspected 70 others, killing them all, over her two-decade career. When she was finally caught she admitted that she wanted to kill others. Given her history of mental illness and suicide attempts, she won an insanity plea. She was confined to a state mental institution and died in prison 40 years later. Recently the podcast, Criminal, covered her bizarre story: Jane Toppan wasnt even her real name. She was born as Nora Kelley, in Boston, in 1854, to Irish immigrants, Bridget and Peter Kelly. She lost her mother, to tuberculosis, in infancy. Her father, a tailor, was an alcoholic who suffered with severe mental illness. He was known as Kelley the Crack and was said to have been committed to an asylum when he was found in his shop having sewn his own eyelids together. The four Kelly daughters, Nora aka Jolly Jane among them, lived briefly with their paternal grandmother but were soon sent to the local orphanage. Abner Toppan and his wife, from Lowell, MA adopted Nora in 1859. They changed her first name to Jane. As a girl, she excelled in school. She seemed completely normal before she was jilted by her fiancee, years later. This spun her into depression and Jane twice attempted suicide. She went through a period of odd behavior including believing she could predict the future through her dreams. Read more: Ireland's strangest and scariest ghost sightings and apparitions Sadly, around this time, Ellen, one of Janes sisters, joined their father in an asylum following a mental breakdown. During the 1880s Jane seemed to stabilize and signed up as a student nurse at the hospital in Cambridge. Again she excelled academically. However, her superiors were disturbed by her obsession with autopsies. She was dismissed after two patients died mysteriously. She left without her certificate but forged the paperwork and went on to find work as a private nurse. Over the next 20 years, she was hired by dozens of New England families to care for their ill and elderly. On July 4, 1901, an old friend of Janes, Mattie Davis, came to visit. She died under her care at Cambridge. Jane accompanied the body home to Cataumet, MA for burial. There she was retained as the familys nurse by the patriarch Alden Davis. By July 29 his married daughter, Annie Gordon, who had turned to the nurse in distress, was dead. A few days later Davis died of a stroke and his surviving daughter, Mary Gibbs, was dead by August 19. IrishCentral History Love Irish history? Share your favorite stories with other history buffs in the IrishCentral History Facebook group. The entire family had been wiped out in six weeks. Marys husband realized that this was no coincidence. He demanded an autopsy on the familys bodies and lethal doses of morphine were found in the three latest victims. By that point, Jane had fled back to Boston. By the time Jane was arrested in Amherst, NH on October 29, she had killed her foster sister, Edna Bannister, and she was working on another patient before the police cut her plans short. In custody, she named 31 of her victims, but its believed that her final tally was between 70 and 100. No accurate list of her victims who died in hospital was ever compiled. At that time many of the New England families wished to avoid scandal and refused requests for exhumations and autopsies. Jane was only tried for 11 murders and it was her own testimony that clinched her insanity ruling. She said, That is my ambition, to have killed more people more helpless people than any man or woman who has ever lived." Nora Kelly, Jane Jolly Jane Toppan, was incarcerated at the state asylum at Taunton, MA. She died in August 1938 at age 84. * Originally published in 2016. Postmasters are calling on the new Government to protect the future of their services. They are calling on Minister Leo Varadkar to take measures to ensure social welfare payments are made through post offices. A woman has been airlifted to hospital after being rescued from the sea in County Clare this afternoon. The woman in her 30s is understood to have gotten into difficulty while swimming near Querrin point, in the west of the county. Didi president Jean Liu said yesterday that talks began less than a month ago, when she stopped by to see Tim Cook, at Apple headquarters, in Cupertino, California. Any company named after a fruit could achieve something big, she jested during the April 20 meeting. Didis legal name, Xiaoju Kuaizhi, means little orange, she explained. The $1bn (876m) deal was announced just 22 days later. Ms Liu, a former Goldman Sachs banker, frequently meets with tech executives when she visits the US. She did not go into the meeting to ask for capital, but, rather, to discuss the China market and opportunities for co-operation. The whole deal closed in lightning speed, Ms Liu said. We were very impressed by Tim. Hes an amazing, iconic leader. There is much to gain on both sides. Didi, battling with Uber for supremacy in China, will get additional capital to expand into new cities, recruit drivers, and market to potential customers. The Apple investment will bring the amount Didi is raising, in its current round of funding, to $3bn. Apple gets a potentially lucrative investment and wins powerful allies in one of its most important markets. Didi is backed by Chinas two largest internet companies, Alibaba and Tencent. They could help Apple to market Apple Pay, and other services, as well as giving it experience in transportation, as it weighs an entry into automobiles. Getting Apple on board as a strategic investor is partly aimed at thwarting investors from putting money into Uber. Didi is targeting a valuation of $26bn, which would make it the fourth-most-valuable startup in the world, after Uber, Xiaomi, and Airbnb. Didi has been waging battle with Uber ever since it was created early last year through the merger of startups backed by Tencent and Alibaba. The combined company, then known as Didi Kuaidi, held a near monopoly on taxi-hailing and a substantial majority of private-car bookings. In May of last year, Didi announced it would give away 1bn yuan ($153m) in free rides, the first salvo in a price war with Uber that would cause both sides to burn through cash. Stop laughing now you there, in the back, stop it. Now, seriously, would you? More to the point perhaps, would a banker trust you? And what matter if they did or didnt? Generalising, how much trust do you place in your business partners up and down the supply chain? There is increasing evidence that trust matters for economic and financial outcomes. Trust is something intangible, but measurable. The World Value Survey, a survey of tens of thousands of people that is conducted every few years, includes questions on trust. Questions are along the lines of: Generally speaking, would you say that most people can be trusted, or that you cant be too careful in dealing with people? Recent work suggests that trust matters a lot. It matters in particular for trade credit, the management of payments and receivables to smooth cash flow and aid liquidity. Although unglamorous, trade credit is an essential element of company finance. Finance is used for two things investment for which bank loans, equity and other forms of long loans are optimal and liquidity for which short-term bank credit, overdrafts and trade finance are ideal. Trade credit can thus be seen as a partial substitute for other forms of finance, in particular, bank finance. Irish firms, from recent research, are especially fond of using trade credit. Evidence suggests the role of trade credit was vital to Irish SMEs during the financial crisis. US researchers have also looked at the role of trade credit in times of crisis. Across 34 countries that saw financial crises since 1990, those in countries with higher levels of social trust came out better than those with lower trust levels. They obtained more credit, had lower levels of unemployment and retained higher levels of profitability This was especially the case for those with higher liquidity needs. More generally, increased social trust has been shown to be positively associated with economic growth. Researchers have developed models of economies with low and high trust and find higher trust leads to higher investment and output. Controlling for institutional and governmental factors, African countries and India would, it is argued, have more than doubled their GDP if they displayed levels of social trust similar to Swedens. So increased or greater social trust is, economically, a good thing. The issue then for policymakers, such as the new transparent open government we are now blessed with, is how to increase or engender social trust. One way is equality. There is a bit of a chicken and egg situation here. The more equality we have, the greater the degree of social trust. It is not clear what happens to social trust when we change equality. It seems to depend on the type of equality we favour. Economic equality is to a great extent an outcome, arising from increased equality of opportunity. So where stands Ireland ? It might come as a surprise to many to know that social trust has not, so far, been eroded by the last decades of trials and tribunals. A paper last year examined the different experiences of social and political trust. The European Social Survey is a pan-European survey which is conducted every two years contains questions on social trust. With 2002 as a baseline trust in others and indeed trust in politicians was down only a little in 2012. Indeed, preliminary 2014 analyses suggest the same. Our faith in politicians and in other people has eroded only a very little. Internationally, we have quite a high degree of social trust, up there with the Scandinavians. Again, this might surprise people. Our high level of social trust is a massive asset. The evidence is strong that redistributive welfare systems, good universal education, and a strong body of political freedoms all of which we have in spades engenders social trust, which in turn feeds into economic strength. The new government should keep that in the forefront of its mind. Brian Lucey is professor of finance at the School of Business, Trinity College Dublin. A study published in the Irish Medical Journal looked at car safety usage by families attending University Hospital Limerick. It also found that most safety seats are installed by family members, which might have child safety consequences. Just over half (55%) of the parents said they read the instructions completely before installing the seat. Babies and children must use a child restraint a car seat or booster cushion, appropriate for their height and weight while travelling in a car or goods vehicle, other than a taxi. The use of car restraints reduces the risk of death in a crash by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers, while booster seat use reduces the risk of serious injury among children ages four to seven by 59%. The study, led by Paul Scully at Childrens Ark at University Hospital Limerick, found that most parents (81%) knew current safety seat legislation was based on the weight of the children. Car safety seats were used to restrain 107 of the children who were aged under 12 and the majority of the car seats (95%) were newly purchased. The results of the cross-sectional study of 60 parents with 120 children under 12 years of age in 2013 found that 99 (83%) were restrained using an appropriate safety seat for their weight. The study also found that 78% (22) used an appropriate rear-facing seat. It is now illegal to use a rearward-facing child care seat in a passenger seat protected by an airbag. The deployment of an airbag where a rearwardfacing baby seat is in place can cause serious injury to the child or even death. While Mr Shatter said it was perfectly right that garda whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe raised concerns about the force which prompted the Guerin probe the former TD also said some of these were unfounded and had wrought havoc in the lives of a number of people. Mr Shatter was speaking following the publication this week of the OHiggins report, which investigated allegations of malpractice and corruption in the force following the preliminary Guerin inquiry. While the Guerin report claimed Mr Shatter did not pay heed to Sgt McCabes concerns, a finding which resulted in the minister resigning, the OHiggins report, while it found flaws in the force, did not find adversely against Mr Shatter and in fact concluded he dealt with complaints professionally. Sean Guerin Mr Shatter is taking a court case to overturn the Guerin findings. He wrote to Taoiseach Enda Kenny this week pressing him to correct the Dail record about previously supporting Guerins findings. In a series of interviews yesterday, the former minister effectively blamed the loss of his seat in Dublin-Rathdown during the election on the Guerin findings. I have no doubt that the Guerin report did extraordinary damage to my representation and had an impact on the general election, he said. I may have still been a member of Dail Eireann. The issues arising from the Guerin report came across to the electorate when knocking on doors. It is very difficult when youre in a situation where you know you are telling the truth about matters of genuine public importance, where you understand you dealt with matters in a careful, reasoned way, to find yourself of being constantly accused of lying, accused of incompetence. Mr Shatter described how, following the publication of the Guerin report in 2014 and his resignation, that he was shouted at on the street and was the object of abuse. He said that at one point, a cyclist spat at him on the street. When my wife and I tried to get away from this and took a weeks break in France some six or seven weeks after my resignation I found myself subject to a tirade by an Irish guy on the same flight, he told RTEs Sean ORourke programme. One felt as if I had murdered someone or robbed a bank. For a period I lost faith that telling the truth mattered. While Mr Shatter said it was absolutely, perfectly right for Sgt McCabe to raise concerns, the former minister said there was no evidence for some of these allegations, stating that some were unfounded and wrought havoc in the lives of a number of people. He reiterated that Mr Kenny needed to correct the Dail record. I believe the Guerin report should be withdrawn, conclusions corrected, and the Dail record should be corrected, he said. It resulted in the condemnation of both myself and the Garda Commissioner. It resulted in my being required to resign as minister. Journalist Gemma ODoherty plans to release Mary Boyle the Untold Story next month, and has previewed 10 minutes of footage on YouTube. Retired sergeant Martin Collins and retired detective inspector Aidan Murray were both involved in the initial search for the six-year-old when she went missing from her grandparents rural Co Donegal home, in 1977. A phonecall was made. It was a politician, Mr Collins says in the footage. Mr Murray adds: I know that, as a result of that phonecall, that certain people werent allowed to be interviewed, it was all hands off them and we were to look somewhere else. Sinn Fein MEP, Lynn Boylan, raised the matter in the European Parliament last month. Six-year-old Mary disappeared in 1977, and the man whom her twin sister believes is responsible for her disappearance still lives in that community and has never been formally brought in for questioning, said Ms Boylan. Allegedly, a still-sitting politician directly intervened, and that intervention led to one of the worst police cover-ups we have seen in Ireland. To this day, there has been no inquest into Marys death, no commission of investigation, despite a formal request from the legal team. In fact, it has never even been debated in the Irish Parliament, which is why I am forced to raise it here. Six-year-old Mary Boyle has been failed by the Irish State. Mary Boyles twin sister, Ann Doherty, recently met with the Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin. However, Fianna Fail have declined to say whether Mr Martin will raise the subject of Mary Boyles disappearance in the Dail, as per Ms Dohertys request. Very serious claims of wrongdoing are being made against named individuals and these claims need to be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities, the party said. Ian Morris of The Spires, Carrignafoy, Cobh, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to having more than 2,000 images and 100 movie files of child pornography at his home on April 11, 2013. Sentencing in his case will take place on November 10 to give him an opportunity to continue with rehabilitation. Sergeant Eoin Buckley said the material was first discovered when Ian Morriss employer carried out an internal audit of employees computers as they were concerned about the alleged leaking of sensitive information from the company. When child pornography was discovered, the gardai were alerted. Sgt Buckley said officers called to the home of the accused in Cobh in April 2013 to conduct a search. He said that the search was made easier by the defendant who directed them to hard drives and particular parts of his computers where they were likely to find material. He said: 2,167 images and 107 movie files of various degrees of depravity were found. It varied from images of children standing naked to children engaged in sexual activities with children and with adults. From the moment we entered the house the defendant did not hold back, he admitted straight away that he had child pornography. Judge Sean O Donnabhain was told none of the images were generated by the defendant and he had not shared or supplied images to others. Originally from the UK, Morris has been living in Ireland for the past 15 years and ceased working with his employer as a direct result of this material being found. Sgt Buckley said the defendant lived with his wife, they do not have children and he recently suffered a heart attack. Judge O Donnabhain said: There is no doubt he has been subject to disordered thinking of longstanding which was deeply embedded. The material on his hard drive is of some considerable depravity. Significant to me in consideration of sentencing is the efforts he has made for his rehabilitation. A report on his progress in this treatment was supplied to the court by the defence barrister, Donal OSullivan, who said the accused had no previous convictions and was deeply remorseful for engaging in this activity.. The judge said: He has tried to unlock this disordered thinking. That type of engagement would not be available if I sent him to prison. It merits serious consideration of a prison sentence. This is a serious matter. Belinda OSullivan, aged 24, pleaded guilty, at Limerick Circuit Court, to robbing the wheelchair user, on May 25, 2014. Judge Tom ODonnell said OSullivan, of McGarry House, Alphonsus Street, Limerick, had an appalling record, having amassed 102 convictions. OSullivan, who knew the victim, robbed him on Lord Edward Street, Limerick, after approaching him with an accomplice. The victim, who has cerebral palsy, was asked if he needed help tying his shoelaces. OSullivan then took his wallet and struck him in the face. He became distressed and was helped by two passers-by, who called gardai. A specially trained garda and a disability advocate had to be called to deal with the man, the judge said. OSullivan initially told gardai that she was trying to help the man in the wheelchair. She later admitted robbing him and expressed remorse. Judge ODonnell praised the male victim, who, despite his difficulties, gave an excellent account of what happened to gardai. The victim felt that the accused saw him as an easy target, the judge said. Reading the mans victim-impact statement, Judge ODonnell said he was nervous for a period afterward and has started building up his confidence. OSullivan, who took ill during the sentencing hearing, also appeared in court for the activation of two previously suspended, consecutive sentences for robbery. Judge ODonnell remanded her in custody to June 1. The call comes as a report reveals that 60% of schools that participated in a Google-funded programme had little access to the technology needed to make an impact in their school. The report assessed the impact of the first year of the three-year Trinity Access 21 (TA21) programme, which aims to train teachers to teach computer science, and related topics, through a collaborative learning model. A survey of the 400 teachers and 800 students who participated in the project found that some schools had no access to wifi or the internet. One 500-student school had just one computer for every 20 students. Professor in computer science and statistics at Trinity College Dublin, Brendan Tangney, said that teachers needed comprehensive resources, whole-school supports, training, and better technology to effect change in the classroom. What we have seen, clearly, is that with the proper training, teachers are more confident in teaching CS [computer science] and STEM [science, technology, engineering, and maths] subjects to their students, said Prof Tangney. Some 63% of teachers who participated in TA21 CS workshops introduced new CS content in their classroom, but they are limited in what they can achieve under current structures. Ireland is not unique in this regard educational systems across the globe face the same challenges and, if we get it right, we are giving our young people a huge advantage in the digital age. Prof Tangney questioned if the Government was just paying lip service, when it talks about delivering broadband to every school in the country and ensuring that our young people are equipped with digital skills. Teachers also said that issues such as short class times, and a pressure to teach-to-test and prepare students for exams, limited their capacity to introduce their newfound computer science skills. The report recommends that computer science be included on the school curriculum, as a stand-alone subject, and says that it would develop students over the long-term. Managing director of EMEA SMB sales at Google, Fionnuala Meehan, said computer science must be introduced as a subject throughout the entire school curriculum, starting in primary school. At second level, CS, as a stand-alone module, must be considered, if we are to make a real difference, she said. It is shocking that there are schools today without access to the internet and wifi. Investing in technology is just one part of the equation but, equally, we must train our teachers in CS, using 21st century teaching methods, such as experiential, technology-mediated, team-based models of teaching and learning across the curriculum. Ms Meehan said initiatives announced in this weeks programme for government were a step in the right direction, but she said we needed to see more joined-up thinking across the system, if we are to effect real change in the classroom and then across our wider society. However, dreams of a long, hot summer may be premature. Met Eireann predicts it will be mostly dry this weekend, although temperatures will dip slightly tomorrow before becoming noticeably cooler on Monday. Although not as warm as yesterday, many areas will enjoy highs of up to 20C today, dropping to 2C-8C tonight with some patches of mist and fog. Today will start with a mix of cloudy and sunny spells, clearing to periods of mild sunshine. It will be mostly dry again with a mixture of sunshine and cloud. It will feel fresher fresher than yesterday, with highest temperatures ranging from 13C or 14C on east and north coasts to 18C inland, but still up to 19C or 20C locally in the South-west. Winds will be mainly light and variable. After a cool start tomorrow, the pleasant weather is expected to continue, although there is a prospect of isolated showers in the southwest of the country. However, those areas are expected to enjoy a silver lining by way of the highest temperatures nationwide. Molly Brierley enjoys an ice cream in Cobh, Co Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan It will be cooler along the north and east coasts with onshore breezes and affternoon temperatures will range from 12C to 14C. It will be milder elsewhere, with plenty of sunshine and with highs of 15C to 18C or even 19C. Monday will be milder than tomorrow, with temperatures ranging from 16C to 20C in the Midlands and along southern coasts while northern coasts will be much cooler. Dry with good spells of sunshine, though cloud will probably build in the evening, bringing some rain after dark. After a pleasant weekend, it looks like rain will return on Tuesday which will see a damp start to the day with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle as well as mist and low cloud. Students from Clare cooling off at Splash Sports, Castlegregory, Co Kerry. Picture: Domnick Walsh Brighter, fresher weather is expected to develop in the afternoon, but a few well scattered showers will also develop. Temperatures will drop along Atlantic coasts but it will still feel reasonably mild across the Midlands, South, and East. Highest temperatures will range 12C to 17C. Looking further ahead, there is little prospect of a long, warm summer, according to AccuWeather, an American company that provides commercial weather forecasting services worldwide. Its long-range forecast for Ireland and UK suggests that outbreaks of rain will prevent temperatures from rising over the summer, but southern Europe will be sweating this summer as long stretches of above-normal temperatures and dry weather dominate. Pictured enjoying the Sunshine on the old town wall overlooking the river at Bandon Co Cork was Lena and Anna and their dog Murphy. Picture: Denis Boyle High pressure sitting to the west of Ireland will keep temperatures at bay both here and in Britain. While the centre of the depressions will often pass near or north of Scotland, rain will frequent much of Ireland and the UK, with the heaviest falls expected in the North, western Scotland, and northwest England. The Independent Alliance TD last night did a U-turn and said that, while having doubts about Irish Water, he had decided to pay his water bill, as failing to do so would become a distraction to his work as minister for disabilities. The Irish Examiner has learnt that Mr McGrath, after being briefed by Attorney General Maire Whelan as well as her advisers this week, had been told there were no legal issues preventing him being a minister if he refused to pay the charges. However, after taking advice from his constituency teams in Dublin Bay North yesterday, the newly appointed minister said that he would pay his water charges by next Tuesday. He said he still had strong concerns about the way Irish Water was set up, including the affordability issues for households. Im still deeply sceptical about the motives and the ability of the service to deliver, Mr McGrath said. He said the recent Government formation deal had resulted in a mechanism to review the provision of water as well as the issue of charges. This will be debated in the Dail following the work of special commission on water charges as well their suspension for at least nine months. Mr McGrath added: I know that priorities must be set and I do not believe that my not paying the water charge at this stage will greatly alter the situation for Irish Water. It is clear to me that not paying the charge will become a significant distraction to other important work and Im determined that this will not be allowed to happen. To that end, I will now regularise my situation with Irish Water and pay my charges. His decision comes after pressure to pay the bill came from Fine Gael Cabinet colleagues, including Taoiseach Enda Kenny, as well as the fact that all other Cabinet members liable for charges have paid them. Yesterday, the Irish Examiner revealed that documents to the OHiggins inquiry show Ms OSullivan claimed Sgt Maurice McCabe was motivated by malice when he highlighted malpractice in the force while praising his actions in public. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin hit out at the commissioners reported attempt to call into question Sgt McCabes raising of allegations of wrongdoing within the force in her legal dealings with the OHiggins inquiry. Mr Martin has called on the commissioner to clarify her actions in relation to Sgt McCabe at the earliest opportunity. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Martin said: The report that there was an attempt made to impugn Maurice McCabes character and motivation at the OHiggins Commission is disappointing, disturbing and cannot be left unexplained. I think it would be useful for the Garda commissioner to clarify the report at the earliest opportunity. A Garda spokesperson said the commissioner was statute barred from commenting on the commission. Senior counsel for Ms OSullivan claimed initially that evidence would be produced to show that Sgt McCabe had told two other officers that he was making his complaints because of malice he harboured towards a senior officer. Maurice McCabe The inquiry was informed that the two officers took notes at the meeting in question. Sgt McCabe later informed Mr OHiggins he had a tape recording of the meeting in question, and following a review of that recording, no evidence to show malice was called from the two officers who were at the meeting. The Labour Party has also called for clarity as to whether the two officers who made the allegation are to face any consequence for their actions. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, a party spokesperson said: Clarity is needed as to whether the two officers referred to in the Irish Examiner story face any consequences for apparently making an allegation that was apparently immediately dropped in the face of irrefutable evidence. Independent TD Mick Wallace, who, along with fellow Independent Clare Daly, has been to the fore of raising justice issues since 2012, said the story proved that nothing has changed in the culture of Garda management. Alan Shatter, the former minister, and the former commissioner Martin Callinan went in 2014, but nothing has changed in the gardai, said Mr Wallace. It is as difficult being a whistleblower in the gardai in 2016 as it was four years ago. Mr Wallace also criticised the failure of Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to bring forward what he called genuinely reforming legislation to modernise the police force. Frances Fitzgerald A spokesman for Ms Fitzgerald said there is no question of issues of confidence in the Garda commissioner arising. READ MORE: MICHAEL CLIFFORD: Changing of the guard but where is new era? With only a week since the Government was formed, almost half of those polled also said Mr Kenny should step down now as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader. Just one in four believes the Mayo TD should stay in charge for the full term of government. The poll findings come just a week after Mr Kenny was finally voted in as Taoiseach and after he managed to get the support of a number of Independents for his Fine Gael-minority government. The Paddy Power Red C Poll also shows that around one third of respondents think Leo Varadkar, the social protection minister, is favourite to succeed Mr Kenny; while a quarter are backing the new housing minister, Simon Coveney, to take over the leadership. While support for Mr Coveney is higher among older voters, the poll found, it is stronger for Mr Varadkar in younger respondents as well as in Dublin. The findings of the poll though will not give any parties or candidates hoping for another general election any comfort. The poll suggests that, if there was another election, voters would be unlikely to decide differently to how they did on February 26. The poll, conducted this week, found that Fine Gael (27%) retains a small lead over Fianna Fail (25%), while Sinn Fein saw a small rise by 2% to 16%. Labour is at 5% a 2% drop since the election. The slow pace of government formation, if anything, appears to have affected support for Independents the most. The Red C findings show that Independents are now down four points to 9% while the Independent Alliance is down one percentage point since the election to 3%. However, the AAA-PBP, Greens, and Social Democrats saw modest increases in support since the election, with the parties now securing 6%, 4%, and 4% respectively. Support for Renua has fallen from 2% to 1%. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin came out on top as the favourite leader, followed by Mr Kenny, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, and Independent Alliance leader Shane Ross. The new poll, conducted among 1,000 voters, found that 52% of respondents had no confidence in the Government since its formation. Confidence is lowest amongst the 25 to 54-year-old age group. The poll also found that almost half of all voters (45%) do not believe the Government will last more than a year, with almost a third (31%) of Fine Gael voters feeling that this will be the case. A significant proportion of voters (61%) believe that Irish Water should now be abolished, while more than two thirds (71%) also believe that those who have paid their water charges to date should be refunded. Only around a third of voters (34%) feel that those who havent paid should be pursued through the courts for payment. Surprisingly, well over half of voters (59%) suggest that they would pay water charges in the future if they were re-introduced. He said 400,000 households in the UK and Ireland are supported by the trade between both countries. How would those household incomes fare under new trade arrangements if the UK left the EU? There are a myriad of different trading models that could be put in place, he told a Bloomberg Brexit forum. Mr Kenny said he would be travelling to the UK and the North in the coming weeks to highlight the advantages of remaining in the EU. Just spoke to @BloombergTV on the importance of the U.K. remaining in the EU from Ireland's point of view. pic.twitter.com/gxEKmvRagn Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) May 13, 2016 Each of the alternatives would impede not improve trade flows, he said. In an appeal to the Irish living in Britain, he added: First and foremost, we want the UK to remain a part of a strong EU and work with us to make it better. Second, Ireland will remain a committed member of the EU, regardless of the outcome of the UK referendum. Third, we will preserve the strength of the British-Irish relationship that has been carefully fostered over the years. Meanwhile, British ex-pats in Ireland have until Monday to register online for a postal vote in the Brexit referendum. It is estimated around 50,000 British people live in Ireland and are entitled to vote in the referendum. The British expatriate community here is the second- largest in Europe after Spain To ensure their postal vote is received and returned on time, British voters had been advised to register online before this Monday. Postal votes will be sent out between May 23 and May 27. British Prime Minister David Cameron with Enda Kenny A survey of eligible voters by the UK electoral commission showed 30% unsure of the rights of overseas voters, while 20% thought they were not entitled to vote. Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes said: The research shows that 50,000 British expats living in Ireland are not aware that its possible to vote in the upcoming European referendum. If you are a British citizen living in Ireland, who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years, you are entitled to vote. The whole process takes five minutes. Ibrahim Halawas family and supporters are holding an awareness day on Dublins Grafton St to allow people to see pictures of him and to learn about his detention. Arrested in Cairo, aged just 17, in the midst of protests over the ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood, Ibrahim has been held for three years and is due to face justice as part of a mass trial in late June. To mark the 1,000 days, his family have released a section of a letter Ibrahim wrote to them in the last week. He wrote: One thousand days with 1,000 different stories. Sadly, not the type of joy, laughter and smiles. But, rather, the type full of suffering, pain, torture, tears, abuse, suicide, and death. One thousand days that have felt like 1,000 years. Not only for me, but for hundreds behind bars. One thousand days for something I believe: people should be able to live just as I do back home, in a free, democratic country. One thousand days and 1,000 more, if it takes to be free. Some have lost hope and written THE END on their story, but I leave many blank pages to be filled. Pic: Amnesty International Ireland The Halawa family insist his imprisonment is unlawful and unjust. One of Ibrahims sisters, Somaia, said: We want to come together to show Ibrahim our support and that we havent forgotten him. We also want to call on an end to this nightmare. We call on more serious, and assertive, action to be taken to help free Ibrahim. The Halawas insist that Ibrahim has been jailed without a fair trial and no adequate access to a lawyer, and claim he has been electrocuted, beaten, spat on, and moved without his familys knowledge. They have also criticised the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs for what they claim is a softly, softly approach by diplomats with Egyptian authorities. Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has ordered talks, amid the controversy of Ibrahim being moved from prison to prison, and sent Irelands ambassador to Egypt, Damien Cole, to discuss the matter with officials in Cairo. He has also brought in the Egyptian ambassador, Soha Gendi, in Dublin, as part of the diplomatic process. Ibrahims family have set up an information stall on Grafton Street to create awareness of his plight. Lynn Boylan, Sinn Fein MEP and one of their most vocal supporters, called on Ireland to seek Mr Halawas release under a presidential decree. I am asking the incoming government, and, in particular the new independent ministers, to intercede on Ibrahims behalf. Yannick Wolfe, of 33 Annalee Grove, Mayfield, Cork, appeared for sentencing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, having pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Kyle Corcoran on September 20, 2014, at Annalee Grove. He wore a white Liverpool FC tracksuit top for his court appearance. Det Sgt Mike Hogan said Wolfe went to the home of his ex-partner and took exception to the fact his son was wearing a Man Utd jersey and got into a row with Mr Corcoran, who was outside the house at the time. Defence barrister Peter OFlynn sought an adjournment of sentencing for a probation report on Wolfe. Judge Sean O Donnabhain said: Anyone stupid enough to get into a row about a Man Utd jersey does not deserve a probation report maybe a psychiatric report. Det Sgt Hogan said Wolfe, 29, got into a row with Mr Corcoran. Wolfe then picked up a childs hurley and struck Mr Corcoran in the neck and in the right side of his cheek. The accused made full admissions in relation to the assault as soon as he was questioned by gardai. The victim impact statement revealed that Mr Corcoran had to have two metal plates inserted in his cheek and, in the course of continuing treatment, he will have to have four teeth removed. Mr Corcoran said in his victim statement that he had given up hurling as a result of his injuries. Judge O Donnabhain said he would adjourn sentencing of Wolfe until the October sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court to give him an opportunity to gather compensation. Dr Kelleher said a teenager who had contracted the disease was fine and all known relevant contacts with the person had been notified and advised of the risk. We are being very cautious in this instance because measles is potentially a serious condition, he said. We are currently very close to eliminating measles here in Ireland. Dr Kelleher said most people had nothing to worry about because the vast majority of the population have been fully vaccinated. He said the teenager, who had started to become ill around the May bank holiday weekend, had been in Dublin and Kerry. Because it is not possible to accurately identify all those likely to have been exposed, the HSE wanted to highlight the signs and symptoms of the disease. Measles is a highly infectious illness and spreads easily. Babies under 12 months are most at risk because they cannot have the vaccine. People at risk of measles are those who did not have the virus in the past or did not receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Dr Kelleher said control of measles in Ireland had been very successful and said most of the recent cases could be linked to people coming from outside the country with measles. There had been an outbreak of measles in north Dublin in 2011 but, since then, the number of cases had fallen. There are only a handful of cases each year and, so far in 2016, there have been two cases. Ireland is striving to eliminate measles entirely and prevent onward transmission, he said. Dr Kelleher said anyone with measles should stay at home, take paracetamol, rest, and drink lots of fluid. They should also phone their GP and explain that they may be at risk of measles. More than 60 cases of measles were reported in London earlier this year, a period when there would usually be fewer than 10. Measles fact file The man and woman have refused to engage with education and welfare authorities. They had initially faced prosecution after their elder son, in his mid-teens, failed to return to school from September 2014 to May 2015. He returned in September last year but additional charges were brought in relation to their younger sons education. The Dublin District Court case has been brought by Tusla Child and Family Agency (CFA). The married couple could be fined up to 1,000 and jailed for a month if convicted of breaking the Education (Welfare) Act by not complying with an official warning about school attendance. The parents claim the child is too ill to attend but they would not allow the CFA permission to verify this with their doctor. They initially signed consent forms but later withdrew their consent. The court heard the boy was taken out of school by his parents after an allegation was made against his teacher. Gardai and social services investigated and believe the allegations were unfounded, a senior social worker told Judge John ONeill. Attempts were made to interview the child in relation to the claims and gardai concluded there was no substance to the allegation. The teacher has since returned to work. The mother claims her son has been traumatised, is ill, and cannot return to school. An education and welfare officer told the court the mother refused to grant permission to contact the family GP to find out if anything is wrong with the child. The court heard the family would not engage with Tusla and would not attend appointments with school attendance officers. An offer of home tuition could not be followed up on because the parents would not allow the social workers to speak with their doctor about the child. Social services also have concerns about the parents cognitive ability and about the mothers mental health. A senior social worker, based in Dublin, said a case conference about whether the children should remain in the care of the parents is the next step. There are child neglect concerns which have been referred to gardai. Judge ONeill heard the 13-year-old has learning difficulties. Tusla is concerned that he has been out of school for four years. It is a huge amount of time, he was last in school when he was nine; he is now 13, the social worker told the court. Our priority is the fact he has no interaction with peers; he is in the house on a full-time basis, obviously spending a lot of time with his mother, and I have huge concerns for his emotional wellbeing and the impact of that as well. Dorothy Ware, solicitor for the CFA, told Judge ONeill that two more witnesses are to give evidence. The case resumes in June. Newly appointed Fine Gael and Independent ministers are now assembling teams of background staff, press advisers and special advisers to help ease them into the job and avoid any embarrassing political blunders. Finian McGrath, Shane Ross, Mary Mitchell-OConnor, Simon Harris, Michael Creed, Katherine Zappone, and Denis Naughten will all be hiring a new team to work closely with them. One of the more familiar faces to take up a new advisory role is newscaster Alan Cantwell who has left TV3 to become director of communications for Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell OConnor. Mary Mitchell OConnor Announcing his new job Mr Cantwell tweeted: Have resigned my position at TV3. Appointed to position at Dept. Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation. The news anchor quit TV3 in 2011 after 14 years but returned to the station last September and led the election coverage. Have resigned my position at TV3. Appointed to position at Dept. Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation. Alan Cantwell (@alanrantwell) May 12, 2016 Another person from the world of media and tipped for an advisory position is Bob Hughes. The former TV3 senior executive has been linked to the deputy government press secretary position which the Independent Alliance are hoping to choose. Also in the running for the position is media lawyer Tony Williams who helped guide Shane Ross and the Independent Alliance through government negotiation talks with Fine Gael. Fine Gaels head of press and communications, Stephen OShea, is to move to the Department of Justice and will act as press adviser for Frances Fitzgerald. Mr OShea previously worked an adviser to Lucinda Creighton Disabilities Minister Finian McGrath has appointed Independent Dublin city councillor Damien OFarrell as his press adviser. Simon Harris has yet to appoint his advisers at the Department of Health. The president of the Irish Fertility Society (IFS), John Waterstone, has said the increasing commercialisation of assisted reproduction urgently needs to be tackled through regulation. It is all too easy to attract patients by quoting inflated and unsubstantiated success rates and then relieve them of thousands more euro than they had anticipated spending, said Dr Waterstone. This can be achieved by suggesting a variety of add-ons to IVF treatment all expensive but none likely to increase the chance of taking home a baby. Some of the tests and treatments Dr Waterstone was referring to included tests for immune problems, IMSI (intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection), embryos being placed in a time lapse incubator, and routine pre-implantation genetic screening. In his speech to the 10th annual conference of the IFS, the medical director of the Cork Fertility Centre also harshly criticised the Child and Family Relationship Bill (CFRB) as flawed legislation and a missed opportunity and warned it will be constitutionally challenged. The CFRB, as originally drafted, set out to clarify the legal parentage of children born after surrogacy and donor conception, said Dr Waterstone. The bill failed to confine itself to simple specification of legal parenthood. The bill which emerged is so draconian in its efforts to ban anonymous donation that it threatens the funda-mental rights of subfertile couples to privacy and autonomy and is unlikely to withstand constitutional challenge. He also accused the Department of Health of locking fertility experts out of the crucial stages of the consultation process leading up to the drafting of the CFRB and assisted reproduction guidelines. A meeting between department representatives and fertility professionals took place in July last year and amounted to little more than a window-dressing exercise, he said. Dr Waterstone also warned that, in the past two years, fertility clinic sare increasingly under foreign ownership. Increasingly, it seems, IVF units will be under foreign ownership: Will their raison detre be to maximise profits for investors or to optimise care of patients? said Dr Waterstone. New figures show that the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (Mabs) has used the debt relief notice (DRN) scheme to secure 238,000 in debt write-offs for 17 qualifying clients who engaged with its Cork City service alone in the first quarter of the year. It is one of the highest rates of DRN write-offs in the country. The individual write-offs ranged from 3,000 for one client to 32,000 for another. Cork Mabs co-ordinator Margaret ONeill described the DRN scheme as a golden ticket for people struggling with unsecured debt. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime golden ticket. You can simply walk away from the debts. There are no hidden strings. This is a means to a fresh start, she said. We all know the symptoms of carrying problem debt. When this kind of unsecured debt becomes unmanageable, people need support. This scheme is aimed at people trying to get their life back on track, and can provide for full relief of burden debt up to a maximum of 35,000. The DRN scheme is part of the Governments insolvency legislation introduced in 2012. It is designed for people who have less than 35,000 in qualifying debt such as Revenue, credit card and utility bills, bank, credit union, or money lender loans, and other forms of unsecured debt, and who have few assets and a low income. Applicants cannot have an interest in property, and must be living in rented accommodation or with their parents. Ms ONeill said people who apply to Mabs to avail of the scheme will meet with one of their approved intermediaries who assess each case individually. Subject to certain criteria, successful applicants must agree to certain obligations for three years, after which the debts are simply written off, thanks to an agreed protocol with the Irish Banking Federation Institute. Ms ONeill said the DNR scheme is just one of the many free and confidential debt solutions provided by Mabs. We are the gateway to debt solutions. For some people, the DRN is the perfect solution, but there are others, she said. New figures show that Mabs is also negotiating with lenders on behalf of 1,440 long-term mortgage arrears householders. Mabs staff have been attending all repossession hearings since last October 1 and are now seeing more referrals from the courts to their dedicated mortgage arrears advice team. Mabs national development officer Michael Culloty said these specialist mortgage advisers are giving people in mortgage distress a fighting chance. It is evident that even at a late stage, deals can be put in place that will keep people in their homes, he said. However, he said that, in other cases, lenders need to get real in terms of their expectations and demands. Unfortunately, some lenders and credit servicing firms have their eye only on the rising property market and, where there is an amount of equity in the property, some seem fixated on getting their hands on an appreciating asset no matter what the cost to the homeowner, he said. Mabs can be contacted on 0761 072000 or through its website, www.mabs.ie. Solicitor Tony McLynn, who acts on behalf of the anonymous winner, said the principal sum, plus interest, would be paid out. My client is happy with the outcome and will, in due course, at an appropriate and convenient time for all, collect the money, said the Athlone-based solicitor. Everybody is happy now. The matter has been resolved, he said. The solicitor said his client was disappointed that Premier Lotteries Ireland, the licensed operator of the National Lottery, had commented on the matter. Mr McLynn said comments made by PLI that the money had not been paid and that it was continuing to engage with the ticket-holder had fuelled speculation and rumour in the past number of weeks. He said the privacy, security, and wellbeing of all winners should be of paramount concern. The National Lottery said it always worked to ensure due process in its claims procedure and never commented on the specifics of individual claims. Mr McLynn said that anything raised had been addressed and all parties were now happy to move on from the matter. Meanwhile, a family in Doneraile, Co Cork, nearly missed out on a 500,000 Euromillions win. The winning ticket nearly ended up in the bin but the wife decided to do a double-check on the numbers. Another lucky punter from Dublin won almost 30,000 on two Daily Millions bets placed on Friday. Both winners want to remain anonymous. Pandora Panti Bliss aka Rory ONeill Queen of Ireland and accidental activist who has been voted 29th most influential person in the world by Time magazine "Looking back now, I remember the day of the result as a spectacularly happy day. Even the weather played ball. The pictures were sun-drenched and lovely. "Taking a longer view, though, I did not enjoy the campaign. It was difficult and depressing at times. People were saying horrible things the ether was full of that, but it all turned out good in the end. The result has meant a huge amount to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people. After all the dirty laundry had been washed in public, they [the Irish people] said it very clearly we are actually fine with gay people. "It meant a huge amount to me. Before that, the Irish people were kind and generous but I was never entirely sure where LGBT people stood. "The result copper-fastened it and defined where we stood. It was a weight off my shoulders. We could draw a line under that and move on. There has been a very noticeable change. People are holding hands in a way they did not before. They feel more confident. "Before, you might be a little worried that someone would shout out something at a bus stop and that the other people would secretly agree with them, but not now. A lot of LGBT people want to get married and we have equality under the law now. Marriage was not something I imagined for myself, but you never know. "I wouldnt rule it out. And yet 37% of people voted against. Hearts and minds change slowly and there are still issues. "There is trouble on the streets there are still eejits out there, but they are in the minority. However, [the referendum] has made an incredible difference. "Last week, I was doing my show in Sarajevo and there had been attacks against the gay community there, which is tiny. It reminded me how lucky I am to live here and it made me very proud of the progress we have made since the late 80s. Part of that progress is down to Pantis role as an accidental activist. The Queen of Ireland has just been voted the 29th most influential person in Time magazines worldwide Top 100 list, but shes not letting the result go to her head: Its just a bit of fun. I am not taking it seriously. I am 47 and I am doing the things I have always done. The fact that more people are interested now is lovely. Michael Murphy Broadcaster, psychoanalyst, author RTE newsreader Michael Murphy with Terry OSullivan As the results started to come in, we did a conga in celebration around a table in the Ardilaun Hotel. As it happened, Terry and I were in Galway with Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, who brought in the legislation de-criminalising homosexuality. Michael Murphy plans to marry his civil partner Terry OSullivan later this year because he says its important to honour those results. In this extract from his poem A Vote for Love, from his latest poetry collection A Chaplet of Roses, he sums up what the vote means to him. A Vote for Love The people of Ireland have voted for me A homosexual man They recognised my place They set me in a broad street Irish people brought the new law into being That I have an equal right To marry the person of my choice They redeemed the word love in humanitys constitution They flew from Ghana and Los Angeles To cast a ballot for their faggot family From Hong Kong and San Francisco To demand freedom for their queer friends I watched the televised map turn green As the chakra of the heart began to flow The floodgates of Dublin Castle opened after the vote And a rainbow of language inundated Dame Street Men holding hands with men Women holding hands with women Men and women holding hands Lovers out in public walking above ground The people of Ireland have voted yes for everyone They accepted into words what was not spoken They acknowledged men and women who are Irish and gay We cast a vote for love We changed the landscape We made a space on this tiny isle of saints and scholars For the world Colm OGorman Amnesty director Colm OGorman married Paul five years ago in New York. He says there was an energy around this referendum. People had a stake in it and they were voting for the kind of society they wanted. I will never forget the conversations I had with people around the country in the run-up to the marriage referendum. It was joyful, inspiring, uplifting. "On voting day, I rang my husband Paul and said if, at any stage, you need a pick-me-up, look at #hometovote. I started to bawl and he told me to find a quiet room when I got to work and to lie down for 20 minutes. We saw the messages that were coming in on social media. I knew we were going to win. "There was such generosity and humanity in people. It was so rich. I felt validated; I dont mean as a gay man I havent needed that for many years but it was so wonderful to be so connected. There was an energy around this referendum. People had a stake in it and they were voting for the kind of society they wanted. I married Paul five years ago in New York. Weve been together 17 years but when [Justice Minister] Frances Fitzgerald signed the commencement order [for the Marriage Act 2015 on November 10 last year], she made the marriage legal with the stroke of that pen. Were an old married couple now. For others, OGorman recalls, the referendum meant looking out the window and seeing that the two guys up the road had just passed by holding hands. They were able to just be who they were. A week before [the vote], they did not feel able to do that. Others still had to reveal a huge vulnerability, in essence asking people: Will you give me permission to marry the person I love. It was not exposing for me. Ive spoken about sexual violence, so it was great to talk about something so positive. And it was overwhelmingly positive for the most part. OGorman says his children, Safia, 17, and Sean, 19, talk about same-sex relationships among their friends in exactly the same way that they talk about heterosexual relationships. But we still have a way to go. It will take time for what that moment means to filter through. It will undoubtedly have an effect but not overnight. Things are changing, but its not the same for everyone, everywhere. Maria Walsh Former Rose of Tralee, businesswoman and journalist Maria Walsh had to remain apolitical during the campaign as reigning Rose of Tralee. The marriage referendum was very, very important to me. I would like to get married and have kids when I meet the right partner, or even on my own. Im 29 now and single but Ive always had motherly instincts. Because I was Rose of Tralee during the campaign, I had to remain apolitical. However, I travelled to over 150 schools around the country during that year and I really focused on my LGBT story so that I could up open the discussion around sexuality and so that people could ask questions. I was in Perth for the vote itself and it might be a regret that I will have for the rest of my life that I was not [at the count centre] in Dublin Castle. But it was really special in Perth too. "I was with a number of Irish gay people who had moved away from Ireland because they never felt comfortable here. I see a big change among younger people. They are comfortable talking about their sexuality and that is remarkable. I am so glad too for the older generation, people like David Norris and [new TD] Katherine Zappone who have put so much of themselves on the line for this campaign. We are the ones in the middle; the forgotten ones. I never had to question whether my parents would accept me. That was true for my younger brother too. "Mikey is gay I have two brothers and one sister and 50% of us are gay! But a number of LGBT friends have suffered. Some people are fine until it comes to their own door, then it becomes a different beast to tackle. The fact that the referendum was passed is overwhelming. It got rid of the perception of Ireland as an archaic, Catholic country. "I always wished we had more stories about being gay when I was growing up but young people have that now. They can feel comfortable in their own skins and they have the opportunity to express themselves. Margot Slattery CEO Sodexo and one of the Top 50 LGBT business leaders in the Out at Work list Sodexo Irelands Margot Slattery: It was wonderful to be able to celebrate her civil partnership with family. The referendum changes everything. It means I have a status. That we [Margot and her civil partner Sarah Barry] have a part to play in things. Our coupledom is recognised. "Everything about our life is protected. We will most definitely get married. That is very important. We had a big day for our civil partnership but we will do something maybe next year. Its a long way from the days when she would talk about her weekend at work playing the pronoun game; trying not to say whether she spent the weekend with a she or a he. Now, shes a champion of workplace diversity and as CEO of the 1,800-employee Sodexo, has been listed among the Top 50 LGBT business leaders in the Out at Work list for the second year running. Its important to be a role model in my work. There were few women out. That is very dispiriting. "Gay women in Ireland would have felt financially disadvantaged or nervous about coming out in case it would have an economic impact or damage them professionally. During the referendum, I was working to try to get business behind the campaign. It was really positive. She was campaigning on the streets too and although that was mostly positive most people were really warm and positive, saying: I dont know why you are even asking: Its a given there were some awful nasty comments and name-calling too, albeit from a minority. What has been most heartening, is the acceptance from friends and family in her native Bruff, Co Limerick. That support predates the referendum, but she says it was wonderful to be able to celebrate her civil partnership ceremony with family. It was absolutely amazing. We celebrated with our families. Older aunts were giving us big hugs. We had only laterally come out to our aunts. They had a real about turn. I would like to think that the referendum has normalised [same-sex relationships] for people. A gay couple is just doing their own thing. But she says, there is more to do, referencing an attack on a woman in Dublin recently and a study showing many LGBT people are self-harming. The hate and prejudice has not gone away. I think it will take a number of years to come to terms with it. Its a journey. However, I see the change in my own nieces and nephews. "They are 100% behind us. Also my aunt and 95-year-old uncle. That is so affecting. We have come such a long way. The move will allow the addition of 15 new staff within 12 months, bringing the total number to 45, at the dealership which with Macroom Motors has been part of the Toyota family since 1975. With an investment of over 5million, the new space covers 35,000 square feet. The 12 vehicle showroom will feature the new Toyota retail concept which delivers customers a new immersive retail experience, delivering a combination of physical, human and digital touch points for a more seamless experience. As the acknowledged leaders in hybrid technology, six hybrid models are now available across the Toyota range which will be on show and available to test drive at the new Airport Road dealership. These include the new RAV4, Auris, Prius and Yaris. Lehane Motors opening is happening just prior to the arrival of the new Hilux in June, as well as the new Proace and C-HR SUV which will be arriving in Ireland later this year. Lehanes will also showcase the full range of Lexus vehicles. Lexus is leading the way in the premium car market with the introduction of hybrid technology across its entire range, which coupled with its cutting edge L-Finesse design, continues to attract fans nationwide. The exciting new Lexus RC F sport coupe and the Lexus RX mid-sized luxury crossover SUV will both be highlights on show for customers. According to Steve Tormey, CEO Toyota Ireland said his company was very proud of Lehane Motors new Dealership in Cork. This will be an exciting opening as customers will have the chance to experience the Toyota retail concept as well as test driving the newest in hybrid technology across both Toyota and Lexus brands, he commented. For his part, dealer principal John Lehane said the company was delighted to make the move into our new space on the Airport Road. Were also very excited to introduce 15 new staff members to the Lehane team, all of which will be on hand to deliver the top class service our customers have become accustomed to. "The new space will be a welcome change for the team as we move into a brand new bigger showroom, which now allows us to take on board the new Toyota retail concept. "Were looking forward to welcoming our new and existing customers at the Airport Road showroom, he said. THE events of the past week have shown one thing very clearly. Fine Gael, as a party in Government, have learnt nothing from the general election and at the very top the arrogance that cost them so many seats in February remains deeply embedded. Two different issues Finian McGraths water charges and the OHiggins report have illustrated once again why Enda Kenny was his partys greatest impediment to electoral success. Arrogance! Firstly, their treatment of junior minister Finian McGrath over his decision to not pay his water charges, which he yesterday paid to avoid 'distraction'. Once it emerged that McGrath had not paid his water charges on a point of principle, a queue of eager Fine Gael ministers lined up to berate their new Cabinet colleague and high handedly tut-tutted at him, as if he were a naughty school boy. Kenny, Simon Coveney, Simon Harris, Frances Fitzgerald, Michael Creed, and Regina Doherty all turned on their ministerial equal Finian McGrath, stating that he needed to lead by example and pay his water charges. They gave soon to be junior minister John Halligan similar treatment over his similar refusal not to pay. While many people will disagree with their decision not to pay their water charges, McGrath and Halligans position has been made legitimate by the series of cock-ups Kenny and his gang of loyal followers made of Irish Water. John Halligan speaking to Angela Keating while seeking votes in Waterford City. Picture: Patrick Browne The decision by Fine Gael to concede on the issue of suspending water charges to Fianna Fail further legitimised McGraths position, as did the refusal of both parties to reduce the 500 minimum level at which enforcement proceedings can be brought. Given the caps on charges, this decision meant that anyone who has not paid their water charges to date is still under the 500 level and is therefore free from prosecution. Had the system remained intact then their condemnations would have some credibility, but it hasnt and their position rings hallow. But, in truth, Fine Gael know this. So what was the ganging up on Finian all about? It smacked of schoolyard bully boy tactics, a first week hazing for the new boy in the class. And their actions cut little ice with Halligan who let fly at his soon to be ministerial colleagues. Speaking to me on Wednesday, a defiant John Halligan told arrogant Fine Gael ministers to shut their mouths and leave him and McGrath alone over their refusal to pay water charges. Halligan singled out comments by new chief whip Regina Doherty earlier in the week as most unhelpful. Doherty told TDs who havent paid their water bills to do so as they wont magically disappear. Fine Gaels Regina Doherty at Leinster House, Dublin. Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins Halligan did not pull his punches. I dont know what they are at. They should have shut their mouths on it and consulted with us first. It is only creating tension and showing a type of arrogance again, he said. He argued Fine Gael knew his position and that of McGrath in relation to water charges during the negotiations. Halligan said he hasnt paid any water charges as he hasnt been billed, but that he is opposed to the principle of paying water charges. It is interesting in that I havent even been billed. I wouldnt pay it anyway being honest. I think there are two issues. When they were negotiating this Programme for Government with us and ministerial positions, they knew our positions on this, well. It is also a newly structured Dail with the whip being removed on votes of conscious and so on. We are only obliged to support the Government on votes of confidence and the budget, he added. When they were offering Finian McGrath a ministry, they knew he hadnt paid his water charges, he had been saying it in the Dail, the Waterford TD said. Repeatedly, the Independents have spoken positively of the engagement they had with people like Coveney, Harris, and Paschal Donohoe in the talks but how appalled they were at Kennys attitude toward them and that of his inner team. They would look down their noses at us, as if we were dirt. An inconvenience. Kenny made no secret of his distaste for our lot, one Independent Alliance source told me yesterday. Last Tuesday, Kennys press spokesman told a briefing of political correspondents that the decision of Alan Shatter to resign as minister was entirely his own. That is simply not true. Shatter himself has stated as much as recently as yesterday. I was left with no option to resign, he said when speaking about his meeting with Kenny on the publication of the now maligned Guerin report in May 2014. Alan Shatter Shatter had asked for 24 hours to read the Guerin report, but Kenny turned him down saying he would not be able to express confidence in him in the Dail later that day. Shatter has said Kenny told him the future of the Government rested on his decision. A fait accompli and it is now apparent Kenny forced Shatters resignation in order to save his own skin and that of the Government. Shatter, who had become embroiled in a series of controversies in the months running up to his resignation, simply lost the confidence of his leader who himself was under pressure. You see, given the crises, Kenny himself had taken effective control of justice matters, and it was his actions which led to the early resignation of Martin Callinan the then Garda Commissioner. These were actions taken without the knowledge of his then Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and were done in a bid to try and contain the political fallout. Like Shatter, Callinan was given the warning that Kenny and his government would not be able to express confidence in him and duly he fell on his sword. The Fennelly inquiry found that Mr Kenny did not intend to put pressure on Mr Callinan to retire but also said it was reasonable for Mr Callinan to conclude he should consider his position. Martin Callinan A statement that could be read both ways, and most certainly it is reasonable to conclude at a minimum that Kenny did not go out of his way to support the beleaguered police chief. With justice matters set to dominate the political agenda when the 32nd Dail begins in earnest on Tuesday, Kenny will be absent from the theatre, as he will be on his way to the United States. It will be for his new Tanaiste, Frances Fitzgerald, to hold the fort and defend the line for her boss. She will have to clarify several matters. Firstly, does Enda Kenny intend apologising to Callinan and Shatter for forcing their exits. Secondly, does he accept he misled the Dail, as charged by Shatter yesterday. The Taoiseach has become a virtual recluse in recent times, with a brief doorstep at a book launch his only main media engagement of note in several weeks. He didnt even feel the need to hold a press conference to launch the programme for Government, as has been the norm since time immemorial. Kenny is a deeply wounded political leader but his actions of the past week have shown that he and many of those around him, have failed to learn the lessons of why so many people didnt vote for him. To make matters even stranger, this outrageous departure from the norm took place in front of a group of angry people who had felt disempowered, short-changed and blackguarded. The matter at hand was one that is no longer alien in this country. A development of apartment blocks built during the boom were found to be dangerously deficient. A number of major fire safety issues were uncovered. Residents and owners at the Ath Leathan development outside Dundalk were told last month by the Louth fire officer that if remedial work isnt done, their homes will have to be evacuated. The cost of the remedial work is estimated at 1.4m. Sound familiar? A similar scenario arose last year in the Longboat Quay development in Dublins docklands. Dublin Fire Brigade obtained a fire safety order requiring remedial works to be completed or the 600 residents would have to evacuate their homes. The work is estimated to cost about 2.5m. There have been others. In March 2015 a fire in a housing complex in Newbridge Co Kildare saw a terrace of six homes burnt to the ground in less than half an hour. That prompted an investigation into how the homes on the estate, Millfield Manor, were built. Major fire safety defects were uncovered. Work to make the homes safe will cost each homeowner around 30,000. In Ratoath, Co Meath residents in the Riverwalk Court complex have been told their homes are not safe. Riverwalk Court was built by Michael Ryan, a developer who hit the headlines in 2013 when he was charged with bribing a county councillor. He was acquitted of the charge; although in a separate trial the councillor, Fred Forsey, was convicted of receiving a bribe. The owners in Riverwalk Court have been engaged in a seven-year battle to have repair work done on their homes. Initially, water ingress was the problem, but looking behind the walls to tackle that issue led to the discovery that there were also major fire safety defects. Most of the above developments feature in a programme I made with producer/director Lydia Murphy airing on TV3 on Monday. Firetrap Homes examines these cases, which were first highlighted in this newspaper, and asks how did it happen; how much more of it is out there; and, most crucially, could it happen again. In March 2015 a fire in a housing complex in Newbridge Co Kildare saw a terrace of six homes burnt to the ground Ath Leathan doesnt feature on the programme, but the manner in which that story is progressing certainly differs from all others, as evidenced by the strange goings-on at that meeting last Tuesday. The owners and residents were gathered in the Ballymascanlon Hotel to see where they can go from here. Unusually for matters such as this a representative for the developer, McGreevys, which built the estate, actually attended. Not only that, Bill Davidson from McGreevys told the gathering that mistakes were made in the construction and would be rectified. Speaking on LM/FM, Alan Grehan of the management company for the development said Mr Davidson held his hands up. He ran through what he had done, Grehan said. He had spoken to the fire officer, he had engaged with the original design team and he had engaged with other professionals. They did agree that mistakes had been made by a number of people in the development. They categorically stated that they would put it right. In my experience of covering these stories over the last three years the first instinct of any developer is to deny culpability. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility the deficiencies are attributable to something other than construction, but adopting a position of nothing to do with me, guv is more rule than exception. In the case of Longboat Quay, developer Bernard McNamara put many of the problems down to wear and tear. Mr McNamara is currently in negotiations with Dublin City Council on how to address the repair work but he does not accept culpability for the deficiencies. In Millfield Manor, a spokesman for Paddy Byrne told the programme that the homes that were completed and sold have been the subject of extensive inspections and reports by Kildare County Councilwhich has given no rise to issues in relation to compliance with building regulations. One might well read into that that any problems should be laid at the door of the county council. Up in Ratoath, the developer is now after a long battle by residents assisting in having the remedial work done, but he does not accept culpability. How much more of it is out there? That is the great imponderable. The cases that have come to light have done so for specific reasons. In a few instances it involved a receiver for a number of apartments employing a consultant to ensure that everything was ok. In Newbridge it was the fire that prompted investigation. It is next to impossible to know how much more of it is out there. We do know Nama has spent more than 100m in addressing deficiencies in properties it has taken over. There is also a lack of willingness on the part of owners to find out whether their properties have major deficiencies because it could turn out to be expensive. Most of the problems arise in apartments, which are used by most owners as a transient station before moving onto a house. Who wants to find deficiencies in a home that might devalue it? A similar approach is taken by many in the buy-to-let sector. So we simply dont know, and can only hope it wont be a tragedy that will bring the matter to greater awareness. The other outstanding feature in most of the cases we examined was the lack of regulation. During the Celtic Tiger, our old friend from the world of banking light-touch regulation was the order of the day. In the wake of the Priory Hall debacle, new regulations were brought in that leave a paper trail but, some argue, does little else to protect homebuyers. Priory Hall Some might consider the problem of shoddy and dangerous building work as a historical matter from a time when the whole country was living in something of a bubble insulated from reality. Not so. The current crisis in housing means there is going to have to be an accelerated programme of home building in the coming years. Time is of the essence now in order to get people out of hotel rooms and into proper homes. The potential for a repeat of the kind of fallout now being experienced from the last building boom is obvious. We need a system of regulation in which the public can have full confidence. Firetrap Homes: TV3 Investigates airs on TV3 at 9pm on Monday The significance was not lost on feminists in the Latin American country, especially after a male-dominated Congress voted to remove Rousseff amid shouts of Goodbye, dear! Fifty-two percent of Brazils population has been ignored, said Rachel Moreno, co-ordinator of a group that seeks to combat violence against women. We have suffered an attack from conservatives on the achievements of the feminist movement. A former member of a leftist guerrilla group during Brazils military dictatorship, Ms Rousseff has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. She said last month that the impeachment process was marked by a large amount of prejudice against women. After the lower house voted to impeach Ms Rousseff on April 17, the Senate suspended her on Thursday for the course of a trial that could last six months. Her vice president, Michel Temer, 75, was promoted to interim president, ending 13 years of rule by Ms Rousseffs Workers Party. Mr Temer takes office at a time the bullets, beef, and bible caucus of conservatives, ranchers, and evangelicals is gaining strength in Congress. Jair Bolsonaro, an anti-gay former army parachutist who praised the dictatorship when he voted to impeach Ms Rousseff last month, is a rising star. Some worry that gains in political participation for women in recent years, as well as social programmes that benefited the poor, could be lost with the fall of Ms Rousseffs government and a shift to the right. Although he promises to safeguard social programmes, Mr Temer has pledged to implement austerity measures and cut spending to control public debt without cutting taxes as he tackles an economy mired deep in recession. Soy baron Blairo Maggi takes over the powerful agriculture ministry from Katia Abreu, the first woman to hold the job. A fierce defender of Ms Rousseff, Ms Abreu once threw a glass of wine in the face of senator Jose Serra after he called her a maneater. Mr Serra is now foreign relations minister. Ms Rousseff, 68, was suspended with the majority of Brazilians in favour of her ouster, deeply unpopular amid the economic crisis and the biggest corruption crisis Brazil has seen. Some congressmen who gave their Goodbye dear shouts were simply quoting the farewell words of Ms Rousseffs predecessor and mentor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a telephone call with her that was recorded by anti-graft investigators. Citing French and Belgian intelligence material and police recordings, Le Parisien lists repeated occasions when authorities allegedly failed to catch Abdelhamid Abaaoud, even though he had been considered a major threat by several European intelligence services before the attacks on November 13. Abaaoud was killed in a police raid five days after the attack by Islamic State (IS) suicide bombers. Most of the 130 killed in the attack were hostages in the Bataclan concert hall. The French presidents office and the Interior Ministry, which oversees intelligence services, did not respond to requests for comment. Survivors and families of victims are marking six months since the attacks on Friday, which shook the nation and prompted a state of emergency. French authorities were criticised immediately after the attacks for intelligence missteps or gaps that failed to prevent the bloodshed. France had been under high alert since deadly shootings at newspaper Charlie Hebdo and a kosher market in January last year. By September 2015, Le Parisien reported, authorities had identified links between Abaaoud and thwarted attacks on a high-speed train and a church, and suspected he was plotting a big attack. The report quotes a witness as saying Abaaoud asked him to find a concert or other easy target with a lot of people, with the goal of seizing hostages and dying while fighting police. France joined the US-led coalition against IS in Iraq in 2014 but stayed out of Syria. President Francois Hollande changed tack in September 2015, launching air strikes on Syria to prevent what the government said were attack threats. Le Parisien said the decision was prompted by intelligence about Abaaoud, and that a French air strike on Deir ez-Zor in Syria on September 27 was aimed at Abaaouds training camp. Ted Grant, publisher of the Daily Item in Lynn, said in an open letter that a lot has changed since the band was last in town, on June 24, 1966, and he wants the rockers to finish the set that ended when they left the stage during a storm at the Manning Bowl stadium. Angry fans broke through barriers, prompting police to use tear gas, and the Rolling Stones pledged never to return to the city, 16km from Boston. We aint too proud to beg, said Daily Item chief executive Beth Bresnahan. The newspaper has reached out to the Stones management trying to secure an interview with the band for a story to mark the 50th anniversary of the show. Richmond pickings ENGLAND: Rare and unseen graffiti drawn on prison walls by men who refused to fight in the First World War as they awaited court martial is to be saved from crumbling to dust. Hundreds of pencil drawings, political slogans, portraits of loved ones, hymns, and poetry on the walls of the 19th century cell block at Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire, will be protected by English Heritage as part of a 365,400 (464,000) project. They were made by the Richmond 16, conscientious objectors including Quakers, Methodists, Jehovahs Witnesses, and socialists. Escapee back in jail USA: A man who escaped from a Georgia prison work camp nearly 48 years ago has been arrested in Connecticut. The US Marshals Service said Robert Stackowitz was serving a 17-year sentence for robbery in August 1968 when he escaped from the infirmary at Carroll County Prison Work Camp. A taskforce reviewed the case and found a possible alias for Stackowitz and then found a Connecticut address linked to that name. He is being held in a Connecticut jail, waiting to be transported to Georgia. Pilfering the plumbing USA: Police in Ohios capital are searching for a man who has been pilfering plumbing from stores, hospitals, and restaurants. Dubbed the Bathroom Bandit, Columbus police said he enters various local establishments, visits the mens restroom, disconnects the plumbing, and leaves with the stolen parts in his backpack. The businesses not only have to replace the parts, but hire a plumber to repair the mans toilet tinkering. Newspaper litter USA: A Detroit newspaper is suing a suburb after receiving two littering tickets for delivering a free weekly shopping guide to residents. Orion Township officials say many residents dont want the publication, called Select, which arrives in pink plastic bags on porches or driveways. But the Detroit Free Press says the publication is protected by the US Constitution. The newspaper has filed a lawsuit in federal court to try to stop the township from interfering. It is also seeking millions of dollars in punitive damages. Dead man walking USA: A Lincoln man says hes not dead, despite what the Social Security Administration has said. Chuck Zellers learned of his demise in March after his Social Security deposit was removed from his bank account while he and his wife, Alice, were in Arizona. They talked to a woman at the Social Security office who checked her computer and told him Oh, by golly, you are dead, said Zellers. She told me it could be a funeral home declared you deceased; or that someone just put in a wrong keystroke or something like that. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Jon Platt said later he had won a victory which would benefit hundreds of other parents facing similar penalties. Mr Platt said the case had cost him 13,000 (16,500), describing it as money well spent. However, a Department for Education source said attendance at school was non-negotiable and we shall now look to change the law and strengthen statutory guidance. Mr Platt was fined by Isle of Wight Council after he took his family on the holiday, which included a visit to Walt Disney World, without permission from his childs school. He was originally fined 60. This was then doubled because of his refusal to pay. The dispute went before Isle of Wight Magistrates Court in October when Mr Platt won the case. The local authority appealed against the decision at the High Court in London. Yesterday, Lord Justice Lloyd Jones and Mrs Justice Thirlwall dismissed the councils challenge, ruling that the magistrates had not erred in law when reaching their decision. The magistrates decided Mr Platt had no case to answer because no evidence had been produced to prove his daughter who is now aged seven and can only be referred to as M for legal reasons had failed to attend school regularly. The two judges ruled the magistrates were entitled to take into account the wider picture of the childs attendance record during the school year M had an attendance rate of 92.3%. They ruled the magistrates were not restricted, as the local authority had argued, to just considering her 0% attendance when she was absent on the unauthorised holiday. After the ruling, Mr Platt said outside court: I am hugely relieved. I know that there was an awful lot riding on this not just for me, but hundreds of parents. A British Department for Education source said: We are clear that childrens attendance at school is non-negotiable and we shall now look to change the law. Business The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (May 14, 2016) Sino-Burmese border business pushed; research finds agriculture lagging; small minority oppose Letpadaung mine, company claims; and a freeze on land investment is urged. China Begins Silk Road Push at Burma Border Town The Chinese government has begun offering tax breaks to companies that set up in an experimental trade zone on its side of the Sino-Burmese border as its flagship regional economic policy begins to play out. The move, details of which are set out in newly published research by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is said to be part of Chinese President Xi Jinpings flagship regional economic policy known as the Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing wants to establish a maritime silk road and a new silk road economic belt connecting it to Central Asia and the Middle East, including by connecting southwestern Chinas Yunnan province with the Bay of Bengal via a proposed transport corridor cutting through Burmese territory. An article credited to HKTDC principle economist Billy Wong for the councils research arm analyzed some of Chinas efforts so far to connect Yunnans economy with Burmas. While for now relatively modest, these efforts have already attracted large companies, making cars and motorcycles, to the two set up operations on the countries shared border. The main development centers on the town of Ruili, known in Burmese as Shweli and connected by bridge to the northern Shan State town of Muse. A similar trade zone is also being set up on the less-developed Burmese side of the border, but as with all Chinese central government initiatives, new measures on the Chinese side have the potential to rapidly impact the facts on the ground. China has already established a Key Development and Opening-up Experimental Zone in Ruili. The report said the role of this zone is to promote increased trade over the border, including by strengthening and enhancing deep-processing industries involving such resources as jewelry and jade, quality timber, and natural rubber. Jade from Kachin State and timber, mostly from Kachin or neighboring Sagaing Division, are often exported to China under arrangements of murky legality that often involve the Burmese military or non-state ethnic armed groups. The Chinese policy is also about placing an increased emphasis on developing export processing industries reaching out to the South Asia and Southeast Asia markets, the article said. Chinese companies operating in the area have the benefit of a Burmese migrant workforce of between 60,000 and 70,000, who are each paid about US$150 per montha low price for labor in China but a relatively high salary for Burma. As long as their activities are not prohibited by the Chinese government, the report said, companies setting up in the zone have access to a number of preferential tax policies. They will be exempted from the local portion of income tax payments on their business there for five years, with an additional 50 percent tax break for the following five years, it says. Among the companies to take advantage of these breaks already are Chongqing Yinxiang Motorcycle Group and the Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC), the latter being a massive state-run manufacturer of cars and trucks. According to a representative of BAICs Ruili plant, negotiations on the project were successful thanks to the Belt and Road strategy, which allows the plant to target the Southeast Asia market, the HKTDC report said. BAIC expects to make 50,000 vehicles a year by the end of this year in the zone, and 150,000 by 2018, targeting buyers in Burma. BAIC plans to produce such auto models as pickup trucks designed specifically to cater to the Myanmar market, the report said. BAIC has now started to set up sales networks in Myanmar and, through the networks of its joint-venture partner in Yunnan, plans to open shops in Myanmar to sell vehicles and provide a maintenance service. World Bank Finds Low Productivity, Low Profits on Burmese Farms Burmese farmers are getting less from their labor and their land thanks to poor knowledge and a lack of support, a new donor-funded report has found. The multi-donor Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund commissioned the report entitled Myanmar: Analysis of Farm Production Economics, which was conducted by experts at the World Bank. Lead author Sergiy Zorya, a senior agricultural economist at the World Bank, wrote a blog post this week explaining the findings. The countrys farming system is well diversified, he wrote, but agricultural productivity, and resulting farm profits, are both among the lowest in Asia. In 2013/14, the net profit from producing monsoon paddy averaged USD 114/ha, he wrote. This is ten times smaller than those in China for example. By way of explaining these findings, Zorya wrote, Farmers in Myanmar are less educated and less knowledgeable than their regional peers; they also access fewer public services than farmers in neighboring countries. He pointed specifically to poor knowledge about the quality of seeds, the use of fertilizer and poor access to irrigation, proposing some actions policy makers could take to address these issues. The public seed production system, which is currently biased towards hybrid rice varieties, needs to broaden its scope to a diverse range of paddy and other crops, he wrote. Agricultural extension services are to be scaled up and strengthened to reach out to more farmers and cover more crops to accelerate adoption of productivity-increasing farm technologies. Irrigation systems can be made more flexible and provide on-demand irrigation services to enable farmers do produce different crops in different areas, and respond effectively to market opportunities. Company Claims a Very Small Minority of Residents Oppose Chinese-Backed Mine With protests once again kicking off at the site of the Letpadaung copper mine in Sagaing Division, the mines operator is complaining that a minority of residents have refused to engage with its outreach efforts. The mine has for years drawn vociferous opposition from local residents, and activists from elsewhere in the country, with complaints including insufficient compensation for land, damage to the surrounding environment and the brutal suppression of previous protests by security forces. Wanbao Mining, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-run weapons manufacturer Norinco, operates the mine alongside a Burmese military-owned company. The Burmese government also owns a stake, which was increased on the recommendation of a commission led by then opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. With mining starting once more after a hiatus, about 300 local people held protests at the mine site beginning last week, according to locals. The joint venture company Myanmar Wanbao hit back this week, however, insisting in a statement Tuesday that the protesting villagers represented only a small minority [who are] still opposing this project, despite attempts at numerous rounds of engagement with them which they have rejected. With the Chinese government saying it wants its companies to respect the law of the land in Burma, the company has repeatedly made public relations efforts to defend the highly controversial project, and touts the achievement of convincing many villagers to accept compensation. Estimating that only 60 protesters came to the mine site, Myanmar Wanbao insisted that 71 percent of villagers who lost land to the project have now accepted a new compensation deal, and that 83 percent accepted the companys plan to contribute to the local community. But residents told The Irrawaddy they did not believe enough had been done to address concerns over compensation and environmental safeguards. We encourage all parties to act responsibly and exercise restraint, Wanbao Myanmars statement said, calling for peaceful dialogue with the protesting locals. This mine is one major Myanmar national project and all of us together are its custodians to help build Myanmar to achieve its full potential. Campaign Group Calls for Full Freeze on Land Investments UK-based group Global Witness has called for a freeze on new investments on land in Burma until environmental and social safeguards are put in place to deal with the legacy of years of land grabbing under previous governments. The group issued a statement Wednesday praising the new National League for Democracy-led government for forming a committee to investigate land conflicts. But it said a proposal by the new administration to freeze land sales by ministries, state-run companies and private firms should also specifically extend to the Burmese militarythe source of many of the countrys land disputes. The group estimates that 5.3 million acres of land had been leased out for large-scale agriculture by 2013, much of it to companies with links to the military or officials in the previous government. For more than five decades Myanmars military junta has seized land and sold it to investors at a huge personal profit, leaving rural communities landless and often destitute, Ali Hines, land campaigner for Global Witness, said in the statement. This is not simply a legacy issuethe military still wields considerable power on the ground and continues to grab yet more land from ethnic minority communities. The new government has set the right tone by encouraging a freeze on further land investments, but must ban all further land acquisitionsincluding by the militaryif it is serious about preventing further conflict. Malaysian Firm to Operate Press and Convenience Stores A Malaysian convenience store operator plans to set up two shops selling newspapers, magazines and other conveniences in Burma in a tie up with a Singapore-listed firm, according to Malaysian state media. Newswire Bernama said that Bison Stores, a subsidiary of Bison Consolidated Bhd., had entered into a five-year management agreement with SMI Retail, part of Singapore Myanmar Investco. This exciting collaboration kicks start our first business venture outside of Malaysia, group managing director Dang Tai Luk was quoted saying. Bison operates press and convenience outlets under the brand myNEWS.com in Malaysia, and will use the same branding in Burma, the story said. SMI is a rebranded version of Singapore Windsor Holdings, an investment and management company that is developing interests in Burma in sectors including retail, automobiles, construction and mobile phone towers. It signed a long-term agreement in December to operate a large chunk of retail space at the new Yangon International Airport, which is operated under a government concession by local conglomerate Asia World. Commentary Have Ethnic Groups Lost Faith in the NLD? The National League for Democracy risks losing the support of ethnic groups if it continues to ignore their demands and engaging in petty party politics. The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) stood by Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) for many years in its opposition to the military junta. But less than two months into the NLDs first term, that relationship has already hit the skidsa sign that the NLDs ethnic policy, or lack thereof, has disappointed many of Burmas minorities. [Ethnicities] voted [for the NLD] with high expectations, and the result is clearly shown in the Rakhine [Arakan] issue, said Khun Tun Oo, the chairman of the Shan Nationalities for League for Democracy. We can no longer rely on the NLD. He was speaking at a meeting of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), an organization made up of 12 major ethnic groups, held in Rangoon on May 7. On Monday in the Lower House, Speaker Win Myint shot down a proposal from an Arakan National Party (ANP) lawmaker to provide government aid to the more than 2,000 displaced Arakanese. Aye Maung, chairman of the ANP, said: I would say it is time the NLD government paid more attention to the voices of the ethnicities. Every party in Parliament wants to stop the civil war. The majority has to listen to the voices of the minority. No doubt, the Arakanese and Shan peoples are not happy with the actions of the new NLD government and the Parliament, despite pledges from Aung San Suu Kyi to promote peace and national reconciliation through what has been dubbed the 21st Century Panglong Conference. The Panglong Conference was convened in southern Shan State in 1947 by Suu Kyis father, Gen. Aung San, and leaders from some of Burmas ethnic nationalities, in preparation for independence from Britain. It led to the signing of a famed agreement by the same name, which has been widely praised for the spirit of inclusiveness and cooperation that it fostered between the dominant Burman majority and ethnic minorities. However, ethnicities are disappointed with the failure of Suu Kyi and her party to meet with ethnic parties after it won the election and formed a government. Though ethnic parties won in Shan and Arakan States in the 2015 election, the NLD did not reach out to the winners and instead appointed their members to the posts of chief minister of those statesa move that shook the ethnicities trust in the NLD. The problem is that the NLD government does not hold talks with any party, said Maung Maung Soe, an ethnic affairs analyst. The ANP won a majority of [elected] seats in the [Arakan] State legislature. If the NLD had met with them earlier, it would not have led to the problems we see now. The ANP would have accepted the appointment of [the NLDs Arakan State Chief Minister] U Nyi Pu. But, the NLD did not hold discussions with them at all and the ethnicities trust in them has eroded. Though Suu Kyi has said she would convene the Panglong Conference within one or two months, she has not yet met with the ethnic armed groups that have been clashing with the military, nor has she sent them a message of peace. This arouses the suspicion of all ethnic groups. She did meet delegations from the eight non-state armed groups that signed the so-called Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement last October, along with members of the Burma Army, in April. But when an NLD lawmaker met with the United Wa State Army (UWSA) without the partys imprimatur, he was suspended from a parliamentary committeeyet another move that has fed distrust in the NLD. In April, a Lower House NLD lawmaker, Soe Htay, who is a member of a parliamentary committee on ethnic affairs and peace, along with two other NLD members, met leaders of the UWSA, the largest ethnic armed group in Burma, without party approval. The NLD was apparently unhappy that he did not inform the party in advance and suspended Soe Htay for one year from assuming important roles in the party. Many have questioned the true reason behind his suspension. It is difficult to understand what [the NLDs] motivations are, said Maung Maung Soe. U Soe Htay meeting with the [UWSA] is a good thing. Both he and the Wa group had good reasons for the meeting. That U Soe Htay was punished has raised questions, and deepened ethnicities suspicions of the NLD. If the NLD is to build a genuine democratic nation, problems of internal peace, ceasefires and a federal Union must be solved. And to solve these problems, it is imperative for the NLD to build trust with ethnicities by meeting and developing relationships with them, said Nai Hong Sar, vice chairman of United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), an alliance of ethnic armed groups. The NLD should be open-minded when dealing with ethnic issues and should be aware that attempts to cozy up to the military will distance it from the ethnicities, ethnic leaders said at this weeks UNA meeting. Dateline Irrawaddy: The Constitution Has Made Two Lions Live Together in a Cave With the National League for Democracy hitting its 40th day in office this week, Irrawaddy Dateline examines what challenges and opportunities remain for the party. Kyaw Zwa Moe: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! It has been 40 days since the first civilian government came to power in Myanmar, after enduring 54 years under a military regime and dictatorship. This week, we will discuss the current situation in Myanmar and opportunities and challenges facing the new government in the days to come. One of the 88 Generation group student leaders Ko Ko Gyi, and Ko Min Zin, a PhD candidate in political science at the University of California, Berkeley, will join me for the discussion. Im Irrawaddy English editor Kyaw Zwa Moe. Ko Ko Gyi, it has been 40 days since the new government assumed power. Because it was elected by a majority of the people, there are many opportunities. At the same time, there are also challenges. Can you identify the opportunities and challenges? Ko Ko Gyi: Around 80 percent of voters supported the National League for Democracy [NLD] in the election. The NLD won about 80 percent of the elected seats in both houses. Winning the election meant the voters gave them the mandate. This is a great advantage. Except for charter amendmentssince the Constitution cant be amended without the approval of over 75 percent of lawmakersall of the other ordinary laws can be changed, annulled and rewritten if more than 50 percent of the lawmakers agree. This allows the NLD to easily amend, annul and write laws that affect peoples daily lives, for exampleissues regarding land confiscation, labor disputes, wages, foreign investment laws and job creation. This is an opportunity. Since the NLD won the election, it was able to form the government and therefore, it is the NLD that will implement the laws that are amended and approved by Parliament. That the NLD has received the mandate to both enact and implement legislation is an advantage. The challenge is constitutional restriction. Because of the restrictions imposed by the Constitution, important ministries are still held by the military. The relationship between the new government and the Home Affairs Ministry, Defense Ministry and Border Affairs Ministry, which are under the control of the military, has become a new serious challenge. How much will they be able to cooperate? The major challenges in our country are civil-military relations, and ensuring equality for ethnic groups or establishing a federal union. Because establishing a federal union is related to civil-military relations, the challenge to the new government and the Parliament is how much they will be able to reduce tensions with the military. KZM: In the peoples view, Suu Kyis new government has done what it should do when it came to power; for example, it released political prisoners and proposed that Parliament appoint her to the position of state counselor. What advantages does this give the NLD? Suu Kyi has taken up an important position, even though she is not the president. As Ko Ko Gyi said, the NLD dominates both the Parliament and the government. What advantages will this give the NLD to serve the interests of the people in days to come? Min Zin: Their advantage is legitimacy. One important thing to note is that Suu Kyi has become a leader who has both influence and power. Over the past 50 years, rulers had power but they did not have influence on the people. Suu Kyi has both. She was able to form the Ministry of the State Counselor, which is similar to the chief ministers office. People may or may not like it, but she has become a leader who has both influence and power. On the other hand, the Constitutionthere is a Burmese saying that two lions cannot live in one caveand it seems that the Constitution has made two lions live together in a cave. The NLD government and the military have to live together in a cave whether they like it or not. With two lions in a cave, if a balance cant be struck or a middle way cant be sought, unnecessary tensions and confrontations may arise, or one side may overpower the other side. The main challenge to the current government is how to find that balance. KZM: The military has ruled the country in successive periods. And it is not yet clear whether the military has a clear policy regarding its relationship with the civilian government. And I think the government, led by Suu Kyi and President Htin Kyaw, has adopted a policy of acting according to circumstance. Have you noticed this? KKG: After the election, the NLD won the vote to form the government, and the people called for forming a government based on national reconciliation. There were criticisms against the NLD for various reasons, and there were cases in which military representatives objected collectively to proposals submitted by the NLD. As far as we have seen, while there are efforts to get along with the military, there is also friction and tension. The relationship between the military, the new government and Parliament is crucial in relation to ethnic issues. Unless they are in agreement, talks with ethnic groups and non-signatories of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement [NCA] will face difficulties. It should be noted that the commander-in-chief has promised to cooperate with the new government. This could be viewed as a constructive attitude. KZM: Suu Kyi has said she would organize a 21st century Panglong Conference to achieve national reconciliation and internal peace. But taking a look at the recent parliamentary session, we can see problems in Arakan State. The military has objected to broadcaster MRTV-4s description of the Arakan Army [AA] as the defense services. How much can we expect from the 21st century Panglong Conference? MZ: The problems are so big that it would be difficult to solve them all at once. Whatever it is called, Im afraid that a single discussion will not completely solve the problems for the next five or 10 years. While we are marching toward solutions, we should build understanding and trust and make ourselves stronger throughout the process. I think process-oriented thinking is needed, on top of goal-oriented thinking. There should be a focus on the process. There are four major problems in Myanmar: democratization, ethnic issues, civil-military relations and poverty. It would be good if Burmese politicians understood that ethnic issues are the most important, because if these cant be settled, ethnic minorities will view themselves as second class citizens, which will hinder the democratization process. KZM: That has been the case in previous times. MZ: Yes, it has. Democracy will lack its essence if their citizenship is uncertain. Also, ethnic issues are related to geopolitics and the intervention of neighboring countries. Regarding civil-military relations, the military assumes that it will continue to exist until the ethnic issue is settled. Regarding poverty, resource sharing is a problem because most of the countrys resources are located in ethnic regions. It is likely that these other problems can be solved if remedial measures center on ethnic issues. The problem is that former President Thein Seins government did work to handle this issue, but it took a top-down approach. The upper echelons handled the job; people from other walks of life, the media and other educated people could barely participate. If the government alone handles it, the result will just be a short-term solution and will not last. KZM: Do you think the current government is taking the same approach or do you see changes? MZ: Since the government has not made their policies clear to the public, it is still early for us to judge. Suu Kyi has said that although there are calls for all-inclusion, it is not possible. Instead, various stakeholders will be able to take part at different, opportune times. What is important for the government is information. It governs the country based on the information it gets. The NLD needs to cooperate with the military to obtain information related to security. Regarding information about other sectors, it will rely on the General Administrative Department [GAD] under the Home Affairs Ministry, bureaucrats, or policies that will allow civil society organizations, the media, and scholars to hold public consultations and speak freely. This is a challenge that the NLD has to handle carefully. KZM: Here, freedom of expression and independent media will be very important. MZ: If the government restricts criticism and expression, or limits the flow of information because it is overly concerned, it will be the first to suffer a loss. If it gets incorrect information, its policies may be wrong. KZM: Ko Ko Gyi, there is criticism against the new government because Suu Kyi has included former generals and officials from the previous government when considering national reconciliation. What is your assessment of the performance of the government in the first 40 days? And what are your suggestions? KKG: In a political change, the new government should maintain its ties with allies that it has cooperated with for ages and also collaborate with the other side. It should strike a balance between the two. KZM: Ko Min Zin, the current government is a civilian government, but the military still holds a certain degree of power, both in the government and Parliament. It also maintains its grip on the countrys economy. What are your specific recommendations for the current government? MZ: There are two points. One is to build power. In my view, the current government has built a certain degree of power and it should slow down its efforts. For the time being, it should find a balance and try to work together with the military. Another suggestion is to support freedom of expression. The media have already shown their support for the NLD, and their criticism of respected leaders does not mean that they want to tarnish them. In my opinion, the more they criticize, the more information will flow in the form of news and the more constructively it will serve the government to enact policies based on the people. KZM: Ko Ko Gyi, Ko Min Zin, thank you for your contributions. Google has definitely expanding its empowerment from technological standpoint up to job provision. It has been months since Google's announcements of its autonomous or self-driving cars mania. In line with this, the company has already been testing self-driving cars in some selected states in the U.S. Now, Google has announced something new for the public that makes money out of it. According to a web post via The Verge, Google will pay $20 per hour to whoever will be hired as a test driver to its self-driving cars. It sounds so sweet, does it not? In addition, this particular job opportunity is in Arizona. Google is looking for local drivers to be its vehicle safety specialists. It may sound so cool but Google is seeking for competent applicants. Its main job is to be behind the wheel and ready to take over at a moment's notice. According to Engadget, Google's hiring of autonomous car testers is not as easy as eating pie. It is because the applicant must have a bachelor's degree and has no driving violations committed. In addition, he/she must also be good in communication skills because the job requires submission of daily concise reports and feedbacks. Google also iterated that if the applicant's goal is to go on road tripping inside these Google cars, then the work is not for him/her. More on the post of The Verge, it says that employees will receive $20 per hour for 6 to 8 hours a day. The job is under 12 to 24 months contract. The employee has to provide the engineering team a concise written and oral feedback. It is also expected from the employees to work with confidentiality and will need to pass in and out training courses. The company is looking to test these cars in desert conditions. The company is also testing its autonomous vehicles in Washington, Kirkland, Texas and California. Fender has launched new in-ear headphones that pair rock-solid fit with great sound. But despite their performance and quality build, the Fender Pro in-ear monitors are not just for stage musicians. According to Gizmodo, the best headphones can transform the music. They can reveal whispers hidden and notes lost, even the rub of a finger down the guitar's string. They can provide an immersive music experience, expand the music and transport the listener. With the Fender FXA7 in-ear monitors (IEMs), moving up a price point guarantees a higher sound quality. The latest Fender in-ear headphones come in the $500 price range. The Fender FXA7 in-ear headphones are professional-grade IEMs, among the most sophisticated devices dedicated to musicians on stage. With them, you are certain you can count on a better sound fidelity. From the musicians who love the IEMs for their highly accurate rendition to the audiophiles who love them for the high-quality sound, Fender's in-ear monitors cover a wide target audience. The same publication reports that Fender bought earlier this year a small boutique headphone company called Aurisonics. After the purchase, the small company started making Fender-branded headphones. Now it seems that Fender has created a really solid series of products, from the "budget" headphones pair, the DXA1, with a more traditional Shure-like form factor and the $200 priced FXA2, to the top of the range $500 FXA7. Even with the cheapest pair of headphones the company produces, Fender does not compromise quality for price. According to The Verge, Fender has been best known for its classic guitars and amps. With the new line of IEMs, the company is making its first entry into the consumer electronics world. The new Fender Pro In-Ear Monitor line is available for purchase from music retailers as well as directly from Fender. The new in-ear headphones were developed and hand-assembled in Nashville, Tennessee. Except the entry-level DXA1, all of the models feature 3D-printed housings that will provide a similar fit to custom monitors and will fit 95 percent of ears. The term social engineering has come to mean an attack vector methodology - that relies heavily on using plausible everyday situations to trick people into breaking normal security procedures to install malware or reveal passwords and logins. Driven by publicity for World Password Day and with the help of a millennial friend John - who works in the accounts department of a reasonably large national company, we set out to find that critical 100 points of identification that a hacker could use to steal an identity or mount a highly targeted spear phishing attack. The rules were simple any public information was fair game. I started with a search on his name and company. John is a relatively light social media user still the search revealed 597 results his digital footprint was indeed small - including: Zoominfo where his title, work address, email, and phone number was revealed. Not only that but it revealed people with the same last name giving me some family ties. This can be used by hackers to send spoofed emails from family members. LinkedIn was a mine of information as it revealed educational qualifications, work colleagues, those who had linked with him, and referees. A spoofed email from anyone in this group would be opened too. Next, I found, quite by accident, that John is the Accounts contact for the company website. A whois search revealed much more eight associated domain names and the IP address of the Microsoft-HTTP API/2.0 web server. It also gave me the company ABN (could have got that from ASIC.GOV.AU), registrar company name, and the tech contact name. With that information alone I could craft an email that looked real enough to extract some dollars. Facebook was a mine of information. Within minutes, I had identified where he lived, his wife and two childrens names, his dogs name, and with reasonable certainty his age and birthdate. I also found frequent references to his favourite take away food, gym, leisure pursuits, a frequent flyer business class boarding pass - still chasing gold with his memership number shown - and a whole string of friends names. The gold came in several innocent photos. One taken at his desk (wearing a silly hat) showed a credit card giving me the bank, number, and expiry but not the CVV. Another at home in the kitchen had a utility bill stuck to the fridge awaiting payment with a little photo-shopping I could make that a real paper bill. Facebook also revealed reasonably rich pickings for any would-be thief as it showed what they owned and patterns when they are likely away usually most Sundays visiting their parents. That information combined is enough to get working on credit card theft. Various other sites showed his membership of a social bike riding group and other activities including some captioned group photos many of which were perfect for a passport or photo ID. Twitter was interesting it revealed a lot of his attitudes that could be used in crafting the ultimate appeal. He had 40 tweets, 24 followers and that also helped build a map of his colleagues as he normally tweeted about work and some retweeted these. Other tweets confirmed his birth date, charitable support, and personal information including a weakness for a certain type of ice cream. The final part of the exercise something most hackers dont do as they are overseas - was war-driving where I was able to gain admin access to his router from outside the house. You guessed it default passwords had been left in place. With that I was able to setup a backdoor and search any active computer that had file and print sharing enabled. This revealed a wealth of information and a list of passwords was stored in a virtual sticky note on his desktop. Most passwords were his daughter's first name and year of birth. I also had a list of internal IP addresses and the current external IP address so I could access the network again from anywhere. But as we did this I also noticed an unlocked letterbox. John told me that in the mail he receives a bank statement and various bills, any of which could be used for the 100 points. He now has these delivered by email and has put a lock on the letterbox. Read on for the implications - be aware! Without going too much further, I had developed a profile that could easily be used by cyber-criminals to socially engineer an email and probably steal his identity. If I was a budding cybercriminal I could have used apps/analytics on the dark web to dig deeper into the massive data lake held there to complete the picture but I dont have access to that. I gave the profile now over two A4 pages long of Personally Identifiable Information PII to him. Ashen faced he quickly reviewed his digital footprint and removed all PII, and he found even more than I did mostly in innocent photos and captions. He changed all passwords and is now aware of the major issues. He told me later that he had more than 30 passwords and logins it was a big job. John is not alone. I related this to a 28-year-old, social media whore Jen who did a search and found 22,000 records for her. In a similar fashion, she found more than enough for a cybercriminal to target her. Jen revealed that she had accidentally installed malware from an email purporting to be from her boss as well as one from Australia Post about a problem in delivering a parcel. At home, Jen had also suffered when she clicked on an email link supposedly from her music streaming service to gain access to a free music library containing her favourite artists (as gleaned from her Facebook pages). I could give you lots of advice about installing spam filters and other protection but in the end, it comes down to common sense. Dont put anything on the web that could be used against you. Dont click on any links or download any offers unless you are sure its legitimate If you use BYOD devices (smartphones or tablets you own) at work, make sure they are password protected. Dont use the same password or variants of the same and a mix of at least ten characters, letters and symbols are best. If you are curious about an email open it up on a sacrificial device not connected to any home or work network I use a smartphone to preview these where I can press factory reset if I need to. And put anti-virus/malware software on everything you can. Paid software from a reputable company is best, but their free versions are a start. There is a good recent article about Spear Phishing at Trend Micro. COMMENTARY: Can fighting global warming save your soul? 12 May, 2016 by James Wanliss , | INDIA (Christian Examiner) What does it take to be a good person? Different cultures have different answers. The floors of Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan, India, heave as masses of fat rats clamber to get to food offered by devout Hindu worshippers. Feed the rats, sight a white rat, or eat food discarded by rats, and you will be blessed. You are doing good just by being there. But if you accidentally step on a rat it is a grievous sin. Only the purchase and offering of an expensive golden rat statue offers hope of forgiveness. Westerners may scoff at such superstition, but are they so different? Ask yourself, are you a good person if you plant trees once in a while and stop kids from teasing animals? It is not enough. From President to movie actor to kindergarten teacher the storyline is that we have a moral duty to save the planet from runaway global warming. Various tangible sacrificesgood deedsare demanded as evidence of true devotion to the cause. It is certainly a paradigm shift when it becomes culturally normal to ask, as one website does, "Can you save the earth by simply wiping?" Do such acts as using only two squares to clean up after a toilet visit, or driving a hybrid car, or not driving at all make a person good? You know you are part of a cultural phenomenon when the notorious South Park television show pokes fun at the new religion of green. In one episode a deadly attack of Smug afflicts the little mountain town whose residents all drive a hybrid vehicle called the Pious. James Hansen, the Dr. Strangelove of global warming, and a space physicist like myself, piously told Supreme Master Ching Hai: "Be veg, go green, save the planet." Groovy. Surely men like Hansen are much too sophisticated and cosmopolitan to be seduced by ancient pagan superstition and nature worship. It is not as if he is calling for rat worship. To be sure the environmentalist movement is far too broad and nuanced to be allured by pagan religion alone. Nevertheless, in a palpable way environmentalism provides the foundation of an alternative religion for those who reject the uniquely Christian view of humans as the image of God. Politicians command devotion to Mother Earth, movie stars scold, and the media wrings its hands in despair. In Los Angeles, James Cameron said of his blockbuster Avatar, "Look, at this point I'm less interested in making money for the movie and more interested in saving the world." Cameron sees his work as a charitable donation, like Christians see their tithes as a way to support the propagation of the gospel. "Some percentage of the presumably-massive 'Avatar' sequel gross will go to charity," Cameron said in an interview. "Fox has partnered with me to donate a chunk of the profits to environmental causes that are at the heart of the 'Avatar' world." Radical environmentalism has become, as Al Gore dreamed in his Nobel Prize speech, "the central organizing principle of the world community." It is a religion with a vision of sin and repentance, heaven and hell. It even has a special vocabulary, with words like "sustainability" and "carbon neutral." Its communion is organic food. Its sacraments are sex, abortion, and when all else fails, sterilization. Its saints are Al Gore and Leo DiCaprio. Guilt ridden? Well, now people with money to burn can buy indulgences just as in the medieval Roman Church. Forgiveness for sins is only a carbon offset away. It is possible to calculate the extent of one's sins online. According to TerraPass, over the past three years my weekly driving has resulted in about 5,224 pounds of CO 2 a year, and for a mere $29.95 I can buy an indulgence that will offset the environmental impact of my reckless, indeed sacrilegious, lifestyle. These carbon offsets will do as little for the salvation of the world as indulgences would for my soul. But for people with a desperate spiritual hunger, they are both panacea and penancea promise of guilt-free living and a purpose-driven life. Rat's chance to that. Perhaps we should remember what the Apostle Paul said in Colossians 2:2023 about asceticism and apply it to this issue: If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations"Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" (referring to things that all perish as they are used)according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. James Wanliss, Ph.D., is Professor of Physics at Presbyterian College, Clinton, S.C. He is a Senior Fellow and Contributing Writer for The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, and author of Resisting the Green Dragon: Dominion, Not Death. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed physics articles, has held the NSF CAREER award, and does research in space science and nonlinear dynamical systems under grants from NASA and NSF. An email sent by Andy Rubin, the head of the team that was tasked with developing the Android mobile operating system, appears to indicate that Google was aware that it could not use APIs from the Java programming language as it wished. The email, cited in court in California on Thursday by Oracle lawyer Annette Hurst, in response to suggestions that another company might use Java, read: ""Wish them luck. Java.lang.apis are copyrighted. and sun [sic] gets to say who they license the tck to," according to a report in Ars Technica. Rubin's company, Android, which he set up in 2003, was bought by Google in 2005. He stayed on to head Google's project to develop a mobile operating system. There was a fair bit of pressure on him after Apple released the first iPhone in 2007. Rubin was offered a lot of money if Android succeeded: he held stock worth US2.6 million at the time of acquisition and was offered US$8 million if the first phone was shipped within a certain time. When five million phones were shipped, Rubin was due to get US$10 million, when 10 million were shipped he would earn US$15 million and when 50 million were shipped he would earn US$27 million. Google began using features from Java in Android in 2007, the same year that it shipped its first phone. At that time, Java was owned by Sun. Oracle bought Sun in 2010 and sought to obtain licensing fees from Google. When the companies could not come to an agreement, Oracle went to court. This particular email from Rubin is the only one there were several emails cited in the earlier court case which ended in 2012 where a Google employee gives an indication that he/she is aware that one cannot use APIs from Java without a licence. The question being decided in this trial is how much damages, if any, Google needs to pay Oracle for the use of 37 APIs from Java in Android. The question of whether APIs are copyrightable has already been decided in the affirmative. Rubin was also asked about another email, one that has been cited both in this trial and the earlier one in 2012. In this email, Google engineer Tim Lindholm wrote to Rubin that he had been asked by Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin about technical alternatives to Java. Lindholm wrote: "We've been over a bunch of these, and we think they all suck. We conclude that we need to negotiate a license for java under the terms we need." Rubin acknowledged that he remembered this email. After a brouhaha arose this week over allegations that Facebook was suppressing conservative issues on the social network, CEO Mark Zuckerberg invited conservative politicians to discuss the issue with him. "The reason I care so much about this is that it gets to the core of everything Facebook is and everything I want it to be," Zuckerberg wrote in a post on his Facebook page. "Every tool we build is designed to give more people a voice and bring our global community together. For as long as I'm leading this company this will always be our mission." In the same post, Zuckerberg said in the coming weeks he will invite "leading conservatives, and people from across the political spectrum," to talk with him about the allegations. The issue got heated earlier this week after tech blog Gizmodo, citing anonymous sources, reported that Facebook workers routinely kept stories with a conservative bent out of the Trending Topics list and injected stories that weren't as popular. The issue cause enough of an uproar that U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent an open letter to Zuckerberg, asking him to answer questions about the allegations. "To serve our diverse community, we are committed to building a platform for all ideas," Zuckerberg wrote on Thursday. "We take this report very seriously and are conducting a full investigation to ensure our teams upheld the integrity of this product. We have found no evidence that this report is true." Zuckerberg was smart to address the issue head on, said Zeus Kerravala, an analyst with ZK Research. When the issue first popped up, Zuckerberg was silent, while Tom Stocky, Facebook's vice president, search, and a member of Facebook's Trending Topics team, commented on it in a post on his Facebook page. At the time, some industry analysts said that wasn't enough and Zuckerberg himself needed to get involved. "Now they've done all you can ask," said Kerravala. "They addressed it and published the policy. And no one has proof they aren't following the policy." On Thursday, Justin Osofsky, vice president, Global Operations, at Facebook, also posted a statement on the company's media page. "The guidelines demonstrate that we have a series of checks and balances in place to help surface the most important popular stories, regardless of where they fall on the ideological spectrum," he wrote. "Facebook does not allow or advise our reviewers to discriminate against sources of any political origin, period." He then provided an overview of Trending Topics, which was first added to Facebook in 2014, and the guidelines that members of the Trending team are given to follow. Osofsky also said topics are not blacklisted. "The guidelines do not permit the suppression of political perspectives," he wrote. "About 40% of the topics in the queue get rejected by the reviewers because they reflect what is considered "noise" -- a random word or name that lots of people are using in lots of different ways. For example, braised, DVD, #weekend and #sale are all topics that were not accepted as trends over the past week." Osofsky added that Facebook is continuing to investigate the allegations. Get unlimited access to all content and features at ivpressonline.com with our Full Online Access Subscription. Read our E-Edition, the digital replica of the print newspaper online, access content in exclusive sections including Family, Teen, Business, Databases, Farm and more. This option does not include daily home delivery of the Imperial Valley Press newspaper. For home delivery service, please select Premium or Premium Plus. home World Teenage girl burned in 'honor killing' in Pakistan In yet another case of Pakistan's "honor killing," a teenage girl was burned by a local jirga on April 29 in Galyat's Makol village for allegedly helping her friend elope. Abbottabad police arrested 13 members of the jirga as well as the mother and brother of the young victim identified as Ambreen Riasat. District police chief Saeed Wazir told Reuters that the victim's mother and brother were also arrested since both were present during the jirga meeting and agreed to the council's sentence. "The jirga then took her to an abandoned place outside the village and made her unconscious by injecting her with some drugs," narrated Wazir. "Then they seated the girl in a van in which the couple had escaped. They tied her hands to the seats and then poured petrol on her and the vehicle." Wazir added that he hasn't witnessed such a barbaric attack in his whole life. According to local newspaper Dawn, district police officer Khurram Rasheed said the police recommended an exemplary punishment for those involved and that the case will be tried by Anti-Terrorism Court. "If proven guilty, the suspects could face the death sentence or life in prison," Rasheed said. The police also said that the honor killing was ordered because the couple's elopement had caused irreparable damage to the village's reputation. "A Jirga [tribal council] does not have any right to give such orders. Even the law does not support the tribal system; who are they to give orders to kill someone?" Ansar Burney, a leading Pakistani civil rights leader, told Al-Jazeera. According to Al-Jazeera, the country's independent Human Rights Commission recorded nearly 1,100 women who were sentenced to death last year in honor killing. These honor killings also take place in most parts of the Middle East and South Asia. Targeted mainly against women, honor killings are considered as a culture of violence against women. Andy Murray is on the race against time and skills to outrun Roger Federer in the forthcoming French Open. Also, as Andy Murray aims to control his destiny and outsmart Federer, the world can catch a glimpse of his career discipline and ethics. The stakes are high for Andy Murray and the need to win is pressing on him. To prove the latter, Roger Federer may yet hold on to his world No 2 position in time for the French Open, but Andy Murray has his ranking fate in his own hands this week and Murray will return to No 2 if he goes further than Federer here at the Rome Masters, reports Belfast Telegraph. Another thing to note is the career discipline that Murray has implemented on himself. Being in good shape and beating Mikhail Kukushkin during his opening match showed Murray's career ethics at play. Federer, also got off to a winning start, beating Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-5 and Federer, who is still concerned about the back problem which forced him to withdraw from last week's Madrid Masters, replaced Murray at No 2 on Monday, but the Scot will be favourite to reclaim the position in time for the French Open, which begins in 11 days, reports the same post. Meanwhile, for Federer, he is tasked to in defending 600 ranking points while Murray is designated to defend only 90. Career ethics and discipline always comes at such a needed time. Career ethics are crucial for any jobholders whether in the spotlight or not. Jobs & Hire reported that it is only the athletes that incorporate discipline but even artist as well. According to the report, Demi and Nick Jonas also revealed their career ethics while performing in Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has enlisted the help of Hollywood superhero costume designer Jose Fernandez to create their space suit. Fernandez has worked on wardrobes for "Batman v Superman" as well as "Captain America: Civil War." Inc. reported that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has asked Jose Fernandez to design the company's space suits. The new suits are said to be almost ready to go and are expected to be unveiled within the next year. Apparently, the company has requested Fernandez to design a helmet which he presented to Musk. The CEO chose it over the other four competitors and they spent six months in designing the suit. Fernandez noted that Musk wanted the suits to be stylish and "heroic." The publication added that the public can expect it to "look less like Buzz Lightyear and more like Iron Man." "SpaceX, the company run by Elon Musk, reached out to me to ask if I would create a space suit," Jose Fernandez told Bleep. "I didn't know what SpaceX was and I thought it was a film. Then I realized it's an actual space program." "I worked with him for six months and at the end of that, we created a suit that they are now reverse-engineering to make functional for flight. The look they are going to unveil in the next few months is something we created here in the studio." According to CNET, Jose Fernandez is a legendary costume designer, sculptor as well as helmet and armor designer. He is best known for creating costumes in films such as "Oblivion," "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," "Jupiter Ascending," "Tron: Legacy," "Thor" and "X-Men 2." Meanwhile, Popular Mechanics reported that SpaceX has claimed that it will be able to send people in space by 2017. This comes after news that the Boeing Starliner will not carry crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS) until 2018. Verizon has launched new prepaid plans with bigger data for its customers. This comes after the Verizon strike 2016 has reached the 30-day mark. Yahoo reported that Verizon Wireless has revamped its prepaid plans in time for summer. Consumers can now get 2GB of data for $45 per month plan. 5GB is given for $60 per month. Moreover, those who sign up for auto pay will get an extra 1GB of data. This provides 3GB and 6GB for $45 and $60 a month, respectively. The publication noted that Verizon offered the same plans on February. It was also announced that the changes will be permanent by May 15. The $45 per month plan had 1GB, previously, while the $60 Verizon plan gave 3GB to its customers. The extra 1GB option was already in place for those who enroll in auto pay. Customers who take the $60 plan will also get unlimited calling to Canada and Mexico for free. Both plans provide unlimited talk and text in the U.S. Extra data can be purchased as well. An additional 500MB, 1GB or 3GB can be bought for $5, $10 or $20, respectively. The 500MB can be used within 30 days or 90 days for the 1GB and 3GB. Tech Radar listed down the 5 tiers of Verizon's postpaid plans. The telecommunications company offers 1GB for $30 per month and 3GB of data for $45 per month. Verizon also provides 6GB for $60 per month. Its extra-large and XXL plans offer 12GB and 18GB for $80 and $100 per month, respectively. The revamped plans come after the Verizon strike 2016 has hit its 30-day mark. According to Philly.com, no new talks have been scheduled between the company and the unions. It was previously reported that Verizon will push through with its Yahoo sale bid. The second round of bidders in the Yahoo sale has already started holding all-day meetings with the Internet giant's top management, including Marissa Mayer. Verizon has been facing a lot of scrutiny for many weeks and along that line, many are insinuating that it should undergo auditing, questioning executive salaries and finances in the same manner as the California State Bar. It is irrefutable that the union workers are voicing out their grievances against Verizon. Also, for its lack of employee-based programs, Verizon is now facing the consequences for its actions. Since a lot of its workforce has taken their dismay to the streets, the rift between the two segments continues to widen apart. Moreover, Jobs & Hire previously mentioned, "It is a never-ending battle for Verizon and the union workers until all of their separate demands are met and it appears that the outcome of the strike resulted into massive loss, tech firm's legacy facing a downhill curve and the demise of many businesses and enterprises." The rift is rising and even the executives are being scrutinized for their home pay and earnings. To prove the latter, Verizon Communications' top five executives received a $48 million annual compensation package at the company's yearly shareholder meeting Thursday morning at the Hotel Albuquerque, while some 200 workers protested outside in support of 39,000 employees on strike on the East Coast, reports the same post. On the other hand, the scenario and circumstance between California State bar executives and Verizon is getting closer. OC Register reported, "The California state bar pays its executives more than the governor and has failed to present a clear picture of its finances to the Legislature, according to a state audit released Thursday and the audit is the latest blow to the nation's largest state bar, which has also been accused of failing to protect the public from bad lawyers and experienced years of infighting." Although both segments, Verizon and the California State Bar are providing different services and have dissimilar mandates, the reality of complaints and grievances being voiced out against these executives is strikingly similar. Email Links to our top local news stories of the day, Monday through Saturday. Madison investor Scott Button has seen literally hundreds of company and inventor pitches, so he's not someone who is easily impressed by entrepreneurs who are convinced they have stumbled upon The Next Big Thing. At the close of the recent "Milwaukee Quick Pitch" event at Miller Park, however, Button acknowledged he would be back for more. "I'll be telling my partners we need to come back to Milwaukee," said Button, a managing director of Venture Investors LLC, Wisconsin's oldest and largest early stage venture capital firm. His declaration drew a round of applause from about 75 people at the forum, which featured a series of seven-minute presentations from seven inventors or teams working to move ideas from the laboratory bench to the marketplace. Button and three other panelists familiar with how such ideas get funded were on hand to provide on-the-spot feedback to each. Button's remark was applause-worthy because his fund is known for investing in health-related companies that spin out of major Midwest research universities. Venture Investors LLC has offices in Madison and Ann Arbor, Mich., home to two of the nation's five largest research universities, but not in Milwaukee. For many in the meeting room just beyond the left-field foul pole in Miller Park, it was gratifying to hear Milwaukee's R&D institutions were on the venture capital map. The forum was hosted by the UWM Research Foundation, the Medical College of Wisconsin's Office of Technology Development and the BloodCenter of Wisconsin. It featured pitches from those institutions as well as collaborators at Marquette and Concordia universities, with all seven focused on innovations in health care or in public health. The diverse nature of the pitches spoke to the fact that Milwaukee's life sciences R&D cluster, while not big enough to rival the UW-Madison or the University of Michigan, is nonetheless spawning ideas that can benefit human health and make money for those who turn them into products or companies. The event's "batting lineup" included: A genetically engineered cell casing for delivering a therapeutic cargo to treat neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. A redesigned umbilical cord clamp to help doctors and others more safely and efficiently deliver babies. A biotechnology molecule that could eliminate or greatly reduce the need for people with Type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders to take multiple drugs. A microchip sensor that would allow rapid testing of water for lead and other heavy metal contamination, with the potential for testing for biologic toxins in the future. A testing kit that would help determine whether people who use the blood thinner heparin are at risk of developing a condition that causes strokes, loss of limbs or death. A pharmaceutical therapy for rare vascular malformations, usually facially disfiguring, that are mainly treated by surgery today. An anticancer agent that targets tumors by reacting to high levels of hydrogen peroxide deep inside those tumors. It's difficult to know which of those ideas will blossom into companies, although several are already headed down that route. However, all have the potential to turn their intellectual property into products that could be licensed or acquired by others. Connecting top scientists and physicians to people who can help make that happen was one of the goals of the "Milwaukee Quick Pitch," which is designed to give investors and others a first look at emerging technologies. Similar "first look" forums have been produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council at its major conferences and by the UWM Research Foundation. The trick is connecting those who know the science with those who understand the regulatory and business paths that must be followed to put it to use. That's why Button, venture capitalist John Philosophos, entrepreneur Heather Wentler and Eric Floyd, chief science officer for Dohmen Life Science Services, were on hand to give advice. What's needed now is for more health care investors and experts in Big Pharma to discover Milwaukee, where colleges and universities collectively spend about $300 million per year on R&D work, much of it in the life sciences. That work is yielding results, and there's a local support system in place. It's enough to compel investors such as Button to take another look at Milwaukee. Tom Still is president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. Its Wisconsin Innovation Network meets in Wauwatosa at the UW-Milwaukee Innovation Accelerator. Hartland fire incident found to be shooting, murder-suicide The two adults and four children were all found to have gunshot wounds. SHARE By of the Joining in the automotive industry's south-of-the-border migration of manufacturing, Strattec Security Corp. has broken ground on a $22 million factory in Leon, Mexico. Strattec, which has had a presence in northern Mexico along the U.S. border for decades, is expanding in the same industrial park in central Mexico where Oshkosh Corp. built a factory in recent years. The latest move is part of an auto industry shift that's leading car companies to shift lower-profit production of small cars to Mexico while they continue to produce higher-profit sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks in factories in the United States. The shift comes as outsourcing and relations with Mexico have garnered attention in the U.S. presidential election campaign. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has spoken out against free-trade deals and angered Latinos and Mexican political leaders with his anti-immigration proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. However, Mexico clearly presents a growth opportunity for Strattec, which employs 3,940 worldwide, about 3,400 of them in Mexico. The company last year opened its third factory in Juarez, across the Texas border from El Paso. In Leon, Strattec and its partner company, ADAC Automotive of Grand Rapids, Mich., see significant demand from car companies' own moves to expand in Mexico. The companies' Mexican joint venture currently has $60 million in annual sales. "With newly awarded customer business, we anticipate net sales will increase to approximately $120 million within the next two years," Strattec said in a recent filing with securities regulators. "We see even more potential down the road as this trend develops," said Patrick Hansen, senior vice president and chief financial officer. Strattec's new Mexican factory will paint and assemble door handles, he said. The 130,000-square-foot factory sits on 13 acres of land. "We see this as a huge opportunity to grow our business in mid-Mexico, with the way the UAW contracts were structured to allow passenger cars to be built down there," he said. In late 2015, the United Auto Workers reached agreement with the Detroit-based car companies on new three-year contracts. The UAW contracts did not include specific language allowing Mexican production, but they did include specific commitments of how much the carmakers would invest in U.S. plants, and those investments are heavily focused on higher-profit SUVs and pickup trucks, said Bernard Swiecki of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich. The United Auto Workers union succeeded in negotiating concessions that included the eventual elimination of a two-tier wage system that had been in place since the Great Recession that sent carmakers into bankruptcy. Analysts say that the UAW deal last year ensured pay raises for unionized workers at the Detroit Three automakers, but did not secure additional U.S. jobs. Last month, Ford announced plans to invest $1.6 billion in a factory in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. But nearly every U.S. carmaker is expanding in Mexico or mulling an expansion. Ford's announcement drew critical responses from the United Auto Workers as well as from Trump, who lambasted the move as "an absolute disgrace." He vowed to renegotiate trade deals to help stem the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs and suppressed wages. Trump has previously said if elected president he would threaten the company and any other automaker with a 35% tariff on products or parts imported into the U.S. Critics point out the president has no such unilateral power and say such a move, even if authorized by Congress, could touch off a trade war. The ascension of the Mexican auto industry is part of an industry trend that is seeing production of cars and trucks shift south, whether to Southern states in the United States or south of the border. A key factor in the shift is free-trade deals, according to auto industry experts. Mexico has been aggressively working for many years to negotiate free-trade pacts that enable companies to export products made in Mexico without big tariffs. Cars shipped to the United States don't carry any tariffs because of the North American Free Trade Agreement. In addition to having labor costs far below the U.S., "Mexico is the country that has signed the most free trade agreements worldwide, which facilitates exportations of vehicles and auto parts," PriceWaterhouse Coopers said in a report. Having more free-trade deals than the U.S. means cars produced in Mexico won't face a tariff to be exported to Europe, said Swiecki, director of the Ann Arbor think tank's automotive communities program. Between 2010 and 2020, automotive production in Mexico is expected to more than double, to 5.5 million vehicles, he said. Mexico has clearly become an automotive manufacturing powerhouse although all the major car manufacturers in the world are based outside Mexico. What's driving the migration? Clearly labor costs play a role in a country where parts plants pay workers less than $5 an hour, but that's not all. "It isn't all about the cheaper labor, people just kind of assume that it's either an escape from American wages or an escape from American unions," said Swiecki. But the free-trade status is significant, as is geographic fortune. A central Mexico factory is convenient to ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, something no factory in the U.S. can brag about. "And sometimes the supplier has little choice," Swiecki said. When the think tank surveys suppliers about why they're opening a plant in Mexico, he said, their most frequent response is: "My customer told me I had to." Companies such as BMW and Audi are choosing to manufacture in Mexico in part because they can export cars made there without facing the kinds of tariffs they face from stateside factories. A $25,000 car made in the U.S. would cost $2,500 more if it were shipped to Europe, because the U.S. lacks the free-trade deal with the European Union that Mexico has negotiated, Swiecki said. And for a company such as Audi, which makes luxury cars, a 10% tariff translates to savings of $5,000 or more if it's built in Mexico. Free-trade policies have become controversial during this year's presidential campaign, in which both Trump and Democrat Bernie Sanders campaigned on that issue and won the Michigan primary. But deals expanding free trade have been supported in the Republican-controlled Congress, so even the election of Trump wouldn't overturn U.S. policy, Swiecki said. At Strattec, Hansen said the company is making its move in response to industry shifts it doesn't control. A forecast published last summer by the consulting firm IHS said that by 2020, Mexico will account for one-fourth of North American car and truck production. Continued expansion in Mexico isn't affecting employment at Strattec's factory in Glendale that does zinc-die casting of components and stamping of keys, Hansen said. About 420 people work in Glendale, including 270 in the factory. The Detroit Free Press contributed to this report. Chike Johnson, Emily Harris and Elyse Edelman perform in First Stages Lillys Purple Plastic Purse. Credit: Paul Ruffolo Photography SHARE By , Watching the delightful and funny opening performance of "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" at First Stage Friday night, I fully understood why Kevin Henkes' children's classic was later set to music. "Lilly" isn't a musical, but it plays like one under the ingenious direction of Marcella Kearns, who fully grasps why one of this cute little mouse's many fantasies involves becoming an opera diva. The irrepressibly enthusiastic Lilly we see is continually on the verge of bursting into song, even if the score that unfolds usually only plays in her head. As adapted by Kevin Kling, "Lilly" combines three of Henkes' books, collectively tracing how Lilly gradually adopts a more expansive view of her relation to widening circles represented by family, friends and the community. "Julius, The Baby of the World" offers a variation on the story First Stage told so well this spring in "Just a Little Critter Musical," as young Lilly learns to share her parents (Chike Johnson and Elyse Edelman) with a baby brother (Lina Singh, in the alternating cast of young actors performing Friday). In "Chester's Way," Lilly joins best friends Chester (Ben Usatinsky) and Wilson (Spencer Tomich), transforming a conventional, comically insular twosome into a rollicking threesome, while simultaneously learning how to take heed of others' needs as well as her own. In "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse," Lilly learns that for all she loves her shiny new handbag, the world around her including her classmates and her teacher (Bo Johnson) may have other interests and enthusiasms as wide as the world itself. That purse which becomes a blasting boom box when opened is an apt symbol for Lilly herself: colorfully costumed on the outside and filled with an inner joy, tumbling forth every time she opens her mouth. She calls herself queen of the world because she feels like one; her huge ego and presumption are redeemed by how much she loves that world. As Lilly, Emily Harris (who alternates with Abigail Hanna) gives us all of that, playing and packing every moment with 10 times the life most of us experience in a week. Lilly's playroom and playthings are bigger than life and dressed in vivid reds, pinks and purples, as is she; objects within that playroom flash and pulse, matching her emotions (scenic design by Joe Klug; lighting design by Jesse Klug; costume design by Debra Krajec). The fantasies in Lilly's head seem so real that they morph into fully realized scenes enacted around her. Much of it plays to music, including German Romanticism, Steppenwolf and disco (sound design by Matt Whitmore). All of it suggests what children continually teach us, about how to live every day as a multihued wonder. IF YOU GO "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" continues through June 12 at the Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St. For tickets, call (414) 273-7206 or visit firststage.org. Read more about this production at TapMilwaukee.com. TAKEAWAYS Take Me to the Music Hall: In staging the fantasies playing in Lilly's head including her brother being seized by a cat and her admired teacher being taken away because of an unjust accusation Kearns deliberately cranks the melodrama, in a manner reminiscent of vaudeville or a Victorian musical hall. It's funny. And it's true to a child's tendency to play every scene at a fraught and fevered pitch. The Melodramatic Imagination: Are children wrong, to take things so seriously? Replaying every conversation as a pitched battle for the soul of the world may be exhausting and unsustainable. But Lilly's melodramatic imagination also allows her to push against the boundaries of a more narrowly drawn and inhabited reality. Living large, she teaches others like Chester and Wilson to do the same. Wearing her emotions on her sleeve, she helps others to feel. Loving as intensely as she does, she enables others to better love themselves. In a world that's often cast in shades of gray, her colorful alternative reminds us how much we therefore miss. The Great Globe Itself: Lilly misses things, too; as suggested above, her drama of the world often hogs the world's stage. While helping us appreciate that world's purple-hued wonders, she needs to leave room for others, all living dramas involving hopes and dreams of their own. It's telling that she'll insist on her classmates appreciating her purple purse at the very moment when they're enacting a class skit involving the cheeses of the world. During that skit, Lilly's job was to hold aloft an actual globe, symbol of the one world, global village concept (Henkes' book includes an illustration in which Lilly's teacher is discussing what a global village means). Caught up in her own purple haze, Lilly risks losing sight of the world around her. She can see what others do not; that's a huge plus. But she can't simultaneously forget to look at what's right in front of her. Dance the Night Away: The Hustle, anyone? These and other vintage 1970s dance moves are alive and well, courtesy of Whitmore's sound design and Jennifer Adams' choreography. Adams' choreography captures disco's exuberance and free-spirited individualism, true to Lilly's focus on taking the floor and expressing herself, even if that means that some of her more spectacular moves are executed solo. From Three to Eternity: First Stage suggests that "Lilly" is appropriate for anyone age three and up, and I agree. The storytelling is remarkably simple and clear, both with regard to content and presentation (the young performers' articulation and projection are both strong). At the same time, there's pop-culture references galore for those among us old enough to remember dancing when disco was young. And, finally, there's food for thought for young and old alike, involving self-expression and learning how to listen, love and live. Montpelier, Vt. Whenever Travis Papineau's parents left town, things went wrong. He logged onto the internet and did things he shouldn't. He got drunk, then got behind the wheel. He acted like a delinquent teenager, even though he was a grown man. He always ended up back behind bars. A registered sex offender, Papineau had been in and out of prison for years. But this time, he had a plan. And he had friends: Community volunteers he'd been meeting with every week for three months, since he'd last walked out of a cell in January 2015. Alone in his parents' house, the phone seemed to weigh 100 pounds. Papineau forced himself to pick it up, punch in the number. Mary Mullaney answered, as she had promised she would. For the next 90 minutes, she stayed on the line. And the demons fled. Papineau, 32, is among more than 200 people who, after getting out of prison in Vermont, have participated in a re-entry program known as Circles of Support and Accountability. Each Circle contains an ex-offender, a coordinator and a handful of volunteers who work with parole officers, landlords, employers and therapists to prevent high-risk sex offenders and violent felons from committing new crimes. Mark Hoffman Kathy Fox, a sociology professor at the University of Vermont, is an expert on the Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) program. Several communities around the nation, including Madison and the Fox Valley in Wisconsin, have adopted versions of the Circles model. But all of them lack a critical element that makes Vermont's effort so successful: a statewide network of community justice centers funded by the Department of Corrections that marshal volunteers and resources to help keep former prisoners crime-free. Vermont's program, which began in 2005, doesn't only benefit ex-offenders, those involved say. It also increases public safety. Research backs them up. Preliminary results of a University of Vermont study show that just one in 30 sex offenders involved in Circles was reconvicted of a felony, compared with roughly one in five of those not involved a reduction of 86%. For violent offenders who had not committed sex crimes, the reduction was 80%. Mark Hoffman Papineau wipes a tear during the Circles gathering. He has been meeting with his Circle for 16 months and has gotten used to reaching out when he needs help. "By treating people like they are not disposable, you are actually helping to reduce victimization," said Kathryn J. Fox, a sociology professor who co-authored the study. In addition to helping with basic needs, Circles tackle another problem: the tendency for former prisoners to fall in with their old crowds and their old criminal behavior. The initiative aims to replace those groups with responsible, caring people who can help ex-offenders fit into law-abiding society. Longtime volunteer David Santamore sums it up this way: "If somebody goes to jail and comes back into the same situation with no support, it's like rescuing somebody drowning, drying them off and then throwing them back in the river." Circles of Support and Accountability got its start in Canada in 1994 when a notorious pedophile named Charlie Taylor got out of prison. The morning after Taylor was released, all the schoolchildren in the region of Ontario where he would be living found 8x10 photographs of him on their desks. The teachers warned: If you see this man, call the police. In one of the classrooms, a little boy raised his hand. I've seen him, the boy said. He was at my house for dinner last night. The boy's father was a Mennonite minister. He'd heard Taylor was being set free and had made a decision: To keep the community safe, the community had to get involved. The minister, Harry Nigh, recruited members of his congregation to befriend Taylor. Robin J. Wilson, a clinical psychologist who co-authored the University of Vermont study with Fox and research assistant Megan Kurmin, was working for the Canadian government at the time. Initially, both police and citizens were outraged that anyone would welcome a child molester into society, Wilson said. But with time, people realized that engaging with Taylor and others like him could help ensure public safety. Within 10 years, the project had expanded throughout Canada. "Finding a place in the community to be and to positively associate are incredibly important elements of building a balanced, self-determined lifestyle free of risk to re-engage in harmful behaviors," Wilson said. Ex-offenders involved in Circles, he continued, "learn that there can be people who care about them, which leads them to care more about themselves and, by extension, others." Taylor remained crime-free until his death in 2005. Vermont's program grew out of the state's long history with restorative justice, which teaches that victims, offenders and communities all need to be healed after a crime occurs. Mark Hoffman John Gorczyk, is a former commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections and a Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) volunteer. John Gorczyk, who served as commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections from 1991 to 2003, is credited with bringing the concept of restorative justice to the state. One of Gorczyk's first steps when he took over the department was to hire a market researcher. "It's like being a CEO," he said of the commissioner's job. "I thought it was important that we get a better handle on exactly what the people of Vermont wanted from justice and corrections." The research showed that only 37% of people viewed the corrections department favorably, according to Derek Miodownik, the department's restorative and community justice executive. As for what they wanted from offenders, the public did not express a need for punishment, he said. Rather, they wanted offenders to acknowledge their guilt, accept responsibility and commit to being crime-free. On the flip side, respondents wanted the corrections department to provide safety for the public as well as accountability and treatment for offenders. They also wanted everyday citizens to have a role in the administration of justice. The first step in fostering that involvement was the implementation of community reparative boards, in which volunteers worked with low-level offenders to help them understand the impact of their crimes and to make amends. Then, in 1998, the corrections department partnered with local governments and nonprofits to set up the community justice centers. The centers, originally funded with federal grant money, are neighborhood organizations that work with ex-offenders and area residents to repair the harm done by crime. "If you want justice, you have to have a phone number to call, someone to talk to," Gorczyk said. "We were trying to move all of justice into the community." As a result of Vermont's smaller population, lower crime rate and more liberal criminal justice policies, far fewer people are incarcerated there than in Wisconsin. On any given day in Vermont, about 8,300 people are under community supervision by the Department of Corrections. In Wisconsin, there are about 67,000. The Vermont legislature voted to make restorative justice a statewide policy in 2000, and lawmakers have consistently increased funding for it over time. Today, there are 20 community justice centers around the state of Vermont. Their annual budget stands at about $2.5 million. That includes a $600,000 increase for fiscal year 2016, designated specifically to sustain "restorative reintegration services" such as Circles. Wisconsin's truth-in-sentencing laws, meanwhile, are among the toughest in the nation. And while some criminal justice leaders here, including Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm and former state Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske, have embraced the concept of restorative justice, its implementation has been much more piecemeal. Through Chisholm's office, some offenders participate in community conferencing groups, where they discuss their cases with the victim, a facilitator and a community representative. The parties may ask each other questions, which often leads to emotional insight. For inmates at the maximum-security Green Bay Correctional Institution, restorative justice takes the form of a program called Challenges and Possibilities, which aims to help them change their behavior by understanding its impact. Volunteers include victims of violent crime, who share their stories with the offenders. Nonprofit organizations such as Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin and Madison-Area Urban Ministry facilitate Circles in Wisconsin. For fiscal year 2015, the state Department of Corrections' support for Circles totaled about $250,000, which was allocated toward the Goodwill effort, according to spokesman Tristan Cook. The state's total budget for re-entry services that year was $11.6 million. Some of the Wisconsin Circles function like support groups, in which a number of ex-offenders come together weekly to talk among themselves and with volunteers. In Vermont, each Circle contains just one former prisoner, and only sex offenders or felons at high risk of reoffending are eligible. Probation and parole officers screen potential participants, who are then interviewed by justice center directors. Once selected, the ex-offenders commit to meeting with their teams at least once a week for a year. The group can continue meeting beyond that time if all agree. In addition to meetings, volunteers can provide transportation and help with simple tasks that may be unfamiliar to longtime prisoners, such as using a cellphone or deciding which groceries to buy. At first, Circles are an artificial means of support, said Susan Wells, a probation and parole officer who supervises 45 sex offenders in Vermont. "But then they develop trust. If you've been in jail for a long time, you are really rusty, at best, in how to make a good decision. The group is there to help them figure it out." Throughout Vermont, Circles are deeply integrated into the release process. Two key strengths of Vermont's approach are assistance with housing and close coordination with probation and parole officers, according to Fox, the University of Vermont researcher. Based on the preliminary results of her most recent study, Circles seem to be most effective when used with sex offenders. "But I don't think it has anything to do with sex offending; that's my theory," she said. "I think it has to do with the fact that they tend to be the ones who tend to be more socially isolated. They have more restrictions. They have more desperate conditions. They just have a harder life." Sex offenders subject to lifetime registration are barred from public housing anywhere in the country. That challenge is magnified by the fact that cities and towns often place additional limitations on where they may live. In Milwaukee, for example, an ordinance passed two years ago bans registered sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of any school, licensed day care center, park, recreational trail or playground. As of January 2015, all but 55 residences in the city were off limits to them. Housing is an issue in Vermont as well, especially for people on the sex offender registry. Finding somewhere to live is the motivation for many ex-offenders to apply for Circles, Fox said. Community justice center officials build relationships with landlords, who in turn agree to rent to Circle participants because they have extra supervision. The program also may provide temporary housing or short-term loans for rent and security deposits, which former prisoners can repay through volunteer work. Some participants in her study, Fox said, disengaged from the group once they had a place to live. But others embraced their Circles. "Over time, they saw the benefit later with these other relationships," she said. Cooperation among Circle members and parole officers is another essential element of the program. "If the parole officer sees it as a partnership and appreciates what the (Circle) can do that they can't, and they have good communication, that's when it works the best," Fox said. For example, the parole officer can't socialize with the former prisoner or take him shopping. And while Circle volunteers have more frequent conversations with the ex-offenders, they can't keep secrets from the parole officer or from each other. "The people in the ... program understand that we won't worry alone and we won't keep secrets from one another," Wells said. "That keeps everybody on the same page." Usually, after a conversation with his team about breaking a rule such as drinking or using a computer, the ex-offender (known as the core member) ends up calling the parole officer on his own. If not, the coordinator, who is employed by the community justice center, makes the notification. If the violation isn't a crime and doesn't put the community at risk, the parole officer and the team may work together to fashion an appropriate sanction, Wells said. Those might include writing an apology letter, attending additional therapy sessions or wearing an ankle monitor. Otherwise, the offender can be sent back to prison. Mark Hoffman Montpelier Community Justice Center director Yvonne Byrd. Yvonne Byrd, director of the Montpelier Community Justice Center, recalled one core member who made troubling comments at two meetings in a row. His coordinator called the parole officer, who in turn called the police. "They went to his apartment and caught him before he did anything and he went back (to prison) and he's still there. That's not a bad thing," Byrd said. "What I tell people is: 'You need to know that if you're planning to get out and try to get away with breaking the rules, you're more likely to get caught if you're in our program.'" Accountability also includes more subtle things, such as calling out lies, offering reminders of positive choices and getting a feel for the core member's mood when things go wrong. For example, at a recent meeting a core member told his team he'd been robbed the day before and he was pretty sure he knew who was responsible. Mark Hoffman Alfred Mills, re-entry specialist at the Montpelier Community Justice Center, speaks during a Circles of Support and Accountability meeting April 11 in Montpelier, Vt. He is the coordinator of the Circle. "Did you have to talk yourself down from getting really angry and wanting to go after the guy you thought did it?" asked Alfred Mills, re-entry specialist at the Montpelier Community Justice Center and coordinator of the team. In the old days, the man would have gotten a crew together and beaten up the guilty party. But now, after six months of meetings with his Circle, he just shrugged. "It's like karma," he said. "A kick in the pants for all the stupid stuff I did in the past." Mills later followed up: "How do you feel about your own judgment right now?" The reply was encouraging: "I feel really good. I know what I want. I know what I'm doing." What kind of person would sign up to spend time with a sex offender or a violent criminal? Many are retirees, according to Fox. Others are ministers or people who see such service as a religious calling. All lean left on the political spectrum. "They already possessed a critique of the criminal justice system and already believed the criminal justice system was too punitive," Fox said. Extensive training teaches volunteers how to set limits, such as not giving the core member money. The training also aims to tap into empathy for former prisoners. Advertisement One way to do that is by discussing all the rules core members must live by. For example, they can't drink, so blowing off steam by having a beer with friends isn't an option for them. Many are not allowed to drive, so they can't easily head for the mall or the mountains after a hard week. The training prioritizes security. For example, one team with safety concerns convened its meetings in the community room at the police station. In the 10 years of the Vermont program, no core members have victimized volunteers on their teams, Byrd said. She credits both the screening by the parole officers and the small number of program participants. The Montpelier justice center, where she works, operates eight Circles at a time the largest capacity in the state. "We're not naive," Byrd said. "People have risk areas. Someone who is a pedophile probably isn't a thief, isn't addicted to substances, probably won't take your money or your purse, and may be nonviolent in every other way. We know their profiles and we know where their risks are." Katy Knuth, 34, who works at a restaurant and is a partner in a perfume business, has served on three teams so far. As one of the younger volunteers and a single woman, she keeps clear boundaries, rarely meeting with ex-offenders one-on-one. But she's almost always up for group outings with her current team's core member, whom she has grown to genuinely like. "That's pretty wild," she said. "Never did I think I'd be going bowling with a registered sex offender and laughing and having fun." Mark Hoffman Papineau rides his bike home after a Circles of Support and Accountability gathering April 11. Hes saving up for a car. Last July, about three months after making the phone call from his parents' empty house, Papineau moved into his own apartment. He's still saving up for a car, so he rides his bike to work at Dunkin' Donuts, where he is entrusted with the responsibility of opening the shop in the morning. He has been meeting with his Circle for 16 months. "He's made some strides he's never been able to accomplish," said Wells, his probation officer. Both she and Papineau credit his team with helping him do that. "I have no friends. I have my family and that's it," Papineau said. "These are people who weren't my family who I could talk to. ...It's widening my social circle some." Since that first phone call, Papineau has gotten used to reaching out when he needs help. Not long ago, he was feeling down on himself after a particularly difficult therapy appointment. Afterward, he biked to the home of one of the volunteers on his team. They watched "Shaun the Sheep" and laughed like crazy. This story was done in partnership with the Solutions Journalism Network, www.solutionsjournalism.org. twitter.com/writerbarton gbarton@journalsentinel.com Principal Janel L. Hawkins addresses the student body in 2014, the first year of a collaborative effort with key city partners to lift results at the school. In its third year, the effort has shown promise with challenges remaining. Credit: Angela Peterson Janel Hawkins recalls the situation when she became principal of Carver Academy in 2012: "There was so much wrong that I didn't know where to start." Carver, a kindergarten through eighth grade school at 1900 N. 1st St., was one of the most difficult schools in the Milwaukee Public Schools system. It had been that way for many years, going back to when it was called Palmer School. Now, Hawkins says, Carver is "a very different place." There is no question that the educational environment at Carver is much better more orderly, more focused, more energetic. What has been done over three school years at Carver is one of the most important stories in Milwaukee education. But the pace of improvement and the limits of what has been accomplished offer some of the most important lessons. In the second year that Hawkins was principal, Carver was targeted for major help. Primarily spurred by the foundation arm of Northwestern Mutual (and with strong involvement from the company), leaders of MPS and three education organizations (Schools That Can Milwaukee, Teach for America and City Year) agreed to collaborate to an unprecedented degree on improving Carver. It became known as the 5 in 1 Collaborative. For three years, Hawkins and staff members have received extensive mentoring. Services to students, including efforts from nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, have expanded. Behavior and attendance have been emphasized. Instruction has been improved. School days start with rallies emphasizing positive messages. Some teachers are gone. Others have come. I'd really like to say student success is soaring. I have no doubt that excellent people have brought a lot of excellent effort to improving Carver. A report released a few days ago by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee said there was "compelling evidence" that the collaborative was bringing "substantive school improvement." But, overall, I'd describe the picture as complicated and concerning in important ways that go beyond the school's efforts. 'We're doubling down' Maybe it will just take more time to see big success at Carver. All the partners remain committed and confident about future improvement. "We're doubling down," said Eric Christophersen, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. "I wouldn't make that bet if I didn't think there was going to be a good return in the long run." Christophersen said the importance of change in the school's culture should not be underestimated and lessons are being learned that will help improve other schools without as big a commitment of resources. "We're actually pleased with what we've seen," he said. Here are several aspects of the recent Carver record: Attendance was 88.9% in the year before the collaboration started. It went down slightly in the first two years and is up a bit this year to 90.3%, as of last week. Suspensions are down, but they're still high. In 2013-'14, a total of 41% of students were suspended at least once. In 2014-'15, it was 32%. No figures have been released for this year. The UWM report gave results for achievement in terms of how well students were doing at closing gaps between actual results and MPS goals. In most grades, students were doing better than their gap-closing targets in reading and math. But the gaps remain large and overall results are low. To be specific, less than 7% of third- through eighth-graders were rated proficient or advanced in reading on the state's standardized tests a year ago. In math, it was 1%. No results from this year have been released. And here's the data that really stopped me: The turnover in students at Carver is huge. In most ways, this is a reflection of life outside of school, but it's a giant factor. In 2013-'14, according to the UWM report, there were 554 students enrolled. The next year, enrollment fell to 465. But only 205 students were enrolled at the school for both years. In other words, there were more than 700 kids who attended Carver in the course of two years and fewer than a third of them were there throughout the relatively short span of two years. MPS records show that, in recent years, more than a third of the kids who enrolled at Carver in May of one school year were not there at the start of the next school year. With that kind of turnover, how do you succeed in building relationships and school culture? How do you succeed in pursuing an education plan that goes in a logical sequence? I posed that question to Hawkins and several other leaders of the collaborative last week. All agreed it's an important matter. Hawkins said the school is increasing efforts to encourage parents to stay at Carver. Turnover is high at many schools in the city, including in some private and charter schools. In large part, the problem is rooted in the fundamental instability of the lives of thousands of children in Milwaukee. So many move frequently, so many change schools frequently. I've never heard anyone suggest this does anything but hamper success in school. Matthew Desmond is a Harvard professor whose recent book, "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City," has caused a national stir. The book is focused on evictions and housing instability in Milwaukee. Desmond sums up much of the book in one sentence: "Without stable shelter, everything falls apart." The collaborative effort at Carver is, without doubt, praiseworthy and worth pursuing. But it shows there are few easy answers. Change is hard. Improvement comes slowly. It requires great determination and excellent work. But if we want to see bigger, broader improvement, a crucial key is to find ways to stabilize the lives of a huge number of children. And that is not a challenge for schools alone. Alan J. Borsuk is senior fellow in law and public policy at Marquette University Law School. Reach him at alan.borsuk@marquette.edu. Communications specialist Sara Newquist (right) helps Kristen Van Handel with her gown Saturday before ceremonies for the first graduating class of Bethesda College, a two-year-certificate program within Concordia University Wisconsin designed for students with intellectual and other complex disabilities. Credit: Rick Wood By of the Mequon "A person always dreams of going to college," Kristen Van Handel said Saturday as she waited to open a box that contained her cap and gown. For Van Handel, 24, who has a genetic disorder called Williams Syndrome, the dream of college appeared to be long out of reach. Yet there she was prepared to march with other graduates at Concordia University. Van Handel and six other students received certificates of applied learning for completing the two-year Bethesda College program, an innovative partnership between Concordia and Bethesda Lutheran Communities. The students were the first ones to go through the program. And others are following in their footsteps. "It made me a stronger, better human being," Van Handel said. "It has made me more independent. I'm grateful for everything I've done the last two years." Van Handel, who has an office job at Crescent Grove Advisors in Milwaukee, said a large part of her college experience "was learning how to be independent, being prepared for a job, prepared for the real world." "Getting out of your comfort zone, that was huge and exciting for me," she said. Wanda Routier, a Concordia faculty member who was the liaison for Bethesda College, said the program provides "a tremendous opportunity for students who thought they would never be able to go to college, an opportunity to learn and grow with their peers." The program is designed for students with intellectual and other complex disabilities. Bethesda College has courses in four core areas: academics, career preparation, adult living skills, and campus and community life. The students also audit Concordia classes and live in the dorms. Mike Thirtle, president and chief executive officer of Bethesda Lutheran Communities, lauded Concordia officials for starting the program, and Concordia students for participating as teaching assistants. Thomas Scandrett, 24, said the program "helped me find jobs and hold them." Scandrett recently completed an internship as a prep cook for Zarletti restaurant in Mequon. "I want to go to culinary school," he said. "I want to own my restaurant one day." Alec Shafer, 21, of Fox Point said the program was "really fun." Shafer, who has Down syndrome, was intent on going to school, just like his older brother, who graduated from Michigan State. Carole Shafer said Alec "has matured in every way." He made a lot of friends at the school and became more independent. He'll take a job in the Falcon's Nest Cafe on the Concordia campus. Shafer's eyes welled up with tears as she watched her son put on his graduation gown. "When you have a child with a disability and the doctors tell you he won't walk or read and for him to do this, we're very lucky," Shafer said. The other Bethesda College graduates were Christopher Brandt of Milwaukee, Claire Chalupka of Whitefish Bay, Rachel Hoffman of Grafton and Mary Cate Neff of River Hills. Various faculty members read portions of the resolution. More than 200 UW-Milwaukee faculty members unanimously passed a resolution calling for a vote of no confidence in UW System President Ray Cross and the board of regents, during a meeting at UWM last Tuesday. Credit: Rick Wood I wrote last week about my support for the University of Wisconsin faculty's vote of no confidence over the UW System officials' changes to tenure, shared governance, and budgetary policies. This was shortly followed by a historic, unanimous vote of no confidence by UW-Milwaukee faculty, as well as at several other campuses across the state. I stand by that support. Tenure practices may well need reforming and certainly we should always strive for fair and equitable treatment of faculty, staff and students. We should prioritize fully funded budgets and academic freedom for our institutions of higher learning. Our university system has been (and is, for now) a beacon of innovation and knowledge for over a century and it would be disastrous to see that undone. Gov. Scott Walker feels differently. He issued a press release last week blasting faculty for their no confidence vote. The release is a study in outright falsehoods and misleading information. For instance, Walker claims that UWM averages a 2.8 student-to faculty ratio. But this data was drawn from data for independent studies and thesis supervisions only, not the actual campus total, so it ignores things such as total credit hours taken by all students or average class sizes. The actual student-to-faculty ratio for UWM is anywhere from 18 to 1 (according to UWM's homepage) to 28.4 to 1 (UW System accountability dashboard), with around 30 students in the average class. Walker points to a 40% increase in spending per student over the last 10 or so years in an effort to defend his administration against attacks that it's been cutting budgets. But his figures combine all sources of funding the university, conveniently leaving out the part where state funding of the system has declined dramatically. In fact, the majority of the per-student spending increase has come directly from big increases in tuition which Walker loves to otherwise decry. The governor also takes on faculty salaries at UWM, citing an average salary figure of $101,700. Again, this is deeply misleading, as that number only includes faculty who have achieved full professor status representing approximately 29% of UWM faculty. The actual average salary of assistant and associate professors (who make up 71% of full-time faculty) is, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, more like $70,000 to $75,000 a year. Walker is going out of his way to accuse some of our state's most accomplished professors and researchers of being nothing more than a bunch of overpaid, whiny, lazy do-nothings. He says making a decent, liveable wage shouldn't be the expectation when the average salary for all workers in Milwaukee County is just $49,539. So apparently he is arguing that we all should be working to further depress wages as opposed to finding ways to pull everyone else up. We shouldn't expect everyone to make less than $50,000 a year regardless of their achievements or education or hard work, but that's what Walker seems to be advocating. Even Jessica McBride, no bleeding heart liberal, found his line of reasoning to be unconscionable, accusing Walker of a "Marxist" view point on the matter. She goes on to point out the hypocrisy of a guy who makes $70,000 to $100,000 more on the taxpayer dime than full-time professors and researchers saying they haven't earned it. Fair point. All of these political attacks on our most vaunted institutions show the need for strong tenure protection. No one should have to worry about losing his or her job because they had the audacity to question policies or to pursue a line of research and thought that rubs some politician the wrong way. That's antithetical to the Wisconsin Idea and to democracy. UWM was recently given the highest research designation, R1, from the Carnegie Foundation, showing the continued success of the school's research focus despite the attacks and budget cuts. Walker and the Legislature are creating a deeply unstable, uncertain environment for students, faculty and staff all of whom are doing their best to better themselves and their communities. We've already begun losing top-notch faculty. We'll likely lose promising undergrads and graduate students for. Shame on Scott Walker and his acolytes. We can do better. Emily Mills is a freelance writer who lives in Madison. Twitter: @millbot; Email: emily.mills@outlook.com A judge has found Maricopa County (Ariz.) Sheriff Joe Arpaio in contempt of court Friday for disobeying his orders in a racial profiling case, bringing the lawman who calls himself "America's Toughest Sheriff" a step closer to a possible criminal contempt case that could expose him to fines and even jail time. Credit: Associated Press SHARE By , Six months after arguments concluded in a case against "America's Toughest Sheriff," U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow broke his silence on Friday, filing a series of withering findings with one big conclusion: Sheriff Joe Arpaio is in civil contempt of federal court. Snow ruled that the Maricopa County lawman and three of his top aides violated an order meant to curtail racial profiling in his agency, according to the ruling issued Friday. The ruling held Arpaio in contempt on all three potential counts, ending a lengthy proceeding that started a year ago when Snow convened a series of hearings in downtown Phoenix to determine whether Arpaio and his commanders defied Snow's court orders. Chief Deputy Jerry Sheridan was found in contempt on two counts, and retired Chief Brian Sands and Lt. Joe Sousa each were found in contempt of one. The ruling set the stage for reforms, costly sanctions and a potential referral for criminal prosecution, although the judge refrained from making any official decisions on those matters yet. "In short, the Court finds that the Defendants have engaged in multiple acts of misconduct, dishonesty, and bad faith with respect to the Plaintiff class and the protection of its rights," Snow wrote in the 162-page ruling. While a milestone, the ruling is largely a formality given the case's history. Arpaio and Sheridan admitted to violating the judge's orders before the hearings' start date but repeatedly insisted that it was due to miscommunication and confusion rather than willful defiance. The distinction could mean the difference between civil contempt and criminal contempt or "fix it" remedies compared with outright punishment. The judge set a May 31 date for a hearing for attorneys to discuss penalties. Shortly thereafter, Snow said, he would issue an order on sanctions and whether he would refer the case for a criminal contempt trial. 3 violations came under judge's scrutiny The contempt proceedings were based on three violations that occurred throughout the history of the underlying racial-profiling case: that the Sheriff's Office failed to turn over video evidence that was required before the trial; that officials continued to enforce immigration law after Snow barred the practice; and that Sheridan failed to quietly collect evidence after the trial, as Snow had ordered him to do. Attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union and Covington & Burling represented plaintiffs both in the initial racial-profiling case and contempt hearings. Arpaio's "state of mind" served as the primary topic for debate throughout the contempt proceedings, as the evidence left little doubt that his agency failed each order. The hearings, which started with four days of testimony in April 2015 and resumed with 16 days in the fall, often turned into a much broader discussion focused on the sheriff's enforcement priorities and whether he was more interested in settling political scores than rooting out the racial profiling that Snow had found in the Sheriff's Office. Arpaio's acknowledgment in April that his attorneys had hired a private detective to investigate Snow's wife was among the most bizarre moments in the lengthy proceeding. It set the tone for exchanges among Snow and Arpaio, his aides and attorneys that were occasionally pointed and personal. Two other large topics developed out of the proceedings: what plaintiffs' attorneys said were worthless internal investigations; and whether the sheriff employed a Seattle-based computer programmer to concoct a conspiracy that would free Arpaio of his legal woes. In exhaustive detail, Snow agreed with each of the plaintiffs' allegations, often bolstering his findings with Arpaio's own words. In reference to his December 2011 preliminary injunction that banned deputies from detaining individuals because of their immigration status and without state charges, Snow noted that Arpaio was fully aware of the order yet flaunted his decision to defy it. He cites Arpaio's reaction in fall 2012, after Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced it no longer would accept undocumented immigrants from the Sheriff's Office. At that point, the sheriff announced his "backup plan" to drop off the individuals at Border Patrol facilities instead and boasted that deputies had recently done so for two "suspects." Snow found that deputies had detained and turned over to federal authorities at least 157 individuals who had not committed state crimes, in violation of his order. Snow said both Arpaio and Sheridan made numerous misstatements under oath. In particular, he noted Arpaio's testimony about the "Seattle Operation," a catchall used to refer to the sheriff's many covert dealings with Seattle-based computer programmer Dennis Montgomery. Arpaio maintained Montgomery was employed to investigate illegal CIA harvesting of citizens' financial information, but some of the programmer's work product indicated another goal. Montgomery compiled timelines and flow charts that seemed to allege an elaborate conspiracy against the sheriff involving Snow, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and various other federal officials. In his testimony April 23, 2015, Arpaio said he never had been involved in an investigation into Snow. Internal-affairs office in the spotlight Throughout the proceedings, plaintiffs asserted that the primary function of the Sheriff Office's internal investigations was to absolve the accused of any wrongdoing. Snow agreed. The judge highlighted an internal-affairs case in which deputies had been accused of "pocketing" items from investigations. Although Sheridan initiated a probe into the matter, Snow said, there was a tacit understanding that it would go nowhere. Sheridan testified that he believed there was no basis for a criminal investigation, that he felt sorry for the human-smuggling unit members and only ordered the investigation to deflect scrutiny from the plaintiffs. "In short, Sergeant Tennyson's investigation ended up being what he and Chief Deputy Sheridan intended it to be: a perfunctory whitewash," Snow concluded. Snow also found Sheridan had ignored his own conflicts of interest by overseeing a probe into Detective Brian Mackiewicz, who was accused of padding his timesheet and having an inappropriate relationship with the victim of a domestic-violence incident he investigated. Sheridan was close with Mackiewicz, Snow found, and Sheridan's wife stood to make $100,000 in commission from a home sale to one of Mackiewicz's female friends. Mackiewicz was also Arpaio's point person in the "Seattle Investigation." In sum, Sheridan maintained control of the investigations to ensure "nothing became of them," Snow said. Sheriff's attorneys, ACLU weigh in on the ruling The Arizona Republic was unable to reach Arpaio's attorneys for comment Friday, but in a statement they said they have begun reading and analyzing the lengthy document. "Despite disagreeing with some of the Court's findings, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office will continue to work with the court appointed Monitor, the ACLU and Plaintiffs to comply with the Court's Orders, as it has since January 2014," it said. Cecillia Wang, a plaintiffs' attorney with the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, called the ruling "careful" and abundantly supported by evidence and the defendants' admissions. "Based on that evidence, it's a damning finding that they intentionally and repeatedly flouted the court's orders," she said. Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo said in a statement the ruling was the "first step in achieving justice for those whose civil rights were intentionally violated by Sheriff Arpaio." Gallardo, a longtime Arpaio critic, noted that the taxpayers would be picking up the tab for millions of dollars to ensure the Sheriff's Office would be in compliance with the court's orders. "The irony is, while citizens pay the bill for the sheriff's violation of the previous court orders, they are the only ones who can remove Arpaio from office and restore professionalism to our law enforcement agency." Arpaio is running for his seventh term as Maricopa County sheriff this year. Next steps: A response to the judge, a hearing Snow has asked all parties, including the U.S. Department of Justice, to file a response to his rulings by May 27. The Justice Department settled a separate racial-profiling case against Arpaio last year and has since joined this case. Snow said he will discuss sanctions when the hearings pick back up May 31. Shortly thereafter, he said, he would issue orders on remedies and decide whether to refer the case for criminal contempt. Snow betrayed little about either upcoming decision in his Friday ruling, although he repeatedly asserted that Arpaio and his aides' violations were "intentional." SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO LEGAL TROUBLES Profile: Arpaio has always done it his way Latest contempt hearing coverage Key moments in contempt case Tale of 2 Arpaios: Sheriff takes the stand PHOTOS: Arpaio through the years See full azcentral coverage Arpaio: PI investigated judge's wife Arpaio's legal fate hinges on intent Montini: Arpaio, our political Rasputin Roberts: Arpaio spent $120K on conspiracy probe Editorial: Shouldn't a sheriff obey the law? The man judging Sheriff Joe Marshals sent to seize Arpaio evidence It's the key word that could be used to refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney's Office for criminal contempt charges. Snow also has said his decision will be based on whether he feels civil penalties are adequate. Civil penalties are largely used to force a defendant's hand in fixing a problem, while criminal contempt signals punishment. Both can include financial sanctions, but only criminal contempt could lead to jail time. Snow did signal in his ruling that reforms over the office's internal investigations are necessary. And plaintiffs say the parties are already working on a system where victims of the office's racial profiling could be compensated. "We are hoping for the court to issue an order that would authorize some type of mechanism whereby victims could come forward and make claims for some type of compensation that stems from the violations of the preliminary injunction," said Lauren Pedley, a litigation associate for Covington & Burling. Offshoot of racial-profiling case The contempt ruling is the latest development in a case that began when Manuel de Jesus Ortega Melendres, a Mexican tourist legally in the United States, was stopped outside a church in Cave Creek where day laborers were known to gather. Melendres, the passenger in a car driven by a white driver, claimed that deputies detained him for nine hours and that the detention was unlawful. Eventually, the case grew to include complaints from two Hispanic siblings from Chicago who felt they were profiled by sheriff's deputies, and an assistant to former Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon whose Hispanic husband claims he was detained and cited while white motorists nearby were treated differently. Snow issued a preliminary injunction in December 2011 that prohibited sheriff's deputies from engaging in law-enforcement practices that unfairly targeted Latinos, and he followed it up in 2013 with an order that included a court-appointed monitor to oversee reforms in the agency. The costs associated with the racial-profiling case now exceed $60 million, including at least $8.2 million in tax money tied to the outside attorneys required to represent all the parties in the ongoing legal proceedings. Reddit Email 2 Shares By Mustafa Habib | Baghdad | (Niqash.org) | Iraqs Parliament has failed its people. This was the message from protestors last week. But what could possibly replace the flawed system? Each potential solution comes with its own dangers. Protestors left Baghdads heavily fortified Green Zone last week, after having spent two days expressing their anger at Iraqs political system and its inability to get much of anything done, except enrich the politicians in it. Religious leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, then called for the protestors to leave the Green Zone, where many politicians and diplomats also live and work, peacefully. However it is only too clear that the political crisis that sparked intervention by al-Sadr and the Iraqi protestors is far from over. For one thing, al-Sadr has said that he would send his followers back out to protest if the Iraqi Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, does not manage to reform the Cabinet and appoint more able Ministers, rather than politicians who have been given the job simply because of their political, sectarian or ethnic allegiances. In the middle of last week, after the protestors had left the Green Zone and some semblance of order had been restored, the most senior representatives of Iraqs largest sects and ethnic groups were trying to start the reform process moving again. It is not the parliamentary system that is flawed in Iraq. It is Iraqs politicians. Al-Abadi pledged to protect the area and prevent protestors from getting in again, Iraqs President, Iraqi Kurdish politician Fuad Masum, asked that all political parties come back to Parliament and hold another session and the Speaker of Parliament, Sunni Muslim politician, Salim al-Jibouri, began holding negotiations with the heads of different parties. Al-Jibouri paid a visit to Sulaymaniyah in the semi-autonomous, northern region of Iraqi Kurdistan, in order to try and make this happen. However, despite al-Jibouris visit, the Iraqi Kurdish MPs in Parliament have refused to return to Baghdad. They are upset about the beating of one of their own, Aram Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, during protests and about the fact that another Iraqi Kurdish politician, Ala Talabani, had been trapped in the government buildings by angry protestors. One group of MPs, led by a former Prime Minister, Ayad Allawi, insist that an emergency government be created and politicians associated with Muqtada al-Sadr continue to demand a new government made up of independents. Meanwhile those MPs, who formed an alliance against al-Jibouri, insisting that he be dismissed from the position, have said they wont return to Parliament. The protesting MPs plan to form a new bloc in Parliament, a State of Law MP, Hisham al-Suhail, told NIQASH, adding that the new bloc would be named the Reform Front. And a few days ago we decided to boycott any sessions headed by al-Jibouri. This boycott also makes any and all efforts at reform nigh on impossible. With all of these MPs boycotting Parliament, there is no quorum that is, enough politicians present in the building to vote on any legally binding decisions. That means Parliaments work must be suspended until further notice. In six weeks time, the Iraqi Parliament will have completed half of its current term. It will then have two years left in which to try and finalize dozens of draft laws and suspended decisions, some of which are ancient, others of which are urgent and relate to the current economic, security-related and political problems that Iraq is having. According to information on the Iraqi Parliaments website, MPs have managed to discuss 275 laws but have only managed to pass 87 of these. Passing a law in Iraq requires three different stages be completed. The law must be read in Parliament twice and then voted upon. Of those remaining, 121 laws have gone through two readings and only require that MPs vote upon them. Another 67 have gone through a first reading but must move into the second and third stages before they can become law. The biggest problem is that the laws that have been passed up until now are not so important. The new laws, ones that are critical to the countrys future such as laws on the National Guard, the oil and gas law, legislation on the highest court in Iraq and its powers and the formation of the Federation Council, another political body, similar to the US Senate, that is supposed to provide checks and balances have all been shelved because they are simply too divisive. This is despite the fact that laws around the National Guard or the courts could unite the country and help in the fight against the extremist group known as the Islamic State. Parliament is also supposed to be reformulating Iraqs Constitution. Then again, even if the MPs were able to be persuaded to return to work, it would be difficult to get anything done. As Munther al-Sharifi, one of the members of the committee that has been coordinating the protestors, told NIQASH: There are no agreements between the different blocs and they dont even come close to having positions they can compromise on. The political system in Iraq has failed as a result of the quota system. However, he cautioned, if we change the system now, it could lead to the return of a dictatorship. But if Parliament in Iraq has failed and cannot succeed, that begs an important question: What are the alternatives for Iraqi politics? And how to bring about that change? A Presidential Solution One of the most popular ideas is a change to the role of Iraqs President. A change like this would mean that rather than elected MPs in Baghdad choosing the countrys President, voters would choose the President, who could then work somewhat separately from the also-elected Parliament. For example, the US is a presidential system. Iraq currently has a parliamentary system. And in some ways, this could well be a way to solve the Parliamentary gridlock. However, currently in Iraq, those who most support this idea are allies of the former Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, who was basically dismissed for his divisive, power-mongering ways this includes the often-controversial Shiite Muslim volunteer militias strongly affiliated with Iran. The fear that al-Maliki could get back into power, should there be a changeover to a presidential system, means that many other political parties inside Iraq prefer to keep the current system, no matter how deeply flawed it is. As it is, it would be very hard to bring about this change anyway. The Iraqi Constitution would need to be amended and two thirds of the countrys MPs would need to approve those amendments. Additionally a public referendum would also need to be held something that would be very hard to do under the current circumstances, where parts of Iraq are not under government control. There have also been other ways suggested to bring about effective political change. Majority Rule, Opposition Watchdogs One idea focuses on the idea of a majority government, where senior politicians are appointed because they got the most votes, rather than because of their sectarian or ethnic allegiances. One must remember that there are no genuine opposition parties in the Iraqi Parliament unlike in other democracies, every politician here wants to take part in the government, sharing the power and the privilege. If al-Abadis proposed reforms go ahead that is, a government that rules according to who is in the majority and who got the most votes as opposed to the sectarian and ethnic quota system then Iraq would end up with some parties in power and others in the opposition, from where they could (supposedly) monitor the governments performance. Just a few years ago, Ammar al-Hakim, the head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, was opposed to this idea but he now supports it. The State of Law bloc, of which al-Abadi is a member, as is al-Maliki, has wanted to form this kind of majority government for years. Both of these groups are Shiite Muslim. However the groups with the most to lose from this kind of arrangement, those who would end up in the opposition simply because, traditionally, they would field fewer voters that is, the Sunni Muslim and Iraqi Kurdish parties dont like this idea, and for obvious reasons. They fear that the Shiite Muslim parties will monopolize power, and sideline other Iraqi communities, passing laws without the help of any other group. For the majority-government idea to work, Iraqi politics and Iraqs voters would need to be ready to move beyond their tribal, religious and ethnic allegiances. Voters would need to be ready to vote for a politician because he or she has policies they agree with, rather than just because they go to the same mosque or share a language. Some believe Iraq is ready for this. A political-majority government wouldnt be limited just to Shiite Muslim parties, argues Nahla al-Hababi, a State of Law MP. Sectarian alliances are already in the past. In fact, there are major conflicts within the Shiite parties themselves that are bigger than conflicts between the Shiites and the Sunnis, or the Shiites and the Kurds. One recent example is the group of MPs who wanted to see Iraqs Speaker of Parliament, Salim al-Jibouri, kicked out of the job. Although there were some major issues with the political motivations involved, this was a cross-sectarian and multi-ethnic alliance, al-Hababi points out. Provincial Empowerment Another way out of Iraqs political quagmire could involve a decentralization of power. Broadly speaking, a lot of Iraqs political parties are in it for the power and the money and that power is in the hands of the central government. However if Iraqs provincial governments were given more power, this might force local politicians to be more responsive to the needs of voters. It would also mean less power and fewer resources for Baghdads MPs, therefore, hopefully, less for them to squabble over. Prime Minister al-Abadi seemed to think this was a good idea and pledged to apply the related legislation, Law 21, and start transferring power to Iraqs provinces. However this plan didnt work out when the various ministries refused to hand over power to the provincial governments, saying that the local politicians didnt have enough experience or ability to deal with the job, thereby keeping the power (and the budgets) in their own hands. Its a similar roadblock as the one being created by various Ministries now, as al-Abadi tries to hand over power to technocrats. Once again, this is more about the way Iraqi politics are conducted, than the political system. Many good ideas have been suggested, some have even been trialled but, thanks to a desire for power, privilege and money and an apparent lack of desire to serve the Iraqi people, none of these plans have worked out. As Amer Hassan Fayed, a professor of political science at the University of Baghdad puts it: It is not the parliamentary system that is flawed in Iraq. The political crisis is due to Iraqs politicians and the way they work with the system, he argues, not the system itself. Via Niqash.org Related video added by Juan Cole: CCTV: The Heat: Ongoing unrest in Iraq pt. 3 Reddit Email 0 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | Mustafa Badreddine, the Hizbullah commander responsible for Syria, was killed Friday in an explosion near Damascus. It wasnt clear whether he was hit by artillery fire or what. The US now has a tacit alliance of convenience with Lebanons Hizbullah against Daesh (ISIS, ISIL), but continues to keep the organization on a terrorism list. BBC Monitoring translated this broadcast: Lebanese Hezbollah has announced the death of one of its top military commander, Moustafa Badr-al-Din (Mustafa Badreddine), in an explosion near Damascus airport. According to a statement reported by the groups Al-Manar TV channel on 13 May, Hezbollah said: Information coming out of the initial investigation indicate that a huge explosion targeted one of our centres near Damascus International Airport, which led to the martyrdom of Mustafa Badreddine (Al-Sayyed Zul-Faqqar) and the injury of others. The investigation will work on determining the nature of the explosion and its causes and whether it was a result of an air, missile or artillery attack. We will announce further results of the invetsigation soon. Earlier, Hezbollah was quoted as saying that Badreddine was killed in an Israeli air strike at Lebanese-Syrian borders. Badreddine and three other alleged Hezbollah members is accused of assassinating former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri in Beirut in 2005. Source: Al-Manar Television, Beirut, in Arabic 0427 gmt 13 May 16 (Just to be clear, that bit about Hariri is commentary by the translator, not in the al-Manar report; al-Manar, the Hizbullah mouthpiece, would never say that.) He was the highest ranking Hizbullah operative to be killed since Emad Mughniya in 2008, who was likely assassinated by Israeli intelligence. If Badreddine was killed in an airstrike, then his demise would also be owing to an Israeli intervention. In that case, the Lebanese press is asking what kind of retaliation the organization will stage. Update: Badreddin was killed by artillery fire, by Salafi jihadi forces, Hizbullah now says. That could mean the Saudi-backed Jaysh al-Islam, given where he was killed, near Damascus airport. Russia has been trying to get the latter declared a terrorist organization and remove it from the peace talks delegation, which it now leads. Or it could indicate the al-Qaeda offshot, the Nusra Front or Support Front. In other words, this death will exacerbate further the severe Iran-Saudi tensions and challenge the current cessation of hostilities that is holding in some of Syria. [End update] His death came the same week the Syrian government and the Shiite militias fighting alongside its troops lost Khan Touman near Aleppo to a fierce onslaught by al-Qaeda in Syria and its allies. Some 80 on the government side were killed, including members of the elite Quds Brigade of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. While some Iranians and Lebanese will be disheartened at the news, others will be reinfused with zeal to defeat the forces arrayed against Iran and the Lebanese Shiites. Lebanese Shiites and other minorities, including many Christians, were terrified in 2014 that Daesh might come into Lebanon and commit genocide against them. They are also generally afraid of the Salafi Jihadi forces backed by Saudi Arabia that are trying to overthrow the Syrian government. The US has been de facto allied in Iraq with a group that Badruddin helped found, Iraqi Shiite militiamen fighting Daesh. Badreddin Moustafa likely played a significant role in forcing the Israeli militiary back out of southern Lebanon, which it occupied in 1982 and gave no sign of any willigness to withdraw voluntarily. Badreddiin was allegedly involved in the bombing that killed Marines in Beirut in 1982 and in bombing attempts on the US embassy in Kuwait in 1983. - related video: BBC News: Hezbollah commander Badreddine killed in Syria BBC News VICE News | (Video report) | In recent years, democratic reforms have swept through Myanmar, a country that for decades was ruled by a military junta. As the reforms took hold, however, things were growing progressively worse for the Rohingya, a heavily persecuted ethnic Muslim minority concentrated in the countrys western state of Rakhine. The 2012 gang rape and murder of a Buddhist woman by three Muslim men ignited violent riots in which hundreds were killed as Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya attacked each other. In the following months, tens of thousands of Rohingya were rounded up and forced to live in squalid camps; Human Rights Watch deemed the attacks crimes against humanity that amounted to ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya. Thousands of Rohingya have since attempted to leave the country, fueling the regions intricate and brutal human trafficking network. VICE News traveled to Myanmar to investigate the violence and discrimination faced by the countrys Muslim minority. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 11, 2016) - Radius Gold Inc. (TSX VENTURE:RDU) is aware of media reports in Guatemala regarding a temporary suspension of mining operations at Kappes Cassiday and Associates' (KCA) Tambor gold mine. Radius is awaiting clarification of the situation regarding Tambor and will provide further information as soon as possible. In 2012 Radius sold its interest in Tambor to KCA for deferred cash payments and a royalty interest in the mine's gold production. About Radius Radius has been exploring for gold in Latin America for over a decade. The Company has a strong treasury and is looking for investment and project acquisition opportunities across the globe. Please call toll free 1-888-627-9378 or visit our web site (www.radiusgold.com) for more information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Simon Ridgway, President and CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements which include, without limitation, statements about the Company's intention to provide further information regarding the Tambor mine when known; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Company's investments and properties; timelines; the future financial performance of the Company; expenditures; approvals and other matters. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, the Company's intention to provide further information regarding the Tambor mine when known; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Company will provide further information regarding the Tambor mine when known; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with its public statements and stated goals; that all required approvals will be obtained; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its investments or properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. [JURIST] Alabama Governor Robert Bentley [official website] signed two pieces of legislation restricting abortion into law on Thursday. The two laws, SB 205 and SB 363 [materials], prevent the issuance or renewal of health center licenses to abortion clinics or reproductive health centers performing abortions located within 2,000 feet of a K-8 public school and prohibit dilation and evacuation abortions, respectively. The first of these bills is likely to close down [Montgomery Advertiser report] two of the states abortion clinics, the two of which accounted for 72 percent of all abortion procedures in Alabama in 2014. Dilation and evacuation abortions, in which forceps are used to remove fetal body parts, was denounced by those in opposition, who refer to the process as dismemberment abortion. Despite this opposition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) stated that the procedure is generally safer than medical abortions. Banning this procedure would result in a significant lessening of second-trimester abortions. Abortion procedures and reproductive rights issues [JURIST backgrounder] are controversial topics throughout the US. Earlier this month Louisiana lawmakers approved legislation [JURIST report] requiring a 72-hour waiting period before receiving an abortion. In April the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood filed suit [JURIST report] against the state of Indiana, challenging the constitutionality of a recently signed abortion law. In March Utah became the first state to require doctors to administer anesthesia [JURIST report] to women receiving an abortion after 20 weeks. In March a district court judge blocked [JURIST report] Arkansas from enforcing a bill mandating abortion pill providers follow US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and requiring hospital admittance privileges to handle complications. Also in March West Virginia lawmakers overrode the governors veto to enact a new law [JURIST report] that prevents the dilation and evacuation abortion procedure, widely held to be the safest second-trimester abortion method. The same day, South Dakotas governor signed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protections Act, which bans abortions after 20 weeks. The Supreme Court of India [website] upheld [judgment, PDF] a set of defamation laws Friday, finding them to be constitutionally valid. The laws were challenged by opposing politicians as an impediment on free speech. The ruling recognized a legitimate interest of the state to restrict free speech to protect from defamatory or libelous speech or expression, saying [t]here is a correlative duty not to interfere with the liberty of others. The court emphasized the relationship between free speech and the reputation of each individual, holding that the criminal penalties imposed by the defamation laws are an appropriate tool to uphold the value of an individuals reputation. India is one of many countries that have struggled to balance citizens internationally recognized rights to free speech with domestic and international security concerns. Last August India after widespread international criticism, ordered Internet service providers [JURIST report] to allow access to the 857 previously banned pornography and humor websites provided they did not include child pornography. Earlier last year Indias Supreme Court struck down [judgment, PDF] a law that gave authorities the power to jail people for offensive online posts. That ruling was welcomed and commended [JURIST report] by Prime Minister Narendra Modi [official website]. Last May JURIST guest columnist Roy Gutterman noted [JURIST op-ed] that many countries throughout the world not only still have, but also actively enforce sedition laws. Indias own sedition laws, although rarely upheld, result in instant imprisonment for violations. The Massachusetts Senate [official website] advanced legislation on Thursday aimed at protecting transgender individuals from discrimination. Bill S.735 entitled An Act relative to transgender anti-discrimination [official summary], seeks to add the term gender identity to the protected classes afforded rights and protections under the law. The act further mandates that places of public accommodation with separate access based on gender must accommodate each individual based on the gender identity that the individual purports themselves to be, even if it contrasts with their biological sex assigned at birth. The bill will now head to the house for a vote and then to the governor before it becomes law. The fight for the right of transgender individuals to have governmental protections in public spaces has created a wave of legislative and judicial actions. On Friday the Obama administration stated that it would issue guidance [CNN report] to schools on ensuring transgender students enjoy a supportive and nondiscriminatory school environment. The Florida American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] against the Marion County school district on Thursday, challenging their bathroom policy as anti-transgender. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] Monday challenging North Carolinas controversial House Bill 2. The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled [JURIST report] in April in favor of a transgender Virginia high school student who sued his school for discrimination. [JURIST] Government signatories to the Paris Agreement [materials, PDF] will meet in Bonn next week and are intent upon discussing human rights issues with the plan. UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and environment, John H. Knox, stated [UN report] Friday that this meeting will be, [t]he first test of States commitment to the principles of the Paris Agreement. During this meeting, the government representatives will discuss possible alternatives to the Clean Development Mechanism [official website], which was criticized for its contribution to human rights violations, most notably displacing indigenous communities. Knox hopes that a new sustainable framework can be established with safeguards against potential human rights violations, using prior assessments, provisions for public participation, and effective grievance procedures, among other mechanisms. The agreement was reached during the twenty-first annual conference of parties, known as COP21 [official website] and achieved the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius, aiming for only a 1.5 degree temperature rise. According to many experts, climate change [JURIST backgrounder] as a result of global greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most pressing and controversial environmental issues facing the international community today. In July US President Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff announced an agreement [text] to address climate change [JURIST report]. Both countries pledged to reduce carbon emissions by increasing the use of wind and solar power sources to 20 percent of each nations electricity production by 2030. Brazil also pledged to help reduce the deforestation problem by restoring nearly 30 million acres of Amazon rain forest. China also announced its climate change goals [press release] in July, including reducing its adjusted carbon monoxide output by 60 percent. [JURIST] The Supreme Court of Texas [official website] upheld [decision, PDF] the states complicated public school funding system as constitutional Friday. The court noted that financial efficiency was not an issue with the states public school funding based upon prior precedent, while stating that there is no specific number at which funding becomes efficient or inefficient. Intervenors also argued that the school system was qualitatively inefficient because of its monopolized statutory scheme and the existence of school districts as near monopolies. The court held that the legislature is to be given broad discretion to make the myriad policy decisions concerning education, and thus monopolistic features are not sufficient to qualify the funding system as inefficient. It was also argued that the funding system imposed a state-wide ad valorem tax, but the court did not believe there was any evidence of lack of meaningful discretion, making it not an ad valorem tax at all. While acknowledging the role of judicial review in educational policy-making, the court emphasized that, [o]ur Byzantine school funding system is undeniably imperfect, with immense room for improvement. But it satisfies minimum constitutional requirements, under the Texas Constitution [materials]. The court was emphatic about their role in determining constitutionality, not optimality, and left the legislature with the urgent challenge [to] upend an ossified regime ill-suited for 21st century Texas. Education funding has led to numerous legal challenges across the US. The Supreme Court of Washington last August ordered [JURIST report] the state to pay a fine of $100,000 per day for each day that it fails to comply with a previous court ruling mandating adequate funding of public schools. Also last August the US Senate passed a bill [JURIST report] to revamp the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. The US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled [JURIST report] in July in favor of tight regulations pointed at the for-profit college industry. The court ruled that the Education Department has the right to demand that schools show that their graduates are financially dependent enough to repay their student loans. In August 2014 a judge for a Travis County Civil Court in Texas ruled [JURIST report] that the Texas legislature failed to meet its constitutional duty to provide for Texas public schools because the school finance system is structured, operated, and funded so that it cannot provide a constitutionally reasonable education for all Texas schoolchildren. Uganda police announced on Saturday that opposition leader Kizza Besigye [BBC report] will be charged with treason after he was arrested Wednesday for declaring himself the president of the country despite losing the election to President Yoweri Museveni [BBC profile]. Besigye was sworn in as president in a public ceremony where he accused Museveni of trying to overthrow the Constitution. Besigye was subject to a court order [Daily Monitor report] banning him from holding opposition events, which the police claim he violated. The leader of Besigyes party claimed [Daily Monitor report] that he was removed and transported by plane to another province without being able to retain or contact legal representation. UN experts expressed concern [JURIST report] in late February over the tense situation in Uganda since the presidential election. Besigye has run against Museveni, the five-term president, in at least four elections resulting [Aljazeera report] in multiple arrests and claims of brutality. Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, belongs to the ruling National Resistance Movement [party website] party. The Supreme Court of Uganda in April rejected [JURIST report] a legal challenge to the presidential election held in February which resulted in President Yoweri Museveni being re-elected to a fifth term in office. During his swearing in ceremony, officials from North America and Europe walked out of the function [BBC report] when Museveni critiqued the International Criminal Court and withdrew his support for the organization. KEARNEY Fracturing a Kearney mans eye socket has a California man facing two felonies. Johnathan Schmidt, 26, was charged Monday in Buffalo County Court with felony second-degree assault of a 45-year-old Kearney man and use of a deadly weapon, brass knuckles, to commit a felony. He is accused of hitting the Kearney man in the eye following a dispute between the two men Sunday night at Prairie View Apartments in southeast Kearney. Court records outline the case against Schmidt: At 10:22 p.m. Sunday, Kearney Police Department officers were dispatched to Prairie View because of an assault report. When they arrived, they spoke with the victim who was bleeding from the face. The man said he was assaulted by a Kearney teen he knew and another man with tattoos on his face. The victim said the teen hit him in the face at least twice, and the tattooed man also hit him at least twice in the face with brass knuckles. The teen was contacted, but because he is a juvenile he was cited only for misdemeanor third-degree assault and released. The teen said the assault was related to a disturbance earlier in the day, although it isnt clear what happened in the first incident. Police located Schmidt at the teens mothers home in the 3700 block of Central Avenue, and he was taken into custody. At the home, police found a pair of brass knuckles, although officers dont believe they were the weapons used in the assault. The brass knuckles were seized. At press time, Schmidt was being held at the Buffalo County Jail on 10 percent of a $25,000 bond, or $2,500. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month. e-mail to: WASHINGTON (AP) Congress is on the verge of ordering young women to register for a military draft for the first time in history, touching off outrage among social conservatives who fear the move is another step toward blurring gender lines. The female draft requirement, approved late Thursday by the Senate Armed Services Committee, could be as heated as the divisive debate over what public lavatories and locker rooms transgender people should use. Opponents of expanding the draft may be unable to halt the momentum in favor of lifting the exclusion, which was triggered by the Pentagons decision late last year to open all front-line combat jobs to women. After gender restrictions to military service were erased, the top uniformed officers in each of the military branches expressed support during congressional testimony for including women in a potential draft. The Senate Armed Services Committee added a provision to its version of the annual defense policy bill that calls for women to sign up with the Selective Service within 30 days of turning 18 just as men are beginning in January 2018, according to a summary of the legislation released by the committee. The House Armed Services Committee narrowly adopted a provision to its bill late last month to include women in Selective Service. This is a highly consequential and, for many American families, a deeply controversial decision that deserves to be resolved by Congress after a robust and transparent debate in front of the American people, instead of buried in an embargoed document that is passed every year to fund military pay and benefits, said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, one of three Senate Armed Services Committee members who voted against the policy bill. Conservative columnist Daniel Horowitz wrote of the consequences of completely eradicating the self-evident truth and science of the two sexes. The full House is expected to take up its version of the legislation as early as next week. The Senate will consider its bill later this month. While the subject is contentious, a return to forcing people to join the armed forces seems unlikely. Military leaders maintain the all-volunteer force is working and do not want a return to conscription. The U.S. has not had a military draft since 1973, in the waning years of the Vietnam War era. Still, all men between the ages of 18 and 25 are required by law to register. Its what a mans got to do, says the Selective Service website. Women were nearly drafted during World War II due to a shortage of military nurses. But a surge of volunteers made it unnecessary, according to the Government Accountability Office. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., who served with the Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, said he believes most Americans dont want women to be drafted. Despite his objections, Hunter proposed and then voted against the amendment requiring women to register that the House Armed Services Committee approved in April. Hunter said he offered the measure to force a discussion about how the Pentagons decision to void gender restrictions on military service failed to consider whether the exclusion on drafting women also should be lifted. Like Lee, he argued that the call should be made by Congress. The White House has declined to say whether President Barack Obama would sign into law legislation that expands the draft to include women. A longstanding congressional ban on moving prisoners held at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detention facility to the United States also is included in the policy bill. The prohibition, which the White House opposes, has kept Obama from fulfilling a campaign pledge to shutter the facility. The legislation also proposes to help shrink the remaining population at Guantanamo by allowing detainees to plead guilty to criminal charges in federal civilian courts via video teleconference. Those detainees could then be transferred to other countries to serve their sentences. But the Center for Constitutional Rights, an advocacy group, opposed the change and said allowing pleas by remote video is an attempt to change the rules in order to stymie the defense and afford the prosecution a greater chance to win these cases. Overall, the defense policy bill provides $602 billion in the fiscal year starting Oct. 1 for the Defense Department and nuclear weapons programs managed by the Energy Department. The Senate committee did not follow the lead of its House counterpart, which shifted $18 billion in wartime spending to pay for additional weapons and troops to reverse what Republicans and a number of Democrats have called a crisis in the militarys combat readiness. The committee did identify $3 billion in savings from the defense budget proposed by the Obama administration and redirected those funds toward critical needs of our warfighters, according to the summary. The committee also added $2 billion for additional training, depot maintenance and weapons sustainment. ___ Follow Richard Lardner on Twitter at http://twitter.com/rplardner LINCOLN (AP) A Lincoln man said hes not dead, despite what the Social Security Administration has said. Chuck Zellers learned of his demise in March after his Social Security deposit was removed from his bank account while he and his wife, Alice, were in Arizona, he told the Lincoln Journal Star. They talked to a woman at the Social Security office who checked her computer and told him, Oh, by golly, you are dead, Zellers said. She told me it could be a funeral home declared you deceased; or that someone just put in a wrong keystroke or something like that, he said. But Zellers, 73, admitted he will probably never know how it happened. So, hes spent the past few weeks going from agency to agency, business to business, proving with various documents that Charles Richard Zellers II of Lincoln, Nebraska, is not dead yet. It was a lot of driving and a lot of calling, he said. He retired from his computer job at Unisys in 2000, and since then his pension and Social Security checks have been his main source of income. He hadnt received either check in more than two months. When he cut his Arizona trip short and returned home, his local Social Security office paid him what he was owed but only after they saw him alive. His Veterans Administration disability payments were recently reinstated and his credit rating is also back. It looks like they are reversing things for me, Zellers said. 983 Shares Share How would you react if you sent your sputtering car to the auto mechanic, and they stopped trying to diagnose the problem after 15 minutes? You would probably revolt if they told you that your time was up and gave back the keys. Yet in medicine, its common for practices to schedule patient visits in 15-minute increments often for established patients with less complex needs. Physicians face pressure to mind the clock while they examine you. Thats not to say that your physician clocks out as soon as your 1 p.m. appointment hits 1:15, or that all appointments last that long. What it does mean is that patients and doctors may be deprived of the opportunity for more meaningful discussions about the underlying causes of their problems and plans to improve them. A woman in her 50s who presents with high blood pressure and obesity might need medicine. But a longer conversation about the stresses of being the primary caregiver to her father, who has Alzheimers, could help provide strategies to help her look after herself. When you see a new patient every quarter hour, there is often scant time to get to these root causes, to make accurate diagnoses, and develop the best treatment plans. And there is the danger that you miss a major diagnosis altogether. The 15-minute appointment arose not out of evidence that it improves patient outcomes but out of production pressures: both the need to meet patient demand and to see enough patients to stay profitable. Unpopular among patients, these production pressures have few fans among physicians either. A Mayo Clinic report stated that 54 percent of physicians meet the criteria for burnout in 2014 up nearly 10 percent from three years earlier. Running on a treadmill all day in 15-minute sprints likely contributes to this phenomenon. Onerous documentation requirements and other pressures dont help, either. Some patient problems could be solved in 5, 10 or 15 minutes, but others cannot. What if health care trusted its physicians enough to take the time they need with patients and no more, and then monitored and paid for results? Could we realize better care while reducing costs, because patients are getting the right diagnosis sooner, and not coming back after their problem has been missed and their condition has worsened? Its not clear whether alternative payment models will achieve this. Concierge practices, in which patients pay a hefty annual fee in exchange for greater access to their physicians, may work well for those who can afford it. While this model is beyond the financial reach of many, a related model called direct primary care or concierge care for the masses is more accessible. Patients pay a monthly fee of anywhere from $25 to $85 to cover their primary care services, according to a Health Affairs report in December, and are encouraged to have insurance to cover more serious health issues. Patients and physicians might have 45 minutes to spend in an appointment. Because direct primary care usually does not bill insurance, it results in less checking boxes and more conversation. A criticism of these models is that they may exacerbate the larger physician shortage, because physicians are responsible for significantly fewer patients than in a typical practice. Yet we need to evaluate their impact and see if their lessons might help us reclaim the patient-physician encounter. Peter Pronovost is an anesthesiologist and director, Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality. He blogs at Voices for Safer Care. This article originally appeared in the Wall Street Journals blog, the Experts. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 1 of 5 Special protein found to treat miscarriages Scientists in the UK have discovered a protein which helps embryos stick to the womb and improve treatments for recurrent miscarriages and pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure. The pioneering study by scientists at the University of Sheffield shows that a protein called Syncytin-1, which was the result of a viral infection of our primate ancestors 25 million years ago, is first secreted on the surface of a developing embryo even before it implants in the womb. This means the protein is likely to play a major role in helping embryos stick to the womb as well as the formation of the placenta. Read More... Ferries at Coleman Dock as seen from the top of the Columbia Center on Sunday, March 8, 2015. (MEEGAN M. REID / KITSAP SUN) SHARE By Ed Friedrich of the Kitsap Sun BREMERTON Washington State Ferries has begun routinely plugging in an 11:30 p.m. sailing from Seattle to Bremerton on nights when large crowds can be anticipated, such as Mariners games Friday and Saturday. The extra departure lets riders arrive later to Colman Dock and allows the 10:30 p.m. boat from Seattle to carry more people. It's not a perfect system. There was no 11:30 p.m. sailing last Saturday, when several passengers were denied passage on the 10:30 p.m. sailing after the Hyak (filling in for the Kaleetan) reached its 600-passenger limit. The other boat on the Bremerton run, the Kitsap, was on a training trip and not available for extra duty. Riders who couldn't get on the 10:30 p.m. had to wait for the 12:50 a.m. boat. "We take a look at what we expect the need to be and most of the time we're good at forecasting that," said WSF spokesman Ian Sterling. "This night we didn't anticipate the need." The ferry crowd was swelled by many of the nearly 40,000 fans who watched the Seattle Sounders shut out San Jose at CenturyLink Field, Sterling believes. Another overload occurred on March 19, when about 50 people couldn't get aboard the Hyak. They had likely attended a Sounders game against Vancouver or visited the city for St. Patrick's Day events. The practice of making an extra trip began on New Year's Eve, when several revelers were left at Colman Dock. Ferries management made an on-the-spot decision to extend the Kitsap's shift and pick them up. The service has been provided several times since, though generally it's planned and announced online as is the case this weekend, when 11:30 p.m. sailings were added to coincide with the Mariners' games against the Angels on Friday and Saturday. The Hyak capacity problem occurs only when the Kitsap ties up for the night at about 10 p.m. The Hyak can carry up to 2,000 passengers when the Kitsap is also running, but only 600 when it isn't. The Coast Guard lets it exceed its lifeboat capacity if there's another ferry around to help during an emergency. Riders might presume if WSF can add a round trip for big events, it could do it every night, or at least Fridays and Saturdays. Not only would that be costly, WSF's Sterling says, but unnecessary. Propelling the Kitsap back and forth across Puget Sound requires about $400 worth of diesel, he said. Labor costs aren't an issue because the 12-person crew is already scheduled to stick around for maintenance on Fridays and Saturdays. "The second boat isn't needed for carrying people most of the time," Sterling said of tying up the Kitsap at 10 p.m. "The question becomes how often can you run this thing just to run it if nobody utilizes it, which is what happens most of the time." The new 144-car ferry Chimacum, under construction at Vigor Industrial in Seattle, will replace the Kaleetan on the Bremerton route early next year. It won't ever have to restrict its 1,500-passenger capacity because it'll have lifeboats for all of them. Officials also are discussing whether to add more lifeboats to existing ferries. That will solve the getting-left-at-the-dock problem, but not the gap between 10:30 p.m. and 12:50 a.m. sailings. Riders often leave events early because they don't want to wait until nearly 1 a.m. to catch a boat. Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, likes the idea of adding the extra round trips. She asked WSF if it can plan them far enough and post a supplemental schedule so more people could use them. SHARE By Andrew Binion of the Kitsap Sun BREMERTON The sail of the USS Parche, a giant block of black-painted steel, pokes up from the concrete where Pacific Avenue meets First Street. The rest of the most decorated submarine in Navy history, referred to as "she" and "her" by those who spent months at a time inside its belly, is gone. Only the sail remains, but it is now more visible than ever during its 30 years plying the depths of the ocean, conducting missions so secret former crew members and officers believe the details of its adventures will never be known -- even to those who were there. And although the sail has stood at the site in front of the just-opened Puget Sound Navy Museum for about a year, those who spent lengthy chunks of their life inside the Sturgeon-class submarine turned out Saturday to officially dedicate its place in downtown Bremerton. The submarine earned 13 Expeditionary Medals, 10 Navy Unit commendations and nine presidential unit citations, making it the most decorated submarine in U.S. Navy history. "This was not just a record of successes achieved by those who wore the Navy uniform and went to sea on this truly unique boat," said Retired Rear Admiral Richard A. Buchanan, who commanded the Parche from 1984 to 1988. "The success of this submarine was truly a national commitment of organizations, people, teams and equipment that will probably never be completely understood, appreciated or recognized." Named after a small butterfly fish, the Parche was commissioned in 1974 and didn't call Kitsap County its homeport until 1994. It was decommissioned after 30 years. While lurking in the briny deep, once staying under way for a 124-day stretch in 1982, the ship completed an undisclosed number of missions that officials say were vital to the country's national security. Although the Parche is noted as the most decorated submarine, exactly what its crew did to earn those accolades isn't quite clear, and may never be. All crew members, down to the mess hall peons who scrubbed the pots and pans, had a high-level security clearance. Crew members were routinely given polygraph tests, said Will Longman, chairman of the Parche Association. Longman, who served aboard the Parche from 1993 to 1996, said the ship frequently had curtains over some areas and some offices were off-limits to virtually all crew members. Often as the crew focused on completing their jobs, they had no idea what they were doing or where they were. "I don't know if that made it harder or easier," Longman said. He's been quizzed at various times over the years about what he knows about the accomplishments of the ship during the Cold War. "I have to look them dead on the eye and say, 'I can't confirm or deny that,'" he said, adding that the lack of information about the submarine's operations are a point of pride among the former crew members. But even those present during the top secret missions aren't exactly sure what they accomplished. "We have our little pieces," said Stan Van Eps of Bainbridge Island, who served aboard the Parche from 1973 to 1977. The ship wasn't always the same, and underwent major renovations from 1987 to 1991. Dick Litscher of Bremerton, who along with Van Eps served aboard the Parche before it was officially commissioned, said that when he toured the submarine before it was decommissioned he noticed that he, or the ship, had undergone some changes. "It was a lot smaller," Litscher said, laughing. He served aboard from 1972 to 1976. Dan Bunch of Bremerton served aboard the Parche from 2001 until it was decommissioned. He was even six months late to his own wedding because of his duties aboard the Parche. "It's one of those thing I'll never make up to my wife," said Bunch, who noted that the couple did eventually tie the knot and two weeks ago they had their first child, a girl. Bunch has served aboard submarines before, and after, the Parche, but said the camaraderie has never been the same. He attributed it to the feeling of doing something that really matters. Plus, he added you really get to know your fellow crew members -- in-depth. "After a while you run out of things to talk about," Bunch said. "You're on the third iteration of your life story." Van Eps said he was glad the piece of his personal history made its final port in Bremerton. "It's home," he said. Racist harassment reported at Bremerton, North Mason volleyball game The two districts issued vague statements Monday, but state Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Bremerton, said Bremerton students were the victims of racism. SHARE Jason Riley has now joined the long and distinguished list of people invited and then disinvited to give a talk on a college campus, in this case Virginia Tech. Mr. Riley is a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a columnist for the Wall Street Journal and, perhaps most relevantly, author of a very insightful book titled "Please Stop Helping Us: How Liberals Make It Harder for Blacks to Succeed." In short, Jason Riley's views on race are different from the views that prevail on most college campuses. At one time, 50 years ago or earlier, exposing students to a different viewpoint was considered to be a valuable part of their education. But that was before academia and the education system in general became virtually a monopoly of the political left. Today one can literally go from kindergarten to becoming a graduate student seeking a Ph.D., without ever hearing a vision of the world that conflicts with the vision of the left. Conservative critics who object on grounds that the views of the left are wrong miss the point. Regardless of whose views become a monopoly, education suffers. John Stuart Mill understood this back in the middle of the 19th century. As a young Marxist in college during the 1950s heyday of the anti-Communist crusade led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, I had more freedom to express my views in class, without fear of retaliation, than conservative students have on many campuses today. After being invited by conservative students to give talks at various colleges, Jason Riley has then been surprised at how little those conservative students have said during the question and answer periods after these talks. But a Wellesley student explained: "You get to leave when you're done. We have to live with these people until we graduate." Even liberal professors can be adversely affected by the narrow groupthink that prevails. Without an opposition to keep them on their toes, they can develop sloppy habits of dismissing or even demonizing differing viewpoints, instead of practicing and teaching their students how to come to grips with opposing beliefs. A well-known Harvard professor, for example, recently referred to Justice Clarence Thomas by remarking: "He'll say he pulled himself up by his own bootstraps. I say I was in the right place at the right time." It so happens that I first met Clarence Thomas back in 1978, when he was a young lawyer in Missouri. In all these years, I have never heard him say anything even resembling what has been blithely attributed to him by this Harvard professor. On the contrary, Justice Thomas has attributed his good fortune to his grandfather who raised him, especially in his autobiography, "My Grandfather's Son." When he was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court, he brought the nuns who had taught him in school, down in Georgia, to the ceremony in Washington, at his own expense, to let them know that what they had done for him was appreciated, and had not been in vain. There is no reason why our Harvard professor has to agree with Justice Thomas' judicial philosophy or his social views. But, as the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan once put it: "You're entitled to your own opinions, but you're not entitled to your own facts." It was much the same story when a faculty member at the University of California at Santa Barbara referred to economist Walter Williams as someone "committed to the welfare of the top few." It so happens that I have known Walter Williams since 1969. In all those years, I have never once known him to express the slightest concern for the welfare of rich people. But what I have seen repeatedly has been his expressing his concern for people who are poor, both in words and in deeds. As an economist, Professor Williams knows that high tax rates on investors chase investments and American jobs overseas, where American working people cannot get those jobs. But, whether the academic in Santa Barbara agrees or disagrees with that analysis, it is no good for him, or for his students, to dismiss opposing views by misrepresenting them. These are just a few samples of the intellectual and moral dry rot on the many campuses across the country where the groupthink of the left substitutes for education. SHARE By Tom Philpott For a fourth straight year, military personnel could see their basic pay increase next January fall short of average wage growth in the private sector. That became more likely when the Senate Armed Services Committee this week offered a first peek at its fiscal 2017 compensation reform package, which is also expected to support higher TRICARE fees and co-pays, the bulk of them targeted at retirees under age 65 and their families. Senators endorsed a military pay raise for Jan. 1, 2017, of 1.6 percent rather than the 2.1 percent needed to match private sector wage growth as measured by the government's Employment Cost Index (ECI). The Senate committee is signaling once again that it is ready to take a harder stand on containing compensation costs than are House colleagues who last month marked up their own version of the fiscal 2017 defense authorization bill and voted for a pay raise to match ECI. The House panel also wants only modest TRICARE fee increases and would apply most of them only to people who join the military after 2017. Not so the Senate committee. Its members don't stand for re-election every two years. "We've done some tough things, some long overdue things and some very necessary things for those who serve in the military," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chairman of the armed services' personnel subcommittee. "This is the most comprehensive look at military health care I've ever been involved in. We're trying to make it better," Graham said. People will want to push back "because change is hard to accept. But the goal [is] to bring about efficiency, lower costs [and] improve quality." Graham added, "If we don't do anything, in about 20 years, 18 percent of the Department of Defense budget is going to be military health care related. That's an unsustainable path." Graham said the proposed health care reforms, to be unveiled Friday and explained in next week's column, not only will make the system more sustainable for taxpayers but they will expand patient services and access. Graham and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., noted one other key health care provision: a $40 million initiative to reinstate the higher applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy rates that TRICARE replaced April 1 under its demonstration for expanded treatment of military children with autism. Families with special needs children, said Graham, will be the "biggest winners" from the committee's health reform initiatives. A House-Senate conference committee this summer will negotiate away any differences between the two versions of the authorization bill. In the recent past House negotiators have acquiesced to senators on the pay cap issue. Last January, the basic pay hike was capped at 1.3 percent, a full percentage point below a raise to pace the ECI. In both 2014 and 2015, military pay hikes were capped at 1 percent when 1.8 percent was needed to match wage hikes nationwide. Every pay cap saves the Department of Defense a lot of money. Next January's pay cap would free up $300 million through the last nine months of fiscal 2017. Smaller basic pay raises also hold down future retirement costs and all other military pays linked to basic pay levels. The Congressional Budget Offices estimates that capping basic pay increases by just a half percent point for a full decade would save almost $25 billion. The Defense Department's current plan is to cap pay increases through fiscal 2020. From 2001 through 2010, as hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops went to war, Congress acknowledged a military pay gap and began setting pay raises a half percentage point above ECI. But by 2011, with the nation worried about runaway debt, Congress passed the Budget Control Act, which ordered military spending tightened by roughly $500 billion over the next decade. For the next three years, Congress set military pay raises, as standing federal law requires, to match changes in the ECI. Since 2014, however, the Obama administration has proposed and Congress has allowed military raises to fall below wage growth nationally. Congress also embraced the administration's call to dampen Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) growth by a full percentage point per year until BAH rates cover only 95 percent, rather 100 percent, of average rental costs off base. The cumulative effect of basic pay and BAH caps is taking a toll on purchasing power of military personnel and families, said Steve Strobridge, director of government relations for Military Officers Association of America. Some lawmakers, he said, look at the caps' impact on individuals in a single year and conclude it "doesn't seem to mean much," Strobridge said. "But if you look at how much that person is losing each year versus what they would have had, had there not been a pay raise cap or allowance cap, you can see the numbers start compounding pretty quickly." Assuming another half percent pay cap next January, a married E-5 who had 10 years' service when assigned to Washington D.C. in 2014 will feel a cumulative loss of income of $4756 through 2017, the result of four consecutive basic pay caps and three years of BAH caps, Strobridge said. A married junior officer (O-3) who had 10 years in when assigned to the DC area in 2014 would see a cumulative loss in pay and allowances over that same four-year period of $7,869, he said. Even that impact is understated, Strobridge said, if these careerists go on to retire, given how pay caps hold down the value of future retired pay. "That O-3 is going to give up $1,100 a year in retired pay for the rest of his life if he retires at 20 years," he said. So far, however, the Senate committee embraces the administration's argument that growth in military pay, allowances and health care costs need to be curbed and those dollars used instead for more critical readiness needs including training, equipment, fuel and spare parts. During the subcommittee mark Tuesday, Graham and Gillibrand choose to describe in detail provisions in the bill to modernize the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The more impactful provisions, on pay and benefits, were left for the full committee to describe in a forthcoming news release. Jonathan Coleman announced: Health Minister Jonathan Coleman is encouraging people to use a new online map to see whether their GP offers a patient portal. A growing number of general practices are introducing patient portals. These secure online sites are the health equivalent to online banking, says Dr Coleman. Portals enable patients to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view lab test results online. You can have secure conversations with your GP via email, and in some cases, patients can also view their notes online. Portals are convenient, secure and real time savers for both the patient and staff at their general practice. A new interactive map launched today makes it easy for patients to check which general practices are offering portals. Patient portals are a great step towards enabling New Zealanders to manage more of their own healthcare. Over 330 general practices are now offering patient portals, with nearly 136,000 New Zealanders registered to use one. Duncan Storrar appeared on the Australian Q+A programme and asked a question attacking the Governments announced tax cuts as they were providing nothing for low income earners like himself. He said more help for families like him would mean he could tell his little girls they can go to the movies this weekend as Daddy isnt broke. He became a hero to the Australian left and Australian liberal media. He was the perfect symbol of an out of touch Government. They didnt just fete him as the face of the ordinary Australian whom the coalition doesnt care about, but they raised A$60,000 for him. The Twitter hashtag #duncanforpm started trending. Then the truth about Storrar started to come out. And remember now that he decided to go on Q+A and to ask his question. Storrar put himself in the media spotlight, no-one else. Then Storrars son spoke out, saying how at age 17 he went to live with him and got addicted to drugs due to him. He urged people to donate to charities, rather than giving to a someone undeserving of the money. And then it came out that Storrar is a recidivist criminal with a list of convictions 20 pages long including three spells in prison. So those blaming the Government for his situation start to look stupid, let alone those who raised $60,000 for him and proclaimed he should be Prime Minister. His convictions include threatening to kill, unlawful assault and repeatedly breaching intervention orders. We see this in NZ often too. Media rush in to fete someone who puts themselves forward as a victim without doing any due diligence on them. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Two Mexican Gray Wolf pups were raised in Missouri, and put in a den in New Mexico. Biologists won't know for several months whether they survived. A Rural/Metro fire truck in Knoxville Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014. The private department has improved its ISO fire-protection rating, which will save homeowners money on fire insurance premiums. (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL) SHARE By Ed Marcum of the Knoxville News Sentinel Rural/Metro of East Tennessee has achieved a significant improvement in its ISO fire safety rating that will mean lower insurance premiums for more than 26,000 Knox County homeowners outside city limits. The Rural/Metro fire department rating has moved from a Class 5 to a Class 3, according to the Knox County Fire Prevention Bureau, which could mean a savings of about $140 a year on a homeowners policy for a $150,000 house. This is on a 1-10 scale, with the lower the number the better the quality of fire protection, according to ISO criteria. ISO stands for Insurance Service Organization, which is an advisory and rating organization that assesses fire departments across the U.S. for the insurance industry. The amount a property owner will save because of the new rating will depend on a number of things such as the value of the property, its age and other factors. A recent study done by Chattanooga suburb Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., found that changing from a ISO Class 5 to a Class 3 amounted to a difference of $75 in the average premium for an $80,000 home and $230 in the premium for a $250,000 home. Knox County homeowners would need to contact their insurance agents to see what premium changes to expect. The Knoxville Fire Department also has a Class 3 rating. Asked what the rating means for homeowners, Knoxville Fire Chief Stan Sharp said he didn't know how much it might save them on insurance rates, but it means the fire department shows a better capability of dealing with fires than those with the higher numbers. "It is a way of measuring your fire department," he said. "There are three criteria ISO looks at: they rate the fire department from the number and placement of engines and ladders to pump capacity to personnel, then they rate the water system and the hydrants and then they rate the handling of alarms and the 911 communications system." Knoxville insurance agent Peggy Glenn said she was pleased to hear that Rural/Metro had improved its ISO rating. Glenn said a lot of variables are involved in fire insurance premiums, but she has known of homeowners whose premiums have dropped $200 to $300 a year because of improvements in a fire department's ISO rating. "In some cases, dropping from a 10 rating to a four means cutting your premium rate in half," said Mark Prody, a Nationwide Insurance agent in Knoxville. Most scientists and, I suspect the overwhelming majority of American's educated populace, agree that we are at a critical point in being good stewards of creation. Our environmental responsibilities need to be revamped, and changes in behavior and attitude are the only way to safeguard the future and reverse dangerous trends in a myriad of issues, including climate change, air pollution, animal extinctions and fouling Earth's waters. The question isn't when. It's how. Who should set the rules, and what will those rules be? Right now in this country, we seem not to agree on much of anything, and this crisis impacts global economy and politics. Some environmentalists say it is already too late. And that it won't just take a village, it means worldwide cooperation. Science isn't my strong suit, so I must depend on others to convince me of solutions, and the more I read, the more confused and pessimistic I become. One of the new books out on the subject is "Half-Earth: Our Planet's Fight for Life" by Edward O. Wilson. Wilson is an 89-year-old biologist who has won two Pulitzer Prizes. His idea of what we should do is controversial and improbable, yet he claims it is the easiest solution. He poses that we humans "set aside" half of Earth's land mass and oceans as vast nature preserves. Doing that is the only way to solve the problem of rampant extinction of life on this planet, including our own species. In an interview with the New York Times, he explains: "Demographers tell us that the human population could stabilize at about 10 or 11 billion by the end of the century. "High tech is producing new products and ways of living that are congenial to setting aside more space for the rest of life. Instrumentation is getting smaller, using less material and energy. "I'm very encouraged by the Paris Climate Accords. I was excited to see at the time of the Paris meeting that a consortium of influential business leaders concluded that the world should go for net zero carbon emissions. Towards that end, they recommended we protect the forests we have and restore the damaged ones. That's consistent with the 'Half Earth' idea." Wilson's solution has caused debate among environmentalist and laypeople like me who can't quite see how that would work. Surely by the time we could get all humans and their governments to go along with such a radical plan, it would be too late. Would it mean pushing people into massive urban areas? Would the poor would be "herded" into cities and become more marginalized? Is this plan very realistic? Wilson points out that it's only been within the last decade that a full picture of the crisis in biodiversity has emerged. He knows his conclusions are controversial, but at 89 he decided to take the risk of posing them: "Say this now or never." Ina Hughs may be reached at inamackie@yahoo.com. SHARE McClung Historical Collection James Agee and his mother, Laura, in an undated photo. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "A Death in the Family" was born Nov. 27, 1909, in Fort Sanders. Florence Homolka, courtesy of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences James Agee, in an undated photo. Susan Alexander/News Sentinel The stacked stones visible at the left are part of the old bridge abutment on the creek bank behind Weigel's at Clinton Highway and Emory Road. Paul F. Brown/Special to the News Sentinel Moments before his fatal car accident in 1916, Jay Agee descended this stretch of Old Clinton Pike in Powell, heading south toward Knoxville. Bell's Bridge spanned Beaver Creek just behind where this Weigel's now sits. By Paul F. Brown, Special to the News Sentinel Last year, Knoxville celebrated the centennial of a treasured moment in author James Agee's life, one he preserved in "Knoxville: Summer of 1915." In his most locally recognized work, Agee describes Highland Avenue, the middle-class neighborhood in which he lived, evoking the simple pleasures of an evening surrounded by his family and the joys of childhood before there was a care in the world. It was the last such summer for James Agee. Less than a year later, his father was killed in a car accident. Many people believe the event is what led Agee, who was 6 years old and called Rufus at the time, to later pursue a writing career. The tragedy would have been lost to history had Agee not retold it in his acclaimed novel. We are talking now of that particular night, 100 years ago, when Agee's life changed forever. Jay was 38, husband of Laura, father of Rufus and Emma, employed as a bookkeeper at his father-in-law's factory. On the night of May 18, 1916, he was driving back to Knoxville. He was exhausted, running on little sleep since he'd been called up to Jacksboro late the previous night. His father, a farmer and former schoolteacher, had suffered a stroke and was ailing to the point that Jay planned to pick up his family and return to Campbell County with them in what could be his kids' last chance to see their grandfather. Today, the journey from Jacksboro to downtown Knoxville takes about 45 minutes. But in 1916, the most direct route connected those two cities through Caryville, Coal Creek, and Clinton. He did save time when he reached Clinton, where a new bridge had opened two weeks prior, ending the ferry service. But with his Model T averaging 20 mph over narrow gravel roads in various states of maintenance, Jay's trip home took close to three hours. Of course, he never made it. He was on the last and easiest leg of his southbound journey, 13 miles outside of Knoxville, when something went wrong. The cause of the accident could only be speculated. Those examining the wreck concluded that Jay had been speeding and hit a stone or a rough patch of road, which suddenly jerked his wheels aside. As the car hit the embankment, Jay's chin smacked hard against the steering wheel. Doctors guessed he was already dead when he fell from the car, which landed on top of him. While writing his fact-based novel about the accident, James Agee misnamed the road (Clinton Pike) as Ball Camp Pike. But he got other details right. Seconds before the wreck, his father had crossed Beaver Creek over an iron bridge, which Agee correctly identified as Bell's Bridge. Built in 1888 and named after a local family, the structure was replaced with a new concrete bridge around 1930 as part of the straighter and wider Clinton Highway. Although the former bridge is gone, brush-covered stone abutments still mark the spot where it stood. The north abutment sits against the creek bank directly behind Weigel's on Clinton Highway in Powell. Agee also wrote that his father's body was carried off the road and laid in a blacksmith shop until family members arrived at the scene. There was indeed a shop nearby, owned by William Dew, who for decades operated a grain mill along the south bank of the creek. Up until about 15 years ago, the former Dew cottage still sat off the west side of the highway, engulfed in kudzu. The night Jay died, city doctors might have been called from that very house. Little remains in the area that Jay would have recognized. The closest surviving pre-1916 house to the crash site is a two-story Victorian, currently known as Lulu's Tea Room, located a few hundred yards south on Old Clinton Pike. Ten years after the accident, Rufus was a New England prep school student answering to James or Jim and longing to write about his father's death. Although he wouldn't write explicitly about the tragedy for decades, Agee's early fiction is saturated with references to a deceased parent or spouse and sudden, life-altering occurrences. After a brief and varied writing career that included poetry, journalism, screenplays and fiction, James Agee died of a heart attack in New York on May 16, 1955. He was 45. "A Death in the Family" was published two years later and promptly won the 1958 Pulitzer for fiction. The novel stands as a moving tribute to a part of Agee's life that he lost in Knoxville and never recovered. Paul F. Brown is currently writing "Rufus: James Agee's Roots in Eastern Tennessee." He is looking for pre-1940 photographs of the Bells Bridge area of Powell and may be emailed at pfbrown074@gmail.com. SHARE Stanton Gaige Barker (KNOX COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY) By News Sentinel Staff A Knoxville man who left the scene of a fatal accident in February has been indicted on charges including vehicular homicide by a Knox County grand jury. Stanton Gaige Barker, 21, also is charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment, according to the presentment, filed April 26. The investigating trooper first thought the Feb. 12 accident on U.S. 441 near Old Andersonville Pike involved two vehicles, instead of three because Barker left the scene, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol incident report. Barker was found two days later and told law enforcement that he left the scene before troopers arrived to go to University of Tennessee Medical Center, where the person who later died and one other were transported. The crash occurred about 10:40 a.m. as Barker was driving a Honda Civic north on U.S. 441 behind Dylan Croft, 21, of Knoxville who was driving a black Honda Civic, according to law enforcement. According to the THP report, both Barker and Croft were driving recklessly and speeding for the snow and slush conditions. A witness, Darrell Pierce of Knoxville, told THP that Barker and Croft passed him on a double yellow line in the snow before the crash. While on a slight downgrade, Barker's sedan rear-ended Croft's vehicle. Croft lost control of his vehicle and spun, crossing into the southbound lane and crashing into an oncoming Ford pickup on the passenger side, the report states. The pickup was driven by Lee-Lynn Swann, 19 of Knoxville, and Kreis Swann, 45, was in the passenger seat. Neither was wearing a seatbelt and Kreis Swann was taken to the hospital with injuries, according to the report. Lee-Lynn Swann, who was not injured, was cited for seat belt and insurance violations. Croft was transported to the hospital and later died, the report states. It's unknown if he was wearing a seat belt, the report reads. Drugs and alcohol were not a factor, but a blood test is pending. The report also indicates that Barker wasn't tested for drugs and alcohol. Barker had a passenger in his car, Darla Fargo, 26 of Knoxville, who wasn't injured. Both were wearing seat belts. More details as they develop online and in Saturday's News Sentinel. SHARE "Stamp out Hunger," an annual food drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. When letter carriers deliver mail to Knox County homes Saturday, they will leave with bags full of food for hungry Tennesseans. "Stamp out Hunger," an annual food drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, allows Knox County residents to combat hunger through the mail system. A week before the collection date each year, empty bags are placed in Knox County area mailboxes. Residents are encouraged to fill the bags with nonperishable canned goods and place the filled bags on or around their mailboxes so letter carriers can collect the food as they deliver mail along their postal routes. The food is then transported to Second Harvest Food Bank and distributed through a network of food programs in an 18-county service area. Second Harvest is East Tennessee's largest hunger-relief charity. The organization secures and distributes more than 18 million pounds of food annually through a network of more than 500 nonprofit organizations, according to the charity's website. "For 24 years we have partnered with the letter carriers, and each year they help us provide thousands of meals to the hungry in East Tennessee," said Elaine Streno, executive director of Second Harvest. "We are grateful for the continued efforts they make toward creating awareness and supporting our hunger relief efforts." Participants in this year's "Stamp out Hunger" food drive should place their filled food bags on or around their mailboxes before 9 on Saturday, when collection begins. For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank, visit their website: www.secondharvestetn.org. The Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau will be moving into the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce building on Oak Ridge Turnpike. (BOB FOWLER/NEWS SENTINEL) SHARE By Bob Fowler of the Knoxville News Sentinel OAK RIDGE The Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau is moving about a half-mile east, from its current headquarters in the Midtown Community Center formerly called the Wildcat Den into the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce. The move, expected in July, will create a "one-stop shop" for organizations that promote the city, according to Parker Hardy, chamber president. The chamber building on Oak Ridge Turnpike is also headquarters for the city's Industrial Development Board and Roane State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center. "All of us have compatible goals and this really positions everyone for better alignment," Hardy said in a news release. "The synergy created by the relocation and cooperation of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Explore Oak Ridge makes for significant positive momentum as both organizations promote our community," said bureau chairman Jim Dodson. Explore Oak Ridge is the new brand name for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Hardy called the move and relationship a "service agreement" rather than a lease, and said the agreement is for three years with two additional one-year extension options. He declined to discuss the financial arrangement, and Explore Oak Ridge President Marc DeRose was unavailable for comment Friday afternoon. DeRose in the news release is quoted as saying the move "is a critical step in attracting visitors to the city." In the pact, Explore Oak Ridge staff will have access to amenities available in the Chamber building and will also have some shared responsibilities for staffing the building's front desk. Explore Oak Ridge has been housed for several years in part of the community center, formerly called the Wildcat Den. That building, previously owned by the city, was conveyed to the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association for $1 in 2001. Explore Oak Ridge has been leasing space there from the association for several years. SHARE UTK student and cancer survivor Makayla Claussen, left, meets her bone marrow donor, Claudia Reverts, from Germany, for the first time before Makayla's graduation at the University of Tennessee on Saturday, May 14, 2016. (Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel) UTK student and cancer survivor Makayla Claussen, left, embraces her bone marrow donor, Claudia Reverts, from Germany, for the first time before Makayla's graduation at the University of Tennessee on Saturday, May 14, 2016. (Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel) UTK student and cancer survivor Makayla Claussen, walks to Thompson Boling Arena in the company of her family, as well as, her bone marrow donor, Claudia Reverts, from Germany at the University of Tennessee on Saturday, May 14, 2016. (Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel) UTK student and cancer survivor Makayla Claussen, sets with her graduating class during UTK's College of Education, Health and Human Sciences commencement ceremony at Thompson Boling Arena on Saturday, May 14, 2016. (Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel) Related Coverage UT student Makayla Claussen returns to... By MJ Slaby of the Knoxville News Sentinel Her nerves were growing. For a long time, Makayla Claussen had thought about what she would say and do when she met the bone marrow donor who saved her life. But now, they were meeting in a matter of minutes and Claussen still wasn't sure. Should she hug her donor or her mom first? Or should she shake her donor's hand? What if she started to cry? "I really feel like I'm waiting for someone like in 'The Bachelor,' " she said. "Oh my goodness, I'm petrified." It's because of a bone marrow transplant in August 2013 with a donor from another continent that Claussen survived cancer and finished her degree at the University of Tennessee that was interrupted by disease. From 2014: UT student Makayla Claussen returns to Knoxville after year-long cancer battle And Claudia Reverts who now shares DNA with Claussen because of the transplant traveled from Emden, Germany, to Tennessee for Claussen's graduation. On Saturday, the pair met for the first time hours before Claussen's graduation ceremony. And when Claussen saw her family and Reverts walking up the sidewalk, Claussen didn't move at first, but then started walking toward them. With her arms wide open, Reverts made the decision of what to do first an easy one. The pair fell into a hug. Claussen was a sophomore at UT in April 2013 when she had repeated high temperatures that landed her in the emergency room. Doctors said she had mononucleosis. That was until the third ER trip when a doctor found her white blood count was low, leading to a diagnosis of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis or HLH. She was transferred to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, where she nearly died and spent 10 days in the intensive care unit. Doctors told her that the HLH was caused by a severe reaction to the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis. Then, Claussen learned she had stage four non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoma. And after treatment and repeated relapses, she needed a bone marrow transplant. In August 2013, she had the surgery. At the time, all she knew about her donor was that she was a German woman in her 40s. Of the nearly 27 million potential donors on the Be the Match global registry, she was Claussen's only match. And that's all the UT graduate would know about the person who saved her life as she worked through her recovery for the next two years, which included a hospital stay of more than three months before she could return to UT. If a donor and patient both decide independently that they want to be in contact, they can meet or talk after a certain period of time, Claussen explained. She said because hers was an international donation, the wait time was two years. "I would see the videos on Facebook of people meeting their donors, and I wanted to thank my person," she said. "I always wanted to meet her, but I didn't know what to say." In August, Claussen learned her donor was Reverts. She sent an email, thanking Reverts, but trying to not be overbearing. She wrote that she wanted to go into the medical field. Reverts replied, saying she often wondered if the stem cells had helped and about Claussen and her life. She said Claussen didn't owe her. At first, it was basic information and photos, what would be "on a Facebook profile page," Claussen said of their notes back and forth. When Reverts wrote she worked for Volkswagen, but had never been to the U.S. and wanted to, Claussen jumped at the chance to meet. Did Reverts want to come to graduation? "At first, I didn't think it was real," Claussen said after Reverts agreed to visit. Claussen said coming back to campus was a major goal while she was in the hospital for more than a year. She resumed classes in summer 2014. "Coming back to UT was like a stamp of 'you beat cancer,' " she said. She's earned a degree in kinesiology and said she wants to do an accelerated nursing program next. And she said she hopes to travel internationally, something she hasn't been able to do since getting sick. Meeting Reverts and graduating in the same day was a "dream come true," Claussen said. She added that they've made plans for Reverts to see the sights of Claussen's hometown during her visit. "We're going to spend a week in Nashville," she said, ticking off locations to visit like the Loveless Cafe and the Grand Ole Opry. Reverts joined a large group of people family, friends, medical staff at Claussen's graduation. LeAnn Claussen, Makayla's mom, said family from Iowa wanted to come to graduation and meet Reverts. "If it wasn't for Claudia, Makayla wouldn't be graduating," LeAnn Claussen said, adding that's she proud to see her daughter graduate. And Reverts said she was also proud to meet Claussen, and had often thought about her. "It's a very emotional thing," Reverts said. "Nothing can be better than giving a second chance at life." SHARE Scott DesJarlais, U.S. representative. By Michael Collins of the Knoxville News Sentinel WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais knew U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. was on the fence about Donald Trump, so he extended an invitation to his fellow Tennessee Republican. Come meet Trump in person, DesJarlais suggested, and then join a select group of invited guests to hear the presumptive GOP presidential nominee deliver his first major foreign policy address. Three days after that meeting and speech at the ritzy Mayflower Hotel in Washington, Duncan made a public announcement: He was endorsing Trump for president. "I was impressed with the things he said in that speech," the Knoxville Republican recalled Friday. Duncan's endorsement was a coup not only for Trump, but for DesJarlais, who has been working behind the scenes for weeks to get other congressional Republicans on board with Trump. In the two months since he became one of the first sitting members of Congress to back Trump, DesJarlais has assumed the informal but important role of selling the candidate to other House Republicans. DesJarlais, a three-term congressman from South Pittsburg, Tenn., is acting as a liaison between Trump's campaign and the House Freedom Caucus, a small group of hard-line conservatives. Trump has expressed an interest in meeting with the group's members, many of whom were early supporters of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul before they dropped out of the presidential race. They're still skeptical of the New York real-estate mogul. DesJarlais approached the Freedom Caucus' board early this week and again on Friday to broach the topic of a face-to-face dialogue with Trump. "The word I'm getting is the majority of the Freedom Caucus is going to support our nominee, and they are indeed interested in sitting down with Mr. Trump," DesJarlais said. "There is a mutual interest in meeting, so I do think it will happen." DesJarlais predicted the meeting could occur in the next two or three weeks, depending on the candidate's schedule. Besides his outreach to the Freedom Caucus, DesJarlais said he and five other early Trump supporters have met weekly with the campaign to discuss strategy. He estimates he's given a dozen television interviews to promote Trump since formally endorsing him in early March. He's also worked to win over House Republicans who aren't Freedom Caucus members, including Duncan. "Scott knew that many of my views were pretty close to Trump's views on some of the major issues," Duncan said, citing foreign policy, trade and immigration. "He talked to me two or three times, I suppose, in the weeks leading up to my endorsement." Selling Trump to still-undecided Republicans is a lot easier now that Trump has effectively clinched the GOP nomination, DesJarlais said. DesJarlais' role as Trump's pitchman grew out of an invitation-only luncheon he and a small group of Republicans had with the candidate in late March, just three weeks after DesJarlais formally backed him. The purpose of that meeting was to talk about building party unity, and DesJarlais said he offered to reach out to the Freedom Caucus on Trump's behalf. He said he's seeing signs the party ultimately will unite behind Trump. On Wednesday, a day before meeting with Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan called a meeting with DesJarlais and eight other Trump backers to hear them out. DesJarlais said he had an informal meeting with Ryan again on Friday. Ryan has said he isn't ready to endorse Trump, and that didn't change after the two met Thursday. DesJarlais said that when he talked to Ryan Wednesday, "I was a little concerned about whether he would warm up to Trump as quickly as I would like him to." But DesJarlais noted Ryan's comments on Friday describing Trump as "very genuine" during their meeting the day before. "He said he was very cordial, and he could not believe how different he was in person," DesJarlais said. DesJarlais said he understands the GOP must undergo a "natural healing process" after a brutal primary. But he's convinced that Ryan, and others, will eventually get on board with Trump. "I like the position the Republican Party is in right now," he said. "It's much better than the Democrats. That party has yet to select their nominee." SHARE With mounting pressure to increase access to health care for the working poor, Tennessee lawmakers are in the midst of a series of springtime hearings across the state on ways to reduce costs to TennCare so more Volunteer residents can sign up for the program. Family budgets are not the only ones seeing a sea of red ink due to rising health care costs. Tennessee taxpayers this year are having to pay an additional $3.5 million for TennCare, the state's Medicaid program. The Affordable Care Act certainly has helped increase enrollment by more than 20 percent. With marketplace health insurance rates unaffordable for low-income workers, more and more working poor are turning to Medicaid for health insurance. Much of this will come to light as lawmakers gather in Knoxville on Friday to search for ways to reduce costs so more people can have access to care. However, there is bold plan before the Tennessee Legislature that would bring $6.1 billion to the coffers of TennCare and the state employees' insurance plans over 10 years. It would save private employers $25 billion over the same time period. That savings would come from eliminating wasteful, defensive medicine under the proposed Insurance Costs Reduction Act. Defensive medicine happens in physicians' offices every day. It occurs when a doctor orders an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, blood work or other test, procedure or medication that is not clinically necessary but is ordered out of fear of a potential lawsuit. To significantly reduce defensive medicine, Tennessee lawmakers have proposed a Patients' Compensation System, or PCS, which would abolish the state's current dysfunctional medical malpractice system and replace it with a no-blame, administrative model similar to workers' compensation. Under the PCS proposal, patients who have been injured by a physician would no longer take their case to court. Instead, they would file a claim before an administrative panel of health care experts and an administrative law judge. If the panel finds a medical injury had occurred, the patient would be quickly compensated unlike our current legal system, which takes years and compensates very few injured patients. Patients would be compensated in an amount similar to what they would receive after years in the legal system. This no-blame, administrative model would eliminate the adversarial relationship between patient and doctor, and allow physicians to acknowledge their errors without fear of litigation. A new survey released this spring by Beacon Research finds that 85 percent of Tennessee doctors believe a proposed PCS would reduce health care costs. Another 89 percent said they would support the proposal before the Tennessee General Assembly. And 64 percent said they would eliminate or significantly reduce the practice of defensive medicine, thus reducing health care costs. BioScience Valuation, a health care economics firm, reports defensive medicine cost $487 billion in the United States in 2015. In Tennessee, defensive medicine runs about $13 billion annually. Tennessee is not alone in this bold approach. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maine and Montana are considering similar plans before their state legislatures. Washington, D.C., has failed the states when it comes to health care reform. Healing will only come with homegrown solutions, and a Tennessee PCS that eliminates so much wasteful medicine may be the model we can set for the rest of the nation. Charles R. Evans is president of International Health Services and vice chairman of the nonprofit Patients for Fair Compensation. He is a retired president of Hospital Corporation of America, Eastern Group, based in Nashville. SHARE I am one of the very fortunate who get to pay the Hall income tax. The Communication Workers of America, the union that represents telephone workers, negotiated a profit-sharing plan in our labor contract. Over the years most hourly workers took advantage of this. Many accumulated a tidy nest egg. With the help of a great financial advisor and luck, I now pay a small amount of Hall income tax. When I hear others whimper about how unfair this tax is, I think of how unfair it is not to pay a living wage and not to provide health insurance or pensions. Removing the Hall tax helps no one in need and puts a strain on tax revenue, which the cities and counties throughout the state desperately need. This is just another example of the Republican supermajority in our state Legislature looking out for those comfortable financially, while ignoring the wants and needs of those not so fortunate. It continually amazes me how any middle-class worker or retiree can be so against unions and the Democratic Party. To be so is like using a double-edged sword to cut your own throat. Frank Schingle, Knoxville By Choi Sung-jin Years ago, a foreign journalist in Seoul shook the domestic brewing industry by saying that South Korean beers tasted even worse than the beer brewed in North Korea. "The poor reputation of Korean beer that still lingers today is due to the lack of changes in the local beer market long dominated by the two major pale lagers, Cass and Hite," said Frederico Freire, CEO of Oriental Brewery. "Pale lagers have mild fragrances and lots of carbonic acid. Their tastes are refreshing but light." In a special lecture at Korea University last week, Freire said the domestic beer market must make some changes. Industry sources said OB is pushing to release a new fermented alcoholic beverage this month, and also begin importing craft beers. "The global market trend is going toward craft beers," Freire said, referring to diverse beers typically crafted by small regional breweries. AB Inbev, the parent company of OB, has acquired a few craft beer breweries, including Goose Island Beer Company and Golden Road Brewing, between 2011 and 2015. OB also recently held a tasting event of craft beers for domestic beer distributors. OB will also release a new fermented alcoholic beverage, regarded as similar to beer but distinct from it. In Korea, Carlsberg released a hard cider product, Somersby in 2012, and Baesangmyun Brewery also put to market a fermented drink, R4, a rice beer, later. Freire said he would maintain the taste and characteristics of Cass, the No. 1 beer in Korea, even after releasing the new product. "Cass is a beer that best suits the Korean drinking custom of mixing liquors with beer," he said. The Brazilian-born IT expert, who joined AB Inbev in 1996, recalled his experiences as a trainee. "When a beer-brewing machine broke down, its controller said, my machine,' not the machine,' has a problem," Freire said. "I came to realize the importance of the sense of ownership." He said owners take the responsibility for their jobs and don't blame others if a problem occurs, and that constitutes the core momentum for corporate growth. A company can succeed in foreign markets only when its corporate culture can harmonize with the local culture, said the CEO of Korea's largest beer brewery, who has taken the Korean name of Kim Do-hoon. Freire said that he worked in China for five years but that when he came here he learned that Korea is completely different from China. "At first I was surprised to see people in Korea fill the cups of their fellow drinkers holding the bottle with both hands," he said. "Now, I pour drinks holding the bottle with both hands, too." Cash-strapped Hanjin Shipping, South Korea's largest shipper, has joined a new alliance led by a German company amid its creditor-led debt restructuring, the company said Friday, but its local rival Hyundai Merchant Marine. was excluded from the group. The shipping operators have been suffering from ballooning debts and mounting losses due mainly to a worldwide slump in the industry. Hanjin Shipping has been under voluntary debt restructuring with creditors, and its owner family decided to give up control of the company. Meanwhile, the protracted slump also dealt a blow to the global shipping industry, which responded by reorganizing its alliances into two big groups -- the 2M alliance, led by the industry leader Maersk of Denmark, and the Ocean Three, piloted by France's CMA CGM. Hanjin Shipping, as well as Hyundai Merchant Marine, seemed to have been sidelined from such movements, raising concerns that they will not survive competition in the future as a couple of leading alliances dominate the entire shipping industry by sharing ships, networks and port calls. Hanjin Shipping said it has reached an agreement to set up a new alliance named The Alliance along with five shippers including Germany's Hapag-Lloyd, Japan's NYK and Taiwan's Yang Ming. The new group will have a network of 620 vessels, with 3.5 million TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent units, accounting for some 17 percent of market share. The member companies will start operations from April 2017 to cover eastwest trade lanes, according to the South Korean company. "Joining the shipping alliance is the only critical way for us to deal with the global downturn," said an official from Hanjin Shipping. "We expect it will help us make a turnaround." The state-run Korea Development Bank, the main creditor of Hyundai Merchant, said it will continue to extend support for the normalization of the ailing shipper, regardless of its inclusion into a global shipping alliance. "Hyundai Merchant failed to join a global alliance because of the possibility of its court receivership in case its ongoing self-rehabilitation drive ends in failure," said a KDB official. (Yonhap) By Park Si-soo A former CEO of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser and two former senior researchers of the company were arrested Saturday for their alleged lack of responsibility for toxic test for chemicals used in the firm's mass-produced humidifier sterilizers that caused the deaths of some 104 people, including pregnant women, since 2011. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Shin Hyun-woo, former CEO of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser and two former senior researchers, surnamed by Kim and Choi. Presiding judge Cho Eui-yeon noted in the warrant, "Evidence is sufficient to put them under pre-trial arrest." By Choi Sung-jin Civic organizations have called for the government to actively dispel suspicions about the defection of 13 North Korean workers at a restaurant in China. The representatives of 67 civic groups, at a joint news conference in front of the Government Integrated Office in Kwanghwamun Friday, called for the government to allow the defectors to hold news conferences and interviews as well as guarantee them meetings with their families and lawyers. "The mass defection is a very exceptional incident full of incomprehensible suspicions," leaders of the civic groups said. "We can't help but worry about the catastrophic effects this incident will have on inter-Korean relations." The participants noted that speculations and suspicions are snowballing about the mass defection of the restaurant workers, which occurred only a week before the parliamentary elections in South Korea. "Not a few people suspect this is another case of using North Korea for election purposes to turn public opinion toward the governing camp," they said. They specifically called for the Park Geun-hye administration to permit the defectors to meet their families, make clear the positions about the suspected involvement by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), explain the truth about the media reports that one of the female defectors has died during a hunger strike, and hold inter-Korean meetings in this regard. "The defectors have been completely separated from the outside for as long as 37 days," the protesters said. "The government and the NIS should allow free access to them." Lawyers working for these groups are planning to visit the detention facility on Monday and try to dissolve suspicions by meeting with the defectors, they added. President Park Geun-hye held talks Friday with the new floor leaders and top policymakers of the three major political parties, a crucial meeting that could set the tone of Park's relations with the rival parties in the new parliament. The meeting lasted more than 80 minutes, officials said, though they did not provide any details. It marked the first time that Park has held a face-to-face meeting with the leaders following last month's parliamentary elections. The ruling Saenuri Party won 122 out of 300 seats up for grabs in a crushing setback to Park. The main opposition Minjoo Party and the People's Party secured 123 and 38 seats, respectively. Seventeen other seats are held by other minor party members and independents. The change in the political landscape means that Park must work closely with parliament to pass a set of bills that she says are vital to reviving the sluggish economy. Chung Jin-suk, floor leader of the ruling Saenuri Party, has said that Park and other participants can discuss ways to cooperate on state affairs, including people's livelihoods. A senior presidential official has said the agenda for the meeting could also include how to deal with security threats posed by North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs. The main opposition Minjoo Party said Thursday that it will raise such issues as toxic humidifier sterilizers, job creation and household debt at the meeting on Friday. Toxic humidifier sterilizers have become a high-profile issue in South Korea as prosecutors launched a probe into the products that have been blamed for numerous deaths and illnesses. Park Jie-won, floor leader of the splinter opposition People's Party, demanded on Thursday that Park punish the related officials and the government offer a public apology over the failure to properly regulate toxic chemicals used in products to clean household humidifiers. A government-led investigation confirmed a connection between more than 100 people who died of lung problems and the chemicals used in products to clean household humidifiers made by Oxy Reckitt Benckiser. The president and lawmakers must also work together on growing household debt which hit a record 1,207.0 trillion won ($979.7 billion) as of the end of December, breaching the 1,200 trillion won mark for the first time in the country's history, the Bank of Korea said in February. (Yonhap) A Seoul court on Friday dismissed a lawsuit filed by a local politician who argued President Park Geun-hye defamed her by calling a talk show she hosted in 2014 as being pro-North Korean. Hwang Sun, a former deputy spokeswoman of the now-defunct Democratic Labor Party, filed the defamation suit with the Seoul Central District Court in 2014, seeking 5 million won ($4,300) in compensation from President Park for criticizing her show at a meeting of senior presidential secretaries. Upholding the original ruling, an appeals department of the court dismissed the appeal filed by Hwang. The plaintiff had claimed she mentally suffered as the president said Hwang distorted the brutal human rights situation in the North. The 42-year-old was indicted in February 2015 on charges of making flattering remarks about North Korea during the on-stage talk shows, in violation of the South's National Security Law. The law bans any activity meant to praise or propagandize North Korean ideals. Seoul remains technically at war with Pyongyang since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Hwang said Park's remarks, which were made when Hwang was under investigation by prosecutors, had a negative impact on the results of the probe. The court said in the original ruling that some of the remarks by the chief executive were simple opinions, which aren't liable for defamation compensation, and others were based on facts that cannot be illegal. Hwang was sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for two years, by the same court in February. Her Korean-American co-host of the show Shin Eun-mi was deported in January last year because of similar allegations. She has been banned from entering South Korea for five years. (Yonhap) South Korea, a former war-ravaged country that has emerged as a major economic player, can become an "optimum partner" for Africa on its road to development, Seoul's top diplomat said Friday. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, who will accompany President Park Geun-hye on her three-nation Africa tour later this month, made the comments at an investment forum for government and business officials from the two sides. "South Korea, like Africa, experienced many difficulties in the past, but it has overcome them and grown, which can make it the optimum partner for Africa in its development process," he said in an address before dozens of African ambassadors to South Korea and South Korean business representatives. South Korea has sought to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Africa as the resource-rich continent posts growth rates of an average 5 percent and more countries are achieving political stability through democratically elected governments. Park is set to leave May 25 for Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. "President Park's trip will be an opportunity to offer our vision for a win-win relationship with Africa and its development as a trustworthy partner," Yun said. A feud between brothers who formerly ran Kumho Group entered a fresh round with the younger brother trying to stop a merger that would hand over a lucrative affiliate to his elder sibling, corporate watchers said Friday. Kumho Petrochemical, run by younger brother Park Chan-koo, recently made an official demand to stop the merger between Kumho Terminal and Kumho & Company, calling the deal a grave negligence. The company threatened legal action to stop the merger, according to those familiar with internal proceedings. Kumho Petrochemical is the second-largest shareholder of Asiana Airlines who had sold its entire stake in Kumho Terminal to Kumho & Company, which is a special purpose company (SPC) set up by older brother Park Sam-koo. Kumho Terminal operates passenger vehicle facilities and brings in high profits for the older brother's Kumho Asiana Group. Park Chan-koo argues that the merger would turn Kumho Terminal into a cash cow to pay back the heavy debts owed by the SPC, including its cash holdings and business profits. The younger Park claims that the SPC is saddled with some 627 billion won (US$536.8 million) in debts, including 347 billion won his older brother used to take over Kumho Industrial, and 280 billion won in more loans to purchase Kumho Terminal that has to be paid back within a year. The terminal operator has more than 300 billion won in cashable assets and generates a yearly profit of approximately 10 billion won, according to the younger Park. The Supreme Court in December last year officially ended any business links between the two brothers, the sons of the Kumho Group founder, determining that the business group run by them are entirely separate entities. Park Sam-koo had led Kumho Group, but his younger brother Chan-koo defied his aggressive business management, opposing mergers and acquisitions that later brought on financial trouble and ended up placing Kumho Industrial, the group's construction unit and holding company, under creditors' control in 2009. The younger brother split away from the group, and Park Sam-koo bought back the controlling stake in Kumho Industrial last December. Corporate watchers said Kumho Petrochemical, in demanding a stop to the merger, has warned it will file suits for negligence against the CEOs and other officials who planned and arranged the deal. Asiana Airlines, the country's second-largest carrier, denied any legal problems in the merger. "The sale of Kumho Terminal stakes was at Asiana Airlines' request as a means of restructuring for business normalization," an official at the carrier said of the deal. "It was carried out through a normal procedure and has no problems under the law." Asiana reported a net loss of 81.5 billion won in 2015, a stark plummet from a profit of 63.5 billion won the year before. It has pledged to sell 400 billion won's worth of non-core assets to improve its financial standing. (Yonhap) North Korea is likely to move away from its saber-rattling tactics and lean towards an engagement mode following the high-profile congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), a professor on North Korea studies said Friday. North Korea ended its four-day congress on Monday, the party's first highest gathering in more than 30 years. The congress appointed the North Korean leader to the party's chairmanship as Kim called for dialogue with South Korea during the key meeting held in Pyongyang. "For the near future, North Korea is likely to use its suspension of nuclear tests as bargaining cards to promote its peacemaking overtures to the United States, especially on issues like the suspension of South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises and the signing of a peace treaty," Koh Yoo Hwan, a professor at Dongguk University, said in a forum. The forum was arranged by the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation. "North Korea has said it is open to talks and negotiations with South Korea and demanded they begin with military talks first," the professor said, quoting the North Korean leader. "It was an offer to talk with South Korea in preparation for negotiations with the U.S. for a peace treaty," he claimed. In the face of such a demand, the U.S. may eventually have to consider the China-proposed dual approach of seeking North Korea denuclearization and a peace treaty, he speculated. The professor also claimed that the U.S. should start bargaining with North Korea by linking the two issues. North Korea has recently stepped up efforts to bring the U.S. to the negotiating table to end the inter-Korean armistice for which the U.S.-led United Nations Command is the signatory for the South Korean side. But the U.S. has been reluctant to engage with North, stressing that denuclearization should come first. (Yonhap) The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary Read more PRESS RELEASE Russia Completes Energy Bridge to Crimea Before Time May 13, 2016 (EIRNS)Working at a rapid pace, Russian engineers and technicians have completed full integration of Crimea to Russias power supply. An energy bridge now connects the mainland with the peninsula with a series of undersea cables running across the Kerch Strait. The new line is providing Crimea with total power supply of 800 megawatts a day. Following its integration with Russia in March 2014, Crimea remained dependent on Ukraine for power supply. But Crimea was plunged into darkness in November, when, according to Ukrainian officials, "unidentified individuals" blew up power lines linking the peninsula to the Ukrainian grid. RT reported that Russian President Putin congratulated the Russian workforce on the speedy before-time completion of the power supply integration. Putin, who oversaw the launch of the energy bridge by video link from the Black Sea resort of Sochi, said "The energy bridge across the Kerch Strait was technically a very difficult project and you used the very latest technologies in this work. The work itself proceeded at a truly rapid pace with the result that we have ended the energy blockade of Crimea in a very short time. I have no doubt that we would succeed in breaking through any kind of blockade, should anyone take it into their heads to test us," RT reported. According to Reuters, the next phase to tie Crimea and Russia together will be a 12 mile-long road and rail bridge project across the Kerch Strait. The road and rail bridge will be the longest of its kind in Europe, and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2019 PRESS RELEASE Russia-ASEAN Summit Will Discuss Regional Security Issues May 13, 2016 (EIRNS)The upcoming two-day (May 19-20) Russia-ASEAN Summit, scheduled to be held in Sochi, will address regional security issues, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on May 11, Russia Beyond The Headlines (RBTH) reported. Russian President Vladimir Putin said, in remarks that were published on the summits official website, "The summits agenda includes a broad range of issues related to improving the regional security architecture and looking for new ways to fight the growing threats of international terrorism, militant extremism and transnational crime." He pointed out that another, important task is "to realize the rich economic potential of our relations and to increase the amount of trade and mutual investment." RBTH reported that Putin added, "The ASEAN-Russia Business Forum that precedes the Sochi Summit could hopefully develop effective measures to expand cooperation in energy, transportation and infrastructure, agriculture, science and technology." The Russian President also advanced the idea of a greater dialogue between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), ASEAN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). "We will consider the possibility of establishing versatile contacts between the Eurasian Economic Union and ASEAN as well as coordination of the operations of these major integration structures in the future, Putin said. It is also vital to build up practical cooperation between ASEAN and the SCO," Putin said, according to RBTH report. While briefing the media on May 12, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in the jubilee summit of Russia and the ASEAN. "The ASEAN summit will take place in Sochi on May 19-20. The forum will be held under the slogan: Russia-AESAN: Towards Strategic Partnership for the Sake of the Common Good, and will summarize the results of interaction over the past two decades," Zakharova said. Due to Californias penchant for legislating at the ballot box, the state has reigned as the top destination for industry campaign spending since even before the Supreme Court widened the door to corporate political donations with its 2010 Citizens United decision. But one measure on this Novembers California ballot appears poised to set a new standard for corporate spending. The so-called California Drug Price Relief Act would cap the price any state agency or healthcare program could spend on prescription drugs at the level paid by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, which customarily receives the largest discounts of any government agency. Turning the VAs prices into a benchmark for California could cost Big Pharma billions of dollars a year in profits, especially if the discounts were later demanded by other states or even private insurers. We know how difficult it is to go up against Pharma. Weve never been able to get a single bill out of committee. They always win. Michael Weinstein, president, AIDS Healthcare Foundation Advertisement The drug companies see this as an existential issue, says Garry South, the veteran political operative heading the pro-initiative campaign. The industry itself has said that California is ground zero in the battle over high drug prices. Thats a fair assessment. The initiative has attracted nationwide attention. On Tuesday, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders took the opportunity at a Sacramento appearance to endorse it and flay the drug industry, a favorite target: Their greed has no end, he said. Drug companies shouldnt be allowed to make billions of dollars in profits off of people with cancer and AIDS who are in desperate need of lifesaving drugs. California state agencies spend an estimated $4.2 billion a year on prescriptions, according to the Legislative Analysts Office. Medi-Cal, the states Medicaid program, and CalPERS, its health insurance and retirement program, lead the way at about $1.8 billion each. That may not sound like much compared with the nationwide retail prescription bill of $298 billion, but its enough to give the state potentially massive influence on drug pricing. So its hardly surprising that drug manufacturers have ponied up, big time, to beat the measure. As of April 29, the latest official disclosure, the opposition fund topped $68 million six months before the election. Experts expect the industry to spend at least $100 million. That would put the campaign in the running for the most money ever spent on a ballot measure. Almost certainly the spending will swamp that of the initiatives backers, chiefly the Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which provides HIV and AIDS treatment worldwide. It has put up $4.3 million so far. The donations suggest that the industry is feeling abject terror at the measures potential consequences, but industry spokespersons officially scoff at the savings backers project and say it might even drive costs higher. Thats because it could interfere with the delicate negotiations by which state agencies extract special deals from manufacturers, says Kathy Fairbanks, the industrys campaign spokesman. Some drug companies might refuse to sell to California agencies at all. This could drive the state into litigation and undo the contracts that are already in place, Fairbanks says. It could be a mess. Initiatives dealing with healthcare always tend to attract heavy spending, thanks to the ability of the pharmaceutical and insurance industries to assemble bulging war chests. In 2014, insurers were prominent among donors who contributed $60 million to defeat a measure that would have raised the cap on damage awards in medical malpractice lawsuits. In 2005, pharmaceutical companies spent more than $118 million to defeat Proposition 79, which would have established a drug discount program funded by manufacturer rebates, and pass its own Proposition 78, a watered-down version. Both were defeated. Two features of the American healthcare and political landscape are driving the campaign. One is the stratospheric pricing set by manufacturers for a host of new drugs, especially for cancer and hepatitis C. These include Gilead Sciences Harvoni, which cures the liver disease, but lists at nearly $100,000 for a 12-week treatment. Harvoni and its sister drug, Sovaldi, are so widely prescribed theyve been blamed for breaking the budgets of state and federal healthcare programs. Gileads $4-million contribution to the industrys war chest is among the biggest so far. Merck ($5.9 million) and AbbVie ($4.15 million), which also market high-priced hepatitis C drugs, are also near the top of the list. The impression that drug makers are profiteering from patients by charging far more for their products than is warranted by the cost of research, development and manufacture has created a nationwide uproar. But that has failed to produce government action the second motivating factor. Congress and state legislatures have steered clear of doing anything to address rising prices, beyond holding hearings and issuing angry news releases. We know how difficult it is to go up against Big Pharma, says Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the initiatives creator. Weve never been able to get a single bill out of committee. They always win. Industry spokespersons say the initiative is unworkable because drug pricing is a complex and opaque process in which government agencies and private insurers negotiate individual deals, often on terms everyone agrees to keep secret. Thats true. On the other hand, one goal of the initiative is to shed light on the system. The VAs prices arent widely published, which could make it hard for state agencies to verify that theyre getting the VA price, but the initiatives backers say they should be accessible through freedom-of-information demands or, if necessary, litigation. What is known is that the VA extracts the best discounts by purchasing only a limited selection of key drugs. The VAs drug roster, or formulary, included as few as one-third of the more than 4,000 drugs available to Medicare patients in 2006, according to a study at that time. Manufacturers who want access to the VAs more than 6.6 million patients have to pare their prices accordingly. As a result, the VAs price averages 42% of manufacturers suggested list prices. State and other federal programs dont have the luxury of a limited formulary; Medicaid, for instance, isnt permitted to exclude prescriptions for drugs deemed safe and effective except in limited circumstances. Drugs left off the VAs formulary wouldnt be subject to the initiative. But that still leaves the fear that drug companies could respond by refusing to supply drugs to state programs at the VA rate, or even by raising their prices to the VA. According to some experts, drug companies are willing to meet the VAs terms in part because theyre confident the agencys price schedule wont be used more widely. As the legislative analyst observes, the measure doesnt require drug companies to sell to state agencies at any price. Such doubts about unanticipated consequences have kept some patient advocates on the fence about the measure. Were completely aligned with its intent, says Anne Donnelly, director of healthcare policy for Project Inform, a San Francisco HIV and hepatitis C advocacy group. But shes concerned that it could prompt drug companies to charge more or limit access to some drugs needed by HIV and hepatitis patients. Still, the suggestion that such an outcome is possible underscores the difficulties manufacturers may face in fighting a measure that offers Californians drug price relief. A threat to raise prices or cut off supplies would only further sully the image of an industry with an already sinking reputation. Spending heavily to defeat the initiative will give its supporters the chance to ask where those millions of campaign dollars came from. Theyll be spending big money to convince people to vote against their own interests, Weinstein says. We intend to make a big issue out of that. Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com. Return to Michael Hiltziks blog. Airlines, airport screeners and civil rights advocates all agree that air travelers should not be profiled based on their race or religion. Now two civil rights organizations are suggesting that airline passengers who are unfairly profiled should be compensated by the carrier. Muslim Advocates and the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund wrote to the U.S. Department of Transportation this week, asking the agency to investigate and publicly report all cases involving Muslim or other minorities who say they were detained, questioned or removed from planes based on racial or religious profiling. Advertisement See more of our top stories on Facebook >> Such recent incidents include a Muslim college student, Khairuldeen Makhzoomi, who was removed from a Southwest Airlines flight at Los Angeles International Airport after he was overheard saying something during a phone conversation that alarmed another Arabic-speaking passenger. If an airline is found to have unfairly profiled a passenger based on race or religion, Muslim Advocates and the NAACP suggest the federal agency require that the airline pay an appropriate financial compensation for the victims. The groups also want the airlines to require anti-discrimination training for flight crews. The Transportation Department said it already has the power to investigate and fine airlines over discrimination claims but the agency can only force carriers to compensate the victims if the compensation is part of a settlement agreement with the airline. MORE FROM BUSINESS Airline trade group wants fliers to report long lines to TSA Airline satisfaction levels are up but fliers still hate removing shoes TSA union calls for hiring 6,000 more officers to reduce long airport security lines hugo.martin@latimes.com Twitter: @hugomartin Whole Foods Market is opening its first ever 365 store in Silver Lake on May 25 -- a more affordable grocery chain that could lead the company into new cities and neighborhoods. Patrick Bradley, Whole Foods president of the southern Pacific region, which includes the Southern California, said his team has been looking at real estate in cities like Riverside. Theyre places where traditionally we wouldnt go into, Bradley said Friday during a tour of the Whole Foods store in downtown Los Angeles, which opened in November. Were going to go into cities where were not going into now. Advertisement The smaller format of 365 -- averaging 30,000-square-feet, compared to Whole Foods at 45,000-square-feet -- also expands opportunities in places where finding a good space is challenging, Bradley said. 365 plans to open up shop in North Hollywood, a neighborhood that the grocery company has long been interested in for a Whole Foods store. Finding a storefront for 365, however, was much easier, Bradley said. It opens our canvas, he said. We needed another option to do different size stores. 365 not only opens new markets for Whole Foods, but also could appeal to new shoppers that normally wouldnt shop at the chain known for both high quality and high prices, analysts said. That could be a boon for Whole Foods, which has struggled recently as traditional supermarkets have expanded their own selections of organic and natural produce. The Austin, Texas, company has posted three straight quarters of sales declines at stores open at least a year. In its second quarter ended April 10, Whole Foods reported flat sales compared with a year earlier. Bradley said Whole Foods has significantly dropped its own prices, especially in produce, to stay competitive. The drops in comparable store sales, he said, also can be attributed to new Whole Foods stores that steal sales from existing stores (which usually rebound within a year, he said). The last few years weve been cannibalizing quite a bit, Bradley said. Thats our comp challenge right now. Competition, especially in Southern California, is nothing new, he added. That just spurs Whole Foods toward more innovation. That includes partnering with grocery delivery start-up Instacart at many of its stores so shoppers can get food delivered to their doorstep instead of braving the crowds. Whole Foods is also testing kiosks where customers can order to-go meals, as well as enabling shoppers to pay throughout the stores. One Whole Foods in Irvine is bringing on Mendocino Farms, which will have its own space inside the store. Bradley said that the sandwich maker had to tweak some of its ingredients to meet Whole Foods quality standards. In downtown Los Angeles, Whole Foods has already partnered with local chef Roy Choi to open an outpost of his rice bowl joint Chego, which is tucked into the prepared foods section. Ultimately, downtowns thriving community of residents and workers could support a second Whole Foods store, Bradley said. shan.li@latimes.com Follow @ByShanLi on Twitter The high-end market in Los Angeles has long been a popular spot for pocket-heavy foreign buyers looking to park their money, but recent top sales saw one international investor cashing out on the Westside. Heres a look at the most expensive homes that changed hands in the last two weeks of April. $21.565 million Bel-Air A limited-liability company with ties to Nigerian oil magnate Kola Aluko, who is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for his alleged role in a multibillion-dollar money-laundering scheme, sold a contemporary-style home in the 700 block of Sarbonne Road in a deal that closed off-market. Advertisement Designed by architect Paul McClean and built in 2011, the contemporary-style showplace sits on more than an acre, with a gated entrance, a subterranean garage and a 132-square-foot infinity-edge swimming pool. The 15,000 square feet of interiors feature walls of glass, 16-foot ceilings, marble walls and Italian fixtures throughout. A wood-paneled library, wine cellar and screening room are among the amenities. The house previously sold four years ago for $24.5 million, property records show. Film producer and speculative real estate developer Nile Niami, who is building a $500-million compound in Bel-Air, was the developer. $19,715,787 Brentwood Michael J. Richter, co-head of Lazard Aerospace & Defense investment banking group, sold a renovated traditional-style home in the 12000 block of Parkyns Street for slightly under the asking price of $19.995 million. He bought the 12,732-square-foot home four years ago from Paul Terasaki, late transplant medicine pioneer and professor emeritus of surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, for $9.3 million. Reworked by architect Ken Ungar, the gated residence has a refined look with grand-scale formal areas, stained oak floors, wainscoting and vaulted ceilings. A modern chefs kitchen has two marble-topped islands, and a theater features stadium seating. An over-the-top master suite has a pair of bathroom suites, each with a walk-in closet and fitness studio. A private balcony off the master bedroom overlooks the grounds. There are six bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms in all. Santiago Arana and Mauricio Umansky of the Agency were the listing agents. Josh and Matt Altman of Douglas Elliman represented the buyer. $12 million Brentwood Kevin Reilly, president of Turner-owned television channels TBS and TNT, sold his home in the 600 block of MacCulloch Drive for $500,000 less than the asking price. The buyer was Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel. The traditional-style home, designed by noted architect Gerard Colcord and built in 1951, was previously owned by actor Harrison Ford for more than a decade. Reilly bought the house from Ford in 2012 for $8.195 million, records show. Renovated and restored, the 7,164-square-foot house sits at the end of a gated drive on close to an acre. The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom floor plan includes a two-story entry, a wood-paneled office/library, an updated kitchen and a study. The living room takes in city and ocean views. A two-story guesthouse, a swimming pool, a pool house and an outdoor kitchen lie within the grounds. Stephen Shapiro of Westside Estate Agency was the listing agent. David Offer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties represented the buyer. $10.7 million Santa Monica In the 2000 block of La Mesa Drive, an English Arts and Crafts-style house changed hands for nearly double what it sold for two years ago: $5.45 million. Set back from the street on about a third of an acre, the renovated 1920s home is distinguished by its distressed herringbone wood floors, bold light fixtures and a mix of marble finishes. Glass doors off the common rooms open to an outdoor entertaining area. Formal living and dining rooms, a chefs kitchen, wine cellar, media room and library lie within the 6,496 square feet of interiors. A total of six bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms includes junior master and master suites. Susan Perryman of Hilton & Hyland, an affiliate of Christies International Real Estate, was the listing agent. Jerry Jolton of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage represented the buyer. $10.5 million Century City A 5,306-square-foot condo at the Century building on Century Drive sold for $2.45 million less than the asking price of $12.95 million. The 38th-floor condo features hardwood and marble floors, formal living and dining rooms, a kitchen with stainless-steel range, three bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. There are fireplaces in the living room and master bedroom. Two covered parking spots were included in the sale. The listing agent: Bachir Oueida of Nelson Shelton & Associates. These are among the top residential real estate sales reported on the combined L.A./Westside Listing Service for the period from April 17 through April 30. neal.leitereg@latimes.com 5:27 P.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE I, Daniel Blake wins Cannes Palme dOr as a jury goes its own way British director Ken Loach with his trophy after winning the Palme dOr at the Cannes Film Festival. (Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images) Its not always noted, but there are two Cannes film festivals, one composed of critics, journalists and industry professionals, and the other inhabited by the sequestered jury. Sometimes these two Cannes speak with one voice, but in this 69th festival, they definitely did not. The German film Toni Erdmann, directed by Maren Ade, one of the few women in the competition, was easily the non-jury favorite among the 21 films eligible for prizes. Both wildly raucous and movingly humane, it chronicles the evolving relationship between a prankster father and his high-powered careerist daughter. Far from winning a top prize, however, Toni Erdmann was totally shut out by the jury chaired by Mad Max director George Miller. Instead, the Palme dOr went to 79-year-old British filmmaker Ken Loach for I, Daniel Blake, the on-the-nose narrative of working-class folks getting the run around from an unfeeling government welfare bureaucracy. Read more 3:16 P.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Cannes: How George Millers jury got it wrong George Miller, president of the Cannes Film Festival jury, fourth from right, poses with jury members, from left, Arnaud Desplechin, Kirsten Dunst, Laszio Nemes, Vanessa Paradis, Donald Sutherland, Katayoon Shahabi, Mads Mikkelsen and Valeria Golino. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) During a news conference after last years Cannes Film Festival awards ceremony, Joel Coen, co-president of the jury, responded to a question about why the Palme dOr had gone to Jacques Audiards tepidly received Dheepan, rather than one of the more acclaimed films in competition. Coens response was characteristically blunt: This isnt a jury of film critics. Indeed. And setting aside my own obvious bias in the matter, I can say that this arrangement is in theory, and sometimes in practice a good thing. We critics are often accused, sometimes rightly, of approaching our chosen art form with harsh scowls and highfalutin criteria at the ready, our judgments reflecting a profound detachment from the experience of the general audience, as well as of the artists who work hard to entertain them. At the same time, I would counter that Cannes, the greatest film festival in the world, has a mandate to honor the best in world cinema, which at times means pushing back against popular expectations. Theres also the fact that anyone who serves on a festival jury is, by definition, exercising critical judgment and making an assertion of personal taste. Some of the most satisfying Palme dOr winners in recent memory Amour, Blue Is the Warmest Color, The Tree of Life, and even a difficult work like Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives have demonstrated that its possible for non-card-carrying critics to make smart, aesthetically adventurous decisions. Theyve also demonstrated that honoring the art form and satisfying an audience are not mutually exclusive goals. There were a number of films in this years competition that managed to do both, perhaps none more brilliantly than Toni Erdmann, an alternately piercing and side-splitting dramedy from the German director Maren Ade, which premiered to rapturous acclaim early on and led the critics polls to the very end. Close behind was Paterson, Jim Jarmuschs exquisitely wrought portrait of the poet as a young city-bus driver (played by wait for it Adam Driver), which emerged as an immediate and unexpected high point in the American indie darlings career. And the competition ended on a strong note with Paul Verhoevens supremely sinuous Elle, starring Isabelle Huppert in a career-crowning performance as a woman who turns the tables not only on her rapist, but on the entire troubling subgenre of rape-revenge thrillers. Hayley Squires and Dave Johns in I, Daniel Blake. (Joss Barratt) None of these films won a thing. Instead the jury, led by the Australian director George Miller, awarded the Palme dOr to Ken Loachs I, Daniel Blake, an appreciably passionate, sometimes stirring yet excessively contrived and self-congratulatory drama about the ravages of poverty and unemployment in the U.K. Its a film that many in Cannes liked more than I did, and which drew widespread praise from British critics in particular, who can surely attest to the authenticity of its harsh depiction of their welfare state. But in handing Loach his second Palme (he won the first in 2006 for The Wind That Shakes the Barley), Millers jury, deliberately or not, wound up favoring an angry, relevant message rather than a great work of cinema. Loach inadvertently seemed to confirm as much when he noted in his acceptance speech that film is exciting, its fun, and as youve seen tonight, its also very important. Still, better for the Palme to have gone to Loach than to Quebecs Xavier Dolan, the 27-year-old world-cinema enfant terrible who pretty much horrified the press audience by inexplicably winning the runner-up Grand Prix for Its Only the End of the World. In my 11 years of attending Cannes I cannot recall a worse jury decision than this one. A badly shot, shrilly performed and all-around excruciatingly misjudged dysfunctional-family torture session that felt far longer than its 97-minute running time, World was by far the least endurable film in competition (and that includes Sean Penns dreadful but dreadfully entertaining The Last Face). Far inferior to the directors 2014 jury-prize winner, Mommy, the picture failed to win over even Dolans many fans, and I have counted myself among them on more than one occasion. The jury did honor excellent films elsewhere. The decision to split the director award between Romanias Cristian Mungiu and Frances Olivier Assayas was inspired; Mungius Graduation is a tense, beautifully structured and richly expansive morality tale framed and acted with his usual precision, while Assayas Personal Shopper, an eccentric supernatural thriller starring Kristen Stewart as a medium, was one of the festivals most successful and surprising experiments. Frankly, handing Mungiu and Assayas the top two prizes would have made for a more satisfying outcome. Along similar lines, I had hoped that Andrea Arnolds deeply enveloping road movie American Honey would garner something more than a jury prize the third such honor shes won at Cannes (after 2006s Red Road and 2009s Fish Tank). Given the advance the new film represents in terms of scope, ambition and achievement, Arnold surely rated more than another third-place mention this time around. Shahab Hosseini and Taraneh Alidoosti in The Salesman. (Habib Majidi / SMPSP) I cant begrudge the Iranian drama The Salesman its prizes for actor Shahab Hosseini and for writer-director Asghar Farhadis solid, well-carpentered screenplay. Nor can I dispute the effectiveness of the quietly stirring performance given by the Filipino actress Jaclyn Jose in Brillante Mendozas Ma Rosa, except to point out that it was chosen in a year with so many superb female performances including Sandra Huller in Toni Erdmann, Sonia Braga in Aquarius, Stewart in Personal Shopper, Ruth Negga in Loving, Huppert in Elle that struck me as fuller, richer and more resonant achievements. Asked about their decisions at Sundays news conference, Millers jury responded with the kind of diplomatic evasiveness that past Cannes juries have showed before them: There were so many fine films, it was a difficult decision, you cant please everyone, etc. My own sense, judging by their awards slate, is that they entered their deliberations with Ken Loachs buzzword importance ringing in their ears. By and large, their taste ran toward tales that focused on economic disparity around the world (I, Daniel Blake, Ma Rosa and even American Honey), or that examined human corruption under oppressive societal circumstances (Graduation, The Salesman). These are worthy causes to illuminate and, in some cases, worthy films as well. But after seeing all 21 movies in competition, I can attest that the 2016 Cannes Film Festival will not be remembered most for the films that trumpeted their importance (and self-importance) the loudest. It will be remembered for the gorgeous flurries of comedy and heartache in Toni Erdmann, which was acquired during the festival by Sony Pictures Classics and should put Maren Ade decisively on the international map. It will be remembered for the still but deep-running waters of Paterson, and for the high-wire interplay of terror, eroticism and provocation in Elle (and, for that matter, in Park Chan-wooks highly entertaining The Handmaiden). Is there no room, in the recognition of cinematic excellence, for movies that dont wear their politics or morality on their sleeve that touch less obvious, more nuanced chords? (Like, for example, the movies of George Miller?) That say a lot without raising a megaphone? That show that comedy is worth taking seriously? As Joel Coen noted, no, this is not a jury of film critics. But it should be a jury of artists with a less rigid, more sophisticated idea of what award-worthy cinema can and should be. And who can recognize a terrible Xavier Dolan movie when its staring them in the face. 7:14 A.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Cannes: With Elle, Paul Verhoeven makes noise, and another comeback French actress Isabelle Huppert and Dutch director Paul Verhoeven arrive for the screening of Elle at Cannes. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP/Getty Images) The movies opening may as well arrive with an on-screen statement. Loud shrieking lends the impression a couple is having sex, but the first sight is a close-up of a cat. Then the camera cuts to the source of the shrieks, and it turns out what sounded like love was actually an assault. Paul Verhoeven is baa-aack. Needling, absurd, sexual, kinetic all those adjectives apply to Verhoeven. The Dutch-born director has followed one of the more improbable career arcs in modern cinema from European obscurity to Hollywood heights to industry punch-line (Showgirls, anyone?), back to European acclaim. And then, finally, to silence. Now, after a 10-year feature-film hiatus, the 77-year-old has returned with one of his most provocative and unclassifiable films yet. It is vintage Verhoeven by not being vintage Verhoeven. Read more 6:18 P.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Cannes: Why Toni Erdmann could win the Palme dOr and other predictions Peter Simonischek in Toni Erdmann. (The Match Factory) Predicting the major prizewinners at the Cannes Film Festival awards that are handed out by a nine-person jury that changes annually, and whose individual reactions have been a complete mystery all festival long is a fools errand. But Ive never been one to let that (or my dismal track record) stop me. Here are my thoroughly whimsical, highly unscientific predictions for what will win the Palme dOr and other prizes from George Millers jury on Sunday evening. I am adhering to the festivals rules, which state that no film can win more than one prize (with the exception of the acting and screenplay awards, which can be paired for the same film). Palme dOr: Toni Erdmann. Maren Ades achingly funny, utterly surprising relationship comedy has been the dominant critical favorite of the competition, and the dominant critical favorite often wins. (Last years middlingly received Dheepan proved an exception to the rule, but other recent winners Blue Is the Warmest Color and Amour come to mind have borne it out.) It helps, too, that Toni Erdmann is a genuine crowdpleaser, packed with the sort of showstopping moments that make its lengthy 162-minute running time feel not just bearable but wholly earned. A win for Ade would not only be richly deserved, but also make her the first female director to win the most prestigious award in international cinema for the first time since Jane Campions The Piano tied with Chen Kaiges Farewell My Concubine. It would also be a nice feather in the cap of Germany, which hasnt been well represented at Cannes of late: The last German-directed films to win the Palme were Wim Wenders Paris, Texas (1984) and Volker Schlondorffs The Tin Drum (1979). Some potential spoilers: Julieta has not been rousingly received, but Pedro Almodovar is considered long overdue for a Palme, and affection for this beloved auteur runs deep. (Expect the film to win the Palme or nothing.) The two Romanian heavyweights, Cristi Puius Sieranevada and Cristian Mungius Graduation, were both well received and have passionate admirers. And Andrea Arnolds American Honey, the only other female-directed film in competition besides Toni Erdmann to have generated significant acclaim, might well emerge as a major challenger. Grand Prix: Sieranevada. Puius two-ton family epic screened on the competitions first day and has remained in the running ever since. Rumors that it was one of the festivals best films had long preceded its arrival on the Croisette, where they were roundly confirmed. Like all Puius films, Sieranevada rewards patience in spades; it takes some time, though not much, for the directors filmmaking mastery of character and dialogue, tone and style, framing and blocking to get its hooks into you. Graduation offers a worthy and more accessible alternative, but if the jury takes into account Mungius awards history (a Palme for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, screenplay and acting prizes for Beyond the Hills), they may be inclined to give this runner-up prize or the Palme itself to the other godfather of the Romanian New Wave. Jury Prize: Graduation. A total shot in the dark, especially since this third-place award could conceivably go to any film (or films) that the jury likes well enough. Even if both Romanian films emerge with big prizes, its not at all likely or certain that theyll be honored in this particular configuration, and the awards history I mentioned earlier could work against Graduation as well. But I have a feeling that the intelligence of the films construction, the seamlessness of the camerawork, the resonance of the storys moral inquiry and the emotional impact of the ending will make it hard for a jury not to recognize Mungius achievement somewhere along the line. Most of the films mixed notices have taken issue with its familiarity in the context of the directors work, but thats a complaint lodged more often by critics than jurors, who are often encountering a filmmaker or an entire national cinema for the first time. Sasha Lane in American Honey. (Protagonist Pictures) Director: Andrea Arnold, American Honey. Arnold has twice won the festivals jury prize (for Red Road and Fish Tank), and while her roving, ravishing, pop-and-adrenaline-fueled youth road movie was one of the festivals more polarizing entries, I suspect the jury might be more favorably inclined than not toward its outsized ambition. As noted earlier, Arnold could be in line for an even bigger prize, but her sheer display of formal chops here a decisive triumph of bold, jagged image making over thin-to-nonexistent narrative seems most likely to be rewarded in this category. Other possibilities: Ade for Toni Erdmann, and Alain Guiraudie for Staying Vertical, one of the competitions most likably eccentric titles and a master class in sustained, low-key dream logic. Actress: Sonia Braga, Aquarius. The years single most competitive category, and how refreshing is that? Isabelle Huppert gives an arguably career-best performance in Paul Verhoevens marvelously deft thriller Elle, but shes won this award twice already, and I imagine the jury may want to acknowledge someone new. Kristen Stewart holds you for every minute of Olivier Assayas spooky paranormal thriller Personal Shopper, but her presence in two films here (the other being Woody Allens Cafe Society) and her international stardom may seem reward enough. Sandra Huller is a knockout in Toni Erdmann, but assuming that film is bound for a bigger prize, as Im predicting, she wouldnt be eligible for this one. In a lesser year, I imagine Adele Haenel (the Dardenne brothers The Unknown Girl), Elle Fanning (The Neon Demon) and Sasha Lane (American Honey) would have been stronger candidates. Should the jury be inclined to honor a fresh face, they might well go with Ruth Neggas gently revelatory work in Jeff Nichols Loving. But in the end, I think this is Bragas to lose. Shes stupendous in Kleber Mendonca Filhos Aquarius, in which she plays a woman in her prime at 65, taking on corrupt developers and flaunting her blazingly intelligent, funny, righteous, dignified, sexy-as-hell presence in scene after scene. The chance to reward a veteran for one of her finest performances may be too much for the jury to resist. Actor: Adam Driver, Paterson. Pickings are slimmer where the boys are concerned, though the competition did turn up some excellent late-in-the-game options, courtesy of Adrian Titieni (Graduation) and Shahab Hosseini (Asghar Farhadis The Salesman), both giving nuanced performances as family men navigating slippery slopes into moral corruption. The British actor-comedian Dave Johns could be a favorite, too, for Ken Loachs I, Daniel Blake, in which he plays a down-on-his-luck carpenter railing against the bureaucratic tyranny of the British welfare state, and is always convincing even when the film goes into oppressively worthy Stations of the Cross mode. But amid all these talky, sometimes shouty performances, the quiet dignity of Drivers work in Paterson stands out all the more. Showing theres more to him as an actor than brash comedy and Kylo Ren, hes in the frame at almost every moment, and he commands the screen through sheer taciturn presence alone. This isnt a mopey performance or a self-consciously minimalist one; its a beautifully rendered study of a man trying, at every moment, to synchronize his rhythms with those of his environment. Driver won best actor at the Venice Film Festival two years ago for Saverio Costanzos Hungry Hearts; a second major festival prize would be well deserved. Screenplay: David Birke, Elle. Not in any way a confident prediction, and a writing award might seem odd for a film that is so clearly such a high-wire feat of acting and direction. But listen to just a few of the scintillating lines in Birkes surprisingly ambitious and gloriously unpredictable script (adapted from Philippe Djians novel Oh ), and the worthiness of this choice becomes very clear. Other contenders, assuming they dont win big elsewhere: the tidal wave of talk that is Sieranevada, the intricately nested wordplay of Paterson, the cleverly structured morality plays of Graduation and The Salesman, and the bravura loop-de-loop twists of Park Chan-wooks The Handmaiden. 12:54 P.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Cannes: Elle, with Isabelle Huppert, brings competition to a strong close Isabelle Huppert in Elle. (Guy Ferrandis / SBS Entertainment) The Dutch-born, Hollywood-friendly director Paul Verhoeven has a gift for bringing out the very best in his leading ladies, usually by forcing them to embrace the very worst. From Sharon Stones ice-pick-wielding femme fatale in Basic Instinct (1992), to Carice van Houtens Nazi-seducing Jewish resistance fighter in Black Book (2006), Verhoeven has always had fun playing with his heroines desires and desirability, allowing them to wield their sexuality with the kind of brazen self-assurance rarely accorded women on American screens. But he also likes putting them through the wringer, as evidenced by the hideously memorable image of van Houten covered in human excrement at once an act of degradation and the foulest sort of baptism. Not unlike Brian De Palma, another filmmaker who likes to skirt the boundaries of good taste, Verhoeven has inspired no shortage of gender-based arguments over the years: Whether his female characters are misogynist constructs or avatars of empowerment is a topic open to continual debate and reappraisal. That seems unlikely to change with his latest work, Elle, a breathtakingly elegant and continually surprising French-language thriller that brought the 69th Cannes Film Festival competition to a rousing close on Saturday. If the early reactions seem tilted in Verhoevens favor, its surely because this indecently entertaining provocation his first film since Black Book, and his first to compete for the Palme dOr since Basic Instinct seems to belong equally to the French actress Isabelle Huppert, who rises to the occasion with one of the greatest performances of her very great career. In Huppert, Verhoeven has more than met his match; he has found a stunning collaborator, an actress who brings flurries of wit and tremors of complication to the sort of material that, in less assured hands, might well have tilted into outright disaster. In Elle, Huppert plays Michele, a mother, a recent divorcee and a successful video-game company executive. We know none of these things about her, however, in the startling opening scene, in which she is sexually assaulted on the floor of her home by a masked intruder. The act is quick, brutal, and filmed with nary a hint of exploitation. Verhoeven doesnt seem to be trying to shock us; he merely seems to be dispensing with the nasty preliminaries, the better to get on with his slow and steady deconstruction of Micheles psyche. Most importantly, he doesnt make the mistake of assuming that being a victim is the most interesting thing about her. And victim, in any case, is hardly the operative word here. After sweeping up some broken crockery and taking a bath, Michele returns to her normal routine with eerie calm. In the days that follow, she bickers with her mother and her son, and clashes with her (mostly male) co-workers. She matter-of-factly informs her ex-husband and closest friends about the attack, quietly shrugging off their horror. She thinks about what happened to her, and what she might have done differently and when her attacker unexpectedly resurfaces, she contemplates what she might do next. I dont want to give away too much about Elle, the considerable pleasure of which lies in the steady unraveling of its secrets. (The beautifully constructed screenplay was adapted by David Birke from Philippe Dijans novel Oh ) Suffice to say that what seems at the outset like a standard-issue rape-revenge thriller gradually becomes something deeper: a subtle character portrait and a wickedly dry comedy of manners, in which the characters gender and power dynamics are continually being renegotiated, scene by scene. Even uttering the words comedy and rape in the same sentence, of course, immediately risks offending certain sensibilities. And while Verhoeven doesnt downplay or trivialize the trauma of sexual assault, he isnt afraid to suggest that Michele might respond to her attack in any number of difficult, troubling ways, not all of them wholly or purely negative. All in all, its hard to imagine Elle working without the poker-faced reserve of Hupperts mesmerizing performance: Always among the most steely intelligent of actors, she illuminates the mystery of Micheles identity, paradoxically, by holding her feelings in check. Huppert is no stranger to exploring the outer limits of sexual debasement, as she did 15 years ago in Michael Hanekes The Piano Teacher, which earned her the second of two best actress prizes at Cannes. No one who sees Elle will begrudge her for winning a third. You dont always understand what Michele is doing and thinking, but you cannot help but believe her, every delectably perverse step of the way. ***** Charlize Theron and Javier Bardem in The Last Face. (Kelly Walsh) Saving one of the competitions very best offerings for last was smart scheduling on the festivals part. It would have been even smarter had they spared us the embarrassment of Sean Penns atrocious The Last Face, which stars Charlize Theron and Javier Bardem as international aid workers falling in and out of love in war-torn Africa. Its astonishing, in this day and age and less than a year after Cary Joji Fukunagas scrupulous, superior Beasts of No Nation to encounter a movie that so blithely presents Third World atrocities as grist for a romance between two gorgeous movie stars. Its even more astonishing coming from Penn, who has done good work behind the camera before (Into the Wild, The Pledge), and whose own passionate commitment to humanitarian causes can scarcely be disputed. But again and again over the course of this 132-minute movie, that sincerity proves his undoing. Climaxing with a dreadfully teary-eyed speech from Therons character about how poverty attacks dreams, The Last Face is both hectoring and drippy, an interminably goopy romance and a fatuous humanitarian lecture. Deservedly laughed off the screen on Friday, Penns film immediately supplanted Xavier Dolans Its Only the End of the World as the worst-received title in competition; if its completely forgotten by next week, itll be a kinder fate than the film deserves. The late screening of Elle also served to put a provocative bit of punctuation on a program that has featured an uncommonly rich array of movies about women. Maren Ades Toni Erdmann, Andrea Arnolds American Honey, Olivier Assayas Personal Shopper, Park Chan-wooks The Handmaiden, Pedro Almodovars Julieta, Kleber Mendonca Filhos Aquarius, Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardennes The Unknown Girl and, yes, Nicolas Winding Refns The Neon Demon its an altogether astounding lineup, and the fact that many if not all of them will be headed to American theaters serves as a welcome corrective to the glut of male-centric movies that, with a few heartening exceptions, tend to clog our cinemas year-round. In one of those peculiar threes-a-trend coincidences, Elle is the third film in nearly as many days in which the plot pivots on a vicious physical attack on a woman by a man. The other two are Cristian Mungius well-received Graduation and Asghar Farhadis solid if underwhelming The Salesman, which was acquired for North American distribution by Amazon Studios shortly before its unveiling on Friday in Cannes. The film is another of Farhadis characteristically thoughtful morality plays stemming from a series of dangerous, all-too-human misunderstandings: A woman in Tehran lets a man into her apartment, mistaking him for her husband; the accidental encounter leaves deep physically and psychological scars, awakening in her husband a wholly understandable yet all-consuming desire for revenge. Beautifully acted by its three principals (Shahab Hosseini, Taraneh Alidoosti and especially Babak Karimi), Farhadis movie is a grave inquiry into the many varieties of male aggression and the moral cost of punishing our enemies, especially those who turn out to be as pitifully, redeemably human as we are. Its title is a deliberate nod to Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman, a local production of which the husband and his wife are both performing in a peripheral metaphor that never quite satisfyingly merges with the bigger-picture drama. If The Salesman feels like a lesser achievement than Farhadis About Elly, The Past and his Oscar-winning masterwork, A Separation, it may be because it lacks the dizzyingly intricate craftsmanship of those films, which functioned like humanist detective stories: Ingeniously plotted and endlessly multifaceted, they were Hitchcockian thrillers by way of Jean Renoir. Nevertheless, the new films wrenching final moments ably confirm Farhadis standing as a dramatist of the first rank, an artist whose far-flung domestic dramas can make us feel painfully at home. 12:40 P.M. CANNES, FRANCE Neon Demon director Nicolas Winding Refn brought his pulsating provocations to Cannes Nicolas Winding Refn is one of those directors who pushes buttons as much with his pronouncements as his work. In an interview with The Times at Cannes a few years ago for the polarizing Thai western Only God Forgives, he fashioned an elaborate metaphor out of the image of a birth canal then proceeded to compare it to sex. The Danes appearance at the festival this year has been no less needling. Refns Neon Demon played its first screening Thursday, and the movies hyper-stylized mashup of noir, fashion films and a host of other influences quickly became the most debated movie of the festival. In person, too, the artsploitation auteur wasted little time getting down to business as the self-proclaimed punk king of the global cinema world a comparison that became literal in one instance. He also dropped a dis track on a countryman. Here is a sampling of his comments from the Neon Demon news conference Friday afternoon. On the divided reaction to Neon Demon: If I dont split, what are we doing here? Creativity is about reactions. And reactions are the essence of experience. If you dont react, what are you doing here? Why would you waste your time? There are so many things in life you could do besides watch a film or TV show. Look at all the reactions you guys are having. Take it or leave it, but you cant deny it. On the punk-like quality of that last quote: I passed Iggy Pop on the way to rehearsal last night. Its like we took the trophy from him. On countryman Lars von Trier: Lars. Hes done a lot of drugs. Over the hill. The last time I saw Lars, he was telling my wife he wants to have sex with her. I told him to [bleep] off. So he found another slut. On his unlikely bit of casting: Just having Keanu with a knife at someones throat is the best. On feminism in his new movie: All the men are like the girlfriends in other movies. Because the women are the focus. The men represent certain approaches of fear, or control, or predatory behavior. On the unlikely connections between fashion, mortality and iPhones (theres a through-line in here somewhere): "Theres something very interesting about the digital revolution becoming a reality. Digital alters reality, so what you see is unreal which is death. Beauty and death are the same because theres nothing; its just the end of the line. Theres a dangerous possibility of this alternate world becoming a reality for our children because were not going to reverse the wheel. Its just going to get more and more." This is about, well, the thing that, you see...never mind, we cant really set this one up: The lesbian necrophilia scene is the essence of the film. We shot at the L.A. Morgue We had to sign a paper that if someone died, we had to leave. It escalated into a really intense necrophilia scene. [I asked actress Jena Malone] Can you stick your tongue in the mouth [ of the actor playing a corpse]? OK, thats great. Can you get more saliva on her? [He describes increasingly sexual acts.] And after that, we found the character. So now go with God. The lesbian necrophilia scene is the essence of the film. We shot at the L.A. Morgue. We had to sign a paper that if someone died, we had to leave. ... It escalated into a really intense necrophilia scene. And after that, we found the character. So now go with God. @ZeitchikLAT 7:12 P.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Cannes: The Neon Demon, Graduation and the curse of auteur expectations Elle Fanning in The Neon Demon. (Gunther Campine) How you approach the sick, ravishing object that is Nicolas Winding Refns The Neon Demon is entirely up to you. Nervy feminist provocation or misogynist freakshow? Hypnotic art piece or exploitative trash? Im still wrestling with it myself, and have not yet ruled out the possibility that it may be all of the above. Refn, who competed in Cannes years ago with the very good Drive (2011) and the very bad Only God Forgives (2013), has in some ways surpassed Quentin Tarantino as the filmmaker with the least shame or discretion when it comes to projecting his most demented fetishes and fantasies onto the screen. This is no small thing. For all the praise directors routinely get for the honesty of their visions, it can be galvanizing to encounter one who truly operates without a filter (except, of course, for whatever filter he uses to achieve those sizzling reds and cool blues in his gorgeously tinted widescreen images). A voluptuously arid, glacially paced evisceration of an industry that routinely leaches beautiful women of sustenance and soul, The Neon Demon stars Elle Fanning as a naive, fresh-faced 16-year-old beauty who moves to L.A. and becomes the sensation of the modeling world. This prompts her impeccably coiffed, nipped-and-tucked rivals to begin their (very) slow descent into murderous jealousy. The movie is Refns Black Swan, his Mulholland Dr., his All About Eve, his Death Becomes Her and his Suspiria rolled into one. Its got gold body paint, menstrual floods, cannibalism, lesbian necrophilia and Keanu Reeves. Its bewitching to behold, with its surreal strobe effects and static, fashion-shoot-style compositions, and bewitching to listen to, with its nightmarish synth-on-stilettos score by Cliff Martinez. Its banal, ludicrous, thuddingly one-note and once you adjust to its narcotic rhythms entirely mesmerizing. By the end I was aghast and, loath though I was to admit it, impressed by the terrible coherence of Refns vision. Others were less impressed, and not shy about making their displeasure known: It was clear, five minutes into the screening, that The Neon Demon was going to draw the loudest and longest boos of the competition though as is always the case with a movie willing to sink to such disreputable depths, the catcalls were answered by a blast of defiant applause. Itll be interesting to see how Amazon Studios, after such classy, well-received Cannes entries as Paterson and The Handmaiden, handles the marketing and release of this already critically derided oddity. If past festival scandales have taught us anything, its that hatred is usually far preferable to indifference. I bowed to no one in my contempt for Only God Forgives, which, a juicy performance from Kristin Scott Thomas aside, felt like a creative dead end from a talented filmmaker. Featuring a cast of beauties made to look like bulimic vampires, The Neon Demon may be no less the work of a director with his head (and camera) somewhere in the vicinity of his colon. But what a beautiful colon it is! And what intoxicating moods it produces! The movie builds to a silly, unforgettable image with a nice little sting of a visual punchline: In this debauched charnel house of a movie, beauty truly is, ahem, in the eye of the beholder. ***** Adrian Titieni and Maria Dragus in Graduation. (Mobra Films / Why Not Productions / Les Films du Fleuve) Neon Demon or no Neon Demon, this has been one of the most consistent, strength-to-strength competition programs in some time. For many, an estimable Palme dOr contender arrived Thursday in the form of Graduation, Cristian Mungius latest sobering glimpse into the cold, black heart of Romanian society. Such an outcome would make Mungiu a double Palme winner, as he won the festivals top prize in 2007 for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. (His 2012 follow-up, the arthouse exorcism drama Beyond the Hills, won Cannes prizes for acting and screenwriting.) Less galvanizing than 4 Months, but more complex and persuasive than Beyond the Hills, Graduation traces the welter of moral complications that arise when a high-school senior, Eliza (Maria Dragus), is attacked one morning; her injuries, though not serious, will make it harder for her to take her all-important final exam. Her father, a middle-aged doctor named Romeo (Adrian Titieni), unwisely decides to intervene, at which point this swiftly paced, scrupulously measured film becomes a blow-by-blow indictment of this man and his manifold hypocrisies. Those who know a thing or two about Romanian history may pick up on a subtext about the lingering aftereffects of the Nicolae Ceausescu regime and how they impacted men like Romeo, who pride themselves on their strict moral compasses but are at the mercy of desire and self-interest. But even those who bring no such background knowledge to the table will be held, I imagine, by the force and fluidity of Mungius storytelling, and by the richness of the moral dilemmas he confronts us with: Who wouldnt want to do the best for their children, and to spare them the cruel deprivations of an earlier generation? Dragus, a German actress, first came to international attention in Michael Hanekes The White Ribbon, and there is something of the Austrian directors chilly spirit suffusing Mungius characteristically gray palette this time around: With its tale of rocks being thrown through windows and startling, out-of-nowhere physical attacks, Graduation evokes the social paranoia of both The White Ribbon and Hanekes earlier Cache. But this is finally a gentler, more compassionate film than either; Mungiu may be a ruthless realist with no love for the grim regimes of despots past, but his final shot offers bracing assurance that children really are the future. ***** Nathalie Baye and Gaspard Ulliel in Its Only the End of the World. (Shayne Laverdiere / Sons of Manual) Compete at Cannes often enough and youll find that your biggest rival may be your own enviable track record. Graduation, although admired by many, also drew criticism from those who felt Mungiu was treading thematic water rather than breaking new ground. Ironically, the Romanian film counts among its producers the great Belgian filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, whose own competition entry, The Unknown Girl, came in for even worse knocks a day earlier most of them directed at the unusually schematic nature of the story. The Dardennes, who have twice won the Palme dOr (for Rosetta and Lenfant), are among the most consistent filmmakers alive, to the point that even their strongest films are sometimes received with an impatience that can tilt over into ingratitude. Ill concede that The Unknown Girl, a socially conscious detective story that reminded me in some ways of Ruth Rendells 1994 crime novel Simisola, is something of a disappointment: Although fronted by a remarkable performance by the French actress Adele Haenel, it lacks the powerful moral and dramatic surprises typical of their best work. But if all disappointments were this thoughtful and mature or, for that matter, as thoughtful and mature as Pedro Almodovars tepidly received Julieta life would be almost too marvelous to bear. Auteur expectations are all but impossible to shake off at Cannes: If theres a reason a competition entry like Toni Erdmann has been such a critical favorite, its that Maren Ade, with just two features under her belt, arrived here as something of an unknown quantity. The same goes for the Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonca Filho, whose sophomore effort, Aquarius, merges the rich social critique of his acclaimed debut, Neighboring Sounds, with an unexpectedly accessible character study. Playing a woman who refuses to vacate her longtime apartment and finds herself at war with the buildings new owners, the 65-year-old Sonia Braga gives a performance of bravura intelligence, sensuality and emotional range. And if theres a director whose every new movie arrives bearing far too much expectational baggage these days, its surely Xavier Dolan, that 27-year-old Canadian enfant terrible, whos been known to divide audiences with films such as Mommy (winner of a Cannes jury prize in 2014), Tom at the Farm and Laurence Anyways. Ive been an erratic but sincere admirer of Dolans work over the years, but no amount of devotion could have kept me from recoiling from Its Only the End of the World, an insufferable compendium of dysfunctional family neuroses that stars a maddeningly aloof Gaspard Ulliel as a gay man making a rare trip home to tell his folks of his impending death. Im all for no-holds-barred emotional scrutiny, but rarely have I felt so imprisoned by a movie as by this one. The actors who include Lea Seydoux, Nathalie Baye, Vincent Cassel and an unprecedentedly awful Marion Cotillard are wretchedly served by their material, as well as by Dolans decision to trap them all in extreme closeups throughout. Ingmar Bergman believed the human face was the greatest subject in all of cinema, but I doubt even he would have lasted five minutes into Its Only the End of the World. Youve seen Biore pore-cleansing-strip commercials before, and theres no reason for them to be this tediously shrill. 3:55 P.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Going under the shell of Cannes animated sensation The Red Turtle A still from the Dutch animator Michael Dudok de Wits film The Red Turtle. (Touchwood PR) CANNES, France The opportunity to make a feature film is, for most directors, the ultimate grail, a pearl without price, but for Dutch animator Michael Dudok de Wit, its always been an offer he felt he had to refuse. Until he couldnt. The 62-year old Dudok de Wit, a Dutch filmmaker based in London, is not just any short-film animator. He was twice nominated for an Academy Award in that category and took home the Oscar in 2001 for his emotional Father and Daughter. When I direct a short, I do all the elements myself: the design, the backgrounds, everything, I dont have to justify or explain, I just do it, the filmmaker says. With features there are always discussions, and that really puts me off. And I was not ready for the struggle of raising money. A thoughtful man with a quiet, reserved air, Dudok de Wit arrived at Cannes with two things he didnt expect: an infection that led to a bandage over his right eye, and a dazzling animated feature, The Red Turtle, which premiered in the Un Certain Regard section, earning exceptional early notices and a U.S. distribution deal with Sony Pictures Classics. Read more 4:30 A.M. Feminism, Spielberg and a German showstopper: Times staffers make sense of Cannes (Walt Disney Pictures) The Cannes Film Festival hits its one-week mark Wednesday night, and while for some that sounds like an endless amount of time, for those at the fest -- where big movies from the likes of Paul Verhoeven, Sean Penn and Nicolas Winding Refn are yet to premiere -- thats far from the end. Its a good moment, in other words, to have a conversation about whats unfolded here at the so-called Olympics of cinema. READ MORE 4:35 A.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Julian Assange film Risk offers an inside look at controversial Wikileaks founder Wikileaks founder Julian Assange squints in the sunlight as he prepares to speak from the balcony of the Ecuador Embassy in London in February. (Carl Court / Getty Images) New administrations can mean a change in fortunes for controversial figures. But a Hillary Clinton presidency would not improve the status of Julian Assange, say those aligned with the Wikileaks founder, who remains in Ecuadors London embassy pending a Swedish extradition request. In fact, they argue, it could well do the opposite. Under Clinton [Assanges situation] will possibly get worse, said Wikileaks staffer Jacob Applebaum. Clinton was secretary of State when Wikileaks released a trove of classified cables in 2010, many of them sensitive or embarrassing to the U.S. government. Applebaum noted a meeting he had with a senior Clinton staffer at the time that he said carried with it an air of intimidation. (Incidentally and not unexpectedly, Applebaum was hardly bullish on Donald Trump either. I dont have any ideas about other candidates but I dont think they have any ideas either.) Read more 1:09 A.M. Cannes: Jeff Nichols Loving stirs a festival and enters Hollywoods diversity debate (Patricia Williams / For The Times) As it reached a boiling point earlier this year, the #OscarsSoWhite movement and its proponents raised strong doubts about Hollywoods willingness to address issues of equality. Serious, topical films about race were lacking, they said, and consequently so were black nominees. At the Cannes Film Festival on Monday, those critics were given an answer. Premiering at the worlds most prestigious cinema gathering was Loving, a fact-based drama, from the Arkansas-raised auteur Jeff Nichols, about an interracial romance deemed illicit in Virginia circa 1958. Impeccably made and drawn closely from historical research, the film tells the relatively little-known story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a couple whose case, which eventually went to the Supreme Court, both exposed the racial divides of the time and helped bridge them. But as with so many films that touch on diversity, the movie has also just as quickly drawn skepticism, in this case for not being sufficiently hard-hitting about the racism of the era. Nichols has sought to keep a distance from the fray, saying he was simply looking to tell an intimate tale of a couple that overcame obstacles, not a larger social history. You look at this film from a distance and there are so many pitfalls for melodrama or histrionics, the writer-director said in an interview with The Times. But then you start to look at these people and theyre not melodramatic. Read more 6:23 P.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Cannes: Kristen Stewart in Personal Shopper, and other grief-haunted heroines Kristen Stewart in Personal Shopper. (MK2 Pictures) There may not be enough female directors competing for the Palme dOr, but there has certainly been no shortage of stories about women in the mix. Its not the first time that assessment has been trotted out at Cannes, but oh well: It happens to be very, very true this year, and as such its a point worth both critiquing and celebrating. Not that the media audience seemed to be in a very celebratory mood on Monday night, to judge by the ill-considered boos that greeted Olivier Assayas Personal Shopper, a deliriously spooky paranormal thriller featuring another remarkable performance from Kristen Stewart this time as a fashion buyer and spiritual medium haunted by her twin brothers recent death. Booing films off the screen is a silly yet time-honored festival tradition, and my main objection to the practice apart from how it reduces an artistic showcase to a sporting event is that the movies that wind up getting the brunt of it are usually those with ambiguous endings or unconventional narratives. In short, the ones that attempt the most significant or daring creative risks. (Among the recently Cannes-booed, Abbas Kiarostamis Like Someone in Love and Carlos Reygadas Post Tenebras Lux come to mind.) If youll allow me to butcher Susan Sontag, the act of booing is too often little more than the revenge of the audience upon the intellect. There were no boos, if I recall correctly, for Assayas and Stewarts first collaboration, Clouds of Sils Maria, which premiered in competition at Cannes in 2014 and went on to win a raft of international acting prizes for Stewart (including the Cesar for best supporting actress). That film gave her a wryly humorous turn as a celebritys assistant, and so does Personal Shopper, except that here the celebrity stays almost entirely off screen while Stewart remains front and center. Its a smart choice: Assayas plot is preposterous and he knows it. He needs every moment of his leading ladys restless intelligence and twitchy, self-effacing beauty to carry it off. Stewart plays Maureen, an American living in Paris. (Assayas, savvy cine-globalist that he is, knows better than to explain why.) Maureen is moderately conversant with the spirit world, and Assayas wastes no time plunging her into the inky shadows of a haunted house, where she moves from room to room, murmuring the name of her late brother (Lewis ?) while a ghostly, ectoplasmic presence materializes every so often behind her. Before long, Maureen is receiving coyly menacing text messages from an all-knowing presence, and the escalating intensity of their back-and-forth makes for perhaps the most creepily sustained use of screen-within-a-screen since last years Unfriended. Where some might see an extended product placement for Apple, I see a director in full command of his craft and not too proud to flex his genre muscles. Assayas display of raw filmmaking chops here is so shiveringly bravura he turns those little iPhone text-in-progress bubbles into a harbinger of dread that it almost doesnt matter whether the ideas behind it cohere. And yet, on some eerie, subterranean level, they do. In films as different as his autumnal masterpiece Summer Hours and his sensationally trashy cyber-thriller demonlover, Assayas has long evinced a fascination with how globalization and technology are continually reshaping our relationships with the modern world, and with one another. His roving camera is forever drawing invisible lines and parallels between his characters, but here he has chosen to emphasize disconnection and disembodiment in every frame. Why does the movie end in Oman? What happens during Maureens climactic hotel-room assignation with the mystery texter? How hot does Stewart look in a black bondage gown? Only one of those questions will be answered definitively, but they are arguably not the right questions to start with. In Personal Shopper, a thriller whose heroine is forever at the mercy of unseen tormenters communicating with her remotely (her boss not least among them), Assayas has stumbled on perhaps the most literal definition of ghosts in the machine. And in Stewart, an extraordinary talent who does her best work at her most seemingly ordinary, he has found an ideal medium for his ideas. Maybe Im over-intellectualizing. A friend summed things up perfectly as we exited the theater: Its got Cartier and ghosts. Whats not to like? ***** Adriana Ugarte in Julieta. (Sony Pictures Classics) If youd asked me months ago which director would show up in Cannes with a kinky supernatural chiller about a woman reeling from personal tragedy, I might well have guessed Pedro Almodovar. Instead this justly beloved Spanish auteur has arrived on the Croisette with Julieta, a more subdued yet still powerfully affecting portrait of implacable grief and its myriad ripple effects. The movie is what you might call a return to form but then, after his mirthless airplane comedy Im So Excited!, you might call anything other than 96 minutes of uninterrupted black screen a return to form. Shuffling with effortless grace between the past and present lives of his title heroine (played at different stages by Adriana Ugarte and Emma Suarez), Almodovar seems to have taken the theme of loss unusually to heart. Julieta is a melodrama by subtraction; its about the traumas we dont always see or register, the painful emotions that we actively stifle and allow to consume us. The scenes that cut the deepest are practically invisible: A fatal accident is left off screen. Without explanation, a lady vanishes (not the films sole nod to Hitchcock). The teary ending we expect never happens and in some ways, the one we get is even more shattering. The reviews of Julieta have run the gamut from raves to polite yawns; the words minor Almodovar have popped up more than once, and in this context they feel both understandable and a bit ungenerous. Its true that since his triumphant Volver (which narrowly lost the Palme dOr at Cannes in 2006), Almodovars films, including Broken Embraces and The Skin I Live In, have seemed to merely go through the motions. You could see the gears spinning: After years of flooding the screen with outre melodramatic gestures, lush homages to Sirk and Hitchcock, and acres of crimson-streaked production design, the directors heart didnt seem to be in it anymore. Julieta is promising evidence to the contrary. This deceptively tamped-down film may not have the audacity and emotional force of an Almodovar masterpiece, but it reveals his mastery nonetheless. His manipulation of time frames, his sly infusions of comedy and his flawless direction of his actors all merge together with the dexterity of an artist who doesnt need to wow us to earn our love. Its a lesson I hope Almodovar carries with him always, even in the unlikely event of some idiots booing him off the screen. 1:57 P.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Cannes pays tribute to 1992s richly emotional Howards End (Derrick Santini / Sony Pictures Classics) The Cannes Film Festival does more than anoint the triumphs of the present, it also celebrates whats transcendent in the past. Which is why a crowd of admirers waited patiently in line a few nights ago, a few with autograph books and posters they hoped would be signed, to both see a new 4K restoration of a modern classic, 1992s Howards End, and to do so in the presence of its director, James Ivory, and its perhaps most ethereal star, Vanessa Redgrave. Read more 1:54 P.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Oldboy director brings feminist thriller The Handmaiden to Cannes Kim Tae-ri, from left, director Park Chan-wook, Kim Min-hee and Ha Jung-woo at Cannes. (Albert Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) In The Handmaiden a thriller told Rashomon style by original Oldboy auteur and all-around gore maestro Park Chan-wook the two lead female characters are the narrative focus, theyre the love story and, though there are times one or both seems powerless, they often gain leverage, with their minds far more than their bodies. (OK, there is plenty here involving their bodies too; this is a lesbian romance that doesnt skimp on the sex scenes.) Im not afraid of this being called a feminist film, and certainly I had that intention, said Park, via an interpreter, as he sat on a rooftop deck here Sunday. Then, in his inimitably better-you-than-me-to-interpret-my-work manner, he added, But once you start labeling movies you start focusing only on that. And I dont want to focus just on that. Read more 6:11 A.M. Cannes, France Cannes 2016: Kristen Stewart shares her philosophy, work approach (Ian Langsdon / EPA) Kristen Stewart addressed reporters ahead of the premiere of Personal Shopper, her Europe-set ghost tale that reunites her with director Olivier Assayas, in Cannes on Tuesday. Here are excerpts from her comments: The constant nature of life is so terrifying that you cant get away from it. Right now. I cant get out. I cant get out. Thats really scary. "[This film] is a ghost story but supernatural aspects lead you to the very base questions. Am I making this up right now? Is this current reality a thing? Its so ridiculous. Is this (my) perception compared to yours? It is really a movie about finding yourself. Its an identity crisis movie. On super-fame: Sometimes I feel like I have my limbs cut off. Thats not a bad feeling. Its just surreal. On playing an assistant to a person so rich and famous she cant leave the house: Theres a lot of hatred and conflicted desires that go along with [my characters] attraction to shiny things. To be on the other side [of someone who is] not able to go to a store and buy something. Technically you can but it can prove to be ... not worth it. Maureen is so capable just so tactile and physical.. It was fun to play someone who was sort of like um, whats the word Im looking for dude. So capable. Ive been thinking a lot about distractions. Im absolutely guilty of constant stimula thats not actually stimulation.In the context of the movie the fact that she can sit behind the phone and feel closer and feel alive, it says something about how we interact with technology. It would be a lot easier for me to sit down and write an email of what Im talking about right now. [Pause.] But its nice to engage too. On Assayas, who also directed her in Clouds of Sils Maria: Theres a flame he lights under mine [butt] that is stronger than I ever felt. I dont know why. I really try to navigate my career by feel, and I just feel him. Without any religious implications, Im agnostic about ghosts. [Pauses] This is going to sound great in quotes. Im really sensitive to energies. I truly believe were driven by something. Im driven by something, I cant really define. I cant necessarily take responsibility for it and it gives me a feeling were not so alone. On sexually charged scenes: I wasnt afraid of that. Im really--Ill do anything. I really appreciate all of it. On acting technique: Im not trying to affect you, Im not trying to manipulate you. [Its not about] packaging and delivering a notion. Its being shocked by it and then someone captures it. And the only way to do that is to get naked. My favorite kind of work is someone says did you know that about yourself, because I saw it and wanted to highlight it. Do I believe in ghosts? I guess. I believe in something. Thats not a very finite answer. But thats the film. 11:10 A.M. Photos from the red carpet and beyond Actors Matt Bomer, left, and Ryan Gosling and director Shane Black arrive for the screening of The Nice Guys at the Cannes Film Festival. (Ian Langsdon / European Pressphoto Agency) Edgar Ramirez, left, Robert de Niro and Usher Raymond IV at the Hands of Stone photocall at the Cannes Film Festival. (Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images) Adam Driver poses during a photocall for the film Paterson at the Cannes Film Festival. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP/Getty Images) Actress and jury member Kirsten Dunst arrives at the premiere of Loving at the Cannes Film Festival. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) Read more 8:37 A.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Cannes: The happy marriages of Jeff Nichols Loving and Jim Jarmuschs Paterson Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton in Loving. (Focus Features) Though he could scarcely be accused of making the same movie twice, Jeff Nichols has established a set of cinematic themes and preoccupations as consistent as those of any American writer-director working today. Stories of the rural South, rich in mythic undertones and the odd apocalyptic portent. Families that come under threat. Brooding, laconic men of action, usually played by Michael Shannon. Fiercely resilient women. Immaculate visual and rhythmic control. And, as seen in the recent Midnight Special, many, many shots of people behind the wheel, often at night. There are a few of those signature nocturnal driving scenes in Loving, Nichols second film of 2016, his second film to premiere in competition at Cannes (after Mud in 2012), and in some ways both his least typical and his most emblematic work to date. It tells the fact-based story of Richard and Mildred Loving (played by Joel Edgerton), a Virginia couple whose mixed-race marriage he was white, she was black challenged the social expectations of the era and ultimately led to the Supreme Courts 1967 civil rights decision against the prohibition of interracial marriage. It sounds like prime Oscar-bait on paper. And sure enough, the films well-received press screening had barely ended before the first wave of awards handicapping erupted on Twitter much of it focused on how the radiant Negga will singlehandedly dispel the curse of #OscarSoWhite. Maybe she will. But Id like to think at least some of the films applause was in appreciation of how largely un-baity it plays on screen, some overly insistent musical cues aside. Its the sort of movie whose flaws and familiarities wind up revealing its makers strengths: Nichols direction is clear-eyed and restrained, almost to a fault, and he refuses every opportunity to grandstand. In this he is operating very much in line with his characters, whom we never once hear extolling the importance of what theyre doing, or raising their voices or fists to those trying to tear their family apart. Nichols keeps the Lovings front and center, cutting away only when he must. When Richard refuses to attend the Supreme Court hearings and listen to the states noxious arguments on the dangers of miscegenation, the film honors his decision and keeps its distance as well. Nichols seems almost relieved at being able to skip the usual courtroom histrionics. The Lovings struggle is one of quiet, incremental persistence, their bond a force as permanent and elemental as the sun-kissed Virginia fields where they strive to make their home. The applicability of their story to Americas ongoing marriage-equality debate is implicit but goes entirely unmentioned. Specificity, self-control and humility are the hallmarks of Nichols approach. Negga and Edgerton are both outstanding, and at times their characters mutual devotion acquires an almost comic tinge. Mildred gently takes the lead in most of their decisions, smiling agreeably as a lawyer (a slightly jarring Nick Kroll) steers them this way and that, while Richard frowns in silence, his spirit willing but his mouth frozen in a pucker of revolt. Edgerton is playing one of Nichols quintessentially decent, inarticulate men, the kind of guy usually played by his Midnight Special co-star Michael Shannon, who turns up here as a friendly Life magazine photographer assigned to show the world who the Lovings really are. Which is, in the end, the goal of Nichols film as well. Richard and Mildred are not the most vigorous or demonstrative of protagonists, which makes Loving feel at once scrupulously honest and dramatically under-powered. That seems to suit Nichols just fine. The unalloyed perfection of his characters relationship may not make for the most urgent drama, but it makes their moral high ground that much more unassailable. The final shot underscores perhaps the overriding theme of Nichols work: an urgent yearning to return home, even if it means building one anew. ***** Adam Driver and Golshifteh Farahani in Paterson. (Amazon Studios) The Cannes programmers must have seen fit to schedule Loving as the second half of a double bill with Jim Jarmuschs wonderful Paterson, another portrait of a happy marriage between a white man and a woman of color. The similarities end there: The characters ethnicities go unmentioned in Paterson, and the film itself is unlikely to be confused for Oscar-bait anytime soon. Working in a mode that feels both completely accessible and richly personal, Jarmusch spends two hours observing a week in the humdrum life of a bus driver in Paterson, N.J. Every morning he rises at 6 a.m., eats breakfast, smiles at his wifes plans for the day (usually involving curtain or cupcake decoration), drives his bus, goes home for dinner, walks their ill-tempered English bulldog (an impudent scene-stealer), and ends the night at a local bar. The driver is played by Adam Driver, and whether that casting was a happy coincidence or the joke from which the movies central conceit arose, we have every reason to be grateful. For the bus driver is not just a bus driver but a poet, scribbling warm, intuitive free-verse observations in a notebook he keeps with him at all times. And Paterson itself is a sort of poem one with its own delicately calibrated internal structure, predicated on a cleverly sustained scheme of rhyme and repetition. Jarmuschs screenplay is a marvel of intricate visual and verbal gamesmanship. Mysterious doublings recur throughout: Drivers driver not only lives in Paterson but also is named Paterson. William Carlos Williams becomes a significant plot device. Lines of dialogue in one scene are replicated, with uncanny accuracy, a few scenes later. Characters from a movie by another American indie darling make a delightful surprise appearance. One of Patersons poems invites us to consider the beauty of a book of Ohio Blue Tip matches, and if your brain works the way mine does, youll immediately think of matches in the other sense, perhaps in stealth reference to the identical twins who keep popping up in the background. A work of becalmed eccentricity and unforced charm, Paterson is a portrait of an artists world, and how that world presented here as recognizably mundane, and yet touched by a sort of cats-cradle enchantment can provide him or her with inspiration, nourishment and an inevitable dose of failure. Driver, whose career from Girls to Kylo Ren has been a succession of off-the-wall surprises, gives a performance of great, taciturn melancholy. Sacrificing the boisterous comic personality he brought to movies like While Were Young and What If has taken him to soulful new depths as an actor. (Also, if that is indeed his scrawl we see on the screen, he has lovely penmanship.) As his wife, the superb Golshifteh Farahani is a perpetually upbeat figure, comically idealized in ways that somehow only deepen the movies wellspring of melancholy. When it was announced that Paterson was Cannes-bound, a colleague warned me that hed heard it was extremely minor Jarmusch. That didnt bother me in the slightest: His previous work, Only Lovers Left Alive, slipped into Cannes 2013 with little early fanfare and emerged one of the festivals unexpected highlights. And since the directors brand of low-wattage indie minimalism has always insisted that we learn to see the beauty in the small and everyday, as well as in the neglected and rarefied, it stands to reason that his minor effort might in fact turn out to be the deepest, truest expression of his ethos as an artist. The tedious common line on Jarmusch is that his filmmaking, like so much poetry, is too idiosyncratic to be savored by more than an appreciative few. The unfashionable wit, delicacy and modesty of Paterson would seem to confirm that truism, even as the emotional effect of the film utterly rebukes it. Jarmusch has made a movie for anyone whos ever felt out of step with the world which is to say, a movie for everyone. 7:07 A.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Cannes: American Honey, The Handmaiden and a (brief) word on long movies Sasha Lane in American Honey, which runs 162 minutes. (Protagonist Pictures) How long is too long? Its a question that moviegoers are accustomed to asking at the Festival de Cannes, with its reputation for marathon running times, and this year has been no exception. The official selection got its most time-consuming entry out of the way on the first day with Cristi Puius just-shy-of-three-hours Sieranevada. But Puius film is scarcely the sole competition entry to have clocked in at well north of two hours. Park Chan-wooks The Handmaiden runs a tightly coiled 145 minutes, and Maren Ades Toni Erdmann and Andrea Arnolds American Honey last a somewhat baggier 162 minutes each and have, even in their most glowing notices, taken some flak for their perceived self-indulgence. (Still to come: Kleber Mendonca Filhos 140-minute Aquarius and Na Hong-jins out-of-competition thriller The Wailing, listed in the festival program with a running time of 156 minutes.) Ive already written about why I think Toni Erdmann, in mapping the contours of an unusually intricate father-daughter relationship, largely earns the right to be unhurried and exhaustive. American Honey, though in some ways trickier to parse, earns it, too. Arnold, the prodigiously talented British director of Red Road, Fish Tank and Wuthering Heights, has shown an increasingly fearless command of form with each film, and in American Honey, her tough, electrifying, the-kids-are-definitely-not-all-right road movie, she leaves conventional ideas of narrative structure almost completely by the wayside, relying on pure texture, sensuality, imagery, music and performance to drive her picture forward. The astonishing newcomer Sasha Lane plays Star, a Texas girl who, fed up with her depressing home life, impulsively tags along with a band of teenage drifters making their way across the Midwest. At the instruction of their whip-cracking manager, Krystal (a terrific Riley Keough), these kids raid remote outposts and suburban neighborhoods trying to sell magazine subscriptions, though its soon clear that what theyre really selling are their own dead-end sob stories something that will stir the charitable empathy of the poor and wealthy alike. They are in effect selling themselves, the implication of which Arnold follows, at one point, to its logical conclusion. There are some toxic romantic complications and misunderstandings involving Krystals top seller, Jake (a charismatically grunged-up Shia LaBeouf), who shows Star the ropes and soon shows her other things as well. But the movie never becomes fully invested in their on-again-off-again flirtation, and with a few exceptions, we never learn much about the other kids in this nomadic commune, either. Arnolds attention gravitates toward other elements in this rural American panorama: the startling beauty of a prairie sunset, the furious pop energy supplied by the films terrific soundtrack, and the small insects that repeatedly creep into the frame as though drawn, moth-like, to the flame of Lanes magnetism. You cant blame them: Arnold and her extraordinary cinematographer, Robbie Ryan, keep their camera close to their leading lady, who has both a spunky-sultry impudence and a profile worthy of a Greek coin a quality emphasized repeatedly in Ryans ravishing square-frame compositions. American Honey is a jaggedly beautiful aesthetic object, and at two hours and 42 minutes, its accumulation of immersive details is meant to frustrate your sense of time passing. The subculture being examined here is a fascinating one, but long stretches of tedium, we come to understand, are also a significant part of the characters journey. Which is not to suggest that Arnolds road movie, for all its sensory pleasures, lacks an arc or a destination: In a revelatory culmination of song, image and wordless exchange, the movie arrives exactly where it needs to, with Star emerging a bit sadder and a bit wiser an epiphany that wouldnt matter as much to us if we hadnt seen and experienced so much alongside her. How long is too long? Roger Ebert was fond of saying, No good movie is too long and no bad movie is short enough. I have a feeling he would have dug American Honey. ***** Kim Min-hee and Kim Tae-ri in The Handmaiden. (CJ Entertainment) The Handmaiden is the Korean director Park Chan-wooks most delectable narrative feature in years and I say that as someone who found his Stoker a genial hoot, but had little patience for Thirst, Oldboy and his other strained exercises in gore-sloshing perversity. Theres a little of that sadism on display here, but it doesnt rear its head until the very end, and when it does it feels almost reflexive, compulsive as if Park himself had become so wrapped up in the yarn he was spinning that he suddenly realized, shoot, he hadnt sliced off anyones fingers yet. Adapted from Sarah Waters Victorian-set novel Fingersmith, but relocated to 1930s Korea, this ornately art-directed erotic puzzler centers around two beautiful women: Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), a wily pickpocket turned duplicitous caretaker, and Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee), a Japanese heiress who is the target of Sook-hees deception. Over the course of the movies three chapters, two of which provide a revelatory, Rashomon"-style shift in perspective, the women will become lovers, rivals and allies, and their teasing, mercurial role play is what gives the movie its seductive pull. A sort of Gaslight-meets-Jane Eyre with a big ol splash of Diabolique, The Handmaiden has predictably generated a lot of ink over its explicit lesbian love scenes a touch that might well have been decried as exploitative (just as Blue is the Warmest Color came under attack here at Cannes three years ago), if not for the righteous narrative primacy that Park grants his leading ladies. Guys may well get off on the sight of these two women going at it, but the entire audience can take a certain gratification in the way they turn the tables on the devious and controlling men in the picture, including Hidekos uncle (Cho Jin-woong), a pervy old purveyor of Japanese erotica who keeps a collection of human genital parts in jars. Fetishism is both a crucial plot point and an entirely accurate description of Parks stylistic approach. The Handmaiden may not be much more than ravishing surface at the end of the day, but Parks embrace of his own voyeurism is awfully infectious. He likes to watch, and its a pleasure to admit that we do, too. ***** Marion Cotillard and Alex Brendemuhl in From the Land of the Moon. (Studiocanal) By Eberts running-time logic, Nicole Garcias dreary competition entry From the Land of the Moon, though relatively trim at two hours, should feel positively interminable. It doesnt, exactly. Marion Cotillard never ceases to be watchable even in a role as painfully limiting as Gabrielle, a gorgeously miserable 1950s Frenchwoman who spends all (and I do mean all) her time pining for men who will never be hers, while her perfectly decent, sensitively stubbled husband (Alex Brendemuhl) suffers silently in the background. Wallowing gently in picturesque scenery, coyly filmed couplings and prettily tortured shots of Louis Garrel, but without ever building the sort of delirious, full-on sexual boil that might have cut through its exquisite drippiness, the film (adapted from Milena Angus book Mal di Pietre) builds to a ludicrous final twist thats pure Nicholas Sparks. That said, this particular masochistic weepie is still preferable to last years stealth Nicholas Sparks movie in competition, Gus Van Sants indefensible The Sea of Trees. (Presumably the sea of trees and the land of the moon are thematically if not geographically adjacent.) In a year of heightened attention to industry-wide diversity issues, much worthy attention has been focused on the presence of three female filmmakers in competition: Its not enough, but its still an improvement over past editions of Cannes, and Id argue that the improvement is as much a factor of quality as quantity. Toni Erdmann and American Honey both have their detractors, but youd be hard-pressed to find two Palme dOr contenders that feel more thrillingly, urgently and cinematically alive. From the Land of the Moon isnt in the same league, though Im leery of comparing leagues in the first place: Why lump filmmakers together simply because theyre female and why hold Garcia to a more exacting standard than that of the numerous male-directed mediocrities that have been slotted into competition without a second thought? Garcias film can be defended, up to a point, as an old-fashioned throwback to the womens pictures of the 1940s and 50s, though its retrograde sexual politics would almost certainly have felt livelier and less dated in that context. Like most movies that take themselves with such deadly (and deeply French) seriousness, this unhappy-marriage drama almost begs to be remade as a comedy, perhaps even a sitcom. One of these days, Gabby, bang, zoom! Straight to the land of the moon! 4:07 P.M. REPORTING FROM CANNES, FRANCE Cannes: Mark Rylance reunites with Steven Spielberg and astonishes anew in The BFG Mark Rylance in The BFG. (Walt Disney Pictures) By his own admission, Steven Spielberg doesnt become personal friends with many of the actors he works with. I have a lot of acquaintances over 44 years [as a filmmaker], he told reporters at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday. And I havent brought a lot of people into my life from the movies ... He has, however, made an exception for Mark Rylance. The director said hes become close with the actor, a fact that runs parallel to their professional lives, with two collaborations under their belts and a third on the way. Audiences should be glad for the relationship. Rylance, who played the simmering spy Rudolf Abel in Spielbergs 2015 hit Bridge of Spies, returns, in a remarkably different guise, in Spielbergs latest, the adaptation of the Roald Dahl childrens fantasy The BFG, which premieres here Saturday. The 56-year-old British-born Tony and Oscar winner (and Emmy and Golden Globe nominee) stars as said title character -- it stands for big friendly giant. He gives a performance in motion capture as rich and subtle as his turn in the Soviet-era espionage drama. Read more By his own admission, Steven Spielberg doesnt become personal friends with many of the actors he works with. I have a lot of acquaintances over 44 years [as a filmmaker], he told reporters at the Cannes Film Festival Saturday. And I havent brought a lot of people into my life from the movies ... He has, however, made an exception for Mark Rylance. The director said hes become close with the actor, a fact that runs parallel to their professional lives, with two collaborations under their belts and a third on the way. Advertisement Audiences should be glad for the relationship. Rylance, who played the simmering spy Rudolf Abel in Spielbergs 2015 hit Bridge of Spies, returns, in a remarkably different guise, in Spielbergs latest, the adaptation of Roald Dahl childrens fantasy The BFG that premieres here Saturday. The 56-year-old British-born Tony and Oscar winner (and Emmy and Golden Globe nominee) stars as said title character -- it stands for big friendly giant. He gives a performance in motion-capture as rich and subtle as his turn in the Soviet-era espionage drama. 1 / 89 French actress Marion Cotillard leaves after the screening of Juste la Fin du Monde (Its Only the End of the World) during the 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Julien Warnand / EPA) 2 / 89 British director Ken Loach reacts as he receives the Palme dOr award for his movie I, Daniel Blake. (Sebastien Nogier / EPA) 3 / 89 French Moroccan director Houda Benyamina poses with the Camera dOr award for her movie Divines. (Ian Langsdon / EPA) 4 / 89 Spanish director Juanjo Gimenez, center, receives the Best Short Film award for Timecode from French actress Marina Fois, right, and Japanese director Naomi Kawase. (Sebastien Nogier / EPA) 5 / 89 Iranian director Ashgar Farhadi, right, and Iranian actor Shahab Hosseini pose during the award winners photo call after they won the Best Screenplay award and the Best Performance by an Actor award for the movie Forushande (The Salesman). (Julien Warnand / EPA) 6 / 89 Canadian director Xavier Dolan with his Grand Prix award for Juste la Fin du Monde (Its Only the End of the World). (Ian Langsdon / EPA) 7 / 89 Filipina actress Jaclyn Jose with her Best Actress prize during a photo call at 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images) 8 / 89 Romanian director Cristian Mungiu with his trophy during a photo call after he was awarded the Best Director prize for the film Graduation (Bacalaureate). (Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images) 9 / 89 Mel Gibson and girlfriend Rosalind Ross (Sebastien Nogier / EPA) 10 / 89 British director Andrea Arnold poses with her trophy during a photo call after she was awarded with the Jury Prize for the film American Honey at 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images) 11 / 89 Actress Marion Cotillard and director Xavier Dolan arrive at the screening of the film Its Only the End Of The World. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) 12 / 89 Singer Iggy Pop, left, and director Jim Jarmusch arrive at the screening of Gimme Danger. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) 13 / 89 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio conducts an auction during the amfARs 23rd Cinema Against AIDS Gala. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) 14 / 89 Faye Dunaway, left, and actor Kevin Spacey perform on stage during the amfARs 23rd Cinema Against AIDS Gala. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) 15 / 89 French actress and singer Stephanie Sokolinski arrives for the screening of the film Its Only The End Of The World at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Valery Hache / AFP/Getty Images) 16 / 89 Actress Valentina Acca, left, producer and member of the jury Valeria Golino, director Stefano Mordini, actress Marina Fois, actor and producer Riccardo Scamarcio and producer Viola Prestieri arrive for the screening of the film Pericle (Pericle il Nero) at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP/Getty Images) 17 / 89 Eric Anzalone, front, Ray Simpson, Jim Newman, Felipe Rose, Bill Whitefield and Alex Briley of the band Village People pose as they arrive for the amfARs 23rd Cinema Against AIDS Gala. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) 18 / 89 Producer Harvey Weinstein and his wife, British actress Georgina Chapman, pose as they arrive for the amfARs 23rd Cinema Against AIDS Gala. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) 19 / 89 Director Olivier Assayas, actress Kristen Stewart and actress Nora von Waldstatten attend the Cannes Film Festival screening of the film Personal Shopper on May 17. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) 20 / 89 Milla Jovovich attends the De Grisogono party at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17. (Jean Christophe Madnenet / AFP/Getty Images) 21 / 89 Kristen Stewart poses during a photocall for the film Personal Shopper at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday. (Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images) 22 / 89 From left, Inma Cuesta, Emma Suarez, Rossy de Palma, Adriana Ugarte and Michelle Jenner pose during the Julieta photocall at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday. (Guillaume Horcajuelo / EPA) 23 / 89 From left, Viggo Mortensen, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton, Charlie Shotwell, Samantha Isle, Shree Crooks and director Matt Ross pose for photographers during the Captain Fantastic photocall at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) 24 / 89 French model Cindy Bruna arrives for the Chopard Wild party at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday. (Jean Christophe Magnenet / AFP/Getty Images) 25 / 89 Former boxer Roberto Duran, left, and actor Robert De Niro pose for photographers at the screening of the film Hands of Stone at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press) 26 / 89 Jason Derulo performs at the Harmonist cocktail party at the Plage du Grand Hyatt during the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday. (Samir Hussein / Getty Images for The Harmonist) 27 / 89 Usher Raymond IV, left, Ana de Armas and Edgar Ramirez during a photocall for the film Hands of Stone at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP / Getty Images) 28 / 89 Edgar Ramirez, left, Robert de Niro and Usher Raymond IV at the Hands of Stone photocall. (Loic Venance / AFP / Getty Images) 29 / 89 Adam Driver poses during a photocall for the film Paterson on Monday in Cannes. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP / Getty Images) 30 / 89 Actor Adam Driver, left, actress Golshifteh Farahani and director Jim Jarmusch after Mondays screening of the film Paterson. (Valery Hache / AFP / Getty Images) 31 / 89 Chris Pine, left, and Ben Foster share a laugh at a photocall for the film Hell or High Water on Monday. (Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images) 32 / 89 Salma Hayek Pinault attends Kering Women in Motion talk at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday. (Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty Images for Kering) 33 / 89 Susan Sarandon, from left, Salma Hayek, Geena Davis and Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault arrive for the Kering Women in Motion Honor Awards during the 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Guillaume Horcajuelo / EPA) 34 / 89 Actress and jury member Kirsten Dunst arrives at the premiere of Loving on Monday. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP / Getty Images) 35 / 89 Mischa Barton on the red carpet at the Loving premiere. (Loic Venance / AFP / Getty Images) 36 / 89 Actors Murielle Telio, left, actor Russell Crowe, actress Angourie Rice, actor Matt Bomer, actor Ryan Gosling, director Shane Black and producer Joel Silver pose upon arrival at the screening of the film The Nice Guys at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press) 37 / 89 Actors Matt Bomer, left and Ryan Gosling and director Shane Black arrive for the screening of The Nice Guys. (Ian Langsdon / EPA) 38 / 89 Actor Russell Crowe takes a picture at The Nice Guys premiere. (Ian Gavan / Getty Images) 39 / 89 Actress Geena Davis attends The Nice Guys premiere during the Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals. (Tristan Fewings / Getty Images) 40 / 89 Actress Marion Cotillard poses as she leaves the screening of the film Mal de Pierres (From the Land of the Moon) at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Valery Hache / AFP/Getty Images) 41 / 89 Model Kendall Jenner poses for photographers upon arrival at the screening of the film Mal De Pierres (From the Land of the Moon). (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) 42 / 89 Actress Sonam Kapoor poses as she arrives for the screening of the film Mal de Pierres (From the Land of the Moon). (Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images) 43 / 89 Actress Kirsten Dunst arrives for the Kering Women in Motion Honor Awards during the 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Guillaume Horcajuelo / EPA) 44 / 89 Actors Sasha Lane, Shia LaBeouf and Riley Keough leave the American Honey premiere during the 69th Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals. (Ian Gavan / Getty Images) 45 / 89 Actress Aishwarya Rai poses as she arrives for the screening of the film Mal de Pierres (From the Land of the Moon). (Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images) 46 / 89 Actresses Sonam Kapoor, left, and Araya A. Hargate pose as they arrive for the screening of the film Mal de Pierres (From the Land of the Moon). (Valery Hache / AFP/Getty Images) 47 / 89 Actress Salma Hayek arrives for the Kering Women in Motion Honor Awards during the 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Guillaume Horcajuelo / EPA) 48 / 89 Actors Gael Garcia Bernal, Salma Hayek and Diego Luna arrive for the Kering Women in Motion Honor Awards. (Guillaume Horcajuelo / EPA) 49 / 89 Actor Shia LaBeouf poses for photographers during a photo call for the film American Honey. (Lionel Cironneau / Associated Press) 50 / 89 From left: Director Jodie Foster, actress Julia Roberts, and actor George Clooney pose together before leaving the Festival Palace after the screening of their new film"Money Monster at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) 51 / 89 Blake Lively on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of Ma Loute (Slack Bay) on May 13. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) 52 / 89 Juliette Binoche arrives for the screening of Ma Loute (Slack Bay) at the Cannes Film Festival on May 13. (Valery Hache / AFP/Getty Images) 53 / 89 Aishwarya Rai poses for the cameras at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of Ma Loute (Slack Bay) on May 13. (Antonin Thuillier / AFP/Getty Images) 54 / 89 Lily-Rose Depp poses at a Cannes Film Festival hotocall for the film La Danseuse (The Dancer) on May 13. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) 55 / 89 Diego Luna, a member of the Un Certain Regard jury, waves during a Cannes Film Festival photocall on May 13. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) 56 / 89 Juliette Binoche smiles during a Cannes Film Festival news conference for Ma Loute (Slack Bay) on May 13. (Laurent Emmanuel / AFP/Getty Images) 57 / 89 Director Jodie Foster and actor Jack OConnell discuss Money Monster in Cannes on Thursday. (Ian Gavan / EPA) 58 / 89 Julia Roberts of Money Monster at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday. (Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images) 59 / 89 Money Monster director Jodie Foster, center, with stars George Clooney and Julia Roberts at the Cannes Film Festival. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) 60 / 89 George Clooney of Money Monster waves to photographers at the Cannes Film Festival. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) 61 / 89 George Clooney and Julia Roberts at the Cannes photo call for Money Monster. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP/Getty Images) 62 / 89 Actress Vanessa Redgrave and director Jim Ivory of the 1992 film Howards End, which is screening in the Cannes Classics section. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) 63 / 89 Director Woody Allen, actress Kristen Stewart and actor Jesse Eisenberg arrive for the screening of Cafe Society"and the opening ceremony. (Ian Langsdon / EPA) 64 / 89 Festival director Thierry Fremau, from left, producer Jeffrey Katzenberg, actors Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake and festival president Pierre Lescure at the Cafe Society premiere and opening night gala. (Andreas Rentz / Getty Images) 65 / 89 Actors Corey Stoll, left, and Blake Lively arrive for the screening of Cafe Society. (Ian Langsdon / EPA) 66 / 89 Eva Longoria on the red carpet at the premiere of Cafe Society at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. (Neilson Barnard / Getty Images) 67 / 89 The scene outside the Cannes Film Festivals opening night gala. (Clemens Bilan / Getty Images) 68 / 89 Actress Kristen Stewart and actor Jesse Eisenberg arrive for the screening of Cafe Society and the opening ceremony of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. (Ian Langsdon / EPA) 69 / 89 From left, actresses Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon and Naomi Watts pose for photographers at the Cannes Film Festival screening of Woody Allens Cafe Society on Wednesday. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) 70 / 89 Cannes Film Festival jury member Donald Sutherland attends the Cafe Society premiere and opening night festival gala at the Palais des Festivals on May 11. (Tristan Fewings / Getty Images) 71 / 89 Actress Gong Li arrives at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP / Getty Images) 72 / 89 Actress Jessica Chastain smiles as she arrives at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP / Getty Images) 73 / 89 Actor and festival juror Mads Mikkelsen appears on stage during the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. (Valery Hache / AFP/Getty Images) 74 / 89 Actress and festival juror Kirsten Dunst waves to the crowd during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. (Valery Hache / AFP/Getty Images) 75 / 89 George Miller, president of the Cannes Film Festival jury, fourth from right, poses with jury members, from left, Arnaud Desplechin, Kirsten Dunst, Laszio Nemes, Vanessa Paradis, Donald Sutherland, Katayoon Shahabi, Mads Mikkelsen and Valeria Golino at the 69th edition of the festival in France on Wednesday. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) 76 / 89 Actress Anna Kendrick, left, and Justin Timberlake, right, arrive by boat to the photocall for Trolls at the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. (Jerome Roux / EPA) 77 / 89 Among those attending the Trolls photocall at the Cannes Film festival Wednesday, are, in front row, starting second from left, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Justin Timberlake, director Mike Mitchell, Anna Kendrick and director Walt Dohrn. (Neilson Barnard / Getty Images) 78 / 89 Actress Kristen Stewart attends a photocall for the film Cafe Society at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press) 79 / 89 From left, director of photography Vittorio Storaro, director Woody Allen, and actors Jesse Eisenberg, Corey Stoll, Blake Lively and Kristen Stewart attend the Cafe Society photocall during the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. (Andreas Rentz / Getty Images) 80 / 89 Actress Blake Lively poses Wednesday during a photocall for the film Cafe Society at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in France. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images) 81 / 89 Jury member Vanessa Paradis arrives at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press) 82 / 89 Cannes Film Festival jury member Valeria Golino arrives in southern France for the festival. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press) 83 / 89 Jury Director George Miller poses for photographers upon arrival at Cannes for the 69th international film festival. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press) 84 / 89 Jury member and actor Mads Mikkelsen at the 69th Canness Film Festival. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press) 85 / 89 Jury member Donald Sutherland arrives at the Cannes Film Fetival. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press) 86 / 89 A beach artist creates an image with sand on the beach in front of the entrance of the Festival Palace in Cannes. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press) 87 / 89 Jury members actress Kirsten Dunst, left, actress and director Valeria Golino and actress and singer Vanessa Paradis on the balcony at the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP/Getty Images) 88 / 89 Iranian producer and jury member Katayoon Shahabi arrives at the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP/Getty Images) 89 / 89 Hungarian director and jury member Laszlo Nemes arrives at the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP/Getty Images) FULL COVERAGE: Cannes Film Festival Rylance is a standout in BFG, which follows a British orphan (Ruby Barnhill) as she begins a friendship with the friendly giant in a faraway land, the pair dodging threats from even larger barbarians in the process. There will be mixed opinions on the Spielberg throwback, as there were doubts for this writer. But there will be almost no ambivalence about Rylances performance, which manages to steer between the cliches of the gentle giant and the fetishized other. Rylances BFG is different, but hes different in how hes different. Some of this, of course, could be chalked up to digital rendering. But all the computers in the world probably couldnt do what Rylance pulls off: make BFG seem frighteningly imposing one minute and quaveringly small the next. The voice is a key part of this too, jumping with playful inflection through Dahls coinages like delumptious fizzy frobscottle, but settling into a more fearful register when danger lurks. If anyone is still grumbling about Rylance winning the Oscar over Stallone a few months ago, this should hopefully put an end to it. Rylance said the motion-capture aspects actually helped him play the part. Its not unlike being in a rehearsal room of a theater, he said of the green-screen setting, which lacks audience or marks."You just have to use imagination. (Side note, possibly relevant: I saw Rylance as Rooster in Jez Butterworths Jerusalem on Broadway a number of years ago. Watching him perform the climactic scene while bloodied on his back was an experience to remember, and gave literal expression to the idea that a select few can do lying down what almost everyone else cant do standing up.) Rylance, seated next to Spielberg wearing his trademark hat, also said that he channeled older working-class types he witnessed as a child in Kent, England -- the kind of personalities who could seem larger-than-life even as they were also probably quite vulnerable. The actor was also able here to make the adjustment from the character he played in Bridge of Spies, where the full range of body motion was available, but less of it was used. Abels self-contained, almost enigmatic self was light years away from the expressive, externalized performance Rylance gives here as BFG. Just to see that transformation before my eyes was [the most astonishing] thing Ive ever seen in my life, with these two films back to back, Spielberg said. There will be at least a third film, and another transformation. Rylance and Spielberg will join up again for the futuristic adaptation Ready Player One. Rylance stars as James Halliday, the entrepreneur who created the OASIS utopia in the book by Ernest Cline. The character is certainly an eccentric. Knowing Rylance, he will be eccentric in a whole different way. Twitter: @ZeitchikLAT MORE: PHOTOS: Cannes 2016 Finding Dory and 9 other family-friendly movies to check out this summer BFG trailer shows the face of Roald Dahls friendly giant Jodie Foster returns to Cannes, this time on a mission Why Woody Allen sought out Kristen Stewart for his new movie Cafe Society Heres a spoiler about Megyn Kellys upcoming interview with presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. She does not make him cry. Viewers might expect some tears to flow because cable news star Kellys first prime-time special, Megyn Kelly Presents, on Foxs broadcast network (Tuesday, 8 p.m.) is produced by Bill Geddie. For years, Geddie oversaw TV news legend Barbara Walters high-rated in-depth interviews with celebrities who often reached for the Kleenex by the end of the conversation. Im glad I didnt cry, Kelly said with a laugh during a recent conversation at her office at Fox News headquarters in Manhattan. Advertisement But Kellys role in Trumps historic rise to become the Republicans choice for the 2016 White House race gives their one-on-one meeting plenty of built-in tension. At the first Republican primary debate that aired Aug. 6 on the Fox News Channel, Kelly confronted Trump over past ugly public statements hes made about women. While the real estate mogul kept his cool during the event that was watched by 24 million people, he scorched Kelly with insults afterward on social media and, in a CNN interview, suggested that her menstrual cycle was the reason for her mean questions. Trumps remarks would have likely put an end to a conventional political candidate. But the former reality TV star powered through the primary season like a Survivor contestant with immunity from the tribal council. On her special, Kelly is seen getting her first chance to ask the candidate about his behavior, which went on for months. The focus is not on her, she said, but on whether he has the temperament appropriate for someone who occupies the Oval Office. He answered every question, she said. There were some tense moments. There were some uncomfortable moments. But Kelly is also well aware that her timing was right for the interview, which she personally requested from Trump in mid-April. While Trump has the nomination sewn up, his poll numbers have been weak among women voters. Agreeing to an opportunity to publicly display respect toward Kelly, no matter how tough she is on him, cant hurt with that constituency. You can say whatever you want about Trump, but hes not dumb, she said. He realized he had a lot riding on this and something to gain. You can say whatever you want about Trump, but hes not dumb. He realized he had a lot riding on this and something to gain. Megyn Kelly Kelly, a 45-year-old upstate New York native, has already won accolades and admiration for remaining cool and never responding to Trumps nasty fire. Shes done glamorous magazine shoots and was interviewed by Charlie Rose on the august weekend news program CBS Sunday Morning. But her journey to becoming the hottest star on cable news has been a shock to her system. A former trial attorney who went into broadcast journalism 13 years ago partly because she wanted more fun in her work life, she admits to being taken aback at the harsh tone of the presidential campaign season. She never expected to become a part of the Trump saga that cable news programs like hers cover each night. I dont really like acrimony, she said. Some people like it. I think Trump likes it. I know people see me as this tough questioner. People have said I am fearless. I am a much softer person than that. Dont get me wrong. I am a strong woman. I am much more about my children and my husband, the love in my life and my friendships and my recognition that were only here for a short time. Every moment in that vitriolic sewer is bad for the soul. The experience has caused Kelly to reflect about the future of her career. Her contract with Fox News is up in July 2017, and she has said in recent interviews that shes undecided about re-signing. In the last year she has become a client of Creative Artists Agency, which is not where TV news talent typically goes to stay put. But Kelly points out that she appreciates the editorial control as well as the challenges that she has on her nightly platform at Fox News Channel, where she averages 2.5 million viewers a night. She has the second-largest audience in cable news, behind her lead-in The OReilly Factor. What am I going to do? she said when asked about her plans. I went on Live with Kelly and Michael the other day and those two have great jobs. They go on TV for an hour a day, they have fun conversations, they make a bunch of money. They are on from 9 to 10 and then they can go work out and be with their children. Im sure its harder than that, but in theory that sounds wonderful. Would I actually be happy doing it? No, I would not. I think to some extent its baked in me to be hard-charging. I get to do that [at Fox News Channel] in a way that nine times out of 10, I adore. It just so happens Im coming off of a tough year. I am always doing a gut check to make sure Im happy and Im getting what I need out of life. It doesnt boil down to money for me. It boils down to am I soaring? Is my spirit soaring? Kelly and Fox News executives are playing down the significance of the prime-time special and whether it can lead to larger role on the broadcast network. Nevertheless, Kelly has been on a talk-show blitz to promote the event and will even have a walk-on when Fox presents its new 2016-17 prime-time schedule to advertisers at New Yorks Beacon Theater on Monday. Right now, Kelly sees the special, which also features interviews with O.J. Simpson defense attorney Robert Shapiro, actor Michael Douglas and Orange Is the New Black co-star Laverne Cox, as a way to try her hand at deeper conversations than the four-minute interviews that are packed into The Kelly File. If it works out and they want more that would be fun, she said. If the special is one and done I can live with that too. Its not like Im getting extra money. Not yet anyway. Such celebrity interview specials are rare on the broadcast networks these days since Walters has retired and chattering stars and politicians are widely available across cable TV and the Internet. But Geddie believes that Kelly possesses a personality that is distinctive enough to make viewers seek out a special and watch with the expectation that they will learn something they didnt already know. Megyns funny and quick and gives you a sense that shes having the time of her life, Geddie said. She reminds me of those movies in the 30s with Jean Arthur or Rosalind Russell the career women in the newsroom whod say get off your keisters boys, theres a story at city hall. Shes the one the boys all fall in love with and she plays them for fools. Thats how Id cast her. Shes a modern version of that. There is another interview that Kelly would love to have Trumps likely Democratic opponent for the White House, Hillary Clinton. Kelly said she has many requests in to talk to the candidate who has only done one appearance on Fox News during the campaign so far. She called me a superb journalist, Kelly said. Id like her to come over here and let me practice some of that superb journalism on her. ------------ Megyn Kelly Presents Where: Fox When: 8 p.m. Tuesday Rating: TV-PG-LV (may be unsuitable for young children with advisories for coarse language and violence) ALSO Donald Trump denies impersonating PR rep John Miller in 1990s With an eye toward November, Donald Trump ponders a No. 2 pick Look out, Donald Trump: Megyn Kelly is getting her own prime-time special on Fox Legislation to ban members of the California Coastal Commission from meeting privately with developers, environmentalists, lobbyists and others promises to change the way the panel has operated since its inception 40 years ago some for the better and some for the worse. Commission observers warn that a ban would dry up valuable sources of information for commissioners about development projects on their agenda. Others say it would deny the public access to individual commissioners and predict that the panels meetings, which already stretch across three days each month, would become unbearably long. The trade-off, say commissioners and long-time participants in the coastal planning process, is that the agencys proceedings will become more public, protecting the fairness of its decision-making process at a time when some panel members are being criticized for coziness with developers. Advertisement Ultimately, legal experts say that banning so-called ex-parte contact would spur the 12-member commission to act more like the transparent quasi-judicial panel it was intended to be. The agencys role has been likened to an open court in which a judge applies the law and decides a case after hearing the facts or evidence from both sides. At the commission, the issues involve public access, environmental protection, development projects and proposed uses of marine resources along 1,100 miles of California coastline. If you have proceedings where people are effectively acting as judges based on the information that is presented to them, it should be done in public, said Ralph Faust, the commissions general counsel from 1986 to 2006. If that means it takes more time for a hearing, so be it. If you have proceedings where people are effectively acting as judges based on the information that is presented to them, it should be done in public. Ralph Faust, the commissions general counsel from 1986 to 2006 Ex-parte communications would be verbal and written communications between individual commissioners and a party with an interest in a pending decision. Commissioners must disclose those private contacts on a public document filed with the agency within seven days. If the communication occurs fewer than seven days before a commission meeting at which the subject matter is on the agenda, it must be revealed orally at the public hearing. A Times review of ex-parte records found that most participants are development interests and their agents, but the ranks include environmentalists, government officials and members of the general public. The review also discovered instances in which a few commissioners failed to either disclose or properly report their private contacts. Ex-parte meetings have become an issue since the commission fired Executive Director Charles Lester in February with little public explanation and despite overwhelming opposition from the public, former coastal commissioners, commission staff and elected officials. Critics saw the move as an attempt to make the agency friendlier to developers. A few days after his ouster, state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation that would prohibit ex-parte communications, saying it would eliminate the potential for backroom deal-making and help restore public trust in the Coastal Commission. The measure, which had been endorsed by the commission, is set for a vote next week in the Senate. Sara Wan, a longtime Malibu resident and environmental activist who served on the commission from 1996 to 2011, said a ban on ex-parte communications is long overdue. To me, this bill is critically needed to sort of clean things up, calm things down and set things in the right direction, she said. Several former and current commissioners say that ending ex-parte communication would likely result in more public comment, longer public hearings and more workshops, where project representatives and opponents alike would get plenty of time to present information and their views about a proposed development. The longer hearings and extra workshops would probably be reserved for the most complex projects, as is true today. Written submissions also could be made to the entire commission and distributed to interested parties. This would make sure everything behind our decisions is available to the public, Commissioner Mary Shallenberger said during a recent commission discussion of Jacksons bill. We should do everything before the public and with respect for the public. Lobbyist Susan McCabe, a prolific practitioner of ex parte communications, said in a recent interview that such meetings afford all interested parties equal access to commissioners. Existing rules to disclose such meetings and conversations about projects are robust enough that developers agents, environmentalists and property owners already operate on a level playing field, McCabe said. Doing away with ex-parte meetings would not only diminish valuable communication, but crimp commissioners ability to eyeball projects, she said. Attorney Stanley Lamport, who has represented developers and project opponents before the commission, agreed. He contends that without ex-parte conversation, fairness issues can arise. Such meetings help people perceive they are getting heard, Lamport said. Unless you rethink the hearing process and open up the time frame for a presentation two to three hours, it can affect the fairness of the proceeding. But supporters of the ban contend that the current system allowing ex-parte communication favors those who can afford to hire expensive consultants to lobby commissioners privately. What happens now is, youve got developers who are having private conversations with commissioners, Faust said. We dont know whether what theyre saying in those private conversations is what theyre saying in public. Presumably its all information that they think is important. And if its important, why not say it in public? Despite the intentions of Jacksons bill, there are concerns the measure will not automatically improve transparency because ex parte discussions will continue in some form. Several current and former commissioners believe that many private contacts will continue to go unreported as they are now, including text messaging by lobbyists to commissioners. The fact of the matter is, of course, that you have a lot of nonverbal, nonreported communication going on anyway, said Mel Nutter, a Long Beach attorney and former Coastal Commission chairman. If youre somebody who is very close to a commissioner, you can wink or pull on your ear lobe, he said. Or you can just wine and dine folks, and take them on shopping trips, as some agents have done, and just not communicate at all about the substance of a particular matter before the commission. Still, Nutter favors the ban, limitations and all. dan.weikel@latimes.com Follow on Twitter @LADeadline16 kim.christensen@latims.com Follow on Twitter @kchristensenLAT ALSO Warmer waters bring loggerhead turtles to Southern California This is how Californias governor wants to make it cheaper to live here Why did El Nino miss SoCal? Its complicated, National Weather Service says After Peggy ONeil Nosti gave birth to the youngest of her three children, postpartum anxiety kept her from eating, sleeping and going outside, and made it hard for her to care for her infant son. She felt confused, ashamed and isolated. She didnt want other women to feel so alone. Three years ago, the art teacher from Escondido came up with a symbol to send a subtle message of support. The round, sky-blue magnet or sticker could be stuck to the back of a car. On it was a Web address, thebluedotproject.org, where women could go to find information and support. Advertisement Nostis dream, she said at the time, was that the blue dot could become as universally recognized for maternal mental health awareness as the pink ribbon is for breast cancer. Although its not yet that well-known, her blue dot is now the official international symbol for maternal mental health, and its being used this month in a national social media campaign to encourage friends, family and spouses to reach out to moms who might be hiding secret pain. I couldnt get my shoulders away from my ears because I was so incredibly tense all the time. Peggy ONeil Nosti, art teacher and mother of three Gretchen Mallios, president of San Diegos Postpartum Health Alliance, said Nostis blue dot has become a major force in creating public awareness. What she did is huge, said Mallios, whose nonprofit organization provided support when Nosti launched The Blue Dot Project. She put into action what every person who intersects with this issue says: that we need a stigma-busting symbol thats simple, elegant and approachable with a website so beautiful that mothers feel safe venturing into the conversation, which is the first step in getting better. Nosti and her husband, dentist John Nosti, are the parents of three children: Ella, 10, Charlie, 8, and Theo, 6. Because she didnt have any problems with the births of her first two children, Nosti said, she didnt understand why her mental health went into a downward spiral when Theo was born. She struggled to cope with everyday tasks. I couldnt get my shoulders away from my ears because I was so incredibly tense all the time, she said. Two months after the onset of symptoms, she sought help at UC San Diegos Maternal Mental Health Clinic, where she was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety. With medication and therapy, she was back to her old self within a few months, and she vowed to help other moms bring the little-discussed malady out of the shadows. According to the national studies, 1 in 7 women will get postpartum depression or a related illness. In low socioeconomic areas, the proportion increases to 1 in 4. Mothers arent the only ones who suffer. It can affect marriages, family dynamics and the childs health. A 2009 study by the Harvard Center on the Developing Child found that children who experience maternal depression early in life can develop weak brain architecture that affects their learning, behavior and mental health. Mallios, a licensed clinical social worker, said many mothers with postpartum symptoms dont tell their family or doctor about their feelings because theyre embarrassed that their maternal experience isnt as wonderful as they believed it should be. She also said she has seen more cases of postpartum anxiety lately because women are juggling so many responsibilities and are bombarded with alarmist parenting news stories on social media. Theres a lot of self-blame out there, Mallios said. Theres still that barrier about getting screened because women dont realize its not their fault and they have something that can be treated. Nosti first got the idea for her project after Junior Seaus suicide at his Oceanside home in May 2012. Family and friends said they had no idea the former San Diego Chargers linebacker was in crisis. Nosti wondered how many mothers with perinatal disorders felt desperate and alone and might find comfort in talking to others. A discreet bumper sticker in a school parking lot could become a spark for conversation and healing. Her blue dot, she said, was simple, easy to replicate, a soothing color, visible from a great distance and still subtle enough that it didnt scream mentally ill mom on board. Her project launched a few years later, with the Postpartum Health Alliances support and grant money from the Mason Hirst Foundation. Through the initial sale of more than 400 blue dots, Nosti and her all-volunteer team provided a couple of grants for groups on the East Coast that help low-income moms with depression and anxiety. Then two years ago, the national networking group Postpartum Support International hosted a design contest to create a universal symbol for maternal mental health. After a close vote, Nostis blue dot was chosen. She has sold nearly 1,000, but she said the goal is to raise awareness, not money. Shes delighted to see blue dots popping up everywhere, including as the logo for county public health programs in Santa Clara, Humboldt and Butte counties. The blue dot also was adopted by the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health for its annual May campaign and appears on social media with the hashtag #askher. Nostis next goal, she said, is to expand the pool of those who see the symbol. In my opinion, we need to start getting it recognized by healthy women and women who are mothers-to-be, she said. The more people we can reach, the more mothers we can help. pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com Kragen writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. ALSO U.S. intelligence warns of Venezuela collapse I loved Uber as a passenger. Then I starting working as a driver This is how Gov. Brown wants to make it easier to build affordable housing Sheryl Sandberg made an emotional appeal for resilience and gratitude in her commencement speech to Berkeleys Class of 2016, where she spoke about her husbands death publicly for the first time. Sandberg is the chief operating officer at Facebook and the author of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. A little over a year ago, Sandbergs husband Dave Goldberg died suddenly of cardiac arrhythmia while they were on vacation in Mexico. She said her own resilience after his death came from the three Ps, as identified by psychologist Martin Seligman: personalization, pervasiveness, and permanence. Advertisement Personalization, she said, is the lesson that not everything that happens to us happens because of us. After her husband died, she blamed herself, and personally reviewed his medical records to see what critical symptom she had failed to notice. It wasnt until I learned about the three Ps that I accepted that I could not have prevented his death, she said. His doctors had not identified his coronary artery disease. I was an economics major; how could I have? Not everything that happens to us happens because of us. Sheryl Sandberg Pervasiveness is the belief that an event will affect all areas of your life. At the advice of a child psychologist, she and her two children returned to their normal lives ten days after Goldbergs death. She said she felt like there was no way to escape the all-consuming sadness of her loss. I remember sitting in my first Facebook meeting in a deep, deep haze. All I could think was, What is everyone talking about and how could this possibly matter? she said. But then I got drawn into the discussion and for a second a brief split second I forgot about death. That brief second helped me see that there were other things in my life that were not awful, she continued. Permanence is the belief that the sorrow will last forever. For months, no matter what I did, it felt like the crushing grief would always be there, Sandberg said. But it wasnt true. Her rabbi encouraged her to lean into the suck of feeling bad good advice, but not really what I meant by lean in, she joked. Accept your feelings, but know they wont last forever. Working in some levity and knowing her audience of Berkeley grads, she quipped about the less-well-known fourth P: Pizza from Cheese Board, a popular restaurant in town. Toward the end of her speech, Sandberg talked about the times earlier in her life when she wished shed known about the three Ps: When she thought shed get fired from her first job because she didnt know how to use the spreadsheet software on the first day. When boyfriends broke up with her and she blamed herself. When her first marriage ended in divorce. I have a huge reservoir of sadness that is with me always right here where I can touch it. I never knew I could cry so often or so much. Sheryl Sandberg The three Ps are common emotional reactions to so many things that happen to us in our careers, our personal lives, and our relationships. Youre probably feeling one of them right now about something in your life. But if you can recognize you are falling into these traps, you can catch yourself. Just as our bodies have a physiological immune system, our brains have a psychological immune system and there are steps you can take to help kick it into gear, she said. The speech came to an end with a reminder to be grateful. She said she learned to truly appreciate her children, her friends, and her family after her husbands death. She compared it how her mother learned to appreciate walking without pain again after a hip replacement. I have a huge reservoir of sadness that is with me always right here where I can touch it, she said. I never knew I could cry so often or so much. But I am also aware that I am walking without pain. For the first time, I am grateful for each breath in and out grateful for the gift of life itself. I used to celebrate my birthday every five years and friends birthdays sometimes. Now I celebrate always. I used to go to sleep worrying about all the things I messed up that day and trust me, that list was often quite long. Now I try really hard to focus on each days moments of joy. Finally, she told the audience, appreciate your own capacity for resilience when youre sad or disappointed. Expand that resilience beyond yourself to the companies and communities you create. Anchored deep within you is the ability to learn and grow. Sheryl Sandberg When the challenges come, I hope you remember that anchored deep within you is the ability to learn and grow. You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up, draw on it when you need it. In that process you will figure out who you really are and you just might become the very best version of yourself. Read the full speech here >> ALSO Op-Ed: Dont be seduced by Trumps can-do tale of ambition and achievement Sharing her grief, Sheryl Sandberg becomes more powerful role model Sheryl Sandberg on Dave Goldbergs death: darkest and saddest moments of my life Thank you, Marie. And thank you esteemed members of the faculty, proud parents, devoted friends, squirming siblings. Congratulations to all of youand especially to the magnificent Berkeley graduating class of 2016! It is a privilege to be here at Berkeley, which has produced so many Nobel Prize winners, Turing Award winners, astronauts, members of Congress, Olympic gold medalists. and thats just the women! Advertisement Berkeley has always been ahead of the times. In the 1960s, you led the Free Speech Movement. Back in those days, people used to say that with all the long hair, how do we even tell the boys from the girls? We now know the answer: manbuns. Early on, Berkeley opened its doors to the entire population. When this campus opened in 1873, the class included 167 men and 222 women. It took my alma mater another ninety years to award a single degree to a single woman. One of the women who came here in search of opportunity was Rosalind Nuss. Roz grew up scrubbing floors in the Brooklyn boardinghouse where she lived. She was pulled out of high school by her parents to help support their family. One of her teachers insisted that her parents put her back into schooland in 1937, she sat where you are sitting today and received a Berkeley degree. Roz was my grandmother. She was a huge inspiration to me and Im so grateful that Berkeley recognized her potential. I want to take a moment to offer a special congratulations to the many here today who are the first generation in their families to graduate from college. What a remarkable achievement. Today is a day of celebration. A day to celebrate all the hard work that got you to this moment. Today is a day of thanks. A day to thank those who helped you get herenurtured you, taught you, cheered you on, and dried your tears. Or at least the ones who didnt draw on you with a Sharpie when you fell asleep at a party. Today is a day of reflection. Because today marks the end of one era of your life and the beginning of something new. A commencement address is meant to be a dance between youth and wisdom. You have the youth. Someone comes in to be the voice of wisdomthats supposed to be me. I stand up here and tell you all the things I have learned in life, you throw your cap in the air, you let your family take a million photos dont forget to post them on Instagram and everyone goes home happy. Today will be a bit different. We will still do the caps and you still have to do the photos. But I am not here to tell you all the things Ive learned in life. Today I will try to tell you what I learned in death. I have never spoken publicly about this before. Its hard. But I will do my very best not to blow my nose on this beautiful Berkeley robe. One year and thirteen days ago, I lost my husband, Dave. His death was sudden and unexpected. We were at a friends fiftieth birthday party in Mexico. I took a nap. Dave went to work out. What followed was the unthinkablewalking into a gym to find him lying on the floor. Flying home to tell my children that their father was gone. Watching his casket being lowered into the ground. For many months afterward, and at many times since, I was swallowed up in the deep fog of griefwhat I think of as the voidan emptiness that fills your heart, your lungs, constricts your ability to think or even to breathe. Daves death changed me in very profound ways. I learned about the depths of sadness and the brutality of loss. But I also learned that when life sucks you under, you can kick against the bottom, break the surface, and breathe again. I learned that in the face of the voidor in the face of any challengeyou can choose joy and meaning. Im sharing this with you in the hopes that today, as you take the next step in your life, you can learn the lessons that I only learned in death. Lessons about hope, strength, and the light within us that will not be extinguished. Everyone who has made it through Cal has already experienced some disappointment. You wanted an A but you got a B. OK, lets be honestyou got an A- but youre still mad. You applied for an internship at Facebook, but you only got one from Google. She was the love of your life but then she swiped left. Game of Thrones the show has diverged way too much from the booksand you bothered to read all four thousand three hundred and fifty-two pages. You will almost certainly face more and deeper adversity. Theres loss of opportunity: the job that doesnt work out, the illness or accident that changes everything in an instant. Theres loss of dignity: the sharp sting of prejudice when it happens. Theres loss of love: the broken relationships that cant be fixed. And sometimes theres loss of life itself. Some of you have already experienced the kind of tragedy and hardship that leave an indelible mark. Last year, Radhika, the winner of the University Medal, spoke so beautifully about the sudden loss of her mother. The question is not if some of these things will happen to you. They will. Today I want to talk about what happens next. About the things you can do to overcome adversity, no matter what form it takes or when it hits you. The easy days ahead of you will be easy. It is the hard daysthe times that challenge you to your very corethat will determine who you are. You will be defined not just by what you achieve, but by how you survive. A few weeks after Dave died, I was talking to my friend Phil about a father-son activity that Dave was not here to do. We came up with a plan to fill in for Dave. I cried to him, But I want Dave. Phil put his arm around me and said, Option A is not available. So lets just kick the shit out of option B. We all at some point live some form of option B. The question is: What do we do then? As a representative of Silicon Valley, Im pleased to tell you there is data to learn from. After spending decades studying how people deal with setbacks, psychologist Martin Seligman found that there are three Pspersonalization, pervasiveness, and permanencethat are critical to how we bounce back from hardship. The seeds of resilience are planted in the way we process the negative events in our lives. The first P is personalizationthe belief that we are at fault. This is different from taking responsibility, which you should always do. This is the lesson that not everything that happens to us happens because of us. When Dave died, I had a very common reaction, which was to blame myself. He died in seconds from a cardiac arrhythmia. I poured over his medical records asking what I could haveor should havedone. It wasnt until I learned about the three Ps that I accepted that I could not have prevented his death. His doctors had not identified his coronary artery disease. I was an economics major; how could I have? Studies show that getting past personalization can actually make you stronger. Teachers who knew they could do better after students failed adjusted their methods and saw future classes go on to excel. College swimmers who underperformed but believed they were capable of swimming faster did. Not taking failures personally allows us to recoverand even to thrive. The second P is pervasivenessthe belief that an event will affect all areas of your life. You know that song Everything is awesome? This is the flip: Everything is awful. Theres no place to run or hide from the all-consuming sadness. The child psychologists I spoke to encouraged me to get my kids back to their routine as soon as possible. So ten days after Dave died, they went back to school and I went back to work. I remember sitting in my first Facebook meeting in a deep, deep haze. All I could think was, What is everyone talking about and how could this possibly matter? But then I got drawn into the discussion and for a seconda brief split secondI forgot about death. That brief second helped me see that there were other things in my life that were not awful. My children and I were healthy. My friends and family were so loving and they carried usquite literally at times. The loss of a partner often has severe negative financial consequences, especially for women. So many single mothersand fathersstruggle to make ends meet or have jobs that dont allow them the time they need to care for their children. I had financial security, the ability to take the time off I needed, and a job that I did not just believe in, but where its actually OK to spend all day on Facebook. Gradually, my children started sleeping through the night, crying less, playing more. The third P is permanencethe belief that the sorrow will last forever. For months, no matter what I did, it felt like the crushing grief would always be there. We often project our current feelings out indefinitelyand experience what I think of as the second derivative of those feelings. We feel anxiousand then we feel anxious that were anxious. We feel sadand then we feel sad that were sad. Instead, we should accept our feelingsbut recognize that they will not last forever. My rabbi told me that time would heal but for now I should lean in to the suck. It was good advice, but not really what I meant by lean in. None of you need me to explain the fourth Pwhich is, of course, pizza from Cheese Board. But I wish I had known about the three Ps when I was your age. There were so many times these lessons would have helped. Day one of my first job out of college, my boss found out that I didnt know how to enter data into Lotus 1-2-3. Thats a spreadsheetask your parents. His mouth dropped open and he said, I cant believe you got this job without knowing thatand then walked out of the room. I went home convinced that I was going to be fired. I thought I was terrible at everything but it turns out I was only terrible at spreadsheets. Understanding pervasiveness would have saved me a lot of anxiety that week. I wish I had known about permanence when I broke up with boyfriends. It wouldve been a comfort to know that feeling was not going to last forever, and if I was being honest with myself neither were any of those relationships. And I wish I had understood personalization when boyfriends broke up with me. Sometimes its not youit really is them. I mean, that dude never showered. And all three Ps ganged up on me in my twenties after my first marriage ended in divorce. I thought at the time that no matter what I accomplished, I was a massive failure. The three Ps are common emotional reactions to so many things that happen to usin our careers, our personal lives, and our relationships. Youre probably feeling one of them right now about something in your life. But if you can recognize you are falling into these traps, you can catch yourself. Just as our bodies have a physiological immune system, our brains have a psychological immune systemand there are steps you can take to help kick it into gear. One day my friend Adam Grant, a psychologist, suggested that I think about how much worse things could be. This was completely counterintuitive; it seemed like the way to recover was to try to find positive thoughts. Worse? I said. Are you kidding me? How could things be worse? His answer cut straight through me: Dave could have had that same cardiac arrhythmia while he was driving your children. Wow. The moment he said it, I was overwhelmingly grateful that the rest of my family was alive and healthy. That gratitude overtook some of the grief. Finding gratitude and appreciation is key to resilience. People who take the time to list things they are grateful for are happier and healthier. It turns out that counting your blessings can actually increase your blessings. My New Years resolution this year is to write down three moments of joy before I go to bed each night. This simple practice has changed my life. Because no matter what happens each day, I go to sleep thinking of something cheerful. Try it. Start tonight when you have so many fun moments to list although maybe do it before you hit Kips and can still remember what they are. Last month, eleven days before the anniversary of Daves death, I broke down crying to a friend of mine. We were sittingof all placeson a bathroom floor. I said: Eleven days. One year ago, he had eleven days left. And we had no idea. We looked at each other through tears, and asked how we would live if we knew we had eleven days left. As you graduate, can you ask yourselves to live as if you had eleven days left? I dont mean blow everything off and party all the time although tonight is an exception. I mean live with the understanding of how precious every single day would be. How precious every day actually is. A few years ago, my mom had to have her hip replaced. When she was younger, she always walked without pain. But as her hip disintegrated, each step became painful. Now, even years after her operation, she is grateful for every step she takes without painsomething that never would have occurred to her before. As I stand here today, a year after the worst day of my life, two things are true. I have a huge reservoir of sadness that is with me alwaysright here where I can touch it. I never knew I could cry so oftenor so much. But I am also aware that I am walking without pain. For the first time, I am grateful for each breath in and outgrateful for the gift of life itself. I used to celebrate my birthday every five years and friends birthdays sometimes. Now I celebrate always. I used to go to sleep worrying about all the things I messed up that dayand trust me that list was often quite long. Now I try really hard to focus on each days moments of joy. It is the greatest irony of my life that losing my husband helped me find deeper gratitudegratitude for the kindness of my friends, the love of my family, the laughter of my children. My hope for you is that you can find that gratitudenot just on the good days, like today, but on the hard ones, when you will really need it. There are so many moments of joy ahead of you. That trip you always wanted to take. A first kiss with someone you really like. The day you get a job doing something you truly believe in. Beating Stanford. (Go Bears!) All of these things will happen to you. Enjoy each and every one. I hope that you live your lifeeach precious day of itwith joy and meaning. I hope that you walk without painand that you are grateful for each step. And when the challenges come, I hope you remember that anchored deep within you is the ability to learn and grow. You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up, draw on it when you need it. In that process you will figure out who you really areand you just might become the very best version of yourself. Class of 2016, as you leave Berkeley, build resilience. Build resilience in yourselves. When tragedy or disappointment strike, know that you have the ability to get through absolutely anything. I promise you do. As the saying goes, we are more vulnerable than we ever thought, but we are stronger than we ever imagined. Build resilient organizations. If anyone can do it, you can, because Berkeley is filled with people who want to make the world a better place. Never stop working to do sowhether its a boardroom that is not representative or a campus thats not safe. Speak up, especially at institutions like this one, which you hold so dear. My favorite poster at work reads, Nothing at Facebook is someone elses problem. When you see something thats broken, go fix it. Build resilient communities. We find our humanityour will to live and our ability to lovein our connections to one another. Be there for your family and friends. And I mean in person. Not just in a message with a heart emoji. Lift each other up, help each other kick the shit out of option Band celebrate each and every moment of joy. You have the whole world in front of you. I cant wait to see what you do with it. Congratulations, and Go Bears! Posthumous diploma: In the May 12 California section, the caption with a photo of the parents of San Bernardino shooting victim Aurora Godoy accepting a posthumous degree for their daughter misidentified the person making the presentation. It was Francisco Rodriguez, chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District, not Los Angeles Harbor College Chancellor Francisco Hernandez. USC gift: In the May 13 California section, an article about Oracle founder Larry Ellisons $200 million gift to USC for cancer research identified the late Jack Kemp as a former senator. Kemp was a congressman. Sunset Song: A review in the May 13 Calendar section of the film Sunset Song referred to the need for subtitles for the characters thick Scots brogue. The film in release is subtitled. The version screened for the reviewer was not. The owners of the now-shuttered LAmande French Bakery that operated in Beverly Hills and Torrance have been ordered to pay nearly $15.3 million in damages for exploiting 11 Filipino workers. U.S. District Judge Fernando Olguin on May 2 granted a default judgment to the workers, who claimed they were trafficked to the United States to serve as domestic servants and under-the-table employees at two bakeries owned by defendants Analiza and Goncalo Moitinho de Almeida. Unfortunately, time and time again, we see exploitative employers resort to fraud and other unlawful activity to escape accountability for their labor abuses, Christopher Lapinig, a lawyer who represented the workers, said in a statement Friday. With this judgment, we hope to make clear to such employers that they can no longer act with impunity. Advertisement Join the conversation on Facebook >> The Filipino workers say they were recruited by the bakery owners with the promise of earning more than double their pay back home. But when the workers arrived in Southern California in 2012 under a little-known visa program for foreign investors and their employees, they got a rude awakening. A lawsuit filed in 2015 alleges the bakery owners forced them to work 17-hour days for less than minimum wage and no overtime pay. It says one worker was paid only $100 for a months work. Additionally, workers said they had to do construction projects at a Long Beach apartment complex owned by the Almeidas as well as cleaning and landscaping at the couples Rolling Hills Estates home. For months, workers said, they slept on the floor in the homes laundry room and were paid just over $2 an hour. The lawsuit also accused the Almeidas of labor violations, human trafficking and retaliation after several workers who cooperated with a state investigation of the bakery were fired. After the lawsuit was filed, the Almeidas shut down both bakery locations last year, according to attorneys for the workers. The 11 Filipino workers came to the U.S. on E-2 visas, which give immigrants with specialized skills authorization to work for a foreign national who has invested a substantial amount of money in a U.S.-based business. The Almeidas, who could not be reached for comment, were ordered in 2014 by the California labor commissioners office to pay nearly $250,000 in overtime wages to workers, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations. ben.poston@latimes.com Follow @bposton on Twitter. Times staff writer Kate Linthicum contributed to this report. ALSO Driver runs over bicyclist in road rage argument in downtown San Francisco Shooting of pregnant woman is an assault on us all; search for ex-boyfriend continues L.A. City Council reverses decision that could have brought 250 apartments to Cahuenga Pass The Los Angeles City Council Friday reversed a decision that could have allowed hundreds of apartments to be built along the Cahuenga Pass, to the chagrin of a local landowner seeking more than $30 million in damages from the city. Ben Forat had planned to construct roughly 250 apartments on empty land he owned near Lake Hollywood. But he needed a zoning change to make it happen. Two years ago, he worked out a plan with then-City Councilman Tom LaBonge. Forat said he offered to give roughly 10 acres of the land to the city to preserve as green space. Advertisement LaBonge, in turn, kicked off the process of rezoning the lower stretch of the land along Cahuenga Boulevard. The City Council unanimously backed the plan last year, asking city officials to look into the zone change that would allow Forat to build hundreds of apartments instead of a much smaller number of larger homes. The council also asked the planning department to start the process of considering an amendment to the city general plan that could allow the proposed project. Join the conversation on Facebook >> It would have been a good thing for the future of Los Angeles, LaBonge said in a recent interview, arguing that access to green space would reduce pressure on other parts of the Hollywood Hills where neighbors have complained of being deluged by visitors. But LaBonge left the council last year and his successor balked at the idea and sought to roll back the decision. The new councilman, David Ryu, had defeated a LaBonge aide last year in a race that revolved around development concerns. At a Friday hearing, Ryu said the city needed to start over on the Cahuenga Pass plans. We must work to restore trust in government, Ryu said. And what we have before us is the kind of action and the reason why the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative a proposed ballot measure that seeks to limit large developments is looming over our head. Lack of trust. Lack of transparency. Several neighborhood groups had been troubled by the building plans, raising concerns about traffic congestion, environmental effects and the way the plan had come about. Hollywood Knolls Community Club President David Savage told the council that the plans were grossly inappropriate for the neighborhood. Though the prospect of a zoning change had been publicly vetted at City Hall hearings, community groups said they were late to hear about it and should have been informed earlier. Its a project that no one knew anything about, said Anastasia Mann, president of the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council, which opposes the idea of building so many apartments. Forat has defended his proposal, arguing it would ease traffic by expanding a narrow stretch of Cahuenga Boulevard, help put a dent in the areas housing crisis and preserve green space for the city. Other multifamily housing is located nearby, making it not out of the ordinary for the area, he said. I gave the cow, the milk and the farm to the city, Forat said. Now theyre trying to take the farmers daughter too. Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >> The City Council initially voted to reverse its decision in April after discussing the issue behind closed doors. Forats attorney, Fred Gaines, accused the city of violating public meeting rules, so the council took a second vote Friday. Forat and Gaines have filed a claim seeking more than $30 million from the city. It includes $400,000 in out-of-pocket costs for architects, civil engineers and other experts as well as $30 million in lost value from reselling the property. Ultimately, Forat plans to sue the city, Gaines said. The City Council vote last year was not the final seal of approval for the building plans: Only after a string of hearings could lawmakers give their final blessing to the zoning change and other adjustments to city rules. But Gaines said the initial decision allowed Forat to press forward and begin the lengthy process of making his case to neighbors and city leaders. By reversing themselves Friday, the council members cut off the public process before it even started, Gaines said. Its nonsense. City Councilman Felipe Fuentes, who opposed the move at the April meeting, raised a similar concern when the council first voted to reverse its decision in April. To cut off the rezoning process at this stage would send a message that, with a lot of political pressure, the council could make a final decision before the plan was even vetted, he said. Ryu countered that it made little sense to continue the rezoning process in the face of community opposition. Why should we start from a point where its clear everybody is opposed? he said Friday. Krista Michaels, president of the Cahuenga Pass Property Owners Assn., agreed and said it was entirely appropriate to start over. Bring in all the communities that should have had input from the beginning, she told the council. Council members voted 11-0 Friday to roll back the decision they had made a year earlier. Fuentes was absent for the vote, along with council members Mitch OFarrell, Mitch Englander and Paul Krekorian. Follow @latimesemily for whats happening at Los Angeles City Hall. ALSO Gov. Brown backs $2-billion plan to ease homelessness across California U2s The Edge and his decade-long fight to build on a pristine Malibu hillside California voters to get chance to decide if cigarette taxes will go up by $2 a pack Police are searching for two people involved in a home-invasion robbery in the Hollywood Hills early Saturday morning, authorities said The home invasion occurred just after 3 a.m. Saturday in the 2600 block of Astral Drive, LAPD Officer Drake Madison said. The robbers got away with property from inside the house, Madison said, but he said he did not know exactly what was taken. Advertisement See the most-read stories this hour >> One person inside the house suffered minor injuries, including cuts, but is fine, Madison said. Madison could not provide a description of the robbers. ALSO CicLAvia comes to Southeast L.A. on Sunday Man pleads guilty to rape and murder of girl, 13 Foster child says he was held in L.A. County juvenile hall for a month without charges matt.stevens@latimes.com Twitter: @ByMattStevens An argument between a man on a bicycle in downtown San Francisco and a motorist nearly turned deadly Thursday night when the driver allegedly hit and ran over the cyclist, police said. Tajzanae Zakira Thomas, an 18-year-old Oakland resident, was driving with two others in her car when she and a 26-year-old man on a bicycle started arguing at 4th and Market streets downtown about 5 p.m., said San Francisco police spokesman Albie Esparza. Witnesses reported hearing a thud when the bicyclist pounded on Thomas car, then saw him pull ahead, police said. Then Thomas allegedly hit the mans bicycle, knocking him over. She then drove directly over him and paused, witnesses told police. Advertisement Pedestrians who watched the violent encounter rushed in and stood in front of Thomas car, blocking her escape, Esparza said. The bicyclist was rushed to the hospital with a broken back and pelvis, KRON reported. Police arrested Thomas on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Her passengers were interviewed but not arrested, Esparza said. Confrontations between bicyclists and drivers in San Francisco are common, Esparza said. Outside of Manhattan, theres no other city in America congested like San Francisco it can be very tense, he said. Last summer, a bicyclist was caught on video smashing a U-lock into a car during a monthly Critical Mass ride through city streets. ALSO Amtrak train slams into pickup, killing 3 men near Fresno 3 men face felony charges in killing of endangered pupfish in Death Valley Shooting of pregnant woman is an assault on us all; search for ex-boyfriend continues For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna. For a space shuttle tank that never flew, the orange giant called ET-94 has some tales to tell. It was poked and prodded and its foam dissected during the investigation into the space shuttle Columbia disaster. It survived Hurricane Katrina at a NASA facility in New Orleans. It crossed the Panama Canal this month while strapped to an ocean barge on its way to its new home at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. On Thursday night, ET-94 became a life saver. The tank is being pulled up the Pacific Coast by a tugboat called the Shannon Dann, which rescued four people Thursday night after their fishing boat sank off the coast of Baja California. Advertisement At about 7:15 p.m., the Shannon Dann picked up a life raft with one Mexican and three Americans who had been aboard a fishing boat called the Maximus, said Dennis Jenkins, the project director overseeing the science centers Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Jenkins, a former contract engineer who worked on the shuttle program, said the crew of the tugboat sends out a short report from the sea every 12 hours by satellite phone, with observations on average speed, wind and sea conditions and any interesting notes. Jenkins said the report from Thursday night had in its subject line: Four people rescued. We rescued four people from a sinking fishing boat, the report read, Jenkins said. Thats the entire message, he said, laughing. Short and to the point. Jenkins said the Mexican national would be picked up by a Mexican military vessel and the Americans will ride with the tank to San Diego, where it is expected to go through customs in the coming days before proceeding through city streets next weekend to the science center in Exposition Park. Its not often you get rescued by a 154-foot tank, Jenkins said. ET-94 will be displayed with the space shuttle Endeavour, positioned vertically, as if ready for launch. Once part of a fleet of 136 external fuel tanks that flew during the shuttle program, ET-94 is the last remaining flight-ready external tank in existence. The external tanks detach from the shuttle during liftoff and burn up in the atmosphere. The tanks role in the sea rescue gives us something else to talk about in the exhibit, Jenkins said. Somebody once told me ET-94 saved the space shuttle program; now its saving lives. hailey.branson@latimes.com Follow me at @haileybranson / Google+ ALSO U2s The Edge and his decade-long fight to build on a pristine Malibu hillside In South El Monte, a small machine shop is a big part of Space Launch System L.A. bakery owners ordered to pay $15.3 million for abuse of workers on visas Before Larry Ellison became a high-tech billionaire wealthy enough to establish a cancer research center at USC, he was a divorced college dropout living on a sailboat with his cat. He had planned to fulfill his familys wishes and become a doctor. But he came to regard an anatomy class as a perversely pointless form of psychological torture and changed his mind. His wife asked for a divorce, expressing disappointment in his apparent lack of ambition. Advertisement Only then did he have the key insight that turned his life around. See the most-read stories this hour >> Their dreams and my dreams were different, Ellison explained to nearly 16,000 USC students during a commencement address Friday. I would never confuse the two again. Following his own path meant working with computers, not patients. He was drawn to the idea of designing a database that could save data in new, faster ways. And so he formed his own company, figuring he would never have more than 50 employees. That business grew into Oracle Corp., one of the largest technology companies in the world. The Redwood City firm now has about 130,000 employees. And Ellison is the second wealthiest man in the world, with a net worth of $50 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Thats how Ellison was able to make one of the biggest donations in the history of U.S. higher education, pledging $200 million to establish the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC. The institute will be built in West Los Angeles and will employ physics, biology, math and engineering experts engaged in research to prevent, detect and treat cancer. During his address in Alumni Park in the center of campus, Ellison recounted growing up lower-middle class in Chicago. His family encouraged him to become a doctor because medicine was considered the pinnacle of professions, he said. As a young man, he wanted to attend USC medical school, get married and raise a family. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago, but struggled with his medical courses -- especially anatomy. So he dropped out of school and moved to California. Ellison said he came to love the Sierra Nevada mountains and worked as a rock climbing instructor and river guide as well as a computer programmer. He developed an interest in sailing and told his wife he wanted to buy a boat. Her reaction: It was the single stupidest idea shed ever heard in her entire life, Ellison said. And then she kicked me out, he said, drawing applause from the crowd. His path into high-tech led to another important life lesson, which he learned from his friend Steve Jobs. During a hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains 20 years ago, when Jobs was considering a return to Apple, the two mused about ways to have Jobs run the company again. Ellison suggested that he buy it and install Jobs as CEO, telling Jobs, If we dont buy Apple, how are we going to make money? Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >> Ellison said Jobs held him by the shoulders and said they didnt need to make money. If I do this, I need to do this my way, Jobs said. Steve was right, Ellison told the USC crowd. After a certain point, it cant be about the money. I believe that, deep inside all of us, theres a primal desire to do something important with our lives. Rini Sampath, the former student body president who received her bachelors degree in international relations Friday, said she found Ellisons speech inspiring. I love that he touched on failure, she said, that his career should be X or Y but that he decided to pursue what made him happy. Twitter: @byjsong ALSO Gov. Brown backs $2-billion plan to ease homelessness across California L.A. bakery owners ordered to pay $15.3 million for abuse of workers on visas Joe Arpaio, Americas toughest sheriff, found in contempt of court in racial profiling case A Redlands High School teacher has been arrested and charged with engaging in multiple sex acts with an underage female student. Kevin Patrick Kirkland, 56, of Rancho Cucamonga was arrested Tuesday in Arizona and waived extradition back to California. Kirkland is slated to appear in San Bernardino Superior Court Monday to answer five felony counts of oral copulation with a minor and distributing harmful matter to a minor with the intent to seduce. Advertisement The math teacher was placed on administrative leave last month by district administrators after they contacted police in regards to a possible inappropriate relationship with another student. Redlands police spokesman Carl Baker said an investigation found no evidence of criminal behavior in that case. School administrators then reported a second possible inappropriate relationship between Kirkland and a female student. After conducting an extensive investigation, detectives determined Kirkland had engaged in multiple unlawful sexual encounters from the time she was 16 until March 2016 when the student was 18, Baker said. Kirkland was being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga in lieu of $2-million bail. Detectives are trying to determine if Kirkland made other contacts with minor students outside normal teacher-student interactions. In recent years the Redlands Unified School District has been troubled by molestation allegations. In 2014, Citrus Valley High School teacher Laura Whitehurst had a child who was fathered by a teenage student. Whitehurst, 28, pleaded guilty to half a dozen sex crimes with three boys and received a year in jail. In 2013, Redlands Unified paid $505,000 to settle a lawsuit over allegations a female teacher at Redlands East Valley High School sexually abused a girl. ALSO Driver runs over bicyclist in road rage argument in downtown San Francisco L.A. bakery owners ordered to pay $15.3 million for abuse of workers on visas Woman caught on video trying to steal packages from Alhambra home is arrested, police say When the Supreme Court threw out major elements of the Voting Rights Act three years ago, Maricopa County in Arizona moved quickly to lower the cost of holding elections. Among its first moves was to reduce the number of polling centers from 200 to 60. With fewer locations, the state allowed voters to choose any polling station in the county. The hope was to make voting more convenient and encourage more people to cast their ballots by mail. It hasnt turned out that way. The result: stories of having to wait five hours to vote in the March primary election for president, a call to impeach Arizonas secretary of state, three lawsuits and a Justice Department inquiry. Advertisement See the most-read stories this hour >> I dont know what the right word is to express it, Arizona Atty. Gen. Mark Brnovich said at a news conference Thursday, speaking of his anger at the situation as an Arizonan and as attorney general. Arizona has an ugly history with elections. Native Americans were long forbidden from voting because the state considered them wards of the nation. The state once required residents to pass a literacy test in order to vote and refused to print election materials in languages other than English. In 1972, federal elections officials labeled Arizona one of nine problem states, along with Alaska and several in the Deep South, that were required to submit all potential changes in election law to the Justice Department for preclearance to ensure they did not unfairly target minorities. The Supreme Court eliminated that requirement in the 2013 case Shelby County vs. Holder, clearing the way for Maricopa County where 40% of voters are minorities to change its elections laws without federal oversight. On election night March22, the waits in Maricopa County the states most populous felt interminable. The line in front of the Church of the Nazarene in Maryville stretched to 700 people. In April, the Justice Department asked Maricopa County for data on the countys decision to cut the number of polling places. Secretary of State Michele Reagan, who oversees elections, is also taking heat for failing to ensure that 400,000 voters received election publicity pamphlets that spelled out the pros, cons and costs of a pair of ballot measures scheduled to be considered in a special election May 17. Tom Ryan, an attorney from Chandler, Ariz., a leading opponent of an education measure on the ballot, on Friday called for Reagans impeachment. Brnovich too raised questions about her handling of the election. When did the secretary of state know about this, and why did it take weeks in order to inform the public or [make] a complaint [to] get this information forward? he said Thursday. But with more than 700,000 early ballots already cast, Brnovich has rejected calls to postpone the election. We dont want to disenfranchise people that have already voted, he said. To me, Im as frustrated as anyone.... I want to go into court. I wish there was a better remedy. Reagan said through a spokesman that the problem with the pamphlets was uncovered three weeks ago and was the fault of the vendor, IBM. She has not said why she waited to disclose the problems. One voter who spent more than five hours in a line on March 22 was Kimberly Yee, a Republican state senator who was so appalled that she introduced a bill to establish a minimum number of polling places in each county. But the state Legislature did not take up the measure before the end of its session. In a year when most states experienced record or near-record turnout, said Michelle Ugenti-Rita, a Scottsdale Republican and chair of the House Elections Committee, Arizona should have been better prepared and anticipated the amount of turnout we experienced. nigel.duara@latimes.com ALSO U.S. intelligence warns of Venezuela collapse I loved Uber as a passenger. Then I starting working as a driver This is how Gov. Brown wants to make it easier to build affordable housing Its Saturday May 14. Heres whats going on around California: TOP STORIES Numbers cruncher: Gov. Jerry Browns revised budget confirms a noticeable erosion in state revenues compared to estimates from January. Overall, tax receipts are now expected to shrink by $1.9 billion. And Browns budget team continues to say that California could face as much as a $4-billion deficit by the summer of 2020. Los Angeles Times Advertisement Housing dollars: A move to provide significantly more funding for the states homeless is moving forward. Brown on Friday threw his support behind an ambitious $2-billion plan to build housing for Californias mentally ill homeless population. It would make the most significant boost in state funding for homeless Californians in years. Los Angeles Times All burned out: Use of coal to generate electricity has dropped so dramatically essentially going from small to almost microscopic. Los Angeles Times Gas leak fallout: News tests show signs of metals in homes impacted by the Porter Ranch gas leak. Are they making residents sick? KPCC A hitch in the commute: The Expo Line opens next week, offering the first rail service from downtown L.A. to the Pacific Ocean in more than 60 years. But the line has one potential disadvantage from the beginning: A lack of parking. Will be commuters walk or bike or be driven to take mass transit? Los Angeles Times If you build it: On the California border, there is anxiety of GOP presidential candidates proposed wall. San Jose Mercury News Whos watching the lawyers? The agency charged with regulating Californias attorneys has failed to give a transparent view of its finances while its top tier of executives have enjoyed more generous salaries than the governor and attorney general, according to a scathing state audit. Los Angeles Times Dangerous training: The deaths of three men in Navy SEAL training in San Diego is sparking alarm and questions about the program. Washington Post THIS WEEKS GREAT READS In the name of progress: Inside the epic decade-long battle by U2s The Edge to build a compound in Malibu. Its involved 60 lawyers, lobbyists and environmental consultants and more than 70 technical reports, filling 26 bankers boxes, from all manner of experts geologists, biologists, hydrologists, archaeologists, arborists, structural engineers, transportation engineers. Los Angeles Times The gangs all here: The company that will help you with fake paparazzi, false supporters and other pretend services that make you look more popular and important than you really are. California Sunday Magazine A world of riches: Meet the Queen of Montana Avenue. This 90-year-old who for nearly two decades slept in a strip-mall laundromat spends her days fielding interview requests from the likes of People magazine. Los Angeles Times Transitional neighborhood: Before it was the stomping grounds of the Kardashians and other celebrities, the town of Calabasas was a scary place. Curbed LA Stories of the rich and famous: How the Sumner Redstone legal drama became such an lurid Hollywood soap opera. Los Angeles Times THIS WEEKS MOST POPULAR STORIES IN ESSENTIAL CALIFORNIA 1. War criminal or role model? Students at Scripps College selected Madeleine Albright the first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of State to be this years commencement speaker, but that hit a nerve with other students and faculty. Some protested her selection and called her a war criminal. Los Angeles Times 2. Pool partys over: An artist who created a hidden pool in the California desert says his installation was destroyed by vandals. LAist 3. Adorable: Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is setting records as MVP, but his daughter Riley Curry is stealing the show. SFist 4. Life on the left coast: The place names have the ring of real places to me, Joan Didion writes of California. New York Review of Books 5. Mais oui: Heres what it is like to eat at Thomas Kellers French Laundry. Business Insider If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.) Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Alice Walton or Shelby Grad. Editors note: Plenty of readers have written letters to the editor regarding the announcement that President Obama will visit Hiroshima later in May, marking the first time a sitting commander in chief will have traveled to one of the two Japanese cities attacked with nuclear bombs (Nagasaki being the other) at the end of World War II in 1945. One of those letters, published below, is intensely personal. It is from Ross T. Quinn of Victorville, who writes of understanding his late fathers life in the context of him having seen firsthand, as a young U.S. Navy officer, the ruins of Nagasaki months after that citys destruction. Quinn also sent us photos taken by his father, one of which appears with this article. Here is Quinns letter. -- Paul Thornton, letters editor Advertisement Your editorial on President Obamas upcoming visit to Hiroshima brought back to me my father, John Quinn, who died a few years ago in Ventura at the age of 91. He too visited Japan and saw the site of nuclear war. But in his case it was Nagasaki, not Hiroshima, and the year was 1945, in November, not 2016, in May, when President Obama will visit. It was barely three months after the bomb Fat Man was dropped. My father, who was an officer in the U.S. Navy, went to Nagasaki at age 24 as part of the American occupation forces. He was also a photographer. He, like most of his generation, really never spoke much about his war experiences, but his camera did. I first saw his Nagasaki pictures while growing up in Ventura, at about age 10 or 12. I didnt speak much about them, either, but I now offer them so that we may see a bit of what he experienced. I came to appreciate how, late in life, his witness to the aftermath of nuclear holocaust had changed him. He stayed in the Navy, active and in the reserves, for 22 years, serving in both World War II and the Korean War. He retired as the Vietnam War was ramping up. He was one of those who stood on Saturday mornings, starting in about 1965, in front of the Ventura Bank of America building in silent protest of the war. He was involved in the new politics of the 1960s, and he helped found the Ventura Unitarian-Universalist Church, the Ventura Group Theater, the Ventura County Mental Health Assn. and Casa Pacifica in Camarillo, all profoundly life-supporting, positive organizations. He had seen enough of death and destruction. Go, President Obama, go to Hiroshima. I believe that deeply experiencing powerful events and our remembrance of those awful times, hopefully forever past, somehow change us. I am sure that the experience of nuclear war changed my father and drove him to pursue a life dedicated to peace, fairness, justice and love. I pray that the president and all who visit there may come away similarly chastened and changed. And I pray no human will ever again be a witness, as were my father and the people of Japan, to nuclear holocaust. Ross T. Quinn is a physician living in Victorville. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: Talk of hyperloop transportation seems to have quickly morphed into an endless loop of hype. (Hyperloop One succeeds at first of many much-hyped tests, May 11) High-speed rail systems are already operating reliably, safely and economically, with the goal being to be fast enough to compete on a point-to-point basis with short airline flights and highway travel that have greater environmental impacts. Systems in Japan and France have successfully met that goal. Meanwhile, decades-long intensive maglev train research and development programs are bearing fruit with the implementation of European technology in China and passenger-carrying demonstration service in Japan. Advertisement Visions of travel in pneumatic tubes have been around for a century, but the reality is that other technologies have won the real-world test with every generation. One could also argue that we need to redouble efforts to invest in our local communities rather than looking for Buck Rogers ways to get away from them. Brian Bennett, La Verne Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Attending a rally for Bernie Sanders usually involves long lines and security screenings, but that wasnt the case at an intimate, informal event Friday evening supporting the Vermont senators presidential campaign in a park here. Instead of metal detectors, entrance required burning ceremonial sweetgrass. Participants were smudged, meaning the smoke from the sweetgrass was wafted over them before they could enter the sacred circle and begin a Wiccan ritual to support Sanders ahead of Oregons primary on Tuesday. Advertisement See more of our top stories on Facebook >> Welcome to the Feeling the Bern ritual, Leigha Lafleur, 41, told the gathering as she prepared to lead them in the amplification of positive energy of Bernie Sanders and the progressive movement. ------------ FOR THE RECORD May 14, 1:44 p.m.: An earlier version of this article identified Lafleur as 47. She is 41. ------------ There are lots of ways to support a political candidate, from making phone calls to donating money. Some turn to prayer, Christian or otherwise. Add Wiccan rituals to the list. Lafleur, a patent agent, has already hosted Beanies for Bernie knitting parties and helped out at the senators rallies. But she had never performed a Wiccan ritual for Sanders before, and if it was going to happen somewhere, it would be here in Portland, a place she described as a much more welcoming community than where she grew up in Michigan. Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Track the delegate race | Sign up for the newsletter She advertised the event on a Sanders volunteer website, calling on Wiccans, pagans, goddess worshipers, atheists or anyone who is spiritually open-minded to engage with a community of like minded individuals. Participants were asked to bring a canned good for the Oregon Food Bank. The event caught the eye of a handful of reporters, as well as a man who said he runs a YouTube channel called Laughing at Liberals. In the end, observers were almost as numerous as participants, who included a 24-year-old mother who does Tarot readings and brought her toddler, a 43-year-old researcher, a 53-year-old semi-retired chef and a 36-year-old food service employee with his dog. They gathered around a small rug with four candles, flowers and an imitation ballot box adorned with Bernie stickers. Each person was handed a replica ballot and took turns declaring what they would like to see changed ending private prisons, bringing back Glass-Steagal financial regulations, labeling genetically modified foods and increasing access to college. A reporter for a local alternative weekly who participated in the ritual asked for more transparent public records laws. Lafleur reminded participants to stay engaged in local politics, not just the presidential race. We cant just be putting all our energy into Bernie, and when the election cycle is over, then what? she said. Then they circled the candles together, chanting be the Bern, be the Bern, be the Bern, a campaign slogan. When they were finished, they passed around cherries and ginger lemonade. Anyone who wants more cherries is free to have them, Lafleur said, and the ritual was over. ALSO With an eye toward November, Donald Trump ponders a No. 2 pick All but four California House Democrats are with Clinton. Heres why Endorsement tracker: Some California Republicans still not ready for Trump chris.megerian@latimes.com Twitter: @chrismegerian Hillary Clinton releases Web ad slamming Donald Trump over taxes Hillary Clinton has joined a chorus of Democrats and Republicans who in recent days have assailed Donald Trump for not releasing his tax returns. And, now, shes using advertising to amplify her message. In a Web video released Saturday titled Whats Donald Trump Hiding, her campaign notes the several instances in which the billionaire businessman has said he would release his taxes, but then has backtracked. On Friday, when asked by a reporter about his tax rate, Trump dismissed the question, saying, Its none of your business. Every major presidential candidate since Gerald Ford in 1976 has released tax returns, which show sources of income, donations to charity and investments. Trump says he doesnt plan to release his tax returns until an audit of his finances is completed, which could come after the November general election. As Clinton jabs Trump over his lack of transparency, the former secretary of State faces her own scrutiny over paid speeches some in the six-figure range to Wall Street firms. Her rival, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, along with Trump and others have called on her to release transcripts of the speeches. For her part, Clinton has said she will release transcripts only when other candidates do so as well. Family members of two murder victims pleaded with an Orange County judge Friday to put an end to delays in their case and sentence convicted killer Daniel Wozniak to death. From a podium behind a row of lawyers, June Kibuishi, one victims mother, said she feels as if shes being held hostage, prevented from finding closure as the legal process grinds on. Despite her tearful request, Kibuishi will have to keep waiting. Superior Court Judge John Conley decided Friday to push back the proceedings, agreeing to allow Wozniaks attorney, public defender Scott Sanders, more time to review evidence that Sanders believes should have been available to him before trial. After many trial delays, a jury recommended in January that Wozniak, a 32-year-old community theater actor from Costa Mesa, be executed for murdering Army veteran Sam Herr, 26, and his friend Juri Julie Kibuishi, 23, in 2010. Wozniak was scheduled to be formally sentenced next week. On Friday, Conley didnt set a new date for the sentencing, instead asking lawyers to check in with their progress next month. I thought our long-overdue journey to trial was over, only needing to wait for the official sentencing, said Herrs father, Steve. But Wozniaks defense says it needs to study recorded phone calls and thousands of pages of documents disclosed since January before crafting a motion asking the judge to dismiss the death penalty or grant a new trial. Most notably, the Orange County Sheriffs Department revealed that a group of deputies for years kept a secret log of their interactions with jailhouse informants, including one who spoke with Wozniak behind bars. Sanders has long argued that law enforcement in Orange County cant be trusted to turn over evidence that defendants are entitled to see before trial. Responsibility for the delay lies at the feet of sheriffs deputies who failed to turn over the records originally, Sanders said. We should have the time ... to respond to something that isnt our fault, he said. The attorney representing the Sheriffs Department, Deputy County Counsel Elizabeth Pejeau, objected to Sanders characterization. Higher-ups at the department disclosed the log as soon as they learned about it, she said. Conley has been skeptical of Sanders attempts to tie any possible law enforcement wrongdoing to the Wozniak case. Most of Sanders accusations center on the alleged misuse of jailhouse informants. As Conley has pointed out, no information from informants was used to prosecute Wozniak. Our perspective is the concealment of evidence is always relevant, Sanders told Conley on Friday. But the victims families accused Sanders of pursuing his own agenda at their expense while knowing it couldnt change the verdict. We cant even think of any act that would change the perception of any jury, and it certainly would not change the fact that [Wozniak] joyfully murdered my daughter and her friend Sam, June Kibuishi said. According to a videotaped confession played during the trial, Wozniak smiled and laughed as he decapitated Herrs body. Steve Herr, who visits his sons grave weekly, said he yearns for the day he can arrive at the plot and say, This chapters finally over, Sam. I love you. Ill see you next week. Her slender hand sheathed in a black glove, Saira Nizamuddin gathered the fabric of her full-length abaya as she stepped across an alley strewn with rocks and trash. The 19-year-old health worker walked alone, the mid-morning sun pressing down on the dirt streets and soaking into the black fabric covering her from head to toe. It was better this way, she thought. In the past, for security reasons, police officers had followed her as she visited houses to administer the polio vaccine to children. Now, she and 10 vaccinators, all local women, were working unguarded. The low-profile approach was meant to assuage fears in their community that the vaccine was unsafe, forbidden by Islam or a cover for Western espionage myths that have given the crippling virus, eradicated nearly everywhere else in the world, a lifeline in conservative Pakistan. Polio workers write in chalk outside a house to indicate the vaccination status of those inside in Karachi, Pakistan. (Shashank Bengali / Los Angeles Times) (Shashank Bengali ) This is my neighborhood, Nizamuddin said. Were fine without the police. On the third day of a weeklong anti-polio drive last month in Karachi, a sprawling seaside metropolis, Nizamuddin turned left down an unmarked road. Two colleagues were waiting outside a residence. A metal gate opened slightly, and the women slipped inside. Two hours later, however, the campaign was suspended across the city. Nizamuddin and her team were instructed to go home immediately. A few miles away, in a rough-and-tumble district called Orangi Town, seven police officers providing security for a polio team had been shot to death by gunmen riding motorcycles. Pakistans long struggle against the disease was interrupted once again. The militant violence that has claimed tens of thousands of Pakistani lives in the past decade also has stood in the way of a multibillion-dollar global campaign to wipe out what once was among the worlds most feared afflictions. From 1988, when the world reported more than 350,000 new polio cases, the number dropped to just 74 last year: 54 in Pakistan, the rest in Afghanistan. Those are the only countries where the virus hangs on, finding sanctuary in the remote, mountainous border region and in the open sewers of hot, crowded neighborhoods in Karachi, a melting pot of 22 million-plus inhabitants. India was declared polio-free in 2014, five years after it accounted for half the cases in the world. Nigeria, formerly a reservoir for the disease in Africa, hasnt reported a new case in nearly two years. Polio cases 1988 vs 2016 It feels like all the fingers are pointing at us, said Aziz Memon, chairman of Rotary Internationals PolioPlus campaign in Pakistan. Polio invades the central nervous system, can trigger life-threatening paralysis and is easily transmitted between humans in places with poor sanitation. There is no cure, but the virus can be eliminated from a population through mass immunizations. In the United States, that has meant injecting young children with the vaccine introduced by Jonas Salk in the 1950s. But in countries like Pakistan, where children are more vulnerable to infections and there are fewer trained health workers, community-wide resistance to the disease has been improved with a less-expensive oral vaccine a couple of drops on a childs tongue, administered multiple times before age 5. Workers go door-to-door throughout the year in an effort to reach every child, a painstaking mission underwritten by international donors at a cost of $1 billion every year. The U.S. has spent more than $1.3 billion on global anti-polio efforts since 2009. But health officials and international experts think Pakistan could finally stop the spread of the disease this year. One of their reasons for optimism is people like Nizamuddin, who is part of a new strategy to employ local women to administer the vaccine and make regular house visits in some of the highest risk areas. That includes her neighborhood in Gulshan, a warren of low-slung concrete blocks in eastern Karachi that is home to a large population of migrants from the Afghan border region, and the remote province of Baluchistan, both polio hotbeds. A 17-month-old boy was diagnosed with the virus here in December, the seventh case in the city last year. Reports said the boys family had refused the vaccine. For years, Pakistani Taliban militants waged a propaganda war against the immunizations, describing them as a Western plot to sterilize Muslims and issuing a fatwa, or religious decree, against female health workers. In 2012, militant leaders in the border area banned vaccinations in protest of U.S. drone strikes, leaving half a million children out of reach. The same year, immunization teams came under attack after it emerged that the CIA previously had enlisted a Pakistani doctor to snoop on Osama bin Ladens hideout using the cover of a fake anti-hepatitis campaign. Attacks blamed on extremists since have killed more than 100 health workers and security forces assigned to protect them. Male vaccinators in particular were suspected as spies, making them reluctant to travel without escort. People would ask me, Are you a real health worker or a fake one? recalled Nizamuddin, who has worked on polio drives for four years. Or parents would refuse on religious grounds. From 2012, when Pakistan recorded just 58 new polio cases and none in Karachi the number jumped to 306 in 2014, by far the most of any country. Over the past two years, a security crackdown against militants in the border area and inside Karachi has allowed polio workers back into many former no-go zones. By late 2015, only about 30,000 children remained inaccessible, and transmission had slowed considerably: In the first four months of this year, Pakistan saw eight new polio cases, down from 22 over the same period in 2015. But the Global Polio Eradication Initiatives Independent Monitoring Board warned that without successful vaccination campaigns this spring, the disease would reemerge in the heat of summer. We were very close in the last decade, said Memon, the PolioPlus campaign chairman in Pakistan. This time, we hope were not going to miss the opportunity. We were very close in the last decade. This time, we hope were not going to miss the opportunity. Aziz Memon, chairman of Rotary Internationals PolioPlus campaign in Pakistan From the parking lot of a spartan government health clinic in Gulshan, pairs of female health workers, covered from head to toe in headscarves and black abayas, set off into the neighborhood carrying vials of polio vaccines in unmarked thermos bottles. Three paramilitary Rangers in drab uniforms watched from a parked pickup, then drove off to patrol the periphery of the neighborhood. The women didnt see them again for hours. Theres no need for security, said Sikander Ali, a local health department official, who added that the presence of gun-toting police often scared residents. People view the female health workers as locals. In the monochrome crowd, Nizamuddin, a team leader, stood out with a glittery blue headband, oversized purple watch and yellow trousers peeking out from under her abaya. She comes from a family of polio workers. Her two elder sisters volunteered until they got married; her mother worked for eight years until she had to drop out this year because she couldnt read, and the World Health Organization sought to recruit more educated women. She feels bad, Nizamuddin said of her mother. But she is happy that I can still help the cause. The WHO increased funding for female health workers, who earn full-time salaries of $150 a month. Attendance and morale have improved over the earlier system, which employed part-timers, including men, whose $5 daily wages were paid by the government, and often delayed. The men werent as dedicated, Nizamuddin said. And families used to refuse male workers. The interaction we have is totally different. One of her team members, Nagma, a mother of four, said few families reject the immunizations now. In one case, she persuaded a reluctant mother to allow the vaccine to be given by showing her cellphone pictures of her own children, who had been vaccinated multiple times. In more difficult cases, the women called on Surat Khan Osman, a genial local cleric with a black beard that shone like lacquer and a battered cellphone that flashed with text messages notifying him of families who declined vaccinations. Officials say clerics have become key partners. That morning, Osman and a team of female vaccinators visited two houses where parents claimed the vaccine would cause infertility. He won them over with a copy of a 2014 fatwa from religious scholars that said the vaccine was fully permissible under Islamic law and that parents were obligated to protect their children from polio. We are part of the community, Osman said, so people cannot refuse us. Saira Nizamuddin, right, confers with a fellow polio vaccinator. (Shashank Bengali / Los Angeles Times) (Shashank Bengali ) The morning after last month's shooting death of the officers, shaken health workers resumed the drive across the city. Rangers beefed up their presence in some areas; plainclothes security forces shadowed teams in others. In Nizamuddins neighborhood of Sachal Goth, the women opted for an even lower profile. They avoided being seen in groups and varied their schedules. For the rest of the week, they tried to complete their rounds before lunch. By weeks end, the teams in Sachal Goth inoculated 2,117 children two dozen more than had been counted in a pre-campaign survey days earlier. One of Nizamuddins teams found a child whose family was visiting from outside the city and wasnt on their list, but took the opportunity to administer the polio drops because he was scheduled to be vaccinated. The female teams are now covering nearly 40% of Karachis 2.2 million children younger than 5, and the initiative soon could be expanded further. International officials describe its success as part of an overall improvement in Pakistans management of the crisis. The results are very promising, said Huma Khan, a UNICEF polio specialist who has worked in the field for seven years. It looks like were getting close to eradication. Ive never been so hopeful that this can be done." For more news on global sustainability, go to our Global Development Watch page. shashank.bengali@latimes.com Follow @SBengali on Twitter for more news from South Asia There seems to be no end to the gruesome killings in Bangladesh. The body of a 75-year-old Buddhist monk was found Saturday morning with his throat slit in a small monastery in the countrys remote southeast. His daughter-in-law found him at 5 a.m., when she went to bring him food. Mong Shwe U Chak had lived alone in the monastery in hilly Bandarban district for the past two years, police said. His death bore the hallmarks of a spate of recent hacking deaths of secular Muslims and members of minority religious communities that have been blamed on radical Islamists. Advertisement See more of our top stories on Facebook >> Jyotirmoy Barua, a human rights lawyer who is close to the Buddhist community, told journalists that U Chak had received anonymous threats before he was killed. He had received death threats, but nobody took it seriously, Barua said. A police official in Naikkhangchhari, where the monastery is located, said authorities collected evidence from the site but did not have any suspects. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Bangladeshs government is facing growing criticism at home and abroad for the apparent inability of its law enforcement agencies to end the killings. At least 15 people have died in targeted attacks over the past year, including secular bloggers, foreign priests and aid workers. In recent weeks, the pace of the bloodshed has accelerated. Last week, a Sufi Muslim religious leader was found hacked to death in a pool of blood in a mango grove in northern Bangladesh. That followed killings in previous weeks of a gay rights activist and a Hindu tailor, both of whom were fatally wounded with machetes. Islamic State and Al Qaeda rival Islamist extremist organizations that are jockeying for a foothold in the South Asian nation have claimed some of the previous slayings, although the government denies that either has a presence in Bangladesh. Western diplomats are increasingly alarmed at the violence and at what they see as a lack of urgency from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government to deal with the problem. Hasina has often blamed the violence on her political rivals, including the most powerful Islamist political party, and has continued a crackdown on the opposition that many believe is fueling an extremist backlash. Earlier this week, a former leader of the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami was hanged following his conviction by a special court that Bangladesh established to try suspects accused of war crimes during its 1971 war of liberation from Pakistan. Three other Jamaat leaders were also executed following what critics called unfair trials, leading to accusations that Hasina is using the court to target her political opponents. Bangladesh, a country of 160 million, is overwhelmingly Muslim but until recently had not been seen as a hotbed of Islamist extremism. The economy has improved thanks to a large garment manufacturing sector, and the country has won praise for expanding access to healthcare, sanitation and other social needs. Special correspondent Kader reported from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Times staff writer Bengali from Mumbai, India. ALSO 22 of the worlds most polluted cities are in India Former top Chinese official indicted on corruption charges Turtle is legendary in Vietnam, but its on the verge of extinction shashank.bengali@latimes.com Follow @SBengali on Twitter for more news from South Asia Authorities say residents of the central Spanish town of Sesena have been allowed to return to their homes as the danger caused by a fire that has raged for 30 hours in a nearby tire dump has diminished. The regional government of Castilla-La Mancha lowered the danger level Saturday and permitted residents to return with the recommendation that surgical face masks be used when outdoors. It had ordered the evacuation of 9,000 people Friday from a large apartment block complex in Sesena as plumes of acrid, thick black smoke rose from the dump containing an estimated 110,000 tons of used tires. Advertisement Regional spokesman Francisco Martinez Arroyo said the fire was totally confined and firefighters expected to be able to extinguish it completely within three or four days. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said Saturday that the explosion in Damascus that killed its top military commander was caused by insurgent shelling and vowed to continue fighting alongside the Syrian government until the rebels are defeated. Mustafa Amin Badreddine was the highest-ranking Hezbollah militant to be killed since the group joined Syrias civil war four years ago. Hezbollah said the blast near the Damascus International Airport was caused by artillery shelling from takfiri groups, a term Hezbollah uses to refer to Sunni Muslim extremists. Advertisement See more of our top stories on Facebook >> The area on the southern edge of the Syrian capital is known to host positions of several militant groups, including Al Qaedas branch in Syria, the Nusra Front. A Lebanese politician with close links to the Syrian government told the Associated Press that Badreddine was killed Thursday night when a shell exploded near him outside a Hezbollah center near the airport. The politician spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to reveal information about the incident. He said Badreddine might have been killed by the pressure of the blast since his shrapnel wounds did not appear to be fatal. Hezbollah and the Syrian army have a heavy presence around the airport, which includes a military base, the politician said. He said the area is subjected to regular shelling. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that according to his network of activists in the area, there has been no shelling in the airport area since Wednesday. Hezbollah must come forward with proof about the death of its commander, Abdurrahman said by telephone. Hezbollahs statement said Badreddines killing will only boost the groups will and intention to continue fighting these criminal gangs until they are defeated. It added that defeating insurgent groups in Syria was the wish of Badreddine, who was also known among the groups ranks as Zulfiqar. Hezbollahs statements indicate it will continue to be deeply involved in the conflict next door, which has killed more than 250,000 people since 2011, including more than 1,000 Hezbollah fighters. The group has sent thousands of fighters to Syria to back President Bashar Assads government against militants trying to remove him from power. Hezbollah announced Badreddines death on Friday without saying when the attack occurred. It said at the time that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the blast. The 55-year-old Badreddine had directed Hezbollahs operations in Syria since its fighters joined Assads forces in 2012, the groups biggest-ever military intervention outside of Lebanon. Thousands of guerrillas fighting alongside Syrias military helped tip battles in the governments favor on multiple fronts, from the suburbs of Damascus to the northern province of Aleppo. With Badreddines death, Hezbollah is likely to rely on a younger generation of commanders, moving away from the veterans who came of age during Lebanons 1975-90 civil war or during Hezbollahs 18-year war against Israels occupation of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000. One possible successor, Ibrahim Aqil, is among the last major figures from that generation. A member of Hezbollahs highest military body, the Jihad Council, Aqil has been involved in the fighting in Syria and is suspected in kidnappings in the 1980s and a bombing campaign in Paris in 1986. Asked if Hezbollahs leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has named any replacement for Badreddine, the Lebanese politician said: Not yet. The group is not in a hurry. He added that all senior Hezbollah officials have aides and deputies who can carry out their duties until a successor is named. ALSO U.S. intelligence warns of Venezuela collapse An elderly Buddhist monk is the latest slaying victim in Bangladesh Three months before Olympics, Brazil suddenly has a lot to resolve A federal judge has ruled that the extradition of drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman can move ahead, Mexicos Judicial Council said Monday. But the countrys foreign ministry must still approve it and the defense can appeal. The council, which oversees Mexicos federal judges and tribunals, said the judge, whom it did not name, had agreed that the legal requirements laid out in the extradition treaty between the two countries had been met. The ministry has 20 days to decide whether to approve Guzmans extradition to the United States. Advertisement Any extradition attempt can be delayed or stopped by a request to the court by attorneys for the Sinaloa cartel leader. Guzman was moved Saturday from a prison outside Mexico City to one in Ciudad Juarez near the U.S. border. Questions have arisen on both sides of the border about the decision to relocate the convicted drug lord to a region that is one of his cartels strongholds. A Mexican security official acknowledged Sunday that the sudden transfer was to a less-secure prison. The official said that in general the Cefereso No. 9 prison on the outskirts of Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, is not as impregnable as the maximum-security Altiplano facility near Mexico City where he had been held. The official wasnt authorized to discuss Guzmans case publicly and agreed to do so only if not quoted by name. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> The official said, however, that Guzman is being held in a maximum-security wing where the same protocols are being enforced as in Altiplano, including 24-hour monitoring via a camera in his cell. Altiplano is considered the countrys highest-security prison. Guzman first broke out of another prison in 2001 and spent more than a decade on the run, becoming one of the worlds most-wanted fugitives. He was recaptured in 2014, but slipped out of Altiplano, which many previously had thought was unescapable, in July by fleeing through a sophisticated, mile-long tunnel that went up into the shower in his cell. Mexican marines rearrested him in the western state of Sinaloa in January, after he fled a safe house through a storm drain. He was returned to Altiplano, where he was placed under constant observation from a ceiling camera with no blind spots, and the floors of top-security cells were reinforced with metal bars and a 16-inch layer of concrete. Some Mexican media have speculated that the weekend move was a prelude to imminent extradition to the U.S., where he faces drug charges in seven jurisdictions. But authorities denied that. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> The security official said Guzman is still in the middle of the extradition process. The Foreign Relations Department has the final say, and Guzmans lawyers still have opportunities to appeal. A lawyer for Guzman confirmed Saturday that his defense continues to fight the drug lord being sent to the U.S., and officials have said it could take up to a year to reach a final ruling. Multiple analysts told the Associated Press that there was no sign of a link between the prison switch and extradition. ALSO Mexico transfers drug lord El Chapo to a prison in Ciudad Juarez Brazilian police drag out students occupying schools to protest lunch money scandal Mexicos Vicente Fox: Why a Trump presidency should scare both Mexicans and Americans UPDATES: 10:41 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional information. This article was originally published at 10:07 a.m. Poultry workers suffer inhuman treatment at processing plants, where they are mocked by supervisors, talked down to, and forced to wear diapers in lieu of taking a bathroom break, according to a damning report released Wednesday. Oxfam America began their investigation by interviewing numerous poultry workers over a three-year period, beginning in 2013. In "No Relief: Denial of Bathroom Breaks in the Poultry Industry," they detail how workers endured disrespectful superiors and life-threatening conditions in fear of losing their job. "Workers struggle to cope with this denial of a basic human need," the report read. "They urinate and defecate while standing on the line, they wear diapers to work; they restrict intake of liquids and fluids to dangers degrees; they endure pain and discomfort while they worry about their health and job security. And it's not just their dignity that suffers: they are in danger of serious health problems." Among the companies named are Perdue Farms Inc., Tyson Foods Inc., Pilgrim's Pride Inc., and Sanderson Farms Inc.; each part of an industry that raked $32.7 billion in 2014, an uptick of six percent from the previous year. Only a handful of workers said their bathroom needs were met, most coming from unionized facilities. About one-third of processing plants are unionized, leaving most without job security, or means of knowing what their rights are. Women were particularly affected. Many who were either pregnant or in menstrual cycles were denied state-mandated breaks because supervisors were under pressure to maintain the speed of the processing line. Investigators note the account of an Arkansas woman, Rebecca, who said supervisors prioritized the needs of men over women. "They don't consider that we have more gear to remove, or the fact that the bathrooms are too far away; just walking towards them our time is up," Rebecca said. "When we have our [menstrual] cycle, we need to go more often to the bathroom, but they don't let us, they don't like it." America's Large Latino Poultry Workforce Poultry is big business in the United States. The National Chicken Council suggests poultry farmers earn more than the average U.S. household, which stands at around $51,000, and those with loans also have lower charge-off rates than agricultural farmers. Chicken producers can be profitable if partnered with the right company, but little is known about the people who harvest poultry for consumption. The National Center for Farmworker Health estimates 250,000 workers are employed at 174 factories across the country. Documenting their ethnic background is difficult because many are either undocumented or don't possess the right paperwork, but the NCF projects that about half of the country's workforce is Hispanic. "Chicken catchers," in general, tend to be undocumented male Latinos. One of few states tabulating poultry plant workers is Arkansas, where the Northwest Arkansas Workers' Justice Center recently surveyed 500 workers across dozens of cities. The Feb. 1 report found a majority of respondents - 46 percent - were Latino. Over half reported discrimination, and 63 percent of Hispanics said they were harassed by a supervisor or lead. Latinos averaged the longest tenure yet 94 percent said they were never offered a promotion. As Oxfam America noted in a follow-up questionnaire to their original report, leaving their jobs is difficult for workers with families. Many live in rural areas with few other options. Undocumented individuals and those with work permits have even less reason to leave. They have sons, daughters, wives, relatives in Mexico and Central America depending on the little pay they receive, anything from minimum wage to $11 an hour regardless of their work ethic or longevity. The prospect of finding new work is terrifying compared to the semblance of job security poultry plants offer, as harsh as conditions may be. Fallout from the Oxfam Report The NCC preemptively released a statement Tuesday stating they are troubled by the report's claims "but also question this group's effort to paint the whole industry with a broad brush based on a handful of anonymous claims." Immigration and human's rights advocacy groups still used the opportunity to scorn poultry producers. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union -one of the nation's largest unions and representative of thousands of food workers and - released their own statement Friday urging for better workplace protection. "The indignity with which poultry workers are being treated in America has to stop," the statement read. "Workers need to know they have a right to organize and that organized workers have more opportunities to protect themselves from this type of abuse." Immigration and naturalization application fees are scheduled to soon soar by an average of 21 percent. A new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposal reveals the increases are expected to be formally enacted sometime this summer. Agency officials attribute the increases to the high cost needed to keep operations afloat, maintaining current fees "do not recover the full costs of services." Agency Claims it Faces Multimillion Dollar Annual Shortfall Projections are the agency runs the risk of facing a $560 million annual shortfall between costs and fee account revenues if operations continue under the same format. While some are blasting the proposed increases as "quite high," most are agreement that the agency needs improvement. "When USCIS increases filing fees, our hope is that they will use the increased revenue to improve efficiency and reduce processing times," said Justin Storch, manager of agency liaison at the Council for Global Immigration. Processing Time Standards Rarely Adhered to Despite being mandated by Congress back in 2000 to maintain processing time-lines, Matthew Schulz, a partner at California-based global law firm Dentons, insists 30-day processing times for such applications as employer-sponsored nonimmigrant visas typically take "twice as long or worse" than outlined. Immigration and naturalization fees reportedly account for 95 percent of USCIS' funding. Fees were last adjusted back in 2010. The new fee increases are expected to most impact employers that bring college-educated workers to the U.S., as well as immigrant investors. Specifically, USCIS is proposing a 21 percent increase for the filing Form 1-140, which is used to request a foreign worker become a permanent U.S. resident, and a 42 percent increase for filing Form 1-129, used for H-1B professional transfer visas. "That's a steep increase for any government fee," said Amy Gulati, manager of HR operations and immigration processing at Virginia-based Cvent. "I think this will have the biggest impact on smaller businesses." The steepest hikes of all are reserved for the EB-5 visa program, which offers green cards to foreign students looking to heavily invest in U.S. owned businesses. Thousands of former mineworkers get permission from a South African court to pursue a class action suit for damages against their former employees for contracting lung diseases while working during the mines' operations. Present and former underground mineworkers who developed the disease called silicosis including pulmonary tuberculosis comprise the class as well as the families of employees who already died from the disease, said Deputy Judge President Phineas Mojapelo, as reported by Bloomberg. "Class action is the only realistic option through which most mineworkers can assert" their constitutional rights. He added that if it hadn't been authorized, "impoverished, indigent workers won't be able to access justice." Silicosis is contacted when dust from mines are inhaled causing scar tissue in the lungs. The lungs then become open from the attack of tuberculosis that could be fatal to more than half of sufferers if not immediately and properly treated. According to The Guardian, the defendants are constituted of global mining companies from Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony Gold, Sibanye Gold and African Rainbow Minerals (ARM). These mining firms created the Occupational Lung Disease (OLD) Working Group to deal with such concerns. They stated that the judgment is being reviewed and would decide at a later date if the verdict will be appealed. In South African law, the class action suits have small introductory and have their roots in 2011 landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court that enabled miners with lung diseases to sue their employers for damages. "We are hopeful and we trust that the court will arrive at an appropriate decision," said Charles Abrahams, one of the lawyers representing the miners. As reported by Mail Online, companies are not directly commenting on the case but in March the OLD Working Group said: "While the mining companies will defend the legal claims made against them, protracted litigation is not in the interests of any of the parties." The claims that were decades ago include not just South Africans but also miners from neighboring countries such as Lesotho, Malawi and Swaziland reaching to thousands. The ruling on Friday is different from the $30 million settlement for silicosis that affected 4,400 miners from Anglo American and AngloGold in March. Cadillac to open New York cafe and boutique May 14, 2016, 5:01pm ET You\'ll be able to sip gourmet coffee in the presence of cars. Cadillac is opening a coffee shop in New York. The Cadillac House will also incorporate a clothing boutique, art gallery, and cafe. While there may be a car or two on display, the idea isn't to sell cars like a traditional showroom. Instead, the idea is to give anyone who wants to come in and hang out a positive association with the brand. "We have tried to tell people what you're supposed to feel from the Cadillac brand," Cadillac brand director Melody Lee told Bloomberg. "But what we hadn't quite fully established was an environment that you could walk into." Several hip brands are helping with the effort. Visionaire, a magazine and creative firm will curate quarterly art exhibits. Another corner will be devoted to Timo Weiland clothing. The space will even have its own scent, created by fragrance specialists 12.29. The concept of mixing cars and high-end dining is not without precedent. Last year, Infiniti helped launch The Museum of Food and Drink, which bills itself as a "food museum with exhibits you can eat," located just across the river in Brooklyn. In 2013, Lexus opened its Intersect cafe in Tokyo, where patrons can also shop for a line of Lexus-branded luxury goods. A second Intersect location opened in Dubai, and a third will open in New York later this year. The 12,000-square-foot Cadillac House will be located in the Hudson Square lobby of the Cadillac headquarters building, which moved to New York in 2014. It's scheduled to open June 2. Images by Gensler A woman allegedly overdosed on heroin in a parked car with an infant, leading to charges against her and two other adults. Someone had given an overdose antidote to the mother, identified as Tiffany Rissmiller, before authorities arrived about 7:30 p.m. Friday at the YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity, according to an Easton police news release. Another woman, Marissa Metler, was also in the car, police said. Rissmiller's husband, Ryan Wilson, was contacted and found to have an active warrant out of Lehigh County, the release said. All three are from Easton, according to court documents. Rissmiller was sent to Northampton County Prison on charges child endangerment and possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia, police said. Metler faces the same drug charges and was released, the news release said. Ryan was taken into custody by Lehigh County authorities on the warrant for undisclosed charges. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The casual observation of a man walking his dog became nightmarish when Rolondo Soto realized the dog wasn't walking. The 7-week-old puppy was being dragged along by the leash. "The dog's face is buried in the ground," the Easton man said in court Friday, later adding, "his limbs were dangling everywhere." The dog owner, Alexis Torres, 32, pleaded guilty to cruelty to animals, saying he was off his medication and doesn't remember what he did. The Easton man alternately sobbed and sneered as the hearing unfolded, breaking down when District Judge Antonia Grifo ordered him to forfeit the dog to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare. Soto called police, then followed Torres and videotaped him dragging the dog April 22 down Locust Street in Easton. The puppy wound up in the care of veterinarian Alexis Mackiewicz. She said all four paws and its underbelly were scabbed and bleeding. The dog had multiple broken nails, scabs on its head, and injuries to its nose and chin. The animal was covered in grease, which took three baths in dish detergent to remove. The injuries were so painful and vast the dog had to be sedated to treat them, she said. She said the dog had roundworms. It had pressure wounds to its ankles and legs consistent with being held in a confined space, which can be torturous for a puppy that needs play and exercise. "I don't recall what I did and I apologize," Torres told the veterinarian. Torres arrived at the hearing an hour late with his mother and stepfather, who called to say they were taking a bus back to Easton from New York. Immediately when he sat down Torres started crying. "I didn't mean to hurt my dog," he repeated throughout the hearing. When arresting officer David Costa handed Torres photos of the dog's injuries, Torres teared up and kissed one of the photos, saying, "My baby." Torres said he suffers from ADHD and bipolar disorder and is on government disability. Grifo ordered him to pay a $750 fine, the maximum allowed by law, as well as $553 in restitution to Cummings Veterinary Hospital in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania. Torres had to be warned to calm down by Costa during the hearing. "Relax bro," said his stepfather, Rolando Vargas, from the courtroom gallery. "End of discussion. Pay the fine. No biggie." Vargas offered to take the dog, saying he owns five Shih Tzus. The judge said the dog is now in the custody of the shelter, and it's up to the shelter who will get it. Torres cried into his hands when the judge ordered the dog forfeited. "I'm going to remember Easton," he sneered. He then spoke in rapid-fire Spanish and made threatening gestures when the judge briefly left the room. When Grifo told Torres he can't own a dog for 90 days, he gritted his teeth and said, "Thank you, ma'am. You just made my day because I love animals." "I believe you appreciate the seriousness of your crime," the judge said. Soto said he couldn't believe what he saw and made a point of tracking down the dog and its owner so he could show police. "The first thing I thought of was, 'What if this was a kid?'" Soto said. "His nose would be deteriorated." The dog doesn't have a name, but city animal control officer Amy Gruber said police have started calling him "Socks" after he arrived in her care wearing bandages. The dog is recovering well, she said. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. HACKETTSTOWN -- Centenary College ended its commencement ceremony Saturday with big news - the school is now a university. Centenary College was granted university status by the state's Secretary of Higher Education, campus officials announced. The 2,200-private college becomes Centenary University, effective immediately. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, the college's outgoing president, helped announce the name change before more than 500 graduates at the commencement ceremony on the Hackettstown campus. The school surprised cheering graduates by unveiling a "Centenary University" banner at the end of the ceremony as confetti was thrown on the stage. The university designation comes as the school is preparing to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Centenary College announced Saturday it was granted university status by the state Secretary of Higher Education and the school immediately changed its name from Centenary College to Centenary University. (Courtesy of Centenary University) "I was very determined that this goal came to fruition before I completed my tenure as Centenary president," Lewthwaite said before the ceremony. "Centenary has been functioning as a university for many years. The state's approval has made this designation official. Being re-named Centenary University is reflective of Centenary's continued progress and excellence." Centenary joins a growing list of New Jersey colleges becoming universities. Thomas Edison State College, Felician College, Caldwell College and Saint Peter's College are among those that gained university status and changed their names over the last few years. New Jersey began relaxing its rules in the 1990s to allow more of the state's smaller colleges to become universities if they added graduate degrees and expanded other programs. Schools apply to the state Secretary of Higher Education to request an upgrade to university status. Centenary, which was founded as a tiny United Methodist college in Warren County in 1867, is now one of New Jersey's smallest universities. In addition to its main campus in Hackettstown, it has satellite campuses in Iselin and Parsippany and an equestrian facility in Washington Township in Morris County. The school's name change comes as Centenary is expanding its graduate degree program to add a doctorate in educational leadership. The university is also considering adding a second doctorate in counseling, school officials said. "Centenary College has continued to reinvent itself, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of various challenges as it meets the higher education needs of the surrounding area and the state," said Wolfgang Gstattenbauer, a Centenary graduate and chairman of the university's board of trustees. "As the only bachelor's and master's degree-granting institution for three-and-a-half counties in northwestern New Jersey, our mission is indeed special." Though Centenary officially changed its name Saturday, campus officials said it will take about six months for the school to roll out its new logo, website, signs and branding to reflect the new identity. This year's graduates are expected to still have Centenary College printed on their degrees. Amanda Deppa, incoming president of Centenary's Student Government Association, said she will be part of the first graduating class under the Centenary University name next year. "The fact that Centenary is becoming a university should be exciting to all students who will witness this transition," said Deppa, of Wayne. "This is the beginning of a new journey for Centenary." Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find NJ.com on Facebook. TURKEYS , president of the engineering firm McTish, Kenkel & Associates, became the latest casualty of a federal probe into official corruption in Allentown and Reading, pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. McTish admitted he bribed the mayors of the two cities with campaign contributions in return for contracts. His admission follows a guilty plea last month by political consultant and former Easton councilman Mike Fleck, who worked for Allentown mayor Ed Pawlowski and Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer. Neither mayor has been charged with a crime, but members of Pawlowski's staff have pleaded guilty to corruption charges. An Air Wisconsin flight from Philadelphia to Syracuse was delayed for two hours after saw a man next to her solving math problems and became alarmed, thinking he might be a terrorist. The man was University of Pennsylvania economics professor Guido Menzio. He was working on a differential equation for a speech he was scheduled to give at a university in Ontario, according to a spokesman for American Airlines, which contracts with Air Wisconsin for regional flights. The woman passed a note to a flight attendant before takeoff; the crew decided to return the plane to the gate. After Menzio explained what he was doing, the flight resumed. The woman, who had complained of an illness, was booked on a later flight. TROPHIES Last year -- then a senior on Whitehall High School's track team -- gave his Eastern Pennsylvania Conference gold medal in the 100-yard dash to Saucon Valley's . Panek's apparent victory in the Colonial League 100-meter high hurdles had been voided because of a timing error. When the race was rerun, she finished eighth, prompting Barkley to put his medal around her neck. This year Barkley, now a standout running back at Penn State, returned to the track meet to award the 110-meter high hurdle gold medal to Panek, which she won on the first try. Happy Birthday to , who celebrated her 100th by doing what she does one day a week -- walking from her home in Allentown to perform volunteer duties at Lehigh Valley Hospital at 17th and Chew streets. Friends and staff saluted Feden, a volunteer for 25 years, with a party at the hospital, where her daughter Deborah is a nurse practitioner. Feden graciously accepted compliments and a present of a six-pack of Yuengling beer. The 's training experience at the Hunterdon County burn building became a rescue mission Monday, when firefighters discovered seven newborn kittens inside the burning building. When they entered, they heard the the unmistakable mews of kittens and got them out; they were unable to locate the mother. Firefighters placed the kittens in a towel inside a box and used oxygen to stabilize them. The kittens are reported to be doing well at a local veterinarian's office. Organizers and participants in an annual Easton pub crawl raised $2,000 for the Easton Area Community Center. , a former Easton business owner, put together the first crawl eight years ago. He has supported 13 of the events in Easton and Nazareth to benefit nonprofit organizations in the two communities. of Allentown made a special gift to Jacobsburg Historical Society's museum -- original copies of Mathew S. Henry's 1859 publication, History of the Lehigh Valley. Henry is credited with publicizing the term "Lehigh Valley," helping to give the communities in Northampton and Lehigh counties a regional identity, according to Scott Gordon, an archivist and board member for the historical society. In his first interview as Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader, for Wales Online, Mark Williams talked about how the party would rebuild following the shattering defeat in the Assembly elections. He seemed to cast doubt on the wisdom of concentrating campaigning in 4 constituency seats, saying the party needed to reach out to liberals across Wales: He said: There are huge swathes of Wales where we did not campaign at all, and thats what we need to change. There are groups of Liberal activists around the country that need to be supported [to] build strength on the ground. Mr Williams said election efforts had been concentrated in Brecon and Radnorshire, Cardiff Central, Ceredigion, Montgomeryshire only the first of which was won. Adamant there are many potential supporters in Wales, he said: Theres a lot of people out there, maybe who were disaffected by the coalition experience, who we need to draw back into our party. Whatever the percentage was on Thursday, there are far more Liberals, people of Liberal thinking, out there. He looked to history to show that the party would recover: Lib Dems face the challenge of keeping a high profile with a sole AM in the Senedd but Mr Williams wants this to be a temporary aberration. He points to times when the party has only had one MP, saying: We were in this position in 1992. I remember going to the meeting with Alex Carlile in Newtown and wed just lost the Brecon and Radnorshire constituency and wed just lost the Ceredigion constituency; Alex was appointed our leader and we moved forward. And what about possible electoral pacts? Mr Williams said: I do think, given the challenges, affecting the progressive forces to put it as loosely as that we do need to talk to each other and we do need to work together where possible. But that hasnt had a broad airing in the party and I think we can confidently expect that the airing will take place in due course. Would it have had an impact? Well, it may well of in all honesty But I think the problem with what was suggested what, three months before an election? none of the parties involved had the opportunity to reflect and digest on those things. * Newshound: bringing you the best Lib Dem commentary in print, on air or online. Last weeks election results show that, overall, the Liberal Democrats are fighting back argues Tom Brake in an article for the Huffington Post. Our party made the most gains in the English local elections, increasing our share of seats more than any other party, now having 45 more, passionate Councillors working hard for their communities. We strengthened our support in the liberal heartlands of Eastleigh and Cheltenham. We dominated the results in Southport, Cumbria and in Watford, where we took control of the council. And we gained seats in cities like Hull, Rochdale and Manchester thanks to my fantastic former colleague John Leech, who will provide the only opposition to Labour there. Up and down the country weve seen the green shoots of liberalism grow up in communities disillusioned with an impotent Labour party dubbed as the worst ever Government opposition, and a heartless Conservative Government imposing ideological cuts to valued public services. While we only managed to retain our five seats in Scotland, its worth highlighting the fantastic results in Edinburgh Western, North East Fife and the Orkney and Shetland Isles. Admittedly results in Wales and London can be viewed as a disappointment and are incredibly undeserved after the brilliant campaigns run by Kirsty Williams and Caroline Pidgeon. Its no secret that Caroline was by far the most skilled and qualified candidate and I am sure that as our Assembly Member she will continue to be a passionate voice for Londoners. I congratulate Sadiq Khan for becoming the first Muslim Mayor of a major western city. Despite not being from the same party, I was proud that Londoners rejected the shameful, divisive and frankly racist Tory campaign, which thankfully fell flat on its back. During the election, the Scottish Liberal Demcorats raised questions about a trade deal signed between the SNP Government and Chinese companies with dubious human rights records. Willie Rennie has now stepped up his quest for more information by tabling a series of parliamentary questions. During the election it emerged that the China Railway Group, who own one of the companies involved, had been blacklisted for investment by the Norwegian governments oil fund over corruption allegations and criticised by Amnesty International over forced evictions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The First Minister admitted that due diligence was not completed on the businesses involved in a deal that it is claimed could be worth up to 10bn. Scottish Government officials failed to respond to Freedom of Information requests from journalists on the deal ahead of the election last week. Willie said: Hundreds of enthusiastic Liberal Democrats hit the streets today for the first INtogether National Day of Action for the EU referendum campaign. From Daventry to Yate to Dunfermline to Plymouth, we flew the European flag. The weather was very kind to us. My husband warned me to take a jacket into Edinburgh with me because it was going to turn nasty but it never did. We held a street stall in Morningside in Edinburgh. The BBCs Scotland editor Sarah Smith was spotted walking past it, nipping into the shops behind. Did anyone else see anyone famous as they campaigned? Anyway, here are some of the bright and busy Lib Dems in action from across the country. You can see all of them here. Let us know what you did, and particularly the sort of things people were saying to you, in the comments. Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder was in Stratford: They either cloned her or she did a whistle-stop tour round several of the stalls in London: The Leader himself was in Kendal Great to be with activists in Kendal today, making the positive, progressive case for Britain staying #INtogether pic.twitter.com/hfURf4W6AO Tim Farron (@timfarron) May 14, 2016 And Simon Hughes joined the team in London Paddy was on the Yeovil stall and he even wore the t-shirt Who needs a battlebus? The INtogether fever spread to the East Midlands: #INtogether action day three events back to back in Long Eaton, Stapleford, and Beeston. Busy day, but worth it! pic.twitter.com/bGBCBZpDeS Tim Hallam (@Tim_Hallam) May 14, 2016 Thats it. Im going to London next time: Somebody knows all the good things the EU has done on animal welfare: #StrongerIN #INtogether deploying a secret weapon at Endcliffe Park this morning pic.twitter.com/MiUCnKxh2Y Ian Turgoose (@IanTurgoose) May 14, 2016 They did it with balls in Barnstaple We dont yet know if our campaigners joined in with the Morris dancers in Windsor Well done to the Glasgow team there were a LOT of leaflets in the boxes. The #INtogether street stall in Glasgow was so popular we ran out of leaflets and gave away loads of balloons and posters! Jamie Purcell (@voiceofjamie) May 14, 2016 The team out in Dunfermline including Bryn Jones, who wrote for us the other day about his experience as a candidate Had a great time today campaing in Dunfermline to stay #INtogether in EU, with @DunfLibDems pic.twitter.com/B2bEebMAAX #EUref Bryn Jones (@YesitsBryn) May 14, 2016 Coventrys team had a pretty setting: Calderdale, is that a Stronger Economy, Fairer Society banners still in use? Here was our Morningside stall Still happy after2 hours- some very interesting conversations with people of Morningside. #INtogether pic.twitter.com/kK3wphP87x Caron Lindsay (@caronmlindsay) May 14, 2016 And when all the stalls were finished, the phone bank was still going: Finishing up my day at the Lib Dems Nerve Centre. #INtogether phone bank. Well done to everyone @LDINtogether pic.twitter.com/LFzatrqIZs Audrey Eager (@AudreyEager) May 14, 2016 * Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings A DISPUTE between Irish Cement and the Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) over the acquisition of 88 acres of land at Foynes is set to be played out in the High Court. The acquisition of the land owned by Irish Cement - is part of the port companys ambitious expansion plan which aims to achieve a 350% increase in heavy goods traffic by 2041. As part of this plan, the lands in question are to be used for indoor and outdoor storage space. In March, An Bord Pleanala ruled that SFPC could acquire the land by compulsory purchase order (CPO), despite objections by Irish Cement. However, Irish Cement is now seeking to have the order overturned and has lodged Judicial Review proceedings against the planning authority. In an oral hearing which took place in December, representatives for Irish Cement outlined a number of grounds for objecting to the order. During the hearing, they raised concerns that the port expansion plan was not based in reality. They also questioned whether the need for the extra storage space had been clearly demonstrated. It was claimed during the hearing that there had been no attempt to analyse storage requirement with comparative data from other ports. A legal representative for Irish Cement also denied that the company was holding SFPC to ransom over the sale of the land, which is located to the east and south of the existing port. However, following the hearing an An Bord Pleanala inspector recommended the CPO be granted on the basis that the acquisition of the lands was necessary in order to implement the harbour development plan. The case is due to come back before the High Court next month. HAVE you ever interviewed a ghost? It is surprisingly easy. This one has a bushy beard, lives in Ballina and is heading to Barcelona on holiday. His name is Ger OSullivan. He should be dead. The Castleconnell man fell 60 feet from a tower onto concrete but lived to tell the tale. Four years ago this May he jetted off to America on a J1 visa with his friends. Two months later he died twice on the operating table in Grand Strand Medical Centre in Myrtle Beach after somehow surviving the accident. It was just an ordinary day at the amusement park where he worked on the zip-line attraction. Ger forgot to hook in to the safety rope, stepped back and went over the edge. His injuries and recovery from them have defined his last four years but he is not letting them define his life. Twenty-six surgical procedures put the 26-year-old back together. His mother, Maureen, spelt out the word survive using metal taken out of his body. The artwork, pictured, hangs on his sitting room wall. Today, he is the picture of health. I can do everything I want, mostly. I cant run, play sport or kick a ball but I can do pretty much everything else. I can drive my car, I can still walk around town - I might have to stop, sit down, have a cup of coffee and then start walking again. I go to the gym to do physio and everything is tailored to what my body can withstand and what is safe for it. I have a pretty normal lifestyle which is why I am so grateful and happy, said Ger. He puts it perfectly in a powerful piece he wrote for ULs Ogham Stone literary magazine: It is the best possible outcome from the worst possible accident. Gers injuries included compound fracture of the tibia and fibia in his left leg, right ankle broken into pieces, shattered pelvis - it was separated from his spine - broken right elbow and multiple organ failure. Fifteen pints of blood were pumped into him. I should be dead, that is what it comes down to. It is literally as simple as that. If I fell off that tower again 100 times out of 100 I would die. There is no logical explanation to why I survived it. It just doesnt make sense. I always regard it as luck and timing - they were huge factors in my survival. I was in the hospital in 13 minutes. There was a team of doctors waiting for me. As much as my percentage of survival was low I had the best possible chance because I was there so quickly and they were working so quickly on me. They were fantastic. Ger literally landed on his feet. When I realised I was falling backwards I turned my whole body and I landed straight down just on my right side - that is why my right foot is as bad as it is. I didnt bang my head or land on my back or I would have been killed instantly, said Ger, who hopes to go on to be a teacher after completing a Degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Masters in English in UL. But while Gers story does have a happy ending he went through hell to get there. Days, weeks and months were spent lying in a hospital bed unable to communicate or move while in excruciating pain and he wondered, Was it worth being alive? It was a long, slow process from getting out of a bed, into a wheelchair, moving onto a walker and eventually a cane. There were a few dark, depressing days but I had good support from friends and family - the kind of support where they wouldnt let you get too down. There was a lot of encouragement. You feed off their energy and if they are all in good humour why am I being cranky? It is understandable to be cranky but I never let it get on top of me where I wasnt able to pull myself out of it. Being in ICU the first time around was the hardest thing for me and when I was put back into a wheelchair after my second set of operations in the States in 2013. My depression would come with anger and shortness. I would be very short with people. Id be very cranky with what I would perceive to be stupid questions. People complaining about little things would really annoy me. Thats what would make me down and upset me. It wasnt even the pain or the physical injuries - they were a factor but that is what I struggled with the most, mentally. However, his mentality hasnt changed. Im pretty much the same fellow I always was. I dont ever crib or give out anymore. Dont get me wrong, there are still days when I am extremely sore, in a lot of pain and have to lie in bed or on the couch all day. If I am on my feet for most of the day the next day is nearly always a write-off. There are days like that but Im grand the day after. Ger has been back to the the hospital for the unveiling of a painting donated by his brothers partner Helen Seego. He is still in contact with his doctors and nurses. From hardship grew friendship. Im obviously very appreciative, they saved my life. He and his girlfriend, Megan Hampson, went to New York last year and they flew down to Myrtle Beach. The tower looms large on the Kings highway. It is high! It is very very high! It is what it is. I didnt go up up to the top of the tower or anything like that. I was joking with my mam that I would go over on the zip line but she wasnt too impressed! I didnt see the tower and start quivering in fear or having flashbacks. The tower is the tower. One thing he noticed is that there is now a big net where he fell. I dont hold a grudge towards that. Im glad its there now. I fell because I didnt hook in. It was my human error but there was no back up. The Berkeley balcony collapse tragedy touched the whole of Ireland as everybody has either been or knows someone who worked abroad in their student days. For Ger it was very close to home. I didnt enjoy hearing or reading about it. It brought back a few memories but it is incomparable really. A lot of people said to me would you not contact the survivors? and I said no, what am I going to do?. They have lost friends, that is the last thing someone wants to hear when they are in a hospital bed in the States that somebody is doing well. I was told a story about a bride and her husband on their wedding day getting blown off a cliff by the wind when they were taking pictures. I was lying in a hospital bed thinking why are you telling me that story for?. I would think it would be disrespectful, personally, to try and contact them to give them a gee up. My accident was a tragedy for my family and friends. Berkeley was a tragedy for them. When I heard the news it was very upsetting. That could have been me, it puts into perspective and just how fortunate I was. He knows there are more surgeries to come but has no complaints. Everything is normal for me again. I wouldnt say acceptance or anything like that, it is just my normality. There are a lot more people worse off than me. There are a lot of people struggling with a lot more serious things than a couple of aches and pains I get during the day. I wouldnt make a big fuss about it, just drive on. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Photos by Randall Vasquez. Legendary Rock band Pearl Jam returned to Toronto on May 12th for there 14th show in Toronto; Our first time playing Toronto in October of 1991 we played 7 songs that night. So tonight were gonna play 9, at least maybe 10, 11, 12, 20 and they then played 33 songs. I am sure there are more ways to describe this show than this, but Im saying that this show was f****** incredible. The show began around 8:45pm as it took what felt like forever for people to filter into the arena. There was such an energy of excitement and happiness in the room before the band even went on, in a sense it was almost comforting. When the band took the stage, it was just absolutely insane. The entire audience was cheering and clapping for an extended period of time; there was such a strong appreciation. It gave me such a feeling almost similar to when people are hooting and hollering during the National Anthem right before a Chicago Blackhawks game; it was crazy. The band got right to it opening with Go, the opening track from their 1993 album Vs. This is definitely one of their heavier tracks, which I really enjoyed as an opener because it got the crowd even more excited.They then dedicated their 6th track Evacuation, to Firefighters and Lifesavers because of the Fort McMurray tragedy. Vedder went on to explain that the band had decided to donate some profit from the Toronto shows to the occurrence in Alberta, which is amazing. Eddie Vedder is probably one of the most outspoken and passionate artists that I have ever seen live. Pearl Jam is most definitely one of the best concerts that I have ever seen, because they have so much passion to be there doing what they are doing. It really blew my mind that Vedder had more energy than half of the artists that I have seen live, and are less than half his age. Its great to see a band that has been around for such an extended period of time, and still enjoy it just as much as they always have. At one point Vedder forgot the chorus and had to start over but he had such a comical and accurate explanation: The thing about vinyl records is that sometimes they skip, then went onto play the song. It was cool to see him make light of this situation. Throughout the show their were several amazing guitar solos, hooks, and breakdowns. My favourite guitar solo was during Even Flow- that entire presentation absolutely blew my mind. Mike Mcready played the best guitar solo I have ever seen live in my entire life. Everything was so spot on and distinct, he even played the guitar behind his head while being in the crowd, and if you werent looking you would never know that he was basically crowd surfing. The only critique I really would have about Even Flow was that, it was very rushed. I feel that Vedder is so used to playing the song and perhaps doesnt even enjoy it, or at least thats the vibe I received. The tempo was rushed and it felt like he was just trying to get through it, aside from Mcreadys hook at the end of the song. Otherwise, still a well done performance. Let Me Sleep was a beautifully done performance. Acoustics were extremely distinct and guitar was very defined, and the emotion was portrayed so well overall. Also, drums were done perfectly soft and not overdone, nor underdone. I had such an appreciation for the bands interaction with the crowd throughout the show. They would often give the microphone to fans and let them take over, and would acknowledge the entire arena as much as they could, including the seats that were behind the stage. Before ukulele track Soon Forget, Vedder went on to explain that this song was about a wealthy guy whos a miserable fuck and made you feel embarrassed to be a human when you saw what he did with his good fortune. This was more of a general theory but now I realize that its exactly about Donald Trump, which everyone got a laugh out of. My favourite performances were Mind Your Manners, their cover of Pink Floyds Comfortably Numb, and Black of course. All songs were done ever so perfectly with perfect instrumentals, amazing emotion and vocals, and a large amount of crowd appreciation. I am so appreciative for being able to attend this show, and I will most definitely see them again if I have a chance. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. Check out our latest E-Edition Accessible anytime and anywhere on your desktop, tablet and smart phone devices. The Lodi News e-Edition is enhanced with the latest digital tools, including RSS feeds, social networking and much more. Check out our latest E-edition! New Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources Denis Naughten has pledged to ensure semi state firms like Bord na Mona pay close attention to feedback from public consultation in its bid to move away from peat production. Minister Naughten, who was appointed to Enda Kenny's new look cabinet last Friday made the comments in relation to Bord na Mona's plans to build a multi million euro wind farm in south Longford. The former Fine Gael TD, said it was imperative the Government did not rely solely on wind energy. All of the TDs in the midlands feel strongly about this and would have raised it consistently in the Dail, he said. Alongside climate change, the Roscommon based father of four said he was keen to ensure other options such as solar and biomass form part of Ireland's renewable energy outlook. Wind energy has to form part of an overall suite of renewable energy, he added. Wind will be an element of that, but should we be putting all our eggs in the one basket? No I don't think we should. Minister Naughten said he was well aware of the concerns homeowners had in connection to the establishment of wind turbines. He said an important step in underpinning greater transparency on the issue was contained in the Government's programme for government. That will be approved by Cabinet on Wednesday (today) and in that programme is a commitment that the Government, as a matter of urgency, bring in the new planning guidelines. Mr Naughten confessed to being on auto pilot since news of his elevation to Cabinet was made known last Friday. However, the Roscommon/Galway TD said he remained very much committed to ensuring the right balance is struck in meeting Ireland's energy targets while also taking on board the views and concerns of its citizens. I will be saying to Bord na Mona and Coillte, who have been involved from a semi state point of view, that community consulatation will have to form an integral part (in addressing the issue of climate change), he said. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: In the span of just 16 months, we have seen the arrest, prosecution, conviction, and sentencing of both leaders of the New York State legislature. The nearly simultaneous convictions of Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos, whose corruption crimes were laid bare during fair and public trials, have no precedent. And while Silver and Skelos deserve their prison sentences, the people of New York deserve better. These cases show and history teaches that the most effective corruption investigations are those that are truly independent and not in danger of either interference or premature shutdown. That will continue to be our guiding principle in exposing and punishing corruption throughout New York. I thank the career investigators and prosecutors in my office, as well as FBI Assistant Director Diego Rodriguez and his entire team for their tremendous work in these two landmark prosecutions. All New Yorkers who believe in clean government owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. According to the evidence introduced at trial, court filings, and statements made in Manhattan federal court: From 2011 to 2015, Dean Skelos served as Majority Leader and Co-Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, a position that gave him significant power over the operation of New York State government. Dean Skelos repeatedly used this power to pressure companies with business before New York State to make payments to his son, Adam Skelos, who substantially depended on these companies for his income. Dean Skelos and Adam Skelos were able to secure these illegal payments through implicit and explicit representations that Dean Skelos would use his official position to benefit those who made the payments, and punish those who did not. In total, Dean Skelos obtained over $300,000 in payments to Adam Skelos through persistent and repeated pressure applied to senior executives of three different companies that needed legislation passed in the New York State Senate and other official actions from Dean Skelos. The Glenwood Scheme Beginning in late 2010, and continuing for approximately two years, Dean Skelos repeatedly solicited payments for Adam Skelos from representatives of Glenwood Management Corp. (Glenwood), a major New York City real estate company. Dean Skeloss solicitations for payments to Adam Skelos took place during the same meetings when Glenwoods representatives were asking for Dean Skeloss assistance with New York State legislation that was crucial to Glenwoods profitability. As a result of the sustained pressure from Dean Skelos, representatives of Glenwood arranged for a $20,000 direct payment to Adam Skelos and further arranged for Abtech Industries (Abtech), an Arizona-based stormwater technology company in which Glenwoods founding family owned a stake, to make $4,000 monthly payments to Adam Skelos. Glenwood arranged for these payments to Adam Skelos due to the companys substantial dependence on Dean Skelos for real estate tax abatements and other real estate legislation favorable to Glenwood, and based in part on statements from Dean Skelos that he would punish those in the real estate industry who defied him. The Abtech Scheme After successfully obtaining Adam Skelos Abtech consulting contract for $4,000 per month, Dean Skelos assisted Abtech in causing Nassau County to issue a request for proposal (RFP) for a public works project that was tailored to Abtechs stormwater technology. Dean Skelos and Adam Skelos then threatened to use Dean Skeloss official powers to block Abtechs bid for the RFP unless the company sharply increased Adam Skeloss payments. Abtech ultimately agreed to increase Adam Skelos payments to $10,000 per month because the company feared that, if it did not meet the defendants demands, it would lose the Nassau County contract that was critical to its business. In return for the payments to Adam Skelos, and to ensure that they would continue, Dean Skelos facilitated the approval of Abtechs $12 million contract with Nassau County and thereafter took numerous additional official actions to benefit Abtech. For example, when Abtech and Adam Skelos believed Nassau County was insufficiently funding the companys project, Dean Skelos pressured Nassau County officials to make additional funds available. In January 2015, Dean Skelos was intercepted in a call with the Nassau County Executive in which he asked for an explanation for the lack of funding, complaining on behalf of Adam Skelos that somebody feels like theyre getting jerked around the last two years. The next day, Dean Skelos traveled with the County Executive and his Deputy to the funeral of a New York City Police Department officer, where Dean Skelos reiterated in person his demand that the County expedite payments to Abtech. Dean Skelos also used his official position in an attempt to direct a portion of a $5.4 billion sum that the State had recovered in litigation with financial services companies (the Settlement Funds) in a way that would benefit water projects and contracts that were being pursued by Abtech. For example, at the same time Adam Skelos was attempting to obtain additional Abtech stormwater projects with local municipalities by claiming that the projects could be funded through State funds, Dean Skelos was advocating for a portion of the Settlement Funds to be allocated for stormwater projects. Dean Skelos also used his official position in an attempt to enact State design-build legislation that was being sought by Abetch and that Nassau County officials had explained was necessary to implement fully the $12 million contract with Abtech. Nassau County officials provided Dean Skelos with proposed legislation that Dean Skelos stated he would support if backed by the Governor. In a recorded call on Adam Skeloss burner phone, Adam Skelos told a representative of Abtech that Dean Skelos had privately assured Adam Skelos that Dean Skelos was going to be sure that [the design-build legislation] gets done. Later, Adam Skelos told Abtechs representatives that while design-build legislation would not be enacted as part of the April 2015 budget process,Dean Skelos would continue to pursue it in the legislative session continuing through June 2015. The defendants were arrested in May 2015 before their plan to enact the legislation could be completed. The PRI Scheme During the same time period as the Glenwood and Abtech schemes, Dean Skelos pressured yet a third company, called Physician Reciprocal Insurers (PRI), to pay Adam Skelos. PRI is a major medical malpractice insurance firm, whose existence depends on New York State legislation that exempts the firm from being liquidated even though its liabilities exceed its assets. Similar to the Glenwood scheme, Dean Skelos solicited payments to Adam Skelos from PRI during the same conversations when PRI was seeking Dean Skeloss support for the extension of this legislation that was critical to PRIs business. In response to the pressure from Dean Skelos to find sources of payment to Adam Skelos, PRI agreed to, among other things, give Adam Skelos a full-time job with benefits. Even though Adam Skelos was expected to work 40 hours per week, he treated his PRI position as a no show job from the outset of his employment. When Adam Skelos supervisor told Adam Skelos that he was expected to show up to work, Adam Skelos berated him and told him [g]uys like you . . . couldnt shine my shoes. . . . And if you talk to me like that again, I will smash your fucking head in. When the CEO of PRI told Dean Skelos that Adam Skelos was not showing up to work and was mistreating the other employees, Dean Skelos expressed no concern about Adam Skelos conduct and simply told the CEO to [w]ork [it] out. Based on this conversation, among others, the CEO understood that if he did not continue to pay Adam Skelos, despite his non-performance and misconduct at work, he was risking Dean Skelos taking legislative action against PRI. Later, when former Senator Alphonse DAmato, one of PRIs lobbyists, reiterated to Dean Skelos that Adam Skelos was not showing up to work and was being disruptive when he actually did show up, Dean Skelos also dismissed Senator DAmatos concerns and told him that Adam Skelos needed the income and benefits from PRI. Dean Skelos did not inform any of the companies he pressured to pay Adam Skelos that, between 2011 and 2014, Adam Skelos was making between $230,000 and $441,000 per year. During the time period that PRI was paying Adam Skelos, Dean Skelos repeatedly voted to extend PRIs legislative protection from liquidation as well as other legislation that was being sought by PRI. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Wood ordered Dean Skelos, 68, of Rockville Centre, New York, to pay a $500,000 fine, forfeit $334,120, and pay a $800 special assessment fee. Dean Skelos also was sentenced to one year of supervised release. In imposing a fine on Dean Skelos, Judge Wood took into account the tax-payer funded pension that Dean Skelos would be receiving. Judge Wood ordered Adam Skelos, 33, also of Rockville Centre, to forfeit $334,120, pay a $800 special assessment, and serve three years of supervised release. Dean Skelos and Adam Skelos were found guilty by a unanimous jury on December 11, 2015, of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, three counts of extortion under color of official right, and three counts of soliciting and receiving bribes. U.S. Attorney Bharara praised the work of the Criminal Investigators of the United States Attorneys Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who jointly conducted this investigation. This case was prosecuted by the Offices Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Masimore, Rahul Mukhi, Tatiana R. Martins, and Thomas A. McKay are in charge of the prosecution. Looking to stay up to date about all of the news stories and local headlines that are important to Long Islanders? We've rounded up the top coverage for all of the important topics from multiple sources around Long Island, so you can be sure you've got the most recent update on the top stories for Long Island. Have an idea for a news story? Email us at news@longisland.com Columnists Press Releases Hezbollah said an investigation shows that its military commander, Mustafa Badreddine, died on May 12 in rebel artillery shelling at Damascus International Airport. However, an independent news organization that diligently monitors the Syrian civil war said that rebel groups have not launched artillery strikes against the airport in days. No rebel group has claimed responsibility for killing Hezbollahs top military leader, making it likely Badreddine was killed in an Israeli airstrike. A statement released by Hezbollah said that blast which targeted one of our positions near the Damascus International Airport and led to the martyrdom of Sayyed Zulfikar [Badreddine], the martyr leaders nom de guerre, was caused by an artillery bombardment carried out by Takfiri groups stationed in the region, Al Manar reported. The outcome of the investigation will only increase our determination and will to continue the fight against these criminal gangs and deal them a mighty blow so that we fulfill the martyrs wishes and advices [sic] to his Mujahideen brothers, Hezbollah continued. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) disputed Hezbollahs findings, claiming that it did not observe any artillery attacks on the airport, and its sources within the Syrian military and rebel groups in the city denied shelling the airport. SOHR was informed by reliable sources in rebels in Eastern Ghouta and by sources in regime forces, that rebels didnt fire any single shells or rocket on the international airport of Damascus during the past few days, as no shells have been observed targeting the area by the SOHR, the Observatory noted on its Facebook page. There is no truth about what have been published by Hezbollah about the assassination of its military commander in Syria Mustafa Bader by rebel shells near the international airport of Damascus, SOHR concluded. Badreddines death has not been claimed by the various jihadist and rebel groups that operate in and around Damascus. Given his history and stature within Hezbollah and his importance in the fighting in Syria, it is hard to imagine that the group responsible for shelling the airport and killing Badreddine would not brag about it. Badreddine, who had four decades of experience with Hezbollah and cut his teeth by being an explosive expert for the 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing in Beirut which killed 241 American servicemen, is widely thought to have been killed by Israeli warplanes. The Israeli government and military, too, have been silent about any involvement in killing Badreddine. The Israelis have good reason to target Badreddine. He was involved in planning military operations against Israeli forces in Lebanon from 1992 up until the IDF withdrew in 2000, and was responsible for the ambush that kill of 12 elite commandos from the Shayetet 13. After the Israelis abandoned Lebanon, Badreddine when on to direct Hezbollahs activities against US and Coalition forces in Iraq and then the groups military operations in Syria. [See LWJ report, Storied Hezbollah commander killed in Syria, for details on Badreddine.] Badreddine would not be the first Hezbollah leader killed in Syria by the Israelis. His predecessor, Imad Mughniyah, was thought to have been killed by Israeli agents in a bombing in Damascus in February 2008. Israel has capitalized on the chaos spawned by Syrias civil war to launch airstrikes against Hezbollah in Syria. Jihad Mughniyah, Imads son, and Mohamed Ahmed Issa, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in January 2015. And in December 2015, an Israeli airstrike killed Samir Quntar, a notorious mid-level Hezbollah commander who brutally murdered an Israeli father and his four-year-old child in 1979. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) For years, some Cambodian media have referred to the countrys longtime leader simply as Prime Minister Hun Sen. Authorities are now warning that has to stop. The Information Ministry said Thursday that starting in August, all media must use his full honorary title Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen in the opening lines of print articles, radio and TV stories about the leader. Hun Sens 6-word official title translates roughly to Lord Prime Minister and Supreme Military Commander. The rule also applies to several ruling party officials and first lady Bun Rany, who also have formal honorary titles. The new rule appeared aimed specifically at media viewed by the government as pro-opposition and pro-Western. Pro-government media generally highlight Hun Sens formal title. Massachusetts nonprofit workers earned some of the highest wages in the country throughout the recession and on average made more than employees at for-profit companies, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And while the benefits of those high incomes are not universal, the wage and employment numbers are a sign of Massachusetts vibrant nonprofit sector, said Jim Klocke, CEO of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, adding that the commonwealth is fortunate to have strong charitable organizations spread throughout its communities and not just benefiting one or two urban hubs. We think thats the single best measure of scale and impact and economic benefits, he said. You dont get to have one of the largest nonprofit sectors in the country if its all concentrated in one city or one sub-sector. From 2007 to 2012, the years covered in the data, Massachusetts nonprofit employment grew 6 percent from 473,000 jobs to nearly 502,000 jobs, about 17 percent of the workforce. Only the District of Columbia had higher average annual wages for nonprofit workers than Massachusetts $66,053 in 2012 compared to $57,825. That does not take into account, however, the generally higher costs for housing and goods in Massachusetts. And in some sectors, Massachusetts nonprofit wages were below the national average. With the higher cost of living in Massachusetts, its difficult for nonprofit workers, especially entry level nonprofit workers, to do those jobs, said Elizabeth Cannon, executive director of the Lowell Association for the Blind and the Nonprofit Alliance of Greater Lowell. Thats why theres so much turnover. As The Sun has previously reported, executives at some Massachusetts hospitals earn multi-million-dollar compensation packages. The typical nursing assistant, however, earned about $30,000 last year, according to the BLS. By most measures, the portrait painted of Massachusetts nonprofit sector is positive for the whole state, said Monica Galizzi, an economics professor at UMass Lowell. Even though some smaller organizations with tighter budgets might prefer that the going rate for employees was lower, they experience a net benefit in high income regions. For some, they would prefer to be working in the areas where they pay lower wages, but at the same time, if youre working in areas with lower wages youre less likely to have donors, Galizzi said. As a whole, New Englands nonprofit sector appears to have weathered the recession well. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, and Rhode Island were all in the top 12 states, as far as nonprofit employment as a percentage of total private-sector jobs. That is due in large part to New Engalnds plethora of world-class hospitals and institutions of higher education. Across the country, most nonprofit jobs are in the health-care and education industries, but Massachusetts has consistently employed more nonprofit healthcare and education workers than much larger states like Texas and Florida. The education industry is one of the oldest industries in the country and it started in New England, Klocke said. You tend to have large health-care sectors in regions where there are universities. New England economies have really grown up around health care and education in many ways. Follow Todd Feathers on Twitter and Tout @ToddFeathers. Luton is a large town, borough and unitary authority area of Bedfordshire. Luton and its near neighbours, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, form the Luton/Dunstable Urban Area with a population of about 258,000. Luton is home to Championship team Luton Town Football Club, London Luton Airport and The University of Bedfordshire. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter. For all the latest news from Luton sign up to our newsletter here. There is a tried-and-sorry-still-untrue pundit philosophy that says Because I have no need for a thing personally, I can see no reason why this device should exist. Writing for The Street, Ed Ponsi wants to second that emotion, wherein the emotion is Apple Watch fail. I Second The Apple Watch Critics. I dont have much to add to them, I just want to throw more garbage on the existing garbage fire of condemning the most popular device in its particular category. Ill always defend the company when it gets things right, and that happens the vast majority of the time. However, I have no defense for the Apple Watch, at least in its current form. None? Zero? Zip? Null? Nada? How hard would you say you tried to find one? On a scale of not at all to meh. Its pretty, and it provides the time of day just as accurately as any cellphone. As a fitness tracker, its on par products from competitors such as Fitbit. In other words, there is no compelling reason to buy it. Why buy this thing when you can buy other things?! You cant argue with that logic. Because its not logic, its a ham and crazy sandwich on guuurrrl-what-are-you-even-talking-about bread. Why eat paella when sand is technically digestible? Why open doors when smashing through things like the Kool-Aid guy works just as well? Except the Watch does more than every Fitbit device, including the Blaze. It is certainly hard to defend a device when you ignore all of its advantages. The Macalopes not sure why youd do that, but that is true. Ponsis biggest complaint about it is what it doesnt currently do: It doesnt detect blood glucose levels and it doesnt detect whether or not the wearer is having a heart attack. Would it be nice if the Watch had these things? Sure. However, you can find some ways in which the Watch with its current feature set is helping people, if you try just a little bit. Both Steven Aquino and Molly Watt have written recently about how the Apple Watch has improved their lives through its accessibility features. While it could certainly stand to be improved, the Watch has already made many lives better. Ponsi seems to have not looked outside of his personal experience before dismissing it. The last thing the Apple Watch should be is a mere watch. Areductionistsayswhat? The Macalopes Watch face currently has five complications on it. He uses it to quickly see messages when hes driving so he can decide if he should pull over to respond. He use it to listen to music when running. Timers, adding things to store lists, weather information, solving quick math questions, none of the previous mere watches the horny one previously owned could do any of these. Perhaps weve been spoiled by Apple Indeed! And allow Ponsi to demonstrate exactly that. The watch presented an opportunity for Apple to do more than just entertain us, or help us communicate. It gave the company an opportunity to create a product that could save lives. Because it doesnt literally save lives, its a failure. By that standard everything that is not a medical measurement instrument or device that implements a medical procedure is a failure. COOL STANDARD, BRO. WHERE CAN ONE SUBSCRIBE TO MORE UNREASONABLE STANDARDS? Is the Apple Watch perfect? No! Good God, no. Its slow, Siri is spotty, a lot of apps are klunky and the single click on the side button is dedicated to something youre unlikely to ever use. Yet, somehow, the Macalope relies on his Watch all the time. And, guess what, his opinion of it doesnt really matter, either. What matters is if people are buying it. And, compared to other devices in its category, they are. The Air Forces top officer has selected a biography written by an Air Force Reservist for inclusion on the Chief of Staff Reading List 2016. At All Costs by Chief Master Sgt. Matt Proietti tells the life and death story of Medal of Honor recipient Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Dick Etchberger. Its Proiettis first book and has a narrative fit for Hollywood. Etchberger was a ground radar superintendent during the Vietnam War and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2010, 42 years after he was killed in March 1968. He was shot while riding in a rescue helicopter following an overnight battle at a mountaintop in Laos, where he helped maintain a secret radar site that aided the U.S. bombing campaign in North Vietnam. The CSAF Professional Reading Program was created in 1996 by General Ronald Fogleman to develop a common frame of reference among Air Force members -- officers, enlisted, and civilians -- to help every Airman become better, more effective advocates of air and space power. Each CSAF since then has enhanced and continued the Professional Reading Program. The current CSAF is Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. To view the CSAF Reading List 2016, visit: http://static.dma.mil/usaf/csafreadinglist/ Proietti, who is an Individual Mobilization Augmentee, began his journey to write At All Costs in 2008 while he was filling in as chief of the Air Force news team in Washington, D.C. The staff heard rumblings that Etchberger might be nominated for the Medal of Honor. He asked his team of junior writers if anyone was interested in researching and preparing an article on the Vietnam War hero. Knowing their supervisor was a history buff, they suggested he take it on himself. As Proietti began learning more about Etchberger, he became intrigued with the life and career of the man who was credited with saving the lives of two fellow Airmen during the battle for Lima Site 85, one of dozens of dirt airstrips maintained by the CIA as part of its Air America network. He started his research by traveling to Hamburg, Pennsylvania, Etchbergers hometown. It was there that he met high school friends and family members of the Airman. What he learned was that the future Medal of Honor recipient led a life focused on helping others long before his actions that earned him the nations highest honor for military valor. I got really excited about the story, and I knew one [article] just wouldnt be enough, he said. From his initial research, Proietti crafted a three-part series on his own time after his Washington duty orders ended. He would have been done with the story at that point except Cory Etchberger, one of the late chiefs three sons, reached out to him to ask if he was interested in working with him to write a book about his father. Cory said he contacted Proietti after reading his articles. Lots of people have written articles about Dad, but Matt is the only one who got every detail right, he said. Cory Etchberger, a 25-year veteran of the college lectern, started work on the book in 2006 and had done research, gathered a contact list and developed an outline. However, because he lacked a strong writing background, he knew he would need some help. He talked to his brother, Richard, and they agreed that Proietti was the man for the job. Despite his rookie status as an author, Proietti had plenty of writing chops to qualify him for the job. He is a 31-year veteran of the Public Affairs career field who has won the Department of Defenses coveted Thomas Jefferson Award for communications four times. He began writing in grade school, and when the Air Force gave him the opportunity to write professionally, he couldnt believe it. Not a week goes by that Im not thankful to the Air Force for giving me the opportunity to write, said Proietti. After transition to the Air Force Reserve in 1988, he spent a decade working as a community newspaper editor in Southern California. Since becoming a traditional reservist, and later an IMA, Proietti has served in a variety of roles, writing, editing and mentoring young writers. Until recently he was the reserve assistant to the Public Affairs career field manager at the Pentagon. He is now assigned to 3rd Combat Camera Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas and on extended active duty as Public Affairs manager for the Air Force Reserve Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. He said his role as a chief master sergeant gave Proietti a unique understanding of the responsibilities Etchberger would have had as an enlisted leader. Proiettis first met Cory in 2009 at his then-home in Switzerland. They went through his fathers old service records and what unfolded, as the GI interpreted them for the late chiefs son, was a clearer picture of the career of an outstanding Airman. The biographer said he became fascinated by the narrative because so many Medal of Honor stories are about young Airmen who made a split decision to do something heroic, while the story of Dick Etchberger revealed the full career of a man who lived the Air Force core values, was a good wingman, and was loved and respected by superiors and subordinates alike. Two years after Proiettis research began, President Obama approved the Medal of Honor for Etchberger, presenting it to his sons during a White House ceremony Sept. 21, 2010. (Ceremony: https://youtu.be/HrQCVCWT_HQ) The initial plan was for Proietti and Cory to co-write the book, but as the project progressed, they decided it would be best for the Air Force writer to take over the pen. He spent the next several years doing research, spending hours at the Lyndon B. Johnson presidential library in Austin, Texas, and interviewing and writing letters with Etchbergers former supervisors and the men whose lives he saved, including retired Tech. Sgt. John G. Daniel of La Junta, Colorado. He should have a 55-gallon drum full of medals. I wouldnt be alive without him, said Daniel. In the hours preceding his death, Etchberger defended the Lima Site 85 radar camp against an attack from North Vietnamese special forces. Etchberger used a handheld radio to call for a rescue and air strikes. According to Daniel, they basically had to call air strikes in on themselves, figuring they were dead men anyway. Etchberger, Daniel and Capt. Stan Sliz survived the night by returning small arms fire and exchanging grenades with the enemy. When the light of day finally brought a CIA rescue chopper, Etchberger repeatedly exposed himself to heavy fire while helping Daniel and Sliz, both of whom had suffered serious injuries, onto an Air America rescue helicopter. Daniel lost consciousness as soon as he was aboard. After ensuring his men were safely loaded, Etchburger joined them. As the helicopter peeled away, an enemy round pierced the floor and hit Etchberger, resulting in serious internal injuries and bleeding. He died by the time the aircraft reached safety. Daniel, who was unconscious until the next day, was confused by the news of Etchbergers death. It didnt make sense to me. He was the only one who wasnt injured (that night). I thought, what the hell? said Daniel. He told me, Ill be right up. Ill see you in a minute. Proietti, who traveled on military business a good deal over the last five years, said he would work on the story everywhere he went. The biography was written on airplanes, in hotel rooms and on weekends at his home in the hills outside of Sacramento, California. Finally, on December 1, 2014, Proietti said he officially finished writing and began proof reading. Fellow public affairs IMA Senior Master Sgt. Ray Sarracino created the cover illustration, which features a full-length photograph of Etchberger in his uniform, the Medal of Honor and a map of Laos and North Vietnam. The book went to press in early 2015; 5,000 copies paid for by the Etchberger Foundation, which will receive half the profits. The foundation will use the proceeds to educate others about the life and sacrifice of its namesake, provide leadership and service awards to ROTC students, and to assist Air Force families in financial need. Cory said hes pleased with the book and credits Proiettis ability to ask the right questions and build historical context with creating an accurate portrayal of his father. He hopes that those who read At All Costs will come away inspired to continue his fathers legacy of helping others. With the first edition of the book in print, Proietti is now working on a screen adaptation and will have a draft version of a script completed this spring. He also hopes to write more books in the future, including works of fiction. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) formally commissioned Navy Headquarters South Queensland as HMAS Moreton today in a ceremony steeped in tradition. The Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, together with Senators Joanna Lindgren and Chris Ketter, joined the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, to mark the significant and rare occasion. The Navy last commissioned an establishment in 1978 and todays transition of Navy Headquarters South Queensland to HMAS Moreton recognises the enduring relationship Navy has with Brisbane, Vice Admiral Barrett said. Navy will grow this establishment with new facilities and Moreton will continue to support Navy operations that have been undertaken in the area for over a century. Moreton provides administrative support for Navy members in the area, supporting Australian and foreign warship and military visits, promoting the service through community engagement, and maintaining facilities for Naval Reserve activities. The base was a key support hub for the recovery effort following the 2011 Brisbane floods. The establishment has a small permanent Navy contingent and is home to a number of Reserve units including Dive Team 8 and the Queensland detachment of the Navy Band. The facilities also accommodate the Australian Navy Cadet Training Ship Gayundah. The Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Tedman, DSM, OAM, RAN, said he looked forward to a new chapter in Navys presence in south Queensland. This is an exciting time as we embark on considerable upgrades to our base that will strengthen our ability to support all Navy members in the region and serve the wider Brisbane community, Commander Tedman said. This is the third time the name Moreton has been bestowed on an establishment in the Brisbane area and as a local boy Im proud to be part of that history. I joined the Navy in Brisbane as a 15 year old Junior Recruit and 43 years later finishing my full-time career commanding Moreton is a privilege, he said. The commissioning ceremony concluded with a fly past from a Bell 429 helicopter from 723 Squadron in Nowra. Restrictions on Iranian tankers insurance have been removed and the countrys crude carriers are now allowed to enter any oil terminal in the world, National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC)'s CEO Ali Akbar Safaee said. With the resolution of insurance problems, international insurance institutes have expanded their coverage to Iranian vessels, which can now berth at all ports,he said. Accordingly, all tankers that are under Irans ownership as well as any [foreign] tanker that enters Irans ports will not have any problem with regards to the issue of insurance," he added. He explained that in the wake of the removal of the sanctions foreign ships are also now able to dock at the Iranian ports. He further pointed out that the Iranian shipping lines are in talks with international insurance companies to use their services. Iran has already resumed shipments to Europe, though apparently not by its own tankers. In February, three international vessels loaded a total of 4 million barrels of oil purchased by French major Total, Spanish refiner Cepsa and Lukoil, Russia's second largest oil producer. Iran owns the worlds largest oil transportation fleet consisting of 70 tankers that include 42 VLCCs (very large crude carriers), each able to carry 2 million barrels of oil. Some media reports say Iran has put orders for the construction of 20 VLCCs with Chinese companies which have delivered them over the past two and half years. APM Terminals, the port terminal operator arm of Danish shipping conglomerate AP Moller-Maersk A/S, has signed an agreement to enlarge 10 STS cranes at its Pier 400 facility in the Port of Los Angeles. The 10 STS cranes will be the tallest in service at any port in the United States, capable of handling ultra-large containerships with capacities of up to 20,000 TEUs, according to port terminal operator APM Terminals. The contract was signed at a ceremony held at the APM Terminals Pier 400 Los Angeles facility,the worlds largest proprietary container terminal, by representatives of APM Terminals and Shanghai-based ZPMC, which has been selected to perform the crane modifications on the terminals existing Noell STS cranes. After the modifications designed by the original crane manufacturer, Terex-Noell, the 10 STS cranes will become the tallest in the USA. Following the very successful handling of the 18,000 TEU CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin at Pier 400 last December, the first call of a vessel of that size to any North American port, APM Terminals is continuing to lead the way with the infrastructure investment necessary to meet the needs of our customers, and the evolving requirements of American seaborne trade said APM Terminals Los Angeles Managing Director Steve Trombley, who signed the contract on behalf of APM Terminals. Another feature of the upgraded cranes will be the installation of Light Emitting Diode (LED) illumination, which will improve visibility,and accuracy of the cranes associated Optical Character Recognition (OCR) programs, as well as reducing energy use by 60% compared with the previous conventional lighting system. When the Benjamin Franklin arrived at Los Angeles in the last week of December 2015,containers were stacked seven levels-high on-deck, reducing the effective vessel capacity to 15,000 TEUs during that call. While docked at APM Terminals Pier 400 between the morning of Saturday, December 26th and the evening of Tuesday, December 29th approximately 1,500 longshoremen worked 56 hours to load and unload 11,229 containers (both 20 and 40), while employing a record nine STS cranes on the vessel at the same time. The previous record for the largest vessel to call the terminal prior to the Benjamin Franklin was the 15,000 TEU Maersk Edmondo, arriving only four days prior. More recently,Maersk Edmondo called Pier 400 again in April, with 10,893 moves performed in six shifts,with a crane productivity of 30.3 Gross Moves Per Hour (GMPH). The largest vessels calling US West Coast ports at present are of the 12,000 to 13,000 TEU range, on the Far East/US West Coast services. No vessels of that size call the US East or Gulf Coasts, though the widening of the Panama Canal locks, officially opening this June, will permit vessels of this size to transit the canal for the first time. In 2013 the 12,500 TEU capacity MSC Fabiola was the first of the ULCS to call the US West Coast. While no ULCS of 18,000 TEU capacity and above are in regular service to US West Coast, some carriers have expressed an interest in deploying these vessels as space demand improves.There are currently 37 ULCS of 18,000 TEU or more capacity in service in the global fleet,with another 72 vessels of between 18,000 and 21,000 TEU capacity on order. At 484 acres, APM Terminals Pier 400, which opened in 2002, is the largest single proprietary terminal in the world. The 65-acre on-dock rail facility, including intermodal yard and storage tracks, and five miles of working track can accommodate four doublestack trains simultaneously. Throughput was 2.48 million TEUs in 2015, with the facility ranking 1st in the JOC productivity study among North American terminals at 92 MPH with a vessel alongside in 2014. DP World Yarimca has been officially opened for business by the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the presence of senior government officials and executives of DP World. President Erdogan joined the opening yesterday by teleconference in the presence of the Minister of Transport, Maritime and Communications of the Republic Turkey, Binali Yldrm; Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu; Minister of Environment and Urbanisation of the Republic of Turkey, Fatma Guldemet Sar; The Republic of Turkey and Prime Ministry and Investment and Promotion Agency, Arda Ermut and DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. As one of the biggest in the country, the new terminal can handle up to 1.3 million containers covering 460,000 square metres, enhancing Turkeys connectivity with Europe and Asia and enabling trade from the heartland of its most industrialised region, Izmit Bay. DP World Yarimca is the first infrastructure project in Izmit Bay to be run by an international operator, and the first in the country to use remote controlled gantry cranes with automated gate operations featuring a vehicle appointment system for faster processing. It also has fast scanner x-ray machines, the first of their kind in Turkey that can scan 120 containers every hour. It has two main berths of 465 metres and 430 metres in length that can accommodate two vessels at the same time. Six ship-to-shore gantry cranes have been installed together with 18 electrical RTGs (Rubber Tire Gantry Cranes) used for container stacking and weighing. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said,DP World Yarmca will reduce costs and increase competitiveness of industrial and trading companies located in our region. Mnster of Transport, Maritime and Communications, Binali Yldrm, thanked DP World for choosing Turkey for its investment and said that in the last 13 years the amount of foreign direct investment to the country had increased more than 10 times. He noted Turkeys position at the centre of the world, taking only three hours to reach 56 countries with a $30 billion dollar economy between them. DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: Turkey and the UAE share a unique heritage. We are bridges to the world, at the crossroads of world trade, trading nations built on a strong partnership and with a common bond our vision. The vision of our leaders is to develop and innovate, to embrace change and to explore smarter ways of doing things. Our two countries connect continents and peoples and the approach to infrastructure development of the president and the government is something we value and share, supporting economies, employment and communities. We also both host young, dynamic, well-educated and multi-cultural populations and highly developed technological infrastructure in transportation, telecommunications and energy. The UAE and Dubai firmly believe in the future of Turkey as a natural bridge between both East-West and North-South axes, creating an efficient and cost-effective outlet to major markets and providing business easy access to 1.5 billion customers in Europe, Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa. In 2023, the country celebrates 100 years of the republic and we are amazed by its development, making a difference for the people and the country. Thats why we are here today, to witness this latest addition to our global network of 77 marine and inland terminals cross six continents. Our investment is not just in machinery and equipment its about our people, our most important asset. DP World Yarimca currently employs 300 people and we aim to reach 650 jobs when at full capacity. There are over 800 jobs identified indirectly in the local economy and many more local and regional supplier opportunities. This illustrates the ripple effect of projects of this magnitude that boost economies and prosperity for the long term. DP World Yarmca CEO, Nichola Silveira, said that she was proud to be leading the industry in a traditionally male dominated industry, which highlighted the equal opportunities available to everyone to take part in senior management and technical positions. In 2015, total trade between Turkey and Dubai was AED 25.26 billion. Imports were AED 14.6 billion, exports AED 7.9 billion and re-exports AED 2.77 billion. The U.S. Special Operations Command inducted five former special operators into the USSOCOM Commando Hall of Honor located at the USSOCOM headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 20. More than 100 people attended the ceremony to honor the inductees and watched as each of the inductees received a medal from Army Gen. Raymond A. Thomas, USSOCOM commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, USSOCOM command senior enlisted adviser. This years inductees were Army Maj. Caesar Civitella, Marine Corps Col. Robert Coates, Marine Corps Master Sgt. John Mosser, Air Force Col. Billy Rusty Napier, and Army Maj. Thomas Powell. Civitella was an original member of the Office of Strategic Services during World War II and did combat jumps into Italy and France. His career continued as a Special Forces officer retiring at the rank of major. He then joined the Central Intelligence Agency supporting paramilitary operations for nearly 20 years. Coates career spanned 33 years and he commanded reconnaissance platoon, served as commanding officer, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command Detachment One and served two tours of duty with the CIA. Mosser distinguished himself during a myriad of special operations assignments in his 20-year career culminating as the future operations chief, 2d Marine Raider Battalion. He served as a special operations team sergeant and team chief during two combat deployments in Operation Enduring Freedom. Napier spent 42 years in special operations as an Air Force officer or in the corporate world working aircraft equipment acquisitions for Special Operations Forces. A master navigator with more than 6,000 flying hours, Napier was awarded with three Distinguished Flying Crosses and Mackay flying trophy for leading an AC-130 sortie into the Panama invasion. Powell served in special operations from 1965 to 2015 culminating his career as a senior intelligence analyst for Joint Special Operations Command. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his valorous actions during the attempted rescue of prisoners of war held in the Son Tay, Vietnam prison. The newest members will join other recognized warriors in the Commando Hall of Honor, which includes such legendary names as; Aaron Bank, Charles Beckwith, Ted Lunger, Sidney Shacknow, and William Darby. Their contributions and legacies to the special operations community and this country have been unquestionably influential and are truly inspirational. A perk I enjoy is the ability to single out individuals for their performance and today is a great opportunity to do so, in terms of inducting five truly historic members of Special Operations Command into our Commando Hall of Honor, said Gen. Thomas, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command. Each new inductee, received a Commando Hall of Honor Medal and a crystal commemorative induction plaque, but the day was about something greater than tangible items. Its a huge honor to be selected for this award, this is a very special organization of amazing people and just to be considered worthy to be amongst those type of heroes is a huge and humbling honor, said Mosser. More Media The Marines of 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, joined 3rd Civil Affairs Group, FHG, MARFORRES, and six other partner nations for the opening ceremony of exercise Platinum Wolf 2016 at South Base in Bujanovac, Serbia, May 9, 2016. The opening ceremony has brought together service members from Bosnia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Serbia and the United States to train in the use of non-lethal weapons capabilities and build lasting partnerships. The ceremony marked the start of the training period for the partner nations and allowed each of the nations to be welcomed and thanked for their participation by Col. Sladjan Stamenkovic, executive director of the participating Serbian Armed Forces. We had an initial formation and opening ceremony for all of the nations represented, both the U.S. and six Balkan partner nations were here, said 1st Lt. Jonathan Stinson, platoon commander, 4th LE Bn., FHG, MARFORRES. The Serbian commander welcomed us and gave his opening remarks. The opening remarks included the goals of the exercise and the aim which is to increase interoperability and promote ways to ensure peace operations function smoothly. We are doing joint peacekeeping operations training, said Stinson. Serbia contributes to the U.N.s peacekeeping force, so we are envisioning training that would be both humanitarian operations and also those level two level three block war operations. Specifically what the Marines are bringing is a lot of non-lethal weapons experience and crowd control experience to emphasize those other than lethal means to keeping the peace and promote stability. Over the next two weeks the nations will build relationships and work to hone their skills in multiple small unit tactics, techniques and procedures. The training will focus on peacekeeping operations including non-lethal weapons training and humanitarian operations.The exercise will conclude following the completion of a culminating field exercise. More Media There are staples of weaponry in the armory of the Marine Corps that define the battlefield. One of these weapons is the M40 sniper rifle, which is the premier weapon of choice for the Marine Corps for long-range enemy engagements. Based off of the Remington 700 bolt-action rifle, the M40 is a bolt-action rifle that fires .308 caliber rounds. The weapon has been in use in the Marine Corps since 1966, with the latest M40A5 variant introduced in 2009. This is the weapon that snipers with the Marine Corps Shooting Team grow accustomed to and are expected to be experts in operating it during competitions, such as the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting 2016 at Puckapunyal Military Area in Victoria, Australia. The M40 is a great weapon because its a bolt action so theres less moving parts when youre actually firing the weapon, said Cpl. John Luze, a competitor with the MCST. Its built from the ground up at Precision Weapons Section so the parts fit together better. Being a bolt action, its easier to clean and holds a better group than other sniper rifles. Considering the expectations of proficiency, Marine snipers learn extensively about the M40 among other things at Scout Sniper Basic Course. The length of time before a Marine is qualified to operate a sniper rifle can vary, according to Luze. I was in the Sniper Platoon for about a year and a half before going to sniper school, and it took me two tries to get into sniper school, said Luze. Some guys will get into the platoon and go to Pre-Sniper School, which is a six-week course, before going to the basic course. So from the time they get into the platoon until they actually become snipers can be five to six months, however the average time is about a year. During their time in school, a student will learn other weapons systems besides the M40. We also train with the M110 (Semi-Automatic Sniper System), which is an AR-10 platform that fires .308 caliber rounds, said Luze. The M110 is good for what it was designed for, which is rapid target engagement and closer distances in an urban environment, but comparing it to the M40 for a long distance rifle the M40 beats it. Being a bolt-action rifle, the M40 carries some disadvantages with it that other sniper rifles do not have. It depends what your mission is, said Luze. One disadvantage is that were only issued five rounds per magazine, which means thats only five shots and then you have to reload. Another disadvantage is that its heavy and is a bolt-action rifle so its a lot harder to engage targets rapidly. Because it requires precise firing on targets, snipers are expected to make the carrying and use of the M40 second nature, according to Luze. All shooters should have the rifle become an extension of themselves, said Luze. When Im shooting and Im not perfectly aligned then Im not shooting as well as normal because Im fighting it. You need to get to the point where whatever youre thinking and wherever you move your rifle moves too. More Media It was some department stores' turn in the Q1 2016 earnings season spotlight this week, and to say their results were weak understates the media reaction pretty dramatically. Declining sales and profits led to cries the US is in a "retail recession" and assertions the consumer is tapped out-bad signs for US growth looking forward. But we'd humbly suggest that is incorrect. A recession is a broad-based decline in economic output. This is more a story of narrow, virtually anecdotal data points and a shift in shopping habits-away from department stores and towards online and specialty retailers. Despite some retailers' recent woes, there is ample evidence US consumers are in fine shape, and that the economy is not headed for recession anytime in the foreseeable future. On Wednesday, Macy's reported Q1 sales fell over -7% y/y while earnings tumbled -29% y/y. The following day, Kohl's said Q1 year-over-year revenues fell more than expected and earnings slid -50%. The carnage continued after market close on Thursday when Nordstrom reported Q1 earnings contracted -61% y/y, badly missing estimates (though sales grew about 1%). All lowered their guidance for full 2016 results. Friday, JC Penney joined the "party," also posting poor results. To hear the media tell it, this is a sign consumers are materially tightening their belts. And, with consumer spending accounting for roughly 70% of US GDP, they suggest it signals a weak economy-and maybe an approaching recession. That narrative, however, is based on only a handful of companies, and is pretty darn odd when you square it up against broader economic data like, we dunno, US retail sales. April's data happened to be reported Friday, and beat estimates with 1.3% m/m growth (3.0% y/y). And, as Exhibit 1 shows, this isn't a new thing-retail sales are growing at a fine clip, which is especially clear when you remove the negative influence of falling gas prices by excluding gas station sales. (Which reversed in March and April.) Exhibit 1: Retail and Food Services Sales and Sales Ex. Gas Stations Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, as of 5/13/2016. Seasonally adjusted retail and food service sales and sales excluding gasoline, June 2009 - April 2016. But within these retail data are clues to what's really behind these big retailers' earnings issues-and it isn't a tapped out consumer at all. It is in part just competition from newer, specialty retailers. But also, notably, nonstore retailing-a technical term covering internet and catalog retailers-has vastly outgrown brick-and-mortar sales throughout this expansion. Exhibit 2 shows the growth in retail sales in goods (which excludes food services sales), nonstore sales and goods sales ex. nonstore sales since the 2007-2009 recession ended. Exhibit 2: Online Shopping is Growing By Leaps and Bounds Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Saint Louis, as of 5/12/2016. Total retail sales excluding food service, nonstore retail sales and total retail sales minus nonstore sales, 6/1/2009 - 3/1/2016. And, as you might expect after viewing Exhibit 2, S&P 500 internet and catalog retailers' profit growth has been quick. In the last three quarters, earnings have grown 143.0% y/y, 30.2% and 58.0%. This isn't a new trend, though. It's been happening for years because shopping online is, to many, much more convenient than trekking out to the local mall. And when folks do venture out, long-term trends show they are increasingly less wont to shop at big department stores. (Exhibit 3) Exhibit 3: Declining Department Store Sales Is a Long-Term Trend Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Saint Louis, as of 5/12/2016. Total retail sales (goods only) and retail sales at department stores, January 1992 - April 2016. So why are so many fretting faltering brick-and-mortar store sales now? It's likely a manifestation of recent widespread recession fears. But these fears are unfounded. It's true US GDP growth slowed to 0.5% annualized in Q1, stoking weak economy fears. Folks fret this means the US is near recession by extrapolating the slowdown into the future, but that isn't how economies work. Growth rates typically wobble throughout expansions, and there is little evidence Q1's slow growth is a harbinger of worse to come. In this very expansion, growth has slowed or briefly contracted a handful of times, yet these periods did not foreshadow a recession. (Exhibit 4) Exhibit 4: Slowing GDP Doesn't Necessarily Mean Recession Ahead Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis. US GDP, seasonally adjusted annual rate, Q3 2009 - Q1 2016. Forward-looking economic data don't suggest weakness looms. Loan availability is a key ingredient in economic growth-hence why tight credit conditions often precede recessions. Yet today, lending is growing nicely and the yield curve spread-long term rates minus short-term-is positive. Banks typically borrow short term (deposit accounts, overnight funding, etc.) and lend long term, so long rates exceeding short means lending is profitable. Profitable lending stimulates loan growth, providing capital businesses need to grow. This is one reason why The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index remains high and rising, and in its nearly 60-year history a recession has never occurred while this has been the case. Besides, falling consumer spending tends to result from economic downturns, not cause them. Most spending is for housing, food, utilities, transportation, basic household goods-things people have little leeway to cut back on. Of course, when the economy turns down folks tend to spend less on splashy vacations and other non-necessities, but that isn't happening right now. The S&P 500's Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry's earnings grew over 13% y/y in Q1-despite a -122% drop at one trendy Mexican food restaurant that had some widely known issues with food poisoning. This highlights another reason you needn't fret this week's weak retailer results: Spending on goods is just one component of overall spending. Services accounts for the lion's share of the total. Either way, the biggest driver of consumption growth is real disposable income, which is growing quite nicely these days. (Exhibit 5). There is just no sign US consumer spending is on shaky ground, despite the media's take on a handful of brick-and-mortar retailers posting bad earnings. Exhibit 5: Disposable Income is Rising Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Saint Louis, as of 5/12/2016. Seasonally adjusted real disposable personal income in chained 2009 dollars, 1/1/2013 - 3/1/2016. EXETER, N.H. A former admissions officer at famed boarding and college preparation school Phillips-Exeter Academy was arrested by Exeter Police after a former student came forward and said he was sexually abused when he was a prospective student there more than 40 years ago Arthur Peekel, now 74-years-old, was an admissins officer at the Phillips-Exeter Academy in 1973 when he is accused of having sexual encounters with a student. Arthur Peekel of Palatine, Illinois, is now 74 years old. He has been charged with two counts of sexual assault after a former student came forward to accuse Peekel of abuse in November and December of 1973. Exeter Police said while the statute of limitations would have normally lapsed in such an old case, However, Peekel left the state soon after the alleged incidents, stopping the clock on the crimes. Peekel is the first person charged by Exeter police after the school's administration turned over documentation about complaints filed against faculty and employees of the school over the years. According to New Hamshire Public Radio, two teachers have been disciplined after admitting inappropriate contact with students. One was fired while the other was allowed to resign. Exeter police officials have been investigating the reports supplied by the school, and in a statement said numerous cases were closed without charges after they were found to have been unfounded rumors or the alleged victims refused to come forward. The cases range from the 1960s to 2014. However, Police Chief William Shupe said some cases remain open and are currently under investigation. He asked that anyone with information about misconduct or abuse to contact Exeter Police Capt. MIchael Munick at 1-603-773-6144, of by email at mmunick@exeternh.gov. SPRINGFIELD -- Court cases against two men accused of firearms offenses have ended quietly, unlike the uproar surrounding their arrests in June of last year. Prosecutors on May 9 dropped a charge of carrying a firearm without a license against 20-year-old Louis Pittman of South Hadley. He had been charged in Hampden Superior Court. The document dropping the charge stated that, based on a gunshot residue test, co-defendant Daevon Ramsey pleaded guilty earlier this year to possessing the gun in question, also without a license. The 20-year-old Springfield resident had gunshot residue on his hands, according to court records. Ramsey was sentenced by Judge David Ricciardone to 18 months in the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow. He had 284 days credit on that sentence for days spent in jail awaiting trial. The two were arrested by police responding to reports of gunshots at Cambridge and Burr streets. Officers found a vehicle struck by multiple bullets and recovered 15 9-mm shell casings from the road, Springfield police information officer Sgt. John Delaney said at the time. The men were arrested about 100 yards away after police found a 9-mm handgun that had recently been fired, Delaney said. No one was injured in the shooting, police said. Cash bail was set at $50,000 at their arraignments in Springfield District Court. At a press conference later that day, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno used the incident as an opportunity to criticize trial judges for granting low bail and lenient sentences. Police Commissioner John Barbieri and City Councilor Thomas Ashe also expressed frustration over defendants being released on low bail. At the time of his arrest, Pittman was on probation and wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet from a 2013 case, Sarno said. Pittman had been arrested for his part in what was originally described as an armed home invasion. He pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm in August and was sentenced to 21/2 years in jail. Ramsey, meanwhile, had been arrested in December 2013 on charges including armed assault and battery. Police alleged Ramsey and another suspect jumped and robbed a man in Forest Park. "It becomes very, very aggravating when the Springfield police are taking these negative individuals off the street, but they are allowed right back on the street. It becomes very demoralizing," Sarno said during a press conference in his office. Sarno called the defendants - 19 years old at the time - "frequent flyers," or people who have had repeated run-ins with the law. "When people break the law in my city, we work damn hard to get them off the street," Sarno said. "I say to the court system that some of these negative offenders need to be held. There's plenty of room in the jails," Sarno said. "This is a call out to the court system and to some of the judges that you can't just sing Kumbaya to them." People awaiting trial for serious gun, drug or gang offences need to be held on high bail amounts, Sarno said, while people convicted of those offenses need to serve serious time. The Hampden County Bar Association called Sarno misguided in placing the onus of Springfield's violent crime problem on trial judges and the perception of low bail. The association's statement said Sarno was, in effect, demanding judges violate the Fifth Amendment and state Trial Court rules in their bail decisions. Setting higher bails discriminates against people who cannot pay the amount and helps people who have the money to post bail, it said. BOSTON A man from Chelsea was sentenced in U.S. District Court on Thursday for the sexual exploitation of a child. Elmer Reyes, 32, was sentenced to 210 months in prison, after he pleaded guilty in January to producing and possessing child pornography. This sentence comes on top of Reyes's previous sentencing in Suffolk County Superior Court in December, at which time he was convicted of eight counts of aggravated rape of a child with force, three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, one count of posing a child in a state of nudity, and one count of assault and battery. For those charges, Reyes was sentenced to 13 years in state prison. Reyes's charges stem from the seven years he spent abusing one girl. A family friend of the victim, he began regularly driving her to school in 2007. On the occasions that they were alone together, Reyes would sexually assault her. He also photographed the abuse. Reyes's actions didn't come to light until one day in October 2014, when the child arrived late to school in a state of visible trauma. After being questioned, the victim revealed the abuse to school officials and the police were immediately alerted. Reyes will serve his federal and state sentences concurrently. ENFIELD The Connecticut Department of Corrections announced it is investigating the death of an inmate at the Carl Robinson Correctional Institution who was found Friday morning in his cell with a ligature around his neck. Christopher Lyons The inmate, Christopher Lyons, 52, of Simsbury, had been serving a 3-year sentence at the Enfield facility since his conviction in January 2014 for possession of child pornography. He had been at Carl Robinson since September. According to DOC officials, a connections staff on a routine observational tour in the inmate quarters found Lyons unresponsive in his cell with a ligature around his neck. He was only person in the cell at the time, officials said Correctional and medical staff attempted emergency first aid. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:24 a.m. Officials would not comment further. The state medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The Department of Correction Security Division and the Connecticut State Police are also investigating. In recent years the accountancy profession has suffered some reputational damage, however, ACCAs latest report, Future ready: accountancy careers in the 2020s indicates golden opportunities ahead. The report by Jamie Lyon, Head of Business Management, ACCA, Professional Insights, reveals a significant number of trends signalling that the future can and should be bright for those whose careers are already in progress and for aspiring young professionals. These trends range from the rise of data possibilities which will be become central to their role and linked to the adoption of automation technologies, and will free up professional accountants to add more value, provide greater connectivity, highlighting the rising importance of inclusivity in the workplace, the changing nature of work, and evolving business models. The report brings together ACCAs global research over the last three years, additional desktop research, including a member survey and interviews conducted with finance leaders, HR professionals and recruitment specialists in key markets to understand how careers may transform. The report suggests there is a growing opportunity for the profession to contribute to building sustainable and purposeful organisations. This imperative is at the heart of the future profession, says Lyon. The report identifies a number of career zones of opportunity where accountants can play a key role in supporting these ambitions. These include: Assurance advocates. In fast-changing, digitally disrupted markets, organisations need to manage risk appropriately and ethically. Professional accountants can use digital tools and technologies to transform the risk, audit, compliance and internal control landscape to ensure effective stewardship of organisations and protect value. They can also support responsible business practice, and drive transparency and trust in the organisation. Business transformers. Business models will keep evolving in response to new technologies and changing market opportunities. Accountants can support businesses of all sizes in these efforts, as entrepreneurs or business advisers, or by taking a leading role in transforming smaller accountancy practices to bring new value to clients. Instead they may be leading finance operational change programmes or wider business transformation initiatives that are all designed to innovate and grow organisations. Data navigators. Data is an enterprise asset that can be used in everything from building the business case for new investments to profiling competitive threats. Accountants can act as strategic advisers and business partners, helping to develop and apply rich data sets and use emerging analytical tools to provide real-time insights into how to create and sustain long-term value through better decision making. Digital playmakers. Digital adoption is key to creating competitive advantage through innovation. Accountants can act as technology evangelists, identifying the potential of robotics, machine learning and other emerging cognitive technologies to transform finance and business operations, or they may be working with technology teams to drive productivity and digital transformation initiatives. Sustainability trailblazers. In todays world, value is created by more than just financial capital, and intangible assets are a growing proportion of enterprise value. Accountants can help evolve frameworks that capture, measure and report on activities that truly drive value, providing more meaningful and transparent information about the organisations performance. Professional accountants could make an impact in more than one of these zones of opportunity during their careers. Lyon envisages a future world of career transformation, where many individuals will have different types of roles during their working life, building more variable career paths rather than necessarily climbing the traditional vertical career ladder. We will see more fluidity in terms of how people navigate across different types of activity, he says. Roles are changing more quickly, and that is driving the need to develop new skills. That in turn is transforming the learning opportunities that are needed in the workplace. In playing their part in building sustainable businesses, accountants will still need to apply the seven professional competencies or quotients. These quotients include more typical competencies (technical and ethical, intelligence, digital, and experience) and the softer skills (creative, digital and emotional intelligence). For example, the emotional intelligence quotient could become particularly important in the future, through assisting in understanding the viewpoints of wider stakeholders or advocating ethical approaches to the adoption of new technologies. These professional quotients are so very relevant in this emerging world, Lyon says. Accountants will need to apply a range of broad skills to have maximum impact in organisations. Those who succeed can look forward to a new world of opportunity and the chance to build brilliant careers. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires The shows are earmarked for various UCI-owned networks, including Univision, the longtime ratings leader in U.S. Hispanic television, UniMas, the companys younger-skewing network aimed at the 18-34 demo; Galavision, Fusion and Univision Digital. Univisions announcement provided a glimpse into the companys strategy for this years presentation. The main emphasis of the companys message to advertisers will be about the companys reach into the U.S. Hispanic community via linear and digital platforms. advertisement advertisement By organizing around key content verticals, UCI is now offering marketers a new way to do business that will allow them to target UCIs audiences more systematically and leverage the estimated 81 million average monthly unduplicated media consumers UCI reaches across its media portfolio -- a reach that has grown by more than 40% since first quarter 2015 as a result of acquisitions, partnerships and strategic investments, the company said. The upfront presentation will bring to life four key content verticals known to be passion-points for UCIs audiences: sports, comedy, music and drama, Univision said. UCI also now enables advertisers to leverage premium inventory, including new fall programming, at scale and in each content vertical, as part of an expanded programmatic buying effort across both digital and linear platforms. Leading Univisions presentation will be Keith Turner, president of advertising sales and marketing for Univision, and Steve Mandala, EVP of advertising sales. Univision is evolving to be a media company of the future, with more catered programming and advanced offerings that better position us to reach a rapidly evolving consumer marketplace, said Univision President and CEO Randy Falco. The companys new drama series for the 2016-17 season include: Mujeres de Negro (Women in Black) on Univision, the story of three strong female characters who develop a radical plan to take control of their lives namely, kill their husbands and then seek out new adventures. Tres Veces Ana (The Three Sides of Ana) on Univision, a series in which one actress Hispanic TV star Angelique Boyer will play triplets with very different personalities all raised by separate families, and all named Ana. La Candidata (The Candidate) on Univision, the story of a female politician who decides to run for president against her corrupt politician husband. Bloque de Busqueda (Search Squard) on UniMas about an elite squad of law enforcement officer whose job is to apprehend the worlds most notorious criminals. New comedies include: 40 y 20 (40 and 20) on Univision, about a 40-year-old divorced dad and his 20-year-old son who live together like bachelors. Super Xs on Univision, featuring two 30-year-old male friends who still live with their parents until one day one of them develops superpowers. But the problem is: These new superpowers arent very reliable, which complicates their lives. Could obesity be less dangerous than it was 40 years ago? A new study from Denmark suggests it could, after it found the 30 percent excess risk of premature death associated with obesity in the 1970s has fallen to zero. Share on Pinterest The researchers say their results should not be used as an excuse for people to allow themselves to become overweight. In a JAMA study paper, a team from the University of Copenhagen describes how it analyzed data on over 100,000 individuals to reveal that in 1976-1978, the risk of premature death from all causes was higher in obese individuals than in normal-weight individuals, but this was no longer the case in 2003-2013. Lead investigator Dr. Shoaib Afzal, of Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, says: The increased risk of all-cause mortality associated with obesity compared to normal weight decreased from 30 percent in 1976-78 to 0 percent in 2003-2013. In many countries, public health policies recommend that people keep to a healthy weight to avoid chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and thereby hopefully avoid dying prematurely. To define healthy weight, experts refer to the normal weight range of body mass index (BMI), the ratio of a persons weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters. For adults, BMI ranges are defined as follows: 30 and over is obese 25-29.9 is overweight 18.5-24.9 is normal or healthy weight Under 18.5 is underweight. The Danish study also found the BMI range linked to the lowest rate of death from all causes was different in 1976-78, 1991-1994, and 2003-2013. All participants were followed until 2014. Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends. Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice. Advertisement The research team, consisting of surgeons from the San Antonio (Texas) Military Medical Center, the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia, and the Department of Defense Joint Trauma System, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, identified three levels of surgical education and skills training for military surgeons to participate in to sustain surgical skills:- Core surgical competence: the basic credentials, training, and skills, usually obtained through graduate medical education and in-garrison surgical care, which form the foundation for readiness skills.- Basic and advanced medical combat readiness skills: the basic essential medical skills required for all military medical personnel deploying to a war zone, and advanced surgical readiness skills that allow members of surgical teams to deploy and optimally perform in their assigned roles.- Mission specific medical readiness skills: the required skills to perform a specific deployed surgical mission.In terms of Level 1 of their proposed training, the article's authors suggest that stateside Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) be evaluated to become verified trauma centers within their community and with the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This proposal would expand the role of the MTFs which the military currently relies on for its local credentialing committees to ensure the clinical proficiency of their surgeons.Further, every military hospital would actively develop cooperative agreements with surrounding hospitals to allow military surgeons to provide care for civilian patients-stationing military physicians at Level I trauma centers will ensure these providers are constantly engaged in active trauma practice and are available to mentor additional military trainees, according to the authors.However, maintaining critical skills for military surgeons runs in two directions. Not only is there a need for a closer relationship between military and civilian surgical care, but military surgeons also need to possess a unique set of skills for performing operations while deployed."Wartime surgery requires specific skills that cannot be completely obtained with practice at modern civilian trauma centers alone," the authors noted. "War surgery requires aggressive operative intervention, frequently with staged procedures and often in an austere environment with no access to basic X-ray and lab capability and no local subspecialty support."For military surgeons to be properly prepared, training such as The Tactical Combat Casualty Care Course and the Operational Emphasis version of the ACS Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course should be ongoing, and all deployed surgeons should receive timely training in war surgery evaluation and treatment and the Joint Trauma System's clinical practice guidelines, according to study authors.However, training alone does not suffice for military surgeons to be properly prepared to compete with civilian care. "No amount of predeployment training can make up for lack of operative activity on a day- to- day basis," said Dr. Edwards. "This shortcoming is the biggest challenge our surgeons in uniform face today."Authors suggest that because maintaining a complete set of trauma-ready skills for all military active duty and reserve general surgeons may not be achievable, emphasizing a team approach is important. They suggest the designation of surgeons being deployed as either 'trauma ready' or 'trauma assist', with trauma ready surgeons being matched to high-volume missions and solo surgeon locations, and trauma assist surgeons being matched to a location that already has a trauma ready surgeon."The military views every surgeon who at one point completed a surgical residency equally in terms of their ability to provide combat casualty care," according to the authors. "This [viewpoint] potentially sets the provider and the care team up for failure."Authors suggest that trauma surgical capabilities be shared jointly between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and the most qualified surgeons be deployed as 'trauma ready', regardless of service or active/reserve status. Further, authors suggest that a fellowship-trained trauma medical director be designated for every area of operations to function as the area leader in trauma system development and performance improvement."As surgery in the United States becomes more subspecialized and technology dependent, the military must leverage its requirement for general surgeons who are able to function in austere environments with limited communications and equipment, with the appropriate expectation of a very high standard of surgical care to our beneficiaries when returning to the United States," the authors noted.Source: Newswise Crowds of supporters, including retired Navy officers and families, lined the streets of the Southern California military town of Coronado on Friday to honor the Navy SEAL shot and killed by Islamic State fighters in Iraq. Navy SEAL Charles Keating IV was the third service member killed in Iraq since U.S. forces returned there in 2014. Officials planned to transport his remains across a bridge to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, where he would be buried as a chief petty officer, a rank he received posthumously. The 31-year-old Keating, who grew up in Phoenix, "was a dedicated and professional SEAL, a true warrior," his Coronado-based SEAL Team 1 said in a statement. "The legacy he leaves behind, for his fellow SEALs and for those who knew him, is unmistakable," the group said. "He died bravely, doing what he loved, and what he believed in." The picturesque cemetery overlooking the bay to one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other is officially full, but officials have made exceptions for those killed in action. At a memorial ceremony attended by more than a thousand people in Coronado on Thursday, Keating was posthumously awarded a Silver Star, the nation's third-highest combat medal, for his heroic actions during a March battle against Islamic State fighters in Iraq, said Lt. Beth Teach, a spokeswoman for the SEALs. He also received a Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon for what he did the day he was killed. He was part of a quick reaction force that moved in May 3 to rescue U.S. military advisers caught in a firefight with more than 100 ISIS militants. "He gave his life to protect his brothers," Keating's younger brother, Billy, also an enlisted SEAL, told mourners at Coronado's Tidelands Park. Shortly before his deployment, Charles Keating and Brooke Clark decided to quietly wed, and the couple was looking forward to holding a traditional wedding ceremony with family and friends in November, Teach said. Keating was a former cross-country runner who served multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and was known in Arizona as a grandson of a financier involved in the 1980s savings and loan scandal. For the procession carrying Keating's remains, thousands of students from the Coronado Unified School District planned to wave flags along nearly seven blocks leading to the Navy base. "A lot of parents here have military ties so this is very important for us to support the military," the superintendent's executive assistant Maria Johnson said. "We've got a lot of parents on deployment. It's dear to our hearts." The Associated Press contributed to this report. As Iraqi security forces waged their successful assault on Islamic State militants in Ramadi late last year, Marines stationed at the nearby Al Taqqadum base were close enough to hear the air assaults and major explosions. While still not considered "boots on the ground," these Marines, attached to the Corps' crisis response force in the Middle East, supported Iraqi forces behind the scenes in the fight, task force commander Col. Bill McCollough told reporters this week at the Pentagon. For McCollough's unit, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Crisis Response-Central Command, the December reclamation of Ramadi represented an emotional high point for the six-month deployment rotation, which wrapped up in April. According to sources and Central Command officials, troops from the task force represent most of the Marine presence in Iraq, with more than 300 Marines each at joint bases in Al Taqaddum and Al Asad, and a company-sized element providing security reinforcement at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The small Marine team of advisers working directly with Iraqi military leaders at the division level and the larger contingent of troops in Iraq providing security and logistical support to the bases eagerly tracked developments in the fast-paced Ramadi assault. "We really followed it as a unit through the morning ops intel," McCollough said. "Multiple Marines who were part of the task force have operated on the ground in Ramadi before, so for some it was very poignant. To have gone through with the Iraqi Army at one point losing Ramadi, and you have emotions associated with that, and you have equally good emotions when you see the Iraqi Army take Ramadi back." For Marines in particular, Ramadi is fraught with significance. The capital of Al Anbar province, it was the site of a key and costly 2006 battle involving thousands of Marines and soldiers. More than 70 Americans were killed in what was then considered the most dangerous place in Iraq. Legendary Marine general James Mattis, who led the 2003 invasion of Iraq as commander of the 1st Marine division, reportedly stressed the importance of victory there, saying, "Ramadi must hold, [or] the rest of the province goes to hell." For the Marines who fought in Ramadi and their families, the news that the city had fallen to militants affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, last May was met with sadness and disbelief. But the joy that came with taking back the city wasn't limited to the Marines who had fought there, McCollough said. "Some young Marines, because we're a young force, weren't involved in taking Ramadi the first time, but I don't think that blunted their pride in saying, what was my contribution to this war, this world. I was a part of a force that had something to do with Ramadi being put back in the hands of the Iraqi government," he said. Pilots with the task force were kept busy throughout the deployment conducting airstrikes on Islamic State targets. The AV-8B Harrier squadron attached to the unit, VMA-223, flew over 4,100 combat hours and dropped more than 60 pieces of ordnance, and was named the attack squadron of the year by the Marine Corps Association. "As a Marine, it was always nice to hear Marine pilots coming back and saying, we flew in support of the Ramadi fight today," McCollough said. The unit also kept MV-22B Ospreys on constant standby for potential tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel missions during the deployment, though they were not ultimately tasked with any aircraft rescues, he said. McCollough said he couldn't speak about current planning on strategic efforts, such as a stalled offensive to retake Mosul, but said the Iraqi Army had appeared to gain momentum as they saw battlefield successes in Ramadi. "The Iraqi Army took Ramadi back. They certainly did it with our assistance and our advice, but the Iraqi Army took it back," he said. "They look taller, act taller, we've seen a reversal," he added. Referring to another name for ISIS, he said, "Daesh at one point was ten feet tall; now the Iraqi soldiers are ten feet tall because they've had a victory." --Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Related Video: U.S. intelligence has picked up signs of ISIS repositioning troops and equipment in and around Raqqa in northeastern Syria in apparent preparation for what they believe could be an imminent attack on their self-proclaimed capital, an American military spokesman said Friday. The Pentagon was also aware of social media chatter on the fortifying of defenses in Raqqa and expressions of concern for the safety of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-declared caliph of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, said Army Col. Steve Warren, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. "We have seen this declaration of emergency in Raqqa, whatever that means," he said in a video briefing from Baghdad to the Pentagon. Warren gave no indication that an attack on Raqqa was imminent, or that a buildup for an offensive was near completion, but added, "We know this enemy feels threatened, as they should. "They see the Syrian Democratic Forces, along with the Syrian Arab Coalition, maneuver both to their east and to their west," Warren said. "Both of these areas are becoming increasingly secure, and the Syrian Democratic Forces increasingly are able to generate their own combat power in those areas." Warren said that ISIS remained on the defensive in Syria and Iraq despite a string of complex attacks mounted by the terror group in recent weeks and a spate of bombings claimed by ISIS in Baghdad that have shaken the struggling government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. In the latest counter-attack against Iraqi Security Forces, ISIS fighters north and west of Ramadi in Anbar province used suicide truck bombs followed by infantry to hit ISF strong points, killing at least 20 government troops. Last week, ISIS fighters using similar tactics briefly overran the town of Teleskof north of Mosul, leading to a firefight in which Navy SEAL Charles Keating IV was killed. On the Syrian front, the White House was in the unusual position this week of seeming to back Russian and Syrian regime efforts to block what appeared to be a renewed drive by ISIS to take back the historic city of Palmyra. "They still remain a legitimate threat, a dangerous enemy," Warren said of the ISIS fighters, but he stressed that their ranks have been thinned by the U.S. bombing campaign and they are no longer able to recruit foreign fighters at a rate which would enable them to replenish their ranks. As for the attack near Ramadi, which was retaken by Iraqi forces in January, Warren said "all the attackers are dead now. It was an unsuccessful attack." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Despite Flipping in Surf 4 Times in a Year, Marines Say New ACV Is the Future of Amphibious Warfare Some Marine veterans familiar with the vehicle and its operations have worried about the reliability of the ACV. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told cadets this week at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs that being transgender isn't a bar to making it in the U.S. military because the top priority is accomplishing the mission. "It's the quality and readiness of the force that matters," he said Thursday at the academy. "That's the goal. Keep that in front of us." Carter made his comment after a cadet asked whether the Defense Department plans to educate troops about transgender people, since "a lot of members of the military and even the general public who don't encounter transgender people on an ongoing basis don't fully understand it." The secretary said the Pentagon is still developing policy regarding transgender personnel. "I think it has a lot of ramifications that are very practical," he said. "The question of principle we've sort of settled, which is what matters is people's ability to contribute to our military." Carter acknowledged that "practical issues" will need to be considered. "We are very good at working through those kinds of things," he said. "It's like everything else we do. We try to do things in a careful, thoughtful manner, and I'm confident we're going to get to the right place in this, as in so many other things we have to work through." The secretary on Friday presided over a change of command ceremony at nearby Peterson Air Force Base, where Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson assumed command of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, becoming the first female combatant commander. -- Bryant Jordan can be reached at Bryant.jordan@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at@BryantJordan. COOPERSVILLE, MI -A sewer main stretching roughly 20 miles from the Coopersville area to the Muskegon County Wastewater treatment facility remains on the table. City Manager Steven R. Patrick said the city council May 9 approved his request to continue talks with Muskegon County. "We've been looking at a lot of different options, Muskegon being one," Patrick said. "I asked (the council) to make a motion to have staff begin a conversation with Muskegon for some wastewater options." Patrick added that the city of Coopersville still has its own wastewater treatment plant and will continue to operate the plant. Coopersville has already expanded its own plant a few times in order to handle wastewater from growing commercial dairy business in the area. "Continental Dairy and fairlife are growing faster than the city can keep up," Patrick said. Both Continental Dairy Facilities LLC and fairlife LLC do business with Select Milk Producers, a large, multi-state co-op of dairies. Talks about a Muskegon County wastewater pipe go back at least to October 2015, but other options have been discussed, too, including the city of Grand Rapids, which already provides Coopersville's drinking water. Patrick said a wastewater contract, "if there is one" with Muskegon County, would have to be directly with the city of Coopersville. A new sewer line would only handle excess water from fairlife, he added. A manager at Continental Dairy Facilities could not be reached for comment on Friday, May 13. Muskegon County Wastewater Management System could use the business. The plant lost about half of its wastewater flow with the closure of the Sappi paper mill in 2009 and, as a result, has raised its wholesale sewer rates every year since that time. Muskegon County Administrator Mark Eisenbarth said the county was excited to possibly help Coopersville. "They are working with us to find a way to put pipe in the ground and treat wastewater," he said. "More importantly, the state of Michigan is collaborating with us to find ways to keep industry in the state." Eisenbarth, who used to manage the Muskegon County plant before he was hired for the administrator job, said the plant has the ability to treat a wide variety of wastewater. The Muskegon County Wastewater Management System was built in 1972. Its rare design features an earth-friendly process, with large water treatment pools and farmland where the water is used, all spread over 11,000 acres. It's located on the southeast part of the county, in Egelston and Moorland Townships. "Mark and I already talked about some big-picture items," Patrick said. "My words to Mark were, let's start a preliminary discussion." Stephen Kloosterman is a reporter for MLive. Email him at sklooste@mlive.com or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ . Washtenaw_April2016_03.jpg A new report recommends adding a mid-block crosswalk near the Washtenaw County Service Center near the intersection of Washtenaw Avenue and Grant Drive, east of Carpenter Road in Pittsfield Township. (Washtenaw County) PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI -- A recent study of pedestrian activity on a busy stretch of Washtenaw Avenue shows people are making risky mid-block crossings where there isn't a crosswalk. The report recommends adding a mid-block crosswalk, possibly with a pedestrian-activated HAWK signal, near the Washtenaw County Service Center near the intersection of Washtenaw Avenue and Grant Drive. That would be about 860 feet east of the crosswalk at the signalized intersection of Washtenaw Avenue and Carpenter Road. The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development conducted the study in coordination with Pittsfield Township. Local officials are trying to convince the Michigan Department of Transportation of the need for added pedestrian crossings along Washtenaw Avenue between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, and the focus right now is on the area east of Carpenter Road near the County Service Center and Glencoe Hills Apartments. The county has released an eight-page report on the recent pedestrian count for that particular area. The location was selected and a conceptual design was provided as part of the 2014 ReImagine Washtenaw Corridor Improvement Study. ReImagine Washtenaw seeks to provide a safer walking, biking and driving environment through, in part, providing safe facilities such as mid-block crossings along Washtenaw Avenue, a five-lane road controlled by the state. "The roadway is busy with approximately 29,000 daily vehicles, 3,500 daily transit users, and numerous pedestrians accessing transit, public services at the adjacent County Service Center, and area neighborhoods," the new pedestrian-count report states, noting Carpenter Elementary School is located just to the south and it's believed students are walking to and from the school on foot from Glencoe Hills Apartments on the north side of Washtenaw. There were pedestrian counts conducted on two separate days: Tuesday, April 5, and Wednesday, April 13. The three sample periods included on each day were 7-9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 3:45-6:45 p.m. Locations where pedestrians were counted along Washtenaw Avenue on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, and Wednesday, April 13, 2016. The goal was to record the general level of pedestrian and bicyclist activity, with particular attention to pedestrians and bicyclists crossing at the signalized intersection of Carpenter and Washtenaw, and anywhere mid-block where no dedicated crossings exist between the intersection and Glencoe Hills Drive, which is about 1,900 feet to the east. Two observers -- one near the County Service Center and one near Glencoe Hills Apartments -- observed 659 pedestrians and 46 bicyclists. Of those 705 unique individuals observed, 260 of them performed a mid-block crossing, rather than at the marked crossing at the Washtenaw/Carpenter intersection. Of the 260 who crossed mid-block, there were 29 "close calls" where individuals crossed in a dangerous or hazardous manner. Out of the 705 individuals observed, 541 of them (77 percent) were transit users, meaning they got on or off a bus in the study area. There were five elderly people and seven children observed. A total of 55 individuals were observed using the marked pedestrian crossings at the Carpenter/Washtenaw signalized intersection, and some -- but not all -- of them are included in the 705 unique individuals observed. "Based on the survey and observations made, there is significant pedestrian activity and mid-block crossings in this area, which would strongly suggest the need for a well-designed, appropriately located, mid-block crossing," the report concludes. "Very few individuals utilized the marked pedestrian crossing at Carpenter/Washtenaw for a variety of reasons." Where people are crossing Washtenaw Avenue without a crosswalk between Carpenter Road and Glencoe Hills Drive. Pittsfield Township is planning to move forward this year with adding a sidewalk on the south side of Washtenaw Avenue where none currently exists. With a sidewalk there, both eastbound and westbound bus stops (eastbound from KFC, and westbound in front of the Service Center) could be relocated on either side of a new mid-block crossing directly adjacent to the County Service Center entrance, the report states, suggesting that would greatly increase the chances that people would cross the road safely. "Such a crossing would minimize risk to both pedestrians and drivers in the study area. Given the distance to Glencoe Hills, it's likely the Glencoe Hills eastbound/westbound bus stops should remain, but that should be determined in consultation with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority." Nathan Voght, the county's ReImagine Washtenaw project manager, said at this point the data is being analyzed by the MDOT signals unit in Lansing, and MDOT will be guiding the process from here in terms of whether any mid-block crossings are feasible or allowed in the area studied. Voght noted the 2014 ReImagine Washtenaw study proposed a mid-block crossing at the County Service Center, as well as pedestrian crossings at Glencoe Hills Drive, so both locations are being examined. "ReImagine Washtenaw, of course, believes they are warranted, but we need to work with MDOT to make it happen," he said. He noted the ReImagine Washtenaw study recommends a full signalized intersection with four-way pedestrian crossings at Glencoe Hills Drive, where there are bus stops on both sides of Washtenaw but no crosswalk. There are 600-plus apartments in Glencoe Hills Apartments, so it's a densely populated area with many people who ride the bus. Local officials and residents say it's a dangerous situation, and police reports show at least four pedestrians were hit by vehicles there in 2014 and 2015. The AAATA is advising tenants of Glencoe Hills Apartments not to use the bus stop directly across the street from them since there's no crosswalk there, though many still dash across the road to get to the bus stop. A recommendation for pedestrian crossings on Washtenaw Avenue at Glencoe Hills Drive from the 2014 ReImagine Washtenaw study. Ryan Stanton covers the city beat for The Ann Arbor News. Reach him at ryanstanton@mlive.com. YPSILANTI TWP, MI - Less than a day after the Amber Alert associated with his trip to Florida was canceled, Douglas Stanko could be found calmly unpacking the 2001 Ford Escape police had been looking for. He'd arrived home just two hours prior from Florida, where Amanda Hayward, 30, and Sapphire Palmer, 7, were found on May 12. "Some stuff happened and she asked me to take her down to her mom's in Florida," Stanko, 64, said of Hayward. Douglas Stanko, 64 The mother and daughter pair were reported missing on May 10. On May 11, police revealed the two were possibly traveling with Stanko, a registered sex offender. "She comes around when she needs help sometimes," he said. "I hadn't been anywhere in a long time, so I said okay. When we left here there was no nothing about an Amber (Alert)." Hayward had a fight with her father, Stanko said. She was also worried about giving testimony on her daughter's father in a domestic abuse case and fearful that his friends may do her or her daughter harm. The latter may account for why Hayward didn't alert Sapphire's school to a planned absence, he said. His roommate, John Horton, who spoke with The Ann Arbor News prior to Hayward and Sapphire being located in Florida, said Hayward thought the friends made prank calls to her cellphone and sabotaged her vehicle. Her father, Darryl Hayward told The Livingston Daily that his daughter was paranoid and acting erratic. She had placed her cellphone in a water-filled bathtub before leaving their Hamburg Township home at 3 a.m. May 10, he said. He told the Daily that he didn't believe Stanko or Hayward would harm Sapphire, but wanted them home safe. Hayward's purse was found a few miles from her residence that morning. Her car was found unoccupied in Ypsilanti Township that night. Authorities later said she was believed to have a gun, although the claim was discounted when she was found. Horton said he saw Hayward and her daughter the day of their disappearance when they came to visit Stanko. Hayward was upset, but acting normally, otherwise. She had left her vehicle elsewhere after it was damaged. Later in the day, he came home to a note from Stanko indicating he'd be gone for several days. Stanko and Hayward have known each other for at least 15 years, after meeting at a barbecue, Stanko said. He said she's like a little sister and he used to babysit Sapphire as a child. He said Sapphire, an extremely smart girl, was excited to see her grandmother's pool. "I didn't know her car was someplace wrecked and her purse and all this other stuff going on when I was there, so that's why they were looking for her," Stanko said. Of course, he knows that wasn't the only concern. Stanko was convicted of two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct in 1992, according to the registry. The conviction in Lenawee County involved a victim under the age of 13. He served six years in the Michigan Department of Corrections and was paroled in 1998, said MDOC spokesman Chris Gautz. Stanko said he had a relationship involving kissing and touching with a 16-year-old girl, but because he knew her so long, authorities assumed it had gone on for years and he was accused of "grooming" her. "I very well could have been; they sent me to prison for it," he said. The Ann Arbor News has contacted Lenawee authorities for the original police report. Stanko said he never harmed Sapphire. He can't blame people for worrying about someone with a record as a sex offender spending time with a young girl, but said people always think the worst of him. "They don't think, 'Well, he's been out 20 years and he never had no problems.'" Stanko said he spent about 30 minutes at Hayward's mother's home in Homosassa, Fla., before turning back toward Michigan. Michigan authorities tracked Stanko's cellphone to the town 74 miles north of Tampa, according to a press release on the Citrus County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page. They found Hayward and Sapphire at the home, but learned Stanko had already left. Authorities interviewed Hayward and determined she did not meet the standards under Florida's Baker Act for an involuntary admission into psychiatric care, according to the release. Sapphire was taken into protective custody by Florida authorities on a Michigan court order. An attorney for Hayward said Michigan CPS "overreached" when they filed a petition against her alleging abuse, sexual abuse and environmental neglect and took Sapphire, according to the Livingston Daily. Hayward said "No one has touched her and no one has harmed her," of Sapphire, according to a report by Click On Detroit. She also denied traveling with anyone. Stanko hadn't been contacted by Michigan authorities as of Friday afternoon, but he didn't believe he had violated any restrictions placed upon him as a sex offender. The entire incident remained under investigation on Friday afternoon, Hamburg Township Police Chief Richard Duffany said in an email. No one was being sought on criminal charges at the time. Darcie Moran covers cops and courts for MLive and The Ann Arbor News. Email her at dmoran@mlive.com or follow her on Twitter @darciegmoran. U-M Medical School.JPG Senior Associate Dean for Education and Global Initiatives Joseph Kolars speaks with former U-M Medical School Dean James Woolliscroft, who delivered the commencement speech for the 166th graduating class on Friday at Hill Auditorium. (Photo provided/University of Michigan) ANN ARBOR, MI - After stepping down in late 2015 after 40 years of experience in providing education guidance to students in the University of Michigan Medical School, James Woolliscroft admitted there is never a more exciting to be entering the medical field. Serving as commencement speaker on Friday at Hill Auditorium, he encouraged the 166 graduating students of the 166th graduating class of the U-M Medical School to embrace the changes technology will provide to the field as they enter into residencies and new career opportunities, but to remember that the individuals they care for aren't clients, but patients. "As I look at medicine today this is arguably the most exciting and promising time I've seen in the 40 years I've been in the profession," he said. "The dramatic strides we've made in understanding of health and disease, the advances in diagnostics and therapeutic options ... I'm envious of the opportunities you'll have to practice a much more precise and individualized medicine than my generation practiced." Wooliscroft, who began his medical career at U-M as an intern in 1976, offered seven lessons that have served him, including his time as dean from 2007 to 2015. In January, Woolliscroft handed the baton to Marschall Runge, who became the first U-M Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs to also serve as dean of the medical school under a new leadership structure for the U-M Health System. We're privileged to be in an inherently meaningful profession," he said. "We care for patients - we're in a healing profession, not just a curing profession. Our patients are individuals. "Maintain your sense of awe, of curiosity and desire to learn, and very importantly, take time to care for yourself and to reflect." The Class of 2016 includes students who helped advise on the development of a new curriculum now being phased in over the course of several years, as well as students who helped U-M redesign the Taubman Health Sciences Library building to make it a high-tech hub for medical and interprofessional health sciences education. That was also primarily done under the direction of Woolliscroft, who Senior Associate Dean for Education and Global Initiatives Joseph Kolars described as a man who transitioned learning from the hospital walls out into the community. "In his early days, the teaching was really only done in the hospital and the learners were really only benefiting from the patients," he said. "Jim really brought the art of instruction there, but he didn't leave it there. He pioneered the experiments that brought learning and teaching out into the clinics, out into nursing homes and out into the communities." The commencement program also highlighted a humorous summary of the past four years from student speaker Elizabeth Michelle Perelstein, who frequently drew laughter from classmates and audience members. Perelstein hit particularly close to home when reciting one-liner descriptions of the seven required clerkships of the medical profession. "I would like you guys to laugh very hard at these, because I am about to make enemies of everyone behind me," she joked. Among the audience favorites were internal medicine: "Never before has so little been discussed for so long;" pediatrics: "Join to treat kids, end up treating parental anxiety;" and neurology: "Don't worry about the six-month waiting time, because we can't do anything about the problem anyway." On a more serious note, Perelstein thanked family, friends and faculty for their love and support during the past four years. "For every time we fell down, you picked us back up," she said. "For every time in high school we gave you a fatal dose of sarcasm and for every time in college we told you we couldn't do it, thank you for ignoring us and pushing us forward anyway." More than a quarter will stay in the state of Michigan for this next phase of their training - including 18 percent who matched to residency slots at the U-M Health System after being selected from among thousands of applicants. Martin Slagter covers higher education for The Ann Arbor News. Reach him at mslagter@mlive.com or on Twitter. BAY CITY, MI -- Angled parking is coming to a few sections of downtown Bay City to accommodate more vehicles on the street. City officials are calling for the creation of on-street angled parking along the south side of Fourth Street between Washington Avenue and Adams Street, in addition to a portion of the south side of Ninth Street adjacent to the Bay County Historical Society museum between Saginaw Street and Washington Avenue. Road crews are creating on-street angled parking on the west side of Water Street adjacent to Wenonah Park. That work, as part of a major downtown street resurfacing project, involves removing the berm and trees on the outskirts of the park. The Bay City Commission meets at Bay City Hall, 301 N. Washington Ave., at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 16, to approve the parking changes. By angling parking spots on Fourth Street between Washington and Adams, the city is able to add three additional spaces. Water Street is going to have a net increase of 19 spaces, said Ken Feldt, the city's engineer. Ninth Street is going to have a decrease of four spaces because the road will be narrowed. The design of that street incorporated historic Bay City bricks that were mistakenly dug up during a utility project last year. BAY CITY, MI -- A Bay City parole absconder alleged to have stolen a SUV and been arrested 13 minutes later has been arraigned. Michael V. Huizar, 36, on Thursday, May 12, appeared before Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer for arraignment on single counts of unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle, breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny, and driving on a suspended license, second offense. The charges stem from police at 7:05 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, responding to a stolen vehicle complaint at a home in the 3000 block of South Euclid Avenue in Bay City. Bay County Central Dispatch advised a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer had been stolen and was last seen heading north on Euclid. A Michigan State Police trooper spotted the vehicle parked in another residence's driveway in the 2700 block of South Euclid with Huiza pouring gas into its tank. Huizar took off running east next to some railroad tracks near Michigan Sugar Company, court records show. A Bay City police officer drove east through the company's employee parking lot into a grassy field and, by 7:18 a.m., nabbed Huizar and took him to the Trailblazer's location. Near it were a riding lawnmower, a portable generator, a leaf blower, two gasoline cans, a fertilizer spreader, and a tractor/ATV jack. The resident told police none of the items were his, court records show. The woman who reported the Trailblazer stolen said she heard her dog barking and looked outside to see a man in her backyard. A moment later, she heard the SUV start up and looked again to see it being driven away, court records show. "We leave the keys in all our cars," she told police, according to court documents. Police also found a bicycle stashed in nearby bushes. Inside the SUV, they recovered a cellphone and crack pipe, court records show. On Huizar, they found a key to the lawnmower, court records show. Police soon located a detached garage in the 3200 block of South Euclid Avenue with a partially opened door. The garage's owner told them the items found with the Trailblazer were his, court records show. Huizar told police he was walking to his girlfriend's place. "I have a warrant and I wanted to see her one last time before I go to jail for the warrant that I have," he told police. He said he stopped at a friend's house and the friend told him to move the SUV, giving him the key to lawnmower to load into it. Huizar was on parole at the time of the offense. In July 2007, he was sentenced to up to eight years in prison on convictions of assaulting police and absconding on bond. Thereafter, apparently while on parole in January 2010, he racked up convictions for assaulting police and drug possession, which netted him two concurrent terms of 18 months to four years in prison in June 2010. The Michigan Department of Corrections' website states Huizar absconded from parole on April 5, 2016. Huizar is to appear for a preliminary examination before Janer at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 27. Detroit Police Car file photo.jpg (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive file) Detroit police are looking for this suspect, seen here wearing a backwards red hat. DETROIT, MI - Detroit police are looking for suspects in two shootings that occurred last Friday, May 6 in Detroit during a violent weekend when at least nine people were shot and two killed within 24 hours. Police said at least two suspects are wanted in connection to the murder of a 21 year-old male, who was shot to death at about 7:15 p.m. at Packard and Savage by three men. Police said that same group shot a 27-year-old man outside his home in the 2000 block of Meade around 7:55 p.m. Detroit police are looking for this suspect, believed to be linked to two shootings on Friday, May 6. One suspect is known as "White Boy" and is described by police as a black male, 20-25 years old, about 5'10"-6', 220-230 lbs. and wearing torn jean shorts and a vest with a dark gray or black shirt with red sleeves. That suspect handed off an AK-47 to another black male know as "Bart," who police said was wearing a red heat and gray shirt on the day of the shootings. Anyone with information is asked to call Detroit homicide detectives at 313-596-2260 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP. At least nine people were shot in several incidents across the city last Friday, May 6. Five people were shot in a single incident on the 12300 block of Gratiot Avenue on Detroit's east side, police around 8 p.m., police. One of the victims in that incident died. Another was left in critical condition. Three other shootings occurred in separate locations between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., including the fatal one at Packard and Savage on the city's northeast side. (From left to right) Atherton High students Sam Lesniewski, Lily Tate, and Savanah Barnes laugh during a May 12 presentation by Robert Elam Moore on finding the "true you." The presentation was held by the school's chapter of Student Leadership Services during prom week. BURTON, MI - A reminder hung in the cafeteria inside Atherton High School on prom week of the dangers of drunk driving. Silhouettes of more than 80 faces were taped to display cases in the building, representing the number of people that would die over prom weekend -- from May 13 to May 15 -- across the country from impaired driving, a few people more than the high school's 2016 graduating class. The week wrapped up with a presentation by Robert Elam Moore, a former teacher and counselor, during an assembly organized by Student Leadership Services, a group Atherton High senior Sam Lesniewski called a peer intervention group. "We focus on helping everybody else make informed decisions (on things) like drunk driving, alcohol, and substance abuse," said the 18-year-old Lesniewski. The presentation by Moore included stories from his teaching days about students' decision-making processes and emphasized three points: defining who they are as a person, believing in themselves, and having a support system in place when they are down. A portion of his 30-minute discussion with students included a skit that placed himself and a student in a boat, with the student being pulled in two directions and having to decide the right choice to make for their future. "It's creating that support system," said Moore, adding "The decisions they are going to make this weekend, do they have to be based on (their peers) or can they do it based on what I believe I am, who I am... it's about that identity and that self-esteem." Atherton High students Lily Tate and Savanah Barnes said the issue of drunk driving is one that resonates in their school building. "We want to show our kids you might not know the people who it could be, but it could be us and it could be the people that we love and we don't want that to be (the case)," said Tate, 18. It's really important us because all of us have had people touched by this." Given the personal experiences of students, Barnes said they "are more inclined to make positive decisions." It's also important for students where the message is coming from, Tate said, in order to stick with them and which is why the SLS group directed by advisor and Atherton High teacher Michelle Turner can make a difference. "We're not just part of the nerds, or the band geeks, or the jocks, we're part of everything," said Tate. "Because of this SLS group there's one person at least in every group that is telling our students you don't have to be like everybody else." SPARTA, MI -- Police in Sparta are asking for the public's help to identify a man who stole a large amount of prescription drugs from a pharmacy. Surveillance video showed the suspect entering HomeTown Pharmacy -- also known as Momber's Pharmacy -- at 11 S. State St. about 2:22 a.m. Friday, May 13, by smashing the front door. The man used a trash can to haul the drugs. The alarm was activated but the suspect was gone when police arrived minutes later. Any information about the crime can be submitted to police at 616-887-7331 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345. Tips also maybe given online at Silentobserver.org or the department's Facebook page. Angie Jackson covers crime and breaking news for MLive. Email her at ajackso3@mlive.com, and follow her on Twitter. A protester sits in front of riot policemen during a demonstration on April 15, 2016 outside the Journalists' Syndicate in central Cairo against a controversial deal to hand two islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. By Mohamed El-Shahed (AFP/File) 14.05.2016 LISTEN Cairo (AFP) - An Egyptian court on Saturday sentenced 51 people to two years in prison for protests against the handover of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, judicial officials and lawyers said. Parents and friends of the defendants burst into tears and cried out in shock after learning of the verdict outside the Cairo courthouse. Defence lawyers Hossam al-Khadrawy and Ahmed Abdel-Latif confirmed the verdict, which they said can be appealed. Thirty-three defendants were present in the court, while the rest had been released on bail. Police had quickly dispersed protests against the islands deal on April 25 and arrested dozens of people. Prosecutors charged them with participation in illegal rallies. The deal to hand over the islands in the Straits of Tiran had galvanised dissidents who oppose President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. In the leadup to the protests, police already made dozens of arrests to discourage a repeat of a large rally on April 15 at which demonstrators chanted for the "fall of the regime". The government says the islands had always belonged to Saudi Arabia and that Egypt had merely administered them while on lease since the 1950s. Critics accuse Sisi of "selling" the islands in return for Saudi investments. Sisi, a former army chief who was elected president after overthrowing his Islamist predecessor in 2013, has been accused by activists of installing a heavy-handed regime that tolerates no dissent. After president Mohamed Morsi's overthrow, a police crackdown killed hundreds of Islamist protesters, while hundreds of policemen and soldiers have died in a jihadist insurgency. The crackdown has extended to secular and liberal dissidents over the past two years. Sisi had initially been feted by millions of Egyptians who opposed Morsi's rule and welcomed a firm leader at the helm to revive the economy. But he faces growing discontent with his rule, with the islands controversy seen as another example. The government announced the deal a day after it was signed during a visit by Saudi King Salman. Abuja (AFP) - Nigeria on Saturday hosts talks on Boko Haram with regional and Western powers, hoping for closer military cooperation and help with tackling the conflict's dire humanitarian fall-out. The leaders of Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger are due to attend, with French President Francois Hollande, US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's foreign minister Philip Hammond. Delegations from West African and Central African blocs, plus the European Union have also been invited. Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari, who has vowed to defeat Boko Haram before the end of his first year in office this month, was scheduled to meet Hollande at the presidential villa in Abuja. Both countries recently signed an agreement on closer military cooperation, including in intelligence sharing, and France is keen to help implement a regional solution to the Islamist insurgency. Paris has traditionally concentrated on its former colonies surrounding Nigeria and sees itself as well-placed to help closer ties and longer-term economic development in the troubled region. - 'Defeat' caution - The summit -- two years after a first such high-level gathering in Paris -- comes as Nigeria's military pushes deep into Boko Haram's Sambisa Forest stronghold after recapturing swathes of territory in the northeast. The army has portrayed the Islamist militants as in disarray, but there have been warnings against any premature declaration of victory. Blinken told reporters in Abuja on Friday that Washington, which is flying surveillance drones over northeast Nigeria from northern Cameroon, did not see Boko Haram as defeated. But he conceded "they have been degraded" and noted its links to the Islamic State group, as well as reports of Boko Haram rebels fighting alongside their jihadi counterparts in lawless Libya. "We are extremely vigilant about these connections... this is again something we are looking at very, very carefully because we want to cut it off," he added. - Regional force - The formal deployment of a long-awaited 8,500-strong regional force comprising troops from Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger is expected to be high on the agenda at the talks. The African Union-backed force was supposed to have been on the ground in July last year. Plugging gaps and improving coordination between armies operating largely independently is seen as vital, with Boko Haram now thought to be in remote border areas on and around Lake Chad. Lake Chad forms the border between Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. There will also likely be discussion on tackling the humanitarian effects of the conflict, which has killed some 20,000 people and forced more than 2.6 million from their homes since 2009. The government of Borno state -- the worst-hit by the violence -- has said the displaced face a "food crisis" and $5.9 billion (5.1 billion euros) was needed to rebuild shattered infrastructure. US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who visited northeast Nigeria and northern Cameroon last month, said 9.2 million people in the wider region were affected by the conflict. Johannesburg (AFP) - A retired South African sales executive who emigrated to Australia 30 years ago is hatching a daring plan to airlift 80 rhinos to his adopted country in a bid to save the species from poachers. Flying each animal on the 11,000-kilometre (6,800-mile) journey will cost about US$44,000, but Ray Dearlove believes the expense and risk is essential as poaching deaths have soared in recent years. The rhinos will be re-located to a safari park in Australia, which is being kept secret for security reasons, where they will become a "seed bank" to breed future generations. "Our grand plan is to move 80 over a four-year period. We think that will provide the nucleus of a good breeding herd," Dearlove told AFP while visiting South Africa to organise for the first batch to be flown out. The Australian Rhino Project, which the 68-year-old founded in 2013, hopes to take six rhino to their new home before the end of the year. Funding -- from private and corporate sources -- is nearly in place, and the first rhinos have been selected from animals kept on private reserves in South Africa. "We have got to get this first one right because it's a big task, it's expensive, it's complex," Dearlove said. When they are settled successfully in Australia, "then we hopefully will go up in gear," he added. - Poaching explosion - South Africa is home to around 20,000 rhinos, around 80 percent of the worldwide population. But they are being killed for their horns, which are in high demand in China and Vietnam where they are prized for their purported medicinal purposes. The horn is composed mainly of keratin, the same as human nails, but it is sold in powdered form as a supposed cure for cancer among other diseases, and as an aphrodisiac. Poachers slaughtered 1,338 rhinos across Africa last year -- the highest level since the poaching crisis exploded in 2008, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN, which rates white rhinos as "near threatened" as a species, says that booming demand for horn and the involvement of international criminal syndicates has fuelled the explosion in poaching since 2007. - Placed in quarantine - Dearlove still faces a major logistical battle to bring his dream to reality. South African and Australian authorities have imposed stringent requirements on moving the animals. The rhinos will be placed in quarantine for two months before they board a cargo plane and then go straight into quarantine in a zoo in Sydney until being taken to the safari park. "There is a lot of work that needs to be done because there is some lack of clarity in the proposal that they have made," South African Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa told AFP. "Who bears the cost? It's quite enormous. We still don't have answers to such things." Internal and cross-border relocations of animals are not new in Africa. Conservation group Rhinos Without Borders has been involved in moving at least 100 rhinos from South Africa to neighbouring Botswana in recent years. Botswana is a favoured destination because its national parks are fiercely protected against poachers, many of whom are part of armed gangs based in Mozambique. In South Africa, the government this month stepped back from supporting a controversial campaign to legalise the international trade in rhino horn. Some breeders say poaching could be halted by meeting the huge demand from Asia through legally "harvesting" horn from anaesthetised live rhinos. For Dearlove, Australia may sound like an unlikely and faraway solution to save the rhino, but the climate is suitable -- and the need is overwhelming. "I'm sad that this is actually the situation which is being considered -- because if the poaching would go away, there wouldn't be a need for such a plan," he said. Charlotte Osei, Chairperson for the Electoral Commission 14.05.2016 LISTEN President John Dramani Mahama has said despite the continuous and scathing attacks on the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, hes enjoined by the constitution to still keep her at post till her tenure expires. You might not like her but shes the EC chair; I cannot remove her, Mr. Mahama said in an interaction with some Ghanaians in UK. The EC chair has come under intense pressure off-late vis-a-vis the credibility of Ghanas electoral roll in the lead up to the November polls. Shes has also been flaked for some administrative decisions she made on behalf of the commission, especially by changing the symbol of the EC that had the Coat of Arms and introducing a whole new logo for the commission, a decision many has described as useless and a misplaced priority that will not impact on the credibility of the elections at stake. But, the President has said the EC chair has safety and security of tenure, hence hes in no position to terminate such appointment eventhough he made the appointment in consultation with the Council of Elders. Once you have security of tenure you can boldly take any decision in the interest of the nation, and that is the situation, he explained. President Mahama joined other World leaders this week in an ongoing summit on Anti-corruption in the United Kingdom. The President of the Ghana-Turkey Cooperation and Development Association (TUDEC), Mr Yusuf Temizkan, has disclosed that a prospective investors from Turkey would be arriving in the Ghana within the year to inject their capital into the country's economy. "More Turkish investors have expressed their interest in investing in education, the real estate, construction and manufacturing sectors in Ghana", he emphasized. He said it was through the business trips to Ghana and business trade fairs in Turkey that TUDEC organised that attracted hundreds of Turkish business people to come to Ghana to learn about business opportunities. Political stability Mr Temizkan said the investors were attracted to Ghana because of the country's political stability, peaceful coexistence among the various religious faiths and the hospitable nature of Ghanaians. Adding that, the would-be Turkish investors had received favourable feedback from Turkish investors already operating in Ghana. "They see Ghana as a very good place to invest because of government policies. Ghana is a democratic county of law and nobody can harm you as long as you stick to the law. "They say Ghanaians are very friendly and that Ghana is very secured for their families and children in comparison with the neighbouring countries," he said. Ghana's economy Mr Temizkan, who is also the General Manager of the Galaxy International School, said TUDEC was interested in supporting the growth of the Ghanaian economy and creating job opportunities for the teeming youth in the country. According to him, TUDEC was hopeful that the investors would inject the needed capital to support the country's socio-economic development. "More people from Turkey are coming and we hope that they will come and invest in Ghana and create opportunities for Ghanaians," he said. This he noted, it was in that regard, that TUDEC organised business trips to Ghana and Turkey as well as business trade fairs in Turkey. "The business trips and trade fairs offered the opportunity to Ghanaian businessmen and their Turkish counterparts to establish business contacts", he stated. Mr Temizkan said TUDEC also organised a business forum in 2012 for President John Dramani Mahama and Ghanaian business delegation in Turkey in collaboration with TUSKON , one of the largest business associations in Turkey. Other activities of TUDEC Last year, TUDEC in collaboration with the National Peace Council (NPC) organised an international dialogue conference at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), on the theme: "Love and Tolerance; Peaceful Coexistence in Diversity." Chaired by the Chairman of the NPC, the Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Asante. Besides, the conference was graced by distunguished individuals from different walks of life,Muslim and Christian clerics . That is the Minister of State, Honorable Rashid Pelpuo, National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Spokesperson for National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Armiyawo, Rt.Rev.Dr.Sylvanus and Daniel Torto-Bishop Anglican Diocese of Accra. Others are: the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Most Reverend Charles Gabriel Palmer- Buckle and Professors from Turkey,Nigeria,and USA . The conference was inspired by the book of a prominent Turkish Muslim scholar, opinion leader, poet, prolific teacher and author, Fethullah Gulen. Speeches at the conference were captured in a book form edited by the Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Asante and titled: "Love and Tolerance". The book was launched at a program chaired by Commandant/Executive Director of KAIPTC,Maj. Gen. OB Akwa at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra in March, this year. The association is also engaged in different Aid and relief organizations like offering scholarships to needy students, provision of boreholes in rural areas and the donation of assorted food items and meat during Eidu-ul-Adha, Eid-ul-Fitr and Christmas festivities. Fact sheet TUDEC was established in 2011 to promote education and trade activities between Ghana and Turkey and to also offer social and humanitarian services such as aid, relief and dialogue activities in Ghana. Activities of TUDEC are to fight against societys three greatest enemies that are ignorance, poverty and disunity based on the philosophy of a Turkish Muslim scholar and author, Fethullah Gulen. He asserts that education, work-capital,aid and relief and unity can combat these enemies respectively. To defeat ignorance through education, he suggests to open schools that serve all people, regardless of their race,colors, or faiths. It is in these schools that students of all cultures are taught universal values and ethics along with modern sciences. In these schools also,students will have a chance to learn how to coexist peacefully in diversity and cultivate the idea of tolerance which is the remedy of todays problems steming from the abuse of religious, cultural, and ethnic differences. He thinks poverty can be eliminated through work and the possession of capital,justly deployed in the service of others. He tries to encourage people to tackle this problem in a larger scale and inspires people from different countries to participate voluntarily in aid and relief activities and business organizations. Finally,to eradicate the last enemy of humanity, Internal disunity and separatism, he suggests a solution through dialogue and tolerance. As the world is gradually becoming a small village, nations should come together and establish unity so that universal targets can be achieved by people all over the world. He believes internal disunity and separatism are vanquished by striving through forbearance, tolerance and dialogue based on the idea of acceptance and love. Inspired by these ideas, participants of Hizmet movement (Hizmet means service), a global transnational civil society movement, described by Gulen himself as a movement of people united around high human values, opened thousands of schools, hospitals, universities, aid and relief foundations and dialogue centers in about 160 countries. It is a faith-inspired, non-political, cultural and educational movement whose basic principles stem from Islams universal values, such as love of the creation, sympathy for the fellow human, compassion, and altruism. The movement is not a governmental or state sponsored organization. It focuses on the betterment of the individual toward a positive change in society. The movement is distinguished for its support of democracy, its openness to globalization, its progressiveness in integrating tradition with modernity, and its humanistic outlook. Quick read : Activities of TUDEC are to fight against societys three greatest enemies that are ignorance, poverty and disunity 14.05.2016 LISTEN CURRENT LESSONS FROM THE US On 12 May, the British Prime Minister hosted the Anti-Corruption Summit to step up global action to expose, punish and drive out corruption in all walks of life. This summits cardinal goal is to galvanize a global response to tackle corruption. As well as agreeing a package of actions to tackle corruption across the board, it will deal with issues including corporate secrecy, government transparency, the enforcement of international anti-corruption laws, and the strengthening of international institutions. This is the first summit of its kind, bringing together world leaders, business and civil society to agree a package of practical steps to: expose corruption so there is nowhere to hide punish the perpetrators and support those affected by corruption drive out the culture of corruption wherever it exists With Ghanas president John Dramani Mahama attending this Anti-corruption conference, the timing could not be better to write something about corruption in Ghana. Having lived in the US for more than three decades, I have seen and read enough about happenings in the US to become convinced that, there is so much we can learn from this country. I am of the firm belief that there is an unmistaken direct correlation between the economic prosperity of a nation and the scale of its political corruption. It is really undoubted that US being a super economic power has something to do with its stand on white collar crime, and the swiftness with which the rule of law deals with corrupt politicians and sends them to jail. Examples abound but I would give two very recent ones. The cases involving Speaker Sheldon and Dean Skelos, State Senator; both of the state of New York. Just a couple of days ago (May 12, 2016), Sheldon Silver was sentenced to 12 years in prison. In Ghana this would have been groundbreaking and sent shockwaves throughout the country. Sheldon Silver was the speaker, one of the most powerful politicians in the state. It will have been similar to sending the current speaker (3rd in command after President and Vice President) to jail, long after he has left the assembly and even retired. Prosecutors said he caused "immeasurable damage" to the democratic process and public trust. Unfortunately in Ghana this happens all the time and legislators, members of the executive and even judges get away with it. Silver was also accused of having two extramarital affairs , one with a lobbyist with business before the Assembly and another who used his influence to get a state job. ( This will have been business as usual in Ghana ). In response, Cuomo's administration is conducting an internal review. This is also something that may never happen in Ghana. Instead the executive will set up some bogus commission of enquiry which inevitable leads to nowhere. In the US some states have laws that make public officials who are convicted of corruption forfeit their pensions. Unfortunately New York is not one of such states and so Sheldon may escape, but there is a strong push to pass such a law. We may want to consider passing such a law in Ghana, so that public officials will think twice before they commit acts of corruption. Currently, in Ghana, public officials caught in corruption are in some instances rewarded by being reassigned to the office of the president. Sheldon will also have to forfeit some $5.3 million that he obtained through his illegal arrangements. It is noteworthy that that as soon as Silver was indicted he stepped down and then when he was convicted on multiple federal corruption charges he was stripped of the office. In Ghana, indicted public officials sometimes continue to hold office. The second case was Dean G. Skelos, the once powerful Republican majority leader of the New York State Senate who was convicted with his son in December on federal corruption charges, was sentenced to five years in prison on Thursday. His son got 6 years. The sentencing of Mr. Skelos was therefore the second instance in 10 days in which a former senior New York lawmaker was sent to prison for abusing his office. It concludes an extraordinary chapter during which two trials held a block apart at almost the same time last year exposed a culture of kickbacks, secret deals and nepotism in the State Capital in Albany. The evidence against the Skeloses, who were convicted of bribery, extortion and conspiracy, was remarkable for its brazenness but it could also elicit some misplaced sympathy. Here was a loving father seemingly willing to do anything for his son , even if it meant breaking the law. Before he was sentenced, Dean Skelos asked the judge in the case, Kimba M. Wood of Federal District Court in Manhattan, to show mercy to his son. I let things go off the rails, and for that I apologize to Adam, Mr. Skelos said. I love Adam and pray that we have better days together . When oh when will we have such candidness in Ghana!!! The former senator also expressed remorse for his actions, saying that somewhere along the way, my judgment became clouded. Before sentencing, Judge Wood scolded Skelos for ignoring his moral compass, and violating his unique position of power and trust. He said Your cynicism in abusing your power has been exposed in your own words, referring to wiretapped conversations that were played at trial. Judge Wood also imposed a $500,000 fine the amount sought by the government on the former senator, and imposed a $ 334,120 forfeiture to be paid jointly by Adam and Dean Skelos. She said she wanted the sentence to show that public corruption will be punished . THIS IS WHAT WE NEED IN GHANA AND WE MUST CONTNUE TO FIGHT UNTILL WE GET IT!! At trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the elder Mr. Skelos, 68, who spent three decades as a senator, used his position as majority leader to pressure a real estate developer, an environmental technology company and a medical malpractice insurer firms that depended on his support as senator for legislation that benefited their interests to provide Adam Skelos with consulting work, a direct payment of $20,000 and a no-show job. The two men sought to monetize Dean Skeloss public position for Adam Skeloss private gain, In all, prosecutors said, the defendants sought more than $760,000 in extortion payments, bribes and gratuities, ultimately obtaining a total of more than $334,000 to line their familys pockets. Through these schemes, Dean Skelos, had built a net worth of more than $2 million. In my concluding remark, I wish to state that it is easy to become sentimental about corruption, but that alone will not achieve eradication. Ghanaian prosecutors must learn to use the tactics deployed by law enforcement in these two cases strong evidence collection, wiretaps, and secret recordings, combined with aggressive prosecution. We also need strong laws and the use of the jury system for corruption cases, or at least a panel of judges. Single judge adjudication is really not advocated by the author. Finally we need a truly independent judiciary that is fearless and is no respecter of persons. Long Live Ghana, Lets all pray hard and fight hard to conquer the canker of Corruption. By Hector O. Boham, President and CEO of Corruption and Fraud Audit Consortium (CAFAC) Ghana Limited (You can reach Hector at [email protected] or [email protected]) 14.05.2016 LISTEN Despite the seeming uproar preceding yesterdays anti-corruption summit held in London, following a leaked private conversation between David Cameron and the Queen of England, there was quite an invaluable lesson that African Leaders may have learnt; - That it pays to have a good name. In the leaked conversation, David Cameron was heard advising the Queen that there were Leaders of some fantastically corrupt countries attending the summit. He proceeded to mention Nigeria and Afghanistan as possibly two of the most corrupt countries in the world. The Archbishop of Canterbury was heard interjecting to exonerate someone from the corruption in Africa. That person, president or man, to all intents and purposes, had to be President Buhari. But this particular leader is actually not corrupt. He is trying very hard: the Archbishop was clearly heard saying. For an African leader, that was quite a priceless testament or reference. A reference Buhari had neither solicited for nor paid for, from none other than an English man of God of the Church of England without the pretence of a revelation or a prophecy. God can be really good. Unfortunately, by just an odd quirk of fate, in a related matter, the day saw yet another debacle in the life of the incumbent presidency of Ghana, just to add to an unending list of gaffes and global embarrassments which are becoming a trade mark of the NDC government on the international scene. President John Mahama rushed off to England for a summit, during which he is supposed to have granted an interview to the BBC. It was an occasion which, with ample preparation and anticipation, would probably have given the President an opportunity to sell Ghana to our development partners. However, he was hindered and inhibited by 2 important but debilitating factors: 1) the truth and 2) a conspicuous lack of preparation & planning by the President and his team. In the interview with the BBC host, Peter Okwoche, a presenter in the mould of the late Komla Djomor, President Mahama woefully failed to convince the world that he was incorruptible and that he was prepared to deal with corruption within the team of friends and associates he governs with. Asked about increasing corruption in Ghana and as to whether he had prosecuted or even simply, investigated any of his ministers and/or errant ones, President Mahama effectively dismissed corruption in Ghana as more of a perception. What about you, Mr President, have you been offered a bribe before? Peter Okwoche (PO) asked. Obviously reeling under a shock of sorts, John Mahama (JDM) was really struggling and asked back: you mean as a president? PO: as John Dramani Mahama; JMD: as a human being? PO: as a person. John Dramani Mahama then answered as follows: "Any human being in the world would have encountered corruption in a way, one way or the other, either being offered a bribe or a bribe being demanded from you. What you need to do is to put yourself in a position to.. Asked by PO, whether he took it, the President moved on quickly as if he didn't hear the question and maybe he didnt hear his interviewer well, but Peter pressed on: "Mr President did you take it?" wearing a smile that obviously suggested that PO believed he had hit that rare moment in the life of a great journalist. The real jackpot was however on its way. Then the President answered in a rather passive voice, "No, I didnt take it" and then moved on. For me this was quite a self-indicting moment for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. His response to the question about the need to prosecute and investigate his errant ministers or associates demonstrated his complete lack of interest and determination to deal with the problem, especially in the light of the long list of incidents which have bedevilled his regime, such as: SADA, GYEEDA World Cup Scandal, Inflated costs on Bus Branding Saga, Wayome, Isofoton and Waterville, Judgment Debts, Kumasi Airport bloated costs Kasoa Interchange - bloated costs, the STX deal and the Circle Interchange bloated costs, AMERI - the inflated cost of purchasing electricity; just to mention but a few. The interviewer undoubtedly must have had a fair grasp of the above issues. The expression on his face said it all. There is a growing perception that H.E. John Dramani Mahamas problem has always been one of anticipation. He either never anticipates or plans properly for anything. He obviously places great confidence in his soft-spoken eloquence. He never anticipated the above killer question in spite of the fact that the likelihood of being asked such a question was as clear as mud. The King was thus left completely undressed for the question on a very informed platform - the global stage. In such moments, it is only the truth and nothing but the truth which can set you free. H.E. John Dramani Mahama would have been found to have answered his questions rather untruthfully in the eyes of any discerning viewer. Whether as a person, a president, a human being or whatever guise he may have operated under, JDM was clearly thinking of how he may lie to the whole world about something he knew to be all too painfully untrue. The President is neck deep in corruption. Mr Martin Amidu, the former Attorney General not too far back in time, disclosed that the late President Mills, before his unfortunate, if not untimely death, set up a committee to investigate Mahama, which committee Mahama dissolved on becoming President. It is ridiculous for Mahama to tell the world that the way to avoid being offered bribes is simply to push off the responsibility to someone else. Are you sure Mr President? What if your delegate comes back to you with an offer? As I understand it, in every project that has been commissioned by his Government, the relevant procurement has been undertaken on the basis of the sole sourcing route contrary to the existing regulations on Government Procurement, which former President Kufuor left for his use. In 2012, John Dramani Mahama told us that he walked into the Presidency of Ghana without any expectation of it and in point of fact he was in the process of even retiring from politics when the Vice Presidency landed on his laps. He least expected the death of the late President, Professor Atta-Mills, when it happened and indeed it was almost with some reluctance that he was sworn in as President on the day of the late professors death. Curiously he states himself that after the news of the professors death and the invitation to be president, he actually went to bed that afternoon. He only accepted his constitutional duty to become president after what appears to be a very sound sleep. This may all fit in with his declarations after his 2012 election, that indeed he was ordained to be president. It also does not come as a surprise that he has never made any such prophecies regarding his capacity to deal with Ghanas problems. I listened to most of the deliberations at the anti-corruption summit and whilst it was rather riveting to watch the passion and genuineness of the contributions from most of the participants and actors, the leaked conversations between the Archbishop, David Cameron, the Queen of England and the Speaker of the House of Commons have rather left an indelible imprint on my mind. David Cameron had Ghana in mind when he referred to Leaders of some fantastically corrupt countries attending the summit. The Archbishops testament on Buhari is exhilarating news for Africa but Ghanaians must do the decent thing, vote in 2016, for someone who can properly partner Buhari in the fight against corruption in Africa, to exterminate this canker from our continent. Corruption makes you poorer. It creates in you a need to take a bribe and vote. Please take it no more! Vote for the best to rule Ghana. We all heard the Archbishop's voice on the leaked video about Buhari - He is not corrupt. A Great pronouncement over his life, it went unchallenged. I am not surprised he did not make a fuss about the allegation on corruption made against his country. He should be a much-fulfilled politician after this conference but he needs strong and decent partners to break Africa free from this malaise. File Photo 14.05.2016 LISTEN Ghana has been noted for fighting strongly against child marriage. Both the 1992 Constitution and the Childrens Act, 560 set age for marriage and therefore it is an act of criminality to engage any child in marriage. Many agencies in this country have demonstrated their willingness to end this canker. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in its commitment to fight against Child Marriages instituted a unit, An Ending Child Marriage Unit in 2014. Also, the Ministry is working with UNICEF to develop a three-year national strategic framework to end child marriage. One will appreciate the need to wrestle against child marriages when its negative impacts on the girl-child are brought to light. Child marriage denies the girl-child of many privileges to be enjoyed as a child in this country. it affects the girl-child development in all areas; educationally, morally, physically and psychologically. Reports have established that majority of children married to adults developed health complications of which some result in death due to sexual abuse. Again, it has been reported that girls engaged in marriages had been severely abused, maltreated and treated as animals or properties instead of humans. In fact, in an interview, one of these rescued girls from child marriages indicated that her husband fed his pets and farm animals better than he fed her. Indeed, as a country we need to fight together for these potential, wonderful, and lovely future generations against child marriages. But what if there are practices in this country which justify and fully endorse child marriages? How can we fight child marriages if we start issuing these children with voters ID cards? It has been confirmed by the National Secretary of the ruling party as well a Member of Parliament of the opposition party that indeed minors were registered by both parties. What a shame! The voters ID card becomes a legal document to justify the age of the holder. Justifying the age of an individual in this country has become a major challenge and one of the reliable document to prove ones age is the voters ID card. How can we fight child marriages if all the children in the marriages have voters ID cards? Are we not encouraging child marriages by registering minors under electoral processes? Are we not shattering the future of these children in marriages as we issue them with voters ID cards? Are we not encouraging children with voters ID cards to be married legally? Which one is more dangerous, the child marriage or the one that fully justifies it? Registration of minors put child into potential and harmful ways. It justifies them as adults and therefore they lose privileges, protection and care required by law. The same government and politicians who are fighting hard to be entrusted with the protection of our children are pushing them in harms way. Registration of minors is potentially dangerous act that ought to be abolished and treated with strict measures. It becomes the only way that the hope of a child given in to marriage is shattered forever. It is the number one enemy to justify child marriage and we need to fight it with all our might. Our dear leaders and politicians, for the sake of our future leaders, stop engaging children in electoral frauds and respect their rights as children and treat them with the needed respect and dignity as children. Jeffery Amo - Asare File Photo 14.05.2016 LISTEN Where did we go wrong? Why has society lost its moral decency as encapsulated within the expressions of our culture? These are some of the questions the youth seem to be posing to us the elderly. It has become a norm to hear from the electronic media or read from the print media issues of rape, defilement and or armed robbery with the age range of perpetuators being the youth, where did they learn these vices and from whose hands did they develop these attitudes? There are many questions which the elderly in our society must answer to the cries of the youth who are yearning for conditions that stimulates positive moral change such that they could remould their lives and become better people within our societies. The cries of the youth depict the broken nature of the various moral linkages within our society setting. The links that exist between the home, church, mosque, palace, next door neighbor and school has collapse, Conflicts between the home and external influences particularly state legislations and the media have contributed immensely to this situation of the youth. The case of about 25000(GHS 2016) expected teen mothers in the eastern region and other reported similar cases in the media must be of great concern especially as we look for potential leaders who would take up the national development agenda from where we have reached. While the home is the first school for the child, the current increase in moral decadence depicts the conditions in the home. The establishment of the home is supposed to be championed by the father and with a great support from the mother while the extended family, community neighbours, church, mosque, school and etc complement their effort with other diverse support mechanisms all to ensure moral uprightness of the child. Collective parenting from the must among all stakeholders must be reassessed and holistic measures and supportive mechanisms instituted to reverse these trends of moral decadence which has resulted in increase in social vices among the youth. These must be done in collaboration with the traditional authorities, leaders of faith-based organization and the state. In doing so, the child/youth moral development can be monitored and uprightedness rewarded to serve as foundation to inspire other youth to emulate the traits of such individual youth. Punishment to bad characters among the youth and the elderly should be publicly made to shame miscreants or deviants. The current jailing system seem to shield the shame aspect of the punishment of perpetuators and for this reason, an introduction of community punishment should be married with confinement. So that the youth could see the consequences of the actions of these deviants before they are confined. It must be noted that community punishment in conjunction to confinement as a form of reformation is applied globally. Many bad characters have been curtailed through the application of community punishment for example hooting at bedwetters and the parading and hooting at thieves, prostitutes among others have reform perpetuators traditionally and therefore instead of just sending an offender to jail, community punishment of hooting and shaming should be considered and applied. Bill Mahmood Nii Lante [email protected] 14.05.2016 LISTEN So much interest has been expressed in the Report on the Ghana election petition case of 2012 by the late Mr Bamidele Aturu of Nigeria (who was commissioned by the Ford Foundation to prepare the Report) that I would have liked to present further discussions of it. But unfortunately, I have to end my treatment of the Report this week. However, I am happy to refer those who want to see the Report in greater detail to the Ford Foundation office in Lagos, Nigeria, for: THE BURDENS OF DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA How the Courts Sustain Presidential Elections A Case Study of the Judgement of the Supreme Court of Ghana on the 2012 Presidential Election By Bamidele Aturu ISBN: 978-978-944-519-6 First published in 2014 by RADI8 LIMITED for THE FORD FOUNDATION, Ten, 105 Close, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria. Mr Aturu has done not only Ghana but Africa a great service by not just reporting on the Ghana election petition, but also, looking at the way the Ghana Supreme Court treated the petition in relation to similar cases in Uganda, Kenya Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Some of the cases adjudicated upon by these apex courts include Anderson Kambala Mazoka v Mwanawasa; Akashambatwa Lewanika & Ors v Fredrick Chiluba; Abubakar v Yar Adua; Buhari v Obasanjo; Ibrahim v Shagari; and Besigye v Museveni & Electoral Commission of Uganda. Judges in Africa Mr Aturu observes, have devoted their forensic energies to shifting the burden of proof to petitioners. But the time may be ripe for them and all other stakeholders to begin to look more closely at other burdens that impact on the future of democracy in Africa. Mr Aturu examines, of course, the conclusions each Judge came to on the reliefs sought by the petitioners, and notes the bizarre fact that the Supreme Court first announced that there had been a 6-3 judgement in favour of Mr John Dramani Mahama, only to correct it later to 5-4. And, as stated before, he comes to the conclusion himself, in agreement with Mr Sam Okudzeto, that the 5-4 was also wrong and that in fact, the loser was turned by the Supreme Court's errors, into the winner. Now, what can be learnt from this? The predisposition or tendency of African Supreme Courts is to sustain presidential elections. It is evident from the Ghanaian Supreme Court case and an analysis of relevant and comparable cases from African countries that the courts saddled with the settlement of post-election disputes in presidential elections labour under complex burdens of history, doctrine, expectation, evidence, and context. acoording to Mr Aturu, two of the judges in the Ghana case under summarized their perspective of what the attitude of courts should be to public elections. Justice William Atuguba, who presided, stated at page 40 of the judgment thus: The judiciary in Ghana, like its counterparts in other jurisdictions, does not readily invalidate a public election but often strives in the public interest, to sustain it. Justice Adinyira, more or less, concurred with this perspective, saying: Courts usually apply the election code to protectnot defeatthe right to vote. Public policy favours salvaging the election and giving effect to the voters intent, if possible. Mr Aturu makes the point that the choice of words by the two justices, particularly Atuguba, shows an overwhelming predisposition on the part of the majority of the court to sustain the outcome of the election. In fairness to the judges, they are not alone in this thinking or attitude as it seems to be the trend in Africa. While most of the decisions by other African supreme courts may not be as categorical as the learned justice put it, the truth of the matter is that by relying on the presumption of regularity, they all set the bar very high for petitioners Of course,it would be erroneous to claim, on the basis of a few comments by judges in one case in Africa, that judges sustain presidential elections in Africa, irrespective of electoral irregularities But such comments nevertheless indicate the need for more rigorous research and studies on other non-judicial factors that may be relevant to an understanding of the decisions of the judges. Mr Aturu points out that none of the celebrated petitions against presidential elections in Africa has ever been upheld. For example, in the Nigerian case of Buhari v Obasanjo, [which was] relied upon in the Ghana decision, the Supreme Court [of Nigeria] held [that] once the Electoral C omission announces the result of an election, it is presumed correct and authentic and the petitioner who alleges the opposite, must offer clear and positive proof that the result is incorrect and not authentic. In the same vein, the Supreme Court of Kenya in Raila Odinga v The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission & Others, relying on some Nigerian authorities. referred to a long-standing common law approach in respect of alleged irregularity in the acts of public bodies: 'Omnia Praesumuntur rite et solemniter esse acta': all acts are presumed to have been done rightly and regularly. So, the petitioner must set out by raising firm and credible evidence of the public authoritys departures from the prescriptions of the law. But while it is easy to understand and, in many cases, accept that not every trifle act of non-compliance with the provisions of an electoral statute would warrant the nullification of a pubilc election, it is controversial, nonetheless, to say that the court should strive to sustain or salvage an election, as suggested by Atuguba, and to claim that this is always in the public interest. But what should be the public interest in an election? Should not the public be interested in seeing that the laws of a country and the principles globally recognized as enhancing free and fair elections are not violated by election bodies? Second, what exactly is the role of the judiciary in the resolution of election disputes? Can the judiciary exceed its traditional role of interpreting election laws and stray into taking other factors into consideration in determining election petitions? Is it really the business of the court to uphold the result of an election?(Mr Aturu asks.)In his view, it is not their business to rescue any election. They are to determine cases before them in accordance with the law. There is a need, Mr Aturu warns, to do all that is possible to professionalize African electoral bodies,and ensure their independence and neutrality, especially through statutory mechanisms. This will remove, at the very least, one of the sources of the burdens on democracy in Africa. Africa, must move in the direction of organizing credible elections that require no salvaging, Mr Aturu writes. 24 MAY 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Professor ALBERT ADU BOAHEN, who denounced The Culture of Silence in Ghana in 1988 and helped to set Ghana on the path of constitutional rule, which has allowed us all to enjoy a democratic form of government. To mark the occasion, there will be LECTURES and cultural events in Accra. I shall give my readers the detailed programme next week. 14.05.2016 LISTEN (CNS): As lung cancer treatment outcomes are difficult and five-year survival is abysmally low, preventing lung cancer is a top public health priority. Up to 90% of lung cancer cases are because of tobacco use. Therefore effective implementation of evidence-based and comprehensive tobacco control policies will make a huge difference in slashing new cases of lung cancer as well as preventing a large number of other diseases, disabilities and premature deaths attributed to tobacco use said Professor (Dr) Prakit Vathesatogkit, Executive Secretary of Action on Smoking and Health Foundation of Thailand. More than 100,000 deaths occur each year because of lung cancer in ASEAN. New cases of lung cancer and deaths too are rising each year in ASEAN. That is why tobacco control attains a never-before urgency added Prof Prakit Vathesatogkit. IASLC Asia Pacific Lung Cancer Conference (APLCC 2016) is being held in Chiang Mai, Thailand and CNS (Citizen News Service) is the official media partner of APLCC 2016. Prof Prakit was one of the plenary speakers at APLCC 2016. He added: Out of the 50,710 tobacco related deaths occurring in Thailand every year, 11,740 or 23% were because of lung cancer. In ASEAN region, it is estimated that out of the total 467,194 smoking related deaths every year, 107,454 were due to lung cancer. Tobacco-related lung cancer deaths will keep growing in catastrophic proportions with ageing 121 million smokers in ASEAN region if we fail to act now. Also it is important to underline that tobacco related lung cancer rate might shoot up because of the combined effect of tobacco industrys aggressive marketing, weak political will on tobacco control and other key factors. Therefore while making progress in treatment of lung cancer is very welcome, more contribution from healthcare workers in tobacco control is direly needed. PROF PRAKIT WALKS THE TALK! Prof Prakit Vathesatogkit himself has lived by example of how health professionals can contribute to tobacco control in their lifetime. In his 40 years as a lung disease specialist, he spent first 10 years in clinical management of lung diseases, of which smoking was the major and common cause! He was left aghast not only with late diagnosis of lung cancer but also to see abysmally low cure rates for lung cancer cases. Also available treatment was within reach to only a few of his patients. He finally decided to join the brewing tobacco control movement 30 years ago and learnt by doing. He has indeed set an example for others to imbibe. He has contributed on tobacco control related policy advocacy and then engaged with legislative processes in Thailand. His leadership in tobacco control in strengthening the global tobacco treaty (formally called the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control or WHO FCTC) is well acknowledged. HEALTHCARE WORKERS CAN BOLSTER TOBACCO CONTROL Health professionals including lung cancer experts have a prominent role to play in tobacco control. They have the trust of the population, the media and opinion leaders, and their voices are heard across a vast range of social, economic and political arenas. At the individual level, they can educate the population on the harms of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke. They can also help tobacco users overcome their addiction. At the community level, health professionals can be initiators or supporters of some of the policy measures described above, by engaging, for example, in efforts to promote smoke-free workplaces and extending the availability of tobacco cessation resources. At the society level, health professionals can add their voice and their weight to national and global tobacco control efforts like tax increase campaigns and become involved at the national level in promoting the WHO FCTC. In addition, health professional organizations can show leadership and become a role model for other professional organizations and society by embracing the tenants of the Health Professional Code of Practice on Tobacco Control said Prof Prakit Vathesatogkit. Physicians, nurses, dentists and pharmacists and all health professionals in the everyday health-care setting need to address tobacco dependence as part of their standard of care practice. The Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence - Clinical Practice Guideline, issued by the United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends the 5As approach: - Ask about tobacco use - Advise all users to quit - Assess willingness to make a quit attempt - Assist the patient to quit - Arrange follow-up contact. ASEAN AND TOBACCO CONTROL The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a geo-political and economic organization of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Prof Prakit said: In 2002, through the 6th Health Ministers Meeting, ASEAN governments committed to a vision and a Regional Action Plan on Healthy ASEAN Lifestyles. Identifying tobacco control as one of the priority policy areas, the Action Plan calls upon member nations to implement a Programme of Work on promoting healthy ASEAN lifestyles. For tobacco control this includes developing and implementing a national action plan, consistent with the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) on issues such as smuggling, taxation, product advertising, distribution, sale and agricultural production. There are other actions that have been taken by governments in this region too. In ASEAN (see box), apart from Indonesia every other country has signed and ratified the global tobacco treaty (WHO FCTC). Recognizing tobacco as the major and common risk factor for range of life-threatening diseases including lung cancer Health Ministers from 11 countries in the Southeast Asia region had signed the Dili Declaration in September 2015 pledging to accelerate hard-hitting measures to reduce tobacco use. Summarises Prof Prakit Vathesatogkit: At the very least, all healthcare personnel must provide brief advises for smoking cessation to every patient who has a smoking history, in every consultation visit. Worldwide, doctors are among the most influential figures in leading the tobacco control movement. I urge all doctors to join and support tobacco control movement, not just by a supportive gesture but by action, in whatever capacity they feel comfortable. Shobha Shukla and Bobby Ramakant, CNS (Citizen News Service) 14.05.2016 LISTEN On 12th May, 2016, world leaders met in London, United Kingdom for the Global Anti-Corruption Summit. This meeting would provide an opportunity for world leaders to show case their commitment to the fight against corruption both locally and internationally. Clearly, Ghanas participation at the upcoming summit marked yet another important step for the government of Ghana to demonstrate its commitment to the fight against corruption. The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), Africa office would like to call on His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama to make concrete commitments on the passage of an effective and efficient right to information legislation in Ghana. Efforts by civil society organizations in Ghana to secure the passage of the right to information Bill has proved abortive for more than a decade. Several governments have made promises to put the legislation in place but failed to do so despite their proclaimed commitment to the fight against corruption. Ongoing conversations around open contracting and beneficial ownership have brought to the limelight the value of access to information in helping to expose those who make substantial economic gains but are able to hide their identities in the mist of opaque company structures. The availability of the means for the public to scrutinize activities of public institutions and private bodies performing public functions through guaranteed access to information helps in the fight against corruption and promotes transparency. If His Excellency got an opportunity to address the summit, CHRI expected Mr. President to tell not only Ghanaians but the world at large how government has demonstrated efforts as part of the fight against corruption, to ensure the passage of the RTI Bill since he assumed power in 2012. We recall that Mr. President has on several platforms indicated that when the Bill gets to his table he would sign it without delay. But we have not heard the President requesting Parliament to, as a matter of urgency, pass the most important anti-corruption tool the RTI Bill into law. As much as we understand that the executive may not wish to interfere with the work of the legislature in the spirit of separation of powers; we also know that His Excellency, the President can request for the RTI Bill to be passed under a certificate of urgency if His Excellency so wishes; as has been the case with some other Bills. We would like to draw the attention of Mr. President that under the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Initiative, Ghana has for the second time running made commitments in its National Action Plan to pass the RTI Bill which has been in Parliament since 2013. Specifically, on transparency, the government of Ghana on behalf of the people of Ghana committed among other things, to lobby Parliament to pass the Bill by the end of, 2013. But three years on, the Bill is yet to be passed. The Bill currently at the consideration stage has thoroughly been reviewed by the Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs since December 2014, making it a very robust and effective tool for fighting corruption. Even though the Bill has gone through the first and second readings and has been referred to the consideration stage, Parliament has hastened very slowly with the consideration processes. There is currently no clear indication as to how Parliament is planning to ensure that the Bill is passed before the elections in November, 2016. There is also nothing to show that the Executive is lobbying or engaging Parliament, as it committed to do in its OGP action plans, to ensure that the Bill is passed before June 2016. As His Excellency makes further commitments at the Global Summit to eradicate corruption at home, it is our hope that he will also present a roadmap to the world and to Ghanaians on how he plans to fulfill governments OGP commitment to engage Parliament for the speedy passage of the RTI Bill before June 2016. ISSUED BY THECOMMONWEALTH HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE (CHRI), AFRICA OFFICE, SECRETARIAT TO THE COALITION ON THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION, GHANA MAY 2016 From Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative Ghana through EANFOWORLD FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT P.O.BOX 17070AN 233244370345/23327483710 /233208844791 [email protected] /[email protected] 14.05.2016 LISTEN By Lydia Asamoah, GNA Accra, May 14, GNA - Government's inability to honour its obligation in helping nurses and midwives to resolve the challenges that confront health care, is worrisome, Mr Kwaku Asante-Krobea, President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, has said. 'Our resolve to establish the leverage in quality nursing and midwifery care has just become a tight rope walk as government has refused to honour its obligation' Mr Asante-Krobea said at the launching of the 2016 International Nurses Day, which was held in Accra. Mr Asante-Krobea expressed concern over 'government's refusal to employ graduate nurses in a situation of a nurse/patient ratio of 1:22', as well as regulate the training of auxiliary nurses whose numbers outnumber professional nurses and midwives. The theme for the day was: 'Nurses and Midwives: A force for change, improving health system resilience through safe staffing.' The Nurses' Day starts off a week of many celebrated events to honour the commitment and devotion to duty of nurses and midwives and their contributions to the health care profession across nations. Mr Asante-Krobea said nurses and midwives should use the occasion to reflect on their contribution to the nursing profession and the Nightingale philosophy of patient care and of attitudinal care, while dialoguing with government and stakeholders to reach a common ground that would promote the safety of their work environment. He also urged nurses to live up to clients expectations through the adoption of acceptable practices and innovations that would impact positively on health care outcomes. He said critical issues that should engage the attention of nurses are customer service, legal implications of their actions, communication with their clients and professional colleagues and the building of relationships that influence their conduct on quality care. Mr Asante-Krobea also reiterated the call on government to retain the allowances of trainee nurses and midwives who fill many roles that represent the deficit created by the sharp nurse/patient ratio. In a speech read on behalf of Mr Alex Segbefia, the Minister of Health, he said the current human challenges within the health sector requires the need to review and establish a pragmatic staffing norms or policies to regulate the production and retention of healthcare workers. 'It is therefore important for us to see a celebration of this kind as an opportunity to explore and examine ways of not only improving our services but also to champion the cause in establishing measures vital in helping the health system in the face of adversity, threats and challenges that bounce back stronger than ever before,' he said. Mr Segbefia said the Health Ministry has set in motion mechanisms to review the whole human resource strategy of the health sector and to ensure that enough space is provided for the private sector involvement. 'Efforts are equally being made to regulate the establishment of mushroom Nursing and Midwifery Training Schools,' he added. Dr Lydia Aziator, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing, University of Ghana, in a keynote address, said nurses and midwives should endeavour to do away with the negative attitude among their folk because it is affecting the image of the profession. 'Nurses and midwives need to change because the employers demand quality service and progression at work hinges on high performance. Again, nursing and midwifery regulatory bodies also demand high standards of performance at all levels,' she said. GNA you are here: The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana. May 14, 2016 MANPAD Used By PKK Against Turkish Helicopter May Have Come From Turkey Via "Rebels" In Syria A Turkish helicopter was shut down by the Kurdish PKK with the help of a modern handheld air defense system. A possible source of this system may be an earlier delivery of such systems from Turkey to "rebels" in Syria. July 31 2012 - Reuters Syrian rebels acquire surface-to-air missiles: report Rebels fighting to depose Syrian president Bashar al Assad have for the first time acquired a small supply of surface-to-air missiles, according to a news report that a Western official did not dispute. NBC News reported Tuesday night that the rebel Free Syrian Army had obtained nearly two dozen of the weapons, which were delivered to them via neighboring Turkey, whose moderate Islamist government has been demanding Assad's departure with increasing vehemence. ... Precisely what kind of MANPADs have been delivered to Syrian rebels is unclear and NBC News did not provide details. Such weapons range from the primitive to highly sophisticated. What anti-air missiles the "rebels" acquired became obvious in November 2012 when the "rebels" posted pictures of themselves posing with such weapons: In photographs recently posted online, two fighters were shown holding modern variants of heat-seeking, shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles. ... So this development, the apparent capture of complete SA-16 and SA-24 systems, will bear watching. If these weapons are turned toward Syrian military aircraft, then supporters of the uprising will have reason to hail them, and Syrian military pilots will have new grounds for worry on their next sorties. But if these are sold and weapons of this sort are often said to fetch four- and five-figure dollar sums on black markets and fired at commercial aircraft, then the consequences and regional security implications of the war in Syria will have become much worse. From known losses of the Syrian air-force it appears that at least some of the systems the "rebels" were given in 2012 were probably never used. They may indeed have been sold off. Now they may have reappeared. AP reported yesterday: Turkey: 8 soldiers dead in clash with PKK, helicopter crash Clashes broke out early Friday with rebels of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, near the town of Cukurca, in Hakkari province, killing six soldiers, a military statement said. Eight other soldiers were wounded. A military helicopter sent to the area to support the soldiers later crashed, killing its two pilots, the military said, adding that the crash was due to a technical fault. The PKK today published a video (alternative source) which shows that the claimed "technical fault" was a complete separation of the tail rotor section from the Turkish AH-1W SUPER COBRA attack helicopter due to direct hit by a SA-18 MANPAD. While Russia might work with Kurdish elements in Syria it is extremely doubtful that it trusts any Kurdish group enough to provide it with modern MANPAD system just to anger Turkey. A possible source of the shown system is the older Turkish shipment to the "rebels" in Syria who might have "lost" or sold off some to whoever offered a decent amount. What goes around comes around. Independent of where the system revealed now came from, the hit on the Turkish helicopter will likely end any further talk of providing anti-air systems to the "rebels" in Syria. The battlefield there is too confusing to guarantee that any delivered system really ends up where it is supposed to go and not in the behind of its provider. Turkey will likely have to reduce its use of attack helicopters against in own citizens in east Turkey. While some countermeasures can defeat older MANPAD systems none is really reliable. They are difficult to defeat especially in the mountainous east of Turkey. All Turkish air assets will now be vulnerable unless they fly very high. Posted by b on May 14, 2016 at 17:52 UTC | Permalink Comments Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive. To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process. The Natural Path Meditation Center in Beavercreek welcomes Grandmother Sapokniona Whitefeather, a spiritual leader from the Apache Nation, for a free talk on Love & Loving. The talk will be followed by a Heartfulness Meditation introductory session at the Natural Path Meditation Center in Beavercreek, seven serene acres dedicated to peace and meditation. Sapokniona Whitefeather, affectionately known as Grandmother, is a Visionary, Wisdom Teacher and Keeper of the Earth. Grandmothers goals are to help people to understand their journey here on Earth; to help others to see their full potential through their life experiences as well as through her teachings and example; lastly, to walk softly on Mother Earth and to respect all life forms everywhere. She is a Certified Alternative Healer trained in numerous healing modalities, i.e., Light Weaving, Aromatherapy, Trauma Release, Enneagram, Energy Psychology, and Reiki. She is a Spiritual Counselor. Grandmother also recently completed her doctorate of divinity. Grandmother has led workshops, retreats, teaching circles and ceremony. She has conducted Silent Retreats to help people to go within to connect with their Higher Self. This is achieved through different forms of guided imagery, walking meditations and ceremony. Grandmother often works with veterans organizations focusing on helping veterans and their spouses to release trauma and supporting families to come back into balance through energy psychology and ceremony. Grandmother serves as board member for Cardinal Retreats, a Maine based service organization. She worked with Angel Fire Veterans Wellness retreat in New Mexico and has served as spiritual counselor at the Embrace The Vet retreat in Harpswell, Maine. How to go? 10:30am May 15th at Natural Path Meditation Center 3153 Lantz Rd Beavercreek OH. Free! Retired astronaut Capt. Mark Kelly will speak today at the Museum of the Southwests Relativity Lecture series as part of International Astronomy Day. From his days as a fighter pilot in Iraq to his four space missions, as well as the near-assassination of his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Kelly will discuss how his life has brought him to where he is today. Hes also part of the Twins Study where the effects of space are being observed on him and his twin brother Scott, who returned from a year in space this March. The lecture coincides with the museums reopening to the public for its 50th anniversary with its new galleries and permanent collections. It is so exciting to bring one of Americas present-day space heroes to Midland for International Astronomy Day, museum Executive Director Brian Lee Whisenhunt said. Mark Kellys appearance at the Blakemore Planetarium is going to make it a truly special day. Kelly spoke briefly with the Reporter-Telegram before his appearance this afternoon. MRT: Your lecture is titled Endeavour to Succeed. What do you want Midlanders to take away from it? Kelly: Its a play on words because my last mission was on the Endeavour. The presentation has a bunch of themes and stories that talk about my combat days and flying the space shuttle but also the lessons and hard work that went into it. Ill talk about what happened with my wife Gabby and what I got out of that. I think people can take away something that speaks to them. MRT: Youve flown to space four times in 2001, 2006, 2008 and 2011. Even after all those times, is it even possible to relate those experiences to people who will never travel to space? Kelly: I try really hard to do that but yes, it is so foreign to so many people. Flying on a shuttle, the liftoff of a rocket ship - those experiences can be hard to understand. MRT: So when youre asked What is it like, where do you start? Kelly: Being an astronaut, we spend an enormous amount of time in a simulator. Then theres the feeling of liftoff which Id say feels different for every astronaut whos gone into space. But then you see the Earth and its like this island floating in our galaxy. MRT: How is coming home then? Kelly: You know that feeling when youre on a long trip but youre glad to be home? This is like that only multiplied by 100. And probably a million for my brother. MRT: Midlands airport is the worlds first commercial airport to receive a spaceport license. How do you observe space travel coming into transportation today? Kelly: Were getting there. When President Obama made the decision to commercialize space access, I think that really moved us quickly into the future. So small companies like SpaceX can compete for contracts but in innovative ways. Honestly, I didnt think SpaceX was going to work, but theyve done incredibly well. Its a very exciting time in the aerospace industry. MRT: Do you think you look at Earth differently? Kelly: Yeah, my perception changes. You can see the physical changes of the planet. I saw how the Amazon has changed. And you can see how fragile the planet is. I would be hard-pressed to find an astronaut who doesnt feel diff about environment. MRT: How do you like being regarded as an American hero? Kelly: I just feel really fortunate to be born in this country and have an opportunity to get a decent education. Ive gotten to serve my country in different ways. Ive survived some very hazardous situations that have not been good for my health. But Im just very grateful. International Astronomy Day will feature free campus admission and activities today from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Question-and-answer session with Kelly at 3 p.m. Meet-and-greet and booksigning at 4 p.m. Relativity Lecture: Endeavour to Succeed at 5:30 p.m. Events are free, but tickets are required due to limited space. Tickets will be available at 10 a.m. at the museum. 1705 W. Michigan Ave. Museumsw.org. DALLAS Texas Republicans came out swinging Friday against President Barack Obamas new directive on transgender students, already a piping-hot issue here at the state GOP convention. The Obama administration on Friday morning instructed every school district in the country to let transgender students use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. No elected official was more vocal than Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who called it a modern come-and-take it issue and the biggest issue facing families, schools, in America since prayer was taken out of public schools. Patrick urged Texas superintendents to resist pressure from the federal government to follow the guidelines. He says hes going to withhold funding if schools do not follow the policy, Patrick said of Obama. Well, in Texas, he can keep his 30 pieces of silver. We will not be blackmailed by the president of the United States. Patrick called the news conference late Thursday as word spread that Obama was preparing to issue the guidance. The Obama administration made it official Friday morning, issuing joint guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice. The directive added to an already contentious national debate sparked by a law in North Carolina that restricted transgender access to bathrooms. Led by Patrick, Texas Republicans have latched on to the issue, and it was a dominant theme in opening speeches Thursday at the convention, where Gov. Greg Abbott announced he is working with North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory to fight back. Clay Robison, a spokesman for the Texas State Teachers Association, said he wished Patrick were as concerned with adequately funding public schools as he is with blowing up a non-issue. We certainly dont object to it, Robison said of Obamas directive. We need to keep the kids safe and comfortable and I dont see how the presidents policy does anything to conflict with that. The kids will be safe. Patrick was not the only Texas Republican criticizing Obamas move as party faithful began the second day of its convention. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, speaking with reporters earlier Friday morning, said Obama was intruding on a matter best left to state and local authorities. To me, its almost its a parody of what we should be looking at and dealing with in terms of the threats to our economy and to our national security, Cornyn said. So I wish the president would get serious and focus on his job rather than injecting himself into matters like this. Obamas directive stated transgender students have the right to use their preferred bathrooms in public schools because of Title IX, a federal statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender at education institutions that receive federal funding. A schools Title IX obligation to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of sex requires schools to provide transgender students equal access to educational programs and activities even in circumstances in which other students, parents, or community members raise objections or concerns, wrote Catherine Lhamon, assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, and Vanita Gupta, principal deputy assistant attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice. Well, in Texas, he can keep his 30 pieces of silver. We will not be blackmailed by the president of the United States. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Obamas threat to withhold funding from schools that do not adhere to his directive on transgender students The directive went on to say that the desire to accommodate others discomfort cannot justify a policy that singles out and disadvantages a particular class of student. Joy Baskin, director of legal services for the Texas Association of School Boards, said the directive does not represent a change in what weve understood from those departments for a couple of years consistently. Current guidelines from the association advise districts to handle situations on a case-by-case basis to find solutions that are acceptable both to transgender students and students and parents who may have safety concerns. These are not new issues for school districts, these are not new issues for school attorneys, Baskin said. They are complicated, as gender issues are complicated, and each situation is different. Disclosure: The Texas State Teachers Association and the Texas Association of School Boards have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune. Chang Kyong Choi, encourages his students to visit him in his office as much as they want. In doing so, he creates a personalized learning connection and, what he calls an "inclusive classroom environment." Choi's efforts have earned him Michigan Tech's 2016 Distinguished Teaching Award. Chang Kyong Choi has been at Michigan Technological University for less than a decade, but despite that relatively brief period of time, his personalized, engaging teaching style has brought him the Universitys highest teaching honor. Choi, affectionately known as CK, an associate professor in the Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Department, is the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Teaching Award in the Associate Professor/Professor category. Choi received his bachelors and masters degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Chung-ang University in Seoul, Korea and earned a PhD from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He expanded his research in biomedical engineering and biology before coming to Michigan tech in 2009. Choi emphasizes a personalized learning connection with each of his students, achieved through active individual meetings while valuing what he calls the unique ideas, experiences, strengths and attitudes each student brings to the classroom. "We could all tell how passionate he is about teaching by the fact that during his lectures, he would eventually start shouting at us because he was so excited about the material." Student of Chang Kong Choi His students seem to agree. As one student puts it, Ive never had an instructor ask their students to come to office hours so much. He makes time for you if you cant make it during a specific time, and every time Ive met with him, I took something valuable away from it. Choi works to create what he calls an inclusive classroom environment and tries to be conscious of and available to students struggling with classroom materials. Another focal point in Chois teaching is to encourage class participation and mutual communication with students. According to students, he does this by showing interest and enthusiasm in the material. We could all tell how passionate he is about teaching by the fact that during his lectures, he would eventually start shouting at us because he was so excited about the material, a student writes. That passion is often balanced with the occasional joke. He has the perfect level of seriousness with a humorous side to him, which is underrated in the teaching world, says a student. William Predebon, ME-EM department chair, calls Choi a very talented and dedicated teacher. Predebon emphasizes Chois personal connection with students calling him one of those rare people who is humble and unselfish with a passion to help his students succeed no matter what it takes. He cares about them as individuals and tries to connect with them at every level. Choi says he is honored and humbled by the award, calling it the most valuable achievement I have ever made. My heartfelt thanks to God and to my family, particularly my wife, Bina Kim, for helping me achieve this honor. Choi will receive a $2,500 monetary award and a plaque at an awards dinner sponsored by University President Glenn Mroz in the fall. Kayrn Fay, a professor of practice in Biological Sciences received the Distinguished Teaching Award in the Assistant Professor/Lecturer/Professor of Practice category. Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigans flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. Karyn Fay worked in medical labs for years before coming to Michigan Tech to teach. She uses her "real world" experiences to connect with her students. Fay has received Michigan Tech's 2016 Distinguished Teaching Award in the Assistant Professor/Lecturer/Professor of Practice category. Karyn Fay is the child of teachers. So it wasnt surprising that after several successful years in the medical profession she herself turned to the classroom at Michigan Technological University. Fays passion for teaching has resulted in the Universitys highest teaching honor. Fay, a professor of practice in Techs Biological Science Department, has been recognized as the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Teaching Award in the Assistant Professor/Lecturer/Professor of Practice Category. A native of Manistique, Fay received a BS in Medical Technology from Lake Superior State College (now Lake Superior State University). She worked in medical labs throughout the country, returning to the Upper Peninsula to earn a Masters in Biological Sciences from Michigan Tech in 1989. Following graduation, she became the hematology supervisor at what was then Calumet Public Hospital (now Aspirus Keweenaw). Her connections as a clinical supervisor first led Fay to teach as an adjunct faculty member at Michigan Tech in 2002. Her passion for teaching eventually drew her to teaching full time, and she now directs the Medical Laboratory Science program. Biological Sciences Chair Chandrashekhar Joshi says Fay is dedicated to teaching and preparing the next generation of medical lab professionals. Fays students place a high value on her extensive industry experience. She is able to tell real life stories about what she is teaching at the time, a student wrote. Having these stories help bring everything together and show you how it applies to real-world situations. Dean Bruce Seely of the College Sciences and Arts emphasizes Fays broader teaching role as well. Karyn brings an amazing level of teaching commitment to the Department of Biological Sciences MLS program. Her efforts are not limited to the classes she offers, but are equally apparent in her advising and overall direction of the program as she helps students through their clinical activities, practicums and internship. In addition to classroom teaching, Fay serves as academic advisor to the Society of Medical Laboratory Scientists, His House Christian Fellowship and Theta Chi Epsilon Sorority. "Karyn brings an amazing level of teaching commitment to the Department of Biological Sciences MLS program." Bruce Seely, Dean of the College of Sciences and Arts Her close connection with students doesnt make her an easy mark however. One student says, Karyn does not inflate her grading or give out easy As. If you earn an A, you truly knew your stuff. Students agree Fay ensures that students get the extra help they need and incorporates active learning into her classroom, inspiring students to think. Fay was inducted into the Academy of Teaching Excellence in 2005 and is currently focused on pursuing accreditation of the MLS program through the National Accreditation Agency of Clinical Laboratory Scientists. She says she tries to instill in her students two basic tenetsmutual respect and communication. I am truly humbled to be receiving this award because my students, each and every one, have my utmost respect, and to think they respect me in kind means the world to me. Fay will receive a $2,500 monetary award and a plaque at an awards dinner sponsored by University President Glenn Mroz in the fall. Chang Kyoung Choi, an associate professor in Michigan Techs Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Department is the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Teaching Award in the Associate Professor/Professor category. Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigans flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. Someone should sue the President for ... Sacramento, CA Senator Tom Berryhill has been elected by a unanimous vote in the state senate to a seat on the Rules Committee. The five-member committee reviews and decides whether or not to approve hundreds of gubernatorial appointments prior to a full Senate vote. Additionally, it has jurisdiction over proposed amendments, rules governing the senate and all other matters relating to Legislature business. It is an honor to be elected by my colleagues to serve in this position for the Senate, acknowledged Berryhill. As a member of the Rules Committee, I am committed to fully examining gubernatorial appointments, working to ensure the Senate operates efficiently and assisting my colleagues as they navigate the legislative process. Berryhill is only one of the two Republican members on the committee, which is chaired by Senate President pro Tem Democrat Kevin de Leon of Los Angeles. The other three members are Senators Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres), Connie Leyva (D-Chino ) and Holly J Mitchell (D-Los Angeles). Berryhill represents the 8th District which includes Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. He was first elected to the Senate in 2010. Equipped with a small paddle board, an oar and some supplies, Merritt Island's Josh Collins is trying to do something that's never been done before -- become the first person to complete a nonstop, unassisted, manpowered paddle board trip ever around the world. Josh Collins attempting to paddleboard for Veteran Voyage 360 Collins wants to raise awareness about veteran suicide On average, 22 vets commit suicide every day in the U.S. This first leg is a 3,500-mile water voyage from Corpus Christi, Texas to New York City over a 5-month period called Veteran Voyage 360. The former elite US Army Delta Force and Ranger was put in the hospital, suffering from numerous traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, the result of intense combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. "It felt like life was over. I was on a lot of prescription meds, and kind of just staring at the wall," Collins said on stop in Brevard County Friday. His family helped him find treatments that stopped his reliance on prescription drugs. His wife, Tonia bought, him a standup paddle board to also help with his therapy. Collins never looked back and found sanctuary on the water. But other veterans never find that peace. "We have friends who killed themselves as recent as four months ago," he said. That's why he decided to hit the water, to raise awareness for the 22 vets on average who commit suicide each day in the U.S. Collins' wife gets emotional thinking about his life, and the difference the couple is making when they meet fellow veterans and their families along the route. "You know that they can get through this, you just have to be there to support them and give them the resources that they need," says Tonia. "It's not through a pill bottle, not through a bottle of booze, it's through human support," Josh adds. Collins is holding a rally on Saturday from noon until 2 p.m. at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach. More information can be found on the Veteran Voyage 360 website. A recent string of violent crime in Orange County and Orlando has investigators considering new ideas and techniques to curb that crime. Deputies, officers learned ideas to reduce crime So far, violent crime is down in Orange County 5% In 2016, there have been 13 homicides in Orlando About 100 deputies and officers attended Friday afternoons event at Valencia College's West Campus, which included crime data and ideas on how to reduce crime. The sheriffs office says so far this year violent crime is down about 5 percent. However, its not the numbers they are watching but the trends. Officials said the trend is going down but still high compared to other cities and areas equal in size to Orange County. In 2015, Orlando had 32 homicides. So far, 2016 is at 13. The study comes on the heels of a violent past few months in Orange County, including a shooting in Parramore that left two people dead and four others wounded. Also, recently a 9-year-old and 12-year-old were shot during drive-by shootings. Officials says they are focusing on four core areas: Prevention, Intervention, Enforcement and Prosecution. If we can prevent that crime from occurring, that issue from developing or a potential violent situation from developing long term," said Capt. Angelo Nieves with the sheriff's office, "Thats what we want to do, and how we want to attack this and be formative to the community about whats happening and whats occurring in our community. The Sheriffs Office and OPD are asking for the public to help alert them of any crime. They say no crime is too small and if you see something, say something. You can do that by calling CrimeLine at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). If you think youve heard engines revving over the past few days on Cocoa Beach, youre not wrong. Racers and fans alike are gearing up for this years Thunder on Cocoa Beach Super Boat Races. Thunder on Cocoa Beach runs May 11-15 100,000 people expected to attend We caught up with lifelong racing fan Mickey Hook, who is in town for the 7th annual races. We first found this sport in 1985, when the offshore races began in Sarasota, Florida, and we were just immediately hooked, Hook said. Mickey now travels across the state each year to experience the Super Boat Races, but says Cocoa Beach is his favorite racing location. I have been looking forward to this race since the middle of November in 2015, thats how excited I am, said Hook. Just this year around 100,000 people are expected to flock to Cocoa Beach for the races. The City of Cocoa Beach says they expect to see just under $5 million in revenue. The visitors, of course, will be spending money somewhere, and so our local businesses will be seeing the benefits from that, acting City Manager Charles Holland said. Last year, the city saw around 80,000 visitors for the races. With a projected 20,000 visitor increase, the City and County Ocean Rescue Team will be stepping up patrols in certain areas this weekend. Three different areas, the Cocoa Beach Pier, Shepard Park, and Lori Wilson Park, said Eisen Witcher, Ocean Rescue Chief. We will definitely have more people on the beach there for that event. Those three spots are the most popular viewing locations; theyll start patrolling the water on Saturday, when the boats begin their test runs. The official races start Sunday at noon, but theyll have events and concerts throughout the next few days. Canada's longest running Reggae radio program, celebrating 40 years in your ears, presents: Saturday, May 14, 2016, 3:00-5:30 pm EST Interview with Lt. STICHIE Recent SINGLES Part 2 Oldies but Goodies. LISTEN HERE LIVE: http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/132/27194.html (Program will also be available by 6:00 pm on demand for 700 days at the same link) Celebrating 40 years in your ears in 2016. Join your host Junior Smith. Described as the LEXICON of Reggae and Dance Hall Music, when it comes to writing lyrics, this gifted lyrical genius, with a superb and unique style combined with a powerful delivery that made his music stood up to the harshest of critics, Cleve Lt. Stitchie Laing, has been transformed from being one of dancehalls most acclaimed icon into the Ambassador for Christ and his amazing abilities only get better by the minute. Conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree, ordained as a Minister of the Truth, a Psalmist and a born-again Kingdom Citizen whose huge catalog and repertoire is totally dedicated to the manifestation of his new assignment, the Governor, like the great Reggae Ambassadors before him and the great characters of the bible, pursues his mandate with even a greater passion and unrelenting devotion, than in the days when he became king of the dancehall on Stereo One sound system as Lt. Stitchie, The Governor. The former high school teacher of Physical Education and Biology who graduated from G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport was destined to teach valuable lessons in the school of life. Though no longer functions in the formal setting of a High School, Lt. Stitchie has expanded his student population to include the globe and his serious messages of love through his music and literary skills from his Governments manifesto has gone viral to include his personal appearances on the Continents of North America, South America, Asia, Europe and Africa, with Australia and Antartica yet to come. His transformation was the culmination of two years spent in quiet reflection on his purpose in life and contemplating eternity, shortly after the death of his beloved mother. It was following on a near-death car crash on the way to perform at Reggae Sumfest in August 1997 and the receipt of a Gideon New Testament Bible from a Canadian Missionary the very night that Lt. Stitchie, on returning to his hotel, read the Bible, prayed, asked for forgiveness of his sins and accepted JESHUA HAMACHIACH as his King and Saviour. Now comfortably preaching the message of the Kingdom and teaching about the King, Lt. Stitchie since his watery baptism on December 14, 1997, has witnessed the mighty power of YAHWEH in his career and in every other area of his life and has seen his boundaries enlargened. Divinely inspired by JAH and motivated by his zeal and innate determination to excel, Lt. Stitchie has once again demonstrated his versatility and creativity as an Author. Since his rise to fame in the late 1980s, he has been touring extensively as a headliner at various Reggae Music Festivals and Concerts globally and this only intensified when he made the transition to a new life. Although not one to revel in awards and take any praise unto himself, nevertheless, the excellence of this living Reggae and Dance Hall Legend, Reggae icon and Ambassador for Christ has been recognized nationally and internationally since the release of his very first Album, Wear Yu Size, by various awarding bodies too numerous to start naming. Easily and undoubtedly one of the most sort after Artiste in the genre of reggae and dancehall. The requests for Reggae Music Festivals, Gospel Music Festivals and Concerts from the church halls to the dance halls are even at a much higher volume now than ever before. Lt. Stitchie has a reputation for being an explosive, electrifying and high energy performer, who continues this high voltage trend of upward mobility of excellence, with each Album he releases and each time he makes an appearance in front of an audience on stage. Lt. Stitchie is credited as an eloquent and didactic speaker, simultaneously, an avid student of the WORD. Consequently, his requests for speaking engagements, from motivational to guest speaker, are in very high demand. His excellent stage craft combined with an effective Kingdom message has earned thousands of renewed lives for the Kingdom. Lt. Stitchie proclaim that one of the main concerns is to walk according to the principles of the Kingdom that will be an example to others, especially his former neighbors in the garrison of the inner city communities where he grew up, to his fellow dancehall colleagues and whomever he encounters on his journey of life. This trendsetter, who is credited in the analogs of history of Reggae Music in Germany, as the first to bring dancehall music to Germany and Europe as a whole, who is inscribed on the pages of the Guinness Book of Records of who`s who in Reggae Music, who is inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame in New York and was awarded an Iconic Award by The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) for his outstanding continuous contribution to the development of Reggae Music globally, continues to set a blistering pace and has raised the bar in Reggae/Dancehall Gospel Music a thousand feet higher, simultaneously, reinforcing in Reggae and Dancehall Music, as a whole, why there is only one Lt. Stitchie, THE GOVERNOR with each Single and Album he releases. Lt. Stitchie has also pioneered a completely new path in the history of Reggae Music, by becoming the first Reggae Artiste to write and publish a Book entitled, The Power Of Determination, his Autobiography, which can be downloaded along with his complete anthology from digital stores globally. Its a question with new relevance: What would you do to stop the rise of fascism? In the summer of 1936, the newest fascist threat was represented by Gen. Francisco Franco, who was leading an attempt to overthrow Spains young democracy. In response, some 2,800 Americans boarded ships to France and hiked clandestinely through the treacherous Pyrenees into Spain; more than 200 died in the crossing. They arrived at the front and joined what became known as the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. Many were Jewish. Most were communist. All were volunteers and had little doubt that they were on the right side of history. Few had fired a gun before; some marched into battle with 1860s-era rifles. What they and their Spanish comrades didnt have was much of a plan. The Spaniards are good at many things, but not at making war, wrote George Orwell, who fought in Spain with the POUM an anti-Stalinist Marxist group until he was shot in the neck. (He survived.) More Information Spain in Our Hearts: Americans in the Spanish Civil War, 1936-1939 By Adam Hochschild Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $30 See More Collapse They relied on enthusiasm and ideological fervor. In Catalonia, the center of Spanish anarchism, hastily organized militias leaped at the chance to fight for a new social order sometimes too quickly. One column of men left Barcelona for the front, only to send back a messenger several hours later to say that they had forgotten to bring any food, writes Adam Hochschild in Spain in Our Hearts: Americans in the Spanish Civil War, 1936-1939. For three years in the 1930s, Spain was the worlds battlefield, chronicled most famously in Ernest Hemingways For Whom the Bell Tolls and Orwells memoir Homage to Catalonia. There is little mystery as to why it attracted so much attention. Spain was utopian, barbaric, promising, tragic. It was as if the 20th centurys conflicts had been boiled down to their essence: poor versus rich, democracy versus fascism, good versus evil. And then came World War II. No storyline and certainly no war is so simple. The alliances in Spain were especially messy. Franco was backed by Mussolini and Hitler, two dictators who viewed Spain as a laboratory upon which to try out new products. But aside from modest support from Mexico, no Western democracy came to Spains aid. Outgunned, the republic was forced to turn to Stalin for help. Defenders of the Republic were, in short, fighting for one of the finest causes beside one of the nastiest of allies, writes Hochschild. How did they experience this? To answer this question, Hochschild whose books include King Leopolds Ghost and To End All Wars follows a dozen or so people, from unknown soldiers and famous writers to a fascist-friendly Texas businessman, who sells oil to Franco on credit. It is a commanding performance. Digging through archives, Hochschild finds characters whose lives as revealed through journal entries, letters home and unpublished manuscripts pull the war into tight, human-scale focus. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Politicians in Texas, Arkansas and elsewhere vowed defiance and other conservative states could follow suit after the Obama administration told public schools across the U.S. on Friday to let transgender students use the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. The federal government's guidance was met with tearful praise from parents of transgender students. "It's heartbreaking that these kids are losing their lives because they can't be accepted," Hope Tyler, who has a transgender son at a Raleigh high school, said in reference to suicides among transgender people. "Somebody has to speak for the kids." RELATED: These 20 Texas high schools are among best in the nation The directive from the U.S. Justice and Education Departments represents an escalation in the fast-moving dispute over what is becoming the civil rights issue of the day. One by one, conservative political leaders thundered against it and President Barack Obama. "This is the most outrageous example yet of the Obama administration forcing its liberal agenda on states that roundly reject it," said Mississippi Republican Gov. Phil Bryant. The guidance was issued just days after the Justice Department and North Carolina sued each other a state law requiring transgender people to use the public bathroom that corresponds to the sex on their birth certificate. The law applies to schools and many other places. While supporters say the measure is needed to protect women and children from sexual predators, the Justice Department and others argue the threat is practically nonexistent and the law discriminatory. The guidance issued on Friday is not legally binding, since the question of whether federal civil rights law protects transgender people has not been definitively answered by the courts and may ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. But schools that refuse to comply could be hit with civil rights lawsuits from the government and could face a cutoff of federal aid to education. RELATED: Records: The 30 highest-paid high school principals in the San Antonio area in 2015-16 Texas' lieutenant governor said the state is prepared to forfeit billions rather than let the Obama administration dictate restroom policy for its 5.2 million students. "We will not be blackmailed by the president's 30 pieces of silver," Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. Rodney Cavness, superintendent of the Port Neches-Groves school district in Texas, told KFDM-TV: "When I get that letter, I'll throw it away." Similarly, GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas said schools should disregard the directive, which he derided as "social engineering." However, Democratic Govs. Peter Shumlin of Vermont and Jay Inslee of Washington praised the Obama directive, saying it was consistent with their own policies. "I applaud the Obama administration for establishing policies that will better provide all our children an opportunity to thrive," Inslee said. The federal guidance may portend more court fights over transgender bathroom access. Already, officials from eight states West Virginia, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Maine and North Carolina signed on to a brief in recent days asking a federal appeals court to re-hear a case in which it sided with a Virginia transgender student seeking to use the boys' bathroom. The new guidance says public schools must treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity, even if their education records indicate a different sex. Some school systems around the country already accommodate transgender students when it comes to bathroom use. The National School Boards Association has published guidelines for its members in dealing with transgender students. It stops short of telling them exactly what to do, instead advising them to work with their attorneys to determine the best course amid a "shifting legal landscape." Francisco Negron, chief attorney for the organization, said there is a "disconnect" between what is happening in various states and what the federal government is demanding, "and school districts are caught in the middle." Every Trump critic had Oh, hell moments during the primary season. They were when Donald Trump demonstrated a keen, gut-level political instinct that even an exceptionally talented conventional politician would be hard-pressed to match. An example: During a Republican debate in Florida in February, Trump was asked about former Mexican President Vicente Foxs comment that his country wouldnt pay for Trumps (expletive deleted) wall. The wall just got 10 feet taller, Trump shot back. The rejoinder was funny and memorable. A Republican senator told me that his cellphone instantly lit up with constituents thrilled at what Trump had said. In slapping down el presidente, Trump advertised his toughness and nationalistic bona fides in a way a $10 million ad buy never could. Oh. Hell. Then there was the time he turned Ted Cruzs New York values attack into a riff about 9/11, leaving the college debate champion no option but to applaud Trumps answer. Or when he made the disruption of a Chicago rally by protesters into an advertisement for his stalwartness against thuggery. Or his temporary ban on Muslims entering the U.S. You could have locked 100 political consultants in a room and told them not to leave until they had a perfect response to the San Bernardino terror attack, and they never would have come up with it. When Trump proposed the ban, the world collapsed around his head. No one agreed with Trump except Republican voters. According to exit polls, it was his strongest issue. The ban is completely unreasonable and, if you were going to try to implement it, impractical. Trumps insight was that it didnt matter. Its emotional punch, and the way it differentiated him from the other candidates, was the important thing. Trumps achievement is difficult to fathom. With no pollsters, no speechwriters, no fundraising staff, little campaign organization, few TV advertisements, no debate prep and a paper-thin knowledge of public affairs, he has won a major-party presidential nomination. This is a 100-year event. Trump did it by pounding a simple message over and over again in big rallies and media appearances. His shibboleths are burned into the consciousness of his supporters in a way we havent seen since the Barack Obama of hope and change. The Trump supporter with whom Cruz argued a few days before the Indiana primary wasnt highly informed, but he sure knew to shout Lyin Ted! The standard rules for political candidates are not to offend and not to court unnecessary controversy. Trump, a creature of the tabloids, has an ingrained instinct to do the opposite. It made him stand out from an initial field of 17, and almost every act of outrageousness reinforced his image as the truth-telling outsider. Trump also was fortunate. For the longest time, there wasnt any organized effort against him. He won three out of the first four contests while his rivals squabbled among themselves. The establishment initially bet on Jeb Bush, and then, tapped out financially and psychologically, did nothing to rally around Cruz, whom many insiders hate more than Trump. It seemed that Cruzs Wisconsin victory was a watershed. In retrospect, it was the beginning of the end. Once it became clear that the only alternative to a clean Trump nomination was a contested convention with the agony of the primary prolonged two more months and perhaps punctuated by riots in Cleveland Republican voters seemed to want to shut down the process as soon as possible. Now its on to the next test. At the same time he has lit up 40 percent of the Republican Party, Trump has alienated large swaths of the general public and key voting groups, who are (understandably) not as charmed by his bombast and free-swinging insults. It would be foolish to discount his chances. But it may be that hes just good enough at this to get into the general, where he will take down a lot of good conservatives with him. Oh, hell. comments.lowry@nationalreview.com Bexar County commissioners need outside counsel for legal advice on how to proceed with a lucrative security contract coming up for a vote before the end of the month. Lawyers from the civil section of the district attorneys office serve as the commissioners in-house counsel on most routine matters, but in this case, their boss, District Attorney Nico LaHood, has an interest in the outcome. At issue is whether Willie Ng Jr., LaHoods chief investigator and owner of Blue Armor Security Services, can continue to contract with the county for private security services at the Vista Verde Plaza building, the adult probation department, the juvenile detention center, the Krier Juvenile Correctional Treatment Center and three tax substations. Page four of the six-page security services contract clearly states, Interest in county contracts prohibited no officer or employee of (Bexar) county shall have financial interest, direct or indirect, in an agreement with (Bexar) county ... It is standard language in all county contracts and was in place January 2013 when the county contracted with Ng. The violation of the contract went below the radar when Ng, a former San Antonio Police Department detective, was hired by LaHood in 2014. The clause in the contract has become an issue in recent weeks as the county prepares to rebid the $721,288 one-year contract, which carries three one-year renewal options. LaHood contends the county should continue to do business with Ng and that the county may be in the wrong by restricting county employees from doing business with the county. Its not a conflict of interest if its not a legal conflict of interest, LaHood told Metro columnist Brian Chasnoff. The commissioners should have the right to include any language that they feel will protect them and the taxpayers in a contract. If they dont want to do business with anyone on their payroll, they should be allowed to do that. By all accounts, everyone appears happy with the work Blue Armor has done for the county, but that is not the issue here. What happens if the vendor and county end up in litigation? What happens if someone sues the vendor and the county is made a party to it? Lawyers for the district attorneys office represent the countys interests. When department employees start doing business with the county, it complicates matters. In smaller jurisdictions with limited resources, it is not unusual for members of elected bodies to have contracts with businesses with which they might have a personal relationship. It is not illegal, but it is not the most ethical route. The city of San Antonios ethics code contains a policy similar to that of the countys, prohibiting city officials from doing business with the municipality. The county security services contract has generated much interest with more than a handful of bidders already lining up. Commissioners need to proceed cautiously or they could end up with a legal mess that costs them more than security services. It should not take a state attorney generals opinion to settle this issue. It is advisable, however, to seek counsel from a lawyer with contract law experience rather than go with the recommendation of an elected official protecting an employee. Re: Perry calls switch to Trump natural, front page, May 8: A few months ago, Rick Perry called his fellow Republican Donald Trump a cancer on conservatism. Oops. Actually, Perry now says Trump is one of the most talented persons Ive ever seen. Now Perry wants to be Trumps vice president. Surely there is no more brazenly opportunistic person in all of American politics than Rick Perry. Unless it is Trump. They deserve each other. Mark Stevens Viable candidate? Re: At the end of the day, Cruz cooked a breakfast few wanted, Josh Brodesky, Other Views, May 6: Hey, I get it, you all-seeing, all-knowing pundits on the editorial staff dont like Ted Cruz. It would then naturally follow that he shouldnt have run for president. Of course, he did win a bunch of states, but what do those people know? Now what I would like to hear is your pronouncement as to the suitability of a pathological liar and unindicted felon with blood on her hands running for president. Oh, sorry, that would be Hillary Clinton. Should I not have said that? Robert E. Blake Reject the Bern? Re: Political cartoon, Kevin Siers, Editorial Page, May 7: The cartoon depicted a horrible sketch of Ted Cruz with the word REJECTED on his forehead. Once Bernie Sanders drops out, will you also run a horrible sketch of him with REJECTED on his forehead? Jim Parnella Egg on face If a political party becomes too angry, it will become fragile, crack and break. The presumptive Republican nominee, Humpty Trumpty, is sitting on top of his huge delusional wall supposedly to be paid by the Mexican government on U.S. soil to keep out undocumented workers, who mysteriously find plenty of work here. The proposal is surreal and economically irrational. And when Humpty Trumpty falls, all the Republican horses (Cruz, Kasich, Rubio, Perry, etc.) and all the Republican men (Bush, Romney, Ryan, McConnell, Priebus, etc.) will not put Republican Trumpty together again. Come Nov. 9, Hispanics, women, Asians, Muslims and African-Americans will humbly stand by to view the fallen, fragmented and scrambled Republican egg on the ground. Jesse Lewis Howell Clinton better It is absolutely factual that Mrs. Clinton is flawed when we see her errors all through her political life. It is also factual that Mr. Trump has just as many flaws as evidenced by all his errors in business dealings. One cannot say that either one is better than the other when it comes to character flaws, but and this is big for me Mrs. Clinton knows government from personal experience. Mr. Trump does not. Thus I believe we should pick a president who, through her government experience, can keep the country from declining further. Good men and bad men have had their moments in our history as presidents and, though our choices are far, far from optimal in 2016, lets give this woman a chance to lead. I have to forgive her for Benghazi. Lucy Patterson A nation divided Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump represent opposite ends of the political spectrum. When either is elected president, his or her polarizing position will continue to divide, not unite, an already dysfunctional Congress. The country will see more rule by executive order, subject to oversight by the Supreme Court. This is not what our Founding Fathers had in mind when they wrote the Constitution. Scott Smith Yes to transparency Politics is a spectator sport. If we cant use video of the lawmakers in action on the floor of the Legislature, there is no transparency, no accountability. My hope is one day there will be cameras in all courtrooms as well. In a world where the average citizen is captured on film an average of five times a day, why should our judges and lawmakers get a pass? J. Kristi Hood A C-note for Jordan Re: Snark on the $20? Your Turn, May 7: No, not Ann Richards and not Hillary Clinton on MY $20 bill! My vote is for the great one and only Barbara Jordan. On second thought, lets put her on the $100 bill! Patsy F. Shinn Support our troops Many businesses profess to support our troops, both active and retired, including their family members. Yet businesses offering military discounts, either year-around or on specific days, do not widely advertise the discount. A veteran must know about the discount or ask. It is humbling for many to ask, especially when they are already on food stamps and/or welfare, or are homeless. Businesses could have a sign in their window or a note in newspaper or online advertisements stating they provide a military discount. Openly supporting our veterans would be good for business and would practice what they profess. Chris Lamb Not predators MO Re: AG eyes Targets restroom policy; Paxton demands retailer outline its safeguards for store bathrooms, State, May 5: The push is based on the false assumption that transgenders are male predators posing as females in order to gain easy access to ladies rooms, where they can assault women and girls. If Patrick and company moved past their own fixations, perhaps they would realize that sexual predators, instead, lure their victims in bars, on street corners and, especially, on social media. Daniel Rojas Targeting Muslims Re: Profiling is not the answer in America, Editorial, May 6: Perhaps your editorial Profiling is not the answer in America should have been labeled Political correctness is the answer in America. Steve Weakley They have freedom but want something more exoneration. A film that has been making the film-festival rounds Southwest of Salem makes a strong case that this is precisely what they deserve. A private screening occurred recently at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, coinciding with a showing in Toronto. Anna Vasquez, Elizabeth Ramirez, Kristie Mayhugh and Cassandra Rivera are the San Antonio Four lesbians accused in 1994 of sexually abusing Ramirezs two nieces, 7 and 9 at the time. They were convicted of aggravated sexual assault and indecency with a child. Ramirez got 37 years in 1997 for being the alleged ringleader. The other three were tried together in 1998, each getting 15 years. The womens sexual orientation was brought up during trial, apparently by way of tortured explanation of why these women would have sex with little girls, according to the film. And, during their trial, an expert witness hinted at satanic ritual. The Salem in the films title is a reference to the witch hunts and trials of yore. Tales of satanic rituals and the sacrifice of children abounded in the years just prior to the trials. And these werent kind times for the LGBT community generally. The lie about homosexuals as natural sexual predators has been around for a very long time. Vasquez was paroled in 2012. After one of the alleged victims recanted saying she was coerced by her father the fours Innocence Project attorney, Mike Ware, persuaded the court and the DA to take a new look at the case. The other three were released in 2013. Judges at the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will determine the womens fate. In February, Senior District Judge Pat Priest, who presided over the joint trial of three of the women, recommended new trials for the women but said they had not proven their innocence. The states expert now says she was wrong to conclude back then that the girls had been abused. The science she used is part of a slew of procedures that forensic experts now label junk science. Priest took exception to that characterization, but its hard to label certain science now discredited as anything but. The other niece has not recanted. Ramirez said she has love letters written to her by the girls father, the implication being this was about her rejection of him. Their defense attorneys didnt present them at trial. The father, Javier Limon, says he didnt write them. The recanting niece has had a falling-out with Limon. The other woman reportedly remains close to him but has told the DA that she doesnt want to testify if there are new trials. There is an emotional scene in the film in which Ramirez and the recanting niece meet. The regret displayed by the niece is, to my eye, convincing. I understand some of the other issues here. We want a system that presumes that children who make such accusations should be believed. And they should be until it is unreasonable for them to be. If the criminal appeals judges vacate the convictions based on actual innocence or because a state-sponsored expert at the trial gave now discredited testimony, the initial trial court will look to the district attorney for the next steps. The DA can retry, offer plea bargains or file a motion of dismissal. In the case of convictions vacated because of junk science, how that motion for dismissal reads could determine if the women are due compensation for wrongful convictions and imprisonment. If the DA asks for dismissal but doesnt specify actual innocence, they are still technically exonerated but face an array of difficulties ahead beyond being denied compensation. They could have trouble expunging records and traveling abroad, said Ware. The system, for a variety of reasons, has an exceedingly hard time admitting it screwed up. But not always. Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood has started a Conviction Integrity Unit to seek out wrongful prosecutions. And, in this case, he told the Express-News in February, We have the option to try all four of those cases again, but at this point, I do not foresee that. Therein lies hope. If the criminal appeals judges find actual innocence and compensation is forthcoming, my guess is that it wont be nearly enough to assuage the pain. How could it? o.ricardo.pimentel@express-news.net Twitter: @oricardopimente Corey Perrine/Staff (2) SHARE Brandon Stubbs, 43, and his wife, Mellissa Stubbs, 41, embrace Friday in their home on the campus of the Ave Maria School of Law in North Naples. More photos at naples news.com. Brandon Stubbs, 43, hugs his son Benjamin, after arriving home Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Fla. Tomorrow the father of five and soon to be grandfather, will graduate with a law degree. Blinded from complications from surgery, Mellissa, was with him through the whole process taking notes. She was so inspired by the process that she's now going to law school. (Corey Perrine/Staff) Brandon Stubbs, 43, right, tries on his graduation cap as Paula Johnson, Assistant to the Dean, helps Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Fla. Tomorrow the father of five and soon to be grandfather, will graduate with a law degree. Blinded from complications from surgery, Mellissa, was with him through the whole process taking notes. She was so inspired by the process that she's now going to law school. (Corey Perrine/Staff) By Melhor Leonor of the Naples Daily News During the days leading to writing a big paper, Brandon Stubbs' home near the Ave Maria School of Law was upended from its traditional, clock-like structure and turned into a place where duties were reassigned and everyone rose to the task. To them, success was a team effort. That was true for the first year of law school, when Brandon and his wife, Mellissa, spent hours together listening to lectures he'd recorded. When he caught on to something worth jotting down for review, he highlighted it to Mellissa, who would type up the concept. By his third year of law school, the couple sat together in class Melissa helping with note-taking while Brandon listened intently. Legally blind since 2004, and just hours from completing the second-most difficult thing he has done in his life, Brandon Stubbs is ready to accept his law school diploma. He calls the feat a "miracle," made possible by the support of his family. The most difficult thing he has done in his life, he said, was being a "mother" to the couple's children while his wife worked a year ago one in a flurry of career transitions that shook his life after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. On the right side of his head, toward the back, the noncancerous tumor showed up on scans in August 2004. A month later, after surgery to extract it, "I woke up with 15 percent of my vision," he said. At the time, Brandon's dream had been to become an engineer, which he succeeded to do until his vision made it almost impossible. He has a knack for business management and creating efficient structures, and someone recommended a law degree. "I didn't initially buy in," Brandon said. "I did a full assessment to see what my capacity and skills were, and took many tests. Most of them said law was an alternative to business." After graduation, he hopes to go into business management. The couple, at the time living in Utah, heard of Ave Maria at a law school fair held at Brigham Young University. Mellissa, pushing a stroller, walked by the school's brochure table by happenstance. "You could tell it was a private school, little. There was a woman standing there, and she started talking to me. I was being polite," Mellissa said. "Then she says, 'You know, we have a great family support system.' " Brandon said his wife brought the school to his attention. "I thought the name was a little funny. Why would you name the school after a song?" Brandon joked. The couple is not Catholic. But after looking more into the school, the community and surroundings, they bought in and crossed the country to relocate here with their five children. Brandon said the community at Ave Maria, from the school's leadership to his professors, have been welcoming and a source of support throughout the last three years. He said it's the second time members of the Catholic community have welcomed him with warmth. When Brandon found himself homeless at 16, it was a Catholic family who took him in. FILE -- The Florida Gulf Coast University Campus on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. (Calvin Mattheis/Staff) SHARE By Thyrie Bland, The News-Press, tbland@news-press.com Florida Gulf Coast University has extended academic scholarship offers to more than 1,800 students and is on track to have more than 400 of the high-achieving scholars attending the school when classes start in August. But whether FGCU is recruiting top-shelf academic students has come under scrutiny recently because none of the school's students are National Merit Scholarship winners. And neither are any of the prospective students expected to attend this fall. National Merit Scholarship winners are the academic equivalent of star athletes for some universities. The schools heavily recruit them, offering many full-ride scholarships. The students earn their academic rock star cred by doing well on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and being among the roughly 7,400 students nationwide who are awarded National Merit Scholarships each year. FGCU has not been much of a player throughout its history when it comes to recruiting the winners, but there is a plan in the works that could change that for the university. Only two winners have attended FGCU, a school that enrolled nearly 15,000 students last school year and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2017. FGCU's lack of the students has caught the attention of state Sens. Joe Negron and Lizbeth Benacquisto. The senators asked about it when they visited FGCU last month. Negron is the president-elect of the Florida Senate. He is set to start serving in the position in November and has set a goal of increasing higher education funding in the state by $1 billion during his two-terms as president. "My personal view on it is it's something that I am looking at very carefully in my ability to influence decisions," Negron said. "I have to persuade like anyone else but to me how many National Merit Scholars are attending universities is a factor for me and whether this university is really taking the maximum effort to get the best students." Florida launched a scholarship program in 2014 designed to keep in-state National Merit Scholarship winners from going to out-of-state universities. It is named after Benacquisto. "It's embarrassing for Sen. Benacquisto who has got the program and in her own district we don't have a national scholar," FGCU board member Robbie Roepstorff said. FGCU President Wilson Bradshaw promised the senators that FGCU would step up efforts to get the students. He told them "rest assured we are going to be out there, and we are going to be in the hunt." Marc Laviolette, director of admissions at FGCU, has put together a draft plan that includes FGCU increasing the amount of scholarship money it offers the students. FGCU currently offers the National Merit Scholarship winners up to $5,000 a year for up to four years. The offer can be combined with other merit scholarships the university offers. In-state National Merit Scholarship winners get a full ride or about $20,300 a year under the draft plan. Out-of-state winners are eligible for up to $25,000 under the draft plan. "I found out that just about all of them are being offered full rides, so when you are up against that, obviously, you have got to change," Laviolette said. FGCU is not the only school among Florida's 12 public universities that is not enrolling a lot of the winners. The University of West Florida didn't have any to enroll between 2010 and 2014. Five enrolled during the same period at Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University and Florida International, according to reports National Merit Scholarship publishes annually. The most recent report shows the University of Central Florida enrolled 77 merit students in 2014, the most of any of the state institutions. There are schools across the country that also aren't bringing a lot of the students to their campuses. Some of the schools have been critical of the National Merit Scholarship program, arguing it is not the best way to measure academic talent. Funding in jeopardy? The difficulties FGCU is facing when it comes to recruiting the program's winners were discussed at a recent meeting that included FGCU's deans, Bradshaw, Laviolette and some FGCU board members. Laviolette and Sean Kelly, interim dean of undergraduate studies, said one of FGCU's biggest obstacles is trying to become a National Merit Scholarship sponsor institution. Sponsor schools get the names and addresses of the winners, making it easy for them to send letters to the students for recruitment purposes. FGCU would have to get seven scholars in one year, five in two years or three in three years before it could ask to be a sponsor. "We need the ability to recruit them," Kelly said. "We need to find out where they are and who they are. We need marquee programs that turn their attention to us in a way, for example, New College turns the heads of the students looking in that direction." The fact that FGCU is having issues reaching the scholarship winners is something that board member Ken Smith finds hard to accept. "In the five-county region, if we are not effectuating those students and really working to get them like we do athletes shame on us," he said. Bradshaw pointed out during the meeting that while FGCU has been missing out on National Merit Scholarship winners, the school is getting quality students. He talked about how some of the highest achieving high school juniors in the five-county area enroll in FGCU's Accelerated Collegiate Experience program and take college courses. The students finish the program in two years and earn the equivalent of an associate degree. Roughly half the students who participate in ACE stay at FGCU after finishing it, and the others enroll at schools like the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University and Boston College. "I appreciate that, but that's not what we are talking about," Smith said. "We are talking about National Merit Scholars. If you went to the deal with Sen. Negron, if you didn't get the message that was sent, the message is, 'You better start picking those kids up. If you don't, your funding is going to be jeopardized.'" 'An uphill battle' Another issue FGCU faces when it comes to recruiting National Merit Scholarship winners is it has an Honors Program and not an Honors College. That's something that high-achieving students and their parents take note of about FGCU, Laviolette said. An Honors Program is an enrichment program that caters to gifted students of all majors. Honor Colleges offer multiple programs geared toward specific high-achieving students. Kelly said FGCU has built a competitive Honors Program, noting that two of its former students won Fulbright scholarships this year. The scholarship program is one of the most prestigious in the country. Kelly agrees the next step FGCU needs to take is to launch an Honors College. He said one of the things that the college will need to be successful are programs that are unique to FGCU and will pique the interest of high-achieving students from across the country. Laviolette said he thinks FGCU will eventually attract some National Merit Scholarship winners, but he said he does not think it's going to be easy to do. He said many of the winners come from private schools and those students are not considering attending FGCU. He said some of the private schools the students attend have a reputation for graduating students who attend top-shelf universities, like Ivy League schools. "If you are trying to convince a parent to spend $25,000 a year for a high school education, then there has got to be a goal at the end," Laviolette said. "Until we get recognized as a top school, then we are not on the counselor's radar type of thing and neither are we on their parent's radar. It's just kind of an uphill battle." From left, Alex Blanco and sons Kai, 5, and Rio, 7, and wife Lany wait for their flight to Havana, Cuba in the Miami International Airport on Saturday, March 19, 2016. The Blanco family has relatives in Cuba and is visiting for the first time. (Dorothy Edwards/Staff) By Maria Perez of the Naples Daily News MIAMI Waiting in line at the Miami International Airport to check in for her Eastern Airlines flight to Cuba, Ana Perez misses her mother, who is recovering from surgery to remove a tumor in her breast. Perez, 47, left Cuba 17 years ago and now lives in Miami. She returns almost every year to visit her parents. "I want to hug them, see my mom after the surgery," she said in Spanish. Along with suitcases carrying clothes and other travel necessities, Perez has packed medicine and food, everything she said her family in Cuba lacks. She plans to spend most of her time at home with her parents. But she hopes to take her 14-year-old son to Varadero and Havana. "I am trying to give him good memories of Cuba, because mine are not the best," she says. "It's hard over there." Like many Cuban Americans, Perez chose spring break in March to return home to connect with family at the other side of the straits. They want their children to speak Spanish, to know where they come from, to keep what is beautiful about their country. School vacation periods are high season for Cuban families who want to make their trip home. More than 63,000 U.S. residents and citizens born in Cuba traveled to the island nation in the first quarter of 2016, said Jose Luis Perello, Tourism professor at Havana University. He sees those who emigrated as a significant market for Cubas tourism sector. Some Cuban American families return regularly to the country. They wait in line at the Miami airport, their luggage full of clothing, coffee, soap, shaving machines, shoes, medicines, smartphones, and toys for their relatives. Its only a few hours until they can hug their parents, siblings, sons and daughters or childhood friends they left behind. *** Judit Sanchez is not planning for much sightseeing, she says while waiting to board the charter flight to Cuba that already has been delayed for more than an hour. Both Sanchez, 48, and her 13-year-old daughter, Yojades Castro, left Pinar del Rio two and a half years ago. Sanchez wanted a higher-paying job so she could help her family in Cuba. On this trip, Sanchez only has a couple of days to visit and then she must return home. "Im going to see my two sons and my three grandchildren," she lists. "My mother, my brother, they are all there." She is carrying toys for her grandchildren, clothing, shoes, and sweets. "There aren't many sweets there," she says. Many Cuban Americans visiting their families on the island travel with extra suitcases or boxes filled with U.S. goods, everything from toilet paper to flat screen television sets, and coffee to smartphones. This is how Cubans have imported many U.S. products for years, offering relatives any comforts they can afford. Moving to the U.S. was difficult for Sanchez's daughter. She misses their family, her friends, playing in the streets of Cuba. "Im going to play with my friends, be with my nephews, my brothers," Yojades says. "Spend time with my brothers and my dad." Sanchez is a tailor, but in Cuba, she had a bakery. She misses her town, Pinar del Rio on the west end of the island. "I love to sit down on the sidewalk, and chat with the neighbors, like before," she said. "Take out my shoes on the sidewalk and feel Im Cuban." Castro's friends from her hometown have many questions for her. "They ask me how schools are here, how things are here," she says. "I tell them, this is like Cuba, but with more things." *** Near Sanchez and Castro sit Maria Fernandez, who also is waiting in the Miami airport with her 7-year-old great-granddaughter, Sofia Jaspe. She is taking her great-granddaughter to Havana, where Fernandez will spend her 80th birthday. This is Sofia's third trip to Cuba, with her first when she was 2. She has an uncle there. Fernandez visits her two sisters, three brothers and a son there, among other relatives. She came to the U.S. 13 years ago to care for her daughter, who was sick. Its not easy, she said, to move to another country at her age, but her daughter needed her. Now living with her granddaughter, she keeps the traditions at her Florida home. "I am the one who cooks at home and I cook a lot of Cuban food," she says. Sofia says she misses her uncle and wants to see her friends in Havana. She also wants to go to the Malecon, a popular promenade in Havana by the sea. She says she likes it because its like a beach. If she could, Sofia said she would be in Havana and Miami at the same time. *** Lany Blanco, 38, has never been to Cuba. Neither has her husband, or their two sons, 5 and 7. But they all trace their roots back to the island country. Blancos grandmother and her husbands parents were born in Cuba and then moved to the U.S. "We had heard the stories about Cuba," she said. "We always wanted to go." Blanco wants their children to know where they come from. She wants to encourage them to keep using Spanish. She knows her grandmother is from Santa Clara and his parents are from San Jose de las Lajas. They have family over there but they dont know anyone. In this trip, they will only visit Havana and spend a day in Varadero. They have booked an apartment in Havana through Airbnbs site. Blanco says her mother-in-law accompanied them to the Miami airport in the morning. "She started crying," Blanco said. Her mother-in-law, she says, came to the U.S. with the Pedro Pan operation, one of the more than 14,000 Cuban children that were sent unaccompanied to the U.S. by their parents in the early 1960s. Their parents sent them to the U.S. because they didnt want them to be raised under a communist system. Blancos mother-in-law was 15 when she left Cuba. She refuses to visit the country until the government releases all political prisoners, Blanco says. "She wants to come back, but because of her principles, she cant," she says. At the airport, both Blanco and her husband, Alejandro Blanco, were thrilled to be on their way to Havana. "My culture is from there, but Im not from there," he says. "I want to get to know the country for the first time." Related stories: FILE - Collier County Republicans chairman Mike Lyster welcomes the crowd to the "Cocktails and Conversation" event on Wednesday, May 13, 2015. Scott McIntyre/Staff SHARE By Alexandra Glorioso and Brent Batten of the Naples Daily News TAMPA In the coming election, Florida Republicans will employ a strategy heavy on conservative GOP principles, lighter on advocacy for presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump and committed to the defeat of likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. At the party's quarterly meeting held Friday, party leaders held workshops on how to spread their message to women, minorities and younger voters in all the state's disparate regions. None of the attendees openly disavowed Trump, but a theme throughout the day was that the party's principles should be the main selling point leading up to the November election. Cindy Graves, state committeewoman on the Republican Executive Committee from Jacksonville, led a meeting of about twelve other women to discuss strategies to reach out to female voters. "I'm a Trump supporter and all the women I know are Trump supporters," said Graves, as other women around the table nodded in agreement. But then talk of Trump ended quickly as the group focused on women's empowerment through the party. The idea is to reach liberal and minority voters, to make it clear that women aren't single-issue voters. "Jobs, health care and national security are women's issues," said Mary Ann Russell, a state committeewoman from Port St. Lucie West. Republican leaders have a lot of ground to cover to help their party's likely nominee win the support of women voters. Recent national polls show most women have an unfavorable view of Trump, with a CNN poll last month showing 73 percent of the women's questioned viewed him negatively. Graves, who initially supported Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker as the GOP nominee, joined others who said they don't believe national polls accurately reflect Trump's standing among women voters. "I don't know any women who are necessarily offended by Trump," Graves said in an interview. "Hillary is a blasphemy to women everywhere, sticking by her husband as he made this country the laughing stock, because he couldn't keeps his hands to himself." Russell said she supported Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, but now backs Trump. "Trump doesn't necessarily hate women. He just says some stupid remarks that hurt him. Listen, he wasn't my candidate of choice, but he's the nominee," Russell said. "He just needs to be marketed correctly." Sharon Day, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, told the group that Women for McCain had 14,000 members in Florida with leaders in every single county when Arizona Sen. John McCain ran in 2008. "We made 1.2 million phone calls to women across the state," she said. Day, in an interview later, said Republican women have been focusing on issues they care about for years. "This movement isn't new, it's been going on since I entered politics," she said. Before she left the meeting, she offered a pep speech. "All of us want to see a woman elected president, just not that one," she said, referring to Clinton. "Hillary Clinton doesn't have the support of women. They don't trust her," she said afterward. The women's group discussed a successful series of events called Cocktails, Conversations and Networking, where they've been holding small gatherings in their homes or in community centers. The group discussed how to bring in independent, minority and even liberal women to discuss ideas. "Tell your friends we don't want to see the same old faces. Tell them to bring someone new," said Graves. "So, it's not about Republicans, it's about women?" Trudi Super, a committeewoman from Arcadia, clarified. The group practically responded in unison: that's right. The women talked about how they already run charities, after-school programs, and are the matriarchs of families, and so political work is a natural fit. And now, they are ready to take credit for their work. "We are self-promoting," said Thelma Rohan, a committeewoman from Panama City. Women's engagement is one of several newly formed committees that developed after Chairman Blaise Ingoglia took over in January, 2015. "Blaise ran on the platform of, 'I'm going to revitalize the Republican Party and put you people to work,'" said Mike Lyster, Chairman of the Collier County Republican Party. Lyster said the committee and others are vital to expanding the party and bringing people back who have been alienated. He said women are crucial to the Republican base, and to a victory for president. Lyster estimated that 80 percent of campaign volunteers in Collier County are women. "It's like the men are the chairmen of the committee, and they get all the credit. But when you walk into headquarters, it's women who are doing all the work," he said. In a separate meeting room, a panel of 10 minority leaders of the party met to craft a simple message to carry to minority voters in the campaign. When finished, the two or three sentences will focus on immigration _ the legal kind _ and economic opportunity. Margie Nelson, a state committeewoman from Hendry County, warned that the Hispanic community fears Trump will implement massive deportations, splitting families. She said she doesn't believe that herself, but the perception is real in her community. Michael Barnett, chairman of the Palm Beach County Republican Party and chairman of the discussion group, said Republicans have a communication problem. "That's been our message for a long time. We are for legal immigration and against illegal immigration. For some reason that message is not getting out." Niger Innis, with the conservative group Restore the Dream, said Trump has made statements that need to be amended but the Republicans need to remember who they're fighting against. "The enemies we have are the progressives that are embedded in the black and Latino communities. Let's understand who the real enemy is. It's not Donald Trump. We're all going to bust our butts to get him elected." George Ferrell, founder of BlakPAC, a committee committed to showing how conservative values work for the minority community, said Republicans have their work cut out for them. In 2014, Gov. Rick Scott got about 90,000 votes from African-Americans, Ferrell said. Trump will need three or four times that many to win Florida, he believes. The party should aggressively advertise in media targeting minority groups, focusing on job creation and opportunity. "It's doable. If we start now, it can be done," Ferrell said. The view from an airboat in the Everglades south of I-75 and east of the Miccosukee Reservation on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. The Everglades are a popular destination for Collier County airboaters to fish, swim, and race airboats. (Dorothy Edwards/Staff) SHARE By Ledyard King, USA TODAY NETWORK WASHINGTON Environmental projects in Florida got a significant boost from the Senate this week, with votes approving more than $100 million for Everglades restoration along with additional recovery money for Southwest Florida other distressed estuaries. Lawmakers voted 90-8 on Thursday to pass $37.5 billion Energy and Water Appropriations bill that includes roughly $6 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A similar bill is expected to reach the House floor in the coming weeks. Congress can't explicitly tell the agency where to spend the money. It would be up to the Corps to allocate the money to individual projects after Congress approves the spending. But the agency lists Everglades projects among its top priorities for fiscal 2017, which begins Oct. 1. The $37.5 billion spending bill includes $106 million for the South Florida Ecosystem, the multiyear program to restore the Everglades, partly by redirecting water flow from Lake Okeechobee south instead of east and west. Of that amount, $75 million would be allocated for projects under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, including $59.5 million to continue work on the Indian River Lagoon. The bulk of that $53.3 million would be used to continue building the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area in western Martin County. The reservoir is designed to store and treat nutrient-laden water drawn from farmland so it doesn't pollute the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. There's also $500,000 for construction oversight of the C-43 canal, which is designed to reduce water flows from the lake that carry farm-related nutrients into the Caloosahatchee River and befoul beaches in Southwest Florida. The Corps also plans to spend nearly $5 million for ongoing work restoring natural water flow across the Picayune Strand, an 85-square mile swath in western Collier County that was drained in the early 1960s in anticipation of extensive residential development. The agency also says it wants to spend about $50 million to fix the decades-old Herbert Hoover Dike, a 143-mile earthen dam surrounding Lake Okeechobee that's designed to reduce flooding from high lake levels but is increasingly prone to seepage. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio said the bill is good news for Florida. "It provides needed funding for several key Florida projects, such as critical Everglades restoration, the Herbert Hoover Dike and the operation and maintenance of our harbors and waterways," he said in a statement. "This is the first time in several years the Senate has advanced a stand-alone Energy and Water Appropriations bill, and as these projects are incredibly important to the state of Florida." The Indian River Lagoon also could receive some much-needed relief from a bill the Senate also passed Thursday night. The measure, whose chief sponsors included Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, and Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter, now heads to President Obama for his signature. The bill would authorize $26.5 million to help the nation's 28 estuaries, and would provide extra funding to those in the worst shape. That would probably apply to Indian River Lagoon, a $3.7 billion annual economic engine that's beset by algae blooms and suffered its worst fish kill two months ago. Scientists say low levels of dissolved oxygen suffocated thousands of fish. More than 30 species died in the kill-off. The same scientists believe the recent "brown tide" of algae blooming in the lagoon is responsible for the low oxygen levels. The bill only reauthorizes the program. Congress still has to approve the money for it. Florida Today writer Jim Waymer also contributed to this report. SHARE Kudos It's remarkable to see a major annual event survive for 40 years in Southwest Florida. For that to be accomplished without a substantial civic organization leading the way every year is even more notable. And then ask: How many restaurants or watering holes have hit the 40-year mark in Southwest Florida? And how many would put together such an event to benefit charity, such as this year's worthy cause? The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collier County will receive a $5,000 grant to help the nonprofit assist 16,000 citizens here yearly. So we tip our hat to Vin DePasquale, owner of The Dock restaurant, which has brought the Great Dock Canoe Race to Naples Bay through the decades. Who attending that first event in 1977 would have thought it would be 2016 before the last paddle and the "Last Dance," the theme of this year's race on Saturday. A bit of historical perspective: When this event began, there was no Interstate 75 in Collier County. The interstate reached south Lee County, but that was it, so you had to use U.S. 41. Alligator Alley was a two-lane cross-Everglades white-knuckle drive. Immokalee Road and Airport-Pulling Road each were two lanes of part pavement, part pothole. We've seen a bit of change since then. But what hasn't changed has been the commitment to the end-of-season celebration by DePasquale and The Dock, later along with Riverwalk at Tin City. With a tear in our eye, we raise a paddle in salute to Saturday's finale. Kicks We've seen the interaction between Collier County Commissioners Tom Henning and Georgia Hiller decline as months go by, with their conflict palpable at meetings as discussion after discussion occurs about the bill-paying dispute with the Clerk of Courts office. This week, Henning took it to a new low. During a discussion of payments of invoices to Paradise Advertising and Marketing Inc., the county's tourism consultant, it appeared the two are weary of repetitive debates, though their frustrations are directed at different targets. "I'm tired of this being on the agenda without resolution by county staff," Henning said. Hiller noted that just $134,000 of $470,000 of invoices from recent months had been paid to Paradise by the clerk's office and contended clerk's staff wasn't explaining "with specificity" why it wasn't cutting checks for invoices. "We shouldn't have to sit here and have this discussion," Hiller said. A clerk's representative bristled at the notion invoices aren't being paid, noting $16.6 million covering nearly 5,000 invoices had been paid in the past two weeks but if there are questions on billings, those aren't automatically paid. Then came Henning's remark. "If anybody should be paying their contractor, it should be Commissioner Hiller, whose hasn't been paid for over two years," he said, alluding to a remodeling of her home that landed her in civil court with a builder. "Oh, come on," groaned Commission Chairwoman Donna Fiala, adding moments later: "There is no reason for this ... I don't want to get into this political junk." An elected official's public performance is fair game. But when elected officials get involved in a messy personal situation, Henning included, using it to make a point during a public policy debate is out of bounds. Kudos Gulf Coast High School freshman Amitay Tadmor was honored this week by Collier commissioners as the county's first Boy Scout to receive the Bernard Harris Supernova Award. The award recognizes superior achievement by a Boy Scout in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He is a senior patrol leader of Troop 951, chartered by St. Agnes Catholic Church. The Southwest Florida Council of the Scouts, which serves 20,000 youth in seven counties, joined in the recognition. His STEM education was put to application for 18 months, competing in STEM competition and building a catapult, researching a career field in video game design and building a solar boat he raced against peers. SHARE Stan Chrzanowski, Naples Grass carp One method of controlling unwanted aquatic vegetation in local lakes and ponds is by introducing grass carp sterile triploid white amur. To get a permit (naturally) from the government (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) myfwc.org) to introduce the carp, one of the requirements is to install some sort of cage at your discharge structure to prevent the carp from leaving the lake. The problem with this approach is that these cages can clog and usually do so at the worst time during a storm. When they clog, you lose the ability to discharge water at your permitted rate and the water level rises higher than your design engineer told the South Florida Water Management District that it would. The cage, itself, will impede water flow. If your house floods, you'll have no recourse against the engineer because he was never consulted about the cage. As for suing the county, or water district, or FWC, good luck, but I'd start with the person who signed the fish cage permit and ask if he's an engineer. The irony is that I've been told the Airport-Pulling Road canal has a carp permit. That canal connects to most of the canals in the county. Another irony is that koi breed in ponds. Lots of people keep koi. When they get too large, folks release them. Koi produce thousands of offspring from a single spawning. The more colorful babies get picked off by predators, but the drab ones survive because they blend in. Future generations revert to looking like carp ... and they're not sterile. But they're edible, sort of. SHARE Bob Dimond, Naples Greener pastures No, I won't take letter writer Ken Riceman up on the offer that I leave for Cuba, but maybe he ought to think of a place to run and hide after telling some big whoppers in his recent letter. The biggest is one that his party loves to try to put over on the American public suggesting that President Obama has pushed the debt up more than Republican presidents before him. The truth is that, during President Obama's term, the debt has increased by the smallest percentage of the last five presidents actually tied with another Democrat, Bill Clinton. During both of their terms the debt increased by 35 percent, as compared with the whopping 189 percent increase run up by the great Republican hero Ronald Reagan. Next in line in this group George W. Bush, with a gigantic 86 percent increase. Even George H. W. Bush managed to increase it by 55 percent during his one term. Look it up. There's another in the contention that "liberal leaders in Congress took the Social Security savings account and installed it into the general fund." The rules concerning how the Social Security funds would be financed and invested have not changed since inception in 1933. What did happen is that the funds were actually included in the budget figures in 1969 so they could not be hidden from view; righties like to say this meant that the fund was hijacked, which of course isn't true. Get used to the term "President Clinton" again. Maybe you'd like to find greener pastures, Mr. Riceman. SHARE Dick Stonesifer, Naples Supporting Penta It is common knowledge that our Collier County school system needs to further improve the education of our children. Too many of our children are not fully prepared to succeed in life, absent the quality education they require and deserve. Louise Penta, a candidate for an open seat on the School Board in District 2, will make a difference if elected because she gets things done. She has a broad background, both in the medical field and education. She spent her professional career in nursing at one of the nation's premier hospitals holding supervisory positions as well as operating room duty. Since retirement, she has devoted her life to education as a board member of The Immokalee Foundation (TIF). For the past eight years, she has worked with hundreds of Immokalee schoolchildren. She mentors children in the Take Stock in Children program, and was just awarded Mentor of the Year for Florida. She also built and leads a very successful career development program with TIF. She also has worked tirelessly the last five years, leading the Foundation's fundraising efforts in support of the kids. She has the personal characteristics required of a School Board member. She is a leader with moral integrity, strong values, diligence, dedication and commitment and is a problem solver. Very importantly, she has years of first-hand experience helping children succeed. If you want a well-qualified person who will help to improve the Collier County school system, vote for Louise Penta. I certainly will! By Norman Albert Marine Corps veteran World War II When rummaging through some of my paraphernalia from World War II, I came across my Ruptured Duck Pin. After being honorably discharged from the armed forces after World War II, we all received the Ruptured Duck Pin for wear on our uniform to show that we served our country honorably. The pin was usually signified on the veterans discharge papers by the term lapel button issued at the bottom of the paper. The Ruptured Duck term became slang to refer to the discharged veterans wearing it, as in that Ruptured Duck wants to know, is flying space available, since discharged veterans were in a hurry to return home. The term later came into use describing somebody in a hurry, such as the expression, He took off like a ruptured duck. I thought that pin was significant to World War II veterans and wondered how many of them still have that pin. Norman Albert lives in Shirley. If you would like to respond to his inquiry, please email jpaluzzi@nashobavalleyvoice.com. Background: The plan for a multi-service branch, universal honorable discharge lapel patch and later pin, commonly referred to as the Ruptured Duck Pin, originated in 1919 at the close of World War I. Neither the patch nor pin were put into production until years later. As for the term, ruptured duck, actress Hedy Lamarr, in her escape from Nazi Germany, was quoted as saying in German that her hazardous flight to the United States originated on a broken bird. The English translation was ruptured duck. The term was picked up by employees of the manufacturing plant that produced the pin who labeled their shipping boxes Ruptured Ducks, largely due to the common practice during WWII to label shipments destined for the war theater differently from their true contents. The term Ruptured Duck had forever caught on as the Honorable Discharge Lapel Pins nickname. (Source: The American War Library) By Chris Lisinski clisinski@nashoba valleyvoice.com GROTON As Groton gears up for a crucial vote on an override that would increase the average tax bill by almost $500, there is virtual silence from some officials on one specific question: what if the override fails? Town and school leaders have declined to answer that question, at least in public, revealing nothing about contingency plans if voters decline to bypass the tax levy limit. And if the override does not pass, there are a variety of alternatives, including a reduced budget that does not require an override and a Super Town Meeting that would combine the school districts two towns into one block of voters. But whatever the next step is, it will certainly require some work. Groton-Dunstable Regional School District is planning a budget growth of about $4 million to reverse cuts, but to do that, overrides must be approved in both Groton and Dunstable. And because of the way votes were scheduled in both towns, the elections where the override will appear as a ballot item comes next week after Groton and Dunstable both passed override-dependent budgets at their Town Meetings. So if the ballot item fails in both towns next week, the budgets that were already approved will be effectively invalidated. Of course, this process all becomes much easier if the override passes in each town in that case, everything can move forward without being revamped. When asked about the school districts backup plan if the override fails, officials deferred any details until after a vote. At this time, we are not considering contingency budgets or plans, said School Committee Chairman Jeff Kubick in a statement. The School Committee has an adopted budget, which we will not re-consider unless legally required to do so by voter disapproval of our budget. Voters in both towns will make their decision over the next week, and we will proceed based on the results. Similarly, at the May 2 Groton Board of Selectmen meeting, four of the five members agreed that any public planning should be conducted after town elections and that stance may be a strategy. To have any discussion prior to the override vote could shade the vote one way or another, said Selectman Josh Degen during that meeting. I dont think its fair to talk about a contingency and about what were going to do in the event of a failed override. Town Manager Mark Haddad acknowledged that he is analyzing options, but he cannot yet present those plans to the selectmen because they decided not to discuss the matter publicly at this point. As town manager, it would be foolish if I wasnt planning on (contingencies), Haddad said. I have been looking at various scenarios that I will bring forward to the board if the override fails. Selectman Jack Petropoulos dissented from the other members of the board. He believes the town and school should be having talks now, not after the override vote. To fail to contingency plan, or at least fail to discuss them in public, fails to inform the public as to what the options are and strings the publics perception just to what you presented, he said. It also means that should a contingency become required, we have less time to plan for it. The selectmen scheduled a meeting for May 18, the day after town elections, so that they can discuss what happens next as soon as possible. Then, on May 23, Groton will host its second night of Town Meeting, where a revised budget could be brought forth. A third night may be held on May 25. Petropoulos explained there are a number of situations that could arise if the override fails. The school district or town or both could trim down the budget to a point where the tax increase necessary to fund it does not require voter approval. But that would likely mean substantial cuts on the municipal side or a failure to fill all needs outlined by the school district. The town could also ask voters a second time if they will approve an override, either for the same amount or for a smaller amount. For that, the selectmen must submit the formal ballot question to the Town Clerk 35 days before the vote. And since the school district needs a budget in place by July 1 only 39 days after the second night of Town Meeting there is a time crunch to make that decision. Another option is a Special Town Meeting, according to Petropoulos, which could come after an override fails and after the School Committee presents a budget at the second night of Town Meeting. At a Special Town Meeting, Petropoulos explained, residents from both Groton and Dunstable would vote as one block on whether to fund the school budget. If it passes, the towns are obligated to pay their share however they can, which could mean slashing a chunk of the towns expenses. But for now, until the override vote, those are just possibilities. For the next few days, its a waiting game in Groton and Dunstable. Follow Chris Lisinski on Twitter and Tout @ChrisLisinski. Massachusetts Center for the Book welcomed more than 200 guests to the Great Hall at the State House to recognize student awardees in the Massachusetts Letters About Literature program. This reading and writing contest is sponsored nationwide by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Through their school or local public library, students were encouraged to write a letter to a favored author, sharing the personal impact of a book. Shirley resident Madelyn Mitrano, a senior at Ayer Shirley Regional High School, was among the top 1 to 2 percent of Massachusetts letter-writers celebrated at the ceremony. She was commended for her Honors letter to author Kurt Vonnegut about Slaughterhouse-Five, a book that put all of her worries into perspective. Putting these reflections on paper provides an opportunity for young readers to assess their stake in reading and the importance of books in their lives, said Sharon Shaloo, executive director of Mass Center for the Book. It helps to lay the foundation for life-long literacy habits. Author Moying Li addressed the group as the featured Massachusetts author. She underscored a key theme from her memoir Snow Falling in Spring, a 2009 Mass Book Award winner, which speaks about the importance of books in her family during Chinas Cultural Revolution. Boasting a third-in-nation participation level in Letters About Literature, the Massachusetts program received nearly 3,000 letters. Forty-five students from across the Commonwealth, grades 4 through 12, were selected by a literary panel to be honored for their letters, written to such authors as Elie Wiesel, Sylvia Plath and Philip Pullman. Top honorees in each of three grade levels will move on to represent Massachusetts at the national level. For information, contact letters@massbook.org or call 617-872-3718. GROTON The Groton Historical Society, in collaboration with the Groton Public Library, hosted Nicholas Langhart, director of the Forbush Memorial Library in Westminster. Over 50 people were in attendance April 26 to hear Langhart speak on the architectural styles of homes in New England prior to 1870. He began by describing the Puritan building techniques that proved unsuitable to the extremes of New England weather. He detailed the major architectural styles of Georgian, Federalist, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate and French Second Empire. Langhart was informative and entertaining, promising to return to Groton for a walking tour, possibly in the fall. Langhart holds a masters in historic preservation from Cornell University and has served as property manager at Historic New England, Boston. He has taught courses on the history of architecture on Long Island, New York and at Clark University, Worcester State and WPI. He instructs docents at Preservation Worcester and is currently teaching courses on New England architecture in the ALFA program at Fitchburg State University. The Groton Historical Society will participate in the Freedoms Way Hidden Treasures program May 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. * The antique Torrent #1 fire pump will be on display in the driveway of the Boutwell House. * At 1 p.m., Harrie Slootbeck, Groton resident and collections and exhibits manager at the USS Constitution Museum, will speak about Groton inventor Loammi Baldwin Jr., who designed the Torrent and later the dry docks at the Charlestown Navy Yard. * Groton Fire Department will be represented with an emergency vehicle and a firefighter to answer questions (10 a.m. to noon). * Visit the Groton History Center, at the Boutwell House, to see our historical fire buckets, fire marks and other historical items related to firefighting in early New England. See www.discoverhiddentreasures.org for information. TOWNSEND A male pig named Boss, who attacked a husband and wife in separate incidents at their family farm Tuesday night, will be euthanized after severing one of the mans arteries and inflicting life-threatening injuries, police said. The man, 50-year-old Jose Hernandez, was reported to be in fair condition Wednesday afternoon at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester, according to Tony Berry, a spokesman for the hospital. Police said in a press release that he is expected to survive. Shay Hernandez, who was attacked in the first incident earlier Tuesday night, said her husband needed two pints of blood due to his injury. He is doing ok now, she wrote on Facebook. I am ok in pain but ok they stitched and stapled (me) up. I am still praying for my husband , if no one had stopped for him it could have been the worst for him. Shay wrote in her post that the pot-bellied pig had gotten out some time on Tuesday evening, and when she went to put him back, he turned on (her). She said Boss became aggressive after he was separated from female pigs that are in heat. I fell he gave me 5 big gashes, legs and arm, I got up with shovel got him locked in, I called 911 they got me, she wrote. The reason Boss did this is a couple of girls are in heat he snapped because I took him away from them. Police were first called to the Fitchburg Road property at 5:52 p.m. to treat Shay, 38, according to a police press release. She was treated and released from a local hospital. But when Jose came home a few hours later, he went to see Boss and was also attacked, Shay said. Luckily, someone driving past pulled over to help and took Jose to the hospital. Police initially described his injuries as life-threatening. I guess he went down and was going to give him water and he attacked hubby, (Boss) got him in a main artery, she wrote. (Jose) got out went up got someone to pull over they got him to hospital. On Wednesday, police decided to euthanize the pig and conduct a test for rabies out of an abundance of caution. TV trucks were still outside the Fitchburg Road property Wednesday afternoon, though no one was home to comment. In a December Nashoba Valley Voice story about her goats fondness for Christmas trees, Shay said her husband grew up on a farm in Puerto Rico, and the couple began raising chickens about 10 years ago after a niece purchased a chicken. From there, the farm continued to grow, and now, it is a way of life for the family, she said in December. They also breed kid goats for sale. County Court Traffic Sentences Alondra Pacheco-Robledo, 18, 3321 17th St., no operator's license and child restraint violation, $100 fines and $48 court costs. Kevin Flores, 18, Madison, speeding, 85 mph in a 65 mph zone, no operator's license, $150 fine and $48 court costs. Domingo Pablo, 29, Fremont, no operator's license, $75 fine and $48 court costs. James Pillen, 60, 6275 Country Club Drive, speeding, 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, $75 fine and $48 court costs. Rodney Adams Jr., 38, Clarinda, Iowa, no operator's license, $50 fine and $48 court costs. Bob Lester, 75, Spirit Lake, Idaho, speeding, 69 mph in a 55 mph zone, $75 fine and $48 court costs. Leander Esters, 57, Stanton, speeding, 65 mph in a 55 mph zone, $25 fine and $48 court costs. Chad Borowiak, 42, Genoa, speeding, 64 mph in a 50 mph zone, and no seat belt, $100 fines and $48 court costs. Jonathan Walter, 36, Bloomfield, improper signal and no seat belt, $50 fines and $48 court costs. Angel Monroe, 18, Norfolk, no operator's license, $75 fine and $48 court costs. Enrry Sanchez, 41, 2919 27th St., no operator's license, $75 fine and $48 court costs. Pauline Bahns, 57, Clarkson, speeding, 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, $75 fine and $48 court costs. Tyler Ladehoff, 25, Octavia, failure to maintain control, $25 fine and $48 court costs. Blake Schroeder, 20, 651 S. Red Fox Lane, speeding, 69 mph in a 50 mph zone, $125 fine and $48 court costs. Jacob Hall, 35, Linday, speeding, 74 mph in a 55 mph zone, and no seat belt, $150 fines and $48 court costs. Melissa Smolek, 35, 2410 Eighth St., improper lane change, $25 fine and $48 court costs. Joan Wemhoff, 60, David City, traffic signal violation, $75 fine and $48 court costs. Wayne Bolte, 78, Omaha, traffic signal violation, $75 fine and $48 court costs. Eleazar Diaz, 31, 3317 25th St., No. 5, traffic signal violation and no operator's license, $150 fines and $48 court costs. Criminal Sentences Jordon Cordero, 19, 1819 11th St., No. 2, zero tolerance violation and leaving accident-fail to furnish information, 120 days in jail, credit for 45 days already served, $100 fine and $49 court costs. Joshua Diggs, 25, 26405 247th Ave., No. 516, theft-shoplifting $0-$500, 21 days in jail, $39.88 restitution and $49 court costs. Lori Gronenthal, 30, 1702 18th St., refuse to submit to an alcohol test, six months probation, $500 fine, operator's license revoked for 60 days and $49 court costs. Heather Henson, 34, 6 Sandy Point Drive, refuse to submit to an alcohol test, six months probation, $500 fine, operator's license revoked for 60 days and $49 court costs. Joseph Misek, 79, 106 N. Roselane, driving under the influence, six months probation, $500 fine, operator's license revoked for 60 days and $49 court costs. Dustin Whisenand, 18, Central City, theft-shoplifting $0-$500, $150 fine and $49 court costs. John Abolins, 53, 1471 25th Ave., second-offense driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a test, 10 days in jail, credit for seven days already served, $1,000 fine, operator's license revoked for 18 months and $49 court costs. Justin Veik, 25, Humphrey, no proof of insurance, $50 fine and $49 court costs. Maria Oberg, 47, Silver City, attempt of a Class II misdemeanor, $175 fine, $1,000 restitution and $49 court costs. Jakob Delozier, 18, 1754 45th Ave., reckless driving, $500 fine and $49 court costs. District Court Criminal Sentences Melody Brown, 60, 1164 19th Ave., second-offense theft-shoplifting $0-$500, 18 months probation and $49 court costs. Mark Newberg, 46, 3312 35th St., driving under the influence-.15+ (two prior convictions), 270 days in jail, credit for two days already served, operator's license revoked for 15 years and $49 court costs. Mainstream media quick to blame the unvaccinated (while missing the real story) Putting blind trust in vaccines is not a sustainable strategy for immune system health (NaturalNews) Children vaccinated against mumps and measles shouldn't have a reason to worry about contracting the two viruses, right? That's why they were vaccinated in the first place -- to have blanket immunity from these diseases.So why are news outlets putting fear in the heads of the vaccinated, warning them about recent outbreaks of measles and mumps? The vaccinated should have nothing to worry about, right?But mumps and measles outbreaks are coming back, and medical authorities are looking for reasons. Authorities are quick to blame. So where are the outbreaks coming from? Are the unvaccinated people spreading mumps and measles amongst themselves and causing the new outbreaks?One of the most recent outbreaks occurred on the University of Illinois campus in Champaign. The local news reports are quick to blame, stressing how unvaccinated children are putting the public at risk, but is that how immunity really works?In the report, crucial information about theof vaccines is buried deep inside sensationalist blame. By the time the report is over, viewers have been so blindsided by accusations that they may not be able to decipher the end fact. These misdirection tactics are often used in media outlets that have a paid-for agenda. Misdirection tactics ultimately make media outlets seem not credible.The report from, titled "Ill. officials: Mumps outbreak caused by vaccination backlash," retorted, "Health officials say a recent backlash against vaccines is helping aid the resurgence of the disease."A mother jumped into the report, saying, "All of my children have been vaccinated as scheduled their whole lives. I'm a little disturbed that, you know, if there's mumps here, that means somebody's children aren't vaccinated."Why is this mother worried? If her children are vaccinated, what does she have to fret about?Maybe deep down she is worried that the vaccines don't actually work? Maybe she is worried that she has been lied to about vaccine effectiveness, that they aren't 100 percent preventive cure-alls.At the end of the report, the truth came out when the reporter relayed the details about the students who came down with the mumps:That's right, the new outbreaks of mumps at the University of Illinois campus are occurring in college studentsand yes the report admits thatYou can view the segment here Instead of putting fear into one another to blindly trust "blanket immunity" of vaccines, parents, media outlets and medical authorities should instead question the official story and find other and perhaps better ways to empower the immune system.Why isn't vitamin D brought up in these news reports? Vitamin D supplementation might make all the difference for boosting a person's natural immunity, protecting both the unvaccinated and the vaccinated. (Yes, it's the vaccinated who are taking greater medical health risks by only trusting the blanket immunity ofeffective vaccines.)modulating the T cell antigen receptor. Vitamin D possesses a whole host of immune-system-boosting powers, including the prevention of pathogen invasion, bacterial colonization and antimicrobial peptide secretion, as well as mucosal defense. Peru food prices and non-GMO (NaturalNews) When it comes to non-GMO foods , governments, food giants and Big Agri seem to have excuse after excuse lined up to protect the development of GMO at the expense of the growth of the non-GMO and organic sectors. There has long been a myth around the fact that GMO labels increase the price of food, but now Peru is proving that non-GMO agriculture can be totally affordable.According to, consumer food prices are based on many factors, including the cost of raw materials, production, transportation, advertising and competition. Exact predictions around price hikes are impossible to make, however past experience has failed to provide any evidence that GMO labeling would increase prices . In fact, Peru has shown that non-GMO agriculture IS affordable.According to, everything grown in Peru is organic and non-GMO, yet food prices are extremely low. Governments have been arguing for years that without the development and expansion of GMO the world will go hungry and yet a UN report recently revealed that small-scale organic farming is actually the only way to feed the world, as reported byAs the U.S. government is pushing harder and harder for the expansion of GMO farming, the UN is actually sending a very different message that there is an urgent need to return to and develop more sustainable, natural and organic systems. In fact, experts believe that returning to small-scale organic farming is the only way to solve the hunger problem. According to, "Fresh organic produce in Lima is more accessible and affordable than one imagines. At the Bioferia in Miraflores, organic doesn't always mean expensive, and the lively, secure atmosphere of the market makes your visit a pleasant experience."Peru doesn't allow GMO at all, as reported by, and the report bydemonstrates that organic food can thrive and be affordable. Peruvian-grown produce may not have an organic label, but it is organic, non-GMO and available in most countries across the world. Organic food in Peru is the same price as conventional food in the U.S.reports that, "It all comes down to supply, demand and overall health/sustainability of farmland. Commitment to organic farming on a national scale keeps the land fertile, non-contaminated and allows prices to come down with abundant supply." The report also argues that there is a need for 100 percent transparency and clear labeling around the processes that go into the production of food worldwide.The use of pesticides and other harsh, toxic chemicals by Big Agri is damaging populations of bees and other pollinators , having a massive impact on food supplies worldwide. The loss of wild pollinators puts food security at risk, with 75 percent of all human foods depending at least partially upon pollinating insects, birds and bats. We need to switch to more pollinator-friendly farming practices, and organic, non-GMO farming is the answer to preventing an even greater decline in the number of pollinators.The debate as to whether or not we should be focusing on GMO or organic farming practices will continue for years to come. The first priority should be for governments to offer transparency around the production of food, allowing consumers to make educated decisions about what they are purchasing.If non-GMO food prices in Peru are the same as GMO food prices in the U.S., then perhaps the Big Agri-backed U.S. government is making excuses about food price increases to prevent the U.S. population from embracing organic and non-GMO, which would drive food giants to prioritize their stock accordingly. COLUMBUS When Jeremy Stanislav heard Sammys Superheroes created a new executive director position, he knew it was the right job for him. I became immediately interested, he said. Stanislav worked as an account supervisor at Swanson Russell, a marketing agency in Lincoln, when he founded the nonprofit Pink Bandanna, which raises money for women under age 40 with breast cancer. The organization's Beat Breast Cancer mud volleyball tournament in Prague has grown to 256 teams and raised thousands of dollars. Stanislav also served on the Sammys Superheroes Foundation Board of Directors for one year. I realized I like helping people, that I get a lot of fulfillment from it, he said. I liked my marketing job, but it did not have the same satisfaction. Everything that Sammys Superheroes has done for these kids and done for the fight against pediatric and childhood cancer that really touched my heart, he added. Theres a lot of passion in that board and those people are so giving. I knew they were people I wanted to be around. Stanislav started his new job Monday. With his marketing background and experience with the Beat Breast Cancer event, he knows he wants to grow Sammys Superheroes far beyond Columbus. Were really well-known in Columbus, and Columbus has been so great to Sammys Superheroes, but to grow we need to start looking at Omaha or Lincoln or Des Moines, said Stanislav, adding that the goal is to create partnerships that turn Sammy's Superheroes into a household name like the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation. Stanislav hopes that by working with smaller childrens and pediatric cancer organizations, they can collectively raise more money for research. Lets say we raise $25,000, another group raises $1,000 and another group raises $1,000. If we pool the money and give it to one doctor or one cancer researcher, thatll be a significant donation of money instead of small chunks given here and there, he said. Another goal is to increase the donations the organization receives. I want to see us double or triple the money we bring in, he said. The details of his ambitions for the organization as well as set goals will be worked out with the board of directors. I need to sit down with the board and have a discussion of what they want to see and what I want to see, he said. As nonprofits grow, their administrative costs grow, as well. Stanislav hopes to avoid the potential problems that come with growth. One of the pitfalls that we really want to avoid is to become one of those organizations that isn't transparent and doesn't tell people where the money is going, said Stanislav. People have to understand that to grow the organization theres going to be some administrative costs, but we want to make sure the majority of money is going toward research. So far, Stanislav is happy he made the switch from the corporate world to a nonprofit. Im just really grateful to have the opportunity to work with this organization, he said. The work they've been doing and the passion is amazing. A woman caught on camera trying to steal packages from an Alhambra, California, home in Los Angeles County has been arrested after police said video of the woman being confronted, posted on the department's social media, got a whopping 800,000 views. Rianna Medina, 20, was taken into custody after the Alhambra Police Department released video Thursday of the homeowner catching her red-handed. "We had over 800,000 hits on this video," Alhambra police Sgt. Jerry Johnson said. "I've never seen that." The homeowner had arrived to his house about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday when he saw a suspicious-looking woman walking up to his front door and picking up two packages. That's when he turned on his camera and confronted her. "If I were you, I'd put that down," he told the woman, who responded by saying her mother lived at the home. When he threatened to call police, she dropped the packages and stormed off. The homeowner, who did not want to be identified, told NBC4 she made a vulgar hand gesture at him as she walked away. Police found her at a Motel 6 in Rosemead. They said she is aware of the video, but denies wrongdoing. "You'd think she'd apologize or ask for forgiveness or something," Johnson said. "That certainly wasn't the attitude she portrayed on film." The San Francisco Police Department is investigating dashcam video that appears to show one of their patrol cars hitting a cyclist in downtown San Francisco. The video posted on YouTube was captured with Nexar, an app that turns your phone into a smart dashcam. The video shows the cyclist going down Second Street on a green bike lane, when the police car turns left into the bike lane and collides with him. The driver can be seen getting out of the car and bending down to look at the cyclist. According to SFPD, the incident occurred Thursday the day San Francisco celebrated its 22nd annual Bike to Work Day at the intersection of Mission and Fourth Streets. SFPD spokesperson Officer Grace Gatpandan said that the accident was being investigated both as a collision and as administrative in nature. She said that the officer summoned medics who transported the bicyclist from the scene. Nexar, however, said that the accident happened at the intersection of 2nd and Mission. On Youtube, commenters weighed in on the video, taking sides. While some said the person driving the police car was 100 percent at fault, while others said that the cyclist should have slowed down when he saw the yellow light. Cop was clearly at fault, but maybe in the future you should start to slow down when you see you a yellow light, not speed up, one commenter said. At one point, someone who identifies himself as the cyclist with the name Timothy Doyle responds to the comments in the thread, writing: I am that cyclist. I am Tim Doyle. I was going 25 mph. I had no time to react. The cop car was completely in the wrong. It cleaned me out and sent me flying 15 feet. I have two broken ribs, a huge leg injury etc. I got out of SF General today at 4 in the morning. And some readers are saying I am at fault? Sorry but 25mph is too fast in town, one commenter responded. Try that in Holland and people will call the nearest mental clinic to ask if a patient is missing. Nothing to do with the speed limit. Just common sense. Bicycles are not cars. Never were, never will be. We can all witness the result. No time to react for you, no time to react for drivers. Doyle in an interview with NBC Bay Area said the officer made a mistake and needs to be careful. He suffered a fracture and a leg injury. "Luckily I had my helmet on," he said. "I think I landed on my back." The avid cyclist said he has a fractured bone in his back and a painful gash in his leg. San Francisco police officials said the officer involved in the collision was not responding to an emergency. "They didn't do it intentionally," Doyle said of the officer. "They made a mistake and didn't see me for sure." Doyle said he will be laid up for days and will need a new bike. A swarm of aggressive bees is terrorizing an East Bay neighborhood, attacking residents, dogs and even a mail carrier. Concord police say they have received a number of reports of swarms of "aggressive bees" on the 3800 block of Hitchcock Drive. They are investigating the situation but, in the interim, have urged people to avoid the area. According to a neighbor in the area, two dogs have already died as a result of numerous bee stings. Marya Pitravts of Concord feels like a hostage in her own home. It was like a horror movie, she said. I didnt know what was going on. Pitravts was walking her dog Friday when they were attacked. It was crazy they were coming after us, she recounted. My dog was rolling on the ground trying to shake them off. My hair was buzzing with them They were all over me. Even going inside her home didnt help. They were really aggressive, Pitravts said. Boom! Boom! Boom! They were coming after me even through the window. It was nuts. Resident Alex Jenke, who was sent to the hospital with minor injuries from stings, says his son is an amateur beekeeper who was relocating hives when he noticed abnormally aggressive behavior. "He lifted the lid off the second hive, and they made this huge swarm..." he said. "My hair was buzzing with them. I had to shake my hand off. They were all over me." Norman Lott, a beekeeper called out by the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District, said Pitravts isnt alone. There were some dogs that were stung, he said. I guess one died a small dachshund. There was a mail lady that had a hundred bees in her hair. According to Lott, who is with the Mount Diablo Beekeepers Association, Fridays incident serves as a good wake-up call as Africanized bees move into the area. The breed of honeybees, also known as killer bees, was discovered for the first time in the Bay Area in Martinez and Lafayette in 2014. Although they look like regular honeybees, Africanized bees are far more deadly if their hives are disturbed. Lott says once he finds the beehive he will decide whether it should be controlled or removed. This hive seems to be over the top so it probably needs to be eradicated, he said. Lott also cautioned that if a person gets stung, its important to stay calm, leave the area immediately and call the Vector Control District or a beekeeper to assess the situation. Its much safer, he said. Unless you have your own suit, dont do it. The Oakland Police Department is investigating three current officers accused of sexual misconduct with a woman who may have been underage at the time. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said the allegations are "very disturbing" and could hurt efforts to build trust with the public. Speaking at a late afternoon news conference at City Hall, where she was joined by Police Chief Sean Whent, Schaaf said, "This type of misconduct doesn't do justice to the citizens of Oakland and does an injustice to a (police) department that has made tremendous progress" in making reforms to comply with the 2003 settlement of a major misconduct lawsuit. Schaaf said, "It's truly tragic that this conduct is happening at this time. Although there's still more work to do, the department has worked hard to develop the public's trust." Whent said the three officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while the department investigates the allegations. The Oakland Police Department has also been rocked by the recent public disclosure that 30-year-old Officer Brendan O'Brien committed suicide last Sept. 25 and that his wife, Irma Huerta-Lopez, committed suicide on June 16, 2014. A source told NBC Bay Area the sexual misconduct case came to light last September when O'Brien committed suicide. Sources said O'Brien left a note that implicated the officers involved in the sexual misconduct investigation. Whent said he was "very concerned" about Huerta-Lopez's death and ordered "a very thorough investigation" that included senior homicide investigators to determine if it was a suicide or a homicide. But he said the investigation concluded that her death was a suicide, even though there were two gunshot holes at the couple's apartment in the 8000 block of Greenridge Drive in the Oakland hills. Whent said it's "not uncommon" for people who commit suicide to fire two shots and gunshot residue was found on Huerta-Lopez's hands. Residue was also found on O'Brien's hands, but police said that may have been a result handling weapons as part of his duties as an officer. Schaaf said that as of Friday the Alameda County District Attorney's Office has agreed to conduct parallel and independent investigations of the sexual misconduct allegations as well as of the apparent suicides of O'Brien and Huerta-Lopez. She said that to make sure that the District Attorney's investigations are unbiased, no former Oakland police officers who work as investigators for the District Attorney will be involved in the probes. Schaaf said she also issued an executive order requiring that the District Attorney's Office be notified of any future suspicions of wrongdoing on the part of Oakland officers. Whent said the sexual misconduct allegations against the three officers "are extremely troubling" and he has asked his department's inspector general to look at all alleged officer misconduct incidents in the past several years. Whent said many of the incidents involved conduct by officers when they were off duty but he expects his officers to maintain high standards both on and off duty. Whent said the "overwhelming majority" of his officers are honest and hard-working but he said the recent misconduct allegations "have marred our reputation." After undergoing renovations for three years, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art reopened to the public amid fanfare, bobbing balloons and a flurry of red confetti Saturday. The sold-out event drew large crowds comprising Bay Area residents and art lovers as well as dignitaries, including Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. The celebration kicked off with performances by the SFJAZZ High School All Stars, the San Francisco Youth Ballet Ribbon Dancers, We Talk Chalk, the Golden State Warriors Aftershock Drumline and more. Officials pressed a large red SFMOMA button, which brought matching confetti raining down from the roofs of the museum and nearby buildings, to mark opening day. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, and SFMOMA's Board Chairman Charles Schwab and Board President Bob Fisher were among those who spoke at the opening ceremony. "After years of planning and construction, it feels terrific to welcome visitors back to the museum," Neal Benezra, the museum's Helen and Charles Schwab director, said in a statement. Lee echoed the same sentiment. "San Francisco is a city of big ideas, and SFMOMA is a really big idea and now, a big reality," he said. LIVE on #Periscope: New SF MOMA Opening Day program. https://t.co/zXXDqvs7SX NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) May 14, 2016 Designed by architecture firm Snhetta, the revamped SFMOMA offers free access to ground-floor galleries, free admission for visitors 18 years old and younger, and 45,000 square feet of free public space, the statement said. New features include a 10-story expansion to the original building, which was designed by Mario Botta, and is located at 151 Third Street. The SFMOMA also boasts three times more gallery space, 19 inaugural exhibitions, and 170,000 square feet of new and revamped indoor and outdoor galleries. Highlights include 260 curated selections from the renowned Doris and Donald Fisher Collection, more than 600 works promised through the museums Campaign for Art, and new pieces courtesy of hundreds of donors as well as the New Pritzker Center for Photography Inaugurate Museum, the statement noted. "The new SFMOMA is a manifestation of our city's deep respect for creativity, and it embodies the spirit and the generosity of the entire Bay Area community," Pelosi said. "For that, we are very proud, and very thankful indeed." Opening Day at Revamped San Francisco Museum of Modern Art All 5,000 free timed tickets distributed by museum officials were snatched up, but neighboring cultural institutions, including the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the Children's Creativity Museum joined in the fun by offering free admission and programs Saturday. Howard Street was closed due to the festivities. Visit sfmoma.org or call (415) 357-4000 for more information. Collaborate to obliterate bullying. That's the message from South Bay students during a performance late Friday. Andrew Hill High School's anti-bullying club holds an annual who reenacting different cases of bullying and how to prevent it. "This is how our students are expressing their concerns about bullying and trying to get everyone else on board," said Joshua Green, the club's coordinator and a teacher at the school. The performance comes on a day when the Obama administration issued a guidance for transgender students in public schools to use bathrooms based on their gender identity. California law already allows them to do so. "This is a huge step in the right direction, just in terms of allowing kids to have their freedom," Green said. The father and son accused of luring a woman and her four teenage daughters to a Utah house, kidnapping them and assaulting the mother, are in custody in Wyoming after a day-long manhunt, NBC News reported. Dereck "DJ" Harrison, 22, was arrested at about 10 p.m. Saturday night after the manhunt in the Half Moon Lake area, northeast of the town of Pinedale, Wyoming. His father, Flint Wayne Harrison, 51, surrendered to authorities in earlier Saturday. The Harrisons allegedly invited the mother and her daughters, aged between 13 and 18, to a home in Utah Tuesday, and tied them up with wire and duct tape, according to Centerville police said. The mother and daughters were assaulted with a baseball bat as they attempted to break free, Centerville police said. By the time they did escape, the suspects had already fled. Police interviewed the man accused of abducting his 9-year-old niece, who was reunited with her family, NBC News reported. Gary Simpson, 57, is charged with especially aggravated kidnapping, but could face other charges as the investigation goes on, according to District Attorney General Dan Armstrong. Police were questioning him, trying to figure out why he ran off with Carlie Trent eight days ago. He is being held on $1 million bond, and has a court hearing on Monday. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn said there were no signs that Carlie was hurt. Simpson is Carlies uncle through marriage. The two vanished on May 4 after Simpson, picked her up from school and took off. They were found after two residents were searching a barn in a remote part of Hawkins County. COLUMBUS Participants reeled in a good time during the third annual Columbus Area Cops & Bobbers fishing event. Local law enforcement officers hosted the event Saturday in Pawnee Park West. Volunteers from the Columbus Police Department, Platte County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska State Patrol took part in the program that aims to foster a positive relationship between area youths, their families and law enforcement officers. The free event pairs local youths ages 7 to 15 with officers for an afternoon of education, fishing and fun. The event began with a meal, followed by a short period of instruction on fishing-related topics. About 80 youths took part in the event. Participants were given a fishing rod and reel, tackle and bait. Local officers then spent time fishing with the participants. Successful anglers were able to bring their catch to a fish-cleaning station where they were shown how to prepare a fish for the table. There was also a grill available for those who wanted to eat their fish. All the children got to keep their fishing equipment, a commemorative T-shirt and other items. Rep. Peter King (R-NY) is facing backlash for his use of a derogatory term to describe Japanese individuals as "Japs" during a panel discussion on MSNBCs Morning Joe. "National defense and homeland security are issues that mean the most to me and there's real issues with him, real problems with his views," King said. "I don't know if he's thought them through, or it's just like the guy at the end of the bar that says, 'Oh screw them, bomb them, kill them, pull out, bring them home. You know, why pay for the Japs, why pay for the Koreans?'" The national director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations posted a statement with King's comments on YouTube, asking him to stop using derogatory language targeting any national, ethnic, or minority group. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, called on King to apologize. In a statement to NBC News, King said called the backlash intellectual dishonesty and said his comment shouldnt be viewed as anti-Japanese or anti-Asian when I am satirizing and criticizing bias and ignorance. Charles Brown of Chicago served in the Navy during some of the countrys biggest battles of World War II, including the Invasion of Sicily and the Battle of Tarawa. But now he is facing a challenge from his city and his neighbors. Brown, 94, moved in to his two-story house on the citys Southwest Side in 1945. He and his wife raised five children there and for decades he says he had easy access to his alley garage. Several years ago, however, the city installed 4-foot tall posts in the alley adjacent to his property. The posts prevent cars from turning from one alley to the other. Because there is not enough room behind his garage to turn around, Brown must enter his alley from a block away and drive in reverse to access his garage. Makes it very hard for me to get in, Brown said. Brown and his family have requested the city remove the posts. But convincing the neighbors and their alderman is proving difficult. Ald. George Cardenas (12th Ward) said neighbors had complained about other vehicles in the alley causing damage to their property. They kept getting their fences knocked down, Cardenas said. Neighbors told NBC 5 they dont want to see the posts removed. It prevents the fence from being dented, the gate from being dented, prevents garbage cans from being knocked over, said neighbor Bill Osterman. Cardenas said the city accommodated Brown with a handicapped parking space in front of his house. Hes not handicapped, but we provide a handicapped parking for him because of the circumstances, Cardenas said. Brown, however, said he is concerned about vehicle break-ins. You cant just leave your car on the street, Brown said. Cardenas said he is looking at options that would satisfy both Brown and his neighbors. According to Cardenas, the city could possibly remove the posts and install a gate for Brown to use when he needs to access his garage and then close it when hes done leaving. Still, Cardenas acknowledges the difficulty of the situation. You want to protect everybodys property because everybody has the right to live safe, Cardenas said. The Brown family told NBC 5 they are skeptical of a gate. They want to know who would be responsible for maintaining it. Browns daughter suggested the removal of the posts and the addition of an inexpensive guardrail along the neighbors fence line. Mayor Rahm Emanuel plans to disband the Independent Police Review Authority, the Chicago agency responsible for investigating allegations of police misconduct. The mayor announced his plan in op-ed columns for both the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. He writes it is clear that a totally new agency is required to rebuild trust in investigations of officer involved shootings and the most serious allegations of police misconduct. Emanuel plans to create a new Public Safety Inspector General to audit and monitor policing in Chicago. He will also create a new Community Safety Oversight Board comprised of Chicago city residents. A woman was sexually assaulted in a Columbia College residence hall in the South Loop early Friday morning, according to Chicago police. Authorities said a 20-year-old woman was sleeping in a dorm in the 600 block of S Clark St at 4:15 a.m. when a man is his 20s sexually assaulted her. She was able to push him off and alert others in the room, police said. He fled the scene. The victim took herself to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, according to police. A rape kit was administered, and she was released in good condition. No one is in custody, and authorities continue to investigate. A Florida family's rescue dog did some saving of his own this week. Haus, a 2-year-old German shepherd, was bitten three times in the leg by an eastern diamondback rattlesnake while apparently trying to protect his owners' 7-year-old daughter, NBC affiliate WFLA reports. According to WFLA, Haus went behind the family's pool in Tampa to retrieve his toys Wednesday when Donya DeLuca heard screams from her young daughter Molly. DeLuca believes Haus was injured while preventing the snake from reaching Molly. "He had every opportunity to run, and he didn't," DeLuca told WFLA. "He was protecting Molly, and my mother I think." Haus was rushed to a local veterinary hospital, where he was placed in the intensive care unit. He's receiving continuous doses of anti-venom and is expected to recover. "We love him and we cherish him, but I feel indebted that he saved our daughter," DeLuca told WFLA. Donations to a GoFundMe account to help pay the vet bills quickly topped the family's goal of $15,000 on Friday. An 8-year-old bison named Bullet has outgrown its Texas home and the owner wants to find a new place for the 1,000-pound pet to roam. The family posted a Craigslist ad listing Bullet as "for sale" for almost $6,000, as long as the new owner will allow the bison to continue interacting with people. Bullet's owner says the buffalo needs more space and grassland. According to the ad, originally posted in March, Bullet is housebroken and "perfectly gentle." The post indicated that "if this ad is still showing, the buffalo is still for sale." On Friday afternoon, a link to the post displayed a message stating the post had been flagged for removal. "Bullet loves to chase and spar with a riding lawn mower, wheel barrow or even my truck when I'm out in the field. She will follow me when I'm in the truck. She is like a precious gigantic dog herself," the listing said. It warns that Bullet is still a buffalo, after all, and should never be left alone in the house or with children. The buffalo is also famous, the ad read, noting Bullet is featured in the children's book "Heaven is for Animals" by Nancy Tillman. Bullet lives with the family in Argyle, 30 miles northwest of Dallas. The FDA announced a new warning on labels for certain antibiotics you may be familiar with. The drugs are called Fluoroquinolones and they have been found to cause serious side effects. On May, 12, the FDA said the antibiotic will now come with a warning stating the side effects outweigh the benefit of the drug for certain conditions. The packaging will be changed to come with an updated boxed warning stating people getting treated for sinusitis, bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections have other treatment options. Packaging will also state that Fluoroquinolones like the brand names Avelox (moxifloxacin), Cipro (ciprofloxacin), and LEVAQUIN (levofloxacin), should only be taken if you have a condition that prevents you from using an alternative antibiotic. Fluoroquinolones are said to cause permanent, disabling side effects like Peripheral Neuropathy, and other conditions that effect the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and central nervous system . NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters spoke with a Connecticut woman last April who ended up with Peripheral Neuropathy, which she said lead to permanent nerve damage after she had taken Avelox for just a few days to treat Bronchitis with a lung infection. My life has slowed down, nothing is done quickly, said Dorothy DAmato. My heart breaks, I cant dance anymore. Dr. Ulysses Wu, an infectious disease specialist at St. Francis Hospital said some doctors like prescribing Fluoroquinolones because they treat a broad range of conditions but he urged caution. All warnings should make doctors think twice before they prescribe an antibiotic, said Wu. As an infectious disease doctor though, with any antibiotic, we should always think twice before we prescribe it. Bayer, which makes the drugs Avelox and Cipro, sent this statement to NBC Connecticut: Bayers highest priority is the safety of patients who take our medicines. Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Avelox (moxifloxacin) are both part of this important class of antibiotics, which has been used to treat a range of infections for many years. Bayer is carefully reviewing the information that FDA posted and will continue working with the agency on this topic. We also reached out to Janssen, which makes the drug Levaquin, whose parent company is Johnson &Johnson, and they also sent a statement: At Janssen, our first priority is the well-being of the people who use our medicines. LEVAQUIN (levofloxacin) is part of the important fluoroquinolone class of anti-infective prescription medications. We are reviewing the Drug Safety Communication and will continue to ensure our commitment to support the safe and appropriate use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. LEVAQUIN has been used for nearly 20 years to treat bacterial infections, including those that may be serious or life-threatening. The FDA said it will continue to review data about the safety of Fluoroquinolones and will keep both health care providers and the public informed of new information. If it looks like a check and feels like a check doesn't mean it spends like a check. You've probably heard of the Craigslist scheme where you put an item for sale and then someone offers to pay you more than what you were asking. But one North Texas man found out what can happen even after you turn down a potential crook. David Sullivan has a lot of stuff in his garage. Two years after moving here from Illinois, he felt his generator was just taking up space. He was asking $650 or best offer. Within hours, someone texted Sullivan saying he'd give asking and then some. Sullivan's wife was immediately suspicious. "But I already sent him my address, so then I just turned right around and sent him another text and said 'oh, sorry I've already sold it,'" said Sullivan. The man kept texting. But Sullivan didn't think anything of it till he got a check for $1,767. "He wanted me to cash the check and once it cleared, to let him know and then he would put me in touch with his moving company and then I would pay them the expenses to have it moved," Sullivan said. So Sullivan gave the check to NBC 5 instead. Fifth-Third, the bank listed on the check confirms it's bogus, even though it looks really legitimate. "I kind of thought that it would be good to maybe publicize this so that other people would know that it can happen to you," said Sullivan. "If you get something that looks suspicious that it might be a good reason why it looks that way." Sullivan ended up getting a real offer for the generator, although it was no where near $1,700. Fifth-Third sent some tips on how to spot a fake: Look for spelling or typing mistakes Make sure the amount of the check matches the spelled out amount No logo? It's probably a fake. Look for gaps, shaky or erratic pen strokes in the signature. Real checks are printed on matte paper, shiny paper may mean it's phony. Those numbers on the bottom of the check should also be dull to the touch.. not shiny. Feel the edges of a check. Most have one perforated or rough edge. If the ink looks suspicious, dampen your finger and put it in an inked area. If it bleeds, it's probably a fake. For more advice on how to spot a fake, click here. Craigslist has its advice for avoiding schemes here. The company says 99 percent of all schemes can be avoided by dealing locally, with someone face-to-face. When the Obama administration announced a sweeping decree about transgender students in public school bathrooms, it sparked debate on both sides of the issue. In the small country town of Krum, 17-year old Max Cater smiled. "It's not scary," Cater said. "Just me, trying to use the restroom and then leaving, like any other person." Cater is a transgender person. He was born Annabelle and came out as Max three years ago. "I kind of always had this feeling that I just didn't fit in with girls," he said. "I felt like I was born in the wrong body." Cater is a junior who used to attend Denton High School. He left four months ago to be home-schooled. "I was scared even to use the restroom. I couldn't figure out which one to use," Cater explained. "So, it felt very awkward that I was still counted as female no matter how hard I tried to be male." Cater's mother, Kasie, applauded the public school restroom policy order. "Finally," she said with a sigh. "They're just kids. They're the same kids that they always have been inside and always were." Thursday night, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick told NBC 5 the president's move was a "slap in the face" to teachers and parents. Patrick said it would change the public school system as we know it and vowed to fight the Obama Administration on the issue. Cater said he hopes the more people get to know transgender people, the more comfortable they'll be. "They're still human, still people" said Cater. "And they deserve equal rights just as much as you do." The Coast Guard is searching for a Carnival Liberty cruise ship passenger who went overboard about 195 miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas. Watchstanders with the 8th Coast Guard District received a call from the ship's master Friday evening reporting they had video of a woman, believed to be 33-year-old Samantha Broberg, falling overboard at about 2 a.m. Friday, just 10 hours after the ship left the port of Galveston on a four-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. Broberg's travel companions had reported her missing earlier Friday, prompting a ship-wide search. "Our steward came into our room, checked the closets, checked the bathroom, looked under the bed looked out on our balcony. I mean, they did a very thorough search," said passenger Jo Trizila of Dallas. "We knew it wasnt going to end well when the last few updates the announcer said would you please just keep this family in your thoughts and prayers." The ship's crew made a confirmation check on all the passengers, but Broberg was not accounted for, the Coast Guard said. An HC-144 Ocean Sentry and crew were sent from the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama, to search for the passenger in the area the ship was located when the passenger was last seen. Youre pretty much on camera 24/7, said Steve Cosgrove of Dynamic Travel & Cruises in Southlake. So, theyre able to go back and see exactly when this person may have gone overboard, what hall she walked down, who she was with, they can actually backtrack where was she prior and all of that type of stuff. Carnivals CareTeam is providing support to Brobergs travel companions and family, the company said in a statement. When the Valentine family in Southlake lost their prized pet Maltipoo named Jingles, they were willing to do anything to get her back. They posted signs all over the neighborhood offering a $5,000 reward for her return. She is our family member and we are just devastated not to have her, said Jodi Valentine. Jingles was her 8-year-old daughter Jordans first pet. The dog bolted out the front door of the familys new home on May 3. With no sign of the dog, they also turned to a pet detective. Bonnie Hale of Grapevine runs a business called Lost Pet Specialist. For a $400 fee, she and Idabel, an American black and tan coon hound, follow the scents of runaway pets, including dogs and cats. Cats are easier to find, she said, because they often hide for days nearby and ignore calls from their owners. With dogs, about 60 percent of them get home eventually, Hale said. But Jingles is still missing. Idabel tracked her scent to a brushy area several blocks away. Thats where the trail stopped. "We're just wanting answers right now, Valentine said. If it's not good, we just need closure. But hopefully, we're praying the good Lord will bring her back to us safe and sound." The Valentine family isn't giving up, hoping the reward -- and the pet detective -- will help bring Jingles home. Dallas police say a man was killed after he crashed into a utility pole in Pleasant Grove Friday night. According to police, the driver was speeding when he crashed into the pole near the intersection of South Buckner Boulevard and Hume Drive shortly before 11 p.m. First responders found the man, who was not identified, dead on the scene. The impact knocked out power to nearby homes for about three hours. Power was restored at about 2 a.m. The crash was still under investigation Saturday morning. A woman accused of using the credentials of a Chicago-based doctor to practice medicine in Kendall County in Texas has been arrested. The Boerne Police Department says Katinka Hunter, also known as Catharina Hunter, was arrested Thursday and charged with practicing medicine in violation of subtitle and forgery. Lt. Steve Perez says the Chicago-based physician contacted officers to report someone was using her credentials to write prescriptions. Authorities say officers discovered neither of the names she had used was listed on the Texas Medical Board or the Texas Physician Assistant Board. Authorities say Hunter worked at the Hope of Life Alternative Treatment Center and was linked to H2L Medical and Aesthetic Center LLC. It wasn't immediately clear if Hunter has an attorney who can speak on her behalf. Researchers at UC San Diego are launching a three-year study on the impact of marijuana on driving ability. With the potential for California to legalize marijuana in November, local researchers are aiming to study how pot impacts a driver, how quickly that impairment wears off and how to measure it. Surprisingly, those details have not yet been fully studied. We have very few tools available to determine whether a person is impaired while theyre driving under the influence of cannabis, said Tom Marcotte, whose UCSD team is heading the study. The study will begin in September and will entail collecting marijuana from the federal government and have subjects undergo a simulated driving test. The complicated part is that the effects of marijuana on the blood are a lot different than alcohol. The chemical THC increases very rapidly in your blood when you smoke and then it pretty much disappears from your blood within an hour. But people will tell you theyre still high, said Dr. Igor Grant of UCSD. The public study will cost $1.8 million. Just what caused a skydiving plane carrying 17 passengers to flip over in a vineyard remains under investigation in San Joaquin County. No passengers were injured. The single-engine plane experienced trouble shortly after taking off from the Parachute Center skydiving school north of Lodi, FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said in a statement. The pilot tried returning the Cessna 208 to the airport, Gregor said. But William Dause, who operates the skydiving center, says the plane flipped over when it clipped a grapevine wire on approach. The pilot suffered a "minor injury," according Gregor. A skydiving center official described the injury as a bloody nose. The crash occurred Thursday afternoon in a field just east of Highway 99 between Galt and Lodi, the newspaper reported. After 20 years without an Asian-American on the Los Angeles City Council, David Ryu bucked the trend when he became councilman for District 14. "When I won, it was such a surprise even to the Asian American and the Korean American communities who thought it couldnt be done," said Ryu. "They were just so proud to have diversity, so proud to see one of their own in a position of leadership." Ryu became the first Korean American in an LA council seat after he defeated presumed favorite Carolyn Ramsey in the largely-white areas of Sherman Oaks, Los Feliz, Hollywood and Silver Lake. For Ryu, the victory was not just a win for the Korean-American community, but also a validation of his choice to veer from what his parents originally wanted for him. "Their dream was for me to be a doctor," said Ryu. "But when they came here it didnt matter and they realized they wanted what was best for me and they wanted me not to have to struggle like they did." After emigrating from Korea when Ryu was six, he and his family lived in Boyle Heights, struggling both to survive financially and assimilate culturally. "Growing up bicultural, it's confusing, especially having been taught all these values of 'work hard,' 'be quiet,' 'dont make waves,'" Ryu said. "Then you go to school, you listen to teachers, you listen to what America is about -- independence, 'be strong,' 'be bold,' 'speak up,' 'speak out.'" After starting off as a premed major at UCLA for two years, Ryu made the decision to switch over to social work a move that had been inspired by his stint as a student body president at school. "I might not like the doctor part, but I like the helping people part, so Id like to be a social worker," Ryu said he told his parents. Following work for various nonprofits and an LA County Supervisors staff, Ryu decided to make a run for a council seat, not fully realizing the implications of what a victory would mean. "It was never about 'Im going to make history,'" Ryu said. "If I even made it out of the runoff I would be fortunate enough if the people even gave me an opportunity to serve." Precedent did not favor Ryu, but he credits his victory to a change in politics to not just vote along party or ethnic lines, but rather for what people truly want to see in government and in their communities. "My election has proved that we can go beyond the cover and Im hoping we can continue to do that." From the dangers of the Vietnam War, to the everyday news scene in Los Angeles, photographer Nick Ut is a groundbreaker in the Asian American community. "Every picture I've ever seen that Nick has produced and published, you just see that quality," said Battalion Chief Jaime Moore of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Ut, a Vietnamese-American, is best known for being the man behind the lens of the image that historians believe had a role in ending the Vietnam War. That image is of a young girl running naked down a dirt road, desperately trying to escape a napalm attack on the village where she lived. The picture made a remarkable impact in the United States, and only six months later, a ceasefire was signed. Ut, who was only 16 when he began covering the war informally, received a Pulitzer Prize for the image and recalls the moments vividly. "I saw the girl with her arms like this, running. I say, 'Why she don't have clothes?'" Ut said. "I ran and took lots of picture of her." He is also credited with saving her life, driving her to the nearest hospital for treatment. Ut now lives in Los Angeles and works for the Associated Press. He says he was inspired to become a photographer when his brother, who was killed in action, told him to follow in his footsteps. "I learned so much from my brother, Ut said. "He taught you a picture could change, could change the world." Uts crowning jewel is that image, and he has toured the world with Kim Phuc, the girl in the picture who survived the effects of the attack. Even beyond that long ago moment, though, Ut is recognized and respected widely for his work in the LA news scene, covering everything from fires to political events. "He's just naturally capable of find the "the" photo," said AP Assignment Editor Richard Vogel. "The photo that says it all, you know?" To learn more about Nick Ut's photos from Vietnam, visit Newseum here. The Los Angeles City Council took a step toward requiring farmers markets in the city to accept food stamps as payment. The council voted on Friday to request that the City Attorney's Office draft an ordinance that would require farmers market operators on public and private property to incorporate the state's CalFresh-issued Electronic Benefit Transfer cards as a payment method. The ordinance was proposed by council members Nury Martinez and Jose Huizar and is aimed at bringing more fresh fruits and vegetables to "food deserts,'' areas with no major supermarkets or other plentiful sources of fresh foods. Farmers market operators should be able to obtain free EBT terminals from the state, according to the Los Angeles Food Policy Council. The terminals issue "scrips'' that can be used by shoppers at individual stalls and redeemed later by sellers. The ordinance will be brought back for a future council vote. In the meantime, Huizar and the food council will host an event on Tuesday at 10 a.m. with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help farmers market operators sign up on the spot to be Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program retailers, which makes them eligible to obtain EBT technology. Of all the hype and nonsense in the presidential campaign and there's an overwhelming amount of it the biggest canard is that many Republicans will refuse to support Donald Trump. Paul Ryan's tap dancing makes that clear. Shortly after becoming House Speaker in October, Ryan said flatly he would support any GOP nominee, including Trump. Then he shuffled a bit in response to a few of Trump's outlandish remarks. Trump countered by warning that if Ryan didn't support him he'd "pay a very big price." Once Trump locked up the nomination, Ryan made over-inflated headlines by declaring that he couldn't support Trump "right now." Shame on news media for reporting that gibberish as if it were anything other than short-term posturing. Less than a week later, Trump and Ryan issued a "joint statement" that they had made "a very positive step toward unification." Translation: by July, Ryan and virtually all of the Republican hierarchy will be glad-handing Trump at the GOP convention and campaigning for him into November. And why not? The truth about presidential politics nowadays is that voters are selecting a party to control the executive branch. Primaries are about personalities, but not so general elections. It would be nice if that weren't true and a lot more would be accomplished in the gridlocked halls of Congress if elected officials, and voters, were willing to compromise. But they're not. If you're a Republican, you agree wholeheartedly with the statement released by Trump and Ryan: "The United States cannot afford another four years of the Obama White House, which is what Hillary Clinton represents." And if you're a Democrat, no matter what you think of Clinton and her whopping "unfavorables," nothing is more important than keeping the White House out of Trump's hands whatever size they turn out to be. There are a few representatives of the GOP elite, such as Mitt Romney, who have dug such deep holes in bashing Trump that they might have to sit out the election. But they are few and far between. More typical is Louisiana's Bobby Jindal, writing in The Wall Street Journal: "I do not pretend Donald Trump is the Reaganesque leader we so desperately need, but he is certainly the better of two bad choices." Jindal reminds us that he "mocked (Trump's) appearance, demeanor, ideology and ego in the strongest language I have ever used publicly to criticize anyone in politics." And now Jindal is endorsing Trump. Case closed. The same return to party reasoning will occur with most of Bernie Sanders' supporters when, in November, it comes time to vote for Clinton: Not Clinton the person, but Clinton the Democrat. If nothing else, the future of the Supreme Court alone should drive voters to the party of their choice, not either individual candidate. The two parties had their chance in the primaries and an argument can be made that both sides blew it. Imagine a Kasich-Biden election. What a fascinating political exercise that might have been. Instead we have two candidates, neither of whom, individually, is the life of the party. Yet, in this election, their party's life is at stake. The Seminole Tribe of Florida on Friday dropped its legal fight to try to block the disclosure of financial information about its casinos saying that the issue became "moot" after details were published by Politico. Attorneys working for the tribe earlier this week asked a judge to stop Politico from releasing details from the deposition of Jim Allen, the CEO for Seminole Gaming, until the tribe could decide whether the material contained trade secrets. But they withdrew that request shortly after Politico released a story on the deposition that quoted Allen saying that the tribe that runs major casinos in Tampa and Hollywood made $2.4 billion last year, and that $2.2 billion came from the gambling business. Attorneys said in their motion that because the court "can no longer afford the tribe meaningful relief," there was no reason to ask the court to act. The deposition is part of the evidence that will be considered during an October federal trial between the state and the tribe over whether the Seminoles' casinos can continue to have blackjack tables. The tribe filed the lawsuit last year after key portions of a 2010 gambling agreement that allowed the tables expired. The administration of Gov. Rick Scott countersued, and the lawsuits have been consolidated. Politico got the deposition through a public records request to the main state agency involved in the lawsuit. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which reports to Scott, released to The Associated Press late Friday a redacted copy of the deposition after removing the financial information about the casinos. Even though other public records experts have said the state had no legal authority to do so, Chelsea Eagle, a spokeswoman for the agency, maintained they were not "legally permitted" to release the financial information because the tribe contended it was a trade secret. Barbara Petersen, an attorney and president of the First Amendment Foundation, said earlier this week that under current law, financial information is not included under the definition of trade secrets, although the law is going to change later this year. The trade secrets law also states that it's a felony to release confidential information. When asked whether the state was now saying it broke the law by releasing the information to Politico, Eagle said the release was "inadvertent" and that the state didn't know the information would be labeled a trade secret by the tribe. In Allen's deposition he talks about his career in the gambling industry, including when he used to work for a hotel and casino connected to businessman and GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump. Allen also explained why back in 2010 the tribe agreed to limit blackjack tables to just five years in its initial deal with the state although other parts of the agreement run 20 years. Allen said that then-Rep. Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican in charge of negotiations with the tribe, told him he lacked the votes to get a longer deal, so he suggested a shorter period. Allen contended that other gambling interests in Florida, who he did not name specifically, were "racially motivated" in their push to deny a better agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe. Allen said other companies had created a "real negativity against the tribe." Officials say Jacksonville police shot a knife-wielding man early Saturday morning who threatened to cut off officers' heads. The Florida Times-Union reports that according to Chief Chris Butler of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the incident began when a manager of a downtown McDonald's called police because a man with knives was banging on the windows in a threatening manner. When officers arrived the man was across the street where he was yelling at them that he would cut their heads off. Butler say officers approached the suspect and tried to negotiate with him to drop the knives and surrender but he raised the large knife and charged at officers in a threatening manner, leaving them no choice but to shoot. The suspect is in critical condition. Police are investigating. Miami-Dade Police homicide detectives are investigating an incident where an adult male was discovered floating in a canal in southwest Miami-Dade. Officers were dispatched to the 23500 block of Southwest 97th Avenue just before 8 p.m. Friday. Responding officers discovered the body of an adult, white male floating in the canal near Black Point Marina. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded and pronounced the man dead. His identity has not been released. "It's shocking for sure in this neighborhood. I've lived here all my life and we've never had anything like this," said Alejandro Avila, area resident. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS. A social media post landed a Hialeah man in jail, according to Miami-Dade Police. 19-year-old Christopher Franco was in bond court Friday, accused of selling marijuana and advertising his illegal business on social media. Undercover detectives caught Franco after they contacted him to set-up a deal for $20 worth of marijuana. They said he instructed them to a McDonald's in Hialeah. Authorities said during the sting operation, Franco told them his real intention was to trade the drugs for a ride to his girlfriend's house. He was being held on $18,000 bond due to a prior car burglary arrest. It's unknown whether he has an attorney. The White House said Friday that it will honor 13 law enforcement officers for acts of valor under fire. Among those to be honored are three Santa Monica, California, police officers for their response to a 2013 rampage on a community college campus that left five people dead and a suburban Dallas officer who killed two armed men in a gunfight outside a provocative contest for caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad. President Barack Obama will present the officers with Medals of Valor for exhibiting "exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect others from harm." Those to be decorated are: More than a half-dozen school districts on Long Island have tested positive for elevated lead levels at drinking fountains and sinks, the I-Team has learned. Schools in Syosset, Port Washington, Valley Stream, Locust Valley, Jericho, Elwood and Northport-East Northport districts all tested positive for elevated lead levels in the last two weeks, according to records obtained by the I-Team and reporting radio partners WNYC and WSHU. The testing comes after a water crisis in Flint, Michigan, raised awareness about water safety across the country and the revelation that dozens of schools in Newark tested positive for elevated levels of the heavy metals. Dozens of school districts across the island have voluntarily tested water sources at schools in the wake of the crises. Currently, no state or federal law mandates testing at schools, but lawmakers at both levels have recommended Some of the sources that tested positive for elevated lead levels included water fountains currently in use; others came from sinks and fountains that werent being used for drinking. In Syosset, for instance, a total of five fountains three at Bayliss Elementary School and two at Robbins Lane Elementary tested positive for elevated lead. The school district said that while they determine what to do, theyve shut off fountains and installed refrigerated water coolers. Syosset officials said the town normally tests water sources for copper and lead every three years and that its schools werent due for testing for another year. But it said it decided to begin testing earlier than normal. Our testing is not yet complete, but we will inform the public of any additional findings. Meanwhile, we will also work to identify the source of the current contamination, the district said in a letter to parents. Officials with Northport-East Northport schools, meanwhile, said testing identified twelve water fountains in six of 10 buildings had elevated lead levels. The district shut down the fountains within hours of receiving the test results and is supplying alternate water sources to affected students and staff. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We will continue to update the community as additional testing is conducted and work is completed, Northport-East Northport Schools superintendent Robert Banzer said in a letter to parents. Parents told the I-Team they appreciated the proactive approach. Lead, thats a concern, said Vikas Rao. A priest and former president of a prestigious Catholic high school on Long Island has been suspended from his religious order after it determined that allegations of his sexual abuse of a minor were credible. The Marianists, also known as the Society of Mary, made the announcement about the Rev. James Williams late Friday afternoon on the website of Chaminade High School. The Marianists statement said a "comprehensive investigation" was conducted by the order. Williams has denied the allegations. He resigned in 2011 as president of the all-boys institution. The Marianists said they had contacted the Nassau County district attorney and the Diocese of Rockville Centre about the allegations. They did not elaborate. The victim, a former student, met with prosecutors in February, 2015, when the diocese attorney contacted the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, said Brendan Bosh, a spokesman for the office. The victim described conduct that constituted misdemeanor sexual abuse by Williams in 2011, he said. However, the two-year statute of limitations on the misdemeanor had expired in 2013, two years before the diocese reported the alleged abuse, he said. At that time, Williams was believed to be living in Rome, Italy, Bosh added. The victim requested anonymity and didn't want to pursue the matter, he said. The D.A.'s office received another letter, dated May 3, 2016, from a law firm representing Chaminade High School which repeated the allegations in the diocese letter. Again, the victim said he didn't want to pursue charges, Bosh said. Prosecutors ask that anyone with information regarding allegations of sex abuse by Williams contact their Special Victims Bureau. Williams could not be reached Saturday, The Associated Press reported. There was no immediate information on a lawyer who could comment on his behalf. After a month on the picket line, striking Verizon workers say they feel no closer to returning to their jobs. Elizabeth Mercado told NBC 4 New York on Friday that she and other workers are collecting strike pay from the union, but the company cut off their health care benefits this month. The Communications Workers of America, representing nearly 40,000 workers, accuses the company of outsourcing jobs and cutting benefits. A Verizon spokesman responded that the union has put workers in a difficult financial position by failing to consider what the company insists is a good contract that offers higher wages and benefits. No new contract talks are scheduled. A Staten Island teenager was charged Friday with attempted rape for allegedly groping then following a woman to her Manhattan apartment. Police arrested Gabriel Bulina, 18, at his Richmond Terrace apartment after receiving a tip about the incident. Bulina is accused of following a 24-year-old woman to her apartment building in the vicinity of Stanton and Pitt streets on the afternoon of April 23 and groping her in an elevator, investigators said. He then followed her to her apartment, but fled when a man came to the door, police said. In addition to attempted rape, Bulina is charged with sex abuse, forcible touching and sexually motivated burglary. There was no indication Bulina had retained a lawyer who could comment on his behalf. A grand jury on Wednesday declined to indict three Iowa police officers involved in the shooting death of 29-year-old Ali Eisa Abdalla Yahia at a hotel in February, finding that the cops "followed departmental policies regarding use of force," according to a statement from the Urbandale Police Department, NBC News reported. Officers were dispatched to the Holiday Inn in Urbandale around 4 a.m. on February 16 after reports of drug use, according to NBC affiliate WHO. Police body camera footage from the incident show officers struggling with Yahia on the ground as they told him to stop resisting and threatened to use a Taser on him. The officers asked Yahia to show them both of his hands, as Yahia kept one hand underneath him. Further struggling and several gunshots can be heard before the video ends. Police said Yahia shot at the officers, who returned fire and fatally wounded him, according to WHO. A week after a Navy SEAL trainee died following a swimming drill in California, accounts are emerging that challenge the Navy's narrative of what happened, alleging the death may have been the result of an instructor going too far. Seaman James Derek Lovelace, 21, drowned during a training exercise on May 6 called "drown proofing," according to the Navy. But sources who've spoken to NBC News and The Virginian-Pilot say the drill wasn't "drown proofing," but instead a rather more intense exercise known as "combat treading," which involved physical harassment of trainees by instructors in the water intended to test their ability to stay afloat under stress. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Lovelace was held underwater until he passed out by an instructor who then blamed the drowning on the trainee's "inability to perform." A Navy spokesman, said in a statement Friday that Naval Special Warfare Command is "fully cooperating" with the NCIS investigation and a separate Navy safety investigation into the training death. The instructor has been removed from training as officials investigate Lovelace's death, a spokesman told NBC News. Drivers traveling on University Avenue dodged metal railroad spikes thrown from above Friday night, according to Philadelphia police. At least four vehicles driving along the 600 block of University Avenue were struck by the spikes thrown off an overpass a little before 8:30. Three of the vehicles's windshields were broken and another vehicle had damaged to its hood, according to police. All of the vehicles were occupied at the time and one person suffered minor injuries when glass flew into his eye. Police told NBC10 that a man found near the Amtrak tracks was the man who threw the spikes and would face aggravated assault charges. No word on the identity of the man. The San Diego Zoo to me, like for so many other people, is a magical place. I grew up in Chula Vista, so a field trip to the zoo when you're little always felt like some big adventure, and as I grew up, it maintained that mystique. As I grew to love photography, the San Diego Zoo always provided the best subjects. While taking courses at City, I would study in the newly opened treehouse between classes. At my first media job, I was privileged to attend fancy luncheons at Albert's. Moving into blogging, I'd get amazing invitations to behind-the-scenes events, and now, raising a child, I get to experience all the wonder through her eyes. The San Diego Zoo is ingrained in me, and as they celebrate 100 years with a free celebration and concert at the Organ Pavilion, thousands others will all get misty-eyed with their own memories. By nightfall, thousands more will flock to Petco Park for Billy Joel, the Nashville Ramblers rock the Casbah, Pennywise play the second of three nights at the Observatory, and "American Idol"-alum Kris Allen is at Music Box. Saturday, May 14: San Diego Zoo 100 Year Celebration @ Spreckels Organ Pavilion & Plaza De Panama, Balboa Park, 6 p.m., FREE! The Reader's Tacotopia with La Diabla, Cumbia Machin, Madame Ur y sus Hombres, Angel Peralta Project @ Golden Hill Park Billy Joel @ Petco Park Paper Days, Neighbors to the North, the Paragraphs, Brothers Weiss @ The Merrow (watch our SoundDiego Spotlight on Paper Days) The Nashville Ramblers, the Rosalyns, the Diddley Daddies @ Casbah Pennywise performing "Unknown Road", T.S.O.L. @ The Observatory North Park Kris Allen, Marie Miller @ Music Box Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Insects vs Robots @ Belly Up Bad & the Ugly; Oh, Spirit!; The Younger @ Soda Bar The MilkCrates DJs @ Bar Pink Grampa Drew's Flim Flam Revue @ Whistle Stop (5 p.m.) Booty Bassment @ The Whistle Stop (9 p.m.) Motion City Soundtrack, the Spill Canvas, Microwave @ House of Blues Scar Eater (AZ), the Tramplers, the Hathcocks @ The Bancroft Maysa @ California Center for the Arts Escondido Jean Will Strings Spring Concert @ California Center for the Arts Escondido Against the Odds, Moxie, Nothing Sacred, With Age, Awake Me Daylight @ SOMA The Liquorsmiths, Ghost Lit Kingdom @ Sycamore Den Bang Pow, Cumbia Machin @ Winston's Barra Brava, the Gritty, Lexicons @ Til-Two Club Anthony Wilson & the Curators @ La Jolla Athenaeum Primal Fear, Luca Turilli's Fear Factor, Alchemy (MEX), Helsott, Sentinel @ Brick By Brick Tony P and Courtney Preis @ Lestat's Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) @ Poway Center For the Performing Arts Zero To Billy @ Java Joe's UCSD Salsa Night @ The Loft, UCSD Foliage @ The Industry (Chula Vista) West Coast Weekender @ World Beat Center Strange Weather, Blue Jean Simmons, Sonic Moonshine @ 710 Beach Club Comedy @ The Bancroft Colour @ Tio Leo's The Cadillac Wreckers @ Humphreys Backstage Live (5 p.m.) Rising Star @ Humphreys Backstage Live (9 p.m.) Brett Bodley @ Fluxx Mark Eteson @ Omnia fungi.Psych @ Kava Lounge Rosemary Bystrak is the publicist for the Casbah, the content manager for DoSD, and writes about the San Diego music scene, events and general musings about life in San Diego on San Diego: Dialed In. Follow her updates on Twitter or contact her directly. The Board of Port Commissioners has approved a historic agreement that will help Chula Vista's Bayfront remain a thriving ecosystem, as it continues to develop. A wildlife advisory group has been established to work with developers, making sure that as recreation and economic opportunities come to the waterfront, the birds, fish, plants and animals that live there are protected. The land up for development is property which sits between Interstate 5 and the San Diego Bay. The plan is expected to go to Chula Vista's City Council for approval in June. This is not the first time a development plan has been in the works. In fact, theres been a long history of bayfront plans -- none which have come to fruition. In 2007, a billion-dollar development plan fell through because a deal could not be reached with the labor union. A 70-year-old woman drove onto a sidewalk and slammed into 10 people, including nine children, at an elementary school in Del Mar, California, Friday afternoon, according to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). Police say the woman was backing into a parking spot and hit another vehicle. She panicked, put the car into drive and hit the gas. That's when she drove onto a sidewalk and crashed into the children, who were standing on the sidewalk in the student pick-up area in front of the school. The incident happened at Del Mar Heights Elementary School, located at 13555 Boquita Dr., around 2:35 p.m. in north San Diego County. Nine children, including an 11-month old baby plus one adult, were injured in the crash. The infant was in a stroller which authorities said was pinned beneath the car. [G] 9 Kids Hurt in Crash Near Del Mar Heights Elementary School Several ambulances were requested to treat the injured, including an air ambulance, which transported victims to Rady Children's Hospital. Several victims who were hit at the curb were taken to area hospitals, at least three with "traumatic" injuries. A representative for Rady Children's told NBC 7 at least three very young victims from the crash had been admitted into the hospital. One child, who appeared to be between three or four years old, was being cradled by a paramedic, the spokesperson said. Car stopped wrong way on sidewalk in pickup area of Del Mar Heights Elementary where 6 people injured by car crash pic.twitter.com/ctejfBIwxP Omari Fleming (@OmariNBCSD) May 13, 2016 Intial reports said six children were injured in the crash. As of 4 p.m., Lee Swanson, a spokesman with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD), said the total number of patients hurt in the crash had increased. Three additional victims included the driver of the car that hopped the curb and a child who was in the backseat of that vehicle. A parent who ran over to help the group of children was also hurt when she sprained her ankle. Swanson said these three additional patients were treated at the scene and were not initially transported to hospitals. Three of the children hurt in the incident are related, authorities confirmed. A three-year-old child suffered scrapes and scratches, while an infant victim suffered swelling to the face. A five-year-old child suffered a fractured femur. There were no life threatening injuries. According to SDPD, the most serious injury was to the five-year-old child with the broken femur. Police say alcohol or drugs are not suspected; the investigation is ongoing. Initial reports from authorities indicated a school bus may have been involved in the collision, but Swanson confirmed this was not the case. Del Mar Heights Elementary School teaches kindergarten to 6th grade students and is part of the Del Mar Union School District. According to the school's website, dismissal time for students on Friday was 2:30 p.m. about five minutes before this accident. Sharp Grossmont Hospital secretly recorded women giving birth and undergoing other surgical procedures in an effort to catch an alleged anesthesia drug thief. Its a story first brought to light by our media partner, inewsource.org. The hospital declined an interview request, but said via a written statement that it is very sorry that this error occurred and that the privacy of these patients was breached. The story has raised concerns about patient privacy and rights among moms who gave birth at Sharp Grossmont. The video surveillance was conducted inside operating rooms in the Sharp Grossmont Hospitals Women Health Center between July 2012 and June 2013, according to court records. "It concerns me that they did not inform the mothers at the time," said patient Tara Meade. "I would have appreciated to have known ahead of time and being asked for my consent." The attorney of the doctor accused of stealing the anesthesia drugs said the shocking drug surveillance program was overreaching, unnecessary and it violated the privacy rights of hundreds of patients. They recorded every single surgery from July of 2012 through the end of June 2013. Every surgery in all three centers in the Womens Center at Sharp Grossmont in La Mesa, every single one of them. I believe every one of those womens constitutional rights were violated and every one of them would have a case against Sharp, said Attorney Duane Admire. Court records show Sharp Grossmont officials began suspecting someone was stealing anesthesia drugs from surgery carts in May 2012. In July 2012, the hospital installed surveillance video cameras inside the Womens Health Center operating rooms where babies are delivered via C-section. Its also where women undergo other procedures, such as tubal ligations and hysterectomies. Patients were not notified about the secret cameras. The hospital says in court paperwork that the surveillance camera picked up one of its doctors removing drugs from operating room drug carts several times between September 14, 2012 and April 2013. During the same seven month time frame, the hospital also recorded hundreds of patients while they were undergoing surgery, according to Sharps own declarations in court. Hospital officials accidently gave some of the videos over to an attorney representing the doctor accused of taking the drugs. One mom who had her baby at Sharp Grossmont during the time when cameras were installed told NBC 7 she wishes she had known. I would hope they would situate the cameras in a way that would strictly focus on the anesthesia and not focus on the mothers and their new babies, especially if they didnt know it was happening, said Meade, who had her son Sept. 14, 2012. Admire stressed his client is innocent and that the hospital went too far in collecting evidence against his client, violating patient rights in the process. If you have an expectation of privacy, a reasonable expectation, then you cant be secretly recorded, Admire said. Certainly when would you have more of an expectation of privacy than when you are with your doctor, undressed and exposed? A Sharp Grossmont spokesman declined interview requests all week, citing the pending legal matter of Admires clients alleged drug theft. In lieu of an interview with an NBC 7 reporter, the hospital wrote its own questions and answered them in a released statement, which can be seen in full here. In response to follow up questions, the hospital also released the following statement Thursday: In connection with recent publicity about a complaint by the California Medical Board against Dr. Adam Dorin related to events that occurred at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in 2012-2013, it recently came to our attention that Sharp, in response to Dr. Dorins attorneys (Mr. Duane Admire) request for evidentiary material, mistakenly provided Mr. Admire with video clips that included patients in the operating room. This was brought to our attention when we learned that Mr. Admire stated he viewed several clips that included patients within them. At our request, Mr. Admire returned that material to us on Tuesday, May 10. We have confirmed the information we provided to Mr. Admire did have 14 clips that included patients within them. Our intention was to send the attorney only the same video clips that were sent to the California Medical Board in January 2014 that contained no video of patients. We are in the process of performing a detailed review of the clips and matching them to the surgery schedule to identify the patients that were included in these clips. Once we have identified the patients we will notify them as soon as possible. This is a top priority that we hope to have completed by early next week. We are very sorry that this error occurred and that the privacy of these patients was breached. Police are searching for the victim of a stabbing at the Qualcomm Stadium trolley platform Saturday morning the San Diego Police Department confirmed. The suspect has been arrested and the incident was captured on trolley security cameras mounted at the station. The stabbing happened around 10 a.m. The victim is identified as a white man in his 40s, between 510 and 60, wearing blue jeans, a brown jacket over a white shirt and a green fishermans hat. He may have been shoeless and perhaps a transient, San Diego Police Sgt. Ray Battick said. We dont know who he is or how badly injured he is, Battick explained. There is no more information on the suspect or the motive for the attack. Facing a growing backlash over extremely long waits at airport security, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson is asking fliers "to be patient" as the government takes steps to get them onto planes more quickly. Travelers across the country have endured lengthy security lines, some snaking up and down escalators, or through food courts, and into terminal lobbies. At some airports, lines during peak hours have topped 90 minutes. Airlines have reported holding planes at gates to wait for passengers to clear security. Johnson said Friday the government is working to ease the lines, although travelers should expect to wait as they travel this summer. Whatever steps TSA takes, Johnson said, it won't neglect its duty to stop terrorists. "Our job is to keep the American people safe," Johnson told reporters at a news conference. "We're not going to compromise aviation security in the face of this." The Transportation Security Administration has fewer screeners and has tightened security procedures. Airlines and the TSA have been warning customers to arrive at the airport two hours in advance, but with summer travel season approaching even that might not be enough. Airlines are expecting a record number of fliers this summer, meaning more passengers and bags to screen. Johnson said TSA is working with airlines to enforce limits on carry-on bags and their size. Passengers often over-pack carry-ons to avoid paying the $25 checked bag fee most airlines charge. Two U.S. senators this week suggested that airlines should drop those fees. But that doesn't appear to be a solution either. The TSA still scans checked luggage. And even that might not ease checkpoint problems. On Thursday, a video surfaced of giant lines at Chicago's Midway airport. Southwest Airlines which is the only U.S. airline that doesn't charge for checked bags is the predominant airline at Midway. In the past three years, the TSA and Congress cut the number of front-line screeners by 4,622 or about 10 percent on expectations that an expedited screening program called PreCheck would speed up the lines. However, not enough people enrolled for TSA to realize the anticipated efficiencies. Congress this week agreed to shift $34 million in TSA funding forward, allowing the agency to pay overtime to its existing staff and hire an extra 768 screeners by June 15 to bring it up to the congressionally mandated ceiling of 42,525. But that might barely make a dent on the lines. Even as it boosts hiring, the agency loses about 100 screeners a week through attrition. And J. David Cox, the president of the union representing the TSA officers, this week sent a letter to congressional leaders suggesting that 6,000 additional screeners are needed. After the press conference, Rep. John Mica, a Florida Republican who sits on the House Transportation Committee, suggest that TSA should tailor screeners' schedules to fit the volume of passenger traffic in lines, rather than conforming to shift schedules. Airlines and airports have hired extra workers to handle non-security tasks at checkpoints such as returning empty bins to the beginning of the line as part of an effort to free up as many TSA employees to handle passenger screening. The help can't come quickly enough for travelers. Friday morning, American Airlines held at least five flights at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport because of passengers stuck at security lines, according to airline spokesman Ross Feinstein. On the 7:20 a.m. flight to Las Vegas, 52 of the 160 passengers were not onboard 10 minutes before departure. American held the plane an extra 13 minutes. That allowed 23 passengers to hop onboard, but 29 still missed the jet and arrived on later flights. At another American hub, Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, security lines peaked at one hour and 45 minutes on Thursday. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian told The Associated Press Thursday that "the longer lines get the more passengers are going to miss flights and there's not much you can do about that." The biggest help to ease lines is to have more fliers enroll in the PreCheck program. PreCheck gives previously vetted passengers special screening. Shoes, belts and light jackets stay on. Laptops and liquids stay in bags. And these fliers go through standard metal detectors rather than the explosive-detecting full-body scanners most pass through. PreCheck security lanes can screen 300 passengers an hour, twice that of standard lanes. The TSA's goal was to have 25 million fliers enrolled in the program. But as of March 1, only 9.3 million people were PreCheck members. Getting once-a-year fliers to join has been a challenge. Johnson Friday said that 10,000 people applied for PreCheck Thursday, up from 8,500 a day in April and 7,500 in March. Still, at that pace, it will take more than four years to reach 25 million members. Come to Maine for vacation, leave with a job opportunity? That's the hope behind a new job recruiting effort called Live + Work in Maine. Tourists stopping at the Kittery Visitors Center or the Ocean Gateway Terminal in Portland may start to notice the posters and iPad kiosks, which have a database of job openings. "We have this 'Visit for a week, stay for a lifetime campaign,' to get tourists to look at job opportunities while they visit Maine," said Live + Work in Maine founder Ed McKersie. His website launched a few months ago, and it addresses one of Maine's weaknesses by playing up its biggest strength. Employers say it's difficult to recruit skilled workers to Maine, yet the state draws more than 30 million tourists each year. McKersie's idea is to help prospective employees envision a life in Maine by pairing someone's hobbies and lifestyle preferences with job opportunities, divided by regions. For example, if someone loves to ski in Maine, they can search job opportunities near popular ski resorts. Since Live + Work in Maine launched, 250 Maine employers have signed up for the program, and some are offering a compelling incentive. "We're saying to tourists, 'If you come to Maine with your family for week, save your receipts," said McKersie. "If you get hired by one of the employers that's participating within 12 months of that vacation, they might reimburse you as a signing bonus." McKersie said the Live + Work in Maine kiosks will be appearing at a welcome center off the turnpike in Gardiner and at the ferry terminal in Portland in the coming months. Throughout the day Friday, unhappy customers were turned away at the door to Nespresso on Newbury Street in Boston. The cafe was closed by Boston Inspectional Services Thursday after health officials said a European tourist with the measles visited the cafe and several other locations around the Greater Boston area from May 1 through May 8. "You'd like to think you're not going to get it but yeah a little bit, it's kind of scary actually that the measles are even around here," said patron Karen Nutter. Nutter says she was in Nespresso on May 5, the day after the person with measles was here. "I'd like to think my immune system's really good," she said. "But I do feel bad because every time I go in there, there's usually parents with young children, and of course, they're more susceptible." For the most part, patrons were unphased. "No I'm not concerned, I will come back," said Nespresso patron Carol Cheuhu. "I'm pretty much 99 percent vaccinated and protected," said Gynnr Mylkal, who's visiting from Iceland. Gary Wayne, who's here for his daughter's graduation from BU, said, "As long as it's not somebody handling my food, just their presence, I'm not too concerned about that." The tourist with the confirmed case of the measles visited several other shopping centers including Cambridgeside Galleria, The Wrentham Village Outlets and the Star Market at the Prudential Center. Health officials say most people are not at risk of contracting the measles, even if they were exposed to this tourist. "Our public health commission is one of the best in the country, so we're on top of any type of threat that we'd have," said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. "Most people in the U.S. have been vaccinated or they've had it, they're older and they've had it or they're younger and they've had the MMR," said pharmacist Helen Rachubinski. City officials say all employees of Nespresso will be tested and cleared before being allowed to return to work. Boston Inspectional Services held a meeting at 2 p.m. Friday to determine when Nespresso can reopen. No decision has been announced. A limousine taking a group of Massachusetts students to their prom burst into flames Friday night. Ten students were inside the limo when it caught fire near the intersection of Brook and Union Street in Nantick. The high school's principal told necn the flames started in the engine. The students were able to get out safely before flames engulfed the luxury vehicle. No one was injured and the teens' gowns and tuxedos were in tact. A party bus that was also headed to the Natick prom drove by and stopped to pick them up. Two of the students told necn it's been a night they'll always remember. "It was Friday the 13th," Linnea Fitzgerald noted. "It was crazy." "I thought it was kind of cool," said Alexander Goudsmit. "[The story] kind of spread like wildfire." A Massachusetts man wanted for a home invasion committed in Connecticut nearly 20 years ago was taken into custody today. Jose Manuel Blanco-Dominguez, 57 of Lawrence, Massachusetts, is being held as a fugitive of justice. On Saturday, May 14, Boxborough police pulled Blanco-Dominguez over after a check of his registration alerted police he had an active warrant against him. Blanco-Dominguez attempted to provide police with many aliases, but was placed under arrest. Blanco-Dominguez is wanted from an incident that occurred on June 25, 1997 in which two men, two women and two children were held at knife-point at a Windham, Connecticut, home. After a 30 minute standoff with police, three of the masked men were captured. Blanco-Dominguez eluded police by jumping out of a window and running into the nearby woods. Blanco-Dominguez is being held without bail pending his arraignment for extradiction back to Connecticut. One person was injured in an overnight, three-alarm fire in Manchester, New Hampshire. Fire officials did not identify the person or elaborate on the injuries. Firefighters worked for more than four hours to extinguish the fire, reported at 1:30 a.m. Saturday at 408-410 Cedar St. The three-story, wood-frame building was heavily damaged, fire officials said. A New Hampshire man faces multiple charges after police say he assaulted his mother in a car in Manchester Friday afternoon. According to police, 36-year-old city resident Daniel Rabbitt hit his mother in the face near the Manchester Animal Hospital. He had been involved in a brief road rage incident with another vehicle, Manchester Police said in a press release. Police found Rabbitt around 4:45 p.m. when they responded to a report that he had punched a mailbox, waved a pocket knife at traffic and flipped off passing vehicles. When officers arrived, they ordered Rabbitt at gunpoint to drop the knife. Police say he "eventually complied." After Rabbitt was taken into custody for charges of criminal mischief and being a felon in possession of a deadly weapon, police learned of the incident with his mother and charged him with domestic assault. Rabbitt was released on $15,000 personal recognizance bail. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. Local and state authorities are continuing the search for a Canadian man who has been missing since Monday in the Mount Washington area of New Hampshire. Francois Carrier, 47, of Drummondville, Quebec, arrived May 7 to hike in the White Mountains and was last seen Monday afternoon walking along Route 16 headed north near the AMC Pinkham lodge. Local, state and park officials, along with K-9 search and rescue teams, are conducting lines searches in the area over rugged terrain, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The New Hampshire Air National Guard flew search patterns over the area with a black hawk helicopter for hours scanning the landscape. Officials said the search would continue over the weekend. A 16-year-old boy has died after being struck by a driver who fled early Saturday morning in Springfield, Massachusetts, then being run over and dragged by another driver. Police responded just after 2:30 a.m. to the intersection of St. James Avenue and Montclair Street. One driver had stopped in the middle of the road to avoid hitting the victim, who was already on the ground. Another driver, a 41-year-old Chicopee woman, went around that vehicle and struck the boy without seeing him. The victim, identified as a Springfield resident, was dragged about 300 feet. When the driver realized she had hit the boy, she stopped and got help lifting her car with a jack to free him. He was taken by EMTs to Baystate Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. According to Springfield Police, the driver who dragged the boy was shaken, but cooperated with the investigation. She has not been charged, but police are looking for the driver of the car that hit him earlier and fled. Police are also searching for three males between 16 and 20 who, according to witnesses, were on the scene and ran away after the second crash. "It is possible that the victim ended up in the street as a result of some type of activity with these other males," Springfield Police said in a press release. Police found the victim's sneaker on the scene, along with a bicycle that may have belonged to him. The victim's identity will not be released until Monday morning, according to police. Anyone with information about the driver who caused the crash or the males who allegedly fled the scene is asked to call Springfield Police. The cause of the fire that killed two people in a three-alarm fire over the weekend in Northbridge, Massachusetts, has been released. State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey says the fire at 73 Border St. on May 14 started from improperly disposed smoking materials on the couch in the first floor living room. Fire officials did not release the identities of the victims, who have been described as two young women. Northbridge Fire Chief Gary Nestor says there weren't signs of a working smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. A neighbor warned two other residents, who were able to escape. Firefighters found the two victims on the first and second floors. Firefighters from Grafton, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge assisted in mutual aid. New guidance from the U.S. Education and Justice Departments directs public schools to allow transgender students access to bathrooms that match their gender identity, even though those identities would differ from the gender stated on the students' birth certificates. "I've never felt fully comfortable using the men's room here," said Avi Isaacs-Corcoran, 16, a Montpelier High School sophomore who is transgender. Isaacs-Corcoran, who identifies as a young man, said he was thrilled to hear about the new guidance that came in a letter dated Friday that begins "Dear Colleague." "This is a step in the right direction, definitely," Isaacs-Corcoran told necn. "I will feel more comfortable using the bathroom that corresponds with my identity than I would before." The guidance from the federal departments does not impose new legal requirements, but officials said it aimed to clarify expectations of school departments that receive funding from the federal government. "We must ensure that our young people know that whoever they are or wherever they come from, they have the opportunity to get a great education in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and violence," said U.S. Education Secretary John King. A bathroom debate came up in Chester, Vermont this week when some students at Green Mountain Union High School staged a walk-out to back a transgender teen's request to use the men's room. School administrators eventually agreed to allow it. However, some parents voiced concern at a meeting Thursday night that the move could unintentionally give cover to men wanting to enter women's restrooms or locker rooms. "That's going to potentially cause some safety issues for young ladies in this school," cautioned a mother who identified herself as having a daughter at GMUHS. "I don't want my daughter feeling afraid to use the bathroom. That's not fair to her." Dana Kaplan, an educator at Outright Vermont, a non-profit that advocates for queer youth, dismissed concerns over bathroom safety because of the inclusiveness measures. "We don't want to cater to people's discomfort, we want to cater to people's civil rights," Kaplan said. "And that's what this move is doing." "We want to make sure every child, regardless of gender identity, really feels safe and supported at school," Education Secretary Rebecca Holcombe told necn in an interview at the Vermont Agency of Education offices in Barre. "These are our children. We have to take care of them." The Obama Administration's guidance about non-discrimination comes amid a contentious dispute between the state of North Carolina and the federal government. The governor of North Carolina, Republican Pat McCrory, has said the Justice Department is "overreaching" with its positions on bathroom access. Gov. Peter Shumlin, D-Vermont, released the following statement regarding the Obama Administration's new guidance to public schools: "I want to thank President Obama for taking this step as schools around the country and in Vermont work to protect the civil rights of transgender students. No student should ever feel discriminated against while at school for any reason, not because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. This federal guidance clarifies federal law and is consistent with Vermont's non-discrimination law, which explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity in all public accommodations. As other states take steps that open the door to discrimination, I am proud to live in a state like Vermont that has such a long, proud history of protecting the civil rights of all who live here." Inspiring YMCA play shown in Norfolk Saltmines production of The Soul in the Machine, the story of George Williams and how he founded the YMCA in 1844 was entertaining, informative and uplifting. Helen Baldry reports. Saltmines production of The Soul in the Machine, the story of George Williams and how he founded the YMCA in 1844 was entertaining, informative and uplifting. Helen Baldry reports. Commissioned by YMCA and created by Saltmine Trust, The Soul in the Machine is a new production featuring Norfolk-bornand. The show aton May 12 was of local significance asis celebrating 160 years this year.We meet George as a child on the family farm in Somerset. He is not cut out to be a farmer so in 1841 he moves to London to become an apprentice at a drapers. Here George meets some Christians and is converted. He experiences hostility at first from his work mates who called him a God bothering moron and were not interested in his religious nonsense.George, however, was eager to tell people about God. He felt moved by the plight of workers and campaigned for early closing to reduce the long hours they had to endure. He was interested in the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of young men and on June 6 1844, the YMCA was formed.I found myself immersed in the story and thoroughly entertained by the cast of six, who moved very cleverly and convincingly moved between the various parts. There was plenty of humour and singing. At the interval I wondered about the billing of the play for anyone who works as up to this point it was all about Georges conversion and the how he came to the point of setting up the YMCA.The second half explored the idea of work as the machine and how people are treated like cogs in a big machine; there is more to people than their capacity to work. The play demonstrated the isolation people experience when working at a machine they are cut off from God. The play remained firmly routed in the 1850s and the audience was left to draw the parallel with modern times. It made me think how vital organisations like the YMCA continue to be today it is just as important to nurture the mind, body and soul in todays world of iphones, internet and pressure on sectors such as the NHS and education.Many facts about the YMCA were dropped into the play, and it was informative but didnt feel like a history lesson as I felt entertained. The Crystal Palace exhibition provided an opportunity for the YMCA to reach thousands of visitors to London from all over the world and George had the foresight to get 362,000 tracts and leaflets printed. The development of the railways meant that the message spread across the UK. Within just 10 years, YMCAs had been set up across the world.The YMCA grew at an astonishing rate. Today there are 58 million members in 180 countries. As an organisation, it continues to thrive today this can be attributed to some of the values demonstrated in the play such as working together, making the most of opportunities, being driven by faith and not fearing to address injustice.At the end of the play,, who played George said, This very night 260 people have been given somewhere to sleep by YMCA Norfolk. I think thats amazing. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Mostly clear this evening. Becoming mostly cloudy with showers developing after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Mostly clear this evening. Becoming mostly cloudy with showers developing after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Kunshan: After clinching a historic bronze medal in the last edition, the Indian women's team, led by Saina Nehwal, will eye another good show but it will be an uphill task for the depleted men's team at the Thomas and Uber Cup badminton tournament starting on Sunday. Indian women had reached the quarterfinal for the first time at the 2010 Uber Cup in Kuala Lumpur but it was only in 2014 in New Delhi when they clinched their maiden bronze after going down 2-3 to five-time champions Japan in their maiden semifinals appearance. Indian women's team have been clubbed with 2014 runners-up Japan, Australia and Germany and once again the onus will be on Rio-bound shuttlers Saina and P V Sindhu to earn them wins in the two singles. The choice of the third singles player will be among Ruthvika Shivani Gadde, Tanvi Lad and P C Thulasi. In a format comprising of three singles and two doubles, once again it will be 2010 Commonwealth Games champions Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa -- both have booked their Rio berth -- who will carry the responsibility. Besides, there will be N Sikki Reddy and K Maneesha for the second doubles. Indian women will face Australia in their campaign opener on Monday, before taking on Germany and the formidable Japan in the next two days respectively. In Thomas Cup competition, Ajay Jayaram will spearhead the Indian challenge while World No. 12 K Srikanth gave it a miss and H S Prannoy was left nursing a foot injury. In their absence, the onus will be on B Sai Praneeth, national champion Sameer Verma and his elder brother Sourabh to step up and take responsibility in the three singles. In the doubles, Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy, who became the first Indian men's doubles pair to qualify for the Olympics, will lead the challenge. Besides them, Akshay Dewalkar, young R Satwik Sai Raj of Andhra Pradesh and Mumbai's Chirag Shetty would complete the line-up. India has been clubbed in Group B alongwith Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong and though it seems like a relatively easy draw, the absence of top players will hurt India's chances to progress to the knockout stage in what is only their eighth appearance in the prestigious event. "Srikanth and Prannoy's absence will be a setback, but Sameer and Sai have had some encouraging results of late and hopefully we can step up to the task and get some good wins," Jayaram told PTI. Indian men will open their campaign against Thailand on Sunday and then square off against Hong Kong and Indonesia on Tuesday and Wednesday. "We are definitely in a tough group and getting through to the quarters is going to be an uphill task. All 3 group stage ties will be crucial. However, I believe that if we can get off to a good start by getting the better of Thailand it will be good moral boost," said Jayaram. "It's hard to pick out any particular match that we will rely on as it is a well balanced team and every member will play a crucial role in getting the team through." Since its inception in 1948-49, the Thomas Cup has been won by only four nations: Malaya/Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Japan while the Indian team failed to reach the knockout stage till 2006. In 2006, it was the men's team which broke the jinx by reaching the quarterfinals. In 2010, India lost to Indonesia 0-3 in the quarterfinals. In the last edition, India could not go beyond the group stage. The elderly woman was left scared and abandoned as she was travelling with two bags and could not lift anything. Air India has ofloadsd my 70y mother from her US flight becoz of overbooking. She is wheelchairbound and scared. Please help! @airindiain Tierra travels (@RupalTierra) May 13, 2016 A 75-year-old woman on a wheelchair was offloaded from an Air India flight from New Delhi to New York after being told the flight was overbooked.Rajesh Shukla, who was travelling to New York to be there for her grandson's first birthday, was booked as a wheelchair-enabled passenger on flight AI 101.But when she reached the check-in counter at the IGI airport she was told that she was on standby as the flight was overbooked with passengers from a flight cancelled the previous night.The incident became public after her daughter Rupal Tierra tweeted, "Air India has offloads my 70 year mother from her US flight because of overbooking. She is wheelchair-bound and scared. Please help! @airindiain".Sources said the flight was overbooked and the airline gave the passenger an option to travel in an another flight immediately.Finally, after an hour of commotion, she was given a transit flight via Heathrow at 2:45 in the morning. Politicians in Texas, Arkansas and elsewhere vowed defiance and other conservative states could follow suit after the Obama administration told public schools across the U.S. on Friday to let transgender students use the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. The federal governments guidance was met with tearful praise from parents of transgender students. Its heartbreaking that these kids are losing their lives because they cant be accepted, Hope Tyler, who has a transgender son at a Raleigh high school, said in reference to suicides among transgender people. Somebody has to speak for the kids. The directive from the U.S. Justice and Education Departments represents an escalation in the fast-moving dispute over what is becoming the civil rights issue of the day. One by one, conservative political leaders thundered against it and President Barack Obama. This is the most outrageous example yet of the Obama administration forcing its liberal agenda on states that roundly reject it, said Mississippi Republican Gov. Phil Bryant. The guidance was issued just days after the Justice Department and North Carolina sued each other a state law requiring transgender people to use the public bathroom that corresponds to the sex on their birth certificate. The law applies to schools and many other places. While supporters say the measure is needed to protect women and children from sexual predators, the Justice Department and others argue the threat is practically nonexistent and the law discriminatory. The guidance issued on Friday is not legally binding, since the question of whether federal civil rights law protects transgender people has not been definitively answered by the courts and may ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. But schools that refuse to comply could be hit with civil rights lawsuits from the government and could face a cutoff of federal aid to education. Texas lieutenant governor said the state is prepared to forfeit billions rather than let the Obama administration dictate restroom policy for its 5.2 million students. We will not be blackmailed by the presidents 30 pieces of silver, Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. Rodney Cavness, superintendent of the Port Neches-Groves school district in Texas, told KFDM-TV: When I get that letter, Ill throw it away. Similarly, GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas said schools should disregard the directive, which he derided as social engineering. Governors and top leaders in other conservative states railed against the guidance but stopped short of telling schools to ignore it. The last time I checked, the United States is not ruled by a king who can bypass Congress and the courts and force school-age boys and girls to share the same bathrooms and locker rooms, North Carolinas Republican Senate leader Phil Berger said. Already, officials from eight states West Virginia, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Maine and North Carolina signed on to a brief in recent days asking a federal appeals court to re-hear a case in which it sided with a Virginia transgender student seeking to use the boys bathroom. The new guidance says public schools must treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity, even if their education records indicate a different sex. Mumbai: An Army jawan was killed while trying to protect his cousin sister from being allegedly molested by a group of people, in north Maharashtra's Dhule district, police said on Friday. The jawan, Vinod Pawar, was on leave and had arrived at his native place Sayyadnagar in Sakri tehsil, they said. A group of around 10 people on Friday allegedly tried to molest his cousin sister when Pawar intervened and tried to protect her following which the group attacked him with knives, a police officer told PTI over phone from Sakri. The assault was so severe that he died soon yesterday, police said. Eight of the alleged assailants, including kingpin Dnyaneshwar Rathod, have been arrested, they added. Bihar police detained four people on Saturday in connection with the murder of senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan. Ranjan, who was bureau chief of the Hindi daily 'Hindustan', was shot dead at point blank range in a busy market place near station road on Friday evening. A manhunt has been launched to arrest the killers with Special Task Force (STF) and Special Operations Group pressed into action. "We will nab the people behind the killing and will not spare any one," Bihar Police chief PK Thakur said. Ranjan's family said he had no enmity with anyone and over the last few years was busy preparing to celebrate his 17th marriage anniversary. The murder has sparked a political blame game with the opposition BJP launching a scathing attack on the JD(U)-RJD-Congress government in the state. BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said while the chief minister was visiting Varanasi, the people of the state were migrating out as criminals were "ruling the roost. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has condemned the killing and directed top police officers to take prompt action in the case. Meanwhile, a US-based media watchdog called for an investigation into the brutal killings of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand this week. "While police investigations into the murders of journalists are welcome, investigations without arrests or tough prison sentences for the killers send the wrong message," Committee to Protect Journalist's Asia Program senior research associate Sumit Galhotra said in a statement. Buxar (Bihar): A Government Railway Police jawan was shot dead and another injured by assailants who snatched their INSAS rifles in a running passenger train between Varanasi and Buxar on Friday night. Four attackers fired at the two security men in a DMU passenger train at about 11 PM on Friday night, Railways SP Jitendra Mishra said on Saturday. While GRP jawan Abhishek Singh, a resident of Narahi village of Uttar Pradesh, died on the spot, his colleague Nand Lal Yadav was grievously injured, the SP said. The injured jawan informed the GRP Buxar about the incident. The attackers, who took away two INSAS rifles of the jawans, got down from the train and fled before it reached Buxar. The injured jawan, after preliminary treatment at Buxar, has been shifted to Varanasi, the SP said. Meanwhile, Mughalsarai GRP Inspector Tripurari Pandey said the two constables were on escort duty. The incident occurred soon after the train left the Chausa railway station for Buxar. The criminals also looted cartridges and jumped out of the train when it slowed down, Pandey said. Security has been ramped up for a senior judge of the Supreme Court after he received a threat call allegedly from a religious outfit. Sources in Delhi Police said on Saturday the threat call came after a judgment given by the senior judge didn't go down well with the outfit. This is not the first incident involving this judge. Currently, three police personnel are deployed outside the judge's residence and top police sources said they were planning to increase the number. A decision on this was taken at a meeting of top police officials held last week. Within a span of 24 hours, two journalists have been gunned down - one in the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Jharkhand and the other in Bihar, which has a Janata Dal United-Rashtriya Janata Dal-Congress government. The Jharkhand journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh alias Indradev, who worked for Hindi news channel Taaza TV, was killed in Chatra district late on Thursday night while Rajdeo Ranjan, Siwan district chief of Hindi daily "Hindustan", was murdered on Friday evening. The killings have sparked protests by media persons and triggered a shut-down in the areas. Ranjan was shot at when he was going on his motorcycle near the fruit market in the town at around 7:45 pm on Friday, Superintendent of Police Saurabh Kumar Sah said. The bullets hit Ranjan on the head and neck, and he died on the way to hospital. Police said the motive behind the murder was yet to be ascertained. A day earlier, Singh was gunned down by unidentified people at Dewaria in Chatra district, police said. Singh was attacked near panchayat secretariat of the village Thursday night. A bandh was also observed in Chatra town on Friday in protest against the killing. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das condemned the incident and asked Director General of Police DK Pandey to arrest the assailants at the earliest. The DGP said CID sleuths were investigating the matter and culprits would be arrested soon. The bill will be put to vote in next Parliament session even if Congress continues to oppose it, Jaitley said. Referring to Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, Jaitley said the government is not cutting subsidies but rationalizing them with an aim to ensure that the money reaches the poor. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said government may seek voting on Goods and Services Tax (GST) Constitution amendment bill in Rajya Sabha in the Monsoon session in case Congress continues to oppose the long-pending indirect tax law."Only one political party, the Congress, and that is a political opposition. That is not an ideological opposition. I am trying my best to talk to them, so that they can come around. And if they don't, then, we'll have no option but to put it to vote," Jaitley said in an interview to All India Radio on Saturday.The GST bill, which has been approved by Lok Sabha, is pending in Rajya Sabha because of stiff resistance by Congress, the largest party in the House.Government has been insisting that most of the parties, except Congress, are in favour of GST, which will bring about a uniform indirect taxation regime in the country.Replying questions on GDP, Jaitley said the country can achieve even better growth rate if there is a favourable monsoon this year and improvement in global economy."I think first important factor, which is beyond our control, is that the world starts growing faster. So if, global tail winds support us, then our ability to grow faster will be there. But that is something not in our control, he said."The second important factor is oil and commodity prices must remain at a moderate level. The present regime suits us, because as net buyers, we are buying at a cheaper price and therefore, we are saving a lot of money. The third important factor is that India's private sector has to get more active," Jaitley said.He said government has taken a number of steps such as concentrating on rural areas, liberalising economy, and removing discretions and wasteful subsidies to boost the economic growth."Subsidies must only reach the poor. That's the objective of the government. And therefore, in LPG, we've successfully implemented it. And I think the next stage is that we're trying other areas like fertiliser and food- pilot schemes, whether similar schemes are possible or not," he said.Speaking on job creation, the minister said jobs are being created in startups and IT sector, but added it is manufacturing sector which needs to create more employment.To a question on ease of doing business, he said the reforms ushered in last year had brought India up in global rankings.He further said the enactment of the bankruptcy law will further improve India's ranking.Jaitley said that India can achieve its potential if the government continues its reform process adding that government has taken various initiatives to boost the country's growth."But, at the same time reforms have to take place at the state level also. The reforms ushered in the last year or so has brought up India in global rankings," Jaitley said.While, the construction and overall real estate sectors are affecting the country's ranking, he added. The Mumbai-based Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (KDAH) has joined a campaign to promote safe diabetes management. The 'Go Green Stay Fit' campaign has been launched by BD India, a medical technology firm. "We have joined hands with leading medical technology company BD, pledging to promote highest patient safety standards in diabetes management, including safe injection practices and safe disposal of insulin syringes and needles," KDAH said in a statement. "Safe injection practices and safe disposal of diabetes related waste are crucial interventions to improve the lives of people living with diabetes and care-givers and we are committed to play an active role in supporting these practices," said Dr Santosh Shetty, Executive Director & COO, KDAH. Over 200 million insulin delivery devices are generated in India each year and most of them disposed off in unsafe circumstances. Nearly 9.6 crore vials, cartridges and prefills are consumed every year, adding to the burden of glass and plastic on the environment. Net amount of plastic generated from insulin syringes alone each year is 6,00,000 kg besides plastic generated from more than 40 million pen needles. : Vivek Agnihotri: Arunoday Singh, Anupam Kher, Mahi Gill, Pallavi Joshi, Gopal K SinghAfter being subjected to protests for live and open-court screenings, Vivek Agnihotris Buddha In A Traffic finally hit the theaters today. The film that is largely trying to sell a mindset may not be as successful in selling the ideologies but definitely strong enough to polarise the youth and act as a catalyst for thought-provocation.The film delineates the strong grip of Naxal activities through the struggle of Vikram Singh (Arunoday Singh) who is caught up in the deepest shackles of conspiracies encircling the age old debate of socialism and capitalism. Vikram, a typical management student studying in one of the top notch B-school of India becomes an overnight sensation after his campaign Pink Bra Campaign that aims to fight moral policing. Being particularly interested in one of his professor; Ranjan Batkis (Anupam Kher) ideology, the 27-year-old Vikram ends up playing a secret game with him. Little did he know that this game will put his life to risk.The film opens with a scene set up during 2000 BC in Bastar and transitions to 2014 BC effectively. Unfolding in form of chapters, the film has everything about Naxalism, Adivasis, capitalism, socialism and more importantly communism in its plot. While the plot is a little shaky at times, there isnt a single moment that can be called dull in this fiasco-filled film. From the conspirators in jungles and remote areas gearing up to maim the nation to the well-educated faces of Naxalism residing in cities under the flag names of professors, doctors, educationists, engineers, the story serves all of that and all of them.Arunoday Singh as a foreign-returned student does a good job. Considering the fact that his accent is rich in American flavour, it works well for his character. And even make his monologues convincing for the most part! Anupam as a professor is just himself. Scroll the net for his speeches and youll find the exact same man in the reel life here. Its good to see Pallavi Joshi make a comeback. Playing the role of Sheetal Balki, a housewife-turned-entrepreneur, she pulls off a subtle smiling expression all throughout apart from one scene towards the end where she breaks down. Mahie Gills character is something that could have been worked upon. Apart from the fact that there is no detailing of her character, her over-the-top dressing style is also a bit out of place.The film rides high on music which explores a wide range of tones and words; from pure satirical lyrics to the gloomy yet soulful poetry Chand Roz.... Another point that deserves a mention is the fact that the filmmaker portrays almost everything as it is; the overlapping of real and reel life can be felt with realistic portrayal of various scenes.The focus has been so much on driving the ideology home that the film loses its grip on the plot pretty soon. The personal inclination of the filmmaker overpowers the intent of filmmaking so much that the film even ends with a famous Mao quote Revolution is not a dinner party. While some monologues make you question everything about the much-needed revolution and your contribution towards society, other scenes just make you familiar with film makers extreme efforts to drive the propaganda home.This film is a kind that you won't mind spending on if youve a fair knowledge about the various Naxalite issues and the hidden fiascoes that underline our system. But just in case your ideology belongs to the extreme right wing, this film can be slept over.To sum up, a scene from the film summarises our feeling for the film; We love Buddha in a Traffic Jam but we arent in love with it. : Kirk Jones: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Elena Kampouris, Lainie Kazan, Michael ConstantineAfter having a delightful experience of watching 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding', you obviously walk in with your expectations almost sky high as its sequel hits the theater. Released in 2002, the film was a breath of fresh air, but its sequel being released 14 years after is already way too late. While the first part went on to become a favorite for many, the sequel is not as great. It's more like a light-hearted family drama trying hard to stand up to its prequel, but still thriving on the same old characters, same elements and definitely the same pace.The film almost picks up from where it left off and doesnt offer much novelty this time. Toula (Nia Vardalos), Ian (John Corbett) are now parents to their teen daughter Paris (Elena Kampouris) who plans to go off to another city for her education. Toula, who is busy managing a balance between parenting her daughter and babying her parents, finds that the romance in her marriage has somehow faded away. While both try to rekindle the lost romance, a secret is revealed in the family and the story further unfolds.Just like the first part, the movie portrays a happy Greek family that stays together (adjacent, to be precise). Theres an adorable maternal grandfather (Michael Constantine) that keeps talking about how everything has its roots in Greece and tries to hitch his granddaughter to a suitable Greek boyfriend, a bold grandmother (Lainie Kazan) who keeps warning her granddaughter to protect herself, some overprotective uncles, over-curious aunts with one aunt who thinks she knows the solution to every problem, a teenage girl sick of the familys togetherness and nieces, nephews making their presence felt every now and now then.The movie that opens with a substantial focus on Paris desire of moving away to another city takes a back seat as the film progresses and the entire focus goes on the big fat Greek wedding which seems to just be there for justifying the title. As far as acting is concerned, the entire cast have stayed true to their characters and managed to make you smile with them. Michael Constantine as an old panda-like grandpa is too adorable! From his caring advice to him learning the use of internet to proving that he's a direct descendant of Alexander; every little detail will remind you of your own grandparents.What this film lacks is probably the required dose of humour and a certain new touch to the old narration that should have been served considering its a sequel to such a brilliant franchise (coming after 14 years). There are some scenes where youll feel its a deja-vu, courtesy the same style of narration and similar observations made about the families and married couples by the film makers. Even the acting seems to be on the same page as before, be it Nia's warm expressions or John's supportive acts.Its not a dont-watch film, but simply the kind that you might end up liking more if you catch it on television on a routine day. Perhaps, the flag name sequel makes the film lose its charm pretty quick. Mumbai Actress Nargis Fakhri won't be available for the promotions of her upcoming comedy, 'Housefull 3', as she is flying back home to New York for a month-long rest, says her spokesperson. Shooting for three films ('Azhar', 'Housefull', 'Banjo') simultaneously has taken a toll on the actress and she is now taking time off to address her health issues and injuries. "Nargis has been extremely overworked working on 3 films simultaneously over the last year. For someone who's used to doing one film at a time, this was quite a bit for Nargis. "She has been unwell right through the Azhar promotions with multiple injuries - torn hamstring, anterior knee ligament thinning and mild socket dislocation along with burning of the stomach lining due to lead and arsenic poisoning," the spokesperson said in a statement. The 36-year-old actress requested producer Sajid Nadiadwala to allow her to miss 'Housefull 3' promotional activities. "Due to her deteriorating condition, she had to request Sajid sir and bow out of 'Housefull 3' promotions to go back home to New York for a month to address all her medical issues and recuperate," the spokesperson said. Nadiadwala said, "Our priority is Nargis's health. We do hope that she recuperates fast and can be there around the release of the film as she is an integral part of 'Housefull 3' team." The spokesperson added contrary to media reports, Nargis has no plan to quit Bollywood and will be soon back on sets of 'Banjo'. "She has no plans to leave B-Town and will be back to sets to complete the pending patchwork for her film Banjo June second week onwards with Riteish Deshmukh. "In addition, she has already verbally agreed to two other projects for 2017 before she left and will complete the paperwork when she's back. That coupled with her brand commitments that extend over multiple years, is testament of her being here to stay for good." US activates land-based missile defence station in Romania Published: May 14, 2016 United States has activated a land-based missile defence station (Aegis Ashore Missile Defence System) in Deveselu, Romania. The missile defence station is part of NATOs larger European shield to protect member countries from short and medium-range missiles, particularly from the Middle East. Key facts The Deveselu missile defence station has a battery of SM-2 missile interceptors. It uses powerful computer and radar technology to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets. It also allows on-shore sites and warships to shoot down enemy ballistic missiles while they are still in space. The interceptor missiles are fired to hit ballistic missiles before they re-enter the atmosphere, stopping them well before there is any danger of causing any damage. US has spent 800 million dollars on the site in Romania, where work had began in 2013. Comment The missile defence station was activated as part of the Article Five commitment by all 28 NATO members. Under this commitment NATO members have decided in 2010 to create a missile shield based on US technology. The next phase of the project will be launched in Poland at Redzikowo, near the Baltic Sea and is due to be completed in 2020. Month: Current Affairs - May, 2016 Topics: Defence International NATO Romania US Latest E-Books New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear, after its summer break, the Maharashtra government's plea challenging the December 2015 Bombay High Court verdict acquitting Bollywood star Salman Khan in a 2002 accident case. A bench comprising Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar and Justice C. Nagappan on Friday, while recording the statement by Maharashtra government that it was not necessary for it to file any rejoinder to the Bollywood star's March 17 affidavit, directed the listing of the matter after the summer vacation. The apex court had on February 19 issued notice to Salman on the state government's petition, and he, in his affidavit, told the apex court that he was not driving his Toyota Land Cruiser when it killed a man in Mumbai in 2002 but police were trying to implicate him in the case. Claiming that his driver Ashok Singh was at the wheels, Salman had said that the prosecution had failed to produce a single witness or a photograph showing that he was driving it. Maharashtra has earlier contended that there were scores of witnesses at the accident spot who saw the actor in the driver's seat of his SUV that ran over a group of people sleeping on a pavement in Mumbai's Bandra area, killing one of them. The high court had on December 10, 2015, acquitted the actor saying that the "prosecution has failed to prove the charges against Salman Khan on all counts". Paris: France changed its military strategy and started airstrikes in Syria 2015 because of concerns months before the attacks on Paris that ringleader Abdelhamid Abaaoud was plotting to target a concert and take hostages, according to a French newspaper report. The report in Saturday's Le Parisien, citing French and Belgian intelligence material and police recordings, lists repeated occasions when authorities allegedly failed to catch Abaaoud, even though he had been considered a major threat by several European intelligence services before the November 13 attacks that left 130 dead in the French capital. US intelligence was also onto Abaaoud. President Barack Obama's envoy for the anti-Islamic State coalition, Brett McGuirk, said on Saturday that at as soon as he heard about the Paris attacks "we all assumed this was probably something that was planned by Abaaoud" from the Syrian IS stronghold of Raqqa. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, McGuirk described the Paris attacks as unusually sophisticated. Abaaoud was killed in a police raid five days after the attacks by IS suicide bombers on a concert, stadium and cafes. Most of those killed in the Paris attacks were hostages in the Bataclan concert hall. The French president's office and the Interior Ministry, which oversees intelligence services, did not respond to requests for comment on Saturday's report. The news came as survivors and families of victims marked six months since the attacks, which shook the nation and prompted a state of emergency that is still in place. French authorities came under criticism immediately after the attacks for intelligence missteps that failed to prevent the bloodshed. France had been under high alert since deadly shootings at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper and a Paris kosher market in January 2015. By September 2015, Le Parisien reported, authorities had identified links between Abaaoud and thwarted attacks on a high-speed train and a church, and suspected he was plotting a big attack. The report quotes a witness as saying Abaaoud asked him to find a concert or other easy target with a lot of people, with the goal of seizing hostages and dying while fighting police. France joined the US-led coalition against IS in Iraq in 2014 but stayed out of Syria. President Francois Hollande changed that tack in September 2015, launching Syria airstrikes. Le Parisien said the decision was prompted by intelligence about Abaaoud, and that a September 27 French airstrike on Deir ez-Zor in Syria was aimed at Abaaoud's training camp. If William Waugh Smith had still been alive in 2006, he might have had mixed feelings. It was, after all, Smiths unwavering commitment to the education of women at a time when that was not always popular that brought Randolph-Macon Womans College into existence 125 years ago. Moreover, the school that now is Randolph College surely would have been stillborn had it not been for the early assistance and intervention of its big brother, a fact somewhat lost in the anti-male backlash triggered by the move to co-education a decade ago. As president of all-male Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Smith had actively campaigned to have women admitted. Foiled by alumni and faculty opposition, he then suggested a sister school at another location. Essentially, he was told: Agreed, if you can come up with the money. He did, but it wasnt easy. Finally, the Rivermont Land Company in Lynchburg agreed to contribute $60,000 in stocks, $40,000 in cash and 50 acres toward a womans college as part of its ambitious plan to extend one of the nations first planned communities across the Rivermont Bridge (which had yet to be built) and out Rivermont Avenue. Almost immediately, Smith found himself putting out fires. According to several early accounts, the first person hired as president of Randolph-Macon Womans College resigned when he saw the unfinished condition of the campus. Because someone had to be in charge, that unexpected development forced Smith to leave Randolph-Macon and take the same job with R-MWC. Not long afterward, the Rivermont Company ran into financial difficulty and was unable to come up with $16,000 of the $40,000 it had pledged to the new college and the $60,000 in stock was unavailable. According to a new history being prepared for this years anniversary commemoration, Trustees of the College were forced to bring suit, and the company was eventually required to sell land to pay its debt before it went out of business. Thankfully, Virginia State Bonds purchased and guaranteed personally by Smith provided the funding needed to proceed with construction and open the school on time. Due to the precarious financial situation, Smith only built the portion of the building needed to open the College. Not an auspicious beginning. When the first R-MWC class of 35 students arrived in 1893, the building eventually named Smith Hall was the only structure on campus, and it was incomplete. Today, however, the school seems as solid as the red brick wall around its perimeter. Despite a more recent version of financial angst that led to the selling off of some of the schools art collection removing the adjective priceless from those works co-education appears to have gained grudging acceptance (the school was 36 percent male in 2014), and the college continues to find niches for itself, most notably in building an international student body. Over the years, R-MWC/Randolph has become known for its numerous and charming social customs, not to mention its ghost stories. Students are divided into Odds and Evens, depending upon their graduation years, and nearly every month brings some traditional activity. Some of those have changed or disappeared with co-education, but not all. Once it got past its shaky origin, R-MWC benefitted greatly from the long tenures of back-to-back presidents Theodore Jack from 1933 to 1952 and William Quillian from 1953 to 1978. Jack presided over much of the physical improvements that gave the school its present appearance (including its signature wall, finished in the 1930s), while Quillian steered the institution through the turbulent 1960s and early 1970s. During the latter period, R-MWC became the first college in Lynchburg to admit black students, approved alcohol on campus and pants on students, and did away with sororities the latter a move that an editorial in The News, Lynchburgs-then morning newspaper, equated with communism. Even more controversial was the involvement of several R-MWC students in an interracial sit-in at the segregated Pattersons Drug Store in 1960. The students were convicted of trespassing and served a short jail sentence. Quillian, who died in 2014 at the age of 100, also was involved in one of the quirkier episodes in R-MWC history. In 1950, a chance conversation on the beach at Nags Head between National Gallery director Huntington Cairns and R-MWC board member Bunny Walker sowed the seeds for an intriguing proposition. The federal government would pay for an art museum on the R-MWC campus if the school would agree to accept a shipment of art from Cairns facility in the event of a nuclear attack on Washington D.C. Granted, this idea had its flaws most notably the unlikelihood anyone would take the time to load thousands of paintings onto trucks if Russian missiles were flying in their direction. Yet the museum was built, complete with double-thick walls and a nearby house to be occupied by the director. Quillian dedicated the new museum in 1952. Several years later, however, the nuclear power company Babcock & Wilcox opened a facility near Lynchburg, a development that instantly made the area a potential Russian target and poor choice for masterpiece relocation. Since what was called the Maier Museum already had been built, the feds told R-MWC to keep it. More than a half-century later, the Maier Museum became the eye of a storm over the sale of some of its paintings, most notably George Bellows Men of the Docks now, ironically, housed at the National Gallery in London. That controversy, following on the heels of the co-education fight, only emphasized the traditional feistiness of Randolphs student body and alumni. In many ways, this group was personified by its most famous member, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Pearl Buck (R-MWC Class of 1914). According to a biography of Buck on the Randolph College site, she was a woman far ahead of her time. She was a champion of civil rights, womens rights, childrens rights, and the rights of those with disabilities long before these issues were talked about in public. India inks Project Collaboration Agreement with WHO to promote traditional medicine Published: May 14, 2016 India has signed a historic Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) with World Health Organization (WHO) for cooperation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine. The PCA aims at supporting WHO in the development and implementation of the WHO Traditional and Complementary Medicine Strategy. Key facts of PCA PCA for the period 2016-2020 will contribute to the global promotion of traditional Indian Systems of Medicine. It will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for training in Yoga, and WHO benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda, Unani and Panchakarma. These will contribute significantly to the strengthening of national capacities in ensuring the quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional medicine including in establishing regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine. Comment The PCA with WHO will help India to promote traditional medicine both in India and abroad. It will also spread importance of Indias long history and rich heritage of traditional medicine and its growing relevance in providing holistic and comprehensive health care. Month: Current Affairs - May, 2016 Topics: Ayurveda Traditional medicines UPSC WHO Yoga Latest E-Books Home News Sports Social Obituaries Events Letters Looking Back Health Jewels Stitch in Time Flags to fly half-staff on Sunday May 13, 2016 In honor of and out of respect for law enforcement officers, President Obama has proclaimed May 15, 2016 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and May 15 through May 21 as Police Week. He has issued a Presidential Proclamation encouraging all to display the United States flag at half-staff on Sunday, May 15. "For generations, the brave women and men of our Nation's law enforcement have answered the call to serve and protect our communities," the President said in the Proclamation. "Enduring long shifts in dangerous and unpredictable circumstances, our Nation's peace officers embody the courage and honor that represent the best of America. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we express our gratitude for the selfless public servants who wear the badge and put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe, and we pay respect for those who lost their lives in the line of duty." Boundary County will hold its observation of Peace Officers Memorial Day Sunday at 2:00 p.m., under the flag in Veterans Park next to the Library. Organizers have promised that the Boundary County event will be held "rain or shine." To see the full Presidential Proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, click here. Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail! Home News Sports Social Obituaries Events Letters Looking Back Health Jewels Stitch in Time Kids complete Forest Service stewardship program with fun-filled day at the Refuge May 13, 2016 by Shoshana Cooper Public Affairs Officer / Acting Executive Assistant Forest Service, Idaho Panhandle National Forests Employees from the Bonners Ferry Ranger District and an engine crew from the Idaho Department of Lands Kootenai Valley Forest Protective District hosted students on May 5 at the picturesque Kootenai Wildlife Refuge. The day was part of a natural resources stewardship program aimed at exposing kids to natural resources in their national forest. This event was the grand finale of a comprehensive eight-week long stewardship program, in which Forest Service employees presented information on different natural resources to five 3rd grade classrooms in the Boundary County School District. This program has been in place for over 13 years. The students learned about wildland firefighting, plant and wildlife print identification, and how to identify the age of a tree. They also received a tree to plant at home and, possibly the best part, a hug from Smokey Bear. It is our hope that the program will give students an awareness and appreciation of the resources available in their own county, says newly-retired Forest Service employee and event coordinator, Sondra Steinhorst. Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail! Install the Newser News app in two easy steps: 1. Tap in your navigation bar. 2. Tap to Add to Home Screen. According to the latest guidance from education and justice departments, K-12 schools and colleges that receive federal funding must comply with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits bias on the basis of sex. The most controversial provisions of the article are to make provisions for these students to use the locker rooms and bathrooms that parallels their gender identity. The largest teacher's association, National Education Association and National PTA, were a select few who incorporated the federal guidance, acknowledging it as an important step in providing the country's millions of students with safe educational environment. However, there were others who considered Obama administration's directive as overstepping the bounds of their authority with unnecessary laws allowing men into girls' bathroom/locker rooms. In a press conference held on May 13, John Earnest, White House press secretary, said that huge number of schools are open to the directive, allowing students to choose the school facilities based on gender of their choice. However, Texas refuses to comply with the directive in its schools. According to Dan Patrick, Texas Lt. Gov., Obama had "set a policy in place that will divide the country not along political lines, but along family values and school districts." "He says he's going to withhold funding if schools do not follow the policy," Patrick said at a Friday news conference. "Well, in Texas, he can keep his 30 pieces of silver. We will not yield to blackmail from the president of the United States." Even though the administration has been campaigning for the idea that the schools must allow transgender students to use the bathrooms of their choice, Friday's guidance not only solidified but also intensified their viewpoint. Climate changes are hitting even smaller species. The migratory red knot bird is shrinking in size, which makes it difficult for the species to find food. When it is the peak insect season, chicks born under warm conditions tend to develop smaller beak sizes before migration, which makes it difficult for them to search for their favourite food after reaching their wintering grounds. Climate change leads to smaller animal body sizes, suggests recent evidence. It is a phenomenon that has been noticed across a variety of animals as a response to climate change. The current red knot study gives evidence to back the theories. "The red knot (Calidris canutus canutus) is one of the world's most northerly breeding birds and a well-known long-distance migrant," said Jan van Gils from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and lead author of the study. "Analysis of satellite images has shown that over the past 33 years, snow at the red knot's breeding grounds has progressively melted earlier, at a rate of half a day per year, so that's now more than two weeks." "The retreat of the snow marks the start of the insect peak in the Arctic; the main food source of the chicks before they leave the Arctic," he added. "Juvenile red knots that we caught along the Baltic coast while on their way to West Africa were smaller and had shorter bills after warm Arctic summers." After landing in West Africa, the smallest of the birds survived in just half the numbers compared to the larger ones. Only birds with longer beaks are able to forage for their favourite insects while the shorter-billed birds are forced to eat the comparatively poorer source of food in seagrass. "The poor survival of shrunken first-year birds clearly contributes to the current population decline seen in red knots nowadays," van Gils said. Moreover, the shortening of the bills changes even their body shapes. "Changes in body size and shape and the negative population dynamical consequences will be widespread among other High-Arctic breeding species in the future," van Gills said. "This is a very serious ecological effect that requires our immediate attention." The findings will be published in the May 13 issue of the journal Science. : , New Delhi : Declining for 17th straight month in April, exports dipped by 6.74 per cent to USD 20.5 billion due to sharp fall in shipments of petroleum and engineering products amid tepid global demand. Imports too dipped by 23.1 per cent to USD 25.41 billion in the month under review as against USD 33 billion in April 2015. Trade deficit in April more than halved to USD 4.84 billion as compared to USD 11 billion in the same month last year. The trend of falling exports is in tandem with other major world economies. The growth in exports have fallen for USA (3.87 per cent), EU (0.04 per cent), China (25.34 per cent) and Japan (1.10 per cent) for February over the corresponding period of previous year as per WTO statistics, the commerce ministry said in a statement while releasing the trade data. Exports have been falling since December 2014 due to weak global demand and slide in oil prices. Oil imports in April dipped by 24.01 per cent to USD 5.6 billion. Non-oil imports too fell by 22.83 per cent to USD 19.75 billion. In April, overseas shipments of petroleum products shrank 28.15 per cent to USD 1.97 billion, while that of engineering goods declined by 19 per cent to USD 4.76 billion. These two sectors contribute significant in the countrys total exports. The other sectors which reported negative growth in the first month of the current fiscal includes carpet, leather, rice and cashew. However, exports of tea, coffee, gems and jewellery and pharmaceuticals recorded positive growth. For whole 2015-16 financial year ended March 31, exports declined by 15.8 per cent to five-year low of USD 261.13 billion due to fragile global demand and low commodity prices. For all the Latest Business News, Economy News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Deepika Padukone is known for her physique. The sporty Bollywood actress has hardly anything to prove in regards with her health. Deepika, who is currently shooting for her first Hollywood film xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, has recently posted a picture from her training. And guess what! It looks stunning. The Mastani actress is seen with her co-star Tony Jaa and Mike Bisping getting ready to fight in the picture. While Jaa is doing a midair split, Deepika is giving her tough competition in lethal pants. Meanwhile, Mike looks ready to fight. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Hollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: Asserting that there is no room for discrimination, the Obama Administration today issued a new set of guidelines to schools asking them to allow transgender students to use bathroom facilities matching their gender identity. There is no room in our schools for discrimination of any kind, including discrimination against transgender students on the basis of their sex, said Attorney General Loretta E Lynch, after she issued the guidelines along with the Education Secretary John B King. This guidance gives administrators, teachers and parents the tools they need to protect transgender students from peer harassment and to identify and address unjust school policies, she said Observing that no student should ever have to go through the experience of feeling unwelcome at school or on a college campus, King said this guidance further clarifies that gender identity is protected. Educators want to do the right thing for students, and many have reached out to us for guidance on how to follow the law. We must ensure that our young people know that whoever they are or wherever they come from, they have the opportunity to get a great education in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and violence, King said. Every child deserves to attend school in a safe, supportive environment that allows them to thrive and grow. And we know that teachers and administrators care deeply about all of their students and want them to succeed in school and life, said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. The guidance sends a clear message to transgender students across the countryhere in America, you are safe, you are protected and you belongjust as you are, she said. In an election year, such a direction immediately took a political overtone with Republican-ruled state government slamming the Obama Administration on this. The move comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding the so-called bathroom law in North Carolina. Because of the differences, the state of North Carolina and the federal government sued each other last week. The Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called the letter as a blackmail. However, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest asserted that this is not an enforcement action. This is not an enforcement action. This does not add any additional requirements to any school district or state under the applicable law, he said. Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was seen reluctant to criticise the Obama Administration on this. He said the transgender issue should be left to states. I believe it should be states rights and I think the states should make the decision, theyre more capable of making the decision, Trump told ABC News. However, the move was welcomed by several lawmakers. LGBT students like any other students should never feel like they don't belong, said Senator Al Franken. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: As expected, Aishwarya Rai Bachchans red carpet walk in Cannes, was a head turner. When the Indian beauty made appearance at Cannes for 15th time, she became the centre of attraction at for everyone. Aish donned a golden gown by Kuwaits designer Ali Younes. Aishwarya added a touch of glamour to her look by colouring her upper lid with a bold turquoise blue liner and giving it a smokey blue eyeshadow and bold lashes. To add to the excitement, Aishwaryas upcoming film Sarbjit directed by Omung Kumar will be screened at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival on May 14. It will be followed by a press conference the next day. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: China has increased defence capabilities and deployed more troops along the Indian border, the Pentagon has said, as it warned of increasing Chinese military presence including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan. We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters during a news conference here after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China. However, Denmark said it is difficult to conclude on the real intention behind this. It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration, he said in response to a question on China upgrading its military command in Tibet. Referring to US Defence Secretary Ashton Carters recent trip to India, Denmark said he had a very positive and productive visit. Were going to continue to enhance our bilateral engagement with India, not in the China context, but because India is an increasingly important player by themselves. And we are going to engage India because of its value, he said. The Defence Department also warned of Chinas increasing military presence including bases in various parts of the world, in particular Pakistan - with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests. Chinas expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said. China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries, the report said. The Pentagon in its report expressed its concerns about Chinese military buildup near the Indian border. Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino-Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces. After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides, it said. The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and, therefore, of China), and over the Askai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Islamabad: The Indian lobby has been making untiring efforts to reverse the US decision and block the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, Prime Ministers Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has told the Senate. Winding up a debate on an adjournment motion moved by Mohsin Khan Leghari and others over the withdrawal of proposed subsidy on sale of F-16s fighter jets to Pakistan by the US, Aziz said the government is pursuing the issue of sale of F-16s with the country at different levels and forums. The Indian lobby has been making untiring efforts to reverse the US decision, and a strong attempt, through Senator Rand Pauls resolution, to block the sale itself, Aziz was quoted as saying by an official statement. The move was however defeated proving the strong merit of our arguments, and the effectiveness of our outreach to the US at various levels, particularly to the US Congressional leaders, he said. Congress opposed funding of these eight aircraft through foreign military funding of the United States, he pointed out. Aziz said Pakistan Defence Minister has written a letter to his American counterpart highlighting the importance of F-16s in the war against terror. He said Defence Consultative Group of the two countries would meet at the end of next month where this issue would also be substantially discussed. The Advisor said that Pakistan-US relationship was on positive trajectory during the last three years with significant progress in the realms of political, economic and defence ties. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Madurai: Union Minister Prakash Javedekar today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed for a permanent solution to the issue of Indian fishermen during his talks with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. Speaking to reporters here, he said during the talks between the two leaders at New Delhi yesterday, Modi has stressed for a permanent solution to the issue of Indian fishermen. He alleged that the successive regimes of AIADMK and DMK were marked by corruption and bad governance. The two parties were corrupt parties. These corrupt parties should be punished by the people in the election, he said. He said the people did not want freebies, but expected things like good education and employment opportunities. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Madurai: Union Minister Prakash Javedekar today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed for a permanent solution to the issue of Indian fishermen during his talks with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. Speaking to reporters here, he said during the talks between the two leaders at New Delhi yesterday, Modi has stressed for a permanent solution to the issue of Indian fishermen. He alleged that the successive regimes of AIADMK and DMK were marked by corruption and bad governance. The two parties were corrupt parties. These corrupt parties should be punished by the people in the election, he said. He said the people did not want freebies, but expected things like good education and employment opportunities. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Jaipur: Supreme Court judge Arun Mishra today stressed on the need to improve the quality of legal education in India and said Bar Council of India should look into it. Quality of education should be good. If the number of institutions or colleges is high but there is no quality, then it is useless, he said while speaking on challenges and future of the profession at a conference here. He also highlighted the need to clear pendency in courts and provide affordable justice to people. Suggesting young lawyers to work hard and practice with dedication, he stressed on promoting Guru-Shishya tradition in lawyers fraternity and said young lawyers and newcomers should be promoted and given adequate remuneration by seniors. Newly-appointed Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Navin Sinha said new lawyers should keep themselves updated with developments and new judgments. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Chennai: On the last day of poll campaigning in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa and DMK president Karunanidhi today appealed to people to elect their respective party nominees in the May 16 Assembly election. Recalling her partys welfare measures, she said AIADMK manifesto comprising various assurances has been released so as to continue this history of achievements. To fulfill the electoral promises, please vote for two leaves symbol and make all the AIADMK nominees victorious, she appealed in a statement. Referring to the turnout in her poll rallies, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said she was fully confident that a historic victory awaited the AIADMK. DMK chief Karunanidhi wondered if any segment of the population was satisfied during the past five year rule of the AIADMK. He hit out at Jayalalithaa for copying him by telling people to consider as if she was the candidate in all the 234 constituencies. I appeal to you to vote for DMK so that a true democratic regime could rise up, order us to work for you, he said. Yaounde: Cameroons government said the multinational joint forces fighting Boko Haram have arrested five leaders of the extremist group and freed dozens of women and children held captive. Government spokesman Issa Tchiroma said today that the raids targeted Boko Harams bases in the Madawaya forest earlier this month. He said the operation freed 28 children along with at least 18 women. The spokesman said Boko Haram had set up camp in the forest after fleeing another military operation in neighbouring Nigeria. He said the fighters had been training young girls and women as suicide bombers. Boko Harams nearly seven-year insurgency, which has launched attacks beyond Nigerias borders into Cameroon, Chad and Niger, has killed at least 20,000 people, according to Amnesty International. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. London: In the older times, camels have played an important role in transportation. Scientists, for the first time have shed life on how the human's use of single-humped camels, who have been fundamental to the development of societies and transportation in deserts for over 3000 years, has shaped the animal's genetic diversity. International scientists including researchers from the University of Nottingham in UK suggest long-distance and back-and-forth movements in ancient camel caravan routes were important in shaping camel's genetic diversity. Researchers found that single-humped 'Arabian camels' have been fundamental to the development of human societies, providing food and transport in desert countries for over 3000 years. (Also read. NASA Curiosity Rover reveals Mars is clear in winter, dustier in spring and summer, windy in autumn) Still these Arabian camels continue to be vital resource in trade and agriculture in hot, dry areas of the world, providing transport, milk and meat where other species would not survive. In the study, scientists examined combined this with an examination of ancient DNA sequences from bone samples from early-domesticated dromedaries from 400-1870 AD and wild ones from 5,000-1,000 BC to show for the first time ever an historic genetic picture of the species. "We believe this is a consequence of cross-continental back and forth movements along historic trading routes. Our results point to extensive gene flow which affects all regions except East Africa where dromedary populations have remained relatively isolated," Hanotte said. They collected and analysed genetic information from a sample of 1,083 living dromedaries from 21 countries across the world. The dromedary has outperformed all other domesticated mammals, including the donkey. (Also read. NASAs Messenger Mission: Scientists unveils the first global topographic model of Mercury) It underlines the animal's potential to adapt sustainably to future challenges of expanding desert areas and global climate change,he added. The findings were published in the journal PNAS. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : A new study reveals that children who start walking at the age of 18 months are likely to develop stronger bones and are physically more active as they get older. The study links bone strength with good early life movement. Researchers demonstrated an association between children's abilities in common movements like jumping, running and walking at 18 months and stronger bones as an adolescent. Researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and the University of Bristol in UK said that it is thought that these movements in toddlers place a stress on the bones, causing them to react by becoming wider and thicker, thereby making them stronger than those in children who may not be moving as much. For this study researchers analysed data from 2,327 participants from children of the 90s, a lifelong study of health and wellbeing that has been charting the lives of 14,500 people since they were born in the early 1990s. Also the movement at 18 months was assessed and hip and shin bone size, shape and mineral density was measured at 17 years of age, for both males and females, by scanning with X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral computed tomography. It was found that effect was more pronounced in males than in females, suggesting early movement plays less of a role in female bone strength, researchers said. These findings were published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Jerusalem: Twenty-five Palestinian children were killed in the last three months of 2015 during a wave of anti-Israeli attacks and the number detained was the highest in seven years, the UN childrens agency said. Serious concerns arose regarding excessive use of force, particularly in relation to incidents where Palestinian children were shot dead by Israeli security forces after carrying out or being suspected of carrying out stabbing attacks, UNICEF said in a report. It said more than 1,300 Palestinian children were injured during the spike in attacks, almost all in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, while three Israeli children were hurt in the West Bank and west Jerusalem. UNICEF cited the example on October 25 in Hebron in the West Bank of a 17-year-old girl who was taken by IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldiers for a search, shot with at least five bullets and killed. Israeli authorities said that she had attempted to stab a policeman, however an eyewitness stated that she was not presenting any threat at the time she was shot, and was shouting that she did not have a knife, it said. Compared with the high toll for the October-December period, UNICEF recorded four Palestinian children killed and 165 injured between July and September. UNICEF also voiced alarm over the number of Palestinian children aged between 12 and 17 held by the Israeli army, noting the tally stood at 422 at the end of December according to the Israeli prison service, the highest recorded since March 2009. Israeli law allows Palestinian children from the age of 12 to be put on trial. Since the October outbreak of a wave of unrest, 204 Palestinians and 28 Israelis have been killed. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Speaker Paul Ryan, the Republican Party's highest-ranking official, stunned the political world Thursday when he announced he does not now support his party's presumptive presidential nominee, Donald Trump, and might not ever do so. "I hope to support our nominee," Ryan told CNN's Jake Tapper. "I'm just not ready to do that at this point. I'm not there right now." The interview left one basic question unanswered: What does Ryan want? Put another way, what could Trump do to help Ryan get there? The short answer is that Trump must unify the Republican Party. Ryan used the words "unify" or "unified" a total of 27 times in the interview; it's clearly a hugely important thing to him. But what, precisely, that means is not clear. Gleaned from a long conversation with someone familiar with Ryan's thinking, this is how Ryan approaches the situation: Ryan and Trump obviously have huge policy differences: on entitlements, trade, immigration, and much more. They're important; entitlement reform, in particular, is a goal to which Ryan has devoted much of his career in the House. But as important as they are, Ryan doesn't expect Trump to convert to Ryanism. "I'm not saying he's got to support my policies," Ryan told Tapper. "You always have policy disagreements. Heck, Mitt Romney and I had policy disagreements. So that's just natural, and it's too much to ask someone to change their policy views that they were duly elected on, on some policy dispute." Ryan suggested he's looking for something bigger from Trump. He referred to the GOP's "principles" 16 times: "I think conservatives want to know, does (Trump) share our values and our principles on limited government, the proper role of the executive, adherence to the Constitution," Ryan said. I asked the person familiar with Ryan's thinking what that meant. If specific policy differences -- entitlements, trade, etc. -- are not violations of principle, then what was Ryan talking about? The person pointed to the times Ryan has felt the need to publicly rebuke Trump in the last several months. There was Trump's temporary Muslim ban proposal; his refusal in one interview to disavow David Duke and the Ku Klux Klan; and Trump's acceptance, or even encouragement, of violence at his campaign rallies. Those were the things that disturbed Ryan enough for him to speak out at the time, and those are the things that trouble Ryan enough to withhold support of Trump now. "We're talking about identity politics -- that's what he was referencing," said the person familiar with Ryan's thinking. "Identity politics is what Paul was getting at. He spoke out against the Muslim ban, against allowing a culture of violence at some of these campaign events, against the Duke comments. He's just saying our party deserves a leader who is committed to unifying, not dividing, our party and our country. We've always said we would disagree on policy." "It's time to go to from tapping anger to channeling that anger into solutions," Ryan said on CNN. "It's time to set aside bullying, to set aside belittlement and appeal to higher aspirations, appeal to what is good in us and to lead a country and a party to having a vast majority of Americans enthusiastic about choosing a path." Concern over divisions along cultural or racial lines was also likely behind Ryan's assertion that the GOP is "the party of Lincoln, of Reagan, of Jack Kemp." Yes, Ryan's inclusion of Kemp, a man of far smaller stature than Lincoln and Reagan, had something to do with the fact that Kemp was Ryan's mentor. But Ryan also included Kemp, the famously self-styled "bleeding-heart conservative," to project an image of Republican inclusiveness, an ideal to which GOP leaders, including Trump, should aspire. So in the end, it appears Ryan's message to Trump was: We don't have to agree on entitlements or trade, but you've got to tone it down on matters of race and culture if you want my support. Ryan was as surprised as anyone else by the speed with which the Republican presidential contest came to an end Tuesday night. Ryan thought the battle between Trump and Ted Cruz would stretch all the way to the California primary on June 7 and perhaps to a contested Republican convention in July. So the speaker didn't have a plan for what to say when the race abruptly stopped. He didn't have a long time to think things through before the CNN interview. Ryan's stand carries significant risk. With no competition, Trump is going to win more primaries, and pile up more votes, by the time of the convention. If Ryan changes course and supports Trump without some truly meaningful concession from the nominee, Ryan will look weak. If he opposes Trump the whole way, he'll anger a lot of people in his own party. At the moment, Trump does not appear inclined to accommodate Ryan. Shortly after the CNN interview aired, Trump released a statement saying, "I am not ready to support Speaker Ryan's agenda. Perhaps in the future we can work together and come to an agreement about what is best for the American people. They have been treated so badly for so long that it is about time for politicians to put them first!" In addition, in some cases, Trump has a majority of Republican voters on his side. For example, exit polls from GOP primaries have shown strong support for temporarily banning Muslims who are not U.S. citizens from entering the U.S. In Pennsylvania, 69 percent of GOP primary voters supported the proposal. In New York, 68 percent supported it. In Florida, the number was 64 percent. In Georgia, 68 percent. In Ohio, 65 percent. Michigan, 63 percent. Texas, 67 percent. And in Ryan's home state of Wisconsin, 69 percent supported it. That's about 2/3 support among Republican primary voters across the country for a proposal Ryan called "not what this party stands for, and more importantly...not what this country stands for." If Ryan were to urge Trump to back down from the proposal, Trump's response might be: I won, and this guy is making demands? Skopje: Macedonias former and possible next prime minister Nikola Gruevski says his party is preparing to stand in an early election next month despite a boycott by his opponents and international disapproval. Gruevski, who had stepped down in January after 10 years in power to make way for the vote, told AFP late Friday that the troubled Balkan country could now face two general elections in coming months. Parliament was dissolved in April as part of an EU-brokered deal to end a national political crisis and street protests, but Gruevskis conservative VRMO-DPMNE was the only major party to register candidates for the June 5 poll. His rivals have declared a boycott, saying conditions for a free and fair vote have not been met. We are in a very unpleasant situation now, the only (one) of the four big political parties which is going to the elections, Gruevski said in English in an exclusive interview at his imposing party headquarters in downtown Skopje. If the vote goes ahead next month as he expects, Gruevski said his party would be immediately ready after a new parliament is formed to go to yet another election and give citizens the chance to choose. We want a deserved victory, the 45-year-old politician said. Described by critics as a corrupt authoritarian who has clamped down on media freedom, human rights and democracy, opinion polls nevertheless suggest Gruevski maintains strong support among Macedonias two million people. Meanwhile opposition leader Zoran Zaev told AFP he was confident the election would be postponed until fairer conditions were in place. But Gruevski said he saw no way of avoiding the vote following parliaments dissolution. Generally the international community is not in favour of elections on 5th June. but nobody has come up with a constitutional way to postpone this, he explained. The former economist and amateur boxer spoke after a special envoy from Germany, Johannes Haindl, visited Skopje to try to help resolve the deadlock. The prospect of back-to-back elections comes as Macedonia wrestles with twin crises: domestic political turmoil and thousands of migrants blocked on its border with Greece. Gruevski warned that his landlocked nation, one of Europes poorest and not a member of the EU or NATO, was struggling to fund security at its southern frontier. The country is less and less able to directly finance the cost for the policemen, the soldiers, and equipment for them, he said, describing military budgets as exhausted. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: The chairman of the Republican Party says presumptive nominee Donald Trump has been trying hard lately to act more presidential and should keep meeting individually with Republican leaders to win the partys trust. Reince Priebus expressed uncertainty about whether Trump needs to heal his frosty relationship with House Speaker Paul Ryan before the GOP launches fall campaigns to capture the White House and defend its control of Congress. Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, has declined to endorse Trump, though the two men met privately Thursday in a session both said was positive. Im not sure, Priebus of the need for a Trump-Ryan embrace. But he added, I do think that Donald Trump understands, and I certainly understand and believe, that the more unity we have, the better off were going to be. The extraordinary chasm between the countrys two leading Republicans reflects ideological differences over spending, immigration and other issues. In addition, swing district GOP lawmakers worry that Trumps hard-line statements on Hispanics and comments about womens appearances will imperil their re-election prospects. Priebus, who attended Thursdays meeting between Trump and Ryan told AP in an interview that the session was more Midwest than New York and said he believes Ryan will end up chairing the partys July national convention in Cleveland. Trump had threatened to keep Ryan from that largely ceremonial role but has since backtracked. Priebus repeatedly referred to the problems political professionals have had assessing Trumps candidacy, saying people have been completely wrong about Donald Trump and the playbook. Trump seems all but certain to formally become the GOP nominee at the partys convention, despite his insulting entire voting blocs and personal invectives against many of his rivals. Hes been trying very hard to be presidential and gracious and I think hes actually done a nice job of that lately, Priebus said of Trump, And I expect him to continue working at it and getting the job done. To win over Republicans who continue resisting his candidacy, Trump should continue visiting party leaders, Priebus said. Trump also met Thursday with other House GOP leaders and with top Senate Republicans. Obviously hes a salesman. So hes naturally talented, and I think the more he does that individually here with leaders of our party, the better off I think hes going to be, Priebus said. Sidestepping a fresh dispute, Priebus said it is up to Trump and the public whether the billionaire should release his tax returns. Trump refused Friday to reveal even the tax rate he pays, saying he would not do so until the IRS finishes auditing his returns. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Nearly 60,000 Connecticut children under age 6 were reported with lead exposure in 2013, and 2,275 more showed blood levels of the toxin high enough to be considered poisoned. While these numbers might seem high, health experts say they could be higher still because of significant gaps in state-mandated testing. Connecticut has some of the strictest lead-screening laws in the country - requiring every child to be tested twice before age 3 - but Department of Health figures show that only half were screened as mandated. The problem is worst in the states largest cities, especially New Haven and Bridgeport, each with more than 400 cases of lead poisoning. But Danbury, with more than half of Bridgeports population, reported a far smaller rate of poisoning, with just 28 cases in 2013, according to DPH statistics. None of Danburys neighboring towns reported more than four cases. Unlike in Flint, Mich., whose residents were poisoned when water tainted with corrosives was pumped through aging lead-lined pipes, the main culprit in Connecticut is lead paint. Though banned in 1978, lead-based paint is present in countless older apartment buildings and homes, especially in urban centers. But paint isnt the only potential source of contamination. Danbury Health Department Director Scott LeRoy said other sources of lead include pottery, medicines and cosmetics imported from other countries and byproducts of processes such as making leaded glass. At the Greater Danbury Community Health Center South on Main Street, doctors see about one child a month with lead poisoning, said Dr. Veronica Ron-Priola, a pediatrician. Ron-Priola said these children typically have lead blood levels just over the federal and state limit of 5 micrograms per deciliter. She warns their parents of the dangers of lead exposure and urges them to identify the source of contamination, and she said most of the children show improvement in repeated blood tests three months later. But even if a childs lead level falls below the maximum, she works with parents to help identify and avoid potential sources of the toxin. Theres really no safe lead blood levels, because its not supposed to be in our bodies, she said. Children exposed to lead often exhibit cognitive deficits - a loss in IQ points - along with speech and hearing problems, developmental delays, behavioral issues and hyperactivity. Ron-Priola said not all parents, including those from immigrant families, understand the potential effects of lead poisoning. Once they do, however, they are diligent about coming to appointments and receiving the necessary tests for their children, she said. During wellness screenings at the health center, medical personnel screen for possible lead exposure by asking parents eight questions, including whether a child has a history of elevated blood levels, lives in or regularly visits a house built before 1978, or has a sibling, housemate or playmate who has been treated for lead poisoning. Most lead screenings are done by pediatricians, said Dr. Lisa Menillo, who created and directed the regional lead treatment center at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford before it was closed in 2014. But Menillo said many are not doing it correctly. Theyre not doing it at the right ages, and theyre not doing it as often as they should, Menillo said. DPH figures show that more than 22,000 Connecticut children between 9 months and 2 years old about 30 percent of the total did not have a lead test in 2013. And during that same year, about half of all 3-year-olds who had been tested at least once when younger never had a second test. Screening is a hard sell, sometimes, said Lisa Honigfeld, vice president at the Farmington-based Child Health and Development Institute, which is under the nonprofit Childrens Fund of Connecticut. Honigfeld suggested that because Connecticuts screening laws are stricter than the federal governments, some pediatricians might not take the state laws seriously. This has spurred the institute to launch a training program to educate doctors on the medical imperative of following state lead laws. A spokeswoman for DPH says the agency is currently working on increasing our outreach efforts in order to bolster second-test numbers. Menillo said another problem might be a perception among pediatricians that lead exposure is an inner-city problem. Thats not the case, she said. DPHs 2013 numbers show that children under 6 were exposed to lead in Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Fairfield, Stratford and Trumbull, and in towns in every county in the state. Connecticuts Requirements and Guidance for Childhood Lead Screening sets stringent rules on what is to be done when tests are positive. State law says labs have 48 hours to inform the state and local health departments when they have a report of someone whose lead count is above a certain level. When Danbury health officials are notified about children with lead blood levels between 5 and 15 micrograms per deciliter, information about lead poisoning is sent to their homes, LeRoy said. If the levels are between 15 and 19 micrograms, health inspectors visit the home to try to determine the source of the lead. If the levels are 20 or above, a more in-depth investigation commences, which can include efforts to track a source outside the home, LeRoy said. The department also uses state grant funds to conduct outreach in the community, including making regular visits to local pediatricians and social services agencies and attending local events to hand out literature about the dangers of lead, he said. High Risks for Kids Younger children are the most likely to suffer the effects of exposure to lead, because early childhood is the peak period for brain development. Healthy babies and toddlers are driven to move and explore. Through frequent hand-to-mouth activity, they can ingest the toxin in peeling paint, which tastes sweet, and in dust generated by the grinding on paint when doors and windows open and close. Kids who are younger absorb lead at [many] times the rate adults will absorb it, said Dr. Hilda Slivka, director of the Regional Lead Treatment Clinic at Connecticut Children's Primary Care Center in Hartford. The immediate impact of lead exposure can be subtle or even imperceptible, since its symptoms loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and irritability are often traceable to other causes. Because its effects such as cognitive defects and speech and developmental delays can be irreversible, lead exposure has long-term societal impacts, including the millions of dollars spent yearly on special education programs, experts say. In two recent studies, researchers for the Childrens Environmental Health Initiative at Duke University and at the University of Michigan examined lead-screening results and Connecticut Mastery Test scores, focusing on 18,000 fourth-graders. In both studies, CEHI said that the stark difference between blood lead levels by race - especially between white and black fourth-graders - was mirrored in the wide disparity in CMT scores in both reading and math. Both studies conclude that exposure to lead may account for part of the achievement gap among Connecticut schoolchildren. Leads Dangers Since 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Connecticut health officials have defined lead poisoning as a blood lead level greater than or equal to 5 micrograms per deciliter although experts agree there is no such thing as a safe level. Once it enters the bloodstream, lead can affect the nervous system and nearly every other system in the body. Scientists say high levels can cause anemia, kidney damage, muscle weakness, brain damage and death. And study after study shows that levels as low as 5 [micrograms per deciliter] affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. Without a blood test, pinpointing the cause of a childs illness or condition can be difficult, in part because the toxin can affect children differently. There isnt necessarily one area of the brain thats always affected, said Slivka, of Connecticut Childrens Medical Center (CCMC). Lead exposure can cause hyperactivity, it can cause some decreased ability in speech, it can cause decreased hearing as well as just [decreased] cognitive functioning, Slivka said. Extraordinary Housing Challenges Nearly 75 percent of Connecticuts housing was built before 1980, compared to 57 percent nationally, according to the National Center for Healthy Housing. This, and the fact that the housing is often in poor cities, makes the state one of the top 10 nationally in terms of lead poisoning risk, according to a 2012 DPH report. Removing lead paint, or lessening the risk of exposure, takes special training or its dangers can be increased. Since 1999, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has funneled more than $116 million to the state government and to cities and nonprofits for lead abatement and related activities. Since 2003, the nonprofit Healthy Homes Program, based at CCMC, has received $31 million from HUD to help property owners in 15 cities, where 62,000 children enrolled in Medicaid live, remove or minimize lead paint. Ronald Kraatz, Healthy Homes senior manager, says the biggest challenge is the sheer numbers were dealing with. We can reach perhaps 200 houses a year, he said. Of Bridgeports 58,500 housing units, more than 75 percent were built before 1978, when lead paint was outlawed. In 10 years, after four consecutive HUD grants, the city has remediated almost 1,000 units, said Sabine Kuczo, until recently the manager of Bridgeport Lead Free Families. Bridgeports most recent allocation, for $2.3 million, is aimed at making an additional 110 housing units lead free. Of New Havens 57,500 housing units, 83 percent are pre-1978, according to environmental health director Paul Kowalski. New Haven has remediated about 1,250 housing units. Which leaves, between the states two largest cities, more than 100,000 housing units to remediate. This story was reported under a partnership with the Connecticut Health I-Team ( www.c-hit.org ). Contributed photo / Connecticut State Police State police charged a Windsor Locks man Saturday with stealing a car and drug possession after stopping him on Interstate-84 west in Danbury near Exit 6, police said. Police said Christopher Taylor, 36 of Copper Drive in Windsor Locks, was stopped after his car registered a stolen vehicle hit on a license plate reader. Police confirmed that the car was stolen from Denver, Colo. In 2011, amid growing concern about bullying, the state legislature passed a law defining the term and requiring schools to record verified acts in a publicly accessible log. A review of logs kept in several area schools suggest that bullying is rarely a problem in greater Danbury, and statewide figures show a steady decline in verified incidents over the last three years. According to the Connecticut Department of Education, the number of bullying incidents decreased from 1,453 in 2012-13, to 1,296 the next year and 857 in 2014-15, the most recent data available. In some 50 school districts there were no verified cases last year, and in more than 70 others, including New Milford, Bethel, New Fairfield and Region 9, there were five or fewer. More News Study: Parents want bullying policies to address weight But experts say those numbers dont paint a complete picture of the problem, because the law gives school administrators a good deal of latitude in determining what qualifies as bullying. Incidents that some might consider as bullying others might consider as minor or isolated incidents of harassment, quickly quelled with disciplinary action before they escalate to bullying. The 2011 law defined bullying in more than 200 words. The short definition is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, oral, electronic communication or physical act directed at or referring to another student attending school in the same school district that either causes physical or emotional harm, puts the student in fear of being harmed or disrupts their learning. More Information Reported incidents of bullying Bethel: <5 Brookfield: 6 Danbury: 8 New Fairfield: <5 New Milford: <5 Newtown: 6 Region 9: <5 Ridgefield: 7 Source: Connecticut Department of Education, 2014-15 Reported bullying incidents 2014-15 See More Collapse Joanne Frieberg, the states school climate specialist, said that even though most districts have nearly identical bullying policies, different interpretations of the law can influence what makes the books and what doesnt. She added that many parents feel their child is being bullied, even though the act in question fails to reach the standard for recording it in the log. A lot is left in district hands to determine, Freiberg said. Behavior that gets labeled bullying can range from being stared at to being intentionally touched. To label something bullying is a really hard thing to swallow. Added Charlie Manos, the director of special services at Brookfield School District: What the numbers dont necessarily tell is when theres been an investigation or allegation, he said. Clearly there was a problem, but the problem might not rise to the level of bullying. State Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton, the ranking member on the Senate Education Committee, said the definition was carefully crafted, but she acknowledged there is a discrepancy between what constituents view as bullying and the criteria considered by school officials. There are perceptions of what bullying is and what it is not, Boucher said. I have family members that are teachers and are always breaking up fights or shoving, but thats not really considered bullying. Kids are going to normally pick on other kids, she added. But its different if its repetitive to the point where this childs environment or educational capacity is being hampered; that definitely rises to the point of a bullying situation. However bullying is defined, officials say the increased attention to it has had a noticeable effect on school climate. Manos said the growing body of research about the dangers of bullying has turned the adage on its head: People believed that Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me, but we dont subscribe to that any more. Now that seems foreign, that wed think that way. Many school districts have brought lessons on socio-emotional health into classrooms alongside more traditional subjects such as math, science, English and history. One example, said New Fairfield Assistant Superintendent Jason McKinnon, is The Wingman program, in which middle-school students develop lesson plans and teach their peers about such topics as the importance of developing empathy and trust and the perils of spreading gossip. All these positive-behavior approaches encourage students to come forward, to support each other, to protect each other, to look out for one another, McKinnon said. Yet there is little doubt that bullying and other mean-spirited incidents still occur inside and outside of the school halls. The logs kept at each school provide only a glimpse of this. They lack specific details or narratives that might identify the bully or the victim. Nor do they show the number of bullying complaints that were investigated and found not to satisfy the states guidelines. McKinnon said there is a rigorous investigation when school officials receive a complaint about bullying. But even if the evidence is not consistent with the definition of bullying, that does not mean students arent held responsible. Whether its bullying or not bullying, there still may be a student consequence, McKinnon said. McKinnon added that investigations often force administrators to play referee between two sets of parents. The parent who makes the complaint often believes that something that happened is bullying, he said. However, if youre having a conversation with the other parent or the other family, theyre going to say, This is not bullying, so our job is to be fair and honest and to communicate openly with both families about what we think happened based on our policies and definition of bullying. At Scotts Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield, administrators have recorded no incidents of bullying, but Assistant Principal Lisa Frese said that is partly because behavior that could end in bullying is stopped before reaching that level. To qualify as bullying, she said, the behavior has to escalate or be repeated, which is rare. The students here are not used to getting in trouble, Frese said. So when a teacher or administrator intervenes, their behavior changes. The word bullying is so common that its misused. Its a serious offense. New Fairfield and Newtown schools each recorded just three acts of bullying this year. Bethel Middle School recorded eight. At Ridgefield High School, just one was recorded. In Danbury, the largest district in the area, there have been 16 recorded cases this year. Monitoring bullying outside of the school setting can prove difficult for parents trying to keep up with rapidly evolving social media, said Kristi Morris, PTO president at Brookfields Whisconier Middle School. We do as much as we can do, Morris said. But at the same time, its nearly impossible to keep up on everything. Staff Writers Nelson Oliveira, Katrina Koerting, Mackenzie Rigg and Rob Ryser contributed to this story. FORT MCMURRAY, AB, May 13, 2016 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Japan to participate in the G7 Leaders' Summit on May 26 and 27 in Ise-Shima. Prior to the Leaders' Summit, and at the invitation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister Trudeau will participate in an official working visit from May 23-25. While in Japan, Prime Minister Trudeau will have an audience with the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and will meet with Prime Minister Abe to reaffirm the close and growing ties between Canada and Japan across a broad range of areas of cooperation. The Prime Minister will also meet with leaders in the automotive sector to discuss ways to further promote trade and investment between Canada and Japan, all of this in an effort to create good-paying jobs for Canadians, strengthen the middle class, and work towards clean and sustainable economic growth. During the G7 Leaders' Summit, Canada will reaffirm its new approach to global engagement. The Prime Minister will highlight Canada's resolve to work with its G7 partners on a number of key global issues, including the economy, trade, climate change, peace and security, development and women's empowerment, which will all contribute to advancing the government's priorities. Quotes "Japan is a long-standing and important partner for Canada. I look forward to meeting the Emperor and Empress of Japan. During my meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, we will explore ways to deepen Canadian and Japanese ties on many levels, including trade, investment, peace and security, culture, education, environment, and science, technology and innovation." - Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada "In this new era of Canada's international engagement, I look forward to meeting my G7 counterparts to bolster collaboration on shared domestic and global priorities and challenges, including our work to build inclusive and sustainable economies and societies that support a strong middle-class." - Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada SOURCE Prime Minister's Office For further information: PMO Media Relations: 613-957-5555; This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca By Olivier Ferret 14 May 2016 - 08:46 Three weeks after the first outing, Citroen Racing continued development of its 2017 World Rally Car in the south of Portugal. Faced with a variety of weather conditions, Kris Meeke and Stephane Lefebvre racked up the miles during four days of testing. After holding the first test in the south of France, Citroen Racing headed for Portugal and the Algarve for the second session of development testing for its 2017 World Rally Car. The team were treated to rain, hail, fog and even occasional sunshine as they worked on the new car. Before contesting Rally de Portugal with the Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team, Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle and Stephane Lefebvre/Gabin Moreau were busy behind the wheel of the prototype produced by the Versailles Technical Centre. We were actually quite pleased to have these variable conditions because they meant we could test different set-ups and assess how the bodywork stood up to being loaded with mud, explained Laurent Fregosi, Citroen Racings Technical Director. During the tests, we have several objectives. Obviously, we want to check the reliability of the various components. The mileage done by each part is noted down to make sure it tallies with the specifications. But our work is also focussed on looking for performance and driver comfort. After graduating in Engineering at INSA Lyon, Laurent Fregosi joined Citroen Racing in 1995, when the ZX Grand Raid dominated the Dakar Rally. He has therefore worked on every rally programme since the Xsara Kit-Car. Appointed Chief Engineer, Chassis, in 2005, Laurent took over from Xavier Mestelan-Pinon at the start of the year. Involved for over a year on the 2017 programme, the new Technical Director reflected on the origins of the car. Seeing our World Rally Car complete two long test sessions on demanding surfaces without encountering any major problems is very satisfying and just rewards for those who have been working on this project for over a year, emphasized Laurent Fregosi. As always, we began by drawing up a set of specifications, based on the FIA regulations and the Brands marketing goals. Once we had chosen the base model, we retrieved the CAD data in order to define the layout of the main components: engine, transmission, fuel tank, spare wheel, etc. The design of the roll cage stemmed from all these volumes as well as the regulatory position of the crew. Called on to produce the initial drawings, the design office then went to work on designing each part: The approach is always the same: design hard-wearing, light components, whilst implicitly looking to adjust and lower the centre of gravity. The crews, as well as the engineers and technicians that will be running the car, were asked to give their opinion. We still need, for example, to improve the removal of parts that are likely to be replaced in service. As ever, the work done factored in the experience acquired over the last twenty years or so at the highest level of world rallying. But we also added to our knowledge base by completing tests with a DS 3 WRC development mule, revealed Laurent Fregosi. Having reduced the pace of its development in 2014, we wanted to try out a few new solutions for the future. We used a Citroen C-Elysee WTCC engine, which meant the car immediately possessed the same power level as well see next year. We also tested the latest suspension systems. Once approved by the Computation Design Office, the drawings were handed over to the various workshops (transmission, suspension-steering-brakes, electronics, plastic components, etc.) to manufacture the parts and then fit the sub-assemblies. Packed into less than a month, the assembly of the first prototype involved the efforts of various teams: It was a critical moment because some components took a long time to manufacture. In the workshops, the technicians adopted a just-in-time approach, so that we would be ready on schedule. Although we have already completed two test sessions, weve only just begun the journey. Analysing the data and driver feedback helps us to develop the technical definition whilst selecting the most efficient solutions. As the same time, we are also preparing a second car, which will be shortly used for testing on tarmac. This iterative way of working which affects all areas, from the chassis to the engine, including the transmission and the aerodynamics will continue until we need to obtain homologation of the car for the 2017 Rallye Monte-Carlo. That point seems so far away, and yet itll be here before we know it! In January 2012, the former President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration made a decision to end fuel subsidy. A movement known as #Occup... Source: Nigerian Bulletin In January 2012, the former President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration made a decision to end fuel subsidy. A movement known as #OccupyNigeria was formed and thousands of Nigerians took to the streets to protest the government's decision. The #OccupyNigeria rally attracted popular oppositions from politicians [most of who are now in power], self-acclaimed human rights activists and celebrities.After series of protests, the Jonathan administration caved in to the pressure and settled for a partial subsidy removal that brought the petrol price up to N97 from N65 a litre, instead of the initial N141 it would have been at, had the subsidy been totally removed.On 12th May, 2016 the Muhammadu Buhari administration announced the removal of the subsidy for the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with immediate effect. So far, there has been no street protest just e-fights among Nigerians on Twitter, beatification of Goodluck Jonathan on Facebook and massive cheering from the majority of people who criticized fuel subsidy removal in 2012.Before he became President, he fiercely maintained that fuel subsidy ''does not exist'' but few days ago his government just removed a non-existent fuel.Former Education Minister Ezekwesili claims that 2016 is a better year to remove fuel subsidy than 2012 was. For her it's all about ''trust''.National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC believes that fuel subsidy removal in 2016 is a ''Necessary pain'' Nigerians have to endure.Even up until his Ministerial screening late last year, Nigeria's Minister of state for petroleum fiercely objected the removal of fuel subsidy. Today, he feels subsidy removal is important to ''sustain supply and reduce the suffering to get the product''.Kaduna state Governor. During the removal of fuel subsidy by the Jonathan administration, he protested saying it was about ''trust not economics'', today El-Rufai feels Nigerians should just stay ''calm and orderly''Human Rights activists and lawyer. He was part of the #OccupyNigeria protests. He has openly condemned the Buhari administration for removing fuel subsidy. He's yet to announce a date for fresh protest.Award-winning journalist and aide to President Buhari openly opposed the removal of fuel subsidy in 2012. He even went as far as likening former President Jonathan to Boko haram, in an opinion piece Ogunlesi wrote, ''Whats the difference between Boko Haram and GEJ? Boko Haram at least claims responsibility. GEJ gets PPPRA to do so on his behalf''. Today, Ogunlesi supports the removal of fuel subsidy by his boss. Just like Ezekwesili, he says it was more about ''trust'' than ''economics''.: Senator Melaye opposed fuel subsidy removal in 2012 and is still opposing it today. The flamboyant Senator is threatening to ''lead the mother of all protests'' if the policy is not reversed.Staunch critic of the Abacha regime and popular lawyer. He opposed fuel subsidy in 2012 and led mass protests to the World Bank in Washington DC. He regrets protesting against subsidy removal in 2012. He wrote, ''After making me dance in protest in 2012 before the World Bank and IMF in OPPOSITION, APC Scraps Petrol Subsidy! ''Vice President Yemi Osinbajo fiercely opposed subsidy removal in the past but today he's touring media houses to educate Nigerians on the ''cost implication of fuel subsidy removal''.Popular Nigerian author Sogunro is one of those who regrets protesting against subsidy removal in 2012. in his latest opinion piece ''My Dear President Buhari, Shame On You'' the writer said ''As I have suspected for a while, the unsolicited trekking I undertook from Yaba to Ojota to protest the 2012 subsidy removal is now just an intensive workout session. President Buhari and his team of economic wanksters have taken a leaf from Jonathan and his team of economic wanksters. Worse, the new economists in town have outdone Jonathans ambitions of N141/l; they have pushed the price up to N145/lin spite of Fasholas touted logic on falling crude oil prices. ''She was against the fuel subsidy removal in 2012 and while she has come out to express anger with the way the Buhari administration handled its own removal of feul subsidy, she has however excused her 2012 actions with, ''Yes l was against deregulation by a fantastically corrupt govt mismanaging resources at a time of high oil prices. ''Convener of Save Nigeria Group, SNG. Though he's yet to comment on the removal of subsidy which he strongly opposed in 2012, we know Bakare supports Buhari all the way. He has always said he will support Buhari in subsidy removal because ''the Save Nigeria Group did not mobilise the people of this country to the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, merely to protest the removal of the fuel subsidy but to challenge the corruption that defined the fuel subsidy regime.''After participating in the well-publicized #OccupyNigeria in 2012, some key actors have gone silent in the face of subsidy removal in 2016. Are they secretly planning other protests or cowering in their glaring hypocrisy? Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to the Nigerians, the labour unions an... Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to the Nigerians, the labour unions and other civil society groups to understand the situation that has led to the deregulation of fuel prices.Chief Odigie-Oyegun, who made the appeal yesterday at the partys National Secretariat in Abuja while speaking with journalists, said:The subsidy regime had become so intensely manipulated and abused that it was no longer operating in the interest of the Nigerian public.- The current the kind of queues that had become endemic over several regimes in Nigeria is a clear indication that something has gone seriously wrong with the subsidy regime.- Those who were privileged were exploiting it to amass more wealthHe said the new regime would ensure the availability of the fuel, prevent indecent queues at petrol stations that encouraged over pricing and free the economy when the laws of demand and supply were allowed to operate.He said he foresees a situation whereby the sky-rocketing prices of commodities and services would crash down in the next three months when the products are available, citing what happened in the telecommunication industry.The economy is in bad shape as a result of which our people are going through hard times. But unless we correct some of these chocked points within the economy, we will not revive as quickly as if should be, he warned. The ongoing Operation CRACKDOWN on Boko Haram by the Nigerian Troops in Sambisa Forest is yielding significant success according to the ... The ongoing Operation CRACKDOWN on Boko Haram by the Nigerian Troops in Sambisa Forest is yielding significant success according to the military.Its latest operation in the area has led to the arrest of one of the wanted terrorists leader, Suleiman Umaru.Acting Director Army Public Relations Col. Sani Usman disclosed the arrest in a statement. In continuation of Operation CRACKDOWN deep inside Sambisa forest, troops have arrested one of the declared wanted Boko Haram terrorists leaders, and also conducted patrols and clearance operations within the theatre of operations.At about 1.35pm yesterday troops of 143 Battalion arrested one Sulaiman Umaru, a suspected Boko Haram terrorists group member whose photograph is on the poster containing the photographs of the 100 Boko Haram terrorists declared wanted. He has since been moved to 28 Task Force Brigade Headquarters for further investigation, Usman statement.The statement also noted that troops of 21 Brigade engaged in a heavy battle with the terrorists along Dikwa-Maiduguri road where many of the terrorists were killed.Troops of 21 Brigade have continued with the clearance operations at Yerimari, while troops of 22 Task Force Brigade Garrison have also embarked on patrols along DikwaMafa-Maiduguri road. The patrol was aimed at picketing the road to keep it safe and open.Similarly, the same unit in conjunction with some elements of 112 Task Force Battalion conducted a fighting patrol along Dikwa-Gulumba Gana road. The team had a fierce fire fight with some Boko Haram terrorists elements in which the troops killed quite a number of the Boko Haram terrorists, it said.On a sad note however, Col. Usman informed that soldiers on routine patrol ran into some Improvised Explosive Devie(IED) which injured 7 soldiers and 4 Civilian JTF.The Statement said; Unfortunately, while on their way back, the team ran into an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Antul, a village south east of Dikwa, in which 7 soldiers and 4 Civilian JTF accompanying them sustained injuries. The injured soldiers and their civilian counterparts have been evacuated to 7 Division Hospital and Medical Services Maiduguri.However, the patrol killed 2 Boko Haram terrorists and recovered 2 AK-47 rifles from them.The patrol team had earlier intercepted 31 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), including women and children coming from Sunabaya, Gumule, Garno and Mane-Gana villages.During preliminary investigations along with the vigilantes, one of the IDPs, Abacha Bulama, a native of Mane-Gana village, was found to be in possession of the sum of One Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,900,000.00k).Although he claimed to be a businessman, his possession of such large amount of money arose suspicion.While Bulama has been detained for further investigation, other IDPs have been handed over to Dikwa IDP Camp Manager for screening and further humanitarian assistance.On their part, troops of 254 Task Force Battalion, 25 Task Force Brigade have moved to Ngalimeri and shelled Boko Haram terrorists hideouts at Budumairi, Goneri Baleni, Mallam Maitari, Malemiri and Gombori. Although there were no signs of the Boko Haram in the area as they have all fled, however, 35 persons were rescued, screened and rehabilitated at Damboa IDP camp. The troops also arrested 2 suspected Boko Haram terrorists with Dane Guns.In a related development, troops of 192 Battalion, 26 Task Force Brigade also carried out clearance operations at Guduf Buba, Yagwa, Gamude, Kwatara Kasa and Kwatara Tsakiya villages. It was observed that at Kwatara Tsakiya, the terrorists have neatly removed the roofing of the dispensary and other buildings possibly to cart away later.Apart of the formations and units mentioned above, quite a number of them have maintained blocking positions to prevent Boko Haram terrorists escaping from Operation CRACKDOWN and aerial bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force, while other troops carry out raids, cordon and searches in suspected Boko Haram terrorists hideouts.The statement also observed that humanitarian activities have increased in the theatre due to the improved security currently witnessed.Due to increased security, the theatre is witnessing increased humanitarian activities by various government and non-governmental agencies, the statement said. The body of a Nigerian medical student who has reportedly been missing for the past two weeks, has been found in Lake Michigan. The body of a Nigerian medical student who has reportedly been missing for the past two weeks, has been found in Lake Michigan.The reports reveal that the body of Ambrose Monye, 28, who had been a fourth-year medical student at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico, had been pulled out of Lake Michigan near Promontory Point Park on Sunday, May 8, 2016.Monye who had been on a two-year rotation at Jackson Park Hospital and Medical Centre in Chicago, had last been seen on April 21, 2016, walking towards the University of Chicago's John Crerar Library, a medical research library at 5730 S. Ellis Avenue.Reports reveal that family members had described Monyes disappearance as strange considering the fact that he had been preparing for his graduation in a few weeks.His younger brother, Joseph Ambrose, had revealed during an interview with Dateline NBC prior to Monye's discovery, that the lights in Monye's apartment had all been on, and the refrigerator fully stocked with groceries when the police had checked on him after he had been reported missing."Hes just four weeks from his goal. His tickets to graduation are already bought for the ceremony. He ordered his cap and gown and everything."I still have hope that my brother is out there, but its hard to be optimistic since its been so long.He frequents the coffee shops in the Hyde Park neighborhood.Chicago Police Department spokeswoman, Officer Laura Amezaga tells NewsOne On May 8, 2016, that a body had been discovered at 5400 S. Lake Shore Drive, adding that it had taken a few days before the body had been identified as that of Monye."He has been identified and now its a death investigation. Its an investigation to determine the cause of the death."Trainor reveals that it is unclear if there has been any foul play or any clear timing as to when Monye's body had entered the lake, but proof of foul play will turn the case into a homicide investigation. Mr Antony Blinken, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, on Friday described Nigeria as the leader of other countries in the fight against t... Mr Antony Blinken, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, on Friday described Nigeria as the leader of other countries in the fight against terrorism.Blinken, who hailed Nigerias anti-terrorism stance, spoke to State House Correspondents after a visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja on Friday.The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State is in Nigeria ahead of Saturdays Security Summit to be hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari.Now here we have this very important security summit that Nigeria is hosting, with countries around the world attending.This is an evidence of the strength of the Nigerian leadership, with the effort that the President and the Vice President are making to strengthen the economy, fight corruption and deal with the security challenges, he said.He further hailed the relationship between Nigeria and the U.S. since Buharis inauguration as Nigerias President.I was here just a little less than a year ago in preparation for President Buharis visit to Washington and since then we have seen the relationship between Nigeria and the U.S. grow deeper and stronger, he stated. A former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzo Kalu has accused current set of Nigerian governors of squandering their states funds on pe... A former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzo Kalu has accused current set of Nigerian governors of squandering their states funds on personal luxury, saying it was the main reason they cannot pay workers salaries in their respective states.Speaking against the backdrop of the recent demand for more funds by the governors to meet up with their statutory obligations, Kalu said that the demand was unnecessary, revealing that the States already have sufficient funds to function optimally.He hinted that the governors have the penchant of drawing a whooping sum of N35 million as traveling allowance, saying that unless they stopped tampering with the security vote for personal use, the states wouldnt see development. Kalu who spoke to State House Correspondents after a private meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinabjo at the presidential villa, Abuja on Friday however gave exceptions of some governors whom he said were fixing their states.He said: I think most of these governors are doing very well and some of them also are living in the euphoria of the office.You can see most of them who are very active, I dont need to count them for you. The issue of crying for fund, honestly, in my opinion, these governors have enough fund to work for their people because if you check, the money drawn as security vote is excessive.They should stop that. Unless they stop drawing on security vote they will not have enough fund to work with and most of them are living in absolute luxury, which is not their money that they worked out for. So it is impossible to continue living in this manner. Most of the governors are even living in Abuja now, they dont even live in their states, honestly.If you look at the books very well, in each trip they make, they will take travel allowance of N35 million, which is un-heard of. What are you going to do with that. So, how are we going to progress. Not all the governors. I have gone through Rivers, I see that Rivers is hitting the ground. I have gone through Adamawa and I see Adamawa is hitting the ground.I have gone through few more states, they are hitting the ground, they are working. I dont speak with sentiments. I dont speak for anybody. You can see those who are working and those who are not working. Let them sit down and do the job they are elected for. The former governor also added that the private sector had a role to play in national development if the government could create an enabling environment for them. Well, the private sector will also need government guarantees and access to credit. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Friday, said there would not be a timeframe to ending Boko Haram but a comprehensiv... The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Friday, said there would not be a timeframe to ending Boko Haram but a comprehensive approach to ending the insurgence was possible.Bliken stated this at a media roundtable ahead of the second regional security summit scheduled for May 14 in Abuja.The envoy said that rather than working toward a timeframe to end the insurgency, the summit would ensure that the underlined issues were addressed to gradually end it.He added that I dont want to put a timeframe on the defeat of Boko Haram but we are going to be more effective, apt and have a comprehensive approach.It may take time, for example, to stabilise communities freed from Boko Haram and to rebuild them; that is part of sustainable solutions which is going to prevent them from returning.This will help because if you defeat Boko Haram and you are not able to deal with the underlying problems, it may make some people to be extremists.The Nigerian government and regional governments have to deal with the immediate challenge and the underlying elements, not timeframe, he said.He expressed American Governments determination to tackle the insurgence in the Lake Chad Basin, noting that we are extremely vigilant about Boko Haram going for training in Libya and come back, we want to cut the existing connection.He said that Nigeria and the U.S. would together develop a comprehensive approach to ending the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin, stressing that what we are working on is truly a comprehensive approach to the challenge posed by Boko Haram.The military component is critical; it is necessary, but it is not sufficient.A comprehensive approach has to include taking care of people in their home communities with good governance, with access to actual resources and to jobs so that they are not susceptible to being pulled into extremism out of desperation.It has to include support, particularly for displaced persons, as well as refugees so that they too can have some basic livelihood.Blinken also expressed the determination of the AmeriacAn Government to ensure safe return of the Chibok school girls and other victims in the custody of Boko Haram. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby has said that there is no day he does not pray for Nigeria and for President Muhammadu Buhari. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby has said that there is no day he does not pray for Nigeria and for President Muhammadu Buhari.This came just as President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday paid him a visit at the Lambeth Palace in London.This came just as President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday paid him a visit at the Lambeth Palace in London.Recalled that it was the Archbishop who defended Buhari and Nigeria when the Prime Minister David Cameron said to the Queen of England in a private parley that Nigeria and Afghanistan, possibly the two most corrupt countries in the world.The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby in his defence said But this particular president (referring to Buhari) is actually not corrupt and that he Buhari is trying very hard to stamp out corruption in Nigeria.The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby on Archbishop of Canterbury face book page saidIt was a great honour to welcome the President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari to Lambeth Palace in London this morning.Its a rare day at Lambeth Palace when we do not pray for Nigeria, the largest country in Africa, which has a very large Anglican Church. We pray for President Buhari and for all those both in government and in opposition.We pray for the poor in Nigeria and for those who have suffered over the last number of years from the violence that has plagued the country, which President Buhari has been tackling so determinedly since he first took office.Nigeria is a country which has more promise, more opportunity, more potential than anywhere else that I know in many continents, not just in Africa. Its people are so intelligent, so full of energy, so full of commitment, that when Nigerians work together, the world not just Africa is affected by that beneficially.So we continue to pray for the potential and future of this land to be a place that has a profound effect for good on our world, and demonstrates what is possible to be achieved. CAMDEN -- They've got a ticket to ride. On Wednesday and Thursday, Rutgers University-Camden will graduate more than 1,400 students in four ceremonies at the BB&T Pavilion on the Camden Waterfront. But before that, about 300 Rutgers-Camden students will take their own personal trains early Sunday to New Brunswick for President Obama's keynote commencement speech. What's more, the River Line train that will pick them up in Camden will be festooned in Rutgers colors and slogans. The students will then transfer to their own NJ Transit train in Trenton for the second half of the trip. The ride will be free, thanks to an agreement between the university and transit officials. There won't be a dedicated train home, but free tickets will be offered to the students. "The announcement came out three days before our university president was scheduled to visit for a student leader meeting," said Mary Beth Daisey, vice chancellor of student affairs at Rutgers-Camden. "Of course our students wanted to know if they could attend. The NJ Transit police and other officials met with us and they were all very kind. They were terrific to work with." The Camden students won't be donning their caps and gowns, bringing guests or receiving their diplomas at the New Brunswick ceremony. They'll simply be listening to the speech like any other spectators. Although some New Brunswick students expressed displeasure that graduates from the Camden and Newark campuses were invited, two Camden grads who spoke to NJ Advance Media had nothing but positive things to say. Evin Robinson, a graduating business major, has wanted to see Obama in person since he was first elected. Robinson, a former Marine, originally hails from Mississippi, but ended his military career in New Jersey. He wanted to stay in the area, so Rutgers-Camden seemed like an obvious choice. He will start graduate school this summer. "I'm looking forward to the whole experience," said Robinson. "I've seen [Obama] visiting around the area but I've never had the opportunity to go. So I feel privileged to be able to go now. It makes it a little more real -- it doesn't feel real yet that I'm graduating, but going to see the president speak and taking a special train, that feels good." Samantha Muller, a dual applied anthropology and history major as well as a mother of five, first started college 20 years ago. "I'm pleased with the administration's decision to allow students from other campuses," she said. "If we are one school, as we're often told, then we are one student body." She doesn't agree with Obama's politics, but says she's happy to hear a sitting president speak. "My president has a message for me and my fellow future alums, so I want to be there to hear what he has to say," Muller said. "After leading our country for the past eight years I am sure he has some wisdom and experiences to share that I can learn from. I can admire the man and not agree with him. If after 20 years Barack Hussein Obama wants to congratulate me, I'll take it." Andy Polhamus may be reached at apolhamus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajpolhamus. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 403 Forbidden 403 Forbidden Code: AccessDenied Message: Access Denied RequestId: 5C3D3C998296C1E3 HostId: ImiImm8+z3IHn24VdVj8mDpVLYdd1nTqDon2iiteYwgN8G6/Gddfx3OSxRJcb9YWjmpYjOqJlgc= An Error Occurred While Attempting to Retrieve a Custom Error Document Code: AccessDenied Message: Access Denied MAURICE RIVER TOWNSHIP -- Two Bridgeton High School students were killed and two others were seriously injured in an early-morning crash in the township on Saturday, just hours after three of them celebrated at the school's senior prom. State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Flynn said the 17-year-old driver of a Chrysler PT Cruiser, Daisia Sulton, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred near milemarker 41.8 on Route 49 at about 3:45 a.m. Another teen, 15-year-old Mikayla Mosley, also died in the crash. Passengers Jada Barriengo, 17, and Zyiah Stocks, 16, were seriously injured. Stocks is in critical condition, Flynn said, while Barriengo is listed as stable. Bridgeton School District Superintendent Thomasina Jones said three of the students attended the senior prom at the Centerton Country Club until 10 p.m., and she did not know where the students travelled to afterward. Flynn said the vehicle, headed west, crossed the center line at a curve in a road and struck a tree on the eastbound shoulder of the road. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The residents of the home located at the crash site told The Press of Atlantic City that they came outside after hearing their dogs bark to the sound of car doors and found the teens' vehicle against a tree with no brake marks on the roadway. One resident told the newspaper a group of teen boys in another vehicle had arrived at the scene and told the couple that the girls had been following the boys' vehicle on their way back from Ocean City, where they went following prom. News of the deaths came on the same day many students and staff attended the funeral for another Bridgeton High School student, 18-year-old Luz DeLaCruz-Antonio, who died in a car crash in Salem County on April 29. "It's a traumatic time for all of us," said Jones. Crisis counselors will be at the high school on Monday to help both students and staff deal with the losses, as well as the knowledge two more students are hospitalized with critical injuries. "There are so many people on all fronts who have suffered a major loss," said Jones. "My heart goes out to all of the families, the two who lost their child and in the hospital fighting for their lives." She said the teens were well-liked by their peers and "people enjoyed being around them." Posts on social media mourned the loss of the students after what was supposed to be a joyous event. Bridgeton is just in tearss. RIP to the girls who last night had the great time of their lives @ prom to be left in memories selena (@sele_ox) May 14, 2016 R.I.P to these 2 beautiful young ladies who were killed in a car crash last night after Prom pic.twitter.com/PGV5TZJfsH GLLTTTT (@SpvzzINK) May 14, 2016 Jones said the recent losses have reminded her, the mother of a 17-year-old son, how precious and fragile life is. "Anytime he goes out, I don't care if he's going to the Wawa, you still think about those things," said Jones. "You just hold your kids a little closer when these things happen." Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Most wanted.jpg Chelsea Fogg and Samuel Carter (Submitted photos) BRIDGETON -- The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office would like your help in finding two of their most-wanted fugitives. Chelsea V. Fogg, 24, is being sought on two Superior Court of New Jersey Family Court warrants for failing to pay $15,902.52 in child support payments. Fogg is described as a white female, 5 feet 2 inches tall, 140 pounds, with green eyes and auburn hair. She has a tattoo on her left wrist of a music symbol and a tattoo on her upper left arm of a Nautical Star. Her last known address was East Central Avenue in Blackwood. Samuel L. Carter, 22, is being sought on two Superior Court of New Jersey Family Court warrants for failure to appear. Carter is described as a black male, 5 feet 4 inches tall, 135 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He has a tattoo on his right arm "DARMARIS" and a tattoo on his left arm "JOANE." His last known address was Vine Road in Millville. Sheriff Robert A. Austino asks anyone who comes in contact with these individuals to call the police immediately. You should contact state or local police, or the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department TIP-LINE at 856-451-0625. If you know the whereabouts of this individual, share this information anonymously by downloading the CCPOTIP App at the Android or iPhone Store and choosing Cumberland County Sheriff's Department, submitting an anonymous tip via text to 847411 with CCSONJ and your tip in the message line or going to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Facebook page and clicking "submit a tip" and submitting a tip to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department. Citizens are reminded not to approach, confront, or detain these fugitives. Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook. BRIDGETON -- A Somerset man was sentenced to 30 years in prison Friday for two 2013 killings -- a shooting and a stabbing. Andy Reyes (File photo) Andy Reyes, 20, of Somerset, plead guilty on March 28 to two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter. According to previous reports, the two deaths were connected to a statewide human-trafficking ring. Jose Ortiz, 24, of North Laurel Street, was shot on Aug. 16, 2013, on Bank Street. On Aug. 30, 2013, 32-year-old Eduardo Bernal was found stabbed in an apartment being used as a brothel near the intersection of Washington and North Pearl streets in Bridgeton. Reyes was initially charged with four other North Jersey individuals involved in the ring. According to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, Reyes and a co-defendant named Aris Tejada shot and killed Ortiz. Reyes was also involved in the robbery of Bernal. Judge Robert Malestein sentenced Reyes to 30 years in state prison. Per the No Early Release Act, he must serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. The investigation was conducted by the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, Bridgeton Police Department and Department of Homeland Security. Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook. washington_Twp_blood_drive Washington Township held a blood drive at its Central Administration building on Thursday, May 12, 2016. (Kelley Davis | For NJ.com) WASHINGTON TWP.-- With summer break approaching, the need for blood donations is growing. When schools let out each year, the American Red Cross loses its largest contributors-- high school and college students. To get ahead of the battle, the Washington Township Public Schools teamed with the Penn-Jersey region of the American Red Cross for an Annual Blood Drive on Thursday in the Eileen Abbot Central Administration Building in Sewell, New Jersey. Between noon and 5 p.m., the Red Cross reached its goal of collecting 37 blood units--enough to potentially help more than 111 patients. In addition to whole blood, the Red Cross also collected double-red cell donations, using a special machine to separate and collect two units of red cells during one session for donors who met the proper requirements. "The American Red Cross collects and processes approximately 40 percent of the nation's blood supply. While local hospital needs are met first, as a national blood system, the Red Cross has a unique ability to help ensure all hospital patients throughout the U.S. have the blood they need, when they need it," said Red Cross external communications manager, Beth Toll. "Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood," Toll said. The Red Cross provides blood for a variety of procedures ranging from organ transplants and trauma surgeries to cancer or sickle cell disease, she said. "The need for blood is constant," especially in the summer time said Gabrielle Johnson, team supervisor of the Red Cross. Students' absence from schools causes the supply "to be a little short in the summer, so we definitely need more people to come out during this time to give blood," Johnson said. Donating blood "is important because it saves lives. Every pint could help three people and you never know when you might need blood. So it's very important for people to give blood whenever they can if they're able to," said Johnson. Blood donor and Whitman Elementary teacher, Susan Andreas, found her 16-year-old son, Kevin, in desperate need of blood last May after doctors diagnosed him with a cancerous brain tumor. While hospitalized, "Kevin received platelets seven times and I want to pay it forward because if it wasn't for the generosity of the strangers who had given blood, he would have been in bad shape," Andreas said. "So I do this for other people who need the same thing--other moms who are sitting there worried about their children, husbands, wives, grandparents." "Right now there is an emergency need for platelets," said Donor Collection Assistant Patricia Henderson. "We need three whole blood units to make one platelet donation," which can be given in a single sitting during an appointment at a donor center, Henderson said. Platelets are often used for cancer patients undergoing surgery or chemotherapy. "We are always in need of blood," she said. For Army veteran Joe Kelly giving blood "goes back a long ways." Kelly's wife hemorrhaged during the birth of their first child, causing friends to donate blood. "Ever since then I've been giving blood-- for the past 50 years," he said. It's become a kind of family tradition for him and his daughter, MaryBeth Kelly who also donated. "It's just something we've always done," she said. "It's easy to do, it's helpful and important." The 78-year-old said "I don't do very much else any more so at least I can give blood. I think it's a good thing for people to do." "Giving blood means giving life. It's a great thing and I wish more people would sign up and think about the community and think about others," said donor and Washington Township High School Teacher, Andi Stott. Andreas asked for people who don't normally donate to "Just think twice because it can save someone's life," as it has helped save her son's. Joe Shwartz said since his retirement, volunteering for the Red Cross has kept him busy. Since the age of 16, Shwartz has donated more than 18-gallons of blood. He said the Red Cross blood drives provide an essential service that requires the help of the community. Shwartz said, "We need blood and the Red Cross needs ya." For more information about donating blood or to locate a donor center near you, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Velasquez.JPG Alexander Velasquez, 42, of Hamburg, PA, was arrested and charged with theft of service and tampering with public records, according to the Port Authority Police Department. (Photos courtesy of the Port Authority) A man from Hamburg, PA, was arrested yesterday afternoon near the Lincoln Tunnel, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Police observed Alexander Velasquez, 42, driving a 2013 blue Dodge Avenger near the New Jersey plaza of the Lincoln Tunnel around 3:30 p.m., according to Port Authority spokesman Joseph Pentangelo. Officers said they saw that Velasquez was dragging a cone that was stuck in the undercarriage of his car as he drove through the EZ Pass lane, according to the spokesman. The officer pulled over the vehicle and noticed that a white U.S. Postal Service priority mail sticker was obscuring part of the rear license plate, according to Pentangelo. Port Authority police said they noticed that a U.S. Postal Service priority mail sticker was obscuring part of the rear license plate of Velasquez's 2013 Dodge Avenger. The officer interviewed the driver and discovered that he did not have an EZ Pass, the spokesman said. A computer check revealed that the driver failed to pay the toll and had more than $250 in unpaid tolls, according to the spokesman. The vehicle was also uninsured, he added. The driver was placed under arrest and charged with theft of service and tampering with public records, according to Pentangelo. BAYONNE -- During a visit to a city school this week, Senate President Steve Sweeney and state Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham sounded off their support for increased state funding for full-day public preschool. The state senators joined local officials at a roundtable discussion on the topic at Mary J. Donohoe School on Wednesday to advocate for expanding those programs in Bayonne and other municipalities. "Early childhood education absolutely works. The brain develops between birth and 5 years old, 85 percent of your brain develops," Sweeney said. Cunningham, 31st District Assemblyman Nicholas Chiaravalloti, city Superintendent of Schools Patricia McGeehan, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, school board president Joseph Broderick and other officials took turns speaking in support of the same notion. The roundtable this week came two months after a related Senate bill (S997) cleared the Senate Education Committee. The proposed measure calls for $103 million for the expansion of full-day public preschool for up to 17 school districts including Bayonne's. The bill has since been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, and a companion bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Education Committee last month. Last October, Sweeney joined Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex), chair of the Senate Education Committee, in penning an editorial to The Star-Ledger on the same topic. "Decades of studies have demonstrated that children who enter school prepared enjoy higher academic achievement, are more likely to graduate and go to college, earn more money in their lifetimes and are less likely to rely on government services," the state senators wrote. McGeehan said today that the Bayonne school district has half-day preschool programs in all of its elementary schools but only two full-day programs, one of which will close next school year. The full-day programs aren't free; they currently cost families $425 per child per month, according to the superintendent. "What we need in Bayonne is to have full funding, to make pre-K all-day a dream come true for our children," McGeehan said during her opening remarks at Wednesday's event. At a school board meeting on Thursday, Bayonne resident Toni Napolitano expressed frustration about one of the city's full-day preschool programs closing. "It's upsetting to me," she said, addressing the board members. "You have people in Bayonne who pay their taxes and are also willing to pay for full-day pre-K. I just think that you guys are going in the wrong direction." McGeehan couldn't immediately provide comment late yesterday afternoon as to why that specific program had to be closed. Besides the Bayonne school district, the other districts named as priorities in the bill for preschool expansion aid are: Belleville Town, Carteret Borough, Cliffside Park Borough, Dover Town, Fairview Borough, Guttenberg Town, Hackensack City, Haledon Borough, Hillside Township, Pennsauken Township, Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional, Prospect Park Borough, Roselle Borough, Somers Point City, Ventnor City, and Woodbury City. Jonathan Lin may be reached at jlin@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @jlin_jj. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. BAYONNE -- Senate President Steve Sweeney and state Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) are "very close" to unveiling a plan that would change how money is allocated among New Jersey schools, Sweeney said this week. During an event at a Bayonne school on Wednesday, 31st District Assemblyman Nicholas Chiaravalloti asked Sweeney (D-Gloucester) to push for more state funding for the chronically underfunded Bayonne school district. In response, Sweeney said lawmakers "made mistakes with school funding formulas, but we are very close to coming and presenting something." Sweeney spokesman Richard McGrath later confirmed that Sweeney was referring to a potentially controversial bipartisan plan that he and Beck have been working on that they say would make school funding more equitable. When New Jersey established a new school funding formula in 2008, state lawmakers promised that no school district would lose money right away, NJ Advance Media reported. The concept, known as hold harmless, ensured that every school district received increased state aid in the first year before potentially seeing a decline in funding based on future enrollment and demographic changes, NJAM reported. But the hold harmless aid that was supposed to disappear in some districts is still being doled out today, even as other districts remain chronically underfunded based on the state's formula, NJAM reported. Sweeney and Beck told NJAM back in March that they had begun working on a plan to change how that money -- more than $500 million -- is allocated. The Senate President said at the time that the proposal will likely leave some school districts unhappy. "We are making sure that we get it right before we unveil it for one reason: It will be controversial," he told NJAM. "It will be fair, but you are going to have people, some happy, some unhappy." Bayonne has been reported to be one of the most underfunded districts in the state. According to state Department of Education data, Bayonne spent $15,344 per student in the 2012-13 school year, while the state average for spending per pupil was $18,891 that school year. Earlier this year, Bayonne School Board Business Administrator Leo Smith said that underfunding has continued to be a major problem, making it difficult for officials to put together budgets year after year. Sweeney said on Wednesday that the Bayonne school district would "receive millions upon millions of dollars" in increased funding from the state if the bipartisan plan comes to fruition. Under the plan, Sweeney said that figure would reach "close to $50 million," though a Senate aide added that such an increase -- which would double the amount of state aid the district currently gets -- would not happen overnight. "Such an increase would need to be phased in over a number of years because statewide it would cost $1.5 billion to fully fund the school funding formula and to go beyond that to eliminate the growth cap," the aide said. The state provided the Bayonne school district about $53.5 million in aid for the 2015-2016 school year and about $54.0 million in aid for 2016-2017, amounting to an overall increase of $491,774. The size of the district's budget for 2016-2017 is about $129 million. Under the state's current school funding formula, Bayonne has a 20 percent state aid growth cap, which made the district eligible to receive as much as $10.2 million in increased aid, according to the state Department of Education. The uncapped aid figure -- which is the "close to $50 million" figure Sweeney cited -- is $49.5 million in increased aid. Jonathan Lin may be reached at jlin@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @jlin_jj. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. The descendants of seaman Robert J. Hopkins, who helped save more than 100 passengers on the Titanic, gathered today at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City to dedicate a headstone finally placed at his grave. "Beyond the story of a ship, it is especially a story of people united by an event beyond anything they could have imagined," said Charles Haas, the president of the Titanic International Society. Hopkins joined the Titanic's crew in 1912 as an able-bodied seaman, and he was one of the few crew members who traveled every mile sailed by ship, according to Robert Bracken, the treasurer of the Titanic International Society. Hopkins and fireman Fred Barrrett were instrumental in cutting the falls to free lifeboat 13 before it was crushed by lifeboat 15, which was being lowered onto it from above, according to the Titanic International Society. By doing this, Hopkins was responsible for saving 130 lives on both boats, Bracken said. Bishop John W. Flesey of the Archdiocese of Newark, who blessed Hopkins' headstone, said he grew up just six blocks away from the cemetery in Jersey City. He recalled visiting his family's graves with his father every Memorial Day, and applied the lessons he learned then to today's events and Hopkins' family. "There's still a sense of sadness over loss," he said. Flesey said Hopkins' descendants should carry a sense of gratitude over what Robert he did and have a sense of obligation of being a part of his storied heritage. Many of Hopkins' grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present for the dedication, laying flowers at the new headstone and recalling their family's hero. "I had no idea there would be the turnout there was today," said grandson Robert Hopkins. He said he knew about his grandfather's story for a long time, but he didn't talk much about it. Virginia Hopkins, his granddaughter, said she knows a lot more about her grandfather's story now. "As a youngster, his name was not in any book," she said. "It's really a great honor to know what he did." "I'm surprised at the headstone," said grandson Brian Hopkins. "I didn't know it was going to be as beautiful as it is." Great-granddaughter Lynn Hopkins said it's nice knowing that her great-grandfather had the opportunity to save so many people. "We (the great grandkids) just made a joke that all of us probably did a middle school project on the Titanic at some point because of this story," she said. According to the Archdiocese of Newark and the Titanic International Society, Hopkins was a native of Belfast who immigrated to the United States in 1900 with his wife, Annie. They originally lived in Manhattan, where two sons were born. His wife died in 1904 and he returned his sons to family in Liverpool for their upbringing. He was living in Hoboken at the time of his service aboard Titanic and continued to live and work there until his death on Nov. 17, 1943 at age 74. His grave remained stoneless until this month, when the archdiocese and the Titanic International Society, with the assistance of his descendants, commissioned to place a headstone in his memory. After the dedication, members of the Titanic International Society paid tribute to the four other Titanic survivors buried in Holy Name -- Margaret Devaney O'Neill, Elizabeth Dowdell Fierer, Bridget McDermott Lynch and Thomas McCormack. LEBANON TWP. - Emergency crews were dispatched to Anthony Road shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday after two vehicles, a Mazda Miata and a Toyota Venea, collided head-on. Anthony Road was closed between Mt. Lebanon and Silker roads. Responding were township police, the township's fire and emergency medical service, Clinton Rescue Squad and Califon Rescue Squad. Califon Fire Department assisted with the road closure. No further information on the accident or injuries was available as of Saturday afternoon. UNION TWP. - An overnight tractor-trailer fire has closed the right and center lanes of westbound Interstate 78 west of exit 11 (Pattenburg Road) Saturday morning, according to the state Department of Transportation. The fire was first reported shortly before 3:30 a.m. and closed all westbound lanes of Interstate 78. Firefiighters were still on the scene at 6 a.m. and several tanker trucks had were called in to supply water to fight the blaze. As of 8 a.m. there are still delays of up to 2 miles reported in the area. Responding to this fire were firefighters from Pattenburg, Clinton, Bloomsbury, Annandale Hose Company in Clinton Township, Lebanon Borough, as well as the Pattenburg and Clinton rescue squads, the Hunterdon County Haz-Mat Team, the State Police and the Department of Transportation's Traffic Incident Management team. A 21-year-old Jersey City man has been charged with vehicular homicide in connection to a collision that fatally injured an 8-year-old boy on Bostwick Avenue in June last year. Shaquan Roe is charged with causing the death of Jermaine Woodward Jr. who was struck by a car on Bostwick Avenue between Martin Luther King Drive and Ocean Avenue at about 8 p.m. on June 28, 2015, officials said. The boy was rushed to Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health in critical condition and pronounced dead the next day. The boy's family told The Jersey Journal that Jermaine's arm, leg and pelvis were fractured. They said he underwent surgery but remained brain-dead. The charge against Roe is a second degree offense, and he will face five to 10 years in prison if convicted. When reached by phone yesterday, the boy's father said he was relieved that charges have been filed, but remains frustrated by the pace of the investigation. "It was a little relief off me ... justice has finally come," Jermaine Woodward Sr. said. "I'm glad that they finally locked him up but I don't think it should have took this long ... but it's no disrespect to the Jersey City police and the Sheriff's office." Since the fatal accident, the boy's family has repeatedly insisted that the 8-year-old was the victim of a hit-and-run and that he was struck while standing inside a bike lane. Frustrated that no arrests were made, Jermaine Woodward Sr. vented his discontent during a town hall meeting hosted by Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop in early February. The next day, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that it, was in fact, investigating the boy's death and that the case was pending presentation to the grand jury. The anguished father said yesterday that if he hadn't pushed for another investigation, perhaps no arrest would have been made. "We might have not gotten justice," he said. The father also noted that he and Roe share a mutual niece -- his brother had a child with Roe's sister. "I'm not talking about a kid that was a gang banger in the street," Jermaine Woodward Sr. said. "He wasn't like that -- he was an 8-year-old kid. President, a lawyer -- he could have been anything he wanted to be." Roe made his first court appearance on the charge in Central Judicial Processing court in Jersey City yesterday afternoon via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny. At the hearing, Hudson County Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale set Roe's bail at $100,000 with a 10 percent cash option. Also at the hearing, defense attorney Frank Gonzalez entered a not guilty plea on Roe's behalf. No family members of the victim or defendant attended the hearing. The case against Roe was presented to the grand jury on April 26 and his indictment was signed by a judge on Tuesday. A warrant was then issued for his arrest. Journal City Editor Patrick Villanova contributed to this report. HAMILTON - Police are searching for a middle-aged woman suspected of robbing two TD Banks with a note this weekend. (Hamilton Police) Officers responded to the first bank on 1130 Whitehorse-Hamilton Road around 6:30 p.m. Friday. Bank employees told police a 50-60-year-old woman came into the bank wearing all black clothes and a scarf on her head. The woman handed a note to a teller, demanding money, police said. She then put the cash in her bright green handbag and fled the bank on foot. The woman didn't seem to have a weapon, according to police. The next morning, it happened again. Police were called to a TD Bank on 3470 Quakerbridge Road for another robbery. Employees there described the same scenario - a middle-aged woman with a scarf on her head demanding money with a note, according to police. Though the woman fled the scene on foot in both cases, she may be operating a black Honda Sedan, according to police. A similar case was reported Friday morning in Willingboro Township. The suspect is described as a woman wearing black clothing and carrying a bright green handbag. She also robbed a bank in Willingboro with a note. Willingboro police said she looked around 40-50-years-old. Anyone with information on the cases can call Hamilton police at (609) 581-4030 or (609) 581-4010. Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook. TRENTON -- A New Jersey man who works for a private security company cannot get a permit to carry a handgun because of his driving record. An appeals court on Thursday upheld a lower court that found allowing Rahman Idlett to carry a weapon was "against the interest of the public health, safety and welfare" even though Perth Amboy police said he could. The judge found Idlett's license was suspended 15 times in the 15 years that he's been driving. He received 16 speeding tickets, two careless driving citations and other charges. The judge found Idlett had "one of the worst driving records" the judge had ever seen. Idlett represented himself and did not dispute his driving record or explain how the court had erred. PISCATAWAY -- Rutgers University plans to close one of the major arteries on its Piscataway campus Saturday as the school prepares for a visit from President Barack Obama. Obama is scheduled to speak at the 12:30 p.m. ceremony at Rutgers' High Point Solutions Stadium on the Busch Campus in Piscataway under heavy security. Approximately 52,000 people, including 12,000 graduates on the field, are expected to pack the stadium. Road closures begin Saturday when Sutphen Road on the Busch Campus will close to all traffic except vehicles associated with commencement setup. Rutgers officials said the areas to avoid Sunday include: Exit 9 (River Road) on Route 287: The exit will be closed from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday. Vehicles should use Exit 8 instead, Rutgers officials said. Route 18: Avoid the highway in the vicinity of New Brunswick and Piscataway. It is the major feeder road into the Busch Campus. Raritan River bridges: The John Lynch Bridge and the Landing Lane Bridge will experience heavy traffic. Some graduates and guests will be walking over the Lynch Bridge, though foot traffic on the smaller Landing Lane Bridge is discouraged. Local roads: Heavy traffic is expected on local roads on and near the Rutgers campus, including College Avenue, George Street, River Road, Hoes Lane and Metlars Lane. The final day of the popular Greek Festival at St. George Greek Orthodox Church will be held at the same time as Sunday's commencement a few blocks away on River Road in Piscataway, further complicating traffic in the area. Rutgers students and guests, who need tickets to attend the commencement ceremony, will be able to take shuttle buses from New Brunswick and Piscataway to get to the stadium. Gates open at 8 a.m. for the 12:30 p.m. ceremony. The commencement is expected to conclude at 2 p.m. But, traffic will remain heavy in the area as convocations and other graduation ceremonies and receptions are held across Rutgers' Piscataway and New Brunswick campuses. HOLMDEL - More than 1,100 graduates received diplomas from Monmouth University on Friday afternoon, as the West Long Branch university held its annual spring commencement ceremony at PNC Bank Arts Center. The class included 722 bachelor's degree recipients, 325 master's degree recipients and three doctoral degree recipients. Monmouth University's President Paul Brown said this year's graduates had to deal with major transformation and change almost immediately into their college tenures. Less than two months after they arrived on campus as freshmen, Hurricane Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore and forced the university's campus to close. "As you graduate, I ask you carry with you the drive and tenacity that has marked your class," Brown said. "And I ask you to carry the bonds of mutual respect and compassion that you have demonstrated during your years at Monmouth." U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx delivered this year's commencement address. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Transportation, Foxx served as mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina from 2009 to 2013, as well as a trial attorney for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and staff counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary. Foxx told the graduates three stories from his life and his ancestry - which he tracked back to a 7-year-old girls who was sold on an auction block in North Carolina during the 1860's - to inspire them to set their own goals and then fight through adversity. "I wish for you graduates, in every important endeavor, that when you feel pushed against the wall of futility, then you find it within yourself to have the resilience and the strength and the stubbornness to accomplish things you never thought you could," Foxx said. "Right when resistance hits its peak is where you're most likely to break through." Henry Mercer, the chairman of Monmouth University's Board of Trustees encouraged the students to not let their college years be the best years of their lives. "I sincerely hope - and I believe - that the best years of your life begin right now," Mercer said. Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook. MIDDLETOWN - Friday marked the culmination of years of hard work for more than 2,000 students, as they graduated from Brookdale Community College during the college's 46th annual commencement ceremony on its Lincroft campus. The community college awarded 2,047 associate degrees during two commencement ceremonies on Friday to 2,041 students, with six students earning two degrees. The students hailed from 18 different counties and included 193 distinguished scholars and 34 students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. "Graduates, congratulations on a successful academic journey," Brookdale President Dr. Maureen Murphy said during the commencement. Bailey Falco, the student speaker during the morning commencement ceremony, argued against the belief that community colleges are not "real" colleges, saying it seemed like Brookdale taught her more about herself than any four-year school could have and without having to "waste thousands of dollars" in the process. "I am still accumulating more information and deciphering what it is exactly I want to do and who I want to be, but I definitely have a more defined path than before," she said. "Brookdale not only offered me the ability to learn, but truly think about what I was learning within the context of myself and the world." The morning commencement ceremony's guest speaker was Norma Hardy, a Neptune resident who serves as the chief of New Jersey aviation for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department (PAPD), for which she oversees Newark International and Teterboro airports. Hardy, who is the first African American woman to reach her rank in the PAPD, told the graduates if they work hard and believe in themselves that all things are possible. "You can make anything happen," said Hardy, who was awarded a medal of valor in 1993 for her heroic efforts following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. "Be brave, but not reckless. Be proud, yet humble. And as you walk your path, reach out your hand and bring someone along with you. Be a beacon in your community and an inspiration to your family." Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook. ROXBURY -- All charges against 16-year-old Thomas Rodriguez, who was accused of brandishing a gun and stealing a $1,200 bong and a $60 lighter from a local smoke shop in November, have been dismissed, according to a court order obtained by NJ Advance Media. Rodriguez was arrested days after Serenity Smoke Shop was robbed on Nov. 14 on charges of armed robbery, possession of a weapon, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, theft and terroristic threats. Nicholas Soranno, a former State Police captain who now works as a private investigator, and William Ware, the teen's defense attorney, told NJ Advance Media during interviews in March they believe Rodriguez was falsely accused and they know who actually robbed the smoke shop. They also said at the time Roxbury police and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office hadn't been interested in looking at any of their evidence. After NJ Advance Media published an article on the Rodriguez case in March, the court imposed a gag order barring counsel from discussing the case. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office declined to comment on the case Friday, saying no information would be released because the case involves a juvenile. Roxbury police said in November the smoke shop was robbed by a white male with a thin build wearing a gray hoodie and a black bandanna as a mask approached the cashier and raised his shirt to display a weapon tucked in his waistband. The thief demanded the keys for the display case, and the cashier turned them over to him. Then, as the robber removed an "Illadelph" bong and an "Illadelph" lighter from the case, the cashier activated the store's silent alarm and ran out the back door, police said. Police didn't identify the bong stolen by the alleged robber, but an employee told TAPintoRoxbury it was the Illadelph Gold Hura Coil. The bong and lighter stolen from the smoke shop haven't yet been recovered. Rodriguez lives with his family in the house next door to the smoke shop and was identified by one witness as the individual leaving the scene of the robbery, Ware and Soranno previously said. Rodriguez told NJ Advance Media earlier this year he was at a friend's house in the Landing section of the township on Saturday, Nov. 14 before coming home to hang out with his cousin. The teen said he was inside his home when tracking dogs with the Morris County Sheriff's Office went through his yard and his neighbors' yards. Rodriguez and his mother, Melissa, said no investigators ever knocked on their door on the night of the robbery. Rodriguez also said he was only in the smoke shop once -- about three to four years ago with his grandmother to pick up incense. As he's under the age of 19, he's not legally permitted to go in the shop without an adult present. Rodriguez was held in juvenile detention for nearly a month before he was released on house arrest in December and was only allowed to return to school in early March. The defense has said the witness' statement identifying Rodriguez appears inaccurate based on the surveillance video showing the robber still had a mask on when he exited the store with the bong and lighter. The robber turns away from the camera as he runs away, but it doesn't appear that he took off the mask as he fled into the darkness of an adjacent yard. The witness initially told police he was five feet away when the robber ran in front of him, but later modified his statement to say he was closer to 30 to 40 feet away. According to the defense, the witness was actually closer to 70 feet away and he only had two seconds at most to get a glimpse of the robber. The robber ran nearly perpendicular to the witness so the best glimpse he could have had was a profile, Soranno has said. The defense also said during interviews in March there were other significant issues in prosecution's case against Rodriguez: The robber was identified as white, but Rodriguez is Hispanic. The robber was between 5-foot-11 and 6-foot-2 in height; Rodriguez was 5-foot-8 at the time of his arrest Several individuals have offered alibis for Rodriguez, accounting for his whereabouts before he came home on Nov. 14 Discrepancies between the clothing retrieved from the Rodriguez home and the clothing worn by the robber A voluntary statement offered by Rodriguez's cousin to Roxbury police identifying another individual as the robber. An interview by Sorrano with a woman who admitted to serving as the getaway driver Soranno previously told NJ Advance Media his investigation also yielded the man he believes robbed the store along with the woman who served as his getaway driver. Facebook posts of the defense's robbery suspect show the purported robber tried to solicit a ride to the smoke shop days before the robbery, offering potential drivers either $100 or to "smoke you out." His Facebook photos also show him wearing shoes similar to those worn by the robber and brandishing what appears to be a firearm in one post. Ware said during a March interview he and Soranno were pushing hard on this case because they believe "this is all about exonerating an innocent kid." Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Its cool outside as the sun drops and families settle in for the night just as they do each day in the Pacific Northwest. At the dinner table, slight vibrations are felt and seen as drinks sway in their glasses -- a subtle sign of just another small tremor, one of hundreds that occur yearly in this region. Just as quickly as its dismissed by desensitized residents though, it shakes the ground again this time not so subtly. This is no small, normal tremor. Unbeknownst to the residents, the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a roughly 620 mile-long fault ranging from the U.S.-Canadian border down to Northern California, has now ruptured and with it comes a shift in the sea floor and a lifting of immense amounts of water soon to bear down on the heavily populated coast. The results of this event will be catastrophic as earthquakes and tsunamis combine to destroy buildings, homes and infrastructure and block avenues for first responders wanting to help. The three days worth of supplies emergency operations teams say to have on hand at all times is looking like it may not be enough. While this disaster isnt real and it, or ones like it, cant be predicted, they can be planned for. This scenario is only one of numerous potentially dangerous events emergency operations teams, first responders, and local, state and federal governments routinely plan and train for. As the combatant command (COCOM) responsible for the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command (NORAD and USNORTHCOM), have a vested interest in operations designed to protect this area of operations and the people included in it. From an overarching, strategic level, NORAD and USNORTHCOM members are familiar with planning and decision-making matrices, but what sometimes lacks is the ability to see what is happening across the command and day-to-day at the local, state and regional levels. This is a disconnect Navy Fleet Master Chief Terrence Molidor, the commands senior enlisted leader, plans to remedy. To accomplish this, nine senior enlisted members, including Molidor, travelled to Joint Base Lewis McChord in Tacoma, WA, from January 26 to 29 to gain insight to the daily workings at several agencies with which NORAD and USNORTHCOM may interact during a major incident or accident such as the Cascadia event. "This trip was to designed to increase the knowledge of command senior enlisted leaders on what happens outside the headquarters -- how the day-to-day, tactical missions are accomplished," said Molidor, whos been in the senior enlisted position for more than two years. While this group of senior leaders has intricate knowledge on what their directorate brings to any event as well as knowledge of the command mission from the headquarters perspective, they aren't normally privy to what happens daily in places such as WADS (Western Air Defense Sector), state emergency operations centers or tactical training Guard members perform." The biggest take-aways for several of the command's top enlisted was to see the extent of involvement the National Guard plays at the grass-roots levels of operations and the amount of responsibility granted to individuals. "It was eye-opening to see how much of a role (National) Guard members play in the overall NORAD and USNORTHCOM mission," said newest senior enlisted leader to the command, Chief Master Sgt. Marlene Hindman, USNORTHCOM J3 (Operations). "I also truly appreciated hearing the questions posed by the other SELs on the trip, all interested in how we can each better support our customers which, in a DSCA (defense support of civil authority) event, are the states." After watching how the National Guardsmen at WADS monitor all aircraft tracks from the Mississippi River across the country to the west coast, the team then met with leaders from both the Washington and Oregon National Guards. There they learned of the assets owned by each organization as well as how they interact with not just each other, but most of the first responders across their respective states. The Guard representatives spoke about past events they participated in, to include wildfires, for which 2015 was the worst in Washingtons history, and they touted their preparations, having more than 1,500 members trained and certified in wildfire firefighting in anticipation of the 2016 fire season. Rounding out their first day of briefings, they met with Washington Emergency Management leaders to see what that team brings to the DSCA fight and how they fit into the overall National Response Framework; the Department of Homeland Defenses overall national response plan for a multitude of potential natural and man-made disasters. We tell people to be self-sufficient for 72 hours, said T.J. Dargan, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region X representative. While we are good at what we do, there are going to be times when we just cant get to people in need. Our director, Craig Fugate, has a saying Go big, go fast, and what he means by that is for us to do all we can as fast as we can to help save lives and mitigate damages during a disaster. The need for supporting relationships helps all involved to do just what Director Fugate asks. Its not just local and state response that will assist in a major disaster such as the Cascadia event portrayed at the beginning of the article, but federal assets as well, to include naval forces, specifically those in the Navy Region Northwest area of operations. The SEL team learned about two assets that could fall under USNORTHCOMs operational guidance in a DSCA event, touring the nuclear submarine USS Pennsylvania and nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68). It was amazing to see the scale of response the Navy piece represents when it comes to DSCA missions, said Hindman. That, combined with the emergency operations centers preparation and plans for conducting operations is truly impressive. As a career command post Airman, I thought I had a good grasp on whats involved, but this was an eye-opening trip and I will definitely bring some lessons learned back to my directorate. While the assets owned by the Navy impressed the commands top enlisted, it was the people, and more specifically, the responsibility afforded those people that truly impressed them. It is eye-opening to see the commander, as the top authority of the nuclear submarine, being responsible for everyone on the boat as well as the possible launch of the worlds most feared weapons, said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Kutac, the commands commandant. It was great to see how much the officers of the boat depend on the enlisted corps to accomplish the mission and the amount of authority and respect chiefs are given as they run their sections. As the trip closed and the team travelled back to the airport, discussions of which agencies to see on the next trip ensued as the SELs plan to build on the information they gathered during the two days. I plan on doing more of these trips in the future, possibly two a year, said Molidor. It was absolutely worth it to travel here not just from my perspective, but I believe my fellow SELs achieved the level of learning we intended with this trip. The Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force visited Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, February 10-12, to meet with Airmen from nearby bases and tour North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody held two All Calls at Peterson to thank Airmen and noncommissioned officers from NORAD, USNORTHCOM, Peterson, Schriever AFB and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, and to answer their questions ranging from performance reports to retirement plans. He said he was impressed at the questions posed to him at both enlisted calls, citing his overall impression of todays enlisted corps. We have amazing men and women serving in our armed forces, said Cody. When I get to spend time with Airmen I see theyre dedicated, theyre proud, theyre motivated and theyre certainly very aware of whats going on in the geopolitical environment, the instability that exists around the globe, and their role in ensuring our nations security. After speaking with the enlisted corps, he met with the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Fleet Master Chief Terrence Molidor, and toured the commands operations center. This was a great visit, said Molidor, a 32-year Navy veteran and the commands top enlisted member. I spoke to him as I do each services senior enlisted and said what we need from the Air Force is to continue sending us quality Airmen. Also, as the senior enlisted for the command, if we have a service-related issue we cant address with my senior enlisted advisors, hes the one I go to in order to get the final word, so just getting another chance to meet with him was helpful. This isnt the first time the Air Forces top enlisted leader has been to the command. He said hes familiar with the unique mission sets of the command and the importance of defending the homeland. I certainly think 9-11 still weighs heavily on those who continue to serve, said Cody. Theres no lack of appreciation and understanding what those events signaled to our nation and how we have evolved from that time. I certainly believe our top leadership in Washington, D.C., clearly understands the importance of this command and what you do every day to secure our nation. He also gave thanks to the Canadian and interagency counterparts working shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. servicemembers, stopping to present recognition coins to four U.S. and one Canadian enlisted member for excellence. We cant do it without the partnership, Cody said. We all understand that. We have common interests here to be as effective and as responsive as absolutely necessary we need to be a team. Overall, Cody said todays enlisted force is the best trained, most educated and most experienced fighting force the world has ever known. They step up to the plate every single day to ensure the security of the nation and they will ensure the generations that follow in their footsteps are even better than them, said Cody, concluding, theyre just a dedicated great group of people and our nation should be extremely proud, and grateful they have the watch. It takes our entire joint team to be able to do that so we bring all our assets together our Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and our partners bring that all together. Create this team that can amass all these resources when needed to direct the defense of our homeland and if necessary, move forward. I think they are absolutely going to remain critical and likely as we continue to evolve as a force take on significantly different roles as they become more capable as we continue to develop the entire force, all branches, youll see us leverage that capability in different ways. Our Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines Coast Guardsmen and our partners that weve been developing forces with over time, theyre the best the world has ever known. They truly are, said the Air Forces top enlisted member. The evolution of our enlisted force, certainly over the three decades that Ive been in uniform, you truly cant even make a comparison from what it was to what it is today when you think about roles and responsibilities. JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCChord, Wash. -- The 92nd Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was celebrated by the Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) Canadian Detachment's annual RCAF Mess Dinner at the American Lake Conference Center April 15. The Canadian Detachment has been working side by side with the U.S. in building 852 at McChord Field as part of NORAD since its construction in mid 1950s. WADS is a joint, bi-national organization that ensures control over all U.S. airspace, conducts air defense and airborne counter-drug operations. Mess dinners are common to all military services and are formal occasions filled with pageantry, customs and traditions, according to Warrant Officer Richard Martin, Canadian Unit Warrant Officer. "During a multi-course dinner, toasts are proposed, music played and speeches, preferably brief, are given." The guest speaker, Lt. Gen. Pierre St. Amand, deputy commander for NORAD, upheld the brief speech tradition but did take the time to touch on the long history of the RCAF and he praised the long standing close relationship the U.S. and Canadian military have shared, specifically in NORAD and at the Western Air Defense Sector. PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson assumed command of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command from Navy Adm. Bill Gortney during a ceremony here today. The change of command ceremony was presided over by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter, and the Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Jonathan H. Vance. Also in attendance were the Canadian Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan; and the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr. NORAD is a bi-national command between the U.S. and Canada, while USNORTHCOM is the U.S. only geographic command for North America. The two commands have complementary missions and are co-located together in the headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo. Carter praised Gortney for his service, leadership and professionalism, and welcomed Robinson to her new post. As commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM, Admiral Bill Gortney has been instrumental in forging a stronger coordination and deeper connection with both our Mexican and Canadian neighbors, Carter said. Bill, as you transition from this command, you can take comfort in knowing that NORAD and USNORTHCOM are now in the hands of another proven strategic leader, warrior and diplomat, General Lori Robinson. The secretary noted that changes in the world continue to show the need for NORAD and USNORTHCOM to protect and defend North America. As a strategic thinker and joint force leader, General Robinson has proven her ability to manage complex operations with partners across theaters and domains; these abilities will serve our nation well as NORAD and USNORTHCOM continue their vital contributions in the counter-ISIL campaign and defense of our homelands. Sajjan remarked on the great partnership between Canada and the U.S. NORAD is certainly a shining example of two countries that can and continue to work together for mutual benefit, the Minister said. May history record, reflect and remember our unique partnership. As the new commander of two of the most complex commands in the world, Robinson spoke about the importance of homeland defense. The world is more dangerous, and North America is increasingly vulnerable to a vast array of evolving threats, threats in every domain we operate in, she said. Robinson also noted the importance of the various mission partners who are key to the success of the two commands. With linkages in our cultures, our prosperity and our security, the quality and scope of cooperation between the United States, Canada and Mexico is at an unprecedented high, she said. Undeniably the power and the strength of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command are derived from its sustained partnerships with joint, interagency and multinational organizations. Prior to departing from Colorado Springs, Colo., for retirement, Gortney took a moment to thank his family, the Navy and the local community for their support, and wished Robinson well in her new assignment. He had special words for his NORAD and NORTHCOM team. To all the members of NORAD and NORTHCOM, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines Coast Guardsmen, civilians, shipmates: I wish to thank each and every member of the NORAD and NORTHCOM team, and I want to really thank their families for the sacrifices and contributions each of them make. While we wear the cloth of our nation, it is the families that are the very stitching that hold that cloth together. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Community Its now easier than ever to connect and chat with others in your local area. You can connect with your community by asking general questions, give area updates and recommendations and even let your community know about local events that are taking place. Parramatta's Isaac De Gois and Beau Scott have both been cited for tripping, the only two players charged by the NRL match review committee from their side's loss to South Sydney on Friday night. While Scott does have one prior non-similar offence in the past two years that has added 20 per cent loading, both he and De Gois will escape suspension with an early guilty plea for their respective charges. De Gois also receives a discount for a previous good record. Parramatta have until midday on Tuesday to enter a plea. Earlier in Round 10, Dragons second-rower Joel Thompson was cited for his shot on Raiders five-eighth Blake Austin. MERRILLVILLE More than 60 construction companies won recognition at the 2016 CAF-NWIBRT Construction Awards banquet on Thursday at the Avalon Manor. Projects ranging from a $250 million power plant project to an uptown artist loft won recognition, as well as dozens of companies that excelled or innovated when it came to safety. The Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) focuses its awards on specific projects and the strength of individual companies with its Contractor of the Year and Project of the Year awards. Several of the projects recognized this year have the ability to almost completely revitalize communities and spur further development well into the future, according to Dewey Pearman, executive director of the Construction Advancement Foundation. This years event has brought together a collection of quite a few outstanding projects and accomplishments, Pearman said. These contractors continue to outdo themselves, and demonstrate continuous improvement." The Northwest Indiana Business Round Table (NWIBRT) recognizes companies' safety performance and commitment to protecting workers on job sites with its Owner Excellence in Leadership Award and others awards and recognition. Whats interesting to me is the fact that we often see companies learning from one anothers successes, and earning increased levels of recognition each year," said Don Bull, Northwest Indiana Business Round Table executive committee chairman. "The end result is a safer and more productive construction industry for the entire region. What could be better than that? The winners of the 2016 Project of the Year awards as designated by the Construction Advancement Foundation were: Maintenance/Service Work Project of the Year Walsh & Kelly, Inc. Project name: Meijer, Goshen, Indiana Industrial-Capital Project of the Year Graycor Inc. Project name: NIPSCO Unit 12 DFGD Project, Michigan City Commercial Project of the Year - Tonn & Blank Construction Project name: Artspace Uptown Artist Loft, Michigan City Public Works Project of the Year Berglund Construction Project name: Valparaiso Central Park Expansion, Valparaiso The winners of the 2016 Contractor of the Year awards as designated by the Construction Advancement Foundation were: Commercial Contractor of the Year Tonn & Blank Construction Industrial Contractor of the Year The Ross Group, Inc. Specialty Contractor of the Year Thatcher Foundations, Inc. Professional & Engineering Services Contractor of the Year Falk PLI Engineering & Surveying Highway Contractor of the Year Reith-Riley Construction Co. The winners of the 2016 Owner Excellence in Leadership Award for safety from the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable were: Owner Excellence in Leadership Award NIPSCO Cargill, Inc. The winners of the 2016 Innovation Awards for safety from the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable were: Thatcher Foundations, Inc. Solid Platforms, Inc. A full list of award winners can be seen at the Building Indiana Web site at buildingindiana.com Chief Executive Magazine, a trade publication for top corporate managers, ranked Indiana fifth in the nation in its yearly Best and Worst States for Doing Business. In the magazine's 12th annual survey of corporate executives, Indiana moved up from sixth nationally last year and finished first in the Midwest. Illinois ranked 48th in business climate. Though Illinois generally gets poor marks in such rankings, in reality it pulls in significantly more corporate investment than Indiana and attracts more high-profile projects when it comes to both industrial buildings and office space. Chief Executive Magazine noted Indianas income and population growth are sluggish, but praised the Hoosier state for its workforce, light regulation and low taxes. The magazine specifically pointed to Indianas corporate income tax rate, which has been cut a half percentage point for four straight years. Kelsey Vinzant is the William Henry Harrison Chapter, Daughters of The American Revolution winner of The DAR Good Citizen. As a part of the Good Citizen award Vinzant was required to write an essay with the Focus Question: Of our rights and freedoms, which one would you choose to celebrate and why? She is an active, involved, senior at Washington Twp. High School and the Daughter of Mark and Clara Vinzant. Among her many high school activities are Honor Society, Student Council, Hoosier Girls State, Spell Bowl, Power of Youth, and CISV (Childrens International Summer Villages). Vinzant also volunteers at the Porter regional hospital, uses her service skills for United Way, tutoring other students, and doing service projects with Student Council and Key Club. She will go to Indianapolis May 15 to participate in the State Honor Group competition for DAR Good Citizen. She is part of a group of 13 students chosen from 66 Good Citizens winners from around the State. INDIANAPOLIS The leader of a new state panel says it will be doing a deep analysis to recommend a replacement for Indianas unpopular ISTEP student exam. Nicole Fama, the principal of a charter-like Indianapolis school, was appointed by Republican Gov. Mike Pence as chairwoman of the 23-member committee. Other members include Democratic state schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz, legislators and educators from traditional public and charter schools. The panel will look at all options for a new standardized test starting with the 2017-18 school year, Fama told The Indianapolis Star (http://indy.st/1T60RbB ). The test is just too long, she said. So we want to look for a better option collectively. I think we want to do right by kids, and we want to do right by teachers. Committee members are expected to begin meeting this month, Fama said, with the deadline of recommending an alternative test to the General Assembly by December. Legislators created the panel during this years session after complaints from parents and educators over the ISTEP exam, which is now taken by students in grades 3-8 and 10. While Ritz has long called for student testing to be rethought, the idea to scrap the ISTEP did not gain currency until recent months with Pence and legislative Republicans, who have supported school accountability measures that use student scores on the test to determine school grades and help award teacher merit pay. Fama leads a school that the Indianapolis Public Schools this fall will convert to a setup similar to a charter school where it remains in the district but wont have to follow the districts collective bargaining agreement with the teachers union. Other committee members say theyre worried about deciding on test recommendations by the December deadline. Those members said they were open to Indiana moving toward an off-the-shelf test as opposed to writing its own standardized exam from scratch. They also want the test to mirror the types of skills that will eventually help students succeed in college admission tests, such as the SAT and ACT. I want to make sure we get it done right. I dont want to work for the next five months, six months, and say two years from now that we didnt quite get it right and we need to go back to the drawing board, said Scot Croner, superintendent of Blackford County Schools, who was appointed to the panel by Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma. GARY "They hit me again," Roger Hayward said on a recent morning, standing in front of an open door, a busted lock hanging off the frame. "They're broken. They're broken." He wasn't talking about the entryways to the home. He was referring to the people he says burglarized his property on the city's south side. Ironically, they're the same type of people he's trying to help. Hayward was turning the abandoned home into transitional housing for ex-offenders with mental illnesses. That was before, he reported, it was burglarized twice in less than a month. He estimates the property loss, which included furnaces, water heaters and windows, at $15,000. A Gary police spokeswoman said the department is investigating but doesn't have any leads. Hayward runs a nonprofit, It's Gary's Time, dedicated to assisting former inmates re-enter society. After helping bring a chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness to Gary recently, he and that group's local director, Amy Brinkley, decided to turn the home, which a bank had donated to his organization, into transitional housing. They planned to name it Paul's House of Restorative Justice, after Brinkley's brother, who committed suicide within days of being released from prison. They say they even had their first resident, a Vietnam veteran with a mental illness, lined up to move in. In a recent interview at the property, on a block full of boarded-up homes, Hayward seemed more frustrated with the system than the alleged suspects. "We're punishing symptoms," he said. "We should be treating causes." Hayward believes criminality is a mental illness, and if offenders don't receive mental health treatment while they're incarcerated they come out the same or worse than when they went in. "Someone needs to hold their hand, and it has to start before they're released," he said. "Otherwise, they're going to go to what works: survival." Hayward would know. The 59-year-old says he led a life of crime and drug abuse before a pastor friend inspired him to change. Despite the setbacks, Hayward doesn't plan to give up on the project. He intends to start rebuilding soon, once he raises funds to replace the stolen items. Nor does he plan to give up on people that society has largely turned its back on. People like the ones he says burglarized him. MERRILLVILLE The town has acquired property on 55th Avenue to tear down a dilapidated vacant home there. Council President Richard Hardaway said the structure at 122 W. 55th Ave. has long been an eyesore, and the boarded up building is disheartening to look at. He said Merrillville is seeking bids to raze the building. After the demolition is finished, the town try to sell the lot. Hardaway said the property was owned by a group in Colorado. He said the group initially indicated it wanted to charge Merrillville $4,000 to obtain the building. Hardaway said the town wouldn't agree to that, and the group later decided to donate it to the municipality. The council recently approved a resolution accepting the donation. Hardaway said he wants the demolition to occur as soon as possible, and the efforts to address the site will help to show residents the town is committed to removing blight. He said it's also important to improve that property because it's one of the first structures people see when they travel west on 55th Avenue from Broadway. CHESTERTON An Indiana State Police sergeant and others were taken to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries following a five-vehicle crash Friday afternoon on the Indiana Toll Road. Westbound traffic was backed up for miles hours after the crash at about 1:22 p.m. about 1 1/2 miles east of the Chesterton exit. According to a preliminary investigation by Trooper Luis Ruiz, a westbound 2014 Volvo semitrailer, driven by Gary McDonald 40, of Washington, Illinois, was in the right lane when he hit the rear of the car ahead of him. The box trailer, owned by Air-Land Transport Service out of Morton, Illinois, was loaded with 7,500 pounds of empty sacks and skids. According to police, McDonald said he glanced at his GPS, then mirror, and when he looked up traffic was at a standstill. McDonald reportedly tried to swerve, but hit the rear of a 2011 Ford Escape, driven by Britni Walter, 20, of Southfield, Michigan. Police said the collision caused the Escape to be pushed into the rear of a 2009 Ford Focus, driven by R. Scott Berkley, 61, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania. The second collision caused the Escape to go into the guardrail and roll over onto its drivers side, according to police. The Focus was pushed into the rear of a 2015 Freightliner semi pulling a tanker, loaded with liquid plastic. The semitrailer was owned by Schneider National out of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and driven by Shadon Hart, 53, of Baton Rouge, Lousiana. Police said after McDonalds semi hit the Ford Escape, it swerved to the left and hit some crash barrels before hitting the rear of a 2010 state police car, driven by Sgt. William Jones, 43, a 20-year veteran of the department. Jones was reportedly sitting facing westbound traffic in the cross over at the location with all his emergency lights on to warn motorists of slowed/stopped traffic caused by construction in the area. Jones, Walter, and a passenger in her vehicle, and Berkley and a passenger in his vehicle, were taken to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. Police said Hart and McDonald were not injured. McDonald was taken to Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso for a blood draw, which police said is standard procedure in this type of crash. He also reportedly was cited for unsafe lane movement and following too closely. All westbound traffic was temporarily diverted off at the U.S. 421 exit while reconstruction of the crash took place. The injured were transported, and the vehicles were removed. All lanes were reopened at about 3:45 p.m., although traffic remained backed up for hours longer. Marc Chase Editor Marc Chase is a veteran investigative reporter, columnist and editor of more than two decades. He currently leads The Times news staff as local news editor. He can be reached at 219-933-3327. Follow Marc Chase Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Meet Carlton Shafer: former LaPorte lawyer, graduate of one of the most prestigious military academies in the country and, to many of his contemporaries, a war hero. Many people today especially those living north of the Mason-Dixon Line may consider one truth about Shafer to be a glaring blemish on his record. You see, he also fought for an army seeking to preserve a perverse institution of man holding dominion over man. But his unique story is a reminder to all of us not to throw the historical baby out with the controversial bath water. One of the things setting Shafer apart from others in Northwest Indiana was the color of his uniform during America's bloodiest war. Many of you know I led a project during the previous four years to restore the headstones and honor the grave sites of hundreds of Northwest Indiana men who fought, and in some cases died, in the Civil War. It was all part of a special commemoration of the four-year war's 150th anniversary and our Region's rich contribution to the ranks of the Union Army. All of the men honored through our project wore the blue uniform, most following President Abraham Lincoln's call to preserve the union and ultimately end the scourge of slavery. But Carlton Shafer who hailed from Virginia, not Northwest Indiana during the Civil War wore the gray uniform of a cadet, serving in the Confederate Army. Today, he's one of the only known Confederate soldiers buried in a Northwest Indiana grave. Accounts of Shafer's service in military records show a teenage cadet who served bravely even if many believe his cause was misguided or unjust. Shafer attended the famed Virginia Military Institute even today known as the West Point of the south at a time of incredible historical significance. In 1861, in the wake of the war's first shots fired, Shafer and his fellow cadets mustered to Richmond, Virginia. Already trained in military tactics and discipline, the cadets helped train raw Confederate volunteers early in the war. They did so under the command of a man who likely would have taught some of Shafer's classes: then major and eventual Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. Jackson remains one of the Civil War's biggest icons today for his tactical genius and fighting ferocity during the war's early years before falling to accidental friendly fire of Confederate troops in 1863. Aside from his wartime participation, Shafer was contemporary at VMI to a host of historically linked classmates. Shafer commanded B Company of his fellow VMI cadets, among whom were George Lee, the nephew of eventual Confederate commanding Gen. Robert E. Lee; Thomas Jefferson, the great nephew of Founding Father and President Thomas Jefferson; and William Patton, the great uncle of famed World War II Gen. George S. Patton. But Shafer's biggest historical contribution as an individual came late in his VMI tenure. On May 15, 1864 152 years ago today Shafer found himself commanding fellow cadets in New Market, Virginia, facing off with Union forces superior in number. During the fighting, a gap opened in the depleted Confederate lines, and Shafer and his fellow cadets rushed in to fill it. The band of gray-clad teenagers took some of the harshest of the Union gunfire. Then suddenly and by most historical accounts, unexpectedly the cadets charged toward the uphill Union position. The muddy ground pulled the shoes off many of the cadets' feet, leading to its nickname, "The Field of Lost Shoes." The act inspired the older Confederate troops around them to rally and charge as well, and ultimately southern troops won the day. In the end, however, we all know the Confederates lost the war, with the surrender of all southern troops in spring 1865. Shafer would go on to become a respected citizen of the Union he once fought against, working first as a mathematics professor and then a lawyer and representative in the Maryland Legislature. He migrated to Northwest Indiana in the late 1800s, marrying Sara Louise Andrew, the daughter of a LaPorte doctor, and settled. Today, he's buried at Pine Lake Cemetery in LaPorte, where he died in 1906. We know much of Shafer's story thanks to Region native David Sutherland, now a Brownsburg, Indiana, attorney and 1969 graduate of Hobart High School. Sutherland also graduated from Virginia Military Institute, has served as president of the Indianapolis Civil War Round Table and became fascinated over the years with researching Shafer, largely because the two men had so many factors in common. Sutherland told me something last week that rings true not with the Civil War period, but with all recorded history. "There were heroes and rogues on both sides of the war," Sutherland said. It's an important message to remember in today's political and social landscape. In the past year, we've seen pushes throughout the south to remove Confederate monuments some even suggesting the relocation or removal of Confederate soldiers' graves. We've also seen an uptick in vandalism of such monuments and graves. Much of it followed the horrific shooting deaths of nine black parishioners in a Charleston, South Carolina, church by a deranged 21-year-old, twisted by hate into acts of domestic terror. But pushing to blot out all monuments of remembrance to the Confederacy goes too far. We can't scour the hideous stain of slavery from our nation's past by removing or desecrating monuments. And as Sutherland pointed out, there truly were "heroes and rogues" on both sides. Shafer reminds us some of the people on the other side were young cadets or soldiers not wealthy slave owners who merely believed they were defending their homelands. 43-year-old Iwona Pawliszun was found dead in the basement of a Bay Terrace home with her throat slit Saturday morning, according to police. Police said they don't yet have a suspect in custody. And it has yet to be determined if the laceration to the throat was self inflicted or not, a police spokesman said. Police received a call at 10:27 a.m. of a woman who was unresponsive at 148 Buffalo Street. She was found with a large laceration to her neck in the basement of the home, according to an NYPD spokeswoman. She was pronounced dead on arrival, the spokeswoman said. A law informant source said a family friend found a woman's body in the basement and police arrived to a very bloody scene. More than a dozen police detectives were at the Buffalo Street home on Saturday afternoon, as neighbors and onlookers mulled around the crime scene in shock. Neighbors said they heard sirens at about 10:30 a.m. Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. Financial regulators in New York are scrutinizing a revival in seller-financed deals for marketing inexpensive homes to lower-income people who cannot get a mortgage. The New York State Department of Financial Services on Friday subpoenaed four investment firms that either are involved with seller-financed deals or provide financing for such deals, said a person with direct knowledge of the matter but spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is preliminary. The firms receiving subpoenas from New York regulators are Battery Point Financial, New York Mortgage Trust, Apollo Residential Mortgage and an affiliated entity of Apollo Global Management, the person said. All four are in Manhattan. The nations top consumer regulator, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, recently began an informal inquiry into seller-financing arrangements, which are commonly referred to as contracts for deeds. The bureau has assigned two enforcement lawyers to research the seller-financing market and determine whether the terms of some deals violate federal truth-in-lending laws. A pregnant woman in Puerto Rico has become the first American whose fetus developed microcephaly because of a Zika infection acquired in the United States, the territorys health department said on Friday. Dr. Ana Rius, the islands health secretary, said the fetus, which was not carried to term, had developed a shrunken skull and calcified spots in the brain, suggesting inflammation and cell death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which confirmed the presence of the virus in brain tissue from the fetus, released a statement saying the case saddens and concerns us as it highlights the potential for additional cases and associated adverse pregnancy. The agency has estimated that 20 percent or more of the islands 3.5 million residents will become infected with Zika this year. Some fellow journalists called Mr. Lees reaction typical of his overstatements and said he had a persecution complex. But Mr. Lee claimed he was being kept from doing his work. He has difficulty getting into some events and must be escorted by a press office official in areas beyond those allowed by his new credentials, he said. The presence of a minder, he said, deters sources from speaking with him. Mr. Dujarric said the new status was not meant to, and did not, prevent Mr. Lee from entering any areas for reporting. Its not exactly the same access, Mr. Dujarric said, but if he has an issue, there is a staff of media liaisons to help him resolve the problem and get where he needs to go. The disciplinary action had nothing to do with Mr. Lees reporting, Mr. Dujarric said. Instead, it was his refusal to leave the room during the January meeting, which violated press guidelines, said Mr. Dujarric, who often must field Mr. Lees questions about press office issues as dozens of international journalists stand by, seeking updates on global issues. At some point, I might decide Ive had enough, if its just about him, said Mr. Dujarric, who did just that during a recent briefing, which began calmly enough, with correspondents asking for updates on stories about Congo, Gaza and Syria. Then, Mr. Lee raised his hand and began grilling Mr. Dujarric on corruption topics and how he was being treated by the agency. Exasperated, Mr. Dujarric walked out of the room. Much of Mr. Lees ire is directed at the United Nations Correspondents Association, the group to which most resident correspondents belong. Mr. Lee, a former board member, left the group in 2012 after running unsuccessfully for president against Giampaolo Pioli, an Italian journalist and the current president. For weeks, the accusation has lingered, muddying public discussions and giving a long-running political spat new bite: Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose fund-raising on behalf of Democratic candidates for the State Senate in 2014 is under investigation by state and federal authorities, has pointedly hinted that he believes that details of the inquiry were leaked to the press in the latest of many attempts by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to undercut him. The governors side has decided to swat back. In the first statements from the New York State Democratic Party since Mr. de Blasio began describing the episode as politically motivated, the state partys head, Basil A. Smikle Jr., suggested that Mr. de Blasios allegations were nothing more than a political smoke screen created by the mayor, arguing that there was good reason for various agencies to investigate the mayors fund-raising without an extra prod from state officials. To the extent that the mayor is asserting that the current investigation is politically motivated, that would imply that actions of the Manhattan D.A. and the U.S. attorney are politically motivated, said Mr. Smikle, the executive director of the state party, which was involved in the 2014 election effort and which Mr. Cuomo controls. It would also imply that the newspapers, editorial boards and good government groups that raised these very issues prior to any investigations are all politically motivated. William McKinley was president when Susannah Mushatt Jones was born in Alabama, just a few months before the turn of the 20th century. She lived through two world wars and the Great Depression, all before she retired in 1965, after decades of working in the homes of wealthy families. Yet as recently as a few weeks ago, Ms. Jones was still sticking to her breakfast routine: four strips of bacon, eggs, grits. She had lost her eyesight and she could not hear as well as she used to. Ms. Jones was 116 years old, the worlds oldest living person. Over the past two weeks, Ms. Joness health faded quickly, her relatives said. She stopped eating solid food, swapping the bacon, her favorite, for strained soups, and did not move from her bed. And on Thursday night, she died at the Vandalia Senior Center, a home operated by the New York City Housing Authority in East New York, Brooklyn, according to relatives and the Gerontology Research Group, which tracks supercentenarians, or people who have lived to 110 years old. Ms. Jones was the last living American who was verified to have been born before 1900, said Robert D. Young of the Gerontology Research Group. Mr. Young said that she held the title of worlds oldest living person since last summer. First of all, its insulting to every black person in America. As blacks we were born as we are. No choice involved. Transgenders have to make a conscious choice to become a transgender. There is no comparison. People say that Christians force their beliefs on others. Well, people who take these actions and measures are forcing their beliefs on those who dont agree. There is nothing wrong with a person who prefers to use the bathroom with people of the same gender by birth. Stop making it seem like it is. Thats judgmental and degrading. Loves Redemption in Washington, reacting to an article about the Obama administration telling public schools to allow transgender students to use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identities. Delbert L. Latta, who as a Republican congressman from Ohio was a major legislative advocate of President Ronald Reagans economic policies, died on Thursday in Bowling Green, Ohio. He was 96. His death was confirmed by Allison Poulios, a spokeswoman for Mr. Lattas son, Bob Latta, who represents the same Fifth Congressional District, in northwestern Ohio, that his father represented for 30 years. Delbert Latta, who was the top Republican on the House Budget Committee before he retired from Congress in 1989, was the author or co-sponsor of various pieces of legislation. He joined Representative Phil Gramm of Texas in writing the Gramm-Latta budget bill in 1981 and the Gramm-Latta Omnibus Reconciliation bill, which helped advance the Reagan administrations economic agenda. In the early 1970s, during the Watergate hearings, he was a member of the House Judiciary Committee. THE showdown between the Justice Department and North Carolina officials over a new state law restricting bathroom access for transgender people has brought a question into sharp relief: Does Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination because of sex, also prohibit discrimination because of gender identity? The Obama administration thinks so, as do several district and circuit courts. But North Carolina officials call that a baseless and blatant overreach and a radical reinterpretation of Title VII. They argue that the authors of the law did not have transgender people in mind when they wrote it. But that position not only misunderstands how legislative interpretation works, it also fails to grasp the historic complexities of Title VIIs sex provision. The provision has always been contested. Since we dont know much about why Congress enacted it, we have to look at how courts have interpreted it over the years and they have constantly expanded its meaning. In the original bill, Title VII prohibited on-the-job discrimination only on the basis of race, color, national origin and religion. But shortly before it passed the House, Representative Howard Smith of Virginia added sex perhaps as a poison pill, or to protect white women as well as black women. In any case, because the amendment was made during floor debate, we have almost no record of what representatives were thinking when they voted on it. The act of voting can be shamefully difficult in this country amid the crazy quilt of often-dysfunctional systems employed by the states and thousands of localities. The discouraging fact is, citizens in 17 states will find new voting restrictions in place this year obstacles that include stringent photo ID requirements, limits on early voting and unjust hurdles in the registration process. That is all the more reason to celebrate the positive, pro-voter measures quietly enacted in some states, most notably an electronic system of registering voters automatically when they visit motor vehicle departments. In the past 14 months, four states Oregon, California, West Virginia and Vermont have voted to put this innovative system in place, while 28 other states and the District of Columbia have been considering the idea, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. The best selling point for this breakthrough comes from Oregon, the pioneer in motor-voter registration, where the number of new voters has surged. This year, an average of 15,375 voters a month have joined the rolls after being automatically added, with the option to decline, at the motor vehicle office. Under the old system, in which people had to initiate the process, the monthly average was 3,955 in 2014 and 4,163 in 2012. INTERNATIONAL The byline and the first six paragraphs of an article about a study on whether women should be deacons in the Roman Catholic Church were omitted from some editions on Friday. The full article, by Elisabetta Povoledo and Laurie Goodstein, can be found at nytimes.com/world. An article in some editions on April 15 about what the Pentagon called the failed launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea misstated the name of a South Korean news agency that reported the launch. It is Yonhap, not Yonghap. NEW YORK An article on Friday about fund-raising efforts in 2014 for New York Senate races overstated what Basil A. Smikle Jr., a leader of the New York State Democratic Party, knew about allegations that a group led by Mayor Bill de Blasio used earmarked funds through local county committees. While he cited published reports of such allegations, Mr. Smikle did not know of such an effort. The article also misstated the circumstances of Joseph Percocos departure from the Cuomo administration to run the governors re-election campaign. He resigned from the administration; he did not take a leave of absence. The error also appeared in an article on Wednesday. BUSINESS DAY The Common Sense column on Friday, about insurance company losses on their hedge fund investments, misspelled the given name of a hedge fund manager who commented on the difficulty in making profits. He is Steven A. Cohen, not Stephen. The article also omitted part of the name of a drug company that was a favorite of hedge funds. It is Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, not Valeant International. And the article rendered incorrectly part of the name of a pension fund. It is the Illinois State Board of Investment, not the Illinois State Board of Investments. PHOENIX Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who made a name for himself as an unapologetic pursuer of unauthorized immigrants, was found in contempt of court here on Friday for willfully violating an order requiring his deputies to stop detaining Latinos based solely on the suspicion that they were in the country illegally. In a 162-page ruling, Judge G. Murray Snow of United States District Court found that the sheriff had ignored advice from top commanders and his own lawyer and persistently publicized the pursuit and arrests of unauthorized immigrants because he believed those actions benefited his re-election campaign in 2012. Mr. Arpaio, 83, who has said he will run for a seventh term in November, has about $8 million in his campaign war chest, most of it donations from out-of-state residents who champion his tactics of immigration enforcement. Judge Snow said Mr. Arpaio and three current and former aides at the Maricopa County sheriffs office had engaged in multiple acts of misconduct, dishonesty and bad faith as they continued to racially profile Latinos in traffic stops and workplace raids. Often, Latinos were turned over to federal immigration agencies even though they had not committed any state or federal crimes and even though the agencies had not formally asked the sheriffs office to do so. In his order, Judge Snow wrote that Mr. Arpaio and his aides Chief Deputy Jerry Sheridan, retired Chief Brian Sands and Lt. Joe Sousa have demonstrated a persistent disregard for the orders of the court, as well as an intention to violate and manipulate the laws and policies regulating their conduct. BOSTON A former admissions officer at Phillips Exeter Academy, a prestigious boarding school in New Hampshire, turned himself in to the Exeter police on Friday in connection with sexual assault charges stemming from the 1970s. Arthur Peekel, 74, who now lives in Palatine, Ill., was an admissions officer at Exeter from 1967 to 1974. The police said that between November and December 1973, he assaulted a prospective student at the school. It was the latest charge to emerge as a raft of private, independent schools across New England confront past allegations of sexual misconduct. In most of those cases, the statute of limitations ran out long ago, and few people have been charged. But Mr. Peekel left New Hampshire shortly after the reported encounters, which essentially stopped the clock on the statute of limitations, Chief William Shupe of the Exeter police said. 37213_chicago-ipra SCRIPT Sequence of police dash cam footage leading up to shooting of Laquan McDonald on Oct. 20, 2014 MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL (speech to city council) The problem is sometimes referred to as the Thin Blue Line. The problem is other times referred to as the code of silence. Title: Breaking the Code of Silence LORENZO DAVIS On the Laquan McDonald case, the officers in the car with the dash cam video that recorded the incident, one of them said that, I looked down, it was to shift the gear or something, so I did not see it. And then her partner, I think, said she didnt see it. // The officer who was supposed to be following Laquan McDonald on foot, like, had been behind him or close to it, and said he did not see it. Thats what you say when you dont want to be a witness against your partner, or you dont want to lie. Protest nat sound up LONG BEFORE THE RELEASE OF VIDEO SHOWING 17 YEAR OLD LAQUAN MCDONALD SHOT 16 TIMES BY A POLICE OFFICER, THE CITY OF CHICAGO WAS PLAGUED BY ALLEGATIONS OF RACISM AND USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE. B-roll Chicago flag, IPRA building IN 2007, TO HELP BUILD PUBLIC TRUST, THE CITY CREATED THE INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW AUTHORITY, OR IPRA, TO BETTER DISCIPLINE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN EXCESSIVE FORCE CASES. Davis describes police shooting of Flint Farmer in 2011 in West Englewood DAVIS You see three flashes while hes firing, three times into Mr. Farmers back. // Later said that he thought perhaps the cell phone was a gun. AFTER 23 YEARS AS A CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER, LORENZO DAVIS WORKED AS AN IPRA SUPERVISOR, INVESTIGATING POLICE SHOOTINGS. Could he have been in reasonable fear of his life? AND Carjacking Reasonable to assume offender has a weapon. AND YET IPRA HAS VERY RARELY FAULTED OFFICERS INVOLVED IN SHOOTINGS, EVEN WHEN THE PERSON SHOT WAS UNARMED AND RUNNING AWAY. DAVIS From 2007 till now there have been over 400 police filed shootings. // It does not stop. // Only recentlyhave two been found to be not justified. And both of those were off-duty shootings. Davis reenacting shooting of Cedrick Chatman; CU Detail shots his findings on Officer Stephen Fry DAVIS WAS FIRED FROM IPRA EARLIER THIS YEAR AFTER RECOMMENDING THAT THE OFFICER WHO SHOT CEDRICK CHATMAN IN 2011 BE FIRED FOR IMPROPER USE OF DEADLY FORCE. DAVIS SUPERVISOR POSTED HAND-WRITTEN NOTES CHALLENGING HIS FINDINGS: DAVIS I was the only one who refused to change my findings. Others gave into the pressure. They did not want to be fired. Its like, you know, when I was fired, I was made an example out of to the other supervisors. Detail shots of Davis findings in the Chatman case where his supervisor left notes questioning his work DAVIS WAS GIVEN A PERFORMANCE REVIEW JUST BEFORE HE WAS FIRED, STATING THAT HE REFUSED TO CHANGE HIS FINDINGS WHEN HIS SUPERIORS FELT POLICE SHOOTINGS WERE JUSTIFIED. DAVIS There is a culture there where the investigators and supervisors, for the most part feel that police officers always tell the truth, and that quite often that the complaintiffs embellish or do not tell the truth. DAVIS IS NOW SUING THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOR WRONGFUL TERMINATION. U.S. Attorney Generals announces DOJ investigation into possible pattern and practice violations by CPD, Dec. 7 LORETTA LYNCH The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into whether the Chicago Police Department.... WHEN THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED IT WOULD LOOK INTO POSSIBLE CIVIL RIGHTS ABUSES IN THE SHOOTING OF LAQUAN MCDONALD... Press following former head of IPRA, Scott Ando, out of Cook County courthouse SCOTT ANDO I dont know when I will have a comment.... ...MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL PROMPTLY FIRED IPRAS CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR, SCOTT ANDO. DAVIS The last chief administrator, Scott Ando // He did not want you to find any police officer had lied, because when you do that, you ruin the police officers career and the police officer will never be believed in court. // So, shooting cases that we sent to him he decided that he wanted the findings changed if they were not justified. Scott Ando in front of the courthouse, walking away from press REPORTER (off-cam) Are you guilty of protecting police officers from allegations of misconduct at IPRA? ANDO Absolutely not. I did my job fairly and objectively at all times. Dec. 7 presser where mayor introduces new head of IPRA RAHM EMANUEL With that I would like to introduce Sharon Fairley... THE NEW HEAD OF IPRA IS A FOMRER FEDERAL PROSECUTOR SHARON FAIRLEY I promise you, I bring no agenda other than the pursuit of integrity and transparency to the work that IPRA does. This is what our Chicago police brethren deserve and what Chicago citizens demand. DAVIS Now you have a new chief administrator. // She referred to police officers as her brethren. And that term bothered me in that...youre about to head an agency of civilians, not police officers. B-roll of protests in Chicago streets, The whole damn system is guilty as hell! DAVIS And, you know, you should feel some camaraderie with the citizens of Chicago, not with police officers. end it - OTTAWA After taking a helicopter tour of fire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Alberta, on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau credited firefighters for saving much of the city. An official count found that 2,432 buildings were destroyed and 500 were damaged. About 25,000 buildings are still standing but may have smoke damage. I dont think Canadians yet understand what happened here, Mr. Trudeau told firefighters and rescue workers after touring the city. They know there was a fire. Theyre beginning to hear the wonderful news that so much of the town was safe. They dont yet understand that this wasnt a fluke of wind or rain or luck, that this was the extraordinary response by people such as yourselves the work you did to save so much of this community. It was Mr. Trudeaus first visit to Fort McMurray since 88,000 people were forced to evacuate the area on May 3 when a wildfire, which continues to burn, swept into the city, which is the hub of Canadas oil sands region. MOSCOW Three senior editors at the media organization controlled by Mikhail Prokhorov, the Russian billionaire and Brooklyn Nets owner, left their jobs on Friday, apparently victims of the Kremlins ire for reporting too many details about the family and friends of President Vladimir V. Putin. The departure of the three editors from the RBC newspaper and news service was widely viewed as the death knell for one of Russias last independent papers and the latest ambush in the extended campaign by the Putin administration to exert control over all news reporting. Journalists in Moscow described the papers editorial line as virtually suicidal as it published stories related to Mr. Putin and problems at state-run sacred cows like Rosneft, the oil company, that no other media outlet dared touch. But those stories also made its website among the most popular newssites in Russia. The latest controversy erupted on Wednesday, when the paper published an article reporting that a man linked to the management of a giant Rococo palace believed to have been built for Mr. Putin along the Black Sea had been granted a concession to grow oysters and mussels nearby. If youve always dreamed of being Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank, now is your chance. Starting Monday, new rules will permit anyone, not just the moneyed, to risk $2,000 a year or more investing in small companies in exchange for a stake in the business. Companies can raise up to $1 million a year this way. This change, years in the making, represents an enormous shift, one that essentially permits anyone to become a venture capitalist with all the attendant risks of losing ones shirt on a company that fails. Until now, only accredited investors, meaning those with an annual income of at least $200,000 or a net worth of at least $1 million, have been permitted to take equity stakes in most private companies. The wealthy sharks of the ABC reality television series got to risk their money, while the rest of us watched the action from the couch. It is also an opportunity for start-ups and other small businesses, which can raise money with fairly few regulatory burdens. For instance, small companies seeking less than $500,000 and most first-time issuers will not need to provide audited financial statements, just unaudited ones. For the first time, ordinary Americans will be able to go online and invest in entrepreneurs that they believe in, President Obama said when he signed the bill into law that set these changes in motion. Tara Zoumer thought she had found her dream job when she was hired at WeWork, a $16 billion start-up that rents office space to young entrepreneurs. The walls were adorned with Pop Art. Neon light fixtures encouraged employees to Hustle harder, and there was beer on tap. It was like walking onto a set of a movie, Ms. Zoumer said. But shortly after she became an associate community manager in WeWorks office in Berkeley, Calif., reality set in. Ms. Zoumer said she was feeling pinched because her annual salary was only $42,000, a sum that, on some weeks, left her without money to ride the subway. She said she thought many of her duties leading tours for prospective tenants, tidying up, answering phones and changing the kegs were more suited to an hourly wage with a possibility for overtime. Ms. Zoumer tried to enlist colleagues to file what she hoped would be a class-action lawsuit to fight for overtime pay. But the company had instituted a policy that could force employees to ultimately resolve disputes through arbitration instead of the courts, which essentially shut down Ms. Zoumers lawsuit, since arbitration bars individuals from joining in a class action. WASHINGTON When Neetzan Zimmerman arrived at The Hill as its first director of audience development in January 2015, he found a publication largely unchanged since its heyday as a scrappy weekly for Washingtons deal makers. I dont know if struggling is the right word because that would imply they had been trying, and they really had not, he said recently, referring to the papers efforts to compete in a digital ecosystem. They did not have any reasons to think they needed to exist in any meaningful way in this world. It has been the job of Mr. Zimmerman, a former editor at Gawker and Whisper, the anonymous messaging app, to help change that. And the challenge is daunting. Capitol Hill publications like The Hill, Roll Call and National Journal were for decades a Beltway staple, strewn across desks on K Street and in Congress. With a captive audience and a strong advertising base, they were protected from broader economic forces and less concerned about competition from more nationally focused newspapers. Barbara Walters is retired, Oprah Winfrey is running a network and Megyn Kelly sees an opening. Its there for the taking right now, she said in a recent interview. And what is there for the taking? What those famous hosts had accomplished: conducting the sort of interviews that could transfix a nation. Those were the biggest spots to go for an interview if you had something you wanted to get off your chest, if you were in the middle of a scandal or a major news story and you wanted to do a long-form sit-down to get past it or to go on the record, she said. She quickly added: And Im here! Making the Oprah or Barbara Walters leap is a remarkably tricky business. Many have tried before, with daytime shows or prime-time specials, only to run into a wall and return to a more comfortable corner of television. And the interview special is a relic from a time on television when what was broadcast on the Big Four networks was what mattered most. Mr. Perez is also an atypical cabinet secretary. The son of first-generation immigrants from the Dominican Republic, he paid his way through Brown University by collecting trash and working in the cafeteria. He went on to study at Harvard Law School, then worked as a federal prosecutor in the Justice Departments civil rights division. While there, he led an interagency task force designed to improve conditions for low-wage workers. Mr. Perez has won elected office only once in 2002, when he took a seat on the Montgomery County Council in Maryland. In that role, he continued to campaign for vulnerable employees, opposing mergers likely to result in job cuts and fighting for better benefits for county workers. In 2007, he was appointed to run the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, where his efforts to help workers continued. And in 2009, President Obama appointed Mr. Perez assistant attorney general for civil rights, where he took on discrimination by police, discrimination in schools and onerous voter ID laws. Since becoming labor secretary in 2013, Mr. Perez has continued to be an advocate for underdogs, most recently issuing new rules to protect investors. At the same time, he has found a surprisingly receptive audience among companies that are taking preliminary steps to improve workers compensation, reduce pollution and promote well-being. After a career trying to move big business with a stick, Mr. Perez is now trying carrots. Hes the first labor secretary Im aware of that has gone beyond this us versus them mentality, Mr. Meyer, of Union Square Hospitality, said. Hes trying to set an example, and hes looking for businesses that are already embracing the very policies he wants to see others embrace. Mr. Perezs courting of chief executives also stems from a recognition that his department alone cant fix the problems bedeviling American workers. Thorny issues like wage stagnation, stingy vacation time, shoddy manufacturing and environmental degradation are so complex, so entrenched, that no one government agency can tackle them (not to mention the diminished influence of organized labor). Secretary Perez recognizes that to address these issues, he cant do it with the Labor Department alone, Mr. West, of Brookings, said. He has to encourage business people to step up to the plate. The need for candidates to raise large sums of money to run for office effectively screens out Republicans and Democrats whose views differ from those of the donor class, even if those views are popular with conservative or progressive voters. The only candidates able to break through the donor-class stranglehold on the political system tend to be those who do not need to raise money that way because they are movement icons like Bernie Sanders, self-financed billionaires like Ross Perot or Michael Bloomberg or celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Jesse Ventura. Donald Trump is two out of three. A 2016 Presidential Election Panel Survey by the RAND Corporation revealed that the single factor that best predicted voter support for Donald Trump among likely Republican voters was not income, education, race, gender or attitudes toward Muslim or illegal immigration, but agreement with the statement people like me dont have any say. What if these and other voters who feel powerless really are? Over the last few generations, for good reasons as well as bad, the number of policy outcomes that voters can actually influence through the ballot box has steadily declined. The Supreme Court has successively removed civil rights, reproductive rights and gay rights from the whims of tyrannical local or national majorities by constitutionalizing them, notwithstanding attempts by conservative legislatures to resist. Beginning with the New Deal, the economic safety net, once limited to state and local governments, has been largely nationalized. About a third of state spending today consists of federal grants-in-aid, including Medicaid and funding for education, transportation and community development. These grants-in-aid often come with strings attached, turning state and local governments into franchises of the federal government for some purposes, except on rare occasions when states rebel, as many states have done in the case of Obamacares Medicaid expansion. Within the federal government itself, much of what was once done by congressional legislation is now done by judicial decrees, agency rules or presidential executive orders. In many cases, Congress has abdicated its constitutional responsibilities, preferring to criticize rather than legislate. It is easier, for example, for members of Congress to attack executive orders on immigration than to reform immigration law. Another way to thwart majority rule is to transfer rule-making about domestic safety, privacy, health and the environment from national legislatures to unelected bodies like the secretive transnational committees that negotiate trade deals. Some of the deals also expose nations to lawsuits by corporations or individual investors who claim to be adversely affected by domestic laws or policies. You dont have to be a protectionist to believe that the delegation of national rule-making authority to unelected officials influenced by corporate representatives and nongovernmental organization staffers sacrifices too much popular sovereignty for what many would consider minor economic gains. IN 1903, New Yorkers executed an elephant on Coney Island, effectively torturing her to death. Accounts vary a bit, but it seems Topsy was a circus elephant who had been abused for years and then killed a man who had burned her on the trunk with a cigar. After her owners had no more use for her, Topsy was fed cyanide, electrocuted and then strangled with a winch. The Edison motion picture company made a film of it, Electrocuting an Elephant. So maybe there is an arc of moral progress. After many allegations of mistreatment of animals, Ringling Brothers this month retired its circus elephants, sending them off to a life of leisure in Florida. SeaWorld said this spring that it would stop breeding orcas and would invest millions of dollars in rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals. Meanwhile, Walmart responded to concerns for animal welfare by saying last month that it would shift toward cage-free eggs, following similar announcements by Costco, Dennys, Wendys, Safeway, Starbucks and McDonalds in the U.S. and Canada. This is a humane revolution, and Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, has been at the forefront of it. Alternately bullying companies to do better and cooperating with those that do so, he outlines his approach in an excellent new book, The Humane Economy. These corporate changes have vast impact: Walmart or McDonalds shapes the living conditions of more animals in a day than an animal shelter does in a decade. The legislation created four tiers of insurance bronze, silver, gold and platinum. The different levels represent the amount of medical costs a patient could expect their insurance to contribute: 60, 70, 80 or 90 percent. But within each tier there are dozens of plan designs that give buyers the choice of different premiums, deductibles and networks of doctors, among other things. And the options are different in each state. The A.C.A.s target audience included both low-earning Americans those too wealthy to qualify for Medicaid but too poor to afford commercial insurance and those who could not buy insurance through an employer, either because they were self-employed or because their jobs for small companies didnt offer coverage. The research thus far suggests that the differences between plans offered through the A.C.A. and those offered by employers may be quite significant. A study in the policy journal Health Affairs found that out-of-pocket prescription costs were twice as high in a typical silver plan the most popular choice as they were in the average employer offering. In research conducted with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Dr. Polsky found that 41 percent of silver plans offered a narrow or very narrow selection of doctors, meaning at best 25 percent of physicians in an area were included. The consulting firm Avalere Health found that exchange plans had 42 percent fewer cancer and cardiac specialists, compared with employer-provided coverage. Some of the problems may have been predictable. When designing the new plans, for-profit insurers naturally tended to exclude high-cost, high-end hospitals with whom they had little clout to negotiate discounts. That means, for example, that as of late last year none of the plans available in New York had Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in their network an absence that would be unacceptable to many New York-based employers buying policies for their employees. Another issue is out-of-state coverage, which many A.C.A. plans dont offer aside from emergencies, and which is routinely offered in policies from companies especially large ones with workers in more than one state. As a result, many parents who were excited that they would be able to keep their children on their policies until age 26 have discovered that this promise has gone unfulfilled. When Sara Hamilton of New York was shopping on the exchange for a plan to cover her and her two young-adult children who live in distant states she discovered that none of the plans covered doctor visits in those places. And when Simon F. Haeder of the University of Wisconsin and his colleagues studied the plans sold on the California exchange, they found that they included 34 percent fewer hospitals than those sold on the open market and tended to exclude the priciest medical centers, like Cedars Sinai, a highly regarded hospital that runs the largest heart-transplant program in the country. Plan size, of course, is not the only consideration. The research also showed that those limitations might not matter so much for patients health: The distance traveled and the quality of the providers was similar under both types of policies. He acknowledged, however, that Californias exchange, called Covered California, has higher standards for plans than others do, and those results may not be typical. When I asked if he had been chided by any Republicans for his Twitter feud with Elizabeth Warren, he replied, You mean Pocahontas? So much for reining it in. I noted that John Cornyn said he gave Trump some tips on how to discuss illegal immigration more sensitively to woo Hispanic voters. I love getting advice, Trump deadpanned. Its just what I need, just what I need is more advice. The 17 people I beat are still giving me advice. Trump also briefly saw Poppy Bushs guru, James Baker. I was more interested in asking him about Ronald and Nancy Reagan and the whole Reagan era than I was in terms of getting advice currently, Trump said. As usual in Trumpworld, there was good news. Trump enjoys the status that comes with a Secret Service code name: Mogul. Ryan was friendly, if noncommital; Lindsey Graham called to talk ISIS and Syria; nine House committee chairmen endorsed Trump; and a Quinnipiac poll popped up showing Trump effectively tied with Clinton in the swing states of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. It means Im going to win the election, Trump said. The man with no pollster mused, I think Ive increased the value of polls. And, as is usual in Trumpworld, there was swarming craziness and chaos. When ABC Newss George Stephanopoulos quizzed Trump about why he hasnt released his tax returns yet, pointing out that Richard Nixon released his while under audit, Trump shot back, Its none of your business. The candidate whos under fire for his own tone told me he was offended by Stephanopouloss tone. Trump said hes not afraid that people will find out hes not as rich as he says. Tax returns dont show that, he said. They would show, do I use Cayman Islands stuff? And the answer is no, I can tell you right now. Am I ensconced in some of the crazy countries where you keep money and avoid taxes? The answer is no, I dont do that. The Washington Post revived a story, with a new damning audio, about how Trump had masqueraded as his own publicist, named either John Barron or John Miller, to boast about himself back in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Trump admitted in court testimony in 1990 that he had used the name John Barron as an alias. Former Times editor Joe Sexton told me that he thought he interviewed Trump-as-Barron in 1985 while working as a sportswriter with UPI and chasing a story about the New Jersey Generals. The Post audio on John Miller contained classic Trumpisms like That I can tell you. CNN interviewed a forensic audio specialist who believed that Trump was posing as Miller. But Trump insisted to me that the Post recording was not his voice. Do you know how many people I have imitating my voice now? Its like everybody. Later this year, Fulbright University Vietnam will open in Ho Chi Minh City, offering an American model of education that stresses academic independence and innovation. The two sides are cooperating on biodiversity research, and Washington is helping Vietnam cope with the environmental and health damage caused by Agent Orange over much of the southern part of the country. On the military front, the two countries agreed last year to conduct joint operations between their navies and cooperate in global peacekeeping. America has provided boats, training and equipment to Vietnams Coast Guard to fight transnational crime and counter Chinas efforts to control most of the South China Sea. Vietnam is pushing for a total repeal of the wartime arms embargo, which Mr. Obama eased in 2014, on grounds that it is an unnecessary relic and that lifting it would improve trust and allow the country to better defend itself. Advocates for lifting the ban say the move would send a strong signal to China. Given Hanois authoritarian ways, though, this is not the time to lift the ban completely. The Communist Party controls all institutions in Vietnam, permits no free elections, holds over 100 political prisoners and has yet to meet its obligations under the new trade agreement to allow labor unions. On a visit to Hanoi last month, Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the government to release all political prisoners and made clear that Vietnam needs to expand rights and freedoms if it hopes to build a culture of entrepreneurship and enhance economic growth. Mr. Obama should reinforce those themes. A budget official in New Jersey recently told the Legislature that the states wealthiest resident had moved to Florida, taking a big chunk of future tax revenue with him. The main reaction was partisan glee, according to a report in The Times by Robert Frank. Here was proof, said several Republican lawmakers, that the states top income tax rate (8.97 percent) was too high and should be reduced. That was not surprising, since many Republican politicians see tax cuts as a cure-all. But it reveals how an anti-tax fixation can distort facts and, by extension, solutions to real problems. For starters, most families decide where to live based on work, family and lifestyle, not tax rates. New Jersey proves the point. Tax data show that more people who left the state in 2014 went to New York, which also has a high top rate, than to Florida, which has no income tax. Still, the Tax Policy Center has argued that the hedge fund billionaire who has reportedly left New Jersey, David Tepper, may indeed be motivated by taxes. The issue, though, is not just the states top income-tax rate, which he lived with for decades. THE rise of Donald Trump, and with him a white-identity politics more explicit than anything America has seen in decades, has created an interesting division on the political left over the question of what, if anything, liberal politics ought to offer to people who seem bigoted. On the one hand there are liberals determined to regard Trumpism as almost exclusively motivated by racial and cultural resentments, with few legitimate economic grievances complicating the morality play. From this perspective, the fact that Trumps G.O.P. has finally consolidated, say, a once-Democratic area like Appalachia is almost a welcome relief: At last all the white racists are safely in the other party, and we dont have to cater to them anymore. On the other hand, there are left-wingers who regard Trumps support among erstwhile Democrats as a sign that liberalism has badly failed some of its natural constituents, and who fear that a Democratic coalition that easily crushes Trump without much white working-class support will simply write off their struggles as no more than the backward and bigoted deserve. I like how the left-wing gadfly Fredrik deBoer framed this issue: What do you owe to people who are guilty of being wrong? Its a question for liberals all across the Western world to ponder, given the widening gulf between their increasingly cosmopolitan parties and an increasingly right-leaning native working class. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Missouri lawmakers have passed a sweeping expansion of gun rights in the state, one that would allow people to carry concealed guns without requiring permits and widen their right to stand and fight against perceived threats. The legislation, which now goes to Gov. Jay Nixon for his signature, was among the most prominent measures passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature on the final day of its annual session on Friday. Mr. Nixon, a Democrat, did not have an immediate comment on the bill. Under the measure, most people would be able to carry concealed guns, even if they have not completed the training currently required to obtain a permit. The legislation would also expand the states castle doctrine by allowing invited guests, such as babysitters, to use deadly force against intruders. It would also create a stand your ground right, meaning people would not have to retreat from danger in any place they are legally entitled to be present. President Obama inherited two wars from his predecessor, George W. Bush, and has struggled to wind them down. American troops are still in both Iraq and Afghanistan, but their missions have changed and there are far fewer troops in combat than at the heights of those wars a decade ago. Didnt Mr. Obama declare an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? Yes. Mr. Obama declared an end to the combat mission in Iraq in 2010, and the one in Afghanistan in 2014. But we still have thousands of troops in both countries. Why are the troops still there? Mr. Obama sent American forces back to Iraq in 2014 after the Islamic State seized wide stretches of territory there and was threatening to take Baghdad. In 2015, Mr. Obama, saying he continued to oppose the idea of an endless war, said he would keep thousands of troops in Afghanistan to continue to target remnants of Al Qaeda and to help Afghan forces defeat the Taliban. How many troops do we have in each country? The Pentagon will not say exactly. Military officials say there are roughly 5,000 troops in Iraq and 11,000 in Afghanistan. At the heights of those conflicts a decade ago, the United States had more than 150,000 troops in Iraq and 100,000 in Afghanistan. MEXICO CITY The worlds smallest porpoise, the vaquita, is slipping closer to extinction despite the Mexican Navys efforts to protect it and its habitat from illegal fishing, experts have warned. Only about 60 of the snub-nosed vaquitas are left in the northern reaches of the Gulf of California, said a panel of scientists that tracks threats to the marine mammals survival and recommends measures to save it. We are watching this precious native species disappear before our eyes, Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho, the chairman of the panel, said in a statement issued by the group on Friday. Demand for an organ from a large endangered fish called the totoaba, which swims in the same area, is driving the vaquitas disappearance. The totoabas swim bladder is dried, smuggled across the border to California and then shipped to China, where it is considered a delicacy and sells for as much as $10,000 per kilogram, or close to $5,000 a pound. NEW DELHI Two journalists in India were shot to death in separate attacks over the previous two days, the police said Saturday, raising questions about the safety of members of the news media in the country. One of the journalists, Rajdeo Ranjan, was riding his motorcycle Friday evening in the Siwan district of the state of Bihar when assailants, also on motorcycles, shot him multiple times, said Saurav Shah, the superintendent of police in Siwan. Mr. Ranjan, 45, was the bureau chief in the district for the Hindi newspaper Hindustan. On Thursday evening, Akhilesh Pratap Singh, a journalist for a television channel in the Chatra district of Jharkhand State, was shot to death by at least one assailant while riding his motorcycle, a police officer in the district said. The officer declined to give his name because he was not authorized to speak to the news media. The police detained two people in Siwan on Saturday in their investigation of the shooting of Mr. Ranjan, Mr. Shah said. He said the police were looking into the possibility that Mr. Ranjans reporting was the motive. COXS BAZAR, Bangladesh A Buddhist monk was found hacked to death in his temple on Saturday in a remote region of southeastern Bangladesh. The killing appeared to bear some similarities to recent attacks claimed by Islamist extremists, but the police said it was too soon to determine whether it was another such murder. The monk, Mong Shwe U Chak, 75, was found dead on the floor of the temple at 7 a.m. by his daughter-in-law, said Mizanur Rahman, the police superintendent in the Bandarban district, where the temple is. The monks neck had apparently been slashed with a machete, given the depth of one of the cuts, Mr. Rahman said. Three sets of footprints suggested that there had been at least three attackers, he said. Mr. Rahman said the police were investigating the possibility that Islamist militants had killed the monk. Over the past two years, similar killings have taken place, targeting intellectuals, activists, secularist bloggers and members of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Many of the attacks were carried out by groups of men using machetes. Fifty years ago, Mao Zedong unleashed the Cultural Revolution, a decade-long upheaval that had dramatic, often violent effects across China. Here is an overview of those tumultuous years: What was the Cultural Revolution? The movement was fundamentally about elite politics, as Mao tried to reassert control by setting radical youths against the Communist Party hierarchy. But it had widespread consequences at all levels of society. Young people battled Maos perceived enemies, and one another, as Red Guards, before being sent to the countryside in the later stages of the Cultural Revolution. Intellectuals, people deemed class enemies and those with ties to the West or the former Nationalist government were persecuted. Many officials were purged. Some, like the future leader Deng Xiaoping, were eventually rehabilitated. Others were killed, committed suicide or were left permanently scarred. Some scholars contend that the trauma of the era contributed to economic transition in the decades that followed, as Chinese were willing to embrace market-oriented reforms to spur growth and ease deprivation. When did it take place? On May 16, 1966, the Chinese Communist Partys Central Committee issued a circular that outlined Maos ideas on the Cultural Revolution. But there were precursors in the months and years before that. The end is considered to be Maos death on Sept. 9, 1976, and the subsequent arrest of the Gang of Four, a radical faction of four political leaders including Maos wife, Jiang Qing, in October. Although the Cultural Revolution lasted a decade, much of the most extreme violence occurred in the first few years. How did it begin? The Cultural Revolution had roots in the 1958-61 Great Leap Forward, the collectivization of agricultural and industrial output that precipitated a famine that left as many as 45 million dead. Mao was blamed and partly sidelined by Communist Party leaders who pulled back some of the most extreme collectivization efforts. Afraid, Mr. Chen left without entering or seeing his fathers body. He still has the note, tucked away in the back of a picture frame. His mother died in 2011, and was never able to identify her attackers. The family left space at her grave for her husbands remains, should they ever be found. After Mao died in 1976, the family received 2,500 renminbi, equal to about $380 at current exchange rates but a more generous sum back then, in compensation for the fathers death. Peking University High School also gave the family a statement acknowledging that the schools Red Guards, who called themselves the Red Flag Struggle Group, had killed him. But no one has ever come forward to take responsibility for the death, Mr. Chen said. Peng Xiaomeng, a former leader of the Red Flag group who is now in her late 60s, has worked under a different name as an editor for an economic policy journal in Beijing. Reached by telephone, she seemed startled to be asked about events 50 years ago but said she did not recall the episode. I really dont know whether it was the Red Flag group, she said. I have nothing else to say. Mr. Chen stood by his mothers recollections, which were corroborated by official documents. Even now, these people are all like this, all evading responsibility, he said, his voice choking. They say: I wasnt at the school. I wasnt at the meeting. I didnt know. After 50 years, he said, they still havent gained any understanding. KABUL, Afghanistan Taliban insurgents have cut the main highway that links the capital with northern Afghanistan and neighboring countries for the past three days, according to Afghan officials in the area. After the Taliban ambushed police forces guarding a stretch of the national Ring Road in Baghlan Province on Thursday, fighting continued through Saturday and appeared likely to last longer, according to officials in the area. The northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif was cut off, as were road connections to eight northern provinces. It was only the latest setback for the countrys battered Ring Road, a highway network over 2,000 miles long built by international donors at a cost of $3 billion, and still not complete after more than a decade of work. Parts of it remain unfinished, other sections have repeatedly fallen under insurgent control, and on much of its length, only heavily armed military convoys can travel safely because of the risk of insurgent roadblocks and bombings. President Ashraf Ghani hailed the Ring Road network as vital to his vision of making landlocked Afghanistan the hub of Central Asia. It would provide the only reliable road connections between India and Pakistan, as well as nations like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which in turn would link the region with Russia and Turkey. MADRID A town hall employee, Ana Garrido held one of the most secure jobs in Spain for two decades. But after she tried to expose corruption behind how her town awarded public contracts, her life descended into what she described as my seven-year Calvary. That path took her from being assailed by her office bosses and colleagues in Boadilla del Monte, on the outskirts of Madrid, to depression and sick leave, unemployment, and even death threats. She now sells handmade bracelets to make a living, and relies on crowdfunding to help cover her legal expenses, which have reached 20,000 euros, or about $22,600. She has sold most of her clothes and furniture and rents out her home to pay the mortgage. Instead, she lives as a squatter in an abandoned apartment with paint peeling from the walls. It is only now, as Spain prepares for a rerun of national elections in June, and the issue of corruption moves up the political agenda, that Ms. Garrido is getting some belated recognition for undertaking one of Spains riskier endeavors: being a whistle-blower. CAIRO Two Egyptian courts on Saturday sentenced to prison 152 people who took part in a street protest last month, in a sharp escalation of a campaign by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to suppress political dissent in the country. The protesters, who had been demonstrating against the transfer of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, received sentences of between two and five years, according to public prosecutors and defense lawyers. Also, fines of 100,000 Egyptian pounds apiece about $11,260 at the official exchange rate or $9,000 at the parallel rate were levied against 101 of those convicted. The tough sentences come at a time when Mr. Sisi has appeared unnerved by a sudden wave of criticism over Egypts faltering economy, and has become intolerant toward even playful opponents. On Monday, the police arrested five members of a satirical performance group who posted videos online that mocked Mr. Sisi. They joined a wave of writers, poets and activists jailed since January. The government has also barred prominent human rights campaigners from leaving the country or has frozen their assets. THERE probably arent many things that the Islamic State, Jon Stewart and the president of Iraqi Kurdistan agree on, but there is one: the pernicious influence of the Sykes-Picot Agreement, a secret plan for dividing up the Middle East signed by France and Britain, 100 years ago this week. It has become conventional wisdom to argue, as Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. recently did, that the Middle Easts problems stem from artificial lines, creating artificial states made up of totally distinct ethnic, religious, cultural groups. That Western imperialism had a malignant influence on the course of Middle Eastern history is without a doubt. But is Sykes-Picot the right target for this ire? The borders that exist today the ones the Islamic State claims to be erasing actually emerged in 1920 and were modified over the following decades. They reflect not any one plan but a series of opportunistic proposals by competing strategists in Paris and London as well as local leaders in the Middle East. For whatever problems those schemes have caused, the alternative ideas for dividing up the region probably werent much better. Creating countries out of diverse territories is a violent, imperfect process. Reforge the Trident into an Eagle: Ukrainians Massively Flee to Russia Translated by Ollie Richardson for Fort Russ 15th April, 2016 The statement from representatives of the International Sociological Association (ISA) may cause a serious blow to Kiev's propaganda. Yesterday, in its special report, the independent experts found that every fifth resident of Ukraine is seriously thinking about emigrating to Russia, and every third person intends to acquire a package of documents guaranteeing them a residence permit and the right to work in Russia. SANTA ANA Noe Espindola stood tall in his khaki dress uniform Saturday morning, as the 89 year old spoke to Fullerton College students gathered on a corner in one of Santa Anas oldest barrios. Behind him was a painting. Espindola is depicted, also in uniform. But hes a teenager in combat fatigues, clutching a weapon, as he was 72 years ago when he headed to the jungles of the Pacific as a paratrooper with the Armys 11th Airborne Division. We stayed until we drove the Japanese out, Espindola said, as his wife of 69 years, Barbara, looked on. Thank God I made it. Four years ago, on the side of the popular La Chiquita Restaurant, artist Carlos Aguilar started painting a portrait of Espindola along with dozens more of the estimated 500,000 Mexican-American soldiers who fought in World War II. As the massive mural at Washington Avenue and Custer Street finally nears completion, Among Heroes has become more than a work of art. Its now a gathering place for veterans and their family members, a classroom for college students and a reflection of American history thats often overlooked. With this, Aguilar said, pointing up at his mural with two worn paintbrushes, I not only get to be part of this neighborhoods history, but also I get to bring history back to this community. The 36 year olds own history started in central Mexico. One night in 1991, his mom fled a troubled marriage. She left Aguilar with relatives and ventured to the United States to find work. Two years later, she sent for her son, who crossed the border in the trunk of his uncles car. Aguilar didnt know English his first year of school in Mission Viejo, so hed spend time sketching everything he saw. I was always drawn to art, he said. Thats where I found my peace. Aguilar studied graphic design at Saddleback College. Hed added a few murals to the streets of Santa Ana since he moved there in 2005. But in 2012, he got a vision for something bigger. The owner of La Chiquita Restaurant not only agreed to donate his wall for Aguilars Among Heroes project, he also helped with paint and other supplies. As word of what Aguilar was doing spread, residents of the Logan barrio began bringing donations and photos of their relatives, asking if he could add them to the wall. Randy Flores whose grandparents moved to Logan when it was segregated in 1910 brought Aguilar a photo of his uncle, Alex Morales. Flores said no one in his family knew Morales had fought in the Army until after he died, when he received a full military burial. Its just an honor for him to be up here, Flores, 46, said. Morales is one of 160 soldiers Aguilar has painted between taking on construction jobs to make ends meet. Hes added scenes such as a concentration camp to drive home the importance of what soldiers were fighting for, doubling the scope of the original mural to cover the entire side of the building. When Gerald Padilla, an ethnic studies professor at Fullerton College, caught wind of what Aguilar was doing, he jumped to support the effort. He and his colleagues have now brought more than 1,000 students to hear Aguilar reflect on the soldiers that grace the wall. This is the generation that paid the price for us to be here, Padilla said. That notion struck home for 35-year-old Lia Santos, who couldnt go to college until Gov. Jerry Brown signed the California DREAM Act in 2011. I literally thought I was one of those soldiers without a face, she said, pointing to portraits Aguilar did to represent those missing in action. Today, shes studying to become a school psychologist and teaching her daughters that American history is more colorful than whats depicted in many textbooks. This is the other side, Santos said. This is what everyone needs to know so racism can end. As far as things have come, Aguilar said hes struck by the countrys recent surge in racial tension. He encouraged students Saturday not to be discouraged, but to keep finding creative ways to give back just as he intends to do. While Aguilar dreams of a second mural to mark Sept. 11 and honor veterans of the War on Terrorism, just talking about another massive project makes his shoulders droop. Before he can tear down the rickety scaffolding along Custer Street, hes got four portraits to add to Among Heroes. Then hell walk away from his lifes work, tired but proud. I started this project with no money in my pocket and I leave here the same, he said. But I leave with a lot in my heart. Contact the writer: 714-796-7963 or bstaggs@ocregister.com PHOENIX A judge found the longtime sheriff of metro Phoenix in contempt of court Friday for disobeying his orders in a racial profiling case, bringing the lawman who calls himself Americas toughest sheriff a step closer to a possible criminal contempt case that could expose him to fines and even jail time. The ruling Friday marked one of the biggest legal defeats in the six-term career of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, known for cracking down on illegal immigration, and was expected to lead to greater court oversight of his office. U.S. District Judge Murray Snow set a May 31 hearing for attorneys to discuss penalties. Shortly after, Snow said, he will issue an order on remedies and whether he will refer the case for criminal contempt. The 83-year-old Arpaio, who is seeking a seventh term this year, and three of his top aides have demonstrated a persistent disregard for the orders of this court, as well as an intention to violate and manipulate the laws and policies regulating their conduct, Snow wrote in a 162-page ruling. Snow ruled three years ago that Arpaios officers systematically racially profiled Latinos in regular traffic stops and immigration patrols. He ordered a sweeping overhaul of the agency, including making patrol officers wear body cameras and conducting more training to ensure officers arent making unconstitutional traffic stops. Arpaio has acknowledged violating Snows orders, including letting deputies conduct his signature immigration patrols 18 months after the judge barred them. The civil contempt finding doesnt disqualify Arpaio from holding office. A felony contempt conviction would force him from office, but the judge has the option of recommending either a misdemeanor or felony contempt case. The well-documented phenomenon, the power of incumbency, should easily propel much of Orange Countys congressional delegation to reelection in November, according to a political expert. The dynamic combining name recognition, fund raising advantages and voting district boundaries favoring ruling parties will likely contribute to incumbent victories, said Jodi Balma, a political science professor at Fullerton College. I dont see any of the races being competitive, she said. The only notable change should be in District 46 where Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Orange, is stepping down to run for the U.S. Senate. Still, the seat will likely remain with her political party, Balma said. Even though many Americans hate Congress, they dont hate their own congressmen, Balma said of the power of name recognition. With 435 members of Congress, they dont feel like they can hold just one member responsible. Its a very weird phenomena. Under Californias open primary system, voters can cast ballots for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation, except in the presidential contest. The top two vote-getters in each contest advance to November. Incumbents wont likely spend much from their campaign war chests for the June 7 primary; instead waiting until the run-up to November to deal a final blow to underfunded opponents, Balma said. Political parties and donors arent going to get behind challengers who seem unlikely to win, which is unfortunate for voters, Balma said. Here is a look at Orange County congressional races, the candidates and their cash on hand, according to federal campaign filings as of March 31: DISTRICT 38 WHITTIER AREA Rep. Linda T. Sanchez, D-Lakewood, has been a House member since 2003. The 38th district is largely in Los Angeles County, but dips into northwestern O.C. around La Habra and Buena Park. Sanchez is the sister of Rep. Loretta Sanchez. She reported $560,843 on hand. Her challengers include Ryan Downing, of Whittier, a Republican and a community organizer, who showed no fundraising activity, and structural engineer Scott Michael Adams, who is unaffiliated. Adams reported spending $6,900 so far. DISTRICT 39 FULLERTON AREA Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerton, is chairman of the prestigious House Foreign Affairs Committee. In office since 1992, he showed $3.9 million on hand. Challenger Brett Murdock of Brea, who is a Democrat and a school teacher, reported $640. Murdock previously served on Breas City Council. DISTRICT 45 IRVINE AREA Rep. Mimi Walters, R-Laguna Beach, has served in Congress since 2015. Walters previously served in the state Assembly and Senate and on the Laguna Niguel council. Walters had $880,665. Two Democrat challengers reporting cash on hand are: Ron Varasteh of Irvine, a businessman, with $5,000, and Max Gouron, an Irvine physician, with $2,900. Republican Greg Raths, a retired Marine colonel from Mission Viejo, reported $4,800. DISTRICT 47 LONG BEACH/WESTMINSTER AREA Rep. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, is a well know political figure in Long Beach where he served for six years on the City Council followed by three terms as a Assembly member and then two terms as a state Senator. Lowenthal, 75, was elected to Congress in 2012. He had $529,372 on hand He faces two Republican challengers from Long Beach: Sanford W. Kahn, a small business owner, who reported no fundraising activity, and Andy Whallon, an engineer, who had $960. DISTRICT 48 SEAL BEACH TO LAGUNA NIGUEL Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Costa Mesa, first elected to the House in 1988, hasnt faced serious opposition in more than a decade. Rohrabacher, 68, is a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rohrabacher reported $179,981 in cash. His challengers include Democrats Robert John Banuelos from Costa Mesa, who reported no fundraising activity, and Suzanne Savary of Newport Beach, who showed $2,000 on hand. DISTRICT 49 SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, has been in office since 2001. He has $3.7 million in cash on hand. Doug Applegate, a Democrat from Vista, raised the most as a challenger with $10,300, and Ryan Glenn Wingo of Carlsbad who is unaffiliated, reported no fundraising activity. Contact the writer: 714-796-7767 sschwebke@ocregister.com Twitter: @thechalkoutline Two fundraisers have been organized so far to help the family of a West Albany High School senior struggling with a mysterious illness. Jace Lukenbaugh, 18, is currently undergoing tests at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, as doctors try to pinpoint the cause of his migraines, tremors, blurred vision and other symptoms. Friends of the family have set up fundraisers in Albany, where they live, and Salem, where Jace's mother, CC, is a teacher. On Thursday, May 19, All Star Pizza at 231 S.E. Lyon St. has agreed to donate 30 percent of all proceeds sold between 4 and 9 p.m. A two-day garage sale in Salem also has been set up for the family. It will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 4, and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, June 5, at Judson Middle School, 4512 Jones Road S.E. An online gofundme account also has been established at https://www.gofundme.com/jacetomayo. SANTA ANA Two people were arraigned Friday in Orange County Superior County on charges of pimping women for sex in separate cases. Isaiah Abraham Dixon, 22, of Los Angeles, has been charged with one felony count each of pimping and pandering, the Orange County District Attorneys Office said in a statement. Jahari Renee Chatman, 25, of Palm Desert, has been charged with one felony count each of pimping, pandering by procuring, sale of ecstasy, false personation, and one misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance. If convicted, Dixon faces a maximum of six years in prison and Chatman faces a sentence of seven years and eight months. Dixon and Chapman pleaded not guilty to charges at their arraignments. Dixon is accused of getting money from a woman he pimped as a prostitute and was arrested Wednesday night outside of an Anaheim motel, according to the District Attorneys Office. In a separate case, Chatman is accused of persuading another woman to perform sex acts for money and posting sexually explicit photos of her on websites known for prostitution, prosecutors said. The alleged offenses took place between December 11, 2015, and Wednesday. Chatman is accused of possessing methamphetamine when she was arrested at a motel in Costa Mesa. Contact the writer: 714-796-7767 sschwebke@ocregister.com Twitter: @thechalkoutline The person who will represent us as a Republican presidential candidate has been decided. As many know, I have never been supportive of Mr. Trumps bid for the presidency. However, as I reflect upon the discussions and debates over the past year by both parties, there is a narrative that the United States is on the wrong track to success. The solution is not Make America Great Again with a view to the past, but to recognize our mistakes and look with an open eye to the opportunities of the future. Sadly, this was never part of the presidential debates. Both parties painted free trade as a bad thing, and this has caused jobs to be lost. Granted, changing markets can stress individuals when certain jobs are moved to other countries. However, I have always believed that we are better served by educating our workforce for better paying jobs in safer and cleaner job environments than to keep jobs that take a toll on an individuals health. In California, there are many problems to be solved. When one considers the cost of living, we have the largest rate of poverty in the nation. Government leaders have dropped the ball by not investing more into retraining our workforce. It is not the fault of free trade; it is the fault of our leaders who have not tied our educational institutions to our businesses and job opportunities. Many think education ends at high school or college. However, education in a world economy should be continual throughout a persons career. We need to rethink how we educate our workforce by building educational infrastructure and funding to support our workers for higher paying and cleaner jobs. The current K-12, community college and state university systems also need to change course. As a result of our failing educational institutions, we have seen a rise in charter and private schools throughout California. Parents are willing to pay extra for their child to receive a better education than they would otherwise receive in our public schools. On a more positive note, California has an agriculture system where the farmers of today are more efficient in the production of food than in any other region of the world. We have medical and pharmaceutical industries that are the envy of the world, and the fear of Ebola was overcome by our scientists. Engineers here are developing safer vehicles that can move people in the future with green technology while potentially saving tens of thousands of lives. We are also the leaders in developing green technology for energy and storage of energy that will safeguard our economy in an effective and efficient manner. We have innovative scientists who are developing the next generation of military hardware to ensure we will have the strongest military in the world. The bottom line: we have much to build upon for the future. What makes our country great is individual determination and opportunity. A society should support an individuals desire not only to excel, but to become exceptional. It is not for government to restrict business or close opportunities for the individual. Government and business need to partner to support and challenge our youth and our adults. The path to success is personal development through hard work. I have met people who are broken because they feel they have no future. We need to invest in education to give hope to those who want to succeed. A person who enjoys their job is a happy person. Working every day at a job people enjoy ensures that a family and community will thrive. It is not about looking back, but rather about looking to the future and recognizing the opportunities around us. Rocky Chavez, R-Oceanside, represents the 76th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, Vista and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. HUNTINGTON BEACH Les Kelly spends much of his time looking skyward. Lately, the photographers attention has been captured by the arrival of great blue herons and egrets high in the tree canopy at Sunset Aquatic Regional Park. According to the avid birdwatcher and shooter from Huntington Beach, the herons have set up about 10 nests at the park, and the baby herons are getting ready to fly, or fledge. Some of the chicks will be flying within two weeks, he predicted. The baby birds are easily spotted now and will be about the size of their parents when they do take flight. Juveniles can be differentiated their first year mainly by their gray and less colorful plumage. Kelly wants to get the word out, he said, so parents and kids can get out to the park and watch the young birds and their parents. They are beautiful birds, he said. I think its just a good opportunity for people to see them. Herons are common near the shores of open water and in wetlands. The blue herons are found throughout the Americas as well as the Caribbean and Galapagos Islands. While some migrate as far as Central America to the Dakotas and Canada, the Bolsa Chica wetlands has a local population of year-round resident herons and egrets. Claire Grozinger, a bird expert and board member at the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, said the herons at the park are likely year-round residents. Other great blue herons are nesting in the mesa area and in shrubs in the wetlands. Great blue herons hunt alone but typically nest in colonies. They prefer tall trees, but sometimes nest in low shrubs. Females produce three to six greenish-blue eggs, that both parents protect and incubate. Chicks can survive on their own by about two months of age. Generally once a chick leaves the nest it does not return. Once the young birds fledge, the family abandons the nest and migrates to the wetlands and beaches to hunt and feed. Their nests are then often taken over by the great or snowy egrets. Workers trimmed back the coral trees in the parks recently to discourage nesting because, according to Grozinger, a number of night herons were falling out of the nests. And, like great blue herons, they are not accepted back in the nest and need to be nursed to health by human volunteers. In addition to the blue herons and egrets, bird activity is high around Bolsa Chica. According to staffer Whitney Thompson, there are a number of species of terns and plovers also nesting in the area. Annually, about 250 to 300 bird species can be spotted at the wetlands. Kelly was excited by the arrival of the herons, well, because they were just about a half-mile from his house. He started shooting pictures in 1953 with a Kodak point and shoot camera. These days he says the Canon 7D is his preferred camera, with a 100-400 millimeter lens. As he sits at the park waiting for several of the birds to return he says, of the key to photographing birds, patience is a virtue. Its a virtue I lack. BEIRUT The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said Saturday that the explosion in Damascus that killed its top militant commander was caused by insurgent shelling and vowed to continue fighting alongside the Syrian government until the rebels are defeated. Mustafa Badreddine was the highest-ranking Hezbollah militant to be killed since the group joined Syrias civil four years ago. Hezbollah said the blast near the Damascus International Airport was caused by artillery shelling from takfiri groups, a term Hezbollah uses to refer to Sunni extremists. The area on the southern edge of the Syrian capital is known to host positions of several militant groups, including al-Qaidas branch in Syria, known as the Nusra Front. A Lebanese politician with close links to the Syrian government told The Associated Press that Badreddine was killed Thursday night when a shell exploded near him outside a Hezbollah center near the airport. The politician spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to reveal information about the incident. He said Badreddine might have been killed by the pressure of the blast since his shrapnel wounds did not appear to be fatal. Hezbollah and the Syrian army have a heavy presence around the airport, which includes a military base, the politician said. He said the area is subjected to regular shelling. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that according to his network of activists in the area, there has been no shelling in the airport area since Wednesday. Hezbollah must come forward with proof about the death of its commander, Abdurrahman said by telephone. Hezbollahs statement said Badreddines killing will only boost the groups will and intention to continue fighting these criminal gangs until they are defeated. It added that defeating insurgent groups in Syria was the wish of Badreddine, who was also known among the groups ranks as Zulfiqar. Hezbollahs statements indicate it will continue to be deeply involved in the conflict next door, which has killed more than 250,000 people since 2011, including more than 1,000 Hezbollah fighters. It is the same battle against the American-Zionist project that the terrorists are spearheading, Hezbollahs statement said. Hezbollah has sent thousands of fighters to Syria to back President Bashar Assads government against militants trying to remove him from power. The group announced Badreddines death on Friday without saying when the attack occurred. It said at the time that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the blast. The 55-year-old Badreddine had directed Hezbollahs operations in Syria since its fighters joined Assads forces in 2012, the groups biggest-ever military intervention outside of Lebanon. Thousands of guerrillas fighting alongside Syrias military were crucial to tipping battles in the governments favor on multiple fronts, from the suburbs of Damascus to the northern province of Aleppo. With Badreddines death, Hezbollah is likely to rely on a younger generation of commanders, moving away from the veterans who came of age during Lebanons 1975-1990 civil war or during Hezbollahs 18-year war against Israels occupation of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000. One possible successor, Ibrahim Aqil, is among the last major figures from that generation. A member of Hezbollahs highest military body, the Jihad Council, Aqil has been involved in the Syria fighting and is suspected in hostage-takings in the 1980s and a bombing campaign in Paris in 1986. Asked if Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has named any replacement for Badreddine, the Lebanese politician said: Not yet. The group is not in hurry. He added that all senior Hezbollah officials have aides and deputies who can run affairs after them until a successor is named. The Republican Party has a libertarian wing and a social conservative wing. They are united on fiscal matters, favoring smaller government. Taxes should be kept low to allow individuals to keep more of what they earn and should be least destructive of creative economic activity. Free trade is another common bond because of its beneficial effect on our countrys economic growth. The two wings are also allied in their worry about large unions ability to dominate states like California and Illinois, which have piled up huge unfunded pension liabilities for their unionized public-sector employees. Disagreements between the two wings focus on social issues, especially whether women or government should decide about abortion, and whether government should care about sexual orientation (recently expressed in the gay marriage issue). On foreign policy, hawks and doves could be found in each camp, though libertarian Republicans tend to be more skeptical of the use of force overseas. At the presidential level, libertarian Republicans had to settle for less than all they wanted in every election from 1980 forward. Though the social conservative wing is fond of characterizing John McCain and Mitt Romney as not their preferred candidates, each man was much closer to that wing than to the libertarian Republicans. In 2016, both wings will have to settle for less than they want. So far, it has been the social conservative side that has been complaining most about Donald Trump. Perhaps that is because some of Trumps views are not to their liking. His condemnation of Americas military actions in Iraq and Libya point toward a predisposition that is disquieting to the neocons in foreign policy (and, for that reason, comforting to libertarian Republicans). His lack of support of North Carolinas bathroom law suggests he is not doctrinaire on gender identity issues. On the other hand, Trumps views, to use President Obamas phrase, are evolving. Trump was pro-choice; hes now pro-life. And, to the displeasure of both wings of the GOP, Trump now favors increasing the minimum wage (having previously recognized how doing so will cost jobs). Hes also newly open to increasing taxes, stating that once he starts to make deals, everything is negotiable. Some social conservatives are casting about for another candidate who might, against all probability, emerge at a convention where delegates Donald Trump thought were bound to him would jump ship. There is also talk of a third party, running a candidate as a Real Republican though that is a doomed enterprise given state deadlines for qualifying for the November ballot. Libertarian Republicans are used to being told by the social conservatives to stick with the party when their guy loses a primary for president, senator or governor. Now, at least some social conservatives are unwilling to follow their own advice with Trumps candidacy. Libertarian Republicans also have alternatives. Indeed, as their name implies, they can vote Libertarian. The Libertarian Party candidates for president and vice president will be chosen at their convention in Orlando this month. In 2012, it was the former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson for president and retired Orange County judge Jim Gray for V.P. If the ticket is again Johnson and Gray, they might match the sentiments of libertarian Republicans more than a Trump-led ticket, and certainly more than a Hillary Clinton-led ticket. Hesitation might stem from the fear of casting a vote for a ticket that wont win; but no one but the Democratic nominee for president will carry California in 2016 anyway, so the same impediment could be raised to voting Republican. The higher the Libertarians vote total, however, the more influential their message of small government, low taxes, individual freedom and careful foreign policy will be on whoever is elected president, looking toward picking up those votes for her or his re-election in 2020. So, loyalty to the GOP seems the only reason for libertarian Republicans to vote for Trump over Johnson-Gray. But with the two former Republican presidents (both named Bush) not supporting the GOP nominee, why should libertarian Republicans feel any more constrained than they? Tom Campbell is a former five-term Republican congressman, and Republican state senator. He is a professor of economics at the Argyros School of Business and Economics, and a professor of Law at the Fowler School of Law, at Chapman University. These views are his own. LOS ANGELES A Los Angeles Police Department officer was shot Friday night in Boyle Heights and a second officer was injured in a confrontation that left a suspected gang member dead, according to police and media reports. The officer-involved shooting occurred about 8:30 p.m. in the 3400 block of Lee Street, near the intersection of 7th and Lorena streets, according to LAPD Officer Rosario Herrera and media reports. Herrera confirmed that an officer was wounded but did not have any information on his condition. The alleged gang member who shot the officer was killed, according to media reports. His name was withheld pending notification of next of kin. A LAPD desk officer told City News Service a Hollenbeck Division gang officer was shot and rushed to County-USC Medical Center. A second officer was also injured, according to KCAL. Theres no word on how that second officer was injured or his condition. The OIS was being investigated by the LAPDs Use of Force Division, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office Justice System Investigation Division Shooting Team and the Los Angeles Police Commissions Inspector Generals Office. Is the shortage of modestly priced homes and were talking Orange County values, by the way the reason home sales remain historically sluggish, deep into an economic recovery? Or is a key group of house hunters disinterested in what the lower end of the regional house market offers? A new poll of prospective house shoppers from Bank of America raises some intriguing questions about the reluctance of local homebuyers to dive into the market. Orange County homes have sold in the past year near the fastest pace seen since the Great Recession, CoreLogic stats show. Six years after the recession ended, though, the market is still 20 percent slower than historical homebuying from 1988 through 2006. BofA pollsters found only 25 percent of potential first-time buyers in the five-county Southern California region want a starter home, the lowest level of among 10 major U.S. markets studied. And these local first-timers have a plan: 72 percent of those polled are waiting to save more money and move into a nicer home in the future, BofA said. Recent generations have delayed many life events, from marriage to when a couple has their first child. So putting off the first home purchase isnt a dramatic surprise. Yet the fact that 43 percent of local first-time buyers plan to do the deal solo again, highest among the 10 markets tells you a lot about how loose the link between the traditional family formation and homeownership has become. If this poll is correct and an entire cycle of purchasing starter houses is skipped, it would be a big shift for the overall market. The poll results suggest newbie house hunters know of the financial challenges involved in todays housing market that has a tight supply and rising prices: 94 percent of those surveyed will make financial sacrifices to buy. Of course, says this parent/columnist, these same kids 57 percent of them, at least expect some help from the folks to make the first-home deal happen. Buying is not easy. Kevin Reskey, head of BofA mortgage operations in Orange County, Long Beach and the Inland Empire, says the recently stiff competition for homes means the first-time house hunter has to be in solid financial shape and well-versed in the buying process, to purchase. There are a lot of buyers and supply is tight. Accordingly, you have to be well-prepared to succeed, he said. In Orange County, shoppers for what may be todays starter home properties priced below $750,000 are finding limited choices and whats available is selling extremely quickly, the latest edition of ReportsOnHousing shows. As of May 5, 47 percent of the residences for sale in brokers listing networks were priced below $750,000. A year ago, this same cheaper end of the market had 54 percent of the listings. How did we get here? ReportsOnHousing stats show at the low end, Orange County house hunters looking a listings under $750,000 had 11 percent fewer choices vs. a year ago. Demand, or new escrows opened, for these homes was up 4 percent from a year ago. Compare that with residences listed for sale at $750,000 and above. Supply is up 17 percent from a year ago. And demand is up 17 percent, too. As a result of the inventory turmoil, Orange County shoppers seeking cheaper homes must act quickly. The ReportsOnHousing market time calculation shows the typical Orange County home listed under $750,000 is getting into escrow in 36 days as of May 5 vs. 96 days for more expensive housing. Any reading under 90 days signals a sellers market. Demand is so hot for starter homes that many buyers will not be able to purchase, ReportsOnHousings Steve Thomas says. There are currently far more buyers than sellers. Buyers need to be on their A game in order to be successful and secure a home within these ranges today. One turn-off is pricing. The BofA poll showed 27 percent of first-time buyers busted their homebuying budget on their initial purchase. Just look at Orange County affordability numbers. The California Association of Realtors recently reported the best level of local home affordability in nearly three years. But it still means only 23 percent of Orange County households could qualify to buy the median priced single-family homes in the first quarter. Compare that to Los Angeles affordability at 31 percent in the first quarter; Riverside County at 42 percent; or San Bernardino at 57 percent. And Orange County affordability averaged 33 percent in 2010 to 2013. The Realtor affordability index is based on local median selling prices and assumes 20 percent down; prevailing fixed mortgage rates; and house payments equal to no more than 30 percent of their income. Another Realtor affordability index, which estimated conditions for first-time buyers, showed 43 percent of Orange County households could comfortably purchase a starter home down from 45 percent a year ago. Limited affordability and slim supply mean the low-end of Orange Countys housing market continues to struggle this spring. CoreLogic reported the local home sales pace in the 22 business days ending April 15 was down 3.3 percent from a year ago. Completed sales rose in just 31 of 83 Orange County ZIP codes compared to the year-ago period. Pricing is up despite falling sales: The median selling price for all residences was $630,000, up 6.9 percent compared with a year ago. Prices were up in 60 of 83 Orange County ZIP codes. Bargain hunters seem frustrated. Resales of condos, a tradition starter home, were down 2 percent in the period from a year ago. Yet the median selling price was $446,000, up 8.8 percent from a year ago. Or consider how the cooling sales pace is playing out in Orange Countys 27 least-expensive ZIP codes, with a median sales price at $562,500 and below. Total sales through April 15 were down 3 percent in the most recent period compared with a year ago. Meanwhile, in the 27 priciest ZIP codes median sales price beginning at $730,000 sales were up 1.5 percent vs. 2015. Homebuyings money challenge is no secret, as the BofA poll shows: 82 percent of local house hunters listed cost as their top consideration. But who knows? Would added choices of affordable housing change first-timers attitudes about starter homes and/or jumping in sooner? Or have the young ones written off the lower end of the market? Contact the writer: jlansner@ocregister.com The White House said Friday that it will honor 13 law enforcement officers for acts of valor under fire. Among those to be honored are three Santa Monica police officers for their response to a 2013 rampage on a community college campus that left five people dead. A Los Angeles officer is also being honored for crossing a freeway to rescue a man in a burning car, suffering burns in the process. President Barack Obama will present the officers with Medals of Valor for exhibiting exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect others from harm. Those to be decorated are: Santa Monica police Officers Jason Salas and Robert Sparks and Capt. Raymond Bottenfield, who confronted gunman John Zawahri in the campus library at Santa Monica City College in June 2013, shooting and killing the 23-year-old when he pointed his assault weapon at them. Los Angeles police Officer Donald Thompson for, while off duty, crossing two freeway dividers and braving first- and second-degree burns while pulling an unconscious man from a burning car to safety. Garland, Texas, police Officer Gregory Stevens, who exchanged gunfire with Nadir Soofi and Elton Simpson in May 2015. Stevens killed both gunmen outside an exhibit hall in the Dallas suburb where the provocative cartoon contest was being held, heading off what investigators suspected was a planned mass shooting. Miami-Dade police Officer Mario Gutierrez, who was stabbed multiple times while subduing a knife-wielding man who tried to set off a massive gas explosion that could have caused massive casualties. Johnson City, N.Y., Patrolman Louis Cioci, who chased and captured at a crowded hospital a gunman who had just killed a fellow officer. Investigators believe Cioci saved the lives of hospital staff, patients and visitors. Midwest City, Okla., police Maj. David Huff, who saved a 2-year-old girl after negotiations deteriorated with a man holding the child captive at knifepoint. Omaha, Neb., police Officer Coral Walker, who shot and killed a man who had killed and injured multiple people during a shooting rampage. Philadelphia police Sgt. Robert Wilson III, who was killed when he drew fire from assailants during an armed robbery, saving store employees and customers. North Miami, Fla., police Officer Niel Johnson, who endured gunfire from an assault weapon in pursuing and capturing a man who had shot a Miami police officer and two bystanders. FBI Special Agent Tyler Call, who while off duty with his family helped rescue a woman whose ex-husband was holding her at gunpoint. A. Niagara County, N.Y., sheriffs Deputy Joey Tortorella, who confronted and subdued a gunman who had shot and wounded his parents inside their home, preventing the gunman from threatening the safety of students at a nearby elementary school. California Attorney General Kamala Harris has staked much of her political identity on a crusade against so-called dark money in politics. For several years, Harris, who is running to replace Barbara Boxer in the U.S. Senate, has demanded that nonprofit groups provide her office with their IRS Form 990 Schedule Bs the forms containing their full list of donor names and identifying information if they wish to solicit donations in California. A recent lawsuit, however, has exposed Harriss political posturing for what it really is: a state-level campaign to use donor disclosure to pave the way for political intimidation of conservative groups and activists. One group that found itself in Harriss crosshairs is the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which countered with a game-changing lawsuit against Harris office. The result was a victory for free speech. Federal judge Manuel Real granted a permanent injunction against the AGs office, declaring that Harris demand that AFP disclose its donors posed an unconstitutional burden on First Amendment rights. Harris claimed that she needed private donor information for investigative purposes, but as Real pointed out in his ruling, this argument holds little weight because officials virtually never examine such information when investigating nonprofits. On the contrary, Real found that donors faced a genuine threat of harm from the prospect of their identities becoming public. While human error can sometimes be unavoidable, the amount of careless mistakes made by the attorney generals [nonprofit donor] Registry is shocking, Real wrote. The AGs irresponsible handling of these documents should be just as worrisome for those on the left as it is for AFP supporters. For instance, among these publicly searchable documents was Planned Parenthoods list of donors. AFPs claim that its donors could be harmed by the disclosure of their identifying information has substantial precedent, as examples abound of people targeted and maligned for their support of political causes and issues. Erik Telford, a board member of the Franklin Center, listed several such cases in The Hill: Margie Christoffersen lost her job as a restaurant manager after her $100 donation to the campaign to ban gay marriage in California became public. Unions organized a boycott of Tom Ellis business in Wisconsin when his support for Gov. [Scott] Walker became public. Jean Cochenour was fired from her job in West Virginia because she refused to make a donation to her bosss preferred Republican presidential candidate. In recent years, attempts to intimidate donors have predominantly taken the form of the Left joining with government officials to target activists and groups on the right for example, the IRS scandal over targeting conservative nonprofits. But liberals applauding these tactics should consider what could happen if the partisan tables were turned. Its not hard to imagine this happening in the current political climate, as campaign finance laws in both red and blue states threaten to bite nonprofit groups with onerous disclosure requirements. Those who side with Harris should also recognize that there is plenty of hypocrisy to go around among progressives on this issue. As an investigation by the Center for Public Integrity found this year, at least 21 groups that purport to oppose dark money make use of such money themselves by not electing to fully disclose their donors. Contrary to their rhetoric, these groups see both the value and necessity of preserving their donors privacy. As weve seen time and again from the NAACP half a century ago to Tea Party groups half a decade ago donor privacy is a cornerstone of robust civic engagement and the free exchange of ideas. Its time for activists on both sides of the political spectrum to overlook the political expediency of intimidating opponents, and instead return to the principles that protect our freedoms. Nicole Neily is president of the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, a nonprofit that publishes public-interest journalism at Watchdog.org. Nohad Sabbagh, a sculptor from Yorba Linda, is traveling to the Vatican this week in hopes of presenting a bronze statue of Pope John Paul II to the pontiff. I feel that this is my way of giving back to God, said Sabbagh, who described herself as a devout Catholic with a strong affection for the former pope. God has blessed me with this wonderful talent that Ive enjoyed all my life. Last summer, Sabbagh worked on the clay mold for the statue at the Art-A-Fair Festival in Laguna Beach where she was displaying her bronze figurines for sale, including frolicking dolphins, a horse and a ballerina. She said sculpting the former pope, who was made a saint in 2014, was an honor. Ive always loved that guy, she said. To me, he was kindhearted, he set a very good exampleeverybody loved him. Sabbagh was unsure how to go about sending the statue to the Vatican. Then an opportunity presented itself. It was like God was guiding my footsteps, she said. Her priest, Father Francois Beyrouti of Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church in Placentia, saw her piece and invited her to a banquet in North Hollywood that was also being attended by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, who was the first person to tell the world that Pope John Paul II had died in 2005. He loved it so much he kissed the statue on the forehead and he blessed it, said Sabbagh, who told Sandri she wanted to gift the bronze statue to the Vatican. Beyrouti said Bishop Nicholas Samra of Boston then wrote a letter to the Vatican indicating Sabbaghs desire to donate the statue of John Paul the Great. Sabbagh had two bronzes case of her sculpture at a Buena Park foundry. The second is intended for the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington D.C. On Saturday, Sabbagh and Beyrouti will begin a nearly two-week pilgrimage to Rome in hopes of personally giving the 19-pound statue valued at $4,000 to Pope Francis. Shell be carrying her gift with her in a carry-on suitcase. They are telling me I have an excellent chance of meeting the pope, Sabbagh said. Beyrouti said they are trying to get tickets for the papal audience held on Wednesdays, which would give them the chance to see Pope Francis. Theres also the possibility of attending a papal Mass. Its very likely she will be able to present the bronze statue to the pontiff, Beyrouti said, who described the statue as very accurate, very life-like and really high quality. Sabbagh said it will be an honor to have one of her pieces at the Vatican, although it remains unclear whether it would be publicly displayed. Ill feel like a piece of me is at the Vatican, she said. Wherever God wants me to be, thats where hell put me. Contact the writer: 714-796-7868 or desalazar@ocregister.com As a school district, Albany is doing most things very well. But to achieve peak efficiency, it should close three of its smallest elementary schools and rebuild a fourth. That's the word from a group of school administrators hired to do an efficiency study for Greater Albany Public Schools. Superintendent Jim Golden, who joined the Albany district this year, told the Albany School Board in September he wanted a full review of district systems. He found the educators to do the study through the Oregon Association of Educational Service Districts. The study came in slightly under its $41,000 price guarantee, which Golden said was to be paid for through service dollars available to Albany through the Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service District. Board members heard a brief review of the study in March but asked the researchers to come back for a longer work session, which took place Thursday. Jerome Colonna, retired superintendent from the Beaverton School District; Darcy Rourk, executive director of human resources for the Vancouver School District; and Jim Mabbott, executive director of the Oregon Association of Education Service Districts gave Thursday's analysis of the 145-page document. The efficiency review covered about a dozen key areas, including communication, personnel, business services, safety and facilities use. More than 9,000 students are enrolled in the Albany district, but 15 elementary schools are too many for a district of this size, Mabbott told the board. In comparison, he noted, David Douglas School District, with more than 10,000 students, has just nine elementary schools, and Springfield, with about 11,000 students, has 12. Even widespread Klamath County has only 11 elementary schools. Fir Grove, Central and Tangent elementary schools serve 114, 148 and 161 students respectively, the study reported. It recommends all three be closed and students reassigned. The study also recommends building a new school to house the 310 Clover Ridge-area students and shifting third-graders back to that school to open more room at Timber Ridge. It's not possible to offer students comparable education programs if they're splintered into tiny groups, Mabbott said. He acknowledged small schools have their own advantages and said he understood they were the result of consolidation of several smaller districts decades ago. "But at some point down the road, when all of the students belong to us, we have to give all of them the same shot," he said. The researchers stressed the decisions are the district's to make and recommended at least a year's worth of conversations be had beforehand, presenting the facts and the options and asking for input on possible solutions. In other areas, the analysis recommended the district hire a full-time communications specialist, bump its half-time human resources director position to full time to increase recruitment, and work harder at making sure all outside-access school doors remain locked and all visitors checked in and identified. It also recommends maintaining a comprehensive facilities plan similar to the District Facility Advisory Committee's recommendations, but even more thorough, with long-term goals clearly outlined. Mabbott said the district should consider using reserve dollars to attack some of the "low-hanging fruit" when it comes to safety and security issues in school buildings. That will help show residents the district is "being fiscally prudent and spending your money wisely." Board Chairwoman Sandi Gordon said the board has asked the superintendent to incorporate what he can of the recommendations into the 2016-17 budget proposal. "We as the board stand firm that we're going to have tough decisions to be made to make our district more efficient, to be accountable to our stakeholders," she said. As for school closures, she said nothing is slated for next year but all possibilities will be considered. "We're going to be looking at this and having discussions," she said. I like to quote H.L. Menckens definition of Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy. It often applies in the Capitol, with one of the latest anti-tobacco bills five of which were signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown earlier this month being an obvious example of what Baltimores favorite cynic was talking about. Most attention has focused on the law raising the smoking age from 18 to 21. It may ramp up black markets and criminalize personal behavior, but at least the law has reasonable science behind it. Basically, people who start smoking in their teen years are far more likely to pick up a dangerous habit. But the most significant new law the one that evokes Mencken deals with vaping. S.B. X2-5, by state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, recasts and broadens the definition of tobacco product in current law to include electronic cigarettes. It applies all the current tobacco-related rules and restrictions, including the new age 21 rule, to vaping products. Leno says the new law closes a loophole that allowed e-cigarettes to be treated differently than tobacco. But there was no loophole. E-cigarettes heat a liquid and create vapor, not smoke. They are not tobacco. Many of the smoking solutions have nicotine in them, but others do not. Experts estimate vaping presents no more than 5 percent of the risk of smoking real cigarettes. Why would the state classify a non-tobacco product as tobacco? Its part of an ideological war on tobacco. Theres no reason to cut tobacco companies any slack, given the inherent dangers of the products they sell. But its disturbing when the state, succumbing to the influence of public-health activists, decides to embrace a crusade mentality that could cause serious harm to public health. Study after study find vaping is a safer note the word safer, not safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. The United Kingdoms well-respected Royal College of Physicians recently released a study that acknowledges what anti-smoking activists say: Smoking is the biggest avoidable cause of death and disability, and social inequality in health, in the UK. It notes quitting smoking is difficult for most people, who are addicted to nicotine. But it finds in the interests of public health it is important to promote the use of e-cigarettes. Although anti-smoking activists may promote the use of nicotine patches and other such treatments to help people break their bad habit, e-cigarettes appear to be more effective when used by smokers as an aid to quitting smoking, according to the study. Thats because its more enjoyable to take a break and puff on an e-cigarette than to chew nicotine gum, wear a patch or use nasal spray. I think its the enjoyment factor that sets off these anti-vaping zealots. State and federal officials counter that vaping may be a gateway to tobacco use. That sounds plausible, except it doesnt appear to be true. There are concerns that e-cigarettes will increase tobacco smoking by renormalizing the act of smoking, acting as a gateway to smoking in young people, reported the study. To date, there is no evidence that any of these processes is occurring to any significant degree in the UK. Rather, the available evidence to date indicates that e-cigarettes are being used almost exclusively as safer alternatives to smoked tobacco, by confirmed smokers who are trying to reduce harm to themselves or others, or to quit smoking completely. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking an anti-vaping approach with its new regulations, which led my R Street Institute colleague Cameron Smith to conclude the agency apparently wants more people to die of lung cancer. Without vaping, more people will keep smoking a deadly product. Nothing is assuredly 100 percent safe. The question is about harm reduction. Vaping clearly reduces harm, but it does so in an enjoyable manner. The enjoyment factor probably explains why its so successful. Whats wrong with that? Ive experienced such nanny-ism when I sought information about the risks of puffing on a cigar every now and again. Most of the government information portrayed cigars as the equivalent of cigarettes, even though cigar smokers tend to smoke on occasion and rarely inhale. Its easy to discount literature that has a reefer madness ring to it. As with vaping, officials seem more interested in stopping something they dont like than honestly evaluating the risks. Its too bad, given the likely health benefits of this product. Maybe the best approach to satisfy the Puritans would be if people who use e-cigarettes stopped behaving as if they enjoyed them. Steven Greenhut is the Western region director for the R Street Institute. He was a Register editorial writer from 1998-2009. He is based in Sacramento. Write to him at sgreenhut@rstreet.org. SANTA ANA An Orange County Social Services Agency employee was sentenced Friday to community service and ordered to pay back $30,000 he defrauded through false workers compensation claims. Maluelue Tafua, 41, of Orange accepted a court offer requiring he plead guilty to misdemeanor counts of insurance fraud and making fraudulent statements, the Orange County District Attorneys Office said. Along with 100 hours of community service, Tafua, a former group counselor for the Social Services Agency, was also placed on three years of informal probation. Tafua on Jan. 8, 2014 reported injuring his right shoulder and elbow while trying to restrain someone at Orangewood Childrens home. Prosecutors say the Social Services Agency tried to assign Tafua modified duties, but was forced to put him on temporary total disability when he told a doctor that he couldnt use his right arm. County officials became suspicious when they learned that Tafua, several months into his reported disability, had bench pressed 315 pounds in a gym. Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com AS the Irish Girl Guides organisation celebrates a hundred years of changing lives for girls and young women throughout Ireland a special event took place on Tuesday, April 26 at Beech Cottage in Edenderry. AS the Irish Girl Guides organisation celebrates a hundred years of changing lives for girls and young women throughout Ireland a special event took place on Tuesday, April 26 at Beech Cottage in Edenderry. The cottage which is over 100 years old requires upgrading including new and improved facilities for sleeping and indoor activities by members of Irish Girl Guides. Since 1984 young girls and young women have made many memories at Beech Cottage. It holds a special place in their hearts so this was a special day to remember, as builders from Prosperous building company Stonewood Homes drove in their diggers and machinery to make these new and exciting changes on behalf of the Irish Girl Guides. The first sod was turned to make way for the new improvements, also horseshoes were added to the foundations for good luck on the new extension. The Irish Girl Guides has over 10,500 members ranging in age from 5 to 26 years, and provides many opportunities for Young and Adult Leaders. Guiding started in Ireland in 1911 and operates throughout the country with volunteer Leaders providing an educational programme of challenging activities which encourage members to acquire the confidence and skills to be responsible citizens of tomorrow. This year there are many events happening up and down the country to celebrate the 100 years of changing lives. One of the biggest events this year will be held in Semple Stadium in Thurles on May 7 where over 6,000 girls and young women from the organisation will celebrate and also make a record breaking attempt promising to be a fantastic celebration. WASHINGTON (AP) Facing growing backlash over extremely long airport security lines, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on Friday asked fliers to be patient as the government takes steps to get them onto planes more quickly. Travelers across the country have endured lengthy lines, some snaking up and down escalators or through food courts and into terminal lobbies. At some airports, lines during peak hours have topped 90 minutes. Airlines have reported holding planes at gates to wait for passengers to clear security. Johnson said the government has a plan to deal with the lines but wont neglect its duty to stop terrorists. Our job is to keep the American people safe, Johnson said. Were not going to compromise aviation security in the face of this. The Transportation Security Administration has fewer screeners and has tightened security procedures. Meanwhile, more people are flying. Airlines and the TSA have been warning customers to arrive at the airport two hours in advance, but with summer travel season approaching, even that might not be enough. In the past three years, the TSA and Congress cut the number of front-line screeners by 4,622 or about 10 percent on expectations that an expedited screening program called PreCheck would speed up the lines. However, not enough people enrolled for TSA to realize the anticipated efficiencies. Congress this week agreed to shift $34 million in TSA funding forward, allowing the agency to pay overtime to its existing staff and hire an additional 768 screeners by June 15 to bring it up to the congressionally mandated ceiling of 42,525. But that might barely make a dent on the lines. This week, the president of the union representing the TSA officers sent a letter to congressional leaders suggesting that 6,000 additional screeners are needed. J. David Cox Sr. wrote that the $34 million just provides a small amount of temporary relief for travelers and defers dealing with the long-term, larger problem. Additionally, the agency loses about 100 screeners a week through attrition. Airlines and airports have hired extra workers to handle non-security tasks at checkpoints such as returning empty bins to the beginning of the line as part of an effort to free up as many TSA employees to handle passenger screening. The help cant come quickly enough. Friday morning, American Airlines held at least five flights at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport because of passengers stuck at security lines, according to airline spokesman Ross Feinstein. On the 7:20 a.m. flight to Las Vegas, 52 of the 160 passengers were not onboard 10 minutes before departure. American held the plane an extra 13 minutes past its scheduled pushback from the gate, allowing 23 passengers to hop onboard. However, 29 still missed the jet and arrived on later flights. A few gates away, 27 passengers missed their flight to Orlando. The biggest help to ease lines is to have more fliers enroll in the PreCheck program. Launched nationwide in 2012, PreCheck gives previously vetted passengers special screening. Shoes, belts and light jackets stay on. Laptops and liquids stay in bags. And these fliers go through standard metal detectors rather than the explosive-detecting full-body scanners that most pass through. PreCheck security lanes can screen 300 passengers an hour, twice that of standard lanes. The TSA offered Congress a lofty goal of having 25 million fliers enrolled in the program. But as of March 1, only 9.3 million people were PreCheck members. Applicants must pay $85 to $100 every five years. Most must also trek to the airport for an interview before being accepted. Getting once-a-year fliers to join has been a challenge. AgustaWestland: CBI may question middelman in Dubai India oi-Vicky New Delhi, May 14: The Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate which is probing the AgustaWestland case is working out the modalities to question James Christian Michel who is currently in Dubai. Michel had told a television channel that is not opposed to the idea of questioning provided it is through video conferencing. The CBI however is opposed to the idea of questioning him through video conferencing and would instead prefer paying a visit to Dubai and interrogate him. There are a couple of formalities that would need to be worked out before the CBI can question Michel in Dubai. Priority is to extradite The CBI says that the first priority would be to extradite Michel from Dubai to India. However these issues take sometime. In the interim we are planning on questioning him in Dubai. There are modalities that are being worked out in this regard the CBI says. India which shares a good relationship with the UAE could use this to get hold of Michel. An extradition is likely to take time the CBI says. The probe is an ongoing one and Michel is an important link in it. If we wait for an extradition the investigation flow is likely to be lost, the CBI official also added. Michel has a lot of questions to answer. He is alleged to be one of the key middlemen in the AgustaWestland deal. He is the one who was allegedly assigned the role of managing the media in India. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 14, 2016, 9:34 [IST] Alagiri stays out of election, alleges DMK doesn't know how to use him India oi-Pallavi Chennai, May 14: DMK Supremo M Karunanidhi's eldest son M K Alagiri has lots of complaints and is away from the election spotlight this year. When M K Stalin was seen campaigning across the state, he was seen spending time with his family. On asking him about the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, he says, "I have no opinion". And then emphasizing his indifference, he said, "I will not vote for any party this time." Meanwhile, Karunanidhi has made it clear that he would be the Chief Minister should the DMK come to power. He further added, "If he (Stalin) has to get a chance, nature has to do something to me." The tension was running in the family since 1980 when Karunanidhi sent Alagiri to Madurai, to look after the party and to run Morasoli, the DMK mouthpiece. "It has been three years... at least two-and-half years." He hasn't spoken to his half-sister Kanimozhi in almost three years. He is indifferent to the party's chances in Madurai and expressing his disappointment, he said, "They (DMK) don't know how to use me. I am not interested in this kind of politics." How many seats, the DMK will win in Madurai's 10 constituencies? "None". [Read: TN polls: Surveys by 2 magazines predict unpredictable results in many seats ] Alagiri was once in the news for all the wrong reasons, giving a chance to J Jayalalitha to pitch her eligibility over the DMK. She had once said, "This is the chance for the common man to punish the DMK for scams, kangaroo courts and rowdyism. If not now, when," urging the voters to bring back the "rule of law" in Madurai. Mafia leaders like 'Pottu' Suresh, 'Attack' Pandi, 'Karate' Pandian thrived under his leadership. He was also named as an accused in the murder of Pasumpon' T Kiruttinan, a former DMK minister close to Stalin, but was acquitted in 2007. Alagiri's absence from the election scene has affected his followers a lot. Hesitant to back him openly, one of them said: "We can't be seen supporting him openly. Also, who knows, one day he will settle all the issues with his family and we will be thrown out of the party. So we meet him, but keep a low profile. When Alagiri was in power, he misused it. He was indifferent to people, he was erratic in his work, he rarely turned up in Parliament when he was MP and union minister. But he is also a generous man who helps poor people and supports their children's education. Everyday, some 100 people visit him at his home." [Read: BJP hits out at DMK, AIADMK for 'freebie culture' in TN ] Amid a very calm demeanour, reports state otherwise. Many of his loyalists say that they are working to defeat two candidates this elections- P D R B Thiyakarasan of Madurai Central constituency and K Thalapathi of Madurai West, both considered close to Stalin. [Read: Rs 10.48 lakh cash seized from AIADMK functionary in TN ] OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 14, 2016, 11:44 [IST] Want to do 'Antim Darshan' of Baba Hardev Singh: Watch it Live here In Pics: Golden Temple Dazzles on the Occasion of Sikh Guru's Birth Anniversary Teachers' Day quotes: Inspiring wishes to make this day special for your Guru Baba Hardev Singh: Facts you need to know about late spiritual leader India oi-Jagriti New Delhi, May 14: Baba Hardev Singh, chief of the Nirankari sect was killed in car accident in Canada's Montreal. Condolences poured in after news of his death emerged on Friday. He went to Canada to attend series of spiritual meetings scheduled to be held in Toronto next month. Condoling Baba Hardev death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Baba Hardev Singh's demise is tragic & a great loss to the spiritual world. My thoughts are with his countless followers in this sad time." Here are the facts you need to know about him Born to Gurbachan Singh and Kulwant Kaur on February 23, 1954. Spritual guru Hardev Singh joined the Nirankari Sewa Dal as its primary member in 1971. After his father Gurbachan Singh's assassination in 1980, he became head of the sect. Baba Buta Singh had established Nirankari Mission in 1929. The sect has millions of followers across the world. OneIndia News With AQI of 259, Delhi's air on day before Diwali least polluted in 7 years IRCTC update: 190 trains cancelled on October 24; here is the complete list Delhi LG and CM greet people on Diwali, ask people to be mindful of pollution Partial Solar Eclipse 2022: Dos and Don'ts for pregnant women during Surya Grahan Partial Solar Eclipse: Why eating food during a solar eclipse is harmful News flash: Enough evidence to proceed against RK Pachauri: Court India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Bengaluru, May 14: Two RPF jawans on duty on Buxar Passenger Train fired at by unidentified men last night. One jawan dead, another seriously injured. Get all the news updates of the day: 10:25 pm: Electionl process in Aravakurichi Constituency vitiated because of unlawful activities of candidates & political parties in 'bribing' voters:EC 10:15 pm: EC directs that polls in Aravakurichi Constituency of Tamil Nadu shall now be taken on May 23 (Monday), instead of 16th May, 2016. 10:10 pm: Original person who compared Kerala with Somalia was VS Achuthanandanji, surprised, left &communist media is silent on this: Meenakshi Lekhi, BJP leader. 10:00 pm: Police arrest a terrorist identified as Abdul Rehman from Baramulla (J&K) after receiving a specific input. More details awaited. 9:50 pm: Election Commission has given Gen Secy, AIADMK & DMK Chief time till 5 PM tomorrow to explain their stand on the same. 9:41 pm: EC issues notice to Gen Secy, AIADMK & DMK Chief, based on complaint alleging that certain promises made in manifesto are against guidelines. 9:20 pm: Moradabad (UP): Heat wave intensifies, over 50 patients ill with diarrhea, admitted to distt hospital in last 2 days. 9:15 pm: We have rejected it (WHO report), will send our team with GoI permission to WHO office in Delhi: MS Chhatwal. 9:05 pm: Lufthansa flight that did an emergency landing as pilots had reported a landing gear problem, has been towed out from Mumbai airport runway. 9:00 pm: Have written to CPCB requesting to call a meeting to ascertain the basic of (WHO) report: PPCB chairman on Ludhiana among pollution city. 8:32 pm: Such incidence of crime are happening in all parts of the country, not just Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav, Deputy Bihar CM on journalists murder. Duty of the state Govt to act swiftly & book the culprit as soon as possible. Culprits shouldn't be spared: T Yadav. 8:20 pm: Condemn this in the strongest words: Lalu Prasad Yadav,RJD on journalist Rajdeo Ranjan's murder. 8:15 pm: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad blacklists 903 fraudulent faculty members from various colleges. Majority of blacklisted members were found to be flouting JNTU-H Affiliation Regulations & recommendations of standing committee on the same. 8:10 pm: Delhi: PM Narendra Modi meets CM Vasundhara Raje to discuss drought mitigation measures in Rajasthan. 7:55 pm: CBI took notice after Governor sent recommendation but now a duly elected Govt is in power, we are seeking legal advice. Decision will be taken only after seeking legal advice: I Hridayesh on sting operation case. 7:45 pm: Delhi police arrest 2 people for possession of illicit liquor,recover 102 cartons of illicit liquor from tempo,ahead of upcoming MCD By-election. 7:40 pm: Worthless to say good governance now, it is all about maha jungle raj,loot,rapes,murders now :RJD MP Mohammad Taslimuddin on Bihar. 7:30 pm: Journalists hold candle light march over Journalist Rajdeo Ranjan's murder in Siwan on Friday in Bihar. 7:05 pm: Met PM to discuss on drought issue, apprised him of efforts taken by state Govt to tackle the crisis: Raghubar Das. 6:55 pm: Police recovers 4 tiffin bombs planted by Maoists nr Andhra Pradesh-Chhattisgarh border in AP's East Godavari distt. 6:45 pm: Uttarakhand cabinet declares the entire state drought-affected. 6:40 pm: If women are so concerned about their safety, why do they shamelessly participate in any protest: Dilip Joshi, BJP on Jadavpur Univ incident. 6:35 pm: BJP MP Subramanian Swamy writes to Home Ministry seeking SIT probe into the Sunanda death case. 6:25 pm: Delhi: PM Narendra Modi meets Jharkhand CM Raghuvar Das to discuss drought issue. 6:15 pm: I see a surge in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kerala: Smriti Irani,HRD Minister. 6:05 pm: Campaigning in poll bound Kerala,Tamil Nadu and Puducherry ends, voting to take place on May 16. 5:45 pm: DMK chief M Karunanidhi addressing a rally in Chennai. 5:31 pm: NIA is trying to save all the people associated with RSS: Ashish Khetan, AAP. 5:20 pm: Bullet that killed teen came from Rocky Yadav's gun, say forensic experts. 5:05 pm: Cong's Chief Whip Indira Hridayesh files plea with Uttarakhand Speaker, requests him to end membership of MLA Rekha Arya from the Assembly. 5:00 pm: Junagadh (Gujarat): Patidar community protest against CM Anandiben Patel over reservation row. 4:41 pm: Madhya Pradesh: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena visits Sanchi Stupa, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan also present. 4:27 pm: Delhi's Leena Singh, 39, who went missing on April 30, found dead in Kamti forest in Madhya Pradesh. 4:02 pm: Journalist Pushp Sharma (who reported AYUSH ministry denying jobs to Muslims) arrested by Delhi Police: Report. 3:51 pm: We are working well & Opposition is jealous,hence they are making such(Jungle raj) allegations:Tej Pratap Yadav,RJD. 3:30 pm: Suicide attack kills three police officers in Afghanistan: Report. 3:00 pm: Ghaziabad: Five dead as fire breaks out in building at Rajnagar area. 2:40 pm: Want to tell the people of Kerala that communism is finished in the world and Congress is finished in India: Amit Shah. 2.10 pm: BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi meets Journalist Rajdeo Ranjan's family in Siwan, Bihar. 1:40 pm: Banks attach Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher Villa in Goa: Report 1:23 pm: How can NIA downplay Hemant Karkare's probe? asks AAP at news briefing. 1:15 pm: Three containers reportedly transferring Rs 570 crores for bank stopped by EC in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu. 1:04 pm: Let's hold 'Vichar Kumbh' every year with devotees & discuss why we need to plant trees, educate girl child: PM tells saints at Kumbh in MP. 12:43 pm: Knowledge is immortal and is relevant in every era: PM. 12:40 pm: The Kumbh mela gives new direction to the society, it is part of our age-old tradition and culture: PM at Mahakumbh. 12:31 pm: I want to bow in respect to all the saints and seers who are present here today: PM Modi at Vaichaarik Mahakumbh. 12:17 pm: PM Narendra Modi speaking at the Mahakumbh in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. 12:15 pm: Delhi court takes cognizance of charge sheet filed against R K Pachauri for allegedly sexually harassing a former woman colleague 12:13 pm: PM Modi reaches Ujjain with Sri Lankan Prez Maithripala Sirisena to attend closing ceremony of the Maha Kumbh. 12:10 pm: Court fixes July 11 as the date to supply copy of chargesheet to RK Pachauri. 12:02 pm: Our rivers have to be clean & we are starting with the Narmada & the Kshipra: MP CM 11:51 am: 30 liquor bottles seized from passenger train in Bihar. 11:30 am: Kanu Gandhi grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, is living in an old age home along with his wife in Delhi: Report 11.05 am: PM Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisen reaches Indore airport. 10.35 am: Doctor shot dead in his clinic in Palam village in Delhi last night. 10.05 am: Smriti Irani's election campaign rally in Trivandrum, Kerala Correction: Smriti Irani's election campaign rally in Trivandrum, Kerala. pic.twitter.com/76dQi1aV92 ANI (@ANI_news) May 14, 2016 9.30 am: 3 Railway Police jawans shot on duty by unidentified men in Uttar Pradesh's Mughalsarai, 1 dead. 9.08 am: Two people detained in Journalist Rajdev Ranjan's murder case, interrogation underway: SP, Siwan (Bihar) to ANI. 8.55 am: BCCI calls for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on May 22 to elect the new president after resignation of Manohar as board chief. 8.30 am: SC pulls up Center for delay in payments under MNREGA, especially in regions battling severe drought. 8.00 am: Manorama Devi's son Rocky confesses that he fired at Aditya Sachdev in Bihar Road Rage case: Police Source. OneIndia News Coal case: HC grants interim bail to JIPL directors India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, May 13: The Delhi High Court on Friday granted interim bail, till July 31, to Jharkhand Ispat Pvt. Ltd. directors R.S. Rungta and R.C. Rungta, who had been convicted and sentenced to four year jail term in a coal block allocation case. Justice Siddharth Mridul granted bail to the duo on a personal bond of Rs.10 lakh each with two sureties of the like amount. The court i its order said: "The sentence awarded to the appellants (Rungtas) by the trial court by way of judgement and order on sentence dated March 28 and April 4 respectively, impugned in the appeals, is suspended and they shall be released on interim bail till July 31." The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) did not oppose the interim bail to the directors - R.S. Rungta, 79 and R.C. Rungta, 60. In the first sentencing in a coal block allocation case, a trial court on April 4 had sent the duo to jail for four years for the offence of criminal conspiracy and cheating under the Indian Penal Code in bagging a coal block. Sending them to jail, the trial court had said that "white collar criminals are more dangerous" to society". The court had also said that they had "fraudulently" and with a "dishonest intention" deceived the government in allocating the North Dhadu coal block in Jharkhand to the firm. IANS Despite the SC bail, journalist Siddique Kappan to remain in jail In the name of charity, Rs 50 lakh transferred to personal A/C: ED in chargesheet against Rana Ayyub Rana Ayyub used money collected for charity for her own use Senior journalist shot dead in Bihar India oi-IANS By Ians English Patna, May 13: A senior journalist of Hindi daily Hindustan was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Bihar's Siwan district on Friday night, police said. Rajdeo Ranjan, bureau chief of the Hindi daily, which is part of the HT group, was shot dead at a busy market near the station road in Siwan, said a district police official. According to police officials, a case was lodged and investigation began into it. IANS On PMs guidance how Devbhoomi Uttarakhands Temples will be developed India always views war as last resort, but... : PM Modi to armed forces in Kargil Narendra Modi raises fishermen issue during talks with Sri Lankan president India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, May 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the need for a permanent solution to the vexed fishermen issue during talks with visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena here. Modi, and Sirisena held talks over a working dinner hosted by the Indian prime minister at Hyderabad House on Friday evening. Modi stressed on the need "to develop a mechanism and find a permanent solution to the issue of fishermen straying into each other waters". He also appreciated President Sirisena's efforts to promote reconciliation in Sri Lanka so that all sections of Sri Lankan society can live with equality and dignity, said an official statement. The two leaders discussed all issues of bilateral interest, in particular the problems being faced by Indian fishermen, the status of various economic projects being implemented by India and efforts to further increase trade and investment. Modi said that President Sirisena's visit for the Simhastha Kumbha in Ujjain was very significant as it showed the deep civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka. President Sirisena thanked Prime Minister Modi for receiving him and expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by government of India to Sri Lanka, in particular the various developmental projects being implemented by India. In this context, both the leaders appreciated the meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission led by two foreign ministers, which had met after the gap of three years, said the external affairs ministry statement. Modi will be accompanying Sirisena to Ujjain on Saturday. According to a statement put up by the Sri Lankan president's website. Modi has "assured to give every support to Sri Lanka to make the reconciliation programme successful". Both leaders also discussed setting up of an allopathic medicine investment zone in Sri Lanka. They also paid attention to enhancing of the economic, commercial and cultural relations between the two countries. The idea of setting up a common economic zone was also taken up. This was the sixth meeting between President Sirisena and Modi, during a short span of 15 months. President Sirisena had chosen India for his first state visit after coming to office. He had discussions with Modi during his bilateral visit to New Delhi earlier as well as during Modi's visit to Sri Lanka; both met on the sidelines of international forums such as the UN General Assembly and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meet in Malta as well as at the Paris climate summit. "Thus, the leaders of Sri Lanka and India have become the two heads of states who met the most number of times during a period of 15 months. Consequently, the two heads of states have set an example of who held periodical bilateral discussions for most number of times," said the Sri Lankan president's website. Sirisena later tweeted, posting a picture of him and Modi shaking hands, "The amity between India and Sri Lanka is special. With @narendramodi it continues to improve." Earlier, the Sri Lanka president arrived here on a two-day official visit. In the evening, Sirisena also attended an event at the India Foundation where he was felicitated by Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Pradhan later tweeted: "Energy relationship with Sri Lanka is very strong; IOC is present in marketing sector of Sri Lanka." In Ujjain, the Sri Lankan president will address the valedictory session at the Vaicharick Mahakumbh which is being held as part of the Simhastha Mahakumbh on Saturday. He will also visit Sanchi where he will tour the famed Sanchi Stupa and attend a function by the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka during which he will unveil a statute of Angarika Dharmapala. Sirisena is also to tour Sanchi as part of his visit in which he will also unveil a monument of Anagarika Dharmapala IANS 'We demand for RSS to be banned too', says Congress MP on PFI Ban Policies adopted in name of green revolution be reviewed: RSS India oi-PTI Ninora (MP), May 13: Policies adopted in the name of "green revolution" led farmers to depend more on multinational companies and large industries, RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi said today and advocated their "strong review". "The policies that we have accepted in the name of green revolution had resulted in farmers depending more on large companies for seeds and fertilisers than the self-sustainable model that was in vogue prior to it," Joshi said. He was addressing a session on agriculture during the 'International Vichar Mahakumbh' being organised as part of the ongoing month-long Simhastha fair. "Government, society, scientists and farmers should strongly review it and should seriously ponder over what we have achieved in the last 60 years by adopting modern agriculture at the cost of traditional one," Joshi said. He said, "We cannot support mechanisation totally as this type of agriculture is pushing farmers towards the path of dependability. They have to depend on large industries for agri-equipments." Demanding formulation of "Comprehensive Agriculture Policy", Joshi said the government should take into account climatic conditions of different regions of the country while framing it. "It's the duty of country's scientists and policy-makers to frame schemes by striking a balance between traditional and modern agriculture by keeping in mind the current scenario," Joshi said. In his address, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev said the time has come to "expose" false claims made while pushing people towards chemical-based agriculture and that they should be motivated to go for organic and nature-based agriculture. Slamming multi-national companies for "profiteering", Ramdev said the purchase of branded products is "ideological pollution". Ramdev said he will aggressively promote swadeshi products. He also announced wearing only hand-woven cotton cloths henceforth. Addressing the session, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said though chemical-based agriculture is not good but it cannot be replaced overnight. Therefore, the state government will develop "model agriculture farms" based on traditional methods to present alternative ways of farming to the people, he said, adding mixed agriculture with different crops will also be encouraged. Chouhan said agri-MNCs whose sole aim is profiteering should be bundled out of the country. Speaking on the occasion, environmental activist Vandana Shiva claimed that Rs 70 billion go waste every year due to chemical-based agriculture and its related ill-effects. She opposed the royalty being realised by MNCs and demanded that country's seed diversity, organic diversity and food security be protected from foreign companies. PTI Amitabh Bachchan reveals he had to get stitches after he cut a vein on his leg Sadhvi Pragya has one more legal hurdle: The Sunil Joshi murder case India oi-Vicky New Delhi, May 14: For Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, there is still one legal hurdle remaining before she could walk out of jail. While the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has dropped charges against her in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case, she will still have to fight out the Sunil Joshi murder case in which she is an accused. Ganesh Sovani, senior counsel and Sadhvi's former advocate tells OneIndia that a major hurdle has been crossed in the Malegaon case, but she is yet to get bail in the Sunil Joshi murder case. The NIA had filed charges against 8 persons including Sadhvi Pragya in connection with the murder of a Hindu activist Sunil Joshi. The NIA stated in the chargesheet that Joshi was murdered as he had made sexual advances towards Pragya. The next course of action: Sovani explains that the next course of action would be to obtain bail in the Joshi case. With regard to the Malegaon case, it has come as huge relief for all of us and the NIA has basically stated what we were stating all along. The ATS had told my disciple to beat me: Sadhvi Pragya Now with the NIA stating that there are no charges being pressed against Sadhvi, it is for the court to endorse the chargesheet. Courts can take a different view, but in normal course they do not dispute the chargesheet filed by the investigating agency. The others who can oppose this chargesheet in the court are the victims and also the ATS which first probed the case, Sovani also says. With the NIA now not pressing charges, she can claim compensation. I must remind you that there is a petition pending with the NHRC since the past five years in which she has sought for compensation. However that matter has not moved an inch till date, Sovani says. However for now this is a major relief for all of us. The Malegaon case was a major one with all sort of stringent charges being slapped on her. It is a victory for all us and we are extremely happy, Sovani points out. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 14, 2016, 10:24 [IST] India always views war as last resort, but... : PM Modi to armed forces in Kargil Shedding 'holier-than-thou' attitude key to conflict resolution: Modi India oi-PTI Ujjain (MP), May 14: Warning that global warming and terrorism have become the world's biggest concerns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said shedding the "holier-than- thou" attitude is the key to overcoming these issues and resolving conflicts. World's biggest concerns are global warming and terrorism... the holier than thou attitude apparently is behind them," Modi said addressing the veledictory session of the three-day international conference on "Living the Right Way" on the sidelines of Simhastha-Kumbh mela here. "The world is passing through two types of crises. On the one hand there is global warming while on the other there is terrorism. What is the solution ? What is behind their genesis...simply holier than thou attitude or (the thinking) that my way is more correct than yours. This is the thing which is dragging us towards conflict," he said. Strongly opposing attempts at expansionism, he said this was not a solution to the problems. "Expansionism is another thing that is leading us towards conflict. Time has changed. Expansionism is not a solution to the problems. We should not go horizontal. It is not a solution. We need to go vertical and raise ourselves from within," Modi said. The Prime Minister also released 51-point 'Simhastha Declaration' jointly with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan. He said one of the major issues faced by the world is conflict management but the Indians know how to resolve the conflict and cited mythology to underscore his point. "But we (Indians) inherit conflict management skills ..Indians worship Lord Rama for his obedience and loyalty to his father and in the same breath glorify Prahlad who disobeyed his father. "The same way Sita and Mira are also worshipped, which shows that people here are well adept at conflict management," he said, adding what the world was doing today, Indians have been practising for ages. "World Earth Day is observed (globally). In India, when a child wakes up in the morning his or her mother asks them to seek forgiveness from the earth before putting the foot down on the ground." Simhastha Kumbh Mela is one of world's largest spirtual gatherings held once in 12 years when lakhs of devotees, including hundreds of sadhus, take dip in river Kishipra. The three-day conference, styled as "Vichar Mahakumbh", is organised on the sidelines of the event to discuss issues like global warming, hazards of chemical farming and benefits of organic one and women empowerment among others. PTI Women as a vote bank: Not a win-win for politicos India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, May 14: Women are now being courted by some politicians who sense that their appeal to Dalits, backward castes and Muslims is dwindling in the absence of providing more and more sops, or that their rivals are more successful in cultivating these vote banks. In the Hindi belt, for instance, the support base of the Yadavs, the most dominant of the backward castes, has become the monopoly of Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar and Mulayam Singh Yadav in U.P. Interestingly, these bases are not transferrable across the boundaries of the two states. Evidently, the Bihari Yadavs are not enamoured of the leader of their caste group in U.P. and vice versa. It is this watertight division which made Mulayam Singh break away from the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Bihar last year and ring the death knell of the proposed Janata "parivar" comprising remnants of the old Janata Dal. This brittle and unreliable aspect of the social scene appears to have persuaded Nitish Kumar to court a new support base - that of women, which presumably cuts across caste lines though not the class barriers. The Bihar chief minister's compulsions are understandable. As a leader of the small caste group of Kurmis, who make up a mere 3.8 percent of Bihar's population, he must have felt at a political disadvantage vis-a-vis his friend-turned-foe to uneasy friend again, Lalu Prasad, leader of the Yadavs who comprise 14 percent of the state's population. To offset this drawback, Nitish Kumar has tried to rally the women to his side by implementing prohibition. The annual price which he is willing to pay for this policy is Rs.4,000 crore, which used to be the earnings of the excise department. Apart from the revenue shortfall, which cannot but affect Bihar's development, there are other problems associated with prohibition, viz. criminalisation of the liquor trade via bootlegging, bribery of the police and excise officials and the conversion of law-abiding drinkers into dissemblers and liars about their habits. Unlike Bihar, which is yet to shed its BIMARU or sick label because of a sluggish economy, the far more advanced state of Goa has also become a victim of the political tactic of wooing women as a vote bank. Instead of banning liquor to save the fair sex from abusive husbands/boyfriends, a section of the women in Goa is seeking to outlaw casinos to prevent the men folk from squandering the hard-earned money of their families. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar is, therefore, considering legislation to ban Goans from entering the casinos, introducing a kind of apartheid in the state. Earlier, identity politics was focussed on entire castes or communities. Now, the spotlight is on a gender-based group. It is no secret that differentiations of this kind tend to pit the chosen category against the others. Therefore, it is possible that a policy based on "guarding" women against ill-behaved men is not a recipe for harmonious family relations. Although the law against domestic violence has the same objective, it is meant to act as a warning. The policy on prohibition pre-empts the issue by assuming that all those who drink alcohol are louts. Since this is patently not the case, the policy penalizes not only those men who are not guilty but also those women who drink. Aimed at checking a few anti-socials, the ban on liquor tars everyone with the same brush. It may also be promoting class antagonisms, for the denizens of the cocktail circuit may believe themselves to be at the receiving end for the misdemeanours of a few among the lower-middle and working class. Not that the upper strata do not have their black sheep - the murderous evening in Kathmandu's royal palace in 2001 is an example. But worldwide alcohol consumption has become a part of social life just as imbibing soma and sura was in ancient times. The breeding of ill-feelings between caste groups is a known aspect of identity politics. It was to obviate such bad blood that the Dalit czarina Mayawati changed her earlier slogan "Tilak, tarazu aur talwar, inko maro jootey char" (beat with shoes the Brahmins, banias and thakurs) to "Brahmin sankh bajayega, hathi aagey jayega" (the elephant will go forward to the sound of the Brahmin's conch shell). The elephant is the BSP's poll symbol. To what extent the prohibition-induced wall between men and women will jeopardize their relationship is difficult to say. But it cannot be of any help in fostering amity at a time when drinking at parties and in the home has become much more common than what it was, say, half a century ago. Prohibition will be strongly resented by a much larger section of the population than what the Bihar government imagines. It will be the same in Goa if the locals are kept out of casinos on the plea of ensuring moral health and curing the spendthrift gambling addicts. Since women are supposed to be behind these official initiatives, men will not be overly pleased. A not inconsiderable portion of the votes which the proponents of the bans will get from women will be negated by the contrary votes of the men. IANS There is no 'one-size-fits-all' to curb poverty 4 held in Assam for suspected links with Bangladesh's terror outfit Thief calls cops for help after being caught by mob Cyclone Sitrang heading towards Bangladesh; Heavy rains likely to pound West Bengal, Odisha and NE Bangladesh: Buddhist monk hacked to death International oi-Jagriti Dhaka, May 14: A 70-year-old Buddhist monk hacked to death in Bangladesh's Bandarban district, media reported on Saturday. Monk Mawng Shoi Wuu, whose throat was slit by assailants, was found dead in poll of blood in the monastery located at Naikhyongchari Upazila on Saturday, reported the bdnews24.com. The victim was the chief of the monastery. A series of murders of priests belonging to non-Muslim communities and secular Muslim personalities rocked Bangladesh in recent time. Involvement of home grown Islamist radical's role is suspected in the case, however global terror groups Islamic State and Al Qaeda have reportedly claimed responsibility for these murders. Any group is yet to claim responsibility of the attack. OneIndia News Bolsonaro and Lula jabs at each other in debate Brazil's Dilma Rousseff warns of risks associated with 'illegitimate government' International oi-IANS By Ians English Brasilia, May 14: Suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said here on Friday the country and its democracy faced grave risks under the leadership of an "illegitimate government" headed by her former vice president, Michel Temer. "I don't know if the risk exists now, at this moment. But I think that an illegitimate government will always require illegitimate mechanisms for remaining in power," Rousseff told foreign correspondents at the Alvorada Palace, the president's official residence, a day after the Senate voted to put her on trial for allegedly breaking budget laws. Rousseff will be suspended from office for the duration of the trial -- a maximum of 180 days. If she is convicted by a two-thirds vote in the Senate, considered highly likely given the upper house's 55-22 vote in favour of the impeachment trial, then Temer, a former ally turned foe, will serve out the rest of her term, which is due to expire on January 1, 2019. Rousseff vowed, however, during Friday's press conference to prove her innocence during the trial and return to power. Referring to Temer's administration, Rousseff said that based on his initial pronouncements it would be "laissez-faire with respect to the economy and conservative in social and cultural matters". Noting that all 24 cabinet members unveiled by Temer on Thursday are white men, she also said it was regrettable that for the first time in many years "there are no women or blacks in the Brazilian government". "There's a problem of representation," particularly with respect to women, who make up more than 50 percent of Brazil's population, she added. "Inequality in Brazil is a black, female, youth and also, obviously, a male (problem), but blacks and women are essential if we want to build a country from the social, cultural and human rights standpoint." IANS Woman, her two children mowed down by train; Suicide not ruled out Shocking: Woman sent home for not wearing high heels at work in London, approaches parliament International oi-Jagriti London, May 14: A woman employee of a corporate finance company who was sent home after she refused to wear high heels at work, has petitioned the British Parliament to make it illegal to force women to wear them, media reported. Her petition has generated more than 110,000 signatures in a matter of days. The government is yet to take call on her petition. She was laughed at when she raised that her male colleagues were not required to do the same. The 27-years old Nicola Thorp, employed as a temporary worker by PwC's outsourced reception firm Portico, was told to leave office when she refused to wear high heels on her arrival at finance company PwC. Nicola Thorp, a receptionist from Hackney, she was sent home without pay in December last year. "I was expected to do a nine-hour shift on my feet escorting clients to meeting rooms. I said 'I just won't be able to do that in heels'," Thorp was quoted as saying by BBC. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 14, 2016, 9:05 [IST] Fact Check: Did Trump thank Musk for welcoming him back to Twitter Donald Trump distances himself from ex-butler's comments on Obama International oi-Sandra Washington, May 14: A day after GOP presumtive nominee Donald Trump's former butler called for Barack Obama to be killed, Trump has now distanced himself for his comments. Trump's former butler, 84-year-old Anthony Senecal had written on Facebook: "To all my friends on FB, just a short note to you on our pus headed "president" !!!! This character who I refer to as zero (0) should have been taken out by our military and shot as an enemy agent in his first term ! Donald Trump's ex-butler calls for Obama to be killed Instead he still remains in office doing every thing he can to gut the America we all know and love !!!!! Now comes Donald J Trump to put an end to the corruption in government," the post read. Trump's campaign then issued a statement disowning the statements made by Senecal, terming his comments as 'horrible.' Trump's campaign spokesperson said: "Senecal has not worked at Mar-a-Lago for years, but nevertheless we totally and completely disavow the horrible comments made by him." OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 14, 2016, 12:46 [IST] In good shape to go against Hillary Clinton: Donald Trump International oi-PTI Washington, Apr 21: Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump today exuded confidence that he will earn the party's nomination for the November elections and said he is in a "good shape" to go against "crooked" Hillary Clinton. "It has been a very tough battle. I was being hit from every angle on every side. And I had to be very tough coming back. I mean, there is no question about that. I had to be very, very tough. And in some cases I had to be very nasty," Trump told Fox News in an interview. Now it looks like we are in very good shape to go, you know, right to the end and then I will take on as I say crooked Hillary. Hillary is crooked. I call it crooked Hillary. But I will take on Hillary Clinton and I think we are going to win. I think we are going to win," said Trump who appeared to be oozing with confidence after his massive victory in New York primary. (Voting for Iraq war 'greatest regret': Hillary Clinton) Trump bagged 89 of the 95 delegates at stake in New York and is currently way ahead of his nearest rival Senator Ted Cruz from Texas in the delegate count. The real estate tycoon from New York said that he would be able to defeat Hillary Clinton in the November presidential elections, "Yes. Yes. A lot of people think I will beat her. A lot of people think I will put states into play that will never be in play like I will win Michigan. No other Republican is going to even compete in Michigan, I'll win Pennsylvania. I will win states that nobody else and guess what, I am going to win New York." In another interview to NBC News, Trump said people of the country would vote for him because of his policies. "When people see that I'm going to bring jobs back to this country, when they see that I'm going to strengthen up the military, when they see that I'm going to have strong borders like nobody else can have and we will build a wall. And Mexico will pay for the wall, by the way. But when they see that we're getting rid of Obamacare, which is a total disaster and we're going to be replacing it with something good," he said. "When they see we're going to get rid of Common Core, which is also, likewise, a total catastrophe, and we're bringing education locally, so it can be run by local communities and the parents of the children. And it's going to be wonderful and beautiful and much better," he said. PTI Indian artist wins award at UN poster contest on N-disarmament International oi-PTI United Nations, May 14: A 22-year-old Indian artist is among the three winners of a UN poster competition aimed at raising awareness about nuclear disarmament, with her poster of a peace dove slicing through a nuclear weapon garnering appreciation from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Anjali Chandrashekar, a New York-based designer and "artivist", won the third prize in UN Poster for Peace contest presented by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) to raise awareness of the need for nuclear disarmament. Titled 'Cutting Barriers through Peace', the poster features a peace dove slicing through a nuclear weapon. Another poster 'Break Free' by the Chennai girl, that shows doves flying out of a bird cage at the top of a nuclear weapon, received an honorable mention. She received her third-prize certificate from Ban at an award ceremony held here on May 3. Apart from the three winners, nine honorable mentions were chosen from among more than 4,100 entries representing 123 countries. The young artist was only 10 when she founded 'Picture It', a non-governmental organisation that uses imagery to raise awareness and funds for various health, humanitarian and environmental causes. "Nuclear disarmament is usually spoken about on such a high level and I believe that art has the power to humanize some of the most pressing issues that the world faces today," she told the UN News Centre. "It also transcends barriers of age, language and literacy so I thought this was a great opportunity for me to show that a brush can be mightier than arms." The first prize went to 38-year-old Ivan Ciro Palomino Huamani from Peru for his 'Spinning Peace', which features a nuclear weapon being unraveled into string which is then used to fly kites and balloons, and to jump rope. Second place winner, 15-year-old Michelle Li, named her poster 'Peace in our Hands', which features a shadow puppet of a peace dove above a broken nuclear weapon. Congratulating the winners, Ban said he commends them for the "talents you have displayed, and for using those talents to highlight such an essential cause." "At a time of many global needs, it is important that young people are aware of the threat posed by nuclear weapons, and the vital importance of disarmament. Young people did not create nuclear weapons, but it may be their task to eliminate them once and for all. The energy and enthusiasm, talent and new ideas we see here today will help to meet that challenge," he said at the award ceremony. Actor Michael Douglas, a UN Messenger of Peace, said that "creativity is essential" to creating momentum for nuclear disarmament. The competition was organised to commemorate the anniversary of the very first UN General Assembly resolution adopted in 1946 establishing a Commission to deal with problems related to the discovery of atomic energy. PTI Report: Airstrikes, intel failed to stop Paris attacks International oi-PTI Paris, May 14: France changed its military strategy and started airstrikes in Syria last year because of concerns months before the attacks on Paris that ringleader Abdelhamid Abaaoud was plotting to target a concert and take hostages, according to a French newspaper report. The report in today's Le Parisien, citing French and Belgian intelligence material and police recordings, lists repeated occasions when authorities allegedly failed to catch Abaaoud, even though he had been considered a major threat by several European intelligence services before the November 13 attacks that left 130 dead in the French capital. US intelligence was also onto Abaaoud. President Barack Obama's envoy for the anti-Islamic State coalition, Brett McGuirk, said today that at as soon as he heard about the Paris attacks "we all assumed this was probably something that was planned by Abaaoud" from the Syrian IS stronghold of Raqqa. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, McGuirk described the Paris attacks as unusually sophisticated. Abaaoud was killed in a police raid five days after the attacks by IS suicide bombers on a concert, stadium and cafes. Most of those killed in the Paris attacks were hostages in the Bataclan concert hall. The French president's office and the Interior Ministry, which oversees intelligence services, did not respond to requests for comment on today's report. The news came as survivors and families of victims marked six months since the attacks, which shook the nation and prompted a state of emergency that is still in place. French authorities came under criticism immediately after the attacks for intelligence missteps that failed to prevent the bloodshed. France had been under high alert since deadly shootings at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper and a Paris kosher market in January 2015. Salah Abdeslam slapped with terror charges over Paris attacks By September 2015, Le Parisien reported, authorities had identified links between Abaaoud and thwarted attacks on a high-speed train and a church, and suspected he was plotting a big attack. The report quotes a witness as saying Abaaoud asked him to find a concert or other easy target with a lot of people, with the goal of seizing hostages and dying while fighting police. France joined the US-led coalition against IS in Iraq in 2014 but stayed out of Syria. President Francois Hollande changed that tack in September 2015, launching Syria airstrikes. Le Parisien said the decision was prompted by intelligence about Abaaoud, and that a September 27 French airstrike on Deir ez-Zor in Syria was aimed at Abaaoud's training camp. AP At 97, he is the oldest enrolled for an MA programme World's oldest person, born in 1899, is dead International oi-IANS By Ians English New York, May 13: Susannah Mushatt Jones, the granddaughter of slaves who held the title of "world's oldest living person" and "the last American born in the 19th century", has died at the age of 116, it was reported on Friday. Born in July 6, 1899, she passed away on Thursday in a Brooklyn nursing home where she had lived for three decades. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Jones, according to RT online, was born the same year the word "automobile" first appeared in text - and lived through two World Wars and 20 US presidents. Jones credited her long life to not drinking, smoking or partying, a family member told NBC, adding that the fresh fruit and vegetables she ate during her childhood helped maintain her health. One of 11 siblings, she graduated from school in 1922 before working full-time picking crops with family members on the same land her grandparents farmed as slaves. Her grandmother lived to be 117 years old, according to US census data. She was accepted into Tuskegee Institute's teaching programme. But as her parents could not afford the tuition fees, she left for New Jersey and then New York where she found work as a nanny and housekeeper. Married once with no children, she returned to Alabama after retiring in 1965. But as more of her family moved north, she returned to New York where she lived until her death. At age 80, she moved into an elder home in Brooklyn where she continued to cook for herself and partake in the neighbourhood watch until she was 100. She refused cataract surgery, leaving her blind and partially deaf. Her reign as the world's oldest person commenced last year when 117-year-old Misao Okawa died in Tokyo in April 2015. Now, 116-year-old Emma Morano from Italy, born after Jones on November 28, 1899, is the world's oldest person and one of the last living links to the 19th century. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 14, 2016, 15:24 [IST] "I know Russia well. I had a major event in Russia two or three years ago, Miss Universe contest." Donald Trump "You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska." Sarah Palin WASHINGTON Mark Salter, the longtime John McCain consigliere, was asked by Politico's Glenn Thrush whether he believed McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his 2008 running mate "opened the door a crack for a Trump-style candidate." "Maybe a little," Salter said after a pause. Stuff and nonsense. Salter was being modest. Palin's nomination didn't crack the door for Trump. It birthed him. Palin is, politically, the Mother of Trump. Some of their similarities, such as their curious ways of justifying their knowledge of Russia, are superficial. Trump, asked by NBC's Chuck Todd where he gets his military advice, said: "Well, I watch the shows. ... You know, when you watch your show and all of the other shows." This had more than an echo of Palin's reply to Katie Couric in 2008 about which newspapers or magazines she reads: "Um, all of them, any of them that have been in front of me all these years." But the likenesses go much deeper, between the candidates themselves and among the followers they've inspired: The attacks on the media. The demonization of a supposed "establishment." The huge and sometimes violent crowds. The prominent platforms given both candidates by Fox News. The racist responses among supporters. The suspicion of science. The scapegoating of Muslims. The portrayal of President Obama as something other than American. Well before Trump built his national political reputation by questioning the authenticity of Obama's birth certificate, there was Palin. In December 2009, she called it a "fair question" and "fair game" and said "the public rightfully is still making it an issue." In 2011, after Trump said he was sending investigators to Hawaii to probe Obama's birth, Palin responded, "More power to him." Before Trump said he would bring back waterboarding and "a hell of a lot worse," there was Palin. Two years ago, she talked about how "if I were in charge, they would know that waterboarding is how we baptize terrorists." Before there was Trump talking about banning Muslim immigration (a stance Palin supports) and forced registration of Muslims, there was Palin. "Let Allah sort it out," was her 2013 response to the Syrian civil war. Soon after Palin was named McCain's running mate in 2008, I went to see her campaign in Florida in front of 8,000 people and as I reread my column from then it sounds much like the Trump events I've seen this year. She justified her accusation that Obama "pals around with terrorists" by saying that Obama isn't "a man who sees America the way you and I see America" and that he "sees America as imperfect enough to work with a former domestic terrorist who had targeted his own country." When she railed against this "domestic terrorist," Bill Ayers, one man in the audience shouted, "Kill him!" She stirred the crowd to turn against the press in a manner similar to Trump's rallying of supporters against penned-in reporters at his events: "Palin supporters turned on reporters in the press area, waving thunder sticks and shouting abuse. ... One Palin supporter shouted a racial epithet at an African-American sound man for a network and told him, 'Sit down, boy.'" Back then, she stirred racial animosity (she tried to make an issue of Obama's former preacher, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, even though McCain had called that off-limits) and quarreled with the party establishment (the Florida GOP chairman was forbidden aboard her plane because he questioned Palin's abilities). Nicolle Wallace, a former top official on the McCain 2008 campaign, observed the parallel in The New York Times in January after Palin endorsed Trump: "Mr. Trump is riding the wave of anxiety that Ms. Palin first gave voice to as Sen. John McCain's running mate. Mr. Trump has now usurped and vastly expanded upon Ms. Palin's constituency, but the connection between the two movements is undeniable." McCain, admirably, refused to let the rage take over his campaign: He famously corrected the woman at his event who called Obama an "Arab," taking a different approach than Trump, who let stand an accusation at his event that Obama is a Muslim. But now there is no such filter. And the man who gave us Palin in 2008 worries that her political progeny could cost him his Senate seat in Arizona this year. With Trump on the ticket, McCain has said, "this may be the race of my life." A dream, a call and some courage: How a 15-year-old stopped her marriage Bengal polls: All 294 constituencies to have observers on counting day Kolkata oi-PTI Kolkata, May 14: All 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal will have an observer each during the counting of votes on May 19. Assembly Polls 2016 Coverage "Altogether 294 counting observers - one for each Assembly constituency - will be deployed in West Bengal on May 19 for counting of votes," state Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Gupta said in Kolkata today after a review meeting with district magistrates. The poll panel has also arranged for tight security measure during the counting process and a huge contingent of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed. The six-phase Assembly polls began in West Bengal on April 4 and concluded on May 5. The results will be declared on May 19. Gupta said it is up to the local administration to decide whether to ban victory rallies after the results are declared. "The Election Commission's mandate extends till the counting and end of poll process. Any steps after that will be taken by the local administration," he said replying to a question on district administration barring victory rallies to prevent post-poll violence. PTI West Bengal election 2016: A look at all pre-poll surveys Kolkata oi-Shubham Kolkata, May 14: It's another five days before the results of this year's Assembly election in West Bengal, which took place in seven phases between April 4 and May 5, come out. This year's election was unique since the Left and Congress reached an understanding to defeat the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee. Assembly Polls 2016 Coverage Here we have a look at all the pre-poll surveys that were conducted ahead of the Bengal election and the results they have predicted. On May 19, we will see who hit the bull's eye or who went wide off the target. WEST BENGAL ASSEMBLY ELECTION 2016 Opinion polls (Total seats: 294) Trinamool Left Front Congress BJP Others ABP-AC Nielsen Poll 1* (February 2016) 182 Left+Congress 107 - 0 5 India TV-CVoter (March 2016) 156 114 13 4 7 ETV Bangla* (March 2016) 201 34 27 1 3 ABP-AC Nielsen Poll 2* (March 2016) 178 Left+Congress 110 - 1 5 24 Ghanta-GFK Mode (March 2016) 200 Left+Congress 90 - 1 3 Times Now-India TV-CVoter (April 2016) 160 106 21 4 3 * The first ABP-AC Nielsen survey results, released on February 18, said if the Left-Congress alliance was not held, then the TMC's seat tally could go up to 197 and the Left's and Congress's tallies could come down to 74 and 16, respectively. [A look at all pre-poll survey results in Assam] *ETV Bangla survey said results in 28 seats were far too close to predict. * The second ABP-AC Nielsen survey results, released on March 29, said if the Left-Congress alliance was not held, then the TMC's seat tally could go up to 200 and the Left's and Congress's tallies could come down to 75 and 14, respectively. Oneindia News 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. LEBANON Student-doctors from Western University of Health Sciences were honored with scholarship awards at the schools Awards & Recognition Ceremony May 3 at the Boulder Falls Center. FamilyCare Health Plans awarded $100,000 in funding to students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest through the J. Scott Heatherington, DO Scholarship and the Arthur O. Rott, DO Scholarship. Jeff Heatherington, LHD (Hon.), president and CEO of FamilyCare Health Plans, presented the scholarships alongside Robin Richardson, DO, chairman of FamilyCares Board of Directors. These are two giants in the profession, Dr. Heatherington said of his father, J. Scott Heatherington, DO, and Arthur O. Rott, DO. We hope we have some more giants sitting here in the crowd. Second-year medical students who earned the FamilyCare scholarships will receive $20,000 annually for the remainder of their education at COMP-Northwest. The Heatherington and Rott scholarships were created in 2012, with a focus on investing in future physicians who plan to practice medicine in Oregon. Amanda G. Emmert and Nichole R. Scherlie were awarded the J. Scott Heatherington, DO Scholarship. Dr. Heatherington was known for his leadership in the profession and his embodiment of osteopathic principles and practices. The students who were awarded the scholarship are recognized for leadership and commitment to the profession and principles of osteopathic medicine. Emily B. Anderson, Philip M. Grenz, and Whitney N. Wolfe were awarded the Arthur O. Rott, DO Scholarship. Dr. Rott was known by his peers as an exemplary educator. The three student-doctors who were awarded the scholarship are recognized for their passion and dedication to learning and contributing to the creation of future osteopathic physicians. In addition to the FamilyCare scholarships, three private-party donors awarded scholarships to WesternU COMP-Northwest students. Ankura K. Patel was given the Henry M. and Anne-Louise Bennett Medical Education Scholarship. This $5,000 award is given to a student who is committed to returning to rural Nevada to practice medicine. The Bennetts, who are from Reno, believe strongly in philanthropy and public service. Student-doctor Patel is also from Reno. Jonathan D. Shader was awarded the John and Carol Dinges Medical Education Award. The $5,000 scholarship recognizes a student who has a commitment to practicing primary care in an underserved small town or rural area. The Dinges family are longtime Lebanon residents. Nicole R. Scherlie was honored with the Eubanks Memorial Trust scholarship. The $2,000 award was presented by Paul Aversano, DO, in honor of Robert Eubanks, DO, and Theresa Eubanks, DO. The award is given to a student who has an interest in practicing primary care. If you've returned your primary election ballot, good for you. Congratulations. Take the rest of the weekend off. But most of you still have some work ahead of you. As of Friday afternoon, turnout in Linn County for Tuesday's election was about 26 percent. By contrast, turnout in Benton County as of Friday was about ... well, it was right about at 26 percent as well. In other words, only about one of every four mid-valley voters has returned a ballot thus far. Now, more ballots certainly will flood into election offices between now and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, the deadline for the election, although "flood" may be too strong a word. "Trickle" might be a better bet, if recent turnouts during primary elections in presidential election years are any guide. (Steve Druckenmiller, Linn County's clerk, figures that the county's turnout in this election will end being right around 50 percent.) To provide a point of reference, in 2012, turnout in Linn County for the primary election was about 33 percent. But Druckenmiller may well be thinking that the 2008 election is a better frame of reference. That was the last election in which no incumbent president was seeking re-election. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were slugging it out in the Democratic race and John McCain and Ron Paul were battling for the Republican nod. (Clinton notched a close win over Obama that year in Linn County, while McCain claimed an easy victory over his opponent.) Turnout that year was around 52 percent, more in line with Druckenmiller's prediction of 50 percent turnout this year. Back just a few weeks ago, when we thought that Oregon's presidential primary might actually have a major role to play in determining the Democratic and Republican nominees, the election had a lot more sizzle. But since then, Donald Trump essentially has clinched the Republican nomination, and Bernie Sanders' efforts to derail Clinton have faded somewhat although Sanders, to give him his due, isn't conceding an inch yet to his rival. But as the spotlight has faded from Oregon's presidential primaries, it seems a likely bet that the enthusiasm of voters has faded as well. Which is a shame, because even though the Linn County ballot is light in terms of contested races, it still has some local measures on it that deserve your attention, including a proposal to renew the city of Albany's public-safety levy and a bond measure for the Central Linn School District you know, the type of measures that could have big results close to home. So it's still well worth your time to vote and it's not too late. (It is too late, however, to mail your ballot; it won't make it to the county's election office in time. Instead, you'll have to take advantage of the ballot drop boxes scattered around the county; you can drop your ballot into those right up until 8 p.m. on Tuesday.) But why wait? There's no need to add to the election drama by pushing the deadline past its breaking point. By this point, chances are good that the ballot has slipped into the middle of the pile in which your most important papers rest. Take a moment now to pull it out of its resting place. Mark your ballot. It won't take that long. Drop the completed document into one of the county's ballot boxes. That's it. More ballots will be coming your way this year, of course, but for now you can relax. For the time being, your work here is done. (mm) Newsy 24 Oct 2022 Watch VideoWhat information is publicly available when you type your name into Google's search engine? While you might not have any.. Lebanon, officially the Republic of Lebanon or the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is located between Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies to its west across the Mediterranean Sea; its location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has contributed to its rich history and shaped a cultural identity of religious diversity. It is part of the Levant region of the Middle East. Lebanon is home to roughly six million people and covers an area of 10,452 square kilometres (4,036 sq mi), making it the second smallest country in continental Asia. The official language of the state is Arabic, while French is also formally recognized; the Lebanese dialect of Arabic is used alongside Modern Standard Arabic throughout the country. CBC.ca 24 Oct 2022 Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin resumed his testimony on the third day of his sexual assault trial Monday by attempting to prove that.. Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a country in Southeast Asia. It is the largest country in Mainland Southeast Asia, and has a population of about 54 million as of 2017. Myanmar is bordered by Bangladesh and India to its northwest, China to its northeast, Laos and Thailand to its east and southeast, and the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal to its south and southwest. The country's capital city is Naypyidaw, and its largest city is Yangon (Rangoon). Eurasia Review 21 Oct 2022 Nobody f*cks with a Biden, said the U.S. president, so the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.. Rumble 01 Mar 2022 The America First Foundation is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit funded entirely by the American people and not by special interest groups in.. A transgender person is someone who has a gender identity or gender expression that does not correspond with their sex assigned at birth. Many experience dysphoria from this incongruence, and seek to alleviate it through transitioning, often adopting a different name and set of pronouns in the process. Additionally, some undergo sex reassignment therapies such as hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery to more closely align their primary and secondary sex characteristics with their gender identity, though not all desire these treatments, and others cannot access them for financial or medical reasons. Those who do desire to medically transition to another sex may identify as transsexual. A suspected thief was stripped n*ked and beaten in Calabar after being apprehended while trying to steal a car on Thursday. It was gathered that the suspect was nabbed at about 11.45am at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, by the Chief Security Officer, CSO, while trying to snatch a car belonging to one of the staff of the hospital. According to eyewitnesses, the suspect was caught inside the victims vehicle with a scissors while trying to disconnect the alarm and key starter of the vehicle for easy drive. He was caught red handed inside a vehicle belonging to one of the staff with a scissors in his hand while trying to disconnect the wire of the key starter of the vehicle for easy drive. When the owner of the car saw the man inside his car, he shouted on him to come out of his vehicle! But the notorious criminal in the business of stealing cars threatened to stab him with the scissors and the owner of the car had to scream louder for help, said the witness. Upon his (the car owner) shouting, men gathered and overpowered the suspected criminal and handed him over to the Chief Security Officer of the hospital for necessary action, the eyewitness added. Coffee farmers on verge of going broke after stashing beans at local buying agent When Vietnamese coffee growers in the central highland province of Gia Lai heard that a local buying agent had gone broke, they were completely taken aback. These farmers knew that they might have just lost almost everything they had taken years to build after being tricked into depositing coffee beans at the buying agents warehouse. After harvesting and drying coffee beans, small farmers in Krai commune, La Grai district, Gia Lai province prefer stashing the beans away at a warehouse of a trusted middleman or buying agent and fix the selling price only when they see gains in the world market. This is much more risky than selling coffee to buying agents at a fixed lower price before the harvest starts to get some advance cash. However, most coffee farmers still go for it because they think a greater profit is worth the wait. We dont have a warehouse, and we trust Niem (the buying agent). We deposited 9 tons of coffee beans from the previous harvest at her warehouse. The stock is worth VND324 million ($15,000). Our family has put up a few red books (land use certificates) as collateral for bank loans so we could have enough funds to invest in farming, said farmer Pham Van Khiem. Just few days ago, Niem came and entreated to me to lend her a few tons of coffee beans to mix them with lower-quality beans. Because she is an acquaintance of mine, and she has a long-standing reputation as a trusted local buying agent, I agreed to lend her some, said farmer Nguyen Van Thiem with a faint hope that he could recoup some of his losses. Farmers gather in front of local buying agent's house Doan Thi Niem with a faint hope that they can recoup some of their losses. Photo by Nhat Ha Farmer Nguyen Thi Mat has been caught up in the same situation. Mat gathered up to 11 tons of coffee beans from two harvests in a row, stocked them all at Niems warehouse and has been waiting for the day to realize the profit. [Our family] is having a house built, and it will be finished soon. But some payments for builders and construction materials havent been made yet. When I heard about the bankruptcy, I was so shocked, said Mat, adding that her family went deeply into debt including a $7,000 bank loan which would come due soon. Local farmers said that they had been deceived into depositing coffee beans with the local buying agent and they didnt believe that Doan Thi Niem filed for bankruptcy due to financial difficulties. On Wednesday afternoon, Doan Thi Niem and her husband Truong Cong Ky filed for bankruptcy with the local authorities, said Nguyen Ngoc Doai, deputy chief police in Krai commune. He added that 44 farmers had deposited 48 tons of coffee beans worth more than VND7.5 billion at Niems warehouse. Initial investigation shows that the case was a civil wrong, not a criminal fraud, said Grai districts senior police officer Pham Chinh Nghia. He explained that Niem had to file for bankruptcy due mainly to business losses, and she didnt intentionally cheat the farmers for personal gain. The case is under further investigation. Gia Lai is the smallest coffee growing province in the five-province central highland region, which supplies 80 percent of Vietnam's coffee. The price for steel billet has increased by nearly 35 percent from the start of 2016, according to the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA). Nguyen Van Sua, vice chairman of the VSA said that global steel prices are surging, forcing steel prices on the domestic market to follow suit. The association said that iron ore, the main material for producing steel, is being traded globally at $57 per ton, up 42.5 percent from the beginning of this year. Steel craps have also hiked up by 68.4 percent to touch $320 per ton for the first weeks of May. As for the Southeast Asian market, a similar trend has been seen with steel billet prices going up by 160$ per ton to be sold at around $420 per ton and steel bars went up 28 percent to $430 per ton. The vice chairman said that an upsurge in steel prices, especially for the Asian market comes from recent influences of China after its domestic steel demand rallied and the Chinese government decided to cut off steel output to alleviate their serious problem of air pollution. In Vietnam, global price hikes coupled with a decision by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to impose temporary tariff increases on steel imports from March 22 to October 7 has accelerated domestic steel prices, Sua added. Steel billet was sold at VND9.3 million ($418) per ton in April rather than VND6.9 million ($310) in January while the price of steel bars increased slightly to reach VND10.3 million ($463) per ton. Sua predicted the average price of domestic steel to surpass VND11 million ($495) per ton in the upcoming months. VSA data show that Vietnamese enterprises sold 1.31 million tons of steel in April, up 26.7 percent from the same period of last year. Steel output recorded an on-year growth of 30 percent to reach 1.48 million tons, of which 192,000 tons were exported to foreign markets, up 50 percent year-on-year. Reprinted from Gush Shalom WHEN DAVID BEN-GURION read out Israel's declaration of independence (officially: "Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel") on May 14, 1948, I was in Kibbutz Hulda. My company of the (still unnamed) Israeli army was ordered to make a night attack on the Arab village of al-Kubab, near the town of Ramleh. It was expected to be a hard fight, and I was busy checking my equipment and cleaning my (Czech) rifle, when somebody said that Ben-Gurion was making a speech which was being broadcast on the Kibbutz dining-room radio. I was not really interested. We were all convinced that what some politicians in Tel Aviv might be babbling was quite immaterial to our future. Whether our state would survive or not would be decided on the battlefield. The regular armies of the neighboring Arab states were about to enter the war, there would be bloody battles, and the outcome would decide our lives. Literally. However, there was one detail which aroused our curiosity: What would our new state be called? There were some rumors in the air. We wanted to know. So I betook myself to the kibbutz dining room -- which we soldiers were not allowed to enter on ordinary days -- and sure enough, I could hear the very peculiar high-pitched voice of Ben-Gurion reading the document. When he came to the passage "(we) hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz Israel, to be known as the State of Israel," I left. I remember that outside the hall I met the brother of a girl-friend, who was scheduled to attack another village that very night. We exchanged a few words. I never saw him again. He was killed. ALL THIS crossed my mind when I was called upon three days ago, on the eve of "Independence Day," to take part in a ceremony in the very hall where the original text had been read out by Ben-Gurion. I was one of the persons chosen to read it out again on the 68th anniversary. For this occasion I read the entire text of the declaration for the first time. I was not impressed. The original version was first drafted by some officials, then re-written by Moshe Sharett (who became Foreign Minister on that day). He was a stickler for the Hebrew language, so the text is linguistically impeccable. Ben-Gurion was not satisfied with the text, so he took it and rewrote it completely. It bears all the hallmarks of his unmistakable style. Also, he had the Chutzpah to put his signature above all the others, which appear in alphabetical order. The writers of the declaration had obviously read the American Declaration of Independence before drafting their own. They copied the general outline. It is not written in the edifying style of an historical document, but as a document with a mission: to convince the nations of the world to recognize our state. THE INTRODUCTION is a reiteration of Zionist slogans. It purports to set out the historical facts, and very dubious facts they are. For example, it starts with the words "Eretz Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious, and political identity was shaped." Well, not quite. I was taught at school that God promised Abraham the land while still in Mesopotamia. The 10 Commandments were given to us by God personally on Mount Sinai, which is in Egypt. The more important of the two Talmuds was written in Babylon. True, the Hebrew Bible was composed in the country, but most of the religious texts of Judaism were written in "exile." "Jews strove in every successive generation to reestablish themselves in their ancient homeland..." Nonsense. They most certainly did not. For example, when the Jews were expelled from Catholic Spain in 1492, the vast majority of them went to the countries of the Muslim world, with none but a handful settling in Palestine. Zionism, the movement to establish a Jewish nation in Palestine, was founded only at the end of the 19th century, when anti-Semitism became a powerful political force all over Europe, and the founders foresaw the calamities to come. Puttgarden wind turbines on a sunny April day. (Image by jonworth-eu) Details DMCA "The number of children and grandchildren with cancer in their bones, with leukemia in their blood, or with poison in their lungs might seem statistically small to some, in comparison with natural health hazards, but this is not a natural health hazard - and it is not a statistical issue. The loss of even one human life, or the malformation of even one baby - who may be born long after we are gone - should be of concern to us all. Our children and grandchildren are not merely statistics toward which we can be indifferent." President Kennedy, June, 1963 Dear Bernie, Thank you for your moral and righteous deed in speaking out against nuclear power in general and in saying we have to close Indian Point now. [Nuclear Power Plant in NY]. (April 4, 2016) Tragically, though, your moratorium in your "Combating Climate Change to Save the Planet" is not in sync. Your nuclear power plan is unacceptable - here's why This must be only the beginning. You have clearly stated that nuclear power is very dangerous and "there is no good way to store nuclear waste" and "the cure is worse than the disease." You have called for a moratorium on nuclear power plant license renewals when each current license expires. I am asking you to join our movement in calling for all nuclear power plants (npp's) in the United States to close NOW. Your nuclear power moratorium will allow npp's to continue to operate 38 years (1 npp), 32 years (1), 30 years (3), 29 years (4), 28 years (3), 27 years (1) 26 years (5), 25 years (2) 24 years (2), 23 years (2), 21 years (3) and so on - beginning to count from 2017, when you would be President, if elected. Twenty-seven npp's will be open for many years once your moratorium is in place, some as long as three decades. Your plan to combat climate change includes this goal: "Create a Clean-Energy Workforce of 10 million good-paying jobs by creating a 100% clean energy system. Transitioning toward a completely nuclear-free clean energy system for electricity, heating, and transportation is not only possible and affordable it will create millions of good jobs, clean up our air and water, and decrease our dependence on foreign oil." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). "The number of children and grandchildren with cancer in their bones, with leukemia in their blood, or with poison in their lungs might seem statistically small to some, in comparison with natural health hazards, but this is not a natural health hazard - and it is not a statistical issue. The loss of even one human life, or the malformation of even one baby - who may be born long after we are gone - should be of concern to us all. Our children and grandchildren are not merely statistics toward which we can be indifferent." President Kennedy, June, 1963 Dear Hillary, "Nuclear power plants are cancer factories. They make waste that lasts a million years"can get into people's body and food chain"" says internationally acclaimed pediatrician Dr. Helen Caldicott on a Radio Ecoshock interview with Alex Smith on January 27, 2016 [at 5:22]. It is urgent to bring this issue forth now as strongly as possible, while we can still do something about it. Carol Wolman, M.D., long time no-nuclear activist and writer says, "Radioactivity, which directly attacks DNA, poses the single greatest threat to life on planet Earth." [Personal email conversation with Dr. Wolman.] Nuclear energy is not clean green or renewable. It is dirty, dangerous and deadly. Moreover, your "advanced nuclear" means you are interested in new nuclear technology. There is a new bill in in the Senate to stop all mandatory licensing hearings for small modular nuclear reactors. That is foolhardy, to put it mildly. Are you in favor of this bill or against it? [See later section on "The Nuclear Power Industry, Money, Lobbyists..."] No nuclear power plants (npp's) are ever safe. There is no way to prevent disasters from happening at any npp. There is no way to fix these disasters once they do happen - think Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Fukushima. Another nuclear power catastrophe will surely happen. There is no way of knowing where or when. No one wants radioactive waste in their back or front yards. You must not, I know you do not want, to leave this legacy of leukemia and other cancers to our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and their children, more than seven generations out and into eternity. The nuclear power crisis is as serious as the climate crisis. Nuclear power plants are crimes against humanity, all living creatures and planet Earth herself. Nuclear power is immoral. Professor Karl Grossman, March 28, 2016, says that "All 438 nuclear power plants around the world today could--and should--close now. The insignificant amount of electricity they generate--but 10 percent of total electric use--can be provided by other sources. And green energy makes for a less costly power and a far safer world in comparison to catastrophic-danger prone and unnecessary nuclear power. We must welcome energy we can live with and reject power that presents a deadly threat in so many ways." On March 30, 2016, in a you tube [at .49) Grossman adds that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is now wanting to extend the life of npp's for 80 more years, that the NRC has never said no to licensing a npp and that [at 3:17] the NRC claim of npp safety is parallel to the claim of the tobacco industry telling us cigarette smoking is safe and denying the connection between smoking and cancer." Your nuclear power plan is unacceptable - here's why On November 6, 2015, the Obama White House released this: "FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Announces Actions to Ensure that Nuclear Energy Remains a Vibrant Component of the United States' Clean Energy Strategy" "".The President's FY 2016 Budget includes more than $900 million for the Department of Energy (DOE) to support the U.S. civilian nuclear energy sector by leading federal research, development, and demonstration efforts in nuclear energy technologies, ranging from power generation, safety, hybrid energy systems, and security technologies, among other things. DOE also supports the deployment of these technologies with $12.5 billion in remaining loan guarantee authority for advanced nuclear projects through Title 17. DOE's investments in nuclear energy help secure the three strategic objectives that are foundational to our nation's energy system: energy security, economic competitiveness, and environmental responsibility." "On August 3, [2015] President Obama and EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] announced the Clean Power Plan. On pages 2 and 3 there is a NUCLEAR section: Courtesy Gail Payne (Image by Gail Payne) Details DMCA Courtesy Gail Payne and ArtistLauraLynch Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from Smirking Chimp After an election season in which nothing they predicted came true -- their confidence that Donald Trump would never be the Republican nominee comes to mind -- you'd think our losing-streak corporate pundits would be reluctant to underestimate Trump's chance of winning the presidency in November. Alas, there is no limit to the willfully oblivious hubris of the barking dogs of the political class. Despite last week's cataclysm the airwaves and opinion pages are still dominated by the smug meme that It Can't Happen Here. Never mind that half of that It, Trump's capture of the nomination, has Happened. But this is where Trump's juggernaut stops, say the center-right prognosticators. Polls show him losing to Hillary Clinton by 14% -- er, now it's 2%. But still. Trump's disapproval ratings are as big as his ego. Women hate the guy. So do Latinos; Republicans can't win without them. Trump, they assure, has a ceiling: 45%. No way no how will more than 45% of Americans vote for him. (Remember when the same folks told us his ceiling was 30% -- of Republicans?) He's a guaranteed loosah. If Hillary Clinton prevails over Bernie Sanders and the Department of Justice to become the Democratic standard-bearer, she'll be welcomed as a liberator against Trump, Democratic leaders say. Most GOP insiders say/fear the same thing: she'll win by a landslide. I wouldn't be so sure. There are plenty of good reasons to believe that Trump will defeat the former secretary of state. Before we list them, please bear in mind something no one talks about: what an amazing candidate Trump has proven to be. Not only does Trump have no political experience, this is his first run for president, or for any elected office. For a novice to win a major party nomination on his time out, spending hardly any of his own money, is a triumph, a trifecta without historical precedent. (True, there was Eisenhower. But Ike was the supreme commander of Allied forces during World War II, and president of Columbia University. Those were essentially political positions.) With Trump, we are in uncharted territory. The man is a beast. Now for the factors that run counter to the widely accepted Hillary-is-a-shoo-in narrative. First, Hillary is a weak candidate. Her negatives are nearly as high as Trump's. A recent poll shows her even or losing against Trump in key battleground states: Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida. The liberal base of the Democratic Party, which mostly supports Bernie Sanders, is not at all Ready for Hillary. If the Bernie or Bust movement convinces even a few percentage points worth of Dems to stay home, write in Bernie's name or vote for Jill Stein, that shortfall of support could be enough to throw the race The Donald's way. If anything, Hillary is the one with a ceiling: she's been in public life so long that it's hard to believe that anyone who doesn't like her now will find a reason to do so in the next six months. Politically, we're just getting to know Trump. Also, Americans' hardwired historical amnesia is tailor-made for Trump. His insane pronouncements would sink a conventional candidate. But when his racist or idiotic statements stir controversy, he doesn't apologize: he denies that he ever said them. Then he doubles down. He constantly contradicts himself, sometimes in the same speech. This drives the media crazy. But it doesn't touch Teflon Don. Thanks to Ronald Reagan and his ideological progeny, we're living at a time when we choose our own facts along with our opinions -- and no one is held accountable for their broken promises, hypocrisies or flip-flops. The past? Even when it isn't past, even in real time, the past so doesn't matter. As a conventional politician, Hillary will be forced to defend herself and her long record in public service from Trump's attacks. Because he has no such record, and the record he does have is something he'll just lie about -- and voters will be perfectly fine with it -- she can't go after him the same way. Because GOP campaigning is so much more effective, Democratic presidential candidates need to be at least 10% ahead of Republicans in August in order to win in November. Trump and Clinton are single digits apart, and it's only May. Just wait until the zillions of GOP attack ads do their thing. Reprinted from WSWS Billionaire Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, shifted his position on cuts in Social Security and Medicare on the eve of his visit to Capitol Hill for meetings with Republican congressional leaders. After claiming to reject such cuts throughout the Republican primary campaign--distancing himself from rivals who all backed one or another version of "entitlement reform" -- Trump signaled Wednesday that he was reversing his position. His top policy adviser Sam Clovis addressed a Washington DC conference hosted by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, a group established by the billionaire former Nixon cabinet member to push for the dismantling of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security in the name of cutting the federal budget deficit. Even attending the conference was something of a signal, given the Peterson group's identification with entitlement spending cuts. Clovis underscored the message, telling the conference, "I think after the administration's been in place, then we will start to take a look at all of the programs, including entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare." He added that Trump would not propose any changes in these programs during the election campaign, but wait until a new administration and Congress were elected. At that point, he said, "We'll take a hard look at those to start seeing what we can do in a bipartisan way." As late as a Republican debate in March, Trump claimed that his economic policies, based on protectionism and trade warfare, would make the United States so rich that no changes would be needed in Social Security or Medicare. He also claimed, in keeping with the nostrums of supply-side economics, that his proposed trillions in tax cuts for the wealthy would cause economic growth to skyrocket, leading to a huge increase in federal tax revenue that would eliminate the federal budget deficit. Clovis gave a more cautious undertaking to the Peterson group, which has forecast that Trump-sized tax cuts for the wealthy would produce $10 trillion in deficits, not a surplus. The Trump promise not to cut entitlements was conditional on tax cuts producing record economic growth, he said. "Right now, we're not going to touch anything because we can't predict the growth," Clovis said. "We have to start taking a look not just at Medicare and Social Security but every program we have out there, because the budgetary discipline that we've shown over the last 84 years has been horrible." Clovis also told the Wall Street Journal in an interview that Trump would support privatization of the Veterans Administration or its transformation into an insurance plan rather than a direct provider of health care services to veterans. "The VA's a broken system now," he said. "We can't continue down that road." Trump's well-publicized opposition to entitlement cuts, not his racist attacks on Muslims and other immigrants, were a major reason for the coolness towards his candidacy among congressional Republicans. House Speaker Paul Ryan, in particular, has long been identified with sweeping cuts in Medicare which he first proposed in 2011, after the Republican takeover of the House of Representatives installed him as chairman of the House Budget Committee. Ryan has repeatedly pushed through budget resolutions in which privatization of Medicare, through converting it into a voucher program, was the centerpiece of massive cuts in federal spending on the entitlement program. Trump not only criticized the Ryan budgets, he blamed them for the defeat of the Republican presidential campaign in 2012, when Ryan was on the ticket as Mitt Romney's vice-presidential running mate. Ryan's declaration last week that he was "not there yet" in terms of an endorsement of Trump as the presumptive Republican nominee was aimed at securing assurances from Trump that his opposition to entitlement cuts was purely an electoral ploy, to be scrapped as soon as the votes are counted. Clovis's appearance at the Peterson conference constituted such an assurance. These maneuvers ensured that Thursday's round of meetings on Capitol Hill between Trump and Republican congressional leaders would go smoothly. Trump and Ryan issued a joint statement that is remarkable for its cynical and reactionary character. "While we were honest about our few differences, we recognize that there are also many important areas of common ground," Trump and Ryan said. "We will be having additional discussions, but remain confident there's a great opportunity to unify our party and win this fall, and we are totally committed to working together to achieve that goal." His appeal abroad is due to various factors. Trump has a rakish persona whose iconoclasm can at times seem amusing. He has clearly upset the US political establishment with his politically incorrect fiery talk, including members of his own Republican party. Trump has also said things that appear to be progressively radical. In particular, he has voiced favorable comments in the past about Russian President Vladimir Putin, and has vowed to improve foreign relations between Washington and Moscow. He also slammed the US military alliance NATO as being obsolete. The property magnate and former reality-TV star has therefore understandably garnered positive interest among Russian citizens. Trump may have said some obnoxious things against immigrants and Muslims, but on the other hand some of his views appear to set him refreshingly apart from conventional Washington politics, which invariably disparage Russia as a global threat. Could The Donald come up trumps to thaw frosty relations between the US and Russia? The trouble with Trump, who as of last week has become the Republican's presidential presumptive nominee, is that he can't be trusted. As a former business associate said of him to the Washington Post, Trump will saying anything if he thinks it will clinch a deal. In other words, the would-be president is a consummate self-serving player. This week has shown Trump making a series of lightning-fast U-turns and rhetorical pirouettes almost befitting the Bolshoi Ballet. On London's newly elected mayor, Sadiq Khan, Trump said he would make an "exception" to his proposed temporary ban on Muslims entering the US by allowing the British politician a visitor visa. Khan won a stunning electoral victory last week when he became the first Muslim mayor of the British capital -- one of the most prestigious cities of the world. The working-class son of an immigrant busman later said that he would like to visit the US to liaise with American mayors on municipal projects, but that he feared he would not be permitted entry if Trump became president in the November election to the White House, because of his "religious faith." Trump had previously sparked international furor with his proposal to ban all Muslims entering the US -- following the terror attacks last year in Paris which were committed by Al Qaeda-linked jihadists. In response to the London mayor's comments, Trump had to make an embarrassing partial retraction of his outlandish Muslim ban. He congratulated Khan on winning the London mayorship and said there were "exceptions to every rule." That was not the only slippery stroke by The Donald in the space of a few days. He also quickly walked back comments that he would increase taxes on the super-rich and that he supported increasing the minimum wage for low-paid workers. He subsequently said he wouldn't increase taxes on the wealthy, and that he did not support a federal minimum wage, after appearing to say the opposite on both counts only days earlier. Trump's spinning and counter-spinning was so agile and contorted that it's not clear what his exact policy position is on these economic matters. The same goes for his foreign policy. Trump may talk about NATO allies having to fend for themselves in the future and of withdrawing American military protection from overseas deployment, however, he has also warned in contradictory fashion that he will escalate US militarism in the world. Essentially, Trump's views seem to be ad hoc and contrived to gain votes. In short, he is a demagogue, not someone who has a principled manifesto for "making America great." Becoming CEO in the White House is perhaps his biggest business venture to date, and he appears to be willing to pull out all the stops in order to clinch that deal. This leads to a mercurial mix of contradictory policies based on expedience and self-serving ambition. But it also illustrates how Trump has a superficial understanding of how American power really works in the world. Trump may appeal to some voters by saying that he will get NATO allies and other partners to pay more. The assumption being that America is a benevolent chivalrous protector, when the reality is that Washington uses NATO as a vehicle for imposing its hegemony on the rest of the world. There is no way that Trump will get the US to withdraw from NATO and its overseas garrisons because they are crucial to US power projection. To a degree, the rise of Trump can be seen, indirectly, with some satisfaction. The self-financed mogul, who made his fortune from wheeler-dealer property business, is an epitome of failed American capitalism and the two-party political charade under Republicans and Democrats. Reprinted from Nation of Change Pouty, whiney, spoiled-bratism is not nice coming from a four-year-old -- but it's grotesque when it comes from billion-dollar corporate elites like Uber and Lyft. The two internet-based ride-hiring brats call themselves "ridesharing" companies, but that's a deceit, for they don't share anything -- their business model relies on folks needing a ride to hire a driver through the corporations' apps. With the bulk of the fare going to out-of-town corporate hedge funders. The tow outfits have swaggered into cities all across our country, insisting that they're innovative, tech-driven geniuses. As such, they consider themselves above the fusty old laws that other transportation companies, like taxis, follow. So Uber and Lyft have made it a corporate policy to throw hissy fits when cities -- from Los Angeles to Atlanta, Houston to Portland -- have dared even to propose that they obey rules to protect customers and drivers. The latest tantrum from the California giants happened in Austin, when the city council there adopted a few modest, perfectly-reasonable rules, despite the screams of PR flacks from both outfits. The petulant duo then used fibs and high-pressure tactics to get enough signatures on petitions to force a special election to overturn the council's action. Naturally, being brats, they gave the city an ultimatum -- "Vote our way or we will leave town" -- and assumed that Austin's tech-savvy voters would flock to do whatever the popular ride-sharing service wanted. But they picked the wrong city. First, they ran a campaign of blatant lies, as though Austinites wouldn't question them. Then, they shoved a sickening level of corporate cash into their campaign, apparently thinking that the sheer tonnage of ads would win the day for them. However, the slicks from California turned out to be uber-goobers. Despite spending $9 million (more than the combined spending of all city council candidates in the past decade), they went down, 56-to-44 percent. Since they didn't win their campaign, Uber and Lyft have now left town in a huff leaving their 10,000 Austin workers/drivers behind to fend for themselves. Since their workers are considered contract employees, there will be no severance package or unemployment benefits for them. This is part of the new "gig" economy -- the latest corporate buzz-phrase from Silicon Valley to Wall Street. CEOs are hailing a Brave New Workplace in which we lucky worker bees no longer have to be suck in traditional jobs with traditional hours, traditional middle-class pay scales, traditional benefits, traditional job security, and all those other fusty "traditionals" of the old workplace, In fact, in the gig economy, you're not even bothered with having a workplace. Rather, you'll be "liberated" to work in a series of short-term jobs in many places, always being on-call through a mobile app on your smart phone or through a temp agency. How exciting is that? Well, they use "exciting" in the sense of distressing and nerve-wracking. The gig economy means you're on your own -- you're not an employee, but an "independent contractor," with no rights and no union. You might have lots of calls to work this week, but there'll be many weeks with no calls. Don't get sick, injured or wreck your car, for no health care or workers' comp are provided. A pension? Your retirement plan is called "adios chump." This "alternative work arrangement" is not a futuristic concept -- it's already here and spreading fast. And it's not just ride-hiring gigs either. Some 16 percent of U.S. workers are now in this on-call, temporary, part-time, low-pay, you're-on-your-own economy, up from only 10 percent a decade ago. Corporate chieftains (backed by the economists and politicians they purchase) are creating what they call a workforce of non-employees for one reason: Greed. It directly transfers more money and power from workaday families into the coffers of moneyed elites. Their gig economy is aptly named, for "gigs" are crude four-hook fishing devices that are dragged by commercial fleets through schools of fish to impale them, haul them in, and cash in on the pain. And if you don't think the gig economy is painful, why don't you ask the 10,000 Uber and Lyft workers in Austin how they feel about it? Several factories come under scrutiny after massive fish deaths along Thanh Hoa river A pond full of untreated wastewater in a sugar factory in the northern province of Hoa Binh. Photo by Le Hoang The Ministry of National Resources and Environment has set up a team to check on local factories located along the upper section of the Buoi River in the northern province of Hoa Binh to see whether these manufacturing firms are strictly abiding by environmental regulations. The team will conduct periodic wide-ranging inspections including monitoring local environmental authorities and how wastewater, solid waste and other hazardous materials are treated. Wastewater discharged from a sugar factory in Hoa Binh province has been blamed for mass fish deaths along the Buoi River in adjoining Thanh Hoa province. The company admitted to discharging untreated wastewater into the river in late April and early May and promised to compensate the affected fish farmers. At least 32 farmers from Thach Thanh district were reduced to tears as they helplessly stood by and watched 17 tons of their fish die. The discharge has turned the river water into a muddy blue color and badly polluted the lower section of the river, affecting the livelihoods of local people. The world's greatest cat painting, a 6-by-8.5-foot canvas featuring 42 Persian and angora cats, will be on display at the Portland Art Museum through June 8. Sunday was scheduled to be its last day, but the museum announced this week that the stay has been extended. So you still have 26 days to see Carl Kahler's "My Wife's Lovers," the name given the painting by San Francisco millionaire philanthropist Kate Birdsall Johnson, who commissioned the painting in 1891. In 1949, Cat Magazine lauded it as "the world's greatest painting of cats," the museum's website says. The oil painting was publicly unveiled at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and has been on loan to the museum since February by its new owners, John and Heather Mozart of Northern California, according to the museum's website. The Mozarts bought the painting at a Sotheby's auction last November for $826,000, about three times its estimated sale price. Have you gone to see the cat painting? Or are you planning on it? If you have and if you took a selfie with it, post it in the comments below, and we'll put them up on our Facebook page. Museum admission is regularly $19.99, but admission is free Sunday as part of Miller Family Free Day and national Museum Day. Admission is also free from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 2, for First Thursday. Admission is only $5 every Friday evening from from 5-8 p.m. -- Susan Green 503-2947642 Seventeen Oregon arts and cultural organizations have received grants totaling $1.2 million from the National Endowment for the Arts. According to a press release from the endowment, these are the grant recipients: Oregon Arts Commission: $727,700 to support partnership agreement activities in the state. Fishtrap: $10,000 to support its weeklong writers conference at Wallowa Lake Retreat Center in northeast Oregon. Eugene Ballet Company: $20,000 to support regional dance touring and outreach activities, including a full-length touring production of "The Sleeping Beauty." University of Oregon: Two grants totaling $105,000 to support the work of the Oregon Folklife Network, including documentation of folk arts of the cultural and occupational communities in the five-county region around Portland. Britt Festival: $10,000 to support a performance project at Crater Lake National Park, an Imagine Your Parks project. Four Rivers Cultural Center: $45,000 to support the Four Rivers Cultural Center's staff folklorist position in Eastern Oregon. Caldera: $60,000 to support a transmedia arts project titled" The Geography of We: How Fire Sparks, Ignites, and Transforms," for Oregon youth from underserved communities. Literary Arts: $40,000 to support Portland Arts & Lectures, the Wordstock book festival, and other literary programming. My Voice Music: $10,000 to support a music education and engagement project, "Write, Record, Release," for youth from diverse and underserved communities. Network of Ensemble Theaters: $40,000 to support the "Intersection: Ensembles + Universities symposium" at the University of Washington in Seattle. NW Documentary: $30,000 to support documentary workshops, facilities access, and related activities. Portland Jazz Festival: $10,000 to support the 10-day PDX Jazz Festival. Regional Arts & Culture Council: $30,000 to support The Right Brain Initiative: Systemic Change Through the Arts, which provides workshops to help Portland-area teachers, principals, arts specialists, and teaching artists with arts-based teaching strategies. Western Arts Alliance: $15,000 to support professional development programs to strengthen members' engagement with Latino communities. Wisdom of the Elders: Two grants totaling $45,000 to support a filmmaker training program at the Native American Film Academy and to support the Northwest Indian Storytellers Association's festivals. By David Sarasohn Tuesday, Donald Trump will win the Oregon primary, a sentence that a year ago would have seemed as unlikely as Bigfoot getting elected to the Legislature. At the Republican convention in Cleveland this summer, Oregon's delegates will vote for someone who likes to brag to political rallies about the size of his hands. He could run on a ticket with Bigfoot. Oregon has, at least, a better excuse for voting for Trump than a lot of other states; by the time the race has gotten here, all the other Republican candidates have dropped out. The last-ditch deal of Ted Cruz ceding his rights in Oregon to John Kasich lasted about as long as Carly Fiorina's campaign for vice president, and Kasich's actual efforts in Oregon consisted of one afternoon with two town halls, and a TV ad that ran approximately once. Considering that Kasich seemed to hold most of his press conferences while eating, he might have enjoyed campaigning in Portland, recently named the top restaurant city in America. It was a measure of the foot-in-the-paint-bucket effort against Trump that the state was ceded to the only candidate who didn't manage to get into the voter's pamphlet, which Oregon voters tend to regard as the bare minimum of credibility. "Stop and consider that," marveled the conservative web site RedState. "The Kasich campaign was out-organized by the Trump campaign. How is that even physically possible?" Besides managing to complete the Oregon paperwork, Trump has at least campaigned here, unlike his odds-on November opponent, Hillary Clinton. Earlier this month before 4,000 in Eugene, he repeatedly denounced "Crooked Hillary" and called Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren "Goofy Liz," both phrases that don't typically appear in the voter's pamphlet. And, of course, Trump pledged to build the wall with Mexico. He would, he promised, be great for Oregon: After he'd been president for a while, he predicted, "You're going to call me and say, 'We can't stand it. We're winning too much in Eugene, Oregon.' And I'm going to say I don't care." Just how this is going to work, of course, is not entirely clear. Candidates come to states to explain what they're going to do for them - and Trump did assure the audience that he was going to fix the timber industry - but the occasion wasn't big on specifics. For example, the event didn't get into Trump's plan for a 45 percent tariff on anything from China, or what launching a trade war with Asia would do to a state that considerably lives off Asian trade. The problem with getting into positions of the Trump campaign is that the positions change so fast. Oregon may be, in its legal arrangements, the most pro-choice state in the country, but earlier this year, Trump was counted having five different positions on the issue in three days. Oregon has just raised its minimum wage, a major federal issue this campaign, but we couldn't get much guidance there, either. At various times Trump has been against raising the federal minimum, seemingly for raising it, against having a minimum wage, and suggesting the issue should just be left to the states. He has been firm on keeping Muslims from entering the United States. Then last week he explained it was "just a suggestion." This makes supporting Trump a challenge. Last week, Rep. Greg Walden, Oregon's only Republican in Congress, swallowed hard and managed it, but could only offer that Trump "is the better option than Hillary Clinton in the White House." Still, the presumptive Republican nominee has provided lots to talk about, in lots of places. "In Britain and Italy," reported Nicholas Kristof, a Yamhill native who now wanders the world for The New York Times, earlier this month, "everywhere you go, there is a sense of, 'What's going on in America?'" Kristof has, of course, seen allied discontent before. "They disagreed with Bush," he remembered about the Europeans, "but Trump is Bush squared." In Portland to speak to the Oregon Community Foundation, Kristof has seen enough of Yamhill, and some high school classmates, to see the appeal of how "Trump is focusing on the legitimate discontent of being left behind." It's just not clear whether Trump's offering them bread, or just a circus. Still, he's certainly made an impact. "Trump is right that much of the world is laughing at us," notes Kristof, "largely because a major party is about to choose Trump." At least Oregon can argue that it wasn't really up to us. We didn't even get a chance to consider John Kasich. Or even Bigfoot. David Sarasohn's column appears on the first and third Sundays of the month. He blogs at davidsarasohn.com. Chief of the Supreme People's Court announced six judicial precedents on April 6, paving the way for Vietnam's judicial system to switch from statutory to common law. Newly appointed Chief of the Supreme People's Court Nguyen Hoa Binh told VGP News that judicial precedents are among his top priorities. The judicial precedents published so far concern cases of murder, property disputes, divorce, contractual disputes over the transfer of land use rights, inheritance and legacy disputes. In October 2012, Vietnam issued a decision approving the project "Development of judicial precedents of the Supreme People's Court" in order to improve the quality of court rulings. Professor Le Hong Hanh, director of the Institute of Legal Science under the Ministry of Justice, said: "No legal system may cover all social cases, so using judicial precedents in addition to existing laws is necessary." However, legal experts noted that for the project to be feasible, the model for developing judicial precedents should be standardized, while lawyers and judges should be properly trained for this change. 1palin.JPG In this Feb. 1, 2016, file photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is joined on stage by former Republican vice presidential candidate, and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin during a campaign event, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (The Associated Press) By Dana Milbank "I know Russia well. I had a major event in Russia two or three years ago, Miss Universe contest." -- Donald Trump "You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska." -- Sarah Palin WASHINGTON -- Mark Salter, the longtime John McCain consigliere, was asked by Politico's Glenn Thrush whether he believed McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his 2008 running mate "opened the door a crack for a Trump-style candidate." "Maybe a little," Salter said after a pause. Stuff and nonsense. Salter was being modest. Palin's nomination didn't crack the door for Trump. It birthed him. Palin is, politically, the Mother of Trump. Some of their similarities, such as their curious ways of justifying their knowledge of Russia, are superficial. Trump, asked by NBC's Chuck Todd where he gets his military advice, said: "Well, I watch the shows. ... You know, when you watch your show and all of the other shows." This had more than an echo of Palin's reply to Katie Couric in 2008 about which newspapers or magazines she reads: "Um, all of them, any of them that have been in front of me all these years." But the likenesses go much deeper, between the candidates themselves and among the followers they've inspired: The attacks on the media. The demonization of a supposed "establishment." The huge and sometimes violent crowds. The prominent platforms given both candidates by Fox News. The racist responses among supporters. The suspicion of science. The scapegoating of Muslims. The portrayal of President Obama as something other than American. Well before Trump built his national political reputation by questioning the authenticity of Obama's birth certificate, there was Palin. In December 2009, she called it a "fair question" and "fair game" and said "the public rightfully is still making it an issue." In 2011, after Trump said he was sending investigators to Hawaii to probe Obama's birth, Palin responded, "More power to him." Before Trump said he would bring back waterboarding and "a hell of a lot worse," there was Palin. Two years ago, she talked about how "if I were in charge, they would know that waterboarding is how we baptize terrorists." Before there was Trump talking about banning Muslim immigration (a stance Palin supports) and forced registration of Muslims, there was Palin. "Let Allah sort it out," was her 2013 response to the Syrian civil war. Soon after Palin was named McCain's running mate in 2008, I went to see her campaign in Florida in front of 8,000 people -- and as I reread my column from then it sounds much like the Trump events I've seen this year. She justified her accusation that Obama "pals around with terrorists" by saying that Obama isn't "a man who sees America the way you and I see America" and that he "sees America as imperfect enough to work with a former domestic terrorist who had targeted his own country." When she railed against this "domestic terrorist," Bill Ayers, one man in the audience shouted, "Kill him!" She stirred the crowd to turn against the press in a manner similar to Trump's rallying of supporters against penned-in reporters at his events: "Palin supporters turned on reporters in the press area, waving thunder sticks and shouting abuse. ... One Palin supporter shouted a racial epithet at an African-American sound man for a network and told him, 'Sit down, boy.'" Back then, she stirred racial animosity (she tried to make an issue of Obama's former preacher, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, even though McCain had called that off-limits) and quarreled with the party establishment (the Florida GOP chairman was forbidden aboard her plane because he questioned Palin's abilities). Nicolle Wallace, a former top official on the McCain 2008 campaign, observed the parallel in The New York Times in January after Palin endorsed Trump: "Mr. Trump is riding the wave of anxiety that Ms. Palin first gave voice to as Sen. John McCain's running mate. Mr. Trump has now usurped and vastly expanded upon Ms. Palin's constituency, but the connection between the two movements is undeniable." McCain, admirably, refused to let the rage take over his campaign: He famously corrected the woman at his event who called Obama an "Arab," taking a different approach than Trump, who let stand an accusation at his event that Obama is a Muslim. But now there is no such filter. And the man who gave us Palin in 2008 worries that her political progeny could cost him his Senate seat in Arizona this year. With Trump on the ticket, McCain has said, "this may be the race of my life." Follow Dana Milbank on Twitter, Milbank. (c) 2016, Washington Post Writers Group 1guantanamo.JPG In this May 13, 2009 file photo reviewed by the U.S. military, the sun rises over the Guantanamo detention facility at dawn, at the Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba. (The Associated Press) By Noah Feldman Secrecy and justice don't mix. Just look at the latest contortions in the case of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the September 11 attacks. Mohammed's lawyer has filed a motion alleging that, at the prosecutor's request, the judge allowed the government to destroy evidence that Mohammed could have used in his own defense. The proceedings of the special military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay are so secret that no one is allowed to say what the evidence was or to read the motion. Reporters covering the trial surmise, with good reason, that the evidence probably relates to secret sites maintained by the Central Intelligence Agency where Mohammed and others were waterboarded. That was torture within the meaning of U.S. law, far in excess of what was permitted even by Justice Department memos justifying harsh interrogation techniques. Mohammed's lawyer, Major Derek Poteet, proposes that the judge and the prosecutor should be disqualified as a result of what he considers collusion to destroy evidence. That remedy is probably too extreme in the light of what we know -- or should I say in its shadow, since what we know is pretty dark. But the exercise of trying to decide what to think about the motion proves something much deeper: The Guantanamo tribunal is looking like a shadow of the rule of law, not the real thing. The combination of extreme secrecy and confirmed facts of government torture make it hard to recognize familiar aspects of a criminal trial, even one for crimes as heinous as the World Trade Center attacks. So what evidence might have been destroyed? Two possibilities loom large. One is that the evidence destroyed was a torture site itself. In 2013, the Guantanamo tribunal judge issued an order requiring the government "to ensure the preservation of any overseas detention facilities still within the control of the United States unless otherwise ordered." It seems possible that subsequently, the government asked the judge, without informing the defense, for permission to destroy such sites. It isn't hard to imagine the rationale for keeping such a request secret. The sites are a national embarrassment, and revealing them would be a national security liability. And the government might well have a compelling national security reason to destroy them. (I mean, a reason other than that the U.S. was no longer torturing people there.) According to Mohammed's lawyer, after the evidence was destroyed - whatever it was, since he knows but we don't -- the judge required the government to provide a "summary of a substitute for the original now-destroyed evidence." That could be photos or descriptions of the black site. The other possibility is that what was destroyed was not the site itself, but video, audio or photographic evidence of waterboarding. The CIA said in 2009 that it destroyed interrogation videotapes four years earlier. The Department of Justice later declined to prosecute the destruction. But the fact that some videotapes were destroyed doesn't exclude the possibility that other evidence might exist. In response to a freedom of information act request, the CIA identified 580 documents relating to what was on the videotapes; none have been released. What seems knowable is that evidence was destroyed without giving the defense the chance to argue that it should have been preserved, and that a summary substitute would be inadequate. In an ordinary criminal trial, that would usually count as grounds for appeal. Ex parte proceedings -- that is, legal submissions made without telling the other side - are almost unheard-of during criminal trials. The government would no doubt respond that it couldn't trust the defense with state secrets. But the defense lawyers are military officers who possess high-level clearances. They were chosen and cleared precisely so that they could have access to government secrets. It's worth noting that in a normal criminal trial, an evidentiary violation like this wouldn't ordinarily lead to the removal of the judge or prosecutors. The remedy proposed by the defense is therefore probably too extreme. A better course under ordinary circumstances would be to preserve the issue to be raised on appeal - where it might be enough to get a conviction reversed. But this isn't an ordinary trial. And that's what's so troubling. My analysis, and that of others, will be based on nothing but vaguely informed speculation - by design of the trial itself. It is absurd that observers cannot know the contents of the motion, the nature of the evidence destroyed or the procedures by which all this happened. Some secrecy in criminal trials is permissible when evidence is classified for the right reasons. But it's perverse when the secrecy is driven by the fact that the U.S. government itself violated the law in its treatment of the defendant. It was always going to be difficult to give a fair trial to defendants who had been unlawfully tortured. And it was always going to be a challenge to manage the secrecy around the trial. But this new motion shows that we are rapidly approaching the point at which the trial will no longer have even the appearance of conforming to the rule of law. The prosecutors are honorable people trying to do a difficult job. We are approaching the point where that job is becoming impossible - and where the Guantanamo tribunals can no longer claim the title of "legal proceeding." Noah Feldman, a Bloomberg View columnist, is a professor of constitutional and international law at Harvard. For more columns from Bloomberg View, visit http://www.bloomberg.com/view. (c) 2016, Bloomberg View Richard Poplawski Richard Poplawski (center) is led away from court June 28, 2011, after a jury sentenced him to death for killing three Pittsburgh police officers in 2009. The city's mayor has urged a company based in Eugene, Oregon, to remove Poplawski's pen pal profile, which includes a music video montage of crime scene photos, because it inflicts "great pain" on the victims' families. (The Associated Press/2011) PITTSBURGH -- The mayor wants a pen pal site for inmates to remove a profile posted by a man convicted of killing three city police officers, a posting that includes a music video montage of crime scene photos and photos of him with weapons. Mayor Bill Peduto sent a letter Thursday to Oregon-based CONPALS InmateConnections.com LLC after KDKA-TV told the mayor's chief of staff about the profile posed by Richard Poplawski, 29. "Poplawski's page and video both inflict great pain," Peduto wrote. "On your site, Poplawski's video glorifies the massacre, replays media coverage of the carnage, posts pictures of the slaughtered, and of the mourners. All to a relentless repetition of the lyrics, 'I watched them die.'" Poplawski was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 2011, two years after gunning down officers Eric Kelly, Stephen Mayhle, and Paul Sciullo II in April 2009 when they responded to a domestic dispute at the home he shared with his mother. Peduto notes that Kelly and Mayhle left behind wives and children, Sciullo a fiancee, and all of the officers were survived by at least one parent, all of whom are "grief-stricken" and victimized by the profile. The Rolling Stones song "Hand of Fate" is the soundtrack for the 4-minute, 29-second video Poplawski included with his profile. Its lyrics include, "Yeah, I gunned him twice/Yeah, and I watched him die, watch out boy/Yeah, I watched him die" and "The hand of fate is on me now/I shot that man I put him underground/I put him underground/Yes I did." CONPALS Inmateconnections.com, which is headquartered in Eugene, didn't immediately return an emailed request for comment Friday. Peduto threatened legal action if the profile isn't removed. He also said he would pursue laws like those passed in Indiana, Florida and Missouri, where the mayor said inmate pen pals are prohibited from advertising. Poplawski's profile is equal parts introspection and sarcasm. It lists his "release date" as "April 2196." "For years, I've battled to maintain my identity, to not become unduly impressed upon by my environment on Pennsylvania's Death Row," Poplawski writes. "You can help. I'd like to see my reflection in your eyes. That's partly how we know ourselves. If I write you, it'll be for the right reasons. I don't need your money. Don't try to save my immortal soul. I've lost all faith in true love." He closes his profile with this salutation: "Take it from me, Richard Andrew, Too late lasts forever." -- The Associated Press The United States is working closely with Cambodia to safeguard the use and disposal of nuclear materials. A recent international workshop on Nuclear Safeguards was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energys National Nuclear Security Administration, or DOE/NNSA, and hosted by the Cambodian Ministry of Mines and Energy and the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, among others. As noted by Anne Harrington, Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation in the DOE/NNSA, The United States has long considered the international safeguards system to be a central pillar of the nuclear nonproliferation regimes strategy for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. ... DOE/NNSA cooperates with over 30 countries in this regard, assisting state and regional authorities to establish effective systems of nuclear accounting and control. During the workshop, experts from the DOE/NNSA and the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, delivered presentations on international nuclear safeguards, which are technical measures applied by the IAEA to verify that a countrys nuclear material is accounted for and not diverted for non-peaceful activities. Experts also facilitated interactive exercises designed to provide participants with information on how to prepare declarations to the IAEA on certain materials, activities, and locations. U.S. Embassy Political Officer Samuel Downing congratulated Cambodia on entering into force the Additional Protocol as part of its commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. He also noted the importance of continued engagement on this topic as it promotes greater understanding of the technical elements of the Additional Protocol that could help Cambodias implementation. Entering the AP into force is an important milestone for IAEA Member States, and workshops focused on the AP help to ensure that states with small amounts of nuclear material, such as Cambodia develop the necessary infrastructure and safeguards-supporting capacity to fulfill their responsibilities. The United States is proud to work with its partner Cambodia to ensure that nuclear materials are handled safely and securely and used for peaceful purposes. There will be an orientation for new students and their families attending H.H. Dow High School on Wednesday, May 18. The orientation will take place from 6-7 p.m. at the high school. Dow High staff members and students will conduct sessions on the topics of Charger Spirit, getting involved, student services and the parent 411. TAMPA, Fla. (AP) When a venomous Eastern diamondback rattlesnake appeared in the backyard of a 7-year-old girl, her German shepherd came to her rescue, refusing to back down even when the snake bit him three times. In short, Haus is a hero. "It shows you that a rescue dog, for us, paid it forward by protecting my family," said Adam DeLuca of Tampa. Now hundreds of donors are coming to the family's rescue, quickly topping the goal of $15,000 Friday on a GoFundMe account to help pay for the antivenin needed to keep the dog alive. By Friday afternoon, $35,000 had been raised for the dog's care. Haus is still recovering in the Intensive Care Unit of Tampa's Blue Pearl Emergency Veterinary and Specialty Hospital, and is being treated with anti-venom and painkillers, said Dr. John Gicking. "Without the pain medication, he's in pain. He's responsive, he's alert, and his leg is swollen and uncomfortable," the doctor said. Molly DeLuca's grandmother was watching her play with the 2-year-old shepherd in their backyard when the dog suddenly jumped in front of the girl and reared up several times. It wasn't clear what happened at first, but they could tell Haus was bleeding, and brought him to the vet. When his leg was shaved, three bite marks could be seen telltale signs of the rattlesnake. The family lives near a state park that is a habitat for rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, and dangerous critters can slip under their fence from the wilderness, her father said. The snake's venom damaged the dog's kidneys. Vets now expect a full recovery, but it won't be cheap: Each day in the ICU costs between $1000 to $1500, and each vial of anti-venom costs $618. Haus is averaging 4 or 5 vials per day as the poison leaves his system. A family friend started the fundraising effort. The response, said DeLuca, has been "overwhelming." Haus is expected to be hospitalized for another couple of days. The family plans to forward any unused donations to a local rescue organization. The family adopted Haus just two months ago from a rescue organization, but they already had no doubt he would risk his life to save Molly or her four-year-old brother. "He just exceeded our expectations all the way around," said DeLuca. "Right away, the kids were hugging and loving on him, he always took it, he never did anything. Whenever anyone came to the door, he would start barking and try to be protective. He has just been an amazing dog. He's the type of dog that when you want to go buy a dog, you pay thousands of dollars and that's the dog you get. But we adopted him and got him for free." Trinity Lutheran Church is hosting and sponsoring a Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network mobile food pantry on Thursday, May 19. The church is located at 3701 Jefferson Ave. The pantry will be an outdoor event. In the event of inclement weather it will be moved to the Midland Civic Arena, 405 Fast Ice Drive. No ID or proof of income is needed to receive food. On site registration begins at 9 a.m. with food distributed at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call (989) 486-9393. This event is able to serve approximately 250 families on a first-come first-served basis. LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) A woman and her seven adult children stepped forward Friday to claim a $429.6 million Powerball jackpot and said they have plans to tithe to their church, go on a family vacation and help their community. But mostly they're just still letting it sink in. "Wow. That's what it's like," Pearlie Mae Smith, 70, said at a news conference at state lottery headquarters with her children. "I'm still trying to figure out what it's like." Smith's daughter Valerie Arthur, who retired after 27 years as a state corrections administrator last August, said she expected "in about an hour from now everyone we know will come out of the woodwork." "We each have dreams that we want to fulfill in this life and do for our community and do for each other and our families, and it was like, well, we have been funded to do that," Arthur said. Smith, of Trenton, opted for the lump sum payout of $284 million when she purchased separate $3 tickets last week at a 7-Eleven in Trenton for drawings held Wednesday and Saturday. Arthur said the family hired lawyers and took time before coming forward to get educated on how best to handle the windfall. The ticket is the largest single jackpot winning ticket sold in New Jersey and the sixth-largest in Powerball history. The other siblings, seated in front of dozens of reporters and cameras, said they don't plan to quit their jobs but hadn't yet told their employers about the win. "Are we live?" Arthur asked. "They're finding out right now." Katherine Nunnally, another of Smith's daughters, says she works in education and wants to help put at-risk girls in touch with powerful women as role models and help them get internships. Now she has the money to do it herself, she said. Son Steven Smith said he'd go into business himself. The winning numbers were 5-25-26-44-66, and the Powerball number was 9. Powerball is played in 44 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The odds of winning are one in 292.2 million. Despite flickering lights and a downpour of rain, the dedication ceremony of Northwood Universitys Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management building brought together members of the DeVos family and university officials to celebrate the achievement. Richard and Helen DeVos, the namesakes of the building, were escorted inside by Northwood President Keith Pretty, holding up a black-and-white patterned umbrella against the rain steadily falling outside. The couple flew in for the dedication ceremony and were joined by their sons, Northwood alumni Dan and Dick DeVos. They were greeted by applause walking into the graduate building, and were soon surrounded by well-wishers looking to shake their hands and offer greetings. Thank you for the warm, rainy welcome, Richard DeVos said. There are a lot of familiar faces here. Pretty thanked the couple during his opening remarks for their continued support of the university, along with other sponsors who made the building possible. He also thanked Tower Pinkster, which was the project architect, and Triangle Construction, the general contractor. Designated as the center for the universitys graduate program, the 27,560-square-foot building is LEED-certified and features two floors of classrooms, lounges, administrative suites and a computer lab. We really have seen an amazing growth in this graduate school program over the last year, Pretty said. He talked about the university being founded in 1959, the same year that Richard DeVos helped create Amway, and the Northwood idea of giving back after achieving success that the DeVos family has exemplified. It certainly is a family affair, and an important milestone for Northwood University, said Dan DeVos, one of the universitys trustees, during the dedication ceremony. Its a very exciting time. Rain and thunder could be heard from inside the building, and at one point the lights throughout began to flicker and turn on and off. That was due to some electricity outages and the buildings generators turning on to keep utilities going, Pretty said. At least, thats what the architect told me to say, he joked, earning a round of laughs from the crowd. Dr. Lisa Fairbairn, dean of the graduate school, said the building represents a beacon and focal point for the universitys Midland campus. Its been a vision for a long time, Fairbairn said. It is spectacular. It was just a year ago that university officials broke ground on the project, and students and faculty are already using the buildings facilities for classes. Their reactions have been amazing, Fairbairn said. She predicts the current growth of the graduate program will expand with the addition of the building. People are going to want to be a part of it, Fairbairn said. Specially-designed classrooms offer plenty of whiteboards to write down business ideas, chairs and desks that may be moved to accommodate different class sizes, and break-out rooms for students who are working on projects or brainstorming. I think we nailed it, Fairbairn said with a smile on her face as she looked around at the building. Gail Floyd | Guinness World Records via AP MANSFIELD, Texas (AP) A Siamese cat recently cited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest living cat did not live to enjoy the title. Scooter marked his 30th birthday on March 26. However, owner Gail Floyd of Mansfield, Texas, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Scooter had died by the time Guinness conferred its title on April 8. This AP photo gallery features a mix of front-page photography, the odd image you might have missed and lasting moments AP editors think you should see. This week's gallery has photos of riot police charging toward opposition supporters during a protest in Kenya, a funnel cloud from a tornado, indigenous supporters of Brazil's ousted President Dilma Rousseff, and much more. WASHINGTON Former NRECA General Manager Clyde T. Ellis put it best, electric cooperative officials said at the kickoff of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Associations 2016 Legislative Conference: We support our friends and stand by them. If theyre not our friends, we will make them our friends. That was the message delivered to 1,500 co-op directors, managers and staffers at the annual NRECA Legislative Conferenceuse your roles as community leaders to sway support for co-op priorities on Capitol Hill. Time, money and gridlock are all working overtime against us, said NRECA interim CEO Jeffrey Connor, who referred to Ellis during his May 2 remarks. What cuts through the noise is what you haveinfluence, involvement, engagement and trust. Nevada Rural Electric Association representatives were able to accomplish just that during the three-day conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., last week by having face-to-face meetings with federal agencies and the staff members of Nevadas senators and congressmen. The meetings provided NREA representatives the opportunity to sit down with officials from the Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Rural Utilities Service to raise concerns over issues impacting Nevadas rural power consumers, including right of way maintenance and access, raven population control, the BLMs Planning 2.0 proposed rule changes, as well as sage grouse and land use regulations. We understand the value of protecting the environment, and have a stellar record of effective land stewardship, NREA Deputy Director Hank James said. These were productive meetings that continued important dialogues with our Congressional Delegation and federal agency leaders. The 114th Congress was not in session during this years conference but NREA members met with key staff from all of Nevada senators and representatives as well as those from Utah, who share many common environmental regulation concerns. The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss concerns and provide updated information for legislators, several of whom have actively supported Nevada rural power on the federal level in the past. Whether we were meeting with old friends or building new relationships, these opportunities are very important, James said. Legislation and regulation can affect our ability to provide safe, reliable, cost-based electricity. Its essential we stay engaged with our legislative representatives. The 8th Fighter Wing hosted members from the Republic of Korea air force's 120th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Seosan Air Base, ROK, to participate in Exercise Buddy Wing 16-4 here, May 9 to 13. During the five-day exercise, the 120th TFS fighter pilots, maintenance and support personnel integrated with Wolf Pack Airmen on all aspects of the exercise, including mission planning, briefing, execution and debriefing. "The importance of Buddy Wing exercises is to give our pilots an opportunity to work directly with our ROKAF counterparts," said Capt. Ryan Neely, 35th Fighter Squadron B-flight commander and Exercise Buddy Wing 16-4 project officer. "This gives us the ability to work through all the fog and uncertainty that we have to plan around but dont really get to see until we are in the same room as each other trying to jump the small hurdles such as language barriers." According to Neely, Exercise Buddy Wing 16-4 focuses on different aspects of air-to-air and air-to-ground tactical training between the 8th FW and the 120th TFS in order to execute effectively. "The training allows us to identify obstacles we may have not seen earlier," Neely said. "You can plan on paper and end up realizing there is small problems that werent thought of at first. Cultural differences effect the way that we brief and fly, these exercises allow us to see that first hand, that way we are not finding out things for the first time when they really matter." Combining specific objectives prove beneficial for the participating units during Buddy Wing exercises because Airmen not only refine tactical skillsets but also promote safety, cultural awareness and interoperability. "The Wolf Pack has a long standing mission to aid in the defense of the Republic of Korea. If we are called upon, we will be fighting beside our Korean brothers and sisters to do so, said Maj. Bailyn Beck, 8th Fighter Wing Director of Staff. Exercises like Buddy Wing allow us an opportunity to train together and build the relationships need to fight at a moment's notice. Each time we come together, both group of pilots walk away with a better understanding of what each brings to the team." Buddy Wing exercises are conducted at various ROKAF and U.S. Air Force bases multiple times throughout the year on the Korean peninsula. The combined fighter exchange program provides pilots an opportunity to exchange ideas and practice combined tactics in order to fight and fly as one Allied force. GUAM -- Military representatives kicked off Pacific Unity 16-1, a multilateral civil engineering subject-matter expert exchange, May 9, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Civil engineer experts from Pacific Air Forces and 554th RED HORSE Squadron are co-hosting the event to reinforce strong professional relationships and cooperation among participating Indo-Asia-Pacific nations by sharing expertise in expeditionary and commercial construction. Eight delegates from the Royal Thai Air Force and Philippine Air Force will work alongside Airmen during the two-week exchange. Tilt-up construction is a building technique that uses concrete panels which are made horizontally on the ground and then tilted up into their vertical position at the building site. Once the panels are in place, they are connected. This method allows the construction of facilities to be completed faster than traditional brick and mortar structures if planned properly. Pacific Unity 16-1 is focusing on the exchange of engineering knowledge for building typhoon and natural disaster-resistant buildings, said Capt. Naseem Ghandour, 554th RHS civil engineer. It doesnt just benefit the people of the Philippines and Thailand, but also helps the people of the United States, especially here on Guam. The exchange includes discussions covering aspects such as each nations capabilities, safety, scheduling, design and construction using the tilt-up method. During the first week, participants will use their shared knowledge and design a structure. During the second week, delegates will gain firsthand experience with the tilt-up process by assembling the panels of the designed structure at the Pacific Regional Training Center at Andersen. Through understanding their capabilities and ours we find a way to be interoperable together. That in itself allows us to work more effectively together, said Master Sgt. Joseph Towne, PACAF civil engineer theater security cooperation manager. If we know what materials and equipment they have available, it helps us know what steps to take when we work with them. OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- After three days of simulated contingency operations, and two days of individual unit-level training, the readiness exercise Beverly Herd 16-01 ended here May 13, 2016. The 51st Fighter Wing, Republic of Korea air force and ROK army personnel participated in the quarterly exercise. In addition, Beverly Herd 16-01 featured an Elephant Walk that showcased the aircraft available here and the 179th Fighter Squadron Bulldogs from the Minnesota Air National Guard. Contrary to past wing operational readiness exercises, Beverly Herd 16-01 focused on individual unit-level objectives to increase the overall combat effectiveness of Team Osan. This exercise has a different feel than others over the past year. These exercises are an assessment of our ability to Fight Tonight; they are not training events, said Col. Andrew Hansen, 51st Fighter Wing commander. Your group leadership and the IG team have done an incredible job of focusing this exercise on key events that truly test our capabilities. The exercise featured simulated attacks from various sources. In addition to the barrage of simulated incoming missiles, mortars and ground attacks, individual units were tested by wing inspection team members whose sole job was to observe and inject certain scenarios specifically tailored to that unit. We will continue to conduct exercises each quarter, on average, and the majority will be like the exercises you are used to, said Hansen. BH 16-02 will be in August and coincides with Ulchi-Freedom Guardian. Between now and then, we will identify and mitigate shortfalls and constantly train to our wartime tasks in order to ensure our Fight Tonight capability, he added KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 8th Fighter Wing hosted members from the Republic of Korea air force's 120th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Seosan Air Base, to participate in Exercise Buddy Wing 16-4 here, May 9 to 13. During the five-day exercise, the 120th TFS fighter pilots, maintenance and support personnel integrated with Wolf Pack Airmen on all aspects of the exercise, including mission planning, briefing, execution and debriefing. "The importance of Buddy Wing exercises is to give our pilots an opportunity to work directly with our ROKAF counterparts," said Capt. Ryan Neely, 35th Fighter Squadron B-flight commander and Exercise Buddy Wing 16-4 project officer. "This gives us the ability to work through all the fog and uncertainty that we have to plan around but dont really get to see until we are in the same room as each other trying to jump the small hurdles such as language barriers." According to Neely, Exercise Buddy Wing 16-4 focuses on different aspects of air-to-air and air-to-ground tactical training between the 8th FW and the 120th TFS in order to execute effectively. "The training allows us to identify obstacles we may have not seen earlier," Neely said. "You can plan on paper and end up realizing there is small problems that werent thought of at first. Cultural differences effect the way that we brief and fly, these exercises allow us to see that first hand, that way we are not finding out things for the first time when they really matter." Combining specific objectives prove beneficial for the participating units during Buddy Wing exercises because Airmen not only refine tactical skillsets but also promote safety, cultural awareness and interoperability. "The Wolf Pack has a long standing mission to aid in the defense of the Republic of Korea. If we are called upon, we will be fighting beside our Korean brothers and sisters to do so, said Maj. Bailyn Beck, 8th Fighter Wing Director of Staff. Exercises like Buddy Wing allow us an opportunity to train together and build the relationships need to fight at a moment's notice. Each time we come together, both group of pilots walk away with a better understanding of what each brings to the team." Buddy Wing exercises are conducted at various ROKAF and U.S. Air Force bases multiple times throughout the year on the Korean peninsula. The combined fighter exchange program provides pilots an opportunity to exchange ideas and practice combined tactics in order to fight and fly as one Allied force. NAKABATA, GOTENBA, SHIZUOKA PREFECTURE, Japan -- At the base of Mount Fuji lies the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji. CATC Fuji has provided the Marine Corps with a forward-based platform for vital training, troop readiness and force projection. As far back as 1198 A.D., the training grounds that lie in the shadows of Mount Fuji have been used to train elite fighting forces. First it was the samurai of the Kamakura Shogunate, today the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji provides Marine Corps Installations Pacific with a vital forward based platform for training, readiness, and force projection. As Marines were trained in the warrior ethos from the moment you enter boot camp, Gunnery Sgt. Jeffery Burry, the Camp Fuji operations chief. Thats what makes the training here so special. Marines are training on the same ground where some of the greatest warriors the world has ever seen honed their skills. You cant get that anywhere else in the Marine Corps. When the Shogunate fell, the Imperial Japanese Army took over until the surrender of Japan after World War II. The U.S. Army took over the training area in order to prepare their troops for the terrain and hardships of the Korean War. In 1953 the base was turned over to the USMC, where it remains today as an essential training ground for Marine Corps Installation Pacific and III Marine Expeditionary Force. Camp Fuji supports training across all aspects of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, said Col. Todd R. Finley, the commanding officer of CATC Fuji. It has the capacity to support anything from MAGTF level operations to company level training movements. With more than 300 acres of live-fire ranges and maneuver areas, along with a flight line, provide realistic, valuable training opportunities required to ensure combat readiness of US forces stationed throughout the Pacific. The large scale combined arms training exercises, including live-fire artillery ranges, cannot be completed anywhere else in the region. CATC provides the continuity units need to stay mission ready, said Burry. Not only do we give them a unique training opportunity they cannot get anywhere else, but Camp Fujis environment provides unique training factors and challenges. Well above sea level, the altitude of CATC Fuji provides some of the roughest training environment in the world. According to Burry, Units must hike up steep hills to reach the training grounds, and if that was not enough, the thin air and harsh winters require even the heartiest of men to pause. We can get up to two feet of snow on the ground some winters, explained Burry. The elevations and harsh winters create a unique and extreme training environment. When we train in such extreme conditions, it makes it easier to go out into real situations and complete our mission. Located two-and-a-half miles from Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Camp Fuji, training units regularly participate in infantry level training simulations with JGSDF soldiers, strengthening relationship between Japan and the United States. When not running and gunning in the field, JGSDF and CATC Fuji conduct exchange programs, where noncommissioned officers from both camps visit the others resident professional military education programs to learn about each other traditions and customs. According to Finley, these exchange programs play an important role in forging an everlasting partnership with JGSDF. Being this close to our counterparts allows us to build friendships and successful working and training relationships, said Finley. Rich in a warrior history and full of extremes, Camp Fuji plays a pivotal role in MCIPACs mission to provide the Marine Corps with a forward-based platform for vital training, troop readiness and force projection while also fostering critical partnerships in the Indo-Asian-Pacific region. WASHINGTON There is no more important duty than protecting the homeland, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in Colorado today, and he thanked the men and women of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command for their efforts. Carter presided as Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson took command of Northcom and NORAD from Navy Adm. Bill Gortney. The American people and your families, our families, can sleep soundly knowing that you and your colleagues across our government are awake to defend and protect them, Carter said. NORAD is the only binational command, and Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan said he was proud to represent his nation at the ceremony. He noted that since 1958, NORAD has been the continents first line of defense against air attacks. Common History While the geography remains the same, we have added more than half a century of common history, he said. Unfortunately, much of this common history deals with conflict. What receives less attention are the models of cooperation when nations, institutions and individuals work together. NORAD is certainly a shining example of how two countries can, and continue to, work together for mutual benefit. The threat has certainly changed since 1958 with the growth of international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, both Carter and Sajjan said. Whether in defeating [the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] or in defending our nation against other threats that reach across borders, our alliance with Canada is indispensable, Carter said. The United States and Canada are working together every hour of every day to provide a more prosperous and secure future for the citizens of both our nations. Warmer Relations With Mexico The secretary also noted that under Gortneys watch, the U.S. relationship with Mexico has become much warmer the leaders of the Mexican army and navy attended the change of command. I want to thank our Mexican partners for their determination to expand our continental defense partnership, Carter said. Mexico has become a global exporter of security, both on this continent and beyond. I want to applaud Mexico for their growing defense relationship and also for continuing to ensure that common values and respect for human rights are the foundation of security efforts across the hemisphere and around the world. The secretary praised Gortney also for his leadership in peace and war. The admiral began his Navy life as a pilot, and the secretary noted Gortney had logged more than 5,000 hours piloting A-7s and F/A-18 Hornets. He made more than 1,200 carrier landings and flew combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. After accumulating a tremendous record of success as a pilot, he transitioned seamlessly to become one of the Navys most successful sailor statesmen, the secretary said. Gortney said that while NORAD was created in response to the Cold War, U.S. Northern Command owes its existence to 9/11. The command is a supporting command to civil authorities in the United States in the event of disasters or attacks. Regarding such events, may we continue to be overprepared and underemployed, he said. Sustained Partnerships Robinson took command receiving the NORAD flag from Gen. Jonathan Vance, the chief of the defense staff of the Canadian Armed Forces. She received the U.S. Northcom flag from Carter. Undeniably the power and strength of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command is derived from its sustained partnerships with joint, interagency and multinational organizations, she said. This is best represented by the fact that nearly 60 DoD and non-DoD federal agencies, department representatives and liaison officers are integrated into the headquarters. (Follow Jim Garamone on Twitter: @GaramoneDoDNews) Desperate women do desperate things. Thats why I asked my husband to color my hair. He is a man who, despite having a degree in engineering, never mastered the art of putting barrettes in our daughters hair. He has zero experience with hair styling. Just the kind of person youd trust with permanent dye, right? Born a blonde, I had the look of a California beach girl until I was about 13. Then, in one short winter, my hair turned completely brown. Dull, flat brown. On my 40th birthday, some close friends said, Girl, you need a hair intervention, and they took me to a salon. I walked out the door with blonde hair and a bounce in my step. But the problem is, as anyone who colors their hair will agree, you have to keep it up. Otherwise, as your hair grows (and mine grows fast), tattle-tale roots begin to appear. Recently, I spent a great deal of time preparing for an important presentation at work. In fact, I wasnt focused on much else. The night before the meeting, I closed my notebook and glanced in the mirror. A person resembling an inverted skunk looked back at me. Oh, no! The audience will be too horrified by my hair to listen to the presentation! My husband tried to convince me I was overreacting. Then, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, he looked down on the crown of my head. It does kind look like a tarmac landing strip in the Arctic It was almost 9 p.m. No salon in town was open. Ever the problem solver, he said, We can get a color kit from Meijers and Ill fix it. I paused for a second. What if he botched it and my hair turned white or fell out? Id have to give the presentation wearing a stocking cap. On the other hand, millions of women color their hair at home every day with great results. Thats when I made the leap. I took the risk. Standing in the aisle at the discount retailer, we held boxes next to my head to see which color matched best. Heres one that says Root Rescue, he read, and you really need rescuing. OK, Prince Charming, I can live without the witty commentary. Lets just get on with it. Back at home, I slumped in front of the sink while he disappeared to the garage. He returned wearing black elbow-length gloves made of thick industrial-strength rubber. This is not a hazardous material spill! I said. Realizing the thick gloves might hinder his ability to precisely apply the color, he put on gloves from the kit and opened one of two bottles containing ammonium hydroxide. Yow; this stuff burns my eyes! I need eye protection!, he declared. (Men rarely understand the extremes women go through to look good.) After a second trip to the garage to retrieve a face mask, he now had the appearance of a surgeon. Mixing the bottles contents, he began to narrate. The process starts with a binary formula Stop kidding around! This is not a chemistry project! Its my hair! Then he swiftly and (surprisingly) skillfully applied the mixture along my temple and hairline. Now for the sideburns he said. Enough of the jokes already! The instructions prescribed 10 minutes for the color to work. Finished with his role, my husband retreated to the garage; he didnt want to be around for the unveiling. Nervously, I washed and dried my hair. I held my breath as I looked in the mirror, but was amazed (and relieved) at the great result. I went to find my new colorist in the garage. Too bad you dont cut hair, I said. Still on a roll, he picked up a pair of hedge trimmers. I can always give it a try! BLOOMINGTON Donald Whalen will have to wait until at least July to learn if the state crime lab will perform more tests on evidence that he hopes will exonerate him in the 1991 murder of his father. Whalen is serving 60 years after being convicted of killing his father, William Whalen, in his father's downtown bar, the former Twenty Grand Tap. Whalen's lawyers with The Exoneration Project at the University of Chicago Law School objected recently to the methods used by the Illinois State Crime Lab in Morton to compare a DNA sample from the crime scene with DNA profiles in a statewide database. The tests produced no matches. At a hearing Friday, defense lawyers agreed to consult with McLean County First Assistant State's Attorney Adam Ghrist over the next few weeks about what changes Whalen is seeking in the testing method. The state had challenged the testing on a sample that was developed by defense expert Karl Reich that combined several samples of genetic material from the crime scene to create a DNA sample big enough to test. The Illinois State Police argued that conducting tests on the sample could put its accreditation and access to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) software at risk. Reich attended Friday's hearing but was not called to testify. Lawyers met behind closed doors for more than hour before returning without an agreement on the testing issue. Judge Paul Lawrence allowed the state police to intervene in the case in order to represent the position of lab staff. In a recent court filing, Whalen's lawyers claim that the recent testing did not follow Reich's guidance. "In essence, the search was conducted in a manner that was designed to produce no results," said the defense. A hearing on the DNA issue is set for July 1. PEORIA An eight-year federal court battle to overhaul mental health treatment in Illinois prisons was resolved Friday with a judge ruling that the settlement between inmates and the state, while not perfect, is fair and will improve the lives of thousands of inmates. U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mihm, who has expressed frustration in the past with delays in resolving the litigation, reviewed the settlement reached in December between the state and lawyers for about 11,000 inmates with some form of mental illness. Were absolutely thrilled we were able to reach an agreement. We agree with Judge Mihm that the agreement is not perfect but it really addresses the severe suffering by our clients, said Alan Mills of the Uptown Peoples Law Center in Chicago after the hearing. He was one of the lawyers for the inmates. The lawsuit filed in 2007 on behalf of mentally ill inmate Ashoor Rasho was later expanded to a class action. Rasho, 41, an inmate housed at Pontiac Correctional Center who is set for release in 2021, was one of four inmates linked electronically to the Peoria courtroom from four prisons. Rasho told Mihm he was disappointed the agreement allows for the removal of the lowest level of infractions that put some inmates in segregation while his higher-level sanctions will leave him in a cell 23 hours a day. Mihm noted that he had received 340 objections to the settlement from inmates, and Ive read every single objection word for word. Lawyers for the inmates noted the settlement does not include money damages for inmates but involves $60 million in construction costs for new facilities and another $30 million annually for increased mental health and security staff. Under the new plan, inmates will be screened for mental health issues soon after their arrival at prison and receive treatment in four new residential treatment units. Hospital-level care currently unavailable to inmates will be available for the most seriously mentally ill. IDOC lawyer Terence Corrigan told Mihm the state has moved forward with its commitment to fix mental health issues. A unit has opened at Dixon Correctional Center for 330 offenders, and an 80-bed unit is set to open at the womens prison in Lincoln later this month. The initial stage of a review of inmates in segregation has resulted in 117,000 days being cut from the sentences on 64 prisoners. Inmate Clara Plair, 33, who spoke Friday through a video link with the Lincoln facility, had 60 years removed from her sentence after such a review. Many of the improvements outlined in the plan are contingent upon the state approving a budget. The budget issue becomes the 900-pound gorilla in the room, Mihm said Friday. The agreement allows inmates to return to court if timelines for improvements are not followed. IDOC acknowledged to Mihm that money is not currently available to secure the 104 hospital beds required in the agreement for the most severely mentally ill inmates, an issue that created the biggest sticking point during negotiations. Over the past several years, IDOC has hired new staff and begun the process to improve care for mentally ill inmates. Progress reports filed with the court show the challenges the state has had in hiring and keeping trained staff. Mihm commented that the work environment for prison workers will improve as mentally ill inmates receive better care. NORMAL McLean County school districts are adjusting their transgender policies to comply with new guidelines released by the White House on Friday. The guideline directive, released by leaders at the departments of Education and Justice, says public schools are obligated to treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity, even if their education records or identity documents indicate a different sex. Students dont have to present a specific medical diagnosis or identification documents to reflect their identity and equal access must be given to transgender students even if it makes others uncomfortable. Curt Richardson, Unit 5 director of human resources and district attorney, said there are aspects of the guidelines that are concerning in regards to safety and privacy." We will make every effort to comply but it is still a very uncertain area, said Richardson. In October, Unit 5 put a transgender policy in place saying a student must receive a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria to be allowed access to the opposite gender's restroom and locker room. Richardson said he knows of two Unit 5 students who have approached district administrators since then to discuss accommodations and there has been no issue. The biggest concern from the practical side is the fact that the Office of Civil Rights made it clear you cannot rely on any form of documentation to change gender identity, said Richardson. Well have to revisit our policy and try to figure out how to implement the new guidance. That will be difficult. The Obama administration is releasing a separate 25-page document of questions and answers about best practices, including ways schools can make transgender students comfortable in the classroom and how to protect the privacy rights of all students in restrooms or locker rooms. The guidance does not impose any new legal requirements. Officials say it's meant to clarify expectations of school districts that receive funding from the federal government. Educators have been seeking guidance on how to comply with Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding, Educational Secretary John B. King said in a statement. District 87 Superintendent Barry Reilly said this is really no different" from guidelines the district already has in place. We follow the guidance from the Office of Civil Rights. We have had very few cases come up but when they do, we work specifically with the students and family to make sure were paying close attention to their wishes. That has been helpful in making kids feel comfortable, which is the most important thing, said Reilly. He said that in his experience, most students are more accepting of differences than adults. You have a generation of kids growing up in a different world than many of us did 20 years ago, said Reilly. He said the guidance was a pretty big reminder to school districts to comply with transgender policies and work with students. The reality is you will have court cases that will fall on different sides of the issue, but our response has been to adhere to the guidance from the Office of Civil Rights, said Reilly. In 1956, on returning to Europe some 10 years after Victory in Europe Day, I took a bus trip from Paris to Copenhagen. The Danish countryside, flatter than the prairies of Illinois, was dotted with well-spaced farms and, without exception, tall poles mounted by the countrys flag a proud response to the Nazi scourge of World War II. It was a powerful statement. Much can be said about the effect of displaying the flag, but the impression which remained impelled me to become a devoted flag flyer and, every day, the ritual brings a special gratification. I would venture that keeping the flag a-flying can help to shape the attitude we must have to bring us closer together. Too often we take for granted the privilege of flying the distinctive symbol that has sustained us through so many tribulations. John McGrosso, Bloomington There are certain advantages when black students are being educated by black teachers. A recent study also showed that having a teacher of the same race improves students chances of landing in a gifted program. The 2016 study, conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University and Indiana University, presented that African-American public school students are 54 percent less likely to be identified as eligible for gifted-education services. This is in comparison to their white counterparts. However, they enhance their chances if they have an African-American teacher. The study showed that black students are three times more likely to be put in a gifted program when taught by a black teacher, compared to being taught by a white teacher. Black Teachers Have a Higher Assessment of Their Black Students USA Today noted that previous research has revealed that there are particular benefits enjoyed by African-American students with black teachers. It was also essential that the black teachers were actually assigned to the black students, and not merely present in campus. The new study used student-level information to determine the probability that a specific elementary school student will be recommended to a gifted education. According to Indiana University, one main reason for the improvement is that black teachers tend to provide a more positive view of the indicators of giftedness, their black students abilities and self-control. Students acquire better subjective assessments of their abilities and move away from the norm. The researchers further found that black teachers were more likely to assign black students with high test scores to gifted services. Adding More Black Teachers is Important Researcher Sean Nicholson-Crotty said that schools should aim to increase the total number of African-American teachers, instead of merely matching teachers and students of the same race. The study, published in the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, presented that the mere presence of black teachers in school did not affect the probably of black students being referred to gifted education. Then youre increasing the likelihood that students will have this in-class race match, so youll get these positive benefits without having to undertake this specifically and potentially erroneous policy choice, Nicholson-Crotty said. Past research focused on the underrepresentation of black students in gifted programs. The new study is among the first to delve into the cause of the difference. The data for the 2016 study was taken from the federal Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, following several children from kindergarten to eighth grade. The researchers also noted factors that most likely led to assignments to gifted programs. A laboratory operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was cited, sanctioned to three years suspension for violating grave safety rules in its handling of bioterror pathogens. Over the years, a small group of bio lab operators received repeated sanctions under federal regulations. CDC secretly sanctioned multiple times for mishandling bioterror pathogens https://t.co/jyNhiQUcpE Sohrab Haeri (@SohrabHaeri) May 11, 2016 Mishandling Of Bioterror Germs As first reported by USA Today, the CDC admitted for the first time on Tuesday that their own labs have been referred for additional secret federal enforcement actions six times because of serious and repeated violations. These labs have repeatedly mishandled certain viruses, bacteria and toxins, which have stringent regulations due to its potential to be used as bioweapons. However, when CBS News reached out to CDC to take their side, they denied that any of the referrals resulted to suspension. "None of these violations resulted in a risk to the public or illness in laboratory workers," the CDC said. But there's one serious safety violation of mishandling bioterror pathogens that resulted to the suspension of permits. Five of the cases were inspected by the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), performing audits at CDC campuses. The HHS-OIG decided to close the investigations after CDC demonstrated enhanced procedures, preventing future occurrence. However, the unresolved case was not further discussed. Permit Suspension of CDC Biolabs According to USA Today, CDC repeatedly refused to answer about its own laboratories enforcement histories. However, the news agency won a Freedom of Information Act appeal and gained access to documents. Documents show that CDC's facilities have the worst regulatory histories, receiving numerous sanctions under federal regulations. New York Post explained that the permit suspension occurred in 2007, involving a lead scientist's research on the Japanese encephalitis virus at the agency complex in Fort Collins, Colorado. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture discovered that the scientist's research does not comply with Federal Select Agent Program. This program is set by CDC and USDA to regulate laboratories handling bioterror pathogens like anthrax, smallpox and plague. In 2010, the permit was restored. CDC said that the samples were either destroyed or transferred to another registered facility. Japanese encephalitis virus is no longer considered a select agent as of 2012. A SpaceX Dragon Cargo plunges to the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, carrying around 3,700 pounds of cargo and experimental results according to NASA. This is the first return load from the International Station in a year. SpaceX Dragon Cargo CBS News said that SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule plunged 261 miles southeast of Long Beach, California at 2:51 p.m. SpaceX Dragon capsule brought research materials, including biological samples such as urine, saliva and blood samples of Scott Kelly during his almost one-year stay in the International Space Station (ISS). Dragon recovery team on site after nominal splashdown in Pacific. pic.twitter.com/824c3YpaYG SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 11, 2016 According to The Verge, the specimens carried by the SpaceX Dragon capsule are vital in the understanding of how the human body adapts to long-term spaceflight. Kelly stayed at the ISS for 340 days. His samples will create a picture on how the body changes in the unusual environment. Unlike Orbital ATK's expendable Cygnus capsule, the SpaceX Dragon was built to withstand the descent through the Earth's atmosphere. With the help of parachutes, the SpaceX Dragon slowed down the capsule during its fall, allowing it reach the Pacific Ocean without breaking apart. Two years from now, SpaceX hopes to land a crewed version of the capsule. However, SpaceX is yet to try it out. SpaceX Operations SpaceX or Space Exploration Technologies resumed their Dragon flights to the station last month according to Fortune. SpaceX Dragon is also the first to return cargo from the ISS in a year after a SpaceX launch accident on June 2015. The accident destroyed another unmanned capsule, reports said. SpaceX Dragon capsules are the only cargo ships that can return load from ISS. The ISS is a $100 billion research facility that is floating around 250 miles above the Earth. "Dragon spacecraft has served us well. It's good to see it departing full of science, and we wish it a safe recovery back on planet Earth," British astronaut Timothy Peake radioed to Mission Control in Houston. Peake is working from the space station's cupola module. He commanded to free the grip at 9:19 a.m so the SpaceX Dragon can start its journey back to Earth. Let us know if you find this cool. Leave your comments below. Also, check out this video about the SpaceX Dragon from NASA. Woody Allen must have been feeling good when his new movie, "Cafe Society," garnered good reviews from many critics during its debut during the 69th Cannes Film Festival. However, his son -- Ronan Farrow -- posted a column one day after the movie debut about the alleged child sex abuse committed by Woody Allen many years ago. My comedy hero Woody Allen, and his untouchable PR machine and our not wanting it to be true. But it is. https://t.co/L7cdnkOuJs Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) May 11, 2016 Woody Allen's estranged son with actress Mia Farrow wrote a column for the Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday, criticizing the media for not looking deeper into the child sex abuse allegations on his father. "In fact, when my sister first decided to speak out, she had gone to multiple newspapers - most wouldn't touch her story," Ronan Farrow explained. Ronan Farrow is referring to his step sister and Woody Allen's adopted child, Dylan Farrow. Ronan added that he personally saw Woody Allen display strange behavior around Dylan. Now Blake Lively claims Woody Allen is "empowering to women": https://t.co/GbQvO8dI8x pic.twitter.com/t8DtoYH1qH The Cut (@TheCut) May 12, 2016 So how did the "Cafe Society" director respond to these accusations? "I've said all I can say about it," Woody Allen told the New York Times. "I have so moved on that I never think about it." The 80-year-old Woody Allen added that he only focuses on his work, making movies that audience would hopefully like. His latest movie, "Cafe Society," currently has a respectable 73 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But no matter how much success his new movie achieves, it would be hard for Woody Allen never to think about Ronan Farrow and Dylan Farrow's child sex abuse accusations against him. What do you think? Is his son guilty of sexual abuse? Sound off in the comments below! A scientist named Ed Hawkins created a spiral GIF that showed the 165 years of global warming altering world's temperature every year. The image revealed the severity of climate change happening on the planet that taking its toll on the environment. The Global Warming Illustration According to Washington Post, the illustration showed the start of global warming in 1850. With a series of curve changes every second, it represents how Earth gets warmer every year, which began in the core of the 19th century. As the time goes by, evidently, the global warming is getting worse making the world hotter as seen in the circles. The loop moves frantically, showing the early years that have a cool temperature to the present era that has a feverish state. Hottest Year In Record Tech Times reported the hottest temperature in the tally was recorded in 2015, breaking the year it followed. As seen in the GIF, 2016 is shaping out of the line, implying this year is hotter than ever. The researchers at NASA noted that since they documented the "hottest years" that occurred, 15 out of the 16 warmest years started in 2001. Clearly, global warming is getting worse every year. The Fight Against Global Warming Hence, in the climate change forum in December last year, 195 countries around the world decided to unite to fight climate change. It all concerted to "limit" the global warming by less than 2 degree Celsius for the rest of the 21st century, Tech Times reported. However, the climatologists deemed that the said figures are not enough to fight the global warming. They are eyeing for more limitations that will go further up to 2.7 degrees to stop the severe effect of climate change to the environment. The GIF To Give Awareness "It was just designed to try and communicate in a different way," Ed Hawkins said about his diagram of global warming. He revealed the visual aid was originally designed by his fellow scientist named Jan Fuglestvedt from the University of Oslo, as per CSMonitor. The illustration is to make people aware how severe global warming is today and expected to be worst in the coming years. "The pace of change is immediately obvious, especially over the past few decades," Ed Hawkins disclosed in his blog, Climate Lab Book. What can you say about Ed Hawkins's global warming illustration? Share us your thoughts. Write your comments below! The medical malpractice lawsuit connected to the death of actress and comedian Joan Rivers has been settled by her immediate family, lawyers revealed. Almost two years after her passing, the case filed against doctors who failed to act during a routinary endoscopy is a chapter that can be finally closed. CBS News reported that legal counsels of River's family expressed gratitude for the solving of the case but refused to provide any more details on the settlement. Lawyers Ben Rubinowitz and Jeff Bloom said the incident has highlighted that such negligence should never happen to any patient again. Rivers' daughter, Melissa, considered the settlement of the lawsuit as her way of being able to "put the legal aspects of my mother's death behind me and ensure that those culpable for her death have accepted responsibility for their actions quickly and without equivocation." Died From Cardiac Arrest According to USA Today, Rivers went into cardiac arrest while undergoing a medical procedure for her throat at the Yorkville Endoscopy. She was unconscious for a week then died later in a hospital on Sept. 2, 2014. The younger Rivers, as per CBS News, filed a malpractice lawsuit in 2015 saying that doctors of her mom performed a procedure (laryngoscopy) which was not authorised and even snapped a selfie with her. They, however, failed to act on the deteriorating vital signs of the patient. Real Cause Of Death The family lamented the tragedy that happened to Rivers. Investigation on the case revealed that the actress died because of "anoxic encephalopathy (brain damage) due to hypoxic arrest (a decrease in oxygen to the brain) during surgery." ABC News said a statement from Yorkville Endoscopy revealed that the party already settled the pending case "to avoid protracted litigation." It vowed to continue providing quality healthcare to all its patients. A couple in Idaho decided to lighten up their situation by posting parodies of pregnancy announcements. To inject humor to their infertility struggle, the couple thought of making their own "baby announcements." Whitney & Spencer Blake "Good Morning Idaho" host Spencer Blake and his wife, Whitney, are trying to get pregnant for four years now. To help out others who are in the same boat, the couple from Idaho decided to make their own "infertility announcements" on their blog. "Humor has always been one of our coping mechanisms," Spencer tells Us Weekly. Their spoofs have been shared thousand times over. Check out some of their parodies below: Telegraph UK said that the series of parodies were originally created for Infertility Awareness Week, which is celebrated last week of April. The couple said that they are happy to receive messages from people who were made aware about infertility, they told Buzzfeed. At the time they were trying to conceive, the couple relished on small gestures of support. "Just the simplest acknowledgement that what we were going through was hard was so appreciated," they wrote. "We were always so grateful when someone took the time to let us know they cared." Unexplained Infertility According to Good Morning Idaho, after gruelling numerous tests and procedures, Spencer and Whitney were diagnosed with unexplained infertility in 2011. "The sorrow of infertility was absolutely crushing," Whitney Blake said. "It used to be such a consuming part of my life. Between the daily doctors' appointments, kits, pills, drugs and tests ... between other people's baby showers and pregnancy announcements ... it's kind of hard to forget, even when you're trying not to dwell," Whitney Blake continued. Trying to get pass by their infertility problems, the couple decided to adopt two children. Spencer said that adopting has been the greatest thing after all the consuming emotions of infertility. He said that he wouldn't change it for the world. The couple adopted their first son in 2012 and another boy in 2014. Osama bin Ladens son may be preparing to become the next al-Qaeda leader after he resurfaced recently. Hamza bin Laden has been quiet for several months and his return via an audio message sparked rumors that he may be the next al-Qaeda leader. Osamas Heir Apparent Hamza is believed to be 23 or 24 years old, and his location is currently unknown. Although his father was killed during the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) raid in 2011 in Pakistan, many speculate that Hamza is slowly being groomed to become the next al-Qaeda leader. USA Today states that the undated audio message, which was featured by al-Qaedas media division, showcased Hamza urging all Syrian jihadist groups to unite and use the current conflict in the country as a means of liberating Palestine. The current al-Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, who replaced Osama, also issued a voice message one day before, apparently praising Jabhat al-Nusra, their affiliate in Syria. Hamza bin Ladens Message The Islamic umma (nation) should focus on jihad in al-Sham (Syria) and unite the ranks of mujahideen. There is no longer an excuse for those who insist on division and disputes now that the whole world has mobilized against Muslims, Hamza urged all jihadist groups in Syria in his message. Hamza also said that he is following Zawahiri, knowing that he cannot move out of the latters shadow at the moment. Being the son of Osama Bin Laden does not automatically give him credit in a jihadist community, where some have been fighting for three decades. The next potential al-Qaeda leader last issued a public message in August 2015, where he invited others to attack their international enemies, namely the United States, United Kingdom and France. Rita Katz, director of Site Intelligence, said that Hamza was being projected as the next al-Qaeda leader, described as inspirational and loved by his supporters. Hamza also had no bad reputation and was not involved in infighting. However, Hamza still lacks the operational and intellectual expertise that Zawahiri has. Despite being the next potential al-Qaeda leader, he is still not considered a key figure within the group at present. He has yet to perform any prominent task that will make him as respected as his father in jihadist circles. The Business Insider says that the group may be hoping that Hamza will represent a new generation of al-Qaeda followers. His audio messages were a clear effort to emphasize his legitimacy as an heir to Osama bin Laden and the next leader of the al-Qaeda. More updates on the next potential al-Qaeda leader are expected soon. If you're wondering how to improve memory, then better introduce yourself to yoga. A new study suggests that yoga can improve your memory better than indulging in brain training activities. Yoga Improves Verbal And Visual-Spatial Memory A study conducted by researchers from the University of California and the University of Adelaide found that engaging in yoga is said to be more eiffective at enhancing memory compared to brain training. Some areas that yoga improved were verbal memory and visual-spatial memory. It also helped reduce symptoms related to depression and anxiety. According to Huffington Post, the study involved 25 adults who are already 55 years old or more. These individuals were suffering from memory and thinking problems and also had mild cognitive problems. Yoga For Three Months Some of these individuals were expose to brain training exercises for three months while some of them were asked to engage in yoga. After the 3-month period, it was found that both groups enjoyed improvement in their verbal memory. This is the type of memory used in recalling names and places, said Live Science. However, the group who engaged in yoga was shown to have further improved other aspects of their memory. Aside from their verbal memory, they also improved their visual-spatial memory, used to recall locations and directions. Reduced Depression Symptoms The group who practiced yoga also noticed a reduction in depression symptoms. Their levels of anxiety have also lowered after the 3-month test period. "Historically and anecdotally, yoga has been thought to be beneficial in aging well, but this is the scientific demonstration of that benefit," according to Harris Eyre, a co-author of the study. He added that they are converting wisdom derived historically, into something more evidentiary, so that doctors may recommend yoga as a therapy to their patients. Although this new study is considered small when looking at the number of participants, it still holds a promise and a more concrete link between yoga and memory. For those want to know how to improve memory, engaging in yoga might be the answer. According to a new study, the number of car accidents where drivers had traces of marijuana doubled since its legalization in Washington in late 2012. With the pending marijuana legalization in almost 11 states, the findings will present a new challenge to traffic law enforcements. Marijuana Fata Crashes More Than Doubled A new report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety states that the fatal crashes involving drivers impaired by marijuana more than doubled from 49 in 2013 to 106 in 2014, KTAR reported. There's a limit imposed on THC level, the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana, in all the states where marijuana is legal. This regulation is also established for checking blood alcohol content levels. "Marijuana use in driving is a growing, contributing factor to fatal crashes," said Jake Nelson, the director of traffic safety advocacy and research at the American Automobile Association (AAA). "It's a highway safety problem that we should all be concerned about," Live Science quoted. Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery discussed the case of Colorado Department of Transportation at his weekly press conference on Wednesday. Colorado is one of the many states, where medical and recreational marijuana use is legal. "[The] number of drivers who tested positive for cannabis in fatal crashes from 2012 to 2014, the numbers went from 36 to 84," Montgomery said. He noted that the number of cases from Colorado and Washington is alarming. Marijuana Legalization More so, the study seemed to suggest that fatal crashes involving marijuana more than doubled once marijuana became legal within the state. The findings point out the need to create a standard in detecting drug-impaired driving. The current legal limit THC levels on motorists are arbitrary and unscientific, Discovery News said. Since the framework is not perfect, there may be instances where innocent individuals may be charged with impaired driving when in reality, other unsafe motorists are free. "Driving impaired under any substance, even if it is legal, is not OK, and that still constitutes impaired driving," said JP Holyak, Chairman of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Arizona. He believes that there will be no increase in road accidents if recreational marijuana is legalized in Arizona. He pointed out that the AAA study needs to be put in context. There may be cases that drivers may be tested positive of marijuana but may not be at fault or impaired in those accidents. A sentiment that was echoed by Discovery News earlier. Do you want marijuana to be legalized in your state? Let us know with your comments. Check out this experiment about marijuana and driving: Oracle founder and CEO Larry Ellison has pledged $200 million to the University of Southern California to back the construction of a state-of-the-art cancer research center. The cash gift is one of the most lucrative single donation the school has ever received to date. Worthwhile Investment The facility will be fittingly named the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine. It will be under the supervision of engineering and medicine professor David B. Agus. He will be joined by an astute collection of engineers, biologists, physicists and mathematicians who are committed to prevent, treat and find a cure for cancer. "This investment by Larry Ellison in USC is as inspirational as it is momentous, and it will serve as a dynamic force for change in how we approach cancer treatment and prevention," USC president C. L. Max Nikias told CBS News. "It is a concrete endorsement of USC's vision to invest in the promise and potential of new technologies, and to support a bold push forward in how we achieve wellness." Reaching Out The brand-new cancer research center will be built in West Los Angeles, far from USC's main campus downtown. Nikias revealed that the donation did not come as a big surprise. On the contrary, USC and Ellison have been discussing the venture for over a year now. "From the very first meeting he came across as being very motivated to do this. He is a strong believer in interdisciplinary research," said Nikias. "It's part of our strategy to reach out to larger patient populations." Los Angeles Times reported that Ellison, the world's second-richest man in 2015, did not complete his college education and has never attended USC. Despite the odds, he went on to establish his own computer technology firm which is now worth $50 billion dollars, as per Forbes. Oracle is currently the second-largest software manufacturer in terms of revenue, trailing only behind tech juggernaut Microsoft. If any Nevada citizen still harbors any doubt about the wisdom of being able to elect their judges, the recent Supreme Court decision on the citizen referendum to repeal Gov. Brian Sandovals God-awful commerce tax should remove it once and for all. To recap The teachers union gathered enough signatures to put a job-killing, anti-business gross receipts tax which they called a margins tax on the ballot in 2014. It was crushed CRUSHED!with almost 80 percent of voters rejecting it at the ballot box. Undeterred, Gov. Brian Sandoval deceptively changed the name to commerce tax and put a mutant version before the 2015 Nevada Legislature. That Republican-majority Legislature shamefully then proceeded to witch-slap Nevadas voters by passing a $1.4 billion tax hike which included the creation of Sandovals mutant gross receipts tax, as well as the creation of a brand-spanking new Nevada IRS to administer it. Citizen efforts were immediately launched to repeal the tax package as a whole, as well as repeal just the new gross receipts tax using the referendum process. Sandoval swore to do everything in his power to block voters from having any say in his tax hike. To that end, Big Gaming and Big Mining formed a PAC and hired a pair of well-connected lawyers to use every legal trick in the book to derail the repeal efforts. They succeeded in getting a district court judge to block the proposed referendum on the whole enchilada, hiding behind the states diabolical single subject law. However, the less ambitious referendum to repeal the gross receipts tax alone was green-lighted at the district court level way back in December of last year. Big Mining/Big Gaming appealed to the Supreme Court which dragged its feet and didnt even hear the case until five long months later. On May 12 the Court finally ruled, with the seven justices bizarrely maintaining that the referendums 200-word description of effect was, as Judge Nancy Saitta put it, unacceptably flawed. But was it really? Here, you decide The description of effect stated that if a majority of voters disapproved of the part of the tax hike which created the commerce tax, it will have the effect of eliminating the commerce tax. Pretty clear and simple cause and effect, right? Not. In their infinite wisdom, the judges decided that Nevadas voters were too stupid to understand that if the commerce tax was repealed thered be a hole in the budget that the governor and state legislators would have to fill by either cutting spending or raising taxes elsewhere. The ruling was so bizarre and absurd that youd be excused for believing the Court went into the appeal with a pre-determined decision to kill the referendum and was only looking for a legally defensible way to do Sandovals and Big Gaming/Big Minings dirty work. This outrageous decision means some 20,000 signatures already collected now must be thrown out and organizers must start from scratch. But with just 5 weeks to go before the deadline to submit signatures, the Courts decision has effectively killed any chance of that happening. Which, of course, the judges knew. Which, of course, means the only recourse voters now have is to toss out those seven judges in a future election. So let it be written; so let it be done. Your favorite brand of cotton underwear can potentially cause breast cancer, infertility and miscarriage due to detrimental chemicals used in cotton production. This has prompted an Australian underwear company to call for a fashion revolution by encouraging men and women to switch to toxic-free underwear. How Most Brands Of Cotton Underwear Increase The Risk Of Breast Cancer, Infertility & Miscarriage An Australian underwear company, Mighty Good Undies, has been raising awareness that most brands of cotton underwear may cause cancer, infertility and miscarriage. This is because of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs), a class of ingredients found in detergents used by many underwear brands and textile makers in treating cotton. Mighty Good Undies' claims are backed by a previous study that found NPEs could potentially impact the placenta, leading to miscarriage, infertility and other complications. The exposure to NPEs has also been linked to breast cancer. A Fashion Revolution To Change The Conventional Cotton Underwear Despite warnings in the past, most textile manufacturers and cotton underwear companies continue to use detergents containing NPEs. This has triggered Mighty Good Undies to call for a fashion revolution by encouraging men and women to switch from the conventional cotton underwear to toxic-free underwear. The Australian underwear company has launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund its new line of toxic-free underwear. Elena Antoniou, co-founder of Mighty Good Undies, told the Daily Mail that the purpose of the project is to produce ethically made and organic cotton underwear that will give men and women peace of mind when wearing them. "Our cotton is not only organically grown, but it is certified under the Fairtrade Cotton Standard, the same Fairtrade system that produces coffee or tea," Antoniou explained. "It ensures that the cotton is grown and processed, without harmful pesticides, or toxic chemicals that can end up as residues on our clothes and harm the environment and our personal health." Do you agree with Mighty Good Undies' campaign? Are you convinced that cotton underwear may lead to breast cancer, infertility and miscarriage? Share your thoughts below. Most parents of children with special needs have to struggle in fulfilling their daily responsibilities. But a single mom in Ireland, who has 6-year-old identical triplets with autism and intellectual disability, shared that she found the joy of motherhood amidst the triple challenge of raising children with special needs. Her Rough Journey As Single Mom Of Identical Triplets With Autism And Intellectual Disability Avlyn McKeown, a single mom from Cobh of County Cork in Ireland, shared to the Irish Examiner that motherhood has been a challenging yet joyful journey for her. She openly admitted that her 6-year-old identical triplets, who were diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability, were her last attempt of motherhood and were IVF babies. The single mom narrated that her identical triplets were born healthy despite a high-risk pregnancy and premature delivery by emergency C-section. She added that she thought that her three sons would be fine until she started to notice that something is different with them. McKeown had her boys checked and she was shocked when she discovered that her identical triplets do not only have autism, but also intellectual disability. "I'll never forget the shock of hearing those words. I did cry and I did get a shock, I did ask 'why me?' But then it was 'why not me?" she recalled. Finding The Joy Of Motherhood Amidst The Challenges Of Raising Identical Triplets With Autism And Intellectual Disability McKeown disclosed that at first, she was mourning about the fact that she will be raising identical triplets with autism and intellectual disability. She said that she was worried about the future of her sons. The Irish mom added that she later conditioned herself to be strong and remain positive. Although she admitted that she would prefer her identical triplets to not to have autism and intellectual disability, she said that she has fully accepted that it's the road she has to travel. "I have three gorgeous, healthy, happy, mischievous boys. They have their issues but we have great fun and I love them unconditionally," McKeown expressed. According to the National Health Service, IVF treatment could increase the chance of conceiving twins or triplets. Several studies have found that IVF babies are at higher risks of autism, birth defects and other complications. What can you say about the single mom's outlook in raising identical triplets with autism and intellectual disability? Share your thoughts below. The progression of artificial intelligence has made many notable people concerned. Alphabet CEO Larry Page noted how artificial intelligence will change how we think about jobs; Telsa Motors and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk commented on the existential threat posed by artificial intelligence; and Bill Gates also expressed his concern about super-intelligent machines. However, Murray Campbell, IBM research scientist and senior manager, says that fears over the progression of artificial intelligence have become "overblown." He also noted that there are plenty of benefits that humans could gain from having super advanced artificial intelligence. "Because the benefits are so huge, that if we don't use AI technologies we're going to be losing out on all of these beneficial effects in health care, in self-driving cars, in education," Campbell told Time. The scientist also added that workers and employees who have artificial intelligence as their work assistant can become more effective and efficient with their jobs. Clarifying the uses of artificial intelligence in the enterprise https://t.co/4cRDban3Af TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) May 12, 2016 But will people lose potential jobs due to advanced artificial intelligence? Campbell explained that new technology always takes away human jobs but creates new opportunities as well. He added that the biggest danger is not following up on advancing artificial intelligence because humans could really lose out on all of the benefits of this new technology. However, there are many aspects of artificial intelligence that scientists and researchers need to figure out better. "I think it's worthwhile to think about these research questions around AI and ethics, and AI and safety," Campbell explained. Because of the increase in interest regarding artificial intelligence, the White House has announced four public workshops about the technology. These workshops will focus on the potential pros and cons of using advanced artificial intelligence, Fortune reports. Just when you thought that many celebrities like Donald Trump, better take Patrick Stewart off that list. "Professor X" is clearly not a fan and his personal thoughts about the Republican presidential candidate were summed up in one short epic tweet. $1 = Not Voting For Trump The "X-Men" star saw a homeless man on the streets of New Orleans, holding a signboard that says, "Give me a dollar or I vote for Trump." Apparently amused by the words, Patrick Stewart gave the man $5 and immediately took to Twitter to make it known to the world what he just did. Huffington Post reported that Patrick Stewart tweeted the photo of the man, holding his signboard, and captioned his tweet with, "Made me forget the humidity for a moment. Worth 5 bucks." The British actor's followers immediately shared his tweet and the photo went viral. Made me forget the humidity for a moment. Worth 5 bucks. pic.twitter.com/lRvEoZ31mF Patrick Stewart (@SirPatStew) May 11, 2016 Patrick Stewart Quintupled Donation Many people believe that Patrick Stewart might have had the notion that if he quintupled his donation to the homeless New Orleans man, the chances of preventing Donald Trump from becoming America's next president will be higher. The way that the photo was shared clearly appealed to many people. Celebuzz mentioned that Patrick Stewart might have contributed $5 to be able to give more to "The Donald's downfall." As "X-Men's Professor X," one could expect Patrick Stewart to always stand in the side of the right and just. This makes a lot wonder, isn't Donald Trump also somebody who stands for what is right? If you have seen this homeless New Orleans man, would you have done what Patrick Stewart did? Would you have also contributed to "The Donald's downfall?" Would you have walked away because you don't mind if Donald Trump becomes America's next president? Feel free to share your thoughts below. For "Pitch Perfect" fans who are looking forward to the third film, you have a reason to rejoice because your favorite musical comedy film will be arriving earlier. According to reports, "Pitch Perfect 3's" release date is moved up. 'Pitch Perfect 3' To Arrive In July 2017 Initially, "Pitch Perfect 3" is slated to debut on Aug. 4, 2017, but earlier this week the Studio Universal announced that there are changes in the film's release date. However, fans need not worry because the next "Pitch Perfect" film will not be delayed, but it will be coming up earlier. Variety reported that "Pitch Perfect 3" would be released on July 21, 2017. The first two "Pitch Perfect" films were a success. Per the report, the first "Pitch Perfect" film in 2012 grossed $113 million worldwide. Meanwhile, "Pitch Perfect 2" has more than doubled the amount by grossing $286 million worldwide on a $29 million budget. As Romper puts it, the "Pitch Perfect" series has become a phenomenon because of its female-drive story and impressive soundtracks that have penetrated in the hearts of the audience since 2012. Nick Carpou, Universal Pictures' president of domestic distribution believes that film's women-centric story is behind its success. "It starts with young female appeal, generally, and then expands beyond that thanks to careful marketing and publicity," he said. 'Pitch Perfect 3' Updates At the time, the plot of the upcoming film "Pitch Perfect 3" remains under wraps. However, most of the "Pitch Perfect" stars are set to reprise their roles including Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow and Hailee Steinfeld. Aside from the stars, Elizabeth Banks will also return to take the director's chair. Kay Cannon is also joining the "Pitch Perfect 3" team. Meanwhile, Wilson, who plays Fat Amy in "Pitch Perfect" shared her own perspective of "Pitch Perfect 3." "All the Bellas are together becoming a legit singing group out of college," she told the Hollywood Reporter. "I also think a Fat Amy origins story would be awesome." Are you excited for "Pitch Perfect 3?" Do you want to see Fat Amy's origins story? What else do you want to see in the upcoming "Pitch Perfect" film? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions Were here in North Carolina to join in celebrating the graduation of one of our nieces from Duke University. She will receive a degree in mechanical engineering. Yesterday, we saw her commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Shes already received assignment to a major air base in the Upper Midwest. Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else. (Sir Tom Stoppard, Anglo-Czech playwright) A transition period is a period between two transition periods. (George Stigler, Nobel-laureate economist (and one-time bookstore-visiting companion across St. Andrews, Scotland) Posted from Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina As the Prolife Movement has morphed, in large measure, into the Vote Trump or the Baby Gets It movement, the rationalization hardens into dogma that Trumps fake Opposition to Abortion Taketh Away the Sins of the GOP. And to defend that rationalization, prolifers then spend nearly all their actual energies defending, not the unborn, but him and his evil deeds and words. Already, I have heard from prolifers ardent defenses of torture and the murder of innocent women and children. Well hear a lot more of this as prolifer siphon more and more of their energies away from defending the unborn and toward defending Trump and the Right Wing Culture of Death. This demonstrates clearly a point I made in 2011: The thing your vote in a national election changes is *you*, not the outcome of the election. The impact of your vote on election is vanishingly small, just as the widows two copper coins in the Temple treasury had no impact on the Judean or Roman economy. But they had an eternal impact on the Widows soul. In selling its soul to support Trump (and therefore, inevitably, to support his evil policies in the vain hope of a Place at the Table) the present leadership of the prolife movement will not succeed in moving the needle toward care for the unborn one millimeter. But it will, if we listen to that leadership, succeed in making the prolife movement a laughingstock and a byword as prolife Christians prostitute themselves to defend Trumps many assaults on common decency. They will dance to his tune, not he to theirs. But we must support the lesser of two evils! goes the cry from American consequentialist culture. Wrong. You must never vote for the lesser of two evilsbecause supporting evil is evil. The Righty can never say, Well, I oppose abortion, so that makes me a good person. And that gives me the right to support torture, despite what the Church says, because you have to do some evil to win! Likewise, you guys on the Left can never argue I uphold a lot of liberal values about health care for the poor and so forth, so when Obama kills civilians with drones, I favor that and hope he blows away some more innocents. You can never will to do evil that good may come of it and then hide behind some other virtuous act to cover that up. You can, however, use your vote to lessen evil. So when two candidates both support the same grave evils but one of them supports even more grave evils besides, you cancan, mark you, not mustsupport the one who advocates fewer evils, not to support their evils, but to lessen the evil the other candidate wishes to do. Thats not me talking. Thats Pope Benedict XVI: A Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil, and so unworthy to present himself for Holy Communion, if he were to deliberately vote for a candidate precisely because of the candidates permissive stand on abortion and/or euthanasia. When a Catholic does not share a candidates stand in favour of abortion and/or euthanasia, but votes for that candidate for other reasons, it is considered remote material cooperation, which can be permitted in the presence of proportionate reasons. Obviously, then, the argument centers on the question: In a contest between Trump and Hillary, is one candidate significantly worse than the other? (I know of nobody who imagines either candidate is good.) Answering this is, in my view, simple. Trump is vastly worse than Hillary because he advocates the same terrible policies she does on abortion and bellicosity and service of the 1% while also advocating still more terrible ideas besides. Hillary, for all her faults, does not advocate these or, when she does, it is in a much more muted form. Of course, one of the many pathologies of the Right is that it has, in its intense loathing of Hillary (a loathing I share) lied itself into believing the fact-free mantra that Theyre both the same and besides shes worse. But this just is not so and there is no evidence beyond I loathe Hillary to support it. Some will say, We know shes a criminal and Trump isnt. But this only illustrates my point since we know no such thing. Proof? Shes not behind bars. Indeed, the endless Benghazi investigations by a Congress that would have *loved* to destroy turned up bupkis. The email investigations fill her enemies with hope that she will be ruined, but hope is not evidence, much less proof, that she is a criminal. She is, to be sure, a practiced liar like her husband (and, again, like Trump), and a shady personality (ditto for Trump). And thats the thing: Trump matches all her worst qualities and ideas and goes far beyond them. It making himobviouslymassively worse than Hillary (a truly amazing feat of incompetence by the GOP that is not the least of its sins). Heres reality: Hillary, while a terrible candidate and a deeply dislikable human being, is simply not as bad as Trump, much less worse than him. She is a competent, functional, corrupt Nixonian moderate Republican who will surround herself with the same people her husband did. She will not change the abortion regime any more than Trump would. She will blow up aspirin factories and kill people with drones like Obama (and her husband) when some scandal (and there will be lots of these) threatens to embroil her. She will, I think, be vengeful to political enemies, like Nixon was. She will likely grow the economy as her husband did. And she will play race games at the expense of minorities, and support the stuff a moderate Republican supports without the messianic sense of World Salvation through War that animates neocons. She will be a dutiful servant of the 1%, continuing to use her power to enrich herself with people like her dear friends the Saudis (just as Trump would). Meanwhile, it is quite possible that abortion rates will drop (as they have to their lowest point since Roe under Obama) due to economic and social policies that ease pressure on the poor to abort. So: lousy, but not an unstable narcissist, racist, misogynist swine with no clue what the Constitution says and liable to do anything in the reckless misuse of lawless power he barely understands. For all her flaws and repellent personality she does not boast her ignorance of the Constitution, bawl for a policy of torture and murder of women and children civilians and pledge to order our troops to commit war crimes (though she has little trouble with her boss doing it) , advocate destruction of the first amendment so she can ban and spy on Muslim citizens and sue critics, suggest war with Mexico over a fantasy of a wall, make racism, misogyny, mockery of the disabled, and contempt for POWs applause lines for a base of Neanderthals who see that as a feature and not a bug, cultivate a habit of speaking of nuclear war as political Viagra. She will, in short, be a terrible President, but not the same as Trump. That Tu Quoque lie is, by force of habit, now the only thing an empty-headed GOP has left to relieve itself of the burning shame and guilt it bears for creating the disaster for which they and they alone are responsible. Given, therefore, that Trump really isto any prudent and sensible personthe documentably worse choice of two terrible choices, I will not sit in judgment of any Catholic who, using his or her prudence, feels bound in conscience to take Pope Benedicts permission to heart and vote for Hillary in order to hand this dangerous fascist and his followers the crushing defeat they richly deserve. Indeed, if I lived in a swing state, I would not only feel free to vote for Hillary with a clear conscience in order to stop Trump, I would actually feel bound by my conscience to do so, precisely *because* of my Catholicprolifefaith. Happily, I do not live in a swing state. Here in Violet Blue Washington, a Hillary win is a foregone conclusion and does not need my help to defeat Trump. So I have liberty to register a protest vote for Joe Schriner against both parties. When you make an argument like this, it is not uncommon for people to be feel judged and lash out in judgment, particularly when you tie your argument to the Churchs teaching. It is not my intent to either judge nor provoke judgment. Rather, I am telling you my reasoning and what my conscience bids, not enjoining a duty on anybody else (except the duty to not support Donald Trump for the sake of not staining the prolife movement and the Churchs witness to the world). Many people feel that they cannot, in conscience, vote for Hillary under any circumstanceeven to stop Trump. I would never I urge anybody to support Hillary if their conscience forbids it. I merely note that Trump is even more at odds with Church teaching than she is and there is no logical way around that factand that Holy Church says its okay to lessen evil by voting for less terrible candidate in such circumstance. But let your conscience be your guide as long as you dont vote for Trump. If you do vote for Trump, face the fact that you are committing yourself to support every evil thing he supports (including abortion) and choosing to make war on the Church. Someone will ask, Why wouldnt somebody who votes Hillary to stop Trump be doing the exact same thing? Those who seek to stop Trump can vote for the less terrible candidate in complete obedience to the Churchs teaching per Benedicts permissionbecause they do so not to support evil, but to lessen it. But those who seek to support Trump can only do so by committing to a multi-front defiance of the Churchs teaching, not merely on abortion, but on is advocacy of torture, war crimes, unjust war, contempt for the poor, a living wage, racism, misogyny, mockery of the disabled and a whole lot more. And the proof is that they already are doing soall while lying to themselves and the world that Trumps views on abortion are different than Hillarys. This will be the permanent effect of every prolife attempt to rationalize support for Trump. As somebody who opposes Trump, I do not need to lie to myself that Hillarys views on abortion are not evil. They are. But the Trumpkin has to lie to himself that Trumps views are not identical to Hillarys. And then he has to go on to lie to himself that Trumps calls for war crimes, his worship of mammon, his contempt for the poor, his racism, misogyny, contempt for the disabled and POWs, his threats of war with Mexico, his reckless encouragement of talk about using nukes, and a host of other things are actually compatible with Catholic teaching. And then he has to divert his energies from his putative non-negotiable of defending the unborn to his real world, actual, practical non-negotiable of defending Donald Trumps evil words and deedsconstantly. When I listen to Benedicts counsel on lessening evil, I dont have to fight the Church. Similarly, when I listen to the Church on all the other issues that Trump and the GOP Culture of Death oppose, I dont have to waste time fighting the Church. I can simply get back to the task of, among other things, fighting to save the unborn. I can say, Be more prolife, not less. I can urge people to fight Hillarys evil policies tooth and nail because I never supported them: I merely opposed Trump. The Trump supporter must actively support lies and evil from start to finish and spend all his time fighting, not for the unborn, but against the Church on a host of fronts from war crimes, to the death penalty, to murder of civilians to contempt for the poor, all while lying to himself that Trumps approach to abortion is any different than Hillarys. Just listen to the Church and stop fighting it. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. US Navy Officer Fired Over Iran Incident; More Action Expected 05/14/16 Source: VOA A U.S. Navy commander has been fired and further disciplinary action may follow as American authorities investigate the detention of 10 U.S. sailors who entered Iranian waters by accident in January. Commander Eric Rasch was dismissed "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command," the Navy said in a statement. An official who declined to be identified said Rasch's failure to provide effective leadership led to a lack of oversight, complacency and failure to maintain high standards in the unit. Captain Gary Leigh relieved Rasch of his duties Thursday after reviewing a preliminary investigation of the incident near Farsi Island in the Persian Gulf. Several other sailors already have received administrative reprimands, and disciplinary action is expected against others when the investigation is completed later this month. The American sailors were intercepted on January 12 after an engine in one of their boats developed mechanical problems. Iranian media broadcast videos showing the sailors on their knees with Iran's Revolutionary Guards pointing weapons at them. The Americans were freed after being detained for 15 hours. U.S. officials said Secretary of State John Kerry intervened to resolve the case and avert a diplomatic crisis days before the Iran nuclear deal was implemented and global sanctions on Iran were lifted. Lack of Medical Attention: "Progressive Premeditated Murder" of Political Prisoners 05/14/16 By Ehsan Mehrabi (source: Radio Zamaneh) They did not want to transfer prisoners to the hospital so they brought the hospital to the prison. The planned building of a hospital in Evin Prison was the mark of the judiciarys reluctance to transfer sick prisoners to hospitals outside of the prison. That plan, however, like many other projects undertaken by the Islamic Republic, lacked the necessary preparatory studies and assessments and was ultimately reduced to a clinic. Arash Alai, an Iranian physician and researcher who currently resides in the U.S. and previously spent three years in Evin Prison, says it would never have been economically feasible to have specialists and specialized equipment related to all diseases in the prison. Anyone who has spent time in Evin Prison knows of a prisoner who has passed away there due to a lack of adequate medical treatment. Prisoners who were there in the eighties probably came across more of these cases, because at that time of fierce crackdown on opposition forces, the provision of adequate medical care was probably regarded as a joke by prison authorities. According to Taghi Rahmani, who has endured 14 years of imprisonment at various stages of the Islamic Republic government, in those days if they dressed a wound caused by cable lashings, it was only so they could then give more lashings. Rahmani remembers Parvin Abkenari, who after 12 hours of lingering at the edge of death, was transferred to the infirmary only to die there. Ali Ansari was in a similar situation. Providing care for prisoners who were on hunger strike was also unheard of by the authorities in those days. If some prisoners went on a two-day hunger strike, the prison authorities would cut off prison rations for another day in memory of the first Evin Prison warden under the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Lajevardi, who set the precedent of nipping prisoner freshness in the bud. Transfer to the Hospital Subject to Permission of the Interrogator Those prisoners who went on hunger strike individually would be transferred to the infirmary and forced to get an IV. In those days, physicians and infirmary personnel treated you in the same way as interrogators. There is a well known anecdote from those days about the lab technician who would ask prisoners in the infirmary if they were repentant of their opposition to the Islamic Republic, and if he felt a prisoner was not repentant enough, he would give the shot without removing the prisoners pants. These days, prisoners would rarely get physicians or infirmary staff with such an attitude. That is why in June of 2011, when prisoners heard that instead of transferring Hoda Saber to the hospital, the physicians had hit him on the head and returned him to his cell, they were in disbelief. Hoda Saber had gone on a hunger strike after the death of Religious-Nationalist leader Ezzatollah Sahabi resulted in the suspicious death of Haleh Sahabi, his daughter, who was attending her fathers funeral on leave from prison. Jailed physician Arash Alai was monitoring Sabers condition and told his cellmates that he had suffered a heart attack and would only survive if they could take him to the hospital right away. Sabers close friend, Taghi Rahmani, says their own investigations in connection with his death revealed to them that the reason for the delay in transferring him to the hospital was that the infirmary personnel had to wait for permission from his Revolutionary Guards interrogator. While regulations indicate that judiciary officials have jurisdiction over the transfer of prisoners to hospitals, for years now they have been under the thumb of the Revolutionary Guards and have to seek their permission in connection with many political prisoners in this regard. Medical Treatment is a Right, Not a Demand In the course of political disputes, sometimes it is forgotten that receiving adequate medical treatment is not a concession demanded by prisoners from prison authorities; it is rather a right provided for even in the Prison Rules and Regulations. Arash Alai, who researched healthcare in Iranian prisons both before and after his own imprisonment, says the Prison Rules and Regulations document contains detailed articles regarding health, nutrition and the prisoners living space. According to the Rules, if the prison incarceration poses physical or mental risks to prisoners, they must be released following the receipt of relevant medical reports. However, for years this article of the Rules, known as inability to endure the sentence, has been disregarded for political prisoners, and in effect they are even denied hospitalization in the face of serious medical problems. Inmates in section 35 of Evin Prison have seen many prisoners in recent years enduring serious medical problems while prison authorities ignored their suffering and allowed them to die right before the eyes of their cellmates or in hospital, after the transfer there had been critically delayed. Mohsen Dogmehchi, Hassan Nahid, Alborz Ghassemi and before them Akbar Mohammadi can be named among those who have met such a fate. Islamic Republic judicial authorities who have ordered the execution of thousands of prisoners probably could not care less about the death of a few more. In this vein, it is only natural to hear the current spokesman of the judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, say this in response to the outrage regarding jailed scientist Omid Kokabi, who is suffering from kidney cancer: Dont people outside the jail get kidney problems? Just because someone gets sick in prison, we cannot just turn around and say your sentence is null. The head of Irans Judiciary, Ayatollah Larijani, has also been quoted as saying that the death of prisoners, especially in the case of older prisoners and those suffering from addiction, is a distinct possibility in any prison. This line of reasoning, which relies on the presumption that anyone, anywhere in the world could get sick, may appear full proof. However, those who have experienced Iranian prisons know that prison conditions are highly conducive to sickness and the exacerbation of medical problems. The high number of prisoners in Iran has led to prisoners getting only a small fraction of the space envisioned for them in the Prison Rules and Regulations. When the writer of this article was in prison, 25 prisoners were on average given a 50-square-metre room, allowing them a living space of two square metres. The 200 inmates in the prison had little chance of getting any exercise in the 300-square-metre yard. On top of it all, the psychological pressures endemic to prison conditions naturally exacerbate any medical problems. Progressive Premeditated Murder The removal of Omid Kokabis kidney following his diagnosis of kidney cancer has focused attentions once again on sick prisoners: prisoners such as Zeinab Jalalian, Hossein Ronaghi Maleki, Issa Saharkhiz and Abdolfattah Soltani, who are in need of immediate medical care. The Human Rights Defenders Centres says in a report that according to Prison Rules and Regulations: Any delay in the treatment of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience has serious consequences for the judicial system, and in case of a prison death, prison authorities could be accused of manslaughter. Ignoring the medical needs of prisoner should be regarded as premeditated murder as opposed to manslaughter. However, compliance with this article of the Prison Rules and Regulations is also regarded as a joke by Iranian prison authorities, because to date there has been no mention of a disciplinary reprimand against any prison official for having delayed the provision of medical services to prisoners, let alone laying charges against them or accusing them of manslaughter. Iran's Pasargad wants to become 'global bank' 05/14/16 Source: Press TV Pasargad Financial Group, which owns Iran's second largest bank, is considering selling its shares in energy entities in a sign of improving business environment. Pasargad Bank Iranian banks made inroads into a number of non-banking fields, such as real estates, industry and energy when the most stringent sanctions in 2012 shriveled the economy. With those sanctions lifted, CEO of Pasargad Bank Majid Qassemi said some of their companies will be offered for sale on the over-the-counter securities market Fara Bourse. The initial public offering (IPO) can take place in the current Iranian year which ends in March 2017 or the next Iranian year and is expected to raise about $330 million, local media quoted him as saying. One the of companies set for IPO is Pasargad Energy Development Co. (PEDC) which is involved in oil and gas exploration as well as refining. According to Qassemi, PEDC is working on approximately $12 billion of energy projects, including construction of a $2.2 billion gas line to neighboring Iraq. Iran is slowly but surely opening to international business, with many investors casting off their fears about the consequences of trade with the Middle Easts second largest economy. Since the lifting of sanctions in January, Irans stock market has rallied 30% as foreign companies and investors have been scoping the market of 80 million people for opportunities. Meanwhile, Irans reconnection to the global financial system has buoyed the countrys banks which mostly suffered under the sanctions. Qassemi said Pasargad wanted to turn into a global bank and Europe was a priority, where the lender sought to open branches in the UK, France, Switzerland and Spain. The bank, he said, is considering initiating joint ventures with local lenders and building a profile overseas through acquisitions. Well focus on whichever country can answer our needs, he was quoted as saying. Pasargad is one of the 19 privately-owned banks in Iran. According to Qassemi, the lender increased assets by 14% in 2015 to 505 trillion rials ($16.6 billion). The international banking industry, however, remains wary of resuming normal business with Iran. Major international banks fear falling foul of American regulations or losing crucial permits to operate in the US. On Friday, London-based HSBC slammed US Secretary of State John Kerry for exhorting European banks to do business with Iran while Washington continues to restrict American financial firms from doing the same. Writing in the Wall Street Journal, HSBCs Chief Legal Officer Stuart Levey said the US government is taking a very odd position on trade with Iran. On the one hand, Washington is continuing to prohibit American banks and companies from doing Iran-related business ... on the other hand, Mr Kerry wants non-US banks to do business with Iran without a US repudiation of its prior statements about the associated financial-crime risks, he said. In 2014, French bank BNP Paribas was fined more than $8.9 billion for breaching US sanctions on Iran. Standard Chartered was also fined nearly $1 billion for trading with Iran. Senior Tabriz city officials charged in growing scandal 05/14/16 Source: Radio Zamaneh The corruption scandal at the Tabriz municipal offices has deepened with the arrest of two more senior managers accused of "receiving bribes and collusion charges". Before and after downsizing government in order to combat corruption (cartoon by Mohammadreza Saghafi, Shargh daily) The Tabriz Prosecutor General told Seda va Sima broadcasting on Friday May 13 that the latest detainees are the city's Security Manager and the Manager of Tabriz City Hall. He added that so far 24 people have been arrested in connection with this matter and the investigation is ongoing. Two years ago, seven senior officials of the Sirjan municipal offices were arrested on corruption charges. Despite efforts by the new administration to root out corruption in government offices, it appears to remain a systemic problem across the country. SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan". UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022 Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully Google Ad The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh USA Embassy Message for U.S. Citizens ANCA Issues National Call to Action to Stop Taxpayer Funding of Aliyevs Aggression On a recent morning at Riversides Hawthorne Elementary School, the 34 students in Laura Kings fifth-sixth grade class were hunched over their desks, getting in touch with their inner Van Goghs and Renoirs. Under the guidance of Art-to-Go instructor Andrea Fry, students were learning about perspective and its role in creating art. Perspective makes things look realistic in art, Fry said, adding that it provides depth and a sense of distance. Using a poster by Impressionist artist Alfred Sisley, a master of landscape painting and the use of perspective, the students drew a simple X on their drawing paper and used it as a starting point to sketch a street scene in perspective. Since at least the mid-1990s, the Riverside Art Museums Art-to-Go program has introduced thousands of children to the wonders of art, allowing them to express themselves by working with clay, oils, pastels, colored pencils or just plain pencil and erasers. The program was created at a time when financially strapped school districts were cutting art, music and dance from their schedules, said Caryn Marsella, the museums art education director. Districts also were under increasing pressure to boost test scores in mathematics, science and language arts. More and more, kids are being taught to the test, Marsella said. Other Inland school districts with Art-to-Go include Moreno Valley, Jurupa, Alvord, Val Verde, Lake Elsinore, Rialto and San Bernardino city. UNDERSTANDING ART The museums challenge is: How do we bring our mission of understanding art and creating art to a larger group of people, particularly children? Marsella said. Art-to-Go sends trained art instructors to classrooms with art materials, lesson plans and vocabulary charts. To make the classes more appealing to school districts and teachers, a newly developed Art-to-Go curriculum meets California Department of Education standards for science, history and the visual arts, Marsella said. For example, a recent class for Hawthorne students focused on endangered coral reefs. The lesson included a discussion of reefs and their role in the ecosystem providing a home to sea creatures, including sea birds, starfish and sea turtles. It also covered the threat to reefs posed by human activity. Students then created an image of a coral reef using oil pastels, paper towel scraps and Popsicle sticks. The lessons are targeted for children from kindergarten through sixth grade. The cost of a session three one-hour classes taught one week apart is $225. The sessions are paid for by PTA and PTO groups, teachers using Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation grants and teachers using their own money. Hawthornes fifth- and sixth-grade classes are part of a pilot project that saw the Riverside Unified School District contract directly with Art-to-Go to teach art at 27 elementary schools. ART REQUEST Hawthorne Principal Ellen Parker said the pilot project grew from community meetings at which parents said they wanted more art instruction for their children. The Riverside school board supports art lessons and is creating its own arts plan, said Kim Coons-Leonard, an instructional services specialist. The museum is working on a curriculum for middle school students that it wants to start in the 2016-2017 school year. Marsella said that, during her visits to classes, she sees firsthand the profound impact art instruction can have on children. Creating art allows students to express themselves freely and not be judged, she said. Hawthorne sixth-grader Alyssabelle Barajas, 11, put it another way: I love being able to imagine different things and then create it. Contact the writer: 951-368-9647 or sstokley@pressenterprise.com Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said Friday, May 13 that he has returned all campaign contributions from a donor whose chain of auto repair businesses was fined six figures after state officials said customers paid for faulty and unneeded work. In addition, Hestrin said his office will no longer handle matters pertaining to Certified Tire or its owner, Jeffrey Alan Darrow. And he said he will not accept future campaign donations until the donors are fully vetted and reviewed. The decisions come after news broke earlier this year of Darrows and Certified Tires troubled history with state regulators. Hestrin, who was elected in 2014 after defeating incumbent DA Paul Zellerbach, received $51,000 in donations from Darrow and Certified Tire between May 2014 and July 2015. In 2008, Certified Tire agreed to pay $550,000 in civil penalties plus restitution to customers to settle a after company was accused of cheating hundreds of customers out of auto work and performing unnecessary maintenance over a six-year period. In January 2015, Darrow signed a settlement agreement to resolve a complaint brought by the state Bureau of Automotive Repair, which sent undercover drivers to Certified Tire locations. In one instance, a 2000 Honda taken to a Certified Tire shop for an oil change ended up getting new struts, a timing belt, balance shaft belt and water pump, none of which needed service, according to the complaint. The work cost more than $2,300. Hestrin has said he was unaware of Darrows history when he took the donations and when he found out, he walled himself off from anything his office had to do with Certified Tire. I have discussed this situation with the state Attorney Generals Office which indicated there are no issues prohibiting my office from continuing to be involved in the joint investigation alongside the Orange County District Attorneys Office into this individuals business practice, Hestrin said in a written statement. However, to avoid any suggestion that this situation might influence the investigation, our office will no longer be involved and the Orange County District Attorneys Office will be handling the matter going forward. I also have conducted a very thorough review of all my campaign contributions, comparing the names of donors to a list of individuals involved in any pending investigations or prosecutions, Hestrin said. This review determined this was an isolated issue and none of my other campaign contributions involve any similar circumstances. The Beaumont City Council will be asked Tuesday, May 17, to approve an incentive package for the footwear company Wolverine to open a distribution center in the city. Under the agreement, Wolverine Worldwide, which carries 12 brands of shoes, including Wolverine work boots and Hush Puppies, would have some inspection fees waived or reduced and be allowed to retain some sales tax revenues. The company is proposing moving into a facility on Prosperity Way and, according to a city report, employ more than 100 people. The City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, 550 E. 6th St. Contact the writer: 951-368-9086 or cshultz@pressenterprise.com DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK >> Three men face fines of up to $50,000 and a year in jail for an alleged drunken spree that resulted in the death of one of the worlds rarest fish at Devils Hole in a Nevada portion of the national park. Were looking forward to seeing these three men brought to justice, Ileene Anderson, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. The center offered a $10,000 reward in the case. Not only did they act stupid, but they destroyed some of the last remaining habitat for one of the rarest fish in the United States. The Nye County Sheriffs Office identified the men as Trenton Sargent, 26, of Indian Springs, Nev.; Steven Schwinkendorf, 29, of Pahrump, Nev.; and Edgar Reyes, 35, of North Las Vegas. RELATED Three suspects IDd in death of rare Devils Hole pupfish Charges are projected to be taken at the federal level, according to a news release on the Nye County Sheriffs Facebook account. Charges include conspiracy to commit a crime, killing of an endangered species, destruction of property, trespassing, destruction of habitat and ex-felon possession of firearm, the release states. Nye County Sheriff Sharon Wehrly could not immediately be reached for comment. The suspects allegedly drove at least one off-highway vehicle around a security gate at Nevadas Devils Hole which is a detached unit of Death Valley National Park on April 30. There they fired a gun and went skinny-dipping in a pool that is home to about 100 endangered Devils Hole pupfish, the last of their kind on the planet. One of the fish, which measure about one-and-a-half inches long, was found dead, and their spawning area was trampled during the vandalism. The men also left behind beer cans, vomit and boxer shorts, according to the National Park Service. The iridescent fish swim in the 93-degree waters of Devils Hole. The Park Service initially offered a $5,000 reward for the capture of the three men; the Center offered an additional $10,000. The reward still stands. We are committed to releasing the reward but need more information, Anderson said. I think among the locals there was a lot of support to get this crime solved, Anderson said. Residents will have an opportunity to meet with Wildomar Mayor Bridgette Moore on Saturday morning, May 14, at a Starbucks shop. Coffee with the mayor is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Starbucks shop at 2382 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 101, within Oak Creek Center, where City Hall is also located. Moore, a city councilwoman since Wildomar became a city in 2008, welcomes guests to offer questions, ideas and concerns. Future coffee talks with the mayor are scheduled July 23and Sept. 24 at the same time and location. For more information, contact Janet Morales by emailing jmorales@cityofwildomar.org. Contact the writer: 951-368-9690 or michaelwilliams@pressenterprise.com SACRAMENTO A little-known yet revolutionary new state law aimed at modernizing Californias initiative system which paved the way for a higher minimum wage will soon face a second, tougher test as legislators attempt to tighten rules for gun owners. Before the bill was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2014, the states cherished system of direct democracy had changed very little in the century since it was created. Even poorly crafted or clearly unconstitutional ballot measures were almost impossible for the Legislature to modify or stop once proponents began collecting signatures. This year, activists for the first time can file initiatives and then yank them from the ballot if the Legislature takes action and theyre satisfied with the results a move that could help some sponsors avoid the effort and expense of winning at the ballot box. Labor unions successfully used the new tool to pressure Brown and lawmakers to boost the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022 after agreeing to meet in the middle and raise wages at a slower pace. But, in the shadow of the deadly Dec. terror attacks in San Bernardino, the political landscape surrounding guns is so much more complex and fraught with competing ambitions that a similar compromise may prove too tough to strike, political experts say. The goal is to bring direct democracy and representative democracy together to cut a deal that sticks, said Thad Kousser, a political science professor at UC San Diego who has studied the states ballot initiative system. It worked for minimum wage. The two sides found common ground on an issue that matters to a lot of California families, he said. But its not going to stop every initiative from coming to the ballot. Gov. Hiram Johnson brought direct democracy to California in the early 20th century to empower citizens to take back power from politicians and corporations, such as Southern Pacific Railroad, which controlled the state at the time and operated above the law. Instead, critics say, a system designed for grass-roots activists has often been used by special interests to seek approval of measures that benefit them. Former California Senate leader Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said he authored Senate Bill 1253 to give initiative proponents, lawmakers and the governor more time to search for compromise. Sponsors now have until the end of June to pull their measures from the ballot even if signatures have already been submitted and verified. If you can work it out and pass a law thats consistent with the spirit of the initiative, the result more often than not will be better public policy, said Steinberg, who was termed out in 2014 and is now running for Sacramento mayor. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom responded to last years deadly San Bernardino terrorist attack and other mass shootings by vowing to get a gun control initiative placed on the November ballot. And when lawmakers returned to work in January after their winter break, they introduced a flurry of gun safety bills that address many of the same problems. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon has said he wants to work on gun control legislation with Newsom and other backers of the Safety for All Act ahead of the June 30 deadline to pull the measure from the ballot. But in a recent letter to de Leon, Newsom bluntly rebuffed the offer. He wrote that the initiative is needed no matter what happens over the next few weeks with the Legislatures 30 gun-control bills because it is more comprehensive, more powerful and more permanent than anything the Legislature is considering and can legally accomplish. Still, political experts who have been following Newsoms campaign to replace Brown in 2018 say his ambitions for higher office may be driving his thinking. Newsom wants a ballot initiative because passing a bill wont do anything to help the Newsom for governor campaign, said Dan Schnur, who directs the Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California. Kousser said its natural for initiative sponsors who are preparing to launch a statewide campaign to want to win a policy victory in the spotlight. Supporting Proposition 49 in 2002, which increased funding for before- and after-school programs, allowed former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to introduce himself to voters as more than a movie star, and it propelled his recall victory. A lot of Californians dont know the guy, Kousser said of Newsom. Running an initiative campaign is a tried-and-true method for politicians to tell voters what they stand for. Newsom declined to be interviewed when asked by this newspaper to explain his lack of interest in working with lawmakers on a gun control compromise. But Dan Newman, a spokesman for the Safety for All campaign, rejected suggestions that Newsoms motivations had anything to do with his campaign for governor. The lieutenant governors sole interest is in passing gun safety reforms that save lives, Newman said. In his letter to de Leon, Newsom wrote that the Safety for All Act must move forward because it is fundamentally different from the legislation thats been introduced so far this year. The ballot measure would regulate all ammunition sales similarly to firearms sales; require licensed vendors to report ammunition theft within 48 hours; expand an existing ban on large-capacity magazines; make theft of a firearm a felony; and create new court processes to ensure firearms are surrendered by prohibited persons upon conviction. Asked last week during a joint Public Safety Committee hearing to compare the initiative with pending bills, Anita Lee, a senior staffer with the nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office, said there are numerous pieces of legislation that touch on components of the ballot measure. For example, the initiatives definition of ammunition is identical to one used in a bill authored by de Leon, and both aim to impose background checks for ammunition purchasers, although they take different approaches, Lee said. The only component of the ballot measure that isnt addressed at least in part by pending legislation is the requirement to create a new court process to seize guns from individuals whose convictions prohibit them from owning firearms. Gun control fatigue among the kinds of people you stand in line with at the supermarket will surely make the pending legislation tougher to sell to some moderate Democrats in an election year, said Jack Pitney, a political expert at Claremont McKenna College. And theres no guarantee that Brown, who has vetoed gun bills before, would sign the measures into law this time. But those realities dont make Newsoms lack of interest in legislative compromise any less risky. So far, Newsoms lieutenant governor campaign account and the California Democratic Party have donated half of the roughly $3 million the Safety for All campaign has raised so far, campaign finance records show. Thats a tiny fraction of the tens of millions of dollars Newsom will need to compete against the National Rifle Association in November. Democrats are likely to win substantially in November, Pitney said. Failure of a measure like this would be especially embarrassing for Newsom and the party. Two large hotel chains plan to open in Moreno Valley as part of a project south of the Moreno Valley Mall. The project, on 8.5 acres at the northeast corner of Day Street and Eucalyptus Avenue, was approved 7-0 by the Moreno Valley Planning Commission on Thursday. Unless its appealed to the City Council, that approval is final. Residence Inn Marriott will operate a four-story, 112-room building hotel. Holiday Inn Express will have a four-story, 104-room hotel. The project will include a Chevron gas station, Fatburger restaurant and additional retail tenants yet to be named. Another part of the site is envisioned as medical offices. The complex will have a shared parking lot and entrance. Former Moreno Valley Economic Development Director Barry Foster, who is a consultant for property owner Jeff Troesh, estimated that the combined hotel and sales taxes would net the city $750,000 a year. Not counting construction, the project would create 150-170 jobs, Foster said. Hotel development is very much on an upswing and very much in demand, Foster told the Planning Commission. Planning official Richard Sandzimier called it an important project for the city. Officials moved it quickly through the approval process, taking only five months to get a vote after receiving the application. The developer will pay fees that will go toward street and traffic signal improvements on Day Street, Canyon Springs Parkway and Alessandro Boulevard. Planning Commissioner Carlos Ramirez said the project would boost the struggling Edgemont neighborhood, which is south of the proposed project. Contact the writer: 951-368-9558 or ighori@pressenterprise.com The most disturbing facet of Measure A is that it would politicize justice in Riverside. As many have noted, shifting prosecutorial power to the city attorney would duplicate services the county district attorney already provides, adding large new costs at a time when Riverside faces deficits this year and next. It gets worse. Measure A would also allow different standards of prosecution in different City Council wards. Gone would be the county D.A.s practice of prosecuting crimes without fear or favor. In its place, city officials would set varying benchmarks for what is (and is not) prosecuted in each portion of Riverside. The result would be a culture of patchwork prosecution, in which Riverside officials tell city lawyers, I want you to prosecute this person for this offense. The phrase buyer beware applies to ballot initiatives as well as to used cars. Voters should block this attempt to politicize justice, and vote No on Measure A. Virginia Blumenthal Riverside Obama Proved himself to those who elected him I will be happy to answer letter-writer Jon Fleischers question [Opinion, May 11] regarding President Obamas qualification for the White House. Yes, he did prove to a majority of voters that he was the better candidate, or he never would have been elected twice. John W. Hartung Menifee Obama a relief after Bush presidency Thanks to Chris Daly for his letter [Blame debt on tax cut and spend GOP, Letters, May 12]. Finally, a well thought-out letter pointing out facts not rhetoric. Im so tired of hearing from GOP/Trump minions who avoid the truth at all cost. We are so fortunate to have Barack Obama as our president after eight years of the destructive Bush administration. Bill Phillips Murrieta A day after Hillcrest High School was majorly vandalized on Thursday, May 12, school officials are working to pinpoint the group who caused the damage. Spray painted phrases like Make Hillcrest great again and Hillcrest (heart) the Donald, along with a plastic wrapped staircase and toilet paper in trees around the school appears to have amounted to a senior prank gone wrong. Riverside Police officer Ryan Railsback said school officials were interviewing kids to figure out which students were having harmless fun and who caused serious damage. No one has been arrested. Alvord School District Spokesman Shawn Loescher said he could not comment on student matters and that the investigation was ongoing. The individuals responsible could be arrested, Railsback said. Damage amounting to more than $400 is felony vandalism. The phrases were quickly painted over Thursday morning after students and parents happened upon it. Missy Pofek saw the graffiti and snapped a photo when she dropped her son off about 7 a.m. Thursday. By about 9:30 a.m., two discolored blotches replaced the words loves Trump on the front of the building. Many at the school shared photos that included drug references, obscene drawings and 16, refering to the graduating class of 2016. Pofek said Thursday that the graffiti could offend Latino students who make up 65.8 percent of the school population, according to state data because of Trumps proposal to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and his otherwise hard-line stance on immigration. Quoting Aesops fable about the ant and the grasshopper, Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday took a stand against new spending commitments. Brown unveiled his revised state budget proposal, revealing a $122.2 billion plan that is slightly smaller than the $122.6 billion outline floated in January. Revenue estimates have been lowered by $1.9 billion to reflect drops in sales and income tax receipts. Even while the states economy continues to recover, Brown does not want to leave office in 2018 with the kind of recession-crippled budget he had to grapple with when he returned to the governors desk in 2011. The states worrier-in-chief foreshadowed his concern in January when he called for $2 billion to be socked away in a rainy-day fund. Heres how those mind-boggling figures could affect you: RAINY DAY PLAN Our more-wary-than-ever governor aims to fend off expenditures and prepare for the eventuality of a slump. Why? To avoid making more harsh budget cuts later, he said. That means, though the states economic outlook continues to brighten, pleas will likely go unheard from the Democrat-controlled Legislature and progressive groups to boost spending on programs such as child care and measures intended to help Californians who are still struggling in the wake of the Great Recession. SOLVING HOMELESSNESS Seeing more homeless people in your area? Help may be on the way. The budget endorses a $2billion bond to give the state Department of Housing and Community Development money to target chronic homelessness. The money comes from a shift in funding for mental health services. In Riverside County, officials are zeroing in on the problem of veteran homelessness. The state Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $116 million to build new housing for almost 1,000 veterans statewide, including the Cedar Glen II project in Riverside. According to results from San Bernardino Countys 2016 audit, the countys homeless population declined by 12 percent, but some challenge those numbers. FUNDS FOR SCHOOLS Are years of hikes in state university tuition outpacing your savings for Juniors future?A freeze may be on the horizon. The revised budget infuses $2.9 billion into the Local Control Funding Formula to help previously underfunded schools. Tuition at state universities would remain at 2011-12 levels, and $25 million is set aside to help California State University students earn degrees more quickly. EASING POVERTY A cost-of-living adjustment for Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment recipients the first since 2005 remains, as does the states first earned income tax credit for low-income families. A newly released Pew Research Center report found that Inland Southern California has fewer middle-class residents than it did in 2000 and that the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area is among 203 of 229 areas that have seen a drop in middle-income households. ROAD WORRIER Potholes begone! The revised budget keeps a 10-year, $36 billion plan for highway and road maintenance, as well as more public transit. Previous estimates put the states road maintenance backlog at $60 billion. And the state Transportation Commission has warned that unless new funding is secured, state money for projects such as truck lanes on State Route 60 and the next phase of the French Valley Parkway in Temecula are in jeopardy. Free Media Awards to go to journalists from Azerbaijan, Russia and Ukraine In 2016, the Free Media Awards presented by the Fritt Ord Foundation in Oslo and the ZEIT-Stiftung Ebelin und Gerd Bucerius in Hamburg will go to three journalists and media in Azerbaijan, Russia and Ukraine. The independent jury has considered 40 nominations submitted by NGOs, human rights organisations and other experts. The 2016 Free Media Awards, consisting of EUR 15 000 each, will be awarded to the following journalists and media organisations: Seymur Hazi (1982), editor and commentator in the newspaper Azadlig, Baku, Azerbaijan, and reporter for the TV channel Azerbaijani Hour, based in Turkey. Hazi has reported on corruption and the abuse of power in his native country and, as a result, he has experienced threats and suffered brutal physical abuse. He has been imprisoned in Azerbaijan since August 2014, and legal processes against him on a charge of 'hooliganism' began recently. Seymur Hazi was nominated by Shahvalad Chobanoglu, Zamin Haji, Natiq Javadli, Mehman Huseynov, Tahmina Tagizade and Khadija Ismayilova. The latter is also imprisoned in Azerbaijan. The Henrich Boll Foundation's department for South Caucasus and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee also nominated Hazi. The Russian journalist Elena Milashina (1987), correspondent in the Northern Caucasus for Novaya Gazeta, Moscow, raises awareness of different scare tactics used by the Chechnian authorities to repress critics and create a suffocating silence all across the country. The investigative journalist Elena Milashina, who constantly receives grave threats and has been the victim of violent assaults on several occasions, was nominated by the Human Rights House Foundation, Oslo, Center for Caucasus Initiative DOSH and Youth Human Rights Movement. The Ukrainian website Nashi Groshi ('Our Money'), Kiev, is dedicated to fighting corruption in Ukraine. Nashi Groshi presents extensive information about public calls for tender and business transactions. First and foremost, the website investigates civil servants' and politicians' involvement in public contracts, publishing the relevant facts. Nashi Groshi was nominated by Stefanie Schiffer and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. The 'Free Media Awards' is the new name for the Press Prizes awarded by the two foundations. The prizes provide support for journalists and media that report independently and refuse to give up in the face of threats. The media operate under tremendous pressure in many countries in Eastern Europe. With the Free Media Awards, we aspire to encourage journalists and media to carry on their work, despite threats and violent oppression. With the Free Media Awards, we seek to express our respect and admiration in an effort to strengthen independent journalism. George Orwell once said if liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. We consider the Free Media Awards to be in precisely this spirit freedom of expression is irreplaceable. We will organise a public debate on this topic along with prize laureates in November 2016 in Tbilisi, and we will invite new nominations for the Free Media Prizes once again in 2017. The award ceremony will take place in November 2016 in Tbilisi, Georgia, as part of a multi-day international conference for journalists. The jury for the Free Media Awards consists of the following members: Alice Bota, Moscow correspondent for the weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT, Ane Tusvik Bonde, regional manager for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus at the Human Rights Foundation, Oslo, Guri Norstrm, Berlin correspondent for the National Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), Oslo, Martin Paulsen, associate professor of Russian at the University of Bergen, Stefanie Schiffer, executive director of the European Exchange, Berlin, and Stephan Wackwitz, executive director of the Goethe Institute, Tbilisi. By the way, this prize was awarded to A1+ in 2011. As the presidential primary approaches in our state on June 7, a lot of ideas are being floated to solve a national problem: embarrassingly low voter turnout. Lower the voting age to 16, some experts suggest. Automatically register everyone who applies for a drivers license, others say. Allow people to register on election day, goes another idea. In Los Angeles, where turnout in the 2013 mayoral election was the lowest in 100 years at 23.3 percent, city officials considered paying people to vote. Monetary incentives are somewhat controversial. Ask yourself if someone who has to be bribed to go out and vote is the engaged citizen our democracy needs. If doing ones civic duty isnt reward enough, is this person going to bother to become informed about the candidates and issues? Ultimately, L.A. didnt institute financial incentives for voting. Some experts prefer a form of mandatory voting, like Australias, which requires citizens to go to the polls and penalizes them with a small fine if they dont. Australias elections have seen 90 percent turnout over the 70 years since the system was put in place, said Norm Ornstein, writing in The Atlantic several years ago. The purpose for mandatory poll-attendance, which Ornstein favors for the U.S. but thinks is unlikely to gain support, would be to make the electorate more inclusive, with a full spectrum of voters, not just committed partisans on the right and left. It would make politicians pay attention to the needs of Middle America, not just focus on hot-button issues like guns, gays and abortion that fire up the partisans, he said. Without question, the biggest motivating factor to get people to the polls, political experts and observers agree, is an exciting race. One thing that does make a difference is a contested race with engaging candidates who get voters excited about turning out, said Joan Donahue, of the League of Women Voters of Riverside. People often dont see the relevance of politics to them, said Shaun Bowler, UC Riverside political science professor. When they get excited about campaigns such as Donald Trumps, Bernie Sanders and earlier Barack Obamas they come out and vote, Bowler said. Many voters are turned off by partisan rancor and campaigns that focus on soundbites rather than substantive, thoughtful discourse, said Chad Peace, attorney for the Independent Voter Project. The project focuses on the top-two primary, which its members believe encourages candidates to talk to people of all parties, Piece said. I think over time, we will have more candidates who come outside the partisan mold and people will reengage. This years presidential primary for both major parties has gotten people engaged, in spades. On the extreme right and left, Trump and Sanders have inspired passionate support. Moderate Hillary Clinton, as possibly the first female president, can serve an inspiration, too. Perhaps voter turnout in Riverside and San Bernardino counties will get a boost. But truth be told, turnout in presidential primaries in both Inland Empire counties has historically been disappointing. In the 2012 presidential primary, when Obama was up for re-election and the GOP slate included Mitt Romeny, San Bernardino Countys voter turnout was 23.74 percent; Riverside Countys, just 27.95 percent. Things were better in the 2004 presidential primary, even with incumbent George W. Bush sailing to the GOP nomination for reelection and a semi-interesting matchup between John Kerry, John Edwards and Howard Dean on the Democratic side. In San Bernardino County, turnout for that presidential primary was 38.96 percent; in Riverside County, 41.10 percent. Still not great. I asked elections officials in both counties what theyre doing to inspire more registered voters to go to the polls. Michael J. Scarpello, registrar of voters in San Bernardino County, said his office tries to make voting as convenient and easy as possible, with good polling places, expanded early voting and more places to drop off mail-in ballots. Early voting began May 9, Monday-Friday, at the registrars office in San Bernardino and begins May 31 in Ontario and Victorville. All three will be open the Saturday before the election. In addition, Scarpello is appealing to young voters by enabling them to take selfies in front of an I voted sign. They can send the photos to their friends on social media and maybe inspire them to vote, too. (I was the first voter to take a selfie in front of the sign when I cast my mail-in ballot Friday morning.) California is exploring whats known as the Colorado model, said Rebecca Spencer, Riverside Countys registrar. Ballots would be mailed to every registered voter, to be returned by mail or dropped off at large collection centers, Spencer told me. Small polling places would be eliminated and centers would serve up to 30,000 voters. It has worked well in Colorado. Voter turnout there is among the highest in the nation, Donahue said. Maybe theres hope for engaging more voters. But a lot of these reforms rely on people to take some kind of action. As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water Contact the writer: 951-368-9470 or cmacduff@pressenterprise.com The San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and East Valley Water District have announced a joint $2.65 million purchase of 14 acres of land in Highland that will serve as the location of a wastewater treatment plant. When finished, the plant will put back millions of gallons of purified water daily into the local groundwater supply. Our average peak demand is 20 million gallons a day, so with conclusion of the project, were going to be receiving 50 percent of our daily demands with this new source, said John Mura, general manager and CEO of the East Valley Water District, which serves the city of Highland and parts of San Bernardino. Officials hope to begin construction by late 2016, with an opening by the end of 2018, Mura said. The Sterling Natural Resource Center will be located on the west side of North Del Rosa Drive between East Fifth and Sixth streets in Highland. Total cost of the project is estimated at $128 million, according to officials. Treated water from the plant, generated solely from within the East Valley Water District service area, will be recharged into the local Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin, where hundreds of millions of gallons of water will be stored for use in dry years. The center will use the most advanced and safest technology, including membrane bioreactors, to produce disinfected water that meets or exceeds all requirements for groundwater recharge, officials said. Work on the project is expected to generate 800 construction jobs and would result in the creation of 1,400 jobs directly and indirectly related to the project, based on an analysis by Inland Empire economist John Husing. Husing, chief economist for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, said the project would not only create jobs, but would provide reliable and affordable supplies of water that contribute to the overall economic health of the region. As water restrictions and drought continue to plague California, projects like the Sterling Natural Resource Center will be of vital importance to the future of the Inland Empire, Husing said. The project also will include a community center with a public area that will include open space and water features, multipurpose community space and an interpretive center. Indian Springs High School, located near the project site, is working with the water districts to develop educational opportunities for students to have hands-on experiences with wastewater treatment and to gain a better understanding of the science involved in the purification process. I think a huge component here is to make investments in the community and provide operations for education and employment, Mura said. We take our obligation to be public servants seriously and weve partnered with Indian Springs High School to create an additional pathway to education and job opportunities for our youth. The project, officials said, will be funded through a combination of grants, low-interest state loans, impact fees assessed on new development within the facilitys service area, and current and future ratepayers. Sewer fees will remain the same or possibly decrease with the new facility, officials said. Water reclamation and groundwater recharge fit with our mission as a regional agency to plan for a long-range water supply for the San Bernardino Valley, and we are happy to be able to add enhancements to the project that will also benefit the surrounding community, said Mark Bulot, president of the Valley District Board of Directors, in a statement. Contact the writer: neil.nisperos@langnews.com or @ReporterNeil on Twitter An ex-special forces member, who once served on Malcolm Turnbulls security detail in Iraq, has been detained after the shooting death of another Australian security contractor at the Australian embassy in Baghdad. Sun McKay was in the same room and drinking with the victim when he was killed on Thursday; in a statement, McKay said the pair were playing video games when the man suddenly grabbed his own weapon and shot himself. That possibility hasnt been ruled out by investigators, and Australian Federal Police are currently on their way to the facility. The Sydney Morning Herald reports numerous possibilities are under examination, considering the unclear circumstances of the mans death. The incident has also brought scrutiny to Unity Resources Group, the private firm hired to guard the embassy. In recent months, its been reported the Australian-based company has reduced pay for workers, and that the Government officials have slammed accusations URG is a cut-price security system. Earlier, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said security at the facility was still at a high level. Source: Sydney Morning Herald / The Australian. Photo: 9 News Sydney / Twitter. Ethereal being Margot Robbie appears on the cover of the June issue of Vogue, wearing a leopard print swimsuit to tie in with her upcoming appearance in The Legend Of Tarzan. The accompanying profile by Jonathan Van Meter is quite a read at one point, old mate expresses genuine surprise that Robbie is not a manipulative sex kitten like she plays in her movies and contains a few flecks of solid gold. For example, the following passage, when Robbie explains how she decided to become an actress: I was watching TV one day maybe I was fifteen. There was a girl my age doing a scene, and she said her line, and it was just not that good. And I remember thinking, I could have done it better. And then I thought, Well, why is she doing it? Why isnt it me? Then theres the bit in which she discusses her culture shock on moving to Melbourne from the Gold Goast, for her first big acting gig on Neighbours: One of our instructors, Kenna, a daffy redhead wearing comically large yellow sunglasses, remembers Robbie from her last visit. As Kenna is buckling us into our safety harnesses, she asks Robbie what part of Australia shes from. Gold Coast in Queensland, says Robbie, her accent thickening at the mere mention of her homeland. I watch a lot of really trashy TV, says Kenna, including Australias Next Top Model, and the girls from Gold Coast are definitely not respected by girls from Sydney and Melbourne. Robbie laughs knowingly and says no, but because she has just slipped into full-on Australian-accent mode, it comes out as neeerrroh! I had no idea I was living in a state that gets laughed at until I moved to Melbourne, says Robbie, and then someone was like, Ohrrr, yar from Queensland, eh? You put Eh? on the end of your sentences because youre all a bit slow. And I was like, Is this a thing? That Queensland is the dumb state? Its so embarrassing. Dont ever be ashamed, Margot. GOLD COAST 4 LIFE. The Legend Of Tarzan is out July 7, while Robbies other big movie this year, Suicide Squad, hits screens on August 4. Check out her Vogue cover below: Source: Vogue. Photo: Ron Galella / Getty. For several utterly heart-wrenching months, speculation built around Jon Snows fate on Game Of Thrones. Hell, posters for the show were analysed to the nth degree, and sneaky clips of HBOs juggernaut even made sure to display Ned Starks bastard the way we left him in Season 5: very, very dead. Seriously. Outside of nuclear launch codes, or the whereabouts of bloody Gendry, few secrets have been kept outta the public eye quite so well. Actor Kit Harington did indeed know something about it, though. Spoilers ahoy, but the bloke was clued in by the shows head honchos that yep, the Nights Watch Lord Commander would return to that frigid shithole in some way, shape or form, presumably to obliterate this little oxygen thief: Since that ones been outed, hes been blabbing about it all over the joint, including on the latest episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. That blabbing contains a please-God-be-true story of the time that hot little tip squeezed the swarthy bloke out of a likely speeding fine. Cause we couldnt think of any better way to use that knowledge, either. Well played, you undead lord: Source: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon / YouTube. Two accidents on Route 222 south is slowing traffic south of Ephrata in Lancaster County. One accident occurred at the Route 772 to Brownstown/Rothsville exit at about 6 p.m., according to a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation alert. And Lancasteronline has reported that another accident occurred less than 100 yards away. Four people were injured in the accidents, according to lancasteronline. Traffic is moving slowly around the scene. For more traffic information, follow live traffic updates, accident reports and road closures below from PennDOT, Total Traffic Network and other Twitter sources. Get a look at conditions on local roads -- via PennDOT traffic cameras -- anytime here on PennLive. For Pennsylvania Turnpike updates and possible travel delays visit the Turnpike website here. Tweet us at @pennlive with any incidents you see on your commute or send a submission to submissions@pennlive.com. Adam Morgan.png Adam Morgan was arrested Wednesday in Philadelphia in a vehicle police said was stolen from a home that was burglarized in East Pennsboro Township in March. Police said Morgan also was responsible for the home invasion. (East Pennsboro Township Police Department. ) Officers in Philadelphia pulled over a stolen vehicle and arrested an East Pennsboro Township man Wednesday, police said. Police responded to a home burglary report in the 700 block of Erford Road, East Pennsboro Township, on March 21. In addition to the home burglary, a vehicle was also stolen from the residence, police said. Adam Morgan, of the 700 block of Erford Road, was arrested in Philadelphia Wednesday for possessing the stolen vehicle, police said. Police said he burglarized the home and stole the vehicle. Morgan has been charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief. Restaurant Inspections.jpg (PennLive) Many midstate restaurants are inspected each week and come through with no problems. But some restaurants in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties had violations during inspections conducted from April 17 to April 23. A Lebanon County pizza shop was deemed out of compliance because of issues with cleaning and sanitizing. At a Dauphin County bakery, inspectors recorded a number of problems with cleanliness and food storage, including corn chips being kept in a trash bag. At one Lancaster County restaurant, inspectors saw two bottles of liquid insecticide and cleaner that were stored on the shelf next to pancake mix, while at a fast food restaurant, they recorded slime in various areas in a variety of colors. In Cumberland County business, inspectors observed employees preparing salad with their bare hands. At a York County restaurant, employees were observed washing and sanitizing items but skipping the rinse step to completely remove detergent and food residue. A number of Perry County locations that were inspected had no violations, but at one, excessive dust and grease were noted. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture oversees restaurant inspections in the state. Inspection reports are "snapshots" of the day and time the inspections took place. In many cases, violations are corrected on site prior to the inspector leaving. Click on the links below to see how restaurants and other food establishments in the region fared: LGBT Rights Folks Back Home A sign outside a restroom at 21c Museum Hotel in Durham, N.C. North Carolina is in a legal battle over a state law that requires transgender people to use the public restroom matching the sex on their birth certificate. The ADA-compliant bathroom signs were designed by artist Peregrine Honig. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) Politicians in Texas, Arkansas and elsewhere vowed defiance -- and other conservative states could follow suit -- after the Obama administration told public schools across the U.S. on Friday to let transgender students use the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. It's the latest in bathroom battles over a person's gender identity vs. their biological identity - meaning, for example: Can someone use the men's room because they identify as male despite being identified female at birth? The Obama administration says transgender students are protected under federal nondiscrimination laws. In a letter to schools, it said: "A school may not require transgender students to use facilities inconsistent with their gender identity or to use individual-user facilities when other students are not required to do so." In North Carolina, a new law says transgender people must use the public restroom corresponding to the gender on their birth certificate. The U.S. has sued North Carolina, saying the law is discriminatory, and the state has sued the federal government, saying the matter is over privacy. After Target stated that transgender shoppers can use whichever bathroom corresponds with their gender identity, the American Family Association urged people boycott the retailer over that policy. The association says the policy would allow "predators" into restrooms. We can't clearly answer "why the fuss?" - but we can answer some questions about what transgender means. PennLive did a series, Transgender in Pa., last year. Some terms and information from that project: Q: What does transgender mean? A: A transgender person or transperson is a someone whose gender identity does not correspond with the gender they were identified as at birth. (For example, the person may biologically be male, but identify as female.) This can cause them to experience dysphoria, which can be alleviated by the process of transitioning. Those emotions plus discrimination, lack of legal protections and the cost of transitioning can put transgender people at high risk for depression and suicide. Q: What is transitioning? A: Transitioning is a process by which transpeople can align their gender identity with the gender they are recognized as, legally and medically. A person is transgender regardless of whether or not they are able to transition, a process that is difficult and expensive. This can include wearing clothes that reflect their gender, hormone therapy, gender confirmation surgery, correcting gender markers on legal documents, and coming out. There are no clear-cut steps to transition, and there is no such thing as a standard successful transition. Q: Are there transgender people in central Pennsylvania? A: Yes, because transgender people are everywhere. Harrisburg is the home of the support and advocacy group TransCentralPA as well as Equality PA, there are three Philadelphia-area surgeons who perform gender confirmation surgery. Q: How long does it take someone to transition? A: There is no strict process to transitioning, and it can take as long as it has to depending on the person's access to support, the necessary costs and medical care. The core steps to transitioning, in the simplest terms, include coming out, a legal name change, hormone therapy, presenting in a way that corresponds with their gender and gender confirmation surgery. Q: Can gender confirmation surgery be performed in any hospital? A: Not every hospital performs gender confirmation surgery, but three surgery centers in Pennsylvania do. Surgeons at Rumer Cosmetic Surgery in Ardmore, the Transgender Center in Bala Cynwyd and the Papillon Center in New Hope perform gender confirmation surgery. Q: How do I find out what it is like to be a transgender person? A: Listen to transgender people. Every transgender person's experience is different and their own. Q: How do I refer to a transgender person? A: Clarify their name and pronouns and use them. If you are concerned about calling a transgender person by the wrong name or using the wrong pronouns in reference to that person, ask that person to clarify that for you. Q: Where can I find more information about transgender people? A: There are plenty of resources for you if you are curious about transgender experiences. Locally, there is TransCentralPA and the LGBT Community Center of Central PA. There are also films you can watch, like the MTV documentary "Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word," books you can read like Janet Mock's "Redefining Realness" and sites you can consult like the blog The Art of Transliness. redblueamerica By Joel Mathis and Ben Boychuk On Monday, Gizmodo reported that a former Facebook contractor had revealed the company discriminates against conservative news and news sources when curating the site's "trending topics" section. Facebook officials denied the allegations, but Sen. John Thune, R-N.D., the Commerce Committee chairman, sent a letter to Facebook demanding details about its news distribution efforts. Does government have a role in overseeing Facebook's news decisions? Joel Mathis and Ben Boychuk, the RedBlueAmerica columnists, debate the issue. JOEL MATHIS Oh dear. Republicans are complaining about the media again. It might be yawn-worthy except for one thing: They might have a point. Facebook has incredible power over the dissemination of news in this country. So much so that government regulation and scrutiny of the company might actually be in the best interest of U.S. citizens. Maybe it's time to start treating Facebook as a utility. And maybe Sen. Thune's inquiry is the place to start. Consider this: Digiday reported last month that Facebook's control over traffic to news websites had reached unheard-of proportions. "Last year, Facebook surpassed Google as a referral source for publishers," the tech website reported. "Some publishers now see upwards of 75 percent of their social traffic coming from Facebook." And the company wants more. Instead of merely linking to stories, videos and memes on news websites, Facebook is encouraging publishers to post that content directly to Facebook itself. One other relevant fact: In the first quarter of 2016, Facebook reported it had 1.65 billion users around the world. Astonishing! The company additionally claims that users spend more than 50 minutes a day with Facebook and its sister apps, Instagram and Messenger. If there were a real competitor out there, maybe the thing to do would be to toast Facebook's success and wish it well. (Twitter, try as it might, doesn't quite count.) But the free flow of news and information is essential to the workings of our democracy. Facebook - with its unparalleled access to the audience and ability to influence the financial fate of news organizations - has become too critical to that flow. "The company's power is vast," Vox.com noted this week, "and that power is not always deployed in ways that are transparent and accountable." The U.S. government has a long - if somewhat neglected - history of trying to ensure media evenhandedness, from the so-called Fairness Doctrine on broadcast airwaves to requirements that keep companies from owning newspapers and TV stations within the same market. Facebook's power might require updating those traditions for the 21st century. BEN BOYCHUK News that Facebook tacks left is hardly surprising. Nor is it particularly shocking that Facebook employees have given more than $118,000 to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, outstripping donations to other candidates by a sizable margin. Facebook employees flocking to Donald Trump's campaign - now that would be news! But the revelation that Facebook's newsfeed curators evidently went out of their way to exclude right-leaning news sources and promote liberal news outlets should trouble everyone. Facebook is the largest media company on the planet. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is vastly more influential than any of the press barons of old. Facebook has the power to reshape public opinion in ways William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer could only dream about. That makes Facebook dangerous. But the last thing Republicans should do is start regulating media companies again, tempting as it may be. It really isn't the federal government's job to ensure or enforce "fairness" in the media - history notwithstanding. Truth is, the Fairness Doctrine wasn't fair at all. Broadcasters complied with the rule by shutting out differing points of view and only airing the blandest of opinions. From time to time, presidents would use the Fairness Doctrine to squelch dissenting opinions. Lyndon B. Johnson's administration used the rule to harass right-wing broadcasters. Richard Nixon used it to silence opponents of his Vietnam War policy. Only after the FCC repealed the rule in 1987 did the airwaves become safe again for robust disagreement. Facebook is a publicly traded company and can do whatever it wants, as long as its shareholders (and maybe its users) are happy. Are they? Although the site is huge, it isn't really a monopoly. Readers have other options. (Yes, Twitter really does count.) There is no shortage of websites aggregating conservative content. Don't people use bookmarks and RSS feeds anymore? But if Facebook wants to make this problem go away, Zuckerberg and company should be a great deal more transparent about how it pushes and promotes content. If you're going to be the largest media company on the planet, readers need to trust the source. No trust, no clicks. No clicks, no profits. It's just good business. Ben Boychuk (bboychukcity-journal.org) is associate editor of the Manhattan Institute's City Journal. Joel Mathis (joelmmathisgmail.com) is associate editor for Philadelphia Magazine. Visit them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/benandjoel shutterstock_voting booth.jpg (Shutterstock) By Kaytee Moyer The 2016 election cycle has been unlike any presidential election in history. Kaytee Moyer (PennLive file) The excitement and drama of the election has been fun and alluring for some, but for others, this election cycle has become repulsive. With the Republican and Democratic presidential nominations seemingly in the bag, many voters feel disenfranchised by their political parties. It isn't hard to find people who are eager to disassociate with their political party. Just ask a former Ted Cruz or Bernie Sanders supporter or look at #NeverTrump or #NeverHillary on twitter. There are conservatives who feel that the Republican Party no longer represents their ideas and progressives who feel the same towards the Democratic Party. People are actively rejecting party labels. But when you look at the numbers prior to the Pennsylvania primary, it tells a slightly different story. The Republican Party of Pennsylvania is most likely very pleased with the higher number of Republicans registered prior to the primary. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, more than 128,000 people changed their registration to Republican for the Pennsylvania primary. But this isn't necessarily something to celebrate for the party. Those who changed their political party to Republican to vote for Donald Trump are not beholden to the GOP. They simply registered as such so they could vote in the Pennsylvania primary which is a strictly closed election. Pennsylvania, like 12 other states, only allows registered members of the two major political parties to vote in the primary election. There are over 1 million people registered as Independent or as other smaller political parties in Pennsylvania. Those 1 million registered voters are interested and eager to participate in the political process. But with Pennsylvania's closed primary system, they did not have the ability to voice their opinions at the ballot box on April 26. Younger Americans who are voting for the first time are also silenced during the primaries because of the closed primary system. Younger Americans and those who are voting for the first time are not buying into political parties like generations in the past. Their allegiance is to their ideas, not to a political party. According to a Pew Research poll, nearly half of the Millennials surveyed identified as Independent. Open primaries will give all Pennsylvanians the ability to vote to decide the general election candidates, regardless of their registered political party. The two political parties are shifting. There is internal strife with in both the Republican and Democratic party and the future of the two parties is unknown. Political parties are not set in stone nor are they forever and our system needs to change with the times and adjust to the altering political landscape. When one-in-seven registered voters in Pennsylvania are not permitted to participate in the primary because they are not registered as a Republican or Democrat, it's time to consider changing our primary system to include their voices. Don't chain Pennsylvanians to political parties in order for them to vote in the primaries. Give Pennsylvanians who register as Independent or other smaller political parties the ability to vote in the Pennsylvania primaries. Change Pennsylvania to open primary elections. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form The crew of the tugboat hauling the last unflown space shuttle external fuel tank to California reports they have rescued four passengers from a fishing boat that sunk off the coast of Mexico. The tugboat Shannon Dann is currently hauling the fuel tank, known as ET-94, aboard the barge Gulfmaster I. ET-94 left NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility on April 12 and traversed the Panama Canal on April 25 and 26. It will make a final stop in San Diego before arriving in Los Angeles on May 18. The tank will ultimately be joined to space shuttle Endeavour and a pair of solid rocket boosters at the California Science Center, creating a fully stacked space shuttle flight unit. Officials at the science center say a fishing vessel named Maximus sank off the coast of Mexico on the evening of May 12. ET-94 was roughly 200 miles south of San Diego when it encountered a lifeboat carrying all four Maximus passengers. The crew of the Shannon Dann brought the survivors aboard, and remain en route to San Diego. "We don't have real communications with the Shannon Dann; we just get text messages twice per day," said Dennis Jenkins, a former NASA veteran now overseeing the project. "They'll berth in San Diego about 8:00 Sunday morning, and we'll find out a whole lot more," he said. Three of the four passengers from the Maximus were reported to be Americans; the fourth was a Mexican national. Anthony Zinno Makes 2016 WPT Amsterdam Main Event Final Table Going for Fourth Title May 13, 2016 Frank Op de Woerd Day 3 of the 2016 World Poker Tour Amsterdam 3,300 Main Event started out with 39 players, while only 36 would get paid. Right from the get go it was a pandemonium, with the shortest stack busting and the second shortest stack doubling up. While Pierre Neuville was nitting it up to secure his 100th career cash, others weren't as careful. No less than four players were all in during the final pre-bubble hand, with two of them doubling up and the third and fourth busting. Joep van den Bijgaart took the honors of busting both in the same hand, sending Yiannis Liperis home empty handed as the bubble, while Kai Lehto was eliminated in 36th place and signed for a min-cash. As per the norm, players busted left and right after the bubble. Neuville was one of them, falling at the hands of Fernando Garcia. Big name players like Andreas Hivold (ace-deuce into tens), Jason Wheeler (ace-ten to ace-jack), and Clyde Tjauw Foe (tens into ace-jack) busted and received the min-cash of 6,200 as well, but before you knew it the tournament was down to just two tables and the money got even more serious. French regular Manuel Bevand survived long enough to sneak into 14th place, but ran out of double ups when his ace-deuce didn't improve against the nines of eventual final tablist Tomas Fara. Fan favorite Kees Alblas was unfortunately the next to go. Alblas was the life of the party for most of the day together with his friend Maikel Muis. Alblas got short and gifted his last chips to Muis, who continued his comedy career as a solo artist. The godfather of Dutch poker himself, Marcel Luske, was next on the payout list. He first lost a coinflip to get short, and lost the rest to van den Bijgaart in a blind-on-blind situation. Luske's ace-three didn't hold against the queen-jack of his countryman, and the ever-so-well-dressed Dutchman exited in 12th place. Jasper Meijer's rollercoaster of a day ended when he ran ace-five into ace-king, and after Garcia busted in 10th place, the tournament was down to its last table of nine players. That wasn't the official final table just yet, as three more players had to go before the bagging and tagging would start. Muis got unlucky running ace-queen into aces, and Felipe Ramos ran into the same hand with queen-jack to go out in ninth and eighth, respectively. With the two shorties gone, play could have continued on for some time, but the poker gods had something else in mind. Van den Bijgaart found queens and got check-raised on a ten-six-four board. He got it in for a million total and Andjelko Andrejevic turned over six-four for two pair. Van den Bijgaart, who made the final table in this very event here last year (5th - 51,000) and made the final table of the WPT National Valkenburg before that as well (5th - 10,236), went out as the final-table bubble (7th - 33,558) this time around. Andrejevic led the final six when it was all said and done for the day, with three-time WPT champion Anthony Zinno also still in decent shape. 2016 WPT Amsterdam Main Event Final Table Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Anthony Zinno United States 1,375,000 28 2 Tomas Fara Czech Republic 2,115,000 42 3 Andjelko Andrejevic Serbia 3,345,000 67 4 Hans Bosman Netherlands 840,000 17 5 Emrah Cakmak France 1,050,000 21 6 Senh Ung United Kingdom 815,000 16 The remaining six players will return to Holland Casino Amsterdam on Saturday at 2 p.m. local time, and the final table will be live streamed at PokerNews.com. Plus, you can count on coverage of the most important hands of the day as well, starting at 2:30 p.m. Want to stay atop all the latest in the poker world? If so, make sure to get PokerNews updates on your social media outlets. Follow us on Twitter and find us on both Facebook and Google+! Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The Clinton campaign pounced all over Donald Trump after the presumptive Republican nominee told the American people that the amount that he doesnt pay in taxes is none of their business. Clinton campaign, Deputy Communications Director Christina Reynolds said, Our country has a long history of presidential candidates releasing their full tax returns and for good reason. Voters deserve to know whats in Donald Trumps returns how exactly he makes his money and what he does with it. Enough is enough. We know hes done his best to avoid paying his fair share of taxes. What else is he hiding in those tax returns? The question isnt how much Trump has paid in taxes, but what Trump has done to avoiding paying his fair share of taxes. The Clinton campaign also sent around an op-ed by supporter Michael Rattner in The New York Times that laid out what Trump is likely hiding: Real estate guys can take advantage of the best loopholes left in the tax code, thanks in part to some aggressive nudging of lawmakers. For starters, real estate investors can take deductions for the ostensible depreciation of the value of their buildings, even though the point of owning buildings is that they generally appreciate. For another, they often borrow against those properties, and because they hold these investments in partnerships or limited liability companies, the interest payments are tax-deductible. If you get close to paying taxes, you just buy another building, a real estate friend told me. Donald Trumps defensive none of your business answer on his tax rate, along with his continued dependence on flimsy and debunked excuses for why he cant release his returns are both signals that the issue is a sore spot. Trump constructed an image for himself as being the voice of the angry outsider populist, when his tax returns are likely to reveal a man who has used his wealth to become an insider and work the system to his advantage. Republicans have learned nothing from Mitt Romneys 2012 campaign. Trump is Romney on a larger scale, which is why the Clinton campaign is using the tax returns issue to define Donald Trump. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print By Emily Flitter NEW YORK (Reuters) The U.S. Secret Service is investigating presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps former butler over a Facebook post calling for President Barack Obamas assassination. The former butler, Anthony Senecal, 74, said in a Facebook post Obama should be hanged for treason. He made the statement in 2015, and the magazine Mother Jones wrote on Thursday about the post and other similar remarks by Senecal. Senecal worked for decades as a butler at Trumps Palm Beach mansion, Mar-a-Lago. After reports of Senecals comments began to circulate, the Secret Service said in a statement, The U.S. Secret Service is aware of this matter and will conduct the appropriate investigation. The story broke as Trump, whose proposals to ban Muslims from entering the United States and build a wall along the Mexican border have drawn heavy criticism, concluded a charm offensive on Capitol Hill. He attended a series of meetings there on Thursday with Republican lawmakers to try to win the party establishments support for his candidacy. Senecal has not served as a butler to the billionaire candidate since 2009, but he was identified in a March 15 profile in the New York Times as a current employee of Mar-a-Lago, serving as the estates historian. Hope Hicks, a spokeswoman for Trump, said in a statement, Senecal has not worked at Mar-a-Lago for years, but nevertheless we totally and completely disavow the horrible statements made by him regarding the president. She declined to comment on the Times report about Senecals recent role. Senecal did not respond to a call seeking comment and could not be reached by email. It is time for our Military to drag that fraud out of the white mosque and hang his ass for treason and other high crimes against AMERICA !!!!!!! Senecal wrote on Sept. 13, 2015, in reference to Obama. Mother Jones reached Senecal on Thursday. The magazine reported that Senecal said of his Facebook comments, including a private comment on Wednesday in which he said Obama should be shot: I wrote that. I believe that. (Reporting By Emily Flitter in New York; Additional reporting by Timothy Gardner in Washington; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print *The following is an opinion column by R Muse* Some Americans alive today may be aware that the only people who can claim to be native to America are what they still errantly call Indians. Its little wonder why, though. After coming to America, white Europeans invaded, infected, slaughtered, pursued, captured, demonized and interred Native Americans onto desolate regions and had the temerity to say the Indian reservations were considered protected sovereign nations. Those so-called sovereign nations were all well and good until Republicans could find a way to despoil or profit from them. Then, Republicans claimed it is illegal for the U.S. government to either own or oversee land Republicans want for their campaign donors profits. Now, in what is yet another Republican abomination, Arizona and congressional Republicans are furious at the Obama Administration for prohibiting them from giving Native American sacred land to a foreign corporation. It is beyond reprehensible and still another assault on the only real Americans living in the United States. According to the Tucson Weekly, an Arizona Republican in Congress is livid and is lashing out at President Obama because historically sacred Apache land cannot be given to an Australian-British corporation to mine copper. Congress attempted to sneak a backdoor sale of very sacred ancestral Native American land, known as Oak Flat, or Chichil Bildagoteel, but they cannot have it removed from the National Register of Historic Places to allow the land handover to proceed. The Republican congressmen from Arizona, Representative Paul Gosar and Senator John McCain attempted to sell the sacred Apache site to Resolution copper; an Australian-British corporation to mine for copper. Still, according to Stephanie Toothman, the National Registers keeper, Sustaining the national historic place designation may hamper the foreign corporations plan to build a copper mine, but nothing guarantees sacred historic property cannot be modified or destroyed. Ms. Toothman must be aware of the GOPs regular assaults on environmentally-fragile areas and protected wildernesses in pursuit of fossil fuel, mining, or logging interests. Representative Gosar was beside himself with rage and lashed out at the National Register of Historic Places, the National Park system, and the Forest Service as well as President Obama in a press release. He said, forbidding Congress from stealing and selling off Apache holy places, even sacred historic places, was more Obama Administration overreach. He said: Shame on the Park Service and Forest Service for ramming a bogus historic place listing down the throats of Arizonans. Clearly, the Obama Administration cares more about pandering to extremist environmental groups than following the law and listening to the American public. This fraudulent action is the latest in a long list of egregious bureaucratic abuses of power by the Obama Administration. I will continue to fight this overreach. So now, not only are Native Americans considered pariahs that must be interred on reservations, they are an extremist environmental group. And, by protecting sacred historical sites the Obama Administration is not following the law or listening to the American public. However, according to an article in the New York Times the President is following the law and it is the Republicans in Congress taking an extremist action to benefit a foreign corporation. Taking the tribes land would have been the first time in the nations history that Native American lands were set to be given over to a foreign corporation to mine by the U.S. Congress. However, even that is not an entirely true fact. Since 2010 Republicans in Congress pushed hard and heavy to give a foreign corporation, TransCanada, Native American land for their ecological disaster the KeystoneXL pipeline. The historic site in Arizona has long been used for the Apache tribes coming-of-age ceremonies, particularly for Native American girls. And, according to the archeological record it likely was used for ceremonies long before white Europeans even knew about the New World, much less before they came to America and began exterminating Native Americans. When they learned about the proposed sale of the sacred ancestral grounds, the Apache people began occupying the land to protect it from foreign interlopers, according to the Times report. In fact, beginning back in early February 300 people dutifully marched 44 miles from Apache tribal headquarters to begin occupying the site to block another bunch of white foreigners from decimating their sacred land. According to the former chairman of the San Carlos Apache tribe, Wendsler Nosie Sr., who was asked, Why is this place sacred? Its no difference to Mount Sinai. How the holy spirit came to be. Mr. Nosies assertion was corroborated by archeological evidence presented by the Scientists for the Society for American Archaeology. The scientists testified before Congress that there is well-established archeological evidence of Apache occupation and use of the sacred site that goes back long before recorded history. However, according to Republican Gosar the archeological record, scientific data, the Obama Administration and Apache tribe are all liars. Gosar said he knows, It is not a holy site despite Apache claims to it or the historical and archeological evidence. Oak Flat has never been a sacred site. Yet, Obamas minions are hell-bent on sabotaging an important mining effort by listing a small area 20 miles away from the reservation as a historic site. As the Times article noted, Congress attempting to sell off sacred land was; Nothing less than corrupt. If Oak Flat were a Christian holy site, or for that matter Jewish or Muslim, no senator who wished to remain in office would dare to sneak a backdoor deal for its destruction into a spending bill no matter what mining-corporate profits might result. But this is Indian religion. Clearly the Arizona congressional delegation isnt afraid of a couple of million conquered natives. The Times articles author called the attempted handover to a foreign corporation precisely what it is; a new low in congressional corruption. One expects Republicans to file a suit against someone on behalf of the foreign corporation; likely the Apache tribe, Scientists for the Society for American Archaeology, Parks and Forest Service, and the Obama Administration for protecting a sacred site from a foreign corporation. However, for the time being the sacred site will remain listed under the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Nosie said, Oak Flat, known to us Chichil Bildagoteel, has always been our connection to our Mother, our right to exist, a central part of our prayers, songs, stories and spiritual practices. It is from here that we emerged. It is who we are. Chichil Bildagoteel, our holy land, was put under the care of the U.S. government, and because of its uniqueness, the great value of maintaining its ecological and cultural integrity, protected by its laws. Republicans could not possibly care less about holy land, cultural integrity or ecological uniqueness, much less U.S. government laws protecting sacred, historical, national parks or environmentally-protected land. They have been actively despoiling land, sacred and otherwise, that is under government protection with renewed vigor over the past few years. Such as last year in Mormon Utah and the Nevada standoff according to their belief that the government illegally owns its own land, or protects sacred Native American burial sites Republicans claim belongs to corporations. Oh, Republicans likely care about holy land, but only if it is in Israel; and probably then only if some foreign corporation donating to them cant profit off it. This latest atrocious act, although a first as far as Congress attempting to hand off sacred historical land to a foreign corporation, is typical of Republicans who will go to any length to benefit a corporation at the expense of the people; especially people the white man has spent three-hundred-plus years treating them like wild beasts to be slaughtered. Dear Dave: I've had a judgment filed against me for an old, unpaid medical bill. The original amount was $2,500, but now it has increased to $3,200. Can I negotiate this with the lawyer? I've asked him for a detailed statement of the account several times, but all I've gotten is a payment booklet. Bill Dear Bill: When it comes to paying off bills or debt, you should always pay what's owed if you have the money. There's a moral, as well as legal, responsibility involved. That being said, if you don't have $3,200, offer him whatever you've got $2,000 or the original $2,500 as a settlement. Make sure he understands that you're not offering to pay the amount you have on the debt, but that it's being offered as settlement in full if the debt is cleared. The reason you haven't gotten what you've asked for so far is you may have been talking to some low-level staffer or paralegal. If you have been talking directly to the lawyer, then he's probably running a small debt collections or debt lawsuit machine. That means you're just one of dozens of widgets coming down the line. To you, this is very personal. But to him, you're just another account. You might have to do something to get his attention and wake him up. If this is the case, he probably gets a piece of whatever he collects. So, if he gets a third of $2,000 or $2,500 it might make his house payment this month. You could also talk to the hospital administrator, too, and let them know you'll bring a couple thousand down there today if they'll accept it as payment in full. At this point, you've just got to do something to get off the conveyor belt! Dear Dave: Are annuities good for long-term retirement? Quincy ADVERTISEMENT Dear Quincy: The short answer is no. There might be a rare exception when I'd use a variable annuity which is a mutual fund inside of an annuity but as a rule I don't use annuities. And I certainly don't use fixed annuities for anything, because they're just crap. Basically, they're a CD with a huge set of fees. It's just an insurance agent's product, really. The place for variable annuities might be when you've got everything else maxed out and your house is paid off. If you've reached that point, you can talk to your advisor about some of the possible benefits of a variable annuity. You can leave a beneficiary on it, so that it passes outside of probate, and you've got some principle guarantees and return guarantees that are decent. The returns are a little lower, though, because you'll get hit with both the annuity fee and the mutual fund fee. So, by and large the answer is no for most people, because they don't have their house paid off and aren't maxing out all other retirement options. If you're doing all that, and you want to do something in this area, then I might think about it. Dave Chef Stewart "Shefzilla" Woodman 's short tenure in Rochester is over. The award-winning chef and cookbook author came to the Med City in September to take the reins of the culinary operations of the Kahler Grand Hoteland its sister hotels. The Kahler Hospitality Group'srestaurants include The Grand Grill , Salute, Martini's, Crossings Bistro, Lord Essex, Freshens and Dunkin Donuts . The hotels and restaurants are controlled and owned, in part, by local health-care executive and real estate developer Javon Beaand his family. While it seemed last fall that the high-profile chef was planning for a long run in Rochester, Twin Cities media is reporting that Woodman started a new job this week as executive chef at Lela. Lela is a high-end Minneapolis eatery located on the northwest corner of Interstate 494 and Highway 100. Mpls.St. Paul Magazineis reporting that Woodman is excited about the new role, because his gig in Rochester did not allow him much time to actually cook or manage a kitchen. ADVERTISEMENT Michael Henry, Kahler's managing director of human resources, didn't return either a call or an email today asking for details about the change and if Woodman has been replaced yet. Kahler Hospitality has been tweaking its restaurants in recent years to keep up with the increasingly competitive Rochester food scene. Woodman's departure could set that process back a bit. Prior to Woodman, Kahler Hospitality employed Chef Pasquale Presa from 2011 to 2015 to spice up its menus. Chef Pasquale is now the executive chef at Kalahari Resorts & Conventionsin the Wisconsin Dells. Jeff Kiger Pine Island High School senior Brooke Salferis just a few weeks away from graduation and already could teach people a thing or two about philanthropy. Eighteen-year-old Brooke has been fundraising since November to build homes in Haiti, where there are two homes being built due to her efforts. "It all started in August when I traveled to Port au Prince, Haiti, for 10 days on a mission trip through my church (St. Michael's Catholic Church)," she said. "There, I, along with 10 others from my parish and our sister parish, stayed with the Sisters of Charity. We helped to feed, care for and love malnourished Haitian children from the ages of 0 to 8 years old. "When it came time to leave Port au Prince and return to America, I felt guilty that I could return to such a fortunate life," Brooke said. "I left Haiti knowing my journey wasn't done yet; my trip was simply the spark that started a roaring flame of passion to help the unfortunate souls in Haiti." Brooke has been working with the relief and development organization Food for the Poor to help secure homes for families in Haiti. ADVERTISEMENT The fundraising has been done through free-will donation, bake sales, a meal at her church, a Zumba class, a canvas painting class, and she wrote letters to local businesses explaining her cause and asking for any feasible donation. She asked for money from family for Christmas and her birthday to donate for the house. "I am eternally grateful to the generous community I live within," Brooke said. "I couldn't have raised the funds without the support of community members, friends and family. I would just like to stress how truly thankful I am to everyone who supported me throughout this process through thoughts and prayers, encouragement and financial donations. It wouldn't have been possible without all of the generous, kind people in and around my community." Her fundraising total to date is $3,603.40. "When I reached out to Food for the Poor and told them about my amount, they came back saying that not only one, but two homes would be built," she said. "They didn't really elaborate on that, so I'm not exactly sure how that worked out, but I feel blessed, and I am so excited." This fall, Brooke plans to attend Bethel University in St. Paul to study biokinetics. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend graduate school to earn a doctorate in physical therapy. At this moment, there are no set plans for her to return to Haiti, but she knows she will travel there again someday. "My heart overflows with my passion for the country of Haiti, and I can't wait to offer my services again," she said. 50th Anniversary Ron and Carol Prescher will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, May 14. They were married at Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester and are now residing in Wabasha. They have two wonderful children: Craig (Stacie) of Wabasha and Christine (Jayson) Dock of Waconia and are blessed with 8 grandchildren. They celebrated with all their family on May 8, and will have another celebration with friends and relatives at their home on June 18. Congratulations on 50 years together! Prabal Gurung, the New York designer from Nepal, is best known for his bold color combinations and elegant silhouettes. He dresses style influencers from Demi Moore to Michelle Obama. We sat down with him at Neapolitan boutique in Winnetka, Ill., to talk about creating a luxury brand with soul, his ideas on modern glamour and how he stays connected to his homeland. Tell me about your spring collection. When I started working on my spring collection, the intention was never to be political; it was actually a completely different story. Then the 2015 Nepal earthquake happened. I couldn't get those images out of my head. At that point, Nepal, where I'm from, became my inspiration. I just owed it to myself to highlight Nepal and bring it to the forefront. For me, it was very much a cathartic experience, to bring to light what was far more important than just clothes. That's why I started my spring show with 15 monks chanting a prayer of gratitude. I also wanted to give a glimpse to the world of where I'm from and why I am the way I am. So I made a decision to base the collection on what I had seen and how I grew up all the bold colors of saffron and yellow. The Nepalese artist Laxman Shreshtha inspired the prints. ADVERTISEMENT I'd say the spring collection was the perfect blend of East meets West. Who is the Prabal Gurung woman? Whom are you designing for? She really enjoys being a woman and embraces all that comes with it. She doesn't need to dress down in order for her to be taken seriously. She's very assured and feels empowered. How important is social media to you? I remember when I started (using) Twitter, it was after my first collection, fall 2009, and Demi Moore had worn something, which she tweeted about. A friend told me about it, and my first tweet was thanking her. Immediately afterward, I got 500 followers. That's when I realized something big was happening. I just felt like, I'm a new designer with not a massive amount of money to invest into PR or marketing. So this was my perfect opportunity, and I grabbed it. I use Twitter and Instagram, but for different reasons. Twitter, for me, is for breaking news, and Instagram is all about the visual. Three pieces that a woman should have in her summer wardrobe? ADVERTISEMENT Invest in the perfect summer dress, a special blouse and a great knit. Whether the dress is long or short, you want something that shows off your beautiful skin. Accessorize it with a wedge and an amazing pair of earrings. In terms of blouses, most people wear T-shirts all the time, so it should be flirty, feminine and fun, with a lot of movement. Something that you can dress up or dress down. I'd pair it with some jeans and Grecian sandals. With your knit, you want a lightweight cashmere, perfect for a cool summer's evenings. Pair it with linen pants or shorts; there is something casually chic and sexy about knits. The U.S. National Parks System and its visitors are significant contributors to the nation's economy. The system is in the midst of noting the 100th anniversary of its founding and visitation continues to be on an upward trend a record of some 307 million persons visited the country's 411 parks last year and the total is expected to increase further during the Centennial year, officials say. Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis told Travel Weekly that visitors to the system last year injected $32 billion into the nation's economy and supported 295,000 jobs. Additionally, visitors spent $16.9 billion in communities located within 60 miles of a national park, according to his report. Of the $32 billion spent in the parks, some 30 percent went for lodging, followed by food and beverage at 20 percent, gas and oil at 12 percent, admission and fees of 10 percent plus other miscellaneous expenses including souvenirs. The report broke down visitor spending by area, and the park's Midwest Region reported some 20.66 million visitors. They spent about $1.3 billion in communities within 60 miles of a park site. ADVERTISEMENT Registered visitors to Minnesota park sites totaled 840,000, with visitor spending of $47.3 million. The total economic impact to the state was computed at $67 million. The park service report came after U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell called for greater investment in the conservation of national parks. She also said that the country needs to work toward making national parks more relevant to an increasingly diverse and urbanized population. Another official, Midwest Region Director Cam Shelly, noted that national park tourism "is a significant driver in the national economy returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service and a big factor in the Midwest Region state economies as well. That's a result we can all support." The NPS Midwest Region includes 13 states, embracing Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa and Wisconsin among others. Yellowstone Park is most favored Yellowstone is the most favored national park among Americans, according to an Expedia.com study commissioned in honor of the National Parks' 100 anniversary. The survey explored attitudes toward the national parks and found 27 percent of respondents named Yellowstone their favorite national park. The Grand Canyon was second at 20 percent, followed by the Great Smoky Mountains at 18 percent, the Rocky Mountains at 16 percent and Yosemite at 10 percent. WINONA A 34-year-old man accused of slapping a child, then hitting her over the head with a small table will make his initial appearance next week in Winona County District Court. Lincoln James Theis, of Winona, has been charged with one count each of felony malicious punishment of a child and gross misdemeanor domestic assault. He is free on his own recognizance and is due in court Thursday. The investigation began May 6, when staff at a hospital emergency department notified law enforcement about an injured child. A woman told officers she saw Theis come out of a house carrying a kids' style card table; he took it to the garbage and left. When the woman saw the victim, the child was crying and holding her head. The child looked "disoriented/dizzy," the complaint says, and told the woman Theis had hit her with the blue table and slapped her across the face because she wasn't cleaning her room. An officer noted the child had apparent injuries near her ear; her eyes were bloodshot and slightly swollen; and she had a few light scratches on her leg and wrist. ADVERTISEMENT The woman said Theis has been getting "very violent and angry" with people the past few weeks, court documents say. The child said she fell down when Theis allegedly slapped her, then kicked her toys and threw one of her dolls at her. Theis then picked up the table, folded up the legs and hit her on the head with it, the complaint says. The girl reportedly told police her punishment is "usually being hit or having things thrown at her." When officers found Theis, he denied anything had happened but said he was upset because the children wouldn't clean their rooms, so he took away their dolls. He didn't know why the alleged victim would need to go to the emergency room but said he wanted to "redo today." Theis claimed his blood sugar was low, adding he can get upset sometimes when that happens. He told authorities he took the table away from the child because a leg kept breaking; Theis said he grabbed the table and "swung it" as he left the room but denied it hit anyone. A review of his criminal history reflects convictions for domestic assault in 2012 and 2015. A couple years ago, Riverside Elementary School added a school-wide breakfast program. Now about 75 percent of students eat breakfast in their classrooms each morning. "If they're hungry at 9 a.m., they're not going to stop worrying about it throughout the day," said Riverside Principal Jacque Peterson. Collecting data on students has revealed patterns like this sometimes they act out at certain times of day because they're hungry and can't focus. The idea behind providing breakfast is to meet students' basic needs so they can focus on learning. Peterson said since the program began, they've seen fewer discipline issues, especially in the morning. Districtwide, the breakfast program has expanded to 12 schools, Superintendent Michael Munoz said at the May 3 school board meeting. While discipline problems have always existed in schools, district officials are looking for answers in a new way through collecting data. ADVERTISEMENT Many think this type of data tracking will provide answers and allow educators to start identifying and addressing the root problem for students who have behavioral issues. According to a 2016 Minnesota Department of Education report , Black and American Indian students were disproportionately disciplined in the state's public schools schools. Black students make up 12 percent of the population, but are involved in 38 percent of disciplinary actions taken that's about three times their population. American Indian students are overrepresented by four times their population. They make up 2 percent of the population, but account for 8 percent of disciplinary actions. Weekly data review It's this trend that is apparent statewide, and in Rochester, that caused RPS to hire Principal Afolabi Runsewe following the OCR agreement. Runsewe oversees PBIS efforts and tracks and reviews student discipline with each of the district's schools. At weekly meetings district leaders discuss trends in behavior, where those behaviors occur, like the physical rooms and spaces and what behaviors look like in different locations, especially for categories that are considered subjective. For example, what does defiance look like does it happen in the classroom? Does it happen in the hallways? Districts are required to track and report data through the Minnesota Department of Education, through a system called disciplinary incident reporting system , or DIRS. The district reports the behavior, the action taken by the district and demographic information of the student. "We are in a new era of looking towards the data to improve our systems, specifically our public education systems," said Josh Crosson, an advocacy manager with MinnCAN, a state education advocacy group. ADVERTISEMENT Data review groups meet weekly at all of Rochester's public schools to talk about specific students, but also to address overall issues like discipline disparities. This is a major component of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and a growing trend statewide. The hope is that the data will lead to answers answers that show in what types of classes and environments students are misbehaving, or what times of day they're having problems. "The best way is to look at the data and see where resources are required," Crosson said. More data collection? Statewide, groups like MinnCAN advocated for bills that would require an increase in data collection this legislative session, on the specifics of day-to-day student behavior, but also on suspensions, expulsions and other classroom removals. While many districts collect and report this information back to the state now, MinnCAN hopes the data will be further broken down to have schools report things like foster care status and whether or not a student is homeless. In Rochester, 30-year-veteran teacher Kelly Wright-Glynn said the data collection process allows teachers to look at the bigger picture, at factors they might not have previously considered, and for trends like the types of environments students struggle in. "School districts have data coming out of their ears, but they need to understand what kind of information the data will tell you," Gibbons said. Factors examined could be, for example, classrooms with male teachers or in classes that are less hands on. ADVERTISEMENT Eric Kloos, a statewide PBIS coordinator who works with the Minnesota Department of Education, said collecting data reveals patterns to educators at certain times of day, or in certain environments and recognizing those has transformed how people think about discipline. "You have the tools and processes to get deep into the conversation," Kloos said. "PBIS really gives the system and tools to help find (problems) earlier and really orient people's attention to problem-solving around that" The last five years, there's been a decrease statewide in the total number of days for out-of-school suspensions. Expulsions also decreased, marginally. With the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act a federal education bill that replaced No Child Left Behind federal regulations shifted slightly in what will be required of districts. Currently districts only need to report in-school suspensions for special education students, and that will extend to all students. It will also require the foster care, military family and homelessness status to be reported. Currently, the state is required to track disciplinary actions by districts, like out-of-school suspensions that last more than one day, as well as incidents involving dangerous weapons. Next year, districts around the state will be required to report in-school suspensions as well, under new federal rules. Another issue, highlighted earlier this year in a report released by MinnCAN, is that school districts don't further break down race/ethnicity data. For example, the category "Black" would include an African-American student and a student that's a Somali immigrant. State organizations say breaking that down further and reviewing data could provide more answers overall and for teachers. It won't provide all the answers All this data is great, but it doesn't always tell the whole story. Many districts struggle to wade through it. Often districts don't have the capacity to use the data yet, whether it be academic or behavioral data, said Kim Gibbons, associate director with the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement. "Despite substantial motivations and efforts to use data, most districts lack the capacity to meet their own needs for data-based decision-making, in part due to a lack of qualified personnel," concluded a 2016 CAREI needs assessment. Gibbons said while the report focuses primarily on collecting data for academic achievement purposes, Gibbons said that the concepts extend to disciplinary actions as well. Gibbons said there is a huge need for data literacy, and districts need to understand how the types of data they're collecting can answer their questions and present solutions. Many said their capacity to use that data was poor, and districts need to work on that. It's also sometimes difficult to capture social-emotional behavior issues. "If you're just relying on behavioral data that is infractions that annoy teachers not following directions, annoying teachers that'll capture one group of kids, but there's a lot more attention given lately to school-based mental health," Gibbons. But despite shortcomings, education leaders say its time to shift how we look at discipline, and data is the place to start. "I think as a nation, we're staring to see data as a need to create a solution," Crosson said. "We're all coming together to change the narrative on school discipline." Last year, public assistance fraud investigators in Minnesota found about $5.5 million in overpayments, according to Minnesota Department of Human Services statistics. That is up about $1 million from 2012. Not being eligible for food or health care benefits accounts for most of the overpayments. "Most recipient cases are for failure to accurately report the amount of or other sources of income, or for not reporting changes to the household," the department said. In all, 74 counties have a Fraud Prevention Investigation program that looks into public recipient eligibility. Of the 74, 12 have have their own programs. Others are part of one of 14 regional programs, such as the one for Wabasha, Goodhue, Winona, Houston and Fillmore counties. The state department also has 22 investigators for recipient and provider fraud. The Surveillance and Integrity Review Section investigates fraud from providers, such as hospitals, doctors, pharmacies and personal care attendants. Last year, the state had 580 investigations, with personal care providers accounting for 325. ADVERTISEMENT At any time in Minnesota, there are about 1 million people receiving one or more kinds of help, the department said. That number fluctuates as people move on or off a program. Other department statistics about county-level fraud investigations include: They completed 7,154 investigations, with findings of fraud or abuse by recipients in one or more public assistance programs in approximately 74 percent of the cases. The most commonly misrepresented areas were household composition, income and residency. They identified more than $2.5 million in cost-avoidance/savings. These are benefits not paid to ineligible applicants and recipients. They responded to more than 4,000 hotline tips and fraud-related complaints. For every dollar they spent on their work, they saved the state $4.13. LEWISTON The Winona County Sheriff's Office is investigating an apparent homicide that occurred Friday night in Lewiston. Officials were notified by a caller of a possible homicide at 6:22 p.m., according to Ron Ganrude, Winona County Sheriff. Based on information gathered at the scene in Lewiston, law enforcement personnel began searching for a female victim at about 8 p.m. A woman's body was found at about 12:35 a.m. Saturday in a wooded area near the intersection of Winona County roads 25 and 23, east of Lewiston, Ganrude said. The woman was identified by the sheriff's office Sunday as 24-year-old Tasha Lynn Hanson, of Lewiston. Shortly before 7 a.m. Saturday, Kyle Benjamin Allers, 23, was booked into the Winona County Detention Center pending a charge of second-degree murder, according to jail records. Allers is reportedly the father of Hanson's two children. Hanson's body was taken to the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office in Rochester for formal identification and autopsy. ADVERTISEMENT In Lewiston, a house on South Fremont Street was searched Saturday afternoon by agents from the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Earlier Saturday, Scott Yeiter Lewiston police chief, released a statement on Facebook saying, "There is an ongoing incident/investigation that involves a residence in the City of Lewiston. I can tell you there is no danger to the public." Assisting the sheriff's office in the search for the woman Friday night were the Winona County Search, Operational Assistance, Rescue Team, the Winona and Lewiston police departments and the Minnesota State Patrol. Ganrude did not say where or when the arrest of the male suspect took place. Twenty years ago, when a student was disruptive in a classroom, there was a fair chance she would be asked to leave, with orders to head to the office. Nowadays, teachers are working to cut back on those office referrals, in an effort to keep students in the classroom and learning. In the last decade, in Rochester, and statewide, discipline strategies have shifted away from reactive discipline, like office referrals, suspensions and expulsions which were reinforced by zero-tolerance policies, toward more "restorative" policies focused on encouraging positive behavior on the front end. After tracking the results of zero-tolerance policies, results showed they were conclusively devastating for students of color and created discipline disparities so these new policies are focus on addressing just that. "We have to change how we engage with students and parents," said Anthony Muhammad, an equity consultant Rochester Public Schools brought in this week to talk about disparities in education and discipline. "If we don't change how we operate, we'll have the same problem and we'll be talking about it in 20 years from now." ADVERTISEMENT Proponents of policies like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS, say they proactively teach appropriate behaviors, rather than punishing students after the fact. Bad behavior is approached using an "instructional response," so that students learn why what they did was wrong, and so they understand what behavior expectations are throughout the building. The goal is to directly address student behavior, because without doing so, "the likelihood of that behavior changing is not real great," Kloos said. "What can we do to help change that behavior? As opposed to removal with no action, which doesn't tend to change behavior." New policy is more fair Another result, supporters say, is fairer discipline policies, because there is less room for subjectivity in discipline. Educators and researchers have found when there's room for subjectivity, students of color are disproportionately disciplined, said Josh Crosson, advocacy manager with MinnCAN, a state education research and advocacy group. "At the end of the day, Minnesota is pushing kids of color and kids with disabilities out of class disproportionately and that's creating a huge achievement gap," Crosson said. The end goal is make discipline more consistent, said Eric Kloos, Minnesota's PBIS state coordinator. The hope is that these new policies will also help pinpoint reasons for disparities through data collection. This fall, Rochester Public Schools' discipline disparity was highlighted when it entered an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. It revealed black students were disciplined at a rate nearly three times their population. During the 2014-15 school year, black students made up 39 percent of all in-school suspensions, while they are only 14 percent of the population. Hispanic students accounted for 15 percent of in-school suspensions, but make up just 9 percent of the population. ADVERTISEMENT Statewide, the numbers mirror that. And it gets worse for subjective, vaguely defined discipline categories, Crosson said, like disruptive behavior, insubordination and defiance. The history Since the 1970s, concerns about rising school violence expanded the purview of school discipline, resulting in zero-tolerance policies much of which are rooted in criminal law according to Jennifer Earley, an attorney who specializes in school law. These policies were meant to reduce the number of violent incidents in schools, but resulted in "unintended consequences," like disproportionate discipline, after the policy parameters were widened from just violent and drug offenses, to include other behavioral issues. After much research, we've learned they don't work, Crosson said. "...it is increasingly clear that some policies intended to maintain safety and order not only have failed to do so but have caused considerable harm," said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten in the American Educator journal. A 2009 Minnesota Department of Education report came to a similar conclusion. "Suspension and expulsion as interventions are inadequate to change behavior unless they are paired with teaching replacement behaviors," it concluded. "Thus, suspensions and expulsions have, for the most part, the opposite educational outcome than that intended by school administrators and teachers." ADVERTISEMENT "Education systems across the United States struggle to find effective methods to decrease issues such as bullying, truancy, violence, and underlying behavioral problems without leading to the criminalization of school-related behaviors." Groups like "Solutions Not Suspensions" have sprung up, in an attempt to curb discipline that removes students from the classroom. "There certainly has been a growing base of research around behavioral practices, especially the impact of a more positive approach to that, instead of the negative punitive approaches," Kloos said. But some caution against using PBIS as the 'be all end all' solution. "Everyone wants to throw PBIS out there," said Marika Pfefferkorn, co-chair of the Solutions Not Suspensions coalition. "It's a tool, it's not the answer. We see a lot of people not applying it with fidelity." Others say it's doesn't offer a lot of solutions for dealing with students with repeated behavioral problems, because you don't want to remove them from the classroom, but they often disrupt other students' learning. "That's our quandary," said Kelly Wright-Glynn, a 6th grade teacher at Willow Creek and teacher's union board member. Becoming a PBIS district While Rochester began its transition to becoming a PBIS district in 2007, and it was district-wide last year, but all the schools are at varying points of implementing the system. Minnesota began having conversations about implementing PBIS in 2004, Kloos said, but his team soon discovered there wasn't a consistent approach to discipline across the state. "Consistency really offers great promise," Kloos said. "But it's difficult to do because it takes the commitment of everyone in schools." Now, Kloos said, the focus is on a more "instructional response," involving the student to change the behavior. Many groups, including the Minnesota Department of Education, are pushing for legislation this session to expand its reach. When Gov. Mark Dayton announced his education priorities for the legislative session in March, funding for the implementation of PBIS made the list. He touted the data-driven program as one that promotes an "improvement in student behavior, especially for students with challenging social behaviors," and recommended a $2.75 million investment. Since its launch in 2005, it has "spread" across Minnesota and is currently about 28 percent of Minnesota's schools are trained or will be in training to implement PBIS policies, according to Josh Collins, director of communications for MDE. Six states have passed legislation around changing school discipline, according to American Educator, an education journal published by the American Federation of Teachers, the national teacher's union. "We're cutting ground in a new way," Kloos said. "We don't have another decade." School discipline is changing. Persistent achievement gaps plague districts, not only in Minnesota, but throughout the country. And the gaps don't just exist for academic performance, they extend to disciplinary actions taken by schools against students of color. Discipline is increasingly being recognized as an equity issue, with districts taking steps to amend these disparities whether voluntarily, or prompted by investigations and agreements with outside organizations or regulatory bodies like the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights . Focus has shifted to implementing more proactive discipline models, bolstered by what many hope will provide answers to the reasons for the gaps: data. In the last year, the Rochester Public School District entered into an OCR agreement and school discipline has attracted attention at the state and national level. Efforts around data collection have ramped up and proposals were even put forward this Legislative session to include legislation about collection. ADVERTISEMENT It's shifting at all levels, with hopes that data collection will provide more insight into behavior problems. "(School discipline) really is in a transition," said Rochester school board member Jean Marvin, who was a teacher in the district for 40 years. Rochester Public Schools, like many other districts, is implementing a new discipline policy known as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS. It's aim is to proactively teach appropriate behaviors, rather than punishing students after the fact. Bad behavior is approached using an "instructional response," so that students learn why what they did was wrong, and so they understand what behavior expectations are throughout the building. Part of that effort in Rochester is reviewing the data at schools weekly and equity training. This week, the district brought in two equity consultants for three days of training with staff and a community session to address these discipline disparities and the achievement gap. The equity experts talked about factors like race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status that can often show correlations with student outcomes. "We should not be able to determine success in school based on personal characteristics," said Anthony Muhammad, one of the consultants, at Tuesday's community meeting. "None of them are in the personal control of the child." Twenty years ago, when a student was disruptive in a classroom, there was a fair chance she would be asked to leave, with orders to head to the office. Nowadays, teachers are working to cut back on those office referrals, in an effort to keep students in the classroom and learning. ADVERTISEMENT In the last decade, in Rochester, and statewide, discipline strategies have shifted away from reactive discipline, like office referrals, suspensions and expulsions which were reinforced by zero-tolerance policies, toward more "restorative" policies focused on encouraging positive behavior on the front end. After tracking the results of zero-tolerance policies, results showed they were conclusively devastating for students of color and created discipline disparities so these new policies are focus on addressing just that. "We have to change how we engage with students and parents," said Anthony Muhammad, an equity consultant Rochester Public Schools brought in this week to talk about disparities in education and discipline. "If we dont change how we operate, well have the same problem and well be talking about it in 20 years from now." Proponents of policies like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS, say they proactively teach appropriate behaviors, rather than punishing students after the fact. Bad behavior is approached using an "instructional response," so that students learn why what they did was wrong, and so they understand what behavior expectations are throughout the building. The goal is to directly address student behavior, because without doing so, "the likelihood of that behavior changing is not real great," Kloos said. "What can we do to help change that behavior? As opposed to removal with no action, which doesn't tend to change behavior." New policy is more fair Another result, supporters say, is fairer discipline policies, because there is less room for subjectivity in discipline. Educators and researchers have found when there's room for subjectivity, students of color are disproportionately disciplined, said Josh Crosson, advocacy manager with MinnCAN, a state education research and advocacy group. "At the end of the day, Minnesota is pushing kids of color and kids with disabilities out of class disproportionately and thats creating a huge achievement gap," Crosson said. ADVERTISEMENT The end goal is make discipline more consistent, said Eric Kloos, Minnesota's PBIS state coordinator. The hope is that these new policies will also help pinpoint reasons for disparities through data collection. This fall, Rochester Public Schools' discipline disparity was highlighted when it entered an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. It revealed black students were disciplined at a rate nearly three times their population. During the 2014-15 school year, black students made up 39 percent of all in-school suspensions, while they are only 14 percent of the population. Hispanic students accounted for 15 percent of in-school suspensions, but make up just 9 percent of the population. Statewide, the numbers mirror that. And it gets worse for subjective, vaguely defined discipline categories, Crosson said, like disruptive behavior, insubordination and defiance. The history Since the 1970s, concerns about rising school violence expanded the purview of school discipline, resulting in zero-tolerance policies much of which are rooted in criminal law according to Jennifer Earley, an attorney who specializes in school law. These policies were meant to reduce the number of violent incidents in schools, but resulted in "unintended consequences," like disproportionate discipline, after the policy parameters were widened from just violent and drug offenses, to include other behavioral issues. After much research, we've learned they don't work, Crosson said. "...it is increasingly clear that some policies intended to maintain safety and order not only have failed to do so but have caused considerable harm," said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten in the American Educator journal. A 2009 Minnesota Department of Education report came to a similar conclusion. "Suspension and expulsion as interventions are inadequate to change behavior unless they are paired with teaching replacement behaviors," it concluded. "Thus, suspensions and expulsions have, for the most part, the opposite educational outcome than that intended by school administrators and teachers." "Education systems across the United States struggle to find effective methods to decrease issues such as bullying, truancy, violence, and underlying behavioral problems without leading to the criminalization of school-related behaviors." Groups like "Solutions Not Suspensions" have sprung up, in an attempt to curb discipline that removes students from the classroom. "There certainly has been a growing base of research around behavioral practices, especially the impact of a more positive approach to that, instead of the negative punitive approaches," Kloos said. But some caution against using PBIS as the 'be all end all' solution. "Everyone wants to throw PBIS out there," said Marika Pfefferkorn, co-chair of the Solutions Not Suspensions coalition. "It's a tool, it's not the answer. We see a lot of people not applying it with fidelity." Others say it's doesn't offer a lot of solutions for dealing with students with repeated behavioral problems, because you don't want to remove them from the classroom, but they often disrupt other students' learning. "That's our quandary," said Kelly Wright-Glynn, a 6th grade teacher at Willow Creek and teacher's union board member. Becoming a PBIS district While Rochester began its transition to becoming a PBIS district in 2007, and it was district-wide last year, but all the schools are at varying points of implementing the system. Minnesota began having conversations about implementing PBIS in 2004, Kloos said, but his team soon discovered there wasn't a consistent approach to discipline across the state. "Consistency really offers great promise," Kloos said. "But it's difficult to do because it takes the commitment of everyone in schools." Now, Kloos said, the focus is on a more "instructional response," involving the student to change the behavior. Many groups, including the Minnesota Department of Education, are pushing for legislation this session to expand its reach. When Gov. Mark Dayton announced his education priorities for the legislative session in March, funding for the implementation of PBIS made the list. He touted the data-driven program as one that promotes an "improvement in student behavior, especially for students with challenging social behaviors," and recommended a $2.75 million investment. Since its launch in 2005, it has "spread" across Minnesota and is currently about 28 percent of Minnesota's schools are trained or will be in training to implement PBIS policies, according to Josh Collins, director of communications for MDE. Six states have passed legislation around changing school discipline, according to American Educator, an education journal published by the American Federation of Teachers, the national teacher's union. "We're cutting ground in a new way," Kloos said. "We dont have another decade." A couple years ago, Riverside Elementary School added a school-wide breakfast program. Now about 75 percent of students eat breakfast in their classrooms each morning. "If they're hungry at 9 a.m., they're not going to stop worrying about it throughout the day," said Riverside Principal Jacque Peterson. Collecting data on students has revealed patterns like this sometimes they act out at certain times of day because they're hungry and can't focus. The idea behind providing breakfast is to meet students' basic needs so they can focus on learning. Peterson said since the program began, they've seen fewer discipline issues, especially in the morning. Districtwide, the breakfast program has expanded to 12 schools, Superintendent Michael Munoz said at the May 3 school board meeting. While discipline problems have always existed in schools, district officials are looking for answers in a new way through collecting data. Many think this type of data tracking will provide answers and allow educators to start identifying and addressing the root problem for students who have behavioral issues. According to a 2016 Minnesota Department of Education report, Black and American Indian students were disproportionately disciplined in the state's public schools schools. Black students make up 12 percent of the population, but are involved in 38 percent of disciplinary actions taken that's about three times their population. American Indian students are overrepresented by four times their population. They make up 2 percent of the population, but account for 8 percent of disciplinary actions. Weekly data review It's this trend that is apparent statewide, and in Rochester, that caused RPS to hire Principal Afolabi Runsewe following the OCR agreement. Runsewe oversees PBIS efforts and tracks and reviews student discipline with each of the district's schools. At weekly meetings district leaders discuss trends in behavior, where those behaviors occur, like the physical rooms and spaces and what behaviors look like in different locations, especially for categories that are considered subjective. For example, what does defiance look like does it happen in the classroom? Does it happen in the hallways? Districts are required to track and report data through the Minnesota Department of Education, through a system called disciplinary incident reporting system, or DIRS. The district reports the behavior, the action taken by the district and demographic information of the student. "We are in a new era of looking towards the data to improve our systems, specifically our public education systems," said Josh Crosson, an advocacy manager with MinnCAN, a state education advocacy group. Data review groups meet weekly at all of Rochester's public schools to talk about specific students, but also to address overall issues like discipline disparities. This is a major component of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and a growing trend statewide. The hope is that the data will lead to answers answers that show in what types of classes and environments students are misbehaving, or what times of day they're having problems. "The best way is to look at the data and see where resources are required," Crosson said. More data collection? Statewide, groups like MinnCAN advocated for bills that would require an increase in data collection this legislative session, on the specifics of day-to-day student behavior, but also on suspensions, expulsions and other classroom removals. While many districts collect and report this information back to the state now, MinnCAN hopes the data will be further broken down to have schools report things like foster care status and whether or not a student is homeless. In Rochester, 30-year-veteran teacher Kelly Wright-Glynn said the data collection process allows teachers to look at the bigger picture, at factors they might not have previously considered, and for trends like the types of environments students struggle in. "School districts have data coming out of their ears, but they need to understand what kind of information the data will tell you," Gibbons said. Factors examined could be, for example, classrooms with male teachers or in classes that are less hands on. Eric Kloos, a statewide PBIS coordinator who works with the Minnesota Department of Education, said collecting data reveals patterns to educators at certain times of day, or in certain environments and recognizing those has transformed how people think about discipline. "You have the tools and processes to get deep into the conversation," Kloos said. "PBIS really gives the system and tools to help find (problems) earlier and really orient peoples attention to problem-solving around that" The last five years, there's been a decrease statewide in the total number of days for out-of-school suspensions. Expulsions also decreased, marginally. With the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act a federal education bill that replaced No Child Left Behind federal regulations shifted slightly in what will be required of districts. Currently districts only need to report in-school suspensions for special education students, and that will extend to all students. It will also require the foster care, military family and homelessness status to be reported. Currently, the state is required to track disciplinary actions by districts, like out-of-school suspensions that last more than one day, as well as incidents involving dangerous weapons. Next year, districts around the state will be required to report in-school suspensions as well, under new federal rules. Another issue, highlighted earlier this year in a report released by MinnCAN, is that school districts don't further break down race/ethnicity data. For example, the category "Black" would include an African-American student and a student that's a Somali immigrant. State organizations say breaking that down further and reviewing data could provide more answers overall and for teachers. It won't provide all the answers All this data is great, but it doesn't always tell the whole story. Many districts struggle to wade through it. Often districts don't have the capacity to use the data yet, whether it be academic or behavioral data, said Kim Gibbons, associate director with the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement. "Despite substantial motivations and efforts to use data, most districts lack the capacity to meet their own needs for data-based decision-making, in part due to a lack of qualified personnel," concluded a 2016 CAREI needs assessment. Gibbons said while the report focuses primarily on collecting data for academic achievement purposes, Gibbons said that the concepts extend to disciplinary actions as well. Gibbons said there is a huge need for data literacy, and districts need to understand how the types of data they're collecting can answer their questions and present solutions. Many said their capacity to use that data was poor, and districts need to work on that. It's also sometimes difficult to capture social-emotional behavior issues. "If you're just relying on behavioral data that is infractions that annoy teachers not following directions, annoying teachers thatll capture one group of kids, but theres a lot more attention given lately to school-based mental health," Gibbons. But despite shortcomings, education leaders say its time to shift how we look at discipline, and data is the place to start. "I think as a nation, were staring to see data as a need to create a solution," Crosson said. "Were all coming together to change the narrative on school discipline." New school discipline less punitive, more restorative Under new policy, police liaison role changes Data may help solve discipline problems A federal directive issued by the Obama administration on Friday protects transgender students against discrimination under Title IX's mandate that districts can't discriminate against students based on their sex. The joint guidance, from the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice, "makes clear that both federal agencies treat a student's gender identity as the student's sex for purposes of enforcing Title IX," according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Education. "No student should ever have to go through the experience of feeling unwelcome at school or on a college campus," said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. in the press release. "This guidance further clarifies what we've said repeatedly that gender identity is protected under Title IX." The Minnesota Department of Education followed with its own statement Friday morning. "All of our students deserve safe and supportive places where they can learn, thrive and succeed," said MDE Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. "In 2013, we replaced one of the weakest anti-bullying laws in the nation with the Safe and Supportive Schools Act, and the School Safety Technical Assistance Center at the Minnesota Department of Education continues to provide support and assistance to schools as they strive to make student safety a top priority." ADVERTISEMENT The state department's statement of support is in line with the Rochester Public School District's mission statement, said Heather Nessler, the district's director of communication. Nessler said there haven't been any issues at RPS, and resources are available depending on the school, including teachers, principals, school social workers and counselors. "RPS follows all legislation required of public schools, including Title IX," and pointed to School Board Policy 522, Student Sex Nondiscrimination, which protects students from discrimination based on sex under the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The district's Title IX coordinator is the director of human resources, a position currently vacant at RPS. The role will be filled by Assistant Superintendent Brenda Lewis until a permanent hire is made. ST. PAUL Frustrated. Worried. Troubling. Those are some of the words being used by lawmakers to describe the state of negotiations in St. Paul. With just more than a week left in the legislative session, Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders have yet to reach agreement on transportation funding, tax cuts or construction spending. "I'm frustrated," said Rep. Kim Norton, DFL-Rochester. "We have no idea if they are even coming close (to a deal). I don't think they've really done much negotiating." Rochester GOP Sen. Dave Senjem also is concerned. He said he is getting worried that time is running out for leaders to craft a compromise. Still, he said he finds it hard to imagine that legislators won't come together in the final days because they will all be facing the voters this fall. "I think (the election) certainly creates a greater sense of urgency. I don't think, whether you are Republican or Democrat, you want to knock on a door and have a person say, 'You didn't get anything done,'" Senjem said. ADVERTISEMENT While the major issues of the session have stayed stuck in legislative gridlock, other measures have managed to win bipartisan support. They include a proposal to switch from caucuses to presidential primaries and bills that would bring Minnesota into compliance with the federal Real ID law. There also appears to be some momentum to pass police body camera guidelines. Transportation funding in spotlight Legislative leaders have said getting a deal on transportation funding is the first step toward reaching an end-of-session agreement. But so far, there appears to be little progress in that regard. House Republicans on Friday reiterated their opposition to a gas tax increase something Senate Democrats and Dayton support. Meanwhile, Dayton has said he plans to release a compromise transportation proposal on Monday. House Transportation Committee Chairman Tim Kelly, R-Red Wing, said he remains confident that lawmakers can pass a long-term transportation funding package. To make that happen, he said Democrats will have to drop their insistence on a gas tax increase, and Republicans will have to back off their position of no funding for Metro-area transit projects. As for the governor's proposal, Kelly said he appreciates Dayton's input but it will be up to House and Senate leaders to get a final plan hammered out. "We absolutely want the governor's input. We appreciate him making transportation a top priority, but as far as the real detail work, that will be done at the House and Senate level," Kelly said. 'Anxious and nervous' Among those watching the transportation negotiations closely is John Reed, executive director of the Rochester International Airport. The airport is seeking $5 million to expand its U.S. Customs facility. Funding for the plan was part of a recent House Republican transportation funding plan. There's also the potential the airport could be funded as part of a construction borrowing bill. It was funded in the DFL-led Senate $1.8 billion constructing funding package, also called a bonding bill, which failed to pass last week. The push for dollars comes as the federal government has warned it could shut down the facility because it does not meet federal requirements. If that happens, the airport would lose its international status. ADVERTISEMENT Reed said he's "anxious and nervous" as he waits to see what lawmakers will do. Still, he said he remains confident lawmakers will end up funding the project because it's critical for the regional economy. "International travelers to this community spend a lot of money here and do a lot of business here, and the money that injects into this community is substantial," Reed said. Plenty of uncertainty For rank-and-file legislators, it can be tough to know what's going on in the final days of session. "Sometimes you feel like you are walking through a room with the lights off," said Rep. Nels Pierson, R-Rochester. But the freshman Republican said he remains optimistic lawmakers will come together because all 201 lawmakers are up for election this fall. "Senators and representatives all want the same thing. We want a transportation bill. We want tax relief for Minnesotans. And we want a bonding bill," Pierson said. Red Wing DFL Sen. Matt Schmit is also optimistic that lawmakers will get their work done in the week ahead. He said Senate Democrats are willing to compromise with Republicans on transportation, along with taxes and bonding. But Schmit said he won't vote for any proposals that could lead to future budget problems. ADVERTISEMENT He added, "The worst thing we could do this session is turn a surplus into a deficit, and I truly mean that." When it comes to hotdish competitions, 1st District DFL Rep. Tim Walz has pulled off a three-peat. Walz nabbed his third first-place finish in the Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Competition on Wednesday. The Mankato Democrat took the top prize for his dish "Turkey Taco Tot Hotdish," beating out nine other congressional member's hotdishes. "A hotdish dynasty is born," Walz declared in a statement. The 6th annually culinary competition is sponsored by DFL Sen. Al Franken. Three judges helped determine the winners Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema, a native Minnesotan; his mom, Dorothy Sietsema, of Worthing; and Ryan Jensen, a Fergus Falls native who owns Peregrine Espresso in Washington, D.C. Walz previously won the top prize in 2014 for his "Turkey Trot Tater-Tot Hotdish" and in 2013 for his "Hermann the German Hotdish." He thanked Franken for sponsoring the competition. ADVERTISEMENT "It's a great way for us to come together and celebrate our heritage, while building bipartisan relationships. As we move forward, let's carry this spirit of bipartisanship past the Hotdish competition and work to solve the real challenges we face," Walz said. Franken congratulated the southern Minnesota congressman on his victory. "I would like to thank all of my colleagues for taking the time out of their busy schedules to join the competition, and congratulate Rep. Walz on his award-winning hotdish. It was delicious," Franken said in a statement. Other hotdish entires this year included Franken's "Land of 10,000 Calories Hotdish, Sen. Amy Klobuchar's "Babe the 'Brew' Ox Steak and Ale Hotdish' and 2nd District Rep. John Kline's Pizza Pie Hotdish. To see the recipes, go here . "I know Russia well. I had a major event in Russia two or three years ago, Miss Universe contest." Donald Trump "You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska." Sarah Palin WASHINGTON Mark Salter, the longtime John McCain consigliere, was asked by Politico's Glenn Thrush whether he believed McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his 2008 running mate "opened the door a crack for a Trump-style candidate." "Maybe a little," Salter said after a pause. Stuff and nonsense. Salter was being modest. Palin's nomination didn't crack the door for Trump. It birthed him. Palin is, politically, the Mother of Trump. ADVERTISEMENT Some of their similarities, such as their curious ways of justifying their knowledge of Russia, are superficial. Trump, asked by NBC's Chuck Todd where he gets his military advice, said: "Well, I watch the shows. ... You know, when you watch your show and all of the other shows." This had more than an echo of Palin's reply to Katie Couric in 2008 about which newspapers or magazines she reads: "Um, all of them, any of them that have been in front of me all these years." But the likenesses go much deeper, between the candidates themselves and among the followers they've inspired: The attacks on the media. The demonization of a supposed "establishment." The huge and sometimes violent crowds. The prominent platforms given both candidates by Fox News. The racist responses among supporters. The suspicion of science. The scapegoating of Muslims. The portrayal of President Obama as something other than American. Well before Trump built his national political reputation by questioning the authenticity of Obama's birth certificate, there was Palin. In December 2009, she called it a "fair question" and "fair game" and said "the public rightfully is still making it an issue." In 2011, after Trump said he was sending investigators to Hawaii to probe Obama's birth, Palin responded, "More power to him." Before Trump said he would bring back waterboarding and "a hell of a lot worse," there was Palin. Two years ago, she talked about how "if I were in charge, they would know that waterboarding is how we baptize terrorists." Before there was Trump talking about banning Muslim immigration (a stance Palin supports) and forced registration of Muslims, there was Palin. "Let Allah sort it out," was her 2013 response to the Syrian civil war. Soon after Palin was named McCain's running mate in 2008, I went to see her campaign in Florida in front of 8,000 people -- and as I reread my column from then it sounds much like the Trump events I've seen this year. She justified her accusation that Obama "pals around with terrorists" by saying that Obama isn't "a man who sees America the way you and I see America" and that he "sees America as imperfect enough to work with a former domestic terrorist who had targeted his own country." When she railed against this "domestic terrorist," Bill Ayers, one man in the audience shouted, "Kill him!" She stirred the crowd to turn against the press in a manner similar to Trump's rallying of supporters against penned-in reporters at his events: "Palin supporters turned on reporters in the press area, waving thunder sticks and shouting abuse. ... One Palin supporter shouted a racial epithet at an African-American sound man for a network and told him, 'Sit down, boy.'" ADVERTISEMENT Back then, she stirred racial animosity (she tried to make an issue of Obama's former preacher, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, even though McCain had called that off-limits) and quarreled with the party establishment (the Florida GOP chairman was forbidden aboard her plane because he questioned Palin's abilities). Nicolle Wallace, a former top official on the McCain 2008 campaign, observed the parallel in The New York Times in January after Palin endorsed Trump: "Mr. Trump is riding the wave of anxiety that Ms. Palin first gave voice to as Sen. John McCain's running mate. Mr. Trump has now usurped and vastly expanded upon Ms. Palin's constituency, but the connection between the two movements is undeniable." McCain, admirably, refused to let the rage take over his campaign: He famously corrected the woman at his event who called Obama an "Arab," taking a different approach than Trump, who let stand an accusation at his event that Obama is a Muslim. But now there is no such filter. And the man who gave us Palin in 2008 worries that her political progeny could cost him his Senate seat in Arizona this year. With Trump on the ticket, McCain has said, "this may be the race of my life." Dana Milbank is a columnist for the Washington Post. WASHINGTON One of the chief policy mysteries of Donald Trump's campaign platform is how he intends to achieve the arithmetically impossible: reduce taxes by trillions of dollars; shield Social Security and Medicare benefits from any cuts; "rebuild" the military and infrastructure; and depending on what day Trump is talking -- start to pay off the national debt, if not eliminate it by the end of his second term. Perhaps, I thought, Sam Clovis, Trump's national co-chair and chief policy adviser, could explain. Clovis, an economics professor at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, was the Trump campaign's emissary to a summit on fiscal responsibility Wednesday sponsored by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. To say the session was unedifying fails to convey its incoherence. It was alarming. "I understand less about Trump's budget plan after listening to Clovis than I did before," tweeted David Wessel of the Brookings Institution. Indeed. Interviewed by CNBC's John Harwood, Clovis started by misstating the cost of Trump's tax plan and proceeded downhill from there. Harwood noted that the Tax Foundation, a group that Clovis himself described as a "highly credible organization," had estimated the price tag of the Trump tax plan at $10 trillion over 10 years even under what is known as dynamic scoring, giving the plan credit for spurring economic growth. ADVERTISEMENT Clovis: "That's not entirely true, because the Tax Foundation model is a static model. It's not a dynamic model." Harwood: "They do it both ways, but I believe that their $10 trillion figure that they came up with was in their dynamic model." Clovis: "Well, that's what they told me, and I sat across the table from them just like this, John." Advantage, Harwood. The Tax Foundation puts the "dynamic" cost of the Trump plan at $10.1 trillion. The "static" score is $11.9 trillion. No biggie. A trillion here, a trillion there. Clovis' fiscal insouciance was breathtaking. "Our proposals, what we think will happen, will lead us in fact to about a $4.5 to $7 trillion surplus at the end of 10 years, if all of our initiatives are put in place," he said. Pause for a moment to appreciate the audacity of this claim. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that deficits will total another $9.4 trillion during this period. So Trump is purporting to pay for his $10 trillion tax cut, plus eliminate that additional deficit, plus amass a surplus amounting to several trillion more? Outlandish is too kind a word for this. And then there was Clovis' puzzling answer to Harwood's questions about whether Trump -- who has vowed not to cut entitlement benefits might be willing to back away from that pledge once in office. Actually, Clovis said, once the Trump-generated economic growth has taken off, "we'll take a hard look at those to start seeing what we can do in a bipartisan way." ADVERTISEMENT Still, Clovis said, "Right now, we're not going to touch anything because we can't predict the growth. If we don't have that growth, then I think that whoever [is] the next president is going to have a horrible time in dealing with this, because those entitlements will race to the front of all the economic issues we have in this country." If Trump is open to entitlement reform, that's good news, from my point of view. But who can tell what Trump position is real and what is illusory, what can be relied on only for the fleeting moment and what constitutes a matter of deep conviction? Ruth Marcus is a columnist for the Washington Post. On Friday one of the prosecutions three key witnesses took the stand at the trial of the three Minnesota men contesting the charges that they conspired to provide material support to ISIS. Abdullahi Yusuf is one of six Minnesota men who have pleaded guilty to the conspiracy (Im using his mug shot for the thumbnail on the home page). Testifying under a cooperation agreement with the government, Yusuf provided a compelling look at the conspiracy from the inside. Yusufs testimony implicated all three defendants. It also identified defendant Guled Ali Omar as the elected emir or leader of the group that sought to travel from the Twin Cities to Syria to join ISIS. The courtroom is full of family, friends and supporters of the defendants. Security is visible and tight, especially in the atrium of the courthouse. Several armed DHS officers are present at all times with dogs. On Thursday, Omars brother Khadar entered the courthouse with a six-inch scissors. Having previously been observed photographing the elevators and misleading security officers about it, Khadar Omar was barred from the courthouse on Friday for the duration of the trial (order below via Star Tribune reporter Stephen Montemayors Twitter feed). Khadar Ali Omar barred from federal court building after trying to bring in scissors, taking pics of elevators pic.twitter.com/xggnd6E0hG Stephen Montemayor (@smontemayor) May 13, 2016 Yusufs mother was present for his testimony. When one of the Somali supporters of defendants said something to her about Yusuf, she audibly erupted and was removed from the courtroom by security officers. Up and out, Judge Davis ordered her. Yusuf asked for a break. During the break, the cause of the disturbance was ascertained and reported to Judge Davis. Judge Davis apologized to Yusufs mother as well as to another Somali who had been removed. The person who upset Mrs. Yusuf was thrown out. Judge Davis referred to Omars brother and said he could come back too. Who said what to whom and what happened remain unclear to me. Yusuf was a high school senior at the time he joined with defendants to travel to Syria. He attempted to depart for Syria in May 2014 within days of the graduation of his high school classmates from Heritage Academy (an all Somali charter school) in Minneapolis. Yusuf is extremely well spoken. He speaks perfect English with a good vocabulary. His opportunities to succeed in conventional pursuits in the United States would have been (and may still be) boundless. Listening to him testify, I thought of the Shakespearian phrase expense of spirit in a waste of shame. I would change that up to make it expense of spirit in a shame of waste. The Dar Al-Farooq Mosque near Heritage in southeast Minneapolis (Dar Al-Farooq Como) and the Dar Al-Farooq Youth and Family Center in Bloomington figured prominently in Yusufs testimony. The Minnesota men met at these places and convened in the mosque to talk and to plan. Yusuf had no money. Yusuf purchased a ticket to travel from Minneapolis to Istanbul on Aeroflot. He funded the purchase with funds provided by Yusuf Jama, another member of the group who is now believed to have been killed in an airstrike during the battle of Kobane in Syria. Defendant Mohamed Farah drove him to a stop on the light rail to the airport on Hiawatha. Where was Jama getting the money? Unbeknownst to him, Yusuf was under surveillance at the time. The prosecution introduced two surveillance photos of Yusuf boarding the train to the airport. Yusuf made it to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport but was intercepted at the gate by FBI Special Agent John Thomas before departure. Thomas asked him about the purpose of his intended travel. Yusuf lied about it. When Thomas said he knew better, Yusuf complained that he was being profiled because he is Somali/Muslim. They really have that protocol nailed. Yusuf took a taxi home from the airport. He was subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury. I doubt he was any more truthful with the grand jury than he was with Special Agent Thomas. Yusufs travel was coordinated with that of another member of the group, Abdi Nur. Nur departed the Twin Cities the following day and made it to Syria where he is believed to be fighting with ISIS. The group including Yusuf and defendants communicated in part via the secure Surespot encrypted chat messenger. Yusuf testified that he deleted his Surespot account after his encounter with law enforcement at the airport. He avoided his friends but tweeted the weather is hot to let them know he was still around courtesy of law enforcement. At the outset of his testimony, Yusuf acknowledged his false statements to law enforcement when he began to cooperate in January 2015. He said he sought to protect his former friends, as he described them. I knew there would be blowback from the community, he added. There is a decided Mafia flavor to the situation. Yusuf returned to life at home in Inver Grove Heights, just south of St. Paul. He reconnected with defendants Daud and Omar, who were communicating with Nur via Snapchat. Daud showed him photos of Nur in Syria that had been taken and uploaded that day. In September 2014, Yusuf met members of the group including the three defendants at Dar Al-Farooq Como. His attorney (who was also present in court yesterday) advised him by text message to be ready to be arrested. Daud and Farah advised him to hightail it; Omar advised him to stay. He started plotting to leave with defendants Daud and Farah. They were going to leave for Syria together via Mexico, South America or Canada. Daud told him that the West is the enemy. Daud asked him how could he fool himself into thinking he could stay? For a fuller account of Yusufs testimony, see Stephen Montemayors Star Tribune article or Casey Tolans Fusion piece. Montemayors Twitter feed is extremely helpful if youre trying to keep up; he is indefatigable. MPRs Mukhtar Ibrahim and Laura Yuen have an excellent running trial summary that is posted here. Mukhtar speaks Somali and the MPR account of Fridays doings purports to sort out what happened during the afternoon incident involving Yusufs mother and Omars brother. Out in Minnesota briefly on the Prince beat, Matt Pearce of the Los Angeles Times filed a report by telephone on the opening of the trial on Wednesday. Normally I wouldnt draw attention to a ridiculous story like this, but for the little detail, marked in bold, at the end of the second paragraph: Seems fitting somehow, no? Technical education indeed. I suspect Ben Rhodes can become the principal there after Obama leaves office. EMF Electromagnetic field) It threatens! Shield Yourself! EMF Electromagnetic field) It threatens! Shield Yourself! 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Nevertheless I ensure it is ONE HUNDRED% actual as well as is an unsafe to our health!Miracle Alternatives, LLC offers a massive range of EMF protection items as well as devices!Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) could create signs and symptoms of illness in babies, kids and also grownups, particularly those that already experience reduced resistance.If you are sensitive to EMFs, you could experience signs like:.- Nerves signs, like tiredness, stress as well as rest disruptions.- Skin signs, like face prickling, burning sensations and breakouts.- Body signs and symptoms, like discomforts and aches in your muscles.- Eye signs, such as burning experiences.- Clouded reasoning and also clinical depression.- Mind control.- Mind torture.- Alien abductions.- Alien mind control.- Alien visits.- A selection of much less usual signs and symptoms, like ear, nose, and also throat signs as well as digestive problems.The inability to conceive.- Leukemia in youngsters, bust cancer or cancer clusters have been linked to high direct exposure to EMFs.WHAT ARE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS?Electromagnetic fields are locations of power that border electronic devices. The World Health Organization (WHO) discusses that the electric areas are developed by differences.in voltage as well as electromagnetic fields are created when the electric present circulations.According to WHO, electromagnetic fields impact us due to the fact that our bodies have their own electric as well as biochemical feedbacks (e.g., nerves, digestion, brain.feature, heart function). So direct exposure to EMFs can interact with your body in negative means.Where Do Electromagnetic Fields Come From?Simply put, EMFs originate from electricity:.In your house-- DECT cordless phones, hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, microwave ovens, irons, televisions (the flat panel TVs are far better compared to the old box-style TVs),.major ring as well as lighting circuits, dimmer buttons, electric blankets, electric shavers, electrical toothbrushes, WiFi, etc. In your workplace-- computers, fluorescent or halogen illumination, facsimile machine, copy machines, scanners, cellular phone and also WiFi.Outdoors-- high-voltage line - chem trails from air aircrafts and jets, (high voltage cables either expenses or hidden in the ground), transformers (the grey cyndrical tubes raised up on.posts that resemble trash bin), electric substations, cellular phone towers, cities that provide citywide cordless Internet (WiFi) as well as electromagnetic radiation from near.next-door neighbors' electronic tools.Furthermore, it believed by several that they are experiencing some type of psychological torture and also or mind control from psychic attacks or the federal government weather condition intentional or.unintended! Let's face it. The U.S. governemnt and also other governments are constantly conducting some kind of experiments by utilizing numerous various types of electrical areas.such as microwaves, military psychic waves, radar as well as who recognizes just what else.To learn more and also watch all EMF Protection items as well as devices merely visit the EMF Protection Products web site. Check out extensive descriptions of eash item and device. Enjoy.video demos as well as video reviews.Keywords:.#emf, emf protection, #emfprotection, magnetic fields, digital polution, alien mind control, #mindcontrol, #alienabductions. For those men desirous of ending their woes with low sperm count they can boost their fertility if they embrace a simple therapy: eat more goat meat and foods that contain different nutrients to boost their potency. Professor of Applied Zoology, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Stephen Oluwagbemiga, gave the advice at the annual lecture of the National Association of Zoology Students, University of Ilorin on Friday. Mr. Oluwagbemiga, who cautioned Nigerians against feeding too much on junk foods, said the advice was necessary because many people were deficient in calcium. He said inadequate calcium in the body could adversely affect how peoples hearts and other vital parts of the body worked or functioned. Stressing the need for people to increase their calcium in-take by eating crayfish, snails and biscuit bones, Mr. Oluwagbemiga said this was one of the ways to stay healthy. The varsity don, who was speaking on the topic Relevance of Zoology in Contemporary Nigeria said Zoologists had been involved in solving some of the nations complex health problems in recent times including the effects of guinea worm infection, sleeping sickness and mosquito bites. The Kwara States Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mahmud Ajeigbe, praised the students for organising the lecture, and urged them to face their studies at all times to realise the objectives of their being set to school. Mr. Ajeigbe also charged them to cultivate the habit of reading widely in order to broaden their knowledge and excel in all fields of human endeavours. (NAN) The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) said on Saturday it would stand strongly in support of the federal governments resolve to fully deregulate the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The declaration of support by the aircraft pilots and engineers came barely few hours after the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; Trade Union Congress, TUC and their affiliates and allies in the civil society issued a 96-hour ultimatum to government to rescind the decision or face the wrath of their members. NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, told reporters in Abuja that the policy, which resulted in the hike in petrol price from N86.50 per litre to N145, was rejected because it was unrealistic, unaffordable, and unacceptable. But, NAAPE, in a contrasting opinion, described the deregulation policy as a step in the right direction, pointing out that although it was long overdue, it was better late than never. National President, Isaac Balami, who commended the government for the bold decision, said the subsidy scheme was extremely fraud-prone, adding that trying to reform the process was like attempting to reform Satan (devil) an impossibility task. Our advice to the government is to use the money that will be saved to put in place infrastructures that will create jobs for Nigerians; ensuring that our refineries are working optimally, and encouraging local production to ameliorate the temporary hardship the citizen are going through, Mr. Balami said. He said the operators in the aviation industry, government must begin the refining of the aviation fuel, popularly called Jet A1 from the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries, to help reduce the costs of operation and flight tickets, since fuel alone constituted about 30 to 40 per cent of operational cost. Mr. Balami said government should also look into the issue of establishing a national carrier as promised or strengthen the local domestic carriers as soon as possible, as the industry was currently at a standstill. We need more jobs to be created for our pilots and engineers, while reiterating our unalloyed support for this novel and bold decision the Federal Government has taken to secure the future of Nigeria, the NAAPE said. Despite the threat by the NLC to call workers out on strike if the federal government fail to accede to their demands, the NAAPE president said the association would not allow pilots and aircraft engineers to join in any strike. As far as we are concern, Nigerians should go ahead with their travel plans. The truth is that the industry itself is already being affected by the current challenges in the country and any move to short down the aviation Sector will lead to a total collapse of the Sector, Mr. Balami said. In what appears a division in the rank of labour, the two influential oil workers unions, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and its counterparts in the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, had on Friday at the end of its emergency National Executive Council meeting in Calabar also opted to support government. The groups said in a joint communique that they would want the government to intensify consultations with various interest groups to work out ways the proceeds from the removal of fuel subsidy would be utilized to the benefits of the people. Although the President of PENGASSAN, Francis Johnson, was present at the briefing by the NLC on Saturday, he said the decision of the two oil workers unions to support the government policy was not to suggest they would not abide by whatever final resolution would be arrived at at the end of ongoing consultations. Barely a week after he became governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello approved for himself a total of N260 million as security votes, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report today. Mr. Bello, who is currently Nigerias youngest governor, was sworn into office at an elaborate ceremony on January 27 after his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, fielded him as replacement for its former candidate, Abubakar Audu. Mr. Audu was in clear lead in the November 21, 2015 governorship poll but suddenly died before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concluded the election. Mr. Bello was fielded as the APC replacement during the rerun poll in some areas of the state. His candidacy was fiercely opposed by the deputy governorship candidate of the party, James Faleke. On Mr. Bellos first day in office, the Permanent Secretary in the Government House, Ilemona John, initiated a memo titled, Request For Security Fund. In the document, Mr. Bello was requested to approve N15 million as his security fund. He approved the payment of the fund two days later, on January 29. The Government House Permanent Secretary raised yet another memo just four days later on February 2, with a fresh request for security fund. This time, the amount was jerked to N20 million. The governor did not waste time as he gave prompt approval for the release of the funds on the same day. It however became apparent that the money was not enough because Mr. John again raised another memo for the release of more security funds the following day, February 3. In the new memo, Mr. Bello was requested to approve the release of the sum of Five Million naira (N5, 000,000, 00) only for the replenishment of your Excellencys security fund which has just been exhausted. Mr. Bello granted approval immediately. Not done, the permanent secretary who is a Reverend Pastor, quickly returned with another request on the same day (February 3, 2016) seeking Mr. Bello to release another N20 million for the replenishment of his security fund which has just been exhausted. The governor did not hesitate to give the approval for the release of the funds. Five days later, on February 8, the Permanent Secretary, again initiated a memo indicating that Mr. Bellos security fund had yet again been exhausted and sought approval for N100 million to be released to replenish it. Governor Bello granted approval the following day, February 9. A few hours later on February 9, Mr. John raised another memo informing his principal that the security fund he approved hours earlier had been exhausted and that he needed to approve another N100 Million. Mr. Bello readily granted approval on the same day. PREMIUM TIMES cannot say exactly how much has so far been spent as security funds, but documents obtained so far indicate that between January 27 and May 12, Kogi State taxpayers could have coughed out billions to their profligate governor. N148 Million for furnishing and renovation of office While Mr. Bello was drawing millions under security funds, he also approved over N148 million to furnish and renovate his office at the Government House. For this, Mr. John, the Government House permanent secretary, as usual, came up with another memo on February 1. The memo was titled, Request for the furnishing and maintenance of the Governors Office, Kogi State Government House. In it, Rev. John requested the governor to approve N99, 983, 994.00, being a proposal by a company, Maj Global Construction Company Ltd, for the furnishing and renovation of the governors office. Mr. Bello promptly granted approval on the same day the request was made. However, Rev. John returned a month later on March 4, with a memo telling the governor that the over N99 million he earlier released for the furnishing and renovation of his office, was not enough. He, therefore, requested the governor to release additional N48, 593, 250.00 for additional works on the renovation/furnishing and maintenance of the governors office at Kogi Government House. Governor Bello gave approval on the same day the request was made. PREMIUM TIMES also obtained copies of the document detailing the release of the fund approved for the furnishing and renovation of the governors office. The first document dated February 4, from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development showed that the sum of N99, 983, 994.00 was released as Grant/ Special imprest in favour of the perm secretary in the Government House Administration. The other document, dated March 9, was also for the release of N48, 593, 250.00 as Grant/Special imprest in favour of the permanent Secretary, Government House Administration to cover additional works for the furnishing and maintenance of the Governors office at Kogi Government House. While the governor engaged in a spending spree for his luxury, state workers and pensioners remained unpaid for months. Analysts believe that while Kogi State has had a flicker of militant activities by members of the Boko Haram group, the state has remained largely a relatively peaceful state. Mr. Bellos defence When PREMIUM TIMES contacted the spokesperson to the governor, Kingsley Fanwo, he confirmed the spending but said they were necessary. It is public knowledge that Kogi State has been contending with serious security breach for the past 10 years, Mr. Fanwo said. As a result of the location of the state as gateway to many states of the federation, the state drifted into a criminal hotbed. Also, years of gross maladministration and blinding embezzlement has left the youth bare, exposing them to all sorts of criminal activities to survive. Kogi became a haven of robbers and kidnappers. As a responsible government, he argued that the Yahaya Bello administration has taken security to the front burners by strengthening the states security architecture in order to make it inhabitable for hoodlums and criminal elements. Because of his principals huge investment, he said security in the state had greatly improved while however, adding that security vote is not usually a subject for public consumption and no cost can be higher than human lives. He said Governor Bello would continue to prioritize security because it was one of the main objectives of his election. Continuing, he said, Let me also put on record that the Governor Yahaya Bello administration is contractually committed to fighting corruption and enthroning transparency in the polity. These are the terms of his social contract with the Kogi people. If you have ever been to the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja, you will appreciate the rot of the architecture. It was not befitting of one of the most historic Government Houses in Nigeria. In tandem with the present administrations drive to turn the economy of the state to a private sector driven one, we need to start our charity at home. People must love to come to our Government House to transact businesses. For these reasons, he said the Government House was undergoing massive renovation to make it habitable and to mirror the image of the state as a first-rated tourist destination. Being what he described as an accomplished business mogul who believes he assumed power by the grace of God, he said Mr. Bello had always reiterated his determination, not only to block corrupt practices, but to also ensure corrupt officials of government were made to face the wrath of the law. To underscore its transparency, he said the administration opened its account books to the people of the state. Besides, he said the governor constantly briefed the media on the income and expenditure of government. Massive constructions are ongoing in the state and the Governor is focused on ensuring transparent and active performance of this years budget, the governors spokesperson said. The antics of our opponents will be judged by the people of the state who are already witnessing the benefits of the New Direction Programs. The bulwark of the Yahaya Bello administration is transparency. Four major players in Nigerias oil and gas sector have been linked to the $115 million (N63 billion) allegedly distributed as bribes to some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, during the 2015 general elections. Mrs. Alison-Madueke, who is currently in the United Kingdom, where she is being investigated for money laundering, allegedly gave the bribes to the officials in the build-up to the elections to ensure the re-election of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Mr. Jonathan was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the March 28, 2015 presidential election. The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Cross River State, Gesil Khan, who was then in Rivers State, allegedly got N185, 842, 000 from the money. Others allegedly bribed were Fidelia Omoile (Electoral Officer in Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State) N112,480,000; Uluochi Brown (INECs Administrative Secretary in Delta State) N111,500,000; a former Deputy Director of INEC in Cross River State, Edem Effanga N241,127,000 and the Head of Voter Education in INEC in Akwa Ibom, Immaculate Asuquo N214,127,000. The EFCC believes the $115 million was provided by Northernbelt Gas Company, Midwestern Oil and Gas, Auctus Integrated Investment Limited and Lenoil Company Limited, all of which allegedly paid the money to Fidelity Bank before the funds were distributed to the electoral officials involved in the scam. The Commission also said it believed the $115 million came from the proceeds of stolen crude oil. The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Nwankwo, who used his bank to distribute the funds, was recently arrested by the EFCC. Bribing for contracts? Sources in the EFCC said the election cash made available by the oil companies between January and April 2015 contravened the Money Laundering Act, while the intent and purpose of the monies contravenes the anti-corruption Act. This newspaper also gathered that some officials of the companies might face multiple charges including that alleging that they offered bribe to the former petroleum minister with a view to securing lavish contracts and allegedly bribed INEC officials to block the push by the opposition party at that time to dethrone Mr. Jonathan. We further learnt that Auctus Integrated Company gave $17,884,000, while Northern Belt Gas Company deposited $60 million and Midwestern Oil and Gas, contributed $9.5 million. The fourth company, Lenoil, deposited $1.85million, our sources said, while Mr. Okonkwo received $26million in cash from Mrs. Alison-Madueke. After receiving the funds, according to investigators, Mrs. Diezani disbursed the money to some election officials and monitors. When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Midwestern Oil and Gas to react to the allegations against the company, a female voice, who answered the telephone, simply said she was in the front office and that she had no clearance to speak on the matter. When we requested to speak to anyone with clearance, she asked for more time, but later returned to say, We are sorry no one is available to talk to you now. Similarly, efforts to speak with Kola Adesina, the largest shareholder of Auctus Integrated Investment Limited, also failed as his representative, who answered our call said he was not in a position to comment on the matter. We also made frantic efforts to speak with officials of Northernbelt Gas Company without success. When we visited the address listed on registration documents as head office of the company in Abuja, we found that it was a private residence and the occupants told us they had no knowledge of any firm called Northernbelt Gas Company. We also tried to speak with Abubakar Tambuwal, a director of the company, but several calls made to him were unsuccessful. He also did not respond to a text message sent to him. Profile of the companies Northernbelt Gas Company was incorporated on February 2, 2012, with Registration number RC 1007819. The company had No. 5 Gidado Abu Road in Finance Quarters, Wuye Abuja, as its corporate headquarters. The companys documents showed that Mr. Tambuwal was made the company secretary on April 7, 2014. Auctus Integrated Investments Limited was incorporated on October 25, 2013 with a registration number 1147968 and has its corporate headquarters address as Block 5, Water corporation road, Ijora G.R. A. Lagos State. The third company, Midwestern Oil and Gas, was initially registered as a company owned by the government of Delta State on 15 December 1999 during the administration of James Ibori as governor. The company was registered with 50 million shares, which was increased to 150 million shares in 2012. Its registration number is RC 370639. The permanent secretaries in the states Ministries of Commerce, Tourism and Cooperation, that of Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning as well as the Solicitor General and permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Delta State, were the initial directors. Company documents at the CAC show that the company changed directors over 20 times since its incorporation in 1999. Currently, 50 million shares belonging to the company are owned by 19 other companies. There is also no document to show who owns the remaining 100 million shares belonging to Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited. Details about the fourth firm, Lenoil Company Limited, are not immediately available to PREMIUM TIMES. EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated to address complaints by some individuals named in the earlier version that they were not part of the decision by their companies to funnel funds to Mrs. Alison-Madueke. After coming under intense questioning from its shareholders, the management of Italian oil giant, Eni has finally admitted to wrongdoing in the infamous Malabu Oil deal. Eni, as well as Royal Dutch Shell, had previously insisted that it followed the law in the purchase of one of the most lucrative oil blocks in Nigeria, OPL-245, which belonged to Malabu Oil, a company owned by a convicted former minister, Dan Etete. Mr. Etete was the petroleum minister under Sani Abacha. PREMIUM TIMES previous investigations had detailed how he fraudulently awarded the oil block to himself and friends, including Mohammed Abacha, Mr. Abachas son, in contravention of Nigerian laws. Eni and Shell took over ownership of the oil block after paying $1.1 billion to Malabu. Despite UK court documents showing the contrary, Eni and Shell insisted that they were not aware the money paid to the Nigerian government would be transferred to Mr. Etete. In fact, Eni claimed its internal investigation that probe its role in the scandal said the company followed due process and did not find evidence of illegal conduct. However, after coming under intense queries by vexed shareholders, the company admitted that the investigation did not interview personnel involved who are suspects in a criminal investigation linked to the deal. The company also admitted that it did not follow the Italian legal criminal procedure rules for the conduct of defence investigations. Obviously these interviews talks [sic] did not regard those known to be listed in the register of suspects at the Milan prosecutors office, in order not to interfere with the judiciarys investigations. Being an independent internal audit on a voluntary basis, it was not necessary to refer to the rule of the Code of Criminal Procedure governing defence investigations, Enis management told shareholders. According to them, further analysis of the investigation recently commissioned by the board of directors had confirmed, in a transparent manner, the adequacy of the analyses carried out by other consultants. Enis investigation failed to interview key people inside and outside the company who negotiated the corrupt deal, and failed to access key documentation that forms the basis of the allegations against the company, said Barnaby Pace, a campaigner with UK-based anti-corruption organization, Global Witness. Eni has to come clean over this corrupt deal, the company told its investors it had found no evidence of illegal conduct but given what we now know about their investigation this isnt good enough. Investors should be seriously worried about the systemic risks that the company might be facing if this is how they react to serious corruption allegations, Mr. Pace added. Elena Gerebizza of Re: Common, an Italian organization campaigning for financial integrity, said Eni has to do more than merely admitting to wrongdoing. He said as the biggest shareholders of Eni, the Italian government has to make sure that those involved are made to face justice, in line with its avowed anti-corruption stance. Enis claim to a zero tolerance approach to corruption does not seem to line up with their actions on the OPL 245 case. The management admitted to current CEO Claudio Descalzis talks with a known convicted criminal during the negotiations for the deal but refused to disclose the content of the conversations or say what action has been taken over this this deeply problematic situation. As the largest shareholder in Eni, the Italian Government has a responsibility to intervene, it cannot maintain an anti-corruption stance but ignore such credible evidence within Italys biggest company, she said. The infamous oil deal has elicited multiple investigations across the world. In Italy, the office of the Public Prosecutor of Milan is investigating Eni and Shell as well as Mr. Etete who has been named as a suspect. In Holland, financial police working on a joint investigation team alongside Italian authorities, raided Shell headquarters at The Hague in February. A UK court ordered that $190 million paid by both oil giants to Mr. Etete and his middleman be frozen. Back home, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions, EFCC, is probing the deal. In 2014, the House of Representatives recommended that the deal be cancelled as it runs against the dictates of Nigerian laws. Dotun Oloko, a Nigerian anti-corruption campaigner said: All culpable parties must be held to account and face serious consequences for the cycle of corruption to be broken both in Nigeria and western boardrooms. In November 2004, Andy Nnamdi Uba was only a special assistant on domestic affairs to the then President Olusegun Obasanjo but he possibly had enormous wealth in his hands that he sought the services of the offshore handlers, Mossack Fonseca, to float for him an anonymous company, the type that are at times used to help the wealthy hide their assets from their home government and other authorities. Anonymous companies are also used by tax evaders, drug cartels and arms traders to hide criminal activity and keep millions of people in poverty. Leaked documents exclusively obtained by German newspaper, Suddeutsche Zeitung, and shared by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) with PREMIUM TIMES and other media organisations around the world, showed that Andy Uba, now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, own a shell company by name Wentworth Properties Limited in the Republic of Seychelles, an infamous tax haven. Andy Ubas net worth was insignificant and almost peasantry before May 29, 1999 when Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as President. He later returned from his sojourn in the United States to be appointed a presidential aide. He is believed to have become suddenly rich, running for governor in 2007, and then for senatorial position after his governorship election was annulled. Mr. Ubas offshore structure in the Seychelles was erected with the help of two women, Marta Edghill and Vianca Scott, believed to be his fronts. Minutes of the first meeting of the board of directors of Wentworth Properties Ltd showed that the said meeting was held on November 3, 2004. The minutes said the two women constituted the totality of the board of directors. Marta Edghill and Vianca Scott elected themselves President and Secretary of the company respectively. The registered office of Wentworth Properties was stated in the minutes as Suite 13, First Floor, Oliaji Trade Centre, Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahe, Republic of Seychelles. This is the office address of Mossack Fonseca office in the Seychelles. To show that Wentworth Properties Limited was just a shell company without any physical characteristics, no office structure and without a personnel, not even a janitor, the minutes further stated that it was resolved that the books, records and minutes of the company may be kept anywhere in the world. Finally, according to the minutes, the two women resolved that Mr. Uba be issued 4,950 shares with a par value of US$ 1,00 each and Mrs. Sederica Vedelago 50 shares with a par value of US$ 1,00. It remains unclear what businesses Mr. Uba transacted with the company, which remains active till this day. The senator declined to comment for this story. He did not answer or return multiple telephone calls made to him. He also did not reply a text message sent to him about 10 days ago. Senator Uba and the Code of Conduct Law Insiders at the Code of Conduct Bureau suggested the senator did not declare Wentworth and the properties it holds in the assets declaration forms he has so far filed with the Bureau. Mr. Uba wouldnt say if that is the case. But if that is the case, the senator would have violated Nigerias Code of Conduct law and could be arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, a special court that tries public officers for any contravention of the Code of Conduct for Nigerian public officers as spelt out in the Fifth Schedule of the Nigerian constitution. The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) were established to enforce a high standard of morality in the conduct of government business, and to ensure that the actions and behaviour of public officers conform to the highest standards of public morality and accountability. The senator could be charged for failing to declare the company and its associated assets and perhaps operating foreign accounts while being a public officer. The offences violate sections of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended. The Nigerian Army says its troops have captured a wanted Boko Haram leader, Sulaiman Umaru. The acting Director Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, said in a statement released on Saturday that the wanted terrorist, Mr. Umaru, was arrested at about 1.35pm on Friday, deep inside Sambisa forest, by troops from 143 Battalion. The army said Mr. Umarus photograph was on the poster containing the photographs of the 100 Boko Haram terrorists declared wanted by the military. The captured Boko Haram leader has been moved to 28 Task Force Brigade Headquarters investigation, the army said. The army also disclosed that N1.9 million was found on an Internally Displaced Person (IDP), Abacha Bulama, in Borno State, when troops from 22 Task Force Brigade Garrison, in conjunction with 112 Task Force Battalion, intercepted and screened 31 IDPs, including women and children coming from Sunabaya, Gumule, Garno and Mane-Gana villages. The army said Mr. Bulamas claim of being a businessman couldnt remove the suspicion on why he carried about such a huge amount of money. He has been detained for further investigation, while other IDPs have been handed over to Dikwa IDP Camp Manager for screening and further humanitarian assistance, the army said. Meanwhile, the army said the troops from 22 Task Force Brigade Garrison ran into an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Antul, a village south east of Dikwa. Seven soldiers were said to have been injured in the incident, while four fighters from the Civilian JTF who accompanied the troops also sustained injuries. The injured soldiers and their civilian counterparts have been evacuated to 7 Division Hospital and Medical Services, Maiduguri, the army said. The army said the troops killed two Boko Haram terrorists, and recovered two AK-47 rifles from them. The Ministry of Information and Culture has risen in stout defence of Minister Lai Mohammed, saying there was nothing wrong with requesting a loan from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to cover travelling expenses of a delegation to China. The ministrys clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Director, Public Relations and Protocol in the Ministry, Peter Dama. The letter to the NBC requesting a loan of N13.12 million was leaked to the media by an unknown staff of the Commission. But, Mr. Dama clarified that the loan was to cover tickets and travel expenses of a five-member delegation to Beijing, China, led by the Minister, for a conference on Tourism for Development. The loan being requested for is for the Ministry to meet up its obligations to enable the Minister and members of his delegation attend the all-important Conference. The loan is not meant for the minister alone as personal expenses, but for the expenses of all members of the delegation, Mr. Dama explained. He said the conference was organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in conjunction with the government of the Peoples Republic of China, under the overall theme Tourism for Peace and Development. Mr. Dama said the conference would feature, amongst others, discussions on major issues for sustainable development, including the contribution of tourism to poverty reduction and peace, adding that it was a veritable platform to develop synergy and partnership with players in the global Tourism Industry, to boost the countrys drive to diversify the Nigerian economy. He said the minister and the delegation would use the opportunity of the conference to hold discussions in China with set top box manufacturers meant to establish factories in Nigeria for the boxes for digital broadcasting processes, rather than the current situation where the boxes were being imported. This is meant to conserve our foreign exchange and to also create avenue for job creation for our citizens. It is clear that the conference is an all-important gathering that will benefit Nigeria, contribute towards diversification of its revenue base and create employment opportunities for Nigerians, he said. The statement said there was nothing unusual for an agency under a Ministry to assist in order to carry out government functions, adding that the request was discussed with the acting Director General of NBC, who agreed to assist with the loan before the letter was written. It is therefore shocking to find out that an internal memorandum from the Ministry could be leaked out to the social media by saboteurs in order to embarrass the government, Mr. Dama said. (NAN) For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. Learn how to plan a content marketing strategy around these five factors NEW YORK, May 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To compete effectively in a saturated marketplace, small businesses need to stay up-to-date on technological advancements that may influence the effectiveness of their content marketing efforts. With change can come trepidation, but marketers that adapt and embrace these new technologies will not only attract new leads, but also provide a superior level of customer service. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110831/NY59180LOGO In an effort to help small business marketers better understand the technological factors that can impact the effectiveness of their marketing messages, Philip Thune, CEO of Textbroker, provides the following: Searching local on smartphones. Thune sites a study where 94% of Americans are using their smartphones to search for local information. Ensure mobile websites are optimized to display correct addresses, contact information, coupons and reviews. Having accurate information readily available to these readers can help to fulfill their immediate need. Thune sites a study where 94% of Americans are using their smartphones to search for local information. Ensure mobile websites are optimized to display correct addresses, contact information, coupons and reviews. Having accurate information readily available to these readers can help to fulfill their immediate need. Research behavior vs. buyer behavior. Mobile devices are the preferred method for browsing products and comparing prices, but what about larger more expensive ticket items? According to Thune larger items are still purchased from a desktop so the content should be adjusted accordingly for certain industries such as travel or financial services. For discussion on the remaining technological advancements that can impact content marketing, read Thune's complete post here. PR Newswire's Small Business PR Toolkit is a comprehensive resource that provides small businesses and entrepreneurs the tools to develop an affordable public relations and marketing plan that helps generate interest from potential customers, engage with key audiences and grow their businesses. The toolkit features relevant content such as informative white papers, interactive webinars and how-to articles and premium access to educational resources, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of special offers designed specifically for small businesses. To request information on how PR Newswire can help your small business, click here. You can receive updates on new Small Business PR Toolkit content by following @prnsmallbiz on Twitter. About PR Newswire PR Newswire (www.prnewswire.com) is the premier global provider of multimedia platforms that enable marketers, corporate communicators, sustainability officers, public affairs and investor relations officers to leverage content to engage with all their key audiences. Having pioneered the commercial news distribution industry over 60 years ago, PR Newswire today provides end-to-end solutions to produce, optimize and target content -- from rich media to online video to multimedia -- and then distribute content and measure results across traditional, digital, mobile and social channels. Combining the world's largest multi-channel, multi-cultural content distribution and optimization network with comprehensive workflow tools and platforms, PR Newswire enables the world's enterprises to engage opportunity everywhere it exists. PR Newswire serves tens of thousands of clients from offices in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, and is a UBM plc company. Contact: Amanda Eldridge Director, Strategic Channels +1 201-360-6906 Amanda.eldridge@prnewswire.com Related Links http://www.prnewswire.com SOURCE PR Newswire Association LLC CALGARY, Alberta, May 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina" or the "Company") (TSX: PPL; NYSE: PBA) reported the voting results from its annual meeting of shareholders held May 12, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta (the "Meeting"). Each of the matters voted upon at the Meeting is discussed in detail in the Company's Management Information Circular dated March 23, 2016 (the "Information Circular") and is available on the Company's website under "Investor Centre Shareholder Information" at www.pembina.com. A total of 202,898,241 common shares representing 54 percent of the Company's issued and outstanding shares were voted in person and by proxy in connection with the Meeting. The voting results for each matter presented at the Meeting are provided below: 1. Election of Directors The following ten nominees were appointed as directors of Pembina to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, or until their successors are elected or appointed: Nominee Percentage of Votes in Favour Percentage of Votes Withheld Anne-Marie N. Ainsworth 99.57% 0.43% Grant D. Billing 96.83% 3.17% Michael H. Dilger 99.38% 0.62% Randall J. Findlay 98.18% 1.82% Lorne B. Gordon 95.48% 4.52% Gordon J. Kerr 81.06% 18.94% David M.B. LeGresley 98.98% 1.02% Robert B. Michaleski 99.24% 0.76% Leslie A. O'Donoghue 96.87% 3.13% Jeffrey T. Smith 99.62% 0.38% 2. Appointment of Auditors KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, were appointed to serve as the auditors of the Company until the close of the next annual meeting, at remuneration to be fixed by the directors on the recommendation of the Audit Committee. 3. Approve shareholders rights plan An ordinary resolution to continue Pembina's shareholder rights plan, and ratify, confirm and approve Pembina's amended and restated shareholder rights plan, as set out in the Information Circular, was approved with an approximate 96 percent of votes cast in favour. 4. Acceptance of Company's Approach to Executive Compensation On an advisory basis and not to diminish the role and responsibility of the board of directors, the approach to executive compensation disclosed in the Information Circular was approved with an approximate 95 percent of votes cast in favour. Additional details in respect the Meeting's voting results can be found on Pembina's profile at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov. About Pembina Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading transportation and midstream service provider that has been serving North America's energy industry for over 60 years. Pembina owns and operates an integrated system of pipelines that transport various products derived from natural gas and hydrocarbon liquids produced in western Canada and North Dakota. The Company also owns and operates gas gathering and processing facilities and an oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics business. Pembina's integrated assets and commercial operations along the entire hydrocarbon value chain allow it to offer a full spectrum of midstream and marketing services to the energy sector. Pembina is committed to working with its community and aboriginal neighbours, while providing value for investors in a safe, environmentally responsible manner. This balanced approach to operating ensures the trust Pembina builds among all of its stakeholders is sustainable over the long-term. Pembina's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under PPL and PBA, respectively. For more information, visit www.pembina.com. For further information: Investor Relations: Chelsy Hoy / Ian McAvity, (403) 231-3156, 1-855-880-7404, e-mail: investor-relations@pembina.com, www.pembina.com Related Links http://www.pembina.com SOURCE Pembina Pipeline Corporation The first contemporary art exhibition in the town, this year's theme is "Utopias and Heterotopias", and aims to discuss how contemporary culture can run counter to urbanization. Organized by Culture Wuzhen Co., Ltd., about 130 works from 40 artists and groups from 15 countries are on display, including paintings, sculptures, installments and videos from famous names such as Choe U-Ram, Ann Hamilton, Florentijn Hofam, John Koormeling, Olafur Eliasson and Martin Parr. One of the most notable pieces is Hamilton's Again Still Yet, a large loom made from the seats and stage of Wuzhen's iconic Guole traditional Chinese Theatre, which inspires the re-understanding of the relationship between seats, stage and theatre and the re-imagining of the structural value of work in life. "Utopia is directly related but also contrary to social reality," explained Feng Boyi, the exhibition's curator. "Heterotopia is a representation of varied phenomena and results on a real level in the process of imagining, pursuing, and practicing utopia. "While China is the place that most embodies some characteristics of heterotopia, Wuzhen, a 1,000 year-old water town, is a good example of China's urbanization and its progress of social transformation. And while preserving traditional cultural resources is imperative, it is equally important that their redevelopment be adapted to fit the special environment of China and to satisfy people's living conditions and needs for a modern life." Art Wuzhen is held in the West Scenic District, the part of Wuzhen that perhaps best typifies a Southeastern Chinese water town, and the North Silk Factory, a renovation of an abandoned 1970s factory. The two sites embody Wuzhen's traditional rural and industrial past as well as its creative present. Besides the exhibitions, more than 20 additional events, including artist lectures and workshops, have also been set up to help bring visitors deeper into the contemporary art world. For more information, visit: Website: http://en.artwuzhen.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artwuzhen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artwuzhen About Wuzhen Wuzhen is an ancient traditional Chinese water town located a one-hour drive from Shanghai. It combines more than 10 cultural landscapes including folk museums and celebrity residences with contemporary art elements and modern resort facilities to offer visitors an unparalleled leisure experience. Related Links http://en.artwuzhen.org SOURCE Culture Wuzhen Co., Ltd. NEW YORK, May 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential securities fraud at LendingClub Corporation ("LendingClub" or the "Company") (NYSE:LC). The investigation focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by failing to disclose that former Chairman and CEO, Renaud Laplanche ("Laplanche") violated an investor's express instructions as to a non-credit and non-pricing element. Specifically, the Company announced that on May 6, 2016, the board of directors accepted the resignation of Laplanche. The resignation followed an internal review of sales of $22 million in near-prime loans to a single investor, in violation of the investor's express instructions in March and April 2016. On this news, LendingClub's share price fell from $7.10 per share on May 6, 2016 to a closing price of $4.62 on May 9, 2016 a $2.48 or a 34.93% drop. Request more information now by clicking here: www.faruqilaw.com/LC. There is no cost or obligation to you. Take Action If you invested in LendingClub securities and would like to discuss your legal rights, visit www.faruqilaw.com/LC. You can also contact us by calling Richard Gonnello toll free at 877-247-4292 or at 212-983-9330 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected] Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding LendingClub's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. FARUQI & FARUQI, LLP 685 Third Avenue, 26th Floor New York, NY 10017 Attn: Richard Gonnello, Esq. [email protected] Telephone: (877) 247-4292 or (212) 983-9330 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120119/MM38856LOGO SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Related Links http://www.faruqilaw.com If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Rome, May 9 : Late Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's youngest son has urged Muslims to liberate the holy city of Jerusalem in an audio message, US terrorist-tracking organisation SITE tweeted on Monday. "Jerusalem is a bride whose blood is our dowry," Hamza bin Laden purportedly says in the online message, quoted by SITE. "The fight to free Jerusalem is a battle between faith and unbelief that requires the unity of the Ummah (the Muslim community)," SITE quotes the message as continuing. Believed to be 23 or 24 years old, Hamza bin Laden has been touted as a future leader of the terror network. "The liberation of Palestinian land has been brought much closer by the Syrian revolution," says the message, which SITE's director Rita Katz claims was recorded about five months ago. The message was released a day after Al Qaeda leader, the Egyptian-born Ayman al-Zawahiri allegedly urged rival militant groups in Syria to unite or risk death in an audio recording posted to the Internet. In the audiotape, Zawahiri allegedly lent his support to the Al Qaeda affiliated Al Nusra Front's plan to create a sovereign state in Syria that would rival the self-declared caliphate of the Islamic State jihadist group. Zawahiri become Al-Qaeda's leader in June 2011, a few weeks after Osama bin Laden was killed in a raid on his compound in Pakistan by US special forces. It is believed that Hamza bin Laden managed to escape from the compound during the raid by US navy seals. His current whereabouts are unknown. Al Qaeda released a message in August, purportedly from Hamza bin Laden calling for Jihad against America and its allies. It specifically suggests London, Washington, Paris and Tel Aviv as targets for attacks. He is believed to have taken part in attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan as early as in 2005. Los Angeles, May 10 : Actors Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling have reportedly welcomed their second child together. A birth certificate obtained by tmz.com states that the second child from Mendes' relationship with Gosling is a baby girl named Amada Lee Gosling. The document stated that she was born on April 29 at 8:03 A.M. at Providence St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. The news of the pregnancy was confirmed just before he was scheduled to appear on "Jimmy Kimmel live!", which is aired on Star World and Star World HD in India, to promote his film "The Nice Guys". Amada, which means "beloved" in Spanish, sounds familiar because it's the middle name of their first born, Esmeralda Amada Gosling. It happens to be Mendes' grandmother's name and the character she played in 2007's "We Own the Night". Mendes and Gosling fell in love while filming "The Place Beyond the Pines". They welcomed their first child together in September 2014. News of her second pregnancy broke last month. She was spotted leaving a building here with a large bag to cover her baby bump. Ranchi, May 10 : After implementing the liquor ban in his state, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has now set his eyes on neighbouring Jharkhand. On Tuesday Kumar launched a liquor prohibition campaign from Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. Addressing an event of the Nari Sangharsh Morcha, Kumar said there was no Bihar or Gujarat model of prohibition, but a model as was propounded by Mahatma Gandhi. "Why prohibition cannot be imposed in Jharkhand if it is banned in Bihar?" he asked. The ban on liquor is neither a Bihar nor a Gujarat model, rather it is Bapu's (Mahatma Gandhi) model," Kumar said. He also took a swipe at Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das who had said that the state would adopt the Gujarat model of governance. "The Jharkhand chief minister says that his government will follow the Gujarat model. In that case he must ban sale of liquor in the state as well," Kumar said. Kumar said there is a clear guideline in the excise policy that no liquor will be sold within three kilometres of those states where prohibition is in force. But, he alleged, the Jharkhand government increased the quota of liquor in districts bordering Bihar despite his letter in this regard. In a veiled attack, Kumar also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that he should ensure that the Gujarat model is implemented in all the states where the Bharatiya Janata Party is in power. He also said that there was no connection between consumption of liquor and the lifestyle of the tribals. "Absolutely wrong information is being spread that liquor is linked to tribal culture. The Raghubar Das government will one day be forced to announce prohibition on liquor as people of the state have now become conscious," Kumar said. He said due to the ban on liquor the crime graph in Bihar has gone down. Former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi also addressed the gathering. Kumar's party Janata Dal-United (JD-U) has minuscule presence in Jharkhand. Political observers point out that the Bihar chief minister is now trying to form a grand alliance at the national level and for that he may seek a merger of the JD-U and the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik of Marandi. Ujjain, May 11 : BJP president Amit Shah, who took a holy dip in the Shipra river on Wednesday as part of programmes during the ongoing Simhasth Kumbh, said the country now has a government that promotes Indian traditions and culture. "The present union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is for promoting our culture and traditions, for strengthening our values. On behalf of the prime minister, I greet all the sadhus and saints here," Shah said. Along with a gathering of sadhus, Shah took a "holy dip" in the Shipra river at Valmiki Ghat as part of a programme. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had earlier announced it as a "samaajik samrasta" (social harmony) event, in which Shah was to take the holy dip and then dine with Dalit saints. But the party changed the programme at the eleventh hour and made it a "sant samagam" (conglomeration of saints), after many saints opposed the move calling it "divisive". All India Akhara Parishad president Narendra Giri said that he had opposed the BJP's earlier programme as he believes that saints have no caste. New Delhi, May 11 : Christian Michel, one of the middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, has said in an interview to a news channel that he "never met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh" and that neither the Congress nor the present NDA government "interfered in the deal". In an interview to India Today TV, Michel also said that Delhi-based lawyer Gautam Khaitan, former board member of Aeromatrix, was the brain behind the scandal. He said that the only person he had met related to the Agusta deal was former Indian Air Force chief S.P. Tyagi. The BJP stepped up its attack against the Congress alleging that the Italian court judgment on AgustaWestland helicopter graft case had mentioned names of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Ahmad Patel, and former IAF chief S.P. Tyagi, among others. Firms Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland, IDS Infotech Ltd (India) and Aeromatrix India are the accused companies booked by the CBI in the First Information Report (FIR) lodged in March 2013 in connection with the AgustaWestland case. The AgustaWestland case refers to alleged bribery and corruption involving several senior officials and helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland surrounding the purchase of a new fleet of VVIP helicopters by India. Khaitan, former Aeromatrix board member, and Tyagi were questioned by CBI in recent days. "No, never. I have never met Sonia Gandhi. Never met Manmohan Singh or (former defence minister) A.K. Antony. Congress never interfered in the Agusta deal. I avoid meeting leaders, my expertise is implementation," Michel told the TV news channel, which tracked him down in Dubai. "Modi government has never interfered in the deal," he added. "Gautam Khaitan is certainly the brain behind the scandal. He was responsible for moving the money. He knows everything," he said. He said that to even imagine leaders like former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh involved in the deal was "ridiculous". "I think Indian leaders did their job. But to say that a man like Vajpayee, Dr Manmohan Singh or A.K. Antony is involved is ridiculous. No one would believe that," added Michel. On meeting former IAF chief Tyagi, Michel said: "I probably met S.P. Tyagi in Gymkhana Club. I met Tyagi and others, but I wasn't keen on them. "I think Tyagi was used as a tool for (another middlemen Guido) Haschke to get inside AgustaWestland. I don't think he can play any major role. I can't say there were no kickbacks," he added. Asked about the allegations made by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, Michel said: "Subramanian Swamy has been misled on Agusta specifics. He has authenticated (documents) what was given in the CAG report. "The CAG report was prepared in great hurry as the deal was always blowing away. They (CAG) are not aviation experts and they are bureaucrats asked to put together documents way beyond their expertise," said Michel. Baghdad, May 13 : At least 13 people were killed and 25 others were injured when three gunmen attacked a cafe in Iraq's Balad town, a security source said on Friday. The gunmen in a car attacked the cafe late Thursday night, the source told Xinhua news agency. "A suicide bomber detonated his explosives in front of the cafe, killing four security members, and the other terrorists opened fire at civilians," he said. Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico and the Republic of Guatemala Le Linh Lan (Source: VNA) The diplomat made the pledge while meeting with Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales Cabera after presenting credentials to him on May 12 The Guatemalan leader expressed his admiration for Vietnams glorious history and his delight at the countrys dynamic development. Guatemala attaches importance to enhancing its relations with Vietnam, he said, stressing that he will instruct Government agencies, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to help the ambassador perform her role as a bridge promoting the bilateral ties. On this occasion, Ambassador Lan conveyed President Tran Dai Quangs invitation to his Guatemalan counterpart to visit Vietnam. Attending the event, Guatemalan Foreign Minister C.R.Morales showed his support for the establishment of a political consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries. On May 11th, the ambassador presented a copy of her credentials to Deputy Foreign Minister Alicia Castillo. The two sides agreed on measures to step up the bilateral relations, including negotiations for the signing of an agreement on visa exemption for diplomat and public service passport holders and a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a political consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries. They will also boost economic cooperation and cultural exchanges while coordinating with each other at international organisations and multilateral forums. The Guatemalan side committed to considering Vietnams proposal to recognise it as a full market economy after the Southeast Asian country signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement./. Patna, May 13 : A senior journalist of Hindi daily Hindustan was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Bihar's Siwan district on Friday night, police said. Rajdeo Ranjan, bureau chief of the Hindi daily, which is part of the HT group, was shot dead at a busy market near the station road in Siwan, said a district police official. According to police officials, a case was lodged and investigation began into it. London, May 14 : Sri Lanka's vibrant Tamil community in Britain has been gently advised to be ready for political compromises if it is serious about constitutional reforms in the island nation. The time has come for the Tamils to stop being rigid on political issues, a meeting of Tamil expatriates was told by Jayampathy Wickramaratne, head of a committee providing technical support to the Constitutional Assembly to draft the country's new constitution. "It is impossible and is unrealistic to expect all aspirations and demands of everyone are met," said Wickramaratne, a member of the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly. "There have to be compromises." The left-wing politician also told the gathering in London on May 8 that this was the first time the country's two main political parties had come together to form a government, with support from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) as well as representatives of the Muslim community. "This is a great opportunity that may not come again, certainly not in the foreseeable future," he warned in an hour-long speech at an event organized by the Non Resident Tamils of Sri Lanka (NRTSL). "It is therefore important that this opportunity is not missed. This reality must be recognized," he added. Some Tamil parties, the TNA included, have traditionally taken a non-negotiable stand on political issues. The now vanquished Tamil Tigers or LTTE used to dub Tamils who disagreed with it as "traitors". Wickramaratne admitted that the process of constitution reform currently taking place in Sri Lanka may not result in the "best constitution" because of contrary pulls and pressures based on ethnic and linguistic lines. Colombo was also aware that both Tamil and Sinhalese hardliners were keen to subvert the reconciliation process following the end of the military conflict in 2009 when the military crushed the LTTE. "Hence," Wickramaratne told the Tamil audience, "it is the duty of the silent majority on both sides (of the ethnic divide) to prevail in order to bring about genuine constitutional reform so that all communities in Sri Lanka live as equals and with dignity." Although Wickramaratne visited Britain in a personal capacity, the Tamils who listened to him were fairly sure that his views represented largely, if not wholly, the thinking of the government in Sri Lanka. Among other things, he suggested a second chamber in Sri Lanka, independent commissions unfettered by political interference as well as an independent judiciary. Sri Lanka also badly needed election reforms, he pointed out. There must also be a clear division of powers between the central government and provincial councils. Tamil sources told IANS that Wickramaratne's frankness was widely appreciated by the Tamil community, and there was a general understanding that one cannot expect Colombo to bow down to all Tamil demands. Some Tamil participants at the meeting admitted that the free and frank discussion that took place in London may not have been possible when the Tamil Tigers reigned supreme. The NRTSL, which organized the meeting, was founded in October 2014 by a group of Tamils from varying political and professional background in Britain keen to play a role in Sri Lanka's nation building. New Delhi : Title: Saladin - The Life, Legend and the Islamic Empire; Author: John Man; Publisher: Corgi Books; Pages: 320 ; Price: Rs.499 Few historical figures end up being glorified more by their adversaries than by their own people - even centuries after they flourished. But why is this 12th century Islamic soldier and statesman, who welded most of Arab Middle East into one united and peaceful entity and came close to ejecting Western powers from the area, so honoured and does his legacy remain relevant for the strife-torn region today? The answer may lie in certain contradictions in the life of An-Nasir Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub (c.1137-1193) or Saladin, as we know him, contends British historian and travel writer John Man in this new biography. As he shows, Saladin proclaimed 'Jihad' but was no fanatic (in fact more chivalrous and generous than the European nobles he faced), began wars but was never averse to a negotiated solution, reconquered Jerusalem from the Crusaders but without the widespread bloodshed that had marked their victory less than a century back, returned to public consciousness thanks to European monarch at the dawn of the 20th century, and remains a popular hero in the Arab world though not Arab himself. (He was a Kurd). But it is not an unexplored area that Man delves in. The rise of Saladin, born to a minor noble, to becoming the preeminent Arab leader, much more powerful than his nominal overlord, the Caliph in Baghdad, has been well documented in works extending from Stanley Lane-Poole's "Saladin and the Fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem" (1906) to Geoffrey Hindley's "Saladin: Hero of Islam" (2007). So have the Crusades - the then 'Clash of Civilisations' - and especially the point that they were never a simple Muslim-Christian conflict, but a more complex affair where Christian fought Christian and Muslims other Muslims, both sides could (and did) resort to atrocities, and save a few hotheads, both were remarkably open to allying with each other against those of their own faith. So what makes this work stand out? One could be that Man, whose previous books include biographies of Genghis Khan and his grandson Kublai Khan, accounts of Marco Polo, the Chinese 'Terracotta Army' and a trip in the Gobi Desert, and a history of the alphabet, presents a more nuanced analysis of not only Saladin, his uncle and mentor Shirkuh, his sovereign Nuruddin, his adversaries like Richard the Lion-Heart, and the notorious Reynauld of Chatillion and others, and their times, but also of their religions, insofar as a cover for actions, dictated by political expediency or personal inclinations, in the Holy Land. As the author, in a discussion on killings by both Saladin and Richard and including jihad, notes how "Islam, spread by the sword, contains enough to justify tolerance; Christianity, spread by persuasion, contains enough to justify atrocity". But Saladin is not assessed only against his contemporaries but also in the light of modern theories of leadership and in comparison to World War II leaders, like Winston Churchill and Gen. William Slim, of the "forgotten" 14th Army in Burma, and comes off fairly well in displaying both 'hard' and 'soft' power to achieve his goals. Dealing with his legacy, Man seeks to answer why Muslims forgot Saladin for 500 years, and why Christian Europeans, "otherwise eager to dismiss Islam", never faltered in admiration? This spans his appearance in cultural works from Dante's "Divine Comedy" to Sir Walter Scott's "The Talisman" to Ridley Scott's 2005 blockbuster "Kingdom of Heaven" (played by Syrian actor Ghassan Massoud), his use by Muslim leaders like a late 19th century Ottoman sultan and Arab leaders stretching from Egypt's Gamal Abdel Nasser to Syria's Hafez Al-Assad. This finally sets the stage for the final question: Have Saladin's ideals - of Arab and Islamic unity, of freedom from outside interference, of peaceful life under Islam - been taken over by all that he despised - sectarianism, civil war, exploitation and foreign intervention? For this issue now not only affects the region and its surroundings but also much further away too. (14.5.2016 - Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) Patna, May 14 : Four suspects have been detained in connection with the killing of a senior journalist of Hindi daily Hindustan in Bihar's Siwan district, police said on Saturday. Rajdeo Ranjan, the Siwan bureau chief of the Hindi newspaper, which is part of the HT Media, was shot dead at a busy market near the Station Road on Friday night, a district police officer said. "Four people have been detained for questioning in this case," the officer said. "A manhunt has been launched to arrest the killers soon." The Bihar Police headquarters sent a Special Task Force (STF) and Special Operations Group to Siwan late Friday night. "We will nab the people behind the killing and will not spare any one," Bihar Police chief P.K. Thakur said. Rajdeo Ranjan's family said he had no enmity with anyone and was busy preparing for the last few days to celebrate his 17th marriage anniversary. Coming close on the heels of the killing of teenager Aditya Sachdeva in Gaya district, the murder of the journalist has been described by opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as another addition to the fast mounting proof of "the return of jungle raj in Bihar". Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has condemned the killing and directed top police officers to take prompt action in nabbing the culprits. Los Angeles, May 14 : US First Lady Michelle Obama impressed fashion lovers with a blush-coloured gown designed by Indian-American fashion designer Naeem Khan at the Nordic State Dinner hosted by President Barack Obama on Friday night. She completed the look with her hair in an updo and chandelier earrings, reports eonline.com. While greeting guests in the White House's North Portico, the president told reporters that his wife "looks great". She playfully replied: "He stepped on my dress". Actress Demi Lovato served as the evening's performer while several famous faces enjoyed the dinner. They included Aziz Ansari, Miranda Kerr, Tracee Ellis Ross, Al Roker, Connie Britton, David Letterman and Will Ferrell. Leaders of Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway were honoured during the event and guests dined on ahi tuna for the main course and mille-feuille for dessert. Popular Indian-American actor and comedian Aziz Ansari attended the dinner along with his mother Fatima Ansari. Naeem Khan is a special choice for the First Lady to wear, as she first wore the designer to her first State Dinner back in 2009. New Delhi, May 14 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday condemned the murders of two journalists, one in Bihar and another in Jharkhand, and sought an independent investigation to punish the guilty. "I strongly condemn murder of journalists Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan and Akhilesh Pratap Singh in Chatra district. Independent investigation may be instituted and guilty be punished," Jaitley posted on Twitter. Rajdeo Ranjan, the Siwan bureau chief of Hindi newspaper Hindustan, which is part of the HT Media, was shot dead at a busy market near Station Road in the district on Friday night. Four suspects have been detained in connection with his killing. In the other incident, Indradeo Yadav, also known as Akhilesh Pratap, was gunned down in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Thursday night. He worked as a correspondent for a local TV channel. Srinagar, May 14 : IndiGo airlines on Saturday suspended its ground staff at Srinagar airport after investigations proved that the chief security officer of the airport had breached security on April 1. A statement by IndiGo airlines said here: "As per the internal investigation conducted by IndiGo, it was observed that Tilak Raj, Chief Security Officer-Srinagar Airport, Airports Authority of India (AAI), flew from Srinagar to Delhi on flight 6E-436, April 01, 2016 using the boarding pass under the name of one Vimal Kumar, AAI official at Srinagar Airport. "As per the inquiry, this passenger (Tilak Raj) was observed breaching the security protocols multiple times, at Srinagar airport. "Two of his colleagues (from AAI, based in Srinagar) had come to collect his boarding pass from the airport staff. "Following the protocol, the airline staff asked the two AAI officials to present the photo identity - which is the standard procedure to collect the boarding pass. "The staff learned that these two officials from AAI are only there at the airport to collect the boarding pass for their senior colleague Vimal Kumar. "Based on the working relations with AAI officials, the staff agreed to issue the boarding pass. "It was then observed - after the boarding of 6E-436 flight, three persons reported last minute at the boarding gate. "All three persons were informed by the boarding gate staff that boarding is closed for this flight. "This resulted in an argument between the boarding staff and these three persons (one of them Tilak Raj). "These three persons, including Tilak Raj (also using the name Vimal Kumar) dismissed the instructions given by the boarding gate staff and walked towards the aerobridge to board the aircraft. All three persons were carrying the airport entry permit. Tilak Raj's (representing Airport Authority of India) act to furnish boarding pass from the airline staff, misusing the airport entry permit, and entry into the restricted security areas resulted in serious security violation. "Senior leadership has terminated the staff (on duty) with immediate effect, on grounds of negligence". Baghdad, May 14 : Nineteen Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in clashes in Iraq, security sources said on Saturday. In Anbar province, security forces and allied paramilitary Sunni tribal units foiled an IS attack when nine militants wearing explosive vests tried to infiltrate into the town of Ameriyat al-Fallujah, some 40 km west of Baghdad, Xinhua news agency reported. The nine attackers were killed by the security personnel. Five more IS suicide bombers were killed in clashes when they attacked military checkpoints along the main road between Ameriyat al-Fallujah and the adjacent province of Babil. In Salahudin province, two IS vehicles were destroyed on Friday night when they approached the defensive lines of the security forces near Allas oilfield to the east of the provincial capital city of Tikrit, leaving at least two militants dead. Earlier Saturday, IS militants were forced to withdraw to their hideouts in the nearby Makhoul mountain, leaving at least three militants dead, a source said, adding that a policeman was also killed. Dhaka, May 14 : A 70-year-old Buddhist monk was found murdered inside a monastery in Bangladesh's Bandarban district on Saturday. Police said that assailants slit his throat sometime during Friday night, bdnews24.com reported. Mawng Shoi Wuu was found dead in the morning by a worker of the monastery that is located at Bandarban's Naikhyongchari Upazila, said the police. Wuu was the chief of the monastery. His killing follows the murder of two prominent gay activists, a law student and a university professor in April. In February, a Hindu priest was beheaded in northern Bangladesh. More than 20 people have been killed by suspected Islamists in the last three years. However, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that he suspects involvement of the monk's relatives. "We think the monk's relatives are involved," he said. New Delhi, May 14 : The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday demanded a probe into the alleged favour shown to an Italian shipbuilding firm during the Congress-led UPA regime for procurement of two major naval fleet tankers, INS Deepak and INS Shakti. The firm Fincantieri allegedly used inferior quality of steel in the naval tankers. While there are unconfirmed reports that the NDA government has ordered a preliminary probe into the deal after taking cognizance of adverse comments from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in 2010, BJP MP and a member of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Kirit Somaiya on Saturday told TV channels, "the issue is serious and it demands investigation". BJP sources indicated that the ruling party members could even press for taking up the issue by the Public Accounts Committee of parliament. "The Congress party is trying to say that the VVIP helicopters (AgustaWestland deal) belonging to Italy and even the ship company being from Italy is a coincidence. But I feel this cannot be a mere coincidence. Let us wait for some investigation and then when the findings are out, we can move ahead fast," said Somaiya. The BJP and NDA members are likely to demand that the PAC should take up examination of matters concerning the AgustaWestland chopper deal. The Indian Navy has two fleet tankers INS Deepak and INS Shakti, both built by Italian shipbuilding firm Fincantieri. The ships provide the Indian Navy's frontline warships with fuel, water and other essentials while out at sea. The construction of the vessel INS Shakti began in November 2009 and was handed over to India in September 2011 and later commissioned on October 1, 2011, while INS Deepak was commissioned into service on January 21, 2011. Each tanker cost the exchequer around Rs.936 crore. A 2010 CAG report had pointed out inadequacies in the deal, citing undue favours to a foreign vendor. Lately, allegations have surfaced that instead of using weapons grade steel, commercial grade steel was used for building the two vessels. EU official Kostas Glinos speaks at the ASEAN-EU Science, Technology and Innovation Days in Hanoi. (Source: VNA) Addressing a press conference on the EU-ASEAN Science-Technology and Innovation Days in Hanoi from October 10-12, Kostas Glinos said while the EU encourages cooperation with Vietnam in all fields, special attention is paid to health care, fishery and irrigation. He noted that as one of the worlds largest partners in research and innovation, the EU has launched its biggest Research and Innovation programme ever, Horizon 2020, with a fund of nearly EUR80 billion for 2014-2020 period. According to Glinous, currently, more than 100 organisations and research establishments from Vietnam have been working with the Horizon 2020 programme, with projects focusing on bio-diversity preservation, waste treatment and poverty reduction. The EU-ASEAN Science-Technology and Innovation Days are held with the aim of boosting linkages in science, technology, and innovation between the EU and ASEAN, of which Vietnam is a member./. New Delhi, New : New Delhi, New May 14 (IANS) Delhi will have its first riverfront on the Yamuna but it will not be on the lines of the Sabarmati in Gujarat, along which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took Chinese President Xi Jinping for a stroll in September 2014. Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra termed the Sabarmati riverfront "ecologically damaging" and promised to develop the Yamuna riverfront "ecologically". Mishra said the Gujarat government had stopped the flow of the river and created a pond for the Sabarmati riverfront. "They did not clean the Sabarmati as it is still dirty. They filled the pond with water from the Narmada river. No environmental expert appreciates the Sabarmati riverfront model as they used lots of concrete in the construction, which is ecologically damaging," Mishra told IANS. Mishra, who also holds the portfolio of tourism, said the Yamuna riverfront will be different. "We will not stop flow of Yamuna as it is our commitment to bring life to the river. The riverfront will help a lot in increasing the city's green cover and give Delhi a clean recreational area," Mishra assured. The Delhi government will follow the riverfront development plan prepared by noted ecologist and retired Delhi University professor C.R. Babu. "The riverfront will be developed upstream of Wazirabad alongside Sonia Vihar on a five kilometre area. This will be the first riverfront in Delhi. We have started working on the plan and will hopefully complete the work in one and a half years from now," Mishra said. Mishra said that earlier the plan was with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and was hanging in balance. The plan talks about greenery along the riverfront for which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government will soon start plantation of tree saplings. "The Yamuna riverfront will offer clean recreational area, pathways, cycle tracks, greenery, and parks. Under the plan, two or three big reservoirs will be made for flood water harvesting," Mishra said. The riverfront will be developed in compliance with the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and it aims at restoration of the biodiversity of the river. Mishra, who is also Delhi Jal Board chairperson, visited the river at Sonia Vihar recently along with a team of senior officials of the department to see how the plan could be implemented. He also held a meeting with the environmentalist Babu earlier this week to chalk out a strategy on the project. Babu told IANS that he would submit a written document of the riverfront plan to the Delhi government next week. He said the Yamuna riverfront would be a unique one as it would have a lot of green cover to maintain ecological balance. "Main aim of the riverfront will be to conserve, protect and restore the biodiversity of Yamuna integrated with public recreation spaces that the city needs. It will also help in maintaining the riverine ecosystem," Babu said. (Ashish Mishra can be contacted at ashish.m@ians.in) New Delhi, May 14 : Condemnation poured in from all quarters over the dastardly murder of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand, with the entire journalist community, political leaders as well as the government strongly condemning the murders. While the Press Club of India, the Indian Women's Press Corps and media organisations from different parts of the country termed the murders a "direct attack on the freedom of the press", BJP leaders used the Bihar murder to target Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the state's law and order situation. Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted his condemnation and sought an independent investigation to punish the guilty. "I strongly condemn murder of journalists Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan and Akhilesh Pratap Singh in Chatra district. Independent investigation may be instituted and guilty be punished," Jaitley posted on Twitter. Rajdeo Ranjan, the Siwan bureau chief of Hindi newspaper Hindustan, which is part of the HT Media, was shot dead at a busy market near Station Road in the district on Friday night. Four suspects have been detained in connection with his killing. In the other incident, Indradeo Yadav, also known as Akhilesh Pratap, was gunned down in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Thursday night. He worked as a correspondent for a local TV channel. BJP leaders attacked Nitish Kumar over the law and order situation in the state following the murder of the Siwan scribe and the killing of a teenager in Gaya and said that "maha jungle raj" has returned with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) coming to power in the state. "Before the Bihar election we were saying jungle raj will return to Bihar if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power, but we were wrong. Ab to maha jungle raj aa gaya hai (Now, there is maha jungle raj)," BJP spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore also condoled the deaths. Press Club of India president Rahul Jalali in a statement said that both the murders "were targeted killings and form a part of attempts on part the mafia to muzzle the independent voice of the media". "It is with increasing dismay we also note the increase in attempts to target the press throughout the country, by denigrating them and if nothing else works by eliminating them as has happened in these two cases," he said. Nadeem Ahmad Kazmi, secretary general of the Press Club of India, demanded that the government, both at the centre and states, should come down heavily on the culprits and "also create an atmosphere conducive to the free and fair functioning of the media in the country". The Indian Women's Press Corps urged the government to take immediate steps to find the culprits behind the crime and bring them to justice. It said the "deliberate targeting" of the two journalists "is clearly an attempt to prevent the functioning of a free and independent media in the country". It also said "the IWPC also views with deep concern the efforts to smear the reputation of media professionals in many parts of the country". The Guwahati-based Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) expressed shock over the murders of the two journalists. Tripura Working Journalists Association (TWJA) and Tripura Journalists Union (TJU) also urged the authorities in Bihar and Jharkhand to take stringent action against the killers. BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav took to social media to attack Nitish. "Forget common man, even police and press do not feel safe in Bihar. This says it all about lawlessness under Nitish government," he tweeted. Union Minister Giriraj Singh tweeted, "Even tears of Gaya have not dried, the murder of a journalist in Siwan has made Bihar's blood curdle." New Delhi, May 14 : Taking suo motu cognizance of the murder of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand, the Press Council of India (PCI) on Saturday set up two inquiry panels for both the states. Council members Kosuri Amarnath, Prakash Dubey and Prajnananda Chaudhuri will probe the killing of Rajdeo Ranjan, the bureau chief of Hindi newspaper Hindustan, part of the HT Group, in Bihar's Siwan district, a PCI source said here. The fact finding committee for Jharkhand where television journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh was killed will comprise of Prabhat Kumar Dash, Sondeep Shankar and Rajeev Ranjan Nag. The PCI has meanwhile directed police and administration in both the states to submit their reports to the council. The fact finding committees have been asked to submit the report at the earliest, sources said. New Delhi, May 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired high-level meetings to reviewed the drought and water scarcity situations in parts of Rajasthan and in Jharkhand. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, who was present at the meeting along with senior officials, explained in detail, the difficulties being faced by people in various parts of the state due to the shortage of drinking water, official sources said here. Raje also informed the prime minister about the Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan, under which 7 lakh water conservation structures are to come up in four years. Modi called for a mass movement to be generated for water conservation, and said youth organizations including National Cadets Corps (NCC),and Scouts and Guides should be involved in creation of water storage structures. He also stressed on the importance of waste water management and rooftop rainwater harvesting. In a separate meeting with Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, the prime minister also called for generating a mass movement for soil health cards and said "mobilization, momentum and mechanism" are all required to make the soil health card programme a success. Modi and others in the meeting were informed that Jharkhand plans to double its irrigated area from 19 percent to 40 percent in the next two years. "One lakh farm ponds are planned to be built under the state plan, and an additional five lakh farm ponds will be built under MNREGA," an official source said. Union Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh was present in both the meetings, the source added. Charlie Madison, a Christian with an unshakeable belief, has completed his new book Bring God Back to America: a compelling book that shares one mans opinion on the flaws in a once great country and encourages readers to take back their nation. Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Charlie Madisons fascinating work offers a glimmer of hope to a broken society. Driven by his passion to save America, Madison takes a closer look at the shift from good to evil and offers his ideas on how to bring it back to a moral nation once again. "Washington is attempting to legalize gay marriages and God is not stepping in to help and it's no wonder. This nation no longer serves God! Unknowingly, its people serve Satan," states Madison. We live in such a hectic, unpredictable, dangerous world that you either have to be lucky or have the hand of God on your shoulder just to make it home safely every day. We live with serial killers, serial rapist, highway snipers, copycat criminals, all kinds of corruption - from top to bottom throughout society and on top of that, we have gone to war for a second time with Iraq. There is no peace anywhere in the world. We have thrown God out of our American way of life and when God is gone this is what you have with no end in sight. You have chaos, confusion, mayhem! Everything is out of kilter, everything is out of control. The Devil is having a field day, killing, robbing, raping, stealing and breaking all of God's commandments. Well I have some news for everyone its not going to get any better until we put God back in the picture, concludes Madison. Readers who wish to experience this captivating work can purchase Bring God Back to America at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866- 315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. Forms So Simple, A Monkey Could Do it. A large part of our demographic aren't tech savvy and are ecstatic with how simple our site is to use! Online forms website SimpleForms.org announced today that it is celebrating the download of its one hundred thousandth form this week with a big discount. The website, which provides online forms for users such as rental agreements and promissory notes has been online since 2011 and is well known for just how simple it is for creating forms of their choice. The website offers an easy step by step process allowing people to create their own bill of sale or other form within mere minutes. It also allows users to get a free preview of their document with all of the information they entered. Completed documents are displayed to the user for free so they can verify it's exactly how they want prior to purchase. "We're blown away with just how popular we've become" said a customer service representative from SimpleForms.org. "The best part for us is the customer feedback we receive - a large part of our demographic aren't tech savvy and are ecstatic with how simple our site is to use." SimpleForms.org is celebrating over 100,000 downloads by giving a discount for the rest of May 2016. The coupon code to use is THANKYOU and it will give users 25% off any purchase they make on the site - including the platinum license. "We put a lot of hard work into the site" the rep said, "And to see so many downloads and so many happy people? It makes it all worth it and we wanted to thank people with a big discount." The discount code is applicable for any and all purchases on the website, and it applies to both new and existing customers. About SimpleForms.org: SimpleForms.org is a website with the catchphrase "Forms So Simple, A Monkey Could Do It". They've sat down with landlords and other people looking to create forms, and watched them do the step by step process. They've then made change after change until everyone is completely satisfied with just how easy the process is. SimpleForms.org currently offers over 50 forms to create and all forms have a free trial feature. Their list includes rental agreements and rent to own forms, tenant notices, roommate agreements, bill of sales, promissory notes and much more. Buddha's Birthday commemoration in Hue city. (Source: sugiachanh.com) He was companied by provincial officials and Eivind Archer, Country Representative in Vietnam for Norwegian Church Aid. Trinh handed over a letter of greetings from VFFCC President Nguyen Thien Nhan to Buddhist dignitaries, monks and nuns at home and abroad on the celebration. He wished local Buddhist followers a happy festive season, noting his hope that they will join hands in building a strong national unity bloc. The official lauded local Buddhist dignitaries and followers for their timely support of local fishermen who are affected by the recent mass fish deaths. The VBSs chapter in Thua Thien-Hue has partnered with the Norwegian Church Aid to effectively implement projects on natural disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation, and improving peoples capacity to cope with natural disasters. Most Venerable Thich Khe Chon, permanent member of the VBSs Executive Council in Thua Hien-Hue and deputy head of the VBSs Executive Board in the province, thanked Party and VFF leaders as well as authorities and organisations for their attention to local Buddhists on this occasion./. Engaging the next generation poses unique challenges in China... Linda C. Mack, founder and president of Mack International, LLC, the premier retained executive search and family office strategic management/human capital consulting firm, was invited to be a panelist for the 4th annual summit organized by the Banyan Wisdom based in Shanghai, China. The event took place on April 28, 2016 and was held at the Marriott East Side in New York City. Recognized as one of Chinas most professional and reliable institutes promoting best practices, Banyan provides Chinese family enterprises and financial practitioners with educational services to further enhance their family businesses and offices. This Private Banking and Family Office Summit was attended by over 35 Chinese families. Panelists included senior advisors, authors, and principals from a wide variety of specialties related to issues affecting Family Office performance. Linda Mack contributed on two of the key formal panel sessions. She also provided opening remarks prior to the start of each session. It was a privilege to be asked to introduce my colleagues who are some of the most well respected thought leaders in the industry. Mapping a Path into the Family Enterprise for the Next Generation was one of the panels where Linda was joined by Thomasina Williams, Consultant with Relative-Solutions and Charlotte Beyer, Principal of Quest Foundation and founder of the Institute for Private Investors. Charlotte is also the author of Wealth Management Unwrapped. The lessons learned in Charlottes book are critically important for all generations of families, said Linda. Ms. Beyer described how a family member of any generation can become an effective CEO of My Wealth, Inc. --a term coined by Ms. Beyer--and how to avoid common investment mistakes by knowing the key questions to ask of advisors before they invest any money. Of great interest to the audience was the conversation related to helping prepare the next generation for a smooth transition into the family enterprise. McKinsey & Company reports that more than 1 million entrepreneurs are over 55 years old in China. In 10 to 15 years, Chinese enterprises will face the peak time for inheritance--and few have a plan, or even an interested heir. Engaging the next generation poses unique challenges in China, due to the one child policy, remarked Linda. If you have only one child, what if he is not interested in the family business? Alternativelywhat if he is a she? Studies are showing that up to 65% of children whose parents own manufacturing businesses are not interested in being involved in the business. First generation entrepreneurs in China are facing a crisis in family business succession. There are real human capital constraints anticipated which will require extra effort in planning and managing for the future. If a daughter is the only potential successor, there is potential culture shock since China traditionally assumes a male will occupy business leadership positions. According to Linda, families are finding creative ways to bridge the gap. First generation family enterprises want to keep the business in the family. In some cases, the son will take on a governance role with the father. Another alternative might be to hire a professional manager. Ultimately, the culture may have to get accustomed to more women leading the family business. The second panel addressed the evolution of women in leadership roles in family offices and in the wealth management industry. Linda Mack was joined by Fredda-Herz Brown, Founder of Relative-Solutions and Kirby Rosplock, author of The Complete Family Office Handbook. The Impact of Women in Family Wealth Management explored current trends and future shifts in family office leadership and how women in China are changing the landscape. Linda and her fellow panelists discussed womens relationship with wealth and the ways in which their points of view might differ from their male counterparts. An increasing number of women are assuming leadership positions in their family offices and business enterprises. Linda talked about the qualities that make women natural leaders. In the past men were seen as having the monopoly on the skills and technical qualifications necessary to run a business. But the softer skills--the emotional quotient--that many women possess are being increasingly recognized as important for effective and successful leadership. A high EQ can lead to higher levels of collaboration...and women traditionally bring those skills to the party. Rather than being resisted, a womans ability to mentor and inspire family cohesion is increasingly being seen as cause for celebration and inclusion. The conference was a resounding success. Chinese families in attendance represented first or second generation enterprises and enjoyed sharing information and learning best practices from experienced Family Office advisors and thought leaders from the U.S. Lindas impression was it gave everyone a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other. There was great mutual learning and deeper understanding with regard to similarities and differences we all experience. About Mack International LLC Mack International is the premier, boutique retained executive search and strategic management/human capital consulting firm serving national and international clients in the family office, family business enterprise and the wealth management industries on national and international basis. Founded in 2002, the firm has achieved an exceptional track record of success as evidenced by its unmatched industry expertise, in-depth market knowledge and unparalleled track record of success. Founder and President, Linda C. Mack has established proprietary methodologies such as the Mack 360 and is credited for having coined the term expert generalist in the industry. As the world becomes more social and mobile, HR VPs must embrace new ecosystems and rules to engage with employees...the way employees work and communicate has changed forever, driven mainly by new consumerized technologies, which are here to stay. GOintegro, Latin Americas leading employee engagement platform, is pleased to announce its CEO & Cofounder German Dyzenchauz will participate as a panelist at Great Place To Work Mexicos 2016 LatAm Conference on May 19 to analyze how internal communications and HR technology converge to boost employee engagement. Great Place To Works Latin America: modelling culture for future competitiveness event (May 18-20) will take place in Mexicos Riviera Maya resort district. It is aimed at CEOs, VPs and HR VPs who are looking for new ways to foster employee engagement in the new era of social and mobile business. German Dyzenchauz will appear in an expert panel comprised of Latin American CEOs along with Burson-Marsteller Latina America CEO Ramiro Prudencio, and Compensa CEO Carlos Delgado Planas themed, Communications = Employee Engagement?. For nearly 15 years, German Dyzenchauz has led and defined GOintegros business strategy and product vision: the Latin American leader in cloud-based social platforms and apps for HR departments, specifically geared towards boosting employee engagement. Founded in Argentina in 2002, the company now has offices in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. In recent years, Dyzenchauz led two highly successful financing rounds with Silicon Valley investors, Riverwood Capital and Kaszek Ventures, and in 2011 he received Endeavor.orgs High-Impact Entrepreneur award. In 2014, he was a finalist for Ernst & Youngs Emerging Entrepreneur award. As the world becomes more social and mobile, HR VPs must embrace new ecosystems and rules to engage with employees. For example, specifically speaking about internal communications, many companies still fight against much more efficient and effective technologies, such as corporate social networks, says Dyzenchauz. In fact, the need to boost employee engagement is the main force driving the adoption of HR cloud applications in Latin America, according to a comparative analysis of two surveys carried out by GOintegro in 2015 and 2016. The analysis shows employee engagement is the common thread linking HRs key priorities in LatAm during 2016: aligning employees with the corporate culture and business goals (25%), improving work atmosphere and boosting employee morale (13%), and reducing turnover (12%). The way employees work and communicate has changed forever, driven mainly by new consumerized technologies, which are here to stay. Therefore, its vital to understand HR social applications dont end in enterprise social networks. They also comprise social recognition, employee perks and benefits, and mobile apps, among a myriad of possibilities, says Dyzenchauz. Although many companies have programs to manage performance, talent retention and organizational change, many HR VPs are frustrated with the problems associated with steering a multigenerational and multicultural workplace. Modernizing communications is key to boosting the engagement of employees who show an increasing diversity of interests, behaviors, expectations and priorities, he adds. You can visit Great Place To Work Mexico's website (http://www.greatplacetowork.com.mx) to register in the 2016 LatAm Conference, in the world-famous Riviera Maya tourist and resort district, from May 18 to May 20. ------------------------------------- About GOintegro GOintegro is Latin America's leading cloud-based HR platform, used daily by more than 400 corporate clients representing over 1 million people, as their main tool for driving employee engagement. With a social platform and applications to manage company benefits, employee recognition programs and HR information, GOintegro is the main hub for social internal communications. Covering all of Latin America with 140 employees in 7 countries, GOintegro helps companies like CITI, Deloitte, General Motors, IBM, McDonalds and Walmart strengthen the positive impact of their corporate culture. To find out more, visit http://www.gointegro.com/en/ For more information, please contact: Jose Guerra Chief Marketing Officer, GOintegro Cell Phone: +56 9 6616 8188 Email: jose(dot)guerra(at)gointegro(dot)com Attorney Jason S. Weiss Jason takes great satisfaction in helping those who cant fight for themselves. A true plaintiffs attorney, his work in medical malpractice and his friendly, knowledgeable attitude have made him a client favorite. Well-known Eastern Pennsylvania injury law firm Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller is pleased to have Associate Attorney Jason S. Weiss be recognized by Super Lawyers for inclusion on their 2016 Super Lawyers: Rising Star list. No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in each state are chosen, and the list is restricted to candidates that are either 40 years old or younger or have been in practice for 10 years or less. Mr. Weiss recognition comes in the practice area of Medical Malpractice. Managing Partner Marc Brecher says, We are delighted that Jason received this recognition from Super Lawyers. Knowing that the nomination process is peer driven and that the selection process includes peer evaluations as well as independent research makes this acknowledgment of his skills all the more significant. He was an extraordinary addition to our firm in 2011 and has continued to prove himself ever since. We value his contributions and enthusiastically support his professional endeavors. Like all of us here at Wapner Newman, Jason takes great satisfaction in helping those who cant fight for themselves. A true plaintiffs attorney, his work in medical malpractice and his friendly, knowledgeable attitude have made him a client favorite. Mr. Weiss earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from The George Washington University and his Juris Doctor degree from the Rutgers School of Law, where he was a member of the Rutgers Law Journal. He also served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Joel H. Slomsky of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and as a law clerk to the Honorable Michele M. Fox of the Superior Court of New Jersey. A member of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, Mr. Weiss was admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey in 2010. About Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller For over 35 years, the law firm of Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller has been helping victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death receive the justice and compensation they deserve. We believe the personal approach is the most powerful one to pursuing any claim, and we give each client our complete attention. We serve personal injury victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with offices in Philadelphia, West Conshohocken, Allentown, and Marlton. For more information or to get help with a potential claim, call 1-800-LAW-6600 (1-800-529-6600). Being exposed to dishonest behavior can be corrosive. The importance of honesty in the workplace is something that needs to be strongly emphasized. When a good person goes bad, parents, teachers, and other authorities tend to look to outside influences for a logical explanation, only to discover that in many cases, the individual seemed to have fallen in with a bad crowd. While this doesnt imply that negative influences can create a turncoat of everyone, research from Psychtests.com suggests that being exposed to dishonest behavior can be corrosive, and cause certain vulnerable individuals to become more tolerant of deceit and dishonesty. Evaluating data from 1,609 people who took their Integrity and Work Ethics Test, researchers at PsychTests focused their analysis on people who had never been fired for deceitful acts - like breaking rules or theft - and who were rated as being fairly honest people. Researchers then split the sample based on one crucial factor: whether they had witnessed dishonest behavior in previous jobs. The group that had been exposed to dishonest behavior was more likely to: Perceive humanity as being more dishonest in general (score of 45 for the exposure group vs. 31 for the non-exposure group). (Note: Scores run from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate a more lenient attitude toward dishonest behavior). Use internet access at work to surf the web for personal interest during work hours (score of 50 for the exposure group vs. 40 for the non-exposure group). Work less time than they were being paid for by, for example, taking longer lunches, making personal calls, web surfing, or slacking off (score of 49 for the exposure group vs. 35 for the non-exposure group). Attempt to cover up their mistakes or otherwise lie to get out of trouble at work (score of 25 for the exposure group vs. 16 for the non-exposure group). Rationalize acts of dishonesty if the person who committed the act had been treated poorly by employers or colleagues (score of 27 for the exposure group vs. 21 for the non-exposure group). Cover up for dishonest colleagues (score of 33 for the exposure group vs. 30 for the non-exposure group). Looking in more detail at the attitude and behavior of the exposure group, PsychTests honesty study also revealed that: 39% of the exposure group believes that the majority of employees lie to their boss on a regular basis (vs. 20% for the non-exposure group). 30% of the exposure group thinks its justifiable to use a sick day for reasons other than illness, like taking a personal day to relax or run errands, for example (vs. 17% for the non-exposure group). 21% of the exposure group spends at least half an hour a day surfing personal interest sites while they are supposed to be working (vs. 9% for the non-exposure group). 40% of the exposure group has stolen office supplies and computer equipment from their company (vs. 27% for the non-exposure group). Its important to understand that not every honest employee will become dishonest as a result of bad influences in the past, explains Dr. Jerabek, president of PsychTests. However, employers need to see this as a wake-up call, especially if their organization has been a victim of dishonesty on the part of employees, management or stakeholders. Although using pre-employment assessments to weed out unscrupulous people is a good first step, the importance of honesty in the workplace is something that needs to be strongly emphasized. Being exposed to dishonest behavior at work can rock the foundation of a persons values, principles, and morals. They may begin to question whether being a good, honest employee is worth the effort. A bad attitude may not always translate to bad behavior, but it certainly has a strong influence. PsychTests offers the following tips to employers to encourage honesty in the workplace: CLEARLY OUTLINE WORK RULES: Hand out a document outlining work rules from the moment a person is hired, and indicate in a straightforward, easy-to-understand language the repercussions of rule-breaking. Post the rules in visible places. This could discourage dishonesty from the start, and clear up confusion for current employees. Remember, not all dishonest acts are intentional some employees may be unaware that certain acts or not permitted, like using the photocopy machine for personal use, taking lunch breaks at a different time of day, or sending personal emails from the office mail server. SET A GOOD EXAMPLE: Its difficult if not impossible to encourage integrity in the workplace if you dont follow the rules you set. If employees witness their manager breaking rules, they may see it as a green light to commit the same act themselves, or develop a resentful attitude toward management, which can also lead to deceitful acts as a form of retaliation. Be the person you want your employees to be. The do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do justification rarely works on children, and certainly wont work on adults. REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR IN THE WORKPLACE: If an employee willingly and honestly admits a mistake, goes out of his/her way to help a colleague without being ordered to, voluntarily works overtime to complete a project, or is clearly trying to improve a problematic behavior that you have brought to his/her attention, acknowledge this persons efforts. Make praise and rewards a staple of your managerial approach. When employees feel unappreciated or treated unfairly, they may use managements indifference as fuel for dishonest acts. Want to assess your level of integrity at work? Check out http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3090 Professional users of this test can request a free demo for the WINT R (Work Integrity Test - Revised) or any other assessments from ARCH Profiles extensive battery: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/testdrive_gen_1 To learn more about psychological testing, download this free eBook: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/personality-tests-in-hr About PsychTests.com PsychTests.com is a subsidiary of PsychTests AIM Inc. PsychTests.com is a site that creates an interactive venue for self-exploration with a healthy dose of fun. The site offers a full range of professional-quality, scientifically validated psychological assessments that empower people to grow and reach their real potential through insightful feedback and detailed, custom-tailored analysis. PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts (see ARCHProfile.com). The companys research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada. Today Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes announce the release of What I Wanna, the latest single by North Carolina recording artist Rose Royce Rique. The Single is currently available for streaming and download at the Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes website. Rose Royce Rique is currently seeking press opportunities, interviews, features, and more. He can reached through official Twitter page. About Rose Royce Rique: Clyde Al' Tarqiue Turner, known too many as Rose Royce Rique, is a 28 year old up-and-coming Hip-Hop artist who is proving to be a force to be reckoned. Dripping in talent and armed with a raw desire to speak and influence, Rique is one of North Carolina's most talented rising artists. He maintains a strong sense of self-confidence, as well as a calm and collected demeanor which makes him more relatable to his audience, as well as catches the attention of any female when he enters a room. He is well on his way to the path of success. With bangers like "What I Wanna", and ballads over beats with lyrics that resemble spoken word, he covers stories from his childhood, relationships, street life and redemption. Rique is a native to Asheville, NC, a town known for its art, luxury and poverty stricken areas. It is true rags and riches kind of town. It is a money making city on both sides of the tracks with prominent poverty peeking through the Biltmore Facade. His lyrics portray the hustle and grind for those who are less fortunate than those of an affluent lifestyle. He was forged there, running with cousins, being influenced by gangs and attending school all while being raised by a single mother. Having grown up with his two brothers and a circle of trusted individuals led Rique to the development of his first attempt at formulating a rap style and group. Family has always been a stable foundation and he ran thick with other members who also aspired to break into the music industry. He grew up surrounded by music and loving it. His lyrics are centered around his childhood experiences and incidents he was exposed to while running the streets of Buncombe County. In High School he relocated to Charlotte, NC, where he honed his rap skills by visiting the cities hottest spots that hosted artist showcases and performed at clubs. There he would battle local artists and begin to create his persona. He soon after began to regularly hit the studios. After investing so much into his rap career, Rique decided to chase after music with a deeper passion than ever before. Not only is it his dream, but his ability to re-imagine life experiences over a soundtrack of guttural beats is sure to be a breath of fresh air in an industry that lacks not only creativity but also sincerity. When asked, his reply was that he is not in any particular genre of rap, and has yet to dedicate himself to a particular style. He credits Tupac as being his primary inspiration and says he would love to work with Dr. Dre one day. Lyrically he doesn't compare his self to any other artist, but if asked his answer would be he is comparable to both Andre 3000 and Wale. Rique has also taken a great liking to artists such as Childish Gambino, Chance The Rapper and Kendrick Lamar. With his new mixtape release entitled "No Feature 4 Me", be on the look out for more from this next generation up-and-coming artist. For more info on Rose Royce Rique, be sure to visit his Facebook fan page. About Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes: Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes are the most widely distributed mixtapes in the world, with over 100 million downloads/plays generated by over 300 volumes officially hosted by major artists. Coast 2 Coast has a solid reach in the new music industry with a digital magazine, DJ coalition, industry tips blog, yearly convention, and more. Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes represents a unique opportunity for artists of all urban genres, from major to indie. For more information, visit http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com. Dr. John Chao, inventor of Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation with his patient Rocio before their appearance on "The Doctors" Show Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is revolutionizing the way doctors treat gum recession. Doctors from across the U.S. and around the world are attending the latest Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique training class May 13-14, conducted by dentist and inventor Dr. John Chao in the Los Angeles suburb of Alhambra, CA. For this seminar we are pleased to welcome Dr. Veronica Neamtu of Brossard, QC, Canada, Dr. Monika Pilarska from Gdynia, Poland and Dr. Ruby Karyadi of Jakarta, Indonesia, says Dr. Chao. Dr. Pilarska is the first doctor from Poland to attend the Chao Pinhole Academy, and Dr. Karyadi is the second doctor to travel from Indonesia to be trained in the Pinhole Technique. "The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is a breakthrough alternative to conventional gum grafting which requires no cutting, no sutures and little to no downtime. This minimally invasive procedure takes just a few minutes per tooth and multiple teeth may be treated at the same time, all through 'pinholes made in the gums which heal quickly, in many cases overnight," says Dr. Chao, who holds patents on the method and on the special dental instruments used in the procedure. The Pinhole Technique is changing the way doctors are treating gum recession, says Dr. Chao. Also known as Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation, the procedure is receiving positive reviews from general dentists and periodontists from around the world. To date, Dr. Chao has personally trained over 1,500 doctors in the technique. Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation has been featured on hundreds of TV stations across the U.S., Canada and Europe with millions of viewers learning that they no longer need to fear having conventional gum grafting surgery to correct receding gums. For more information on the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique training classes or to locate a local doctor who has been trained by Dr. Chao visit http://www.pinholesurgicaltechnique.com or call 888-603-2953. Serenium cardiovascular disease can be predicted from ECG changes during sleep. Serenium Inc. is shining a spotlight on leading-edge research being presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) meeting in San Francisco from May 13 to 18, 2016. Researchers and clinicians will be highlighting new studies, theories and efforts to understand the correlation between sleep apnea and chronic disease. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease with important neurocognitive and cardiovascular consequences such as hypertension, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease. Important ATS research presentations will address: Obesity and sleep apnea, by Ueyama et al with findings that obesity and hypertension were related to the OSAS (obstructive sleep apnea syndrome) as previous research and the control of obesity and risky medication use may play an important role in OSAS prevention and progression. Depression, mood, weight, accidents & errors, quality of life from Veterans Administration data, by Brown et al show that the effect of impaired sleep will be discussed on weight gain or weight-regain after weight loss, impaired mood and or depression, risk for accidents or errors, and quality of life. Cardiovascular disease and sleep, by Sankari, et al concluding that cardiovascular disease can be predicted from ECG changes during sleep. High prevalence and risk of sleep apnea in hospitalized patients, by Pickens, et al presenting how the prevalence of risk for OSA in hospitalized adults, including the elderly, is alarmingly high. 9 of the 102 patients [studied] had an in-hospital event. All patients who experienced adverse in-hospital events had positive sleep questionnaires. Snorers showing a high prevalence of sleep apnea, by Sowho, et al discussing how OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) was highly prevalent [in their study] in habitual snorers, despite the absence of other OSA-related symptoms. Correlations of inflammatory markers and sleep apnea, by Dogan discussing how the presence of positive correlations between inflammatory markers and OSAS severity demonstrated that OSAS is a systemic inflammatory disease and inflammation is more obvious in obese patients. This exciting ATS research builds on the medical evidence that sleep apnea is highly correlated to chronic diseases and other health risks. Since sleep apnea alters the immune system and causes oxidative stress (an imbalance based on the low levels of oxygen that then causes toxic effects), it creates a cascade of negative health pathways that ultimately can contribute to chronic diseases. It has also been demonstrated that people with sleep apnea are two to five times more likely to have these chronic diseases, like hypertension, diabetes, depression or cardiovascular disease. In a recently published editorial article, What Is the Future of Sleep Medicine in the United States?, the authors described the current situation by outlining that the identification and treatment of sleep apnea can improve health outcomes for people and lower health care costs [Barbara Phillips, MD, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine University of Kentucky College of Medicine and current President of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP); Atul Malhotra Kenneth, M. Moser Professor of Medicine, UC San Diego Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division and current President of the American Thoracic Society (ATS); and David Gozal, MD, Herbert T. Abelson Professor of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences and incoming President of the American Thoracic Society (ATS)]. The authors go on to cite that sleep apnea is very prevalent worldwide (up to 50% of men in a Swiss study) and is highly undiagnosed and under-treated. They then suggest various solutions to improve long-term patient care. One opportunity is to improve the quality and availability of non-specialist diagnosis and care, which can be effective and less expensive for sleep apnea patients. To address improved non-specialist care, Serenium Inc. recently announced a new partnership with a global healthcare organization to advance the development of its biomarker program to detect the risk for sleep apnea through an easy-to-use and economical urine test. Through this partnership, Serenium will accelerate efforts to commercially target these biomarker offerings to the over 500,000,000 people at risk in just the USA and China, plus the rest of the world. Sereniums diagnostic urine tests will enable primary care physicians and other clinicians to quickly and reliably identify and diagnose patients at risk of sleep apnea. Because of this, practitioners will be more comfortable utilizing this economical and clinically validated tool to quickly and easily evaluate patients, said M. Cory Zwerling, CEO of Serenium. Improved screening of all people will have a dramatic impact on the early identification of those at risk for sleep apnea. People will be able to be routinely tested in annual physicals, just like glucose testing, or even purchase tests at their retail or online stores. Once tested, those at risk can be evaluated by their physicians for appropriate interventions or treatment, before their chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes or depression, present or become more burdensome to them and their families. Sereniums biomarkers will become a new standard diagnostic and screening solution that will overcome todays hurdles and costs of early sleep apnea testing for everyone. Such a test does not exist today, adds Zwerling. The ATS presentations are highlighting new learnings regarding sleep apnea and chronic diseases. The prevalence of this condition is significant. Therefore, having a clinically validated and cost-effective diagnostic test, like Sereniums urine biomarkers, will be important to enable the large-scale, early evaluation of sleep apnea as part of non-specialist care (i.e., general practitioners). These and other solutions will thwart the growth and costs of chronic diseases around the world. For more information, please contact Serenium. Media Contact: M. Cory Zwerling Chief Executive Officer Serenium 650-224-6446 coryz(at)sereniumscreen(dot)com ABOUT SERENIUM Sereniums mission is to proactively screen all children and adults who snore, or have sleep disordered breathing, in order to predict and pre-empt chronic diseases. Through the early identification of at-risk people with Sereniums biomarkers, this easy-to-use urine test will reduce the burden of costly and debilitating chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease. Administered during a patients annual physical, or via at-home screening, Sereniums first-ever set of clinically validated biomarkers will improve health outcomes, decrease patient suffering and lower healthcare costs. Top Arizona and Federal Work Comp Treatment (480) 347-0941 Costochondral and sternochondral injections are amazing for pain relief in the chest and ribs! Arizona Injury Medical Associates PLLC is now offering costochondral injections for the effective relief of chest wall and rib pain. The procedures are offered by a Double Board Certified pain doctor who is an expert in treating injured workers under workers compensation claims. Call (480) 347-0941 for more information and scheduling. Individuals injured at work or in auto accidents often suffer from pain in the chest in the junction between the bone and cartilage parts of the ribs, known as the costochondral junctions. This pain can make it difficult to work, walk and even breathe comfortably. The medical term for the pain is called costochondritis, or Tietze's syndrome. Arizona Injury Medical Associates PLLC offers expert treatment for all types of chest and rib pain due to costochondritis. Dr. Demitri Adarmes is a Double Board Certified physician who offers both medication management and interventional procedures for all types of painful conditions sustained due to a work or auto accident injury. For the chest or rib pain, injections with numbing medicine and steroid are available. Image guidance is used to ensure accuracy with needle placement. The practice sees patients from throughout Arizona, along with patients throughout the US who are in need of a Federal Workers' Compensation doctor. Dr. Adarmes has an extremely high nonoperative success rate for helping patients achieve pain relief along with getting individuals back to work. This includes various types of nerve blocks, joint injections, soft tissue procedures and others. Arizona Injury Medical Associates PLLC not only offers expert medical care, but also comprehensive administrative paperwork to help with patient claims. For the top federal and Arizona workers' compensation doctor treatment, call the practice today at (480) 347-0941. Retired NYPD Deputy Inspector Pegues, a former drug dealer, writes about his experience in Once a Cop: My Journey from Former Crack Dealer to the Highest Ranks of the NYPD. In 2014 you revealed that as a teenager youd been a street dealer for a notorious Queens-based gang. The New York Post put you on the front page under the headline Thug Cop! Do you think the reaction to your story showed racial bias? In 2006 two retired detectives, Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa, both white, who worked on behalf of the New York mafiaprincipally the Lucchese crime familywere convicted of labor racketeering, extortion, illegal gambling, obstruction of justice, and eight counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, charges stemming from their actions in the 1980s and the early 1990s [while they were on active duty] in New York, and in the 2000s in Las Vegas. Both were sentenced to life in prison. I did not hear [New Yorks] mayor or the police commissioner say anything about their pensions as they did about mine. In your book you criticize such police strategies as stop and frisk. What do you think needs to be done in the short term to improve policing? In the short term, American policing needs to acknowledge that there is a serious issue with policing in minority communities. How many more national incidents like the deaths of Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Akai Gurley, Tamir Rice, and Freddie Gray do we have to have before we acknowledge the problem instead of saying This case is an isolated incident? Its like being an alcoholicbefore you can get any help you need to acknowledge your problem. After acknowledging the problem, police officers can reinforce techniques such as using all the time you need to subdue the prisoner with the least amount of force. How about long-term strategies? In the long term, cops need to have a better relationship with the minority community, and police departments need to try much harder to recruit and retain officers who are more reflective of the community in which they serve. In addition, police departments have to start disciplining rogue officers to the full extent of the law, or terminating them. When officers realize that their jobs are strictly tied to their actions or inactions in the street, then I think that there will be a swift change in the police culture. As a young man you were very fortunate to escape a prison sentence or a violent death. Do you think that your criminal activities should have disqualified you for police work? Prior to becoming a police officer I had already made the leap from the street life to becoming a productive citizen of society. I joined the military and supported my family. I dont think that someone right from the street who still engages in criminal behavior, even occasionally, should become a cop. However, if they can show that they have been living a clean life for some time, they should be given a chance like everyone else. In The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer, Summerscale explores the complexity of a now-obscure Victorian cause celebre. How did you first learn about the Coombes case? I came across it while browsing an old newspaper. I was immediately struck by the story: two boys who for 10 days in July 1895 lived it up in East London while the corpse of their murdered mother rotted in an upstairs bedroom. I was fascinated by the brothers, Robert and Nattie Coombes, ages 13 and 12one apparently cool and callous when they were caught, the other sobbing and repentant. How long did it take you to do all the investigative work required for this book? I worked on this book for three years. I always do lots of research, but I rarely write about it. Usually, the sources are tucked away in the endnotes. But in this case, my research became integral to the storyI discovered that there was someone living who had known and cared for Robert Coombes, and who seemed not to have known about the murder he had committed as a boy. This brought home to me the reality and potency of the story. I had a sense of the past crashing into my present, and I realized that my narrative could have an impact on living people. To tell it properly, I needed to write about my discoveries and decisions and my journey to Australia to meet the man Robert had known. Unlike your previous book, The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher, this is a whydunit, not a whodunitwas that easier or harder to write? The whodunit is a very suspenseful form, but I found plenty of opportunities for suspense in this story too. There is mystery and intrigue about why the murder is committed, how and when the brothers will be caught, how their father will react, what the courts will decide, what will become of the boys. As with Suspicions, I made decisions about how to arrange the facts to make the story as involving as possible. Where do you draw the line between reporting and opining? I research and assess the facts as scrupulously as I can, but I tell the story in my own way, and I enjoy that. I dont tend to interpret the facts directly or give an overt opinion, but my interpretations are there in the shape, pattern, emphases, context that I give the story. Do you have concerns about being pigeonholed as a true crime writer? No. I think its a fascinating genre. True crime is ethically kind of precarious, often uncomfortably close to voyeurism, prurience, a fascination with violence, transgression, and painbut it can examine the dark traits that it panders to, and for just this reason it has an unusual capacity to engage with questions about psychology, cruelty, culpability, emotional disturbance, damage, injustice, restitution, fear, pity, grief. Readers Respond Last week we published a story with the headline, With Print Book Sales Stabilized, Return Rate Lowers, which churned up the longtime debate over the valueor wastefulnessof booksellers ability to return unsold books to distributors and publishers. Agent Richard Curtis and bookseller Peter Glassman debated: These so-called stabilized returns are no cause for celebration. It still means that publishers have to print two copies of a mass market paperback to sell one, four of a hardcover to sell three, and five copies of a trade paperback to sell four. Performance like that in any other industry would be cause for alarm, but weve come to accept it complacently in an industry that has driven hundreds of viable publishers out of business thanks to the cash-draining evil of a system based on returns. Even the lesson of an e-book revolution based on zero returns and of royalties based on net receipts instead of list price does not seem to have had any impact on our thinking.Richard Curtis Note: Curtiss comment has been edited to incorporate corrected math from a second comment he made. Youre not taking into account the returns from events that so many booksellers mention in the article. Those books are not remaindered or destroyedtheyre usually returned to inventory and then shipped out and sold by another bookseller. While I have no idea what percentage event returns are for the industry as a whole, I know for stores that have an active event schedule like we do, event returns can account for 50%80% of returns.... The one thing everyone in the industry seems to agree on is that its better to have over-ordered for an event and have returns than to under order and lose sales.Peter Glassman From the Newsletters Tip Sheet Laura Barnett, author of The Versions of Us (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), picks 10 unconventional love stories. Religion BookLine In Not Forgotten: The True Story of My Imprisonment in North Korea (Thomas Nelson/W Publishing), Christian missionary Kenneth Bae recalls his incarceration. Global Rights Report International hot book properties include a sex-education book by Chusita, a YouTuber from Spain. Childrens Bookshelf Veterans of American Greetings and Overstock.com launch Peeko Press, a publisher of illustrated hardcover storybooks, at BEA. Sign up for these and other great, free newsletters. Podcasts Week Ahead PW editorial director Jim Milliot talks with Copyright Clearance Centers Christopher Kenneally about the ups and downs of Book Expo Americas move to Chicago. More to Come An interview with Terence Irvins, graphic novel buyer for the New York City branch of global chain Books Kinokuniya. PW Radio Ron Miscavige discusses his new book, Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me (St. Martins). PWs Midwest correspondent Claire Kirch provides a live report from the show floor of BEA. Blogs ShelfTalker The best part of bookselling: becoming part of a childs world. The most-read review on publishersweekly.com last week was Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (Harper). Stay up-to-date on every weeks great new books with our on-sale stars list: a weekly look at new on-sale titles that received starred reviews. After something of a slow start when the exhibition hall opened at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, book-buyer traffic at the 2016 BookExpo Americawhich ran through Friday, May 13, at Chicagos McCormick Placepicked up noticeably on Thursday, May 12. I am much more optimistic Thursday afternoon than I was yesterday, said Abrams CEO Michael Jacobs. Fridays traffic followed the usual pattern of the shows last day: there was some buzz early on, but it quieted down in the afternoon. The switch of venue from New York City, where BEA has been held for the past seven years, to Chicago elicited mixed reactions among those in attendance, with the divide roughly between the New Yorkbased houses and everyone else. Though the Big Five trade publishers were all in attendance, they brought fewer people and held fewer parties in a bid to keep expenses in check. Two big publishers, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Rodale, did not take booths at the show. Penguin Random House brought more than 100 people to Chicago, including CEO Markus Dohle, who said he was firm in his belief that the industry needs an annual trade showas long as the event provides the opportunity for publishers to engage with booksellers. One reason BEA officials moved the show out of New York was to make it easier, and cheaper, for booksellers outside of the Northeast to attend, and from that standpoint the move was a success. ABA CEO Oren Teicher reported that 65% of the booksellers in Chicago had not been to BEA in at least two years. Although overall bookseller attendance was down by about 5% from 2015, Teicher said the strong showing from booksellers in the heartland and from other regions validates the whole idea of moving the show around. He added: We are a national business, and our members are everywhere. Its not that we dont love New York, but it is expensive. Another positive aspect of moving to Chicago was the condition of the convention center itself. The facilities at McCormack Place far surpassed the dingy and antiquated Javits Center, where BEA is held when it is in New York. One change that seems to have people confused is the 1 p.m. start on the opening day. This was the second year BEA had a late opening, but it still caught many by surprise. Ellen Adler, publisher of New Press, wasnt aware that the show floor didnt open until 1 p.m., so when she arrived a few minutes before the official opening she became a bit panicked at the sight of a largely vacant exhibit area. I thought, this is the end of our industry, she said. Relief set in once book buyers began arriving after the doors were opened. This years BEA took place shortly after five large trade publishers posted generally soft first-quarter financial results. Many industry members said what the market could use is a hot book, and there were a number of titles that publishers were promoting that could fit the bill. Among the titles booksellers thought held promise were Colson Whiteheads The Underground Railroad, The Nix by Nathan Hill, Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, and The Girls by Emma Cline. Childrens books that drew high marks from booksellers included a number of young adult titles such as Heartless by Marissa Meyer, Caraval by Stephanie Garber, Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman, and Sharon Camerons The Forgetting. Outside of the young adult category, Lucy by Randy Cecil drew praise from some booksellers, as did We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen. Though final figures were not available at press time Friday, BEA officials acknowledged that attendance would be down from 2015for one thing, the size of the show floor was about 20% smaller than in New York last year. The lower attendance, however, did not faze many of the attendees. There may be fewer people, but it made it easier to get things done, Start Publishing president Jarred G. Weisfeld said. Todd Stocke, v-p and editorial director of Sourcebooks, took a similar stance about attendance. The quantity of traffic is down, but quality is up [Friday] and across the whole show. Next year, BEA moves back to New York, but there will be a new twist. The full event will run from May 31 to June 4. The final two daysSaturday and Sundaywill be dedicated to BookCon (which was held on Saturday, May 14, in Chicago this year), and the first three days will be the traditional trade show. But because of issues in getting access to the exhibition hall at Javits, the show floor will only be open on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be geared toward educational conferences and other programming that BEA will develop in the coming year. Read more of PWs extensive coverage of this years BEA. Welcome to Railway Gazette. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of these cookies. You can learn more about the cookies we use here. OK Adult Swim, the Turner division that is claimed to be US basic cable's leading home, has announced two new slates of programming in advance of the Turner Upfront 2016 presentation. The channel regards itself as having a unique approach to content development and having a voice that resonates with its audience. It believes that it has now not only crafted a robust and diverse slate for its top-rated cable network but also for its digital domain AdultSwim.com . As regards digital, Adult Swim has generated double-digit growth across multiple platforms and mobile gaming, including a +97% increase in web and app usage.The new Adult Swim slate will see returning original hits Rick and Morty, The Venture Bros and The Eric Andre Show to be joined by new on-air programming, including Robot Chicken: The Walking Dead Special; live-action series Million Dollar Extreme Presents: World Peace and Dream Corp, LLC from John Krasinski; a new comedy special from Brett Gelman; and the return of Genndy Tartakovsky's Samurai Jack. Adult Swim also continues its successful collaboration with creator Dan Harmon (Rick and Morty) on a new pilot project, Art Prison.The company also says that it will be extending viewing hours beyond their linear programming through AdultSwim.com, following its fans across multiple platforms by introducing new original programming for streaming. A new slate of original content created by members of the Adult Swim staff now includes such weekday shows as Stupid Morning Bullshit, Williams Street Swap Shop, Call of Karaoke and Development Meeting. These shows join popular anime fan show Toonami: Pre-Flight and FishCenter.Adult Swim is a one of a kind destination that simply knows its audience, said Christina Miller, president and general manager, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang. [We] have always found new and interesting ways to produce and distribute content that cant be found anywhere else.Adult Swim has developed a relationship with millennials like no other media brand, added Donna Speciale, president of Turner Ad Sales. That connection is a key access point for advertisers who want to use an authentic voice across custom, branded content and partnerships rich with direct to fan experiences. A+E Networks has appointed Yusuf Nabee to the newly created role of general manager, Africa. Nabee will take up his post on 1 June and will be responsible for securing new distribution for A+E Networks portfolio of channels and driving commercial opportunities. Additionally, he will head up A+E Networks office in Johannesburg, and be responsible for building a full local team to drive the performance of A+E Networks' channel portfolio across the continent.Nabee currently serves as CEO of ReelAfrican, a content aggregator that specialises in making African content available to audiences around the world. He has previously worked in various roles at SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation), including planning for the launch of new DTT networks, as well as a principal consultant at KPMG.Yusuf is a great addition to A+E Networks senior team, said Nicolas Eglau, COO at A+E Networks UK . We are confident that his proven track record of launching new channels, commissioning content and increasing audience share in the competitive African TV landscape will enable A+E Networks to gain further scale in this exciting and important market.A+E Networks already has a strong presence in Africa, with three premium channel brands - HISTORY, Crime + Investigation and Lifetime - all available on the DStv platform. In 2015 the company opened its first African office, in Johannesburg. In the past two years, A+E has also invested in two hit local commissions, Pawn Stars South Africa and Four Weddings South Africa, both local adaptations of global franchises.I am very pleased to be joining the A+E Networks family Nabee said. I am particularly excited at the opportunity to build on the base that A+E has already established in Africa, by expanding the companys presence across the continent and bringing more local flavour to its existing brands and content.A+E Networks UK currently broadcasts 19 channels in 90 countries across EMEA. Property details: Gorgeous 10 acres Southern California land in Imperial County Excellent location, Beautiful view, Road access Bring a cabin, or camper, or RV Owner Financing with 0% interest or only $129 a month Gorgeous 10 acres of land, perfect square shape, 660 feet x 660 feet. It's getting very hard to find large and affordable property in beautiful Southern California. This is rare opportunity to purchase private land in Imperial County, since most land here belongs to Government - probably m... Price: $ 200 Seller State of Residence: California Type: Homesite, Lot Zoning: Residential Location: 322**, Jacksonville, Florida You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Residential Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Property details: Alaska Land for sale..No Property Tax..No Sales Tax..No State Income Tax..The state of Alaska has a permanent fund that gives money to all residents each and every year (last year the disbursement was $2072 ) Located 4 Miles West Of Tok Central (About 90 Miles From Canadian Boarder) Easy access by your vehicle (roughly mile off major paved 2 lane highway in Tok), the turn off road is also maintained. These lots are not way out in the boonies, they are just far enough away from population, how... Price: $ 17,500 Seller State of Residence: Alaska State/Province: Alaska City: Tok Type: undeveloped land Zoning: n/a Zip/Postal Code: 99780 Location: 997**, Tok, Alaska You will be redirected to eBay Nearby 99780 Starwood Motors Shows Off the Black Jeep of the Family Photos by Tristan Buster It's been said that everything's bigger in Texas. Sometimes the Lone Star State seems like the last refuge for true freedom. You won't find the tyrannical firearms regulations there like the ones many of us face elsewhere in the country. Its residents are blissfully beyond the reach of rules that blame misspelled words on one's pencil. Do you car buffs also get emails from SEMA tipping you off to proposed legislation under the pretense of safety and environmental protection that limits the modifications you'll be able to make to your vehicles? Try making those same ideas fly in Texas. You'll quickly be told not to let the door hit you where the good lord split you. So aside from my diatribe that retirement or permanent relocation to Texas may be in my future, we at RECOIL do so enjoy seeing the vehicle builds that come out of that state. The name Starwood Motors has graced these pages before, as they've had a hand in other builds such as John Wayne Walding's F-250. We caught a glimpse of this 2014 Wrangler they built and knew that our readers would also be interested in a 44 outfitted with necessities like a .50-caliber machinegun and a Browning 1919. So let's check out another creation that represents the 28th state in fine form. Owner Chris Thompson had been pining over Jeeps since his high school days because his friends all had Wranglers. After spending several years in the Marines riding around in Humvees, his urge to eventually own a Jeep was punctuated by the desire to add a machinegun to it. After seeing an ad for Starwood Motors' Full Metal Jacket Wrangler package in an issue of duPont REGISTRY, the die was cast for Chris to pick up the phone and start the collaboration. The Wrangler Full Metal Jacket option offered by Starwood comes with enough options to make your head spin. Chris decided to take it a step further by adding a Magnuson supercharger, K&N filter, and DiabloSport tuning software to the motor. ARB front and rear air lockers and air compressor, along with Rubicon Express driveshafts, a Fox ATS steering stabilizer, Curry Rock Jocks axles, King coilovers, and a Rubicon long-arm system make this thing look like a real-life version of those Stompers that children of the '80s remember playing with. Smittybilt body armor and bumpers with Starwood's Kevlar finish help protect the exterior from the elements. Rigid Industries lights keep the path illuminated, while PROCAR seats, Gunner Fab rifle and pistol mounts, Tuffy lock boxes, an Alpine stereo and backup camera system, and a Poison Spyder cage keep all the occupants safe and privy to their surroundings. And who can forget the fun stuff? The turret was built and designed by H&H Tool Shop and sent to Starwood to install. It was fitted with an M2 .50-caliber machinegun that was essentially a brand-new Korean War gun. The door gun is a 1919 chambered in .308 with a pistol grip converted to a spade grip. Both guns came from Scalpel Arms and had never been fired. Gotta love that military surplus. Although Chris has sold the Jeep, here's a lesson in freedom at its finest. Ninety percent of the time Chris drove the Jeep around, it was with the guns mounted and the police just stopped him to take pictures and ask questions. God bless the USA; let's try and keep Chris' case study in judicial respect for law-abiding citizens going for the rest of us. It's an election year, and we need it more than ever. Full Metal Jacket/Cal 50 Jeep Make: Jeep Model: Wrangler Year: 2014 Engine: supercharged 3.6L V-6 Drivetrain: five-speed automatic URL: www.starwoodmotors.com 1. Machinegun Make: Browning Model: M2 .50 Caliber URL: www.scalpelarms.com, www.jbiarmory.com 2. Door Gun Make: Browning Model: 1919 converted to .308 URL: www.scalpelarms.com, www.jbiarmory.com 3. Machinegun Light Make: SureFire Model: Hellfighter 4 URL: www.surefire.com 4. Turret Make: H&H Tool Shop Model: Custom URL: www.hhtoolshop.com 5. Lightbar Make: Rigid Industries Model: 50-inch URL: www.rigidindustries.com 6. Light Make: Rigid Industries Model: Dually URL: www.rigidindustries.com 7. Bumpers Make: Smittybilt Model: Stinger JK URL: www.smittybilt.com 8. Winch Make: Warn Model: Zeon 10s URL: www.warn.com 9. Side Steps Make: AMP Research Model: Powerstep URL: www.amp-research.com 10. Pistol Mount Make: Gunner Fab Model: Pistol Mount, 4 Door JK URL: www.conditionzeromounts.com 1. Wheels Make: KMC Wheels Model: XD Bombs 22-inch URL: www.kmcwheels.com 2. Tires Make: Nitto Model: Mud Grappler 4015.522 URL: www.nittotire.com 3. Cargo Net Make: Safari Straps Model: Jeep JK 4DR URL: www.safaristraps.com 3. Wheels Make: KMC Wheels Model: XD Bombs 22-inch URL: www.kmcwheels.com 4. Roll Cage Make: Poison Spyder Model: Trail Cage URL: http://shop.poisonspyder.com An ordinance to allow food trucks to operate in downtown Athens on Thursdays passed in November. Two months later, no food trucks have yet to apply for a permit. The students who graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law this morning were awarded degrees which Sally Yates, the deputy attorney general of the United States Department of Justice, said carry one of the most important responsibilities that could be charged to a graduate. Jim Schultz/Record Searchlight Daniel Cordova, who is accused of robbing a downtown Redding credit union, pleaded not guilty at his Friday arraignment. SHARE By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight An 18-year-old Redding man described by a banking official as an "average clean-cut kid" was arraigned Friday in Shasta County Superior Court on charges he allegedly robbed a downtown credit union. Daniel Alexie Cordova, charged with two counts of second-degree robbery, is accused of robbing the Sierra Central Credit Union on Yuba and Pines streets with a note and his finger on Tuesday afternoon. A deputy public defender entered not-guilty pleas on Cordova's behalf during his arraignment. He remains in Shasta County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. Cordova, who reportedly walked away Tuesday with about $800 after giving a teller a note demanding money and simulating with his hand and finger a gun to another employee, handed out and exchanged the money he stole for goods from homeless people before turning himself in to authorities at the Shasta County Jail. Sgt. Todd Cogle has said none of the money was recovered. In an interview with investigators, Cordova confessed to the robbery, telling them he used the money he stole to buy clothes from homeless people he met while making his way from the downtown area to a Walnut Avenue residence where he lives with a friend and his friend's mother. Cordova said he paid about $100 to $150 for a T-shirt and bought slippers, Cogle said, adding he passed out the rest of the money to random homeless people he met on the street. According to an RPD investigative report, Cordova's father, identified as Brandon Splawn, said the 18-year-old has been clinically diagnosed as schizophrenic. In an interview with investigators, Cordova, who confirmed he's schizophrenic and had been off his medications, said he's been struggling to get his life together. Cordova, who said he hears voices in his head that get him into trouble, also acknowledged that he's an "adrenaline junkie," the RPD investigation report says "I asked him if he was trying to tell me he went to the bank and robbed it for an adrenaline rush, and he replied he was hoping to get a shower, three meals a day, a place to sleep, education and that he could seek out mental health care and physical health care," RPD investigator Harry Bishop IV wrote in the police report. According to the report, Cordova had gone earlier that day to the credit union and the downtown Bank of America branch to see about opening up an account there, providing a Bank of America employee with valid photo identification and other information before he left. It's alleged he later went back to the credit union and handed a teller a crumpled note demanding money. "I'm sorry for the way this is about to go down," Cordova reportedly said as he handed her the note, according to the police report. The note said: "Be cool, stay calm, $1,000 cash," the police report said. The teller said she gave Cordova two bundles of $20 bills, asking him if he also wanted the remainder of the cash in her drawer, which he declined, the police report said. Cordova then told her to push the alarm button before walking away, the report added. As he reached the exit door, the report said, another employee saw a large amount of cash in Cordova's hand and approached him, saying, "Hey buddy, you don't want to do this," Cordova turned to that employee, said "Gotcha" and pointed his finger at him, rocking it back as if simulating the recoil from a handgun, the report said. He then left. According to the police report, Cordova later turned himself in after talking to his mother on the telephone. During their interviews with Cordova, investigators said, Cordova said he's been in a downward spiral since December when he left a brief job with the California Conservation Corps. Asked by investigators if he was hoping to get arrested that day, he replied in the affirmative. "He thought it would be a positive thing for him to get caught for robbing the bank that day," the report said, adding that he did not want to hurt anyone other than himself. But, he said, he did not know why he picked the credit union to rob. "I don't know," he said. "It's just the one I stumbled upon." This image by the Shasta County Sheriff's Office shows marijuana plants found on a Cottonwood property. SHARE Donald James Mobley A medical marijuana advocate known for sheltering veterans on his property was arrested Friday during a search of his Cottonwood area property by the Shasta County Sheriff's and California Fish and Wildlife marijuana enforcement agents. Donald James Mobley, 44, who was on his property in the 400 block of Two Feathers Road, west of Cottonwood, was arrested on suspicion of marijuana cultivation and possession for sale and possession of large capacity magazines and an assault rifle, the sheriff's office said. Agents with the sheriff's investigative team and Fish and Wildlife's watershed and marijuana enforcement teams searched three adjoining parcels and two homes. According to the Sheriff's Office, they eradicated 1,844 growing marijuana plants from two outdoor cultivation sites. The agents also found 13 firearms, including three assault rifles, packaging materials, digital scales and about 75 pounds of processed marijuana and leftovers, the Sheriff's Office said. The Sheriff's Office said Mobley has an active felony arrest warrant out from 2015 for marijuana cultivation and possession for sale. Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight Anderson police Officer Mike Hallagan and his K-9 Aero visit Anderson Heights Elementary School Friday. Some of the school's students raised money and gave gifts to the dog when he was sick. SHARE Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight Anderson Police Officer Mike Hallagan and his K-9 Aero visit Anderson Heights Elementary school Friday. Some of the schools students raised money and gave gifts to the dog when he was sick. By Joe Szydlowski of the Redding Record Searchlight At first, only one Anderson Heights Elementary student saw the pair approaching. He shouted out to his fellow pupils, but was drowned out by their chattering at the campus' picnic area. A few heard his cries, turned their heads and joined in, "It's Aero!" Soon the entire class cheered as police dog Aero and his handler, Mike Hallagan, walked past a giant banner covered in signatures that read "Anderson Heights Supports Anderson Police Dogs." Aero stopped by the school Friday to thank the students for raising more than $700 for the dog's battle with a muscle-wasting disease and infection. They also gave him a gift basket of cards, treats and toys to welcome him back to the force last month. Hallagan said the cards went into a special binder and as for those treats, "he's already eaten about half of them," he told the kids. Levi MCcant, 10, said he donated $20 to help Aero and sent him a bone and a get-well-soon card that read "Get very well and I hope you stay alive," he said. Griffin Foster, 10, saw a news article about the dog while in the school office and wanted to help. "(I felt) really bad. I have three dogs back at home," he said. But meeting Aero was exciting, he said. "(I thought) hey, that's the police dog I helped." One group of kids watched him play with a rope toy from the gift basket while the others saw him go through a bite training exercise. Both groups got to pet Aero after Hallagan talked about how Aero assists him on the job currently, he only searches for drugs. "He's really proud," Hallagan said. Upon discovering something, "he hits it with his paw and says 'Dad, it's there.'" Anderson Police dog Iro also visited the students. But Aero was the star of the show. When he visited the second group, the kids began chanting "Aero! Aero! Aero!" After Aero became very sick in July, Hallagan went to several veterinarians, including U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, to find out what was wrong. Police retired Aero in August after the disease ravaged his muscles. At one point wasn't expected to live. Hallagan started an online fundraiser that brought in more than $13,000 from donors across the country. That level of support, including donations from local students, were "pretty overwhelming," Hallagan said. So he felt the need to thank the students, he said. "I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate it," he told them. He plans to visit several other organizations that helped in the near future. SHARE UPDATED at 12:25 p.m. All lanes at the I-5 South freeway near Oasis Road have reopened, according to the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page. Earlier this morning, a big rig rolloved spilled logs onto the freeway causing lane closures and traffic diversions. There were no reported injuries according to CHP UPDATED at 9:50 a.m. The California Highway Patrol has blocked the I-5 south freeway near Oasis Road, and traffic is being diverted off the freeway. According to CHP, drivers will experience a lengthy delay. ORIGINAL STORY A big rig rollover was reported at 9:30 a.m. on southbound I-5 freeway near Oasis Road and is blocking multiple lanes, according to scanner reports. According to the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information page, traffic is being diverted, due to logs being spread across multiple lanes. Check back as we update the story. SHARE Frase Man's warrant dismissed due to lack of evidence By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight Murder and kidnapping charges won't be filed at least not yet against a Mendocino County man arrested on a warrant in 2010 for the killing of a Fort Jones woman in 2005. Siskiyou County District Attorney J. Kirk Andrus said this week his office had to dismiss the warrant on Phillip William Frase, 64, of Laytonville, because it does not have enough evidence to take him to trial and win a murder conviction. Frase was arrested two years ago on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering Patricia Katherine Joseph, 56, but never formally charged. Andrus said sheriff's detectives are continuing to investigate the cold case and he remains hopeful the additional evidence will be discovered so charges can be filed. "The investigation is ongoing, no question about that," said Andrus. "We're just not to the point where we can prove it beyond a reasonable doubt." Joseph, 56, the former owner of Country Thyme Cafe, was last seen alive on the night of July 15, 2010. Her partially clothed body was found by a kayaker three days later about 30 miles from her home. Sheriff's detectives have said numerous people originally were questioned about the case, but there was not enough evidence at that time to positively identify Joseph's killer or to make an arrest. But that changed after investigators obtained new information from witnesses who knew both people. A warrant for Frase's arrest was served in December 2010, who was awaiting trial in Ukiah for murder in connection with the death of a 49-year-old man who reportedly was Frase's marijuana cultivation helper. Frase, who contended that he killed Steven Richard Schmidt in self-defense, pleaded guilty in September 2011 to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to three years in prison. He has since served his prison sentence and is now a free man, Andrus said Siskiyou County sheriff's Detective Nathan Mendes said after the 2010 arrest of Frase that he and Joseph, who had lived in Fort Jones since 1977, were once "business associates" and that the motive of the alleged killing was similar to that of the Mendocino County homicide case. Attempts by the Record Searchlight to contact members of Joseph's family were not successful. SHARE By David Hawkings, CQ-Roll Call WASHINGTONFor more than 18 months, a rewrite of laws governing federal criminal punishments has been touted as the exception that was going to prove the rule: An effort that had so galvanized conservatives and liberals that it would become one of the few memorable policy achievements of the current Congress. Well, the rule has held true about the deadlocked-by-polarization Capitol becoming only more so in the sessions before a presidential election. But the exception, by fits and starts, is growing ever less likely to be exceptional. Sentencing reform, as its known on the Hill, is seriously stuck. On the surface, it may not appear that way. Just offstage, theres a fundamental impasse that looks as if it can only be broken if one side caves in, thereby imperiling the highly unusual bipartisan coalition that has been the issues signature feature. Complicating matters further, there are solid presidential and congressional campaign rationales for a deal, but also political arguments in opposition being at least as forcefully expressed. All this is on clearest display in the Senate, where the legislation looks to be riding a little wave of momentum but may be close to publicly coming off the rails buffeted by anxieties about Willie Horton on the right and anger at Wall Street greed on the left. Two weeks ago, an ideologically diverse group announced revisions to the legislation they described as almost guaranteeing passage with a filibuster-proof majority of more than 60 and most senators from both caucuses. Its extraordinary roster of co-sponsors, now 19 Democrats and 16 Republicans, ranges ideologically from unvarnished liberal Barbara A. Mikulski of Maryland to libertarian tea party conservative Mike Lee of Utah. It includes both the whips, Republican John Cornyn of Texas and Democrat Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, along with a handful from each side getting mentioned in early vice-presidential speculation. Maybe most telling, the only Senate Democrat in any re-election trouble this fall, Michael Bennet of Colorado, is a cosponsor and so are four of the six Republican incumbents in competitive campaigns: Richard M. Burr of North Carolina, Roy Blunt of Missouri, Rob Portman of Ohio and Mark S. Kirk of Illinois. The bill would ease the mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for future nonviolent offenders (mostly drug criminals), allow many of those already incarcerated out of prison ahead of schedule and ease their path back into society and the workforce. This exceptionally diverse group has decided that package is something they can stand behind as good social policy, law enforcement policy and budget policy. (Fewer federal inmates mean reduced prison expenses.) Members in tough races are also eager to distance themselves from the Do Nothing Congress label by getting their fingerprints on an understandable and tangible accomplishment. Thats why theres a decent chance the bill will come to the floor this summer, assuming the appropriations process inevitably seizes up and there no longer is the need to devote the Senates time to spending bills. Along the way, the measure is going to face one assault from powerful Republicans determined to kill it outright, and another from Republicans willing to love it to death. Ted Cruz of Texas, who returned to the Capitol this week vowing to press ahead with the combative outsider tone of his presidential campaign, and Jeff Sessions of Alabama, the first senator to endorse de facto GOP nominee Donald Trump, are leading the lambasting of the bill as going way too soft on crime. A floor debate would give Cruz an opportunity to put his scorched-earth style for opposing legislation back on C-SPAN display. And though Trump has not taken an explicit position on the bill, his many authoritarian statements suggest hell take Sessions advice and come out emphatically against it especially if his likely opponent, Hillary Clinton, whos become newly critical of mass incarceration, decides to endorse the bill. So its quite easy to envision law-and-order groups producing 30-second TV spots, evocative of the legendary Willie Horton ad from the 1988 presidential campaign, chiding even the GOP backers of the bill as pro-drug-dealer criminal justice weaklings. The other big obstacle, which might prove even more problematic, goes by the much nerdier label, mens rea. That Latin phrase, which translates as guilty mind, is law school shorthand for the way prosecutors are sometimes required to prove a defendants criminal intent in order to obtain a conviction. Under federal law, many categories of behavior are crimes only when the accused know what theyre doing is wrong and do it anyway but some actions can bring convictions and imprisonment whether or not theres any willful criminal intent. Many influential Republicans, urged on by their business allies and such conservative fundraising forces as the Koch brothers, are eager to apply a blanket mens rea requirement across the federal criminal code. They say the government has too much power to convict companies and their executives without having to prove any criminal intent. And they are eyeing the sentencing overhaul bill as their best available vehicle for getting the job done. Lawmakers and activists from the Bernie Sanders wing of the Democratic Party deride this proposal as a thinly veiled effort to deliver a permission slip for more What, me worry? sketchy behavior to the same sort of bad actors in the corporate and investment worlds who melted down the economy eight years ago. These liberal forces, too, have the ability to produce punchy campaign commercials targeting those in Congress who go along. Even if the bill gets through the Senate without having to swallow the mens rea poison pill, top Republicans in the House are insisting that sentencing legislation will only move if its lashed together with their efforts to expand the need to prove criminal intent. The Obama administration argues the opposite, that the only way to sign a bill on sentencing this year is to negotiate protections for unwitting white collar criminals on a separate track. One again this campaign season, its the small clusters of combative voices at the edges that are likely to have more power than any collaborative majority in the middle. 2016 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved Visit CQ Roll Call at www.rollcall.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SHARE Last month, the leader of California's most important and valuable public institution spent a day in Redding. University of California President Janet Napolitano spoke with community leadership and a more public audience at various venues in the largest Californian city north of Sacramento. Thanks to the work of community organizers and advocates, Napolitano could not avoid the question of whether another UC campus might someday be in the works, and whether such a campus could be built in Redding. Proponents of a UC Redding have pointed out that a campus in the North State would not only create links between a somewhat isolated and marginal region and the larger state community, it would also provide an economic boost to the communities north of the capital. And given UC's own argument that there are a shortage of places in relation to demand, a UC Redding would create "seats" while ticking a couple of these other boxes. Because of her own political background, Napolitano grasps that UC's dilemma is a political one. Her answer to UC Redding advocates demonstrated as much. She discussed the transfer pipeline, the Blue & Gold financial aid program, and distance opportunities, all of which could take North State students to the UC without a new campus. But she was also clear about the barrier to UC Redding advocates' vision: "Until the university receives full state funding for the existing 10 campuses ... another brick-and-mortar campus still lies in the future." This was a useful dose of realism for the Redding and Northern California community. The construction of a UC Redding will require not only strong and smart and consistent advocacy, but also a recognition of the cultural and political changes necessary for UC and the state to contemplate opening a new campus. State funding for UC has declined steadily relative to the number of students for 40 years. The balance of the cost has been transferred onto the shoulders of students and their families. It would be irresponsible for UC to open a new campus until that decline is reversed or at least arrested. Hence Napolitano's focus on consolidation at Merced rather than expansion in Redding. For a UC Redding to emerge, we need to see some big changes in the political economy of our state. Supermajority rules about revenue (with origins in 1978's Proposition 13) have put our state with its expanding and more complex population and demographics on autopilot toward austerity. My personal view is that major changes will have to wait until Jerry Brown leaves office. Brown has described his philosophy as "creative inaction," hardly a recipe for reinvigorating our state and its institutions. Change needs to occur at the regional as well. It's no secret that Northern California is conservative and demonstrates its skepticism of state institutions through its voting record. Redding would have rivals on its claim to a new UC campus, and would need strong voices in the Senate and Assembly. Even if the region's representatives, Sen. Ted Gaines and Assemblyman Brian Dahle, decided to advocate for a campus in Northern California, they are unlikely to win support from colleagues in Central and Southern California on the basis of their political hypocrisy. Other state leaders would be likely to question why a region that sends two signatories of Grover Norquist's straitjacket, anti-tax pledge should have a claim on state resources. The long-term nature of the quest for a UC Redding will challenge the community's commitment, and will be a test of the depth of desire for a transformative public institution to set up shop in Northern California. As a product of the region and a beneficiary of California's extraordinary university, I hope that when good times return to California and the UC, Redding can gain. This column is derived from a post on Jeff Schauer's Redding.com blog. Read more at jschauer.blogs.redding.com. Email Jeff Schauer at schauer7@gmail.com Japanese automaker says the 'element of trust has been broken' It has become difficult to launch new products or commit fresh investments in India, according to Japanese auto major Toyota, which is fighting a Supreme Court-imposed ban on diesel vehicles, despite producing vehicles complying with the norms. Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the local subsidiary based in Bengaluru, on Friday launched the Innova Crysta, an all-new model of its best-selling vehicle Innova. However, the firm cannot launch it in the Delhi national capital region (NCR) due to the Supreme Court ban. This is the first launch in the industry impacted by the ban. Shekhar Vishwanathan, vice-chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said: If we were to go and ask TMC (Toyota Motor Corporation) for new products, they would ask how do you know it will not get banned? and I have no answer. So, my first step is to make sure the ban gets lifted. (If) we have to pay a nominal cess, (then) so be it, even though we dont believe the cess is a fair imposition. Then, we will represent back to TMC and tell them please trust us. Its the element of trust that has been broken. The SC, in its December order, banned sale of all diesel-powered passenger vehicles having engine capacity of 2,000cc and above. This severely impacted Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Toyota Kirloskar and Mercedes-Benz, though a month later M&M circumvented the ban by launching existing vehicles with downsized engines. It is not so much about the ban itself. Okay, we will lose some money; thats fine, but why was such an unfair thing done in the first place when you have complied with every law? That is what is hurting. This is not an arithmetic loss. Everyones perception changes to 'oh can the law be interpreted that even when you are compliant you can ban and suddenly bring my business to a standstill?, Vishwanathan added. The Innova Crysta, which is based on a new platform, is powered by two new diesel engines, 2.4-litre, 5-speed manual transmission and 2.8-litre, six-speed automatic transmission. A petrol variant of the multi-utility vehicle is in the works and will be launched in the coming months including in the Delhi-NCR market. Innova Crystas prices start from Rs 13.83 lakh for the base variant to Rs 20.77 lakh for the top-end variant (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The vehicle, launched in four variants with seven- and eight-seat options, has driver and front passenger airbags for all variants. Toyota had been clocking 5,500 units per month of the older Innova including the overall sales loss of eight per cent in the Delhi-NCR following the ban. In addition to the Innova, Fortuner, Land Cruiser and Prado are also facing the ban. Toyota said it would not look at downsizing of engines as an option to skirt the ban. When the SC said it will ban 2,000cc-plus engines, it was actually not targeting us but somebody was targeting us to put someone else at an advantage. The SC has not done this with a view to favouring somebody or hurting us. TMCs confidence in India has taken a knock but it is our job in TKM (Toyota Kirloskar Motor) India to reinstate that confidence, added Vishwanathan. Toyota launches Innova Crysta Toyota launched the Innova Crysta at a starting price of ~13.83 lakh on Friday. It is available in the diesel variant. It comes with a new 2.8 litre engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the low-end model comes with a 2.4 litre engine with five-speed manual transmission. Portal to be launched in three months, says Future Groups Kishore Biyani After home furnishing and electronics, Kishore Biyani-led Future Group is taking its hypermarket format Big Bazaar online. The e-commerce portal is ready and will be launched pan-India in three months, Biyani told Business Standard. Unlike e-commerce market places such as Flipkart and Amazon, Future Group has taken the omni-channel route for its e-commerce foray. This means the companys online sales will be supported by a chain of physical stores across the country. We are building up capabilities in the warehouses. We wont do local delivery, said Biyani. He, however, added the company was taking a step-by-step approach for its e-commerce foray. We believe it (omni channel) is a very expensive model. As a group, we dont want to do any business which incurs losses. A fierce critic of the existing e-commerce business model prevalent in the country, Biyani has quietly made an entry into the world of e-commerce. It has already taken its electronics retail stores, eZone, online through the omni-channel model, while its acquisition of Rocket Internet-promoted Fabfurnish earlier this year has given it a footprint on the home furnishing e-commerce segment. While relaunching the portal earlier this month, the company had said it was expecting Fabfurnish to become profitable in three months. To a query on whether Future was looking at further acquisitions for its e-commerce play, Biyani said the company was only looking at specialty retail. We are looking at niche retail segments; anything in which we can make money. With the ambition to play a bigger role in the e-commerce segment, Biyanis views about the sector have somewhat been moderated now. I think e-commerce has a lot of strengths. Long tail (selling less of more by focusing on offering a large amount of niche products), and sales velocity (time taken for a new lead to become a closed deal) help reach the geographies faster. So they have to build on the strengths. They have to reduce the costs of customer acquisition, transaction and delivery. Customers will have to pay for delivery; only then can it become profitable, said Biyani. So, it will evolve in a new form. It wont survive in the current form. In the fashion segment, though, Biyani is still taking a big bet on the brick-n-mortal model. The group has started refurbishing the Central stores, the flagship retail format of Future Lifestyle Fashion, starting with its first set of Central stores on Residency Road in Bengaluru, launched 11 years ago. Work has already started to redesign Central stores in Goregaon and Hyderabad, Biyani said, adding the company was spending Rs 7,500-8,000 per sq ft for this redesigning. The other area where the company is making a push is to establish small store formats across the breadth of the country under the Easyday brand, which it acquired through Bharti Retail. After the integration of Bharti Retail with itself, Future is looking to establish 4,000 Easyday stores across the country over the next five years compared with around 500 now. That is the biggest thing that would be happening here. We will go to towns, which have even a population of around 50,000. Photograph: Reuters The prohibition has freed up as much as 60 million litres of ethanol The Bihar governments move to ban liquor sales in the state to curb alcoholism and empower women has turned out to be an opportunity for oil marketing companies (OMCs) to strengthen their ethanol blending programme (EBP). The prohibition by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has freed up as much as 60 million litres of ethanol. The Union petroleum ministry has accepted a proposal by the Bihar government and asked OMCs to consider lifting entire ethanol produced by distilleries in the state. OMCs under the ministry of petroleum and natural gas have informed that around 60 million litres of ethanol may be produced in Bihar through the molasses route. OMCs will strive to absorb this ethanol for EBP to help the state of Bihar, the petroleum ministry said. The initiative is likely to generate income of around Rs 300 crore for Bihar farmers through sugar mills and distilleries, apart from aiding proper usage of molasses. The volume of ethanol likely to be diverted from Bihar will be a tenth of the total ethanol supply for EBP in sugar year 2014-15. Having successfully implemented the prohibition in his state, Nitish Kumar has been campaigning in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Kerala for a similar ban. He is also scheduled to visit Rajasthan and Odisha next month to drum up support for a ban on alcohol further boosting the blending scheme. The government is running the EBP in 21 states and four Union Territories to promote renewable energy, reduce dependency on crude oil imports, and improve remuneration to farmers. In a bid to provide a stimulus to EBP, the Narendra Modi-led government had boosted the ethanol procurement price in December 2014, allowed an alternate route of ethanol production, and made domestic sourcing of ethanol mandatory. Ethanol supplies for the blending programme have risen from 380 million litres (30 per cent of requirement) in 2013-14 to 674 million litres in 2014-15. This year, the OMCs have floated a tender for 2.66 billion litres of ethanol to meet the 10 per cent blending target. The ministry said there is considerable improvement in the response from the sugar sector, which has offered more than 1.35 billion litres for the current sugar year. ETHANOL BLENDING TO GET BOOST ' The Bihar governments controversial move to ban liquor sales in the state has turned out an opportunity for oil marketing companies (OMCs)s ethanol blending programme ' The prohibition has freed up as much as 60 million litres of ethanol ' The Union oil ministry has asked OMCs to consider lifting entire ethanol produced by distilleries in the state 'The condition of some Adivasi hamlets is worse than Somalia, worse than what the prime minister described.' 'There are instances when Adivasis have to demolish the hut they live in to bury the dead as they do not have any other place to bury their dear ones.' 'There are tens of thousands of Adivasis who do not have land, a house or even good food to eat.' 'What kind of human development are you talking about?' IMAGE: A tribal couple in Kerala. Photograph: Kind courtesy: Sreejith K/Wikimedia Commons At his election rally in Thiruvananthapuram on May 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commented that the condition of Adivasi children in Kerala is worse than that of Somalian children. Modi's comments provoked an uproar in Kerala and the hashtag #pomoneModi which literally meant get lost Modi, was trending on Twitter. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy threatened to file a defamation case against the PM for insulting the state and its people. Then came the Facebook post by Kerala's well-known tribal leader C K Janu supporting Modi and criticising Chandy for not seeing the reality. C K Janu is contesting the assembly election from Sultan Battery in north Kerala with the Bharatiya Janata Party's backing. She is the leader of the Adivasi Gothra Maha Sabha, a social movement that has been agitating since 2001 for the redistribution of land to the landless tribal people in Kerala. In 2016, she formed the political party, the Janathipahya Rashtriya Sabha and is contesting the Kerala assembly election as a part of the National Democratic Alliance. On the final day of campaigning, C K Janu, left, below, spoke over the telephone to Shobha Warrier/Redfiff.com from her constituency. After the prime minister was widely criticised for his comparison of Attapady with Somalia, you wrote on Facebook that there were 100 Somalias in Attapady... Yesterday (May 13), an Adivasi woman's two children died here. Do you know why? Because they didn't have proper, nutritious food. This is not an isolated incident. Incidents like this are widespread and happening regularly. The situation is scary, but nobody wants to talks about it. Those living outside these areas do not know how these people live. Most of them do not even have proper houses; they live under plastic cover. They live in such pathetic conditions that they have no house, no food and not even proper paths to walk in some of the interior areas. When I tread through such terrain and reach where they live, I feel horrible to even ask for votes. Does anyone have the right to ask their support? The condition in which they live is extremely pitiable. On one side, Kerala boasts of unenviable growth and Kerala tops the country in human development index also... It's hogwash! Kerala is one state where the maximum human rights violation is taking place and that is where the Adivasi Dalits live. There are tens of thousands of Adivasis who do not have land, a house or even good food to eat. What kind of human development are you talking about? There are instances when Adivasis have to demolish the hut they live in to bury the dead as they do not have any other place to bury their dear ones. There is no dignity in death also for these people. Even today, people have to search for food from garbage piles. Do you call this human development? Both the LDF and the UDF criticise each other while taking pride in the growth Kerala has achieved... Both the UDF and LDF do not consider Adivasis as human beings. When they do not even consider them as human beings, how can you expect them to consider them as part of Kerala? Do you think both the LDF and UDF have been exploiting these people? Of course, they have only exploited Adivasis as vote banks; as faceless, nameless people to make their rallies bigger. As an Adivasi, I have been working for the rights of Adivasis for almost 30 years. We have had several demonstrations over the years. In fact, the outside world came to know about the Adivasis of Kerala only after our agitations. Though both the fronts are aware of the condition under which the Adivasis live, they have not done anything to improve their lives. The Adivasis are only vote banks. The chief minister accused the prime minister of insulting the state and the people by comparing Attapady with Somalia... I will not agree with what the chief minister said. The prime minister has not insulted anyone; in fact, he has told a bitter truth. The people of Kerala could not hear the truth as they have been basking in the promotion that Kerala is a heaven on earth. When you tell the rest of the world that Kerala is a heaven on earth, it is but natural that the truth like this hurt them. To such people, it is an insult. You come here, I will show you not one but hundred Somalia in Attapady. In fact, the condition of some Adivasi hamlets is worse than Somalia, worse than what the prime minister described. I want to ask all those who talk so proudly of the growth of Kerala, are we not part of that great Kerala? Are we not part of that heaven? When they are propagating about the heavenly Kerala, they feel insulted and ashamed to hear about a Kerala that is like hell. When someone points out the hell to the world, it exposes their shortcomings and their lack of understanding. Today, they are criticising the prime minister because these people do not want the world to know about the hell that is there in this heaven. Now that I have spoken the truth about Attapady, the rest of India will realise what the prime minister said was right. I am not an outsider; I was born and brought up here. I am a part of them and I know how we live. People in Kerala reacted negatively, calling the prime minister pomonemodi on social media. It was very bad and undignified to call the prime minister of the country this way. The problem is even the people of Kerala do not consider Adivasis as human beings. Nobody cares whether the Adivasis live or die. In 2013, (Marxist leader and former chief minister) V S Achuthanandan told a press conference that if Attapady was like Somalia, the UDF was responsible for it. Both the LDF and UDF followed the same policies. In fact, the worse of the two is the LDF. They treat the Adivasis as slaves and do not even give them identity cards so that they do not vote for anybody else. In your case also, when you accepted the BJP's support, you were criticised a lot. Why did you take the BJP's support and not that of the LDF or UDF? The problems the Adivasis face have to be solved politically, but both the LDF and UDF are not ready to look at them or solve their problems politically. Only the BJP agreed to consider this as a political issue and that's why I decided to accept their support. Did you expect such criticism for your decision? I expected much more criticism from them as they want us to be their slaves forever. They neither want us to have a political voice nor do they want us to be politically strong. I expect the BJP to do something positive for us. 'Initially, we had 48 teams, now it has been enhanced to 133 teams: that is for every 10 to 12 villages, there is a team that is working round the clock.' '133 x 3, that is, given the 8-hour shifts.' 'They are monitored every hour, they are equipped with GPS -- everything is tracked live, real time, from the control room.' The biggest news from Tamil Nadu is not the election due on May 16 or who will win, who will lose come counting day on May 19 but the volumes of illegal cash that is being seized across the state. The amount is staggering, and has exceeded Rs 100 crore. The raids and seizures are being carried out across Tamil Nadu's 32 districts, under the Election Commission's aegis, with the state police's active involvement. Madurai district is where the infamous notes-for-votes formula was developed, in the Thirumangalam bye-elections of 2009. Today, the district is under the watch of Superintendent of Police Vijayendra Bidari, an Indian Police Service officer from the 2005 cadre. In an interview with Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar and Saisuresh Sivaswamy, Superintendent of Police Bidari explains how the raids are arried out. What exactly is happening in Tamil Nadu with all the cash seizures? Suddenly it appears as if the state if awash with illegal cash! IMAGE: Superintendent of Police Vijayendra Bidari confers with a colleague in the control room. All the squads are controlled from here. After it gets the information, a squad can reach any given spot in the district within 10 minutes. All photographs: Saisuresh Sivaswamy/Rediff.com The Election Commission is very serious about taking money power out of the picture, and has formed lots of flying squads and teams to ensure that public complaints are attended to in a very good manner. There are lots of restrictions on the use of money, and expenditure is controlled during the elections. We are all on deputation to the EC because when the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, we go into deputation and come under the disciplinary control of the EC. Everybody involved with the elections -- from the police constable to the revenue inspector -- is under the disciplinary and administrative control of the EC. So, we are all working according to the wishes of the EC. Can you explain, from start to finish, how the whole raids and seizures happen? We deployed nearly 48 flying squads and 48 static teams in this district as soon as elections were declared and they work round the clock in eight-hour shifts. The static surveillance teams are deployed in various locations where they check the vehicles. They prevent flow of money and prohibited items, gift items, liquor. Lots of seizures were made -- we booked nearly 620 cases in this district alone, and more than 250 people were arrested from the time of declaration of the MCC till date. And the flying squads are mobile. Static surveillance teams are also mobile, but they change their locations very frequently and are involved with vehicle checking. And they try to prevent the free movement of all these things. That's why lots of cash seizures have been made by the static surveillance teams. We have a very good election control room, and any complaint that comes in goes there; all the flying squads are controlled from there. So the nearest squad is immediately alerted and they are able to reach the spot within 10 minutes -- they can reach anywhere in the district. They have also booked lots of cases. Apart from just booking for cases of election expenditure, these squads are also looking into model code violations. Like the number of vehicles which can go in a campaign trail, whether there any banners, any disfigurement, or whether anybody is doing any function without the permission of the RO. Everything that is done has to be with the permission of the RO so that they can account for the expenditure incurred by the party for that function. If they do it without intimating the RO, then the expenditure doesn't get accounted for. So flying squads are doing that work as well. Apart from police officers, everybody is involved in enforcement; it is not that it is only their responsibility. Nearly half of the cases are registered by the police. So that's how it is going on. One also reads about the police getting tip-offs. How does the team get these tip-offs? Who are the informants? Are they your regular ones? What is their motivation? First of all, the phone numbers of all our officers are widely publicised. We have put out pamphlets which indicate that giving any cash or kind, both giving and receiving is an offence, a punishable one. We have given our toll-free helpline numbers, the WhatsApp number, and of the local sub-division officer. So anybody can contact them. We have got lots of free flow (of information). That is one thing. The second is open media. We are monitoring every local cable TV, (they are recorded) and anything which is violative of the Model Code of Conduct is registered. Similarly, state channels are done at the state level, we do the local cable channels. We have a room only for that. We have monitoring of the print media as well. Every newspaper cutting relating to electoral violation is put up. These are all open channels. Apart from these, we have got our intelligence and police machinery, local village level officials, village and ward awareness committees, whose members are in touch with the police. Their work is two-fold. One is to increase the voting percentage, as the EC's motto is to have 100 per cent voting this time, the second is to report malpractices, violations of the model code etc. So they are being used both ways. IMAGE: Everything can be tracked from a smart phone -- a list of critical zone, which zone is covered by whom and so on. Everything is tracked live. But we specifically asked about the informants' motivation, which may not always be above board, right? They could also be settling local scores? We always have our calls, and everything is not genuine. There are calls (as you suggested) like that. But we verify them. If a call isn't genuine, then we let it go. But we take our chances, because out of 3, 4, calls there could be one genuine call. Based on that, lots of good catches have been made. For instance, we made seized a large amount of cash from a long-distance bus. We got very specific information and we were able to catch that. So it is through this mechanism. So, as we get lots of calls, we verify them. Luckily, some are genuine, but we cannot be sure, some may be motivated. Reports of the cash seizures suggest that the majority of them involved the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Do we then infer from this that the other parties in Tamil Nadu are clean, or they are smarter in that they are not getting caught? We cannot make such sweeping statements. We are more focussed on the offence part of it, the violations, we are neutral towards any political party, we have no opinion on it, you may infer as you wish. That is also not true, majority-minority (volumes of seizures) may be true in my district, but I don't know the whole picture of what's happening, that's not a fair assessment, somewhere they may have caught people related to other parties also. The reason I ask is that if the ruling party comes back to power, as may surveys indicate, there is a potential of settling scores, 'you fixed us, we will fix you' type retribution. That may be unnerving for those involved in the operations. I told you, we are all on deputation to the EC, and we are doing everything as per law, nothing else; nothing above or below that. All officials are doing their duty; we are doing our duty, that's all. Obviously, most of the money that is seized must be 'black,' since it is mostly in cash and in bulk. Have you been able to trace the source of this money? Whenever cash is seized, it is brought to the notice of the expenditure review committee. They find out whether -- it is black money or genuine, has transaction records. They take a call usually within one week and decide if it is genuine or not. If it is not genuine, they bring in the income-tax department which investigates the matter further. If it is genuine, it is released, we don't hold it back. At the time of seizure, one is given annexure 57 that tells them who they have to approach after the seizure, their address, everything is given. If they don't go, they get called. I asked about the black money, have you been able to trace its origin, where it is coming from, how it was generated? That is usually an investigation. Even otherwise, as a senior police officer, you must have a view on it? Black money is not a police concept, the income-tax people would be the right person for you to ask this question, as the criterion is whether tax has been paid on it or not. I can only say that we have made many seizures and referred them to the income-tax department; they take a call on how genuine or otherwise it is. How many teams are involved in these raids and seizures, the number of personnel? Initially, we had 48 teams, now it has been enhanced to 133 teams: that is for every 10 to 12 villages, there is a team that is working round the clock. 133 x 3, that is, given the 8-hour shifts. Apart from that, we have 24 quick-response teams or QRTs, who have the support of the central paramilitary forces and they are located in almost every area of the district. If there is any important information, they reach the spot. The flying squads now also have an income-tax person on the team. Apart from this, there are expenditure observers with assistants who come from central departments -- not from the state. So how many people overall? For the elections? Nearly 20,000 people will be used. I am talking specifically of the flying squads, the cash seizures teams, etc. The number is not something that can be revealed. It is a huge number that is deployed overall. One politician we were talking to said that election time is actually a good time to return to the people the money that had been taken from in the first place through bribes, etc. Do you have a view on that? We are duty-bound, we are bound by our laws, we are instruments of the EC; we have to enforce the law as it is. Today, in fact, a receiver of money, a woman was arrested. We are going to enforce the law; we are not looking at any other nitty-gritties, the philosophy (behind it) etc. IMAGE: SP Bidari listens into a call at the control room. He maintains that he and his team are there to enforce the law and not any other nitty-gritties. There have also been cases of some genuine businessmen whose money has been seized. What is the recourse in such cases? There is a proper opportunity, only thing is, that people should have proper records of the cash. Even if it is ATM cash amounting to crores, they should carry records for the same. The people who are caught are either not carrying records, or are not able to explain (the source of the money). You make the thing sound so random, but there must be way you are going about it, like a general and his troops. Can you tell us what it is? (laughs) Yes, this is all highly-planned, not random. The teams all have a specific sector, they are given a specific map where they are supposed to go, there is a route chart, there are records of their movement, there is a verification officer. They are monitored every hour, they are equipped with GPS -- everything is tracked live, real time, from the control room. Such as, how long they take to reach after a call is received -- we are tracking them live. Everything is on my mobile phone, I can track everything on it -- which zone is covered by whom -- apart from that, we have a specific chart, a list of critical areas mentioning the actual problem, the cases form the past, which community is a majority, which one is a minority, which community is vulnerable, party details, what is the problem there, who are the problem-makers and so on. Elections are very sophisticated, well-organised, So are the malpractices, they are getting more and more innovative. You come up with a means of preventing it, but they find an escape route, a new modus operandi to beat the law. Actually, we are following a two-pronged strategy. There is something known as SVEEP -- Systematic Voter Education about Ethical Practices, that is going on to educate people. The second part is taking offensive action by carrying out seizures, etc. Some balance (between the two) has to be worked out. We get information about whatever people are doing, we somehow get to know. China has increased defence capabilities and deployed more troops along the Indian border, the Pentagon has said, as it warned of increasing Chinese military presence including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan. "We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India," Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters during a news conference in Washington after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China'. However, Denmark said it is difficult to conclude on the real intention behind this. "It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration," he said in response to a question on China upgrading its military command in Tibet. Referring to US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter's recent trip to India, Denmark said he had a very positive and productive visit. "We're going to continue to enhance our bilateral engagement with India, not in the China context, but because India is an increasingly important player by themselves. And we are going to engage India because of its value," he said. The defence department also warned of China's increasing military presence including bases in various parts of the world, in particular Pakistan -- with which it has a "longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests". China's expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said. "China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries," the report said. The Pentagon in its report expressed its concerns about Chinese military buildup near the Indian border. "Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino-Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces. "After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides," it said. The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and, therefore, of China), and over the Askai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. "China's interests are getting more global as their economy expands and as their economy grows more sophisticated and modern. Their interests are growing more global, which we see as a primary driver for, for instance, in the announcement of establishing a facility in Djibouti," Denmark said. "And so naturally, it's understandable that they would be operating in new areas. But that does not include a value statement about the intentions behind these actions or the effects of these actions," he said. The Pentagon said as China's global footprint and international interests grow, its military modernization programme has become more focussed on investments and infrastructure to support a range of missions beyond its periphery, including power projection, sea lane security, counterpiracy, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. People Liberation Army's global operations in 2015 included counterpiracy patrols, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, exercises, and sea lane security operations. China's November 2015 public confirmation of its intention to build its first overseas military support facility in Djibouti likely reflects this more global outlook, as it will be utilised to sustain the PLAN's operations at greater distances from China, it said. However, China's overseas naval logistics aspiration may be constrained by the willingness of countries to support a PLAN presence in one of their ports. The Pentagon said Pakistan remains China's primary customer for conventional weapons. China engages in both arms sales and defense industrial cooperation with Pakistan, including LY-80 surface-to-air missile systems, F-22P frigates with helicopters, main battle tank production, air-to-air missiles, and anti-ship cruise missiles. In June 2014, Pakistan started co-producing the first two of 50 Block 2 JF-17s, which is an upgraded version of the Block I JF-17, it said. In October 2013, Chinese and Indian officials signed the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement, which supplements existing procedures managing the interaction of forces along the Line of Actual Control. The report said that China and India continue to accuse each other of frequent incursions and military build-ups along the disputed territories, with the most recent incident occurring in September 2015 along the LAC at Burtse in Northern Ladakh. After a five-day standoff, China and India held a senior-level flag meeting and agreed to maintain peace and retreat to positions mutually acceptable to both sides. Noting that China's use of force in territorial disputes has varied widely throughout its history, it said some disputes led to war, such as China's border conflicts with India in 1962 and Vietnam in 1979. In more recent cases, China has been willing to compromise with and even offer concessions to its neighbours. Since 1998, China has settled 11 land-based territorial disputes with six of its neighbours. In recent years, China has adopted a coercive approach that eschews military conflict in order to deal with several disputes continue over exclusive economic zones and ownership of potentially rich, offshore oil and gas deposits, the Pentagon said. A 61-year-old doctor was shot dead at his clinic in south-west Delhi's Palam area by an unidentified assailant, police said on Saturday. The victim has been identified as Balwant Singh, a general physician, who has a clinic at Palam village. Singh was getting some renovation done in his single-room clinic and as he was about to leave for home after the workers left at around 10 pm on Friday, a person approached him, fired a round and fled, a senior police official said. Police teams rushed to the spot and a case of murder was registered. Efforts are on to nab the accused, DCP (Southwest) Surender Kumar said. Prima facie it is a case of personal enmity. Singh was under huge debt after he took loans for the marriage of his two daughters. His son, who too got married recently, also didn't contribute much financially and Singh was the sole bread-earner for the entire family, the police said. Singh also had dispute with his brothers over division of parental property. All his brothers live in Palam area, an official privy to the investigation said. A 70-year-old Buddhist monk was hacked to death by unidentified miscreants inside a monastery in southeast Bangladesh, a week after a Muslim Sufi preacher was murdered in a similar attack. Mawng Shoi Wuu, chief of the monastery located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts district of Bandarban's Naikhyongchari Upazila, was found dead in this morning by a worker, the police said. Assailants slit his throat sometime on Friday night, they said. The latest assault bears the hallmark of previous murders of intellectuals, bloggers and minorities by Islamists in the country. Last week, a 65-year-old Muslim Sufi preacher was hacked to death by unidentified machete-wielding assailants in northwest Bangladesh's Rajshahi city. No group has claimed responsibility for the murder of the monk so far. There have been systematic assaults in Bangladesh in recent weeks especially targeting minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and foreigners. In the recent attacks, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death last month by machete-wielding Islamic State militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. Two days later, Bangladesh's first gay magazine editor was brutally murdered along with a friend in his flat in Dhaka by Islamists. On April 30, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants in his shop in central Bangladesh. Ranjan was one of the 23 people named in the 'death warrant list' issued in 2007. Seven of them have been killed so far, reports M I Khan from Patna. The Bihar police has arrested a shooter of jailed former member of Parliament Mohammad Shahabuddin in connection with the killing of a senior journalist of Hindi daily Hindustan in Siwan district, police said on Saturday. Rajdeo Ranjan, 46, the Siwan bureau chief of the Hindi newspaper, which is part of the HT Media, was shot dead at a busy market near the Station Road on Friday night. He was cremated in Siwan on Saturday. Upender Singh, a known shooter of Shahabuddin has been arrested in connection with the killing of Ranjan, a district police official said. Singh is one of the two people arrested and interrogated by police in this case. Police is also interrogating Singh to get information about other people behind this incident. Siwan superintendent of police Saurav Kumar Sah said Ranjan was killed by professional shooters. According to police sources, Ranjan was in the hit list of criminals since 2007. A death warrant list of 23 people -- including Ranjan -- was issued from Siwan jail then, he said. Till date, seven of those in the list have been killed. Senior Bharatiya Jnata Party leader and former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi alleged that Ranjan was killed by criminals following a signal from Shahabuddin. Shahabuddin, a former Rashtriya Janata Dal MP, was last year sentenced to life imprisonment -- along with three others -- by a district court in connection with the brutal murder of two brothers by pouring acid on them 11 years ago in Siwan. Shahabuddin is lodged in Siwan central jail for the past several years. He represented the Siwan constituency for four times, from 1996 to 2009, as a member of the RJD. After his conviction, he could not contest Parliamentary elections in 2009 and 2014. His wife Heena Sahab lost the elections on an RJD ticket in 2009 and 2014 to Om Prakash Yadav, who is now in the Bharatiya Janata Party. Shabuddins electoral career had started in 1989 when he was elected as a member of legislative assembly from Jiradei seat. In a sensational development Member of Legislative Council Manorama Devi's son Rocky Yadav has confessed that he shot a teenager for overtaking his SUV in Gaya last week, according to police sources. Sources also states that Rocky's gun license will be suspended soon and added that he procured a gun in 2013 stating that it was to protect himself from Naxals. According to the Forensic Science Laboratory report, the youth was shot by the bullet from Rocky's gun. Rocky had earlier claimed that he had never fired any shots, nor had he gone into hiding. When asked the police have said that he has confessed to the crime, Rocky had said, "Just because someone says it does not make it true and it is also false that I was in hiding as I was in Delhi. My mother called me to come here and then I surrendered before the police." Asserting that he would disclose his side of the story in court, Rocky reiterated that he never fired any shots at the youth, which comes as a contradiction to the statement by Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police Garima Malik, who claimed that the Janata Dal-United leader's son had admitted to committing the crime. "In his statement, Rocky admitted committing the crime. I assure you that we will soon arrest others involved in the case. The investigation will reveal about his whereabouts and these things would be addressed later on," Malik told the media. Earlier, state Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav has asserted that Rocky had procured a gun license without verification, clearly through the influence of someone powerful within the government. Rocky was arrested on Tuesday morning from his father's farm in Bodh Gaya, while the Excise Department on Wednesday sealed the house of Manorama Devi. A local court on Wednesday remanded Rocky Yadav, who allegedly shot dead a student for overtaking his vehicle in Bihar, to two-day police custody. The court had earlier sent Rocky to 14 days' judicial custody. Rakesh Ranjan Yadav alias Rocky is accused of killing Class XII student Aditya Sachdeva after an argument with the youth for overtaking his vehicle on Saturday night. The BJP chief said there are no starvation deaths in Gujarat. IMAGE: BJP president Amit Shah, right, addressing a press conference in Thiruvanthapuram on Saturday. Kerala BJP chief K Rajashekaran is also seen. Photograph: PTI Photo The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday demanded an apology from Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy for the continuing deaths of children in the states tribal areas due to poverty and starvation. "Forget the comparison. I am telling you for the deaths of two children yesterday...chief minister should apologise. Children are dying. Isnt this an issue in Kerala? BJP president Amit Shah said when asked about Chandy demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Somalia-Kerala remark. "The issue is not what someone has said. The issue is about starvation deaths and condition of tribal children in the state, Shah told reporters at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram. The BJP supremo was pointing at the two deaths of new born children at a tribal colony in Waynad district on Friday. Replying to another query, he said there was no starvation deaths of children in Gujarat. "Dont make wrong statements. If you have data, show me, he said. An English magazine in 2013 had published a report about starvation deaths in Kerala. The insensitive chief minister had given a reply stating that people are dying as they are not eating properly, Shah claimed. The magazine had quoted Culture Affairs Minister K C Joseph as saying that the deaths were due to alcohol consumption among tribal families. The BJP leader urged journalists to visit Attapady, a tribal settlement in Palakkad district, where several instances of infant deaths due to malnutrition have been reported and tell the truth. If there are no deaths, print it. But if children have died of starvation, then the chief minister should explain why children are dying. It is very easy to create controversy with figures. Please go and visit the place, he said, adding, starvation deaths cannot be hidden by using mere datas. Gareebon ki bhookh, bhookh hoti hai, mritiyu, mritiyu hoti hai. Aakando se ye chipaya nahi jata (starvation of the poor is starvation and deaths are deaths. It cannot be hidden under figures), he said, adding Chandy government has the responsibility to address the issue. The government of India is sending food-grains to the state. Where has it gone? Why has it not reached the tribal children? the BJP chief asked. On Communist Party of India-Marxists allegation that there was a BJP-Congress understanding in some constituencies, Shah said there was no such nexus. But between the Communists and the Congress there was a tie-up in the whole of West Bengal, he said. Shah also wanted to know if the CPI-M will anoint 93-year-old V S Achutanandan as the chief minister instead of Pinarayi Vijayan if the Left Democratic Front was voted to power in the May 16 polls. He asked if the two Fronts fail to get absolute majority, who will they support? The Congress and Communists should make it clear if they will support each other in the event of both the Fronts not getting majority, he said. We will not support Congress or Communists in the event of a hung assembly. We are fighting to give a good government, he added. A Government railway police jawan was shot dead and another injured by assailants who snatched their INSAS rifles in a running passenger train between Varanasi and Buxar on Friday night. Four attackers fired at the two securitymen in a DMU passenger train at about 11 pm last night, Railways SP Jitendra Mishra said today. While GRP jawan Abhishek Singh, a resident of Narahi village of Uttar Pradesh, died on the spot, his colleague Nand Lal Yadav was grievously injured, the SP said. The injured jawan informed the GRP Buxar about the incident. The attackers, who took away two INSAS rifles of the jawans, got down from the train and fled before it reached Buxar. The injured jawan, after preliminary treatment at Buxar, has been shifted to Varanasi, the SP said. Meanwhile, Mughalsarai GRP Inspector Tripurari Pandey said the two constables were on escort duty. The incident occurred soon after the train left the Chausa railway station for Buxar. The criminals also looted cartridges and jumped out of the train when it slowed down, Pandey said. After election officers seized Rs 570 crore in cash from three containers in poll-bound Tamil Nadu in the wee hours on Saturday, the State Bank of India said in the evening that it was the banks legitimate cash. In a statement, the SBI said its officials were ferrying Rs 570 crore after the Reserve Bank of India asked them to, to address a temporary cash shortage in Andhra Pradesh. To address a temporary cash shortage in Andhra Pradesh, the RBI has authorized transfer of Rs 570 crore from our currency chest in Coimbatore main branch to our special currency administration branch in Visakhapatnam. As per RBI instructions, our Coimbatore main branch released the treasure to the authorised SBI personnel, duly escorted by a team of Andhra police. But the convoy carrying the cash was stopped by the EC (Election Commission) officials enroute and brought to Tiruppur collectorate for further scrutiny, the SBI statement said and termed the EC action as erroneous. The bank said its officials in Chennai, Coimbatore and Tirupur are providing all support and clarifications to the EC authorities and are hopeful of quick resolution and release of cash. We reiterate once again this movement of currency is duly authorised by the Reserve Bank and has all necessary approvals. The movement is in line with the RBI currency management policy of moving cash from one currency chest to other where cash is needed, the SBI said. In the wee hours on Saturday the EC officials took into its custody three trucks carrying Rs 570 crore during a routine check at the Perumanallur-Kunnathur Bypass in Tirupur district in the run-up to the polls. Tamil Nadu and the neighbouring Kerala and Puducherry are going to polls on Monday and through the campaign period, the EC has confiscated more than hundred crore in cash at various places in Tamil Nadu. The EC officials said they took the vehicles into custody as the personnel accompanying the containers/trucks did not show all the necessary documents and those in the escorting cars refused to stop. "Containers escorted by three cars did not halt, but officials chased them and stopped them near Chengapalli. A check revealed the amount, kept in many boxes, inside the containers, the police said, adding the men in cars claimed that they were Andhra policemen but were not in uniform. When the police and the EC officials asked as to why they had sped away without stopping, they told the police they feared it was a robbery attempt and that they were unaware that the officials were from the election department. In Delhi, the Election Commission also said earlier in the day that it was prima facie suspect cash as no agency or organisation had come forward to claim it. Prima facie it is suspect cash as no agency or organisation has come forward to claim it, an EC officer said. The money is not seized. The vehicles have been detained for verification, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni said. A set of documents had been produced by the claimants even as a multi-disciplinary team of income tax investigation officers, senior IAS, police and IRS observers along with officials of banks were verifying the documents, he said. As the amount involved is huge it may take another 24 hours to complete, Lakhoni told reporters at Chennai. On being asked (by electoral authorities) to stop, the vehicles speeded up leading suspicion and their stoppage, he said. Even as bank officials attempted to get the money released, Tirupur District Collector, Jayanthi, who is also the election officer, formed a high-level committee, headed by expenditure observer Uday Srinivasan to determine the source of the cash. Later, a release from Lakhoni said the vehicles were followed up and intercepted when they were filling fuel in a petrol bunk. Besides appointing observers to look into the matter, the RBI was also being consulted on the matter, he said. Meanwhile, considering the quantum of cash involved, the EC has instructed that the vehicles must be kept properly cordoned/fenced and public should not be allowed access near close vicinity, that the area should be kept well-lit and if required, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board should be alerted against any power-cut, he said. Generator set must be kept ready as standby and the place should be kept under CCTV monitoring and all action taken near the vehicles must be video graphed, the CEO said adding all operations must be carried out in transparent and secure manner and the Expenditure Observers shall supervise the entire premise. The DEO has informed that the committee is likely to conclude verification by tomorrow evening and same shall be placed before the Election Observers, he added. Image used for representational purpose only. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the valedictory funtion of three-day International Vichar Maha Kumbh during Simhastha Maha Kumbh Mela, in Ujjain. Also seen is President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena. Photograph: PTI Warning that global warming and terrorism have become the world's biggest concerns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said shedding the "holier-than-thou" attitude is the key to overcoming these issues and resolving conflicts. World's biggest concerns are global warming and terrorism... the holier than thou attitude apparently is behind them," Modi said addressing the valedictory session of the three-day international conference on "Living the Right Way" on the sidelines of Simhastha-Kumbh mela in Ujjain. "The world is passing through two types of crises. On the one hand there is global warming while on the other there is terrorism. What is the solution ? What is behind their genesis...simply holier than thou attitude or (the thinking) that my way is more correct than yours. This is the thing which is dragging us towards conflict," he said. Strongly opposing attempts at expansionism, he said this was not a solution to the problems. "Expansionism is another thing that is leading us towards conflict. Time has changed. Expansionism is not a solution to the problems. We should not go horizontal. It is not a solution. We need to go vertical and raise ourselves from within," Modi said. The prime minister also released 51-point 'Simhastha Declaration' jointly with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan. IMAGE: (Left to right) Shivraj Singh Chouhan, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Speaker of the Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan. He said one of the major issues faced by the world is conflict management but the Indians know how to resolve the conflict and cited mythology to underscore his point. "But we (Indians) inherit conflict management skills ..Indians worship Lord Rama for his obedience and loyalty to his father and in the same breath glorify Prahlad who disobeyed his father. "The same way Sita and Mira are also worshipped, which shows that people here are well adept at conflict management," he said, adding what the world was doing today, Indians have been practising for ages. "World Earth Day is observed (globally). In India, when a child wakes up in the morning his or her mother asks them to seek forgiveness from the earth before putting the foot down on the ground." Simhastha Kumbh Mela is one of world's largest spiritual gatherings held once in 12 years when lakhs of devotees, including hundreds of sadhus, take dip in river Kishipra. The three-day conference, styled as "Vichar Mahakumbh", is organised on the sidelines of the event to discuss issues like global warming, hazards of chemical farming and benefits of organic one and women empowerment among others. Until late Friday evening, Rajdeo Ranjan, senior journalist for Hindi daily Hindustan in Bihar's Siwan district, was happy because he was planning to celebrate his 17th marriage anniversary the next day. But on Saturday but he was being cremated, leaving behind his shocked and inconsolable wife and a few close friends to mourn him. Ranjan was married on May 14 in 1998. He is survived by two children and his wife. Ranjan was shot dead by criminals near the Siwan railway station on Friday. He was in looking forward for his 17th marriage anniversary on May 14. Little did he know he would be cremated instead. It is a cruel joke of fate, a journalist friend of Ranjan said. Ranjan's wife was expecting a gala party at her residence, but she got her husbands death as gift, a family member said. His media friends recalled that Ranjan was attacked in 2005, but had survived then. Convenor of Working Journalist Union in Siwan, Arvind Kumar Pandey said that all the print and electronic media persons will be protesting Ranjans killing on Saturday by wearing black badges. We have submitted a memorandum to the district magistrate, demanding immediate arrest of criminals behind the murder and stern action as soon as possible, said Pandey said. He said that media persons in Siwan and different parts of the state, including Patna, will take out candle march on Saturday evening and on Sunday. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad have condemned his killing and assured tough action in this case. Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies have termed Ranjans murder as 'return of jungle raj ' in Bihar. "People are now again living in fear, there is total collapse of law and order. Nobody is safe, leader of opposition Prem Kumar said. Though nearly 18 hours have passed since he was killed, the police have yet to make a breakthrough. Two people have been detained for interrogation. Why is an NRI banker with an MBA from MIT canvassing votes in Madurai? Saisuresh Sivasawamy/Rediff.com A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com reports. IMAGE: Palanivel Thiagarajan has a ready smile, and seems earnest to connect with voters. Atop the jeep is his wife Margaret alias Meenakshi and his son. All photographs: Saisuresh Sivaswamy/Rediff.com Palanivel Thiagarajan is perhaps the most unusual candidate in Tamil Nadu. The 49 year old is highly educated -- an engineering graduate from the Regional Engineering College Tiruchi, has a master's and a PhD in cognitive processing and computer interface from the State University of New York and an MBA from MIT's Sloan School of Management -- was an American Green Card holder, having lived in that country for two decades, and although not germane, has an American wife. You wonder why such a person, who could have had the pick of corporate top jobs after his stint as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers and then Standard Chartered Bank, would choose to come back to India and enter the murky world of politics. Tamil politics, at that, which at times gives the impression of being murkier than the rest. "My father P T R Palanivel Rajan was a minister in the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) government (who died in 2006, soon after taking the oath of office)," savs Thiagarajan. "My grandfather (P T Rajan), a member of the Justice Party, was chief minister of the Madras presidency. Given this lineage, I knew I had to come back to serve the public." "It was never a question of if I, but when I would choose to come back," he says. As evidenced by his Facebook page, Thiagarajan leads a very organised campaign, doing the right things such as hugging kids, visiting hospitals, undertaking a padyatra through his constituency, Madurai Central. And on Friday, May 13, evening, he, his wife and two children in tow along with party workers took out a motorcade in R V Nagar, around the Mathi theatre. The DMK candidate rode in an open jeep along with his wife Margaret alias Meenakshi, his two sons Palani and Vel, and local party workers. Madurai is famous for its Meenakshi temple, the centrepiece of the city, as well as Thiagarajan's constituency, and his wife's name will no doubt ring a positive bell among voters. As usual with such convoys, the jeep also had a town-crier announcing the candidate's arrival through the PA system, mouthing the usual lines talking about the nomninee. "Ungal veettu pillai, panbaalar PTRin magan, Thiagarajan ungal idam vote kekka varugirar, avar kudumbathodu varugirar, manaivi Margaret endra Meenakshi, pillaigal Palaniyul Vel Thiagarajanudan udan varugirar (the lad from your own home, PTR&'s son, is coming to seek your votes, accompanied by his wife Margaret alias Meenakshi and his two sons, Palani and Vel) "Ungal ponnana vaakkugalai Udayasuriyan chinnathukku aliyungal (Please cast your golden vote for the Rising Sun symbol)," the announcer said through the time we ran alongside the jeep through the congested bylanes of Madurai. The candidate himself said nothing apart from greeting his constituents with folded hands symbolising 'Vanakkam' and flashing his innocent smile. The baby-faced Thiagarajan comes across as someone sincere and earnest to connect with voters. Perhaps conscious of his Tamil laced with an American accent in the capital of ancient Tamil culture, he chooses not say anything himself. IMAGE: Dressed in the DMK attire, Thiagarajan listen to voters' problems and replies politely with folded hands, but at no point does he get down from his vehicle to mingle with the crowds. Marching alongside was a group of young boys from the DMK and its alliance parties waving their respective party flags. The announcer continuously chided these young boys, "Stop waving those flags so close to the jeep, you are blocking the view, the people cannot see the candidate, why don't you go a little ahead?" The campaign on Friday evening seemed to have only one aim, and that was to showcase the candidate's family to the people of Madurai Central. As is common in Tamil Nadu, Thiagarajan received innumerable ponnadais (shawls) on the way, as did his sweet family which accepted the shawls with wide smiles. The wife and sons were clearly amazed at the reception and were clearly enjoying every minute of it. Dressed in a salwar-kameez (a departure from the selai (sari) we heard being discussed earlier in the candidate's home), Margaret alias Meenakshi, a qualified engineer who gave up her career to power her husband's, would do the Vanakkam sign, wave to the crowds, and played the perfect politician's wife. Thiagarajan himself was dressed in the party attire. White shirt, a white angavastram with borders in the party colours of red and black strung on his shoulders, and wearing what is known locally as kara veshti (the Tamil white dhoti with the borders in DMK colours). As the small motorcade -- comprising just the jeep, with two vehicles trailing behind -- passed by with its announcements, people on the streets stopped to watch the spectacle. Those on the balconies would wave at it, with the family waving back. The children are named after Thiagarajan's father, Palanivel Rajan, with one called Palani and the other Vel. To keep the family connection alive, the announcer kept repeating the names of the candidate, his wife and sons as well as PTR. IMAGE: From left, Margaret, children Palani and Vel, clearly amazed at all the attention, and Palanivel Thiagarajan. The children are named after their late grandfather. At many places where the jeep would halt, people asked Thiagarajan questions, some told him their problems, and he replied politely. But as long as we were around, at no place along the way did he take the mike in his own hands, or get down to mingle with the crowds. The Congress is the DMK's junior alliance partner in this election, contesting from 41 seats after weeks of haggling. A group of Congress party workers were also canvassing for Thiagarajan in the same area at the same time and, perhaps indicative of what lies ahead, did not join his campaign trail but marched off in the opposite direction. The jeep he was travelling in was packed with party workers, all eager to be seen with the rising star in the party firmament. At certain points some of them got down and others would got on board; a planned exercise in which local leaders accompany the candidate when he was in their area. Thiagarajan was sweating profusely even though the sun had set. He kept wiping his face, the innocent smile not revealing any discomfort with the summer heat. "Four more points to go," he told us from above. With a day to go for campaigning to end, it was the last lap and Thiagarajan was giving it his all. A corporate top gun in his earlier avatar, he is used to doing things in an organised manner, and his election campaign, usually reflective of the hurly-burly of Indian life, was also being run in the same way. The campaign trail on Friday evening was clearly to pitch him not only as a family man but also that his family was behind him solidly in his political ambitions, and as a candidate who would stay in their midst and not run away to another country at the first opportunity. Going by the number of selfie-seekers who flocked his jeep, the intention was clearly achieved. Halloween is nearly here. Find out when Trick-or-Treat is happening in Martinsville. local Forty years later, Joe Stephens' wish still is coming true. In the summer of 1976, a local band consisting of former high school and college players came together for a one-time performance on July 4 at Shotwell Stadium in observance of the nation's bicentennial. After the concert, many of the 60 people in the band realized that they had had so much fun they didn't want to stop with one performance. One of those members was Stephens, who played clarinet. Stephens said he remembers what he was thinking when the final tune was played that night. 'Boy,' he thought, 'I wish we could keep this going.' That wish came true. The band played on, and Stephens became its director in 1978, a position he holds today. 'It started off as a special one-night event,' Stephens said, 'and turned into a 40-year reality.' The band will perform a 40th anniversary concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Paramount Theatre. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to aid the Christian Service Center, which lost its facilities to a fire in April. Betty Landry also was a member of the original band and still is tooting her own horn after 40 years. Landry had played saxophone in high school in Argonia, Kansas, and in college at Sacred Heart College in Wichita. She graduated from Sacred in Heart in 1957 and hadn't played with a band since then when she heard about the July 1976 performance. 'I thought it would be a fun thing to do,' Landry said. 'I thought it would be real neat to have some place to play.' She's still saying that. Today, Landry plays tenor sax in the band and is glad she didn't get rid of the saxophone she played all those years ago. 'That's the one I use now,' she said. The Abilene Community Band was the brainchild of two college band directors and the owner of a local music store. In 1976, Charles Trayler was director of bands at Abilene Christian University and Mike Barry was director of the McMurry University band. Gary DeShazo owned what was then Caldwell Music Co. Today, the band is a mix of longtime members, including several from 1976, and newcomers. All are volunteers, coming from a cross-section of the community and Dyess Air Force Base. Some are retired band directors or professional musicians, but most just love playing in the band. Cameron Rinard, who has played trombone in the Abilene Community Band since 2013, is the current president. 'I think our community band is exactly what the name says,' Rinard said in an email. 'We are a group of musicians from all walks of life who come together to provide a service to our community.' Rinard graduated from Cooper High School in 2000 and from Baylor University in 2005. He played trombone in both school bands. Everywhere Rinard has lived since then, from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, to Lubbock, he has looked for opportunities to continue playing. 'I was very excited about joining the ACB,' he wrote, 'and playing trombone here in my hometown.' In the beginning, the band was on a shoestring budget, or no budget at all. In the first years, the universities loaned the band music and DeShazo loaned large instruments from his music store for players who didn't own one. Today, the band exists on grants and donations. Concerts are always free, but sometimes organizations such as civic clubs invite the band to play for special occasions and make a donation in return. Although most performances are in Abilene, the band also has played at the Anson Opera House and for the Old Settlers' Reunion in Buffalo Gap. A regular event is performing for the Christmas celebration at the Gholson Hotel in Ranger each December. Two band members, Bob Johnson and Jim Cockburn, live in Ranger and travel faithfully to Abilene each Monday for rehearsals and to every concert. Playing for the Christmas celebration is a way of saying 'thank you' from the band. After 40 years, Stephens isn't finished wishing. The band didn't dissolve after what was supposed to be a one-time performance in 1976, just as he wished for. Now, he has a new wish. 'It's my hope,' Stephens said, 'that it will always be around.' IF YOU GO: What: Abilene Community Band 40th anniversary concert When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Where: Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St. Admission: Free; accepting donations for Christian Service Center How to join: Anyone with high school or college band experience is welcome. Rehearsals are at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in Bynum Band Hall at McMurry University BIRTHDAY OF THE CHURCH According to Christian tradition, Pentecost is always seven weeks after Easter Sunday; 50 days after Easter. Among Christians, Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the twelve apostles and other followers of Jesus as described in the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-31. For this reason, Pentecost is sometimes described as the 'Birthday of the Church.' Numerous congregations in Abilene will celebrate the event with special services on Sunday. Often times, church attendees are encouraged to wear red to church. ROMANIAN MISSION BENEFIT CAR SHOW The Rev M Up for Romania benefit car show will begin at 8 p.m. May 21 at Elmcrest Baptist Church, 517 N. Pioneer Drive. Registration will be open from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Vehicle registration is $20. Proceeds will go to a mission trip. Everyone is invited. ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS The public is invited to a celebration Sunday of the 30th anniversary of the Abilene Association of Congregations. The free program will begin at 2 p.m. at the Abilene Woman's Club, 3425 S. 14th St. Rev. Cliff Stewart, pastor of First Central Presbyterian Church, will say a few words about the importance of the organization. Other pastors and association members also will participate. Refreshments will be served. SPECIAL SERVICES First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange St., encourages members to Bring A Friend to church services on Sunday in celebration of Pentecost. A meal in the Faith Hall will follow at noon. Attendees are encouraged to wear red. CHILDREN'S CHOIR PRESENTATION The children in the K-5th grade choir at First Baptist Church, 1333 N. 3rd St., will present 'The Kingdom Connection' at 6 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary. An Awards Ceremony in the Dining Room will follow. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Abilene, 1541 Sayles Blvd., welcomes people of all religions and non-religions for The Great Courses DVD 'The Inexplicable Universe'. Neil deGrasse Tyson narrates the second lecture titled The Spooky Universe at 11 a.m. Sunday. For more information visit www.uuabilene.org. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL INFORMATION WANTED Information about churches' Vacation Bible School for the summer can be included in this column. Please send information on the theme, time, date, church address, ages involved, and contact number, to woodwardj@reporternews.com or fax to 325-670-5242. Send news of your religious organization or group to Religion Editor, Abilene Reporter-News, P.O. Box 30, Abilene, Texas 79604; fax it to 325-670-5242; or email it to jan.woodward@reporternews.com. Deadline is noon Monday. UPDATE (2 p.m. 5/14/2016): Pierce LoPachin, the Democrat nominee for House District 71, issued the following statement via email: 'I agree with the Supreme Court ruling that our school funding is constitutional but it is unconscionable. If our reckless legislature hadn't strip funding for our schools in 2011, school districts would not have even sought this recourse. I've been saying this on the campaign trail since October. The Texas Legislature is a dysfunctional legislative body that has one intent: to enrich themselves and turn their backs on the people of their Districts. Typical establishment behavior. What's worse is that Dan Patrick, our lieutenant governor, is wanting to deny billions of federal money just because he is caught up on the 'transgender bathroom' controversy. If he can get over this and realize that these inevitable societal changes happen over time, the money is already there to resolve this issue.' UPDATE (7:25 p.m. 5/13/2016): Stan Lambert, Abilene ISD traustee and Republican nominee for House District 71, issued the following statement via email: 'I was shocked by the decision announced today in the school finance lawsuit. Texas public schools receive approximately $2,700 less per student than the national average which ranks Texas somewhere around 45th in the country. That is not right. As a member of Abilene ISD school board, I supported our board's unanimous vote to join almost 600 other school districts in the lawsuit against Texas. This lawsuit was about adequacy and equitable funding. I am extremely disappointed in this decision reached by the highest court in our state. As the next State Representative for House District 71, I will continue to fight for increased funding for public education.' ORIGINAL STORY: The superintendent of the Abilene Independent School District had been hoping to hear something different from the Texas Supreme Court on Friday morning concerning the state's $40 billion school finance system. But David Young also said he's a bit optimistic that Friday's ruling, which found the school funding system flawed but constitutional, would give legislators enough guidance to fix the way the state distributes money to schools. 'While I had hoped the Supreme Court decision would lead to a requirement to develop an equitable and adequate funding system,' Young said in an emailed statement, 'my wish is that the court's intent as stated in its opinion will be honored and will end with the creation of a new and appropriate school finance model.' Although the court's majority opinion, written by Justice Don Willett, ultimately did find the school finance system to be constitutional, he said it also has 'imperfections.' Ultimately, the nine-member panel left the issue to the Legislature, a decision applauded by at least one Big Country lawmaker. 'Today's Texas Supreme Court ruling affirms that it is the Legislature's job to determine the best method of funding for our public schools,' said state Rep. Susan King, a Republican candidate for Texas Senate District 24. 'The public school districts in state Senate District 24 strongly oppose taking money away from them to fund a one-size-fits-all mandatory voucher system. I agree and will continue to fight for local control, classroom excellence, professional teacher pay, school choice and school performance accountability that lets teachers teach the subject, not teach the test.' Dawn Buckingham, the other candidate in the May 24 Republican runoff election for the seat, did not respond to requests for comment. Attempts to contact candidates for Texas House District 71 Stan Lambert, the Republican nominee, and Democrat Pierce LoPachin were not immediately returned. More than 500 school districts participated in the lawsuit, which had alleged that the system does not provide enough funding to schools and instead forces districts to rely too heavily on property taxes to cover increasing costs. Although his school district was not a participant in the lawsuit, Wylie ISD Superintendent Joey Light said he hopes the necessary changes are coming. 'As far as the ruling goes, it is evident that the justices felt that funding in Texas education is lacking,' Light said. 'My hope is that the Legislature will take this as encouragement to fix the problems in the school funding system.' Twitter: @TimothyChippARN The headline on a Reporter-News story last October proclaimed, 'Travel experts like what they see in Abilene.' Apparently, they liked what they saw a whole lot better than any other city on a West Texas tour, in fact. And, they liked what they ate in Albany. Frontier Texas! In Abilene and the Beehive Restaurant and Saloon in Albany each got an award that was announced in April at a meeting in San Marcos. Frontier Texas was named 'Best Attraction' and the Beehive in Albany got the 'Best Lunch' award. 'That's the best chicken fried steak I've ever eaten,' said Bob Phillips, with the Texas Travel Industry Association that gave the awards. 'It was unbelievable.' It wasn't the first time the Albany landmark restaurant has been touted statewide. Previously, the Beehive in Albany was named 'Best Small Town Steakhouse' by Texas Monthly magazine. The awards to Frontier Texas! and the Beehive were presented in April when the TTIA sponsored a conference in San Marcos for travel counselors with the Texas Department of Transportation's Travel Information Division. The awards were based on a tour last October co-hosted by the TTIA and the TxDOT travel counselors. Purpose of the tour was to familiarize the counselors, who work in the state's 12 information centers located at the borders, with what's available to see and do and eat in West Texas. The travel counselors voted on the 'best of' awards, which were presented at the conference in April. All awards are welcomed, said Jeff Salmon, executive director of Frontier Texas, but this one was special. 'This award is very important to me,' Salmon said, 'because it is from travel professionals.' Tourists consistently give Frontier Texas! high marks on websites such as Travel Advisor, Salmon said, but a plug from a travel professional can go a long way toward pushing even more tourists to Abilene. The travel professionals said the main reason Frontier Texas! was cited was that it gives visitors everything they are looking for in a tourist attraction and it appeals to a wide audience. The travel counselors on the tour in October visited more than 40 attractions in West Texas, including historic sites like Fort Concho in San Angelo. 'It was a pretty big chunk of West Texas they went to,' Salmon said. A humorous moment came in Albany when Phillips was mistaken for the Texas Country Reporter of the same name. A woman at the Old Jail Art Center previously had worked in the same building in Dallas with the Country Reporter Phillips. She had purchased a copy of his cookbook and wanted to get an autograph. She thought she had the perfect opportunity when 'Bob Phillips' came to Albany last fall. 'She thought I was the other Bob Phillips,' said the Bob Phillips with the Texas Travel Industry Association. Phillips kept the humor going by autographing the Country Reporter cookbook and getting a photo of the signing to send to the 'the other Bob Phillips.' This fall, Purdue University undergrads will welcome two things: their parents waving goodbye and their tuition bills frozen for the fourth straight year with a fifth tuition freeze coming for undergrads in 2017-18. Purdue under efficiency-wise President Mitch Daniels is showing colleges across the nation how to control costs, restrain tuition increases and still provide a quality education. But across the country, college tuition remains ruinously high for many students who graduate with staggering debt loads. Thousands of young people wind up defaulting on those loans, wrecking their credit. Many more delay their lives marriage, buying a home or starting a business because of their onerous debt burden. Is there a better way to help students afford college and its aftermath? Daniels thinks so. He has launched 'Back a Boiler,' an innovative program for students to finance their education and get a job without a crushing debt-repayment schedule. The concept is called an income-share agreement first proposed by famed University of Chicago economist Milton Friedman in the 1950s. Here's how it works: A student needs, say, $20,000 for tuition. Instead of borrowing it via private or federal sources and then being on the hook to pay it back with interest after graduation, the student instead signs an income-share agreement. The Purdue Research Foundation, a nonprofit that serves the mission of Purdue, fronts that student the $20,000. In exchange, the student promises to pay a set percentage of his or her post-college income over the next nine years or fewer. The terms payments and length of payback vary according to the student's major and her post-college job prospects. A chemical engineering major is projected to earn a higher salary and would pay a lower percentage of her income. A history major would pay a higher percentage on his lower estimated salary. If students snag better jobs and earn more, the payback would be higher because each graduate's repayment percentage remains the same. The opposite is also true: If they earn less that the original projection, the paybacks would be lower. If a student remains unemployed or earns less than $20,000 a year for the entire term of the contract, he would pay nothing. That's right. Zilch. Overall, students cannot pay more than 2.5 times the amount of the contract. Yes, students who land lucrative jobs could pay more than they would if they had taken out conventional private loans. That would be a windfall for the foundation, which plans to plow most of the proceeds back into the program to help more students afford Purdue. It's easy to see the appeal here: Grads can count on affordable payments for a limited time, no matter their income after college. There is no specific amount that must be paid back and thus no interest. Students never face a mounting loan balance that they may never be able to repay. No debt collectors. No threats. No defaults. As Daniels wrote in a Washington Post op-ed: 'If the graduate earns less than expected, it is the investors who are disappointed; if the student decides to go off to find himself in Nepal instead of working, the loss is entirely on the funding providers, who will presumably price that risk accordingly when offering their terms. This is true 'debt-free' college.' Well, not exactly. Students still are on the hook to fulfill their agreement. Purdue is betting, and so are we, that students won't resolutely turn their backs on paychecks for years and loll on the beach to avoid paying a reasonable chunk of earnings back to the foundation. Income-share agreements have a track record of success in Mexico and other Latin American countries, Daniels says. They have been tried sporadically in the U.S. but on a smaller scale than Purdue's program. The Purdue Research Foundation just started accepting applications May 2. Officials there tell us they won't know for several years if the program is a success. But we're rooting for it. ISAs could offer immeasurable relief to many Purdue students and their parents. And, we imagine, the program could become a much-copied model for other colleges. Will battalions of Boilermakers take advantage of ISAs? Given Daniels' history of savvy financial moves at Purdue, we say: Bet on it. Chicago Tribune Features "It's not right. We need more time." At least three policemen have been killed after a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near a police training base in southern Afghanistan. Omar Zwak, spokesman for the governor of Helmand Province, said 10 others were wounded in the attack on May 14. Zwak said the attack targeted a training center for police in the Nad Ali district. Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi claimed responsibility for the attack. Militants have attacked Helmand, a Taliban heartland and the biggest source of Afghanistan's opium, for months. Government forces have recently pulled out of several districts to regroup around the provincial capital, Lashkargah. Hundreds of American troops were sent to Helmand this year to bolster its defense with a beefed up training and advisory mission. Afghan forces have promised to launch an offensive that has yet to materialize. Based on reporting by AP and Khaama Children of Uzbekistan's elite have bought property in Latvia, given birth in the Baltic country, and allegedly used its banks to handle millions of dollars in bribes. While more than 1,500 Uzbeks have taken advantage of Latvias controversial golden visa program, it remains a mostly silent and closed community. According to his Facebook posts, Azim Ganiev, the son of Uzbekistan's foreign trade minister, enjoyed his life as a student in Riga, although sometimes he felt homesick. His posted pictures show a dark-eyed, baby-faced young man, dining with friends and traveling around Europe. Ganiev was far from his native Uzbekistan, studying international tourism at Turiba University, one of Latvia's business schools. He never finished his studies, though, and was expelled in 2014, officials at Turiba told investigative journalism organization Re:Baltica. Ganiev did not respond to questions sent via Facebook about why he chose Riga, or why he left. His status updates indicate he is now back in Tashkent. His brother, Aziz Ganiev, is still a student in Riga, hoping to get a degree in business administration from Baltic International Academy (BSA) this year, BSAs administrator told Re:Baltica. Uzbek nationals have become the second-biggest group of foreign exchange students, comprising 13.5 percent of the total, with almost 900 students scattered around Latvia's higher-education establishments. Only Germany has more, according to the Latvian Ministry of Education. Latvia owes its popularity in part to aggressive regional advertising of its degree programs, which are cheaper than those in other education destinations, such as Britain. And its the only Baltic country with an embassy in Uzbekistan, making it relatively easy for prospective students to get visas to enter the EU, according to Turiba Deputy Rector Imants Bergs. The Ganiev brothers are not the only children of the Uzbek elite to have made their way to Latvia. Cultivated Relationship Since the mid-1990s, Latvia has nurtured its diplomatic relations with Uzbekistan. Diplomatic passport holders can travel without visas. Since 2004, Uzbekistan Airways has flown from Tashkent to New York via Riga, providing Latvia with its only transatlantic service. Three of Latvias five presidents since independence in 1991 have made official visits to Uzbekistan, while Uzbek President Islam Karimov has visited Latvia three times. His last visit in 2013 outraged Uzbek human rights activists, who pleaded with Latvian diplomats to prevent a leader they called one of the most ruthless dictators of our time from laying flowers at the Freedom Monument, the symbol of Latvian independence. Latvia dismissed the activists plea, perhaps not wishing to jeopardize its role as intermediary between Uzbekistan and NATO, which has long moved cargo through Uzbekistan to NATO soldiers in Afghanistan. There are other ties. In 2010, Latvia introduced a golden visa cash-for-EU-residency scheme which gives five-year residence permits to people who invest substantial sums in property or the country's many banks. Since then, 1,525 Uzbek nationals have obtained the permits, more than from any other former Soviet republic except Russia and Ukraine, Immigration Board (PMLP) statistics show. Other arrivals have not obtained golden visas, focusing instead on banks that cater to nonresidents. Several banks have been embroiled in international money-laundering scandals. Banks And Bribes? When the 2008 global economic crisis took down Latvias largest domestic bank, Parex Banka, Gulnara Karimova arrived in Latvia to save her multimillion-euro deposits. The elder daughter of Uzbekistans president, Gulnara Karimova has reportedly been under house arrest since early 2014 following her fall from grace amid investigations in Western countries involving suspicions of involvement in the alleged extortion of hundreds of millions in bribes from three major international telecom companies, as well as money laundering. She is also at the center of a financial-crimes probe in Uzbekistan. Documents filed in U.S. Justice Department lawsuit suggest that Karimova deposited some $446 million in suspected bribe money in two Latvian banks: Aizkraukles Banka (now ABLV) and Parex Banka (renamed Citadele after a bailout). ABLV declined to comment , saying that it is cooperating closely with investigators. Citadele said it acted in line with the relevant laws at the time. The lawsuit states that between 2004 and 2012 a close relative of a high-ranking Uzbek government official received more than $800 million in corrupt payments to shell companies. The lawsuit never names Gulnara Karimova, 43. The case revolved around massive bribes from Scandinavian and Russian telecom companies who were interested in getting access to Uzbekistan's market. The Other Daughter Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva is the younger daughter of Uzbekistans president. Unlike her sister, the 37-year-old Lola is relatively unknown to the public. In the summer of 2006, she gave birth to her second child, a son, in Riga. She was hosted by Gulam Gulami, a businessman of Afghan origin who has been living in Latvia for a long time and has gained citizenship. Karimova-Tillyaeva spent the last months of her pregnancy near the seaside in a new house in Jurmala, a Baltic Sea beach resort town and playground for the nouveau riche. The home was purchased for about 2 million euros in the name of Gulamis wife, Valentina, according to data from the Land Registry. Karimova-Tillyaeva's family drove around in Hummer and BMW SUVs with vanity plates reading TT (the initials of her husband, Timur Tillayev) and 1LK. In autumn 2006, Karimova-Tillyaeva and her family left Latvia. Her lawyer says she has no business interests in Lativa whatsoever. According to the Business Registry data, her husband established a company called Euro West Invest, but it never operated. A Cousin Gulnara and Lolas cousin Akbar Abdullaev arrived in Latvia at the same time as Karimova-Tillyaeva, and settled into a house next to hers, planting evergreens in the big backyard. According to the Latvian Land Registry, Abdullayev -- who was 23 at the time -- paid 1.4 million euros for the home with a swimming pool and a guesthouse. Abdullaev, once seen as a potential successor to Karimov, cut quite a swathe in Latvia. He bought a 200,000-euro Bentley, which when it was registered in 2011 was one of the most expensive cars in the entire country. A year later, he bought an apartment in a prestigious Riga neighborhood near the Daugava River, with a view of to the picturesque Old Town, according to the Latvian Land Registry. Abdullaev turned his apartment into an office for his two hotels, bought in the mid-2000s for at least 18 million euros in partnership with the Gulami family; later, they ended up in Gulamis hands. How that happened is the subject of legal battles and of speculation that reads like a detective novel, with allegations of a beating, attempted murder, a bribed judge, and suspicious court rulings involving murky offshore companies. Today, the gutters at Abdullaev's Jurmala home are overrun by weeds. By the time votes were cast in Uzbekistan's 2015 presidential election, Abdullaev had been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of leading an organized crime group in the Ferghana Valley. Another offspring of a high-ranking official who got an EU residency permit from Latvia is Timur Kerimov, a son-in-law of Rashid Qodirov, the former prosecutor-general of Uzbekistan. After 15 years in the post, Qodirov was sacked in April 2015 and transferred to a job at the Constitutional Court. According to the Latvian Land Registry, Kerimov bought an apartment in central Riga in 2010. He has also registered two enterprises, ITIR Solutions and IVT Solid Energy, but the companies show no activity. IVT Solid Energy was sold to a Cyprus-based company a few months after it was founded in 2013. For several years Kerimov headed the regional office of Uzbekistan Airways in Riga. When Re:Baltica tried to find him there recently, the sole worker at the office said that he had been gone for a year. Uzbekistan's embassy in Latvia did not respond to several requests for a meeting and did not reply to questions sent by Re:Baltica. Several members of the Uzbek community in Latvia have declined to speak to Re:Baltica. Journalists with RFE/RLs Uzbek Service contributed to this report Police in Russias republic of Daghestan say two police officers and four rebels were killed in clashes on May 14. Police spokeswoman Fatina Ubaidatova said the clashes began when police forces came across armed militants while searching an apartment building in the city of Derbent. Ubaidatova said the militants threw a grenade at the police and took a wounded officer hostage. She said the police stormed the apartment after obtaining information that the wounded officer had died. The Interfax news agency, citing unidentified law enforcement officials, said at least four militants were killed in the apartment. Interfax said fire brigades were working on the scene as the apartment caught fire. The Sunni extremist group Islamic State (IS) claimed its fighters were behind the attack. Daghestan has become the epicenter of violence for militants seeking to establish an Islamic state in the North Caucasus. Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and Interfax European Parliament Vice President Ulrike Lunacek said she is certain that Serbia will not join the European Union until it first recognizes Kosovo. "I am one of a few high-ranking politicians of the EU who insist that the recognition of Kosovo is a condition for Serbia," said Lunacek on the sidelines of a Civil Society Forum in Belgrade on May 12. Lunacek is the parliament's rapporteur for Kosovo, but she emphasized that she is not Serbia's enemy. She said she is fond of the country and believes it has made considerable progress toward EU accession. Lunacek said she expects Serbia's path to the EU to be blocked not because of her own objections but because of the EU's experience with Cyprus. The EU in 2004 approved the accession of Cyprus, a country that she noted had no clearly defined boundaries because of the Turkish occupation of the north. Since that time, Cyprus has blocked Turkey's bid to join the EU because of their territorial dispute. Lunacek appeared to be suggesting that the same sequence might occur with Serbia and Kosovo, which Belgrade still regards as a part of Serbia but which appears to be first in line to join the EU. Based on reporting by Inserbia.info and B92.net Germany's domestic intelligence agency has warned that Russia is trying to sabotage critical infrastructure through cyberspying. The BfV agency said on May 13 that Russian intelligence agencies appear to be behind a range of "aggressive" attacks in the last decade, including last year's Sofacy hit on the German parliament and APT 28 hit on NATO members that knocked a French TV station off the air, as well as a hack code-named "Sandworm" that brought down part of Ukraine's power grid last year. "Cyberspace is a place of hybrid warfare," said BfV chief Hans-Georg Maassen, referring to a mixture of conventional attacks, special operations, sabotage, and propaganda. "The information security of German government, administrative, business, science, and research institutions is under permanent threat," he said. "The campaigns observed by the BfV are generally directed at obtaining information, i.e espionage," he said, but Russian cyberspies "are also showing a readiness to sabotage." Germany's Defense Ministry announced recently that it is creating its own cyberwarfare department in response to what it says is the growing threat of electronic attacks. Based on reporting by AP and AFP Ukraine and its allies have adamantly rejected Russia's claims that Kyiv is developing a "dirty bomb" to use against Moscow's forces, and Ukraine's foreign minister says he has invited experts to visit Ukrainian facilities to see for themselves that Ukraine has nothing to hide. Russia's claims that Kyiv is planning to deploy a so-called dirty bomb -- a conventional warhead laced with radioactive, biological, or chemical materials -- came in a series of calls between Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his counterparts from several NATO countries. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, Russian protests, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. Britain, France, and the United States issued a joint statement on October 23 dismissing the claim after Shoigu's calls with their defense ministers in which the Russian minister presented no evidence for the claim. "Our countries made clear that we all reject Russia's transparently false allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory," according to the statement. But Russia doubled down on its assertions, which come after weeks of military defeats for Russia in southern and eastern Ukraine. "According to the information we have, two organizations in Ukraine have specific instructions to create a so-called dirty bomb. This work is in its final stage," Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov said on October 24. The chief of the Russian General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, later on October 24 spoke by phone with British Chief of Defense Staff Tony Radakin, who rejected Russia's allegations that Ukraine is planning actions to escalate the conflict. "The military leaders both agreed on the importance of maintaining open channels of communication between the U.K. and Russia to manage the risk of miscalculation and to facilitate deescalation," the Defense Ministry said in a statement. Gerasimov also held a phone call with his U.S. counterpart, General Mark Milley, to discuss the risks of the use of a dirty bomb in Ukraine, according to the Kremlin-controlled RIA Novosti news agency. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on October 24 weighed in on Moscow's repeated allegation, saying NATO also rejects it. Stoltenberg said he had spoken with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace "about Russia's false claim that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory." "NATO Allies reject this allegation. Russia must not use it as a pretext for escalation. We remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine," he said on Twitter. Moscow's claims that Ukraine could employ a dirty bomb raised concern that Russia could use such a device and blame Kyiv. A senior U.S. military official said the United States has seen no indication that Russia has decided to use nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons in Ukraine, including a dirty bomb. The official, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, also said the Ukrainians are not building a dirty bomb. U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price also said the United States has not seen any indication that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon but said there would be consequences for Russia whether it used a dirty bomb or any other nuclear weapon. "It would certainly be another example of President Putin's brutality, if he were to use a so called 'dirty bomb.' There would be consequences for Russia whether it uses a 'dirty bomb' or a nuclear bomb. We've been very clear about that," Price told reporters. He did not provide details about those consequences. Ukraine earlier called the accusation that Ukraine was building a dirty bomb absurd, and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog accepted his request to send experts to Ukraine to refute Moscow's claim. Kuleba said he invited the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to "urgently send experts to peaceful facilities in Ukraine which Russia deceitfully claims to be developing a dirty bomb." Kuleba said Ukraine has always been transparent and has "nothing to hide." The IAEA said later on October 24 that it was preparing to send inspectors to two Ukrainian sites. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed in a statement that both locations are under IAEA safeguards and have been visited regularly by IAEA inspectors. The IAEA "is aware of statements made by the Russian Federation on [October 23] about alleged activities at two nuclear locations in Ukraine," Grossi said, adding that both were already subject to its inspections and one was inspected a month ago and no undeclared nuclear activities or material were found. "The IAEA is preparing to visit the locations in the coming days," it added. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Kuleba in a phone call on October 23 that the world would "see through any attempt by Russia to use this allegation as a pretext for escalation [of the war]." Blinken and Kuleba discussed the U.S. and international commitment to continue supporting Ukraine with "unprecedented security, economic and humanitarian assistance for as long as it takes, as we hold Russia accountable," the State Department's call readout said. They further noted ongoing efforts to manage the broader implications of the Kremlins war in Ukraine, it added. With reporting by AFP The International Monetary Fund said it will negotiate new loans with Afghanistan to help revive the country's war-ravaged economy. After concluding a review of Afghan's economic situation on May 13, the IMF said it was pleased with the country's progress at reforming its government budget process and financial sector. "Despite difficult circumstances, the authorities implemented the program [recommended by the IMF] successfully," it said. But because of Afghanistan's ongoing conflict and a drawdown of NATO forces helping to defend the country against Taliban attacks, "Afghanistan's economic situation remains very difficult," it said. The IMF expects Afghanistan's economy to grow by 2 percent this year, barely faster than last year. And that pace could deteriorate further if security conditions worsen and donor aid slows. The country's banking system also needs more reform to eliminate vulnerabilities, the IMF said. The IMF said it will start negotiations this month with Kabul authorities on new Extended Credit Facility loans the government requested to help it address some of these problems. The loans "would help tackle some of the challenges and thus assist in improving the conditions for sustainable growth and in catalyzing support from donors," it said. With reporting by AFP The secretary of Iran's international cartoon contest on the Holocaust said the event is not meant to deny the killing of millions of Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II. "We do not want to deny or prove anything," Massud Shojai Tabatabai said on May 14. He spoke at the launch of the contest in Tehran where some 150 works from 50 countries, including France, Turkey, and Yemen, are on display. The works mainly criticize what they consider the use of the Holocaust by Israel to distract from the Palestine issue. Former Iranian hard-line President Mahmud Ahmadinejad had repeatedly questioned the killing of 6 million Jews across Europe during World War II. But his successor, President Hassan Rohani, has distanced himself from those comments. Cartoonists from around the world are competing in the contest which is organized by nongovernmental bodies with strong support from Iran's hard-liners. Prizes range from $5,000 to $12,000 for the top three entries. Based on reporting by dpa, Fars, and AP Several suicide bombers attacked a government complex outside the Iraqi capital, killing at least five soldiers. Ali al-Issawi, the police chief of the town of Amiriyat Fallujah, in the western province of Anbar, said suicide attackers broke into the government complex on May 14 at dawn. Issawi said some of the attackers blew up themselves while clashing with security forces, while others holed up inside the buildings and were later killed. He added that five government soldiers were killed and over a dozen other people were wounded. The town is located a few kilometers south of Fallujah, the main Islamic State-stronghold in Anbar, about 70 kilometers west of Baghdad. Iraqi forces have been making steady progress in Anbar this year, retaking full control of the capital, Ramadi, and wresting territory back from IS in several parts of the province. Based on reporting by AP and AFP Security services in Kyrgyzstan said they have arrested three politicians, including a former minister, on charges of plotting a coup. Three members of the People's Parliament movement were arrested late on May 12 on coup charges in Bishkek, a GKNB security service spokesman said. "They stand accused of preparing a violent seizure of power in the country and destabilization of the political situation in the country," he told AFP. Arrested were People's Parliament leader Bekbolot Talgarbekov, a former agriculture minister, along with former judge Marat Sultanov, and a politician who has previously run for president, Torobay Kolubayev. The group planned to hold a rally this month on Bishek's central square, the site of two uprisings in 2005 and 2010, and had demanded incumbent President Almazbek Atambaev leave his post before May 17. Currently three other former politicians from a separate opposition group -- Bektur Asanov, Kubanychbek Kadyrov and Ernest Karybekov -- are awaiting trial on coup charges after they were arrested in March. The trio had been involved in protests over a range of issues, including government policy regarding the contested state border with neighboring Uzbekistan. Kyrgyzstan has seen two governments overthrown since it gained independence in 1991. Based on reporting by RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service, AFP, and Interfax Three people have been killed in a mass brawl at Moscow's largest cemetery. Russian news reports said some 200 people, some armed with guns, steel bars, and other weapons took part in the May 14 clashes at the Khovanskoye cemetery in southwest Moscow. At least 26 people were taken to hospital, four of whom were seriously injured. More than 90 people were detained after riot police broke up the brawl. Media reports said ethnic groups from ex-Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus were fighting over the cemetery's lucrative services business. A cemetery official was quoted as saying people from Russia's North Caucasus regions of Chechnya and Daghestan attacked migrants from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan working there, attempting to take over their jobs. Ethnic Chechens, Daghestanis, Uzbeks, and Tajiks were reportedly among those detained. Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, TASS, and the BBC The United States has called on Iran to immediately release jailed Bahai leaders along with other prisoners of conscience. Seven leaders of Irans Bahai community were arrested by the Iranian authorities eight years ago and convicted of espionage and spreading propaganda against the clerical establishment. They were reportedly sentenced to 20 years in prison. Their sentences were later reduced to 10 years. We join the international community in condemning their continued imprisonment and calling upon the Islamic Republic of Iran to release them immediately, along with all other prisoners of conscience in Iran, State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a May 14 statement issued on the anniversary of the arrest of the Baha'i leaders. The statement added: We call upon Iranian authorities to uphold their own laws and meet their international obligations that guarantee freedom of expression, religion, opinion, and assembly for all citizens. Bahais face state persecution in Iran, where their faith is not officially recognized. A Russian yacht has been detained and towed to land by North Korean coast guards in the Sea of Japan. "The North Korean side has communicated that the yacht has been taken to the port of Kimchaek," Igor Agafonov, a Foreign Ministry official in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok told state-run RIA Novosti news agency. Agafonov said the five-member crew onboard the yacht was "alive and well" and Moscow was waiting for an explanation from Pyongyang as to the reasons the boat was detained. He added that Russian diplomats were seeking permission to visit the crew. An unnamed official at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang told the TASS news agency that the sailboat was detained by North Korean coast guards late on May 13 as it was sailing from a competition in the South Korean port of Busan to Vladivostok. A spokesman for the Russian Embassy in North Korea told RIA Novosti that the mission had demanded the immediate release of the crew. Russia, which has a short land border with North Korea, has relatively friendly ties with Pyongyang. Based on reporting by AFP, TASS, and RIA Novosti A reporter who lost his embed status with the U.S. Army for reporting on an argument that turned deadly in Afghanistan is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up his case. Wayne Anderson, 60, says U.S. military officials sent him home in 2010 after he published an article in The Washington Times about the shooting during a training exercise, which stemmed from an argument between an Afghan soldier and a U.S. contractor. Two American contractors and two Afghans were killed, according to the article, which was posted on the newspaper's website alongside video Anderson took showing the wounded Americans being unloaded from an ambulance. Anderson says U.S. commanders attempted to interfere with his reporting, telling him he was "chasing a nonstory." The U.S. Army contends Anderson violated media ground rules by posting video of wounded personnel. Anderson says the footage didn't reveal the identities of the personnel, so no violation occurred. Anderson in a petition this week seeks reversal of the memorandum terminating his embed status and reinstatement of his credentials. The Supreme Court only hears about 1 percent of the thousands of petitions it receives each year. Based on reporting by AP and Wisconsin Watchdog.org Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Nancy Cundiff inched slowly along the sidewalk, cupping her hands to her mouth, tears gathering in her eyes. Thats my son, she said, quivering outside of a one-story brick house at the end of a cul-de-sac. I cant believe hes gone. It was dark, about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, and the lights were on at the house in the 4400 block of Holmes Street Northeast. Inside, police and someone from the medical examiners office were processing evidence from a double homicide. About eight hours earlier, a man and woman shot each other to death in what police described as an incident that was domestic in nature. Police arrived to the house at 12:40 p.m. and discovered Melissa Lynn Cook, 43, and Bobby Ray Cundiff, 40, each with gunshot wounds. Cook died at the scene. Cundiff was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he died. Police found a handgun near Cooks body and another handgun near Cundiff. Police said no one else was inside the house at the time of the incident, and they do not believe at this time that anyone else was involved. Police spokesman Scott Leamon said Cundiff called police to report the shooting. Nancy Cundiff said her son and Cook lived at the house together. Her son had occupied the house for a few years, but Cook recently moved in, and the two had been dating for the past several months. Nancy Cundiff said her son was separated from his wife but wanted to get back with her. She suspected this was causing recent issues between her son and Cook. She said her son leaves behind three children. She said he liked fixing up motorcycles, and he was almost finished with one and planned to take a trip to the beach. Throughout the day, neighbors watched police go to and from the house. The house and street in front of it had been taped off. Neighbors said Cundiff and Cook had been having heated arguments recently, with their spats carrying out into the residences front yard. Otherwise, they said the couple kept to themselves and the street was ordinarily quiet. The house is located near the Frontier Apartments and is within sight of Monterey Elementary School. Classes at the school were not interrupted by the shooting, school spokesman Justin McLeod said. When school let out at its usual time, the principal escorted students who normally walk home, he said. A person has died after being hit by a truck in Bedford County Friday morning according to a news release sent out by the Bedford County Sheriffs Office. Bedford County 911 Center received a call at about 11:32 a.m. in reference to a work accident on private property in the 1800 block of Turkey Foot Road in Forest, the news release said. When deputies arrived, they determined a crewmember of a tree-service company doing work on the property had been struck by a company truck and was killed. The news release said there does not appear to be anything suspicious about the incident. An investigation is being conducted by the medical examiners office. The office of Occupation Safety & Health Administration responded to the scene to conduct their own investigation. When Magna Vista High School agriculture teacher Darryl Holland recently learned that a 3-year-old boy was missing in an area in which Holland has hunted for years, he notified some other members of the Dan River Coon Club, some of whom are Magna Vista students, to join him in taking part in the search. Raccoon hunters made up part of the estimated 250 people who took part in the search for Mason Lee Ryan. He was located about 3:30 a.m. April 26 about three-fourths of a mile from his home (at 1470 Wagon Trail Road) in an area between Wagon Trail Road and Evergreen Drive, officials have said. Searchers were divided into groups to look for the child. The group who found him included Magna Vista students Bryan Scales, Jason Scales, Racheal Shelton, C.J. Grice, Douglas Smith, Austin Taylor; and Magna Vista graduates Jonathan Scales and Damien Prater. Several of them are coon hunters. They said some of the skills they use in racoon hunting helped them in the search for the 3-year old, such as maneuvering through the woods at night, listening for sounds and looking for footprints. Standing about 20 yards apart, members of this search group searched through fields, beside a creek, uphill, downhill, through knee-high weeds and through heavily wooded areas. Some hunters wore caps with coon hunting lights. Periodically they called out the boys name. After searching about 3 hours, they heard the boys dog bark and they found the boy with the dog in a thickly wooded area. That dog saved that boys life, said Douglas Smith, who is in training to become an emergency medical technician and is a member of the Ridgeway Rescue Squad and Horsepasture Fire Department. Smith is not a coon hunter. Several members of the search group said it made them happy and excited to find the boy; that it felt like a weight had been lifted off; and that all the effort was worth it. I cried, Racheal Shelton said. They also said it felt fulfilling to use some of their hunting skills in an emergency and to help the community. Some said that reinforces why they do community service and motivates them to want to do more. Magna Vista Principal JaMese Black said the Warrior community is extremely proud of the efforts of everyone who participated in the search. She added this is another example of Magna Vista students using skills they learn in school in real-life situations -- for example, students using survival and critical thinking skills they learned from Darryl Holland. Magna Vista Assistant Principal Charles Byrd said, This is the norm for the kids (at Magna Vista). They really care about the community. He also stressed the search was a communitywide effort. Several of the students said they became coon hunters because of the influence of family, friends or Darryl Holland. (Racheal Shelton said she grew up coon hunting.) They also indicated they like being outside, being physically active and the adventure of coon hunting. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Lloyd Patton (Pat) Dotson Jr., 78, of Salem was peacefully called home to be with his Lord Monday, May 9, 2016. He was born April 30, 1938 to the late Lloyd Sr. and Lena Dotson of Salem. Pat is now rejoined with his beloved wife Lois of 55 years in their heavenly home. He was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Earl Shaver.Pat was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a cherished brother and uncle and was a friend to all who knew him. Left to cherish his memory are daughters Julie Dotson, Lisa Jamison (Steve), Laura Akers (fiance Mark Dixon), Jenny Martin (Matt); sister Joanne Dotson Shaver, grandchildren Patrick Akers, Sharayah Lambert (Drew), Amanda Akers, Brittany Akers, Cordell Akers, Emily and Kate Martin; great-grandsons Dustin Sanders and Bryce Lambert. Also surviving are many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. After graduating from Andrew Lewis High School in 1956, Pat attended business college and worked for Lendy's restaurants. He spent sixty years in the food service industry and from 1980-2005 was the owner-operator of Pat's Cafe in Roanoke specializing in Lendy's foods. Since 2009 he made the days brighter in the dining room of the Valley View Boulevard Chick-Fil-A. Known for his selfless spirit and infectious smile, Pat made a difference in each life he touched. He faithfully served the Lord through his work with the Gideons, Roanoke City Rescue Mission, The Forgotten People Ministries, Meals on Wheels and Green Ridge Baptist Church. Pat will be dearly missed by all who knew him.The family sends heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Center and Gentle Shepherd Hospice. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday May 15, 2016 at Green Ridge Baptist Church in Roanoke. Family visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.lotzfuneralhome.com. The Australian dollar continued to be weak against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Friday, as investor sentiment deteriorated due to falling oil and iron ore prices. Crude oil for June delivery are currently down $0.33 at $46.37 a barrel. Oil prices fell after Russia, a major oil producing country, signaled that excess global crude supply will last until the next year. Thursday, the Australian dollar fell 0.66 percent against the U.S. dollar, 0.12 percent against the yen, 0.43 percent against the euro, 0.71 percent against the Canadian dollar and 0.70 percent against the NZ dollar. In the Asian trading, the Australian dollar fell to a 6-month low of 0.9374 against the Canadian dollar and more than a 2-month low of 0.7286 against the U.S. dollar, from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.9409 and 0.7325, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 0.92 against the loonie and 0.71 against the greenback. The aussie dropped to a 3-day low of 79.30 against the yen, from yesterday's closing value of 79.83. On the downside, 78.00 is seen as the next support level for the aussie. Against the euro and the NZ dollar, the aussie slid to near 3-month lows of 1.5604 and 1.0717 from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.5528 and 1.0733, respectively. The aussie is likely to find support around 1.60 against the euro and 1.05 against the kiwi. Meanwhile, the safe-haven yen rose against its major rivals amid rising risk aversion. In economic news, the Bank of Japan said that the M2 money stock in Japan was up 3.3 percent on year in April, coming in at 934.8 trillion yen. That exceeded expectations for 3.2 percent, which would have been unchanged from the March reading. The M3 money stock added an annual 2.7 percent to 1,252.8 trillion yen. That topped forecasts for 2.6 percent, which also would have been unchanged. The yen rose to a 2-day high of 123.65 against the euro, from yesterday's closing value of 123.98. On the downside, 121.00 is seen as the next resistance level for the yen. Against the pound and the Swiss franc, the yen edged up to 156.93 and 111.95 from yesterday's closing quotes of 157.47 and 112.27, respectively. If the yen extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 153.00 against the pound and 109.00 against the franc. Against the U.S., the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars, the yen advanced to 108.71, 73.92 and 84.55 from yesterday's closing quotes of 108.98, 74.28 and 84.84, respectively. The yen may test resistance near 106.00 against the greenback, 72.00 against the kiwi and 81.00 against the loonie. Looking ahead, final German CPI data for April and flash GDP data for the first quarter are due to be released in the pre-European session at 2:00 am ET. Preliminary Eurozone GDP data for the first quarter and U.K. construction output for March are slated for release later in the day. At 5:00 am ET, Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane is expected to speak at the Scottish Business Friends Dinner in Edinburgh. In the New York session, U.S. PPI and retail sales data, both for April, U.S. inventories data for March and the University of Michigan's preliminary U.S. consumer sentiment index for May are set to be published. At 8:30 am ET, Bank of England MPC Member Martin Weale is scheduled to speak at the University of Liverpool. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News As humanity grapples with coronavirus pandemic, theres an urgent need to find the right solutions While vaccines are being tested and ventilators are being manufactured, some innovations can also be seen on the streets. These new ideas to fight coronavirus are coming from the common man, who is among the worst affected by the pandemic. As reflected in the proverb necessity is the mother of invention, these innovations show that good ideas may not always be the preserve of the elite. The latest innovation comes from an auto rickshaw driver, who has created four separate compartments for passengers. All four compartments are sectioned using plastic sheet, which essentially ensures contactless travel even when riding in the same vehicle. Even the driver section has been completely partitioned, so that direct contact with passengers can be avoided. While 100% safety is not guaranteed with this approach, it is certainly better than having no protection at all. The idea is practical and affordable, so it could be considered for an upgrade. Even Anand Mahindra, Chairman Mahindra Group has appreciated the idea. On his Twitter handle, Mahindra said that the auto rickshaw driver could be appointed as an advisor to the companys R&D product development teams. In another such innovation coming from the common man, a bike has been modified to comply with the principles of social distancing. The bikes wheelbase has been increased substantially with the addition of a customized frame. The long central chassis has increased the gap between the rider and pillion by at least one meter. The inventor believes that the modified bike will be helpful in avoiding Covid-19 infection. However, this idea seems less effective as compared to the earlier one. Theres no barrier between the rider and pillion and gap of one meter may not be enough to prevent coronavirus infection. It has been reported in research studies that coronavirus can travel up to 8 meters via droplets released through sneezing. Nonetheless, the limo-bike is certainly better than a standard bike where theres hardly any gap between the rider and pillion. Even though not foolproof, such ideas need to be encouraged in these tough times. Everyday challenges faced by the common man are way too many. It wont be possible to find solutions to all these issues in a research facility. Governments, organizations, NGOs and other stakeholders can probably support such innovations. Such ideas can be refined and improved, so that they can be effectively used to fight coronavirus. Breaching ceasefire continues in Yemen br> SANA'A, May 14 (Saba) - The Saudi-led coalition has continued to breach the UN-sponsored ceasefire in a number of provinces in the last 24 hours, a military official said Friday. The Saudi aggression attacked Mabda'a, Bani Bareq and al-Hawl areas in Nehm district of Sana'a province. The Riyadh's mercenaries pounded the army and popular committees sites in Qarnah, Karesh, Salfeyah, Jarebah areas in Lahj province with mortars, he added. Meanwhile, five people, including three children, were injured by the Riyadh's hirelings bombing with artillery shells on al-Abdan village in al-Mazroubah area in al-Moton district of Jawf province, the official said. The hirelings also pounded al-Qaryah al-Baidha and al-Sawda area in al-Masloub and targeted the army and popular committees sites in al-Ghail. He added that the Saudi war jets waged a raid on al-Masloub district, which was a target of the hirelings' attempt to advance on. Many of them were killed, the official said. In Taiz province, the mercenaries pounded the army and popular committees sites in Shabkah, Qashubah and al-Soek Mount with mortars. They also targeted several sites in Dhubab and al-Amri Mount Range. The mercenaries attacked the army and popular committees sites in al-Ham Mount in Beer Basha, Sala and al-Shamasi areas in Taiz. Dozens of the mercenaries have been killed in an attempt to advance towards al-Zahra area in al-Waze'yah district, the official explained. He confirmed the arrival of the hirelings' reinforcements in Klabah area and al-Arbaeen street (the 40 St.) in conjunction with the continuation of the aggression flying on the skies of the province. Meanwhile, the army and popular committees sites in al-Halol, Bahra, al-Rabee'a and al-Ashqari in Serwah districts of Mareb province were pounded by the Riyadh's hirelings with Katyusha rockets. The Saudi aggression waged more than twenty sorties on al-Muhlhal site in Khamer district in Amran province. Villages of al-Naqoub area in Usailan district of Shabwa province was hit by the hireling's rockets and artillery shells. Besides, the Saudi warplanes have never stopped to fly on the skies of the Capital, Hajjah, Sana'a , Amran, Sa'ada, Mahweet, Hodeida, Taiz and Lahj provinces, the official said. HA/AF Saba Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Telegram Email Email Print Print [14/May/2016] There is no doubt about it. Even if its the absolute last chance Avele gets to make amends for the wrongs of the past, the school deserves it as much as some other schools have been given the benefit of the doubt over the years. Without condoning the behavior of the students, which has led to the closure of the school, we believe the government owes it to about ninety-five per cent of the schools roll to give them one more chance. It is the most appropriate thing to do. The fact of the matter is that the government has made its stance very clear. By closing the school, lambasting the staff, old pupils and the Principal in public, it has sent out an emphatic message that it will no longer tolerate the silly behavior by some students. But now, Prime Minister Tuilaepa and his Cabinet must do the right. They must reopen the school to allow the teachers and students to fulfill their roles. That is for the teachers to impart knowledge while students learn what they need for a better future. Anything less will not just be a disservice to Avele College and everyone else involved with the school but also to education in this country. We say this because we know Avele is not the only school that has been involved in these fights. Should the government continue to toe the line they have taken, what happens if other schools fight next week? Will they all be closed indefinitely too? Should that be the case, we might soon find that all schools in Samoa shut. Thats surely a future nobody wants. On Thursday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi gave Avele College an ultimatum. He wanted an undertaking from them that the unruly behavior shown by some of their students in the past including threats and whatnot - will not be repeated. According to Prime Minister Tuilaepa, unless Avele College could guarantee that the behavior of the students will change, the school could well be closed permanently. Speaking to the media afterwards, Tuilaepa said he has told the old pupils of Avele and teachers to prepare and sign a proposal outlining their agreement. From the sound of things, Prime Minister Tuilaepa has resigned himself to the possibility that the school could be closed for good. If its closed (permanently) it means that the boys and girls will attend other colleges nearest to their homes to continue their studies, he said. If it opens again, it will be the final. If anything else happens then thats it. If our humble opinion was sought, wed prefer the latter. The school has suffered already. A week or two weeks of no school is a severe punishment for the bad behavior of a few. Yes, weve got to remember that of the entire school population, only a few students were involved. The rest of the student population had nothing to do with what had led to the closure of the school and those are the students that we must consider. They are the innocent victims in all this. Its a pity that because of the misbehaviour of a few, the chance of an education for the majority of well-mannered students at Avele has been removed from them. Weve said this before and we will say again now; it is not the schools fault that some of these young people are behaving like possessed madmen. We accept that schools do have a part to play and interschool rivalry is a contributing factor. But attitudes and behaviours are shaped at home. Which means that if students misbehave, its not entirely correct for society to blame the teachers and the schools. We believe its the parents who should be held accountable. The churches and villages too should take the blame to some extent. We say this because this is where morals and values are taught and nurtured. Interschool violence is an issue of morals and values. Its a behavioral issue and we must place the blame squarely on where it should be. Avele College deserves another chance. And lets be reminded here and now that two wrongs dont make a right. Think about it. Have a wonderful weekend Samoa, God bless! With more than 40 years of service to the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Lalomalava Savaii, Rev. Elder Solomona Tuatagaloa and his wife Annedy, are calling it a day. During the womens conference this week, Annedy bid farewell and revealed what many did not know about her. Many of people in here dont really know where I come from, until today, said Mrs. Solomona. The 62-year-old was in tears as she said her last speech before the Womens conference. She thanked the Womens fellowship at Lalomalava for their support over the years. She said with the struggles she faced with the language, it was the grace of God that got her through. I thank God for bringing me from my country to serve the Samoan church. Mrs. Solomona is originally from Marshall Islands. She is the youngest daughter of John Victor and Toknam Milne of Marshall Islands. I had a different dream, I wanted to travel to America and become a business woman and take care of my parents but God had different plans for me, she said. It was in her country where Mrs. Solomona met her husband, Rev Elder Solomona Tuatagaloa. who was serving in the Marshall Islands as a Missionary. They got married in 1973. A Samoan missionary brought me to Samoa to continue the work of God, she said with a smile. Despite the different cultures and the hardship she faced with the language, Mrs. Solomona said God is faithful. I learnt how to speak Samoan from the kids, because the older people teach me wrong words as well as bad words. Mrs. Solomona said they lived in Vailoa in American Samoa and the late Prime Minister Tofilau Eti Alesana approached them in American Samoa and brought them here to serve at Lalomalava in July 1975. I will never forget Tofilau and his good works since we arrived at Lalomalava, he taught me things and he even helped me with my Samoan language. Mrs. Solomona said she told her husband that she cant do the work because she doesnt know the language and she knew nothing about the Samoan culture. But that didnt stop him from answering Gods calling. From there I realized that nothing is impossible to God, she said. She said from the beginning she was not comfortable. When people come to our house I hide myself because I dont know what to say. But I didnt give up. I tried and learned and I was able to learn it. Rev. Elder Solomona and his wife are among the four Church Ministers who have served the Lalomalava church. Looking back, Mrs. Solomona said their journey started off roughly because the village was not really developed at the time. We came and lived like other families in the village; we dont call ourselves a church minister but another ordinary family in the village. With many years of service in Lalomalava, Mrs. Solomona has come to know the place as home. I will never forget Lalomalava with all the years I served them, the support from the womens fellowship to the congregation and the village. Its hard to forget. Asked how she feels that she is now retiring, Mrs. Solomona said she is sad but she is also relieved at the same time. She said she is looking forward to a life time of sharing the lessons she has learnt in Samoa - especially from Lalomalava. This week has seen the O.R.C.H.I.D Vascular team return to Samoa on one of several annual missions. The Operating Rooms Call 4 Help in Development (O.R.C.H.I.D), a charitable Foundation founded by Salailua Naseri-Cotter in 2010 has been coming to Samoa for over five years now providing Vascular access surgery for the National Kidney Foundation of Samoas dialysis clients. Their first visit for the year was in January with vascular surgeons, Dr. Peter Hansen and Dr. Juanita Muller. This month brings Samoas friend, Dr. John Bingley who has been coming twice a year since O.R.C.H.I.Ds inception providing a free service to the people of Samoa. He brings with him two new comers to Samoa, vascular Surgeon Dr. Steven Gett and anaesthetist Dr. Marcus Soo. They have been operating since Monday, our mothers day Public Holiday. They requested their team be allowed to work as they are aware their time on island is short and they try and do as much as possible. Vascular access surgery is not available in Samoa and is critical for Samoas Dialysis clients without which many would not be given an extended opportunity in life. O.R.C.H.I.D is a voluntary team from Brisbane Australia who pay their own fare and accommodation and bring all their own equipment and provide this much needed service for Samoa at no cost. The team this visit is eight strong members as not only do they bring vascular surgeons and an anaesthetist, Salailua has enticed her nursing work colleagues whom are specialist theatre and recovery nurses, a few of whom have not missed a year with Dr. Bingley to bring this much needed service to Samoa. The team is a perfect example of harmony as the team of doctors and nurses work together to provide this great service. O.R.C.H.I.D have also been working with the Faculty of Medicine, National University of Samoa, integrating students into their team and teaching them undergraduate medical knowledge and the value of team work. The team are impressed with F.O.M medical students and see potential in the future doctors of Samoa. It is hoped someone will engage in postgraduate training to learn this skill in their future years and Samoa will have one of its own surgical team trained in this type of surgery. O.R.C.H.I.Ds visit is supported by the National Health Service of Samoa and the Ministry of Revenue who assist the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa in facilitating the visit. The team is also very grateful to the N.H.S Surgical team and theatre nurses who support them while here. Once again, the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa wish to thank O.R.C.H.I.D for their continued commitment to the people of Samoa and we look forward to their next visit. Medical students at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.), Faculty of Medicine will benefit from the experience of being taught and trained by experts from Otago University Medical School. The delegation of ten members headed by Professor Peter Crampton, the Pro Vice Chancellor (P.V.C) of Health at Otago University and Samoas very own Faumuina Associate Professor, Faafetai Sopoaga, Associate Dean Pacific for the Division of Health Sciences, together with Senior Medical staff who are academics/clinical lecturers in specialty areas of oncology, respiratory, rheumatology, pathology, and epidemiology, are visiting the National University of Samoa Faculty of Medicine, to help in curriculum development as well as building staff capabilities. Faumuina along with her team of public health/epidemiology specialists are in Samoa for two weeks teaching and sharing knowledge and experience on public/population health and evidenced based medicine with the local medical students at the N.U.S. Faculty of Medicine, Motootua Campus. The sharing of knowledge is part of staff exchange programme covered by the M.O.U between the two institutions, where in some of the senior staff from Otago University has been teaching and conducting tutorials among the local students. On the other hand, a staff member of the N.U.S. Faculty of Medicine has also been appointed as a staff of Otago University Medical School to teach and lecture to their medical students at least twice a year. This visit focuses on sustainable medical report development for Samoa with aspect of more regional role in the future, said Professor Peter Crampton. He added that the team is focused on identifying areas where University of Otago can provide more support to the N.U.S Medical School especially in terms of curriculum development, staff exchange, student exchange and opportunities for collaborative research between the two institutions. Le Mamea Dr. Limbo Fiu, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, N.U.S. has expressed his appreciation for the existing memorandum of understanding between the two institutions which brings many benefits not only for the local medical students, but to the health sector as well. One common goal of the two institutions is to ensure that they can provide robust medical programmes in the areas of health sciences and medicine to address the needs of the health sector not only in Samoa but eventually in the Pacific. The Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions is a long term relationship. This is exactly what our faculty needs, a trusted and dependable partnership, said Le Mamea. The delegation was officially welcomed by the Vice Chancellor and President of the N.U.S, Professor Fui Leapai Asofou in a traditional Ava Ceremony. The V.C said that the partnership is more of a family relationship where two institutions come together to share ideas for their mutual benefit. The Ava Ceremony was also attended by the Chief Executive Officer of National Health Services, Leausa Dr. Tate Naseri. The team will be in Samoa for another week. They will also visit Tuasivi hospital and district hospitals in the big island of Savaii. The Foailalo hospital in Savaii has become the first hospital to use the Samoa helicopter service to transport a critically unwell child to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital at Motootua. During the visit around Savaii by Professor Crampton and the Otago delegation on Thursday, they stopped at the Foailalo hospital for a rural hospital visit to find a critically unwell child needing urgent intervention. Leituala Dr. Ben Matavalea, Clinical Director of the National Health Service, who was taking the Otago delegation around Savaii, was able to mobilise the Samoa helicopter service. After he and Dr. Malama Tafunai of the Faculty of Medicine, N.U.S, stabilized the child, she was airlifted to the National Health Service where the I.C.U team with Dr. Lamour Hansell received the child and continued treatment. Rodger McCutcheon of Samoa Helicopters said he is delighted they have been able to help. The little girl, her mum and a nurse were flown directly to N.H.S in Apia and was stabilized in intensive care, he said. The little girl was passing in and out of consciousness in the helicopter as her condition worsened, it's unlikely she would have survived the road and ferry trip as she needed urgent critical care. As chief crewman, Mr. McCutcheon said they responded immediately to the call. We were airborne within minutes and landed right at the medical center in Savaii...where after a medical briefing by Ben and the team, I boarded the still running helicopter for the 20 minute flight direct to Apia hospital. I think its safe to say the helicopters speed has contributed to saving this gorgeous little girls life. As for Professor Crampton and his team, they were able to see first hand some of the difficulties with primary and rural health care in Samoa. The Foailalo rural hospital team led by Faalaa, were grateful for the teams visit and look forward to more medical support in rural health centres. The importance of protecting and sustainably managing freshwater and forest resources was the focus of the national World Water and Forests Day celebration yesterday. Organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E), the event was hosted at Faleaseela Tai. Among the guests were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of M.N.R.E, Fiame Naomi Mataafa. Rev. Tuitoga Leota, who opened the ceremony, made a very poignant point. When we talk about the environment we are talking about creation, he said, adding that mankind polluted and contaminated Gods creations and now mankind is suffering the consequences. We should work together to save our water and forest. Fiame echoed the message from Rev. Leota. She said a number of the developments including commercial farming have contributed to the problems of today. She said many river streams have dried up, creating problems in terms of water supply. She said these challenges are not just in Samoa but are being experienced by people around the world. A key part of Samoas response is reforestation. Yesterday, Faleaseela led the way with a replanting programme near the Liua le vai o Sina river. Fiame encouraged all villages in Samoa to follow Faleaseelas example. Some of the key messages the Ministry promoted yesterday were: (i) The upland forests covering the mountain ridges of central Upolu and Savaii and other islands of Samoa, act as natural water towers which capture, store and gradually release freshwater for domestic, agricultural, industrial and ecological needs; (ii) Forestsactas natural waterfilter sandstabilisethe soil, helping reduce runoffas more water in filtrates into the soil and is stored within the underground aquifers; (iii) Water supply and forests are at the forefront of reducing the effects of climate change. Water is a necessity directly after natural disasters vital to the resilience of any community. Forests help reduce runoff and the impacts of flash floods by increasing water infiltration into the soil. They also help store water in the soil and shield against evaporation, releasing water gradually during the dry seasons. As such water and forests have a crucial role in building and strengthening resilience. (iv) Effective community participation and engagement is essential to the success of sustainable forest and water resources management initiatives. The life of one of the founding members of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) and a former Speaker of Parliament, Leota Leuluaialii Ituau Ale, was celebrated yesterday. Leota, who died two weeks ago, was granted a state funeral before he was laid to rest at Solosolo. The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi were among the mourners. His final service was held at Solosolo Catholic church where his body was carried by Police officers while villagers stood on the side of the road to pay their last respects to one of their high chiefs. The former M.P for Anoamaa West needs no introduction to the thousands of people who know him. For many of them, they simply remember him as the man with a big smile. Prime Minister Tuilaepa paid tribute to Leota, hailing a successful political career that spanned 31 years. While many M.Ps would only last for one term, Leota was the exception. He loved to talk to people no matter who they are, Tuilaepa recalled. Even when you are angry at him for something, the moment you meet with Leota and start talking, you forget all about it, you just laugh at his jokes. During a conversation with a Catholic priest, Tuilaepa said they talked about Leota being very talented and someone who always puts Solosolo first. During March General Election, Leota ran against the current M.P., Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, and lost. Tuilaepa recalled that Leota visited his office after he lost the election. Every other candidate they would be sad but Leota he was happy, he said. He told me hes happy that he had lots of votes which means that it was not important to him that he wins the election rather what was more important to him was winning more votes from his villagers. Before Leota passed away, asked the Prime Minister if his village could perform in the upcoming Independence celebration. Tuilaepa responded to him that there are plenty of days. He remembered that in 1979, Leota was elected as Deputy Leader of the Human Rights Protection Party while Vaai Kolone was the Leader. Tuilaepa said Leota did not want second place and as a result, he resigned from the party and supported the government that was led by Tupuola Efi. It was then that former Prime Minister, Tofilau Eti Alesana was made deputy leader and later became the Prime Minister. Every time I see Leota, I keep telling him that Tofilau would not have been a Prime Minister if he hadnt walked away from the party, said Tuilaepa. He wouldve been a Prime Minister to today. The former Speaker is remembered for some of the historical changes in Parliament that he contributed tp. One of them is amending the term in Parliament from three years to five. According to Tuilaepa, in order for the amendment to be passed, the government needed two third majority. Leota had the foresight and wisdom and went against the Opposition by voting for the change. Tuilaepa also acknowledged Leota for supporting a motion he made in 1981 when he first entered Parliament. The motion was to allow Tuilaepa to deliver his maiden speech in Parliament when he won the by-election to be done without a timeframe to finish it. He said Leota was the first to support the motion. Leotas wife, Taulapapa Wilma Okilly Ale nee Wornell shared many fond memories of her husband. She said he was someone who never turns anyone away if they asked for help. Even when hes about to lie down to rest and someone approaches home at night, he gets up and takes them in, she said. Taulapapa also remembered that just after the general election a lot of youths from the village came to Leota for assistance in filling in their forms for the New Zealand quota. When they left, I said to Leota you know none of them voted for you in the election because they know we dont have any money to give them. His response was dont be like that they are looking for help but dont use those weak things to stop us from helping them.The election is over now and all we can do is pray that they will succeed. Taulapapa also spoke about the pain they had to endure when they went through trouble with the village. She remembered how their house was stoned and burnt but Leota was not bitter about it. He told me that was my problem that I say my rosary but I dont have faith, she said. For eight years (that we were banished) we went through a lot of pain but he kept saying to forgive them and be patient. So I said to him you might as well go and be a pastor. Leota went to Toamua Primary School and later attended Samoa College. He went on to study at Whangarei Boys High School, Auckland University and the University of South Pacific. He holds a Master in History and Political Studies from Auckland University and a Bachelor in History and Samoan from the National University of Samoa. His career life started from the Prime Ministers office where he was a foreign officer. Leota was also the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Mataafa and Tupua Tamasese. In the Judiciary sector, he was the senior interpreter and translator at the Legislative Assembly and the Supreme, Magistrate Courts and Land and Titles Court. He was a teacher at Samoa College and at the Institute of Samoan Studies. Leota entered parliament in 1970 to 2001 where he was the speaker on from 1970 1972. Apart from being a Deputy leader for H.R.P.P. he had also worked as the Manager of Congregational Christian Church of Samoa Museum at Malua for two years. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi did not mince words when he blasted the Principal, teachers and parents of students attending Avele College during a closed meeting on Thursday. Held at the Prime Ministers Office, the media was barred. But a recording of the meeting obtained by the Weekend Observer indicates that the Prime Minister was not happy about the behavior that has led to the closure of the school. He blamed the Principal, Lesaisaea Reupena Matafeo, and the teachers first and foremost. The reason why we called for this meeting is because we dont have any more faith in the Principal and teachers of Avele, Tuilaepa told the gathering. I have the old Avele (Avele Tuai) Constitution here. It says that whenever there is a school fight, the old students would have to walk around with umbrellas and the little boys have to observe them well. If they put up the umbrella, it means that they have to fight. If they dont, it means that they dont have to fight. That has continued even up until now and that is a very bad spirit. Tuilaepa said only assassins harbour such codes and methods. The bad thing is that these old boys graduate from Avele and then go back and teach at the school, continuing on with such behavior. And the students are told to do the same thing. So they will continue to fight when they see that the umbrella is up. Referring to the decision to close the school a nearly two weeks ago, Tuilaepa said the goal was to protect the students from other schools. This is a very sensitive issue, he said. It is a very difficult issue that is getting worse and out of control. Students have used a lot of very dangerous weapons that harm innocent members of the public. And theyve affected the lives of students from other schools. Hence why the government stepped up to make a quick decision. Tuilaepa also referred to incidents in the past. Just months ago, there was a gathering of schools in front of the government building. It was the aftermath of another school brawl in town, which almost affected Police officers. At this gathering, I made a promise that the government will take action if another fight breaks out again that puts the safety of members of the public at risk. The statement I made was general. But even after that, interschool violence emerged again with Avele College being involved again. So I asked myself, where are the teachers and the principal of Avele College while these kids are out there causing trouble? Where are the people that signed and shook hands with other schools and reconciled with them and said that it wont happen again? In Tuilaepas opinion, the staff of Avele College did not take his statement seriously. Today, Tuilaepa is adamant that there is no reason to re-open the school, unless he and his Cabinet could be persuaded and convinced that the students would change their ways. I was there when the government back then decided to bring back Avele; when it was closed before. But I am not afraid to make the decision to close Avele. There are other schools available for all the students. Schools that have never been involved with the school fights. The Prime Minister also blasted Principal Lesaisaea, suggesting that he might be the person bringing bad luck to the school. I dont know if theres a curse on you or what? Tuilaepa said. This is the third government department youve worked for and led and none of it has ended up well. So Im starting to wonder if youre the reason why all of this is happening to Avele? Tuilaepa then asked the gathering to try and understand the reasons for Cabinets decision. We want all of you to see and understand why we made the decision, he said. Weve been trying to put a stop to this problem and there is no guarantee that it will stop now. We dont know that and we dont want to take that risk again. Tuilaepa said Cabinet would meet on Monday when they will make a decision. In the meantime, he has given the school an ultimatum, to come up with an undertaking that the behavior of the students will change, should the school reopen. So the fate of the school is in your hands, and you will make the decision for the school. So you have to come up with strong and valid reasons why we should open Avele again. And also you have to come up with ideas and solutions that can convince us that Avele will no longer be involved in any fights in the future. And if we make a decision on Monday to give your school one more time, we will sign a memorandum which all of you will sign. And if there will be another fight after that, we wont be having these kinds of meetings anymore. We will just close the school. In response, Principal Lesaisaea acknowledged Prime Minister Tuilaepa for taking the time to explain Cabinets decision. A loving parent is one who speaks the truth and one who corrects the wrongdoings of their children, he said. Lesaisaea conceded that there was no need for them to build wall so they could hide their faults behind it. All of us understand and accept all that you said. Because this is not the first time our school had been involved with interschool violence. He apologised on behalf of the students, teachers, parents and the Old students of Avele College. We understand that we are all at fault. And we ask for your forgiveness. He then pleaded with Prime Minister Tuilaepa to give Avele another chance. Thank you for the great reminder for all of us. This is a wakeup call for all of us to rise up to our duties and responsibilities. Let yesterdays mistake be a lesson for today and most importantly for the future. China has reclaimed more than 3,200 acres of land in the southeastern South China Sea. But the country's focus has shifted to developing and weaponizing those man-made islands so it will have greater control over the maritime region without resorting to armed conflict, according to a new Pentagon report. In its most detailed assessment to date of China's island-building program, the Defense Department said three of the land features in the Spratly Islands now have nearly 10,000-foot runways and large ports in various stages of construction. And it has excavated deep channels, created and dredged harbors, and constructed communications, logistics and intelligence gathering facilities. The report argues that the accelerated building effort doesn't give China any new territorial rights. But it says the airfields, ship facilities, surveillance and weapons equipment will allow China to significantly enhance its long-term presence in the South China Sea. "This would improve China's ability to detect and challenge activities by rival claimants or third parties, widen the range of capabilities available to China, and reduce the time required to deploy them," according to the report released Friday. "China is using coercive tactics short of armed conflict, such as the use of law enforcement vessels to enforce maritime claims, to advance their interests in ways that are calculated to fall below the threshold of provoking conflict," the report adds. The 3,200 acres only represents China's reclamation in the Spratleys and doesn't include its building in the Paracels, further northwest, including the contested Woody Island, in its estimates. China has deployed anti-aircraft missiles to Woody Island. The Pentagon declined to release details on the amount of increased reclamation in the Paracels or to provide a more concrete estimate of the increase in building in the Spratly Islands. Chinese officials have defended the land reclamation by saying it is Beijing's territory, adding that the buildings and infrastructure are for public service use and to support fishermen. It accuses the Philippines, Vietnam and others of carrying out their own building work on other islands. The report also notes that China has continued to assert sovereignty over the East China Sea, including the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan. Vietnam, China and Taiwan all claim the Paracels, and the three along with the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei claim all or parts of the Spratlys. The U.S. says it takes no side in the territorial disputes, but supports freedom of passage through the area, which is one of the world's busiest sea lanes. China's island building, the report concludes, is designed to walk right up to but not cross "the threshold of provoking the United States, its allies and partners, or others in the Asia-Pacific region into open conflict." More broadly, the report says that China is steadily increasing its role and power around the world, while continuing to modernize and build up its military and inventory of ships, missiles and aircraft. Specifically, it notes China's plans to build its first overseas military facility in Djibouti to help support naval operations in the region. The report also repeats assertions by Defense Secretary Ash Carter that continued provocation by China may only improve U.S. relations in the Asia Pacific. "China's increasingly assertive efforts to advance its national sovereignty and territorial claims, its forceful rhetoric, and lack of transparency about its growing military capabilities and strategic decision-making continue to raise tensions and have caused countries in the region to enhance their ties to the United States," the report said. U.S. officials have been increasingly concerned China's activities could be a prelude to enforcing a possible air defense identification zone over the South China Sea, similar to one it declared over disputed Japanese-held islands in the East China Sea in 2013. As noted in previous year's reports, China continues to target U.S. government and Defense Department computer systems through cyber intrusions. The report said that during 2015, China used it's cyber capabilities to spy on the U.S. and steal information from computer networks. "The information targeted could potentially be used to benefit China's defense industry, high-technology industries, and provide the CCP insights into U.S. leadership perspectives on key China issues," the report said. -AP Ukraine and Turkey have agreed on cooperation in nuclear energy, aircraft industry, development of transit corridors, implementation of joint construction projects, facilitating access of Ukrainian metallurgical companies to the Turkish market, the Southern Gas Corridor, infrastructure projects in Crimea to support Crimean Tatars, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister - Regional Development Minister Hennadiy Zubko summarized the results of the 10th session of the Ukrainian-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. "We have agreed on the Ukrainian-Turkish partnership in the development of aircraft industry and space technologies. Together with Turkey, Ukraine is ready to develop and produce new passenger and cargo planes at the Antonov State Enterprise. In particular, these include the development and production of the TAN-158 passenger aircraft based on the An-158 aircraft, a transport aircraft based on the An-178 and an aircraft based on the An-70," Zubko said. The head of the Ukrainian delegation said that the parties agreed that Turkey would consult Ukraine on the safety of its nuclear power plants and on the training of all categories of NPP personnel and training of Turkish students and graduate students in Ukraine. According to him, the agreements include the creation of favorable conditions for bilateral transit shipments, in particular for transporting Turkish goods through the territory of Ukraine to Poland, Slovakia, and the Scandinavian countries. "The next steps of cooperation will be the introduction of uniform rules for sea waybills between the ports of Ukraine and Turkey. At the moment, the parties are agreeing on the tariff and technological conditions of shipments," Zubko said. The vice premier also said that the parties decided to hold a joint international construction forum in Kyiv in 2016-2017, having agreed by that time on a number of strategically important infrastructure facilities. "We are negotiating the opening of its market by Turkey to our metallurgical companies. Ukraine is ready to join the development and reconstruction of Turkish steel companies. We have agreed on cooperation in the field of energy, in particular in the design of new 'green' buildings," Zubko said. In addition, he said Turkey and Ukraine were planning to set up a joint committee on customs issues to improve the bilateral trade relations. "We have discussed the possibility of Ukraine's entry into an important project - the Southern Gas Corridor if it is economically feasible and to ensure non-discriminatory access to the respective capacities," the deputy prime minister said. He also stressed the importance of Turkey's position on the Crimean issue, in particular the fate of the Crimean Tatar people. "We will contribute to the Turkish infrastructure projects aimed at the support of Crimean Tatars," Zubko said. As reported, Kyiv hosted the 10th meeting of the Ukrainian-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation on May 12-13 co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Regional Development, Construction and Housing and Utilities Services of Ukraine Hennadiy Zubko and Minister of National Defense of Turkey Ismet Yilmaz. The head of the Turkish delegation also met with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman. According to the State Statistics Service, in 2015, Turkey was 2nd in terms of the volume of Ukrainian exports abroad and 5th in terms of the volume of trade. Meanwhile, last year, the exports of goods from Ukraine to Turkey fell by 22.2% to $2.77 billion, while the imports shrank by 34.5% to $0.85 billion. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko during a telephone conversation with United States Vice President Joe Biden has stressed the importance of deploying the armed OSCE police mission on the occupied territories of Ukraine, the Ukrainian president's official website reported on Friday. "The interlocutors discussed the situation in Donbas and the results of ministerial negotiations in the Normandy format. Petro Poroshenko emphasized the priority of creating security preconditions for the further political settlement of the situation in Donbas caused by Russian aggression. In this context, the parties noted the importance of deploying the OSCE armed police mission in the occupied territories," reads a report posted on the president's website. Poroshenko and Biden also coordinated further consolidated international sanction pressure on Russia during the G7 Summit in Japan on May 26-27 aimed at achieving real de-escalation of the situation in Donbas. Dragon Spacecraft, the private space agency Space X cargo craft, makes its way back to Earth. After undocking from the International Space Station on May 11, 2016, 9:19 a.m. EDT, it has dropped back to the atmosphere and descended back to the planet. Previously expected to crash down at the Pacific Ocean, 261 miles southwest of Long Beach, California at 2:55 in the same afternoon, the Dragon brought back biological samples from former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly. Kelly who stayed up in the ISS for 340 days has been on a mission to further understand the human capabilities when exposed for a longer time in space. The Dragon Spacecraft samples are expected to help scientists understand the changes that Kelly's body had been through during his ISS stay. The Dragon spacecraft cargo was filled with supplies worth 3,700 pounds including the biological samples taken from Kelly. The sample includes body fluids and other samples that will undergo biotechnology and physical science research, The Verge reported. ESA astronaut Tim Peake, upon the spacecraft's return, will examine the ISS photo showing a mechanical arm releasing the capsule and trusting away from the station and back to Earth. The British astronaut even said that the "Dragon spacecraft has served us well, and it's good to see it departing full of science, and we wish it a safe recovery back to planet Earth." When the samples are safely delivered back to NASA, scientists pointed out that they will presume studying the cargo for a year. This will now help them further understand the extreme physiological and psychological effects of long spaceflight travel may cause. However, with these studies on the works, it will help pave way to executing a possible mission to Mars and other distant planets, Space.com reported. Dragon Spacecraft has been designed in a way that it will survive its landing with the help of parachutes, keeping the cargo safe and intact. It was a momentous day. On Wednesday, a Dragon spacecraft has finally returned to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS). Owned and launched by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's SpaceX, the Dragon spacecraft carried in its hold valuable scientific data according to a NASA statement which was released last Thursday. According to a news report on Space.com, on Wednesday, May 11 at 2:51 in the afternoon EDT, the Dragon spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean about 261 miles southwest of Long Beach, California. The cargo spacecraft came with over 3,700 pounds of NASA cargo, science and technology demonstration samples from the ISS (International Space Station). Moreover, some of the cargo will be removed and returned to NASA before the spacecraft heads back to SpaceX facilities in McGregor, Texas. As soon as it reaches McGregor, the Dragon spacecraft itself will more likely undergo testing and be prepared for reuse. The cargo spacecraft brought back scientific experiments data, including technological and biological studies that were conducted in the microgravity of the space station. For instance, one experiment in biotechnology studied how micro-particles interact with each other as well as examined their delivery channel in the absence of gravitational forces as cited on IB TIMES. The final batch of samples from former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly of the historic 1-year mission fame is also among the data cache. The said samples will be analyzed to advance our knowledge about the effects on the human body from long stays in space. The milestone truly marked the first-ever landing of a spacecraft at sea. SpaceX repeated the achievement last May 6 along with the launching of the Japanese communications satellite JCSAT-14 from Cape Canaveral. The next SpaceX's Dragon cargo launch is at present scheduled for late June. U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden has commended the appointment of Yuriy Lutsenko to the post of prosecutor general of Ukraine, the press service of Ukraine's president reported. The U.S. vice president said this during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, the report reads. Biden also reiterated the United States willingness to provide support to Ukraine in the prosecutor's office reform and in the fight against corruption. He noted the importance of legislative amendments on the establishment of general inspection in the Prosecutor General's Office. As reported, former interior minister Yuriy Lutsenko was appointed prosecutor general on May 12. A recent study of ancient cosmic dust from the remote location of Pilbara in Australia has reportedly taken geologists by surprise. The research revealed that our planet had something 2.7 billion years ago that it should not have had. The Monash University's School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment recently published a study in the journal Nature revealing that some of the oldest fossil micrometeorites, known as cosmic dust, were made up largely of metallic iron. As the space dust traveled through our planet's primeval atmosphere, it got oxidized. The fact confounded geologists because according to prevailing facts, there could not have been enough oxygen 2.7 billion years ago to cause such an effect. The first oxygen producing algae appeared on Earth only about 2.4 billion years ago, which ultimately led to the great oxidation event that charged the atmosphere with this essentialforlife gas. The discovery also had other implications, especially those concerning the search for extraterrestrial life. Until now, scientists believed that detecting oxygen in the distant atmosphere could signal the presence of life; however now it seems the presence of the gas alone cannot be a sure shot sign. According to Dr Andrew Tomkins who led the research, the outer envelope of primordial Earth's atmosphere could have had the same amount of oxygen that can be seen now. The scientist believes that oxygen was probably trapped in the upper atmosphere, after ultraviolet ray from the Sun blasted carbon dioxide and released oxygen atoms from their carbon bond. Thereafter, a heavy and thick methane haze, that covered the surface of the Earth, kept it there. 2.7 billion years ago, the atmosphere of our planet was rich in carbon dioxide with a methane haze. The earth's surface comprised of nothing more than water and rock, however single celled life known as methanogens existed. The organisms exhaled methane into the atmosphere after in taking hydrogen from the nearby volcanoes. The high quantity of methane would have heated up the lower atmosphere, preventing it from blending with the upper atmosphere. Meanwhile, the sky would be full of meteors as the last of the leftover clouds was swept up after the formation of the solar system. "It is incredible to think that by studying fossilized particles of space dust the width of a human hair, we can gain new insights into the chemical makeup of Earth's upper atmosphere, billions of years ago." said lead researcher Dr Andrew Tomkins. "Because this dust was so small, all this oxidization must have occurred at 90 to 75 kilometers in altitude, while the particles were super heated shooting stars. This was an exciting result because it is the first time anyone has found a way to sample the chemistry of the ancient Earth's upper atmosphere." The ancient cosmic dust was found embedded in limestone in the remote Pilbara region located in Western Australia. The space dust was further analyzed in depth at the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy (MCEM) and the Australian Synchrotron. Scientists recently created a 3D map of 3,000 galaxies located 13 billion light years from our planet, according to a report. Interestingly, the researchers discovered that the general theory of relativity by Albert Einstein holds true and even applies to far off areas in the universe. In the 1990s it was discovered that the universe is expanding at a fast rate, and since then scientists have been trying to find an explanation for the occurrence. As per reports, the acceleration or fast paced expansion could be driven by mysterious dark energy or Einstein's theory of relativity could be breaking down. Incidentally, the theory says gravity warps space and time, i.e. what we comprehend as the force of gravity actually arises from space and time curvature. To test Einstein's theory, researchers from the University of Tokyo and Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics (Kavli IPMU) in Japan analyzed the clustering and velocity of more than 3000 distant galaxies. The study report suggests that the concept of general relativity is valid even in the remote universe, and its expansion can be explained by a cosmological constant, as forwarded by Einstein's theory of general relativity. "We tested the theory of general relativity further than anyone else ever has. It's a privilege to be able to publish our results 100 years after Einstein proposed his theory," said Teppei Okumura, from Kavli IPMU. Until now, no one has been able to observe galaxies that are located more than 10 billion light years away. However, the team of researchers from Japan managed to achieve this feat by using the Fibre Multi-Object Spectrograph (FMOS) on the Subaru Telescope, which can study galaxies located as far as 12.4 to 14.7 billion light years away. At present, the Prime Focus Spectrograph is being built that will allow scientists to observe galaxies at an even greater distance. Einstein's general theory of relativity by is true according to a galaxy map. A 3D map of 3000 galaxies that is 13 billion light years away from Earth has been designed by an international team of scientists led by Japanese researchers. During the late 1990s, scientists have been on the works of explaining the discovery of the constant expansion of the universe at the tremendous rate. Einstein's general theory of relativity suggests that the phenomena have been caused by a dark matter increasing acceleration. Due to this, gravity produced a warping motion that affected space and time resulting to a break down. Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics project research head Teppei Okumur, together with Kavli IPMU Project Assistant Professor Chiaki Hikage, University of Tokyo Department of Astronomy Professor Tomonori Totani, Tohoku University Astronomical Institute Associate Professor Masayuki Akiyama, and Kyoto University Department of Astronomy Associate Professor Fumihide Iwamuro and Professor Kouji Ohta has put Einstein's theory to the test by surveying and analyzing the velocities and clustering of more than 3000 galaxies. Okumura said via Science Daily, "We tested the theory of general relativity further than anyone else ever has. It's a privilege to be able to publish our results 100 years after Einstein proposed his theory." Having to relate a century old theory to modern research is a huge advancement in both science and technology. Professor at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia Karl Glazebrook who first proposed the idea mentioned that "Having started this project 12 years ago it gives me great pleasure to finally see this result come out." Having Einstein's theory validated today is a leap of success for modern scientists. No one has tried to observe as much galaxies until now, being a breakthrough in the field of science, Astronomy Now reported. The survey has been conducted in 2012 to 2014 using a Subaru Telescope. It has been more than a hundred years since Einstein proposed in his theory. A team of researchers has invented new light-emitting cement that could light up the expressways, roads and bicycle lanes during evening time without the use of power. Nature Word News reports that the discovery was led by Jose Carlos Rubio, a researcher from Michoacan's University of San Nicolas Hidalgo (UMSNH) in Mexico and another team of scholars. Mr. Rubio developed cement that produces light without the use of batteries or solar cell. This can last for 100 years. Talk about lighting your way! https://t.co/GRLlMlcSBX Jim Holz (@Jim_Holz) May 13, 2016 He shared that he worked on the inventions for nine years. The challenge that he faced then was the cement's opaque material that inhibits the light to pass through its interior, according to Tech Times. He then altered the cement's microstructure to remove the crystals. He is able to arise with a translucent gel that attracts solar energy and illuminates when it is dark. The researchers said those roads, highways and any structure that will be made of this particular cement can absorb solar power the whole day and emit light at night for 12 hours. They further explained that the cement is environmentally safe because it is made from dust, clay or sand and the only residue of its production is water vapor. The cement produces only blue or green color. On the other hand, its light intensity could be adjusted differing on where the material will be applied or used. Rubio also said that light emitted by the cement is not solely dependent on direct sunlight. This is because it can be recharged even during gloomy days. Rubio added that due to this patent, others have surfaced worldwide. He further cited that in the UK, they received recognition from Newton fund, given by the Royal Engineering Academy of London, which chooses global success cases in entrepreneurship and technology. Hedge fund billionaire David Tepper's Appaloosa Management increased its stake in pipeline partnership and dumped his huge Apple investment in the first quarter, according to a filing with the SEC. According to data from Bloomberg, Tepper had previously held 1.26 million shares, last valued around $133 million. On April 28, Carl Icahn announced that he had sold all his shared of Apple because of the increasing growth in China. Greenlight Capital's David Einhorn has also been decreasing his stake for some time. This is surprising because hedge funds have long loved Apple stock. As of August 2015, there were 146 out of the 833 hedge funds tracked by Goldman Sachs had the company as one of their largest positions. This earned the iPhone maker the number 2 spot on Goldman's list of stocks for "most loved" by hedge funds, Yahoo Finance reported. Since then, Apple has faced slowing sales of iPhones and disappointing earnings which sent the stock to its low. In fact, the company lost its status as the most valuable in the world. Tepper's firm's largest additions were to Energy Transfer Partners LP, an investment valued at approximately $523 million as of the end of March, and Williams Partners LP, which has a $271 million position. Tepper's fund, Appaloosa Management, also bought 945,000 shares of the troubled pharmaceutical company Valeant, worth $24.8 million during the first quarter. He has since sold the stake in the company, however, making a profit from the trade. Energy Transfer has a whooping rise of 9.2 percent this year with its dividends being reinvested, while Williams Partners has returned almost 17 percent. The two was set to merge until last month when Energy Transfer Equity's chief executive warned that the deal might not work because of an unresolved tax issue. Both shares climbed up on the news. Brent crude oil has gone up from a low of about $28 in January to almost $48 today, which helps energy stocks. According to the filing, Tepper has also taken a new position in Facebook, buying 1.6 million shares in the first quarter, and Bank of America with 6.9 million shares. He also reduced his stake in General Motors Co. by about 80 percent to a holding valued at $75 million as of March 31. He's held the stake in the carmaker since early 2012. In a recent interview with Jimmy Kimmel in his late night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Democrat front runner Hillary Clinton has made public statements about top-secret government documents on extraterrestrial life. It all started when Jimmy Kimmel, an investigative journalist, laid out concrete plan to Hillary Clinton about unveiling any contents of top-secret government files on extraterrestrial life. "I would like us to go into those files and hopefully make as much of that public as possible," she said. "If there's nothing there, let's tell people there's nothing there. And if there is something there, unless it's a threat to national security, I think we ought to share it with the public," Kimmel said. According to GQ, there was even a time when Clinton quickly corrected the late night show host's terminology when he said U.F.O.s saying, "You know, there's a new name," Mrs. Clinton said in the March appearance. "It's unexplained aerial phenomenon," she said. "U.A.P. That's the latest nomenclature." Known for her grasp of policy, Hillary has touched some topics in her presidential campaign, from Alzheimer's research and military tensions in the South China Sea. . But it is her unusual knowledge about extraterrestrials that has struck a small but committed cohort of voters. The New York Times has reported that in March, Clinton's campaign chairman John Podesta, who also handled Bill Clinton, was quoted saying, "I've talked to Hillary about that. There are still classified files that could be declassified. I think I've convinced her that we need an effort to kind of go look at that and declassify as much as we can, so that people have their legitimate questions answered. More attention and more discussion about unexplained aerial phenomena can happen without people-who are in public life, who are serious about this-being ridiculed." Podesta also added that "the American people, quite frankly, can handle the truth." Podesta is referring to an unanswered question that has vexed UFO believers for decades: If extraterrestrials have in fact visited Earth why would the world's governments bother to hide evidence of it? Discovery News has also reported that a typical theorist answer would be the world's government have hidden evidence of existing life outside Earth because the public "is not ready to know" or "can't handle the truth" that somehow, the knowledge that aliens are doing certain things to people is very psychologically or socially shocking for the public. UFO conspiracy theorists claim that if the U.S. government revealed what it knows about aliens the public would panic and society would crumble. Although there is no reason to think that's true, the fact remains that there are approximately 80 percent of the U.S. populations who already think that extraterrestrials not only have visited Earth but may even be secretly living among us. And if Hilary Clinton is elected as President of the country, and her administration fessed up to having clear evidence that aliens had been in contact with Earthlings, UFO buffs still wouldn't believe a word of it, instead dismissing it as a disinformation campaign designed to hide the real truth. Thumbs down to S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley for saying she will veto a state plan to provide financial aid to farmers. These farmers suffered $330 million in losses because of the heavy rain and floods that hit the state hard in October. Earlier this month, the General Assembly passed a bill to give $40 million to farmers for relief. The votes werent close. Near the end of April, a bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 33-3. The bill sailed through the House on May 4 by a vote of 85-2. That makes the chances of overriding a veto good, but Haley doesnt care. She said early this week that she would veto the bill because it would be wrong to bail out the farmers when we cant bail out small businesses, when we cant bail out homeowners. But farmers arent your ordinary businessmen. Every year they risk most of what they have against natural forces that they cant control. Sometimes they dont get enough rain. Last year, they got too much. According to the S.C. Department of Agriculture, the states entire cotton, soybean and peanut crops were destroyed. To make matters worse, wet weather early this year made it hard if not possible to plant a full crop this spring. As The Herald of Rock Hill stated in a good editorial this week, we reward farmers for enduring the uncertainties of trying to plant and harvest a crop because agriculture is regarded as a necessity to the nation's wellbeing. And it also is a mainstay of South Carolina's economy. Failing to help sustain the state's agriculture industry could mean not only that many farmers could go out of business but also that many potential young farmers will be discouraged from undertaking the risks of farming in the first place. That would be bad news for the poorer rural parts of the state where farming remains a vital part of the local economy. Those parts of the state include the Pee Dee. Thumbs down to people who are eligible to vote in the June primary elections but have not registered. It isnt too late to register, but youd better hurry. The deadline is today. Register online at scvotes.org. Online registration requires a S.C. Drivers License or DMV ID. If you have moved, you must first update your address with the DMV. Request a voter registration by mail application from the County Board of Voter Registration and Elections Office or download a voter registration by mail application at scvotes.org, complete it and mail, fax or scan the application and email it as a file attachment to the County Board of Voter Registration & Elections. Voter registration by mail applications must be postmarked by today. You can email the application to Florence County Board of Voter Registration & Elections Director David Alford at dalford@florenceco.org. The fax number for that office is 843-292-1613. For contact information and voter registration for your county, visit scvotes.org and click the Voters tab on the left-hand side of the page. We continue to be baffled by people who dont exercise their right to vote. Of all the problems that plague America, apathy is one of the biggest. So is laziness. Those who dont bother to register have a lot of nerve if they want to complain about elected officials. But its meaningless to register if you dont vote. Worse than not voting is going to the poll without knowing anything about the candidates on the ballot. If you plan to vote, good for you, but do your duty and do your homework. Were here to help. The Morning News sent questionnaires to candidates who are involved in contests races for the primaries. To see the responses that have come in so far, visit scnow.com/news/election_2016/questionnaire_responses/. Thumbs up to eight Pee Dee students who received associate degrees before even getting their high school diplomas. Seven Darlington High School seniors and one student from Wilson High School graduated Thursday from Florence-Darlington Technical College. They became the first students to complete the FDTC Early College Program, which was established in 2014. Those eight students are Wilson High senior Ashley Griffin and Darlington High School seniors Thomas Gibson, Brittney Hales, Hayden Happ, Jade McPhatter, Alexis Ramirez, Russel Summerlin and Kenya White. Many of these students completed most of their high school requirements by 11th grade. While many of their high school classmates were out having fun, these go-getters were working hard to get ahead. Imagine the discipline and effort it took, but look at the time and money they will save. We congratulate them on a job well done. Thumbs up to the high school students who are playing spring sports on teams that will compete next week for state championships. All of that practice has paid off. Some teams from the Pee Dee region have been eliminated in the lower state championship rounds. Getting this far still was a remarkable achievement. Congratulations on great seasons. Thumbs up, thumbs down is a regular feature of the Morning News and appears each Saturday on our Opinion page. We seek nominations for both good and bad deeds from our readers. Send nominations to us by email at letters@florencenews.com. Be sure use the word thumb in the subject and include a contact number. Thumbs can also be mailed to us c/o The Morning News, 310 S. Dargan St., Florence, S.C., 29506. Poroshenko expects sanctions against Russia to be toughened Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko expects a harsh reaction from the international community, including tougher sanctions against Russia, to the deterioration of the human rights situation in Crimea, especially as the matter concerns Crimean Tatars. "We expect a consolidated and tough reaction from the international community," the Ukrainian presidential press service quoted Poroshenko as saying at a meeting with Turkish National Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz in Kyiv on Friday. Poroshenko called also for toughening international sanctions against Russia. Yilmaz reaffirmed that Turkey does not recognize Crimea's incorporation into Russia and deplored the recent decision on legally banning the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People. "The parties also discussed ways to enhance interaction on the bilateral and multilateral level, to ensure security in the Black Sea region," it said. The Crimean Supreme Court recognized the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People as an extremist organization, and banned its activity in Russia in April 2016. This decision drew strong criticism from Ukraine and Western countries. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Turkish Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz have discussed continued cooperation between the two countries, including in the defense and industrial sector, at a meeting in Kyiv on Friday. "The sides agreed that the cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey has powerful potential, and one needs to use it actively. A special emphasis should be placed on strategic areas, in particular, the defense and industrial sector, in which the sides have common interests and mutually supplementing possibilities," the Ukrainian presidential press service said. Additionally, Poroshenko said he was grateful to the Turkish side for arranging a vacationing program for children and members of the families of Ukrainian servicemen, who were killed or injured in the hostilities in Donbas. Azerbaijan has filed complaints with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against Armenian armed forces' actions in the frontline area, says Cingiz Esgerov, the head of the Azerbaijan presidential human rights department. "Azerbaijan has forwarded two complaints to the European Court of Human Rights against crimes committed by the Armenian armed forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone in April. The European Court has accepted these complaints for consideration," Esgerov said at parliamentary hearings. The complaints were filed on behalf of victims, Esgerov said. "Their communication will begin in the near future. Azerbaijan will take the necessary steps," he said. More complaints will be sent to the ECHR against the destruction of civilian homes belonging to Azeri citizens by Armenian armed forces, he said. A year ago, this column told the story of Kelly Dwyer, the city worker and mother of two who was subject to a $900-a-month rent hike on her single-family home in the Sunset. Dwyer, who was elected to the Democratic County Central Committee in 2012, couldnt afford the $3,000 a month her landlord wanted, so she gave up her committee seat and packed up for Vacaville. Her story highlighted the little-known fact that single-family homes are not subject to rent control under state law. It also symbolized the well-known trend of families with kids fleeing the city altogether. Just 13.4 percent of San Franciscos residents are younger than 18, the smallest percentage of any major city in the country. Dwyers story struck a chord with readers, and it became one of the most-read stories on SFChronicle.com in 2015. We checked in with Dwyer the other day to ask the key question: So hows Vacaville treating you? The move has mostly been good, she said. She and her husband, a firefighter, bought a house with four bedrooms and three bathrooms for $384,000. Theres a big backyard with a playhouse, and the kids can ride their bikes with neighborhood friends out front. Families live up and down the street and hang out in their front yards in the evening, chatting. There is a different quality of life, Dwyer said. And Dwyer is going to be an elected Democrat once again, this time of the Solano County party. If Dwyer had stayed in San Francisco, she probably would have lost her DCCC seat in the June 7 election because 60 people, including many sitting and former supervisors, are gunning for the seats. In Solano County, there are five seats up for grabs for the district that includes Vacaville, and just Dwyer and one other person are running. Theres still a huge negative to the move, though. Dwyer has so far kept her job as a contract compliance officer for San Francisco and is in her car four hours a day. She was driving five hours a day until her job was moved from the airport to Civic Center. Between gas, bridge tolls and parking, shes spending $1,000 a month on the brutal drive. She said its been eye-opening to meet so many people at the casual carpool pickup in Fairfield who are commuting so far for higher-paying jobs in San Francisco. A recent poll by the Bay Area Council found that 71 percent of area residents say the regions traffic has reached a crisis point. Count Dwyer in the 71 percent. It just takes a toll mentally and physically Im just done, she sighed. I shouldnt only be getting an hour a day with my kids. Shes looking for other jobs near Vacaville and is even considering setting up her own community law office. She said getting used to the political issues in Vacaville farming, water rights, the needs of military families and, gasp, even meeting some real-life Republicans who back Donald Trump will take some time. Its weird how 60 miles east of here can be so different, she said, sitting in a San Francisco cafe. Its good for me to get out of the liberal San Francisco bubble Ive been in for 20 years. She still misses parts of the city, though. The great restaurants, Golden Gate Park, the Academy of Sciences, Irish pubs and charming neighborhood villages. Vacaville has its pluses, she says. Strip malls are not one of them. The most crushing aspect of the move, though? Apparently their former landlord, who lives in China, never did get that $3,000 a month on the Sunset District home. The two-story, cream-colored house remains empty, with tall weeds growing out front and takeout menus hanging from the front gate. 15 for 15? Nicole Derse, the San Francisco political consultant who founded the firm 50+1 Strategies four years ago, has a perfect record when it comes to winning city elections. Since the firms founding, shes 14 for 14. Hillary Clinton is surely hoping that record holds, because Derse has been named her senior adviser of organizing for all of California. Derse is busy finding staff and opening offices in San Francisco (at Van Ness Avenue and OFarrell Street), as well as San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose and Los Angeles. She said her immediate task is driving voter turnout in the June 7 primary, and then shell turn to phone banking in swing states for the general election against the presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump. Ive seen a lot of crazy things in politics, but a candidate whos this dangerous and this divisive, Ive never seen, Derse said of Trump. Its really motivating to work on something that has such incredibly high stakes across the country and around the world. But never forget Sen. Bernie Sanders. Hene Kelly sure hasnt. The Democratic County Central Committee member whos running for re-election will appear on the June 7 ballot with her former flame. Yes, Kelly and Sanders dated for six months when they were students at the University of Chicago in the 1960s. They met as members of the Congress of Racial Equality, a civil rights organization. People say, I really think a lot more of you now that I know you dated Bernie, Kelly said. I say, You should think a lot more of him! Getting their wings: Jeff Kositsky, the newly named head of Mayor Ed Lees Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, has a thing for flying pigs. He wears socks sporting the little creatures and even has a tattoo with one. Um, why? I have always liked the image of the flying pig, as it symbolizes doing things that others think are impossible, he explained. Connor Radnovich/The Chronicle Like, for example, tackling the citys homeless problem, which has foiled politicians for more than 30 years. He said his daughter pointed out that all it takes for pigs to fly is to put them on an airplane. With creativity, resolve and hard work, we can accomplish almost anything, Kositsky said. San Franciscans fed up with homelessness sure hope so. Heather Knight is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer who covers City Hall politics. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf I feel sorry for Police Chief Greg Suhr. From the tone of the attacks against him, youd think he was the guy who put 20-plus bullets into Mario Woods. That he was one of the guys sending out racist texts. That he personally ordered the stopping and frisking of every person of color in the city. In truth, hes one of the most progressive police chiefs the city has seen in decades. But every time he makes a move to reform the SFPDs culture, whether it be to improve racial sensitivity or come up with smarter use-of-force policies, hes overshadowed by another story about some cops inappropriate behavior. Meanwhile, the activists and the progressive supervisors are ramping up their calls for Suhr to step down. Things have gotten so bad that Supervisor Aaron Peskin suggested at a recent board meeting that they bring in me to broker a peace deal between Mayor Ed Lees administration and the Black Lives Matter people, as I did during the last labor stalemate at Muni. Are you kidding? Muni drivers are rational geniuses compared with these protesters. Besides, this whole business really isnt about Suhr. Its about knocking down Lee. The chief is just the surrogate target. If the audience at my annual talk before the Commonwealth Club the other night was any indication, people around here are more obsessed with national politics than they have been in decades. You would think the Bay Area, with all of its quirks, didnt exist. What this crowd wanted to know was whether I thought the Democrats could win the House in November. No. Could Democrats win the Senate? Yes. Will state Attorney General Kamala Harris win the Senate race to replace Barbara Boxer? Good possibility. People also wanted to know how history will remember Gov. Jerry Brown. My take: For all his efforts at creating a legacy, Jerry will probably be a chapter in the overall story of the Brown clans impact on California. The main character in that story, however, will be his father, the legendary Gov. Pat Brown, who was credited with building the best highway, water and state university systems in the nation. Weve seen governors since then who have captured the publics imagination, but Pat Brown is the only governor in modern times who left a lasting legacy. Not even Ronald Reagans footprint can compare. My nickel of advice to Hillary Clinton for when Donald Trump attacks: Ignore him. Im something of an egomaniac myself, and nothing bugged me more in politics than being ignored. Trump is a huge egomaniac, and if you ignore him, he will simply escalate and escalate some more, until he crosses the line of ridiculousness. Movie time: Captain America: Civil War. Line up all the superheroes on one side of town and all the super villains on the other side of town. Then have a super war. I dont know if they intended this latest comic book blowout to be a comedy, but it is so ridiculous you cant help but laugh. Theres no blood, theres no death, and with all the crashes and booms, theres very little hearing left when you leave the theater. Jeannette Etheredge called me the other day and said Francis Ford Coppola had something to show me that he picked up in Paris. So I went to his Cafe Zoetrope on Kearny Street, where I came face-to-face with this little machine with three buttons. You push a button, and out comes a short story. Its absolutely perfect if youre waiting for a table or in an airport line. Its a bit analog, I know. But it could catch on, if you can get people to put down their cell phones for a minute. Hats off to John Konstin of the historic Johns Grill. He did a fundraising event for state Sen. Mark Leno a while back. As fate would have it, Leno brought along the head of the citys disability compliance program, who was in a wheelchair and could not make it up the three flights of stairs to the banquet room. Its a very old building, so legally John didnt need to do anything. Nonetheless, he said, If youll help process the papers, Ill put in an elevator. And he did, to the tune of $500,000. Want to sound off? Email wbrown@sfchronicle.com President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Pedro Agramunt, who is on an official visit to Ukraine, has expressed his hope for the soonest release of PACE member and Ukrainian MP Nadia Savchenko, who is being held by Russia, the Ukrainian president's press service reported. "PACE and me personally are closely observing the situation around our colleague Nadia Savchenko. I hope that I will soon have an opportunity to greet her," Agramunt said during a meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Kyiv on Friday. During the meeting, Poroshenko paid special attention to the need to return Ukrainian citizens who were illegally detained and convicted in Russia, particularly Savchenko, to their homeland as soon as possible. He also said he hoped Yuriy Soloshenko and Hennadiy Afanasyev will also return to Ukraine soon, the press service reported. The head of state thanked the PACE president for the Assembly's support and consistent position in the abovementioned issue. "We urge PACE to use all instruments for the liberation of Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia. In this context, your support and consistent position are crucial," Petro Poroshenko noted. The parties discussed prospects of important economic, social and internal political reforms in Ukraine. The PACE president welcomed the appointment of the new prosecutor general of Ukraine and expressed comprehensive support for the policy of reforms of the Ukrainian authorities, inter alia, anti-corruption measures, efficient decentralization and judicial reform based on respective constitutional amendments. Lets pick up the pace, Zipline CEO Keller Rinaudo told us. The drone is coming. Indeed, a low buzz hung in the air. I wouldve walked faster, but I was spending most of my energy trying to avoid the copious amount of cattle excrement that dotted the field like land mines. Thats probably the most I can describe of Ziplines testing facility without getting sued. Prior to visiting the site, reporters had to agree not to disclose the location. Our instructions were to meet in a parking lot of a Safeway on the Peninsula, where employees of UPS, a partner with Zipline, would drive us to the facility in SUVs. What can brown do for you? one journalist joked, referring to the UPS slogan. It all seemed silly and excessive. But in hindsight, the secrecy made sense. Despite the ahem buzz surrounding commercial drones today, there arent too many in the sky, because the Federal Aviation Administration has yet to craft regulations governing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. The agency, however, has been granting exemptions to firms like Zipline to conduct tests in locations deemed safe, making the facility we visited the equivalent of an oasis in the middle of a desert. Drones are one of the most hyped pieces of technology around the world today. But for reasons of air traffic and government regulation, their use may blossom in other countries before it does here. PricewaterhouseCoopers recently estimated the potential value of global drone use at $127 billion. Drones can monitor key infrastructure like railroads and bridges and deliver goods to consumers and businesses. Given the size of the market, companies, especially those in Silicon Valley, have been complaining that the FAA is taking too long. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle The FAA doesnt care about anything other than procedure, said Keith Kaplan, CEO of the Tesla Foundation science and technology think tank in Washington. With good reason, Kaplan said. The United States boasts the most heavily used airspace in the world, so naturally the FAA is not going to rush. Historically, any new transportation technology has posed big problems for regulators, he said. When cars began appearing in the United States and Europe during the late 19th century, lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic passed bills that required a person to walk ahead of the horseless carriages and wave a red flag, presumably to warn pedestrians and livestock of the oncoming vehicle. Innovation today, of course, occurs at a much faster clip. And the FAA has boxed itself into a bit of a corner. To craft the regulations, the agency needs flight data from drones. But drone flights are rare because the FAA has yet to write the regulations. It has become a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation, said Kenneth Quinn, a former general counsel to the FAA who now is a partner with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman law firm in Washington. But the FAA is proud of its safety record and wants to keep it that way, he said. Companies cant afford to sit around and wait for the FAA. So they have been turning to other countries to perfect their technology. Amazon, for example, is testing its drone delivery service in Canada, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Surprisingly, Poland has emerged as the de facto global center for drones. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, Poland ranks first among the 15 countries where drone use is most common. Its liberal regulations are a draw. The country already provides licenses for drones operated from a remote location, without requiring that the pilot be able to see the aircraft. In addition, Polands insurance carriers offer full liability coverage for drones and their operators. The United States, by the way, ranks 12th on the list, ahead of only Japan, Russia and Argentina. Zipline is working with the UPS Foundation to use drones to deliver medicine in Rwanda. The country does not have much air traffic, and it needs the technology to supply its remote, far-flung hospitals, Rinaudo said. Critics of the FAA grumble that the United States risks losing its edge in drones. But America will probably remain the primary source of money and technology for the industry, even if companies test their drones in some other country. And the data generated by those foreign test flights will help the FAA craft its regulations, Quinn said. Pedestrians and livestock, beware. Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. E-mail: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee Jacom Stephens / Getty Images In an apparent fit of road rage on Bike to Work Day, an 18-year-old Oakland woman driving in San Franciscos Tenderloin on Thursday plowed into a cyclist, dragging his bike down the street and causing him to suffer pelvic lacerations and a fractured back, police said. Witnesses told authorities that the bicyclist, a 26-year-old man, got into an argument with someone in the womans car, which carried two passengers in addition to the suspect, TajZanae Zakira Thomas. During the verbal altercation, police said, the man banged on the window of her car and then rode his bike in front of her vehicle. The term cage-free has made headlines a lot lately, especially since last fall when McDonalds pledged to slowly switch to all cage-free eggs. Dozens of other big companies followed, including Taco Bell, Costco and Nestle (but only for its American products, like Toll House cookie dough). Earlier this month, Walmart, the countrys largest retailer, also said it will transition to all cage-free eggs by 2025. Animal-welfare activists say the announcements are a huge step in the right direction, because it means these large companies will no longer serve or sell eggs from chickens kept in battery cages. McDonalds buys 2 billion eggs for its U.S. locations annually, so when the company fully implements a switch to cage free by 2025, it will improve the lives of an estimated 8 million animals. Walmart doesnt disclose how many eggs it sells, but its estimated to be in the billions too. Here in California, battery cages were the issue in Proposition 2, a law that passed in 2008 with 63 percent of the vote. Starting January 2015, all eggs sold in California, by law, must come from chickens raised in what is basically a cage-free environment. But the term cage-free doesnt exactly mean the chickens are not in tight spaces. Heres a look at what it does mean, compared to other animal-welfare standards, including those under Prop. 2. What is a battery cage? Battery cages are tightly cramped enclosures that are used by at least 90 percent of egg producers in the United States to increase production and prevent the spread of disease. They also prevent chickens from natural behavior, such as flapping their wings or roosting. These cages, which usually hold several birds, give as little as 67 square inches per bird, according to the industry standard established by the United Egg Producers. That means hens spend their lives squeezed next to other birds in a space smaller than the size of an iPad or an 8-by-11-inch sheet of paper. Chickens raised for their meat arent typically kept in battery cages to prevent injury from other chickens, which can decrease their value; its enough to make you realize why the cages are considered inhumane. What does cage-free mean? The short answer is that the term cage-free means the birds were not raised in battery cages. But it does not mean they are not kept in enclosures. And it also doesnt ensure that the chickens have access to the outdoors. Cage-free birds just have a lot more space relatively speaking. According to the industry standard, each cage-free bird must get 1 to 1 square feet (144 to 216 square inches), depending on the type of system, including large tiered barns. It doesnt sound like that much more than battery cages, but birds are able to walk, lay their eggs in nests and spread their wings, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Yet cage free is still far from luxurious living conditions, say animal activists. It is a substantial improvement, but it doesnt necessarily mean they live in idyllic conditions, says Paul Shapiro, vice president of farm animal protection at the Humane Society of the United States. Cage free does not mean cruelty free. Craig Lee/The Chronicle What are the rules under Californias Prop. 2? Under Prop. 2, a chicken must be able to spread its wings and stretch its limbs without hitting the cage or another bird. The law does not specify a certain amount of space, but its estimated to be around 216 square inches per bird. What are the rules for organic eggs? The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recently proposed welfare rules surrounding certified organic meat and poultry. The standards for indoor space are the same as for cage free, but each animal also must be allowed 2 square feet per bird outdoors. In other words, the outdoor space cant be just an enclosed porch with a concrete floor, which is what many large-scale organic operations have. Under these new guidelines which are going through the approval process it would have to be half soil and not under a fixed roof. Does free-range mean anything? Not with eggs. The USDA only defines free-range for meat chickens, which means they have to get a bare minimum of outdoor access. What about pasture-raised? This label doesnt have a legal definition or government certification process that, say, requires that chickens actually get to wander around in happy green pastures. The best way to find out about the pasture-raised process is to talk to the farmer, if you can, or to look for certain independent third-party certifications that require more outdoor access. For example, Certified Humane requires that pasture-raised birds get more than 100 square feet of outdoor space each and be outdoors all year, so they can engage in natural foraging. It also requires they have access to housing that protects them from weather and predators. Why is it going to take until 2025 for McDonalds and Walmart to fully transition to cage-free? Right now, only 10 percent of eggs produced in the United States are cage free, so companies that go through billions of eggs a year argue that they need time to secure the supply they need. In California, Prop. 2 gave egg farmers six years to transition to new standards. Then again, Nestle, which is the worlds biggest food company, pledges to convert its U.S. products to all cage free within five years. So by 2020, the company says, you can be sure that pint of Haagen-Dazs ice cream youre wolfing down was produced without cages the size of an iPad. Tara Duggan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tduggan@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @taraduggan. No one knew if the leader of 1 billion Catholics would survive another day. The Chronicles front page from May 14, 1981, covers an assassination attempt targeting Pope John Paul II in Vatican Citys St. Peters Square. Pope John Paul II was recovering yesterday from a five-hour operation for wounds suffered in an assassination attempt Wednesday. But he remained on the critical list, and his surgeon said that one can neither be optimistic nor pessimistic about his condition, the story from Rome on The Chronicles front page read. Catholics across the world prayed that the pope would survive his most vulnerable hours, but the outcome remained uncertain. The popes personal secretary, Monsignor Stanislaw Dziwisz, who gave him last rites Wednesday night, said Mass in the popes hospital room yesterday in the presence of several nuns, the story read. The pope asked that the prayers at the end of the Mass be prolonged, the officials said. The huge photo stripped above The Chronicles nameplate at the top of the page shows clearly the gun (circled) used by Mehmet Ali Agca to wound the religious leader. The head of the anti-terrorist team at Romes police headquarters called Agca a terrorist with a capital T, cold, lucid and certainly trained to shoot. The Turkish 23-year-olds past and motivations remain murky, but decades later an Italian commission concluded that the Soviet Union was behind the assassination attempt, a theory the CIA supported. The pope, for his part, immediately forgave Agca, and in December 1983 he met his assailant in prison. They spoke for 20 minutes, but John Paul II chose to keep what was said secret. Agca was released from prison in 2010, and in 2014, 31 years to the day after their meeting in prison, Agca laid flowers on the popes tomb. See more front pages: Go to SFChronicle.com/covers to search a database of hundreds of Chronicle Covers articles that showcase the newspaper's history. More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond. Chronicle Covers is a project that highlights one classic Chronicle newspaper page from our archive every day for 366 days. Library director Bill Van Niekerken, art director Danielle Mollette-Parks, producer Michelle Devera and editorial assistant Jillian Sullivan contributed to the project. Tim ORourke is the executive producer and editor of SFChronicle.com. Email: torourke@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TimothyORourke (Click to enlarge) To the likely dismay of California Republican leaders, Donald Trump is going to be the most visible GOP candidate in the states congressional races. While the June 7 primary is more of a test match than a game changer for most of the states House candidates, Democrats already are working overtime to tie Republicans to Trump, the likely presidential nominee who polls show is profoundly unpopular with California Latinos, women and young people. Republican incumbents like David Valadao of Hanford (Kings County), Jeff Denham of Turlock (Stanislaus County) and Steve Knight of Lancaster (Los Angeles County) can expect to be tarred with every controversial statement uttered by Trump, who revels in his controversial, shoot-from-the-hip campaign style. Denham, Valadao and Knight are on the Trump ticket whether they like it or not, said Barb Solish, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Last week, for example, the Democratic committee sent out a release quoting Trump as reporting he had no regrets about saying that Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Republicans 2008 presidential candidate, was not a war hero, despite the years the former Navy pilot spent in a prison camp after being shot down during the Vietnam War. Republican congressmen are embracing Trumps positions, the release said, and will have to answer for his reckless and hateful comments every day until the election. GOP officials say Democrats are pinning their hopes on a surge of new and unhappy voters who just arent there. Its laughable that Washington Democrats continue to insist they can succeed in these districts where their candidates have been soundly defeated over and over again in recent cycles, said Zach Hunter, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee. Democrats already hold a strong 39-14 edge in the states congressional delegation, and Republicans dont want to lose any of their current 58-member national majority that gives them control of the House. Just as important, spending time and money defending seats Republicans already hold makes it tougher for the party to seize opportunities to challenge Democrats for seats that are election day toss-ups. Contentious race One of those battlegrounds will be the Seventh Congressional District, which includes several Sacramento suburbs. Two-term Democrat Rep. Ami Bera of Elk Grove (Sacramento County) is facing a strong challenge from Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones. The GOPs interest in the race isnt a surprise. Democrats only have a 39 to 35 percent registration lead over Republicans, and Bera, an emergency room doctor, was re-elected by less than a single percentage point over Republican Doug Ose in 2014. As the only two candidates in a top-two primary, Bera and Jones are guaranteed to meet again in November, but the incumbent already faces political problems. Last week, Babulal Bera, the candidates 83-year-old father, pleaded guilty in federal court to election fraud. He admitted illegally running more than $268,000 of his contributions to his sons campaigns through straw donors to avoid contribution limits. In the Third Congressional District, which extends north and west of Sacramento, Democrat John Garamendi of Walnut Grove (Sacramento County) is facing a well-financed challenge from Republican Eugene Cleek, a 66-year-old doctor from Orland (Glenn County). Garamendi, former lieutenant governor and state legislator, won re-election in 2014 in a tight 53 percent to 47 percent race. Perpetual GOP target Democrat Rep. Jerry McNerney of Stockton is a regular GOP target in his Ninth Congressional District, which includes parts of Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Sacramento counties. This year he will face Republican Kathryn Nance, a Stockton police sergeant. Republicans also are targeting the Santa Barbara-area seat left open by the retirement of Democrat Lois Capps, as well as seats held by Democrats Raul Ruiz of Palm Desert (Riverside County) and Scott Peters of San Diego. Democrats are focusing their efforts in the Central Valley, where they expect concerns about Trumps call for a wall on the Mexican border will bring a flood of Latino voters to the polls. Valadaos 21st Congressional District, for example, includes part of Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Kern counties. Democrats hold a solid 46 to 31 percent registration advantage over Republicans in a district where 71 percent of the residents are Latino. But Valadao, a 39-year-old dairy owner and former assemblyman, won the open seat for the Republicans in 2012 and was re-elected in 2014 with 58 percent of the vote. Next months primary will decide whether his Democratic opponent will be Daniel Parra, mayor pro tem of Fowler (Fresno County), or Emilio Huerta, a Bakersfield attorney and son of civil rights leader Dolores Huerta. Heavily Latino district Democrats also hope to unseat Denham in the 10th Congressional District. While Republicans hold a two-percentage-point registration edge, more than 40 percent of the districts residents are Latino. Democrats Michael Eggman of Modesto (Stanislaus County) and Michael Barkley of Manteca (San Joaquin County) are seeking to challenge the 48-year-old Denham. The top two finishers in each primary election, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election. Thats expected to lead to a number of single-party contests in the fall, including whats expected to be a Democrats-only affair between Rep. Mike Honda and attorney Ro Khanna in the San Jose areas 17th Congressional District. John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth Seven Ukrainian military servicemen have been injured in fighting in the Donetsk sector of the conflict area in eastern Ukraine over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian presidential spokesman for the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) Andriy Lysenko said. "No Ukrainian armed forces members have been killed in active combat actions, but seven soldiers were injured [...] in the Donetsk sector," Lysenko said at a news briefing in Kyiv on Saturday. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate At San Franciscos Spice Ace, shelves are crowded with jars of chiles: chewy and tomato-sweet Kirmizi biber flakes; grounded and perfumey Peruvian aji amarillo powder; and Red Savina habanero, so savory and piquant that a tiny pinch will brighten anything it touches. The number-one thing that Ive seen in the last year is the interest in chiles and peppers, says Olivia Dillan, owner of the Pacific Heights spice shop. Customers will buy one, then come back and try the next one. Theyre really exploring. They understand the nuance. When the store opened in 2012, Dillan only sold three types of peppercorns. She now carries 15, including a penetrating, crisp peppercorn grown on the Vietnamese island Phu Quoc and the piney, incense-invoking Voatsiperifery from Madagascar. You could say that Spice Ace and its customers are benefiting from the Sriracha effect. It was 2012 that the tangy, mildly hot Southeast Asian condiment really entered the American mainstream, a breakthrough that made way for a more complex, broader palate of spicy flavors. Even in the Bay Area, where Mexican salsas and Calabrian chile oil flow almost as freely as Hetch Hetchy water, trend watchers say theres been a perceptible shift in recent years. I would say 2012 is when things started getting hot excuse the pun, says Christine Keller, director of trend practice at CCD Innovation, an Emeryville food and beverage development company. But its not heat for its macho factor, its about trying out new types of chiles, spice blends and sauces for their own distinct flavors. Tabasco, Cajun and jerk spices are getting edged out by Padron peppers, piri piri and togarashi. And while Americans used to stay in the relative comfort zone of smoky and sweet spices like barbecue sauce and chipotle, more of us are learning to navigate the more complex territory of sour and fermented heat, whether by sprinkling the Mexican chile-lime seasoning Tajin on fresh fruit or turning kimchi into an everyday staple. Five years ago there were a lot of people who didnt want to try kimchi because they heard its crazy-stinky and too spicy, says Hyunjoo Albrecht of Sinto Gourmet in San Francisco, who launched her line of kimchi in 2011, which grew in sales by 30 percent last year. She is now working on a new gochujang, or Korean fermented chile paste. But I think people are getting more familiar with spicy foods. Evidence of maturation is clear on American menu language, from fast food to fine dining restaurants, according to analysis by the food industry market research company DataSsential. Generic terms like spicy peanut sauce are losing ground to distinct culinary descriptors. The term spicy is actually flattening out and almost declining, says Keller. Its being replaced with the specific types of spicy; specific chiles or types of cuisine are starting to bubble up. While chiles and peppers have distinct flavors, the hot sensation they create is not considered one of the five tastes, at least in the West. The pungent or piquant spices, which include chiles, peppercorns, ginger, wasabi and horseradish contain chemical compounds such as capsaicin in chiles, piperine in black pepper and gingerol in ginger. These compounds, especially capsaicin, trigger pain when they hit certain tongue receptors, which the body then tries to block by releasing endorphins. The brain says, Ooh, theres pain! so it sends endorphins to calm it down, and that makes us feel good, says Kantha Shelke, a principal at Corvus Blue, a food science and research company in Chicago. We like that and we want to take another bite and another bite, says Shelke. The pleasure-pain vortex created by hot foods is the genius of snacks like Flamin Hot Cheetos, she adds. The spicy snack, which has become the subject of thousands of YouTube eating challenges, has just the right amount of capsaicin to compel you to finish the bag. Capsaicin was developed by plants in nature to ward off animals. For some reason it just didnt work in humans, says Shelke. The pain caused by capsaicin or other spicy compounds actually puts other senses on alert, heightening awareness of aromas, which makes food taste better. Repeated exposure to these compounds also causes tongue receptors to desensitize, so the next time you eat something hot, you may need more to get the same effect. Thats why people in certain cultures can stand more heat, such as Korea, where gochujang, a fermented chile base for sauces and marinades, is a staple. Albrecht of Sinto Gourmet was looking for a gochujang to use in a planned new line of sauces, but the products available in the United States are all made with corn syrup and have a uniformly sweet, starchy taste. She began making her own, partly based on taste memories from cooking with her North Korea-raised grandmother, but gluten-free to please modern customers. It turned out that some of her wholesale customers, which include restaurants, catering companies and corporate cafeterias at Facebook and Twitter, were looking for a corn syrup-free version of gochujang right when she started experimenting. To make the sauce, Albrecht steeps malted millet a gluten-free substitute for traditional barley in water and then adds sweet rice flour to get the fermentation process going. She adds medium-hot gochugaru a Korean chile powder thats typically made from sun-ripened Chungyang chiles rice syrup, salt and miso, her local substitute for Korean fermented soy bean powder. She then ages the sauce in onggi, traditional earthenware vessels. As it ferments, the flavor becomes more complex, more rounded, more deep, says Albrecht. The sauce will be available to wholesale customers in a few weeks. She plans to sell two types of gochujang-based sauces in stores next year. Im proud of my kimchi, but this sauce is becoming more than my business, she says. Im becoming very obsessed with it. Albrechts gochujang and kimchi fit into the sour-fermented spice category that also incorporates newly popular hot sauces that blend chiles with vinegar or lemon juice like North African harissa and Portuguese piri piri. The way Tabasco is to Louisiana, piri piri is to Portuguese cuisine, in that its our way of making things spicy, says Telmo Faria, former head chef of Tacolicious who is opening a Portuguese restaurant, Uma Casa, in Noe Valley later this year. At Farias recent pop-ups, a top seller has been piri piri chicken wings, made with a chiles of the same name from the former Portuguese colony Mozambique, along with vinegar and garlic. Tajin, a mixture of salt, dehydrated lime and Ancho and Arbol chiles, is another mildly hot and tangy flavor enhancer. A staple in Mexico, where its sprinkled over slices of mangoes, melons, jicama, cucumbers and other fresh produce at home or as a street food snack, its U.S. sales grew by 30 percent in the past five years. The chile-lime seasoning is currently getting a promotional push in the Bay Area, one of its biggest U.S. markets. Moved out of the ethnic aisle, its now presented prominently in Safeway produce sections. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Tara Duggan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tduggan@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @taraduggan Whats hot in hot Here are the spicy terms showing the most growth on American menus from 2011-2015, followed by terms showing the biggest decline. Generic terms like spicy are getting edged out by more specific terms. Whats hot Sriracha Togarashi Harissa Piri piri Chipotle ketchup Whats not Hot pepper sauce Hunan Spicy tomato sauce Cajun Spicy peanut sauce Source: CCD Innovation/DataSsential ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Matt McBride, called up Friday after catcher Josh Phegley had a cortisone shot for right knee inflammation, is in the lineup and batting ninth on Saturday. McBride will be making his As debut; he was called up last month but didnt play in that two-day stint. The As lineup for the second game of the series at Tampa Bay, with Kendall Graveman on the mound for Oakland: Burns CF, Alonso 1B, Reddick RF, Valencia 3B, Vogt DH, Davis LF, Semien SS, Coghlan 2B, McBride C. Yonder Alonso hasnt hit higher than seventh before Saturday, but hes riding an eight-game hitting streak and Jed Lowrie, often the As No. 2 hitter, is on the disabled list. Coco Crisp also isnt in the lineip (he and Billy Burns are occasionally 1-2), likely because manager Bob Melvin prefers not to have Crisp play on the artifical turf at Tropicana Field two games in a row. Danny Valencia moved back into the cleanup spot after two homers on Friday night; hes also 2 for 4 lifetime vs. Rays starter Matt Andriese. In his past three starts, Graveman has allowed 16 runs over 13 2/3 innings and he didnt make it out of the third his last time out, giving up a career-high four homers in an As loss at Baltimore. Hes had good success in two career starts against Tampa Bay, allowing six hits and no runs in 12 innings while striking out nine and walking three. The As didnt make any player moves Saturday, unusual for the team on this road trip. Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sslusser@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @susanslusser Sheryl Sandberg, Facebooks chief operating officer, spoke to 4,700 graduating students at UC Berkeley Saturday morning, encouraging them to not only lean in but also to persevere, even in lifes tragic, unjust moments. The easy days ahead of you will be easy. It is the hard days the times that challenge you to your very core that will determine who you are, Sandberg said. You will be defined not just by what you achieve, but by how you survive. Choose joy Sandberg lost her husband, Dave Goldberg, in an accident last year, and she shared with students the lessons she only learned in his death. She told them of three Ps pervasiveness, personalization and permanence. When setbacks happen in life, some people blame themselves for what happened, believe it affects all aspects of their lives or feel the sadness is permanent. She told students that in order to move forward, its important to let go of that thinking. Not taking failures personally allows us to recover and even to thrive, Sandberg said. Sandberg said a year and 13 days ago, she was in Mexico celebrating a friends 50th birthday with her husband. She went to take a nap, and her husband went to work out, but then the unthinkable happened. Goldberg was found lying on the floor and died in seconds from cardiac arrhythmia, she said. I learned about the depths of sadness and the brutality of loss. But I also learned that when life sucks you under, you can kick against the bottom, break the surface and breathe again, Sandberg said. I learned that in the face of the void or in the face of any challenge you can choose joy and meaning. She noted students probably already experienced things in life that werent what they had hoped, like getting an A- instead of an A in a class. Wanting to intern at Facebook, but getting one at Google instead, she joked. She even made a reference to HBO series Game of Thrones, noting how loyal book readers have been disappointed with how the show has forged a new storytelling path from George R. R. Martins novels. Become more resilient But instead of focusing on the setbacks, Sandberg encouraged the graduating seniors to embrace gratitude and appreciate lifes blessings. Sandberg says she now writes down three moments of joy every day, an exercise that has helped her become more resilient. You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up, draw on it when you need it, she said. In that process you will figure out who you really are and you just might become the very best version of yourself. Sandberg is known for her book, Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, which encourages women to continue to push themselves in the workplace, even after they are married and have children. Her book calls for significant others of women to do their fair share of household work and taking care of the kids, in order to allow women to pursue more opportunities to build their careers. But Sandberg has acknowledged that since her book came out and her husbands death, that there are some things she didnt know. Shortly before Mothers Day, Sandberg acknowledged single mothers in a Facebook post. Some people felt that I did not spend enough time writing about the difficulties women face when they have an unsupportive partner or no partner at all, Sandberg wrote. They were right. On Saturday, Sandberg also acknowledged that she had the financial security and a workplace that allowed her time to heal. One P is for pizza But the speech wasnt all serious. It also hit on some lighthearted topics, showing Sandbergs knowledge of UC Berkeley. Sandberg added that one P in her lessons to students was pizza, for Cheese Board pizza, a Berkeley staple. Sandbergs keynote was part of UC Berkeleys commencement, held at Memorial Stadium. In addition to the graduates, the event also drew as many as 25,000 guests, faculty and staff. Family and friends of the graduates packed the stadium, armed with binoculars, smartphones and cameras to get a close look at their favorite UC Berkeley students. Graduation music, including Pomp and Circumstance played, as the students walked to their seats sporting graduation caps. They will join the hundreds of thousands of Cal alumni living worldwide. Wendy Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: wlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thewendylee Paul Sakuma/Associated Press One week after announcing ambitious plans to expand deliveries of its luxury electric cars, Tesla Motors on Friday named as its new vice president of vehicle production a seasoned veteran lured from Audi. Peter Hochholdinger will be responsible for ramping up and improving production of Teslas popular Model S sedan and new Model X crossover SUV at the companys Fremont factory. He will also help create the manufacturing program for the upcoming Model 3, due next year. SACRAMENTO A federal judge has granted a one-week extension for a mothers request to keep her toddler on life support to give an appeals court time to weigh in. U.S. District Court Judge Kimberly Mueller in Sacramento ruled Friday in the case of 2-year-old Israel Stinson after two hospitals determined he is brain-dead. Mueller rejected Jonee Fonsecas request for a permanent court order requiring Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Roseville to keep her son on life support to give her time to find another site for him. But Mueller gave Fonseca a week to appeal her decision. Fonsecas attorney, Kevin Snider, said attorneys will go to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week. Fonseca said Israel moved in response to her touch and voice even after he was declared brain-dead after what appeared to be an asthma attack that led to cardiac arrest. While Ms. Fonsecas maternal instincts and moral position are completely understandable, the concerns reviewed here suggest she is unlikely to obtain the relief she seeks, the judge wrote. Kaiser Permanente attorneys said Israels condition will not improve and futile care would deprive him of the dignity of death. Our hearts go out to this family as they cope with the irreversible brain death of their son, the hospitals chief of staff, Dr. Chris Palkowski, said in a statement promising to follow the judges order. The fight is similar to the battle over Jahi McMath, a 13-year-old girl who underwent a tonsillectomy and tissue removal at Childrens Hospital in Oakland to treat sleep apnea. The girl suffered massive bleeding, had a heart attack and was declared brain dead in 2013. But her family fought to keep her on life support and moved her to New Jersey, which requires medical treatment of patients like McMath who are declared dead but show minimal brain function. Plaintiffs are Christians with firm religious beliefs that as long as the heart is beating, Israel is alive, Snider said in court documents. NASHVILLE Larry Daughtrey, a longtime political reporter and columnist for the Tennessean newspaper, has died. He was 76. Senior Judge Martha Daughtrey of the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said her husband died Thursday following complications from lung disease. Mr. Daughtrey began his career at the paper while still studying at Vanderbilt University, and he spent his entire career covering politics in Nashville, declining to follow Tennessean colleagues such as David Halberstam, Bill Kovach and Jim Squires to bigger cities and newspapers. Mr. Daughtrey was often underestimated by the subjects of his reporting, said Kovach, who became Washington bureau chief for the New York Times and the editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was so quiet and almost shy in the management of himself and his body language and his questions about public figures, Kovach recalled in a phone interview Friday. They mistook that for a lack of strength. And how wrong they were. Former Vice President Al Gore, who also got his start at the newspaper, said Mr. Daughtreys ability to explain the complex political issues remains unmatched. His work commanded the highest respect from both sides of the aisle and his voice of reason will be missed, Gore said in a statement. Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander called Mr. Daughtrey the finest writer in our class at Vanderbilt University, a gift he brought to the Tennessean when he began his career there in 1962. He relished reporting, was fair about it, and good at it, said Alexander, whom Mr. Daughtrey also covered during his two terms as Tennessee governor. He had sources all over the state Capitol. Mr. Daughtrey kept up his column after retiring in 1997, turning in his last piece about the Nashville mayors race in September. Mr. Daughtrey helped expose a scheme in 1962 to alter the outcome of a congressional election by submitting absentee ballots from people even the dead who hadnt voted. The papers reporting led to the conviction of Councilman Gene Little Evil Jacobs. Kovach, Mr. Daughtrey and photographer Jack Corn were there to see him off to prison. He said, Well, boys, Ill tell you one thing, youve sent me off to prison but you never wrote no lies about me, Kovach said. Former Tennessean political editor Frank Gibson recalled when Mr. Daughtrey was assigned to report on Gores admission in the 1988 presidential race that he had smoked marijuana in college. Because Gore also worked for the Tennessean the whole time he was at Vanderbilt, Mr. Daughtrey asked fellow staffers to declare whether they had taken drugs with the future candidate. One Sunday afternoon my phone rings at home, and Daughtrey asks me if I ever smoked pot with Al Gore, Gibson said. I said, well, Larry, can we go off the record? And he said, Why, hell no! For the record, Gibson said he hadnt even known Gore in college, but it was a testament to Mr. Daughtreys tenacity that he wouldnt let his colleagues off the hook. Gibson said Mr. Daughtrey worked at a deliberate pace, despite his deep sourcing and encyclopedic knowledge of Tennessee politics. He didnt want to get in a hurry, but he didnt have to, because he was already ahead of everybody, Gibson said. WASHINGTON House Republicans have missed a self-imposed deadline for a plan to help Puerto Rico manage $70 billion in debt. Legislation was expected last week to create a control board to help manage the U.S. territorys financial obligations and oversee some debt restructuring. It would have been the third version of the House bill, which has come under fire from conservatives who feared it would set a precedent for financially ailing states and Democrats concerned the control board would be too powerful and favorable to creditors. House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a statement Friday that negotiations continue with Democrats and the Obama administration on the issue. He said it will be introduced in the coming days. House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop, R-Utah, has led negotiations on the bill and has said he wants bipartisan support. The aim is to write legislation that could pass both the House and the Senate before Puerto Rico defaults on a $2 billion debt payment due July 1. The territory missed an almost $370 million bond payment May 1 the largest so far in a series of missed payments since last year. In an interview for C-SPANs Newsmakers program, Bishop said he believes the House needs to move forward but lawmakers want to make sure the legislation doesnt have any remaining constitutional or legal issues. We have one shot at getting this right, Bishop said. Once this bill starts moving I think it moves through Congress very quickly. He said the bill will not set a precedent for ailing states, as some have feared. He said it is designed to apply only to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has been mired in economic stagnation for a decade. Financial problems grew worse as a result of setbacks in the wider U.S. economy, and government spending in Puerto Rico continued unchecked. Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski has expressed his dissatisfaction that his country was removed from the settlement of the Ukrainian issue. Speaking at the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn on Saturday, he said that France and Germany do not allow Poland to the settlement of the situation in Ukraine. They have created a Norman format and the Minsk agreement thus trying to resolve the problem, but this was done not on behalf of NATO or Europe, but on behalf of some separate entity, the foreign minister said. He said that Poland was excluded from the participation in the settlement of the Ukrainian issue. This matter was hijacked by certain forces, whereas Poland would very much like to take part in this process, Waszczykowski said. The minister expressed the view that NATO should approach the conflicts in Syria, the Black Sea region and the Baltic States not individually and but as a whole. Waszczykowski suggested they should focus on the original cause of these evens. In most case a single state stands behind these events, he said. 1 Officer shot: A Los Angeles police officer was recovering Saturday after being shot in the shoulder the night before during an exchange of gunfire that killed a suspect in the Boyle Heights area. Police Sgt. Frank Preciado said two gang officers were trying to stop a man who fled. The man then produced a gun and was killed in the exchange of shots. The officers were wearing body cameras, and the footage will be reviewed, police said. Neither the officers nor the suspect was immediately identified. 2 Hotel disturbance: A man who threatened to jump off a ledge at Trump International hotel in Las Vegas apparently over an unpaid bill moved off the ledge early Saturday and was taken into custody, police said. Officers were called Friday night to the hotel near the Las Vegas Strip after the man refused to leave and climbed up seven or eight stories to a ledge. About six hours later, he had moved off the ledge, and officers took him into custody about 1:15 a.m. Saturday. Police Lt. Charles Jenkins said the man would be taken to a hospital for a mental evaluation. It wasnt clear if he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SEATTLE Hundreds of climate activists on Saturday marched to the site of two refineries in northwest Washington state to call for a break from fossil fuels, while a smaller group continued to block railroad tracks leading to the facilities for a second day. Protesters in kayaks, canoes, on bikes and on foot took part in a massive demonstration near Anacortes, about 70 miles north of Seattle, to demand action on climate and an equitable transition away from fossil fuels such as oil and coal. A day before, about 150 activists had pitched tents and set up camp on nearby railroad tracks to block the flow of oil flowing to the nearby Shell and Tesoro oil refineries. We cant wait anymore. Weve got to do things now, Clara Cleve, 76, of Edmonds, said Saturday. Direct action is very effective. My grandchildren are not going to have a place to live unless we move quickly now. Cleve said she planned to spend another night in a tent on the tracks and was prepared to be arrested for trespassing if necessary. The protests are part of a series of global actions calling on people to break free from dependence on fossil fuels. Similar demonstrations were taking place in Los Angeles and Albany, N.Y., on Saturday and in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. In upstate New York, climate activists gathered at a crude-oil shipment hub on the Hudson River in an action targeting crude-by-rail trains and oil barges at the Port of Albany. A group of activists sat on tracks used by crude oil trains headed to the port. Albany is a key hub for crude-by-rail shipments from North Dakotas Bakken Shale region. In Washington state, organizers are targeting two refineries that are among the top sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Tesoro has started shipping Bakken crude oil to its refinery, and Shell is proposing an expansion project that would similarly bring in Bakken crude oil by train. Officials with both Shell and Tesoro said they respect the right of people to demonstrate peacefully, and that safety is their highest priority. BNSF Railway spokesman Gus Melonas said no trains were scheduled through Saturday but he declined to say whether any are expected to run Sunday. We had anticipated this and therefore adjusted scheduling with customers, Melonas said. At this point, were allowing the protest on our property. The tracks, which connect BNSFs mainline to Anacortes, serve the two refineries, as well as other customers who ship animal feed, steel and lumber by rail, Melonas said. Skagit County spokeswoman Bronlea Mishler said authorities are monitoring the situation. Crowd estimates of the march range from several hundred to 1,000 people, she said. From locker rooms and sex education classes to dress codes and overnight field trips, many U.S. public schools already are balancing the civil rights of transgender students with any concerns that classmates, parents and community members might have. The U.S. Department of Education is drawing on those practices to guide other schools as they work to comply with the Obama administrations directive that transitioning children be treated consistent with their gender identity. That has been the policy since 2013 of the Arcadia Unified School District in Los Angeles County. As part of a settlement with the federal departments of Justice and Education that became the foundation for the national mandate issued Friday, students may use the bathroom, locker room or wilderness cabin that corresponds with their recognized gender outside school, Superintendent David Vannasdall said. This is absolutely not about a student on a day-to-day basis saying, Today Im a boy, tomorrow Im a girl. That has never happened, Vannasdall said. By the time these students are at a point where they are asking for our help, they are presenting in all areas of their life as that gender. The administration had warned schools before Friday that denying transgender students access to the correct facilities and activities was illegal under its interpretation of federal sex discrimination laws. But the new guidance, for the first time, offers advice for accommodating the privacy needs of non-transgender youngsters. Citing guidelines adopted by Washington, New York, the District of Columbia and Atherton High School in Louisville, Ky., President Obamas Education Department said schools could erect privacy curtains in changing areas, permit all students to make use of single-stall restrooms or work out other case-by-case arrangements as long as the burden doesnt rest exclusively on transgender students. The concerns for right to privacy and safety of children applies to every single child, including the transgender child, said Athertons principal, Thomas Aberli, who faced opposition when he first allowed a transgender freshman to use the girls restrooms two years ago. Since then, about a half-dozen more have come out as transgender, Aberli said. Asaf Orr, a lawyer who directs the Transgender Youth Project Staff at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said the guidance could help temper the transgender rights backlash that the restroom issue has engendered in states such as North Carolina by showing that minority rights and privacy rights can co-exist if schools respect all students need to be comfortable. At least 13 states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity in schools. Hundreds of school districts, from Anchorage, Alaska, and Tucson, Arizona, to Fairfax County, Virginia and Chicago, have adopted similar protections. There was a high level of discomfort as soon as the directive came out, with officials in several states saying they would defy the administration. The rallying cry was against what Mississippis Republican governor said was the federal governments forcing a liberal agenda on states that roundly reject it. Armed men carried out searches in the house of Abdullah Bayev in Pionerske, Simferopol district, Crimea, on Saturday morning, a mosque in the village of Vyshenne, Bilohirsk district, was searched on Friday, Head of the Central Election Commission of Kurultai (the national congress) of the Crimean Tatar people Zair Smedlia said. "Provocations against Crimean Tatars continue. Last night, a search was conducted in a mosque in the village of Vyshenne, Bilohirsk district. There were no armed people in balaclavas though. Two cars a light motor car and a Gazelle van have arrived this morning in the village of Pionerske, Simferopol district. The house of Abdullah Bayev in the village of Pionerske, 17 Dzhalman Street is being searched by armed men!" he wrote on the Facebook page on Saturday. As reported, four of Crimean Tatars detained in Bakhchisarai were put under a two-month arrest on May 13. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that international partners support Ukraine's idea about the deployment of an armed peacekeeping mission in Donbas. "I want to remind you that a year ago we raised the matter of an armed mission or peacekeepers under the auspices of the UN Security Council, or an armed EU mission or an armed OSCE police mission. And I want to recall a skeptical response to these proposals of Ukraine [...] At the moment, the main result that we have achieved is that both the OSCE and our partners from Germany and France, and an absolute majority of OSCE countries, and yesterday there was the statement by the defense minister of Turkey everyone clearly say that they support Ukraine's position on the deployment of an armed police mission," he told reporters in Kramatorsk on Saturday answering a question from an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent. Poroshenko said that this mission is needed to maintain a stable ceasefire, ensure the secure storage of weapons pulled back in accordance with the Minsk agreement, monitoring of the situation on the border for barring the entry of the Russian troops and weapons. In addition, he said, this mission will contribute to the implementation of political processes in Donbas. "I believe this is a powerful, serious diplomatic victory of Ukraine," the head of state stressed. A group of attendants ready for boarding a high speed train bound for Kunming from Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua] Mainland companies expect to have upper hand on Singapore-Malaysia rail bidding A Chinese consortium is preparing to bid for the high-speed project linking Malaysia's Capital Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, a source with China Communications Construction Group said on Friday. The source in Beijing-based CCCG, a major construction enterprise of transportation infrastructure and dredging projects, said that consortium members are discussing details on how to carry out the project. Sheng Guangzu, general manager of the China Railway Corp, the leading company in the consortium, said it would also involve another 5 companies including China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd. The subsidiary of CCCG will start a three-day visit starting from May 23 to Malaysia to push for the project. In March China Railway announced it was investing $2 billion to build a regional center in Bandar, Malaysia, near the proposed site for the terminal of the line, to help promote local railway and road construction projects. The 350-kilometer railway line, the first high-speed rail project in Southeast Asia, has attracted not only Chinese companies but also Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Germany's Siemens and French company Alstom, all of which said they would bid for the project. When constructed, the entire trip will take two hours with the train traveling at an average of about 330 km/h. Experts said on Friday that the Chinese consortium would have an upper hand in bidding for the project especially after China Railway's acquisition of stakes in Bandar Malaysia, a transit hub, and the terminal of the proposed project. Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd, or 1MDB, agreed to sell 60 percent of its property project in Bandar Malaysia to China Railway to ease its debt burden earlier this year. Liang Haoguang, head of the Capital Development Institute of China, said that China's railway and construction companies also have an edge over its rivals in terms of technologies and project costs. "China's rich experience in large construction projects will help win the rail project, because normally it takes relatively less for Chinese companies to finish the project, and financing is also easier for the cash-rich Chinese companies," he said. China is home to the world's longest and most modern high-speed rail system with over 19,000 km of track. It has strengthen regional cooperation with construction of many industrial clusters worth billions of dollars in Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Liang said that the closer ties among those countries will also pave the way for the bidding, with those ties helping gain trust from local companies. TUNIS, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Tunisia in such areas as infrastructure and industrial capacity, as well as expand two-way trade and investment. Wang said this during his official visit to Tunisia, which comes after the 7th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) held in Doha, Qatar. The China-Tunisia relations have been developing smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic ties over 50 years ago, Wang said while meeting with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. Wang said China, which follows the principle of no intervention in the domestic affairs of other nations, and has always insisted that all nations, big or small, should be equal, is willing to see and support that Tunisia follows a development path that conforms to its actual situation and is supported by its people. Tunisia is a member of the Arab Leagueand a major country in North Africa, its cooperation with China has great potential, and China is ready to work with it to explore new cooperation areas and approaches, Wang said. Essebsi said he hoped the two countries could reinforce cooperation at various levels and discuss ways to expand cooperation. He also welcomed more Chinese companies to invest in Tunisia, hoping they could play a key role in his country's infrastructure construction. During his meeting with Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid on Friday, Wang said that the CASCF and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation are platforms through which China and Tunisia could turn their traditional friendship into pragmatic cooperation. The prime minister expressed the willingness to expand Tunisia-China cooperation especially in such areas as trade, investment, tourism and infrastructure. He said Tunisia, which is now faced with many challenges including security threats and terrorism, hoped to get China's support during the process of its socio-economic reform, and ride on the growth opportunities brought by China. Wang also met with his Tunisian counterpart Khemais Jhinaoui on Friday. 1 Iraq bombing: A group of gunmen, including two suicide bombers, stormed a coffee shop in a town north of Baghdad early Friday, killing at least 13 people and wounding 15 there, Iraqi officials said. Within hours, the Islamic State group posted a statement online claiming responsibility for the attack, which took place Thursday in Balad, 50 miles north of the capital. The attack came on the heels of a two-day wave of bombings in Baghdad that killed nearly 100 people attacks that have also been claimed by the Islamic State. The deadliest struck the sprawling Shiite neighborhood of Sadr City on Wednesday, killing 63 people. 2 Tire fire: Spanish officials have ordered the evacuation of 9,000 people living in a sprawling apartment complex close to a raging tire dump fire in a town near Madrid. The Castilla-La Mancha regional government tweeted Friday night that about 8,000 apartment residents in the town of Sesena had already left their homes as thick black smoke poured out from the fire, which started before dawn. No one has been injured in the fire, which authorities believe was intentionally set. BEIRUT The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said Saturday that the explosion in Damascus that killed its top militant commander was caused by insurgent shelling and vowed to continue fighting alongside the Syrian government until the rebels are defeated. Mustafa Badreddine was the highest-ranking Hezbollah militant to be killed since the group joined Syrias civil four years ago. Hezbollah said the blast near the Damascus International Airport was caused by artillery shelling from takfiri groups, a term Hezbollah uses to refer to Sunni extremists. The area on the southern edge of the Syrian capital is known to host positions of several militant groups, including al Qaedas branch in Syria, known as the Nusra Front. A Lebanese politician with close links to the Syrian government told the Associated Press that Badreddine, 55, was killed Thursday night when a shell exploded near him outside a Hezbollah center near the airport. The politician spoke on condition of anonymity. Hezbollah and the Syrian army have a heavy presence around the airport, which includes a military base, the politician said. He said the area is subjected to regular shelling. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that according to his network of activists in the area, there has been no shelling in the airport area since Wednesday. Hezbollah must come forward with proof about the death of its commander, Abdurrahman said by telephone. Hezbollahs statement said Badreddines killing will only boost the groups will and intention to continue fighting these criminal gangs until they are defeated. It added that defeating insurgent groups in Syria was the wish of Badreddine, who was also known among the groups ranks as Zulfiqar. Hezbollahs statements indicate it will continue to be deeply involved in the conflict next door, which has killed more than 250,000 people since 2011, including more than 1,000 Hezbollah fighters. It is the same battle against the American-Zionist project that the terrorists are spearheading, Hezbollahs statement said. Hezbollah has sent thousands of fighters to Syria to back President Bashar Assads government against militants trying to remove him from power. The group announced Badreddines death on Friday without saying when the attack occurred. It said at the time that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the blast. NEW DELHI: Internet behemoth Google on Thursday announced it has shortlisted six Indian startups under the Google Launchpad Accelerator Program for mentorship at its headquarters in Silicon Valley, California. Taskbob, Programming Hub, ShareChat, RedCarpet, PlaySimple Games and Magic Pin are the six startups which will start the programme on June 13, 2016. "The six month long mentorship programme for mid to late stage start-ups will include $50,000 in equity-free funding, a two-week all-expenses paid bootcamp at Google headquarters, six months of ongoing mentorship and access to Google's full suite of Launchpad initiatives and connections and product credits including Google Cloud and other products," said a Google statement. Google India program manager Paul Ravindranath said, "Access to good mentoring and advice at early to mid-stage has been a big gap which we are looking to fill. In our experience many startups struggle with UX, building scalable architectures and go to market strategy." He said the Launchpad Accelerator Program brings together mentors and experts from Google and outside to help the startups see success. Mumbai-based Taskbob offers a range of home services, while Programming Hub, also from the same city provides an app to learn as many as 15 programming languages like Python, HTML, C and others. ShareChat from Bengaluru is a social networking chat platform in Indian languages, which enables sharing videos, jokes, songs, images and others. PlaySimple Games, also from Bengaluru, empowers a user to build simple and fun social games, the statement said. While Delhi-based startup RedCarpet gives instant credit for online purchases to be paid by in installments. MagicPin, another startup up from the national capital, enables users to discover local merchants and transact with them, it also provides a platform to offline merchants and shows their promotions and loyalty programs in real time. As part of the second class of Launchpad Accelerator Program, the six startups will join 18 others from Brazil, Indonesia and Mexico. Read Also: Startups Set To Get Unique Identity Number: Senior Official Chinese Investors To Fund 10 Indian Startups 04:59 Labors budget fails ordinary Australians As the cost of living increases, Labor's budget will do nothing for your budget," says Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley. 04:39 Qantas attempts to block Qatar Airways bid to increase Australian flights Qantas is attempting to prevent Qatar Airways from being granted permission to have more flights to Australian cities. 04:58 Chalmers seems to be talking down his own budget every day Treasurer Jim Chalmers seems to be talking down his own budget every single day, Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley says. 02:17 Extremely concerning: Victorian ambulance response times in decline Ambulance response times for emergencies in Victoria are declining, with only two thirds of critical code one jobs being attended in target time.... 01:47 Govts plan to build one million homes is sort of injection timed-right Former Labor Senator Stephen Conroy says Treasurer Jim Chalmers' plan for one million homes as part of the budget is sort of injection timed-right... Qantas pushing federal government to block large rival airlines proposal A middle eastern airline is seeking to double its flights to Australian cities, with the proposal coinciding with five women suing the carrier, claiming their human rights were breached. 02:50 Final day of severe storm outbreak Sky News Meteorologist Rob Sharpe explains the severe thunderstorm activity seen across central-eastern parts of Queensland, which has moved... 02:38 Labor made a lot of promises at last election Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor says Labor made a lot of promises" at the last election, ahead of the Albanese government delivering the budget... 01:29 Ex-News boss Ken Cowley dies aged 87 Former News Limited Chief Executive and Chairman Ken Cowley has passed away at the age of 87. 06:24 Labor government has given up on power bill reduction commitment The Labor government has already given up on their election commitment to reduce household energy bills by $275 a year by 2025, Shadow... 07:09 Australias economy is going to weaken The Motley Fools Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips says it is clear Australias economy is going to weaken. Brad Hazzard breaks down on radio revealing why he will quit politics NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has broken down live on radio as he revealed the reason why he is resigning from politics at next year's state election. 01:36 Queensland receives surprise budget surplus Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has revealed to The Courier Mail that in the last financial year the states books were nearly $2.5 billion... 02:27 Echuca residents consider class action Echuca residents in Victoria are threatening a legal class action over a flood levee that didnt protect their properties. 03:33 Energy regulator warns government of 50 per cent price hikes The Australian Energy Regulator has warned the Federal Government that electricity prices will rise by up to 50 per cent in 2023, says Sky News... 00:34 Increase seen in Victorian ambulance wait times New data obtained by the Herald Sun shows ambulance wait times have increased since Premier Daniel Andrews came to government in 2014. 00:56 Brad Hazzard announces retirement from politics New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has announced his retirement from politics at the next state election. 00:21 China concerned by Australia and Japans security deal China has criticised the new security agreement between Australia and Japan. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree A law firm that failed to pay its superannuation obligations to employees over three years has been fined $7000. The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal fined the firm, known in documents only as "N and Co", $7000 and ordered its principal to undertake an ethics and practice management course within 12 months. But the tribunal stopped short of finding the misconduct brought his suitability for legal services into question, instead determining the issues were mostly related to personal conduct. The case was brought to the tribunal after a former employee found he had only been paid his superannuation entitlements twice over three years working at the firm. A subsequent Australian Taxation Office audit found the firm had paid employees only 35 per cent of the required superannuation entitlements between 2009 and 2012, ordering it to pay almost $136,000 in requirements, plus interest. Canberra's kids have been called upon to use their craniums to name equipment building the city's new hospital. ACT Health and construction company Brookfield Multiplex have left the name of a crane that will tower over the University of Canberra Public Hospital site in the hands of the city's children. Craney McCraneface? A digital impression of the crane children have been asked to name at the University of Canberra Hospital construction site. Credit:ACT Health The winning name will adorn the crane and greet commuters passing on Ginninderra Drive from as early as next month. There's little risk of a "Boaty McBoatface"-style drama over the name, however; rather than leaving the choice of winner at the mercy of the internet, a panel will decide the name under which the crane will be christened. There was a unique Canberra connection to the landmark and disruptive decision by the Papua New Guinean Supreme Court to order the closure of the Manus Island detention centre last month. Justice Terry Higgins presided over many a trial where an accused was acquitted during 23 years on the ACT Supreme Court bench, but nothing could compare to his critical judgment which has mandated 898 men charged with nothing must be released from the Australian-funded centre. Justice Higgins, who spent a decade as chief justice, could have retreated to a comfortable life away from the public eye after his retirement in September 2013. But in March last year, aged 71, he became the most senior retired non-citizen judge to be appointed to the PNG bench. Now he has been a key part of a decision which has led the PNG government to commit to closing the detention centre, and which could lead to compensation claims worth more than $1 billion from those illegally detained, one PNG refugee lawyer has estimated. The team behind the Cotter Hub project are calling on the community for design input while financial backing is secured to realise a revamp of the old Cotter Pub site. At a series of community meetings, Canberrans will have a chance to share their views on a plan to build a restaurant, micro-brewery and conference facilities on the site and later up to 10 treetop-style cabins and an arts or cultural museum near the Cotter River bank. Cotter Hub: Mike Fowler and Simone Hunter are calling on community input. Credit:Elesa Kurtz Cotter Hub director Simone Hunter said enthusiasm about the project was palpable. She said after going public with the concept in November she'd even had phone calls from people hopeful of getting a Christmas booking. The company proposes clawing the money back over three years, with interest. Rod Newton cleaning the milking shed at his Whorouly dairy farm in the Ovens Valley. Credit:Penny Stephens "Trust," Newton says, "they haven't got any. I question what they stand for. They're supposed to be a co-op for the farmers. We're supposed to be shareholders, but they've thrown us under a bus." Murray Goulburn is the largest milk producer in Australia, and the price leader. As a co-operative, its job is to pay the highest possible milk price to its farmer owners. Last July, it agreed to pay between $5.60 and $6.05 per kilogram (milk prices are measured by the weight of solids). It was a good price, and came with the virtual guarantee that it would not fall for 12 months. The price encouraged Newton, whose farm is in Whorouly, near Beechworth, to borrow to buy enough feed to see him through the drought. The feed kept his 600 cows producing milk at a peak rate. He also used borrowings to replant pasture to take advantage of the winter season. Newton had also borrowed when Murray Goulburn partially floated on the share market in July 2015, buying 362,000 shares. The company seemed progressive. He liked the story that chief executive Gary Helou was telling about creating more value-added products out of milk. After the float, the dividend was pegged to the high farm-gate price. Newton's advisers told him it was a good investment. What the farmer did not know was that his trust was built on a false premise. His co-operative was being led by a new breed of manager. Helou, who did not return calls from Fairfax Media, was not like the cautious, conservative chiefs of the agricultural co-operatives of old. Appointed by the couple of corporate hardheads on the farmer-dominated Murray Goulburn board, Helou came in 2011 after a failed a $600 million deal at the helm of another co-operative, Ricegrowers Limited. Helou wanted to shake up the allegedly sleepy milk operation, expose it to the rigour of the market and to take a multimillion-dollar salary in return. He spruiked a move away from boring commodities and into "value-added" products, and urged dairy farmers to produce as much as they could. He talked up the promise of the Chinese market, embarked on a partial sharemarket float which raised $500 million, and predicted a $7 per kilogram milk price by 2017. As recently as April 20 this year, Helou (whose performance bonus was also tied to a high milk price) told the world that a $6 per kilo milk price was achievable. He was wrong. Just a week after he made those comments, Murray Goulburn bowed to the reality of falling global prices, and set the new price drastically lower, between $4.75 and $5. On April 27, Helou and his chief financial officer Brad Hingle resigned. Both, said Tracy, would stay on to "assist our transition", though a spokeswoman last week said Helou had now "left the business". The chairman maintains that Helou did an "extraordinary" job, and the board was "very comfortable with the decisions made, with the information we had". Farmers are not comfortable. Some are restructuring their businesses or selling their cattle to abattoirs. Others are considering quitting altogether. "Farmers are running a Watch My Neighbour program now," one told Fairfax Media. "Some of them will suicide." What Newton cannot understand no one can is how the management and board of Murray Goulburn got it so wrong for so long. How did they miss the rapidly falling global price of milk? Fairfax Media can now reveal that the senior management knew very well what was happening in the market. The information was contained in written reports called Weekly Trading Briefing Notes, produced every week for the company's ingredients division since the opening milk price was set in July 2015. The division sells cooking ingredients such as butter, cheese, and milk fat on both the global and domestic markets. It was one of the backbones of Murray Goulburn's business, providing about 50 per cent of revenue. Week after week, from July last year, the reports showed that actual sales had failed to meet the budgeted forecasts. The reports show that some weeks, the failures were spectacular. Between July 28 and August 3 last year, export sales targets fell $15.5 million short of the target in just a single week. A couple of weeks later, it was $17.5 million in the red. It's not that the salesmen were incompetent. It's that their targets, like the milk price, had been plucked out of "thin air", a company source said. "For the past two years the budget has been hijacked by upper management," the source told Fairfax Media. "These figures would have alarmed anyone into saying, 'What's happening here?'. You can't second guess the market, and Gary [Helou's] statement that we can deliver $6 per kilo irrespective of what the market is doing is just bullshit." By May this year, the reports reveal much smaller sales shortfalls, but only because the company had virtually stopped offering cooking ingredients to the market. One weekly report showed a loss of just $214,000, but on sales of only 224 tonnes, a fraction of a thousands of tonnes previously offered. As the milk price went south, Helou started promising investors a new saviour: to triple sales of "adult milk powder" into China to 60,000 tonnes. But sales of this, as with everything else, fell flat. "Sales of sachet powders, while still strong, have not continued to grow at the run-rate we had seen," the company told Fairfax Media in answer to questions. By then, farmers were producing milk for the warehouse. Farmers like Newton had borrowed to pay for feed to produce large amounts of milk. Murray Goulburn was parking the product in temporarily leased warehouses: there were 11 new storage facilities rented around Laverton alone. Senior management cannot pretend they didn't know. The email distribution list on the sales reports show they were distributed to Hingle, and David Mallinson, the man who has taken over as CEO since Helou stood down. Beyond this, insiders say individuals went separately to upper management to make their warnings explicit: Murray Goulburn's business model was unsustainable. Something had to give. Despite all this, a spokeswoman insisted that the board only found out last month. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission began making inquiries at Murray Goulburn's headquarters last week, as did the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which will investigate Murray Goulburn for false, misleading and unconscionable conduct. The documents obtained by Fairfax Media will be of great interest to both, as well as class action lawyers at Slater and Gordon now looking carefully at the company's disclosures. They are asking two questions: how soon did the company know its repeated statements about high prices were wrong, and was the story about adult milk powder's explosive growth a knowingly false attempt to cover up the holes in other parts of the business something the company vigorously denies. The secret of running a milk co-operative is to keep costs low. It's the only part of the process the co-operative really controls. But in Murray Goulburn, they say, spending ran rampant. In four years, the Mercedes-Benz-driving Helou pocketed $10.4 million in salary and bonuses, and the company sold off and leased back much of its production capacity. Staff numbers and head office expenses exploded as the company rented more than two floors of prime real estate at Freshwater Place. Even that was controversial. Before Helou was hired, Murray Goulburn management had decided to move out of the derelict headquarters in Brunswick to a purpose-built office at Essendon Fields, at Essendon airport. Andrew Fox, Essendon Fields manager and chief executive of Linfox, says the former Murray Goulburn management drove a hard bargain and, at $19.7 million, got a good price for a 10-year lease. Then the board hired Helou. "He elected not to move into that building," Fox told Fairfax Media. "He liked staying in the premises of [Freshwater Place], Southbank." No thongs. No gym gear. No harem pants. Suits compulsory from Monday to Thursday, ties mandatory for client meetings. And no "clothes traditional to a particular sex and/or gender identity". If this last part reads like it was written by a lawyer, you'd be right. Excerpts from the dress codes of Australia's "big six" law firms show tradition still rules, except on Fridays when employees can cut loose with "business casual" generally relaxed pants or skirt, and a shirt unless staff are meeting clients. It's not enough simply to invest in buildings in order to create an incredible place. The sign of a great city or precinct is also the strength of its cultural and artistic life. Culture imparts a sense of place, improves quality of life, and stimulates economic activity. Businesses and individuals looking to invest, relocate, or visit, give considerable regard to the cultural identity and amenity of the destination city or precinct. The Art Not Apart festival, held earlier this year, is an example of public spaces being used creatively. Credit:Graham Tidy The poet T. S. Eliot once noted, "Culture may even be described simply as that which makes life worth living". To borrow from this, city-building and place-making isn't just about allowing people to make a good living it's also about living a good life. With innovative space curation initiatives like Art, Not Apart having received support from Access Canberra and the Land Development Agency, it hits home that Canberra and its CBD must develop and compete on its cultural cache if it is to succeed. Now, decades on, Keillor's arrest squads cannot be far off. In the coming election, Labor and the Coalition propose taxing cigarettes until it's effectively impossible to smoke (The Greens, of course, will ban cigarettes but make marijuana compulsory). The short story was hilarious back in 1984, when I first read it, sitting on the back steps of my flat, enjoying an early evening gasper. Everyone smoked back then, although the phrase "disgusting habit" was beginning to make the odd appearance. They are arrested ending their months on the run, during which they have been desperately living off their final few smokes. "They disgust me," says the arresting officer as they are dragged to the van. There's a Garrison Keillor story, published in The New Yorker in mid-1980s, about the last five cigarette smokers in America: "they were located in a box canyon south of Donner Pass in the High Sierra by two federal tobacco agents who spotted the little smoke puffs just before noon". Already it's pretty hard to smoke. Who would have predicted the packets featuring cancerous lips and gangrene-ridden limbs? Who would have imagined smoking banned in the open air even in Martin Place, a wind tunnel so effective you could test jets in it? Who would have predicted cigarettes at $40 a packet? I haven't smoked for nearly 30 years, not a single one, but part of me wants a final drag before it's all over. Amid the cancer and the emphysema, beside the stinking breath and sallow skin, there are the memories. For a start, there was a whole language around smoking, all of it ready to disappear with that last cigarette. Oh, for a donkey root while igniting an OPC. Oh, for a durry, or a coffin nail or even a cancer stick. And oh, for the moment in which two rollies (has anyone got the makings?) are swapped for a tailor. Can we at least take notes before these words are gone? Not all the memories are good. At school there was a teacher who had doubts about my masculinity. He thought me effeminate and would roll his eyes whenever I spoke. With the startling logic of a 14 year old, I formed the solution to this problem. I was, after all, a smoker, and if he could just see me in action he would realise my underlying manly swagger. When I next saw him at the local shops, I made sure I pulled out my pack and lit up, puffing away as I walked past. Alas, he just rolled his eyes in his customary manner, wrote down my name and walked on. I was duly flogged the next morning. Stephanie Rodger Islington The Foreign Minister is shocked by Dr Michael Freelander's likening of our offshore detention centres to concentration camps ("Julie Bishop says ALP candidate should apologise for 'Nazi' remarks," May 13). Presumably she is also shocked by Stephen Charles, QC, who used the same term, and by Julian Burnside, QC, who this week, in launching Madeline Gleeson's book Offshore, called that assessment by Charles "uncontestable". What should shock Julie Bishop is razor wire, rape, murder, suicide, deliberately delayed medical attention, physical and mental abuse, cramped, unsanitary and disease-inducing living conditions, all inflicted upon people who, it is necessary to state yet again, have committed no crime under any national or international law. What shocks me, Ms Bishop, is your government's prolonged physical and mental torture of desperate people guilty of nothing more than fleeing persecution elsewhere. Kim Hatherly Gymea Dr Freelander need not retract his description of the Manus Island refugee "processing centre" as a concentration camp. The most notorious of those were in Nazi Germany, but half a century after the British created them in South Africa in the Boer War, driving many thousands of civilians into racially segregated camps where many died. If the Foreign Minister assumes that only Hitler was responsible for concentration camps, she also forgets the Strategic Hamlets program in Vietnam, supported by Australia, which served the same purpose. Calling our establishment on Manus Island a "processing centre" is what requires an apology, since no process for refugees takes place there. Alison Broinowski Paddington Privileged Wesley College students must pull up socks As a former student of Wesley College, long-serving member of the Wesley College Foundation and chronicler of the achievements of the college's glittering alumni, I am disappointed, to say the least, by the reported antics of the yahoo element within the student body ("Uni students apologise to sex workers after massage parlour initiation stunt", May 13.) But one must not be too hasty in condemning the college. From its foundation in 1917 till the late 1960s the college was under a strict Methodist regime. It was male only, alcohol was forbidden, the Master was an ordained clergyman and there was pressure on the students to worship. The admission of women to the college in 1969 and then, under the auspices of the then Master, the Rev Norman Webb, the introduction of alcohol, raised the hackles of the puritans, who said the college would descend into debauchery. Nothing like that happened. The argument for liberation was that the student were "adults" and would be encouraged to behave that way. After more than nearly half a century of co-education there have been many achievements, one being the relation between the sexes which has produced numerous marriages between students who met at Wesley. Some of their children are at the college now. The careers of the alumni, who have successfully ventured into just about every vocation in the spectrum, speak for themselves. The only caution I would give allowing for high spirits among students and the excesses of yahoos who are always with us is that university students are a privileged breed. They are intellectually gifted, for the most part financially supported, free and destined for the most part to enjoy higher financial security in later life. The rest of their generation, less gifted, obliged to learn trades and work, or just work, do not have those privileges. The students must realise that if they do belong to the privileged class, they should recognise that, pull their heads in and respect everybody else. Malcolm Brown Ermington Amalgamation shows disregard for democracy An open letter to the Premier Mike Baird: I am appalled at your disregard for democracy. Democracy: from the Greek demosthe people and kratia power, rule. Or Lincoln's quote: Government of the people, by the people, for the people. What has happened to democracy when the majority of Pittwater residents have indicated that they do not want to be amalgamated? Oh, surely it can't be just so this issue is out of the way for the federal election? Or is it that bigger councils tend to split along two party political lines rather than the local issues, ensuring Liberal policies will rule supreme in the Northern Beaches? Or is it that bigger councils make a better springboard for would-be state and federal political aspirants to strut their stuff? I look forward to a reply. Caroline Kades Avalon Beach Mike Baird, you've lost it. Any political capital you have gained since your election is gone. Your despicable and underhanded determination to install your liberal mates in our local councils will be remembered by voters. The money wasted by your demands on our local councils, the faux commissioners inquiries where the people made their views clear but were ignored won't be forgotten in federal or state elections. Yes even in "safe" Ku-ring-gai.Democracy? I don't think so. Anne Lewis Lindfield In 1958 my grandfather was awarded an OBE for service to local government. Although he lived in a conservative rural electorate party politics did not play the role it is playing at the moment. My grandfather and his councillors were only keen to see their area improved for the good of all voters. I wonder how he would be reacting to his very progressive council being amalgamated this week. Sadly there is very little chance of prospective councillors from the small councils being elected due to sheer numbers in the larger rural towns or cities. Mike Baird is banking on the mergers being history by the time the next state election rolls around in 2019. I believe this is wishful thinking on Mike Baird's part. We in the rural areas have very good memories and I just wish we could turn back to 1958 when councils were working for the residents and not political parties. Robyn Lewis Raglan I have worked 45 years in local government and recently as a contract engineer around a range of small and large councils. My experience is that the larger councils are more efficient with highly skilled staff at all levels. The smaller councils penny pinch and end up with inefficient staff structures with blockages of good decisions caused by indecisive staff.Developers find it harder to influence big councils. Corruption will occur at both big and small councils wherever you have people. It also can depend on the quality of the general manager whether it be big or small council. Chris Edwards St Peters With these council amalgamations, who gets to decide the names of these new bigger bodies ? The Local Government Minister? The councils themselves? Or can we, as residents, have a say in our new names? Should they rely on a mutual geographic feature? Manly and Mosman could become the Greater Spit Council. Or they could share a similar condition, or predilection; Marrickville, Ashfield and Leichhardt could become the Airport Runway Approach Council or perhaps the Large Skinny Organic Latte City Council. Portmanteaus could be useful; combining their former names: Canada Bay, Strathfield and Burwood could produce Canfield Wood and Bankstown's marriage to Canterbury would be the Cant Bank Council. Izzy Perko Sydney I am finding it hard to get excited either way regarding council amalgamations.I suspect most people's engagement with their local council rarely extends beyond the occasional exchange of forms, paying rates into a BPAY account, and complaining when the rubbish is not picked up. Does it really matter how local or remote that entity is?And I also wonder, if big is bad, why are Brisbane residents not furiously marching in the streets, demanding their council, population 1.15 million, be broken up? Instead they seem quite proud of the fact.In many ways the NSW government has been incredibly unambitious in this process. If we followed the Brisbane model, Sydney would have its 43 councils reduced not to 25, but to five. Brendan Jones Annandale Great to read this morning that the new Northern Beaches council has, in addition to appointing a highly paid administrator, found positions for the three former mayors and the three former general managers until the next election. Terrific savings? I doubt it. Denis Suttling Newport Beach The avalanche of letters to the Herald clearly demonstrates that Mr Baird's unwillingness to listen to the good burghers of sundry municipal council districts has created major problems. The Shooters' Party has declared it will refuse to pass any legislation proposed by the government. Many are hoping they stick to their guns. David Baird Burradoo Credlin butts in It's a bit rough in the first week of campaigning for Malcolm Turnbull to have to deal with two recalcitrant Liberal ladies. ("Credlin rounds on campaign team and 'Mr Harbourside Mansion'," May 13). First of all Fiona Scott declines the opportunity to say she voted for him and when, in a perfectly understandable huff, he cancels a walk with her through the streets of Lindsay, Tony Abbott's ever so helpful assistant, Peta Credlin, declares that 'Mr Harbour-side Mansion' has 'sent a bad message to voters.Nothing for it, Malcolm, you need to don the lycra, fluoro vest and hard hat. Eating an onion might also do the trick. Nola Tucker Kiama I wish 'Mr Harbourside Mansion' would merge the NSW government with Queensland or Victoria's so we could get rid of Mike Baird without the need for a vote! Mark Pearce Richmond It would seem that Peta Credlin is keen to promulgate class warfare within her own party. Ross Pulbrook Wyong Super situation I agree with Ray Thompson (Letters, May 12.) A lifetime contribution gap of $500,000 is too low for women who only have a small amount in super. The limit should be based on how much people have in their superannuation already and how much is needed for a comfortable self-funded retirement. I am 56 and might live another 44 years. Petra Klaus Avalon Double standard To Waleed Aly ("Who's in, who's out: Trump's version of modern society", May 13), apparently anyone who is slightly nervous about the rapid Islamification of our "global cities" (and hence nations) must be part of a "fringe minor party", an "anti-political fad", the "hard right", or be a "virulent nationalist" (all his words). I'm none of those, just an average Australian who values equal rights and the strict separation of church (or mosque, or synagogue) from state. We've struggled to build our multicultural society with the building blocks that best fit our particular puzzle here in Australia, and I think we've done a good job, but to label as "virulent nationalists" anyone who has reasonable concerns about the rise of religious-based communities in our secular nation, as Aly does, is disingenuous and hardly promoting sensible debate. But perhaps he's simply speaking from an Islamic perspective. Patrick McGrath Coogee Waleed Aly forgets to ask the question how can Sadiq Khan become mayor of London with such apparent ease, when his Anglophile equivalent "John Bull'' would probably not be even allowed to stand in Baghdad , Istanbul , Tehran, Kabul or Cairo.I can tell him that this dichotomy exists because London and New York and Sydney for that matter, have a system that is the result of the Roman rule of law and the Judeo Christian ethic. All with a large dose of the Reformation.Unfortunately for Islam no such events have been forthcoming. It will be interesting to see if lord mayor Khan makes London a northern Granada or a Damascus. Alexander Haege Tamarama No crime in migration As someone committed to making a positive contribution to this country, it was disappointing to read your newspaper's deeply cynical portrayal of me ("Chinese 'King of the Mountain' brush with corruption scandal", February 25). Using nameless sources and emotive phrases, it was asserted that I left China "hurriedly" for Australia after being "tipped off" about a looming corruption investigation. The overriding inference despite a brief qualifier is that I was fleeing from authorities because I had been involved in some type of illegal behaviour. No evidence was presented to support this. The article also makes some ridiculous claims about my family home in Mosman with supposed conditions that other Chinese buyers couldn't purchase "bigger or better homes" that were "higher" on the hill than mine. Again, claims made by a nameless source.The simple truth is, that after working hard to build a successful business in China, I migrated to Australia in 2011 to pursue new opportunities for investment and a better lifestyle for my family. There is no crime in this. Xiangmo Huang Mosman Tip of the iceberg One child asked to skip NAPLAN is too many, but this example is the tip of the iceberg in the attempts to skew results. ("Student asked to skip NAPLAN exam to bolster school's average", May 13). Illness, parental withdrawal, small group assistance, even leaking of exams all attempt to skew results. The publication and resultant politicisation of results places schools in the public eye with future enrolments and reputations at risk, so there is little wonder schools attempt to show their best side.However, schools can be caught in a catch-22 disorder. Some school funding, (particularly for additional teacher support and literacy/numeracy programs) is tied to NAPLAN results where student individual needs are considered and catered for. Any attempt to "better" results denies those in need of necessary funding. Janice Creenaune Austinmer Will Rookwood investigation be a dead end? The dissolution of the Rookwood General Cemeteries Board ("Board axed as price of burials reviewed", May 13) was obviously a grave decision taken by the minister, with a lot on his plate. Rookwood! Talk about the dead hand of history on one's shoulder! But will the minister be mortified if the investigation reaches an inconclusive dead end? Is it possible that the investigation may (leaving, of course, no stone unturned) dig up some skulduggery, or just find that someone merely "lost the plot"? If vindicated, is there a ghost of a chance, that the board will be resurrected? Or will such a report be quietly buried? As they say, "the final nail in the coffin"? Pasquale Vartuli Wahroonga Sex in the Senate Alan Robertson (Letters, May 13), Professor Ross Fitzgerald's rapid rise may indeed be a case of premature escalation. However, should the good people of NSW back him in sufficient numbers for him to win a NSW Senate seat, it will be a classic case of electile dysfunction. Stephen Driscoll Castle Hill Jobson's last say The word from the big end of town is that Jobson Grothe and Ava Plan are taking their instructions from Ava Rice, spokesperson for the Banking and Finance Industry (Letters, May 10-13.) George Palagyi Saratoga Letter writers, would you please stop dragging the family of Jobson into the current political affray; it's degrading to a respected clan name. Christopher Jobson Monash (ACT) Bring it on July 2, 2016. Are we there yet? Rose Panidis Graceville (Qld) Postscript I suppose someone, somewhere in the LNP focus-grouped the party election mantra, "jobs and growth". And I suppose that most focus groups aren't made up of cynics, lovers of puns and followers of the Parramatta Eels. But unfortunately for Coalition spinmeisters, these groups do seem to be well represented among the readers of the Herald and they don't appear to be treating the Coalition's newly unleashed three-word slogan with the seriousness the LNP might desire. Surely anyone who has been reading our pages for the past week will find it difficult to hear the Prime Minister or the Treasurer soberly intone the words "jobs and growth" without hearing the name Jobson Grothe instead. And who is Jobson Grothe? In Postscript last week, Rosemary O'Brien identified him as a distant relative of Parramatta league players Eric Grothe (junior and senior). One of our Twitter followers was sure the "agile and exciting" Jobson Grothe would be a surprise addition to the Eels back-line last night. But Ian Waters doubted Grothe's very existence on Monday, leading others to assure him that the Coalition's man of mystery is the partner of Ava Plan, possibly the lover of Margie Nell Seats and was seen dining out with Laura Norder only recently. Some stories require more space than others. This is what the Australian author Josephine Rowe discovered when she started writing about Ru, a young girl living in a fractured family more familiar with trauma than what's for dinner that night and whose turn it is to take the rubbish out. Set in a dusty town in Victoria, A Loving, Faithful Animal tells the story of Ru, her older sister, Lani, and their parents, Evelyn and Jack. An observant and concerned pre-teen, Ru is unique for her mild temper. Her version of rebellion is an internal one: there's a knot in her chest "that nothing could untie". Lani's discontentment rejects subtlety as a bedfellow. She parties, hawks her dad's stash of temazepam and disapproves of her mum's determination to haul her dad home every time he leaves them. "Silly bitch, Lani would say. [It's] so embarrassing; he's just going to belt her around again." Evelyn has been intrigued by the idea that someone has hijacked the better life she was meant for. "The joyride can't go on forever. One day Ev will wake up and there it will be, her real life, parked gleaming in the driveway." She yearns for how she used to be, how she looked in that year's swimsuit, what the salt water felt like on her young skin, before she left it behind for a life with Jack. A Vietnam veteran, Jack is the jagged-edged force around which the family rotates. Many years after returning from war, he still cups his cigarettes to mask the glow from enemy combatants and wakes the house with nightmares fed by the enduring effects of his PTSD. His wife is so used to the beatings that she learns not to flinch when he raises his fist to her. The fatal savaging of their dog is the catalyst that further unhinges Jack. The consequences are absorbed by all of them. Trying to navigate through this subterranean landscape is Becky, an ambitious dancer, who wants to prove to her estranged parents that life will not beat her and whose physicality hurls off the page. Despite being "the kind of woman that starts chaos in strangers all day She can see the next 20 years playing out in the space between the auditions she can't get and the missed opportunities and the pie and mash and the pub." Conspiracy theories paralyse unemployed Pete, whose brain is blasted from too much weed. Damaged androgynous Harry is "[an] awkward queer woman" who hovers in the corners, yet it is her gumption that sets the tightly sprung plot into motion. The book opens with Becky, Harry and long-time friend Leon fleeing London in a Ford Cortina with a stash of money in fear of their lives. With intricate layering, the story then flashes back on the year that led to the heist, the coincidences of city life and the fraught relationship between this younger disillusioned generation and their parents, who were trying to change the world. At one family lunch Harry looks at her mother, who she did not speak to for 10 years, and describes how "her heart feels like it's squashed up underneath the table leg, keeping the surface steady". Tempest's prose slaps and bullies, rich with metaphor and the rhythm of rap. It is beautiful because it ditches pronouns and her characterisation is tender, funny and acutely drawn. One girl's face is "covered in freckles, like a pear on the turn"; a man has "a happy mouth full of teeth, ground down from cheap teenage speed and yellowing from sweets and fags". Everything the streets, the silence, the wind is personified: "Her voice is a stranger in the empty room. Terrified of its own shape." Sometimes it is OK for silence just to be silence and the slabs of backstory could have been salted more deftly through the narrative. But just like the Cortina that speeds away, this author's command of figurative language and her singular ability to tell a story will leave you breathless or horizontal. The Posies SOLID STATES (Planet) For a Seattle rock band capable of some serious power drives, the Posies can make the sweetest of pop. It's true their breakthrough album, the stupendously great Frosting On The Beater, came out mid-grunge years and later songs such as Everybody Is A F---ing Liar could thrash a good head of hair. Then this album opens with an organ-and-guitar burst of garage rock in We R Power. But it's worth remembering that one of the group's finest covers was of The Hollies' King Midas In Reverse, and it is Manchester's Hollies, among the best vocal groups of the 1960s, who come up time and time again here. It's there in the right-on vocal arrangements of Scattered and Radiance and the post-beat group shape of March Climes, as much as in the gentleness of Titanic and Squirrel Vs Snake. Even when the sound turns to '80s synth pop in M Doll and The Definition, the lead vocals owe a debt to The Hollies' Alan Clarke and Graham Nash, respectively. Buy this for a friend who also likes Fountains Of Wayne or Nada Surf. Bernard Zuel EARLY MUSIC Lauren Pomerantz and Robert Clancy RENAISSANCE MUSIC FROM SPAIN AND ENGLAND (Songbird Music) At its best, early music is not just an artistic time-machine but an insight into the psyche of humanity in another era. While reverence is commendable, even more important is a willingness to buy into the present tense of the music; to make it fizz in the moment of performance. To this end, soprano Lauren Pomerantz and lutenist Robert Clancy stood up when they performed, memorised all the repertoire to avoid being captive to the page, and connected the songs with short improvisations from Clancy. Only just released, this album was recorded live in 1980 in Ibiza when the pair toured the Balearic Islands in the wake of studying early music together in Switzerland. Although slightly brittle, Pomerantz's voice has wonderful immediacy, so you sense her living the lyrics rather than aiming for an arid exercise in perfection. She is fully alive to Clancy's rhythmic buoyancy in her phrasing. His improvisations are a delight, adding to the evocation of the era's formal elegance as a living, breathing reality. John Shand POP Kate Ceberano ANTHOLOGY (ABC/Universal) What are we to make of Kate Ceberano? Her long, varied, mixed career is all here in a gargantuan triple-disc set. It begins with a Pash, ends with a hymn and covers theatre, jazz, pop, dance(ish), duets and Christmas fare. It's impressive in its sweep and longevity, but the inadvertently telling absence of a central essay or even chronological written history in the packaging sums up the problem: it has been a career with no discernible pattern or solid beating heart that is purely her. Does her version of Falling Slowly (from Once) with David Campbell, A Natural Woman or a Farnham-light Help add anything to familiar songs or tell us anything of her? While Love Don't Live Here Anymore is one of her best moments, there is little to be gained from her Jesus Christ Superstar double of I Don't Know How To Love Him and Everything's Alright. Bernard Sumner in the dressing room at the Hacienda in May 1983. Credit:Kevin Cummins Vivid's project is so extravagant it's virtually a posthumous honour, and yet the band drummer Stephen Morris, keyboard player Gillian Gilbert, bassist Tom Chapman and guitarist Phil Cunningham are in full flight. Last September, their 10th studio album, Music Complete, went to number two in Britain; not bad considering it was their first release in a decade. An extended-mix album, Complete Music, came out yesterday. Both feature well-chosen collaborators, including the Chemical Brothers' Tom Rowlands (whose production is breathtakingly savage), La Roux, Iggy Pop and The Killers' Brandon Flowers. Most notably, New Order have ditched the guitars of the previous three albums and returned to the dance-floor that spawned them. Listen hard and you'll catch flashbacks of vintage synth sounds from their '80s and '90s hits. For fans, it's an elating game of nostalgia. Bernard Sumner playing the Hordern Pavillion in 2002. "We've gone both forwards and backwards," Sumner confirms. "Now you can get computer-modelled synthesisers of ones we used years ago. If you hark back to the old days we had two synthesisers and we squeezed out every last drop. We went back to that mentality." It's a great idea. Most bands wind up as a pastiche of themselves. New Order wink at the past and forge ahead. The secret to their endurance is the fact they've never hitched a ride on any movement. They side-stepped the new romantic era, Britpop and even baggy, the key bands of which Stone Roses and Happy Mondays they influenced. Band tension being a conduit for creativity is an urban myth. Bernard Sumner Visually, it's the same story. Sumner's had the same haircut since he was in short trousers, and New Order were unmoved by changing fashions. Very few '80s bands managed to survive into the '90s, let alone without embarrassing pictures. "We just thought dressing up looked naff," he says, of Blitz kids and cock rock. "Even with Joy Division we used to get our clothes from Oxfam shops. We didn't like the sort of clothes people were wearing in popular culture." While New Order didn't buy into any movement, their Hacienda club was the sun around which acid house orbited. Sumner was in his early 30s when 1988 was dubbed Britain's Second Summer of Love. Balearic beats crept into the New Order oeuvre, as the band spent more and more nights of the week as punters at their own club. "I was burned out with touring because things had got very hedonistic," he recalls. "I ended up in hospital in Chicago. I thought, 'I'm going to end up dead like Hendrix if this carries on, f--k this. I want to chill out and spend some time at home.' But with acid house kicking off, I went out of the frying pan and into the fire." Again, there was that strange dichotomy. The clubbers may have been loved-up, but gangs ran rife. Sumner recalls one incident in which a man chased a bouncer through the club with a machine-gun. "We thought, that is just ridiculous. We're supposed to be musicians. We shouldn't be involved in this kind of shit." New Order were also up to their necks financially, with Factory Records going bankrupt and the Hacienda hemorrhaging money. It caused a rift between bassist Peter "Hooky" Hook and the others. He wanted to keep the club open, they wanted to cut their losses. The acrimony reached a head in 2007, when Hooky announced in a radio interview that New Order had split up unbeknownst to the others. The band reformed without him in 2011, and since then they've made few moves without their former bassist offering a running commentary to the press. He's also launched a lawsuit over unpaid royalties and the use of the name. No member has been spared Hooky's barbs, but it's Sumner who cops the most flack. Hooky, who seemed to be the reactive wildcard in a notoriously stoic band, recently told the Billboard website, "We very rarely spoke about anything in depth to do with Joy Division Even after Ian's sad demise, we never planned or talked about how we felt after Ian's suicide". After reviewing Sumner's memoir for the publication, he said, "I remain none the wiser". It's true that Sumner's guardedness means there are few emotional scenes. When Gillian Gilbert leaves the band for a decade to care for a sick daughter, she barely gets a paragraph. Only the fights with Hooky leap from the page. I ask Sumner if artistic tension can be viable for creativity, or if it's overrated. His voice stiffens. "Completely overrated," he says. "If you've got someone who's being a pain in the arse it's just a roadblock. Band tension being a conduit for creativity is an urban myth." Sumner has been portrayed by actors in films twice Anton Corbijn's Control and Michael Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People as well as suffering the slings and arrows of Hooky. Is he at peace with the fact that he can't orchestrate how he's portrayed? "You've got to have a pretty thick skin to be in this business," he concedes. "On the other hand, you've got to be sensitive in order to write music. I've been a musician since I was 21. I don't care what people say about me. I see myself in the mirror every morning when I have a shave. I'm a normal person, like anyone else." Well apart from doing rock-starry things like sailing to the Caribbean. "Yeah, but I got into that before I was a rock star. I used to sail little boats on the Norfolk Broads. In Salford everything was red brick and tarmac, then I remember going to the seaside with my grandparents and thinking, what is this?" In his memoir, he's included a black and white photograph of him huddled with his mother and grandparents on a dismal-looking Welsh beach. On the next page he's tanned, twentysomething, and swinging his toddler son around in the aqua shallows of Nassau in the Bahamas. A few yachts are dotted about. He laughs at this. "But I actually prefer the place I was photographed with my grandparents," he insists. Of course he does. "Anyway, when I was in Nassau, everyone was trying to sell me drugs all the time." New Order appear at Vivid LIVE, June 1,2,4,5. Looking for the light Last year, British photographer of rock bands, Kevin Cummins, published the collection New Order, and it's fair to say his intense depictions of the band over the decades and Joy Division before them massively contributed to their overall aesthetic. Cummins' black-and-white shot of a gaunt Sumner was taken in the dressing room at the Hacienda in May 1983. "I wanted a strong portrait of Bernard for The Face and just worked around him as Gillian spoke to him," Cummins recalls. "They were in a good mood. Probably happy that the club had managed to make it to its first birthday." Kat Hoyos is playing a heavenly muse in Xanadu the Musical at Sydney's Hayes Theatre, but the inspiration behind this fast-rising entertainer's success is entirely mortal: her mother, Natalie. The star of Channel Nine's Here Come the Habibs has an impressive resume at just 26, including stage roles in Jersey Boys and Bring it On The Musical, and says her mother's gutsy example spurred her on. Kat Hoyos and her mum, Natalie. Credit:John Veage Natalie emigrated alone to Australia from her native Colombia, and soon afterwards fell pregnant with Kat. "She raised me all on her own, with no family and no network," Hoyos says. "I can't imagine how tough that would have been. I'm completely in awe of her." During Hoyos' childhood in Cronulla, her mum encouraged her dream of becoming a performer, but also urged her to go to university. There's a bear in there, and chair as well and as Play School celebrates its 50th birthday there's also plenty of celebrities. The iconic children's program has been a mainstay of TV viewing for decades and, over the years, it has played host to some of Australia's most familiar names. Play School has created special memories for half a century. Deborah Mailman, Alex Papps, Justine Clarke, Eddie Perfect, Georgie Parker and Essie Davis have all been regular presenters on the series, not to mention stalwarts Don Spencer and Benita Collings. But to celebrate the special anniversary, the show has roped in some big names to have a crack at presenting on special pop-up episodes. Illustration: Michael Mucci Seven. Weeks. To go. Money was short in 2010 and 2013 too the global financial crisis and the end of the mining boom put the kibosh on the cash-splash elections commonplace in the Howard years but those campaigns were mercifully short. At 35 and 34 days respectively, they were three weeks shorter than this one. The leaders are quite wisely pacing themselves. Neither was able to seize much momentum in the first week, although if I had to pick a winner I'd say Shorten had a better week than Turnbull. Spending most of his time in Queensland, the Opposition Leader looked like he was quite enjoying himself. He performed well enough and stuck assiduously to his education message. It didn't all go to plan. There was another eruption of Labor division over asylum-seeker policy specifically boat turnbacks which is bad for Shorten for two reasons: disunity is death in any campaign, and the Labor boat catastrophe is the last thing he wants people to be thinking about. Apart perhaps from Labor's ill-fated alliance with the Greens, a topic that also reared its head as thoughts turned to the possibility that this interminable race could end in another hung parliament. Labor also had some trouble in Western Australia, with the party forced to dump a controversial union-backed candidate just four days in after it emerged he hadn't properly disclosed his criminal past. But in this opening act, Shorten offered a more disciplined pitch. The Prime Minister criss-crossed the east coast, covering more ground than his opponent but losing focus along the way. While Shorten at least attempted to set the agenda by making it appear that he had new things to say reheating and fleshing out elements of his education policy Turnbull simply soldiered on with his budget sell. The problem being the budget doesn't give him a great deal to talk about. Which is perhaps why the debate over whether the government's superannuation changes are retrospective quickly came to dominate. That caused an outbreak of disunity on his own side of politics because the changes attack his top-end-of-town base. Elsewhere, his new youth unemployment intern program came under doubt; he was named in the Panama Papers, thus reminding everyone he's filthy rich, and then he chose to eat lunch at an exclusive men's-only gentleman's club in Melbourne anyway; and Tony Abbott's ghost continued to haunt him. Of course, by the time we finally get to polling day if we survive that long week one will be long forgotten. Federal Liberal MP Craig Laundy, whose marginal seat is affected by involuntary council mergers, says he expects voters not to punish him for the Baird government's agenda. Premier Mike Baird on Thursday sacked 42 councils and created 19 new ones to be run by administrators until elections next year. Mr Laundy, whose marginal electorate of Reid includes Strathfield, which is being forcibly merged, reiterated his opposition to the move. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull met Russian school dancers during a street walk in Homebush on Saturday with local MP Craig Laundy, right. Credit:Andrew Meares "There's a large portion of residents saying to me they're not big fans of it," he told Fairfax Media. "I've never been a fan of forced amalgamations. I'm against it. The frustration of being a federal member is you really have no say in it." Mr Laundy, who holds his seat by a notional margin of about 3.3 per cent, was confident voters would not seek retribution against him. He said he was "blessed" to have a smart electorate whose constituents understood the difference between local, state and federal governments. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 14 By Anakhanum Idayatova - Trend: The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict won't be resolved unless the main geopolitical actors want its settlement, Mateusz Piskorski, Polish expert, director of the European Centre for Geopolitical Analysis, told Trend May 14. He was commenting on a possible meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents in Vienna. "Undoubtedly, the resumption of the talks and the attempt to at least reduce the tension are positive factors," said the expert. Piskorski pointed out that he has a pessimistic view about the possibility for the conflict's settlement in the near future. He also believes that participation and political will of all the main geopolitical actors, including the US, the European Union, Turkey and Russia are needed for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict's settlement. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum The men, aged 31, 21, 25, 28 and 30, have each been charged with making preparations for incursions into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities. Islamic preacher Musa Cerantonio, who has been described as "an outspoken cheerleader for ISIS", was arrested near Cairns on Tuesday along with Shayden Thorne, Kadir Kaya, Antonio Grenata and another, so far unidentified, man . Five Melbourne men who allegedly planned to take a tinnie to Indonesia to join Islamic state have been charged with terrorist offences. All five had had their passports cancelled because authorities feared they would try to join the estimated 110 Australians currently fighting with the militant group in the Middle East. Police arrested the men in Laura, north-west of Cairns, on Tuesday. They had bought the boat in Bendigo, Victoria, and had towed it at speeds as low as 30 km/h. It is believed police had been monitoring the men for weeks before they left Bendigo. Police had flagged last week that they might not have enough evidence to lay charges but had swooped anyway to stop the men leaving the country, in keeping with the increasing approach towards "disruption" of plots as well as aiming at prosecutions. But they had also signalled that if charges were to be laid, they were likely be under "foreign incursion" laws which prohibit travelling to another country with the intention of engaging in hostilities. Such charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. In this virtual age, awash with Kindles and digital downloads, you might find it surprising that the physical book continues to exert a certain power. It was the American film director John Waters who said, "If you go home with somebody, and they don't have books, don't f... 'em!" There are many new trends in the display of books that would make librarians twitchy. For instance, architect John Wardle's award-winning Bruny Island home, Shearers Quarters, has a wall of antiquarian books with a wood-burning stove at one end. As a visual play, the covers of the books nearest the heat source are reds and oranges, segueing to greens and blues as they "cool" further along the wall. There are many new trends in the display of books that would make librarians twitchy. Credit:Richard Powers Another approach - albeit one that would appal many a bibliophile - has been taken by Nectar Efkarpidis, whose Molonglo Group is behind the NewActon precinct in Canberra. He was searching for just the right coffee table for his apartment, during which time his books began to simply pile up. Efkarpidis, found this encouraged interaction. "The formality of the bookshelf can be forbidding," he says. "A loose assembly invites participation." But most of us require order, or don't have a carefully curated bank of colour-coded tomes at our disposal. Stylist, author and book enthusiast Megan Morton recommends a range of small, crafted bookcases from shopbookshop.com which combine storage with an element of display, or what Morton calls a "book altar". Another of her recommendations, especially for very large tomes, is to remove the dust jackets and stack them horizontally rather than vertically. When he was Liberal leader the first time around, Malcolm Turnbull's temper was a variable as widely discussed as the weather. Credit:Louie Douvis John Howard himself had a not-very-successful initial leadership stint as leader of the opposition. He lost the job to Andrew Peacock in 1989, and did not regain it until 1995; six years of humiliation and reflection, during which time his reign as Australia's most successful contemporary Liberal prime minister was all but unimaginable. Most people around Turnbull the closest enthusiastically, the farthest far more grudgingly will tell you that Malcolm Mark II is an improvement on Malcolm Mark I. "There's a significant contrast," says Deputy Liberal Leader and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. "The current Malcolm is very self-assured, very Zen, very good-humoured. Nothing fazes him. He's immune to the media criticisms; he knows what he wants and in his mind he knows where he's going." "Since he became leader, he's been as relaxed and comfortable as he's ever been," says a long-time friend. "He doesn't care about the accoutrements of state the fancy cars, the people bowing in front of him. It's that he's got the job and he's able to do things." "He's a deal guy," says one close witness to Turnbull's decision-making method in office. "He gets every element of information before he makes a decision. Most politicians look for the information that confirms what they want to do. But what he's doing is making sure he hasn't missed anything." It's not a typical approach for a political leader. It's more reminiscent of a barrister, building a case, who wants to establish where the weak points lie. Or a merchant banker, doing due diligence on a big deal. Or a CEO, sweeping the area looking for good ideas and clever people. Turnbull has been all of those things. And it remains true that, for him, the dream political manoeuvre is one that incorporates efficiency, elegance, originality and surprise. For these reasons, he likes to have every available option open. He likes to hear all arguments, and will be as engaged by the arguments against a proposition as he is by the arguments for. I ring George Brandis. He is also a barrister, and one of the cabinet members who might occasionally challenge Turnbull's automatic claim to "smartest person in the room" status. I ask him whether Turnbull's "Socratic dialogue approach" to decision-making is unusual for politics. There is a pause. "I'm not sure 'Socratic dialogue' is really quite right," he muses. "It's more of an Aristotelian symposium approach than a Socratic approach." Unsure of my next move, I opt for silence. "He's a very democratic leader," says Brandis, eventually. "Malcolm consciously sees himself as relying on cabinet colleagues to be his counsellors. There's less of a sense of the PMO [Prime Minister's Office] being a hermit kingdom." The term "hermit kingdom" (as I self-loathingly ascertain from Wikipedia five seconds after hanging up the phone) is one applied to "any country, organisation or society which wilfully walls itself off, either metaphorically or physically, from the rest of the world." Usually, it's a term identified with North Korea. Not everyone's a fan of the Aristotelian symposium. One critic, a Liberal insider, says the real explanation is that Turnbull is just disinclined to make decisions. "In business, the more people you talk to the better. But in politics, talking to more people doesn't necessarily get you a better decision. It might get you a few alternatives that all look plausible and doable and you can afford them, but the final decision is a judgment call. That's politics. And I'm not sure Malcolm is actually a politician." While he was communications minister in the Abbott government, Turnbull was genuinely upset by the degree to which, he believed, the role of cabinet as the government's premier decision-making body was being subsumed by the two-person sub-committee of Tony Abbott and his chief of staff, Peta Credlin. Credlin attended cabinet meetings for the first year of the Abbott government; after the "near death experience" of his party's uprising in February 2015, Abbott conducted them without her, in deference to his colleagues' protests. "Meetings actually got shorter after that," says one source. "Ministers thought, instinctively, 'Well what's the point of having long arguments in the cabinet because Abbott will never make a decision without Credlin there.' You'd just leave it 'til after the meeting, and go and see Credlin directly. The good thing about cabinet now is that the people who make the decisions are in the room." The strongest lessons politicians learn are from the mistakes they have personally made in the past. The second strongest are from mistakes they watch others making. And Turnbull learnt from the misadventure of his first period in the Liberal leadership that he needed to be more consultative. "Last time around he was a complete and utter car crash," says another minister. "This time the essence of Malcolm is still there the deal-maker. But he's very consciously listening to others." This sounds eminently sensible. Who could possibly be against evidence? And reasoned discussion? And learning from mistakes? But the "let's start at the beginning" approach to decision-making especially on the big stuff can create some procedural banana skins. The Prime Minister, anxious to change the tone of political debate in this country, announced early in his term that the government would be taking a from-first-principles look at taxation. Treasury's existing review, which specifically excluded con-sideration of the GST, was sidelined in favour of a broader approach that would consider all options. It would be a proper review, the PM said, with no foolish and premature rulings-out owing to political panic about potentially unpopular measures. Everyone had a view. Treasurer Scott Morrison favoured a "tax-mix switch" essentially an increase to the GST, offset by income-tax cuts. Treasury, headed by Abbott-era appointment John Fraser, favoured a company-tax cut to increase productivity. But the process was overseen by Martin Parkinson, the former treasury secretary. Parkinson had been hustled out of the job by Abbott, who fancied him as too left-wing. Parkinson, reinstated resplendently by Turnbull last year to head the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, is on record extensively as supporting a shift towards indirect taxes like the GST. The Business Council of Australia, in its submission, advocated an increase in the GST to fund a company-tax cut (a suggestion Turnbull described privately, according to The Australian Financial Review's Laura Tingle, as the "go into the study, get out the service revolver and blow your brains out" option). So many opinions. So much discussion. And with Turnbull engaging warmly with all protagonists, people walked away with different ideas about what his inclinations were. Morrison is accustomed to swift decision-making. His special skill is taking a tough proposition and defending it stoutly. In the first few months of the Turnbull government, he was keen to get cracking. His impression from discussions with Turnbull was that Turnbull shared his preference for increasing the GST and using the proceeds to cut income taxes. As Christmas gave way to January and Turnbull kept talking to people, Morrison became worried that there would be insufficient time to prepare Australians for such a big change. In interviews, he sharpened his defence of a GST increase. But the decision wasn't done and dusted. Backbench fury at the prospect of selling a tax increase, combined with modelling that showed only a moderate boost to economic growth, put Turnbull off the idea and he scotched it publicly. It was an embarrassment for Morrison, who had booked a February appearance at the National Press Club to campaign on the idea, and in the end was obliged to instead deliver a low-key sermon on living within our means. There are two streams of thought on all this. One defends Turnbull. "Malcolm's view on tax reform was that everything was on the table," says a cabinet minister. "What he didn't factor in was the propensity of people to leak those discussions to the press. There will always be a public servant, no matter how junior, or a colleague, no matter how senior, who can't keep their flapping traps shut. In a naive way, he thought we should really have this discussion have it internally, then emerge with a clear policy. I think he has been quite shocked to find that you really can't do that." Another cabinet colleague is more brutal, sheeting home the blame to Morrison for jumping the gun. "Scott is yet to learn that he can't be a tabloid player in this job like he was in border protection," says the colleague. "He wants to till the soil, to prepare people, but you can't till the soil before the decision is made." "I just think Scott didn't read Malcolm properly," says one senior bureaucrat. In the intriguing case of Who Killed Tax Reform?, however, Morrison is not without defenders, and they argue Turnbull changes his mind. That he can commit to a course of direction, then revise his view after talking to a new person, sometimes without telling the witnesses to the first decision. There's something called the "Five Metre Rule". As in, are there more than five metres between the point at which an agreement is reached and the microphone at which Turnbull is scheduled to announce it? If there are, and somebody gets in his ear on the walk, you're in trouble. Tensions between treasurers and prime ministers are a common and sometimes even productive feature of government. They usually spring from professional rivalry (the treasurer wants the PM's job), from conflicting objectives (the PM wants to buy the love of the electorate with expensive baubles, the treasurer would rather have a surplus) or from ideological differences. There is no evidence yet of a poisonous personal relationship between Turnbull and Morrison. They are like two people in a conversation who stop and start and accidentally talk over each other. The rhythm isn't there. But neither has stopped hoping that it will happen. The mismatch between Turnbull, whose roots are in business, and Morrison, who has the mind of a campaign director, also hints at a broader possibility, lent weight by Turnbull's fondness for ignoring political orthodoxy. Is there a chance that he just isn't that into politics? I mean: obviously he is interested in politics. But he never seems very attracted to the elements of the political process that are grim, grinding and almost always, in the long term, associated with political success: constant repetition of a simple message; the petty administrative brutality of shutting down dissent on one's own side and cauterising outlets for disunity. His office full of clever people whom Turnbull has collected from different walks of life is not a command and control centre. There is a Japanese proverb: "Send the beloved child on a journey." I've always assumed this meant something stern and inscrutable and probably Buddhist about relinquishing your child to the great Flow of Life, to fail or flourish as the karmic wheel sees fit. But after a fortnight in Japan, I'm wondering if it literally means: send them on a journey. If there's one country on earth in which a nearly four-year-old could catch the bullet train to Kyoto and make it, this is it. The preschooler did not catch the bullet train to Kyoto. At least, not solo. But she may as well have: the logistical details were that seamless. And since holidaying with children is fundamentally a logistical operation, our Japan holiday has been a runaway success. There is no child on earth who will not eat things on sticks, and in Japan you can get anything on a stick. Credit:Nic Walker Incredibly, the unholy trinity of holiday-with-children horror - inedible food, insuperable transport complexity, horrendously bad toileting facilities - simply doesn't apply here. Food: there is no child on earth who will not eat things on sticks, and in Japan you can get anything on a stick. Anything. Transport: oh the efficiency, the punctuality, the halo-glow of a system that really works. Be still my beating heart. This happened to us. Literally. And toilets: at the preschooler's insistence we've visited an average of eight a day - in parks, stations, even on board trains. In Australia, this would be a nightmare beyond the ken of mortal man. But here, in none of those 96 different and potentially terrifying cubicles, has there been a single sign of previous human occupancy. Not one. Every time, it's as if we're the first humans ever to swing open the door. You will have to imagine my gratitude to the Japanese nation about this, because I cannot express it in words. Of course, the thing I've realised is that it's not just holidays where this stuff matters, it's life - which is depressing, because tomorrow we go home. This seems a big mistake. I think we should all go on a journey, further into the mysterious East, and never be heard from again. The preschooler can lead the way. We always wanted two babies and Amanda offered to be a surrogate again. It was a much quicker process the second time and we can't wait to welcome our second baby girl in June. Meeting Amanda was one of the best things that has happened to me. Not only do we work incredibly well together in business, but she understands me like nobody else and has given Terry and I the ultimate gifts, for which I will be forever grateful. AMANDA: Michael and I were always so much more than colleagues and business partners. After I found out I was pregnant with my first baby, it took me six weeks of talking to him to get used to the idea; it was a really massive thing in my life because I'd always been incredibly career-focused. Little did I know then that I would end up being pregnant four times: twice with my daughters Mia and Ava, and twice for Michael and Terry. The boys had been talking about surrogacy options for six months, when I turned to my husband Brent and said, "Let's do this surrogacy thing." He replied, "I have been wondering how long it would take you to say that." Having a family came quite easily for us and we wanted our best friends to have that opportunity. We had to go through a lot of counselling and talk about so many things you would never usually think about when having your own baby, like, "If there is a choice between the baby dying and Amanda dying, what would you do?" or "What will happen if both the fathers died?" In most cases, Michael and Terry said, "Amanda's wishes would come first." The final step in the approval process was going before a 12-person panel and answering lots of questions until they said, "All right you're approved and good to go." Michael and Terry were the first male gay couple to go through the process in Victoria. It's a dispute that raises questions about the use of Indigenous cultural stories, government grants and accountability. A row over the intellectual property in a series of Aboriginal readers produced at a school in Alice Springs has laid bare deep rifts between the Indigenous community and the white professionals who were seen as the saviours of the school but who have now been accused of exploitation and misappropriation of culture. Margaret James, who claims authorship and copyright in the Honey Ant Readers, the books at the centre of a dispute with Yipirinya School in Alice Springs. The Yipirinya School Council has demanded that Margaret James, wife of the former principal Ken Langford-Smith, hand back copyright in a series of small books known as the Honey Ant Readers. They say that despite sizeable grants to the school from government and private philanthropists, they have been left with nothing to show from the $434,000 the school spent on the project. Ms James for her part says she has always been the owner of the copyright and that it was her, not the school, who secured the grants to produce the readers, even though the grants were paid to the school. She says she has been motivated only by her passion for teaching Aboriginal children to read by producing a series of culturally appropriate books in Aboriginal English that transition to standard English. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 14 By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend: President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree on drawing up the country's state budget for 2017, said the Turkmen government May 14. The 2017 budget was discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. Turkmen president, who took part in the meeting, underlined the importance of envisaging the further increase in production efficiency and introduction of advanced technologies in all the sectors of economy while preparing the budget bill. Berdimuhamedov said special attention should be paid to the efficient use of investment opportunities, creation of new enterprises and jobs, and encouraging the private sector. Creation of modern infrastructure in all the regions, improvement of social sphere, and improving the well-being of the Turkmen citizens remain as the key areas, added the president. The revenue part of the Turkmen budget is mainly formed from such sectors as the oil and gas, chemicals, electric power industry, and construction. One of the hardest parts of college is that everyone in first year is very vulnerable; there are a whole heap of kids who are young and naive in a new city. They don't know who to trust but they need to trust someone. It's a ripe ground for people to make mistakes, and for others, especially older, more established residents, to prey on people's vulnerability. I feel really torn about my time at college. I came to college straight out of high school and for the most part it was an amazing experience and I made some incredibly close friendships. But I also experienced a lot of things that made me feel uncomfortable. Uni is a time in your life when you experience newfound freedoms and on top of that at college you can have this heightened sexual culture. You have boys and girls living together in close quarters and there can be social expectations to experiment. At the same time a lot of people come to college with very little experience of sex, so these expectations make them feel uncomfortable. There is a reason why so much sex that happens at college is when people are drunk. I would greatly advocate for comprehensive sex education during O week for college students. You might sleep with someone and then they might sleep with your best friend the next week. You have to adapt to those kinds of experiences, which is the reality of living in college, if you want to have friends. In this environment I asked a guy I knew to come back to my room. I asked him to use a condom and he agreed. The lights were off, but at some point during sex I realised he wasn't wearing a condom. I consented to protected sex and that's not what we had. He said to me "well you're on the pill aren't you" which I wasn't. A few days later I told my residential supervisor and they organised all my medical care and offered me personal support. However, no one ever suggested what happened to me was something I could report, because I think they themselves were uninformed about what reporting protocols to follow in situations like this. A Perth nurse has won the nation's highest nursing honour for her work developing a leading a program that has seen a 15 per cent reduction in the need for blood transfusions at a Perth hospital. Angie Monk, who works at Ramsay Health Care's Joondalup Health Campus, was named Nurse of the Year at the 2016 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards in Melbourne on Thursday night. Nurse Angie Monk has won Australia's top nursing honour. Credit:Chris Kershaw After a 40-year career in nursing and midwifery, Ms Monk was rewarded for her innovative blood management program for patients undergoing major surgery which reduces the need for transfusions. Ms Monk said blood management was a "emerging paradigm of healthcare", where the patient's own blood is circulated instead of them receiving a blood transfusion. PHILIPSBURG:---- In connection with the celebration of Career Day the children of the Fun and Learn Play School in Madame State brought a surprise visit to the police headquarters in Philipsburg on Friday May 13th 2016. The children who were dressed in different uniforms representing the different professions were accompanied by the teachers and caretakers of that school. The children conducted themselves very well and will definitely form part of the professionals of the future for country Sint Maarten. Among the group there were three children dressed in a police uniform. One particular child by the name of Kiki Anselm was dressed in a complete replica of the original police uniform of the KPSM which made quite an impression on the police officers that were on duty. It was definitely a pleasure for the officers to spend little time talking to the children and take many pictures with them. The visit of these children to the police station drew a lot of attention from persons passing by. Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson who was also present on behalf of the police chief and the management team congratulated the teachers for a job well-done and wished them much success in the future. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 14 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: Mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) may visit Baku in the near future to discuss financing for the second phase of the largest Azerbaijani Shah Deniz gas and condensate field's development project, new Azerbaijan Country Director for the ADB Nariman Mannapbekov told Trend May 14. "At present, possibilities of the visit are being considered, and this issue has not yet been confirmed," said the director, adding that negotiations on the project haven't started, either. It was earlier reported that the ADB will consider the possibility to allocate loan worth $1.505 billion for the second phase of the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz gas and condensate field's development. The investment plan of the Shah Deniz-2 project's multitranche financing is at the proposal stage. The plan provides a partial credit guarantee (PCG) to support commercial bank financing of government shares in the amount of 16.67 percent of the project's cost. The project will be implemented by Southern Gas Corridor CJSC. The gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz field's development will be exported to Turkey and to the European markets by means of expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and construction of the Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). ADB was founded in 1966 and has 67 members. The bank's headquarters is located in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Azerbaijan became ADB member on December 22, 1999. The country's share in the bank's capital is 0.5 percent. ADB's leading shareholders are Japan and the United States (31.2 percent of the total share capital), India and China (12.8 percent), Australia, South Korea and Canada (16 percent). Launch of Vancouver SEO Agency To Boost BC Businesses Organic Traffic Online In a slightly different approach to launching its new Organic Traffic Generator to local businesses service, [Vancouver SEO Agency](http://vancouverseoagency.com/), a Digital Marketing in Vancouver, BC has decided it will giving 50% of profits to local food bank, and this is expected to take place on August 21. Where most businesses tend to just do very little to impact the average client, Vancouver SEO Agency has decided to be a little more creative with the start of its new Organic Traffic Generator to local businesses service. Paul Tufts, Founder at Vancouver SEO Agency, says: We wanted to be creative with the launch of our new Organic Traffic Generator to local businesses service because it is our way of giving back to the community. It should be really worthwhile and were hoping it reaches as many local businesses as possible. It should go great unless if Google goes out of business! Vancouver SEO Agency has always made a point of standing out when compared to other Digital Marketers in the Vancouver, BC area. This launch celebration is just one of the many ways it does so. This is a great chance for Vancouver, BC residents to see how local businesses can improve revenues and support a hard working local agency. Vancouver SEO Agency has been serving the Vancouver, BC area since 4/1/14. To date, it has served over more than fifty customers and has become recognized as a leader in the local digital marketing field. It can be found on 11th Ave West near 12th and Arbutus. Paul Tufts also said: While [Vancouver SEO](http://vancouverseoagency.com/search-engine-optimizaton/) Agency may not be the only business with this kind of offering, local residents are choosing Vancouver SEO Agency because we deliver actionable and profitable results. When asked about the new Organic Traffic Generator to local businesses service, Paul Tufts said: We think its going to be a hit because businesses will prosper from the traffic. Further information about Vancouver SEO Agency and the new Organic Traffic Generator to local businesses service can be discovered at http://vancouverseoagency.com/. Who did it best: Cast your vote for the high school football player of the week sports Baku, Azerbaijan, May. 14 By Emil Ilgar - Trend: Iran's oil export to EU increased to 600,000 barrels per day, Rokneddin Javadi, Iran's deputy oil minister said. Iran prefers to sell oil directly to the final consumers, like refineries, and avoids dealing with intermediaries and distributors, Javadi told Mehr news agency on May 13. He added that Russia's Lukoil, Spain's Cepsa, Italy's Saras and Greece's Hellenic Petroleum purchase Iranian oil, while new round of negotiations over oil export to other European companies continue. "Several new deal with European companies, including Italy's Eni will be sealed by summer," he added. Javadi said that currently the EU shares 30-35 percent in Iran's total oil export. He added that currently Iran exports 2 million barrels per day (mb/d) of crude oil as well as 0.5 mb/d of gas condensate in total. According to the International Energy Agency's latest report, published on May 12, Iran's oil output and export stood at 3.56 mb/d and 2 mb/d in April respectively. Before sanctions, Iran was exporting 2.2 mb/d of crude oil including 0.8 mb/d to the EU. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 14 By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend: Turkmenistan and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have held a dialogue about the possibility of developing the mutually beneficial international cooperation, read a message from Turkmenistan's Foreign Ministry. A WTO delegation arrived in Ashgabat to participate in a forum titled "Central Asia and Multilateral Trading System" of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). Aside from that, discussions were held during a meeting with Director of the WTO Accessions Division Chiedu Osakwe at Turkmenistan's Foreign Ministry. The meeting emphasized the important aspects of Turkmenistan's policy aimed at diversification and modernization of the country's economic potential and implementation of large-scale socio-economic programs and projects. Work has been underway on Turkmenistan's accession to the WTO since early 2013. A government commission has been also created for this purpose. A look at the WIAA soccer playoff field entering sectional play Here's a look at the sectional semifinals Thursday night and the possible matchups for the finals Saturday. This artist's concept depicts Kepler-69c, a super-Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of a star like our sun, located about 2,700 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. Kepler-69c is a planet that could be a "super-Venus" or a "super-Earth," depending on how habitable its surface is. At the time of its discovery, however, researchers said the planet had many similarities to Earth and that it is orbiting a star much like our own sun. Hailed as the most Earth-like alien planet when it was discovered, Kepler-69c is an exoplanet about 2,700 light-years from Earth. There has since been some debate about whether it is more like a Venus or an Earth. NASA, for example, noted that Kepler-69c's orbit of 242 days is close to what Venus has in our own solar system. But at the time of its discovery, researchers were discussing the possibility of water, or even a global ocean, on its surface one joked there could be clever dolphins there because Kepler-69c appeared to be orbiting where liquid water was possible. "This was very exciting because it's our first habitable-zone super-Earth around a sun-type star," astronomer Natalie Batalha, a Kepler co-investigator at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., said at the 221st meeting of the American Astronomical Society in January 2013, when the planet candidate's discovery was made public. "It's orbiting a star that's very much like our sun," Batalha added. "Previously the ones we saw were orbiting other types of stars." The diagram compares the planets of the inner solar system to Kepler-69, a two-planet system about 2,700 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. (Image credit: NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech) Potential super-Venus The planet candidate was spotted by the Kepler Space Telescope, which found thousands of other candidates during its primary mission. Over the years, it has found several rocky planets that orbit in the habitable zones of their parent stars, although most of these stars are red dwarfs that are smaller and cooler than the sun. [Related: NASA Finds 1,284 Alien Planets, Biggest Haul Yet, with Kepler Space Telescope] Compared with our own solar system, Kepler-69c's orbit around its star is slightly smaller than that of Earth it's at a distance of about 70 million miles (112 million kilometers) compared to Earth's 93 million miles (150 million km). A year on Kepler-69c takes about 242 Earth-days to complete. A few months after the announcement of the potentially habitable planet, researchers did a new analysis about its orbit and published it in Astrophysical Journal Letters. The team suggested that "even under optimistic conditions," the planet orbits too close to its star to be in the habitable zone. The amount of solar radiation it receives is similar to that of Venus, said the team (which was led by Stephen Kane, an assistant professor at San Francisco State University). Later in 2014, researchers again led by Kane suggested that there should be a "Venus zone" defined for Kepler discoveries. In the Astrophysical Journal Letters, the team specifically cited their own paper on Kepler-69c. They said the planet was initially believed to be habitable, but likely fell more into a Venus category upon further analysis. The group further identified 43 potential Venus analogs, and defined how often they tend to occur for different types of dwarf stars. Additional resources Tehran, Iran, May 14 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: Sanctions on Iranian shipping lines have been completely removed and now there is no problem for Iranian tankers to travel to ports around the world, said National Iranian Tanker Company's CEO Ali Akbar Safaee. He added that Iranian shipping lines have acquired necessary international ranking certificates and their insurance problems, which were imposed under the sanctions, are also completely lifted, the IRNA news agency reported May 13. The official explained that in the wake of the removal of the sanctions foreign ships are also now able to dock at the Iranian ports. He further pointed out that the Iranian shipping lines are in talks with international insurance companies to use their services. Iran currently uses a fleet of 70 tankers to ship oil and gas. Before the sanctions, the ships used mostly to frequent Turkey, China, Japan, India and South Korea as the major customers of the Iranian energy carriers. After six years of inactivity under the strict sanctions, the first Iranian commercial ship docked at a European port in mid-April. The docking marked the reopening of the European Container Line between Iran and Europe, which was suspended in 2010 due to the sanctions imposed by the US and its allies. Berlin (Germany), May 14, 2016 (SPS) - Members of the Bundestag (German Parliament) and representatives of the association Freedom for Western Sahara called for the organization of a self-determination referendum in Western Sahara, according to a communique made public. Frank Heinrich, of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU), Kerstin Tack, of the Social-Democratic party (SPD), Sevim Dagdelen, of the Left Party (Die Linke) and Katja Keul, of the Green Party, called for the organization of a referendum as soon as possible in Western Sahara, according to a communique made public on Thursday, on the occasion of a debate in the Bundestags plenary session on Western Sahara, themed 25 years of ceasefire in Western Sahara- Implementing Resolution 690 of the United Nations, for the holding of the referendum. These members also called for the extension of the United Nations Mission for the Organization of a referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) to the monitoring of human rights. Registered since 1966 on the list of non-autonomous territories, making it eligible to the implementation of resolution 1514 of the United Nations General Assembly, on granting independence to colonized countries and peoples, including Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa, occupied since 1975 by Morocco. (SPS) 062/090/700 Baku, Azerbaijan, May 14 By Emil Ilgar - Trend: Iran has started exporting the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Africa using the ISO tank containers for the first time ever, SHANA reports. African customers asked Iran to deliver LPG to them using the ISO tank containers as they don't have the needed facilities to receive the LPG cargos delivered on ships, Esmaeil Hasham-Firouz, the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company (NIOPDC) deputy managing director for international affairs, said May 14. He said Iran has already exported several LPG cargoes by this way to Africa, but he didn't mention the volume or the value of the exported LPG. According to the official statistics, Iran exported 130,000 tons of LPG in total during the first month of the current fiscal year which started on March 21. This volume is more than the country's total LPG exports during the last fiscal year, which stood at 127,000 tons. Go look in your attic or garage. If you have anything old and interesting, it could be your ticket to get on TV. History Channel show American Pickers is filming in Connecticut this summer, and is looking for local people to feature. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD If theres anyone who has experienced as many Whos the daddy? revelations as Maury Povich, its Paul Faulhaber. Faulhaber has been working with Povich since The Maury Povich Show, which debuted in 1991 when the famed news anchor made the jump to daytime television, was revamped as Maury 18 years ago. Maury, which will air its 3,000th episode on May 25 on WPIX channel 11, has been filmed in Stamford for nearly eight years at the Rich Forum Theater on Atlantic Street, where throngs of audience members stretch down the block after being bused from New York City. While Povich nears 80 years old, Faulhaber said he doesnt see him retiring anytime soon. Maury is still best known and most criticized for its dramatic DNA-test reveals. It frequently features couples unsure of their childrens paternity who turn to the show for answers. There are also lie-detector tests for suspected cheaters and out-of-control teens who are shipped off to boot camp. Maury is celebrating the milestone throughout the month with the top-30 countdown of the most outrageous moments and memorable guests of the show. Faulhabers description of the show is like a Shakespearean drama. Theres cheating and betrayal, desperation and family woes a spectacle on full display for millions of viewers. As Maury likes to say, If youre gonna play, youre gonna pay, Faulhaber said. Unlike the staffers who produce the segments, Faulhaber said Povich learns the paternity results in the same moment as his guests. It's a strategy Povich uses to avoid asking biased questions before the revelation. He takes the audience through it with him, Faulhaber said. The DNA and lie detector reveals employ a classic storytelling arc having a beginning, middle and end to provide suspense and a satisfying conclusion. We really dont want to have a lot of gray area, Faulhaber said. Theres a bad guy, theres a good guy, and at the end, theres a resolution. The classic talk show mistake is, Lets do a show about feuding neighbors. Unless youre going to move someones house or relocate a family, theres no closure. Most of the guests contact the show themselves, and are vetted by employees who screen for good candidates. Faulhaber estimates the show has told the stories of some 45,000 people. People ask me two questions all the time are these people real and where do you find them? Yes, theyre very real. Some of our guests have never left their hometowns and have never experienced something in their lives of such magnitude, he said. Faulhaber is also asked why people choose to air their dirty laundry on television. Imagine when you were back in high school and somebody spread a rumor about you and you wish you could get everyone in the auditorium at one time and dispel the rumor, he said. A lot of women in these small towns are being accused of cheating and this is a way for a person to be vindicated so they can move on with their lives. The show does not usually compensate guests beyond lost wages or an exclusivity fee, Faulhaber said. In the end, theyre offered services to help deal with what can be an intensely emotional experience played out in front of a studio audience. Theres been no guest quite like Marisol, a woman whose child has been paternity tested 17 times. It takes a brave person to keep walking into the fire like that, Faulhaber said. Maury moved to Stamford along with The Jerry Springer Show and The Steve Wilkos Show, making the city a hotbed for tabloid talk shows, which are distributed through NBCUniversal at its Landmark Square offices. Faulhaber said Povich manages to bring guests joy and bad news in equal measure. Hes just really smart, Faulhaber said. Not only does he have this incredible understanding of the business were in, hes a great listener. He makes a very hard job look easy. A lot of hosts have come and gone, but hes been sitting down with these guests for 25 years. The man still has his fastball and his curveball, and as he gets old, he needs a little bit of a knuckle ball. For the 3,000th episode, the producers managed to find the DNA babies who were paternity tested some 15 years ago. When we tracked them down, we found a lot of great stories of fathers who remained in their kids lives, Faulhaber said. Now theyre 16, 17, going into the military, going to college, straight-A students. Faulhaber said its stories like these that bring the DNA genre to life. There are so many people walking around the United States who dont know who their fathers are, he said. People have a right to know. eskalka@scni.com Information gathered by the 2015 Millennial Workforce study indicates that millennials are now the largest generation in the workforce. And by 2017, they're expected to have a monumental spending power of around $200 billion dollars a year. In other words -- if you want a successful modern business, you need to attract the millennial market. Unfortunately, simply advertising your product, service or brand using the same methods that worked on baby-boomers and other consumers won't be enough. The habits of millennial shoppers are different, and these customers come with a whole new set of requirements when it comes to evaluating potential purchases and making buying decisions. This generation doesn't respond to traditional marketing methods. Instead they're searching for authentic, local experiences with brands that share their values, encourage social sharing and listen to their customers. This is why many of the top 50 brands for millennials are experimenting with new ideas and concepts when it comes to reaching out to their consumer base. If you want to take advantage of the lucrative millennial market, then you need to understand which resources they're using to find your business, how they determine who to trust and which marketing techniques appeal to their distinct set of values. Social is everything. Millennials don't want to simply purchase products and services from a brand. They want to engage with that brand, narrowing the gap in the consumer/company relationship. They won't be moved to buy a product based on a sales pitch. Millennials want to find new companies based on recommendations from friends. They want to interact with your website to learn more about your brand and share their own experiences online. Because millennials have grown up in a more connected digital world than other generations, this sense of connection permeates everything they do. Millennials spend about 18 hours a day consuming online media. The majority of that media is created by their peers, in the form of YouTube videos, Facebook and Twitter posts, Snapchat feeds and Instagram. This means that if you want to help generation Y find your company, then social media is a good place to start. Not only do millennials expect brands to be available on social media, but they want to be engaged by them. In fact, 62 percent say that if a brand engages them on social media, they're more likely to become a loyal customer. For millennials, social activity promotes buying activity, which is one of the reasons why it's so important to make it easier for this group to access and share your content -- both by making it mobile friendly and embedding methods for social sharing. Social media is also where millennials exert the majority of their influence over their peers -- another crucial factor in buying decisions. Related: Why Your Company Needs To Be On Snapchat Right Now Millennials trust authentic, user-generated content. While older generations typically rely on traditional media like television and print advertisements, millennials look to blogs, videos and social media for an authentic insight into which companies they should buy from. In a survey, only 1 percent of millennial consumers suggested that a compelling advertisement would push them to trust a brand. The reason for this is that generation Y values authenticity above all else. They don't want to be "sold to," but instead want to research information about a brand themselves through social sharing, online reviews and blog posts. While millennials don't trust traditional forms of advertising, they're particularly prone to influence from peer opinions on products. For example, around 70 percent of millennials use friends' posts on social media to help them decide whether to buy a product or service. And 84 percent of millennials suggest that user-generated content on company websites, such as forum comments and testimonials, has at least some impact on what they buy. It's no wonder that certain companies have started to encourage the creation of YouTube videos that review everything from cars to cosmetics. To some degree, this reliance on opinion could mean that businesses may benefit by working alongside online influencers such as vloggers, bloggers and instagrammers, as a way of boosting the amount of positive authentic content they share. Related: 4 Strategies to Connect With Millennials Show your local roots. One factor to keep in mind when customizing your marketing strategy to a millennial audience is that the new generation isn't keen on big business. This links back to the fact that millennials prefer to have a relationship with the brands that they buy from, and big businesses are less likely to engage in a two-way conversation with their customers. Millennials are drawn towards businesses that they can make a connection with; so they know where products are coming from and can experience a local brand. This is a great opportunity for small businesses to draw attention to their small town roots. According to recent studies, around 78 percent of millennials are more likely to get involved with a brand if they have had a face-to-face interaction with it. This means maximizing your local experience by reaching out to consumers that live close to your physical stores and generating a more interconnected feeling with consumers through marketing that engages millennials on an offline and online level. Studies indicate that millennials are more likely to share details online with local stores if this means they can access coupons and offers from nearby businesses. Using technology like in-store beacons, signing up for apps like foursquare and prioritizing relevant reviews on websites like yelp will help drive clientele into your store. Related: 9 Things You Need to Know to Give Millennials Great Consumer Service Be different and personal. Finally, if you want millennial customers to not only find, but engage with your brand, then you need to give them a unique, personalized experience. When you're creating a user experience, focus on what makes you different to big box stores and connect with values that are important to your market. For example, linking your business to charitable events and showing you're willing to "give back," is a great way to boost your brand's image. Start conversations with your target audience, and make sure that those conversations involve more listening than talking from your end. If you reach out to millennials where they live -- on social media sites and in offline mediums -- ask them what they need and want, then you'll get a response. That response will lead to results. Millennials want to feel as though they can connect with the brands they engage with, so focus on delivering a friendly, open experience. The millennial generation. While every generation is unique when it comes to buying habits and marketing, the digital age has officially changed the way customers find and engage with brands forever. Millennials won't be the last generation who tie their consumption behaviors to online relationships, so smart marketers need to embrace the new consumer-driven economy if they want to be heard, and appreciated, by the generations of the future. Related: Turn Your Brand into a Millennial Magnet with These 3 Marketing Tips How Do Millennials Find Your Business? Are You Ready for Gen Z? Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The defense is in full swing at Connecticuts school funding trial, CCJEF v. Rell. The state is attempting to make the case that Connecticuts poorest schools do not need any more state funding. As if to hammer home their point, the newly minted deal from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the Democratic legislators slashes nearly $100 million from state education aid. More than $30 million will be cut from the states funding formula, ECS, along with tens of millions cut for school transportation, millions cut from special education; and cuts to additional state aid to Connecticuts poorest districts, such as millions cut from priority school grants and turnaround funds. These state aid reductions will have the most devastating effect in our poorest school districts. As detailed in an earlier column, Hartford is already forced to cut teachers, guidance counselors, intervention specialists and other key staff and programs. Further cuts to state aid will force more deprivation for these already starving schools. How is the state dealing with this reality in court? The testimony of Education Commissioner Wentzell provides a clue. Wentzell, who spent most of her career in wealthy school districts or selective choice programs, repeatedly asserted on the stand that leadership is much more important than money. She even went so far as to claim that (l)eadership without money works very well. When asked whether resources might have something to do with student achievement, she pointedly evaded the question, even when the judge asked her directly. Wentzell clung to her notion that all schools need is leadership even while conceding that CCJEF districts lack adequate basic resources such as guidance counselors. She downplayed the importance of other essential educational resources. For example, despite universal agreement that pre-K improves academic and life outcomes, especially for poor children, Wentzell said she did not know whether pre-K helps close achievement gaps. She also discounted the shortage of library and media specialists in Connecticuts poorest districts. Wentzell sang a different tune at Connecticuts All-State Music Festival, just days after her testimony. The All-State Festival selects, based on auditions, student musicians from across the state from among those who already made the cut in earlier regional festivals. The students who were selected spent two days rehearsing with guest conductors, then performed for the public at the Connecticut Convention Center. Addressing the audience and more than 400 student-musicians before the concerts, Wentzell emphasized that music is essential to a quality education; claiming she and the state are committed to music education in Connecticuts public schools. Although the festival took place in Hartford, not one Hartford student participated in the concerts. Nor were there students from Bridgeport, Windham, New Britain or New London schools all CCJEF plaintiff districts. The concert participants were virtually all from Connecticuts wealthier districts. It is not that talent only resides in Connecticuts affluent towns. In Bridgeport, because of a lack of resources, instrumental programs are virtually nonexistent. There is no instrumental program in elementary school and very little in middle school. Harding High School had no music teacher until last year. Only one Bridgeport high school has a small band. The story is similar in Hartford. Many schools cannot offer any music classes at all. There is no instrumental music in Windhams elementary schools, except for the higher-funded STEM magnet, and very little in middle school. As a result, Windhams high school music programs are small. New Britain has to rely on outside grants to try to cobble together an elementary music program. Children in our poorest districts have little exposure to music education and their talent goes undeveloped. Does Commissioner Wentzell think that leadership will enable these districts to conjure flutes and violins from thin air? The contradictory messages Wentzell sent in court and on the stage at the All-State Festival are telling. For her, children in Connecticuts poorest districts do not need essentials such as guidance counselors, pre-K, libraries, or music, as long as they have leadership. But children in Connecticuts wealthiest districts can have it all. Wentzell, Malloy and our other state leaders are clearly content with the status quo of two Connecticuts: well-appointed schools in wealthy mostly white towns, and our poorest schools, serving our neediest children and mostly children of color, unable to provide the basics. Let us hope that the judge sees the injustice Connecticuts political leaders refuse to acknowledge. Wendy Lecker is a columnist for the Hearst Connecticut Media Group and is senior attorney at the Education Law Center. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 14 By Fatih Karimov - Trend: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Tehran the next week, Saurabh Kumar, India's ambassador to Iran, said May 14, Fars news agency reported. The visit will pave the path for boosting mutual trade between the two countries, the Indian diplomat forecasted. Trade turnover between Tehran and New Delhi currently stands at $15 billion, Kumar said, adding that crude oil and oil products hold the lion's share of the figure. Expressing New Delhi's willingness to invest in the Iranian gas sector, Kumar said India will soon resume its activities at the Farzad-B gas field. Iran's Farzad-B field, estimated to have 21.68 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, was discovered by Indian explorers in 2012, but no formal contract has been signed so far to use its resources. The international sanctions on Iran, which were removed last January following the historic nuclear deal, prevented both sides from making any headway in the commercial exploitation of the reserves. Reportedly, during Modi's upcoming trip, Tehran and New Delhi will finalize a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on developing the gas field. Elsewhere in his remarks, Kumar said the framework of a preferential tariff agreement between the two countries is ready. Once the deal is signed the trade between Iran and India will witness an increase, he added. The diplomat further expressed India's readiness to invest in the urea and ammonium projects in the Chabahar Special Economic Zone, in southeastern Iran. Thanks to the proximity of the Chabahar port to India, investing in the Chabahar Special Economic Zone will be affordable for the Indian side, he added. New Delhi has recently proposed investing $20 billion in petrochemical projects, including LNG plants, in that area. The port has also caught India's eye as a transport joint in that it could be used to beat China's Gwadar port project in the neighboring Pakistan. Tehran, Iran, May 11 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Iran in late May. As he prepares for the two-day trip, energy projects which have long been discussed between the two countries, are the most relevant topics of discussions. Modi, as the top Indian official, may prove to be the harbinger of a will to push the discussions into some final agreements. Tehran invited Modi for the visit in January, which Modi accepted. The first of Iranian energy projects now available to India is the Farzad-B oil field. The field is a rich source of oil and gas condensates in southern Iran. A preliminary contract for the exploration and expansion of the field was signed between Iran and a consortium of three Indian companies in 2000. The Indian side however went no further than the exploration phase. Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Roknoddin Javadi recently said it is predicted that the contract for developing the gas filed will be signed by Iran and India in the current year. India is also interested in running projects in Chabahar Port in southeastern Iran. Recently, New Delhi proposed investing $20 billion in petrochemical projects, including LNG plants, in the area. The port has also caught India's eye as a transport joint in that it could be used to beat China's Gwadar port project in neighboring Pakistan. In April, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh called on India to invest in Iran's petrochemical projects saying that the country is ready to provide the Indian companies that invest in petrochemical projects with natural gas. The oil minister also voiced Iran's interest in exporting gas to India. Over the past decade, Tehran held talks with Delhi for exporting its gas to India through a pipeline crossing Pakistan, but later India opted out of the project. Iran holds 971 trillion cubic feet of gas and its main gas fields in the Persian Gulf are very easy for India to reach. Now, Iran and India are pursing the transfer of gas via pipe on the seabed. So far the Indian side has proposed to construct a $4.5 billion seabed pipeline for taking Iran's gas. Indians have also put forward a project for the construction of a LNG production unit in Chabahar. India has interest in setting up a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant and a gas cracker in Chabahar, said Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas of India Dharmendra Pradhan while on a visit to Iran on April 11. There is also the Binaloud oil field. A consortium led by India's ONGC Videsh in 2008 discovered the field off the Farsi offshore block. The consortium is now keen to seal a contract for developing the oil field. Furthermore, India is currently the main consumer of agricultural fertilizers and Iran is a main producer of the products. India is looking forward to investing $20 billion in fertilizer plants in Chabahar through a credit line. Four units are defined for the production of ammonia and four other units for the production of methanol in Chabahar, all of which have caught India's eye. The credit line defined for the fertilizer projects, however, seems also to have something to do with India's oil debt to Iran. New Delhi has not been able to return $6.5 billion to Iran for the oil it has purchased from the Islamic Republic during the time of sanctions. India is a major importer of Iranian oil. Its oil imports from Iran fell by about a quarter in 2015 dropping to 220,000 barrels per day as Indian refiners slowed purchases early in the year to keep imports within the limits of international sanctions against Iran. However, in May this year Indian refiners together imported 506,100 bpd oil from Iran, a jump of about 135 percent from February. Iran holds 132 billion barrels of oil. India's oil output covers only one tenth of its need with a vast area and a population of 1.3 billion. Mehdi Sepahvand is Trend Agency's Tehran-based reporter. Follow him on Twitter @mehdisepahvand A British Islamic extremist who idolised Jihadi John has been jailed for life for planning a terror attack on American military personnel in Britain. Delivery driver Junead Khan, 25, was a "committed supporter" of Islamic State and plotted to kill a soldier in a "Jihadi John"-style knife attack. His uncle, Shazib Khan, 23, from Luton, was also jailed for 13 years for engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, namely planning to fight with Daesh in Syria. Junead Khan used his agency job with a pharmaceutical firm as cover to scout United States Air Force bases in East Anglia for potential victims. He plotted to kill American personnel with a large knife, and at one stage planned to build a pressure cooker bomb, which he would detonate as a suicide device if anyone tried to arrest him. Outlining the plot, Mr Justice Edis said Junead Khan planned to ram his victim with his delivery car and then butcher them to death in a plot chillingly reminiscent of the murder of Fusilier Rigby. Terror plot: an image of a combat knife Junead Khan looked at online / Metropolitan Police He said: "He could use his van to crash into them and then attack them with a large knife. "He particularly wanted to have a knife like that used by Jihadi John to behead defenceless prisoners for propaganda purposes." "All Junead Khan needed was a vehicle, a knife and a target. He had all those," he added. Detectives discovered Khan had been exchanging chilling online messages with an Islamic State fighter in Syria calling himself Abu Hussain. Prosecutors claimed Hussain was British-born fanatic Junaid Hussain, who was killed in a US drone strike in the IS stronghold of Raqqa just weeks after his link with the planned UK attack was discovered. One message described an attack on military personnel which they compared with the brutal murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich in 2013. In a chilling exchange Khan told the suspected Daesh member how he had missed an opportunity to kill US Soldiers on his rounds as a delivery driver in Bedfordshire, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, writing: "When I saw these US soldiers on road it just looked simple but I had nothing on me or would've got into an accident with them and made them get out the car." His contact replied, "That's what the brother done with Lee Rigby" Sentencing him on Friday at Kingston Crown Court, Mr Justice Edis said: "Junead Khan was not far from the commission of the murder to be committed by horrifying method in the street in order to create terror and terrorist propaganda in this country. "His offence was so serious that a life sentence must be imposed." Khan, from Luton, stared straight ahead as he was handed the sentence after being found guilty of preparing terrorist acts between May and July last year, and being ordered to serve a minimum of 12 years. Terror pair: Shazib Khan was also jailed for 13 years / Metropolitan Police He had also been found guilty of, jointly with his uncle, Shazib Khan, 23, of preparing to go to Syria to join IS. Shazib Khan was given an extended sentence of 13 years in prison, and will have to serve eight years in custody. The judge said the pair, who are of Bangladeshi backgrounds, had been radicalised by the banned terror group Al-Muhajiroun. Police arrested Khan last July and discovered pictures on his phone of him posing in his bedroom with an IS-style black flag, which was later found in the attic. His computer was found to contain an al Qaida bomb manual and Amazon searches for a large combat knife. Police officers also recovered British and US flags stolen from a diner in Dunstable - which they believe were potentially to be used for a symbolic act during the terrorist attack. Officers painstakingly trawled through approximately 66,000 text messages, social media messages and emails to piece together how the Khans planned to travel to Syria. The pair spoke of "jihad" training and in one message to an unidentified person, Shazib Khan talked of becoming a martyr, saying: "I've always had that dream to become shaheed [Muslim martyr] on the path of Allah." The two men shared graphic videos and images of soldiers being tortured and killed by Daesh, and sought advice on how to travel to Daesh-dominated territory in Syria. Junead compiled lists of combat gear he would need for his life in Syria and sent Shazib Khan pictures of himself posing in front of a flag. Speaking after the sentencing, Commander Dean Haydon, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command said: "Junead Khan's ambition was to attack an innocent US soldier on our streets. He sought inspiration from terrorist videos, bomb-making guides and contacts in Syria. "My officers raked through thousands of text messages and computer files to prove his plot and plans to travel to Syria with Shazib Khan, to fight alongside Daesh. "Working together, the police, its partners and communities can prevent attacks like Junead Khan's being carried out. "If you notice suspicious behaviour or are concerned someone you know is being radicalised, please call the confidential Anti-Terrorist hotline or seek advice on the Prevent Tragedies website. T his is the face of a mystery man who was found dead on top of a remote hillside after travelling by train from Ealing. The body of the smartly dressed pensioner who police have nicknamed Neil Dovestone - was found on Saddleworth Moor in December last year. Police today released an artists impression of his face the first forensic image of the man whose true identity remains unknown. The black and white image will by circulated all over the world in a bid to solve the mystery as to why the pensioner - believed to be aged between 65 and 70 - took the 200 mile trip from Ealing to his death on a hillside called Indians Head in the Pennines. Officers from Greater Manchester Police are keen for the picture to be circulated in Pakistan, as they believe he has links to the country, according to The Guardian. CCTV of mystery man found dead by reservoir Grainy CCTV images of the man at Ealing Broadway station, where he is believed to have started his journey on the morning of December 11, have already been released by police. He took a train from London Euston to Manchester before travelling to Greenfield, Saddleworth, where he visited a pub at about 2pm and asked the landlord how to get to the top of the 1,500ft Indians Head peak above Dovestone reservoir. The next morning, a mountain biker found him dead lying on his back with his hands folded by his side beside a moorland path, showing no signs of injury. All he possessed were three train tickets, including a return to London, 130 in cash in 10 notes and a small empty bottle of pills which detectives believe contained a poison he died from. Toxicology tests found traces of one of the worlds most toxic poisons strychnine and the drug Reserpine, which is used in some countries to treat high blood pressure, in his blood. His cause of death has yet to be confirmed by an inquest. The Guardian reports that police believe the key to the case could lie in a metal plate fitting inside his leg between 2001 and 2005 in Pakistan. Mystery: The man travelled from Ealing Broadway to Saddleworth Moor / Greater Manchester Police Detectives are hoping analysis of the leg injury could lead to a particular hospital or surgeon in the south Asian country to help reveal his identity. A gang of car thieves who conspired to steal high value motors from the most affluent areas of the capital has been jailed for a total of 20 years. The three men travelled across London and the Home Counties, striking in the early hours and taking cars from outside of victims' homes. The Lithuanian gang targeted BMWs and other high-value vehicles with electronic ignitions, using specialist equipment to clone the cars' digital keys. The vehicles would then be broken down at an unknown location or would be given new identities in order to be sold on. The men denied the offences but were found guilty following a 16-week trial and were jailed at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Vitalius Lapinskas, 41, of Lawrence Crescent, Dagenham was found guilty and jailed for four and a half years for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and 18 months to run consecutively for conspiracy to receive stolen goods. Juozas Franckevicius, 37, of Hedingham Road, Dagenham was found guilty and jailed for four years for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and five years consecutively for conspiracy to receive stolen goods. Edmundas Barkauskas, 36, of Hedingham Road, Dagenham was found guilty of conspiracy to receive stolen goods and was sentenced to five years imprisonment. The men were caught following an investigation by officers from the London Crime Squad in August 2014 following a spate of thefts of high value vehicles across London and the Home Counties. DI Garry Poole, from the London Crime Squad, said: "This was a highly sophisticated organised criminal gang responsible for a high volume of vehicle thefts within London and the Home Counties over a prolonged period. "The sentences given send a clear message that the police and courts will robustly deal with those involved in this type of criminality." A man in his 20s has been shot dead in east London. Police were called to reports of shots being fired and a crash in Leyton in the early hours of Saturday. The victim was found with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead soon afterwards. A murder investigation has been launched following what was at least the third shooting in London in less than 72 hours. Police and LAS respond to another shooting this week in Brixton / @LAS_JRU/Twitter Two attacks on Thursday left four victims critically and seriously injured in Forest Hill and Brixton. Police were called to the latest attack, near the junction of Melbourne Road and Capworth Street, at about 3.15am on Saturday. Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Packer, who is leading the investigation, said: The motive for the shooting is unclear at this stage. I need to hear from witnesses who saw anything suspicious in Leyton early on Saturday morning, and from anyone who has information that may help the murder investigation. Police await formal identification but the victims relatives have been informed. A post-mortem will take place on Sunday. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Anyone with information should call the incident room at the Homicide and Major Crime Command on 020 8345 3865. A young mum has urged parents to get their childs vision checked out after her daughter lost her eye to cancer a week on from visiting the opticians with a squint. Four-year-old Eliza Thomas spent months going blind in one of her eyes after developing a rare cancer known as retinoblastoma, which affects children and babies under five. Her mother April Thomas, from Soho, decided to take her daughter for an eye test in central London after noticing she had a squint in her right eye, which was due to an undetected tumour. Opticians at the Vision Express branch on Oxford Street spotted the tumour and immediately referred Eliza for emergency care at Moorfields Eye Hospital. A week later, she had undergone life-saving eye surgery and now wears an artificial eye. Eliza during her recovery from her operation Ms Thomas, who gave up her job in recruitment to take care of her child, told the Standard: When I took her to the opticians, the most I thought she would come home with was a pair of correction glasses or an eye patch. After the optician said she needed to be referred to emergency care, I immediately went into panic mode. It was very emotional and so upsetting. No-one wants to hear that their child has cancer. Mum-of-two Ms Thomas is now calling on parents to take their child to their GP or optician if they have concerns about their eyes as she believes it could help save lives. Research conducted by the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) revealed that less than one in three parents have ever had their childs eyes checked and that half of parents did not know that children could get eye cancer. Patrick Tonks, chief executive of CHECT, said: Parents usually know when their little one is unwell but with retinoblastoma children often seem perfectly happy and healthy so its much harder to spot. Ashwin Reddy, lead clinician of ophthalmology and retinoblastoma services at the Royal London hospital and consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital said: If parents have got any concerns anything relating to a squint or an abnormal reflex in the eye - they should take their child to their GP urgently to be assessed. Retinoblastoma has a very high cure rate; survival is about 99 per cent over five years if we can get to the child quick enough. Eliza has now returned to school Eliza, who has just returned to school after recovering from her operation at the Royal London hospital last October, will soon be fitted with a painted prosthetic eye that will match her left eye. Ms Thomas said: She has coped very, very well. It hasnt even knocked her confidence. "She hasnt changed since the surgery, not one single bit. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 14 By Fatih Karimov - Trend: Malaysian AirAsia will resume direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tehran from June, the company's Executive Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said. Iran's Civil Aviation Organization has issued permission for AirAsia to resume flights to Iran, Fars news agency reported May 14. The Malaysian airline will launch three flights from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International airport to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok and vise versa every week, Meranun said. He further said that AirAsia plans to increase the number of flights to one flight every day in the future. The company also eyes to launch flights from Iran to Indonesia, China, Australia, Japan and Philippine as well in the future, he added. He explained that the company was forced to cut its flights to Tehran in 2012, due to sharp fluctuation in Iran's exchange market. Under a deal clinched last year between Iran and the world powers, the nuclear sanctions imposed by the west on Tehran was lifted in January in return for scaling down the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. Following that several international airlines has expressed their intention to restart flights to Tehran. A woman suffered a head injury after being hit by a car in south-west London. The woman, a pedestrian thought to be in her mid-50s, was taken to hospital after the crash in Kingston just before 2pm. The Metropolitan Police initially said the collision involved a bus and the woman had been seriously hurt. In a later update, a spokesman said the vehicle was a car and fortunately the woman's head injury was no longer believed to be serious. No arrests have been made. L abour councillor and junior doctor Rosena Allin-Khan has been selected as the party's candidate for the Tooting by-election. Born and raised in the area, Dr Allin-Khan works as an A&E doctor at St George's Hospital in Tooting and is also deputy leader of Wandsworth Labour group. Sadiq Khan's announced his intention to step down as MP for the south west London seat after he was elected mayor of London. Commenting on the selection, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "Labour has selected a great candidate to fight the Tooting by-election. "Rosena Allin-Khan is a local doctor who is committed to defending local NHS Services." Dr Allin-Khan describes herself as passionate about the NHS, her family and singing. Expressing his delight at her selection, the new London mayor tweeted: "Congrats to good friend @DrRosena - our Labour candidate to be Tooting's next MP. Look forward to working together." C ockneys are becoming a dying breed in one east London borough, according to a new BBC documentary. The film, the Last Whites of the East End, claims that white British people are leaving the borough in such numbers that 73 per cent of the local population is now made up of black and minority ethnic people. The borough, in the shadow of the Olympic Park was historically almost all white working class, home mostly to dockworkers who moved in during the 1800s. However, according to the documentary, more than half of the white population has left Newham in the past 15 years alone, resettling in places like Essex. While in the same period, seventy thousand immigrants have moved into the borough, meaning it now has the lowest percentage of white British residents of anywhere in London. Newham is now the most multicultural place in the UK, with 147 languages spoken across the borough. One man says in the documentary: Its hard to find somebody who speaks English in Newham. Weve always been a country where immigration plays a part, but not on the scale you find now. You go from Aldgate to Barking and there is very few English people left. Children at one local primary school, Drew Primary in Docklands, speak 43 different languages, with a new non-English speaking pupil arriving each week. Australian head teacher Emma Peltier said she believes the schools multiculturalism to be a positive thing. She said: We no longer live in a mono-cultural society, we have 43 languages spoken and at least once a week we have a child arrive who has no English. Really quickly children pick up the language. Schools and children can be a fantastic way of people assimilating into society because children dont see colour and children dont see religion. Last Whites of the East End airs on BBC1 on Tuesday, May 24, at 10.45pm. A Londoner has launched a campaign to help a Syrian family who survived a kidnapping by Islamic State and lost two children to bomb attacks. The family-of-five fled their home city of Homs, which has been all but destroyed by the fighting, and made it to Greece where they stayed in a military-run refugee camp. London-based Gillian Seely is asking people to donate funds to help the family, who had resigned themselves to returning to Syria following two months struggling to survive in the camp, where they complained of a lack of food and facilities as well as difficulties trying to claim asylum. Ms Seely said she and her husband Eric, who travelled to Greece last month to help the masses of refugees arriving there, met the Syrian family as they were leaving the camp in tears with their belongings in bin bags. The mother of the Syrian family, who used to work as a nurse, managed to escape with her daughter after being kidnapped by IS, and two of the family's children died in bomb attacks. After hearing their plight, the volunteers used what little money they had left from their aid trip to put them up in a hotel and have since teamed up with a Spanish charity to fund their Airbnb accommodation. So far, well-wishers have donated more than 800 to a GoFundMe page. Questioning the reaction of authorities to refugees hoping to claim asylum in Europe, Ms Seely, who is originally from the US, said it seemed as though volunteers were being left to help those who need it most. In an online blog Ms Seely, who works with Pearson in London, wrote: "Sadly, our bank accounts will dry up, the Airbnb will expire and we will go through this cycle many times over with no guarantee of the border opening or these people being accepted. "Our love for these people will not dry up. We (independent volunteers) will do what we can to help anyone we can in whatever way we can, even at great personal expense and risk ... but what does it say about a society when those elected to represent us choose to turn their backs?" As well as sorting accommodation for the family, the volunteers are hopeful they can help them with their asylum claim. A Shoreditch cafe owner has hit out at "over-officious local government bureaucracy" as she was slapped with 200 worth of fines after putting a pot plant on the pavement. Danni Orsi, 27, was first hit with a fixed penalty notice earlier this month for wilful obstruction of the highway and having an item outside without authority or a license after she left a small bay tree opposite her shop. Ms Orsi opened Joe's Kid in Fashion Street about 18 months ago, named in honour of her late grandfather. The ornamental shrub was a 75 gift from her mother, which had been purchased from BUNCH, another independent business opposite Hackney Downs station. She told the Standard she had spoken to the shop keeper opposite, who had agreed to let her place the tree outside his off licence to point customers in her direction. Business owner: Danni Orsi set up the business in Fashion Street (Konrad Dziedzic ) / Konrad Dziedzic However, she was forced to remove the offending tree from opposite the cafe when officials from Tower Hamlets Council handed down the fine. Ms Orsi then instead put up a small A board in an attempt to advertise her business, which is hidden away on a corner, but was yesterday hit with another 100 fine. Ms Orsi told the Standard :"The plants and the A board are the only push to attract attention to my business - I'm not a criminal - I just work seven days a week and love what I do. "It's ironic that the council allow landlords - understandably - to put scaffolding on a pavement but a start up, independent entrepreneurial businesses like mine - supposedly something the government see as essential for the growth of the British economy - get suffocated by over-officious local government bureaucracy. First fine: Ms Orsi received a penalty earlier this month for leaving a pot plant on the pavement (Danni Orsi) / Dani Orsi "This is why it's so hard for independent businesses like me, the council want to contract out - they will end up with a Starbucks on every corner." She also said she believes the fine the size of the fine is disproportionate, adding: "Obviously you're meant to have licence and I understand that but the pavement outside is very, very small. "That's why I put it on the other side of the road, where it's larger. "I just want to know, where did 100 come from? Why not 20 or 50? It's only a 17 A board. Second fine: Ms Orsi received a fixed penalty yesterday for displaying an A board (Danni Orsi) / Dani Orsi "That's over two days wages if you're on minimum wage. With small business it's so competitive and you do what you can. "It's crazy money, impossible bills, it's all too hard, beyond hard. "I know there are rules and regulations, but where's the humaneness of it all?" Another local eaterie, the Elmore Jam has started a crowdfunding page, and has so far raised more than 50 to cover the cost of the "unfair" plant pot fine. Ms Orsi added: "All our local businesses know each other. It's kind of like EastEnders, we're all one big family." A spokesman from Tower Hamlets Council said: "Any business that places an item on the public highway requires a Public Footway Licence. "This is to ensure adequate pedestrian movement, whilst also enabling the business to legally place items, or allow an encroachment of their business, onto the public highway, where there is sufficient space. "Licence applications are readily available from Tower Hamlets Council Market Services." H undreds of snappily dressed cyclists descended on central London for a mass tweed-themed bike ride. Riders formed a sea of flat caps, tweed jackets and twirly moustaches as they hit the streets on penny farthings and all manner of vintage cycles for the eighth annual Tweed Run. The leisurely 12-mile ride saw the smartly-dressed peleton gather in Clerkenwell before heading west past a host of landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Natural History Museum. Delighted onlookers brandishing camera phones lined the route as the mass of cyclists sailed past in a blaze of green, brown and grey and a symphony of bike bells. Tweed Run: Cyclists gather in Clerkenwell before setting off / REUTERS/Hannah McKay Joe Black, who was cycling through Bayswater when he stumbled upon the Tweed Run, told the Standard: "I turned a corner and suddenly I was inside this throng of tweed, I didn't know what was going on. "Everyone looked very smart and they all seemed to be having a great time. The group stretched as far as I could see in front of me and behind. There was a penny farthing rider in amongst them and there weren't many cars getting through. The Tweed Run makes it to Bayswater Road "The sun was out so I did worry they might be getting a bit hot, but they were taking a relaxed pace at least." The organisers said ahead of the event: The Tweed Run is a metropolitan bicycle ride with a bit of style. We take to the streets in our well-pressed best, and cycle through the city's iconic landmarks. Along the way, we stop for a tea break and a picnic stop, and we usually end with a bit of a jolly knees-up. A ctivists scuffled with police and brought traffic to a standstill in central London as they staged a protest against Topshop. About 150 protesters descended on Oxford Circus chanting Topshop, shame on you and holding banners aloft in a demonstration over cleaners wages. Flares were let off as the crowd filled the middle of the busy junction beside the fashion giants store and halted traffic for about 20 minutes. They then marched down Oxford Street, rushing towards the entrance of a John Lewis store where police scrambled to stop them entering and faced off with several protesters. Protesters block traffic outside and let off flares out Topshop in Oxford Street / Joe Nerssessian/PA The protesters were calling for a "living wage" for cleaners who work at the fashion giant. They also claimed two cleaners had been sacked or suspended after joining a union and held banners saying Reinstate the Topshop Two. Aysan Dennis, from protest group Class War, said: We want our voices heard. This is a class war. The group later gathered outside Marble Arch Topshop, forcing the store to close its shutters, leaving dozens of shoppers locked inside for around 15 minutes. Protesters outside Topshop at Oxford Street / Alan Schneiderman A large number of police officers surrounded the store to keep them out. Teresa Grey, from United Voices Of The World, said the group took to the streets to "make their voices heard." She said: "Two Topshop cleaners joined our union. For that, one was sacked, the other suspended." A spokeswoman said Topshop's cleaners are employed by another firm, as it outsources the work. The suspension and dismissal had nothing to do with joining a union, she said. They are 7.50 an hour - above the national minimum wage of 7.20 but below the London Living Wage, set at 9.40 per hour. D ocumentary maker Nick Broomfield says he is happy to make his new film about Whitney Houston without the approval of her family. Broomfield, who has previously trained his camera on subjects including Kurt Cobain and rapper Tupac Shakur, said his reasons would "become apparent" when the film comes out. He told Variety:"I feel strongly I cannot do a particularly insightful film into what happened with Whitney Houston and her life with the estate's approval." He said her "meteoric rise and tragic fall" raised questions about her career. Houston, who died in 2012, sold around 200 million records in her lifetime but struggled with drink and drugs which contributed to her death when she drowned in the bath. The documentary is due out next year. T here are many pleasures to be found in watching the Eurovision Song Contest. While some of the highlights come from the hilariously OTT staging, dodgy lyrics, and high levels of camp everywhere, other come from Graham Nortons hilarious commentary. Following on the legacy left behind by the brilliant Sir Terry Wogan, Norton takes the entire show with a pinch of salt, unafraid to crack jokes about the acts, the introductory videos, and absolutely everything else. Here are some of his funniest lines from the 2016 final. 1) On Belgiums opening song Whats The Pressure: I think the pressure is being 19 and being asked to open this show. 2) Introducing Hungarys act Freddie: You mustnt worry about Freddie. If he does well tonight, hes always got that hotel management degree. 3) On Italys ambitious staging: Its something to do with the tree of life and a seed. How to throw the ultimate Eurovision party at home 1 /12 How to throw the ultimate Eurovision party at home Just follow these 8 easy steps... JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty Images Step 1: Set a dress code Dressing in the most awful, Euro-tastic outfits is essential to the night. Wrap yourself in tin foil like Ukraine's act in 2007, use a pot of gel and bottle of hairspray for Jedward or a brunette wig and beard to create the ultimate Conchita look. Or for the more old school guest, go ABBA. The Eurovision is more about the costume than the songs for some, so your party should be too. The wackier the better... Step 2: Flags, Flags and more Flags Decorations are obviously a must, but you dont have to worry, its pretty simple flags! Flags on doors, walls, windows and even in your food and drinks. Any country that has a space in the grand final deserves a space in your house. Bernard / imageBROKER/REX/Shutterstock Step 3: Swedish Drinks Only Considering that this years Eurovision is going to be held in Stockholm, it seems only right that Swedish traditions have an invite to your party - so it's time to hit the hard stuff. Brannvin, or Burn-wine, is a Swedish special liquor distilled from potatoes. Vodka is the purest form of Brannvin, and is usually seasoned with herbs to create an Akvavit. For the real party animals, it can also be drunk as snaps, also known as a nubbe, in a small shot glass alongside a meal. For the less daring maybe, lager beer and sweet cider is also very popular in Sweden. And if you really want to get creative, why not make the Swedish mule cocktail - chin chin! Step 4: Play drinking Games With all these drinks involved, of course there needs to be a Eurovision-themed drinking game? Take a responsible sip every time you see or hear the following...an act wearing sunglasses on stage, when someone says Sweden', there are dancers that have no relevance to the song - whatsoever, there is an act wearing practically nothing, someone is wearing tin foil - again, when the presenter shouts Good Evening and finally, when a country's performance is unusually amusing. Rex Step 5: Party food With people flocking to IKEA in search of its famous Swedish meatballs, why not give it a run for its money with a delicious selection of Swedish party food. We suggest you go heavy on the meatballs and throw in a few cinnamon buns and potato dumplings for good measure. Step 6: Do a sweepstake While watching this gloriously tacky competition, why not engage in a little competition of your own? Organise a sweepstake amongst your guests, choosing one person per country and a pound to enter, with the jackpot as the prize. You can print out the BBC's handy sweepstake kit from here: bbc.co.uk BBC Step 7: Make a playlist Create the ultimate playlist with Eurovision hits from over the years such as, Rise Like a Pheonix (Conchita), Waterloo (Abba), Flying the Flag (Schooch), Congratulations (Cliff Richard), Lipstick (Jedwood) and Just a little bit (Gina G). It's bound to get the party started and keep the mood up during any ad breaks. Olle Lindeborg/AFP/Getty Step 8: Karaoke to end the night It wouldn't be the ultimate Eurovision party without a spot of karaoke after it's all over. Even if it's not your thing, it usually ends up being the funniest and most memorable part of the night. If you really cant wait until the end of the night, why not put the subtitles on the telly or select the sing along version during the contest? You may want to have a few drinks first... 4) Presenter: "We still have 14 songs to go!" Graham Norton: "She says that like it's a good thing." 5) On Lithuania: Whatever happens, hes got some new sneakers out of the competition so thats good. 6) On Germany: Maybe Im just old and grumpy, but there isnt a single thing about this woman that doesnt annoy me. Every UK Eurovision entry since 1957.mp4 7) On the Netherlands: "He's put 1000 euros on himself to win, I hope he doesn't need that for tattoo laser removal. 8) On Georgia's staging: Theyre doing things that looked embarrassing in 1977. 9) On Georgia (again): I hope Stephen Hawking can explain how that was only three minutes. 10) On Cyprus: "The band performs in cages. I'm not sure who is being protected - them or the audience." 11) On San Marino's points announcer, who introduced himself as a rapper: "Oh, the San Marino rap scene? Its pretty big I hear." Baku, Azerbaijan, May 14 By Fatih Karimov - Trend: Iran and Finland are reviewing the issue of resuming banking ties, Finnish Ambassador to Tehran Harri Kamarainen said, IRNA news agency reported May 14. The issue is under study at the level of foreign ministers, he said, adding the two parties will resume the banking cooperation in the near future. He further said that Helsinki is willing to expand economic and trade ties with Tehran. Finland's ambassador pointed to his country's products such as elevators, diesel engines and Nokia mobile phones, and said that Finland's products are exported to 120 countries and Iran can maintain trade ties with Finland in these sectors. Heading a 100-member delegation, representing 70 companies in the sector of industry, environment, health, forestry and education, Finland's Foreign Trade Minister Lenita Toivakka visited Tehran last December and discussed boosting mutual ties in post-sanctions period with Iranian officials. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is scheduled to visit Helsinki this month for strengthening relations and boosting international and regional cooperation. I ts been a long time since Great Britain had a successful Eurovision Song Contest entry 19 years, in fact, since Katrina and the Waves won in 1997. It remains to be seen whether 2016 act Joe and Jake will change that reputation do they represent the UK's best hope in a while? The pair met when they both auditioned for The Voice UK, and won the Eurovision: You Decide competition to become the British entry. After the duo performed their song Youre Not Alone, Graham Norton praised them, saying: Heads held high well done, Joe and Jake. But on Twitter, opinion was split over whether or not they were any good, with some optimistic about our hopes and others more disparaging in their remarks about the Great British entry. Despite being chosen by the public, there was no consensus over whether the song was Britains best entry for years, or utterly boring. YouTube star pewdiepie was in the negative camp, saying he was already cringing over the song, and adding Wtf UK? Nigella Lawson responded to the songs sentiment of youre not alone with: you are alone. However, Phillip Schofield said the duo were bloody great, saying that they nailed it. Video blogger PJ Liguori said the duo could always give vlogging a shot if they don't win. Elsewhere on Twitter there was a huge range of opinion with one person saying that the pair were better than Scooch, which we can probably all agree on. As it stands, Russia are the bookies' favourite to win the competition this year - will Joe and Jake's effort be enough to clinch the win for Great Britain? Stay tuned to find out. BBC One, 8pm G et the disco ball out, everyone Eurovision is back! The annual smorgasbord of Eurocheese, bizarre lyrics, and extravagant light shows is back this Saturday, this time coming from Stockholm. For the 2016 grand final there are new voting rules, a surprising favourite, and a UK act that might actually do well. Heres everything you need to know about Eurovision 2016. 1) There are 26 acts performing Strap in for the long haul - 26 acts will be performing songs no longer than three minutes in length, hoping to get those all-important votes from the participating nations. The Big Five countries thats France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and (thank goodness) the UK get through automatically, while Sweden also qualify having won last year. The other 20 acts managed to make it through the semi-finals though Icelands Greta Salome and Irelands Nicky Byrne (of Westlife fame) werent so lucky. 2) Russia are the bookies favourites This years hot favourite is Sergey Lazarev of Russia. His song You Are The Only One is a moody electro-pop hit, complete an animated background similar to the one that helped Swedens Mans Zelmerlow win in 2015. Also hotly tipped is Australias Dami Im, Ukraines Jamala, and Frances Amir. 3) The UK act is Joe and Jake In recent years, our Eurovision acts have ranged from the tragic to the unlistenable and 2015s Electro Velvet was particularly terrible. And while you might not stick Joe and Jakes Youre Not Alone on your big summer playlist, it actually has a good bit of Eurovision about it a big catchy woah-oh-oh-oh-oh chorus and a twiddly guitar bit that sounds a bit like a recent Coldplay single. This time well be the 25th act to perform so theres a good chance viewers will still be humming Joe and Jakes song by the time the voting lines open. Lets not jinx it but is there a chance we might do ok this year? Lets be quietly optimistic. Every UK Eurovision entry since 1957.mp4 4) The voting is different this year While viewers will still be phoning up to vote for their favourite acts using the numbers on screen during the show, the way the votes are counted has been changed. In previous years, the points dished out from each country at the end of the show have been a combined number from the judges and the public vote. This time, each countrys spokesperson will read out the jury score, and when all of those have been read out, the combined televoting score from all countries will be added at the end as a lump sum. Its a bit complicated, and nobodys really sure if it will work but its supposed to mean that nobody will know the winner until the last second. How to throw the ultimate Eurovision party at home 1 /12 How to throw the ultimate Eurovision party at home Just follow these 8 easy steps... JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty Images Step 1: Set a dress code Dressing in the most awful, Euro-tastic outfits is essential to the night. Wrap yourself in tin foil like Ukraine's act in 2007, use a pot of gel and bottle of hairspray for Jedward or a brunette wig and beard to create the ultimate Conchita look. Or for the more old school guest, go ABBA. The Eurovision is more about the costume than the songs for some, so your party should be too. The wackier the better... Step 2: Flags, Flags and more Flags Decorations are obviously a must, but you dont have to worry, its pretty simple flags! Flags on doors, walls, windows and even in your food and drinks. Any country that has a space in the grand final deserves a space in your house. Bernard / imageBROKER/REX/Shutterstock Step 3: Swedish Drinks Only Considering that this years Eurovision is going to be held in Stockholm, it seems only right that Swedish traditions have an invite to your party - so it's time to hit the hard stuff. Brannvin, or Burn-wine, is a Swedish special liquor distilled from potatoes. Vodka is the purest form of Brannvin, and is usually seasoned with herbs to create an Akvavit. For the real party animals, it can also be drunk as snaps, also known as a nubbe, in a small shot glass alongside a meal. For the less daring maybe, lager beer and sweet cider is also very popular in Sweden. And if you really want to get creative, why not make the Swedish mule cocktail - chin chin! Step 4: Play drinking Games With all these drinks involved, of course there needs to be a Eurovision-themed drinking game? Take a responsible sip every time you see or hear the following...an act wearing sunglasses on stage, when someone says Sweden', there are dancers that have no relevance to the song - whatsoever, there is an act wearing practically nothing, someone is wearing tin foil - again, when the presenter shouts Good Evening and finally, when a country's performance is unusually amusing. Rex Step 5: Party food With people flocking to IKEA in search of its famous Swedish meatballs, why not give it a run for its money with a delicious selection of Swedish party food. We suggest you go heavy on the meatballs and throw in a few cinnamon buns and potato dumplings for good measure. Step 6: Do a sweepstake While watching this gloriously tacky competition, why not engage in a little competition of your own? Organise a sweepstake amongst your guests, choosing one person per country and a pound to enter, with the jackpot as the prize. You can print out the BBC's handy sweepstake kit from here: bbc.co.uk BBC Step 7: Make a playlist Create the ultimate playlist with Eurovision hits from over the years such as, Rise Like a Pheonix (Conchita), Waterloo (Abba), Flying the Flag (Schooch), Congratulations (Cliff Richard), Lipstick (Jedwood) and Just a little bit (Gina G). It's bound to get the party started and keep the mood up during any ad breaks. Olle Lindeborg/AFP/Getty Step 8: Karaoke to end the night It wouldn't be the ultimate Eurovision party without a spot of karaoke after it's all over. Even if it's not your thing, it usually ends up being the funniest and most memorable part of the night. If you really cant wait until the end of the night, why not put the subtitles on the telly or select the sing along version during the contest? You may want to have a few drinks first... 5) Its on BBC One on Saturday To watch the final in full, tune in to BBC One at 8pm on Saturday. Graham Norton will be on hosting duties, commentating until the winner is announce just before 11.30pm or later, if things run over. In numbers: The Eurovision Song Contest 6) Theres going to be a tribute to Terry Wogan Before Graham Norton presented the UK coverage of Eurovision, it was the legendary Terry Wogan who cast his lovingly acerbic glance over the competition. At some point during the show, there will be a tribute to Wogan who passed away in January this year though what form that will take is currently unknown. Sit back, crank up the volume, and bask in one of the best TV nights of the year. BBC One, Saturday, 8pm Baku, Azerbaijan, May 14 By Khalid Kazimov - Trend: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on clergymen to actively confront the society's doubts over religious issues. Political incentives and virtual network help cast the doubts over religion, Khamenei told a group of authorities, teachers and students of Tehran province's religious seminaries May 14, the Iranian leader's official website reported. Saying that jihad is not only about "wielding a sword", Khamenei noted that confronting the doubts is the greatest jihad. "Get prepared for this type of jihad," he added. He further said that clergymen have three main duties: "spiritual and intellectual guidance," "political guidance", as well as "social services, aid and sympathy for people." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised firefighters on Friday for defending the energy hub of Fort McMurray and promised the federal government would pour money in to its recovery. Trudeau toured the town in a military helicopter and saw a patchwork of neighborhoods destroyed by an inferno that forced the evacuation of all 88,000 inhabitants. Some homes still stood, while others had burned to their foundations. The inferno closed the extensive oil sands operations near the town and the effort to restart them is progressing slowly. The wildfire knocked out nearly half, or 1.07 million barrels per day (bpd), of Alberta's oil sands capacity. The blaze could cost insurers as much as C$6 billion ($4.7 billion), making it by far the most expensive Canadian natural disaster, according to ratings agency DBRS. "To the people of Fort McMurray: Know that even though things may look difficult and uncertain and at times perhaps almost hopeless, know that you are not alone. Canadians are standing with you," said Trudeau. "There will be significant federal monies invested in that community as we rebuild," he told a news conference in the provincial capital Edmonton. Ottawa runs a fund to help provinces recover from disasters and could end up paying 90 percent of all eligible costs. Trudeau said the government would try to ensure the money was paid out more quickly than usual but gave no details. After the aerial tour, he was briefed on progress fighting the fire, which has moved east of Fort McMurray into less inhabited areas, and praised emergency officials for their "valor and courage" in preserving much of the town. "The work you did to save so much of this community, to save so much of this city and its downtown core ... was unbelievable," he said. Trudeau has faced criticism in Alberta, a province that does not usually vote for his party, for waiting more than a week to survey the damage. He initially stressed he did not want his visit to interfere with firefighting efforts. "I think it's a good thing he's coming," said Fort McMurray housekeeper Maureen Pearce at a supply center for evacuees in Lac La Biche, Alberta. "I hope he provides more aid." Many of the evacuees are living in temporary accommodation across the province, while authorities work to restore power, gas, water and communications. Local officials say it will be 10 days before they can even produce a plan for resettlement, much less allow people to return to a place where small fires are still erupting. Former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez was indicted on Friday over accusations that she oversaw irregularities in the central bank's sale of U.S. dollars in the futures market while she was in office. Federal Judge Claudio Bonadio charged Fernandez, her former economy minister Axel Kicillof and former central bank chief Alejandro Vanoli with "unfaithful administration to the detriment of public administration," according to court papers. The ruling, which gives a green light for prosecutors to put Fernandez on trial, may be appealed. There was no arrest warrant. The accusation is that the central bank took billions of dollars worth of money-losing positions in the futures market ahead of a widely expected devaluation of the Argentine peso. Fernandez, who heads a large faction of the Peronist party, stepped down in December at the end of her second term. Her successor, Mauricio Macri, won the presidency on a platform of ditching currency controls that he said were strangling the economy. Since lifting the controls in mid-December the peso has weakened by about 30 percent to 14.1575 per U.S. dollar. ARS=RASL Fernandez last month accused the Macri government of political persecution after testifying in court about the central bank's dollar-buying operations. The transactions referred to in the case involved $5 billion to $17 billion, according to court papers published by Argentina's Judicial Information Center (CIJ). "It's impossible to believe that a financial operation of this size ... could have been carried out without the approval of the highest executive level of the national government," the ruling said. Fernandez is revered by millions for the generous welfare programs she offered while in office and reviled by others for economic policies such as nationalizing businesses and placing heavy-handed controls on the economy. "The indictment was not unexpected, but politically, it creates noise," said Ignacio Labaqui, who analyses Argentina for emerging markets consultancy Medley Global Advisors. "Peronism is going through a leadership crisis and this could make the divisions within the party more acute." The indictment of Fernandez came a day after the president of neighboring Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, was suspended from office by the Senate while she is tried on charges of breaking budget rules. Given the diverse range of colorful characters who populated the Old West, its likely that a Welshman or two might have ridden for the Pony Express. Its unlikely that many took to the trail wearing riding gaiters with Union Jack patches, a hybrid hat fashioned from a riding helmet and a cowboy brim, or a glowing chartreuse vest reading Please pass wide and slow. And certainly none was a world-traveling retired teacher who took along a second horse to pack her gear. Meet Megan Lewis. A one-time sheep farmer from Wales who began riding in 2008 from Beijing to London, following the historic tracks of Mongols and Huns across the breadth of Asia, shes crossing the heartland of America this spring on the Pony Express Trail. She plans to make Salt Lake City in a few more weeks before resting up for the final leg of her epic eight-year voyage, which will take her to the trails end in Sacramento, California. I started in Beijing, she said. Ill essentially have been around the world by then, because youve only got the Pacific Ocean between there and China. Riding her mare Lady and trailing a pack-horse gelding named Missouri, shes making about 20 miles each day. She rode in from Melbeta on Friday morning and stopped at Legacy of the Plains museum, where she found fresh grass awaiting her team and planned to pitch her tent for the night. Beginning in Beijing after the 2008 Olympic Games, her trip across Eurasia ended in 2013 at the westernmost tip of Ireland. I rode from one end of the Great Wall to the other, Lewis said. I believe Im the only person whos done that. She picked up the journey again in 2014 at the easternmost tip of Newfoundland, where she purchased Lady, one of several horses that have accompanied her along the way. Over nearly a decade of riding, shes broken her quest into three-month increments. In between, she goes home to catch up on personal business, including a blog, The Long Horse Ride. Although the odyssey began as a goodwill gesture between the Beijing and London Olympics and she has raised money along the way for disadvantaged children, shes not pushing a cause or asking for donations. She often goes long periods without hearing much about world events or politics and says she doesnt miss them much. Ill try and catch up with the blog when I get back home, she said. I might write a book. She reached St. Joseph, Missouri, the eastern terminus of the Pony Express route, in autumn of 2015. She kicked off the next leg of her trip on April 3, the anniversary of the date the Pony Express got started in 1860. Shes spent the past month crossing Nebraska. Lewis found a few more back roads to ride in the eastern part of the state. Shes enjoying the scenery out here. Everyone has been fantastic. People have been very friendly and hospitable. Seeing Chimney Rock was just lovely, she said. I found a tree to lie under and the horses had some grass. She said shed like to come back and drive it someday, to have more time to enjoy some of the attractions shes missed. Caring for the horses has limited her mobility and choice of nightly venues. But theyve also been a way of connecting with horse-loving Nebraskans. People say, You can stay in the house if you want. Thats happened quite often, she said. I basically always have to ask permission to pasture the horses, so I havent put up the tent a lot of times. During most of the voyage shes been alone with her animals. She had a cousin ride along on part of the trip across Asia, and a resident accompanied her through the steppes and deserts of Kazakhstan, an Islamic republic with an authoritarian central government and isolated nomadic tribes. She plans to seek help from a Pony Express re-ride group when she heads west from Utah. Its desert, so Ill have to have some kind of support, she said. Theres nothing left where the Pony Express stations were. They used to carry in water in oxcarts. Although shes ridden through some remote places, shes bothered more by traveling along busy highways, where fast, noisy vehicles can sometimes bother the horses. She worries about her mare getting frightened by something in the ditch and bolting into traffic. Shes had coyotes howl nearby as she tried to sleep. Other than that, she rarely feels any sense of danger in being alone. I rode across Kazakhstan for four months, she said. What are people going to do to a funny old woman on a horse, really? Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe Three soldiers died and two others were injured early Saturday in a shootout with the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in the country's central Western Visayas region, Anadolu reported. According to a report from ABS-CBN news, the men were among troops who encountered at least 10 New People's Army rebels at Sitio Carbon at 6.45 a.m. Saturday (2245 Sunday). Revekka Knothess Roperos, a 2nd lieutenant major in the army's 303rd Infantry Brigade, said that the soldiers were on a combat operation in response to reports from civilians of armed rebels in the area when they encountered an undetermined number of guerrillas. He added that the wounded troops were being treated in a local hospital. The NPA, which had around 3,200 fighters at the end of 2014, has been waging a 40-year guerrilla war against the government. It is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States State Department and as a terrorist group by the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy. In 2010, incumbent President Benigno Aquino III revived peace talks with the CPP, but shelved them in 2013, accusing the rebels of insincerity in efforts to achieve a political settlement. Exiled CPP founder Jose Maria Sison has now invited the winner of the May 9 presidential elections, Rodrigo Duterte, to reconvene the talks. Sison, 77, who fled into exile in Europe after the failure of earlier talks, has said he looks forward to further conversations, to an immediate ceasefire, the release of all political prisoners, his return home, and the acceleration of the peace negotiations. Peter Lavina, Duterte's spokesperson, has said that Duterte might order the release of jailed communist rebels to pave the way for the resumption of the talks. In its fifth year, as St. Lou Fringe expands into a five-month series of special programs, the May offering boasts a perfect title: Five-Fifths. Five-Fifths shows which thrive at other fringe festivals, too are a special favorite of St. Lou Fringe executive director Em Piro. Piro, an actor who has performed on many St. Louis stages, and Felecia Whalen Allman, a visual artist who heads a production company called Sensory Overload, collaborate to present Five-Fifths. It includes both performance and visual-art elements. Every Five-Fifths production has a theme, and Piro thinks this years, The Age of Glam, is especially exciting. Thats nice, because its going to be her last one. After this years Fringe, Piro is leaving the festival she founded to enter graduate school in theater and performance at York University in Toronto. Matthew Kerns will succeed Piro. The head of Drama Club STL, an arts school and production company in Maplewood, Kerns is a performer as well as a veteran arts administrator and educator. I had the end in sight from the beginning, Piro says. I always planned to leave after five years. Its not about me. St. Lou Fringe is self-sustaining now and growing. A Five-Fifths program means that the theme will be divided into five sections, each presented by a different artist or troupe, probably working in different art forms. For example, St. Lou Fringes first effort, two years ago, divided the story of Alice in Wonderland into Falling Down the Rabbit Hole, Eat Me, Drink Me, The Caterpillar and the Cheshire Cat, The Tea Party and The Red Queen. Last year drew on history for a Five-Fifths performance based on the life of Marie Antoinette. For this year's show at Attitudes, a nightclub in the Grove, the theme is the "Age of Glam." Piro and Allman were inspired to address the period by the January death of David Bowie, a key artist of the glam-rock movement in the 1970s and early 1980s. Its not just his work as an artist that inspired them, Piro says, but the cultural shift that occurred in that period. The five sections: From the Black Rep, an original, devised theater piece about the Black Panthers. From performance artist Terra Josephine, a tribute to Grace Jones. From DJ Boogieman, a celebration of disco music and glam rock. From the Salt House Collective, a fresh take on Gay Fantasia, a performance piece that premiered a few years ago, dealing with the early years of the AIDS epidemic and the murder of gay activist Harvey Milk. From Ryan Foizeys Theatre Lab, another devised theater piece on icons of the Age of Glam. Five-Fifths will be hosted by two spoken-word artists, Sabina England and Loren D. England, who is deaf, signs her poetry; Loren D., of the FarFetched collective, speaks; both artists will be expressed in sign and spoken English. Working together, they will provide a through-line for the whole show, emphasizing the art of fashion at a time when gender norms were rapidly changing and the right way for men and women to dress was up for grabs. The mood will continue in decor by Hap Phillips, our scenic designer, to use the term loosely, according to Piro. He always surprises us. In addition, Allman has curated a visual arts show, reaching out to St. Louis artists including Vesna Delevska, David Hutson, Nelson Perez, Kimberly N, Thomas Park, Andrea Standby and Kari Pillow for contributions. Some work will be on view at a pop-up gallery; some will be created on the spot. Five-Fifths begins at 7 p.m. with a VIP reception involving all sort of performances (such as stilt-walkers and roller-skaters), games, activities and a tasting journey through the glam era devised by chef Aaron Cummings. The show starts at 8 and will be followed at 10 by a free drag show paying tribute to Cher. Offstage as well as onstage, people are going to wear costumes, predicts Allman, who was astonished last year when her parents arrived decked out as Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. People seem to like to get dressed up, she says. This years St. Lou Fringe started in April on the riverfront with Lost, Pursued by a Bear. After Five-Fifths: The Age of Glam, its five-month journey through the calendar and five different neighborhoods will continue. On June 19, the festival goes downtown with an artists' salon at 812 Olive Street Artists from different disciplines will team up to create something new in real time as visitors (the audience) drop by. July 19 brings back a Fringe favorite, Act Your Pants Off, where St. Louis performers take on acting challenges and are rewarded with tips from the audience. At the end, the actor who collects the most tips performs a little striptease (possibly as little as a scarf or a bracelet). Nobody is ever uncomfortable, Piro explains, adding that the participants have included some real A-listers from the St. Louis theater scene. The traditional nontraditional Fringe, with all kinds of acts in assorted Grand Center venues indoors and out, runs Aug. 19-27. With comedy, music, belly-dancing, magic, dance, theater both experimental and traditional, both new acts and familiar favorites will be on view. One of the new specialties, MicroTheatre, features short plays performed for audiences of no more than 13 people in the back room at Urban Chestnut. Thats an extreme case, but we love it that all our venues are small, Piro says. Our settings are very intimate, very immersive. Thats a unique way to experience live performance. We want everybody to be able to dig right in. When May 21; VIP reception at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Where Attitudes, 4100 Manchester Avenue How much $60 VIP tickets, $35 general admission tickets, $20 artist tickets European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, in this file picture taken Oct. 28, 2015. (Photo : Reuters) A set of new rules announced by the European Parliament will soon benefit non-EU scholars, including Chinese students, interns and researchers. The organization said on Wednesday that it is merging two existing directives that will make studying at various European universities much easier for non-EU scholars. Advertisement According to the new directives, students and researchers may extend their stay for at least nine months after finishing their studies or research work, enabling them to look for a job or set up a business. This also ensures that Europe will benefit from the scholars' skills. The move aims to attract more skilled labor for the EU's 28 member states, all of which are facing a graying population, wrote China Daily. Likewise, students and researchers do not need to file a new visa application under the latest directives if they wish to extend their stay. They are only required to notify the member state to where they are moving. Researchers can also bring their family members to Europe. These members are entitled to get a job during their stay. China will be one of the beneficiaries of the new directives, with more than 200,000 Chinese students attending EU schools for their higher education, according to official numbers gathered by China Daily. American College of Greece professor Constantine A. Papadopoulos warmly received the softened rules. "Like many institutions of learning around the world, we have embarked on a drive to attract even more international students because we have the resources and the advantages of a very attractive location," said Papadopoulos in an interview with China Daily. "We have seen great increases in Chinese tourists to Greece in recent years," added Papadopoulos. "Why not solidify this friendly relationship with something more long-lasting? After all, our two countries have strong cultural affinities. It is time we upgraded and modernized them." Member states have two years to transpose the provisions into their national laws, said the European Parliament in a press release. ST. LOUIS The portion of a federal lawsuit that claims St. Louis County police beat and falsely arrested Ferguson protesters and committed other constitutional violations should be tossed out of court because the plaintiffs claims are contradicted by videos and their own depositions, lawyers for police said Friday. In the original $41.5 million lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in August 2014 and amended in October with the addition of more plaintiffs, 11 people said that the actions of police were unconstitutional. The suit also named St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar and then-Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson, as well as Ferguson and St. Louis County. The arrests were among hundreds that occurred during the height of the protests that followed the fatal shooting Aug. 9 of Michael Brown, 18, by then-Ferguson Officer Darren Wilson. In the motion for summary judgment, lawyers for St. Louis County say that several defendants had no contact with county officers or were legally arrested without unreasonable force. Others, they say, falsely described their arrests and then either admitted those falsehoods in depositions or were contradicted by video evidence. Malik Shabazz, one of the lawyers representing the protesters, said in an email Saturday that We stand behind all claims currently filed against all Defendants in this important case. Shabazz said his responses to the police motions will be filed starting May 20. The St. Louis County lawyers could not be reached for comment Saturday. Peter Dunne, a lawyer representing Ferguson, Jackson and current and former officers in Ferguson and Maryland Heights, wrote in an emailed response to questions, Very little of whats been alleged is supported by the evidence. Dunne and colleagues made a similar motion for summary judgment last month. At a press conference announcing the original suit, Tracey White, then 38, said that she and her 17-year-old son were arrested at the Ferguson McDonalds after attending a Peace and Love Rally. White said that rifle-toting police rushed into the building and arrested the pair, throwing her to the ground. She compared it at the time to something out of a movie. It was so horrifying. In a Sept. 29 deposition, however, White was confronted with video taken by a St. Charles County paramedics camera, that showed her being arrested at least a block away by St. Charles County SWAT officers. White and her son were arrested without force, and only after they refused to leave the street, Fridays motion says. White said during the deposition that she had not read various versions of the lawsuit before they were filed. She could not be reached for comment Saturday. Dwayne A. Matthews Jr. claimed a gruesome beating by police and said that police had tried to drown him for several seconds, picked him up and slammed him into the pavement, took turns punching him and scraping his face on the pavement, then pepper-sprayed him, the motion says. Videos and testimony by officers show that he walked into a cloud of tear gas and smoke and toward police, and continued after being hit with bean-bag rounds. Matthews fell into a culvert and hit his head, the filing says. Another video captures him being lifted out of the culvert and turned over to St. Charles County SWAT officers with no beating, the filing says. He could not be reached for comment. Because the St. Louis County officers did not commit constitutional torts or state torts and are entitled to summary judgment and are also entitled by official immunity, Belmar and the county should also be dismissed from the suit, the filing says. Lounging in the lobby of a downtown hotel last week, Israeli entrepreneur Shai Reshef mentions casually thats hes got a product that represents the future of higher education. He was in town to deliver the keynote address at an education conference, but, beforehand, he wanted to talk about his passion University of the People. Its advertised as the worlds first nonprofit, tuition-free and completely online university. And by the way, Reshef says, its perfect for Missouri. The idea is that no one should be denied access to higher education and the better life that often comes with a college degree simply because he or she cant afford it. And as the cost of college continues to grow, Reshef continues to believe hes got the right idea. The College Board, a nonprofit college access organization, reports that between 1972 and 2016 the average yearly tuition at four-year universities has risen from $2,500 to $9,400 at public schools, and from $10,740 to $32,400 at private schools. Its become insane, Reshef said. We believe education is a right, not a privilege. And in Missouri, he said, University of the People is even more needed. State lawmakers, last year, inserted language into the states budget bill that says public colleges and universities must charge immigrants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals classification the highest rate of tuition available either out-of-state or the international rate even if those students live in Missouri. The students are young people brought to the U.S. as children and become undocumented through no fault of their own and, under DACA, are granted permission to stay in the U.S. The program puts those students in a kind of limbo where they are no longer undocumented, they work and pay taxes, but are not U.S. citizens either. For DACA students, it meant that they saw the cost of attending college nearly triple from about $9,500 to $25,000 at some state schools. Thats unacceptable, Reshef said, adding that 40 percent of University of the Peoples 3,500 students live in the U.S. And 25 percent of those are undocumented. We welcome any undocumented student, as long as they meet our education standards, Reshef said. To get into University of the People, students must have a high school diploma and pass certain Foundation Courses designed to measure whether students are up to the task. Reshef said hes well-aware of the skepticism some people have when they first learn of University of the People. But he believes the model is sustainable. The school earned a major victory recently when it partnered with the University of California, Berkeley. Students can earn an associates degree from University of the People, and then transfer to UC Berkeley to complete a bachelors degree, provided they meet the academic requirements. UC Berkeley decided to form a partnership with University of the People because its mission of access aligns with ours, spokeswoman Janet Gilmore said in a statement. The institution serves a first-generation, low-income demographic. Reshef is visibly pleased when discussing the partnership. It gives him ammunition against people who question the value of a degree from University of the People. Berkeley recognizes our quality, he says smiling. Founded in 2009, the school relies on a network of more than 4,000 volunteers to deliver instruction to students in 180 different countries. Only instructors are paid. The Schools Board of Trustees and Presidents Council feature accomplished educators and business professionals ranging from the chairman of the Chinese technology company, Sinocare, to the president emeritus of New York University. Students are grouped into class sizes of between 20 and 30. They generally take one or two courses during 10-week terms offered throughout the year. Students are assigned program advisers to guide them toward graduation, and are graded on class participation as well as their mastery of the work. But contrary to claims, University of the People is not entirely free. Although there are no tuition costs or textbook fees, students are charged end-of-course fees adding up to $2,000 for an associates degree and $4,000 for a bachelors degree. But we have scholarships for those who absolutely cannot pay, Reshef said. The concept of mostly free online college education isnt new. Projects like Coursera and edX are part of the growing phenomena known as massive open online courses, or MOOCs. MOOCs are open access online courses designed by college instructors. They gained popularity when they began offering courses from prestigious schools including Harvard, MIT and Georgetown. The difference, Reshef said, is that unlike MOOCs, University of the People keeps classes small so that students can get personalized attention. Moreover, the people who take MOOCs mostly already have degrees and are taking these courses for enrichment and to add to their skills, he said. With us, we are enrolling refugees and people who are very impoverished. They are taking courses with us to earn a degree. Often, we are the only alternative they have, so our students grab onto the university and they hold onto it tight, he said. Of the University of the People students who complete at least one class, 95 percent stay on through graduation, Reshef said. We are the future of higher education, he said. If you have the money to go to Harvard, go to Harvard. We are the alternative for the people who cant afford that. How St. Louis-area members of Congress voted in the week of May 9-13. House Painkiller, heroin crisis The House on May 12 voted, 413-5, to authorize a $515 million budget through fiscal 2021 for grants to help communities address a national epidemic in which addiction to prescribed painkillers often leads to heroin dependency and overdose deaths. A yes vote was to pass HR 5046. Yes William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis; Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, Ill.; Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin; Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, Ill.; Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, Mo.; John Shimkus, R-Collinsville; Jason Smith, R-Cape Girardeau, Mo. Drug theft at hospitals The House on May 12 refused, 190-225, to allow funding in HR 5046 (above) to be directed at efforts to stem employee thievery of prescription painkillers at hospitals, clinics and distribution centers. A yes vote backed the amendment over arguments it would duplicate Drug Enforcement Administration actions. Yes Clay. No Shimkus, Bost, Wagner, Davis, Smith, Luetkemeyer. Senate 2017 energy, water budget The Senate on May 12 approved, 90-8, a $37.5 billion energy and water budget for fiscal 2017. A yes vote was to pass HR 2028, which would appropriate $12.9 billion for ensuring the safety of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, $11.2 billion for energy programs and $6 billion for Army Corps of Engineers water projects. Yes Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Mark Kirk, R-Ill.; Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.; Roy Blunt,R-Mo. Iran nuclear deal The Senate on May 11 failed, 57-42, to reach the 60 votes it needed for mounting an assault on a newly implemented international deal for dismantling Irans nuclear arms program. A yes vote was to deny funding in HR 2028 (above) for American purchases of chemically altered heavy water from Irans nuclear inventory. Yes Blunt, Kirk. No McCaskill, Durbin. Fish and Wildlife, water projects The Senate on May 11 defeated, 39-60, an amendment to HR 2028 (above) that would expand U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service influence over Army Corps of Engineers water projects. A yes vote was to boost the services authority to protect fish and wildlife populations in the midst of dredging and construction. Yes Durbin. No Blunt, Kirk, McCaskill. Key Votes Ahead In the week of May 16, the Senate will debate the 2017 transportation and housing budgets. The House schedule was to be announced. The votes and descriptions are compiled by Voterama in Congress, a legislative tracking organization. Chinese Lesbian Couple Gives Birth to Twins via Surrogacy After China Ended the One-child Policy A Chinese lesbian couple gives birth to twins after undergoing in vitro fertilization in the U.S. (Photo : Getty Images) A Chinese lesbian couple made history by giving birth to twins after undergoing in vitro fertilization, a feat that made headlines because of their homelands rule book. A report from NPR featured Cleo Wu and Rui Cai who were blessed with two healthy babies via surrogacy last month. Advertisement Surrogacy in China While surrogacy is an accepted procedure in China, it has only been limited to heterosexual couples who were also exclusively enjoying the country's reproductive health services. According to the outlet, the couple underwent the procedure in the United States where they used sperm from an American sperm bank to fertilize two eggs from Wu. The fertilized embryo was then transplanted into Cai's womb and carried the babies for nine months until she gave birth in April. During an interview with NPR, Cai marveled at the rare situation she was in, emphasizing the magical feeling of becoming a mother against the odds. "You've got to believe that you will make your dream come true, like making a baby," she said, adding that it is important to have confidence in the partnership in order to make things work. "You have to be very confident about your partnership. Although you're a lesbian couple, it should be as strong as the other couples," she said, calling out to other gay and lesbian couples all around the highly heterosexual country. According to the outlet, Cai and Wu had a better situation than most considering that they had enough money to even study in the United Kingdom. Because of the lack of means to marry outside the country, most LGBT couples resort to risking getting reprimanded for their fake marriages and acquisition of black market services. Rise in Surrogacy After One-child Policy Is Abolished After the long-standing one-child policy in the country, China has finally allowed all Chinese couples to have a second child. The new population policy bore many effects not just in the Chinese economy but also in surrogacy services abroad. A report from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune posted in the Pasadena Star revealed that the U.S. is already feeling the effects of the end of China's one-child policy. Alhambra-based law firm Ideal Legal Group Inc., which specializes in international surrogacy, told the outlet that they have already gotten more clients from China. "We had a total of six clients for all of last year, but we've already had four clients just for the month of April this year," ILG's managing partner and founder Evie Jeang noted. "I see lots of surrogacy agencies popping up. They're doing a lot of advertising, but it's in Chinese, not English." According to her, companies and individuals alike are approaching her to ask for help about surrogacy. "I have people come up to me asking for help to form a business or corporation," she added. "They want to be the connector to help the Chinese couples who come to us for referrals to clinics and surrogacy agencies. This is like a new wave of business." A federal judges ruling on operations at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Columbia, Mo., is a warning to conservative lawmakers to stop trying to circumvent the Supreme Court with a succession of laws aimed at whittling away a womens ability to exercise her constitutionally protected abortion rights. Judge Nanette Laughreys ruling on Wednesday allows Planned Parenthood in Columbia to keep its abortion license. It also rebukes Missouri legislators for putting political pressure on the Department of Health and Senior Services to treat the clinic more harshly than other ambulatory surgical centers. A Texas abortion case before the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to ultimately decide how such clinics are constructed and managed. The court presumably will answer critical questions about how far states can go to regulate abortions and will establish clear principles. Abortion is highly regulated in Missouri and, as Laughrey noted in her ruling, restrictive efforts by conservative lawmakers were about politics, not womens health. Expressing phony concerns about wanting to ensure the safety of women at abortions clinics didnt pass muster with Laughrey, and it shouldnt with voters, either. Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, the Senate Appropriations chairman and a candidate for state attorney general, apparently scared the state health department into believing the agencys budget would be cut if regulators didnt clamp down on the clinic. State health regulator John Langston suggested that in a deposition. Schaefer also heads a committee investigating Planned Parenthood. As appropriations chairman, he has significant control over the flow of money to state agencies, including the University of Missouri. Schaefer is currently under investigation by the Missouri Ethics Commission for allegedly misusing his office to pressure the university on its employee leave policies in an effort to block law professor Josh Hawley from entering the race for attorney general. In the Planned Parenthood case, Schaefer got the UM health care system to revoke privileges for the doctor who provided medication abortions at the Columbia clinic, complaining that it constituted using tax funds for abortion. State law requires such doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Although abortions are not being performed at the Columbia clinic, Planned Parenthood fought to keep its license because of the time and expense required to get a new one. The reproductive-health advocacy Guttmacher Institute says that, since the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973 establishing abortion as a constitutional right, states have passed 1,074 abortion restrictions. More than a quarter of those have been approved in the last five years. Meanwhile, its up to judges like Laughrey to determine whether the scaling back of reproductive rights places an undue burden on women seeking abortions. The constant legislative maneuvering does more to endanger women than improve their health, which is why this farce must stop. I can assure you the only thing Spire cares about is profits over people. Their executives sat in silence and stared at us as we told them if they raised their rates again, people would suffer. A couple times each week well post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of buy, hold, or sell. Made at the TABSA (Tobaccos Valle de Jalapa) factory in Nicaragua using Aganorsa tobacco, El Gueguensealso known as The Wise Manis the first blend from Foundation Cigar Co., which was launched in 2015 by former Drew Estate employee Nicholas Melillo. The Nicaraguan puro has a beautiful Corojo 99 wrapper from Jalapa thats described as rosado rosado cafe. My favorite El Gueguense vitola is the Corona Gorda (5.6 x 46). It boasts a medium-bodied profile with well-balanced flavors of cedar, honey, melon, and subtle sweetness. With excellent combustion properties, ample complexity, and a sub-$10 price tag, Id revisit this cigar if you havent had it in awhile. Verdict = Buy. Patrick A photo credit: Stogie Guys President Xi Jinping visited the United Kingdom in Oct. 2015. (Photo : Getty Images) An influential Chinese newspaper said that Sino-U.K. relations are not marred by Queen Elizabeth IIs unguarded remarks about Chinese officials being very rude during their first state visit last year led by President Xi Jinping. According to Reuters, a commentary from the Chinese-language version of the Global Times declared that ties between China and Britain are "unscathed" by the recently leaked footage of the Queen commenting on Chinese officials' manners. Advertisement Boorish and Rude The outlet said that it was inconceivable that the British had intentionally released the video to stain the improving relations between China and the U.K., deeming such act as "truly boorish and rude." The commentary further criticized foreign media that went with the trend and reported on the incident. "The disrespectful gossipers in the media there, narcissistic and baring their fangs, seemingly retain vestiges of the inelegance of barbarians," the Global Times reported as translated by Reuters. The article also noted that the "barbaric" Western media could learn from China's culture, saying: "We believe, however, that with constant contact with the 5,000-year-old civilization of the East (China) they will make progress." The previous reports indicate the remarks made by the Queen which were caught on camera October last year during the landmark visit of Xi to the Western nation. "They were very rude to the ambassador," the Queen was heard saying in the clip, referring to how the Chinese officials treated the first ever female U.K. ambassador to China, Barbara Woodward. Unanswered Questions The Queen's comments, while unguarded, were totally out of character, BBC News noted. Because of this, the British media outlet decided to compile "unanswered questions" regarding the incident that could help clarify the remarks. First, there was the matter of what brought out the "very rude" comment. According to BBC, the Lord Chamberlain introduced Police Commander Lucy D'Orsi (the person on the other end of the controversial conversation) to the Queen and told her how the security officer was "seriously, seriously undermined by the Chinese." D'Orsi then notes how it "was quite a testing time" for her and said that "they walked out of Lancaster House and told me that the trip was off." Apparently, the Queen was aware of the incident because she interjected the "very rude" remark, which D'Orsi replied to with: "They walked out on both of us." This only brought about more questions on the matter including whether the Police Commander was referring to a threat from the Chinese delegates to cancel the entire state visit or just part of the itinerary. Tom Scudamore celebrates his victory on Moon Racer in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at last years Cheltenham Festival. CHELTENHAM Festival winner Moon Racer is the star entry at Stratford on Sunday, when long-standing sponsors Avon Estates are supporting the seven-race card, writes David Hucker. Moon Racer, who made an encouraging re-appearance at Punchestown last month, could make his jumps debut in the stratfordcaravans.co.uk Novices Hurdle. Trainer David Pipe, who landed his 1,000th winner at Haydock Park on Saturday, will have welcomed the recent rain and, should he line up, Moon Racer will be the best horse to have run at Stratford for some time. Sleep Easy was an impressive winner over the course in March and the form has been boosted by third-placed Red Tornado going on to rattle up a hat-trick. Another of interest is El Terremoto who, despite failing to score in seven starts in France, could make an impact in this country for new trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies. With a total of 172 entries, it promises to be a competitive afternoons racing and the action gets underway at 1.50pm with the stratfordcaravans.co.uk Mares Novices Selling Hurdle over two miles, in which Fountains Blossom and recent Newton Abbot winner What A Scorcher look the form picks. However, whilst this is the only entry of the week for What A Scorcher, trainer Anthony Honeyball has put Fountains Blossom in five races, giving plenty of options for running. Although she only scrambled home in a close finish, What A Scorcher could win again, with the lightly-raced Isla Fernados, who finished third behind a red-hot favourite at Warwick last time out, a likely danger. The trip is two-and-three-quarter miles for the following stratfordcaravans.co.uk Handicap Hurdle and with 40 entries, running plans are hard to predict, but Bawden Rocks would be an interesting contender if declared for this race rather than a chase later on the card. Pipes Mount Haven would be running over fences for the first time in the stratfordcaravans.co.uk Novices Limited Handicap Chase. The race is for horses rated up to 120 and he would just creep in, being 1lb below the limit, but has an alternative engagement over hurdles at Perth today. Ex-Irish chaser Thoonavolla showed improved form to get off the mark for the Tom Weston stable at the second time of asking at Southwell and, although only finishing fourth at Ludlow off todays rating of 98 on his next run, has plenty of experience under his belt. Longest race of the afternoon is the Avon Caravan Park Handicap Hurdle (for the Charles Lea Memorial Trophy) over three-and-a-quarter miles, won last year by 9-1 shot Billy Congo who was completing a hat-trick of wins under Rules. None of this years 17 entries are on quite the same roll, although When In Roam has won two of her last three starts, having been disqualified from third place at Newcastle in between when losing her weight cloth after the saddled slipped on the run-in. Another in good recent form is Wintered Well, who won twice in March, although he has not appeared to see his races out on the last two starts. Armagh trainer Ronan McNally has the veteran See Double You entered in the Riverside Caravan Park Handicap Chase and he showed he was no back number when winning at Hexham in March. Ratify is another at the veteran stage, but may find the going a bit lively here, and it may pay to take , who has had just two runs since coming back from a long lay-off. The curtain comes down on the afternoon with the Rayford Caravan Park Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race in which Lambourn trainer Warren Greatrex has three entries. Stratford will be one of the stop-off points in a 550 mile charity bike ride that is taking place over five days in support of the Injured Jockeys Fund. Starting at Jack Berry House in Malton, it also takes in York, Newmarket and Newbury racecourses before finishing at John Oaksey House in Lambourn on Monday. The ride is in appreciation of the help given by the Fund to Angela Dodd, formerly Gingell, who rode and trained point to point horses before breaking her back in an accident in 2008 that left her a paraplegic. Riders are aiming to raise 15,000 and donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/Matthew-Gingell1 Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 14, 2016 Doctors from across the U.S. and around the world are attending the latest Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique training class May 13-14, conducted by dentist and inventor Dr. John Chao in the Los Angeles suburb of Alhambra, CA. "For this seminar we are pleased to welcome Dr. Veronica Neamtu of Brossard, QC, Canada, Dr. Monika Pilarska from Gdynia, Poland and Dr. Ruby Karyadi of Jakarta, Indonesia," says Dr. Chao. "Dr. Pilarska is the first doctor from Poland to attend the Chao Pinhole Academy, and Dr. Karyadi is the second doctor to travel from Indonesia to be trained in the Pinhole Technique." "The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is a breakthrough alternative to conventional gum grafting which requires no cutting, no sutures and little to no downtime. This minimally invasive procedure takes just a few minutes per tooth and multiple teeth may be treated at the same time, all through 'pinholes' made in the gums which heal quickly, in many cases overnight," says Dr. Chao, who holds patents on the method and on the special dental instruments used in the procedure. "The Pinhole Technique is changing the way doctors are treating gum recession," says Dr. Chao. "Also known as Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation, the procedure is receiving positive reviews from general dentists and periodontists from around the world." To date, Dr. Chao has personally trained over 1,500 doctors in the technique. Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation has been featured on hundreds of TV stations across the U.S., Canada and Europe with millions of viewers learning that they no longer need to fear having conventional gum grafting surgery to correct receding gums. For more information on the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique training classes or to locate a local doctor who has been trained by Dr. Chao visit http://www.pinholesurgicaltechnique.com or call 888-603-2953. Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/05/prweb13416198.htm COCKRELL HILL, TX, May 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - The Cockrell Hill community was revitalized today thanks to a new playground built at Coffey Park. In less than eight hours, more than 200 volunteers from Foresters FinancialTM, City of Cockrell Hill, Cockrell Hill Beautification Association, and non-profit KaBOOM! created the new play space, which will serve more than 1,100 children and their families in the local community for years to come. "We believe in enriching lives and building strong communities that's our purpose," said Tony Garcia, President and CEO, Foresters Financial. "Playgrounds are important to communities, providing a public space where children can play safely, families can spend quality time and the community can come together. An investment in a playground is an investment in community, and we are happy to provide the Cockrell Hill community with a place that families can enjoy for years to come." The design for the new playground is based on drawings created by neighborhood children at a special Design Day event held in March when community members met with organizers from KaBOOM! and Foresters Financial to design their dream playground. The drawings inspired the final playground design. Foresters Financial, an international financial services provider, helps families reach their financial goals, protect themselves and make a lasting difference in their communities. This year, Foresters and KaBOOM! are proudly celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their partnership. Since 2006, Foresters has invested more than $11.5 million with KaBOOM! to build more than 130 playgrounds including 5 in the Dallas area - across the US and Canada by the end of 2016. Over their 15-year lifespan, these playgrounds will provide more than 4.5 million children and their families with an opportunity to spend quality time together and enhance family well-being. "Life long residents of Cockrell Hill have always said they felt safe and a part of the community. This new playground will enable even more families in Cockrell Hill to experience lasting positive memories of community," Said City Manager Bret Haney Green spaces and safe play structures where children and families can enjoy and spend time together are sparse in many high density communities. Playing outdoors is an important part of every child's healthy development and the creation of this new playground will allow thousands of children to play safely and be active in their community. Foresters Financial is a KaBOOM! Founding Partner and National Partner. Since 1996, KaBOOM! has been dedicated to the bold goal of ensuring that all children get the balance of active play they need to become healthy and successful adults because #playmatters. About City of Cockrell HillThe City of Cockrell Hill was incorporated in 1937 and provides the basic services such as Police, Fire, Water/Sewer/Library/Public Works, and Parks/Recreation to our residents. The City of Cockrell Hill is excited to partner with Foresters Financial and KaBOOM! to bring a new playground to the families of Cockrell Hill. About Cockrell Hill Beautification AssociationThe Cockrell Hill Beautification Association is a non-profit organization that strives to beautify and restore areas in the City of Cockrell Hill. The Cockrell Hill Beautification Association is comprised solely of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about the Cockrell Hill Community. The volunteers work hard to beautify and restore areas of Cockrell Hill. Foresters FinancialForesters Financial is an international financial services provider with more than three million clients and members in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. We provide life insurance, savings, retirement and investment solutions that help families achieve their financial goals and make a lasting difference in their lives and communities. For over 140 years, Foresters Financial has built a foundation of financial strength and a commitment of giving back to our clients and members and the communities where they live. For more information, visit foresters.com. Foresters Financial and Foresters are trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters (a fraternal benefit society) and its subsidiaries. 413565B US (05/16) KaBOOM!KaBOOM! is the national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America the childhood they deserve filled with balanced and active play, so they can thrive. Since 1996, KaBOOM! has collaborated with partners to build, open, or improve nearly 16,300 playgrounds, engaged more than one million volunteers, and served 8.1 million kids. KaBOOM! creates great places to play, inspires communities to promote and support play, and works to drive the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive lives. To learn why #playmatters and why cities are embracing #playability: visit kaboom.org or join the conversation at twitter.com/kaboom or facebook.com/kaboom. SOURCE Foresters The Global Times was blasted by China's Internet regulator for offensive content. (Photo : Wikimedia Commons) Chinas top Internet censor blasted a Chinese news portal for offensive content such as a Donald Trump editorial and a sensationalist poll about Taiwans unification. The Global Times, one of China's most influential newspapers, was criticized by the Cyberspace Administration of China for publishing online content that they believe was offensive. Advertisement Questionable Content According to the South China Morning Post, among the criticized content is a sensationalist poll about unifying Taiwan by force as well as issues that can be deemed sensitive such as the effects on China of Donald Trump's lead in the U.S. primaries as well as the pending release of the imprisoned Tiananmen dissident. The Internet regulator said that the publication of such contents is "a serious violation of news discipline and had caused serious political consequences." "All websites should learn from the lesson and refrain from polls," the CAC warned. Citing the RFI, SCMP said that the censor had already summoned the members of the management of the tabloid, which the outlet described as a media outlet known for "its bellicose and nationalistic tone" and a news coverage strategy that attracts controversy. According to its chief editor Hu Xijin, the Global Times is pro-government but is also a market-based media outlet rather than a state-controlled newspaper. China's Censorship China is known for its stringent control over data and information circulated all over the land, and its censorship coverage has grown more advanced technologically after the launch of the Great Firewall. It has repeatedly blocked foreign websites that ran articles which Chinese authorities deem a threat to national security and peace. While this is not the first time the Chinese government cracked down on a local media outlet, it is definitely quite eye-catching considering that the newspaper in question has recently published an op-ed about China being at the bottom five in terms of support for press freedom. According to the article that cited information from the journalism advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RWB), the World Press Freedom Index released in April put China behind Vietnam. "The group, while criticizing Asian countries, including South Korea and Japan for deteriorating press freedom, has mainly pointed the finger at China," the outlet explained. The article further notes the reason why China was among the least supporters of press freedom. "The constructiveness of journalism is more important than press freedom to developing countries. This constructiveness includes press freedom and supervision of the media; however, it must incorporate understanding of different local political and economic development," it stated, adding that China has a lot to do to improve this statistics. IRVINE, Calif., May 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Golden State Foods (GSF) Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in need in the areas where Golden State Foods associates live and work, is hosting its fourth annual national Build-A-Bike event today, Saturday, May 14. This year, 26 GSF and Quality Custom Distribution (QCD) facilities will participate in 16 events throughout the United States during National Bike Month. 1,300 bikes will be built with the help of more than 1,000 volunteers, all driven by a common purpose to provide deserving school-aged children with their own, and often first, bikes. These students come from local Boys and Girls Clubs and elementary schools in each city's respective location. "Every year this is one of our most exciting and engaging events and it's one that we all look forward to," said Mark Wetterau, chairman and chief executive officer of Golden State Foods and chairman of the GSF Foundation. "Having so many of our GSF associates partner with our customers within our local communities helps reinforce all of the values we stand for and helps provide these children with, what oftentimes is their very first bike. After today, we've donated 4,700 bikes across the country and it's something our company is very proud of." The Build-A-Bike program teaches safety, goal setting and the value of hard work, and a bike helps a child develop his or her sense of self-reliance, adventure, strength and character. The success of the Build-A-Bike program is due in large part to the partnerships formed over the years, including the help and support of local bike shops and law enforcement that act as a resource for future tune-ups and safety lessons. For more information about Build-A-Bike or GSF Foundation, please visit www.gsffoundation.org. About GSF FoundationThe GSF Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in need in the areas where GSF associates live and work. Established in 2002, the Foundation is a natural extension of Golden State Foods' values-based business. Funded and run by GSF associate volunteers and supported by its business partners, community partners and customers, the Foundation operates under the direction of an executive board, which includes national representation from local GSF volunteers. As many as 80 percent of GSF associates actively support the Foundation through personal involvement and contributions in 28 local committees across the United States uniting their hearts and hands for good. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $34 million to help those in need. For more information, visit www.gsffoundation.org. About Golden State Foods Golden State Foods (www.goldenstatefoods.com) is one of the largest diversified suppliers to the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry. Established in 1947, the company is values-based with proven performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service throughout the QSR industry. With approximately 6,000 employees worldwide, GSF services more than 125,000 stores on six continents from its 45+ facilities. Its core businesses include processing of liquid products, protein, produce, dairy and full-line logistics services to the QSR and retail industries. The company also runs the GSF Foundation a national non-profit organization to help children and families in need. For more information, please visit: www.goldenstatefoods.com. About Quality Custom DistributionQuality Custom Distribution Services Inc. (QCD) is a subsidiary of Golden State Foods, which is one of the largest diversified suppliers to the Quick Service Restaurant and retail industries. QCD is values-based and has proven performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service. An award-winning company, QCD services thousands of restaurants throughout the United States from its 12 facilities. QCD associates also help run a national non-profit organization, the GSF Foundation to help children and families in need. For more information, visit www.qualitycustomdistribution.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/golden-state-foods-foundation-donates-1300-bikes-during-national-bike-month-300268677.html SOURCE Golden State Foods Foundation LAC-BROME, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 05/14/16 -- Department of Canadian Heritage The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced $94,000 in financial support to The Brome County Historical Society for the renovation of the Old County Courthouse. This funding, provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will help the organization revamp the Old County Courthouse in the village of Knowlton and purchase computer equipment to digitize its archives. Quick Facts -- The Brome County Historical Society is a non-profit organization of historical interest located in the village of Knowlton in Lac-Brome in the Eastern Townships. Its aim is to acquire, preserve, research, exhibit and interpret the history of the pioneers in the Brome- Missisquoi region. -- The Society is the owner of several historical buildings, including the Old County Courthouse, which it acquired in 1993 and converted into an archive centre. Together, these heritage buildings form the Brome County Museum. -- The planned renovations will include revamping the Old County Courthouse to improve the conditions for archiving and better serve its clientele. Acquisition of new computer equipment will make it easier to digitize and share the Museum's archives. Quotes "The Government of Canada is proud to help preserve Lac-Brome's history and architecture. Through this renovation, the Old County Courthouse in Knowlton will be able to offer its visitors a modernized environment that is well-anchored in the digital age." - The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage "On behalf of the Brome County Historical Society, I want to thank Canadian Heritage for their significant financial support for the restoration of the Old County Courthouse. This project is the first phase of a multi-year plan to preserve and protect the Society's buildings. The federal government's support will assist us greatly in our ongoing capital campaign." - Donald Gray Donald, President, Brome County Historical Society Associated Links Brome County Historical Society Canada Cultural Spaces Fund Stay Connected Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr. Contacts: Pierre-Olivier Herbert Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage 819-997-7788 Media Relations Canadian Heritage 819-994-9101 1-866-569-6155 [email protected] Source: Department of Canadian Heritage By Ulf Laessing ABUJA (Reuters) - There are signs that Nigeria's Boko Haram jihadists are sending fighters to join Islamic State in Libya, and of increased cooperation between the two groups, a senior U.S. official said on Friday. Nigeria has asked the United States to sell it aircraft to fight Boko Haram, which has been waging a seven-year insurgency in the north and last year pledged loyalty to Islamic State, which is active in Syria, Iraq and Libya. Little is known about the extent of cooperation between the two radical Islamist groups. But Western governments worry that Islamic State's growing presence in north Africa and ties with Boko Haram could herald a push south into the vast, lawless Sahel region and create a springboard for wider attacks. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there were "reports" that Boko Haram fighters were going to Libya, where Islamic State has established a large presence, taking advantage of security chaos. "We've seen that Boko Haram's ability to communicate has become more effective. They seem to have benefited from assistance from Daesh," he said, using a derogatory name for Islamic State. There were also reports of material and logistical aid. "So these are all elements that suggests that there are more contacts and more cooperation, and this is again something that we are looking at very carefully because we want to cut it off," Blinken told reporters in Nigeria. HUMAN RIGHTS Blinken said the United States was helping Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram with armoured vehicles. But he declined to comment on a request by the West African nation to sell it aircraft. U.S. officials told Reuters this month Washington wants to sell up to 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to Nigeria in recognition of President Muhammadu Buhari's army reforms. Congress needs to approve the deal. Under Buhari's predecessor Goodluck Jonathan, the United States had blocked arms sales, partly due to human rights concerns. Blinken said Nigeria had made several requests for military hardware. "We are looking very actively at these requests," he said. Nigeria's Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama earlier said the government had set up reporting mechanisms inside the military to monitor human rights which should convince Congress to approve the sale. Blinken said the military under Buhari had made "important efforts" to address human rights but the U.S. was "troubled" by an Amnesty International report from this week that children were dying in military detention. The army had rejected the report. Blinken said Washington was also concerned about an alleged army massacre of Shi'ites in northern Nigeria in December, during which hundreds were killed, according to residents. He said a state commission to probe the killings should provide a "transparent and credible report". (Reporting by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Hugh Lawson) Newly appointed Greek Deputy Prime Minister Yannis Dragasakis smiles during a swearing in ceremony at the presidential palace in Athens January 27, 2015. REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece wants a debt relief deal which will help the country access debt markets in 2017 and allow for sustainable primary budget surpluses, the country's deputy prime minister said in a newspaper interview released on Saturday. Greece and its lenders started talks on long-desired debt relief earlier this week as part of a bailout review which has dragged on for months because of a rift between the European Union and the International Monetary Fund over the country's fiscal progress Their aim is to conclude the talks by May 24 and unlock fresh funds for Greece, which needs to pay off IMF loans and ECB bonds maturing in July, along with state arrears. "The (Greek) government is seeking a solution which will fulfill specific criteria, among those is the criterion of economic viability," Deputy Prime Minister Yannis Dragasakis told Naftemporiki newspaper. "The arrangement should facilitate Greece's exit to the debt markets within next year." Greece has been cut off from debt markets since 2014 and signed off a third international bailout last year. Dragasakis said that the debt relief deal should also include a "road map" which will spell out future moves. He added that a conclusion of the reform review would lead to European Central Bank reinstating its waiver for Greek banks and including Greece into its quantitative easing program, which will mean fresh funds for the country. "I estimate that a total of 9-12 billion euros could come into the real economy within 2016, which along with other factors will help economic recovery," Dragasakis said. Greece's economic output shrank by 0.4 percent in the first quarter and the country hopes it could return to growth in the second half after years of recession. (Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou Editing by Jeremy Gaunt) U.S. Representative Kevin Cramer (R-ND) speaks at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, United States on January 8, 2015. REUTERS/Larry Downing/File Photo By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential contender Donald Trump has asked one of America's most ardent drilling advocates and climate change skeptics to help him draft his energy policy. U.S. Republican Congressman Kevin Cramer of North Dakota - a major oil drilling state - is writing a white paper on energy policy for the New York billionaire, Cramer and sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Cramer was also among a group of Trump advisers who recently met with lawmakers from western energy states, who hope Trump will open more federal land for drilling, a lawmaker who took part in the meeting said. Cramer said in an interview his paper would emphasize the dangers of foreign ownership of U.S. energy assets, burdensome taxes, and over-regulation. Trump will have an opportunity to float some of the ideas at an energy summit in Bismarck, North Dakota on May 26, Cramer said. A spokeswoman for Trump's campaign did not comment. While the ultimate size and makeup of Trump's energy advisory team is unclear, Cramer's inclusion suggests the presumptive Republican presidential nominee's oil policy could emphasize more drilling, less regulation and taxes, and curbs on efforts to combat climate change. Cramer has said he believes the Earth is cooling, not warming, and he has opposed efforts by the Obama administration to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Trump has been light on details of his energy policy so far, though he recently told supporters in West Virginia that the coal industry would thrive if he were in the White House. He has also claimed global warming is a concept "created by and for the Chinese" to hurt U.S. business. Trump only recently started building up teams of advisors on the economy, foreign policy and other issues to flesh out his platform for the Nov. 8 presidential election. Cramer, North Dakota's only congressman and an early Congressional Trump supporter, encountered Trump when they were guests on a radio show last month and Trump spoke about relaxing regulation and expanding drilling. Trump's political team later asked Cramer to write the energy policy paper, the lawmaker said. "The real opportunity for prosperity in this country has been to produce more because you have access to more markets," Cramer said, referring to the recent lifting of a decades-old ban on oil exports. "The last thing we need is more rules." On foreign ownership of U.S. oil assets, Cramer said: "One-third of refining capacity is owned by OPEC countries. How does this fit into his (Trump's) America first policy?" OPEC members Saudi Arabia and Venezuela both have large stakes in U.S. refining capacity. Cramer said he expected energy policy to be a vulnerability for Hillary Clinton, the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, in an election year where energy companies are going broke. Clinton has advocated shifting the country to 50 percent clean energy by 2030, promised heavy regulation of fracking, and said her prospective administration would put coal companies "out of business." (Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Ross Colvin) British couple Adele Harris and Carl Hutchinson are walking the length of New Zealand from Bluff to Cape Reinga to raise money for the Nepal earthquake rebuild. A British couple are facing the rugged Kiwi landscape as they walk the length of New Zealand for charity. Adele Harris and Carl Hutchinson are two Brits on a mission to raise money for Nepal. In April last year, the couple were completing a meditation course in Nepal when the 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck. Murray Wilson/ Fairfax NZ. British couple Adele Harris and Carl Hutchinson are walking the length of New Zealand from Bluff to Cape Reinga to raise money for the Nepal earthquake rebuild. "We were doing a 10-day meditation course and it was on the 10th day when the earthquake hit. READ MORE: * Nepal earthquake: 2350 dead, frantic search for survivors * 'We will never forget' Christchurch schoolgirls reflect on Nepal earthquake * Nepal earthquake one year on: Behind the scenes of a disaster * Nepal earthquake one year on: frustration and rubble linger on "We hadn't been talking, or able to use gestures for so long. It was quite crazy. And then the quake hit and it was such a shock," Harris said. She said they were in a secluded area and did not realise the full extend of the damage until her father rang. "There were no big buildings near us. We just had no idea of the scale of it all," Hutchinson said. The couple then volunteered their time to help residents clear rubble from their homes and help build emergency shelters from bamboo. Harris said after they left the country they felt like they needed to do more to help the Nepalese rebuild their lives. "It just felt wrong, so wrong. We were walking around this airport and people were continuing on with their lives like nothing had happened. "I just wanted to shout 'there was an earthquake - people need help." So the duo teamed up with The Himalayan Trust and chose to walk the length of New Zealand to fundraise money for the rebuilding of Nepalese school classrooms. They started their journey from Bluff on January 22 and plan to reach Cape Reinga by late July. "We didn't really have much camping or tramping experience," Harris said. The first three weeks of walking were the toughest as their bodies coped with sore muscles and blisters bursting on blisters on their feet, she said. "You get used to climbing up mountains and just walking each day, knowing you're going somewhere," Hutchinson said. Harris said when she saw a mountain looming ahead she was no longer nervous, but excited. "You know you'll get to the top." In the past three months the couple have crossed Otago farmland, navigated through the Southern Alps and Richmond Forest Park and walked across the Tararua Ranges. Hutchinson said it was a surreal experience walking across the Tararua's and seeing Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki in the distance. "My favourite was probably in Arthur's Pass. We were climbing and there were clouds all around us and trees. "It felt magical - that's how I'd describe it. It was like we were in a fairytale. It was beautiful," Harris said. Another highlight was the generosity and hospitality of New Zealand people, she said. The duo plan to reach their final Kiwi destination in July. They will then head back to Nepal to visit the country as tourists. "There is a sense of accomplishment I think," Hutchinson said. "We saw Christchurch and there's still so much work to be done there. But in Nepal, it's going to take years and years to rebuild. "That's why we are doing this." Police keep a watchful eye on Rebels Motorcycle Club members and associates outside the gang's Christchurch headquarters on Thursday. Police have set up a new task force to target high-profile criminals and gangs in Canterbury who are trying to cash in on organised crime during the rebuild. They've raided dozens of properties across the district in recent weeks arresting patched gang members, prospects and associates and seizing guns, drugs, cash, and stolen property. However, the task force is not solely about locking people up. Police say they're trying to help gang members turn their back on crime by putting them in touch with relevant social services. NZ POLICE A handgun, drugs and cash seized from the Rebels Motorcycle Club's Christchurch headquarters on Thursday. Post-quake there has been a resurgence in gang activity in Christchurch, with the arrival of several high-profile motorcycle clubs, including the Head Hunters, Rebels and Bandidos. READ MORE: * Methamphetamine and gun found at Rebels Motorcycle Club's Christchurch HQ * Underworld figure helps set up Head Hunters' gang pad in Christchurch * Christchurch gangs face police scrutiny Police acknowledge the city's rebuild is attractive to organised criminals, particularly those dealing in drugs. There has been a surge in demand for methamphetamine, which is largely manufactured in the North Island and brought south where it fetches a higher price. There has been tension between gangs as they jostle for turf, but it has rarely boiled over onto the streets. Canterbury district crime manager Detective Inspector Tom Fitzgerald said police had always targeted gangs and organised crime, but "we've put a bit more structure around that" in the last few months "with a bit of maneuvering of staff". "We want to create an environment in Canterbury that's uncomfortable for any criminal offender. We don't want them here," Fitzgerald said. Police had carried out dozens of raids since the task force was set up arresting gang members, seizing a large amount of drugs, including methamphetamine and synthetic cannabis, and more than 20 guns. "Certainly the gangs know this is not something that's fly-by-night," Fitzgerald said. "It will be sustained and if they are offending they will be targeted." On Thursday, police found a handgun, a shotgun, 42 grams of methamphetamine with a street value of about $40,000, 300g of cannabis, cash, and stolen property at the Rebels' headquarters on Vagues Rd, Northcote. Two men and a woman were arrested. There have been simmering tensions between the Rebels and rival gang the Head Hunters. Police have searched the Rebels' pad three times in recent weeks and found five guns. Fitzgerald would not comment about specific inter-gang rivalries, but said it was rare for violence to spill out onto the streets. The discovery of so many guns in recent raids was of concern. "That's why we've got a team working extremely hard," he said. Last year Mongrel Mob member Rota Beattie was shot in the back of the head in an industrial area near the centre of Christchurch. Sources say the incident was linked to a dispute with the Head Hunters. Beattie, who has convictions for serious drug offending, survived. Fitzgerald said the task force was trying to help gang members turn their back on crime by putting them in touch with relevant support agencies that could help them beat addiction and find work. "Intervention is a catalyst for prevention. We don't want to go back and lock up the same people a year later." Christchurch has been steeped in bikie gang history since the Epitaph Riders formed in 1969. It was arguably the most congested outlaw city in New Zealand during the 1990s, but numbers fell away as old age and methamphetamine took their toll. Gang expert Jarrod Gilbert said there had been an "unprecedented shift" in the Christchurch gang scene in recent years with new clubs filling a void left by groups that either had ailing memberships or no longer existed. The Highway 61 was the only real survivor of the old guard, Gilbert said. The few remaining Epitaph Riders burnt their patches and shut down in October last year. The Head Hunters, which has traditionally been based in the upper North Island, took over the gang's old headquarters in Vickerys Rd, Sockburn. PLA drills result in jet crashes in East China. (Photo : Getty Images) Military analysts believe that more drills from the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army would cause more jet crashes similar to the incident on Wednesday. Talking to the South China Morning Post, Antony Wong Dong, a military observer from Macau, said that it would not be surprising if the drills conducted by China's PLA will result in more crashes but would definitely help pilots be better. Advertisement "Fighter crashes are very common in the U.S. military even though it has the world's most capable military pilots. More drills will result in more accidents, which will allow pilots to learn practical lessons," Wong said. According to him, the PLA pilots have become better in their jobs over the past years because they were able to reduce the number of casualties during these incidents. Jet Crash On Wednesday, a Chinese naval fighter jet participating in a drill exercise at about 7:30 p.m. local time collided into a factory located in China's eastern province of Zhejiang. Navy spokesperson Liang Yang told the ECNS that although part of the factory received significant damage, there have been no reports of any casualties. He also noted that an investigation has commenced on the incident to determine the cause of the crash. Over the six past months, two drill-related crashes have been reported in Taizhou where pilots were able to eject from the aircraft and land safely using their parachutes. What Analysts Think About the Drills According to naval expert Li Jie from Beijing, the drills being conducted recently focus on improving the pilots' performance in "all-weather flights." "More aviation drills have taken place in the East China Sea, with training focusing on all-weather flights close to combat conditions," he said. Aside from that, they also learn how to land their planes even on narrow man-made airstrips similar to those built along the Spratly islands. But while Wong lauded the improvement in PLA pilots' performances in reducing casualty, it is still no excuse for the property damage that occurs. Despite this, China and all other countries who want to improve their military force in the air are bent on conducting drill exercises to make sure their pilots and aircraft are ready for any situation. "The more frequent, lengthy and difficult training sessions are, the higher the risk of a jet accident, which is a worldwide phenomenon," China Naval Research Institute research fellow Zhang Junshe explained, adding that such risks cannot prevent these practices from continuing. He also noted that nighttime drills are particularly difficult compared to the ones set during daytime since the optical range is steeper which further increases the risk level. An HIV-positive school teacher wins a lawsuit against a school that abruptly ended his contract. (Photo : Getty Images) A Chinese teacher who tested positive of HIV wins a labor case against a local school in Southwest China for not renewing his contract. The South China Morning Post reported on Friday about the case of a 33-year-old school teacher from Southwest China, deeming it a landmark victory on discrimination. Advertisement According to the report, a Chinese court ruled in favor of a man who was given a pseudonym of Li Cheng after he sued the local education and human resources bureau for abruptly ending his job contract as a teacher at a government-compensated middle school at the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou Province. The ruling stated that the education bureau should pay Li 9,800 yuan ($1,500) for violating the state labor law and that the human resources department also deserved part of the blame. However, the ruling did not order the school to employ Li again, which disappointed the plaintiff. According to his lawyer Jiang Xiaolong, Li will no longer be appealing to get his job back because his client was already exhausted. "We wanted to help him keep the job, but failed, and he was exhausted. The ruling was made only based on the labor law, while HIV/AIDS and employment discrimination were not mentioned," he explained. According to the SCMP, there is no law that defines punishment for people who discriminate others and the country's HIV/AIDS prevention and control policies also made no mention of penalties for such incidents. In a similar case, a 27-year-old who wanted to be known only as Ming also filed for labor arbitration after his employer suspended him in December after he tested positive of HIV. Talking to Sixth Tone, Ming said he was "hopeless and terrified" after he failed the physical examination in October when his employer invited him to undergo a civil servant recruitment examination. In December, his employer then ordered him to go on an indefinite leave after pointing out that the company's decision was based on the 1991 Measures for the Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases that stipulates all those found positive of HIV should be isolated. CB woos fund managers in Spore View(s): The Central Bank (CB) is wooing foreign funds for Sri Lankan sovereign bonds, CB Governor Arjuna Mahendran said. He told the Business Times that during visit to Singapore last Monday, he had met with some existing fund managers and rating agency officials in this regard. Some local fund managers told the Business Times that PIMCO (Pacific Investment Management Co.) which specialises in fixed income securities has been purchasing heavily into local government bonds. This was the last leg of the non-deal roadshow which started when we went to the US recently. We visited some states in the US and also went to Hong Kong. Singapore was the last stop, he said. Mr. Mahendran and his team of central bankers Deputy Governor Dr. N. Weerasinghe along with Assistant Governors R. Ranasinghe and C. Siriwardene and Chaminda Bandara of CBs Public Debt Department made up the team to Singapore. They had explained to the fund managers on the reforms on the economic front and how the Constitutional amendments will be carried out. Now with the IMF on board, theyre more comfortable, Mr. Mahendran said. The team had met with ratings agencies. A man wearing a face mask walks on a bridge in front of the financial district of Pudong amid heavy smog in Shanghai, China. (Photo : Reuters) Bottling air and selling it for at least $10 may sound absurd, but in a smog-choked country like China where air pollution is one of the world's worst, this means big business. Vitality Air, a Canada-based startup launched in 2014, is selling aluminium cans containing fresh air for $20 to $32 each. According to Mashable, one canister can last between 150 and 200 breaths. Advertisement The idea started out as a prank by mortgage broker Moses Lam. He first began selling bags of Canada's crisp air on eBay as a practical joke. But 12,000 sold bottles later, that idea is now a huge business in China. "Our Chinese website keeps crashing," said Vitality Air representative Harrison Wang in an interview with Mashable. "We are getting orders from all over the country, not just from the wealthier cities. When the air is bad, we see spikes in sales." "The smog is definitely our best advertising," added Wang. Mashable said that the bottled air appeals to China's upper and middle classes, including athletes and business executives. Vitality Air is not the only company who has seen an opportunity amid the country's worsening air pollution. In fact, Chinese millionaire Chen Guangbiao came earlier to the party with his idea of canned fresh air. According to a 2013 report by The Huffington Post, Chen sold the canned product in a variety of flavors, some of which oddly called "post-industrial Taiwan" and "pristine Tibet." But other than milking cash, Chen's goal was to raise awareness of China's crisis-level pollution. "Chen said he wanted to make a point that China's air was turning so bad that the idea of bottled fresh air is no longer fanciful," told the Sydney Morning Herald. China, which issued a red smog red alert in 2015, has declared war against air pollution. Scientists from the U.S., Canada, China and India said that conditions caused by air pollution already killed 1.6 million people in the country and 1.4 million people in India in 2013, wrote The Guardian. Govt. Airbus in talks to cancel SriLankan orders By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s): In a bid to avoid future losses at the cash-strapped national carrier, the government has laid-off one of the eight aircraft ordered from Airbus with three more tipped to be cancelled. SriLankan Airlines had ordered eight A350-900 wide bodied aircraft with a flying time that could go upto 19 hours, which the government has shot down as it is not required for the carrier under the present circumstances, Public Enterprises Development Ministry Deputy Minister Eran Wickramaratne told the Business Times on Thursday. These were ordered during the previous regime, some of which were ordered in 2013. He noted that the strategy of the airline is that it would not need those aircraft which were new leases made at very high rates. If we run it then it will be a loss, the minister said. The aircraft on order is the all new mid size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in spacious three-class layouts, a media release issued by Airbus has stated on the order made by the national carrier. With four aircraft scheduled to be delivered immediately, Minister Wickramaratne said that the government had already laid-off one such aircraft and paid a penalty for it. The government is in negotiation with Airbus on the three other aircrafts that would also be cancelled; the minister said noting that the state would try to lay them off as well. The balance four aircrafts on order were set to be worked out in future as the delivery date of these were scheduled for the distant future, Minister Wickramaratne explained. He also said that the ministry is currently involved in restructuring the balance sheet of the national carrier and will be working on making the bride look as beautiful as possible to be given away. He noted that in this regard, the government would be ready to take on some of the debt and hand over management of the airline completely to the new partner once selected. Petroleum Ministry orders crackdown on errant lubricant players By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s): The Ministry of Petroleum Industries at a recent meeting held with firms in the lubricant sector has come out with some key decisions involving cracking down on illegal operations in the industry, sources said. Some 11 industry players had met with the Minister of Petroleum Industries, Chandima Weerakkody who had made a decision to halt issuing licences to more entrants. Issuing licences to more entrants was proposed in the last budget. Mr. Weerakkody had said that its advisable to keep the players below 15, a source who participated at the meeting told the Business Times. Unauthorised importation of lubricants was also pointed out by the players who said that there are about 20 such parties engaged in the lubricant market violating the existing procedure. Currently, these parties import and distribute both authorised and unauthorised brands of lubricants which adversely affect the industry, lose revenue to the government and they create a risk to the customers by way of sub-standard products. When the participants suggested appointing a coordinator to inquire into the complaints of illicit imports of lubricants in the country, the minister advised them to complain to the Police any illegal importation of lubricants. He instructed to convene a meeting with the Sri Lanka Customs (Customs) and Import Control Department officials to discuss this matter and advise them to strictly comply with the regulations, the source said adding that Mr. Weerakkody requested the market players to write to the Secretary to the Ministry on such illegal activities. At the meeting, it was observed that there is a market anomaly with respect to synthetic lubricants. Lubricants may be categories under Mineral based (HS Code: 27) and Synthetic based (HS Code: 34, but both mineral and synthetic lubricants should come under license. Whilst, the licence holders have the exclusivity to import all lubricating oils, the inconsistency relating to import controls has resulted in the import of synthetic lubricants by parties who werent granted licences to import lubricants. Also, while the licence holders who import all lubricants including synthetic lubricants under HS Code: 27 are levied a Customs Duty over 20 per cent and the non license holders import the synthetic lubricant under HS Code: 34 with a very lower Customs levy. This causes revenue loss to the government, the source said. To this the minister instructed to take immediate action to bring synthetic lubricants under licence in consultation with the officials of Custom and Import and Export Control Department and the Ministry of Finance. In terms of product adulteration, that is taking place on a large scale, where sub-standard lubricants cause severe damage to the vehicles and equipment, the Minister had said that complaints will be made to the Police against such illegal operators and to prosecute them as per advice given by the Attorney General. The market players were encouraged to send the market intelligence information to the Ministry, the source said. He said that when they pointed out that there is no proper institute or laboratory which is authorised to check the quality standards of imported lubricants, it was proposed by the minister to upgrade the laboratory of Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd enabling them to test the quality standards of imported lubricants. The participants observed that some parties are engaged in the business of re-cycled lubricants when the minister had said that no one can start the re-cycle oil business in Sri Lanka without the approval of the Ministry. The Ministry has no intension of granting any approval to any party, he had said. The minister had also said that there is no circular or any formal instructions given to any government institution to buy only from Ceypteco. Ceypetco is expected to compete on equal grounds with other players in the market, he had said. When it was pointed out that re-packing of other players lubricants under home grown brands is an illegal activity that has to be stopped, the minister was of the view that these parties will have to be prosecuted The market participants were requested to send the information to the Ministry, the source said. President directs sale of three state hotels By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s): President Maithripala Sirisena has requested the Ministry of Public Enterprise Development to issue bids for sale of three state-owned hotels to attract potential investors. The three hotels are the Hilton, the proposed Grand Hyatt and Grand Oriental. Were gauging on how to maximise the value of these, a source told the Business Times adding that plans are to either totally or partially divest them. He said that already they got a few unsolicited proposals pertaining to the three hotels which are actively being discussed and the parties were told to go through the process when the Ministry calls for bids. The Ministry is now in the process of restructuring key State Owned Enterprises (SOE). While part of the Colombo Hilton is now being refurbished, the Grand Hyatt, located on Galle Road opposite Temple Trees which began in 2008 as a 475 roomed, 42 storey development ran into trouble when as Ceylinco Celestial Residencies this was stopped after Ceylinco faced financial difficulties. The company was re-launched by a firm called Sinolanka controlled by then-Presidential confidante Gamini Senerath in 2011. RPCs to change model to out-grower system, says Minister By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s): Plantations Minister Navin Dissanayaka said last week that the industry has reached a consensus on establishing the out-grower model, currently being used by smallholders, for Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs). The minister explained that the tea industry had reached an agreement to change the structure on the RPC plantations and they were in unison for the out-grower model and which has been discussed with the trade unions as well. The labour unions were yet to conclude their collective bargaining agreement that has been delayed by nearly a year. The minister was speaking last week at the Ceylon Specialty Estate Tea of the Year 2014/15 award ceremony where certificates were given away to the relevant companies at the BMICH following the Dubai Award Ceremony held for the same event. The government is scheduled to lead a delegation to China in June this year and later to Iran by the end of July or August. The government is also very bullish on Iran at present, it was noted. It was pointed out that the decline in good production practices and drop in quality is under the microscope and that the factory production process is being questioned. The state will be looking at strengthening the implementation of policy and monitoring mechanisms to ensure standards are maintained, the minister said. The Tea Research Institute (TRI) will also be restructured and Minister Dissanayaka pointed out that it was currently under funded. Asia Siyaka Commodities President/CEO Anil Cooke delivering a presentation highlighted that today the Chinese were interested in purchasing Ceylon tea and posed the question as to whether it could be an opportunity or a threat in the future. He noted that it was found that Chinese were lacking in the original black orthodox teas and were now in search of it. Mr. Cooke pointed out that while facing the challenge of Sri Lankas main tea markets currently in turmoil causing trade disturbances going forward the industry would have to think of ways of getting by in the next couple of years. Tea Board Chairman Rohan Pethiyaoda said that almost every week tea factories were charged severely for dropping quality of manufactured teas. It was noted that following the global promotional campaign scheduled to kick off in the last quarter of this year the industry was set to get better prices. Mr. Pethiyagoda explained that currently they were trying to sell Ceylon tea at US$10 per kilo and not just at $3 per kilo. Start-ups, the new generation View(s): In the good old days, most budding entrepreneurs didnt have the foggiest idea on how to transform an idea or innovation into a successful business. They had a plan but often the struggle to set up took months, even years. Times have changed, drastically. In todays world of business, new groups are emerging and one such is the start-up community, a sector which is taking the world by storm and making a strong impact in Sri Lanka too. Start-ups are not rocket science: people need just an idea, some initiatives, a desktop computer or a laptop. No storefront or a shop. Often the multitude of cafes in Colombo and the suburbs serve as temporary store fronts or meeting places to sit down with a client over a cup of steaming coffee or tea, malu-paan or rolls. Colombos coffee culture is very much linked to the start-up community where meetings take place, deals are clinched and ideas exchanged. It was one such recent conversation about this new generation of entrepreneurs that got the Business Times interested. This group of entrepreneurs has their own social media networking which occasionally results in informal meetings at a convenient cafe in the city. The idea to focus on these businesses and support their cause through seeking necessary state intervention and other needs in a special series (turn to Pages 10-11), once a month, in the Business Times arose after one of these meetings. By the way, cafes are a great place to run an on-the-go business; requiring only a laptop, mobile phone, free Wifi (from most cafes), lots of plug-in connections, and loads and loads of coffee or tea. Start-ups however have their share of problems and issues, similar to any small business or small and medium scale business. Approvals to start a business go through the same process as any other operation with the exception that if one can manage a unit from home or a smaller office, then the rigmarole of setting up a fully-fledged office, the connected trimmings and approvals from the municipality, etc can be done away with, if necessary. PickMe, BuzzBird, Readme, yamu or takas are among an array of start-ups in Sri Lanka that have succeeded with little or no capital in the formative years. Success is not easy but the more ingenious and innovative you are, the better it is. Start-ups are also connected to the new age of disruptive business where organisations disrupt the traditional form of trading to create an unconventional trading platform. Some start-ups are also what one could describe as middlemen, a much-bandied term to describe (often in a negative context) a trader who buys and sells goods or fixes deals. However in todays context such start-ups are more respectable businesses like takas.lk or wow.lk which are modern marketplaces for trading in goods and services through the web. For that matter, todays entrepreneurs often trade through the web so much so that there is little or no face-to-face contact between the vendor and the buyer; except for the delivery man! Delving into history, how the word start-ups originated is debatable but the term is believed to have been first used by Forbes magazine in 1976. It is also described as an innovation that creates a new market and value network and eventually disrupts an existing market and value network, displacing established market leaders and alliances. Is there a difference between start-ups and small businesses or SMEs? Dave McClure, founder of 500 Startups, is quoted as saying that start-up is a company that is confused about a number of things: what its product is; who its customers are; and how to make money. As soon as it figures out all three things, it ceases being a start-up and becomes a real business. Except most times, that doesnt happen. In Sri Lanka, start-ups have in recent times been helped along the way by various, small funding opportunities- however all private-sector driven. There is little or no support in funding from the government for this new breed of entrepreneurs except stumbling blocks, as our series today highlights. The Lankan Angel Network offers some funding options while MTI Consulting recently initiated an ideas funding tool raising 700 million rupees worth of interest from Sri Lankan corporates. A bigger problem is that taking risks has become a costly affair. Rather than encouraging risk-taking, for without this Sri Lanka cannot create a surfeit of innovators or creators who can take their ideas to the next level, closure laws are too rigid. Apart from that funding from the established financial sector comes with many questions and demand for a lot of collateral. Very little recognition is given to being imaginative, creative or innovative. And this is where Sri Lanka will once again miss the bus by turning a blind eye to the creative minds that start-ups will eventually spawn as millennials transform into budding entrepreneurs with no collateral except their ideas, initiatives and determination as collateral. What is lacking is an enabling environment for this industry, a few dozens now but with potential for thousands in the near future. Exit clauses for failed companies in Sri Lanka were made even worse by the recent budget where closures now cost a lot of money. As guest columnist Shakya Lahiru Pathmalal has pointed out, there is a lot of work needed in Sri Lanka before start-ups flourish, adding that one of the main contributors in the growth of start-ups is that the US government has made it very cheap to fail. While SMEs are said to be the backbone of the economy, there is no specialised or prominent ministry or much state attention given to small business. Some years ago, the Business Times suggested the creation of an independent authority or Entrepreneurship Council, ideally in a joint public-private partnership, to help small businesses grow. With the entry of the start-up community, an organisation like this becomes more imperative to help this new generation of entrepreneurs who apart from being risk-takers are energetic, vibrant, creative and innovative and fast becoming a vital part of the nations post-war path to progress and the economic landscape of the future. Tax on pavement hawkers on the cards By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s): Sri Lankan pavement hawkers, on one hand a menace to pedestrians while on the other a crucial vote base for politicians, are to be provided legitimacy by making them taxpayers. The proposed tax is aimed at making them contribute towards the economic development of the country, reducing the number of street vendors, maintaining cleanliness in the city and minimising the hassle to pedestrians, official sources revealed. AGs department sources said imposing a tax or levying a rental will give legitimacy to the pavement trade. A source said that municipalities are bound by law to maintain the pavements for the use of pedestrians. Leasing of payments is willfully denying pedestrian rights, he said. Hawkers across urban cities in Sri Lanka will come under a tax scheme for the pavement trade and non-formal market a senior government official said. There should be some control in prices of consumer items up for sale on pavements and hawkers should not vary the prices, otherwise the standard price structure would be affected, he said. He pointed out that hawkers mainly sell readymade garments, purses, watches, socks, mobile accessories, sunglasses, shoes, gift items and several other consumer items at extremely cheap prices when compared to the price at which the shops in the vicinity sell for, as they do not pay taxes, rent or electricity bills. The imposition of a tax on goods being sold by hawkers on the streets would give legitimacy to their business, helping them to improve their standards and get a decent place for them to do their day to day business after some time. The government will also introduce a low interest loan scheme for pavement hawkers to continue their business moving away from streets. The number of pavement hawkers in Sri Lanka is nearly 25,000 out of which around 3,000 are in Pettah. However, according to police and municipal council reports this number is 6,000. Colombo Mayor A. J. M. Muzammil told the Business Times that no rental is being levied from pavement hawkers at present but there is a plan to introduce such a system and implement it with the assistance of the police. The Colombo Municipal Council is currently collecting data of pavement vendors with the aim of providing redress for them. The pavements on a few streets especially the First Cross Street and the Second Cross Street in Pettah and several other towns in the country have been occupied by the hawkers again although they were given alternate stalls in 2010 by the Colombo Municipal Council and other local government institutions to carry out their businesses. Mr. Muzammil noted that hawkers would not be allowed to do business on the main streets of Colombo. However they have been granted permission to have their stalls in the cross-streets as a temporary measure. He disclosed that a large number of vendors who have stalls at Bodhiraja Mawatha and 5th Cross Street have rented out their stalls. The people who were given shops are not there now. They do not even pay any rent to the Municipal Council. The people who have rented out the stalls given to them are also doing business on the streets. There was political pressure. he said.This has become a nuisance for pedestrians at present and the governments move to impose a tax on them is expected to ease this problem to a great extent as most of them will not be able to cope with tax payments and at the same time sell cheaper than the established market, officials said. The pavement hawkers culture has existed for a long period in Sri Lanka with political patronage as it has become the livelihood for many low income earning families. So, whether we like it or not, we have to live with pavement hawkers till the governments plan to uplift their living standard bears fruit, one official said. A plague on both your houses View(s): At a time when England is celebrating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare it would not be inappropriate to quote a line from a play that somehow seems to capture the political madness here and the country of my birth. A plague o both your houses cried Mercutio in his dying moments in Romeo and Juliet as he cursed the houses of the Capulets and the Montagues, two warring families. Mercutios curse obviously worked for the lives of the lovers Romeo and Juliet ended tragically. There is a lot of cursing going on right now in the UK and Sri Lanka but that has more to do with two houses that are thousands of miles apart. These houses are not at war with each other. Rather the warring is going on within them. The said houses are called august assemblies which by any other name would smell, certainly not sweetly as roses as the Bard wrote. They are called Houses of Parliament where the elected representatives of the people make laws on behalf of the people, so it is said, they represent. It might at least be said for those who sit in the House of Commons in Westminster that they have been elected by the voters in their respective constituencies at free and fair elections. The same however cannot be said of the denizens of Diyawanna Oya. There we have at least three kinds of persons parading under the label of law makers. There are those who were elected by the people at an election; there are those who entered the assembly through what is rather oddly called the national list only because those elected from the respective parties created the space for them, and still others who were clearly rejected by the people but accepted by party leaders, and who might truly be called the unelected representatives of the people. Cynics might say that there is little difference between the elected, unelected and the defeated but selected because few of them really represent the people at large though they might well represent the people at home. Never mind how they got in to the House-front door, back door or window. Now they are in it, their conduct and contribution to the country is what ultimately matters to a constantly belt-tightening people who are compelled to pay for their upkeep and anything they might keep down under. There are essential differences that distinguish the Houses at Westminster and Diyawanna Oya. Here in London the verbal support for a remark or an argument of a member on his feet is no more than a Hear, Hear. An opposition repudiation of it is a jeer couched in typical British understatement. After all it is so essential to keep the upper lip stiff even though the tongue wags a much appreciated exercise in anatomical gymnastics that at a circus would have won rounds of applause. But back in Colombo it is not just the tongues that wag incessantly, possibly with shouts of pachaya , booruwa and even less complimentary epithets to the surprise of school children in the public galleries who are expected to gain knowledge and wisdom from the intelligent discourse MPs engage in. Other parts of the anatomy are very much in use as happened a couple of weeks ago when pugilistic power was on display and some of our parliamentarians ended up with aches and pains and one landed in hospital. Over the years the public has noticed the deterioration not only in the quality of debate (euphemistically speaking) but perhaps more noticeably in standards of conduct which is much more visible in Colombo in recent times than in London where the elected do try to maintain respectability. Verbal jousting is certainly a part of debate, be it in parliament or outside it. But the recent performance of British Prime Minister David Cameron at PMs Question Time just days before the London mayoral elections shows to what depths even a prime minister can descend when he and his partys politics are on the line. Mr. Cameron confronted with a situation where the Downing Street-led campaign in support of the Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith was unraveling tried desperately to demonise the Labour candidate Sadiq Khan. Khan was accused of appearing on the same platform with a muslim cleric who was described as one who professed extremist Islamic views and perceived in Cameronian eyes as being inclined to sympathize with current purveyors of terrorism. If being on the same platform necessarily means holding the same or similar views which seems to be the conclusion Cameron expects the public to draw it is surely a strange piece of logic even for someone out of Eton. Coming from a Prime Minister who should be held to much higher standards than the kind of nonsense spouted by Sri Lankas constantly wagging tongues such as that of Udaya Gammanpila, Camerons resort to racist rhetoric is certainly a dismal and disgusting performance that would have sat more comfortably with those on the extreme right of British politics and not in a multicultural Britain. He was, quite correctly I think, roundly condemned even by some in his own party. But at least it might be said for the British they do not engage in physical confrontations in the well of the Commons and end up in hospital claiming medical benefits. The same cannot be said of our House of Parliament for the maintenance of which the Sri Lanka people pay an enormous price for no justifiable reasons if one were to judge by the intellectual and ethical qualities of some of those who find representing the people a lucrative vacation than a respectable vocation. The recent fracas in Parliament when physical rather than intellectual force was employed as argument is a shameless display of the moral quality of some of those who are elected to Parliament as law makers of the nation. Whether this is a fault of the voters who elect such persons or the political parties that present them as candidates so they may exploit a flawed system to aggrandize on behalf of self, family and friends, let our regular talking heads crowing our media argue. It was only a day or so before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year that the Speaker provided each MP with a draft copy of the Code of Conduct that parliamentarians will, hopefully, follow once approved. Mahinda Rajapaksa is supposed to have famously said once that our soldiers went to war with a weapon in one hand and a copy of human rights laws in the other. In the same vein it might be said that our MPs engage in parliamentary give- and- take with the Code of Conduct in one hand and the other ready for all eventualities. It is this Code of Conduct that says in clause 5.7 that an MP shall not assault, harass and intimidate another person. It also says in 5.1.6 Members shall never undertake any action that would cause significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the Parliament as a whole or its members or of the country generally. The recent fracas in Parliament is not the first time this has happened though boisterous and unacceptable behaviour is becoming more frequent now. In almost 20 years starting in 1967 of covering parliament as sketch writer of the Daily News and its parliamentary editor I have been witness to one instance of a physical clash. That was way back in the old parliament by the sea and it was between two ministers of the then SLFP government. Without going into detail let me say it was between Minister S.K.K Sooriayarachchi who I think was MP for Mahara and W.P.G. Ariyadasa who was either Minister of Health or local government and MP for Haputale. What started almost at the tail end of the days sessions ended after the House adjourned and in the lobby outside. I still remember calling it Ari versus Soori. But that was the one and only time I saw such an episode until I called it a day after a few years into the Diyawanna Oya era. Actually there are many other clauses in the code to raise derisive laughter among a public that have fast lost faith in their MPs and therefore in Parliament itself to do the job they were elected to do. Who knows what diluted form this code will ultimately take once the parliamentarians get their teeth into it. An additional clause could surely be appended to whatever is left of it. Every night before going to bed an MP must pray to whatever deity he worships, to faithfully uphold all that is pledged to in the good book. No doubt the public would be doing the same but in greater measure and to as many deities as possible. Govt.s popularity gets a beating; growing concern over failure to tackle corruption By Our Political Editor View(s): View(s): VAT hits millions of people and sends prices soaring Govt. sponsors Rajapaksas visit to Uganda amid questions over why no present leaders were invited One morning last week, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweeras mobile phone rang a few times. He was at his official residence at Stanmore Crescent, one of the most secure locations in the City of Colombo, sandwiched between the residences of the Commanders of the Army and the Air Force. Interrupting some of the paper work he was engaged in, he answered. It was former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was the caller. He sought the sponsorship of the United National Front (UNF) Government to travel to Uganda. Ai, Rajapaksalata deng salli nedda? or do the Rajapaksas have no money now, asked Samaraweera. Both of them guffawed. A somewhat lengthy conversation ensued. The result the UNF Government gave Rajapaksa a Business Class ticket to fly from Colombo to Dubai since no airlines operating to that emirate had First Class. However, from Dubai to Entebbe (Uganda), he received a First Class ticket. The ticket was valid for the return journey too and cost the taxpayer Rs. 425,000. Other members of his entourage were to pay for their travel. Rajapaksa took part in the inauguration of President Yoweri Musaveni for a fifth term in a tension charged Kampala, the capital, last Thursday. The courts there had issued an order banning demonstrations. The former Sri Lanka President was in the company of Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, John Magufuli of Tanzania, Jacob Zuma of South Africa and Edgar Lungu of Zambia. Armed soldiers and riot police ringed Kampala as the inauguration ceremonies took place. The main Ugandan Opposition, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has declared that it does not recognise Musaveni as the elected President. He polled 61 percent and his key rival Kizza Besigye came second with 35 percent. Local and international observers who monitored the poll said the elections were marred by serious irregularities including vote rigging. Besigye who raised issue over this saying he would go to courts has been placed under house arrest since he represented a threat to the Government. The Opposition has been left with only social media platforms like Twitter after Musavenis Government announced a ban on media reporting live on Opposition activities. Any media violating the directive would lose their licence. Information Minister Muhwezi told the Ugandan media this week, If there is an order for Dr Besigye not to continue with his defiance campaign, when you give him a platform to speak live to the whole world, then you are defying that order. You are an accomplice. Of course, he will be found guilty, but you will be guilty too. Amnesty International said on the eve of Musavenis inauguration that it comes amidst a crackdown on the rights to the freedom of expression, association and assembly. During the telephone conversation Samaraweera was to tell Rajapaksa that as a former President the Government would extend him courtesies during foreign travel. This was why protocol assistance was extended when he visited Thailand last month. I was, however, refused a Sri Lanka High Commission vehicle to travel to a hotel from the London Heathrow airport during your time, Samaraweera declared. Rajapaksa hurriedly responded, that might have been the work of (former) External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris. Samaraweera corrected him. He said the then Minister was Rohitha Bogollagama and went on to point out that even former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was denied protocol assistance. Request for comfortable hotel Samaraweera asked that a formal request be made to his Ministry. Rajapaksas private secretary Udith Sanjaya Lokubandara wrote to Foreign Secretary Chitranganee Wagiswara. He said; Please be kind enough to facilitate for expenses for food and lodging in Kampala from the 11th of May to the 15th of May as per government specified country regulations. When Rajapaksas request was under consideration, Lokubandara telephoned Samaraweera. This time, he said, once the former President reached Dubai, he would have to wait for four hours for his connecting flight to Entebbe. He sought a comfortable hotel in Dubai be booked and the expenses borne by the Government. The Foreign Minister then made clear that the Government, as a courtesy to the office of former President, would only provide the travel costs of Rajapaksa. He said all other expenses would have to be borne by him. Then came the snub to Lokubandaras request for a comfortable hotel in Dubai. Samaraweera said that President Sirisena was going to Japan at the end of this month. He would be flying from Colombo to Singapore from where he would board a connecting flight to Nagoya. There would be a five-hour wait at the Changi International Airport in Singapore but President Sirisena has not sought any hotel accommodation in Singapore. He had decided to spend the five hours at the VIP Lounge at Changi. Sirisena is due to leave Colombo on May 25 to take part in side events associated with the G-7 summit. Rajapaksa was accompanied by a four-member entourage. They were Gamini Lokuge, Lohan Ratwatte, Udith Lokubandara and Dhanasiri Ameratunga. Contrary to reports that all of Rajapaksas Army security detail had been withdrawn, two officers and two soldiers accompanied him. They are Colonel Mahendra Sampath, Major Neville Wanniarachchi, Saman Udaya Amerasinghe and Harsha Wickremarachchi. Even the registration numbers of Army vehicles had been forwarded for prior clearance to enter the VIP area of the Bandaranaike International Airport. From Colombo, they went by Emirates flight EK 349 to Dubai and from there boarded EK 729 to Entebbe. They will return to Colombo today through EK 730 from Entebbe International Airport to Dubai and thereafter on EK 650 to Colombo. At the highest levels in the Foreign Ministry the talking point was why no Government leaders were invited to the Kampala event. It was Oryem Henry Okello, Minister of State for Foreign/International Affairs who had invited Mahinda Rajapaksa, former President of Sri Lanka. He said in his letter: Your Excellency I send you warm and fraternal greetings from the Government and the people of the Republic of Uganda. In the recently concluded Presidential elections which took place on 18th February 2016, the people of Uganda overwhelmingly gave H.E. President Yowen Kaguta Museveni, another mandate to serve them as President for the next five years. The Inauguration and Swearing-in Ceremony will be held on 12th May 2016 in Kampala. I have the honour, Your Excellency, to invite you to join H.E. the President and fellow Ugandans in witnessing the Swearing in Ceremony and to celebrate with us the start of this new mandate. Your presence at this auspicious occasion will provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen the warm and cordial relations between our peoples. While looking forward to welcoming you in Kampala, please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Ugandan State Minister Okellos assertion that Rajapaksas presence at this auspicious occasion will provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen the warm and cordial relations between our peoples is indeed quixotic. Such diplomatic parlance is used usually in communications between one Government and another. It becomes even funnier since Uganda has chosen to ignore the Government in Sri Lanka and decided to strengthen the warm and cordial relations That position, there is little doubt, is one which the Foreign Ministry in Colombo should take up with the Ugandan Government. Firstly Uganda has not invited anyone from the UNF Government. Secondly, it was looking to a former President, now not even a leader of a political party, to strengthen relations. Whether the top bureaucracy in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is capable of such assertive action remains a question. Those Sri Lankan envoys who were campaigners for the previous Government are still holding sway in the conduct of foreign policy from some important capitals. Setting a precedent The UNF Governments move to pay for the airfare of Rajapaksa, no doubt, also sets a precedent. Even if ruling party dignitaries have not been invited, it demonstrates that the former President will be allowed to travel at state expense. This is when he receives official invitations from foreign Governments. Earlier, soon after the presidential election, and again after the parliamentary elections, the Government charged that assets allegedly amassed overseas by Rajapaksa and members of his family would be probed and the monies in question repatriated to Sri Lanka. In London this week, Sirisena appealed to Premier David Cameron for help in this regard. Even US Secretary of State John Kerry, who visited Colombo last year, offered help to the Government. A Government appointed Stolen Assets Recovery Task Force has functioned since then but it has not been able to produce results in the past one year or more. Though the air fare of Rs. 425,000 for Rajapaksa is a relatively small amount, the question that arises is whether the UNF Government is now acknowledging that the former President needs the money to purchase his air tickets. If indeed that is the case, who paid for the travel and other expenses of the remaining seven members of the former Presidents delegation, including the security detail, poses an interesting question. Added to that, contrary to the Governments public claim that it had withdrawn armed forces personnel, an Army personal security detail led by a Colonel accompanied Rajapaksa. Some ministers are already set to raise issue at the upcoming ministerial meeting on Tuesday about the Governments inability to bring to book those engaged in bribery, corruption and other malpractices. This week Minister Rajitha Senaratne had a meeting with representatives of civil society groups who complain that little or no action has so far been taken. The role of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) figured prominently in this discussion. Later the same night he reported on his talks to President Sirisena. GSP Plus issue Another foreign policy issue, talks by the Government to urge the European Union to restore the GSP plus tariff concessions to Sri Lanka, figured at the weekly ministerial meeting on Tuesday. Megapolis and Western Province Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka raised issue over the front page lead story of the Sunday Times last week headlined EU LINKS HUMAN RIGHTS TO TRADE: 58 CONDITIONS FOR GSP PLUS. The report revealed that to regain the concessionary tariff, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had agreed to 58 conditions linking human rights, national security and other domestic concerns. Foreign Minister Samaraweera was to point out that that some 21 points had been agreed upon during this weeks discussions with the EU. However, he said his Ministry would clarify what those issues were and explain the different requirements set out by the EU. This is when it issues a statement on the outcome of the latest round of talks. As it has become common practice of those in the UNF Government to play the role of spokespersons on any issue, Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva, tweeted hurriedly that there was no such agreement. Evidently, he was unaware of what his own minister had told the Cabinet of Ministers. Perhaps the aim behind the self-appointed roles by most is to gain media prominence for which there is fierce competition. This is not confined to the EU issue alone. After the names of Sri Lankans holding money stacked in foreign accounts transpired in revelations of Panama papers (see box story on this page), different ministers came up with different views. Each appeared to reflect Government policy but ended up confusing the public. Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said action would be taken against those involved. Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said not a single file would be suppressed and what was due to the Sri Lanka Treasury would be brought back. On the other hand, his colleague Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was to note that the disclosures had only come in the media and could not be the basis for a probe. This view was not surprising as Rajapakshes closeness with one of those named in the Panama Papers, Avant Garde head Nissanka Senadipathy, is now public knowledge. VAT discussed Also coming up for discussion at Tuesdays ministerial meeting was the increase of VAT and the hardships arising from it. Finance Minister Karunanayake read out from a lengthy list now circulating in emails that compared to price levels in the previous administration in 2014, consumer items were still cheap. Reading out from the two-page document he said the gas price that stood at Rs. 2650 a cylinder in 2014 was now Rs. 810, the petrol price had dropped from R. 165 then to Rs 117 a litre and wheat flour from Rs. 110 to Rs 90. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya had given him a copy of this list containing comparisons when he attended the Lalith Athulathmudali memorial lecture at the BMICH by President Sirisena. Joint Opposition leader Dinesh Gunawardena wrote a letter to President Sirisena (with copy to Premier Wickremesinghe) urging that a new budget be introduced in Parliament. In the three-page letter he pointed out that According to Article 148 of the Constitution, control over government finance is vested in Parliament. According to that article, while no tax or other charge can be levied without the approval of Parliament; parliamentary assent is required for any amendment to the estimates passed by the House. Be that as it may, it has been reported that, while the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to slash the approved estimates, action is being taken to charge VAT and National Defence Levy for a raft of goods and services which were hitherto exempt, and to increase VAT by 15%. At the ministerial meeting Sirisena was to strongly criticise the Chief Government Whip Gayantha Karunatilleke (UNP Galle District) for not ensuring a presence of MPs when the vote on the supplementary estimate for Rs. 55 million was taken up. Karunatilleke was among those who had gone for a viewing of the film Pattini at a cinema theatre in Borella. The President said that all parliamentarians should be advised to defend the Governments position vis-a-vis the economy and explain why some measures had become necessary. Upon his return from a private visit to Singapore, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has also initiated his own inquiry into the matter. A memorandum presented to the ministerial meeting about bonds, President Sirisena said, would be discussed when he returned from his visits to Britain and India. Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa responded to remarks reported in these columns last week. It was Minister Rajitha Senaratnes comments at a ministerial meeting that Basil had, after last years presidential election, gone to the airport to travel to the United States assisted by a UNP Minister and his personal security staff. Basil said that is not true. I went in my vehicle with my own security personnel. The upcoming weeks will pose serious challenges to the Government. The impact of the VAT increase is now being felt. It is no secret that the Governments popularity has taken a severe beating. Civil society organisations have begun their campaign that promises to probe bribery and corruption of the previous regime, an election pledge, has not been fulfilled. They allege that the wrong-doers were being protected by a powerful few in the Government. The much awaited clean up in the Foreign Ministry where loyalists of the previous administration held sway has not changed. The Sri Lanka issue will come up at next months UN Human Rights Council sessions. It seems business as usual with ministers making their own pronouncements reflecting different views with a leadership unable to curtail the situation. This could only lead to more public discontent and displeasure. Panama Papers and Lankans: Names revealed in 2013 repeated in Mondays ICIJ release The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) on Monday released on its website just a small fraction of names, including those from Sri Lanka, linked to some 214,000 offshore companies worldwide, as mentioned in the Panama Papers. They are beneficiaries, shareholders, intermediaries together with their addresses and are linked to 21 different jurisdictions. These are the countries in which secret offshore accounts have been held. They include Panama, Bahamas, Seychelles, Samoa, Hong Kong and Switzerland. What has come to be known as the Panama Papers is a trove of files with the largest volume of insider information data to be leaked by an unknown source, first to the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung. Later, the newspaper sought the help of the ICIJ to carry out a wider investigation into the activities of Mossack Fonseka, a Panamanian law firm with 40 offices worldwide, and was offering tax havens the world over including to Sri Lankans. The firm also offers advice to clients on commercial law, trust services, investor guidance and on how to run business structures. Mining of data running into 11.5 million files (2.6 terabytes) stretching over 40 years will continue not only at the ICIJ headquarters in Washington DC but also in other centres, including Colombo. Such data will bare much more names and other details. This will mean more stories in the media in the coming days, weeks and months because of the massive volume. The initial posting on the ICIJ website last Monday gives one an insight into the enormity of the operations that went on under a cloak of secrecy. In this, some names have been repeated, like for example on Sri Lanka. This is whilst the list of addresses run into 104 so far, again on Sri Lanka. File types from spreadsheets, e-mails and PDF to obscure and old formats which are obsolete and the logistics of searching them securely was one of the hurdles during an yearlong investigation, according to Mar Cabra, head of the ICIJ Data Unit. In an introduction to mark the release of the initial dataset last Monday, ICIJ Deputy Director Marina Walker Guevara declared that The database also displays information about more than 100,000 additional offshore entities ICIJ had already disclosed in its 2013 Offshore Leaks Investigation. Thus, in Sri Lanka the names connected to Panama Papers revealed so far are only 18. Other than that, an ICIJ investigation into offshore accounts in 2013 where a number of Singapore based firms were involved, 42 Sri Lankan names have been listed. Their names have been repeated in the ICIJ website on Monday. It is pertinent to remember that these 42 names should not be mistaken for Panama Papers. These names have also been erroneously circulated in e-mails weeks earlier suggesting that they were from the Panama Papers. However, they were posted in the ICIJ website even at that time and have now been integrated with the Panama Papers. The ICIJ investigation into their offshore accounts has received wide publicity earlier and has been merged together with those named in the Panama Papers as explained by the ICIJ Deputy Director. It must be borne in mind that there are legitimate uses for offshore companies and trusts. The Sunday Times does not suggest or imply that any persons, or other entities including in the ICIJ database have broken the law or otherwise acted improperly. Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake responded to the names of Sri Lankans revealed so far. He told the Sunday Times, I will ask the Exchange Control Department and the Department of Inland Revenue to write to every person mentioned in the ICIJ website. They will be called upon to give details of the accounts and the balances they now maintain. They will also be asked how the monies in those accounts accrued to them. In addition I will also direct the Customs Department to investigate whether there has been any violation of laws governing them. Whilst the banks in Virgin Islands, which have come under pressure from the British Government, have declared they will provide details if sought by investigative arms of Government, others have taken up the position that they will not co-operate in instances where their data have been stolen. Their stance comes as Mossack Fonseka threatened legal action against the ICIJ by sending it a cease and desist letter. The firm said in a statement, Today we sent a cease and desist letter to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) regarding its announcement to make public, on May 9 the second portion of the database stolen from our company. The letter urges the ICIJ to abstain from this action taking into consideration that it is based on the theft of confidential information and is a violation of the confidentiality agreement between attorney and client, which we must protect. It is important for us to make clear that we operate, in all jurisdictions, under strict compliance with the law and regulations of the industry in all services provided, respecting strong client identification norms. Last week, the still anonymous sources behind the data leak broke their silence in a statement to the ICIJ. They said: Income equality is one of the defining issues of our times. It affects all of us, the world over. The debate over its sudden acceleration has raged for years, with politicians, academics and activists alike helpless to stop its steady growth despite countless speeches, statistical analysis, a few meagre protests, and the occasional documentary. Still questions remain: why? and why now? The Panama Papers provide a compelling answer to these questions: Massive, pervasive corruption. And its not a coincidence that the answer comes from a law firm. More than just a cog in the machine of wealth management, Mossack Fonseka used its influence to write and bend laws worldwide to favour the interests of criminals over a period of decades. The Sri Lankans named so far in the Panama Papers are: 1. Kenneth John Pendigrast 2. Yapa Hettipathiranalage Nissanka Yapa Senadipathi 3. Mohamed Siddeek Mohamed Ali 4. Senarath Bandara Dissanayake 5. Min Xuan 6. Jayakody Arachchige Don Marian Srini Pamela Jayakody 7. Palavinnege Sumith Kumaratunga 8. Prasanna Athanasius Sirimevan Rajaratne 9. Tristan Laurens Bernard 10. Nicola Dawn Hankansson 11. Michael Robert Nasmyth MacPherson 12. Aroon Hirdaramani Mona Hirdaramani and Aroon Hirdaramani as Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship 13. Arun Prakash Mahtani 14. Mukesh Khubchand 15. Ng Yin Peng 16. Simon Finch 17. Y.H.P. Kithsiri Manjula Kumara Yapa 18. Christopher Rohan Martin Those mentioned in the ICIJ offshore leaks investigation in 2013 and whose names have been repeated are: 1. Somasunt heram Mukhunthan and Anne Christine Muhunthan 2. Duminda Mahali Weerasekera 3. Janaki Jagasia 4. Vidya Dilruk Amerapala 5. Surendra Edirirweera 6. Khandaker Moinul Ahsan (Shameem) 7. Shareporp Limited 8. Ijaz Chatoor 9. Murtazaali Avidhussen Hassanally Esufally 10. Imran Ali Akbar Jeevunjee 11. Ahmed Ismail Hossein 12. Jennifer Kathleen Senanayake 13. Shyamalee Champika Ediriweera 14. Esufally Imtiaz Abidhussein Hassanally 15. Senaka Dunuville Senanayake 16. Omprasadham Kanapathipillai 17. Akhter Mohamed 18. Surendra Ediriweera & Shyamali Champika Ediriweera 19. Sanjay Vijith Anthony Perera 20. Aliakber Saifudeen Jeevunjee 21. Sharmila Wahab 22. Christian Ferdinand Fuhrer 23. Esufally Bilquis Imtiaz 24. Niranjan Sunil Oswald Mendis 25. Sanik Networks Limited 26. Nilan Abeywickrema 27. Tushan and Dhammeswari 28. Lasitha Gamini Attygalle 29. Chandrajith Saman Kalyana Jayamaha Hithhamilage 30. Dimitry De Wansa Wickramaratne 31. Udu Wathuwage Jagath Priya Anura Sumathipala 32. Daniel Oritz 33. Tushan Harsha Mendis 34. Balendra Krishan Niraj Jayasekera 35. Jayawardena Welathantrige Shilanth Boteju 36. Hassan Mahmood (Raja) 37. Rohan Albert Ignatius Gomis 38. Aqua Packaging Limited 39. Chandru Swamidas Jagasia 40. Kaluachchigamage Avanthi Kumara Jayatilleke 41. Farida Jeevunjee 42. Kishore Hassram Surtani Testing the difference between the new and the old View(s): In a notably pungent observation at the close of her mission visit to Sri Lanka this month, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers Monica Pinto took pains to remind Sri Lankas Constitutional Council of one fact. This was that the Council, set up with great expectations under the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, must make its rules of procedure and functional regulations publicly available. As she pointed out in her preliminary findings, the criteria used to evaluate candidates suitability for a given position by the Council must be in the public domain. Such transparency would contribute to dissipating possible accusations of deliberate opacity and arbitrariness, it was noted. Why this reluctance to adhere to basic rules? Even though this recommendation was largely (and unsurprisingly) ignored by the media, it remains by far, one of the most important findings in this mission report. It homes in on a specific lynchpin of the regime change last year, namely the commitment of the yahapalanaya (good governance) administration to ensure that the evils of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution are rolled back. For that objective to be achieved, the transparency and the public accountability of the Council is paramount. Indeed, one can only be taken aback that it requires this amount of public pressure to emphasize the obvious. Should not formulating rules of procedure for the functioning of the Council and deciding the criteria which it uses when selecting individuals to key public posts and constitutional commissions have been the most immediate task on its very first day? Are these children who should be taught anew fundamental preconditions for the functionality of any body, let alone a constitutional body of such premier importance and in which such public trust was (vainly?) reposed? Or was this task left unaddressed due to the political necessity to have the process open to manipulation behind the scenes? This question has been often raised in these column spaces. This is not an academic question either as seen by at least one example of an appointment letter to a purported Chairman of a Commission being sent and withdrawn for no good reason. In general terms and in another era of spirited public interest litigation, such a problematic incident would have promptly given rise to a fundamental rights challenge. It is perhaps fortunate that the Constitutional Council was not called upon to meet such a distasteful eventuality. Unacceptability of simple propaganda Quite apart from other factors, the absurdly different procedures adopted for the appointment of the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police begs the question as to whether the Council is completely unaware of the monumental gravitas of its constitutional function. To be clear, it is not a question of the personalities in issue. Rather, it is the process. It is heartening therefore to see that this crucial point has been recognized and acknowledged in the Special Rapporteurs report. The further recommendation that to avoid the politicization of the appointment processes by the Council and to increase its legitimacy, its composition should be changed so as to include more civil society representatives, including possibly representation from the Bar Association and academia is also laudatory. This finding demonstrates the lack of success of simple propaganda that a purely superficial change in governance structures will suffice to meet Sri Lankas crisis of the Rule of Law. Indeed, the caution against superficiality underlines the general tenor of this report as well as the companion report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, Mr. Juan E. Mendez. For example, Mr Mendez points particularly to the fact of the judicial oversight of police action being superficial, opining that magistrates merely accept what the police and state counsel inform the court. Instead, more diligence must be exhibited by judges to prevent infringement of the Rule of Law. It is based on this reasoning that he recommends the amendment of Sri Lankas Victim and Witness Protection Act to ensure that the protection of victims is not entrusted to the police. Grave findings by both Special Rapporteurs Both reports reflect a common theme. Sri Lanka needs urgent and comprehensive measures to ensure structural reform in the countrys key institutions. A piecemeal and superficial approach will not suffice. Mr Mendez, himself a lawyer and activist who experienced torture, concludes very significantly that the current legal framework and the lack of reform within the structures of the armed forces, police, Attorney-Generals Office and judiciary perpetuate the real risk that the practice of torture will continue. This is a grave finding that state authorities ought to take note of. Meanwhile, the preliminary findings of the Special Rapporteur on the judiciary also focus attention on the public accountability of the Judicial Service Commission. Reviewing and publicizing the criteria for the appointment of judges and the causes for removal through disciplinary proceedings is emphasized as being crucial for ensuring that the administration of justice is more transparent, decentralized and democratic. It is therefore recommended that legislation should explicitly provide for specific criteria for the appointment of judges and their removal after a disciplinary proceeding whose grounds are set out in the law. These grounds should be substantiated with full respect for due process, including the right to a review. Where the appellate judiciary is concerned, it is recommended that a special panel of independent and impartial individuals must be established under a law containing specific causes triggering misconduct and granting due process safeguards Corresponding sanctions must be proportionate and adequate. Further, the use of contempt of court by past Chief Justices as a favourite tool is noted. Sri Lanka is urged to enact legislation to define a clear and precise scope for the offence of contempt of court, identifying behaviour constituting contempt of the court, and setting up a procedure to deal with such cases. Heeding the recommendations The Government will do well to heed not only this recommendation but also several other points of concern contained in these mission reports before the two Special Rapportuers present their final observations to the United Nations next year. It is only in doing so that it will demonstrate its true difference from the previous regime. That difference still remains to be tested. Europes economic neo-colonialism View(s): That even Cabinet Ministers were taken by surprise by this newspapers front page lead story last week was not the best example of transparency and good governance supposedly the trademark of this Government. The story; that the European Union (EU) and Sri Lankas Ministry of Foreign Affairs have agreed on 58 conditions for Sri Lanka to win back GSP plus facilities (a Generalized System of Preferences on tariffs) into European markets was strenuously denied by some junior ministers eager to score brownie points with their leaders, but the Foreign Minister himself was more cautious at the Cabinet meeting as our Political Editor says on this page. Sometimes junior ministers tend to rush in where angels fear to tread. The Foreign Minister told the Cabinet that the number of conditions agreed to, was 21, not 58. A former Foreign Minister said he agreed to much less. Our story, based on documents that we have in our possession gives the number as 58, but the crux of the matter is not the scorecard, but the principle involved. Put bluntly, if this is not neocolonialism, what is? And if this is not weak-kneed, spineless negotiating skills from the Sri Lankan end, what is. Europe was an early proponent of free trade. Today, European nations are attaching conditions even to trade using their financial muscle built over the centuries by the exploitation of their former colonies. One need not go down that dirty road, but trade is not aid that must have strings attached to it. When the EU envoy in Colombo says this week that the regional grouping is donating 4.5 million Euros (Rs. 779 million) for building stronger communities and a vibrant civil society, and that human rights is the silver thread of EU foreign policy, he is entitled to say that. But GSP plus is trade even though it is a concession granted, it is trade not aid. If economically developing countries are being encouraged to be self-reliant, sanctions in any form, the Wests latest weapon of war cannot be used selectively to bring countries in line with their foreign policy. So far, the country has not been informed what even those 21 conditions are. The 58 relate to the Rule of Law and the justice system, Governance and the fight against corruption, Reconciliation and sharing power in the North and East, Human Rights, Migration, Cooperation with the UN and other issues. These clearly show that the EUs present generation has a longing for what its forebears did i.e. to run third world countries like their fiefdoms remote controlled from London, Paris and Brussels. GSP Plus is 8-10 months away for even Sri Lankas application to be processed within the EU. Sri Lanka must give detailed accounts in the shape of a comprehensive response to the EUs letter to the then Foreign Minister back in 2010. New conditions have emerged since. We are told that in one instance, the EU even wants the Supreme Court judgment on the Singararasa case reversed in some form. This case relates to Sri Lankas international obligations. And why be selective? Take the textbook case of fish imports by the EU from India, an issue we have raised so many times for so long only to be met by a deafening silence from Colombo and Brussels. The EU showed a red card to Sri Lanka for engaging in IUU (Illegal, Unregulated, Unreported) fishing practices. Well and good. This prevented Sri Lanka from exporting fish products to the EU until it put its house in order on IUU practices, for which there is a worldwide ban. The EU makes a holistic cry about how much it cares for the subject but imports US$ 1.6 billion worth of fish products from India, a well-known IUU violator. South Indian fishermen indulging in IUU practices in the Palk Straits is well documented. Taken out of the neocolonial context though, many of the EUs conditions per se are what the Government of Sri Lanka must nevertheless implement. The EU has even given timeframes (some by now have lapsed) because theres a sense of impatience all round that Governments in Colombo, past and present, vacillate too much. However, many of these conditions are debatable and highly sensitive issues. The release of all remaining lands to the rightful civilian owners (it has to be a reference to the North) is one. The EU wants this implemented by next month. It wantd electoral reforms in line with the EU recommendations (so, to hell with the recommendations of others, including the Commonwealth Secretariat); it wants the Land Development Ordinance amended to provide equal land succession rights to men and women (but makes no mention to the discriminatory personal law of Thesawalamai practised in the North alone); it even wants the minimum age of marriage under Muslim Law amended; it wants a moratorium on the death penalty and calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to finalise the resettlement of all internal displaced persons, while having a huge refugee problem on Europes own doorstep and not knowing how to deal with it. Its a case of do what we say, not as we do. On the other hand, who can argue that the Right to Information Law needs to be passed and the reactivating of the Press Council should be re-considered. So many other conditions are basic good governance issues which the Government and the line-ministries responsible for them, must see implemented. The EU even asks for the expeditious conclusion of the bribery and corruption cases, something the whole country is eagerly waiting for. The problem is, and this has often been said, Sri Lankan Governments, past and present by their own lethargy are permitting these matters to get internationalised. The previous Government did it by its stubbornness and the present Government by yielding too easily to the dictates of the pushy West, massaged by self-seeking diasporas to turn small sovereign nations into push-over model states. What is required is some in-betweens ; some healthy negotiating skills and a political willingness at this end to act firmly but fairly, and to put this countrys own house in order, on its own terms and in accordance with the wishes of its own people, not by cowing down to the dictates of others. Strengthen ties with South India Across the Palk Strait, invaded thrice weekly by poaching Southern Indian fishermen indulging in IUU practices as it were, is the Tamil Nadu State Assembly election scheduled for tomorrow. Its Hobsons Choice for the 58 million voters either they re-elect the AIADMK or bring back the DMK, basically two sides of the same coin. For once, Sri Lanka is not on the electoral agenda. Issues like Kachchativu and the arrest of fishermen by the Sri Lanka Navy are minor in comparison to other burning issues in the state. The Indian Prime Minister campaigning for his poorly placed BJP told a rally at Kanyakumari, a coastal town in Tamil Nadu home to many fishermen to engage in deep sea fishing (a reference possibly to avoid poaching in the Palk Strait) and that he is helping the Tamils in Sri Lanka wipe their tears by providing housing assistance with the help of the Government of Sri Lanka. Striking a more conciliatory note than his predecessors did in the recent past, he said the new Government in Sri Lanka and the Central Government of India have a good rapport. This approach may not win too many votes for the BJP in an election where the ultimate winner is the voter as all the political parties flood the electorate with gold, rice cookers and baksheesh part and parcel of Tamil Nadu elections. But at least it formed a good foundation for fruitful talks when the Sri Lankan President made a stop-over in New Delhi for a tete-a-tete this week. With trade agreements, or without, Sri Lanka must engage the southern Indian states far more than now than relying on the West for its markets to bring home the dhal. An unidentified flying object, or UFO, is any apparent anomaly in the sky. (Photo : YouTube/ Mystery Universe) An increased count of UFO sightings in the region of Oceania is drawing attention to a possible alien invasion. Most of the sightings have been recorded in New Zealand, where a total of 10 UFO detections have been documented in the last six years. According to New Zealand Herald, the most noteworthy sightings were those of an "identified red and orange light" near ChristChurch back in 2015 and moving lights observed in the Bay of Plenty and Hamilton, North Island, in 2013. There was also a sighting of a star-shaped object seen by a pilot near the wingtip of his plane. Advertisement These reports have been authenticated by New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and commentaries indicate that the total number of UFOs could be higher than initially thought. This is because the most recent activities in the skies have not yet been accounted for. The most recent UFO sighting happened on March 30 when an "unidentified falling light" was observed at Tasman Bay, near Nelson. The object was described as too slow for a meteor and too fast for an airplane, something that prompted New Zealand's CAA to record the incidence. The Ufocus New Zealand research Network, which runs an archive of the sightings reported to it, also has other recent UFO sighting recordings. For example, its most recent one involves "an airborne object surrounded by red strobing light" in Katikati. Another one entails a "delta-shaped" object, which was seen above the Waitakere Ranges. The Network's Director Suzzanne Hansen told the publication in a news briefing that most of the reported UFO sightings were from the North Island, where the population is much denser. One distinct incident that was not recorded by the CAA comprised a report from an Australian film crew working in New Zealand in 2014, The Sun reported. The crew was filming "Colour in Your Life" when it inadvertently recorded two strange objects flying at high speed in the sky. The crew did not notice the objects in their footage until it started editing the movie. After slowing the video it uploaded online, the two shapes are seen emerging behind the trees and flying up into the sky, after which, they disappear. In the meantime, most unexplained UFO sightings have not been reported or recorded by authorities lately. But the rising frequencies of UFO appearances are triggering suppositions of the existence aliens on earth. Here is a video of the UFO sighting recorded by the Australian film crew: Chef Publis felicitated for 60 years of service at MLH View(s): Celebrating 210 years of history and colonial heritage, Mount Lavinia Hotel is a pioneer in promoting Sri Lankan cuisine to the world. The face synonymous to the hotel as well as traditional culinary art, none other than Dr. Chef Publis Silva, was felicitated for 60 years of dedicated service to MLH, at the recently held Annual Staff Day. This was the 24th Staff Day where staff members and their families participated in a lunch hosted by the Chairman Sanath Ukwatte. Gold awards for the long serving staff, scholarships for the families and housing grants were distributed during the ceremony. The highlight of the event was when the Management and staff of Mount Lavinia Hotel led by the Chairman Sanath Ukwatte and Group General Manager BazeerCassim, rewarded Chef Publis with a prestigious award for his service. Chef Publis initially joined Mount Lavinia Hotel in 1956 as a coal carrier, dragging the heavy gunny bags of coal used for the kitchen stove. His other main duty at the time included scraping 80 coconuts along with another kitchen hand. With such humble beginnings, he soon became a Kitchen help through sheer dedication and hard work. Winning the trust of the Head Cook, he gradually ascended the ladder in learning the art of cooking. He was subsequently promoted as Head Chef of Mount Lavinia Hotel. Chef Publis has been functioning as the Director Culinary Affairs since 2003 and has spearheaded numerous culinary projects, including the colossal task of popularising Sri Lankan cuisine around the world. He is also the author of 23 books, and has entered the Guinness Book of Records for creating the largest and longest Kiribath as well as the worlds smallest recipe book titled Royal Meals of the Last Kings of Sri Lanka. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Open International University of Sri Lanka in 2004 and is the only chef in the world to hold such a prestige in Culinary Art. Commenting on the appreciation he received from Mount Lavinia Hotel, Chef Publis expressed the following thoughts, Mount Lavinia Hotel is my home. Even after 60 long years, I still enjoy every day I spend serving the hotel,and continuing my research and writing. I have been blessed with the ability to bring international fame and I have met many people throughout the years, including royalty. Yet I always come back to the hotel. As the Director of Culinary Affairs, my main role is to be a consultant; to guests, wedding couples, and even staff. This allows me to share my knowledge with many people and I am grateful for it. This felicitation from my family at Mount Lavinia Hotel is closest to my heart than any other accolade I have received. Visit www.mountlaviniahotelgroup.comax Everest Trek Blog: Pushing forward to the summit View(s): Sri Lankans Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala and Johann Peries are gearing to summit Mount Everest. Here in a short description they describe the progress theyve made as conveyed through their support team in Colombo. This week we completed our second rotation, from Everest Base Camp, up to Camp 1 for one night, then Camp 2 for the second night and Camp 3 for the third night, before descending down to Camp 2 for the fourth night and back down to Everest Camp. This was the highest we have ever been, and the most demanding both physically and mentally. Camp 3 sits at an altitude of 7,200m (23,625 feet). Imagine a Toblerone Chocolate bar. Break off one wedge, and turn it on its side and put some tents there this is what the campsite looks and feels like. In order to get to Camp 3 we had to cross the Khumbu ice fall again, crossing crevices with ladders and ropes. From Camp 2 we walked to the Bergshrund, which is a gradual uphill on ice and snow leading up to an ice wall. That had to be scaled up in about 5-6 hours. It was very steep, 90 degrees in places and about 70-90 degrees the rest of the way. To climb the ice wall we used our jumars (ice axes) to go up. But the hard blue ice makes it very hard to dig our crampons in. In addition, there was also about 5 inches of snow, making it more difficult to get a grip with the crampons. At Camp 3 we could see the Lhotse face, and Camp 4 in the distance. With the reduced levels of oxygen at this altitude there are numerous effects on the body. Aside from the difficulty breathing the depleted air, there is a further toll on the body due to the loss of appetite. As the levels of nutrition drop due to the difficulty in eating the body moves into a state of catabolism. The fat and protein (muscle) stores remaining in the body are gradually used up to provide energy. It is very important to continue with exercises and stretches to help maintain the muscle in the body. There is a strange feeling like we are in a reality game show. Almost daily we see people being eliminated and evacuated by helicopter. We have to be strong in mind and body to continue. We will now rest at base camp for a few days before commencing the final push to the summit. Young musician duo to set a world record in Sydney By Susitha R. Fernando Strings and Drums features 100 instruments View(s): View(s): Young multi-talented musician Nalaka Sajee Jayasinghe together with another young Sri Lankan musician Dinesh Perera is ready to set a world record playing 100 musical instruments. Sri Lankans in Australia and music lovers in that country will have a rare opportunity to witness this musical treat at 6.30 pm on May 21 at Bowmen Hall, Blacktown, Sydney. Strings and Drums will fuse a large number of musical instruments representing both oriental and western ranging from sitar, violin, mandolin, guitar and a mixture of some unlikely makeshift instruments. Nalaka who has mesmerised many a musical fan in Sri Lanka with his performances in public shows and live musical programmes on television is a music director, performer and graduate teacher. Sajee, a graduate in music from Sri Jayawardenapura University took a keen interest in music and dedicated himself mastering a number of musical instruments mainly string ones. He is a master performer in both classical and modern popular music. Nalaka started his musical journey with the flute and played the violin and guitar while he was reading for his A/L examination. Nalaka studied music for his degree and played the Sitar under well-known sitarst Pradeep Ratnayake. Since I had an academic background in music with extensive study on music theory I was able to learn many other instruments, Nalaka said. During the concert in Sydney, Nalaka will play a large number of instruments including sitar, guitar, mandolin, banjo, auto harp, ukulele, saxophone, recorder, blue harmonic and a number of lesser known musical instruments like didgeridoo, duduk and kalimba. We will take a number of eastern instruments which we would not be able to find from Australia while a large number of western instruments will be hired from Australia, said Nalaka Sajee describing the massive task of performing with 100 instruments. Nalakas colleague Dinesh is a Sri Lankan artiste based in Australia and has devoted his life music and dancing. A trained dancer in classical Sri Lankan and Indian dance forms. Dinesh has performed with Sri Lankas National Cultural dance troupe on overseas tours. At present he is also the Director of the Sankha Ridma Dance Academy in Sydney, Australia and on a mission of teaching and promoting the art of traditional dance to the younger generation. Dinesh will play a large number of percussion instruments including drums, Getabera, tabla, conga, bongo etc. Strings and Drums will include performances ranging from rock music, jazz and blues and Latin to traditional Sri Lankan rhythms and melodies such as vannam and the best of world music. Alleged gender discrimination in police: A fourth woman ASP goes to court View(s): Another woman Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) has filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking an increase in cadre positions available to females in ranks of Superintendent of Police (SP) and above. This brings to four the number of policewomen who have now sought the Courts intervention against what they plead is gender bias in the Police Department. Recently, three others all women ASPs filed a petition pleading that they have rights against gender discrimination under the Constitution of Sri Lanka and several covenants and treaties that Sri Lanka has ratified. The latest petition was filed by 49-year-old A.G.N.D. Seneviratne, who joined the Police Department in 1988 as Sub-Inspector. The petition, a copy of which was obtained from her lawyer J.C. Weliamuna, states that ASP Seneviratne served in the National Intelligence Bureau (now State Intelligence Service) throughout her career and discharged duties similar and parallel to male officers of the Police Department. These included sensitive intelligence investigations. She also conducted internal disciplinary inquiries in respect of both male and female officers up to the rank of Chief Inspector. ASP Seneviratne says she is willing to work in any part of the country. However, despite meeting all the criteria to be promoted to rank of SP, she has been disregarded in a list of recent promotions. This was because of unfair and inexplicable discrimination meted out to female police officers, she says. For instance, there are only two cadre vacancies for female police officers in SP Grade II. The promotions to SP Grade II are made only on the number of available vacancies and exclusively on seniority. For women police officers, there is no career progression beyond the rank of SP except to reach the single SSP position allocated to them. There are no cadre positions for DIGs and Senior DIGs. The status quo demonstrates clear gender discrimination although the petitioner has performed duties similar to that of male police officers, she pleads. In contrast, given the number of vacancies allocated to the male officers, all male officers with the prescribed qualifications will be promoted to SP Grade II. These arguments were also contained in the previous petition filed by S.A. Renuka Jayasundara, W.J. Padmini and R.A. Darshika Kumari who are represented by the same Counsel. They state that they had made representations to the relevant authorities, including the former Inspector General of Police N.K. Illangakoon, and were assured of redress. However, a list containing only the names of male officers had been sent to the Ministry of Law and Order for promotion to the rank of SP Grade II. The Petitioners should be provided with the equal opportunity to be promoted to the rank of SP and other ranks above it, if they possess the required qualifications and service experience, they hold. The intentional limitation of females being promoted to the rank of SP and above is discouraging. The Petitioners request the Court to, among other things, declare that, in the Police Service, women officers are entitled to the same promotions as male officers in the same cadre without discrimination. The case will be considered on June 20. Animal rights activists balk at Ministrys stray dog plan View(s): Animal rights activists are opposing a Local Government Ministry proposal to remove stray dogs and place them in animal shelters. Sathwa Mithuro president Sagarika Rajakarunanayake said a state-run dog shelter would not be the right answer to the problem. She said inadequate funds to run such shelters could result in animals being not properly fed and disease being spread among them. She said animal rights activists met Local Government Minister Faiszer Musthapha this week to explain that the current rabies control programme catching, neutering and releasing the dogs was effective and humane and should not be changed. Even the World Health Organisation had endorsed this method as the best way to deal with community dogs. However the minister told the activists that he had no issues with stray dogs on roads but they should not be near schools, markets and hospitals as they posed a threat to the public. He said that he too was an animal lover and would oppose the killing of animals. The minister said he was seeking the views of veterinary surgeons, animal rights activists, health officials and the general public to find a solution acceptable to all. He said he had been been asked to prepare a plan within two weeks and forward it to the Cabinet. Cleaning up the Unawatunna beach View(s): A programme to clean up the Unawatunna beach was conducted recently with the participation of over 300 government officials as well as several voluntary organisations. Officials of the Galle District Secretariat, Habaraduwa Divisional office as well as several Non-Governmental Organisations contributed to make the event a success. GSP Plus: Lanka has a long way to go, 27 conventions By Namini Wijedasa View(s): View(s): The GSP Plus facility granted by the European Union is by its very nature a highly conditional duty free concession. To argue otherwise would be disingenuous. One need not look far. The concessions unabbreviated name is the EU Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance. It is awarded to selected countries on the basis of specified human rights and governance objectives being met. In evaluating Sri Lankas application for a renewal of the facility, therefore, the EU would be constrained by a design of its own making to grade the Governments performance in a wide range of areas. Sri Lanka lost the concession in 2010 precisely because it had failed on multiple fronts to adhere to conditions inherently attached to the GSP Plus. The EU examined implementation of three key conventions: The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); the Convention against Torture (CAT); and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The EU concluded that, neither the ICCPR, the CAT, nor the CRC, nor the legislation incorporating the obligations under these conventions have been effectively implemented in Sri Lanka during the period covered by the investigation. The Government was given time to act; it failed and the trade concession was withdrawn. Much has changed since that report came out. The war is ended, the regime has changed, the Emergency has been lifted (one of the EUs key concerns) and certain steps have been taken in the direction of reconciliation. But a cursory examination of an EU-spearheaded list of 58 commitments and such a list does exist makes it clear that a lot of what is expected of Sri Lanka has not yet been achieved. Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva admitted this week that multiple action points had been identified where progress is expected and being made (the operative word being expected). These action points include reviewing and repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act; expediting cases of remaining detainees; rehabilitating ex-combatants; amending the Code of Criminal Procedure to include the rights of detainees; adopting new regulations for public disorder management; reviewing the Public Security Ordinance; and expediting the processing of remaining cases referred by the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. They also include establishing an Office on Missing Persons; making fully operational provisions of the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witness Act; introducing a new Human Rights Action Plan; and ratifying the Convention on Disabilities and sending to Parliament the draft Disability Rights Bill. Among the other undertakings are sending to Parliament a new Prisons Administration Act and adopting a strategy against prison overcrowding; expediting the conclusion of emblematic cases identified in report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; introducing reforms to address delays in the administration of justice; and reviewing the status of Tamil diaspora organisations and individuals in the terrorist list. These are but a fraction of the commitments made. Significantly, Sri Lanka must also have ratified 27 core international conventions when applying for the GSP Plus. To be accepted into the GSP+, countries must sign a binding undertaking to maintain their ratification of the 27 conventions, and to ensure their effective implementation, the EU states. Sri Lanka has acceded to but is yet to ratify several of these. This week, a delegation led by Sonali Wijeratne, Director General of Commerce, was in Brussels for a meetign of the EU-Sri Lanka Working Group on Trade and Economic Relations Cooperation. A joint statement issued after their meetings said, In particular it discussed Sri Lankas intention in applying for GSP+ status under the European Unions GSP Regulation. There is little difference between this and the communique issued after the Working Group on Trade in 2015. That one said, In particular they started the process that may lead to the re-admission of Sri Lanka to the status of GSP+ under the European Unions new GSP regulation. The delegation comprised eight members from Colombo, four of whom had competence to take on human rights issues. Apart from Ms Wijeratne, they were Neil Asoka, DG Finance Ministry; Jayantha Senanayake, Director Agriculture Department; Champika Malalgoda, Executive Director BOI; Abdul Azeez, DG Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Yasantha Kodagoda, Additional Solicitor General; Udani Gunawardana, Assistant Director/Human Rights of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Gehan Gunatilleke, Consultant Ministry of Foreign Affairs. EU has strict monitoring mechanisms If and when the GSP Plus concession is granted to Sri Lanka, the EU will in two-yearly cycles monitor implementation of 27 international conventions. The monitoring mechanism involves two interrelated tools, EU literature states. The first is the scorecard, an annual exchange of information on beneficiaries shortcomings on each of the 27 conventions, as identified in particular by the international monitoring bodies. Beneficiaries are encouraged to provide information on their progress against the shortcomings, and details of future plans. Responses to this GSP Plus report will be welcomed through their replies to the next scorecards. The second tool is the GSP+ dialogue. This is a close engagement between the EU and the beneficiary countries to support them to tackle their shortcomings, discuss difficulties, and recognise the progress made. The GSP+ dialogue seeks to build a relationship based on trust and cooperation, and makes use of existing bilateral fora (e.g. on trade, human rights, and labour rights). The exact objectives of GSP+ monitoring vary between beneficiaries, a fact-sheet explains. It is essential that beneficiaries challenges and achievements are seen in their own national contexts. Work suspended after New Delhi claims it may be a naval facility View(s): The construction of a new church on the island of Kachchativu has been stopped by the Sri Lankan Government after India raised issues over it. Navy Commander Ravindra Wijegunaratne told the Sunday Times construction work had been suspended until the issues were resolved. He said the Navy had been asked to undertake the construction by Jaffnas Bishop the Rt. Rev. Dr. Bernard Gnanapragasam. The foundation stone was laid last Monday. Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne said the Bishop had pointed out to him during last years Kachchativu feast, attended by thousands of devotees from Sri Lanka and South India, that the existing church was too small. The Navy Chief denied claims by Indias External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup that a Naval facility was being built on the island, which India recognised as Sri Lankan territory in terms of a 1974 agreement. Mr Swarup said his Ministry had asked the Indian High Commission in Colombo to take up the matter with the Sri Lankan Government. Taking part in Mondays foundation stone laying ceremony were Jaffnas Vicar General Rev. Father Joseph Das Jebaratnam, parish priest Rev. Father Anthony Jeyaranjan and Northern Navy Commander Piyal de Silva who represented the Navy. On the eve of the foundation stone laying ceremony, Navy Headquarters said it would extend its fullest cooperation to construct the new church before next years feast of St. Anthony. Meanwhile Tamil Nadu Chief minister Jeyram Jayalalitha has charged that the move by the Government to demolish and reconstruct the St. Anthonys Church, without consulting Tamil Nadu fishermen who are vital stakeholders, appears to be a carefully calculated provocation. In a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday, she strongly opposed the move to construct a new church without the consent of the Tamil Nadu fishermen. The Sri Lankan side should be prevailed upon to accept the reconstruction of the church jointly by India and Sri Lanka after obtaining the concurrence of the Tamil Nadu fishermen, she said. St. Anthonys Church on Kachchativu Island holds considerable religious significance for the fisher folk in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu including Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli. They have traditionally undertaken pilgrimages to the island for the annual festival of St Anthonys for several centuries. It is part of their essential cultural and religious heritage, she said in the letter. Drowning tradition gets a step up By Kaveesha Fernando Stilt fishermen go fishing for tourists in a venture that offers adventure to the visitor and a much needed financial boost to the men who have only known this means of livelihood View(s): View(s): Stilt fishing is very famous in Sri Lanka everyone knows about it but very few actually practise it. Today this unique livelihood, which has been passed down from father to son for many generations, is on the decline. Modern fishing techniques, marine pollution and the inherently difficult nature of the profession have all played their part in making scarce a practice once common on the Southern coast. However, a revival of the industry has been taking place recently: Dont be surprised if instead of a lean and sunburnt fisherman perched on the stilt, you glimpse a young woman in a wide-brimmed hat, skirts billowing in the breeze. Tourists are now being offered a chance to try their hand at stilt fishing. Fishermen who would otherwise find it difficult to make ends meet are now teaching tourists how its done. This new concept has become so popular that leading tour operators such as Hemas Travels, Royal Holidays and Gabo Travels offer this experience through the local hotels who organise the excursion or direct through the fishermen themselves. Its a far cry from when one would drive down the coast hoping for a glimpse of the stilt fishermen. Now the tour guide calls one of the fishermen ahead so that he can inform the others to get ready. The fishermen climb onto their poles and begin fishing, waiting for the tour bus to arrive. On arrival, the tourists take the opportunity to pose for pictures with the fishermen and even get on the stilts themselves. The whole experience could take anywhere from ten minutes to an hour. Payment varies tourists are usually charged Rs. 200 for taking pictures and Rs. 500 1000 to climb a stilt. Some fishermen even offer tour companies a flat rate of around Rs. 2500 for any number of tourists to photograph them. Sometimes there are tips from the satisfied tourists. Most of the visitors trying out the stilt fishing are Chinese, the fishermen say. They arrive from around 9 a.m. to 12 noon and then from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. These times are convenient for the stilt fishermen because they usually fish from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again in the evening, allowing them time in between to interact with the tourists. We meet Sanjeeva, a Chinese speaking tour guide with the Deluxe Vacations travel group, in Marandawala, Habaraduwa, one of the most popular stilt fishing spots. Sanjeeva, believes that the reason this particular spot is so popular is because of the positive attitude of the fishermen who live there. Three brothers and their friends occupy this spot. Ramyasiri, 53, says that this is the best way to earn a good income. We used to be able to earn a good living by fishing alone. But now, there are many things which prevent us from doing so. One of the biggest issues we face is environmental pollution. Because of all this, our livelihood has declined so we engage in activities like this to help us make ends meet, he says. After losing everything to the tsunami in 2004, Ramyasiri and his friends have had a difficult time rebuilding. They charge Rs. 500 to any tourist looking to climb on the stilts less than the usual price of Rs. 1000 in other places. He says on a good day they would get up to 20 tourists looking to do so. Life is hard nevertheless. We have people coming and talking to us all the time, asking us questions and sometimes even making promises. We have had journalists, students and even politicians come and visit us but we never really see the benefits of such visits, he says but feels that its his duty to educate people on this dying trade. Most of the fishermen though are averse to speaking to the press as they felt that the publicity has done them more harm than good. One was vocal about the big hotels polluting the seas, but insisted on remaining anonymous. For the tourists, it was, no doubt, a novel experience. Xixi, on her first visit to Sri Lanka from China, was game to try stilt fishing. You can really see the experiences of the fishermen when you try it out for yourself and its very good, she says of her experience. Chris Kirchkoff from Germany, agreed. He says hes happy to try something which he had only seen before in pictures. Dong Min, who is also from China, was wary of taking part in the fishing because he felt it looked dangerous even though it was interesting. His fellow tourist Shi Ming Jie clearly disagreed because she felt that if she could get on a stilt at 64, then so could anyone else. So what does this new partnership mean for the fishermen? Jayasiri, who coordinates the experience, feels that its a way for fishermen such as him to make ends meet. Its becoming more and more difficult for us to make ends meet and this gives us a way to feed our children, he says. What may look like easy money at first glance is actually quite a difficult lifestyle they are usually at the beach from around 6 a.m. until 7 or 8 p.m. Lunch is brought to them and they stay on the beach throughout, in spite of living just across the road. Stilt fishermen are offered no support from the government and at the end of the day, letting tourists climb their stilts seems a minor concession to help them survive, they feel. You will see us all across the island, and everyone knows who stilt fishermen are even in Jaffna you can see us in paintings, but no one stops to think of what our lives are like or helps us. So we must help ourselves, Jayasiri says. Mans best friend on the street must remain on the street By Lalani Perera View(s): View(s): Some love dogs; some hate them; some fear them. Yet, man and dog have co-existed for centuries, but it has not always been a peaceful co-existence. The Mahavamsa records that when Prince Vijaya landed in our country (Thambapanni) in the 5th century BC with 700 followers, on seeing a dog and surmising that only where there is a village are dogs to be found, they had followed the dog, a journey leading the prince to Kuveni, his future queen. On April 19, the Cabinet considering the difficulties occurring with stray dogs to the public requested the Ministers of Local Government and Health to present proposals in this regard. I believe what is meant by difficulties is the nuisance factor and the rabies factor. Who is responsible for these difficulties? It is us humans. Abandoning unwanted pups in public places, indiscriminate garbage dumping, unsystematic garbage disposal, irresponsible pet ownership, are some contributory factors. The solution reducing the stray dog population humanely, through the WHO-acknowledged CNVR (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release) method. The Rabies Ordinance of 1897, based on 19th century thinking that animals are chattel, allows stray dogs to be destroyed to control rabies - the practice was to gas the dogs, an excruciatingly painful end to innocent, healthy animals. In 2006, during the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi , then President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared a No Kill Policy, directing sterilisation and vaccination to humanely control rabies. The credit for convincing the then President to declare this Policy goes to Sagarica Rajakarunanayake, founder of Sathva Mithra. The No Kill Policy however, is yet to receive statutory recognition. Today, when many countries recognise animals as sentient beings, with a right to life, it is time that this predominantly Buddhist nation follows suit and amends its laws. Eighteen Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs) through a court case, have proposed such an amendment and the Minister of Local Government has assured that this will be done. Under the No Kill Policy, local authorities conduct CNVR programmes, which are successful in some, but not all districts. If the reasons are identified, the gaps can be addressed. AWOs too supplement government programmes and two highly successful public-private partnerships were those of Blue Paw Trust and Embark in collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council and the MOH Maharagama, supported by foreign AWOs. Indias Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules recognise a distinct role for AWOs in CNVR programmes. Public Health Veterinary Services statistics reveal that human rabies deaths were highest when killing was at its peak. With CNVR, it decreased substantially. Between 2008 and 2014, human rabies deaths decreased from 51 to 19, but increased to 24 in 2015. Is that due to weaknesses in government programmes? Chennai is today a rabies-free metropolis due to its dynamic CNVR programmes. In Latin America, mass vaccination has proved to be the most effective rabies control measure. The Indian Supreme Court has set a shining example. Stating that it is necessary to balance compassion for animals and the existence of human beings and acknowledging that killing street dogs is no solution and sterilization is the answer for dog population control, Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, in January 2009 directed all Indian states to sterilise every stray dog, allowing only irretrievably ill or rabies infected dogs to be destroyed. A dog cannot be exterminated because it barks. It is inhumane to kill street dogs. They too have a right to life, observed Judge Fali Nariman. Removing street dogs is imprudent.When sterilized and vaccinated dogs are removed, another group, neither sterilized nor vaccinated takes over and tends to be aggressive in unfamiliar surroundings. Vaccinated dogs living in groups create herd immunitypreventing outside dogs coming into their territory. Since most street dogs are cared for by the community, abandoning them in distant locations, as happened during the then Colombo Beautification Programmes or during special events like CHOGM 2013 is cruel. When abandoned in strange surroundings they cannot survive without food and are vulnerable to attack by local dogs. Dogs also control the rat population. Government shelters are disasters managed by people with no interest in animal welfare and clueless about dog needs and dog behaviour. This was proved beyond doubt, when the shelter at Nellikulama managed by the Anuradhapura Municipal Council was forced to close, at the cost of dozens of dog lives and millions of rupees. It was hell for the dogs squalid, no proper food or veterinary care, dogs dying of infections. During its last days, AWOs had to intervene and care for and rescue the surviving dogs. Our Environment Police often castigate those feeding stray dogs, saying it pollutes the environment, despite the streets being cleared after feeding.The Delhi High Court, on the other hand, ruled that there is no law prohibiting feeding street dogs and determined that those who do so perform a constitutional duty of showing compassion to all living creatures, and directed Indias Animal Welfare Board to earmark sites sparingly used by the public,to establish stray dog feeding stations, while also ordering the Delhi Police to protect persons feeding street dogs who are exposed to the ire of ill-informed, ill-advised residents and administrators. In our country, Dog Managed Zones initiated by Blue Paw Trust is a similar concept where within a demarcated public area, such as a hospital, vaccinated and sterilised dogs can be fed, with proper garbage management.. There are no short cuts to control the dog population. Killing is inhumane; relocating is imprudent; abandoning is cruel; government shelters can be disasters. The only humane and sustainable option is CNVR. In November 2015, five AWOs submitted recommendations to the Megapolis Minister how to revive CNVR so that Sri Lankas target of eradicating rabies by the set date can be achieved.Co-existence will then become peaceful co-existence. And for this faithful animal, providing us companionship and protection - Man will become the Dogs Best Friend. Two incidents of bullying that have gained a lot of attention in Chinese social media. Chinese education officials have launched a new campaign to deal with the problem. (Photo : Twitter) China's education officials called on schools to put more effort on dealing with bullying between students. The Education Supervision and Guidance Committee of the State Council made the pronouncement during the launch of a new campaign to curb rampant bullying, physical, verbal, and those on the Internet, occurring in primary, middle, and vocational schools, China Daily reported. Advertisement Under the circular issued on Monday, inspectors are tasked with monitoring incidents of school bullying happening under their respective districts. Cases are then to be reported to school officials, as well as the education inspection department for review. Meanwhile, schools were also ordered to devise better procedures that will help combat bullying. Faculty members need to have the right training in bullying prevention strategies and should be given specific roles for responding to and solving cases. And if there is enough evidence to support cases, school staff should cooperate closely with security personnel in filing the appropriate charges, the China Christian Daily reported. The circular also tasked schools with establishing their own psychological consultation programs to help victims deal with the trauma of being bullied. A hotline should also be established for victims to call to when they need help. Education Minister Yuan Gairen said authorities need to educate students about the damaging moral, psychological and security effects of bullying on campus. He added that school officials need to work closely with families and communities to ensure the safety of students from such attacks. The number of bullying incidents has increased in the last few years, raising concerns from parents and school authorities. In April, a video showing a female student being slapped 30 times by older students went viral on Chinese social media sites. In 2015 Chinese media also reported the case of a junior high school student who jumped from the fourth floor of a building after he said he can't tolerate being bullied anymore. Sykes Picot Agreement: 100 years ago, Britain and France carved up West Asia View(s): During the second half of the 19th century the British Empire wanted to ensure the Middle East remains destabilised. It was around the same time that the Zionists were planning to set up a separate Jewish state in Palestine where more than 97 percent of the population were Palestinian Arabs both Muslims and Christians. It was the time when most of the Middle East was under the Turkish Ottoman Empire. This was a hurdle which needed to be removed. The opportunity came during World War 1 when Turkey was defeated by the allied forces led by Britain and France. Anticipating the downfall of the Ottoman Empire, Britain and France began secret talks on November 23, 1915 to divide the Middle East and bring the entire region under their control. These talks ended up in the Sykes-Picot Agreement. Russia was in decline, but Britain and France got Russia involved. As a result of this worst ever western conspiracy, the Middle East suffers even today. After the war, Britain and France, as per the agreement, divided the Middle East between them, defined the borders of the new states they created and shaped the region to suit their agenda. As per the Sykes-Picot Agreement signed one hundred years ago on May 16, 1916, Palestine in the Mediterranean, Jordan, Baghdad and areas around the Persian Gulf were grabbed by Britain while Syria, Lebanon and Turkish Cilicia were brought under French control. Later Egypt was brought under British control while the North African countries Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Mauritania came under French control. Neither France nor Britain actually owned these territories, but they were to effectively control them from London and Paris. This situation continues to date. Britain kept the Arabs in the dark of these secret negotiations while the Zionists were active partners of its plan. The Arabs came to know of the Agreement only when the Russian Communists released its contents to the media. This agreement violated assurances T.E. Lawrence gave the Arabs. Lawrence, a British Army officer, was tasked with convincing the Arabs to fight against the Ottoman Empire. He gave them a promise that Arabs would rule the Arab lands. The Arabs trusted the British, not knowing that they were to be betrayed. Declassified documents have disclosed various assurances of Arab independence given by Secretary of War, Lord Kitchener, the Viceroy of India, and others in the War Cabinet. Great Britain never intended to honour the promises that it made. It had used the Arabs to get the Ottoman Empire out of the way to protect and promote their own interests. While Lawrence was negotiating with the Arabs, Great Britain, behind their back, was negotiating with France, and planning to divide the Middle East after the war. They needed to make sure there was no united Arab kingdom that would ever get in the way. In the newly created western European model of the nation-states, Britain and France installed Arab stooges as rulers giving titles such as kings and creating royal families. This royal family concept which separates people from rulers is in complete violation of Islam which insists on equality of all. These rulers were expected not to introduce democracy and freedom. Poverty and illiteracy prevailed in the new sheikdoms. Todays political, economic, religious and social problems and conflicts in the entire region are the direct outcome of this British-French conspiracy. In partitioning the Middle East, Palestine was brought under the British Mandatory Authority which, between 1923 and 1948, did everything possible to help the Zionist Jews to drive out Palestinians, grab Palestinian lands and create the required infrastructure for a separate Jewish state. For example Jewish migrants were allowed to use arms while Palestinians were tied to lamp post and killed for using a pen knife. Even before Palestine was brought under British control, in 1917 the British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour wrote to Walter Rothschild, a leader of the British Zionist community, stating that: His Majestys government view with favor the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object . Balfour wrote a memorandum from the 1919 Paris Peace Conference in which he declared that: The four Great Powers (Britain, France, United States and Soviet Union) are committed to Zionism. And Zionism, be it right or wrong, good or bad, is rooted in age-long traditions, in present needs, in future hopes, of far profounder import than the desires and prejudices of the 700,000 Arabs who now inhabit that ancient land On September 30, 1918, disgusted Arabs, religious leaders and other notables of Makkah declared in Damascus a government loyal to the Sharif of Makkah. However Britain supplied weapons and money to Ibn Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia, and got Sheriff Hussein of Makkah removed and brought the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah under the control of Ibn Saud family. Later the United States and the Soviet Union joined Britain and France, coaxed member countries in the newly formed United Nations and passed a resolution establishing the Zionist Jewish state of Israel in 1948 in violation of all known laws, norms and cherished human values. Britain and France, to protect their interests, protected the Arab dictators. In 1956, Britain, France and Israel jointly invaded Egypt, when popular President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal, which was under British control. They were forced to withdraw due to pressure from US President Dwight Eisenhower. Avenging this setback, , Israel, with the backing of the US, Britain, France and Russia, annexed Egypts Sinai and Gaza, Syrias Golan Heights, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan during its war of aggression in June 1967. This was a crippling blow to Arabs. During the past few decades Arab dictators, perhaps under pressure from their US- European masters, began establishing secret ties and deals with Zionists, virtually abandoning the Palestinians. It is said Israel has had a hand in all the subsequent wars in the region. These wars have sent more than 58 millions of Arabs into refugee camps, allowed Western oil companies to grab the oil wealth of Iraq. The question is, how long will these crimes continue? (The writer is a senior journalist. He can be reached at almfarook19@gmail.com) France is hosting a peace conference on 30 May, in its latest attempt to relaunch peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry had a "long meeting" on Friday with his American counterpart John Kerry in New York, during which the pair discussed regional affairs, Egypts foreign ministry said. The ministers discussed the situations in Syria and Libya, as well as their common visions that would increase stability in the region and aid in ending current crises, according to the Egyptian statement. They also discussed preparations for an upcoming Israeli-Palestinian peace conference in France. France is holding peace talks on 30 May, in its latest attempts to relaunch peace talks between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. The conference will reportedly include the US, Russia, EU and UN representatives, Arab league envoys, as well as 20 other countries, among them Egypt. Shoukry is currently in the United States to head a UN Security Council counter-terrorism meeting; Egypt is May's council chair. Search Keywords: Short link: When it comes to overcoming adversity or caring for others, its hard to go past Tauranga Moanas newest Maori nurse practitioner Shelley Pakoti. The Ngati Ranginui descendant is the first from her iwi to take up the nursing practitioner role in the region, a fact she is proud of. Overseas property buyers arent affecting Tauranga property prices says the latest Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). The report shows the tax residency of people buying property in New Zealand from January 1 to March 31, this year. Land Information New Zealand released the data this week on property transfers and the tax status of buyers and sellers and says it is not a register of foreign ownership. The report comes after claims foreign residents were buying New Zealand homes and driving up housing prices. Overseas buyers have bought 54 properties in Tauranga. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) recorded 421 properties sold in the region during the same period making foreign ownership just over 3.5 per cent of the total sales. This is similar to national figures which showed 3 per cent (or 1158) of the 45,140 property transfers were to buyers with an overseas tax residency. Of these, the biggest group of buyers were from China and the second biggest buyer group was from Australia. However, LINZ chief executive Peter Mersi says the report was not a register of foreign ownership. Thats because tax residency is not the same as nationality. For example, a New Zealander living and paying tax in the UK who bought a house in New Zealand would be included in this information as having overseas tax residency. Trust companies and businesses have been removed from the data, but the data could be skewed by temporary tax residents included in the New Zealand tax residency bracket. Land Information Minister Louise Upston says we shouldnt to read too much into just two quarters. But the data indicates that overseas tax residents are behind a relatively small proportion of property transfers. Subsequent reports collected over time will allow the Government to monitor trends in the tax residency of property buyers, she says. Neighbouring regions Rotorua and Taupo had 15 and 27 properties sold to overseas buyers respectively. New Zealand First housing spokesperson Denis ORourke questioned the data. The data released on who is buying housing is only for the first three months of the year. It was collected from a one-page questionnaire that has holes all through it. Even Land Information NZ and the Minister recognise the data is lightweight, but they put it out anyway. Labour Party housing spokesman Phil Twyford says the new date is misleading. The Government excluded trusts and companies for the bizarre reason that too many of them claimed to be offshore. When you add back in the trusts and companies as well as those buyers excluded from calculations because they rushed to sign a contract before the new law came in the true number would be higher. Reasonable analysis of the Governments own raw data suggests there could be three to four times more houses being sold to offshore speculators; closer to 16,000 a year than the 3390 the Housing Minister is claiming. Callaway is probably Taurangas most famous cat. The 15-year-old deaf cat has his own Facebook page and spends his days lazing round Vinyl Destination record store in the city. But Callaway has caused an uproar, because the store sells takeaway coffee, and it prompted a complaint to Tauranga City Council about food safety standards. The future leaders of Tauranga got to strut their stuff in the halls of power impressing the organiser of todays Model United Nations Security Council. United Nations Association, Tauranga Branch vice president Doug Barnes says the secondary school students from various school from throughout the Bay of Plenty held a mock United Nations Security Council meeting today at the Tauranga City Council Chambers. Doug says the topic talked about was the question of the refugee crisis and the increasing number of internally displaced people worldwide, especially from Syria. The students got to dress in the native countries they represented and debated the issues refugees had to face in todays society. Doug says the students got a lot out of todays debate. They (students) need to find out about the countries they represent before they come. Thats really important. So they expand their knowledge. But they also have to do a lot of reading and research about the particular subject. About the crisis and whats going on. Doug says the other important thing the students needed to learn was to learn to get on and negotiate with the other groups in the council so they could get a resolution. One of the things I believe is important is that everyone has fun at the end of the day. The students have been in the session since 9am are expected to come back with a resolution by the end of the day. Associate Tourism Minister Paula Bennett says tourism is set to grow by 65 per cent over the next few years. Paula says she welcomed new forecasts showing tourism expenditure is expected to grow by 65 per cent to $16 billion in 2022. A local hunter who operates hunting trips on farmland close to where a tutor from a prestigious Auckland private school was injured says there has "never been an accident" in the area. The tutor was wounded while supervising a group of Year-10 girls from St Cuthberts College on Friday night in the eastern Bay of Plenty when he was hit by debris in a shooting incident. On Saturday Cairo is expected to see highs of 42 degrees Celsius and lows of 28 degrees A heatwave hit Egypt on Saturday morning and is expected to last until Tuesday, with peak temperatures in Cairo on Saturday expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius. Peak temperates will be reached on Monday, the country's Meterorological Authority said. Cairo is expected to see lows of 28 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The coastal city of Alexandria will witness highs of 38 and lows of 25 degrees. Sharm El-Sheikh will see highs of 39 and lows of 29 degrees, while another Red Sea resort, Hurghada, will have highs of 43 and lows of 28 degrees. The Meteorological Authority advises Egyptians to stay out of direct sunlight for long periods of time between noon and evening and to stay hydrated. Search Keywords: Short link: Both journalists face charges of spreading false news, "inciting the public", and plotting to overthrow the regime. A Shubra El-Kheima prosecution ordered Saturday the renewed detention of journalists Amr Badr and Mahmoud El-Sakka for 15 days pending investigations on various charges including "inciting against state institutions" and calling for protests. Earlier this month, the two journalists were arrested during the ministry of interior's storming of the press syndicate on accusations of spreading false news, inciting the public to violence and plotting to overthrow the regime. Both Badr and El-Sakka are also being held on charges of obstructing government administration, harming national unity and social peace, preparing to print material to achieve their aims, and spreading false news to disturb public security. Amr Badr, editor-in-chief and founder of Yanair (January) website, and journalist Mahmoud El-Sakka, who works for the same website, were staging a sit-in in the syndicate to protest against their arrest warrants as well as the storming of their homes by security forces last month. The two were among many ordered arrested ahead of the 25 April protests against the recent Egyptian-Saudi Red Sea island maritime border agreement. Following the raid that resulted in Badr and El-Sakkas arrests, the Journalists Syndicate condemned the "unprecedented and barbaric attack" by police against the two journalists and called for the immediate sacking of interior minister. In an urgent meeting convened and attended by over 2,000 journalists, the syndicate made several demands, including the sacking of the interior minister and the release of all jailed journalists in freedom of expression cases. A general assembly meeting, which was supposed to be held last week, is expected to be held on Tuesday to discuss possible strike action if their demands are not met. Badr and El-Sakka are veterans of both the 2011 revolution that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak as well as the Tamarod movement that spearheaded the movement to oust Mubarak's successor, Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, in 2013. Search Keywords: Short link: Members of the University and College Union (UCU) have voted for a two-day strike after the union and the university employers body, the University and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), failed to reach agreement on a pay rise. The UCU asked its members two questions. On the question, Are you prepared to take industrial action consisting of strike action?, 65.4% voted Yes, 34.6% No. On the question, Are you prepared to take industrial action consisting of action short of a strike?, 77.3% voted Yes, 22.7% No. 21,141 ballots were returned. The strike will take place on May 25th and 26th, with threat of more strikes in ensuing months if a satisfactory agreement is not made. The union called the ballot after rejecting a pay rise of 1.1% offered by the UCEA. The union stated that industrial action which impacts on students is never taken lightly, but argued that it had no alternative. It called the offer an insult and highlighted the 3% rise offered to vice-chancellors, who on average receive a pay and pensions package of 270,000, at a time when the wage of university staff have declined by 14.5% in real terms over six years. The UCEA accused the UCU of an effort to try and cause disruption and alleged that it had targeted students from the very outset of these discussions. The Cambridge branch of the UCU told The Cambridge Student, We would not wish any action which we are forced to take to have a negative impact on students, but it would be naive to suggest that there is not a risk. It is in everyone's interest that we defend the University sector and its staff, even if that requires us to take disruptive action. We hope that the employers will swiftly increase their offer, as we believe that they can afford to do, and that it will not be necessary to take the action currently scheduled to start on 25th May. We hope that Cambridge University will be using its influence with the national body representing the employers in the pay negotiations (the UCEA: the Universities and Colleges Employers Association) to achieve this outcome. The unions membership principally comprises academic staff, but also includes IT staff, librarians, and senior administrators. In addition to the strike, the UCU has instructed all of its members to work to contract from the 25th of May. It is also making preparation for action aimed at student admissions and at the setting and marking of work if the dispute drags on. It is appealing to all of its members to resign from external examiner positions and not to take up new ones until a settlement has been reached. The declaration is pending negotiations, meaning that the action could still be called off if the pay issues are resolved before the scheduled dates. The action follows a long struggle between the UCU and the UCEA over pay. In June of 2015, UCU members rejected a 1% pay rise 53.5% to 46.5% and indicated their support for industrial action short of a strike over that offer. In 2014, two days of strikes won the lecturers a pay rise of 2%. The 21-year-old handed herself over to the prosecution on Saturday Egyptian activist Sanaa Seif surrendered herself to the prosecution on Saturday, in order to serve a six-month sentence she was given this month for insulting the judiciary. Although the sentence can still be appealed, the well-known activist said she wouldnt challenge the ruling as she no longer has confidence in the judicial system. In April the prosecution referred Seif, who comes from a family of well-known human rights activists and lawyers, to court after she refused to cooperate with their investigations. She was being investigated on charges of inciting protests in April against the Egyptian government's announcement that it would recognise two islands in the Red Sea as belonging to Saudi Arabia, and of distributing posters to citizens in the Moqattam area of Cairo. Seif described the investigations as a farce in comments reported by her sister Mona Seif on her Facebook page; the prosecution considered the comment an insult to the investigators. The 21-year-old is the daughter of late human rights lawyer Ahmed Seif El-Islam; her sister is also a human rights activist, and her brother is blogger Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who is serving a jail sentence for protesting illegally. She was among a group of activists arrested at a protest march in June 2014 that called for the repeal of the 2013 law which bans demonstrations without police authorisation and punishes violators with imprisonment. She was sentenced to three years in prison, and received a presidential pardon in September 2015 after having served 15 months. Search Keywords: Short link: JayD Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cochin! At last Posts: 3,234 Thanked: 2,543 Times View My Garage My Compact SUV Chronicles - '98 Toyota RAV4 SWB Most of the Compact Suv's in India are just tall hatches on stilts, with only the Duster AWD offering any sort of off roading prowess, thereby justifying the SUV tag. But then again, the beauty of the compact SUV is that one needn't make it climb rocks, ford rivers or drop it from small hills. They are usually very good on road, and yet let you take the beaten path and go to places which your hatch/sedan wont let you go. With the sad state of roads in the country now, they make immense sense. While Indians consider the Ecosport and Duster to be the pioneers in the Compact SUV Market, all of the current players owe their existence to the one that started the trend- The Toyota Rav4 While everyone knows the Pajero/ Landcruiser/Prade etc, not many outside the enthusiast circle in India know about this SUV. What is The RAV4? Rav4 stands for 'Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4 Wheel Drive'. The name aptly summarizes what it is. It not designed to be a tough as nails SUV (they had the lc for the that), neither was it designed to be a serious load Hauler. The Rav4 was a Compact SUV, which was car like to drive and Handle, had a very direct steering, great ride comfort with a decent amount of off roadibility, aided by the Full time 4wd,center locking differentials, High GC and ultra short overhangs. What originally started out as a niche product developed into a mainstream category twenty years later, with nearly every volume carmaker producing at least one compact SUV. When Toyota launched the RAV4, it had modest expectations however, forecasting initial global demand of only 4,500 units a year. But when the carmaker received 8,000 orders in the first month alone, production volumes had to be doubled. History- Previewed by the 1989 RAV-FOUR Concept, the production Toyota RAV4 was not easy to pitch by Chief Engineer Masakatsu Nonaka, who discovered that it was hard to convince other Toyota departments of the feasibility of creating a mass production car for a market segment that didnt exist yet. The designers had tough time making the management understand the concept of a car platform-based model that combined the benefits of a 4x2/4-type vehicle, including higher ground clearance, increased interior height and the availability of all-wheel drive, with the handling and fuel economy of a compact model. The project was stopped at one point, but Toyotas European and Japanese sales divisions convinced management that it was time for this new type of car. And they were right: in its first year on the market, the RAV4 was chosen by 53,000 customers worldwide. Sales doubled in 1995 and by 1996, the total had tripled. From 1994 through 2013, more than 5 million have been sold worldwide. Toyota says more than 90 percent of all RAV4s ever sold are still on the road today, which says a lot about the vehicle's toughness and reliability. Every review I read reported upodards of 250,000 Miles and still running with no issues. . The 1994 Toyota Rav4 was a handsome machine, which kept most of the USP's of the concept, but traded the over funky wardrobe (thankfully) for a more executive set of clothes. It got a minor mid life facelift too, with clear lens lights. Thanks to the Full time 4wd, All wheel independent suspension and center diff locks, the Rav is used by a lot of people to for non extreme off road use. While the lack of a low ratio hampers serious mud plugging, the Lil rav has more than enough to keep everyone except the hardcore off-roaders happy. Toyota RAV4 Milestones 1994: The first generation RAV4 debuts at the Geneva Motor Show with a transverse-mounted, 2.0-liter, 127bhp petrol engine and full-time all-wheel drive. The RAV4 was available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, but with no transfer box or low-range ratios. It had a unitary, monocoque construction and featured independent suspension front and rear. 1995: A five-door model is made available in the UK. 1997: Production of an electric-powered RAV4 is launched, continuing until 2000. 1998: A three-door soft-top RAV4 is offered in the UK. Then on, The RAV4 bloated in size, and became a 5 door only SUV. While it may have become more practical, it lost the features which made it stand out , and endeared it to millions of people worldwide, and quietly sunk into being yet another boring member of the 2000's Toyota family. While the RAV4 was never officially sold in India, a few made it into our shores thru various channels- Transfer of Residence, and Diplomat cars are the most common channels, while a few also came down as private imports. Most of these are the 5 door Long wheelbase variants, and quite a few of them being the later gen cars. Comparatively fewer Short Wheelbase 3 doors were imported, since in India, SUV's were always considered to be more utility than fun. That makes the smaller cars more sought after. The above mentioned facts hold true for other Jap 90's SUV's too, like the Lc Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero,etc. The same can be said about the Mahindra CL340/Classic too. When it was being sold, everyone wanted the larger 540. Now people are willing to pay crazy prices for the SWB ones. The compact SUV is the latest rage in the country. Every manufacturer is on a rampage, releasing new models and variants , desperately fighting for their slice of the Compact SUV Pie. Those who could not launch one in time, have resorted to adding fancy claddings to normal hatches and promoting them as Urbal/Young/Kool SUV and what not.Most of the Compact Suv's in India are just tall hatches on stilts, with only the Duster AWD offering any sort of off roading prowess, thereby justifying the SUV tag. But then again, the beauty of the compact SUV is that one needn't make it climb rocks, ford rivers or drop it from small hills. They are usually very good on road, and yet let you take the beaten path and go to places which your hatch/sedan wont let you go. With the sad state of roads in the country now, they make immense sense.While Indians consider the Ecosport and Duster to be the pioneers in the Compact SUV Market, all of the current players owe their existence to the one that started the trend- TheWhile everyone knows the Pajero/ Landcruiser/Prade etc, not many outside the enthusiast circle in India know about this SUV.What is The RAV4?Rav4 stands for. The name aptly summarizes what it is. It not designed to be a tough as nails SUV (they had the lc for the that), neither was it designed to be a serious load Hauler.The Rav4 was a Compact SUV, which was car like to drive and Handle, had a very direct steering, great ride comfort with a decent amount of off roadibility, aided by the Full time 4wd,center locking differentials, High GC and ultra short overhangs.What originally started out as a niche product developed into a mainstream category twenty years later, with nearly every volume carmaker producing at least one compact SUV.When Toyota launched the RAV4, it had modest expectations however, forecasting initial global demand of only 4,500 units a year. But when the carmaker received 8,000 orders in the first month alone, production volumes had to be doubled.Previewed by the 1989 RAV-FOUR Concept, the production Toyota RAV4 was not easy to pitch by Chief Engineer Masakatsu Nonaka, who discovered that it was hard to convince other Toyota departments of the feasibility of creating a mass production car for a market segment that didnt exist yet.The designers had tough time making the management understand the concept of a car platform-based model that combined the benefits of a 4x2/4-type vehicle, including higher ground clearance, increased interior height and the availability of all-wheel drive, with the handling and fuel economy of a compact model.The project was stopped at one point, but Toyotas European and Japanese sales divisions convinced management that it was time for this new type of car. And they were right: in its first year on the market, the RAV4 was chosen by 53,000 customers worldwide. Sales doubled in 1995 and by 1996, the total had tripled. From 1994 through 2013, more than 5 million have been sold worldwide.Toyota says more than 90 percent of all RAV4s ever sold are still on the road today, which says a lot about the vehicle's toughness and reliability. Every review I read reported upodards of 250,000 Miles and still running with no issues. .The 1994 Toyota Rav4 was a handsome machine, which kept most of the USP's of the concept, but traded the over funky wardrobe (thankfully) for a more executive set of clothes. It got a minor mid life facelift too, with clear lens lights.Thanks to the Full time 4wd, All wheel independent suspension and center diff locks, the Rav is used by a lot of people to for non extreme off road use. While the lack of a low ratio hampers serious mud plugging, the Lil rav has more than enough to keep everyone except the hardcore off-roaders happy.The first generation RAV4 debuts at the Geneva Motor Show with a transverse-mounted, 2.0-liter, 127bhp petrol engine and full-time all-wheel drive. The RAV4 was available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, but with no transfer box or low-range ratios. It had a unitary, monocoque construction and featured independent suspension front and rear.A five-door model is made available in the UK.Production of an electric-powered RAV4 is launched, continuing until 2000.A three-door soft-top RAV4 is offered in the UK.Then on, The RAV4 bloated in size, and became a 5 door only SUV. While it may have become more practical, it lost the features which made it stand out , and endeared it to millions of people worldwide, and quietly sunk into being yet another boring member of the 2000's Toyota family.While the RAV4 was never officially sold in India, a few made it into our shores thru various channels- Transfer of Residence, and Diplomat cars are the most common channels, while a few also came down as private imports.Most of these are the 5 door Long wheelbase variants, and quite a few of them being the later gen cars. Comparatively fewer Short Wheelbase 3 doors were imported, since in India, SUV's were always considered to be more utility than fun. That makes the smaller cars more sought after.The above mentioned facts hold true for other Jap 90's SUV's too, like the Lc Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero,etc. The same can be said about the Mahindra CL340/Classic too. When it was being sold, everyone wanted the larger 540. Now people are willing to pay crazy prices for the SWB ones. Last edited by JayD : 13th May 2016 at 00:51 . A Brazilian court on Tuesday overturned a different courts Monday order that blocked WhatsApp, the messaging site owned by Facebook, amid a criminal investigation into drug trafficking in the state of Sergipe. The earlier judicial demand that WhatsApp provide data considered critical to the investigation came soon after a ramp-up in the level of encryption built into the app. Five major Internet service providers faced hefty fines of about US$142,000 daily if they failed to comply with the order. The ban resulted in more than 100 million people temporarily losing access to the service. This is not WhatsApps first brush with Brazilian law. Facebook Vice President Diego Dzodan earlier this year was jailed for a day after WhatsApp failed to comply with a data demand in connection with a prior drug case. WhatsApp said that it could not access messages sought by legal authorities as evidence in that case, and the executive was held briefly in contempt. WhatsApp last month upgraded its internal security protocols to create full end-to-end encryption, which appears to be a growing trend among Silicon Valley firms to increase their security following a high-profile legal battle between Apple and the FBI. Apple fought government demands that it compromise the encryption built into an iPhone that was a key piece of evidence in the San Bernardino terrorist case. Thankfully, WhatsApp is now back online, said WhatsApp CEO Jan Kourn after the ban was lifted on Tuesday. The company was humbled by the support and patience of the Brazilian people, he added. We have no intention of compromising peoples security and we hope those impacted by the decision join us in making their voices heard in support of an open and secure Internet, Kourn said. The last thing we want to see is WhatsApp blocked again. Digital Rights Rollback The decision to block WhatsApp was clumsy and disproportionate, said Katitza Rodriguez, international rights director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Its disturbing to see the court issuing a decision that tramples over users freedom to communicate securely and the role of the Internet as a place for free expression, she told the E-Commerce Times. Brazilian judges continue to reach for censorship and mandatory blocking to enforce local law on a global Internet. The order surprised activists in Brazil, who considered the move out of step with the spirit of the law, noted Javier Pallero, policy analyst at Access Now. We did not expect that the Marco Civil, a key piece of legislation for the Internet in Brazil, would be misinterpreted once more to apply a widespread block on an app, he told the E-Commerce Times. Such an extreme measure is not compliant with international freedom of expression standards, such as the American Convention on Human Rights. A cybercrime report under discussion on Tuesday includes proposals to allow application blocking explicitly, said Pallero, which would increase the number of cases in Brazil. The block may have impeded journalists ability to perform their jobs, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Journalists in Brazil regularly rely on WhatsApp in their reporting, said Geoffrey King, technology program coordinator at CPJ. Blocking access to such a widely used platform is an overreach that violates the open nature of the Internet and disproportionately damages the free flow of information. Wider Cybercrackdown Brazilian lawmakers on Tuesday held hearings to consider a series of laws that could lead to a severe crackdown on open technology and privacy, as part of Brazils Parliamentary Inquiry on Cybercrime. Officials on Wednesday are expected to vote on seven pieces of legislation that would give police warrantless access to IP addresses, allow judges to block sites used for criminal purposes, and require monitoring of content on sites and apps deemed offensive, according to EFF. The crackdown is expected to have wide support among conservative legislators. Dilma Rousseff, president of Brazil, who is facing possible impeachment amid a major corruption scandal, is considered too weak politically to halt the measures. Google I/O is one of the most anticipated events in the developer community because it's when Google reveals some of its future plans related to the company's software and hardware. This year is the same and Google I/O 2016 is expected to attract many developers when the event kicks off on May 18. Here are some of the expectations from the upcoming Google I/O. Standalone VR Headset Google already has a virtual reality (VR) headset called Google Cardboard, which was revealed at Google I/O 2014 and released in June 2014. The VR head mount is basic and low-cost, and customers have to insert their smartphone to view VR content. However, the VR headset industry has taken a big leap since 2014 and many companies such as HTC, Sony, Oculus and more have launched their products to address the growing VR demand. Google has not revealed any plans to launch another VR headset, but rumors suggest that the company may unveil a standalone VR headset that will be significantly advanced in comparison to the Google Cardboard. Project Tango Project Tango involves augmented reality (AR) technology, which Google may use in a mobile device that the company could launch in June. During the 2016 CES in January, Google and Lenovo announced a partnership for the development of the first consumer device with Project Tango. "The new smartphone, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, turns the screen into a magic window that can overlay digital information and objects onto the real world. Lenovo, Google, and Qualcomm Technologies are working closely together to optimize the software and hardware to ensure consumers get the most out of the Project Tango platform," said Lenovo. The devices powered by Project Tango will be able to recognize places they have been before, such as public places, offices and more. The motion-tracking ability of Project Tango also works indoors, allowing users to navigate accurately in indoor environments such as a shopping mall. Speculations are rife that Google will reveal more information on Project Tango at Google I/O 2016. Self-Driving Cars Google has been working on self-driving vehicles for several years. Rumors suggest that the company will show its self-driving cars to the public for the first time at Google I/O. Android N Android N is the code name for Google's next mobile operating system. The mobile device industry has a big interest in the next-generation Android operating system and it is highly likely that Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, and other top executives will give a glimpse of some features of the OS at the Google I/O event. Google has given food-related names to its Android operating systems in the past and rumors suggest that the impending Android N will be Android Nutella. Some of the rumored features of Android N are quick reply notifications, multi-window support, notification bundling, fresh tools to manage data, pressure-sensitive display like the one found on the iPhone 6s and more. Chrome OS And Android Merger Rumors have been floating that Google may merge Android and Chrome OS together. A previous Tech Times report says that Google is working to get Android apps to work on Chrome OS, a move that hints at the merger of the two Google operating systems. Chrome OS users will welcome the move as they will have access to millions of apps from the Google Play Store. However, in 2015, the company also said that Android and Chrome OS will remain two standalone operating systems. It is likely that Google will talk about the likely merger or the use of Android apps on Chrome OS at the upcoming event. Project Aura Google Glass was meant to revolutionize the tech industry, but the excitement around the wearable was short-lived. Project Aura is said to be the successor of Google Glass. Google still has big plans for the wearable technology and rumors suggest that the project is aimed at business use rather than consumer use. The next-generation Google Glass is said to be developed for the health care and manufacturing industries. Rumors suggest that Google will take some time at Google I/O to talk about the company's efforts in the wearable industry. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In an attempt to understand the riddles of science, the White House will now begin a National Microbiome Initiative, a program that aims to unify all microbe culture research. In October 2015, more than 40 scientists from different scientific backgrounds came together and proposed the creation of a Unified Microbiome Initiative Consortium (UMIC). The initiative would bring together cutting-edge research and discoveries that would benefit health care, the environment and even create renewable energy. "Microbes are everywhere," said Pamela Silver, a Harvard's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering researcher. "Therefore understanding microbiomes, whther they be the ones that live in and on our bodies or the ones in the environment, is essential to understanding life." The White House announced the initiative on May 13 to jumpstart microbe research that would encompass all those that are found in animals, air, plants, soil and water. The government is hoping that gaining more information would give insight into how to fight disease, increase food production, and fight climate change. The National Microbiome Initiative (PDF) will work with other organizations interested in the research, including University of Michigan and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), One Codex, The BioCollective, the University of California, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The program will have a total of $521 million in funding, with $121 million from the federal government and $400 million funding from private organizations. While most people think that bacteria cause decay and death, there exists a huge trove of good microbes that are essential to human existence. White House Office of Science and Technology associate director for science Jo Handelsman explained that life on land became possible because ancient ocean-dwelling microbes released oxygen into the atmosphere. Handelsman explained that humans need bacteria to survive. "We wouldn't be here without these bacteria," said Handelsman. "Our health, our behavior and even our longevity are all affected by these bacteria." Alterations in human microbiomes cause diseases, including allergies, asthma, autism, diabetes, and even obesity, said Microbiology Professor Martin Blaser, who also serves as director of the New York University Langone Medical Center's Human Microbiome Program. When people take antibiotics to cure diseases, good bacteria is also eliminated along with the bad bacteria. Scientists still need to learn from these microbiomes. A Tech Times' report has stated about 99.999 percent of the 1 trillion microbial species in the world are yet to be discovered. With the program, the scientists are hoping to map the microbes, alter them, and identify how it can help address some of the maladies that affect human existence. Some experts believe that understanding microbiomes could also help solve crimes. Forensic scientists can use the microbial trail left by people as they go to places, much like how detectives solve crime using DNA and fingerprints left behind by criminals. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Banner Saga 2 for the Xbox One and PS4 finally gets a solid July 26 release date, delivering the tactical RPG to console gamers everywhere. Buzz about this development comes from none other than the official Twitter account of the title, spreading the word with the hashtag #BannerSaga2 and thanking everyone for the support. #BannerSaga2 is now available on PC and OSX. Coming to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on July 26th! #indiedev Thank you all for supporting us! The Banner Saga (@BannerSaga) May 12, 2016 "[W]e knew that a two-year wait for the sequel was just not acceptable, so we worked extremely hard to ensure that console gamers could continue their journey in a timely fashion," John Watson, Stoic technical director, says. Compared to what happened with the first The Banner Saga, the timeframe between the PC launch and the consoles is a lot shorter this time around just three months instead of two years. Also, as something more to look forward to in the series, he continues to say that the company intends to release The Banner Saga 3 to all the platforms at the same time. Now that's just downright good news to hear for everyone. For those who don't know, The Banner Saga 2 is already available on the Mac and the PC via Steam with a price tag of $19.99. However, there's still no word about it going live on Android, iOS, Linux or PS Vita. To brush up on the Viking-filled RPG, hit up the launch trailer for The Banner Saga 2 below and check out what it has in store. If you're as excited as we are to take it out for a spin on the Xbox One and PS4, then drop by the comments section below and tell us what you think. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new deal has emerged on the unlocked dual-SIM Samsung Galaxy S7. The smartphone is currently on sale for $529.99 for a limited time. Samsung is currently basking in the glow of the success of its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge Plus. The company attributed strong sales of the new smartphones as the reason for the rise in its Q1 profits. The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge righted the wrongs of last year's flagship Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, which abandoned popular features like a removable battery, miscroSD expansion, and waterproof case, which were all included on its predecessor, Galaxy S5. The feature is rumored to be included with Apple's upcoming iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus/Pro. While Samsung wasn't able to bring back a user swappable battery with the release of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, it was able to include microSD expansion and a waterproof and dustproof case. The company also packed in larger batteries compared to last year's Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. If you've been wanting to make the jump to the Galaxy S7 but don't want to enter an agreement with your carrier, you can now purchase a dual-SIM unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 for $529.99 for a limited time. The Dual SIM unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 boasts a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 and a pixel density of 577 pixels per inch (ppi). The smartphone runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, along with an updated version of the company's TouchWiz Android UI skin. Samsung chose to use its own Exynos 8890 octa-core processor in the unlocked international variant, along with a generous 4 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage and a microSD expansion slot, a feature left off from last year's Galaxy S6. The Galaxy S7 rocks a 12-megapixel rear camera with phase detection auto focus, OIS (optical image stabilization), ability to capture 4K video and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video chat. One of the Galaxy S7's most popular new features is the return of a waterproof case, which was last featured on 2014's former flagship Galaxy S5. The Galaxy S7 packs in a large 3,000 mAh non-removable battery and since the smartphone includes QuickCharge 2.0 support, Samsung claims it can achieve a 60 percent charge in only 30 minutes. Users will get up to 22 hours of talk time and the device can wirelessly charge out of the box with a compatible Qi wireless charger. If you're interested in this unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 deal, head over to eBay where you can score the smartphone for $529.99. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A family in Tampa believes their rescue 2-year-old German Shepherd took a rattlesnake bite to protect his human, a 7-year-old girl. The girl, Molly DeLuca, was picking up Haus' dog toys in their fenced-in backyard. The dog, Haus, was right beside when suddenly, Molly's grandmother, saw the dog jumping around in a frantic mode. The grandmother saw Haus jump forward and snap back about three times. It was then they found an eastern diamondback rattlesnake in the backyard. The species is said to be the most venomous in all of North America. When the ordeal ended, they realized that every time Haus snapped back, he was being bitten by the rattlesnake. When the family went to the emergency veterinary clinic near their home, blood was pouring out of Haus' leg but he was still able to walk. It only took minutes for the dog's condition to go from bad to worse. He started to drool and have breathing problems. He also wasn't able to pick up his own head. The attending doctors thought the snake bit the dog just once, thinking that basic instincts cause most dogs to escape. When they shaved down Haus' fur, what they found was most touching. The snake bit Haus three times when he placed himself between Molly and the predator. In the course, the dog saved his little human's life. "He has a 50/50 shot at survival. He's in the best hands at my life-long vet clinic. Vet says anti-venom helps systemically but isn't a cure all. We have a road of recovery ahead. He will need care for an unknown period of time," Molly's mother, Donya Pearson DeLuca, wrote on Facebook on May 12. The DeLuca family got Haus following the loss of their beloved 12-year-old dog named Bair. Haus' treatment for the venom bites was expensive but hundreds of donors came to Haus' rescue that their GoFundMe page topped the $15,000 goal in just several hours. While Haus is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Blue Pearl Emergency Veterinary and Specialty Hospital, he is responding to treatment despite the venom damage in his kidneys. His doctors are expecting a full recovery. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Two Motorola handsets just received certification from the FCC, and chances are they're none other than the rumored Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus. Back in late April, Tech Times reported that Motorola sent out invitations for May 17 events in New Delhi and Mexico. The new-generation Moto X is not expected until June, so the events later this month will likely serve as launch venues for the new Moto G4 series. Two Motorola devices have now received FCC clearance the XT1622 and XT1642. The third-generation Moto G for the U.S. had model number XT1540, so the new models listed at the FCC are likely the fourth-generation Moto G smartphones. This, in turn, indicates that soon after Motorola unveils its new Moto G4 and G4 Plus in India and Mexico, it will bring its new smartphones stateside as well. The FCC is usually among the last stops before a device is ready to hit the U.S. market. When it comes to specifications, the Moto G4 is expected to sport a 5.5-inch full HD display, with the resolution recently confirmed by a leak on eBay Germany. Under the hood, the handset should pack a Snapdragon 617 processor paired with 3 GB of RAM. Other rumored specs include a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front shooter and NFC. The Moto G4 Plus, meanwhile, is tipped to sport a more powerful 16-megapixel rear camera and a fingerprint scanner. The "Plus" part also suggests it will sport a larger display compared to the "regular" Moto G4. Both the Moto G4 and the G4 Plus are also expected to be waterproof, considering that the third-generation Moto G from last year was the first Moto smartphone to rock IPx7 rating that made it fully submersible. It's all still based on rumors, leaks and speculation at this point, but everything should become clear soon enough. We'll keep an eye out for Motorola's launch events this coming Tuesday and bring you the latest news as soon as the company makes it official. In the meantime, it's best to take all leaks and reports with a grain of salt. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A group of Danish researchers took apart data from 70,000 OkCupid profiles, loaded it into data sheets and published it online for the whole world to see (and find a match, perhaps). Although the theory goes that the dating site is public, the practice of collecting personal information on a massive scale without individual consent is a major breach of privacy, not to mention social science ethics. The team of scientists counts Emil Kirkegaard, along with two other colleagues. The trio deployed automated software to scrape data from the profiles of a few tens of thousands of people. Once the data mining was completed, they uploaded the results to the Open Science Framework (OSF). The OSF functions as a repository and discussion board for scientists who want to share relevant data with the community. A slight appearance of anonymity remains, though, as no real names of the OkCupid users are being used. However, the usernames and locations are on full display, as well as the answers to the myriad of questions available inside the app. Some users might be ok with the world knowing their views on political aspects or niche sexuality behavior, but we are willing to bet that most did not sign up for that when they downloaded the dating app. Kirkegaard has repeatedly tweeted about the paper and underlined that the data was publicly available. The OKCupid paper has now been submitted. This means that the dataset is now public! Enjoy! :) https://t.co/c2zqgR60Hk Emil OW Kirkegaard (@KirkegaardEmil) May 8, 2016 However, scraping it breaks the terms of usage of the dating site, and even legal issues could be at stake. "This is a clear violation of our terms of service - and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act - and we're exploring legal options," Vox learned from an OkCupid spokesperson. The American Psychological Association also states that for data to be valid scientifically, users must consent to the research that involves them. Denmark's Aarhus University, where Kirkegaard is enrolled, made a point out of condemning the action and pointed out that the data was not part of the University's research. According to Vox, the data was already downloaded 500 times, and there are reports that analyses based on it have already begun. The optimal use of hookup apps puts some users' minds at work and in January we reported on how to get the most out of your swipes. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. More than 150 people were sentenced to between two and five years in prison on Saturday over their participation in protests against an Egyptian-Saudi Red Sea maritime border demarcation deal last month. A special court circuit processing terrorism-related cases handed 101 people five-year prison sentence and fined 79 of them LE100,000. All the 111 convicted were charged of "protesting without permit, joining a terrorist group and disturbing the public order and security." They were arrested in Cairo's Dokki and Agouza districts on 25 April after taking part in demonstrations denouncing a recent government decision to acknowledge Saudi Arabia's sovereignty over the two Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir. Ten of the 111 convicted were minors who were referred to juvenile court. The general prosecution has also released 64 defendants pending investigations. Earlier on Saturday, 51 people were sentenced to two years hard labour over their participation in the protests in downtown Cairo. Thirty-one people were present in court, while 20 were sentenced in absentia following their earlier release pending trial. Those convicted by the court can still appeal their sentences. In April, the defendants were referred to court by prosecution for "illegally protesting, attempting to overthrow the government, rioting, inciting against state institutions, disturbing public peace and disrupting traffic." Thirteen minors were also referred by the prosecution to juvenile court. Police pre-empted the 25 April protests, surrounding the Press Syndicate, where demonstrations were slated to take place, and firing teargas to disperse protestors before they could gather in large numbers. The protests marked the second wave of demonstrations against the controversial deal after several thousand, including activists and politicians, rallied against the Egyptian-Saudi agreement on 15 April, in what some described as the largest protests since President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi was elected president in 2014. Search Keywords: Short link: You know those times when youre moving between business and pleasure locations, and youre expecting a package or parcel delivery. Unavailability excuses to your girlfriend and also to your office, because of one death-knell on your phone: Your parcel no. 123 is out for delivery. In the US (not here yet!), UPS now features true package tracking, which lets you use maps to see exactly where your package is. Right now, its only for premium delivery categories in the US. (Im wondering when thatll trickle down to Bombay.) The current system in the US roughly speaking will allow you to re-route your courier to someone in the vicinity. Itll also allow you to see the drivers location ostensibly for you to be able to gauge how much longer itll take. This is not possible in India, because to travel by cab from Andheri East (one of the most important suburbs of Bombay) to Andheri West (two kilometres away) has taken me, on occasion, much more than an hour. By contrast, Bombay to Poona (130 kilometres away) takes less than two hours. So what are we poor Indians to do? The following: (a) If its a small parcel, the guy drops it in your yard. No questions asked, none asked to be answered, none answered. Thats the difference between India and the US. (b) If its a large parcel, my neighbour greets me in the evening: You have a parcel! Come, have some tea! Thats the difference between India and the US. Bottomline: We dont need tracking. We make do. All Indian citizens know that. Let me not get into the time when I couriered hi-fi speakers via DHL, in the belief that DHL would do a better job than local couriers. They broke one of the speakers. I mean physically broke it. DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry. And thats DHL? [Wait a minute. Just thinking. The leader in the industry, for which I paid triple, broke one of my wooden speakers?] Were not America. Luckily. Back to the news, US reality: UPS plans to roll out Follow My Delivery for its other tiers of service in the future. Good for them. We know our neighbours. We dont need tiers of service. Courier, DHL THE 5 GREATEST TEEN HACKERS OF ALL TIME As a kid or as a teenager, when most of us are trying to understand the bright and fun side of the world and its surroundings, there are some kids who are busy exploring the dark side of the world for fun and curiosity. In this case, we are referring to hacking. In this article, we bring you the top 5 juvenile hackers that we think are hacking legends of all time. Lets have a look. James Kosta: The 13-Year-Old Who Hacked Everything Perhaps the most famous of the child hackers, James Kosta at 13 had a troubled family life. He and his partners hacked big business and military computers, including major banks, General Electric and IBM. At the age of 14, he was convicted of 45 counts of technical burglary and sentenced to 45 years in prison. However, he joined the Navy instead at the age of 18 as an intelligence analyst. At 20, he joined the CIA to track warlords in Africa and the Middle East. Further, at the age of 24, he sold his first dotcom company for millions of dollars. Today, he mentors troubled youth to tap their full potential and gives TED talks. When you look a little deeper, as people did with me, youre able to get kids focused on their potential, he once said. Matthew Weigman: The 14-Year-Old Who Hacked SWAT Matthew Weigman is still serving time for his part in a swatting conspiracy, and for threatening a witness involved in the case. He is due for release in 2018. That sentence is for crimes he committed in 2005 at the age of 17. As a 14-year-old blind kid, Weigman used his exceptional hearing ability to help him deceive telephone operators and fake various in-band phone signals. Before getting arrested at the age of 18, Weigman had used this ability to become a well-known phone phreaker, memorizing phone numbers by the tone and performing uncanny imitations of various phone line operators to perform pranks such as swatting on his rivals. In his first ever SWAT spoof, he called the police when a girl refused to have phone sex with him. He spoofed the girls number on their caller ID system and pretended to be holding her and her father hostage. Jonathan James: The 15-Year-Old Who Hacked NASA Known as c0mrade by many online, 15-year-old Jonathan James was the first juvenile convicted and jailed in the United States for hacking. James hacked into companies like Bell South, as well as the Miami-Dade school system and the Department of Defense in 1999. He gained access to information like the source code responsible for operating the International Space Station (ISS). NASA was forced to shut down its computer systems, ultimately racking up a $41,000 cost. He was sentenced at the age of 16. In an anonymous PBS interview, he admits, I was just looking around, playing around. What was fun for me was a challenge to see what I could pull off. James was banned from recreational computer use and was slated to serve a six-month sentence under house arrest with probation. However, he served six months in Alabama prison after failing a drug test and thus violating his probation. Boston Market, Barnes & Noble, Office Max and other companies were victims of a 2007 massive hack. James was investigated by law enforcement for the crimes despite his denying any involvement. On May 18, 2008, James was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In his suicide note, he wrote that he was troubled by the justice system and believed he would be accused of newer crimes with which he had nothing to do. Michael Demon Calce: The 15-Year-Old Who Hacked the Web Michael Demon Calce, who is best-known as MafiaBoy on Internet, was arrested in February 2000 for denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against reputed sites on the Internet such as eBay, CNN, Amazon, Dell, and Yahoo, within a week. Back then, Yahoo! was the worlds leading search engine before Google, and Calces attackwhich he dubbed Project Rivoltacaused it to go down for about an hour. On September 12, 2001, The Montreal Youth Court sentenced him eight months of open custody, restricted use of the Internet, one year of probation, and a small fine. In 2005, he wrote a column on computer security topics for the largest-circulation French-language newspaper in North America, which was also published in Montreal, Quebec, Canada named Le Journal de Montreal. In 2008, Calce declared about his book, Mafiaboy: How I Cracked the Internet and Why Its Still Broken. Today, hes a White hat hacker for large companies. Richard Pryce: The 16-Year-Old Who Hacked the Pentagon 16-year-old Richard Pryce (Datastream Cowboy) and his 19-year-old partner in crime, Mathew Bevan (known as Kuji) took the U.S. government for a ride when they attacked the Pentagons network for several weeks in 1994. They copied battlefield simulations from Griffiss Air Force Base in New York, intercepted messages from U.S. agents in North Korea, and got access to a Korean nuclear facility. They nearly sparked an international incident between the USA and North Korea. While the Pentagon knew they were being hacked, the hackers also probably knew that the Pentagon was aware. However, they kept at it for a while. They were not even arrested until two years later. While Pryce paid a fine, the conspiracy charges were dropped. If we have missed any of the juvenile hackers in this list, please free to mention them in the comments section below. Belgian police asks its citizens not to use Facebooks reaction buttons Police in Belgium are warning citizens not to use Facebooks new Reactions, to protect their own privacy and ensure they are not targeted by advertisers. Facebook never lets an opportunity to gather more information about us pass, a post on Belgians official police website reads. The [reactions] icons help not only express your feelings, they also help Facebook assess the effectiveness of ads on your profile. One more reason to not rush to click if you want to protect your privacy, the police statement ended. In February this year, Facebook had released reaction emojis to users around the world. It added reactions emojis such as laughter, amazement, anger, sadness and love to the ubiquitous like button. Weve been listening to people and know that there should be more ways to easily and quickly express how something you see in (the) news feed makes you feel, wrote Facebook product manager Sammi Krug in an announcement of the release in February. Thats why today we are launching Reactions, an extension of the Like button, to give you more ways to share your reaction to a post in a quick and easy way. However, its blog post introducing the feature made no reference of the reactions advertising potential. The Belgian police is claiming that the site is using them as a way of collecting information about people and deciding how best to advertise to them. As such, it has warned people that they should avoid using the buttons if they want to preserve their privacy. If it appears that you are in good spirits, Facebook will infer that you are receptive and will be able to sell advertising space by explaining to the advertisers that they are more likely in that way that you will react, the police said in a statement. By limiting the number of icons to six, Facebook is counting on you to express your thoughts more easily so that the algorithms that run in the background are more effective, the Belgian police post continues. By mouse clicks you can let them know what makes you happy. So that will help Facebook find the perfect location, on your profile, allowing it to display content that will arouse your curiosity but also to choose the time you present it. If it appears that you are in a good mood, it can deduce that you are more receptive and able to sell spaces explaining advertisers that they will have more chance to see you react. The company has acknowledged how data collected from user emotions represents key marketing opportunities for businesses, and as benchmarks for brand loyalty. We see this as an opportunity for businesses and publishers to better understand how people are responding to their content on Facebook, it said. At present, it registers any reaction the same way it does a like. This is not the first time that the social media giant has faced resistance from the Belgian Police. Late last year, its privacy authorities stopped Facebook from tracking non-users who visited the site with browser cookies. Hamza Bendelladj: The Algerian hacker who is idolized by millions of Algerians If you have been following the SpyEye trojan indictment report earlier, you would have probably heard of Hamza Bendelladj. You would be wondering why this hacker who has been sentenced to 15 years by a US court is so popular on social media and well as tech forums. Hamza Bendelladj is a version of modern day online Robin Hood and is hero-worshipped in his home country Algeria. Was Hamza Bendelladj hanged till death? No, Hamza was not executed. In 2015 a Tunisian website incorrectly posted that Hamza is dead. There are several video, images and pictures being circulated on social media claiming to show Hamza being hanged is not even his but that of an Activist Majid Kavousifar. Bendelladj was not given a death penalty and will only have to serve 15 years in prison. How did Rumors about Hamzas execution spread? The Algerians and hackers from the Middle-Eastern region view him as their idol whom they seek to emulate. Hamza reportedly used his SpyEye trojan to milk money from people from the west to give the same to Palestinian charities closer home. More so because somebody on social media spread the rumor that Hamza bendelladj was handed over death sentence by the US court. Algerian hero is 1/10 most dangerous hackers. Hacked 217 banks, sent $280,000,000 to Palestine. His sentence? death. pic.twitter.com/FCiOncSgMO ???? (@hassanjaber__) August 20, 2015 Hamza Bendelladj is a legend in Algeria, a country which is also going through turbulent times politically. Hamza who operated with the code name is BX1 1 and was dubbed the smiling Hacker , born in 1988, from Tizi-Ouzou in Algeria. According to the people who knew him, Hamza could speak 5 foreign languages and was proficient in coding, a career option available to only the elite Algerian class. The above image was taken when Hamza was taken in custody in Bangkok. The image is the reason Hamza is called The Smiling Hacker. Hamza may be a much-loved figure from Algerians and Middle-Eastern hackers but for the West, he was nothing less than a criminal who was on the list of FBIs most wanted cyber criminals. He and his friend, Aleksandr Andreevich Panin aka Gribodemon and Harderman were responsible for losses of over $20 million to Western banks through their SpyEye trojan. On january 8th 2013, Hamza was arrested in Thailand and was later deported to the United States after which he was charged with twenty-three different crimes from 2009 to 2011, including several bank wire frauds, computer frauds, and abuse schemes. According to the indictment document released by the United States Department of Justice dated June 26th, 2013, SpyEye, a malware and phishing toolkit was specifically designed for the theft of confidential private data as well as financial credentials of the targeted victim. Panin and Hamza operated their cyber crimeware empire from Russia since 2009. He and Hamza used to sell SpyEye online for $1000 to $10,000. According to authorities, Hamza and Panin sold this blockbuster malware to more than 150 Cyber criminals. One of their clients is believed to have stolen $3.2 million during a 6 month period using SpyEye malware. Hamza pleaded guilty June 2015 to all the charges. Humza accepted that he transmitted more than one million spam emails containing strains of SpyEye and related software to computers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of thousands of computers getting infected. Hamzas Sentencing- Hamza Bendelladj who is just 33 years old was prisoned at the age of 27 will get to spend 15 years in a US Penitentiary for the financial crimes he and Panin committed. He was not given any death penalty as circulated in social media. Despite his admission of guilt, Hamzas supporters continue to hack various websites across the world, including, of late, Air France and a Virginia-based university, calling for his release using the hashtags #FreeHamzaBendellaj and #FreePalestine. When will Hamza Bendelladj be released? Hamza Bendelladj will be released in 2031 after serving 15 years of prison time. Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2011) has a seven-point lead over President Jair Bolsonaro ahead of the October 30 runoff, according to a poll released Monday by... | Read More On Thursday, some pilots working on EgyptAir Boeing 737/800 aircraft started a slowdown, calling for raises and better working conditions For the third day in a row, a number of EgyptAir pilots Saturday have been intentionally causing delays to some national and international flights, according to Al-Ahram airport stringer. Pilots have been demanding a 30 percent pay raise after nine years of earning fixed salaries. The stringer noted that while the pilots are not on a full-fledged strike, they are intentionally causing delays to a number of flights. An anonymous source familiar to the matter told Ahram Online the pilots of EgyptAir Boeing 737/800 have been behind the slowdown and are calling for better working conditions. Some of the pilots have been creating a delay on the timing of flight departures. Others would not show up to their scheduled flight which would necessitate a change in aircraft type, leading to extra costs for the carrier. Last year, a group of 224 pilots submitted letters of resignation in objection to a newly issued financial charter, while demanding raises for pilots whose salaries have been fixed since 2006. However, the pilots later withdrew their resignations for the benefit of their company and in response to the calls of the Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi [to do so]. In December 2014, EgyptAir announced that it had accumulated EGP 10.11 billion in losses over the previous three years. EgyptAir profits reached a peak of LE 695 million in the 2007/2008 fiscal year, but the national carrier began suffering losses following the uprising in January 2011, data on its website reveals. Search Keywords: Short link: Lebanese Shia Muslim militant group Hezbollah said on Saturday its top military commander Mustafa Badreddine was killed by artillery shells fired by insurgents near Syria's Damascus airport. Hezbollah announced Badreddine's death on Friday and held a military funeral for him on the same day in its stronghold in southern Beirut. "Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups in the area," Hezbollah's statement said. "Takfiri" is a word used by the group to refer to hard-line, armed, Sunni Muslim Islamist groups. Hezbollah is fighting in Syria, backing the government of President Bashar al-Assad against a range of Sunni Muslim groups including Islamic State and the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front. Around 1,200 Hezbollah fighters are estimated to have been killed in the Syrian conflict. "The outcome of the investigation (into Badreddine's death) will increase our determination ... to continue the fight against these criminal gangs and defeat them," Hezbollah said. The statement did not say when the attack took place or when Badreddine died. Announcing his death on Friday, Hezbollah quoted Badreddine as having said he would return from Syria victorious or as a martyr. Badreddine was sentenced to death in Kuwait for his role in bomb attacks there in 1983. He escaped from prison in Kuwait after Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded the country in 1990. His release from jail in Kuwait was one of the demands made by the hijackers of a TWA flight in 1985, and of the hijackers of a Kuwait Airways flight in 1988. For years, Badreddine masterminded military operations against Israel from Lebanon and overseas and managed to escape capture by Arab and Western governments. Badreddine was also one of five Hezbollah members indicted by the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the 2005 killing of statesman Rafik al-Hariri, one of Lebanon's most prominent Sunni Muslim figures. Hezbollah denied any involvement and said the charges were politically motivated. Search Keywords: Short link: At an office of Vietnam Bank for Construction. Photo credit: Dan Tri The central bank has taken over the struggling Vietnam Bank for Construction, more than six months after police arrested its top leaders for embezzlement. Shareholders of the bank, often known as VNBC, met Friday in an attempt to raise the bank's registered capital, but they voted against such a plan. As a result, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) decided to acquire the bank, whose capital is believed to have fallen far below the minimum requirement of VND3 trillion (US$140.6 million ). The central bank did not have to pay anything for the shares. It did not reveal the current capital level of the bank. The move has made VNBC the second lender fully owned by the government, after Agribank. Vietcombank, the countrys top listed bank by market value, has been assigned the task of helping VNBC restructure. First case The change in ownership will not affect the benefits of the banks customers, officials said at the meeting. Vietnams government introduced a new regulation in September 2013, allowing the central bank to restructure a weak bank by purchasing its shares. VNBC is the first case where the regulation has been applied. It is formerly known as Trust Bank, which had to restructure with the participation of new investors in May 2013, following consecutive losses since 2011. But since it became VNBC in May 2013, it has not done any better. Investigators from the Ministry of Public Security last July arrested its chairman, its CEO and a board member under the charge of economic violations for personal gains. Their ploy involved more than VND6.6 trillion (US$311 million). Sabeco, which controls more than half of Vietnam's beer market with its iconic Saigon brand, has sought the government's permission to sell 53 percent of shares in a public auction, news website VnExpress reported on Friday. If the plan is approved, the company's state holdings will be reduced to 36.59 percent. Sabeco had its initial public offering in 2008, which allowed Dutch brewer Heineken to acquire a 5 percent stake. Over the years the brewer has been urged to reduce the government ownership. But this is the first official plan it has submitted. Many international brewers such as Japan's Asahi and Kirin, London-based SABMiller, and Thai Beverage Pcl have expressed interest to become its strategic partners. Sabeco reported a year-on-year increase of 28 percent in its net profit in 2015, to more than VND3.6 trillion (US$159.5 million). Its revenue grew 10 percent to over VND27.16 trillion ($1.2 billion), mostly from beer sales. Vietnams beer production grew 10 percent to 3.4 billion liters last year and will hit 4-4.25 billion in 2020, according to figures from Vietnam Beer Alcohol Beverage Association. Police inspect the house of one of the bank executives in the case. Photo: Thanh Tuyen The Ministry of Public Security has launched an investigation against 16 former officials at the Vietnam Bank for Construction (VNBC) for lending violations involving more than VND10 trillion (US$448 million). Pham The Tuan, a former board member, faces charges of being irresponsible leading to serious consequences. Le Cong Thao, former IT chief, is investigated on charges of violating states economic regulations. The 14 others face charges of violating lending regulations. According to investigators, Tuan did not take decisive actions in preventing the banks former chairman, Pham Cong Danh, and others in transferring money out of the bank illegally for a long time. Other defendants were accused of violating lending procedures, including offering big loans without proper assessment and approval from the board. All 16 suspects are allowed to be out during the investigation. Earlier on July 26, 2014, police arrested three former VNBC executives for criminal investigation. The arrestees were Pham Cong Danh, 49, former chairman, Phan Thanh Mai, 43, the banks former general director, and Mai Huu Khuong, 31, a board member. Preliminary investigation found the arrestees using a savings account of a local company as collateral for 39 loans, behind the account holder's back. The loans were then used for personal gains. Danh, who is also chairman of Ho Chi Minh City-based Thien Thanh Group, was dismissed soon before police announced the arrest. Police officers remove the body of Australian national Paul Basir from his apartment in Nha Trang An Australian man was found dead in his rent apartment in Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang Town on Friday afternoon, Dan Tri website has reported. He was identified by local police as Paul Basir, 66, the report said. His neighbors in Vinh Phuoc building on Friday complained to the police about the stench emanating from an apartment on the 4th floor, where Basir lived by himself. They said they had not seen him around in the previous three days. When the police entered his apartment at 7 p.m., they found him lying in the bathroom, a neighbor said. The police said they are working on the cause of his death. Vietnamese customs officers have seized 94 smuggled air rifles on a cargo ship from Singapore which was docking in Vung Tau Port. The crew onboard the Me Kong was unable to produce any document related to the made-in-Indonesia guns of Sharp-Innova and Sharp-Tiger brands. Preliminary investigation found two sailors, Pham Xi and Dinh Duc Phuc, bought the rifles in Indonesia and intended to resell them in Vietnam. On October 20, customs officers took the vessel to the PTSC Port for further investigation. The 2,500-ton Me Kong ship is owned by Gia Long Shipping and Trading Company in Ho Chi Minh City. The captain, Do Dong, said it was carrying equipment for oil and gas exploitation and processing. The civilian use, transport and trade of guns are illegal in Vietnam. In related case, HCMC police have proposed smuggling charges against 35-year-old Le Manh Cuong for smuggling 104 air guns last year. Cuong, who had a conviction of consuming stolen products, was found smuggling the guns, 119 silencers, three scopes and 123 boxes of pellets on the Thai Binh 27 vessel on April 4, 2013. Cuong confessed he bought the guns and equipment from an unidentified man in Indonesia. The illegal products seized at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Photo credit: Tan Son Nhat Airport Customs Agency Tan Son Nhat Airport customs on Friday found a rifle, 50 bullets and two teargas shells in a consignment sent from the US. They were hidden among clothes and personal items in a carton box, customs officers said. The named recipient is a 27-year-old Vietnamese woman who was unable to produce relevant documents for the gun. Customs officers are coordinating with police for further investigation. Vietnam banned civilian ownership of air guns in 2006. Ho Chi Minh City border guards have arrested the captain and 11 crew members of a cargo ship for smuggling in 45 air rifles from Thailand. Thanh Cong 36 was raided when it was anchored in the Soai Rap River after border guards were tipped off about the smuggling by an unnamed source, a source told Thanh Nien. A total of 45 Indonesian-made Sharp Innova Tiger Long Barrel air rifles were found hidden in a secret chamber amid a cargo of plaster. Captain Phung Van Chieu, 45, confessed he had bought the guns in Thailand to sell in Vietnam for a profit. Vietnam has stringent regulations for the import and use of air guns, which can only be used by organizations like sport teams. No private ownership is allowed. The police are investigating further. Israeli occupation authorities has arrested a prominent Palestinian activist and sent him to a military prison for "interfering" with the work of the army in the occupied West Bank, his family said Saturday. Abdullah Abu Rahma has had several run-ins with the army and has spent time in jail in the past for organising weekly demonstrations against Israel's separation barrier in the village of Bilin. The activist, who has organised the protests for the past 11 years, was arrested again on Friday, said his brother Rateb Abu Rahma. He was moved to the Ofer military prison in the West Bank on Saturday and told his lawyer he had been accused of "interfering with the work of the army in a closed military zone," he added. In February, an Israeli court handed Abu Rahma a four-month suspended sentence on similar charges. He was also arrested and jailed for 15 months in 2009 for coordinating the Bilin protests. Over the years foreign and Israeli demonstrators have joined Palestinians staging weekly protests in Bilin. Rateb Abu Rahma said that Israeli activists were arrested alongside his brother on Friday. Contacted by AFP, the Israeli army declined to comment. Israeli occupation authorities began building what they call their "security fence" in 2002 after a wave of Palestinian attacks. The Palestinians see it as a land grab aimed at stealing part of their future state, referring to it as the "apartheid wall". In a non-binding decision, the International Court of Justice ruled in 2004 that construction of the barrier was illegal and, like the UN General Assembly, demanded it be dismantled. The current wave of protests by Palestinians and repression by Israeli occupation forces started in late July when toddler Ali Dawabsha was burned to death and three other Palestinians were severely injured after their house in the occupied West Bank was set on fire by Israeli settlers. Settlement-building, racial discrimination, confiscation of identity cards, long queues at checkpoints, as well as daily clashes and the desecration of Al-Aqsa mosque, describe Palestinians' daily suffering. The anger of Palestinian residents of Jerusalem has increased in the last three years after the Israeli authorities allowed increasing numbers of Jewish settlers to storm the Al-Aqsa mosque. The surge in violence has been fuelled by Palestinians' frustration over Israel's 48-year occupation of land they seek for an independent state, and the expansion of settlements in those territories which were captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinian leaders say a younger generation sees no hope for the future living under Israeli security restrictions and with a stifled economy. The latest round of U.S.-brokered peace talks collapsed in April 2014. *The story has been edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: The U.N. calls the rescue of 801 migrants off of Sicily the largest single mass migration of its kind in over a year, as the E.U. says migrant traffic into Greece, a main point of entry, is down recently by a whopping 90 percent. Hezbollah members carry the coffin of top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in an attack in Syria, as his brother mourns his death during his funeral in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, May 13, 2016. Lebanon's Shi'ite Muslim movement Hezbollah said on Saturday its top military commander Mustafa Badreddine was killed in Syria by artillery shells fired by Sunni Islamist insurgents near Damascus airport. Hezbollah announced Badreddine's death on Friday and held a military funeral for him on the same day in its stronghold in southern Beirut. A war monitoring group cast doubt on these claims, saying there had been no shelling by insurgent groups in that area for more than a week. "Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups in the area," Hezbollah said in a statement. "Takfiri" is a word used by the group to refer to hard-line armed Sunni groups that practice takfir, or declaring some Muslims apostates, and combat them. Hezbollah is fighting in Syria, backing the government of President Bashar al-Assad against a range of Sunni groups including Islamic State and the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front. Damascus airport and its surroundings are controlled by the Syrian government and allied forces. Between it and government-held central Damascus, rebels control a portion of the Eastern Ghouta suburb, which has experienced fighting for most of the conflict now in its sixth year. "There has been no recorded shelling or firing from the Eastern Ghouta area onto Damascus International Airport for more than a week," Syrian Observatory for Human Rights director Rami Abdulrahman told Reuters. Hezbollah's statement did not say when the attack took place or when Badreddine died. Hezbollah veteran Around 1,200 Hezbollah fighters are estimated to have been killed in the Syrian conflict. "The outcome of the investigation (into Badreddine's death) will increase our determination ... to continue the fight against these criminal gangs and defeat them," Hezbollah said. Announcing his death on Friday, Hezbollah quoted Badreddine as having said he would return from Syria victorious or as a martyr. Badreddine was sentenced to death in Kuwait for his role in bomb attacks there in 1983. He escaped from prison in Kuwait after Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded the country in 1990. His release from jail in Kuwait was one of the demands made by the hijackers of a TWA flight in 1985, and of the hijackers of a Kuwait Airways flight in 1988. For years, Badreddine masterminded military operations against Israel from Lebanon and overseas and managed to escape capture by Arab and Western governments. He was also one of five Hezbollah members indicted by the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the 2005 killing of statesman Rafik al-Hariri, one of Lebanon's most prominent Sunni Muslim figures. Hezbollah denied any involvement and said the charges were politically motivated. No aircraft from the U.S.-led coalition were in the area of Damascus where Hezbollah's top military commander was reportedly killed in a blast, the White House said on Friday. At least two people were killed Saturday after a mass brawl involving hundreds of men broke out at a Moscow cemetery, police said. "Out of the 10 wounded people, two have died," police spokeswoman Sofya Khotina told Interfax news agency. "Fifty people who took part were arrested." Reports said the fight at the Khovanskoye cemetery involved 200 immigrants from former Soviet Central Asia and residents from Russia's volatile North Caucasus. The interior ministry said the fight involved firearms and appeared to have been sparked by a dispute over who had the right to work on the cemetery, a massive 200-hectare (500-acre) site on Moscow's southwestern rim. Search Keywords: Short link: North Melbourne forward Mason Wood has been taken from the ground on a stretcher after knocking himself out in his team's AFL clash with Essendon. The 22-year-old forward took a high-flying mark in the third quarter on Saturday but landed on his head, losing consciousness. He was taken from the ground on a motorised stretcher after a long delay. The quantity of alcohol sold globally fell for the first time in more than a decade last year, according to researcher Euromonitor, though wine defied the slowdown. Growing demand from South-East Asia meant wine consumption increased at the fastest pace in more than a decade as beer and spirits sales floundered. Growing demand from South-East Asia meant wine consumption last year increased at the fastest pace in more than a decade. Credit:Peter Braig UK winemakers, meanwhile, could benefit from the warmer temperatures caused by climate change, British scientists have found. I don't think I'm the only one who has trouble with life's randomness. The defence line of my AFL team was a victim of this phenomenon last week when a hurried kick from the boundary landed in the goal square and then headed between the goal posts at a right angle. The shape of the ball didn't help but the TV commentator described it as a bad bounce, a comment open to interpretation depending whose side you're on. On the other hand, my friend Erik won a decent prize in a lottery recently. He called it good luck. Comet asteroid near earth - generic pic Credit:Paul Fleet All rather trivial stuff maybe but we are the victims or beneficiaries of randomness in more serious aspects of life too. For example, we are the product of the chance meeting of our parents, the random union of sperm and egg during our conception and of the genetic lottery which took place. We will remain subject to a multitude of life's options, some of which could possibly lead to our demise. Part of my ministry involved supporting the families of road crash victims. Sometimes I heard the expression, "Wrong place, wrong time" used by grieving relatives. That approach to supposedly random tragedy may indeed provide a rationale or comfort of a sort, or it could just be a philosophical way of coping with something that doesn't bear thinking about. A bomb explodes outside a Paris Metro station, killing four. The French authorities insist that Bastille Day celebrations will go ahead as usual, while upping security in a desperate bid to prevent further attacks. Meanwhile, the city teeters on the brink of chaos: wild rumours circulate on the internet, radical groups march in protest, riots threaten to break out. Is it too soon to use this as the premise for a lighthearted action thriller? Maybe, although action filmmakers have always taken inspiration from whatever is in the news: think of all those years that James Bond, for instance, spent fighting the Cold War. It's also worth noting that James Watkins' Bastille Day was shot in late 2014, before the Charlie Hebdo shootings in January 2015, let alone the Paris bombings the following November. This might seem an alarming form of prescience, except that Watkins, a British filmmaker shooting in France with American money, makes no pretence of saying anything about the issues raised by terrorism. Not only are the villains not jihadists, they're not motivated by ideology of any kind: the only really political characters are the leftists, depicted as hopelessly naive idealists at best. As for our heroes, they're a pair of pragmatic Americans, played by Brits with somewhat shaky accents: Idris Elba as the surly CIA agent Sean Briar, and Richard Madden as Michael Mason, a young pickpocket from Las Vegas who unwittingly leaves the bomb at the station in a stolen suitcase, thus becoming the nation's most wanted man. Like most fictional CIA agents, Briar is not a by-the-book type, least of all when it comes to dealing with terror suspects. He is, however, considerably sharper than his French counterparts, quickly deducing that Mason is telling the truth. So this mismatched duo are thrown together as they race across Paris to find the real culprits, with initial mistrust giving way to grudging respect. As may be apparent by now, Watkins has few qualms about letting the cliches pile up. His last film, The Woman in Black, was conceived as an old-fashioned British ghost story; Bastille Day is another throwback, this time to the buddy action-comedies of the 1980s, though with little of the witty dialogue or baroque styling that a director like Walter Hill (48 Hrs) could deliver in his day. The parliamentary inquiry into the Wambelong bushfire that destroyed 53 houses on "Black Sunday" could reopen after new evidence and video was sent to the upper house committee that appears to contradict evidence given by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Home of John and Jan Shobbrook after the fire. MP Kevin Humphries, who raised concerns about the fire in the NSW Parliament on Tuesday, told Fairfax Media the new evidence and questions over the state of preparedness of the parks service before the fire meant there should be a new inquiry. If evidence previously submitted by the parks service was false the issue should be taken up by the ICAC, he said. The union movement's grand Victorian home is set for much needed renovations,with the state Labor government kicking in $10 million to help fix the deteriorating Trades Hall. The Opposition has labelled the funding, which comes from a heritage fund, as an "outrageous" waste of taxpayers' money on Labor's "union mates". The 19th century "People's Palace" on Lygon Street is on the national heritage register and was first built in 1859. Hostilities over the Safe Schools program have reignited ahead of the election, with Victoria walking away from federal funds to openly defy Malcolm Turnbull's attempts to amend the controversial curriculum. After declaring Victoria would go it alone to make the program mandatory in every secondary school, the Andrews government will launch a new web page on Sunday providing access to the original material used to teach students about sexual diversity rather than any watered down versions produced by the Commonwealth. The move comes after Safe Schools resources were taken down from the program's national website in recent weeks, redesigned to remove any lessons or links the federal Coalition deemed inappropriate for students, and placed on a federal government-controlled online portal. But the latest developments have enraged Victoria, with state Education Minister James Merlino claiming he wasn't properly consulted before the material was removed, and accusing the Prime Minister of standing "with the bigots and bullies instead of standing up for vulnerable students". Police clashed with Islamist militants in Russia's volatile Dagestan region on Saturday, with four rebels and two officers killed, local media quoted police as saying. Islamic State group said its fighters were behind the attack. The police stormed an apartment in the southern town of Derbent after obtaining information that a wounded senior officer held hostage by the militants was probably dead. "Law enforcers have finished a special operation to destroy the rebels," Interfax news agency quoted a police source as saying. "At least four rebels have been annihilated." One police officer was killed in the shootout and another 15 were wounded, a local health official told Russian agencies. The senior officer who had been held was confirmed dead by a police official, Interfax news agency said. Islamic State's Amaq news agency said its fighters had clashed with police in Derbent, saying they had killed three officers. It made no mention of losses among the militants. Islamic State has in the past said it was behind violent attacks on security forces in the North Caucasus, the volatile mainly Muslim part of Russia where Dagestan is located. Some militants in Dagestan, which borders Chechnya, where Moscow led two wars against separatists in 1990s, have sworn allegiance to Islamic State group. Search Keywords: Short link: Patricia Arquette in CSI: Cyber. Next week a panel of these forensic crime experts will open up on the world of autopsies, crime scenes, shallow graves and deep secrets. As part of Law Week, Sisters in Crime Australia will present the gruesomely titled Bones (and Flesh) Never Lie Or Do They? Emily Deschanel as Temperance Brennan and David Boreanaz as FBI special agent Seeley Booth in Bones. In basic terms a top cop (former assistant commissioner Sandra Nicholson) will interview forensic specialists on bones, bodies and teeth to explain how science tells the truth if you ask the right questions. This is the real world of CSI, minus the designer heels, make-up and scripted one-liners. And let's face it: When most of us meet these types we are no longer in any position to ask clever questions. Their cover stories will never be as interesting as the truth for these women spend their professional lives proving that dead men do actually tell tales. John Silvester Which is why we took the opportunity to have a chat while we remain in (relatively) rude health. And we found some pretty normal people who just happen to hang around with corpses five days a week. Dr Soren Blau expected to spend her career as an archaeologist that is until she went hands on in a cemetery dig in Israel. Then she realised she didn't want to spend a lifetime "digging up pots and pans". After completing her masters she was eventually appointed the VIFM senior forensic anthropologist, which means she is our real life Dr Temperance Brennan from the hit series Bones. She soon found you can have all the qualifications in the world but it is only when you are literally up to your armpits in unidentified bodies that you're in the forensic frontline. "I just didn't have an idea of the detail required," she says. To do the job it is not just about dusting off a few bones in a sterile lab before solving the unsolvable. It requires a strong stomach, a strong will and by the end of a shift, a particularly strong shower gel. The work has taken Blau to some of the worst scenes the world has to offer including Congo, Timor and Uzbekistan, often working in single graves with up to eight bodies. Then there was the February 2009 Black Saturday fires that claimed 173 victims. "In many cases we are able to give families at least some answers, which is a privilege." She is called out to scenes to oversee the recovery of a body with the least disturbance to make sure key clues are not destroyed in the process. On the day we visited the institute she had just examined a skull found at a deceased estate. It proved to be Aboriginal and a relic of a time when native remains were treated as collectables. Not every lead results in a riveting murder investigation as around twice a day people find bones that have to be checked, although in the overwhelming case they are more likely to be lamb chops than Lord Lucan. Dr Yeliena Baber knew by the age of five that not only did she want to be a doctor but she would specialise in surgery. She was a successful plastic surgeon in Britain but after the birth of her two daughters she wanted more predictable hours and became an anatomical pathologist a job she found "incredibly dull every day was the same, just staring into a microscope". Then after attending an autopsy she knew, "That's exactly what I wanted to do". Now as a VIFM forensic pathologist she conducts around 300 a year with up to four on a busy day. "There is never a dull post-mortem," she says brightly. We will take her word for it. Most of us are frightened of death and therefore don't think about the end of life's journey. These experts are way beyond that and see bodies as jigsaw puzzles that help complete the puzzle. Decomposition, violent injuries and incomplete corpses just make the challenges greater. "There can be an obvious cause of death such as gunshot or stabbing but we have to look deeper," Baber says. The head of pathology, Dr Linda Iles, says, "It is the little things. A tiny abrasion on the face may not seem important at the time but it could be vital at court. "You never quite know where the case is going to go. It might not be all about an axe in the head." In a case that played out like a CSI episode Baber went to a scene where there was no sign of forced entry and police, not unreasonably, were leaning towards suicide. "I wasn't comfortable with it. Something wasn't quite right." It turned out the killer had set up the suicide scenario but the forensic evidence would show it was murder. Many years ago police found a man dead from a gunshot wound to the head and the weapon several metres away. A murder, you would think, until indentations on the stock matched the bite pattern of Macca, the man's dog. Police concluded the fellow had shot himself and Macca had dragged the gun away perhaps in a futile bid to save his master. As part of her training Baber had to perform autopsies on children, something that as a mother she approached with dread. Her boss simply told her it was part of the job and to suck it up. Instead of being traumatised she was fascinated and now specialises in paediatric cases. Most of those cases are not about whodunit but who didn't. When a child dies suddenly without explanation often the parents are twisted with guilt, fearing they are to blame. "We are the last medical experts to deal with the child. Sometimes we can help deal with guilt issues with grieving parents," Baber says. "There was a woman who lost a child who was convinced it was connected with drinking from a dog's bowl a few days earlier. It had nothing to do with it." All these experts like to relax watching crime shows. The original Underbelly was a hit, The Bridge, The Wire and Silent Witness rate highly while CSI is a must. While cop shows often grate with real cops these experts enjoy the fantasy version of their worlds. "The way they tramp around the crime scene with their perfect lipstick and make-up just perfect," says Baber. While Blau observes, "No one gets any blood on them. They can solve cases in 40 minutes and still look gorgeous." Baber says if she is trapped into talking about work she will often be asked what is the worst thing she has seen. "I just say, 'You don't want to know'. "People are fascinated. They think it is a lot more glamorous than it really is." And yet there are real life investigations far more dramatic than any TV series. In one case a tiny piece of skin found in the throat of a victim could easily have been ignored. The homicide detective doing the interview was well aware of the wound on the suspect's hand but would not raise it until the pathologist's find was confirmed. The skin was brought to the interview in a jar. Even to the naked eye it was an obvious match to the hand wound. Faced with the certain knowledge he would be identified through DNA the suspect confessed not to one murder but three. Chevrolet Silverado High Desert Offers Refined Utility +VIDEO SEE ALSO: Chevrolet Research and Buyers Guide DETROIT - May 14, 2016: Chevrolet has revealed the Silverado High Desert package, which will arrive in dealers this fall. Based on the concept vehicle revealed at the 2014 SEMA show, the High Desert package brings unique content and capability to Silverado's lineup of special editions which offers more choices for truck buyers than any other brand. Available on LT, LTZ, and High Country trim levels, the High Desert package combines refined exterior styling, an all-new cargo system that is lockable and water resistant and available Magnetic Ride Control suspension on High Country. "The High Desert package blends the capability and utility of Silverado with the refinement and luxury of Suburban," said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet truck marketing. "It's ideal for those customers who want both the security of a lockable cargo area, as well as the flexibility of a pickup truck bed." An all-new flexible, lockable storage system in the cargo bed locks cargo away safely and protects it from the elements. The system installs over the roll-formed, high-strength steel bed to add dual side storage bins and a three-piece hard tonneau cover. Inside, a cargo divider can be raised to secure smaller items, or lowered to access the full length of the bed floor. As with all Silverado LT, LTZ, and High Country models, the tailgate locks with the keyfob, enabling users to secure their cargo with the push of a button. The High Desert package on the LT trim level features 20-inch wheels with all-season tires, while 22-inch wheels and all-terrain tires are available on LTZ and High Country trim levels. The High Desert is also the first Silverado offered with Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which delivers more precise body motion control. Its sensors "read" the road every millisecond, triggering damping changes in as little as five milliseconds in electronically controlled shock absorbers that replace conventional mechanical-valve shocks. They're filled with a magneto-rheological fluid containing minute iron particles and under the presence of a magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance. Changes in the magnetic charge alter the damping rate of the shocks, with changes occurring almost instantly. Silverado's EcoTec3 6.2L V-8, is available on LTZ and High Country models and is backed by the new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful engine offered in a light-duty truck. Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com. I dont intend to add much to what others have said and written over the last two weeks in defense of press freedom and the independence of the Journalists Syndicate or to condemn the states continued harassment of youth protesting its policies. The current situation requires more than a declaration of principled positions. It calls for an assessment of the gravity of the present moment and the courage to find a way out of the impasse. The crux of our predicament is not the successive crises that have buffeted the state, but the way theyre handled. The basic formula seems to be to smear anyone opposed or ambivalent about the government stance then talk about achievements in various different fields. The actual substance of the issue is never convincingly addressed. Developments in connection with the Tiran and Sanafir Islands are illustrative of this form of crisis management: the demonstrations of April 15 and 25, followed by a security crackdown on hundreds of peaceful protestors, precipitating a showdown between the Journalists Syndicate and the Interior Ministry. True to form, the usual accusations of treason, foreign collaboration, and fifth columnists were marshaled to vilify anyone who dared criticise the border agreement or urge the government to reconsider. The same tactic was used against those calling for peaceful demonstrations against the agreement, then against demonstrators themselves, then against those who defended the demonstrators. The smears were repeated a third time against the Journalists Syndicate, its leaders, and those who stood with freedom of expression and syndicate independence. Throughout all this, the state never clearly articulated its position on the matter of the islands themselves or the fallout from the deal. Instead, officials reiterated the need to trust the state and have faith that Egypts interests stand above all, accompanied by comments from pundits, strategic experts, and university professors who ultimately speak only for themselves. When it came to touting state achievements, two issues were conflatedthe crisis that preoccupied the public and the inauguration of new projects. In the end, the public received no response that satisfied its wish and right to know, while new projects did not receive due attention and serious consideration. Instead, they became yet another arena for dispute and polarization, totally divorced from any understanding or assessment of the value of the enterprise or what it offers the nation. This tactic of avoiding the original topic by smearing detractors turns every issue deserving of a respectful, constructive debate into a shouting match involving nasty accusations and cheap point-scoring. So instead of dealing with the actual issues at stakeabout which there may be legitimate political and ideological disagreement, as is normal and necessary in any pluralistic societywe are immediately polarized and any chance for dialogue lost. This makes escalations inevitable and leads the country into further confrontations, with the public ultimately paying the price. This isnt an appeal to abandon differences or hold our tongues to unite our ranks. On the contrary, the state can only advance through pluralism, by respecting the law and constitution and removing restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful protest. These are the tools by which society participates in governance and oversight and corrects its course. They function as a safety valve as well that is needed more by the ruler than the ruled. Individuals advocating for their beliefs is a good thing, a condition for the construction of a society and economy on sound foundations. What the country needs now is not official silence or disregard of popular protests; nor should people be told to listen only to the ruler. We need the state to take a new tack and treat the public as a partner in decision making, one with the right to know, monitor, assess, and reject, and not as a passive recipient of charity and surprise decisions that they should gratefully and obediently accept. Major state projects in housing, agriculture, and energy may temporarily win the publics approval, but regardless of their importance, the lack of participation and information and an unwillingness to hear differing opinions will sooner or later turn these projects into the object of criticism and suspicion. Good governance necessitates recognizing the existence of society and social and political forces, engaging them and involving them in decision making, and accepting their criticisms. Otherwise, well keep running around in circles, incapable of realizing the development and stability Egyptians so desperately want. Search Keywords: Short link: This week, despite months of #NeverTrump, the Republican establishment began to unite behind its presumptive presidential nominee, former Celebrity Apprentice host Donald J. Trump. Several GOP politicians endorsed Trump this past week, including Sen. Orrin Hatch and even Sen. John McCain, whom Trumpa noted draft-dodgeronce called not a war hero. House Speaker Paul Ryan, the de facto leader of the party, even said he had a productive meeting with Trump on Thursday, calling it a very positive step toward unification. This all, as expected, left political satirist Bill Maher shaking his head. Donald Trump on Thursday had a big meeting with Paul Ryan in Washington. They discussed Republican principlesit was a short meeting, Maher quipped. And then they put out a statement saying, We have a few differences, but we share principles. OK, now we know: bragging about your penis size is a difference, racism is a principle. OK, I get it. Maher, whos criticized Trumps manhood is recent weeksgoing so far as to call him a fucking bitchwent on to hit Trump as being unprincipled, citing the real estate magnates change of tune on abortion, and his decision to walk back his xenophobic Muslim ban proposal this week. Nothing about this guy is consistent and it doesnt stick, said Maher. He said for months that he would release his tax returns and yesterday he said, None of your business! Which is actually a good move for him because they would probably reveal that he is actually an unemployed actor for Queens that makes $14,000 a year. And this is the coup de grace today: The Washington Post released tapes of Donald Trump in the early 90s where he is pretending to be his own press agent. Somebody named John Barron who obviously is Trump, who talks to reporters about how great Trump is, how rich Trump is, how great hes doing with women. Sounds like Trump has his vice president! But really, I mean think about that: the Republican Party has embraced a man, Donald Trump, who had a made-up employee who sucked up to the boss who was him! Following his monologue, Maher welcomed fellow liberal Michael Moore, the Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker, onto the program for a sit-down interview. Back in December, Moore recounted to The Daily Beast how hed appeared on a talk show with Trump many years back, and the rich heir was afraid to go on with him because he thought he was outmatched. How do we stop Donald Trump? Because nobody seems to have a strategy, Maher asked Moore. Bill, the question you asked, what are we going to do between now and November? You and I are going to take him down. You and I, said Moore. No seriously, this is the end of Donald Trump. He is not going to the White House. That is not happening. Hillary, if she ends up being the candidate, she can talk policy and all that, you and I will do the things that You tell me where to show up, I will be there, Maher replied. I will tell you, Moore continued. And I promise you that well do something that well hope for a good prosecutor. It will, of course, take a hell of a lot more than this to sink Teflon Donald. OBO, Central African Republic Pascal was on guard duty when he got word it was time to leave. He and six other fighters were all bodyguards to the accused war criminal Joseph Kony or his inner circle. After almost a decade in the Central African bush, they were going to ambush the leader of the Lords Resistance Army in his camp in the Kafia Kingi area of South Sudan and make a run for it. The boysfour Ugandans and three others from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congowanted to return to their families after being abducted as children. Their plan was simple. Open fire on Konys hut and then flee into the jungle where theyd cached enough food to sustain them for their 500-mile trek to Obo, the closest U.S. military base in eastern Central African Republic. Pascal readied his AK-47. If I hear gunfire Ill start mine, Pascal told Roland, one of the Ugandans. The boys leveled their AK-47s and opened fire at Konys hut and the huts of his lieutenants. After a long burst, Pascal grabbed the cache of supplies and followed the others into the bush. The May 2015 defection of seven of Konys bodyguards was unprecedented. It was a clear indicator that the Lords Resistance Army, or LRA, is in its death throes and of Konys diminishing hold on the rank and file, military and advocacy groups said. No one would have dared to do it before, said Paul Ronan, director of The Resolve, a nonprofit that tracks the LRA. Big picture is the LRA is at its weakest point. The Daily Beast spoke to four of the Kony 7 in March in Obo and Dungu in Congo. The base in Obo sat to the end of a road that ran down the middle of the village. The villagers waved to the soldiers as they drove between the American and the Ugandan bases. The Special Forces camp was small by the standards of other conflictsonly a dozen tents and none of the guard towers and heavy weapons. Ringed by shipping containers and concertina wire, the Americans tan tents were built on wood foundations. An American flag flew on a pole near the center of the camp. The sounds of helicopters coming and going provided the camps soundtrack. A small detachment of helicopters were based across a runway made of crushed red volcanic rock. Flown by contractors, the helicopters ferried joint American-Ugandan patrols into the bush. Both camps sat on top of a plateau that overlooked miles of jungle, a reminder of just how remote Obo was. The men were living on the remote military bases used by an African Union task force hunting Kony. They are working closely with the soldiers providing intelligence and greeting defectors fresh from the bush. Once on opposite sides, they now live, work, and eat side-by-side with their former pursuers. It wasnt uncommon to see the defectors sitting elbow-to-elbow with the American Special Forces soldiers in the dining hall. All four of the former bodyguards were reluctant to speak in detail about their actions while in the LRA as we sat in camp chairs near the bases gym, but did acknowledge how a successful propaganda campaign waged by the U.S. Army helped them defect, and why they are still working with the American military hunting Kony. *** The LRA was declared a terrorist group in 2001 by the United States. For decades, LRA fighters looted villages and kidnapped children. The boys were trained to use AK-47s and forced to fight and murder, cutting off the lips and ears of their victims. The girls were forced into sexual enslavement. The International Criminal Court in The Hague indicted Kony in 2005 for crimes against humanity. In 2010, President Barack Obama made it U.S. policy to support in the hunt for Kony. A year later, Obama sent 100 U.S. special operations troops to Central Africa to help an African Union task force hunting Kony in sparsely populated safe havens in Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. While the only measure of ultimate success is Konys capture, the steady uptick in defections over the last five years is one indicator that the American military backed leaflet and radio programs is taking a toll. Bronwyn Bruton, the deputy director of the Africa Center at the Washington, D.C.-based Atlantic Council, said the Kony 7s group defection suggests a real weakness in the LRA command structure. If these guys feel that Special Forces and (Ugandan soldiers) are closing in on them, they have an incentive to leave, she said. Kony himself has gotten older and sick. Fighters might be wondering what their future looks like. It is only a matter of time before they make a mistake and get caught. The Kony 7 werent the first members of the LRA to switch sides. In 2011, 11 LRA fighters turned. But by 2012, three times as many defected as the American soldiers with nonprofit groups like Invisible Children created leaflets and radio broadcasts aimed at coaxing LRA fighters out of the bush. By 2014, 53 fighters defected with almost half that already defecting in 2016 already. In all, 168 fighters have defected since 2011, some walking for weeks alone in the bush carrying nothing but a leaflet. Ronan said defections like the Kony 7 is clear sign that the American-supported defection campaigns are having a positive impact by breaking Konys hold over his army of child soldiers. The U.S. military has been dropping hundreds of thousands of leaflets over the Central African Republic and neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. The leaflets showcase former LRA members who deserted from the rebel group and provide directions for defectors, urging them to look for an opportunity to leave, and to come with friends. It instructs them to drop their arms before they came into the village. Despite being told not to pick up leaflets, U.S. soldiers said defectors will often fold up the leaflets they find in the jungle and hide them until it is safe to leave. This is the most successful [information operation] Ive ever seen, said a soldier involved in the campaign said. They requested anonymity because they are part of the ongoing mission. You get to see a measure of your effectiveness. One of highest profile defectors was LRA commander Dominic Ongwen. He surrendered in January 2015. He was one of five high-ranking LRA officers indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes. After Ongwens defection, military officials had him record a message urging his fighters to defect. The U.S. soldiers said many of the defectors said hearing Ongwen or other defectors on the radio convinced them it was safe to leave Kony. We try and let them know what is available to them, the soldier said. Bruton said there is some indication that LRA fighters listen to the radio and get the leaflets. The promise of amnesty is tempting. The people who go get amnesty, that is not a small thing, she said. To be able to wipe the slate clean, that is a very tempting offer. *** The Kony 7 grabbed their hidden food and water and started running southeast, toward Obo. Kony, who survived the ambush, ordered a small group of guards to chase them. The boys could hear LRA fighters searching for them when Pascal dropped the food, Roland said. They couldnt make it without supplies, so they circled back and set an ambush. As the LRA fighters got close, Roland, Pascal, and the others opened fire. The attack startled the LRA fighters, who quickly retreated leaving their own cookware and supplies behind. Roland said the men waited for more fighters to come. After an hour, they grabbed the supplies and headed south. For the next month, they worked their way toward Obo. Theyd seen a leaflet with a map showing the town with an American flag next to it. At the outskirts of Obo, they stopped a villager and asked him to get the Americans. They didnt want to turn themselves into the Ugandan army because Kony has told his fighters Ugandan soldiers will kill them on sight. So when they defected they decided to walk all the way to Obo because thats the only place they knew the Americans were, Ronan said. The former bodyguards, all abducted as children, left the LRA because they wanted to see their families again. They had grown tired of living in the bush. We didnt have a home in the bush, Roland said. We needed to be home. Roland is now over 18 years old, as are his fellow Kony 7 members, Alex and Simon. All three were lean and wiry with short hair and dark eyes. They spoke in measured tones, letting each question hang in the humid air before uttering a word. They were reluctant to speak about their pasts, and wanted instead to focus on the future. The former bodyguards already completed reintegration training in Gulu, a town in Northern Uganda, and were looking forward to starting a new life. But first they wanted to help the Americans free their comrades. Those are our brothers out there, Simon said. He, Roland, and Alex were living with other defectors and working in Obo with the Americans, providing them with insight in the inner workings of the LRA. They hope their presence in Obo will show them it is safe to come home. It appears from the defections and intelligence provided by the Kony 7 and others that the LRA is down to its last holdouts. The total number of fighters at Konys disposal has dropped from approximately 400 in 2010 to about 200, according to activist groups and U.S. military officials. They are in survival mode, said Lt. Col. Cecil Marson, the commander of U.S. troops in Central Africa. Defectors are a game changer. The uptick in defections has caused the LRA to search for replacements. Over the past three months, almost 300 children have been abducted in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a report by an American nonprofit. This most recent surge would indicate while they are weak, they still have the capacity to multi-week, coordinated attacks, Ronan said. But there is hope Kony will be caught soon. Marson said the intelligence picture is the best it has been in years. Were going after a guy who destroyed a generation, Marson said. Were going after the devil. Were pretty close to putting a nail in the coffin. Several times a week, school buses pull up in front of a single-level, pagoda-like building in Suzhou Industrial Park, a joint Chinese-Singaporean economic zone some 60 miles northwest of Shanghai. Built in the style of old Chinaits tiled and upturned roof supported by numerous red-painted columnsthe pagoda looks decidedly out of place among the modern office blocks and manufacturing facilities that dominate the high-tech enclave on the banks of Lake Jinji. As red-scarfed Young Pioneers pour from the buses they come face to face with a tall marble statue of the man whom the pagoda and the displays within it memorialize. The figure wears 1930s-style flying coveralls open at the neck, has a fur-collared coat draped over his left arm and in his right hand clutches a leather aviators helmet. The statues face is turned upward, looking into the sky with steely resolve. The man whom the statue represents was obviously a pilot, and just as obviously a hero whom China wants its people to remember, honor and respect. What is also immediately obvious, however, is that the aviator was not Chinese. As odd as it may seem in this time of increasing economic and military rivalry between the United States and the worlds largest communist nation, the man whom the statue and pagoda commemorate was an American. CHICHESTER, England Downton Abbeys Hugh Bonneville doesnt much like speaking to Britains newspapers, so its come as quite a surprise that hes making his long-awaited return to the stage in a passionate play about press freedom. Tickled by the contrast, members of the London-based media have been racing down to Chichester on the south coast of England to take in his stirring performances as a doctor who is determined to use the harsh light of the unchecked media to expose the truthno matter whose reputation is damaged. Bonneville, champion of free speech boomed The Telegraph. No one does more than Bonneville to expose the poisonous, corrupting nature of secrets and lies, said The Sun. This is a far cry from Bonnevilles Lord Grantham, who is charged with upholding the aristocratic status quo in Downton Abbey. In the Ibsen classic An Enemy of the People, the actor risks the security of both his family and the entire establishment in pursuit of honesty. Reviews have been good and the show has been popular, but there are plenty of tickets still on sale. Despite the shortfall, Bonneville has chosen not to drum up interest, using his Downton stardust, in the usual extensive round of media interviews. After the performance The Daily Beast asked why he doesnt do a lot of interviews. Because, errr, I do publicity for the show and thats that. Ive got no further comment to make tonight, said Bonneville. Thanks for coming down, mate. On stage Bonneville bounds through the scenes as Dr. Tomas Stockmann demanding that the editor of the local newspaper publishes everything, despite the powerful men trying to silence him. The play was written by Henrik Ibsen in 1882 but the moral battles at its heart are still being fought in the 21st century. The central plot is even echoed in modern Flint, Michigan. A town in Denmark is booming thanks to the opening of a newly refurbished spa. When Bonnevilles medical officer discovers that the water supply has been infected with bacteriaThose baths are poison, he declareshe thinks he is saving the day. Stockmann believes his brother, the mayor, will be impressed by his discovery and laud him for saving thousands of visitors from getting sick. Hell certainly be pleased such a vital fact has come to light. Bonnevilles Stockmann has same the kind of crusading moralistic view of the media as Will McAvoy in The Newsroom. He also suffers from a similar weakness for vanity. In a bout of faux-modesty, he begs that the town holds no torchlight parade in his honor. I dont want anybody making a fuss, says Bonnevillecleverly navigating a course between naivety and self-satisfaction. The rest of the competent cast dont have such interesting character arcs, with most of themincluding fellow Downton actor Michael C. Fox (Andrew Parker)given little space to develop beyond driving the narrative. Once it becomes apparent that cleaning up the poison will cost the town a huge sum of money, and force the closure of the spa for two years, the establishment turns against Bonnevilles character. Stockmann is told to bury the report, even though rumor of what he has done is already beginning to creep out. Its not going to work; too many people already know about it, he says. You imagine you can silence me and the truth! But this is not going to go as smoothly as you think. Stockmann is naive enough to believe that the media will be free to print the truth. The independent liberal press will make sure you all do your duty, he says, as the establishment closes ranks. Its a sensitive time for press freedom in Britain where the media is still adjusting in the wake of the Leveson report and a new press regulator, which followed the phone hacking scandal. While the National Theatre tackled the seedy side of the presswith a lurid look at tabloid journalism in Great Britainat the end of the phone hacking trial, this ode to press freedom comes as the British newspapers are slowly regaining their confidence. In An Enemy of the People, the newspaper is in a fragile state and fears the establishments ability to restrict its tenuous grasp on sustainability. When vested interests in the small town discover that Stockmann is preparing to jeopardize their economic health, they are easily able to force the newspaper to back away from publishing the truth. It gets worse for Stockmann as he sees what happens when the newspaper turns against him. The plays final act sees the newspaper and the mayor whip up a frenzy of public opinion against him. Within the course of a few days he is shunted from whistleblower to hated enemy of the people. Stockmann begins to lose controleven veering towards madnessas he realizes how sneaky, duplicitous, and manipulative the media can be if it is forced into a corner by powerful men. If the much-ballyhooed canal across Nicaragua from the Atlantic to the Pacific is ever built, we are told, it will be one of the great engineering projects of our age. But, then again, we have heard that before. The dream has been around since the days of the conquistadores in the 1500s. The current project is supposed to cost $50 billion, financed by a mysterious Chinese businessman named Wang Jing who is backed, almost certainly, by the Chinese government behind the scenes. What more spectacular way for Beijing to establish itself in the back yard of the United States than to dig an enormous ditch through it? Award-winning filmmaker Hong Sang-soo has begun shooting a new film starring French actress Isabelle Huppert. The film is set against the backdrop of this year's Cannes Film Festival, which began in style on Wednesday and runs until May 22. Hong's new project stars veteran actors Jung Jin-young and Chang Mi-hee, both of whom are working with the director for the first time. Kim Min-hee, who worked with Hong on his previous film, "Right Now, Wrong Then," will also make a cameo appearance in the film. "Right Now, Wrong Then" won the top prize at the Locarno International Film Festival in 2015. New award-winning German gin now in UK Windspiel Premium Dry Gin is now available in the UK together with the Windspiel tonic water especially developed to complement the gin. The gin has made a name for itself at home in Germany and abroad thanks to the many coveted awards it has won. The Windspiel team, consisting of Sandra Wimmeler, Denis Lonnendonker, Rebecca Mertes, Tobias Schwoll and master distiller Holger Borchers, produces the raw alcohol from potatoes grown on their farm in the Volcanic Eifel region of Germany. After harvesting the potatoes in the autumn, they produce the particularly mild alcohol for their traditional London Dry Gin from a selected mixture in three distillations. This is then perfected with the addition of 10 classic gin botanicals such as juniper, lemon zest, cinnamon bark, coriander, and lavender. We wanted to develop a down-to-earth, classic yet exclusive London Dry Gin, explains Sandra Wimmeler, managing director of Windspiel. Besides the ingredients, traditional craftsmanship was particularly important to us. For example, we produce all the raw alcohol ourselves, seal our bottles by hand and stick the labels on ourselves. It is important to us that every product passes through our hands at least once before it goes to market. This is the only way for us to ensure the quality we are looking for. In line with this principle, the four team members set off to find a suitable tonic water and immediately decided to develop their own. We have very good mineral springs here in the Eifel. So we had the idea of producing a tonic with natural mineral water and natural carbonic acid from the Eifel that perfectly complements our gin, explains Sandra Wimmeler. Both tonic and gin harmonise perfectly thanks to the common citrus notes and make an ideal match. The Windspiel brand has been successful on the German market for one and a half years now. Besides the gin and tonic, there is also a chocolate gin delight to try: the Windspiel Premium Gin Truffle. And for the spirits, they have also had a really outstanding idea. In addition to the limited edition of barrel-aged gin, they are now offering the first potato vodka to be matured in ash barrels in Germany: the Windspiel Barrel-Aged Potato Vodka. For this product, a special potato variety is used and a different variety will be used every year. We want to reveal the different facets of the potato, says Sandra Wimmeler. That is why we are planting a different variety every year. For the 2016 vintage, we are using potatoes of the Pirol variety. They have a particularly high starch content and give the vodka a very special flavour. After distillation, the vodka is then stored in ash barrels for several months. Exclusively available to members of the Craft Gin Club Members of the Craft Gin Club will be able to sample the entire Windspiel combination set in their May box. In addition to the gin and tonic, the last miniature bottlings of the limited edition barrel-aged Windspiel Premium Dry Gin Reserve will be included exclusively for members of the Craft Gin Club. The connoisseurs will also be able to sample the hand-crafted gin truffles and the new Windspiel Barrel-Aged Potato Vodka. We are delighted to be able to deliver a complete connoisseur package to our customers with the Windspiel products, explains John Burke, founder of the Craft Gin Club. Windspiel is our first German gin and we were immediately impressed with the quality. The particularly delicate flavour, the classic elegance it radiates, the matching tonic and their own truffles. The whole package is just perfect. What is particularly good of course, is that two special editions are also included." Besides the Craft Gin Club boxes, from mid-may Windspiel branded products are also available online at Master of Malt. About Windspiel The Windspiel brand was born in August 2014 by Eifelion and its uses the potato as a common base for all its products. The brand is dedicated to the man who discovered the potato, Frederick the Great, and to his second great passion - the greyhound, or in German windspiel hence the logo design. 14 May 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor Sunday Unity Spiritual Center of the Brazos Valley, 4016 Stillmeadow Drive, Bryan, will have services at 10:30 a.m. Call 324-9857 or unityspiritualcenterbv.org. Trinity Baptist Church, 1070 N. Harvey Mitchell Parkway in Bryan, will host Awana Clubs for children ages 3-12 from 5 to 7 p.m. The meetings will consist of scripture memorization, games, a light meal and a short devotional. Club meetings will continue at 5 p.m. every Sunday during the school year. 571-1404. Faith United Church (UCC), 2901 Austin's Colony Parkway in Bryan, celebrates Pentecost Sunday with 9:15 a.m. Sunday study, 10 a.m. fellowship, and 10:30 a.m. worship. Pastor Karl's message is, "God and the Church." We are also honoring seven Girl and Boy Scouts who have complete the "God and the Church" award. Faithuccbryan.org. St. Francis Episcopal Church, 1101 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, will celebrate Pentecost Sunday with Holy Communion at 8 a.m. (Rite 1) and at 10:30 a.m. (Rite 2). Adult Sunday School meets at 9 a.m. and Children's Sunday School meets at 10:30 a.m. A covered-dish luncheon will follow the 10:30 a.m. service, where we will continue our discussion envisioning the near future of St. Francis, led by Paula Haenchen. Contact the church for information about additional services and classes during the week. 696-1491 or stfrancisbcs.org. First Christian Church, 900 S. Ennis St. in Bryan, will celebrate Pentecost Sunday in worship at 10:45 a.m. The Rev. Jesse Myers' sermon topic will be "Calling on His Name," based on Acts 2:1-4 and 2:14-21. As part of the congregation's 150th anniversary celebration, we will dedicate a new stained glass hanging. Sunday school classes for all ages begin at 9:30 a.m. and a nursery is available. Youth groups meet at 3 p.m. 823-5451 or firstchristianbcs.org. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 220 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, will celebrate Pentecost with a youth-led worship service at 10:30 a.m. Classes for all ages meet at 9:15 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship. 694-7700 or covenantpresbyterian.org. Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church, 217 W. 26th St. in Downtown Bryan, will have services at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Christian Education for all ages will be from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Centering prayer is from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. All are welcome. Standrewsbcs.org. 822-5176. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley, 305 Wellborn Road, will meet at 10:30 a.m. 696-5285. Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, 3610 Plainsman Lane in Bryan, will have Sunday school classes for all ages at 9:15 a.m. and morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. 846-4753. Monday First Baptist Church, 2300 Welsh Ave. in College Station, will host its weekly Bible study on Mark, 1 Peter and 2 Peter at 7 p.m. 779-7700. First Baptist Church Bryan, 3100 Cambridge Drive in Bryan, will host its weekly Bible study fellowship session at 6:55 p.m. BSF is an international, interdenominational women's study group. This year's topic is The Life of Moses; there is also a children's program. Bsfinternational.org. Tuesday Eagle's Nest Praise and Worship Ministries will be opening a free prayer line from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The prayer line number is 775-1513, and calls will be answered by a trained prayer ministry associate. The prayer line is coordinated by pastors Gary and Sheila Jones. Wednesday Faith United Church, 2901 Austin's Colony Parkway in Bryan, invites men of all ages to Wednesday morning coffee and guy talk at 10 a.m. All are welcome. Faithuccbryan.org. May 22 Old Elam Missionary Baptist Church, 1202 W. Second St. in Hearne, will celebrate Senior Citizens Day with an 11 a.m. service. The Rev. F. Calvin Lewis III will deliver the message. Everyone is invited. Britain's exit from the European Union would pose a "significant downside risk" and potentially send the nation into a recession, International Monetary fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said Friday. "The majority of economic analysis that has been conducted agree that a vote to depart the EU would be costly in the long run," Lagarde told a news conference in London. "There is also a risk of an adverse market reaction to a leave vote, the implications of which could be particularly severe." She explained that the hit to the British economy could range from "pretty bad to very, very bad." The IMF released a statement earlier this year warning that Britain risks falling into a self-reinforcing cycle of weaker economic growth and lower house and share prices should voters opt to leave the EU in the June 23 referendum. In January, Donald Trump had this to say when he was asked about whether he would release his tax returns: "I have very big returns, as you know, and I have everything all approved and very beautiful and we'll be working that over in the next period of time." Yet he held off on releasing his returns. And on Tuesday night, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee seemed to close the door for good on the matter. He told the Associated Press that he wouldn't release his returns before the November elections unless what he described as Internal Revenue Service audit of his finances was complete. "There's nothing to learn from them," Trump said of his tax returns. That prompted Mitt Romney to take Trump to task late Wednesday afternoon. "It is disqualifying for a modern-day presidential nominee to refuse to release tax returns to the voters, especially one who has not been subject to public scrutiny in either military or public service," wrote the former GOP presidential nominee in a Facebook post. "While not a likely circumstance, the potential for hidden inappropriate associations with foreign entities, criminal organizations, or other unsavory groups is simply too great a risk to ignore for someone who is seeking to become commander-in-chief." Trump then stepped up with a surprise of his own and reversed course again Wednesday night, telling Fox News that he would, indeed, release his taxes before the elections. "I'll release. Hopefully before the election I'll release," he said. "And I'd like to release." For anyone who had whiplash after all of this, Trump offered some comfort by reaffirming that whenever he might release his returns, there wouldn't be anything of value to be discovered there anyway. "You learn very little from a tax return," he told Fox News. Actually, as someone who saw Trump's federal tax returns about a decade ago as part of a legal action in which he sued me for libel (the suit was later dismissed), I think there probably are some things to be learned from them. The tax returns my lawyers and I reviewed were sealed, and a court order prevents me from speaking or writing about the specifics of what I saw. I can say that Trump routinely delayed -- for months on end -- producing those documents, and when they finally arrived they were so heavily redacted that they looked like crossword puzzles. The litigation ran on for five years, and during that time we had to petition the court to compel Trump to hand over unredacted versions of the tax returns -- which he ultimately did. So despite Trump's statements to the contrary, here are some general questions that a full release of at least several years of his tax returns might usefully answer: Income Trump has made the size of his fortune a centerpiece of his presidential campaign, implying that it's a measure of his success as a businessman. He has also correctly noted that the income shown on his tax returns isn't a reflection of his total wealth. Even so, income is a basis for assessing some of the foundations of any individual's wealth -- and would certainly reflect the financial wherewithal of the businesses in which Trump is involved. After Fortune's Shawn Tully dug into Trump's financial disclosures with the Federal Election Commission and an accompanying personal balance sheet his campaign released, he noted in March that Trump "appears to have overstated his income, by a lot, which could be the reason he has so far tried to avoid releasing his returns." Tully said that Trump apparently boosted his income in the documents by conflating his various businesses' revenue with his personal income. Trump didn't respond to Tully's assessment, but he could clear up all of that by releasing his tax returns. Business Activities Trump has long claimed that his company, the Trump Organization, employs thousands of people. He has also criticized Fortune 500 companies for operating businesses overseas at the expense of jobs for U.S. workers. Trump's returns would show how active he and his businesses are globally -- and would help substantiate the actual size and scope of his operation. Charitable Giving Trump has said that he's a generous benefactor to a variety of causes -- especially war veterans -- even though it's been hard to find concrete evidence to support the assertion. Other examples of major philanthropic largess from Trump have also been elusive. Trump could release his tax returns and put the matter to rest. Tax Planning There's been global attention focused on the issue of how politicians and the wealthy use tax havens and shell companies to possibly hide parts of their fortunes from authorities. If released, Trump's returns would make clear whether or not he used such vehicles. Transparency and Accountability Trump is seeking the most powerful office in the world. Some of the potential conflicts of interest or financial pressures that may arise if he reaches the White House would get an early airing in a release of his tax returns. For the last 40 years, presidential candidates have released their returns. Trump, of course, has portrayed himself as the un-candidate, the guy who bucks convention. But disclosing tax returns is a valuable political tradition that's well worth preserving. A record-number of runners are expected to be crossing the finish line during Saturday's River Run. The annual race, which starts in downtown Henderson this year and finishes in Evansville, is now in its third year since the race made a comeback in 2014 after a 13-year hiatus. Organizers are expecting to reach 3,000 participants this year, according to race director Jim Bush. The run, founded by Evansville attorney Pat Shoulders, was launched in 1987 and ended in 2001 before beginning again in 2014. In addition to the traditional 10-mile race, the race will feature two new additions this year: A 12k portion, as well as a 5-mile race. The 10-mile race starts at 7 a.m. on the Henderson riverfront. The 12k starts at Audubon Chrysler in Henderson, and the 5-mile race starts at Ellis Park, both will have delayed start times. All participants will finish on the Evansville riverfront. 'You don't really hear about events like this that crosses two states and a bridge. This has been a unique thing for our community,' said Rob Williams, one of the coordinators of the River Run. Participants will be running on the western (driving) lane of the southbound bridge. The eastern (passing) lane will continue to carry southbound Highway 41 traffic. Vehicle traffic will be separated by road construction markers and will be slowed to 30 miles per hour. For those who will be crossing the bridge, runners will take U.S. 41 to Interstate 164 into Downtown Evansville. The fastest runners will likely cross the finish line at Riverside Drive and Main Street around 9 a.m., Williams said. The decision to bring back the 12k and create a new 5-mile run will hopefully be able to include even more athletes now and in the future, Bush said. 'We want this to be an event that includes everyone at different stages in their fitness levels,' he said. And having a record-number of registrants weeks before the day of the race was a testament to the communities on both sides of the river, Bush said. 'I think that hopefully speaks to fitness and the dedication the people in our communities have for things like this,' he said. Organizers have been hosting free training sessions for participants in the weeks leading up to the race. Bush said being able to have athletes training together before the race helps encourage sportsmanship and relationships. 'It's a neat thing to be able to have everyone together and follow this journey together,' Bush said. Bringing back the race after 13-years wasn't an easy feat for organizers. But both Bush and Williams say they have been working to continue improving the race every year. 'This has been an important thing to our community,' Williams said. Packet pickup and late registration for both the run and bike events is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Ultimate Fit, 1308 S. Green River Road in Evansville. SHARE By Gleaner Staff Henderson County Adult Education will host an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Sullivan Technology Center on Henderson Community Colleges's campus. Information on Adult Education, GED testing, HCC applications, HCC academic and technical programs, financial aid and more will be available. A free Financial Aid Workshop will be offered at the open house from 5:456 p.m. in STC 109. Refreshments and prizes will be available. Henderson County Adult Education offers free classes to help qualified individuals build their skills to earn a GED diploma, Kentucky Essential Skills Certificate or National Career Readiness Certificate and/or prepare for postsecondary training, college and career. KHEAA's mission is to expand educational opportunities by providing financial and informational resources that enable Kentuckians to attain their higher educational goals. For more information, contact Henderson County Adult Education at 270-831-9648 or visit the Adult Learning Center on the second floor of the Sullivan Technology Center, Start Center. SHARE Photo furnished Madison Warren of Henderson will present a benefit concert at 7 p.m. May 21 at D'Alto Studio of Performing Arts on Stockwell Road in Evansville. By Laura Acchiardo, laura.acchiardo@thegleaner.com For Madison Warren, music has always been a part of his life. Sitting at their kitchen table, Madison and his father George Warren described his first exposure to music. When Madison was born, he only weighed 1 pounds and was given a 30 percent chance of survival. "I could fit my wedding ring all the way up to his shoulder," said George Warren, looking at his son the way only a father can. "His fingers were the size of pencil lead." Madison spent four months in an isolette, and his parents played Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms for him 18 hours a day. "If you play music for a baby, it stimulates their brain for music," George said. "We think that's one of the reasons why he developed an interest in singing." When Madison was 12, doctors found a tumor on his spine, and on New Year's Eve a surgeon at Kosair Children's Hospital removed it. Wanting to give back to Kosair, St. Jude Children's Hospital and the Henderson Diabetes Program, Madison decided to raise money for the organizations by using his musical talent. He held his first concert six years ago and produced a CD, "It's Madison's Turn Now." Fueled with a passion for giving back, Madison, 26, has found himself recording another CD and organizing another concert after a six-year hiatus. "I got tired of seeing kids suffer," Madison said. "We've got people suffering now. If we don't find a cure for catastrophic diseases like cancer or diabetes, then someone will pay." On May 21 at 7 p.m., Madison will sing on stage at D'Alto Studio of Performing Arts, 303 N. Stockwell Road in Evansville. The proceeds from the concert and CD sales will benefit three organizations: the Henderson Diabetes Program, Riverview School and the Hugh Edward Sandefur Training Center. Each of these organizations are significant to Madison. Personally benefiting from the services of Riverview and the Sandefur Center and with a sister who suffers from diabetes, he wanted to contribute to these programs. Madison hopes to raise more than $2,000, which would beat the sales from his last concert. "It's humbling anytime someone in the community wants to make a difference," said Mark Chumbler, chief executive officer of the Sandefur Center. "On behalf of this organization, we're honored with Madison's graciousness. Madison is a great person and the Sandefur Center is really grateful for the work he's doing." For the past 10 years, Madison has taken vocal lessons with Michael D'Alto of D'Alto Studio. On stage he will perform with a guitar player, a drummer and a choir and will perform at least 17 songs including "Lean on Me," "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Imagine." Tickets for the concert are $10 at the door, which includes Madison's newest album, "Madison Take 2." "The significance of that name for the CD is that it takes two people to do the work," Madison said. "And also it's a double dose of me, being my second concert." "Go Rest High on that Mountain" is Madison's signature song. If it weren't for the inspiration from his signature song, Warren says he would not still be singing. "That song kept me going," said Warren. "If it weren't for that song and 'Smoky Mountain Rain,' I wouldn't be standing here. The fans have supported me for so long, too." SHARE By Bruce Schreiner, Associated Press LOUISVILLE, Ky. Democrat Cluster Howard won by the slimmest of margins in 2014, ousting a freshman Republican House member by a mere 14 votes. Now Republicans are aiming to make him a one-and-done lawmaker in their ongoing quest to consolidate power in Kentucky's Capitol. Two Republicans including the former lawmaker unseated by Howard are vying for their party's nomination and a chance to reclaim the Appalachian seat for the GOP. Contested primaries are set in nearly three dozen districts on Tuesday for the state House of Representatives, a dress rehearsal for the November general election when Republicans will try to take control of the last legislative chamber in the South still controlled by Democrats. Howard's seat in the 91st district, spread across several counties, is expected to be one of the closer contests in the fall. Tuesday, voters find out which Republican will challenge him: ex-Rep. Toby Herald of Beattyville or retired educator Randall Christopher of Irvine. "I feel like we have a golden opportunity," Christopher said. Howard, unopposed in the primary, is preparing for a tough re-election fight in the district, which covers Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Owsley counties and a sliver of Madison County. "If they look at my record and my work ethic, I've got a good shot," he said. A look at some of the other races in contention Tuesday: Kim Davis Ally In the 99th District, Republicans are trying to capitalize on the publicity surrounding Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, who famously went to jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Davis, a longtime Democrat, switched to the Republican Party. Now two Republicans are vying for the chance to unseat the area's longtime representative, House Democratic Floor Leader Rocky Adkins. One is Randy Smith, a local pastor who organized rallies to support Davis and was often featured in national news stories. The other is Wendy Fletcher, a nurse practitioner who is president of the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives. State Rep. Jonathan Shell, who has led Republican candidate recruitment efforts, said the party does not favor any candidates in Tuesday's primaries. "Each candidate would bring separate challenges or separate benefits," said Shell, who is facing his own primary election on Tuesday from Buzz Carloftis, the former Rockcastle County judge-executive. "We give everybody a fair shake." INCUMBENTS CHALLENGED Two entrenched lawmakers from Louisville are among several incumbents facing primary opponents Tuesday. Democratic Rep. Tom Riner, whose House career began in the early 1980s, has two challengers: former Louisville Metro Council member Attica Scott, and Phillip Baker, an insurance agent and civil-rights activist. No Republican is running for the seat. Riner's socially conservative views have riled some Democrats, including one of his longtime colleagues, Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, who endorsed Scott. Marzian's endorsement was promoted in a direct-mail letter sent to Democratic voters in the 41st District. "I feel like we need a voice in Frankfort that's going to support our Democratic ideals," Marzian said in an interview. Riner called Marzian a good legislator and said "she did what was in her heart." Riner said he's running an unconventional campaign by refusing to take campaign contributions. "What I'm trying to do is basically prove that if you're a decent legislator you don't have to become beholden to the corporate special interests that basically skew our judgment," he said. On the Republican side, 81-year-old Rep. Ron Crimm, first elected to the House 20 years ago, was trying to fend off challenges from Jason Nemes and Andrew Schachtner. It's a rare primary challenge to Crimm, who has never garnered less than 63 percent of the vote. During the final days of campaigning, Crimm said he wasn't taking anything for granted: "I always run like I need one more vote." The 33rd District, a GOP stronghold, includes a portion of Oldham County as well as part of Jefferson County. "There's still work that I've started that I'd like to see through," he said. Nemes, 38, is the son of ex-state Rep. Mike Nemes, now deputy secretary of the state Labor Cabinet in Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's administration. Bevin has not taken sides in the race. Jason Nemes, a Louisville attorney, questioned Crimm's effectiveness and said he would bring "new energy and new ideas" to the House. "In 20 years, Mr. Crimm has not put himself in a position to be influential," he said. NO INCUMBENTS Seven House seats have no incumbents running: four held by Democrats and three by Republicans. At least two open seats held by retiring Democratic Reps. Johnny Bell of Glasgow and Mike Denham of Maysville loom as battlegrounds this fall. Progress stalls on Case, United Auto Workers negotiations. Here's why. After weeks of progress, contract negotiations between Case New Holland Industrial and United Auto Workers have come to a standstill. Here's why. To some, Esther may just be another young, loving golden retriever. To others, the dog provides comfort and a sense of calm. Esther is a comfort dog for Holy Cross Lutheran in Collinsville as part of Lutheran Church Charities. She also makes frequent visits to area nursing homes, hospitals and cancer treatment centers, among other places. "She goes to school every day and greets the kids. There are kids that have anxiety or different health issues, and the kids can come in and pet her or she will go with them," said Edwardsville resident Stephanie Fedder, who is one of 12 handlers for Esther. Comfort dogs, or therapy dogs, provide comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices and disaster areas. These dogs are usually not assistance or service dogs but are required to complete a similar level of training. Esther, who lives in Collinsville with her caregivers Kathy and Ken Reuter, will turn two on June 5. "(Esther) is a purebred, and they only use golden retrievers. It is based on their personality, which is a very calming influence," Fedder said. "She went through more than 1,000 hours of training before we got her." Each handler is required to have Esther regularly to keep up with skills. Handlers must also go through training. "We went through three days of training, and we had to pass the Canine Good Citizen test," Fedder said. "You had to make sure you could do the various commands." Esther doesn't bark and she is good with anybody. "If she is with kids, she'll have a down pose so it's easier for the kids to pet her. If she's with grown-ups, she'll sit up nicely. If we are a place with people in wheelchairs, she will do a rise and get up and put her paws on the lap," Fedder said. Fedder recalled a story one of the handlers shared about Esther comforting the young relative of a boy that passed away in southern Missouri. "She made a b-line to the person who probably needed her the most. She just laid down right next to the kid, and the kid was petting her for a long time. She has a sense," Fedder said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Damar Harsanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14, 2016 Dozens of families members of the victims of the May 1998 riots staged a mass prayer and flower-laying ceremony at the front of Citra Mall on Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai in Klender, East Jakarta, on Saturday. The group, mostly women from nearby Penggilingan, Kampung Bulak, Klender and Kampung Pulo, gathered at 8 a.m. to pray for loved ones who died in the shopping mall, previously known as Yogya Plaza, which were among many malls with casualties during the riots. Ruyati Darwin, 70, said the mass prayer had been annually performed since 1999. Ruyati lost his eldest son Eten Karyana who previously studied French literature at the University of Indonesia. "It has been 18 years but the case has been left unresolved, said Ruyati. She demanded President Joko Jokowi Widodo fulfill his promise to shed light onto the cases. We are all tired [of empty promises], she was quoted by tempo.co. Until now, the government has refrained from stating an official number of victims from the riots, where the figure varies from one source to another. The report of the joint-fact finding team (TGPF), a team dedicated to finding the truth about the alleged violation of human rights surrounding the May riots, found that the total number of fatalities in Jakarta ranged from 288 to 1,217. Data sources came from the Jakarta administration, police, the Jakarta Military Command and the Volunteers Team for Humanity. The Volunteers Team for Humanity, a non-governmental organization advocating for the victims' families, and who represents the highest number of them, claim that 1,190 burned to death while 27 died of other causes such as from gun shot wounds. The TGPF also found that 52 women, mostly Chinese Indonesians, experienced sexual abuse ranging from harassment to gang rape during the May riots. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin thejakartapost.com (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14, 2016 Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama has demanded the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to investigate leaked information from the interrogation of former PT Agung Podomoro Land (APL) CEO Ariesman Widjaja, a reclamation graft suspect. He also threatens to a file lawsuit against Koran Tempo for a report that claimed Ariesman said APL had dispersed Rp 6 billion (US$451,808) to help the city administration fund the deployment of 5,000 security personnel during the eviction of the Kalijodo red-light district in North Jakarta. The source of Tempos report is an investigator. I do not know because the investigators did not issue any [official] statement, Akok said as reported by kompas.com. Who thought up this slander? Do you know why [former KPK chairman] Abraham Samad was dismissed? It was because of a leaked case dossier. How did Tempo get it? he added. According to Koran Tempo, the funds to finance the eviction was disbursed by APL as an exchange allegedly involving the reclamation project. Koran Tempo reported on Wednesday, quoting Ariesman, that APL had disbursed Rp 6 billion to assist the city in deploying 5,000 security personnel for the Kalijodo eviction. Ariesmans statement was, reportedly, made during his interrogation by KPK investigators. I will file a lawsuit. Where did they get their source? It is to mislead public opinion. I do not know who is behind this, the governor added. Ariesman and another APL official have been named suspects by the KPK in connection with a bribery case, involving city legislator Muhamad Sanusi. The case relates to deliberation of two reclamation bills by the Jakarta City Council. APL has a reclamation permit to construct islet G, one of the 17 islets to be developed in the Jakarta Bay. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Sat, May 14 2016 The Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) has protested the arbitrary naming of three customary figures from Matio village, Habinsaran district, Toba Samosir regency, North Sumatra, as suspects by police, without police first having undertaken a by-the-book examination process. AMANs stance was announced publicly on Friday following the issuance of a police summons for three customary figures, the chairman of AMAN Toba Samosir Hotman Siagian, Parasian Siagian and Parlindungan Siagian, to be questioned at the Toba Samosir Police headquarters next Monday. Hotman said he does not intend to appear at the police headquarters, explaining that he plans to fight any and all forms of criminalization instigated by the police against the Matio village customary community who are, incidentally, in the midst of a struggle to maintain ownership over their customary land. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Erika Kinetz and Desmond Butler (Associated Press) Shanghai Sat, May 14, 2016 An anti-counterfeiting group said Friday it was suspending Alibaba's membership following an uproar by some companies that view the Chinese e-commerce giant as the world's largest marketplace for fakes. The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition told members that it had failed to inform the board of directors about conflicts of interest involving the group's president, Robert Barchiesi. Earlier Friday, The Associated Press reported that Barchiesi had stock in Alibaba, had close ties to an Alibaba executive and had used family members to help run the coalition. The coalition, in a letter to members sent after the AP report came out, said conflicts weren't disclosed to the board "because of a weakness in our corporate governance procedures." It said the failure was not because of "inaction on Bob's part," referring to Barchiesi. The coalition said that it is hiring an independent firm to review its corporate governance policies. In its letter, the board said that as a result of members' concerns, it was suspending a new class of membership under which Alibaba had recently joined. The move would affect two other companies that signed up under the new rules. Jennifer Kuperman, Alibaba's head of international corporate affairs, said companies like Alibaba were important for solving the problem of counterfeiting. "Whether or not we are a member of the IACC, we will continue our productive and results-oriented relationships with brands, governments and all industry partners," she said. At issue is the independence of a small but influential coalition that lobbies US officials and testifies before Congress. Alibaba's membership could help shape the global fight against counterfeits. Fakes damage companies' bottom lines, can harm consumers who unknowingly buy such products, and feed a vast underground money-laundering industry that supports criminal syndicates. In recent weeks Gucci America, Michael Kors and Tiffany have quit the Washington DC-based coalition, which has more than 250 members. The AP found several ties between the group's president and Alibaba: Barchiesi has owned Alibaba stock since its 2014 listing in New York. The IACC said in a statement that the holdings represent "a small percentage of his investment portfolio." Matthew Bassiur, who took over as vice president of global intellectual property enforcement at Alibaba in January, hired Barchiesi's son, Robert Barchiesi II, to work at Apple back in 2011. Alibaba said that hire was made on merit. Apple declined to comment. Bassiur is a founding board member of the ICE Foundation, which supports U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees. Since 2013, the foundation has been run by Barchiesi's other son, James Barchiesi. That same year, the foundation's board voted to award a contract for "fiscal and operational management" to a private company, also run by James Barchiesi. The foundation has received grants of $10,000 from the anti-counterfeiting coalition every year since 2012, tax filings show. Kuperman, of Alibaba, said Bassiur's expertise would help the company "further instill trust in our marketplaces." "We are highly confident in his abilities and proud to have him at Alibaba in this critical global role," she said. Robert Barchiesi had also come under fire for his stewardship of the coalition and allegations of conflicts of interest on the move to include Alibaba. "It's crossed the line ethically," said Deborah Greaves, a partner at Brutzkus Gubner law firm and a coalition board member from 2011 to 2013. She said she didn't know that IACC chief Robert Barchiesi had stock in Alibaba until informed by the AP. "Really problematic," she said. "Everything the IACC does that makes Alibaba look better potentially drives up the price of the stock," said Greaves, whose firm is a coalition member. "As a board member, I would never have bought stock in Alibaba." The storm has laid bare the loathing that some feel for a company heralded as one of communist China's greatest capitalist success stories. Critics had feared Alibaba would use IACC membership to gain legitimacy while papering over fundamental flaws in how it does business. Gucci and other brands owned by France's Kering Group allege in U.S. court filings that Alibaba knowingly profits from the sale of fakes. Alibaba has dismissed the case as "wasteful litigation." Michael Kors' general counsel has called Alibaba "our most dangerous and damaging adversary." The coalition's tax filings show that, in addition to the ties to Alibaba, Robert Barchiesi runs his organization like a family business. The coalition paid companies founded and run by one of Barchiesi's sons nearly $150,000 from 2012 to 2014 for rental costs, accounting, IT support and advertising. It employs the son's wife, Kathryn Barchiesi, as a program manager. Though the coalition attests that its financial statements were reviewed by an independent accountant, tax filings show the accounting firm was owned by Barchiesi's son. In a statement, the coalition said the family connections had been disclosed and the contracts were fairly valued. "The board of directors of the IACC believes that Mr. Barchiesi's performance as president has been exemplary, and he has the board's full confidence and support," the statement said. The group told its members the same in its letter, which it said was a response to an anonymous letter sent to board members Wednesday that detailed a list of concerns about governance. The letter threatened a mass walkout unless Alibaba was pushed out. The writer claimed to represent a group of concerned members, but that could not be verified. "What you have allowed this organization to become is utterly disgusting and changes must be made immediately," the email says. The move to suspend Alibaba comes ahead of the IACC's spring conference in Orlando next week, where the Chinese company's founder Jack Ma was scheduled to speak. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Sat, May 14, 2016 A woman has been arrested after allegedly killing a one-month-old baby by throwing it off a balcony in the Bekasi Junction shopping mall in Margahayu, East Bekasi, on Saturday morning. The suspect was detained by mall security guards after the incident, said East Bekasi Police chief Comr. Imam Irawan. Imam said police investigators from the Women's and Children's Protection unit were intensively questioning the suspect, identified as Fitroha, 30. We are looking into the motive behind her actions, Imam said as quoted by tempo.co. An eyewitness, Nana, said Fitroha arrived at the mall at 9:00 a.m., carrying the baby. It was not immediately clear whether the baby was hers or not. She went up to the mall's top level and dropped the baby, said Nana, who works as a janitor at the mall. She said she and her friends could not prevent the incident from happening. They took the baby to nearby Bhakti Kartini hospital in East Bekasi, but doctors declared it dead on arrival at the hospital. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin thejakartapost.com (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14, 2016 A number of writers and literacy activists have condemned the recent bans on leftist books ordered by the military in an apparent attempt to prevent a feared revival of communism. Banning books in this era is a triple dose of stupidity as people can simply find them on the internet, said senior journalist and prolific writer Goenawan Mohamad on Friday. What exactly is the goal of this stupidity, if not to increase communism-phobia and fear and insecurity? In other words, they want to restore the security apparatus to control us. If that happens, not only civil society, but also the creative community could be suppressed, he added. He said the idea of a communist revival was nonsense as the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) had long ago died out in the country and if people wanted to revive it, it would have happened a decade ago. Members of the 0505 East Jakarta Military District Command (Kodim) seized several books entitled Palu Arit di Ladang Tebu (Hammer and Sickle in the Sugar Cane Field) written by Hermawan Sulistyo from a store in Dewi Sartika Street, Cawang, Jakarta, on May 3. Several T-shirts featuring a hammer-and-sickle logo were also confiscated at the time. In Ternate, North Maluku, the 1501 Ternate Military Command arrested four activists of the Alliance of Indigenous People (AMAN), apparently because they were in possession of books and T-shirts related to leftist movements. The activists books were confiscated. I dont know how to face this except by fighting. If theres a restriction on discussion, we hold more discussions. If theres a ban on a book, we write more books, Goenawan added. Anton Kurnia, another writer and translator, stated that in 2010 the Constitutional Court had annulled the 1963 law on monitoring printed materials with content that could jeopardize public order, therefore, he added, the military and police had no right to seize those books. Anton said the government had often misused the 1966 decree of the Temporary Peoples Consultative Assembly that prevented the dissemination of communism, Leninism and Marxism in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Ronny Agustinus of Marjin Kiri publishing house said that the officials had never explained the precise criteria for banning books. So, we feel that this intimidation has been done just to show off their authority to us, as if they decide what is allowed or not, he said. The Indonesian Military (TNI) was known for its dwifungsi (dual role) concept during the New Order regime, which ended in 1998 with then president Soeharto stepping down from power. In that era, the TNI was commonly involved in politics and business. However, the military has recently been more involved once again in public affairs, including in attempts to police events like demonstrations and evictions and to guard public infrastructure, such as railway stations, harbors and airports. The writers and literacy activists presented their statements against book bans at the Jakarta Arts Council (DKJ) headquarters on Friday. Besides Goenawan, Anton and Ronny, writers Eliza Vitri Handayani and Okky Madasari, and also members of the DKJ such as Irawan Karseno and Yusi Avianto Pareanom, also attended. (vps/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu was in full battle mode when he spoke of a need to counter what he saw as the rise of communism to hundreds of retired generals and members of several mass organizations at a meeting on Friday. The leftist movement is currently surging in this country. It is a sign of treason, sponsored by the leftovers of the Indonesian Communist Party [PKI], he said vehemently in his opening remarks. Ryamizard was referring to the recent discovery by police and military officials of the use of communist symbolism across many forums nationwide including at cultural events, public screenings, on shirts carrying the symbol of the now-defunct PKI, the hammer-and-sickle logo, in books about the party in many bookstores and at book exhibitions. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) The Jakarta Post/Nusa Dua, Bali Sat, May 14, 2016 The Golkar Party is set to elect Aburizal Bakrie as head of the party's newly established advisory board in exchange for his willingness to give up the party's chairmanship. As leader of the party's advisory board, Aburizal will have the authority to determine two significant strategic decisions in appointing Golkar's presidential and vice presidential candidates and in appointing Golkar's representatives to sit at important state institutions. Secretary of the steering committee in charge of the party's national congress, Agun Gunanjar, said that the congress, which is slated to take place from May 13 until 17, is expected to unanimously appoint Aburizal as chairman of the advisory board. "It is to award and honor him for all of his work [for Golkar]," Agun said on the sidelines of the congress in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Saturday. Agun explained that in addition to the new advisory board position, the congress will also set up two other new posts to house respected senior politicians, namely a board of experts and an honorary board. The board of experts will be led by Agung Laksono while the honorary board will be headed by former president BJ Habibie. Meanwhile, head of the congress' organizational division, Freddy Latumahina, who is responsible for preparing the selection mechanism, said that Aburizal's appointment will take place after the congress votes for a new chairman. "There is no opposition to the plan so far," Freddy said. Golkar is expected to hold the election for its chairmanship on Monday. There are 8 candidates to contest the leadership race, namely Ade Komarudin, Setya Novanto, Aziz Syamsuddin, Airlangga Hartarto, Mahyudin, Indra Bambang Utoyo and Syahrul Yasin Limpo. The opening ceremony will take place on Saturday evening, which will see President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo address the congress. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang, The Jakarta Post (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua, Bali Sat, May 14, 2016 An ethics body in charge of ensuring all candidates contesting the Golkar Party's chairmanship uphold fair play, will clear all allegations of underhanded deals and money politics against the contenders. Head of the ethics committee Fadel Muhammad told reporters that his division had received more than 60 reports alleging all candidates were involved in violating protocol, from breaching regulations to confidentially meeting with eligible voters to endorse their respective candidacy. Although all candidates reportedly breached the rules, the largest complaints went toward the two strongest contenders: Ade Komarudin and Setya Novanto. The ethics body also recorded complaints against other hopefuls Airlangga Hartarto, Mahyudin, Priyo Budi Santosa, Aziz Syamsuddin, Syahrul Yasin Limpo and Indra Bambang Utoyo. "But, we will not disqualify any of the candidates despite such reports," Fadel said on Saturday. Fadel argued that as a senior party member, he could see that such reports were only smear campaigns against each other. "I know them well," he emphasized, adding that his division would continue to remind candidates as well as their campaign teams to uphold fair play. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14, 2016 The government knows nothing about any ransom paid to the Abu Sayyaf militant group to free four Indonesian sailors being held hostage by the group, a minister has said. "We don't know about that [a ransom]. The most important thing is that they [the hostages] have returned to Indonesia safely," Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu told journalists in Jakarta. Ryamizard was responding to questions about whether another party such as the sailors employer Global Trans Energi had paid a ransom to the militant group. He stressed that the government had not paid to free the hostages. The process of releasing the hostages could be implemented relatively quickly, Ryamizard said, because Philippines President Benigno Aquino III was strict and quick-witted and he knew about the movement of militant groups like Abu Sayyaf. The rescue was also made possible by intensive coordination between Indonesian authorities and their counterparts in the Philippines, Ryamizard said. The four sailors, who were employed as crew aboard the Henry, a tugboat towing the barge Christie, were sailing in Malaysian and Philippine waters in mid-April when they were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf militant group. The hostages were handed over to Philippine authorities on Wednesday, after 25 days in Abu Sayyaf captivity near the Sulu islands in southern Philippines. Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi praised the Indonesian Military (TNI) for their performance and hard work in monitoring and safeguarding the hostages until they arrived back at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta on Friday morning. In order to prevent any kidnapping or piracy in the waters of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, Ryamizard said the countries would immediately perform joint patrols and intensify communication. "We should prevent our seas becoming an area where piracy happens, like the waters off Somalia," Ryamizard said. Recently, the governments of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, made a joint declaration on maritime security to tackle threats in their regional waters, in which joint patrols as well as timely information and intelligence sharing will be enhanced. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 President Joko Jokowi Widodos administration plans to establish a local development authority in Papua to coordinate development and accelerate efforts to resolve serious human rights abuse cases that have occurred in Indonesias easternmost region. The authority, to comprise seven customary-based units in West Papua and Papua, will be responsible for planning and executing several development plans in the region. Yoedhi Swastono, the deputy for domestic political coordination at the Office of the Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister, said Wednesday the plans were expected to be finished within this year. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has arrested nine people for possession of 54.2 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 40,894 ecstasy pills, found inside their cars spare tires. BNN chief Budi Waseso said the suspects, who were picked up on Sunday, claimed the drugs were imported from Malaysia. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 Cyrus Network, a political campaign consultancy announced the results of its candidate electability survey for the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election on Friday at Hotel Akmani in Central Jakarta. Ahok leads the poll with a 46 percent to 57 percent electability rating, Cyrus Network managing director, Eko Dafid Afianto said. He said Ahok came in well ahead of hopeful candidate Yusril Ihza Mahendra, with only 9 percent to 19 percent of Jakartans saying they would vote for him. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 The Jakarta administration is temporarily suspending the operational permit of nightclub Lucy in the Sky until the management complies with a requirement that it does not disturb the nearby Sudirman Mansion apartment block, on Jl. Jendral Sudirman, South Jakarta. Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama said the administration had required the nightclub to install soundproofing so that the apartment blocks residents would not be disturbed. We have suspended the operation of Lucy in the Sky. It will remain suspended it until they install the materials, Ahok said at City Hall on Friday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama said on Friday he would sue residents who were still living in several big tents in the Pasar Ikan area, North Jakarta. If you dont leave the area, we will sue you for squatting on state land, Ahok was quoted by kompas.com as saying. The tents were reportedly donated by Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto to dozens of families who had defied the eviction order and refused the low-cost apartments provided by the city administration. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 The police have arrested two male suspects, AS, 28, and IP, 18, who allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl at a cemetery in Pancoran, South Jakarta, on Thursday. South Jakarta Police spokesman Comr. Purwanta said on Friday that there were four people at the scene but only two had agreed to be witnesses. The suspects were the ones who raped the girls, he said as quoted by tribunnews.com. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anggi M. Lubis (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 Four Indonesian sailors held captive by a militant Filipino group, Abu Sayyaf, tearfully returned to their families on Friday after nearly a month being moved around jungles and suffering psychological torture. Their release marked the end of an almost two-month-long hostage saga involving 14 Indonesian sailors who were abducted in Malaysian waters, with Indonesian officials reiterating a commitment to continue safeguarding the waters through joint patrols with Malaysian and Philippine armed forces. The four Indonesian sailors who were taken hostage on their way back to Indonesia after delivering coal on the tugboat Henry pulling the barge Christy to the Philippines on April 15 were released on Wednesday and handed over to Indonesian authorities the following day, before enduring a long trip by sea and air from Tarakan to Jakarta. They arrived on Friday morning, underwent medical checkups and participated in a ceremony during which they were handed over to their families at the Foreign Ministrys compound later in the afternoon. Their release followed the 10 other Indonesian hostages who were let go on May 1, after being abducted from the tugboat Brahma 12 and the barge Anand 12 in late March. Just like for the previous release, details of the event and the efforts leading to it were kept secret. Government officials again attributed the release to thorough negotiations and constant communications between the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and military with their Filipino counterparts. Now that we have handed over the hostages to their families, efforts to address the piracy of the tugboat Henry and the barge Christie by the Abu Sayyaf group have now concluded, Foreign Ministry Retno LP Marsudi said during the ceremony. We want to thank the many parties involved in the process to release the hostages, especially the Indonesian Army. I also contacted the Philippines Foreign Ministry after the hostages landed this afternoon to convey our gratitude for the Philippines support throughout this time. Unlike the first group of hostages, the newly released sailors said they had been under constant psychological threat. The two groups of hostages were apparently being kept by different factions of the militant group. The four Indonesians, identified as M. Ariyanto Misnan from Bekasi, West Java, Loren M. Petrus from West Papua, Dede Irfan Hilmi from Ciamis, West Java, and Samsir from South Sulawesi, all said that they were not regularly or sufficiently fed and were forced to see videos of beheaded hostages on a daily basis as threats. There were also times when they were hit and kicked by their abductors. However, unlike the first release, about which the details of whether there had been a ransom paid to the militant group were not disclosed to the public, the four sailors and their employers indicated that there had been no money paid to the abductors this time around. Riswandi Syah, president director of shipping company Global Trans Energy International, which employs the four sailors, reiterated that the company did not pay any ransom to the abductors and had never been contacted by members of Abu Sayyaf asking for money. The four Indonesians were part of a 10-strong group of tugboat crewmen. Five other crew members evaded being kidnapped and have since returned home, while another crew member, Lambas Simanulangkit from South Kalimantan, was shot and subsequently hospitalized in Tawau, Sabah state, Malaysia. He was released from the hospital and returned home early on Tuesday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines would continue with the maritime security approach agreed to during a meeting between the countries foreign ministers and army chiefs on May 5 in Yogyakarta, a meeting that included talks about conducting joint patrols. Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia will continue to carry out our plan for joint patrols in the waters. The waters are strategic for trade and if such incidents continue they will cause losses to all of us, he said. _________________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Sat, May 14 2016 Few surviving bands are comprised of accomplished musicians as personnel. Fusion jazz band Krakatau is one of the exceptions. Since its establishment in 1985, the band has never disbanded despite lulls in activity. Just like its name, a nod to the worlds most sensational volcano, the band has evolved through time and made its reputation in the international realm while awaiting the right time to re-erupt. It has also gone through several name changes over the years; the most recent, Krakatau Reunion, is the name the personnel chose to describe the long history of camaraderie forged during its heyday from 1986 to 1990. The living legends are Dwiki Dharmawan and Indra Lesmana on piano and keyboard, bassist Pra Budidharma, guitarist Donny Suhendra, drummer Gilang Ramadhan and vocalist Trie Utami. As each of the personnel has also gone on to establish their own career in music and music education, getting together was a difficult task until the Remembering Krakatau music event in Bandung in January 2012, in which five of them, minus Indra Lesmana, shared the stage. All six finally met in a cafe in Bintaro, South Jakarta, the following year. They decided to reunite with their former sound engineer Donny Hardono as producer under DSS Production. He knows us best and he contributed to the Krakatau soundscape, said Trie of Donny, who brought them to perform at the Java Jazz Festival in 2014. The crowd was crazy, said Dwiki of the fans, known as Keluarga Krakatau, who cheered them as soon as the curtains went up at the festival. None of us expected the high enthusiasm but it strengthened our determination to enrich their music experience. They have also toured Bandung, Bali, Batam, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Palu and Medan most recently they were scheduled to perform on May 13 at JazzPhoria while preparing a new album of 11 new tracks to be released later this year to end the 25-year break. The spirit of Krakatau always lies in its collaborative work. We worked together in the studio, everyone contributed to the song arrangement, said Dwiki. It was a tough task due to different schedules and domiciles. But as we played together, it was worth all the trouble. Starting Out Dwiki, the engine of the band who divides his time between Vienna, London and Jakarta, said that in 1993 Pra, Trie and he experimented with ethnic sound in collaboration with Sundanese traditional music artists during a vacuum in its activities. The cross-culture concept led to the founding of Krakatau Ethno, the name it used to distinguish it from Finnish jazz-rock band Krakatau when it played at international festivals and concert venues that included the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Lincoln Center of Performing Arts. We had met the other band a few times and each time quarreled over the name. They asked us to change the name, but I said Krakatau belongs to Indonesia, Dwiki recalled. In 2004, we were scheduled to perform at the Jazz at Lincoln Center and two personnel of that band approached us on stage and said: Congratulations, now you can keep using the name because we decided to dismiss the band. Krakatau Ethno still exists and every year we hold a world tour. We use Krakatau Reunion as the name as it refers to the full formation of Krakatau. The band, first called Messopotamia in 1984, was formed by Pra, who had just returned from studying in the US; Dwiki, the talented keyboardist who was known as part of the Bandung-based Elfa Secioria community; and Donny, who played in several bands that were famous in Bandung, including DKSB Harry Roesli and BOM. Budhy Haryono, the drummer of rock group JAM, joined later. It became Krakatau in early 1985, the year the quartet took part in the prestigious Yamaha Light Music Contest. It won first place and the Best Instrumentalist awards for guitar, bass and keyboard. The band represented Indonesia during the international round in Japan. Dwiki was honored as the best keyboardist. It returned home famous and started to perform in various music events with additional vocalists that included Ruth Sahanaya, Harry Mukti, Kemala Ayu, Minel and Titi DJ. In 1986, Budhy left the band and was replaced by Gilang Ramadhan, who had just returned from the US. Gilangs best friend Indra Lesmana, a talented jazz pianist and the son of Indonesian jazz maestro Jack Lesmana, subsequently joined. As the band began to record its first album, Dwiki recruited Trie, the younger sister of his composer friend Purwacaraka. A high school student and a radio DJ in Bandung, she had just won Best Vocalist at Yamaha Light Music Contest in 1986. In five years, Krakatau released four albums and a single, which all became hits. Krakatau First Album, with its most popular track Gemilang, sold 800,000 copies on its release in 1987. The following year, the band achieved more success with Krakatau Second Album that contained the hit song La Samba Primadonna. Mini album Top Hits Single was released in 1989, followed by fourth album Kembali Satu. Title track Kembali Satu and monumental hit Kau Datang jacked up sales to over 2 million copies. Lasting Legacy Over the years, the band members have branched out with other music pursuits while never losing their connection. Indra, Gilang and Donny formed Indra Lesmana Java Jazz and pop rock band Adegan; Dwiki, Pra, and Trie with drummer Budhy joined in the released album Let There Be Life, also collaborating with guest guitarist Dewa Budjana and percussionist Iwan Wiradz. Still, the legend of Krakatau is enduring. Krakatau was not the only band in the genre, but it stood out from the rest for its daring, energetic music and touch of rock soundscape complemented by Tries strong vocal techniques. Dubbed a superfusionband, Krakatau set the trend for fusion jazz during its era. They are the musicians of the musicians nowadays, said music observer Aldo Sianturi, adding that many bands were formed as the personnel were inspired by Krakatau. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jambi Sat, May 14 2016 The Jambi District Court on Thursday sentenced Syarkawi, one of seven defendants charged with trafficking thousands of ecstasy pills, to 15 years in prison. The guilty verdict was handed down by a panel of judges chaired by Makaroda Hafat. The defendant has been sentenced to 15 years and must pay a fine of Rp 1.5 billion [US$112,654] if he fails to he must serve another year in prison, said Makaroda. Earlier, a husband and wife involved in the same case, Samsul Abrar and Aprita, were each sentenced to 17 years and six months. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Surabaya Sat, May 14 2016 The second-largest city in Indonesia, Surabaya, has approved a bylaw that bans the production, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages. If in three months [Governor] Soekarwo does not respond to this bylaw, it would be enacted directly in Surabaya. The bylaw does not contradict to any regulation because we have consulted the Home Ministry, Armuji, speaker of the Surabaya Legislative Council, said on Friday. According to the bylaw, punishments would include the issuance of warning letters, administration fines, temporary closure of businesses, revocation of business licenses and the shutting down of businesses. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 Eighteen years have passed since May 1998, when the capital saw more than 1,000 people killed and dozens of female residents raped over three days of total chaos, a tragedy that should not be forgotten. The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) praised the Jakarta administration on Friday for erecting a monument last year in the Pondok Rangon public cemetery in Cipayung, East Jakarta, to remember the victims of the tragedy. We appreciate the administrations gesture with the Pondok Ranggon memorial. [] We further hope that it will make regular commemorative events so that people will not forget the tragedy, said Komnas Perempuan commissioner Mariana Amiruddin during a press conference at City Hall. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hans David Tampubolon (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 Cuk FKs Komedi Gokil 2 (Crazy Comedy 2) is either another of Indonesian cinemas many shallow sexualized comedy sketches or a very subtle satirical uppercut to societys taste for that kind of comedy. Whether you judge it as the former or latter depends on how you see the film. Komedi Gokil 2 is the sequel to last years Komedi Modern Gokil (Crazy Modern Comedy), with some of the main characters, such as Indro (Indro Warkop) and Boris (Boris Bokir), remaining, while others, such as Dodit, have disappeared. However, there is no need to watch the first movie beforehand, as the sequel presents a whole new story. As in the previous film, Cuk FK presents the narration for the film using the style of Warkop DKI, a popular comedy group in the 1980s, which Indro was a member of. Back then, the group ruled Indonesias silver screen industry with a comedy style that heavily relied on slapstick, puns and the objectification of womens bodies launching actresses such as Nurul Arifin and Kiki Fatmala into fame as sex bombs due to their raunchy performances. While many criticized Warkop DKIs commercial success through sexual exploitation of their female co-stars, some thought that behind the raunchy comedic visage, the group delivered a lot of subtle criticism of society and the government during the New Order era. Komedi Gokil 2 tries to emulate that style and to some extent it succeeds, although not very convincingly. After a psychedelic opening that will remind audiences of an iconic scene from Waynes World, the film introduces us to Indro and his wife Maya (Maya W. Sardjono), who own a mixed-sex boarding house in Jakarta. The boarding house is basically a paradise for single men as the women living there are all voluptuous and comfortable in their own skin as they walk around in tank tops and very short pants. As for the men, for some reason they all wear decent clothing like button up shirts as if they are at the office. Indros boarding house gets two new male tenants Acho (Muhadkly Acho) and Lolox (Lolox), who is the younger brother of Boris. Together, these four men spend most of their time falling victim to their own silliness, particularly driven by their bad luck or uncontrollable desire for women. At the other end of the genre spectrum is Maya along with her niece Mia (Senk Lotta), Gina (Tengku Putri Dewi) and Tania (Brianna Simorangkir), who play significant roles in most of the films sexploitative comedic scenes. There are also appearances from Nikita Mirzani and the dangdut pair Duo Serigala who clearly do their best to exploit their bodies whenever they can during their scenes. Most of the comedic scenes have the same narrative, with basically no particular theme and a heavy reliance on patching together short comedic incidents. It is very unclear what the films main storyline is, as Cuk FK keeps on changing the focus. At first, it seems as if the central plotline is Achos endeavors to win Mias heart, but then it shifts to Indros alleged affair before finally concentrating on the story of Maya and her old love, Tomsas (Mang Saswi). The repetitive comedic narrative that relies heavily on sexual jokes also fails to draw laughs and after a while it becomes boring. For the most part, the comedy scenes are more absurd than funny. However, amid the films somewhat bland comedy style, it still seems to take a few jabs at the current state of the comedy film industry in Indonesia. In some scenes, characters deliver sarcastic comments that take aim at the over-commercialization of the casts popularity rather than delivering any substance. The film also does not hesitate to break the fourth wall in some scenes and talk to the audience directly. At some points, it even mocks the people who are watching it as it discreetly admits its low-quality storylines and poor comedic narrative. With that being said, it is hard to determine whether Cuk FK made a bad comedy film on purpose to present a satire of todays comedy film industry in Indonesia or whether he actually tried to make a funny film but failed. __________________________________ Komedi Gokil 2 (MD Pictures, 95 minutes) Directed by Cuk FK Produced by Dhamoo Punjabi Cast: Indro Warkop, Muhadkly Acho, Lolox, Boris Bokir to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin thejakartapost.com (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14, 2016 The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Saturday denied that it had leaked any information from the interrogation of former PT Agung Podomoro Land (APL) CEO Ariesman Widjaja, a reclamation graft suspect. But the anti-graft body admitted that the information was leaked. KPK spokeswoman Yuyuk Andriyati said the leaked information could be from other parties because the suspect also received a copy of the case dossier. As a suspect AWJ [Ariesman] got a copy of case dossier as a reference for his defense, said Yusuk as quoted by tribunnews.com. She responded to a statement made by Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who told the KPK earlier on Saturday to investigate the leaked information as reported by Koran Tempo. Koran Tempo reported on Wednesday, quoting Ariesman, that APL had disbursed Rp 6 billion (US$451,808) to help the city fund the deployment of 5,000 security personnel for an eviction operation in Kalijodo, North Jakarta. Ariesman and another APL official have been named suspects by the KPK in connection with a bribery case, involving city legislator Muhamad Sanusi. The case relates to two reclamation bills being deliberated by the Jakarta City Council. APL has a reclamation permit to construct islet G, one of the 17 islets to be developed in the Jakarta Bay. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 In order to help Indonesians with language accessibility, tech giant Google has announced several updates to its Google Translate mobile application, which would assist in further expanding the quality of Bahasa Indonesia translations. Indonesia remains within Googles top 23 markets for using Google Translate, most of which utilize the service as a tool for translating difficult words and passages in foreign languages to Indonesian and vice versa, rather than a platform for actually learning certain languages. With the latest updates, Google Translate 5.0 focuses more on the accessibility aspect of the mobile app itself. Three of its major changes include the ability to allow iOS and Android users to use the app without being connected to the internet, an improved Mandarin Chinese dictionary for the WordLens function and a new function called Tap to Translate. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Lita Aruperes (The Jakarta Post) Manado Sat, May 14 2016 North Sulawesi has pledged to focus on the marine sector in developing tourism in the province, as 13 out of the 15 regencies/cities in the region have sea territories and diving spots. Head of North Sulawesi Tourism Agency, Happy Korah, said that another tourist attraction in need of infrastructure improvement were waruga (old thumbs) Our target is Bunaken, which is also a national target, said Happy, adding that Bunaken was popular among foreign tourists, although the site was not well managed. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Palu Sat, May 14 2016 Citilink, the low-cost arm of the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, has closed its service for the Palu-Makassar route because of low passenger numbers. The Palu-Makassar route has been closed since May 10, the head of Citilinks Palu office, Andi Faisal, said on Friday. He said his office had recorded low passenger numbers on the route, saying there were sometimes less than 100 per trip. This way, we cannot cover the operational expenditures for serving the route, which may lead to losses in the long run, he said. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Mataram Sat, May 14 2016 The Rinjani Geopark in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, will soon be assessed by a team from the UNESCO before being included on the list of UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGG). If it passes the assessment, the Rinjani Geopark will be the third geopark in Indonesia to be included in the network, after Mount Batur Geopark in Bali and Gunung Sewu Geopark in East Java. Indonesia National Geopark task force head Yunus Kusuma Brata said this year Indonesia only proposed the Rinjani Geopark to be included on the list. Two members of the assessment team from UNESCO will conduct a feasibility assessment on the Rinjani Geopark from May 17 to 20. The team members include Maurezio Burlando from Italy and Jai Soo-lee from South Korea, Yunus said on Friday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Sat, May 14 2016 With support from the Jakarta administration, memorial sites have been built to keep intact the collective memory of what happened in mid-May 1998. Monuments near the Klender housing complex and at Pondok Ranggon cemetery, both in East Jakarta, are dedicated to those who perished, went missing, or were sexually assaulted during the mass riots that overran the capital 18 years ago. More than just a place to gather and pray for the victims, the memorials testify to the ugly fact that so far nobody has been held responsible for the tragedy. This means whoever orchestrated the unrest, which a government-sanctioned fact-finding team said was systematic and massive and which the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has classified as a crime against humanity, remains untouchable until today. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 The country may face a long road ahead in its effort to procure electricity in remote regions through the use of renewable energy sources, while electricity procured from fossil fuel remains a more economically feasible option. General Electric (GE) country leader for gas power systems George Arie W. Djohan said that despite growing public support, the development of renewable power in the country had yet to attract the same enthusiasm from the government and state-owned electricity company PLN. We need serious determination from PLN because from what weve seen so far, they always go for the cheapest way to procure electricity and renewable energy is not cheap, Arie said Thursday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 14 2016 The Jakarta administration is calling on residents to participate in a review of the capitals spatial planning designs, currently being re-examined due to the central governments plan to revise its projects in the capital. Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama said that the city administration was to review spatial planning designs as stipulated by the spatial plan (RTRW), detail spatial plan (RDTR) and zoning regulations. The review, he added, would be carried out to support government strategic policies stipulated in two presidential regulations National Medium-Term Development (RPJMN) and Acceleration of National Strategic Projects. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Sat, May 14 2016 Words Adeste Adipriyanti Illustrations Budhi Button It was Andang and Herus turn to be on the lookout tonight. Their friends and fellow workers had reported strange occurrences in the area lately, especially after sundown. Now the big boss, Pak Argo, would send as many as a hundred workers to guard the area shortly before the clock struck 12 always anticipating the worst. What is it? Heru turned to his young friend, who had just pinched him in the arm. Amung and the others are coming, too, right? asked Andang. His teeth were chattering from the cold, though like the nights that came before this one, there was very little breeze blowing in the air. The young man then fixed his sarong to cover the back side of his head and neck. They shouldve been here already. Somethings moving over there, whispered Andang, his hand wrapped around Herus arm, squeezing it tightly. With the other hand, he tried to cast a beam of light at the source of the noise but the flashlight slipped to the ground, as if it had been nudged out of his hand. It hit a rock and that immediately killed the light. Sshyou startled me. Heru used his own flashlight to point at the spot where they were convinced the noises had come from. Yet nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Your hands are drenched in sweat. We shouldnt be here alone. What if they came and attacked us? Hush now, stop that thought. What if Amung isnt coming? What if they are using us as bait? Be patient, theyre coming soon. Heru reached inside his pocket and found a stale cigarette. He lit it up and took a deep breath. Then, they walked farther into the field in silence. There were hills in the distance, whose silhouettes fell across the ground during the day. At nighttime, though, they sat majestically, as firm as a womans breasts, gleaming brightly under the moonlit sky. Dotting these hills were specks of neon light coming through the square windows of peoples houses. Yet, for Heru and Andang, the only thing worth noting was the darkness that lay ahead of them. The thing about darkness that worried them most was the fact that it cannot be trusted. It tends to blur ones vision and screw with ones mind. A banyan tree, for example, standing a few feet away, might appear like a menacing giant with multiple arms hanging low toward the ground. A pack of fireflies dancing and swarming over a bed of grass might appear to the naked eye not unlike dozens of pairs of sparkling eyes, which could only belong to magical creatures of a certain malicious kind. And it was precisely because they cannot trust the darkness, Heru and Andang were very careful about where they were going, always keeping an eye (and an ear) out for the inevitable. A little while later, they came upon a swamp. It sat on a bed of mud and was full of snakes. But that wasnt the reason Heru and Andang went the extra mile to avoid it: Several weeks ago, someone they knew who had been assigned to guard the area accidentally fell into the swamp and was never heard from again. The two men had been gone for quite some time now since they commenced their evening patrol. The light from their work site was growing dimmer with every step they took, and less recognizable. Meanwhile, the bulldozers and hydraulic shovels were no longer in sight, and the noise were softly ebbing into the night. Well wait for them here, said Heru, breaking the silence. I dont think theyre coming to help us, said Andang. Cowards! They will come. Tonights the night, right? Yes. We have to sweep the area clean tonight. Andang leaned against a large rock. Relax. Tonights our last night. After that, we can rest, said Heru. Have you heard about what happened the night before? Heru shook his head, dropped his cigarette to the ground and killed the burning tip with his boot. The cigarette gave out its final crackle. Pak Argo had called in a kyai [islamic cleric] to negotiate the terms, but caskets started flying at him. Everybody went berserk. The kyai refused to come back. Neither responded to that bit of information, for now their attention had been shifted elsewhere. The noise had somehow returned. Heru and Andang narrowed their eyes with hopes of being able to pierce through the darkness that enveloped them. Are they here? Andang whispered, pulling himself closer to Heru. Though, at this point, it no longer mattered whether the answer was a yes or a no. Suddenly, they felt the air becoming warmer. And slowly the roar of heavy machinery filled their surroundings, moving swiftly across the land, followed by hundreds of workers from their site Amung was among them. The workers each bore a torch, a constellation of fire ready to set alight anyone and anything that came in its way. Behind the workers were a set of bulldozers, dump trucks and excavators. Heru and Andang watched the incoming crowd with relief. Finally. Are you sure you want to do it now? Andang said, addressing Amung. Pak Argo wants to get it over with as quickly as possible, said Amung, who did his best to conceal the growing frustration in his face. You do realize, though, what were dealing with here? Look, Pak Argo has made it clear. Everyone here tonight will receive a double bonus. So, you can stay or you can go. Either way, shut the hell up. Then, as if on cue, there was screaming. The scream was not even human, it reached a note that would break a persons vocal cord and it was followed by the unmistakable sound of children crying and women shrieking. Hissing. Wailing. Howling. Creating a morbid harmony. The workers stopped in their tracks and dropped their jaws. A thick layer of fog gently descended upon them. They found themselves unable to move their limbs or lips, as if their feet had been nailed to the ground and their lips sealed. In their desperation, there was only one thing left to do: pray. With whatever strength they had left, the workers began to move their lips, slowly at first, then at a frantic speed chanting holy phrases from memory. Aiming their torches in every direction, the men challenged the voices. There was no going back now, they thought. The only way out of this was through whatever was waiting ahead of them. Suddenly, through the fog, the men saw figures: white, black, gray and transparent hundreds, even thousands of them blurring into one. Some of the apparitions were headless, and most of them were bleeding profusely. Old and young. Men and women. They moved in unison crawling, floating on air and hopping. There was no breeze tonight. When Andang discovered the rock he had been leaning on was actually a tombstone, he nearly fell to the ground. His whole head, even his scalp, was sweating with fear. He wet his pants and whispered into Herus ear: Weve arrived. Were so dead. They were steps away from the site. Everyone was nervous. Heru placed his hand on Andangs shoulder and he could feel it shaking hard. There really was no point in running away, but they could certainly try. Together, Heru and Andang moved toward the back of the line, even though they felt weak in the knees and were not up for running. Eventually, they ended up standing under a mango tree not far from the site and watched as the horrific scene unfolded before their eyes. Come on, said Heru, giving a signal to his young friend to go up the tree. It wasnt a remarkably tall tree, but tall enough to keep them safe from whatever harm was waiting to consume them down on the ground. They climbed the trunk of the mango tree and hid themselves among its branches. They moved slowly, carefully and there were a few times they thought they were going to slip and fall to their deaths, but they didnt. As soon as they reached a spot near the top of the tree, they stopped and stared down below. They were safe, all right. The leaves would hide their position from plain view. But what about the others? Heru isnt a superstitious person; in fact, he prides himself on being a relatively logical person. Yet how should he explain what was happening now? That they are battling the spirits? Dying in the hands of those who are already dead themselves? He had goosebumps. His heart was beating too fast. He turned toward Andang, whose pale face reminded him of the white in his own eyes and the cold bodies now fighting a war down below. Poor, poor Andang. The young man was shaking uncontrollably and wetting his pants. The tree shook. The leaves rustled. The apparitions forged ahead and fought a hard fight though they didnt seem particularly exhausted by it. All in a days work. They went on a well-coordinated rampage, each attack a blow to the mind and soul of the workers who stood against them. Like the wind, they swept across the large crowd of workers who were ready to charge forward, only to hit the air, before the workers turned berserk. Their eyes suddenly widened, their lips dry, and you knew their bodies had been invaded, violated, possessed! The spell was strong and unlikely to be broken. The workers turned toward each other and headed back to their work site. Amung was among those now behaving erratically. He launched an attack at his fellow workers and screamed the kind of scream which echoed across the hillsides. Then, the inevitable: the workers sought to destroy the machines and rip apart temporary tenements they lived in, before tearing down the fence. They also brought down the billboard sign, which said Mega Resorts Under Construction, and proceeded to wreak havoc in the villages nearby. They commanded all villagers to leave their homes; and their voices in unison blared through the night like a thunderous roar. With both arms wrapped around the tree trunk, Heru and Andang watched with horror the destruction of everything they had come to know and love. They were shaking with fear, but they were also glad they were out of sight. They had no idea a woman in a torn kabaya had been watching them from above, now crawling her way down toward them. **** Across the hills was a mosque and news of the battle reached a kyai and his student. The kyai sat with his legs crossed before the disciple. He lifted a cup of coffee off the floor and sipped its warm contents. The steam grazed his aging face. There are still people out there whose greed urges them to seek profit from the dead, said the young student. If the homes of the living may be torn down, what do you think happens to the homes of the dead? said the kyai. Then, he rose to his feet and cleared his throat. He reached for his prayer beads and a bottle of water. Its time. We should get going. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Banyubening Prieta (The Jakarta Post) Sat, May 14 2016 Going to a dermatologist may be a solution to skin problems for those who have time and money, but dont women on the go have other priorities? Not according to Eric Ducournau, the CEO of Europes No.1 dermo-cosmetic brand Pierre Fabre. Ducournau was recently in Jakarta for a visit and J+ caught up with him to learn about the importance of taking care of your skin. At this moment, there is a major concern in the population that you need to take care of your skin like the rest of the body, Ducournau says. The creation of dermo-cosmetics is important, because the idea is to create something between drugs and cosmetics with clinical trials that emphasize efficacy and safety. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Sat, May 14 2016 A recently released global tiger census indicates a significant rise in tiger populations in Asia and Russia, with India being the most successful nation in conserving the great predator. India, as the report indicates, is home to 70 percent of the global tiger population represented by the majestic subspecies, the Bengal tiger. Heartiest congratulations to Indonesia for presenting a healthy Sumatran tiger population of 371 as revealed in the recent global tiger census report. While several other tiger habitats, particularly in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos PDR) and China, have been showing serious decline in tiger numbers almost to the extent of extinction, the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh) stand high above others. The success of tiger conservation should encourage Indonesia to move ahead with conservation plans for other threatened species in the region, such as elephants, rhinos, the Javan leopard, the Sunda clouded leopard, different species of primates, bears, birds, etc. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login (front page, Socialist Workers Party campaign statement) Workers in power would ensure miners jobs, safety Working people today face the smoldering reality of a deepening economic, political and moral crisis of the capitalist for-profit system. No one knows this more than U.S. coal miners. Tens of thousands of coal miners have been thrown out of work. In March 2016 there were 56,700 working miners, one-third the number working in April 1985. Five major U.S. coal companies and some 50 smaller bosses have declared bankruptcy. They use government bankruptcy courts to tear up United Mine Workers contracts and gut pensions and health care for retired miners. Today the overwhelming majority of working coal miners are in nonunion mines. Deaths, injuries and black lung disease are increasing. Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, the remaining bourgeois presidential candidates, say the only way workers get jobs and see their lives improve is when the bosses make big profits. They tell us thats how it works under capitalism, and that we Americans are all in it together, taking on them in the rest of the world. This is a lie aimed at making us subservient to the boss class and their government. I was part of the first wave of women who obtained jobs in the underground coal mines in the 1970s and 80s. Together with our union brothers we fought to improve conditions in the mines. In the 1960s and 70s coal miners carried out a revolution in our union and joined family members and other workers in coal country to wage powerful battles that won black lung benefits, medical clinics and the right to secret ballot votes on union contracts. We won the right to union-organized safety committees in the mines and to shut down production when we found unsafe conditions. While the coal bosses have fought relentlessly to erode those gains, and over decades our union has gotten weaker, our labor and social battle is an example of what can be accomplished when we rely on our own strength and solidarity. Over the past year, defending life and limb was central to the overwhelming rejection of the one-man crew by rail workers at Burlington Northern, the strike by oil workers at refineries across the country and the determination of Steelworkers to battle against a lockout by ATI bosses. In 2003, I was part of a fight to unionize the Co-Op mine near Huntington, Utah. My coworkers there, mostly immigrants from Mexico, were at the forefront of the fight for union representation, safe work conditions and better wages. Working people cant let the bosses divide us in our fight for dignity and union power. It is our class against the bosses class, not our country against the workers of the world. Under the capitalist system that puts profits before human needs, the inherent dangers in mining, the environmental consequences from uncontrolled burning of coal, and the energy needs of millions worldwide will never be solved. The working class must end forever the rule of the bosses. Taking political power in our own hands, coal miners and other workers can organize to ensure no worker has to die on the job. We can take control of the stewardship of labor and the environment, and organize access to energy and electricity, equalizing workers conditions worldwide. Under capitalism any transition to cleaner energy production means throwing thousands of miners out of work. The working class in power would ensure that every miner is guaranteed a socially useful job and rewarding place in the process of organizing such a transition. Related articles: Miners anger at capitalist crisis marks W.Va primary Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home (front page) Socialist Workers Party builds June Active Workers Conference Militant/Lisa Potash The three-day Socialist Workers Party-sponsored Active Workers Conference begins June 16 in Oberlin, Ohio, less than five weeks from now. Several hundred people from across the U.S. and around the world will hear reports on working-class struggles, the crisis of the dictatorship of capital, the continuing example of Cubas socialist revolution and prospects for building an internationalist, revolutionary proletarian party. They will attend classes, panel discussions, social events and a final summary meeting, as well as have time to meet other participants and share experiences. Ive been taking part in activities with the Socialist Workers Party campaigning door to door in New Jersey, joining in the protest of 34 Women for Oscar Lopez, the Puerto Rican independence fighter, and marching across the Brooklyn Bridge with Verizon strikers, Yasemin Aydinoglu, a nurse from Brooklyn, New York, said May 9. Ive gotten curious about how it fits together, and going to the conference will give me a broader perspective. Reading newspapers is different for me now, she said. I used to assume articles in papers like the New York Times gave an accurate picture. But after I went to a rally of workers for $15 an hour and a union at Foley Square, I read the Times article the next day that reported that Governor Cuomo promised a $15 minimum wage, never mentioning the workers protests. The conference will culminate the SWPs spring party-building activities. As we enter the last week of the six-week drive to win subscribers and financial supporters for the Militant, 1,233 subscriptions have come in toward the 1,550 international quota and $66,646 toward the $110,000 goal for the Militant Fighting Fund. In Atlanta Keith Beaver said he wanted to help win more readers to the Militant. He mailed in three subscriptions from relatives and friends. Then he invited party members to go door to door with him in his neighborhood in Decatur May 10. In two hours they sold six subscriptions and a copy of Is Socialist Revolution in the U.S. Possible? And got a $5 contribution to the Militant Fighting Fund. We talked with members of the International Longshoremens Association outside their union halls in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale last week, SWP Miami organizer Anthony Dutrow told the Militant. Two dockworkers who are longtime readers renewed their subscriptions, and two others decided to try the introductory offer. We have seven subscriptions to go to make our quota. Party supporters in some areas are organizing to surpass their Militant fund quotas to help make the international drive a success. Well go over our $3,500 goal, SWP Twin Cities organizer David Rosenfeld reports. Socialist Workers Party members and supporters are campaigning for Alyson Kennedy and Osborne Hart, the SWP candidates for U.S. president and vice president, as well as statewide candidates. Efforts to put the presidential ticket on the ballot have succeeded in Colorado and are underway in Louisiana, New Jersey, Tennessee, Washington state and Minnesota. SWP supporters have been campaigning door to door in more than two dozen cities and towns across New Jersey from Wanaque in the northwest to Lyndhurst, Nutley and Newark to Paulsboro in the south, joining Verizon strikers picket lines wherever they see them. Nearly 1,200 people have signed to put the party on the ballot and the party plans to wrap up the drive, hold a statewide press conference and file the nominating petitions at the state capitol in Trenton later this month. Hart visits farmers in Georgia SWP vice-presidential candidate Osborne Hart, accompanied by Sam Manuel, SWP candidate for U.S. Senate in Georgia, and Susan LaMont from Atlanta, traveled to southern Georgia and the Florida panhandle May 5-7 to talk with farmers and workers, learn more about their struggles and discuss coming to the party conference. Willie Head, a farmer in Pavo, Georgia, who had toured Cuba farms with Manuel in 2015, showed them around his farm. I saw again how Cuba farmers, with the help of the Revolution, are able to keep their farm equipment going and overcome all kinds of obstacles so they can help feed the Cuban people, Head said. People around here are starved for political awareness. I dont see how we can continue to exist if we arent political. Head showed them his new irrigation system, which he installed himself after waging a fight to get a grant from the government. Hart told Head he agreed that following the revolutionary road Cuban toilers have taken is the only way workers and working farmers can survive. (front page) Social disaster from Alberta wildfire product of capitalism EDMONTON, Alberta A massive wild fire destroyed a major part of Fort McMurray, 270 miles north of here, and forced the emergency evacuation of the entire population of 88,000. Fire is a natural and regular occurrence in this region. But its devastating impact on tens of thousands of working people is a man-made disaster, the result of decisions by the bosses and government that put profits ahead of human life. Estimated losses are 9 billion Canadian dollars (about US$6.9 billion), with 2,400 homes and other structures destroyed. As of May 9 the fire was still burning outside the city. Fort McMurray is the main town in Albertas oil sands region. Its population has grown rapidly since the late 1990s alongside the boom in oil production. Despite being surrounded by forest, neither the state nor local governments had made adequate preparations for protecting the city from fire. The fire began to threaten the city on May 1. Authorities abruptly declared a mandatory evacuation the afternoon of May 3. Highway 63, the one route through town, rapidly became gridlocked. After flames jumped the road, some people were directed north and the bulk toward the south. It took almost 18 hours to get out, Carra-Danielle Gaba told the Militant at the Northlands Expo Centre where hundreds of evacuees are being housed in Edmonton. Gaba works in administration in an oil camp and has a small child. We ran out of gas twice. In all the small communities, people had jerry cans, handing us food, diapers and toys. There was no proper communication on how serious the situation was. The cars were cooking in the middle of hell, said Brad Pollard, who works in transit. There is only one way in and out. For years there has been discussion about the need to build a second highway, but no action. Workers in the Fort McMurray area had already been heavily hit by the downturn in the oil industry. Unemployment in Alberta has risen to 7.2 percent from 5.6 percent a year ago, largely because layoffs in the oil patch. In Fort McMurray the official rate was 9.8 percent before the fire. Oil companies expect to further cut production by 1 million barrels a day in the wake of the fire. Alberta Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier said May 4 that he didnt think recent cuts by the provincial government, roughly CA$15 million from fire prevention and fire fighting, had any impact on the disaster. Some evacuees and others have raised the need for firebreaks to make it more difficult for forest fires to enter the town. The place was a fire trap. I could hop off my balcony into the brush, said Louis Barham, an education assistant who has lived six years in Fort McMurray. They should surround the town with cut trees 50 meters, said Oye Beavogui, who builds scaffolding for an oil company. Some workers are discussing rebuilding the town. Gaba told the Militant, People want to rebuild. Groups are trying to get crews together. There are many workers who could work on cleanup and rebuilding. Unions should fight for the government to organize a massive project at union rates of pay, said Katy LeRougetel, Communist League member, talking with a group of evacuees at the Northlands Centre. Monica Coombs, who is originally from Newfoundland, proudly replied that she is a member of both Labourers Union Local 92 and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955. Her husband, Winston Welsh, a trucker, said, Its not, We want to come back. We are coming back to help rebuild Fort Mac our home. Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home (special feature article, commentary) The stakes in UK debate on Jew-hatred in Labour Party LONDON A rise of Jew-hatred as the capitalist crisis deepens, combined with years of the lefts repetition of anti-Semitic slander often under the guise of supporting the Palestinian struggle is fueling turmoil in the British Labour Party. Ken Livingstone a member of the partys executive and former London mayor was suspended from Labour April 28 for bringing the party into disrepute through anti-Semitic remarks. Also suspended is Labour MP Naz Shah. Some 50 Labour members have been disciplined, according to press reports. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn declared that his party opposes tolerating anti-Semitism in any form. He has set up an investigation, but claims there is no crisis. Len McCluskey, leader of the Unite trade union, agreed, attacking what he called a cynical attempt to manipulate anti-Semitism for political aims. Left-wing papers, including Morning Star, Socialist Worker and Socialist, have joined the denial chorus. Ever since Jeremy Corbyn got elected, Livingstone said April 28, the media whip up all these issues, which are side-issues. Corbyns political opponents, both inside the Labour Party and in other bourgeois parties, are taking this opportunity to go after him. And Jew-hatred within the ruling class in Britain is not confined to the Labour Party. But anti-Semitism is no side issue. And Labours turmoil is not the product of a smear campaign, but of its toleration over years of anti-Semitic slanders and the promotion of open Jew-haters, along with demonization of Israel and campaigns for Israels destruction. Shah shared a Facebook posting in 2014 that read, Solution for Israel-Palestine Conflict Relocate Israel into United States. The posting stated the transportation cost would be less than three years worth of Washingtons support for Israeli defense spending. Shah was a victim of a well-orchestrated campaign by the Israel lobby, Livingstone claimed. While saying the Facebook post was over the top, he added that a real anti-Semite doesnt just hate the Jews in Israel, they hate their Jewish neighbors in London. Jewish money slander Last October, Labour MP Gerald Kaufman said that Jewish money, Jewish donations were responsible for the UK governments Israel policy. And prominent left Labour MP Tam Dalyell claimed in 2003 that the UKs leading role in the Iraq war was due to the influence of a Jewish cabal over the government. The association of Jews and money and alleged Jewish conspiracies are the stock-in-trade slander of anti-Semites. The anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign reinforces that lie today regardless of the intentions of those who participate in it through its protests targeting stores whose owners are Jewish, allegedly for their support of Israel. To cover their anti-Semitism they often say Zionist and Zio when what they really mean is Jew. Labour Party leaders like Corbyn have often embraced leaders of Hamas, who claim to speak in the name of the Palestinian people. The Hamas government of Gaza calls for the destruction of Israel, a stance echoed by much of the left. Anyone who has a knife, a club, a weapon, or a car, yet does not use it to run over a Jew or a settler, and does not use it to kill dozens of Zionists, does not belong to Palestine, declared Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum in August 2014. Anti-Semitism under the pretext of support to the Palestinian struggle undermines the Palestinian fight for national rights, including the fight for a viable and contiguous Palestine. Anti-Zionist: code for anti-Jew Livingstone says he is not anti-Semitic but anti-Zionist. He told the BBC anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitic because Hitler was supporting Zionism before he went mad and ended up killing 6 million Jews. The Holocaust was not the result of Hitler going mad, but of calculated moves to scapegoat the Jews for the crisis of capitalism and to destroy the workers movement in Germany. Equating Zionists with Nazis has been a feature of Livingstones politics. When mayor of London he told a Jewish reporter that he was acting like a concentration camp guard. When he was leader of the Greater London Council in 1981 and editor of Labour Herald, the publication carried a cartoon depicting Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin as a Nazi. Jew hatred is a product of capitalism in decay. Its ultimate purpose is to divert workers from a united militant struggle by promoting the poisonous lie that the problem is not capitalism, but evil Jewish capitalists. And it goes hand in hand with fascism, which proclaims that the solution is not internationalism and workers taking power and replacing the dictatorship of capital through revolutionary struggle, but national socialism, the polar opposite of the course fought for by communists since the time of Marx and Engels. As the worldwide capitalist crisis deepens, Jew-hatred will continue to erupt. 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Photo: Darawan Naknakhon Kuo Yu-chen, 55, was quickly overcome by the gas when he went to check on the cooling system in the hold of the tuna long-liner Shun Ying 668, at about 7:50am, before the boat departed for its daily catch, one crewman told The Phuket News. Mr Chen shouted for help, so other crewmen went below to help him, he said. The fellow crewmen shut down the cooling system, but were unable to bring Mr Chen, who was now unconscious, back up through the hatch to the upper deck. Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers soon arrived and pumped the gas out of the lower deck before recovering the unconscious Mr Chen. He is now at recovering at Phuket Provincial Hospital and has regained consciousness, The Phuket News was told. Phuket Marine Police Chief Lt Col Panya Chaichana has ordered his officers to investigate the incident and find out what caused the leak. Call for British expats to register for Brexit EU Referendum PHUKET: The UK Electoral Commission is calling on all British expats in Phuket to register in order to make sure their votes count in the upcoming Brexit referendum on whether or not the United Kingdom should maintain its membership in the European Union. politicseconomics By The Phuket News Saturday 14 May 2016, 05:02PM Britain will hold a referendum on Britains four-decade old membership of the Europe Union on June 23, Photo: AFP / Damien Meyer The Commission is calling on expats to register to vote by Monday (May 16) if they want to vote by post in the EU Referendum, which will be held on June 23, said a release issued via the British Embassy in Bangkok this week. The release said: A survey of UK citizens living overseas carried out by the UK Electoral Commission has found that half of respondents dont know that they can now register online to vote in the UK To make sure that British expats are #ReferendumReady, the elections watchdog is reminding them that its possible to apply in just a few minutes at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Before online registration became available in 2014, applicants had to complete a paper application and post it back to their local electoral office. It is now possible to complete an application online in five minutes with just a National Insurance number and passport to hand, which also removes the need for overseas voters to provide an attestation when these details are provided. To register as an overseas voter, UK residents overseas must have previously been registered in a UK constituency within the last 15 years. Anyone who is unsure if they are registered to vote should contact their last UK local authority to check their status. To this, the Commission is calling on expats to register to vote by Monday (May 16) if they want to vote by post in the EU Referendum. This is so they have enough time to receive and return their postal ballot. They dont even need to wait for their registration to be confirmed before choosing how they wish to vote. Expats can vote by post, by proxy (voting by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf), or even in person at their polling station if they will be in their local authority area on polling day. It should be easier to vote by post for this referendum as postal votes will be sent out earlier than usual, giving overseas voters further time to receive, complete, and return their ballot pack to the UK. However anyone who doesnt think they can return postal vote papers in time or is applying after May 16 should consider voting by proxy. The Commissions survey of UK expats was aimed at gaining an understanding of their knowledge of and attitude towards their voting rights but was not designed to be representative of the estimated 5.5 million UK citizens living overseas. At the 2015 General Election there were almost 106,000 overseas electors on the register, three times the number that were on the register ahead of the previous general election in 2010 and the highest number of overseas voters registered ever. To register to vote, UK citizens should visit https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Chalong water trucks back on torn up road PHUKET: Chalong Mayor Samran Jindaphol has confirmed that water trucks have permission to continue to refill their road tankers at a lagoon near Wat Chalong on a road that he banned them from only on Wednesday (May 11). natural-resourcesenvironmenttransporttourismconstructioneconomics By The Phuket News Saturday 14 May 2016, 03:52PM Chalong Mayor Samran Jindaphol has allowed the water trucks to resume using the torn-up road after a donation of B400,00 was made to the municipality. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon Mayor Samran banned water trucks from using Luangporkluem Rd after a slew of complaints brought him to realise that the trucks round-the-clock activities had torn the small road apart. (See story here.) However, the water trucks resumed using the road in full force yesterday, with one local resident reporting that 13 trucks were queued up for refilling at 8:30pm last night (May 13). The concession to allow the the trucks to resume refilling their tankers at the site came after B400,00 baht was given to the municipality in order to help pay for repairs to the road, Mayor Samran told The Phuket News today (May 14). On Wednesday, I ordered the company to stop all deliveries until workers had repaired the road, but the very next day the owners pleaded to us that if they stopped the water deliveries, it would hurt their businesses and many people in hotels across the island would have no water, Mayor Samran said. The lagoon owner and the water truck operators together and gave B400,000 to Chalong Municipality to repair the road, and for them to continue with their business. They said the water trucks would not be filled to the brim and would be driven very slowly in order to not damage the road any further, Mayor Samran added. We have to compromise with everyone, the water truck operators, the lagoon owner and local residents. So we agreed to let them do their business, but within the conditions they have agreed to. Workers are on site to begin repairs to the road today (May 14). Hopefully the repairs will be complete within 10 days and by then we should have better road with a stronger concrete mix with some iron reinforcement, he said. Pawnshop business booms ahead of new school year BANGKOK: As the new academic year draws near, low-income parents across the country are flocking to pawnshops to raise needed cash to send their children to school. economics By Bangkok Post Saturday 14 May 2016, 02:00PM A state-run pawnshop staff member in Muang district in Chai Nat helps a customer place his thumb of a fingerprint scanner. Photo: Bangkok Post / Chudate Seehawong Pawnshops are stocking up on cash to serve customers who need extra money for textbooks, uniforms and other school necessities for their children. The business cycle of pawnshops always peaks ahead of the new academic year, which falls on Monday (May 16) this year. That means they need to to have more cash on hand for people who may be short on funds but not short in their determination their sons and daughters will get an education. Mana Kliengthong, director of the Government Pawnshop, an office under the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, said cash reserves have been doubled to B1 billion from a year ago for state-owned pawnshops in Bangkok and other provinces. The increasing cash stockpile was due to expectations that more people in rural areas would need its services as drought hits their pockets. Private pawnshops do the same, with many increasing cash reserves to over B100 million this time around. State pawnshops charge monthly interest of 50 satang (B0.50) to B1.50, depending on the principal amount. Private operators charge more for those exchanging valuables for cash. Gold ornaments still top the list of pawned items, but other popular trades include electronic appliances, computers, wristwatches and even eye-glasses. A farmer using a state pawnshop in Muang district in Yala said on Tuesday that she and her husband could live on B12,000 a month from farming. But this was not enough when their niece goes to school, said the woman, who asked not to be named. The popularity of pawnshops at this year is not a surprise. A poll by the Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting centre released on Tuesday showed 51 per cent of parents said they did not have enough cash to pay all the bills as schools reopen. The centre expected an extra B49 million in cash will be circulated before the school calendar starts, up 2.3% from a year ago. The centre, run by the Thai Chamber of Commerce University, surveyed 1,210 people across the country from May 1-6. About 40% admitted to incomes between B10,001 and B20,000 and the majority lived in Northeast Thailand. Read original story here. Phuket elephant welfare park to offer respite from tourism PHUKET: A welfare park to provide care for elephants injured or retired from working in Phukets tourism industry will open in Thalang in August. animalsenvironmenttourism By Tanyaluk Sakoot Saturday 14 May 2016, 10:14AM Tourists will be able to interact with elephants in their natural habitat. Photo: ENP Tourists will be able to interact with elephants in their natural habitat. Photo: ENP Sangduan Lek Chailert, founder of the Save Elephant Foundation, has won long-standing international recognition for her life-long work to protect elephants. Photo: ENP Sangduan Lek Chailert, founder of the Save Elephant Foundation, has won long-standing international recognition for her life-long work to protect elephants. Photo: ENP DREAM TEAM: (From left) Sangduan Lek Chailert, founder of the Save Elephant Foundation; former elephant camp owner Montree Todtan, who donated 70 rai for the project; and Louise Rogerson, founder of the Elephant Asia Rescue and Survival foundation (EARS Asia). Sangduan Lek Chailert, founder of the Save Elephant Foundation, has won long-standing international recognition for her life-long work to protect elephants. Photo: ENP Tourists will be able to interact with elephants in their natural habitat. Photo: ENP The Elephant Nature Park (ENP) Phuket, a sibling venture to the ENP projects in Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, Surin and Cambodia, will be located near the Khao Phra Thaew Wildlife Sanctuary, on 70 rai donated by Montree Todtan, former owner of At Hill Adventure Park in Chalong. Sangduan Lek Chailert, founder of the Save Elephant Foundation, joined Mr Montree to inspect the site last week. Joining them was and Louise Rogerson, founder of the Elephant Asia Rescue and Survival foundation (EARS Asia), who will be Project Director at Elephant Nature Park Phuket. An elephant welfare camp in Phuket is a necessity, Ms Lek told The Phuket News on Wednesday (May 11). I investigated elephant camps here and found that many elephants are too old to work, some are blind, injured and too disabled to be sent home, then they die. Its very sad. According to ENP Phuket, there are 26 elephant camps in Phuket with a total of 216 captive elephants used in the tourism industry for riding and performances. At some of the elephant camps, it has been reported that elephants... can give up to 30-40 rides per day in Phuket, the project noted. Almost every tourist here is presented with a tour package that includes elephant trekking, an elephant show or a baby elephant at a party. This is not impressive for the tourism image here, Ms Lek said. I was asked by tourists why Phuket does not provide welfare care for its elephants. That is part of our motivation to open the park. Also, tourists must realise that wildlife is best seen roaming free and when more care is given to the animal, she added. Ms Leks credentials in elephant welfare are extensive. Born to a small hill tribe north of Chiang Mai in 1962, she has since been featured in documentaries produced by National Geographic, Discovery, Animal Planet and the BBC. In 2010, she was invited to Washington DC to be honoured as one of six Women Heroes of Global Conservation. She was named one of Time Magazines Heroes of Asia for her work in conservation in 2005 and the Ford Foundations Hero of the Planet in 2001. Our new project, Elephant Nature Park Phuket will embrace a different type of elephant tourism. We will be removing the saddle and allowing our elephants to walk and forage naturally in the forest, to socialise with each other, to bathe and play in the lagoon, and to roam free, ENP Phuket announced on Wednesday. Both local and foreign visitors will be able to learn about and enjoy seeing happy and relaxed elephants at our project. Its a win-win for everyone Times are truly changing for the Asian elephant and we thank you for being part of this change. Eleven elephants have been confirmed to be handed over to the park, Ms Lek said. Mr Montree will also bring elephants from his camp to the park, which will later be expanded to 100 rai, she added. Volunteers, vets and other specialists will be on hand to provide care for the pachyderms on site, and the number of visitors to the park will be limited. Thais will be able to enter the park free, but foreign tourists will be charged the same prices charged at ENP Chiang Mai, Ms Lek said. As with the other ENP projects, the money raised will go directly to maintaining the welfare of the elephants and other wildlife on the reserve. We are now working with the Save Elephant Foundation, EARS Asia, the Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand and officers from the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Office in Thalang, Ms Lek said. The park will not only be home to elephants, but also many other forms of wildlife, she said. Edwin Wiek, founder of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, voiced his strong support for the project: Phuket is still a hell for wild animals, with tiger shows, elephant shows and wild animals in the city and at the beach at night, being exploited all over the island Having the Elephant Nature Park on the island will set a new standard for animal welfare and start the change the island so badly needs, he said, India has unveiled a new National Intellectual Property Rights Policy to safeguard commercial interests arising from creativitylike music, books, industrial drawings, software and even drugs and pharmaceuticals. IT industry body Nasscom welcomed the policy. The country, in the process, also wants to meet its global obligation towards protecting innovation, while also placing it at the core of industrial progress. The new policy will serve as a vision document to ensure synergies between the statute and institutional mechanisms. "When there are new inventions, when there is growth in trade, commerce, industry, an intellectual property rights regime must be there for protection," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday, a day after the cabinet gave its nod to the proposal. "We have a robust trademark law in place that deals with commercial identity of products. The one underlying principle is a person should sell products under his own identity and nametealing identity should not be possible," he added. "If you steal somebody's identity and piggy-back on it, it's called commercial theft," he said, but assured intervention when needed. "We need this so that medicine costs don't get affected. Patents may give rise to a monopolistic situation. Hence a balancing act is needed." He said unlike earlier where copyright was accorded to only books and publications, the recast regime will cover films, music and industrial drawings. A host of laws will also be streamlinedon semi-conductors, designs, geographical indications, trademarks and patents. A strong regime on the subject was among India's commitment to the World Trade Organization under the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (Trips) agreement. At the same time the new policy also has flexibilities to protect its developmental concerns, an official statement said. On one hand it seeks to foster creativity and promote entrepreneurship, and on the other, wants to enhance access to healthcare, food security and environmental protection, among other sectors of vital social, economic and technological importance, the statement added. "These objectives are sought to be achieved through detailed action points," the statement said. "The action by different ministries and departments shall be monitored by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, which shall be the nodal department to coordinate, guide and oversee implementation and future development of intellectual property in India." Jaitley also said that by 2017, the time taken for trademark registrations, "which takes very long, sometimes years", would come down to one month. Protection of intellectual property has been an assurance which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been giving to the global investor. "I am personally convinced and want to assure you that India is committed to protect Intellectual Property Rights of all innovators and entrepreneurs." Noted intellectual property rights expert, Pravin Anand of law firm Anand and Anand told IANS that he was pleased to see a huge change in India's approach in this area in the past two years. "One of the most powerful things being done in 50 years is on intellectual property rights." The new policy lays down seven objectives: Create public awareness about the economic, social and cultural benefits Stimulate Indians to generate material for intellectual property protection Have strong, effective laws, balance the individual and national interests Have a modern and service-oriented administration Create value from protected innovations through commercialisation Strengthen enforcement and adjudicatory mechanisms Promote capacity building through human resources, institutions training and research. Welcoming the policy, Nasscom said it "applauds it for encompassing the entire value chain spanning across IPR awareness, generation, legislative framework, administration, commercialization, enforcement and adjudication and human capital, comprehensively covering all aspects of the domain". "The Policy has reformed the current administration by making Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion the nodal point. The proposed Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) to be constituted under the aegis of DIPP, would be an important connection with the inventors and innovators," it said in a statement. There may be a lot of anger against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comparison of Kerala with Somalia, but BJP candidates are solidly backing their leader. Not just candidates, but even Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and activists insist that Modi did no wrong by highlighting the pathetic state of tribals in Kerala. "Did not Modi speak the truth?" P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, a former state BJP president, asked IANS. "Everyone knows about the impoverished lives of the tribals in our state." Pillai, his aides say, is giving sleepless nights to outgoing Congress legislator P.C. Vishnunath in the Chenganur constituency. At the same time, Pillai said he and his party had decided to ignore the avalanche of criticism mounted against Modi for his Somalia remark. Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, is a country that has been in the news for some years now for its political instability and chronic civic unrest. "This is not at all an electoral issue," he added. At an election rally in Kerala, Modi said the situation in Kerala for the tribals was scarier than what prevailed in troubled Somalia. The comment triggered a storm, with critics, not just the ruling Congress and the opposition Left, pouncing on it to attack the prime minister. Kerala BJP president Kummanem Rajasekheran said Modi only spoke the bitter truth. "The truth is that the rival fronts that have been ruling Kerala for decades have failed to uplift the tribal community. The PM only spoke the facts," he said. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has asked Modi to apologize for comparing Kerala with Somalia. "It is Chandy who should apologise for raising baseless issues," countered Rajasekheran. Kerala BJP general secretary Sobha Surendran, a candidate in the Palakkad constituency, also slammed Chandy for taking on Modi. "This will turn out to be Chandy's waterloo. Why has this became an issue? Because Modi spoke the truth? Did not (Marxist leader and former chief minister V.S.) Achuthanandan also say the same thing a few months ago when around 300 infant deaths were reported from tribal areas in Palakkad and Wayand?" she asked. Modi had said that the child death ratio among tribals in Kerala was scarier than even Somalia. He also cited media reports to say that tribal children in a place called Peravoor were seen foraging for food in a garbage dump - to make his case that Kerala had not been properly governed. Surendran said the CPI-M was also attacking Modi because in most backward areas of the state, the Marxists controlled the local bodies and they wanted to cover up their shortcomings. Rakesh Chand, a close aide of BJP candidate V.V. Rajesh in Nedumangad, in the suburbs of Thiruvananthapuram, said that unlike the UDF and LDF, the voters were not bothered by Modi's Somalia comparison. "May be because they are all well aware of the infant deaths that have been reported from tribal areas. This is not at all an issue. "Instead, we are extremely delighted to see the good response that people give us when we approach them," said Chand. BJP spokesperson J.R. Padmakumar said Chandy and the Left had joined hands on this issue ahead of the May 16 polls. A.N. Radhakrishnan, the BJP candidate from Manalur in Thrissur district, told IANS that till a week back it seemed to be a Congress-Left fight in Kerala. "Now, with the arrival of Modi, it has become a fight between the BJP and Chandy. That's because Modi and (BJP president) Amit Shah have been speaking tough." He too added: "We have been on the streets campaigning, and no voter had any issues on what Modi said. The people are with us because we speak their language." Tipplers in Kerala are stocking up on liquor ahead of five dry days on account of polling on Monday for the assembly elections and counting of votes on Thursday. Long queues have been seen since Friday evening in front of most of the 344 state-owned liquor shops in Kerala. The dry days kick in on Saturday evening and end on Thursday evening, according to a government order citing an Election Commission directive. "During the dry days no spirituous, fermented or intoxicating liquors or other substances of a like nature shall be sold, given or distributed at a hotel, tavern, shop or any other public place or private within the state," said the government order. Interestingly, the order also prohibits "storage of liquor by individuals". The state government's new liquor policy has seen about 700 bars in hotels with ratings below five star shutting down since April 2015. The profile of alcohol consumers reveal that 32.9 lakh people out of Kerala's 3.34 crore population consume liquor, including 3.1 lakh women. About five lakh people consume liquor on a daily basis. Of this, around 83,851 people, including 1043 women, are addicted to alcohol, figures with the government show. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a veiled attack on Western countries and their "expansionist" designs and pointed out that their "holier than thou" attitude is primarily responsible for challenges like terrorism and global warming. "Tere raaste se mera raasta zyada sahi hai (My way is better than yours). This holier than thou approach is dragging the world towards conflicts," the prime minister said, addressing the International Convention on Universal Message of Simhasthon on the sidelines of the Simhasth Kumbh here. "Vistar-vad (expansionist design) - is also leading us towards conflict. Time has changed. Expansionist style is not a solution to problems. We should not go horizontal. It is not a solution. We need to go vertical and raise ourselves from within," Modi said in the presence of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and other dignitaries. Paying rich tributes to India's pluralism and its "inherent conflict management" traditions, Modi said often an outsider feels that India is a society always in conflict. "But the conflict management the world is trying to evolve in big seminars is actually present as an inherent virtue in us. Otherwise, we would not have been following and paying abeyance to two extreme thinking," he said. Prime Minister Modi said: "We Indians worship Lord Rama for his obedience to his father and in the same breath we glorify Prahlad who disobeyed his father. Similarly, we hail Sita, who obeyed her husband, and also Meera, who disobeyed her husband. This only shows that people here know how to handle conflicts." However, he also hastened to underline that a right balance ought to be stuck between traditions and modernity and use the traditional knowledge and human values in a more scientific manner. "It is also important that in the name of tradition, we should not promote unscientific matters and superstitions. We have to draw lessons from the past values, but reflect on them in the context of modern social values," the prime minister said and maintained that earlier going overseas was considered a taboo, but it is no longer relevant. "There was a time when crossing the seas was considered unholy but that has changed. Likewise, some traditions can also change with time," he underlined. At the same time, he said efforts should be made to tell the world "in the language they understand" the sanctity and prowess of Indian values. Simhastha Kumbh Mela is one of the world's largest spiritual gatherings held once in 12 years when devotees, including saints, take a dip in the Kshipra river at Ujjain in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Modi said the world over people often call Indians "unorganised" but such a grand gathering could take place at Ujjain without any invitation to participants or even without making any accommodation arrangements for participants. Trying to lay emphasis on such mammoth gatherings like Kumbh every 12 years, he said these occasions provide an opportunity to analyse the recent past as well as create a roadmap for the future. The prime minister released a 51-point 'Simhastha Declaration' jointly with Sri Lankan President Sirisena and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan. He said Kumbh and such mammoth gathering of saints and people from across the country besides talking about "Moksh (salvation)" should also deliberate about more mundane issues like the importance of tree plantation, girl education and keeping the society and the world clean. He recalled that once former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had urged citizens to skip an evening meal in solidarity with the poor of the country and so many people did exactly that. He said in the same spirit people have given up their cooking gas subsidy and this money is now being used to help the rural poor. "We belong to a tradition where even a beggar says, may good happen to the person who gives me and even the person who does not," the prime minister said. President Sirisena, who spoke earlier, referred to the long standing ties between India and Sri Lanka. Sirisena said that his first overseas visit after being elected president last year was to India, and that Modi returned the bilateral visit later. Sirisena is on a two-day visit. He held bilateral talks with Modi in New Delhi on Friday evening. A 70-year-old Buddhist monk was hacked to death inside a monastery in southeast Bangladesh, as the Muslim-majority country reels under a series of brutal killings of secular activists and minorities by Islamists. Mawng Shoi Wuu, chief of the monastery located in the isolated and rugged Naikkhangchari area of Bandarban hill district, was found dead this morning by a Buddhist devotee as he went to serve him breakfast, police said. "The assailants slit his throat... it appears he was murdered sometime after the midnight when he was staying alone at the monastery," officer-in-charge of Naikkhangchhari police station Kazi Ahsan said. The killing bears the hallmark of previous murders of intellectuals, bloggers and minorities by Islamists in the country. The latest murder comes exactly a week after a 65-year- old Muslim Sufi preacher was hacked to death in a similar attack by unidentified machete-wielding assailants in northwestern Rajshahi city. No group has claimed responsibility for the murder of the monk so far and an investigation has been ordered to track down the assailants. The monastery was situated at an isolated area away from the villages in the neighbourhood and Mawng Shoi Wuu used to live there alone, locals said. There have been systematic assaults in Bangladesh in recent weeks especially targeting minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and foreigners. In the recent attacks, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death last month by machete-wielding ISIS militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. Two days later, Bangladesh's first gay magazine editor was brutally murdered along with a friend in his flat in Dhaka by Islamists. On April 30, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants in his shop in central Bangladesh. Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat Former New York Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver is asking to remain free pending appeal of his criminal conviction. Lawyers for the Democrat say Friday the U.S. Supreme Court is considering changing the limits of a law used to convict him. They say the change may cause a reversal of Silvers conviction. The 72-year-old Manhattan resident was sentenced last week to 12 years in prison in a $5 million corruption case. The lawyers also asked U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni to block collection of a $1.75 million fine and $5.3 forfeiture order until appeals are completed. They say he otherwise will have to sell homes he jointly owns with his wife. A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan declined comment. Silver is scheduled to report to prison July 1. (AP) The legislative sessions during election years in the Colorado General Assembly can sometimes be the most difficult to assess, because the actions of legislators between January and May are too often cast against the backdrop of the elections coming in November. In some years, that has meant the advancement of so-called wedge issues that are meant to provide fodder for campaign materials and not much else. For the 2016 session, there seemed to be less of those gotcha-style bills, but it was still a period in which several large issues got pushed to the wayside because of the ideological chasm between the Republicans in control of the Senate and the Democrats in control of the House. They included: Transportation. A couple of efforts to inject more money into the state transportation budget couldnt get through both the House and Senate. Most notable perhaps was a bill introduced late in the session that would have authorized a new round of transportation-focused bonds that could have set the stage for better roads in Northern Colorado. This week, however, the bill died in the House on concerns about whether the bonds were to much, too little, whether there would be more toll lanes and, of course, where the money would come from in future years to repay the bonds. Voters will likely see at least one transportation funding proposal on the ballot in November. Hospital provider fee. One of the key issues described by Gov. John Hickenlooper in his State of the State speech in January was the reclassification of the hospital provider fee from general fund revenue to an enterprise fund. Had the fee been reclassified, it would have allowed the state government to keep more of the collected taxes for the fiscal year. That effort died in the Senate on concerns the reclassification would face a legal challenge (which majority Republicans believed would be successful) and that it violated the spirit of the Taxpayers Bill of Rights. Construction defects legislation. An effort to rewrite the rules regarding the treatment of condominium owners and their builders during construction defects disputes failed, again. For several years, Republicans have worked to change the rules regarding construction defect disputes because they believe the current rules punish builders and make their insurance premiums too large. While housing is at a premium on the Front Range, the lack of action will likely mean home-rule cities will have to take the issue up themselves. Political primaries. After a 2016 caucus and convention season that saw plenty of drama over the fight between establishment and insurgent candidacies, some lawmakers sought to bring back a presidential primary system that would allow more voters to choose, via ballot, their candidates instead of going to a caucus site. Disputes over how to treat the unaffiliated voters who make up the largest voting bloc in the state led to the death of such legislation, however. Was there anything that got accomplished? Sure, but the issues involved were smaller and less complex. Rain barrels. The Legislature succeeded after several years to create legislation allowing residents to capture water off their roof for use on their property. Marijuana. New limits to advertising and the shapes of edibles were approved. Grocery store beer. It appears a compromise between the large grocery chains and local liquor store owners will be signed by the governor, but it might not be enough to forestall a ballot issue in November. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Mark Hallum Neirs Tavern held a rally with Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) Saturday to create awareness of the need for the Landmark Preservation Committee to approve its application. Loycent Gordon, the owner of Neirs Tavern at 87-48 78th St. in Woodhaven , put in an application to have the building landmarked in August 2015 and there has yet to be approval from the LPC. The purpose of today is to raise awareness for landmark status for Neirs Tavern, Gordon told the 50 or so people at the rally. Elizabeth Crowley has been a driving force in terms of her political connection to try to push this forward. Another organization that is coming together today is the Historic Districts Council of New York City. They advocate for landmark status and theyve partnered up with us. The 180-year-old establishment has been a hangout for Woodhaven residents since the days when the Union Course Horse Racing Track was situated along 78th Street, and the aesthetic appeal of the interior has drawn the likes of Martin Scorsese and other filmmakers. The tavern, known to many as the oldest continuously operating bar in New York City, also serves as a unique location for the film industry. The mafia classic Goodfellas had scenes that were filmed in Neirs, according to the taverns website, and the Emmy Award-winning show New York Originals also shot scenes at the bar. Im a firefighter and a business owner whos trying to make things happen,Gordon said. Ive been waiting to do this for several years, and now we have a concerted effort to push that agenda forward. Maria Thomson is the executive director of the Woodhaven Business Improvement District and an advocate for Neirs achieving landmark status. According to Thomson, the other attempts to achieve this goal have been fruitless, but she believes the work that Gordon and Crowley are doing are part of a different, more effective approach. A renovation took place once Gordon purchased the business in 2009, Thomson said, but most of the features are original. The entire building is clad in ancient cedar, the inside has pressed tin ceilings and walls and the front door dog-ears the corner of the building. Neirs is already a landmark in the eyes of countless people, and is really like no other place in the city. It has lasted through generations upon generations of patrons and is a staple in Woodhaven, Crowley said. It is the feeling of familiarity, family and community that makes Neirs more than just a barit is home, it is part of our lives. The LPC should more often look towards our borough of rich, historic treasures During a time when development is on the rise in our city, so many mom-and-pop stores and small businesses lose out to bigger companies. We cannot risk that happening to Neirs Tavern. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Bill Parry An East Elmhurst man has been sentenced to one to three years in prison after pleading guilty to promoting a sexual performance by a child, Queens DA Richard Brown announced last Thursday. Computer technicians discovered sexually explicit photographs of children on the defendants computer after he dropped it off for repairs at a Long Island City Best Buy store in March 2014. Michael Murray, 63, pleaded guilty Feb. 3 before Queens Supreme Court Justice Richard Buchter to promoting a sexual performance by a child. Buchter sentenced the defendant to one to three years in prison May 4. The defendant pleaded guilty to having vile, disturbing images of children on his computer hard drive, Brown said. He even used these repugnant photos as a screen saver slide show. According to the charges, a technician at the Best Buy located at 50-01 Northern Blvd. began to work on the laptop computer that Murray dropped off for repairs March 26, 2014. When the technician turned on the computer, it booted up and the laptops screen saver started displaying a slide show of multiple images of young girls posing provocatively. Some of the images showed young girls engaged in sex acts with adult men. The technician alerted a supervisor to the slide shows content and after he, too, saw the images, police were notified. When police went to the defendants home soon afterwards, Murray admitted that he knew what was on his screen saver and had been exchanging files of child pornography with others on the Internet for nearly five years, according to the charges. A forensic analysis by the NYPDs Computer Crime Squad revealed the defendants computer had more than 300 images of children between the ages of 2 and 3 being sexually abused. It is vitally important for the public to realize that these photographs depict real children who have been sexually abused, Brown said. They are youngsters who will forever be emotionally and physically scarred by what happened to them, The defendant will be incarcerated and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release. Recent rain may not be enough to stave off water restrictions local By Christopher Collins of the Times Record News The Obama administration's guidance to schools Friday that bathrooms be inclusive of transgender students has not sparked a flurry of activity from districts in the Wichita Falls area at least not yet. School district administrators who returned Times Record News phone calls generally said the issue hadn't come up before in their schools and that no changes are in the districts' immediate futures. Ashley Thomas, communications officer for the Wichita Falls Independent School District, said WFISD does not have anything in board policy that addresses restroom facilities for transgender students at this time. "Any change to board policy would be the decision of our Board of Trustees. I can't speculate whether or not our trustees will make any changes to the policy at this time. "The district does have policies in place to protect all students from harassment and/or bullying and will continue to adhere to those policies." The letter, sent by the U.S. departments of Justice and Education, reminded recipients that Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination of students based on gender identity. Schools are required to comply with Title IX to receive federal funding. The guidance comes amid a legal battle between the U.S. Department of Justice and the state of North Carolina, which recently passed a bill barring people from using public bathrooms that do not correspond with their biological sex. The federal government has threatened to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to North Carolina state police and University of North Carolina if the act is not repealed. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," said C.D. Knobloch, superintendent of Archer County Independent School District. "What our stance has always been in the past is to make kids feel comfortable and we have enough restrooms to accommodate." Shannon Owen, principal of Holliday High School, said students there use bathrooms that correspond to their biological sex "and there have not been issues with that." He does not know of any transgender students in the district. "I have not had that issue come up in 29 years," Owen said. Tom Woody, superintendent of Vernon Independent School District, said his district's policies are based on guidance from the Texas Association of School Boards and the district's legal firm. At the moment, he said, "there have been no recommendations to adjust local policy." A spokeswoman at the Texas Education Agency said the agency did not plan to issue additional guidance to local school districts in light of the federal recommendation, though the letter "is not very specific." As of Friday afternoon, many school district contacted by the Times Record News for this story had not returned messages. The Obama administration's guidance extends to public and private universities that receive federal funds, said Matt Park, Midwestern State University's associate vice president for student affairs and Title IX coordinator. Most colleges are likely already compliant with federal requirements, though Friday's letter may spur some societal blowback. "I think for our society, there will be some discourse," he said. Higher education institutions could refuse compliance with the gender identity aspect of Title IX requirements, but in doing so they could lose federal funding. "While it is possible (that universities could refuse), it's not likely because of how critical those funds are. For Midwestern State University that would be significant," Park said. He added that MSU complies with federal rules and strives to provide a " safe, inclusive and supportive educational environment free from discrimination." Related: Read the U.S. Government's letter below U.S. Government's Letter of Significant Guidance Concerning Civil Rights Protections for Transgender S... SHARE Patrice Franklin, Wichita Falls I had to laugh when I read the two articles joined strategically on the front page of the newspaper concerning our election process. Do county employees know how ridiculous they sound whining about being overworked and underpaid? Now, it's Lori Bohannon. She has been county clerk long enough to retire. Why are her duties all of a sudden so taxing? I will tell you why, one of the employees who ran the elections retired and the other one is the one underpaid and overworked. Lori had delegated the elections off on her employees every cycle. But she ran for her own election as the very capable, hands-on, do-all county clerk. The timing of the complaint is calculated. It goes hand in hand with Woody Gossom's brilliant idea of super vote centers. What are they? On voting day, a person can just go to any precinct that they are close to and vote. These centers will have 30-50 voting machines with few workers. All machines are supposed to be hooked up to one main local government system. Government in control of our vote on a larger scale. Couple that with absolutely no laws in the Texas Election Code on this. Geesh, what could go wrong? I hope that the community will show up to these meetings to voice their concerns. This is a terrible idea and an open door to voter fraud. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Green Island Union leaders representing 41 workers locked out last week at the Honeywell Aerospace steel brake pad factory in Green Island will meet with company officials next week along with a federal mediator to try to resolve their ongoing contract dispute. Tim Vogt, president of United Auto Workers Local 1508, said he would travel to South Bend, Ind., on Tuesday night and is scheduled to meet with Honeywell and the mediator on Wednesday. "Them calling us back is better than not calling us at all," Vogt told the Times Union on Friday from the UAW's tent set up on village land across Cohoes Street from the Honeywell factory. Honeywell told unionized workers at the factory Monday morning that they were being locked out after they rejected the company's most recent contract offer, which includes a 6 percent pay increase over five years. Union members said the offer was rejected because it also included a massive increase in the cost of health care, a freeze of the pension plan and no cost of living increases. Since then, dozens of workers have been showing up to picket the company outside its locked gates. Honeywell has hired temporary workers that arrive before each shift in vans from an area hotel, picketing workers said. Honeywell, which dominates the aerospace market for airplane brake pads, also makes carbon brake pads at its South Bend facility. It has also locked out workers there as well. The two factories are covered by the same master contract agreement, and workers soundly rejected the company's last offer during a May 7 vote. A Honeywell spokesman said the local workers, who are not being paid, will remain locked out until a new contract agreement is in place, despite the one-day talks Wednesday. The locked-out workers have been doing their best to keep on the picket line, even in bad weather. They are having a family day at the site Saturday. "They (Honeywell) did one good thing for us," one picketing worker said Friday. "They banded us together." lrulison@timesunion.com 518-454-5504 @larryrulison This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the fire departments responding to a train disruption in Guilderland. Guilderland Center and Slingerlands firefighters responded to help rescue one person who refused to come to the ground. ALBANY A daylong effort to block crude oil trains brought hundreds of people near the Port of Albany, where they sat on train tracks and listened to speeches, sang and discussed nationwide and local environmental issues. The Albany event on Saturday, organized by the coalition Break Free From Fossil Fuels, was one of several around the country and world this month. More than 400 of the 1,500 people registered said they would be willing to be arrested for physically blocking the trains, a Break Free spokeswoman said. Oil trains did not come to the area where activists sat throughout the day, but five people were arrested after a demonstration near the Watervliet Reservoir in Guilderland. There, at about 1 p.m., activists Marissa Shea and Maeve McBride delayed an oil train coming from North Dakota into the Port of Albany by rappelling off a railroad bridge that crosses the reservoir, Break Free spokeswoman Aly Johnson-Kurts said. Guilderland police said they charged Shea, 30, of Lowell Mass., McBride, 40, of Burlington, Vermont, and team members Rachel Kijewski, 31, Lakw Worth, Fla., Alexander Lundberg, 32, of Minneapolis, Minn. and Jordan Davis, 27, of New Windsor N.Y., with unlawful interference with a railroad train, fifth-degree conspiracy and third-degree criminal trespass. Shea was also charged with reckless endangerment. They were all released on their own recognizance, police said. During the incident CSX railway stopped all train traffic for over two hours. Guilderland Center and Slingerlands firefighters responded to help rescue a person who refused to come to the ground, police said. One firefighter had a minor injury during the course of the rescue. Shea and McBride are "core organizers" of the Albany Break Free action, Johnson-Kurts said. The train proceeded after the activists' arrest, she said. The central action Saturday consisted of sitting at train tracks in the South End. Hundreds from around the country listened to speeches in Lincoln Park before walking down Morton Avenue and Green Street to tracks near Church Street. Chants of "Hey hey, ho ho, fossil fuels have got to go," mixed with drum beats and other music, rang out as activists walked toward the tracks with signs, wind turbine replicas and megaphones. Albany Common Council member Dorcey Applyrs, who represents Ward 1, said in an interview that the day's energy was an inspiring moment in the long-standing fight against oil trains. "This is the spinach we need to keep fighting," she said before the march, adding that residents of the Ezra Prentice Homes, who live close to the trains, are "impacted every day." Albany Common Council member Vivian Kornegay, who represents Ward 2, said at Lincoln Park that oil trains should not be in the "backyard" of city playgrounds. "We assume 100 percent of the risk and see minuscule benefits," she said. As the sunny morning faded into a cloudy and windy afternoon, some people sat in metal folding chairs that straddled the tracks, while others sprawled out on nearby grass. Colorful chalk marked up the concrete between rail lines with slogans and drawings. At about 3 p.m., Break Free began collecting money for tarps and line so that people could stay the night, as it became clear that trains would likely not pass through that afternoon. About 80 people expressed interest in staying overnight, a Break Free organizer said. The Rev. Marc Johnson, associate pastor at Greater St. John's Church of God in Christ in the South End and an outspoken opponent of oil trains in Albany, spoke throughout the demonstration. "We want clean air, we want clean water, we want a great quality of life," he said in Lincoln Park. "We all deserve clean air." Johnson criticized energy company Global Partners LLC in a prepared statement. The company has facilities at the Port of Albany. "I've seen the damage first hand, so I'm saying 'no' to the oil trains, and 'no' to the pipelines, not just for myself and my community, but for all humankind," Johnson said in a statement. Global Partners Chief Operating Officer Mark Romaine said in a statement that the company's employees "turn our commitment to safety into a reality" and emphasized employees' contributions to the city. "They live and work in your neighborhoods, send their kids to local schools, and shop in local stores," he said. "In the last three years, we've been inspected more than 270 times, resulting in a handful of minor infractions that were promptly corrected." Romaine also praised law enforcement officials and public officials for their efforts to manage Break Free events this week. But throughout the day, memories of the catastrophic Lac-Megantic, Quebec, accident were apparent. In 2013, 47 people died and a large portion of the town was destroyed when an unattended freight train carrying Bakken crude rolled into the center of town, derailed, exploded and caught fire. Jay O'Hara, a founder of the Climate Disobedience Center, read a written statement from Marilaine Savard of Lac-Megantic to close the speeches on Saturday. "Our old downtown is now totally razed to the ground," she wrote, later adding that even three years later, the "community needs healing." lellis@timesunion.com 518-454-5018 @lindsayaellis Albany The Albany Public Library is asking residents to pay a few dollars more in taxes over the coming year to fund the library system. The proposed overall $9.3 million budget would increase operating expenses by about 0.9 percent or $67,177 and increase the part of the tax levy that funds daily operations by about 1 percent to cover it, according to the library. Voters on Tuesday will be asked to approve that $6.65 million tax levy. For a homeowner with a $150,000 home, the increase amounts to an extra $2.30 a year, according to the library. The owner of a $200,000 home would pay $3.06 more. The largest single increase in the library's $7.46 million operating budget is a $190,293 increase in salaries that library Director Scott Jarzombek attributed to contractual raises due the library's unionized employees. The increase, however, was partially offset by decreases in spending elsewhere, including a $43,000 projected drop in the utility and phone bills, a $25,000 cut in the maintenance and repairs budget and a $25,000 cut in the improvements budget. The spending plan would also use $382,849 of the library's reserves, down from $401,467 this year. "We've gone out of our way to be as lean as possible," Jarzombek said, noting that the library was able to open Bach Branch on New Scotland Avenue each Sunday starting in January without expanding the staff. Those new Sunday hours, he said, are believed to have driven a 10 percent increase in circulation there. "We've found a way to expand hours without adding more staff," Jarzombek said, "but I think we're at the point where we can't go any farther than that." Across all seven branches, attendance at library programs was up 15 percent last year, he said. The library's annual debt payments on its $29.1 million branch improvement plan which involved the construction or renovation of five neighborhood branches that opened starting in 2009 will drop by $875 next year to $1,852,438. Jarzombek said the library is also exploring options for refinancing the 30-year bonds to reduce the annual payments. Citing the fact that the library recently scored a 5.14 out of 6 on overall satisfaction in a patron survey, Jarzombek said he believes patrons are happy with the service the library is providing. "We're proud of that, and we want to continue to be as good as a library as everybody expects us to be," he said. In addition to the budget, voters on Tuesday will be asked to elect three library trustees. Four candidates are vying for the three openings: Mitzi Lawrence, Brenda J. Robinson, Matthew M. Finn and Karen Strong. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Albany school district polling places. See www.albanyschools.org for the locations. jcarleo-evangelist@timesunion.com 518-454-5445 @JCEvangelist_TU Washington Congress is on the verge of ordering young women to register for a military draft for the first time in history, touching off outrage among social conservatives who fear the move is another step toward blurring gender lines. The female draft requirement, approved late Thursday by the Senate Armed Services Committee, could be as heated as the divisive debate over what public lavatories and locker rooms transgender people should use. Opponents of expanding the draft may be unable to halt the momentum in favor of lifting the exclusion, which was triggered by the Pentagon's decision late last year to open all front-line combat jobs to women. After gender restrictions to military service were erased, the top uniformed officers in each of the military branches expressed support during congressional testimony for including women in a potential draft. The Senate Armed Services Committee added a provision to its version of the annual defense policy bill that calls for women to sign up with the Selective Service within 30 days of turning 18 just as men are beginning in January 2018, according to a summary of the legislation released by the committee. The House Armed Services Committee narrowly adopted a provision to its bill late last month to include women in Selective Service. "This is a highly consequential and, for many American families, a deeply controversial decision that deserves to be resolved by Congress after a robust and transparent debate in front of the American people, instead of buried in an embargoed document that is passed every year to fund military pay and benefits," said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, one of three Senate Armed Services Committee members who voted against the bill. Conservative columnist Daniel Horowitz wrote of the "consequences of completely eradicating the self-evident truth and science of the two sexes." The full House is expected to take up its version of the legislation as early as next week. The Senate will consider its bill later this month. The White House has declined to say if President Barack Obama would sign into law legislation that expands the draft to include women. A return to forcing people to join the armed forces seems unlikely. Military leaders maintain the all-volunteer force is working and do not want a return to conscription. The U.S. has not had a military draft since 1973. Still, all men between 18 and 25 are required by law to register. Washington More than 20 major cities, including Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, have seen large increases in murders in recent months, a spike that the director of the FBI linked to less aggressive policing stemming from a "viral video effect." The new data released Friday showed clashing trend lines across the country, with many cities seeing a sharp increase in murders while rates in others including New York and Miami were down significantly from last year. After receiving an advance look at the data, FBI Director James B. Comey Jr. expressed alarm Wednesday about the spike in murders in some major cities. Reigniting the debate over a "Ferguson effect," he told reporters that he believed the trend could be linked to a "viral video effect" because officers were being less aggressive for fear of ending up on videos. The White House distanced itself from Comey on the issue, named after Ferguson, Mo., where the 2014 shooting of an unarmed black man set off protests and rioting. Josh Earnest, the White House spokesman, told reporters Thursday that "there still is no evidence to substantiate the claim that the increase in violent crime is related to an unwillingness of police officers to do their job." Earnest said the president saw a false choice in any notion police officers must decide between fighting crime and doing so in a fair way. "The truth is the vast majority of police officers do both," Earnest said. Chicago had the most dramatic numerical increase in homicides in the first three months of the year, with killings up to 141 from 83 over the same period a year ago. In Las Vegas, killings nearly doubled to 40 from 22, and Dallas saw an increase to 46 from 26. Other cities showing sharp increases included Jacksonville, Fla.; Los Angeles; Memphis, Tenn.; Nashville, Tenn.; Newark, N.J.; Phoenix and San Antonio. In New York City, however, killings dropped to 61 from 85. Sunak has said that the Gita comes to his rescue during tough situations and reminds him of his responsibilities. Andy Kropa "Intuition can only carry you so far." With the patented over/underplaying only a wily veteran British actor can provide, so says Trinity College mathematician G.H. Hardy, as played by Jeremy Irons, to his East Indian protege Srinivasa Ramanujan, played by Dev Patel, in "The Man Who Knew Infinity." The line about intuition holds true for sincerity and noble intentions in movie biopics. Such things can't always get a filmmaker over the hump and into the realm of dramatically effective storytelling. Writer-director Matthew Brown (whose previous feature was "Ropewalk") has taken on a little-known true story of considerable groves-of-academe potential. Ramanujan arrives at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1913, leaving behind a wife (Devika Bhise) and an initially disapproving Brahmin family ("It is forbidden to cross the seas!" his mother says). This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The hope is that someday school field trips to the Kate Mullany House will be as common as tours of the Capitol. Mullany, an Irish immigrant, was a laundress in Troy who, in 1864, organized 300 other women to form the country's first all-female labor union. She went on to become the first woman to be elected an officer in the National Labor Congress, long before women received the right to vote in 1920. Thursday, Mullany will be inducted into Labor's International Hall of Fame, the latest in a long list of posthumous accolades for her life and work. "We need to do everything we can do to remind people of the stories of labor and that in some cases, people died for the right to organize," said Shawn Ellis, director of the hall of fame, located in Detroit. "Troy is a community that has gathered behind Kate's story." The labor hall of fame was founded in 1973 and is run by volunteers. Inductees include Heywood Broun, founder of the Newspaper Guild and the legendary organizer Mary Harris "Mother" Jones. Mullany is the only 2016 inductee. More Information If you go What: Ceremony inducting Kate Mullany into Labor's Hall of Fame When: 5 p.m. Thursday Where: The Mullany House, 350 Eighth St., Troy. Cost: Tickets are $25. For tickets: Contact Paul Cole at paulfcole@gmail.com or call 331-4474. More info: katemullanynhs.org See More Collapse At 19, Mullany's father was dead, her mother was ill and Mullany was the breadwinner for her family. She earned between $3 and $4 a week at one of Troy's 14 commercial laundries. Laundry ''girls'' spent 12 to 14 hours a day washing, bleaching, starching, drying and ironing the detachable linen collars that were fashionable at the time. The women were frequently burned by chemicals and irons. Mullany and the other women in the Collar Laundry Union took a big risk when they voted to strike. They were out of work for five and a half days until the laundry owners agreed to a significant raise and safeguards for the scalding starching machines used to press collars. The Collar Laundry Union is called the first bona fide women's union because it lasted until the paper collar was invented in 1870 and rendered the collar laundries obsolete. After the strike, Mullany's mother, Bridget, bought the brick duplex at 350 Eighth St. She moved her family into a third-floor apartment and rented out the other five units. It was an unusual achievement for a widow and a huge step up for an immigrant, said Paul Cole, executive director of the American Labor Studies Center in Loudonville. It was illegal for Irish Catholics to own property in Ireland at that time. Hillary Clinton, then first lady, visited in 1998 when the property was named a National Historic Landmark and was a U.S. senator when she argued in 2004 for the bill to make the Mullany house a National Historic Site, part of the National Park System. Cole, a retired teacher and longtime organizer, has made the Mullany house his life's work. He is pulling together grants and donated labor to return a third-floor apartment to the way it looked in the 1870s. The effort has long had the support of the labor community and he is trying to draw interest from Irish-Americans in the Capital Region. Barbara Jones, the consul general of Ireland, will speak at the ceremony. The details of Kate Mullany's life are tantalizingly few. Despite years of combing records, no one has found a picture of her. The drawing alongside Mullany's 2000 entry in the National Women's Hall of Fame is an artist's guess. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. "If you're a Vanderbilt, a Whitney or a Rockefeller, there is plenty written about you and portraits made," Cole said, but the stories of working people tend to be forgotten. Mullany was the second of four children. Her family fled Ireland's potato famine. After her organizing days were over, she married John Fogarty. The couple didn't have children. Mullany died in her mother's house on Eighth Street on Aug. 17, 1906, and she was buried in Troy's St. Peter's Cemetery. She left behind no written word, no insight into what inspired her to speak out when so many others did not. It is left to those inspired by her bravery to interpret her life for a new audience and present a local story about the roots of organized labor and the efforts to secure the 40-hour workweek, health insurance and safe working conditions we take for granted today. lhornbeck@timesunion.com 518-454-5352 @leighhornbeck THE ISSUE: A key bill to fix a loophole in campaign finance system is bottled up in a state Senate committee. THE STAKES: How can the Republican leadership continue to protect this abuse of the law?Write this number down, New York: S60B. That's the number of a bill whose passage could actually alter the culture of corruption in New York state government. More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse No, it's not a cure for all that ails the Capitol. But this bill to end the power of well-heeled donors to blatantly skirt the state's supposed limits on campaign contributions would cut off one of the most conspicuous routes there is for buying influence, whether it's in the Legislature or the governor's office. But first it has to get through the state Senate, which lately has become the place ethics reforms go to die. That indeed appears to be the fate of S60B: The bill passed the Elections Committee last week, only to be tossed into the Codes Committee for no apparent reason. This is pretty much what happened to the bill last year when it went from the Elections Committee to the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee, never to be seen again. It's a shell game, courtesy of the Senate's Republican majority, which controls whether bills get to the floor for a vote or not. For some reason, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and his colleagues have a problem with a bill that would stop so much money from flowing into politicians' campaign coffers. S60B would end the ability of wealthy donors to funnel contributions through limited liability companies, which, under a 1996 Board of Elections opinion, are treated as individuals separate from the people who create them. Thus, one person, who would normally be limited to $18,000 in donations to a Senate candidate, can donate that much through each LLC he controls. It's even more for statewide races as much as $65,000 an individual and for party committees $109,600 a year. But those limits don't really matter to the rich. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Wealthy interests have funneled millions of dollars through this loophole to key politicians in both major parties. The loophole figured significantly in the corruption trial of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who is headed for 12 years in federal prison. It also played a role in the trial of ex-Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who was sentenced Thursday to five years in federal prison for using his influence to enrich private companies, which in turn gave his son jobs and donated generously with the help of the LLC loophole to Senate Republicans. The entire GOP conference, in that sense, has enjoyed the fruits of Mr. Skelos' corruption, just as Mr. Silver's Assembly Democrats enjoyed the largesse that the sale of his office bought. It is not enough to take comfort, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo seems to, in the justice system's working once again. When half the leaders of the Legislature are convicted of corruption over a 22-year span, it's fair to call it, as Citizens Union does, a "crime wave of corruption." Punishment hasn't stopped it. The Legislature needs to reform the system on which too many leaders have fed and prospered. The LLC loophole would be a perfect and obvious place to start. So obvious, in fact, that if the Senate again kills this bill in committee, it will qualify as a form of corruption all its own. [May 13, 2016] Omni-Lite Industries announces resignation of CFO LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Omni-Lite Industries Canada Inc. (the "Company" or "Omni-Lite") (TSXV:OML; OTCBB:OLNCF) regretfully announces the resignation of Mr. Timothy Wang as Chief Financial Officer. "Tim has assisted, in various capacities, in the growth at Omni-Lite over the last 15 years," stated David F. Grant. "The Company would like to thank Mr. Wang for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavours." The Company is currently assessing candidates to fil this vacancy. Omni-Lite Industries Canada Inc. is a rapidly growing high technology company that develops and manufactures mission critical, precision components utilized by Fortune 500 companies including Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Embraer, Ford, Borg Warner, Chrysler, the U.S. Military, and Nike. Except for historical information contained herein this document contains forward-looking statements. These statements contain known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results or outcomes to be materially different from those anticipated and discussed herein. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Omni-Lite Industries Canada Inc. What you need to know about Powerball and the $610 million jackpot Vicarious announced that it is preparing for an alpha test of the Vicarious VR content publishing platform. The company has been testing with a small early contributor team and is now ready to accept more members. Vicarious is a small company from San Francisco founded by JM Yujuico and Alexander Chu. We had the chance to speak with the co-founders last fall, and what they described sounded promising. The platform will allow you to build VR experiences using any kind of content. It's compatible with traditional 2D photos and video, as well as panoramic and 360-degree media. Vicarious will be accepting applications over the next few weeks and will invite a few members at a time into the program. Accepted members will be testing the new features that have recently been added to the platform, including the file reader and creation UI. The test group will also be evaluating the content sharing backend. Vicarious isnt looking for casual testers. The company is looking for people who have a real interest in Vicarious VR and intend to stick around for the long haul. As part of the alpha group, you'll have a team helping you work with the tools and listening to your feedback. In exchange, all we ask is that you remain involved and help us build the future of social VR together, said JM Yujuico, Vicarious Founder and CEO. To be considered for the alpha test, you must already be signed up for Vicarious newsletter. The invites to apply for the alpha test have been sent to current members, and applications are sent in by replying to the message. If did you receive an invite to apply, youll have to write a few sentences about why you want to use Vicarious and provide a link to your own content from a blog, social media site or other type of internet presence to be considered. Youll also need a Gear VR to use the app if you do get invited. In short, Vicarious isnt letting just anyone in. You have to have something meaningful to contribute to be part of the early test group. If you havent already signed up for the Vicarious newsletter, but wish to be considered for future tests, you can fill out the form one Vicariouss website. Follow Kevin Carbotte @pumcypuhoy. Follow us on Facebook, Google+, RSS, Twitter and YouTube. "Nick Haines, Barbara Shelly, Steve Vockrodt, Steve Kraske & Dave Helling recap the Kansas & Missouri legislative sessions and update the status of the court's decision on Kansas school funding. They also discuss the probability of Sam Brownback taking job as K-State's President, reaction to streetcar launch, new arena development in Overland Park & the potential return of the Woodlands Race Track." Newsmakers from Dead Tree Media recap the latest Kansas City events for all the people who didn't see it first on the Internets or TV and then discuss it with all their fake social media friends.Check the description of. . .You decide . . . HERE'S A QUICK BUT COMPREHENSIVE RANKING OF KANSAS CITY'S 13 ELECTED OFFICIALS!!! 6th District At-Large Councilman Taylor Could Be The New King Of Kansas City 2nd District At-Large Council Lady Teresa Loar Proves To Be The Most Adept At Talking With Constituents 4th District Council Lady Jolie Justus Could Break New Ground For Kansas City Mayor Sly Rages Against Lame Duck Status And Attempts To Push Forward His Agenda Before His Time Is Complete 4th District At-Large Council Lady Katy Shields Builds New Connections 3rd District At-Large Councilman Quinton Lucas Mostly Lives Up To High Expectations 1st District Council Lady Heather Hall Skillfully Questions City Hall Plans 1st District At-Large Councilman Scott Wagner Remains At A Crossroads 5th District Council Lady Alissia Canady Learns The Local Political Scene Quickly What's Next For 3rd District Councilman Jermaine Reed??? Nobody Cares!!! 5th District At-Large Councilman Lee Barnes Proves To Be A Strong Leader Behind The Scenes 2nd District Councilman Dan Fowler Might Be Too Nice For City Hall But He Seems To Be Doing A Decent Job Anyhoo 6th District Councilman Kevin McManus Keeps Quiet On His Way To Reelection And Eventually The U.S. Presidency Tonight let's take a quick look at the City's power players and renewed competition as another election season approaches more quickly than anybody would dare to realize . . .To wit . . .For this week . . . From most powerful/influential to least . . . Here's the leadership of City Hall from top to bottom . . .He has filed the paperwork to run for Mayor, he's raising money and now. . . Councilman Taylor isn't messing around in his quest for power and the top job in the city.The return trip to Council has been exceptionally successful for Council lady Loar. The Northland is growing by leaps and bounds and gone are the days when this part of town played second best to the other side of the bridge . . . New resources, demographics and allies for this politico makes Council Lady Loar the strongest advocate for constituents throughout the city.Midtown Kansas City desperately wants Council Lady Justus to be successful and so far she has proven skillful at playing the wild card on contentious votes. However, the issues confronting Midtown are becoming increasingly adversarial and she won't be able to play the middle for too long.A defeat on the airport was not devastating for Mayor Sly but his next effort is certainly aHe seems up to the task and seems to realize that the loyalty of his supporters is only as strong as the prospects of their next paycheck. A general bond obligation issue should be an easy win and will boost his cred but decreasing popularity among the local electorate remains a concern for his most strident supporters.After winning a committee spot this Council Lady has been uncharacteristically quiet. It won't last. Instead, look for the longtime politico to find a more captivating issue than historic preservation -- Something that sounded nice whilst running for office but failed to resonate with anybody but neighborhood goofballs.The Councilman inspires confidence in constituents and anyone interested in Kansas City . . . Moreover,wants to be critical of his votes. For now, Councilman Lucas has yet to disappoint so many people who put their trust in him andAlready, Council Lady Hall has earned a reputation as a stickler for detail and a tenacious committee member. Kansas City's only avowed Conservative continues to earn accolades but seems overly cautious in a strongly progressive and Democratic controlled city overall.There are at least half a dozen people making moves to become the next Mayor of Kansas City while Council Dude Scott Taylor struggles to escape the shadow of Mayor Sly James in order to do the same.She has made a few bold statements and works to reassure her constituents that they'll never return to the shameful days of her predecessor . . . She completely succeeds in fulfilling that promise and has been a competent council lady.More than any other elected official in Kansas City . . . Councilman Reed has been the beneficiary of low voter turnout and a lack of engagement in the local political process from voters. It's unlikely one of the youngest councilman in Kansas City history will ever win another office in the foreseeable future. Still, there's a lot of damage he can do in the meantime.Councilman Barnes is a quiet and reserved man who shines while engaging in the technical details of committee work but seems averse to the spotlight. Still, Councilman Barnes remains one of the most promising elected officials at city hall as locals hope he can push past his contemplative demeanor in order to take more of a leadership role.Somebody call him and tell him to stop trying to play peacemaker . . . The Mayor and Council are going to start slugging it out even more frequently and he'll have to figure out how to navigate the choppy waters ahead instead of trying to help smooth everything over. In the meantime, Councilman Fowler seems more comfortable taking constituent calls and dealing with so many neighborhood complaints.The Hollywood smile of this tall white guy makes us believe in 'Merica and helps him fade into the background better than any other politico in recent memory . . . Even if inherent likability and casual dismissal from the public eye is the result of historic privilege, it's still a useful political super power that will win one elected office after the next until somebody finally asks why people vote for the guy . . . Which will never happen.As always, this list has been compiled according toand it's a comprehensive guide to City Hall's most powerful people. The President of the Hellenic Republic, Prokopis Pavlopoulos is visiting the city of Komotini, Thrace, on occasion of the 96th anniversary of the citys liberation The President of the Hellenic Republic, Prokopis Pavlopoulos is visiting the city of Komotini, Thrace, on occasion of the 96th anniversary of the citys liberation. Pavlopoulos will attend the official religious liturgy before watching the parade. The President will then be proclaimed an honorary professor at the Law School of the University of Democritus of Thrace. Later Pavlopoulos will attend a dinner at the citys chamber of commerce where he will be declared an honorary citizen of the city. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Bank of Greece Governor Yiannis Stournaras said: If we have the agreement on May 24 and everything goes according to plan, then the capital controls will be lifted. The Eurogroup on May 24 will result in a deal between Greece and its creditors, Greeces central banker said on Thursday, adding that if theres a deal, then the capital controls will eventually be lifted. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of an event organized by the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece (SBBE) where he was a keynote speaker, Bank of Greece Governor Yiannis Stournaras said: If we have the agreement on May 24 and everything goes according to plan, then the capital controls will be lifted. Asked to specify when exactly they could be lifted, he said this would depend on the progress of the Greek economy. They will be lifted when trust in the Greek economy has been restored. I cannot say when today, and Im not in the habit of making such predictions. However, when we have a deal, well see developments, he added. Stournaras also said the imminent deal will end a period of uncertainty adding that if Greece then implements what the agreement includes, the economy will soon return to growth. Source: ANA-MPA RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report The cement sector in Saudi Arabia continues to be under pressure as infrastructure investments decline due to low crude prices, lower fuel subsidy, inventory pile-up, and higher competition, said a report. The total cement sales in Saudi Arabia fell six per cent year-on-year to 5.4 million tonnes in April, while it was down seven per cent month-on-month, stated top Saudi lender Al Rajhi Capital in its report. Total inventory stood at 21.9 million tonnes, representing 36 per cent of last 12 months' sales. Inventory grew four per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) but declined one per cent month-on-month (m-o-m), it stated. Cement production in the kingdom came in at 5.6 million tonnes during April, down two per cent y-o-y and declined five per cent m-o-m. City and Al Jouf cement witnessed the highest increase in sales with over 30 per cent and over 29 per cent y-o-y respectively, while Najran and Hail cement April dispatches fell sharply by 38 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively, it stated. Interestingly, the Al Rajhi Capital report found that April dispatches showed strong demand in the central region, compared to weak demand in the Western and Southern regions. The situation could improve with the recent decision by the Saudi government to lift the ban on the Saudi Binladin Group and permit them to bid for major contracts in the kingdom, according to the report. The company's resuming the business activities in the kingdom will support cement consumption, it added. On the 2016 outlook, Al Rajhi said: "We expect Najran cement, as well as Eastern Province, Saudi, and Yanbu cement companies to benefit the most from export approval. However, only three cement companies applied for export approval until now, according to Argaam. In April, Saudi cement index rose four per cent, compared to Saudi Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) 10 per cent.-TradeArabia News Service Kuwait's deputy foreign minister Khaled Jarallah said oil exporting countries must freeze production and the market could not support a production increase from Iran, state news agency KUNA reported on Saturday. "There is no choice but to freeze production," Kuna quoted Jarallah as telling Japanese news agency Jiji press while he and acting oil minister Anas Al Saleh attend a Kuwait-Japan business seminar in Tokyo. Asked about Iranian production policy, Jarallah said, "Iran should learn from the market ... the market does not give an opportunity to increase production." Opec members and other oil exporters failed in a meeting in the Qatari capital Doha on April 17 to reach an agreement on freezing their output to rebalance the global oil market. Iran, seeking to regain market share after international sanctions on Tehran were lifted last year, had refused to join the supply freeze initiative and the deal fell apart after Saudi Arabia insisted Tehran take part.-Reuters A rebel onslaught on the town of Khan Touman near Aleppo last week delivered one of the biggest battlefield setbacks yet to the coalition of foreign Shi'ite fighters waging war on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al Assad. Reports put the death toll among the Iranian, Afghani and Lebanese militiamen as high as 80 in the attack spearheaded by the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front. At least 17 of the dead were Iranians, seemingly the highest toll in a battle outside the Islamic Republic's borders since the Iran-Iraq war. "Pray for us, we can't move. There are 83 of us in one room. We're waiting for artillery backup so we can pull back," an Iranian fighter wrote in a WhatsApp message, quoted by state-run Iranian website Jaam-e-Jam. "God willing, we are martyred rather than taken prisoner." Events in Khan Touman were followed by an even bigger blow to Iran and its allies: news emerged early Friday of the killing of Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, who had been overseeing the Lebanese group's military operations in Syria. It is unclear how such reversals will affect the course of a war that grew out of Arab spring-inspired protests in 2011 calling for democratic change. Before Iran, Hezbollah and Russia came to Assad's aid, his grip on power appeared to be failing. The commitment of these allies to support him is seen by diplomats and Middle East experts as key to Assad's survival. Such blows are evidence of the price being paid by Iran and Hezbollah in Syria, and the wide range of adversaries they face in a multi-sided war that has escalated again in recent weeks as UN-led diplomacy has foundered. Israel has not missed the chance to pick off top Iranian and Hezbollah commanders in Syria over the past year or more. Hezbollah, a Shi'ite group established by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, said Badreddine had been killed in an explosion near Damascus airport. One Hezbollah official blamed Israel. The Israeli government has not commented. Other enemies in the predominantly Sunni insurgency are meanwhile celebrating what they see as Iran's defeat in Khan Touman, which followed the loss of the nearby town of al-Eis. One security expert close to Damascus described low morale on the government side because hard-won territory had been lost. One explanation of the reversal could be that there is less Russian air support. Russia has been mounting air strikes in support of Assad for seven months, but it has also been involved in US-backed diplomatic efforts and supported ceasefires. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and a rebel fighting in the area said the intensity of recent Russian air strikes had diminished. That could be a source of friction between the alliance supporting Assad, analysts of the conflict say. SHOCK IN IRAN The attack by Nusra and its allies on Khan Touman created shockwaves in Iran. Sites linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps published the names and photos of 13 Iranians killed in Khan Touman. Most of them were from a unit of the Guard in Mazandaran province in northern Iran. But there were concerns among some Iranian officials and military leaders that the report of heavy casualties could sway public opinion against Iran's involvement in Syria. A press release from the Revolutionary Guard office in Mazandaran, the province where most of the Iranians killed were based, reflected these concerns. In order to "preserve calm in society" only information released by their office should be trusted, it said. Among the Iranians killed was Shafie Shafiee, a commander of the elite Quds force, according to the Tasnim news site, which is affiliated to the Revolutionary Guards. His body was seized by Syrian rebels, according to the another site, ABNA. Pictures posted by rebels and reprinted by Iranian news sites show closeups of individual fighters killed in the battle. One photo shows what appears to be at least a dozen bloodied corpses lined up in the hallway of a building. Another set of photos posted by the Syrian opposition show two prisoners of indeterminate nationality, bound and bloodied, being led behind a vehicle. Mohammad Saleh Jokar, a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy committee, said there were not any precise numbers on how many Iranians had been killed or taken prisoner in the Khan Touman "disaster". Parliament speaker Ali Larijani called it a crime carried out by "cowardly terrorists" during a ceasefire - an apparent reference to a cessation of hostilities agreement to which the Nusra Front and other jihadist groups are not a party. "This incident will not go unanswered," Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council said in an interview with the Young Journalists Club news site this week. Footage shot from a drone by rebels shows a complex assault on Khan Touman that began with a barrage of rockets or mortars and involved armored vehicles and a tank. A mushroom cloud, apparently caused by a car bomb, is seen erupting near a building. HEZBOLLAH VOWS TO FIGHT ON Iran has announced the death of half a dozen generals in Syria, and a much larger number of less senior officers since 2012. Hezbollah has meanwhile lost four prominent fighters, including Badreddine, a brother-in-law of the group's late military commander Imad Moughniyah. Badreddine was the most senior Hezbollah figure to be killed since Moughniyah was assassinated in 2008, also in Damascus. Hezbollah is estimated to have lost a total of around 1,200 fighters in Syria, where its highly trained guerrillas have provided crucial support to the Syrian military. The group depicts its war in Syria as an existential struggle against ultra-radical jihadists such as the Nusra Front and Islamic State, groups it refers to as "takfiris". Speaking at Badreddine's funeral in Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday, deputy Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said: "Oh martyr we are continuing in the path you chose, in confronting Israel and in confronting the takfiris".-Reuters Airbus Group SE wants to swap out airframe components in Germany's A400M transport planes after cracks were discovered in a French A400M aircraft, the German defence ministry told lawmakers on Friday. Benedikt Zimmer, who heads the ministry's arms acquisitions department, notified the German parliament's defence committee about the company's plans late on Friday, in a document seen by Reuters. In the notification, he said the swap could take up to seven months to complete. Airbus now needs to submit a comprehensive plan to deal with various problems that have affected the long-delayed A400M, including significant gearbox glitches on its turboprop engines, Zimmer told lawmakers. Airbus confirmed it had identified an unknown cracking behavior in a part made of an aluminum alloy during quality control checks in 2011. It said the issue did not affect flight safety and repairs agreed with its customers would be incorporated into regular maintenance and upgrade schedules. Germany has ordered 53 of the planes from Airbus, but deliveries have been delayed as Europe's largest aerospace company grapples with production delays. The repairs would be completed as part of ongoing modifications of the three A400M aircraft that have already been delivered to Germany, Zimmer told lawmakers. Germany has demand retrofits of the three aircraft which did not meet requirements such as air dropping of paratroopers and equipment, and medical evacuations. Germany's military is concerned that the issues could lead to further delays, and has begun weighing possible ways to cover its military transport needs, according to a spokesman for the ministry. Possible alternatives include joint purchases with France of other planes, such as the C-130J transport planes built by Lockheed Martin Corp or Boeing Co's C-17 cargo planes, or service life extensions for its ageing fleet of Transall transport planes, said the spokesman. Current plans call for Germany to phase out the Transall planes that were built in the 1960s by 2021. A classified government defence report obtained by Reuters said the raft of problems facing the A400M made it difficult to plan for further deliveries given the "high number of manufacturer-caused risks." The report also questioned whether the aircraft would ever achieve the required self-defence capabilities and be able to refuel helicopters in mid-air, according to the report. Despite the issues, the defence ministry is not considering terminating the programme, according to a spokesman. "The question of cancelling the programme is not up for discussion at the moment," he said.-Reuters Turkish investors will be allowed to build at least 10 hotels in Iran, a Turkish tourism ministry official said on Friday, as the two countries look to increase bilateral trade after international sanctions on Iran were lifted in January. The hotels would be built in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz and Mashhad, the official said, under the terms of an agreement with Iran signed during a Turkish delegation's visit to Tehran that started on Thursday. The agreement includes incentives for investment and allows more charter flights between the neighbouring countries, he said. Ankara and Tehran are on different sides of Syria's civil war, but they have so far managed to keep separate their political differences and efforts to bolster trade and banking after sanctions were lifted. "We will transfer our know-how on training, planning, marketing and advertising to raise tourism standards in Iran," the official told Reuters, declining to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media. Turkey and Iran will also organise joint tours for the Asian market that will include visiting cities in southeast Turkey and Iran, the official said, adding the agreement was signed during a Turkish delegation visit to Tehran that started on Thursday. Tourism industry officials expect more than 2 million Iranians to visit Turkey this year, up from 1.7 million last year. In the first four months of 2016, there has been a seven per cent increase on last year. That's a rare bit of good news for Turkey's tourism industry, which has seen revenues tumble nearly 17 percent in the first quarter, hit by a series of militant bombings and worsening ties with Russia. Shi'ite Iran has stood by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since the start of the uprising against him, while mainly Sunni Turkey has been one of Assad's fiercest critics, supporting his opponents and giving refuge to rebel fighters. Sectarian divisions have flared up in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia's Sunni allies rallying behind it as it cut diplomatic ties with Iran, the region's main Shi'ite power. Turkey has close ties with Riyadh.-Reuters Adrenaline junkies looking for a challenging expedition on a mountain would be thrilled to know the top mountains to climb in this world. By climbing, we mean the one involving ropes and harnesses. Matterhorn Starting the list is a mountain that caters to climbers of all levels. This mountain in The Alps boasts great icy backgrounds and wide green fields. The routes can get a little challenging. Beginners are advised to hire a guide who knows the place. One climb eats up five to six days. Best climbing times are from July to September. Kilimanjaro Although this climb does not require climbing equipment, the route is just as challenging as the mountains in this list. Experienced climbers recommend this site in Tanzania because of its view: climbers can see Earth's curvature. One climb takes 10 days. Khuiten Head over to Mongolia and enjoy a climb to one of the world's least accessible peaks. Climbers must even hire camels to carry some of the camping stuff for a one-day trek to the base camp. Together with other experienced climbers, visitors must spend 15 days to experience the challenging crevasses of Mount Khuiten. Elbrus Russia offers a great experience for climbers who want a climb that involves ice. The white, snowy caps surrounding the adventurers once they arrive at the mountain peak is a fantastic view to behold. One whole climbing experience would take 12 days. Seven days are just for climbing. Experts recommend climbing from July to early September. Everest Of course, Everest has got to be on the list. This summit in the Himalayas is unarguably the highest mountain peak in the whole world. However, one who plans on climbing it must be really prepared for the journey. It is no secret that hundreds of people have already died trying to climb the mountain. Interested parties must set aside 18 days for the trip. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Due to the catastrophic fire that hit Fort McMurray, risking the lives of about 80,000 residents, airlines WestJet and Canadian North didn't mind breaking the rules of letting animals fly to save them from the blazing fires. While residents left their homes, many animals were abandoned since they are aware that they cannot travel with them. Fortunately, animal rescue groups helped to rescue the animals and also helped them reunite with their owners. To ensure that the pets will not be separated from their families, two Canadian airlines offered to help. Theres been nothing really usual about whats taking place, said Lauren Stewart, spokesperson of WestJet, in an interview with BuzzFeed Canada. People have just shown up there with whatever they could grab, pets included. Usually, dogs and other pets would ride in cargo while inside a cage. But since most of the people left with their dogs without a cage because of the situation in Fort McMurray, the airlines allowed the animals to ride with the humans in the main cabin without a kennel or a cage. The evacuees are flown to either Calgary or Edmonton. One flight of the Canadian North to Edmonton had 130 human passengers with 19 dogs, five cats and two turtles. During the 53-minute trip, the animals lay on the people's lap. "There really were no other options. We weren't going to let people leave their pets behind. We know how much they love them and we love animals, too," Canadian North spokesperson Kelly Lewis said, according to CBC News. Meanwhile, the WestJet will run about 70 flights between Thursday and Friday to accommodate more evacuees- both humans and animals. The flights are memorable not just for the passengers but even for the flight crew as well. Flight attendant Wanda Murray of Canadian North describes the moment as emotional. "When we touched down, we got a standing ovation. It brought tears to our eyes. They are the heroes, not us. It's a flight that will always remain in my memory," she said. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 1. Swiss Beauties Switzerland is a world capital of one of humanity's great indulgences: chocolate. At the same time it epitomizes discipline and punctuality with its watches and trains. The two magnificent scenic trains are the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. The Glacier Express, from Piz Bernina to the Matterhorn, climbs some 6,600 feet, crosses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and crosses the Oberalp Pass on a journey that distills the beauty of the Alps into an intense eight-hour experience. The Bernina Express from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy, makes the highest of all rail crossings of the Alps, going from glaciers to palm trees. It crosses 196 bridges and passes through 55 tunnels, while winding around countless spectacular switchbacks on the UNESCO-cited Rhaetian Railroad. If only Hannibal had known that he could take this scenic train from St. Moritz to Tirano and enjoy lunch in Italy in just three hours' time. 2. Railroad in the Sky: Tren Ecuador The journey starts in the Northern Andes towards Otavalo. The highest peak in the equator, the snowcapped Cayambe volcano appears. The landscape changes constantly: from fertile green valleys to yellow dry forests as we continue to Otavalo and its millenary market. A restored steam engine awaits us at Otavalo train station. You can experience skilled woodcarvers who keep alive the renowned Quitena School style; a tasting of the rich Ecuadorian Gastronomy, and local traditions featured in weavers, musicians and healers. Then descend 3600 meters (11811 ft.) from the heights of the Andes to the shore of the Pacific Ocean, traveling along the famous "Avenue of Volcanoes". Here, the Andes split into two ranges that run to the south. 3. Seward's Trolley See the wilderness of Alaska located between Anchorage and Seward on the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Train makes the remote and rugged accessible to riders. The train climbs mountain peaks, passing glaciers and river valleys along the way. At almost every bend in the track, rail riders can expect to see something amazing, whether it's mountain vistas, glaciers, ragged coastline or such wildlife as moose, dall sheep, grizzly bears and bald eagles. The ride finds itself prominently included among several itineraries in Alaska Railroad's catalogue. 4. The Path of Pilgrims El Transcantabrico saloons are delights of railway heritage, some of them being original 1923 Pullman cars. All of the carriages have been specifically renovated and decorated for these luxury trains. This is a truly wonderful, evocative way of travelling around the beautiful landscapes of northern Spain, from Galicia to the shores of the Bay of Biscay, taking in the rich culture and cuisine of Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Castile and Leon. All the while, regional gastronomy, art, monuments and landscapes are presented to travellers from the comfort of a five-star 'train hotel'. The itinerary makes El Transcantabrico Clasico a unique mode of transport for this less-visited part of Europe. 5. The Canadian Mountaineer The Canadian Rockies comprise the Canadian segment of the North American Rocky Mountains. They are the eastern part of the Canadian Cordillera, which is a system of multiple ranges of mountains which runs from the Canadian Prairiesto the Pacific Coast. The Rocky Mountaineer is the Grand Tourist Experience with prices to match, and it's now the only passenger train on the 1885 Canadian Pacific route between Banff and Vancouver. Over theCanadian Pacific Railway(CP) on theFirst Passage to the West route from Vancouver, British Columbia via Kamloopsto BanfforCalgary, Alberta. Over the Canadian National Railway (CN) on theJourney through the Clouds route from Vancouver via Kamloops to Jasper, Alberta. The Rainforest to Gold Rushroute over the CN operated portion from North Vancouver via Whistler and Quesnel through Prince Georgeto Jasper. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 According to a recent survey, 54 percent of Americans believe in extraterrestrials. If you are one of the people who do, saddle up your pack bags and travel to these places. Area 51, Nevada This area is known as the parking site of the famous Roswell spaceship. The American government is believed to be covering up this incident. For a first-hand experience, visit Little A'Le'Inn. The place is full of alien enthusiasts. Aurora, Texas In 1897, the first reported alien spaceship crash in America was reported. According to the news, the Martian pilot died on the spot. Interested travelers can visit the site where the Martian is supposedly buried. Elmwood, Wisconsin Elmwood is known to Wisconsin as the unidentified flying objects capital. Sightings of extraterrestrial spaceships are reported ever since 1970. The UFO Days, an annual gathering of alien enthusiasts, is held here every last week of July. Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York The first "Men in Black" movie portrayed the three towers found in this place as spaceships in disguise. Although these buildings are just a result of modernist architecture, alien believers still visit this place for that otherworldly experience. Grover's Mill, New Jersey When Orson Welles broadcasted the Halloween special "War of The Worlds" in 1938, he decided to choose Grover's Mill as the landing site of aliens. A monument was built here to serve as a reminder of that broadcast. Kennedy Space Center, Florida Astronauts have also experienced strange encounters in outer space. Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have opened its doors to the public. Alien enthusiasts can visit the place and then listen to the agency's explanation on the strange extraterrestrial encounters. Roswell, New Mexico In 1947, an alien spaceship was said to crash on a New Mexico ranch. The American government is supposedly covering this incident up. To commemorate the said incident, Roswell USO Festival is celebrated from June 29 to July 1. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Surprisingly, even if we live in the modern times, there are still stories of witches and other mysterious events like in the village of Trasmoz. This village in Spain is known as the Witch Village with only 62 residents and it is said that the cursed area has a robust spell that only the Pope can elevate. The whole saga of witchcraft in Trasmoz starts here, at this castle, Lola Ruiz Diaz, a modern day witch said in an interview with BBC News. During the 13th Century, the castle occupants dedicated their time to forging fake coins. And to keep the people of Trasmoz from investigating all that scraping and hammering, they spread a rumor that witches and sorcerers were rattling chains and forging cauldrons to boil magic potions at night. It worked, and Trasmoz was forever associated with witchcraft. Because of the wealth provided by the iron and silver mines, Trasmoz enjoyed independence and the territory is not affiliated with the Catholic Church. Residents don't even have to pay for taxes or dues. This rumor of witchcraft, moved the Archbishop of Tarazona to excommunicate the village, which means that they were not allowed to do confessions or take the holy sacraments at any Catholic church. A mix of Jews, Christian and Arabs comprised the rich locals of the area and they did not care about the excommunication. But when the monastery diverted water from the village without paying for it, Lord of Trasmoz, Pedro Manuel Ximenez de Urrea, sent his army to beat up the abbot and his monks. The abbot then complained to King Ferdinand II but the actions of Trasmoz were easily forgiven because of some quick cash. Yet, the church still cannot accept their defeat. Hence, Pope Julius II cursed the village by chanting Psalm 108 in Latin which left the illiterate peasants scared. Up to this day, the curse is not yet lifted. The Trasmoz castle was burned to the ground in 1520 and the village fell when Jews were expelled from Spain. From 10,000 inhabitants, the village only has 62 people in it and there are not schools or shops in the area. But there is a small museum within the ruins of the castle, located at the foothills of the snow-covered Moncayo Mountain in Aragon. One can see witchcraft items in it like cauldrons, brooms and black crucifixes. This is La Tia Casca, the last witch to be killed in Trasmoz, in 1860, Ruiz said, referring to a sculpture of a woman in the castle's courtyard. A deadly epidemic had broken out and neither cure nor explanation was found. So they blamed La Tia Casca, as she was thought to be strange and secretive." These days, they celebrate La Feria de Brujeria every June wherein potions and lotions made from herbs grown in the Mocayo Mountains are being sold. There are also re-enactments of how witches are killed and they will choose the Witch of the Year, who has knowledge of herbal medicine that surprisingly works, Kidapride wrote. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 13 Alleging that the Narendra Modi-led BJP government had taken an anti-Punjab stand in the Supreme Court on Punjabs river waters yesterday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has rebuked the SAD-BJP alliance for adopting double standards and committing fraud with the people of the state. Not only does the BJP stands exposed for taking an anti-Punjab stand on the states river water issue in the apex court, it has also unmasked the Parkash Singh Badal-led Punjab Government for being an alliance partner in the Central Government in which Harsimrat Kaur Badal is a Union Cabinet Minister, said the AAPs legal cell head, Himmat Singh Shergill, while addressing a press conference here. Shergill, who was accompanied by AAP spokesperson Kultar Singh, referred to the newspaper reports regarding the governments stand. Shergill said, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar representing the Union Government in the Supreme Court has categorically supported the cause of Haryana and Rajasthan and their right over Punjabs river waters. Shergill said Badal and his party had no moral right to stay in alliance with the BJP at the Centre if he had even an iota of respect and affection for the people of Punjab. He should apologise and ask his daughter-in-law and Union Cabinet Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal to resign immediately, he said. Badals failure to press upon Harsimrat to quit the Modi government would only be considered treacherous by the people of Punjab, he said. Shergill said this was not the first time the Centre had taken an anti- Punjab stand on its river waters in the apex court. Earlier also, the Union Government had filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court favouring an early completion of the SYL canal. Kultar Singh said while Badal had been saying that the state had not a drop of water to share, Harsimrat Kaur Badal stood by the Modi governments stand against Punjab. Tribune News Service Mansa, May 13 Tightening the noose on the people who continue to violate the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA) 2003, the Mansa district administration has imposed a fine on eight persons today. The department has collected Rs 192 from the violators. In a move to counter the tobacco consumption in public places, the health department started a collective drive to curb the menace of public tobacco consumption. District administrative officials asked the health department to instruct the PRTC (Pepsu Road Transport Corporation) to display the stickers depicting the dangers of tobacco consumption in buses. The instructions have also issued to the education department to keep the check on the sale of tobacco near the education institutions and especially schools and colleges in complete district. The health department has also asked the officials of the education department to stay in contact with the officials to prevent the sale of tobacco around the 100 metres from the educational institutions. The health authorities are taking keen interest to nab the violators and they are also imposing fines on the violators. said Varinder Sharma Mansa Deputy Commissioner. Civil Surgeon Mansa Dr Vinod Kumar Beri said, Tobacco causes a wide-range of diseases and put adverse impacts on health. The smoke from from Cigarettes causes serious health problems. Sandeep Rana Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 14 It was a scene straight out of a hospital at the District Courts today with doctors inspecting X-rays and examining accident victims inside the courtrooms as Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) cases were taken up during the National Lok Adalat. As judges sat across the table with accused drivers and victims to settle the compensation amount in a few minutes, doctors had an important role to play. The judges sought help of the doctors to look into medical records and bills presented by the victims and find out the extent of injuries suffered by them. Based on these points, the judges decided the amount of compensation in minutes. The judges and advocates were seen negotiating the compensation amount based on the advice of doctors and particular case. In normal routine, such cases take a long time as doctors are summoned as mere witnesses. The process helped the judiciary to dispose of 10 MACT cases in a single day today. We select cases that are at the end stage and solved them with mutual compromise of the two parties in a single day. We got a doctor on board to help speed up the process, said Mahavir Singh, member secretary, State Legal Services Authority, who inspected the District Courts complex, along with Secretary Amarinder Sharma. Rs 1.70 lakh relief to man hurt in mishap Johny, a resident of Sector 38 (West), had to stay away from his job for around 10 months after the bone of his left leg broke in a hit-&-run case. He used to do a marketing job with a printing press. When he was riding his scooter, he was hit by a speeding car on his way back home in 2013. The court today awarded him a compensation of Rs 1.70 lakh in this case. 6,606 cases disposed of A total of 6,606 cases were disposed of at the National Lok Adalat. Out of these, 10 MACT cases were settled and a sum of Rs 32,64,770 was awarded as compensation. Around 6,526 traffic challans were disposed of and a sum of Rs 4,00,850 was realised as fine. Also, 50 cases pertaining to state transport authority, Shop Act and Company Act were disposed of and Rs 92,700 was imposed and realised as fine, 19 untraceable reports were settled and one civil suit pertaining to Rs 30 lakh was also settled between the parties. The Supreme Courts ruling on criminal defamation comes as a disappointment. The state uses criminal defamation to intimidate media, political opponents, whistleblowers and NGOs, coerces them to adopt self-censorship and dissuades them from exposing wrongdoing. Justices Dipak Misra and PC Pant have observed that criminal defamation doesnt have any chilling effect on freedom of speech. The fact that they chose to caution the judges handling defamation cases to be extremely careful while issuing summons shows they recognise the harassment caused in the pursuit of the case itself. Editors and journalists are frequently put to inconvenience as defamation suits are filed on flimsy grounds, sometimes deliberately in remote areas. Chief Minister Jayalalithaas government alone has initiated 100-odd defamation cases against media and politicians. Defamation is treated as a civil offence in countries across the world. The Human Rights Committee of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has called upon nations to abolish criminal defamation. In India criminal defamation invites a jail of two years; in a civil suit only damages are paid on conviction. Truth is a complete defence in a civil case but not so in criminal defamation where the court has to be satisfied that it is uttered in public interest. The governments arguments were: (1) In India citizens may not have money to pay damages for civil defamation (2) civil cases can take up to 20 years to settle (3) a criminal offence alone can effectively counter defamation in social media and (4) the law is part of the states compelling interest to protect the dignity and reputation of citizens. The petitioners Subramanian Swamy, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, who all face defamation cases had rightly pleaded that criminal defamation was used as a weapon to kill free speech. It is a tool not only in the hands of the government to stifle criticism but also powerful politicians and crooked businessmen who use the threat of criminal defamation to intimidate critics. Civil defamation is a sufficient deterrent to misuse of the constitutional right to free speech. There is merit in the argument that the case should have been decided by a Constitution Bench since the constitutionality of Sections 499 and 500 of the IPC was challenged. Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 14 Academicians and secular and democratic activists from across the state have assailed the manner in which Jagmati Sangwan, general secretary of the All-India Democratic Women Association (AIDWA) was prevented from addressing girl students from the USA, faculty as well as students in BPS Womens University at Khanpur (Sonepat) yesterday by withdrawing her invitation a night before the event due to her views contrary to the saffron ideology. The activists, including Dr RS Dahiya, a retired professor of surgery from PGIMS, Rohtak, Shubha Sharma, Santosh Mudgil, Swaran Kumar Sethi and Mahavir Sharma, all retired college principals, Ramneek Mohan, Rajinder Chaudhary, Manmohan, Mahavir Narwal and Sudhir Sharma, all retired professors from various universities, and several others alleged it was part of a series of BJP governments crackdown on autonomy of educational institutes across the country. Mick Minad and Shashi Gogate, US authors, had jointly penned a book The Poetry of Purpose: A portrait of Women Leaders of India. The book portrayed the success stories of 20 Indian women, including Jagmati Sangwan, who broke social barriers and taboos to carve a niche for them as social entrepreneurs. Micks sister, Sara, a teacher in the Social Enterprise Institute of the Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, is in India with 25 girl students for India Dialogue, under which they are participating in seminars in different parts of the country where women mentioned in Micks books share their stories. On May 13, Sangwan was to share her story as a keynote speaker in a seminar Social Enterprises and Sustainable Development in India at BPS Womens University, Khanpur (Sonepat). The organisers conveyed to Sangwan on the night of May 12 that they have been asked by the office of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to drop Sangwans name from the list of speakers, alleged Dr Dahiya and other academicians. The democratic organistaions of the state take a strong note of the incident and want the state government to immediately clarify its position on the matter, he alleged. Sangwan had challenged the state governments decision to impose conditions on candidates contesting the recently held panchayat elections in the state and had withdrawn her name from the nominees for women achievers award of the Union Women and Child Development Ministry on the issue. Dr Asha Kadyan, Vice Chancellor, BPS Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, however, denied allegations of the activists and said there was no seminar in the university as such. We have an MoU with the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP). Students from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, had come to visit the university under a UNDP programme and there was an open house discussion in a hall, she maintained. Pratibha Chauhan Tribune News Service Shimla, May 14 With formalities for the acquisition of 400 bighas at Jathiadevi near the Jubbarhatti airport completed, the state could shortly sign an MoU with Singapore Cooperation Enterprises for setting up a mini township to decongest the state capital. The Board of Directors of the Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) has already given approval to the township at its meeting in Dharamsala earlier this month. The authority has already purchased 250 bighas of land from private owners and a chunk of 138 bighas of government land has been carved out for the township that will come up 17 km from the state capital. Sudhir Sharma, Urban Development and Town and Country Planning Minister, said talks had been held with officials of the Singapore company that was executing a similar project in Rajasthan. Dinesh Kashyap, Chief Executive Officer, HIMUDA, said he would be visiting Rajasthan shortly to see the work being carried out there. He said experts of the Singapore company would be asked to prepare a master plan of the township covering all components, including landscaping. He said various facilities, such as transport, community centre, bus stands and parks, would be provided for the benefit of those residing in the township. Having identified sizeable chunks of land near Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Hamirpur and Dharamsala, HIMUDA has asked the State Infrastructure Development Board to complete formalities with regard to floating Expression of Interest (EOI) so that a transaction adviser can be appointed. An integrated township policy has been jointly prepared by the Housing, Law, Finance and Revenue Departments for developing satellite townships. The policy, once ready, will be placed before the Cabinet for approval. Ravi Krishnan Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, May 14 The Army continues to send its men and cannons to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in a bid to keep its men ready for battle after the Defence Ministry flagging the issue of dearth of field firing ranges in Jammu and Kashmir due to non-renewal of lease by the state government. The cumbersome process of sending troops and artillery to Bobina and Mahajan field firing ranges in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, respectively, is still on, said Army sources. The sources said the practice of moving troops and arms and ammunition, including cannons, to field firing ranges in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan has not only put an avoidable burden on the state exchequer, but hampered operational preparedness and counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir as well. After the state government refused to renew lease of field firing ranges, the Army has been sending troops and canons via train to Bobina and Mahajan ranges since January 2015, they added. Under such circumstances, the Army had no option but to send men and machinery outside the state for perfecting artillery fire and other warfare tactics, the sources said. Jammu and Kashmir shares its borders with China and Pakistan, the two countries which have fought wars with India. Firing ranges are an indispensable requirement of the Army to keep its men ready. The Northern Command has been time and again flagging the issue before the Defence Ministry, said a defence source. Even the Defence Ministry has said restrictions imposed by successive state governments vis-a-vis firing ranges have compounded problems of the Army. There are no such restrictions for our adversary on the other side of the western border, the source added. On February 12, the Northern Command chief, Lt Gen DS Hooda, said the Garhi field firing range was notified to the Army and he was hopeful of getting Kalith and Hirangar ranges soon. He had hoped for forward movement on ranges in Ladakh and wished that things moved faster in Kashmir as well. A rider by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests on May 28 last year of a 10-km safety zone around field firing ranges had made things difficult for the Army in re-notification of 10 firing ranges. A fleet of over 25 multi-axle vehicles of the Army moved from Punjab into the Jammu region on Friday night to relocate tanks in the border state. Ravi S. Singh Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 14 Chandigarh-based Avneet Setya, one of the two sons-in-law of Sant Nirankari Mission chief and spiritual leader Baba Hardev Singh, has succumbed to his injuries. Baba Hardev Singh was killed in a car accident while he was on his way from New York to Montreal. A national functionary of the mission said Setya died in hospital in Montreal, Canada, yesterday evening. He and two other men, including another son-in-law of the leader, were travelling in the ill-fated car which met with an accident in Beauharnois near Montreal yesterday morning. Read: Nirankari chief dies at 62 in Canada car accident Setya was critically injured in the accident. The other two who were injured have been discharged from the hospital. The mortal remains of Baba Hardev Singh will arrive Delhi from Canada on Monday afternoon. The body will be kept at one of the mission's congregation centres at Burari village for darshan of the devotees. It will be consigned to flames on May 18 in the afternoon. Washington, May 14 China has increased defence capabilities and deployed more troops along the Indian border, the Pentagon has said, as it warned of increasing Chinese military presence, including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan. We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters during a news conference here after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China. However, Denmark said it is difficult to conclude on the real intention behind this. It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration, he said in response to a question on China upgrading its military command in Tibet. Referring to US Defence Secretary Ashton Carters recent trip to India, Denmark said he had a very positive and productive visit. Were going to continue to enhance our bilateral engagement with India, not in the China context, but because India is an increasingly important player by themselves. And we are going to engage India because of its value, he said. The Defence Department also warned of Chinas increasing military presence including bases in various parts of the world, in particular Pakistan, with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests. Chinas expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said. China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries, the report said. The Pentagon in its report expressed its concerns over the Chinese military build-up near the Indian border. Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino-Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces. After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides, it said. The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and, therefore, of China), and over the Askai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. Chinas interests are getting more global as their economy expands and as their economy grows more sophisticated and modern. Their interests are growing more global, which we see as a primary driver for, for instance, in the announcement of establishing a facility in Djibouti, Denmark said. And so naturally, its understandable that they would be operating in new areas. But that does not include a value statement about the intentions behind these actions or the effects of these actions, he said. The Pentagon said as Chinas global footprint and international interests grow, its military modernisation programme has become more focused on investments and infrastructure to support a range of missions beyond its periphery, including power projection, sea lane security, counter-piracy, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. People Liberation Armys (PLA) global operations in 2015 included counter-piracy patrols, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, exercises, and sea lane security operations. Chinas November 2015 public confirmation of its intention to build its first overseas military support facility in Djibouti likely reflects this more global outlook, as it will be utilised to sustain the PLANs operations at greater distances from China, it said. However, Chinas overseas naval logistics aspiration may be constrained by the willingness of countries to support a PLAN presence in one of their ports. The Pentagon said Pakistan remains Chinas primary customer for conventional weapons. China engages in both arms sales and defense industrial cooperation with Pakistan, including LY-80 surface-to-air missile systems, F-22P frigates with helicopters, main battle tank production, air-to-air missiles, and anti-ship cruise missiles. In June 2014, Pakistan started co-producing the first two of 50 Block 2 JF-17s, which is an upgraded version of the Block I JF-17, it said. In October 2013, Chinese and Indian officials signed the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement, which supplements existing procedures managing the interaction of forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The report said that China and India continue to accuse each other of frequent incursions and military build-ups along the disputed territories, with the most recent incident occurring in September 2015 along the LAC at Burtse in Northern Ladakh. After a five-day standoff, China and India held a senior-level flag meeting and agreed to maintain peace and retreat to positions mutually acceptable to both sides. Noting that Chinas use of force in territorial disputes has varied widely throughout its history, it said some disputes led to war, such as Chinas border conflicts with India in 1962 and Vietnam in 1979. In more recent cases, China has been willing to compromise with and even offer concessions to its neighbours. Since 1998, China has settled 11 land-based territorial disputes with six of its neighbours. In recent years, China has adopted a coercive approach that eschews military conflict in order to deal with several disputes continue over exclusive economic zones and ownership of potentially rich, offshore oil and gas deposits, the Pentagon said. PTI New Delhi, May 14 Delhi Police has arrested a journalist for allegedly fabricating an RTI reply to publish a news report claiming the government was discriminating against Muslims and denying them jobs of yoga trainers in the Ayush Ministry. Pushp Sharma has been arrested under charges of cheating, forgery and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc. in connection with a case registered a Kotla Mubarakpur Police Station, Additional DCP (South) Nupur Prasad said today. In March, the Delhi-based journalist was booked in the case which was registered days after his report We dont recruit Muslims: Modi govts Ayush ministry appeared in a fortnightly English language newspaper. After registration of the FIR, the police questioned Sharma, a resident of Dayanand Colony in southeast Delhi, for three days but he was arrested last evening. Sharma was produced at a city court today. Zafarul-Islam Khan, chief editor of the newspaper, said: The Ayush Ministry FIR against the journalist and the Press Council of Indias suo motu action are clear attempts to stifle the freedom of the press. While the Ayush Ministry was quick to file a complaint with the police, it failed to make any contact in any manner with the news magazine. Moreover, the PCI, instead of protecting journalists and media publications, seems to be taking the side of the government, he alleged. A senior police officer said Sharma had earlier been arrested in 2009 on the charge of extorting government officials by threatening sting operations on them. There were also allegations that Sharma tried to extort police officers on one occasion. The ministry had earlier condemned the misreporting which it claimed was aimed at causing a chasm between different sections of society and promoting disharmony and mistrust with ulterior motives. Sharma had claimed he filed an RTI with the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) enquiring about the Muslim teachers and trainers recruited by it for foreign assignments during the World Yoga Day last year, to which the ministry responded writing that they dont recruit Muslims. PTI Box Reported against Ayush Ministry * Pushp Sharma allegedly fabricated an RTI reply to publish a news report claiming the government was discriminating against Muslims * The Delhi-based journalist had claimed the Ministry of Ayush in response to his RTI query had stated it did not recruit Muslims for foreign assignments * Sharma has been booked for cheating, forgery and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 14 Chandigarh-based Avneet Setya, one of the two sons-in-law of the deceased Sant Nirankari Mission chief Baba Hardev Singh, has succumbed to his injuries. He was among those travelling with the sect chief in a car that met with an accident near Montreal, Canada, yesterday. Baba Hardev Singhs body will be kept at one of the congregation centres in Burari village here from May 16 till the morning of May 18 for antim darshan to enable devotees to pay their last respects and consigned to flames at the Nigam Bodh Ghat in the afternoon. A functionary of the Nirankari Mission said Setya passed away last evening. Babas other son-in-law, Sandeep Khinda, and a New York-based devotee, Vivek Sharma, escaped with minor injuries. They were discharged from hospital yesterday. "The car overturned, probably due to some technical fault. A rescue team arrived at the crash site and rushed the occupants to a hospital in Montreal, said a Mission functionary. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) To dispel the impression that the Mission had been reluctant to give out details of the tragic accident, he said: "The shocking news spread fast over the social media, but details of the accident poured in slowly." A communique said: In the demise of Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh ji, the world has lost an apostle of love, peace, tolerance and universal brotherhood. President Pranab Mukherjee said: I am sad and distressed to learn about the untimely demise of Baba Hardev Singh, a pious soul who was always concerned about the welfare of the community." KV Prasad Tribune News Service Thiruvananthapuram, May 14 Will Kerala see a swing away from cyclic change of government oscillating from the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF)? Or would the presence of the BJP alter a settled equation? That is a question being looked at as Kerala goes to polls on Monday to elect new 140-member Legislative Assembly. The LDF leadership claims the voter is in a mood to end the five-year misrule of the Oommen Chandy government while Congress chief VM Sudheeran assert UDF will retain power, breaking the pattern of voting out the incumbent. We are winning and our position is good, CPMs CM aspirant Pinarayi Vijayan said, during his campaign trail in Dharamadam in north Kerala last week. Yet, by all accounts the presence of the BJP, which made inroads by entering a few municipalities, stitched up an alliance with the Bharat Dharam Jana Seva (BDJS) floated recently by Ezhava community leader Vellapally Natesan. The Ezhavas have a significant presence among the Hindus and support both with the LDF and UDF. The BJP is hoping to make the lotus bloom in the Kerala House, a distinct possibility at least in the capital city. While PM Modi enjoys following in the state, his remark during an election rally here on May 7 comparing infant mortality rates among tribal population as worse than Somalia, has been attracted scorn in the social media. In a three-way battle for the ballot, the electoral race is tight and adding to the confusion among the average voter is a constant campaign by the LDF, UDF and the BJP each taking turns in accusing one of surreptitiously supporting the other. The BJP says the LDF and UDF will help each other against it; the LDF charges the Congress and the BJP having an unwritten pact, while the UDF denies any such arrangement. Today CM Chandy said the fight was between UDF and LDF. Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 13 Accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of spreading malicious rumours about the industry moving out of Punjab, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said today that the state was on course to become an industrial giant. Sukhbir, who was here to inaugurate the Amritsar Haat, a replica of the Lahore Food Street, said AAP had no knowledge about the glorious history of Punjab and Sikhs. AAP is infiltrated by Naxalite elements, which doesnt augur well for a democratic set-up, he added. Unveiling his plan for Amritsar, he announced that in the coming six months, Rs 500-600 crore would be spent on the beautification and development of the holy city. Sukhbir said his recent visit to China had been fruitful as 5-6 companies were ready to set up a cycle plant in the state. He added that a cycle plant would come up in Ludhiana on 300 acres and it would produce 15 lakh cycles and provide employment to 1 lakh people. He said a quilt plant would be set up in Amritsar at a cost of Rs 200 crore, employing 2,000 people. He clarified that the Punjab Government had no role in blocking a Zee channel as this was done by the Union Governments regulatory body on the media. Earlier, Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal paid obeisance at the Golden Temple along with Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Amritsar Haat has been developed by the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) along with the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) with the purpose of preserving the cultural, artistic and culinary traditions of Punjab. Dhaka, May 14 A 70-year-old Buddhist monk was on Saturday hacked to death inside a monastery in southeast Bangladesh, as the Muslim-majority country reels under a series of brutal killings of secular activists and minorities by Islamists. Mawng Shoi Wuu, chief of the monastery located in the isolated and rugged Naikkhangchari area of Bandarban hill district, was found dead this morning by a Buddhist devotee as he went to serve him breakfast, the police said. The assailants slit his throat... it appears he was murdered sometime after the midnight when he was staying alone at the monastery, officer-in-charge of Naikkhangchhari police station Kazi Ahsan told over phone. The killing bears the hallmark of previous murders of intellectuals, bloggers and minorities by Islamists in the country. The latest murder comes exactly a week after a 65-year- old Muslim Sufi preacher was hacked to death in a similar attack by unidentified machete-wielding assailants in northwestern Rajshahi city. No group has claimed responsibility for the murder of the monk so far and an investigation has been ordered to track down the assailants. The monastery was situated at an isolated area away from the villages in the neighbourhood and Mawng Shoi Wuu used to live there alone, locals said. There have been systematic assaults in Bangladesh in recent weeks especially targeting minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and foreigners. In the recent attacks, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death last month by machete-wielding ISIS militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. Two days later, Bangladeshs first gay magazine editor was brutally murdered along with a friend in his flat in Dhaka by Islamists. On April 30, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants in his shop in central Bangladesh. PTI Washington, May 13 Key American lawmakers are not prepared to support US giving military aid to Pakistan without some specific actions by that country in combating terrorism, the Obama administration has said. Key members of Congress have been clear theyre not prepared to support US military aid to Pakistan absent some specific actions, State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters. Trudeau, however, would not say what specific actions US lawmakers want Pakistan to take before they can support the military aid. I would direct you to Congress, those specific members, for anything further on their position. As always, we are committed to working with Congress to deliver security assistance to our partners and allies. It furthers US goals by building capacity to meet shared security challenges, she said. Asked if the State Department is willing to certify that Islamabad is taking enough action against the Haqqani network, Trudeau said: Weve spoken about our views on Haqqani quite a bit as well as what we view Pakistan needs to do. She said Pakistan has said they would not discriminate against militant groups. We could encourage them to continue to live up to that, she said. Meanwhile The New York Times in an editorial praised Senator Bob Corker, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for putting a hold on the sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan with American taxpayers money. Senator Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has wisely barred the use of American aid to underwrite Pakistans purchase of eight F-16s. Pakistan will still be allowed to purchase the planes, but at a cost of USD 700 million instead of about the USD 380 million, The Times Editorial Board said. Mr Corker told The Times he would lift the hold on the aid if Pakistan cracks down on the Haqqani network, which he called the No 1 threat to Afghanistan and American troops there, it said, adding that it is time to put the squeeze on Pakistan. Pakistans double game has long frustrated American officials, and it has grown worse. There are now efforts in Washington to exert more pressure on Pakistan Army, it said. Responding to the damning editorial, Pakistans Ambassador to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani, said allegations of duplicity and double game are extremely painful especially when his country has suffered the most due to war in Afghanistan. Instead of putting the entire blame on Pakistan, it would have been better had the editorial also commented on the protracted Afghan refugee issue and lack of border management among the underlying reasons for regional instability. Omitting such fundamental questions, that impede a long term solution to the Afghan problem, smack partisanship on part of the New York Times, Jilani wrote. PTI Minutes before 10 a.m. Saturday, the nearly 1-mile stretch of South Main Street in Broken Arrow was cordoned off and eerily empty. Spectators lined the sidewalks standing, sitting in lawn chairs or truck beds, or curbside behind the yellow caution-tape barrier. Depending on ones vantage point along the roadway, attendees heard the drum cadences signifying the parade start before seeing the first entries and floats pass by and with the floats came candy. When Weslea Beck, 8, snagged her first piece, she ran back to her dad, who was sitting a few feet behind her in a red camping chair. Just put it in your pocket! Brian Beck called, smiling. She did, stuffing it into her hoodie pocket and turning back to the parade. This years 85th annual Rooster Days parade included just under 90 individual entries, including the Pride of Broken Arrow marching band, antique cars carrying the Miss Rooster Days candidates, and vehicles and floats for area businesses. In addition to the parade, Rooster Days on Saturday also included carnival rides and concessions stationed at the end of the parade route at Central Park, 1500 S. Main St. Born and raised in Broken Arrow, Beck said he wanted his daughter to experience a staple of the town. I do miss it sometimes, coming down here for this. I have a young child, and its just something Ive always done, he said during the parade. Becks great-grandfather came to Broken Arrow from Illinois to work in the coal mines east of town. He said he can pinpoint his family members in photographs at the historical society. Beck said he wanted Weslea, who lives with her mom in Sand Springs, to come down and see how I grew up, he said. Midway through the parade, Weslea seemed to have gotten the hang of candy-gathering. She stood nearly as tall as the caution tape with one hand outstretched underneath, waiting and poised for someone to deposit a piece of candy or two. About 10:30 a.m., Beck lightened Wesleas candy haul from her bulging hoodie pocket, putting some in his own. Their plans after the parade? We went to the carnival last night, Beck explained. Now she has a few more things she wants to ride. So shes going to force us to go down there. The carnival grounds were about a mile south of the parades starting point. From South Main Street, attendees were greeted by the smell of fried corndog batter and funnel cakes emanating from nearly every food vendor stall. Past the concessions were standard carnival rides, like the Ferris wheel, the Zipper or the Hang Glider. The Hang Glider comprises 11 multi-colored two-person chairs, covered on top with a hang glider-esque sail. The chairs spin in a circle as the ride slowly lifts and tilts. It was definitely fun, Jaylynn Iwanski said after she hopped off. Her sister, 11-year-old Judy Iwanski, agreed. The two had come to Rooster Days with a younger sister and a friend from school. We try to get our dad on there, but hes like, No, Im going to throw up, Jaylynn said about the ride, imitating her dad who was standing a few feet away. About 11 a.m., they couldnt decide how many rides they had been on already. Jaylynn said three; Judy guessed two. AJ Stoner, the friend, said Maybe about five. This weeks debates between Mayor Dewey Bartlett and Councilor G.T. Bynum will be the first since Bartlett rejected Bynums request for weekly forums nearly a month ago. But with six weeks to go before the primary election, the two mayoral candidates have agreed so far to meet for six debates half of which are scheduled for this week. The first will be hosted by Tulsas Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 93 at its lodge Wednesday morning; two other debates are set for Friday. Bartlett said six face-offs are enough for him, but he would agree to more if deemed necessary. I dont think its the volume that matters, Bartlett said. Its the quality of the questions and answers. Bartlett said an overabundance of debates also runs the risk of boring the public. When there are a lot of repeat performances, people dont show up, Bartlett said. Theres a saturation point where theres too much. Bynum disagreed. I would go back to the proven model we used on both Improve Our Tulsa and the Vision process, Bynum said. We did it to the point of exhaustion the publics exhaustion but thats the point. You do these meetings until people are sick of it and ready to vote. Bynum said that process gives every part of the city the opportunity to engage with the candidates to make the campaign about what residents care about. We wont get that opportunity because the mayor wont agree to meet in a public forum, Bynum said. I dont think of ribbon cuttings on equal par with candidate forums. Theres no comparison between the two. Bynum said 15 local groups offered to host a forum, with Bartlett accepting only six. I dont think its too much to ask that the people who want to do that job do a job interview, Bynum said. Ive been hoping we could set a better standard for transparency and accessibility by setting meetings that any citizen in Tulsa could attend. Bartlett said his main focus is on the work of being mayor with the secondary focus being on the campaign. At the end of the day, my primary focus my primary job is being the mayor of Tulsa, Bartlett said. Many of the requested meetings or forums, we just couldnt do. At the end of the day, if given a choice between a candidate forum and going to a meeting to discourage Williams (Cos.) from leaving Tulsa, you know where Im going. Tulsa officers searching for a wanted fugitive on Friday took into custody three people with warrants out for their arrest after a brief standoff at an east Tulsa motel. Officers originally went to the Motel 6 Suites, 8181 E. 41st St., because they had received a tip that Michael Ray Bledsoe, 39, was hiding there, police said. Bledsoe was wanted on 16 counts, ranging from feloniously pointing a firearm, possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest and knowingly concealing stolen property, in connection with three separate felony charges, according to jail records. When officers arrived at the motel about 10 p.m. Friday, they spied Albert Ironheart-Paris, 37, and Bledsoe standing on a landing, police said. Ironheart-Paris, who was wanted on a Mayes County warrant alleging lewd molestation, surrendered. Bledsoe reportedly fled into the motel, police said. Officers breached the motel room door using a ram and found two women, both of whom surrendered. A K-9 was deployed, and officers learned Bledsoe had moved into the attic to hide, police said. Police evacuated several nearby rooms in the building, and then shot pepper balls into the attic. Bledsoe then surrendered, police said. During the standoff, officers also arrested 35-year-old Sarah Ann McCutchen on suspicion of harboring a fugitive, as well as previous traffic warrants, according to jail records. She is being held in lieu of $2,570 bond. Ironheart-Paris is being held without bond in Tulsa Jail. Bledsoe was arrested on a resisting arrest complaint and his previous felony warrants, according to jail records. He is being held without bond. OKLAHOMA CITY A bill removing speed limits from state law books and giving the Oklahoma Department of Transportation the power to set them is not expected to result in widespread changes, an agency spokeswoman said Friday. Gov. Mary Fallin earlier this week signed House Bill 3167, by House Speaker Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview, and Sen. Gary Stanislawski, R-Tulsa. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation did not request the bill and did not oppose it, said Terri Angier, an agency spokeswoman. The department has no intention of raising any of the speed limits across the board on any of the highways, but it allows us to look at specific situations, if requested, she said. The bill could result in additional costs to the agency during a budget downturn, because it could bring an increase in requests for speed studies, Angier said. In a tough budget year, that is definitely a concern, Angier said. In addition, the measure has created confusion among some members of the public, she said. Some erroneously believe the measure, which takes effect Nov. 1, will automatically increase speed limits, Angier said. This is not a bill to increase speed limits across the board, Angier said. This is a bill that removes the limits in statute to allow for possible exceptions based on engineering reasons, she said. The measure simply gives ODOT the authority to make adjustments based on engineering and traffic studies on different stretches of highway, Hickman said. Because speeds had been set in statute, the agency didnt have the ability to make adjustments, Hickman said. Any changes to speed limits on the states turnpikes would still have to be approved by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, said Jack Damrill, OTA spokesman. Doco presenter Simon Reeve heads off the tourist trail in a 2 part look at Greece, from the Islands of the Aegean to the rugged and mountainous north. Episode One: The first leg of Simon Reeves journey around Greece takes him from the holiday islands of the Aegean, to the capital city of Athens. He travels to Pserimos, where he goes underwater with the divers who still hunt for the natural sea sponge which made these islands rich. He hears how the islands population is struggling in the face of declining stocks and the wider economic crisis. Travelling onto Lesvos, Simon encounters another of the huge challenges facing the country: the migrant crisis. The island has become Europes frontline with thousands of refugees arriving daily, fundamentally changing the lives of the islanders. Greece with Simon Reeve airs Monday, 16 May at 8.30pm on SBS. This week on Foreign Correspondent, ABC Washington bureau chief Zoe Daniel reports on Come in Spinner where an Aussie entrepreneur is using drones for commercial deliveries. A giant leap for mankind or a hazardous lurch into the unknown? A tiny Australian venture is racing to rule the skies as drone companies vie to deliver mail, medicines and margherita pizza to your door. Zoe Daniel reports Drones, remotely piloted by an ever-expanding army of hobbyists and commercial operators, are filling the skies. But weve barely glimpsed what lies ahead. I see a not too distant future where drone deliveries are ubiquitous, where seeing a drone delivering a package to you or your neighbour is more common than seeing a postman or Fedex van deliver packages today. Matt Sweeny, drone entrepreneur Competition to be first and best is fiercest in the US. Up against behemoths like Google and Amazon is brash Australian start-up Flirtey which claims a victory in being the first drone company to make an approved commercial delivery. The ideas are big. So too is some of the hype. Today the drone business had what some are calling its Kitty Hawk moment. TV newscaster on Flirteys commercial milestone, invoking the Wright brothers historic 1903 flight Flirtey is teaming with experts in Nevada to develop smarter flying robots that wont plummet from the sky onto peoples heads. Theyre also working with NASA to design air traffic systems for drones, safely away from airline space. But many people still remain wary about drones on safety and privacy grounds and dire warnings are coming from Americas aviation industry. Last year commercial pilots reported about 1000 close encounters with drones near airports. They do have batteries in them that will wreak havoc on an aircraft. Whether it hits the windscreen, some piece of the flight control system or is ingested in the engine, this is going to be a significant event. US Airline Pilots Association president Stuck in the middle is the regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration. Its under pressure from the drone lobby and the Congress to open up the skies while keeping everyone safe. Were dealing with commercial aviation that has zero fatalities a year. We dont want that number to change. Mike Whitaker, FAA 9.30pm Tuesday May 17 on ABC. The Armed Forces of Ukraine will be reformed according to the international standards by the end of 2020. Lieutenant-General Oleksandr Dublian, the Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine, said this at a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "The reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and its move to the international standards will be completed by the end of 2020," Dublian said. According to him, the development plan for the Armed Forces of Ukraine till 2020 has been already approved. Dublian added that the modern Euro-Atlantic approaches had been taken into account. The Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine noted that the reform of the General Staff should be completed by the end of 2019. ol Militants launched 20 attacks on ATO troops in eastern Ukraine in last day. This is reported by the ATO Headquarters press center. The militants repeatedly opened fire from rocket-propelled grenades, heavy machine guns, small arms and 82mm mortars on our positions near the town of Avdiyivka. The occupiers also fired rocket-propelled grenades on our fortified positions near the town of Maryinka. In addition, the enemy sniper was working there, the report says. The situation was tense in the Mariupol sector. The Russian-backed illegal armed groups fired grenade launchers of various systems and small arms on the Ukrainian fortified positions near the villages of Shyrokyne and Hranitne. They also fired from infantry fighting vehicles twice on our positions near the village of Novohryhorivka. President Petro Poroshenko had a phone conversation with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden. The press service of the Head of State reported. Joseph Biden commended the appointment of Yuriy Lutsenko to the post of Prosecutor General of Ukraine and reiterated willingness of the United States to provide support for Ukraine in the prosecution reform and struggle against corruption. He noted the importance of legislative amendments on the establishment of General Inspection in the Prosecutor Generals Office. The President informed on measures aimed at improving public finance system and business climate in Ukraine. He is hopeful that the results of reforms in Ukraine would intensify support for our country by the United States, IMF and other international partners of Ukraine. The parties agreed to sign the bilateral agreement on the provision of the third tranche of loan guarantees in the amount of USD 1 billion to Ukraine shortly. Petro Poroshenko and Joseph Biden also coordinated further consolidated international sanction pressure on Russia during the G7 Summit in Japan on May 26-27 aimed at achieving real de-escalation of the situation in Donbas. ish President Petro Poroshenko held a meeting with Minister of National Defence of Turkey Ismet Ylmaz. The press service of the Head of State reported. The parties confirmed willingness to make every effort to ensure prompt fulfillment of arrangements reached in the course of the fifth session of the High Level Strategic Council between Ukraine and Turkey held in Ankara on March 9, 2016 and enhance strategic partnership between the two states. The parties agreed that Ukraine-Turkey cooperation had a significant potential and must be actively used. Special emphasis should be put on strategic spheres, particularly defense industry where the two countries have mutual interests and complementary capabilities. Ismet Ylmaz assured of Turkeys support for the idea of deploying the abovementioned mission in Donbas. The parties expressed indignation over further deterioration of situation with human rights in Crimea, particularly recent arrests of Crimean Tatar leaders by the occupation authorities. In his turn, Minister of National Defence of Turkey noted that his country did not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea and strongly condemned persecution of Crimean Tatars by the occupation authorities, particularly recent decision to prohibit Mejlis. The parties have discussed ways to enhance bilateral and multilateral interaction in the issue of ensuring security in the Black Sea region. ish Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman held a telephone conversation with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden. The dialogue was focused on the reform process in Ukraine and the first important steps of newly formed Cabinet of Ministers, the Governments portal of Ukraine reported. "Joseph Biden welcomed the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on establishment of a uniform market gas price and praised it as evidence of the Government to fight against corruption in the energy sector. The two sides also exchanged views on cooperation between Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund. Volodymyr Groysman expressed hope for successful outcome of negotiations with the IMF mission," reads a statement. Joseph Biden also commended the appointment of Yuriy Lutsenko to the post of Prosecutor General of Ukraine and reiterated willingness of the United States to provide support for Ukraine in the prosecution reform and struggle against corruption. ish Canada and the OSCE discussed ways to support Ukraine and to develop a democratic society. This was said on the results of the meeting of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Stephane Dion and Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Michael Georg Link, the Canadian Foreign Ministry reported. "Minister Dion and Director Link discussed ways on how Canada could support the ODIHR's efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, respect for human rights, tolerance, strengthening of the role of women, as well as help Ukraine to build a stable, democratic and prosperous future," reads the statement. According to Dion, Canada will continue to fully support the OSCE's work in different sectors. ish RUMONGE, Burundi, 13 May 2016 On the surface, the town of Rumonge looks like any other picturesque port city. Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, it is known mostly for fishing and trade. But like many towns in Burundi, there is another narrative emerging. The country has seen cycles of ethnic and political violence since its independence, with a fresh political crisis breaking out in 2015, only ten years after the previous one officially ended. Constant migrations linked to cyclic conflict have also led to tensions between former refugees and host communities, threatening community cohesion. As a modest economic hub, Rumonge in particular has seen considerable numbers of returnees arrive and settle. Alfred, 24, looks like any other young adult living in Rumonge. But like the town itself, there is more to him than meets the eye. Alfred is a peer educator, meaning he speaks to other young adults in his community about issues that affect them. I saw that in the community, people did not live in a good way with their neighbours. There are tensions between different groups, and they see each other as enemies. There was no solidarity before. As part of a peacebuilding programme run by UNICEF and partners, Alfred is working to ease some of those tensions. A core pillar of the strategy focuses on youth and adolescents, particularly developing their leadership and peacebuilding skills in order to strengthen their resilience against violence. With partner Province of the Anglican Church of Burundi (PEAB), UNICEF is supporting 60 peer educators like Alfred to build positive change in various parts of Burundi. I can see there has been a big change, says Alfred. After becoming a peer educator, I know I can live with my neighbours, and they can live with me. Eugenie, 24, a fellow peer educator from neighbouring Mutambara village, completely agrees. Besides being a peer educator, she serves as the head of her church choir, almost all of whose members are young. The peer education programme contributes to behavior change, surely. I am happy to be one of those who wants to make my village a better place for everyone. Not just talking Beyond fostering dialogue through positive role models, the approach also has young people working on projects together as a way to bridge differences. The accusations against the accuracy of the trending topics that appear on Facebook have gotten lots of reactions that range from controversy to puzzlement. Allegations in relation to liberal bias on Facebook are made explicit even among people who don't even know the sources that claim such allegations. On Tuesday, a leading Republican in Washington, John Thune, requested answers in relation to the controversy surrounding the question of accuracy of the trending news that surrounds Facebook. Thune wrote the following in response to demand answers from Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg in relation to the inaccurate trending news, as reported in CNN Money: "Facebook has enormous influence on users' perceptions of current events, including political perspectives. Jason KInt, CEO of Digital Content Next, compared how Facebook works in comparison with his own company: "The facts seem to be unclear on what Facebook does and doesn't do. Facebook's famous news feed algorithm - invites concern without years of reputation and trust." Word has it, though, that many people are starting to envy Facebook for the competition that it presents in against with the news web sites. Many users of Facebook click the sites that appear on their news feed, instead of going to other news sites outside of the premises of Facebook. Poynter ethicist, Kelly McBride, revealed the reason why Facebook is intense in beating the competition in its circle of competitors. McBride said: "Because of the driver of audience to news sites, Facebook has become the biggest drive in the marketplace. The influence accompanies a significant responsibility." For the information of readers or audiences, Facebook's news section is similar a traditional newsroom, as reported in Gizmodo.com. Human editorial news makes Facebook still a reader-friendly social media site, instead of being simply an algorithm based site. A school day was the nice time for the educators to be honored at the White House. The educators were honored just last week. President Barack Obama gave Jahana Hayes a crystal apple to give honor to her triumph in as the country's top educator. Hayes is a history teacher at John Kennedy High School in Waterbury, Connecticut. The publication reported that Hayes grew up in a world where there is a lot of poverty, violence and no ambitions for progress, as President Obama announced. Word has it that nobody in Hayes' family has ever attended college or motivated their other family members to give value to education. Hayes did not let teenage pregnancy stop her from dream the bigger things in life, thanks to her teachers' encouragement, as reported in US News Hayes now teaches in the same city where she was raised. President Obama narrated how Hayes could relate to her students good. The president said: "Jahana's principal at Kennedy High says she gets through to her students precisely because she remembers what it's like to be one of them." Hayes advised that to be successful in a teaching career, teachers need to work unconditionally. As the teacher looks at it, she thinks it is important to forge strong relationships with students. Hayes sees that strong rapport is the key to making the students closer to the teachers, hence, encouraging a more fruitful learning. Meanwhile, Arizona Capitol Times reported that another teacher was also honored at the White House recently. The name of this teacher was Christine Marsh. Marsh had the opinion that Arizona's education system is being targeted in a negative way. Marsh agreed with President Obama to to add more funds to sustain education, as reported by the same publication. The University of Pennsylvania contributes to many sectors of employment, such as construction jobs, food services, creative designers, and many local goods purchasing. As the largest private employer in Philadelphia, Penn has significant influence to the overall economic and it contributes $14 billion to the state economy. Penn's procurement program remains a focus for the university. It goes back to 1995 where a program launched by the university implemented local purchasing initiative. The 'Buy West Philadelphia Initiative' results a growth in minority sector, women in business and local work force. Many other Penn's initiatives include Penn Medicine Pipeline Program - an opportunity for students to develop the skills needed to communicate with patients and Diversity Supplier Mentoring Program - which allows students to have an insight on education through learning and partnership. Today, Penn's program on focusing to the local purchasing is just as strong as a decade ago. the university owns various programs that would benefit for female entrepreneurs, minority, and the local residents. The programs are led by dedicated committees that offer guiding tips and assistance in many sectors including purchasing, human resources, and construction, which most of the businesses are related to buyer-supplier. To hold the vision, Penn partners up with the majority of companies to work together so that people will have the experience to work with top-tiers in the industry and eventually, be able to stand out from competition in the future. Penn local purchasing shows an increase in each fiscal year with 38 percent of participating vendors entering University portal, Penn Marketplace, to buy from different merchants. Regarding purchasing business, executive director from Business Services Division, Mark Mills, explains that smart-buy does not mean purchasing high-end products or services but it is more about working creatively so that vendors would want to bid. Mills also noticed that the program is quite successful in Penn. An array of smartphones, including Samsung's Galaxy Note 6 are expected to hit shelves in the second half of the year, around the same time the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are slated to make their debut. Just like last year, Samsung will start selling its latest Note at least a month before the new iPhone 7 Plus phablet launch. A new leak recently divulged when the Galaxy Note 6 will be launched in the U.S., nullifying previous rumors that hinted a July release. A prolific mobile industry leaker Evan Blass tweeted: "Samsung Galaxy Note 6 US release scheduled for week of August 15." Although Evan's tweet solely referred to the U.S., there is a possibility that the Note 6 could debut worldwide on the same day. After all, the new device's predecessor, the Note 5 was released globally on August 21 last year. Samsung will obviously won't confirm the release date is correct or not, however it makes sense. Blass is a highly reliable source, so it's more or less like coming from the South Korean tech giant itself. That said, an August release date would place the Note 6 on the market prior to Apple's iPhone 7, which is reportedly scheduled to launch in September. If rumored specs are anything to go by, Samsung is all geared up for the competition. Leaked details about the Note 6 hint the new device will boast IP68 water resistance, a robust 4,000mAh battery, along with an unbelievable 6GB of RAM. The Note 6 will outplay iPhone 6 Plus in terms of screen size as it's reported to have a mammoth 5.8-inch screen (iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inches screen.) In addition, the device will come with the typical Note slot-in stylus to facilitate navigation, according to reports on Independent. Earlier this year, a sketchy report hinted that the Note 6 will launch in July with Android N loaded. Another report by SamMobile suggested that the Note 6 may pack an iris scanner, and yet another claimed that the phone will have a 12 megapixel camera, a microSD slot and two chipsets (Snapdragon 823) along with slightly higher-clocked Exynos 8890 for the rest of the world. Do you think any of these claims will come true? Share your thoughts in the comments below! New UW President to Visit Powell May 18 Laurie Nichols New University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols has a full day planned when she visits Powell Wednesday, May 18, to meet with community leaders, Park County legislators, and Northwest College and Powell school district officials. Wednesdays event is part of a two-day trip to the Big Horn Basin that includes a stop in Worland Tuesday, May 17. During her first months in office, Nichols plans to spend a day or two of each week traveling around the state to meet with citizens, community college and public school leaders, legislators, alumni, media and others. Im looking forward to getting around the state to meet with people and hear their thoughts and expectations for Wyomings university, says Nichols, who begins her duties as president Monday, May 16. This is a crucial time for the state and UW, and input from the public is important to make sure the university fulfills its land-grant mission of education, research and service to the entire state. Nichols first trip to Powell will be as guest speaker at the Powell Rotary Clubs luncheon, followed by a visit to Powell High School at 1:30 p.m., where she will meet with Superintendent Kevin Mitchell and students. UWs new president then will visit with former UW Trustee Dave Bonner, Powell Tribune publisher, mid-afternoon, followed by a visit to Northwest College to meet with President Stefani Hicswa and her administrative team. The day concludes with a dinner at the Nelson Foundation House with the countys legislative delegation. Nichols comes to UW from South Dakota State University, where she has served as provost and executive vice president since 2009. Before that, she was dean of the SDSU College of Education and Human Sciences from 1994 to 2008. She began her career in higher education as a member of the faculty of the University of Idaho from 1988 to 1994. Nichols was born and raised in South Dakota. A first-generation college graduate, she received a bachelors degree in education from South Dakota State in 1978. She then earned a masters degree in vocational and adult education from Colorado State University in 1984 and a Ph.D. in family and consumer sciences education from Ohio State University in 1988. President Yoon Suk-yeol called Tuesday for bipartisan cooperation to cope with threats from North Korea and economic difficulties as he explained his administration's first budget ... Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Tuesday called for preemptive responses to downside economic risks to cope with rising volatility in financial markets. With major economies jac... South Korea's new COVID-19 cases sharply bounced back to over 40,000 Tuesday, sharply rebounding after showing a gradual decline in the past week. The country reported 43,759 n... Two upcoming playoff series will determine the fate of four South Korean football clubs for next year, with two of them looking to stay in the top division and the two others tryin... This weeks Lucha Underground began with Dario Cueto meeting Councilman Delgado. Dario handed the councilman an envelope of money which Delgado says will please his employer. Cueto then tried to leave but the councilman requested that he stay for a drink. He then told the Lucha Underground owner that the police are coming after him. Dario says if it were true he would know about it. He is then told someone may be on the inside. Delgado then tells Dario that his employer will visit the temple soon the Delgado says What? Did you think your brother would have all the fun? Gift of the God Match Finalized Next Week will see the 7 holders of the Ancient Aztec Medallions compete in the Gift of The Gods Title Match with Texano, Aero Star, The Mack, Cage (Chavo Guerrero stole Cages medallion), El Siniestro de la Muerte and Sexy Star having already booked their places. The opening bout of this weeks Lucha Underground saw Joey Ryan, Cortez Castro,and Mr. Cisco face off for the final medallion. In the early moments of the bout, Ryan was sent out to the floor leaving the two friends to slug it out. Ryan then snuck in and rolled up Castro to gain that all important final place in the Gift of The Gods Title match. Raising The Dead We then see Catrina backstage with Mil Muertes in his lair. Catrina says she has been waiting for this for 197 years (Catrina is looking good for a woman who is almost two centuries old). It appears as though that The Priestess of Haiti is hyping Mil up for his Graver Consequences match. She wants him to watch her lick the face of The Monster Matanza Cueto. Then King Cuerno appears after Mil & Catrina leave and it looks as though Cuerno has picked his next prey. Mil geting ready with Catrina (photo:wrestlinginc.com) Trios Miscommunication leads to Loss Due to the injury sustained a fortnight ago by Angelico, Dario Cueto had a unique situation in mind for the former trios champions replacement partner in their rematch. He picked Johnny Mundo to fill in. Throughout this match, Ivelisse and Taya seemed to argue at every decision made during the match. In this bout, we saw some unique sub-matches such as Son of Havoc and Rey Mysterio. Once again Dragon Azteca Jr impressed, the finish came when Mundo accidentally caught Ivelisse with a high flying springboard maneuver and with SOH being left alone and Mysterio hit a 619 and tagged Prince Puma, who won with the 630. Trios Action as Dragon Azteca takes flight (photo:Twitter.com) And Still......... Then came what is arguably one of the biggest main events in Lucha Underground history as The Monster Matanza Cueto defended his Lucha Underground title against Mil Muertes in what can only be described as a war. This match kicks off almost immediately when Mil attacked before the bell could even ring. This was in an attempt to show that Matanza was human after all. This match had big spots and some which began with a spear through a pile of chairs by Mil Muertes, followed by Mil hitting a Flatliner off the apron and onto two caskets. Then like something you would see in a horror movie Mil had been put into the coffin by Matanza who must have thought that this was over only to see a hand rise from the coffin. This is like a scene from a horror movie (photo:smarkhenry.ph) Catrina then got involved when she hit Dario only to be hit in the back with a chair and then she was placed in a coffin with her magic stone. However, Mil took him out with a dive and nearly locked him in a coffin inside of the ring. Matanza fought him off, though. Hit a powerbomb and The Wraith of the Gods on a coffin and this ended the match. Dario Cueto opened the coffin that had Catrina BUT SHE WAS GONE. The Faces of Death came out to get the coffin holding Mil Muertes. One of these men was revealed to be King Cuerno who is now on the hunt. When will all be revealed? They see Councilman Delgado meet with his employer who arrives in a limo. He hands this mysterious man the money. Then he reveals that he spoke with Dario about his arrival in the temple. Delgado refers to this man as My Lord. A cigar is lit which ends the show. SHARE CAMARILLO HR organization schedules seminar The Professionals in Human Resources Association will facilitate a seminar Thursday titled "Creating High Performing Expectations Through Engaged Employees." The event will be from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Spanish Hills Country Club, 999 Crestview Ave. in Camarillo. It will be presented by Harriet L. Cohen, founder of Training Solutions, and Karen Boublis, human resource consultant for HR Business Solutionz. HR practitioners can receive training credits. visit http://www.pihra.org for reservations. Contact Jeanne Mays at 497-8696 for more information. SIMI VALLEY Employment issues to be discussed Employment law firm LightGabler is presenting a free "You Don't Know What You Don't Know." The seminar will be held May 24 in Simi Valley. In the informative seminar for employers, supervisors and human resource professionals, employment law attorney Jonathan Fraser Light will provide an overview of key topics causing headaches for some employers. Topics covered will include insurance coverage, financial control audits, arbitration agreements, confidentiality agreements, handbook mistakes, wage and hour liability, and independent contractors versus employees. The seminar will be from 7:30-9 a.m. held at the Best Western Posada Royale Hotel, 1775 Madera Road. A continental breakfast will be served. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance by calling 248-7089 or emailing seminars@lightgablerlaw.com. VENTURA COUNTY Orientations set for training program Women's Economic Ventures has some training options coming up for women and those who want to start or expand an existing business. WEV is holding free, one-hour informational sessions for its English self-employment training course. Orientations will cover class details and help determine readiness for the next self-employment training course beginning in August. People who have a business idea or are starting a business can attend a session from 6-7 p.m. Thursday in Ventura. People who currently own and operate a business can attend a session from 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 18 in Ventura or from 9-10 a.m. May 24 in Camarillo. All of the sessions are free, but registration is required, and the exact locations will be given at registration. Visit http://www.wevonline.org/orientations for more information or to register. In related news, WEV plans to celebrate the accomplishments of 80 women and men who have completed the Self-Employment Training. The graduates will be honored during a ceremony on from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the New Vic Theater at 33 W. Victoria St. in Santa Barbara. Staff reports JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Iran Rahbar (left), and Ericka Valencia, both students at CSU Channel Islands, talk with Yuvette Calhoun with Santa Barbara County Public Health at the CSUCI career and internship fair held recently at the university. SHARE JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Daniel Stamatelaky (left) a student at CSU Channel Islands, talks with John Butzer, an operations-business development associate at ProDIGIQ Inc. during the CSUCI career and internship fair held recently at the university. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Business and students meet during the CSU Channel Islands career and internship fair held recently at the university. By Mike Nelson, Special to The Star Some wore their best business attire. Some toted and distributed resumes and business cards. Some walked and spoke with confidence; others, not nearly as much. But every CSU Channel Islands student who attended the Camarillo university's recent career and internship fair had the same goal: taking that important first step toward establishing a career. And, based on economic forecasts, college students who graduate this spring have an excellent chance of doing exactly that, although that may depend on their choices of profession and location, both to live and to work. "Job market conditions are probably the most auspicious we've seen in 10 years, so college grads should have little trouble finding a job this year," said Mark Schniepp, director of the California Economic Forecast, a Santa Barbara-based consulting firm. "With the economy at or approaching full employment, employers have to offer higher wages and salaries to recruit skilled workers or keep existing workers from defecting, or they must hire entry-level workers with the expectation that these workers will grow into the position." Sung Won Sohn, a professor of economics at CSUCI, said: "The job market looks pretty good, both for California and Ventura County. The economy is growing here at a faster pace than in the U.S. overall perhaps not at a rate that calls for great celebration, but there are more jobs that have been created, and that's good news for graduates." But Bill Watkins, executive director of the California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting, calls the job outlook for new graduates only "marginally better" this year, "not enough to make a significant difference. Tens of thousands of students will face a real challenge finding jobs that meet their expectations." The reason? "Over the past 10 years, California granted more than twice as many post-high-school degrees as net new jobs," Watkins said. And while some students may have earned multiple degrees in that period, "you cannot escape the conclusion that California job growth lags the rate at which the state creates college degrees," said Watkins. Translation: "College graduates are a significant California export." "While California's job growth has exceeded the U.S. average, a large percentage of those jobs were in low-wage low-education sectors," Watkins said. "A geographically mobile graduate is likely to find satisfactory employment much more quickly than one that limits the universe to California." Indeed, the high cost of housing in California and especially in Ventura County (37 percent higher than the statewide average), said Sohn, means that "many young people come here, get educated and leave for jobs elsewhere. There are jobs here, but the question is, can young people afford to live here?" AVAILABLE JOBS Locally, Sohn said, professional and management services (including store, restaurant, hotel or hospital management) offer "an attractive opportunity" for those seeking managerial positions, especially those tied to the growing tourism industry. "In Ventura County, despite the small population, there are quite a few IT-related jobs," he added. Education, he continues, "is much stronger now" than after the 2008-09 economic decline. "Health care providers are another source of opportunities, from nursing to management trainees," he says. "And the largest employer in the county is the naval base, which hires quite a few civilians. They pay reasonably well, if not exceptionally well." Schniepp and Watkins agree that STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and manufacturing) are "hot ticket" job opportunities. "Business majors and computer programmers should be able to find positions in the larger urban markets," said Schniepp, who calls the Bay area "still the leading region for job growth in California," and the Inland Empire the leading Southern California region for jobs. But what, realistically, should college graduates expect as they enter the job market? "That depends on their major and commitment to work," Watkins said. "Top students from in-demand fields will do well. The average student from less-demanded majors may struggle to find jobs meeting their expectations. A college degree by itself is not sufficient to provide the ticket it once provided in this slow growth economy." DEGREES Not that advanced degrees aren't helpful, say economic forecasters, particularly in technology and financial-related industries, and especially for working in California. "In California," Schniepp said, "the emphasis is generally on technology and technical fields. Being fluent in programming languages are important for many positions in software development, architecture, hardware and IT. If you're going to graduate school for an advanced degree, think software engineering, robotics engineering, nanotechnology, financial analyst, actuary, biotechnology, tax accounting and anything related to skilled positions in health care." Internships are also valuable "more valuable than ever," Sohn said, "because many jobs are skill-focused and this is an excellent way to develop skills in front of an employer and make an impression. If you can get one in your junior or senior year, it's the best way to get into a job." Regardless of their career path, Sohn advises new graduates to "look at a long-term path, and expect that their first two or three years in the job market will entail training, almost like an extension of their college education. Unfortunately, many don't see it that way; they want to move up and move ahead quickly. They need to have patience." Bill Nash SHARE When I walked into my hotel room, I was amazed by the amount and extent of the technology that I found there, and this was more than 10 years ago. In fact, everything in the room was operated by a single hand-held remote control. The problem was, all of the printing on the remote was in Korean. This shouldn't have been particularly surprising since I was in South Korea, but that didn't make it any less problematic. My hotel was in a small city south of Seoul. It was called a tourist hotel, meaning that it catered to foreign visitors. I was assured that the staff was English-speaking. This was partially true. And by partially, I mean hardly at all. I was escorted to my room by a nice young man who was struggling mightily to carry on a conversation in English. When we got to the room, he produced the aforementioned remote control and proceeded to show me how it operated the lights, TV, air conditioning and even the shower. He lost me almost immediately. In fact, the only thing I really understood was there was one button that shouldn't be touched; it turned off everything. Everything. I understood that, I just didn't know which button he was referring to. Minutes after he left, I found it. He returned to the room and got everything turned back on for me. And, for the first time in many years, I slept with the lights on. I mention this only because it seems that, now, the rest of the world's hotels are catching up to the experience I had in South Korea a decade ago. Most decent hotels and motels now come standard with some basic technology. They all have remote controls for the TV, not the shower. Most have Wi-Fi. And some offer technology through the TV like video games, room checkout and flight status. But this technology already feels dated. New technology is on its way. The Huffington Post reports that some hotels now let you use your smartphone as your room key. They use an app that sends a digital key to your phone. Another uses a huge robotic arm as a bellhop to store your luggage instead of passing it over to an actual person. And, on the creepier side of things, a hotel in Seattle has guest rooms equipped with heat-detecting sensors to alert the housekeeping staff that the room is occupied. But it doesn't stop there. According to the Wall Street Journal, some hotels are using robots at the front desk to interact with guests. They can answer basic questions and, if you forget your toothbrush, it's a robot that delivers the complimentary replacement to your room. Perhaps it's a generational thing, but it all seems like a little much to me. When I'm traveling, what I require from a hotel room is pretty simple. I want the room clean and clean smelling. I want Wi-Fi, a hot shower, a TV that receives ESPN and the elevator and ice machine far down the hall. I don't need a robot to bring me a toothbrush. And while I'm not necessarily opposed to using my phone as a room key, I'd rather have a card key so I can leave my phone on the charger when I go down the hall for ice. That's enough technology for me. And as they say in the business, I'll leave the lights on for you. Bill Nash is a Star columnist. Contact him at bnash805@aol.com. His new novel, "Stolen Dream," is available at www.billnashonline.com, on Amazon.com or as an e-book. SHARE Selena Rogers, a program analyst with the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, holds 43 pounds of weights, the equivalent of what she lost during the 16-week Naval Base Ventura County Biggest Loser contest. By Andrea Howry of the Ventura County Star Gingerly, Selena Rogers put down the four 10-pound weights, the two-pound weight and the one-pound weight she carried in her arms. They were heavy, and she didnt want to lug them around anymore. She didnt have to. It was now official: Shed lost them. Rogers, a program analyst with Naval Facilities Expeditionary Service Center at Naval Base Ventura County, was carrying the 43 pounds to demonstrate the amount of weight shed lost in the Biggest Loser challenge, a 16-week weight-loss program run by Morale, Welfare and Recreation. As the first-place winner, losing 18.47 percent of her total body weight, Rogers took home $692.00, half the total collected during the challenge. Twenty-nine people signed up for the challenge, and 11 of them took part in the final weigh-in May 14. Between Jan. 23 and May 14, a total of 398 pounds vanished. Overall, I think it was pretty successful, especially given that this was our first go-around, Ramona Pagel, director of the Bee-Fit Health Center and coordinator of the program, said during a celebratory barbecue grilled chicken was the entree Monday, May 21. At their first weigh-in, contestants paid a $50 fee, which included eight nutrition classes. Every Monday after that, they weighed again and paid $1. They were charged an additional $1 for every pound theyd gained, $1 if they stayed the same and $2 if they didnt show up. There were no weigh-ins over Presidents Day. The second-place finisher was Rachel Baker, whose husband, Chief Warrant Officer Raymond Baker, is with the Naval Research Lab. She lost 30 pounds, or 17.85 percent of her total weight, and took home $484.40. This is great, she said. I need to buy new clothes. The third-place finisher was Jasmine Carr, whose stepfather, Reginald Brown, works on base. She lost 26.6 pounds, or 14.47 percent of her body weight, and collected $207.60. Rogers credited lots of prayer and a supportive family for her weight loss. Her husband Charles and sons Charlie, 19, David, 17, and Joe, 12, attended the barbecue with her. Having a family makes it difficult because theres a lot of things in the refrigerator that I shouldnt eat, Rogers said. But between exercising and watching what she ate, she made it work. She switched from whole milk to non-fat milk, made salad her main course for most dinners, passed on the salad dressing and ate smaller portions of meat. She tried new recipes that emphasized vegetables instead of meat. Some were good; others werent. There was that one soup, one of boys said. Oh yeah, that one with the noodles, said another. That one didnt work. Baker credited her weight loss to working out a lot and eating lots of veggies. Her daughter, Ashley, 18, benefited as well. I used to eat a lot of junk food, she said. Now, I eat what my mom cooks. She, too, drew the line at one dish. That spinach and couscous thing, she said. It had mango salsa with it, Baker replied. Yeah, I just ate the salsa, Ashley said. Carr said her weight loss was slow until the last few weeks of the program when she started a walking routine. I walked every single day, she said. Id go at least three miles a day. And I really started to lose the weight. She also switched from soda to water. I couldnt remember the last time Id had a glass of water, she said. It was always soda. Pagel wants to offer the program again in the fall, this time with a few changes. Shell make it shorter, and she wants to offer some special activities. There are some people whove never been in a gym who might want to try a class or get into a regular routine, she explained. She also wants to take before-and-after photos. Later this summer, Pagel plans to offer a walking contest with five-person teams wearing pedometers. SHARE By Kathleen Wilson of the Ventura County Star Erick Elhard, manager of the children's crisis response team at Casa Pacifica, has been hired by the county agency taking over the program. Elhard and Robin Boscarelli, a clinic administrator in the county Behavioral Health Department, will supervise the crisis team that will handle calls for both adults and children. "They will be monitoring the transition very closely," said Elaine Crandall, director of the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department. Elhard started his new assignment last week. Crandall decided earlier this year to stop contracting with Casa Pacifica, a nonprofit agency headquartered in Camarillo, and have the county team assume the responsibility for responding to children's crises as part of a redesigned system for severely troubled youth. The Casa Pacifica team had responded to an average of 332 calls monthly, providing assistance by phone or in person. The changeover was bumpy with some overnight weekend shifts in April uncovered by either crisis team. Casa Pacifica officials said they lacked the staff because so many people had quit with their jobs about to end, and county officials said their staff needed more training before taking over the responsibility. The parties recently issued a joint statement saying they were working together to ensure a seamless transition via management meetings and a coordinated system for answering calls for assistance. The county team is gradually taking over the shifts for the 24-7 service and will assume full responsibility July 1. Nine additional staff members with expertise in children's issues are being hired for the county team that has been focused on adults. About half of the Casa Pacifica team has left for other jobs. Those who are left should be able to cover the remaining shifts until the county takes over completely, Casa Pacifica CEO Steve Elson said. STOCK PHOTO SHARE By Megan Diskin of the Ventura County Star Two Ventura school were briefly put on lockdown Friday afternoon while police looked for a man who escaped from the Hillmont Psychiatric Center, officials said. Ventura police were initially called at 1:03 p.m. when the 23-year-old mental health patient had made it on to the roof of the building located at 200 Hillmont Ave., police said. The man jumped off the roof and ran toward St. Bonaventure High School and Our Lady of Assumption school. Both schools were notified to go on lockdown, authorities said. The man was taken into custody at 1:27 p.m. and the lockdown was lifted shortly after, officials said. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A sulcata tortoise is one of several species that will be the Museum of Ventura County on Sunday. SHARE By Staff Reports Want to take things a little slow on Sunday? Then head to downtown Ventura for a visit with some turtles and tortoises. In observance of World Turtle Day, the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., is hosting a visit by the California Turtle and Tortoise Club from noon to 4 p.m. Club members will bring four species of turtle to the museum to teach children about their lives, their care and their origins. There will be a special appearance by Tut, a male California desert tortoise, and a sulcata tortoise of African origin. Hatchling tortoises will also be there. The club is dedicated to turtle and tortoise preservation, conservation and education. Founded in 1964, the club promotes and facilitates the care, rescue and adoption of native and non-native species. During Sunday's event, youngsters can take part in a craft session and create their own turtle figure, using a bowl for a shell, to take home. Children will be admitted free for the event. Admission is $5 for adults 18 and older. Visit http://www.venturamuseum.org or call 653-0323 for more information. SHARE It started with bedrooms. Now it involves bathrooms. What is it about other people's private lives that make some people go nuts? What causes legislators to create laws to solve problems that don't exist? Why do some people hate government action except when it suits their purposes, immoral though those may be? We are talking about the ridiculous new law in North Carolina that says that transgender men and women must use public bathrooms of the sex stated on their birth certificates, not the sex with which they identify. For once, Donald Trump said something sane. To wit, Caitlyn Jenner may use whatever bathroom she wants to use in Trump Tower. Ted Cruz, who to our great relief exited the race for president, tried to stir people up about the North Carolina law. "It is simply crazy ... that grown men would be allowed alone in a bathroom with little girls you don't need to be a behavioral psychologist to realize bad things can happen." Being transgender has nothing to do with pedophilia, for heaven's sake. And bathroom stalls have doors for a reason: privacy. Does federal law, especially the Civil Rights Act, bar discrimination against transgender men and women? Yes, says the federal government. No, says the state of North Carolina. Consequently, we are proud of Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who gave a brilliant defense of the Obama administration's position that North Carolina's law is no better than Jim Crow laws that discriminated against black Americans. America is moving haltingly but inexorably toward fairness, inclusion and equality, she said. She said that North Carolina's bathroom law provides no boon to society. All it does is strip individuals of their dignity and respect, she said. States cannot legislate people's identity. She asked us to write a different story from the past chapters of intolerance: America must never again rob its people of their innate dignity or treat them as second-class citizens. That is the America we should all want, not a country that permits some states to write laws that cruelly discriminate against people for something beyond their control, for behavior that hurts nobody. States should not be able to pass laws that humiliate and discriminate against someone because of their color, their religion or their gender. Whether or not you are a Christian conservative or a committed religious believer of any other sort, you should not be able to demand that you should be able to throw stones, humiliate or destroy the life of someone just because you don't understand the path he or she walks. That is what the Taliban does. That is what the Islamic State does. This is a country that does not impose religious beliefs on others. At least, that was the intent of the founding fathers. And mothers, bless their unsung hearts. So North Carolina's absurd bathroom law is going to the courts. North Carolina insists it has the right to pass whatever laws it wants. The federal government insists North Carolina may not pass laws that inherently discriminate, and if push comes to shove, it may withhold billions of dollars it gives North Carolina each year in benefits. The courts will not rule to uphold discrimination. Meanwhile, businesses and entertainers by the score are warning North Carolina that they will not do business in a state that attempts to legalize impermissible discrimination and hatred by embarrassing laws that can't and won't be enforced. The physically beautiful state of North Carolina, now personified by the egregiously bigoted state legislature and its governor, Pat McCrory, is being ridiculed around the world and for very good reason. What they are doing is evil. Lynch noted correctly that change is discomforting and that people fear what they do not know or understand. But that does not give them the right to impose pain and suffering, humiliation and denial of civil rights and lack of respect on others. It is distressing that with all our problems, causing misery and inciting anger and hatred are still front and center in U.S. politics. As Lynch pledged to the transgender community: "We see you. We stand with you. And we will do everything we can to protect you going forward. History is on your side. ... It may not be easy. We will get there together." Ann McFeatters is an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service. Readers may email her at amcfeatters@nationalpress.com. SHARE After years of drought, winter rain and snow generated close to a normal supply of water for much of California. As winter turned to spring, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced allocations to farmers. Rice growers and other farmers in the Sacramento Valley north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta were pleased to learn they would receive 100 percent of their contracted water supplies. But it was bad news for farmers south of the Delta, who were told they would get, at most, just 5 percent of contract water this year. The disparity partly reflected environmental restrictions on pumping water from the Delta and sending it south. But it also reflected one of the most vexing aspects of California's perpetual conflict over water: a complex thicket of water rights dating back to the 19th century that's fundamentally based on seniority. As summarized by the Public Policy Institute of California, "Those who own land along a river or who staked early claims on that water have top priority. Those with rights established before the first state water administrative system was created in 1914 are subject to less direct oversight than those with more recent rights. In times of shortage, junior rights are curtailed and right-holders must either reduce their water use or rely on water from other sources." The farmers on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley who see the greatest curtailment of deliveries lack the rights that earlier agricultural regions obtained. The drought, coupled with fears about the effects of climate change on California's future water supplies, has already compelled the state to rethink aspects of its water situation long thought to be politically untouchable. It's led to the first system for regulating use of underground aquifers, which supply about a third of California's water, and it seems to be reducing opposition to creating more reservoirs to capture winter rains. California's next water policy frontier, it would seem, is revising its complex structure of water rights. The PPIC report on water policy reform, released last year, notes that California already has laws, rarely invoked, that might allow regulators to abridge even the most senior water rights on grounds of public health or safety or environmental damage. A case pending before the state water board, however, indicates the long-simmering water rights issue is starting to boil. The board accuses the Byron-Bethany Irrigation District, near Tracy, of taking water from the Delta for 13 days after it and other districts with senior water rights were told to curtail pumping. "We are a test case," Byron-Bethany's manager, Rick Gilmore, told The Record in Stockton. "I think this has become a larger issue. I think the water board wants to use this as a precedent so they can start to gain more control over senior water right users." The case may be headed to the courts, and the outcome will frame the state's powers to crack the seemingly solid legal wall protecting long-standing water rights. Dan Walters writes for the Sacramento Bee. Email him at dwalters@sacbee.com. SHARE To deputies The addition of body cameras to the array of equipment sheriff's deputies already wear or have at hand offers savvy technology to reduce fraudulent excessive-force claims, provide evidence for traffic stops and arrests, and make deputies and the public more accountable during interactions. However, we doubt the phrase "smile, you're on Candid Camera" will replace "license and registration, please" or "you're under arrest." To gourmets The California Strawberry Festival Berry Blast Off cooking contest field has been narrowed to two Merry Graham, of Newhall, and Sandy Yagyu, of Pacific Grove. Judges selected the two based on dishes each created using ingredients such as lemon grass, shrimp, bacon and, of course, strawberries. The public can watch the two cooks face off at the festival in Oxnard at 1 p.m. May 21 and then wander around Strawberry Meadows at College Park to sample strawberry nachos, strawberry popcorn and, Pa's favorite, strawberry margaritas. To students A number of school-related Relay for Life events will occur in the days ahead. Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village will hold its event from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday. Ventura College's two-day event occurs Saturday and Sunday. Next weekend, events will be held at Arroyo Vista Park in Moorpark, Nordhoff High School in Ojai and Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks. It's heartening to see students engaging themselves in this cancer-fighting fundraiser, and we hope it instills a lifelong commitment to charitable works. To learn more, visit relayforlife.org. To observers If you notice flags at half-staff Sunday, that's because it is the national Peace Officers Memorial Day, which honors all who serve and protect and especially those killed in the line of duty. The Peace Officers Association of Ventura County will hold its event at 10 a.m. Thursday at the officers monument near the Victoria Avenue entrance to the Government Center in Ventura. To water users There seems to be a minor respite for the thirsty. The Metropolitan Water District has voted to rescind stringent cuts in water deliveries made 10 months ago, the Calleguas Municipal Water District will consider repealing its water-use reductions, and California will consider lifting stringent conservation requirements Wednesday. Alas, the U.S. Drought Monitor says Southern California is heading deeper into drought. So it remains prudent for Ventura County residents and businesses to shut their taps for all but essential needs. To Ventura "Hopefully" should not be the reaction when confronted with an insidious problem such as drug use and overdoses. Told of police difficulty investigating the problem because of staffing and funding needs, the Ventura City Council said, in effect, "with any luck in the years to come" it will find more resources. There should be no back burner when it comes to protecting the community. To Ojai Your city received some good news when the 2016-17 fiscal-year budget was presented to your City Council increased revenues from property, sales and transient occupancy taxes. The interim city manager proposes using those revenues for infrastructure improvements and new staffing. That certainly will be a boost to the quality of your community and a boon for residents who need to deal with city departments. To music lovers For 16 years, the Vans Warped Tour has been a staple in Ventura County, typically drawing 10,000 fans of punk bands and other music to the county fairgrounds. Unfortunately, this year's tour dates conflict with the Ventura County Fair, and so the tour will bypass the county. Die-hard fans can still catch the action if they're willing to travel to San Diego on Aug. 5 or Pomona on Aug. 7. Last night, reality television star Brody Jenner celebrated his return to the single life by hosting a wild party at Hyde Bellagio in Las Vegas (Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com). Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. The Hills alum, who recently split from girlfriend Bryana Holly, was clearly excited for a night to let loose with the boys, even tweeting an invite for his fans to join him @HydeBellagio. Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. Jenner, sporting a casual black tee, light blue chinos and black skate shoes, arrived at the sleek night spot just before midnight alongside an intimate groups of friends. The heartthrob was met on the red carpet by dozens of adoring fans, stopping for interviews and posing for photos before heading inside the packed Vegas club. Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. Once inside, Jenner and his entourage made their way to a plush VIP booth overlooking the dance floor as Hydes performance artists greeted them with a parade of lights and giant letters spelling out B-R-O-D-Y. The DJ brought the crowd to a roar, when he announced, Make some noise for Brody Jenner! Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. Fans gathered around the table trying to catch a glimpse of the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star as the group toasted to a friends birthday. Soon after, DJ Natty Rico hopped into Brodys booth, serenading the audience with a live saxophone performance of remixed hit songs. Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. Brody snapped photos with a couple of lucky admirers as the group danced and partied the night away under showers of confetti. The Southern Californian native celebrated along with the crowd when 2Pacs famed anthem California Love blared over the speakers and the DJ yelled, Do we got anyone from California? Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. Later in the evening, Brody and his group of friends were joined in their VIP booth by The Daily Show with Jon Stewart correspondent Jason Jones. The party raged on into the early morning hours, as DJs Reach and Jace One kept the beats pumping from behind the turntables. Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. X Burlesque , the most provocative show on the Las Vegas Strip, celebrated 14 years as the citys hottest topless revue last night at Flamingo Las Vegas (Photo credit: Stardust Fallout / Edison Graff). Photo credit: Stardust Fallout / Edison Graff. A high-energy, racy performance, the Greatest Burlesque Show on Earth features a variety of sensual new dance numbers performed by a troupe of Las Vegas sexiest and most talented dancers. Photo credit: Stardust Fallout / Edison Graff. In attendance to celebrate the special performance was the sexy cast of X Country (Harrahs Las Vegas), magician Murray Sawchuck, burlesque stars LouLou Dvill and The Baron, Frank Sidoris, lead guitarist from SLASH featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators and son of X Burlesque producer Angela Stabile, musician Robert Zakarian of Adelitas Way, Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie, comedian James Bean and reality star Heather Marianna. Photo credit: Stardust Fallout / Edison Graff. Photo credit: Stardust Fallout / Edison Graff. Photo credit: Stardust Fallout / Edison Graff. Photo credit: Stardust Fallout / Edison Graff. The Property Brothers did a nice job on this house renovation and then Murray SawChuck showed up! Murray said, After Jon and Drew from the hit tv series, Property Brothers, invited me to see what its like to be a Property Brother, I had a BIG trick up my sleeve for them! And heres what happened Property Brothers Renovation Gone Wrong with Murray SawChuck! httpvh://youtu.be/bGmIj5E_4Oo A young man protests against planned border controls at the border station "Brenner" between Austria and Italy on Apr 24, 2016. (Photo: AFP/EXPA/ Johann Groder) VIENNA: Austria said on Friday (May 13) it would no longer seek to resume controversial checks on its frontier with Italy after tougher measures by Rome have led to a huge drop in migrant numbers. Vienna had threatened to re-impose controls on the Brenner Pass in the Alps as part of a package of anti-migrant measures if Italy failed to reduce the number of new arrivals heading to Austria. "The number of illegal migrants has dropped to almost zero in the past weeks," Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka told a joint press conference with his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano at the pass, a key north-south route. "That's why it is not necessary to carry out border controls at the Brenner pass for now," Sobotka said. He added that reinforced train controls by Italian, Austrian and German officials had helped slow the influx to a trickle. Alfano said he was "happy" that Austria had recognised Italian efforts to address the issue. The historic Alpine route is a major European transport corridor, with some 5,550 lorries passing through daily - a crucial lifeline for Italy's exports to northern Europe that is already prone to delays even without border checks. But Vienna has been concerned that it could also become a new route for migrants and refugees following the closure of the Balkan trail leading from Greece towards western and northern Europe. More than 31,250 people have already landed on Italy's shores so far this year after setting off from Libya. The influx prompted Austria last month to launch preliminary construction work of a new "border management system" at the Brenner pass. The move, coupled with the government's threat to carry out tough checks, caused tensions with Rome and sparked violent protests at the pass in recent weeks. It also drew strong criticism from the EU's executive body, the European Commission, with its president Jean-Claude Juncker calling the proposal a "political catastrophe" for Europe last week. Friday's announcement comes a day after the EU approved a six-month extension of existing border controls in the passport-free Schengen Zone, brought in last year by several countries including Austria to stem the migrant flow. More than a million people fleeing war, persecution and poverty in the Middle East and elsewhere arrived in Europe last year, triggering the continent's worst migration crisis since the end of World War II. Austria received around 90,000 asylum applications in 2015, the second-highest number on a per-capita basis in the EU after Sweden. The influx has boosted support for the anti-immigration Freedom Party (FPOe) - which is now leading the polls ahead of a scheduled 2018 general election - posing a major challenge for the ruling centrist coalition, with Chancellor Werner Faymann resigning on Monday. Smoke is seeing rising on a main road in the Salihin neighbourhood of Syria's northern city of Aleppo following a reported air strike on April 24, 2016 AFP/Karam al-Masri BRUSSELS: Belgium will extend its F-16 air strikes against Islamic State extremists in Iraq into Syria, the government said Friday (May 13), as it grapples with the aftermath of deadly IS-claimed bomb attacks in Brussels in March. "In accordance with UN Resolution 2249, the engagement will be limited to those areas of Syria under the control of IS and other terrorist groups," a spokesman for Prime Minister Charles Michel told AFP after a cabinet meeting. "The objective will be to destroy these groups' refuges," the spokesman said, adding that the strikes would begin on July 1. Belgium launched its first attacks against IS in Iraq in late 2014 as part of the US-led coalition, but decided against strikes in Syria amid public fears over getting dragged into a wider conflict. However, the November 13 Paris attacks which left 130 people dead brought home the IS threat to the heart of Europe and changed sentiment sharply. In early March, Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said the government was reconsidering its position, as it did not make sense to attack IS in Iraq but not in Syria. Along with the Netherlands and Denmark, Britain has also changed tack and launched its first sorties against IS targets in Syria in December. Michel's spokesman did not spell out the reason for the change in policy but it comes as Belgium is still reeling from the IS suicide bomber attacks at Brussels airport and on the metro on March 22 which killed 32 people. The Paris and Brussels attacks have both been linked to the same jihadist cell with links to IS in Syria. Honda Motor is to recall an additional 20 million Takata-made airbags globally, reports say, but the automaker has denied the reports. (Photo: AFP/Mandel Ngan) TOKYO: Honda Motor said Friday (May 13) its full-year net profit dropped by a third, pressured by the exploding airbag crisis at key supplier Takata that has led to a worldwide recall. Tokyo-based Honda is the biggest buyer of airbags from Takata, which is struggling to overcome a defect that has been linked to the deaths of 13 people and has led to the global recall of tens of millions of inflators. Honda said net profit came to 344.5 billion yen (US$3.2 billion) for the fiscal year to March, down 32.4 per cent year on year. Operating profit dropped 24.9 per cent to 503.4 billion yen, while annual sales rose 9.6 per cent to 14.6 trillion yen, Honda said. The company mainly attributed the profit declines to "quality-related costs" linked to the airbag crisis at Takata. US auto safety regulators last week ordered Takata to recall between 35 million and 40 million airbags installed in US cars, in a push for the replacement of dangerously explosive inflators. The decision came after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that the inflators are prone to ruptures, adding to nearly 29 million Takata airbags already recalled in the US. Takata said Wednesday that in the business year to March it logged a net loss of 13.08 billion yen. The company said it posted a special loss linked to the airbag problem, including a penalty levied in the United States. Honda also said it would recall 21 million more airbags produced by embattled supplier Takata, in a widening of a scandal that has already led to the biggest auto recall in US history. "On top of the 30 million Takata airbags already announced for a recall, we are going to recall an additional 21 million units globally," a company spokesman said. "We had assessed that Honda had been turning the corner of the negative impact of the airbag accidents but it appears to be lingering," said Shigeru Matsumura, analyst at SMBC Friend Research Center. Honda also said its expects net profit in the current fiscal year to rise 13.2 per cent to 390 billion yen but sales are forecast to fall 5.8 per cent to 13.8 trillion yen. Rival Toyota warned this week that its net profit for the current year to March 2017 will fall by about a third as a stronger yen and a slowdown in Chinese growth and other emerging markets dent its bottom line. Nissan, which on Thursday announced it was taking a 34 per cent stake in troubled Mitsubishi Motors, said its net profit would remain virtually unchanged for the current year but forecast a 10.5 per cent fall in operating profit because of the stronger yen. Uniform banners with white fonts on red or blue backgrounds on Le Trong Tan Street in Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi Tuoi Tre Prev Next Over 1.5 kilometers of Le Trong Tan Street in Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi underwent a thorough renovation that cost the capital nearly VND225 billion (US$10 million) in hopes of turning the street into a model neighborhood for the city and Vietnam. However, as the first photos of the refurbished street started appearing online after its commencement last Saturday, a row of heated debate followed as public opinion was divided over the uniform banners strictly regulated in size, color, and font, stripping the street and businesses of individual characteristics and visual identity. Banners are red, banners are blue Specifically, local authorities dictate that all banners on the street must be either red or blue in background color, 1.1 meters high, hung 3.2 to 3.3 meters from the ground, and decorated with white letters in almost uniform font and size. According to local residents, these banners are sponsored and installed by the district authorities, and any banner not conforming to the prescribed style guide is not allowed for display. Nguyen Thi Nga, an eatery owner on Le Trong Tan Street, complained to a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporter about how she and other shop owners in the neighborhood were forced to remove their own banners that were expensive to make. As business owners, we need our own brand identities and our own banners. Now that all banners are fundamentally the same, customers are having a hard time finding our shops, Nga said. Aesthetically speaking, they look nice as a whole, but our businesses have been badly affected and so have our customers. Moreover, these banners dont come with backlights so they are nearly impossible to make out in the evening, Nga added. Uniform banners with white fonts on red or blue backgrounds on Le Trong Tan Street in Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre A marketing expert asserted that banners are also a part of any brands visual identity, so making all businesses dress up similarly can definitely affect their operation. In terms of business, business owners reserve their rights to display their brands identities I believe this decision by the Peoples Committee of Thanh Xuan District does more harm than good, the expert explained. Commenting from an artistic perspective, painter Le Thiet Chuong said, I oppose the regulation in terms of aesthetics. Aspect ratio is an indispensable factor in marketing design, and so is color. Why are only the two extreme colors of blue and red considered beautiful while the others are not? Some local residents, however, supported the regulation, saying it has greatly improved the look of the neighborhood as a whole. When the whole neighborhood conforms to the same guidelines in displaying their banners, there will no longer be deteriorated or different-size banners, local business owner Phung Van Huy was quoted by newswire VietnamPlus as saying. Voicing his opinion more moderately, Pham Thanh Tung, chief of office at the Vietnam Association of Architects, said though the idea was not necessarily brilliant, it has been successful in making the neighborhood clear of the garbage advertisements that have caused visual pollution. However, in the long run Hanoi has to plan urban designs and research new banners that suit different areas of business, Tung said. Meanwhile, netizens in Vietnam have grabbed at the chance to come up with a new wave of humorous photos mocking the uniform neighborhood. Many Vietnamese Facebook users have updated new uniform profile pictures and cover photos, while comic authors have drawn comedic comic strips inspired by the event. Some have tried placing famous company logos on red and blue backgrounds to see how they would turn out if the companies choose to set up a business on the street. A comedic comic strip posted on Facebook on May 11, 2016 depicting a character confused when his friend on the phone tells him to locate the shop with a red banner. Photo:Facebook/daudotungtang Unlawful regulation? Speaking with Tuoi Tre on the legal grounds of the controversial banner regulation, Nguyen Quang Ngoc, a lawyer from Hanoi-based VietSky International Law Firm, said it was unlawful. The current Law on Intellectual Property notes that advertising banners are a part of a brands visual identity and are protected by law. Business owners therefore reserve the right to retain their visual identity in banners as long as they dont violate the Law on Advertising, Ngoc explained. The regulation by the Peoples Committee of Thanh Xuan District can put them at risk of facing lawsuits for damage compensation, Ngoc added. Answering Tuoi Tre questions about whether businesses with registered trademarks and branding have to adhere to the regulation when conducting business on the street, Pham Thi Huong, head of the Culture and Information Bureau of Thanh Xuan District, said the district acknowledged and respected the fact, but "advised businesses to follow the regulated size for banners." Thanh Xuan District has asked businesses to submit relevant papers proving their registered brands and trademarks for exceptions, but so far none have contacted the district authorities, Huong said. Explaining the choice of blue and red as background colors for the banners, Chief of Office at the Thanh Xuan Peoples Committee Vuong Thi Van Khanh said, Blue represents peace, while red echoes the color of Vietnams flag. The colors had been open for feedback before the final decision was made, and were agreed upon by locals." Finland's President Sauli Niinisto (L) and US President Barack Obama arrive for a welcome ceremony for the US-Nordic Leaders Summit, at the White House on May 13, 2016. (Photo: AFP/Mandel Ngan) WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama warned Russia about its military build-up in northern Europe on Friday (May 13) as he hosted leaders from five Nordic countries at the White House. "We are united in our concern about Russia's growing, aggressive military presence and posture in the Baltic-Nordic region," Obama said at the end of the meeting. As tensions with Moscow spike over a plethora of issues from aerial military interceptions to Ukraine, Obama looked to make common cause with Russia's near neighbours in Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway. Earlier, Obama said the six nations agreed on the need for a European order not based on might. "We believe that our citizens have the right to live in freedom and security, free from terrorism, and a Europe where smaller nations are not bullied by larger nations." Obama put Vladmir Putin's government on notice that, while willing to deescalate tensions, the White House would also be prepared to counter any perceived Russian aggression. "We will be maintaining ongoing dialogue and seek cooperation with Russia but we also want to make sure that we are prepared and strong and we want to encourage Russia to keep its military activities in full compliance with international obligations," he said. In a joint statement, the six countries expressed concern about Russia's actions in the Baltic Sea region - "its nuclear posturing, its undeclared exercises, and the provocative actions taken by Russian aircraft and naval vessels." But as Obama hosted the meeting, Putin warned he will consider measures to "end threats" from US anti-missile systems that were recently activated in Romania. 'ILLEGAL OCCUPATION' Tensions with Russia are currently at levels not seen since the Cold War. Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea prompted biting sanctions against the Russian economy. Russian-backed militants have also taken control of swaths of the eastern part of the country. In the joint statement, the group said they would only lift all sanctions on Russia once Crimea is returned to Ukrainian control. "Russia's illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, which we do not accept, its aggression in Donbas, and its attempts to destabilize Ukraine are inconsistent with international law and violate the established European security order," the statement read. Russia and the West have also clashed over Moscow's military intervention in Syria and its support for the regime of Bashar al-Assad. And Russian aircraft now routinely harass NATO and Nordic military assets near the border and beyond. Russia has darkly warned against Sweden and Finland joining NATO, an issue that is being debated in both countries. But the joint statement showed Russia's strong-arm tactics may backfire by propelling them closer to the alliance. "NATO remains key to transatlantic and European security, and the contributions of Sweden and Finland, including those they make as NATO enhanced opportunity partners, are highly valuable," it said. Putin did not specify which actions he will take in response to the activation of the missile defence programme but according to Steven Pifer of the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank, likely moves to upgrade weapons in Kaliningrad would have come anyway. "The Russians will make their displeasure known. The West should anticipate irate declarations of military countermeasures," he said. "Categorising its military programs as countermeasures to Western military deployments has a long tradition with the Kremlin." NATO leaders - including Obama - will meet in Warsaw next month. By now, you'll have seen the wondrous images from Malin Head of the iconic Millennium Falcon touching down. In fact, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley AND Mark Hamill have all landed in Belfast for filming in Star Wars: Episode VIII. As we know, Skellig Michael doubled for Luke Skywalker's reclusive hideway of Ahch-To, but now it seems that Malin Head will also be doing likewise. However, we're not entirely sure if the location scouts for Lucasfilm did a thorough enough job of finding strange and wondrous locales to shoot in across Ireland. With that in mind, we've got up with some poorly made mock-ups to show just how amazing it'd be if the Millennium Falcon decided to rock up outside say... THE FOUNDRY, CO. CARLOW Expect the music to be Max Rebo's Cantina song and Westlife on repeat. IL VULCANO PIZZA, WESTPORT Very decent pizza and there's a Port in the name so you could dock the Millennium Falcon really easy. Change the name to WestStarPort and you're golden. THE BERNARD SHAW, RICHMOND ST. Han Solo drove an old banger, hung around with a ridiculously hairy dude, wore a waistcoat and never really seemed to have a job. He would absolutely fit in at the Bernard Shaw. THE GRAND SOCIAL / HA'PENNY BRIDGE, DUBLIN If not the Bernard Shaw, then the Grand Social. Come on, like. KENT STATION, CORK Rebel County. Rebel Alliance. This one just writes itself. THE BAGEL PLACE ON THE CORNER OF MIDDLE ABBEY ST. AND LIFFEY ST. IT EVEN LOOKS LIKE A BAGEL. A suicide car bombing near a police training center in southern Afghanistan has killed three police officers. Twelve other people, including at least one child, were wounded Saturday in Helmand province. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. Former Argentine president Cristina Fernandez was indicted Friday, charged with defrauding the government through her handling of the country's currency futures market while she was in office. Federal Judge Claudio Bonadio also charged former economy minister Axel Kicillof and former Central Bank president Alejandro Vanoli in connection with the scheme to keep the value of the peso inflated. The case caused Argentina to lose billions of dollars, according to court papers. Reuters news agency reports no arrest warrants were issued. Fernandez is beloved by many Argentines for the generous welfare programs she offered while in office. An elderly Buddhist monk has been hacked to death in a remote region of Bangladesh, officials said. The body of Mong Shwe U Chak, 75, was found early Saturday in an isolated temple in a village 350 kilometers southeast of Dhaka, the capital. Police say they do not know the motive for the killing of the monk, who lived alone. The Daily Star, a Bangladeshi newspaper, reported "panic spread among the locals" following news of the slaying. The monk's son told The Star his father "did not have any enmity with anyone in the area." Jyotirmoy Barua, a human rights lawyer, told the French news agency AFP that U Chak had received anonymous death threats, "but nobody took it seriously." Similar killings U Chak's murder is the latest in a series of brutal killings of liberals, academics, bloggers, foreigners and religious minorities in Bangladesh that has spread deep fear in the country and raised worrying questions about whether the secular traditions of the moderate Muslim country are under threat from extremist Islamic groups. Affiliates of Islamic State and al-Qaida have claimed responsibility for almost all the attacks, but the government says these groups have no presence in the country and points the finger at homegrown militant groups. But with most of the killings unsolved, there are no clear pointers to those behind the increasingly bold attacks. Some low-level militant operatives have been arrested, but police have made no headway in identifying those planning the attacks. Families of victims complain of slow and ineffective police investigations. Burundian civil society and opposition groups say they are concerned that scheduled peace talks to end the crisis in the East African country are unlikey to resume later this month because the facilitator has yet to consult with them. The peace talks are scheduled for May 21 in Arusha, Tanzania. The government in Burundi has signaled it is willing to talk with the groups to help end the countrys crisis. But Vital Nshimirimana, leader of the civil society group Forum for Strengthening the Civil Society (FORSC), said opposition groups are not confident the peace talks will resume as planned. Nshimirimana called on Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who is backed by regional leaders, to help mediate the peace talks between Bujumbura and opposition and civil society groups. Advocates of unarmed civilians have also sought Museveni's help to end the crisis in Burundi. Nshimirimana said civil society groups predicted political and security instability as the outcome of Burundi President Pierre Nkurunzizas decision to seek a controversial third term. Nshimirimana said he thought a break in the peace talks was to allow the facilitator to consult with the "main groups that are taking part in the peace talks, but this is not happening as wished." Nshimirimana called on the United Nations to implement new measures to ensure the protection of civilians, who he says are mostly bear the brunt of the ongoing violence. The concern raised by the groups follows a recent visit by members of the United Nations Security Council to assess the situation in Burundi -- the country's crisis has forced tens of thousands to flee into neighboring countries, including Tanzania and Rwanda. We are very concerned with the controversy at the United Nations Security Council, which visited Burundi and saw how the situation was too tense," Nshimirimana said. The group now cannot agree on the peacekeeping mission for Burundi, he added. "We are in a situation where crimes against humanity, war crimes and acts of genocide are committed in Burundi. So people of Burundi deserve to be protected from those mass atrocities, Nshimirimana said. His comments came after opposition groups accused the government of using state security agencies to arbitrarily arrest young men mainly in opposition strongholds -- who participated in demonstrations against the administration. There are allegations that some of the men have been tortured and, in some cases, killed. Nshimirimana said there is video and photographic evidence of the violence in Burundi. "Abduction, extrajudicial killings and other mass atrocities, which are committed by security forces in partnership with the Imbonerakure [the Kirundi word for those that see far] militia and all are under the command of Pierre Nkurunziza, he said. The government has repeatedly rejected the accusations as without merit. Officials of the administration have routinely denied ethnic-targeted violence against the opposition. The president's supporters blame the opposition and civil society groups for the unrest. Canada's Prime Minister arrived in wildfire-ravaged Fort McMurray on Friday and after taking a helicopter tour to assess the damage said he doesn't think most Canadians comprehend yet the scope of what happened in the oil sands capital, where more than 88,000 people were forced to evacuate. Just Trudeau arrived in the northern Alberta city almost two weeks after a massive wildfire ignited, tearing through the isolated region and surrounding areas, causing several oil sands operations to shut down. Alberta officials say they will have a plan within two weeks for getting residents back into their homes. Trudeau said that despite following updates and watching images on TV, the scale and the disaster didn't hit him until he visited the area. Fort McMurray aerial tour "I don't think Canadians yet understand what happened. They know there was a fire. They're beginning to hear the wonderful news that so much of the town was saved," he told 150 firefighters and first responders after his aerial tour by military helicopter of Fort McMurray. "But they don't yet understand that that wasn't a fluke of wind or rain or luck that happened. This was the extraordinary response by people such as yourself. The work you did to save so much of this community, to save so much of this city and its downtown core ... was unbelievable," Trudeau said. Trudeau toured one of the city's damaged neighborhoods after his visit with first responders and volunteers before meeting with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley. Devastation Trudeau took a helicopter ride over a patchwork of devastated neighborhoods, where some homes still stand while others have been burned to their foundations. Alberta officials say 2,432 structures have been destroyed, 530 damaged and 25,000 saved. Despite the savage fire, officials said 85-90 percent of the city has been saved. In the forest surrounding the Fort McMurray airport, where Trudeau landed, trees looked like little more than used match sticks, charred right up to the tarmac, and the ground was blackened. "When I got a chance to fly over the community, the first thing you notice is the smoke, the haze, the smell in the air. Even from the airport, which was untouched, you can tell the scale and the scope of what just happened. And then you notice the blackened forest that surrounds Fort McMurray ... entire swaths of burned out trees and hillsides," Trudeau said during an evening news conference. He told of the moment when he saw a small plastic child's scooter on the sidewalk as he toured the city. "The one thing I realized, unlike so many images we've seen, that little plastic scooter, whatever little boy or girl was using that just before the evacuation, they're safe. They're alive," he said. "They're being sheltered by friends or family or kind strangers." "Yes, this was a terrible disaster to befall this community but there is strength here and a will to build a stronger future," Trudeau added. The prime minister and Notley, who also spoke during the evening press conference, took the opportunity to thank the first responders, the evacuees, and Canadians who donated funds to the Red Cross, sent shipments of care packages or opened their homes to those who had to flee the fire. "When we stick together and when we have each other's backs, we are all stronger," said Notley. Fort McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen, who led the fight against the fierce fire, said having the prime minister visit is a morale boost. "Right now the residents aren't there, but there are hundreds and hundreds of emergency workers. I think they'll get a lift from that," he said. Melissa Blake, mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, accompanied Trudeau, saying it was critical for him to tour the burned neighborhoods. "Once you see it, you know not just how daunting the work will be, but how important it is to make it back to what it was before," she said. Trudeau was also accompanied by Notley and some federal cabinet ministers, who are part of a special committee that will coordinate aid and reconstruction efforts in the city. Alberta Member of Parliament Kent Hehr, who heads the special committee, said it's important to show people that the federal government will be there for them in the reconstruction. "It's very difficult for me as an Albertan" to witness the damage, said Hehr, who represents a Calgary district. Residents evacuated More than 80,000 residents had to evacuate their homes May 3 as the flames carved a destructive path through the city. The fire is now 2,410 square kilometers (930 square miles) in size and has moved away from the city. It's expected to burn in forested areas for at least a few more weeks. The more than 80,000 evacuees have begun receiving direct financial assistance from the Alberta government and the Canadian Red Cross as officials asked for patience in getting residents home. Canadian Red Cross chief executive Conrad Sauve has said that each adult will receive $600 Canadian (US$467) and each child will get $300 Canadian (US$234) in what he called the most important and fastest direct cash transfer in the organization's history. It totals $50 million Canadian. (US$39 million). That's in addition to the $1,250 Canadian (US$973) per adult and $500 Canadian (US$390) per dependent from the government. China has reclaimed more than 3,200 acres of land in the southeastern South China Sea. But the country's focus has shifted to developing and weaponizing those man-made islands so it will have greater control over the maritime region without resorting to armed conflict, according to a new Pentagon report. In its most detailed assessment to date of China's island-building program, the Defense Department said three of the land features in the Spratly Islands now have nearly 10,000-foot runways and large ports in various stages of construction. And it has excavated deep channels, created and dredged harbors, and constructed communications, logistics and intelligence gathering facilities. The report argues that the accelerated building effort doesn't give China any new territorial rights. But it says the airfields, ship facilities, surveillance and weapons equipment will allow China to significantly enhance its long-term presence in the South China Sea. "This would improve China's ability to detect and challenge activities by rival claimants or third parties, widen the range of capabilities available to China, and reduce the time required to deploy them," according to the report released Friday. "China is using coercive tactics short of armed conflict, such as the use of law enforcement vessels to enforce maritime claims, to advance their interests in ways that are calculated to fall below the threshold of provoking conflict," the report adds. The 3,200 acres only represents China's reclamation in the Spratleys and doesn't include its building in the Paracels, further northwest, including the contested Woody Island, in its estimates. China has deployed anti-aircraft missiles to Woody Island. The Pentagon declined to release details on the amount of increased reclamation in the Paracels or to provide a more concrete estimate of the increase in building in the Spratly Islands. Land reclamation Chinese officials have defended the land reclamation by saying it is Beijing's territory, adding that the buildings and infrastructure are for public service use and to support fishermen. It accuses the Philippines, Vietnam and others of carrying out their own building work on other islands. The report also notes that China has continued to assert sovereignty over the East China Sea, including the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan. Vietnam, China and Taiwan all claim the Paracels, and the three along with the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei claim all or parts of the Spratlys. The U.S. says it takes no side in the territorial disputes, but supports freedom of passage through the area, which is one of the world's busiest sea lanes. China's island building, the report concludes, is designed to walk right up to -- but not cross -- "the threshold of provoking the United States, its allies and partners, or others in the Asia-Pacific region into open conflict." More broadly, the report says that China is steadily increasing its role and power around the world, while continuing to modernize and build up its military and inventory of ships, missiles and aircraft. Specifically, it notes China's plans to build its first overseas military facility in Djibouti to help support naval operations in the region. US-China relations The report also repeats assertions by U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter that continued provocation by China may only improve U.S. relations in the Asia Pacific. "China's increasingly assertive efforts to advance its national sovereignty and territorial claims, its forceful rhetoric, and lack of transparency about its growing military capabilities and strategic decision-making continue to raise tensions and have caused countries in the region to enhance their ties to the United States," the report said. U.S. officials have been increasingly concerned China's activities could be a prelude to enforcing a possible air defense identification zone over the South China Sea, similar to one it declared over disputed Japanese-held islands in the East China Sea in 2013. As noted in previous year's reports, China continues to target U.S. government and Defense Department computer systems through cyber intrusions. The report said that during 2015, China used it's cyber capabilities to spy on the U.S. and steal information from computer networks. "The information targeted could potentially be used to benefit China's defense industry, high-technology industries, and provide the CCP insights into U.S. leadership perspectives on key China issues, the report said. The Chinese government has ordered Internet giant Baidu to revamp its advertising policies following the death of a young man who participated in an experimental treatment he found online. The incident has spurred greater government scrutiny of the countrys Internet search engines and calls for increased oversight of its hospitals. Twenty-one-year-old Wei Zexi had terminal soft tissue disease, and responded to an advertisement on Baidu, the countrys largest search engine, for an experimental treatment at a Chinese hospital. Desperate for a cure, Zexi borrowed money for the treatment, and spent more than $30,000 to cover the costs; but, the cure he hoped would save his life proved false. He accused the hospital of false advertising and of exaggerating the claims of the treatments effectiveness shortly before he died. The facility was a military hospital. Military-run hospitals in China are reputed to offer some of the safest and most reliable services. Military hospitals Alex He Jingwei, an assistant professor at the Department of Asian and Policy Studies, said many Chinese are unaware that some parts of the government's military hospitals are managed by private investors. Military hospitals their operation is still a black box, and you really dont know much about it," he said. "But what we do know, is they are military hospitals on the one hand, but many of them have privatized some departments, especially those treating STDs, and cancer departments. Many of them have been sold out to private investors. Chinas government no longer covers the costs of many health care services in the country, and many hospitals struggle to make a profit. Chinese citizens also have few options other than scouring the Internet for information on where and how to seek treatment. One of the things the Baidu case illustrates is there isnt really a proper referral system, so patients are really on their own in terms of making choices about where to go, and so hence the Internet searches, and trying to find good doctors through friends and acquaintances, said Neil Munro, a senior lecturer in Chinese politics at Glasgow University. Baidu had been accepting payments in exchange for higher placement in its search results. Every sponsored listing had a label that read Promote, but that may not have been understood by Internet users like Zexi, who were seeking treatment. Chinas government has launched an investigation of Baidu, which controls 80 percent of the Internet search market, and ordered the company to prevent the promotion of medical institutions that had not been approved by the government. It also ordered Baidu to overhaul its search results system so that it is not determined by how much advertisers have paid. Paul Haswell, a partner at the international law firm Pinsent Masons, said the government could go even further in regulating medical advertising than the measures announced this week. The Chinese government if it wanted to could do anything it wants to stop Baidu from letting this happen in the future. Now I wonder if they would place some sort of ban on advertising on the Internet by medical services. It doesnt look like that is going to be the case, but they certainly have the power to do it, he said. So far, regulators seem focused on Chinas Internet search engines, rather than the hospitals that advertise through them. In a letter to employees, Baidus chief executive promised to value its users over profits; many Chinese may hope that the countrys hospitals will do the same. Lightning strikes have killed 56 people over the past two days, triggering a panic among some people, Bangladesh authorities said Saturday. After a nearly weeklong heat wave scorched Bangladesh, thunderstorms hit the countrys 14 districts Thursday. The storm produced lightning strikes that killed at least 33 people. Another series of lightning strikes Friday killed at least 23 other people. The lightning strikes also injured scores of other people in the past two days. Most of the people who died or were injured across the country were working in farmlands or were in open spaces when they were struck, police said. Seasonal weather Deaths caused by lightning strike often occur during the premonsoon season -- usually between March and May -- and often in rural areas where people work outdoors. Pabna police officer Abul Hossain told VOA that eight people in Pabna district alone were killed by lightning strikes, adding that the number of people killed in such a short time "has left many people panicking." Last year, 51 people were killed by lightning. But there have already been 90 deaths -- including the 56 killed in the past two days -- caused by lightning since March this year. Mohammad Riaz Ahmed, who heads Bangladesh's disaster management department, said the authorities were concerned with the unusual number of deaths so far this year. Ahmed said Friday that lightning strikes peak in May in Bangladesh. With more thunderstorms predicted by the end of the month, "we are indeed concerned, he added. Some experts also noted that a change in climate temperature might have triggered an increase in the frequency of lightning strikes in Bangladesh. "As we have recorded, the lightning frequency has been increasing gradually since 1981, due to climate variability and increase in temperature. The temperature in the country marked a significant rise this year, which is apparently the cause behind the increased incidents of lightning," said M. Abdul Mannan, a meteorology department official in Dhaka. Factors Gawher Nayeem Wahr, member-secretary of the Bangladesh Disaster Preparedness Forum, said the decreasing number of tall trees has a role in the increase in number of people being injured or killed by lightning strikes. Palm and other taller trees usually attract the lightning flashes. But with these trees becoming scarce in rural areas" people are more prone to be hit, Wahr said. Ahmed, of the country's disaster management department, said the high number of deaths has forced the country to consider the event a natural disaster. We will make all efforts, consulting our scientists and other disaster management experts so that lightning strikes cannot be a that big threat in Bangladesh," he said. After it garnered a huge reaction at the Edinburgh Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival, Louis Theroux's documentary on the inner workings of the Church of Scientology looks set for a wide release. Speaking in a recent Q&A, Theroux confirmed that the film has a distributor and that it'll be in cinemas soon. "For me it's a big departure, because it's the first theatrical released documentary I've ever made. It was conceived and shot as a cinematic movie, it's 100 minutes, and it investigates and attempts to get under the skin of what for me is the Holy Grail of stories: America's homegrown religion created by a science fiction writer, and structured like a corporation. With Tom Cruise." Theroux also confirmed that the distributor, Altitude, was also responsible for the stunning Amy Winehouse documentary that scooped the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature last year. The controversy surrounding Theroux's documentary has been huge, with the Church of Scientology putting both Theroux and the filmmaking team under constant surveillance. Not only that, Theroux admitted that they've received numerous legal threats from the Church throughout production. We've contacted a number of Irish distributors to see what the story is with the Irish release date, as it's likely it'll be on the same date as the UK one. However, there might a few legal challenges to the film's release in Ireland. Alex Gibney's documentary on the Church of Scientology, Going Clear, was delayed from broadcasting over legal attempts and claims of libel. Not only that, Ireland's blasphemy laws could potentially be enacted to stop the film reaching Irish cinemas. The Defamation Act of 2009 makes the "publication or utterance of blasphemous matter" against any religion an offence and carries a fine of 25,000. However, the Act does allow for a defence of work that has "genuine literary, artistic, political, scientific, or academic value", which this documentary clear has. Via Variety This week North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un capped years of political maneuvers, purges and executions by assuming the post of party chairman, declaring it the start of the "Kim Jong Un era." The event was widely seen as cementing his leadership role, but analysts in Washington and Seoul say that revitalizing the North's ailing economy appears to be the key to maintaining his long-term rule. Ken Gause, Director of the International Affairs Group at the Center for Naval Analyses, said fixing the countrys economy will be major challenge. "He has to show some sort of progress on the economy. I believe that is intimately linked to his ability to consolidate his power," said Gause, who is following the North Korean leadership closely. Growing threat With international sanctions increasing, mismanagement of the already crippled economy could lead to tensions in the regime, according to the North Korea expert. Gause said the reshuffle of top officials and policy announcements at the party gathering showed Kim still needs more time to fully consolidate power. "I would argue that this is a step toward consolidation of power. But he has still not fully consolidated his power and thats probably going to take another year or so," he said. Gause said Kims nuclear policy is a major obstacle to the countrys economic development. "Ultimately what North Korea wants to do is to be able to engage the United States and South Korea without preconditions, which means without having the denuclearization issue standing in the way," said Gause. Obstacle to growth Whether Kim will choose economic prosperity over nuclear weapons remains unclear. Addressing more than 3,400 delegates at the congress, Kim vowed to maintain his declared policy of pursuing nuclear weapons and economic growth simultaneously. Kim also announced a five-year economic plan, the first since the 1980s. Over the next five years, the North should "fly the flag of victory" and become a "scientific and technological, economic and highly civilized power," Kim said. He also called for efforts to improve the countrys power shortage crisis. Many analysts say increasing electricity output is key to reviving the Norths economy. At the gathering, Kim wore a dark Western-style suit, grey tie and horn-rimmed glasses that resembled the ones worn by his late grandfather and the nations founder, Kim Il Sung. Some analysts speculated the resemblance could be an indication that young Kim will seek economic reform, following in the footsteps of his grandfather. Plan lacks actions Critics, however, argued Kims economic plan did not contain a new vision or specific actions. Lim Kang-taeg, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, South Koreas state-run research institute specializing in inter-Korean affairs, called the plan a rehash of previous announcements. Kim Young-hee, a specialist on the North Korea economy at the Korea Development Bank in Seoul, said the economic plan is designed to support Pyongyangs nuclear ambition. "What this means is they plan to complete miniaturization of nuclear weapons within five years. They are trying to cope with economic hardship while developing nuclear weapons," said Kim. In his first public appearance after the party gathering, Kim Jong Un visited a factory making farming machinery wearing a suit, the Norths state media said Friday. Several hundred people from Central African nations are stranded in southern Cameroon after being expelled from neighboring Equatorial Guinea and Gabon this month. Equatorial Guinea and Gabon say they are expelling foreigners who do not have proper identification papers. The majority of those being expelled are economic migrants from around Central Africa. They complain that authorities in those two countries ransacked their homes, seized their money and deposited them on the border at Kiossi. Some had only just arrived in those countries while others had been living there for years. Bakari Zhouli, a 45-year old engineer from Chad, says his documents were taken and he is stuck. He says he is surprised that the government of Equatorial Guinea is chasing out the people who helped to transform many parts of their country from mere foot paths, forests and abandoned cocoa plantations into a developing country. He says he helped transform the capital, Bata, in the 15 years he was there. Gabon and Equatorial Guinea say they are expelling foreigners who do not have proper identification papers for security reasons, saying some migrants are engaged in illegal mining and criminal activities. Felix Nguele Nguele, governor of Cameroon's southern region, says the government is investigating. "We insisted that forces of law and order should have information on who was expelled and why he was expelled. We took an assessment of all the control posts on the borders and equally sent a team to the field to try to sensitize all stakeholders," said Nguele. Most of the people now stranded in Cameroon said they went to Gabon and Equatorial Guinea looking for work. The oil-producing nations have long been destinations for economic migrants. Nchama Theodoro is senior adviser to the governor of Woleu-Ntem, one of Equatorial Guinea's nine administrative provinces. He says the global drop in price of oil and other commodities is taking a toll and many companies are having to lay off workers. He says central African states should be able to provide opportunities for their young people who instead see Equatorial Guinea as the solution to their problems. He says Equatorial Guinea is helping to build Africas workforce by allowing people to come and work freely, but that cannot be the only solution to unemployment. The International Monetary Fund said earlier this month that the rate of economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to slow to a 16-year low. Central Africa is feeling the slump with countries reporting record increases in debt. Hundreds of Cameroonians have returned home after being expelled from Gabon. Ghanas governing and opposition political parties are resisting plans by a policy think tank to organize presidential debates only between incumbent President John Dramani Mahama and main opposition leader Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic party (NPP). They say the planned rules by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) are biased against so-called smaller opposition parties. So far, 22 political parties have officially registered to participate in the November presidential, legislative and local elections, Electoral Commission of Ghana officials said. Previously, IEA rules required a group to have representation in parliament for a candidate to quality for a political debate. IEA officials said this year they are considering having just the two leading candidates participate in the debate before November's general election. The group said its internal polling showed Ghanaians wanted to hear just from the leaders of the two dominant parties. George Lawson, NDC deputy general secretary, told local media Starr FM, Its an absurd decision. We have not yet met to take a decision on that proposal. But how can one possibly engage in such a discriminatory democracy? Such a debate must not be encouraged. ... All candidates must be given the same level playing field and this segregation attempts being advanced by the IEA must be stopped." Bernard Mornah, chairman of the opposition Peoples National Convention (PNC), told VOA the IEA proposal is disquieting and an affront to Ghanas multiparty democracy. Mornah said such a vital aspect of the Ghanaian democracy -- the presidential debate -- should not be left in the hands of a private institution to dictate the terms. The IEA has simply been so rude, they have been so disrespectful and this outcome is so disgusting to say the least," he said. "And the PNC doesnt take it lying low, we have asked our general secretary to write to them in clear terms telling them that we are disappointed, a d our presidential candidate will not participate in any debate of such nature, he added. Mornah said the IEA erred in its proposal, saying the smaller opposition parties have contributed to the national discourse to improve the living conditions of Ghanaians by holding the administrations accountable to the people. Even though we have not won power, our policy contribution to shaping the political destiny of our nation has not been in doubt, he said. To further complicate matters, the ruling NDC party said President Mahama might not participate in the presidential debate. However, IEA said the presidential debate will proceed despite threats by some political parties that they will consider boycotting the presidential debate. For the third time, Iran is holding a Holocaust cartoon-drawing contest this weekend that will feature works that belittle the past suffering of Jewish people and deny the atrocities of the Holocaust. Some 150 works from artists in 50 different countries are on display, with the top 16 finalists set to share $50,000 in prize money. The number one artist will walk away with $12,000. Masuod Shojai-Tabatabai, the secretary of the contest, claimed it had nothing to do with denying the Holocaust, but that it was meant to highlight the plight of Muslims currently being massacred by the Zionist regime in Gaza and Palestine. He said the events sponsors have no interest in denying the Holocaust or ridiculing its victims. The event was organized by Owj Media & Cultural Institute and the Sarsheshmeh Cultural Center, non-governmental organizations with ties to the Iranian government, but without explicit government backing. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif sought to make clear that there are no ties between the Iranian government and the cartoon contest in a recent interview with the New Yorker. Its not Iran, he said. Its an N.G.O. that is not controlled by the Iranian government. Nor is it endorsed by the Iranian government. The World Jewish Conference, a Jewish advocacy group, refuted Zarifs claims, though saying it is a sort-of open secret that the organizations running the event are directly linked to and funded by Irans Revolutionary Guards. It has always been clear who runs Iran: the fundamentalist radicals seeking Israels destruction, Ronald Lauder, the groups president said in a statement. The fact that Iran is once again providing a platform for this competition proves that it has still not changed its colors and if given the chance, could still be as dangerous as ever. Out of the 10 S&P 500 sectors soon to be 11 as Real Estate will be added on August 31 Retail is perhaps one of the best in which to go stock picking, as trends are easily identifiable. Over the past 12-18 months, we have seen some very clear winners and losers emerge. "Are traditional brick-and-mortal retailers dying a slow death?" was the biggest question that investors were asking this week. Earnings were disastrous for department stores like Macys, JC Penney, Kohls and Nordstrom, which all cut earnings and profit projections, citing slowing foot traffic and structural issues. It's insightful to track where all of the foot traffic is going because consumers are spending money as retail sales data showed on Friday morning, posting the largest gain in a year. The big draw is Amazon.com, of course, because we all want instant gratification and the ease of shopping from the couch in pajamas. Just drill down into the data for confirmation. Receipts at clothing stores surged 1 percent, while online retail sales jumped 2.1 percent, the biggest gain since June 2014. Another area in retail that is benefiting from the downward spiral of the Department Store sector is discounters, like TJ Maxx, Ross Stores and Burlington Coat Factory. When department stores have excess inventory they cant move off the shelves, whether due to slow traffic or unseasonable weather trends, the discounters benefit because they can negotiate fabulous deals for that merchandise. Better deals for the discounters translates into 20 percent to 80 percent savings for the consumer. Since consumers are pickier than ever with their discretionary income, we have come to expect discounts and like to feel we are getting a great deal. The more the discounters can offer this, the more foot traffic they will take from the department stores. The trend of online and discounter shopping, coupled with social media, will continue to add pressure to department stores. This is not just an isolated theme for this quarters earnings season. Analysts at JPMorgan told investors they think retailers targeting the high-end consumer are most at risk for a further sales step-down in 2016, and the analysts cut their price target 20 percent to $34 per share. There is only so much cost-cutting the department stores can do before they have to question how sustainable the business is in the current environment. In years past, the mall was a social experience as well as a shopping one. That seems to matter less now that our social structure is around digital peers. Trading week ahead Investor focus now shifts to the G7 Finance Ministers and central bank governors meeting late next week in Japan. The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Central bank policy, which has been one of the biggest drivers behind the market and Brexit risk in June will be discussed. Brexit refers to the referendum in June about the U.K. leaving the European Union. Following strong retail sales data, investors will look to see if that strength spilled over in the housing market. Housing Starts and Existing Home Sales will be released. These powerful pieces of data have a strong impact on the economy and will give more clues into the strength of the consumer. Other key data include the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes. While investors do not expect a change in the minutes from the last FOMC meeting, the release at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday will move the markets as traders pick apart each word looking for clues to monetary policy. Most of the S&P 500 has reported earnings, but there still are several retailers on the calendar, including Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Lowes, Target, Urban Outfitters, Dicks Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart, Gap Stores and Ross Stores. Expectations are for continued weakness in traditional brick-and-mortar stores, while strong reports are expected from the discounters and home improvement stores. Analysts at Jefferies investment banking firm say they expect strong results for Home Depot and Lowes, reflecting a favorable spending backdrop for the industry and early start to the remodel/construction season due to warmer weather early in the first quarter. In fact, Jefferies took up their estimates and price targets on both stocks heading into the earnings reports. Islamic State militants on Saturday killed 20 government troops during an attack on a hospital in eastern Syria, a Britain-based information agency said. The militants also seized territory in Deir el-Zour, near the border with Iraq, which is split between government forces and IS fighters. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said six IS combatants also were killed in the fighting. It said government forces had surrounded the hospital, but the fate of its staff and patients was not known. Some 200,000 civilians are estimated to still be living in Deir el-Zours government-controlled neighborhoods. It was not clear whether civilians were killed or injured in Saturdays attack. Meanwhile, in northeastern Syria, a car bomb exploded in the predominantly Kurdish town of Qamishli. The observatory said two people were killed and five were wounded, while state news agency SANA said five were killed and several others were wounded. Cameroon says the multinational joint forces fighting Boko Haram have captured five leaders of the radical Islamist group, including Boukar Kaou, traditional ruler of Kumche in Nigeria. Dozens of the terrorists were killed and 60 women and children freed. Cameroon's communication minister and government spokesperson Issa Tchiroma says 1,000 troops of the multinational joint task force fighting Boko Haram organized systematic raids between May 10 and 12 on Boko Haram bases in Nigeria's Madawaya forest, some seven kilometers from Cameroon's northern border, killing 58 Boko Haram fighters. Tchiroma says 15 Nigerian women, three Cameroonian women and 28 children who had been held captive in the Boko Haram stronghold were freed and taken to Cameroon. He says huge quantities of war weapons were either destroyed or seized. The minister says five leaders of the terrorist group, including the traditional leader of Kumshe and emir of the terrorist group, were arrested along side dozens of their supporters. He says after a recent successful operation in Goshe and Kumche on the Nigerian territory, so many Boko Haram fighters escaped to the Madawaya forest and created camps for their fighters, where they also trained suicide bombers especially young women and girls. He says the destruction of their training camps have made the governments of Cameroon and Nigeria to realize that the forest served as the main training ground for suicide bombers and child fighters that regularly attacked the two countries. He says none of the Cameroon and Nigerian forces were killed. Cameroon believes the militants have resorted to suicide bombings because their fire-power has been drastically reduced following ceaseless attacks on their stronghold since December 2015 by an eight thousand-strong multinational joint task force with troops from Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, Benin and Niger. The United Nations reports that Boko Haram's six-year insurgency has killed more than 25,000 people and displaced more than 2.5 million. When an Iraqi soldier heard a buzzing sound overhead last month in Iraqs Anbar province, he took aim and shot down what looked like a bird-sized model plane. After studying the device, Iraqs Ministry of Defense said it was a surveillance drone available for purchase on the Internet for less than $1,000 that was being flown by the Islamic State (IS) group. The brave warrior ... was able to hit a spying plane belonging to the gangs of IS, the ministry said in a Facebook post. Such incidents are becoming increasingly common in both Iraq and Syria. Drones from at least seven nations and several militias and military forces including IS are crowding the skies above Iraq, Syria and Turkey, according to interviews with analysts and officials in the region. Drones [have] opened new aspects to the wars and changed the shape of the battlefields, making the confrontations more complicated and more sophisticated, said retired U.S. Army Col. Robert Cassidy, who is studying their proliferation. The drones being used in Iraq and Syria range from state-of-the-art military hardware used by the U.S.-led coalition to rudimentary consumer products used by IS and various militias. Countries flying drones Turkey, Syria, Iran, Russia, the U.S., Britain and Iraq all have used drones in the region. Kurdish militias, Syrian rebel forces, and the Hezbollah and IS have also used some form of drones. Their missions range from simple surveillance to precisely targeted assassinations of key terrorists by the U.S.-led coalition. While the Pentagon tries to keep its drone program covert, it has admitted several times in recent months to striking specific IS targets with drones, according to news reports. Among the targets was Islamic State's Jihadi John, who was shown in gruesome videos beheading U.S. and Western hostages. The drone program, which is run by the CIA and the Joint Special Operation Command, largely operates out of a Turkish military base. Britain has joined in the drone operation, according to published reports, and Turkey announced that its forces used four U.S.-made drones in a May 1 attack against IS. The Pentagon refused a request from VOA to discuss specifics of its drone program, which has grown in scope since its initial mission targeting terror suspects in Pakistan and Yemen. The widening U.S. use of drones has drawn criticism from human rights groups, some in Congress and foreign powers. In Syria, IS has responded with countermeasures, including blanketing rooftops and alleys in its de facto capital, Raqqa, with cloth and burlap. The extremist group has also flooded the Internet with names and addresses of several U.S. military personnel who are involved in drone operations. Technology savvy Unlike other jihadi groups, IS has proven itself technology savvy. It uses makeshift drones to gather information about its enemies and to produce aerial footage for propaganda videos. During the battle of Kobani in 2014, IS released drone footage that purportedly showed its fighters engaged in suicide attacks. Military officials say IS has increasingly flown spy drones near the bases of Iraqi and Kurdish forces. We can clearly see IS drones flying over our front lines to collect intelligence, said Qadir Qadir, a Kurdish peshmerga commander. Qadir said drone traffic has become so heavy that military commanders report difficulty in distinguishing IS drones from Kurdish and coalition drones. Sometimes they are too high for us to reach or were not sure if they belong to our friends or to enemies," he said. Experts say IS has developed its drone arsenal from kits and parts found on the Internet. There are several IS drone factories near the Iraqi city of Mosul, according to news reports. Iraqi forces, which have been fighting IS since mid-2014, say they too use drones. They are particularly helpful to obtain information on (IS) bases, Lt.-Gen. Anwar Hama Amin, the commander of Iraqi Air Force, told VOA. Several reports say Iraq has purchased some of its drones from Iran, which supports the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. Amin denied using Iranian drones, said Iraq buys most of its devices from China and some from the United States. The ones from the U.S. are only for surveillance purposes, but we use the Chinese drones to hit IS targets, he said. Proliferate The commander said drones have proliferated because they are inexpensive and fairly easy to assemble. You can buy the pieces in the market and find their designs on the Internet, he said. Kurdish forces, who fight IS in northern Iraq, say they use drones to gather information on IS. IS can be very unpredictable as their fighters move across vast territories and their numbers change constantly, said Aras Haso Mirkhan, deputy commander of the peshmerga forces near Mosul. Drones have made it possible for us to track them wherever they go. Iraqi Kurds use their drones in coordination with the U.S.-led coalition, Mirkhan said. We use them in every front line, but I cant say their exact numbers, he said. Syrian skies similarly are swarming with drones belonging to various factions in the 5-year-old civil war, military analysts say. Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Gen. Igor Konashenkov said in October that the Syrian campaign was the first test for Russias use of spy drones on a massive scale. He said the unmanned aircraft collect intelligence in Syria around the clock. Russia entered the war with military aircraft in September, providing the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with added firepower in their fight against anti-government rebels and IS. Iran also uses drones to help the Syrian regime. The powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced in February that a Shahed 129, an Iranian-developed unmanned aerial vehicle, was providing combat support to pro-government forces in Syria. Iran has invested tremendously in drone technology in the past decade, said Sajjad Jafari, an Iranian drone specialist who is based in Tehran, told VOA. "Iranian drones have helped Syrian government in its war against IS." Iranian drones have been spotted by satellite imagery in several Syrian military bases, including air bases in Damascus and Hama. The Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah, which is fighting alongside the Iranians in support of the Assad government, has also used drones. Hezbollahs al-Manar television has broadcast footage of what it said was a drone attack near the Syria-Lebanon border. IHS Janes, a military analysis company, said the group has been using an abandoned Lebanese airbase near the Syria borders as a launch pad for unmanned aircraft. Such support certainly boosts the [Syrian] regimes momentum in the battlefield, said Washington-based analyst Ahed al-Hendi who closely observes the patterns of war in Syria. But anti-Assad rebel groups such as the Army of Islam are also using drones. They set advanced cameras on drones to be used for surveillance on opposing parties, al-Hendi said. Turkey, reeling from the spillover of regional wars, is pouring millions of dollars into developing its own drone program for use against IS fighters in Syria and Iraq and Kurdish insurgents inside and outside of Turkey. The Anka Block A, the largest drone that Turkeys has produced, made its debut in February. A Turkish drone in April spotted two missile launchers in northern Aleppo in Syria, according to Hurriyet newspaper, which cited Turkish security sources. The Turkish military struck the IS positions with its howitzers, killing 13 IS militants and wounding seven others. Analysts said the Turkish military also uses drones against Kurdish militants of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) inside Turkey, a move that is causing controversy among Turks as civilian casualties are mounting. There are legal issues associated with [drone use], particularly over how decapitating strikes against citizens involved with the PKK are decided, said Can Kasapoglu, a defense analyst at the Istanbul-based Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies. Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday agreed to reopen a main border crossing for thousands of stranded passengers and transit trade convoys, four days after a fencing dispute brought traffic to a halt. The decision to resume routine border traffic at the northwestern Torkham crossing came after Afghan Ambassador Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal met with Pakistani military chief General Raheel Sharif to discuss the matter and other issues related to border management, said a Pakistani army spokesman. Both sides showed resolve to continue efforts to fight terrorism, bring lasting peace in the region, stated spokesman Lt. General Asim Bajwa, giving details of the meeting in Rawalpindi, where the military is headquartered. Tensions escalated on Tuesday when Pakistani authorities began installing a fence at a vulnerable portion of the border crossing to ensure better management and stop any illegal movement. Afghan authorities immediately objected and alleged the construction activity was being undertaken on their country's soil, but Pakistan maintained the fence was 30 meters deep inside its territory. The dispute drew an offensive attitude by Afghan border forces and prompted Pakistan to halt the work and consequently close the gate for all kinds of traffic, Pakistani officials said. Islamabad has long called for Kabuls cooperation in ensuring strict border controls. Pakistani officials insist such measures will discourage militant movement on either side and help in reducing terrorist acts in both countries. Afghanistan and Pakistan share a 2,500-kilometer-long porous frontier, known as the Durand Line. Successive Afghan leaders, however, have for decades refused to accept the demarcations from past British rule of the Indian subcontinent. Kabul wants to renegotiate the Durand Line but Islamabad rejects the demand, saying the theater has long been settled. The border dispute, critics say, has been the source of other issues dividing the two countries. Pakistani officials say the fencing at Torkham is part of ongoing efforts to implement strict controls along the entire frontier with Afghanistan and "they will serve interests" of both nations. The border tensions come at a time when bilateral relations have plunged to new lows over allegations that Islamabad is not preventing the Taliban and militants linked to the Haqqani terror network from using Pakistani sanctuaries to launch attacks in Afghanistan. Pakistan's foreign policy chief, Sartaj Aziz, again rejected the charges on Thursday. Pakistan is being blamed for supporting the Haqqani network without providing any concrete evidence to enable us to take additional action" against the network or other terrorist organizations, Aziz told the national parliament. Aniya Wolf's prom didn't exactly go to plan. The student was attending her prom at Bishop McDevitt High School in Pennsylvania and was dressed in a tuxedo, not the usual prom dress that basically everyone wears. Aniya was escorted off the school premises at her prom for wearing said tuxedo by a school official, even though her school uniform was strictly a shirt and trousers. Aniya's mother, Carolyn, explained that she "told them (the school) that I had read the dress code that was given to the students and I didnt think that it precluded her from wearing a suit. I said that this was very unfair, particularly at the last minute. We had gone out and bought a new suit. I think my daughter is beautiful in a suit." As you can imagine, Aniya was devastated by the whole thing. The story made waves across the Internet and eventually reached Rob McElhenney of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Tweeting Aniya, McElhenney offered the student a walk-on role on the hit comedy show. Let's hope that they don't end up driving around in a limo picking up people's trash, because that's not fun. That's the kind of Wild Card stuff that gets you into trouble. Via Twitter South Asian countries will set up a toll-free helpline and online platform to fight human trafficking, which is growing on a massive scale in one of the world's poorest and most populous regions. While some activists are hopeful this will curb cross-border trafficking, others doubt that it will dent the problem. Although there is no specific data on the number of women and children trafficked in the region, the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime says South Asia is the second-largest and fastest-growing region for human trafficking. The main victims of trafficking are girls and women. This week, Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh underlined the need for regional solutions while attending a South Asia conference on protecting children. After the conference, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Nepal pledged to establish initiatives to trace missing children. They also plan to establish a uniform toll-free helpline and develop common standards for addressing sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Turmoil raises risks Turmoil in several of these countries has led to a surge in trafficking, according to Colin Gonsalves, head of the New Delhi activist group Human Rights Law Network. "Nepal has had the earthquake, Bangladesh has had political strife. So this area is an area where families are being unsettled and displaced, poverty has increased, and so there are very large volumes of trafficking in this area, and more important there is no check at all," he said. There is high domestic trafficking in India also, where despite the impressive 7 percent-plus economic growth, huge income inequality means that millions of people are still extremely poor. At the same time, a surge in demand in the country's booming cities results in many children and women working as prostitutes, laborers and poorly paid domestic employees. Many of the victims are brought from Nepal and Bangladesh into India. Dismal situation A prominent Indian anti-trafficking activist, Rishi Kant, is optimistic that the South Asian initiative will curb cross-border trafficking. "If we have [a] support system in other countries like Nepal and Bangladesh because we have a lot of children from those countries coming to India, especially girl children if those countries law enforcement agencies and the civil society jointly participate in passing information promptly and immediately, I think this will go a long way in rescuing the children," Kant said. However, Gonsalves and other activists blame the governments and law enforcement agencies for only paying lip service to a very serious crime, and say trafficking rings continue to function with impunity. "If you ask overall in South Asia, Has there been any progress toward curbing trafficking? [The answer is] only cosmetic stuff, but no systemic attempt to stop trafficking. It's a very dismal situation," Gonsalves said. The trauma of war cannot easily be forgotten; the atrocities committed during the conflict can not easily be forgiven. Yet both actions are necessary for a nation and its people to move beyond the violence. In an effort to repair social fabric torn by years of strife, many communities have turned to truth-and-reconciliation commissions. These forums give victims of violence a chance to be heard and perpetrators an opportunity to seek forgiveness from their neighbors. Some two dozen truth-and-reconciliation programs have taken place in countries wearied and traumatized by years of civil war. The first were in Latin America. Perhaps the most famous ones were held in South Africa after the end of apartheid. Such a truth-and-reconciliation process is taking place in the West African nation of Sierra Leone, which experienced a violent civil war from 1991 to 2002. During the Revolutionary United Fronts campaign against the government, more than 50,000 people were killed, thousands more were raped or had limbs amputated, and 2.6 million people -- more than half of the population -- were displaced. In 2007, a Sierra Leonean nonprofit group, Fambul Tok, or "Family Talk" in the Krio language of Sierra Leone, began a reconciliation program to give civilians a chance to recount their experiences in sometimes chilling detail. Perpetrators were able to ask for forgiveness without fear of prosecution. Not positive for all In many cases, the process has had positive results. Oeindrila Dube, a professor of politics and economics at New York University, saw the effect on victims who end up forgiving their aggressors and rebuilding the community. They contributed more to public good," Dube said. "They spent more times doing things like building public roads and health clinics and donating more to families in need. So, in essence, they became much more community oriented in their behavior. But Dube suspected not everyone benefited fully. Perhaps there were some who found the process of coming face to face with perpetrators revived memories of wartime trauma, worsening anxiety and depression. Supported by the World Bank, Georgetown University and the NGO Innovations for Poverty Action, Dube and her colleagues studied truth panels to find out. A decade after Sierra Leone's civil war, they looked at 200 villages, half of which were randomly chosen to participate in the truth-and-reconciliation process. Following up with the 2,300 participants between nine and 31 months after the public airings, the researchers made an interesting discovery. While there was all this positive forces and societal healing, Dube said, it was quite psychologically difficult for people who had actually gone through this process, and they exhibited greater anxiety, greater depression and greater trauma as a result of having gone through the program. In the journal Science, the researchers report they found a 36 percent higher rate of post-traumatic stress in program villages, compared with an 8 percent increase in the communities where civilians did not face their tormentors. In Sierra Leone, as elsewhere, reconciliation ceremonies are not cheap. A two-day event can cost about $200 to organize, an expensive indulgence for many countries torn by local rebellions. And that does not begin to address the psychological cost of the public forums. Ease emotional pain While nobody thinks wartime atrocities should be swept under the rug, Dube suggests there may be a way to ease the emotional pain of the truth-and-reconciliation face-to-face meetings. They could be combined with ongoing counseling," she said, "so people have a little bit more preparation for facing some of these negative memories that they are going to face and, possibly, have ongoing counseling afterwards to help them work through some of the negative emotions and negative memories that theyve been confronted with as a result of going through the process. The authors conclude that their first-of-its-kind study highlights the need to restructure the truth-and-reconciliation process to help civilians traumatized by revisiting wartime experiences. A U.N. committee that monitors implementation of the Convention against Torture has condemned what it calls the ongoing practice of torture and ill-treatment in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The committee just issued its concluding observations on these and other countries. In its examination of Turkey, the U.N. Committee Against Torture did not find torture to be widespread or systematic. Nevertheless, it noted torture continues to be practiced. The committee of 10 independent experts said its major concerns included impunity for acts of torture, inhumane detention conditions and accusations of extrajudicial killings. Human rights expert Alessio Bruni says the committee has received many reports of authorities carrying out extrajudicial killings of civilians. These reportedly occurred while state security forces conducted counter-terrorism operations in southeastern Turkey, near the border with Syria. The borders, I would say, are almost closed and there are many fights armed conflicts going on and we received many allegations of civil population killed because it was in the midst of the fire and without any protection, Bruni said. The committee called for a prompt, impartial and effective investigation into these alleged killings. The panel also expressed concern about expulsion, return or deportation of asylum seekers and refugees in violation of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Saudi Arabia also came in for criticism in regard to laws and practices that the committee says amount to torture. Independent expert Felice Gaer says the committee finds the imposition of corporal punishment to be an area of particular concern. It explicitlycalled for the state to put an immediate end to the practices of flogging and lashing, and amputation of limbs as a form of corporal punishment and that this should be abolished, Gaer said. The committee also called for a moratorium on the death penalty, noting its concern at Saudi Arabia's growing number of executions. Amnesty International reports Saudi authorities executed at least 158 people in 2015. "If we treated medical error as a disease, it would be the third-largest killer in the United States," said Dr. Marty Makary, lead author of a study on fatal medical errors in the U.S. Heart disease and cancer tie for the top two causes of death. In their study, Makary and co-author Michael Daniel both of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland looked at four large studies, including one that analyzed medical death rate data from 2000 to 2008. Based on that, they calculated that 9.5 percent of all deaths each year in the U.S. are caused by medical error. The study that was published in The BMJ. Makary says no one knows how many people actually die because of these errors. U.S. death certificates don't have a place to list medical error under the cause of death. Instead, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, and health agencies in other countries use billing codes codes insurance companies use for payment of medical care to determine the causes of death. Makary says medical error is the only area of medicine that is not documented. "As a cancer surgeon, we go through this incredible process to measure our national cancer statistics, patient by patient, Makary said. I see a patient with cancer, and I have to document the age and stage of the patient and the subtype of the cancer. And that goes into our National Registry, and each year with millions of dollars of investment we put out our national cancer statistics, all the types and subtypes broken down in this complex report. We should do the same for medical error." Push for openness Makary added that unless mistakes are included in the CDC's registry, no one will know how to reduce the number of deaths from medical mistakes. "We can't really get to the bottom of the problem unless we can create a culture where there's an open and honest discussion of the problem," Makary said. Fear of retaliation or malpractice lawsuits that could result from accurately documenting the problem of medical mistakes is a major barrier that Makary says needs to be overcome. "We need to interpolate the best available science, so our national health statistics are accurate. Right now they're not accurate," he said. Makary says mistakes will always be a possibility because doctors, nurses and others involved in health care are human. He said these mistakes don't mean the health practitioners are bad, but, he says, with accurate information, systems and protocols can be made safer. Right now, he said, there's only anecdotal evidence. For example, "the most common dangerous procedure in an emergency room today, according to many emergency room doctors, is a patient handoff," Makary said. That's when the staff changes shifts, or patients are sent for a procedure and their information is not passed on. The researchers are calling for a change in the way deaths are classified on death certificates, so that health workers can find the weak spots in patient care and work to reduce them. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a comprehensive bill on opioid abuse, a group of 18 measures designed to combat the nation's epidemic of addiction to painkillers. The legislation takes steps to set up federal grants and a task force designed to examine pain management methods and the prescribing of pain medication. The vote to pass the measures was an overwhelming 400 to 5. Public awareness of the crisis has been heightened in the past few weeks, after the sudden death of pop star Prince, who died April 21 at age 57 after reportedly seeking treatment for painkiller addiction. That high-profile news event, combined with the fact that many members of Congress are seeking re-election in November, means the incentive to take legislative action was high. The Senate is considering similar legislation and, in a rare bipartisan effort, both Democrats and Republicans hope to unite their efforts and give the president one comprehensive bill to sign into law. On Thursday, the White House released a statement calling on Congress to approve $1.1 billion in new funding for drug treatment listed in President Barack Obama's budget proposal for next year. Michael Botticelli, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, said it is not enough to call attention to the public health crisis. He said "actual funding" is needed to prevent the misuse of opioids and increase access to treatment and recovery services. Painkiller addiction is a uniquely American problem: While the United States represents only 5 percent of the global population, Americans consume 80 percent of the world's supply of pain medication. Opiate use in the United States has quadrupled since 1999, helped along by low cost and ease of access to opiate painkillers and a common perception among doctors that the risk of addiction was low. The issue has received major attention only in the past decade, with policymakers and health care professionals struggling to care for the 4.5 million people in the U.S. who are estimated to be addicted to prescription opiates. We accept many different kinds of announcements. Just click on the button below and submit a form. Go to forms Bill Cosby. Photo: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images In February, Bill Cosby sued Andrea Constand for breach of contract, saying Constand one of the dozens of women who have accused Cosby of sexual assault violated a nondisclosure agreement she signed after her 2005 civil suit against the comedian settled out of court. Now, THR reports, Constand is trying to get the lawsuit thrown out. In a motion filed on Friday, Constands lawyer Dolores Troiani says Cosby used the pairs agreement to intimidate witnesses, to mislead multiple Courts, and to file frivolous motions, which not only [makes] it impossible to prevail but also [requires] that the confidentiality portions of the agreement be voided. Furthermore, Troiani says, Constand has never revealed anything that was not already a matter of public record. Cosbys lawsuit stems from Constands cooperation with the sexual-assault investigation against the star, which centers on her 2004 allegation that the comedian drugged and sexually assaulted her. Since Constand is a Canadian citizen, Cosbys suit argues, she had no legal obligation to assist police in the matter. The comedian also says hes seeking a return of the settlement money he paid Constand a decade ago. This season of 'Love Is Blind' is shaping up to be absolute madness here's what people are saying about it For President Obamas weekly White House address, he was joined by rapper-songwriter Macklemore to discuss the nations growing opioid addiction problem. (And according to Billboard, hes the first non-administration official to ever join the commander-in-chief for the weekly address. Quite a feat.) The duo sat down to discuss the matter at hand where Obama notes how drug overdoses now take more lives every year than traffic accidents an issue that holds much personal significance to Macklemore. I have abused prescription drugs and battled addiction, he says. If I hadnt gotten the help I needed when I needed it, I might not be here today. And I want to help others facing the same challenges I did. The Grammy winner was spotted at the White House earlier this week, where he spoke to Obama for an upcoming hour-long MTV documentary about addiction. Itll air later this year. How glamorous. Sink your fangs into this news: NBC has ordered a new supernatural series from the author of True Blood. Charlaine Harriss Midnight, Texas series is being adapted into a show to be co-helmed by Mr. Robot director Niels Arden Oplev. The show once again brings us to small-town America, where yet another group of seemingly normal humans are terrorized (and seduced, because cmon) by vampires, witches, psychics, and hit men. Midnight is a mysterious safe haven for those who are different. As the town members fight off outside pressures from rowdy biker gangs, ever-suspicious cops and their own dangerous pasts, they band together and form a strong and unlikely family, according to a press release. Blindspots Francois Arnaud will star, alongside Dylan Bruce, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Arielle Kebbel, Sarah Ramos, Peter Mensah, Yul Vazquez and Sean Bridgers. Over on its still-rebuilding comedy front, NBC has ordered to series new shows from Tina Fey and Marlon Wayans. Fey and her 30 Rock team will executive produce Great News, yet another comedy about the ultra-glamorous world of TV. This one follows an up-and-coming news producer named Katie, whose mother decides to intern at her news station and do all those annoyingly cute things moms do. Undateables Briga Heelan, My Big Fat Greek Weddings Andrea Martin, Adam Campbell, Kimrie Lewis-Davis, John Michael Higgins, and Horatio Sanz will star. Marlon Wayans will headline a new comedy based on his life, aptly titled Marlon, about a loving (but immature) father committed to co-parenting his two kids with his very-together ex-wife despite being the biggest kid of all. So in other words, the role Marlon Wayans has been playing his whole life. Essence Atkins will play his superhero wife, while Notlim Taylor, Amir ONeil, Bresha Webb, and Diallo Riddle also join the cast. NBC has also ordered Timeless, from the producers of The Blacklist, about you guessed it time travel. A scientist, soldier, and history professor team up to travel back in time to save history after a mysterious criminal steals a time machine and attempts to destroy America one altered piece of history at a time, as you do. Abigail Spencer, Matt Lanter, Malcolm Barrett, Goran Visnjic, Paterson Joseph, Sakina Jaffrey, and Claudia Doumit will star. A town hall meeting and memorial service for Jesse Washington will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Bledsoe Miller Recreation Center, 300 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The service will commemorate the lynching of 17-year-old Jesse Washington in front of Waco City Hall in 1916, acknowledge the communitys lynching past and address who we are now as a community seeking justice for all its residents. A reception will follow the service. For more information, call 836-4599 or email Jo_Welter@hotmail.com. Hotcakes and Hymns Seeds of Hope is having a Hotcakes and Hymns pancake dinner and old-fashioned hymn sing-along from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Harper Hall at Seventh and James Baptist Church, 602 James Ave. The dinner will include pork and all the fixings. Cost is $10 or $5 for children 10 and younger. For more information, call 755-7745 or email seedseditor1@gmail.com. Free food distribution Capital Area Food Bank of Texas and The Shepherds Heart Food Pantry will have a Wheels of Sharing Mobile Food Pantry available for a free food-distribution event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the parking lot at 3300 Franklin Ave. Participants will receive a variety of fresh food, including meat; beans; canned vegetables and fruit; soup; cereal; potatoes; rice; pasta and more. Clients must bring a box, basket or container to carry their food. For more information, call 799-8810 or 716-7064. Elm Mott FD benefit Elm Mott Fire and Rescue will have its annual fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Geneva Hall, 740 S. Connally Drive in Elm Mott. The event will include $9 fried catfish plates; a live auction; and an Air Evac helicopter on display. For more information, call 495-1648. Market vendors info Market at the Mall will have a meeting for farmers who are interested in becoming vendors at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Waco-McLennan County Central Library, 1717 Austin Ave. For more information, visit www.marketatmall.com or email market atmall@yahoo.com. Pet vaccinations Animal Birth Control Clinic, 3238 Clay Ave., will conduct a pet preventive health and microchip clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Services to be offered will include microchips; distempter and parvo vaccinations; feline vaccinations; heartworm testing; rabies vaccinations; flea treatment and heartworm prevention. For pricing information, visit www.animalbirthcontrol.org or call 776-7303. Bird Day at the zoo Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N. Fourth St., will have an International Migratory Bird Day educational event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The event will include childrens activities, and the Central Texas Audubon Society will have an information table. Regular zoo admission rates will apply. For more information, visit www.cameronpark zoo.com. Submit printed or typed items to Briefly, P.O. Box 2588, Waco 76702-2588; fax to 757-0302; or email to goingson@wacotrib.com. Chinese consortium prepares for Singapore-Malaysia rail bidding Updated: 2016-05-14 09:07 By Lyu Chang(China Daily) A group of attendants ready for boarding a high speed train bound for Kunming from Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua] Mainland companies expect to have upper hand on Singapore-Malaysia rail bidding A Chinese consortium is preparing to bid for the high-speed project linking Malaysia's Capital Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, a source with China Communications Construction Group said on Friday. The source in Beijing-based CCCG, a major construction enterprise of transportation infrastructure and dredging projects, said that consortium members are discussing details on how to carry out the project. Sheng Guangzu, general manager of the China Railway Corp, the leading company in the consortium, said it would also involve another 5 companies including China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd. The subsidiary of CCCG will start a three-day visit starting from May 23 to Malaysia to push for the project. In March China Railway announced it was investing $2 billion to build a regional center in Bandar, Malaysia, near the proposed site for the terminal of the line, to help promote local railway and road construction projects. The 350-kilometer railway line, the first high-speed rail project in Southeast Asia, has attracted not only Chinese companies but also Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Germany's Siemens and French company Alstom, all of which said they would bid for the project. When constructed, the entire trip will take two hours with the train traveling at an average of about 330 km/h. Experts said on Friday that the Chinese consortium would have an upper hand in bidding for the project especially after China Railway's acquisition of stakes in Bandar Malaysia, a transit hub, and the terminal of the proposed project. Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd, or 1MDB, agreed to sell 60 percent of its property project in Bandar Malaysia to China Railway to ease its debt burden earlier this year. Liang Haoguang, head of the Capital Development Institute of China, said that China's railway and construction companies also have an edge over its rivals in terms of technologies and project costs. "China's rich experience in large construction projects will help win the rail project, because normally it takes relatively less for Chinese companies to finish the project, and financing is also easier for the cash-rich Chinese companies," he said. China is home to the world's longest and most modern high-speed rail system with over 19,000 km of track. It has strengthen regional cooperation with construction of many industrial clusters worth billions of dollars in Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Liang said that the closer ties among those countries will also pave the way for the bidding, with those ties helping gain trust from local companies. A new restaurant called The Brown House Cafe has opened in McGregor, located in the eclectic collection of stores called The Strand Shops on Main. It represents the handiwork of Laurie Brown, who relies on old family recipes to whip up soups, salads, burgers and pulled-pork sandwiches between the hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. She likely will expand offerings to include daily specials and may begin serving dinner in the near future. The pulled-pork sandwich is very good, if I do say so myself, her husband, Danny Brown, said. Its spicy barbecue on a Hawaiian sweet bun. The establishment is Laurie Browns to own and operate, but shes receiving a lot of encouragement from Danny, a longtime Waco restaurateur who many local diners came to know when he managed On the Border, a popular Mexican restaurant at New Road and Waco Drive. He now serves as assistant manager at Wacos SaltGrass Steak House. Danny Brown returned to Waco, he said, after managing eight Chuys Mexican food locations over four years. The Browns hosted soft openings last weekend and invited the public to its grand opening Tuesday. Brown said his wife chose McGregor for her venture because of its continued growth. The SpaceX rocket-testing plant in McGregors industrial park employs about 300 and has indicated the staffing level may double as the company acquires additional contracts to haul satellites into space and serve the International Space Station. It also is worth noting, Brown said, that Chip and Joanna Gaines have opened Magnolia House, a vacation rental house, on Madison Drive in McGregor. The Browns are using social media, including Facebook, to initially spread the word about The Brown House Cafe. Restoration 1 moves to Waco Gary Findley, a franchising guru probably most recognized for serving as president and COO of Waco-based Curves International when it was growing to 8,000 locations worldwide, has returned to Waco and brought with him a company called Restoration 1, whose headquarters he has relocated from Florida. For now, Findley is operating the business out of an office suite near Lake Air Drive and Bosque Boulevard. But he said during a phone interview he hopes to build a headquarters, training center and a so-called flood house by the first quarter of next year to teach franchisees how to deal with natural disasters, including flooding. Restoration 1 now has 37 franchised locations operating in 18 states, with an additional 14 territories sold and expected to open in the next 60 to 90 days, according to a company press release. Findley said he hopes to have 100 franchises by years end and 500 worldwide within five years. There is an incredible market all over the nation for quality service companies like ours that specialize in emergency mitigation and restoration, said Findley, who besides his time at Curves International served as vice president of franchising for The Dwyer Group, a Waco-based franchising empire. Restoration 1 offers 24-hour emergency services for any type of natural mishap, big or small, Findley said. Company technicians can tackle water extraction, mold remediation, drying, dehumidification, fire and smoke damage restoration, storm-response services, and general maintenance and cleaning, he said. Findley and two local businessmen Paul Barbieri with P&E Mechanical Contractors and Brent Huse with FirstSigns have joined to launch a Restoration 1 franchise in Waco. They reportedly summoned other franchisees to Waco recently to help property owners hit by thunderstorms that brought high winds and hail. A handful of people now work in the Waco corporate office of Restoration 1, but Findley said he expects the number to double every year for three or four years. He said remediation has become a hot business because it is recession-resistant. Anyone considering opening a Restoration 1 franchise probably will spend $77,950 to $175,100 to get started, including a $47,500 franchise fee, Findley said. Standard Hat Works new home Standard Hat Works will relocate from Circle Drive to the former Piazza Brothers western store at 1304 N. New Road. Standard Hat Works owner Cameron Morris confirmed Friday he bought the 6,200-square-foot building across town because the Texas Department of Transportations continued widening of Interstate 35 threatens his 2,000-square-foot rented building near Wacos traffic circle. Morris said he hopes to move into his new space by midsummer, adding he can use the additional room to display a wider variety of hats. I also want to set aside space for hand-crafted items made by local artisans, Morris said. He already showcases handmade knives. Standard Hat Works specializes in custom headwear made of felt but also sells Western hats produced by national brands, including Larry Mahan and Resistol. Morris looked at several buildings in downtown Waco but chose instead to acquire the old Piazza Brothers spot, which became a favorite of customers in need of shoe repair or in the market for Western boots and apparel or leather goods. Piazza Brothers, which could trace its founding to the early 1900s, closed for good with an auction in 2014. Standard Hat Works, meanwhile, was founded decades ago by William Gross, a Hungarian immigrant who walked the streets of New York City selling hats off his head. He eventually made his way to Waco, settling at 622 Washington Ave., and the store came to attract such country entertainers as George Strait, Clint Black, Garth Brooks and Neal McCoy. Later, other entertainers began to order custom headwear, among them Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman, Arsenio Hall and the band members of Guns N Roses. The store in 1988 relocated to Waco Drive, where a fire in 1993 destroyed much of the hat-making equipment. It moved to its current location in 2006. About 100 motorcycle riders from the Waco, Dallas and Houston areas converged in front of the McLennan County courthouse Saturday afternoon to commemorate the first anniversary of the Twin Peaks shootout that killed nine people and resulted in the arrests of 192 people and indictments of 154 people on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity. This is the weekend before the May 17 anniversary of the Sunday afternoon shootings a year ago at the restaurant at the intersection of Interstate 35 and State Highway 6 that has since closed. Attorney Paul Looney, of Hempstead, featured speaker at the rally, celebrated the fact that almost all the indicted bikers are out on bond, and to my knowledge, not one has violated the terms of his bond and not one has pleaded out (guilty). All these cases need to go to trial. Theres not enough evidence to convict anyone. The only person who might be in deep trouble would be a biker wearing colors, if he were the one who fired the first shot. Looney also said motions for discovery have resulted in the release of enough papers to fill 26 bankers boxes, storage boxes that can be filled with legal-sized papers in one dimension or letter-sized papers in the other. There are two ways prosecutors can defeat you on these motions, he said. One is to release nothing. The other is to flood you with so much that you cant handle it all. But he credited his researcher and publicist Roxanne Avery with patiently processing all the material and said she found a provision in law that an attorney cannot be an attorney and witness in the same case. He expects another defense attorney to file a motion Tuesday to disqualify District Attorney Abel Reyna and others as prosecutors because they were present while some of the people arrested were processed. Deputy sheriffs ringed the block in front of the courthouse, where the parking lots were cordoned off for the motorcycles. No disturbances were reported. Mel Moss, of Arlington, president of the Sons of Liberty Riding Club that organized the rally, said rain showers around the state probably inhibited attendance. Statistics show that 90 percent of those that support a cause after an incident like Twin Peaks lose interest after six months, Moss said. The people here today are real riders, and were the ones who spend our time on safety issues and charity runs. There arent any outlaws here, and the ones at Twin Peaks that day had come there to talk about safety issues and pending legislation in a regular Council of Clubs. Looney said prosecutors are delaying trials as a legal tactic, but the defendants have strong representation dedicated to the case. Its unusual for cases to go this long without a trial, Looney said. The prosecutors are trying to stonewall because they dont know how to convict anybody. We have 20 attorneys now who have agreed to act as defense attorneys for less than a usual days pay, if not pro bono. Police departments across the country have become more aggressive, and the police response at Twin Peaks was a vivid example of that change, Moss said. All 170 of the Twin Peaks people were arrested without due process, Moss said. Every American should be frightened by what they saw here. Now that it has been determined that the explosion and subsequent fire of the West Fertilizer Company were the result of arson, a criminal act, many individuals are eligible to apply for Crime Victim Compensation up to a total of $150,000 each. Relatives of the dead are also eligible to apply to recover costs for funeral expenses, as well as personal costs for counseling, mileage for travel to funerals and many other costs. Injured victims and their families have a number of issues for which they may apply for compensation, not the least of which are medical and psychiatric/psychological care. Lost wages are also covered. To read the full list of items covered, as well as to acquire a Crime Victim Compensation application form, ask the crime victim coordinator of the McLennan County Sheriffs Department, the West Police Department or go to the web site of the Texas Attorney Generals Office. If this is a federal crime, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives should have a victim liaison who can assist victims and their families. All funeral homes are required by law to assist the families of deceased crime victims with the application process. There is a three-year statute of limitations for applications; however, that three-year period begins when it is determined that a crime has been committed or a victim becomes aware of the Texas Crime Victimization Compensation Fund. My opinion is that Sheriff Parnell McNamara should boldly take the lead and establish a central location, convenient to victims, and have a task force of qualified individuals available to assist with the application process. The sheriff should also request the State Attorney Generals Office to send a team of specialists from the Crime Victim Compensation Fund Office to join him in assisting victims with the application process. Meanwhile, District Attorney Abel Reyna should assure that the Attorney Generals Office does not try to make an end run around the victims. And the district attorney, sheriff and West Police Department will need to provide victims with the necessary documentation to submit a claim. I also recommend that the state senator [Brian Birdwell] and state representative [Kyle Kacal] whose districts cover West become actively involved to help cut through red tape. They might also be able to acquire special funding for funeral expenses as the Texas Legislature has approved an unreasonably low amount of only $4,500 to cover all funeral expenses. Raymond H.C. Teske Jr. is a professor at the Criminal Justice Center, Sam Houston State University, in Huntsville. He is the author of Crime and Justice in Texas and a certified peace officer in the state of Texas. The ecology nuts think the entire world should all have San Diego-type environments or else climate change is raging. Marty Esposito Folly of climate change Since weve managed to survive another Earth Day despite modern-day doomsayers, I have a few questions. Does anyone remember that, before all this talk of climate change and global warming, global cooling was the crisis foreseen back in the 1970s? Remember the worldwide famine predicted by the book, The Population Bomb? Developing nations were supposedly doomed to widespread famine by the 1980s followed by famine virtually everywhere in the world by the year 2000. World ecologists were in virtual consensus over these famine predictions another way of saying settled science. Another settled science during the birth of the ecology movement was the prediction of the world running out of oil between 1990 and 2000. That also was supposed to be settled science during the late 1970s. Now we are treated to climate-change predictions that are just as outrageous. If its hotter than average in one part of America, its climate change. If its colder than average somewhere else, its climate change. If its wetter or drier than average, its climate change. Seems to me the ecology nuts think the entire world should all have San Diego-type environments or else climate change is raging. This argument would be laughable if the consequences of the eco-nuts winning werent so dangerous. They want to seize American freedoms and sovereignty, all in the name of climate change. Remember President Obamas quote from the 2008 campaign? Speaking about coal and the floundering renewable energy industry, he said, Electric rates will necessarily have to skyrocket . . . to move America off coal. Mr. Obama thought the only alternative to coal was wind and solar electricity. He didnt see energy companies developing the fracking technology that has introduced America to a century or more of natural gas producing some of the lowest electricity rates in decades. Efficiencies in the energy industry should be encouraged, either through free market forces or by governments employing reasonable and affordable increments. But the destruction of the fossil-fuel industry for an ideology that doesnt exist and a power grab of money and power is criminal and should be tirelessly resisted. And readers who differ with me, please save your letters calling me a denier. I already gladly embrace that label. Marty Esposito, Robinson Know your mission, folks The public has a right to know what may affect their lives directly or indirectly. Agencies, corporations, associations and institutions have a duty and responsibility to sustain the publics trust. Public officials and servants should be held to the highest degree of sustaining our trust through the processes of transparency and accountability. I am so tired of asking a staff member, intern or other personnel for general information and they dont know the vision, mission, goals, or objectives of the entities they serve. For all entities and those who work for them, it is your duty to be committed as sound stewards of public, private, local, state and federal investments to respond to the communities you serve transparently, to be held accountable and to respond respectfully to the rapid changes in our communities. All communications should be in non-technical terms, clear, complete and continuous. All entities should regularly examine their processes and programming to assure continuous improvements. All roles, duties and responsibilities of the staff, interns and volunteers should be clarified and subjected to continuous monitoring and evaluation. Orientation and training should be ongoing. Bottom-line: Transparency and accountability standards and policies must be adopted today for future success. Thanks to the Waco Foundation and the Waco Community Development Corporation Grassroots Leadership Training programs for their leadership training opportunities! Jeanette Bell, Waco Problem solved So let me see if I understand this correctly. We have a sidewalk and parking problem downtown because we have so many people there now. But we need money to fix them. At the same time we supposedly have these crazy, confusing one-way streets that are keeping people from getting into and out of downtown. So we need to spend several million dollars to make them two-way streets. Does anybody else see what I see? Lets use the money for the one-way streets on the sidewalks. Problem solved. You can thank me later. Karl Lauritzen, Waco Dont forget them In case some have forgotten, this country is still at war. For some reason, the mainstream media has ceased reporting on the war. However, we have thousands of wonderful, brave men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the globe doing an outstanding job for you and me. So lets not forget them. Show your support. Get your flags out and let them fly, send a care package, drop a card and do something to let them know you havent forgotten them and are grateful for them risking their lives for us to make us safe. I spent four years overseas before the Internet and I can tell you that, when the lights go out, you think of home and wonder if anyone cares. So do something to buck them up and let them know we still pray for them and support them all the way. J.D. Copeland, Hewitt Speaking frankly The Bernie delegates were indeed a boisterous group, as reported in an Associated Press article in your paper [In revolt against party rules, Maine delegates vote to strip super-delegates of power]. But to say that his supporters were . . . heckling and booing Barney Frank gravely misrepresents the sentiments of the entire auditorium, which was exceedingly pro-Bernie but also resoundingly supportive of Frank and his message. As one of the many Bernie delegates who gave a standing ovation to Barney Frank, I can tell you there were far more of us trying to quiet the hecklers than there were hecklers. About a half dozen people interrupted Mr. Frank while many, many of us stood and clapped for him. Amy Miller, South Berwick, Maine WAHOO Charges were filed May 12 in Saunders County against Douglas Cerny of Osceola in regard to his part in the deaths of Tanner Hauck and Jessica Thomas. Cerny is being charged with two counts of motor vehicle homicide, both misdemeanors, for the Jan. 24 double fatality accident west of Wahoo. According to Steven Twohig, Saunders County Attorney, state statute limits his ability to charge Cerny with felonies. There was no intent or intoxication, which would provide for charges to be raised to felony status. The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor in this case is one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. There is no minimum penalty for the offenses. Cerny is potentially facing two years in jail on the two counts. The charges come now, as Twohig had to wait on all the evidence and all reports to be in. When we got the reports, we filed immediately, said Twohig. Nebraska State Patrol put together the reconstruction of the accident. Thorough analysis for detailed reports take a significant amount of time, making sure nothing is missing and there are no questions lingering, said Twohig. Cerny was northbound on Highway 77, ran a red light and collided with Thomas, who was westbound on Highway 92 According to the Saunders County Sheriffs office, Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passenger, Tanner Hauck of Wahoo, was air lifted to Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln in critical condition, where he later died. Cerny, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was treated and released from Saunders County Medical Center. CERESCO It was a day of honor at the Ceresco American Legion Post 244 on Saturday. Ceresco Legion Member Lynn Maxson commended all the veterans who had gathered at the Legion Post for breakfast. You all took part. You all did what you had to do, he said. Whether you were a volunteer or you were drafted, you left your family, you went and you served. But Saturday mornings gathering was not just for food and fellowship. We have been honored by a lot of continuous service, said Maxson. Maxson and Legion Member Ron States handed out recognition to those members who have reached a milestone in membership. Maxson said the Legion was humbled to be able to bestow two 70-year continuous membership certificates. Wendell Bud Patzloff didnt know he would be receiving one of those certificates. My family kept it from me, he said. It was a good surprise, he added. But it was not a surprise that Patzloff returned from World War II and immediately joined the American Legion. My father was a Legionnaire and I had three brothers in the service, he said. My dad actually signed me up before I got discharged. Patzloff entered service in 1945 and was discharged in 1946. I was in the Army, but we were attached to the Navy, he said. I was only overseas less than a year. As part of the 307th Infantry, Patzloff aided with the U.S. militarys landings on the South Pacific islands of Philippines, Okinawa and Ioshima. His unit was responsible for being the first soldiers to land on an island and establish a secure area. Patzloff was involved in seven invasions, and he was wounded three times. He spent his final days before discharge in a hospital. Although he had to wait 60 years after discharge to get his medals, Patzloff earned the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and several campaign medals. He is proud of those medals, and he was honored to be recognized Saturday for his years of service with the American Legion. The experiences of war were difficult. But, I had a good life, and I have a good family, he added. That same sentiment was expressed by Saturdays other 70-year Legion honoree. Ken Hanke served with the Army Engineers from 1944 to 1946. His overseas time with the 159th Engineer Battalion was spent in Italy. Their mission was to rebuild bridges. The U.S. had bombed them out, and our outfit rebuilt them, he said about the effort to halt the enemy and then reconstruct the bridge before the U.S. Armys advance. While war should never be desired, Hanke said there are some good outcomes from serving in the military. I learned some responsibility while I was there, and I learned how to be on my own, he said. Hanke also lauded the good outcomes from returning home and serving the community through the American Legion. He said he had been able to return to Ceresco while on furlough and a Legion member invited him to a meeting. I said, I wont do that, Hanke recalled about the possibility of joining. But once he was discharged, he remembered the invitation and decided to join. Hanke, who has served in many different offices for Post 244, said it was just the right thing to do. You should be willing to serve. You are able to do something, he said. He is most proud of the Legions programs extended to the youth of the community. Boys State, Law Cadets, scholarships and baseball were some of the programs he pointed out. Hanke was not the only member of his family to get membership recognition last weekend. His son, Gary Hanke, has been a member of Post 244 for 40 years. The Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy and saw two trips overseas aboard destroyers said not continuing his service through the American Legion never entered his mind. When I was a kid, I was always around it, Gary Hanke said. He was following the examples that were set his by his dad, Patzloff and all those who worked hard over the years for Post 244. Others receiving membership recognition on Saturday were 35 years: Stuart Anderson and Ralph Lichtenberger; 40 years: Gary Isaacson and Glen Otto; 45 years: Robert Blanchard, Gary Rasmussen, Robert Streeter and Leland Swanson; 50 years: John Dahl, Carlyle Fitzke and Lee Quick; and 55 years: Elton Brodd. WAHOO An AdvancED accreditation team left Wahoo last week with a good recommendation for Bishop Neumann Jr./Sr. High School. During the exit report on the morning of April 6, Team Leader Barbara Schweiger said her team will be recommending Neumann receive accreditation for another five years. Schweiger and other education professionals from AdvanceED (an independent accreditation organization) spent the two previous days at the school conducting interviews of administration, teachers, staff, students, parents and members of the community. Observation in the classroom and other parts of school were also a part of the teams on-site visit. Schweiger said the team left with a definite impression. That was how you as teachers and your students live the faith everyday, she told those gathered in the cafeteria for the exit report. Strong faith and a high level of respect between everyone in the building were very evident, she added. That is not the case in every private school they visit. You have something you should be extremely proud of, she said. Among the teams findings were that students felt they were in a supportive, caring environment and that there was a mutual respect between students and staff. Results from various scales and measures used during the evaluation were all within the normal range. While Neumann has reason to celebrate after the accreditation visit last week, there is more work to be done too. Schweiger said part of the accreditation process is also examining the areas where a school needs to focus improvement. The real key is just the continuation of improvement; its not that we are doing ok, she said. Areas in need of improvement were instructional models for strategic teaching, a professional learning program and effective use of data. Schweiger said two of the improvement areas related directly to technology. For example, the team often observed teachers using technology in the classrooms. However, there was less in- teraction between students and technology. Schweiger said that is something that many schools struggle with, but it was something that Neumann can work into its improvement plan. It will be up to the school now to develop its improvement plan. The recommendation given by the on-site team will now need to be considered and approved by AdvancED. Chinese passengers at Helsinki Airport grow by 50% in 2015 Updated: 2016-05-14 11:22 (Xinhua) HELSINKI - Chinese visitors arriving at Helsinki Airport grew by 50 percent last year compared with the previous year, Finland's state-owned civil aviation company Finavia said on Friday. About 300,000 Chinese passengers visited Helsinki Airport in 2015. The number surpassed the amount of Russian passengers for the first time. More than half of the Chinese passengers were first-time visitors. As a result of Russian economic downturn and the ruble devaluation, the number of Russian travelers dropped from 400,000 in 2014 to 280,000 in 2015. Finavia said Helsinki Airport had a total of 16.4 million passengers in 2015, of which 3.6 percent were Chinese. Chinese passengers were now the fourth biggest foreign group at the airport, following Swedes, Germans and Brits. In April, Finavia reported that travelers from China were the biggest spenders, who spent a total of 16.6 million euros ($18.77 million) at Helsinki Airport in 2015, followed by Russians and Koreans. Helsinki Airport is the main international airport of Finland. Measured by the amount of connections to Asia, the airport is the fifth biggest one in Europe. There are currently 17 Finnair flights directly to Asia. Among the Asian destinations, six are in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chongqing, Xi'an and Guangzhou. Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. Stuck in a rut? Guilty of procrastination? Susan Elderkin has a novel to fix that. Wasting time in a dud relationship? She has a book for that sorry predicament too. Daddy's girl? Jane Austen's Emma might be the tonic. Toothache? Apply Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. For Elderkin, a self-described bibliotherapist, there is not a modern day malaise or personal drama, big or small, that cannot be bandaged by a well-selected novel. Self-described bibliotherapist Susan Elderkin. British-born Elderkin this week joins the Sydney Writers' Festival as its resident "book doctor", conducting 10-minute literary healing sessions for reader/patients in emotional knots. Readers have long snapped up non-fiction self-help guides to aid motivation, healing and recovery. What's the most polluted city in the world? Some might point to Beijing, the Chinese capital, and its now legendary smog problem. Others may point toward India, where Delhi's own air pollution problems are become similarly infamous. However, a new report from the World Health Organisation suggests that these megacities are actually only the tip of the iceberg and the actual city with the world's worst pollution is probably in Iran. We say "probably" here for two reasons. First, not all cities collect good enough data to be measured (a problem in itself). And secondly, it depends on how you measure it. When studying air quality, scientists look at the size of particles found in the air. Generally, a lot of attention is placed upon particles of a PM2.5 size, which is around one-30th the size of a human hair. These particles are particularly worrying because they have the ability to enter lungs and blood tissue and cause serious health problems. However, you can also measure larger particles in the air. At PM10, the particles are coarser, though they can still be inhaled and cause health problems. If you look at WHO's PM2.5 data, the Iranian city of Zabol comes out on top. This city, which has a population of more than 100,000, sits on the border with Afghanistan in Iran's east. The city is known for the "120-day wind", a lengthy dust storm through the hot and dry summer. Zabol is followed by Gwalior and Allahabad, two Indian cities, while Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital and largest city, comes in fourth. Real estate agents and bankers: hardly the two professions most beloved by voters. And yet, in the first political debate of the campaign, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull appeared to rush to their defence. Even for a man known for his love of innovation, this was quite something. Staff at Perth Zoo are mourning the death of their world-famous giraffe Misha. Back in 1995 a photograph of Misha bending down to kiss the head of her newborn calf Makulu caused a sensation around the world. Misha after delivering a female calf in 2012. Credit:Perth Zoo The picture, taken by photographer Ron D'Raine and published in The West Australian, is still popular today, but the accidental star of the snap is no longer with us. The 25-year-old giraffe was suffering from chronic arthritis, especially in her knees, and this week zoo staff took the decision to have her put down. Lawyers for condemned inmates have challenged the efforts of corrections officials to conceal how the drugs are obtained, saying this makes it impossible to know if they meet quality standards or might cause undue suffering. A lethal injection gurney in Florida. "States are shrouding in secrecy aspects of what should be the most transparent government activity," said Ty Alper, associate director of the death penalty clinic at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. Before Missouri put to death a prisoner on Wednesday, for example, it refused to say in court whether the lethal barbiturate it used, pentobarbital, was produced by a compounding pharmacy or a licensed manufacturer. Akorn, the only approved company making that drug, has tried to prevent its use in executions. Pfizer's decision, announced on Friday, follows its acquisition last year of Hospira, a company that has made seven drugs used in executions including barbiturates, sedatives and agents that cause paralysis or heart failure. Hospira had long tried to prevent diversion of its products to state prisons but had not succeeded; its products were used in a prolonged, apparently agonising execution in Ohio in 2014, and are stockpiled by Arkansas, according to documents obtained by reporters. Because these drugs are also distributed for normal medical use, there is no way to determine what share of the agents used in recent executions were produced by Hospira, or more recently, Pfizer. Campaigns against the death penalty, and Europe's strong prohibitions on the export of execution drugs, have raised the stakes for pharmaceutical companies. But many, including Pfizer, say medical principles and business concerns have guided their policies. "Pfizer makes its products to enhance and save the lives of the patients we serve," the company said in Friday's statement, and "strongly objects to the use of its products as lethal injections for capital punishment". Pfizer said it would restrict the sale to selected wholesalers of seven products that could be used in executions. The distributors must certify that they will not resell the drugs to corrections departments and will be closely monitored. David Muhlhausen, an expert on criminal justice at the Heritage Foundation, accused Pfizer and other drug companies of "caving in to special interest groups". He said that while the companies have a right to choose how their products are used, their efforts to curb sales for executions "are not actually in the public interest" because research shows, he believes, that the death penalty has a deterrent effect on crime. Pressure on the drug companies has not only come from human rights groups. Trustees of the New York State pension fund, which is a major shareholder in Pfizer and many other producers, have used the threat of shareholder resolutions to push two other companies to impose controls and praised Pfizer for its new policy. "A company in the business of healing people is putting its reputation at risk when it supplies drugs for executions," Thomas DiNapoli, the state comptroller, said in an email. "The company is also risking association with botched executions, which opens it to legal and financial damage." Less than a decade ago, lethal injection was generally portrayed as a simple, humane way to put condemned prisoners to death. Virtually all executions used the same three-drug combination: sodium thiopental, a barbiturate, to render the inmate unconscious, followed by a paralytic and a heart-stopping drug. In 2009, technical production problems, not the efforts of death-penalty opponents, forced the only federally approved factory that made sodium thiopental to close. That, plus more stringent export controls in Europe, set off a cascade of events that have bedevilled state corrections agencies ever since. Many states have experimented with new drug combinations, sometimes with disastrous results, such as the prolonged execution of Joseph Wood III in Arizona in 2014, using the sedative midazolam. The state's executions are delayed as court challenges continue. Entourage draws on rat pack's long and colourful history Los Angeles: A vintage pistol once owned by the late, legendary performer Sammy Davis Jr was among 791 guns that the Los Angeles Police Department collected during a weekend gun buyback program, officials said. Sammy Davis Jr, right, with Kamahl. Besides being a talented performer and founding member of the notorious Rat Pack gang of Hollywood actors, Sammy Davis Jr was an accomplished trick shooter, and now his 1911 .45-calibre pistol has resurfaced. Occasionally wearing his custom 1873 Colt SAA on stage with his highly-tooled one-of-a-kind Western rig, Davis once captivated fans with an exhibition of his quick-draw abilities. One arrested, two to the hospital after hit-and-run crash on I-24 in Christian County Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/05/2016 (2354 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The history of the 20th century is one of modernization, a story of old ways being left behind. Many traditionalist Mennonites rejected these changes, especially the automobile, which they regarded as a symbol of pride and individualism. They became known as a horse-and-buggy people. Between 2009 and 2012, Royden Loewen and a team of researchers interviewed 250 Mennonites in 35 communities across the Americas about the impact of the modern world on their lives. The resulting book, Horse-and-Buggy Genius: Listening to Mennonites Contest the Modern World (University of Manitoba Press), records their responses and strategies for resisting the very things ease, technology, upward mobility and consumption most people today take for granted. In this passage, Loewen visits an Old Colony Mennonite community in Bolivia. Kennert Giesbrecht / Mennonitische Post Old Colony Mennonite girls play on a milk wagon in El Palmar colony, Bolivia. Drive south of the sprawling city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, on the two-lane Highway 9. Half an hour later, at the Brechas, where Imperial Oil cut perfectly straight lines and dirt roads through the bushland in the 1950s, turn east. After 10 or so kilometres on a bumpy, dusty, red road, you arrive at Riva Palacios Colony. It is the most prominent and historical of the 60 Mennonite colonies in Bolivia. But despite its status as the parent colony (1967) of the Old Colony world in Bolivia, there is no sign announcing the colonys name, no welcome banner, no local hero valorized. And then you discover all three dozen villages of Riva Palacios are also unmarked, even though a locally produced map indicates that each has both a Campo number (a Mexican tradition) and a German-language place name (of West Prussian origin). Despite a lack of signage marking colony or village, it is clear that this is an Old Colony Mennonite community. There is the horse-and-buggy traffic, the telltale Old Colonist garb of dark dresses and black overalls, the Low German phrases murmured by passersby. There is also a specifically Mennonite geographic ordering, with linear space arranged neatly, intentionally and efficiently. The tractors on steel wheels lumber along on the lower, more rutted lane, while the parallel upper, better-graded lane is reserved for visiting semis and taxis. The road is perfectly straight, following a square grid survey pattern, a cultural feature transplanted from Canada to Mexico in the 1920s and then brought to Bolivia in the 1960s. Similarly, the farmyards are also arranged in orderly sequence. Most have a picturesque treed lane leading to a farmyard set against a barn at the far end and, at the side of the yard, a neat brick or concrete house set among ornamental trees and colourful flowers. How does such a place come to be? It seems to be such a mix of powerful symbols and quiet obscurity. There seems to be an order amid the vagaries of agraria. The roadways and fences seem to be in good repair, internal and external boundaries are maintained, goods and services are produced and exchanged, farm families seem to be faring well, the poor seem to be cared for, a peaceable community seems to exist. What is the genius of this survival? I am fortunate that on this, my first time in Riva Palacios, I am travelling with my friend Dick Braun of Osler, Sask., in a red, four-wheel-drive SUV. Dick takes me to visit with his friends, Abram and Aganetha Thiessen, at whose place we enjoy a lunch of hearty chicken noodle soup and freshly baked bread. Abram is an engaging and jocular man. He tells us of his family and farm, he jokes and laments, but along the way he opens up Riva Palacios to us. His narrative outlines an intricate, historically conditioned, self-sufficient and locally regulated institutional arrangement and local economy. The down payment on his farm came from his meagre salary as a village schoolteacher, a position for which he was hired by the Darp Schult (the village mayor), who in turn had been elected democratically by the Schultebott (the village council), consisting of all land-owning farmers. His salary as a teacher came from the school fund, a village tax, half of which is collected from landowners and half from parents, calculated on the number of children in school. Later, as a farmer, he interacted with other institutions in the colony. His household sells its milk to one of the colonys seven locally organized, co-operative cheese factories, which collects a tax that it sends on to the Vorstehers. The Vorstehers, two colony mayors, use the tax money for colony roads and land for the next generation of farm families, but they also resolve conflicts, negotiate between the colony and outside world, and intervene in domestic disputes. Kennert Giesbrecht / Mennonitische Post A Mennonite farmer in Chavi colony, Campeche, Mexico, makes a watermelon sale. Since the Thiessens were an established family, the Vorstehers approached them one year to see if they would foster a young girl, who now sits at their table. She was brought over by the Vorstehers when her mother died and they decided that her abusive father could not be trusted. They even confiscated his land to hold in trust for the children until they turned 21, thus fulfilling the convention of the Waisenamt (estates commission) and its Waisenverordnung (their own 18th-century bylaws governing orderly inheritance). Abrams account is of his familys survival in Bolivia. It is related intricately to a local government that has no legal foundation but tries to ensure social peace and economic success. Abram speaks about institutions that are very old, perhaps 1,000 years old, but also of others recently adopted from non-Mennonite societies. He outlines agricultural adaptation, with some aspects transplanted from the semi-arid mountain valleys of northern Mexico, others benefiting from Bolivias warmer and more humid environment. His narrative touches on shifting global markets, new technologies and the lure of chemicalized farm methods that have strangely combined old and new ways. But his stories recount a basic principle: technologies must benefit the whole community, not abet the ascendancy of the individual. Indeed, technologies that pit one farm household against another, or lead to the wider worlds allure of consumer goods, are not accepted. In talking about their communities, Old Colony Mennonites blend antiquity and invention, old and new, the certain and the risky. The history of their farm communitys survival is always both, a record of what has always been and a conversation on what they have been compelled to do. Old Colonists have survived in strange new worlds by keeping sight of their principles of simplicity, all the while relying on a complex array of old institutions and seasoned farm practices. But their stories also indicate that such a reliance has never been myopic, always also reflecting an openness to some form of adaptation to new circumstances. Royden Loewen is a professor of history and chair of Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg. His books include Family, Church and Market: A Mennonite Community in the Old and New Worlds, and From the Inside Out: The Rural World of Mennonite Diarists. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/05/2016 (2354 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. I never really looked at it that way, but yeah, I get what you mean, says Meron Gebrit, after a scribe muses its ironic Gebrit chose to become an optician, given some of the things shes seen with her own eyes. Gebrit is the owner of Specs Appeal, an optical shop located on the second level of Cityplace mall. Business has been steady since Gebrit opened her store in October 2015. But even if that wasnt the case, its not like a slow day at the office is going to rankle her much. My story is nothing compared to others who suffered far more than I did. But at the same time, everything that happened helped make me a stronger person. So very rarely do little things Im trying to think of the right words shake me. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Meron Gebrit and her family fled Ethiopia, and later Eritrea, to come to Winnipeg, where the optician owns Specs Appeal. Gebrit was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 1998, war broke out between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Ethiopias neighbour to the north. Because Gebrits family was of Eritrean descent, they were deported from Ethiopia, along with 77,000 other Eritreans, after authorities deemed them a security risk. I was 14, I had just finished Grade 9, and (the soldiers) came to our house at six in the morning without any warning, Gebrit says, adding the government confiscated her familys house and its contents, as well as her parents bank accounts. I remember thinking on my way out the door Id be back for school in September, so I didnt even bother trying to bring my (school) supplies with me. Gebrit, her father and brother were loaded onto a bus. (Her mother and another brother were part of a second wave of people expelled. Four other siblings were already living abroad.) It took about three hours to reach the Ethiopia-Eritrea border, at which time everybody was ordered off. The Gebrits, along with the others in their convoy, followed a two-lane road until they were met by a second transport, which took them to the city of Mendefera. My dad still had family in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, so he contacted them and they came and picked us up, Gebrit says, retracing her journey on a map. Life eventually returned to what Gebrit describes as normal-ish. Her family moved out of their relatives home into a place of their own and Gebrit, who speaks English and Tigrinya, went back to school. Sure she would hear artillery fire on the outskirts of town from time to time but the conflict, which resulted in a reported 100,000 casualties, didnt affect her daily routine. That changed after Grade 12. The rule is when you finish (secondary school) its mandatory to go into military training men and women, she says. The only way you can get around it is by scoring well on your SATs, which you take before you start training. Basically, if youre smart enough, they allow you to go to university, instead. Gebrit spent four months in the military before being told she had aced her admission test. She was granted her release and immediately enrolled in a banking course at Asmara Commercial College. Eighteen months into her tenure there, though, she came to a stark realization: Eritrea wasnt for her. Pretty much every Eritrean you would meet under the age of 35 would have a similar (story) and most of them would be a lot more traumatic than mine. Gebrit chooses her words carefully when she talks about the East African country, which gained its independence in 1993. Its politics and its difficult, she says, noting what it boiled down to was she couldnt see herself having a future there. (A quick Google search reveals human rights in Eritrea are rated among the worst in the world. Not only are freedoms of speech, press and association extremely limited, the United Nations Human Rights Council reported allegations of extrajudicial executions, torture, indefinitely prolonged national service and forced labour, as well as widespread sexual harassment, rape and prolonged sexual servitude by state officials.) Thing is, Gebrit couldnt just get on a plane and leave. So without telling her parents, she paid a person to take her back to Ethiopia, knowing if she was caught by the Eritrean army while on route, she would be imprisoned and/or tortured. Disguised as an old woman so as not to attract attention, Gebrit was driven to a village in southern Eritrea. She walked the rest of the way to the border a three-hour hike, she recalls and spent the night at a farmhouse on the Ethiopian side. Two weeks later, she arrived at Waala Nhibi, a United Nations-run refugee camp in Tigray Region. It was hard; we were placed in huts with no indoor plumbing or electricity, she says, mentioning malaria was also a concern and nobody in the camp ever felt completely safe. By six in the morning the temperature was already in the plus 30 (Celsius) range so it was impossible to sleep in. Wed get out of bed and line up for water. Then wed collect wood for a fire, so we could eat. And do the same thing the next day, and the next Despite the conditions she endured, Gebrit considers herself lucky. After living in the camp for 18 months she is aware of people who were there for years she learned the Canadian government had agreed to sponsor her. In June 2004, two weeks before she was scheduled to leave Africa, she found out her new home would be a city called Winnipeg. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Specs Appeal optical shop opened recently in Cityplace. In 2005, Gebrit was a student at the University of Winnipeg. Most days, she would cut across the main floor of the downtown Bay, on her way to class from her apartment on Vaughan Street. One morning, as she was taking her usual path, she paused and asked a person manning an optical booth if he had any openings. It turned out he did. She got hired, fell in love with the biz and, at the end of the school year, was transferred to a Bay store in Calgary to help run a similar operation there. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS One day on her way to the University of Winnipeg, Meron Gebrit asked a person staffing an optical booth if he had any openings. She was hired and fell in love with the business. Gebrit was on the move again in 2008, this time to Vancouver, where she took a course offered by the College of Opticians of British Columbia. Now a licensed optician, she moved back to Winnipeg in 2011 to manage the same booth at the Bay where she got her start, six years beforehand. When that shop closed in 2014, Gebrit put together a business plan that culminated with the opening of Specs Appeal last fall. Every once in a while, customers will try to place her accent, guessing she is French or British. Gebrit, whose parents now live in Oakland, Calif., tells them shes an Eritrean born in Ethiopia but rarely goes into much more detail than that not because she minds discussing her past but rather, because she doesnt think her story is particularly noteworthy. Its not really a secret but pretty much every Eritrean you would meet under the age of 35 would have a similar (story) and most of them would be alot more traumatic than mine, she says matter-of-factly. As for her adopted hometown, Gebrit, a resident of Osborne Village whose favourite haunts are the Black Rabbit Bistro, Meiji Sushi and Massawa, can no longer imagine living anywhere else. When I came back in 2011, I looked it as a stopover, thinking maybe Id be here two years at most, she says, pausing to help a customer taking a selfie of himself, so he can text it to his wife and get a second opinion about a pair of frames hes interested in. My first time in Winnipeg, coming directly from the (refugee) camp, everything was such a shock to me, I was overwhelmed and I didnt really give the city a chance. Plus I wasnt prepared for the winters. But they dont bother me anymore. As for the summers I have siblings in London, Frankfurt and Rome and I tell them Winnipeg summers are the best summers of any city Ive ever lived in, by far. Plus, its a tremendous feeling to finally put down some roots. For the first time in a long time, I feel like Im home. david.sanderson@freepress.mb.ca RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Meron Gebrit on life in Winnipeg: For the first time in a long time, I feel like Im home. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/05/2016 (2355 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. VANCOUVER Annual lawn sprinkling regulations take effect across the Vancouver area on Sunday, two weeks earlier than normal. Metro Vancouver board chairman Greg Moore says the regional district learned many lessons from the 2015 drought and wants to ensure an adequate supply of high-quality treated drinking water for the region. He says the early sprinkling rules this year will extend to October 15, two weeks longer than usual. Metro Vancouver says the Seymour and Capilano reservoirs are currently full, and snowpack on the North Shore mountains is estimated at 60 per cent of normal. Moore believes that should be enough to get the region through a hot summer, if the rules are respected. The rules call on residents of even-numbered addresses to sprinkle lawns between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, while those in odd-numbered addresses may sprinkle on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. If everyone respects the sprinkling regulations, and many chose to simply let their lawns go dormant knowing they will green up in the fall, we hope to meet our conservation targets without escalating restrictions, says Darrell Mussatto, chairman of Metro Vancouvers utilities committee. On average, about one billion litres of water are used daily in Metro Vancouver, but that number increases to more than 1.5 billion litres daily during summer. Regulations have been effective in capping consumption, Moore says, adding sprinkling rules have cut per capita water use in the region by roughly 25 per cent since 1993, despite a steadily increasing population. The rules apply to lawn sprinkling only and not to watering flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and trees. We encourage people to enjoy their flowers but not to waste treated drinking water on unnecessary outdoor aesthetic purposes, Moore says. When indoors, use your appliances more efficiently by washing dishes and laundry only when there is a full load. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/05/2016 (2354 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne begins a week-long trade mission Sunday to the Middle East, with a focus on the life sciences and research sectors. The delegation of government officials as well as approximately 130 business, academic and research representatives is travelling to Israel and the West Bank. Wynne told a pre-mission reception for the delegates earlier this month that Ontario and Israel share many of the same priorities, namely developing strong, competitive business environments that support innovation and growth. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne speaks during a press conference at Queen's Park in Toronto in an April 11, 2016, file photo. Wynne begins a week-long trade mission Sunday to the Middle East, with a focus on the life sciences and research sectors. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Ontarios strengths in research, innovation and entrepreneurship help us compete globally and this mission will help us establish Ontario as a top innovation and knowledge economy partner for Israel, Wynne said. Together we will promote the exchange of information and knowledge, seek new opportunities for collaboration and sign new business agreements that will create economic growth and jobs in both regions. In Israel, the premier is set to meet with political, business and innovation leaders to exchange knowledge and sign agreements, while in the West Bank she will focus on innovation and education initiatives, her office said. Two-way trade between Ontario and Israel last year was valued at more than $900 million, Wynnes office said. Ontario and Israel already have a memorandum of understanding on research, which the premiers office said has helped generate 15 industry-led R&D projects and leverage more than $16 million in outside funding. The delegation is set to travel with the premier to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, then on May 19 the premier and some of the delegates will go to Ramallah in the West Bank and to Haifa in Israel the following day. Delegates include Jewish-focused businesses and organizations looking to strengthen existing ties to Israel, universities and research institutes such as the University of Toronto and the Ontario Brain Institute, and life science companies. Travelling with the mission are representatives from medical device companies hoping to expand or collaborate on research, pharmaceutical companies, an addiction treatment facility, a research chemical manufacturer and other life science companies. BlackBerry, Roots Canada, IBM Canada Ltd., Scotiabank, Thomson Reuters and the Toronto Stock Exchange are also part of the trade mission. BlackBerry hopes to raise (its) profile as a software company, Roots is looking for new business opportunities and Thomson Reuters is looking to learn about the start-up ecosystem and models of financial technology accelerators, according to the missions delegate directory. Wynne will also be accompanied by Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Reza Moridi, Health Minister Eric Hoskins and MPP Monte Kwinter, who is the parliamentary assistant to the minister of citizenship, immigration and international trade. As premier, Wynne has led two trade missions to China, which she has said generated about $3.5 billion in investments and created thousands of jobs. Wynne also went to India earlier this year a mission she said generated agreements valued at more than $240 million. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/05/2016 (2355 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. How far would you go to save your childs life? I ask because of the lengths two Winnipeg parents went to save the life of their severely depressed 15-year-old daughter last year. After they couldnt find the care she needed in Manitoba or Canada. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - Anonymous 15-year-old girl who suffered from life-threatening anxiety and depression and has spent nearly a year at a Utah treatment centre paid for at $9,000 a month by Manitoba Health. She sits in a window at her Winnipeg home on a recent visit. Gord Sinclair story. May 13, 2016 And when they finally realized they and their older teenage daughter were no longer capable of trying, 24-7, to keep her safe from herself or others? When they couldnt take more blood on their bathroom floor from her frequent cutting, or the holes in the locked doors kicked by her father who feared she was harming herself, or waking up and learning she was gone, or trips to Health Sciences Centre that went nowhere? How far did they finally go? The couple sold their large house in a coveted Winnipeg suburban neighbourhood to pay the US$8,800-a-month cost of sending her to the aptly named Sunrise Residential Treatment Centre and Boarding School for adolescent girls in a little place called Hurricane, Utah. She was always asking us for help, the mother recalled last week, seated in the older, smaller home where the family now resides. She said, I dont want to be like this anymore. Which is why, knowing there are many other families running into the same problems finding treatment, the mother went even further. Last fall, after nearly three months and tens of thousands of dollars spent on the program, she emailed a letter to the office of Sharon Blady, then the NDP minister of health, outlining in detail what the family had been through in Manitobas broken system, how they had been referred to addiction services when that had nothing to do with the anxiety and depression the major depressive mood disorder that had afflicted their daughter since she was 11. And how, through the mothers research, she had discovered Alberta Health had helped a Calgary girl be successfully treated at Sunrise. Neither parent expected help when they vented to the health minister, whose office had refused repeated requests for a meeting with Blady. But the same day the email to Blady was sent, the mother received a phone call from an administrator representing adolescent psychiatry at Health Sciences Centre. Youve caused quite a stir, she recalled the administrator saying. Within days of the family filling out an application with Manitoba Health, they were fully funded, including their initial travel expenses to take their daughter to Utah and the amount they had already paid to Sunrise. Normally, coverage for out-of-province treatment must be approved by Manitoba Health in advance. Something else was unusual about the approval. Later, they were told they were the first family Manitoba Health has ever funded for such treatment. Although, according to the Sunrise website, the Alberta and Ontario governments have used the Sunrise facility. Manitoba Health, citing privacy, declined to confirm or deny that. Nevertheless, the girls father recalled how he felt when they left their initially reluctant and angry daughter at Sunrise RTC last August. We knew she was safe. We didnt have to keep her safe. So how is their daughter managing, nine months later and one month away from graduating from both the program and the school year? She now mentors other girls, her mother said. And her parents believe her experience at Sunrise has helped Canada (the nickname given to their daughter by the other international clients of Sunrise) manage the only mood she remembers feeling as a child and teen. Sadness. Without it, the father said of the intensive treatment and experience his daughter received, Im not sure where shed be. Im not sure shed be here. But there was Canada late Friday morning, seated smiling in the living room of the new house. Back for her third trip home since her parents left her at the centre last August. I asked her what important lesson she has learned from her experience at Sunrise. Probably that life is more precious than the way I took it, she said. I didnt realize just how dangerous a situation I put myself (into). And does she see her future as she turns 16 two weeks today? I just want to be normal. Have a normal life, with normal friends. Oh yes, and theres something else Canada foresees for her future. By the time Im 50, she said with a smile, I want to have an RTC in Winnipeg. Just like Sunrise. gordon.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/05/2016 (2354 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Winnipeg dad has lost his appeal of a 16-year prison sentence for using his five children in a sex-abuse business. The provinces highest court said in an unanimous decision released Friday the sentence given to a then-29-year-old father last year will not be reduced. In the 25-page decision written by Justice William Burnett and agreed to by Justices Diana Cameron and Barbara Hamilton, they said a lower court judge made no error, and the sentences were fit. The accuseds conduct was planned and premeditated, he made conscious decisions to victimize his children, and his moral culpability was extremely high. I am therefore satisfied that the sentences imposed clearly fall within the appropriate range of sentence for this offender and the offences which he committed. The father who cant be named to protect the identities of the victims pleaded guilty last year to numerous charges, including making child pornography and multiple counts of sexual assault. The children a nine-year-old girl and boys aged four to eight have all suffered mental trauma. All the kids were made to perform and receive sexual acts from their father and to each other. The daughter was photographed, and images were shared with child abusers around the globe. The children were rewarded for complying and not telling anyone by being able to play video games or go to 7-Eleven. The abuse was discovered in January 2014 only when Australian police stumbled across a computer site where the father was having conversations with users and sending explicit photos of him sexually abusing his daughter. They traced it to Winnipeg and notified local police. Murder case before jury It will be up to a jury to decide next week whether a Little Grand Rapids woman is guilty of murdering her sister. Crown and defence counsel made their final arguments Friday to the Manitoba Court of Queens Bench jury hearing the second-degree murder trial of Pandora Nancy Owens. Justice Lori Spivak will give her final instructions to the jury Monday, and then jurors will begin deliberating. Madison McKay, 22, died in June 2013, after she was struck and killed by a truck driven by Owens. Earlier, defence counsel Bill Armstrong said the jury heard a witness describe McKay as the soberest of three people drinking together, including Owens. He said McKays blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit for driving. Armstrong said Owens herself was so drunk she could not remember killing her sister. But Crown attorney Mike Himmelman said the jury should find her guilty as charged. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/05/2016 (2355 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Officials on school boards and at postsecondary schools can breathe easier Education Minister Ian Wishart said Friday theyll get about the same operating grants the NDP promised. In fact, dont expect to see big changes any time soon in the way education operates in Manitoba. We certainly recognize the other organizations that count on us for funding have set their rates, the new education minister said Friday in his first sit-down interview. Its fairly unlikely there will be anything dramatic. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Education Minister Ian Wishart in his office at the legistlative building. The NDP was especially generous in its pre-election funding promises this January. The New Democrats increased the provinces share of funding the public school system by $32.5 million, or 2.55 per cent. University funding increased by what has been the usual 2.5 per cent, along with an additional 1.5 per cent, primarily for indigenous and newcomer education. School boards passed their budgets by March 15; the University of Winnipeg passed its budget almost two weeks ago, and the University of Manitoba will set its budget later this month. Wishart said that while the Pallister Conservatives will review every aspect of the education system, educators have based plans for the school year starting in September on what the now-defeated NDP government told them in January. The Tories will be unveiling a hybrid budget this spring, Wishart said, while any significant changes will come in the governments second budget next winter. The province is especially concerned about graduation rates for indigenous students, and will be looking for programs that will improve those rates, he said. Wishart could not hold out the same good news for capital spending on education. Hell take advice from the public schools finance board on the $100-million-plus that Selinger promised for new school labs, gyms, and shops. And the U of M will have to wait a while to find out how much a Conservative government will contribute to the universitys $500 million Front and Centre capital campaign, and how and when it will disperse whatever public money it deems fit and affordable. Selinger had promised $150 million. Said Wishart Friday: They shouldnt count on it, but they shouldnt count it out. Because the cap on postsecondary tuition increases is set by legislation at the rate of provincial growth, 1.2 per cent this year, its virtually impossible to make any changes in legislation for the coming academic year, he said. Wishart said hes impressed by the progress made in the previous governments plans to cap kindergarten to Grade 3 classrooms at 20 kids by 2017, and there are both education and economic benefits to having day cares in schools. The Tories are looking for better ways to do things and produce better results, he said. We certainly intend to look down the road at being more efficient. The province wants far better analysis of whats going on in schools, whats working and what isnt, but, Oh no, were not looking at doing our own testing. People have brought up further amalgamation of school divisions, but Wishart will move cautiously: The regional health authorities suggest there are maximum sizes for efficiencies, he said. The same with the 2008 moratorium on closing schools hell be cautious. A community is often built around the school, but there may be some efficiencies possible in urban areas. The most outspoken opposition to Bill 18, which in part gave high school students the right to establish gay straight alliances, came from Conservative rural strongholds, but, Wishart declared: We have no immediate plans to change it. Nor are there immediate plans to provide further public financial support for private schools, though, he noted, Well be looking at how they fit into the whole system. And then theres Winnipeg School Division, whose board of trustees is under a provincial threat to be fired June 30 unless it has cleaned up what a provincial investigation called out-of-control reckless dysfunction. Not on Wisharts front burner, but, I like it when adults behave like adults. nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/05/2016 (2355 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Let there be no doubt Premier Brian Pallister is going to govern differently than his predecessors. It is early days, but Pallisters emphasis on soft austerity, tax cuts, and pro-business hyperbole contrasts starkly with the politics, policies, and hyperbole of the former NDP government. And yet, there are areas where the two regimes are in lockstep. Such as new sources of revenue for the City of Winnipeg. NDP premiers regularly dismissed requests from successive mayors for amendments to the City of Winnipeg Act to create new revenue streams. To date, Pallister is honouring that tradition. Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files A house under construction in Bridgwater Lakes in 2014. Mayor Bowman thinks companies should pay more to cover the costs of such developments. This week, Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman announced a $250,000 study on growth development charges (GDC), additional fees applied to new residential and non-residential projects used to pay for the full impact of new development on infrastructure and other civic services. Developers already pay the majority of the costs of related infrastructure; GDCs would dramatically expand the range of services they would be asked to cover. If the study shows property taxes from new suburban development do not pay for the total impact on civic services and infrastructure and there is every indication it will Bowman has said GDCs could be introduced in the 2017 budget year. However, there is a wild card at play. It is not clear whether Winnipeg has the authority to levy such fees on its own. Normally, fiscal measures are subject to the provisions of the City of Winnipeg Act, a provincial law. As such, any new measure (such as this fee) could theoretically require an amendment although Bowman has a civic legal opinion indicating a GDC could be implemented without going cap in hand to the province. That is a good thing because Pallister is not very supportive. When asked Wednesday for a comment, Pallister echoed, word for word, his predecessors: I would have no plans to approach changes in legislation that would, as a consequence, increase the tax load of an already overtaxed population. The province has been reluctant to make legislative changes to allow any municipality to create new revenue streams; it is difficult to ask provincial politicians to share some of the blowback from a decision made by municipal politicians. And yet, there is an issue of fairness here. GDCs are already widely employed by smaller municipalities covered by the Municipal Act. That means bedroom communities surrounding the capital city a major source of wear and tear on civic services and infrastructure charge developers tens of thousands of additional dollars more than developers in Winnipeg. Unlike property taxes, GDCs try to ensure existing property owners are not paying, over the long-term, an additional burden to support new development. The Winnipeg homebuilding industry strenuously disputes the notion that new development does not pay for itself through property taxes, but in the rest of the country, it has been conclusively proven growth does not pay the full cost of growth. That is a major reason why GDCs are already the norm in other provinces. According to information gathered by the city, GDC fees range from a high of $81,000 per single-family dwelling in Brampton, Ont., to $12,200 in Edmonton. In cities such as Toronto, for example, GDCs are levied to support 17 different budget items, including infrastructure of all description (water and waste, roads, bridges) along with rapid transit, social housing and services, libraries and recreational services, child-care and municipal health services. It adds up to nearly $33,000 per new detached and semi-detached residential unit and $24,000 for each condominium or apartment unit. In the fiscal year 2015, Toronto collected more than $500 million in development charges. Although developers are hardly thrilled, its difficult to find many now who argue they are unjustified. How would GDCs impact Winnipeg? With roughly 4,000 housing starts per year, Winnipeg could easily reap tens of millions of dollars from growth-related development fees. The city estimated in 2013 that with a per-unit fee of $12,000, it could generate $30 million, an amount roughly equal to a six per cent property tax increase. When a specific proposal comes forward, as it likely will later this year, the new premier should keep several important points in mind as he considers his response. First, Pallister should remember Winnipegs fiscal stability is under siege. The current budget is held together with a tenuous and unsustainable combination of property tax and fee increases, reserve-account raids, intense vacancy management, and cutbacks in services. It is not an exaggeration to say new revenue sources are desperately needed. Pallister should also remember citizens do not believe tax or fee increases are, in and of themselves, evil if they are empirically justified, fairly applied, and support worthy things. He might recall that in promising to eliminate the one-point increase in the PST to fund infrastructure, he was running against public opinion; election polls showed a majority of Winnipeggers supported the measure. Finally, Pallister should remember that to help pave the way for the cut to the PST, he has already pledged to cap total infrastructure spending at levels significantly below what the NDP promised to spend. After giving municipalities less, he must keep an open mind about revenue proposals that would shift some of the tax burden from all property owners to new development. Pallister may believe he has the mandate to lower taxes, but it would be wrong to argue he also has the mandate to restrain Winnipeg city council, a similarly duly elected body, from pursuing new streams of revenue at a time when it is clear property taxes alone are not going to do the job. Pallister wants to differentiate the new Tory government from its predecessors. Keeping an open mind would be one of the best ways of doing just that. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/05/2016 (2355 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Conservatives and the NDP have once again decided there are political points to score on the question of how to accommodate the needs of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire. They undoubtedly are correct in assuming some Canadians resent even the smallest of perks that are awarded to politicians in compensation for their service. Rising demands for more transparency are partly a result of this trend, as well as a reflection of the fact some politicians have abused their office. There is a point, however, where the publics demand for thrift and economy is counterproductive and unrealistic. In the case of the Trudeau family, for example, the current controversy has nothing to do with transparency or even extravagance, although opposition politicians will beg to disagree. Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau and their children Xavier and Ella-Grace arrive at Rideau Hall for a swearing-in ceremony in Ottawa on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tan Justin Tang The Trudeaus came under fire after the 2015 election when it was revealed they had hired two nannies at taxpayer expense. In response, Mr. Trudeau announced he would keep the nannies but he would not spend any more on household expenses than Stephen Harper did when he was prime minister. His wife, Ms. Gregoire, reignited this petty household-gate when she recently told a journalist she is feeling overwhelmed by correspondence from the public and special-interest groups that want some of her time to help advance their causes. She uses her dining room table as her office and has one assistant to help with correspondence and other chores. She said she needs another person to help her with these duties. She certainly should not be expected to ignore invitations and other appeals for her help. Cue the false indignation. MP Niki Ashton (NDP, ChurchillKeewatinook Aski) said the Trudeaus are disconnected from reality, or at least the reality of everyday women who have to juggle multiple tasks, plus child care, to make ends meet. Perhaps thats true, but the Trudeaus arent a normal family. They are Canadas first family, regardless of the fact there are no such official titles in Canada. Ordinary women might be multitasking, but few of them are receiving dozens of invitations to speak at charity galas or for other causes. Nor are so-called everyday workers asked to accompany their spouses on worldwide trips to meet foreign leaders for weeks at a time, with toddlers in tow. The sensible way to deal with this matter is for Parliament to come up with a few simple rules that would provide resources for the spouses of prime ministers who want to make contributions to public life. The spouse of the prime minister has a commanding podium from which to generate debate and awareness on any issue of importance. (Laureen Harper did a lot of good work on behalf of the SPCA.) Ms. Gregoire is interested in the arts and several health issues, including eating disorders, an illness she has battled. The spouse of a political leader can have a huge impact on the world. Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton are two obvious examples, but Canadians do not seem to have leveraged the position to very great effect. Why would we not make it possible for the spouse of the prime minister to play a role if she or he so desires? In the United States, the position of the first lady is unofficial, but the occupant is still given a full staff to meet the kind of public service she (it has always been she, but that could change) wants to fulfil. Thus, Jackie Kennedy had a staff of 40, Pat Nixon (30), Clinton (about 35), while Laura Bush had just 14. The size of the office depended on the volume of work to be done. No one is suggesting Ms. Gregoire be given a full office of employees, but her request for a second helper is surely within the capacity of the Canadian treasury. Instead of exploiting the issue for political gain, the opposition parties might actually score some points if they recommended some useful guidelines for helping the spouses (present and future) of 24 Sussex Drive make a positive contribution. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/05/2016 (2355 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In almost every respect, Jeff Kendel is still running the typical corner service station. There are three service bays, six gas pumps and a diesel pump, an air compressor and windshield washer fluid, coolant and oil products for sale. Customers know its a place where even small repair jobs a burned-out headlight bulb, a blown fuse are still welcome. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Jeff Kendel in front of the signless canopy at his corner gas and service station. Come back first thing in the morning. If you can make Pete smile at 7 a.m., Ill buy you breakfast, Kendel joked to a customer who was moments too late for a quick battery-cable repair, referring to his mechanic, who had just left for the day. Make the repair free, the customer fired right back. Im a Mennonite, remember. Down the hall, you can still get a Howie dog, named after Jeffs late father and former business partner, and a Verna burger, named after his late mother, who ran the restaurant. Hit him at the right time, and you can get the citys best-tasting oil change, thanks to a restaurant gift certificate frequently included with that service. What you cant get, however, is fuel. Jeffs father, Howard, got into the gasoline business in 1959, taking over a service station on Kimberly Avenue in East Kildonan. A few years later, not far away, an Esso station at the corner of McLeod Avenue and Highway 59 would begin a slow decline. The owners, who built in 1964, failed to anticipate the arrival of a new Highway 59 in the late 1960s, just a half-kilometre to the east. The beach-bound traffic it needed was no longer passing by. The gas station with one service bay and a restaurant closed in 1972, according to Kendel. He and his dad came along two years later. What killed the old station didnt worry them, he said. My dad was the worlds best mechanic, Jeff said. If it was broken, he could fix it. If he didnt have the part, hed fix it anyway. He could fix anything. He knew he had a loyal following, and they would follow him anywhere. And they did. Two years later, Kendels Service Station at 1157 McLeod Ave. added two service bays. Life, and business, was good. Things were humming, he said, adding one year, they sold four million litres of fuel. That was a lot. As the years went on, there was money to be made selling gas. Prices were stable, and you could count on about a 10-cent profit on each litre of fuel. If you ordered it Monday at one wholesale cost, it was about the same wholesale cost, plus taxes, when it arrived, and the street price never moved much from 10 cents above that. Gas was flowing, breakfasts were sizzling and the service bays were hopping. It was everything Jeff and Howard had hoped it would be. Jobs were plenty, for family, for mechanics, for gas jockeys. Money from oil companies was flowing as quickly as the gas. Needed new pumps? Done. New canopy? Easy. Signs, promotions and personal service from local oil-company representatives were as reliable as sunrise. Then it started to change. In the last year of my contract with Shell, I asked them for two gallons of white paint to touch up the canopy. Two gallons of paint! Not in the budget, was the reply, Kendel said. That personal service? Gone. Kendel was forced to phone some call centre, God only knows where, only to have the same local guy whose number Kendel knew call back. These kinds of practices would land people in court in the U.S Dan McTeague knows Kendels plight. He said he saw this coming in 1998, when as a Liberal MP, he was chairman of a committee that wrote a report warning anti-competitive practices were beginning to appear by the oil companies. Consolidation of refineries was putting the squeeze on competition, and it became something the oil companies could use to put the screws on independents. These kinds of practices would land people in court in the U.S., McTeague, now the senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, said. Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press files Gas-price watcher Dan McTeague. He is not the least bit impressed by the governments Competition Bureau. The office of monopoly preservation, he said snidely. Unlike in the U.S., where the burden of proof is at a civil level, in Canada, prosecution is at the criminal level. It is this high test in Canada that makes anti-competitive behaviour tough to prove, much less stop or deter. McTeague said a systematic reduction in the number of independent gasoline retailers has led to higher prices, reduced competition and greater volatility in prices. One of the biggest culprits, according to his 1998 report, was the federal government. The creation by the federal government of Crown-owned Petro-Canada was partly devised to enable Canada to move toward oil self-sufficiency said the Report of the Liberal Committee on Gasoline Pricing in Canada. However, establishing Petro-Canada, as a so-called window to the industry and an instrument of public policy, contributed to a sharp reduction in the number of refiners and marketers in Canada. Petro-Canadas birth brought about the removal of Petrofina, British Petroleum, Gulf, Pacific Petroleum and Cities Service from the Canadian oil industry. The inevitable result was foreseen in his report: today, there are only three national suppliers of petroleum products, Shell Canada, Suncor, which now owns Petro-Canada, and Imperial Oil. In Western Canada, you can add Husky to the mix. If youre wondering how competitive they are with each other, consider that all the trucks for Winnipeg stations, regardless of brand, drink from the same pipeline. On any given day, a truck will pull into a terminal, load up with gas and then pull away to another point to put in the branded additives, McTeague said. Its all the same gas. During a phone interview, McTeague is accessing Winnipegs terminal rack rate, the industry term for that days spot wholesale price for clear gas, on his laptop. In Winnipeg today, Shell is 52.4 cents per litre. Suncor is imagine that! 52.4 cents per litre and Imperial is oh, wow!, a whole tenth of a cent! 52.3 cents, he said, feigning surprise. Contrast that with Grand Forks, N.D., where the wholesale price on the same day ranged from 122.42 cents per gallon to 128.50 cents, from six different suppliers, some of whom have no vested interest in who they sell gas to. What it means, he said, is that in Canada, after taxes, the only illusion of competition is for the last eight or nine cents per litre. His report suggested retailers hands are tied. In the past, price competition at the pump came mainly from unbranded independent retailers. With the decline in the number of refiners and what some see as a concentration of power and lack of active competition at the wholesale level, independents no longer have the ability to deviate from what many of them view as a mandated price structure, the report said. Pointing to Ontario, where the committee identified 17 companies that left the business from 1990 to 1998, the report painted a grim picture of the Toronto market. Retail margins in Toronto and surrounding areas frequently reach zero, and at times, can go into negative figures, the report found. Since this is the only margin available to independents, the choice is simple: either lose money or lose market share. In either case, their ability to remain financially solvent is challenging. McTeague said today, In Toronto, the independents have been wiped off the map, and those that remain are free to charge 10-cents-per-litre margin. Those so-called price inversions, where you charge unfavourable clients more at wholesale than your favoured clients can sell retail, are clearly outlawed in the United States, he said. Independent economist Robyn Allan, who has studied gasoline prices, attributed much of the high wholesale margins to the high cost of extracting oilsands bitumen. My work in this area has stemmed from a concern that the excessive pricing is robbing our economy of much-needed stimulus and forcing individual consumers to subsidize prop up overly aggressive investment decisions by large multinationals in the oilsands, she said in an email. What all the refiners are doing is relying on past high oil prices, and the pump prices these generated, to enable excessive profits. Pump prices should be much lower than they are if the industry were responsive to production costs. The future of the oilsands industry is, of course, shrouded in smoke: the impact from the fire burning out of control near Fort McMurray, Alta., the oilsands capital, wont be known until long after the flames are out. High margins have caught the attention of no less an august source than the Bank of Canada, which raised the alarm in January about Canadian gasoline prices bearing little resemblance to the tumbling price of oil. Although gasoline prices have declined, they have not fallen as much as the reduction in crude oil prices would suggest, based on historical experience, the banks Monetary Policy Report said. Domo gas bar on Ellice Ave. in the 1960s. The birth of Domo Douglas Everett was a young lad washing cars for his familys Dominion Motors at the time, Canadas largest Ford dealer when Winnipegs largest independent gas retailer was born. The year was 1958, and Dominion Motors had two sets of pumps, both primarily to fill cars for the dealership but also with some retail business: one was at the Fort Street and Graham Avenue dealership, one was at the truck outfit where the Dominion Centre stands today. In 1970, Everetts father, a future senator also named Douglas, got the idea to approach Canada Safeway about setting up small gas kiosks at the streetside ends of the stores parking lots. The idea was these spots werent being used, or if they were, it was the pirate parkers, who would park there and go somewhere else, the younger Douglas Everett said. So the rent was very inexpensive. Of course, at the time, Safeways largest competitor in the grocery business was Dominion Stores, so they didnt want a Dominion Gas in their parking lot, Everett said with a chuckle. Take the Do from Dominion and the Mo from Motors, and Domo was born. The kiosks were originally designed to look like miniature versions of the Safeway store behind. The kiosks were very simple, just a small building and two pumps, and Safeway agreed to three locations in Winnipeg and thats where it all started out. Today, Domo operates 80 retail outlets from Winnipeg to Vancouver and wholesales gas to 45 independent dealers who fly the Domo flag. The younger Everett is the president. He agrees its a tough business, even with 125 outlets. He said around 1990, consolidation in the industry slashed the number of gasoline retailers in Canada to 12,000 from about 25,000. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Douglas Everett, Chairman of Domo. At that point, margins started to get squeezed to the point volume was key. And then the big-boxes came in, and they were using them primarily to get customers into the stores, so they werent so concerned with profit. Everett agreed there is little competition at the wholesale level. There are only two places to get gas in Winnipeg. It all comes down one pipeline and it splits off at Gretna, and some goes to the Esso rack on Henderson and some goes to the old Shell refinery on Panet Road, he said. Definitely, its all the same gas, and when you go to the rack, its not like Oh, theres Shells gas over there, theres Essos, theres Domos you go in and fill up at the same rack. Everett said what makes Domo tick are tight cost controls and lots of volume. The margins are very, very thin, so you need a lot of volume to be profitable. The company also benefits from high-traffic, convenient locations and brand familiarity driven by the slogan Jump to the pump, and the bouncy kangaroo that drives home the point. Domos volume allows it to negotiate a discount from the wholesale price for gas, which helps the retail margin some and that discount is the companys profit when selling to independent Domo dealers, who keep the retail margin. And while the agreement with Safeway meant those early stores sold fuel and oil and nothing else, todays Domo locations sell chips, pop and other sundry items. Those, Everett said, are the only items where you can get 30 per cent margin, which you cant get anywhere close to on gas. Squeezed out by fees The pumps are still there. The canopy still shields them from the sun and the rain. The odd customer still pulls up, expecting a fill. But the power is off, the tanks are dry. Plastic bags are taped over the nozzles. Kendel said for smaller outlets such as his used to be, profits on gas are so small, theyre wiped out by credit-card charges. If a guy buys $100 in gas and who has $100 cash? he pays by a credit card, Kendel said. He thinks hes my best customer, but I havent made a cent. Add in the fees for Air Miles, when his was a Shell outlet, or Aeroplan, when his was an Esso station, and he was losing money on most of his sales. Without a high-volume convenience store or car wash, it stopped making sense to sell gas. That increased volatility McTeagues report noted? A killer to a small outfit such as Kendels. Kendel said he would often order gas at one price, only to see the street price fall, sometimes to below his wholesale price. As well, his price was fixed at the time of ordering, not at delivery. Today, by and large, the only companies making money selling fuel are the oil companies. At the retail level, fuel is primarily a loss-leader. Or at corporate stores, the retail margin is added to the wholesale margin for as much as 28 cents profit on each litre sold. For some stores, thats OK. The gas is the draw, without which there are no car washes or corn chips to sell. If the guy can sell you a car wash, thats when hes really making money, Kendel said. At the most successful retail chain in these parts Co-Op retailers do not participate in the revenues from selling fuel at all. They merely hire the attendants and are reimbursed for the attendants wages. Virtually all the money they make is in the pop, lottery tickets, chocolate bars and car washes people happen to buy while fuelling up. Co-Op has managed to earn a large share of the market, thanks in part to what Allan calls returning the excessive margin to customers in the form of a rebate. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Jeff Kendel talks batteries with a client Monday. Kendel was a Shell dealer, then an Esso dealer before he ended gas sales altogether. Kendel went from the red, white and yellow of Shell to the blue and white of Esso before finally hanging up the nozzle in 2015 for the last time. Today, its good again at Kendels. Hes not selling gas, but the restaurant and service bays churn out a good bit of revenue. Many of those early customers, who remember Howard and Verna, still pop in for the Early Morning Breakfast, which is served all day long, or the homemade split-pea, minestrone or cabbage soups du jour. A cul-du-sac in Harbourview South Howard Kendel Place is named after the late mechanic. Things are really good. I mean, it was only the service and the restaurant making money anyway. But he says the changes that have been brought to the retail gas industry have robbed Canadians of a small part of their cultural fabric. The corner service stations provided a valuable service: they were often full-service, with attendants who would fill tanks, clean windshields, check oil and even park the car, if the customer was heading into the restaurant. With a stable staff, a service station became a part of the neighbourhood, and the interactions became a part of everybodys social life. Today, you can pull up to a 20-pump self-serve, fill the car, pay for it and clean the windows yourself and never even have to say Hi to another human being. How did we get here? Timing has a lot to do with it. McTeague said he was raising these issues as a Liberal MP while the governing Liberals were still smarting from Pierre Trudeaus National Energy Policy, which instituted double taxation on petroleum products, inflamed tensions in the West, sparked threats of an Alberta secession and led to the infamous quote in protest: Let the eastern bastards freeze in the dark! McTeagues proposed changes to the act werent limited to the gas sector, so the Canadian business lobby also railed at the amendments, and with the two issues combined, the Liberals didnt have the stomach for a fight at the time. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Kendel's Service station offers oil changes and breakfast, but no gas. I wish people had listened to me when we still had time to fix this, McTeague said. Kendel attributes part of the national indifference to typical Canadian values. Were too polite. We figure we can still buy it, so we wont make any waves. But also, McTeague said, the fear was Canada needed its institutions to muscle up to compete internationally, so competitiveness within Canada was ignored. He is no fan of Canadas Competition Act. We have some people beating their chests, proclaiming it a great piece of legislation, he said. Frankly, it does not work. In the U.S., competition is valued so much, courts award triple damages in antitrust cases, which can also result in US$100-million fines and, rarely, jail time. So an independent operator in Grand Forks, assuming hes not bound by a contract, can fill his stations tanks with fuel from any of the areas six suppliers, who not only have varying wholesale prices but can also offer volume discounts and favourable payment terms to lure new business. In fact, McTeague said some wholesalers, fearful of antitrust violations, will often deliberately offer slightly better terms to independents. Many also do not operate their own retail chains. Domos Everett said because the retail margins are so thin, competition even by independents is tough. He could cut his price, but then the majors would just match it, and Ill run out of money a lot sooner than they will. Plus, he still has to buy the gas from the major operators. Instead, Domo offers discounts, particularly on what it calls rollback Tuesdays and Thursdays, where the pump price stays the same, but a five-cent-per-litre discount is calculated on each sale. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The Domo gas bar on McPhillips St. near Mapleglen Dr. What does the oil industry have to say? Who knows? Trying to reach an oil-industry contact for comment was like a dog chasing its tail. Suncor and Shell both referred questions to the Canadian Fuels Association. The Canadian Fuels Association referred questions to research firm Kent Group Ltd. Kent Group said it couldnt speak on behalf of the industry and referred questions back to the Canadian Fuels Association, whose chief spokesman, Bill Simpkins, was away. A week later, when Simpkins returned, he appeared ready to give an interview, asking for the authors phone number, but when supplied with a number, referred questions to the CFAs Western Canada spokesman Brian Ahearn. He was also away. A final request to the president of the CFA was not returned. kelly.taylor@freepress.mb.ca With the Minnesota Legislature moving ever-closer to an end, theres no clear picture to resolving most of the large goals lawmakers had set not to mention any projects set to benefit the Winona area. A capital improvements budget, transportation bill and tax bill are all targets, though with just more than a week to go, theres no agreement on any of the above. A bonding bill championed by Senate DFLers and Gov. Mark Dayton, which included nearly $17 million funding for Winona States Education Village, failed by a single vote earlier this month in the Senate, with Winona Sen. Jeremy Miller and all other Republicans except one voting against. The bill also included $2.28 million for general upgrades and repairs on the WSU campus, $280,000 for the Winona Port Authority, $3.6 million to Dresbach Township for a proposed wastewater treatment plant, and funding for the Lanesboro dam. The House, meanwhile, has not come out with a plan at all, only setting a spending target at $600 million. In a conference Wednesday, House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, said that rather than releasing the bill as it is, when House Republican members dont believe it has enough support to get DFL votes, theyd prefer to come up with a compromise beforehand. Were not against putting one out, Daudt said. We had one prepared it just seemed like a lot of theater to put a bill out to fail. Some form of a bonding bill would have to clear both the Senate and House before heading to a conference committee to iron out a compromise on details, with the ultimate approval resting with Gov. Mark Dayton. WSU President Scott Olson said in an interview Friday said the universitys focus right now is hoping and helping to get the bonding bill passed, and not yet looking at future plans if no funding materializes. WSUs Education Village has been in every version of the bonding bill that has so far been proposed, and we remain hopeful that the session will yield a positive bonding bill that includes the Education Village, Olson said. We have faith in the process and continue to be in regular contact with our legislative delegation. We know its a great project and has great support. WSUs Education Village project, intended to revitalize and transform the process of modern teacher education, is estimated to cost about $31.2 million overall. The university received $5.9 million in 2014. The Port Authoritys funding would be through the Port Development Assistance Program. Myron White said that the program has provided matching funding in the past, including building new city docks and paving them. The largest project is in line for next year would be a concrete cap to the bulkhead wall installed in 2000. Transportation Monday may or may not bring progress on a long-term transportation plan. Dayton announced Thursday that they had been moving toward a compromise after a series of closed door meetings this week with Daudt and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook. Dayton and Senate DFL were seeking to provide $600 million a year over the next decade. House Republicans have put forward a plan to use motor vehicle-related tax revenue on roads instead of the general fund, identifying efficiencies in the MnDOT budget and use $300 million of the states projected surplus in 2017 to increase transportation funding. Winona County Administrator Ken Fritz said the county doesnt have any plans currently requiring an increase in the funding. Roads and bridges annually need repair, and they would continue that regardless of whether they receive any more funds. It really depends on the form it takes, Fritz said. Were not counting on it. What if the president visited Winona and no one took his picture? Or if they did, no one kept a print or saved a negative? In 1948, President Harry Truman made a campaign whistle-stop in Winona that, until months ago, appeared to have gone visually unrecorded. When visiting the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri, Winona County Historical Society executive director Mark Peterson noticed that a display tracing the route of Trumans whistle-stop had photos illustrating every stop along the way except for Winona. Inquiring, Peterson learned the library had no photo record of the Winona stop. Neither did the local historical society ... at least to his sure knowledge. Peterson said he was aware of at least one negative in trove of negatives donated to the Society by the Winona Daily News that was supposed to be a photo of Truman giving a speech in Winona. However, the negative had been inadvertently exposed to moisture and was damaged apparently beyond redemption. Historical Society archivist and curator Andy Bloedorn explained that the 4 by 5 inch negatives used in the speed graphic press cameras used in that era were comprised of a layer of photo sensitive material laminated between two protective layers, a system that worked well until adverse environmental conditions caused the layers to expand and contract at different rates, bubbling the laminate and damaging or destroying the image. The Truman negative appeared to be beyond restoration, Boedorn said, until recently. He learned of a Massachusetts business called Chicago Albumen Works that specializes in recovering images from damaged and deteriorated negatives. He contacted the firm and they offered to take a look at the negative. Carefully packed and well-insured, the damaged negative was sent east. Last month, two conventional negatives and a high-resolution digital image made from the all-but-destroyed negative arrived in Winona. The image clearly shows Harry Truman at the old Chicago Northwestern station standing behind a big metal microphone delivering a speech from the rear platform of the presidential railroad car. Ironically enough, it also shows crowds of photographers photographing and filming the event. Where did all those pictures go? Peterson said. Some of them have to be out there somewhere. So far, this is the only one. TOWN OF SUMPTER A series of strokes over the past 17 years have left Tom Every unable to walk. He has paralysis in his left arm and lives in a Sauk City nursing home. But his intergalactic handshake, spirit, desire and never-ending ideas and designs have not been deterred. So when Every, known by most as Dr. Evermor, is honored next week by the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation, those in attendance should be ready to extend their right hand. But instead of receiving a grip, Every, 78, will likely use the back of his hand to tap the backs of the hands of those he greets. Its Everys way of transferring positive energy. And for those he meets, a chance to connect with one of the countrys legendary metal artists who, over the past 35 years, has not only built a five-acre sculpture park along Highway 12 in rural Sauk County but has also created a brand of time-traveling, steampunk-like art that has helped preserve some of the states industrial past. You know, I didnt cut anything apart. I just kind of glued things together the way they were, Every said Thursday as he sat in his wheelchair in the center of his park. It was real antique (stuff) as it was. Some of the stuff will be 80 or 90 years old, so Im glad that I saved all of that for you guys. Everys art can contain gears, fly wheels, tanks, massive pumps, boat propellers, springs, steel tubes and pieces of old machinery. His signature piece of art, the Forevertron, towers 50 feet high, is 120 feet wide and weighs an estimated 300 tons. Built over three years in the early 1980s, it includes an old compressor from a lumber company, a huge telescope and a former decontamination chamber from NASA. He has built bus-sized bugs with eyes made from dozens of round survey markers, has a 17-foot tall and 23-foot long spider named Arachna Artie, and has constructed the head of an eagle that is 9 feet tall and 14 feet long. There are creatures that resemble pets, spaceships and a flock of dozens of 10- to 12-foot-high birds that make up the Bird Band. Each member holds an instrument salvaged from thrift stores, such as a French horn, saxophone, trumpet and trombone. Every used scrap blades from Fiskars to create plumage. Dr. Evermors use of salvaged industrial materials and reconfiguring them and preserving them in a different form is as much of a reminder of our cultural history as any old home is, said John Martens, vice president of the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation. I feel that our industrial history is something we need to be reminded more of. Giving this award to Dr. Evermor helps shed some light on what role industry played in the growth of Madison. Every will receive a Friend of Preservation Award at the Madison Trusts annual awards event at 6:45 p.m. Thursday at the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive. Other award winners include the restoration of the Catlin Chapel. It was built in 1878 at Forest Hill Cemetery as a memorial to John Catlin, who helped plat the city of Madison and who would become the citys first lawyer and postmaster. The $3 million restoration of the Al. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo and the renovation of the Stamm House in Middleton also are being recognized, along with the Steensland House. It was constructed in 1896 in Downtown Madison but moved last year to make way for an expansion of Bethel Lutheran Church. The house stayed on the same block but now faces Gorham Street instead of Carroll Street. Every began collecting old newspapers to turn in to collection centers for cash when he was a child. His love of salvage grew, and for years he had his own salvage company. In the 1970s before he took on the Evermor name Every helped Alex Jordan collect and build at the House on the Rock near Spring Green. But in the early 1980s, Every had a falling out with Jordan and a short time later began working on the Forevertron. That project led to hundreds of sculptures and the creation of the park located across the highway from the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant. All the component parts around here, I can tell you about every one of them, Every said. I just want to make people happy. I try to put humor in everything I can but Im free flowing on everything I do. Every has lived in Brooklyn, Stoughton, Edgerton and on the East Side of Madison. Martens said Everys work on the restoration of Edenfred, a historic home in the Highlands on Madisons Far West Side, also was significant. The Georgian-style mansion was constructed in 1916 for artists to work in peace and is where Every and his then wife, Lady Eleanor Every, raised their four children in the 1970s and 1980s. They married in 1964 and divorced in 1997, but never separated. Lady Eleanor now runs the sculpture park, which is open Thursday through Sunday. Admission is by donation. Every spends much of his time in a corner of the library at his nursing home, Maplewood of Sauk Prairie, where he has a table, paper, pens, reading material, a painting of the Forevertron and a portrait of himself. A few of his bird sculptures peer through the window. On Thursday, Every was dressed in all black, including his leather jacket and a fedora adorned with a peacock feather. He wore pins that included a real scorpion and a spider encased in clear resin, and when his cell phone rang, he answered, Yeah, this is doctor. This is also where family members bring in boxes of metal for Every to study. He then gives directions on how to use the pieces in a sculpture. People think he has died but he has a lot of work to do yet, Lady Eleanor Every said. He knows his metals and where they are (at the park). Were forever loading things in and out quickly so that it doesnt leave a mess in the library. With the weather warming, Every will likely visit the park for three to four hours a couple of times a week. His daughter, Tya Kottler, will use Everys modified 1987 Dodge Caravan that allows him to be wheeled up a retractable ramp at the rear of the vehicle, his head lightly pressing into the sagging cloth ceiling. Before returning to the nursing home, a detour to Green Acres near Sauk City for prime rib and a glass of Glenfiddich Scotch can be in order. Every no longer has the physical ability to weld and assemble his sculptures, but his mind is constantly thinking of the next creation. If youre a doer you gotta do, he said. Im not a trained artist. Im just fooling around. TOWN OF CALAMUS The Lost Lake Randolph Historical Society, will host an antique and collectible appraisal fair Sunday, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at its museum, W11827 Concord Road. George Ferriter will appraise items from 1 to 4 p.m., with registration beginning at 12:30 p.m. Each person may bring up to three items to be appraised for a fee of $5 per item. This event kicks off the opening of the museum for the summer. All exhibits will be open for touring, including the one-room schoolhouse. Attendees can also enjoy a vintage/collectible silent auction, brat fry and a pie and ice cream social and sundae bar featuring custard donated by the Columbus Culvers restaurant. The Lost Lake Randolph Historical Society has been in existence since 2001, when the old St. Marys Church was closed for use and put up for sale. More than 200 concerned citizens decided to preserve the property and turn it into a local museum. Exhibits include one-room schools, cheese factories, area farming, the Randolph Fire Department, an extensive model train set, antique clothing and hats, a vintage kitchen, military uniforms donated by area service members, and natural history items previously displayed at the rural Randolph Nature Land. In 2010, the Lost Lake School was moved to the museum grounds and restored. Columbus Police issued a crime alert to other area antique stores and law enforcement agencies after a Wild Rose man allegedly tried to walk off with 37 items valued at more than $500 from the Columbus Antique Mall May 1. Donald DeVries, 57, was arrested on charges of misdemeanor theft, as well as possession of narcotics and possession of a controlled substance, after police discovered some pills he had no prescription for in his shirt pocket while conducting a search. Lt. Dennis Weiner of the Columbus Police Department said all of the stolen property that was recovered was from the Columbus Antique Mall. There were no items from other stores. Police decided to issue the alert because De Vries had traveled from Wild Rose and because he had a previous record of thefts. Part of the reason we send out a crime alert is to put them on notice, Weiner said. It doesnt automatically mean hes done this in other places. The Crime Alert states that DeVries went in and out of the antique mall at least five separate times, putting items in his pockets, then in his vehicle and then going back inside the antique mall for more. According to the criminal complaint, Sgt. Terry Seely of the Columbus Police Department was dispatched to the antique mall, located at 239 Whitney St., at 4:39 p.m. regarding a theft complaint. Based on a witness statements at the scene, Seely was able to make contact with the suspect, who was verbally identified as DeVries. When Seely asked him if he had taken anything from the antique mall, DeVries said he had accidentally forgotten to pay for one item which he had placed in his pocket while he made other purchases. Eventually DeVries admitted that he had another item he did not pay for in his truck. When asked to be honest and if there was anything else, DeVries said that was it. He agreed to a consent search of his vehicle, which showed a tremendous amount of property that was in fact taken without consent from the antique mall. It was determined that DeVries had paid for eight or nine items and had a receipt for the purchase for $246.87. He had a large amount of cash on him, so there was no reason for not paying for the other items. However, there were 37 other items that were not paid for. Those items were returned to the antique mall. Also according to the criminal complaint, Officer Benjamin Ziegler searched DeVries, locating a prescription medication bottle in his front right pocket. The prescription medication did not have a prescription on the bottle. The medications in the container were: six acetaminophen and hydrocodone and Bitartrate, a Schedule II controlled substance; 4 1/2 acetaminophen and Bitartrate, a Scheduled II controlled substance; and one Alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. DeVries was booked into Columbia County Jail on May 1 and released on a signature bond the next day. He is scheduled for a pretrial conference June 20. DeVries faces up to a $10,000 fine and three years and six months in prison on the felony drug charge, up to $500 in fines and 30 days in prison on the misdemeanor drug charge and up to $10,000 in fines and nine months in prison on the theft charge. He could also have his driving privileges suspended for up to five years on the drug charges. As the Socialist Equality Partys candidate for vice president of the United States, I call on workers and students in the US and internationally to support our election campaign and build a socialist movement to fight back against the unrelenting attack on immigrants. A Reuters news report revealed this week that the Obama administration is preparing to launch a month-long series of raids aimed at arresting Central American immigrants in the United States. Multiple Obama administration officials told Reuters that the raids would specifically target mothers and their children, as well as orphans and other children traveling alone. These raids will likely surpass in scope those already carried out by the Obama administration in January, when ICE officials targeted women and children in Georgia, Texas and North Carolina, arresting and detaining 121 people. The SEP denounces these raids and calls for an immediate halt to all repressive measures carried out by the police and immigration authorities. We unequivocally defend the rights of immigrants and refugees to live and work wherever they want, free from harassment by the state and super-exploitation by employers. Obama is completely indifferent to the harsh reality those he deports will face once forcibly returned to the countries they fled. The vast majority of those who will be arrested in the coming raids are the most vulnerable and impoverished of all migrants traveling to the United States. Most of them are seeking refuge from warlike conditions in the Central American countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemalathree countries ravished by over a century of US imperialist exploitation. Violence in these countries has skyrocketed in the last year in the wake of the global commodity price crash. Most of those who are detained by ICE will soon be deported, and manyespecially young menwill likely be murdered by the drug cartels in Central America who target those returning from the US in the belief they are more likely to have money. According to research carried out by San Diego State social scientist Elizabeth Kennedy, at least 45 El Salvadorans, three Guatemalans, and 35 Hondurans were killed after being deported in 2014 and 2015. So-called immigration reforms proposed by both the Democrats and the Republicans would involve an ever-greater militarization of the southern border, forcing those desperately seeking to cross the border to safety into hazardous desert areas where scores of people die each year. In the context of the 2016 elections, the anti-immigrant operations being carried out under the watch of President Barack Obama expose the fact that all factions of the political establishment are committed to the attack on immigrant workers. Obama, the Democrats candidate of hope and change in 2008, has overseen the deportation of 2.5 million people since coming to power in 200923 percent more than under the Republican president George W. Bush and more than all 20th century presidents combined. Between 2015 and 2016, the total number of orphans and unaccompanied children detained by the federal government increased from 15,616 to 27,754. While the Democratic Party under Obama has deported a record number of immigrants, the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has called for the mass deportations of all undocumented migrants and a ban on Muslim migrants. When Trump promises to build the wall, he is only announcing most openly and crudely what the entire political establishment is doing behind closed doors. The entire political establishmentincluding Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clintonaccepts the right of the US ruling class to expel the victims of imperialism, poverty and war. Sanders has blamed immigrants for low wages and job losses, promoting the worst forms of American nationalism. The ruling class is fanning the flames of xenophobia in an attempt to deflect anger from the wholesale assault on the working class. The big-business politicians and the media scapegoat immigrants, blaming them for mass unemployment, declining living standards and attacks on social conditions that are a product of the policies of the ruling class itself and its political servants. In contrast to the two big-business parties, the SEP upholds the right of workers everywhere to live wherever they please with full citizenship rights and the right to return to their home country. We fight for the repeal of all anti-immigrant laws and the disbanding of ICE, DHS and the Border Patrol. The defense of immigrant workers must be connected to the struggle to unite all workers of North, Central and South American in a common struggle against a common enemy, the capitalist system. The assault on one section of the workers is an assault on all! Workers throughout the Americas are often exploited by the same corporations, which seek to pit us against each other in order to demand ever lowers wages. The attack on immigrants in the US is paralleled throughout the world. In Europe, desperate refugees fleeing the imperialist wars in the Middle East and North Africa are being herded into horrific camps or turned away at the border. Many thousands have died in the process. This madness must stop! There is no progressive solution to the problems faced by immigrants, refugees and the working class as a whole within the confines of the nation-state system: the defense of migrants will require a mass movement of the working class worldwide for the creation of a unified world socialist state with unhindered travel and migration for all! The International Monetary Fund (IMF) entered into the campaign over Britains membership of the European Union on Friday, with dire predictions that a Leave vote in the June 23 referendum would cause recession and a slump in property values. Speaking at the Treasury in London, IMF head Christine Lagarde warned, We have done our homework and we havent found anything positive to say about a Brexit [British exit from the EU] vote. Every country she had visited in the last six months had expressed concerns about the outcome of the referendum, she explained. Given the huge amount of anxiety around the vote it was entirely legitimate for the IMF to make its position known, she said. In the event of a Leave vote, Lagarde said the UK could enter into technical recession with its economy shrinking in two consecutive quarters. In anticipation, financial markets could see sharp drops in equity and house prices, increased borrowing costs for households and businesses, and even a sudden stop of investment inflows into key sectors such as commercial real estate and finance. The UKs record-high current account deficit and attendant reliance on external financing exacerbates these risks, she added. On Wednesday, Conservative Chancellor George Osborne reported that the Treasury had begun contingency planning to shore up Britains financial system should the Leave vote win the referendum, to counter what he described could result in extreme volatility. UK manufacturing is already in recession. Figures from the Office for National Statistics released earlier this week showed that British industry had entered its third slump in a decade, with sharp falls in output at the start of 2016. Lagardes predictions on the state of the UK economy following a Remain vote, however, were hardly reassuring for millions of working people. The IMF forecasts that even in this instance, growth was likely to fall below 2% for the full year 2016, before returning to an average of around 2.25% over the medium term The IMFs concern is not with the fate of working families. It has been one of the main agencies for imposing austerity across Europe, most notably in Greece. It speaks on behalf of the global banks and corporationssuch as Goldman Sachs and JP Morganwhich are playing a significant role in bankrolling the official Remain campaign led by the Conservative government of Prime Minister David Cameron. Major property companies are especially opposed to a Leave vote, because of the impact it will have on their holdings. London in particular has become a magnet for the global super-rich looking to expand their fortunes through the capitals property bubble. The default response of the Leave campaign to such predictions is to rubbish them as Project Fear. However, the prospect of economic slump and instability has been welcomed by its main financial backer. The day before Lagardes report, billionaire stockbroker Peter Hargreaves said that the financial insecurity caused by a Brexit would be fantastic. Hargreaves is the co-founder of stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown and one of Britains wealthiest mendescribing himself as rich as Croesus. He is the largest single donor on either side of the campaign on EU membership, having given 3.2 million to the Leave camp. Likening the consequences of a Leave vote to the forced retreat by British armed forces from Dunkirk in the Second World War, Hargreaves said, It would be the biggest stimulus to get our butts in gear that we have ever had. We will get out there and we will be become incredibly successful because we will be insecure again. And insecurity is fantastic, he added. All the people in the City of London who I rate and are intelligent and talk sense actually say it would be better if we left. All the government lackeys, all the bureaucrats and the people on the boards [who] havent got a clue what they are talking about want us to remain. Of particular significance was Hargreaves eulogy to the economy of Singapore, which he cited as the model for a Britain free from EU regulation. When Singapore became independent of Malaysia in 1965 it was mosquito-infested swamp with no natural resources, he said. Then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (who died in 2015) had turned Singapore into the best economy in the world. Its a bit of a clinical place, but it shows what a small country with limited resources can do. And we are much bigger and have more resources. Britain will be far better off as an independent nation. Hargreaves paean to Lee Kuan Yew exposes the class motives driving the official Leave campaign. The establishment of Singapore as an independent city state on August 9, 1965 was the occasion for a relentless assault on the working class as Yew positioned the country as a magnet for foreign capital investment looking to penetrate the Asian region. He had a long alliance with Indonesias General Suharto who seized power in 1965, and carried through the massacre of one million members and supporters of the Communist Party of Indonesia and trade unionists. Behind the facade of democracy and national unity, Yew responded to social dissent with brutal repression. Migrant workers, which make up 44 percent of Singapores workforce, have no rights and can be forcibly repatriated at a moments notice for the slightest complaint at their conditions. This virtual slave labour force is used to depress wages, with the result that social inequality is among the highest in the developed world. It is this that accounts for Singapore being listed as the second most competitive city in the world. It is also the worlds third largest financial centre, with its tax breaks and absence of regulation a magnet for hedge fund operations in particular. The country has the worlds highest concentration of millionaire households, at approximately 15.5 percent. Hargreaves makes plain that for the Leave campaign, economic instability is welcomed as providing the whip hand for smashing up wages and conditions in the UKall in the name of the national interest. A sharp fall in sterling in the event of a Brexit would be the occasion for whoopee-do, Hargreaves said. Looking back nostalgically to 1992 when sterling was forced out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, causing a 20 percent fall in its value, the billionaire said this would be positive for exporters and the market. Workers rights would have to suffer, Hargreaves said, complaining that EU legislation concerning limited social directives was a hindrance to employers. It should be up to firms to determine working conditions, not governments. Hargreaves is not alone in his objectives. The Leave campaign is led overwhelmingly by right-wing Thatcherite forces, including many from hedge fund and asset-stripping operations with headquarters in Londons Mayfair. They include the multi-millionaire asset and fund manager Jim Mellon, billionaire Crispin Odey, founding partner of Odey Asset Management and Sir Michael Hintze, founder of the CQS hedge fund. Last October, Paul Stephenson, former Conservative press officer turned Vote Leaves communication director, boasted, We are confident that hedge funds and many other financial firms will support Vote Leave, take control. Mellon has boasted that the success of his company, Charlemagne Capital, was directly bound up with the massive privatisation of state industries undertaken by the former Soviet bureaucracy after it liquidated the Soviet Union in 1991. Earlier this week, Aaron Banksa millionaire who leads the Leave.EU group and backs the UK Independence Party, said, If it were up to me, Id privatise the NHS. He spoke during a visit to address the Cato Institute in Washington. Such statements validate the Socialist Equality Partys refusal to endorse a Leave vote in the referendum, despite its hostility to the EU. Advancing the call for an active boycott, the SEP explained that the referendum is the outcome of a reactionary faction fight within the British bourgeoisie over the best means to attack workers social conditions and democratic rights. The terms negotiated by [Prime Minister David] Cameron as the basis of the UK remaining in the EU sanction his governments attacks on migrants and measures to protect the criminal activities of the UKs banks and financial institutions, its statement explains. A Leave vote, however, would be seized on as an endorsement of demands for British sovereignty and independenceeuphemisms for removing all obstacles to the intensified exploitation of the working class and a more ruthless clampdown on immigration. David King, who devoted his extraordinary gifts as an artist to salvaging the historical truth of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and its aftermath from beneath the vast and now wrecked edifice of Stalinist crimes and lies, died at his home in Islington on the morning of May 11. Although he suffered from heart disease for many years, David remained immensely productive until the very end of his life. There is an element of tragic irony in the fact that his most recent and final bookpublished this past autumnwas devoted to the life of the Weimar-era German revolutionary artist, John Heartfield, whose work exerted such a profound influence on King himself. As an artist, Davids life work was concentrated on the research, design and writing of books that chronicled the history of the greatest event of the 20th century, the Russian Revolution. It is precisely the extraordinarily appropriate fusion of artistic form and historical content that endows his work with lasting significance. So rare among contemporary artists, it was guided by a historically oriented consciousness. Moreover, Davids knowledge of the Russian Revolutionthe events, controversies, personages and social contextwas nothing less than encyclopedic. He did not labor to subjectively impose a striking and eccentric form that would call attention to himself as an artist. What imparted to his book design such a powerful and genuinely original character was the degree to which the historical events reflected in the pictorial images guided the authors presentation. Tireless historical research underlay all of Davids major published books over the past 45 years. Every volume for which he selected the pictorial images, designed the layout and frequently wrote all or substantial portions of the text, was based on years of work. He was among the greatest archivists and historical detectives of our time. He traveled throughout the world in search of artifacts of the Russian Revolution and collected everything from photographs, posters and government documents to coffee mugs. David estimated that his collection contained approximately 250,000 items. Had the assembling of this collection been his only achievement, he would have deserved an honored place among historians of the Russian Revolution. But David not only collected items. He sought to understand their significance, that is, their objective place in the vast historical drama of the Russian Revolution. In the examination of an artifact, David moved from its appearance to the discovery of its historical essencethe relationship of the fragmentary part to the whole. This process of discovery determined the form of artistic recreation. The problem of selection and presentation frequently proves to be overwhelming. Remarkably, despite the large number of images assembled by David in each of his books, nothing seems to be lost. Every image, even the smallest, captures the readers attention. There is no question that David possessed an acute visual sensitivity. But if he understood so perfectly what needed to go where, and in what size images were to be reproduced, it was because the artistic judgment was always disciplined by a powerful sense of the objective historical narrative. David Kings intellectual and artistic involvement with the Russian Revolution was grounded in his personal experiences and political convictions. In 2009 David completed work on Red Star Over Russia: A Visual history Of The Soviet Union From 1917 To The Death Of Stalin. In the introduction to this invaluable and authoritative volume, which includes images drawn from The David King Collection, he explained: Even as a child I detested capitalism. I thought it was unfair. I also loathed religion and the monarchy. I found the clothes they dressed up in sinister and frightening. When my uncle, who was a socialist, taught me about the true nature of the ruling class I agreed with him that it clearly had to be overthrown. I used to dream, like all children, how life would be in the 21st century. If anyone had told me that there would still be inequality, racism, kings, queens and religious maniacs stalking the planet I would have considered them crazy. David first traveled to the Soviet Union in the bitterly cold winter of 1970. He had been sent there by the London Sunday Times to research and photograph features that were to be published on the centenary of Lenins birth. King visited many museums that were devoted to the commemoration of the revolution. Lenins life was exhaustively documented. But there was one major actor in the Bolshevik revolution missing from the many exhibitions. King recalled: The one figure who I was most interested in finding out about, however, was nowhere to be seen. So I spent a lot of time asking, Yes, but wheres Trotsky? or Thats very interesting, but what about Trotsky? Feeble attempts were made in the official photo archives to drag out even one picture of the co-leader of the Russian Revolution. There was nothing. They had totally wiped him out, and as I was soon to find out, legions of others too. King collected a huge amount of material on the Russian Revolution during his visit to the Soviet Union. But he was not satisfied with the results of his research. He could not remove from his mind the image of the forgotten titan of the Revolution: I had a new plan; to search for Trotsky, to document his life in pictures. I wanted to show that no amount of political falsification, no amount of photographic retouching, could extinguish the memory of the twentieth centurys inspirational revolutionary genius. Much had been written about Trotsky in the West, but as a designer/photographer I wanted his story to reach out to a much wider audience. Traveling throughout Europe, North America and to Coyoacan in Mexico, where Trotsky had been assassinated in 1940, David began assembling his collection of photographs, posters, documents and artifacts related to the life of the revolutionary leader. Working with Francis Wyndham, a colleague at the Sunday Times, he coauthored a biography of Trotsky. Though Wyndham wrote most of the text, it was the large collection of photos, assembled and presented by King, that made the volume an important and influential historical work. It was published to great acclaim in 1972. The next major project undertaken by David was in collaboration with the International Committee of the Fourth International. Though not a member of the Workers Revolutionary Party, which was then the British section of the ICFI, David greatly respected its theoretical work and political activity in the working class. He followed with enormous interest the investigation initiated by the International Committee in 1975 into the assassination of Leon Trotsky. He contributed his time and many photographs in his private collection to the design of How the GPU Murdered Trotsky, published in 1977. In 2009, during a visit to London, I spoke with David at length about his collaboration with the International Committee in the production of How the GPU Murdered Trotsky. He explained that he viewed the International Committees research into Trotskys assassination as an important contribution to the exposure of Stalinist crimes. He said that he was surprised by the hostile reaction of so many on the British left to the investigation. In relation to the International Committees discovery of documents that exposed contacts between Joseph Hansen, the long-time leader of the Socialist Workers Party in the US, and both the FBI and the Soviet secret police, King recalled his own strange encounter with Hansen. During the early 1970s, in the course of his research on the Trotsky biography, David traveled to New York in search of photos and documents. He contacted the Socialist Workers Party and asked for an appointment with Hansen, who had served as Trotskys secretary in Mexico between 1937 and 1940. David imagined that the meeting would yield a wealth of information and insights into Trotskys personality. But the interview had hardly begun before Hansen asked: Why do you want to write about Trotsky? Taken aback by the tone with which the question had been asked, King began to explain why he thought that Trotsky was a major historical figure whose legacy was a critical part of the fight for the future victory of socialism. The future? Hansen replied. Given the state of the environment, the planet probably wont exist in 20 years. The interview was quickly ended. As David recalled this exchange, nearly 50 years later, his amazement at Hansens remark had still not worn off. The exposure of the crimes committed by Stalin and the Soviet bureaucracy against the October Revolution and the Soviet people emerged as a central focus of Davids work during the last 35 years of his life. In 1982, he collaborated with Tamara Deutscher, the widow of Isaac Deutscher (the author of the famous Trotsky biographical trilogy) in the writing and design of The Great Purges. In 1997 David produced another major historical volume, The Commissar Vanishes: The Falsification of Photographs and Art in Stalins Russia. In this work King illustrated how Stalin and his criminal accomplices in the Soviet leadership and bureaucracy systematically falsified history by retouching photographs. Explaining the subject of The Commissar Vanishes, David wrote: So much falsification took place during the Stalin years that it is possible to tell the story of the Soviet era through retouched photographs. That is the purpose of this book. The photographs are displayed chronologically, at the time they were taken, rather than when they were doctored. The altered versions are usually shown alongside the originals, or on the following pages. A number of key unfalsified photographs and documents are also included to explain important moments in the story. Paintings, graphics, and other examples of Stalinist hero worship appear, as well. Only the most interesting and varied images from a political, cultural, and of course visual point of view are presented here. New examples of falsification are always coming to light. A photograph might appear strange, as a result of heavy retouching. To find the original might take yearsand often does. The search continues. In 2003 King published Ordinary Citizens: The Victims of Stalin. The volume consists of approximately 150 mugshots of Soviet citizens during their incarceration in Lyubianka, the Moscow headquarters of the secret police. Among the photographed individuals are major figures in Soviet history, such as Grigory Zinoviev, and literature, such as Isaak Babel. But most of the mugshots are of unknown ordinary citizens. What all the subjects had in common is that they were soon to be murdered by Stalins executioners. Many of the photographs were taken days and, in some cases, only a few hours before these human beings were deprived of their lives. The images of the doomed are profoundly disturbing. But what imparts to those images selected by King such a psychologically haunting impact is the unexpected quality of the photographs. In a remarkable commentary, David noted: It is a dreadful irony that the deadly eyes of Stalins secret police could have created such sensitive portraits of their hapless victims. Unlike police mugshots in the West, the NKVDs photographs were not taken using artificial light. The longer time exposure needed to photograph in natural light allowed the subjects to face the camera and display a whole range of expressions. None of the ordinary citizens here have been surprised or caught by the flash bulb. The faces are haunting, the expressions often heart-breaking. They stare straight back into the lens with defiance, disdain, fear or sometimes just terrible sadness. Quizzical looks give way to pain, pride and honesty. There is fury on the faces of one or two. Some show signs of torture. Some show signs of sickness, ill health. Some look mad. Most shockingly, a few look back at the camera, or attempt the hint of a smile. In 2009 David completed his monumental pictorial overview of Russian-Soviet history, Red Star Over Russia, which was published in conjunction with the opening of a new section at the Tate Museum in London, devoted to a display of photos and posters from the David King Collection. He offered me a personal tour of the exhibition, of which he was justifiably proud. Every item in the exhibit was part of the great and tragic historical narrative of the October Revolution. The death of David King deprives the world of a great artist and historian. The sense of loss is increased by the fact that it has come on the eve of the centenary of the Russian Revolution of 1917. How much David would have had to show and say during the coming year! But there can be no doubt the work of David Kingartist, revolutionary socialist and defender of historical truthwill, in the centenary year and beyond, contribute mightily to the understanding of the seminal event of modern history and, therefore, provide enduring inspiration for the cause of human liberation. Asia Philippines: Sacked export zone workers occupy factory Sacked workers from the Seung Yeun Technology Industries Corporation (SYTIC) in the Cavite Export Processing Zone south of Manila occupied their factory on May 6 after picketing it for two days. SYTIC management previously closed the plant, dismissed all workers and then reopened it, declaring that it would only rehire non-union workers. The sacked electronic workers have said they would continue the occupation to prevent machines and tools being transferred to a non-union location. A spokesman from the SYTIC Workers Association accused management of planning to replace its regular, unionised workforce with non-union contract workers. A five-day strike in April by SYTIC workers ended in a victory with the reinstatement of 18 workers, who were illegally terminated for union activities. The company later filed for permanent closure in an attempt to bust the union. The newly-elected Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte had previously threatened to have killed export-processing workers who attempted to form unions. India: Andhra Pradesh construction workers protest death of colleague A violent demonstration by 400 construction workers on the Amarawathi government building site in Andhra Pradesh erupted on Tuesday, following the death of a 22-year-old worker from Jharkhand. He died instantly after being sucked into a cement mixer while cleaning it at the end of the night shift. The protesting workers demanded improved safety and 25 million rupees compensation for Devandras family. The protest was triggered when site officials secretly tried to move Devandras body to hide the circumstances of his death. Construction workers torched an ambulance, ransacked an office and then threw rocks at police when they arrived at the site. It was the second death at the project: on March 21 20-year-old Samrat Rout was killed after his rig collapsed on him. Workers ended their protest after a government official announced that 2 million rupees ($US30,000) in compensation would be paid to Devandras family and that safety on the site would be improved. Health workers in Jammu demand job permanency Hundreds of daily wage workers in the public health engineering department of Jammu Military Hospital blocked the Jammu-Srinagar highway on Tuesday to demand job permanency. They chanted slogans against health authorities. Protesters said their grievances were repeatedly neglected by the previous government and that they were being treated in the same way by the BJP-led Jammu and Kashmir state government. The health workers have threatened to intensify their campaign if their demands are not addressed. Himachal Pradesh teachers boycott student evaluation papers Teachers at 94 public colleges in Himachal Pradesh, in northern India, have begun an indefinite boycott of student evaluation papers to demand job permanency and higher wages. Nearly 7,500 students who have applied to enter universities have been affected by the industrial protest. The action, which was called by the Himachal Government College Teachers Association, remains unresolved. Brick kiln workers in Punjab end strike Brick kiln workers in Sangrur, Punjab ended 12 days of round-the-clock protests outside the district administrative complex on May 7 after an official agreement between the workers union and brick kiln owners association. A representative of the Lal Jhanda Punjab Bhatha Mazdoor Union said the owners had agreed to lift their pay offer for the moulding of 1,000 bricks from 583 rupees to 642.35 ($US9.65), supply safe drinking water and electricity to workers at brick kilns and provide money for protective clothing. Pakistan: Fata teachers set to end three-week strike Around 25,000 government school teachers in Pakistans Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) are expected to end their three-week strike to demand service upgrades after the federal government agreed on May 10 to upgrade teachers in accordance with a July 2012 four-tier formula. All Teachers Associations-Fata Mohmand Agency members walked out of rural schools with over one million students on April 20 to demand upgrades in line with government teachers in other provinces and allowance for working in war zones. The Pakistan government dropped its demand that teachers return to work before it would consider their demands. Full details of the agreement, such as when teachers will be upgraded, have not been reported. Punjab teachers continue anti-privatisation protests Public school teachers in Punjab province are not letting up on an anti-privatisation campaign they began in January. Following a series of protests throughout the province, teachers in Gujranwala and Faisalabad demonstrated on Monday and Tuesday respectively to demand the government withdraw its privatisation plan. Under pressure from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank the Pakistan government has implemented austerity measures forcing cash-strapped provincial governments to do likewise. The Punjab government has organised a public-private partnership deal and is handing management of public schools to the NGO-Punjab Education Foundation. According to the Punjab Teachers Union it will impact on more than 5,500 schools. The already inadequate and crumbling service is on the verge of collapse and teachers fear that the privatisation program will eliminate free education in Pakistan. Sri Lankan mine workers strike More than 200 workers at the Bogala Graphite mine in Kegalle district, Sri Lanka stopped work on Tuesday over several demands. Fifty workers have begun a hunger strike inside the mine some 1,600 feet (500m) below the surface. They want a 5,000-rupee ($US34) pay rise and provision of uniforms and safety equipment. Management claimed the mine could not afford to pay a wage increase. Workers said they would continue their strike until demands were met. Australia and the Pacific Essential Energy workers strike again Workers at the New South Wales state-owned power distribution company Essential Energy struck for 24 hours at over 100 depots and control sites across the state on Wednesday in their dispute for a new enterprise agreement. The action followed two four-hour stoppages in April over the issue. Negotiations began 18 months ago with the Electrical Trades Union (ETU). Workers have rejected managements enterprise offer that includes the axing of 800 jobs over the next two years and unlimited job cuts after 2018. The company also wants to maintain the current ban on re-employing redundant workers within two years except for casual or temporary positions; halve the amount workers are paid when called in for emergencies from a minimum four hours pay to two; and cuts the wages and conditions of contractors. Strike action was escalated after Essential refused to enter into further negotiations. The company has launched a case in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) seeking to terminate various agreements currently covering its workforce. These include axing redundancy provisions, staff redeployment and salary maintenance. The FWC case is set down for a six-day hearing from June 14. On Wednesday afternoon the ETU gave formal notice of an escalation of strike action commencing on May 23. This will consist of 20 consecutive four-hour stoppages at 120 depots and control centres. Unlike previous stoppages, the union said it will not provide a skeleton staff during the stop work period. Sunshine Coast construction workers end strike Some 170 striking members of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital building site, on Queenslands south coast, returned to work on Wednesday after resolving enterprise agreement issues with their employer Nilsen. The workers took protected industrial action and downed tools on May 5 after six months of failed negotiations. The company offered 5 percent annual pay rises for three years but wanted to include Building Code 2014 in the agreement. This was rejected by ETU members because electrical contractors who do not comply with the code could be excluded from securing government work if the governments building industry laws are passed after the July federal election. No details on the settlement have been released. Around 400 Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) members who walked off the site to protest the Turnbull federal governments plans to re-establish the Australian Building Construction Commission (ABCC) were ordered by the FWC to return to work on May 6. The ABCC has wide draconian powers that restrict workers common law rights and can impose heavy penalties on unions and workers who fail to obey federal industrial laws. Canberra garbage truck drivers on strike Thirty-nine garbage truck drivers employed by collection contractor SUEZ in Australias capital Canberra struck work on Friday leaving kerbside garbage bins unemptied in 24 suburbs. The action follows failed negotiations between the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and SUEZ over a new enterprise agreement. The company has offered 3 percent annual pay increases and a slight increase in severance pay. A TWU spokesman said severance pay was a sticking point. He said severance pay was reduced from three weeks pay to two when the contract changed hands two years ago despite assurances from the ACT government this would not happen. The waste management contract with the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) government is renewed every ten years, forcing workers to reapply for their job. The garbage truck drivers are concerned that older drivers who failed their medical test and are denied reemployment will lose their severance pay. French Polynesian unions call off general strike Unions in the small Pacific colony of French Polynesia have withdrawn a general strike notice just hours before it was to be enacted on May 9. It followed an agreement by the government to sign an accord. The unions had listed ten points to be addressed in response to massive job cuts and the loss of purchasing power since the global financial crisis in 2008. Over 17,000 workers have lost their jobs and about 80,000 are living in poverty. Union demands included, job security, better wages and creation of social welfare for unemployed workers, along with concerns about the viability of the pension fund. Unlike in France, there are no unemployment benefits in its Pacific colony. After days of negotiations, the government agreed that social security provisions would be discussed in two meetings a week until the end of June. Thursdays vote by the Brazilian Senate to initiate the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff on trumped-up charges of budgetary improprieties has effectively ended 13 years of rule by the Workers Party (Partido dos TrabalhadoresPT) over Latin Americas largest country, with over 200 million inhabitants and the worlds seventh largest economy. The ouster of Rousseff is the outcome of an undemocratic conspiracy organized by decisive layers within the Brazilian ruling class and supported by international finance capital. It has been carried out with the aim of effecting a radical change in economic policy and class relations and poses an immense threat to the jobs, basic rights and living standards of masses of Brazilian workers. What has been imposed by means of this conspiracy is the most right-wing government since the end of the countrys two-decade-long military dictatorship over 30 years ago. Rousseff is supposedly merely suspended from office for the duration of a trial that could last until October. The reality, however, is that under her vice president and erstwhile political ally, Michel Temer of the PMDB (Brazilian Democratic Movement Party), the entire government has been changed. Every minister has been replaced, entire departments are being liquidated and a wholesale purge of state officials is underway. With his premier speech as interim president, Temer resurrected the language of authoritarianism and dictatorship. He called for a government of national salvation to pacify Brazil and invoked the slogan emblazoned on the countrys flag, Ordem e Progresso (Order and Progress), as the watchwords of the new regime. An unelected government is preparing to implement what the new finance minister, former Bank of Boston CEO Henrique Meirelles, acknowledged Friday will be hard austerity measures designed to impose the full burden of Brazils economic crisis, the worst in a century, on the backs of the working class. Inevitably, the government will resort to state violence and repression to carry out this agenda. The economic crisis, which has resulted in 11 million unemployed with no letup in mass layoffs in sight, is at the root of the debacle of the PT government. The economic breakdown that has gripped world capitalism since 2008 has found a sharp expression in Brazil and throughout Latin America in the collapse of the commodities and emerging markets booms that made possible the PTs policies of providing limited social assistance programs for the poor, while creating the most profitable conditions in the countrys history for the corporate and financial oligarchy. The same crisis is undermining all of the bourgeois governments associated with Latin Americas so-called turn to the left, from the ousted Peronists in Argentina to Nicolas Maduro, who faces a possible recall election under conditions of an economic meltdown in Venezuela. The Rousseff government not only failed to carry out measures to ameliorate the conditions of mass unemployment and falling real wages, it initiated its own austerity measures aimed at winning the favor of world financial markets and Wall Street ratings agencies. Social inequality in this starkly polarized country is once again on the rise, and the gains made in reducing extreme poverty over the past decade are evaporating. While the methods used to remove Rousseff from office are entirely undemocratic, the protests by the president and her supporters that she is the victim of a coup ring hollow, given that the collection of corrupt and right-wing capitalist politicians behind the impeachment were, until recently, the PTs closest political allies. They were also partners in a succession of corrupt operations, from the mensalao congressional vote-buying affair to the contract kickback scandal at Petrobras. It is perhaps the greatest political indictment of the PTs rule that it served to protect and incubate the reactionary political elements that are now being unleashed upon the working class. The PT sought to save itself from impeachment by trying, on the one hand, to secure support from these same layers with offers of more positions and power, and, on the other, to convince the ruling establishment that the Workers Party was better equipped to carry through an austerity agenda by dint of its electoral legitimacy and its collaboration with the CUT union federation in suppressing working class struggles. In the end, the PT, a thoroughly venal capitalist party, bears criminal responsibility for the coup it condemns, whose principal victims will be not Rousseff and her fellow politicians, but the masses of Brazils workers and oppressed. Particular responsibility for the acute crisis now confronting Brazilian workers rests with the various pseudo-left groups that backed the Workers Party and sought to subordinate the working class to its leadership. Chief among them are various revisionist tendencies that split from the International Committee of the Fourth International, rejecting its struggle for the international unity and political independence of the working class based on a revolutionary socialist program in order to adapt themselves to Stalinism and various forms of bourgeois nationalism, chief among them, Castroism. In Brazil, these forces promoted the Workers Party as a substitute for the building of a revolutionary Marxist party in the working class. The PT was portrayed as providing a new Brazilian parliamentary road to socialism. Its name notwithstanding, the PT was from its founding not a party of the working class, but rather a bourgeois party based on privileged sections of the middle class. Its purpose was to contain the class struggle and the immense social tensions of Brazilian society, while defending capitalism. While many of these tendencies were thrown out of the PT as it moved ever further to the right under the leadership of former metalworkers union leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, they continue to play essentially the same role today, offering not a trace of revolutionary leadership in the face of the impeachment crisis. The Morenoite PSTU (Unified Socialist Workers Party) continues to advance the slogan throw them all out, essentially adapting to the right-wing conspiracy that produced the impeachment, while failing to provide any warning of the immense dangers confronting Brazilian workers. Having supported imperialist regime-change operations from Syria to Ukraine, it now is complicit in a domestic version of the same process. The Pabloite tendencies organized around the group Insurgencia are part of PSOL (Socialism and Liberty Party), a party formed by legislators expelled from the PT. Their aim is to refurbish the original PT model in order to better subordinate the working class to the capitalist state. The period in which these parties have been able to help suppress the class struggle is coming to an end, not only in Brazil, but internationally. As the present crisis demonstrates, the ruling class is no longer able to rule in the old way and it is becoming impossible for the working class to live in the old way, creating the conditions for revolutionary upheavals. The most urgent political task is the formation of a new revolutionary leadership in the working class based on an assimilation of the bitter experience with the Workers Party and the long struggle of Trotskyism against revisionism. This means building a Brazilian section of the International Committee of the Fourth International. A new study from the Pew Research Center shows that more than four-fifths of US metropolitan areas have seen household incomes decline in the new century. The research is based on data from urban centers that are home to three-quarters of the US population. Pews Americas Shrinking Middle Class shows that middle-class household income has declined throughout the population, while at the same time the gap between low- and upper-income households has grown, demonstrating a significant increase in income inequality across the US. A major contributor to economic decline and inequality has been the plunge in manufacturing jobs and wages. The study analyzed data from 229 of the 381 metropolitan areas in the US, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These areas accounted for 76 percent of the US population in 2014. They included all those that could be identified in US Census Bureau data with statistics available for both 2000 and 2014. Middle-income households are defined as those with incomes of about $42,000 to $125,000, adjusted for a household of three. Pew found that the share of middle-income households fell in 203 of 299 metropolitan areas from 2000 to 2014. With household income falling in the middle-income tier in these areas, the shares of upper- and lower-income tiers have correspondingly grown. Based on US Census figures, the share of middle-income adults also fell nationwide, while the shares in the lower- and upper-income tiers have increased. The national share of middle-income adults decreased from 55 percent in 2000 to 51 percent in 2014. At the other poles of society, the share of adults in the upper-income tier increased from 17 percent to 20 percent, and the share of adults in the lower-income tier increased from 28 percent to 29 percent. US metropolitan areas with the lowest household incomes are mainly located in the South. Areas with the highest household incomes are concentrated along the Northeast corridor and mid-Atlantic, from Boston to the District of Columbia, and in Northern California, representing the proliferation and profits of the tech, insurance and finance industries, as well as high-paid government employees and politicians. Midland, Texas, which benefited from the rise in oil prices from 2000 to 2014, saw both a shrinking middle class, which fell from 53 percent to 43 percent, and a decline in lower income households, falling from 28 percent to 21 percent. The recent drop in oil prices is not reflected in these figures. In nearly half of the metropolitan areas studied, the lower-income share of households increased. The 10 metropolitan areas with the greatest losses in overall economic statusthe change in the share of upper-income adults minus the change in the share who were lower-incomehave one thing in common: a greater than average reliance on manufacturing. These include the Rust Belt areas of Springfield, Ohio and Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, Michigan, as well as two North Carolina areas: Rocky Mount and Hickory-Lenoir-Morgantown. In Springfield, which saw the biggest decline in economic status, a 16 percent drop, the truck assembly plant owned by Navistar employs thousands fewer workers than it did in its heyday. The Detroit metropolitan area has seen a dramatic decline in auto jobs, as well as a drastic drop in wages through two-tier systems introduced in large part as a result of the Obama administrations auto bailout, carried out with the collaboration of the United Autoworkers union. The Hickory-Lenoir-Morgantown area, once a thriving center of furniture manufacturing, has seen the demise of this industry, with an accompanying decline in household incomes and an increase in poverty. A brief from the UC Berkeley Labor Center documents the impact on incomes of declining manufacturing wages and the proliferation of temporary staffing agencies. Producing Poverty: The Public Cost of Low-Wage Production Jobs in Manufacturing charts the increasing numbers of manufacturing workers who are forced to rely on government programs, such as Medicaid and food stamps, to survive. The study shows that wages in manufacturing are falling to the levels of those in the fast-food industry and at big-box retailers. In 2013, the typical manufacturing production worker made 7.7 percent below the median wage for all occupations. The median wage of these production workers was $15.66, with a quarter making $11.91 or less. The National Employment Law Project (NELP) also found that since 1989 there has been a significant increase in the hiring of frontline production workers through temporary staffing agencies. Frontline workers are defined as non-supervisorial production workers who work at least 27 hours per week in the manufacturing industry or those closely associated with it. The Berkeley study found that high utilization of government programs by manufacturing workers was primarily due to low wages as opposed to inadequate work hours. Economic Policy Institute researchers found that as manufacturing wages have declined, manufacturing labor productivity has grown by an average of 3.3 percent a year from 1997 to 2012, nearly one-third greater than in the private, nonfarm economy as a whole. This means that the manufacturing industry is sucking more and more productivity out of workers while catapulting them out of the middle class and into poverty through low wages. There has been a dramatic growth in low-paying temporary positions, which now account for 9 percent of frontline manufacturing jobsa nine-fold increase from 25 years ago. Temporary workers earn a median wage of $10.88 an hour, compared to $15.03 for those hired directly by manufacturers. Nearly half of all manufacturing workers hired through staffing agencies are enrolled in at least one public assistance program, just below the 52 percent of fast-food workers who rely on these programs. Ken Jacobs, chair of the Labor Center and co-author of the report, told Berkeley News, Manufacturing has long been thought of as providing high-paying, middle-class work, but the reality is the production jobs are increasingly coming to resemble fast-food or Walmart jobs, especially for those workers employed through temporary staffing agencies. The pseudo-left party Podemos and the Communist Party-led United Left (IU) have concluded an electoral alliance, 50 Steps to Rule Together for the general election called for June 26. Spains Congress was dissolved earlier this month, following the failure of repeated attempts to form a coalition government after the previous election on December 20. Podemos General Secretary Pablo Iglesias declared that it would be an honour to walk together and to work together, adding, What is important is that a political space has been born today that can beat the Popular Party [PP]. Alberto Garzon, leader of IU, said, What joins us is our enormous desire to serve our people, the popular classes. Nothing could be further from the truth. The electoral coalition has nothing progressive about it. Like the failed attempt to form a similar alliance before Decembers election, it is dedicated to preventing growing social opposition, expressed in the crisis of the decades-old two-party system, from developing into a conscious political movement against capitalism. Podemos wants to create the basis for a pro-austerity government by putting pressure on the Socialist Party (PSOE), which rejected its pleas to form a Government of Change involving the IU and Valencian regionalist party Compromis, supported by Catalan and Basque nationalists. Instead the PSOE made a pact with the right-wing Citizens party and attempted to get Podemos to support it. Podemos leaders held a referendum of the partys membership, which voted 88 percent in opposition to the PSOE-Citizens pact and 92 percent for the Government of Change proposal. By forming an electoral alliance, Podemos and the IU could increase their number of deputies in Congress rather than standing as single parties. In December, the combined result of the two parties would have totalled 6.1 million votes, compared to the PSOEs 5.5 million and the PPs 7.2 million. According to a poll carried out by El Diario, Podemos, the PSOE and IU would get 169 seats, just seven short of an absolute majority of 176 in the 350 seat chamber. However, although Podemos and IU would receive more votes than the PSOE they would obtain less seats due to the way the electoral system worksleaving the PSOE as the senior partner. At the heart of the 50 Steps to Rule Together agreement is the acceptance of the framework of austerity. The only rider is that deficit reduction should be at a slower pacea proposal that is perfectly compatible with the demands of the European Commission, which is already talking about Madrid having more leeway. The agreement includes proposals such as struggling against climate change, struggle against corruption, strengthen the welfare state and public services, increasing the minimum wage and increasing taxes on the rich. Workers and youth should have no illusions in these empty promises. Both Podemos and the IU have a long track-record of utilising left-sounding rhetoric only to renege on it later. During the failed Government for Change negotiations between Podemos and the PSOE, Iglesias made 20 concessions to the PSOE including commitment to deficit reduction, a less ambitious tax reform and the abandoning of a rise in the minimum wage and retirement at 67. Podemos also dropped its demand for 90 billion in public expenditure to 60 billion and for the PSOEs 2010 labour reform to be reversed. Podemos has continued courting the PSOE even after the dissolution of parliament and the call for new elections. Its latest proposal is for a joint ticket with the PSOE for the Senate to finish with the PP blockade in this legislative organ. PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez has rejected the offer. The IU has repeatedly shown its readiness to impose austerity. In Andalusia, one of the poorest and most populated areas, the Stalinist coalition formed a regional government with the PSOE imposing budget cuts amounting to 2.6 billion in two years. In the neighbouring region of Extremadura, it propped up a PP government which imposed savage austerity in education and health care spending. In the 50 Steps to Rule Together agreement, the IU has abandoned its calls to establish a Third Republic (i.e. a new bourgeois republic without the monarchy), leave NATO, and nationalise strategic sectors of the economy. Leaving aside that they never intended to carry out these measures, abandoning them shows their readiness to defend the strategic interests of the Spanish bourgeoisie. Iglesias party has also defended Spains membership in NATO and included in its electoral lists a former Chief of Staff of the Spanish army. The electoral alliance has been met with a hue and cry by the right-wing press, which is accusing IU leader Garzon of liquidating his party into Podemos. A recent editorial in El Mundo warned about the IUs appeasement of Podemos and another blamed Garzon because he had killed the traditional internationalism of the Spanish communist left. It berated the IU for its madness and forgetting some of the main principles of coexistence. La Razon accused IU of giving a blank check to Podemos and Spains oldest newspaper, ABC, bemoaned the gradual disappearance of a communist party that has always been constructive and for its surrender in exchange for a plate of lentils. These statements reveal the overriding concern of the Spanish ruling elite. The mounting economic and social problems have already led to the break-up of the two party system that has governed Spain for the last 40 years and must inevitably lead to an eruption of social and political struggles. Historically, the Communist Party, latterly through the IU and its control of the CC.OO trade union confederation, has played a key role in containing the opposition within the working class from developing into an independent political movement. Its alliance with Podemos in order to take part in a pro-austerity government with the PSOE is tearing off its supposedly left-wing mask and creates an explosive vacuum in which a revolutionary alternative will gain a hearing. The American FBI has a secret cache of documents, more than 80,000 pages in all, concerning possible ties between the 9/11 hijackers and an upper-class Saudi family who lived in Florida and fled the United States two weeks before the suicide hijackings that killed nearly 3,000 people. A federal judge in Tampa, Florida has been reviewing the documents for more than two years as a consequence of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit brought by a trio of online reportersAnthony Summers, Robbyn Swan and Dan Christensen. The review process has been extremely slow because of restrictive FBI rules on how many pages Judge William Zloch may access at any one time. The existence of the document trove was revealed Friday in a front-page article in the US-based web publication the Daily Beast. The article identified the Saudi family as Abdulaziz al-Hijji and his wife Anoud, who was the daughter of Esam Ghazzawi, an adviser to a nephew of Saudi King Fahd. Ghazzawi owned the home in which they were staying in a gated community in Sarasota, Florida. The home was raided by the FBI after 9/11 but the residents had all departed in evident haste on August 30, 2001. Visitor logs in the community, known as Prestancia, showed that the alleged ringleader of the 9/11 hijackers, Mohammad Atta, had visited al-Hijji, along with two other 9/11 hijackers, Ziad Jarrah and Marwan Al-Shehhi. Former Senator Robert Graham, co-chair of the joint congressional committee that investigated the 9/11 attacks, told the Daily Beast that he had never known of the FBI documents on the Sarasota home until they were uncovered by the investigative journalists. He later viewed a portion of these records and confirmed that they identified the three 9/11 hijackers as visitors. Throughout this period, the FBI had denied that the al-Hijji family had any connection to the 9/11 attackers. The agency changed its story only when Graham said he would testify under oath about what he had read in the file of documents. At this point the FBI conceded the existence of 35 pages of documents. When Judge Zloch ordered a further search for records, the Tampa office of the FBI came back with 80,226 pages of files marked PENTTBOM, which stands for Pentagon/Twin-Towers Bombing in FBI jargon. Judge Zloch has been reviewing these since May 1, 2014 and has given no date by which he expects to finish. The al-Hijji family exited its Sarasota home, leaving behind three cars, an open safe and disarray that suggested a hasty departure. The security guards at the gated community noted their departure, but did not consider it suspicious until the 9/11 attacks two weeks later. The FBI initially made only a perfunctory response and did not open a formal investigation until eight months later, in April 2002, based upon repeated citizen calls about the conduct of the family during their stay in the United States. One of the few documents released said that this investigation revealed many connections between a member of the family and individuals associated with the terrorist attacks. The Daily Beast report adds to recent revelations of evidence of Saudi regime ties to the 9/11 hijackers that has been covered up by the US government under both the Bush and Obama administrations. Graham has actively campaigned for the release of 28 pages of material on the Saudi-9/11 connection comprising an entire chapter of the joint congressional committee report on the 9/11 attacks in which he participated. This material has been withheld for more than 13 years. On April 10, Graham was the main witness interviewed by the CBS program 60 Minutes in a segment on the continuing cover-up of Saudi-9/11 connections. In an op-ed column this week in the Washington Post, Graham reiterated his demand for release of the 28 pages, noting that President Obama had promised a decision on declassifying the material by next month. Graham denounced CIA Director John Brennan, who responded to the 60 Minutes program by publicly opposing any release of the 28 pages. Also Friday, the Guardian newspaper published an interview with a former member of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission appointed by President George W. Bush, who flatly declared that there was extensive Saudi involvement in supporting the hijackers. Of the 19 perpetrators, 15 were Saudi citizens, most of them having recently arrived in the United States when they seized control of four jetliners on September 11, 2001. Former Navy Secretary John Lehman, a Republican, told the newspaper: There was an awful lot of participation by Saudi individuals in supporting the hijackers, and some of those people worked in the Saudi government. While only one Saudi consular official in Los Angeles, Fahad al-Thumairy, was implicated in supporting the hijackers, according to the official account, Lehman believes that at least five officials were involved. Al-Thumairy was linked to the two hijackers who lived in San Diego before the 9/11 attacks, Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar, but he was deported rather than charged with a crime. The other five, whom Lehman did not name, may not have been indicted, but they were certainly implicated. There was an awful lot of circumstantial evidence. Another former 9/11 commissioner, who spoke to the Guardian without direct attribution, recounted what the newspaper called a mostly unknown chapter of the history of the 9/11 commission: behind closed doors, members of the panels staff fiercely protested the way the material about the Saudis was presented in the final report, saying it underplayed or ignored evidence that Saudi officialsespecially at lower levels of the governmentwere part of an al-Qaida support network that had been tasked to assist the hijackers after they arrived in the US. The 9/11 Commission director, Philip Zelikow, who later served in the Bush administration as senior counselor to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, fired one staffer who protested over the suppression of the Saudi ties to 9/11 after she obtained a copy of the suppressed 28 pages of the joint congressional committee report. Zelikow and the commission members overruled staff protests on the soft-pedaling of the Saudi connection. These press reports confirm what the World Socialist Web Site has long maintained: the official 9/11 investigations were a series of whitewashes aimed at concealing the role of the Saudi government and US intelligence agencies during the period leading up to the terrorist attacks. There has long been evidence that sections of the US government were aware of the plot to hijack and suicide-crash airliners, but turned a blind eye because such an atrocity could be used to stampede American public opinion and provide a pretext for escalating US military interventions throughout the Middle East and Central Asia. The author also recommends: The 9/11 cover-up continues [3 May 2016] Once again on Saudi complicity in the 9/11 attacks [13 April 2016] Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced last month that the French government-backed company DCNS was awarded a $50 billion contract to build 12 advanced submarines to replace the Australian Navys fleet of 6 aging Collins class vessels. DCNS defeated rival bids from German company ThyssenKrupp and Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The project will complete, over the coming decade, the largest re-equipping of the navy since World War II. DCNS agreed to mostly build the submarines at a shipyard at Osborne, near Adelaide, the South Australian state capital. The facility, operated by government-owned shipbuilder ASC and established in 1985 for the Collins project, will undergo a major expansion. It is currently building patrol boats and three Air Warfare destroyers, with 9 frigates due to begin construction in 2020. The costly naval upgrade, which will be funded from deepening assaults on public services, is being promoted to the population on the basis of lies. The submarines, it is claimed, are necessary for Australias defence and national security, intended for operations in the Pacific region. In fact, the navy is being made ready to play an essential part in the US-led build-up for war against China. The French Barracuda class submarines have been chosen for their long-range offensive capabilities, suited in particular to deployment in the South China Sea. The US military, which was closely involved in the evaluation process, expects them to be fully interoperable with the US navy, equipped with American combat and weapons systems. To whip up support for the project, the political, media and business elites at both state and federal levels have sought to exploit the deepening concerns of workers whose living standards are being devastated by a dire economic situation. South Australia, home to 1.7 million people, was once a manufacturing and mining centre. After sustained cutbacks by successive governments and major companies, it now has soaring unemployment. It is regularly described in media commentary as Australias rustbelt. The militarist agenda, and the catastrophic dangers it poses for the population, including the possibility of an attack on Australian soil, are concealed behind a raft of false promises of jobs, industrial development and technological advancement. Turnbull emphasised that the 12 submarines would be built here in Australia with Australian jobs, Australian steel, Australian expertise. The statement, with its crude appeal to nationalism, was also an attempt to boost the fortunes of the Liberal-National Coalition government in the July 2 federal election, particularly in South Australias marginal seats. The day after Turnbulls announcement, letterboxes throughout Adelaide were inundated with glossy booklets produced by DCNS. Headed Why France and Australia are stronger together, they misleadingly boasted the immediate creation of 2,900 jobs at the Osborne shipyard. The Sunday Mail claimed, without offering any evidence, that another 4,000 jobs would otherwise have gone offshore. South Australias Labor Party Premier Jay Weatherill flew to Paris, accompanied by a taxpayer-funded media contingent to secure, he declared, every job he could from the contract. The contracts bidding process included a lobbying blitz by both DCNS and ThyssenKrupp. DCNS filled billboards around Adelaide and ThyssenKrupp took out nationwide television advertising, each promising jobs and beefed-up national security should either win the contract. The federal government, under pressure from Washington to cement Australias growing military relationship with Japan, appeared for some time to favour the Mitsubishi bid, but it would have meant less construction in Australia. The South Australian government, opposition politicians and local media launched a four-year campaign to ensure the project would be based at Osborne. The trade unions played a reactionary role, abetting the militarisation of society. The three main unions at ASCthe Australian Workers Union (AWU), the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Communications, Electrical and Plumbers Unionagreed with the state Labor government to minimise industrial action so as to enhance the chances of the submarines being built in Adelaide. The accord mirrored a similar deal in 2006 over the $8 billion destroyer contract. On February 19, SA Unions, the states peak union body, organised a rally as part of a wider nationalist Im Backing Australian Jobs campaign, to protest what it called the federal governments lack of commitment to our subs and its moves to offshore Australian maritime jobs. The destruction of Australias industrial base is, however, part of a sweeping global offensive against the working class, particularly in manufacturing sectors such as automobiles, steel and mining. Worldwide, hundreds of thousands of jobs are being destroyed in a process in which the unions, at home and abroad, have been totally complicit. Workers in Australia, like those and around the world, are being made to pay for an historic breakdown in the world capitalist economy. Turnbulls reference to Australian steel was seen as an indication that the Arrium-owned steel plant in the South Australian city of Whyalla could be rescued from closure, preventing the loss of 2,000 jobs. However, without major investment the plant is in no position to manufacture the high-grade steel required for submarine construction, and its retention is highly unlikely in the face of the global steel crisis. Arrium, one of the two remaining steel manufacturers in Australia, was placed in voluntary administration on April 7, owing more than $2.8 billion to banks and other creditors, $1 billion to suppliers and $500 million to its employees. The AWU has already worked with the company and banks to impose $100 million worth of cuts, overseeing the elimination of 250 jobs at Whyalla and a 10 percent pay cut for 400 workers at Arriums nearby iron ore mine. If Arrium is liquidated or restructured, Whyalla and other towns will be devastated. The surrounding Upper Spencer Gulf region has already seen thousands of jobs destroyed. In the six months to June 2015, the states mining sector eliminated over 5,000 jobs. On April 27, the last train from the Leigh Creek coalfield made a final delivery of coal to the Port Augusta power station, which closed two weeks later. Up to 400 direct jobs are being shed in Port Augusta and Leigh Creek, with thousands more lost in the supply chains. South Australias official unemployment rate, the highest in the country, jumped in February to 7.7 percentor 66,900 peoplefrom 6.8 percent in January. Across the northern suburbs of Adelaide and the satellite town of Elizabeth, where the General Motors Holden (GMH) car assembly plant is to be mothballed in 2017, unemployment is already 10 percent, and youth unemployment over 40 percent. Last May, with the help of the car industry unions, GMH wiped out 270 jobs at the Elizabeth plant. The closure will see the remaining 1,260 workers thrown into unemployment. Hundreds of suppliers will be hit. Vehicle components manufacturers Futuris and Toyoda Gosei have announced they will end operations next year, when the entire Australian car assembly industry shuts down. Claims that the submarine build will rescue the state are entirely bogus. Promises that laid-off car assembly workers will be retrained to fill vacancies in any high-tech positions building submarines are a fantasy. Any shipyard jobs, moreover, will be tied to the catastrophic perspective of preparing for war. The author also recommends: Elizabeth, South Australia: A city devastated by General Motors Holden [27 December 2013] As the strike by 39,000 workers at Verizon in the US enters its second month, management is escalating its attack on workers. Two strikers were hit and injured by scab vehicles crossing picket lines this week: one in Queens, New York and one in Westborough, Massachusetts. The Communication Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) are continuing to isolate the strike. The unions have not issued a statement on either incident despite their flagrant and unprovoked character. Nor have they made any effort to mobilize broader sections of the working class to support the Verizon workers. Meanwhile, workers told the WSWS Verizon Strike Newsletter that a letter being widely circulated among Verizon workers on social media from a wireless employee alleges management plans to lock out strikers sometime after June 15. While the WSWS cannot verify the authenticity of the letter, if true it would represent a major escalation of strikebreaking. The attacks on pickets highlight the strikebreaking role of the Democratic Party, with which both the CWA and IBEW are aligned. In New York City, Democratic Mayor Bill De Blasio has mobilized hundreds of police to escort scabs across Verizon workers picket lines while keeping workers penned behind metal barricades. The worker injured in Queens was struck by a van driven by a uniformed police lieutenant. The Verizon Strike Newsletter is fighting to mobilize support for the striking Verizon workers from other sections of the working class to break through the media blackout and the sabotage of the unions. The WSWS spoke to New York City transit workers this week and Fiat Chrysler workers in the Midwest. As they rushed between their trains on brief breaks at the Stillwell station terminal in Coney Island, subway workers expressed support for the Verizon workers and the need for workers to rally behind the strike. Ron Jones said, They should get what they deserve. I support what they are doing. We need it, too. It should be all people, not only union but regular working people, act together. Niasha, an operator for three years, said, They are trying to get fair wages, health insurance and retirement. Their strike benefits everybody. But it is like the unions are waiting and watching to see what everybody is going to do. They can come out and support each other. Valerie Hawkins, a train operator for two years, added, I want everybody to have what they deserve and work for. That is why I support their strike. I see them with their signs near where I live. I would support all workers uniting. I agree that we need a workers party. Subway operator Jay Parker said, They have to get what they need. Workers have a right to strike. I side with the workers. Jobs are being outsourced and need to be protected. A conductor who preferred not to give his name complained, We are locked into the Taylor Law that makes it illegal to strike. The union likes all the corporations. It is corruption. Money that gets transferred from the government for the workers does not all get to us. But I dont see it changing. The elite will always be the elite. Ben Demucci, a New York City transit train operator, told the WSWS, I was a Verizon worker until I was laid off in 2006. They said it was because of absences, but they were getting people for anything. They were looking for anyone to fire. They let a couple of thousand people go in 2006. Dexter Moore related his experience with Verizon and his support for the strikers: I used to be a Verizon worker. I walked away because of the job uncertainty and what they would do every contract time. I believe they were very unfair when they took my pension away after I had worked there for 15 years, and done such good work for them. I heard from a current field tech that they are trying to limit pensions and take away heath care benefits. Verizon is one of many companies making billions who are trying to take away the livelihood of working people who are on the front lines. Verizon strikers should have the support of all workers because it will come to us next. D. Smith, another transit train operator, said, I think what they are doing is a good thing. It is good for all workers. It is standing up to management. They should be joined by all workers. However, in most cases it has been the union that is responsible for isolating strikes. They are in cahoots with management. The WSWS also distributed a newsletter containing a report on the Verizon strike to Fiat Chrysler workers at the Warren Stamping auto plant outside of Detroit. Many workers expressed concern that they were getting no information on the attacks on Verizon workers from the United Auto Workers or the corporate media. One veteran worker said, The public in general should stand behind them. That would have a positive influence. He related the attack on Verizon workers to the poisoning of Flint residents and the ongoing struggle by Detroit teachers, who carried out a two-day sickout protest last week over threats by the Detroit Schools emergency manager that they would not receive pay over the summer months. We have a similar situation here with Flint and the school system in Detroit. The state created the deficit, and now they are trying to blame the teachers and the people of Detroit by cutting their pay and taking the system over. Another Warren Truck worker added, Whats happening at Verizon is like the Detroit schools. They want to move the older workers out and bring in temps. He was angry that the UAW was not keeping workers informed of the situation at Verizon, but was not surprised. Speaking about the recent contract struggle in auto he said, I voted no on our contract. I didnt like the pay scale. Eight years is too long to get to top pay. Another worker added, I know what Verizon workers are going through. I worked at American Axle, he remarked, referring to the strike in 2009 that saw the UAW impose massive concessions and job cuts. On April 30th, the immigrant rights group Border Angels sponsored an event at Friendship Park in San Diego, California, to celebrate Childrens Day. The park is on the border of the United States and Mexico and is shared by both countries. Five families, out of hundreds who applied, were chosen by the Border Patrol to be reunited with their children at Friendship Park for a few minutes. The WSWS spoke with some of the families who shared their stories. Video: Workers speak about families divided by borders While the Mexican side of the park is open year round, on the American side it is only open for a few hours on the weekends and is only accessible by walking a mile and a half from the designated parking areas. The park is separated by a steel mesh gate that friends and families can talk through. This area of the park is under strict surveillance by the Border Patrol, and under normal circumstances filming is not allowed. In the last two decades alone, thousands of immigrants have died crossing into the United States. The militarized border has intentionally diverted would be migrants to cross into the desert where the extreme heat threatens their lives. Border Patrol agents have repeatedly murdered immigrants through shootings, beatings and torture all along the border and the numerous detention centers, modern day concentration camps, in the United States. The event also allowed Democratic Congressman Juan Vargas a platform to make a speech where he paid tribute to the memory of the late President Ronald Reagan for enacting comprehensive immigration reform. One would never know from Vargass comments that Reagan funded right-wing death squads throughout Latin America, thereby creating the hellish conditions that forced thousands of immigrants to flee for their lives. Vargas also made a thinly veiled swipe at Donald Trump, the semi-fascistic nominee of the Republican Party, who has called for an expanded wall between the United States and Mexico and has threatened to deport all immigrants from the country. But no such criticism was leveled at President Obama, who has deported over 2 million immigrants, more than any other president in US history, and has continued to militarize the border. Moreover, Obama has fast-tracked deportations of immigrants in the last few years, especially after the 2014 increase in border crossings by child immigrants fleeing gang violence in Central America. Toddlers and unaccompanied minors, often not even represented by a lawyer, have been forced to board a bus or plane back to their countries of origin to face the prospect of destitution, violence, and even death. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - A former Air Force major with no previous criminal history is facing up to 20 years in prison after being convicted of robbing two real estate agents at gunpoint. The Tampa Bay Times reports (http://bit.ly/1sk8bKr) that 59-year-old Paul Pinkston was convicted Friday of two counts of armed robbery and one count of kidnapping. Both robberies happened last June 3 at St. Petersburg homes where he had met agents while pretending to be a buyer. In the first robbery, Pinkston pulled a gun on the agent, bound her with zip ties and demanded $50,000 ransom from her husband. He took her phone and keys after failing to get the money. In the second, he took the agent's phone and keys at gunpoint. The robberies caused panic among Tampa Bay agents. ___ Information from: Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.), http://www.tampabay.com. (Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) - Police say the pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run crash - part of a road rampage that included two carjackings in metro Atlanta - is 71-year-old Luci James Yarborough Turner of Marietta, Georgia. Marietta police released Yarborough's identify Friday after notifying her relatives of the death. Police say Kristie Renee Nesby of Fresno, Texas, drove onto a sidewalk and collided with Turner in Cobb County on Wednesday. Police say Nesby first robbed a dry cleaning business and then drove into Turner. Police say Nesby then carjacked two drivers as she fled 25 miles into the heart of Atlanta. Nesby is charged with murder and other crimes. A judge on Thursday ordered Nesby to remain jailed until a hearing May 31. Jail records do not list an attorney for Nesby. (Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) Tallahassee, Fla. (WTXL)--"Black Lives Matter" an International movement, campaigns against violence towards African Americans but "Black Brains Matter", a simple play on words targets disparities in education within the black community. Just like the Black Lives Matter Movement, organizers say it is a matter of life and death. "We don't think about the fact that if you don't have a high school education, it takes nine years off your life", Dr. Joseph Webster Sr explains. Though Leon County fairs pretty well as a grade A school system, organizers say that young black students are still falling through the cracks when it comes to getting the education they need. "Black males in particular in Leon County graduate at a rate where white guys were graduating ten years ago. So we're ten years behind and about 20 percentage points behind. So relatively speaking, the district received an "A" but black boys received a "D", says Webster. So while many people think the issue starts here in the classroom, Black Brains Matter say it's the trickle-down theory. "It's a political problem more than an educational problem. Our policy makers don't really understand that the accountability system puts all the accountability on the schools and none on them" Dr. Pedro Noguera. The Black Brains Matter conference continues Saturday. COLQUITT COUNTY, GA (WTXL) - Authorities have released the name of the man who died after being found unresponsive in Colquitt County on Monday. 31-year old Ramiro Hernandez Hernandez was found near a shed on Sardis Church Road Monday evening. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation say he was found unresponsive but later died. Investigators believe Hernandez got into a fight over the weekend, but aren't saying yet whether the two are connected. Authorities are looking for the person involved in that fight for questioning. The coroner's office says they are still investigating the cause of death. SUWANNEE Co., FL (WTXL) - Firefighters are responding to a brush fire they say is several miles west of Live Oak. According to Suwannee County Fire Rescue, the fire is on 82nd Terrance and is believed to have started from a controlled burn. They say 40-50 acres are engulfed but there are no structures endanger. Firefighters say the Florida Forest Service is also responding to assist in putting out the blaze. They are asking drivers in the area to be cautious. ORLANDO, Fla. - More organizations are coming to the defense of Obama's decree on transgender student rights. On Friday the Obama administration declared that discrimination against transgender students would not be tolerated in public schools, re-iterating guidelines for all public schools regarding the issue. Just one day after that, the Florida PTA released a statement saying they believe that every school should provide a safer and secure environment where all children are free of discrimination. The Florida PTA also adding that they agree that gender identity is protected under title ix. YAKIMA, Wash. -- Although the presidential race is drawing most of voters attention this year, there will be plenty of local and statewide ra BUCHAREST - The US Embassy has criticized Romania's central bank for releasing a coin bearing the image of a former bank governor who it said actively promoted anti-Semitism. The embassy called the bank's decision to honor former National Bank of Romania Governor Mihail Manoilescu "disappointing." In a statement Friday, it said he was "an active promoter of and contributor to fascist ideology and anti-Semitic sentiment." Manoilescu was foreign minister in 1940 when Romania was allied with Nazi Germany. A supporter of the fascist Iron Guard, he signed a diktat under which Romania lost large swaths of territory to Hungary. The bank minted three coins in mid-April to honor three former banks governors. There was no immediate reaction to the criticism. Coordinator of Government Activity in the Territories Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, told a Saudi news website that ISIS activists have entered Gaza from Sinai and are trading weapons and money to Hamas in return for medical care. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Mordechai was speaking with the Saudi online newspaper Elaph. He stated that the members of ISIS entered the Gaza Strip a few days ago from Egypt via the tunnels. The purpose of their visit was to carry out military exercises in the strip, the major general relayed, which they coordinated with a source close to Hamas, Said Abed Al-Aal. Yoav Mordechai (Photo: Chaim Tsach, GPO) In the interview, the coordinator explained that Hamas is aiding ISIS by providing medical treatment for its people in Gazan hospitals in exchange for money and weaponry. According to Mordechai, there is mutual coordination between the military echelons of Hamas and ISIS, which is known to Hamas's senior political leaders, as well. Elaph also reported that wounded have been recently transferred from the Sinai Peninsula, where ISIS is active, to Gaza. This report is expected to embarrass Hamas before Egypt, with whom the terrorist organization is attempting to rehabilitate its relationship. One of Hamas's goals with Egypt is to persuade the government to open the Rafah Crossing with Gaza. Several hundred persons, mostly women, participated on Friday in the fifth annual SlutWalk in Jerusalem. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The international protest walk, intended to emphasize women's rights and to protest rape culture, was founded following a Canadian policeman's recommendation to students that they should "avoid dressing like sluts" to avoid sexual assault. This statement caused a wave of protests and similar demonstrations all over the world, and in 2012, the first SlutWalk was held. Four Israeli cities took part that year, including Jerusalem. SlutWalk in Jerusalem (Photo: Gil Yohanan) 'Why am I dressed like a slut? Why are you thinking like a rapist???' (Photo: Gil Yohanan) "This is a deliberate and conscious choice," the organizers wrote beforehand. "We are using the connotation of the word 'slut,' based entirely on chauvinistic and violent assumptions, and which is intended to control us and our behavior, clothing, and sexuality." The SlutWalk in Jerusalem ended with a ceremony and speeches on Queen Helena Street. No disturbances took place. 'Yes, I'm a lesbian. No, you may not join.' (Photo: Gil Yohanan) '"Some women enjoy rape" - Judge Nissim Yeshaya' (Photo: Gil Yohanan) '27 women were murdered this year' (Photo: Gil Yohanan) Noa Makhervax, 35 from Jerusalem, was one of the organizers. She stated, "The event is uplifting and gives a place of pride. There are strong women and yelling women here. Some men took part in the event as well, but the overwhelming majority was women." When asked if they were anxious holding such an event in Jerusalem, she replied that they were not: "We aren't afraid to express our opinions here. We're allowed once a year not to respect anyone. We aren't afraid because there are brave and strong women here." Jade Raza, 27 from Jerusalem, said, "This is like the Pride Parade, but with women only. It's not my first time at the event, but I feel that it grows every year. Each time, I'm surprised anew at the young age of the youths that come to participate in such an event. On the other hand, it bothers me as a teacher that many young women have to come here to shout their pain; this is also their support group. They are young and brave, and I'm proud of them." Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim militant group Hezbollah said on Saturday to its Lebanese television channel Al-Manar that its top military commander Mustafa Badreddine was killed by artillery shells fired by insurgents near Syria's Damascus airport. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups in the area," Hezbollah's statement said. "Takfiri" is a word used by the group to refer to hard-line, armed, Sunni Muslim Islamist groups. No group has yet taken responsibility for the commander's death. Al-Manar reported that the statement continued, "In all cases, it is a single battle against the American-Zionist project in the regionterrorist Takfiris representing its spearheadthus practicing its aggression over the Ummah (nation) and its resistance, its Jihadi fighters, holy places and its free, honest peoples." Badreddine's funeral Friday (Photo: AP) "The outcome of the investigation (into Badreddine's death) will increase our determination ... to continue the fight against these criminal gangs and defeat them," Hezbollah said. The statement did not say when the attack took place or when Badreddine died. Hezbollah had announced Badreddine's death on Friday and held a military funeral for him on the same day in its stronghold in southern Beirut. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights have disputed Hezbollah's claim and have asserted that no insurgents were responsible for the shelling. It has cited sources in the armed factions along the area south of Damascus and also sources from President Bashar Al-Assad's forces, all who claim that no rocket has been fired towards the Damascus airport in recent days. Saturday morning, the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which is identified with Hezbollah, announced that a highly advanced guided missile caused the death of Badreddine. According to the report, he had finished a field meeting in a Hezbollah building near to the Damascus airport, and an explosion was heard after his colleagues left the meeting. According to the newspaper, this was the outcome of high-level technology that only advanced countries possess. Mustafa Badreddine Another Lebanese newspaper that is very close to Hezbollah, As-Safir, said that the building was mere kilometers from the "criminal gangs'" position, and the area is exposed to aircraft. According to eyewitnesses, the area suffered an artillery bombardment from criminal gangs in the past. Badreddine's body, according to As-Safir, was transferred to a Damascus hospital, where it was tested and examined. The hospital concluded that he was struck by non-lethal shrapnel in his upper body which did not mutilate him in any way. A third Lebanese newspaper that is not affiliated with Hezbollah, An-Nahar, quoted groups surrounding the organization that claimed that Israel was behind the assassination and that the leader of Hezbollah would so announce. The newspaper also claimed that they received information that seven additional Hezbollah operatives and an Iranian military source were killed in the assassination. Hezbollah denied these allegations on Friday. Occasionally, foreign media outlets publish reports of a mysterious explosion that occurred in a neighboring country, the elimination of a terrorist organization's senior leader, a convoy of trucks going up in flames. This is just the tip of the iceberg of a secret operational world which operates almost every night in different locations. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter It appears that the best of the IDF's fighters are undergoing rigorous training programs for positions in elite commando units, enabling the IDF to operate deep in enemy territory without leaving traces. This activity takes place around the clock, even on days when the IDF makes headlines with internal disputes between generals and the political echelon, as has been the case in recent weeks. Upon becoming chief of staff, Gadi Eisenkot acted to strengthen the type of force which he has been advocating for many years, the essence of which is to use force only when all alternatives have been exhausted. Only then does Eisenkot favor the deployment of considerable power in the least expected places and crippling the enemys motivation and abilities to retaliate. Eisenkot made history when he merged four elite unitsMaglan, Duvdevan, Egoz and Rimoninto one brigade in an effort to increase the effectiveness of these units. As Israel just celebrated its 68th Independence Day, Ynet presents a special photographic exhibition of these four elite units in action. The pictures, taken by photographer Gadi Kabalo, illustrate the operational workings of the units, as well as those which constitute the vanguard of the IDF. Lotar soldiers train to take out terrorists holed up in a hotel (Photo: Gabi Gabalo) The successes of the IDF's elite units are attained by the soldiers professional capabilities, but no less so by virtue of a combination of intelligence obtained from new sources which have emerged over of the past decade and cyber and satellite technology. Even without divulging the specifics of the units operations, it is clear that recent intelligence gathering has catered for the infiltration into terrorist organizations and for the gathering of information in a way that was once known only in spy movies. The IDF, at each recruitment cycle, selects the best and puts some of them in the elite units. Some go to the most advanced technological units in the world. The army thus creates a combat team out of thin air which begins by collecting high quality intelligence information, continues with the building up of an operational framework, and ends with the best commandos in the world operating in secrecy and determination who surprise our enemies in places and at times unimaginable to them. Yahalom, the tunnel fighters (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) The IDF of Israel's 68th Independence Day is a sophisticated army with special forces units and an intelligence service that is the envy of the best armies in the world, which allow for quiet to exist even when we are surrounded by storms. We are privileged to get a rare glimpse of some of these units through the the images that appear herein, photos which enable us to get a slight understanding of the secret world that is in operation throughout the year and will be once again next year. The real thing Watch: Duvdevan in Action ( : : ) X Most of the people in these photographsthose playing backgammon, drinking coffee or buying goods in the marketare actually soldiers or military officers, fighters in the elite special forces Duvdevan unit. You may know them by the name "mista'aravim" (Israeli soldiers disguised as Arabs). Duvdevan learn how to "appear out of thin air" (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Duvdevan is the real thing. These fighters pay attention to the smallest details, know how to blend in, and appear as if they completely belong in a given environment, until the moment they are needed to carry out their mission. "For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war" is the eternal motto of the unit. Unlike many other special forces units, their fighters don't only operate just under darkness and gloom, but also use deception while in the heart of a population, in the midst of eventsit's there that they have to prove how quick and precise one can operate. The Duvdevan unit was established in 1986 with the understanding that there was a need for a precise and intelligent fighting method to carry out arrests in densely populated areas. The unit's fighters have been meeting this need for almost 30 years, and is a significant component of the fight against the current wave of terrorism. Many of the recent significant arrests can be credited to them, including the arrest of those who murdered the Heinkin couple, Dafna Meir, and Rabbi Litman and his son, among many others. Disrupting the silence Atlit fortress has known generations of fighters. For centuries it kept the secrets of many warriors, various armies, distant epochs and mysterious operations. Today, its remains constitute the main training zone for Shayetet 13, Israeli Naval commandos. Atlit base is Shayetet 13's fighters' home throughout their service. It is there where they are confirmed as fighters, where they train, whence they go on their secret missions, and whither they return after days of action. Naval Commandos Shayetet 13 (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) We accompanied the fighters as they trained for their main tactical mission: raiding. They emerge silently from the water, equipped with advanced weapons and raid the fort, which resembles an enemy structure. Watch: Shayetet 13 infiltrates from the sea ( : : ) X Navy commando fighters are a rare breed: talented elite fighters trained for any scenario. Service in the unit integrates long infantry training and includes specialization in sea warfare, diving, and the operation of special types of seacraft. The fighters undergo an exhausting period of training which includes counterterrorism operations, guerrilla warfare, a skydiving course, methods of attacking and raiding from the sea and from the air, operation of seacraft, the use of advanced and varied lethal munitions, and combat fitness training. Their extensive knowledge and, of course, their secret operations will always remain the province of "the men of silence," so called because of their activities under the depths and because of the silence that surrounds their operations. Shayetet 13 storming a beach (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Shayetet 13's bat wings pin comes alive within the walls of the fortress in the form of real bats whose flight and sounds accompany the fighters during their training. The bat emerges once again in the unit's slogan: "Like a bat emerging from darkness, a blade slashing in silence and a grenade exploding in thunder." There is life underground There is one place in the IDF that is both its beating heart and brain. The High Command Center at the Kirya base, nicknamed "the Pit." It is an underground war room in the heart of Tel Aviv, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All operations, both overt and covert, which the IDF executes over land, sea and air, make their way to the Pit. The command center coordinates and synchronizes the information received and compiles situation reports for the senior command echelon, allowing optimal control of the forces. The Pit command and control center (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Hezbollah up ahead Silently moving, weapons drawn, the fighters of the special force Egoz unit advance in the field. They exploit the rocks and shrubs that characterize the north of the country to their advantage. The unit has developed special camouflage techniques which function in a complex environment characterized by dense rocks and many hiding places for the enemy to conceal themselves. Watch: Egoz prepares to fight ( : : ) X Egoz soldiers lie in wait (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Egoz soldiers training (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) The unit was established in 1995 with the understanding that sweeping change was necessary in the IDFs capabilities against Hezbollah. It was named after the historical Egoz unit, which had been previously disbanded on different occasions. With the establishment of the Commando Brigade, Egoz joined its ranks from Golani, with whom they still undergo basic training. Making waves We met Shayetet 13s fighters met at the Haifa naval base. They were carrying out final preparations for training at sea, simulating fighting off the coast of Lebanon and attacking Hezbollah targets on the beach. Israel Navy ship in live fire excersize (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Shayetet 13 was named more than once the most operational IDF unit, having the highest number of hours of operational activity, most of which may not be discussed. In recent years, the unit was given a new national mission: securing the offshore gas rigs. The water surface area they protect is twice the size of Israel. Ropes and ladders Princess Hotel is one of the symbols of Eilat. For many, it brings back memories of an unforgettable vacation. But not for fighters of Lotar Eilat, a unit for which any large building is an opportunity, and if it is abandoned, even better. And so, the period of renovation of the Princess Hotel became a training period for Lotar. Watch: Lotar trains to rescue hostages ( : : ) X Few buildings in the southern city are not well known to its fighters. They get to know the buildings using ropes and by leaping to balconies and through windows, in darkness and secrecy. Lotar soldiers storm a hotel (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Lotar Forces to the rescue (Photo: Gadi Galabo) This unit differs from all the others in this report in that it is entirely staffed by reservists. The fighters all share some traits: They all were in regular service and now live in Eilat; they all lead separate lives and careers in the city, but are always available and prepared for an order. They do not leave the city without first informing the commander, they answer any call for training, and are always ready to wear their uniforms. They know that if necessary, they will be the closest, and due to the geographical distance of Eilat from the rest of Israel, they have to be the first who will leap to defend their home. Fighting ISIS 33 female Palmach fighters were killed during the fighting leading up to the establishment of the State of Israel. These 33 brave women would certainly be happy to know that their memory is preserved in the IDF in a battalion numbered 33: the Caracal Battalionthe armys first mixed-gender battalion. Men and women: fighting together (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) The male and female soldiers of the battalion have been deployed in recent years to guard the Israeli-Egyptian border. Indeed, over the years the border with the Sinai has served as the crossover into Israel for thousands of refugees prompting the construction of an advanced fence to stem the heavy tide. Additionally, the area has proved to be a porous spot for drug smuggling and is prone to violent skirmishes. Importantly, it gained particular strategic importance after after the Sinai region swore allegiance to Islamic State. Watch out ISIS - Karakal female snipers on the boder with Sinai (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Karakal soldiers train in the desert (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) We met with soldiers of Caracal in Nitzana where, in 2014, one of the units commanders, Cpt. Or Ben Yehuda and her signal operator were wounded when her platoon encountered Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorists who were planning to carry out a drug-smuggling operation. A fire exchange ensued for 40 minutes during which Caracal personnel also came under anti-tank missiles fire. Ben Yehuda and her signal operator later received state commendations for their conduct. Today, a year and a half later, soldiers of the unit remain stationed on the border, alert and ready as ever, guarding us in the Egyptian region. War in the middle of the street At first glance, pictures of the Maglanan elite offshoot of the Paratroopers' brigadetraining facilities could be mistaken for areas outside of Israeli territory. This elite unit trains on grounds built to perfectly simulate urban Arab environments and specialize in operations deep inside enemy territory. Watch: Maglan urban combat ( : : ) X As part of its fighting capabilities, the unit (now marking 30 years of activity) operates integrated mobility forces in its covert operations. Its fighters are trained in operational driving under all field conditions and in all areas in special vehicles used exclusively by the unit. Maglan trains in a mock Gaza town (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Maglan trains in how to operate in urban terrain (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Maglan practices storming a building (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) As indicated by the pictures, Maglans motto, "Silently and safely be valor," seems to describe perfectly its silent actions and its integration in the field. Moreover, the units insignia, a rare bird, also describes its ability to adapt, to be seen, but also to camouflage itself according to the task at hand. The unit's combat uniform, which is shown here for the first time, is used by the fighters during clandestine missions. Young commando fighters Perhaps it is difficult to spot, but hidden within the pictures presented here are fighters from the newest commando unit known as Rimon, named after the disbanded unit that operated from the 70s to 2005. The unit, which operates in the desert environment and was created in August 2010, has already distinguished itself as a formidable force. Indeed, the commander of its southern command received a medal for his units performance during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. Watch: Rimon soldiers disappear ( : : ) X Its fighters operate both overtly and covertly on the southern border and cope in extremely hot weather conditions with impressive and exceptional navigational familiarity with the military field. The uniform worn by the Rimon soldiers, along with the weaponry and equipment with which they are equipped, are designed to blend in with the their sandy surroundings. Rimon fighters know how to blend in (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Are there soldiers in this picture? (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Notwithstanding its unique capabilities and expertise, Rimon soldiers wear different uniforms and are fitted accessories from their ankles to their heads that differ from all other military units. They share in common neither color, fabric nor shape. These accessories facilitate highly effective and almost absolute camouflage. Rimon is ready to roll (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Rimon has a unique transportation unit with dessert vehicles called "Wildcats," which enables the unit to be fully mobile and to move around freely and independently in hostile terrain. Next time you take a trip to the mountains of Eilat, remember that Rimon soldiers may be sitting between the rocks. These are the soldiers who see all but are rarely seen. Watching Assads Palace It's said that a picture is worth a thousand words. If this is the case, what is equal to a unit that takes satellite and reconnaissance photos and accumulates other secret visuals before transforming it all into an intelligence picture of the enemy? This is Unit 9900, a visual intelligence formation which specializes in gathering optical information from numerous sources and providing intelligence to the security forces. The unit is at the technological forefront and is responsible for many developments that aid in visual analysis and the implementation of the information in the field itself by the army. It supplies vital intelligence information to decision-makers in the field. IDF Unit 9900. Always watching (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) The soldiers of the Satellite Unit 9900 are located in the center of the country. However, a look inside the units operation rooms reveals another world: Soldiers clad in coveralls monitor screens bearing images which take them to other extremely distant locations. Everyone is assigned their own responsibility. One soldier is monitoring Assads palace, while others are monitoring the Syrian airport. Indeed, others are monitoring various places and states about which it is best to remain silent. The soldiers undergo special intelligence training and learn how to use advanced and specialized techniques. They transform their plethora of information into a powerful tool which serves to mitigate the hostile nature of enemy territory as soldiers enter into battle. Armed with the units knowledge, enemy threats are drastically reduced. The crown jewel Yahalom ("diamond," the engineering unit for special missions) can overcome any obstacle. This unit doesnt wait to get to a bridge, but rather builds one itself. Its sub-unit, Samur ("weasel") is the IDF's underground commando unit. In other words, they're the IDF experts in all matters related to tunnels. Alongside other sub-units, they make up Yahalom, the engineering unit for special missions. Watch: Yahalom fighters training ( : : ) X Yahalom fighters entering a mock Hamas tunnel (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) Against Hamas or Hezbollah- Yahalom is ready (Gadi Gabalo) Yahalom Unit of the IDF Combat Engineers (Photo: Gadi Gabalo) The units' fighters made headlines prior to Operation Protective Edge when they located and neutralized Hamas terror tunnels in the Gaza Strip. Henceforth, during the operation, they were the elite force in handling the Hamas tunnels. Since the operation, they continue to operate rigorously as the leading force within the IDFs Combat Engineering Corps. In addition to destroying Hamas tunnels, their responsibilities include the demolition of terrorists homes, the preparation of charges and bombs, the deactivation of explosives, the clearance of minefields and the location and destruction of weapons cache. They also conduct a number of other missions which fall exclusively within their realm of their expertise. BLEIBURG -- Thousands of far-right supporters have gathered on a field in southern Austria to commemorate the massacre of Croatian pro-Nazis by victorious communists at the end of World War II. The event on Saturday, which featured insignia and flags of Croatia's wartime pro-fascist Ustasha regime, comes amid a surge of far-right sentiments in the EU's newest member country. Tens of thousands of Croatians, mostly Ustasha soldiers, fled to Bleiburg in May 1945 amid a Yugoslav communist offensive, only to be turned back from Austria by the British military and into the hands of revengeful antifascists. Thousands were killed and buried in mass graves in and around Bleiburg. Mitchell Flint, 92, an American volunteer fighter pilot during Israel's War of Independence, had a chapter in his life come full circle as he flew a special sortie along the Israeli coast on Independence Day. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Flint was one of 12 pilots incorporated into the nascent Jewish state's first air squadron. He served alongside Ezer Weizman, who would later go on to become the head of the air force, and eventually the seventh president of Israel. Mitchell Flint flies again (: , : ) X As the Cessna aircraft took off from Sde Dov airport in north Tel Aviv, it was hard for the veteran pilot to hide his excitement. "We did what we needed to do, and since then, the State of Israel has only become stronger. Israel can defeat any enemy," Flint said. Mitchell Flint in front of the Cessna at Sde Dov Airport While the plane was initially supposed to be flown by pilot Eli Inbar, Flint couldn't resist and took over the controls. "When I was flying, we were flying fast and under fire. Now, it's really a pleasurable experience. This is a great aircraft," he said. A group of Jewish pilots form various English speaking countries came to Israel under the Mahal framework during the Israeli War of Independence. Mahal is a part of the Israeli Defense Forces comprised of volunteers from outside of Israel. Flint doing a sortie along the Israeli coastline Flint first served as a combat pilot for the US during World War II. After he saw what had befallen the Jews in Europe and the breakout of war between Jews and Arabs in what would become Israel in early 1948, he decided to go and contribute to the new state's air force as a Mahal soldier. At the beginning of the War of Independence, Flint and his colleagues flew in German aircraft captured during WWII. The Nazi insignia which were painted on the planes were covered up by Stars of David. These volunteers performed a crucial role in the war, and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Israel Air Force as it is seen today. Mitchell Flint with his flight jacket "Israeli Independence Day proves to me that we succeeded in doing what we needed to do," Flint said after he landed the plane. "I remember times which were a lot more difficult. Now, things are a lot better. The most important thing is that the State of Israel can now take care of itself, and has the ability to deal with and conquer any foe." A movie about these foreign volunteers who helped establish the Israel Air Force in 1948 is currently being filmed, and is expected to be released in 2017. The movie, Angels in the Sky, is based on these pilots' stories, including Flint's. The movie is being produced by Flint's son Mike, and the screenplay was written by Robert Roy Paul, who was also the screenwriter for "Armageddon." Afek Energy has been ordered to cease exploratory drilling for oil in the Golan Heightsby the Ministry of National Infrastructures, Energy and Water Resources, despite ministry inspectors giving Afek a six week extension to explore at the Nes 2 site. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Ilan Nissim, head of the inspection team, wrote to Afek Energy on Tuesday saying that "the extension enabled Afek Energy to drill exploratory wells for a month and a half as opposed to a month, and this presents a change in the provisions of your applicationyou are requested to stop exploratory drilling as soon as possible." It should be noted that this isn't a call for an immediate halt to all work, but is a call to make another official request for exploratory drilling. Oil well in the Golan (Photo: Picasa) The Ministry of National Infrastructures explained that the change in legal position comes from the fact that "the legal advisor for the Northern District Committee instructed the inspectors who are in charge of following the exploratory drilling in the Golan Heights to tell Afek Energy to stop their drilling as soon as possible. Afek Energy notified the chief inspector that it was planning on stopping exploratory drilling by Saturday in any case." The Society for the Protection of Nature sent a letter to the ministry which said that the follow up committee had no right to extend the exploratory drilling and therefore must backtrack on the decision. The Society claims that by extending the time allotted for exploratory drilling, the potential for damage to the environment and groundwater significantly increased. "The request (for extension) is the exclusive authority of the Oil council" they wrote in a letter. Afek Energy responded by saying "the crew from the follow up committee, including the Ministry of National Infrastructures, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and others, approved the extension of exploratory drilling at Nes 2 by six weeks following extensive observations. They determined that extending the time allotted for exploratory drilling would not negatively impact the environment. This message was also sent to the Northern District Committee." The letter continued, saying "the company abided by the conditions stipulated in the agreement, and is currently in the midst of projects on the ground which were started within the legally approved period. In light of this, the stop order comes as a surprise, especially since the follow up committee authorized the drilling extension three weeks ago." For days, the charred school bus sat in front of a Jewish girls' school in Brooklyn, its ruined hulk posing a troubling question: Has the quarter-century of peace between blacks and Jews in Crown Heights begun to fray? Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Twenty five years ago this August, the neighborhood's black residents exploded into days of rioting after a 7-year-old boy, the son of Guyanese immigrants, was accidentally struck and killed by a car in the motorcade of the leader of the Lubavitcher sect. A rabbinical student was stabbed and died. Many people were beaten. Vehicles were flipped and burned. Those tensions were supposed to have melted away a long time ago, but last Sunday afternoon a group of boys, all black, went aboard an unlocked bus parked in front of the Bnos Chomesh Academy, set fire to the seats and ran. Flames consumed the bus in minutes. Schoolbus set alight in Crown Heights (Photo: crownheights.info) Five children, including 11-year-olds, a 12-year-old and two 14-year-olds, have been arrested and accused of arson and criminal mischief. The episode prompted at least one leader in Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish community to formally complain to police about what he saw as a trend in anti-Semitic incidents. He says another bus was attacked and a student was beaten by a group of black teens in the days before the bus burning. "These are not isolated events," Barry Sugar of the Jewish Leadership Council wrote. "Attacks of this nature can either be decisively curtailed by law enforcement or defiantly intensified by delinquents." Many others, though, said there was no reason to believe that the bad old days were back. Community leaders say that some tensions linger, but that newer stresses have taken over, including skyrocketing rents and gentrification. "With an 11-year-old kid, I'm not sure. Maybe it was just mischief," said Shea Hecht, a leading Lubavitch rabbi who had been among the community leaders working to quell the 1991 riot. "Some stupid 11-year-old kid did something. I hope we don't all get bent out of shape and start thinking we have to go back and start fighting." Richard Green, a black community activist who has worked with neighborhood kids for more than three decades, said he thought the burning of the bus was "more about idle hands than hate." This week, Crown Heights bustled with residents going about their business blacks, Jews and others walking side by side on streets. The area is still mostly black, according to city figures. But once largely poor, it has grown steadily wealthier in recent years during Brooklyn's economic boom. As some commercial strips have transformed into hipster districts with artisanal coffee and burger joints, rents have tripled. Chabad Lubavitch conference in Brooklyn Police officers patrolled around the Lubavitch headquarters on Eastern Parkway, but that is a routine sight in post 9/11 New York. Just feet from the Lubavitch headquarters, a sleek, 24-hour espresso bar offered kosher food. Daniel Berry, 29, a Jewish computer technology student who moved to Crown Heights from Los Angeles three months ago with his wife and toddler son, said he thought the bus attack was an isolated incident. "I definitely think it's a racist and anti-Semitic act, but it can be an isolated act," he said. "Honestly, I don't necessarily have close relationships with people in the black community. But the encounters I have, whether it's at the market, or walking to the laundromat, it's typically very polite and cordial and normal." Zorina Frederick, a native of Granada who has lived in Crown Heights since before the 1991 riots, said the neighborhood vibe has changed dramatically since then. "We will still have pockets of people who feel different about another group of people," she said. But she summed up the sentiments of many in Crown Heights by suggesting that a reckless act by one group of kids was no sign of more trouble to come. "Kids do foolish things," she said. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. New Delhi: Rocky Yadav, a JD(U) MLC's son arrested on murder charge in Bihar, was issued a gun licence on ground of threat from elements in "left-wing extremism-affected areas", Delhi Police said on Friday. Rocky had acquired the licence from Delhi Police on June 12, 2013. As his address proof, he submitted the documents of a rented house in south Delhi's Vasant Kunj area, a senior police official said. Earlier today, in a counter-attack on the Centre, Bihar deputy chief minister Tejaswi Yadav demanded to know how Rocky got the licence for his pistol without proper verification in Delhi, and called for a thorough probe into the matter. Delhi Police is under the Centre, hence, they need to explain about the issuance of license in violation of rules, the RJD leader said. The developments compelled the licensing unit of Delhi Police to dig out records, following which it emerged that while applying for license, Rocky had submitted a written statement claiming to be the executive director of a private construction company. "Rocky also claimed that the company took up several government contracts for construction of roads and other facilities in left-wing extremism-affected areas for which he faced threat to life," the senior official said. The official added that to support his application, Rocky also submitted a "renowned shooter" certificate issued by the National Rifle Association of India. As far as residential address is concerned, the applicant is required to have resided there for at least six months and Rocky fitted the criteria, he added. Rocky whose real name is Rakesh Ranjan Yadav is the son of ruling JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi in Bihar. He allegedly shot dead 20-year-old Aditya Sachdeva for overtaking his vehicle and was arrested from his father's mixer plant in Gaya district on Tuesday. Police also recovered the Beretta pistol which was used in the crime. Patna: A Gaya court on Saturday issued a notice to suspended Janata Dal United (JDU) legislator Manorama Devi in connection with murder of class 12 student Aditya Sachdev in road rage. The court in its notice directed Manorama Devi and her lawyer to appear before it by May 20 and said that action will be taken if she failed to appear in person. Acting tough on the suspended legislator, the court mentioned that no extension will be provided to the leader and they will see that rule of law remains intact in the state. Bihar lawmaker Manorama Devi, whose son Rocky Yadav was arrested for a road rage killing, on Friday had applied for anticipatory bail. She faces arrest for violating the prohibition law in the state. In her bail petition, applied through her lawyer, Manorama Devi said that she has not committed any offense and is being falsely implicated. Ms Devi has been absconding since an arrest warrant was issued against her on May 11 after a liquor stash was found at her house in Gaya during the raids. According to excise officials, six liquor bottles were recovered from her place. During the raid, police also seized the pistol used by her son Rocky in the crime. The police carried a search at her place for her son, who had gone into hiding after allegedly killing a teenager for overtaking his Range Rover in Gaya on May 7. Patna: Bihar Police on Saturday said that two people have been detained in journalist Rajdev Ranjan's murder case. "Two people have been detained in journalist Rajdev Ranjan's murder case. Interrogation is underway," Siwan SP was told ANI. Rajdev Ranjan, who was a senior journalist and has been writing for a long time against law-breakers of the area, was on Friday shot dead by unidentified gunmen. As per the reports, he was shot five times. Ranjan, 45, succumbed to his injuries while he was on the way to hospital. Superintendent of Police Saurabh Kumar Sah said that the motive behind the killing was yet to be ascertained. The killing triggered a wave of protests by media persons in Bihar. Patna: In the midst of unceasing allegations over the return of "jungle raj" in Bihar, a minor girl has been allegedly raped by a village sarpanch's son in Purnia district of Bihar. According to ANI report, the girl was found lying in an unconscious state and was hospitalised in a critical condition. A medical test was conducted on her after which the doctors confirmed the report of sexual assault on her. The culprit is said to be absconding. The report of the rape comes days after RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav was charged of raping a minor girl at his residence in Biharsharif in February this year. At present, Yadav and the other accused persons are lodged in a district jail. Earlier on several occassions, BJP has accused the Nitish Kumar government of bringing 'Jungle Raj' back to Bihar. New Delhi: Delhi Culture Minister Kapil Mishra on Saturday accused Hindu College authorities of imposing "regressive, discriminatory and dictatorial" rules for girls hostellers and sought the Delhi University Vice Chancellor's intervention in this regard. In a letter to VC Yogesh Tyagi, Mishra said the rules amounted to "moral policing". Noting the "vast difference" in hostel fees for men and women, Mishra urged him that they be brought on par. The prescribed fee has irked women students as the male students of Hindu College pay Rs 47,000 as hostel charges while the women have been asked to pay more than Rs 82,000. "This is incomprehensible, (it) will create resentment among students and is deeply unjust. It is also much higher than the hostel fees at any other comparable Delhi University college," Mishra said. Mishra said the rules, including the directive to dress as per "normal norms of the society" and bar on night outs, are appalling and "have no place" in a civil and progessive society for their "ridiculous, regressive, discriminatory and dictatorial" nature. "We are still attempting to cage the women in our country under the garb of safety...Why then, are there different rules for students living in hostels? If they are old enough to vote and marry and are subject to the same Constitution of India, why are they not subject to the same rules at a college?" Mishra asked. Following protests, the college authorities had announced that there would be no admissions to the girls' hostel. Students who had taken the prospectus were asked to return them and get their fees refunded. However, later, the college decided to reconsider its stand and formed a committee to look into the issue. The Delhi Commission of Women (DCW) had also issued a notice to the college on the same issue last week. Chandigarh: The Parkash Singh Committee, set up to probe lapses in the official response to the violence during the Jat agitation in Haryana in February, has held certain police and administrative officers guilty of laxity. The panel, headed by Parkash Singh, former Director General of Police (DGP) Uttar Pradesh and Assam, submitted its report to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here on Friday. The report has identified about 90 officials who indulged in "deliberate negligence" when violence hit Haryana, noting that in some areas "mayhem" was allowed for hours, with authorities turning a blind eye to the loot and damage. At least 30 people, mostly young men, were killed and over 320 others injured during the Jat reservation agitation from February 7 to 22 this year, which turned violent and paralysed life in 10 districts of Haryana. The report mentions that property worth hundreds of crores of rupees was damaged and destroyed in the mayhem. Talking to Firstpost, the probe panel chief said destruction of around Rs 20,000 crore took place in Haryana during Jat agitation. Even terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) couldnt have done worse. The Committee, which submitted its report within 71 days from the date of formation, hoped that the government would take strict action against those who did not perform their duty in maintaining law and order during the agitation. Khattar, after getting the report, said the government would examine it and take appropriate action at the earliest. The Jat reservation agitation resulted in blockade of roads, including national highways, and extensive damage to public and private properties in many districts during the violence. The report examined the role of officers in the affected districts of Rohtak, Jhajjar, Jind, Hisar, Kaithal, Bhiwani, Sonepat and Panipat, a state government spokesman said here. "Officers who were derelict in the performance of their duties or who showed soft corner for the agitators and thereby allowed them a long rope have been identified," the spokesman said. The committee was set up to probe into omissions and commission on the part of all officers and officials of civil and police administration during the pro-reservation agitation. (With Agency inputs) London: Children who start walking at the age of 18 months are likely to develop stronger bones and are physically more active as they get older, according to a new study which links bone strength with good early life movement. Researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and the University of Bristol in the UK have demonstrated an association between children's abilities in common movements like jumping, running and walking at 18 months and stronger bones as an adolescent. "The findings are intriguing as they provide a link which was not previously understood, primarily that how we move as a young child can have ramifications for our bone strength even 16 years later," said Alex Ireland from MMU. "We believe that stronger muscles could act as a 'marker' for this. Being more active gives you stronger muscles which can then apply bigger forces to the bones as we walk, run or jump, helping to strengthen bones as we grow older," Ireland said. It is thought that these movements in toddlers place a stress on the bones, causing them to react by becoming wider and thicker, thereby making them stronger than those in children who may not be moving as much, researchers said. They believe the results could also be partly attributed to children with good early life movement being more physically active as they get older. Researchers demonstrated that around half of the differences in bone strength at 17-years-old associated with movement could be explained by muscle size differences. "Importantly, the results could have implications for later life by helping medical practitioners to anticipate and detect those who are at a greater risk of osteoporosis or fractures, thus helping them to devise prevention and coping strategies," Ireland said. "For example, attainment of these movement skills at an early age can be easily improved even by simple parent-led walking practice at home," he added. Researchers analysed data from 2,327 participants from children of the 90s, a lifelong study of health and wellbeing that has been charting the lives of 14,500 people since they were born in the early 1990s. Movement was assessed at 18 months, and hip and shin bone size, shape and mineral density was measured at 17 years of age, for both males and females, by scanning with X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral computed tomography. The study found the effect was more pronounced in males than in females, suggesting early movement plays less of a role in female bone strength, researchers said. The findings were published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. New Delhi: In the latest development in the Bihar road rage case, the accused Rocky Yadav has reportedly confessed that he fired at Aditya Sachdev . Quoting top police sources, ANI on Saturday morning reported that the former JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi's son Rocky had confessed he fired at Aditya Sachdev. According to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, the youth was shot by the bullet from Rocky`s gun. However, Rocky had earlier claimed that he had never fired any shots, nor had he gone into hiding. When asked the police have said that he has confessed to the crime, Rocky said, "Just because someone says it does not make it true and it is also false that I was in hiding as I was in Delhi. My mother called me to come here and then I surrendered before the police." Asserting that he would disclose his side of the story in court, Rocky reiterated that he never fired any shots at the youth, which comes as a contradiction to the statement by Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Garima Malik, who claimed that the JD(U) leader`s son had admitted to committing the crime." In his statement, Rocky Yadav admitted committing the crime. I assure you that we will soon arrest others involved in the case. The investigation will reveal about his whereabouts and these things would be addressed later on," Malik told the media. Earlier, state Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav has asserted that Rocky had procured a gun license without verification, clearly through the influence of someone powerful within the government. Rocky Yadav was arrested on Tuesday morning from his father`s farm in Bodh Gaya, while the Excise Department on Wednesday sealed the house of Manorama Devi. A local court on Wednesday remanded Rocky Yadav, who allegedly shot dead a student for overtaking his vehicle in Bihar, to two-day police custody. The court had earlier sent Rocky to 14 days` judicial custody. Rakesh Ranjan Yadav alias Rocky is accused of killing Class XII student Aditya Sachdeva after an argument with the youth for overtaking his vehicle on Saturday night. (With ANI inputs) Lucknow: The `Dial-100` is set to be launched across Uttar Pradesh on October 2, officials said on Saturday. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday along with state government advisor Venkat Changavilli reviewed the progress made so far in the project. The chief minister said that he himself would launch the service in Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Jhansi and Ghaziabad. Yadav said Dial 100 should be developed as the fastest, biggest, cheapest, effective and best service. During the meeting, Changavalli informed Yadav that under the project, 3,200 four-wheelers would be active. All vehicles would be painted in black. At present, the project`s headquarters at Lucknow`s Shaheed Path is under construction and it has been decided that 100 women personnel would be posted at the call centre. Two sub-centres would be established in Agra and Varanasi. Under this project, in case of emergency, a person can communicate with the Dial 100 call centre through phone, texts or any other communication method and in turn will be provided immediate relief and help. Once the project is launched, 4,800 vehicles would be active in 75 districts of the state, of which 3,200 would be four wheelers and 1,600 two wheelers. All these vehicles would be equipped with GPS. The response time under dial 100 has been fixed as ten minutes for two-wheelers in urban areas and 15 minutes for four wheelers. While in rural areas the response time for four wheelers has been mandated as 20 minutes. New Delhi: The interrogation of three Islamic State (IS) recruits has revealed how they were asked to infiltrate pro-Kanhaiya Kumar protests, which had spread to several Indian cities after his arrest, to foment tension and violence. According to a report in Times of India (TOI), ISIS' Ahmad Ali had approached Ashiq Ahmad from Hooghly in West Bengal to infiltrate the movement and burn vehicles and oil tankers using petrol. The report said that ISIS designs were exposed during the interrogation of three recruits, Ashiq Ahmad, Mohammad Abdul Ahad and Mohammad Afzal. Citing the NIA, it further said that the idea was to agitate the students so that it creates disorder in the country. Their statements, which were recorded by NIA, also prove the creation of ISIS cells Karnataka, West Bengal and Punjab. One of the recruits reportedly said that he was contacted by his boss Ahmed Ali on February 19, when Kanhaiya was in Tihar jail and students of several universities were holding demonstrations demanding his release. "He told me that agencies are keeping a tab on us. He told me that a student movement is happening in the country and that we should enter and put vehicles, oil tankers on fire," the report quoted Ashiq, one of the recruits, as saying. All ISIS recruits were nabbed by NIA. Ashiq said that he was asked to "learn spying, swimming and drawing maps". The terror group's first target would be "Shias", while they also planned to "free former IM chief Yasin Bhatkal from jail", the report said citing Ashiq. Patna: In yet another incident highlighting the lawlessness in Bihar , one Railway Protection Force (RPF) jawan was shot dead and another was seriously injured after being attacked by about six unknown assailants on Friday night. The incident took place in Mughal Sarai-Buxar Passenger train 63240. The jawans, identified as Abhishek Singh and Nandlal Yadav were rushed to a hospital, where Singh was declared dead. Yadav has been referred to a hospital in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. His condition is said to be serious. Railway Superintendent of Police Jitendra Mishra reached here today morning to take stock of the situation. It is believed that the culprits were professionals and they took the action with the intention of looting the rifles. Washington: China has increased defence capabilities and deployed more troops along the Indian border, the Pentagon has said, as it warned of increasing Chinese military presence including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan. We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters during a news conference here after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China. However, Denmark said it is difficult to conclude on the real intention behind this. It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration, he said in response to a question on China upgrading its military command in Tibet. Referring to US Defence Secretary Ashton Carters recent trip to India, Denmark said he had a very positive and productive visit. Were going to continue to enhance our bilateral engagement with India, not in the China context, but because India is an increasingly important player by themselves and we are going to engage India because of its value, he said. The Defence Department also warned of Chinas increasing military presence including bases in various parts of the world, in particular Pakistan with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests. Chinas expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said. China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries, the report said. The Pentagon in its report expressed its concerns about Chinese military buildup near the Indian border. Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino-Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces. After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides, it said. The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and, therefore, of China), and over the Askai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. Srinagar: A PoK-based JeM militant commander who was recently arrested from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla area by the police has an Aadhar card in his name, raising serious concerns in the security circle. Abdul Rehman, a Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) fidayeen, was arrested by J&K police on Friday following a tip-off. But what has startled the police is an Aadhar card recovered from his possession, the Indian Express reported. The militant was arrested from Hajibal in the upper reaches of Baramulla town, the report said citing sources. According to police, the militant commander belongs to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit that was responsible for the Pathankot attack. They said Rehman is a resident of Muzaffarabad and had arrived in Kashmir in February this year as part of a six-member Jaish group. The Aadhar card mentions his name as Shabir Ahmad Khan son of Ghulam Rasool Khan. Presently, the police are trying to establish the veracity of the card. We are in process of finding out whether the card has been forged or that he has managed to get an Aadhar card. If the card turns out to be genuine, it is a serious issue for the security agencies, the report quoted a senior police officer as saying. Ranchi: Two people were injured as protesters hurled petrol bombs on a truck during a protest called on Saturday by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) against the domicile policy of the Raghubar Das government. More than 200 party supporters have been arrested. The shutdown has hit life across the state with shops closed in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Gumla and other parts of the state. Long-distance buses are not plying. The JMM supporters and workers burnt tyres in Ranchi, Jamshedpur and other places. On the Ranchi-Jamshedpur national highway, shutdown supporters threw petrol bombs on a truck in which two people were injured. Protesters also hurled stones on a staff bus in Jamshedpur. Shutdown supporters tried to disrupt railway services at a few places. As a precautionary measure, two JMM legislators have been detained. More than 200 shutdown supporters have been arrested across the state. Heavy security arrangements have been put in place in view of the shutdown. The police are using drones in Ranchi to keep track of the shutdown. The Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have extended support to the JMM shutdown. The Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajantantrik (JVM-P) of Babulal Marandi is also supporting the shutdown. The Domicile Policy was brought and notified after the governor`s consent in April. According to the notified policy, announced by Chief Minister Das in April, anyone living in the state for 30 years and possessing immovable assets will be considered a resident of Jharkhand. Former chief ministers who have opposed the policy include Arjun Munda of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P), Madhu Koda. Chennai/Thiruvananthapuram: Campaigning ended on Saturday in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry for May 16 Assembly polls, ringing the curtain down on the gruelling two-month-long exercise. The ruling Congress-led UDF is up against the LDF headed by CPI(M) in Kerala. For BJP, it is turning out to be a battle of prestige after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's whirlwind campaign and war of words with Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, and the party is keen to open its account in the Assembly. A total of 2.61 crore people in Kerala are eligible to cast their votes on May 16 to elect 140 law makers in the Assembly out of 1,203 candidates, including 109 women. The LDF too will be facing another crucial contest to stage a comeback in Kerala as in West Bengal, where the six-phase Assembly election ended on May 5. The Left has a tie-up with Congress in West Bengal and the two sides took pains to assert that it will not affect their prospects in the two states. The last leg of poll campaign saw many national leaders canvassing for their parties. Though campaign started on state-centric issues like solar and bar bribery scams in Kerala, it took a new turn after Modi kicked up a row with his comparison of Kerala with Somalia. Congress leader Chandy, heading the UDF campaign, was quick to latch onto the remark to hit back at BJP and Modi, saying "the Prime Minister has insulted the people of Kerala". There was also war of words between BJP and Chandy over the expenses borne for bringing back people from strife torn Libya to Kerala. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, party leaders AK Antony and Ghulam Nabi Azad, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI national secretary Sudhakar Reddy, CPI(M) leader and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, former prime minister Deva Gowda, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were among the prominent politicians who took part in the campaign. The BJP this time is fighting along with its key ally Bharath Dharam Jana Sena,(BDJS), a new party formed by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, a powerful outfit of backward Ezhava community. Tamil Nadu is witnessing a multi-cornered contest with AIADMK, DMK-Congress, PWF-DMDK-TMC combine, BJP-led alliance and PMK in the fray. More than 5.79 crore voters in 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu will decide the fate of 3,776 aspirants, including four Chief Ministerial candidates -- incumbent J Jayalalithaa of AIADMK, DMK's M Karunanidhi, DMDK's Vijayakant and Anbumani Ramadoss of PMK. Jayalalithaa is seeking a second successive termin office in the state, where elections have dethroned the ruling party in recent decades. While the opposition including DMK and BJP harped on prohibition and corruption, Jayalalithaa sought votes on her government's five year-performance. Flow of illegal money was a major challenge for electoral authorities which seized an unprecedented Rs 100 crore of unaccounted cash. Of this, Rs 37 crore had, however, been returned to the owners on submission of documents. In Puducherry, 9.43 lakh voters will decide the fate of over over 300 candidates in 30 seats. The election process announced for West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry assemblies on March 8 will conclude on May 19, when the results will be declared. Assembly election concluded in two phases in Assam on April 11. Thiruvananthapuram: A report claimed on Saturday that the prime suspect in the rape and murder of a Dalit law student in Perumbavoor near Kochi on April 28 has been arrested. The Deccan Chronicle reported that the suspected killer of Jisha is a Bengali migrant worker, identified as Hari Kumar. The arrest has not been made public as yet and the police are expected to announce the same tomorrow, a day ahead of the Assembly Elections in the state on May 16 (Monday), on government orders. As per the report, Hari Kumar has gaps in between his front teeth which helped the police in identifying him as the prime suspect. The structure of his jaws and teeth match the dental implant pictures taken from the victim's body which bore bite marks. The brutality with which Jisha was raped and murdered had prompted the people to compare it with the Nirbhaya gang-rape case of December 2012 in Delhi. Kottayam: Winding up his public campaign seeking votes for UDF candidates, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday said that the BJP would not win a single seat in the state in the May 16 Assembly polls. Chandy also said that the people of Kerala would give a fitting reply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 16 for drawing a parallel between Somalia and Kerala on the issue of infant morality rate in the tribal areas of the state. "BJP will not open account in the state. The mind of Kerala will never gel with the divisive politics of the BJP," he told reporters at Kottayam press club. The Chief Minister said the electoral battle is between Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF in the state. "People will cast their votes against the criminalism in politics being practised by CPI(M)," he said, while condemning the alleged attack by CPI(M) cadres on RMP candidate KK Rama in Vadakara Assembly constituency in Kozhikode district early today. Condemning the Somalia statement by Modi, when he had compared the infant mortality rate among tribals in the state with that of the African country during his poll campaign rally early this week, the CM said "his remarks are an insult to Keralites across the globe. The people will give a fitting reply to this type of remarks by the Prime Minister". The senior Congress leader's statement comes at a time when almost all assembly constituencies in Kerala are witnessing a tough three-pronged fight between the Congress led UDF, CPM-led LDF and the BJP-led NDA. "UDF is confident about its victory in the elections. The front will win more seats than the seats it had secured in the previous elections," Chandy said. Asked about the delay in arresting the culprits involved in the brutal rape and murder of a 30-year-old Dalit woman in Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district, he said investigation is going on in the right track. "The culprits will be brought to justice at the earliest," he said. Zee Media Bureau New Delhi: If you are a resident of Phoenix, Arizona and looking for a job then here's a great news for you. Internet giant google is looking for 'local drivers' to test it's self-automated cars. Actually Google is hiring 'vehicle safety specialists' and operation associates who will be required to sit behind the wheels of its driverless cars and ready to intervene only if anything goes wrong. According to the Verge reports, employees will get $20 per hour and expected to work under 12-24 month contracts driving vehicles from six to eight hours per day. "Drivers are required to have a bachelor's degree, a clean driving record and criminal history, and the ability to type at least 40 words per minute. They will also be expected to keep their work confidential and will need to pass a number of in- and out-of-car training courses," the California-based company said in a statement. Google says that drivers will also be required to submit their tests and experiences with the vehicle in the form of a daily report. Kandy: A thirty-year-old man has been taken into custody for allegedly raping an 88-year old woman in Sri Lanka`s Kandy city. The suspect, produced before the Teldeniya Magistrate`s court has been remanded till May 20, reports the Colombo Page.Rangala police took the suspect into custody ten-days after the victim passed away. The 88-year old victim died at Kandy General Hospital two days after the sexual assault, on May 6. London: Several Kashmiris gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission here on Saturday to protest against alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), especially with regard to 2013 murder of Sardar Arif Shahid in Rawalpindi. Protesters carried banners with slogans against the Pakistani Army and the ISI, which they blamed for the killing. "We have gathered here in front of the Pakistan High Commission to protest against the brutal murder of Sardar Afif Shahid. We believe that Pakistan`s intelligence agencies were behind his murder because he had always raised demand of an independent Kashmir," one of the protestors said. "I have come here because I believe that we Kashmiris, whether we belong to valley or Ladakh or Gilgit Balgistan or so called Azad Kashmir, we are against this kind of terrorism. We demand that a judicial commission should be set up for probing the murder of Arif Shahid. We want that his murderers should be put behind the bars and justice is given to his family," he added. He further said that often asking for freedom in Pakistan is considered a crime by the administration. "Talking about secularism and freedom of Kashmir is the biggest crime in Pakistani administration. We are against this," he said. WATCH: Kashmiris protest outside Pakistan High Commission in London against human rights violations in PoKhttps://t.co/XbwyabVPQb ANI (@ANI_news) May 14, 2016 Shahid, a pro-independence Kashmiri leader, was shot dead by unidentified men near his home in Rawalpindi on May 14, 2013. Shahid led the All Parties National Alliance (APNA), which advocates independence from India and Pakistan. He was a vocal critic of Pakistan`s alleged role in sending militants to fight a `proxy war` against India in Kashmir. He also criticised Pakistan`s policy of treating Kashmir as its `colony`. The Pakistani government banned him from travelling abroad in 2009, and later confiscated his passport and other identification documents. Islamabad: Disgraced Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan's family has been caught in the Panama Papers row as the documents name his four close relatives as owners of an offshore company in the Bahamas. Khan's brother Abdul Quyuim Khan, wife Hendrina, and two daughters Dina Khan and Ayesha Khan, are all shown as owners of Wahdat Ltd, a company registered in the Bahamas, the Dawn reported today. Although the names are not part of the data released online by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Wahdat Ltd does appear on the website. However, it has been named in the larger database obtained by the group. The company was registered in January of 1998, months before the nuclear tests of May that year, and deregistered on December 31, 1999, shortly after the October 12 coup. "I have never even heard the name of this company," the paper quoted Khan as saying. "Neither did my wife and daughters. My brother, who died a few years ago, was with Habib Bank and, as you know, bankers are always up to their tricks and hanky panky," he said, without mincing words. "My wife and daughters never signed any documents to create this company. The signatures (on the incorporation paperwork) are surely false. My brother never discussed it with me and my family only heard about this company after the Panama Papers release," he added. The company has been shown as an intermediary of ILS Fiduciaries IOM (Ltd), registered in the Isle of Man and still active. That company has links to 611 other entities from various jurisdictions like Panama and Niue in the database, dating back to 1993, most of which are either "inactive" or "defaulted", the report said. The ICIJ defines an intermediary as "(a) go-between for someone seeking an offshore corporation and an offshore service provider?usually a law firm or a middleman that asks an offshore service provider to create an offshore firm for a client. Khan, the architect of Pakistan nuclear weapons, was accused by the then Army chief and president Pervez Musharraf of running a rogue proliferation network for nuclear material in 2004. Shortly after, a recorded confession by Khan was aired in which he took sole responsibility for all the nuclear proliferation that had been revealed. He has been under house arrest ever since 2004, although he continues to move around, make phone calls, receive visitors and write a regular column in a newspaper. Madurai: Summons were on Saturday issued to about 250 voters here for allegedly accepting cash for votes in the upcoming state assembly polls, police said. The summons were issued under Section 160 of the People's Representation Act, 1951, and they were asked to give explanation by appearing in person on May 18, district Superintendent of Police Vijayendra S Bidari said. Meanwhile, 18 persons belonging to various political parties were arrested in Madurai, Dindigul, Virudhunagar and Theni districts and Rs 5.17 lakh was seized from them which was meant for distribution to voters, police said. Cases were registered against 14 persons for distribution of money to voters today, under various IPC sections, including 171(E) (punishment for bribery), a release from the city police said. So far 355 cases for violation of Model Code of Conduct have been registered, it said. Surat: Three persons including the brother of Leader of Opposition in Surat Municipal Corporation were stabbed to death by unidentified persons late tonight in city's Ashvinikumar road area, police said. Another person was injured in the attack, after which unidentified attackers fled from the spot, police said. "Three persons were stabbed to death by unidentified attackers in Ashvinikumar road area of the city tonight," DCP of Surat city Jagdish Patel said. Among the three killed in the attack include Bharat Patel brother of leader of opposition in Surat Municipal Corporation Prafful Patel, police said. The other two killed were identified as Balu Hirani and Ashok Patel. One Dinesh injured in the attack has been shifted to a city hospital, they said. Police has started investigation in the case. Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education is expected to announce the Uttar Pradesh Board Intermediate (Class XII) Results 2016 on Sunday i.e. May 15, 2016. The results are likely to be published at 12:30 PM. The Class 12 exams conducted from February 18 to March 21. Around 30,71,892 students of Intermediate had appeared for exams. How to check results: Students can check the results on the Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education official website: http://upmsp.nic.in/ About the board The Board was set up in the year 1921 at Allahabad by an act of United Provinces Legislative Council. It conducted its first examination in 1923. This Board is one in India which, from the very start, had adopted 10+2 system of examination. The first public examination after 10 years education is High School Examination and after the 10+2 stage, there is Intermediate Examination. Prior to 1923, University of Allahabad was the examining body of these two examinations. At present there are 9121 secondary schools recognized by the UP Board of High School and Intermediate Education. Jerusalem: Twenty-five Palestinian children were killed in the last three months of 2015 during a wave of anti-Israeli attacks and the number detained was the highest in seven years, the UN children's agency said. "Serious concerns arose regarding excessive use of force, particularly in relation to incidents where Palestinian children were shot dead by Israeli security forces after carrying out or being suspected of carrying out stabbing attacks," UNICEF said in a report. It said more than 1,300 Palestinian children were injured during the spike in attacks, almost all in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, while three Israeli children were hurt in the West Bank and west Jerusalem. UNICEF cited the example on October 25 in Hebron in the West Bank of a 17-year-old girl who was "taken by IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldiers for a search, shot with at least five bullets and killed". "Israeli authorities said that she had attempted to stab a policeman, however an eyewitness stated that she was not presenting any threat at the time she was shot, and was shouting that she did not have a knife," it said. Compared with the high toll for the October-December period, UNICEF recorded four Palestinian children killed and 165 injured between July and September. UNICEF also voiced alarm over the number of Palestinian children aged between 12 and 17 held by the Israeli army, noting the tally stood at 422 at the end of December according to the Israeli prison service, the highest recorded since March 2009. Israeli law allows Palestinian children from the age of 12 to be put on trial. Since the October outbreak of a wave of unrest, 204 Palestinians and 28 Israelis have been killed. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car- ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say. Abuja: Boko Haram remains a threat despite "impressive" military gains against it, French President Francois Hollande said on Saturday, as regional and Western leaders gathered for talks on the Islamist threat. "The results (of the counter-insurgency) are impressive" and the rebels had been "diminished and forced to retreat", he told a news conference in Abuja. But added: "This terrorist group nevertheless remains a threat." Hollande was speaking after talks with his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa in the Nigerian capital before regional leaders met to discuss the conflict. Nearly seven years of violence have left at least 20,000 dead and left more than 2.6 million homeless, devastating infrastructure in Nigeria`s remote northeast and creating a humanitarian crisis. Discussions at the security summit are expected to focus on the formal deployment of a new regional force comprising troops from Nigeria and its neighbours Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Over the last 15 months, individual armies have largely been acting independently to curb the violence in the face of mounting cross-border attacks, particularly suicide bombings. The UN Security Council has also raised concerns about Boko Haram`s links to the Islamic State group, after reports of Nigerian fighters in lawless Libya. Hollande, who sees France as a natural liaison between its former colonies and English-speaking Nigeria, said results had been achieved through better regional coordination. Paris had also provided training and equipment, he added, as part of the international support to Abuja that includes British military trainers and US surveillance drones. Hollande and Buhari signed a "letter of intent" to pave the way for a defence agreement. The two leaders also signed several accords strengthening existing cooperation, including through France`s main development agency, of upwards of $120 million (106 million euros) for Nigeria`s under-capacity electricity sector. Columbia: China is using "coercive tactics" and fostering regional tensions as it expands its maritime presence in the South China Sea and elsewhere, but is avoiding triggering an armed conflict, the Pentagon said Friday. In an annual report to Congress, the Defense Department outlined China`s rapid military growth and described how it is assertively defending sovereignty claims across the contested East China Sea and South China Sea. Last year for instance, China deployed coast guard and PLA Navy ships in the South China Sea to maintain a "near-continuous" presence there. And in the East China Sea, Beijing deployed planes and maritime law-enforcement ships to patrol near a chain of islands known as Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese. "China is using coercive tactics... to advance their interests in ways that are calculated to fall below the threshold of provoking conflict," the report states. When asked to describe China`s coercive tactics, Abraham Denmark, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, told reporters that Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels sometimes act in an "unprofessional" manner. They do so "in the vicinity of the military forces or fishing vessels of other countries in a way that`s designed to attempt to establish a degree of control around disputed features," Denmark told reporters. "These activities are designed to stay below the threshold of conflict, but gradually demonstrate and assert claims that other countries dispute," he added. China claims nearly all of the strategically vital South China Sea, even waters close to Southeast Asian neighbors including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, which have competing claims.Central to China`s claims are its land-reclamation efforts that have seen tiny islets, reefs and other maritime features built into military facilities. The Pentagon report included dramatic photos of these contentious islands, including the Fiery Cross Reef Outpost, located between the Philippines and Vietnam. Since 2014, China has turned a sandy blip in the ocean into an island stretching more than two miles (three kilometers,) complete with a lengthy runway. China`s land reclamation efforts in an area known as the Spratly Islands have added 3,200 acres (1,295 hectares) of land to the seven features it occupies, the report states. Beijing last year paused land-reclamation efforts and began focusing on "infrastructure development" of the islets. The United States insists China`s claims have no basis under international law, and the US military has conducted several "freedom of navigation" operations, where ships and planes pass close to the sites claimed by China. Such missions have drawn howls of anger from Beijing, which accuses the United States of provocation and of increasing the risk of a military mishap. The US Navy maintains a strong presence in the South China Sea, and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has twice in recent months pointedly visited US aircraft carriers deployed in the waterway. "Recent land reclamation activity has little legal effect, but will support China`s ability to sustain longer patrols in the South China Sea," the report notes.China`s ambitions extend far beyond its immediate region. In November, Beijing announced it was establishing a military facility in Djibouti. This "likely reflects (a) more global outlook, as it will be utilized to sustain the PLA Navy`s operations at greater distances from China," the report notes. Additionally, China is "expanding its access to foreign ports to pre-position the necessary logistics support to regularize and sustain deployments in the `far seas.`" China has the second-largest military budget after the United States, and over the past two decades has increased spending annually. In 2015, its official military budget was $144 billion, though the true number is thought to be even higher. The Pentagon`s 2016 budget is about $585 billion. Much of China`s military money is going towards the development of its conventionally armed missile capability, "as well as ground- and air-launched land-attack cruise missiles, special operations forces, and cyber warfare capabilities to hold targets at risk throughout the region," the report states. While critical of some of China`s military tactics, the Pentagon said it hopes to continue building a "sustained and substantive" military-to-military relationship with China. The United States "will continue to focus on enhancing risk-reduction measures that diminish the potential for incidents or miscalculation, and encourage China to contribute constructively to efforts to maintain peace and stability." Cairo: An Egyptian court has sentenced 101 people to five years of imprisonment for participating in protests last month against the government's decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. Seventy-nine of them were also slapped a fine of 100,000 Egyptian Pounds (approx USD 10,000) by the court. The defendants, who took part in protests in Dokki and Agoza districts of Giza on April 25, were charged with protesting without permission, inciting violence and joining a terrorist group among other charges. Seven of them were minors, whose cases were referred to a juvenile court. Meanwhile, another Egyptian court yesterday?sentenced 51 people to two years hard labour for protesting in the downtown area of Cairo on April 25 against the Egyptian-Saudi Red Sea maritime border demarcation deal. Thirty-one people were present in court, while 20 were sentenced in absentia. The defendants were charged with illegally protesting, attempting to overthrow the government, inciting against state institutions and disturbing public peace. Thirteen minors were also referred by prosecution to juvenile court. Several activists rallied on April 25 to protest against the Egyptian government's recent decision to transfer the two Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia. The two islands were under Egypt's control for over 60 years. The protesters planned marches in different parts of Egypt and accused the government of selling the islands in return for investments from Saudi. Police used tear gas to disperse the anti-government rallies and arrested a number of demonstrators, as street protests without prior permission from police are banned according to a controversial protest law issued in 2013. Beirut: Lebanese Shi`ite Muslim militant group Hezbollah said on Saturday its top military commander Mustafa Badreddine was killed by artillery shells fired by insurgents near Syria`s Damascus airport. Hezbollah announced Badreddine`s death on Friday and held a military funeral for him on the same day in its stronghold in southern Beirut. "Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups in the area," Hezbollah`s statement said. "Takfiri" is a word used by the group to refer to hard-line, armed, Sunni Muslim Islamist groups. Hezbollah is fighting in Syria, backing the government of President Bashar al-Assad against a range of Sunni Muslim groups including Islamic State and the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front. Around 1,200 Hezbollah fighters are estimated to have been killed in the Syrian conflict. "The outcome of the investigation (into Badreddine`s death) will increase our determination ... to continue the fight against these criminal gangs and defeat them," Hezbollah said. The statement did not say when the attack took place or when Badreddine died. Announcing his death on Friday, Hezbollah quoted Badreddine as having said he would return from Syria victorious or as a martyr. Badreddine was sentenced to death in Kuwait for his role in bomb attacks there in 1983. He escaped from prison in Kuwait after Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded the country in 1990. His release from jail in Kuwait was one of the demands made by the hijackers of a TWA flight in 1985, and of the hijackers of a Kuwait Airways flight in 1988. For years, Badreddine masterminded military operations against Israel from Lebanon and overseas and managed to escape capture by Arab and Western governments. Badreddine was also one of five Hezbollah members indicted by the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the 2005 killing of statesman Rafik al-Hariri, one of Lebanon`s most prominent Sunni Muslim figures. Hezbollah denied any involvement and said the charges were politically motivated. Rome: There were hardly any Syrian migrants among the 800 people rescued off Sicily, contrary to earlier reports from Italy`s coastguard, the UN and the International Organization for Migration have confirmed. The coastguard had said Thursday that half of the 342 migrants they had picked up were Syrians, sparking concern that the flow of Syrians previously attempting to cross into Europe via Turkey and Greece was shifting to Italian shores. Around 50,000 Syrians arrived in Italy between mid-2013 and early 2014, after which Greece became the route of choice, the IOM said. While only 26 people from the war-torn country have landed in Italy this year, a deal between Turkey and the EU to close down that route and return those attempting to cross has raised fears Syrians would begin once more to set out for Sicily. Of the 800 arrivals, only two people were believed to be Syrians. "The information was incorrect," Carlotta Sami, Italy spokeswoman for the UN`s Refugee Agency, told AFP after UNHCR humanitarian workers spoke to the newly-arrived migrants on Friday after they were brought to various ports on the Italian island. "There are a lot of different nationalities: Yemenis, Somalis, Eritreans, South Sudanese", she said, while IOM spokesman Flavio di Giacomo said there were also many Egyptians and a high number of unaccompanied minors. The IOM said what was notable was the rise in the number of people setting off from Egypt rather than Libya. The 800 migrants rescued had all departed from Egypt, and there has been a 10-fold increase in the numbers leaving from there in the first four months of the year, compared to the same period in 2015, di Giacomo said. The boats used by Egyptian smugglers are usually in a better condition than those employed by their Libyan counterparts, who rely almost exclusively on poor-quality inflatable dinghies. But the length of the crossing and greater numbers of people packed onto the boats raises the risk of tragedies at sea. Moscow: Police clashed with Islamist militants in Russia's volatile Dagestan region on Saturday, with four rebels and two officers killed, local media quoted police as saying. Islamic State said its fighters were behind the attack. The police stormed an apartment in the southern town of Derbent after obtaining information that a wounded senior officer held hostage by the militants was probably dead. "Law enforcers have finished a special operation to destroy the rebels," Interfax news agency quoted a police source as saying. "At least four rebels have been annihilated." One police officer was killed in the shootout and another 15 were wounded, a local health official told Russian agencies. The senior officer who had been held was confirmed dead by a police official, Interfax news agency said. Islamic State`s Amaq news agency said its fighters had clashed with police in Derbent, saying they had killed three officers. It made no mention of losses among the militants. Islamic State has in the past said it was behind violent attacks on security forces in the North Caucasus, the volatile mainly Muslim part of Russia where Dagestan is located. Some militants in Dagestan, which borders Chechnya, where Moscow led two wars against separatists in 1990s, have sworn allegiance to Islamic State. Abuja: Nigeria on Saturday hosts talks on Boko Haram with regional and Western powers, hoping for closer military cooperation and help with tackling the conflict`s dire humanitarian fall-out. The leaders of Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger are due to attend, with French President Francois Hollande, US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain`s foreign minister Philip Hammond. Delegations from West African and Central African blocs, plus the European Union have also been invited. Nigeria`s President Muhammadu Buhari, who has vowed to defeat Boko Haram before the end of his first year in office this month, was scheduled to meet Hollande at the presidential villa in Abuja. Both countries recently signed an agreement on closer military cooperation, including in intelligence sharing, and France is keen to help implement a regional solution to the Islamist insurgency. Paris has traditionally concentrated on its former colonies surrounding Nigeria and sees itself as well-placed to help closer ties and longer-term economic development in the troubled region.The summit -- two years after a first such high-level gathering in Paris -- comes as Nigeria`s military pushes deep into Boko Haram`s Sambisa Forest stronghold after recapturing swathes of territory in the northeast. The army has portrayed the Islamist militants as in disarray, but there have been warnings against any premature declaration of victory. Blinken told reporters in Abuja on Friday that Washington, which is flying surveillance drones over northeast Nigeria from northern Cameroon, did not see Boko Haram as defeated. But he conceded "they have been degraded" and noted its links to the Islamic State group, as well as reports of Boko Haram rebels fighting alongside their jihadi counterparts in lawless Libya. "We are extremely vigilant about these connections... this is again something we are looking at very, very carefully because we want to cut it off," he added.The formal deployment of a long-awaited 8,500-strong regional force comprising troops from Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger is expected to be high on the agenda at the talks. The African Union-backed force was supposed to have been on the ground in July last year. Plugging gaps and improving coordination between armies operating largely independently is seen as vital, with Boko Haram now thought to be in remote border areas on and around Lake Chad. Lake Chad forms the border between Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. There will also likely be discussion on tackling the humanitarian effects of the conflict, which has killed some 20,000 people and forced more than 2.6 million from their homes since 2009. The government of Borno state -- the worst-hit by the violence -- has said the displaced face a "food crisis" and $5.9 billion (5.1 billion euros) was needed to rebuild shattered infrastructure. US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who visited northeast Nigeria and northern Cameroon last month, said 9.2 million people in the wider region were affected by the conflict. Seattle: Dozens of protesters have blocked railroad tracks leading to two oil refineries in northwest Washington state to oppose the flow of oil from trains to those facilities. About 150 people spent the night in tents pitched on the railroad tracks near Anacortes, about 70 miles north of Seattle. Many of them were feeling jubilant today as they prepared for a second day of demonstrations targeting the nearby Shell and Tesoro oil refineries. Dozens more are expected to join the protesters who have formed a barricade on the tracks throughout the day, said Ahmed Gaya, a spokesman with the Break Free Pacific Northwest who also spent the night on the tracks. "The plan is to hold this space," he said. "People in the Northwest and around the world are prepared to build these movements (of mass disobedience) and keep fossil fuels in the ground." There have been no arrests as of today morning, according to BNSF Railway and Skagit County officials. "We're currently not running traffic on the line," BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said. "Our operations are flexible on this line. We had anticipated this and therefore adjusted scheduling with customers." The railroad tracks, which connects BNSF's mainline to Anacortes, serves the two refineries as well as other customers. "At this point, we're standing back, letting them protest and developing a plan and will take action as necessary," Melonas said today morning. Skagit County spokeswoman Bronlea Mishler said authorities are monitoring and that there were no plans as of today morning to move the activists. "At this point, we're playing it by ear," she said. The three-day event began today and includes "kayaktivists" demonstrating on water, an indigenous ceremony and a march in front of the oil refineries. A march is planned Today afternoon in front of the oil refineries. Protesters began pitching tents, erecting colorful flags and signs and setting up the railroad blockade today. Some did yoga or mediated, others chanted and sang. The protests are part of a series of global actions calling on people to "break free" from dependence on oil, coal and other fossil fuels. Similar events are scheduled in Los Angeles and Albany, New York, today and in Washington DC On Sunday. Organizers say they want to transition to renewable energy in a way that doesn't leave workers or communities behind, and they're willing to risk arrest to engage in peaceful civil disobedience. Moscow: A Russian yacht has been detained by North Korean coastguards in the Sea of Japan with five crew on board and towed in to land, Russian officials said Saturday. "The North Korean side has communicated that the yacht has been taken to the port of Kimchaek," Igor Agafonov, a foreign ministry official in the far-eastern city of Vladivostok told state-run RIA Novosti news agency. "The crew is alive and well. We are still waiting for an explanation from North Korea as to the reasons for the detention," Agafonov said, adding that diplomats were seeking permission to visit the crew. Earlier an unnamed official at the Russian embassy in Pyongyang told TASS news agency that the sailboat Elfin was detained by North Korean coastguards late Friday with five people on board as it was sailing from a competition in the South Korean port of Busan to Vladivostok. "The embassy... has handed over a note to the North Korean side demanding the immediate release of the crew," Denis Samsonov, a spokesman for the Russian mission in North Korea, told RIA Novosti. On Friday the vice president of the regional sailing federation Yevgeny Khromchenko wrote on Facebook that the vessel had been stopped by "North Korean fishermen" 85 nautical miles (160 kilometres) from shore and was being towed in to land. Russia shares a short land border with North Korea and enjoys relatively friendly ties with the country`s reclusive Stalinist regime. San Francisco: From locker rooms and sex education classes to dress codes and overnight field trips, many US public schools already are balancing the civil rights of transgender students with any concerns that classmates, parents and community members might have. The US Department of Education is drawing on those practices to guide other schools as they work to comply with the Obama administration's directive that transitioning children be treated consistent with their gender identity. That has been the policy since 2013 of the Arcadia Unified School District in Southern California. As part of a settlement with the federal departments of Justice and Education that became the foundation for the national mandate issued on Friday, students may use the bathroom, locker room or wilderness cabin that corresponds with their recognized gender outside school, Superintendent David Vannasdall said. "This is absolutely not about a student on a day-to-day basis saying, 'Today I'm a boy, tomorrow I'm a girl.' That has never happened," Vannasdall said. "By the time these students are at a point where they are asking for our help, they are presenting in all areas of their life as that gender." The administration had warned schools before Friday that denying transgender students access to the correct facilities and activities was illegal under its interpretation of federal sex discrimination laws. But the new guidance, for the first time, offers advice for accommodating the privacy needs of nontransgender youngsters. Citing guidelines adopted by Washington, New York, the District of Columbia and Atherton High School in Louisville, Kentucky, President Barack Obama's Education Department said schools could erect privacy curtains in changing areas, permit all students to make use of single-stall restrooms or work out other case-by-case arrangements as long as the burden doesn't rest exclusively on transgender students. "The concerns for right to privacy and safety of children applies to every single child, including the transgender child," said Atherton's principal, Thomas Aberli, who faced community opposition when he first allowed a transgender freshman to use the girls' restrooms two years ago. Since that first student, about a half-dozen more have come out as transgender, Aberli said. New York: Police are looking for three teens in the US who skipped school to live-stream themselves engaging in sex acts on Facebook to their classmates, a media report said. On January 14, 2016, four juvenile students viewed a livestream on the social media website using their cell phones during health class at 1 pm. The students said the videos show a 14-year-old girl, a 15-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy engaging in sex acts, the report added. Police in Milwaukee city of the US are asking Facebook to hand over all the information it has on the account of a 14-year-old girl. From pictures, status history and videos to user information like name, email, and IP address, a report on CBS58.com said. Meanwhile, Milwaukee Public Schools released a statement saying in January, staff became aware of a video depicting inappropriate conduct that took place outside of school and off campus. "The school immediately notified proper authorities and cooperated with the investigation. We took appropriate disciplinary action against those involved, which would be in addition to any outside consequences they may face," the statement said. A Milwaukee County search warrant notes that the two juvenile girls in the video could be charged with "exposing a child to harmful material" while the 15-year-old boy that participated in the sexual acts was not listed as a suspect on the warrant. The video was viewed by students at Barack Obama School but was not filmed there. The two girls in the videos attend the school but according to the school principal, the two suspects skipped school after the first period, the report said. Moscow: At least three people were killed on Saturday when a mass brawl involving hundreds of men broke out at a Moscow cemetery, officials said. "At the moment, we have 26 injured and three dead," Interfax news agency said, quoting a spokesman for Moscow`s health department. Twenty-three people were hospitalised, four of them with serious injuries, the official said. An interior ministry spokesman, cited by Interfax, said 90 people had been arrested after the fighting. Footage shown on the TV news channel LifeNews showed dozens of men armed with staves or steel bars in running battles inside the cemetery and at its entrance while gunshots could be heard. Reports said the fight at the Khovanskoye cemetery involved 200 immigrants from former Soviet Central Asia and residents from Russia`s volatile North Caucasus. Two of the victims were Tajikistan nationals, according to Karomat Sharipov,a representative of the Tajik diaspora. "These were Tajik citizens who have worked in Russia for over 20 years," Sharipov told Interfax. "Organised crime gang members came, they demanded that they give them 20 percent of their income," and the fighting started when the Tajik workers refused to do so, added Sharipov, head of the Tajik Migrant Workers group. Russia`s interior ministry said the fight, including firearms, appeared to have been sparked by a dispute over who had the right to work on the cemetery, a massive 200-hectare (500-acre) site on Moscow`s southwestern rim. Islamabad: At a time when the world is highly concerned about eradicating Polio from the planet completely, a Pakistani woman believes it is a conspiracy by Jewish and Christian communities against Muslims. In a video that has gone viral on social media, a burkha-clad woman says that Polio and other vaccine is a dajjali conspiracy so that the Muslim children are unable to join the forces of Imam Mehdi against the forces of dajjal (the false messiah). Since the woman, who has been identified as Dr Umme-e-Muhammad, has spoken in Urdu, here is the English transcript of what she says: (The excerpts are taken from the blog of Carol Anne Grayson) Assalaam Alaikum my fellow countrymen. In our country there has been a constant reign of forceful and brutal martial law. Now these rulers have crossed even the brutalities of the pharaohs. Now the countrymen are not facing the army martial law but medical martial law. If you do not give your innocent infants the poison drops then your daily life will be curtailed. There is no guarantee that in the very near future your infants will be taken from you and given to the Jewish and Christian NGOs. The pharaohs used to kill innocent children openly but these worshipers of money on the promises of giving life are selling poison drops and injections. I am not saying these things in this forum on verbal information but on the basis of my personal experience and research. In the near future the enemies of Muslims are developing such viruses which will be sprayed onto Muslim population so that whole of the inhabitants will become numb. Polio vaccine and similar vaccines are a part of the same chain. Allah has warned us about the nefarious designs of the Zionists and Christians. Polio and other vaccine is a dajjali conspiracy so that our children are unable to join the forces of Imam Mehdi against the forces of dajjal. I appeal to the doctors, nurses and health workers that do not become a cause for the race elimination and destruction of Muslims. Do not spoil your afterlife for a few rupees. O my Muslims mothers how can you expose your loved ones to the poisoned drops and injections. Now the reality is that to get gas and electricity facilities you have to make your children mentally and physically disabled." Polio Kya Hai?Dr Umme Muhammad by ftubehd YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS. The tension since midday May 13 on the contact line of Karabakh-Azerbaijan opposing forces did not alleviate on May 14. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of NKR Defense Ministry, Azerbaijan violated the truce by firing 60 and 82 mm mortars (53 and 142 projectiles respectively), AGS17 (30 projectiles), RPG-7 (2 projectiles), grenade launchers and ZU-23-2 (30 shooting). As a result of the ceasefire violation by Azerbaijan, Defense Army serviceman Eduard Poghosyan, 1995, received severe gunshot injury in the northern direction. The responsive measures taken by the Defense Army frontline units silenced Azerbaijani activation. Pfizer said in a statement on its website that its mission includes making products to enhance and save lives, and therefore the company "strongly objects" to the use of its products in lethal injections A decision by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to restrict distribution of its products used in lethal injections has cut off the last remaining approved source of drugs for carrying out the death penalty, experts said. Capital punishment observers on Saturday hailed the move by New York-based Pfizer as "significant," noting that it highlights the pharmaceutical industry's opposition to the misuse of its products. Pfizer said in a statement on its website that its mission includes making products to enhance and save lives, and therefore the company "strongly objects" to their use in lethal injections. The statement was posted Friday, according to various US media outlets including The New York Times. Specifically, Pfizer said it was imposing restrictions on wholesalers, distributors and direct purchasers of seven drugs that are used or considered for use in lethal injection protocols, barring these buyers from reselling them to correctional institutions for lethal injections. Government purchasers must certify that the products will only be used for "medically prescribed patient care," the company said. - Slowing executions - Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, called the move "significant." "It's offensive to the medical mission of the pharmaceutical companies when states misuse these medications which are designed to save lives and improve the quality of lives by instead using them to kill prisoners," he told AFP. Maya Foa, director of anti-death penalty group Reprieve, said that now more than 25 pharmaceutical companies have made moves to block the use of their products in executions. "This will mean that all FDA-approved manufacturers of all execution drugs have spoken out against the misuse of medicines in lethal injections and taken steps to prevent it," she said in a statement. The United States stands alone among Western nations for its use of the death penalty, but the number of prisoners it executes has slowed to a trickle in recent years -- partly due to a lack of drugs. Story continues In 2015, there were 28 executions carried out among the 31 US states with the death penalty. According to figures from the Death Penalty Information Center, 1,436 people have been executed since 1976 when the United States reinstated the death penalty, reaching a peak of 98 executions in 1999. Part of the recent drop in numbers is due to a European export ban that stopped pharmaceutical companies producing the drugs from sending them to US prisons. Prisons generally use a cocktail of three drugs in carrying out lethal injections. One knocks the condemned unconscious, another paralyzes muscles and a third stops the heart. Some of the lethal injection executions carried out since 2014 have been widely criticized after they made prisoners die slowly while gasping, groaning and convulsing. The US Constitution bans "cruel and unusual" punishment and defense lawyers have not hesitated to launch last-minute appeals questioning the effectiveness of various drugs, often successfully. - Alternative methods - A few states have tried to revive the pace of executions by passing measures that guarantee anonymity to pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the required drugs. The states of Georgia, Missouri and Texas have overcome shortages and restrictions by obtaining pentobarbital -- which numbs the central nervous system including parts of the brain -- from compounding pharmacies. Compounding pharmacies, which are not as strictly regulated as traditional drug makers, can combine, mix or alter drugs to create individually tailored medications. Other states, faced with the difficulty of obtaining drugs, have turned to old methods. Utah has approved the use of the firing squad if lethal injection drugs are unavailable, and Oklahoma -- before putting a hold on executions -- had approved the gas chamber. By Alexandria Sage and Julia Love SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc's $1 billion investment in Chinese ride sharing company Didi Chuxing intensifies a race to acquire technology, talent and market access in a rapidly evolving global personal transportation market. Apple's investment comes as auto and technology industry executives and investors are placing bets that self-driving car systems, electric vehicles and ride sharing will eventually converge to allow companies to sell rides in self-driving vehicles, generating revenue day and night. For Apple, Chief Executive Tim Cook said to Reuters that investing in the leading Chinese ride sharing service could expand its presence in that "very, very important" market, and serve other ends as well. "We are making the investment for a number of strategic reasons, including a chance to learn more about certain segments of the China market, and we also see lots of opportunities for closer cooperation between the two companies. Of course, we believe it will deliver a strong return for our invested capital over time as well," Cook said in an interview Thursday. Analysts said Apple's investment also could bolster relations with the Chinese government, and put a roadblock in the way of rivals Alphabet Inc and Uber Technologies, among others looking to profit from re-making the personal transportation market. "(Apple is) going to learn a ton about what driving a car is like in China," said analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research. Apple's ride-sharing investment highlights a surge in automotive technology deals, which have increased by 58 percent in 2015, with a 154 percent jump in funding, according to CBInsights, a venture capital database. In 51 deals, investors put $409M into auto tech companies in 2015. "It's a reflection of fact there are very few industries in the world ... that are going to go through as much disruptive transformation as transportation," said Michael Linse of Linse Capital which last week invested another $50 million in electric vehicle charging company Chargepoint. DIPPING INTO THE MONEY CHEST The ride-sharing investment barely dents Apple's war chest, which stood at $232.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of its most recent earnings. The investment is something of a departure for the iPhone maker, which has made few large deals in its history, with the exception of its roughly $3 billion acquisition of headphone maker Beats in 2014. Pressure is mounting for Apple to untap new sources of growth as sales of the iPhone, which accounts for about two-thirds of its revenue, declined for the first time last quarter. Investments and acquisitions could be a short cut for Apple to return to the kind of growth that Wall Street has come to expect, said analyst Bob O'Donnell of TECHnalysis Research. "It's clearly time for Apple to dip into their money chest," he said. "Just moving forward with what they've got is not going to really cut it." Estimates of the size of the market for transportation services vary, but industry executives agree it is big. Ford Motor Co Chief Executive Mark Fields tells investors the market for transportation services could grow to $5.4 trillion a year which is why Ford earlier this year set up a new business unit, Ford Smart Mobility LLC, to develop ventures and alliances in the sector. Yoav Leitersdorf, managing partner of California and Israel-based YL Ventures, said self-driving car technology is "the Holy Grail" of investors right now. "Anything leading to that is very hot right now," said Leitersdorf, who invests in Israeli technology firms, most recently cybersecurity company Karamba Security. General Motors Co on Friday said it had closed its acquisition of San Francisco autonomous driving startup Cruise Automation. That deal is one of a series of moves by global automakers to expand beyond traditional manufacturing. Automakers are under pressure from investors to demonstrate they can fend off disruption of their traditional profit engines. GM earlier this year invested $500 million to buy a stake in Lyft, which also has an alliance with Didi. GM executives have outlined plans to use Cruise technology to deliver autonomous, electric vehicles that Lyft could use in its fleets. A GM spokesman on Friday said the automaker has ridesharing pilot projects in China, but not in connection with Didi. The investment offers tremendous new resources for the collaborative work Didi does with Lyft, said Lyft spokeswoman Sheila Bryson, adding that the executive teams and technical teams of both companies work closely together. Its really exciting for Lyft, too, said Bryson. Apple's alignment with Didi may deliver a blow to Uber, which is fiercely competing for market share in China, one of its most critical and intense markets. The company is losing more than $1 billion a year there, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick told Reuters earlier this year. German automakers BMW AG and Daimler AG have invested in car-sharing services, and also with Volkswagen AG have acquired stakes in HERE, a European digital mapping company. The German automakers have said HERE will be integral to their efforts to develop self-driving cars. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV earlier this month struck a deal with Alphabet Inc's Google autonomous car operation to supply 100 Pacifica minivans that Google will outfit with its self-driving vehicle technology. Both companies have portrayed this as a limited agreement Google will not share its technology with Fiat Chrysler. The deal is the first direct collaboration on autonomous vehicle production between an automaker and Google. (Additional reporting by Heather Somerville; additional writing by Joseph White; Editing by Bernard Orr) By Alastair Sharp TORONTO (Reuters) - Business got even tougher for Canada's newspaper industry last year, data showed on Friday, with nationally distributed advertising cut by almost a quarter and online ad sales barely taking up any of the slack. Total daily-newspaper revenue in 2015 fell to C$1.4 billion ($1.1 billion), down 12.6 percent from a year earlier, according to the data compiled by Newspapers Canada, an industry group representing publishers. The national portion fell 24.2 percent, to C$401 million, with sales there now half where they stood in 2012. Canadian newsrooms are shrinking in increasing numbers as advertisers shift to digital alternatives including Facebook and Google search ads to reach younger and more tech-savvy audiences. Even if these advertisers pitch their products and services next to Canadian newspaper articles online, the publishers themselves are not collecting unless their news stories are being read on their own sites. The country's biggest newspaper publisher, Postmedia Network Canada Corp last month said it was looking to sell assets or restructure its finances as its losses widened in "an unrelentingly challenging environment". Online ad revenue for the overall industry was C$228 million, barely higher than the C$226 million reported in 2014 and C$221 million in 2013. Local advertising declines were much smaller than the national shrinkage, and spending there has now overtaken national spending as the biggest slice of the revenue pie for the first time since 2009, the data showed. Canada's federal Liberal government is prepared to overhaul the country's laws governing broadcasting, media and cultural industries to support local content, a minister told the Globe and Mail newspaper last month. By Jonathan Spicer and Jim Finkle (Reuters) - In the years before hackers stole $81 million from a Bangladesh central bank account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, senior Fed security officials examined the risk of such an attack - but judged the prospect unlikely, bank sources told Reuters. The Fed managers worried that lax security procedures and outdated technology at some foreign central banks could allow cyber-criminals to commandeer local computers and breach foreign accounts at the U.S. central bank, according to interviews with seven current and former New York Fed officials and a former U.S. government official familiar with the discussions. Over several years, New York Fed and Federal Bureau of Investigation officials discussed the risk of an attack made using the banking systems communications network, known as SWIFT, according to Fed and government officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The New York Fed was concerned with lots of vulnerabilities, said the former government official. SWIFT was one of them. But the Fed focused security resources on other priorities, such as preventing money-laundering and enforcing U.S. economic sanctions, officials with knowledge of the banks security operations told Reuters. Fed officials took some comfort in the fact that SWIFTs security software had never been cracked, the officials said. The immediate result of the breach for the New York Fed is a claim from the Bangladesh Bank for payment of lost funds and a potential lawsuit. Beyond that, the heist showed that the U.S. central bank long understood a potentially systemic risk to a vital global finance network, but was unable or unwilling to address it. The New York Fed declined to comment on past security priorities or on whether it had made changes since the heist. SWIFT declined to comment. Before the heist, some New York Fed officials considered the threat of fraudulent transfers ordered through SWIFT a fat tail risk a statistical term for events with low probability but dire consequences, said one well-placed official with knowledge of the discussions. Februarys theft from the Bangladesh Bank fit that definition - a bold cyber heist in which thieves attempted to withdraw nearly $1 billion in dozens of requests. The crime rattled the banking industry because the conduit for the theft was the SWIFT network, an acronym for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. A cooperative overseen by 20 of the worlds largest central banks, SWIFT connects about 11,000 financial institutions globally that use it to order money transfers. What everyone is realizing right now is that no one has ever really appreciated the risk, said the person with direct knowledge of the New York Feds deliberations. SWIFT has said that the scheme involved altering SWIFT software on Bangladesh Bank computers to hide evidence of fraudulent transfers. Last week, SWIFT acknowledged that the Bangladesh Bank attack was not an isolated incident but one of a number of recent criminal schemes aimed at its messaging platform. SWIFT has declined to elaborate further. Two Bangladesh Bank officials have told Reuters they believe both the New York Fed and SWIFT bear some responsibility for the failure to prevent the attack. The officials previously told Reuters that SWIFT gave Bangladesh Bank no prior warning about vulnerabilities, and the New York Fed failed to stop fraudulent orders when they reached New York. The head of Bangladesh Bank is scheduled to meet next week with New York Fed president William Dudley and a senior executive from SWIFT to discuss the matter. SWIFT has said the attack was related to an internal operating issue at Bangladesh Bank, and the New York Fed has said it has no evidence that its systems were compromised. Richard Dzina, head of the New York Feds wholesale product office, in remarks at a banking conference Tuesday said bank workers acted properly in releasing the funds. The system was penetrated, he said, because the hackers had acquired valid credentials to order the transfers. $80 BILLION A DAY The New York Fed holds trillions of dollars in funds for central banks worldwide. It processes about $80 billion in fund transfers in and out of their accounts each day, according to a New York Fed official. Security is handled by the New York Feds Central Bank and International Account Services (CBIAS) division, a closely-guarded operation inside its fortress in lower Manhattan. CBIAS assigns risk profiles to individual countries and regions, assessing government stability, terrorism threats, and organized crime activity when deciding how to dispense cash to central banks and other official institutions, current and former Fed officials said. In the months before the attack, the security unit was focused on bulking up its anti-money laundering protections, an initiative driven by the Board of Governors at the Feds Washington, D.C. headquarters, according to two people familiar with the plan. Another priority was protecting the Feds own Fedwire payments system from cyber attacks, several current and former Fed officials said. Most transfer requests are approved automatically after computer screening. Only a few of about 2,000 daily transactions are flagged for review by employees, according to a New York Fed official. One of the officials said automated scanners used for SWIFT payments were effective for preventing money laundering and enforcing economic sanctions - but would not defend the bank against fraudulent money transfers. There is a balance here that has to be struck between allowing customers to make new payments and to conduct their business in a timely manner, and also to prevent really obnoxious or obvious cases of fraud, said Shehriyar Antia, a former senior New York Fed policy advisor and analyst in the CBIAS unit. The CBIAS system specifically checks for typographical errors - and it was a thiefs typo, along with an unusually high number of requests for payments to private entities, that alerted the Fed to Februarys cyber attack, banking sources have told Reuters. Once alerted, the Fed suspended payments on most of the requests coming from the Bangladesh Bank, but not before the thieves extracted $81 million. The Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh police and the FBI are investigating the attack. A Bangladesh police official who heads the departments forensic training institute previously told Reuters that SWIFT servers at Bangladesh's central bank were vulnerable to hackers because of the absence of a firewall and a lack of basic security protocols. LOOSE CONTROLS Three former officials said that the New York Fed had recently focused on loose controls over terminals and other access points to the SWIFT network at foreign central banks, where bankers often order withdrawals for hundreds of millions of dollars. The concerns focused on the possibility that banks would purchase computers implanted with malicious software or that attackers could steal or buy legitimate credentials from employees, said the former U.S. government official. An additional worry, according to two former Fed officials, was the possibility that a corrupt insider possibly a bank employee might have access to the SWIFT network and submit a fraudulent payment request. Years of managing foreign central bank accounts gave some Fed officials concern that certain banks were ill-equipped to handle local security because of a lack of infrastructure investment and other procedural problems. But the Fed does not have the ability to audit the security protocols at correspondent central banks. The vulnerability is that central banks, even in developing countries, have a lot of money relative to their level of sophistication, said the official with knowledge of the security concerns. Its not just Bangladesh. (Writing by David Greising; editing by Brian Thevenot and Edward Tobin) OTTAWA (Reuters) - The health of the world economy is expected to be a major focus at the upcoming meeting of Group of Seven finance ministers, given the increasing number of risks to growth, a senior Canadian official said on Friday. The topic of international tax evasion and avoidance is also likely to be prominent in the wake of the so-called "Panama Papers", the Finance Department official told reporters. Policymakers will begin the G7 meeting in Sendai, Japan next week with a discussion of the key risks to the global economic outlook and what policy mix is the right one to bolster growth. While some, including the International Monetary Fund, have called for countries to take more fiscal action rather than relying on central bank policy to stimulate growth, some countries have argued they do not have the room to take such measures. Canada's new Liberal government unveiled a stimulus budget earlier this year that included infrastructure spending to boost growth and Finance Minister Bill Morneau is expected to tout a growth agenda and encourage his G7 peers to focus on investment, the official said. Canada could find an ally on this in the United States, though other countries at the table will also likely be sympathetic, the official said. The possibility that Britain could vote in a referendum next month to leave the European Union will also likely be discussed. A vote to leave would have significant implications for Britain, the EU and the world economy but it is difficult to know exactly what the impact would be ahead of time, the official said. As for movements in the foreign exchange markets, the official said he did not expect that to dominate the discussion as G7 members have been clear about the importance of not manipulating currencies. U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said earlier on Friday it was important for G7 economies to reinforce pledges to refrain from competitive currency devaluations at their meeting next week. (Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) By Jim Finkle and Sanjeev Miglani (Reuters) - SWIFT has rejected allegations by officials in Bangladesh that technicians with the global messaging system made the nation's central bank more vulnerable to hacking before an $81 million cyber heist in February. The comments were in response to a Reuters story that cited Bangladeshi police and a central bank official as saying that SWIFT technicians introduced security holes into the bank's network while connecting SWIFT to Bangladesh's first real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system. "SWIFT was not responsible for any of the issues cited by the officials, or party to the related decisions," the Brussels-based bank-owned cooperative said in a statement posted on its website on Monday. "As a SWIFT user like any other, Bangladesh Bank is responsible for the security of its own systems interfacing with the SWIFT network and their related environment starting with basic password protection practices in much the same way as they are responsible for their other internal security considerations," the statement said. But Bangladesh's main police investigator maintained there were loopholes in the way SWIFT carried out the integration of its network with the RTGS platform that left the central bank's computer systems vulnerable to hackers. Mohammad Shah Alam, the head of the criminal investigation department of the Bangladesh police, said the probe had identified specific deviations from set procedures that compromised Bangladesh Bank's security. "We stand by our investigation," he said in response to the comments by SWIFT. But he added he did not want to engage in a debate and urged greater international cooperation to identify the culprits behind one of the world's biggest cyber thefts. Reuters has not been able to independently verify the allegations by Bangladeshi officials about the SWIFT technicians. U.S. investigators suspect the involvement of employees of the Bangladesh Bank in helping the hackers breach the systems, the Wall Street Journal said, quoting people familiar with the matter. It said the Federal Bureau of Investigation had found evidence that at least one bank employee acted as an accomplice but there could be more who assisted the hackers in navigating around Bangladesh Bank's computer systems. NO SHARING OF EVIDENCE Bangladesh police said they have been looking for inside involvement in the heist from the beginning of the probe, but no evidence has turned up against anyone. Investigators say they think there was some level of local facilitation in the attack on the central bank's computers but haven't identified it as yet. "If the FBI has uncovered evidence, they should share with us," a police officer said. The revelations came ahead of a meeting on Tuesday in Basel, Switzerland, where Bangladesh Bank officials have said their governor and a lawyer appointed by the bank would discuss recovery of about $81 million stolen by hackers with the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a senior executive from SWIFT. The money was stolen from Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Fed through fraudulent transfer orders sent on the SWIFT system. SWIFT's statement said it "looks forward to the meeting with Bangladesh Bank and New York Federal Reserve Bank officials in Basel on 10th May, when the banks security issues and these baseless allegations will be discussed." Bangladesh Bank officials have said they believed SWIFT, and the New York Fed, bear some responsibility for the February cyber heist. (Additional reporting by Serajul Quadir in DHAKA; Editing by Toni Reinhold and Raju Gopalakrishnan) Reuters With only days to go before unveiling a major strategic overhaul, Credit Suisse is racing to firm up sales of parts of its business that could reduce the amount of cash it might need from investors. The embattled Swiss lender is trying to recover from a string of scandals and lawsuits and could embark on a fundamental revamp to slim down volatile investment banking to focus on wealth management. Analysts estimate it could face a capital shortfall of up to 9 billion Swiss francs ($9.01 billion) -- depending on what it does to scale back its investment bank and how much it raises from asset sales -- to restructure, support growth and have a safety cushion. By Sanjeev Miglani and Serajul Quadir DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh's central bank chief will meet the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a senior executive from global financial messaging service SWIFT next week to seek the recovery of about $81 million stolen by hackers, officials in Dhaka said. Two Bangladesh Bank officials said the bank believed both the New York Fed and SWIFT bore some responsibility for the February cyber heist. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity since they were not authorized to brief the media. The bank's governor Fazle Kabir, New York Fed President William Dudley and a SWIFT representative will meet in Basel, Switzerland around May 10, they and another person briefed by the central bank said. It was not immediately clear who would represent SWIFT. Spokeswomen for SWIFT and the New York Fed declined comment. Hackers tried to steal nearly $1 billion from Bangladesh Bank's settlement account at the New York Fed in early February by sending fraudulent transfer orders through SWIFT. Of the 35 transfer orders sent, 30 were blocked. Four transfers to a Philippine bank for a total of $81 million went through while a $20 million transfer to a Sri Lankan company was reversed because the hackers mis-spelled the name of the firm. "There is a responsibility the New York Fed has to accept," said one of the Bangladesh Bank officials. "If you stopped 30 transactions, why did you not stop the others? "SWIFT also bears responsibility," the official said. "It's supposed to be a closed system. Now you have seen they have disclosed that there have been attacks previously on its software." A potential lawsuit by Bangladesh Bank would probably fail in the United States unless it could marshal more evidence than is currently public to show negligence by the New York Fed or SWIFT, said William Black, a professor of economics and law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. A U.S. court would look to any contracts that Bangladesh Bank had with the New York Fed or SWIFT, and those contracts most likely require only due care to prevent such a hack, Black said. Citing news reports that the hackers sent the correct codes to the New York Fed to authenticate their requests, Black said that would seem to meet the legal standard for taking due care to protect the money, Black said. The New York Fed could also try to put a stop to a lawsuit by arguing that it has sovereign immunity as an arm of the U.S. government, but that question would need to be decided by a judge, Black said. Last week, SWIFT acknowledged that the Bangladesh Bank attack was not an isolated incident but one of several recent criminal schemes that aimed to take advantage of the global messaging platform used by about 11,000 financial institutions. The other Bangladesh Bank official said lawyers would be present at the meeting. Ajmalul Hussain, a Dhaka-based lawyer hired by the central bank to help it retrieve the funds, could not be reached for comment. His office said he was out of the country. It was not immediately known if Bangladesh Bank had retained any U.S. or European law firm to help recover the money. However the bank said in an internal report in March it was considering "preparing the ground to make a legitimate claim for the loss of funds" against the New York Fed "through a legal process." Both central bank officials said Kabir, the governor, would be accompanied by an official from the accounts and budgeting department on the trip to Basel and would seek the recovery of the stolen funds. Basel is the headquarters of the Bank for International Settlements, a group of major central banks. Central bankers from several countries will meet there next week, according to the bank. The stolen $81 million was sent to a bank in the Philippines and quickly passed on to casinos and casino agents. Most of it remains missing. However, one junket operator has returned about $15 million to authorities in Manila. One of the Bangladesh Bank officials expressed confidence that there would be a resolution to the dispute soon, though he didn't provide any evidence for the optimism. (Additional reporting by Jim Finkle, Jonathan Spicer and David Ingram; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Brian Thevenot) A volunteer group dedicated to Lyme disease awareness, prevention and support in Manitoba is challenging Canada's government to participate in what they're calling "The Lyme Sucks Challenge." Specifically, the Manitoba Lyme Disease Group is challenging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Health Minister Jane Philpott to complete the challenge. It involves declaring, "Lyme sucks" before sucking on a lime, posting a video of the challenge to social media and donating to the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation. A similar campaign called The Ice Bucket Challenge, where participants videotape themselves dumping a bucket of ice water over their heads, has raised millions for ALS research and support. The group's challenge for the Trudeau government comes days before the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Conference in Ottawa, which is scheduled to run from Sunday to Tuesday. Marnie Le Page, 40, will be there. Le Page's 13-year-old daughter, Brooke, has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, but the diagnosis came months after Le Page believes she contracted it. 'In bed all the time' According to Le Page, Brooke was infected at a corn maze in Manitoba at the end of October 2014. While Le Page says she does not remember seeing a tick bite, her daughter started exhibiting flu-like symptoms including excruciating headaches, joint and muscle pain and debilitating fatigue by December. Before becoming ill, Brooke was a competitive swimmer, spending 20 hours per week training at the pool. "By March, she was in bed all the time. She couldn't even watch television or read a book. All tests from the emergency room came back [normal]. The one thing they never tested for is Lyme disease," Le Page said. "I requested [the test] from several different places. They said it wasn't possible to get Lyme disease at that time of year and they wouldn't run the test." Lyme disease, a serious illness spread through ticks, can cause a wide range of symptoms, including arthritis, neurological problems, numbness and paralysis, some of which can last months or years. In rare cases, it can prove fatal. Story continues The Le Page family flew to California, where Brooke was formally diagnosed with Lyme disease at a laboratory called IGeneX, Inc. 'Our system here isn't adequate' "Everything is at our expense handling her treatment," Le Page said. "Any doctor appointments we've had at the lab since; every treatment, antibiotics, travel costs. Everything is out of pocket for us." Le Page has since left work to care for Brooke full-time. Still, she said it was a, "blessing in disguise" to have her daughter diagnosed out of province. "Our system here isn't adequate for that," she said. Some common responses to her requests that her daughter be tested were, "Lyme isn't [in Manitoba]," or, "It's not very common," Le Page said. "We could afford the testing. There are many people who can't," she said. "I met a man [in Manitoba on Friday] who had had Lyme disease for 19 years. He struggles with it and he was in rough shape." New hope Le Page said the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Conference in Ottawa has renewed her sense of hope for adequate treatment in Canada, so long as planning and development involves input from patients and caregivers. "The fact that there is a conference and they're inviting people all across Canada they're either patients or caregivers is they're recognizing there is a problem that has to be addressed," she said. "So I am hopeful that there is going to be changes made and hope that they're going to allow us to be part of that change." As for Brooke, Le Page said despite having to travel to obtain a diagnosis, doctors caught the disease early and it has not affected her mobility. Still, the consequences have been devastating. "She's in junior high. That's a huge part of your social development, and Lyme disease has ups and downs. She was seeing friends last summer. We were hiking. Then, in the fall time something happened and she went down again. She's still trying to pick up again," she said. "It's a daily battle." By Marc Frank and Anthony Boadle HAVANA/BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian President Dilma Rousseffs suspension from office is bad news for newly trendy Cuba, which despite a detente with Washington is feeling the pinch from a downturn ravaging allies' economies and political fortunes in South America and Africa. Friends such as Venezuela, Brazil and Angola for years used revenue from a commodities boom to pay for Cuban medical and educational services, turning it into the communist-run islands main source of hard currency. President Raul Castro's detente with the United States has helped drive up tourism to record highs but income from the influx of foreign visitors were only about one-third of the $7 billion from health and education exports in 2014. Over the last 13 years, Brazil's leftist governments also provided at least $1.75 billion in credit on favorable terms, drawing fire from opponents who are also angered by a program that put 11,400 Cuban doctors to work in Brazil. Those projects will now be re-examined after Brazils Senate voted on Thursday to put Rousseff on trial for breaking budget laws. She is now suspended from office while the trial takes place in coming months, and a likely conviction would end her presidency. "There will be a short-term review of our Cuba policy, because the money has run out and because there are some serious governance questions regarding the loans. Everything will be put on hold, said a Brazilian diplomat who served in Havana. Some of Brazil's loans bankrolled a major expansion project at Cuba's Mariel port with 25-year repayment periods and rates of between 4.4 percent to 6.9 percent, Brazilian data shows. Critics say the terms are too generous given Cuba's poor credit history. Support from a bloc of leftist governments in Latin America since the turn of the century helped Cuba get back on its feet after the collapse of the Soviet Union caused a massive economic crisis in the 1990s. Improving relations with the United States and Europe hold the promise of new revenue, but for now Cuba's economy will suffer as the tide turns against allies. Centrist politician Michel Temer took over as interim president in Brazil on Thursday. His government is not expected to send home the Cuban doctors working in Brazil since 2013-14 but it will not hire any more. "Obviously there will be no more Cuban doctors coming here in the future, because this model of assistance is questionable and there wont be support for it, but I doubt any Cubans doctors will be booted out," said the diplomat, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak on the matter. Senator Ronaldo Caiado, a leader of the Democrats party inside Temer's coalition government, said the doctors should stay, but money paid to Cuba, approximately $500 million in 2015, should stay in Brazil and be paid directly to the medics. Last month, Rousseff extended the medical services contract for another 3 years, but it has to be approved by Congress and might run into trouble with lawmakers critical of the terms first signed in 2013. The doctors work in some of Brazil's remotest regions, winning support of local mayors. That support, and municipal elections in October, might make Congress think twice about abruptly ending the program. Cuba's biggest doctors abroad program is with oil exporter Venezuela in exchange for crude and money, where collapsing crude prices have triggered economic chaos. Those shipments are stable at around 90,000 barrels a day. CASH FLOW Cuba has already tightened its belt. The government began cutting imports and asking for longer payment terms from foreign suppliers last year and has been late meeting its obligations this year, according to Western diplomats and businessmen. "They clearly have a cash flow problem. Some of our companies are being paid and others are not," a European ambassador said on Monday. The government has said it expects economic growth to slow in 2016 from 4 percent last year. Brazil's government says it paid Cuba more than $500 million for the doctors' services in 2015, and another $100 million went to the doctors themselves. Rousseff is not the first leftist ally Cuba has lost in the past year. Argentina's leftist Peronists lost power at the last election in November. And there are deep concerns in Cuba over political stability in Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro is struggling with a deep recession and a stronger opposition. "Latin America and the Caribbean are feeling the effects of a strong and well planned counter offensive by the imperialists and oligarchy," Cuban President Raul Castro charged last month at a gathering of Communist Party leaders. Nevertheless, he has worked in recent years to broaden Cuba's circle of friends by putting behind decades of hostility with Washington and improving its reputation with creditors. "The crises in these Latin American countries just underscores Raul's decision to normalize relations with the United States, to come to terms with Western creditors and sign a cooperation agreement with the European Union," said Bert Hoffman, a Latin American expert at the German Institute of Global and Area Studies. (Additional reporting by Marianna Parraga in Houston; Editing by Sarah Marsh and Kieran Murray) JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - A South African court will decide on Friday whether to allow class action suits seeking damages from the gold mining sector on behalf of thousands of miners who contracted tuberculosis and the fatal lung disease silicosis. The defendants in the case include Harmony Gold, Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti, Sibanye Gold, African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and Anglo American, which have formed the Occupational Lung Disease (OLD) Working Group to deal with such issues. The case is separate from a $30 million silicosis settlement with 4,400 miners reached in March by Anglo American and AngloGold. Friday's court ruling could mark the start of lengthy proceedings if it decides that the class actions - one for silicosis, the other for tuberculosis - go ahead. The suits, which have little precedent in South African law, have their roots in a landmark 2011 ruling by the Constitutional Court that for the first time allowed lung-diseased miners to sue their employers for damages. "We are hopeful and we trust that the court will arrive at an appropriate decision," Charles Abrahams, one of the lawyers representing the miners, told Reuters. Companies are not directly commenting on the case but in March the OLD Working Group said: "While the mining companies will defend the legal claims made against them, protracted litigation is not in the interests of any of the parties." It added: "The issue is also wider than pure compensation. The companies have not only committed to the prevention of future cases of silicosis as well as the detection and treatment of current ones, but have invested significant resources to ensure that these commitments are realised." Silicosis is caused by inhaling silica dust from gold-bearing rocks. It causes shortness of breath, a persistent cough and chest pains, and makes people highly susceptible to tuberculosis. The claims, which stretch back decades, involve not just South Africans but also thousands of former miners from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho. This is why Anglo American, which no longer has any interests in gold mining, and ARM, which no longer operates gold mines, have been named in the claims. (Reporting by Ed Stoddard; Editing by Ruth Pitchford) (Reuters) - SWIFT has told its bank customers that they are responsible for securing computers used to send messages over its global network, which was used to steal some $81 million from a Bangladesh central bank account at the New York Fed in February. The theft marked one of the biggest-ever cyber heists. SWIFT is not, and cannot, be responsible for your decision to select, implement (and maintain) firewalls, nor the proper segregation of your internal networks," the bank-owned cooperative said in a letter to users dated May 3 that advised them to review security protocols. "As a SWIFT user you are responsible for the security of your own systems interfacing with the SWIFT network and your related environments," the letter said. "We urge you to take all precautions." Reuters reviewed the contents of the letter on Wednesday. A person familiar with its contents said it was the first time SWIFT had sent such a letter since the Brussels-based group was founded in 1973. The letter's details first were reported this week by financial news sites The Banker and Payments Cards and Mobile. Former SWIFT staffers say the group has always told clients they are responsible for securing their points of access to the SWIFT system. They added that SWIFT does not guarantee that criminals will not gain access to clients SWIFT keys, encryption devices that are used to identify legitimate users. A SWIFT spokeswoman told Reuters on Wednesday that SWIFT registers and authenticates its customers, issuing them encryption tools including digital signatures, and provides them with public key infrastructure (PKI) certificates that identify authorized users of the network. Customers are responsible for all messages signed with their certificates and, of course, for protecting their certificates and ensuring only duly authorized operators can use them to sign messages," she said. "SWIFT is not, and cannot be, responsible for messages that are created fraudulently within customer firms. The funds stolen in the February attack had been held for Bangladesh Bank at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York before fraudulent orders arrived requesting a transfer to Bangladesh. A New York Fed official said each central bank that holds an account at the U.S. central bank has agreed that the New York Fed can rely on the SWIFT messaging protocols to verify the account owner has sent requests for payments. This agreement, the official said, is binding under U.S. payments law for authorized and verified payment orders. The rapid fulfillment of payment instructions received via SWIFT messages with valid credentials, is the central purpose of the system, former SWIFT employees and payments industry experts said. This appears to be Feds legal basis for its claim that it did nothing wrong, and it could figure into any lawsuit brought by Bangladesh Bank to reclaim funds. The New York Fed official told Reuters there were legal incentives for banks to use authentication protocols like SWIFT, and for customers "to safeguard confidential information pertaining to authentication procedures and access to transmitting facilities. SWIFT representatives met on Tuesday in Basel, Switzerland, with Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley and Bangladesh Bank Governor Fazle Kabir to discuss the heist. The three groups issued a joint statement promising to cooperate to cooperate to recover the stolen funds, following weeks of accusations over who is to blame. It was their first face-to-face encounter since the cyber attack left the three blaming each other over the incident. (Reporting by Jim Finkle in New York. Additional reporting by Jonathan Spicer in New York, Tom Bergin in London; Editing by Tom Brown) Robotics Carnegie Mellon and Disney Develop RFID Tagging for Real-Time Interactivity The signals from radio-frequency identification tags can make physical objects interactive. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Disney Research have developed a new technique and a system that processes simple radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to make them suitable for use in games, physical interfaces and other interactive objects. RFID tags are normally used for inventory control or to read luggage tags, but the new technique makes it possible to sense movement or touch in real time, according to information from the university. Typically, passive RFID tags transmit an identifying code when they are energized by radio frequency waves from an RFID reader, but these take a while to provide responses. As a solution, the teams created a new system, RapID, that can sense if an object is being moved or touched by using low-cost RFID tags that recognize movement in under 200 milliseconds. With RapID, users wont need to wait on a confirmation because the system interprets the signals by weighing the possibilities. The RFID tags cost less than a dime apiece, and can be applied to many objects, including those made from paper or other craft material. You can create interactive objects that are essentially disposable and perhaps even recyclable, said Scott Hudson, professor in Carnegie Mellons Human-Computer Interaction Institute, in a prepared statement. The team demonstrated RapID with a toy spaceship, a Tic-Tac-Toe application and an audio control board. RapID can also be used to create interactive storybooks. By making it easy to add RFID-based sensing to objects, RapID enables the design of new, custom interactive devices with a very fast development cycle, said Alanson Sample, a research scientist at Disney Research. Carnegie Mellon University and Disney Research will present their method at the Association for Computer Machinerys Conference on Human Factors in Computing this May. A video demonstration for the RapID system is available on YouTube. FRIDAY, May 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Websites and apps that promise to calculate a woman's most fertile days may often be off base, a new study suggests. When doctors put 53 fertility calculators to the test, they found that only four accurately predicted a hypothetical woman's "precise fertile window." "I'd recommend that consumers be cautious, and not completely rely on these sites and apps," said lead researcher Dr. Robert Setton. He is an obstetrics and gynecology resident at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College, in New York City. Setton was to present the findings Sunday at the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in Washington, D.C. Such research is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The concept behind online fertility calculators is simple, Setton explained. A woman typically needs to know the date of her last menstrual period, and the average length of her cycles. The calculator then tells her which days she'll have the best chance of conceiving. There are many such services out there, according to Setton. "But to the best of our knowledge, no one has studied their accuracy," he said. His team assessed 20 websites and 33 apps that were the top results in an online search. The researchers put the same information into each fertility calculator: the same date for the last menstrual period, and an average menstrual cycle length of 28 days. According to Setton, research shows that a woman's "fertile window" -- or the best time to have sex -- includes the day she ovulates and the five days before that. For a woman with a menstrual cycle of 28 days, that would be days 10 through 15. Yet only one website and three apps came up with that fertile window, Setton said. They included the Babymed.com site and the apps Clue; My Days - Period & Ovulation; and Period Tracker, the study found. The rest of the calculators, Setton said, "were all over the place." Some gave fertile windows that were 10 days long, he noted, and some incorrectly predicted the day of ovulation. What's not clear is whether any of these calculators are hindering couples from conceiving. "If the average woman without fertility issues uses one of these, will it affect her ability to get pregnant?" Setton said. "We don't know." But, he added, the concern is that some couples, especially those having trouble conceiving, will rely on these tools. Dr. Jennifer Wu, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, agreed. "Many patients use fertility apps on their smartphones. They do need to be aware that many of these apps are inaccurate," said Wu, who was not involved in the study. She noted that this study used an average menstrual cycle length of 28 days. "But it's actually normal for cycle length to vary from 21 to 35 days," she said. Wu suggested that women trying to conceive talk to their doctor about their individual cycle length, and how it varies from month to month. In some cases, Wu said, women might benefit from an ovulation prediction kit. Those are home-based electronic monitors that gauge hormone levels in the urine or saliva. Setton made another point: There are some people who use fertility-prediction sites and apps to avoid pregnancy. "Definitely don't rely on them for that," he advised. More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advice on planning for pregnancy. Uncertainty about Greece paying its debts may move markets again this summer. But a top Greek official said Friday he is not worried about the cash-strapped nation's ability to meet its demands. Greece will need additional aid to cover 3.5 billion euros ($3.96 billion) in debt payments due in July, according to the Financial Times. Greek Minister of State Nikos Pappas told CNBC he is "confident" Greece will reach an agreement at a May 24 meeting of eurozone finance ministers. "We are very close to concluding the agreement with our partners," Pappas told CNBC's "Power Lunch." Last summer, Greece and its creditors agreed to an 86 billion euro ($97.27 billion) bailout package contingent on certain reforms. Many in Greece continue to fight some of the austerity provisions of the deal, including recently passed pension and income tax reforms . Pappas said the Greek government has taken significant steps to increase stability and make the country a better environment for business. He added Greece has "achieved much more than anyone was expecting" in fiscal reforms. Pappas also addressed frustration with the reforms, which largely go against the platform Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras previously touted. He said "any agreement is a compromise." More From CNBC As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ Good Morning Warren and Friends, Hello from Gothenburg, Sweden! I am here with a group of women from the Women's World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) to give an award to Volvo for being the car of the year for the XC 90. We represented the 22 women from seventeen countries that vote for the car of the year. Thanks to my race car neighbor Scott Pruett. Pruett owns a winery in Auburn, CA and was kind enough to give me an autographed bottle of one of his finest wines to give Volvo's president and chief executive officer, Hakan Samuelsson. At the same time, we were given a look at Volvos new global small car range which will include a pure battery electric vehicle as well as Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain variants. If you think of the naming process, you realize Volvo has a big 90 vehicle; XC 90, S90, V90. They are bringing out the S60 and V60. The new concept cars will be the first built around Volvos new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which has been specially created for smaller cars named the 40 series. We were also told that there is great potential for an even smaller car than the 40 series to be built. In this video Volvo's Senior Vice President of design, Thomas Ingenlath, talks about the difference between the 40,60, 90 in brand design. What is the difference between architectures and design other than little, medium and big? It's hysterical and really makes you think about brand and design. Here is Volvo designer Thomas Ingenlath unveiling the 40.1 concept and unveiling the 40.2 concept. The first new 40 Series car is expected to go into production in 2017. We were told that Volvo could go even smaller than the 40 series Volvo Cars announced a new target of 1 million electrified cars sold by 2025. Let's chat about cars. News Microsoft Previews Office 365 Monitoring with Operations Management Suite Microsoft announced a preview today of the ability to monitor Office 365 accounts using its Operations Management Suite (OMS). OMS is a collection of Microsoft's services for organizations managing operations in public datacenters (such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services), as well as hybrid infrastructures (cloud services plus customer premises-based servers). OMS works as a standalone solution or it can be integrated with System Center Operations Manager, a capability that Microsoft enabled last year. With the new preview capabilities, OMS can now tap an "Office 365 Management Activity API." It currently can access data from Azure Active Directory, Exchange and SharePoint, according to Microsoft's announcement today. In general, OMS will show the overall activities of an organization's Office 365 end users. It shows login attempts and password resets, and it can be customized to show "suspicious" user activities using data from Azure Active Directory, according to the announcement. It also can be used to monitor the activities of system administrators by tracking the configuration changes they have made. For those organizations using Exchange, OMS will show IT pro activities, such as when mailbox permissions were added. It's also possible to monitor actions by external personnel, such as "datacenter personnel, datacenter service accounts, or delegated administrators," the announcement explained. OMS also has access to Exchange client information, which lets IT pros see problems originating from specific clients. On the SharePoint side, OMS can report specifics about end user activities. It shows when files were accessed, allowing IT pros to see details about the document, as well as the document itself. File sharing outside the organization via SharePoint sites can be tracked. IT pros can set up customized search queries in OMS, which can be tied to alerts. The search queries can be saved into the product's dashboard, allowing IT pros to customize their operations monitoring. OMS is an evolving product that Microsoft currently sells in the North American market, either as a standalone tool or as an extension to System Center. Its basic functions include log analytics, automation via the Azure Automation service, backup via the Azure Backup service and disaster recovery via the Azure Site Recovery service. It also has security and compliances capabilities, per Microsoft's TechNet description. The OMS product seemed to appear overnight at last year's Microsoft Ignite event. It's based on Azure Operational Insights, which itself sprung from System Center Advisor, a server-checking service that Microsoft at one point offered for free. A brief history of OMS can be found in this free e-book. It's not quite clear when OMS became a "general availability" product release. Microsoft's various OMS blog announcements show multiple improvements, which happen on a monthly basis. Microsoft seems to distinguish OMS from its System Center Operations Manager product by explaining that OMS is a management-as-a-service solution, or "IT services delivered from the cloud," according to a Microsoft brochure. OMS gets its new capabilities much faster than System Center Operations Manager, this Microsoft blog post explained. Business chiefs from across Central America on Friday made a joint plea to the region's political leaders to ratify a WTO agreement aimed at reducing poor infrastructure and other barriers to trade. "There is consensus in the Central American private sector that the governments of the region urgently need to take action so all Central American countries ratify the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement," they said through a statement issued by Guatemala's AGEXPOR association of exporters. The 70 representatives of enterprises in Central America, meeting in Guatemala City, said bureaucracy, lousy roads and other infrastructure, and lack of technology were hobbling their activities and competitiveness. According to the statement, only Panama and Nicaragua have ratified the WTO accord which was reached in 2013 with the aim of expediting the movement of goods across borders. Inefficiencies and onerous regulations were increasing the cost of traded goods in the region by as much as 10 percent, the statement said. Morocco's King Mohammed VI meets with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 11, 2016.Click here for high-resolution version WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - May 13, 2016) - On Thursday during an official visit to Beijing, Morocco's King Mohammed VI presided over the signing of 15 public-private partnership agreements between Morocco and the People's Republic of China. The King also announced that, in the interest of improving the two countries' relationship, Chinese citizens will no longer require a visa to visit Morocco. The agreements covered a range of areas, from housing development to energy to logistics and shipping and more. They included agreements between: Morocco and China's HAITE group to construct logistical and residential zones in the Tangiers region; Morocco's office for electricity and drinking water (ONEE) and China's SEPCO III Electric Power Construction to conduct studies on extending and maintaining Morocco's Jerada power plant; Morocco's National Tourism Office and China International Travel Service to increase tourism between the two countries; Linuo Ritter, SIE, Cap Holding and Attijariwafa Bank for the creation of an industrial production unit for solar water-heaters in Morocco; China Africa Development Fund (CAD Fund) and Attijariwafa Bank to open new prospects for Moroccan-Chinese investment opportunities in Africa; Haite Group, Morocco-China International and BMCE Bank of Africa to set up a Chinese-Moroccan industrial park in Morocco and a Chinese-Moroccan investment fund targeting the aeronautics, finances, industrial parks and infrastructure sectors; and more. Over the last two decades, Morocco has taken steps to become a business hub in Africa, investing in infrastructure and sector-specific education, expanding business relationships throughout the continent while courting foreign investment. And the work has paid off. In April, French automaker Renault announced a major new expansion of existing investments in the country, expanding operations alongside other big names like Bombardier and Boeing who also have a presence there. Story continues Earlier this year, Morocco was named among the 50 most innovative economies in the world and one of just two such economies in Africa by the 2016 Bloomberg Innovation Index. The World Bank's Doing Business 2016 report ranked Morocco first out of 20 MENA countries in terms of "ease of starting a business" and placed it sixth overall in the region for "ease of doing business." In 2014, the Wall Street Journal's Frontiers/FSG Frontier Markets Sentiment Index reported that Morocco is among the top ten frontier markets -- and the only one in the Maghreb -- most favored by foreign corporations. KPMG International and Oxford Economics' 2015 Change Readiness Index (CRI) ranked Morocco as the most "change-ready" country in the Maghreb, with particularly positive results in the category of "enterprise capability." "Thanks to forward thinking reforms under King Mohammed VI, Morocco today boasts a business-friendly, innovative economy, skilled workforce, political stability, and ever-strengthening ties in Africa," said former US Ambassador to Morocco Edward Gabriel. "All of this makes Morocco the ideal partner for world powers like China seeking to expand commercial and security relationships in the Maghreb region." The Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to inform opinion makers, government officials, and interested publics in the United States about political and social developments in Morocco and the role being played by the Kingdom of Morocco in broader strategic developments in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. This material is distributed by the Moroccan American Center for Policy on behalf of the Government of Morocco. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/5/13/11G098211/Images/King_with_Pres-82ae8ca8c1d3a6ec92eb24a5b36a5644.jpg AFP News Ukraine on Sunday denounced as dangerous lies suggestions from Russia that it was preparing to use a "dirty bomb". Its western allies also dismissed the allegations from Moscow, just hours after Russia went public with the claims. In conversations with his British, French and Turkish counterparts, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu conveyed "concerns about possible provocations by Ukraine with the use of a 'dirty bomb'", Moscow said. Russia did not mention the alleged "dirty bomb" allegation in its statement following Shoigu's call with Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin. "If Russia calls and says that Ukraine is allegedly preparing something, it means one thing: Russia has already prepared all this," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address on social media. "I believe that now the world should react as harshly as possible." Earlier Sunday, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba denounced Moscow's claims as "absurd" and "dangerous". "Russians often accuse others of what they plan themselves," he added. A British defence ministry statement said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had "refuted these claims and cautioned that such allegations should not be used as a pretext for greater escalation". And in Washington, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson dismissed Moscow's "transparently false" claim. "The world would see through any attempt to use this allegation as a pretext for escalation," she added. - 'Vile strikes' - Russia also announced Sunday that it had destroyed a depot in central Ukraine storing over 100,000 tonnes of aviation fuel. Kyiv's energy operator meanwhile said scheduled power cuts had been introduced in the Ukrainian capital due to Russia's repeated strikes on the nation's power network. The blackouts started from 11:13 am (0813 GMT) with consumers in Kyiv divided into three groups "disconnected for a certain period of time", energy company DTEK said. DTEK reiterated calls for residents to use electricity "sparingly" and for businesses to limit their use of external lighting. More than one million Ukrainian households have lost electricity following recent Russian strikes, according to the Ukrainian presidency, at least a third of the country's power stations having been destroyed ahead of winter. Zelensky condemned the "vile strikes" in comments late Saturday, after Russian attacks caused power cuts across the country. - 'Save your strength' - In the southern Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rig, deputy mayor Sergiy Miliutin was dealing with emergencies and power outages from his underground bunker, used as a venue for a children's martial arts competition. "I've reached a point where I just survive on my drive. You have to stay level-headed and save your strength. No one knows how long this will all last," he told AFP. The intensification of Russian strikes on Ukraine, particularly energy facilities, came after the bridge linking the annexed Crimea peninsula to mainland Russia was partially destroyed by an explosion earlier this month. It was another major setback for Moscow's forces, battling to contain a Ukrainian counter-offensive in the south and east of the country. French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday that it was for Ukrainians to decide when "peace is possible", in comments made in Rome at the start of a peace summit. Ukraine reported three deaths in an overnight Russian artillery strike in the Toretsk area, a governor of the eastern Donetsk region said. Inside Russia, two lines of defence have been built in the border region of Kursk to deal with any possible attack, a local governor said on Sunday. On Saturday Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor in the neighbouring Russian border region of Belgorod, said the construction of defence structures had begun. Gladkov said two civilians had been killed in strikes there Saturday, and that 15,000 people had been left without electricity. - Kherson evacuations - Meanwhile Ukraine's SBU intelligence service said it had detained two officials of Ukrainian aircraft engine maker Motor Sich on suspicion of working with Russia. The SBU said management at the company's plant in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region -- partly controlled by Russian forces -- had colluded with Russian state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec. The suspects had supplied Russia with Ukrainian aircraft engines that were used to make and repair attack helicopters, the SBU said. In the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, which Russia claims to have annexed, pro-Moscow officials on Saturday urged residents to leave "immediately" amid a "tense situation" at the front. Kherson, the region's main city, was the first to fall to Moscow's troops and retaking it would be a major prize in Ukraine's counter-offensive. A Moscow-installed official in Kherson, Kirill Stremousov, told Russian news agency Interfax on Saturday that around 25,000 people had left Kherson city to the left bank of the Dnipro River. Ukraine has denounced the removal of residents from Kherson, describing them as "deportations". bur-imm/raz/jj/lcm - The Kenyan government has been thrown into panic mode as it emerges that the US is silently pushing for the blacklisting of Kenya's airspace over security concerns - This means major airlines will avoid landing or flying over Kenya in what might significantly affect the country's tourism and standing as East Africa's hub - Surprisingly, US Federal Aviation Administration is pushing the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to declare Kenya's airspace unsafe The US wants Kenya's airspace classified alongside Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine and South Sudan which are considered unsafe for airlines to land or fly over. READ ALSO: One of the reasons behind Kenya Airways downfall It has emerged that a Kenyan delegation is battling to block the move which the US Federal Aviation Administration had already initiated with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). According to a brief from the Transport Ministry, US wants Kenya's airspace entered into the Conflict Zone Information Repository which technically refers to nations with an insecure airspace. READ ALSO: Kenya Airways Posts Record Losses Of KSh 25.7 Billion According to a report by The Standard Newspaper, its not yet clear why the US took the move without alerting Kenya of any intelligence or at least providing reason for the same. It is not clear whether the US has intelligence on an impending armed conflict in Kenya possibly against Somali-based terror group al-Shabaab. READ ALSO: Why Qatar Airways flew rugby team and not Kenya Airways While Transport Cabinet Secretary Micheal Macharia downplayed the threat posed by the move in an interview with The Standard, his fears are well expressed in a brief to the Ministry of Foreing Affairs. Approximately 40 airlines operate through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport due to Kenya's geographical position that makes it easier to connect to any major city in the world. Approximately 10,000 passengers pass through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on a daily basis to several destinations, underlining the importance of a free airspace to the country. READ ALSO: Obamas Arrival To Shutdown Kenyas Airspace For More Than Two Hours Tourism is one of the country's major foreign exchange earner and should the International Civil Aviation Organisation effect US's push, Kenya would suffer. The move may also jeopardise plans to introduce direct flights from Kenya to the United States of America that has been in the pipeline for quite a while now. Source: TUKO.co.ke The SWIFT logo is pictured in this photo illustration taken April 26, 2016. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/Illustration/File Photo By Jim Finkle and Sanjeev Miglani NEW YORK/DHAKA (Reuters) - Investigators probing the cyber heist of $81 million from the Bangladesh central bank connected it on Friday to the hack at Sony Corp's film studio in 2014, while global financial network SWIFT disclosed a previously unreported attack on a commercial bank. SWIFT did not say which commercial bank it was or whether it had lost money, but cyber-security firm BAE Systems said a Vietnamese bank, which it did not name, had been a target. It was not clear if they were referring to the same attack and there was no immediate comment from authorities in Hanoi. SWIFT, the linchpin of the global financial system, said forensic experts believed the second case showed that the Bangladesh heist was not a single occurrence, but part of a wider campaign targeting banks. In both cases, SWIFT said, insiders or cyber attackers had succeeded in penetrating the targeted banks' systems, obtaining user credentials and submitting fraudulent SWIFT messages that correspond with transfers of money. The cooperative has maintained that its core messaging service has not been compromised. But confirmation of a second attack on a bank will likely increase scrutiny on the security of a network used by 11,000 financial institutions globally. In Bangladesh, cyber-security experts hired by the central bank said in a report that hackers were still inside the bank's network, monitoring the investigation into one of the biggest cyber heists in the world. Reuters reviewed parts of the report, but the source who shared the document declined to provide access to its full contents, saying the release of some details could hamper a multinational effort to catch the criminals. Asked about the report, a Bangladesh Bank spokesman said: "We have engaged forensic experts to investigate the whole thing, including this." He did not elaborate. Investigators have determined that one team of hackers, dubbed Group Zero in the report, was responsible for the heist and remained inside the network. Group Zero may be seeking to monitor the ongoing cyber investigations or cause other damage, but is unlikely to be able to order fraudulent fund transfers, the investigators wrote. Story continues "NATION-STATE ACTOR" Two other groups are also inside the bank's network, which is linked to the SWIFT international transaction system, the report found. One of the two is a "nation-state actor" engaged in stealing information in attacks that are stealthy but "not known to be destructive", it said. A spokeswoman for SWIFT said she was unable to comment. The report said investigators knew little about a third group of hackers found inside the network, referred to as Group Two, except that they were using mostly commodity, or off-the-shelf, hacking tools. The report, which was submitted earlier this month, did not further identify any of the groups. BAE Systems, Europe's largest weapons maker, which also has a large cyber-security business, said it had uncovered evidence linking malicious software used in the Bangladesh heist to the high-profile attack on Sony's Hollywood studio in 2014 and other cases. "What initially looked to be an isolated incident at one Asian bank turned out to be part of a wider campaign," BAE's cyber-security team said in a report it released on Friday. BAE also said it uncovered malware that was recently used to target a Vietnamese commercial bank using fraudulent messages on the SWIFT money-transfer network. The malware operated "in a similar fashion" to the Bangladesh Bank hack, BAE said. SWIFT also did not name the victim, and neither firm said whether any funds had been stolen. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the findings of BAE's determination about similarities between the Bangladesh and Sony attacks. The U.S. government has blamed North Korea for the attack on Sony's film studio, a charge Pyongyang has rejected. BAE's head of threat intelligence, Adrian Nish, told Reuters that the company was only focused on the technical evidence that links the attacks, not determining who was behind them. The report said the malware used against Bangladesh Bank exhibits "the same unique characteristics" as software used in "Operation Blockbuster", a campaign documented by a coalition of security firms that dates back to at least 2009 and includes the Sony hack. BAE asserted the Operation Blockbuster connection after analyzing tens of millions of malicious file samples, but the report acknowledged there could be alternate explanations for the similarities. It is possible that multiple programmers shared the same code, or even that it was painstakingly recreated to confuse investigators, according to BAE. (Additional reporting by Serajul Quadir in Dhaka, Nathan Layne in Chicago and Joseph Menn in San Francisco; editing by David Greising and Raju Gopalakrishnan) The logo of Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, is seen at their headquarter in downtown Santiago, Chile, January 14, 2016. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado/Files SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Codelco, the world's biggest copper exporter, has received many approaches over the sale of mining assets, including Freeport's El Abra stake, chairman Oscar Landerretche said in an interview published on Saturday. "At this moment in the copper market there is a kind of mergers and acquisitions push, so there are a lot of discussions. Every conference we go to, we get approached with 25 different offers," Landerretche told Chilean newspaper La Tercera. These have included Freeport-McMoran Inc's (FCX.N) 51 percent stake in Chile's El Abra copper mine, he confirmed. Codelco [COBRE.UL], which owns the other 49 percent, would be interested in the asset "at the right price," he said. Freeport, like other big miners, has been selling assets to cut debt after copper prices tumbled. Landerretche, speaking in London where a Chilean delegation of policymakers and business leaders has been seeking to drum up investor interest, said Codelco would not be interested in Anglo American's (AAL.L) controlling stake in Chile's Los Bronces copper mine. Anglo has said the stake is not for sale. However, some media reports have previously suggested Codelco, which owns a smaller stake, would be interested in buying it out. (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Ruth Pitchford) May 14 (Reuters) - Moody's raised Ireland (Other OTC: IRLD - news) 's credit rating to 'A3' on Saturday, saying in a release from London that growth in Ireland has been better than expected in recent months. Ireland, Europe's fastest-growing economy, has now won back its 'A' rating from all the major ratings agencies. Moody's raised Ireland's rating by one notch to A3 from Baa3 and with a stable outlook. Still, the agency said in a statement that the UK's exit from the European Union will also have a negative impact on Ireland due to its close economic ties with Britain. Moody's was the only agency to cut Irish debt to junk in 2011, months after Dublin entered a three-year international bailout. The upgrade came a week after Enda Kenny was re-elected prime minister to end 10 weeks of political deadlock as head of a minority government that many analysts believe will be short-lived amid Ireland's newly fractured parliament. Ireland's economy grew almost 8 percent last year, and is forecast to expand by close to 5 percent this year to remain the best performing economy in the European Union for a third successive year. That growth should cut Ireland's gross debt below 90 percent of gross domestic product by the end of the year, the country's finance ministry has predicted. Ratings agencies have been impressed by that sharp reversal from a peak of 125 percent during 2013. S&P was the first of the three major agencies to hand Ireland back its 'A' rating two years ago. Fitch returned Ireland to the top grade in 2014 and raised its credit rating a notch to 'A' in February. DBRS, the world's fourth-largest ratings agency, maintained its 'A' rating of Irish debt throughout the crisis. Dublin can borrow from debt markets at record low rates. It sold 750 million euros of 6-year debt on Thursday at a yield of just 0.16 percent - and Moody's reinstatement of its 'A' rating could open up its debt up to new investors. Ireland's 10-year government bond yield fell to a one-month low on Friday, outperforming euro zone peers ahead the long sought after upgrade. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin in Dublin and Parikshit Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by David Gregorio) Target Target is facing a nationwide backlash for its support of transgender rights. More than 1.2 million people have signed a pledge to boycott the retailer after it announced last month that it would welcome transgender customers to use any bathroom or fitting room that matches their gender identity. Critics have been holding protests and demonstrations at stores across the country, and they are showing no signs of dying down. Many are demanding access to bathrooms of the opposite sex to support claims that "perverts" can now prey on children and women as a result of the policy. The boycotters' goal is to force Target to reverse its policy, or at least make the retailer suffer for it by spending their money elsewhere. But Target CEO Brian Cornell dug in his heels on the issue this week, saying Target won't reverse its stance. "We took a stance and we are going to continue to embrace our belief of diversity and inclusion," Cornell said on CNBC. So what does that mean for Target's business? Sales may drop for at least short period, according to YouGov BrandIndex, a firm that measures consumer perceptions of major brands on a daily basis. Before the boycott, 42% of consumers considered buying from Target the next time they shop at a department store. In the last couple weeks, that share has fallen to 36%, according to YouGov data provided to Business Insider. Consumer perception of the brand has also dropped sharply. It's at its lowest point in two years. Despite the drop, Target is still in "positive" perception territory. In other words, there are still more people who think positively about Target than negatively. "There's a very large group out there that supports Target's decision," says crisis-management expert Kevin Dinino, CEO of San Diego-based KCD PR. He pointed out that nearly 80 million people shop at Target's stores every month, so "at worst, we are talking about a group of 1.2 million shoppers or 1.5% of Target's customers who are disenfranchised." Story continues Investors also don't seem too concerned about a long-term sales impact. Target's share price has lost 9% of its value in the last month, but it's up 3% so far this year. Target In the past, even the most widespread calls for company boycotts have tended to blow over within a matter of weeks to months. Chick-fil-A, for example, faced a nationwide boycott in 2012 after Dan Cathy, the son of the late Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, set off a fury among gay-rights supporters when he told the Baptist Press that the company was "guilty as charged" for backing "the biblical definition of a family." Following Cathy's remarks, reports emerged detailing Chick-fil-A's many charitable donations to anti-gay-marriage organizations. Despite the backlash, Chick-fil-A's sales soared 14% in 2012. Ultimately, access to goods will outweigh moral outrage for many consumers, says Larry Chiagouris, a professor of marketing at Pace Universitys Lubin School of Business in New York. "The boycott is not going to last very long," Chiagouris told Business Insider. "There is a big difference between signing a petition compared to not taking advantage of a big sale at target. People will always take advantage of the sale." NOW WATCH: The most surprising brands millennials love More From Business Insider (Adds comment from North Yorkshire Council in paragraph 3 that meeting on May 20 might continue until May 23) LONDON, May 13 (Reuters) - Oil and gas producer Third Energy's application to carry out hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, at a shale gas site in North Yorkshire in England should be approved next week, a senior planning officer has recommended to authorities. The report by the head of planning at North Yorkshire County Council was prepared ahead of a meeting of councillors due to be held on May 20 to decide on the application. The planning meeting could continue until May 23 due to the number of registered public speakers, a press officer for North Yorkshire Council said. Third Energy applied for the fracking license at its Kirby Misperton well in north Yorkshire in May last year. The well is located in the Bowland shale formation that experts estimate contains the bulk of Britain's shale gas resources. Britain is estimated to have enough shale gas trapped below its surface to meet its gas needs for decades. But the use of fracking, a process whereby water, sand and chemicals are injected to open up the shale rocks and release the trapped gas is opposed by environmental campaigners. The report said objections to Third Energy's plan included those related to potential adverse impacts on surface and groundwater resources, nature, landscape, air quality and ground vibration. However, the report said it was "satisfied" that measures to mitigate effects on the natural environment, water, traffic and highways were "both appropriate and proportionate". The report added that the fracking plan was also in line with government policy as it could help increase gas supplies. "We believe that this thorough report will enable North Yorkshire county council to reach a positive determination on our application," said Rasik Valand, chief executive of Third Energy. "Third Energy has been drilling wells and producing gas safely and discreetly from this site in Kirby Misperton for over 20 years and we will continue to maintain the same standards in the future," he added. (Reporting by Nina Chestney; editing by Susan Thomas) BEIJING (Reuters) - China is happy to see Vietnam normalising relations with the United States and hopes it benefits regional peace, China said on Friday as the United States considers lifting a three-decade-old arms embargo on Vietnam. A debate within the U.S. administration on lifting the arms embargo is coming to a head amid preparations for President Barack Obama to visit Vietnam this month. The former enemies are increasingly partners against China's growing territorial assertiveness in the South China Sea. Vietnam says it would welcome the United States "accelerating" the lifting of a lethal arms embargo, which would reflect trust between the two countries and recognition of its needs to defend itself. The ban was eased in late 2014. "From the Chinese government's point of view, we are happy to see Vietnam develop normal relations with the relevant country," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a daily news briefing, when asked about the possible lifting. "We also hope this relationship can benefit regional peace, stability and prosperity," he added, without elaborating. The arms embargo is one of the last major vestiges of the Vietnam War era. The United States has not indicated publicly it would remove the embargo and has long said such a move would depend on Vietnam showing progress on human rights. Lifting the embargo would mark a major step forward in ties 21 years after normalisation began. U.S. engagement with Vietnam was stepped up rapidly during 2014, in what experts say was a calibrated move by the United States to seize on deteriorating ties between Vietnam and communist neighbour China over rival territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam has been boosting its military deterrent as China intensifies its fortification of South China Sea islands it controls or has built from scratch. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel) By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A confidential report to the United Nations Security Council accuses Rwanda of providing training, financing and logistical support through early 2016 for Burundian rebels seeking to oust Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza. A panel of six independent experts, appointed by the United Nations to monitor Security Council sanctions on Democratic Republic of Congo, had confidentially reported in February that 18 Burundian combatants in eastern Congo said they had been recruited in a refugee camp in Rwanda in mid-2015 and trained by instructors, who included Rwandan military personnel. Rwanda has repeatedly denied the claims. In the experts latest report, seen by Reuters on Thursday and due to be discussed by the Security Council sanctions committee on Friday, they said "similar outside support continued through early 2016." "This took the form of training, financing and logistical support for Burundian combatants crossing from Rwanda to DRC," the group of experts wrote in the report. "The group met with Rwandan nationals, as well, who said they had been involved in the training of Burundian combatants or had been sent to the DRC to help support the Burundian opposition," they said. The findings contradict suggestions from Western officials in recent months who said any Rwandan support for Burundian rebels appeared to have ceased last year. The United States said it had raised concerns with Rwanda over reports it was meddling in Burundi. Political violence has simmered in Burundi for a year after Nkurunziza pursued and won a third term. The crisis has sparked concerns it could spiral into an ethnic conflict in a region where memories of neighbouring Rwanda's 1994 genocide are fresh. Burundi has an ethnic Hutu majority and Tutsi minority, the same split as in neighbouring Rwanda. The U.N. experts said they had presented their findings to the Rwandan government "which denied any involvement, noting it was 'unaware of recruitment of Burundian refugees in Mahama (refugee) camp.'" Rwanda's U.N. mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Some Security Council members want to deploy U.N. police to Burundi to help quell the violence and monitor the border between Burundi and Rwanda. The U.N. experts also reported that several Congolese officers told them North Korea has supplied Congolese troops and police with pistols and sent 30 instructors to provide training for the presidential guard and special forces. There is a U.N. arms embargo on North Korea that prevents Pyongyang from importing or exporting weapons and training. An arms embargo on Congo requires states to notify the Security Council sanctions committee of any arms sales or training. The experts said they found that several Congolese army officers, as well as several police deployed abroad in a U.N. mission, appeared to have North Korean pistols. The Congolese officers said the pistols were delivered by North Korea to the Congolese port of Matadi in early 2014. "The group also found that the same type of pistols was available for sale on the black market in Kinshasa," the report said. The experts said they had asked Pyongyang and Congo for information but had not yet received a response. Congolese and North Korean officials had no immediate comment. Political tension is high in Congo, where opponents of President Joseph Kabila say he is trying to cling to power beyond the end of his mandate in 2016. Kabila has not commented on his future. (Additional reporting by Aaron Ross in Kinshasa; Editing by Bernard Orr) By Manoj Kumar NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India announced a new intellectual property policy on Friday, speeding up the online registration of patents and trademarks, but resisted pressure from the United States and other Western countries to amend its patent laws. The policy will make the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy the agency in charge of regulating intellectual property rights in the country. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, global drug brands led by U.S. companies have been pushing for changes to India's intellectual property rules. India's strained patent and intellectual property administration has failed to keep pace with growing technological advances. Global pharmaceuticals players have often complained about India's price controls and marketing restrictions. "We hope it will lead to an interpretation of the Indian Patent Act that respects innovation, encourages research and facilitates effective enforcement mechanisms," said Ranjana Smetacek, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, a body of multinational drugmakers in India. Nirmala Sitharaman, commerce and industry minister, told lawmakers last month that over 237,000 applications were pending in India's four patent offices. The policy aims to spread awareness among public about trademarks, copyrights and patents to promote innovation within the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters. The new policy will try to safeguard the interests of rights owners with the wider public interest, while combating infringements of intellectual property rights. Jaitley said India would retain the right to issue so-called compulsory licenses to its drug firms, under "emergency" conditions, and would not immediately need to change patent laws that were already fully World Trade Organization-compliant. "Compulsory licences are already provided in our patent law. That existing provision will continue," Jaitley said after the cabinet approved national IPR policy on Thursday evening. Last month, the U.S. Trade Representative kept India, China and Russia on its "Priority Watch List" for inadequate improvement in IPR protection. (http://1.usa.gov/1SKEPgl) India, however, says, it is party to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), a WTO agreement that sets minimum standards for intellectual property regulation. "It (IPR policy) reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS agreement," a government statement said. (Additional reporting by Zeba Siddiqui in Mumbai; Editing by Douglas Busvine and David Evans) By Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) - Lawyers acting for 900 people held in Papua New Guinea on behalf of Australia asked a court on Friday to hasten compensation claims for their illegal detention, kicking off the first stage of legal action that could see the refugees return to Australia. Controversies arising from Australia's immigration policy have become a major headache for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during campaigning for elections set to be held on July 2. Under the hard-line immigration policy, anyone intercepted trying to reach Australia by boat is sent for processing to camps on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea or on Nauru. They are never eligible to be resettled in Australia. Last month, the Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea ruled the detention of refugees on Manus Island was illegal, forcing the government to announce it would close the camp. The fate of the detainees remains uncertain, with Papua New Guinea and Australia each arguing the other is responsible for resettling them. Lawyers for 898 Manus Island detainees have asked the Supreme Court of the tiny Pacific Ocean nation for compensation of 1,500 kina ($462.75) for every day they were held illegally. "When you consider that some of the men have been held in detention for 1,000 days, the total compensation package will be worth A$1 billion," said Ben Lomai, a lawyer for most of the detainees. The figure is equivalent to about $728 million (505 million pounds). It was not immediately clear if the Supreme Court decision could apply retrospectively. Lomai said once the matter of compensation had been resolved, the refugees' lawyers would file motions for their immediate return to Australia. Should the detainees be successful, they could arrive in Australia in the middle of one of the longest poll campaigns in its history, putting the spotlight on the tough immigration policy. Papua New Guinea says it has ended detention of the asylum seekers by relaxing restrictions to allow them to leave the detention centre during the day. But few detainees benefit, refugee advocates have said, as other restrictions make their exit prohibitively difficult. For instance, a detainee wishing to leave must sign up for one of three bus services to a nearby town and return to the camp in the evening. A 22-year-old Somali mother and her newborn baby were transferred to Australia from a detention centre on Nauru after the woman gave birth prematurely, Australia's Department of Immigration confirmed. It said the two were receiving "appropriate medical treatment", while refugee advocates said both were in critical condition. (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) By Tom Perry and Laila Bassam BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hezbollah's top military commander Mustafa Badreddine has been killed in a blast at a base near Damascus airport, the Lebanese Shi'ite group said on Friday, one of the biggest blows to its leadership the Iranian-backed organization has ever sustained. Hezbollah did not immediately say on Friday who it blamed for the attack, but its deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said there were clear indications of who was behind it, and the group would announce the outcome of its investigation within hours. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. At least one Hezbollah figure blamed the group's age-old enemy Israel, which has struck Hezbollah targets in Syria several times in the past since civil war started there in 2011. Israel declined to comment, but a former Israeli official said his country would be glad Badreddine was dead. Hezbollah also has many other foes in Syria, where it fights in support of the government of President Bashar al-Assad against a range of Sunni Muslim groups including Islamic State. Thousands of Hezbollah fighters and leaders gathered at a mosque in Hezbollah's stronghold in southern Beirut and gave Badreddine a military funeral, waving Hezbollah flags. They chanted Shi'ite religious slogans, as well as "Death to America" and "Death to Israel". Speaking at the funeral, Qassem also vowed that the group would continue on the "path" of Badreddine. In a letter, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif extended condolences "for the martyrdom of this great jihadist ... who embodied devotion and vigor and was legendary in his defense of high Islamic goals and his defense of the Lebanese people who resist oppression and terrorism." The U.S. government believed Badreddine, 55, was in charge of Hezbollah's military operations in Syria. He is the most senior Hezbollah official killed since 2008 when his brother-in-law, long-serving military commander Imad Moughniyah, was blown up by a bomb planted in his car in Damascus that Hezbollah blamed on Israel. The latest killing follows other recent losses for Hezbollah and Iran in Syria, despite Russian military intervention in support of Assad and his allies in a five year multi-sided civil war that has drawn in neighboring states and world powers. At least four prominent figures in Hezbollah have been killed since January 2015. A number of high-ranking Iranian officers have also been killed, either fighting Syrian insurgents or in Israeli attacks. Hezbollah said it was investigating whether the explosion at the base was caused by an air strike, a missile attack or artillery bombardment. It did not say when he was killed. "This is an open war and we should not preempt the investigation but certainly Israel is behind this," said Nawar al-Saheli, a Hezbollah member of Lebanon's parliament, hinting at the prospect of retaliation: "The resistance will carry out its duties at the appropriate time." Israel never confirms or denies allegations of targeted killings of individuals abroad. When asked by an interviewer on Israel Radio about possible Israeli involvement, cabinet minister Zeev Elkin, a confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declined to comment. Hezbollah is Lebanon's most powerful political and military group, having grown stronger since forcing Israel to end its 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon in 2000. The sides fought a 34-day war in 2006, their last major conflict. Israel deems Hezbollah its most potent enemy and worries that it is becoming entrenched on its Syrian front and acquiring more advanced weaponry. "We don't know if Israel is responsible for this," Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser to Netanyahu, told Israel's Army Radio. "Remember that those operating in Syria today have a lot of haters without Israel." "But from Israel's view, the more people with experience, like Badreddine, who disappear from the wanted list, the better," he said. A U.S. Department of the Treasury statement detailing sanctions against Badreddine last year said he was assessed to be responsible for the group's military operations in Syria since 2011, and he had accompanied Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah during strategic coordination meetings with Assad in Damascus. U.S. Army Colonel Steve Warren, a Baghdad-based spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition effort against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, said it was too soon to assess what impact Badreddines death might have on Hezbollah but noted that it had suffered heavy casualties in Syria. But with regards to this specific strike, who took it and what the downstream impact is going to be of losing this leader its simply too soon to tell, he said. HIJACKERS SOUGHT HIS RELEASE Announcing his death, Hezbollah quoted Badreddine as saying he would return from Syria victorious or as a martyr. A photo released by the group showed him before his death, smiling and wearing a camouflage baseball cap. Badreddine's death sparked wide condemnation from Lebanese political allies. "His martyrdom is a big loss for the Lebanese in their fight against Israeli-Zionist aggression and Takfiri terrorism," Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil told Hezbollah's al-Manar TV, in reference to Israel and Sunni militant groups. "His loss will leave a vacuum but the lesson is to continue on the path that he chose -- resistance and Jihad until victory is achieved." Badreddine was sentenced to death in Kuwait for his role in bomb attacks there in 1983. He escaped from prison in Kuwait after Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded the country in 1990. His release from jail in Kuwait was one of the demands made by the hijackers of a TWA flight in 1985, and of the hijackers of a Kuwait Airways flight in 1988. For years, Badreddine masterminded military operations against Israel from Lebanon and overseas and managed to escape capture by Arab and Western governments. Badreddine was also one of five Hezbollah members indicted by the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the 2005 killing of statesman Rafik al-Hariri, one of Lebanon's most prominent Sunni Muslim figures. Hezbollah denied any involvement and said the charges were politically motivated. Around 1,200 Hezbollah fighters are estimated to have been killed in the Syrian conflict. These include prominent figures Samir Qantar and Jihad Moughniyah, the son of Imad Moughniyah, who were killed in separate Israeli attacks last year. Hezbollah responded in both cases, though the incidents were contained, with the sides seeking to avoid any repeat of the 2006 war which exacted a heavy price in Israel and Lebanon. (Additional reporting by Ori Lewis and Dan Williams in Jerusalem, Writing by Tom Perry, Editing by Samia Nakhoul, Timothy Heritage and Peter Graff) MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A Mexican judge has acquitted three military personnel of the extrajudicial killing of 15 suspected gang members during a confrontation in June 2014, the attorney general's office said late on Friday. The clash took place in Tlatlaya on the southern fringes of the State of Mexico, which borders the violence-plagued states of Guerrero and Michoacan. Authorities said at the time that the dead were suspected drug gang members and that the military had acted in self-defense. A total of 22 people died in the incident. But months later, foreign media reported that there was evidence of extrajudicial executions, a version later upheld by Mexico's CNDH national human rights body. Mexico's military has been accused on multiple occasions of extrajudicial killings and torture during a decade-long war against the country's brutal drug cartels. (Reporting by Anahi Rama; Editing by Helen Popper) By Ulf Laessing ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari needs to address grievances in the Delta region where militants have been blowing up oil pipelines in a conflict that has become a "major concern", a senior British official said on Saturday. The swamps of the southern Delta have been hit by a series of attacks on pipelines and other oil and gas facilities that have reduced Nigeria's output by 300,000 barrels a day, closed a major export port and two refineries. Nigeria has moved in army reinforcements to hunt the militants but British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond said Buhari needed to the deal with the root causes because a military confrontation could end in "disaster". Crude sales from the Delta account for 70 percent of national income in Africa's biggest economy but residents, some of whom sympathise with the militants, have long complained of poverty. "It's obviously a major concern," Hammond told reporters on the sidelines of a regional security conference in Abuja when asked about the Delta situation. "The idea that your answer is by moving big chunks of the Nigerian army to the Delta simply doesn't work," he said, adding that the army did not have the capacity while fighting Boko Haram jihadists in the north. "It won't deal with the underlying issues." "Buhari has got to show as a president from the north that he is not ignoring the Delta, that he is engaging with the challenges in the Delta," Hammond said. Buhari is a Muslim from the north who has not visited the Christian Delta since taking office a year ago, something highlighted by a militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, which has claimed a string of attacks on pipelines. The group has warned oil firms to leave the region within two weeks and says it is fighting for independence for the Delta. It has said it wanted a greater share of oil revenues and an end to oil pollution. The attacks have driven Nigerian oil output to near a 22-year low and, if the violence escalates into another insurgency, it could cripple output in a country facing a growing economic crisis. Buhari, who has not commented about not visiting the Delta, has extended a multi-million dollar amnesty signed with militants in 2009 but upset them by ending generous pipeline protection contracts. He also cut the amnesty budget by around 70 percent, which partly funds training for unemployed. (Reporting by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Alison Williams) Convicted British drugs smuggler Melissa Reid will be released from prison in Peru and allowed to return to the UK, it has been confirmed. The 22-year-old, from Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, was jailed in 2013 along with Michaella McCollum, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, after they admitted trying to smuggle cocaine worth 1.5m from Peru to Spain. Reid had been seeking to serve the remainder of her sentence closer to home in Scotland following her conviction. A Peruvian court on Thursday said Reid has shown remorse for the crime, and authorities agreed to release her. Peru's National Office for Migration and the British Embassy in Peru are being informed of the decision so arrangements can be made for Reid to be returned to the UK. McCollum, 23, was freed in March under new legislation on early prison release introduced in Peru last year. She had served two years and three months. However, it is anticipated she will have to remain in Peru for a considerable period as part of her parole conditions. Reid and McCollum were caught with the haul at Lima airport in August 2013 while attempting to fly to Spain. The pair were caught trying to board a flight with 24lb (11kg) of cocaine in food packets hidden inside their luggage. They claimed they were forced into carrying the drugs but pleaded guilty to charges later that year. McCollum and Reid faced the prospect of a maximum 15-year prison term but struck a behind-closed-doors plea bargain to secure a shorter sentence. Reid's father Billy has previously said the impact of his daughter's crime on his family had been "horrendous" and spoke in a video warning of the consequences of drug offences abroad. He said: "It's horrendous to see your daughter in handcuffs and the living conditions that she has to put up with. Melissa has spent her own 20th and 21st birthdays in prison in Peru. "She missed the significant event of her only brother's wedding. Events such as Christmas are non-existent for us. "There'll be no celebrations in our house, there'll be no Christmas tree until we get her back home." By Eyanir Chinea CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's socialist government on Thursday condemned the impeachment of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff as a U.S.-inspired mockery of popular will and a menace to Latin America's now-diminishing leftist bloc. Venezuela's ruling Socialist Party has long been a strong ally of Rousseff's Workers Party, especially during the rule of her predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "I have no doubt that behind this coup is the label 'made in USA,'" President Nicolas Maduro said in a speech on state TV. "Powerful oligarchic, media and imperial forces have decided to finish with the progressive forces, the popular revolutionary leaderships of the left in the continent," he said. Even though bilateral relations have been cooler during Maduro's three-year rule than those of his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, Rousseff's departure is still a big disappointment to Venezuela's leaders. They already lost one major ally in the neighborhood with the end of Peronism in Argentina and the election of conservative Mauricio Macri as Argentina's president in late 2015. Centrist Vice President Michel Temer has taken over as Brazil's interim president for the duration of a Senate trial that could take up to six months. The Senate voted early on Thursday to put Rousseff on trial on charges she disguised the size of the budget deficit to make the economy look healthier in the run-up to her 2014 re-election. "The coup in Brazil is a grave and dangerous sign for the future stability and peace of all the continent. I know they're coming for Venezuela now," said Maduro, 53, who faces an opposition push to oust him this year via a recall referendum. A Venezuelan government statement earlier said Rousseff was the victim of "judicial farces." Though events in Brazil have deprived Venezuela of a major ally, the Maduro administration still enjoys the friendship of leftist governments in Cuba, Ecuador, Bolivia and Nicaragua. Some of Venezuela's opposition leaders had professed admiration for Lula's political and economic model in Brazil, but have been quiet on his successor's tribulations. Pro-opposition blog Caracas Chronicles, however, welcomed Rousseff's fall as another blow to the region's "pink tide" of leftist governments. "In the last few years, Venezuela could count on the governments of Argentina and Brazil to lend their considerable diplomatic weight to defending it from its accusers," it said. "Now, both countries have turned, and together with Colombia never a friend of 'Chavismo' the three largest countries in the continent view Venezuela with disdain, if not outright shock." (Additional reporting and writing by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Leslie Adler) We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain. YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS. Spanish MEP Javier Nart visited Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on May 14 accompanied by member of Armenian parliament Karine Achemyan. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the National Assembly of Armenia, the MEP laid flowers on the monument dedicated to the victims of 1915 Armenian Genocide and paid tribute to their memory by silence and bowing. The guest also visited Armenian Genocide Institute-Museum and made a note in the Commemoration Book. by Mitch Cox | Sat, May 14th 2:30am EDT Tom Wilhelmsen gave up three hits, including home runs to Edwin Encarnarcion and Troy Tulowitzki in the Rangers 5-0 loss to Toronto. Wilhelmsen only recorded one out in the appearance and saw his ERA rise to 8.79 Driscoll's Boycott Actions in Watsonville & Santa Cruz Date: Saturday, May 14, 2016 Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Event Type: Protest Organizer/Author: Watsonville Brown Berets Location Details: Watsonville Civic Plaza 275 Main Street Watsonville, California 95076 May 14, 2016 is a global day of action in solidarity with the farmworkers in San Quintin, Mexico and the farmworkers at Sakuma Bros in Washington State. Both have formed unions amongst themselves and are fighting a historic battle for union contracts with Driscoll's. They are fighting horrific inhumane working conditions that Driscoll's so far has refused to do anything about or even acknowledge. Join the Watsonville Brown Berets and members of the Santa Cruz County Driscoll's Boycott Committee at the Watsonville Plaza on May 14 at noon to protest on the public sidewalk about these inhumane working conditions and spread awareness to consumers about the ongoing international boycott of Driscoll's berries. Don't buy Driscoll's berries until union contracts are signed! Exposing Driscoll's for what they are. A union busting, slave wage corporation which exploits our people in the fields. Racism, sexism, workers abuse, slave wages, no wages, modern day child slavery, pesticide and hazardous chemicals being exposed to the people who pick your food. Sexual assaults and rape in the fields to the women. Inadequate housing, inadequate bathroom breaks and bathrooms. No water for field workers and modern day slavery. No health services when it comes to medical, dental and vision. Boycott Driscoll's! Vote with your money. We don't want your blood berries! Driscoll's exploitation border to border. Court unanimously sides with farmworkers and employers against government secrecy by Enrique Segovia Fri, May 13, 2016 2:56PM Farmworkers and their employer won a victory against government secrecy last week. A California appeals court unanimously ruled that a state law that created secret hearings for government-sponsored imposition of employment contracts on farmworkers. In this case, the workers and their employer worked together, along with top First Amendment groups, to strike down the law. This Week in Palestine, May 13th, 2015 by IMEMC Welcome to this Week in Palestine, a service of the International Middle East Media Center, http://www.imemc.org , for May 7, to the 13, 2016. Listen now: Copy the code below to embed this audio into a web page: This week, UN Security Council lead announces support to the French peace initiative; in the meantime, Israeli attacks targeting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank leave two injured civilians. These stories, and more, coming up, stay tuned. The Nonviolence Report Lets begin our weekly report as usual with the nonviolent activities organized in the West Bank. On Friday anti wall protesters commemorated the Nakba, the day Israel was created and hundreds of Palestinians were forced into exile back in 1948. In Kufer Kadum in northern West Bank many residents were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation as Israeli troops attacked the weekly protest there. Troops later stormed the village and fired tear gas into residents homes. Meanwhile in the villages of Bilin and Nilin, in central West Bank, Israeli soldiers attacked the protesters as soon as they reached the gate in the wall that separates local farmers from their lands. Many protesters suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation and were treated by field medics at both locations. In Bilin village troops kidnapped a local activist and an international supporter as they attacked the nonviolent protest. Moreover, tear gas bombs fired by troops caused a fire in a nearby olive groves. A number of trees were damaged by the fire. At the nearby al Nabi Saleh village, troops attacked protesters at the village entrance. Israeli soldiers fired several rounds of rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas at protesters and nearby homes. Many residents suffered effects of tear gas inhalation as a result. The Political Report This week, Egypt, as the current head of UNs Security Council, says it will support a French initiative for Middle East peace. IMEMCs Rami Al Meghari has more: Security Council of united nations, will continue discussions on Middle East peace. This comes in the backdrop of a French initiative for peace between the Palestinian people and Israel. The initiative calls for convening an international peace conference that excludes both Israeli and Palestinian sides. Peace process has been stalled over the past few years, after Palestinian Authority had objected to ongoing Israeli settlements building on occupied Palestinian lands. After having already turned down the initiative , Israel had softened position by hinting at the possibility to agree to the conference idea, once the parties concerned, recognize Israel as a Jewish state. Secretary General of the Arab States League, Nabil Alaraby, from him part, expressed support for the same initiative. He said that holding an international peace conference, could be a way out of current political impasse. At the internal Palestinian level, some parties in Gaza called for the consensus Palestinian government to take control of the Gaza Strip, to deal with worsening economic crisis. For IMEMC News , I am Rami Al Meghari in Gaza The West Bank and Gaza Report Two Palestinians injured this week, more than 85 others kidnapped during invasions targeting west Bank communities. Meanwhile in Gaza Israeli troops continued to attack farmers. IMEMCs Ghassan Bannoura reports: Israeli soldiers invaded, on Wednesday morning, the village of Kafr Aqab, north of occupied East Jerusalem, shot and injured two Palestinians, one seriously, in clashes that took place with local youths. Medical sources said one Palestinian suffered a life-threatening wound, after the soldiers shot him with a live round in the chest. Palestinian medics moved him to a hospital in Jerusalem. They added that the soldiers also shot another Palestinian, with a live round in his leg, before medics moved him to a hospital in Ramallah, suffering a moderate injury. On Thursday, Israeli soldiers attacked the funeral ceremony of an elderly Palestinian woman, east of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in occupied Jerusalem, as the mourners were heading towards the graveyard in Silwan town. The soldiers removed the Palestinians from the graveyard, alleged that it is located on a confiscated land that the Palestinians are not allowed to use, before closing its gate, and assaulted many of them. In other news, two elderly Israeli women were injured in a park, in Jabal al-Mokabber Palestinian town, in occupied Jerusalem on Tuesday, after being stabbed by two masked young men who managed to escape before the soldiers installed many roadblocks and pushed more units. Israeli sources said The soldiers arrested a young Palestinian man, meanwhile a large Israeli military force closed many roads in Jabal al-Mokabber. Also this week, Israeli forces conducted at least 85 military invasions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem. During these invasions, Israeli troops kidnapped at least 68 Palestinian civilians, including 13 children. Meanwhile, The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has reported that the Israeli Authorities imprisoned 647 Palestinians under arbitrary Administrative Detention order, without charges, since October 1, 2015. It added that Israeli military courts issued 1144 Administrative Detention orders since October 1 of last year, including new orders and renewal of existing orders. In the Gaza strip this week, Israeli Soldiers, stationed across the border fence, opened fired earlier on Monday on a number of Palestinian farmers, in their own agricultural lands, east of Khuzaa town, east of Khan Younis city, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Media sources said the soldiers, stationed on military towers across the border fence, east of Khuzaa, fired dozens of live rounds towards the farmers, forcing them to leave their lands; no injuries were reported. The soldiers conduct daily attacks and violations against the Palestinians in the besieged coastal region, especially in border areas in the northern and eastern parts of the Gaza Strip, preventing the Palestinian from entering their lands. For IMEMC News, this is Ghassan Bannoura. Conclusion And thats all for today from This Week in Palestine. This was the Weekly report for May 7, to the 13, 2016. From the Occupied Palestinian Territories. For more news and updates please visit our website at www-dot-imemc-dot-org, This weeks report has been brought to you by George Rishmawi and me Eman Abedraboo-Bannoura. Environmental advocates celebrate two-year halt on fracking in Los Padres National Forest Members of Save the Sespe, a network of 2,500 environmental advocates throughout California, are celebrating the two-year anniversary of a successful petition drive to block a controversial fracking proposal in the Los Padres National Forest. The groups efforts helped bring an end to 20 years of unchecked, unregulated fracking in the Sespe wilderness area.Save the Sespe was started in May 2014 by Ojai native, Leif Dautch, after the U.S. Forest Service announced that Texas-based Seneca Resources Corporation was seeking a permit to frack 8 new oil and gas wells and build 5,000 feet of new pipeline in the Sespe.Over 2,000 concerned citizens signed the groups petition opposing the project in the first week, concerned about air and water contamination, threats to wildlife, greenhouse gas emissions, increased seismic activity, and water depletion. Supporters included a local member of the Chumash Indian tribe who explained the tribal significance of the Sespe, one of the last known habitats for grizzly bears in California. Another signature came from a Sacramento man whose wife grew up hiking in the Sespe and who wanted them to experience the trails and streams together before the areas natural beauty was compromised.Then, in January 2015, a report from Californias Department of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources concluded that fracking in the Sespe posed significant and unavoidable environmental impacts to air quality, biological resources, climate change, recreation, and worker safety. The same month, the Forest Service placed the fracking proposal on hold, a status that remains unchanged 16 months later.In the meantime, Dautch, an elected delegate to the California Democratic Party representing Santa Barbara and Ventura, introduced and passed a resolution through the state party calling for a halt to ongoing fracking projects on public land in California. The resolution was co-sponsored by 38 other state party officials, including the chairs of the Environmental and Progressive Caucuses. ( http://www.cadem.org/resources/resolutions?id=0798 Since then, the Save the Sespe team has worked with Senator Barbara Boxers office and Congresswoman Lois Capps staff to pass federal legislation protecting the Sespe and the Los Padres from continued drilling. Its important to show everyone who supported the Save the Sespe movement that we are committed to seeing this fight through to the end, Dautch said. Regardless of your general views on oil and gas activity, I think we can all agree that certain places, like forests, parks, and schools, should just be off-limits. It's time to question Take Back Santa Cruz's involvement in Pride. As May 2016 unfolds the organizers at Pride are feverishly working to prepare for the annual Santa Cruz Pride celebration. According to its website, the Santa Cruz Pride that the community cherishes, evolved from the first Gay Pride event in 1975. Pride is a community celebration of acceptance, tolerance, and compassion, which attracts diverse groups like: Dykes on Bikes, the Santa Cruz Zen Center, the SEIU along with nearly 80 others.Take Back Santa Cruz is one group who is signed up year after year, which doesnt really fit the Pride Parades philosophy of togetherness, understanding and compassion. Take Back Santa Cruz marches in formation happily wielding their, Bully Free Zone signs, subliminally mocking the very community where theyve ushered in divisiveness, hatred, judgement, and have indeed bullied scores of people. The group must simply be using for marketing purposes, as their daily actions and Facebook posts speak much more loudly in the opposite direction. To us, having them march in Pride advocating against bullying its akin to inviting a white supremacist group to march in a Civil Rights parade along side Martin Luther King jr.There are reports in various Santa Cruz news sources documenting TBSC members harassing people in RVs, violently confronting poor people sleeping outside, and constantly cyberbullying good citizens who disagree with their tactics of hatred and bigotry. They generally despise our veterans who live on the streets, the mentally ill, and the chemically addicted amongst a list of other groups who TBSC are notorious for harassing and publicly shaming on their closed Facebook Page. People who live in RVs were their most recent target, and now theyre voicing opposition to Prop 47, which reduces the sentence for certain crimes like drug possession. Many of the groups actions are the exact opposite of what Pride stands for.Contrary to their Bully Free Zone signs, TBSC is known for bullying anyone who steps slightly away from the groups compartmentalized message, and those that do are censored and often deleted from the page. In just a couple of years of their existence they have singlehandedly morphed the word compassion into essentially what amounts to a four letter expletive. Much of the rhetoric that they allow to flourish on their Facebook Page follows the typical conservative party line that equates compassion with weakness. They continually repeat that you must be a part of some Toxic Charity if you support programs which are proven to minimize harm within a population, or support programs that help those less fortunate like the Homeless Service Center. Its important to note that the admin approve every new post on their page, and are responsible for the tone of the group.This year Prides theme is Embracing the Generations, where organizers will be recognizing, the Trailblazers who helped create the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Cruz. Many Street Outreach programs were started in the early to mid 1980s, when the AIDS epidemic spread like wildfire through our communities. These programs offered condoms, sex education, needle exchanges, and referrals to various harm reduction and counseling services. They offered a safe space for people to talk about their lives in a caring environment, and to people who understood them. These early programs sought to the stem the spread of HIV during the AIDS crisis of the early 80s. HIV, Hepatitis, and other blood borne diseases do not stay confined to one population, therefore it is imperative to their spread amongst any group. TBSC singlehandedly shut down our very successful Street Outreach Supporters here in Santa Cruz, and there are reports of a spike in blood borne diseases locally.On May 22, 2013, the same program that that was put in place here in Santa Cruz many decades ago to educate, provide connection to counseling, and reduce harm to the general public caused by disease, was directly harassed and cyberbullied by members of TBSC. Prominent TBSC members and admin Samantha Olden, and Lisa Litten dressed up like junkies and bragged about their attempts to infiltrate the Street Outreach Supporters. Remember, TBSC's admin approve every single post, and are notorious censors of posts which don't agree with their tactics.Was Litten and Oldens goal to snap a few photos, perhaps some video, of people who are suffering from the disease of addiction and then shame them on TBSCs Facebook Page? Was their goal to harass SOS users and volunteers, in an effort to give an already desperate population more difficulties? Regardless of their end goals, their intentions were heartless, and no where in line with what our community stands for. This kind of behavior is abhorrent, and reminiscent of the countless LGBTQ+ people who have been harassed, stalked, hurt, and even killed by people with similar philosophies and tactics as TBSC. The community as a whole should speak out loudly and with a unified voice against such bullying.As you can read in the TBSC FB page screenshots below, the conversation documenting Litten and Oldens exploits quickly devolved into talk about guns, knives, and self defense as if the two were characters in a detective movie. City employees joined the discussion, including the current Santa Cruz Mayors son, illustrating just how politically connected TBSC really is.So how does a group who uses such violent language on a daily basis toward mostly poor, disenfranchised, mentally ill, and chemically addicted people feel good about marching in a parade that celebrates good, compassion and understanding of differences? How is this group who called a "court watch" on a man who was later found innocent tolerated by the community at large? How do they put on smiles, and hoist their Bully Free Zone signs when they know good and well that they are some of the biggest bullies in Santa Cruz?Simply put: Marketing!It seems like TBSC has realized that they have an image problem, and have evolved their tactics to come across a little softer. And while we defend ones right to free speech, people must understand that its a two way street. Raise your voice for what is right! Let them know loud and clear that there is no place for their brand of bigotry in our community.The fourth screenshot was taken from Take Back Santa Cruzs YouTube Channel. The comment has since been deleted, but we feel that it captures a candid moment of the groups true self. Its a moment like when a politician doesnt realize that the mic was left on and the public is able to see behind the curtain. The polish is removed, and we can peer into their vile truth. We see that TBSCs words are as bigoted as the sentiments toward the LGBTQ+ community in the 1970s, which the organizers of the very first Pride events felt it necessary to combat with love, compassion, and a fun-loving spirit. They dont stop there, their closed Facebook page is littered with hateful comments toward local politicians, the mentally ill, the houseless, the poor, and anyone else who doesnt agree with their political agenda. No group or individual deserves their level of public ridicule.We urge you to contact Pride coordinator Dina Izzo, and respectfully let them know that how you feel, and if TBSC is included please raise your voice and tell them directly.Dina Izzo831-234-0259 Jacksonville, FL Having come out with a review of overdraft practices and fees generated by major banks, credit unions and financial institutions in 2013, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is ramping up its rhetoric on the apparent fleecing of consumers through excessive fees. Little wonder, when one looks at the overdraft fees charged by Vystar Credit Union and the policies that it openly maintains. To that end, while a host of banks, financial institutions and credit unions have been the target of Credit Union Excessive Overdraft Fee Lawsuits over attempts to hide excessive charges from consumers, Vystar appears to openly post fees, overdraft processes and protocols so there is little confusion about the allegedly unfair fees Vystar is charging.For example, it has been reported that Vystar charges its credit union members $32 for every overdraft charge. That appears to be higher than the national average (reported as $29 per overdraft in 2007).Vystar also appears to be upfront with the possibility that it may not process transactions in the exact order in which they were made.This has long been the bane of consumers, who manage their accounts and track their debits and withdrawals in such a way as to avoid overdrafts. However, as many an Excessive Overdraft Fees Lawsuit has maintained, changing the order of transactions at the option of the bank can result in increased overdraft fees, benefiting the bank or credit union unnecessarily, and unfairly.An example of this penchant to re-order transactions can be illustrated thus:A credit union member maintains a balance of $50 in his account, and then proceeds to incur three transactions of $10, $15 and $45. Considering the account balance and the order of the transactions, the consumer would expect to face an overdraft charge for the third debit of $45, the amount that would formally and correctly put the account into arrears.However, re-ordering the transactions by putting the largest transaction first, the shift in order puts the account into overdraft with the second transaction, rather than the third. With the ability to charge an overdraft fee for each overdraft, Vystar would earn $64 in fees from the account holder, rather than $32.Vystar appears not to shy away from letting its members know that this could be the case.However, credit unions differ from the big banks in that they operate as not-for-profit entities. As such, credit unions are supposed to have a mandate of serving their members and having the best interests of their members at heart, rather than existing for the pursuit of profit.Could a Credit Union Lawsuit stem from excessive overdraft fees charged by an entity not mandated to operate with profits as a primary focus?Credit Union Excessive Overdraft Fees Lawsuit attorneys are betting that it canVystar Credit Union maintains headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. Chattanooga, TN While While Unum, or Unum Provident , gives with one hand, it takes away with the other. The giant insurer recently declared it contributed nearly $12.7 million and its employees volunteered more than 88,000 volunteer hours to charitable organizations in 2015. Perhaps Unum is so giving because it makes huge profits by denying it policyholders long-term disability benefits. Unum has a long and proud tradition of giving back to our communities and making an impact on those who could use a helping hand, said Joe Foley, senior vice president in a press release. Try telling that to Mary or Susan . Both women had their benefits terminated because Unum refused to acknowledge fibromyalgia as a disability, and it continues to do so.A woman in New Orleans filed an Unum lawsuit earlier this year. Brenda Andrus, a case manager at the Opelousas General Health System Medical Center before she became disabled due to numerous medical conditions, is suing Unum for damages, including past and future disability benefits, and more (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:16-cv-01112).Despite providing Unum with detailed medical documentation showing she has been diagnosed with sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease), hypercrapnic respiratory failure, chronic bronchitis, low back pain, severe fatigue, diabetes, lymphadenopathy and hypertension, Unum says Andrus can work in another type of job. Andrus is seeking a jury trial.Unum doesnt discriminate in whom it denies. The biggest insurer in the United States even denies US Veterans . Jake told LawyersandSettlements that Unums independent medical examiner deemed him able to return to work. Jake never met Unums doctor, but he apparently trumps Jakes doctors.Perhaps Unums employees can spare a few of their 88,000 volunteer hours to charitable organizations and spend more time assessing medical reports, or even visiting their policyholders to determine whether they are indeed disabled. Instead, Unum typically hands over claimants medical reports to one of its independent medical examiners who has the power - from a desk - to terminate benefits. Washington, DC The FDA today issued a new warning for The FDA today issued a new warning for Levaquin and other fluoroquinolones, adding that side effects of the antibiotic medication generally outweigh its benefits. The FDA warning came almost a year after an investigation byItsprogram reported that an FDA database comprised at least 3,000 patients whose death had been linked to the drug and another 200,000 complaints of side effects including kidney infections and nerve damage.Johnson & Johnson, the Levaquin maker, is also facing a federal racketeering lawsuit. While some pundits and attorneys might consider this claim frivolous and politically motivated, attorney Shezad Malik says that J&J is facing more serious claims. Up to 500 Levaquin lawsuits have been filed in the federal court system claiming severe nerve damage, says Malik. These cases are MDLd [part of the multidistrict litigation] for pre-trial discovery.While the FDA warning came too late for many consumers, Malik adds that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers of such risks. The agency says side effects can include damage to tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and the central nervous system, and it continues to find an association between fluoroquinolone antibiotic use and disabling peripheral neuropathy, according to the(May 12).Thereported that the FDAs decision comes after a study of the issue by the FDAs Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, which concluded as early as 2013. At that time the agency did issue a public warning but didnt go so far as to slap a boxed warning on the fluoroquinolones.In its defense, Johnson & Johnson stated that Levaquin has been on the market for more than 20 years, and more than 36 million prescriptions for fluoroquinolones were written in 2014 alone. But both attorneys and Public Citizen, the non-profit consumer rights advocacy group, show that tendon disorders - mainly from Levaquin - were first reported in 1997. By 2005, about 800 cases had been reported by Public Citizen.Meanwhile, Dr. Malik - who is also a cardiologist - is investigating the risk of aortic aneurism. In October 2015,[The Journal of the American Medical Assocation] released a study showing that the fluoroquinolones can cause damage to the aorta by dissection, or tears, and aneurysms, or enlargement. Both conditions can be fatal. - The 2016 National Human Development Report was presented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria's capital, Abuja - The report under the theme "Human Security and Human Development" names the most and the least peaceful zones of Nigeria - Senator Udoma Udo Udoma says the federal government "is not surprised at the findings of the studies reported in the document" A recent report by the UN highlights the link between human security and human development with a proposition that there can be no human development without human security and that, perhaps, insecurity in the country, as in many parts of the region, is a mirror image of the persistent development deficit. The document titled "Human Security and Human Development" makes a compelling case that unchecked poverty; persistent hunger; uncontrolled diseases; lack of access to basic services; disregard for human rights; sub-optimal response to natural and man-made disasters; unregulated natural resources exploitation and use among others, pose serious threats to human development today. The report further highlights the existing gap in human security across the geo-political zones of the country It also ranked Nigeria's regions in terms of safety and security. The most human security secure geo-political zone is the south-east, while the north-west and the north-east geo-political zones are considered as the least human security secured, with residents of the Federal Capital Territory being the worst in most realms of the Human Security Index. In his speech Senator Udoma Udo Udoma commended the UNDP for the effort in putting together detailed findings of the human development indices for Nigeria. He noted that the report adopted a broader and more holistic view of the issue of human security and its linkage to human development. "From the report, it is clear that human security in Nigeria is mainly constrained by threats of economic access, high unemployment rates, and low perception of job security. Thus, individual choice of sufficient and predictable income ought to be guaranteed," the senator stated. He further noted that the findings contained in the report lay a strong foundation for not only addressing poverty, reducing unemployment and inequalities, but also rebuilding communities and regions that have been adversely affected by insecurity. "The Nigerian government and, indeed, the current administration is not surprised at the findings of the studies reported in this document. Internally displaced woman in Maiduguri, Borno state. She is sheltered at Dolari I IDP camp. Photo: UNDP Nigeria/Lucky Musonda We are very much optimistic that effective implementation of our change agenda will make more resources available to address areas of critical needs to improve human security and human development indices, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma stated. Not only does the report conclude that the status of human development in Nigeria has not shown remarkable improvement in spite of the changes in the social and economic conditions in recent years, it further states that economic growth in Nigeria has not been associated with poverty reduction and unemployment has not declined. A situation that has consequently slowed down the rate of improvement in human development as evidenced by marginal improvement in Human Development Index (HDI) between 2012 and 2013. Among the recommendations made by the report include addressing social security through the establishment and support to institutions and initiatives that help individuals with low levels of human security; including the access of the lowest-income groups to food and of low-income groups to various forms of social security. Insecurity remains an ever-present threat to peace and development of the country and, without a doubt, poses great danger and exacerbates an already fragile economic development landscape as the country grapples with the reality of shifting from over-reliance on oil and gas sector to other sectors, Fatma Samoura, the UNDP Nigeria resident representative, said during thr presentation. We consider the report a timely intervention that should stimulate the robust application of human security framework in the human development approach at national, state and local levels, she concluded. READ ALSO: Boko Haram: Read what happened at this meeting held in Abuja today The north-east region of Nigeria the country has been the most affected by the more than six-year-long military insurgency. It also remains among the least developed parts of the country. Despite a robust economic growth of about 7% between 2010 and 2014, a large proportion of Nigerians still live in poverty and are exposed to various vulnerabilities. An estimated 61.3% of Nigerians are classified as poor with 48.8% of them classified as multi-dimensionally poor. Source: Legit.ng Each week, Dom plumbs the depths of podcast nation to bring you the best in cinema-related chats and programs. If writing about music is like dancing about architecture, then writing about movie podcasts is like listening to someone describe someone dancing about architecture. Have a suggestion for a good movie podcast? Slide into Doms DMs on Twitter. If you subscribe to any film-based podcastsand if you dont, then whyre you reading this column other than you saw the title and thought to yourself, Oh, I love synesthesia?then by now youve been inundated with Captain America: Civil War assessments. To which Ill only add: Theyre all right. Most people love the movie, and you can count me as one of those most, though anxiety over the future of superhero films, perhaps exacerbated by Civil Wars place as something of an epitome of the big-team superhero set-piece, and what Marvels continuous success means for Hollywoods reliance on inestimably dominant franchising, are worth considering. Like in most podcast episodes, I did that with my co-host David Greenwald on our own podcast, praising the film but ultimately wondering what it means for the future of blockbuster filmmaking. What Ill say is this (which is brought up in much greater detail within our podcast episode): Captain America: Civil War is not Avengers 3, nor is it really a Captain America movie. Instead, it is most likely the closest we will ever get to Iron Man 4: The emotional arc of Civil War is all Tony Starks (Robert Downey Jr.), and that revelation has me completely reevaluating my idea of what the MCU even is. Consider Captain America (Chris Evans), the MCUs rock, the foundation upon which the basis of MCUs sense of justice is founded, and so the obvious choice to lead the film in which that foundation is most severely, direly tested. But, throughout Civil War, Cap does not change. Its an important aspect to consider: The main character of this movie has no narrative development. Instead, as has been grounded within the previous four films in which hes appeared, Steve Rogers is a fiercely loyal soldier whose loyalty doesnt waver, it only shifts. First the U.S. and then S.H.I.E.L.D.Rogers never once admits that his loyalty was at fault, only that it was aimed in the wrong direction. And so, in going from a textbook soldier to a vigilante disavowed by his bureaucratic employer, Rogers story is one that mirrors our countrys: In the 1930s and 40s, it was clear who the enemies were and who carried the banner for goodbut today? The post-9/11 world is referred to in such a sweeping manner because it defiantly marked the end of our black-and-white worldview. The world of Civil War, the world in which Steve Rogers must find a place, is one in which good and evil are far from clearly defined. Captain America must be careful, but no less fervent, with his loyalty. Instead, its Tony Stark who struggles throughout Civil Wars two and a half hours to find some recognizable cartography amidst a rocky emotional landscape. Beginning the film separated from Pepper Potts, still reeling from the events of the second Avengers film, Tony must confront the mother (Alfre Woodard) of a man killed in the Sokovia incident, and thereby determine where a super-powered metal-person fits within the gray area of a world seemingly always on the verge of chaos. That this emotional journey leads him into the trauma of his parents murder and the realization that his superhero colleagues are actually the closest he has to friends in this worldCaptain America gets none of that. Cap just protects Bucky (Sebastian Stan) because Bucky was his childhood friend and because Captain America cant trust the American government or S.H.I.E.L.D. after all that Hydra business. This does not change throughout all of Captain America: Civil War. For an ever-girthing enterprise as the MCU to juggle so many of its beloved intellectual properties within the guise of a single-superhero filmand juggle them by giving each a real sense of character development and heftmeans that, I think, what is needed of each MCU installment is outpacing the original marketing plan for the MCUs assorted phases. From now on out, each individual MCU film will be compared to the weight that Captain America: Civil War shoulders, which I think also means that the genre experiments of Ant-Man or the second Captain America are now overunless, of course, the MCU takes greater strides to bring true auteurs into its fold. Id surmise that were on the cusp of some major change within the MCU machine. Either the dependable likes of the Russo Brothers and Peyton Reed allow the franchise to comfortably continue to make money with less and less hands-on involvement, or we start to see folks like Taika Waititi, Ryan Coogler and Jon Watts become more and more the norm, using each Marvel film not so much to shake up the story, but to, like the Mission: Impossible films, give plenty of exciting voices the resources and space to interpret a well-established, more-than-well-worn story through their own unique voicesvoices that are typically relegated to small-time, fringe-genre fare. My hope, of course, is on the latter. On an entirely separate note, I want to point out that this weeks Black Men Cant Jump (In Hollywood) is devoted to the greatness of the film Dope, a film which last week Wesley Morris decried as a movie setting, contrary to the opinions of the hosts of BMCJ, the cause of African American-led films irrevocably backwards. Morris hates the film, while the three hosts of Cant Jump see the complete opposite. This is the makings of an emotionally rich Ear for Film Universe, folks. Pray collectively for Jon Watts to use his new franchise money to craft more movies like Cop Car, and then check out my three picks for the best movie-related podcast episodes of the week: The Mask Hosts J.M. McNab, Robert LaRonde and Blain Watters spend each episode re-watching (natch) a film from their (or our) youths, taking nostalgia culture to task. While Rewatchability bears many of the touchstones of your favorite bad movie podcastsroom for endless riffing; a loose format that allows for sprawling tangents; a cadre of pop-culture-obsessed hoststhe podcast hinges almost exclusively around the incessant doubt lobbed at a group of Millennials and their fringe-friendly adjacent who accept nostalgia as immediately viable cultural capital. Just as each episode ends on the inevitable question of whether or not the film holds up to the standards set by our Jungian memories, so then is each episode rapt with awe at the various blanketly non-PC machinations of an entry like The Mask, which simultaneously hates women and thinks that in order to make an African American a worthwhile part of a mafia-like gang, that person has to also be a jive-talking computer genius. Or something. If youve seen The Mask, you know it doesnt hold up, but that also probably means that you adored it when it came out and havent seen it in 15 years, not since, at least, the time in which you used to watch it weekly. So it goes with our hosts, who pick this thing apart with aplomb, even plumbing the script for unaired goodies, which, coincidentally, Im more than aware of, having bought and read The Masks novelization by Oregonian Steve Perry (not that Steve Perry), which was obviously based on the script rather than the film itself. Like most relics of that time, the novelization bears such excellently excruciating passages as the following, giving one an idea of how acceptable it was to approximate skin color based on patois: See also: The hosts riff on the schooling of one Doctor Freeze, which of course detours into a discussion about the pride and scholastic background of the Batman villain. Aliens Live Q&A with Carrie Henn, Ricco Ross, Jenette Goldstein Matt Gourleys impression of HR Giger (and a bonus sketch from Gourleys Superego podcast) is worth the 45 minutes of tuning in alone, though each of the actors who played substantial bit parts in Aliens contribute well to the cult status of the Alien franchise as being deserving of its own holiday (4/26, named after LV-426 [Acheron], the original planetoid on which the Nostromo discovered the first xenomorph eggs, and on which the colony Hadleys Hope was founded in Aliens). Recorded in LA care of the Alamo Drafthouse, this unofficial episode of Gourleys podcast is replete with all of the anecdotal goodies and gossip-y knickknacks one should expect from the I Was There Too series, including what its like to beon behalf of Carrie Henn, who played Newta grown adult still sometimes known for a role played a lifetime ago and whose daughter is nearly identical to herself at the time of James Camerons film, and so must deal with the eerie experience of watching her daughter narrowly escape the clutches of a seemingly indestructible cosmic monster. Best story of the night, though, goes to Ricco Ross (Pvt. Frost) for describing what its like to have to pick between a James Cameron film and a Stanley Kubrick joint (Full Metal Jacket). Unsurprisingly, Kubrick demanded at least eight weeks of Rosss time, which would be filled with improv rehearsals to ultimately refine the script, giving each actor the chance to define his character and practice his craft unto the end of time. Ross ultimately, of course, went with Cameron, who provided a full script up front and was willing to make concessions to Kubricks scheduleexcept for when Ross asked Kubrick if hed actually be done in eight weeks, to which Kubrick couldnt truly commit. The production on Full Metal Jacket ended up going for a full yearand its cultural impact is debatably less, it could be said, than that of Aliens. Alienation, Part 1: Alien and Aliens Hosts Andrea Subissanti and Alex West use this monthly podcast to go HAM on classic horror or related genre films from a (mostly) feminist perspective, and so this episode especially is rife with some fascinating debate, taking the first two Alien films to the mat for their iconographic feminist statuses. What emerges is maybe my favorite among the recent Alien Day discussions about the legacies of the films, a back-and-forth between the two hosts which both navigates the drippy, gooey sexuality of the first film and the agro-feminine action tropes of the second, even going so far as to contextualize Ripley calling the Queen alien a bitch and what that means about Ripley as a feminist hero. From their interpretation of android Ashs rape of Ripleys mouth (with a porn mag, too) during the characters confrontation in the first film, to the parallels with the Vietnam War by way of Ripleys PTSD in the second (drawing clear lines to Rosss near-casting in Kubricks Vietnam War film as mentioned in Matt gourleys podcast), and how Aliens falls snugly within a developing narrative in cinema at the time regarding the fall-out and negative effects of the war, West and Subissanti cover an incredible expanse of fertile ground. Listening to them bounce ideas back and forth leaves so much welcome room to unpack films that deserve such a treatment. That the two also drop unnecessary fucks in practically every other sentence is more than welcomeit is a crutch that I can relate to, and the beacon upon which I guide my wary ears through the always too-big abyss of this scary podcast universe. Dom Sinacola is Assistant Movies Editor at Paste and a Portland-based writer. Like everyone on this planet, he co-hosts his own podcast, Pretty Little Grown Men, which is sometimes about movies but mostly about Pretty Little Liars. You can find it on Twitter. As the daughter of first-generation Chinese immigrants, I used to take pride in pooh-poohing Americanized versions of Chinese dishes. Turning my nose up at cardboard cartons of chow mein and holding up a plate of slimy sea cucumbers, I would tell myself that I knew what real Chinese food was, and it was better. Thats not to say I didnt enjoy eating the crispy fried chicken cubes drenched in sticky sweet orange sauce from time to time. But I never acknowledged it as Chinese food, and certainly not of the authentic variety. It wasnt until recently that I stopped and asked myself what exactly it was that I took so much pride in. What does authentic Chinese food really mean? Many Americans perceive ethnic food to be an inferior cuisine, based on the expectation that it should be cheap. This kind of thinking often arises out of ignorance a misunderstanding that Chinese dishes are simple, consisting of inexpensive ingredients and prepared in a rudimentary style. Things are slowly changing these days, with more and more foodies becoming interested in regional Chinese specialties, even prompting the Wall Street Journal to declare that, when it comes to fine dining in America, Chinese is the new French. And yet, foodies are still unwilling to shell out the same amount of money for Chinese soup dumplings as they would for a French duck. The widely-held belief that Chinese food is just plain bad for you is yet another false expectation of what authentic Chinese food should be. Recent restaurant reviews confirm that the words greasy and unhealthy are unfortunately still very much synonymous with Chinese cooking, and the xenophobic myth that MSG causes illness remains prevalent among many white Americans. But what many Americans believe to be authentic isnt really authentic at all. Indeed, the birth of Chinese food in America resulted from years of racist attitudes towards the wave of Chinese immigrants arriving during the 1800s. Opening up restaurants was one of the few ways the Chinese were allowed to stay in America, and soon Chinese chefs began to tailor their recipes towards the prevailing sweet American taste buds. And so the Chinese food Americans are familiar with is actually either just a miniscule fraction of what makes up Chinese food culture, or would not even be found anywhere near mainland China. Growing up in America, I often felt caught between the Chinese food my parents served at the dinner table, and the Chinese food being sold in restaurants all over the country, as if those were the only two options available to me. When I started to reclaim my Chinese identity and cultural heritage as an adult, I realized that I needed to discover what authenticity meant for myself. For a long time, I adhered to this vague notion that authenticity referred to purity that true Chinese cuisine could not be tainted by foreign influence. Down with the beef and broccoli myth of America! But I quickly realized that this definition was much too simplistic. Take General Tsos chicken, for instance. Its one of the most popular items on any Chinese takeout menu in America: crispy, fried chicken in sticky brown sauce surrounded by broccoli. Completely irresistible, and not remotely authentic, right? But trace its history far back enough, and you find that the dish was invented by Peng Chang-Kuei, a chef born and raised in Hunan, China. He conceived of the dish in Taiwan in 1949, naming it after a Hunan general and highlighting traditional Hunanese flavors. When Peng Chang-Kuei later opened a restaurant in New York in the 1970s, he made the dish sweeter and less spicy, and Americans flocked to his restaurant in droves. Does the fact that a Chinese chef created General Tsos chicken excuse the dish from its American influences? Cant this adaptation be seen as a subset of Chinese cuisine made by Chinese, for both Chinese and Americans? Upon closer examination, the idea that authentic Chinese food must be free of foreign influence falls apart pretty quickly. Foreign imports arrived as early as 3000 BC, when the Middle East introduced wheat and barley to Chinese agriculture. The Mongolian conquest of China in the 13th century saw the introduction of hot pot-style cooking. And in the 17th century, Portuguese traders brought New World crops to China, among them tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and peanuts, ingredients common to so many dishes found in China. A more contemporary example might be MSG, the chemical additive used as a flavor enhancer in much of Chinese cooking. It, however, wasnt discovered until 1907, and by a Japanese chemist no less. Later on, Chinese chemist Wu Yunchu reverse-engineered the compound in order to secure China a top spot in the MSG global market. And lets not forget that China is an incredibly vast country with provinces that run the gamut of differing climates and terrains, each province developing their own unique style of cooking with their own local ingredients. Its become apparent to me now that cultural cuisine cant be strictly tied to which crops are local and which are not, or by how pure the food is from foreign influence. Perhaps authentic Chinese food cannot be boiled down to a single location, ingredient, or style. To me, authenticity is no longer about expectations, or a list of criteria; in fact, it has come to mean the very opposite. Authentic Chinese food should surprise you, and it should also comfort you. Its the dish tucked away in the corners of distant provinces, and its the dish that Chinese mothers pass on to their daughters. I looked back at some dishes in my mothers repertoire, among them crunchy pig ears, pork and chive dumplings, and one of my absolute favorites, sweet and sour fish with broccoli. And then I realized that my mother was doing just what other Chinese chefs, chefs from any nationality really, have been doing throughout history: preserving tradition, while adapting to the times. Because she would always prepare the fish just the way I liked it. Although this country was founded upon immigration and extols the ideals of cultural exchange, it is often very hard for the voices of the minority to be heard. Foreign food can easily be misconstrued as either exotic and fancy, or dirty and cheap. But because we all have different experiences with the food we eat and what they mean to us, America would be all the better for approaching foreign cuisine with respect and an open mind. Take the time to understand where that plate of dumplings or that bowl of noodles came from, what they mean to the people who made them, and appreciate the fact that in the land of opportunity, authentic food can be found right around the corner. I take comfort in knowing that whatever happens, my rich, culinary heritage will endure in some form or another, be it braised sea cucumbers, or orange chicken. My only hope is that we are given the opportunity to speak for our food and our culture, and that Americans are willing to listen respectfully between each bite of stir-fry, down to the very last grain of rice. Elena Zhang is a freelance writer based in Chicago. Her writing can be found in HelloGiggles, Bustle, The Mary Sue and PopMatters, among other publications. Earlier this week, embattled technology manufacturer HTC released its 2016 Q1 earnings. The numbers were unfortunately, but not surprisingly, disastrous. After a dismal campaign in 2015 that saw the companys revenue drop from NT $41.5 billion ($1.29 billion USD) in Q1 to just NT $25.7 billion ($789.5 million USD) in Q4, HTC opened the new year by dropping even further to NT $14.8 billion ($460 million USD). That makes for a massive 64 percent drop in revenue from Q1 2015 to Q1 2016. Profits fared even worse dropping 78 percent year-over-year. Given its poor performance a year ago, HTC needed to rebound in a big way in 2016. The early numbers are not promising, but they were never expected to be. The biggest moves the company made in response to the poor reception and commercial performance of the One M9 and A9 are not included in the Q1 report. Certainly, the hill to climb is still large and the company is not expected to become Apple in the next seven months, but it has made smart and interesting moves this year. If youre ready to write HTC off, you should step back from the ledge. We wont know if the right moves were made until the curtains close on 2016, but the company has offered good reason not to count them out yet. As it always has, HTCs potential rebound starts with its smartphone portfolio. The company had much to atone for after last years misguided flagship, the One M9 and uninspired mid-range offering, the One A9. In an age where the biggest tech companies can largely ignore complaints from its user base and still perform well, HTC understood it needed to listen to the criticism that surrounded its highest profiles phones from last year. With the HTC 10, the company not only addressed the concerns of the M9, but delivered its best smartphone to date. In every category, the 10 performs admirably. Like all great HTC phones, the hardware is phenomenal, the care given to build quality is apparent and the companys claims that it obsessed over the making of the 10 ring true once you hold the phone and feel its solid construction. The design is a maturation of the signature One series look, despite the One moniker having been removed. It shares DNA mostly with the original One (M7), adding a bit of flair with dramatically chamfered edges that frame the back of the phone in a distinct way. Software is fast, fluid and closer to stock Android than ever. HTC seems to have put less focus on developing Sense, new features are slim, but there are a few minor highlights. First is the Freestyle Layout option that removes the usual grid system and lets users apply a theme and wholly customize the look and second is audio software that pairs with 24-bit sound processing, a built-in DAC and high performance headset amplifier to offer some of the best sound youll find on a smartphone. Its very easy to get swept up in how great a phone the HTC 10 is but, to keep from writing another review on the topic, Ill finish with a quick note on the camera. The company had been lambasted for years because of poor performing cameras, but the 10 has changed the conversation. It is the best performing camera HTC has ever put in a phone, absolutely competitive with the best on the market and has even been updated since our original review to address some of our main concerns (particularly the color accuracy and saturation). The 10 is a great package. Its one of the best phones you can buy on the market right now and, if youre at the end of your contract or looking for a change, it deserves serious consideration. Its particularly promising when you add the rumors that HTC will helm the 2016 Nexus phones. Given how solid a machine the 10 is, Google could be on the verge of releasing its best Nexus phones ever, only a year after it did just that with the Nexus 6P. Nexus phones arent made to sell massive units, however, and there is still a clear lack in marketing power on the side of HTC. That means the 10, and possible future Nexus devices, likely wont sell in huge numbers. HTC says the launch for the 10 has been strong, but its hard to know what strong means to a company that just reported an 80 percent drop in profits. The team-up with Google could help on the marketing front. Mountain View pushed big campaigns for the 6P and 5X last fall and would likely do the same for the HTC phones. Even if the 10 and Nexus phones dont set sales records, they will likely outperform HTCs 2015 offerings. Like any struggling entity, HTC has to look at the road ahead in manageable chunks. One quarter, one device, one day at a time. It cant try to reclaim its former glory in one fell swoop. The good news is that the 10 proves its not trying to do that. HTC is simply trying to regain some momentum by putting its best foot forward, and that outlook could lead to a healthy 2016. On the devils advocate side of things, one could argue the smartphone market is all but set in stone. Apple and Samsung are the pillars and always will be. At this point, its a tough market for a new company, or an established company hoping to rebound, to make any headway. Thats why the second big launch HTC had in Q2 may be even more important than its flagship smartphone. For years, the biggest name in virtual reality was Oculus. Other companies came through and announced they were working on a VR platform, but all eyes were still on the Rift. HTC was one of those companies when it surprised the tech world and revealed it had partnered with lauded videogame company Valve and was working on its own VR platform, Vive. Perhaps even more surprising is that Vive not only holds its own against the Rift, but is in many ways a better experience. HTCs headset launched to strong reception, with many reviewers noting its superior immersion over the Oculus Rift. Many people believe virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality are the next big step in technology and the fact that HTC is in on the ground floor with arguably the best first option for VR is a big coup for the company. Vive wont save HTC, though. At least not in 2016. Its still a niche product for early adopters that comes with a big price tag of $800, plus the cost of a gaming PC or upgrades you might have to make to your current rig to support VR. The future potential is whats important here. If VR does breakthrough to the mainstream, it could become the pillar of HTCs business for years to come, especially if it is able to progress Vives technology at a rate equal to, or better, than VR competitors. It will be tough, particularly given the resources Oculus has with Facebooks deep, deep pockets but HTC is at a good starting point. Being on the front lines is good, but its not everything, and the company knows that. It was once on the front lines of the Android platform, and quickly became the biggest Android manufacturer, but we know how thats ended up. HTC needs to learn from its smartphone struggles and continue to build a great product with Vive, but also figure out a way to market it more successfully. It doesnt matter if you make a great product if no one, meaning the average consumer, has any idea it exists. Dropping 64 percent in revenue and 78 percent in profits is a huge knock , but likely one HTC saw coming. It knew it had to hit with something brilliant in the second quarter, and it did. Twice. Both the 10 and Vive are leading devices in their respective platforms, and should give the company a boost. Granted, just about anything would be a boost given current standing, but the company has shown a desire to continue to put its best foot forward despite dire circumstances, which it should be given ample credit for. This year remains huge for HTC. It wont regain former glory, but could find new splendor in the world of VR and has already found solid footing in its smartphone brand, possibly strengthened even further in the second half of the year if it does take on the latest Nexus devices. There is a lot to be gloomy about when considering the fate of HTC, but not all is lost. Before you write off the Taiwanese company completely, wait to see how it performs in Q2. If the numbers are anything like Q1, it may be time to wave goodbye to the once great tech manufacturer. But the companys recent product history tells me HTC is primed for a rebound. We all love an underdog, right? The soybean's No. 1 enemy, a parasitic round worm called the soybean cyst nematode, feeds on the roots. In addition, sudden death syndrome, a fungal disease which inhibits root growth, has begun to impact soybeans in South Dakota. Though soybean producers from neighboring states like Iowa have experienced yield losses due to sudden death syndrome for nearly a decade, the disease did not impact South Dakota producers until 2013, according to South Dakota State University field crops pathologist Febina Mathew. Moist soil and cool weather during planting followed by rainy weather during flowering have contributed to an increase in sudden death syndrome in the state. In addition, sudden death syndrome tends to be worse in fields that have high levels of soybean cyst nematode, according to Mathew and SDSU Extension plant pathologist Emmanuel Byamukama. This increases the importance of testing soils for soybean cyst nematodes this spring. These tests are free for all South Dakota producers, thanks to support from the South Dakota Soybean Promotion and Research Council. "This association between the worm and the fungus can be affected by abiotic and biotic factors in the field," Mathew pointed out. Consequently, they are also evaluating whether soil factors, such as potassium, increase the susceptibility of soybean plants to sudden death syndrome, particularly in relationship to the soybean cyst nematode. To do this, Mathew and Byamukama are working with SDSU Extension entomologist Adam Varenhorst and crop production specialist Jonathan Kleinjan, as well as U. S. Department of Agriculture research agronomist Shannon Osborne. The research is supported by the South Dakota Soybean Promotion and Research Council. Emergence of sudden death syndrome "It's a relatively new disease," Mathew said. Through presentations at SDSU Extension field days, she and Byamukama have helped producers identify sudden death syndrome. Fungicides are largely ineffective, so farmers must change management practices and select tolerant soybean varieties to reduce losses. advertisement A 2014 survey of 200 fields in 22 South Dakota counties showed that approximately 30 fields in 18 counties had signs of sudden death syndrome, according to Mathew. However, only a few of the more infected fields had low to moderate yield losses. "The pathogen infects plants through the roots, slowly releasing its toxin over time," Mathew explained. It affects the roots and eventually causes yellowing and then browning of the leaves; however, these symptoms are not apparent until the soybean plants begin to flower. Facts about nematodes When it comes to the soybean cyst nematode, Byamukama said, "It's purely a management issue because we cannot eradicate it." The nematode can survive in soil for 10 years without any host. "It's highly prolific. One cyst can have 300 eggs within it, and those 300 eggs can reproduce up to three times in a season," he said, noting, not all of the eggs hatch at once. That makes management difficult. advertisement There are no obvious plant symptoms even when yield losses are already occurring, Byamukama explained. That underscores the importance of periodically testing soil for the cysts. Yearly testing at the Southeast Research Center near Beresford, South Dakota, has not yet identified any nematicide seed treatments that have increased soybean yields, according to Byamukama. Consequently, resistance has been the most effective way to manage these pests. However, "90 percent of resistance in commercial soybean cultivars comes from one source, Plant Introduction line 88788," he cautioned, "so it may not last for long." In the last three years, Byamukama and graduate student Krishna Acharya have collected soil samples from 28 East River counties to determine which resistance gene sources are still effective against the predominant races of Heterodera glycine, or soybean cyst nematode, in South Dakota. Greenhouse testing has shown 10 to 30 percent reproduction rates on varieties with resistant genes from PI 88788. "Already, we are seeing some pressure," Byamukama said. He counsels producers to rotate crops and vary the resistant soybean cultivars they plant. Ninety per cent of Norway's two million pairs of cliff-nesting seabirds are located in nesting colonies above the Arctic Circle. But why are these colonies located exactly where they are? Much of the 1200-km stretch of coastline from the Arctic Circle to Norway's easternmost point, on the Russian border, has features that ought to be attractive to birds that nest in colonies, mainly steep, protected cliffs that are essentially inaccessible to terrestrial predators. Using computer models to describe ocean currents and the transport of floating fish larvae, researchers were able to show that bird colonies are located in areas where currents and the shape of the coastline cause fish larvae to concentrate. More simply stated, "the birds are where the food is," said Hanno Sandvik, a biologist from the Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and first author of a paper published in Nature Communications on Friday. This may seem like a self-evident fact, but the research team is the first ever to be able to essentially predict where seabird colonies should be, based on fish larvae "hot spots" that show up in computer models of how fish larvae are transported along the coast. "We are starting from where the prey is," Sandvik said. "We know where the prey is (because of the computer models). Then, based on what we know about where their prey is, where should the colonies be?" Spotting a pattern in hot spots advertisement The idea for the study came about several years ago, when researchers met to discuss a different project for which oceanographers from the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR) had created a coastal current and fish larvae transport model. By using wind, water temperature and salinity information that has been collected by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute for decades, the oceanographers could calculate the strength and direction of currents along the Norwegian coast, and could simulate how fish larvae and plankton, which float with the current, would be transported. The IMR researchers showed the assembled group of researchers a series of PowerPoint slides of the northern Norwegian coast with fish larvae concentrations mapped along the coastline over a number of years. They used red to show the densest concentrations, which meant that fish larvae "hot spots" were highlighted in red. Although currents transport larvae and plankton along the entire coast, these floating organisms are not uniformly spread along the coastline. That's because of the way the current interacts with different coastal features, which concentrate organisms in the eddies that form along banks, islets and promontories. After Robert Barrett, a biologist from the Department of Natural Sciences at the Troms University Museum, saw several of the slides, he realized that the red "hot spots" were in exactly the same place every year, and their location neatly predicted seabird colony locations. advertisement "I said, 'Hang on! Let's have a look at that,'" said Barrett, who is also the second author on the paper. "Those red concentration dots are distributed exactly where the seabird colonies are." It was then that the researchers decided to develop a statistical test to see if northern Norway seabird colonies are in fact closely associated with areas along the coast where currents concentrate food. "We had been discussing for a long time why seabird colonies are where they are," Barrett said. "Here the IMR researchers were showing us models of fish larval concentrations, and it fit. The food, of course, is totally dependent on ocean currents, climate and topography. It turns out that yes, there are hot spots along the coast where food is concentrated. And this is what the seabirds have tuned into long, long ago." Timing, stability important For the research presented in the Nature Communications article, the IMR oceanographers simulated what the fish larvae and plankton concentrations would have looked like along the northern Norwegian coast each year from 1982 to 2011, or for 30 years. Sandvik and his other colleagues then combined this with seabird population numbers collected by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research to see what kinds of patterns emerged. So, for example, it is well known that July, which is relatively late in season for nesting seabirds, is a very important month when it comes to parents feeding their chicks. The chicks are nearly ready to leave the nest, so they are quite large and need a lot of food. That means the parents are working overtime to feed them. Because of this demand, high fish larvae concentrations in July were among the most strongly associated factors with the presence of a nesting colony. Sandvik also found that colony locations were strongly associated with locations where fish larvae concentrations had a high minimum level across many years. If an area along the coast had very high levels of fish larvae concentrations, but if those levels were not consistent over the years, then a colony was less likely to be associated with that spot. "Birds prefer places where the (prey) numbers are as stable as possible," Sandvik said. "The best places are where you have enough fish larvae every year." This makes sense from a biological standpoint because seabirds can't suddenly change their reproductive abilities from year to year--they can't lay 10 eggs in a good year and one egg in a bad year. So the birds simply can't take advantage of years when there is a lot of prey in the ocean. But if prey is available nearly every year at the minimum level needed for birds to reproduce successfully, that is much more attractive to seabirds -- and the research backs this up. Lofoten key, stable source of cod One other surprising finding was the importance of cod larvae that originate from spawning grounds in the Lofoten Islands, Sandvik said. The two currents that are responsible for moving water along the northern Norwegian coast move north and then east, wrapping around the top of Norway near Hammerfest and heading east towards Kirkenes. These currents thus bring cod larvae north from spawning grounds and then east along the coastline. If Sandvik looked just at concentrations of herring larvae, there was no significant association between herring and colony location. But if he looked at cod larvae, the association between larvae concentrations and colony location was highly significant, he said. The Lofoten area has continually exported dried cod since the Viking times, 900 years ago, which suggests that the cod spawning area there has been stable over long periods, Sandvik said. That means it's possible that the location of the seabird colonies in northern Norway might have persisted for centuries, if not longer. "It really seems to be the area that is driving this entire system," he said. Maternal stress and depression during pregnancy may activate certain protective mechanisms in babies. Psychologists from the University of Basel together with international colleagues report that certain epigenetic adaptations in newborns suggest this conclusion. Their results have been published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. In their study, the researchers observed that increased concentrations of maternal stress hormones, depressive symptoms and general adversities during pregnancy were accompanied by epigenetic changes in the child. As a result of these changes the oxytocin receptor gene, which is important for social behavior and stress adaptations, is activated more easily. This mechanism could indicate that in these cases, the babies adapt to develop more resilience to cope with future challenges and adversities. Switch reprogrammed Whether a gene can be activated or not also depends on methyl groups that attach to the DNA and function as a switch. The researchers found that children from mothers with increased stress and depressive symptoms show a reduced methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene at birth. This results in the gene becoming more easily activated, which leads to a facilitated production of oxytocin receptors for oxytocin to react with and unfold its effects. Oxytocin not only has an important function in mother-child bonding and in induction of labor and lactation, it also influences social behavior. For their study, the team of Prof. Gunther Meinlschmidt from the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Basel examined 100 mothers and their babies during and after pregnancy. They collected umbilical cord blood from 39 newborns and assessed the stress hormone cortisol in saliva samples of the mothers. In addition, the researchers evaluated stressful life events and mental health of the mothers via questionnaires. Since the data were only analyzed up to the newborn phase, no conclusions were drawn with regard to the long-term consequences that the epigenetic programming of oxytocin receptors might have for the children. "Resilience research only at the beginning" Researchers from the University of Basel, Ruhr University Bochum, Exeter University, McGill University Montreal, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, University of Trier, Zurich University of Applied Sciences and the Stress Center Trier were involved in this study funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Previous studies have shown, that adversities during pregnancy can increase the risk for mental disorders and physical diseases in the mother's offspring. However, science has so far dedicated much less attention to potential protective mechanisms of the child. "Resilience research in this area is only at the beginning," explains Meinlschmidt. The observations made provide first evidence that an adverse environment during pregnancy could also activate protective mechanisms. "We need a comprehensive understanding of the psychological processes that allow humans to sustain long-term health even over generations despite adversities," says Meinlschmidt. Based on this knowledge, resilience processes could be promoted in order to try preventing the development of mental disorders and physical illnesses. Frankie's remarkable tale of endurance and strength started in July 2012. Frankie, a young black bear, was struck by a car. The impact shattered one of his legs. The driver who injured him didn't drive away, but contacted the police for help - and that made all the difference. Frankie was taken to the Orphaned Wildlife Center in upstate New York, where he remained in a coma for three days, according to a blog post recounting his rescue. On the fourth day, Frankie woke up, but there was devastating news - he was unable to stand, let alone walk or run the way any playful bear cub ought to. He was paralyzed, only able to move his mouth and blink. His caretakers at the center fed him with a syringe. Orphaned Wildlife Center "Because of the severity of his injuries, we decided on the first day that if things were not better after one week we would put him to sleep," the center wrote in the blog post. "Well after one week, of course, we had fallen in love with him and putting him to sleep was no longer an option. So we decided to keep trying." Orphaned Wildlife Center Frankie proved that he was ready to keep trying as well - with the care afforded to him in the form of various treatments, ranging from physical therapy to massage and even laser therapy. During that time, all Frankie could do was lie on his back. But then one day, he showed that the efforts of the entire team caring for him weren't in vain. To everyone's surprise, he moved his arm. Dodo Shows Cat Crazy Fluffy Cat Wants To Sit On His Dad At All Times Things were only going to get better for Frankie from there on out. A steel rod was placed into his broken left hind leg and he was placed on bed rest for another six weeks to allow the limb to heal. In the meanwhile, he continued to gain strength and mobility in his other limbs. Frankie showed trust toward his caretakers and never displayed any signs of aggression toward them - an unusual situation for a completely wild bear. Given his special situation, staffers at the wildlife center knew Frankie couldn't be released back into the wild after his leg healed, and decided to give him a permanent home at the center. Orphaned Wildlife Center "His best chance for a happy life would be if he could live with our girls Maddy, Judy, Jenny, Amy and Sonya," the center wrote. "We put him next to the girls [in an enclosure] so he could get to know them while he was still recovering." With time, Frankie was soon able to walk, learning how to hobble around without putting much pressure on his leg until it was back to 100 percent. Once Frankie's leg was healed, he was introduced one by one to the female bears, who were all older than him and resistant to change. But within a week, Frankie was completely settled in with his new friends. He learned how to wrestle with them and in turn, taught them to appreciate something new in addition to his companionship. Orphaned Wildlife Center "Before Frank came to live here, the girls never ate sunflower seeds," a staffer at the center told The Dodo. "He loves sunflower seeds. He was able to show them what they were missing." Frankie, who is now 5 years old, spends his days playing around or lazing about. To any outsider looking in, it would be impossible to guess that, just a few years ago, he was bedridden and bogged down by an uncertain future. "It is hard to believe that a wild bear could go through all of this," the center wrote. "It is even more amazing that he developed such a wonderful relationship with us and the other bears." Now he's the most easygoing guy who likes to keep his bear sisters on his toes - and cuddle with them throughout the winter, a staffer at the center told The Dodo. Frankie has gone through so much, but his happy ending goes to show just how far a little hope and a lot of drive can go. Orphaned Wildlife Center

Jeanne Paddison

No one checked for wildlife before cutting down the tree. The clearing company just got straight to work, sawing the trunk of the 200-year-old oak tree to make room for a new building that would go in its place. As the tree crashed down, a female raccoon fell to the ground and was crushed by the weight of the wood. Her new litter of 2-day-old babies also tumbled from the tree, including a tiny raccoon who would later be named "Breezy" after the man who saved her life. Jeanne Paddison A construction worker noticed Breezy lying on the grass and picked her up. Breezy was so young, her umbilical cord was still attached, and her eyes hadn't opened. But instead of taking the little raccoon to a veterinarian or wildlife center, the construction worker took Breezy to a bar to show his friends, thinking the little creature would be fun to play with as they drank beer. Breezy probably wouldn't have survived the night at the noisy bar without her mother to give her milk or keep her warm. Luckily, a local cab driver named Ron - the owner of Breezy Cab Company - saw the construction worker at the bar with the baby raccoon, and talked him into giving Breezy to him. As soon as he had Breezy in his care, Ron took her to Savannah Wildlife Rescuein Georgia, a sanctuary and clinic run by Jeanne Paddison that specializes in raccoon rescue. Dodo Shows Soulmates Dog Goes Everywhere In His Dad's Kangaroo Pouch Jeanne Paddison When Paddison saw Breezy, she didn't think the poor thing would survive. "Babies that come to us with umbilical cords still attached have very weak immune systems because they haven't had enough exposure to the mother's antibodies," Paddison tells The Dodo. Weakened immune systems make the babies susceptible to sepsis, a bacterial infection that can kill a baby raccoon within hours. Jeanne Paddison Despite Breezy's slim chance of survival, Paddison, the onsite veterinarian, and team of volunteers at Savannah Wildlife Center worked hard to save the baby raccoon's life, giving her subcutaneous fluids for hydration and a series of intensive medical vitamins and antibiotics. The also kept Breezy warm, feeding her a special formula of milk with a syringe and training nipple. Paddison also went back to the site of the felled tree, hoping to find Breezy's brothers and sisters. As Paddison explains, raccoons never have just one baby, but usually have between four and six kits. "My guess is that the other babies were thrown from the tree as well, but never spotted," Paddison explains. Jeanne Paddison She searched hard - even climbing over the fallen trunk to look in a hollow part of the tree - but she couldn't find them anywhere. "It was too late," says Paddison. "The construction workers had already bulldozed and burned through the debris where the babies may have fallen." Jeanne Paddison Her siblings might not have survived, but Breezy seems to have beaten the odds. She recently passed the 3-week mark, which increases her chances of long-term survival. "Breezy has fought so hard," Paddison says. "She surprises us every day and is doing so well." Breezy even opened her eyes this past week, which is another good sign. First one eye opened ... Jeanne Paddison ... then, two days later, the other eye. Jeanne Paddison When Breezy is about 5 months old, her instincts will kick in, and she'll eventually be released back into the wild. But for now, this adorable baby raccoon will enjoy the best possible care at the Savannah Wildlife Rescue, which Paddison has run for three years with a team of compassionate volunteers. (Savannah Wildlife Rescue may be a new organization, but Paddison has over 35 years of experience rescuing raccoons and other wildlife.) Jeanne Paddison Paddison hopes people will learn to be more mindful of wildlife, especially when cutting down trees. "Our urbanization has made it to where every tree cavity is going to have babies in it," Paddison explains. "There are so few trees left. Everyone cuts down their dead trees with no regard for nature, and there just isn't enough room for the wildlife." "The local cab driver rescued the baby from an ignorant person showing her off around a bar with loud music," she says. "I am very thankful for the kindhearted individuals who have compassion for wildlife." Jeanne Paddison OTTAWAThe union representing more than 4,500 government financial officers has lodged two formal complaints of professional misconduct against accounting firm KPMG over its work in setting up offshore tax structures on the Isle of Man. The Association of Canadian Financial Officers wants the Ontario and Quebec chapters of the self-regulating Chartered Professional Accountants, or CPA, to assess KPMG's behaviour against the profession's code of conduct, bylaws and regulations. The complaints filed Friday but dated May 12 cite a 1999 confidential Tax Court of Canada memorandum on KPMG's alleged role in tax sheltering for wealthy Canadians using an Isle of Man company. "We believe that providing this type of service is contrary to the profession's reputation for competence and integrity," says the complaint. "These actions go well beyond the establishment of individual reputations; it affects the public perception of the chartered professional accountancy profession as a whole." The letters, signed by ACFO interim president Dany Richard and vice-president Richard Rizok both of whom are CPAs request that the Quebec and Ontario organizations "review and investigate the professional and ethical standards of KPMG LLP ..." About 2,500 of the ACFO's 4,500-plus members are chartered professional accountants, working in some 65 federal departments and agencies. The union does not represent Canada Revenue Agency accountants. KPMG issued a statement in response to a request for comment on the complaint, calling it defamatory "nonsense." "All tax planning undertaken by KPMG has always and continues to meet the requirements of all Canadian and provincial tax laws. We know that any review will conclusively demonstrate that KPMG's people acted with the highest integrity and respect for the law at all times. To suggest anything else is defamatory." The complaints come a week after KPMG partner Gregory Wiebe was called before a parliamentary committee, where he testified that the Isle of Man tax scheme complied with the laws of the day and that the accounting firm no longer offers such services. However, the fallout from the tax scheme continues, with the CBC reporting earlier this year that 26 KPMG clients had been offered amnesty by the Canada Revenue Agency in May 2015 if they paid back the taxes deemed to be owing. Scott Chamberlain, the general counsel for the ACFO, said public sector financial officers are concerned about tax avoidance "because we know, in the end, tax revenue supports the public services we deliver." Chamberlain said Wiebe's testimony helped spur the union's complaint, particularly Wiebe's invoking of accountant privilege not to divulge the firm's client list. Chamberlain said there's no accountant-client privilege for accountants, unlike lawyers. As for KPMG leaving the Isle of Man tax shelter scheme behind, Chamberlain said that's not the point. "If you've committed a crime, as (others have) alleged, or if you've made an ethical breach, you don't just get to say 'we've changed our ways' without an investigation," said the ACFO lawyer. "That's not the way the criminal justice system works, that's not the way self-regulatory bodies work." Chamberlain said KPMG is owed its day in court, or its defence of ethical questions before a professional tribunal, "but you don't just get to take a pass on the repercussions of those activities." Dany Richard, the acting ACFO president, said in an interview the ethics complaint puts the ball squarely in the court of the Chartered Professional Accountants association. "I would like CPA to let us know, what's their position on this? Are they willing to look into the matter?" said Richard. "The credibility of the association has been impacted by this. I expect them to investigate and say, 'OK, are there things here that don't pass the smell test?'" The union said the CPA had not responded to their complaint Friday and the CPA could not immediately be reached for comment. SHARE: On the morning of a week in which spring arrived grudgingly but suddenly with wings, Alex Josephson sat eating a breakfast of baby octopus gooed in olive oil. I like protein, he shrugged, giving a boyish smile, perched against the boarded-up windows of Bar Raval on College St. A week had passed since a car rammed into the place the fantastically curvilinear restaurant is possibly the coolest in town and Josephson, whose studio designed the space, seemed nonplussed. Fortunately, no one was hurt. As it happens, Josephsons father was in the bar at the time. He texted me right away, he said. It wouldnt be the last time Dad, a doctor, would come up in conversation with Torontos indomitable It Boy of architecture. Its my fathers fault! he exclaimed at one point about the man who continuously dragged him (as well as his brother) to art galleries growing up (hes the lifetime member of the AGO) and introduced him to Egyptology and so on. Its ironic, then, that years later when Alex decided to go into architecture, the same father was unimpressed. My parents were ultimately supportive, Josephson says, but my dad basically said to me, Its like youve decided to become an actor. Fast-forward to 2016. Besides the accolades the 30-something Josephson has received he (and his partners) won the recent Emerging Designer Competition at the Design Exchange and was shortlisted at the World Architecture Festival in Singapore his projects include the Union Station restoration. Merging his prowess and savoir faire is a project thats probably his most public undertaking yet. The firm that Josephson founded, Partisans, is commissioned to transform the deactivated Hearn Generating Station, an industrial landmark in Torontos Port Lands, into a day-to-night arts centre for the duration of Luminato, the giant culture fest, in June. An idea hatched by outgoing Luminato chief Jorn Weisbrodt, and one to be executed by Josephson and his partners, Pooya Baktash and Jonathan Friedman, the project is big. The Hearn is three times larger than the Tate in London and significantly larger than the Lincoln Center in New York, he says. Not bad for a man who started his career by drawing a castle for a girl he had a crush on. When I was a kid, I had a hard time with language, so I communicated with drawing, Josephson recalls. Today he is persuasive talking about the idea of permanence and impermanence in architecture. Ironically, some of the greatest pieces of architecture have been temporary, he says, pointing to Burning Man, Woodstock, even old battlefields. Josephson is one of the great young warriors against the philistinism in a city still sometimes known as Hogtown. After stints in New York, Los Angeles and Rome, where he spent four years working for acclaimed Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas, hes aiming for the world, but from Toronto. Its a funny thing, though: the snakes and ladders of client desire. Josephson tells the story of how he came to design Bar Raval, for instance. Someone in New York had seen images of the super-cool grotto sauna on Georgian Bay designed by Partisans, at that point their most viral project, and told Ravals chef and owner Grant van Gameren about it and the firm. So, we got Raval, a Toronto job, in New York, Josephson laughs. And now, onwards to an abandoned smokestack. The Hearn is a temple to our industrial heritage, which then defined prosperity in Ontario, Josephson says. These structures should be celebrated, not knocked down. SHARE: CANNES, FRANCEChloe Sevigny first caused a stir at the Cannes Film Festival without even being here. It was in 1995, when the model turned actor was just 20. She had a lead role in Larry Clarks Kids, a highly controversial comedy-drama about risk-taking street punks in the age of AIDS. Kids was in contention for that years Palme dOr, but in a break from tradition at Cannes, the youthful cast members didnt travel here to celebrate the world premiere. I didnt go there for Kids because Miramax wanted people to think that we were still on the street, Sevigny says with a chuckle from New York, as she prepares for a different kind of debut on the French Riviera. They wanted the mystique. That was the Miramax 1990s publicity machine. She made it to Cannes the following year for Trees Lounge, her second film and actor Steve Buscemis directing debut. And shes been here many times since, but her journey this time brings her to France as a first-time director rather than an actor. Her short film Kitty, adapted from a Paul Bowles short story she loved in her youth, has it world premiere May 19 in International Critics Week, a parallel program at Cannes that celebrates new talent. Kitty stars doe-eyed newcomer Edie Yvonne as a young girl who imagines herself as a kitten. She suddenly finds herself being transformed into one. Ione Skye and Lee Meriwether co-star. The film was produced by Toronto-based First Generation Films. When this project came to us, Chloes vision was so clearly articulated and compelling, its exactly the kind of filmmaker we want to work with auteurs with distinctive points of view, says executive producer Christina Piovesan. It wasnt easy to make Kitty Sevigny literally had to herd cats but she found it rewarding and hopes it will lead to a new career as a feature filmmaker. This interview has been edited and condensed: What was it about Paul Bowles short story that made you want to turn it into a film? Ive been wanting to make Kitty since I was about 19. It was a deep desire, a need to try it and make the leap. And I just went for it. I had to do it. I had to get it out of my system. Its in a collection of short stories called Midnight Mass. I just always thought it would make a very sweet short film. It kind of reminded me darker fairy tales, like Thumbelina by Hans Christian Andersen. They were things I had liked growing up, stories of little girls in peril. Questioning themselves, who they are and where they are, their place in the world. There are also interesting parent-child dynamics happening in the story. Adults dont know what to make of the situation. I thought that the dynamic between the daughter and the mother was interesting and I tried to play up on that, because I have so many girlfriends who are trying to balance motherhood and their own careers. Theres a lot going on for a 15-minute film, but I tried to infuse it with that. I didnt want the mother to come off as cold or not engaged, because shes busy doing her own thing. How do you strike that balance? Its something Ive been hearing a lot about. You want to indulge children and celebrate their imagination, but you perhaps also want them to have their own time to process it and perhaps grow it on their own. You set quite a challenge for yourself as a first-time director, working not just with a child but also the five cats needed for the production. Ive heard cats are hard to film because they resist instructions. Yes, but our cats were exceptional! We had this amazing trainer who was super kind. I had to break down every single action for the cats, from walking from A to B to jumping on a lap to rubbing the mothers legs when she sitting on the chair. Every single action was isolated and each cat was trained in a different action. Even the kittens, they just performed! We were able to do each one in no more than three takes. It was shocking. I grew up with cats and I think cats are really mystical and almost scary creatures. I remember the last cat we had in our family, she was very communicative in very bizarre ways, almost frightening. I had faith that the cats were going to be able to perform, and then they did. How many young girls did you audition before you found Edie? We saw about 10 girls on tape and maybe four girls in the room, maybe five. There was just something about Edie. She was not a professional. Shed never been on a set before. There was a shy quality about her, which I wanted. I think a lot of child actors are told to go in and be more outspoken or perform or be on. Its like a trained thing and she didnt really have that. She went to summer theatre camp, like I did when I was growing up. I just felt like I wanted a girl who innately had more of what I was looking for than one who could turn it on. It sounds like you saw a lot of yourself in the story and in Edie. I think part of the reason why I so responded to the story is shes so often standing in the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror. And I remember distinctly standing in the bathroom downstairs in my parents house in Connecticut, on this little step stool that I had so I could see myself in the mirror, recognizing that I had blond hair and blue eyes and I was obsessed with that. I wasnt really into beauty because my mother, who was so beautiful, never had fashion magazines or images of beauty. It was only when I looked at my fathers record collection that I saw images of women who are glamourized and/or sexualized. I remember distinctly always standing in that bathroom and brushing my hair and becoming self-aware. It was a very crystalizing moment in my life, and I think thats why the story so affected me and I wanted to explore that. Follow Peter Howell on Twitter: @peterhowellfilm SHARE: Picture this: lean and handsome Matthew McConaughey now fat, balding and sporting a loud tropical-themed tie, his belly hanging over the waistband of cheap-looking trousers. No, the Oscar-winning actor hasnt let himself go. But he is unrecognizable in recent photos taken on the set of Gold in New York City. McConaughey stars as a character based on Calgary stock trader David Walsh, whose gold mining company Bre-X Minerals took centre stage in a massive fraud in the 1990s. McConaughey, who spoke with the Star this week, talked about his dramatic change for the cameras. Youll see, he said with a smile in his voice when it was suggested the role is hardly a vanity project. It was definitely not . . . it wasnt even a lowercase v, McConaughey laughed. Bryce Dallas Howard and Edgar Ramirez also star in Gold. Oscar-winning Canadian filmmaker Paul Haggis is among the producers. McConaughey and director Gary Ross were chatting about their upcoming Civil War drama Free State of Jones when the actor was asked about the possibility that Gold, slated for release sometime in 2016, could premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. I dont know yet. I havent got engaged in the release and declaration of that film yet, but I will be soon, said McConaughey. Montreal director Jean-Marc Vallees Dallas Buyers Club had its world premiere at TIFF 2013. McConaughey and co-star Jared Leto both won Oscars for their work on that film. SHARE: IN TOUCH Cover: Kim and Kanyes outfits matched at the Met gala, so they had to have been very much in love, says an insider wise to the ways of the heart. But its not true! They are 100% for sure getting divorced now; Its unbelievable how disrespectful and self-absorbed this guy is, says bodyguard Steve Stanulis, presumably upon waking from a 15-year coma, or emerging from a North Korean prison. Second split: Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux are likewise 1,000% for real divorcing, because Justins travelling and loving life as a leading man (whats he the lead of? Does he have a curling foursome somewhere?). Also he wouldnt go to the opening of Mothers Day with her, reminding you that you couldnt be married to Jen, either. Taking fire: Another new tome for your burgeoning Scientology-expose shelf, blows the lid off Tom Cruises secrets this one says he loves skeet shooting. You can just make better stuff up, In Touch; no one minds. US Cover: The late-arriving Prince obit says the magnificent oddball was in constant pain from 30 years jumping off speakers with four-inch shoes on, says his hairstylist, and the sources telling you things you already know just get better and better, including CNN commentator Van Jones; and Dr. Funkenberry.com blogger Jeremiah Freed. Also he was vegan except for Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies an endorsement the company must use just right. Solo act: Lonely Britney Spears makes an assistant or nanny share a bed with her, albeit platonically; these days she is only going through the motions of titillating me. STAR Cover: Princess Di kept journals of her unhappy life with Prince Charles (she feared the nanny was wielding the ol sceptre), and son William has read them, because, one supposes, he has time on his hands and it was either that or go see Mothers Day. Very likely stories: Stuff you already suspected this week includes: hit-deprived rapper Tyga is broke, Madonna can be a handful, and Jessica Albas Honest Company allegedly isnt. What I said about just making things up applies to you too, Star. Read more about: SHARE: Wearing his late mothers purple Crocs, 11-year-old Sully sits astride a camel crossing the Thar Desert in western India. His little brother Max, 8, rides beside him atop a second camel, laughing and squealing while their dad, Jason Pearson, leads the pack. Pearson had done a similar camel safari with the boys mom Jane, long before they were born and long before her cancer diagnosis. The young couple hated it back then; the animals smelled, were bad tempered, and a nightmare to ride. But Sully and Max are loving every moment of this camel ride in April as they near the end of their globe-trotting adventure in honour of their late mom. And this time Jason Pearson enjoys it too. To see the excitement in their eyes, thats always my favourite part, Pearson says later by phone from the island of Boracay in the Philippines. They are on this piece of paradise to wash away the chaos and exhaustion of their visit to India. Were definitely a bit of a mess on this trip, but thats really the magical part. Sully has been wearing his moms Crocs since the three of them left Toronto eight months earlier. Despite being worn down, they are still his footwear of choice on the world tour in memory of Jane, who died on Christmas Day in 2008, when the boys were just 4 and 1. Jane and Jason Pearson had always wanted to take their sons on this trip, similar to one shed taken with her parents at a young age. When the trio left, the trip was a dedication to Jane: each memory, each laugh, made and shared with her in mind. Now, as they approach the end of their adventure, after visiting nearly 20 countries, theyve learned to celebrate the family they are, the unit of three. Oui Three, they call themselves. Weve all become each others best friends, says Pearson. Its more our trip now, and were taking ownership in that. For Pearson, the trip is about watching everything their adventures and new experiences through the eyes of his boys. Like the day he saw Sully surf in New Zealand, when he zip-lined with Max in Laos, and the time he looked up from a boat in the Sulu Sea as the boys soared above on a parasail wing. Still, a wave of Jane will hit every so often. That rush of memories hits when the boys ask if mommy would enjoy snorkeling or riding camels with them. On her birthday in October, Jason Pearson was hit with another wave: the trio crammed in a shuttle bus with seven other passengers, sweaty, hot, tired and grumpy. Jane, he thought, would have smiled through it all. Some days are difficult. Those days I just need to remind myself to be where my feet are and really enjoy the fact that hey, you know what? Were travelling, the three of us, and were on the other side of the world, and were really just trying to have the time of our life. Jason Pearson saved hard over five years to fund the trip. He took part in the deferred leave program with the Halton District School Board where he is a Grade 5 and 6 teacher. Hes been home-schooling the boys so they dont fall behind. Janes parents have said its much quieter without the boys around, but they email regularly and met up with them in New Zealand for two weeks in January and in March for three weeks in Sri Lanka. The boys are in the Middle East now. Next on their itinerary are Oman, Greece, Croatia, Italy, France, England and Iceland with just two months left in the trip. The boys will be back in Toronto mid-July in time to attend Camp Kitchikewana, the same camp their mother went to as a kid. Itsanother way for the boys, who were so young when Jane died, to remember their mom, like wearing the Crocs. When they learned she used to get her nails done, they too started to paint their fingernails. On a recent trip to the spa in the Philippines, they got a manicure and pedicure just like mom would have. Solo-parenting around the world isnt easy. Once Pearson lost Max for 15 minutes in a packed mall in Bangkok. He had gone to the bathroom and ended up riding an elevator helping people get to all the different floors, pretending he worked there. The days where I see them find a spot, settle in and escape into their own world of adventure and imagination, those are some of the best, says Pearson. He has dubbed his young duo imagination nation, the reason was evident one April evening in the Philippines when armed with sticks, Sully and Max cast spells at each other as the sun set over a Palawan island beach. Expelliarmus! yelled Sully, disarming Max, who regained his footing to fire back with Crucio! an unforgivable curse in wizarding lore, they explain later. The round-the-world trip began on a beach eight months earlier when they played under cloudy skies in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, preparing to embark on their yearlong memorial trip. Now they play for themselves too. Their mom Jane is still with them in the purple Crocs that Sully wears on his feet and the painted fingers and toes. But now, when a wave of Jane hits Oui Three, they let it crash and move forward. Follow the rest of their travels online at WhereOurSidewalkEnds.com and on Instagram as @OuiThree3. Read the story about their departure on TheStar.com. SHARE: Starting this month, Baby Box Canada is delivering its first free boxes of goodies to expectant parents in Ontario, with over 50,000 on the registration list. Toronto-based founders Romi and Edward Walker were inspired by the Finnish governments 75-year-old tradition of sending boxes with baby care items to new parents, and will spend the summer months beta-testing their baby boxes in Ontario, with plans to expand the project across Canada. How did the idea of Baby Box begin? Edward: Before we had our son, hes almost 2, we were trying to figure out the kinds of things that we needed to prepare for our first child. We ended up going to different stores and trying to figure it out, and then Romis mother actually sent us a box of all kinds of things that she thought we would need. After we had Alex, our baby, we were thinking to ourselves, Why isnt a thing like this available? Romi: It started from a passion of ours, and we saw that there are actually programs in Finland and its common around the world, and we wanted to have it here for people. We feel like its a great thing for a person to receive when they have a baby. How did your mother-in-law react to being part of your inspiration? Edward: She flew into town just to visit our son Alex, and it happened to be right when we were launching the first campaign end of January, beginning of February and she watched it happen. She was just in tears, it was incredible. How do you choose the brands you partner with? Romi: We want to have quality products and things that people will actually be happy to receive. Edward: Thats why we talk with brands like Fisher-Price, Kids II, and Aleva Naturals. Romi: We also wanted to give room for the smaller boutique brands, like luv child and Stork and Dove, to have more Canadian (brands). Edward: Its not just about getting their product in the box. We want to share (their brand) with the public because it can be very hard to try and find different products. A big thing that we work on is helping to drive the industry forward and showing parents products and also getting feedback from those parents so we can say to brands which products are needed and how they can make their products better. For parents just getting on board now, how long is the waiting list? Edward: It depends ... the program is geared around getting a box to parents two to three months before their expected due date. What message do you have for new parents who are trusting your call on what to buy for their baby? Romi: I feel like when you see a product, you know that you would want to try it on your baby. I would recommend for everyone to use their own judgment first. Then when it comes to the box, we selected products that we believe in and that we would use at home. Edward: We have a requirement that the products be retail available, in one form or another, whether through an online retailer or a major chain store, like Walmart, Toys R Us, and the like ... We make sure the products in the box are safe. Ultimately, a big part of it is the product that goes in the box and which brand it is, but another part of it is the type of product. We try to focus on products we think are genuinely helpful for parents. What guarantee of privacy do parents have when signing up on your website? Edward: We meet all of the guidelines the Canadian government has developed for protecting data ... All of our data that is stored meets all of the highest levels of security for data protection and our website is super secure. The list itself isnt seen by anybody. With new parents being very protective of their children, what message do you have for parents to trust you on your call on what to buy for their baby, or what to consider for their children? Romi: When it comes to the box, we selected products that we believe in, that we would use at home. We made sure that we were going to use them. We tasted the food thats in the box. We tried the creams in the box. We tried everything. We wanted to make sure that we believe in everything that goes in the box. Edward: We had our lawyers look at all the products to make sure everything (was) compliant and it was up to standards. Can you take me through some of those products (that are helpful to parents)? Romi: There is Medela. We have the hydrogel pads for women who started breastfeeding and have sore nipples. I find them pretty helpful. So its something good to have at home. And we do also give some nice creams. Are you going to be throwing in coupons as well? Edward: Not in the initial box. After that we are rolling out a shopping guide which will have coupons for all the products in the box and potentially a lot more. And also another great part of the shopping guide is it will give a parent space for a shopping list. So (they) get the box, they experience the product and when theyre ready to go do their shopping, they can also add the rest of their list into the shopping guide and they can go to the store and make their purchases. The goods Valued at more than $150, the first delivery of Baby Boxes will include (other brands might be added in later rollouts): Assorted teethers and/or rattles from Fisher Price Baby Bee Tear Free Shampoo & Wash from Burts Bees Bamboo Baby Sensitive Wipes from Aleva Naturals Body & Bum Spray from luv child Booby Boons Lactation Cookies from Stork and Dove Nighttime Disposable Breast Pads from Philips Avent Gentle Saline Wipes from Boogie Wipes Healing Mix from Now for Mothers Receiving blanket from Kushies Snuggle n Shake Pal from Bright Starts Stain Remover bar from BunchaFarmers Stretch Mark Cream from Aleva Naturals Sudocrem from Sudocrem Tender Care Hydrogel Pads and lanolin cream from Medela Todays Parent magazine SHARE: DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES-Are you willing to revisit your position? asks Nasif Kayed, managing director of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding. Its a valid question. One that we a hodgepodge of visitors from Canada, Europe and Asia, as well as expatriates try to digest with potent shots of coffee brewed with cardamom and saffron. One of the best ways to learn about a culture is through its food. So I assumed this guided traditional Emirati buffet, and a Bedouin meal I had earlier, would be a good foundation to knowing the city. I was wrong, of course. Dubai cant be distilled to one or two plates. This cosmopolitan city is progressive in practice but conservative in nature. Its a place where sophistication meets tolerance, complete with an appointed minister who handles that portfolio. With 100-plus cuisines and 200 nationalities, its a multicultural hub that might even rival Toronto. I realized this sitting cross-legged on a cushion in an open courtyard in the historic Al Fahidi district, a labyrinth of narrow streets and wind towers. I mulled on it some more over an exquisite afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar atop Burj Al Arab the worlds only seven-star hotel, before Lexus (spoiler: more later) helped me make sense of it all. At the guided Emirati buffet we break bread in this case, khamir to sop up chicken saloona (stew) as our dynamic speaker tackles misconceptions, gender roles and expectations, radicalism and cultural misunderstandings. There was a question about the Sunni and Shiite divide. There were criticisms of the Gulf States in the Syrian refugee crisis, despite the fact Dubai has been recognized by the Red Cross as the top global contributor. An open conversation on citizenship left many of us envying Emirati privileges. To address an inquiry about cultural dress, my fashion-forward friend Justine Iaboni jumps up to volunteer to try on a niqab for a demonstration. Its empowering, she confesses afterwards, referring to the anonymity she felt under the niqab. Kayed argues its practicality: You dont need to spend a lot of time getting ready to go out. Sold. Thanks in part to a fast-growing tourism industry, Dubai is poised to be the worlds next culinary playground. Discerning palates have thousands of restaurants and cafes to choose from. As expected, many focus on luxury. We dine like kings on flavourful Moroccan including an ethereal icing sugar-dusted kenaffa at Tagine, before sashaying down to swanky Jetty Lounge for flutes of brut rose. At Pierchic, our bergamot butter-swathed sea scallops and black truffle-kissed yellow tail filet are enjoyed, al fresco, from a table hovering over the Arabian Gulf. Friday brunch at Thiptara, inside the prestigious Palace Downtown, puts all brunches to shame. From our unobstructed view of the Dubai Fountains choreographed show, we indulge in caviar and every crustacean imaginable, lifting our heads only to watch water jets wiggle their way out of the shadow of Burj Khalifa. We take advantage of Dubai Restaurant Week, feasting on prix fixe meals at Londons outpost of the Ivy, and Michelin-honoured Jason Athertons Marina Social, for a fraction of their regular menu price. Abu Dhabi has oil Dubai has ideas Ganesh Naidu, our guide from Arabian Adventures says, alluding to the citys ongoing role in trade and innovation. We experience that entrepreneurship when we head to Kite Beach for Dubai Food Festivals Beach Canteen. Its a one-stop shop to try homegrown restaurant concepts like fast-casual Moshi. Developed by founder Rahul Sajnani during university, the fusion-style memos and sushi are an acquired taste, but locals line up out the door for cream cheese-filled maki rolls coated with crushed Chips Oman. The paprika-spiced potato chips become the countrys unofficial national dish when rolled with processed cheese and hot sauce in a hot paratha. For expats like Kim Thompson, co-owner of Raw Coffee Co., the regions first organic coffee roastery, working the early years without salary was tough as she created new networks to find and service expensive, high-tech equipment, train staff and educate consumers. The company has committed to ethical business practices, including working with womens collectives from Ethiopia and Yemen. It has a cafe, barista training program and is beginning to export its beans. Even the contrived-sounding Intersect by Lexus proved to be a surprise. Tucked under the Dubai International Financial Centre, the brands retail concept shows how art, design, lifestyle, culture and technology can mingle in an inviting culinary space. From the stunning Wonderwall-designed bamboo window grid (made to resemble the vehicles spindle grilles) wrapped around the library lounge, to the gallery of fashionable-yet-functional lifestyle items, you get to experience the luxury brand without getting behind the wheel. The menu lies between upscale North American and continental. Chef Tomas Reger peppers a largely organic and share-friendly menu with crowd-pleasing terms, such as artisanal, heirloom and kale, plus vegan and gluten-free options. Just like visiting Dubai, spending time at Intersect by Lexus could get expensive, but both exceed expectations. Like my treasured box of macadamia nut-stuffed khalas dates from premium vendor Bateel in the Dubai Mall I didnt realize dates could be so costly, or delicious. I want more. Renee S. Suen was hosted by Dubais Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, which didnt review or approve this story. When You Go Get there: Emirates (emirates.com) offers direct flights from Toronto (about 12 hours) six times a week to Dubai International Airport, which is about 5 kilometres from the city centre. Time zone: Dubai is nine hours ahead of Toronto. Season: Dubai has a subtropical and arid climate, with infrequent rain showers between December and March. Winter temperatures can range from 30 C daytime highs to 15 C at night. Summers can be hot and humid, reaching highs of 48 C. Get around: You can rent a car (note: drive on the right side), board a ferry or take taxis. The Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram are affordable options. Stay: Budget-friendly options are available in convenient locations across Dubai, but for a true five-star experience stay at one of the many resorts in the Jumeirah Hotel group (jumeirah.com). Choose from iconic Burj Al Arab, to Madinat Jumeirahs collection of resorts, including its crown jewel, Al Qasr. Fashioned after a Sheikhs summer residence and bathed in modern luxury, its connected to the propertys other hotels, recreation facilities, 40 restaurants, a souk and two-kilometre private beach. Do your research: visitdubai.com Etiquette: A dress code is in effect at all times, so err on the side of modesty. Women should wear tops with sleeves, with dresses or skirts ending at the knees or longer. Long pants and tops with sleeves are recommended for me. Swimwear and shorts are only permitted at the beach. Public displays of affection, rude gestures or profane language arent tolerated. SHARE: ANN ARBOR, MICH.-Weve long been able to tour Frank Lloyd Wrights best-known homes, such as Fallingwater near Pittsburgh and Robie House in Chicago, but crossing their velvet ropes was never an option. To really experience the architecture and artistry of this American icon, go beyond the guided tour and stay in a Frank Lloyd Wright house. For a weekend or longer, you can install yourself in one of his residential works of art: Palmer House in Ann Arbor, Mich. On an introductory tour, I realized I forgot to bring something: a geometry textbook, to refresh my memory on parallelograms, trapezoids and rhomboids. All loom large in one of his last commissions. Welcome to the Palmer House, said Gary Cox, who manages the property for his son Jeffrey Schox, who bought the home in 2009 after admiring it during runs through the neighbourhood. While Cox led us through the 2,000-sq.-ft. brick-and-cypress house, he revealed as much about the Palmers as he did the house that carries their name, and their story adds an emotional foundation to the bones of the place. Bill Palmer was a professor of economics at the nearby University of Michigan. Mary Palmer was a student of music, a philanthropist, host and insistent suitor of Frank Lloyd Wright; at least, Wright the designer. She once drove all the way to New Mexico in the 1950s, mind you, before interstates and by herself to convince him to take this commission, recounted Cox. Wright had resisted earlier entreaties but Mary eventually convinced him to accept the commission. And thus, in his early 80s, he set out to design the house the Palmers would live in for five decades. Mary was as eccentric as Frank to put up with all this, said Cox, as he stooped over to open a bottom drawer in the kitchen. He had to grab below the lowest drawer, as there were and are no handles. The architect decried them as gauche, visual clutter. So to get a spoon from the top drawer, you had to start at the bottom, opening each drawer enough to grab the one above it. The place reveals itself slowly, so a weekend stay, at least, is recommended. Late in the afternoon, for example, as the sun starts to drop, guests can watch how the birds come alive; and no, not the cardinals and robins in the surrounding glade. One outside wall features polygonal cutouts resembling birds in flight. In abstract form, they resemble the Piasa, an avian emblem used by ancient Native Americans of the northern Mississippi River. The light is projected on an inside wall, creating an almost animation effect of these birds in flight. To be honest, the house is not practical, in the modern sense. Even in the 1950s and 60s, said Cox, the Palmer children would do their homework using a miners lamp, since it was so dark inside. Hallways are narrow and angled. This helps prevent noise from travelling, but also means negotiating the spaces is a lot different than your condo or bungalow. The Palmers were not large people, so doorways were sized accordingly. But that does not detract from the pleasures of the houses shapes, surfaces, design and overall esthetic. And there are recent concessions to modernity. The fridge is decidedly not a 1950s appliance, but rather a stainless-steel machine. There is a microwave and Wi-Fi. But the stove is original, electric and, if not efficient, then certainly workmanlike. Oh, and the beds are hexagonal. I looked it up in an old geometry textbook. When You Go: To stay at Frank Lloyd Wrights Palmer House in Ann Arbor, Mich. (about an hours drive from Detroit), book through flwpalmerhouse.com. The house has three bedrooms and sleeps six. Rates start at $350 (U.S.) per night for a two-night minimum stay. SHARE: Sophie Gregoire Trudeau has but one assistant. To have a functioning office, she needs another. In what world is this so dreadful? Recall that in a Conservative government, Mila Mulroney had an office opposite the Parliament Buildings and a staff of at least three. I only mention this because Gregoire Trudeau has turned out to be wildly popular. Its hard to choose, because its touching when people ask for your help, she told Le Soleil this week. People really lay out their suffering in some of the letters I receive. She fears hurting people by not responding or by saying no. What an awful job she has landed. The Conservatives had planned to leverage Mrs. (sic) Harper, as the Star reported, but it didnt really work. If you ever saw 24 Seven videos of Laureen Harper, teeth gritted but game, discussing her favourite Andy Kim song while sticking her hand in a chinchilla cage and leaving it there like a lump, you felt shed been bullied. For chinchillas are distant creatures. As pets they can become friendly or affectionate with proper care, hand taming and consistent effort. Always buy a pet to match your husbands level of joie de vivre. I got that information from a website for weird pets. What does it mean when guinea pigs breathe fast? Why is my hermit crab digging a hole? Harper had a lot on her plate, Id say, with that rigid husband and a chinchilla looking to be candy on a better arm. She is well out of Ottawa; I hope shes looking at big Calgary skies right now. Shes free. But the knives are out for Gregoire Trudeau. Sadly, many blades belong to other women. If were going to talk about women feeling overwhelmed, lets talk about everyday Canadian women feeling overwhelmed, NDP MP Niki Ashton told the CBC. Ashton, a high-profile feminist whom I respect, then started up again elsewhere about the Trudeaus having two government-funded nannies while most Canadians struggle for daycare. How is that relevant to office help? At this point, Ashton sounded just like Candice Bergen and other female Conservative MPs bullying the PMs wife. It was a sad day. I oppose cruelty to women, including by other women. This goes undiscussed, but it is another frontier in a battle for womens rights. Gregoire Trudeau is a peoples favourite and those who are not are treating her viciously. The House of Commons has become the Grade 12 cafeteria, and we havent even mentioned the boys yet. And I dont even know what Ashton means. If everyday Canadian women like me feel overwhelmed, it is not because we are receiving hundreds of Canada-wide speaking invitations, representing numerous charities like Fillactive, which helps girls 12-17 to get healthy and active, and working to increase knowledge of anorexia and bulimia. And Gregoire Trudeau, a warm, open person, feels guilty at having to refuse or having failed to respond, because people do take offence even when none was intended. People like odd things: model trains, the patriarchy, keeping other mothers in the home, sexually assaulting co-workers. But there is one thing many people do not like at all, and that is women. Its a generational attitude that will die off, but until then Gregoire Trudeaus beauty rubs unbeautiful people the wrong way. Her dress sense annoys those who would show up at the White House in sweatpants and carpet slippers. Her sunniness annoys the spiteful. Two-year-old Hadrien, lithium battery of my beating heart, is alleged to be a Liberal party prop. Take one embittered Globe critic, who recently attacked a certain kind of mom. Usually theyre on reality shows but now theyre in his neighbourhood. There are times when, like, five out of 10 women on the street are carrying their little yoga mats to class, he wrote. They have giant strollers that are meant, I swear, to impede anyone elses progress on the sidewalk. Their brats and some of them are totally brats crowd up the chic little convenience store while they buy sushi. Sushi, no less. Imagine that, women doing yoga, buying sushi, wheeling infants in strollers that impede a man heading home from his local. Women. Leaving the house. Its not smart to mock the long-neglected advertising demographic that might yet save newspapers, but he did. Theres a mean historic core to the male dislike of a certain kind of woman. Those men dont like the other kinds of women either and they really didnt like 2015 when women impeded male progress by invading the federal cabinet. 2016 isnt looking good for you, my friends. SHARE: MONTREALWhen Prime Minister Justin Trudeau argues as he did this week that he has been invested by Canadians with a mission to introduce a different voting system in time for the 2019 election he is both overstating the strength of his mandate (39.5 per cent) and misrepresenting its scope. The last federal campaign was anything but a debate over electoral reform. The result did not hinge on the parties various positions on the issue. At it happens, the publics fascination with electoral reform is inversely proportional to that of the chattering class. As central as the shape of Canadas voting system is to those whose careers are on the line in every election, polls consistently show that it is peripheral to the priorities of most Canadians. That is not to say that voters would be content to let a ruling party toy with the system to suit its partisan interest but rather to point out that few would list the introduction of a new voting regimen as a top-of-mind matter. Here are a few more observations based on the unpromising start of the electoral reform debate in the House of Commons this week. There are sound reasons to consider other voting systems than first-past-the-post (FPTP) but increasing voter participation is not one of the main ones. When Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef talks about constituencies that have a chronically low turnout, as if they were just waiting to bang on the door of a government-controlled special committee, she is blowing smoke. When Elections Canada sounded out Canadians on FPTP after the 2000 election, it found that voters and non-voters alike were overwhelmingly satisfied with the system . . . even as they were also open to a more proportional approach. But the premise that anything would be better than the status quo is not as mainstream as reform advocates would like to believe. As surely as night follows day, the precedents set by the Liberals in the handling of this fundamental reform to the exercise of the democratic rights of Canadians will become stepping stones for future governments looking to act unilaterally on the sheer basis of their majority. As they defend their right to control the discussion and eventually dictate its outcome, the Liberals are banking on lingering anti-Harper sentiment to convince progressive voters that the end result of a system that could make it harder for the Conservatives to form majority governments justifies the use of undemocratic means to arrive at it. Before giving Trudeau a pass on process, non-conservative voters should ask themselves how they would feel if it was Stephen Harper who was stacking this deck. The Liberals are latecomers to the cause of electoral reform and their humbling third-place finish in the 2011 election drove them there. Now that they are back on top, more than a few of them feel a system that has just delivered them a majority should not be abandoned for one that could diminish their partys advantage. But electoral politics is a fluid business. A year ago the division of the non-conservative vote was a striking feature of the federal landscape . . . until it no longer was. If the ways of the electorate were predicated on past election behavior or even on pre-election polls, the NDP would not be in power in Alberta and Trudeau would not be prime minister. Whatever system is in place in 2019, voters in the end will remain in command. Just ask the Conservatives whose own rule changes starting with the opportunity to spend more via a longer campaign ended up benefiting the Liberals. To hold a referendum on electoral reform is easier said than done. Forget that the current federal plebiscite law is not up to current political financing standards. All it takes to fix that is political will. A more thorny issue pertains to the level of regional consent required for a yes to mean yes in Canadas diverse federation. Should there be majority support in every region for a reform to be implemented? Or would it be okay to change the system in spite of the opposition of a majority in one or more provinces? And can the countrys politicians even agree on an answer? Read more about: SHARE: ERBIL, IRAQIts fitting that the schoolhouse looks like a small fortress. For two days in December, this was where Canadian special operations forces helped local Kurdish fighters repel a brazen offensive by Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL. In the history of Canadian special operations forces, few stories have been told. But the Star is able to tell this one through interviews with senior Canadian, American and Kurdish commanders, adding new details to what Defence officials had previously disclosed. The revelations provide a reality check on the threats facing Canadian soldiers in a mission that, while billed as noncombat by politicians and commanders alike, still involves engagements with a dangerous and determined enemy. In this case, hundreds of Daesh fighters burst through a Kurdish peshmerga line one afternoon using vehicle-borne bombs, suicide attacks and an armoured bulldozer. Cue the Canadians. The attack began at 4 p.m. on Dec. 16 west of Erbil. Daesh launched assaults on several points along the peshmerga line in their biggest offensive in months. Makeshift armoured cars packed with explosives a devastating weapon in the words of one Canadian commander breached the earth berms and barbed wire that protected the peshmerga positions. They come from five directions, said Brig.-Gen. Dedawan Khorsheed, a top peshmerga soldier in the Canadian sector. The attack was bold and a surprise. We cant know and see everything that is happening out there, said Maj.-Gen. Mike Rouleau, who heads the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. ISIL is smart, they are an adaptive enemy. They have learned what some of our capabilities are and they move forces very judiciously around those capabilities, he told the Star in an interview at the Canadian military post. The Star and CTV News were recently granted exclusive access to the mission in northern Iraq, where Canadian special operations forces have been mentoring peshmerga troops since the fall of 2014. In the Canadian sector, the Daesh offensive advanced several kilometres past the peshmerga line, allowing the militants to occupy Tal Aswad, a small village south of the main highway connecting Erbil and Mosul. In the aftermath, there was some chaos and some pandemonium, Rouleau said. Canadian troops were not on the front line for the attack. Back at their headquarters, special operations soldiers met with peshmerga commanders to make plans to retake the lost ground. We needed assistance from the Canadian forces. We did ask them if they could help us because it was a big fight, Khorsheed said, speaking through an interpreter. A sergeant initially led the planning on the Canadian side, working opposite a Kurdish general. Rouleau said that speaks volumes about the capabilities of special operations soldiers. People like him are sent into missions with very little leadership on top of them because they are very highly trained, carefully selected, groomed to be leaders. They do things that very few people at their rank level do in the Canadian Forces. The Canadians rallied resources, including surveillance aircraft to provide eyes in the sky and help sort out who was who on the battlefield. It was nighttime when it happened, so you can imagine ISIS and Kurds are very, very close to each other, Rouleau said. The weather added to the confusion it was foggy and visibility was poor. We could not even see in front of us, said Khorsheed, who took part in the battle. The Kurdish commanders and a small group of Canadians moved to the unfinished schoolhouse near Tal Aswad that would become the starting point for the counterattack. Between five and 10 Canadian special forces soldiers a mix of snipers and machine gunners made a base in the schoolhouse. Several hundred Kurdish soldiers with Kalashnikov machine guns responded to a call for reinforcements. They gathered behind the school. From there they would advance on the Daesh militants under covering fire from the Canadians. Coalition fighter jets would provide supporting airstrikes. The counterattack launched the next morning. My guys set up in the school to provide covering fire onto the enemy in Tal Aswad. That basically allowed the Kurds to cross what we call a line of departure, Rouleau said. By 11 a.m., the Daesh fighters had been repelled and the defensive line re-established. It was our ability to neutralize the fire coming from the village, our positions in the schoolhouse, that made all the difference, Rouleau said. A military physicians assistant saw the human toll of the battle 104 patients in 20 hours suffering blast injuries, gunshot wounds and traumatic amputations. He was trying to save lives immediately and make sure people were stable enough to get medically evacuated to Erbil. Lots of these people wouldnt have survived the ambulance ride had they not been stabilized, Rouleau said. Apparently after every four or five patients they had to squeegee out the floor because there was that much blood. Twenty-two peshmerga soldiers were killed, including two senior officers. Khorsheed said 250 Daesh fighters died along the line of their offensive. No Canadians were injured. Still, the fighting underscored that the advise-and-assist mission of Canadians and Americans in northern Iraq cannot be easily pigeonholed as either combat or training. Indeed, a U.S. special forces soldier was killed earlier this month after Daesh militants broke through peshmerga lines north of Mosul, using tactics similar to those used in the December assault. Canadian commanders stressed that the special operations forces involved in the December attack were not principal combatants. Still, commanders say the risk to special operations troops is expected to grow over the coming months as the military triples the number of trainers it has on the ground to just over 200, up from 69 now. I want Canadians to know that we will be involved in engagements as we defend ourselves or those partners whom we are working with, Gen. Jonathan Vance, chief of defence staff, said in February as the new mission was rolled out. The Canadian contribution proved crucial in December. Im very proud of the performance by Canadian SOF (special operations forces). They responded very well, said Col. Andrew Milburn of the U.S. marines, who commands coalition special forces in Iraq. Not an exaggeration to say there would have been a significant Daesh breakthrough of the line if Canadian SOF hadnt been where they were and reacted in the way that they did. Daesh turns to drones ERBIL, IRAQDaesh militants are using off-the-shelf drones equipped with cameras to spot targets and hone their mortar and rocket fire. The technology has become increasingly important for the militants as ground operations by local peshmerga fighters and allies such as Canada have succeeded in pushing back Daesh positions. When Canadians first arrived here in the fall of 2014 to begin their training mission, Daesh fighters were close to the positions held by peshmerga soldiers. The Daesh forces have since been forced back out of easy visual range. As a result, they have begun utilizing the same drones that have proven popular among photographers and real estate agents. Only in this case, Daesh extremists are using the drones to hone their fire. That has increased the risks of indirect fire, mortar and rocket attacks launched by militants without direct line of sight. Col. Andrew Milburn, the U.S. Marine who commands coalition special operations forces in Iraq, said the use of drones drives home the paradox of the enemy they face. Theres country bumpkins and theres very clever dudes, he told the Star, adding that Daesh are technically, very competent. While the quality of Daesh rank-and-file soldiers has suffered as the fight has dragged on, the middle level management in the organization is very, very proficient, Milburn said. Bruce Campion-Smith Read more about: SHARE: A veteran Toronto police sergeant accused of sexually assaulting two women while on duty is now facing internal discipline for failing to activate his in-car camera on the night of the first alleged incident an assault the complainant says took place in the cruiser, the Star has learned. Toronto police disciplinary documents obtained this week show Sgt. Christopher Heard is facing three counts of misconduct under the Police Services Act stemming from the alleged sexual assault of a 27-year-old woman in September 2015. The hearing documents shed new light on the case of the long-time officer accused of sexually assaulting two women in their 20s during separate shifts in the autumn of 2015, both in the area of Blue Jays Way. Heard is accused of failing to inform the police communications operator of his whereabouts after picking up the first alleged victim, and of belatedly writing up an account of that encounter in his police notes and only after learning the woman filed a complaint against him. Last week, the Special Investigations Unit the civilian watchdog that probes deaths, serious injuries or sexual assault allegations involving police announced Heard was facing a second sexual assault charge against a 25-year-old woman, occurring just weeks after the first alleged assault. The second sexual assault charge will now prompt another internal review and could mean more misconduct allegations against Heard. I can tell you that once the Service is provided with information on the second charge, it will be reviewed for possible (Police Service Act) charges, said Meaghan Gray, spokesperson for the Toronto police. The disciplinary charges against Heard have not been proven at the tribunal. The officer is currently suspended from Toronto police with pay. Approached by the Star as he was packing up a trailer outside his home on a quiet residential street in Durham region Thursday night, Heard declined to comment. Im not talking to you, he said. Im already disappointed enough with the news. Gary Clewley, Heards lawyer, did not return multiple calls or emails from the Star. According to the SIU, the first alleged sexual assault occurred on September 24, 2015 when Heard picked up a 27-year-old woman near Wellington St. West and Blue Jays Way shortly before 1:00 a.m. He then drove her to her home in his police vehicle, allegedly assaulting her during the drive. Six weeks later, according to the SIU, Heard picked up a 25-year-old woman near King St. West and Blue Jays Way, then drove her home in his police car. That complainant alleges Heard sexually assaulted her after their initial contact. At the time of both alleged assaults, Heard was supervising a group of constables in downtown Torontos 52 Division. According to the details of the disciplinary charges, Heards failure to turn on his in-car camera means there is no video or audio recording of his contact with the 27-year-old woman, contrary to Toronto Police Service governance. Generally, officers are required to activate the camera during all investigative contacts with members of the public, all prisoners transports, any situation or event where it is believed it would be beneficial to do so, and more. The Toronto police in-car camera system has been installed in all front line vehicles since mid-2011, according to its website. Each vehicle is outfitted with two cameras, one facing out the windshield and another recording the rear seat area. Heard is also charged with misconduct related to his failure to record all of his interaction with the 27-year-old woman in his police notes. You failed to record the pertinent facts of your investigation in your memorandum book, to complete your memorandum book, or to submit your memorandum book to the officer-in-charge at the completion of your tour of duty, the documents say. When you became aware that (the woman) filed a complaint about your conduct you began a new memorandum book and recorded information about your contact. If found guilty of any misconduct charge, the penalty for Heard could range from a reprimand to dismissal. If Heard is found guilty of the sexual assault charges, he will automatically face another misconduct charge for being criminally convicted. Heards next court appearance is June 9. With files from Oliver Sachgau and May Warren Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca SHARE: Nobody not the courts, Crown attorney, or defence lawyers, nor Jian Ghomeshi himself will reveal the identity of the psychotherapist whose letter helped the former CBC star resolve his sexual assault charge without a trial. Wednesday, when Crown attorney Michael Callaghan told Regional Chief Justice Timothy Lipson that a peace bond and an apology by Ghomeshi would replace the criminal trial, he said the work of the therapist was key to the Crowns agreeing to the deal. Counsel for Mr. Ghomeshi will file with the court a letter confirming that (Ghomeshi) has undergone counselling over the past two years with a psychotherapist, Callaghan told court Wednesday. The letter outlines Mr. Ghomeshis progress toward acquiring insight into the attitudes which sourced his offensive behaviour. Mr. Ghomeshis therapist also confirms that this commitment to counselling is ongoing. Mr. Ghomeshis rehabilitative efforts and commitment to reform are important considerations in support of this resolution. Whos the therapist? What is her track record? Is she a registered psychotherapist? Does she have experience in dealing with cases similar to Ghomeshi? The name of the therapist was blacked out in the short letter entered as an exhibit in court by Ghomeshi lawyer Marie Henein. All that can be read, both in handwriting and typed out, are the letters MSW and RSW. The former is a designation for master of social work. The latter, registered social worker. No certification number is shown on the one-page letter. There is no notation showing that the therapist is a member of a regulated college in Ontario. Indeed, there is no indication of where in the world the psychotherapist is based. Henein submitted the single-page letter from the therapist, telling the court her name was redacted to protect for the protection of her other clients and concerns that she raised. Henein said the Crown, which was supplied with an unredacted copy, agreed with this redaction. After Star lawyer Iris Fischer asked for an unredacted copy of the letter, Henein passed the Stars request to another lawyer in her office, Scott Hutchison. In a short response, Hutchison said what you have is what the court had. Fischer also asked the Crown for the unredacted copy. Callaghan who used the word psychotherapist in Wednesdays remarks in court said the media is in possession of the exhibit as it was filed with the court. He referred the Star to the reasons provided by Henein in court to explain why it was redacted. Fischer says redactions, like sealing orders, are far more of a violation of the open-court principle than publication bans since the information is kept completely secret. It is also troubling, she says, that the defence and the Crown agreed between themselves to keep the information out of the public domain. They decided to side-step the open-court principle, she says. The way its supposed to work is that redactions need to be justified in court on convincing evidence and a judge needs to decide if it meets a high threshold. She adds that it is quite unusual for a judge to be asked to decide on whether a peace bond is appropriate based on a redacted document. Its a letter from a nameless person. Arguably the value of that is nil. A Star reporter asked Justice Lipson for an unredacted copy of the letter. A spokesperson said the judge only saw the censored copy, noting that no objection was raised in court when the exhibit was submitted. In his remarks to Justice Lipson on Wednesday, Callaghan used the word psychotherapist. Since 2015, Ontario psychotherapists have been regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists. According to the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists, in existence since the early 1990s, psychotherapy addresses personal difficulties. It allows an individual, family, or couple, to talk openly and confidentially about their concerns and feelings with a trained professional. According to the society, psychotherapy is often used to help individuals deal with anxiety, addiction, sexual-orientation issues and in some cases to treat individuals who are victims of sexual abuse. The actual letter written by the psychotherapist was dated April 30, 2016, two weeks before the court date but during a time when defence lawyer Henein was trying to achieve a nontrial resolution for her client. There are few clues in the letter as to who the person is, other than MSW, RSW. According to the therapist, there were 61 appointments between Nov. 12, 2014 and April 30, 2016, some in person, some by phone or Skype. The therapy began two weeks after Ghomeshi was fired from CBC and a police investigation launched. Our sessions have focused on the social and personal factors related to the specific charges, consequences of these charges and strategies for managing anxiety, the therapist writes. Ghomeshi was, during that time, facing accusations from six women. In three cases, he was acquitted. In two cases, the charges were withdrawn. In relation to the Kathryn Borel case, he apologized for his conduct and entered into a one-year peace bond with Borel, requiring him to keep the peace, not have any weapons, and to stay away from her The therapist writes that we also examined the effects of discourses related to male dominance and success, strategies for managing stress and anxiety, effective expressions of anger, and paradigms of intimacy. The therapist also writes Ghomeshi comes prepared to his sessions. He continues to take accountability for his choices and actions, and continues to explore and practice skills that support healthier relationships. The letter makes no mention of the specific allegation brought by Borel, the former associate producer at Q, the program Ghomeshi hosted on CBC Radio. That allegation was detailed in court by the Crown: On February 7th 2008, Ms. Borel and Mr. Ghomeshi were working late at the office. Ms. Borel was bending over her desk to pick up some papers when Mr. Ghomeshi approached her from behind. He held her waist and pressed his pelvis back and forth, repeatedly into her buttocks. This lasted for several seconds. Both were fully clothed. After Ghomeshi entered into a peace bond, Callaghan withdrew the single count of sexual assault. Below the final line of therapists six-paragraph letter ends with a suggestion that his therapy will be ongoing: I have no doubt that Mr. Ghomeshi will continue to reflect on these issues going forward, and will be happy to support him in that work. Below that final line is a large black mark covering the identity of the letter writer. Criminal lawyer David Butt, asked about the redaction, said the Crown would be expected to perform due diligence on the credentials of the therapist and verify that Ghomeshi had sought treatment as claimed. But the medias role as verifiers of authorities decisions is also important, he said. If a journalist can say to his or her audience hes getting treatment from a qualified psychologist, arguably that means more to the general public than just the Crown attorney saying he is, Butt said in an interview. The nature of the therapy and the repute of the therapist are all things that the Crown knows and would have considered when deciding whether or not to withdraw the charge, says Fischer. But the rest of us dont get to make that assessment. We have to now rely on the Crowns assessment without being able to scrutinize it and that the whole reason we have open courts. Kevin Donovan can be reached at 416-312-3503 or kdonovan@thestar.ca Read more about: SHARE: How did carrots evolve from ghostly white vegetables into the Day-Glo orange things were used to seeing in Bugs Bunnys hand? Philipp Simon, a research geneticist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, had the same question. He has been studying carrots for about 35 years, looking at their reproductive habits, their relationship to other vegetables (celery and fennel are close cousins; grapes have been evolving away from them for 113 million years) and their colouring. See, the carotenoids that give carrots their vibrant hue are also what make them healthy for humans: those chemicals are sources of vitamin A. Recently, Simon and 20 other scientists scraped together the vegetables genome a string of DNA more than 32,000 genes long. Their results, published last week in the journal Nature Genetics, help explain how carrots evolved from their wild white form to the one we know today. The find could give a boost to breeders looking to make related vegetables say, the colourless parsnip or cassava as rich in nutrients as carrots are. Given the worlds booming population and ever-growing nutritional needs, this will undoubtedly come in handy in the future. But sequencing a genome is also a way of travelling back in time, of figuring where and when things started and how and why they changed. The carrot genome has some interesting things to tell scientists about the history of the plant and the humans who cultivated it. At 32,000 genes, the carrot genome is a good deal longer than ours (somewhere between 20,000 and 25,000 genes). Its not actually surprising that a lowly carrots DNA would have to be more sophisticated than a humans, Simon said. After all, plants cant choose or change their environments, so they need to prepare for all contingencies, stocking their genome with traits that can be turned on or off depending on changing environmental circumstances. From that long string of DNA, Simon was able to tease out a gene thought to be responsible for making carrots orange. Its still just a candidate, he cautioned. Like with the election. Youve got your favourite candidate but in the end it may turn out to be a different gene, Simon said. The gene in question is known as DCAR 032551, or the Y gene for short. Its found in plenty of other plants as well; it causes red, orange and yellow pigments to accumulate in leaves, where they help with photosynthesis. We see the Y gene at work in the fall, when green chlorophyll drains from tree leaves and only the colourful carotenoids remain. But sometime about 1,100 years ago, farmers living in what is now Afghanistan took advantage of a mutation in the Y gene that put it to work down in their carrots roots. In the process of domesticating the white, wild carrot, they turned it yellow. Six hundred years later in Europe, cultivation took another turn, and carrots deepened in hue from yellow to dark orange. Simon knows this from his examinations of carrot DNA, but you can also see for yourself by visiting an art museum. Before the 16th century or so, carrots were painted as yellow. Afterward, they were orange. They also became a fixture of artwork from the Netherlands not because the Dutch were particularly carrot-crazy, but because painters wanted to honour their royal family, members of the House of Orange. (If youre into carrot artwork, or vegetable history in general, check out the World Carrot Museum website, which is chock full of both.) So now Simon knows when carrots got their colour, and has a pretty good idea of how that happened. But he still cant figure out why. Theres no good biological reason for carrots to be orange except one, he said. And its that people have been diddling around with carrots for 1,000 years. Its obvious that farmers were selecting for the mutation that concentrated carotenoids in the carrot root. Its a good thing they did so, too, since it made carrots much more nutritious. But health cant have been bygone breeders motivation no one in the ninth century knew what a carotenoid was, let alone that it was a source of a vitamin thats good for our eyes, immune systems and other organs. So Simon examined flavour, to see if colourful carrots tasted better. Again, no dice: orange carrots and their white counterparts taste pretty much the same. There are other possibilities perhaps the gene for colour is linked to one for size, or hardiness. Or perhaps historic humans just liked the way yellow and orange carrots looked. SHARE: In the world of global politics, Tuesday was a tad awkward for Queen Elizabeth. Although impeccably dressed first in a bright pink spring coat and then a blue and white floral day dress the 90-year-old monarch found herself inadvertently embroiled in controversy, twice on the same day. First, it was her comment in a private conversation at Buckingham Palace about the very rude Chinese officials who came to London last October in advance of their presidents state visit to Britain. And then she was recorded on a pooled video feed chatting with Prime Minister David Cameron as he boasted about the fantastically corrupt countries such as Afghanistan and Nigeria coming to London later in the week for an international Anti-Corruption Summit. The Queen listened attentively, but said nothing in reply. Regarding China, we can only assume that Chinese-British relations will weather the storm. The Queen is a nice lady, after all. But its the prime ministers remarks about the fantastically corrupt that provoked more attention. With a video camera so close, was Cameron aware that his remarks would be made public? Was this his way of attracting attention to his upcoming summit? Or, as his critics were saying, was he incomplete when he cited only Afghanistan and Nigeria on the list of the fantastically corrupt? Shouldnt he also have included major powers such as Britain and the United States as part of this rogues gallery? It is these countries, after all, that knowingly encourage the phoney shell companies, tax havens, money laundering, secret bank accounts and rampant bribery that ensure a culture of endemic corruption in the developing world. The answer to this last question is: Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. The annual Anti-Corruption Summit, which was held on Thursday, attracted heads of state and government ministers from 40 countries. Ralph Goodale, minister of public safety, represented Canada. It was ironic that it was held in London, regarded by many as the worlds money-laundering capital, a reputation reinforced by the latest disclosures of the so-called Panama Papers. These documents included 11.5 million internal records disclosing the financial secrets of heads of state, billionaires, drug lords, celebrities and others. Cameron has been under attack for Britains role in fostering global corruption, and he hoped this summit would turn that around. However, the meeting had only mixed results. There were many pious promises but few concrete commitments. Perhaps the most important achievement, at least in Camerons view, was an agreement to publish a register of who really owns what companies. That has been a major goal of global anti-corruption groups. But only six countries at this point have signed on to this agreement: Britain, France, the Netherlands, Kenya, Afghanistan and Nigeria. Canada has not signed on, and it is unclear whether the agreement will apply to Britains overseas territories. One of those territories is the British Virgin Islands. According to the Panama Papers, it is one of the most popular tax havens in the world, with a population of 28,000 and more than one million registered companies. But its officials have indicated they have no intention of taking part in any British-sponsored public register of who own what. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari attended the summit and he was asked whether his country was fantastically corrupt, as Cameron had claimed. Buhari replied yes, but said he wasnt asking for an apology: What I am demanding is the return of assets corruptly taken from Nigeria and now held in Britain: What would I do with an apology? Before Thursdays summit, more than 300 economists, including several Nobel Prize winners, signed a letter to world leaders stressing there is no economic benefit to tax havens. They demanded that the secrecy that surrounds them end. One of the signatories was Jeffrey Sachs, an adviser to the UNs secretary general. In a commentary in The Guardian newspaper, Sachs wrote that Camerons job at the summit is not to whisper about the corruption of Nigeria and Afghanistan but to end the deep and historic role of the United Kingdom in this sordid mess. Ditto for the U.S. and other major parties to the abuse. Sadly, as we look at the meagre results of the summit, it is clear that Sachs did not get his wish. Tony Burman, former head of CBC News and Al Jazeera English, teaches journalism at Ryerson University. Reach him @TonyBurman or at tony.burman@gmail.com . Read more about: SHARE: KABULThe Afghan government is expected to finalize a peace deal with a notorious militant insurgent group within days, an official and a representative of the group said on Saturday. The deal is partially symbolic as the group in question, Hezb-i-Islami, has been essentially inactive for years. However it provides a much-needed success for the beleaguered administration of President Ashraf Ghani and potential template for ending Kabuls 15-year war with the still active and far more dangerous Taliban. Under the terms of the 25-point agreement, a draft of which has been seen by the AP, the group would end its war against Kabul, commit to respecting the Afghan constitution, and cease all contact with other armed, anti-government groups. In return its members would receive amnesty and its prisoners in Afghan jails would be released. Ataul Rahman Saleem, deputy head of Kabuls High Peace Council, told The Associated Press that the deal with the armed wing of Hezb-i-Islami could be completed on Sunday, after two years of negotiations. A senior representative of Hezb-i-Islami, Amin Karim, also said he expected President Ashraf Ghani to approve the final version of the agreement on Sunday. Hezb-i-Islami is led by warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, best known for killing thousands of people in Kabul during the 1992-1996 civil war. He is believed to be in Pakistan, though Karim has said he is in an unspecified location in Afghanistan. He could soon return to Kabul to sign a formal peace deal and take up residence. Hekmatyar, in his late 60s, is designated a global terrorist by the United States and blacklisted by the United Nations along with Osama bin Laden. The agreement obliges the Afghan government to work to have the restrictions lifted. Hezb-i-Islami has only intermittently been active on the battlefield for some time; its last known major attack was in 2013, when at least 15 people, including six American soldiers, were killed in Kabul. Ghanis administration is still trying to strike a peace deal with the countrys primary insurgent group, the Taliban. Those efforts to open a dialogue, using the Pakistani government as an intermediary, have largely failed. Ghani is due to return to Kabul Sunday from an official visit to London. Karim said he expected the president to give his final approval to the content of the truce agreement with Hezb-i-Islami soon after his return. Negotiations began in July 2014, Karim said, when Hekmatyar received a letter from Ghani, then campaigning to become president, noting that one of Hekmatyars key conditions for peace the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan was about to be met. That was the beginning, Karim said. Progress stalled after President Barack Obama decided to leave a 10,000-strong force in the country through to the end of 2016 until Hekmatyar dropped the condition and renamed it a goal earlier this year. Karim and a number of Afghan officials have said that a peace agreement with Hekmatyars group could encourage Taliban fighters to end their participation in the war, and eventually lead to a full-blown peace. Others, however, regard Hekmatyar as politically irrelevant and lacking any real influence. Spokesmen for the Taliban were not immediately available for comment. The agreement covers a wide range of points, including a guarantee of equality between men and women and respect for the Afghan constitution, both points of contention with the Taliban, whose 1996-2001 rule of Afghanistan was characterized by extremist attitudes that cloistered women in their houses and mandated strict religious education, to the exclusion of almost all else, for boys. Brokered under the auspices of the High Peace Council a government body charged with negotiating an end to almost 40 years of war the agreement allows Hezb-i-Islami to operate as a bona fide political party and participate in elections at every level. It gives legal immunity for all past political and military proceedings by Hezb-i-Islami members and mandates the release of all prisoners within three months. Karim said there are about 2,000 Hezb-i-Islami prisoners in jails across Afghanistan. The Afghan government undertakes to provide housing and security for Hekmatyar at two or three residences in places of his choosing. One point that could attract opposition from sections of society that fear Ghanis government is prepared to cede ground to the Taliban in return for peace including any rollback in rights for women is a clause that gives Hekmatyar a consultant role on important political and national decisions facing the government. For its part, Hezbi-i-Islami pledges to end the war, dissolve all its military organizations and function as an active political party. Read more about: SHARE: CAIROAn Egyptian court on Saturday sentenced 51 people to two years in prison for taking part in protests last month, officials said. Nearly 300 people have been arrested and charged for taking part in the demonstrations against Egypts decision to transfer control of two strategic Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia as part of a border demarcation agreement negotiated in near total secrecy. The 51 were convicted of breaking a 2013 law that effectively bans protests. The officials said 18 of the 51 were sentenced in absentia. Thirteen minors were referred to juvenile court over the protests, they added. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Aprils protests were the largest since President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi was elected in 2014. As military chief, el-Sissi had led the overthrow President Mohammed Morsi a year earlier amid massive demonstrations demanding the Islamist leader step down. Also on Saturday, prominent activist Sanaa Abdel-Fattah gave herself up to police to start a six-month sentence passed against her last week for insulting the judiciary. Abdel-Fattah, who comes from a family of well-known activists, was brought in for questioning last month over accusations that she was inciting protests. She refused to answer the prosecutors questions on the grounds that the judiciary was controlled by the executive branch of government and she did not want to be part of what she described as a charade. She has refused to appeal the conviction. The widely publicized comments led to her being charged with insulting the judiciary. Her surrender and subsequent transfer to prison Saturday was reported by her family and friends in social media posts and confirmed by the officials. El-Sissi and members of his government routinely praise the judiciary as independent and objective, but activists counter that the justice system, including judges and prosecutors, are beholden to the government. They also report widespread abuses by the police, including the torture of suspects. Thousands of Morsi supporters and scores of pro-democracy activists have been jailed since 2013. Hundreds more were killed in clashes with security forces during protests in the months after Morsis ouster. El-Sissi has said human rights in Egypt must not be judged by Western standards, arguing that his government is seeking to safeguard rights while fighting Islamic militants and struggling to revive the nations ailing economy after years of unrest. Read more about: SHARE: BEIRUTIn a surprise announcement Saturday, Lebanons Hezbollah militia blamed the recent killing of a militant described as its top commander in Syria on extremist Sunni insurgents. Many expected the powerful Shiite group to point a finger at its traditional nemesis, Israel. Hezbollah revealed a day earlier that Mustafa Badreddine, one of its most senior figures, died in a mysterious blast in Damascus, the Syrian capital. Before leading thousands of militants in Syria, Badreddine, 55, is suspected of playing roles in the assassination of a Lebanese prime minister in 2005 and other bombings that date back to the attack on U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983. Analysts said Friday that Badreddines killing appeared to bear the hallmarks of an air raid by Israel, which has targeted a number of the Lebanese militants in Syria in recent years. But in a statement, Hezbollah blamed it on artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups in the area. Hezbollah uses Takfiri, an Arabic word, to describe its extremist Sunni Muslim enemies, including Al Qaeda and Daesh. Hezbollah didnt specify which group killed Badreddine or when it happened. The incident comes amid apparently rising fatigue experienced by Shiite militants in Syria aligned with President Bashar Assad that are battling his Sunni-led rebellion, analysts say. In recent weeks, scores of the militants from Iran, Iraq and Hezbollah have been killed by hard-line Sunni groups, notably al-Qaida-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra. Badreddines killing by hardline Sunni fighters, if confirmed, would further highlight how the Syrian civil war has become a proxy conflict driven by sectarian divisions. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni powerhouse, plays an important role in backing the Sunni-led rebellion that is fighting Hezbollah and other pro-government Shiite fighters that have loyalties to Iran. The Shiite nation is Saudi Arabias primary enemy, and the two countries are locked in a regionwide competition for influence. Things will escalate because of this, said Talal Atrissi, a Lebanese analyst who is close to Hezbollah. I expect that in retaliation for Badreddines killing, Hezbollah will carry out a number of special operations attacks against Jabhat al-Nusra and ISIS. In recent weeks, a shaky ceasefire that took effect in February appears to have intensified battles between pro-government Shiite militants and hardline Sunnis, particularly Jabhat al-Nusra. The Al Qaeda affiliate is not party to the ceasefire, prompting it to carry out assaults against pro-government forces. Last week, Jabhat al-Nusra fighters attacked a government-held area near the northern city of Aleppo, killing scores of Iranian and apparently Hezbollah fighters. A tally of media reports on the killings by the Reuters put the number of dead at as high as 80. At least 17 of the killed were Iranians, which the news agency said could have been the highest toll in a battle outside of the Islamic Republic since its war with Iraq in the 1980s. Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, dozens of Iranian militantsincluding generalshave been killed in Syria. Some estimates put the number of Hezbollah dead at well over 1,000. Iran and Hezbollah intervened militarily to prop up the Syrian leader, their ally. The Assad government is dominated by members of the Alawite religious group, an offshoot of Shiite Islam. It is unclear why so many of the Shiite militiamen have been dying in Syria recently. Labib Kamhawi, an analyst based in Jordan, attributed the deaths to competition between Russia and Iran for influence over Assad. Last year, Moscow intervened militarily against opponents of the Syrian leader and has seen its influence in the country rise at the expense of Irans, Kamhawi said. In March, Russia ordered a partial drawdown of its forces in Syria but continues to launch airstrikes at government opponents. Russia has reduced its airstrikes Syria, and so all those Iranians are getting killed because of a lack of air cover, Kamhawi said. This seems to be part of a Russian strategy to marginalize Irans role in Syria and make its influence unparalleled. Read more about: SHARE: Re: Make anthem more inclusive, Editorial May 10 Make anthem more inclusive, Editorial May 10 In addition to making our national anthem more inclusive through gender neutrality, our anthem should also be neutral according to ones beliefs. God keep our land glorious and free is divisive and excludes many Canadian citizens who are of different beliefs. It should be noted that the original anthem did not have a reference to God, but it was included when the anthem was changed in 1980. No doubt, politicians were pressured by special interest groups to include it in the anthem. However, in our modern secular society, which attempts to be inclusive to all its citizens, religious references should not be imposed. A simple change to, We keep our land glorious and free, would be inclusive to all Canadians. Peter van Tol, Mississauga Your editorialists are back on the topic of revising our national anthem, supporting in all of us to replace in all our sons. While I sympathize with those who dislike singing the male-oriented reference in this line, I would dislike its replacement even more. It would be akin to patching a stained-glass window with a piece of drab plastic. There is none of the necessary exalted tone required of a national anthem in that prosaic phrase. I might suggest something like in all our souls, but surely amongst the poetic-minded patriots in our midst there is someone who could save us from this mundane catastrophe by composing a worthy substitute. Over to you! Stan Farrow, Scarborough I realize that I speak with a voice from the previous millennium and that good grammar is bad form nowadays. Nevertheless, can anyone explain to me the grammatical structure of in all of us command? How can an objective pronoun (us) take the place of a possessive noun (sons)? Transfer this construction to a simple sentence: Lets send all of us money to Panama to avoid most of us taxes. Or, Lets eat all of us candy before the rest come. Has anyone ever spoken like this? If its not anything like plain usable English, why elevate this little abomination to the status of anthem? Is Canada not worth a decent line of verse? Have we not poets enough who might invent some less degraded form of utterance to express our love of country, still keep the rhythm and still be politically correct? At least hold a contest instead of laying down an editorial dictum. Patricia Cash, Scarborough A national anthem primarily is a patriotic piece. The words to our anthem, apart from the patriotic flavour, have a distinct appeal to God to save our land, keep us free, etc. The present recommendation, in all of us command is hardly a fitting replacement. The metre is maintained but the words do not reflect the same spirit. My recommendation to replace in all our sons command is in all thy folks command. Folks is a fitting replacement for sons since it is gender-neutral, is also plural, is one syllable to maintain the metre and represents people that is all of us, while invoking a higher power. Douglas Peters, North York Having first learned the words (at least the first verse) of O Canada some 80 years ago, I have some difficulty in remembering the current version, adopted in 1967 to reduce duplicate stand on guard phrases. I have no difficulty at all, however, in singing MP Mauril Belangers version, in all of us command in place of in all thy sons command. In fact, his proposal is basically a reversion to the 1908 version by Robert Stanley Weir, thou dost in us command. So, friends, because this is 2016 and July 1 is Canadas 150th birthday, lets all sing in all of us command, regardless of the antics of our esteemed MPs in Ottawa. William Lynn, Toronto I agree our anthem could be more inclusive. But, gender neutrality is but a part of the opportunity. To be truly inclusive, in addition to the in our command change, lets also change: Our home and native land to something like: Our home and common land; and God keep our land glorious and free to something like Well keep our land. Although theres only one official verse of the anthem, there are three others in the poem from which the anthem evolved. Might as well clean them up while were at it. For example, lets change: Great prairies spread and Lordly rivers flow to something like and Mighty rivers flow; May Stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise to something like May Stalwart communities and people rise; Help us to find, O God, in thee, a lasting rich reward should be changed to something like Help us to find in our democracy . . . a lasting world peace; and Ruler Supreme, who hearest humble prayer . . . Hold our Dominion in thy loving care to something like Justin Trudeau, who hearest our every wish . . . Hold our Nations in thy respectful care. Best of all, we could change the last line every time we elect a new government! There you have it. All inclusive to the core. Brian Caldwell, Collingwood Yes amend the national anthem to include both sexes. One thing more is necessary to make it totally inclusive. For millions of Canadians, Canada is their home but not native land. The words should offer the option and read our home and native (chosen) land. Raymond Peringer, Toronto Before Stephen Harper made the anthem to a one-gender song, we were singing O Canada, our home and native land. True patriot love in all our hearts command. Such a small change makes all the difference. Or it could be in all of us command. In all our hearts command. Its the way I still sing it. M. Schooff, Orangeville I propose that whenever in all thy sons command rings out, every woman and girl sits down to signify how excluded we feel. Would this be disrespectful to our countrys values? Actually, it would be just the opposite. Terry Poulton, Toronto SHARE: Re: Same-old innovation policies wont do, May 7 Same-old innovation policies wont do, May 7 The Stars leadership in investigative reporting has led the way by exposing, analyzing and finally overcoming many transgressions made by our politicians, police, physicians, etc., and its efforts in recent years have resulted in successes on many important fronts. These positive outcomes are a testimony to the dogged perseverance of news reporters. It is heartwarming to see the paramount importance given by the Star to innovation, a major pillar of our future success. The front-page banner headline on innovation, the article on innovation in medicine, the powerful editorial and Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains opinion piece are replete with practical solutions for overcoming the Canadian innovation deficit. In order to ensure our future success, it is critical to invest time, effort and finances toward achieving transformative changes such as blockchain technology, advances in our banking sector, revamping the transportation paradigm and more fully exploiting artificial intelligence in key areas such as medicine, food safety, etc., rather than tinkering with old approaches. While our government must take the key responsibility for providing the lead in innovation, one cannot disagree with minister Bains about the value of forging strategic connections among businesses, post-secondary institutions, etc. We must all actively work together as key stakeholders to transform todays ideas into the products and services of tomorrow. Rudy Fernandes, Mississauga The need for pedagogical innovation has little to do with the digital age, as Don Tapscott claims. Rather, it is the urgent imperative to overthrow what Paulo Freire called the banking concept of education that is the catalyst. In the 1960s, the advocates of popular education were already calling for a system where students were more than mere receivers of knowledge. As Freire wrote, Liberating education consists in acts of cognition, not transferrals of information. There are similar arguments in Tapscotts article for changing post-secondary education but the revolution will not be digital; it will be a live exchange of ideas where learning and teaching is done by all who sit in a classroom. Many instructors, myself included, have struggled to create inclusive, interactive, and dynamic classes in lecture halls. But ultimately, universities must redesign their physical spaces so that it is not possible to cram hundreds of units of human capital into one learning space. The likelihood of that happening under a corporate administration is slim. Digital age or no digital age the real problem is still a capitalist one. Aida Jordao, Toronto Its always great to see this issue addressed in the media and I couldnt agree more, however this article reads like a hypothetical scenario. In fact, the hour is much later than elucidated here; university degrees have already lost their value. More and more hiring companies list relevant university degrees as assets, not requirements, because they have figured out through cyclical and arduous processes of hiring horrible employees how meaningless a degree can be. This is especially true in IT, where some of the most valuable employees are barely high-school graduates. The reason universities still persist is that children are still conditioned to believe that university is the best path to take. By the time students realize that they are wasting their time, and most do, they have invested so much money into their post-secondary education that many decide to bite the bullet and see it through despite the fact that the degree is a hair above useless. This means, somewhat ironically, that if it were less devastatingly expensive, fewer people would bother to finish at all. The upside is that this devastating process forces young people to critically reassess their path at a very critical time. It is this critical assessment and indeed, the ability to think critically at all, that we need to be encouraging much, much earlier. If we change the paradigm of education at lower levels, a light will shine on post-secondary education revealing that it is completely naked, and it will change. Jordan Winters, Scarborough As the incoming teacher-librarian at Regency Acres public school in Aurora, it was great to see last Saturdays Star dedicated to innovation. How to create and support more innovative thinkers are topics we are currently looking as a staff. Our goal is to create a Makerspace for our students, staff and community, so that our students will have access to the tools, time and space needed to be innovative. We recently put in a proposal for a $100,000 grant to support our goal of creating a Makerspace that can support whole classes, so that students can work together to design, test and redesign their ideas and theories. Our proposal can be seen and voted on at: learningproject.cst.org/ideas/1225 Robin Morrison-Claus, Aurora Innovation and collaboration have been integral to all of mankinds endeavours throughout our history. They are not unique to digital technology, yet the articles in the Saturday Star seem to suggest this to be the case. Digital technology is changing our world and with it our economy. When encouraging the development of our digital technology industry, the fact that Canada is rich in natural resources should not be disregarded. It was our innovators of the past who grew our resource industries, and as Don Tapscott mentioned, these should not be abandoned. The Canadian economy will be strong and jobs will be created if we use all our assets and continue to work together collaboratively using our creative talents for the betterment of all Canadians. Catharina Summers, Kingston Don Tapscotts statement that the Industrial Age model of education is hard to change is an understatement. As a University of Toronto alumna, I was interested to receive an inivitation to a community open house day celebrating its 175th anniversary (circa 2002). Yes, a whole day, out of 365, and that in a publicly funded university that occupies an unsurpassed location in the heart of Canadas largest city. I was slightly underwhelmed. Its more than 130 years since Andrew Carnegie started a public-library-building program that remains a cornerstone of literacy and education worldwide. Its libraries afforded open access to books regardless of class and informational or educational attainment or goals and the sky didnt fall. That memo still hasnt reached universities. Meanwhile, our universities generate daily vast intellectual capital that remains sequestered in the ivory tower, out of reach of most of the citizenry. Until our universities ask the question, How do we address the communitys right to access its publicly funded educational institutions and intellectual capital, as opposed to the much narrower domain of credentialing? they can hardly be said to be in the education business at all. Polly Thompson, Toronto Ive worked with developments in computer science for nearly 40 years. I can capture the essential features and functions of a piece of software or a network of machines or whatever development comes along in a single sentence. Ive done that repeatedly and my definitions have withstood close scrutiny. You asked Alex Tapscott What is blockchain? I was keen to read his answer and finally get some perspective on the technology. Unfortunately Tapscotts answer was essentially Blah, blah, blah. His answers to other questions were hardly more informative. If I got such answers in an interview I would assume the Tapscotts didnt know what they were talking about. Its little better than describing what an automobile is by saying only that it moves from point A to point B. The Stars articles regarding the Tapscotts were a waste of a readers time. Is the Tapscotts book any better? Mirek A. Waraksa, Toronto A challenge with moving innovation forward is that new thinking is judged against what was. People play the devils advocate, sometimes with glee, to criticize. What if instead the angels advocate came to the fore, that is, seeing potentials in new ideas and struggling to strengthen new thinking instead of swatting it away as if it were a pesky fly? Lets face it, for innovation to occur, new ideas need a soft place to land. Fifteen years ago World Creativity and Innovation Week April 15 -21 began in Toronto in response to a report that our nation was in a creativity crisis. The purpose for the week was, and still is, to open minds, hearts and eyes to new ideas and possibilities. It prepares people for two things among many to be open to new ideas and to expect to hear them. The celebration is enjoyed in over 50 countries annually. It started in Canada. Think that shows we hold a value for innovation here, at least at the grassroots level? Marci Segal, Canmore, Alta. It is true that innovation and innovation policy in Canada and Ontario has lagged. For their part, the provinces colleges have partnered with more than 750 companies on a variety of market-driven applied research projects that help businesses particularly small businesses become more innovative. This results in new and improved products and production that are crucial to Ontarios long-term competitive advantage. Investments in applied research are a central part of the innovation solution. Linda Franklin, president and CEO, Colleges Ontario The revolution will not be televised. The revolution will be digitilized. Kerry Lambie, Mississauga Boy, I cant wait until I am able to kick back from my computer after a hard day earning virtual money by producing virtual products or services. Of course, my computer will be either organic since we have evolved from a resource-based economy or produced offshore by a country that still actually makes things and shipped here on a solar-powered ship and freight train and dropped on my balcony by a drone even before I knew I wanted it. My home will be made from who-knows-what (the end of that resource-based thing again); my water will be bartered from an innovative neighbour who gets it from somewhere and my electricity will come from a community-owned micro-grid that is, of course, connected to the national grid so we are never without. Safe drinking water and terawatts of electricity run by the masses what could possibly go wrong? All of this made possible by the new peer-to-peer sharing-economy, but also made necessary because public services collapsed after everyone no longer paid taxes on their virtual, sharing-earned income. I will fondly remember the days when I would reward myself with a drive up to the family cottage. On the way, I would see autonomous tractors working the few pieces of guarded arable land still remaining. But alas, the self-driving car (built on a 3D printer) that I rented couldnt navigate the rough and twisty cottage road and I didnt know how to drive manually. Besides, all of vacation country had crumbled back to nature and all the people who actually lived there are gone because it took a resource-based economy to built electric cars and we wanted no part of that (besides, electric cars in the winter barely got out of the city). Our country will have been turned into a huge support system for a handful of megacities. Devoid of people, what isnt flooded for hydro dams will have been cleared for solar and wind farms, because in spite of rooftop solar panels, cities will continue to consume more energy than they can produce. I will observe that the landscape seems flatter, because all the valleys will have been filled in with solid waste from the cities. Of course, they will say, where did you expect us to put it? Here? I will have to satisfy myself with biking over the park in my live-work-play neighbourhood (I wonder what strange material this bike is made from?). But I will wish I could have a barbeque . . . Len Aitchison, Tiny SHARE: In Grade 3, students in Ontario schools could learn about same-sex families as part of a lesson on accepting differences under the provinces new updated health curriculum but at Torontos Thorncliffe Park elementary, theyll only be discussed if the students themselves bring up the topic. As the school at the eye of the sex-education storm, Thorncliffe has also chosen to offer alternate classes to Grade 1 students whose parents object to them learning the proper words for genitalia, instead teaching them about private parts during lessons on inappropriate touching, a move that was both criticized, but also acknowledged as making the best of a difficult situation. This school has lived under the scrutiny of everybody in the city in a way that just doesnt seem fair, so I have a lot of empathy for the principals and teachers who are trying to teach this curriculum under the spotlight, said York University Professor Jen Gilbert, an expert in sex education. I think that if we take a holistic approach, thinking about the education of these students, engaging parents and working with the community is also an important goal of education. I think it is reasonable to find accommodations that meet the spirit of the new curriculum, and to understand that while there might be this one lesson thats devoted to these topics each year, these conversations are happening across the school year, and across curriculum areas. As for teachers not mentioning homosexuality in Grade 3 lessons, she said they should feel like they are able to represent the full range of families that we find in our world but noted that conversations about families and differences not only happen in one part of the curriculum so children may have already discussed them in other classes. Gilbert doesnt believe Thorncliffes alternative offering will lead to other schools following suit. Over and over again, she added, we find that parents in general support comprehensive sex education for everyone, including their own children. This is a principal who is working carefully with his school community, making choices that are best in this case. Last fall, Thorncliffe Park school was hit the hardest by protests, which saw hundreds of children pulled out of school because of the sex-education curriculum. Even after parents stopped offering their own classes in the park beside the school, enrolment was down and has only recently rebounded to 1,310 students, 40 short of the number expected. Principal Jeff Crane held 20 sessions with more than 650 parents to show parents what exactly would be taught, and to counter misinformation circulating in the community, which has a large Muslim population. And when sending letters home to parents giving two weeks notice before the human development class, he also offered a religious accommodation classes where teachers would use the terms private parts instead of penis and vagina. It was a move meant to keep kids in school and learn most of the curriculum. When the updated curriculum was championed by both Premier Kathleen Wynne and Education Minister Liz Sandals, they both noted the importance of children knowing the correct names of body parts, something urged by both police and Childrens Aid. Critics of the sex-education curriculum have planned car rallies in cities across the province on Saturday. SHARE: If you're six seasons deep into HBO's Game of Thrones and breathing dragon fire at George R. R. Martin to go ahead and finish the sixth and seventh installments of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, someones wants to sell you a night in the House of Stark of Winterfell. While it requires a little bit of imagination to plan a vacation in Westeros, property owners around the globe are doing their best to make it possible. Game of Thrones has filmed in Croatia, Iceland, Malta, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Canada and, briefly, here in the U.S. However, Game of Thrones tourism took off after the first season, when a more than $14 million investment by arts group Northern Ireland Screen turned into nearly $101 million in tourism-related business. Sites including Castle Ward (Winterfell) and Magheramornequarry (Castle Black) helped increase tourism- and arts-related jobs in Northern Ireland by more than 12%. Meanwhile, tourism to the walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, and in Iceland both jumped in 2012 after scenes were filmed there. In 2013, visits to Ouarzazate, Morocco, doubled in 2013 after Daenerys Targaryen spent a whole lot of time there in Season 3. No, there are no executions or Red Weddings in any of these locations, but it speaks volumes about how just a little bit of screen time can get viewers interested in the all-too-real setting of an entirely fake world of art. After all, Middle Earth didn't exist until J.R.R. Tolkien made it up, but that doesn't stop New Zealand from cashing in on Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit years after each of their film trilogies left theaters. With help from the folks at vacation rental site HomeAway, we came up with ten locations that either resemble sites from Game Of Thrones or are close enough to actual filming locations to give fans an up-close look: 10. House Targaryen Location: Puglia, Italy Cost: From $472 per night Let's think back to a better time when Daenerys Targaryen was queen of Meereen, a land of pyramids nestled between sandstone hills and Slaver's Bay, and had the fighting pits and dragons at her disposal. The houses of the elite in Meereen are amazing brick pyramids that look an awful lot like these traditional trulli in Puglia. With five bedrooms spread across two pyramids, there's room enough for up to ten people, which can drop rates to around $23 per person per night during the low season. Surrounded by four acres of olive and fruit trees and equipped with an open log fireplace, full kitchen, private swimming pool, outdoor grill, outdoor pizza oven and stone gazebo, it's certainly better accommodations than Daenerys is getting in Vaes Dothrak these days. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. Jack Treynor, whose insights into risk and return underpin theories for investment pricing and shaped the field of quantitative finance, died May 11 in Harbor City, Calif. He was 86. His wife, Betsy Treynor, confirmed the death but did not provide a cause. Although others who worked on related ideas received Nobel Prizes, Mr. Treynor is recognized as one of the discoverers of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), a cornerstone contribution to finance that codifies the role of risk in expected investment returns. He wrote extensively on topics ranging from pension and index funds to market making, spending more than a decade as editor of the Financial Analysts Journal. Most importantly, he was a leader in the intellectual development and incorporation of modern finance into practice, said Robert Merton, the Nobel Prize-winning economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He led what became known as the quants. Mr. Treynors contributions go far beyond CAPM to encompass whole fields of financial theory, Merton said. It wasnt that he just did a particular theory, he said. He was very creative and also was a leader in bringing the quantitative finance science to finance practice. That was his bridge. Jack Lawrence Treynor, a doctors son, was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Feb. 21, 1930. He showed an aptitude for mathematics and in high school won a statewide science contest with his paper on finite differential calculus. He was a 1951 math graduate of Haverford College in Pennsylvania, then spent two years in the Army Signal Corps. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1955 before joining the consulting firm Arthur D. Little Inc. Mr. Treynor was part of a wave of theorists who came to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s seeking to describe how risk interacts with investments, following the work of modern portfolio pioneer Harry M. Markowitz and Italian-born economist Franco Modigliani. At the time, researchers were interested in ways of diversifying groups of stocks to minimize shocks and how to place a value on money an investor was due in the future rent or dividends, for example. He was one of four men who are credited with arriving at the CAPM framework almost simultaneously, the others being William Sharpe, then at the University of Washington, John Lintner at Harvard Business School and the Norwegian economist Jan Mossin, according to MIT finance professor Andrew Lo. Among other things, Mr. Treynor helped devise ways for companies to calculate their cost of capital, Lo said. His primary insight was that markets are good at determining the present value of future cash flows and that companies should heed them when making investment assumptions. The method he created for doing so was the first iteration of CAPM. In part, it acknowledges that theres a trade-off between risk and return, and CAPM quantified what the trade-off is, Lo said in a telephone interview. That relationship is what gave rise to the notion of beta, and so when we talk about the beta of a stock, that comes out of that framework. When we do discounted cash-flow analysis, were using some kind of cost of capital. CAPM is the tool we use to calculate that cost of capital. Another implication of Mr. Treynors work is that trying to pick stocks and beat the market is a bad idea, Lo said. CAPM is also the basis of the mutual-fund industry, particularly for passive investing, he said. You ought to just buy and hold the market, and youll do just fine. Vanguard and all of the index funds out there came about because of the contributions of Sharpe, Treynor and others made in finding the capital asset price model. The multi-trillion-dollar passive-index business we can thank Sharpe and Treynor for that wonderful gift. During a summer vacation in Colorado in 1958, Mr. Treynor worked on a draft of his CAPM theory, producing 44 pages of notes based on a book of theoretical finance. Based on his notes, he ended up studying economics at MIT. In 1962, Mr. Treynor presented Toward a Theory of the Market Value of Risky Assets, the foundation for CAPM, nearly simultaneous with Sharpes paper on the same topic. He opted against publishing his findings, ceding the stage to Sharpe. Had he published, Mr. Treynor would have shared in Sharpes Nobel Prize in Economics, according to Edward J. Sullivan, a professor of business administration at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa. The paper was passed around in mimeographed form for years among economists, but the original version wasnt published until 1999. Mr. Treynor worked under future Treasury Secretary Donald Regan at Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc., starting in 1966 to set up what Lo called a computer-intensive quantitative research group. Mr. Treynor balked at the corporate culture, Lo said, and left in 1969 to be chief editor of the Financial Analysts Journal, a position he held for 11 years. If I had stayed at Merrill, they would have made me into a narrow quant, Mr. Treynor was quoted as saying in a 1992 book by economist Peter Bernstein. During his years as publisher of FAJ, Mr. Treynor wrote extensively on quantitative analysis and the role of market makers, anticipating seismic shifts in the financial world by decades. Survivors include his wife and three children. Bloomberg News SECOND-CHANCE CITY | This is the first installment in a series that will examine issues related to repeat violent offenders in the District of Columbia. Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI A pedestrian walks on a sidewalk along A Street SE in the D.C. neighborhood where Antwon Pitt is accused of committing a rape. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) The woman was sitting on her sofa, working on her laptop, when she saw him. A young man, 6 feet 5 inches tall, wearing fuzzy knit gloves and gray denim pants. Standing inside her condominium in Hill East near the Stadium-Armory Metro station. It was Oct. 13, in broad daylight, a little after 2 p.m. At first, she thought he was lost. But then he grabbed her and slammed her against the wall. She punched and kicked, but he dragged her across the hardwood floor and into the bedroom. And he raped her, according to charges filed in D.C. Superior Court. Stop fighting, or Ill kill you, he said. The 40-year-old woman, described in court papers as 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, suffered fractures in her eye socket and cheekbone. The alleged perpetrator, 21-year-old Antwon Durrell Pitt, had an extensive criminal history, including eight arrests in four years and a robbery conviction. Three times, he was sentenced under laws designed to promote leniency and second chances for inexperienced adult offenders. In two of those cases, he was sentenced under the Districts Youth Rehabilitation Act, a 1980s-era law aimed at deserving offenders under the age of 22. Pitts case shows that such laws, combined with lax enforcement by key federal agencies, can give many chances to violent offenders despite repeated criminal behavior and the failure to abide by terms of release, according to a Washington Post review of court records, transcripts and probation reports. The D.C. criminal justice system relies on a mix of federal agencies and D.C. judges to swiftly intervene and communicate vital information to protect the public from violent offenders. In the crucial weeks before the rape, a D.C. Superior Court magistrate judge and two federal agencies the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and the U.S. Parole Commission failed to work together to take Pitt off the streets. Pitts behavior raised many red flags, indicating escalating risk. Just out of prison last summer after serving a robbery sentence, Pitt did not report for some of his court-ordered drug testing and anger management sessions. He did not keep in contact with his supervision officer. And in a final act of defiance, Pitt cut off the GPS monitoring bracelet affixed to his ankle and let the battery run dead. He was completely off the grid. CSOSA, the federal agency charged with watching D.C. offenders released from prison, did not request a warrant for Pitts arrest for 15 days after losing contact with him. The Parole Commission waited a week after getting that request before forwarding it to law enforcement. And the magistrate judge denied a prosecutors request to keep Pitt behind bars, despite a troubling report from the Pretrial Services Agency. No conditions or combination of conditions can reasonably assure the defendants appearance or safety to the community, said the report that was given to magistrate William Nooter. The Districts Youth Rehabilitation Act was passed in 1985 to give youthful adult offenders a chance to have their records wiped clean from public view if they successfully complete their sentences, even those who commit violent crimes, with the exception of murder and a second crime of violence while armed. [Audit finds lax controls at agency for troubled youth] At a time when the Obama administration and Congress are working to ease mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for non-violent offenses, in part because of concerns that such laws have unjustly imprisoned large numbers of African Americans, D.C. law enforcement officials are increasingly concerned about the number of repeat violent offenders on the streets. The District, for example, has seen a near doubling in the percentage of homicide suspects with prior gun-related arrests. Sometimes, we just scratch our heads, D.C.police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said. We feel like theres a revolving door for violent offenders. Its very frustrating for us because we see the victim, and we see the impact on the victim. Pitts case is among at least 3,600 under the Youth Act since 2007 that have not been scrubbed from court records, according to Post research. Of those, 1,900 were felonies, including more than 700 for violent crimes. CSOSA spokesman Leonard A. Sipes Jr. said the agency followed its policies and procedures in the Pitt case. Mr. Pitt was assessed, closely supervised, referred for appropriate services and placed on GPS, Sipes said. Nooter, now a Superior Court judge, and two other Superior Court judges involved in Pitts cases declined to comment for this story, as did two of Pitts supervision officers, citing privacy rules. James E. Bacchus, the chief of staff for the Parole Commission, said that the agency can in some cases prioritize certain warrants. The criminal activity in this case didnt rise to the level that would have us redivert our work routine, Bacchus said. Pitt is set to go on trial Monday on a charge of first-degree sexual abuse, along with charges of robbery, burglary and kidnapping related to the alleged October attack. Mr. Pitt is about to stand trial for crimes he did not commit, said his attorney, Judith Pipe of the Public Defender Service, in a written statement. His DNA wasnt on the victim, wasnt on her sheets, and wasnt in her apartment, and the victim doesnt identify him as her assailant. We are confident that a fair trial a trial based on the evidence and not on unrelated past acts and allegations will show that Mr. Pitt did not commit these crimes. A prosecutor recently said in court that the victims DNA was found on Pitts glove. The U.S. attorneys office declined to comment for this story. In Hill East, the rape devastated a close-knit block of neighbors on A Street SE. Hundreds of frightened residents attended a community meeting in October. I want to know why he was out. He has a violent background. He has clearly targeted women in the past, said Denise Krepp, an advisory neighborhood commissioner who lives half a block from the scene of the crime. So who made the decision that he should be out on the streets? And I want a name. Because someone is responsible for this. LEFT: Pitt, then 17 years old, is pictured in a mug shot from 2011, when he was arrested and charged with battery and aggravated assault for slamming a chair against a boys head in a live-in treatment facility in Georgia. RIGHT: Pitt, now 21, is shown in his most recent mug shot from an arrest in Prince Georges County in October 2015. According to court documents, members of a task force approached Pitt outside a gas station after they had traced a stolen cellphone from a woman allegedly raped by Pitt. (Cobb County Sheriffs Office/Prince Georges County States Attorney's Office) A troubled youth Antwon Pitt was born in the District on June 1, 1994, and grew up the oldest of three children. His biological father was not involved in his life, according to court records. At age 12, Pitt was removed from his mothers home and placed into the foster-care system. He began psychiatric treatment at age 13. They thought I needed somebody to talk to cause my mom was drinking, he told a forensic psychologist, according to court records. They thought I was affected by the drinking. Pitt worked at a recreation center and a movie theater when he was a teenager. The Post unsuccessfully attempted to reach several family members, and the available information about him is limited to what can be gleaned from police, court and probation records. At 17, Pitt left Washington to enter treatment at Devereux, a live-in facility in Cobb County, Ga., that specializes in the care of emotionally troubled young adults. Pitt told the psychologist that he moved there because his social worker thought it was the best thing for me at the time. The Post was unable to determine whether Pitt had a juvenile record, which would have been closed to public view. But he had a long history of violent behavior prior to his treatment in Georgia, according to comments from the facilitys program manager in court records. [Timeline: Eight arrests, three convictions, three sentences under leniency laws] On Oct, 28, 2011, within a few weeks after Pitts arrival in Georgia, a boy named DeAngelo, also 17, stepped in front of Pitt while they waited in line for medications. Pitt reacted by calling DeAngelo names, according to a police report. Later in the evening, according to the police report, Pitt picked up a metal chair and slammed it against the back of DeAngelos head. DeAngelo was taken to Kennestone Hospital, where he received 11 staples. A police officer asked Pitt why he did it. I thought it was a good idea, Pitt told him. A Cobb County grand jury indicted Pitt as an adult on charges of aggravated assault and battery. Later, a judge ordered Pitt examined for mental competency. The psychologist wrote that Pitt had below-average intelligence and did not understand what medications he was taking. While Pitt may suffer from a mental illness, she wrote, there was no indication that he did not understand the difference between right and wrong. After a plea deal in October 2012, a judge sentenced Pitt to one year in jail, with credit for the nearly 12 months he had already served. He was sentenced under Georgias First Offender law, which unlike D.C.s Youth Act can be applied only to individuals who have not been previously convicted of felony crimes. Under the law, Pitt would have no conviction on his record unless a judge revoked the sentence. Within days of his Oct. 10, 2012, release from the Georgia jail, he was in trouble again. Crimes in D.C. After his return from Georgia, Pitt, now 18, moved into a group home on E Street SE. He commuted daily to attend Youth in Transition, an alternative school based in Baltimore. Within a five-month span, he was arrested five times. The first arrest occurred just two weeks after his release from jail in Georgia. On Oct. 24, a security guard at a Macys department store on G Street NW spotted Pitt stuffing five shirts into his pants and jacket sleeves. He was charged with shoplifting. After an appearance in court on Nov. 8, he was released upon signing a promise to return to court for his next hearing. Pitt failed to show up for the hearing, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. On Dec. 22, he was arrested for the second time in two months and charged with a violation of the Bail Reform Act, a law that lays out criminal penalties for violating terms of release. This time he was held in jail for 16 days, unable to pay the $1,000 bond set for his shoplifting case and the $500 bond in the bail case. On Jan. 7, 2013, he pleaded guilty to the bail charge, and the shoplifting charge was dropped. He was sentenced that day by Judge Juliet McKenna. Pitts social worker, Leslie Palmer, told the judge about his background, including his child neglect case beginning when he was 12 in 2006 and his stay at the Georgia facility. Ive probably been the only person that hes had . . . consistent . . . in his treatment, Palmer said. But as hes getting older, our relationship isnt as close as it used to be. McKenna sentenced Pitt to six months of probation under D.C.s Youth Act. In Pitts case, the law would allow him to avoid the statutory minimum 90-day sentence for the Bail Reform Act violation. [From the archives: D.C. considers law to protect youth offenders] McKenna declined to comment for this story. The judge warned Pitt that if he violated his probation then Im kind of stuck with having to give you a 90-day sentence. So the 16 days that youve done already at the jail are going to seem like nothing in comparison to the time youll be serving if youre not successful on probation. Pitt told her that he understood. Signs of trouble appeared eight days later. On Jan. 15, Pitts CSOSA probation officer, LaTonya Clement, went to look for him at his group home on E Street SE. She learned that Pitt had been officially put out of the home four days earlier. He had allegedly assaulted another resident and two staff members, according to Clements report. No criminal charges were apparently filed over the alleged attack. From E Street, Pitt had moved into a group home on Kansas Avenue NW. Soon someone called police and reported that he was pacing back and forth with a knife, threatening to kill everyone in this house, according to police records. Ill smoke the police, he told other residents. I dont give a damn. He stated that he needed the knife for protection in case anyone gets in his face, according to two witnesses. That day, Jan. 29, 2013, he was arrested for the third time in three months and charged with making threats. He was promptly released pending future proceedings on his personal promise that he would return to court. At this point, with battery, aggravated assault and threats in his background, Pitts propensity for violent behavior was becoming unmistakable. I just dont want to go to jail Pitts probation officer did not learn of his re-arrest until Feb. 7, records show. Concerned about the turn of events, Clement filed her report the next day and requested a hearing in D.C. Superior Court to determine whether he had violated his probation. A hearing was eventually scheduled for Feb. 26. Clement documented Pitts ejection from the E Street group home and said his whereabouts were unknown at the writing of this violation report. Pitt posed a high risk for community supervision because of his history of assaultive behavior, his antisocial peers and environments, lack of employment, lack of discipline, and his maturity level, she wrote. A few days after Clements report, Feb. 11, Pitt was arrested for the fourth time in 31/2 months. This time, he was caught trying to go through the emergency gate at the Benning Road Metro station without paying his fare. A police officer noticed that he had a folding knife in the pocket of his pants and attempted to remove it. F--- no, Pitt told the officer. You not taking my knife. After a struggle on the ground, the officer handcuffed Pitt. The officer found a second weapon, a 51/2-inch Rambo-style knife, in the left pocket of Pitts coat. He was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon. He was held in jail for 15 days, until his Feb. 26 hearing. After the hearing, he was released into the community under the additional supervision of a specialized supervision unit of the Pretrial Services Agency, which is responsible for gathering information about newly arrested defendants and preparing recommendations for release options. The agency attempted to connect Pitt with mental-health services, and a judge scheduled a mental-health status hearing for him. His probation hearings were deferred for the mental evaluation. Once again, Pitt was free on his personal recognizance, his promise to appear in court. The next month, on March 20, Pitt was arrested for the fifth time in five months and charged with destruction of property for breaking a bedroom door at the Kansas Avenue group home. Five days later, he was found to be not in full compliance with release conditions, mental health services, and drug testing, according to the court docket. In late May, Pitt appeared before McKenna to determine whether his probation would be revoked. Clement, Pitts probation officer, stated that Pitt had missed a number of drug tests and office visits. You used to call in the beginning, Clement told Pitt in court. And he would even say, Im coming, but still never show up. Clement, through a spokesman, declined to comment for this story. McKenna stated Pitt had not shown any compliance with his probation or with his mental-health requirements. The judge also said that since February, Pitts probation officer had consistently requested that his probation be revoked. Pitts defense attorney, Robert Athanas, asked that Pitt be sentenced to the time he already served and still receive the benefit of the Youth Act. With all due respect, Mr. Athanas, I think based on Mr. Pitts consistent pattern of behavior here, I dont see that he remains eligible for treatment under the Youth Act, McKenna stated. Theres simply no indication here that Mr. Pitt is amenable to rehabilitation. The judge stated that she would sentence Pitt to 90 days, the statutory minimum for the Bail Reform Act, and he would get credit for the days he had already spent in jail. Pitts defense attorney asked for that time to be served in a halfway house, so that Pitt could continue to go to school and to receive treatment. The judge denied that request, saying that Hillcrest, a behavioral health program, was unwilling to continue to treat Pitt because of his behavior. [D.C. fails to meet federal targets for helping jobless youths] The defense attorney tried again, this time asking for the judge to re-sentence him to probation. No, she said. Not at this time. Not given the history here. Pitt spoke up. Ill plead to anything, he told her. I just dont want to go to jail. She told Pitt to step back to the U.S. Marshals, who took him into custody. The hearing was over. In June, Pitt pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor weapon charge in exchange for dismissal of his other criminal cases involving the threats and the destruction of property. He received another 90-day sentence, to be served at the same time as his other one for the bail violation. On July 26, 2013, he was released from jail. His freedom would last for four days. But hes violent Just before 2 a.m. on July 30, 2013, a 46-year-old woman was on her doorstep entering her home on Ridge Street NW. A man approached, grabbed her and threw her down. He took her purse and fled. A D.C. police officer soon spotted a suspect later identified as Pitt who matched the description of the assailant. The suspect ran, and two other officers joined in pursuit. After one of the officers pulled the suspect to the ground, the man dropped a dark, rolled-up T-shirt. Inside was a BB gun. The suspect reached for the gun, and an officer struck him in the face, according to the police report. He then bit another officers forearm. The officers recovered the victims black Samsung cellphone and the T-shirt, which had been in her purse. Pitt was charged with robbery while armed and assault on a police officer while armed. I just bought that gun today, he volunteered, according to the report. Ive been carrying it all day. Its not illegal. In the fall of 2013, Pitt pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, a felony, and one count of assault on a police officer, a misdemeanor. Pitts court-appointed attorney asked for the statutory minimum for robbery, 24 months, with all but six months suspended. He also asked for sentencing under the Youth Act. The prosecutor in the case, Marvin Lett, opposed the Youth Act sentencing. He argued that Pitt had already received leniency in Georgia for his first offender sentence and had failed the terms of his first Youth Act conviction in the District. By this point, Pitt had been arrested seven times and convicted three times, Lett wrote. Quite simply, the defendant has exhausted his second chances, he wrote. Pitt was also subject to a pre-sentence report by CSOSA, which involves an assessment of the defendants criminal and family history. Such reports are not released to the public. But details from the report are included in Letts filings to the judge. They reveal, for the first time in public records, concerns about sexual behavior regarding Pitt. Lett revealed that the report documented fabrications, deceptions and sexually inappropriate conduct, including an incident in which Pitt had exposed himself to a jailhouse nurse on Aug. 8, 2013. The report said both Pitts mother and his social worker said he needed to receive treatment for sexual misconduct, according to Lett. Additionally, according to Pitts social worker, his homicidal thoughts increased after he was released from jail in Georgia in 2012, Lett said. [Is throwing children in prison a bad idea?] The fact that Mr. Pitt is so young and has had such a troubled childhood is more than unfortunate, the prosecutor wrote. But it should not entirely protect him from the cause-and-effect of his own bad and violent decisions. . . . The government is concerned with releasing so quickly back into the community a defendant who continues to show defiance, aggression and violent and sexual tendencies. Lett recommended a total of 36 months in prison. During a sentencing hearing on Dec. 3, 2013, Pitts attorney said his client was a young man who still had the chance to turn his life around. Your honor, hes consistently communicated to his his younger family members that they should not make the same mistakes that he has, his attorney said. D.C. Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow asked Pitt why he committed the robbery. I wasnt really thinking, your honor, he said. Pasichow said she understood that Pitt was young. But she struggled with the severity of his crimes. I mean it might be bad enough if we were talking about just simply a shoplifting or just simply a car theft, but were talking about a battery and were talking about an aggravated assault and were talking about possession of a prohibited weapon, a knife, and in this case were talking about coming up from behind someone in the early morning hours and Im sure scaring scaring this person. And then apparently wrestling around with an officer, she said in court. So I think the circumstances are dangerous, and the problem with that is as you said, you havent really given me any good explanation as to why you would do something like that other than you werent thinking. Pasichow sentenced Pitt to the statutory minimum 24 months to be served in prison. Then she considered whether he would receive the benefit of the Youth Act to allow his record to be cleared of the robbery charge if he successfully completed his supervised release. Pitts defense attorney argued that he would be an ideal candidate because he was a young man who did not use drugs or alcohol. The judge was still hesitant. Right, but hes violent, the judge said. Its not clear to me that he understands exactly what hes done. Hes had no explanation for it, no thought about it and I dont know. Ultimately, Pasichow decided to sentence Pitt under the Youth Act. Its a very difficult decision, the judge said. Im concerned about Mr. Pitt. Im going to give him the benefit of the Youth Act sentence, but well see. She ordered a list of conditions for Pitt after his release from prison, including: mental-health treatment, sexual therapy and instructions to find a job or further his education. Good luck, Mr. Pitt, she told him. Pasichow declined to comment for this article through a court spokeswoman. Denise Krepp stands in an alley off of A Street SE in the D.C. neighborhood of Hill East. Krepp has led a neighborhood effort to seek answers about crime in the area. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) A missed opportunity On July 29, 2015, about 850 miles south of D.C., Pitt was released from a high-security federal prison close to Orlando, the Coleman II facility, which houses the notorious Boston mobster Whitey Bulger. Pitt had spent more than 19 months in prison and earned 126 days for time spent in jail in the District, according to Bureau of Prison records. He was now 21 years old. Under the terms of his release, he would be monitored for three years until July 2018 by CSOSA. After he returned to Washington, he was fitted on Aug. 6 with a GPS bracelet. As an offender under intensive supervision requirements, Pitt would be required to have at least eight contacts a month with CSOSA. His supervision officer, George Eatmon, last had contact with Pitt on Sept. 18, court records show. Pitt also had missed court-ordered drug-testing appointments and anger-management sessions. Eatmon, through a spokesman, declined to comment for this story. Sipes, the spokesman for CSOSA, said that Eatmon followed agency policy by trying to bring Pitt back into compliance: On Sept. 21, Pitt reported to CSOSA and had contact with someone there, but not with Eatmon, the agency said. After that, there was no contact. The next day, Eatmon tried to visit Pitt at home but could not find him. On Sept. 28, Pitt did not appear for a scheduled appointment. That day, CSOSA received a master tamper alert indicating that Pitt had cut off his GPS bracelet and removed it from his ankle. His phone was disconnected as well. On Sept. 29, the agency learned the GPS battery had died. But Pitt would be back within the grasp of law enforcement within a day. About 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 30, a Wednesday night, Pitt was found by a D.C. police officer in a restroom stall on the third floor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington. He had a substance that appeared to be synthetic marijuana, along with a digital scale and small plastic bags. In his backpack, Pitt carried his GPS bracelet, the police report said. Pitt was arrested on three charges: unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance of synthetic cannabinoid, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with a GPS device. Two days later, Pitt was taken from his jail cell to appear in court for a formal reading of the drug charge against him. Pitt was in a basement level courtroom C-10 where recent arrestees are brought in several at a time. The presiding magistrate judge typically spends just a few minutes on each case to decide whether to keep defendants in custody or release them. A Pretrial Services Agency report, summarizing the defendants criminal history, is given to the judge. On Pitts report, there was a note that a Pretrial Services Agency employee had spoken on the phone with Pitts supervision officer. Pitts compliance was poor, the report stated. The report did not mention that CSOSA had lost contact with Pitt or that he was supposed to be wearing a GPS bracelet. It did warn the judge that no release options would assure safety to the community. Cliff Keenan, the director of the Pretrial Services Agency, said such language indicates that a defendant has been assessed as high risk. On Oct. 2, Nooter was the presiding magistrate judge. A transcript of the brief proceeding reveals that there was confusion about Pitts GPS monitoring. It just says that he had a GPS monitoring device that appeared to be tampered with. It doesnt indicate that he was supposed to be wearing a GPS device, Nooter said that day. Noting that Pitts compliance with his supervised release had been poor, the prosecutor requested a five-day hold, a stop-gap action commonly used for offenders who have violated the terms of their release from prison. The hold would allow CSOSA time to request a warrant from the Parole Commission to keep Pitt in custody. Nooter denied the request. He did not explain his reasoning during the hearing. Instead, he told Pitt to return to court later that month and to check in with his supervision officer by the following week. He also told Pitt that he must not commit any more crimes. Mr. Pitt, Im going to release you in this matter on your personal promise to return to court, the judge told him. Pitt was not refitted with a new GPS bracelet before he was ushered back into the community. Nooter declined to be interviewed for this article. For Krepp, the Hill East neighborhood commissioner, the decision to release Pitt is maddening. Someone said, I look at his background, and I think hes okay, she said. And that individual owes my neighbor an apology. Because but for him being released, he would not have been in this neighborhood. People walk near the Stadium-Armory Metro station down the block from the Hill East neighborhood that was traumatized by a rape last October. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) Whereabouts unknown Oct. 6 was the deadline for Pitt to report back to his CSOSA supervision officer. He failed to do so. If he had checked in that day, he would have been refitted with a GPS bracelet, according to Sipes, the CSOSA spokesman. The day Pitt missed his deadline, just before dawn, a 21-year-old woman was sleeping in her bed in her apartment on Michigan Avenue NE, in a neighborhood close to Catholic University and the Brookland Metro stop. When she woke up, a tall man later identified in charging documents as Pitt was standing next to her bed. I will get out of here, he told her. He allegedly took her tote bag, her phone and her wallet, along with a photograph of her mother. That same day, in an attempt to return Pitt to custody despite the magistrates ruling, CSOSA filed an alleged violation report to request that the Parole Commission issue a warrant for his arrest. By the time a warrant is requested, there is a very substantive reason that someone should go back to jail, commission spokesman Bacchus said. The U.S. Parole Commission took seven days to grant that request. In the meantime, no one was out looking for Pitt. A parole commissioner signed off on the warrant on Oct. 13. The signed warrant had to be mailed to the U.S. Marshals, who would then enter it into the National Crime Information Center database, allowing law enforcement officers to arrest Pitt. The signed warrant did not arrive at the U.S. Marshals until Oct. 23 and was entered into the database that day, according to a Marshals spokesman. We dont sit on requests for warrants, said Supervisory Deputy Linwood Battle. On Oct. 13, Pitt allegedly entered the 40-year-old womans home in Hill East, through an unlocked door, and raped her. He allegedly stole her cellphone, her husbands checks and cash and fled to the Stadium-Armory Metro station, where he was recorded on surveillance video. A task force composed of D.C. police, Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police officers began to track the cellphone belonging to the victim. The next day, Oct. 14, officers pinpointed the cellphone at a gas station in Prince Georges County, Md. When an officer approached Pitt at the station, he ran and was eventually wrestled to the ground, a police report says. One officer needed medical care after the struggle, according to court records. Pitt had in his possession the cellphones of both the burglary and rape victims, according to the charges filed in D.C. Superior Court. In December, Pitt was extradited to Washington. He remains in jail awaiting trial. In April, the U.S. attorneys office indicted Pitt on 10 charges related to the alleged rape and burglary. Earlier this spring, Pitt was also indicted on charges related to the drug arrest in the library, including tampering with his GPS bracelet. Steven Rich, Peter Hermann and Keith L. Alexander contributed to this report. Timeline of events Oct. 28, 2011 In Cobb County, Ga., at 17, Antwon Durrell Pitt slams a metal chair against the head of a fellow resident at a live-in treatment facility, according to a police report. Pitt is arrested and charged with aggravated assault and battery, two felonies. Oct. 10, 2012 At 18, Pitt pleads guilty and is sentenced to a year in jail and given credit for time served under Georgias First Offender Act, which is for individuals who have never been convicted of a felony. Oct. 24, 2012 Pitt is arrested for shoplifting at Macys in downtown Washington. Dec. 22, 2012 After failing to show up for a court hearing, Pitt is charged with violating the Bail Reform Act, a misdemeanor. Jan. 7, 2013 Pitt pleads guilty to the misdemeanor and is sentenced to six months probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, a D.C. law designed to give sentencing options for deserving offenders under age 22. Jan. 11, 2013 Pitt is officially put out of his group home on E Street SE for assaulting another resident and two staff members, according to his probation officer with the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency. Jan. 29, 2013 Someone at Pitts new group home calls police to report that Pitt is carrying a knife and threatening to kill everyone there. He is arrested and charged with making threats. Feb. 8, 2013 Pitts probation officer submits a report on the re-arrest and his failure to report for probation. Feb. 11, 2013 Pitt is arrested for carrying a knife at the Benning Road Metro station, a misdemeanor. March 20, 2013 Pitt is arrested and charged with destruction of property, a misdemeanor. May 22, 2013 Pitts probation is revoked. He is sentenced to 90 days in jail for the bail violation. June 10, 2013 Pitt pleads guilty to the misdemeanor knife charge. July 26, 2013 Pitt is released from jail. July 30, 2013 Pitt is arrested and charged with armed robbery and assault on a police officer, while armed. Aug. 8, 2013 Pitt exposes himself to a nurse at the D.C. jail. Dec. 3, 2013 After a plea, Pitt is sentenced to 24 months in prison under the Youth Rehabilitation Act for a felony conviction of robbery and a misdemeanor of assault on a police officer. July 29, 2015 Pitt is released from Coleman II, a high security federal prison in Florida. He is under supervised release until 2018. Sept. 28, 2015 CSOSA receives a master tamper alert indicating that Pitt had cut off his GPS bracelet. Sept. 29, 2015 The battery in Pitts GPS bracelet runs dead. Sept. 30, 2015 Pitt is arrested in a D.C. library with synthetic drugs and the disabled GPS bracelet. Oct. 2, 2015 D.C. Superior Court Magistrate Judge William Nooter denies a prosecutors request and releases Pitt into the community. Oct. 6, 2015 A man enters a womans apartment in the early morning and steals her belongings. Pitt fails to report to his supervision officer. CSOSA files a report requesting a warrant to the U.S. Parole Commission. Oct. 13, 2015 The commission signs off on the warrant request. A man rapes a woman in the Hill East neighborhood and steals her cellphone. Oct. 14, 2015 Pitt is arrested in Maryland after a task force tracks the cellphone. Oct. 23, 2015 The Parole Commission warrant for Pitt is entered into a federal database. Dec. 18, 2015 Pitt is extradited to the District on charges related to the rape and burglary. Sources: Court documents, transcripts, probation violation and police reports reviewed by The Washington Post Recommendations Exceptional Excellent Very Good Availability information is based on distributor records. Wines might not be in stock at every listed store and might be sold at additional stores. Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post) Beaujolaiss refreshing acidity and bright, fruity character make it an ideal red for warm weather. Chill it for a half-hour or so in the refrigerator or an ice bucket, then serve it with just about anything you want to eat. And look especially for the exceptional 2015, which Georges Duboeuf calls the best vintage for Beaujolais since 1947. The crus should reach our market later this year, but this weeks wines include a delicious early 2015 to get us excited about the vintage. Les Vins Georges Duboeuf Domaine des Rosiers Moulin-a-Vent 2014 Beaujolais, France, $25 One of Duboeufs domaine wines from a Beaujolais cru, the Domaine des Rosiers shines with red-fruit flavors and a hint of wood spice to give it complexity. Alcohol by volume: 13 percent. Distributed by Southern: Available in the District at Calvert Woodley, Cleveland Park Wine and Spirits, Pauls of Chevy Chase, Wide World of Wines; on the list at Claudias. Paul Durdilly Les Grandes Coasses 2015 Beaujolais, France, $12 This effusively delicious Beaujolais from the wider regional appellation rather than one of the smaller crus offers the fun fruitiness of a Beaujolais nouveau, accented by the smoky complexity of a more serious wine. Buy this by the case and enjoy it over the next two to three years. ABV: 13 percent. Distributed by Dionysus: Available in the District at DVines, Rodmans. Available in Maryland at Balduccis, Bradley Food & Beverage and Capital Beer & Wine in Bethesda; on the list at Kapnos Kouzina in Bethesda. Available in Virginia at Ashburn Wine Shop, Arrowine and Cheese, Cheesetique in Arlington, Chain Bridge Cellars in McLean, Unwined (Alexandria, Belleview). Jean-Marc Lafont Saint-Amour 2012 GREAT VALUE Beaujolais, France, $20 At its best, a Beaujolais cru wine can mimic Burgundy. This Saint-Amour is elegant and nimble, with a dancers grace. ABV: 12.5 percent. Distributed by Dionysus: Available in the District at Rodmans. Available in Maryland at Bradley Food & Beverage in Bethesda, Finewine.com in Gaithersburg. Available in Virginia at Unwined (Alexandria, Belleview), Wine Cabinet in Reston. Domaine Foretal Julienas 2013 GREAT VALUE Beaujolais, France, $18 This Beaujolais cru is full of dark red-fruit flavors; its a bit moody compared with the usual cheerfulness of Beaujolais, perfect for a cool rainy night. ABV: 13 percent. Distributed by Wine Traditions: Available in the District at Arrowine and Spirits. Available in Virginia at Arrowine and Cheese in Arlington, Tastings of Charlottesville, Unwined (Alexandria, Belleview), Vienna Vintner. Les Dauphins Rose Reserve 2015 GREAT VALUE Cotes du Rhone, France, $9 A crisp, clear rose with strawberry and watermelon flavors. Ive loved this great-value pink for several vintages, and 2015 does not disappoint. ABV: 13 percent. Distributed by M. Touton: Available in the District at Capital City Wine & Spirits, Connecticut Avenue Wine & Liquor, Harrys Reserve Fine Wine & Spirits, Oasis Gourmet Deli, Rodmans, S&S Liquors, Seven Rivers Market, Whole Foods Market (Foggy Bottom), Yes! Organic Markets (various locations). Available in Maryland at Bethesda Co-Op in Cabin John; Lighthouse Liquors, Quarry Wine & Spirits, Roland Park Wine & Spirits and Wine Market in Baltimore; California Wine & Spirits; Generals Liquor in Crownsville; Petit Cellars in Ellicott City; Port of Call Liquors in Solomons; Rosewick Wine & Spirits in La Plata; Silesia Liquors in Fort Washington; Skylight Liquors in Elkridge; the Wine Harvest (Gaithersburg); the Wine Shop in Waldorf. Available in Virginia at Unwined (Alexandria, Belleview). 1 of 45 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad See who attended the Nordic state dinner View Photos The Obama White House hosted its 12th state dinner to honor the heads of state of five Nordic countries. Caption The Obama White House hosted its 12th state dinner to honor the heads of state of five Nordic countries. May 13, 2016 President Obama and first lady walk out of the North Portico of the White House to begin to greet Nordic leaders for the state dinner. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP Wait 1 second to continue. It could have been a teaching moment but instead it was simply a lovely one. Eschewing a dress by a designer with Nordic roots, first lady Michelle Obama wore a blush colored gown with a full skirt and asymmetrical shoulder by New York-based designer Naeem Khan. The dress, for Friday evenings Nordic state dinner, was romantic in tone and with only a hint of color. The gown harked back to the Obamas first state dinner, in 2009, which honored India. Khan, an Indian American designer, created the glamorous champagne and silver dress for that historic occasion one that will be remembered more for its gate-crashers than the beauty of the night. Khan is among Obamas favorites for grand occasions. (She recently wore one of his dresses when she and President Obama visited Cuba.) The mood of this dress artfully reflected the friendly relationship among the nations being welcomed to the White House, the less ornate atmosphere of the table settings and the evenings hint of springtime. [Complete guest list for the Nordic state dinner] President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama host a state dinner for the president of Finland and the prime ministers of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. (The Washington Post) President Obama, it appeared, was wearing his usual one-button tuxedo and a tidy pocket square. It would have been daring to select a designer from Denmark or Sweden or one of the other Nordic countries being celebrated. Not that they have no designers up to the task, but because most do not have an international reputation. For an American, they are not known quantities. But perhaps, that might have been just the reason to take a risk. On the global fashion stage, most of the attention is claimed by Paris and Milan, London and New York and even Tokyo. Most Americans would be hard-pressed to conjure up any hallmark of Nordic fashion. If pushed they might be able to call to mind the distinctive yoke of an Icelandic sweater, the pop-art flower prints of Finland-born Marimekko or the infamous swan party dress worn by Icelandic singer Bjork to the Academy Awards in 2001. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pose with Nordic leaders and their spouses. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images) What a dress both odd and melancholy. As Bjork walked the red carpet, the performer looked as though a snowy swan had gracefully wrapped itself around her body. It counts as a Nordic style moment, even though the dresss designer, Marjan Pejoski, was actually born in Macedonia and works in London. But the Nordic countries have a significant fashion footprint thanks to the presence of the Swedish fast-fashion label H&M, which has some 3,400 stores around the world. The brand has been honored for its focus on fair wages and sustainability as well as criticized for encouraging waste with its disposable fashion. [Can cheap clothing generate fair wages? H&M believes it can.] Much of what characterizes contemporary Nordic style if there really is such a thing is clean lines, restraint and, in some cases, an almost minimalist sensibility. Fans of designer denim would be familiar with Acne Studios, the Swedish sportswear company that presents its eclectic separates on the runway in Paris. And those who long for a dark palette and simple shapes luxurious elegance on a middle-class budget have turned to Cos, which is part of the H&M group. Cos ignores trends, avoids extraneous embellishments and aims at sophistication. It has been a staple in Europe and a cult fashion favorite since launching nearly a decade ago, but has only recently opened shop in the United States. Denmark offers up the menswear and womenswear brand Bruuns Bazaar, as well as the rising star Anne Sofie Madsen, who shows her artful collection in Paris. And Copenhagen hosts its own fashion week, which has had a particular focus on sustainability. While Seventh Avenue has welcomed a broad swath of designers from as far away as Australia, there has not been a Nordic designer in recent memory who captured the American imagination. Although for a short time, the Swedish-born designer Lars Nilssson held the creative reins at Bill Blass a brand that typified a sort of jaunty American elegance. President Barack Obama, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, second from right, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, second from left, Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, left, Iceland's Prime Minister Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, and Denmark's Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. (Andrew Harnik/AP) Spouses of Nordic leaders, from left, first lady Michelle Obama, wife of Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Jenni Haukio; husband of Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, Sindre Finnes; wife of Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Ulla Lofven; wife of Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Solrun Lokke Rasmussen; and wife of Iceland Prime Minister Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, Ingibjorg Elsa Ingjaldsdottir. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) For this state dinner, the most notable aspect may well have been a chance to inspect the attire of a female head of state, Erna Solberg, prime minister of Norway, with her husband Sindre Finnes. During a U.S. presidential campaign when the possibility of electing the first female president looms, Solbergs presence was particularly instructive. She was dressed in all black for the afternoons arrival ceremony, including opaque black hosiery, and sartorially was virtually indistinguishable from her male colleagues. And her husbands ensemble coordinated beautifully with the other spouses. His royal blue suit and pale blue tie fit in nicely with the blue patterned dress worn by Finlands Jenni Haukio and cobalt blue suit of Swedens Ulla Lofven. Solbergs evening ensemble was a floor-sweeping gown in emerald green. It was accessorized with a magnificent jewel necklace, and she was accompanied by her husband dapper in an elegant tuxedo. The definition of power at least for one couple was not sharp tailoring and peak lapels, but a flowing cloud of chiffon. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, center, prepares for a photo during a bill-signing ceremony in Annapolis on April 12. Seated with him are Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., left, and House Speaker Michael E. Busch. (Patrick Semansky/AP) Marylands House of Delegates voted unanimously three years ago to cap the states yacht tax. This year, 25 House lawmakers voted against renewing the cap after a small group of Democrats argued that the state doesnt need to protect wealthy boat owners from tax hikes. That opposition wasnt enough to keep the measure from advancing to the desk of Gov. Larry Hogan (R), a popular centrist whose election 18 months ago coincided with Republican gains in the Democratic-majority legislature. But it highlights the slow pace of progress for Marylands newest progressive lawmakers, an assertive and largely young group of legislators who are trying to nudge their party leftward. A lot of us came to Annapolis to make change, said freshman Del. Jimmy Tarlau (D-Prince Georges), who helped organize an unofficial caucus of new legislators that met weekly during this years General Assembly session. With the Republican victory in 2014, a lot of us thought maybe something was missing, and that we could strengthen the Democratic message moving forward. [Poll: Hogan most popular governor since at least 1998] A lot of us came to Annapolis to make change, said freshman Del. Jimmy Tarlau (D-Prince Georges). (Courtesy of Del. Jimmy Tarlau) At times, the newest Democratic House members have put themselves at odds with more-centrist colleagues and Democratic leaders as they try to define the soul of the state party with liberal bills and votes. But progressives in the chamber, where Democrats hold 91 of 141 seats, are cheering them on. Were glad theyre here, said Del. Ariana B. Kelly (D-Montgomery), a second-term lawmaker. The way things have been done in the past is not the way theyre choosing to do things. One sign of the new dynamic emerged when progressives fought a bill to prohibit public marijuana use. Advocates said unwanted exposure to the smoke created a public health risk and a nuisance. Critics countered that the change would roll back the states recent efforts to decriminalize low-level pot activity efforts aimed in part at reducing the number of African Americans put in jail. The House passed the measure with broad support among Democrats, but some freshmen argued against the bill, drawing the ire of centrists such as Del. C.T. Wilson (D-Charles). I cant stand a paternalistic mind-set, said Wilson, who supported the bill and is African American. If I hear one more young white Democrat tell me about saving black men, Im going to pop. I grew up as an orphan. I know what its like to have a tough life. You dont have to make smoking weed a color thing. The intraparty debates pose a challenge for House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel), who must ensure that the legislative process runs smoothly in his chamber while still representing his increasingly center-right district. In some respects, Busch and the growing progressive wing of the House have found ways to complement each other. This year, the speaker rallied enough Democratic votes to override Hogans veto of a bill that allows felons to vote while on parole or probation a bill sponsored in the House by freshman Del. Cory V. McCray (D-Baltimore). Theres a generational shift and somewhat of an ideological shift with the freshmen, said Del. William C. Smith Jr. (D-Montgomery), a first-term lawmaker. (Courtesy of Del. William C. Smith) [This man just voted for the first time in 20 years.] Busch also allowed a floor vote on a bill that would require Maryland employers to provide paid sick leave to their workers, a measure that stalled repeatedly in past sessions. Progressive Democrats made sick leave a top priority for 2016, seeing an opportunity to embrace President Obamas agenda and distinguish their party from the GOP on an issue that affects working-class voters. I think a lot of us in the rank and file were hoping to see that we define ourselves against the Hogan agenda, said freshman Del. David Moon (D-Montgomery). Progressives helped launch a plan to link the sick-leave bill to a major tax-relief proposal, in hopes of winning support from Hogan and from less-liberal lawmakers worried that it would hurt small businesses. But the measure never advanced in the Senate. The progressive freshmen have also proved less deferential toward committee leaders than their predecessors in recent years, voting in substantial numbers against bills such as one that would allow salons to avoid unemployment insurance for contracted nail technicians and another that would allow utility companies to pass along some of their environmental-cleanup costs to ratepayers. People are paying close attention to bills to see if they are truly consistent with our values, Kelly said. Theres a more robust conversation in our party about whether any bill should really be coming out of committee. One key victory for progressives this year was the passage of a bill Kelly sponsored that prohibits insurers from charging co-pays for contraceptive drugs and procedures, including vasectomies. Advocates have described the new law as the most comprehensive contraceptive requirement in the nation. Theres a generational shift and somewhat of an ideological shift with the freshmen, said Del. William C. Smith Jr. (D-Montgomery), a first-term lawmaker. Its a growing pain within a party that is adjusting itself to new ideas and perspectives. Some committee leaders have found ways to accommodate the newcomers, including by calling on freshman lawmakers to defend bills during floor debates, a rarity in the legislature. The House Appropriations Committee chair, Del. Maggie L. McIntosh (D-Baltimore), assigned Del. Brooke E. Lierman (D-Baltimore) to argue on behalf of a measure that would require the Hogan administration to score transportation projects before deciding which proposals to fund and to explain its reasons for picking lower-ranked plans ahead of those that score higher. Both chambers ultimately passed the bill and overrode Hogans veto. Kelly said progressives need to continue pressing hard for their priorities while being mindful that their successes could put Democrats from more-centrist counties, such as Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard, in an awkward position. Democrats already lost members of the General Assembly in the 2014 election, when the GOP picked up nine seats in swing districts seven in the House and two in the Senate. Those losses, along with an influx of progressive-minded freshmen from Democratic strongholds, have made the caucus more liberal. There arent many blue-dog Democrats left. Im one of the few, said Del. Eric M. Bromwell (D-Baltimore County), adding that hes seen an increase in contentious proposals advancing in the chamber such as paid sick leave and felon voting. There were bills that made it to the floor that wouldnt have made it in the past bills that might put people in a bad position come election time, Bromwell said. But theres really no moderate contingent to be protected now. Some of the newest House members say Maryland should shift even further to the left, arguing that other heavily Democratic states such as California, Massachusetts and New York have been more forward-thinking. But Bromwell contends that Maryland is right to be less liberal than those other states. California was issuing IOUs instead of tax returns not too long ago, he said, referring to the states 2009 decision to suspend refunds as part of a plan to eliminate ballooning debt and a nearly $30 billion budget deficit. Maryland has a triple-A bond rating. How many other states can say that? You have to legislate carefully. Wilson said staunch progressives risk losing touch with Marylanders as a whole if they move too far left. We have a Republican governor, and people are very pleased with him, he said. Our state is centrist, and I hope the General Assembly catches up to that. I think it will, because peoples votes are going to start counting with the election coming up in two years. Arelis R. Hernandez contributed to this report. Susannah Mushatt Jones, right, is embraced by her niece Lois Judge in 2015. (Richard Drew/AP) Susannah Mushatt Jones, the worlds oldest person, died May 12 at a public housing facility for seniors in Brooklyn at age 116. Robert Young, a senior consultant for the Los Angeles-based Gerontology Research Group, confirmed the death. Ms. Jones, who was affectionately known by family and neighbors as Miss Susie, had been ill for several days with an unspecified illness. Her death leaves a 116-year-old woman from Verbania, Italy, Emma Morano, as the worlds oldest person, and the only living person who was born in the 1800s, Young said. Morano is just a few months younger than Ms. Jones, according to the organization, which attempts to track all living supercentenarians. Ms. Jones was born in a small farm town near Montgomery, Ala., in 1899. She was one of 11 siblings and attended a special school for young black girls. After completing high school in 1922, Ms. Jones worked full time helping family members pick crops. She left after a year to begin working as a nanny, heading north to New Jersey and eventually making her way to New York. Ms. Jones never had any children of her own and was married for only a few years. Family members said last year that they credited her long life to love of family and generosity to others. A niece, Lois Judge, said she believed it helped that her aunt grew up on a farm, where she ate fresh fruits and vegetables that she picked herself. After she moved to New York, Ms. Jones worked with a group to start a scholarship fund for young African American women to attend college. She also was active in her public housing buildings tenant patrol until she was 106. Ms. Jones became the Guinness World Records official oldest person when 117-year-old Misao Okawa died in Tokyo last year. A D.C. fire lieutenant who last year was accused of botching a response to a choking toddler who died has been found guilty of neglect, fined $5,000 and demoted in rank, according to two officials familiar with the case. The attorney for the father of the 18-month-old said his client would have preferred that the firefighter, 28-year veteran Guy Valentine, been fired, but understands that he got the most severe punishment possible for a charge of neglect of duty. Still, the attorney and the father, Jose Cuesta, an economist with the World Bank, lashed out at the District on Friday for refusing to officially make public the outcome of the disciplinary hearing, which they and a member of the media were allowed to attend. Doug Buchanan, spokesman for the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, would not confirm that the hearing examiners had reached a decision, nor would he discuss any outcome. This is a personnel matter about which we cannot comment, he said in a statement. [Child dies after D.C. fire department fails to dispatch closest paramedic] Cuestas attorney, Salvatore Zambri, said that neither he nor his client have received any word or document detailing the decision and punishment. There is a huge, logical disconnect in inviting us in to listen to the testimony and the evidence during the hearing and then all of a sudden sweeping the rug out from under us, Zambri said. Wed rather know the outcome than see the evidence. The lawyer said if his client is not officially informed, It would be unacceptable. . . . Are they serving the city or having a quiet boardroom where everything is internal? Among many questions, he said, is whether Valentine will be allowed to pay his fine through payroll deductions and how the decision might affect his pension. Valentine could not be reached for comment Friday. His attorney did not return calls seeking comment. WTTG (Channel 5) first reported that the disciplinary board had reached a decision. The incident began March 13, 2015, when the childs nanny called 911 to report that he was choking on a grape inside his house on Warren Street in Northwest Washingtons Tenleytown neighborhood, three blocks off Wisconsin Avenue, where Engine 20 is based. [Fire chief blocks retirement for lieutenant accused with neglect of duty] Department officials have said that Valentine was negligent because he did not interject when a dispatcher sent paramedics to the Warren Street house from more than a mile away instead of from his much closer station. A District official said last year that firefighters had not properly signed into a computer program used to track which units are available and where they are. Late last year, before the disciplinary hearing, Valentine put in his retirement papers, which would have allowed him to leave the department with a full lieutenants pension and escape discipline. The fire chief, Gregory M. Dean, blocked Valentine from retiring before his disciplinary hearing, citing a new law designed to prevent firefighters from escaping punishment through the retirement process. Dean made Valentines retirement provisional. The law was passed after one of several firefighters charged with misconduct after Medric Cecil Mills died in 2014 was allowed to retire before going through the disciplinary process, thus escaping possible sanctions. The fire departments refusal to disclose the outcome of Valentines hearing and the punishment is in stark contrast to how the department handled the disciplinary hearings in the Mills case, in which several firefighters ignored cries for help from Millss daughter after he collapsed outside a firehouse and died of a heart attack. [Fire Department makes discipline public for firefighters in misconduct case] Fire officials in that case closed the internal hearings but made the charging papers public and then gave a detailed accounting of the verdicts and the punishment. One firefighter was suspended for 60 hours, another was reprimanded and one was exonerated. Those actions occurred under the administration of Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) and an interim fire chief, both of whom publicly called the disciplinary process a failure, the punishments too lenient and recommended an overhaul of the process. District officials under Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) would not say why officials have now decided that the outcomes of disciplinary hearings cannot be made public. Cuesta, the father of the boy who died, said he wants officials to notify him about what happened to Valentine. I want to see what the punishment is, said Cuesta, who also is a professor at Georgetown University. I hope they make the decision public. I want justice and I want the chief to make a strong message that this behavior is not acceptable. Everybody deserves to know what the decision is. A boy of 7 or 8 years old was shot and wounded Saturday afternoon in Southeast Washington. The child was hit in the back or shoulder, according to police, and was taken to a hospital. Initial accounts indicated that his wounds were not life-threatening. The shooting came about a month after a girl of about the same age was hit by a stray bullet, also in Southeast, as she walked home from dinner. A church, a school and a recreation center are within yards of the site where Saturdays shooting occurred, in the 2500 block of 12th Place SE. It was not clear whether any activities at any of those locations were connected to the shooting. Little information was available about the circumstances in which the child was hit. No motive in the shooting could be learned. According to one preliminary police account, the child may have been getting out of a car with an adult when he was struck. Based on that account, someone with a gun emerged from a vehicle, fired at least one shot, and then returned to the vehicle, which drove off. This is unacceptable, said D.C. Council member LaRuby May, (D-Ward 8) who represents the area. She said changes were required from the D.C. police and the city government. This answer is not it, she said. Anthony Muhammad, an advisory neighborhood commissioner in the area, also voiced discontent, asserting that Ward 8, the citys poorest, has been neglected. He said Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) doesnt care about Ward 8, nor do the four at-large council members. Ward 8, which includes much of the city east of the Anacostia River, embraces much of the same territory as the 7th Police District. Muhammad said the officers assigned there are not sufficiently familiar with the area. The police dont live in the community, he said, and most do not know the community they are in. Last months shooting occurred in the 2900 block of Knox Place SE, about a mile northeast of Saturdays shooting. Both sites are in Ward 8 and the 7th Police District. An arrest was made in the earlier shooting. In the battle to replace Marion Barry as the Ward 8 council member, Trayon White scored a victory Saturday by trouncing his main rival, LaRuby May, in a straw poll of nearly 200 voters. White, a well-known city activist, grabbed 135 votes, automatically winning the endorsement of the Ward 8 Democrats ahead of the June 14 primary, while May got 50. The two have been dueling over the Ward 8 seat since Marion Barrys death in November 2014. When a special election was held to succeed Barry last year, May won, but only by 79 votes, even though she significantly outspent White. Now that Mays time filling the remainder of Barrys term ends later this year, White has again emerged as her closest competitor for the seat. But at Saturdays straw poll, which also featured a question-and-answer session among four candidates, May didnt show up. Instead, organizers left open an empty chair for her at the end of the speakers table, along with her name card. As White and three other candidates took turns discussing potential gentrification in Ward 8, the displacement of longtime or low-income families, crime reduction and police tactics, it was Mays absence that riled the audience the most. When candidates were asked about Mays advocacy of a proposal to create a park for people to drive all-terrain vehicles, long-shot candidate Aaron Holmes sounded off: A man places a campaign sign for incumbent City Council member LaRuby May Saturday while her challengers take questions from attendees at the Ward 8 Democrats' straw poll forum at Anacostia High School. May did not attend the forum. (J. Lawler Duggan/For The Washington Post) Shes not here today because she spoke at a graduation that started five hours ago, said Holmes, who came in a distant third place in the straw poll with eight votes. I am not necessarily sure that graduation is still going on. I think it says a great deal about what she thinks about you, and I think it says a great deal about what she thinks about this job. You cannot just buy this seat. You have to work for it. White said he couldnt support a bill he hadnt seen but that he actually favored creating a haven for bike users somewhere in the city. A phone message left for Mays campaign was not immediately returned Saturday. Wanda Lockridge, an official with the Ward 8 Democrats, said that Mays campaign had told organizers two months ago that she couldnt attend Saturdays event. Lockridge said she didnt know why a chair and Mays name card were displayed at the panelist table. For her not to come is disrespectful, Lockridge said. When the candidates were asked about how they would reduce unemployment in Ward 8, White stressed that he wanted to ensure that commercial developers hired local residents to fill new jobs. Lets keep it real. As a council member, my job is to create an entire workforce to focus around technology . . . policing, hospitality, White said to loud applause. We have to empower and incentivize developers to hire people in Ward 8. Holmes spoke less about what the city should do for investors and more about what they should do for Ward 8 residents. Ward 8 is currently sort of on the cusp of a renaissance. And that renaissance is something that we deserve. We deserve good housing. We deserve good jobs. We deserve more than one grocery store. But we also need partners that are going to invest in this community, he said. When you come into this community, you have to bring jobs that we are ready for, and if were not ready for them, you need to be in concert with the government to make sure that were training our residents to obtain those jobs. And, if youre not, then we dont want you. Later, Albert and Carmelita Coleman said they had voted for White. To me, he knew the issues more, Carmelita said. Because hes a product of Ward 8, Albert said. White is a District native who graduated from Ballou Senior High School in Southeast; May grew up in Florida. Others happily voted for May even though she was a no-show. Norma Toussaint-Green, 32, a program developer for a nonprofit organization, said she doesnt mind where May was born. She does care about jobs for Ward 8, Toussaint-Green said. Candidates Maurice Dickens and Bonita Goode also spoke at the forum. Dickens won two votes, while Goode won none. One of several shuttered factories in Huntington, Ind., a town of 17,000 where for generations such goods as baby shoes, ice cream cones, barbecue grills and dentures were made. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post) Chris Setser worked a 12-hour graveyard shift while his children slept, cleaned the house while they were at school and then went outside to wait for the bus bringing them home. He stood on the porch as he often did and surveyed the life he had built. The lawn was trimmed. The stairs were swept. The weekly family schedule was printed on a chalkboard. A sign near the door read, A Stable Home Is A Happy Home, and now a school bus came rolling down a street lined by wide sidewalks and American flags toward a five-bedroom house on the corner lot. Right on time, Setser called out to the driver, waving to his children as they came off the bus. It had been two months since Setser and 800 others in Huntington were told their manufacturing jobs would soon be outsourced to Mexico, but so far nothing about his routine had changed. He was still making $17 an hour on the third-shift line at United Technologies. The first layoffs wouldnt take place for a year, maybe more. Well be fine because weve always been fine, Setser had said again and again, to his fiancee, his four children, and most of all to himself, but he was beginning to wonder if the loss of something more foundational in Huntington was underway. Into the house came 10-year-old Johnathan, who had heard a rumor at school that factory workers would also be moving to Mexico. No way, bud, Setser told him. Were staying right here. In came 14-year-old Ashley, holding a payment notice for a school field trip. Are we going to become one of those families with a voucher? she asked. Dont worry, he said, handing her $20 from his wallet. All around him an ideological crisis was spreading across Middle America as it continued its long fall into dependency: median wages down across the country, average income down, total wealth down in the past decade by 28 percent. For the first time ever, the vaunted middle class was not the countrys base but a disenfranchised minority, down from 61 percent of the population in the 1970s to just 49 percent as of last year. As a result of that decline, confusion was turning into fear. Fear was giving way to resentment. Resentment was hardening into a sense of outrage that was unhinging the countrys politics and upending a presidential election. But Setser remained a believer in what he called the basic guarantees of the working class. He had his work history of near-perfect attendance. He had his home mortgage, his two cars, his weekly bowling night and his annual family trip to a small Indiana lake. Most of all he had the assurances of what life had always been in Huntington, a town of 17,000 that remained a living museum to the iconic middle class. It was located not on the marginalized fringes of America but on the Heartland Highway, a place where 85 percent of the residents were considered working class. For generations it had helped manufacture the countrys baby shoes, ice cream cones, barbecue grills and dentures, and even if the recession had taken many of those good-paying jobs from Huntington, it had yet to take away from the middle class mythology at the towns core. Time honored American strength, read one motto on a city website. Tenacious! Industrious! Resilient! Strong! Now Setsers oldest child, 16-year-old Krystal, walked into the house holding an envelope from Indiana University. It was her first college solicitation letter, and she tossed it aside on the kitchen counter. She was a smart student and a voracious reader. She had always assumed she would go to college, but lately she wasnt so sure. Like we are going to be able to pay for that, she said. Things have a way of working in the end, Setser said. Yeah, right, she said. The family china was polished in its cabinet. The spices were alphabetized on the shelf. Youll see, he said. Life always evens out. Chris Setser and Jennifer Bowers, center, are saving for their upcoming wedding, but Setser recently learned that his factory, United Technologies Electronic Controls, would be outsourcing jobs to Mexico. Setsers daughters Ashley, 14, left, and Krystal, 16, have grown up in Huntington. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post) That was the philosophy he had been living out for 13 years by packing a lunch and leaving for the third shift at exactly 9:30 p.m., which was what he had done one night in February, back when his biggest complaint about a job in the middle class was its utter predictability. He had driven past the same farms and Little League fields to the same United Technologies factory. He had parked in the same space and then changed into the same blue uniform to plug the same small parts into the same electronic control boards for heating and air conditioning units. The temperature inside was always set to 70 degrees. Oldies music piped onto the factory floor. A few minutes before 10 p.m., the regular call came over the speakers. Lights. Positions. Lines are rolling. Setser had heard rumors earlier in the day that the company had decided to move its operations to Mexico, but he found them hard to believe. While dozens of other manufactures had left Northeast Indiana, his factory, United Technologies Electronic Controls, or UTEC, was still taking back contracts from China and winning presidents awards for performance. It was the areas largest employer and also a rare place where Americas fraying social contract had remained mostly intact: Employees helped the factorys parent corporation earn more than $6 billion in annual profit. In return they got a decent hourly salary with good overtime, bonuses for completing work-training programs, a turkey to take home on Thanksgiving and a ham on Christmas. Successful businesses improve the human condition, read one sign posted on the factory wall. Setser and his parents had moved to Huntington in the 1990s in part because of that idea. The Town That Works! was what one Huntington advertisement had promised in those years, and so they had moved from Chicago for lower rent, better schools and reliable union work. First Setsers mother had been hired at UTEC, then his brother-in-law, and then eventually Setser himself was called in off the wait list. From Day One to Day Dead, was the saying about a job at UTEC, because once people were hired they usually stayed until retirement. But on that night in February, another announcement had come over the factory speakers, instructing all UTEC employees to report to the cafeteria. The factory manager was standing at the front of the room, holding a piece of paper and reading into a microphone. A difficult decision, he said. Relocation is best, he said. Northern Mexico, he said. No questions, he said, and then he told employees they would have an hour-long break in the cafeteria to process the news before returning to their lines. A similar announcement had come earlier that day at one of UTECs partner factories, a Carrier air conditioning plant in Indianapolis, where the mention of Mexico to the plants 1,300 employees had been followed by cussing and boos. Donald Trump had issued a statement disgusting, un-American and some Carrier employees had threatened to destroy equipment in the latest wave of the betrayal and rage that had become so much of a part of the political moment. But in polite-and-steady Huntington, the cafeteria stayed quiet except for the hum of the vending machines. A psychologist who had been brought in to counsel workers waited alone at her table. The company security guards eventually wandered off to eat lunch. UTEC employees sat quietly in the cafeteria and watched the clock, until finally Setser stood and motioned for others to follow. Lets go, he had said, and none of his co-workers had any doubt about where he was going, because there was no other choice. They still had their jobs. Those jobs were the thing keeping them in the shrinking 49 percent of the middle class. So with five minutes left before the end of the hour, all 250 UTEC employees returned to their places on the lines. The Setser children from left, Krystal, 16, Ashley, 14, Zach, 12, and Johnathan, 10, do their homework in the kitchen. Their father, Chris, works the overnight shift so he can be home when the children are done with school. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post) His solution to every problem had always been work. Work harder. Work weekends. Work doubles. Work a second job. In Northeast Indiana, the epicenter of American manufacturing, everything was right there if you were just willing to work for it, so in the weeks after the announcement Setser had taken every available shift, increasing his hours and working 19 consecutive nights while still making it back home on school days to stand on the porch and wait for the bus. Every evening was a sit-down family dinner. Every dinner they took turns going around the table to talk about their days. Every night they finished dinner and sat together to watch movies in the living room, where now Setsers fiancee, Jennifer Bowers, was looking over plans for their summer wedding. It would be her first marriage and his third. She had been looking online for a photographer, but so far the only one she liked charged more than $1,000. I know we have to start cutting corners, but we dont want to cut on this, she said. Its just bad timing, Setser said. He had done the math, and the photographer would cost the equivalent of a little more than two weeks in take-home pay. And while that wouldnt have mattered before February, now it did. Were only getting married once, Bowers said. A good wedding, some nice family pictures that seems like a basic thing to have. What about building up a little cushion? he said, because that seemed like a basic thing, too. Together between his overtime and Bowerss small salary at another manufacturer in Fort Wayne, they had remained firmly in the middle class by finding ways to make their money stretch. When they wanted to drive to Florida for their first overnight vacation in a decade, Setser could volunteer for more overtime to save up the cash. When they wanted a new TV, he could spend the 10 percent premium he earned for working third shift. He had cashed out part of his 401(k) account to pay for his daughters braces, purchased some of their basic household items with credit cards and taken out a no-money-down loan on their $95,000 house. He had never worried too much about saving money, because there was always more to make. Every night was another shift. Every week was another paycheck. It was Day One to Day Dead, but now a few executives from Mexico had begun visiting the UTEC factory to prepare for the move and the layoff was closing in. I dont want to spend too much and put us in a bad position, Setser said, thinking of the photographer. Were talking about a family heirloom, Bowers said. This is what we will look back on. This is who we are. He squinted and pursed his lips. He looked back at her and nodded. Youre right, he said. We can make it work. A man sits in the dining room at Nicks Kitchen, which has been serving meals in the same Huntington location for more than a century. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post) It was beginning to seem to him as though that was the new ethos of Huntington: from The Town That Works to making it work, and now the sun was rising on the cornfields, the local radio broadcaster was shouting, Good morning Hoosier Heartland! and Mark Wickersham was in his downtown office as director of economic development. It was his job to recruit businesses into Huntington to sell the viability of the town and its workforce and for generations the product had mostly sold itself. It had state-of-the-art manufacturing parks and easy shipping by train or freeway. It had two lakes, an operating drive-in theater and a museum to honor Vice President Dan Quayle, a longtime resident whose endorsement of the city during one campaign stop in the 1980s had been reprinted and displayed all across town: Here were taught the values of middle America, like faith in God, family, neighbor helping neighbor, the dignity of work, morality, integrity and personal responsibility, he had said. Through hard work and determination we can achieve anything! Wickersham had written in his own business recruiting pitch, and somehow during his career he had successfully helped Huntingtons leadership stave off one crisis after the next while upholding a middle class life for the 85 percent. They had saved downtown from the drain of the freeway bypass. They had opened job centers and retrained the manufacturing workforce. They had used generous state and local tax breaks to lure manufacturers from Germany, Japan, Brazil and Australia. A year after the recession, the towns manufacturing parks were nearly full and the unemployment rate had dropped to 5 percent, even if some of those new jobs paid 10 or 15 percent less than what the middle class had been earning a decade before. We are certainly aware and concerned that Joe Lunchbox is still behind the eight ball, Wickersham said, and now he was at already at work staving off another crisis, this time at UTEC. Theres always another big blow, but we always recover, he said. Thats ingenuity. Thats a community that comes together during the hard times and pushes ahead. But that was also first-shift optimism in a three-shift town, where it was Tom Lewandowskis job to protect the other two shifts. Weve got a whole lot of smart people in smart suits, just whistling their way through a graveyard, said Lewandowski, a union organizer in Fort Wayne, who was now traveling to Huntington to survey the mental health of employees at UTEC. The United Technologies Electronic Controls factory in Huntington. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post) Buildings in downtown Huntington are reflected in a window. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post) He had made the drive enough times to already suspect what he might find. Stride Rite had left Huntington for Mexico at the tail end of the recession; Breyers Ice Cream had closed its doors after 100 years. In the weeks after each factory closing in his part of Indiana, Lewandowski had listened to politicians make promises about jobs high-tech jobs, right-to-work jobs, clean-energy jobs but instead Indiana had lost 60,000 middle-class jobs in the past decade and replaced them with a surge of low-paying work in health care, hospitality and fast food. Wages of male high school graduates had dropped 19 percent in the past two decades, and the wealth divide between the middle class and the upper class had quadrupled. These jobs arent the solution so much as theyre part of the problem, Lewandowski said, and now the result of so much churn was becoming evident all across Indiana and lately in Huntington, too. Fast-food consumption was beginning to tick up. Poverty was up. Foreclosures were up. Meth usage up. Heroin up. Death rate up. In Dan Quayles Middle America, one of the biggest news stories of the year had been the case of a mother who had let her three-week-old child suck heroin off her finger. Despair is our business, and business is booming, Lewandowski said. Workers have lost all agency in their lives. Theyve based their lives on believing in something that turned out to be a lie. They work when they can, for what they can, for as long as they can until it ends. As second shift finished in Huntington, several of those UTEC workers gathered at an Applebees that displayed construction hats on the wall. Earlier in the day, an employee had been suspended for taping a Run for the Border bumper sticker to one of the companys roving robots the biggest act of rebellion yet. A few employees had been trying to popularize a boycott of United Technologies products, and others had started using their regular 10-minute breaks to campaign for Trump in a traditionally Democratic factory. But for the most part their work was continuing unchanged, with attendance steady and factory production on the rise. They couldnt risk losing their jobs or their UTEC severance packages, so the only way to vent was to come here, where the discussion on this night was of a country in decline. This is how it feels to be sold out by your country. Its pure greed. They wanted to add another 6 feet to their yachts. Youre telling me those people down there are going to be able to crank out 12 million units a year no drop in quality, no incidents, no safety issues? Yeah. Okay. Good luck with that. Theres a reason theyre going to make $3 an hour. Were becoming like a third-world country. Were going to have nothing left but fast food. Fast food and hedge funds. Thats where were going. A man walks past buildings many vacant in downtown Huntington. As the local economy has soured, the town has seen increases in foreclosures and illegal drug use. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post) What in the world is happening to this neighborhood? Setser was saying now, waiting again for the school bus on his front porch. In the months since the announcement at UTEC, the steady march of anger and anxiety had been moving down his manufacturing line, part after part, shift after shift, and lately he had begun to notice things about Huntington that he had once overlooked. There were weeds creeping up around the neat craftsman homes, a stray needle in the alley and a fresh layer of graffiti on the nearby apartment building. Cant anyone keep up a house anymore? he said. His children came home on the bus, and they sat down for family dinner and took turns talking about their days. Bowers had booked the wedding photographer. Expensive but worth it, she said. The two boys had decided they wanted to go back to Florida, where they had vacationed, because they thought it might be nicer than Indiana. Krystal had met with an adviser at school and decided she wanted to become a dental hygienist, because the adviser thought there were lots of openings, and if so Krystal was happy to clean teeth. Setser had begun looking for his next job, too, because he had heard rumors that UTEC might begin layoffs sooner than he originally thought. He had inquired about work at a local milk factory and at the General Motors plant in Fort Wayne, but both places already had waiting lists and both would likely require a shift change and an initial pay cut. Donald Trump won a sweeping victory in the Indiana Republican primary. Here's how. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) Were getting to the point where there arent really any good options left, he said. The system is broken. Maybe its time to blow it up and start from scratch, like Trumps been saying. Krystal rolled her eyes at him. Come on. Youre a Democrat. I was. But that was before we started turning into a weak country, he said. Pretty soon there wont be anything left. Well all be flipping burgers. Fine, but so what? she said. We just turn everything over to the guy who yells the loudest? Setser leaned into the table and banged it once for emphasis. Theyre throwing our work back in our face, he said. China is doing better. Even Mexico is doing better. Dont you want someone to go kick ass? That doesnt really seem like you, she said, and for a few seconds she stared back at him, as if examining someone for the first time. The spices were alphabetized on the shelves. The family schedule was printed on the wall. Theirs was a happy home, a stable home. You said it always evens out, she told him. Maybe I was wrong, he said, but now his voice was quiet. You said things just have a way of working. Maybe not, he said, because with each passing day he was seeing it more clearly. The town was losing its best employer, and all around him stability was giving way to uncertainty, to resentment, to anger, to fear. He stood up from the table and looked at the clock. For now the factory in Huntington was still open, and he had a routine to follow. He washed the dishes. He helped his children with their homework and got them ready for bed. He told them everything was going to be okay. Then he waited as night closed in on a three-shift town, and at exactly 9:30 he left for work. This is not about bathrooms. Its about whether or not you can codify hate and discrimination into the laws of the state, said the Rev. William Barber II, who leads the North Carolina NAACP. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post) In this state where the modern bathroom wars began, some church and civil rights leaders have begun to spread the word that theres plenty else to worry about in the controversial new law known formally as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act. The law not only reverses a Charlotte ordinance that had extended some rights to gay and transgender people. It also prevents city and county governments from setting a minimum-wage standard for private employers and limits how people can sue for discrimination in state court. And it contains a provision allowing for remaining parts of the law to stand if others are struck down in court. Those provisions, opponents say, are pernicious attempts to roll back rights, and they have been tucked into a bill that has a very different public face. This is really a devious bill that harms workers under the guise of regulating bathrooms, said Harold Lloyd, a professor at Wake Forest University School of Law. A campaign is underway to explain just that to North Carolinians such as John Houston, a 70-year-old pastor from Kinston, who says he shares Gov. Pat McCrorys moral conviction that a law is needed to make people use the bathroom that corresponds to the gender on their birth certificate. On May 9, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) and U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced dueling lawsuits regarding HB2, a law that requires people to use public restrooms according to the sex they were assigned at birth, rather than the one they identify with. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post) Activists and groups including the state NAACP are now on a crusade to educate conservative voters such as Houston, who agree with the law because of deeply held religious beliefs or live in more-conservative parts of the state, about its additional components. They say the totality of the law disproportionately affects African Americans, women and immigrants along with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, and is reminiscent of the policies of the segregation era. Even as the heated debate on transgender bathroom accommodations spreads across the country in response to Fridays directive from the Obama administration to all public schools, opponents of the new law are crisscrossing the state, often invoking the civil rights battles that took place here and throughout the South in the 1950s and 60s. This is not about bathrooms. Its about whether or not you can codify hate and discrimination into the laws of the state, said the Rev. William Barber II, who leads the North Carolina NAACP and is also fighting the state over its voter-identification law. Barber and other opponents said the law, which was introduced, debated, passed and signed in a single day in March, was put forward to help McCrory (R) and Republican legislators hang onto their seats in what is bound to be a contentious November election in a state whose liberal cities and conservative countryside have turned it a solid shade of purple. McCrory is in a tight race with Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper, who has denounced the law and said he wouldnt defend it. This is about November. Its about wedge issues, and its about sexual and racial fears, Barber said. He said it is the latest manifestation of the Southern strategy employed by Republicans to gain political support based on fear of the other. Its almost sad that theyre living in a historical time warp and they believe that they can run these little wedge issues and people cant see through them. A spokesman for McCrory did not return requests for comment, nor did the bills sponsors. The governor took action to try to blunt the backlash, banning discrimination in state personnel decisions and calling for the legislature to enact a law reversing the provision that makes it difficult to sue for discrimination in state court. But in places like rural Kinston, whose population is about 68 percent black, many said they agreed with the transgender bathroom part of the law for moral or religious reasons, but that they knew little about the minimum-wage and employment-discrimination provisions. If youre going to lose millions of dollars and affect everyone in this state, maybe it aint right, Houston said. Lenoir County, where Kinston is located, gives free breakfast and lunch to all students, a program funded in large part by federal dollars. The White House said Thursday it would not cut federal funding to North Carolina while the lawsuits are winding their way through court. [Federal judge upholds controversial North Carolina voting law] Barber went to western North Carolina earlier this month to talk about the issue, and he plans to have what he calls a Moral Monday protest in Raleigh this week. At least 54 people protesting the law, which is also called House Bill 2 (H.B. 2) and which Barber calls Hate Bill 2, were arrested at a sit-in at the state Capitol last month. Barber said he tries to present the totality of the law, and people typically disagree with it once they learn more about the transgender issue and minimum-wage provisions. At least one legislator who voted for it said he didnt realize all that the law encompassed. North Carolina state Rep. George W. Graham Jr., who represents Lenoir County and voted for the bill, told the Raleigh News and Observer that he didnt know until after the vote that the legislation dealt with issues of minimum wage and discrimination suits. Those are two of the major things that are antithetical to what the states history has been about and its evolution over the last 50 years, said state Sen. Daniel T. Blue Jr. (D). The campaign against H.B. 2 is similar to one that advocates waged in the wake of a battle over voting rights here after the state passed a controversial voting rights law, one of the strictest in the nation in 2013. The Justice Department and state civil rights groups sued. In April, a federal judge upheld North Carolinas law; the groups have appealed. Barber said the law and a redrawing of the states congressional maps led to an unconstitutionally constituted legislature passing unconstitutional legislation. U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, a North Carolina native whose father grew up in the segregated South, also used the language of the civil rights movement that Barber and others have employed when talking about H.B. 2. In a news conference Monday, she compared conflicts about bathrooms and transgender people to Jim Crow laws. McCrory said on The Mark Levin Show on Monday that he takes issue with people comparing the bathroom law to the civil rights struggle. There is absolutely no relevance between the issue of civil rights for African Americans, which went through a tremendous struggle, and the issue of how do we determine the gender of a person going into our public showers or public restrooms or public locker rooms, McCrory said. He said the church in which Lynch grew up supports the law; her father was the pastor at White Rock Baptist Church in Durham for years. The church said last week the pastor has not taken a public position on the law. Lynchs lawsuit is suing over compliance and implementation of Part I of the North Carolina law, not the other sections. The Justice Department did not respond to a request seeking comment. Who would you be in 1963? Nancy Mama Nia Wilson, executive director of SpiritHouse, an arts and organizing group in Durham, said she asks people after she explains the law. That appeal has not yet changed the minds of voters such as Carlos Parker, who was chatting with a friend at Christian Cuts barbershop in Kinston. He didnt know about the other provisions of the bill but agrees with McCrorys stance on bathrooms. Im with McCrory. I hate to say that, said Parker, 38. I think McCrory is standing his ground for religious beliefs. Sigmund Freud didnt think much of American public restrooms. During his 1909 visit to the United States, he grumbled that they lacked the refinement of European conveniences when he could find one at all. Writing to a German friend years later, Freuds lasting bitterness was obvious: Is it not sad that we are materially dependent on these savages? Its not surprising that a latrine could provoke such strong feelings: Were seeing a version of these tensions play out today. On Friday , the White House ordered schools to provide trans students with bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. Meanwhile, lawmakers in states such as South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia are trying to legislate which bathrooms transgender people can use, arguing that they should stick to facilities that match their birth certificate sex. Proponents argue that the laws are about privacy and public safety. I think its just inappropriate, said North Carolina state Sen. David Curtis (R), of trans people choosing a facility based on their gender identity. We have rules in our society, and thats just one of the rules. Conservative blogger Matt Walsh put it more bluntly: If you have a daughter in public school, you should certainly be concerned that boys now have a civil right to follow your daughter into the locker room or the bathroom. These fears reflect both the vulnerability we feel in bathrooms and our expectation that these spaces are, and should be, strictly divided by sex. Thats nothing new. Public restrooms have always been riddled with anxiety and conflict. Theyve been sites of panic over contagious diseases, scandalous revelations about lewd behavior and political struggles over potty parity between men and women. The current controversy is only the latest saga. One reason public restrooms provoke such strong reactions: Theyre hotbeds of anxiety already. Theyre places where private behavior becomes shared, where taboo subjects cannot be escaped, where intimate body parts are exposed. Were taught from an early age that excretion should be secret, spoken of euphemistically, if at all. (Bathroom shame ran so high in the 1950s that CBS refused to air the pilot for Leave It to Beaver until the show was scrubbed of a shot of a closed toilet bowl.) As the psychologist Erik Erikson argued, childhood toilet accidents humiliate us, making us feel defective and infantile. In public facilities, then, we are violating something we learned early and deeply. Of course we feel awkward, embarrassed or vulnerable. To understand how deeply that anxiety runs, look at how many people are unable to even use public bathrooms. A surprisingly large proportion of us as high as 15 percent, according to some studies suffer an aversion to public urination or defecation. For some, its so bad that sufferers remain housebound; others carefully plan their days around their excretory schedule. Milder forms of bashful bladder are also common. In a 1976 investigation, researchers observed how long men stood at a urinal before urinating. It depended, they found, on the proximity of a fellow user. The closer the peer, the longer the wait. Public restrooms also force us to confront the disgusting reality of others. Psychological studies have shown that people find their own fecal smells less offensive than those of others. People exposed to these smells one study employed fart spray, a staple of pranksters were harsher in their moral judgments. Gut feelings of revulsion turn into a primal rejection that can be transferred to other people in the vicinity. Public lavatories are places where disgust is rife and people are primed to distrust one another. The fight over trans bathrooms is also explained by another tenet of bathroom psychology: Public restrooms, segregated by gender, make people highly aware of the sexual divide. Look at toilet graffiti, known among scholars as latrinalia. Mens toilet scribblings are often graphic and tend to be sexual, aggressive, insulting and bigoted. Womens tend to be longer, and more grammatical, romantic and supportive. Virtually unique to female restrooms is the tradition of extended exchanges of advice and encouragement. Sisterhood has its limits, though, as one well-punctuated Texas graffito reveals: Keep him, Donna, you whore. Things get particularly interesting when gender and emotion intersect. Women are socialized to be more shame-prone than men, more mindful of being physically modest and substantially more likely to feel disgust. In bathroom settings, these tendencies translate into a greater concern with being overheard and over-smelled. The former worry can be remedied by a Japanese invention, marketed to women, that generates white noise to conceal shameful sounds. These gender differences are exacerbated by a strong cultural double standard that renders femininity incompatible with excretion. Women are supposed to be non-poopers, in the words of one male participant interviewed for a study tastefully titled Fecal Matters. This sentiment is beautifully satirized in Jonathan Swifts poem The Ladys Dressing Room, in which a young suitor is aghast at the discovery that his beloved Celia has used a chamber pot. He recoils with horror: Oh! Celia, Celia, Celia s----! Despite our enlightened modern attitudes toward gender equality, women are still judged more severely for violations of the ideal of purity than men. In one study, a female experimenter who excused herself to use the bathroom was evaluated more negatively than one who excused herself to get some paperwork. No such difference was found for a male experimenter. Even our presidential politics are not immune from such concerns. During a commercial break at a Democratic debate in December, Hillary Clinton stepped offstage to use the bathroom. Donald Trump, speaking at a rally a few days later, told supporters: I know where she went its disgusting, I dont want to talk about it. No, its too disgusting. Dont say it, its disgusting. It makes sense, then, that the idea of a man in a womens restroom would provoke a strong reaction. Women dont want to expose their bodily functions to men, ever. And men dont want them to. These tensions have played out in all kinds of ways. When President Franklin Roosevelt signed an executive order prohibiting racial discrimination in bathrooms, white female government workers staged a mass protest, fretting that they might catch venereal diseases if forced to share toilets with black women. One of the key talking points against the Equal Rights Amendment was that it might lead to co-ed bathrooms. Do you want the sexes fully integrated like the races? one hysterical pamphlet asked. When California passed a law in 2013 allowing trans students to choose which school bathroom to use, Republican Assemblyman Tim Donnelly responded by pulling his 13-year-old son from public school. Of course, its possible that Republican politicians are using these bathroom bills to wage a bigger battle against trans rights. If so, theyve chosen a clever battleground, one that highlights our vulnerabilities and tweaks our belief that transgender people somehow unsettle the natural biological restroom divide. The first factor rests on the anxiety that pervades public restrooms: Exaggerated fears and invented dangers are its predictable products. The second is largely due to the salience of gender-segregated restrooms. The idea that bathrooms are single-sex is so ingrained that any shift in the social order makes us nervous. By focusing our basic fears and making the gender divide so conspicuous, bathrooms are lightning rods for the sorts of hysteria we are now witnessing. Freud wouldnt have been at all surprised. nhaslam@unimelb.edu.au Read more from Outlook: Addressing anxiety through better bathroom design Five myths about being transgender Follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter. THIRTEEN YEARS of leftist rule in Brazil, which once seemed to promise both strong economic growth and greater equality, came to an ignominious end with President Dilma Rousseffs suspension from office Thursday. While Ms. Rousseff faces an impeachment trial in the Senate, the country will be ruled by her vice president, who comes from a different political party and favors a center-right agenda. If, as now seems likely, Ms. Rousseff is permanently removed from office, much of the legacy of her Workers Party could be undone before the next scheduled presidential election in 2018. Whether that is just is a fair matter for debate. Ms. Rousseff is not, as she contends, the victim of a coup: Brazils National Congress followed the constitution in impeaching her, and it seems likely she is guilty of the crime she is accused of using improper loans from state banks to cover up overspending by her government. As we have said, its questionable whether that specific offense justifies her removal from office. But the Congress was responding to a larger record of economic mismanagement that has plunged Brazil into its worst recession since the 1930s. Ms. Rousseffs supporters point out that Brazilians never voted for the reversal of economic policy likely to be pursued by Michel Temer, the 75-year-old interim president. While a large majority of Brazilians favored the impeachment, only 2 percent in one recent poll supported Mr. Temer as the new president; in fact, most would like to see him impeached as well. Undaunted, the new leader swiftly appointed an all-male cabinet; while he promised not to cut subsidies to poor families, a signal policy of the former government, he has endorsed an agenda that includes such liberal measures as privatizations of state companies, freer trade and reform of pension and labor laws. What should temper disapproval of this switch is that Mr. Temers favored remedies are precisely what is needed to pull the country out of its economic morass. Ms. Rousseff herself attempted to trim the countrys massive fiscal deficit before her political problems overtook her. The pension system allows workers to retire in their 50s and forces the government to spend a higher percentage of its gross domestic product on retirees than rich and aging Japan. The state oil company, Petrobras, is the source of the massive graft scandal that has tainted much of the political elite, including Ms. Rousseffs predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Still, its questionable whether Mr. Temer, with his attenuated political legitimacy, will muster the support to pass the necessary reforms through the Congress especially as some would require constitutional amendments. Legislative gridlock could prolong the recession and lead to a further fraying of the political system. A fresh election could provide a way out, if the Congress or the courts provide a mandate. Most likely, however, when the world turns its attention to this summers Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the backdrop will be a Brazil still immersed in political turmoil. Roger Cukierman, president of the Representative Council of France's Jewish Associations (CRIF), delivering a speech in Paris on March 7. (Michel Euler/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images) Regarding the May 10 World article Jews anxious about future in France: While a complicated reality faces the Jews of France, and Europe overall, the majority of Jews remain committed to strengthening their position and investing in their future. Rather than exodus, European Jewish communities are engaging in resilience programs integrating security, psychosocial strength, emergency planning, risk assessment, leadership development, economic planning and building civil society partnerships. They also are doubling down on the gains made since the Holocaust and the fall of communism, proudly creating rich cultural and educational events in public spaces, opening Jewish preschools, expanding camping programs, offering professional networking opportunities and fostering pan-European dialogue on Jewish needs and best practices for meeting them. Were honored to be part of that narrative, working with European Jewish communities to ensure tens of thousands of European Jews can balance their current woes with the tenacity of hope. Diego Ornique, New York The writer is Europe director of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Seth P. Waxman was U.S. solicitor general from 1997 to 2001. Theodore B. Olson was U.S. solicitor general from 2001 to 2004. As former solicitors general for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, respectively, we each argued our fair share of cases before the late Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia. While the two of us often disagree, we are united in our respect for Scalia, a man who cared deeply about the law and who always sought to promote open, vigorous, diverse and respectful debate. So we were pleased when George Mason University announced its intention to name its law school in his memory. Aspiring lawyers will encounter Scalias ideas for generations to come, determining for themselves whether to accept or reject his principles, theories and opinions. Whatever they decide, they will owe him a great debt for enriching the conversation on the Constitution and our legal system. It is fitting that a man who so profoundly influenced the law itself as well as its study should be recognized in this way for his achievements. We acknowledge recent votes by the universitys Faculty Senate criticizing the proposed renaming because Scalia made numerous public offensive comments and was a significant contributor to the polarized climate in this country, which might prevent the university from being a comfortable home for individuals with a variety of viewpoints. We see things differently. While many of the opinions that Scalia wrote and some of his oral comments were undeniably controversial, it is in the nature of the Supreme Court to take up matters that stir strong opinions and disagreement. George Mason would not be naming the law school after him to signal agreement with his every word or opinion, but rather as a sign of the outsize influence he had on legal scholarship and constitutional interpretation. Many of his peers on the Supreme Court including some of his most frequent opponents and legal scholars across the political spectrum have attested to the impact Scalia had on U.S. jurisprudence during his distinguished career. Scalias pen could be acerbic, but he understood and respected the difference between intellectual battle and personal vilification. I attack ideas, I dont attack people, Scalia often said, and he consistently modeled this during his 30 years on the court. Any lawyer who faced him could be certain to be treated fairly, even though Scalia might well have subjected the proffered arguments to withering criticism. Each of us witnessed this firsthand, over and over. Whenever we argued a case in front of him, he treated us with dignity and respect, whether or not he agreed with our positions. Fellow justices also have attested to Scalias capacity for friendship, even though they differed with him, sometimes vociferously, in critical cases. Former justice John Paul Stevens called him a good friend who earned the respect of all his colleagues. Justice Clarence Thomas mourned that it would be hard to imagine the Court without my friend. Perhaps most poignantly, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, his fellow opera devotee, acknowledged her good fortune to have known him as a working colleague and treasured friend. Scalias jurisprudence will be debated for years to come. Yet few can doubt that he has had a profound effect on American constitutional law and legal advocacy. Scalias particular interest in promoting First Amendment principles, especially in university settings, makes George Masons proposal especially fitting. The May 9 editorial Restoring Virginians voting rights claimed that no principle distinguishes Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffes (D) move from former governor Robert F. McDonnells (R). Whats different is the scale. But, as the editorial pointed out, Mr. McDonnells action was for nonviolent offenders, and Mr. McAuliffes action includes felons convicted of violent crimes. That is quite a difference. Gary Newman, Washington Secretary of State John F. Kerry, left, speaks to the media as he meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, right, on April 22 in New York. (Frank Franklin II/Associated Press) Regarding the May 10 editorial Irans moderates and the Holocaust: I thank The Posts editorial board and Robin Wright of the New Yorker for highlighting this travesty and questioning the motives of a moderate Iran. Besides providing further evidence to regret the Obama administrations Iran nuclear deal, the pieces highlighted that countrys duplicity and the naivete of President Obama and his advisers, Ben Rhodes among them. Karyn Posner-Mullen, Washington What is going on in Iran is no different from what happened in the United States last year: An influential faction, disdainful of the sitting president and his policies, contrived its own Machiavellian move to appease its base and score a point, as did then-House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and his likeminded group in inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress. This was done behind the back of the executive branch and in blatant defiance of the countrys foreign policy establishment to derail the Obama administrations nuclear negotiations with Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif could be just like Secretary of State John F. Kerry, who was kept in the dark by Ron Dermer, Israels ambassador to the United States. During a lengthy meeting, Mr. Dermer didnt say anything to Mr. Kerry about Mr. Boehners invitation. We should give the benefit of the doubt to Mr. Zarif and take him not only, as the editorial suggested, at his word but also in his deeds; just like Mr. Kerry, he may not have been a player in this circus. Najmedin Meshkati, Los Angeles The writer was a senior science and engineering adviser in the State Departments Office of Science and Technology Advis er from 2009 to 2010. Regarding Kathleen Parkers May 11 op-ed, Time for a ballot change: Suppose a voter could cast either a positive vote for, or a negative vote against, a candidate. For example, some Democrats might not be enthusiastic enough about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to stand in a long line to cast a positive vote for her, but they could be willing to stand in that line to cast a negative vote against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. It could be argued that votes cancel each other in the current system, but a negative-voting system is not the same. It is the case now, and with the alternatives discussed in the op-ed, that someone ends up with a positive number of votes that is larger than another positive number (or zero), and the larger number wins. With negative voting, it could happen that neither candidate ends up with a positive number of votes. In this situation, no one wins; the voters reject both candidates. The possibility of casting a negative vote could dramatically increase voter turnout. As it is now, if a voter finds neither candidate appealing, why bother to go through the inconvenience of voting? But if people could cast a negative vote against a candidate they feel would be a disaster for our country, wouldnt they do what it takes to make sure they get in the voting line? William C. Evans, Germantown Ruth, you have a birthday coming up! My friends voice contained an odd note of reproach, faint but unmistakable. The reason quickly became clear. You have to get your age off your Facebook profile, my friend said. She is an experienced Washington hand, a former administration official, a woman of, well, an uncertain age; her Facebook page doesnt tell. Have you lost your mind? Well, not yet. I mean, not that Ive noticed. But I am about to turn 58. Not ancient, but still: less wunderkind, more eminence grise, although the eminence is debatable and the grise eminently concealable. And, actually, neither wunder nor kind. I once was one of the two, anyway. Instead, I am old enough that age is a liability. It is a number to be shielded from public view, shaded if possible, mumbled if compelled. You, television booker; you, publisher of new media venture looking for a new editor youre probably not wondering: Where can I find a middle-aged woman to sign up? I remember weighing the matter when creating a Facebook account and deciding, rashly, to include my birth year. What did I have to hide? But that was 49. This is now. Still in my first half-century, I was probably being naively insouciant about the relevance of aging and the pitfalls of transparency. This sensitive subject has both a demographic and a gender component. Every generation confronts the uncomfortable reality that its time is passing and that it is about to be supplanted by the next. Michael Kinsley captures this phenomenon in his new book, Old Age: A Beginners Guide, writing about the moment when you are no longer rumored for a plum job opening. Even if its a job you dont want or cant take, it hurts the first time youre not even mentioned as a candidate, Kinsley writes. It says that in a boomer culture that celebrates youth, you no longer qualify as young. Ouch. This phenomenon, for us baby boomers, may be even more stinging and Im not just talking about the fact that my annual checkup just revealed that I have shrunk. An inch. Of which I did not have that many to spare. Life expectancy is growing, meaning that we have the prospect of decades ahead once we reach ordinary retirement age. When my husband and I visited our financial planner recently, we were advised to amass enough retirement savings to last through age 95. Okay, but Im not planning to spend 30 years sitting around and knitting, as much as I like to knit. My mom, soon to be 82, is a crackerjack tax accountant. At the same time, the explosion and primacy of technology have served to reduce the value, both real and perceived, of experience. The traditional path in my line of work, for instance, was that a young journalist would spend years in the reporting trenches before being given a column. Today, the Internet has lowered, if not eliminated, the barriers to entry for opinion writing, and the whippersnappers, it turns out, are awfully good. Age is an even more fraught subject when tangled up with gender. The older gentleman is distinguished. The older woman is . . . haggard. Why do we talk about Hillary Clintons age but not Donald Trumps, although he is a year older? I feel okay about my neck thanks for freaking us all out about that, Nora Ephron but I have started to obsess about my eyelids. I am experiencing what Barbara Bradley Hagerty, in Life Reimagined, describes as the disconnect between my 30-something self-image and my 50-something reality. About that reality: A working paper last year from the National Bureau of Economic Research found unambiguous evidence of age discrimination for female job applicants. Economists sent out phony resumes, from older (64 to 66), middle-aged (49 to 51) and young (29 to 31) workers for retail sales, administrative assistant, janitorial and security guard jobs, ultimately applying for more than 40,000 positions. They found strong overall evidence of age discrimination, with callback rates statistically significantly lower by about 18 percent for middle-aged workers, and about 35 percent for older workers. But the evidence was much more consistent and compelling for older women. One reason, the researchers posit, is that physical appearance matters more for women and because age detracts more from physical appearance for women than for men. For this depressing but intuitively correct proposition, they cite additional research, which I might read. After my nap. Read more from Ruth Marcuss archive, follow her on Twitter or subscribe to her updates on Facebook. READ MARYLANDS lawsuit against companies that profited from purchasing structured settlements from lead-paint-poisoning victims, and you will understand why Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D) said the circumstances made my blood boil. The most vulnerable people young, economically disadvantaged, financially unsophisticated and cognitively impaired were aggressively targeted and swindled of money that was supposed to sustain them in future years, the lawsuit alleges. Good that Mr. Frosh is angry and even better that he is seeking restitution for people twice victimized. Mr. Froshs office on Tuesday filed a civil suit against a Chevy Chase company and other affiliated firms, charging they violated the Maryland Consumer Protection Act through fraud and other deceptive practices. The complaint alleges Access Funding singled out young, intellectually impaired Marylanders, including numerous groups of siblings who were exposed to lead paint as children in their Baltimore homes, and persuaded them to sell the settlements they received as the result of personal injury lawsuits for a pittance of their value. The settlements were, in turn, resold at a profit. Access Funding has not responded to media requests, including ours, for comment. The lawsuit comes after an eight-month investigation launched by Mr. Frosh in the wake of an investigation by The Posts Terrence McCoy that put a spotlight on the exploitative structured-settlement-purchasing industry. Among the attorney generals findings: Between March 2013 and Aug. 15, Access Funding acquired a gross total of $32.6 million in future payments for $7.5 million, even though the cumulative present-day value was $24.5 million. Even more galling are allegations about how the industry operated: arranging sham independent advice to counsel victims about the wisdom of the transactions and then misleading the courts. The suit cites an instance in which an adviser who was supposed to provide guidance about the legal, tax and financial implications of a complex transaction spent at most three minutes on the phone. Most wrenching are stories of those preyed upon: people such as the twin brothers who in 2003 received a lead-poisoning judgment when they were 8 that would have provided structured payments of $1,900 per month for a 40-year period to begin in 2016 when they turned 21. In 2013, the lawsuit alleges, around the time of their 18th birthday, a salesman from Access Funding began to ingratiate himself, giving them gifts, calling and visiting. The cognitively impaired brothers were induced in six separate transactions to transfer all 40 years worth of future monthly payments (a gross total of $1.8 million) for immediate cash payments of $302,256. That is $1 million less than the discounted present value of the payments. We hope the suit, which seeks restitution for them and others harmed, succeeds in making these people whole again. Americans are constantly being fed mixed and confusing messages regarding the need for vigilance to prevent terrorism. In her May 10 op-ed, She saw something and said something, Catherine Rampell castigated a woman for alerting security to a man on her flight who she believed was behaving suspiciously, specifically, for scribbling unintelligible text and behaving in an antisocial manner. Yet, we are constantly being admonished to speak up when we witness suspicious behavior, whatever that means. On March 27, Secretary of State John F. Kerry appeared on Face the Nation after the Brussels terrorist attacks and gave the following advice: Have a sense of vigilance to watch whos around you. If you see a guy walking into an airport with a black glove in one hand and nothing on the other, and there are two of them the same way, and theyre pushing a big suitcase, maybe that tells you something. Why is a person wearing one black glove pushing a big suitcase in an airport any more suspicious than an untalkative man on a plane scribbling unrecognizable text in a notebook? Eric M. Goldberg, Bethesda In an event focused on gun-violence prevention in February in Columbia, S.C., Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton appeared with mothers who have lost children to gun violence. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post) The generation of African Americans pushing criminal- justice issues and institutional racism to the forefront of the presidential election had little effect at the ballot box during this primary season, according to an analysis of exit polling across 25 states. African Americans account for a larger share of Democratic primary voters this year than they did in 2008, but that is because of older black voters, not higher participation by younger black people. Across two dozen states where exit polls were conducted in 2008 and this year, black voters older than 45 grew from 12 percent of the electorate on average in 2008 to 16 percent this year. In those same states, black voters younger than 45 made up 11 percent of voters in 2008 vs. 10 percent this year. President Obama, in his commencement address last weekend at Howard University, praised young black activists for bringing new energy to the ongoing movement for racial justice and equality, but he said: You have to have a strategy. Not just awareness, but action. Not just hashtags, but votes. Its thanks in large part to the activism of young people like many of you, from Black Twitter to Black Lives Matter, that Americas eyes have been opened white, black, Democrat, Republican to the real problems, for example, in our criminal-justice system, Obama said. But to bring about structural change, lasting change, awareness is not enough. It requires changes in law, changes in custom. He added: Passion is vital, but youve got to have a strategy. And your plan better include voting, not just some of the time, but all the time. Obamas comments echoed continuing concerns that some young black activists involved in the current wave of political action do not share the belief in the critical importance of the right to vote one of the most important achievements of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. Democratic candidates and strategists have stressed the importance this year of all young voters, who heavily favored Obama in both of his election contests and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont in this years Democratic primaries. But younger Americans are the least likely to turn out in elections: The share of eligible voters ages 18 to 29 who cast ballots fell from a record high of 48 percent in 2008 to 41 percent in the 2012 presidential election, according to the U.S. Elections Project. Fredrick Harris, a political science professor and director of the Institute for Research in African American Studies at Columbia University, said the success of the Black Lives Matter movement should not be measured only by voter turnout or candidate preference. It has succeeded at doing what no other black leaders have done, especially those who have lined up to endorse either Sanders or Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. The young activists have placed criminal-justice reform on the political agenda. Both Sanders and Clinton have been falling over each other talking about the need for reform and the persistence of institutionalized racism, Harris said. That did not happen in 2008 and would not have happened in 2016 without BLM. A movement does not have to necessarily influence electoral outcomes in order to be successful. Look for criminal-justice reform in the partys platform at this summers convention, which will prioritize the issue if a Democrat wins [the White House]. There were no serious criminal-justice-reform platform in 2008 or 2012. In essence, the movement has been influential in the Democratic selection process without even officially endorsing a candidate. Interviews with some activists inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement revealed a nuanced view of electoral politics. None advocated a total boycott of elections, and some have been actively involved in various local contests across the country. At the same time, many were not enthusiastic about the value of voting, particularly in this years presidential election cycle. Some activists have staged protests at campaign events and received ample media coverage in the process. The sharpest criticism was aimed at Clinton, but most did not endorse Sanders, either. [Clinton heckled by Black Lives Matter activists] These activists argued that neither candidate had adequately addressed the issues affecting black communities. Voting is definitely one way, and I wouldnt insult my ancestors by telling people they shouldnt vote, but there are other ways of reimagining and restructuring the world, and that lies in organizing our communities, said Ashley Williams, a 23-year-old activist who attends the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Williams crashed a fundraiser for Clinton in Charlotte in February, where she stood up and asked the candidate whether she would apologize to black people for mass incarceration. Williams also said, Im not a super-predator, Hillary Clinton a reference to Clintons use years ago of a racially charged term meant to describe young offenders who are beyond rehabilitation. Williams was escorted from the event, but the next day, Clinton told a Washington Post columnist, Looking back, I shouldnt have used those words, and I wouldnt use them today. Williams, who said she joined other protesters in disrupting a Trump rally in Raleigh in December, said she did not endorse Sanders, because Im not sure he should be the nominee, either. Lindsey Burgess, 22, a student at Spelman College in Atlanta who is supporting Sanders, is concerned that many young African Americans are already disenchanted with politics because of their view that two terms of an Obama presidency have done little to dismantle institutional racism. The rhetoric of the Black Lives Matter movement, she said, risks turning off these would-be voters even more. Its very much ideology-driven, and it is anti-establishment, Burgess said of the movement. They want to eradicate this whole political system, the two-party system. But thats not feasible right now. I do think that type of language has permeated the [presidential] campaign and stopped a lot of people from getting involved. [Sanders has changed how millennials view politics, polls show] Exit polls show African Americans overwhelmingly supported Clinton over Sanders in this years primaries and were crucial to fueling her large delegate lead. Clinton won an average of 79 percent support among black Democratic voters, compared with 21 percent for Sanders. Clinton won black voters under age 45 by 33 points across 12 states where exit polls broke down electoral choice by age and won older voters by a larger 79 points. Joyce Ladner, who was a member of one of the leading organizations of the civil rights era, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, said the cynicism toward voting on the part of some young activists is dangerous because so much is at stake, if not for them, for the masses of black people. What to substitute for not voting? They need to put forth an alternative political, social or economic structure that delivers some relief to black people, Ladner said. This is where the critical issue of accountability comes in. To whom are BLM folks accountable when they remove the vote from black people? And, she argued, If voting isnt important, why are white legislators gerrymandering districts and using other tactics to prevent blacks from voting? Activists in the Black Lives Matter movement dont always sit on the sidelines. In Chicago, several groups rallied voters to unseat Cook County States Attorney Anita Alvarez, who they said helped cover up the shooting death in 2014 of Laquan McDonald, the black teenager who was walking away from police officers when one of them shot him 16 times. [Black Lives Matter activists won one; prosecutors lost] Authorities did not charge the officer until a year later, prompting allegations of a coverup. Activists launched a campaign dubbed #ByeAnita, and Alvarez, who was seeking a third term, was soundly defeated in the March 15 primary. Activists in Cleveland similarly organized and turned out voters to oust Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty, who was criticized for his handling of the shooting death in 2014 of Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old who was playing with a toy gun when a police officer shot him to death. Jessica Pierce, national chair of the Black Youth Project 100, said that Alvarez was directly targeted because she will use her position of power to support violence against black people. The organization did not choose sides in the Democratic primary and has no plans to endorse in the general election, although they will encourage young black people to vote. More important, Pierce said, is educating and organizing black communities to hold elected officials accountable between elections. She said she doesnt take issue with Obamas challenge to young activists. For Black Youth Project 100, a core purpose of leading election work is not just the votes that we will turn out in this election but what those votes represent, Pierce said. The votes represent power concrete power of black youth across the country. This is power that then builds into our direct action organizing campaigns and policy work that we have been leading locally and will continue to lead after Election Day. Emily Guskin contributed to this report. The Republican presidential front-runner reversed course on a whole load of issues all on May 4. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) The Republican presidential front-runner reversed course on a whole load of issues all on May 4. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) Every preliminary electoral-map forecast this spring paints a bleak picture for Donald Trump in his effort to win the presidency against Hillary Clinton. The consensus is that there is only a very narrow path to victory, and that will probably shape the opening phase of the general-election campaign. (One Democratic strategist, who knows as much as anyone about the demographics and voting histories of the battleground states, recently speculated on a not-for-attribution basis about the matchup between Clinton and Trump. His bottom line: Theres a high likelihood that Clinton at least matches the 332 electoral votes President Obama won in 2012. But he could also see a path for Trump, constricted as it may be.) Among the earlier forecasts, the University of Virginias Larry Sabato sees a Clinton romp in the making. A year ago, his forecast showed Democrats with an advantage in states adding up to 247 electoral votes, Republicans with an edge in states adding up to 206 and six states totaling 85 votes rated as toss-ups. Today, Sabato sees no states as toss-ups. Instead, he shows Clinton with 347 electoral votes and Trump with just 191. The Cook Political Report shows a similarly dire map for Trump: 304 electoral votes leaning or solid for Clinton, 190 leaning or solid for Trump and 44 up for grabs. The four states Cook rated as toss-ups include three carried by Obama in 2012 (Iowa, New Hampshire and Ohio) and one carried by Mitt Romney (North Carolina). The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report offers a more conservative estimate, but one no less daunting for Trump and Republicans: 263 leaning or solid for the Democrats, 206 for the Republicans and the remaining as toss-ups. The toss-ups in this analysis are Colorado, Florida, Ohio and Virginia. Hillary Clinton (Melina Mara/The Washington Post) [Clinton moves to protect key states from Trump] These forecasts are the reason so many elected Republicans are worried about Trump at the top of their ticket. If he crashes, so too might their current majorities, particularly in the Senate. No wonder House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) remains a holdout in his willingness to fully embrace Trump and why Senate leaders expressed their concerns to the presumptive nominee when they met Thursday. To hold the Senate, Republicans must fend off a series of Democratic challenges in states that are traditional presidential battlegrounds or, worse, states that have been in the Democrats presidential column repeatedly. Cooks Senate list shows six Republican-held seats as toss-up races. Three are in presidentially blue states: Mark Kirk in Illinois, Patrick J. Toomey in Pennsylvania and Ron Johnson in Wisconsin. Three others are in traditional battlegrounds: Rob Portman in Ohio, Kelly Ayotte in New Hampshire and the seat being vacated by Marco Rubio in Florida. Only one Democratic seat is currently a toss-up, that of retiring Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada. If it becomes necessary, these embattled Republican incumbents will distance themselves from Trump in an instant to run their own campaigns but will need to defy recent history to be successful. For some years now, voters increasingly have cast their votes for Senate in line with their presidential preference. This election could become a major test of whether that trend toward straight-ticket voting in recent years can be reversed. A counter to the electoral-map projections showing Trump a potentially sizable drag on other Republican candidates came last week, when Quinnipiac University released polls from Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania. Clinton and Trump were neck and neck in Florida and Pennsylvania, and Trump led narrowly in Ohio. Critics of the surveys asserted that the samples understated the likely size of the nonwhite vote and overstated the percentage of Republicans. Its also worth noting that all of the surveys had a relatively high percentage of undecided voters. 1 of 45 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Trump captures the nations attention on the campaign trail View Photos The Republican candidate continues to dominate the presidential contest. Caption Businessman Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee at the partys convention in Cleveland. Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Trump Doral golf course in Miami. Carlo Allegri/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue. More evidence is needed, and subsequent surveys will either ratify or contradict those numbers. But the three states in question are one path to the presidency for Trump. If he could hold all of the states that Romney won by no means a certainty and flip Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania, he would become president. Many Democrats express the belief that there are traditional GOP states that may be in play in November, starting with Arizona. Clinton strategists are not assuming major changes in the geography of the battlegrounds. To that end, the key will be to prevent Trump from bringing out disaffected white, working-class voters while energizing the Obama coalition. The Washington Posts Abby Phillip described one step that the Clinton campaign is planning to protect states that are must-wins this fall, which is by starting to organize as early and as robustly as possible in Midwestern states with white, working-class constituencies, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. All three states have voted for the Democratic nominee six times in a row, although Obama won Pennsylvania, where there was no real campaign, by just more than five points in 2012. That five-point margin was almost identical to the margins by which he won the contested states of Colorado and New Hampshire and is a source of potential concern for Clintons team. [Nine House committee chairs endorse Trump, but not yet Speaker Ryan] The Clinton camp has been eager to get moving on its general-election operations for weeks, knowing that it takes time and resources to build the kind of organization they need to get all of their voters to the polls in November. The persistence of the challenge from Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont notwithstanding, the leadership of Clintons campaign in Brooklyn is now moving ahead on that front. Clintons other strategy will be to disqualify Trump to any possible persuadable voters, among them independent women, and to generate the biggest possible turnout among Latinos and African Americans. Clintons liabilities as a candidate make it more difficult for her simply to run a positive campaign to win over these voters, although she will need to do that. In addition, she and her outside allies will probably emulate the strategy followed by Obama against Romney four years ago by unloading soon. The barrage will come in the form of TV ads and other means of communication through social media, surrogates and talking heads, all recounting the many controversial things Trump has said about women, about Mexicans, about Muslims and anything else that might be in the opposition research files. Trump should expect an all-out assault from the Democrats starting in early June. The goal will be to make it as difficult as possible for him to gain a foothold in the places where he will need it most. Whether Trump and the Republicans, who are all scrambling to try to unify as best as they can, will be ready to answer is a major question. Trump has proved to be largely impervious to attack in the primaries, but hes now facing a much different electorate. If he isnt ready for what is coming at him, the opening phase of the general election could prove decisive. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev speaks with Russian human rights activist Ella Pamfilova in an office outside Moscow in Gorki on March 30, 2010. (DMITRY ASTAKHOV/AFP/Getty Images) From the fringes of power, Ella Pamfilova has spent decades fighting against the odds. As Russias first female candidate for president, she ran on a largely symbolic ticket against Vladimir Putin in 2000, earning just 1 percent of the vote. As Russias human rights ombudsman, she sought compromise between harried advocates and hidebound officials. But as the newly appointed head of Russias Central Elections Commission, she faces an even more improbable task: ensuring that Russias notorious parliamentary elections this fall are free and fair. The stakes are high. Russias most recent parliamentary elections, in 2011, descended into farce as social media videos of ballot stuffing and accusations of mass voter fraud spawned the countrys largest pro-democracy and anti-Putin rallies in recent memory. The difference now, Pamfilova said in an interview, is that Putin has given a mandate for clean elections. And she says she is the proof. If there were not a political desire for normal, fair and open elections, then they would never choose a person like me, someone hard to work with who wont play the subordinate, she said over tea in a boardroom at Russias Central Elections Commission, adding that she thinks Putin respects her for her forthrightness. I never brought Putin pleasant questions. I always came with problems. And he knows my difficult character. Not everyone will accept that logic. Skeptics have dubbed her appointment a rebranding, an attempt to maintain the Kremlins electoral stranglehold while whitewashing the memory of her predecessor, Vladimir Churov. He was dubbed the wizard, for his white beard and uncanny ability to predict election results. The goal is not to hold fair elections as such, but to avoid protests of their results, said Ekaterina Schulmann, a political scientist and senior lecturer at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Pamfilova shrugged off the criticism. Bustling with energy, she mapped out a strategy of preventative measures and emergency interventions to curtail voter fraud ahead of the September elections, relying on force of will where the powers of her office were lacking. Let them fear Pamfilova, she said with relish, describing her handling of a recent wage dispute for elections workers in Rybinsk. In her telling, the main villains are local and regional officials seeking to massage the vote, not the Kremlin. Former colleagues described her as an earnest and outspoken defender for victims of abuse, but also as a calculated political dealmaker and fervent advocate for gradual reform from within. She has shunned appeals to the West to exert influence on Russia, on elections and human rights issues. Tanya Lokshina, head of Human Rights Watch Russia and a longtime colleague, said that she trusts Pamfilovas intentions but doubts her potential impact. Perhaps, like in the old days, she can achieve small victories, make a difference where shes able to make a difference, Lokshina said, referring to Pamfilovas chairmanship of the Kremlin Human Rights Council beginning in 2002. She is doomed in terms of ensuring free and fair elections in Russia, at least this time around. But it wont be for lack of goodwill. A possible litmus test, the 2011 elections, reveals an official straddling the middle ground. Pamfilova was on an academic fellowship at the Wilson Center in Washington during the contested vote and could not say whether the voter fraud that took place was massive or widespread. But she did say that social protests provoked by the violations were justified, something few Russian officials readily concede. The protest movement in Russia has waned since 2012 because of a crackdown on dissent, internal discord among opponents of Putin, and the 2014 annexation of Crimea, which split the opposition movement and brought a surge of higher approval ratings for the Kremlin. In the current environment, Pamfilova said, the government is not under any pressure to appease liberals or opposition members. Whats the point for the authorities of catering to them? she said when asked about the potential political motivations of her appointment. There are so few of them, they are disappearing. She attacked what she called the countrys radical opposition for failing to make inroads with the larger Russian electorate and for demonizing those, such as herself, who sometimes align with the government. At the same time, she promised to open access to the elections. In my opinion, the richer the political spectrum of a country is, the better, she said. That is why I think that my objective is to provide an access to elections for all parties. Meanwhile, the steady attacks on opposition figures have continued, including the brazen assassination of former deputy prime minister Boris Nemtsov just steps from the Kremlin walls last year. On the day in April that Pamfilova met with a reporter, Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny and Ludmilla Ulitskaya, a novelist famous for her opposition views, were doused with an acrid chemical on Moscows streets in separate attacks by nationalist activists. The pressure has thrown the opposition into disarray. Last month, a Russian state news channel aired footage of the opposition leader Mikhail Kasyanov engaging in an affair, sparking an exodus from the opposition coalition slated to compete in the elections. Ahead of the September elections, Navalny has said that his party members plan to test Pamfilova. The first showdown came near Moscow, in the suburb of Barvikha, where activists decried non-residents being bused in to vote in municipal elections last month. Pamfilova halted the vote. Ella Pamfilova had enough political will in order to cancel these unfair elections, Navalny said, offering measured praise in an interview on the Echo of Moscow radio station. We will see whether or not she has enough will to hold fair elections. Pamfilova served as a government minister and member of parliament during Boris Yeltsins presidency in the 1990s, before taking various roles as a government liaison for human rights advocates under Putin. She characterized her relationship with Putin as fairly complicated, but he has nominated her repeatedly for government roles in the human rights sphere, before asking her to become elections commissioner in March. She has repeatedly resigned her posts in protest, first as social minister under Yeltsin, and then as the chairwoman of the Kremlins commission on human rights in 2010, amid harassment from nationalist activists. If I see that my work begins to contradict my personal principles and I understand it is not effective, I dont remain in my position, she said. Read more Russian opposition struggles to fill void left by a very public slaying Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world In a surprise announcement Saturday, Lebanons Hezbollah militia blamed the recent killing of a militant described as its top commander in Syria on extremist Sunni insurgents. Many expected the powerful Shiite group to point a finger at its traditional nemesis, Israel. Hezbollah revealed a day earlier that Mustafa Badreddine, one of its most senior figures, died in a mysterious blast in Damascus, the Syrian capital. Before leading thousands of militants in Syria, Badreddine, 55, is suspected of having roles in the assassination of a Lebanese prime minister in 2005, and other bombings that date to the attack on the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983. Analysts said Friday that Badreddines killing appeared to bear the hallmarks of an airstrike by Israel, which has targeted a number of the Lebanese militants in Syria in recent years. But in a statement, Hezbollah blamed it on artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups in the area. Hezbollah uses takfiri, an Arabic word, to describe its extremist Sunni Muslim enemies, including al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Hezbollah didnt specify which group killed Badreddine or when he died. But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group, said there has been no shelling for more than a week in the area where Hezbollah said Badreddine was killed, Reuters reported. If Hezbollah had blamed Israel for his death, the group would have come under pressure to launch a tough retaliation that, in turn, would risk triggering war. Israel and Hezbollah fought a brief but devastating war in 2006. [In blow to Hezbollah, senior commander killed in Syria] The incident comes amid apparently rising fatigue experienced by Shiite militants in Syria aligned with that countrys president, Bashar al-Assad, that are battling his Sunni-led rebellion, analysts say. In recent weeks, scores of the militants from Iran, Iraq and Hezbollah have been killed by hard-line Sunni groups, notably al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra. Badreddines slaying by hard-line Sunni fighters, if confirmed, would further highlight how the Syrian civil war has become a proxy conflict driven by sectarian divisions. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni powerhouse, plays an important role in backing the Sunni-led rebellion that is fighting Hezbollah and other pro-government Shiite fighters that have loyalties to Iran. Saudi Arabias primary enemy is Iran, a Shiite nation, and the two countries are locked in a regionwide competition for influence. Things will escalate because of this, said Talal Atrissi, a Lebanese analyst who is close to Hezbollah. I expect that in retaliation for Badreddines killing, Hezbollah will carry out a number of special operations attacks against Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic State, Atrissi said. What we know about Mustafa Badreddine, the mysterious Hezbollah mastermind killed in Syria In recent weeks, a shaky cease-fire that took effect in February appears to have intensified battles between pro-government Shiite militants and hard-line Sunnis, particularly Jabhat al-Nusra. The al-Qaeda affiliate is not party to the cease-fire, allowing it to carry out more robust assaults against pro-government forces. Last week, Jabhat al-Nusra fighters attacked a government-held area near the northern city of Aleppo, killing scores of Iranian and apparently Hezbollah fighters. A tally of media reports on the killings by Reuters put the number of dead at as high as 80. At least 17 of those killed were Iranians, which the news agency said could have been the highest toll in a battle outside the Islamic Republic since its war with Iraq in the 1980s. Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, dozens of Iranian militants including generals have been killed in Syria. Some estimates put the number of Hezbollah dead at well over 1,000. Iran and Hezbollah intervened militarily to prop up the Syrian leader, their ally. The Assad government is dominated by members of the Alawite religious group, an offshoot of Shiite Islam. It is unclear why so many of the Shiite militiamen have been dying in Syria recently. Labib Kamhawi, an analyst based in Jordan, attributed the deaths to competition between Russia and Iran for influence over Assad. Last year, Moscow intervened militarily against opponents of the Syrian leader and has seen its influence in the country rise at the expense of Irans, Kamhawi said. In March, Russia ordered a partial drawdown of its forces in Syria but continues to launch airstrikes at government opponents. Russia has reduced its airstrikes in Syria, and so all those Iranians are getting killed because of a lack of air cover, Kamhawi said. This seems to be part of a Russian strategy to marginalize Irans role in Syria and make its influence unparalleled. Suzan Haidamous contributed to this report. Read more: 56 hours with the Russian army in Syria How the Syrian revolt went so horribly, tragically wrong Al-Qaeda affiliate faces unusual backlash from fed-up Syrians Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world Afghanistan is expected to finalize a peace deal with a notorious, though mostly dormant, militant group in the coming days, a government official and a representative of the militant group said Saturday. Some expressed hope that the deal with Hezb-i-Islami could be a template for ending the more than 14-year-long war with the Taliban, but Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, said the deal would have no impact on the overall peace process because a majority of Hezb-i-Islami members are already part of the government. Under the 25-point agreement, Hezb-i-Islami would end its war against the government, commit to respecting the Afghan constitution and cease all contact with other insurgents. In return, its members would receive amnesty and its prisoners would be released. Ataul Rahman Saleem, deputy head of the High Peace Council a government body charged with negotiating an end to the war said the deal could be completed Sunday, after two years of negotiations. A senior representative of Hezb-i-Islami, Amin Karim, also said he expected Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to approve the final version of the agreement on Sunday. Hezb-i-Islami is led by warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whose forces killed thousands of people in Kabul during the 1992-1996 civil war. He is believed to be in Pakistan. Hekmatyar, in his late 60s, is designated a global terrorist by the United States and is blacklisted by the United Nations. The agreement obliges the Afghan government to work toward lifting those restrictions. The group has had only a minor role in the conflict in recent years. Its most recent major attack in Kabul in 2013 killed 15 people, including six U.S. soldiers. Read more: Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world After a ruling by the High Court in Bobigny and then a Paris appeals court permitting Air France to impose its Transform 2015 corporate strategy, the airlines board authorised the company to start applying it on June 1, 2016. The accord will slash pilot pay. The 50 percent bonus for night flying will be cut to 40 percent, work on the ground will be paid at a lower rate and instructors preparation time on the ground will be cut by half. Starting in 2017, the company will organise the pilots 12 rest days on an annualised basis. The pay cut is the outcome of the betrayal of the 2014 Air France pilots strike, which shook Frances Socialist Party (PS) government and Air France management. The National Union of Airline Pilots (SNPL), with the support of pseudo-left parties like Workers Struggle (Lutte Ouvriere, LO) and the New Anti-capitalist Party (Nouveau parti anticapitaliste, NPA), ended the strike to block a victory by the pilots and stabilise the PS government. According to AFP, the current measures are worth 20 to 30 million euros [$US 22.6 to 33.9 million] yearly of improved competitiveness for the company, that is, 2 to 3 percent of the total pilot wage bill. Air France management and the unions are also negotiating other measures. The airlines CEO Gilles Gateau has announced he will invite the recognised union organisations to determine how to proceed with these discussions. The director of human resources at Air France downplayed the risk of a strike against the new measures, declaring, I have never heard anyone say that there might be a strike call over this agreement, which involves putting into effect a deal signed by the SNPL. Air France management hopes the SNPL will be able to impose the pay cut on the pilots as it did at the ending of the strike two years ago. In September 2014, the pilots struck against the companys plan for Transavia, a low-cost Air France subsidiary that was seeking to employ pilots and other workers at lower wages. The 14-day pilots strike cost the airline tens of millions of euros, dented its bottom line and also threatened the government of President Francois Hollande, Frances most unpopular president since World War II. The PS feared this strike, which was widely popular, would draw in wider layers of workers in France and across Europe, where air transport workers were in struggle in a number of locations, particularly at Lufthansa in defence of pensions. Prime Minister Manuel Valls intervened to demand the shutting down of the strike, which the SNPL ended, on the grounds that it is our duty to preserve the future of our company and bandage its wounds before irreversible damage is caused. The SNPL added at the time that the unions had a crucial role to play in persuading workers to accept the restructuring plan, arguing that management cannot implement by itself the development of Transavia-France. Neither can it implement its project Perform 2020. At the time, the WSWS warned: If Air France is confronted with irreversible financial damage due to the strike, this means that the strikers are in a position of strength. This is precisely the moment at which the union declares that it wants to halt the strike and collaborate with management to plan attacks against workers that it abusively claims to represent... If pilots end the strike now, management will launch brutal attacks in order to recoup the hundreds of millions of euros they lost, make an example of the pilots, and discourage other layers of workers from striking. By bringing the strike to an ignominious end, the SNPL paved the way for the new attacks on basic social rights. Transavia workers salaries are 25 to 30 percent less than those at Air France, but with 30 to 40 percent more flying time. A year after the SNPL ended the strike, Air France announced thousands of job cuts. The pseudo-left parties, for their part, hailed the ending of the strike. LO declared, Despite the media outcry, despite the statements of Valls who tried to have the last word and use tough words to try to persuade people that he had not given in, the pilots made management back down on the Transavia Europe plan... Thank goodness sometimes there is a fightback. For its part, the NPA referred to Air Frances statement that it would eliminate plans for a Transavia Europe subsidiary as a first victory to be saluted by all workers... This strike opens a new way forward to mobilise other sections of workers threatened by the Transavia plan: flight attendants, ground crew carrying out assistance duties in the airports and aircraft maintenance. A great deal of cynical praise was heaped on the SNPL to help cover up its abject betrayal of the pilots struggle and its rescue of Air France management and the PS government at the union members expense. The attacks against Air France pilots are a warning for all workers and youth fighting the French labour law and austerity policies. All the leading organisations are closely tied to the PS, which they helped bring to power in the 2012 presidential elections by supporting Hollande, whose pro-war and austerity policies they subsequently aligned themselves with. LO, the NPA and other organisations are now seeking to block the development of a broad political struggle of the working class and youth against the labour law, as they did during the 2014 strike, enabling management to carry out new attacks on the workers. Only a struggle against the PS and its pseudo-left supporters, based on a socialist and internationalist perspective, will make it possible for workers to defend their social rights. Just days after the resignation of Werner Feymann as Austrian chancellor and leader of the Social Democrats (SPO), the party agreed on railways boss Christian Kern as his successor. The self-declared non-political candidate was the favourite of the partys right wing. He stands for a further intensification of austerity policies and closer collaboration with the right-wing extremist Freedom Party (FPO). Feymann announced he was immediately stepping down as chancellor and party leader on Monday. His resignation was the result of a long-term rightward development of the SPO, which led to a massive loss of support among voters. The low point thus far was the presidential election at the end of April, when SPO candidate Rudolf Hundstorfer, a long-standing trade union bureaucrat, achieved little more than 10 percent of the vote and failed to make the second round. Feymann assumed the post of SPO leader in 2008 and was elected to the position of chancellor shortly afterwards. In alliance with the conservative Austrian Peoples Party (OVP), he pursued a strict austerity course at the expense of the working class. Under his government, the pension age was increased, large numbers of public sector jobs were cut and wages reduced. Almost all regional state party organisations spoke out in support of Kern as Feymanns successor, including the Burgenland party under Hans Niessl, which is currently in a coalition with the FPO. The chairman of the Austrian trade union confederation (OGB), Erich Foglar, also spoke out Wednesday in favour of Kern. Foglar is pushing for closer cooperation and more future alliances with the FPO. Coalitions with the FPO, in his opinion, are not to be condemned in a democracy. The head of the construction workers union, Josef Muchitsch, appealed for Kern to be appointed party leader and chancellor. In Kern, someone with the expertise but free from influence was entering politics, according to the Burgenland deputy, who is also an advocate of closer collaboration with the right-wing extremists. Helmut Leitenberger, the SPO leader in the city of Leibnitz, remarked that now an opening to the FPO [is] in sight. The partys leader in the state of Vienna, Michael Haupl, who will lead the SPO until Kerns appointment, said on Friday that with regard to cooperation with the FPO, a catalogue of criteria would be drafted. If this could be the way out, I will not curtail this discussion, Haupl said. Haupl was the last prominent SPO politician to speak out against coalitions with the FPO. According to initial announcements, there will be changes in cabinet. However, it is certain that defence minister Peter Doscozil will remain in office. He is a representative of the far-right of the party that called for a strict policy of sealing the borders to refugees. Doscozil is also backed by Niessl. Niessl hailed Kern as a consummate professional. The replacement of Feymann by a representative of big business was evidently the subject of discussion within the SPO for some time. Media manager Gerhard Zeiler, who was considered for party leader along with Kern, openly admitted on Thursdays edition of the ZiB 2 news programme that he and Kern had been working to remove Feymann for a year. We both had a role to play and agreed that a change in personnel within the SPO was necessary, said Zeiler. The party congress decision not to enter coalitions with the FPO, which is still in force, was described by Zeiler as wrong. The 50-year-old Kern was born in the Vienna working class district of Simmering. After studying publishing, the son of a secretary and electrical fitter began his career as a press spokesman in the state office of the SPO. Thanks to his political restraint, he rose rapidly within the party and used this to advance his professional career. The SPO assisted him to join the state-owned electricity provider. In 2010, he was appointed manager of the state-owned train operator OBB. In 2014, Kerns annual wages were increased to 700,000. Prior to this, he put an end to the companys losses by slashing costs. His predecessor in the leadership of the OBB, Martin Huber, lost over 300 million through high-risk speculative activities. Kern subsequently restructured the loss-making freight transportation operation RCA. In the process, 4,000 jobs have been cut since 2009. The latest report on the position of the OBB presented by Kern several weeks ago indicated a profit for the 2015 financial year of 193 million. Kern will now push through cuts to pensions, health care and education already initiated by the Feymann government. The OVP is already demanding the de-bureaucratisation of the economy and a discussion about capping social welfare. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung formulated the basic hopes as follows: The literal corruption of SPO and OVP at the federal, state and municipal levels led Austrias politics and economy into torpor. Christian Kern, the successful rail manager, could be the right man as chancellor to put an end to the reform log-jam in Austria. Christian Neumeyer, head of the Austrian association of industrialists, also demanded rapid reforms to break through the rigidity. He warned that Austria would lose additional ground in international competitiveness otherwise. Whether or not the FPO participates in a future government was for him a secondary issue, because he was not concerned with parties, but about the business location. The OVP formulated its demands on Tuesday for a continuation of the grand coalition with the SPO. This included strict adherence to the upper limit for asylum seekers. In the event that Kern softens his stance on border security and asylum policy, OVP leader Mitterlehner threatened discussions which would lead to the end of the coalition and fresh elections. Political expert Peter Filzmeyer stated on Deutschlandfunk that he considered a further change in course by the SPO on refugee policy to be impossible. This became clear with the governments latest plans for internal security. Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobodka (OVP) presented the secure Austria action plan. It proposes an increase of the intensity of deportations for those with no right to remain in the country. Justice minister Wolfgang Branstetter called at the same time for strict border control management. Teams of United States Special Operations commandos have been active in Libya since last year, the Washington Post reported Thursday, citing statements from unnamed US military officers. The American soldiers are operating from secret bases that were established last year, without any public disclosure, in eastern and western Libya, near Benghazi and Misurata. The US troops are scouting targets and recruiting proxy forces as part of contact teams, according to the Post. Members of the American military began making visits to Libya last spring and established twin outposts six months later, military sources told the Post, and US personnel have been cultivating relationships among forces that are mobilizing for a possible assault against the Islamic State in its Sirte stronghold. On May 9, Italys foreign ministry announced that Rome will lead talks, scheduled to begin in Vienna on Monday, aimed at shoring up commitments from a coalition of governments for a much larger NATO intervention in Libya, to include thousands of Italian ground forces. A list of attendees for the Libyan summit has not been forthcoming, but Tunisias foreign minister assured media that regional foreign ministers and other important figures will be there. The war preparations are being justified behind the lying slogan of support for the unity government and its war against the Islamic State. In reality, the imperialist powers are seeking a fig leaf of legality for predatory operations aimed at securing various neocolonial interests and ambitions within the shattered country, which has descended into chaos and fratricidal violence since being destroyed by the 2011 NATO war to topple the government of Muammar Gaddafi. The claims of the US and European governments to be intervening for the purpose of combating ISIS is especially cynical. The 2011 smashing of Libya was carried out with the support of the same Islamist extremist militias that are now identified as the mortal enemy. These elements were mobilized first on behalf of the war first against Gaddafi, and then against the Assad regime in Syria. US-backed proxy forces were massed and equipped in Libya as part of covert operations overseen from the US CIA station in Benghazi. The revelation that US forces have been engaged in Libya for months comes just days after reports surfaced that American ground forces were secretly deployed to southern Yemen two weeks ago. Both operations have been launched without even a facade of public discussion or democratic process, and acknowledged only after the fact, through anonymous leaks to the media. Behind a thick curtain of secrecy, the Obama administration and the Pentagon are expanding global US militarism and war-making, encompassing ever greater areas of Africa and Eurasia. President Obama has presided over an explosive growth of US neocolonial garrisons and outposts stretching from Libya to the Congo and from Somalia to Senegal, bound together by a hippo trench of logistics hubs, bases and infrastructure that snakes through no less than 12 nominally sovereign African territories. According to former US Defense Department Special Operations Senior Officer William Wechsler, the US operations in Libya, which were revealed publicly for the first time Thursday, are only one example of a growing number of undeclared US interventions and wars in countries referred to in the internal jargon of the Obama administration as areas outside of active hostilities. In Libya and through growing areas of West, Central and Northern Africa, US military and intelligence units are mapping local networks both friendly and unfriendly, Wechsler said. US military leaders speak openly in leading journals about a looming expansion of US-led commando wars throughout West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin. US General Bolduc recently described the countries surrounding Lake Chad as ground zero for the Islamic State in Africa. In April, US military officials warned that ISIS was deepening its relations with Boko Haram, the northeastern Nigeria-based Islamist faction that has served as the central pretext for the Pentagons buildup of US forces in and around Nigeria, now the continents leading oil producer and an economic powerhouse. In the past year, Washington has orchestrated a proxy invasion of Nigeria, led by the Chadian and Cameroonian militaries. These forces are backed by US advisors and increasingly armed with high-tech US weapons. This is part of a steadily increasing US buildup that includes hundreds of US and NATO troops, some $200 million funds to train security forces in a handful of Central African states and $50 million for the construction of a drone base in Agadez, Niger. American soldiers and intelligence personnel are active in every single country in Africa, and military contingents have been deployed to a laundry list of countries, including Somalia, Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Mali and Burkina Faso. The US military presence is complemented by deepening collaboration with the most reactionary dictatorships on the continent. The Obama administration has provided political leadership for the escalation, working to install the pro-imperialist former dictator Muhammadu Buhari in power in Nigeria and deepening ties with Chadian dictator President Idriss Deby, who received a personal visit from US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power last month. The new carve-up of Africa is part of a general process through which the former colonial countries are being restored to conditions of near-direct rule by imperialist militaries, in league with far-right, openly pro-imperialist military dictatorships and satraps at the local level. The original US-NATO war against Libya was planned as a means to kick in the door for the new imperialist redivision of Africa and open the way for a huge expansion of Western military operations stretching into the southern reaches of the continent. In the aftermath of the 2011 war, the Sahara and Sub-Saharan regions have been flooded with mercenaries and weaponry, closely followed by imperialist armies, which invaded Mali in a French-led intervention less than two years after the start of the Libyan war. Thousands of French troops have subsequently established a permanent presence in the Sahel region. There can be little doubt that the plans being hatched in Vienna next week will involve further bloody depredations against Libya and the entire continent, to be carried out by the US and European militaries and intelligence services. The Polish parliament recently adopted a de-communization law, giving local governments one year to remove all symbols representing communism from the public space. As of April 1, the bill, fully titled On the prohibition of propagation of communism or any other totalitarian system through the names of all public buildings, structures and facilities, bans public display of names commemorating communism, including people, organizations, events or dates symbolizing the repressive, authoritarian and non-sovereign regime of 1944-1989 in Poland and criminalizes any propaganda in their favor. The Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), which serves as the historical police for the right-wing Law and Justice Party (PiS) government, has sent out letters to many local authorities with a list of over 1,300 of the most flagrant examples that glorify the anti-Polish communist ideology in their cities. Among those organizations and individuals included on the IPNs list of cursed communists are the volunteer members of the 13th International Brigade, known as the Dabrowski Brigade, who fought Francos fascist forces during the Spanish civil war of 1936-39; members of the revolutionary workers organization Proletariat II (1888-1893); the party of Rosa Luxemburgthe Social Democratic Party of Poland and Lithuania (SDKPiL, 1900-1918); the Polish Socialist Party-Left (PPS-L, 1906-1918); the Polish Communist Party and the Left Opposition in Poland (1918-1938); the anti-fascist partisans of the Peoples Army (AL) and the Peoples Guard (GL); the Polish Peoples Armed Forces (AWP); officials of the former USSR and PRL (the Polish Peoples Republic 1945-1989) and leftist writers including Julian Tuwim, Jan Brzechwa and Wadysaw Broniewski. The list of names makes it clear that the law targets primarily the revolutionary leaders of the Polish socialist workers movement and pro-Soviet anti-fascists. To justify the attack on the legacy of the revolutionary Marxist movement in Poland and the Soviet Union, its most honorable leaders are lumped together with those responsible for crimes committed by the Stalinist agents and bureaucrats, as well as fascists and the Nazis. Article 13 of Polands Constitution of 1997 as well as article 256 of the penal code already bans political parties and organizations that make a reference to totalitarian methods and practices of Nazism, fascism and communism as well as those propagating racial and ethnic hatred or violence. Nazism, fascism, communism and racism are intentionally mentioned in the same breath as if they were synonyms. Equating communism with Nazism and fascism, and, subsequently, communism with Stalinism with the term totalitarian communism, is part of a deliberate effort. This perverted falsification of history aims at confusing the working class and preventing the development of a revolutionary socialist movement. The crimes committed by Nazi Germany on the territory of Poland during WWII were of tremendous and unprecedented scope and scale. The Red Army was instrumental in crushing the Third Reich, the liberation of the Jewish people and other nations from extermination in concentration camps. That the USSR, despite the criminal rule of the Stalinist bureaucracy, was able to mobilize against the Nazi war machine and ultimately defeat it, was a reflection of the enormous strength of the 1917 October Revolution. The harassment of leftist organizations and simultaneous promotion of nationalistic and fascistic forces by the Polish authorities reveal that the real target of all those allegedly anti-totalitarian legislations was never fascism or Nazism, but socialism and the legacy of the October Revolution. On March 31 of this year four activists from the Stalinist Communist Party of Poland (KPP) were given 9 months of suspended prison sentence with forced labor and fines by the Regional Court in Dabrowa Gornicza in Silesia for propagating communist ideology through the Internet and their newspaper Brzask. Around the same time, on April 16, around 400 neo-fascists were allowed with impunity to march to celebrate the 82nd anniversary of the establishment of the ONR party (the National-Radical Camp) in Biaystok. It is revealing to note how the reactionary anti-communist law was passed without a single parliament delegate objecting. Introduced by the PiS, the bill was adopted unanimously with 438 votes in favor and only one abstention. Members of the opposition parties such as Civic Platform (PO), which co-authored the bill, and Nowoczesna (Modern) which ran to the defense of Lech Waesa after he was outed as a Stalinist spy, voted for the bill. So did members of the agrarian Polish Peoples Party (PSL), which was active during the rule of the so-called non-sovereign regime of 1944-1989 under the name of the United Peoples Party (ZSL). One of the main controversies surrounding the bill concerns war memorials honoring the struggle of the Red Army to liberate the territories of modern day Poland from the Nazi occupation during WWII. The IPN is currently proposing a removal and transfer of more than 500 Soviet monuments to a remote open-air museum park. The law is yet another open provocation against Russia, adding fuel to already tense relations between both states. It met with a harsh response from the Russian authorities: the Civic Chamber of Russia appealed to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and UNESCO for international intervention. The intolerant policy of Poland in regards to the Soviet monuments is reminiscent of the actions of the ISIS fighters in Syrian Palmira, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zacharova stated. She announced that Moscow would not remain indifferent to actions bordering on barbarism, such as the demolition of monuments of generals and soldiers who fought to free Europe from fascism. Russias foreign minister Sergei Lavrov stated that with the passage of the new law Poland reached top position among the countries crusading against Soviet monuments. Within the last year 30 monuments symbolizing the Red Army have been desecrated or illegally removed. The upkeep of war memorials and final resting places is guaranteed through the bilateral agreement of 1994 between the Polish Republic and the Russian Federation. There are over 1,800 cemeteries, memorials and final resting places of Soviet soldiers in Poland. An estimated 600,000 Soviet troops lost their lives during military actions against the armies of Hitler on the countrys territory in the years 1944-1945, saving hundreds of thousands of Polish citizens from resettlement and almost certain death in the Nazi concentration camps. Fighting on the side of the Red Army, the Polish Peoples Armed Forces lost an estimated 17,500 troops, 5,000 alone in battles for control of Pomerania Embankment fortifications. Now these soldiers are being treated as traitors who helped impose the Soviet occupation in Poland. The spokesperson of the Polish foreign ministry stated in response to Lavrovs criticisms that the 1994 agreement does not apply to the so-called symbolic monuments which are a clear symbol of Soviet domination over Poland and can be removed without violating provision stipulated in the agreement. Such an interpretation is legally feasible thanks to the 1652 resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 2009, which distinguishes between war graves and victory monuments erected to glorify totalitarian regimes or former occupation forces. Dismantling the heritage of former communist totalitarian systems has been strongly advised by the Assembly. In a step to revise history and undermine the role of the Soviet Union in defeating the Third Reich, the Polish parliament approved legislation last year replacing the May 9 holiday commemorating the capitulation of Nazi Germany to the USSR, with a May 8 V-E Day, the capitulation to the allied nations. By dismantling war memorials and changing dates of public holidays, the bourgeois regime hopes to tear out an inconvenient page in history: that it was the Soviet Red Army that liberated Poland from Nazism, and not its Western allies. The first wave of de-communization swept the country soon after the reestablishment of capitalism in the early 1990s, when many names of streets, parks and buildings commemorating leaders of the Polish and international workers movement as well as events honoring the Red Armys victory over the Nazis, were erased and replaced by the names of nationalistic ideologists, heads of imperialistic states, Catholic cardinals and pre-WWII authoritarian dictators, such as the anti-Semitic cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, the anti-communist pope John Paul II, the far-right nationalist Roman Dmowski and the authoritarian dictator Jozef Pisudski. Local governments in charge of de-communization were not always in a hurry to carry out the changes due to high administrative costs as well as the protests of the local residents. With the passage of the latest law assigning new names for streets or buildings in question now becomes mandatory. The estimate for the project is calculated at 1.5 million z (about 350,000). The de-communization law was preceded by similar provisions adopted in various countries, such as Hungary, Moldova and Ukraine, and then found in some cases to be unconstitutional or in breach of the European Convention of Human Rights. In the case of Moldova, the Venice Commission stated that using symbols such as the hammer-and-sickle or the red star by individuals, including parties that do not display totalitarian ideologies, could not be treated as dangerous propaganda. These reactionary and utterly anti-democratic laws need to be rejected by the working class in Poland and internationally. The cynical revision of 20th century history by the nationalistic ruling regime aims at justifying the drive towards war with Russia on behalf of the United States, NATO and the European imperialist powers. By falsely associating contemporary bourgeois Russia with the USSR, it aims at erasing the heritage of the Soviet Union and its victory over Nazism, the legacy of the socialist movement in Poland as well as the gains for the working class introduced after the establishment of pro-Soviet Polish regime in 1945. The fact that the de-communization law comes 27 years after the collapse of Stalinism, amidst great disillusionment with capitalism and protests of the working class against worsening living conditions, exposes the true nature of the act. Above all it is a preventive measure to threaten and suppress all domestic opposition against capitalism. Revising the history and promoting heinous nationalism and Russophobia are directly aimed at preventing the unification of Polish and Russian workers, and blocking them from learning the lessons of a revolutionary international workers movement that so mightily threatened capitalism in the 20th century. In blatant defiance of international law, the Australian government forcibly deported 12 asylum seekers back to Sri Lanka after they arrived on a small wooden boat in Australian waters last week. On board were nine men, one woman, one child and an infant, all reportedly of Sinhalese descent. As soon as they landed in Sri Lanka, the refugees were imprisoned by the countrys notorious Criminal Investigation Department (CID), underscoring the flagrant violation of the 1951 Refugees Convention, which bans the refoulement (removal) of asylum seekers to face the risk of persecution. The CID has a documented record of torture and violent treatment of opponents of the Sri Lankan government. The speed and directness with which the refugees were delivered into the hands of the CID takes to a new level the criminality of the bipartisan anti-refugee regime established by successive governments in Australia over the past two decades, starting with the mandatory detention of all asylum seekers by the Keating Labor government in 1992. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls Liberal-National government, following the lead set by the previous Rudd and Gillard Labor governments, flatly denied the refugees their fundamental legal and democratic right, also recognised by the Convention, to even apply for asylum. Instead, after arriving in the shallow waters of the Cocos Islands, a small territory controlled by Australia in the Indian Ocean, on May 2, the asylum seekers were immediately imprisoned by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). On May 6, all 12 were forced onto a white minibus, which had the windows blocked by cardboard, and driven to the airport. They were forced onto a chartered jet that flew them back to Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, the refugees were handed over to the CID. Such returnees face imprisonment for up to three years for trying to leave the country without permission. Sri Lankan Immigration Department spokesman Lakshma Zoysa said an investigation would determine how the people left Sri Lanka. Displaying the contempt for basic rights shared by President Maithripala Sirisenas government, he stated: They are involved in criminal activities, yeah, thats an immigration crime. Zoysa claimed not to know where the refugees were being held. Asked if they were being detained, he replied maybe. Zoysa claimed they were being treated properly, saying: We are not torturing them, our CID officers handled them [in a] legal manner. Australias Immigration and Border Protection Department initially refused to confirm reports of the boat reaching the Cocos Islands, saying it would not comment on operational procedures. This was in line with the military secrecy imposed on all Australian operations to forcibly turn back refugee boats or transport asylum seekers back to the countries they fled. Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton later confirmed that the boat had reached the Cocos Islands, while claiming that we were able to successfully return those 12 people, which included men women and children, back safely to Sri Lanka on the sixth of May. He also announced that Australia had intercepted three asylum boats so far this year, but refused to provide details on the other two boats. Since the Liberal-National government adopted the militarised Operation Sovereign Borders policy in 2013, an unknown number of boats has been turned back. Only several boats have been acknowledged as reaching Australian territory before being intercepted. The last vessel officially reported to have reached Australian waters was a small Indonesian fishing vessel carrying 16 asylum seekers. It was captured by the Australian Navy last November and forced to sail back toward Indonesia without enough fuel to safely reach land. The deportation of Sri Lankan refugees was pioneered under the Gillard government in 2012, working in collaboration with Sirisenas predecessor Mahinda Rajapakse. The Labor government established a close partnership with the Sri Lankan police apparatus operating together to intercept refugees. Gillards government also worked hand in hand with the Sri Lankan regime to forcibly return 650 asylum seekers who were already in Australias detention centres. Arbitrary screening processes were instituted, effectively blocking refugee visa applications. The Liberal-National government continued this practice, first under Tony Abbott and then Turnbull. According to a Human Rights Law Centre report, between October 2012 and September 2014, 1,248 refugees were sent back to Sri Lanka. This was despite the known likelihood of torture. When a journalist pointed to well-documented allegations of torture in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Abbott declared that while his government deplores the use of torture, we accept that sometimes in difficult circumstances difficult things happen. Desperate asylum seekers have fallen victim to the most reactionary policy calculations. Domestically, Australian governments have demonised refugees, making them scapegoats for rising unemployment and declining social conditions. In foreign policy, they have collaborated with the authorities in Sri Lanka, a strategically-located island in the Indian Ocean, supporting the US pivot or rebalance to the Indo-Pacific region, directed against China. Officially, Labor introduced the policy on the pretext of preventing people smuggling. The real targets were the people fleeing from oppression and victimisation in Sri Lanka and other locations, including the Middle East, where millions have been displaced by the wars launched by the US and its allies, notably Australia. Precisely because governments around the world are emulating Australias barbaric model, refugees fleeing these countries have no choice but to pay smugglersoften poor fishermento escape. The masquerade of combatting people smuggling was further exposed last year when it became evident that successive Australian governments paid such smugglers to return asylum seekers to Indonesia and elsewhere. Largely because of the protracted war and repression by the Sri Lankan government and military against Tamils, Sri Lankans once accounted for the largest group by nationality seeking asylum in Australia. In January 2013, there were 3,437 Sri Lankan refugees either in Australian detention centres or in community detention awaiting protection visas. Today, as a result of the bipartisan crackdown, that number has fallen to just 221. The fact that the latest asylum seekers were said to be ethnic Sinhalese demonstrates that Tamils are not the only victims of the repression in Sri Lanka, and that the repression has continued long after the civil war was brought to a bloody end in 2009. While Labor initiated the mass deportation of Sri Lankans, it could not have done so without the assistance of the Greens, who kept the minority Labor government in office from 2010 to 2013. In the campaign for Australias July 2 election, the Greens are once again proposing a Labor-Greens government, while posturing as advocates of a more humane refugee policy. This duplicity underscores the reality that no party within the political establishment, including the Greens, has any real difference with the underlying policy of defending the nation-state borders at the expense of some of the most vulnerable members of the worlds working class. The Jamestown settlement in Virginia, which officially was started on May 14, 1607, was one of the first European colonies to last in North America, and was historically significant for hosting the first parliamentary assembly in America. Jamestown But Jamestown barely survived, as recent headlines about the confirmation of cannibalism at the colony confirm. The adaption to the North American continent by the early Europeans was extremely problematic. The success of tobacco as an early cash crop helped Jamestown weather the loss of most early colonists to disease, starvation, and attacks by the resident population of Native Americans. A turning point in Jamestowns fortunes was in 1619, when a General Assembly met at a church on July 30. Two representatives from 11 regions of the area debated the qualifications of membership and other matters for six days. A heat wave ended the session of what would be known as the House of Burgesses. The session established a government that citizens could address to settle grievances and end legal disputes. It was a huge step forward, since numerous European attempts to establish any foothold in North America had failed for almost a century. Spain has tried to establish at least five colonial settlements in North America during the 16th century. It had established footholds in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Peru. But Spanish efforts failed in Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Virginia, in short order. The settlement of San Miguel de Gualdape in what is now Georgia or South Carolina was built in 1526 with the first use of African slaves in North America. It only lasted three months. The colonists dealt with same problems as the Jamestown residents, with the added dimension of a slave revolt. Another Spanish attempt near St. Petersburg, Florida, failed in 1527. Fort San Juan was another failed Spanish effort in what is now western North Carolina in 1566 and 1567. The fort was abandoned and most other troops at other forts died. Story continues The Spanish also tried to set up a Jesuit mission in Virginia in 1570, which failed when it was left unprotected and its priests and brothers were killed. France failed in three attempts, before Jamestown, to set up colonies in the current-day United States in South Carolina, Florida and Maine. The settlement at Sainte-Croix Island in 1604 quickly moved on to a fort at Port Royal in Nova Scotia, in order to survive. Half the settlers died at Port Royal, and the survivors moved on to what became Quebec. And the English had two notable failures. The Lost Colony of Roanoke was set up in 1585 and its first settlers lasted almost a year, until they went back to England with Sir Frances Drake. A small force was left to guard a fort. A second expedition returned in 1587 to try again to establish a settlement. The guards were all missing. About 115 people stayed behind. When English ships returned three years later, all the people, and their buildings, were gone. The Popham Colony in Maine was established at the same time as Jamestown but only lasted for one year. There were some early colonies that did survive from the pre-Jamestown era. The settlement at Saint Augustine in Florida endured since about 600 colonists from Spain established the settlement in September 1565. The town was burned several times by pirates and English forces, but it survived. Police in Chicago have arrested a man they say choked a little girl to unconsciousness in the women's room of a restaurant. Reese Hartstirn, 33, was allegedly in a deli in the city's South Loop neighborhood last weekend when police say he followed an 8-year-old girl into the restroom after she'd been separated from her mother. Inside, a parent's worst nightmare unfolded as police say Hartstirn choked the girl until she went limp and proceeded to drag her into a stall. Read: Woman Seen Fighting Off Armed Carjackers in Astonishing Video Says She Forgives Attackers Police told CBS Chicago that the girl was able to let out a scream before losing consciousness and that her mother then came running into the restroom, where she allegedly saw Hartstirn closing the stall door behind him. Police said Hartstirn pushed the girl's mother when she tried to rescue her, and other customers at the store helped detain the man until police arrived, CBS reports. Read: Men Hailed as Heroes After Finding Carlie Trent: 'It Was A Blessing We Found Her' The little girl was taken to a children's hospital for treatment. Hartstirn also allegedly took a swing at a Chicago police officer while he was being booked at a police station. Hartstirn was charged with aggravated kidnapping of a child as well as other charges. Jail records indicate Hartstirn is being held without bail. His next court date is May 16. Watch: 9-Year-Old Carlie Trent Found Safe 8 Days After Uncle Allegedly Kidnapped Her Related Articles: From Esquire Let us stipulate a few things at the start. Hillary Rodham Clinton is still odds-on to be the next president of the United States. Only George H.W. Bush among modern presidents had anything close to her CV, and he never was a senator from a major state. She has been the victim of incredible abuse and the subject of fantastical lies ever since she first stepped onto the public stage in Arkansas. She is as tough and durable a political figure as any we've seen with the possible exception of the guy she married and the guy that has the job now. Electing a woman to be president of the United States is a genuinely big honking historic deal. Electing this particular woman president of the United States is the only sane and plausible choice available. OK? Fine. I would also stipulate the following-as a presidential candidate, as a seeker of votes, as an applicant for the world's most powerful temp position, for the second time in a row, she's proving to be something of a mediocrity. I realize that the results last night in West Virginia will not mean very much down the road. They are products of skewed demographics and the playfulness of a number of voters who would not vote Democratic in the fall if you paid them in gold to do so. I realize that a large part of the difference between her winning margin in 2008 and her losing margin Tuesday night can precisely be measured as the difference between running against the "black guy" and having worked for the "black guy." I also realize that she only lost the delegate count to Bernie Sanders 16-11, which does little to slow her grim and inexorable march to the podium in Philadelphia this summer. But, dear god, she really leaves West Virginia with a very clean clock. If this year has proven anything, it's that any Democrat that gets in the race against He, Trump is going to have to run a campaign that is both razor-sharp and incredibly dexterous. After all, you are running against a walking fiction, a performance piece that has had a longer run than anyone could have anticipated. You're not running against a human being. If you were, the human being that is He, Trump would have been out of the race before Scott Walker was. Instead, you are running against the idea of Trump, against the walking representation of the desire of many angry white people to hock a loogie at the system and then walk away, high-fiving and bro-hugging their way to glory. It is the height of understatement to call what He, Trump is doing "unconventional." Jerry Brown was "unconventional." Hell, Ben Carson was "unconventional." He, Trump is something far beyond that. Story continues It is the height of understatement to call what He, Trump is doing "unconventional." HRC is a plodder. There's nothing wrong with that. Many great politicians have been plodders; it can be argued that-his ability to galvanize an audience aside-the current president is something of a plodder. What is what he memorably called "the hard, necessary work of self-government" in his acceptance speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, if not an appeal for people to understand that progress does not come like thunderclaps and lightning. But the problem, as I see it, anyway, is the problem of horses-for-courses. A pure plodder is not the best candidate to put in a race against someone who is completely unmoored from consequence, who makes up policy positions on the fly, an improv act for whom the truth is whatever he decides to say next. Against this, HRC can look slow and stolid. I have heard her speak a couple of dozen times over the last six months. Outside of the "Deal Me In" riff, which is a good one, I can't give you a single memorable line from any of her speeches. They always begin strongly and then devolve into an endless litany of policy prescriptions. Don't get me wrong. They're good policy prescriptions. I agree with most of them. (My primary doubt about a President HRC is her career hawkishness.) Recently, she's even flirting with a single-payer, Medicare-for-all healthcare system. (Thanks, Bernie!) They usually draw respectable applause. And, 10 minutes after the event is over, you don't remember a single one of them. What is that matched against a big beautiful wall that Mexico is going to pay for? What is that matched against Making America Great Again? He, Trump is running a very different, and a very shrewd, campaign. He allows his audience to assume he's the smartest guy in the room while telling them how smart they are for realizing that. He is making a kind of intellectual appeal to their emotions. It is going to take a kind of political genius to counter that, day after day, for the next six months. It is going to take the ability to match He, Trump head-fake for head-fake so as to make him pay for the approximately 9,768 policy reversals he's going to undertake between now and election day. It's also going to take a massive amount of money, which is the one thing about which I'm fairly sanguine when it comes to the HRC general election campaign. At the moment, I don't see the Clinton campaign as being quick enough on its feet to do what it needs to do. ("Dangerous Donald"? Really?) Right now, it can't put away Bernie Sanders, who is the most predictable candidate ever to stand in two shoes. Running as a serious candidate against a rodeo clown is always going to be a struggle. Running as a potential president against a guy who believes that the country can simply walk away from its financial obligations, and that he can, through his own inherent genius, get Mexico to pay for a wall, requires that you walk a fine line between being serious and appearing pedantic. If she'd ever in her life shown any gift for mockery and ridicule, I'd feel a lot better about HRC as a candidate in this election against this opponent. Sometimes, you just have to throw long. Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f88455%2fpresidents_and_aliens Hillary Clinton wants to know whats out there. In March, Clinton the presumptive nominee for the Democratic nomination for president went on Jimmy Kimmel Live and said shell do her best to delve into government files surrounding possible UFO sightings. SEE ALSO: The real 'X-Files': CIA shares greatest hits from UFO reports I would like us to go into those files and hopefully make as much of that public as possible. If theres nothing there, lets tell people theres nothing there, Clinton said on Kimmels show. If there is something there, unless its a threat to national security, I think we ought to share it with the public. Clinton isnt alone in her curiosity about aliens on Earth. According to one poll released in 2012 and conducted by the company Kelton Research, about 36 percent of the United States population believes in UFOs. This is not a fringe thing, SETI Institute astronomer Seth Shostak told Mashable in an interview. The Central Intelligence Agency has released a full database of public UFO files, yet the interest in a possible government conspiracy still hasnt died down. If Clinton is chosen as the nominee and eventually elected as president, she will join a list of presidents who also have thoughts about UFOs, and even their own sightings to share. Harry Truman One of the main incidents that sparked UFO fever in the United States happened during Harry Trumans presidency in the 1940s. In 1947, an object crashed near Roswell, New Mexico sparking years of UFO conspiracy theories that have persisted through today. After initial media reports classified the object found in Roswell as a flying saucer, the U.S. military claimed it was actually a weather balloon. In fact, the piece of debris appears to have been part of a project called Project Mogul designed to spy on Soviet Union nuclear tests, according to the History Channel. Story continues For his part, Truman joked about flying saucers with the media at least once, according to a transcript of a press conference from July 10, 1947. When asked if he had seen any flying saucers by a reporter Truman said, Only in the newspapers, joking after a follow up, did you ever hear of the moon hoax? Jimmy Carter Former president Jimmy Carter has a very personal relationship with the controversy surrounding UFOs. Carter has opened up about a UFO sighting he experienced while in Georgia, in 1969 before his presidency began. I was outside a school lunch room one night right before sundown. It was getting dark and we were getting ready to eat supper. And I and about 25 men were standing around and all of a sudden in the western sky we saw a strange light coming toward us, a round light, Carter said on Larry King Live. It got closer and closer and right above the pine trees it stopped and then it began to change colors from blue, to red, to white. Then it stayed there for a while. We were all aghast. We didnt know what it was. And then it just disappeared into the west. That was the end of it. Carter didnt attribute the event to some kind of alien encounter, however. I have never thought and still dont think it is possible for creatures from Mars to visit us and then come back home, he added. During his presidency, Carter also asked NASA to investigate UFOs, according to Leslie Kean, investigative journalist and author of the book UFOs: Generals, Pilots and Government Officials Go On the Record. "Carter made a request through his science advisor Frank Press in 1977 asking NASA to look into UFOs, Even though the request came from the highest office in the land, NASA declined," Kean told Mashable via email. "This shows that even presidents can not always get information about some topics." Ronald Reagan In 1974, Ronald Reagan may have seen a UFO, according to the book UFOs: Myths, Conspiracies, and Realities written by Army Col. John Alexander. According to an account by pilot Bill Paynter, Reagan was flying in a plane with Paynter and others when they say a big light flying a bit behind the plane. That light then accelerated to a high speed and flew off. Paynter didnt file a report, but, according to Alexander, the pilot and Reagan would talk about the UFO experience. Alexander also said that Reagan discussed the UFO sighting with a reporter at the Wall Street Journal. "We followed it for several minutes. It was a bright white light. We followed it to Bakersfield and all of a sudden, to our utter amazement, it went straight up into the heavens, according to Alexanders book. Bill Clinton Hillary Clintons husband and former president Bill Clinton, also spoke out about his thoughts regarding aliens and UFOs on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2014. Bill said that he looked into the truth about Area 51 when he was president and had all the Roswell papers reviewed, anticipating that the White House would get a lot of letters on the anniversary of the Roswell incident. First I had people go look at the records on Area 51 to make sure there was no alien down there, Clinton said during the appearance. People thought that because everyone who works there has to stop about an hour away and put on special clothing and then drive in and out, and thats because a lot of our stealth technology is made there. We know that now, but there are no aliens there. Bill Clinton is a space geek when it comes to science in general as well. On that same appearance with Kimmel, Clinton waxed a little poetic about how there is, in fact, a good chance that life in some form exists out in the universe. Clinton said that there are plenty of planets outside of our solar system that could potentially support life. It makes it increasingly less likely that were alone, Clinton said. Barack Obama President Barack Obama has commented on possible alien conspiracy theories a few times during his presidency and even during his campaign. Most of Obamas comments about possible UFOs or aliens tend to be on the joking side or are used as an attempt to pivot back to issues affecting people living on Earth now. For instance, during a 2007 debate, presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich was asked about a somewhat bizarre story involving his report of seeing a UFO. When Obama was asked his thoughts pertaining to life beyond Earth on the heels of that story, he said I dont know and I dont presume to know. What I know is there is life here on Earth and that were not attending to life here on Earth. In 2015, Obama also went on Jimmy Kimmel Live and joked about UFOs. But the president did get a little more serious about UFOs in an interview with Bill Simmons for GQ. People always ask me about Roswell and the aliens and UFOs, and it turns out the stuff going on thats top secret isnt nearly as exciting as you expect, Obama said during the interview. In this day and age, its not as top secret as youd think. In 2013, during Obamas presidency, the government also declassified more than 60 documents from the 1960s and 1970s about goings on at Area 51, according to Space.com. The number of Arab film festivals around the world is on the rise. They screen works that confront stereotypes with authentic stories and images, while offering a deeper understanding of the region and its people culturally, historically, politically and economically. We take a look at some of the most important fests and the services they offer to filmmakers. Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) dubaifilmfest.com next edition: December 7 14, 2016 The largest and longest running international film festival in the Gulf, DIFF gives pride of place to its Arab and Emirati competitions for features, documentaries and shorts. In addition, the section Arabian Nights provides a home for films by Arab helmers, those co-produced in Arab countries and those on Arab world themes. For filmmaker support, the Dubai Film Market (DFM) offers a unique platform that raises the visibility of Arab cinema in the region and at an international level. Since its inception, the DFM has supported over 270 projects. Among its components are the co-production market Dubai Film Connection, post-production financial support through Enjaaz and the Dubai Distribution Program. Qumra and Ajyal Youth Film Festival dohafilminstitute.com The Doha Film Institute sponsors Qumra, an initiative that provides mentorship, nurturing, and hands-on development for filmmakers from Qatar and around the world, through a select international gathering of creative film professionals to contribute to the development of emerging voices in cinema, with a special focus on first and second-time filmmakers, alongside a series of screenings for Doha audiences featuring films by international masters and recipients of support from the Institute. They also run the Ajyal Youth Film Festival. Cairo International Film Festival ciff.org.eg next edition: November 15 24, 2016 The oldest cultural event in Africa and the Middle East, Cairo has an A status from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. A Horizons of New Arab Cinema, including new Egyptian cinema, is organized by the Egyptian Filmmakers Syndicate as a parallel section. Story continues Les Journees Cinematographiques de Carthage jcctunisie.org next edition: October 28 November 5, 2016 A showcase for films from Northern and Southern Africa. For 25 years it was a biannual event alternating with FESPACO in Ouagadougo, Burkina Faso, but now runs annually. The competitive Takmil workshop allocates post-production grants. Marrakech Film Festival festivalmarrakech.info next edition: December 2016 This glossy international festival founded by Moroccos King and programmed by France-based Le Public Systeme Cinema spotlights some new Moroccan films and other titles from the Arab world. FESPACO Fespaco.bf Next edition: February, 2017 This celebration of Pan-African cinema and cinema of the African diaspora also includes features, shorts and documentaries from Arabic-speaking North Africa. Malmo Arab Festival maffswe.com next edition: September 30 October 5, 2016 The largest film festival on Arab cinema outside the Arab world, screening around 120 features, short and documentaries. To promote co-productions between Scandinavia and the Arab world, their market forum brings together producers, financiers and film professionals for seminars, pitching and networking. They also offer development and post-production grants. Part of their program travels to Stockholm, Gothenburg and Umea. The distribution arm brings Arabic titles to Swedish theaters, and, starting from 2017, will distribute to VOD services as well as television. Festival director Josef Kullengard says, The foundation of the whole organization promotes international collaborations and diversity in every section of the film industry with screenings and distributions, as well as with production. ALFILM Arab Film Festival Berlin alfilm.de next edition: April 2017 Along with films from well-known film-producing countries, ALFILM discovers emerging filmmakers and accesses new narratives as well as interrelations and challenges. Artistic director Fadi Abdelnour says, The Festival came about as a reaction to the absence and/or misrepresentation of Arabic culture in the Berliner/German public space and discourse. Middle East Now middleastnow.it next edition: April 2017 Founded in 2010 and based in Florence, it offers film, visual arts, photography, contemporary culture, food and events from the Middle East and North Africa. Co-founder Lisa Chiari says, It was time to show a different Middle East from what we normally see through the news on TV and newspapers, most of the time focusing only on wars, religious fundamentalism and violence. Our statement is to tell what is the real Middle East, beyond stereotypes and prejudices Arab Film Days filmfrasor.no/arab-filmdays next edition: April 2017 A program of Oslos larger festival Films From The South, Arab Film Days uses screenings, debates and director conversations to pose questions from how to help refugees to whether peace can start on the ground in Syria. Arab Film Festival Australia arabfilmfestival.com.au next edition: July August 2016 Taking place in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, and with the 2016 edition, moving west to Perth, the Arab Film Festival Australia addresses contemporary misrepresentations of Arab peoples and cultures by reflecting the complexity and diversity of Arab experiences, and providing a critical space presenting alternative representations of Arab subjects, cultures and narratives on screen. Arab Film Festival San Francisco arabfilmfestival.org next edition: October 7 16, 2016 Founded in 1996, it is the largest independent annual showcase of Arab films and filmmakers in the U.S. Festival director Serge Bakalian says, The purpose of our festival is two-fold: 1) to share the art and culture of the Arab world with a western audience that generally only knows about these societies through the media and stereotypical tropes. 2) To create a much needed bridge of understanding between the two worlds and hopefully have people recognize that they are more alike than different. He adds, One of our current projects is to expand our presence in Los Angeles. This year we are forming important partnerships to add more industry focus to our already rich programming, which includes an industry-only screening with the Creative Artists Agency. Arabian Sights Film Festival Washington, DC http://www.filmfestdc.org/arabiansights/ Next edition: October 2016 Founded in 1996 by FilmFest DC Deputy Director Shirin Ghareeb, who notes, The Arab world is not only important because of its strategic position and political and economic importance, but more significantly it is an area of rich, vibrant and diverse cultures which has been the birthplace of human civilization. Related stories Arab Filmmakers Strive For Wider Audience Reach On Both Local And International Fronts Saudi Actress Ahd Kamel Segues From Role In Front Of The Camera To Behind It Q&A: C3 Films and Telfaz11 Topper Ali Kalthami Talks Internet And The Saudi Film Scene Beirut (AFP) - The Islamic State jihadist group on Saturday overran a government-controlled hospital in eastern Syria, killing 20 members of pro-regime forces and taking medical staff hostage, a monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the jihadists attacked Al-Assad hospital in Deir Ezzor as they press an advance to try to control the oil-rich city and its vital airbase. The attack sparked clashes with regime forces providing security for the hospital in which six jihadists were also killed, the monitor said. "IS attacked Al-Assad hospital at the city's western entrance, killing at least 20 soldiers and allied fighters," said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman. The jihadists "seized the hospital and captured the medical staff, holding them hostage", he said. The jihadist group controls about 60 percent of Deir Ezzor, including the centre and the north of the city. It has imposed a siege on government-held districts in the south and east where about 200,000 civilians have been trapped since March 2014. The jihadists, who also control nearly all the surrounding province, have repeatedly attacked the government enclave and seized several neighbourhoods since the start of this year. But their efforts to capture the airbase located in the south of the city have been crushed by elite regime troops. In the northern city of Aleppo, the Observatory said, seven civilians including two children were killed over the previous 48 hours in rebel shelling of government-held western sectors. A ceasefire in the divided city expired on Wednesday at midnight. The Observatory also reported heavy fighting on the edge of rebel-held Daraya, a town near Damascus under siege by government forces since 2012 and where the Red Cross was thwarted in an operation to deliver urgent humanitarian aid this week. By Tom Westbrook SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia on Saturday defended its hardline immigration policy after two asylum-seeker deaths, weeks of protests and several medical evacuations from a camp in the tiny Pacific Island nation of Nauru. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Australia's policy of refusing to accept asylum seekers who arrived by boat was necessary to deter people smugglers from organizing dangerous sea voyages. "We do not theorize about border protection," he told reporters as he campaigned ahead of an election on July 2. "We know what happens when those policies were abandoned: 1,200 people died at sea ... it was a catastrophe." Asylum seekers intercepted attempting to reach Australia by boat are sent for processing to camps on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea or on the Pacific island state of Nauru. They are not eligible to be resettled in Australia. Papua New Guinea has said it plans to close the Manus Island detention center after its Supreme Court ruled it unlawful. Controversies arising from Australia's immigration policy have become a major headache for Turnbull in the buildup to the election. In the past month two asylum seekers detained on Nauru have set themselves on fire and one of them, an Iranian, died. Another asylum seeker died of a heart attack last week. On Friday a woman was flown from the island to the Australian city of Brisbane in a critical condition after a cesarean operation. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton on Saturday defended her treatment, saying medical assistance provided on Nauru was "significant" and she was "receiving the medical attention that's required," according to Australian Associated Press. State-owned broadcaster SBS reported that the woman was a 22-year-old Somali named Naima Ahmed, and that her condition was no longer life-threatening. Refugee advocate Ian Rintoul, a spokesman for the Refugee Action Coalition advocacy group, told Reuters by phone that the government was "defending the indefensible". "The deterrence policy is what's wrong, there are plenty of ways for people to get safely from Indonesia to Australia if the government is of that mind," he said. He said that refugees on Nauru were "getting increasingly angry and holding demonstrations every day". (Reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Stephen Coates) From ELLE Nobody does weird like New York City, whose cultural institutions are just as likely to host an exhibition of Troll dolls, DIY taxidermy workshops, or over 200,000 pounds of dirt as a priceless masterpiece. Below, a roundup of the city's best unconventional museums and galleries, for your viewing (and Instagramming!) pleasure. Morbid Anatomy Museum The Morbid Anatomy Museum is part art exhibition of death-related artifacts, part 1,000-book strong research library. It's also the frequent home to mega popular events like taxidermy workshops, eerie singles nights, and a recent gala hosted by '90s cool girl Parker Posey. Come for the drawers of old teeth, stay for the museum shop, which sells witchy jewelry, veladora effigy candles, and coffee in an attached cafe. Mmuseum It may seem impractical to house an entire museum in a space the size of an Upper East Side closet, but Mmuseumm is all about the bizarre. The tiny gallery space, wedged into a former Chinatown freight elevator, delights in the absurd, using an untraditional curatorial approach to display eccentric collections. This season's exhibitions include diminutive collections of Trump merchandise, ISIS currency, fake American fast food franchises from Iran, and the Cornflake Taxonomy (which, like it sounds, is a labeled collection of cornflakes in size order). All of the above are crammed into the space, filling it in neat rows from floor to ceiling. No timed tickets, or tickets at all, are necessary-just show up on Thursdays and Fridays from 69 p.m. or Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Museum of Sex The Museum of Sex explores the modern culture and history of human sexuality, combining a hefty collection of sex-related objects with unique installations from some of the art world's biggest names. The collection is perhaps most famous for including a piece found all over Instagram-Jump For Joy, a bouncy castle filled with giant breasts. #Freethenipple indeed. Unsurprisingly, visitors must be over 18. Story continues Torah Animal World Torah Animal World is an appointment-only taxidermy museum that specializes in stuffing biblical animals. Exhibits span from Birds of the Torah to shratzim-the tiny critters, like bugs and small reptiles, that the Old Testament banned as unkosher. Torah Animal World is one-third of the larger Living Torah museum, whose mission is to provide interactive exhibits that bring the Old Testament to life-in this case, through death. The $10 entrance fee gives you unlimited roaming for an hour-think of the face swapping potential! The Museum of the Moving Image The Museum of the Moving Image is the true millennial's museum, devoting entire exhibitions to trendy topics like How Cats Took Over the Internet and indie video games. Fittingly housed inside the long-defunct East Coast wing of Paramount Pictures, the museum explores the art and science of TV, film, and the digital world. The Astoria-based museum screens over 400 films annually, ranging the films of this year's Panorama Europe film festival to classics like Bladerunner. Troll Museum Fans of kitsch, meet your Mecca: the Troll Museum, home to the most impressive troll doll collection, well, anywhere. The docent and curator is the legendary Lower East Side performance artist and "trollologist" Reverend Jen, who's donned a pair of elf ears since 2006. The museum's official "Mona Lisa" is a two-headed '60s era troll doll, but other artifacts range from punk trolls to a "haunted troll" riddled with stab wounds. By day, the sixth floor Chinatown walk up is Rev Jen's apartment, so call ahead to make an appointment: 212-560-7235 The Museum at FIT The permanent collection at The Museum at FIT includes over 50,000 garments from a two hundred year span, made by iconic designers like Balenciaga, Chanel, and Dior. Uniformity, an exhibit centered around various types of uniforms that juxtaposes U.S. Army World War I service uniforms with fashionable takes on military dress from designers like Comme des Garcons, opens May 20. Don't miss the deliciously nostalgic, classic '70s era flight attendant uniforms! MOFAD The Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) is rooted around a single idea: that experiencing the joy and culture of food can help solve problems like food inequality, environmental impact, and endangered regional cultures. It currently exists as the MOFAD Lab, an "exhibit design studio" that showcases single exhibits in a Brooklyn gallery space while funds are raised for a full-scale museum. Currently showing is Flavor: Making it and Faking It, an engaging and truly interactive exploration of manufacturing food. Inside, "smell machines" waft out puffs of almond extract and citral, the chemical that gives lemons their distinctive, brightly sour smell. Aspiring foodies will appreciate exhibits like the cheekily named "What the &@^$ is Umami?" Museum of the American Gangster Housed inside a real-i.e., not in Williamsburg or the Lower East Side-former speakeasy, the Museum of the American Gangster outlines the life of Al Capone and other crime families. Tours led by uber history buffs also include a trip to a '20s era gangster bunker hideout-a great look at the sepia-toned days of New York City. The Neue Galerie The Neue Galerie is a gorgeous, elegant, and understated museum of early twentieth-century German and Austrian art. Though its collection is well known, it's a Museum Mile gem that can be overlooked by the crowds of tourists traipsing from the Met to the Guggenheim. With that extra space you can linger in front of Klimt's famous "Woman in Gold" painting, or, until June 13, Munch's "The Scream." Museum admission is free on the first Friday of the month from 6 p.m.8 p.m. The New York Earth Room The New York Earth Room is, as its title suggests, a single SoHo room filled with 280,000 pounds of dirt. The third and only remaining earth room from American sculptor Walter De Maria, it's been on long-term view to the public since 1980. This is definitely not a hands-on type of gallery, but visitors are welcome to look, photograph, and revel in the strangeness of its existence. The free entrance alone makes it a worthy SoHo shopping stint detour. Come WednesdaySunday, 126 p.m. Sculpture Center Sculpture Center has over 80 years of displaying contemporary sculpture under its belt. The non-profit institution's current iteration is housed in a former Long Island City trolley repair shop with an industrial aesthetic that veers into haunted. The twisting lower level gallery has more than its fair share of claustrophobia-inducing nooks and crannies, a somewhat fitting backdrop to the frequently conceptual works. Sculpture Center is right around the corner from MOMA PS1-make a day of it. The rare birth of a Sumatran rhino in Indonesia has been hailed a victory for the critically endangered species, which has been almost wiped out in the wild by poaching and habitat destruction. Conservationists wept in joy as the healthy female calf was born on western Sumatra island on Thursday, just the fifth rhino of its kind born in a breeding facility. The newborn was walking within hours and has since grown stronger, feeding and bonding with its mother, a conservationist at the rhino sanctuary in Sumatra told AFP. Sumatran rhinos are extremely rare, with just 100 believed to exist worldwide. Susie Ellis, the head of the International Rhino Foundation, said their scarcity in the wild made this birth "extremely significant". "Every birth counts," she told AFP from Sumatra. "One birth doesn't save the species, but it's one more Sumatran rhino." Sumatran rhinos are targeted by poachers as their horns and other body parts fetch high prices on the black market for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Their rainforest habitat on Sumatra island is also being destroyed due to the rapid expansion of palm oil and pulp and paper plantations. Last year, they were declared extinct in Malaysia. The remaining rhinos, distinctive for their woolly hair and twin horns, often exist in small herds of two to five within their jungle habitats in Indonesia. Ellis said conservationists planned to consolidate these smaller groups into a larger population, so the rhinos can find suitable mates and ensure the longevity of the species. It will be at least six or seven years before the newborn is ready to mate. For now the calf -- which has not yet been named -- will remain in the sanctuary where she's under 24-hour observation. "She seems to be healthy," Ellis said. "They come out and they're so skinny, but she's started to fill out a little bit today." It was the second time the newborn's mother, Ratu, had given birth at the facility. Story continues Her previous birth four years ago marked the first time a Sumatran rhino had been born in an Asian breeding facility for more than 140 years. Despite being the smallest of the five remaining rhino species, Sumatran rhinos have very long pregnancies that last about 16 months. Experts who witnessed the rare birth, including some who travelled from the United States and Australia, cheered, prayed and wept as the newborn took its first steps, Ellis said. "I burst into tears, because it was just such a special moment and such a joyous occasion," she added. It's hoped Ratu, a 14-year-old rhino that wandered out of the rainforest a decade ago, could give birth to more young in the future, Ellis added. By Tife Owolabi YENAGOA, Nigeria (Reuters) - An explosion rocked a Chevron oil pipeline in Nigeria's restive Delta region on Friday, a security source said, the second blast at a facility of the U.S. oil major within a week, feeding concern over a revived militant campaign in the area. The swamps of the southern Delta have been hit by a series of militant attacks on pipelines and other oil and gas facilities that have reduced Nigeria's output by 300,000 barrels a day and closed a major export port and two refineries. Last week, militants calling themselves the Niger Delta Avengers claimed an attack on a Chevron Platform in the Delta. The group has warned oil firms to leave the region within two weeks and says it is fighting for independence for Delta. It had earlier said it wanted a greater share of oil revenues and an end to oil pollution. The attacks have driven Nigerian oil output to near a 22-year low and, if the violence escalates into another insurgency, it could cripple output in a country facing a growing economic crisis. On Friday, a new blast occurred at a Chevron oil well at the Marakaba pipeline in Warri, a security source told Reuters. No more details were immediately known. Chevron had no immediate comment, while Nigeria's army, which has stepped up its presence in the region, could not immediately be reached for comment. A day before, the "Avengers" had warned Chevron on their website against repairing the last week's damage. "We made it clear that no repair works should be done until our demands are fully met," the group said in a statement. "We are ready to destroy more pipelines, we won't only destroy pipelines, but will bring the fight to your tank farm and your (local) headquarters in Lekki, Lagos." The group has staged sophisticated attacks that have closed Shell's 250,000 bpd Forcados terminal and two local refineries. Shell and Chevron have both evacuated staff, according to labour unions. Little is known about the radical group, and efforts by Reuters to reach it have been unsuccessful. Crude sales from the Delta account for around 70 percent of national income in Africa's biggest economy but residents, some of whom sympathize with the militants, have long complained of poverty and neglect. President Muhammadu Buhari has extended a multi-million dollar amnesty signed with militants in 2009 but upset them by ending generous pipeline protection contracts. (Reporting by Tife Owolabi; additional reporting by Terri Wade; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Hugh Lawson) By Ulf Laessing ABUJA (Reuters) - Boko Haram jihadists are likely to step up cooperation with Islamic State should the latter extremist group gain a stronger foothold in Libya, a senior British official said on Saturday. Boko Haram, which has been waging a seven-year insurgency in northern Nigeria, last year pledged loyalty to Islamic State. Little is known about the extent of cooperation. But Western officials worry that Islamic State's growing presence in North Africa and ties with Boko Haram could herald a push south into the Sahel region and create a springboard for wider attacks. Islamic State first seized parts of Syria and Iraq but later built up a foothold in Libya, exploiting a security vacuum. "If we see Daesh establish a stronger presence in Libya, that feels much more to people here like a direct communications route, that is likely to step up the practical collaboration between the two groups," British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond said at a security conference in Nigeria. He was referring to a derogatory name of Islamic State. On Friday, a senior U.S. official said there were signs of Boko Haram fighters going to Libya from Nigeria, crossing via porous Sub-Saharan borders. "The intent is clearly there, the evidence of hard collaboration is still pretty sketchy," Hammond said about the cooperation between the two groups. At the conference attended by Nigeria's neighbors and Western powers, several African leaders warned stability in lawless Libya was key to fighting Boko Haram and improving security in the region. In a speech, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari said the army had almost recaptured all territory it had lost to Boko Haram, though the group still often stages suicide bombings. "What remains is to dislodge the terrorists from their hideout in the (northeastern) Sambisa forest and safely liberate the Chibok girls and other victims of abduction," he said. He was referring to a group of 219 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in the Nigerian town of Chibok in 2014. Buhari also said the Nigeria's army was respecting human rights when dealing with civilians, a condition from the U.S. to fulfill requests to sell it aircraft and other arms. Under Buhari's predecessor Goodluck Jonathan, the United States had blocked arms sales, partly due to human rights concerns. U.S. officials told Reuters this month Washington wants to sell up to 12 A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft to Nigeria but Congress needs to approve this. (Reporting by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Alistair Bell) Abuja (AFP) - Boko Haram remains a threat despite "impressive" military gains against it, French President Francois Hollande said on Saturday, as regional and Western leaders gathered for talks on the Islamist threat. "The results (of the counter-insurgency) are impressive" and the rebels had been "diminished and forced to retreat", he told a news conference in Abuja. But added: "This terrorist group nevertheless remains a threat." Hollande was speaking after talks with his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa in the Nigerian capital before regional leaders met to discuss the conflict. Nearly seven years of violence have left at least 20,000 dead and left more than 2.6 million homeless, devastating infrastructure in Nigeria's remote northeast and creating a humanitarian crisis. Discussions at the security summit are expected to focus on the formal deployment of a new regional force comprising troops from Nigeria and its neighbours Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Over the last 15 months, individual armies have largely been acting independently to curb the violence in the face of mounting cross-border attacks, particularly suicide bombings against civilians. The UN Security Council has also raised concerns about Boko Haram's links to the Islamic State group, after reports of Nigerian fighters in lawless Libya. Buhari said progress had been made, as Boko Haram, which captured swathes of territory in 2014 and declared a self-styled caliphate, was "now... not holding" any local government districts in the northeast. But he said the "main problem now is rehabilitation" of destroyed infrastucture such as schools, health clinics, roads and bridges, as well as handling the displaced, more than 60 percent of whom are women and children, many of them orphans. "This is a pathetic situation and is a major problem we are going to face in this country." Story continues Hollande, who sees France as a natural liaison between its former colonies and English-speaking Nigeria, said results had been achieved through better regional coordination. Paris had also provided training and equipment, he added, as part of the international support to Abuja that includes British military trainers and US surveillance drones. Hollande and Buhari signed a "letter of intent" to pave the way for a defence agreement. The two leaders also signed several accords strengthening existing cooperation, including through France's main development agency, of upwards of $120 million (106 million euros) for Nigeria's under-capacity electricity sector. RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazil's interim government dismissed criticism by leftist countries in Latin America, including Venezuela, Cuba and Bolivia, over the impeachment process of Dilma Rousseff, who was suspended as president by the senate. The leftist president of El Salvador on Saturday added to the regional pressure on Brazil, saying that he would not recognize the interim government and recalled his ambassador, claiming there had been "political manipulation" in Latin America's biggest country. The bickering, not rare between leftist leaders and more conservative governments at a time when much of the region is moving to the right, comes as centrist Michel Temer, Rousseff's vice president, assumes Brazil's presidency and scrambles to pull the economy out of its worst recession since the 1930s. Rousseff, after five months of impeachment proceedings, now faces a senate trial over irregularities in her government's budget. The trial could take up to 180 days and is expected to lead to her definitive ouster. In a statement Friday evening, Brazil's foreign ministry said it "emphatically rejects" neighbors "allowing themselves to opine and propagate falsehoods over internal political process in Brazil." In a separate statement, the ministry, headed by Jose Serra, a prominent former senator and presidential candidate, criticized the head of Unasur, a South American regional bloc. Ernesto Samper, Unasur's secretary general, earlier had questioned the validity of Rousseff's suspension. After Brazil's strongly-worded statements Friday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is also struggling with economic problems and a push to remove him from office, asked his ambassador to Brazil to come home to discuss the tensions. Maduro is among leaders, including Rousseff herself, who have condemned her suspension as a "coup". Rousseff, who is spending the weekend with family in the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre, has said she could appeal to regional organizations in efforts to discredit the impeachment process. Thus far, however, she has complied with all procedures related to her suspension. On Saturday, mainstream Brazilian media made light of the statements by leftists in the region, especially the Socialist government of Venezuela and Communist-run Cuba. "Who are Cuba, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and Nicaragua to teach about democracy?" wrote Eliane Cantanhede, a prominent columnist for the Estado do S. Paulo newspaper. "Cuba?! Venezuela?!" (Reporting by Paulo Prada in Rio de Janeiro, Christine Murray in Mexico City and Gerardo Arbaiza in San Salvador and Alexandra Ulmer in Caracas; Editing by Alistair Bell) Brasilia (AFP) - The two dozen ministers in Brazil's new government have a lot in common: they're white, male, conservative, often wealthy and in numerous cases face legal problems. The question -- after coming to power through the suspension of leftist president Dilma Rousseff rather than a presidential election -- is whether they have enough in common with their country of 204 million. Interim President Michel Temer held his first cabinet meeting Friday, 24 hours after assuming power in the wake of a Senate vote opening a trial against Rousseff on charges that she broke government accounting rules. And his government vowed immediately to turn the page on the Rousseff era, saying that opposition street protests over the last year demanded an end to corruption, political paralysis and recession. "People went on the street to seek two things: they wanted a state without corruption and they wanted an efficient state," chief of staff Eliseu Padilha said. "Out with corruption and in with efficiency." Team Temer's business-friendly credentials might suggest efficiency but on corruption the new government is hardly a model. At least three ministers are being investigated in the vast probe into an embezzlement and bribery ring at state oil company Petrobras, perhaps the biggest corruption scandal in Brazilian history. They include key player Romero Juca, the planning minister and head of Temer's party the PMDB. Another three new ministers are facing other criminal probes, the specialist website Congresso em Foco, which tracks lawmakers' legal troubles, reported Friday. And two more ministers are the sons of politicians being investigated in the Petrobras probe. - Male only club - Coming after a government lead by Brazil's first female president, Temer's cabinet resembles a throwback to the mid-20th century -- or further. There are no women, no blacks and no one with a profile likely to appeal to the poor masses in a country suffering huge wealth disparities. Story continues Women and blacks were represented in Rousseff's inner circle, with 15 women serving as ministers during her first and second terms. One of those was Nilma Lino Gomes, Rousseff's minister for women, human rights and racial equality -- a post now axed by Temer. Some of Temer's choices seem designed to demonstrate the shift to conservative values. Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi, is the vastly wealthy "soya king" whom Greenpeace labels one of the biggest destroyers of Brazil's majestic Amazon rainforest. The industry minister, Marcos Pereira, is an Evangelical preacher from the powerful Universal Church organization and was even considered for the science post before the scientific community went up in arms. Then there's Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes, who until now was security chief for Sao Paulo, where he oversaw a police force accused of frequent human rights abuses, including the use of death squads to confront suspected criminal groups. In an extra twist, the man a Brazilian newspaper dubbed "Temer's pit bull," will also have responsibility over the now disbanded Rousseff-era ministry protecting the rights of women and racial equality. The culture portfolio was also eliminated and folded into the education ministry, prompting an angry reaction from luminaries like musician Chico Buarque and actor Wagner Moura -- as well as a flash protest at the new minister's first public event Friday. The absence of women has also prompted an outcry in some quarters. But the new government is not apologizing. "We tried to search for women but because of the timetable... it was not possible," Padilha, said, promising that non-ministerial jobs but with "a similar importance" would soon be filled by women. - Rubbing each other's backs - Politically speaking the most important factor in the Brazilian government's make-up is the heavy presence of former members of Congress. Congress -- where about 60 percent of lawmakers have current or past brushes with the law -- might be hugely discredited with Brazilians in general. But the two houses of the legislature were responsible for opening the impeachment trial against Rousseff, leading to then vice president Temer's rise to power. He has been quick to pay that debt. The new urban affairs minister, Bruno Araujo, was the lower house deputy whose vote officially sealed the needed two-thirds majority to greenlight Rousseff's impeachment. And Agriculture Minister Maggi was the senator who cast the equivalent vote in the upper chamber. But the strategy is about more than mutual back rubbing. In bringing in men from no less than 11 parties Temer has defused the standoff between the executive and legislature that left Rousseff practically powerless. When it comes to pushing through unpopular but needed economic reforms he should have congressional support -- in itself a remarkable improvement in Brazilian politics. "It is very pragmatic," said Michael Mohallem, a law professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Rio de Janeiro. Mohallem also said that Temer's "180 turn" to the right, including the exclusion of minorities and women from his cabinet, was calculated, reflecting that much of Brazil is socially conservative and religious. But the risk in picking ministers from such a tight pool is that wider Brazil may feel left out. "There's a clear problem there and society could make its feelings known within a couple months," the analyst said. LONDON (Reuters) - Boris Johnson, who is leading the "Out" campaign ahead of Britain's European Union membership referendum, said in an interview that the bloc was following the path of Adolf Hitler and Napoleon by trying to create a European superstate. Johnson told The Sunday Telegraph newspaper that the EU lacked democracy and a unifying authority and was doomed to fail. "Napoleon, Hitler, various people tried this out, and it ends tragically," Johnson was quoted as saying in an interview. "The EU is an attempt to do this by different methods. But fundamentally what is lacking is the eternal problem, which is that there is no underlying loyalty to the idea of Europe," the former London mayor said. "There is no single authority that anybody respects or understands. That is causing this massive democratic void." Johnson, who is a front-runner to succeed Prime Minister David Cameron, has emerged as the most important voice in the "Out" camp ahead of the June 23 referendum. Cameron, who is leading the "In" campaign, has argued that Britain's membership of the EU makes the country more secure, more influential and more prosperous. He also says Britain, which is not part of the single-currency euro zone, will not be dragged into ever closer union among the EU's member states. But an opinion poll published earlier on Saturday suggested that twice the number of voters believed Johnson was more likely to tell the truth about the EU than Cameron. With less than six weeks to go until the referendum, voters are evenly split between wanting to remain in the EU and preferring to leave, other opinion polls have shown. In his interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Johnson said he wanted the British people to be "the heroes of Europe" again, creating echoes of the language used by war-time prime minister Winston Churchill, the newspaper said. It also quoted him as saying tensions between EU member states had allowed Germany to grow in power within the bloc, "take over" the Italian economy and "destroy" Greece. (Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Alistair Bell) In its second pre-buy of the festival, Amazon Studios has picked up North American rights to Lynne Ramsay's You Were Never Really Here. The film, which stars stars Joaquin Phoenix, is about to begin shooting in New York. A source pegged the deal at around $3.5 million, which beat fellow suitor A24's bid. Ramsay, who directed the Tilda Swinton-Ezra Miller-starrer We Need to Talk About Kevin, adapted the screenplay for You Were Never Really Here, which is based on a Jonathan Ames novel. The story centers on a former war vet (Phoenix) who devotes himself to saving women exploited by sex traffickers. CAA repped the deal. Earlier in the festival, Amazon bought North American rights to Mike Leigh's next film, Peterloo, a $20 million-$30 million period drama about a British government attack in 1819 on protesters in Manchester who were demanding parliamentary reforms. Read More: Cannes: Broad Green Nabs Morgan Freeman-Tommy Lee Jones Comedy 'Villa Capri' PureWow It looks like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle thought their Archewell website needed a little bit of a facelift. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been keeping quite busy these days, what with a Netflix docuseries, podcasts, oh, and two young kids to take care of. However, we just noticed that the couple changed the photo on the homepage of their website, trading out the old pic for a brand-new portrait courtesy of Misan Harriman. Archewell Foundation/Misan Harriman The pic was snapped during t First it was Flatgate. Now comes Babygate. Last year, the Cannes Film Festival was lambasted for discriminating against women when ushers at the Palais denied entry to some not wearing high-heels. The unspoken rule, in place for years, quickly ceased. And at this year's festival, currently underway, flat shoes have been commonplace on the famed red carpet. But earlier this week, Toronto-based film producer Lauren Grant, holding her 9-month-old baby, was stunned when she went to pick up her market badge for the Cannes film market [Marche du Film], held in conjunction with the fest, and was told she couldn't bring her baby inside the registration office. Further, Grant was informed she wouldn't be able to take the infant to the Canadian Pavilion, where she was to hold her meetings, because of increased security measures this year in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks. The Pavilion is inside a secured area next to the Palais. "A woman said the rule was no one under 18. I told her she's not a kid. There's got to be a difference between someone who is 16 and 7 and almost 9 months old," Grant, who brought someone to help with the infant, told The Hollywood Reporter. "I know the festival is trying to be better with women. This is not okay. I had to do my meetings in the Pavilion and then breastfeed on a bench outside of security." Grant continued: "There's this big concern that there's not enough women in the film industry. But this is the thing: If I'm a woman with a child, should I not have come to Cannes and tried to find financing for my movies and delayed those films for a year because I couldn't feed my baby? That actually makes no sense." After three days, a pregnant producer suggested that Grant contact the head of the Marche du Film, Jerome Paillard, who personally called her. When Grant returned to the registration office on Saturday, her baby was bestowed a badge. In a statement to THR, Paillard said that he made an exception in Grant's case despite the fact that the Marche's conditions of registration specifically state "badges will not be issued to minors (under 18 years old)." Story continues Grant said she knew she wouldn't be allowed in the actual market building and was only trying to gain access to the Canadian Pavilion. Grant is the founder of the Toronto-based production company Clique Pictures, which focuses on female-centric fare. She recently partnered on Sugar Daddy, the feature directorial debut of music video helmer Wendy Morgan. Grant's husband is Canadian film distributor John Bain, president of Search Engine Films, who also is working on the ground in Cannes. May 14, 10:45 a.m. PT: Updated to include statement from Jerome Paillard. Boasting more tangled plots and bodies than an octopus has tentacles, South Korean auteur Park Chan-wooks The Handmaiden is a bodice-ripper about a pickpocket who poses as a maid to swindle a sequestered heiress. His first Korean-language fiction feature since 2009s Thirst, its sybaritic, cruel and luridly mesmerizing. Freely transposing Welsh novelist Sarah Waters Victorian-set romantic thriller Fingersmith to 1930s Korea under Japanese colonialism, Park initially takes the tale of calculation, seduction and betrayal to heady narrative heights. Before long, however, the director of such extreme revenge thrillers as Sympathy for Lady Vengeance and Oldboy slides back into his own febrile cinematic universe of eroticized torture and misogyny, rather submerging Waters theme of female rebellion and liberation. Not that this should impair the films marketing potential in any way: Commercial and arthouse audiences alike will either thrill to its stylized potboiler elements or swoon over the opiate influence of Parks signature aesthetic beauty. Parks adaptation, co-written with Chung Seo-kyung, retains the novels triptych structure. Book One, the most faithful to the original, is narrated by Nam Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), an orphaned girl raised as a pickpocket by human trafficker Boksun. A Korean gold-digger (Ha Jung-woo), posing as Japanese count Fujiwara, plucks her from the slums to aid him in the seduction of Hideko (Kim Min-hee), a Japanese heiress living under the stewardship of her Korean uncle Kouzuki (Kim Jin Woong). Fujiwaras plan is to elope with Hideko, marry her, then commit her to a mental asylum so he can pocket her inheritance. As the common Sook-hee is ushered into this magnificent colonial estate, her bewildered exploration of the Gothic mise-en-scene echoes the mysterious atmospherics of Guillermo Del Toros Crimson Peak. Hidekos languorous, marble-surfaced beauty quickly dissolves under the new maids wide-eyed cheerfulness, and a bathing scene brims with furtive eroticism fueled by an aching tooth and a lollipop. Story continues Park elegantly plays their innocent dressing-up and role-switching rituals against the real, pernicious deceit of Fujiwara, while newcomer Kim Tae-ri makes her gradual change of heart passionately palpable. The only defect, one that sometimes risks taking viewers out of the story, is the ensembles evident struggle to deliver sophisticated old-world Japanese dialogue, which somewhat hampers their spontaneity of expression. Book Two tells the same story from Hidekos vantage point, involving a major twist that viewers unfamiliar with the novel would be hard pressed to see coming. Its also where the screenplay veers notably from the source, virtually writing out Boksuns role and the secrets of the womens birth. What it instead chooses to highlight and expand is the young ladys traumatic childhood upbringing by her uncle and aunt (Moon So-ri, cast strikingly against type). Inside the mansions voluminous library, Kouzukis bibliophilia is revealed to have decidedly aberrant tendencies. Dabbling in the sadomasochism of Takashi Ishiis Flower and Snake with a touch of Teruo Ishiis grotesque 1970s porno jidaigeki a sexploitation costume drama these scenes offer their share of prurient pleasure, moving the narrative further away from delicate affairs of the heart. The third and final book, which shift focus to Fujiwaras plight, is giddy with more revelations and reversals. It is also has Parks signature pain fetish gratuitously splashed over it: One scene adds a new, bloody layer of meaning to the novels title Fingersmith, while another even brings back a certain signature mollusc from Oldboy in monstrously depraved fashion. And while theres no denying the denouements cleverness or the finales breathtaking, lyrical evocation of sapphic desire, one comes out feeling sensually satiated. Production values are sensational even by Korean cinemas blue-chip standards. The mansions interior, designed by Ryu Seong-hee, is decorated in hybrid British-Japanese style, combing the formers decorative luxuriance with the latters elegant symmetry. In his last film, the U.S.-set Stoker, Park became so carried away with the set of the retro American country house that he made it the centerpiece of a flimsily constructed family mystery. Here, he is in danger again of lingering on too much visual paraphernalia even if that matches Waters equally dense textual details but involving characters and a more substantially crafted plot maintain its artistic balance. Related stories Cannes Film Review: 'American Honey' Cannes Film Review: 'Wrong Elements' Cannes Facetime: Alison Thompson & Mark Gooder For films that otherwise so vividly identified and evoked the trauma visited upon child soldiers, Kim Nguyens Oscar-nominated War Witch and Cary Fukunagas aptly titled Beasts of No Nation made a tactful point of avoiding geographical specifics in their otherwise unflinching portraits of Central and West Africa. So its among the most valuable virtues of Wrong Elements that it almost pedantically pinpoints the precise wheres and whens of its subjects suffering. With chunks of onscreen text and title cards, French-American novelist Jonathan Littells documentary exhaustively lists the dates and locations marking the rise and still-progressing fall of the Lords Resistance Army, the Ugandan rebel movement that fed its ranks for decades by abducting and recruiting thousands of unsuspecting adolescents. Why do such details matter? Simple as they are, they lend immediacy to events that could well be presented as a kind of waking nightmare while giving viewers a contextualizing map and timeline underscores just how under-exposed Ugandas crisis has been relative to contemporary atrocities elsewhere. If Littells lengthy, firmly structured but stylistically unadorned doc is sometimes a little pedagogic in its approach, thats fair enough: Its unpacking facts that, to many, may be horrifically new. Like Joshua Oppenheimer in The Act of Killing and The Look of Silence, Littell also invites his human subjects to re-examine violations theyve already committed or endured. Hes either a less probing or less patient interviewer, however, since Wrong Elements, enlightening and moving as it often is, doesnt amass equivalent moral tension. War is supposed to get rid of all the wrong elements in society, said Acholi spirit medium and rebel leader Alice Auma in 1987 a quote that opens the film, which is otherwise muted in tone, on a note of bitter irony. For Wrong Elements investigates an army that sought not to eradicate corruption, but to foster it across generations as children, involuntarily indoctrinated into a culture of free killing, grew from victims into perpetrators. What, then, are the parameters of blame or sympathy for those who, taught early to murder without conscience or consequence, amass a kill list as unconsidered as it is long? Spiritual instruction from on high is what the Acholi people largely accept drove Joseph Kony, then in his twenties, to found the Lords Resistance Army as rebellion spread across Northern Uganda following Yoweri Musevenis divisive ascent to power in 1986. Over 60,000 teenagers were drafted into the LRA over 25 years, with only half that number escaping its clutches alive and receiving amnesty. The most compelling material in Wrong Elements concerns a trio of friends and former LRA conscripts in the city of Gulu motorcycle taxi drivers Geofrey and Mike, and impoverished mother Nighty who return to the site of their now-destroyed base camp in South Sudan. Their accounts of the abuse sustained and carried out under the LRAs control are startling to hear first-hand, with Nightys recollections of becoming a 13-year-old bride to Kony himself especially wrenching. (The LRAs particularly violent mistreatment of female child soldiers is further underlined by reticent interviews with Lapisa Evelyn, a still shell-shocked escapee who alludes to her misfortunes principally through sense memory.) Even the most hard-up childhood isnt without moments of levity, however, and the doc finds disturbing poignancy in the friends giggling reminiscences of games played and jokes shared in the camp mutual nostalgia not entirely erased by their mature understanding of their pasts horrifying context. It was a stupid life, Geofrey wistfully acknowledges, but it was also interesting. Littell, best-known internationally for his hefty, Holocaust-focused 2006 novel The Kindly Ones, has a sensitive ear for succinctly evocative victim testimony. (I thought they were cutting wood, recalls a grieving mother whose children were slain by the LRA in her own yard. Theres no way to sentimentalize such interview material.) Wrong Elements has less direct impact, however, the further it gazes up the power hierarchy. In the latter half of the film, the trial of Dominic Ongwen a former commander of the now scattered and depleted LRA, who emerged from hiding to face prosecution for war crimes at the International Criminal Court is examined in methodical procedural detail, but with no emotionally galvanizing outcome or point of view. Littells degree of official access is impressive, though its his incidental observations of rural community life that resonate most here, whether its a lone woman sorrowfully shelling pigeon peas or local menfolk garrulously chatting at urban traffic hubs. Wrong Elements is shot with a keen eye, but at 133 minutes, its edited with a rather less discerning one: Fewer filler images of rippling grass or parading ants would be a start towards tightening things. And while this man of letters, in his first stab at feature-length filmmaking, shows real awareness of what knowledge the camera can independently glean from its subjects, he occasionally pushes too hard for revelations. Asking reformed killers if they can feel the presence of their victims feels forced, even a little crass, in a film that successfully draws less coerced moments of cathartic insight from interviewees. As one survivor puts it with a sad shrug: There is nothing we can do the only way is to forgive and begin normal life again. Related stories Cannes: FilmSharks Brings 'Gilda' to the International Market Stephan Elliott Seeks 'Priscilla' Reunion in Cannes with 'Flammable Children' 'The Dancer' Producer Alain Attal Launches Tresor TV (EXCLUSIVE) While Western theater owners may weigh on the potential future damage of Sean Parker's Screening Room and continue to bemoan Netflix's growing global expansion, spare a thought for those film industry professionals driving battered projectors and dusty old reels around rural India. The traveling cinema world, mostly based around Maharashtra, the vast state whose capital is Mumbai, has been bringing the magic of the silver screen to remote villages for some 70 years. Setting up tents in rural fairs that often are several hours from anything even approaching a local multiplex, the screenings draw hundreds, who line up to see the latest Bollywood hits, old Hindi classics and even the odd dubbed Hollywood title. But it's a tradition that is nearing extinction. "There are very few of these cinemas left," says Shirley Abraham, who together with her co-director Amit Madheshiya, has spent eight years tracking those remaining in the industry for The Cinema Travelers, screening in the Cannes Classics sidebar on May 15. "It has been petering out over the years. I don't think they're going to survive the march of time and technology." Read More: Cannes Hidden Gem: South Korean Animator Makes Apocalyptic Live-Action Debut With 'Train to Busan' But streaming platforms are the last of their worries. While modern technology has played a part in their demise, there are concerns unlikely to affect your average U.S. theater manager, namely severe drought and migration toward the cities. Opening with chaotic scenes at one rural fair, where increasingly restless crowds wait for the show to start (the film reels are running late), this rich and intensely colorful documentary focuses on a trio of figure still attempting to forge a livelihood in the traveling cinema industry. One central character looks after one of the last remaining lorries, a rusting heap of a vehicle with a door he's forced to - somewhat poetically - hold together with a piece of film. Story continues "He has a really deep, beautiful association with cinema," says Abraham. "But he really belongs in the past and wants to hang on to what was - he's confused and conflicted and befuddled by what's happening." Although The Cinema Travelers simply could have been a sad chronicling of the struggles of a once-vibrant industry in its final throws, its triumph lies in how it also captures the magic of this unique, collective movie-watching experience. Read More: Cannes Hidden Gem: 'Clash' Views the Arab Spring From the Back of a Police Van Via a series of montages, we see the enchanted faces of those who have counted down the days for the fair to come to town and now finally get to watch a film as an antiquated projector splutters into life. "It has wonder that you or I are not able to encounter in our everyday lives," says Abraham. "This longing and this anticipation for the movies - and often having waited for one whole year for them - is what was so important for us." Jonathan Rhys Meyers has signed on to co-star in The 12th Man, a drama about the resistance to the Nazi occupation of Norway in World War II. The Tudors star will play German commander Kurt Stage. The 12th Man is the story of Jan Baalsrud, a Norwegian resistance fighter, one of a dozen saboteurs trained by British intelligence to carry out a raid on an air traffic control tower in the Norwegian city of Bardufoss in 1943. The raid failed, and 11 of the 12 resistance fighters were captured and killed. Only Baalsrud escaped and survived. Harald Zwart (The Karate Kid) will direct The 12th Man from a script by Petter Skavlan (Kon-Tiki). Zwart's shingle Zwart Arbeid will produce together with Nordisk Film. TrustNordisk is handling international sales and shopping the project to buyers in Cannes. The Orchard has acquired North American rights to Pablo Larrain's Neruda, starring Gael Garcia Bernal. The Participant Media film, which revolves around Chilean politician-poet Pablo Neruda, played by Luis Gnecco, made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Film Festival on Friday to strong reviews. The Orchard and Participant Media are planning a fall release in theaters, timed to awards season. Written by Guillermo Calderon, Neruda also stars Mercedes Moran. Bernal plays an inspector who, after the Chilean government outlawed communism, organized a manhunt to track down and arrest the left-wing artist. THR's review called the film "a highly original investigation of the truth-fiction divide." "Neruda blew us away, full stop. Pablo has created a lush, layered film of beauty filled with amazing performances and a style so unique and compelling," said Paul Davidson, executive vp film and television at the Orchard. Participant co-financed the film, which is aiming to make an awards play. CAA, which reps Larrain, negotiated the deal for North American rights. Larrain, who is additionally handled by Management 360, is making waves at Cannes with another movie: Jackie, which stars Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Earlier this week, a promo of the film was shown to U.S. and foreign buyers at Cannes, sparking keen interest. The Paris-based company Oraxy on Saturday apologized for a stunt on Friday which scared diners at the Hotel du Cap when a boat of six men in military-style gear flying a black flag pulled up to the dock, saying it was not meant to frighten guests. "It was not about scaring people, and it was definitely not planned to look like a terrorist attack," a spokeswoman for the company told The Hollywood Reporter. "If they scared people, they feel very badly about it. They did not mean for people to take it that way." The stunt had been planned and previously known, she says, as the boat had interacted with the maritime police before being allowed to pass the area that is dotted with super yachts from moguls, such as Steven Spielberg, Ronald Perelman and Roman Abramovich. Oraxy bills itself as a luxury commerce company that provides a "private global marketplace reserved exclusively for UHNWI," or Ultra High Net Worth Individuals. The representative wouldn't say who the company's backers are, but said they are specialized in culture, travel, fine jewelry, yachts, private jets and the luxury business. "I guarantee they are very honorable people," she added without sharing their identities. "They are surprised it was seen as a 'terrorist' attack, and they are very sorry if it was seen that way, because it was not meant to be taken that way at all." The stunt came at a time when Cannes is under high alert, with an increased security presence following last year's January and November attacks in Paris that has seen soldiers patrolling the streets. The rep said the stunt was not mean to frighten people with already frayed nerves, adding that the mysterious team is "very upset" if they unintentionally scared people. Meanwhile, a rep for the French National Police based in Antibes says that no arrests have been made and that there is an ongoing investigation into the incident. Story continues The Oraxy spokeswoman believes that the stunt was received badly because of the gray skies and stormy seas on Friday, but festgoers should remain on the lookout. "They are hoping to do other actions in Cannes [during the festival], if the weather improves," she said, highlighting the company plans to be careful not to make the same mistake. "It will be something more sporty." Read More: Cannes: Fake Terrorism Stunt Prompts Hotel du Cap Panic 69-festival-de-cannes_poster_goldposter_com_2 Cannes Film Festival In the best cases, comedy can act as a great unifier on par with music or dance. The simple joys of chuckling at a good bit of physical humor transcend cultural divides, bringing disparate audiences together under the binding forces of laughter. Charlie Chaplins legendary dinner-roll ballet, Buster Keaton narrowly avoiding a falling house, even a pudgy cartoon panda sailing into a bamboo stalk face-first; these jokes read no matter who you are because comedy, specifically physical comedy, often shoots for the basest targets in audience response. A viewer doesnt carefully weigh whether a moment worked and then choose to laugh. It either happens or it doesnt, a knee-jerk reflex that comes from the most primal parts of the human brain. Related Links: But the two selections that screened In Competition on a less-spooky-than-usual Friday the 13th handily illustrated the flip side of this principle. Two films, one German and one French, both exemplified senses of humor a bit more kooky or daring than anything the Hollywood studio system would allow through their gates. When comedies make it to Cannes, theyve generally got something a little sharper up their sleeve than banana-peel slippage or fart jokes. (Though theres plenty of room for those, too the French love a good fart.) Todays viewing brought strangeness and familiarity, some welcome and some frustrating. Theres a comforting sort of recognition in getting a good belly laugh while living as a stranger in a strange land, but then again, nobody flies halfway around the world just to eat McDonalds. slack bay Cannes Film Festival National humor-politics aside, Bruno Dumont has a bizarro comedic sensibility all his own. The French cineaste gets his kicks from grotesquerie, displeasure, and violence, usually contrasted with formal elegance for maximum impact, and hes true to form in his latest picture, the demented Slack Bay. (If youre my kind of weirdo and that sentence piqued your curiosity, his miniseries-length film Lil Quinquin is waiting for you on Netflix.) Story continues The title refers to a location on the northern coast of France where the English Channel meets a small inlet, creating a picturesque marshland popular with bourgeois city-folk eager for a scenic vacation in the country. Near the dawn of the 20th century, a family of mussel-diggers make ends meet by carrying the moneyed tourists across a watery patch, wedding-day-style, and then murdering and eating them. The family that ravenously devours human flesh together stays together is unfortunately not needlepointed on a pillow at any point during the film, but theres still no shortage of laughs to be had, most of them fittingly dark. Dumont keeps the class critique right on the surface where viewers can get at it, realizing the old eat the rich adage in gruesome detail. This airing of social grievances stays feather-light with frequent flights of fancy, some literal, as in a rotund police inspector that inflates like a balloon and nearly flies away while investigating all the mysterious disappearances. Dumonts jokes fly all over the tonal spectrum, from brutal deadpan to fatty-fall-down-go-boom gags. This makes for a scattershot overall experience, with ha-ha funny and satisfied smirks in equal measure. The only occasionally charming messiness extends to the performances as well, with Euro-icon Juliette Binoche relishing the opportunity to ham it up even as her fellow cast members affect a bone-dry dourness. This may go back to the class-based chip on Dumonts shoulder, characterizing the wealthy appetizers-to-be as frivolous people, while the working-class cast maintains a stony intensity (particularly Brandon Lavieville as Ma Loute, a wiry teen enamored of a cross-dressing young woman staying on the tony estate near the bay) even as they indulge in depravity. Its a odd synthesis of comedic styles and ideas, but for Bruno Dumont, its just film number nine more of the same from someone unlike anyone else. toni-erdmann Cannes Film Festival If Slack Bay shows French tastes as filtered through the off-kilter sensibility of one artist, Maren Ades Toni Erdmann works Germanys sense of humor through the wringer of Hollywood formula. Chuck Klosterman exhaustively documented the German sense of humor in his essay Ha ha, he said. Ha ha., noting how the nations laughs mostly come from the misfortune of others. (Is there any word more profoundly German than schadenfreude?) Toni Erdmann provides compelling support for his theory, rolling out a series of comical circumstances that embarrass, shame, and otherwise mortify well-to-do businesswoman Ines (Sandra Huller). The architect of her constant foibles is none other than her father (Peter Simonischek), an incurable prankster named Winfried who adopts the alter ego that lends the film its title when he dons a pair of ersatz buck-teeth and a shaggy wig. He worries that his workaholic daughter has her priorities crossed, as she spends her time calculating how best to get her consulting firms big client to cut 200 workers instead of pondering the meaning of life. She, conversely, would like her father to stop tormenting her with his disastrous practical jokes everywhere she goes, endangering her job and personal life with each new corny gag. The crowd at La Salle Debussy was hooting and hollering for the film, not only bursting into roaring laughter but full-on applauding during a mid-scene set piece in which Ines sings a pitchy rendition of Whitney Houstons The Greatest Love Of All, and rave reviews have already begun to trickle in. While its certainly not unfunny Id be lying if I said I didnt crack up at a surreal party scene that finds Ines and her guests ass-naked with a mystery guest clad in a seven-foot-tall Hungarian spirit costume it is almost unbearably typical. Perhaps the films proponents were distracted by the lovely lensing and the fact that its a European film, but this story has been told a dozen times over by factory-assembled American comedy vehicles. Corporate stooge realizes importance of family following hi-lar-ious misunderstandings has probably financed two summer homes apiece for Jim Carrey and Eddie Murphy, and though her film never reaches the depths of unpleasantness in the Adam Sandler/Andy Samberg comedy Thats My Boy, director Maren Ade might as well owe that movie an inspired by credit. She moves through these paces with slightly less conventional comedic set-ups than the scores of identical films, but after the curtain draws, theres nothing left to chew on but the tired moral of family first. cac72c890fd1ffdcdaf694b0899e639c2979c5e3-1000x576 Cannes Film Festival Todays outlier was Exil, a Cambodian picture from Rithy Panh, director of The Missing Picture, I went into blind on a total lark to break up the afternoon. Less of a documentary than a visual essay on the inhumanities of Pol Pots Khmer Rouge death squads, there were decidedly fewer laughs than in the two films discussed above. Of course its an essential story in dire need of telling, but at the same time, documentaries chronicling genocide have a way of sucking the soul right out of you with their ceaseless albeit called-for misery. Exil sets itself out from the usual issue-doc with passages of gorgeous lyricism, leaving reality behind to show our narrator tranquil in a dimension of overgrown natural beauty. His most effective formal technique inserts Cambodias serene forests into a small hut owned by our narrator, powerfully contrasting the fragile wonder of life with the unspeakable horrors perpetrated on the locals. The eye candy doesnt sweeten the bitter taste of war crime, but complements it, resulting in a solemn yet hopeful prayer for a kinder tomorrow. Tomorrow: The day starts with a two-and-a-half-hour erotic drama from Park Chan-wook of Oldboy and Stoker fame, or in film-dork terms, paradise. The afternoon holds the world premiere of Steven Spielbergs B.F.G. adaptation, a epidemic-thriller set on a Korean bus, and then the latest from Cannes mainstay Andrea Arnold. I predicted yesterday that Id finally get some shut-eye, which has since been revealed as wishful thinking. Maybe tomorrow? Perhaps its only when hes giant size that you can really appreciate what a great face Mark Rylance has. The British actor who won a surprise Oscar in February for his performance in Steven Spielbergs Bridge of Spies plays the title character in the directors latest fantasy, The BFG, an adaptation of the Roald Dahl childrens story that had its first screening at Cannes on Saturday. As the motion-capture Big Friendly Giant, Rylance uses his animated mug to great effect, popping his kind brown eyes in astonishment or scrunching them up when he grins. Its a charming performance that marries human talent with Spielbergs technical wonders. So its a shame, then, that the movie often ends up plodding along like another inhabitant of Giant Country. At the press conference after the screening, both Spielberg and executive producer Kathleen Kennedy spoke about their memories of premiering E.T. at Cannes 34 years ago. Thematically, at least, the movies are similar. (The BFG was also the last screenplay from E.T. writer Melissa Mathison, who passed away late last year.) The BFG introduces us to young Sophie (assured, precocious newcomer Ruby Barnhill), an insomniac bookworm living in a London orphanage who happens to spy the title giant out on the street one night. To preserve his secrecy, he whisks her away to Giant Country, an off-the-map otherworld where we find hes actually the runt of the litter, a soft-hearted vegetarian surrounded by bloodthirsty, child-eating ogres (including Fleshlumpeater, the ringleader, played by Flight of the Conchords Jemaine Clement). The BFG is a dream-whisperer of sorts, who collects firefly-like reveries including Sophies wish for a family but has no taste for the confrontation with his fellow giants that the courageous Sophie insists is in the offing. The scenes are beautiful to look at, and Rylance and Barnhill have a touching rapport. But for much of the first half, the pacing of the plot feels slack several critics noted Rylances slow line readings of the BFGs tongue-twisted syntax and, considering the scares in Dahls book, theres an odd lack of menace during scenes featuring giants named Childchewer and Meatdripper. Its not until the Queen of England (a brisk, funny Penelope Wilton from Downton Abbey) is called upon to help defeat the evil giants that the movie gets the fresh jolt it had been lacking. Were treated to a winning set piece of the BFG in a ballroom at Buckingham Palace, as the stiff-upper-lip staff tries to properly serve him a giant-size breakfast, a meal that culminates in a procession of royal farts caused by the BFGs homebrew. Its madcap and a little bit rude and brings to mind the determined weirdness of an earlier Dahl adaptation, 1996s Matilda. Its exactly the kind of fizz or whizzpopping? The BFG couldve used more of. Read more: Cannes Report: The Funny Father-Daughter Tale Toni Erdmann Is Full of Surprises Cannes Report: 'I, Daniel Blake Is a Moving Depiction of Life on the Economic Edge Watch the trailer: Italys Taormina Film Festival has recruited Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux and Jeremy Renner to hold master classes during the upcoming 62nd edition of the Sicilian shindig, which has also brought Richard Gere on board as is honorary president this year. Besides being Cannes topper, Fremaux also heads the Lumiere Institute in Lyon. He will be holding a class about the Lumiere Brothers, cinemas most illustrious pioneers. Renner will hold an onstage conversation about his acting career, which includes Oscar nominations for The Hurt Locker and The Town. Taormina will open June 11 with a special event screening of Disney/Pixars Finding Dory, ahead of its June 17 U.S. release, in the seaside towns open-air ancient Greek theater. Warner Bros Angry Birds will be launching in Italy from the same unique venue, which is under Mount Etna. The expanding Sicilian event, which is one of Italys oldest shindigs, has undergone some changes under general manager Tiziana Rocca, who has transformed it into a more mainstream platform for summer launches while also maintaining a more bona fide festival component dedicated to auteur cinema and discoveries. A section dedicated to independent U.S. movies selected by Variety critics will unspool. Rocca has also raised Taorminas glam quotient a few notches and linked the fest to several charities. As previously announced, Gere will be making the trek for an evening dedicated to the homeless, on opening night, with U.S. ambassador to Italy John Philips also expected to attend. The 62nd edition of the fest will run June 1118. Related stories Tom Cullen to Star in Jeremy Renner's History Series 'Knightfall' (EXCLUSIVE) Director William Friedkin on How He Conjured 1977's 'Sorcerer' Cannes: Directors' Fortnight Reduces Lineup Due to Security Protocols Captain America Civil War 5TH UPDATE, MONDAY, 2:35 PM: The final tallies are in and Disney/Marvels Captain America: Civil War dropped 59% in its second weekend to gross $72.6 million, bringing it total domestic cume to $295.9.M. Today, it will become the third $300M+ film from Disney this quarter, along with its animated Zootopia and Jon Favreaus live-action/CGI favorite The Jungle Book which climbed past the milestone this weekend. Worldwide, Civil War has grossed $943.2M. Sonys Money Monster ended its three-day tally just shy of $15M with a total $14.7M for director Jodie Foster, while horror offering BH Tilts The Darkness scared in $4.9M. Both of them were newcomers this weekend but did nothing to spark the box office. In fact, this weekend we saw a bit of a downturn as overall the Top 10 change from the previous year was off about 30% (last year we had Pitch Perfect 2 and Mad Max: Fury Road together in the marketplace). Next weekend we should see a rise in ticket sales with a number of notable entries into the market: Universals sequel Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, the Russell Crowe-Ryan Gosling comedy The Nice Guys from Warner Bros., and Sonys family offering The Angry Birds Movie. Both Neighbors 2 (under the overseas title Bad Neighbours 2) and Angry Birds opened ahead of its U.S. bow, grossing a total internationally of $20M and $43M, respectively. The Nice Guys is in previews overseas and Money Monster was in previews in France, but no grosses were reported. Heres the Top 20: 1). Captain America: Civil War (Disney), 4,226 theaters (0) / 3-day cume: $72.6M (-59%) / Per screen average: $17,188 / Total cume: $295.9M / Wk 2 2). The Jungle Book (DIS), 3,970 theaters (-174) / 3-day cume: $17.1M / Per screen: $4,311 / Total cume: $311.1M / Wk 5 3). Money Monster (SONY), 3,104 theaters / 3-day cume: $14.7M / Per screen: $4,764 / Wk 1 4). The Darkness (HTR), 1,755 theaters / 3-day cume: $4.9M / Per screen: $2,821 / Wk 1 Story continues 5.) Mothers Day (OR), 3,291 theaters (+150) / 3-day cume: $3.2M / Per screen: $999 / Total cume: $28.7M / Wk 3 6). Zootopia (DIS), 1,935 theaters (-142) / 3-day cume: $2.8M / Per screen: $1,460 / Total cume: $331.8M / Wk 11 7). The Huntsman: Winters War (UNI), 2,518 theaters (-383) / 3-day cume: $2.6M / Per screen: $1,044 / Total cume: $44.5M / Wk 4 8). Keanu (WB/NL), 2,120 theaters (-561) / 3-day cume: $1.9M / Per screen: $908 / Total cume: $18.6M / Wk 3 9.) Barbershop: The Next Cut (WB), 1,333 theaters (-401) / 3-day cume: $1.6M / Per screen: $1,252 / Total cume: $51.3M / Wk 5 10). The Boss (UNI), 1,350 theaters (-583) / 3-day cume: $1.1M / Per screen: $887 / Total cume: $61.1M / Wk 6 11). Rachet And Clank (FOC), 1,258 theaters (-1,637) / 3-day cume: $629K / Per screen: $501 / Total cume: $8.1M / Wk 3 12). Sing Street (TW), 525 theaters (+372) / 3-day cume: $619K / Per screen: $1,181 / Total cume: $1.8M / Wk 5 13). Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (WB), 744 theaters (-849) / 3-day cume: $520K / Per screen: $700 / Total cume: $328.2M / Wk 8 14). The Man Who Knew Infinity (IFC), 194 theaters (+154) / 3-day cume: $508K / Per screen: $2,649 / Total cume: $917K / Wk 3 15). My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (UNI), 717 theaters (+77) / 3-day cume: $489K / Per screen: $683 / Total cume: $58.9M / Wk 8 16). Green Room (A24), 777 theaters (+307) / 3-day cume: $411K / Per screen: $529 / Total cume: $2.7M / Wk 5 17). The Meddler (SPC), 127 theaters (+74) / 3-day cume: $372K / Per screen: $2,937 / Total cume: $1.1M / Wk 4 18). Eye in the Sky (BST), 360 theaters (-59) / 3-day cume: $366K / Per screen: $1,108 / Total cume: $17.8M / Wk 10 19). Hell, My Name is Doris, 257 theaters (-37) / 3-day cume: $248K / Per screen: $958 / Total cume: $13.7M / Wk 10 20). Hologram For the King (RSA), 346 theaters (-60) / 3-day cume: $233K / Per screen: $676 / Total cume: $3.8M / Wk 4 4TH UPDATE, SUNDAY, 7:45 AM: Disney/Marvels Captain America: Civil War dropped 59% in its sophomore frame to gross an estimated $72.6M to $73M+ this weekend, bringing its total cume to $295.89M to $296.3M. The drop is the same to that of both Avengers: Age of Ultron and Iron Man 3, which then went on to top out domestically at $459M and $409M, respectively. Both of those bowed the first weekends of May. Captain America: The Winter Soldier dropped 57% in its second weekend in April 2014 and ended up with a total domestic cume of $259.7M. The Civil War domestic take already has surpassed the lifetime cumes of Captain America ($177M), Ant-Man ($180M), Thor ($181M), Thor: The Dark World ($206M) and Captain America: Winter Soldier. Team Captain and Team Iron Mans cume certainly was helped by Imax, which held 379 screens for a weekend take of $5M (after 10 days the cume domestically is $24.5M. Eight of the films Top Ten top grossing locations were on Imax screens. Overseas, it also had a very strong weekend of play, posting an estimated $84.2M this frame; you can read about that and its total international and global cumes in Nancy Tartagliones international report today (see related link above). This weekend, Disney also enjoyed the success of The Jungle Book crossing the $300M mark after a three-day gross of anywhere between $16.8M and $17.7M. Money Monster, which debuted at Cannes this past week with Hollywood royalty in attendance when director Jodie Foster and stars George Clooney and Julia Roberts graced the red carpet, ended its three-day run with $14.6M. Distributor Sony is banking that the film will have some staying power as it is the only real adult-demo drama in the marketplace for the coming weeks. With around $55M to $60M all in, the film needs to play and also needs a strong showing overseas. The projected end run of Money Monster domestically is around $55M, of which 50% will go back to the studio. Horror film The Darkness from BlumhouseTilt ended up with about $4.9M to $5.18M for its debut. The film, which stars Kevin Bacon and Radha Mitchell, is said to have cost $10M+ all in. That, too, is getting an international release through Universal Pictures, which also is paying for its single-digit marketing costs (60% of the campaign was digital) as its High Top Releasing, a label of Focus, is distributing. While the CinemaScore was a low C, the audience skewed female and young (53% female and 55% under 25) with a demographic breakdown of 45% Caucasian, 22% Hispanic and 18% African American. The projected domestic end run of The Darkness is somewhere between $11M and $15M. The third film under the BlumhouseTilt experiment will be Incarnate directed by Brad Peyton and opening later this year on Sept. 30th. RelatedThe Lobster Review: Colin Farrells Animal Magnetism Highlights Surreal Tale Finally Getting U.S. Release Also noteworthy this weekend was A24s quirky film The Lobster the theme of which is find love or turn into the animal of choice which had a great opening for a small film. It stars Colin Farrell. You can read about its performance in my colleague Brian Brooks specialty box office report. RelatedA24s The Lobster Red Hot In 2016s Top Specialty Bow; Amazon/Roadsides Love & Friendship Robust: Specialty Box Office Thats how they look right now. Heres the Top 10 chart: 1). Captain America: Civil War (Disney), 4,226 theaters (0) / $19.4M Fri. / $32.3M Sat. (+65%) / $21M Sun. (-35%) / 3-day cume: $72.6M to $73M+ (-59%) / Total cume: $295.89M to $296.3M / Wk 2 2). The Jungle Book (DIS), 3,970 theaters (-174) / $4.2M Fri. / $7.8M to $8M Sat. (+91%) / $5M+ Sun. (-35%) / 3-day cume: $16.8M and $17.7M / Total cume: $310.7M to $311.7M / Wk 5 3). Money Monster (SONY), 3,104 theaters / $4.9M Fri. (includes $600K previews) / $6M Sat. (+22%) / $3.6M Sun. (-40%) / 3-day cume: $14.6M / Wk 1 4). The Darkness (HTR), 1,755 theaters / $2.1M Fri. (includes $206K previews) / $1.85M Sat. (-13%) / $1M Sun. (-45%) / 3-day cume: $4.9M to $5.18M / Wk 1 5.) Mothers Day (OR), 3,291 theaters (+150) / $930K Fri. / $1.39M (+50%) / $830K Sun. (-40%) / 3-day cume: $3.15M / Total cume: $28.6M / Wk 3 6). Zootopia (DIS), 1,935 theaters (-142) / $591K Fri. / $1.3M Sat. (+120%) / $843K to $901K Sun. (-35%) / 3-day cume: $2.7M to $2.8M / Total cume: $331.75M / Wk 11 7). The Huntsman: Winters War (UNI), 2,518 theaters (-383) / $684K Fri. / $1.18M Sat. (+72%) / $768K Sun. (-35%) / 3-day cume: $2.57M / Total cume: $44.5M / Wk 4 8). Keanu (WB/NL), 2,120 theaters (-561) / $531K Fri. / $840K Sat. (+57%) / $460K Sun. (-45%) / 3-day cume: $1.8M / Total cume: $18.55M / Wk 3 9.) Barbershop: The Next Cut (WB), 1,333 theaters (-401) / $434K Fri. / $802K Sat. (+84%) / $441K Sun. (-45%) / 3-day cume: $1.67M / Total cume: $51.35M / Wk 5 10). The Boss (UNI), 1,350 theaters (-583) / $321K Fri. / $555K Sat. (+72%) / $308K Sun. (-45%) / 3-day cume: $1.18M / Total cume: $61.1M / Wk 6 3rd UPDATE, Saturday 11 PM: Disney/Marvels Captain America: Civil War rose roughly 67% on Saturday to bring in about $32.6M to $32.8M, which gives us a new three-day estimate tonight of $73.7M. That means in its second weekend, it will have dropped around 59%, right in line with other big tentpoles (see below). That will put the total cume at roughly $297M and soon give Disney its third $300M+ title in the Top Ten, along with The Jungle Book and Zootopia. There were only two new offerings for moviegoers this weekend. The first was the Jodie Foster-directed Money Monster, starring George Clooney, Jack OConnell and Julia Roberts, which enjoyed a 25% increase tonight to cash in with $6.1M. That puts raises the three-day estimate for this adult-demo drama to $14.6M-$14.9M for Sony. Horror film The Darkness dropped about 12% on Saturday for a $1.88M gross, so the three-day estimate is adjusted only slightly. The BlumhouseTilt newbies revised three-day gross is now $5M-$5.1M. More in the AM. 2nd UPDATE, WRITE-THRU Sat. 7:30 AM: Its another Disney-dominated weekend with The Jungle Book passing $300M domestically and Marvels Captain America: Civil War in control in its second weekend as it, too, nears $300M. Team Cap and Team Iron Man grossed about $19.5M to $19.7M last night for a three-day weekend estimated around $69.8M to $70.9M. Thats about a 61% drop and just short of expectations going into the weekend. In comparison, Captain America: The Winter Soldier dropped 57% in its second weekend and Avengers: Age of Ultron dropped 59% while Iron Man 3 dropped 59%. There are two newcomers for moviegoers this weekend the Jodie Foster-directed Money Monster starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts and the horror film The Darkness. Money Monster started off with $600K in previews last night and had a strong showing Friday morning but started to wane throughout the day (as did its Rotten Tomatoes score which was 64% fresh in the AM and fell to 57% last night). This was a project that Tom Rothman brought into the studio two years ago when he made the deal to finance and release the $30M picture as one of his big purchases for TriStar. The film was packaged independently and then sold; Smokehouses Clooney and Grant Heslov also produced. Money Monster garnered a B+ CinemaScore which, on average, gives it a 3.2 multiple. Estimates show it opening to around $14M to $14.4M which could put the multiple around $46M, of which the studio takes roughly 50%. With a budget of around $30M plus marketing and distribution costs, all in its gotta be around $55M to $60M. So its gonna need a bigger boat (a better than average multiple). A film targeted to an older demographic usually takes its time to play out and with the coming weeks filled with family fare (The Angry Birds Movie), young comedy fare (Neighbors 2) and comic book tentpoles (X-Men: Apocalypse), it might hang in there as it has a good start. And its nice to see a film that is not yet again based on a comic book in the theatrical marketplace. In exit polls, Clooney and Roberts were the big reasons that the older audience said they attended. The picture has the cover of EW which will expose the picture to a younger demo and that demo who did attend albeit a very small percentage gave it an A CinemaScore. But, in this day and age, their attention spans are no better than gnats. image1 Money Monster also bows overseas this weekend in select markets (Italy, India, Hong Kong to name a few and is in previews in France) and debuts after a warm welcome at Cannes where the movie screened to a standing ovation for Foster, Clooney and Roberts. Foster had not been at Cannes since she was 12 years old and it was Roberts first time there. The picture needs that overseas box office gross. The film, produced by husband/wife team Daniel Dubiecki and Lara Alameddine, took seven years to bring to the screen they told Deadline during Cannes. For what its worth, its Fosters best opening as a director and Roberts best opening targeted for the adult audience since Eat, Pray Love (all of a sudden, it seems almost better not to point that out). The established reviewers like A.O. Scott, Peter Travers and Time magazine gave the film good reviews. Given that the stars themselves are non-social, Sony certainly did a good job making sure awareness was high. The second newbie, The Darkness, lit up horror audiences tonight. Given that the last horror film (10 Cloverfield Lane) debuted two months ago, fans hungry for the genre came out stronger than expected on Friday night for the film which should bring in about $2.1M ($206K previews included) tonight. If that estimate holds, its three-day gross could clock in anywhere between $5.3M and $5.5M. Its already way ahead of its comp, the R-rated The Green Inferno, which had a higher Thursday preview number $265K but a lower Friday of $1.5M last year and then grossed $3.5M for the three-day. The Darkness may have a bigger Saturday than The Green Inferno because of the films PG-13 rating. Like many of these low-budget horror films, the CinemaScore on this one is a C which means on average a 2.5 multiple. It may turn a profit as budget plus marketing and distribution costs is said to be 10M+ all in and its getting an international release through Universal which is shouldering single-digit marketing costs while BlumhouseTilt markets the film. High Top Releasing, a label of Focus is distributing. The film stars Kevin Bacon and Radha Mitchell. Heres how the Top Ten looked on Saturday morning: 1). Captain America: Civil War (Disney), 4,226 theaters (0) / $19.5Mto $19.7M Fri. / 3-day cume: $69.7M to $70M+ (-61%) / Total cume: $293M / Wk 2 2). The Jungle Book (DIS), 3,970 theaters (-174) / $4M Fri. / 3-day cume: $16M to $16.2M / Total cume: $310M / Wk 5 3). Money Monster (SONY), 3,104 theaters / $4.9M Fri. (includes $600K previews) / 3-day cume: $14M to $14.4M / Wk 1 4). The Darkness (HTR), 1,755 theaters / $2.1M Fri. (includes $206K previews) / 3-day cume: $5.3M to $5.5M / Wk 1 5.) Mothers Day (OR), 3,291 theaters (+150) / $935K Fri. / 3-day cume: $3.3M / Total cume: $28.8M / Wk 3 6/7). Zootopia (DIS), 1,935 theaters (-142) / $579K Fri. / 3-day cume: $2.3M / Total cume: $331.3M / Wk 11 The Huntsman: Winters War (UNI), 2,518 theaters (-383) / $682K Fri. / 3-day cume: $2.3M / Total cume: $44.25M / Wk 4 8). Keanu (WB/NL), 2,120 theaters (-561) / $530K Fri. / 3-day cume: $1.6M to $1.8M / Total cume: $18.3M to $18.5M / Wk 3 9.) Barbershop: The Next Cut (WB), 1,333 theaters (-401) / $433K Fri. / 3-day cume: $1.5M / Total cume: $51.2M / Wk 5 10). The Boss (UNI), 1,350 theaters (-583) / $321K Fri. / 3-day cume: $1M+ / Total cume: $61M / Wk 6 Related stories 'Angry Birds Movie' Takes Off With $43M; 'Captain America: Civil War' Hits $647M Offshore, $943M WW - Intl B.O. Final Jodie Foster On 'Money Monster', Its Relevance And How Studio Movies Have Changed - Cannes Studio Jack O'Connell On The Intensity Of 'Money Monster' And Picking Projects - Cannes Studio The second weekend of Captain America: Civil War is pulling in a massive $71 million at 4,426 U.S. locations while the opening of George Clooneys Money Monster should bring in about $15 million. Sarturday estimates showed Disney-Marvels Captain America: Civil War dominating with a Friday gross of about $19.5 million. The tentpole opened with $179.1 million last weekend (the fifth-highest of all time) and looks likely to decline about 60% a slightly steeper decline than what Avengers: Age of Ultron took in a year ago during the same weekend. Early estimates had pegged Civil War at over $75 million for the frame. If the updated estimates hold, Civil War will become the 11th film of all time to top the $70 million mark in its second weekend. That list is headed by Star Wars: The Force Awakens with $149 million and Jurassic World with $106.6 million; Sonys 2002 Spider-Man is 10th at $71.4 million. Civil War, with Chris Evans returning as Captain America in a face-off against Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, should wind up the weekend with $294 million in its first 10 days. Sonys opening of Money Monster was performing much better than recent estimates, which had pegged it at as low as $10 million at 3,104 sites. The film, directed by Jodie Foster, banked $5 million on Friday as a counter-programming play in the wake of the films out-of-competition world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Rory Bruer, Sonys president of worldwide distribution, pointed to the B+ Cinemascore as an indication that the $27 million thriller should see significant business in coming weeks. Its a smart adult film made for a very reasonable price, he added. BH Tilts horror-thriller The Darkness, starring Kevin Bacon and Radha Mitchell, also scared up a respectable $2.1 million at 1,754 sites in a Friday the 13th launch aimed at horror fans. The weekend should see a $5 million-plus gross, placing it above its $4 million budget and move it in the direction financial success for Jason Blums Blumhouse. Story continues Disneys fifth weekend of The Jungle Book looks likely to edge out Money Monster for second place with about $16 million. The family adventure took in $4.1 million on Friday, its 29th day of release. The Jungle Book should wind up the weekend with more than $310 million domestically. Related stories Digital Tracking: Friday the 13th Scares Up Box Office 'Money Monsters' 'Captain America' to Dominate With $77 Million Weekend as 'Money Monster' Aims for $15 Million George Clooney's 'Money Monster' Bows to Modest $600,000 on Thursday Guatemala City (AFP) - Business chiefs from across Central America made a joint plea to the region's political leaders to ratify a WTO agreement aimed at reducing poor infrastructure and other barriers to trade. "There is consensus in the Central American private sector that the governments of the region urgently need to take action so all Central American countries ratify the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement," they said through a statement issued by Guatemala's AGEXPOR association of exporters. The 70 representatives of enterprises in Central America, meeting in Guatemala City, said bureaucracy, lousy roads and other infrastructure, and lack of technology were hobbling their activities and competitiveness. According to the statement, only Panama and Nicaragua have ratified the WTO accord which was reached in 2013 with the aim of expediting the movement of goods across borders. Inefficiencies and onerous regulations were increasing the cost of traded goods in the region by as much as 10 percent, the statement said. BEIJING (Reuters) - China produced 69.42 million tonnes of crude steel in April, up 0.5 percent on the year, the statistics bureau said on Saturday, with mills defying a sector slowdown in order to take advantage of higher profit margins. China has faced growing international pressure to tackle a colossal capacity glut in the steel sector, and aims to shut 100-150 million tonnes of surplus production in the coming five years. But rising prices have encouraged struggling steelmakers to maximise output, with many able to squeeze out profits for the first time in months. Traders expect output to continue rising in May after a number of previously shuttered mills went back into operation. The April volume is slightly lower than the record 70.65 million tonnes of crude steel produced in March. Output over the first four months of the year has now hit 261.42 million tonnes, down 2.3 percent on the same period of last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Though production has risen for two months in a row, analysts have warned that the improvement over March and April is likely to be temporary, with underlying demand in the world's biggest steelmaking nation still relatively weak. The China Iron and Steel Association's composite index, which tracks the price movements of six major Chinese steel products, rose from 69.81 to 84.66 over April, and has risen more than 50 percent since the beginning of the year. CISA's index is measured against a 1994 reference price, meaning that prices are still more than 15 percent lower than they were 22 years ago. The association warned that mills were still caught in a "vicious circle" in which they ramp up production at the first sign of improving prices, thereby driving prices back down again, and the association's index has retreated to 82.57 during the first week of May. (Reporting by David Stanway; Editing by Stephen Coates) By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In another sign of escalating trade tensions between China and the United States, Beijing told the World Trade Organization on Friday that Washington was failing to implement a WTO ruling against punitive U.S. tariffs on a range of Chinese goods. China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said it had requested consultations with the United States over the issue, and anti-subsidy duties on products including solar panels, wind towers and steel pipe used in the oil industry. China's complaint to the WTO was filed just days after Washington lodged a similar complaint against China, accusing it of unfairly continuing punitive duties on U.S. exports of broiler chicken products in violation of WTO rules. "By disregarding the WTO rules and rulings, the United States has severely impaired the integrity of WTO rules and the interests of Chinese industries," MOFCOM said in a statement distributed by the Chinese embassy in Washington. The case was first brought before the WTO by China in 2012 against U.S. duties on 15 diverse product categories that also include thermal paper, steel sinks and tow-behind lawn grooming equipment. In December 2014, the WTO's Appellate Body ruled in favor of Chinese claims that the products subject to duties had not benefited from subsidies from "public bodies" favoring particular manufacturers. The deadline for implementation of the rulings and recommendations of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, set through binding arbitration, expired on April 1, according to WTO records. A U.S. Trade Representative spokesman said the United States had been "working diligently to comply with the recommendations" and to fully conform with its WTO obligations. He added that the U.S. response to China's request for consultations would come "in due course." Trade tensions between the two largest economies have been rising in the past year as China's economic slowdown floods world markets with manufactured goods. U.S. producers of steel and aluminum have filed a number of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy complaints against imports from China. On Tuesday, the U.S. Commerce Department is scheduled to announce its final determination in an anti-dumping investigations of imports of cold-rolled flat steel products from both China and Japan. That case was brought by major U.S. producers U.S. Steel Corp , AK Steel Corp Arcelor Mittal USA, Nucor Corp and Steel Dyanmics Inc (Reporting By David Lawder; Editing by Tom Brown) By Zheng Li and Pete Sweeney SHANGHAI, May 14 (Reuters) - - China's banking regulator has sent an urgent notice to banks telling them to clear bottlenecks slowing lending to private firms, sources with direct knowledge told Reuters, highlighting rising concern in Beijing about torpid private investment. Chinese banks sharply cut new lending in April after a record first-quarter credit spree, much of which appeared to go to the state sector and may have helped inflate asset bubbles in real estate and commodities. According to the document seen by Reuters, the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) is requiring financial institutions to conduct checks on their implementation of central government directives intended to make it easier for private firms to access bank credit. It also tells them to work to resolve any problems in cases where lending support to private enterprise is insufficient, including small and micro-businesses. The document requires institutions to report their implementation results to the regulator by May 20. The CBRC did not respond to calls seeking comment from Reuters. The document also called for banks to reduce costs for short-term credit products such as bridge loans, which private firms rely on to stay afloat through tough business cycles, while examining risk in their loan guarantee businesses. One of the people with direct knowledge of the order said the important part "is to implement State Council requests and notifications. The key points are areas where policy solutions have not been put into place, or measures have not been introduced, impacting private investment's stable and sustainable growth." PRIVATE INVESTMENT CRUCIAL A broad measure of investment - fixed-asset investment - by private companies rose just 5.7 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, a sharp slowdown from the pace of a year earlier. In contrast, fixed-asset investment by state-owned firms jumped 23.3 percent. Story continues Encouraging private investment is crucial for Beijing both because such investment tends to create more jobs and because such firms are seen as more efficient users of capital and more innovative in moving up the value chain. That is in sharp contrast with the inefficient state-owned sector, which has struggled to produce positive returns on capital invested. Data shows the proportion of private investment as a share of total social financing rose from 49.8 in 2012 to 64.2 percent in 2015. The People's Daily published an interview on May 9 in which it cited an "authoritative person" saying excessive credit growth in China may lead to recession. The article prompted speculation rift is growing within the government about how to best use credit to support growth. There are concerns that a return to state-dominated investment programs targeting infrastructure and property - like that launched in the aftermath of the global financial crisis - will saddle Chinese banks with even more bad debt. (Reporting by Li Zheng and Pete Sweeney; Editing by Richard Borsuk) michael kors Luxury retailers have been unhappy with Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce behemoth that's grown rapidly over the past few years. Their complaint? That it's a haven for counterfeit products, especially bags. Alibaba itself acknowledges the problem in its marketplaces, but things boiled this week when Gucci made headlines for withdrawing from the International Anti Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC). Its departure was apparently because of the Chinese e-commerce giant's membership in the organization. In April, Michael Kors did the same, according to the Associated Press, calling Alibaba, "our most dangerous and damaging adversary." And then on Friday, the retailers got an inadvertent victory: Alibaba was suspended from the IACC because the organization's president, Robert Barchiesi, has stock in and close ties to the Chinese company, the AP reported. The company blamed "a weakness in our corporate governance procedures." Alibaba knows that counterfeit accessories are a problem in its business. The retailer has spent more than $61 million trying to eliminate counterfeit goods, which founder Jack Ma has compared to a "cancer." An Alibaba spokesperson told Business Insider: Alibaba is proud to have received a unanimous vote from the IACC Board of Directors as the first e-commerce company to join the IACC. We see this membership as another great step in working together with brands and the entire industry to fight the war against counterfeits. We look forward to expanding our work with the IACC and encourage all brands to work with us to find and implement solutions to this global issue. alibaba counterfeits Luxury retailers, however, don't seem convinced. Alibaba's reputation is deeply embedded, even if the company swears it's cracking down on counterfeiting. Michael Kors' anger, specifically, came from a letter written by the retailer's general counsel, Lee Sporn, which highlights how the acceptance of Alibaba into the IACC sends a bad, perhaps mendacious, message to retailers. Here's more of the letter, via the AP: Story continues Alibabas strategy has consistently been to provide lip service to supporting brand enforcement efforts while doing as little as possible to impede the massive flow of counterfeit merchandise on its platforms. By admitting Alibaba as a member and applauding Mr. Ma's appearance at the Spring Conference, you give Mr. Ma a powerful tool to speak to brand owners and regulators about his efforts to work collaboratively and effectively with brand owners in the experience of many of your members a shockingly brazen lie. According to The Fashion Law, Longchamp has also expressed dissent to Alibaba's membership. And Kering, which owns Gucci, has taken the company to court. Aside from the loss of profit related to counterfeit products, many luxury brands already face the challenge of convincing Chinese consumers to pay full price for a designer bag, thanks to the growth of outlet sores. "I think there's a correlation between outlets and the China market getting flooded with low price, lower quality products, confusing the customer on what they should pay and what the quality of the brand actually is," Brian Buchwald of consumer-intelligence firm Bomoda told Business Insider, noting that Chinese consumers would pay full-price for a high-quality product. Even in the US, Michael Kors, for instance, has been valiantly fighting to retain its luxury and status as an aspirational brand in the face of general ubiquity from the proliferation of outlet stores. If outlet stores and worse, resold outlet goods denigrate a brand's status as premiere retailer, then counterfeit bags worsen an already sad situation. For luxury retailers, it's a nightmare altogether, since the brand is no longer being accurately represented, especially overseas. Gucci logo is seen in a store at Fiumicino airport in Rome, Italy, April 11, 2016. REUTERS/Max Rossi Counterfeits may pose such a problem on Alibaba because of its business structure. Alibaba has two networks: Tmall, a business-to-consumer network, and Taobao, the company's primary platform, wherein consumers sell to consumers. The latter is where the brunt of the counterfeit and Alibaba's poor reputation resides. These counterfeits happen in the first place because when Alibaba grew, it was simply trying to be big, Buchwald said. Since then, Alibaba has inevitably achieved breadth but at what cost? Even executive chairman Jack Ma has said that the business has grown "too quickly." "All they were doing was building something and saying, 'we want as many companies as possible competing for consumer attention and consumer sales, and we dont care who wins,'" Buchwald said. "Now what they're trying to do is again tip the scale, so that legitimate sellers have greater advantage relative to illegitimate sellers ... but they have a long way to go." Buchwald likens the issue to "how the industry looked at YouTube circa 2005." But he noted the retailer has a long way to go, which might explain why these retailers remain adamant about their stance against Alibaba. Despite this dissent, however, Taobao, Alibaba's reselling platform, could prove helpful for tapping into the Chinese market's potential in the future. "Taobao, which is Alibaba's flagship platform, is right now the largest impediment to brands selling and marketing more effectively to Chinese consumers," Buchwald said. "However, given Alibaba's efforts in technology and marketing and merchandising to improve the seller experience on Tmall, Taobao could very well be a brands' greatest ally in opening up the China market to be more profitable and larger than it is today." And even though Alibaba is no longer a part of the IACC for now, it swears it is committed to eradicating counterfeits. "Whether or not we are a member of the IACC, we will continue our productive and results-oriented relationships with brands, governments and all industry partners," Jennifer Kuperman, Alibaba's head of international corporate affairs, said to the AP on Friday. NOW WATCH: The biggest security mistakes people make when buying things online More From Business Insider A Closer Look at Genesee & Wyomings 1Q16 Earnings (Continued from Prior Part) GWRs Australian revenue in 1Q16 Genesee & Wyomings (GWR) revenue from Australian operations in 1Q16 fell to $51.8 million from $59.9 million in 1Q15. This represents a fall of 13.6%. GWRs 1Q15 revenue didnt include the impact of Freightliner Groups Australian operations. However, in 1Q16 it consolidated Freightliners operations. Even including Freightliner, GWRs revenue in the reported quarter fell. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange translations, GWRs 1Q16 revenue fell by 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. The major reason for the fall was a $11.0 million, or 47%, reduction in Australian mining revenue associated with freight and freight-related business. This was due to the closure of three customer mines in 2015. In addition, 1Q16 revenue was negatively impacted by a $1.3 million, or 8%, fall in intermodal operations. This was primarily due to lower fuel surcharges during Easter. However, this was somewhat pacified by Freightliners revenue. Note that Freightliner Australia contributed $10.9 million to GWRs 1Q16 revenue. GWRs Australian operations Genesee & Wyomings Australian operations include rail freight services in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and South Australia. The company also operates a 1,400 mile Tarcoola-to-Darwin rail line in Australia. Freightliner Group transported coal and containerized agricultural products in New South Wales. After its acquisition, GWR merged Freightliners Australian business into its own Australian operations. Managements guidance GWR expects Australian revenue in the range of $210 million$220 million for 2016. For 2Q16, it foresees $55 million in revenue. The company anticipates that Australian revenue will fall by approximately 10% year-over-year. Southern Iron, a subsidiary of Arrium (ARI), filed for bankruptcy in Australia. GWR had a $15.0 million revenue receipt contract with Southern Iron for the remaining three quarters of 2016. Story continues GWR declared that it wouldnt be receiving the $15.0 million in revenue receipts from Southern Iron, since the latters iron mine was under care and maintenance. The company also expects a significant reduction in coal volumes in its Australian operations for the rest of 2016. Peer group guidance Investors should note that GWRs management provided detailed guidance for 1Q16 and 2016. However, its 2Q16 numerical predictions are falling. Even though GWR is not a Class I railroad company, its often compared with other Class I railroad companies. Among its peer group, Union Pacific (UNP) has not issued guidance for the current year. The same is the case with Kansas City Southern (KSU). However, eastern US peers such as CSX (CSX) and Norfolk Southern (NSC) have both issued 2016 business outlooks. Transportation and logistics companies form part of the industrial sector. All major US railroad companies including GWR make up 5% of the portfolio holdings of the iShares U.S. Industrials ETF (IYJ). Continue to Next Part Browse this series on Market Realist: The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a woman who fell overboard on a Carnival cruise ship early Friday morning. Officials said security footage captured Samantha Broberg, 33, falling overboard on the Carnival Liberty around 2 a.m. on Friday, the Houston Chronicle reported. We are shocked and deeply saddened by the incident that occurred on the Carnival Cruise Ship, Brobergs family said in a statement, the Chronicle reported. We hope and pray the U.S. Coast Guard is able to bring Samantha home. We ask for privacy as our family comes together during this difficult time. The ship is located about 195 miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas. Broberg, a mother to four children, was reported missing by travel companions, Carnival officials said in a statement, and the U.S. Coast Guard is now searching for her in the area where the ship was located when she was last seen, according to the Chronicle. The ship left Galveston on Thursday for a four-day cruise to Mexico. Vatican City (AFP) - Top cardinal Pietro Parolin and two close associates of Pope Francis have sidestepped giving evidence in the controversial and increasingly embarrassing Vatican trial of five people accused of leaking classified Holy See documents. Vatican number two Parolin, fellow cardinal Santo Abril y Castello and Archbishop Konrad Krajewski had all been asked to give evidence on behalf of one of the accused, PR consultant Francesca Chaouqui. The three clerics invoked an article of the Vatican's penal code which allows them to decline to testify for professional reasons. Parolin said in a statement to the latest hearing in the case on Saturday that he had done so because he had "nothing to say regarding the relations between Francesca Chaouqui and (co-accused Spanish priest) Monsignor Lucio Vallejo Balda", specialist Vatican news agency IMedia reported. Chaouqui, Balda and his assistant Nicola Maio are accused of leaking classified documents from a Vatican economic reform panel to reporters Gianluigi Nuzzi and Emiliano Fittipaldi. The Italian journalists are also on trial for publishing the information in books detailing questionable practices in the Vatican's finances and real estate management. The prosecution of the journalists has been condemned around the world and some officials inside the Vatican regard the entire case as a public relations disaster given the lurid nature of much of the evidence. Chaouqui maintains she had nothing to do with any of the leaks while Balda has testified he did so under pressure from her after she made advances to him culminating in a "compromising" encounter in a Florence hotel in December 2014. The PR consultant has also claimed that Balda had a homosexual relationship with an astrologer she introduced him to. Several witnesses, including Monsignor Alfredo Abbondi on Saturday, have testified that Chaouqui boasted of having close ties to the Italian secret services and she has depicted a poisonous atmosphere inside a panel created on the express orders of Pope Francis himself. In another embarrassing snippet to emerge from the trial, Abbondi defended himself and other clerics linked to the panel for organising a terrace cocktail party during the canonisation of Pope Jean-Paul II. The priest said the cocktail had been a "religious event with nothing worldly about it" which had been organised because the panel had not been granted enough tickets for the mass to mark the late pontiff's elevation to the sainthood. SANTIAGO, May 14 (Reuters) - Codelco, the world's biggest copper exporter, has received many approaches over the sale of mining assets, including Freeport's El Abra stake, chairman Oscar Landerretche said in an interview published on Saturday. "At this moment in the copper market there is a kind of mergers and acquisitions push, so there are a lot of discussions. Every conference we go to, we get approached with 25 different offers," Landerretche told Chilean newspaper La Tercera. These have included Freeport-McMoran Inc's 51 percent stake in Chile's El Abra copper mine, he confirmed. Codelco, which owns the other 49 percent, would be interested in the asset "at the right price," he said. Freeport, like other big miners, has been selling assets to cut debt after copper prices tumbled. Landerretche, speaking in London where a Chilean delegation of policymakers and business leaders has been seeking to drum up investor interest, said Codelco would not be interested in Anglo American's controlling stake in Chile's Los Bronces copper mine. Anglo has said the stake is not for sale. However, some media reports have previously suggested Codelco, which owns a smaller stake, would be interested in buying it out. (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Ruth Pitchford) By Kenny Katombe LUBUMBASHI, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - Congolese opposition figure Moise Katumbi was treated in hospital on Friday after police fired tear gas at him and his supporters outside the prosecutor's office in the southern mining hub of Lubumbashi, his lawyer said. The former governor of Democratic Republic of Congo's main copper-mining region had been summoned for questioning over allegations he had hired mercenaries, including former U.S. soldiers, as part of a plot against the republic. Katumbi denies the accusations, which he says are aimed at derailing his campaign to succeed President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled since 2001 but is barred from standing for a third term in an election set for November. Shortly after Katumbi's arrival, police fired tear gas at thousands of his backers, who had gathered outside the prosecutor's office to show their support, and the two sides pelted each other with stones. "He is sick. He was attacked. So it's normal that the doctor would want to keep him under observation," said Georges Kapiamba, who told Reuters Katumbi had inhaled tear gas and was manhandled by police upon his arrival. The hearing was almost immediately suspended after Katumbi said he felt unwell, Kapiamba added. Friday's violence was the third time in five days that police have dispersed Katumbi's supporters amid questioning by the prosecutor that began on Monday. "It's sad that there is not a state of law - police officers who throw stones and wound my older brother," Katumbi said before finally entering the building. Political tensions are high in Congo, where dozens were killed in January 2015 in protests over a proposed revision of the electoral law that critics said was a ploy to keep Kabila in power beyond the end of his mandate. Kabila's critics accuse him of trying to delay the November election to cling to power. The government has said that it is unlikely to be able to organise the poll in time due to budgetary and logistical constraints. The country's highest court ruled on Wednesday that Kabila would stay in power beyond the end of his mandate this year if the election does not take place. In a statement on Friday, leading opposition parties accused the court of supporting a "constitutional coup d'etat" and called for marches across the country on May 26 to demand that Kabila step down this year. (Reporting by Kenny Katombe; Additional reporting and writing by Aaron Ross in Kinshasa; Editing by Joe Bavier and Alison Williams) If you take a good look at your skin, you'll probably spot a number of molessmall clusters of pigment-producing skin cells. Most adults have between 10 and 40 moles, and some people, especially those with lighter skin, may have many more. Moles may change in size and appearance over the years, and in rare instances, a mole may become a melanoma, the most potentially deadly skin cancer. But if youre like most people, you dont usually examine your moles or have a doctor check them periodically to determine whether they're changing in ways that may signal a possible skin cancer. In fact, a survey of 476 people published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that only 25 percent of them reported checking their skin monthly and 17 percent reported that they did a skin check just once a year. So should you or a physician check your skin? If so, how often? Heres what you need to know about changing moles and skin cancer risk. Can Any Mole Become Skin Cancer? Common moles are those were born with or develop until about age 40. They can change or even disappear over the years, and very rarely can become skin cancers. Some research suggests that having more than 50 common moles may increase one's risk of melanoma. More worrisome are so-called atypical moles. They often appear during puberty but can pop up throughout life. Theyre not skin cancers but can have some features of melanoma, such as irregular borders. And while the vast majority of these never turn into melanomas, they are more likely than common moles to become cancerous. Having five or more atypical moles is linked to a higher than normal risk of thick, or more advanced, melanoma. (Many melanomas start as pigmented moles, but the two more common skin cancers, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, dont. They arise on their own from normal skin.) Why do some moles change from benign to cancerous? Genetics seems to play a role. And though melanoma can occur in areas that are usually shielded from sunlight, ultraviolet radiation also appears to be a significant factor. Story continues For example, moles exposed to UV radiation, like that from the sun or tanning beds, can mutate, triggering the abnormally rapid cell division that characterizes cancer, according to a 2015 study in the New England Journal of Medicine by Boris C. Bastian, M.D., professor of dermatology and pathology at the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues. Most melanomas, however, don't develop from exisiting moles. And rates of the cancer, which increase with advancing age, have been rising for at least 30 years. Unnoticed, melanoma can grow and spread quickly, so experts agree that finding it early is key. A melanoma the size of a dime has a 50 percent chance of having spread, says Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., a skin cancer expert at the NYU School of Medicine. Debate Over Screening There's been some controversy lately about following the standard advice of getting regular visual skin cancer checks by your doctor. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent expert panel that advises the government on screening tests, has weighed numerous studies and concluded that there's not enough evidence to recommend either for or against routine skin checks. The Task Force also says that while visual skin exams may help detect melanoma, there is no clear evidence that they save lives. (According to the Task Force, routine professional skin checks have the potential to lead to misdiagnosis, overdiagnosis, and adverse effects from biopsies and overtreatment.) But does this mean you should skip skin exams by your doctor altogether? David C. Grossman, M.D., the vice chair of the Task Force and a senior investigator at the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle, says that this decision depends largely on you and your doctor's assessments of your own personal risk. It's important to note that the Task Force didn't look at people at high risk for skin cancer. And the group only reviewed research on exams conducted by primary care health care providersand didn't assess the potential benefits of having skin checks conducted by dermatologists. The bottom line: Our experts recommend that people at high risk should probably see a physician for a skin check at least once a year, preferably a dermatologist, says Jessica Krant, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and a member of Consumer Reports medical advisory board. Those at very high risk, or with a history of melanoma, should be screened even more often. Key skin cancer risk factors include a history of sunburns, fair skin, light eyes, red or blonde hair, a family history of melanoma, or a personal history of basal cell or squamous cell cancer. Screenings can also help pinpoint the latter two skin cancers, which are more common, but not as deadly as melanoma. Even if you are at lower risk, CR's experts say you should have your skin checked periodically by a doctor. Consider asking for a referral to a dermatologist for the exam. Our experts also consider self checks important. Krant recommends a monthly or every other month schedule. (A study in the journal Archives of Dermatology found that 44 percent of melanomas were discovered by patients.) Use the commonly accepted ABCDE method. And if you spot new moles or are unsure whether a mole's changes may be meaningful, see a dermatologist. Sometimes, a melanoma may not resemble other melanomas in shape, color, or size, says Scott W. Fosko, M.D., chair of dermatology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. For example, he says, the unusual amelanotic melanoma has little to no color. Don't rely on a skin cancer app to give you the information you need. Research suggests that many are unreliable. And, of course, take steps to protect yourself from excess exposure to UV rays in the first place: Shield your skin when you're outside and avoid tanning beds. Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Copyright 2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f88365%2fweed-judge After an overwhelming smell of the sticky icky filled an Ohio courtroom, a man finally admitted he had the stash and pulled two bags of dank nugs from his underwear. Local news outlet WTOL11 reports that Judge Bernie Bouchard stopped a Hamilton County Municipal Courtroom on Wednesday after the stench allegedly enveloped the room. The judge was actually pretty chill about the whole thing and gave the offender the ability to give themselves up before calling in drug-sniffing dogs. SEE ALSO: Girl asks for weed on Twitter, cops respond Eventually, a man named Darius Dabney came forward and told the judge that he smoked weed earlier that morning. But this judge knows what's up and told Dabney that this weed was fresh, not burnt. Dabney then either pretends to forget his name or actually forgets his name, and the judge starts to get frustrated. "I'm finding you in contempt, sir, for coming to court high, wasting the Court's time, public defender's time, everybody's time that's getting paid here,"Judge Bouchard said. "You can't enter a plea because you're not of sound mind, so you're going to do a day in jail for that on contempt. I'm going to continue your case until tomorrow morning. Your bond is $1,000, anyway." Bouchard then tells him he has one last chance to hand over the green stuff or he's going to get a felony charge if they do find it, so Dabney pulls the weed out of his underwear. And this wan't just a little bit of weed. Dabney had one-and-a-half ounces of weed on him. Now considering it stunk up the whole room, it was probably pretty good, so we can estimate that Dabney had about $500 worth of pot on him, according to the average rate for an ounce of high quality pot in Ohio. When asked why he would do such a thing, Dabney told the judge, "I forgot it in my car, sir." "You forgot it in your underwear," the judge fired back. Story continues According to WTOL, Dabney was scheduled to appear Friday morning for his initial probation violation. The full transcript can be read on WTOL. Bonus: Can you find the potato in this sea of hamsters? NBC cleaned house and re-stocked their slate this week, but one hot pilot that was missing from the list of greenlights was Cruel Intentions. The series revival of the 90s flick may still happen, Variety has learned, and Cruel Intentions could end up on NBCs 2016-2017 schedule. NBC and Sony Television have been in long negotiations over the project, which remains a favorite of both the network and the studio. Sources close to the project say that all execs involved want to see Cruel go all the way, but NBC and Sony havent yet come to an agreement over stacking rights or ownership. As of now, NBC has an even split of shows from its in-house arm, Universal Television, vs. outside studios. This week, NBC greenlit four shows from Universal Great News, Marlon, Chicago Justice and Midnight, Texas, which came as a surprise. Earlier this year, the network also gave a straight-to-series order to Universals The Good Place and Emerald City. Six shows are also coming from outside studios with Warner Bros. TVs Powerless and Trial & Error, 20th Century Fox TVs This Is Us, Sony TVs Timeless, which has been a shoo-in for quite some time, and EuropaCorps Taken, which nabbed a straight-to-series order long ago. And then theres The Blacklist spinoff, also from Sony, which just became official this morning. NBC had been in separate negotiations with Sony over Cruel Intentions and The Blacklist, though a source says Blacklists pickup had no impact on Cruels ultimate fate. The Famke Janssen spinoff was always eyeing a series order, but the process was stalled until today (many of NBCs pilots were picked up yesterday) because the network was pushing for large ownership over the project. Late on Friday, insiders close to Cruel told Variety that the two parties decided not to make a decision before Upfronts, but plan to re-visit discussions after the week-long NYC presentations and are hopeful to settle on a summer 2017 debut a time of year that could be perfect for a young, social-savvy show like Cruel Intentions. Story continues The Cruel pilot tested well with a cliffhanger-heavy script and tremendous buzz for its new star Taylor John Smith, whos playing the son of Ryan Phillippes late character, along with its headliner, Sarah Michelle Gellar. If NBC ultimately passes on Cruel Intentions, it will surely be shopped around in search of a new home. Related stories 'Mysteries of Laura' Cancelled at NBC NBC Orders Spinoff of 'The Blacklist' NBC Orders Drama Series 'Timeless' from Eric Kripke and Shawn Ryan Nicosia (AFP) - To mark one year since UN-backed Cyprus peace talks resumed, Cypriot leaders said on Sunday they remain as committed as ever to reunifying the Mediterranean island in 2016. Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Mustafa Akinci, in a joint statement, said their common goal was a "win-win solution" after four decades of division. "We also would like to underline our commitment to intensify our efforts in the coming months with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement agreement within 2016," they said. They said progress had been made but there were still obstacles. "This has been a year of intensive negotiations and we, as the two leaders, would like to express our satisfaction with the essential progress that has been achieved to date," the statement read. "Although there are still difficulties and differences, we are determined to show the necessary will and courage to overcome the remaining outstanding issues." UN-brokered Cyprus peace talks are at a critical juncture. Tough decisions remain on thorny issues such as territorial adjustments, power sharing and property rights that have stymied countless previous initiatives. Top foreign diplomats from the UK, US and Russia have visited the EU member state over the past year to help encourage the leaders to make game-changing decisions. The leaders are working on a formula to resolve the issues of property and territorial adjustment that would create a united, federal Cyprus. Without a solid compromise, a solution would be hard to sell to their respective communities. Any peace accord must be ratified by the two communities in separate referenda. Many believe the good chemistry between Anastasiades and Akinci is creating a climate of trust for an elusive deal to be clinched. The current round of long-stalled peace talks -- in what is seen as the last best chance to reunify Cyprus -- was launched on May 15, 2015. Story continues Lack of a Cyprus settlement is hurting Ankara's own bid to join the European Union, with Nicosia blocking a number of chapters in the negotiation process. "A just and lasting settlement will not only bring peace and prosperity to Cyprus but will also set a good example and contribute to stability and cooperation in the region," the leaders said. Cyprus has been divided since Turkish troops occupied its northern third in 1974 in response to an Athens-inspired coup seeking union with Greece. By Daria Sito-Sucic and Gordana Katana BANJA LUKA, Bosnia (Reuters) - Thousands of Bosnian Serbs staged rival rallies for and against the government in the capital of Bosnia's autonomous Serb region on Saturday, kept apart by a heavy police presence after warnings of violence. Authorities had banned both sides from marching through Banja Luka to avoid confrontations in the politically charged atmosphere in the build-up to local elections in October. The opposition was protesting against what it sees as corruption and the poor state of the economy while the rival rally was a show of support for the government. "We have to fight for our state," Serb Republic President Milorad Dodik told about 10,000 flag-waving supporters, some carrying pictures of Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We want peace. Today we defend our republic from treason." Among Dodik's supporters was Darko Mladic, son of the Bosnian Serb wartime military leader Ratko Mladic who is facing war crimes charges at The Hague. Across town, a similar number of opposition protesters waved anti-Dodik banners saying: "This is not Sicily, we have had enough of Godfathers". They demanded early parliamentary elections, economic reforms and the investigation of what they called political murders and corruption cases. The opposition rally was addressed by Sonja Karadzic, daughter of former Bosnian Serb political leader Radovan Karadzic, who was jailed in March for genocide. Worried that unrest in Bosnia could destabilise his own country, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic had urged Bosnian Serb politicians to prevent the protests turning violent. [nL5N18841E] But police kept the demonstrators apart with metal barriers and city-centre cafes and shops were closed. The rallies ended peacefully. ACCUSATIONS Political tensions in the Serb Republic have risen since elections in 2014, when Dodik's ruling party lost its place in the Bosnian government to the Alliance for Change, a pro-Europe reformist group, and remained in control only of the Serb Republic government. Dodik, who favours closer ties with Russia and has threatened to pull his region out of Bosnia's complex state structure, says officials who support a reform agenda designed to bring Bosnia closer to the European Union are traitors. The opposition accuses Dodik of autocracy and corruption. He has been investigated for embezzlement and abuse of office but never charged. Since coming to power with Western backing 10 years ago, Dodik has adopted nationalist policies aimed at increasing his region's autonomy and weakening state institutions by blocking laws in Bosnia's national parliament. After Bosnia's 1992-95 war, the country was split into a Serb Republic and a Federation of Muslim Bosniaks and Catholic Croats, linked via weak central government. (Additional reporting by Maja Zuvela; Writing by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Tom Heneghan) Cairo (AFP) - An Egyptian court on Saturday sentenced 51 people to two years in prison for protests against the handover of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, judicial officials and lawyers said. Parents and friends of the defendants burst into tears and cried out in shock after learning of the verdict outside the Cairo courthouse. Defence lawyers Hossam al-Khadrawy and Ahmed Abdel-Latif confirmed the verdict, which they said can be appealed. Thirty-three defendants were present in the court, while the rest had been released on bail. Police had quickly dispersed protests against the islands deal on April 25 and arrested dozens of people. Prosecutors charged them with participation in illegal rallies. The deal to hand over the islands in the Straits of Tiran had galvanised dissidents who oppose President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. In the leadup to the protests, police already made dozens of arrests to discourage a repeat of a large rally on April 15 at which demonstrators chanted for the "fall of the regime". The government says the islands had always belonged to Saudi Arabia and that Egypt had merely administered them while on lease since the 1950s. Critics accuse Sisi of "selling" the islands in return for Saudi investments. Sisi, a former army chief who was elected president after overthrowing his Islamist predecessor in 2013, has been accused by activists of installing a heavy-handed regime that tolerates no dissent. After president Mohamed Morsi's overthrow, a police crackdown killed hundreds of Islamist protesters, while hundreds of policemen and soldiers have died in a jihadist insurgency. The crackdown has extended to secular and liberal dissidents over the past two years. Sisi had initially been feted by millions of Egyptians who opposed Morsi's rule and welcomed a firm leader at the helm to revive the economy. But he faces growing discontent with his rule, with the islands controversy seen as another example. The government announced the deal a day after it was signed during a visit by Saudi King Salman. CAIRO (Reuters) - An Egyptian court sentenced 152 protesters on Saturday to between two and five years in prison each after they demonstrated against a decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, judicial sources and state media said. Hundreds of police officers were deployed in central Cairo on April 25 to quell protests against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's decision to hand over Tiran and Sanafir islands. More than 200 people are being tried in connection with the protests, the judicial sources said. Of those sentenced on Saturday, 101 received five-year prison terms and 51 received two-year sentences, judicial sources and the state-owned al-Ahram newspaper said. The 152 protesters were convicted of breaking a law banning people from protesting without first notifying the Interior Ministry, the judicial sources said. Defense lawyer Ahmed Helmy said they would appeal. "There is no evidence of guilt," he told Reuters. The prosecution did not issue any formal statement on the verdicts. In similar protests, on April 15, thousands of people had called for "the fall of the regime", a slogan from the 2011 uprisings which ended Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule and briefly brought the Muslim Brotherhood to power. More than 100 people were detained at those protests, security officials said at the time. Most were later freed without charge, judicial sources said. Saudi and Egyptian officials say the islands belong to the kingdom and were only under Egyptian control because Riyadh had asked Cairo in 1950 to protect them. (Reporting by Haitham Ahmed, writing by Amina Ismail; Editing by Lin Noueihed, Robin Pomeroy and Alison Williams) Dhaka (AFP) - An elderly Buddhist monk was found hacked to death Saturday in Bangladesh, police said, the latest in a spate of murders of religious minorities and secular activists in the Muslim-majority nation. No group has yet claimed responsibility, although the killing in the remote southeastern district of Bandarban appeared to bear a resemblance to several recent murders by suspected Islamist militants. A troubling rise in violence in the South Asian nation has now seen seven murders since the start of last month alone. "Villagers found Bhante (monk) Maung Shue U Chak's dead body in a pool of blood inside the Buddhist temple this morning. He was hacked to death," Jashim Uddin, deputy police chief of Bandarban, told AFP. Uddin said the monk, 75, appeared to have been attacked by at least four people at the Buddhist temple in Baishari, some 350 kilometres (220 miles) southeast of Dhaka early Saturday morning. "We saw human footprints in the temple and found that four to five people entered the compound," he added. He said U Chak was living alone in the hillside temple after having recently left farming to become a full-time monk. A top Bangladeshi human rights lawyer who is close to the country's Buddhist community told AFP that U Chak had received anonymous death threats. "He became a monk just one and a half years ago. He had received death threats, but nobody took it seriously," lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua said. Bandarban is largely Buddhist, home to indigenous peoples who adopted the religion centuries ago. Police district sub-inspector Anisur Rahman, who was at the scene, said that officers had not yet established a motive for the killing but that "it appeared the monk did not have any personal enemies". The killing comes as suspected Islamists have been blamed for or claimed responsibility in dozens of murders of minority Sufi, Shiite and Ahmadi Muslims, Hindus, Christians and foreigners in recent years. Story continues Saturday's murder adds to a grim toll in past weeks, with an atheist student, two gay rights activists, a liberal professor, a Hindu tailor and a Sufi Muslim leader hacked to death since last month. The Islamic State group and a Bangladeshi branch of Al-Qaeda have said that they carried out several of the killings. But the secular government in Dhaka denies that IS and Al-Qaeda are behind the attacks, saying they have no known presence in Bangladesh, and blames the killings on homegrown militants. Clashes broke out in Bangladesh last week after the main Islamist party called a nationwide strike to protest against its leader's execution for warcrimes. Jamaat-e-Islami party president Motiur Rahman Nizami was hanged late Tuesday following his conviction for the massacre of intellectuals during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. Bangladesh is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with small Christian and Hindu minorities. Buddhists make up less than one percent of Bangladesh's 160 million population. London (AFP) - Former London mayor Boris Johnson claimed the European Union was behaving like Hitler by trying to create a superstate in an interview out Sunday which unleashed a wave of criticism. Johnson, the leading figure campaigning for Britain to leave the EU in a June 23 referendum, was attacked by opponents at home who called his remarks "offensive and desperate", as well as from within Europe. In a Sunday Telegraph interview, Johnson said the last two thousand years of European history had featured repeated efforts to unite the continent under a single government, emulating the Roman empire. "Napoleon, Hitler, various people tried this out, and it ends tragically. The EU is an attempt to do this by different methods," said Johnson, a populist figure known for his rhetorical flourishes and historical allusions. "But fundamentally what is lacking is the eternal problem, which is that there is no underlying loyalty to the idea of Europe. "There is no single authority that anybody respects or understands. That is causing this massive democratic void," he said. With under six weeks to go, the "Remain" camp -- led by Prime Minister David Cameron -- and the "Leave" side are tied at 50 percent support each, according to the What UK Thinks website's average of the last six opinion polls. - 'Losing their moral compass' - It is the second time in a few weeks that Johnson has attracted criticism over the way he has made the case for Brexit. He was accused of racism last month after suggesting that US President Barack Obama had removed a bust of Winston Churchill from the Oval Office because of anti-British sentiment linked to his "part-Kenyan" heritage. He made his claims in an article criticising Obama for supporting Britain's EU membership during a visit to Britain. While Johnson has often been accused of preferring to use bluster and comedy to make his case rather than facts, he faced a particularly heavy backlash over his latest comments. Story continues Hilary Benn, foreign affairs spokesman for the main opposition Labour party and a supporter of EU membership, called Johnson's Hitler comparison "offensive and desperate". "Leave campaigners have lost the economic argument and now they are losing their moral compass," he added. Another leading pro-EU Labour figure, Yvette Cooper, said Johnson was playing a "nasty, nasty game". "The more he flails around with this kind of hysterical claim, the more he exposes his shameful lack of judgement, his willingness to play the most divisive cynical politics, and the emptiness of his arguments," she said. Edwin Bramall, a former head of Britain's army who served in World War II, called Johnson's comments "simply laughable" and "absurd". Finnish finance minister Alexander Stubb added on Twitter: "What is happening in the cradle of common sense and civilization? This is an outrageous comparison by @borisjohnson." But Iain Duncan Smith, a former Cabinet minister who is another leading "Leave" figure, told the BBC Johnson was simply stating a "historical fact of life". There was some succour for Johnson as a ComRes opinion poll for the Independent and Sunday Mirror found he was trusted to tell the truth about Europe by twice as many people as Cameron. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party, backed Johnson to follow Cameron as prime minister and Conservative leader. Analysts suggest Cameron will be forced to resign if Britain votes to leave the EU. Johnson, whose term as London ended this month, is one of the favourites to replace him. "Boris goes on surprising people," Farage said in a Mail on Sunday interview conducted before Johnson's latest comments came out. "Could he do it? Yes." Former EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lamberts sudden death at the age of 51 from lung cancer stunned the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday. In life, the dashing executive, whose penchant for expensive suits, relationships with top French politicians, such as former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, and hot temper, rubbed some the wrong way. However, his death softened any lingering ill will. Along the Croisette, executives expressed shock or sadness for Lamberts family. He leaves a wife, Marie Sara, the bullfighter, and four children. Some said that they were too shaken to speak coherently. Those who released statements or worked with Lambert chose to emphasize the personal side of the hard-charging executive. He was, first and foremost, an incredibly devoted father and husband, and his family was most important to him; that will be his legacy, said Tucker Tooley, the former Relativity president who helped establish a joint venture with EuropaCorp. Christophe was also a uniquely talented filmmaker and charismatic leader. He will be deeply missed, and my thoughts are with his family. He has been an incredible partner and most importantly a friend for many years now, said Gregory Ouanhon, head of Fundamental Films. Eric Altmayer, founder of Saint Laurent producer Mandarin Cinema, said that without Lamberts drive the film about the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, which premiered at Cannes in 2014, could not have been made. Thanks to him we lived the unique adventure of this film. He was not an easy man but he was determined and courageous, said Altmayer. Lamberts legacy is inextricably linked to his former business partner, director Luc Besson, with whom he oversaw EuropaCorp. He was remembered for his role in lobbying for the construction of the Cite du Cinema, a sprawling film complex on the outskirts of Paris. The project, whose public financing has drawn controversy in France, had been a major ambition of Bessons. Lambert also helped the director cobble together the $170 million budget for Valerian, an adaptation of the French science fiction comics series, and perhaps the biggest independently financed film in history. It will be released in 2017. Story continues However, the relationship between Lambert and Besson eventually grew strained. Lambert was ousted from EuropaCorp in February, on the eve of Berlin Film Festivals European Film Market which he had registered for and was replaced by former Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger. The moves prompted speculation that he was ousted after falling out with Besson. He insisted, nevertheless, that the departure was his idea. In a statement at the time, EuropaCorp said Lambert had left the company to concentrate on personal projects. Although best-know as a businessman, Lambert recently flexed his creative muscles, helping to create the premise for Nine Lives in which Kevin Spacey plays a tycoon who turns into a cat. Related stories Former EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert Dies at 51 EuropaCorp Shakeup: Christophe Lambert's Journey From Ad Man to Bullfighter to Dethroned CEO Marc Shmuger To Replace Christophe Lambert as Head of EuropaCorp Faith Hope Consolo takes on Brooklyn with a new building for sale at 326-328 Graham Avenue between Metropolitan Avenue and Devoe Street. New York, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2016 / Faith Hope Consolo and Douglas Elliman announce a new exclusive listing in Brooklyn, Williamsburg area. The mixed used building is located between Graham Avenue and Devoe Street in the heart of a culturally rich neighborhood. "Williamsburg is the future and Im happy to be a part of it," says Consolo, chairman of retail for Prudential Douglas Elliman, known as the "queen of retail" and a powerful voice in the New York real estate scene. Retailers will want to be part of the areas vibe and the opportunities it offers. Williamsburg is known as the fashionable epicenter of Brooklyn with a style of its own. A hip vibe pulses through its streets. A vibrant food scene boasts inventive restaurants and active nightlife where locally owned restaurants and shops mix seamlessly with retail chains like Urban Outfitters. Crowds flock to the waterfront festivals in the summer. Bars, gift shops and music stores draw people year round. Williamsburgs style draws from a broad and diverse mix of cultures. Amazing frontage combines with a classic brick exterior that reflects the historic but hip style of the area. The building is ideally positioned to take full advantage of direct sunlight and provides natural lighting. Ample foot traffic on the street and its easily accessible location from train stops at Graham and Metropolitan, making it the perfect location. Built in 1920, the corner property features two combined four-stories with nine free-market apartments and 50-by-100-foot lot. The ground level has an available 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. Overall space is a total of about 12,000 square feet. Parking is on located on property (to the rear) and will be delivered vacant. Price available upon request. About Faith Hope Consolo: Faith Hope Consolo is responsible for the most successful commercial division of New York's largest residential real estate brokerage firm. She is recognized worldwide and is sought after for her expertise as a consult and retail broker. She has played a major role in revitalizing and sculpting retail corridors both nationally and internationally. Story continues Her work has been showcased in leading publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She is a powerful voice in the New York real estate scene and has extensive experience working with iconic brands and fashion houses. To her, style knows no price point. Before joining Elliman in 20015, she served as vice chairman of Garrick-Aug Worldwide for nearly 20 years, founding the firm's international division and opening the European office in Paris. Her expansive client base includes many world renowned fashion houses and brands including Cartier, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Giorgio Armani and Fendi. For more information, visit https://thefaithconsoloteam.elliman.com/rentals For more information about us, please visit https://thefaithconsoloteam.elliman.com/rentals Contact: Name: Faith Hope Consolo Email: info@faith-consolo.com Organization: Douglas Elliman Retail Leasing and Sales Division Address: 575 Madison Avenue 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022 Phone: (212) 418-2020 Source: Faith Hope Consolo From Woman's Day In a fold of tissue paper, in a house in Tempe, AZ, lies a handkerchief that some five generations of women in my family have carried on their wedding days - some of us (like me), more than once. From a nervous bride more than 100 years ago to my cousin's daughter just a few months ago, women on the maternal side of my family have carried The Wedding Handkerchief, also known as "Beulah's hankie," down the aisle something like 13 times. It's nothing special on its own - just a white linen handkerchief with a pretty lace trim. Its brightness has dimmed over the years, and the fabric is thin; the lace is torn a bit on one spot. My Aunt Barbara is the keeper of the handkerchief, which was first carried by an aunt-by-marriage, Beulah Gorgony Crum, on her wedding day (September 14, 1911) in Portland, Oregon. The handkerchief, doubtless, was Beulah's "something new." It's a life-changing time like a wedding, birth, or death when a family tradition or heirloom can bring deeper meaning to the ceremony. There's a lot to be said for wedding traditions, even as the institution itself has changed over the years, because of evolving mores and laws. Marriage equality has become a reality, so it's more than just "man and wife." Some of us have wed multiple times. But it's at a life-changing time like a wedding, birth, or death when a family tradition or heirloom can bring deeper meaning to the ceremony or celebration. Like the famous wedding rhyme, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" - our wedding handkerchief carries more than just symbolism. Beulah and Virgil, her husband, built a lovely large home in Portland's Rose City Park neighborhood, but had no children; so, after some years, they invited their niece, Ruth Crum, to visit from Montana. She was in her mid-20s, was one of several children, and she was unmarried. Ruth took a job in an office but soon met Rae, the dashing son of Virgil's business partner. On Oct. 20, 1930, Rae and Ruth married in Portland; Beulah gave the handkerchief to Ruth as her "something borrowed" to carry. Story continues Rae and Ruth had two daughters: Elizabeth and Barbara. Both daughters grew up and married; each carried Beulah's handkerchief in her wedding, in the mid-1950s, as "something old." Barbara gave birth to two daughters and a son, and Elizabeth had three daughters and two sons. Those five girls (including me) grew up to marry and carry Beulah's handkerchief in each of their weddings in the 1980s. Barbara carried the hankie a second time when she remarried, and the boys' brides carried the handkerchief, as well. Five generations of women have clutched the same exact scrap of fabric on such important days. I carried Beulah's handkerchief under the sash around my waist when I married in 1989, and used it for the tears on my face. Although we separated in 2001, I was lucky enough to get a second chance at love. In 2007, I again carried Beulah's "something old" tucked in my dress. My generation has had our children, and our daughters and sons have grown up. Now three brides of a new generation have carried this matriarchal legacy down the aisle. The latest, my second cousin Lauren, tucked and pinned the hankie under her train to continue the tradition, in January of this year. I think about five generations of women clutching the same exact scrap of fabric on such important days. We shared it when we made promises of love, when we let go of childhood, and when we cried. I think of the magic in women's tears, and of the power in carrying the tears of my foremothers, my sisters, up to the altar. The inheritance of my matriarchs is what helps me stand as a woman. It is what I give to my daughters and future granddaughters. I can't think of a more potent symbol to carry on a date with destiny than that. A former Tennessee-based flight attendant has been indicted after allegedly stealing more than a thousand mini liquor bottles from work in order to sell them online at deep discounts. Shelby County prosecutors said Friday that Rachel Trevor, 28, stole nearly 1,500 of the little bottles while employed with Endeavor Air, the AP reports. Watch: Man Gets Job at Popeye's After Nabbing Robber During His Interview Investigators with the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission said that after a flight Trevor would put the 50ml bottles of rum, vodka, gin and whiskey in her bag. She's accused of posting them for sale on Craigslist for $1 each. The bottles usually cost closer to $8 in-flight. She was arrested in November after agents made undercover purchases of the liquor-filled mini-bottles, according to a Shelby County District Attorney release. Watch: How Long Does It Take For A Thief To Snatch A Locked Bicycle A spokesperson for Endeavor Air, an affiliate of Delta Airlines, said Trevor is no longer employed by the airline. A contact number could not be located for Trevor on Saturday morning and online records do not indicate if she has an attorney. Watch: Wallet Thief Returns Cards With Note; Stop Splurging, Do Your Own Nails Related Articles: The now-presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump, stirred up millions of voters early in his presidential campaign by saying he would build a wall separating the U.S. and Mexico, that wouldnt cost Americans money. Instead, he asserted the entire structure would be paid for by Mexico. After vulgar comments made by former Mexican Vicente Fox about Trumps statement, Felipe Calderon, a former Mexican president himself, is calling for a rational discussion on trade immigration between his country and the United States, while calling Foxs comments disgusting and disappointing. It is not necessary to go to the insults, Calderon told the FOX Business Networks Liz Claman. We need to provide rationality to the debate. We need to provide arguments. Calderon, who served as Mexicos president from 2006 to 2012, said the proposed wall was non-negotiable and would not consider contributing funds at all. Its an absurd and stupid wall, he said. [The U.S. doesnt] have the right to impose any charge on any neighbor. Its the same way people have the right to do a wall in his or her own house, but doesnt have the right to impose the cost of the wall to the neighborhood. The former Mexican statesman issued a warning about the consequences of the U.S. reducing trade with Mexico. Six million American jobs will be under threat, he said. Why? Because six million families in the United States depend on trade with Mexico. Mexico is the second largest buyer of American products. Mexican people are the second largest group of tourists to the United States. Both economies depend a lot on our common trade and relations. Calderon added: [Trump] needs to know that the net migration of Mexican workers to the United States went to zero. And even today its negative, meaning that there are more Mexican workers coming back to Mexico than Mexican workers going to the United States. Related Articles Ilalo (Ecuador) (AFP) - An Ecuadoran who lost both his feet is aiming to become the first climber to scale the world's toughest mountain, K2, with artificial limbs and without oxygen supplies. Santiago Quintero had half of each foot amputated for frostbite after climbing Aconcagua in Argentina in 2002. But that has not stopped him. "They told me I would never climb 5,000-meter mountains again," the smiling 41-year-old told AFP. "But no one can tell me how I am and what I am. Being what I want to be is my decision." Quintero scaled Mount Everest, the world's highest peak at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), in 2013. The expedition landed him in the hospital in intensive care. Now he is aiming to conquer K2 -- the second-highest mountain at 8,611 meters, but considered technically the hardest to climb. He ascended K2, which is on the border between China and Pakistan, once before but stopped short of the summit. His party had to turn back when they sank up to their chests in snow. He says he caught frostbite on Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, because he could not afford a $100 pair of waterproof covers for his boots. He spent nine months in the hospital in Spain, where doctors performed the amputations, then a further five years waiting to have prosthetic feet fitted. With those artificial members, he has already scaled seven of the 14 mountains in the world that are over 8,000 meters high. In total 188 mountaineers have scaled K2. "They did it with their bodies fully intact," said Quintero. "That's quite different." He plans to start his hike up K2 on June 13 and finish on July 31. "I am quite determined," he told AFP, while resting during a training climb on the extinct Ilalo volcano in northern Ecuador. "Without the mountains, I think I would rather be dead." Some cars lead better lives than others. While many get put through the ringer of high-mileage commutes, brutal northern winters, or salty coastal breezes, others are used rather sparingly. Theyre kept unmodified and carefully tucked away in garages. And this would appear to be one of those rare birdsan astonishingly clean 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT. According to its owner, the two-door Ford Bronco was originally sold new in Shreveport, Louisiana, only to head to sunny California a short three months later. Over the past 37 years, thats where it has remained, until now that is. The unrestored 79 Bronco recently hit the eBay auction block, and asks an eye-opening $43,000 for its unblemished state. RELATED: Meet the 4-Door Ford Bronco You Didnt Know Existed While the Ford Bronco survived a total of 30 years and five generations, this vintage of Bronco is particularly interesting. In the 1970s, truck-based full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger were really catching on with customers, eventually encroaching on Bronco market share. To fend off its domestic aggressors, in 1978 Ford redesigned the Bronco to share its looks, chassis, and drivetrain with the larger F-100 pickup truck. Up until its end in 1996, the Bronco would keep this F-series relationship. This specific second-generation look was only kept for the 1978 and 1979 model years, and it forms a rather nice blend between the original Broncos 1960s good-looks and simplicity, and the later F-series bruisers that followed. RELATED: A Ford Dealership is Selling 727-HP Mustangs for $40,000 Noted to be a higher-spec Ranger XLT model, the cars invoice reads like a sepia-tinted how wed spec it list, complete with Fords smaller 351ci Cleveland V8 (a 400ci V8 was an option), as well as four-wheel drive, skid plates, tow hooks, air-conditioning, a four-speed manual, and a larger fuel tank. No, these were not fuel sippers. According to the listing, the owner believes this Broncos shade of Dark Jade Metallic paint to be original, and further notes that they dont think the removable hardtop has ever been well, removed. The odometer reads 97,664 miles. Story continues From a collectors standpoint, the first-generation Ford Broncos remain the most popular and sought-after models, however as the years pass these first 78 and 79 Big Broncos may pull equal in value. RELATED: Ford May Be Working On an 800-HP Shelby GT500 The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a mother of four who plummeted from a cruise ship into the Gulf of Mexico Friday. Search and rescue coordinators out of the Coast Guard's 8th District command center conducted 20 hours of searching after Samantha Broberg, 33, was reported missing from the Carnival Liberty approximately 200 miles southeast of Galveston. The crews searched a total area of more than 4,300 square miles, the Coast Guard said in a release. Officials first saw what they believe to Broberg falling from the ship in surveillance footage before it was apparent that Broberg was missing. Read: Police Baffled by Mystery of Human Ashes Found in Ditch With American Flag "Based on the video analysis, we can confirm that it appears she climbed up and sat on a deck railing and subsequently fell backwards," Carnival spokeswoman Jennifer De La Cruz said in a statement. The Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile, Alabama HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew were dispatched to conduct the initial aerial search. Coast Guard Petty Officer Andy Kendrick told InsideEdition.com that a second plane out of Texas aided in that search, which continued throughout Friday night and into Saturday. Saturday morning, Kendrick said a third plane was dispatched to take over the search, which covers around 30 by 50 nautical miles. Missing persons posters featuring Broberg had also previously been placed around the ship, which can accomodate up to nearly 3,000 guests, after Broberg's companions reported her missing. Read: Mom Gives Birth to 1-Pound Baby on Cruise Ship: It Was Just a Crazy Moment "Unfortunately, it appears the guest may have gone overboard," Carnival said in a statement. The Carnival statement continued: "Authorities were notified including the U.S. Coast Guard which is initiating a search effort in the area where the ship was located when the individual was last seen. Story continues "Carnivals CareTeam is providing support to the guests traveling companions and family. We are keeping our guest and her loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time. Carnival Liberty departed Galveston, Texas on a four-day Mexico cruise on Thursday. The ship is based in Galveston year-round." Watch: Wife Defends $21 Million Payout for Cruise Ship Door Hitting Husband's Head Related Articles: ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Gambia has charged six women with offences including rioting, unlawful assembly and inciting violence for demonstrating against the prosecution of dozens of opposition activists, a defense lawyer and court official said on Saturday. Police arrested the women on May 9 outside a courthouse in the capital Banjul where about 45 members of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) were standing trial for staging protests against President Yahya Jammeh. The demonstrations are a rare act of defiance in Gambia, where Jammeh has dealt swiftly and severely with dissent since seizing power in a 1994 coup. This week's demonstration involved many women, some of whom carried cooking spoons -- a traditional symbol of protest in the West African nation. UDP officials say 25 of their members were arrested outside the courthouse. It was not clear whether the other 19 protesters remained in custody or if they would face charges. The six women were due to appear in court on Monday. Jammeh has garnered international attention for his eccentric proclamations, including a claim to have invented a cure for HIV/AIDS, and his recent surprise decision to make Gambia an Islamic republic. But he is also regularly denounced by rights groups and foreign governments for ruthlessly stamping out political dissent in the nation of two million people, which is a popular beach destination for budget-conscious European tourists. Having scrapped constitutional term limits, Jammeh, who once told a report he could rule Gambia for "a billion years", is expected to win re-election again in December. The ECOWAS regional bloc refused to send observers to the last elections in 2011, citing intimidation of the opposition and the electorate. (Reporting by Joe Bavier; Editing by Helen Popper) If you need someone to tell your secrets to, don't look at Kit Harington. The Game of Thrones actor, who stars as the beloved Jon Snow on the hit HBO series, was a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday, where he got candid about the select number of "trusted people" who were informed about the Lord Commander's fate before season six premiered -- and the one person he made an exception for. WATCH: Did Kit Harington Accidentally Spoil Jon Snow's 'GoT' Fate? Harington hilariously admitted to Fallon that before it was revealed on the fantasy drama, he told a police officer that his character -- SPOILER ALERT! -- came back to life in order to get out of a speeding ticket. "OK, one policeman knew," the 29-year-old confessed. "There's a story behind it. I was driving back from my parents' house, and I was driving too fast. I was just being a bit naughty. I was going over the speed limit, and I feel the sirens go off behind me and this policeman comes up, pulls me over." "He said, 'You do realize how fast you were going, and that's a bookable offense?' And he said, 'Look, there's two ways we can do this: You can either follow me back to the police station now and I book you in or you can tell me whether you live in the next series of Game of Thrones.'" WATCH: Jon Snow's Fate Finally Revealed on 'Game of Thrones' Harington revealed that he let the police officer in on the truth and was free to drive away without any punishment. "He says, 'Mmmhmm. On your way, Lord Commander,'" Harington remembered. "'Keep the speed down this far south of the wall.' Isn't that brilliant?" Harington claims he only confessed the huge secret to three other people: his girlfriend, Rose Leslie, and his mother and father, whom he "told straight away." "I was good," Harington said about keeping the big reveal hush, even though he clearly made a few mistakes. "When [the writers] told me, they said, 'You can't tell anyone now. He said Dan [D.B. Weiss], David [Benioff], George [R.R.] Martin, a couple of producers at HBO and, now, you know. And you can't tell your mom, you can't tell your dad, you can't tell your brother, you can't tell your friends -- no one.'" Story continues PHOTOS: Kit Harington and Rose Leslie Make Red Carpet Debut as a Couple In another interview published on Wednesday in Vogue Italia, Harington couldn't stop gushing over Leslie, who starred as Snow's love interest Ygritte in GoT. "Because the country is beautiful, because the Northern Lights are magical, and because it was there that I fell in love," he said, reflecting on the moment he knew he only had eyes for the red-haired beauty. "If you're already attracted to someone, and then they play your love interest in the show, it becomes very easy to fall in love." Earlier this year, Harington's co-star, Emilia Clarke, gushed to ET about Harington and Leslie's coupling. Find out why she said their love is "a beautiful thing" in the video below. Related Articles SHANGHAI (AP) -- American sprinter Justin Gatlin's preparations for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics got off to a solid start with a commanding win in the 100 meters at the Shanghai Diamond League meet on Saturday. Olympic 800 champion David Rudisha of Kenya faded on the final straight and finished fifth after a poor start he blamed on field competitors crowding the track. Gatlin easily won the 100 in 9.94 seconds, several strides ahead of Qatar's Femi Ogunode in second and Michael Rodgers of the United States in third. His main rival in Rio, Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt, did not compete in Shanghai. ''I was just looking to execute each phase of my race,'' Gatlin said. ''Working on my start, working on my transition, just have a good finish.'' Rudisha, meanwhile, was leading on the final curve in the 800 before being passed by countryman Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich, who won the race in 1 minute, 45.68 seconds. Rudisha finished in 1:46.24, well off his world record of 1:40.91. Afterward, he blamed the result on confusion over the javelin throwers and high jumpers who were still on the track as the race was starting. ''We tried to raise our hands up, but the gun went off,'' he said. ''I lost almost two seconds of my time. ... It's unfortunate. The technical guys - I don't know what they're doing there.'' Rudisha expressed relief, however, over a ruling by the IAAF on Friday that cleared Kenya's track athletes to compete at the Rio Olympics despite a suspension of the country's anti-doping body by the World Anti-Doping Agency over flawed legislation in Kenya. ''The IAAF says that there's no way we could be banned from the Olympics,'' he said. ''But Kenya's under pressure, you know, just to comply with WADA.'' Kenyan steeplechaser Hyvin Kiyeng echoed Rudisha's sentiments after winning the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase in 9:07.42, more than eight seconds better than runner-up Ruth Jebet of Bahrain, saying she believes the Kenyan government is trying to address the issue. Story continues ''The government asked us to focus on the Olympics, but I think they'll do something,'' she said. ''Doping, you cannot say, because it is individuals.'' Gatlin's victory in the 100 aside, it was a disappointing night for the Americans in the sprints, with no top-three finishers in either the women's 200 or the men's 110 hurdles. Murielle Ahoure of the Ivory Coast won the 200 in 22.72, edging seven-time Olympic medalist Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica, who turns 34 on Sunday. Kaylin Whitney was the top American finisher in sixth place. Jamaica's Omar McLeod won the hurdles in 12.98, besting 2013 world champion David Oliver (fifth) and 2012 Olympic silver medalist Jason Richardson (sixth). Aries Merritt of the U.S., trying to make a comeback for the Rio Games after a kidney transplant in September, was disqualified after false-starting. Sam Kendricks of the U.S. beat a strong field to win the men's pole vault in 5.88 meters, with world record holder Renaud Lavillenie of France in second and last year's world champion, Shawn Barber of Canada, in third. China got a surprise victory in the men's long jump as Gao Xinglong won with a leap of 8.14 meters over South Africa's Rushwal Samaai and Australia's Fabrice Lapierre. BERLIN (Reuters) - Police found a pig's head bearing a written insult against German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the entrance to her constituency office in the northeastern town of Stralsund on Saturday, state police said. Police declined to provide further details about the insult when contacted by Reuters, saying an investigation had been launched. Merkel's popularity has waned due to her liberal migrant policy. More than a million migrants arrived in Germany last year, many of them fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa, and concerns about how Europe's largest economy will be able to integrate them are now rife. An INSA poll published on Wednesday showed that almost half of Germans did not want her to stay in office for a fourth term after an election next year. (Reporting by Michelle Martin; Editing by Mary Milliken) Google CEO Sundar Pichai Messaging is the new battleground among powerful tech companies. But Google is missing in action. Facebook, Snapchat, and Microsoft are racing to build ever more powerful chat apps, based on artificial intelligence, virtual assistants, and bots. Some industry insiders predict that messaging will become the next big computing platform, providing a new way for consumers to do everything from shopping online to reading the news. As Google kicks off its annual developer conference near San Francisco next week, a growing number of users, software developers, and analysts think Google needs to get on the ball and make some messaging-based announcements. The company's Hangouts chat app was an early success when it was introduced years ago, but it appears to have languished recently. Google can't ignore messaging forever. Why chat matters for Google Everyone's talking about how chat is the next big thing. Huge tech companies like Facebook and Microsoft as well as startups like Slack and Viv believe we're hurtling toward a future where you will connect to a bunch of different services through a simple, conversational interface. Order flowers through a Facebook Messenger bot or plan a whole night out by texting with a digital assistant. The idea is that people will love this kind of interaction because it eliminates the need for downloading many apps, using awkward search queries, or navigating through different web pages. But it existentially threatens Google's search business. If you're getting your information and making your mobile purchases by chatting with artificial-intelligence-powered bots, you're not going to be seeing Google's search ads. "Once this new world order is in place, you will quickly forget how Google worked phrase-based search and 10 links will become the things of the past," entrepreneur Alex Iskold prophetically wrote early last year. "You will quickly get used to, and will love, the human way to search. Via a text message." Story continues Although Google has long focused on artificial intelligence and natural language interpretation, it doesn't currently offer any platform for integrating chatbots. "If you wanted to build a bot, how could you do that with Google? Im hoping to see that next week," analyst Patrick Moorehead of Moor Insights and Strategy says. One natural way to integrate bots would be through a messaging app, such as Facebook Messenger or Kik. The Wall Street Journal reported last December that Google plans to release a smarter, bot-focused messenger app, but it's unclear whether it would build that functionality into Hangouts or a separate app. "Google does have Hangouts, but the experience there is starting to feel a bit dated," Forrester analyst Michael Facemire tells Business Insider. "As messaging platforms (and the bots that run on them) become more and more important to the mobile experience, it would be strange for Google to continue to stay stagnant there." It's not clear how big a role messaging will have at Google's IO conference, which takes place in California near the company's headquarters Wednesday through Friday. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has repeatedly hinted that Google is focused on moving to an "AI-first" world, which could potentially fit in well with a chat-based framework. Statista Hangouts needs a revamp Google's main operating-system agnostic app is Hangouts, the product that emerged after it unified several existing chat apps in 2013. It also has its Android-only SMS app, Messenger, and just released a new keyboard for iPhones, which isn't a chat app per say, but does bring the Google search experience into Apple's iMessage. But unfortunately, the main Hangouts experience hasn't gotten as many updates or new features as its users would like. The annoyance was particularly tangible in a recent chat thread about a new, simplified desktop view for Hangouts. "All other messaging apps (Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, even Telegram) have eaten Google's lunch, while Hangouts has lagged behind, both in terms of stability, as well as features," user Manish Sahai writes to a Googler engineer Sage LaTorra who's on the thread. "I remember every single time one of your team members comes back saying 'Just wait and see the features we are working on!' and nothing at all comes up." While the change Sahai and other users are hoping could actually happen next week, LaTorra chimed in multiple times to hint that it's coming soon: "I think we may yet be able to make Hangouts fit into your dreams a little more." NOW WATCH: How to see everything Google knows about you More From Business Insider By Lisa Barrington BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hezbollah said on Saturday its top military commander, whose death it announced on Friday, was killed in Syria by Sunni Islamist artillery fire and not by an Israeli air strike as one member of the Lebanese Shi'ite movement had said. "Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri (hardline Sunni) groups in the area," Hezbollah said in a statement. The Shi'ite Muslim group is fighting in Syria, backing President Bashar al-Assad against a range of Sunni groups including Islamic State and the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front. But a war monitoring group cast doubt on its version of Badreddine's death, saying there had been no shelling by rebels in that area for more than a week. Damascus airport and its surroundings are controlled by the Syrian government and allied forces. Between it and government-held central Damascus, rebels control a portion of the Eastern Ghouta suburb, which has experienced fighting for most of the conflict now in its sixth year. "There has been no recorded shelling or firing from the Eastern Ghouta area onto Damascus International Airport for more than a week," Syrian Observatory for Human Rights director Rami Abdulrahman told Reuters. Hezbollah's statement did not say when the attack took place or when Badreddine died. Badreddine was given a military funeral in Hezbollah's stronghold in southern Beirut on Friday. "The outcome of the investigation (into Badreddine's death) will increase our determination ... to continue the fight against these criminal gangs and defeat them," Hezbollah said. Iran-backed Hezbollah, considered a terrorist group by the United States and Gulf Arab states, wields enormous political influence in Lebanon alongside its powerful military wing. Around 1,200 Hezbollah fighters are estimated to have been killed in the Syrian conflict. ENEMIES Badreddine had many enemies. He was sentenced to death in Kuwait for his role in bomb attacks there in 1983 and escaped from a Kuwaiti jail after Saddam Hussein's Iraq invaded in 1990. His release from jail in Kuwait was one of the demands made by the hijackers of a TWA flight in 1985, and of the hijackers of a Kuwait Airways flight in 1988. For years, Badreddine masterminded military operations against Israel from Lebanon and overseas and managed to escape capture by Arab and Western governments. "The martyred commander spent years of his life on the front line of the jihad (struggle) against the Zionist entity," Iran's parliament speaker Ali Larijani said in a telegram to Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah reported by the group's media outlet Al Manar. Israel declined to comment on speculation it was behind Badreddine's death, but a former Israeli official said his country would be glad of the news. Badreddine was one of five Hezbollah members indicted by the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the 2005 killing of statesman Rafik al-Hariri, one of Lebanon's most prominent Sunni Muslim figures. Hezbollah denied any involvement and said the charges were politically motivated. A Special Tribunal prosecutor described Badreddine as an elusive character who passed as an "unnoticed and virtually untraceable ghost through Lebanon". (Additional reporting by Omar Fahmy; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) Hollywood studios are putting the pedal to the metal on film co-production in Spain, and finding the fruit of a global strategy of deeply embedding into local film industries. The Hollywood majors interest comes as the local market share for Spanish movies shot up to new highs of 25.5% in 2014 and 19% last year. Local indie distributors lack of financing muscle has also smoothed the path of the majors, which released 15 of the the top 20 highest-grossing Spanish titles in 2015. Paramount, Warner and Universal all scored their biggest domestic hits with Spanish fare, beating out heavy-hitters including Jurassic World, American Sniper and Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation. Breaking historical records, Mediaset Espanas Telecinco Cinema-produced comedies Spanish Affair and Spanish Affair 2, distributed by Universal Pictures Intl. Spain, accumulated a combined $105 million B.O. over 2014-15. The economic recovery, coupled with improvements in anti-piracy, have made the market rebound, says Pablo Nogueroles, director general, Warner Bros. Pictures Spain. Local films have also benefited. There is a new generation of Spanish filmmakers that is finding an audience interested in the stories they tell, says Ivan Losada, managing director at Sony Pictures Spain. Over the years, the Spanish film market has seen cyclical production activity by the studios; now they are increasing their role. U.S. majors dont want to stay out of local movie business as they stayed out of Spanish primetime drama production, says Zeta Cinema producer Francisco Paco Ramos. Per Nogueroles, Warner is committed to strong and long-term local filmmaking and producing partnerships. While we are now investing more in local films, that is nothing new for us, as we have co-produced in the past and will certainly continue to do so. A pioneering major in strengthening local production ties beyond distribution, Warners recent co-productions include Fernando Gonzalez Molinas successful period drama Palm Trees in the Snow, with Atresmedia Cine and Adrian Guerras Nostromo Pictures, which scored $19.1 million over 2015-16. Story continues Upcoming WB Spanish releases for this year encompass Alberto Rodriguezs spy pic Smoke & Mirrors, Nacho Garcia Velillas comedy Villaviciosa de al lado and Oriol Paulos thriller The Invisible Guest. Per market estimations, some 15 Spanish film projects will be co-financed and distributed by U.S. majors in 2016. Sony is one of the most active studios in Spanish film production. The arrival last year of Sanford Panitch as president of Sony Pictures Intl. Film and TV has undoubtedly boosted its interest in international production. Our bet is not motivated so much by whats happening in the Spanish market as Sanford Panitchs firm determination to become a major player in co-productions, that producers can knock the door with their projects, Losada says. Sony is co-producing Agustin Diaz Yanes conquistador epic Oro with Atresmedia Cine and Enrique Lopez Lavignes Apache Films, plus Maria Ripolls romcom Dont Blame Karma for Being a Jerk, with Zeta Cinema, re-teaming with Ripoll and Zeta after 2015 hit comedy Its Now or Never ($9.5 million). U.S. studios now board film projects in earlier stages, and take multiple distribution rights outside Spain. What has changed is that U.S. majors international departments are aiming to become a larger part of the Spanish industry, [working with] the local film talent and they are not asking to change the Spanish-language of films, or maybe just to universalize some marketing aspects, says producer Enrique Lopez Lavigne. In the past, we related with them in a more superficial way. But now relationships are increasingly consolidating it is a mutual learning curve. Sony follows two different models in Spains production sector. There are films which, by their nature, for commercial projection require more of a bet on co-production, others on distribution. We continue to be interested in both models, which can perfectly co-exist, Losada says. Before handling the Spanish Affair saga, Universal had already co-produced Juan Carlos Fresnadillos Intruders, starring Clive Owen, as well as Guillem Morales Julias Eyes. Although part of their global aim, backing films in Spain also offers some extra advantages for U.S. majors, such as the marketing muscle offered by private free-to-air TV broadcasters Mediaset Espana and Atresmedia, both driving forces behind the Spanish film sector. Once a deep source of losses, film investment is allowing TV operators to make a profit in recent years. Spanish commercial broadcasters promotional support for local films represents an added value [for the Spanish market], says Atresmedia Cine CEO Mercedes Gamero. At the same time, we are obliged by law to invest in film, which helps majors perceive some guarantees in the strength and results of our projects. Atresmedia has previously teamed with Universal and Warner. Sony takes Spanish, Latin American and U.S. distribution rights in the Oro co-production deal. The studios allow your film to travel better, and bring their know-how and expertise for marketing, Gamero says. Ramos calls it an important move for the Spanish film industry, especially for commercial films with big B.O. potential. Related stories 'Star Wars' Fights Local Comedies at European Box Office Atresmedia, Warner's 'Palm Trees' Dislodges 'Star Wars' from Spanish B.O. No. 1 Berth Spain's Box Office Surges 8% in 2015 Beer_thief2 Chattanooga authorities are currently searching for an innovative criminal who stole a 12-pack of beer by stuffing the case up her skirt and, we presume, wobbling away like a penguin. She also paid for less than a dollar of gas using the gas station's "take a penny, leave a penny" jar, because criminals need to stay on brand. She was the original thigh master, you know? gas station owner Tim Winters said. Couldn't have said it better ourselves. Are diamonds really forever? The hydraulic press says otherwise 'Veep' star leads Marvel 'Civil War' comedy re-enactment WTF, celebrities: James McAvoy shot Jennifer Lawrence with a BB gun while she was peeing Kit Harington told a cop about Jon Snow's fate to avoid a speeding ticket From Road & Track While the cancellation of the debut IndyCar Grand Prix of Boston was unfortunate, there's quite a great silver lining for motorsports fans. To replace the race on Boston's streets, IndyCar will return to Watkins Glen in upstate New York for the first time since 2010. The race is set to take place on September 4th over Labor Day weekend. The deal to bring IndyCar back to Watkins Glen only took two weeks to finalize, reports Fox Sports. IndyCar organizers and the track are reportedly working on a multi-year deal that would make the Watkins Glen race an annual occurence. This announcement comes just two weeks after the cancellation of the Grand Prix of Boston, which fell apart over disagreements between IndyCar organizers and the City of Boston. While it would have been cool to see IndyCars race through Boston for the first time ever, a race at Watkins Glen is more than a consolation prize. It's one of the greatest tracks in the country, so the racing there should be something to watch. via Black Flag BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian government forces retook a hospital in Deir al-Zor after Islamic State attacked it on Saturday following a dawn offensive by the militants on the besieged eastern Syrian city, a war monitor and state media said. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors Syria's five-year-long war, said Islamic State had killed at least 35 members of the Syrian armed forces and detained some medical staff from the hospital. The fighting in and around the hospital also killed at least 24 Islamic State fighters, the Observatory said. Islamic State's Amaq news agency said its fighters staged a "major offensive" on the southwestern edge of Deir al-Zor on Saturday, storming the Assad Hospital and cutting the supply route between the a Syrian army base and the airport. Islamic State controls most of Deir al-Zor province and has laid siege since March last year to the remaining government-held areas in the city of the same name, which is close to Syria's eastern border with Iraq. Deir al-Zor province links Islamic State's de facto capital in the Syrian city of Raqqa with territory controlled by the militant group in neighboring Iraq. Islamic State also said it had taken control of a check point, a fire station, university accommodation, grain silos and some territory near the al-Tayyam oil fields, in the vicinity of the state-held military airport on the city's southern edge. Russia's RIA state news agency on Saturday reported a source within the airbase on the southern edge of the city as saying an Islamic State attack had been repelled. The Observatory and Amaq said there were ongoing fierce clashes between government forces and Islamic State in the area of the attack. Islamic State said it killed at least 80 government troops, took three prisoner and destroyed a number of armored vehicles. The Syrian government and its Russian allies make regular aid drops into the encircled city and there are frequent air strikes on Islamic State targets in and around Deir al-Zor. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington in Beirut and Omar Fahmy in Cairo; Editing by David Clarke and Helen Popper) Harrison Ford is apparently not familiar with Jennifer Lawrence. The Hunger Games star revealed the awkward moment she met Harrison Ford, along with his Force Awakens director, J.J. Abrams, when she decided to do something highly out of character. For the first time ever in my career I never assume anyone knows who I am I saw Harrison Ford and J.J. Abrams, and was like, Yeah this is fine, were all co-workers. Be right back guys, Im gonna go say hi to the Star Wars dudes! the 25-year-old actress said on The Graham Norton Show. EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Lawrence Reveals She Used to Yell at Ex Nicholas Hoult in a Southern Accent Thats when Lawrence says she approached their table snapping and dancing as they looked back at her, stunned. I realized while I was dancing they have no idea who I am, she said. So I just turned around and walked back. Dying. WATCH: Exes Jennifer Lawrence & Nicholas Hoult Are All Smiles on 'X-Men Set Oh nooooo! Well on the bright side, that might be the coolest possible way to meet Indiana Jones himself. While on the program, Lawrence also discussed her updated X-Men Mystique costume, which has its benefits and drawbacks. WATCH: Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Intense Struggle After Breakup: 'Who Am I Without This Man? Turns out, they never had to do eight hours of full-blown body paint ever, the Oscar winner joked, explaining the simplified process to get her blue look. Its a blue pantyhose that goes around my whole body that I cant sit to pee in. I had to pee standing up, out of a funnel, she added. Watch the clip below: WATCH: Jennifer Lawrence Admits Her Period Was the Reason Behind Golden Globes Dress Not gonna lie, that was a little bit TMI (and why are you BB-gunning people in the bathroom, James McAvoy?!), but its good to see the X-Men cast all getting close. Meanwhile, ET caught up with Lawrence on Thursday, who shared a revealing story about how her accent would change when she would fight with her ex-boyfriend, Nicholas Hoult. Watch the video below. Story continues Watch the video below. Related Articles GaneshaSpeaks Sonia Gandhi the Italy born power woman, who happens to be one of the most influential women leaders in India doesnt need an introduction as such. The UPA Chairperson, is the longest serving President of the Indian National Congress. Though Gandhi has been able to reign supreme in the power structure of the grand old party, controversies, corruption, scams and problems related to inefficiency in governance have continued to haunt her as well as her party and these are some of the factors that led to the terrible defeat of the INC in the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections. It hasnt been a smooth ride ever since, and the current accusations following the verdict from an Italian court can be deemed as the lowest point in her political tenure. The Defence-deal for the VVIP Choppers that was closed in 2010 and bagged by the Italian Manufacturing company AgustaWestland was under the probe for charges of bribery since 2013. The veteran politician is described as Driving Force by the Italy Court while passing the judgement charging the Italian officials of the company guilty. The judgement stipulates how the UPA-led government and the officials at the NSA delayed producing the required documents to the investigators to cover up the money-trail following Rs. 3,600 Crore deal. It is yet another scandal that has come to light to have happened during the UPA-regime but the involvement of the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi stirs the political atmosphere in the national capital and in the Upper House of the Parliament of India. In this article, Ganesha, with the help of his agents the 9 planets, predicts the probable fate of the top leader. Sonia Gandhi and the Stars Ganesha explains what could be causing the problems and what may follow in the upcoming months Sonia Gandhi was born in Cancer Ascendant and she is currently under the influence of Ketu Mahadasha and Rahu Bhukti. This period will remain very troublesome for her as Rahu is placed in the Badhaka Sthana (House of Troubles). This period indicates obstructions, legal hassles, turbulence and mental unrest. In this period, she will be constantly prone to controversies and will get dragged into complications. Her leadership and strategic skills will face the litmus test in this period. Also, Ketu is placed with the Sun in the 5th House. The Sun happens to be the Maraka planet in her chart and its conjunction with Ketu may not augur well for her. So, the entire 7-year period of Ketu, which will run till the year 2019, will somehow not be entirely positive for her. As the Sun is associated with natural malefic Ketu, her troubles may get escalated. The Maraka planet Sun is also aspecting the Rahu in the 11th house indicates legal issues and health problems as well. This shows that there will be lot of struggle and will require extraordinary efforts to manage her image. The prolonged stay of Mars in Scorpio with Saturn will also remain stressful for her. One thing to be noted here is that Mars and Saturn will be transiting in a retrograde motion till June and August respectively. So, these configurations present a scary picture and things may keep getting messier. The AgustaWestland case as well as other legal issues may continue to haunt her. However, she will be under the protective influence of the Jupiter sub-period from 10th August, 2016. In her Chart, Jupiter forms an excellent combination in the 4th House, which renders great strength to her Chart. Thus, this period will help her to tackle the serious charges in a better manner and there may be some respite from the heat that she may face till then. With Ganeshas Grace, Tanmay K. Thakar The GaneshaSpeaks.com Team Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau complimented Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, firefighters and residents for their relief efforts following the Fort McMurray wildfire. Speaking after surveying the damage in the Alberta oil town on a military helicopter on Friday, May 13, Trudeau promised the victims There will be significant federal monies invested in that community as we rebuild and that Canadians are standing with you. The Canadian PM also announced more employment insurance benefits to Edmonton, southern interior British Columbia and southern Saskatchewan from July. The wildfire, which forced more than 88,000 people to leave their homes and destroyed more than 2400 buildings, has travelled to less inhabited areas east of Fort McMurray. Credit: Alberta Government CANNES Star Danish helmer Lars von Trier is preparing to shoot English-language serial killer thriller The House That Jack Built in August. Budgeted at 8.7 million Euros, The House That Jack Built was initially developed as a TV series but in February, Von Trier announced that he was turning the project into a film. Set in Washington, The House That Jack Built revolves around a serial killer. The story is told from his perspective and takes place over ten to twelve years. The film is scheduled to start shooting in August in Trollhattan/Vanersborg and Copenhagen and will premiere in 2018. The cast will be a combination of American and European actors. Two big male characters and four big female characters, per the producer The House That Jack Built is a co-production between four countries: France, Germany, Sweden and Denmark. TrustNordisk has taken international sales rights. Zentropa is producing, with Film i Vast financing. It will be a serial killer movie like youve never seen before. He wants to be able to change it between periods of shooting because when well have done the body of the film in the Fall, he will then go edit it and he sees how he can combine the murders, said Louise Vesth, who is lead producing at Zentropa. Vesth spoke to Variety following a press conference hosted by Film i Vast in Cannes. Vesth said Von Trier wants to use different formats to bring together the incidents. He calls it the five incidents, which is the murder cases and then he has a lot of digressions in between to connect the story, in a similar way as in Nymphomaniac.' Von Trier, who is not in town, was last in Cannes in 2011 with Melancholia. He was declared a persona non grata after expressed sympathy for Hitler at the films press conference. Since then, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux has said the provocative Danish director was no longer banned and would be welcomed at the festival with a future film. Von Triers last film, Nymphomaniac: Volume 1, premiered in Berlin. Story continues Related stories Cannes Film Review: 'Raw' Cannes Film Review: 'American Honey' 'Nancy Drew' Being Shopped Around After Pass From CBS Los Angeles (AFP) - Olympic champion Ryan Lochte cruised to victory in the 400-meter individual medley at the Arena Pro Swim Series. The 31-year-old American star never looked in danger as he surged home in 4min 16.92sec to delight the crowd at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center in Charlotte, South Carolina. "That win tonight hurt but on (the) bright side, it's Friday," Lochte quipped on Twitter shortly after his victory. Lochte, the short course world record holder over the 400 medley, finished two seconds clear of Tomas Peribonio, with Michael Weiss coming home in third. This week's meeting had suffered a blow after US swim star Michael Phelps withdrew from the competition following the birth of his son. However other Olympic gold medalists were in action on Friday including 100m butterfly champion and world record holder Dana Vollmer. Vollmer clocked 57.23sec, just over a second clear of Canadian teenager Penny Oleksiak. Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry, a gold medalist at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, was third in the 50m backstroke, finishing behind Ali Deloof and Kylie Masse. Lorenzo di Bonaventura is teaming with Unified Pictures on drama American Violence, the first project in Unifieds feature film slate financing fund with Canadian venture firm Victory Square Labs. The film will be directed by commercial director Johnny Hardstaff from a script by Dan Hannon and Scott Sandler. Di Bonaventura will produce alongside Unified topper Keith Kjarval. Unifieds Tyler Jackson will serve as co-producer. American Violence will center on a social recluse who effortlessly dispatches terrorists who have stormed into a chemical plant and taken hostages. In order to return to his beloved everyday routine, he must undergo psychological evaluation by a doctor whos surprised by his indifference to the events and fearful of his capabilities with a weapon leading to a deeper investigation than she expected. The new fund, announced Saturday at the Cannes Film Festival, will finance production of a minimum of three films per year with budgets of up to $15 million per picture and continue Unifieds content focus on director-driven commercial independent films from new and existing voices as well as opting in to strategic co-production partnerships. I couldnt be more pleased to team up with Unified and Victory Square Labs on American Violence, as part of their progressive new venture to fund commercial independent director-driven films and Im excited by Johnnys vision for the film, said di Bonaventura. Unified, founded in 2004, has produced over 20 films including David Lynchs Inland Empire, David M. Rosenthals A Single Shot, Clark Greggs Trust Me, Zachary Slusers The Driftless Area and William H. Macys directorial debut Rudderless. Unified premiered Vincent N Roxxy, starring Emile Hirsch, Zoe Kravitz, Emory Cohen, and Zoey Deutch, at Tribeca last month and is in post-production on William H. Macys The Layover, which stars Kate Upton and Alexandra Daddario. Di Bonaventura Pictures has produced the Transformers, G.I. Joe and Red franchises along with Salt, Side Effects, Shooter, Jack Ryan and The Devil Inside. Story continues Kjarval, Unified Pictures co-founder, said, Partnering with an amazingly accomplished filmmaker like Lorenzo on American Violence is the perfect film to start our new slate. The deals for the co-production were done by WME, which is repping the slate and the film. Related stories Elisabeth Moss, Claes Bang to Topline Ruben Ostlund's 'The Square' Cannes Film Review: Steven Spielberg's 'The BFG' Cannes: DesertRock Sweet on Candy Wang Duo Caracas (AFP) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced a sweeping crackdown Saturday under a new emergency decree, ordering the seizure of paralyzed factories, the arrest of their owners and military exercises to counter alleged foreign threats. The embattled leftist is struggling to contain a raging economic crisis that has led to food shortages, soaring prices, riots, looting and vigilante justice, pushing Venezuela to the brink of collapse. He accused the United States on Friday of destabilizing the country at the behest of the "fascist Venezuelan right," prompting him to declare a state of emergency. Addressing his supporters at a rally in central Caracas on Saturday, Maduro announced some of the actions to be taken under the decree, which has not yet been published. "We must take all measures to recover productive capacity, which is being paralyzed by the bourgeoisie," he told the cheering, red-clad crowd. "Anyone who wants to halt (production) to sabotage the country should get out, and those who do must be handcuffed and sent to the PGV (Venezuelan General Penitentiary)." The move comes after the largest food and beverage company in Venezuela, the Polar Group, halted production of beer on April 30, saying government mismanagement meant it was no longer able to import barley. The company's owner, billionaire businessman Lorenzo Mendoza, is a vocal opponent of Maduro, and the president has accused him of conspiring against his government. Maduro also ordered military exercises next Saturday "to prepare ourselves for any scenario," denouncing alleged plans for an "armed intervention." - Ticking bomb - Opposition leaders accused Maduro of using the emergency decree to destabilize the country and block them from organizing a referendum on removing him from office. The opposition has launched the process by collecting 1.8 million signatures in favor of a recall vote, but say authorities are now stalling. Story continues At a rival rally on the east side of the capital, opposition leader Henrique Capriles warned Maduro was pursuing a dangerous strategy. "Venezuela is a bomb that could explode any minute," he told some 1,000 protesters decked out in the red, yellow and blue of the Venezuelan flag. "If you block the democratic path, we don't know what could happen." Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves, but is mired in a crippling recession exacerbated by an electricity crisis that has forced the government to decree daily power cuts across most of the country, close schools on Fridays and reduce the workweek to two days for government employees. Maduro's decree expanded an "economic emergency" declared in January to a full-blown state of emergency. The extent of the decree was unclear, but political analysts said it could be used to limit the right to protest, authorize preventive arrests and allow police raids without a warrant. Maduro said the measures, which initially apply for three months, will likely be extended through 2017. - Blame Washington - Maduro regularly blames US and local business interests for what his administration calls an "economic war" on oil-dependent Venezuela, whose economy has sunk in tandem with global crude prices. Venezuela's economy contracted 5.7 percent last year and its official inflation rate topped 180 percent. Washington has had a rocky relationship with Caracas since Maduro's late predecessor and mentor, Hugo Chavez, came to power in 1999. Senior US intelligence officials believe Maduro's government could be overthrown in a popular uprising this year, The Washington Post reported Saturday. "You can hear the ice cracking," an intelligence official said. "You know there's a crisis coming." Maduro said Friday that a plot against his government was being "activated in Washington, requested and pushed by elements of the fascist Venezuelan right, emboldened by the coup d'etat in Brazil" -- a reference to the impeachment trial opened Thursday in Brasilia against suspended leftist president Dilma Rousseff. - Fears of new violence - The opposition is racing to hold a recall referendum before the end of the year, when a successful recall vote would trigger new elections. Under the constitution, after January 10 -- four years into Maduro's six-year term -- the socialist president would simply be replaced by his vice president. Riot police this week fired tear gas to stop protesters from marching to the headquarters of the National Electoral Board (CNE). The opposition says Maduro controls the CNE and the Supreme Court, which has issued a series of rulings hamstringing the power of the Venezuelan National Assembly since the opposition won control of it in legislative elections in December. The spiraling tension has raised fears of a return to the protest violence that killed 43 people in Venezuela in 2014. While helmer-writer Haifaa Al Mansour directed the first Saudi Arabian feature shot entirely within the kingdom, her charming, polished debut Wadjda (2012) was co-produced with Germany, and her key technicians were all German. Al Mansour, who divides her time between Bahrain and the U.S., transitioned into directing A Storm in the Stars, a U.S.-produced, big-budget, English-language period piece about the love affair between 18-year-old Mary Wollstonecraft and roguish older poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Pic is now in post-production. Inspirational value aside, Wadjda did relatively little to develop a homegrown Saudi industry, apart from setting a precedent as the first film submitted by the kingdom to the Academy Awards for foreign-language film consideration. Now, a second Saudi feature, the independently financed, satirical comedy Barakah Meets Barakah is making waves at international festivals. But when you ask its helmer-writer-producer Mahmoud Sabbagh what he wants to do next, he says his focus is on building a film industry in his homeland. Saudis watch and consume a lot of art, he says. Now its our time to produce. The 33-year-old Sabbagh grew up in Jeddah where he was influenced by Egyptian films of the 1980s. After earning a masters degree in documentary filmmaking from Columbia University, he returned home, working as a columnist for a progressive newspaper before cutting his teeth on a 10-part Web series called Cash. It was shot over a two-month period, which he jokingly calls his film school. It was new for the Saudi audience, the cutting, the ideas discussed, he says. It was open about how things work, about class, about gender. Although Sabbagh searched for a sponsor for Cash, he didnt find one, so he made it available for free online. Indeed, the Internet provides the chief way that Saudi filmmakers can get their work seen by the public. Now, however, after the success of Barakah, the Saudi-funded, pan-Arab TV network NBC plans to run Cash. Story continues Sabbagh says learning on the job created numerous production problems. When I made Barakah Meets Barakah, I knew what the problems were and fixed them in advance, and the production was much smoother, he says. The toughest part was post, something very new for me. In my next film, I will hire a producer for post. Barakah premiered at the Berlinale Forum in February to strong reviews and media attention. French sales agent MPM Film nabbed the international rights, selling the film to Mad Solutions, which has a co-distribution pact with the Egypt-based Film Clinic for the Arab world, and an 11-country roll-out planned. Swiss and Austrian rights are already sewn up and MPM Film is in discussion with numerous other territories including the U.S. Sabbagh is preparing his next feature, which will also revolve around Saudi youth culture, and an ambitious television series set in Jeddah during the tumultuous period of 1853-57. He says, by doing films you create an eco-system, an industry and a culture. Sabbaghs shoots have created Saudi job descriptions and introduced novel vocabulary words learned from the four Egyptian professionals who were part of his team. Production manager Mohd Jamal Eddien provided a crash training course for other crew members. Sabbagh is perhaps most proud of the fact that he and his team created a visual style that matches Jeddahs aesthetic and pace, rather than copying Hollywood models. No doubt in a country with only one cinema, Sabbagh and future Saudi filmmakers face enormous challenges. Fifty years ago, filmmaking wasnt even thought about, says Sabbagh. Now there are talents everywhere. We could learn from Iran, Egyptian cinema, Dubai. We need films schools, film funds, policies, protections for cultural workers and producers. We need to professionalize the industry, provide legal frameworks, create jobs. Related stories Arab Film Fests On the Rise Pay-TV And SVOD Boom Under Way In Arab World Censorship Of Media Dampens Burgeoning Filmmakers In Arab World North Carolina man Gill Parker Payne plead guilty to a federal misdemeanor charge on March 13 after being accused of ripping a hijab off a Muslim woman's head on a Southwest Airlines flight in December, the Guardian reported. While removing the scarf from the woman, identified only in court documents by the initials K.A., Payne allegedly yelled "Take it off! This is America!" According to the Guardian, Payne was charged with "using force or threat of force to obstruct a Muslim woman in the free exercise of her religious beliefs." In a statement, Department of Justice civil rights division head Vanita Gupta touted the guilty plea as a victory for Muslims who fear discrimination. "No matter one's faith, all Americans are entitled to peacefully exercise their religious beliefs free from discrimination and violence," Gupta wrote. "Using or threatening force against individuals because of their religion is an affront to the fundamental values of this nation." "This prosecution sends a clear message to anyone who contemplates the use of threats or intimidation to interfere with the right of individuals, including members of our Muslim community, to express their faith without fear," added U.S. Attorney, District of New Mexico Damon P. Martinez. Payne may receive up to a year of prison time and a fine of $100,000, the Washington Post reported. According to prior research by the Post, anti-Muslim hate crimes remain the only category of hate crime that has not declined in recent years. Rep. Andre Carson, one of two Muslims currently serving in Congress, said attacks on people of the Islamic faith have risen alongside the rhetoric of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump last year. Following a massacre at a get together in San Bernardino, California which resulted in 14 deaths, as well as the deaths of the shooters, Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik numerous Islamophobic incidents were reported throughout the country. In April, an Iraqi man who was thrown off of a separate Southwest Airlines flight demanded the airline apologize. The airline refunded Khairuldeen Makhzoomi's ticket, but said the removal was conducted in compliance with company procedure. "Since 9/11, we've seen a steady increase in anti-Muslim bias and dissemination of fear about Muslims in the United States. That trend has really spiked during this current electoral season," UC Berkeley associate professor of anthropology Charles Hirschkind told the Daily Californian. "Candidates have said things like 'Muslims should not be allowed to immigrate to this country' ... These kinds of statements really ramp up both the level of fear and also the level of bias and prejudice and racism that Muslims face." marijuana Last week, the nascent marijuana industry in California scored a huge victory: The Department of Justice dropped its four-year attempt to shut down Harborside Health Center, the largest medical-marijuana dispensary in the country. But the industry still faces "monumental challenges" to doing business, Aaron Herzberg, an attorney and a partner at California-based Calcann Holding Corporation, a medical-marijuana property and licensing company, told Business Insider. On one hand, the DOJ's move to drop the case against Harborside may indicate a "shift in attitude" about marijuana from the Obama administration, but "they haven't said so directly," Stanford Law professor Robert MacCoun told Business Insider. "Of course, we don't really know whether policies will shift under the next president." The chief problem with the marijuana industry boils down to a states' rights issue. While numerous states have legalized marijuana, either for medical or recreational use, the drug remains illegal at the federal level, leaving many companies vulnerable to investigations. The federal Controlled Substances Act classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, defined as a substance or chemical with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. On the other hand though, four states have already legalized recreational marijuana Colorado, Washington, Alaska, and Oregon and almost half permit medical marijuana. "If they say states can do this, the federal government just needs to get out of the way and let states do this," Herzberg said. "But frankly, I don't think it's a priority for too many federal politicians." The Department of Justice "will continue to exercise its discretion in deciding where and how to enforce the Controlled Substances Act," a DOJ spokesperson told Business Insider. Harborside Health Center marijuana Story continues The legal discrepancies also cause financial roadblocks. To start, federal law 280E on the Internal Revenue Code prevents both medical and recreational marijuana businesses from certain benefits given to other legal businesses. Because of the law, The Daily Beast reported, marijuana businesses may pay as much as 70% in federal taxes. Under 280E, any business that engages in the distribution of Schedule I or II controlled substances is barred from tax deductions, like for leasing property or paying salaries, that other legal businesses are allowed to take. The provision was originally set up as a punitive measure against cocaine and heroin dealers, according to Herzberg. In addition to 280E, banks must comply with federal regulations and often won't take on clients in the marijuana industry for fear of legal repercussions. A federal court even refused access to a master account for The Fourth Corner, a credit union set up by Colorado's state government to help dispensaries access banks. That shuts many marijuana business out of financial institutions and forces them to operate on an all-cash basis, which makes tasks like paying taxes and keeping track of revenue difficult. california marijuana "Where this is limiting is with institutional capital," Morgan Paxhia, a partner at Poseidon Asset Management, a cannabis-focused hedge fund, told Business Insider. "They're very interested, but they're prevented from investing because of compliance." Much of Poseidon's investments come from high-net-worth individuals or family offices that have higher risk tolerance than institutional investors like banks, according to Paxhia. "Partners at venture-capital or private-equity firms are using their own capital, rather than firm assets," he said. "They're not waiting for the federal government. They're participating in any way they can." There are a lot of people and there is a lot of money waiting on the sidelines to jump into the burgeoning industry. But as long as these banking issues persist and marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I drug, the industry will face immense challenges from the federal government. "They deny you the very basic tools of doing business," Herzberg said. "It's a catch-22, and it can only be solved by the federal government." Now the country now looks to California as the next battleground. State residents will likely have a chance to vote on full legalization on November 8. What happens could serve as a model for other states. "I think we've seen improved perceptions around cannabis, but it still feels like there's a long way to go," Emily Paxhia, Morgan's sister and also a partner at Poseidon, told Business Insider. "In California, it's obviously going a lot faster." Displays at Shango Cannabis shop on first day of legal recreational marijuana sales beginning at midnight in Portland, Oregon October 1, 2015. REUTERS/Steve Dipaola The vote continues what started in September 2015 with California's Medical Marijuana Regulatory Safety Act (MMRSA). MMRSA allows medical-marijuana businesses in California to operate as for-profit businesses in the state and set up various requirements and systems for operation. Prior to MMRSA, medical-marijuana businesses operated on shaky legal foundations, leaving an open door for the DOJ to build a case against Harborside. While the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 allowed for medical-marijuana use, the law did not specifically permit medical-marijuana providers to profit from the sale of marijuana and marijuana products, like edibles and synthetics. "The feds have said that they would only go after places operating in conflict with their state medical cannabis regulatory system," Amanda Reiman, a lecturer at Berkeley's School of Social Welfare, told Business Insider via email. "Harborside was operating in compliance with Oakland's regulations, but there were no rules at the state level. This left them vulnerable to federal interference." Aside from protecting medical-marijuana businesses, MMRSA could also provide the framework for recreational marijuana in California as well. "MMRSA [took] important steps toward rationalizing many features of the whole supply chain for medical marijuana in California, and it could serve to smooth the a transition toward a legal recreational market," MacCoun said. NOW WATCH: 4 tips for people smoking marijuana for the first time More From Business Insider Marvel announced a Black Panther film back in 2014. But this week, two casting announcements have fans excited about just how lit the superhero movie, due out in 2018, will be. The Hollywood Reporter reported friday that Michael B. Jordan, star of Creed and Fruitvale Station, joined the production; Oscar winner and #OscarsSoWhite advocate Lupita Nyong'o began talks to join the film as well. Jordan and Nyong'o will join Chadwick Boseman who plays the movie's titular hero and director Ryan Coogler, whose past credits include Creed and Fruitvale Station. Ryan Coogler (left) and Michael B. Jordan (right) Chadwick Boseman Lupita Nyong'o As news of the casting announcements piled up, Twitter couldn't contain its collective enthusiasm anymore thus a hashtag was born: #BlackPantherSoLit. Posters using the hashtag expressed the sheer joy of seeing so many of Hollywood's young, black stars share the screen together in a film helmed by Coogler, who has a knack for making critically acclaimed films with fully developed black characters. People tweeting their excitement about the film included director Ava Duvernay and Twitter user ReignofApril, who began the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag. Had to text #RyanCoogler and make sure he found someone to show him #BlackPantherSoLIT. Because epic! Cannot wait!pic.twitter.com/9Clkwanw4F BlackPantherSoLIT I gotta wear one of my good suitspic.twitter.com/HtAeM0vjus https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiY2t70VAAAY3Qb.jpg:large BlackPantherSoLIT every casting update has me likepic.twitter.com/tmSqOEjPgr https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiYS62TXIAAAfMd.jpg:large BlackPantherSoLIT every black person is gonna walk up to the ticket counter on opening night likepic.twitter.com/w2mMqwjumO BlackPantherSoLIT, we all will be in the streets likepic.twitter.com/fqOX3pCktk BlackPantherSoLIT we doing the Electric Slide, The Wobble, AND The Cupid Shuffle in line while we wait to get in the theater. BlackPantherSoLIT I'm bringing fried chicken to the theater. IMAX. BlackPantherSoLit Black folks should get free tickets as reparations for suffering through whitewashed hero movies. BlackPantherSoLit we gon show up at the theater, like...pic.twitter.com/ojU51QSXM7 BlackPantherSoLIT you get a full body du-rag with your IMAX ticket purchasehttps://vine.co/v/blUQuHWgg9I BlackPantherSoLit the crowd is gonna swag surf in the lobby while we wait to buy ticketspic.twitter.com/UBDklh6aIG BlackPantherSoLit we gotta swag surf in the theater. For the culture. #BlackPanther BlackPantherSoLIT, we're already rehearsing for the afterparties.pic.twitter.com/GX9UCg3IbN BlackPantherSoLit you can only get into the theater in FORMATIONpic.twitter.com/rDaulw2WMe https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiX_hctUgAArq2b.jpg:large BlackPantherSOLIT there will be a soul train line when you enter the theater.pic.twitter.com/OSt9CQKk31 BlackPantherSOLIT we're all going to be in the movie theater likepic.twitter.com/WXXUzQAdx1 When #BlackPantherSoLIT is trending so you need to inform the world you identify as Wakandan:pic.twitter.com/JdfCiCoML9 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiYfqYaU4AAQeF_.jpg:large You really can't buy organic social media buzz like #BlackPantherSoLIT so studios please don't try to start #NinjaTurtlesSoDope next week BlackPantherSoLIT when we walk out the theater, folks will look at other superhero movies like:pic.twitter.com/DIPthUS2ub BlackPantherSoLit the moment Lupita & Chadwick appear on screen together, I will be screaming:pic.twitter.com/uIiTifxapB To find out just how lit Black Panther will be, we'll have to wait until July 6, 2018. But for now, those wanting to see the Wakandan superhero on screen can get their fix in Captain America: Civil War. Megyn Kelly has proven over and over again through the 2016 election cycle that she is unafraid of going head-to-head with Republican leadership, other pundits, and especially the presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump. That last one has obviously been an ongoing theme for the past six months or more, because in case you missed it a good chunk of the country might be losing their gosh darn minds in a fully public forum. In the latest clash between the US two major political parties, Obama has threatened to withhold funds from schools who do not allow transgender students to use the bathroom that they gender identify with. Well, actually, the White House simply released a memo strongly insinuating that funds could be withheld based on the governments Title IX interpretation this on top of the Justice Departments lawsuit against North Carolina regarding their law. But everyone knows that if Obamas anger translator Luther was around it would be pretty obvious that Barack was dropping the mic on this issue. As people from both sides of the issue came out of the woodwork to either support or condemn Obamas actions, one of the most vocal was Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (very different from that other Dan Patrick) who is insistent that this marks the beginning of the end of the public school system as we know it. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is banding together with other states that have discriminatory laws or are in the process of putting them in place, such as North Carolinas HB2 law which has drawn ire from many. In support of his states rebellion of the directive, Patrick decided it would be a good idea to try to argue with Megyn Kelly on national television. Dear Reader, it did not go well for him. You can watch the full video above, but some choice quotes from the exchange were rounded up by Mediaite and they are priceless. When Patrick used the now-common refrain that this is allowing men in womens bathrooms, Kelly hit back with, Story continues Allow men in the ladies rooms or allow trans women in the ladies rooms? At one point, Patrick said, Megyn, youre missing th but she cut him off with a quick, No, I dont think Im missing anything. Kelly also shut him down by bringing up the double standard of being against trans women in bathrooms due to the belief some of them would attack women or children when some men have been abusing women and children for literal centuries without having access to their bathrooms. As has been her modus operandi in recent months, Kelly really doesnt care what people think of her and this doubly applies when guests on her show are being incredibly ignorant or otherwise blind about ongoing civil rights issues. Kelly may not be perfect and still has her own blind spots, but she continues to be a bright spot in this slog of an election season. (via Mediaite) Following the multi-million dollar settlement reached in the malpractice lawsuit filed by Melissa Rivers after the death of her mother, legendary comedian Joan Rivers, Melissa says she hopes the outcome "sparks conversation." "I hope that this sparks conversation about care and policy at ambulatory surgical centers," Melissa told ET on Friday. "If talking about what happened to my mother can help even one other family, it will have been worth it. As painful as it's been to go through this, Cooper and I are grateful for the speedy resolution which gave us answers to so many of our unanswered questions." NEWS: Joan Rivers' Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Settled Tragically, Joan never recovered from a routine endoscopy in August 2014. After going into cardiac arrest on the operating table, she was placed into a medically-induced coma and died a week later at the age of 81. ET spoke with Melissa's attorneys, Jeffrey Bloom and Ben Rubinowitz, following Thursday's settlement. "We do know that Joan, before she went under, was talking about how she was going to help somebody who had an autistic child," said Bloom. "I think [Melissa] is relieved that the case is resolved, but Melissa's son, Cooper, was in love with his grandmother and will never get to see her again," Rubinowitz added. RELATED: Joan Rivers' Daughter Files Lawsuit Against Clinic, Doctors Allegedly Involved in Her Mother's Surgery Meanwhile, the clinic that treated Joan, Yorkville Endoscopy, told ET, "The parties agreed to settle this case to avoid protracted litigation. We remain committed to providing quality, compassionate healthcare." According to The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner's (OCME) investigation, the cause of Joan's death was anoxic encephalopathy (brain damage) due to hypoxic arrest (a decrease in oxygen to the brain) during surgery -- a laryngoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Story continues Joan's death was classified as a "therapeutic complication," which means that the death officially resulted from a predictable complication of medical therapy. WATCH: Joan Rivers Dead at 81 A source tells ET that the doctors who treated Joan no longer work at the clinic. While Melissa and Cooper weren't with Joan during the procedure, they were with her at the end. "I was by her head and I was holding her hand, and Cooper had his hand on her arm," Melissa told ET in an April 2015 interview. "We were surrounding the bed and the doctor said, 'She's gone.'" WATCH: Melissa Rivers Describes Joan's Last Moments: 'I Held Her' Now, Melissa is all about preventing these types of tragedies from occurring again. "Moving forward, my focus will be to ensure that no one ever has to go through what my mother, Cooper and I went through and I will work towards ensuring higher safety standards in out-patient surgical clinics," Melissa told ET. "I want to express my personal gratitude to my legal team for their wise counsel and prompt resolution of this case." Related Articles Mexico City (AFP) - Mexico convicted and sentenced 10 government officials to prison for up to 29 years over a 2009 day care fire that killed 49 children, court sources said Saturday. The convictions ranged from 20-29 years for negligent homicide and negligent personal harm against 38 of the 49 children plus five adults, a Sonora state court said. The fire spread to the ABC day care center when 141 children were inside, with the only two emergency exit doors closed, killing 49 of them and injuring another 70. The preschool was under the authority of the Mexican Social Security Institute. Local authorities said it was a tragic accident. The official investigation concluded that the fire started when the air conditioning overheated in an adjacent paper-filled warehouse in Hermosillo, the capital of northwestern Sonora state. But after grieving parents discovered several new pieces of contradictory evidence, the families alleged that the blaze was intentional. They said the fire was set in the warehouse rented by the Sonora state government's treasury department in order to get rid of documents related to an $800 million state debt. Among those convicted Saturday were the state's head of day care and the heads of firefighting and public safety, officials said. Michael Moore stopped by Real Time on Friday and he didnt shy away from making fiery comments about the situation in Flint, Michigan. It is famously his hometown and is featured numerous times in his documentaries, especially Roger And Me. Related Links: During his chat with Bill Maher, Moore hit directly at what he believes the problem is in Flint: racism. He goes so far as to call the Flint water crisis a hate crime, something which even Maher seems to disagree with a bit. President Obama gets knocked a bit too, with Moore calling it shameful that the president drank the Flint water and gave the all clear on the matter. Once Maher got control back on the show, he returned to everybodys favorite topic: Donald Trump. In New Rules, Maher made sure to point out that liberals shouldnt get the blame for creating Donald Trump. Despite reports that liberal acts, political correctness, and over-taxing helped usher in the success of Donald Trump, Maher points out that most of the beliefs held by critics are misleading. Hes also sure to give himself a nice pat on the back, which shouldnt be a surprise. He also goes in to talk about the current campaign in the same light that children ask their elders about the war. What did you do in the war? seems like a bit of a drastic comparison when talking the presidential race, but I suppose Donald Trump is the latest, greatest threat to this nation. Hes a loon, sure, but there are likely bigger things and more important elections. Make note there because Ill gladly eat crow if he manages to blow everything apart. I will want some sort of sustenance to aid me in repelling the groups of raiders. And finally, the overtime segment deals with the racism that seems prevalent within the political parties out there, Michael Moore on documentaries and the media, and a bit on Edward Snowdens existence in Russia. Very interesting stuff, especially on the latter topic given the narrative you see in the media regarding Snowdens treason. (Via Real Time) There might still be hope for Nashville fans! There might still be hope for Nashville fans! Even though Nashville fans are still mourning this weeks news that the country music drama has been canceled, there is a new glimmer of hope on the horizon that it might only be temporary. ABC announced on Thursday, that they were pulling the plug on the show after the final two episodes of its fourth season, but, thanks to the trend of shows with loyal fanbases finding homes elsewhere, there remains the possibility that Nashville could find new life on other networks. Callie Khouri, Nashvilles head writer and showrunner, doesnt offer much info in her heartfelt tweet about the surprise decision to end the show, but that doesnt mean we cant speculate wildly be filled with optimism and hope. With a heavy heart, I thank all our incredible fans for all of your love, huge thanks to the city of Nashville. See you on down the road. Callie Khouri (@CallieKhouri) May 12, 2016 The show has been gaining viewers this season, and the sudden cancellation came as a shock to fans and industry folks, alike, so its really good news that the production company is shopping it around to other networks, with the hopes that one will be interested in producing new episodes. Actor Ed Amatrudo, who plays Juliettes on again, off again manager, Glen, is taking to social media to stir up a little hope for Nashvilles future. Visualize the "NASHVILLE" pickup party! It can happen! Talk about pure insanity! HULU, CMT, here's your opening! Go! #BringBackNashville Ed Amatrudo (@EdAmatrudo) May 13, 2016 According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hulu already owns the rights to show prior seasons, so maybe the streaming service will give the country drama the same treatment as The Mindy Project. Story continues Shopping the canceled series is the natural next step, says, THR, especially when they have already lined up new writers for the show for season five, and planned to end season four with a major cliffhanger. For a show as beloved as Nashville, and with such a faithful audience, it seems a shame to just let it go without a proper goodbye. Maybe Hulu or CMT, or any other network, for that matter can give it the fifth season we all want. The post There might still be hope for Nashville fans! appeared first on HelloGiggles. (Adds details, quotes, finance ministry reaction) * Moody's cuts rating outlook to negative from stable * Says cut in outlook caused by a rise in fiscal risks * Shift to unpredictable policies impair investment climate * Moody's Poland rating top among three major agencies By Marcin Goettig WARSAW, May 14 (Reuters) - Moody's Investor's Services cut the outlook on Poland's A2 rating on Saturday, citing rising fiscal risks and the new conservative government's shift to more unpredictable policies and legislation. The move was expected by just over half the analysts polled by Reuters and follows Poland's shock downgrade in January by fellow rating agency Standard and Poor's (S&P) that sent the zloty to a multi-year lows. "The first driver of the decision ... is related to the fiscal risks arising from a substantial increase in current expenditures ... as well as the government's intention to lower the retirement age," Moody's said. Since coming to power in October, the eurosceptic Law and Justice (PiS) party has raised government spending by over 7 percent, passing a new child benefit programme worth about 1 percent of gross domestic product in 2016. The program is financed mostly by a one-off source of budget revenue this year. The government says higher tax intake will help finance the programme in the coming years, but many economists remain sceptical about the plan. Commenting on Moody's decision, the finance ministry said the government's long-term financial plan assumes the fiscal deficit at below three percent of GDP next year, subsequently falling to 1.3 percent by 2019. INVESTMENT CLIMATE Moody's also said the risk of a deterioration in the investment climate had increased due to the government's shift towards more unpredictable policies and legislation. "(This is) reflected in the ambiguity with respect to the conversion of foreign-currency denominated mortgages and in the prolonged stalemate between the government and the country's constitutional court," Moody's said. Story continues The PiS party has promised to help thousands of Poles who took out loans in Swiss francs when the franc was much cheaper than now. A team of aides to President Andrzej Duda, an ally of PiS, is working on proposals how to solve the problem. PiS has also tried to reform the constitutional court in ways that critics say make it hard for judges to review, let alone challenge the ruling party's legislation. Moody's said it could cut Poland's rating if the state's fiscal position or the investment climate worsen. "A protracted (or escalation in the) conflict between the government and the constitutional court that leads to substantial capital outflows could also exert downward pressure on the rating," Moody's said. Moody's has held Poland's A2 rating stable since 2002, when the country was much poorer and more corrupt than it is today. S&P currently rates it two notches lower at BBB+, outlook negative. Fitch is one notch lower at A-, outlook stable. The full statement from Moody's is available here: https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-changes-outlook-on-Polands-A2-rating-to-negative-from--PR_348709 (Reporting by Marcin Goettig; Editing by Tom Heneghan) Rome (AFP) - Britain's Andy Murray qualified for his first Rome Masters final on Saturday after cruising past Frenchman Lucas Pouille 6-2, 6-1 in their rain-interrupted semi-final. Murray, the second seed in the Italian capital, swept past Belgium's David Goffin on Friday to make the last four for only the second time after 2011. Pouille, a lucky loser, had reached his first Masters semi-final on a walkover after quarter-final opponent Juan Monaco of Argentina pulled out on Friday before their match. Pouille had caused a shock when he ousted Spanish ninth seed David Ferrer in the third round on Thursday. But facing world number two Murray was a step too far for the 22-year-old, who had 25 unforced errors in a one-sided encounter that was interrupted early in the second set. Murray could now meet world number one Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final if the Serbian star overcomes Japan's Kei Nishikori in the second semi-final later Saturday. Djokovic beat Murray in the final of the Madrid Masters last Sunday. From Popular Mechanics If you live in the Phoenix area, Google wants to pay you $20 dollars an hour to test their self-driving cars. That might sound like it's easy money, but nothing could be further from the truth. The job would be six to eight hours a day, and $160 a day isn't bad money-taken over a year, with the full eight hours a day for five days a week, it would work out to $41,600. You'd be in a two-person team collecting data for Google's engineering team, and would need to type at least 40 words per minute. Google's job ad notes that the position requires "constant focus," which, while an accurate description, downplays what that really means. "Constant focus" in a Google car means being in a perpetual state of almost-driving, your hands and feet about to touch the wheel and pedals, according to someone who's actually done it, Steven Levy of Backchannel. There's no moment off, or chance to enjoy the fact that you're in a self-driving car. That's why you're a test driver, after all. It turns out the hourly jobs of the future are a lot like the hourly jobs of the present: physical stress, tedious repetition, and pretending to care until your boss looks the other way. And, of course, in this case your boss is a self-driving car, so good luck with that. Source: Mashable By Florence Tan and Simon Falush SINGAPORE/LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil Corp said on Friday it has suspended exports from Nigeria's top crude stream, adding to economic strains from unrest and violence that have cut production to its lowest in decades. Exxon Mobil said it had declared a force majeure - a suspension of deliveries because of events beyond its control - on Nigeria's Qua Iboe crude oil grade, and that a portion of production had been curtailed after a drilling rig damaged a pipeline. In a separate incident on Friday, an explosion rocked Chevron Corp's oil well at the Marakaba pipeline in Warri in Nigeria's Delta region, a security source said, the second blast at a facility of the U.S. oil major within a week, feeding concern over a revived militant campaign in the area. Chevron had no immediate comment, while Nigeria's army, which has stepped up its presence in the region, could not immediately be reached for comment. Last week, Chevron said its platform in the Delta was attacked by militants. The outages adds to production problems at two of the other largest crude streams, Bonny Light and Forcados, which have already taken Nigeria's output to a 22-year low. Royal Dutch Shell shut a major pipeline earlier this week and declared force majeure on Bonny Light crude exports on Wednesday, while an attack in February on a pipeline also caused it to shut the 250,000 bpd Forcados export terminal. Nigeria's oil production has fallen to 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) due to militant attacks, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun said on Friday, from 2.2 million bpd. If outages at Qua Iboe and other streams are prolonged, Nigerian output could fall to around 1.2 million bpd, according to Reuters calculations. This would be the lowest output since 1970, according to BP's statistical review. Nigeria had been Africa's largest crude exporter with its economy heavily reliant on oil up until this year, when rampant oil theft and corruption has kept production well below capacity. As a result, Angola has overtaken Nigeria as the continent's largest producer since March, according to OPEC figures. Oil prices have jumped around 20 percent so far this quarter, their biggest such rise since 2011. Brent crude has surged to $47 per barrel from $27 in January, in part because of production problems in Africa's former largest producer as well as a decline in U.S. output. Nigeria was due to export 337,000 bpd in May, according to initial loading programmes released in March. (Additional reporting by Libby George in Washington D.C., Terry Wade in Houston, Felix Felix Onuah in Abuja and Tife Owolabi in YENAGOA, Nigeria; Editing by Ruth Pitchford and Marguerita Choy) By Ulf Laessing ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari needs to address grievances in the Delta region where militants have been blowing up oil pipelines in a conflict that has become a "major concern", a senior British official said on Saturday. The swamps of the southern Delta have been hit by a series of attacks on pipelines and other oil and gas facilities that have reduced Nigeria's output by 300,000 barrels a day, closed a major export port and two refineries. Nigeria has moved in army reinforcements to hunt the militants but British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond said Buhari needed to the deal with the root causes because a military confrontation could end in "disaster". Crude sales from the Delta account for 70 percent of national income in Africa's biggest economy but residents, some of whom sympathize with the militants, have long complained of poverty. "It's obviously a major concern," Hammond told reporters on the sidelines of a regional security conference in Abuja when asked about the Delta situation. "The idea that your answer is by moving big chunks of the Nigerian army to the Delta simply doesn't work," he said, adding that the army did not have the capacity while fighting Boko Haram jihadists in the north. "It won't deal with the underlying issues." "Buhari has got to show as a president from the north that he is not ignoring the Delta, that he is engaging with the challenges in the Delta," Hammond said. Buhari is a Muslim from the north who has not visited the Christian Delta since taking office a year ago, something highlighted by a militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, which has claimed a string of attacks on pipelines. The group has warned oil firms to leave the region within two weeks and says it is fighting for independence for the Delta. It has said it wanted a greater share of oil revenues and an end to oil pollution. The attacks have driven Nigerian oil output to near a 22-year low and, if the violence escalates into another insurgency, it could cripple output in a country facing a growing economic crisis. Buhari, who has not commented about not visiting the Delta, has extended a multi-million dollar amnesty signed with militants in 2009 but upset them by ending generous pipeline protection contracts. He also cut the amnesty budget by around 70 percent, which partly funds training for unemployed. (Reporting by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Alison Williams) One company makes beer and the other makes sandwiches but they both have a similar message for North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory: They're not fans of anti-transgender legislation like House Bill 2. There's been no shortage of transgender activists and cisgender allies willing to speak out against North Carolina's controversial HB2, which requires people to use the bathroom that matches their gender assigned at birth rather than their gender identity. Two local North Carolina businesses have joined the group of dissenters. Wedge Brewing Company, based in Asheville, revealed via its Instagram that they'd left a hidden message for those who flip their beer cans over to look at the can's silver bottom. "#F*CK HB2" is written on the bottom. Source: Instagram Twitter and Instagram users love the cans, with a few detractors here and . Can we all agree @WedgeBrewingCo wins the internet today? (Love their beer, too!) #hb2 #northcarolinapic.twitter.com/OsGtg2MqvJ https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiIQYuqXIAY2iXD.jpg:large @WedgeBrewingCo I just might start drinking beer again. #Pricelesspic.twitter.com/6wVpYO12vJ https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiYhm3iUkAE4xO-.jpg:large Might have to take a visit to Asheville to support @WedgeBrewingCohttps://twitter.com/LGBT_Activist/status/731135855046299648 ... Looks like I'll stay away from @WedgeBrewingCo products. We've reached out to Wedge Brewing Company for comment but have not yet received a response. This article will be updated with any further communication. Common Market Deli in Charlotte also lampooned Gov. McCrory with several eponymous sandwiches, including: "Pat McCrory Is Erasing the Future of Our Children!" and "Pat McCrory Is a Weiner!" "We've done a [sandwich specials] making fun of Bernie Sanders, and we had a 'Shillary' one and we have plans to do something for Donald Trump," owner Blake Barnes told the Daily Dot. "It's funny that this one would be the one that causes all the fuss." Source: Facebook Barnes said he had someone call and force him to "say out loud that I love queers." To which he responded: "I love all of God's children it's just their gods that I sometimes have trouble with." Blake's deli reported on their Facebook page that protesters have begun picketing outside the restaurant. Source: Common Market /Facebook However, that won't stop Common Market Deli. "No amount of controversy is going to stop us," Barnes told the Daily Dot. Lionsgates comedy thriller Now You See Me 2 set in the world of magicians will release in China next month. The film, which is directed by Asian-American Jon M. Chu (G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Step Up: 3D) will get a June 22 premiere ahead of a June 24 theatrical release. It releases in North America on June 10. Starring Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman, Jess Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Daniel Radcliffe, the picture also gives a significant supporting role to Jay Chou (The Green Hornet,) the Taiwanese singing-acting star who has a massive following in China. The film is being treated as a flat fee import, rather than being released through Chinas narrower, but more lucrative, 34 films per year revenue share quota. The date comes before the beginning of the expected annual blackout period, in which time major foreign films do not get to release. Imported movies coming up in China in the next weeks include The Divergent Series: Allegiant on May 20, The Angry Birds Movie on May 20 and Alice Through The Looking Glass on May 27. The first Now You See Me released in China in October 2013. Related stories Cannes: China Conversation Makes Stars of Co-Producers Imax Strikes Theater Mega Deal With China's JinYi Media China Could Be Virtual Reality's Dark Horse President Obama announced several new administration actions aimed at combating the countrys deadly opioid epidemic at the National Rx Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta on Tuesday. Ahead of the annual event, where Obama was slated to speak to law enforcement and medical professionals as well as recovering addicts and their families, the White House released a detailed outline of the presidents new plan. Perhaps most significant among the actions announced were those related to expanding access to Medication Assisted Treatments, specifically buprenorphine. Despite its proven success in treating opioid abuse, buprenorphine has been subjected to tight restrictions ever since it was first approved to treat opioid addiction in 2000. Doctors must undergo a special eight-hour training in order to prescribe buprenorphine and, once qualified, they are limited to prescribing the medication to no more than 100 patients at a time. Because buprenorphine is often used as a long-term maintenance medication, these restrictions have resulted in long waiting lists for the small number of qualified physicians, leaving a large percentage of people with opioid addiction without access to treatment. U.S. President Obama participates in a National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 29, 2016. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Over the past year, the Obama administration has made made a number of funding-related moves to increase access to Medication Assisted Treatments for opioid abuse, including a $1.1 billion proposal from the president in February. But Tuesdays announcement included the first specific action to increase the patient limit for qualified buprenorphine prescribers, with the Department of Health and Human Services issuing a proposed rule to lift the cap from 100 patients to 200. Additionally, this new set of initiatives seeks to further expand access to such medication by increasing the number of physicians who are qualified to prescribe it. The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMSHA, plans to organize buprenorphine prescriber training for physicians in states with the greatest need. Story continues The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked the 200 percent increase in fatal opioid overdoses since 2000 to the somewhat simultaneous increase in opioid painkiller prescriptions. However, in February, President Obama rejected a bipartisan proposal from the National Governors Association to combat the countrys opioid epidemic by restricting access to prescription pain medication. If we go to doctors right now and say, Dont overprescribe without providing some mechanisms for people in these communities to deal with the pain that they have or the issues that they have, then were not going to solve the problem, because the pain is real, the mental illness is real, Obama said at the time. In March, the CDC released a new guideline for physicians prescribing opioids for chronic pain, and Tuesday President Obama announced that, as of fall 2016, 60 different medical schools will now include some sort of prescriber training based on the new CDC guideline as a requirement for graduation. Among the other actions Obama outlined Tuesday were increases in federal funding for law enforcement programs that aim to crack down on the trafficking of heroin and black-market prescription pills; to equip and train more first responders to administer naloxone, the opioid antidote proven to prevent fatal overdoses; and to ensure that Medicaid and private insurance plans offer affordable coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments. While much of the current opioid epidemic has been tied to an increased access to prescription painkillers, the unsustainable cost of abusing such drugs has inevitably lead to an increase in heroin use and, as a result, a rise in hepatitis C cases in several parts of the country. In an effort to stop the spread of hepatitis C and other bloodborne illnesses, like HIV, that are associated with intravenous drug use, the Obama administration is allowing communities in need to use federal funds to operate clean-syringe service programs. Finally, the Department of Agriculture will expand its Rural Health and Safety Education Grant Program to tackle specific challenges related to substance abuse in rural communitieswhich have been among the hardest hit by the opioid epidemic. Related video: By Roberta Rampton and Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama toasted Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland at a star-studded state dinner on Friday, lauding the nations for their global influence on civil rights, humanitarian issues and curbing climate change. The red carpet glamor followed a White House summit where Obama and the leaders of the five nations presented a united front against Moscow's recent military aggression in Ukraine and the Baltic region. But the meeting was more about soft diplomacy than launching ambitious foreign policy endeavors, given that Obama's second and final term ends in January. Americans will vote in presidential elections on Nov. 8. "I thought this was a very useful and important conversation, although there was probably too much agreement to make for as exciting a multilateral meeting as I sometimes participate in," Obama said. More than 300 guests including rapper Common, comedian Will Farrell and actress Tracee Ellis Ross mingled with diplomats, tech and Fortune 500 CEOs, White House officials, and political donors in a glass-ceiling tent built around a tree on the South Lawn. Hand-rolled beeswax candles and strings of lights reflected off ten-foot pillars of ice, an homage to the northern lights. Pop star Demi Lovato, known for her support of liberal causes, was set to perform after a Nordic-inspired meal of ahi tuna, tomato tartare and red wine-braised beef short ribs. "It's a great opportunity to drink wine and make progress on the most serious issues of our time," Samantha Power, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, told reporters on her way into the dinner. RUSSIA The summit was aimed in part at sending a message to a nation not on the guest list: Russia, which annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and has stepped up its military posture. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is planning its biggest build-up in eastern Europe since the Cold War to try to deter further Russian aggression, and Denmark and Norway said on Friday they would contribute to the "enhanced allied forward presence" with NATO. "We will be maintaining ongoing dialogue and seek cooperation with Russia, but we also want to make sure that we are prepared and strong, and we want to encourage Russia to keep its military activities in full compliance with international obligations," Obama said after the summit. Obama has long expressed admiration for the pragmatic and liberal-leaning politics of the Nordic nations. "There have been times where I've said, why don't we just put all these small countries in charge for a while? And they could clean things up," Obama said. (This version of the story corrects the title of Samantha Power in the eighth paragraph) (Additional reporting by Alana Wise and Timothy Gardner; Editing by Richard Chang and Richard Borsuk) PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Panama City's main airport said on Friday it had successfully placed a $575 million bond after a company forming a major source of income for the hub became embroiled in a money-laundering probe, prompting the issue to be restructured. Originally earmarked for $625 million, the bond for Tocumen International Airport was pared back after the U.S. Treasury Department accused members of the Waked family of running a money laundering operation that helped drug traffickers. The Wakeds, who have denied the accusations, control Grupo Wisa, a holding company that includes real estate, construction and media businesses, as well as retailers including operators of duty free shops at Tocumen International. The airport said that last year, rents from Grupo Wisa made up 7.7 percent of its revenue. The coupon on the bond, which is due to mature in 2036, was raised to 5.625 percent from 5.375 percent. The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) alleged that the operation, led by two members of the Waked family, helped various drug trafficking outfits hide their illicit income via 68 companies including Grupo Wisa. Separately on Friday, the U.S. Treasury said it had issued licenses authorizing certain transactions to be carried out by Balboa Bank & Trust, which was seized by Panama's banking regulator as part of the money-laundering investigation. In the statement, the U.S. Treasury Department said it had also issued licenses to Balboa Securities, Corp. It did not give details on why the licenses had been issued. (Reporting by Elida Moreno and Enrique Pretel; Editing by Richard Borsuk) The media landscape across the Arab world is rapidly evolving, with a pay-TV boom under way and SVOD competition starting to heat up. But though this should be a game-changer for local filmmakers, the Arab film industry is not feeling much of an impact yet. Since arriving in the region in January, Netflix has announced only one major Arabic-language acquisition for worldwide distribution, Emirati director Majid Al-Ansaris Tarantino-esque neo-noir Rattle the Cage (aka Zinzana). Starz Play Arabia shows only Hollywood titles. Al Jazeera-owned beIN Media groups acquisition of Miramax in March was good news for Hollywood, which is set to benefit from the battle over the Middle East pay-TV arena being waged between beIN and prominent Dubai-based paybox OSN by upping the ante on studio volume deals. We are all hoping that independent Arab filmmakers can take advantage of the opportunities created by the growth in pay television, said Doha Film Institute topper Fatma Al Remaihi during the recent edition of Qumra, an incubator event for Arab filmmakers at which the DFI and Northwestern University in Qatar presented a wide-ranging Arab industry report. The report pointed to a proliferation of new TV channels in the MENA region 159 between 2012 and 2014 and said pay-TV revenues have almost doubled over the past five years to an estimated $975 million. The growth of TV channels doesnt mean Im making more money, says Egyptian producer Mohamed Hefzy. Generalist TV is a significant component of how I recoup my budget. But when I sell to them they usually want all rights to fight the competition, so I dont get to monetize on pay or SVOD. Michael Garin, CEO of Abu Dhabis Image Nation, is proud they produced the first Arab title acquired by Netflix for global distribution. He notes that in the theatrical arena, aside from Egyptian movies, no film can really make its money back solely from this severely underscreened region. Story continues Related stories Mahmoud Sabbagh And The 'Challenges' Facing Saudi Filmmakers Arab Film Fests On the Rise Censorship Of Media Dampens Burgeoning Filmmakers In Arab World DailyFX.com - Talking Points PBOC released a statement following Aprils Yuan loan and financing figures New Yuan Loans (CNY) grew 555.6 billion last month versus 800.0b anticipated A PBoC statement says the loan slowdown was affected by local government debt swap Having trouble trading the Chinese Yuan? This may be why. The Peoples Bank of China released a statement a day after the country reported a sharp slowdown in lending. In April new loans added up to 555.6 billion Yuan, far smaller than the 800.0b expected, and less than the 1370.0b reading in March. This is the smallest amount of currency loaned into circulation since October 2015. The aggregate financing figures also disappointed coming in at 751.0b Yuan versus 1300.0b expected and 2336.0b in March. In its statement, Chinas central bank said that the reduction in lending was a result of multiple factors. The first variable was an increase in local government debt swaps which accounted for roughly 350 billion Yuan. Seasonal factors contributed to the decline in loans as well with members emphasizing that the first quarter typically witnesses heightened lending. In addition, the PBOC is pressuring banks using asset background quality control - to be more cautious when lending to avoid bad loans. These measures come amid a backdrop where the nations debt-to-GDP ratio is now above 240%. In March, the Peoples Bank of China gave GDP growth a target range for the first time since 1995. This objective comes accompanies success in slowing the worlds second largest economy to its most conservative pace since 2009. A slowdown in financing may not bode well for the countrys GDP target. However, the PBOC also said in its financial statement that prudent monetary policy has not been changed. The central bank said that it will maintain a flexible and appropriate policy to promote stable economic growth in the next phase. PBOC Says Sharp Drop in Lending Due to Local Government Debt Swaps Data Extracted from Bloomberg original source DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets. Learn forex trading with a free practice account and trading charts from FXCM. (KABUL, Afghanistan) Afghanistan is expected to finalize a peace deal with a notorious militant group in the coming days, in what could be a template for ending the 15-year war with the Taliban, a government official and a representative of the militant group said Saturday. The deal is partly symbolic as the group in question, Hezb-i-Islami, has been largely inactive for years, but it marks a breakthrough for President Ashraf Ghani, who has made little progress in reviving peace talks with the far more powerful Taliban. Under the 25-point agreement, a draft of which was seen by The Associated Press, Hezb-i-Islami would end its war against the government, commit to respecting the Afghan constitution and cease all contact with other insurgents. In return its members would receive amnesty and its prisoners would be released. Ataul Rahman Saleem, deputy head of the High Peace Council a government body charged with negotiating an end to the war told the AP that the deal could be completed on Sunday, after two years of negotiations. A senior representative of Hezb-i-Islami, Amin Karim, also said he expected Ghani to approve the final version of the agreement on Sunday. Hezb-i-Islami is led by warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whose forces killed thousands of people in Kabul during the 1992-1996 civil war. He is believed to be in Pakistan, though Karim has said he is in an unspecified location in Afghanistan. He could soon return to Kabul to sign a formal peace deal and take up residence. Hekmatyar, in his late 60s, is designated a global terrorist by the United States and blacklisted by the United Nations. The agreement obliges the Afghan government to work toward lifting those restrictions. The group has had only a minor role in the conflict in recent years. Its last major attack killed 15 people, including six American soldiers, in Kabul in 2013. Ghanis spokesman, Zafar Hashemi, would not comment directly on the Hezb-i-Islami deal, telling reporters Saturday that the doors are open for peace talks to all groups. He added, however, that there are developments and optimism. Story continues Ghani is due to return to Kabul on Sunday from an official visit to London. Karim said he expected the president to give his final approval to the agreement soon after his return. Negotiations began in July 2014, Karim said, when Hekmatyar received a letter from Ghani, who was then campaigning to become president. Ghani pointed out that one of Hekmatyars key conditions for peace the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan was about to be met. That was the beginning, Karim said. But progress stalled after President Barack Obama decided against a complete withdrawal and instead to leave a 10,000-strong, largely noncombat force in the country through the end of 2016. Earlier this year, Hekmatyar began referring to his demand for the withdrawal of all foreign troops as a goal rather than a condition, clearing the way for talks to continue. The political wing of Hezb-i-Islami, which has long had a significant presence in Afghanistans parliament, has no relationship with Hekmatyar, and its members endeavor to address grassroots concerns rather than engage in high-level politics. A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the deal with Hezb-i-Islami would have no impact on the overall peace process because a majority of Hezb-i-Islami members are already part of the government. The agreement includes a guarantee of equality between men and women and respect for the Afghan constitution, both points of contention with the Taliban. It gives legal immunity for all past political and military proceedings by Hezb-i-Islami members and mandates the release of all prisoners within three months. Karim said there are about 2,000 Hezb-i-Islami prisoners in Afghan jails. Under the agreement, Hekmatyar would have a consultant role on important political and national decisions. The Afghan government would provide housing and security for Hekmatyar at two or three residences in places of his choosing. The two sides also commit to bringing millions of refugees home from neighboring Iran and Pakistan. The first stage would be to repatriate 20,000 from Pakistan with the help of the international community. ___ Associated Press writer Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Afghanistan contributed to this story. Lima (AFP) - Authorities in Peru said they will expel a British woman in prison since 2013 after being convicted of trafficking cocaine. A court in Lima approved the expulsion of Briton Melissa Reid, granting a petition for her release filed by her attorneys. Reid, 22, was arrested in August 2013 at Lima's international airport along with a woman from Ireland, Michaella McCollum. Both women were said to have cocaine in their luggage which they were trying to smuggle out of the country, according to authorities. Reid had served about a third of her six-year prison sentence, according to a press release issued by the court, which said she also had to pay a fine equivalent to about $3,000. Officials said she will remain in prison until her expulsion, which is expected to take place sometime within the next few weeks. McCollum was granted parole last month on a conditional release. McCollum, 23, who hails from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland but is a national of the Irish Republic, resides in Lima and must present herself to officials once a month as a condition of her release. Berlin (AFP) - German police said Saturday they found a pig's head bearing an "insulting inscription" outside Chancellor Angela Merkel's constituency office in the country's northeast. A police patrol discovered the animal's head outside the office in the Baltic sea town of Stralsund in the early hours of Saturday. A spokesman for regional police refused to be drawn on the nature of the insults, saying only that they were directed at Merkel, who was first elected to parliament in Stralsund 26 years ago. The conservative chancellor has been criticised by many Germans over her welcoming stance towards the migrants that have poured into Europe over the past year. The anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been buoyed by concerns over the integration of the more than one million asylum-seekers that arrived in Germany in 2015, becoming the country's third-biggest party. Merkel's migrant policies have also been contested by some members of her own Christian Democratic Union (CDU) as well as its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU). Authorities have arrested and charged three men who allegedly broke into a secured unit at Death Valley National Park, shooting locks and security devices, leaving behind garbage and vomit and possibly killing one of the few living specimens of one of the world's rarest fish, LAist reported. Source: Uncredited/AP On April 30, security cameras caught footage of the three men breaking into the landmark, a hundreds-foot deep geothermal pool called Devils Hole in Nye County, Nevada. While they were inside the perimeter, an underwater camera captured at least one member of the group entering the habitat, trudging through and disturbing the waters. Pupfish populations vary, but rarely exceed 500 individuals at any one time, and they are only found in the water-filled limestone cavern there. Source: HO/AP Source: JAE C. HONG/AP After the men left, leaving behind beer cans and a pair of underwear floating in the water, one of the endangered fish was found dead. Park spokeswoman Abby Wines told the L.A. Times an autopsy revealed the pupfish had died within two days of its discovery, meaning it is possible the intruder killed it. The group also fired a shotgun at park property, damaging signs, locks and equipment. The National Park Service and the Center for Biological Diversity offered a $15,000 reward for anyone who could identify the culprits. "We're looking forward to seeing these three men brought to justice," Center for Biological Diversity senior scientist Ileene Anderson told the Times. "Not only did they act stupid, but they destroyed some of the last remaining habitat for one of the rarest fish in the United States." On Thursday, the Nye County Sheriff's Office posted to Facebook saying the three men had been identified as Steven Schwinkendorf, Edgar Reyes and Trenton Sargent. The department added they will face felony charges for "conspiracy to commit a crime, killing of an endangered species, destruction of property, trespassing, destruction of habitat [and] ex-felon possession of firearm." Story continues In addition to the death of the endangered animal, the office wrote, "fisheries biologists are trying to ascertain the extended damage that may have been done to food sources and egg sites which could lead to more loss of a species whose numbers are now below the last count of 115 in existence." The International Union for the Conservation of Nature considers the pupfish critically endangered, noting "since population surveys began, the wild population has not exceeded 553 individuals. For reasons that are still unclear, the Devils Hole population began to decline in the mid-1990s. By the fall of 2006, an estimated 38 fish remained in the wild, and two refuge populations were lost. In the fall of 2008, the population was estimated at 127 individuals." Groundwater extraction has, in the past, threatened the long-term viability of the pupfish, and the Supreme Court ruled in 1976 that pumping operations must cease to preserve the species, according to L.A.ist. The security in place is designed to keep both casual vandals and people who might want to wipe the species out so the extraction can continue. "The reason why they're under so much security is the worry that if people in the public thought a couple gallons of Clorox could fix this problem, there'd be no more Devils Hole pupfish," Wines told the site. "It doesn't seem these men were motivated by that because they could easily done that. They were most likely just drunk." h/t L.A.ist Los Angeles Rams With a bright 2016 on the horizon in Los Angeles, the Rams get a first look at Jared Goff. Rams Owner Stan Kroenke also weigh in on what he likes about his number #1 pick. WR Michael Thompson looks to help change the teams fortunes, and we get our first look at the HBO Hard Knocks trailer. Its been a great week in LA. Los Angeles Rams For a team that has finished below .500 the last 4 seasons, been in an absolute drought from winning the past decade, Los Angeles finds themselves at an interesting crossroads. Why not just go for it in 2016? cover32 Rams owner Stan Kroenke There is always the inevitable comparisons, and in the joyous wake of drafting Jared Goff, Stan Kroenke finds himself basking in some nostalgia from the good ol days. But does Stan know QBs? cover32 Michael Thomas, WR Southern Miss With the 206th overall selection in the 6th round, Los Angeles selected Mke Thomas to add to what became a consistent theme for them; offense, offense, and more offense. A very good thing. cover32 Jared Goff QB, Los Angeles Rams Jeff Fisher and the Los Angeles Rams continue to feel good about Jared Goff, his progress, and learning about his new team. Yes, HIS team. cover32 Los Angeles Rams On August 9th, the Los Angeles Rams make their national cable TV debut on HBOs Hard Knocks. Fans will have a hard time finding better summertime television viewing. cover32 The post Rams Notebook: Inside the Hotel California appeared first on Cover32. London (AFP) - Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri believes Chelsea will be a revitalised force under his fellow Italian boss Antonio Conte. Former Chelsea manager Ranieri takes his current side to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with Leicester having dethroned the Stamford Bridge club as Premier League champions, having once been 5,000/1 colossal outsiders for the title. Chelsea will kick-off against Leicester a huge 31 points behind the new champions. It has been a season of upheaval for the west London club, who sacked former manager Jose Mourinho in December and then brought in Guus Hiddink for the Dutchman's second spell in caretaker charge. Sunday's match will mark the end of Hiddink's current Chelsea stint, with Italy manager Conte arriving at Stamford Bridge once his country's Euro 2016 campaign in France is finished. Chelsea are an unusually low ninth in the table but Ranieri believes it won't be long before they are challenging for the title again, with Conte having won three Serie A crowns in Italy when in charge of Juventus. "He is a tough man, it is hard for him to change because he will make a little revolution there," said Ranieri. "I am waiting for it, I await the revolution when he arrives. He changes everything. "He is very concentrated in his job, the little things. He wants to care for everything, nutrition, everything." Ranieri managed Chelsea between 2000 and 2004, before being replaced by Mourinho. Before kick-off, Chelsea are expected to line-up to give the new champions a guard of honour, but Ranieri said the honour was for Leicester's players, not him. "I will stay in the dugout. I can say thank you to the fans but it is for my players." Leicester hold their title parade on Monday and then fly to Thailand, the home nation of the club's owners, on a goodwill trip on Tuesday. The Foxes will return for pre-season in July and then they will be involved in the International Champions Cup. Story continues Leicester travel to Glasgow to play Celtic on July 23 before heading to Los Angeles for a match against Paris Saint-Germain a week later. They round off the competition against Spanish champions Barcelona in Stockholm on August 3, in what Ranieri hopes will be useful preparation ahead of Leicester's inaugural Champions League campaign. "The pre-season is more or less the same, apart from changing the names of the opponent," he said. "It's good experience for my players but it's important to feel and understand the difference. It's important to play against these teams." Mohamed Al-Subeeh was a senior restorer at Syria's best-known mosaic museum, but as war swept deeper into his province, destroying artefacts and threatening his and his family's lives, he was forced to flee. The 64-year-old from Idlib province never dreamt that he would ever work in a museum again, certainly not in Germany, to which he had fled in a 23-day journey that involved a rubber boat ride across the Mediterranean, endless bus and train rides and hours of trekking on foot. But when he heard about a project at some of Berlin's top museums that trains newcomers to become Arabic-language guides for fellow refugees, he leapt at the opportunity. "I loved my work in Syria. Being a guide here today makes me feel like I'm getting a bit of my life back," Subeeh, who used to work at Maaret al-Numan museum, told AFP. Subeeh, who arrived in Germany last August, now takes groups of Syrian, Iraqi and other Arabic-speaking refugees on tours through the Bode Museum, where artefacts include a large mosaic piece from Ravenna, Italy. As part of a bid to integrate refugees into Germany, several museums run by the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, which administers the capital's state museums, came up with the unique project. Nineteen new arrivals were selected to participate in the programme, which entailed taking a course about the artefacts or art works that they would be introducing to fellow refugees. "We also learnt about how to capture their interest, so that they don't get bored during the one-hour tour," said another guide Kefah Ali Deeb, a Syrian opposition activist who says she was jailed four times by the regime before she fled. Deeb, who now conducts tours at the Pergamon Museum, said she is grateful for the opportunity to "meet other Syrians and Iraqis and to tell them about our own heritage". - 'Feels like coming home' - Every Wednesday and Saturday, a tour takes visitors to see one of the participating collections -- the Museum for Islamic Art, the Near East Museum, the Sculpture Collection, the Byzantium Art Museum as well as the German History Museum. Story continues Since December, 3,000 refugees have joined such sessions to view artefacts from their own heritage, and to learn about Germany's tumultuous history. The tours have proved so popular that the organisers are looking at expanding the programme to include "intercultural workshops, which the Berlin public can also participate in". Graphic designer Shadi Zayab, who arrived in Germany just four months ago after fleeing Syria to avoid military conscription, was on his second visit to the Pergamon Museum. "I really enjoy this. It's important to me to see this art, these colours, materials, everything here. It feels like coming home," he said, after a tour that included an ornately decorated wall alcove which comes from a Damascus house. After taking in more than 1.1 million asylum seekers in 2015 alone, Germany is shifting gears from its emergency refugee relief work to integrating the newcomers. Key cultural institutions in the country have also chipped in, including Berlin's world-renowned orchestras which this year organised a special concert for refugees and volunteers. - Lessons from history - Hermann Parzinger, president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, underlined the significance of the collections included in the Multaka project. The project, whose name translates into "meeting point", includes Arabic and Islamic art collections as they are "particularly important for people who have lost their homeland and who now find themselves in a foreign land", Parzinger said. Christian art is also in the mix as it shows newcomers "the society in which they now live and which they need to understand". The participation of the German history museum meanwhile showcases "the complete destruction in the 20th century, but despite that, the rebuilding -- that is a vision for people to take courage and be confident in their future," said Parzinger. That was also a message that Bashar al-Mohammad al-Shahin, who used to work as a museum guide in Syria, wanted to give to fellow citizens he was taking on tours in Berlin. "In the First World War, the Second World War, millions of people were killed here, there was a lot of destruction. "But Germany became the top country in democracy, technology and economy, so we have to learn. One day when we come back home, we have to do the same, we have to build our homeland," he told AFP. For the last five years, Republicans in Congress have adopted a rather simple and old-fashioned strategy for going after Obamacare: Throw everything against the wall and see what sticks. Theyve tried to repeal it; defund it; shut down the government to block it; pray that the Supreme Court would overturn it (twice); persuade Democrats to help them undermine it; and most recently, sue President Obama over how the government chose to implement it. On Thursday afternoon, House Republicans found out that something finally stuck. A federal judge decided in their favor and ruled that the Obama administration was spending money on insurance subsidies that Congress never specifically appropriated. Like several of the GOPs previous maneuvers, this victory is tentative and may be temporary: Judge Rosemary Collyer, a George W. Bush appointee on the U.S. District Court in D.C. stayed her own ruling so the government could appeal, and a higher court might reverse the decision or find that the House of Representatives had no standing to sue the president in the first place. Yet this latest legal threat to the Affordable Care Act seems to validate the GOPs try-anything approach. When House Republicans first came up with the idea to take the president to court nearly two years ago, they planned to sue the administration over a completely different part of Obamacare. Then-Speaker John Boehner was, as usual, facing pressure from conservatives who were frustrated at Obamas liberal use of executive authority and their inability to derail the hated health-care law. So he and his leadership team hatched a plan to file a lawsuit accusing the president and his administration of exceeding their authority by unilaterally delaying the implementation of the employer mandate in Obamacare. The requirement that businesses with more than 50 employees provide insurance to their workers had long been a big target for Republicans and one of the more contentious policies in the law. It was the middle of the mid-term congressional campaigns, and Republicans suspected the administration was delaying the mandate to put off the political pain of compliance until after the election. The president changed the health-care law without a vote of Congress, effectively creating his own law by literally waiving the employer mandate and the penalties for failing to comply with it, Boehner said in a statement at the time. Thats not the way our system of government was designed to work. No president should have the power to make laws on his or her own. The irony was that House Republicans had repeatedly assailed the employer mandate as a jobs killer, and yet here they were suing to force the administration to implement it faster. Recommended: Donald Trump and the Twilight of White America The first step for Boehner was to engineer passage of a resolution formally authorizing the House to sue the president. In drafting that resolution, the speakers legal team left themselves some wiggle room. Instead of specifically focusing on the employer mandate, the resolution authorized the House to initiate litigation over the implementation of any provision of the Affordable Care Act. That would become important later. Its not easy for anyone to sue the president or his administration, and as House GOP leaders would soon find out, it is particularly difficult for one chamber of Congress to bring a lawsuit against the executive branch. Courts have traditionally deferred to the president in legal conflicts with Congress and have been reluctant to serve as a referee for political disputes that are ordinarily hashed out through the give-and-take of legislative negotiation. Because Democrats controlled the Senate at the time, House Republicans appeared to be at a disadvantage since only one half of Congress would be claiming injury as a result of the administrations actions. Further complicating matters, the House GOP struggled to find a lawyer who would actually take the case to court. The first two firms the House hired quit, supposedly under pressure from Democratic clients who did not want to be associated with such a partisan case. Boehners office considered forgoing outside counsel entirely or combining the Obamacare suit with a legal challenge to the presidents executive action on immigration. Finally, they found a lawyer who would commit to the case, Jonathan Turley, and in late November 2014, the House sued the administration. Recommended: Is There a Hillary Doctrine? An appropriation from Congress cannot be inferredit must be made explicitly. When the House filed its suit in federal district court, the administrations delay in implementation of the employer mandate was not the only challenge it brought. The complaint also cited a much more technical matterthe governments funding of subsidies to insurance companies that reduce the cost of co-payments, deductibles, and other costs for low-income people. As The New York Times has reported, staffers for the House Energy and Commerce Committee discovered that there was no explicit congressional appropriation for the $130 billion or so over 10 years that the government was sending to insurers as reimbursements. The administration argued that language in the Affordable Care Act meant for the program to be funded permanently, while the lawsuit countered that it was subject to annual appropriations by Congress. Since the Republican-controlled Congress had never explicitly appropriated the money, they argued, the Obama administration was violating the Constitution by spending money without approval from legislators. The government first tried to block the House from even bringing the case by arguing that a chamber of Congress lacked the standing to sue over what was essentially a political dispute. Last September, Judge Collyer issued a two-part ruling. She threw out the GOPs challenge to the employer mandatethe original source of complaint from Republicansbut she allowed the subsidy claim to go forward, deciding that it was a constitutional question over the separation of powers. And in a 38-page ruling on Thursday, she found in the Houses favor: An appropriation from Congress, she wrote, cannot be inferredit must be made explicitly. Recommended: Here's How a Trump Presidency Could Actually Happen Unlike the two previous challenges to Obamacare that the Supreme Court has rejected, the House lawsuit would not destroy the law completely, although it could wreak havoc by raising the cost of health-care plans. It would also require Congress to find an alternative source of money to use in reimbursing insurersan unlikely scenario while Republicans are in charge. Collyers ruling wont be in effect while the administration appeals, and the White House is confident it will receive a friendlier hearing before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, where Democratic appointees have a majority. For now, however, Republicans are rejoicing. Boehner, since deposed, hailed the decision as a victory for the American people, and for House Republicans. His successor, Paul Ryan, echoed the sentiment and credited Boehner for the win. This ruling may not be what Republicans initially envisioned, but that matters little now. When it comes to attacking Obamacare, the GOP motto is: whatever works. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Madrid (AFP) - Spanish authorities allowed residents near a giant tyre dump blaze to return home Saturday, saying that the risk from toxic fumes billowing from the rubber heap had reduced although the fire had yet to be extinguished. The news came as it emerged that the European Commission had contacted Madrid over the illegal dump, the first step in a procedure which it can launch when it suspects a member state of infringing EU law. Some 10,000 people living in the town of Sesena near the Spanish capital evacuated their homes Friday after the dump went up in flames in a suspected arson attack. A massive black cloud of fumes billowed into the air, prompting widespread health concerns as the government of Castilla-La Mancha where the dump is located warned the smoke was "toxic." But the regional government said Saturday it had lifted its evacuation order "as a result of the reduced risk for residents in the area" as firefighters brought the blaze under control. The cloud had also reduced in intensity and was rising up higher in the sky, avoiding residential areas, authorities added. The blaze broke out before dawn on Friday in the dump that stretches over 10 hectares (25 acres) -- the equivalent of about 10 rugby fields -- and straddles the Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid regions. The massive stack of tyres started to form in the 1990s when a company began using the site as a temporary depot for old tyres due to be recycled, and it grew from then on. It was declared illegal and environmental groups had long warned that it posed a health hazard, but authorities only recently started acting on the problem, inviting bids to empty the dump and destroy the tyres at the end of last year. - Emitting pollutants - On Saturday, the European Commission, the European Union's powerful executive, said it had got involved too. "There were contacts and requests of information by the Commission to the Spanish authorities on landfills, including the one in Sesena," Commission spokesman Christian Wigand told AFP. Story continues A request for information is the first step towards an infringement process, which if officially launched can lead to EU court proceedings. Under a EU directive, used tyres cannot be dumped in landfills. Tyre dump blazes are notoriously difficult to extinguish and have been known to last for months and even years, as tyres often continue to burn inside even if they are extinguished from the outside. They also reignite easily. But Francisco Martinez Arroyo, environmental minister for the Castilla-La Mancha government, told Spanish radio the fire would likely be extinguished in "two or three days." In a bid to alleviate health concerns, Madrid's emergency services tweeted that air quality measuring stations in the area continued to give normal readings. But environmental group Ecologists in Action warned that the stations were not set up to measure all the pollutants being released from the mass burning of tyres -- an atypical event. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), compounds considered dangerous and in some cases cancer-causing. In a statement, the group called on "authorities involved to immediately measure the pollutants that the fire... is emitting in huge quantities, to protect people's health." Were ever words on screen more deserving of groans than the fatal based on a true story? To be fair to novice helmer Stephanie Di Giusto, she acknowledges she took some licenses with dancer Loie Fullers biography, but then why bother with the based on line when nearly all of The Dancer deviates so wildly from the truth? More problematic, even if we accept the film as pure fiction, is its pedestrian construction and ill-conceived script, unlikely to spark interest in one of the most innovative and influential performers of the last century and a quarter. Its $9 million budget was a lot of dough for main producer Alain Attal to round up, though perhaps Euro play might see respectable returns. Di Giusto claims almost no one remembers Fuller, though ask anyone remotely familiar with dance history, film history and the Belle Epoque, and theyll all be able to visualize the iconic posters of Jules Cheret depicting Fuller and her colorful swirling fabric. La Loie, as the French call her, was more than a dance sensation; she was a marketers dream, and its hard to think of Art Nouveau existing without Fullers whirls, which graced lithographs, postcards, sculptures, ashtrays, even shadow theater toys. Her crucial influence on Ruth St. Denis, Martha Graham and many others literally changed the development of modern dance. In this retelling, Fuller (musician-actress Soko) is raised as an outdoorsy kind of gal somewhere in the Rockies by French father Ruben (Denis Menochet), until hes shot dead in a plein-air bathtub in 1892 by bandit cowboys (every element of which is pure fantasy, including the French father). She makes it to Brooklyn, where her temperance-mad mother sort of makes an appearance in the story. Its in that borough that Loie tries her hand at acting, turning a wardrobe malfunction into a crowd-pleaser by swirling her loose skirt about. This eureka moment gets her thinking, and seemingly the next day shes got her act all sketched out. Just in time she encounters ether-sniffing Brooklyn resident Count Louis Dorsay (Gaspard Ulliel), a sensualist incapable of climax but with fab digs and a wad of $100 bills lying about. Knowing that Paris is more congenial to artists than Brooklyn, Loie boards a ship to France, forces her way into the attention of Folies Bergere manager Marchand (Francois Damiens), and presents her dance to enthusiastic audiences in the famed nightspot. Story continues With the essential assistance of Marchands right-hand Gabrielle (Melanie Thierry), Fuller develops ever-more elaborate spectacles involving fabric and colored lights, wowing the Folies crowd with her revolutionary vortices of movement. At least this last part is true: Loies innovatory experiments featured an explosion of swirling fabric that shattered more staid, classical dance movements of the period and paved the way for Futurisms obsession with motion and speed. Also relatively accurate is that Isadora Duncan (Lily-Rose Depp) worked with Fuller in France. In reality they disliked each other personally but respected their differing approaches to dance, though in The Dancer Duncan is a scheming Eve Harrington pretending to lead Fuller into a lesbian affair only to use the connection for her own conniving advancement. Ah, artistic license! But for what purpose? Di Giusto fails to make a case for these ridiculous inventions, offering merely the uninspired and formulaic picture of an artist suffering mightily for her craft. Even the great build-up to Fullers debut at the Paris Opera (which in reality didnt happen until 1920) feels disjointed, as if the director and her editor didnt quite know how to develop the scenes to create a much-needed sense of excited expectation along with an appropriate pay-off. Not that Sokos interpretation of Fullers performances disappoint: Those are well-staged, capturing some of the magic of Loies fantastically flowing natural forms (though her ground-breaking color experiments, including the use of phosphorescence and gases, are only weakly acknowledged). The same cant be said of Duncans dances (Depp was body-doubled by dancer Fanny Sage), which are more late-20th-century imaginings of Duncans classical style. Acting is overall acceptable though unremarkable apart from Thierry, who brings more character to an underwritten role than any of the others can muster. Unfortunately for Soko, the costume designer doesnt seem to be a fan, and shes dressed in unflattering clothes the actress is unable to carry. While this may be Di Giustos attempt to emphasize Fullers ungainly appearance, on screen it just looks clumsy. Visually the director channels a number of late-19th-century artists, with a nod in particular to James Jacques Tissot, whose painting of Frederick Burnaby seems to provide inspiration for a scene of Count Dorsay. Related stories Cannes Film Review: 'Personal Affairs' Cannes Film Review: 'Toni Erdmann' Dionne Warwick Insists Lady Gaga Will Be in Her Biopic (EXCLUSIVE) manufacturing protest labor protectionism Protectionism has grown quite popular as American workers continue to worry about losing jobs to other countries. And politicians have zeroed in on these anxieties as they vie for the top job in the White House. Donald Trump made the debate over free trade one of the central topics of his campaign after criticizing China, Mexico, and Japan. He even once suggested putting a 45% tariff on Chinese imports. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has recently edged away from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) after previously calling it the "gold standard" of trade agreements. Bank of America Merrill Lynch's global economist Ethan S. Harris and US economist Lisa C. Berlin argue that this shift has two major near-term implications. "First, we now believe the Trans-Pacific Partnership is less likely to pass the US Congress," the duo wrote in a note to clients. "Given the recent very negative rhetoric from both sides of the aisle, we now think passage of TPP is a very close call under a Clinton Presidency and is unlikely under Trump." And "a second implication is that conflicts over currencies could escalate," they continued. As they explain in greater depth regarding point two: The US Treasury has been flirting with naming China and other countries 'currency manipulators' for many years. Recently, they put a big spotlight on China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Germany. They said that each had exceeded two of three thresholds for being designated for 'bilateral engagement' (1) a bilateral trade surplus with the US of over $20 billion, (2) an overall current account surplus of 3% of GDP, and (3) persistent purchases of foreign currency that amount to more than 2% of GDP over a year. Under a Clinton administration, we would expect Treasury to follow through on these rules, while they would likely be tightened further under a Trump administration. Story continues Although the aforementioned short-term implications are certainly interesting to consider, perhaps the more interesting thing about this whole populist shift is the huge gap between economists' opinions on free trade and those of regular Americans. Mainstream economists pretty much all agree that free trade is "good" for an economy in the long-run (even though within an economy there will be some people who benefit less), while trade-restrictive measures hurt consumers. However, many regular people believe that free trade actually hurts the US which is likely a reflection of their personal experience. According to Pew Research statistics cited by Harris and Berlin, 89% of Americans think that the loss of US jobs to China is a somewhat or very serious issue. Moreover, only 46% of Americans think NAFTA was good for the economy. Notably, there is some empirical evidence to back up Americans' grievances. Back in January, labor economists David Autor, David Dorn, and Gordon Hanson published a paper showing that increased trade with China actually caused some really big problems for American workers. From the paper's meaty abstract (emphasis ours): China's emergence as a great economic power has induced an epochal shift in patterns of world trade. Simultaneously, it has challenged much of the received empirical wisdom about how labor markets adjust to trade shocks. Alongside the heralded consumer benefits of expanded trade are substantial adjustment costs and distributional consequences. ... Adjustment in local labor markets is remarkably slow, with wages and labor-force participation rates remaining depressed and unemployment rates remaining elevated for at least a full decade after the China trade shock commences. Exposed workers experience greater job churning and reduced lifetime income. At the national level, employment has fallen in U.S. industries more exposed to import competition, as expected, but offsetting employment gains in other industries have yet to materialize. Just to be clear, it's way too much of an exaggeration to say that free trade is not "good." After all, it's definitely easier on consumers' wallets to not pay 45% tariffs. Plus, one could argue that 15 years isn't enough for the global and US economies to adjust to the huge China shock. But it's still interesting to think about the split between what's "good" for the global and US economies versus what's "good" for your everyday American worker and how these kinds of issues will be addressed going forward. NOW WATCH: Hillary Clintons new Wall Street plan targets big banks and executive bonuses More From Business Insider By Daniel Dickson and Martin Lindstam STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Australia is hoping its power ballad will steal the Eurovision crown in Saturday's final round of the song contest that Russia is tipped to win with a spectacular light show. Despite the distance from home, Australia's flag was among the most commonly waved outside the stadium as fans streamed in a few hours before the final when queues started to form. But the betting odds favor Russian Sergey Lazarev, whose breezy europop number "You are the Only One" shares some elements with last year's winner, Mans Zelmerlow. Russia started competing in the contest in 1994 and won in 2008. Australia is attending for the second time at the invitation of the organizers. Ukraine's song about war is also among the favorites to win Saturday's Eurovision final. Croatia's entry features a giant dress and Germany's takes inspiration from Japan's anime culture. Host Stockholm has flags flying all over the city. While pedestrians wait to cross the streets, traffic lights play Sweden's 2012 winner "Euphoria" by Loreen and last year's champion Mans Zelmerlow's "Heroes". "Everyone is just in party mode," said Larry Lee, who came from Sydney to watch Australia's Dami Im perform "Sound of Silence", a James Bond theme-song style ballad. The tipped number three is Ukraine's Jamala with the song "1944", about strangers coming to "kill you all" - remembering a time when Josef Stalin deported Tatars from Crimea and causing many to draw parallels to Russia's 2014 annexation of the peninsula. Betting odds put host Sweden's Frans at number four and France's Amir, who sings "J'ai cherche" in English and French, at number five. Frans, a 17-year-old who still attends high school, sings "If I Were Sorry", about a break-up. Amir was born in France to a Tunisian father and a Moroccan-Spanish mother. A preliminary count of votes by representatives for fans and press put Russia's Lazarev first, followed by France and Australia. Fans and press put Italy's Francesca Michielin's flowery performance number five, despite odds suggesting a mid-table finish. The final begins at 3.00 p.m. ET with a winner expected to be announced around 6.00 p.m. ET. (Additional reporting by Ilze Filks; Editing by Ruth Pitchford) Moscow (AFP) - A Russian yacht has been detained by North Korean coastguards in the Sea of Japan and towed in to land with five crew members on board, Russian officials said Saturday. "The North Korean side has communicated that the yacht has been taken to the port of Kimchaek," Igor Agafonov, a foreign ministry official in Russia's far-eastern city of Vladivostok told state-run RIA Novosti news agency. "The crew is alive and well. We are still waiting for an explanation from North Korea as to the reasons for the detention," Agafonov said, adding that diplomats were seeking permission to visit the crew. Earlier an unnamed official at the Russian embassy in Pyongyang told TASS news agency that the sailboat Elfin was detained by North Korean coastguards late Friday with five people on board as it was sailing from a competition in the South Korean port of Busan to Vladivostok. "The embassy... has handed over a note to the North Korean side demanding the immediate release of the crew," Denis Samsonov, a spokesman for the Russian mission in North Korea, told RIA Novosti. On Friday the vice president of the regional sailing federation Yevgeny Khromchenko wrote on Facebook that the vessel had been stopped by "North Korean fishermen" 85 nautical miles (160 kilometres) from shore and was being towed in to land. Russia shares a short land border with North Korea and enjoys relatively friendly ties with the country's reclusive Stalinist regime. Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed in a statement that the yacht was sailing from the South Korean port of Busan towards Vladivostok when it was boarded and searched on Friday evening. "A note was sent to the North Korean side in order to find out the reasons for this detention. The Consul General of Russia... is waiting for permission to meet the crew," the statement said, adding that the crew were not in danger. From Esquire The country's most inevitable temper tantrum is unfolding in the United States Senate, where, instead of doing the job of conducting hearings on the president's nominee to the Supreme Court and other ceremonial trivialities, it is apparently determined to get to the bottom of the hurt feelings many conservatives have about Facebook. On Monday, we learned from Gizmodo that a young conservative fellow who worked at Palazzo di Zuck had his Hayek all in a knot because the other gnomes in the dungeon routinely declined to list conservative political items as Trending Topics. This is apparently a big deal: "Depending on who was on shift, things would be blacklisted or trending," said the former curator. This individual asked to remain anonymous, citing fear of retribution from the company. The former curator is politically conservative, one of a very small handful of curators with such views on the trending team. "I'd come on shift and I'd discover that CPAC or Mitt Romney or Glenn Beck or popular conservative topics wouldn't be trending because either the curator didn't recognize the news topic or it was like they had a bias against Ted Cruz." Dude, everybody has a bias against Ted Cruz, and not just because he's probably the Zodiac killer, either: The former curator was so troubled by the omissions that they kept a running log of them at the time; this individual provided the notes to Gizmodo. Among the deep-sixed or suppressed topics on the list: former IRS official Lois Lerner, who was accused by Republicans of inappropriately scrutinizing conservative groups; Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker; popular conservative news aggregator the Drudge Report; Chris Kyle, the former Navy SEAL who was murdered in 2013; and former Fox News contributor Steven Crowder. "I believe it had a chilling effect on conservative news," the former curator said. Yeah, I've noticed a lack of coverage of the IRS nothingburger over the past couple of years, and I overlooked the Hollywood movie about Chris Kyle, and Steven Crowder is one of those wingnut comedians whom The Man is keeping down, The Man in this case being Fox News, which decided that he wasn't as funny as Brian Kilmeade and 86'd him after he provoked a fight with a union guy in Michigan and got his ass busted. Chilling! Story continues (Crowder is beside himself, which is one too many.) From Gizmodo again: Stories covered by conservative outlets (like Breitbart, Washington Examiner, and Newsmax) that were trending enough to be picked up by Facebook's algorithm were excluded unless mainstream sites like the New York Times, the BBC, and CNN covered the same stories. Either this is what we used to call "editing," or Facebook has developed an anti-bullshit algorithm. In either case, all that was required here was patience. After all, if we've learned nothing else since 1992, in a couple of weeks, most of those stories would have surfaced in the mainstream media anyway, at least as "covering the controversy" pieces. But, marketplace of ideas and all that, right? It was clear that, sooner or later, the majority party in the World's Greatest Legislative Body was going to set aside other, less important things, and address this national scandal. Ladies and gentlemen, let's have a nice shebeen welcome for John Thune, the senior senator from South Dakota. If true, these allegations compromise Facebook's "open culture" and mission "to make the world more open and connected." Oh, for the love of god, you really believed that? We are going to have hearings on this because a bunch of conservative Zuckerbots left work with wounded fee-fees one day? Meanwhile, Merrick Garland twiddles his thumbs and the Supreme Court slips into paralysis and Mitch McConnell is willing to leave it there until after the inauguration of President Trump. Aux armes, citoyens! Dead Andrew Breitbart's personal brand has a First Amendment right to trend! Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page. Nearly 15,000 years ago, early humans gathered by a small pond in what is now Florida, near Tallahassee. Using stone knives, they butchered the body of a fallen mastodon, scoring the massive beast's tusks with deep cuts as they dug them out of the skull. What happened immediately afterward is lost to time. But after many thousands of years, one of the tusks scarred by cut marks and knives that the hunters used were discovered, preserved alongside other artifacts under 13 feet (4 meters) of sediment that was also about 26 feet (8 m) underwater, in the Aucilla River. A team of scientists recently investigated the artifacts in their underwater resting place, known as the Page-Ladson archaeological site. They concluded that the tools were 14,550 years old, thus providing rare physical evidence that places humans in the Americas earlier than previously suspected by more than 1,000 years. [Watch video of divers uncovering the artifacts] Earliest inhabitants For decades, many archaeologists staunchly affirmed that humans settled in the Americas no earlier than 13,200 years ago. This group of early humans, known as the Clovis, was thought to have arrived from Asia, over the Bering land bridge. In 1983, eight stone artifacts and butchered mastodon remains were discovered at the Page-Ladson site, and were investigated through 1997. The sediments surrounding the finds were dated to 14,400 years ago, but at the time, it was unthinkable to suggest that humans arrived in North America more than 1,000 years prior to the Clovis, the authors of the new study explained. Experts back then argued that even if the sediments were over 14,000 years old, it was possible that the artifacts themselves were not, and that they had been carried to that part of the site by river currents. However, as years passed and evidence of these pre-Clovis people accumulated from other sites, the idea that humans occupied the Americas between 14,000 and 15,000 years ago began to take hold. When scientists returned to the Page-Ladson site between 2012 and 2014, they used radiocarbon dating on the artifacts, confirming that they were 14,550 years old and finally proving that the initial estimates of the site's advanced age were correct. Story continues To establish a human presence at a specific location during a specific time archaeologists consider several important factors, study co-author Michael Waters of Texas A&M University explained in a teleconference First, he said, you need evidence of human activity stone tools, for example. Next, you link the tools to the location, to make sure they didn't get there by accident. The Page-Ladson finds were buried deep under sediment, so it was likely that they were part of that original landscape. Finally, the artifacts must be dated using a reliable technique. "At Page-Ladson, we meet all three criteria," Waters said. "Artifacts are associated with the mastodon remains, including a tusk with tool marks. They were sealed in undisturbed geological deposits. Seventy-one new radiocarbon dates show the artifacts date to 14,500 years ago. The Page-Ladson site provides unequivocal evidence of human occupation that predates Clovis by over 1,500 years." [In Photos: Mastodon Tusk Marked by Human-Made Tools] "As dark as the inside of a cow" Exploring the Page-Ladson site was no easy task. Study co-author Jessi Halligan of Florida State University was also the lead diver and excavation manager, and she described working in unusually murky waters. It was "as dark as the inside of a cow," she said. Rainwater seeping through the ground stained the river so dark that the divers could only work while using dive lights, and even then, the visibility was limited to the area directly in front of them. Which can be disorienting at first, "but it's really not as big a limitation as it sounds," Halligan said. "When you do your job, you're usually just looking at your excavation square anyway." And there were some distinct advantages to digging underwater. Halligan compared the environment to working in zero gravity rather than crouching in one position for hours on end, the archaeologists could work sideways or even upside down. And while aboveground diggers must dispose of displaced dirt, the divers had specialized pumps at the surface powering underwater vacuums, creating a vortex that sucked water and sediment away as the divers were working. But if you were to empty out all of the water, it would look very much like any terrestrial dig site, with taut string boundaries dividing it into areas of interest, Halligan added. [Mammoth vs. Mastodon: What's the Difference?] Cutting it out Deciphering the marks on the tusks proved to be yet another challenge one that the scientists anticipated might yield important clues about the ancient people who made the cuts. "Marks made by the tool can be as diagnostic of human activity as the tool itself," said study co-author Daniel Fisher of the University of Michigan. "They say a great deal. Not just about who produced the pattern, but about what behavior was responsible for the pattern." After reconstructing the tusk, Fisher linked the marks to cutting motions that would have separated the tusk from particularly tough ligaments in the tusk socket. He suggested that early humans might have wanted to remove the tusk for its ivory, but the nutritious and plentiful tissue in the tusk cavity about 15 lbs. (6.8 kilograms) per tusk also could have been their goal. While the researchers' work provides a glimpse into the distant world that these ancient hunter-gatherers inhabited, it raises many more questions about their lifestyle and their impact on the terrestrial megafauna like the mastodon, with which they overlapped for 2,000 years before the mastodon was driven to extinction. "The record of human habitation in the Americas between 14,000 and 15,000 years ago is sparse but it is real," Waters said in the teleconference. "Clearly, humans were exploring and settling at this time the rarity of these early sites is likely due to low population densities," he said. "And in some cases such as Page-Ladson, this evidence is submerged. This will make finding these sites difficult but very important tools left behind 14,500 years ago will have a profound impact on our understanding of the earliest pioneers of the Americas." The findings were published online today (May 13) in the journal Science Advances. Follow Mindy Weisberger on Twitter and Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Havana (AFP) - Spain's foreign minister was in Cuba on Saturday for a bilateral visit that comes two months after the European Union and the communist-run country signed a deal to normalize relations. Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo landed in the capital Havana late Friday, telling reporters upon arrival that the March agreement, the culmination of nearly two years of negotiations, "makes us very happy." The official Cubadebate website said the visit -- Garcia-Margallo's second in a year and a half -- was intended to review the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Spain is one of the leading investors in Cuba, particularly in the tourism sector, and is also ranked as the island's third-largest trading partner after Venezuela and China. On Monday, Garcia-Margallo will place flowers at a memorial to Jose Marti, a leading figure in Cuba's battle for independence from Spain, according to an official itinerary provided by the Cuban foreign ministry. He will also meet with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez, it said. The top Spanish diplomat arrived in the Cuban capital after visiting Ecuador, where he toured areas devastated by a powerful earthquake last month. Garcia-Margallo previously visited Cuba in November 2014. Heres what will happen after a woman gets an abortion in the state of Indiana, starting this July. She will be told, verbally and in writing, that she has the right to choose what she does with her aborted fetus. She will be given a list of her options for disposal, and offered counseling. The fetus does not have to be named, but it will receive its own burial-transit form, just like any dead body. This form will travel with it to a funeral home, where it will be buried or cremated. There wont necessarily be a ceremony; the fetus may not get its own headstone or urn. But it will be laid to rest in the way of a human. Aborted fetuses in Indiana, nearly all smaller than a peapod, will no longer be treated as medical waste. This is what the states legislature decided back in March. It passed a wide-ranging bill, making it a criminal offense to dispose of fetal remains in any other way besides burial or cremation, including in cases of abortions, miscarriages, and stillbirths. Which raises a question: Why would a state create a mourning ritual for no one? Recommended: Here's How a Trump Presidency Could Actually Happen For women who choose to have an abortion, the process can still end once the pills are swallowed or the stirrups are down. If families choose not to handle the disposal process, hospitals and clinics are responsible for taking care of the remains, along with the funeral and cemetery businesses with which they work. Absent state-mandated funerals or car rides to the crematorium, women dont have to help their fetuses come to a dignified end; abortion providers and funeral directors will be the only witnesses to the interment or cremation. And even though fetuses are now afforded the disposition rights of humans, they still dont have other rights of personhoodincluding, for example, the right to life. According to United States law, fetuses are not people. Indiana is not alone in its concern for the final resting place of fetuses. In March, South Dakota made it illegal to use aborted fetal tissue in research, and in April, Idaho and Alabama made it illegal to buy, sell, donate, or experiment on these remains. Tennessee made it illegal for sale. The legislatures of Ohio, South Carolina, and Mississippi have all recently considered burial and cremation requirements, and Arkansas and Georgia already have similar statutes in place. Like many of these other states, Indianas law effectively prohibits women or health-care facilities from donating fetal tissue for medical research. Story continues For women who miscarry or go through emergency medical abortions, this law creates a mechanism for grieving. Hospitals will provide not only medical advice, but tools for memorializing loss. For otherswho may be happy, sad, or indifferent about terminating their pregnancythe purpose of the ritual is less clear. Perhaps legislators want to peel womens eyelids open, Clockwork Orange-style, and make them confront the meaning of abortion. Perhaps they wanted fetuses to be seen in the way they seem to them: as human. Recommended: Donald Trump and the Twilight of White America * * * Up until now, clinics and hospitals in Indiana have disposed of fetuses the same way they might get rid of excess blood or fat from a surgery: They contract with medical-waste companies, which come to pick up and carry away remains on a regular schedule. Occasionally, this has been cause for controversy: Earlier this year, at least one company, MedAssure, was fined for improperly handling of aborted fetal tissue. If this law goes into effect as plannedwhich it may or may not, depending on the outcome of a mid-June hearing on a lawsuit jointly filed by the ACLU and Planned Parenthoodclinics and hospitals across the state will have to put a new process in place for getting rid of their aborted fetuses. Were all figuring it out, said Patti Stauffer, the vice president of policy at Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky. So far, she hasnt had much luck finding potential funeral homes and cemeteriesa lot of the businesses shes called have told her no. Its not like we have hundreds of people that are interested in working with us, she said. Of the 8,118 abortions that took place in Indiana in 2014the latest year for which figures are available from the state health departmentmore than 99 percent happened within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. This law applies to all of these fetuses, even those aborted in the earliest stages of pregnancy. As of 2014, only nine abortion clinics were open in the state, including four Planned Parenthood locations. The organization performed 4,930 abortions that year, or 61 percent of the states total. Stauffer said Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky has never donated or sold fetal tissue for medical research, unlike other Planned Parenthood affiliates in the United States. Recommended: Why White People Dont Use White Emoji I think a lot of funeral homes are going to be doing a lot of man hours to do this, for not a lot of income. That doesnt mean implementing the law wont be logistically challenging, though. Theres going to be a lot of man hours involved, said Curtis Rostad, the executive director of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association. I think a lot of funeral homes are going to be doing a lot of man hours to do this, for not a lot of income. No matter the disposal method, theres significant labor involved. Facilities can cremate more than one fetus at a time, which isnt typically allowed for human bodies, but a crematory that is designed to cremate adult remains is a lot of equipment and a lot of size to put into operation for something that could be as small as an aborted or premature fetus, Rostad said. In the case of a burial, they would dig one grave that would [accommodate] whatever containers or fetuses that theyre going to be burying, he said. Then workers have to resod and maintain the burial area. Not that funeral directors are complaining about the law. We strongly believe that mankind needs to remember and memorialize our dead, Rostad said. If the state comes along and makes it imperative that fetal remains of under 20 weeks receive that same treatment, thats a decision that society makes. Were simply there to carry that out. Rostad, who estimated that his organization represents 80 percent of funeral homes in the state, said legislators on both sides of the bill contacted him for information as debate was getting underway. Casey Miller, Rostads counterpart in the states cemetery business, said his association supported the law. He didnt anticipate any big changes or challenges: We do this everyday, he said. Although Planned Parenthood claimed its having a hard time finding funeral facilities to work with, even Miller said he supports the new process for fetal burials and cremationsand hes a staunchly pro-life Catholic. We dont ask what the decision of the family was when we accept the remains. Its not our position to question how the baby died, he said. Our role and responsibility is handling those remains in a respectful manner. Miller is based in Fort Wayne, a city of nearly 260,000 people. But for smaller towns and municipalities, the law might be more difficult to implement. Being a municipal cemetery in southwest Indiana, it can be a challenge, said Christopher Cooke, the superintendent of cemeteries in Evansville, Indiana, which is less than half the size of Fort Wayne. The financial burden is going to fall on somebody. All this law does is declare that any fetal remains under 20 weeks is human remains. Cooke anticipates an uptick in the number of fetus and infant burials that will come to his cemetery as a result of this law. Long-term, hes hoping to construct an ossuary for this purposea resting place for remains that might be marked with some sort of memorial. Evansville already has plenty of land for cemetery development, and everybody has what youd call a babyland areaa part of the cemetery thats just for babies. But they dont necessarily have the infrastructure for an annual memorial service that families can attend, for example, in the way some facilities in Indianapolis do. It may seem counter-intuitive for municipalities to plan memorial services and tasteful monuments in honor of abandoned fetuses. But thats what people in the funeral business do. They deal with dead bodies, yes, but most of their job is about plotting and facilitating the rituals of death. Everyone deserves to go through the grief and loss process with dignity, from the individual were putting in the ground to the family and friends who are paying their respects, said Cooke. This is a chance to give those individuals who dont have anyone to fight for them the dignity and respect to go through a burial. That sense of dignity and respect is what makes this measure significant. All this law does is declare that any fetal remains under 20 weeks is human remains, Rostad said. All it does. Indiana may not legally be able to declare fetuses human in life. But in death, apparently, it can. * * * Burial and cremation laws in the United States vary widely. States create their own rules, and though national lawmaking bodies have created some standard guidelines for organ and tissue donation, many legislatures have devised their own versions of these laws. In general, this is a somewhat murky area, said Tanya Marsh, a law professor at Wake Forest University. The question of what we own of ourselveswhat is the legal status of biological material thats been removed from ustheres very little law about that, except to say that its not ours, she said. When someones arm is amputated or her kidney is removed, those body parts enter a sort of gray zone of legal ownership: The body parts dont exactly belong to the person they came from, and are effectively considered abandoned. For fetuses, the question of ownership becomes even more complicated. Thats an area in between people born alive and a part of a person that had no capability of independent existence, Marsh said. These are deep philosophical, religious, and legal questions that weve punted. For a long time, many states didnt give women and families the option to bury or cremate their fetuses or miscarried or stillborn infants. Roughly 10 years ago, Marsh said, parents started pushing to change those laws. Over time, she said, pro-life organizations also signed on to this movement, which is why this recent wave of legislation has concerned not just choices for would-be parents, but the status of all fetuses. Americans United for Life offers model legislation for states on this topic, which covers both fetal-tissue donation and burial and cremation. These are deep philosophical, religious, and legal questions that weve punted. Legislators interest in scripting the process of death is relatively novel. The law has traditionally taken a very hands-off approach to the disposition of human remains in the United States, and thats out of recognition of the fact that its such a personal, religious, spiritual, and emotional decision, Marsh said. Guidelines have been written for public-health reasonswe dont want dead bodies stacking up on the street, as Marsh put itand for vaguely superstitious, human-community reasons. Dead bodies are just tissue, but they still carry the shape of a person; our forms are sacrosanct, even when we no longer exist. Thats why bodies arent tossed in a pit and incinerated en masseand why it can feel so instinctively wrong when bodies are mistreated. We dont discard human remains casually, Marsh said. In their joint lawsuit, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU argue that Indianas abortion law violates the principles of due process and equal protection. They say the law places an undue burden on both women and the health-care providers that perform abortions. But the burial-and-cremation measure of the law, at least, is as much about symbols as it is about changing the process of getting an abortion. The most important impact of this law is taking another step toward recognizing fetuses as humans, Marsh said. Thats a philosophical goal of the law. It doesnt have to do anything else except sit on the books and start to impact the way people think about it. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. By Brendan O'Brien (Reuters) - A Northern California man has returned a stolen World War One-era cannon that he had bought without knowing it had been taken from a local veteran's hall, police said on Friday. The war memorabilia collector purchased the inoperable cannon for about $1,200, he told police after hearing a news report that it had been stolen from a veteran's hall in Richmond, California, police said on Facebook. "This gentleman was more than helpful and felt absolutely horrible he had inadvertently bought a stolen piece of American history," the Richmond Police Department said. An NBC affiliate in the area reported that the man had put the 5-foot, 1-ton cannon in his front yard in the nearby town of Martinez. During the early hours of May 1, thieves towed the canon away from the Veterans Memorial Hall in Richmond where it had been since 1947, the police said. "This act is about stealing a piece of our country's history, and stealing from our war veterans who fought bravely for our country and our freedom," Richmond police said. They did not say any arrests had been made. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) (Reuters) - Two Los Angeles police officers were wounded in a shootout in Los Angeles in which an armed suspect was shot and killed, local media reported. The shooting began after the police chased the armed man on foot in Boyle Heights, a largely Latino neighborhood, late on Friday, the Los Angeles Times reported. In the subsequent exchange of fire, the suspect was killed, one officer was shot in the shoulder and the other suffered a back strain, according to the newspaper. Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck told reporters that the wounded officer was in hospital but in "great spirits". Police department officials were not immediately available for further comment. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) - Olympic champion Ryan Lochte cruised to victory in the 400-metre individual medley on Friday at the Arena Pro Swim Series in Charlotte, South Carolina. The 31-year-old American never looked in danger as he surged home in 4min 16.92sec to delight the crowd at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center. "That win tonight hurt but on (the) bright side, it's Friday," Lochte quipped on Twitter shortly after his victory. Lochte, the short course world record holder in the 400 medley, finished two seconds clear of Tomas Peribonio, with Michael Weiss coming home in third. Other Olympic gold medallists were in action on Friday including 100m butterfly champion and world record holder Dana Vollmer. Vollmer clocked 57.23sec, just over a second clear of Canadian teenager Penny Oleksiak. AFP * Korean swimmer makes filing with CAS * Seeks to over-turn KOC ban and swim at Rio (Adds quotes, details) By Jee Heun Kahng SEOUL, May 14 (Reuters) - Former Olympic swimming champion Park Tae-hwan has asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to "mediate" with the Korean Olympic Committee, the KOC said on Saturday, after he was left off the team due to a controversial doping ban. Park, who has already served an 18-month doping ban imposed by world governing body FINA, is fighting to overturn a KOC regulation that has tacked on an additional three-year suspension, which would rule him out of the Rio Olympics. Critics of the regulation say it punishes an athlete twice for the same offence but the KOC says it is aimed at keeping Korean sport free of doping. World sport is facing an unprecedented drug crisis and this week's World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) foundation board meeting was rocked by yet another string of doping bombshells involving Russian athletes. "Park asked CAS for mediation, and CAS notified the KOC and the swimming federation that such a request came in," a KOC spokesman said on Saturday. He added that while Park had requested an interview with the KOC and a meeting had been scheduled for May 25, the committee had not shifted its position. "There is no change in the KOC stance that doping should be dealt with zero tolerance." Park's management agency said on Saturday he had filed his appeal with CAS on April 26 but asked the sporting tribunal to suspend it two days later until he had received a final decision from the KOC. "We are still waiting," said a Team GMP spokeswoman by telephone, emphasising they would only proceed if the KOC did not provide a "positive resolution". OSAKA RULE Park won gold in the 400 metres freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Games to become the first Korean to win an Olympic swimming medal. But his reputation was shattered when he tested positive for testosterone ahead of the Asian Games in Sept. 2014. The 26-year-old attributed the failed test to an injection he received at a local clinic, where he said he was being treated for a skin complaint. Despite the KOC ban, Park entered national trials this month and won all four of his races in Olympic qualification times. However, his name was not included on the Korea Swimming Federation's preliminary list of athletes who will have a shot at making the squad for Rio. A recent public opinion survey by a prominent local polling company suggested most South Koreans thought Park deserved a second chance, while some experts have suggested the KOC could be in trouble with the International Olympic Committee if it upholds the ban. In 2011, CAS ruled that the IOC's "Osaka Rule", which banned athletes hit with anti-doping suspensions of at least six months from competing at the next Olympic Games, was a violation of its own statutes. Former World Anti-Doping Agency boss Dick Pound told local media last week that the KOC, as a signatory to the WADA Code, had to abide by the rules laid down for international sport. (Writing by Peter Rutherford; Editing by Ian Ransom) Geneva (AFP) - Campaigners for a minimum income in Switzerland set a Guinness Record for the world's largest poster on Saturday, as they sought support for the controversial proposal ahead of a referendum next month. The record-breaking 8,115 square-metre (87,350 square-feet) poster consisted of a series of massive black plastic sheets, with the words "What would you do if your income was taken care of" in gold lettering. It was set up in a large diamond-shaped open space in central Geneva called La Plaine de Plainpalais. The group behind the installation, Basic Income Switzerland, wants all adults in the wealthy alpine federation to receive an income of at least 2,500 Swiss francs ($2,500, 2,265 euros) per month. The minimum income proposal will be put to popular vote on June 5, one of a series of measures up for approval during the country's three-monthly referenda. In October, campaigners submitted more than the 100,000 signatures needed to call a referendum. A minimum income is different from a minimum wage, and supporters say it would provide a safety net that severs the link between income and work. The measure seeks to legally ensure that no adult in Switzerland has to live on less than 2,500 Swiss francs a month, including those who do not qualify for unemployment insurance and those who do not want to apply for it. Experts say implementation would almost certainly require a tax hike and some fear it will encourage people to stop working. "What we are seeking in this referendum is that everyone in Switzerland has enough money to exist," said Marilola Wili, a spokeswoman for Basic Income Switzerland. The group believes people should be free to turn down work they do not want and to pursue their interests with the security of having their basic financial needs met. Asked about the merits of a Guinness Record stunt, Wili said campaigners felt the notion of a minimum income was "the biggest question on Earth." Story continues "We decided we don't only want to say this, but we actually want it to be the biggest question on Earth," and so produced the world's largest poster that physically posed the question, Wili told AFP. Guinness World Records verified that the poster was the biggest ever. Images of it were expected to be shown at New York's Times Square later Saturday. The previous record of 7,165 square meters was set in the Iraqi city of Karbala by Fareed Lafta, a peace campaigner who gained prominence through his involvement with extreme sports. ZURICH, May 14 (Reuters) - The head of luxury group LVMH's Swiss watchmaking business expects sales of the TAG Heuer brand, which includes "smartwatches" that connect to the Internet, to rise by at least a tenth this year, he told Swiss newspaper Le Temps. "TAG Heuer exceeds all our expectations. At the end of April, watch sales are up 20 percent. I hope for a minimum of 10 percent at the end of the year," Jean-Claude Biver said in an interview published on Saturday. Of the company's two other watch brands, he said Hublot was undergoing "voluntary braking" in a year of consolidation, while Zenith was suffering like other watch brands from weak Chinese demand. Biver played down news that chipmaker Intel would halt production of Atom processors used in TAG Heuer "Connected" smartwatches. Asked if he was worried, he said: "Absolutely not. It is rather good news. It must be understood that Intel is not only a supplier but also a partner for TAG Heuer. We are together already thinking about new parts that will equip the Carrera Connected of tomorrow." TAG Heuer head Guy Semon spent 10 days a month at Intel, he said, adding that TAG Heuer would open an office in Silicon Valley this summer. "Not being there would for us be like claiming to do fashion and not be in Milan or Paris." TAG Heuer last year became the first Swiss watchmaker to offer a smartwatch to customers that combines Swiss design with U.S. technology, seeking to tap a growing market for wearable devices amid flagging sales of traditional watches. (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) ZURICH (Reuters) - The head of luxury group LVMH's (LVMH.PA) Swiss watchmaking business expects sales of the TAG Heuer brand, which includes "smartwatches" that connect to the Internet, to rise by at least a tenth this year, he told Swiss newspaper Le Temps. "TAG Heuer exceeds all our expectations. At the end of April, watch sales are up 20 percent. I hope for a minimum of 10 percent at the end of the year," Jean-Claude Biver said in an interview published on Saturday. Of the company's two other watch brands, he said Hublot was undergoing "voluntary braking" in a year of consolidation, while Zenith was suffering like other watch brands from weak Chinese demand. Biver played down news that chipmaker Intel (INTC.O) would halt production of Atom processors used in TAG Heuer "Connected" smartwatches. Asked if he was worried, he said: "Absolutely not. It is rather good news. It must be understood that Intel is not only a supplier but also a partner for TAG Heuer. We are together already thinking about new parts that will equip the Carrera Connected of tomorrow." TAG Heuer head Guy Semon spent 10 days a month at Intel, he said, adding that TAG Heuer would open an office in Silicon Valley this summer. "Not being there would for us be like claiming to do fashion and not be in Milan or Paris." TAG Heuer last year became the first Swiss watchmaker to offer a smartwatch to customers that combines Swiss design with U.S. technology, seeking to tap a growing market for wearable devices amid flagging sales of traditional watches. (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) ZURICH (Reuters) - The head of luxury group LVMH's Swiss watchmaking business expects sales of the TAG Heuer brand, which includes "smartwatches" that connect to the Internet, to rise by at least a tenth this year, he told Swiss newspaper Le Temps. "TAG Heuer exceeds all our expectations. At the end of April, watch sales are up 20 percent. I hope for a minimum of 10 percent at the end of the year," Jean-Claude Biver said in an interview published on Saturday. Of the company's two other watch brands, he said Hublot was undergoing "voluntary braking" in a year of consolidation, while Zenith was suffering like other watch brands from weak Chinese demand. Biver played down news that chipmaker Intel would halt production of Atom processors used in TAG Heuer "Connected" smartwatches. Asked if he was worried, he said: "Absolutely not. It is rather good news. It must be understood that Intel is not only a supplier but also a partner for TAG Heuer. We are together already thinking about new parts that will equip the Carrera Connected of tomorrow." TAG Heuer head Guy Semon spent 10 days a month at Intel, he said, adding that TAG Heuer would open an office in Silicon Valley this summer. "Not being there would for us be like claiming to do fashion and not be in Milan or Paris." TAG Heuer last year became the first Swiss watchmaker to offer a smartwatch to customers that combines Swiss design with U.S. technology, seeking to tap a growing market for wearable devices amid flagging sales of traditional watches. [nL8N13454O] (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) An image emerged online earlier this week showing a parked SUV that looked nothing like a Google Streetview car, even though it had a Google Maps sticker on it. Discovered hiding in the shadows of the Philadelphia Convention Center, the car had two license plate readers on the front. Unsuspecting people who have never seen a Google Streetview car might confuse the spy SUV for an actual Google Maps car. But savvy internet users who can tell the difference knew better than that, realizing this was likely a law enforcement car disguised in a most unexpected way. Soon enough, police confirmed the SUV belonged to its fleet. But authorities also denied any involvement in adorning the car with a Google Maps decal. Thats hilarious, stupid and scary, all at the same time. DONT MISS: These 3D models likely show us exactly what the iPhone 7 will look like We have been informed that this unmarked vehicle belongs to the police department; however, the placing of any particular decal on the vehicle was not approved through any chain of command, told Motherboard, which first published the image above. With that being said, once this was brought to our attention, it was ordered that the decals be removed immediately. Philly police are investigating the matter and so is Google, which is probably not happy to hear police spy cars are masquerading as Google Maps cars. The equipment on that police car is scary efficient according to Brandon Worf, who worked for three years at a sales group specializing in public safety technology. The ALPR gear installed on the now-confirmed police car is based on the use of infrared cameras to find plate numbers and letters via temperature differentials between those characters and the surrounding background through optical character recognition, according to Worf. The cameras can read and process several plates" at once in a fraction of a second. In addition to plate data, the machine collects plenty of other metadata including times and dates, GPS locations and a photos of plates and vehicles. Story continues Its not clear what the police SUV was doing there, but it was likely collecting data for some sort of investigation. Why police felt like they had to hide behind Google Maps banners is an entirely different question. Related stories Google's Android VR headset seems all but confirmed Google just released a keyboard for the iPhone with built-in search Google Translate for Android just got way more useful More from BGR: These 3D models likely show us exactly what the iPhone 7 will look like This article was originally published on BGR.com (Reuters) - Eight people were killed and about 40 others were injured when a charter bus rolled over on a Texas highway on Saturday morning, a state official said. There were no other vehicles involved in the accident, the Texas Department of Transportation said. The driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle while traveling northbound on U.S. Route 83, about 45 miles north of Laredo, and the vehicle rolled over around 11:45 a.m. local time, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Conrad Hein said. Seven passengers were confirmed dead at the scene of the crash and another died at an area hospital. Forty-four others were transported to area hospitals, including the driver, Hein said. Hein said he did not have details on the condition of those injured, but believed some were in critical condition. The bus had left from the Rio Grande Valley area earlier in the day and was traveling to Eagle Pass, located about 140 miles west of San Antonio, Hein said. The local Laredo Morning Times newspaper said the bus was headed to the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel when it crashed. The Texas Department of Transportation said wreckage from the crash forced the closure of the highway about 5 miles south of the Webb-Dimmit County line outside of Laredo. An image of the scene published by the newspaper showed the red charter bus with its passenger windows blown out and significant damage to the vehicle's rear. The Morning Times said the bus was operated by OGA Charters, based in San Juan, Texas. Representatives for OGA could not be immediately reached for comment. (Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Leslie Adler) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - Three people were killed on Friday when an Amtrak train slammed into their pickup truck near Fresno, the California Highway Patrol said. CHP Officer Javier Ruvalcaba said investigators were still at the scene of the noontime crash late on Friday afternoon, and that few details were available yet. The passenger train was traveling at about 79 miles per hour when it hit the pickup truck, whose driver was attempting to cross the tracks, the Fresno Bee reported, citing CHP Sergeant Lloyd Pratt. The names of those killed would not likely be released before Monday, the newspaper reported, citing Pratt. All three were men, the newspaper said. The conductor of the train was mildly injured but did not require a trip to the hospital, the newspaper reported. (Reporting by Sharon Bernstein; Editing by Sandra Maler) Moscow (AFP) - At least three people were killed Saturday when a mass brawl involving hundreds of men broke out at a Moscow cemetery, officials said. "At the moment, we have 26 injured and three dead," Interfax news agency said, quoting a spokesman for Moscow's health department. Twenty-three people were hospitalised, four of them with serious injuries, the official said. An interior ministry spokesman, cited by Interfax, said 90 people had been arrested after the fighting. Footage shown on the TV news channel LifeNews showed dozens of men armed with staves or steel bars in running battles inside the cemetery and at its entrance while gunshots could be heard. Reports said the fight at the Khovanskoye cemetery involved 200 immigrants from former Soviet Central Asia and residents from Russia's volatile North Caucasus. Two of the victims were Tajikistan nationals, according to Karomat Sharipov,a representative of the Tajik diaspora. "These were Tajik citizens who have worked in Russia for over 20 years," Sharipov told Interfax. "Organised crime gang members came, they demanded that they give them 20 percent of their income," and the fighting started when the Tajik workers refused to do so, added Sharipov, head of the Tajik Migrant Workers group. Russia's interior ministry said the fight, including firearms, appeared to have been sparked by a dispute over who had the right to work on the cemetery, a massive 200-hectare (500-acre) site on Moscow's southwestern rim. (BEIRUT) The top commander of Lebanons militant Hezbollah was killed in Syria by insurgent shelling, Hezbollah said Saturday, vowing to continue its involvement in Syrias civil war. Mustafa Badreddine became the highest ranking casualty for Hezbollah since the group joined Syrias civil four years ago. The group said the blast that killed Mustafa Badreddine near the Damascus International Airport was caused by artillery shelling by takfiri groups, a term Hezbollah uses to refer to Sunni extremists. The area on the southern edge of the Syrian capital is known to host positions of several militant groups including al-Qaidas branch in Syria, known as the Nusra Front. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that according to his network of activists in the area on the ground, there has been no shelling in the airport area since Wednesday. Hezbollah must come forward with proof about the death of its commander, Abdurrahman said by telephone. Hezbollahs statement said Badreddines killing will only boost the groups will and intention to continue fighting these criminal gangs until they are defeated. It added that defeating insurgent groups in Syria was the wish of Badreddine who was also known among the groups ranks as Zulfiqar. Hezbollahs statements hinted that the group will continue to be deeply involved in the conflict next door that has killed more than 250,000 people since 2011, including more than 1,000 Hezbollah fighters. It is the same battle against the American-Zionist project that the terrorists are spearheading, Hezbollahs statement said. Hezbollah has sent thousands of fighters to Syria to back President Bashar Assads government against militants trying to remove him from power. The group announced Badreddines death on Friday without saying when the attack occurred. It said at the time that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the blast. Story continues The 55-year-old Badreddine had directed Hezbollahs operations in Syria since its fighters joined Assads forces in 2012, the groups biggest-ever military intervention outside of Lebanon. Thousands of guerrillas fighting alongside Syrias military were crucial to tipping the battlefield in the governments favor on multiple fronts, from the suburbs of Damascus to the northern province of Aleppo. With Badreddines death, Hezbollah is likely to rely on a younger generation of commanders, moving away from the veterans who came of age during Lebanons 1975-1990 civil war or during Hezbollahs 18-year war against Israels occupation of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000. One possible successor, Ibrahim Aqil, is among the last major figures from that generation. A member of Hezbollahs highest military body, the Jihad Council, Aqil has been involved in the Syria fighting and is suspected in hostage-takings in the 1980s and a bombing campaign in Paris in 1986. Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook , author of Lean In, and founder of LeanIn.org, addressed the Class of 2016 at the University of California at Berkeley on Saturday, May 14th. She spoke on loss and resilience in the wake of her husband Dave Goldbergs passing. The address comes sooner after recent comments concerning how her Lean In philosophy has evolved since her husbands death. If youd like to watch live, you can see her commencement speech on the UC Berkeley website or in the live stream below. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY 2016 Commencement Address Thank you, Marie. And thank you esteemed members of the faculty, proud parents, devoted friends, squirming siblings. Congratulations to all of you...and especially to the magnificent Berkeley graduating class of 2016! It is a privilege to be here at Berkeley, which has produced so many Nobel Prize winners, Turing Award winners, astronauts, members of Congress, Olympic gold medalists.... and that's just the women! Berkeley has always been ahead of the times. In the 1960s, you led the Free Speech Movement. Back in those days, people used to say that with all the long hair, how do we even tell the boys from the girls? We now know the answer: manbuns. Early on, Berkeley opened its doors to the entire population. When this campus opened in 1873, the class included 167 men and 222 women. It took my alma mater another ninety years to award a single degree to a single woman. One of the women who came here in search of opportunity was Rosalind Nuss. Roz grew up scrubbing floors in the Brooklyn boardinghouse where she lived. She was pulled out of high school by her parents to help support their family. One of her teachers insisted that her parents put her back into school--and in 1937, she sat where you are sitting today and received a Berkeley degree. Roz was my grandmother. She was a huge inspiration to me and I'm so grateful that Berkeley recognized her potential. I want to take a moment to offer a special congratulations to the many here today who are the first generation in their families to graduate from college. What a remarkable achievement. Story continues Today is a day of celebration. A day to celebrate all the hard work that got you to this moment. Today is a day of thanks. A day to thank those who helped you get here--nurtured you, taught you, cheered you on, and dried your tears. Or at least the ones who didn't draw on you with a Sharpie when you fell asleep at a party. Today is a day of reflection. Because today marks the end of one era of your life and the beginning of something new. A commencement address is meant to be a dance between youth and wisdom. You have the youth. Someone comes in to be the voice of wisdom--that's supposed to be me. I stand up here and tell you all the things I have learned in life, you throw your cap in the air, you let your family take a million photos -don't forget to post them on Instagram --and everyone goes home happy. Today will be a bit different. We will still do the caps and you still have to do the photos. But I am not here to tell you all the things I've learned in life. Today I will try to tell you what I learned in death. I have never spoken publicly about this before. It's hard. But I will do my very best not to blow my nose on this beautiful Berkeley robe. One year and thirteen days ago, I lost my husband, Dave. His death was sudden and unexpected. We were at a friend's fiftieth birthday party in Mexico. I took a nap. Dave went to work out. What followed was the unthinkable--walking into a gym to find him lying on the floor. Flying home to tell my children that their father was gone. Watching his casket being lowered into the ground. For many months afterward, and at many times since, I was swallowed up in the deep fog of grief--what I think of as the void--an emptiness that fills your heart, your lungs, constricts your ability to think or even to breathe. Dave's death changed me in very profound ways. I learned about the depths of sadness and the brutality of loss. But I also learned that when life sucks you under, you can kick against the bottom, break the surface, and breathe again. I learned that in the face of the void--or in the face of any challenge--you can choose joy and meaning. I'm sharing this with you in the hopes that today, as you take the next step in your life, you can learn the lessons that I only learned in death. Lessons about hope, strength, and the light within us that will not be extinguished. Everyone who has made it through Cal has already experienced some disappointment. You wanted an A but you got a B. OK, let's be honest--you got an A- but you're still mad. You applied for an internship at Facebook, but you only got one from Google. She was the love of your life... but then she swiped left. Game of Thrones the show has diverged way too much from the books--and you bothered to read all four thousand three hundred and fifty-two pages. You will almost certainly face more and deeper adversity. There's loss of opportunity: the job that doesn't work out, the illness or accident that changes everything in an instant. There's loss of dignity: the sharp sting of prejudice when it happens. There's loss of love: the broken relationships that can't be fixed. And sometimes there's loss of life itself. Some of you have already experienced the kind of tragedy and hardship that leave an indelible mark. Last year, Radhika, the winner of the University Medal, spoke so beautifully about the sudden loss of her mother. The question is not if some of these things will happen to you. They will. Today I want to talk about what happens next. About the things you can do to overcome adversity, no matter what form it takes or when it hits you. The easy days ahead of you will be easy. It is the hard days--the times that challenge you to your very core--that will determine who you are. You will be defined not just by what you achieve, but by how you survive. A few weeks after Dave died, I was talking to my friend Phil about a father-son activity that Dave was not here to do. We came up with a plan to fill in for Dave. I cried to him, "But I want Dave." Phil put his arm around me and said, "Option A is not available. So let's just kick the shit out of option B." We all at some point live some form of option B. The question is: What do we do then? As a representative of Silicon Valley, I'm pleased to tell you there is data to learn from. After spending decades studying how people deal with setbacks, psychologist Martin Seligman found that there are three P's--personalization, pervasiveness, and permanence--that are critical to how we bounce back from hardship. The seeds of resilience are planted in the way we process the negative events in our lives. The first P is personalization--the belief that we are at fault. This is different from taking responsibility, which you should always do. This is the lesson that not everything that happens to us happens because of us. When Dave died, I had a very common reaction, which was to blame myself. He died in seconds from a cardiac arrhythmia. I poured over his medical records asking what I could have--or should have--done. It wasn't until I learned about the three P's that I accepted that I could not have prevented his death. His doctors had not identified his coronary artery disease. I was an economics major; how could I have? Studies show that getting past personalization can actually make you stronger. Teachers who knew they could do better after students failed adjusted their methods and saw future classes go on to excel. College swimmers who underperformed but believed they were capable of swimming faster did. Not taking failures personally allows us to recover--and even to thrive. The second P is pervasiveness--the belief that an event will affect all areas of your life. You know that song "Everything is awesome?" This is the flip: "Everything is awful." There's no place to run or hide from the all-consuming sadness. The child psychologists I spoke to encouraged me to get my kids back to their routine as soon as possible. So ten days after Dave died, they went back to school and I went back to work. I remember sitting in my first Facebook meeting in a deep, deep haze. All I could think was, "What is everyone talking about and how could this possibly matter?" But then I got drawn into the discussion and for a second--a brief split second--I forgot about death. That brief second helped me see that there were other things in my life that were not awful. My children and I were healthy. My friends and family were so loving and they carried us--quite literally at times. The loss of a partner often has severe negative financial consequences, especially for women. So many single mothers--and fathers--struggle to make ends meet or have jobs that don't allow them the time they need to care for their children. I had financial security, the ability to take the time off I needed, and a job that I did not just believe in, but where it's actually OK to spend all day on Facebook. Gradually, my children started sleeping through the night, crying less, playing more. The third P is permanence--the belief that the sorrow will last forever. For months, no matter what I did, it felt like the crushing grief would always be there. We often project our current feelings out indefinitely--and experience what I think of as the second derivative of those feelings. We feel anxious--and then we feel anxious that we're anxious. We feel sad--and then we feel sad that we're sad. Instead, we should accept our feelings--but recognize that they will not last forever. My rabbi told me that time would heal but for now I should "lean in to the suck." It was good advice, but not really what I meant by "lean in." None of you need me to explain the fourth P...which is, of course, pizza from Cheese Board. But I wish I had known about the three P's when I was your age. There were so many times these lessons would have helped. Day one of my first job out of college, my boss found out that I didn't know how to enter data into Lotus 1-2-3. That's a spreadsheet--ask your parents. His mouth dropped open and he said, 'I can't believe you got this job without knowing that"--and then walked out of the room. I went home convinced that I was going to be fired. I thought I was terrible at everything... but it turns out I was only terrible at spreadsheets. Understanding pervasiveness would have saved me a lot of anxiety that week. I wish I had known about permanence when I broke up with boyfriends. It would've been a comfort to know that feeling was not going to last forever, and if I was being honest with myself... neither were any of those relationships. And I wish I had understood personalization when boyfriends broke up with me. Sometimes it's not you--it really is them. I mean, that dude never showered. And all three P's ganged up on me in my twenties after my first marriage ended in divorce. I thought at the time that no matter what I accomplished, I was a massive failure. The three P's are common emotional reactions to so many things that happen to us--in our careers, our personal lives, and our relationships. You're probably feeling one of them right now about something in your life. But if you can recognize you are falling into these traps, you can catch yourself. Just as our bodies have a physiological immune system, our brains have a psychological immune system--and there are steps you can take to help kick it into gear. One day my friend Adam Grant, a psychologist, suggested that I think about how much worse things could be. This was completely counterintuitive; it seemed like the way to recover was to try to find positive thoughts. "Worse?" I said. "Are you kidding me? How could things be worse?" His answer cut straight through me: "Dave could have had that same cardiac arrhythmia while he was driving your children." Wow. The moment he said it, I was overwhelmingly grateful that the rest of my family was alive and healthy. That gratitude overtook some of the grief. Finding gratitude and appreciation is key to resilience. People who take the time to list things they are grateful for are happier and healthier. It turns out that counting your blessings can actually increase your blessings. My New Year's resolution this year is to write down three moments of joy before I go to bed each night. This simple practice has changed my life. Because no matter what happens each day, I go to sleep thinking of something cheerful. Try it. Start tonight when you have so many fun moments to list-- although maybe do it before you hit Kip's and can still remember what they are. Last month, eleven days before the anniversary of Dave's death, I broke down crying to a friend of mine. We were sitting--of all places--on a bathroom floor. I said: "Eleven days. One year ago, he had eleven days left. And we had no idea." We looked at each other through tears, and asked how we would live if we knew we had eleven days left. As you graduate, can you ask yourselves to live as if you had eleven days left? I don't mean blow everything off and party all the time-- although tonight is an exception. I mean live with the understanding of how precious every single day would be. How precious every day actually is. A few years ago, my mom had to have her hip replaced. When she was younger, she always walked without pain. But as her hip disintegrated, each step became painful. Now, even years after her operation, she is grateful for every step she takes without pain--something that never would have occurred to her before. As I stand here today, a year after the worst day of my life, two things are true. I have a huge reservoir of sadness that is with me always--right here where I can touch it. I never knew I could cry so often--or so much. But I am also aware that I am walking without pain. For the first time, I am grateful for each breath in and out--grateful for the gift of life itself. I used to celebrate my birthday every five years and friends' birthdays sometimes. Now I celebrate always. I used to go to sleep worrying about all the things I messed up that day--and trust me that list was often quite long. Now I try really hard to focus on each day's moments of joy. It is the greatest irony of my life that losing my husband helped me find deeper gratitude--gratitude for the kindness of my friends, the love of my family, the laughter of my children. My hope for you is that you can find that gratitude--not just on the good days, like today, but on the hard ones, when you will really need it. There are so many moments of joy ahead of you. That trip you always wanted to take. A first kiss with someone you really like. The day you get a job doing something you truly believe in. Beating Stanford. (Go Bears!) All of these things will happen to you. Enjoy each and every one. I hope that you live your life--each precious day of it--with joy and meaning. I hope that you walk without pain--and that you are grateful for each step. And when the challenges come, I hope you remember that anchored deep within you is the ability to learn and grow. You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up, draw on it when you need it. In that process you will figure out who you really are--and you just might become the very best version of yourself. Class of 2016, as you leave Berkeley, build resilience. Build resilience in yourselves. When tragedy or disappointment strike, know that you have the ability to get through absolutely anything. I promise you do. As the saying goes, we are more vulnerable than we ever thought, but we are stronger than we ever imagined. Build resilient organizations. If anyone can do it, you can, because Berkeley is filled with people who want to make the world a better place. Never stop working to do so--whether it's a boardroom that is not representative or a campus that's not safe. Speak up, especially at institutions like this one, which you hold so dear. My favorite poster at work reads, "Nothing at Facebook is someone else's problem." When you see something that's broken, go fix it. Build resilient communities. We find our humanity--our will to live and our ability to love--in our connections to one another. Be there for your family and friends. And I mean in person. Not just in a message with a heart emoji. Lift each other up, help each other kick the shit out of option B--and celebrate each and every moment of joy. You have the whole world in front of you. I can't wait to see what you do with it. Congratulations, and Go Bears! See original article on Fortune.com More from Fortune.com (Reuters) - Interviews with dozens of women who have worked for Donald Trump or interacted with him socially reveal a pattern of often unsettling personal behavior by the Republican presidential candidate, The New York Times reported on Saturday. The Times, which said it based the article on more than 50 interviews, quoted women who recounted episodes in which he treated women as sexual objects and made comments about their bodies. But some women said Trump had encouraged them in their careers and promoted them within his businesses, often in positions in which women tended to be excluded. When asked about the unflattering incidents described in the article, Trump either denied that they took place or disputed the details, the newspaper said. A lot of things get made up over the years, Trump told the Times. I have always treated women with great respect. A Trump representative did not immediately respond to a request by Reuters for comment. Barbara Res, who oversaw construction of Trump's Manhattan business headquarters, said he would sometimes interrupt meetings with comments about women's figures. During a job interview for a Los Angeles project, for example, Trump made a random aside about Southern California women. "They take care of their asses," Res recalled Trump saying. Years later, when Res says she had gained weight, she said Trump told her: "You like your candy." Even so, Res, who worked for Trump for 12 years before quitting and then came back as a consultant for six more, said she was grateful to Trump for her professional opportunities, though she said he frequently called her "Honey Bunch," the Times reported. Trump also earned a reputation for being seen with beautiful women dating back to his days at a New York military-style boarding school where he was named "ladies' man" in the yearbook, the Times reported. Barbara Fife, a deputy New York mayor in the 1990s, recalls Trump telling her at her City Hall office that he was in a hurry because he had "a great date tonight with a model for Victorias Secret," she told the Times. I saw it as immature, quite honestly, Fife was quoted as saying. As a candidate, Trump has made frequent references to his record in business as evidence of how American women would benefit if he is elected. He has often said that no one cherishes or respects women more than him. Some of those interviewed praised Trump for giving women positions of power. I think there are mischaracterizations about him, Jill Martin, assistant counsel at the Trump Organization, told the Times. For me, hes made it a situation where I can really excel at my job and still devote the time necessary for my family. The story comes less than two weeks after the last of Trump's Republican rivals dropped out, all but assuring him the party's presidential nomination this summer. Throughout his improbable campaign, Trump has managed to deflect criticism about his attitude to women, fueled by verbal insults he lobbed at Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly and former Republican candidate Carly Fiorina. (Reporting by Frank McGurty; Editing by Leslie Adler) In her race to secure the Democratic nomination for president, Hillary Clinton has recently drawn support from an unusual voter base alien enthusiasts. First in a radio interview, then again on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Clinton expressed interest in making public files about UFOs and the mysterious Nevada site called Area 51. "I would like us to go into those files and hopefully make as much of that public as possible. If there's nothing there, let's tell people there's nothing there," said Clinton, speaking with Kimmel. She confirmed that her husband, former President Bill Clinton, had also gone looking for extraterrestrial information during his presidency and came up empty. And that's what the public can probably expect from these "UFO files," experts told Live Science. [Flying Saucers to Mind Control: 7 Declassified Military & CIA Secrets] "If anyone is expecting to find flying saucers or dead aliens or any of that stuff, I think they'll be very disappointed," said Jeffrey T. Richelson, senior fellow with the National Security Archive at George Washington University, of this hypothetical release, in an interview with Live Science. The National Security Archive, a nonprofit founded in 1985 to uncover and archive government documents and release them to the public, holds the second-largest collection of declassified U.S. files (the federal government has the largest repository). As part of the archive's efforts, Richelson edited a release of declassified Area 51 files in 2013 that included more than 60 documents. Among many other activities, these files shed some light on Area 51's role in the development of stealth programs and the test flights of covertly obtained Soviet MiG fighter jets during the Cold War. What is Area 51? Located in Nevada about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Las Vegas, Area 51 is a military base that is restricted to the public. Its official name is the Nevada Test and Training Range, which is part of the Edwards Air Force Base. Story continues Over the years, people who have worked (and claimed to have worked) at Area 51 have added fuel to the UFO fire with claims of working with aliens or having access to alien technology gathered from spacecraft crash sites. [7 Huge Misconceptions About Aliens] "It's important to separate [what really happened there] from what most people think of when they think of Area 51: that that's where there is alien technology, a crash that had occurred somewhere that had been picked up by the military and kept there in a super-secret base, and all that kind of stuff," said Roger D. Launius, associate director for collections and curatorial affairs at the National Air and Space Museum. "That piece of it is a folklore that has no bearing [on] and no relationship to any reality whatsoever." The scoop on spy planes What is real, added Launius, is the facility's involvement in highly classified aerospace research and development. Area 51's connection to experimental aircraft may be a reason why people have connected it with extraterrestrial cover-ups. After all, it is a well-known yet super-secret base that has many strange aircraft fly in and out of it, Richelson said. By his estimation, further details about the different aircraft programs that have connections to Area 51 would be the most likely results of any actions Clinton would take to declassify documents about the facility. Specifically, Richelson theorized that further declassification of Area 51 documents could fill us in on what has gone on there after the U-2, OXCART (the successor to the U-2), F-117 and SR-71 Blackbird secret aircraft projects, which were featured in the 2013 document release. It's a challenge to theorize about the contents of secret documents, but Richelson's best guesses were that the public might gain additional information about stealth-drone programs, such as the RQ-170 and RQ-180, and other exotic aircraft that were tested but never produced in significant numbers. One aircraft that he said we could learn more about is the Northrop Tacit Blue, a battlefield surveillance aircraft that, according to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, "tested advanced radar sensors and new ideas in stealth technology." This unusual plane, with curves reminiscent of a to-go box, flew 135 times before the program ended in 1985. Regardless of whether people are invested in extraterrestrial revelations, Launius said there is an important point to be made about Clinton's declassification discussions. "I would like to think that, whoever the president is whether it's Mrs. Clinton or it's Mr. Trump, or it's somebody else, or the current president as well that every piece of classified information that exists inside the federal government that is no longer necessary for our national security, should be declassified," he said. While he is in favor of openness in regard to government records, Launius also notes that declassification does require significant effort and may take several years to complete, even with a presidential push. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. New Delhi (AFP) - Gunmen shot dead two journalists in 24 hours in separate incidents in eastern India, police and local reports said Saturday, the latest media killing in Asia's deadliest country for reporters. Rajdeo Ranjan the local bureau chief for Hindi-language daily Hindustan, was travelling on his motorcycle late Friday in Bihar state when a group of unknown assailants shot him five times. "He was shot from very close range. We rushed him to a hospital where he was declared dead on arrival last night," local Siwan district police chief, Saurabh Kumar Sah, told AFP by telephone. Sah said police were yet to ascertain the motive behind the killing, but two people have been detailed for questioning. "We are focusing more on the professional angle since he may have written some things about certain people, which may have led to this," he said. Television footage showed villagers collecting firewood to prepare Ranjan's funeral pyre as family members and women sat on the ground wailing, holding their heads in their hands. Late on Thursday, television journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh was also shot dead by unknown assailants as he returned home on a motorbike in restive Jharkhand state, which neighbours Bihar, according to local reports. "We have no eyewitnesses yet. But we suspect that the assailants too were on motorcycle," the Indian Express newspaper quoted Upendra Prasad, a senior state police official, as saying. "It is not immediately clear if the journalist had (received) any threat from anybody." Singh's family members and supporters held a protest Friday, blocking roads and demanding compensation and swift police action against the perpetrators. India was Asia's deadliest country for journalists in 2015, according to Paris-based Reporters Without Borders. It is also one of the most restrictive countries for the press, ranked 133 out of 180 nations by the group. Journalists in the world's largest democracy often face harassment and intimidation by police, politicians, bureaucrats and criminal gangs, while scores work in hostile conditions in conflict-ridden pockets of the country. In October gunmen on a motorbike shot dead a television journalist in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh as he returned home from a market. A freelance reporter also died after being doused with petrol and set on fire in Uttar Pradesh in June. The Hague (AFP) - Two Bengal tigers that escaped Saturday from a big cat shelter in the Netherlands have been recaptured after about four hours on the loose, Dutch authorities said. The two tigers named Radja and Delhi were found roaming the wooded area near the refuge from which they escaped by crawling under a fence, ANP news agency reported, citing local police. Veterinarians equipped with tranquiliser guns and police helicopters had launched an urgent search around the northern village of Oldeberkoop for the felines. After several attempts to capture them, the animals were anaesthetised and confirmed to be "in a very deep sleep," Jan Graafstra, a police officer involved in the operation, wrote on Twitter. Several men then carried the two big cats, each weighing around 150 kilos (330 pounds), back to their cages in the refuge in big cloth sacks with carrying handles, Dutch public television NOS reported. "There was never any danger for local residents," who had been warned about the escaped tigers, local mayor Harry Oosterman told ANP. The Felida big cat rescue centre takes in animals in need of protection from possible abuse or neglect as those of advanced years. Radja and Delhi originally came from a private German zoo, whose cash-strapped owner could no longer afford to feed them. The goal is to eventually transfer them to a sanctuary in South Africa. AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - A few hours of freedom ended for two Bengal tigers that escaped from a big cat shelter in the Dutch countryside on Saturday, when police managed to sedate them and get them back in their enclosure. Residents in the northern village of Oldeberkoop, with a population of 1,500, had been told to stay indoors while the tigers - named Radjah and Dehli - were on the loose. "Careful work by a dog catcher and a vet appears to have tranquilised both tigers. Now checking if they're sleeping deeply," said local police officer Jan Graafstra in a tweet before it was confirmed they were back home. An initial attempt to tranquilise one of the tigers failed. Nobody had been in any danger during the chase, said Gijsje van Bentum, spokeswoman for the Felida animal sanctuary, where Radjah and Dehli are kept. The tigers had never left the shelter's property after escaping their enclosure, she added. Felida receives often elderly big cats from circuses and zoos, treats them, and works to rehome some in a larger shelter in South Africa. This pair was rescued from a zoo in Germany where they were no longer being fed. The two tigers appeared to have escaped from their enclosure through a gate that had accidentally been left open. According to Felida's website, its residents include two lions, eight tigers, a black jaguar and a leopard. (Reporting by Toby Sterling and Thomas Escritt, Editing by Jeremy Gaunt) (Reuters) - The U.S. Coast Guard said it was searching for a woman who is believed to have fallen overboard on Friday from the Carnival Liberty cruise ship off the coast of Galveston, Texas. The cruise ship alerted the Coast Guard that Samantha Broberg, 33, may have fallen overboard about 195 miles (315 km) from the Texas coast, the Coast Guard said in a statement. The Coast Guard said the cruise ship had a video of a woman falling overboard and had conducted a search for all passengers on board. "Broberg was found to be missing," the Coast Guard said. The ocean cruise operator was not immediately available for comment. In a statement provided to ABCNews.com, the cruise liner said it began its search after her travel companions reported Broberg missing. "Unfortunately, it appears the guest may have gone overboard," Carnival said. The Carnival Liberty cruise ship departed Galveston, Texas on a four-day Mexico cruise on Thursday. "People are talking about it everywhere," passenger Linda Lopez told ABC affiliate KTRK in Houston. "They're very sad." (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien) (Adds Maduro comments) By Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON, May 13 (Reuters) - The United States is increasingly concerned about the potential for an economic and political meltdown in Venezuela, spurred by fears of a debt default, growing street protests and deterioration of its oil sector, U.S. intelligence officials said on Friday. In a bleak assessment of Venezuela's worsening crisis, the senior officials expressed doubt that unpopular leftist President Nicolas Maduro would allow a recall referendum this year, despite opposition-led protests demanding a vote to decide whether he stays in office. But the two officials, briefing a small group of reporters in Washington, predicted that Maduro, who heads Latin America's most ardently anti-U.S. government and a major U.S. oil supplier, was not likely to be able to complete his term, which is due to end after elections in late 2018. They said one "plausible" scenario would be that Maduro's own party or powerful political figures would force him out and would not rule out the possibility of a military coup. Still, they said there was no evidence of any active plotting or that he had lost support from the country's generals. The officials appeared to acknowledge that Washington has little leverage in how the situation unfolds in Venezuela, where any U.S. role draws government accusations of U.S.-aided conspiracies. Instead, the administration of President Barack Obama wants "regional" efforts to help keep the country from sliding into chaos. "You can hear the ice cracking. You know there's a crisis coming," one U.S. official said. "Our pressure on this isn't going to resolve this issue." Maduro hit back on Friday night, blasting what he said was a meeting "to conspire against Venezuela" in Washington. "Washington is activating measures at the request of Venezuela's fascist right, who are emboldened by the coup in Brazil," he said during a televised broadcast in reference to this week's impeachment of fellow leftist Dilma Rousseff in Brazil. Story continues Maduro, 53, then declared a 60-day state of emergency which includes the "necessary measures" to protect Venezuela in the event of a foreign attack, he said, without providing details. Mobs in Venezuela have stolen flour, chicken and even underwear this week as looting increases across the crisis-hit OPEC nation where many basic products have run short, and the U.S. officials said this could spiral into widespread unrest. Soldiers fired tear gas at stone-throwing protesters on Wednesday as Venezuela's opposition marched to pressure electoral authorities into allowing a recall referendum against Maduro. Maduro has sworn he will not be forced out before his term expires in 2019 and accuses the opposition of seeking a coup against him to destroy the socialist legacy of his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez. Washington has had an acrimonious relationship with Caracas for years, especially following U.S. support for a short-lived 2002 coup against Chavez. The U.S. officials insisted that the United States was not "rooting against" Caracas but just wanted to see the crisis defused. They expressed concern for a possible spillover to its neighboring countries, especially Colombia, but said most of the instability would be "self-contained" to Venezuela. Such intelligence assessments help U.S. policymakers decide on how to respond. There was no immediate comment from the White House. The administration quietly sought last year to improve relations but the imposition of new U.S. sanctions and drug-related indictments stoked fresh tensions. The officials cited the risk of a Venezuelan debt default. Maduro's government has consistently paid its debt on time and has slammed market fears of a default as an international smear campaign. Weak oil markets and an unraveling socialist economy have fanned concerns that the Venezuelan oil firm PDVSA will be unable to make nearly $5 billion in bond payments between now and the end of the year. (Editing by Mary Milliken and Stephen Coates) By Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is increasingly concerned about the potential for an economic and political meltdown in Venezuela, spurred by fears of a debt default, growing street protests and deterioration of its oil sector, U.S. intelligence officials said on Friday. In a bleak assessment of Venezuela's worsening crisis, the senior officials expressed doubt that unpopular leftist President Nicolas Maduro would allow a recall referendum this year, despite opposition-led protests demanding a vote to decide whether he stays in office. But the two officials, briefing a small group of reporters in Washington, predicted that Maduro, who heads Latin Americas most ardently anti-U.S. government and a major U.S. oil supplier, was not likely to be able to complete his term, which is due to end after elections in late 2018. They said one plausible scenario would be that Maduros own party or powerful political figures would force him out and would not rule out the possibility of a military coup. Still, they said there was no evidence of any active plotting or that he had lost support from the countrys generals. The officials appeared to acknowledge that Washington has little leverage in how the situation unfolds in Venezuela, where any U.S. role draws government accusations of U.S.-aided conspiracies. Instead, the administration of President Barack Obama wants "regional" efforts to help keep the country from sliding into chaos. You can hear the ice cracking. You know theres a crisis coming, one U.S. official said. Our pressure on this isnt going to resolve this issue. Maduro hit back on Friday night, blasting what he said was a meeting "to conspire against Venezuela" in Washington. "Washington is activating measures at the request of Venezuela's fascist right, who are emboldened by the coup in Brazil," he said during a televised broadcast in reference to this week's impeachment of fellow leftist Dilma Rousseff in Brazil. Maduro, 53, then declared a 60-day state of emergency which includes the "necessary measures" to protect Venezuela in the event of a foreign attack, he said, without providing details. [L2N18B014] Mobs in Venezuela have stolen flour, chicken and even underwear this week as looting increases across the crisis-hit OPEC nation where many basic products have run short, and the U.S. officials said this could spiral into widespread unrest. Soldiers fired tear gas at stone-throwing protesters on Wednesday as Venezuela's opposition marched to pressure electoral authorities into allowing a recall referendum against Maduro. Maduro has sworn he will not be forced out before his term expires in 2019 and accuses the opposition of seeking a coup against him to destroy the socialist legacy of his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez. Washington has had an acrimonious relationship with Caracas for years, especially following U.S. support for a short-lived 2002 coup against Chavez. The U.S. officials insisted that the United States was not rooting against Caracas but just wanted to see the crisis defused. They expressed concern for a possible spillover to its neighboring countries, especially Colombia, but said most of the instability would be "self-contained" to Venezuela. Such intelligence assessments help U.S. policymakers decide on how to respond. There was no immediate comment from the White House. The administration quietly sought last year to improve relations but the imposition of new U.S. sanctions and drug-related indictments stoked fresh tensions. The officials cited the risk of a Venezuelan debt default. Maduro's government has consistently paid its debt on time and has slammed market fears of a default as an international smear campaign. Weak oil markets and an unraveling socialist economy have fanned concerns that the Venezuelan oil firm PDVSA will be unable to make nearly $5 billion in bond payments between now and the end of the year. (Editing by Mary Milliken and Stephen Coates) Kampala (AFP) - Authorities confirmed on Saturday that Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was charged with treason for challenging the result of recent elections and holding his own swearing-in ceremony. Besigye has disputed President Yoweri Museveni's victory in February's election and has been under house arrest for much of the time since. Judicial spokesman Solomon Muyita said the charges against Besigye stemmed from, "His persistent declaration that he won the elections, his call for an independent audit of election results and his purported swearing in as president." "He made declarations at different places and times within the country," Muyita added. On Wednesday Besigye was arrested in the capital Kampala after staging his own swearing-in ceremony and whisked to Moroto, a town in the remote Karamoja region of the country, and subsequently charged. He has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance due on 25 May. Treason is a capital offence in Uganda, but the death penalty has not been carried out for years. Besigye was charged with treason in 2005 though the case against him was eventually dropped. A long-standing opponent of Museveni, Besigye has been frequently jailed, placed under house arrest, accused of both treason and rape, tear-gassed, beaten and hospitalised over the years. Museveni, 71, who has been in power for three decades, was declared winner of the February poll with 61 percent of the vote. He has rejected claims his victory was won through cheating and fraud. By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA (Reuters) - Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye was charged with treason late on Friday for declaring himself president and challenging the election victory of veteran leader Yoweri Museveni, officials from both camps said. The charge - which carries the death penalty - marked an escalation in recent confrontations between the government and Besigye who has been repeatedly arrested and accused authorities of beatings and intimidation. Tensions have mounted since the disputed February poll and authorities this week blocked Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp and other social media, saying they were worried about security around Museveni's official inauguration on Thursday. Government spokesman Shaban Bantariza said Besigye had been charged with treason because he had declared himself "an alternative president". "He has openly declared his intention to topple this government, that's not constitutional," he said. Authorities have dismissed accusations of targeting Besigye, saying they have only acted to keep order. Besigye was arrested in the capital Kampala on Wednesday, on charges of addressing an illegal assembly and was taken to Moroto town, 500 km (300 miles) away near the border with Kenya. "He was charged with treason yesterday (Friday) in Moroto magistrates' court and remanded to prison," Semujju Nganda, an opposition legislator and spokesman for Besigye's Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party told Reuters. A party official told Reuters on Wednesday there had been a ceremony when their candidate was sworn in as president. Official figures showed Museveni, in power since 1986, secured another term with 60 percent of the vote, trailed by Besigye with 35 percent. Besigye rejected the results, calling the poll a sham and demanding an international investigation. He has been mostly confined to his house since election day on Feb. 18. Museveni, 71, is credited with restoring order to the east African country after years of chaos. But experts say the growing economy has not kept up with a rising population, while critics complain about corruption and a clamp-down on dissent. Besigye was also charged with treason in 2005, but a judge dismissed the case saying the evidence was insufficient. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by George Obulutsa and Andrew Heavens) Kiev (AFP) - Ukraine's interior minister on Saturday lambasted reporters who were accredited by pro-Russian rebels to cover fighting in the country's east, after their details were leaked by hackers. Journalist groups have slammed a group of pro-Kiev hackers for this week revealing details of thousands of reporters who got accredited with the insurgents to work in territory they control. The list includes journalists from Agence France-Presse and other global media organisations and contains the email addresses and phone numbers. Journalists who entered the war zone needed to receive special permits from the separatist authorities to work in the territory the rebels have controlled since the start of the conflict in April 2014. But Interior Minister Arsen Avakov lashed out at those who had worked with permission from the rebels. "I find it impossible to have any contact with the self-appointed occupying authorities -- impossible and immoral", Avakov wrote on his Facebook page. "This is your choice to cooperate with occupying authorities... Don't hide it", he added, addressing journalists. Since the information was revealed the only Ukrainian official to support the journalists has been deputy minister of information policy Tetiana Popova, who said that she does not understand why it was necessary. "This has led to massive threats to journalists and me," she wrote on her Facebook page. A letter co-signed by reporters from The New York Times as well as The Economist and a Ukrainian representative of the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) media rights organisation said the security breach put their lives at risk. The website that published the information has been shut down. The rebel revolt has claimed the lives of more than 9,300 people and plunged Moscow's relations with the West to their lowest point since the Cold War. NEW YORK (AP) -- Unified held off Governor Malibu by three-quarters of a length Saturday in the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes for 3-year-olds at Belmont Park. Unified remained unbeaten at 3 for 3 with the victory in the traditional prep for the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown on June 11. Unified, the 1-2 favorite, was a dazzling winner of his previous two races at shorter distances. The colt and jockey Jose Ortiz were all out to prevail in the Peter Pan at 1 1/8 miles, raising the question of whether the Belmont Stakes at 1 1-2 miles falls within his scope. Count winning trainer Jimmy Jerkens among the skeptical. ''I don't know about the Belmont,'' Jerkens said. ''There would have to be a lot of horses going by the wayside for that to happen. But you'd be an idiot nowadays to rule anything out because things change overnight. It's improbable, but not impossible.'' Unified, never worse than third, put away the pacesetting Singleton midway on the turn. He dashed clear to a three-length lead at the top of the stretch only to see that margin dwindle as Governor Malibu launched his rally. The time was 1:47.14. Unified paid $3.10, $2.70 and $2.20. Governor Malibu returned $6.70 and $3.80, and Wild About Deb paid $2.80 to show. In other stakes on the card: The German-bred Wake Forest found an opening in deep stretch and surged to victory in the richest race of the day, the $400,000 Man o' War on the turf. The 6-year-old ridden by John Velazquez beat Money Multiplier by three-quarters of a length, giving trainer Chad Brown a 1-2 finish in the 1 3/8 miles stakes. Wake Forest paid $6.30 to win as the 2-1 favorite. The time was 2:12.94. - Cavorting romped to a five-length victory over even-money favorite Carrumba in the $250,000 Ruffian for fillies and mares. The 4-year-old trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and ridden by Javier Castellano improved to 6 for 11, paying $7.80 to win. The time was 1:34.05 for the mile. -Strike Charmer pulled a 9-1 upset in the $150,000 Beaugay for fillies and mares on the turf. The 6-year-old rallied from fourth to beat Tapitry by 2 1/4 lengths, her fifth win in 18 starts. The time was 1:39.22 for the 1 1/16 miles. Irad Ortiz Jr. rode for trainer Mark Hennig as Strike Charmer paid $20 to win. US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle welcomed leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in the White House on Friday, May 13. Greeting his great Nordic friends and partners in their native languages, Obama said the six countries share same interests and values and are united in face of Russias military presence in the Baltic and Nordic regions. Obama hailed his guest nations achievements on humanitarian and environmental issues. The leaders also discussed the situation of Syrian and Iraqi migrants in Europe. Credit: YouTube/The White House The final moments of Fridays Vampire Diaries season finale may have been underscored by a cover of Coldplays Dont Panic, but trust us, theres plenty of reason to panic. RELATEDTVs Bloody Thursday: 12 Shows Cancelled Which One Hurt the Most? TVLine spoke with executive producer Julie Plec about the episodes biggest twists, as well as whats in store for the gang in Season 8. But first, a quick recap Caroline and Alaric tricked their twins into opening the Armory, allowing for Damon to enter the vault and murk the final Everlasting. But when a (magic-less) Bonnie grew concerned about Damon yes, that really was new Nina Dobrev audio he was hearing Enzo followed him into the vault, and they were both trapped inside. Meanwhile, Caroline and Alaric amicably parted ways, allowing for her long-awaited reunion with Stefan. Elsewhere, Matt stared death in the face after a hellish car wreck, but a ghostly visit from Penny gave him the strength to go on. Three months later, after the vault was opened and revealed no one inside, Stefan and Co. learned of a killing spree on the West Coast. Just as they feared, Damon and Enzo turned out to be responsible for the 60+ missing bodies and theres no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. OK, time for some answers TVLINE | What are we calling this evil force thats totally ruined Damon and Enzo? [Laughs] We are not calling it anything, we are waiting for Season 8. I mean, internally, were calling it something, but were not telling people what that is yet. Its funny, this is the first time weve done this little story trick where were actually withholding the identity and mythology of the new villain from the audience before the next season. What could it be thats been around for thousands of years? We didnt see it, but it has some creepy ass monster hands, and it has the ability to get inside your heard and strip away everything good about you. Theres a nice mystery taking us into next season about what exactly this creature is. Story continues TVLINE | How is Bonnie going to handle this, considering it was all to save her? Bonnie, out of everybody, is the one whos going to be just paralyzed by this struggle. She has two men in her life Damon, whos a platonic, but also deep, soulful best friend, and Enzo, who has really become her one true love and she lost both of them in one fell swoop. In addition to that, she also lost her magic. Shes starting at an absolute deficit in terms of being able to fix this problem. Thats going to have a great impact on her. TVLINE | If theres anyone who can recover from this, I feel like its Bonnie. [Laughs] She certainly has crawled out of some deep holes, but this is going to be tough for her, emotionally. TVLINE | I appreciated Stefan and Caroline getting back together, but I have to wonder: Will we get any happiness between them before some new obstacle comes along? You know, I always say that the saddest and truest rule of television is that theres no drama in happy. But theres also the exception to that rule, which is that sometimes happiness is as comforting as soup when youre sick. Id really like to see Caroline and Stefan enjoy some of that comfort for as long as we can eek it out, before they have to stumble across another obstacle. TVLINE | I think that should make some fans happy. Well, Stefans really going to need her. Hes very determined to get Damon back on track, and its not going to be an easy task. Hes going to need someone there for moral support. TVLINE | How much of a connection is Caroline going to maintain with Alaric and the twins? Alaric made a beautiful statement, saying, We are family, and we will always be family. He believes that in his heart, and thats what she needed to hear. I fundamentally believe that theyll be able to keep their unconventional family together and to stay strong for the girls and for each other. TVLINE | So Matt Davis is sticking around as a series regular? Oh yes. My silent campaign to get him cast as Young Indiana Jones failed, so I guess hes stuck with us. Your thoughts on the big finale? Hopes and fears for Season 8? Grade the episode below, then drop a comment with your full review. Launch Gallery: Vampire Diaries Season 7 Finale Photos Related stories Fall TV Schedule 2016: What's on When? And Versus What? Vampire Diaries Finale: The Story Behind Nina Dobrev's Surprise Cameo Supernatural Names New Showrunners as Jeremy Carver Moves to Frequency Actress Vanessa Hudgens paid a $1,000 fine for carving a heart into a red rock wall during a Valentines Day trip to Sedona, Arizona with her boyfriend, Austin Butler. Hudgens was issued a citation for a misdemeanor count of damaging a natural feature on U.S. Forest Service land, the Associated Press reported. The fine will be used by a volunteer group to restore the rock wall by scrubbing or sanding the stone, according to the AP. Hudgens had posted photos of their trip to Sedona on social media, one of which featured a picture of the carving, which read Austin + Vanessa. That photo has since been removed. She was caught in the act because she publicized it and shes famous, Coconino National Forest Service spokesman Brady Smith said, according to the AP. Im sure there are others who are not famous and publicized it and weve never known. A federal magistrate approved the fine agreement in April, and it was first reported on Friday. Vanessa Hudgens has been ordered to pay $1,000 for carving a heart into a red rock wall during a trip to Sedona, Arizona. According to the Associated Press, the charge comes on a misdemeanor citation issued to the actress on the count of damaging a natural feature on U.S. Forest Service land. The money was used by a group called Friends of the Forest to restore the rock wall. Also Read: Vanessa Hudgens' Instagram Might Land Her in Legal Trouble In February, Hudgens posted a picture of the carving, bearing the names Vanessa and her boyfriend, Austin, but removed it later in the day. Authorities were investigating after the picture was brought to the attention of the Coconino National Forest, which manages the land around Sedona where the picture was taken. Damaging a natural feature is a misdemeanor and can amount to six months in jail or up to a $5,000 fine. Forest Service employees found the 1-by-1-foot heart carving around Feb. 23 on a formation known as Bell Rock. Also Read: Vanessa Hudgens Dominates 'Grease: Live' Twitter Chatter According to the AP, a federal magistrate in Flagstaff, Arizona, approved the agreement on April 19 but it was not made public. Hudgens reps have not yet responded to TheWraps request for comment. Related stories from TheWrap: Vanessa Hudgens to Star in NBC's DC Comics Comedy 'Powerless' Vanessa Hudgens' Heartbreaking Solo Leads 10 Most Re-Watched 'Grease: Live' Moments Vanessa Hudgens has paid the price for her illegal romantic gesture. The 27-year-old Grease: Live! actress compensated $1,000 for defacing a red rock wall in Sedona, Arizona, according to the Associated Press. WATCH: Vanessa Hudgens Under Investigation for Allegedly Defacing Sedona Red Rock The money was reportedly used to repair the rock wall by a volunteer group called Friends of the Forest. The agreement was approved on April 19 by a federal magistrate in Flagstaff. The investigation began back in February after Hudgens and her boyfriend, Austin Butler, carved a heart with their names in it into Bell Rock during a Valentine's Day getaway at the popular tourist spot. Hudgens shared a photo of the carving on Instagram but has since deleted the post. Hudgens received a citation for a misdemeanor count of damaging a natural feature on U.S. Forest Service land. At the time, a public affairs officer for Coconino National Forest told ET that officials became aware of the incident "when the media alerted them of the situation." PHOTOS: Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler Are So Happy Together at Disneyland "There is no deadline for this investigation -- it takes as long as it takes," the officer added. "The maximum punishment for this is $5k and/or 6 months behind bars." ET has reached out to Hudgens' reps for comment. Related Articles Barcelona (AFP) - Sebastian Vettel was left perplexed by Ferrari's loss of performance on Saturday when they slipped back to the third row of the grid for Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix. Ferrari had looked likely to mount a bid for the front row after strong showings in free practice, but that pace appeared to evaporate in qualifying. German Vettel, who was quickest in first free practice on Friday, wound up sixth behind his Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen of Finland. Defending champion Lewis Hamilton grabbed his first pole position in three races ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg. "We're disappointed as a team today because we didn't deliver what we can," said four-time world champion Vettel. "We need to have a look and understand. We can't change it now. "I think the car should be a lot quicker tomorrow (Sunday). I don't know what happened this afternoon, but tomorrow is another day. "We know that the car is strong. We know that the car can be very strong and we just need to make sure that we get it in the right groove." Rosberg said he was surprised at Ferrari's form. "We are not supposed to be so far ahead, but we are surprised at how quick Red Bull are It is all changing quite a bit, but the only constant is us "That is impressive to see. It's a great job from the team. On every track, we keep the car working perfectly and that is fantastic." A wildfire near Gold Bar, Washington, stood at 325 acres on Saturday, May 14, and authorities warned residents in the area to be ready to evacuate. Officials from Snohomish County Fire District Seven issued a level-two evacuation order, which means residents were urged to be ready to leave. The fire had more than doubled in size overnight, according to local reports. The fire was at 75 acres on Friday night. This video shows the smoke generated by the fire on Friday. Credit: Instagram/Sarah Harvey Matthew McConaugheads will recognise that much of the actors best work is, um, non-verbal. Theres his pelvis-first walk throughout Magic Mike. There's his chest-thumping and coke-snorting lunch routine in The Wolf of Wall Street. And then there's pretty much everything he did during True Detective. Its impressive that an actor who gave us both All right, all right, all right, and I get older, they stay the same age, could somehow be more iconic for what he doesn't say. But well, thats what makes McConaughey great. YouTube wizards Owenergy Studios have created a highlight reel of all of McConaugheys non-verbal greatest hits. Here, McConaughey, who has won an Oscar, delivers a powerhouse four-minute performance thats more incomprehensible and sexually powerful than even Benicio del Toros best work. Of course each grunt, whistle, or howl, is accompanied by body language we wont even begin to describe. Watch below. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here? Emily Blunt & Anne Hathaway Had A Little Devil Wears Prada Reunion The Best Of The Worst Arguments Between Couples On Film Life Lessons From Richard Linklater's Beautifully Complicated Heroines How Did Burlington Northern Santa Fe Perform in 1Q16? (Continued from Prior Part) BNSFs industrial products freight revenues Previously, we discussed the rise in Burlington Northern Santa Fes (BRK-B) consumer products freight revenues in 1Q16. Now, lets dig into BNSFs industrial products freight revenues in the same quarter. The companys industrial products freight revenues went down to $1.2 billion in 1Q16 from $1.4 billion in the corresponding quarter of last year. This translates into a fall of 17.9% on a year-over-year basis. Volumes in 1Q16 In 1Q16, BNSFs industrial product freight volumes declined by 9.2%. From 0.46 million carloads in 1Q15, the volumes went down to 0.42 million carloads in the first quarter of 2016. Lower volumes of petroleum products and the reduced hauling of fractionating sand due to weakness in the oil and gas industry impacted the overall industrial products volumes in 1Q16. Reduced shipments of taconite and steel products contributed to the fall in volumes in the same quarter. The average revenue per car in the industrial products segment was $2,778 versus $3,073 in the corresponding quarter last year. This represents a decline of 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. Management outlook for 2016 With oil at current low prices, BNSF anticipates lower volumes in these commodity groups for the remainder of 2016. The industrial products freight segment accounted for approximately 27% of freight revenues in fiscal 2015. This segment consists of five business areas: construction products, petroleum products, building products, chemicals and plastics products, and food and beverages. Peer group segmentation The industrial products components differ from one railroad to another. Thus, this segment for BNSFs peer group is not directly comparable. BNSF reports freight revenues in four segments. On the other hand, its prime competitor, Union Pacific (UNP), reports freight revenues in six commodity groups. The smallest US class I railroad, Kansas City Southern (KSU), also discloses freight revenues in six verticals. Story continues Major Eastern US rail carrier Norfolk Southern (NSC) reports freight revenues in three segments as does its rival CSX (CSX). The USs largest short-line operator Genesee and Wyoming (GWR) also operates in Europe and Australia. Thus, the company reports geography-wise revenues. Investors opting for exposure in the transportation and logistics sector can invest in the iShares Transportation Average ETF (IYT). Major US originated railroads make up 23.5% of IYT. In the subsequent article, well discuss BNSFs coal revenues in 1Q16. This freight commodity group has turned into a weak spot for almost all US Class I railroads in recent quarters. Continue to Next Part Browse this series on Market Realist: peet's coffee breakfast fika I recently spent three weeks in Stockholm to help launch Business Insider Nordic. When I told people I was traveling to Sweden, one of the first things they invariably mentioned was fika. This refers to the tradition to having coffee and a pastry. The difference between fika and typical American trips to Starbucks is that you're supposed to slow down instead of toting your latte and blueberry muffin back to the office. "Coffee represents a true break, a moment to sit and contemplate on your own, or to gather with friends," writes website The Kitchn. "In Sweden coffee is something to look forward to, a moment where everything else stops and you savor the moment." This sounded great to me. I love coffee! I love pastries! I love conversations over coffee and pastries! But I quickly learned that American ideas about fika are mythical. After two weeks in Stockholm, I had eaten at food trucks, sampled sushi, and grilled out with my new friends. Meals are typically topped off with a cup of coffee, which is complimentary at most Swedish restaurants. But I hadn't received a single invitation for fika. Confused, I asked my coworkers what was up. "Fika is something I do when I go visit my 99-year-old grandmother," one friend told me. "It's not something young people do on a regular basis." Several others also described fika as a tradition for older generations, not an integral part of modern culture. My BI Nordic coworkers clarified what Americans get wrong about fika in a recent Facebook Live broadcast. One says he will use fika to impress dates, but won't suggest it to his friends regularly. What is behind this shift? It could be that Swedes are working longer hours than previous generations, leaving no time for an extended coffee break. Perhaps like millennials in Brooklyn or Los Angeles, young people in Stockholm would rather seek out new experiences over older traditions. Even Starbucks is pushing green juice and artisanal sandwiches over the traditional offerings. Story continues It's too soon to say whether fika will become extinct. It's possible that young Swedes will start doing fika again as they get older. But for now, it seems to be a dying cultural tradition. NOW WATCH: Sleep in the world's most futuristic-looking treehouse in Sweden More From Business Insider 365 Whole Foods Whole Foods is opening a new, cheaper store called 365. Just don't expect a tattoo parlor. Jeff Turnas, the president of Whole Foods' new brand, told The New York Times he's tired of hearing rumors about the concept and what it will be like. "Mr. Turnas said he was almost as tired of hearing that it would be a cheaper version of Whole Foods as he was of the rumor that it would have a tattoo parlor in it," The New York Times writes. Whole Foods is launching a new chain of stores that will be unlike the grocery-store chain's existing locations. The first store opens this month in Los Angeles. The second store is slated to open in Lake Oswego, Oregon, in July. The stores have several key differences from the existing Whole Foods. They will be cheaper, with about one-third the products. The focus will be on private labels rather than outside vendors. This new concept is an attempt to appeal to millennials and give Whole Foods an edge as everyone from Kroger to Walmart aggressively invests in organic food. 365 Whole Foods The brand will also feature places to "hang out." The Los Angeles location, for example, has a 1,235-square-foot vegan fast-casual restaurant called By Chloe, in addition to a craft-brew bar operated by Allegro Coffee Company. Turnas says the "hangout" factor is what will set 365 apart from its competitors. "Nobody hangs out at Trader Joe's or Kroger," Turnas told Business Insider in April. Hayley Peterson contributed to this story. NOW WATCH: Johnson & Johnson just lost another multi-million dollar lawsuit over cancer risks associated with baby powder More From Business Insider By Nathan Layne (Reuters) - After an $81 million cyber heist at the Bangladesh central bank, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said there was no problem with its procedures for approving fund transfers, according to a letter released on Friday by a U.S. lawmaker who had questioned those methods. U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney had called for a probe of the fund transfers triggered by the February cyber attack on the Bangladesh central bank. In the April 14 letter Thomas Baxter, general counsel and executive vice president at the New York Fed, said the correct procedures were followed in approving five transfers of money and in blocking 30. Blocking the 30 requests prevented the attackers from reaching their goal of stealing a total of $951 million. Baxter said the New York Fed's systems were designed to flag transfers to people and jurisdictions subject to sanctions but not to block a transfer if it had passed the authentication process on the SWIFT messaging network. That comment was an acknowledgement that the New York Fed, much like other banks, in most cases relies solely on SWIFT verification to prevent fraud and does not take additional steps. "Unlike the SWIFT authentication protocols, these steps are not designed to protect our customers from an unauthorized transfer," Baxter wrote in the letter. "The vast majority of authenticated instructions received from foreign official account holders are not flagged for manual review by the automated systems." Authorities in Bangladesh and elsewhere are still trying to figure out how hackers carried out the attack and what happened to the money, which was routed from the Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Fed to banks in the Philippines. Cyber security firm BAE Systems connected the heist on Friday to the hack at Sony Corp's film studio in 2014, a day after SWIFT disclosed a second attack similar to the Bangladesh incident, this time hitting a commercial bank. The attacks have put a spotlight on the global financial messaging system run by SWIFT, a Belgian based co-operative owned by member banks. Maloney said in a statement on Friday that while Baxter's letter provided key information about the incident, she remained "concerned that there are critical security gaps in the international payment system." Maloney said she would urge the New York Fed to review its security protocols to make sure such a heist does not recur. (Reporting by Nathan Layne in Chicago; Editing by Matthew Lewis and David Gregorio) Donald trump miss universe The New York Times released a bombshell report on Saturday detailing presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump's treatment of women. The Times interviewed 50 people for the story, titled "Crossing the Line: How Donald Trump Behaved With Women in Private," including employees of the Trump Organization, former girlfriends, and Miss Universe contestants. Trump's favorability ratings with women are plummeting as he gears up to face Hillary Clinton the presumptive Democratic nominee in the general election. The interviews reveal a very complicated picture of Trump, who would simultaneously promote some women to executive positions in his company while belittling others' appearance and making unwanted sexual advances. Here are some of the salacious details: Trump asked one woman to "try on" bathing suits during a pool party at the Mar-a-Lago, and then paraded her around: "He took me into a room and opened drawers and asked me to put on a swimsuit," Rowanne Brewer Lane, a former model, told The New York Times. "I went into the bathroom and tried one on." When she came out, Brewer says that Trump paraded her around the party and told the crowd, "That is a stunning Trump girl isn't it?" When Trump purchased the Miss Universe pageant, he would personally "evaluate" the contestants : "We were told to put on our opening number outfits they were nearly as revealing as our swimsuits and line up for him onstage," Carrie Prejean, Miss California in 2009, told The Times. "Donald Trump walked out with his entourage and inspected us closer than any general ever inspected a platoon." Prejean said many of the girls found the exercise humiliating and ended up sobbing backstage. Trump would also make unwanted advances toward women: "He kissed me directly on the lips," Temple Taggart, Miss Utah in 1997, told The New York Times. "I thought, Oh my God, gross. Taggart told The Times that she wasn't the only one who Trump kissed on the mouth. Trump was still married to Marla Maples at the time, though he denied to The Times ever kissing any "strangers" on the lips. Story continues Trump also made it clear that he preferred "pretty" women around him. When Barbara Res, a top Trump executive, gained weight after working with the real-estate mogul for years, Trump would tease her and tell her that "she liked her candy," Res told The New York Times. "It was him reminding me that I was overweight." Trump Melania Still, others laud the businessman for nurturing the careers of many "ambitious" women around him: Trump hired Barbara Res as his main construction manager one of the top executive positions in a male-dominated industry for the Trump Plaza casino, and Louise Sunshine, a former Trump executive, told The Times that Trump "became the man in my life who was going to be my mentor." Trump also went out of way to ensure that women whose "work ethic" he respected could remain at his organization: For me, hes made it a situation where I can really excel at my job and still devote the time necessary for my family," said Jill Martin, a vice president and assistant counsel at the Trump Organization. For many other women, however, Trump's behavior which, according to The Times, seemed to be "fleeting, unimportant moments to him" left lasting, and often damaging, impressions. After that episode, I was sick, anorexia and bulimia for five years, said Alicia Machado, the 1996 Miss Universe winner. She was describing a day, not long after winning the pageant, that she was taken to a gym by Miss Universe executives, where Donald Trump was waiting with 90 media outlets in an effort to push her to lose weight. Trump confirmed the incident to The Times. "I was about to cry in that moment with all the cameras there," Machado recalls. "I said, 'I dont want to do this, Mr. Trump.' He said, 'I dont care.' Over the past 20 years, Ive gone to a lot of psychologists to combat this. NOW WATCH: How Hillary Clinton survived one of the biggest scandals in American politics More From Business Insider HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's government plans to issue treasury bills to creditors of Hwange Colliery Company and reschedule some of its $160 million of debt as part of efforts to return the coal miner to profitability, the minister of mines said on Friday. Hwange, in which Zimbabwe's government is the biggest shareholder with a 37 percent stake, is the nation's second-largest coal producer and supplies coke to Zimbabwe Power Company. The coal miner has been making losses for more than a decade and owes millions to tax authorities, employees and the workers' pension fund. Mines Minister Walter Chidhakwa said in a statement that Hwange had also laid off nearly half of its junior and middle managers, which would save $3.3 million in salaries every year. "Negotiations with creditors will continue with a view to enter into payment plans consisting of treasury bills-backed payment plans and rescheduled payment plans," Chidhakwa said. Hwange is producing between 100,000 to 150,000 tonnes of coal a month, below a target of 200,000 tonnes. Chidhakwa appointed a new board, led by Winston Chitando, who takes on the role in addition to his position as executive chairman of the Mimosa mine jointly owned by Impala Platinum and Aquarius Platinum. (Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by David Goodman) For the past few years, Samsung has released two batches of flagship Android smartphones per year. But in 2017, the South Korean giant is rumored to be upping the ante by introducing a third flagship family in its yearly smartphone lineup. And from the looks of it, the Galaxy X should be an attractive option for phone buyers looking for a high-end device. DONT MISS: These 3D models likely show us exactly what the iPhone 7 will look like Samsungs 2017 smartphone roadmap is far from confirmed, but reports from Asia indicate that five flagship handsets are in the works for release next year. But dont get too excited, as were still looking at just three families of devices. The Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy Note 7 edge, and Galaxy X are the five rumored devices. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 7 phones are reportedly going to feature 2.5K resolution Super AMOLED displays with an RBG subpixel arrangement. Whats even more exciting about this report is that it claims the Galaxy X has a foldable screen with an impressive 4K resolution and it'll have a diamond PenTile subpixel arrangement, in case you were wondering. The phone is believed to fold in half easily, SamMobile says. Why make a phone that folds? As big as phablets have gotten these days, it'll be much easier to carry a phone that folds in half when you're not using it. Previous reports have also indicated that Samsung is working on foldable smartphones, and it's not exactly a secret to begin with. For years, the company talked about smartphones with curved or foldable screens, filing patents that detail the technologies involved with building them. Its not clear at this time when the Galaxy X smartphone might be released. Traditionally, the Galaxy S arrives in the early months of the year, while the Galaxy Note is a late summer affair for Samsung. Related stories Galaxy Note 6 will launch at least a month before the iPhone 7 Plus Galaxy Note 6 reportedly getting BlackBerry-inspired software hub Story continues Samsung's new 256GB microSD card will be the envy of every iPhone user More from BGR: Nvidias new graphics cards are somehow both more powerful and cheaper all at once This article was originally published on BGR.com ZTE's first Axon smartphone was everything we've come to expect from China's no-brand smartphone manufacturers: cheap, powerful, and basically boring. If these leaked specs are true (and the price stays close to $250), this could cause more problems for the status quo. The specs come courtesy of Chinese telecom regulator TENAA, as spotted by VentureBeat. They're exactly what you would expect from a $600 flagship Android handset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset, 5.5-inch QHD screen, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage (plus more through a microSD slot), a fingerprint sensor, and 20MP/8MP cameras for the rear and front respectively. Oh, and there's a 3140mAh battery to power the show. DON'T MISS: To make the iPhone exciting again, Apple has to launch... an Android phone? The only thing I'm not sold on is the body. It looks like a cross between an LG G3 and an HTC One, but in an awful gold color. There's no details on the body material, but since the original Axon sold for $250, I'm not optimistic. There's also the question of naming. The new Axon is apparently going to be called the Axon 7, which makes very little sense. It isn't the seventh Axon smartphone, and it doesn't have a 7-inch screen (thankfully), so this appears to be a number pulled more or less out of a hat. Either way, the Axon 7 is set to be officially revealed at an event on May 26th. There's no word on pricing or availability -- or if the phone will even come to the US -- but we can expect to get most of those details then. Related stories Explained: Why you constantly hear phantom phone vibrations Meet the first all-in-one Windows-style desktop that runs Android I desperately want this laser-projected touchscreen Android tablet to work More from BGR: Watch a Tesla Model X in Ludicrous Mode go head to head with a McLaren 650S supercar This article was originally published on BGR.com Marvels Black Panther will reunite the team behind the Oscar-nominated Creed, as Michael B. Jordan has joined the cast of the Ryan Coogler-directed film. Marvel declined to comment, but were hearing the deal is set with Jordan possibly playing a villainous role in the film that will star Chadwick Boseman as TChalla/Black Panther, who serves as King and protector of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. Jordans hiring comes amid rave reviews for Boseman over his portrayal of Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War, and it follows yesterdays news that Lupita Nyongo is in talks to play an as-yet unrevealed love interest in the film. It also caps off a big week of Marvel-adjacent news for Jordan. As Deadline exclusively reported yesterday, Captain America: Civil War directors The Russo Brothers have come aboard as producers on Jordans upcoming remake of The Thomas Crown Affair for MGM. As for the role itself, Black Panthers rogues gallery is a diverse group of men and women, but two possibilities stand out based on Jordans age. MBaku, otherwise known as Man-Ape, was once one of Wakandas greatest soldiers until he rebelled against TChalla and attempted to overthrow him. Joining the outlawed White Gorilla cult, MBaku gains superpowers and has since his introduction to Marvel comics in 1969 served as a frequent antagonist to Black Panther and aside from Ulysses Klaw might be his biggest arch enemy. Of course, a name like Man-Ape seems to me like a very difficult sell its impossible to ignore how loaded those words are, and Marvel is already catching a little flack over casting on Iron Fist and Doctor Strange. Given the impressive (to say the least) casting for Black Panther, Marvel is clearly dead serious about getting this one right. Which brings us to Erik Killmonger (you have to love that name), introduced in 1973. Story continues A Wakandan warrior originally called NJadaka, Killmongers family was exiled from the country after his father was kidnapped and forced to work for the supervillain Ulysses Klaw. Changing his name and relocating to the U.S., he nursed a burning desire for revenge against Klaw, and a serious grudge against TChalla for his exile. Hes less a true villain, more someone with a justified crusade, the kind of opponent that makes for an uneasy ally under the right circumstances, possibly providing the MCU with another Loki in terms of ability to use the character in multiple ways. Andy Serkis has already portrayed Ulysses Klaw in Avengers: Age of Ultron and is widely assumed to be returning for Black Panther, making Killmonger seem a very logical choice. Black Panther will be the third collaboration between Jordan and Coogler. Along with last years Creed, the duo first teamed for the 2013 biographical drama Fruitvale Station. Jordan is represented by WME, MGMT Management, and Bloom Hergott. Black Panther is set to begin filming in 2017 and hit theaters February 2, 2018. The news was first reported in The Hollywood Reporter. Related stories 'Captain America' Helmers Joseph & Anthony Russo Join Michael B. Jordan To Produce New 'Thomas Crown Affair' Lupita Nyong'o May Become Love Interest In Marvel's 'Black Panther' Kevin Feige On 'Captain America: Civil War' And All Things Marvel - Deadline Q&A